• Leaving his rowboat to the mercy of the sea, the ninja nimbly climbed aboard the ship undetected and stowed away amongst the cargo. He held his breath as the crewmen passed and prayed the next harbor wasn't very far. Curious and hungry, he silently inspected the barrels to find something the rats hadn't touched: apples. He removed his mask and tried to munch quietly, but stopped at the sound of a woman's voice.
    "Show me the blasted princock that ain't taken up the anchor! Mister Ashwood, would you kindly call everyone topside? Make smart with it or I'll cleave your skull asunder!"
    By the sound of her voice alone, the ninja could've easily assumed she was a sweet young woman until she came close enough for him to recognize a few of the threats. He peeked out through a cracked crate to resist a gasp.
    The most astonishing woman he'd ever seen was a lady pirate. He began to fantasize about her as she was shoving a shipmate into a nearby barrel. It seemed as if the short, slender woman was trying to herd the sea dogs to the deck. The ninja carefully followed and found another hiding spot where he was still able to view the girl on deck.
    "Cap'n Alura, de helmsman awaits yer orders," muttered a particularly ugly, muscular man at the woman's side.
    The small captain smiled beautifully and nodded, making her collection of earrings jingle on both sides of her head.
    "Thank ya, Mister Ashwood, please continue to oversee me fine lads... If any aren't behavin', send em straight to me. Do I make meself clear?"
    Mr. Ashwood inclined his head and replied, "Yes, Cap'n."
    Captain Alura made long strides to the helm, the hem of her emerald skirt barely grazed the tops her knee-high brown boots. Small thuds and a series of jingling followed her footsteps across the deck. Her posture was impeccable like most European women, thanks to the black corset around her torso. She seemed dainty in the ninja's eyes as she waltzed over to the helmsman to bark a few coordinates, her shadow dancing in the twilight.
    It was almost too late to hide again before he realized she was coming to inspect the cargohold. Her wild, flowing, crimson hair that trailed after her waist enchanted him. When she was close enough, he could see her blue-gray eyes were playful like she was holding all the cards. He wanted to speak to her so badly; he thought it was worth risking his life. Those eyes hardened like a stone, suddenly becoming steely gray as they focused on the ninja when he revealed himself.
    "Who're you?" The Captain demanded, unsheathing her blade, "Speak quick, you pox-riddled parasite!"
    The ninja surrendered his katana to the floorboards and bowed his head in good faith. The language barrier wouldn't hold him prisoner for long, just as long as she'd be patient with him. Alura had more ideas than she had patience.
    "Oy! Fetch me the damned ling'ist! We got ourselves a sniveling lil' sto'way, lads!" the young woman called to her crew.
    The ninja removed his mask and looked questioningly at her. To his surprise, the playfulness returned to her eyes and a smirk lit up her face.
    "Oh, is you, is it? I 'member seeing you... twain't two days ago, eh? What are you doing on me ship?" The Captain talked more to herself than the ninja, but she emphasized 'me ship', a phrase he could make out.
    "I apologize," he said with difficulty and fell to his knees.
    Her smirk widened into a grin that glittered as she replied, "Oh by the devil's twisted tail, I know you do, lad. But I'm feelin' generous, me fine lad, so I'll propose a wager: If you prove to be an honest man, you may stay aboard and work like a dog under me rule. Oter'wise, I'll let me boys 'ave some fun with the thumb screws an' such... But I s'pose we'll find out now, won't we?"
    The linguist appeared at the steps and she gestured him to the ninja. After a few words were spoken between the two, the linguist turned to Captain Alura.
    "Seems to me, Captain that he was supposed to mutiny against his master and refused. He's on the run from his mates," he explained.
    The Captain, seemingly pleased with the events, turned on her heel and ordered everyone up the stairs back to the deck.
    "You, maggot, wha's yer name?" she barked at the ninja, her boot resting on the first step.
    'Name' That sounded familiar....
    "Anji?" He took a shot in the dark.
    The Captain pushed red hair out of her face and smiled prettily, "Anji, you poor wretch, you've 'ad t'misfortune to be welcomed aboard The Cassandra. Now get yer b*****d arse up on me deck and start trimming the sails!"
    She pulled herself up the stairway in a jerk and Anji watched in awe as more of her thighs showed the higher she went. He caught himself and followed her.