Basic Piracy Taught by Hino-sensei
A heartfelt but rather boisterous laugh echoed throughout the battleship, all non-veteran crew mates cringing at the sound of their captain finding something amusing. Captain Haruka was known for scaring away fleets with just her laugh, but it seemed, these visitors would not be so easily intimidated. Indeed, the raven-haired one was blushing a light crimson, feet rooted to the ground as she fought to not look at her small audience. The cause for Haruka's laughter, the Senshi of Love herself, however, did not see any reason for shame, and so tucked her hands behind her back, and smiled with shared mirth. Rei doubted if Minako even knew why they were laughing, so long as they were in a good mood.
Good, and charitable, it seemed. “All right.” Haruka gasped for breath and swiped away the tears that had squeezed out in her spout of laughter. “You want to borrow my ship and crew Minako-chan? Go right ahead. Actually, I'm rather interested in seeing how Rei-chan plans to teach you this. What do you think Makoto? Should we relearn the trade? Perhaps her point of view would 'enlighten' us.”
The brunette nodded, a twinkle of laughter still in her eyes as she smiled back. “By all means, we didn't have the pleasure of having a personal teacher before- why not? Rei-chan? Would you mind two more students?”
At that, Rei's blush deepened, now surely doubting if she could live up to Minako's plan. It wasn't as if she was a true blue pirate herself, or had even extensively studied them. In all honesty, she probably knew for sure just about as much as Minako, without the fantasy book stereotypes. It seemed obvious that all she could do at this point was wing it and pray that Kami-sama still guided her afterwards.
The duo had made it safely aboard the Zephyr, Aino's ship connected to it by a makeshift wooden bridge of a long plank and two ropes secured by customary sailor's knots. Haruka had recognized them instantly, and as good as welcomed them with open arms. As of that moment, Minako had just finished explaining her “deal” to the two pirate captains, which had been received with ample amusement.
Haruka leaned forward as she prompted the priestess into immediate action. “So what's the first step, Rei-sensei?”
Startled, Rei looked up at Haruka. The first step? They want to get started already? At the sounds of encouragement from her other students, Rei sighed. “We should do something about Captain Aino's crew and ship. I think they should continue on with their route, and return to the Kingdom on schedule. In case we miss the deadline for some reason... let them tell Mina-chan's uncle that we were kidnapped by pirates, which, besides being willing, is basically what's happening. That sound all right?”
Makoto nodded. “Fair enough. Minako-chan, why don't you go play messenger for us? Since you're supposed to be their captain, go with Raoul- he's the big guy that's like a foot taller than any of us- to the side of the ship and tell them to return to their route without you. I think we'd both like to talk to Rei-chan alone in the meantime.”
Minako sent a worried glance towards Rei, before smiling softly and nodding her head. “Okay.” Leaning over, she quickly pecked Rei on the cheek, not the least bit concerned of privacy, and skipped to the doorway. “I won't be gone long, so try not to miss me, k? Back in a few!” And then she was gone.
Suddenly finding herself weary, Rei slumped back down in her seat. Across from her, Makoto and Haruka exchanged mischievous glances. Haruka started, “It seems a lot has changed since we last saw you. If my eyes don't deceive me... are you two a couple?”
Like a flare on a moonless night, Rei's complexion exploded with a bright crimson. After a brief moment, however, she managed a slow nod.
Leaning forward, Makoto asked, “So when did this come about?”
“About...” Rei hesitated, but her soft answer was easily heard by the other two. “About twenty minutes ago, I suppose. Actually, that's pretty much when we resolved to do this pirate thing. Mina-chan came up with a rather strange way to... convince me. A couple of ways, come to think of it.”
“Care to share?” An ever so slight fang came from between Makoto's lips as she found herself being drawn to know every detail.
“If I don't have to, no, not really. Sorry, I thank you for letting us use your ship for what Mina-chan calls her 21st birthday present, but I don't really want to spread the news just yet.”
Haruka nodded. “Yeah, sure, I get what you're saying. That's fine. And don't worry about the 'birthday present'. Like I said, I'd like to be schooled in this too. I never really liked lessons, to tell you the truth, but my gut tells me this will turn out to be a grand adventure in itself. And if I get to meet the other Senshi as a result? No harm done. Right, Mako?”
