Seaswept

Seaswept

Chapter Four

The ground rolled lightly beneath Itachi's feet as he struggled to carry the tray of food to the captain's cabin. Chouza had stated the captain had requested double portions for the evening meal. The two tea cups clattering on the tray confirmed the statement and he wondered who would be dining with the captain tonight. It was possibly Kisame. The first mate spent much of his time with Captain Pein, plotting their next destination.

Itachi rapped lightly on the door while shifting under the weight of the tray. Every night he nodded off to aching muscles and complete exhaustion, but not before ensuring Sasuke's continued health. After he ate his dinner and cleaned away the captain's tray, he could sit with Sasuke and rest. It was his favorite part of the day. Knowing his brother was alive and recovering was enough for him.

"Enter."

Itachi struggled to open the door and shuffled his feet along the wooden floor to the small secured table. "Chouza said you eat with someone. Should I get?"

The captain's eyes gleamed faintly and he settled in his chair while gesturing for Itachi to take the seat opposite him. "No need. He is already here."

Itachi blinked several times before slowly lowering himself into the seat. "Why?"

Pein removed the cover from the tray and passed a plate loaded with much better looking fare than he had seen any of the crew, including himself, eating. There were thinly sliced pieces of seasoned beef along with lightly cooked vegetables and soft, fresh bread.

"One of the perks of being captain." Pein took his fork and knife and began slicing through the tender meat. "I've been watching you, Itachi."

Itachi started and glanced from the food to meet curious lavender eyes. "Watching me?"

"You remind me of me…oddly enough." Pein poured the tea into their cups and settled back to sip the brew. "Like you, I had nothing left for me in the town of my birth. As a child of mixed race, I was luckier than most because I took after my...father in appearance. When I was about the age of your brother, I snuck aboard a ship leaving port. I didn't last nearly as long as you, but instead of returning me to my town or tossing me overboard, the captain chose to make me his cabin boy. From that day on, I have lived on the sea."

Itachi cocked his head slightly, eyes moving over Pein as if gauging the truth of the words. "Why did you leave?"

"I was living on the streets in a port town because my father attempted to sell me into slavery. It was at my lowest point that I met an extremely interesting captain. He saved me from a sound beating. Instead of making a living picking pockets and stealing bread, I chose to sneak aboard his ship." Pein's lips quirked faintly. "It changed my life in ways you could not even begin to understand."

"You…why do you tell me this?" asked Itachi as a faint frown wrinkled his brow. "I don't understand."

"Because, I want you to remain with me. I need someone I can trust and the only way to gain trust is to save someone's life. There is a saying some people believe. They say, if you save someone's life, it is yours. Now…technically speaking, I saved your brother's life so if I was to believe such things, he would belong to me."

Itachi eyes darkened to deep pools so that even the pupil was indistinguishable from the iris. "Sasuke is not yours."

Pein sat forward and propped his chin on a fist. "Technically speaking…your life is mine too."

"My life is my own."

Pein's eyes twinkled for a moment. "I suppose you are correct. The reason I speak to you is because I want you to remain with me. After we resupply, we are heading south around the Cape of Good Hope and then to a small island off the coast of Spain. Your brother can stay there. There are good people who will take care of him while you learn to be a sailor."

"I'm not leaving Sasuke!" Itachi flattened a palm on the table. Sasuke was his responsibility. "I do not wish to be a sailor."

"Think about it, Itachi. I can make you richer than a king in ten years." Pein walked to the chest locked at the base of his bunk and withdrew an iron key. Within moments, the chest was open to reveal gold and silver minted coins along with a few pieces of jewelry.

Itachi's eyes darted to Pein. "I don't need wealth."

"Wealth is security. Don't you want security for yourself and Sasuke?" Pein's eyes narrowed. "What else is there for you? I'm offering you security and a family for both of you."

