Nakai lunged forward with two quick steps and moved to strike against Wang Bao's chest like he had done countless times before; Wang Bao focused on Nakai's swift body and stepped back as soon as he saw the Giant move forward. Using his right hand to shove Nakai's large palm away from his chest, Wang Bao then used his left hand to grab a hold of Nakai's right forearm. With his entire body weight, Wang Bao rammed his shoulder into Nakai's chest, stepping back as soon as he made contact. Although his movement was clunky and a little awkward, Wang Bao felt he had done a good job, causing him to drop his guard. Wang Bao jumped up and down while laughing, before shouting towards Rara excitedly.
"Haha, did you see that?"
Rara clapped with as much power as his small body could muster while standing on the bench. But before Wang Bao could celebrate fully, Nakai was right beside him, speaking into his ear quietly.
"Well done, however."
Suddenly Nakai crouched down and grabbed behind Wang Bao's knee to knock him down, using his free arm to protect the back of Wang Bao's head from hitting the deck. Nakai's warm breath blew over Wang Bao's face as he talked through his cocky grin.
"Don't drop your guard just because you've landed one hit."
Wang Bao had his hands pressed against Nakai's firm chest while he laid on the ground, he hadn't heard a single word that had been said because he was too busy staring into Nakai's eyes. Behind them, Rara jumped off of the bench and ran over giggling, the small pudgy boy threw himself onto Nakai's head, punching and screaming until Nakai reacted by saying.
"Okay, your turn."
Nakai quickly stood up before he pulled Wang Bao up by his arm, Rara was still hanging over his head trying to punch and kick, but couldn't land any proper attacks because his limbs were too short. Wang Bao dusted himself off and sat on the bench Rara had been patiently waiting on; even after sitting down, his mind was a little out of it. He watched in a daze as Nakai placed Rara on the ground before he crouched down into a fighting stance. Rara hunched over and growled before running at Nakai. In the palace, Rara had already started his lessons on fighting but he had only taken a couple. When Rara had made it to Nakai's legs, he jumped up and smacked the side of Nakai's knee, Nakai kneeled down to lean against his heels with a grunt as if he had been injured, allowing Rara to take the opportunity to jump onto Nakai thighs. Once balanced, Rara threw rapid punches at Nakai's lower stomach, not stopping until the Giant laid down in defeat. To finish the fight, Rara climbed onto Nakai's chest triumphantly while Wang Bao's face blackened. I am lower than a toddler.
. . . . . .
It wasn't surprising but everyone on board ended up hearing about Nakai teaching Wang Bao to fight, and once the lunch chores were done the crew, including Tira, headed to the deck to watch the second lesson. Rara was still boasting about defeating a Giant to his mother while Wang Bao failed to block another hit from Nakai. Wang Bao was becoming noticeably frustrated thanks to the crowd, and he shoved Nakai, shouting childishly.
"How am I supposed to learn like this? This is stupid!"
Nakai sighed and showed Wang Bao the blocks he had shown many times before, only a little slower this time.
"If I swing at you from the right side, lift your right forearm and reinforce it with your left hand. Same for the left. When I attack your chest, overlap your palms and push back. If you feel like you can't block, evade by stepping to the side or back."
Wang Bao listened with a sour face then got back into a defensive position. Before starting again, Nakai told Wang Bao to breathe and relax. It wasn't until Wang Bao actually listened that Nakai began the lesson. He threw an open palm right hook with medium speed at Wang Bao's head, Wang Bao lifted his right arm and blocked. While Nakai pulled back, Wang Bao repositioned his feet so that he could lean back on his right foot. Nakai suddenly threw a straight punch at Wang Bao's chest. To block, Wang Bao pressed his left palm against the back of his open right hand then pushed the large fist to the side, leaning back before stepping forward. Nakai ended with a swift backhand to the right of Wang Bao's face that he evaded by ducking, to counterattack, Wang Bao quickly swung his right hand to carry on the momentum in Nakai's swing. The force in Wang Bao's attack paired with Nakai's fast backhand was enough to make Nakai's torso twist sideways. Impressed with Wang Bao's first proper sparring session, Nakai straightened his posture and clapped honestly. The practice round was performed in less than thirty seconds but Wang Bao felt like his heart was beating out of his chest.