Makoto nodded in response. “Yeah, this'll be fun. I'm just taking a wild guess here but, Rei-chan, you probably don't know all that much about being a pirate, do you?”
Rei smiled wanly. “Is it obvious?”
She shrugged. “Nah, not really. If you act like you know what you're doing, no one will know differently- not even us at some point, I think. Even if I'm going to be a 'student' too, I wish you luck, Rei-chan.”
Another sigh escaped Rei's lips. “Thanks... I get the feeling I'm going to need it.”
Just then, Minako bounced back in, a cheerful smile on her face. “Oki-doki. That's that. What's next, Rei-sensei?”
By then, Rei had at least figured that much out. The way Minako's dress spun as she skipped in only reassured her of the necessity. “Haruka-san, Makoto-san, do-”
“Hold it hold it.” Haruka put her hands up for the generalized gesture for Rei to stop talking. “First of all. We're all Senshi, we're all friends, so let's drop the respective honorifics. Only Rei-chan gets to be called something different, right Rei-sensei?”
Somehow, Rei had a twinge of instinct that told her she was going to get annoyed to death by the change in reference, at least towards her, but agreed to the terms. Makoto backed up Haruka's idea, pointing to all of them in turn to make sure they had the names right. “Yeah, see Mako-chan, Ruka-chan, and Mina-chan are learning from Rei-sensei this week, aren't we?”
A dual chorus of “Hai!” came out from the blonds, who laughed lightly before turning their attention to their already stressed teacher. Rubbing away a growing headache, Rei managed to grind out in a somewhat neutral tone, “Fine. Mako-chan, Ruka-chan, you wouldn't happen to have two extra sets of clothing we could borrow, do you? I doubt many pirates wear these kinds of dresses at sea. And besides, they're fairly new so I don't want them to get... messed up by the lessons.”
If she didn't have their attention before, she certainly had it now. Mina slowly asked, “Umm... Rei-sensei? What exactly are the lesson plans?”
At that, Rei only smiled and waggled her finger in front of Mina's face, as they were seated next to each other. “It's a secret. You'll take it as it comes.”
Upon seeing the slight tint of apprehension in Mina's baby-blue eyes, Rei began to warm up to the idea of teaching them. This looks to be a fun experience after all...
Broad grins on their faces, both Haruka and Makoto stood. Rei and Minako, taking the hint, also stood. “Yeah, we have plenty of other outfits. Is Rei-sensei going to change our garb, too?”
Rei sent a slight frown in Makoto's direction. “We'll see when we get there.”
The dressing room was well stocked, to say the least. Although they were on a ship, to full-length mirrors hung on one wall, while the rest of the space was lined with hung outfits of varying styles and colors. Like a health inspector would a kitchen, Rei went down every aisle, looking at ever single outfit. The second time around was much faster, as she knew what she wanted and selected four of them. Returning to the awaiting women, she passed each of them their designated outfit, leaving hers in her hands. “All right, let's get changed, shall we?”
The next hour alone was spent stripping and replacing their clothes with the new garments- ones never having been worn as of previously. The half hour after that took them next door where they selected a certain amount of certain types of jewelry and accessories. When Rei declared that she was finished with the ensemble, bootery included, even Haruka and Makoto had to admit that they were impressed.
Makoto's wardrobe was composed of a forest green long blouse with a darker shade for tight leggings- both trimmed in silver. Chest bindings could be seen through the low collar, while a thick silver ribbon tied down the bottom portion of her blouse as well as keeping up her leggings. Leather boots that came halfway up her shins had broad inch high heels, though the length of the shoes themselves were snugly narrow to a rounded point. Her rose earrings were ever present, as were two sharp ruby rings, for her two middle fingers. Her hair was tied in its usual ponytail, but accompanied by a streaming head ribbon. After seeing her completely dressed up, Rei believed she could have passed for a cross between a sturdy black belt fighter and an elf of legend, but she didn't need to tell them that. If they were satisfied, she would leave it well enough alone.
Haruka sported a orange tank top tucked into khaki-colored drawstring pants. The elastic bagginess snapped over the top of her ankle high black boots.. On her hands and half of her forearms were long straps of bandages, more for show than for any real necessity in protection. Over it all, she wore the gold-trimmed black captain's coat, with a matching captain's hat. Her unruly blonde hair poked out, but with the hat, there seemed to be a slight darkening in her eyes, presenting a more serious, gruff looking portrayal. Rei's analysis was that Haruka would probably end up taking off the trench coat before long, at least, while they were outside, as the sun would surely make her boil within it.
