NOTE:I wrote this a looooong time ago and there are ALOT of spelling/grammar errors, I think my auto-correct was turned off when writing this or something idk, so please keep that in mind while reading.
Chapter 1- Pirates and sword fights.
Azul was in quite a predicament. First I must tell you her story, it all started with her father asking her “Dear would you like to go with me on my ship?” Her father had a dream for quite some time that he would go and voyage across the sea some day. He had saved every penny since then and bought himself two ships. Azul had gone upon his ship once before and had enjoyed the experience very much. It must have helped that she got her ‘sea legs’ quickly and never got a bit sea sick. This time she got her legs even faster and whent to talk to Martrize as soon as she could. Martrize was one of her father's crew and she loved having his company, the only thing that she didn't like about him was that he always complained about Azul’s hair. Her hair was a light sandy blonde color down to her hips, the reason it bothered Martrize is that he thought it was too long and it would get caught in something. Azul always had liked her hair and said, “This is the perfect length, long to be pretty but not long so much it causes trouble. At least it is not as long as Naytse’s hair.” Naytse had hair to her ankles though to be fair it was usually up in a braided bun, she didn't need to cut her hair for she was the cook (and Martrize’s wife). Azul’s father always said, ‘There is no cooking like a man's wife.’ though Azul thought it was because he missed mother's cooking. Azul had eyes to match her nickname and a will to match the gem's strength. She wore what looked like a classic pirate outfit complete with her very own sword. Though her pirate attire she was quite the opposite for her father had permission from the royal navy to ‘set sail’ on his ship. The trip was surely a trouble for there were many storms and waves, though Azul’s real trouble began when they started passing a great big pirate ship with a black banner flying maddly atop. Many think that pirates are fairy tales but that is not the case, pirates lived during 1500 to 1730. If you know anything about pirates is that they can have a red or a black flag, a red flag means that if you fight them then it be to death. If it be a black flag then if you're lucky you will spend the rest of your days as a prisoner.
Azul knew all about pirates for she spent a little too much time with Enndan, Enndan had spent the best years of his life being a pirate. The only reason her father had hired him was because as he said, ‘There can be no better sailor than a pirate.’ and that he was right. Enndan was the best of her father's crew when he worked, when he wasn't working he was telling the rest of the crew or Azul about his days as a pirate or showing them to sword fight like them. As the ship approached her father grew exceedingly afraid for he was not a good fighter because he spent the best of his youth riding on his horse. His daughter however grew excited for she had practiced many days with Enndan the art of a good sword fight and had thought this would add good excitement to the trip for it never crossed her mind that there ship could be overthrown. Though to be fair she had thought about it once and thought she would have good fun finding out what it feels like to be a prisoner on a ship while rolling her eyes at her own foolishness, pirates were not known to be gentle with their prisoners. When the ship grew close and the pirates got on their ship Azul drew her sword and looked for a good fight. Azul was not a stupid girl and knew she could not be near to many people for two men could easly beat her if they were good with there weapon at hand, she also knew that too big of a man would have a large advantage over her. As she scanned the chaos she saw to her surprise a hispanic boy around her age with his sword also drawn, he looked at her and grinned. They both knew this would be quite a fun battle for most people had to train with adults and they finally got a chance at fighting someone their own age. They approached each other and the dule started with their clang of swords. Azul could tell that the boy was surprised at her good skill for most girls had no hand at a sword but this only fueled the fight. She later came insulted because she realized at the start of the battle he had gone easy on her, they blocked and attacked each other so fast that it looked as if they had years more experience than they really did. It was really just a flurry of metal blades and still they were tied, neither had so much as a scratch on themselves. Then at that moment the boy had backed her up against the plank and said with much pleasure for that it was his first real fight, “Any last words?” He knew that it was clisay to say but it was the only thing he thought of at the moment. “Yes in fact I do, don’t count your opponent out until they're dead.” to be honest she was quite afraid at the moment for she was going to do something she wasn't so sure about. At that moment she jumped and flipped landing on the other side of the boy. Now you in gymnastics must think that it couldn't have been so bad but it really was. In a sword fight you always do what you're sure of (because it could mean life or death.) , and next while going over the boy she had to block his attacks at the same time. You should have seen his face; he had not been expecting that at all. That flip had only bought her so much time so she did something she knew she could so she flipped back onto a beam going up to the mizzenmast. Now how was she sure of her acrobatics now? Well she wasn't sure of her going over a