Curse of the Zodiac Serpent

It took several hours to get through everyone in turn. Kenji waited to the absolute last, he even refused as his curse had already been changed. But Ayako insisted that she make all the curses the same, the added benefits well worth it for him.

“When you choose to change into a snake your body will revert to its most healthy state, once you take your human form again your age will have reverted to that of this very day. If any of you find that you no longer wish to live a life on the sea simply don’t take your snake form and you will grow old.”

“Are we immortal!?” A pirate exclaimed.

“Far from it. She means to say we can regenerate.” Kenji explained for her.

It was then that Dragon told them that they should leave before the other zodiac caught wind of what had happened. The other animals, as he called them, didn’t take kindly to being known about by humans. Snake always kept his dealing short and out of sight, thats not to say that they didn’t know about it, but there was no telling what the others would do to keep the island safe.

Then it was time to say goodbye. No words were spoken, instead knowing nods and sad smiles as the men left the forest and headed through the temple path to the docks once again.

She watched them leave with a heavy heart, mixed feelings flowing through her. Kenji glanced back at her with a sad smile and her heart clenched in her chest. This was far better than the alternative though, at least now she could live the rest of her life here. She was away from home, never able to return, but she was alive and so was Princess Matsu, in the end, she’d accomplished her goal.

“What happens now?” She asked Dragon. Would she need to be trained in... godly duties? What did the zodiac even do here? Would she be welcomed for killing one of their own, or jailed?

“Why, dare I ask, do you not go with them?” Dragon asked gently.

“Snake said that he couldn’t leave, that I wouldn’t be able to either.” She responded. “Besides, even if I could I’m not sure they would want me. It’s bad luck to have a woman aboard a ship.”

Dragon raised a brow at her. “The restriction was on the previous snake’s body, not yours. I believe that is what you would call a scare tactic.” He smirked. “And if I may, I believe the men are quite fond of you, why in the heavens would they want to save you otherwise?”

She glanced at him with questioning eyes.

He elegantly nodded to her with a gentle smile. “It could be handy having an informet in the human realm.”

“Captian are we really just going to leave her here?” Dimitri had timidly approached Kenji once they were on board the vessel.

“We don’t have much of a choice. It is as Dragon said, the one to take the snake’s life will take his place.”

“So she’s stuck here now?” Dimitri grimaced. “Can we return and visit?” He added tentatively.

“Now that our deal is done the island will vanish. Only to be found by those who need it. There’s no telling if we will ever see her again.” Kenji turned the wheel slightly, angling the vessel away from the docks as the sails were released to catch what little wind the morning held.

The sun was peeking over the horizon, greeting them, welcoming their new journey. He couldn’t help but crack a smile as his men all stopped to turn to look at the sun. The first rays of light hitting their skin in decades. No screams of pain, no missing body parts, just men. Their run-down down decaying bodies no more.

His gaze drifted past his men to the cliffside that they were about to round in order to head out to the open sea. That’s when he saw her. Standing on the edge, the wind at her back.

“Come to see us off then Princess?” He called up to her.

She shook her head, her long loosely braided hair flowing gently with her clothing in the morning wind. “I was wondering if you might have room on board for one more?” She called down.

The ship was drifting slowly toward the cliff, though it was in no danger of colliding. As it positioned itself below the outcrop she leapt. He could have sworn he’d felt his heart leave his chest, the height of that cliff wasn’t something someone should jump from.

Without thought he ran for her, leaping over the railing before the wheel and down onto the deck. His arms outstretched and ready to catch her.

But she simply drifted down as though she were light as a feather. Her feet touched the familiar wooden surface beside the dumbfounded man who still had his arms outstretched.

“I seem to have control over the wind, probably how he was freezing people in place.” She explained candely. “Wonder what else I can do.” She studied him for a moment. “Though... If you wish to catch me I can jump again.”

Someone behind the captain stifled a laugh. Kenji righted himself still looking slightly confused. “N-No need.”

“Is that a light flush I see!” She teased.

“Nonsense! I was merely concerned for your life.” He tried to cover before changing the subject. “But I thought... you couldn’t leave.”

“So did I, but I’m apparently a god now, normal rules don’t apply, or so I’m told.” Taking a few steps closer she slightly leans in. “So, can I join your crew?”

“But... Why!?” He suddenly exclaims.

“Captain! That’s not how you say yes.” A pirate yells from the other side of the ship.

“The lass would be of great help with her magical wind powers and all.” Another pointed out.

“And she can cook!”

Ayako burst out laughing. She places her hands behind her back and tilts her head slightly, with her leaning forward she had to look up at Kenji. “Honestly I don’t have anywhere else to go, I can’t go home and staying on the island would get boring pretty fast. Dragon says most of them just sleep until they are summoned. I thought exploring the seas with you guys would be the better alternative.”

“You’ll have to pull your weight,” Kenji warns.

“Of course captain!” Ayako straightens her posture with a bright grin.

The crew erupts in cheers racing to her side and welcoming her aboard.

“Right, you lot enough! Back to your stations, it’s time to set sail!” Kenji ordered.

The crowd dispersed as Kenji walked up the steps to take back the wheel. She followed closely behind.

“Not much wind this morning... ” He muttered more to himself.

“I can help with that!” She stated.

“By the way-” Kenji started only to be interrupted.

“Princess!?” Dimitri came running up the stairs. “I just wanted to thank you again, so happy to have you with us. If you like I can prepare a spot for you below deck, rearrange a little.”

“That won’t be necessary.” Kenji pointed out.

Dimitri and Ayako looked at him confused.

“She’ll be staying with me, in my cabin.” He stated so simply.

Ayako blinked several times. “Captian... are you staking a claim to me?” She feigned shock and embarrassment.

“Nothing of the sort!” He responded a little too quickly. “It’s merely for safety. If word gets out that a zodiac roams the seas... the safest place is by my side.”

Ayako pouted. “Well that’s boring, I had been hoping for us to be a little closer than that by now.” Though she was joking when she turned away to attend to the sails she didn’t miss the shade of red that his ears had turned. She smiled to herself, she liked teasing him, and even wondered how far she could take it, only time would tell.

“By the way Captain, the name’s Ayako.” She glanced over her shoulder giving him a little wink.

Her new life was going to be nothing but interesting now. “Oh, and you may want to warn your men that if any of them try what they did before, I will break bones.”

He chuckled. “Let them find out the hard way. It’s the only way some of them learn.”