Chapter Text
Riku’s grip tightened over the strap to his bag slung over his shoulder. Salty wind whistled past him, ruffling his hair and clothes as he stared out at the worn pier where The Savage Nymph was awaiting his arrival. Only hours had passed since the meeting in the tavern. The moment after Riku had signed his life away to the pirate crew, everything had been a blur. Sephiroth hadn’t been too thrilled with Riku agreeing to the Captain’s conditions, but since the deal had been struck, he was helpless to fight it. Instead, he ushered Riku home to pack his things.
He went alone, Sephiroth telling him he would inform the others of what they were about to do and meet him back at the pier. Part of him wished he could have been the one to go back to the lighthouse, but having to face the reactions to his choice was something he was thankful to avoid. He wondered what they would say about it, how much Namine would object and even moreso, how Sora would take it. The thought of Sora caused his chest to tighten further and Riku shoved away the thought, taking in a deep breath of the ocean breeze.
This was the right thing to do.
He could see the pirates preparing the ship, a young man among them that Riku couldn’t recognize as part of the crew he met in the tavern. He was tall and slender, with pale, pink hair tied back with twine. Captain Elrena stood just a few feet from him, lounging as she watched him give orders to the crew.
“Watch out,” a deep voice cut through Riku’s thoughts. He looked over to see Lexaeus walking towards him with a drunken Demyx slung over his shoulder that whined and kicked like a child being taken away from playtime all too soon.
Riku stepped back, allowing them to pass by onto the pier. Zexion was following close behind, his book tucked under his arm.
“You’ll have to excuse Demyx,” Zexion explained in passing. “He isn’t always a drunken idiot.”
“Zexyyyy, that’s so meeean.” Demyx wailed, eliciting a drawn out sigh from Zexion.
He sent Riku a small wave and a half smile, which Riku reciprocated as he watched the trio go further down the pier towards the ship. There wasn’t too much Riku knew about pirates, other than the stories he had heard growing up and the few he’d seen in passing, but this crew wasn’t anything like he expected them to be.
“Riku,” Sephiroth caught his attention, coming to a stop beside him. “I assume everything is packed?”
With a nod, Riku held out the bag that was slung over his shoulder, remaining silent as Sephiroth took it and rummaged through its contents. Breathing in, he looked out along the beach, able to make out the silhouette of the lighthouse through the fog.
“How did they take it?” He asked, looking back to Sephiroth.
“About as expected.” Sephiroth explained, satisfied with the contents of the bag and placing it over his shoulder. “Namine wished to know what was going through our heads.”
Riku huffed with amusement, despite the way his stomach knotted. “And the others?”
“Aerith explained it to them.” He told him, walking towards the pier and making Riku follow suit. “Everything’s taken care of.”
He was unsatisfied with that explanation, but gave up on prying for more information. Instead, Riku nodded, staring at the ship as they came closer and closer to it. Before they were within earshot of the crew, he paused, coming to a stop and causing his brother to do the same.
“Having second thoughts?” Sephiroth asked him, looking over his shoulder.
“You said you could guarantee success.” Riku recalled, his hands in his pockets as he looked up at the ship and then at his brother. “How?”
Sephiroth glanced up at the crew as he turned around completely to face Riku. “I assure you, it’s all taken care of.”
Riku’s nose crinkled at the obvious coverup. “You don’t trust me?”
“I trust you,” he assured him, placing his hand on his shoulder. “Your friends will take care of it.”
“My--- friends?” Riku repeated, trying to figure out what he meant as Sephiroth left him and boarded the ship.
“Hey Pipsqueak,” Elrena called down to him, leaning against the ship’s railing. “If you aren’t on board in five seconds, I’m leaving you behind.”
Riku took in a deep breath, taking one last look towards the lighthouse before hurrying up onto the ship. The crew scurried along the deck, working like a well oiled machine as the sails were readied and unfurled. Riku was pushed and bumped into by a few men, before escaping to the railing to stay out of the way. He stared out at the ocean’s horizon, hearing the call of seagulls as they dove into the water for a meal.
He could hear the crew muttering and talking amongst each other as they worked, each of them with things to say about the two passengers aboard. Vexen was the most vocal about his displeasure in the plan, even if his complaints fell on deaf ears. The pink haired man, or who Riku had heard referred to as Lauriam, attempted to quell Vexen’s concerns. His voice was so soft and level, Riku had difficulties understanding what he was saying. Not that his assurances would have helped calm the anxiety swirling inside his gut.
Sephiroth settled in beside him at the railing, just as the ship was setting sail. Riku’s grip along the rail tightened as the ship rocked along the waves of the water. It was unlike anything he had ever experienced before.
“You’ll get used to it,” Sephiroth assured him, resting along the railing and taking in a deep breath. “I can’t remember the last time I was out at sea.”
Riku glanced over at him, unsure if he wanted Sephiroth as far away from him as possible, or to cling to him as the only thing that remained familiar. Looking back out at the waves, he resigned to remaining silent.
“I have something for you.” Sephiroth told him with a hushed voice, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a silver chained necklace.
“What is it?” Riku asked, his gaze wandering over the silver chain at the crown pendant attached to it.
“It’s Sora’s,” Sephiroth told him, making Riku’s eyes dart up to his. “He asked me to give it to you before I left.”
“He -- did…?” Riku reached forward, carefully picking up the necklace as his heart skipped. “I’ve never seen him with it before.”
When Sephiroth didn’t respond, he clipped the clasps of the chain together, allowing the cool metal to rest above his collarbone. His fingers traced the crown pendant, his thoughts drifting to Sora as he felt the sudden urge to see him and say goodbye. Swallowing the thought, Riku’s hand wrapped around the pendant completely.
“Thanks,” he muttered under his breath, looking back out at the sea.
“Of course,” Sephiroth nodded, turning away and leaving Riku alone with his thoughts.