Nakai could see Wang Bao was sweating a lot, and he looked up at the sky to see the sun was still hidden behind the light cover of clouds. While Wang Bao gulped a glass of water, Nakai said in a clear voice..
"That was good... Who here can fight?"
Rara instantly raised both hands while jumping on his Mother's lap but Nakai didn't pick him, instead he picked Liu, the human that had been saved by Ma when the guards had searched the ship. He was a little shorter than Wang Bao and he was also one of the slimmer crewmates. However he wasn't weak, his muscles were only more compact, giving him a very lean body. Liu slowly walked up to Nakai and Wang Bao, waiting to be instructed. While Wang Bao roughly wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, Nakai whispered in Liu's ear, stepping away once he was done. Wang Bao felt nervous now that there was a new partner and he looked at Nakai a little lost. Nakai only helped by pointing at Liu, meaning that Wang Bao should focus on the target.
Wang Bao had barely gotten into position when Liu stepped sideways, lifting his right leg, Liu turned his hips while the leg flew towards Wang Bao's head. Wang Bao forgot all of the lessons he had learnt and reacted on pure instinct. Wang Bao lifted up both hands and barely blocked the foot that almost collided with his head. Once his hands connected with the foot, it was instantly drawn back and Liu shifted his feet to stand on his right foot. Before Wang Bao could think of what to do, Liu sent another flying kick to his chest. Wang Bao had no way of blocking and stepped back but his legs were too soft causing him to fall back. Even though he was on the ground, Liu didn't stop and straddled Wang Bao in one swift motion, Wang Bao stiffened instantly from fear, and he heard Nakai's voice call out.
"Buck your hips up and roll."
Liu was lightly slapping Wang Bao's face while using his other hand to pin Wang Bao's thin wrists to the deck. Wang Bao tried to struggle by kicking his legs but it was no use. Seeing Wang Bao become flustered, Nakai told him to buck his hips again, and Wang Bao slowly bent his knees. Liu was heavy despite being skinnier than everyone else, Wang Bao clenched his jaw while grunting as he lifted his buttocks. Wang Bao's hips collided with Liu's backside, disrupting his stance. Wang Bao followed with the roll and he was now on top. Nakai stood off to the side and continued instructing Wang Bao.
"Hit his throat then back away."
Wang Bao looked at Nakai in shock because he didn't want to actually hurt Liu, but his hesitation quickly paid the price. Liu pushed both of his shins into Wang Bao's inner thighs and flung him to the side, before Wang Bao could regain his focus on what happened, he was put in a choke hole, his back firmly pressed against Liu's chest. Wang Bao's face instantly went red as his air was constricted, and he clawed at the arm around his throat. Nakai waited a little longer but Wang Bao wasn't doing anything else. Nakai furrowed his brow seriously, instructing Wang Bao quickly.
"Focus Wang Bao, stomp on his foot then hold your right fist to push your elbow into his gut."
Tears welled up in Wang Bao's eyes but he regained his focus and did as he was told, when his elbow connected with Liu's stomach he heard a low grunt, and the grip loosened enough to move away, but instead of running Wang Bao planted his feet. Wang Bao's left hand was still holding his right fist, and with the twist of his hips the elbow was sent towards Liu's face.
Liu was surprised by the attack and swiped Wang Bao's elbow away before stepping back. Before the fight could continue, Nakai clapped his hands once and Wang Bao was finally able to catch his breath. Liu came over with a worried face and he patted Wang Bao's back gently, asking in a worried voice.
"I'm sorry Bao, did I hurt you? I didn't mean to take it that far."
Wang Bao shook his head to let Liu know he was okay because he knew his voice wouldn't sound convincing. Nakai also came over and clapped Liu on his shoulder, complimenting him.
"You fight well, we should spar sometime."
Liu looked a little chuffed to hear this from Nakai, and he replied happily.
"Haha, that would be fun. It's been a while since I could practise like this."
Wang Bao felt a little sour inside hearing Nakai compliment someone who could already fight. As if to rub salt in Wang Bao's wound, Rara ran over to him with a glass of water. His voice sounded proud while complimenting Wang Bao.
"Brother is learning fast, soon you'll be as good as me."