"I have family…an uncle in England." Itachi clenched his fingers around the edge of the table. "I promised otousan—"

Pein nodded. "I understand, but you won't find a home in that country. People will stare at you. They will see you as strange because you look different...because you are different. I'm offering you both a home…all you have to do is stay with me on the ship. I'll teach you everything I know. I'll make you a captain before you are twenty-five."

"Why?" Itachi stared intently at Pein. "Why me?"

Pein resumed his seat, his eyes entirely focused on Itachi. "Because you remind me of me. I can see you calculating. You're not a normal person. A normal person can't captain a ship. You're smart."

"I don't want to captain."

Lavender eyes looked over his tea cup at Itachi. "You will. Do you have any fighting experience?"

"A little. My father teach with the katana," answered Itachi reluctantly. "Why?"

"Life at sea is dangerous," said Pein with a mysterious smirk. "I'll have Kisame teach you to use knives. He's quite dangerous with them. When we reach our home berth, I'll teach you to use a pistol and fight like a seaman."

Itachi looked down at his plate, suddenly no longer hungry. He moved almost mechanically to eat. "Will Sasuke be safe?"

"Konan will keep him so. She'll even teach him to read and write." Pein tapped the table with a finger. "Which is something you need to learn as well."

"I learn."

Pein's gaze shifted to meet Itachi's. "Does this mean we have an accord? Will you officially join my crew?"

For Sasuke and the promised security, he would do what needed to be done. "Hai…I mean, yes."

"Good. Now finish your dinner." Pein's face creased in his first real smile of the evening. "I have so much to start teaching you."

 

oOo

Kisame stood at the wheel after relieving Asuma to fetch his dinner from below deck. His pale eyes followed the beginning of stars guiding them towards their port of destination. It had been a while since he had the opportunity to take on the wheel. Much like with his captain, issues with the crew kept him from taking on this integral task.

A loud crash on the deck below drew his attention and his gaze. Even in the dim light of dusk, he could make out Itachi's slender body as he struggled to recover the scattered plates and utensils. His slim frame darted across the slick deck, causing a small frown to crease Kisame's brow.

It was apparent the boy's exhaustion was weighing down his body. In the week since his discovery, Kisame found himself watching the slender young man move about in his chores. He did everything asked of him without a single complaint and each night he slept curled against his weakened brother despite having a hammock set aside for him below. He would have to start insisting on Itachi sleeping below with the crew. Sleeping in a chair with his head pillowed beside his brother wasn't helping him replenish his strength.

"You're watching him again."

Kisame jolted from his thoughts and scowled in the direction of his captain. "Only looking out for the lad."

Pein sniffed lightly and lifted a wooden pipe to his lips. The scent of tobacco wafted around them in a fragrant cloud before being filtered away on the faint ocean breeze. "It's been a while, hasn't it?"

"Since?" Kisame knew exactly to what Pein mentioned, he simply refused to speak on how long it had been since he'd released the sexual tension always present in him.

He was a large man by most standards and his cock suited his size. It was difficult to truly satisfy himself without that small niggling fear of injuring his partner. He was careful to only take to bed those certain to accept his body without fear or modesty. He had no desire for virginal fear and that boy was almost certainly a virgin. Even if Itachi was older, his slender frame still had much filling out to do.

He was not a cruel man, though he looked it with his piercing blue eyes and penchant for a good fight. He would never hurt another sexually and was disgusted by those who took pleasure in the pain of others. Enjoying an equal and fair fight was one thing; taking pleasure in hurting one who could not fight back was something else entirely. If he went for the boy, it would likely be a one sided act.

"You know what I speak of." Pein blew a long draft of smoke over his shoulder. "I'm not blind though I do turn my eyes on occasion."

Kisame snorted and returned his gaze to the twinkling stars now visible on the horizon. "Only on very few occasions."

"As my first mate, you would know," chuckled Pein. "Speaking of Itachi—"

"I'm not interested in the boy other than to ensure he doesn't cause trouble on the ship," growled Kisame in a low tone. "Drop the issue. He's too young, even if I did fancy taking him to my bed."

