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Phantom-Chick — Silver Tides - Chapter I
Published: 2010-03-14 02:07:43 +0000 UTC; Views: 828; Favourites: 13; Downloads: 7
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Description                                      C H A P T E R - O N E

The sea was calm today.

Perched up in the crows nest high above the creaking wooden planks of the deck and the frothy ocean waves, Kadaj stared out over the horizon, his mind filled with tranquility as he took in the scent of the Midgar sea. It was a smell unlike any other. Salty and fresh and invigorating. It made adrenaline pump hard through his veins, awakening that hunger for danger and adventure.

Down below, the crew was hard at work attending to their own business. Loz, his big brute of an older brother, was busy tending to the sails. The sun gleamed off the huge muscles of his arms and chest, and Kitty, the ships cat, was weaving in and out of his legs, purring and begging for attention. Nearby, the lean sultry form of Kadaj's other brother Yazoo, the ships navigator, sat on the railing as he poured over a map. That was all he really did, other than fuss over his hair and drag Loz into a back room for some alone time.

Standing at the wheel of the ship, a form of pure power and elegance, was Captain Sephiroth. He was a stunning vision of silver and black, with eyes of intelligence and a voice as deep and smooth as the sea herself. He was a legend. At his side was Genesis, his first mate. A sly, cunning, redheaded fox that usually had his nose buried in a book of poetry. Angeal, the chef, was nowhere in sight, as usual. He wasn't a very social man, and he spent most of his time below deck in the ships kitchen.

The Jenova was a glorious vessel. The most feared on all the seven seas. Huge and mighty and commanding, with a deck constructed of dark cherry wood adorned with ancient Wutaiian carvings, and sails that gleamed silver in the light of the moon's kiss. She prowled the ocean like a fierce wildcat, ready to take down her prey.

Aboard The Jenova, there was a motto that lived in the heart of each member of the crew:

Be cutthroat, be sneaky, be ruthless and bold, for power is greater than silver and gold.

Kadaj lived by that rule more than any other pirate he knew. Power was the greatest weapon on these seas. More than a cutlass, pistol, or even a cannon. There was no mercy for the weak and the helpless. The strongest always survived.

Latching onto a nearby rope, Kadaj leaped from the crows nest and swung, soaring with grace downward to land on the deck below. Releasing the rope, he strolled to Yazoo's side, the buckles and bangles hanging from him jingling with every step he took.

"Bored, mate?" He smirked.

"Aye." Yazoo snorted, finally prying his bright reptilian eyes off the map. "It's been three days since we cast off from the Isle of Nibelheim. And all we've been doing is floating around in circles."

"Hm." The boy nodded in agreement, casting a sidelong glance at Sephiroth's looming form. "Perhaps we should inform Cap'n Seph about it."

"And tell him what?" Loz asked from his spot by the main mast. "Oh, gee Cap'n, are we ever planning to get off our asses and do something?"

"In a way, yes."

"Well, I sure as hell ain't risking my neck to do it." Yazoo flipped back a long piece of beaded silver hair. "Ye know how angry he gets when his power is questioned."

"Yer a bloody coward, brother." Kadaj frowned.

"No, I'm just bloody intelligent. I know never to approach the Cap'n with a question like that."

"No crew member should ever fear their Captain. Only respect him." The young Remnant rolled his eyes and looked to Loz. "And what about you? Are ye man enough to approach him?"

Loz bent down and scooped Kitty up to stroke her soft silver fur. "Hell no. Remember the last time I ticked him off? I had to mop the deck for a week, plus still handle the ropes and sails. I'm only one man, brother!"

"Aye, yer both idiots. I'll do it then." Kadaj snorted and shook his head. "Least someone on this damn ship has a set of balls."

Turning on his heel, Kadaj marched across the deck, his boot strikes sounding like rawhide mallets against the hardwood planks. As he strolled up the stairs to where the main wheel was positioned, he was given a very nasty look from Genesis, who was apparently in the middle of a conversation with the Captain, and didn't enjoy being interrupted.