person in fact her hair had brushed him, but this time she didn't need to go over anything. She knew this because Enndan said that you would be a fool to not know the ship you're sailing on, and my did she know it well. While blocking her attacks and she blocking his up, up, they went on the mizzenmast. At that point all the pirates and sailors had looked up and seen the spectacle they were making, after all it’s not every day you see two kids dueling like fully trained adults high above you on a mizzenmast. When they reached the very top of the l’ateen sail she was mer inches from the edge he said, “I know it’s very imprudent to repeat something but I’d hate to end you before you say what you wish.” “All I have to say is I’d thought you would learn by now.” And with that she grabbed onto the rigging and zipped down to the ground. At this point the pirates thought it would be good to use the disstractan to their advantage, and I am very sorry for those many who died right then. At the bottom she thought it wouldn't do any good waiting for him to catch up so she bounded to the railing and jumped onto the other ship, crouching down she stabbed a man in the back he didn't see her coming for all the fight was on the other ship. Another man turned around because he heard the other one gasp in pain, Azul then again stabbed in the trought and she killed the second one, on this account she jumped up on the ship’s rigging climbing up to the top sail crouching again extracting her dagger to aim at the last man on the pirates ship. Just as she was going to throw it the boy suddenly appeared again and flug her sword onto the stern. At this point she only had a dagger and she knew she would be a fool to throw her last weapon. At this point it was a great race to her sword for she also knew she couldn't beat a boy which she was nearly evenly matched with a dagger against sword. The challenger right behind her kicked off the pole then he grabbed her leg pulling her back he pinned her to the ground and she said smirking, “There's an advantage on the floor.” With that she swept his legs from under him, rolled into standing position grabbing her sword and lunged at his heart. But before she made it there she was grabed by large muculed arms and her sword and dagger taken from her. She looked at her father’s ship and saw massies of blood and flesh with her father among them, with no one to steer the ship and all the goods extracted the pirates and Azul watched it crash into the sea. Thrashing and shouting with a new found rage, “You killed them!” she didn’t care anymore they left no one alive what more could they have done that hurt more than the searing in her heart. “And you little girl killed two of are best men. Would you rather spend the rest of your days mopping the deck or close your eyes and feel their pain?” “I’d rather die than serve the likes of you.” she spat with venom, she told the truth but she also said it because Enndan said if you said that you were more likely to have a quick non painful death. Azul had no wish for more pain than the searing of her arms as they quickly bound them and the pain in her soul for what was lost. Enndan’s advice also wispered in her head to cooperate physically for it would do her no good to struggle but to bite with words as to show that she would never support their way of living. “If that's what you want then so be it.” Raising his sword but then the boy shouted, “Wait father!” “What is it now my son?” “why don’t we keep her alive?”
“What has gone through your mind? Did you hear what she spat at my feet?” “Yes father but don’t you admire her bravery? She a little girl against you? Even though you do not appreciate her tongue can you appreciate her skill? She nearly beat me until you came, I would like her to teach me her way of sword.” “Is that what you truly desire my son? Very well, you may keep your little pet.” he said, kicking Azul. “What is your name little girl? My son needs to be able to call his slave by name.” determined to make herself as bothersome as possible said,”If I am his pet then why do you need my name? Cat nor Dog can speak his title.” “Fine then my son may call you what he pleases.” Turning to his son he says, “What are you going to call her?” “Azul, I think it’s fitting because her eyes look like the stone.” he said grinning. All Azul did was hold his stare, showing absolutely no emotion. Later after they all left the boy came back and said, “Father said I could untie you now if you cooperate.” “Fine, these bonds are sickening.” “You'd hate them more if you knew what they were used for last.” “Good because I don’t know.” She said while he slacked her bounds. “What is your name? Why wouldn't you tell my father?” “If I am going to be your teacher then you must earn my name.” “Very well, Do you mind the name I chose? I can change it if you want.” “No it will be fine.” “Allright Azul.” “Where are we going to do the training?” “Down in some room under the stern, I’m not entirely sure yet. Where'd you learn to fight like that? It’s pirate technique not a british sailor’s.” “My father hired an escaped slave from a pirate ship. I would rather learn how to fight and work on a ship than table manners.” “Fair, though I can't believe that your father was so obviously a noble man and let his girl learn to fight.” “Actually that's Enndan to blame, he’s the former pirate. He convinced my father to let me learn, however it was my idea. I was a quick learner so I picked up the art fast.” “I guess that's fair. How long have you been training?” “A little longer than two years now.” “You have to be joking.” “No, no I’m not.” “Why I've been training my whole life and you're still better than me!”
