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'I suppose I should count myself lucky, considering everything that's happened.' Augustin thought about the husky pirate named Kristine telling him to stay out of trouble, and everything would be fine. He had a warm bowl of food that didn't taste bad, and he had a small sense of hospitality despite being stuck on board a pirate ship. Playing with fire could result in a burn, but playing with a pirate could result in much worse. The door opened up and thankfully Claire was the only one stepping inside.

“What are those?" He noticed the raccoon was carrying more than just food.

“I gathered up some posters." She held a modest stack of paper in hand.

“Posters?" He looked at her in confusion.

“Yeah. They're wanted posters." She explained and sat down beside the human and handed him the stack of papers. Augustin looked at the top paper and saw “Wanted dead or alive" typed in bold letters.

“Chita?" He looked at a grinning tigress winking back at him. 'Captain of the notorious topless pirates. Beware of her cunning schemes and lack of mercy!' He read the handwritten warning. The tigress herself didn't appear as ferocious as the claim suggested, but then again, she commanded a large crew of seasoned pirates.

“So she's the captain."

“Yep. Chita once worked with a smuggling group and joined after I did, but she's been captain for ten years or so now." Claire spoke as she ate.

“Who was the previous captain when you first joined?"

“There were three, or maybe four captains in total." She explained after a moment's thought.

“That sounds normal if the group has been around for fifteen years."

“I'd like to think so, but I can't remember if Roxanne was captain briefly." She rubbed her chin. “She had torpedo shaped breasts that pointed straight out." Claire demonstrated with her index fingers. “Heh, I bet they aren't so pointy and perky now."

“Is she still part of the crew?" He didn't remember seeing such a person.

“No," Claire shook her head, “she left several years ago."

“Why would a captain leave?"

“Same reason why you'd come and go from any job." She shrugged. “I think she wanted to cash out and retire though. The first captain who founded the entire group got married and had a son."

“Really?" He blinked in surprise at the idea of a pirate lady suddenly becoming a married mother.

“Maybe two or three ladies on board are engaged, or dating someone from far away." Claire scratched her cheek in thought.

“I can't believe that."

“You aren't. What's your excuse?" She lightly elbowed his side.

“Fair point." He admitted. “But how does that even work?"

“What? Getting married?" She played dumb.

“You know what I mean. Settling down into marriage and motherhood after retiring from being a pirate."

“Some crew members get pregnant from a passionate night, or they settle down somewhere. It's natural to want to start a family, especially if you're a woman. Having money to buy land helps."

“Yeah, but you're still pirates."

“We're still women though, even if plenty of us on board are still empty egg cartons." She half chuckled. “Don't you dare say I'm not after last night." They both grinned at that.

“There's no other woman like you, Claire." Augustin looked at the “masked" raccoon lass.

“Hehe. That's right." She winked. Augustin looked at the next poster, a worn piece of paper depicting a grumpy looking lioness with a very large bounty. She wore no shirt, save for an open vest, and a mere belt without pants that carried a cutlas at her hip. One hand seemed to be pointing at whoever had drawn her ire while another held a large jug, likely holding rum. The last care in her appearance was whether anyone could see her breasts, or bare sex.

“Isabel?" He read the name, but many of the notes were worn beyond legibility.

“Yep. The second captain was the first quartermaster, a lioness named Isabel, unless it was Roxanne before her. Either way, Chita became captain after that."

“She looks like a heavy drinker." Augustin noted the jug in her hand.

“Hardly. The more she drank, the more sober she got." Claire laughed. “She was really matter of fact, and not afraid to use force. That's why her bounty was so high."

“Four hundred and ninety eight." Augustin was impressed with the number. It was more than double Chita's bounty.

“There was a rumor I've heard that I can't confirm." Claire added. “Some crew claimed that she had fallen in love with someone. It's possible, but even I have a tough time with that one."

“That man must be blind and deaf." Augustin murmured causing the raccoon to laugh. The next poster had a fennec named Fleur was giving a tricky smile while walking, dagger in hand.

“I saw her on deck."

“You know, she's one of the original crew mates of the group. She was once a harlot."

“That means she's been at sea for fifteen years." He blinked. “Since I was a kid!"

“Heh. Her breasts were smaller and perkier ages ago." Claire found it amusing.

“Do they look more like yours now?" He mused.

“I'm surprised you didn't take a closer look earlier."

“I'm kinda scared to look at some of the ladies." He admitted and set the poster aside causing Claire to laugh.

“Just don't get comfortably handsy like you do with me."

“Augusta…" He read aloud the next one. The jaguar was standing back stoically while smoking a cigar in hand. Her vest was left wide open leaving her naturally sagging breasts in full view. The artist captured plenty of details like the tears in her pants, and small scars along her spotted front and forearms. Her bounty was listed, but a hand written note caught the human's attention.

“She's only twenty two?" Augustin was surprised to read it. “Yesterday you said that she was only a few years younger than you."

“I was a little off with my math then." She rubbed her head. “But hey, I was technically correct."

“Uh huh." He gave her a knowing look. “I would've thought that she was one of the oldest members. She looks and acts much older."

“Yeah her breasts do have a saggy appearance. I bet smoking those cigars doesn't help." She pointed out. “But breasts come in all shapes and sizes."

“I've learned that." He looked back at the wanted poster as Claire showed him the next one.

“This is Bianca, Eva's older sister. She was fairly laid back, but is no longer part of the crew." She said as the next paper revealed a cattle dog holding a bandana over her sex as she looked away, barking at someone. Her small breasts were in plain sight, however. A modest bounty of sixty seven pounds likely indicated her mild mannered personality led to a smaller bounty.

“I think the artist saw her arguing with someone." Claire found it funny. “She's Eva's eldest sister who's still part of the crew. They're eleven years apart, and look so much alike."

“I bet that's a big family."

“Only eight siblings, but I guess there's a lot of work to be done on the large farm they grew up on." The raccoon shrugged. Augustin looked at the next one, an older malamute named Crystal. She was completely naked yet standing in a simple pose, smiling at the viewer with an arm raised up triumphantly. Her breasts weren't large, but almost had a drooping appearance as they freely sagged.

“She seems kinda funny." Augustin thought aloud, but knew better than to let a happy appearance fool him.

“Crystal is in her mid fifties, but yeah she's a fun person."

“Her fifties?" Augustin glanced at the raccoon.

