”These chains are too tight!” Merik bellowed, for the millionth time up at the grate. He had no idea how boats ran, but he knew he was below deck of one, because the lap of water against the sides, and the tossing and turning of the ship. The tanned, half clad man was chained by his feet. He could barely remember how he’d gotten here.

He’d been going about his daily chores in his seaside town, which had involved the horses the family he belonged to owned. A ship had been seen on the distance, though strange ships always came and went, so it had been given no extra attention. They hadn’t been able to tell, at all, that pirates were aboard.

The town had been raided, later that night, and Merik could remember darting from his pallet on the floor and rushing out of the family‘s house. It had seemed like they were everywhere. He’d never had training with weapons, and his five feet, ten inch form had attempted to flee when confronted. He’d been caught and knocked out.

He was a bit confused, considering stolen items were his only companionship when he woke. He’d been expecting to be crowded by other people. It seemed he was the only hostage taken, though he was willing to bet he’d be sold right back into the slave trade. It had been two days, Merik knew, since he could see the sunlight streaming in through the gate above him. It was driving the jet haired boy crazy! Even as a slave he’d gotten two meals a day. Here, he’d yet to be given a morsel, permitted a bathroom, and barely looked at. Occasionally, a sneering face would peer from the grate, telling him to shut the hell up. Next time, Merik intended to plead for one of these items. However, it seemed like his yelling was falling on deaf ears.

Feeling tears prick his dark eyes, Merik scolded himself. He wouldn’t cry or show these horrible men any weakness. He could complain and drive them crazy, but no tears. “HEEEYYYY!” The slave shouted again, “I’m starving!!! Do you want your merchandise to die? Feed me, dammit!!!”

(I couldn't think of a creative name for the thread, lol...I hope this post is okay...)

Slave trade was becoming very popular on a certain island where a band of pirates lived. A young captain stood at the head of his ship, seeing the twinkling lights of a town draw closer. It was still daylight, but the sun was slowly setting, setting off beautiful hues of pinks and oranges.

Stepping foot onto the town, the captain walked around, seeing the many people. The town was booming with produce, rations that the pirate ship would need. The red headed captain looked around, choosing a strong young person to take with them to sell on the trade. They were just starting out in said business, so they didn't want to bite off more than they could chew, and only one human being was needed.

The sun set, and the games began. Laughing and screaming tore through the small town as the band of pirates pillaged and raided. The captain on the other hand was walking around calmly. He saw a boy working, and then he was spotted. The boy began to run, and as soon as his black boot stepped forward to grab him, two of his men raced forward, knocking out the boy.

"We saw ya eyein' this un, Boss, so we went un got 'im for ya!" The scraggly man said, his teeth black and rotted. "Boss" just nodded and let them on their way, looking at the boy's face.

~

It hadn't been two days until the boy started making noise. Much of the crew complained, and many asked to go down and beat some quiet into the boy. the captain would just shake his head and raise his hand. "No. Don't pay him any mind. His voice will tire." The crew just groaned and went about their daily business.

At hearing his request for food, "Boss" went over and looked in. "You can last several days without food. So get used to starving." His voice was cruel, but quiet. His face didn't hold the cocky and hard look that most other's did. He had rather soft features beneath his wild red hair, which he kept up in a high ponytail. His eyes were a sharp golden color, contrasting with his tanned skin. "Now hush." Then he left.

Merik had slumped back against the wall, pausing in his yelling, when a red haired man peered down. The slave squinted upward, eyeing him. He was tanned, and his flame colored hair was bright and tied back. He spoke to Merik, quietly, though his voice made the male shiver.

He was told to get used to it, and to be quiet, before the face disappeared. Merik blinked, quiet for several moments. He could only assume the cold man was the captain of the ship, though that wasn’t what had stunned him. The man’s eyes had been golden. He shook his head, clearing the piercing eyes from his mind, before he began to bellow once more.

After all, if he was to be sold back into the slave trade, they wouldn’t beat him…much. They’d want his bones and teeth intact, would want him to look presentable. They would get more that way. “Oi!!!!” Merik yelled, staring defiantly at the grate. “I have lasted without food, for almost two days! Give me some, let me use the bathroom! Walk around! Something! We’re on a boat, where the hell could I run off to? C’mon, these shackles are hurting me.” He glanced down to his ankles, before raising the dark orbs back up, “And they are marking up my skin. You want a slave with scars? That’s what you’re gonna do, right, sell me?” He jangled the chains loudly as he bellowed, hoping to convey his point.