"S'cuse me, Cap'n." Kadaj said, stopping right on the top step. "May I have a word?"

Sephiroth turned, the ocean breeze whipping through his long silver hair and elaborate black coat. His piercing cat-slit gaze locked onto Kadaj, and the boy couldn't stifle the shiver that overtook him. That stare could stop ships and calm the tides. It was penetrating and cold.

"Yes, Kadaj? What is it?" He asked, his tone matching the coldness of his eyes.

The boy cleared his throat. "Well, Cap'n, the crew and I were wonderin' what exactly you have planned next for us? I mean, we've been floatin' around here for days, and we ain't exactly patient folk."

"Are you questioning the Captain?" Genesis growled from nearby.

Kadaj shot him a glare. "Was I talkin' to ye? No. So shut yer trap."

The redheaded pirate snarled and took a threatening step forward, his hand sliding over the pistol at his hip. "Talk to me like that again, you foolish child. I dare you."

"Shut. Yer. Trap." Kadaj smirked, fingers curling around the double-bladed cutlass at his hip.

Just as Genesis lunged at the boy, Sephiroth shot an arm out in front of him, blocking his way. The redhead growled in protest, but when Sephiroth gave him a look that could shatter glass, he bowed his head and backed off.

"That's enough of that." Sephiroth frowned at them both. "To answer your question, Kadaj, we'll be docking at Costa Del Sol to resupply. You can stretch your legs there."

A grin spread over the boy's lips. Costa Del Sol was a haven for any pirate. A tiny island out in the middle of the Midgar sea, as far away from the mainland as you can get. It consisted of a little town made up of pubs and brothels and Inns to suit any sailor's needs. It was a pirate's paradise.

"Aye, Cap'n!" Kadaj saluted with a smile before leaping off the stairs and back to his brother's sides. "Look at me, boys. Went and spoke with the Cap'n, and I still have all my limbs left. Darn miracle, eh?"

Yazoo snorted.

"What'd he say?" Loz asked.

The boy grinned. "We'll be docking at Costa to resupply."

"Costa?" Yazoo rolled his eyes, arcing his back against the ship's railing. "I always hated visiting that filthy place."

"You and only you, mate." Kadaj smirked. "I love it there."

"Aye, me too." Loz added.

Yazoo snorted and laid back against the railing, tipping his brown tri-cornered hat forward to cover his eyes. But, his rest was short, for Sephiroth's voice soon echoed over the silence.

"All hands to stations!" He commanded. "We set sail for Costa Del Sol!"

"Aye' Cap'n!" All three brothers replied in unison as they parted ways to tend to their own respective stations aboard The Jenova.

Kadaj leaped onto the shrouds and climbed them up to the crows nest with as much ease as a spider would climbing its web. Once at his perch, he pulled out his spyglass and peered through towards the body of land far in the distance.

"Land ho, Cap'n!" He called below. "Costa can't be more than a couple leagues from here!"

"Very good." Sephiroth nodded, taking control of the wheel.

Kadaj smiled and took a deep breath of the air, exhaling slowly as a smile tugged on his lips.

Adventure awaited.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night had fallen by the time The Jenova docked at Costa's harbour.

Once she was all strapped down and anchored, the entire crew, save for the Captain, marched onto land and parted ways to gather the supplies needed. Kadaj was happy to have been given the responsibility of picking up a few barrels of rum for the voyages, since that meant visiting one of the local pubs. A drink was a drink, no matter how you got it.

The three brothers had barely made it into town before they were swarmed with groups of drunken sailors, singing a few merry tunes of the sea as they stumbled over each other, smelling heavily of salt and sweat and rum. Yazoo pressed closer to Loz with a disgusted sneer every time one of the other men came too close. Loz seemed distracted though. One of the town hookers had decided to cling to his arm like a leech and bat her eyelashes up at him while running her hands over his huge exposed chest, which made him look just about ready to turn heel and dash back to the safety of the ship.