“Yep, she was almost fifty when she joined the crew. We ran into her at an inn or tavern where she worked. We offered her to join the crew after seeing her handle a rough customer."

“Does she fight alongside the rest of the crew?"

“Not that often. That's why her bounty is small." She pointed out the modest forty pounds reward.

“Then what does she do?"

“She's one of the main cooks. Several of us can cook, of course, but she's one of the three who cooks regularly.”

“What can you cook?"

“Trouble, for you." She chuckled.

“I can't eat trouble." He grinned and set the malamute's poster aside.

“Speaking of cooks." Claire fondly spoke as she looked at the next poster. “I remember Maggie." She smiled at the wanted poster. The worn paper showed a happy mature raccoon much like Claire, but without any significant scars or even any clothing. She had a pudgier figure and breasts that sagged with age.

“It looks like she's singing while folding a sheet." He studied the image.

“She probably was!" Claire smiled. “She was the original cook aboard the ship, and could make the best pancakes. We traveled up north once for the sole reason of acquiring maple syrup."

“Pirates after maple syrup. That's funny."

“She was sweet as sugar, and loved to cook for everyone." Claire remembered as Augustin looked at the next poster.

“Marissa…" He looked at a short statured corgi with impressively large breasts. One hand rested on a sheathed weapon while the other gestured elsewhere.

“She's a feisty woman despite how short she is."

“I can see, but I haven't seen her on board."

“Yeah, she's another former crew mate." Claire fondly recalled.

“I'm guessing you two got along well?"

“Hehe. We did!" She smiled. “She has a good sense of humor, very dry and funny."

“What happened to her?"

“She works for a smuggler that we have good relations with. In fact, a lot of our smuggling goes through Novo Amalfi."

“I'm not sure where that is." He did not recognize the name.

“It's a fair distance from here. A buxom vixen named Vel is the smuggler who handles the illicit trade there. We have a good relationship with her and she is wonderful to us. Every time we visit, there's a good time at her inn. Plenty of good food, drink, and company. Someone else who was once a pirate works for Vel too, but I can't remember her name." Claire thought aloud. “It'll come to me in the middle of the night or something."

“Sounds like your crew enjoys time on land to relax."

“Oh, we definitely do." Claire smiled and looked over the poster fondly. “There's nothing like visiting old friends." Augustin found it funny and oddly endearing imagining a bunch of topless pirates meeting up with past friends at an inn.

“You see this?" Claire pointed out something with her thumb.

“Yeah, it's an anchor." He looked at the little letter sized drawing. It appeared very neat despite other things being scribbled onto the page.

“What should I tell you?" She half asked herself in thought.

“What do you mean?" He looked over at the raccoon questioningly.

“It's a little secret code." She whispered.

“Any reason why you're whispering?" He gave her a funny look.

“Who knows who is listening through the walls." She quietly spoke.

“Oh." The human glanced around the quiet room.

“The anchor means that this person will be in port next time we visit."

“Secret communication?" He guessed.

“Mmhm." She nodded.

“How does this get around to the crew?" He couldn't imagine anything more than happenstance, but that wouldn't be reliable enough for a wide ranging mobile pirate crew.

“Sometimes we have friends and acquaintances exchange letters for us." She winked.

“I wonder if I've exchanged anything like that without knowing." He thought aloud.

“You could have." Claire murmured. “Oh. You done eating?" She noticed he had finished. “I'll take your bowl."

“Yeah. Thanks." He handed it over. “It was a lot better than I was expecting."

“We have three cooks, so none of us ever go hungry." Claire walked over and set them aside before patting her pudgy belly.

“There's still plenty of posters." More than half the stack was still in hand. “How many crew are on this ship?"

“Maybe thirty?" She shrugged and walked around the bedside to her little storage of jewelry and weapons.

“That's a lot."

“Some pirate crews are much larger than ours." Claire admitted and tried on a necklace before putting it back. “I think we've had closer to forty at one point, but then a few retired after we helped a passenger vessel that was stranded. They were ready to cash out anyway."

“Wait. You're all pirates. How do you help people? Most of you are terrifying!" He pointed out, but the raccoon laughed.

“Like I told you earlier, we aren't pillaging ships every day. We always try to help women in need. That's one of the codes we live by."

“Really?" Augustin found it all hard to believe.

“Yes." She stubbornly affirmed before donning her tooth and compass necklace. “There's plenty of times we've helped others, and some of the people we help join the crew. Fleur was a stowaway indentured servant who smuggled herself onto the original crew; Gaia was from a rough area and had fought plenty before we ran into her; Charlotte was abandoned during an arranged marriage; and there's others who were prisoners of destitute. I remember one summer we helped several wives whose husbands were sent off to fight in a war. We did a lot of fieldwork on a few farms to keep the families afloat. We even protected them from some ingrates living in a nearby town."

“So the entire crew stopped sailing around to help those farmers' wives?"

“Yes. I was one of them!" She exclaimed and gestured to herself. “The weirdest part was staying on dry land for so long!" She laughed. “I nearly fell over when we returned to sea, because I lost my sea legs."

“I've never heard of pirates helping people." He sorted through everything he had been told.

“Eh. We do have a reputation. You'd probably get different opinions based on who you ask." She walked around the bedside again before laying back onto the bed. “The navy and merchantmen hates us, a few women admire us, a few men stare at us, and the rest don't really know who we are."

“I guess all of you are ruthless only when needed."

“That's the idea." She smiled and settled down with her legs stretched out towards him. “Anyway, we don't have anything we need to do right now, so keep looking over the posters if you'd like." Augustin gave a quiet nod and returned to the papers he had in hand. They didn't have much else to do in the meantime. There was a pine marten with a large earring and wide toothy smile had a bounty worth a large sum; an athletic Arcanine with a smug smile flexed with impressive strength; a lynx quietly looked away with a sack of loot in hand; and a mightyena sitting quietly on a barrel with a grumpy expression on her face. Little symbols he hadn't noticed stood out more after Claire's explanation. A crescent moon, a cross, and a handful of others were small but likely held important meanings to the crew.

'I'm guessing some of these symbols mean something.' He tried thinking if any scribbled public posters had similar signs on them, but Augustin had never paid too much attention to them.

'There's so many who've been part of the crew.' He realized while going through the remaining posters.

'How many used to be bandits and thieves or petty criminals?' He wondered what their pasts were like and what situation led to them joining a pirate crew. It was easy to imagine a wide variety of backgrounds from the lowest levels of society like prostitutes desiring to join the crew. However, it sounded like wealthier widows and more well-to-do ladies also joined.