Goya hadn't gotten very far before the slave started up again. He wasn't so thick headed that he wouldn't understand his point, but he still didn't want to show any mercy. But still, he walked back over, and came down the steps to walk in.

"How do I know you won't choose suicide over being sold?" he asked, leaning against the railing with his arms crossed. He didn't adorn the thick jacket he had before. It was hot, so he stood in a large white shirt, the collar slit where it could be tied, which is wasn't, and english riding pants and heavy boots. He tilted his head to the side, the signature earring on his right ear shining from what little light there was.

"We've got some time before we reach the island. We don't need to make you healthy until then. So for now, you can just sit tight and soil yourself. What kind of pirate would I be if I let you roam as you wish? Slaves are no more than dirt and belong at the bottom." he sneered. His eyes narrowed to barely slits as he scowled at the boy. If the raven was going to caw, then he may as well settle for less.

Once more, Merik fell silent as the fire haired man moved down the stairs he could see, and spoke. Frowning, the slave tilted his head a bit, “I’ve been a slave all my life. I’ve tried that, tried escaping. There’s not much point in it. You only get hurt in the end.”

When the captain continued to speak, his eyes widened. Surely, the man was jesting! He sputtered a bit. In the past, he’d been punished if he misbehaved, though he’d always been treated as a servant, instead of a slave. Even his clothing was typical of a male servant, loose fitting wool pants. He’d even been given shoes, though they weren’t the best. “L-lower than dirt?” He began, anger starting to show in his tone. “I have feelings, I bleed blood, I have a beating heart. I’m human, just as you are, and it’s only bad luck that’s made me a slave. You can still be a bloody pirate, and show compassion!”

Merik shook his head, he’d never met someone who treated him that way. “Please, I just want the bathroom and some food, you don’t even have to let me run around…”

(Teehee. Mean music 8D Lol, I have those shaped rubber bands on my wrist, and my dad saw that they were a little tight. i said "I like the colors, it's like barney!" and he rolled his eyes and walked away XD they are green and purple. I don't care about barney, but I like his color scheme. Sorry, random >.> I tend to talk and rp at the same time 8^8)

Goya sighed and picked up a jug, walking over. He undid the shackles on his legs, but kept the ones on his wrist in place. "Here if your bathroom." He said, placing the jug on the ground. "And we'll feed you later." He stood straight, pushing the boys face back a little in a bully like way and headed back up.

The captain took out an old shirt of his from his room and set it aside. Should the boy make more noise, he was going to silence him with a home made gag. That ought to do the trick in hushing the annoying dark haired boy up.

(Lmao, it’s cool. I don’t mind that at all. My kitty hates me…v.v)

Merik’s face had lit up, as the captain undid the shackles on his leg. When the jug was named a chamber pot, however, the slave glanced away. He looked back in time for the red haired man to push him. His head jerked back, before Merik could right himself. “Hey!” The male cried out as the captain did so.

Despite being angry, Merik was used to protesting or objecting anything, so he used the jug, then inched it away from him. That took care of one item. However, his stomach growled painfully. “Hey! Captain person, mister! You forgot the food.”

Again the captain ignored his request for food. He had said he would get food later, and so he shall. None of the crew were eating, so why should he? If the slave really thought about it, he'd see that he had it a little easier than they did. He didn't have to man a ship. All he had to do was sit and wait. He didn't have to use any strength at all.

Time passed and finally it was time for everyone to eat. Goya came down with a small plate of food and handed it to him. "Here.." he said bitterly. The food merely was chicken skin and burnt corn. Pretty much what they didn't want. "It'd pure fat and starch, so it should hold you. If you made any more noise, I'm going to sew your mouth shut. Or something of the like." Then he stood straight, and headed back.

(It’s cool. Have fun.)He’d stopped bellowing long ago. It wasn’t getting him anywhere. For the moment, Merik sagged against the wooden planks, thinking. Where would he be taken and sold? He was scared. Very scared. The family he’d been with, when he’d been taken, were the only people he’d ever lived with. Though he was a slave, he was always treated kindly, like a valuable pet.