“Beginners luck.” she shrugged. “You must have had the greatest teacher of all time.” “Until you murdered him.” She hissed warning he was walking on ice. “ I didn't kill him. I was dueling you the whole time, or chasing you.” “Fine but warning, you were treading in dangerous waters.” “A quick question, where did you learn to do all those fancy flips? Some person or different one?” “Different one, I suppose I can tell you his name since he is dead. His name was Jacob, he was one of the crew on my father's ship. He taught me all the things I need to run a ship, he just jumped over to the next pole and I told him my legs were too short for that. So he taught me those flips which is what he used to go to pole to pole when he was a kid, rather than go down then up again.” “So, Azul what are you going to teach me first?” “Are you crazy? Look at the sky, it's nearly dark, you start your training tomorrow. I will prepare tonight.” “Alright, night Azul.” “Two matters of business before you go waltzing off to bed. One, where am I going to sleep? Two, what is your name? I can just say ‘hey you there’ all the time.” “The name’s Marco, I’ll show you where you're sleeping. I convinced my father to get you a more comfortable bed then in a cell so don’t worry.” “You sure seem to have your father wrapped around your finger.” Marco said, “I guess.” oblivious to Azuls sarcasm. “I was being sarcastic.” “Oh,” they walked in silence for a couple minutes then stopped at a door. Marco told Azul to memorize the three scratches on the door because if she opened any other door on that level she was sure to be killed. The door swung open and Azul burst out laughing and said, “Is this your room? And if it’s not I’m gonna die of laughter. I thought you were going to take me to my room, not the second best cabin in the whole ship.” “This is my room in case you need to get me for morning training because I sleep through most of the morning. Also because my father insisted that if you were to be alive at all that you’d be my personal slave.” He flinched waiting to be yelled at. “That's fair. I guess I was asking for it.” “What?” “I said, ‘I’d rather die than serve the likes of you.’ We all know your father is the kind of guy that wants to make it as miserable as possible for people. To be honest I’m glad that I’m alive, at the moment I wanted to die rather than be a servant because he killed my father and what not.” Truth be told to this very day years later she still aches for her father though she would never speake of it. “I guess that's true.” “Now where's my room?” “Follow me.” They went down a floor and to a door at the very end of the hall. Azul’s room was small with only a Hammock, chest for her things(her dagger and sword were in it too. Azul supposed that was Marco’s doing.), and a small mirror without a frame. “Thank you, now you best go to bed. I doubt your father wants me keeping you up all night.” “Night Azul.” “Good night Marco.” The next morning Azul felt by what Marco said that he slept the morning away. Azul tried everything, she shook his shoulders, tugged his hair, poked his arm, held a dagger in front of his face, punched him (She punches really hard.) in the gut (the only effect was him having a coughing fit and almost choking on his own spit sleeping.), dumped ice cold water on him, yelled in his ear, tickled him, nothing would work. Finally she was done with this and gave him a good hard slap on the face. Finally, with a jolt he woke up. “Why am I wet?” “Because your impossible to wake up.” Two of the crew had stopped by to see what finally woke him up after Azul had asked them for the water and tried to withhold their laughter. “Come on if you don’t do something about your face (and gut.) you're going to have a bruise for weeks. Hurry up and get dressed.” With that Azul and the two crew left the room and Marco jumped into his clothes and boots. Marco found Azul just outside of his room and she asked, “Where’s a good place to start your training?” “In the Archers alley, down the hall from your room.” “Good help me get the things for the lesson from my room, they're not going to move themselves you know.” with that they went off to Azul’s room. When they got there Macro set his eyes upon two beyoutiful wooden swords and a sack dummy. “Azul where'd you get all this stuff?” “I first went to the caretaker of your messenger birds. I'm sure you know him as Ziron, he had plenty of feathers to stuff the sacks for he dared not to throw them in the sea.” (At this moment Marco realized she had deliberately put feathers in her hair at the tips of her tiny braids randomly placed