'I wonder what Claire's entire past was like.' He was curious to know, but judging from her personality, the raccoon was wild and adventurous in her youth. The most she had told him was very brief and entailed past lovers of her life. He set everything aside only to feet a paw nudge his leg.

“Could you rub my feet?" She grinned innocently. “It feels really good when you do." Augustin rolled his eyes given the situation he found himself in, but couldn't help from indulging her a little.

“Alright." He didn't mind. If anything, it would help calm his nerves. The raccoon smiled as she laid back and put her feet into his lap.

“Mmm. Thank you." She hummed happily as he started rubbing her smooth soles.

“So what's going to happen to me?"

“We're sailing to Adontino. You'll be dropped off there."

“Oh. That's a small island." He knew they weren't far from his home.

“Two former pirates live there, and that's partially why we are visiting. One owns a modest two story building that's a safe house for women seeking shelter from abuse or temporary misfortune."

“Do I stay there, or charter a boat to sail back?"

“We should be returning to Adontino in a week or so, but yeah you can charter a boat and leave early if you like."

“Phew. I feel as though I got off completely free." He breathed a happy sigh of relief and felt elated at how everything would resolve itself.

“Heh. You really were worried for a minute, weren't you?" She giggled and looked at him.

“Yeah! I didn't mean to get kidnapped."

“I didn't mean to kidnap you either." She found it funny.

“If we had woken up early and I jumped off the ship in time, what would've happened then?" He curiously asked.

“Nothing. I would've left with the crew."

“So you would've left, and that's it?"

“Pretty much. If we returned one day then I'd hunt you down as soon as we dropped anchor." She grinned.

“I don't doubt that." He found it funny. “What if I had gotten married and started a family?"

“Ah." Her grin faded almost completely. “I'd have to respect that and wish you and your wife the best." Augustin was surprised at how calm she was about the entire thing.

“Although I'd have to tell your wife in this scenario that she better have as many kids as she can with this handsome human." Claire giggled.

“Heh. Yeah." Augustin almost laughed. After a while he noticed that the raccoon's eyes were closed with a pleasant grin curled up her lips.

“You're not falling asleep are you?" He stopped rubbing. The raccoon wiggled her nose for a second.

“Ah, I could've fallen back asleep if you stayed quiet." She hummed contently, but the door suddenly swung open as a familiar face appeared in the doorway.

“Hey Claire." Charlotte the Doberman popped in with an older dingo lady and the intimidating Altai dog behind her.

'Sheesh. Bad timing.' Augustin retracted his hands bashfully, but the raccoon didn't move her paws from his lap.

“You've got him tending to you like he's your husband." Charlotte' keen eye was quick to notice.

“What now?" Claire grumpily opened an eye.

“Etna, Agatha, and I wanted to make sure your weapons are clean and ready for use." She pointed over her shoulder at the older dingo and Altai dog respectively. Augustin recognized the intimidating Agatha with numerous scars across her naked white furred body. She wasn't wearing any clothing or even any jewelry, unlike Etna. The reddish brown furred dingo was wearing a belt, but it appeared that was the only item she was wearing. Without any shorts like Charlotte, her sex was plain as daylight, not that she seemed to care. She was fairly athletic with only a subtle pudginess to her belly, but a prominent scar trailing to her side spoke of untold adventures. Both bare breasts of modest size had wide areolae and sagged a little.

“Uh huh. I only have one cutlass and pistol." Claire fretted.

“You've been so busy lately." She looked at Augustin.

“Like I'm the only one who's been busy at a port before. You three are being nosy and just wanted to show up and gossip."

“That too." Charlotte winked. “What have you two been doing after breakfast? Hiding?" She guessed.

“Yeah, but now you found us." Claire answered only to giggle.

“Are those posters of us?" Charlotte glanced at the papers on the bed.

“Yes. I was showing him as much of the crew that I could find."

“The men gobble them up at ports whenever they're distributed from what I've heard." Etna stated.

“That's no surprise." Agatha murmured.

“Ah! You even found mine." The Doberman pulled out a paper with her drawn portrait, and bounty. The buxom canine was smiling innocently enough, and her bounty was even larger than her bust.

'Three hundred and ninety five pounds.' Augustin didn't understand why the sweet Doberman's bounty was so high.

“Did you get to look over Charlotte's?" Claire asked him.

“Uh no." The human quietly answered.

“It's nothing that you haven't seen." The Doberman handed it over to him.

“I can't imagine why the men would snatch those posters up before any of the others." Etna rhetorically spoke with a grin.

“Heh. I'm sure we are all thinking of two good reasons." Charlotte stated making Claire laugh while Augustin looked over the wanted poster.

'As cunning as she is beautiful… Keep your eyes on hers, lest ye regret it!' He found the hand written notes very revealing.

“Speaking of reasons, I still can't get over how Gaia's poster was drawn." Claire remarked. “She's waving our flag butt naked."

“Well, she is naked most of the time." Charlotte stated.

“The artist must have really loved drawing her." Agatha guessed.

“Heh. Yep."

“You're just a little jealous." Etna found it funny.

“A tiny bit."

“Why? You don't even keep your own poster, Claire."

“Yeah. Yours doesn't look bad."

“You just prefer one artist over the other, don't you?"

“Eh. Kinda." She shrugged.

“So what have you two been talking about?" The Doberman looked at them both with curious excitement.

“Just random things." The raccoon gestured with a hand. “Earlier, I was telling him about the time when we all worked on those farms for a summer."

“Is any of that true?" Augustin asked the three pirates.

“Oh my back can tell you it was true." Charlotte placed her hands on her lower back.

“That's because your big breasts were swinging whenever you bent forward." The dingo grinned.

“I think everyone had sore backs from working that summer." Agatha mentioned.

“Not you. You're too strong." Charlotte looked at the naked canine.

“All of the ladies there on the farms and plantations were sweet and kind to us though." Etna stated. “We had to sleep in a barn because that's the only room we had for the entire crew."

“I almost forgot about that!" Charlotte laughed.

“Eva and Bianca were right at home."

“Yeah, that was before Bianca left."

“You didn't believe me, did you?" Claire looked at Augustin.

“What? He doesn't trust a half naked pirate?" Etna smiled.

“Hehe. Trusting me has gotten him trapped on our ship." The raccoon grinned.