Wang Bao almost spat the water all over the proud child but held back. After a small break, Nakai asked the crew again if there were any fighters, but an unexpected person stepped forward, almost forcing Wang Bao to refuse. Tira gracefully walked to Nakai's side while she tied her long white hair back. The rest of the crew whispered their shock and couldn't wait to see what would happen, they also didn't know who they should root for. Nakai, aside from Pou, didn't look surprised at all and whispered in her ear like he had with Liu. In front of them, Wang Bao still couldn't wrap his head around it and asked Tira curiously.
"Am I really fighting your Majesty?"
"Little Bao, I already told you to call me Tira. Besides, don't hold back with me because I won't be holding back with you."
Rara cheered loudly for his Mother while sitting on Pou's shoulders, using the bald head like a drum. Wang Bao felt slightly intimidated by the Sea Queen after hearing her words, and he quickly focused on the fight. Tira smirked at Wang Bao's serious expression before she pressed the metal collar around the base of her neck. Everyone let out an enamoured gasp as her royal attire changed into a sleek dark green scaley bodysuit. Her black eyes narrowed, giving Wang Bao the chills. With no warning, Wang Bao saw the Tira lunge forward. She kept her palms open and flat as she swung her hands forward with immense speed; not only were her hands fast, but Tira was able to move left, right, front and back with a graceful speed that left Wang Bao a little dizzy. Wang Bao struggled to step back while also using his own palms to strike against Tira's wrists, attempting to block the flying limbs. Wang Bao felt lucky he was able to block a couple hits, but most slipped past him, meaning he ended up being slapped across his cheeks repeatedly. It wasn't hard enough to hurt, but it did bring out something in Wang Bao, and he started attacking instead of only being on the defence.
Wang Bao swiftly lunged forward and struck Tira's shoulder, pushing her torso back, but he was met with a long leg kicking his thigh. The leg that was hit felt numb and he couldn't help but kneel down, the Sea Queen quickly spun on her heel and aimed a kick at Wang Bao's chest, but she was blocked by Wang Bao frantically catching the long foot and pushing it up. This move was enough for the Queen to lose her balance. Wang Bao took the chance to dive forward to tackle her to the ground before Tira could regain her footing, however he missed her body as she rolled out of the way. With Wang Bao face planted on the ground, Tira grabbed Wang Bao in a choke hold from behind; Wang Bao didn't freak out like last time and tried to get a hold of her body, but his arms couldn't reach her because she was straddling the middle of his back. Nakai kept watching seriously, but knew Wang Bao was struggling. After a couple more seconds, he guided Wang Bao.
"Stand up then fall back."
The Queen held Wang Bao's throat tighter and he really felt his air get cut off. Before he could faint from the lack of oxygen, Wang Bao forced his body up. He could feel his legs about to give out, but Wang Bao made it to his feet. With the last of his energy he threw his body back; the back of his head collided with Tira's nose, and at the same time her body slammed into the deck of the ship. The crew all let out an audible gasp while Tira grunted in pain. Despite the harsh blow to her back, Tira didn't stop. With the Sea Queen still under him, Wang Bao was struggling to catch his breath. He thought the fight had finished when he suddenly felt two long legs wrap around his waist; Tira's heels then dug into Wang Bao's thighs, spreading them apart before her arms slipped under his armpits, and back around to hold the back of his head.
With the Queen's hands interlocked behind Wang Bao's head, there was nothing Wang Bao could do. His legs were stuck while his arms were forced into a surrender position, he couldn't even throw his head back to head butt the Queen because of her hands. Nakai clapped to end the fight and Rara banged against Pou's head, happy that his Mother had won. Tira swiftly unwrapped herself from Wang Bao's body before she helped him stand, returning to her usual appearance. Tira was clearly happy with the fight and caught Rara who was sprinting towards her. While holding her baby, Tira complimented Wang Bao.
"You're learning quickly Bao, before we part ways we should fight again."
Wang Bao was slightly hunched over as he tried to breathe, but he quickly straightened his back to reply to Tira.
"Thank you. I hope I can become better by then."
It was obvious Wang Bao felt completely drained and Nakai called it a day. The crew all complimented Wang Bao on his fighting before heading below deck. After the fight as well as after their dinner, Rara wanted to stick close to his Mother for the rest of the evening, allowing Wang Bao and Nakai to sleep alone for the night. In the room, Wang Bao was showering while Nakai laid on his bed. When Wang Bao entered the room he called him over to the bed; Wang Bao was hesitant and gripped his robe tightly before asking.