Pein barked a small laugh before turning his gaze on Itachi as he disappeared below deck. "Good. I've plans for him."

Kisame went stiff. It took all he had not to growl at the small tendril of jealousy working through him. His hands tightened on the knobs of the wheel and he forced himself to relax the tense muscles caused by the thought of Itachi in the bed of anyone. It was a completely irrational thought on all sides. He barely knew the boy and Pein would not be interested in Itachi for his beautiful face or lithe body.

There was no reason for him to feel this way, even if Pein did plan to bed the boy. He wouldn't be the first cabin boy to be used between ports for the slaking of pent up lust.

Fighting back the threatening growl, he focused on the twinkling north star and sent his thoughts away from the very dangerous direction they were heading. Jealousy and anger were beneath him. It was illogical and yet another sign he should partake of the first wench that caught his eye once in port.

Pein leaned against the railing and looked out over the dusky horizon. "I want to get around the Cape as quickly as possible."

"It's coming up on the bad part of the year for crossing," commented Kisame dryly. "We estimated another few weeks out to sea before heading back to berth."

"I know, but I can't stay away any longer." Pein stroked a finger over the intricately carved design on his pipe. "Besides, we can't simply drop Itachi's brother off at the nearest port. If I'm to groom my heir, I need him with me. I thought to leave the boy with Konan. She's been wanting a child."

"He's a bit old for adopting," snorted Kisame.

Pein shrugged a shoulder. "It will give her someone to take care of and with his brother safe and cared for, Itachi will be more willing to learn what he needs to know for when I turn over the reigns to him."

Kisame guffawed loudly. "You don't need an heir. You're not even thirty."

Pein chuckled faintly; his fingers stroked over a simple gold band on his finger. "There is going to come a day when I won't be able to leave her."

"It will never happen," grunted Kisame. "The sea is in your blood, just as it is the rest of us."

Pein would never leave his life on the sea for an existence on land. Even his former captain, Jiraiya had never fully been able to give up the sea and her mysteries. Once a sailor became entangled in the lure of the ocean, no real woman or man could pull him from it.

Kisame knew all too well the pull of the sea. She called like a siren to all. Her temperament was at times wild and uncertain and at others, gentle and loving. She ensnared the soul and never released it. No amount of gold, nor the soft arms of a woman, could hold a man once his heart was claimed and Pein's heart had been claimed several years before by a calm woman named Konan.

There was a pause as Pein draped his arms over the banister lining the upper deck. "Konan is more persuasive than you give her credit for."

"Stronger men than you have failed in resisting the call of the sea." Kisame sent a sly glance towards his captain. "It is a shame you can't take her to sea with you."

Pein's lips quirked and he moved to tap out the ashes in his pipe over the edge of the ship. "Never keep your wife and your mistress in the same house."

A heavy brow arched upward. "Which is the mistress and which is the wife?"

"I'll let you know when I figure that out."

Kisame grinned widely and closed his eyes, breathing in the saltiness in the breeze. "I would miss this too much to settle for a life on land, even if I had a wife waiting for me."

"Just wait until you find the right mate. There is one out there…even for one such as you." Pein stepped forward and took the wheel. "Let me have the helm. You deserve some rest and it's been too long since I took the ship in hand."

Kisame chuckled and turned the wheel over to Pein. "You couldn't resist stroking your lady."

"I've neglected her far too long. It's time she and I became reacquainted."

Kisame chuckled. He moved away from the helm and down the stairs towards his cabin. He was passing the cabin used as place for Dan to practice his craft when distracted by the voices inside. He recognized Itachi's smooth tone, though it sounded different when speaking his native tongue. The words rolled from his lips like silk and caused Kisame to give pause to simply listen.

He couldn't stop the twitching of the thick shaft in his trousers at the voice. The past week had shown the boy filling out some. His pallor had faded, leaving only creamy sun-kissed skin. The lank greasy hair now lay like rivers of inky silk across his shoulders, shifting as he moved to gently feed his brother watered down gruel. Life at sea agreed with him. In another few years, Itachi would be a stunning man and the desire of every woman in the port towns.