Minako wore a similarly simplistic outfit. Her long blonde hair was relinquished from its customary red bow, only to be further restrained by an intricate “fishnet braid” as the stylist Rei called it. Gold hoop earrings matched the set of five thin gold bracelets on her left wrist. On her right middle finger was a citrine centralized ring (orange stone) with its miniature copies giving it a heart-shaped border. Her garb consisted of a short sleeved midnight blue tunic with dark orange leggings, ending in simple dark brown leather boots. Something itched at the back of Rei's mind, telling her that it clashed just ever so slightly, but at the appreciative and loving smile Mina personally gave her, she allowed herself to forget it.
Rei's own choice was decidedly more... pirate themed, though it had been unintentional at first. She had really chosen the colors out of knowing what their Senshi auras and fukus looked like. It wasn't exactly her fault that dark red and black happened to fit her image the best. A sleeveless crimson shirt with a low V-neck collar, and black leggings- both held up by a black cord that slipped around her waist three times before being knotted off to the side- made up her basic ensemble. Her earrings were simple ruby dots, shining visibly with her hair tied back in a French braid comprised of three smaller braids. A deep red half cape was tied about her neck, one that might be compared to a poncho or a necktie at once. A pair of black boots with a drawstring V-shaped top completed her look, almost.
Rei and Haruka both wore gold-hilted daggers at their backs. Haruka's was bigger, and she was more skilled with it, but that was not to say Rei couldn't have efficiently used her blade if she had the need. Upon seeing Rei tuck the sheathed blade in between the cords, Minako whined, “Rei-chan...! How come I don't get a blade? I want one too! Mako-chan doesn't have one either!”
“That's Rei-sensei now, or did you already forget? And you two don't need blades- you have rings.”
As attention was called to it, the ring bearers stared at their hands in curiosity. If not before, the sharpness of every gem stood out, their intent being recognized as far more than simple decoration. As Rei continued, her students found themselves surprised by the length of which she had thought of the outfits.
“No offense to Mako-chan or Mina-chan, but I think blades are just a tad bit safer in Ruka-chan and my hands. Besides, you two are more likely to lash out with fists and kicks than draw a weapon, if there's no time to transform. If you'll notice, both of your boots have noticeably sharper points and heels, for better use, while still providing a sturdy bit of friction. Ruka-chan has the coat and hat really simply because she's the real captain of this ship, and therefore deserves an extra spot of flare for when she enters a fight or otherwise introduces herself to an enemy. In doing so, either may be used to temporarily blind an opponent or disguise a prisoner or ally, so it's not just for looks either.
“Mina-chan, since both you and I have long hair, the braids make them rather effective weapons, given you don't mind hitting or strangling another with it, and that you keep it out of your opponent's grip so the favor isn't returned. Mmm... oh, for Ruka-chan's and my boots, they're broader for a better platform to place stronger kicks behind. Between you and me, Mina-chan, it'd probably be like comparing brute force to finesse. Ah, and lastly, for the color scheme, I simply borrowed them from our Senshi fuku since, after all, I get the feeling they match us better than anything else. Any questions?”
When she received nothing but respectful stares, Rei nodded and finished, “Good. There, that's your first lesson: The How and Why of Proper Dressing. Now, before we think about the next lesson, Ruka-chan, Mako-chan, would it be terribly hard to get a tour of the ship and some lunch in us? I'd, in a manner of speaking, like to know the school grounds before I really begin to 'teach.'”
Makoto nodded in agreement. “Of course, we should get that over with soon, huh? All right, let's get a move on then.”
As Makoto led the way down to the first doorway, talking animately with Minako, Haruka hung back to tell Rei, “You know, I think I was right- this will be a fun week. I already feel like a learned a handful of new things.”
“Learning isn't what's important for a lesson- it's remembering it afterwards, when it counts, that does.”
Haruka nodded solemnly. “Wise words. Let's get on with the tour now, hm?”
And with that, Minako's first piracy lesson taught by Rei-sensei ended with an overall grand success. Who knew what lay ahead, and the fruit that Rei's work would bear? The Senshi decidedly did not. Well, except Setsuna, the Guardian of Time, but she's always been an exception.
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