"Loz…" Yazoo growled venomously. "Kindly get that wench off yer arm before I take my pistol and shoot her off."

"I'm tryin'!" Loz said as he desperately tried to wiggle free of the woman's grasp. "She's got me tight!"

"Throw her!"

"I ain't gonna throw a lady, Yazoo."

With a snarl, Yazoo whipped his pistol out of the holster at his lip and aimed it at the hooker's face. "Get off of him." He cocked the gun. "Now."

Once the woman fled in the other direction with a screech of terror, Yazoo resumed his task of walking arm-in-arm with Loz while smiling and looking pretty as a pearl.

Kadaj laughed and shook his head, pushing one of the doors to a nearby pub open and stepping inside. It was a small place. No, cramped was more like it. And it was dark too, smelling of sweat and rum and heavy perfume. Kadaj squeezed through the crowd, making his way over to the large wooden bar positioned at the back of the room. He could feel eyes on him as he walked, watching his every move. There were whispers, soft mutterings. No doubt his silver hair is what got everyone's attention. It usually was.

Tales of the tree silver-haired brothers and their silver-haired Captain were known all over these waters. They were infamous in their actions.

Finally reaching the bar, Kadaj rested his elbows on the counter and looked up into the chocolate brown eyes of the barmaid. She was a young woman, with long dark hair and quite an impressive bosom. She placed the cloth she was wiping a glass with aside and gave him a friendly smile.

"What can I get for ye, love?"

"Three barrels of yer finest rum, miss." Kadaj placed a sack full of coins on top of the bar and slid it over to her. "And make it snappy. I haven't got all night."

She sneered, looking as though she wanted to mouth him off, but kept quiet once she saw the light glisten off his silver hair and the sword on his back. Clearing her throat, she flashed him another fake smile. "Right away."

After she disappeared into the back to fetch the barrels, Kadaj slid into one of the barstools along with Yazoo and Loz. The three of them remained quiet as they waited for their order, listening to the sounds of the bar around them. The chatter, the music, the laughter, the arguments. Kadaj saw Yazoo wrinkle his nose in disgust and press closer to Loz, clearly not enjoying being in a cramped room with a bunch of filthy drunken sailors.

Kadaj blew a few locks of his hair out of his face and tapped his fingers impatiently on the bar top. He hated waiting.

"What's all this talk about a creature?"

"Hush! Ye want the whole damned island to know?"

Kadaj's ears pricked at those words. Curious, he turned his head and locked his eyes on a small group of men huddled in a dark corner of the bar and listened.

"There've been whispers about this tale." One of the men said softly to the others. "Legend tells of a creature who lives deep in the heart of the Midgar sea. A dark being, an' mighty dangerous. But, the powers it possesses are mighty enough to make the Goddess 'erself tremble."

Kadaj's interest piqued at the very mention of power. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Loz and Yazoo leaning forward in their stools, listening in as well. The group of sailor's weren't exactly as subtle as they ought to be, especially when discussing a subject such as this. Anyone with a mind would have noticed their little huddle and wanted in on what they were whispering about.

"Where be this creature?" One sailor asked.

"Rumour tells it sleeps in Junon Cove." The storyteller gave a shudder. "I wouldn't step foot on that rock if me life depended on it. They say no man has ever seen the creature and lived to tell the tale. It's a right angry beast, it is."

"What the hell would anyone want with it?"

"Aye, see that's where it gets ya. They say the one that drinks a chalice of it's blood will gain unearthly powers and be able to rule over the seven seas."

There was a low rumble of approving whispers. The three brothers exchanged a devious look. Clearly they were all thinking the same thing.

"Ye think the Cap'n will be interested?" Loz whispered.

"He'd be a nut if he wasn't." Kadaj grinned, his eyes gliding back over to the group of huddled men. He rose off the stool. "C'mon, boys. Let's get back to the ship."