Shaking his head, he moved quickly to his cabin before he was tempted any more by the boy. With his mind drifting so quickly towards such thoughts, he was going to have to take one of the many wenches flaunting their wares amidst the sailors at their next port in order to push aside his desires. It had been a while since he'd been so affected by anyone and even longer since it was a male.

It was more than the need for sexual gratification. If it was only that, he could fist himself into oblivion and be done with it. There was something else in Itachi that drew him close with each passing day. The sadness Itachi fought to hide in his gaze as he went about his chores created a natural protective instinct in Kisame. Such stunning eyes should not hold such sadness.

"Stop thinking about him," he growled to himself as he slammed the door to his cabin and walked towards the small bed pinned to the far wall. He collapsed onto the mussed sheets and threw an arm across his face. The aching in his groin went ignored as it usually did.

His mind was drawn taut with the rush of images attempting to draw him into releasing himself. He knew how the lithe body would feel wrapped around him. The day he'd taken him from the mast, surprisingly strong legs had wrapped around his waist so tightly he'd nearly been bruised by them.

"Fuck," he snarled while attempting to turn his thoughts elsewhere. If the lad was a bit older and more filled out, Kisame could understand his growing infatuation, but instead his desire and his need to protect were melding together to prevent him from truly separating the two.

Reaching over with a steady hand, he dimmed the lantern hanging on the wall until the flame was snuffed out. He wished he possessed the ability to snuff out the lust burning through his veins as easily as he did the fire on the lamp's wick.

oOo

Itachi watched Sasuke's restless sleep. His fever was nearly gone thanks to the access of good food and the herbal medicine Dan kept forcing down his throat. The black sores dotting his brother's legs were no longer oozing and looked to be healing. Sasuke would likely bear the scars for the rest of his life, but at least he was alive. He had these men to thank for his brother's health and life.

Resting his head on the palm of his hand, he stroked a finger through the short tufts of Sasuke's hair. Exhaustion weighed heavily on him. He hadn't slept well since they left home and it was beginning to show. He did not have to look into the mirror to know dark shadows lined his eyes, yet he continued to refuse to sleep below.

The offer of a hammock below deck with the crew turned his stomach. He could not stand the thought of leaving Sasuke alone, though it was not the only reason for his distaste. The men remained wary of him just as he was them. Sleeping amongst them, especially Hidan, sent a small chill through his body.

Closing his eyes, he pillowed his head in a folded arm and began to replay the events of the evening along with Pein's promises of Sasuke's safety. Leaving Sasuke would destroy him, but as long as Sasuke was safe, he would brave any uncertainties.

There was truth in Pein's words. Life with his uncle in England would not be pleasant. He had seen the disdain on the English sailor's faces as they bargained with local traders for goods. They had as much dislike for his people as was had for them.

Heaving a sigh, he attempted to quiet his mind in the meditation techniques taught to him by his father. First relax the body, for then the mind would follow.

It was slow in coming, exhaustion finally taking its toll on him. The creaking of the ship was like a cradle, relaxing him with surprising ease. He felt safe and at home on the ship. Already he was learning the workings and his language skills were improving daily. Once Sasuke was well, he would begin to teach his brother the thick guttural language of the foreigners.

For the flash of an instant, his thoughts turned to Kisame. While he was the cabin boy for the captain, it was Kisame he had the most interaction with. Kisame assigned his duties and corrected him if he erred. He felt safe with him, which was odd because he did not truly know him.

"Ahoy! Ship ahead!"

Itachi's head shot up and he looked around with a sleepy gaze. Sasuke was still sleeping. For the duration of a breath, he thought perhaps he dreamed the shout.

No sooner had the thought entered his mind did he realize his supposed dreamscape was, in fact, truth. Sounds of cheers were quickly followed by that of multiple feet, both shod and bare, padding up along the stairs leading to the main deck. He could feel the energy spiraling nearly out of control as the crew passed by.