"Why do I need to get on the bed?"
Nakai gave Wang Bao a cocky smirk before stating.
"If you don't come over here, I will drag you here without that robe."
Wang Bao wanted to defy the Giant anyway but knew better, and he stomped his way to the large bed. Wang Bao had originally planned on sitting on the corner since it was the furthest from Nakai, but somehow he ended up on his back in the middle of the bed. Before Wang Bao could start fighting, Nakai started massaging Wang Bao's arms. His thick fingers dug into the aching muscles and dark bruises, causing Wang Bao to try and pull away but he couldn't since Nakai's grip was too strong. In the end Wang Bao could only cry out loudly.
"Ow~ let go, it hurts."
Nakai didn't budge and he replied while his fingers massaged a dark purple bruise on Wang Bao's forearm.
"If you don't massage the muscles, tomorrow you'll be too sore to train. We only have a week before we set off and once we're in the submarine, we won't be able to train like we are now."
Wang Bao decided to bear with the intense pain silently but once Nakai moved onto his stomach and back, Wang Bao let out a loud cry in pain. Nakai's hands rubbed over the silk robe, massaging out the tight muscles. Just when Wang Bao thought he couldn't take any more, Nakai moved onto his legs. Just like his arms, Wang Bao's legs had dark purple bruises, especially around his thighs. Feeling Nakai's large hands push the tender skin without hesitation filled Wang Bao with anger, but his anger was quickly covered by pain. With a sweaty body, Wang Bao grimaced while his hands gripped the sheet beneath him. Despite all the noise, Nakai continued to dig his thumbs into the delicate skin on Wang Bao's inner thighs, causing him to cry out more until he finally kicked at Nakai's face. To his disappointment, Nakai only had to move his head a little to the side in order to miss the sloppy attack. Once Wang Bao's thighs were done, Nakai seamlessly moved down to Wang Bao's calves. Unlike the rest of his body, when Nakai pressed into the tender muscle, Wang Bao writhed around in agony. His body twisted awkwardly before sending multiple kicks to Nakai's chest. A couple of the attacks landed against Nakai's bare skin and he spoke in a dark voice.
"You still have the energy to fight?"
Nakai caught Wang Bao's constant flying foot and started massaging the calf again, making Wang Bao stiffen and groan. By the end of the torture, Wang Bao was gasping for air and his hair was a complete mess. All he could do was lay on the foot of the bed, gasping for air; he didn't even care that his robe had come undone. Nakai was about to sit back against the wall when he saw how dishevelled Wang Bao looked. While Wang Bao continued to lay in a daze, Nakai leant over and pulled Wang Bao's robe shut, tying the waist ties firmly. Wang Bao didn't know why but he felt Nakai's treatment towards him had softened ever so slightly. After thinking this, Wang Bao's mind drifted to earlier in the morning; the richness in Nakai's eyes along with full lips and strong nose. Had Wang Bao not been in a dazed state, he would have found himself very jealous of such a handsome face. Once Wang Bao finally snapped back to reality, he found he had been staring at Nakai the whole time.
After closing Wang Bao's robe, Nakai had returned to lazing on the bed with the news from the capital playing on the tablet. Nakai had grown tired of Wang Bao staring at him and he instructed the man lazily.
"Stop gawking and go to bed."
Averting his prolonged gaze, Wang Bao blinked his dry eyes before standing up, he didn't bother to straighten his hair out or change into his pyjamas, and slid under his blankets on his hammock.
. . . . . .
Like yesterday there was no morning alarm, instead Wang Bao was awoken by a constant light tapping noise. Nakai was already awake as usual and opened the door, Wang Bao thought he had gone back in time and expected to hear Lani's voice, but instead he heard the sound of small feet running to his side. The hammock began to swing lightly while a childish voice greeted Wang Bao.
"Morning brother~"
Wang Bao felt a strange feeling well up inside as he thought back to when he would wake his own brother like this. Wang Bao didn't want to think about his childhood or Wang Lei so early in the morning, and he sat up while patting Rara's head. Wang Bao was grateful to see that Nakai had dressed himself before opening the door and began dressing himself as well. In the meantime,Rara climbed on the large bed and jumped around happily, waiting for Wang Bao to get ready. While bouncing, Rara spoke in an uneven voice.