But, the captain had been cold, and cruel. What if where he took him, all the people assumed slaves had no feeling? Perhaps, he could indeed find a way to escape. He’d rather that, than belong to someone like the captain someone who couldn’t see him as a person. If he could get off the boat, get to land, perhaps he could find a way back home, to his family,

With this in mind, Merik followed the chains to where they are attached to the wall. They were attached to a hook, and the hook looked as if it had been hammered in. The slave looked around, before grabbing the jug. He jerked it, tossing the contents away from him, and used the jug to tip over a barrel close to him. Pillaged items spilled out, and Merik searched them until he found what he was looking for. A silver candlestick. Close enough. He began banging on the hook, crookedly, occasionally using the end to pry up. Soon, he heard step on the stairs, and looked around frantically, finally crossing his legs and perching over the candlestick.

It was the captain, and he held out a plate, which contained food. Greedily, Merik reached out and tugged it from the male, using his hands to shovel the food in. When he was done, he set the plate down in front of him. He wouldn’t hand it to the male: If the captain treated him so badly, he’d return the attitude.

A groomed brow lifted as he saw the boy eat the food like an animal. He then proceeded to try and be rude, which Goya didn't seem to pay any mind to. "Well..Now that you are satisfied..." He walked out.

He was a rather calm person. Didn't get mad easy, but he did yell when needed. His crew enjoyed him at least, but he wasn't much of a fun person. He took one last look at the boy, then behind him. "Should I suspend you from the ceiling instead?" he asked, assuming he was trying to break free.

The silence had continued, until the captain threatened to suspend Merik from the ceiling. His eyes widened, and his head jerked around, staring at the male. “You wouldn’t…” But then again, he seemed cruel enough.

He hesitated, before speaking quickly. “I’m being good. I’m not yelling or nothing. You could be a bit nicer. What’s your name?” Oh, yes. He’d just asked his captors name. May as well know who he was, though Merik honestly doubted the man would inform him.

A smile played on the naturally pink lips as he leaned over, his hair falling over his shoulder. Even up it was really long. "You see, I would." And he wasn't lying. With the hook up in a high ceiling, he'd not be able to get it open.

But he wasn't going to take the time to do that, either. "Goya." he said, giving his name. He didn't need to hide it, or anything. After all, it was just a name. He was known as a different name. "And yours, Pet?"

Merik frowned, after being called ‘pet’. His dark eyes, almost black, glanced to the ceiling quickly, spotting the hook hanging there and swallowing the lump in his throat. Okaiiee. Maybe Goya would.

When his name was asked for, however, Merik’s gaze returned, and he glared at the captain. Knowledge was power, he’d heard someone say once. Well, he wouldn’t give Goya anymore power over him. Instead, he barked out, spitefully, “I’m not a pet, why would it matter, and I’m not telling you anyway.” So there.

The slave was proud of himself for back talking, and lifted his chin a bit to convey that. He’d find a way out, after all, he was sure Goya and his men would sleep sometime. Merik could finish with the hook at night, and slip away then.

The red head just shrugged. "Your haughty attitude won't get a rise out of me. So go ahead. Be snippy and refuse to tell me your name. In fact, how about you refuse to talk? That would certainly irk me for I so do love hearing the sound of your voice." Of course the comfortably clad pirate was only being sarcastic, and he was sure that the boy would indeed make noise.

Though, he had to admit that the little upturn of his face was kind of cute. He surely didn't seem afraid of his situation. Goya assessed that he was rationalizing it, something he had done when he was a little younger than the boy was now.

"Oh, and we are a good ways away from any land. Now islands out here. Nothing but open oceans. If you want to escape, your best bet would be to wait until two more days, for it will be four until we are to our destination, and there are some islands within two days of it. So. Enjoy your time here aboard this ship." With a tip of his head, he headed back upstairs, the sounds of his boots fading, then getting louder again as he walked over the boy's head.

The slave fell silent, not caring whether or not he ‘got a rise’ out of Goya. He may not obey him, but he’d like it better if he could backtalk the male and go without punishment.