in her mass of hair) “Why not?” “Well you see your bird's feathers are expressly colorful and if he threw them in the sea it would be like sending a shining beacon pointing to the ship saying to all british naval officers, ‘Come fill the ship with cannon balls and gut are stomachs with your swords’.” “That's a little gruesome.” “Well someone has to tell you the truth.” “Where did you get the other stuff?” “I also got the sack from him for he used them to hold the feathers and I went to your cook Willfred, and asked him if he had any wooden serving spoons to spare and that's where I got the base for the swords (they were the biggest serving spoons she’d ever seen.) and I wittled them last night. I asked him If he had anything to sew the sacks together and he sent me to Ricke because he usually mended the sails. I also had mended sails before so we had a good chat about that.” “That's really amazing Azul, but couldn't we use real swords?” “Well yes but what if someone gets in a blow we wouldn't whant someone bleeding all over the place now would we?” “I suppose not, let's move them to the Archers alley.” “Yes let’s.” After moving the dummy and wooden swords into the alley Azul announced, “My I nearly forgot we need to get to Willfred.” “Why?” “Well remember we need to get an ointment to treat your bruise from when I smacked you.” she said while hurrying him to the kitchen, “You did?” and with that she recounted all the things she did to wake him up and by the time she finished they were in the kitchen and Azul was asking for all the herbs she needed for the ointment. Once they got back to the ally Azul yanked off his shirt and slapped on the ointment. “Is it just me or is it weird to have someone I hardly know lathering on some herbs on me.” “Don’t flatter yourself to have a girl touch you, and yes you should be uncomfortable.” Handing him a wooden sword Azul began teaching him proper technique and position while dueling. “Ah come on Azul! They taught us this as the first thing!” “Well you aren’t using it so you're going to learn it again.” Marco muttered something you wouldn't want your mother hearing and slouched again. “Straight back! Do I need to stick a board in your shirt just to keep your back straight?! Marco if you insist that you already know this then act like it.” “Yes Azul.” “You better do it all the time to get into habit. A slouched back can help your opponent. All right training has changed, all this week if I catch you slouching I will straighten it and don’t worry I’ll make it painful. If you still can’t keep a straight back by the end of the week I will make you wear a corset just to enforce it.” “Yes Azul.” “Good except you're still slouching.” With that Azul reached over and bent his back backwards hearing his spine pop. “Ow!” “Good that should encourage you to keep a straight back.” “Don’t think I have a choice, I think you bent my spine.” “Don’t worry it will go away eventually.” “It better or I’ll be hurting like the dickens whenever I sit down.” “Well it will happen when I catch you slouching so don’t, now rush off to breakfast we need something in our stomachs.” “You can say that again I’m starving.”
Chapter 2- Name’s and people who are important. “Hey Marco.” “What?” “What’s the name of the ship? If I’m sailing on a ship I ought to know the name of it.” “Why the ship doesn't have a name. Every year father goes to Sowbery (Sow-bury) port to trade and sell goods so some people there call us The pirates of Sowbery port.” “I like that, it has a nice ring to it.” “I think so too.”
...
All that week Marco only had slouched once, they were on their way to dinner when Azul came out of nowhere and shouted, “You're slouching and you know the consequences.” Azul yanked him backwards and there was a satisfying yet painful ‘CRACK!’ Azul had done this infront of several crew members. Marco only saw them smirking so he was embarrassed enough to never do it again. Azul however could hear what they were whispering and she did not like it, it wasn't bad but it went through her mind like wind before a storm and sent her mind whirling thinking about it. Because of this Azul thought it best not to tell Marco after she asked, “Did you hear what they were saying?” if he did she was dead meat for sure. “No, did you?” “No.” she said bluffing. If she answered truthfully he would ask her what they said, annoying as it is, people are just like that. “You're lying.” “How did you know?” “I didn't, you just confirmed it.” Azul shighed, “Are you going to tell me what they said?” “No.” “Ug! Fine.” with that several of the crew snickered and tromped off to breakfast.