"What about the rum?" Yazoo asked.

"Forget the rum."

"But…" Loz protested.

Without another word, Kadaj disappeared through the crowd and slipped out of the bar. He didn't even bother waiting for his brothers, but within moments he could hear their hurried footsteps following after him.

A creature of unimaginable powers was out there, just waiting to be seized. No man had ever captured it and lived to tell the tale. But, they weren't just any men. They were legends. The silver-haired bandits of the sea. If anyone could accomplish such a task, it would be them.

They picked up speed, boots sounding off loudly against wet cobblestone roads, buckles and bangles jingling as the wind whipped through them. When The Jenova came into view, they dashed up the wooden ramp and onto the deck.

Panting, Kadaj went to the door of the Captain's Cabin and knocked hard. "Cap'n?"

"Come in." Came a response from within.

The youth turned the brass knob and opened the door, stepping into the large dimly-lit room. Moonlight shone in through the elegant curved windows, washing over the grand cherry wood desk where Sephiroth currently sat at. He seemed to be pouring over the maps that were scattered around him, a compass in his hand.

He looked up at the three young men. "What is it?" His eyes narrowed. "Where is the rum?"

"We ain't got it, Cap'n." Kadaj smirked. "We got something better."

"Oh? Don't tell me you picked up that dreadful Ale we tried in Nibelheim that one time." He frowned and placed his compass aside.

Kadaj took another step into the room. "How about power?"

Sephiroth paused what he was doing for a moment and looked up at him, luminous green eyes filled with intrigue.

"I'm listening."
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Comments: 27

BloodColoredLife [2014-03-19 23:34:58 +0000 UTC]

I really hope u plan on continuing this really want more plz

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

Blue-Demon-Hybrid [2010-03-27 04:35:40 +0000 UTC]

so far, so great. Yazoo has my same attitude about bars and other places where I'd have to deal with jackass alpha males. Only diff is I'm on dating hiatus. I'd probably do the same thing.

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

FrostofOblivionIV [2010-03-18 16:05:40 +0000 UTC]

Sounding pretty damn good thus far, luv! Can't wait to read more ^_~

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Phantom-Chick In reply to FrostofOblivionIV [2010-03-19 01:49:51 +0000 UTC]

Thank you sweetie!
THE EPICNESS IS COMING!

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

Reiya-Wakayama [2010-03-15 01:53:01 +0000 UTC]

Aww, I luvz it so much. Can't wait to see the other characters. Keep writing, I want to read MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Phantom-Chick In reply to Reiya-Wakayama [2010-03-16 04:27:54 +0000 UTC]

Thank you! And I SHALL!

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

FunkySockzLover [2010-03-14 20:07:02 +0000 UTC]

Ahhhh!! Its here its here!!

The pirate talk is so funny, it sounds like a ship of Cids floating around.

I really love the way you write about Kadaj and his lust for power, it tells a lot about his character.

Yazoo and the 'wrench' XD
He has to learn soon - the rum is always gone!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Phantom-Chick In reply to FunkySockzLover [2010-03-16 04:32:10 +0000 UTC]

Pirate talk is SO fun to write.
Kadaj is a scuvy little sea dog. *cuddles him and gets stabbed* O.o
WHY IS THE RUM ALWAYS GONE!?!??!!?!?

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

Enide-Dear [2010-03-14 16:20:08 +0000 UTC]

I want more! I neeeeed more! Pirate!Remnatns should be classified as some kind of drug, damn it, because it's addictive as hell!

Heh, I wonder what Angeal is up to, down there in his kitchen? And if we're gonna see some SehpyxGen action?

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Phantom-Chick In reply to Enide-Dear [2010-03-16 04:29:31 +0000 UTC]

Remnants + Pirates = It was MEANT to be!
Oh, I'm not spoiling ANYTHING that may happen!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Enide-Dear In reply to Phantom-Chick [2010-03-16 07:18:47 +0000 UTC]

They all seem to have hung around Cid too much Except for Sephy and GenGen, of course!