He was informed of his predicament, and his face fell. As he heard the captain moving around, he whimpered quietly. He’d been a slave for so long, he couldn’t actually imagine being free, however, he didn’t want to belong to anyone else. He glanced upwards, and sucked in air. “AHHHHHH!” He yelled out, making sure Goya knew his frustration.

The captain was lying. He had to be. His efforts drove Merik to turning around, once more working on the hook. Goya was lying…he was!

Goya paused when he heard the screaming, and his fingers curled and twitched. He inhaled and walked over to the grate, finding a cover and covering it. Enveloping the whole area in darkness where he couldn't see. Not only would it make it hard for the boy to see whatever it was he was doing, but it would muffle any more screaming and yelling.

Satisfied with his handy work, he stood on the thick board and looked at his crew. "Problem solved. Anyone pity him and try to give him some light, you'll find yourself on the other side of this ship, also known as the ocean. Got it?" The crew nodded, and he headed back into his chambers so he could finish his meal and look at a few maps.

Almost as soon as Merik began working on the hook, he was covered in darkness. The slave through a mini temper tantrum, tossing the other items that had spilled from the barrel at the far wall, creating a rather large ruckus.

Despite the darkness, Merik managed to get the hook out, though his hand ended up scraped, and most likely bruised. This created another problem, however…He had no idea whether it was dark…

The slave crept up the stairs, settling on it, for just a bit, and listening intently. He doubted Goya would come back down to check on him, and none of the men had came down, so he figured he would be safe for the time being. He slowed his breathing, attempting to listen a bit harder, pressing his ear against the closed door.

Most of the duties of the day had been done. The sun was beginning to set, and the creww took out barrels and a board. They usually gambled among themselves after they make a raid. Many joked loudly about messing with the slave they had captured. Of course they knew he wouldn't be worth as much if he had been touched, something Goya was going to make sure didn't happen.

A young boy pushed through the bodies and went into the captains chambers, something that wasn't dared by the others. "Captain, let me keep him company. He won't make as much noise if he has someone to talk to." the soft eyed boy said. He definitely didn't look like he belonged on the ship. He was short and thin boned. He didn't seem as if he was much worth. His hair was a long black, held down, and his eyes were like the color of wine.

The captain sat back in his seat, putting a gentle hand on the boy's head. "You know very well what might happen if you go down there and keep him company. You'll make a friend and beg me not to sell him." The boy rolled his eyes and shook his head. "Would not! Please? Besides, I'm the only young boy here, and I would feel much better having a friend for a couple days. It could be fun for me! And maybe we can make him trust us. Maybe we can make him think he's charmed us into not selling him." It was a risk the boy wanted to take.

The golden eyes closed and were rubbed in irritation. It was very hard for him to argue with the boy, whom he had taken a soft spot for. "Fine. Do as you wish. Just don't get attached." He said, pointing a very stern finger at the now fat and smiling face. Arms slung around the large male, then a kiss to the cheek, and soon he was out, taking a key and unlocking the door, holding a candle.

Goya hoped this wasn't a bad idea...

Almost as soon as he’d put his ear to the door, he heard a key inserted into it. The slave panicked, glancing about wildly. When it started to creep open, however, Merik pushed against it, knocking into a slim boy. “S-sorry!” Merik bellowed out, over the rattle of chains.

Once more panicking, since Merik had never been this disobedient, the male realized he had no idea where he was going. He whimpered for a moment, his head turning all about quickly. Finally, he simply prayed to whatever deity may be watching that one of these doors would lead unto the deck.

He darted down the tiny hallway, coming to one of the end doors. He opened it and slid in quickly, before slamming it and locking it behind him. Then he turned, surveying the area. Hopefully, he’d be on the deck…

Thick lashes flashed as the boy blinked, not expecting the prisoner to be so close. "Ah..wait!" he called after him, seeing him head for a door. He nibbled on the inside of his cheek and chased after him, calling for him to slow down.

The door swung open, and in came the slave boy. Goya leaned back, brow quirked once more. "Something you need?" he asked coolly, resting his cheek in the palm of his hand. How sweet of the boy to come running into his bed chambers...

Hiro paused behind Merik, groaning and rubbing his face. "I honestly did not let him loose..." he said from behind the boy. He gently took his arm. "I'll put him back in place right this instant!" He then turned Merik a warning glance tugged. The captain waved his hand. "No. If he comes tearing in here. He must want something." he said, standing. He walked over slowly, hands in his hips, then bent forward. "What is it, boy without name?"