“You must've been hornier than a newlywed to jump this man the way you did." The busty Doberman giggled.

“That's true." Augustin confirmed before Claire could speak, causing the other ladies to laugh.

“You turn white as a ghost when someone walks in on us, but now you're practically bragging about everything." Claire even giggled herself as she nudged his side with her foot.

“You two are like a couple." Charlotte found it funny. Augustin glanced at her and then Claire, who promptly rolled her eyes in amusement.

“He's put up with a lot from me. You deserve credit for that, Augustin." The raccoon winked at him.

“Thanks. I think I do."

“You'll get the pirate's curse if you break her heart." The older dingo teased.

“What's that?" He looked at the standing pirates.

“It's what happens to guys who break a pirate lady's heart." Charlotte explained. “It happened to Etna." She looked over at the dingo.

“I was dating a guy several years ago. We had both been divorced but took a liking to each other, so whenever the crew was visiting his area, I would spend time with him, and he even proposed to me. I came to find out that he had fallen in love with another woman. I was angry and heartbroken. Apparently, they were married not long after that. She ended up dying within a year, and then he took his own life."

“That's the pirate's curse." Charlotte concluded. “Etna isn't the only one it has happened to."

“Yeah. Didn't that happen to Kristine?"

“No, it happened to Fleur." Claire corrected her. “Remember the sailor from Valebard?"

“Oh yeah. You're right." She nodded.

“We beat the hell outta him for it." Agatha casually mentioned. Augustin felt the hair on his neck stand up in reaction.

“He deserved it for treating her like that…" Etna mumbled.

“Anyway, he's not breaking my salty old heart." The mature raccoon huffed in amusement. “He's too sweet to me."

“Aww." Charlotte smiled and held her hands together.

“Hmm?" Agatha looked over her shoulder as her ear flickered. Augustin then noticed a leopardess had been standing in the doorway. Her pretty spots were all the more visible since she only wore a pair of shorts leaving her shapely breasts in full view. A Doberman was also peeking into the room. She wore a seashell necklace and had small torpedo shaped breasts.

'Theodora.' Augustin guessed since she perfectly resembled the wanted poster Claire had shown him. Claire noticed the extra curious crew mates as well.

“The whole crew can come in here." The lounging raccoon spoke with annoyance. The Doberman slunk out of sight, but the leopardess lingered. Etna glanced back before looking at Agatha and Charlotte.

“We'll head out." Charlotte pointed over her shoulder. “Don't mean to linger too long."

“You three are fine." Claire spoke up.

“We'll catch you later if you want to come up on the deck." Charlotte and the others left the raccoon's room. The door shut, and Claire breathed an abrupt sigh as she thought to herself. It was difficult to miss the brief sound of gossiping voices outside, but those soon faded away.

“Happy that they're gone?" Augustin guessed.

“Don't get me wrong, I get along well with everyone here, but it's a little different while having you on board. There's plenty of reasons for why we don't have men onboard besides spying and all that." She waved a hand. “Women get jealous and nosy. It's just bad altogether."

“Right." He thought for a moment. “That's probably why the navy doesn't have women on board their ships either."

“Sounds like a similar situation." She agreed. Augustin glanced down at the next wanted poster before setting them all aside. He stood up only to sit back down as the rocking ship unbalanced him.

“Hehe." Claire giggled. “Watch your step."

“I don't have sea legs like you mentioned." The human steadied himself before walking over to the window to look out at the sea. The brilliant blue water extended to the horizon in an endless vastness without any landmarks. He felt uneasy after staring for a few moments.

“How far out do you think we are?" He asked.

“Miles." She guessed. Augustin heard Claire slip out of her bed and then paws leisurely scuff over the floor towards him. A hand rested on his shoulder.

“There's always something alluring about the wide open sea, isn't there?" She asked. “Well, it may not be as alluring as a half naked lady, but you get the idea."

“You're just surprised I'm enjoying this view, instead of you." He joked.

“A little." She grinned. Augustin felt her nudge him a little, and felt a breast purposefully touching his arm.

“I'm not looking at any of the other ladies like I do with you." He placed a hand on her belly and ruffled the soft grey fur.

“I know. I'm just teasing." She hummed appreciatively and stared out the window alongside him.

'Nothing new there.' He thought to himself with a little grin.

“The sea always called out to me." The raccoon mentioned. “There's always somewhere to go, and pursue a dangerous adventure. I've been to countless islands, ports, beaches, and coasts." She hummed. “Storms, castaways, smugglers, new recruits, townspeople, hiding from the navy, and the occasional fight… how do you like that for an exciting adventure?"

“No wonder you're a tough woman."

“You could say I was kinda tough before, but mostly just hardheaded." She smiled.

“Well, you might be-." Augustin retracted his hand as they heard a quiet thud at the door.

“If you're going to spy on me then do it quietly!" Claire yelled at whoever was trying to discreetly eavesdrop on them.

“We're going to deal with that a lot today." She turned and rubbed her head fur.

***

Augustin spent much of the day contained within the raccoon's small room, as the ship constantly rocked from the sea. Despite being cornered in a sense, he didn't want to garner any attention from the pirates on board. Constant thumping and the occasional muffled voice always reminded him that someone else was never far away. With Claire's presence, he was not bored; although, he was looking forward to sleeping when the sun finally began to set.

“Tired of being in here all day?" Claire guessed as he yawned.

“You can say that."

“Yeah? Me too."

“Are we going to sleep?"

“I'll need you to come with me first." She walked over and lit a match before lighting her lantern. The door opened and she beckoned him to follow. Not wanting to be told twice, the human was quick to his feet despite the ship's rocking.

“I'm coming." The light illuminated their way forward, but he followed close behind Claire. The darkness reminded him of his first night aboard the ship at the docks, and his subsequent escape. He felt a shudder as they passed by the sleeping quarters without being noticed. The raccoon took him to the stairway leading further down. He kept a hand on the wall to steady himself, and followed her down into the belly of the ship. The variety of smells was the same as before, hinting at the various illicit trades they performed.

“So what do you need down here?" Augustin asked as they meandered by storage crates and barrels.

“You're going to stay here during the night, captain's orders." Claire explained as they stopped before the metal bars.

“What? In there?" He looked at the holding cell.

“Don't think of this as a punishment. It's for your own safety since I can't sleep with you tonight. Who would've thought that sleeping with a pirate was the safest thing you could do right now?" She joked and looked over at him. Augustin frowned uneasily and tightly sealed his lips.