But...*why* is the rum gone?!

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

Ldrmas [2010-03-14 07:03:46 +0000 UTC]

We should converse on our ideas sometime!

Pirate Story This is my pirate story.

Yours is really awesome though! I love it, you did an amazing job with it.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Phantom-Chick In reply to Ldrmas [2010-03-14 14:01:00 +0000 UTC]

Thank you!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Ldrmas In reply to Phantom-Chick [2010-03-14 17:22:26 +0000 UTC]

no problem!

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

Suzume-Chiyu [2010-03-14 06:04:18 +0000 UTC]

fjhaelkfd;sklfjaelkfj OMGFINALLYI'MSOFUCKINGEXCITEDOHMYGODDDDDDDDDDDD!!! *squeals and flails and faints*

*wakes up**cough* Okay no that that's over...COMMENTING AS I READ (AKA a long-ass comment with squeeing/emotional outbursts)! 8D

=O Incest! ...or would this be Remnantcest? xD Anywho, YAY KADAJ! 8DDD *imagining everyone in pirate outfits* ...:nosebleedingplz:
*snorts and almost chokes on her water* Angeal's the CHEF?! *bursts out laughing* Oh God, I hope he suprises me and is actually good at cooking! XD

"Shut yer trap." XD I love the line for some reason. Always have, haha! So Kadaj saying it (and against Genesis of all people, who I really can't stand xD) just made it that much better.

I'm gonna say that bartender is...TIFA! 8D *shot*

...MORE!!! MOARRRRRR! D8< THIS IS AWESOME ALREADY! >W<

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Phantom-Chick In reply to Suzume-Chiyu [2010-03-14 15:01:43 +0000 UTC]

YOUR COMMENTS ALWAYS MADE ME SMILE!
Nom nom! Remnantcest! Loz and Yazoo were MADE for each other!
Bahaha!! Yep, Angie is the chef.
Kadaj is too adorable. He just can't help himself.
CORRECT! The bartender IS Tifa!
MORE WILL COME SOOOON! THANK YOUU!

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

jaydember [2010-03-14 04:58:41 +0000 UTC]

SGJKLHLAKJGLSFDKHJWAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! I LOVE THIS!!!!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Phantom-Chick In reply to jaydember [2010-03-14 14:00:46 +0000 UTC]

WEEE!! THANK YOU!!

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

Windsong98 [2010-03-14 03:35:53 +0000 UTC]

O.M.G i can't WAIT to read more!
still don't know what pairings are in it D:
part from yazoo/loz of course! XD

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Phantom-Chick In reply to Windsong98 [2010-03-14 14:56:38 +0000 UTC]

The pairings will be:
Reno/Kadaj, Loz/Yazoo, Cid/Vincent, Rufus/Reeve, Angeal/Genesis, Sephiroth/Zack.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Windsong98 In reply to Phantom-Chick [2010-03-15 03:11:04 +0000 UTC]

YAAAAAY RENAJ!! *glomps*
i'm even more excited now! =3

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

StuckOnSandAndBugs [2010-03-14 02:27:40 +0000 UTC]

Pirate Kadaj is fucking adorable!!!!!!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Phantom-Chick In reply to StuckOnSandAndBugs [2010-03-14 14:01:26 +0000 UTC]

HE IS! *squooshes him*

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

StuckOnSandAndBugs In reply to Phantom-Chick [2010-03-14 19:15:21 +0000 UTC]

FFFT -steals him and cuddles-

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

Ravenfeather613 [2010-03-14 02:23:23 +0000 UTC]

OMG I WANNA READ MORE!!!!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Phantom-Chick In reply to Ravenfeather613 [2010-03-14 14:01:54 +0000 UTC]

MORE IS COMING!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Ravenfeather613 In reply to Phantom-Chick [2010-03-15 03:36:46 +0000 UTC]

*bounces around giddily waiting for the next part*

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