(>D heh...heh...heh...wait fakk...just realized he locked the door >.> Pretend he had a key XD)

(Okay! ^u^)

Merik glanced back and forth, before wrenching his arm out of the boy’s grip. He glared defiantly at the captain once more. “I have a name. You just don’t deserve it!” He flushed brightly. Had he honestly said that? No matter, Goya had yet to punish him, and Merik doubted the man would, though he seemed cruel, he’d yet to be.

The slave looked back to the boy. “I’m not going back in there!” His gaze returned to the captain when he spoke again, “And I don’t want anything from you. I’m gonna find a way home.” Despite his words, Merik frowned. “Uh, which way?” Merik asked, as if truly expecting Goya to answer.

He seemed to realize his blunder, and his frown deepened, and instead of waiting to the reply, Merik turned, trying to move the boy with long eyelashes away from in front of the door.

(sorry it took long. Playing with makeup in the middle of the night >.> lol)

Not deserve a name? The captain had given his, so it would be common courtesy that he receive a name too. But he wasn't going to ask for it again. If the boy ever chose, he'd give him his name. Besides, it wouldn't matter if he did, he'd be sold and perhaps given a new one.

Before he was able to make it out, and before Goya could answer the question, he grabbed the boy by his legs with one arm, scooping him up onto his shoulder. The weight distribution would normally cause someone to fall, but the captain stayed tall. "Deck is this way." he motioned, heading for another door and carrying the prisoner out, and throwing him down onto the deck.

"our little money maker wanted to see the deck." he told the crew, and most of them laughed, knowing that was the response he had been looking for. Goya stood over the boy. "Look around. All you'll find up here are drunks, gamblers, and salt water. Now, tell me what you think would be resourceful of this?" He was getting tired of playing.

Hiro sighed and shook his head.

(It’s cool…I’m just refreshing…a lot…I have no life, XD)

Merik felt the doorknob in his fingertips, before he was wrenched back. The boy yelped loudly, and began squirming as he was lifted up easily. Goya spoke, and opened a door, finally dropping Merik. The boy landed with a heavy thump, and listened to the captain quietly.

As soon as he finished speaking, the slave obeyed, glancing around. The men looked horrible, some barely clad. Many were missing teeth in their grins. Merik hopped up, darting to the side of the ship and peering around. No land…in sight…Not giving up just yet, the dark haired boy ran to the other side, glancing about.

Finally, his predicament sunk in, and the slave allowed his knees to give, and he huddled down, leaning against the railing. There was no way he could get back home. What was in store for him? Where were they going? Goya had told him he was lower than dirt. Would his new owner think the same?

The slave lifted his head, looking at the captain. “W-why me, then? Why only me?” With the realization, Merik seemed to crawl back in his shell, once more an obedient slave. “Please, where are you taking me?”

(I'm sorry, sweety >< I don't have a life either. I watch people's profiles to see what they are doing >.>)

Goya stood in waiting, seeing him go back and forth over the expanse of the deck. He crossed his arms over his chest, waiting for him to stop. It seemed that he finally was understanding that there was no way out.

Hiro walked over to him when he sunk to his knees and sat down next to him, rubbing his back. Being closer to his age and on friendly terms with Goya, he knew he could get away with being nice to him.

"I don't deserve a name, so you don't deserve an answer." he said, never dropping his cold act. He glared softly at Hiro before turning back into his room. "It'll be close time to sleep. Since you are all ready out and there is no reason to lock you up any longer, you can mope here on the deck.." Then he slammed his door shut.

Tears were welling in his eyes once more, despite the young male rubbing his back. “Merik!” He shouted at the closed door, before whimpering and shaking his head, glancing at the male who’d sat next to him. “W-where is he taking me, please? Is everyone there like him? I’m not dirt…”

He hesitated, without giving the boy a chance to answer, he jogged back to the captain’s cabin and wrenched the door open. “Merik…my name is Merik…please, answer me…Where are you taking me now? Why did you pick me? And why did you only bring me?”

(Don't worry, I do the same...>.>

Off to look at yours! ^u^)