“It pains me just as much as it does you." She sighed and walked alongside him. “I'd love to be spending the early night having fun, but there'd probably be more than two or three ladies spying on us. I know you don't like a crowd." The human felt apprehensive as he stepped into the holding cell. The door closed behind him, causing chills to run up his arms and back. Surrounded by bars and a wooden wall, he felt more trapped than simply being onboard the pirate vessel.

“Where are you going?" He hid the nervousness in his voice.

“No one else is going to be guarding you, so there's no need to worry." Claire stripped down and hung her shorts up on a hook before sitting in the lone chair. Augustin looked around the bare floor as the wooden furniture audibly squeaked.

'Don't panic. Nothing has changed.' He had to remind himself. 'I'm already stuck on the ship.' Augustin calmed himself down. His gaze met Claire's again, and she was leaning back butt naked, hands behind her head. The pleasant grin across her “masked" face was a welcome sign.

“If you put up with me after all of this then you definitely have beaver fever." She remarked.

“What?" Her comment caught him off guard.

“Beaver fever."

“Are you diagnosing me?" He didn't understand. Claire giggled before explaining herself.

“It's when a guy has a strong attraction to a lady's womanhood." She placed a hand over her furry sex. “Even human women have a beaver." She winked.

“Oh! I know what you mean now." Augustin laughed. “I don't think I've heard of that before."

“I'd say men usually have beaver fever. You're definitely my beaver cleaver, and I think you know what I mean." She winked and giggled.

“Where do you come up with this stuff?" He shook his head, smiling all the same.

“I'm surprised you haven't heard either of those phrases before." She remarked. “I should've taught you more than just sex."

“I was a little busy with learning that from you." Augustin felt his cheeks warm at the thought. “If I have beaver fever, then what do you have?" He challenged.

“Hmm." She was quick to think. “I'm dick sick for your dock cock." Claire made them both laugh.

“You're crazy."

“I've been called worse." She grinned and crossed her legs.

“I can't believe it." He half grinned. The raccoon's humor helped the human feel more at ease despite being inside a locked cell.

“Need a story before bedtime?" She snickered.

“It's a modest one bedroom." He sat down and made her laugh. “But at least I have good company."

“Too funny. So what do you wanna hear?"

“What was it like when you first joined?" He asked.

“You mean when I first came aboard?"

“Everything. When they first met with you, and all that."

“Alrighty. That's a tall order. Let's see if I can piece everything together." She hummed aloud. “It was a long time ago. The crew was completely different back then. In fact, back then it was the entire original crew captained by Mickeyila. They had just recruited an Arctic vixen too."

“What were you doing at that time?"

“I was living close to home again, but in a coastal town. I had room and board with an older widow by helping her with chores like laundry, buying food, and the rest; but I had various odd jobs with basic labor to earn some money. You wouldn't have recognized me with my shirt on." Claire suddenly laughed. “I didn't even have any scars back then either!" She winked her right eye.

“Heh. I would've mistaken you for someone else then. Weren't you married?"

“I had already parted ways with my first and only husband by then, so I was by myself. That recovery was a process." She paused to think for a moment. “Anyway, I remember the older widow mentioning that pirates had docked one day while I was doing laundry. I thought it was a typical band of rough privateers, so I was wary about them." She explained.

“I took a break before going out to collect the laundry, but was surprised to see two pirate approaching the house. They were armed and I thought they were coming to cause trouble, because the widow I helped and lived with was an easy target. I quickly intervened and stopped them from reaching the front door. That's when I noticed they were both half naked women, not men!"

“I can imagine your surprise."

“They were a little surprised to see me standing in their way too." She grinned. “I was confused, but asked who they were and why they wanted to bother the old widow. They introduced themselves as the Topless Pirates, and I responded by saying I could clearly see that. But it turned out that they weren't there to bother the widow. They had the wrong house entirely!" She found it funny.

“They had the wrong place?"

“Yeah." She nodded. “They left. However, they came back later and talked to the widow. I didn't know but they were impressed that I stood up for the widow and wanted to learn more about me."

“The same two pirates?" He guessed.

“Yes. It was Isabel and Roxanne. It's funny how their personalities were opposite, and you could almost tell by their breasts alone. The lioness's breasts weren't full in shape and sagged somewhat. She was more serious and stern. The vixen had such perky torpedo shaped breasts, and was very happy by comparison." Claire tilted the chair back, letting her own breasts roll off center.

“So they were curious about you?"

“The widow told them enough, and I was surprised that they wanted to recruit me in the first place since I had no seaworthy experience. They insisted I'd be a good fit for the crew. The widow told me that she would be fine if I left, and encouraged me to make the decision that I wanted to make. She knew I had wanted to go to new places, but my bad first marriage had dampened all of that. I remember asking Isabel and Roxanne a few questions too."

“Was it an easy decision to make? You know, just getting up and leaving to join the crew?"

“For the most part, but I slept on it and then greeted them on their own ship early the following morning. The widow had wished me good luck." Claire fondly remembered. “So I joined and took my shirt off. I was a little flustered, because where I came from, women tended to go topless when they were nursing or getting old."

“You're not flustered at all now."

“Hehe. I wouldn't chance losing your wandering eyes." She teased. “You know, when I first joined, no one was sure how long the pirating would last. I didn't know it at the time, but Mickeyila was getting homesick, and didn't want to be sailing around her entire life. The coyote artist who helped design the flag wanted to leave as well. There were others too…" She paused to yawn.

“So what happened?"

“Alright, I think that's enough." She stretched her arms up. “It's been a long day, hasn't it?"

“Yeah, it has." Augustin quietly murmured to himself. Claire simply leaned back into the chair, and closed her eyes. Falling asleep on the sea came naturally to her; but it was difficult for the human to find while lying on the wooden floor, as the ship rocked. The human missed his bed, and missed the raccoon's bed even more. So much had happened in the past few days, especially since morning, that his mind was recounting it all.

'Laying eyes on her has brought me here.' He blinked and looked over at her. The lantern had dimmed but wasn't extinguished. The soft light continued to flicker and dance as the ship rocked above the sea. Claire's head had nodded off to the side while one foot rested atop the other. Her pudgy belly slowly rose and fell, and yet she was somehow still holding onto the keys while asleep.