...
“Hello Azul.” “Yes Marco.” Already suspecting he had a question. “Why didn't you tell my father your name?” “Not one for subtlety are you.” “Guess not.” “Fine I’ll tell you why, because names are important.” “What do you mean?” “A name tell’s someone who you are.” “So,” “My name is important.” “Why?” “If I did tell you that I might as well just tell you my name.” “Oh,” “Okay, I’ll give you this my father was an Important person.” “That makes more sense, you don’t want us to use you to bribe someone.” “Sort of.” “Who Is that someone?” “This is where I walk away from this conversation.” And that is exactly what Azul did. After that first week the days blended together and Marco and Azul made steady progress in training. One day however, Marco was practising fighting with Azul, It was a test to see if he could apply his training to a fight. Terrence (One of the crew.) stood in the stairway for the latest test, fighting while being distracted. Azul privately trained with Terrence (Marcos' old trainer.) and he helped her teach Marco in their weekly sessions, in this one he was trying to distract Marco. Marco was doing pretty well and Azul wasn’t paying attention to Terrence at all, they had been practising hard but however long Marco stayed up practising Azul got better and better than him. By the time Marco was wanting to tromp off to bed Azul had just started getting tired, he suddenly dropped his sword and shouted, “WHAT!” “No joke Marco,” “Gotch ya.” Azul stabbed him in the side with a wooden sword and with that he failed the test. “AZUL DID YOU HEAR WHAT TERRENCE JUST SAID?!” “Nope I was fighting you and it was a test on NOT getting distracted.” “Fine I lost but you need to hear what Terrence just said.” This startled Azul because Marco never admitted to defeat like that. “Ok Marco, what he say.” She asked Marco as he was shaking her like his life depended on it. “Were going to Sowbery port!” He said in dismay, “So what’s the big deal?” He crumpled to the floor in exasperation, “What did I do?” she asked Terrence. “What he did not mention was that we are going to port for the rest of the year and Marco can’t stand for being on land that long.” “Ahhh, that explains it.” “Marco will be dramatic for a while but he gets over it, he always does this if we go to port for over a month.” Azul poked Marco in the side and he twitched, “I’m not sure he will.” “He’ll be fine,” Then he mumbled something under his breath. “What did you say?” Marco sprung up. “Works every time.” “Dang it!” The next day Maria, the only woman on the ship, measured everyone so she could buy them new clothes, Marco explained that they only went on land once a year most of the time so Maria’s job was to get everyone new clothes so we wouldn't have to go on land more than usual. He was obviously still holding a grudge against his father who had decided to entrepôt. Two days later they arrived at Sowbery, Azul literally had to drag Marco out of the ship. Azul was used to dragging things because on her father's ship she helped Jacob do some of his ‘Heavy lifting’ jobs, though for Azul it was pretty simple,she turned the barrel over on it’s side and rolled it with her feet like a circus bear balancing on a ball. Marco did everything he could to stay glued to his bed until Azul threatened to dunk him in ice cold water, but that didn't stop him from dragging on the floor. In the end they compromised with Azul dragging him by the feet so he wouldn't have to go on land willingly. This was quite a sight for anyone to catch a glimpse of, by the end every pirate was bellowing with laughter (Even Marco’s father.) and every sailor was staring with wide eyes and an open mouth. The second they got on land Azul dropped Marcos feet with a ‘PLUNK!’ “Ow! What did you do that for?” “I dragged you down to land, at least give me some satisfaction.” Marcos' father walked over still laughing, “My, you do know how to make a scene.” “I try.” “He refused to get out of bed.” with that the pirates cracked up again. “I see.” Fighting off laughter himself. Once they got to their temporary home Azul asked Marco what they would do that day. “I was thinking of going to my friend Lucas's house to avoid being measured again by Maria.” “You’re friends with Lucas’s Sawyer?!” she said clutching her chest. “Second cousins actually, are you ok Azul? you’re looking a little green.” “Yep, I’m fine.”she said unconvincingly. “Ooookay, if you say so.” Once they got to Lucas’s large manor and Marco knocked on the door Azul yanked him to the side and said, “Marco