Two weeks had passed after the incident at the Gulf of Sirens. Everything went back to normal. We looted one Beckforth merchant ship and had not encountered any naval ships that wanted to sink us. For that, I was very grateful. After what happened at the Gulf of Sirens, my heart and mind are not just quite ready to face another death defying episode. Not yet… maybe later more than sooner....

We were headed to the City of Shenz. I was told that this city was the port capital of Repahook, a country that welcomes all sorts of people and races as long as they come in peace. No one dared to invade Repahook because countries and empires were aware of its bioengineered weaponries that the Repahks could launch whenever to whoever threatens their peaceful way of life.

Thus, all who sail, be it pirates, royals, military forces, middle class, and merchants, find this place a retreat. Once people step on this country, if they are on opposing sides, must temporarily agree to a Treaty of Camaraderie. Then, they can continue killing each other when they leave Repahook's territory.

After I was told about Repahook, the City of Shenz, and the Treaty of Camaraderie, I could not help but be relieved. For once, as long as we are there, no one can attack us. It was a cause of celebration so Neville cooked a special meal and Jacob allowed a barrel of rum to be opened, provided that the pirates would do it in moderation since they can continue merrymaking when we reach Shenz.

We were having a whole lot of fun. Even Sandlot, Urdel, and Zaki were telling jokes and silly stories that made everyone laugh. Then, Tibet took his harmonica and they began singing. For a moment, I forgot that Tonishel took my singing voice. I opened my mouth to sing at the heat of the moment but nothing came out. The pirates looked at me. The music died down. The merriment stopped. Everyone fell silent.

I quickly closed my lips but the good mood was already gone. I saw Puma clenched his fists. I know they remembered the awful time we had at the Gulf of Sirens and what it cost me to gain their freedom. No one dared to speak… not until Jacob.

He raised his mug and announced. "Let's toast men for alas, Darling and I kissed! She kissed me!" he said and winked at me.

I gaped. "I DID NOT!" I quickly replied.

Jacob shook his head. "You did. I was told it was three times," he retorted.

The crew began to look at us banter and they couldn't help but chuckle.

I shook my head at Jacob. "That was not a kiss, Jacob. I was trying to revive you."

"Did our lips touch?" he asked teasingly.

I blushed at his question. I could not answer right away so he turned to his crew and asked again, "Did our lips touch?"

Elgo nodded, "Three times, Captain. Three times."

Jacob looked back at me and shrugged. "See? We kissed."

I kept shaking my head. "No, we did not! For the love of God, we did NOT! I was breathing into you. You were even unconscious the whole time! That does not qualify as a kiss!" I turned to the crew as if I was appealing and persuading them to side with me.

Half of them gave me a small smile and the other half shrugged their shoulders. It frustrated me that they were not convinced. "Tell them, we did NOT kiss!" I demanded from Jacob.

"But, we did. Our lips touched," he insisted.

I could not think of what to respond so I looked at Gondro, "Gondro… tell him it wasn't a kiss. I was just trying to revive him."

Gondro tried so hard not to laugh but teased, "It is called the 'Kiss of Life', Miss."

Jacob patted Gondros' back. "My good man!" he exclaimed and smirked at me. He was absolutely enjoying every minute of this.

"Well…" I began. "Well.. for me it is not. Therefore, you cannot claim that we did because I do not acknowledge nor recognize it as a kiss. If you continue to claim otherwise, then you … you kissed yourself!" was my rebuttal… my unconvincing rebuttal. I quickly stood up. "If you'll excuse me," I said and quickly walked away.

"What do you recognize as a kiss then?!" Jacob called out.

'Don't look back! Don't look back!' I kept telling myself until I reached my room and closed the door behind me. I leaned on the door and sighed. Our lips did meet. And though at that time, my intent was to revive him, I was still aware of how his lips felt against mine. I touched my lips. Was that really a kiss?

*****

Jacob did not stop teasing me about the 'Kiss of Life'. For two days and a half, he would not leave me alone. He would constantly remind me that we kissed. And I would deny that we did, every time! But the more he mentioned it, the more I am reminded of how his lips felt against mine. It was driving me insane! That's why, when we finally docked at the port of Shenz, I quickly got off Labyrinth. Neville accompanied me but got distracted with kitchen wares.

"Neville, I have a map and I know my way back. Could I please go by myself?" I asked.

Neville looked at me undecidedly. "Are you sure?" he asked as he continued to check on the wares.

I nodded. "Very. Do not worry about me. No one would cause trouble here at Shenz. I am protected by their laws."

Neville sighed, "Alright then. But make sure to be back before dusk."

I smiled. "Of course… thank you," I said and quickly waved goodbye.

Excitement filled every vein in my body as I roamed the streets of Shenz. Shenz is an exciting place. There were different stores with merchandise from all over the world. Merchants from different countries could also sell their products as long as they acquired a permit from Repahook's Department of Trade.

I remembered that I needed a new pistol since I lost mine to Coralyn so I immediately began to search for one. I found a store that sells different pistols and my eyes were caught by one. I could not take my eyes off of it and I stepped forward to get a closer look.

"Ah! Such good eyes, Miss!" the merchant said. "This is a revolver. Very easy to use. It is also very good for long ranges. Such power, Miss. This particular one came from Hapones."

I smiled as I gazed at it.

"This is made with fine iron and wood, Miss. Look at that lacquer!" he said and pointed at the design. "It's pure gold and silver, Miss."

I nodded. I could tell. I am a noblewoman after all. I could tell right away if one is true gold or silver. "How much?"

"Twenty pieces of silver, Miss. Make it twenty five and I will include enough ammunition that will last you for a year," he said.

I only have that exact amount but this was a rare opportunity to pass up. So, I gave him my leather pouch to buy the revolver. He packed it up in a wooden box and the ammunition in another box then wrapped a silk blue scarf around them.

"Great doing business with you, Miss," he said and gave me a document of authenticity for my purchase. "We are honest businessmen here in Shenz, Miss."

I smiled, "Thank you."

I was happy with my purchase. I could have easily bought a new pair of shoes and more with the twenty five pieces of silver but I believed the revolver was an investment. I liked it better. I could not help but skip my way to the door.

The first thing I noticed was his smell. He smelled like the ocean… very clean.. very refreshing. I was about to look at my rescuer's face but I noticed the box opened when it fell. So, I pushed him gently to gather my purchase back. He knelt beside me and helped me with my things.

"Thank you," I said as I stood up.

"You're very much welcome, Miss," he responded and tilted his hat.

That was when I saw his face. He has such a charming smile. His gentle eyes could make any woman weak at the knees but I was so used to Jacob's charms so it did not affect me that much.

"That is a fine piece of machinery. I would not expect a woman of your caliber to purchase such a thing," he said.

I chuckled, "Don't get me wrong, Mister. But, I am a pirate," I said proudly.

"Ah! Very interesting! Very interesting indeed," he said and held out his hand. "I am Captain Jeu. And I am also a pirate myself, Miss."