'But it has been enjoyable.' The human couldn't deny how much he liked the lovemaking. Claire herself was a rowdy mature woman, and the complete opposite of boring. Despite the inherent dangers of being with a pirate, she genuinely seemed to care for him. He thought about Claire's stories from her first horrible marriage to becoming a pirate. It all happened by chance. She was just a simple divorced laborer living with a widow to make ends meet; and then the two pirates stumbled upon the home by accident. It was just like their first meeting a few days ago, completely by chance when their eyes met.

'She has no reason to lie to me.' Augustin completely trusted the pirate, for better and for worse.

'I bet she has countless tales that I would never believe happened anyway.' He thought. His romantics with Claire was likely just a footnote to everything the crew had seen. Sailing around, bartering, and the occasional battle was far from the life he was accustomed to.

“Ugh." The hardness of the floor was even more irritating as the ship rocked.

'I wonder if I can find something to prop my head up.' Augustin stood up and faced the metal bars. They were cold to the touch, but didn't rattle as he had expected.

'It's not even locked.' He was only half surprised as the door opened with a slight metal squeak. Augustin stretched a hand out to the bars only to pause.

'What am I doing?' He asked himself. Groping around in the darkness could get him in trouble. There obviously wasn't a path to escaping the ship while at sea; and navigating his way to her bedroom in the dark would be difficult at best. The chair suddenly creaked and groaned as Claire stood up. Augustin held his breath for a moment as the mature pirate scuffed over towards him. Face to face, it was impossible to see through her natural black mask of fur around her eyes with the dim lantern light flickering behind them.

“I uh-."

“Guess I never said goodnight." She murmured before kissing him. Augustin blinked in surprise as warmth tenderly touched his lips. A little jingle sound was heard once she broke off the intimate move.

“I'm locking it this time for good measure." She held up the ring of keys. The door closed and the metal clings sounded off. Augustin watched as she turned and scuffed back to her spot by the wall. The chair squeaked again as Claire sat back down once again.

“Goodnight." Augustin said and laid down before closing his eyes.

“Mmhm." The raccoon hummed in return. Oddly enough, the creaking and groaning of the ship faded away from the human's ears as he quickly fell asleep on the hull's floor.

Augustin woke up and immediately felt stiffness in his neck, shoulder, arm, and back. The human grumbled and eased off his side. His hands felt the wooden floor as he gently turned and twisted his neck. The steady rocking motion reminded the human that he was on a pirate ship.

'It is a wooden floor after all.' He rubbed his afflicted muscles. 'Maybe I should've tried sneaking up to Claire's bedroom last night.' He half joked to himself. A few joints popped as he stretched to relieve his muscles.

'It's morning.' He noticed his surroundings were still dim, but not pitch black like nighttime. Augustin look over but found an empty chair through the bars.

“Where'd she go?" Claire was nowhere to be found. The lantern hanging on the wall had long been extinguished, but her pants and cutlass were gone as well.

“Claire?" He called out but only the subtle creaking of wood answered him back. Augustin touched the barred door. It rattled quietly, still locked.

'Did she get something to eat?' He wondered. The sound of claws clicking against wood, squeaking floorboards, and voices caught his attention. The human stayed quiet as three ladies came into view around a stack of crates.

Gaia the naked cougar with plenty of scars across her feline figure walked alongside April the jackal with a large bust, wearing tattered shorts with a pistol. The pirate walking behind them concerned Augustin the most. It was Abby the grey wolf who had intimidated him the previous morning. She was starkly naked like the cougar, but wore a rope over her shoulder and to her hip. The imposing canine had a prominent scar on her shoulder leading to her back along with a smaller one on her forearm.

“He's awake." One of the trio mentioned as Abby stepped forward and grabbed the door. Augustin stepped back as it rattled, but held.

“Hmm. Locked." She mumbled.

“She actually locked him in?" The busty jackal blinked.

“Yeah."

'This cage really is here to protect me!' He was suddenly glad to have a barrier between himself and the imposing wolf.

“Doesn't matter." She stated and turned her attention back towards the lone male. Augustin stood still as she calmly rested her arms on the metal bards.

“We're just here to ask some questions." She politely stated. “To see if you have any information that we want to know."

“Any information?" He wasn't sure what she meant.

“You don't have to play coy around us." The wolf gestured with a hand. “I've heard that you handle correspondence and letters at your port. Can you tell us ladies any valuable information? Maybe you saw the navy sending letters of communication." She gave him plenty of hints of what she wanted to know.

“The law prevents me from mishandling or looking through written letters."

“Heh. The law." Abby found it amusing, and glanced at her two crew mates. The naked cougar and half naked jackal found it funny too.

“So you're telling us you don't know any vital shipping communications despite handling written letters?" Gaia questioned.

“That's correct."

“That's a little hard to believe, human." April mentioned.

“It's the truth." Augustin said.

“Would you give the same answer if Claire asked you?"

“Yes. You can ask her." He insisted.

“Are you a navy spy?" Abby suddenly asked.

“What? No!" He blurted out. The three exchanged glances before the cougar stepped closer to the metal bars.

“So you'd be telling us the same answers if we had a knife or two drawn on you?" Gaia casually mentioned. Augustin felt goosebumps rise on his skin as he looked at the scarred feline intently staring at him. Imagining the sensation of a cold blade against his skin made him forget that the ship was rocking.

“Yes." He managed to say without letting his teeth chatter. Abby turned to Gaia and whispered something that Augustin couldn't hear. The gray wolf glanced over at the human but did not speak. The three pirate lasses suddenly turned and departed without another word. Their claws quietly clicked over the wooden floor before ascending the steps, and fading away completely. Augustin blew a grateful exhale that they had left, and stared at the cell door.

'I'm glad Claire locked the cell door.' The human wiped his forehead. He wasn't sure what would've happened if it had been left open. Judging by the scars two of the women possessed, he wouldn't doubt either of them using physical force if they so desired. The minutes quietly passed by before Augustin heard someone else descending the stairs.

'I hope they aren't coming back.' He feared. Relief washed over him as he recognized the mature raccoon pirate appearing from around a corner.

“Ah, so you're finally awake now." She remarked. “You look startled." Claire noticed. “Did you have a nightmare about pirates?"

“Yeah, Abby and some others came by. They asked if I was a navy spy and had secret correspondence."

“I'll talk to them." The raccoon wasn't happy to hear that, and unlocked the door.

“Thanks." The human was all too happy to leave the cell. “Your fur is wet." Augustin noticed as he brushed by her.

“It was drizzling outside."