you can’t let Lucas see me.” “Why not?” “It’s complicated I might be able to tell you later but,” “What’s going on Marco?” Lucas said as he stepped out of the doorway. At seeing him Azul mumbled, “I think I’m going to pass out.” “Don’t.” “Do I know you?” Lucas asked directing the question towards Azul but Marco answered for her, “Yep, this Azul the slave I told you about in are letters.” “I’m pretty sure I know you.” He said, still staring at Azul, “Nope.” “I know you.” “Do I remind you of anyone?” “I’m pretty sure you remind me of you.” “Never met you in my life, you're not as famous as you think.” “Cut out the act.” “Not happening.” “You just admitted though.” “True, but are we just going to go back and forth or are you going to break the train.” “Oh shut up why can’t you?” “There you go again.” “It’s been like what a year, yet you say ‘again’ like I just did it.” “Half a year, and who says you didn’t.” Marco cutting in says, “Do you guys know each other?” “Yup.” Lucaus said and Azul turned away. “She doesn't want to admit it.” “I don’t.” “What’s her name? I just call her Azul because that's the color of her eyes.” He says, “Her name is Augusta Juow.” “I know her last name is famous but why’d you say it like that.” “Because of are parents.” “Don’t tell him.” Azul pleaded “I will.” “Fine.” “We used to be best friends but things got weird after they started pushing us to go (em-) Extreme to put it lightly.” “They did that?” “Yep.” “I’m leaving you two guys but I’m going to talk to Masho.” Azul abruptly turned and walked in the house. “She refers to your mother by her first name?” “I know it’s weird. Want to go to the flower garden?” “Sure, but for the record I’m not picking any.” The boy’s turned on their heels and headed towards the bushes. When they got there Marco sat on a bench and Lucas picked flowers, “Why are you picking flowers?” he said, pestering Lucas. “The answer to that is my parents, and to quote my mother, ‘it’s only proper to give your friend flowers when she comes over and you'd be on better terms with her,’ Augusta doesn't like the flowers we grow here but my mother still insists on using these ones and I think she’s just pushing the romance factor, put it this way a Sawyer marrying a Juow, best day of my parents lives. It’s not like they're subtle.” “What flowers does she like? I feel like she wouldn't like any.” “Oh she dose, she likes Bell flowers, Forget me nots, Rununculus, and Strawberry flowers.” “Then why don’t you get her thouse? And how do you know that?” “My mother, that's why otherwise I would get her the flowers she likes.” he said Ignoring the second question, “I feel like you'd be on better terms with her if you got her the flowers she likes, so technically you'd be listening to your mother.” Marco points out. “You're right, let’s go get those flowers.”
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Before the dinner Lucas's parents insisted on having, Masho and Mekhi (Lucas's parents) took the time to explain to Miegelio Esnos (Marcos father.) the situation and how left in Augusta’s father’s will that they were to take care of her. Before that dinner they were just informed of, the boy’s had finished arranging the flowers for Augusta and Lucaus set off to find her. Lucaus’s pale complection flushed from running found Augusta in a hallway heading to the dining room, “Hey Augusta!” Azul turned to look at him, all the bitterness gone from before. “I’m sorry Lucaus, I know it’s not your fault.” Lucas sighed and ran his hand through his blond hair. “It's ok, oh I nearly forgot these are for you.” Her eyes widened in surprise and then she smiled, “You finally got the ones I liked.” she said, taking them. “I know it’s a stupid excuse but,” He stoped talking once his blue eyes looked into hers. She reached up and pecked him on the cheek, almost as soon as it started Azul broke away and raced down the hall.
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“You ok?” A couple minutes ago Marco sat at the dinner table across from Azul, when Lucas didn’t arrive a few minutes later Marco set out to find him. “I’m fine.” “She kissed you didn’t she?” “How could you tell?” “Let’s see, someone that’s never late for dinner is, the girl I assumed who did it sat at the table with some very flushed cheeks, I find the guy staring off into space with dreamy eyes and a dazed expression. It wasn’t very hard to figure it out. Anyway doesn't your mother say you aren't supposed to do that unless you're married because it’s not proper?” “She never follows the rules.” “True.”