Though he would rather remain below with Sasuke, his curiosity took over and he padded up the damp steps towards where the crew gathered in a large mass. His gaze shifted between men, eyes widening at the difference he saw. Pistols, knives, and rapiers were clasped in palatable excitement. Danger scented the air along with the sweaty musk of excitement.

The crew grew more and more excited as Kisame and the captain spoke quietly at the helm. Small groups formed to whisper and speculate in excited utterances.

"They attacking, or are we?"

"It still be too far away to tell if she be a merchant ship or be flying the Roger."

"Dark, too. The captain say anything?"

Itachi's gaze darted back and forth as he attempted to decipher the dialogue between the crew. An attack? Why would they be attacked?

"Shut up and listen," yelled Kisame over the din of the crew. "The captain is speaking."

All went still and turned their gazes to where Pein stood dressed in a simple white shirt, tight breeches, and knee high boots. Not a sound could be heard save that of the ship creaking as it cut through the ocean. Every eye focused on the man as he stepped forward.

"Shikamaru has informed me that the ship on the horizon is one of the battle ships commissioned by the Dutch East Indian Company. It has been told to me by sources that our ship has been labeled as one they are ordered to seek out and destroy." Pein's eyes moved slowly over the gathering before a smirk teased the corners of his mouth. "We can't have that, now can we?"

Shouts of no resounded across the deck as weapons were shoved into the air. The excitement amidst the crew was double that of before. Bloodlust rushed through the atmosphere and raised the hairs on the back of Itachi's neck.

Crystalline eyes zeroed in on Itachi and Kisame leaned in to whisper to Pein. His face was pulled down in a frown. He never saw Kisame frowning like that.

"Give him a sword, Kisame. That is an order."

The frown never left Kisame's face as he approached where Itachi stood. "Take it. We go to battle."

"Battle?" Itachi frowned at the excitement of the crew. "Why?"

Kisame tugged Itachi towards the banister and pointed to the tiny light in the distance. "It's a ship that will attack us."

"They will kill you and your brother if we don't take them." Pein approached and laid a hand on Itachi's shoulder. "We do what we must."

Pein turned from Itachi. "Hoist the flag."

Raucous shouts filled the air as two men brought out a black flag emblazoned with the image of a crimson skull and bones seated upon a cloud. "Hoist the Roger!"

The metal blade felt heavy in Itachi's hand. It did not have the light weight of the blades his father trained him to wield. It was clumsy and heavy. He would likely be unable to wield it properly, yet all he could think was protecting Sasuke and so he took it willingly.

"That kid goin' ta be able ta swing that?"

"Leave him alone." Kisame wrapped a large palm around Itachi's bicep and tugged him aside. "When the fighting begins, get below deck with your brother. If they take us, run your brother through and then yourself."

At Itachi's horrified expression, Kisame chuckled mirthlessly. "You'll be doing him a favor to die by your hand than by the men we are to meet."

"I will protect Sasuke," growled Itachi. "From everyone."

"Brave words, little one." Kisame rested a hand on Itachi's shoulder. "Remember what I said, get below. I would like you to keep your soul a little longer."

Itachi shrugged from the touch. "I am not afraid."

"Your brother will need protection should a few get past me. You should stay with him."

Itachi started to speak but the words died in his throat. He felt eased by Kisame's words. They were spoken in concern. He mentally acknowledged the words with wariness and moved close to the stairs. "Aye."

Nodding, Kisame moved towards where Pein was shrugging into his thick blue jacket and strapping his pistols and knives to his waist. "Man the starboard canons!"

Men pushed past Itachi to reach the lower deck where the canons were located. A sudden feeling of foreboding washed through him with each passing moment. The ship, once a small light on the horizon was now large and approaching quickly.

Pein's eyes possessed a wildness to them as he watched the ships line up. It was the most alive he had seen the captain's eyes since meeting him. The normally shadowed orbs were wide in excitement. "Fire!"