“I could use some fresh air."

“Sure." She didn't mind going back up. “The rain may have stopped anyway. Only part of the sky was overcast." Claire led him to the stairs.

“How early did you get up?" Augustin asked.

“On time." She looked over her bare shoulder and winked at him. “How did you sleep? You were out cold when I woke up."

“Okay, I guess. But I woke up stiff and sore all over." He felt over his shoulder.

“What kind of stiff are we talking about?" Claire eagerly tapped his leg.

“No, not that." He reassured the easily excitable raccoon.

“Darn. I was hoping we could make the morning a little fun." The raccoon playfully nudged him as they reached the top of the stairs.

“There's Claire and her man." Someone called out from down the hallway. A lioness was standing by an open entryway, and adjusting her earrings.

“Claire brought her fella up?" A badger poked her head from the adjacent room.

“Don't you have a list of men to impress, Asha?" The raccoon countered. An unseen lady laughed nearby.

“Hah. You've got the wrong gal, Claire." She discreetly pointed inside the room. Claire stopped by the entryway with Augustin where three other ladies were undressed in the small space.

“Who is this? An onlooker?" He could see the strongly built badger lady reaching for a pair of pants on a high shelf. A curvy leopardess was fastening a belt around her naked waist, not minding that her sex was completely visible. Fleur the fennec vixen was hunched forward, breasts hanging freely as she picked up a pair of garments on the floor.

“Why are you bringing him here, to help us get dressed?" The badger joked.

“We're going up onto the deck."

“I'm sure he's had more temptations with you alone."

“Is the hull not a good romantic honeymoon destination?" The lioness giggled.

“It's no island getaway down there. The hull gives me the creeps." The badger mentioned.

“No space on this vessel can guarantee any privacy." Claire added. “Besides, I can't say the hull is a romantic or tempting place." She told them.

“I see, I see." Asha hummed. “Looking for privacy on Adontino?"

“No more than you are." The raccoon stated.

“I'll come up with you two." The badger stepped forward as she fastened the belt to her pants.

“We'll be up shortly." The leopardess spoke. “Gotta find my knife first."

“Check by my belongings." Asha walked over.

“Let's go." Claire walked to the stairs.

“So you've been looking over wanted posters, eh?" The badger flexed an arm.

“Yeah." Augustin looked over at the strong female. “I don't recall seeing yours though.

“Ah. I'm Wilma, and I know you're Augustin." She introduced herself and patted his shoulder. The innocent pat felt more akin to a punch instead.

“It's nice to meet you."

“Likewise. Where did you find such a gentleman, Claire?"

“Surprisingly, on the docks." The raccoon said as they climbed the last steps. Augustin covered his face briefly. The sting of daylight made him squint and rub his eyes as a brisk salty breeze of ocean air filled his lungs.

“Ah, it did stop raining." Claire noted. “You alright?" She noticed Augustin covering half his face.

“Yeah. Just bright out."

“Cmon. Let's get you something to eat." She directed him over to the galley as Wilma parted ways with them. His vision fully cleared as they slipped inside the dining room of the ship. A pleasant smell instantly greeted his nose.

'These ladies have good cooks.' He noted. Two others were seated inside. Augustin recognized Holly the German shepherd and Carina the Shiba Inu talking to one another. A mature heavyset malamute lady was standing by a pair of simmering pots and stack of bowls. Her tail lazily wagged as she watched dutifully over both. Her breasts were an easy sign of her age, sagging straight down with a subtle flatness. As motherly as her appearance seemed, the canine was undoubtedly still a pirate. Her thick fur coat spilled over the hem of her shorts, but not enough to hide the cutlass by her hip.

“Back for seconds, Claire?" She turned and greeted them.

“No, for him." She pointed over her shoulder at Augustin.

“Is it a habit of yours to wake up late, human?" She looked at him with a little grin.

“That's half my fault." Claire admitted.

“Hah. I should've guessed." She chuckled.

“You're Crystal."

“We haven't met, but you already know my name." She winked. “I guess someone left my poster up at a dock."

“I showed him a bunch of wanted posters yesterday." Claire mentioned.

“There wasn't much else I could do."

“Staring at ladies, or staring at their portraits. Sounds like you're having quite the time aboard our ship." Crystal hummed.

“I won't forget any of it." He caused the malamute and raccoon to laugh.

“Alright, you're here to eat." She picked up and handed the human a bowl. “I made buttered bread, beans, and rice with tomato." He was given a portion of each.

“Thank you. It smells great."

“Eat all you want. I have a little leftover." She turned and wiped her hands.

“Since you're here Holly," Claire approached the German shepherd, “can you tell the others like Abby to stop messing with Augustin? He's no navy spy."

“Spy?" The canine looked over at the human. “I can glance at him and tell he isn't a spy."

“You need to tell Abby that. She's already approached him twice."

“That's just how she is."

“We're almost at Adontino anyway." The Shiba Inu spoke up.

“I know." Claire wiggled her nose.

“If she bothers him again or you then I'll settle it." Holly offered.

“Thanks." The raccoon felt a little relief as she turned back to Augustin who had already finished eating.

“You ate the whole bowl already?" She was surprised.

“Mmhm!" He answered with a final mouthful. “I was starving!"

“Hehe. No one has ever complained when I cook." Crystal smiled appreciatively.

“Thank you." He returned the bowl.

“My pleasure." The malamute smiled.

“Alright, I shouldn't be surprised that you eat like a man." The raccoon mentioned and led him back outside. The human could feel a few eyes watching them until they left the galley.

Despite the dreary morning weather just beginning to clear, most of the crew was already on deck. A few crew members were chatting along the ship's rails, expecting landfall soon. Agatha was seen bringing up a heavy bag from below deck, and Augusta the jaguar was lighting a cigar to smoke. On deck's center he saw Etna helping teach Nix the panther and Myra the grey fox to sword fight. The heavy clacking sounds of wooden practice weapons sounded off from sharp hits.

“Stop. If you had stepped like this then you would've ended up with a scar like mine." The dingo demonstrated and drew a line over the scar on the side of her torso. Myra and Nix looked at each other.

“Augustin, can you give us girls some real practice?" The dingo caught sight of the human, and beckoned him to come over and join them.

“Practice fighting?" He gave them a bewildered look.

“Afraid you'll get distracted?" Etna made no qualms about her bare chest.

“Well… I really don't know how to wield a sword and fight." He insisted. She looked at him with disappointment only to shrug it off.