"I want dumplings for breakfast. Meat dumplings~ Fish dumplings~ Seafood dumplings~"
Wang Bao pulled his chef pants up before buttoning them, it wasn't until he was smoothening his messy hair that he answered Rara.
"Okay, okay. I'll make dumplings."
Rara made sure to add that he didn't want soup, and followed behind Wang Bao while bringing Nakai along with him by the leg of his pants. It seemed like the sea people were early risers since Tira was sitting in the dining area like the previous morning; she was staring out the window at the dark blue sea. The water had gotten rougher since the night and dark clouds loomed on the horizon. When she heard her son's babbles, she turned towards the door and spoke to Wang Bao and Nakai warmly.
"Haha, Rara can't seem to stay away from you two. I hope you both were able to sleep better without him last night."
Wang Bao smiled as he poked at Rara's cheek, his tone light.
"It was the same really. I wasn't expecting such an early morning start though."
Walking into the kitchen, Wang Bao wrapped his apron around his front and began making the dumpling skin dough. When Wang Bao thought of the amount of people he would need to feed, he could already feel his arms and hands ache from not only the amount of dumplings he would need to wrap, but the amount of dough and filling that would be needed as well. While Wang Bao darted around the room, Nakai plopped Rara on the front bench that faced the dining area and heated some milk. While the milk warmed up, Nakai grabbed four large bowls, talking while working
"I'll make the fillings, you make the dough and soup."
Wang Bao looked up at Nakai then at the spices and sauces he had gotten from the pantry for the fillings. Moving them closer to Nakai, Wang Bao replied.
"...Okay. Thanks"
Nakai headed to the fridge and filled a large basket with different containers of mince, fish and prawns before walking back to the counter. After dropping them off, he walked back into the fridge and grabbed four leeks, a large handful of garlic and chives. When Rara saw that Wang Bao was filling two pots with water and different ingredients for a stock, he shouted with milk dribbling from his chin.
"I don't want soup. No soup for Rara, only dumplings!"
Wang Bao continued making the soups while telling the toddler seriously.
"The soup is for everyone else, if the entire crew were to only eat dumplings, we would need to make over a thousand dumplings."
Rara was content with hearing he didn't need to have soup, and he continued drinking the rest of his glass of milk before calling out to Nakai, telling him that his cup was empty. Nakai was in the middle of mincing onions into a paste when he heard Rara, before the child could start moving, Nakai instructed him.
"Wait. There are tissues beside you. By the time you've wiped your mouth I'll be finished."
Rara looked to his left but there was nothing but his empty cup, when he looked to his right he found the tissues and ripped a large pile out for each hand. He rubbed all over his face roughly until it was pink, but missed his milk covered mouth completely. Before Rara could yell he was done, Nakai picked the small boy up, taking the large bundle of tissues from the small chubby hands to wipe the milk on Rara's chin. Once Nakai was done he placed Rara on his shoulders and returned to making the filling. Nakai held a heavy cleaver in each hand as he began mincing a large pile of garlic, the cleavers moved one after the other almost creating an upbeat rhythm. Not long after hearing the beat, Rara wriggled on Nakai's shoulders and he sang a random slew of words.
"Dumplings, dumplings. Meat and fish, fishy swim~ Swimming fishy~, little fishy go broom broom. Bang bang, dumplings go bang bang."
Wang Bao couldn't help but laugh at Rara's lyrics, and he moved from the stove to beside Nakai in order to start making the dough. Hearing that Wang Bao was happy by his song, Rara continued his singing while mimicking the chopping of the cleavers on Nakai's head. In the dining room, Pou walked in and greeted Tira warmly before they both stood back and watched the scene in the kitchen. Tira couldn't stop from smiling warmly before Pou leant down whispering.
"Would you believe me if I told you those two weren't friends?"
Tira instantly looked at Pou in confusion, whispering back.
"Aren't they lovers?"
"In their mind they aren't but if you ask anyone else on the ship, they would say otherwise."
Pou shook his head as he looked back into the kitchen. Wang Bao was bobbing his head in time with Rara as he kneaded a large ball of dough. Nakai had now moved onto mincing the prawns, and he was obviously putting in the effort to come up with a nice beat for Rara to sing to.