The heavens must have descended upon them for thunder crashed about them and the world shook with great force. Itachi's hands lifted to his ears as canons exploded in a synchronized attack. Never had such a noise existed for him until that moment. It rocked not only the ship, but his very core.

"Fire!"

Shouts and cheers roiled through air, yet Itachi was deaf to them. His legs could barely hold him aloft as men from the attacking ship began to board and fighting erupted between the two crews. All he could think of was Sasuke and following Kisame's order to stay with and protect his brother.

Steel clashing against steel created a macabre sort of musical score to the events. Pistol blasts were the percussion and screams the wind. Blood ran in rivers across the deck to call forth the sharks and other hunters to bear witness to the destruction of life.

As he reached the steps, Itachi watched Kisame lunging towards an attacking sailor. The man moved like a fighter. His muscles bunched and extended as he dodged and parried the attacks. He seemed to possess wings carrying him from foe to foe.

Itachi's gaze would not leave. Kisame put even his father to shame with such amazingly graceful movements. Men fell beneath his attacks as if they were standing still. His speed was impressive, but it was his strength that was truly a marvel to behold. Strong muscles swung his blade with exact precision to sever limbs and impale bodies.

If not for his overwhelming need to return to Sasuke, he was not sure he could have turned his gaze away from the deadly dance performed before him. A man of Kisame's size should not be so graceful, yet the proof was before him.

"Itachi!" Sasuke's eyes were wide with fear as another volley of canon fire shook the ship.

"I'm here, Sasuke." Itachi moved quickly to Sasuke's side. "You must keep quiet."

"What is going on, Niisan?

Itachi didn't answer. His eyes remained focused on the door and his grip on the rapier tightened. He would kill anyone who sought to harm Sasuke.

"What have we here?"

Itachi's eyes widened and he raised his sword in defense against the unfamiliar sailor standing in the doorway. "Stay away."

"Why would I want to do that, pretty? I never thought boys could be pretty, but you're one pretty boy." The man took a step closer, his hand lifting to stroke Itachi's cheek. "Want to have some fun, pretty?"

Itachi's reaction was more instinctual than thought oriented. Fear and adrenaline pumped through him as he stabbed forward with his weapon. It entered the sailor's gut with surprising ease, more than he would have ever thought. There was almost a moment when the world around him stood quiet before the gurgling of blood from the man's mouth spilled forward to stain Itachi's previously white shirt, small speckles landing on his cheeks.

Almost immediately, his hand released the blade but the damage was done. The man collapsed to the wooden floor and began to spasm and twitch.

The blood on his face and hands felt wet and warm. All he could do was stare at the blood as it began to pool around the man's body. A roar filled his ears, blotting out any sound save for the pounding of his heart.

He could hear Sasuke's crying, but was unable to do anything more than stare. He suddenly felt empty. His world was gone. There was no longer an innocent boy inside. His soul was ripped from him to create a numb void.

"Itachi!" Sasuke screamed again, this time drawing the attention of several sailors.

The room was filled with men, all stopping to stare at the slender youth standing above a dead man, blood drenching his body. "Fuck…the kid actually killed one."

Dead eyes lifted as Kisame pushed aside the gawking men to stare at the carnage. "He would have hurt Sasuke,"Itachi stated.

Kisame moved forward cautiously. "Yeah, I know."

Whispered words fell from Itachi's lips. A prayer. A plea.

Kisame took Itachi's hands in his and pulled him from the pool of blood forming a puddle beneath his feet. He didn't need to know what Itachi said to understand him. As was said before, the first kill was the one always remembered. "It's over now."

"Niisan!"screamed Sasuke, his face wet with tear tracks.

"Dan!" shouted Kisame. "Take care of the brother. I've got Itachi."

Kisame scooped the limp Itachi in his arms and carried him from the room towards his cabin. "I'll take care of you, Itachi."

AN:  Another day, another chapter.  Please enjoy.  Giftfic for the beautiful Kyuubi1010 on ygal.  Her art is beautiful, you should head over there and love on her.