◆ Part 2: Chapter 16 ◆
Falcon
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Taki Takahashi
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"Takahashi?" Shizukana says, his face shrouded in confusion. His hair is a mess and his face is dirty.
Takahashi stares at the guard, tilting his head.
"Do you know him, Taka?" Mina asks.
"He's . . . " Takahashi smiles, " . . . an old friend of mine."
He sheathes his sword, not fumbling like he used to when he joined the crew. Now, even though he only has one arm, his left hand is as good as a fighter as his right used to be.
Shizukana only stares at him, still confused.
"I guess we have a lot to catch up on," Takahashi chuckles, walking with him to a ladder. Shizukana follows him up, up, and up to the crow's nest.
"You like the view?" Takahashi grins at Shizukana's surprised expression. "It's been a long time."
His old friend only blinks. "You're . . . a pirate now?"
"I guess so," Takahashi shrugs, "I've only been with the crew for a month and a half, but it's been surprisingly stress-free."
"Why?"
"Ah, well," he sighs, "what am I supposed to do, Akio? I've got one arm and no family. The sea is my home now."
"What happened to your dad?" Akio asks.
"He's not my dad anymore," Takahashi responds, looking away, "He said he didn't know me. That I was different. Guess I'm even more so now."
"Pirates," he continues, "are the only people who'll take guys like me. I'm half of what I used to be, Akio, and they didn't care. Even if my dominant hand is gone, they taught me to use what I had. Now, I'm as good with my left as I was with my right."
Takahashi's smile is so wide, that Shizukana doesn't think twice. In a way, he understands. He just smiles at his friend.
"So," Shizukana starts, "why do they call you Taka?"
"Everyone gets a new name once they join the crew," Takahashi explains, "and I'm the lookout. Taka means falcon, and it's part of my given name. I like it. Oh, guess what?"
The childish sparkle in Takahashi's eyes makes Shizukana smile. "What?"
"We sing more here than we guards ever did," he laughs, "I love it."
Shizukana remembers how much Takahashi would joke around and sing.
"We've all changed so much, haven't we?" He sighs.
"Yep. I've lost my arm and you got taller," Takahashi grins, "two things I'd never imagined would happen."
Shizukana rolls his eyes. "It's kind of funny though. Back then . . . "
"Yeah?"
"You know I had a crush on you, right?" Shizukana laughs. "You were always ahead of me. I was jealous, but so in awe."
Takahashi's eyes widen. "I had no idea. I didn't even know you were into . . ."
"I . . . I like guys and girls. But don't worry," the royal guard tells the former, "I'm not here to reconcile with my long lost love or anything."
"Oh yeah," Takahashi hums, "then what are you here for? Surely you didn't get thrown out of the palace."
"In your dreams."
They both laugh, watching the sky turn pink, reflecting the hue of the ship's sail. The sea is calm and the air is chilled, bringing goosebumps to Shizukana's skin.
"I came here undercover."
"Oops," Takahashi smiles, "guess I messed that up for you, huh?"
"I came to figure out why you guys are taking our trade." Shizukana glares at his old friend.
"Ah, well, about that . . . " Takahashi chuckles, rubbing the back of his head. "Me plunder ain't all for me, ye see!"
"Pirate-talk doesn't really suit you."
"I know, I can't half understand it myself, even after being here for a month and a half" Takahashi sighs, "but really, the stealing isn't intentional. Mina's not the only captain, so she can't control everyone. But seriously . . . "
" . . . the bombs were a little much."
Takahashi glares as Shizukana chuckles nervously.
"The king put a stop to that," he assures Takahashi, "so you can plunder without worry."
"Speaking of the king, how are the royals?"
Shizukana smiles. "Don't tell anyone, but . . . the queen is pregnant."
"You're kidding."
"Nope."
Takahashi covers his mouth with his hand, giggling. "You're serious? God, I have to visit. It's been so long."
"Maybe . . . " Shizukana suggests, "you could come back with me? Stay for a few days?"
Takahashi smiles, his eyes closed and cheeks pink. "That sounds awesome. I can't wait to see everyone again."
"Taka!" Someone shouts, their voice shrill, "You comin' to get grub or what?"
"I'm coming!"
As they climb down the ladder, Shizukana watches Takahashi's arm. How is he so used to it already? How can he flawlessly climb a ladder with only one arm? And on a rocking ship, nevertheless?
Wow, Shizukana thinks, he sure hasn't changed much. Seems like he's still crazily good at everything.
Smiling, he joins the crew for dinner.
"There's the landlubber!" Sero hollers, hugging Shizukana. "welcome to the crew, my friend! There's plenty of room and rum for us all!"
The crew cackles in response, raising their glasses full of a yellow, bubbly substance. Takahashi rolls his eyes. "Oh, boy, Akio. You better stick with me. Looks like captain's cracked the rum barrels."
Mina raises a glass, smiling at the sound of her title. "We've got a new member! No better time to celebrate!" She hollers, laughing.
"Take some, matey," a random pirate says, shoving two glasses of rum towards Takahashi and Shizukana.
Takahashi takes one, although Shizukana shakes his head. "I really shouldn't."
He's on a job, not here to have fun.
"Eh, no one's going to make you, Akio, so don't look so worried," Takahashi says, taking a sip, "'tis the life of a pirate."
"I didn't know you drank, Taka," Shizukana teases.
"I didn't until now!"
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"You sleep up here?" Shizukana wonders aloud. "They make you climb this, even though . . . ?"
" . . . I've only got my left arm?" Takahashi chuckles, "that's the thing, they don't really see it. They know I can still climb the ladder, and they don't underestimate me just because I've got a missing limb. It's crazy. This place is crazy. I love it. It's never quiet, either, trust me."
"I can tell," Shizukana grins. " . . . and hear."
Even though it's dark and time to sleep, the sound of laughter fills the air, mixed in with sounds of snoring and the open sea.
"I'm glad you're happy, Taka," Shizukana mutters.
"Yeah," Takahashi sighs. "I'm . . . happy."
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A/N:
ayyyy three chapters in a single dayyy
Also, here's a list of everyone that's had a crush on Takahashi. It seems he's quiet popular lol (to be clear, Shizukana liked him during their training, and yes, he is bisexual. Just to confirm, Takahashi is straight.)
Hiro, Hitoka, and Shizukana all had a crush on him
I do too-
anyways
have a nice day, ❤
-Carly