“Suit yourself then." She returned to instructing Myra and Nix

“You work on the docks and don't know how to fight?" Claire asked.

“Not with a weapon. How good are you at using your sword?" He asked the raccoon.

“Better than you using yours, apparently." She started to giggle only to stop as he glared at her. “Sorry. Insulting your manhood is uncalled for." She cleared her throat. “I've had many years of experience wielding this blade." Claire grasped the handle at her hip. “Did you want me to teach you instead of Etna?"

“No, I may end up with a scar like you." He looked at the two by her eye and top of her chest.

“I still say you'd look nice with a scar or two." She half grinned as they meandered along the edge of the deck. A group of three pirates were seated around a tiny table that they had brought up from below deck. To the human's surprise, they were playing cards.

“Can you play card games, Augustin?" April the jackal spoke up.

“We rarely have new players while sailing." Amy the border collie added.

“I can't figure out why." The cattle dog sarcastically spoke while looking at her hand.

“Why would he play with a pack of cheating pirates?" Claire interrupted and looked at April.

“What? I don't cheat." The jackal insisted.

“Yeah right." Claire looked at her crew mate knowingly. The jackal blinked as the raccoon knelt down, quickly reached under her crew mate's breast, and pulled out a hidden card.

“Eh. Often." She sheepishly smiled only to glare at the raccoon as the cattle dog across from her grumpily folded her hand.

“Haha. You can't trust a card player with big breasts." The petite border collie remarked.

“Check mine all you want." Claire smiled and lifted both of hers. “See? Nothing but grey fur." She demonstrated before letting them drop

“You aren't playing right now." Amy stuck her tongue out.

“Land ho!" Someone suddenly called out from the crow's nest high above. Augustin looked towards the horizon and could barely see the distant coastline of an island ahead. Claire nudged the human's side.

“What?"

“Call any of us hoes, and we'll give you a scar to remember free of charge." She told him with a smile.

“I'll remember that." He watched as the crew on deck began to move about.

“Guess our card game ended right when it began." The three ladies stacked the cards and moved the table to the wall.

“Careful! These are the only cards I have!" The large breasted jackal fretted and picked up the dropped cards.

“So where are you taking him on the island?" The cattle dog inquired.

“Adelaide's little inn, but we're going to the town center like everyone else first."

“Ah, gotcha."

“What's that?" Augustine noticed a rocky cove beside the island.

“What?" Claire turned.

“There's something floating out there."

“We're grabbing some things after we visit this afternoon."

“Things?"

“Yeah. Pirate things." She grinned.

'Probably contraband.' Augustin could see barrels floating along the calm sea. They passed by and approached the seaside town itself. The only docked ships were small fishing vessels, making the pirate ship appear more imposing than usual.

“Wait for me. I'll be right back." Claire suddenly told him before descending below deck.

“Ok." Augustin stood by as others lowered the walkway bridge to the dock. The anchor was dropped and the first group of pirates exited the ship.

“So where are you going on the island first?" Augustin overheard a lynx talking to Myra as they walked across the deck.

“Where everyone else is going." The lynx itched her muzzle. “There's more than enough salt in my fur to make it coarse."

“Yeah, I know what you mean." She held her tail. He saw Augusta the jaguar leave along with Gaia the cougar and the cattle dog.

'Everyone seems pretty eager to be here.' He noted and wondered if anyone other than Claire would notice if he just disembarked by himself.

“Alright! Are you ready?" Claire emerged carrying a small bag with a brush sticking out of the top.

“Yeah. I'm waiting on you."

“Good. Let's go. I get seasick when we're sailing on calm waters." She led him along.

“A pirate getting seasick?" He found it hard to believe.

“Heh. It's one of my natural talents."

“Is no one on board a doctor?"

“No. Women are almost never allowed to become physicians. We're too busy raising them from infancy." She winked.

“Then where do you go when someone gets really sick?"

“We have some medicine on board and enough for minor injuries, but if someone is really under the weather then we know a good doctor on the mainland."

“You know a good doctor?" He looked at her in confusion. “The entire pirate group has a doctor?"

“He had a tough time trusting us, at first." She noted. “It took a good amount of haggling on our part, but he finally agreed. You wouldn't believe what we had to pay him to check over the entire crew. I think we had to raid a caravel to recover the cost."

“I bet all of you feel better having a doctor to go to."

“Yeah, much better than the ones who'd want us dead." She joked. “But he should feel lucky being able to put his hands on all of us." The raccoon winked.

“Uh huh." Augustin made her giggle. They descended the ramp and Augustin felt some relief as he finally stepped off the pirate ship, and walked onto the dock. Aside from the ladies and gentle water, it was fairly quiet. There were barely three or four fishermen in the area, late to sail out for the morning. The locals watched cautiously as the numerous topless pirates walked up the docks and into the small town.

“Where exactly are we going?" He asked.

“A little ways up ahead." Claire pointed. “The island has a nice spot to bathe."

“You stopped here to bathe?"

“We don't always get to bathe when we visit an area, especially if there's a serious naval presence, so we take advantage of this. Most small island towns like Adontino don't even have baths."

“You don't use sea water?"

“The salt will mat up your fur harder than tack, if you had any." She ruffled his hair. “And we're not crazy enough to use drinking water like that."

“Glad to know you're not that crazy." He joked.

“Heh. You have to be a little crazy to be a pirate." Claire found it funny as they entered the town proper. Going up a small incline, they passed a small row of buildings and into the little town's center. There was a modest courtyard with several small piped fixtures spaced around the vicinity. The odd fixtures were in the shapes of various fish heads and had long pull handles attached. Small stools were scattered around to use along with the occasional bucket. He watched as a naked hyena pulled one of the handles causing water to pour out of the carved fixture's mouth.

'So that's how those work.' He saw the pirate stand underneath, rinsing herself off. Plenty of pirates were already there, and more were arriving. The only others present was a local young mother and her toddler child.

“Aww! He's so cute!" Several pirate ladies fawned over the little one. The vixen mother was a little nervous, but appreciated the compliments.

'Even these ladies can be a little motherly.' The human found it a little funny, but reassuring.

“This place is wide open to the public." Augustin looked around at the lack of barriers or privacy walls. Anyone in the town could look and see them.

“Yeah, it's always been that way." Claire mentioned. “The island is known for pearl diving, collecting abalone, and spear fishing. Fishermen and divers have to wash off after being out at sea for hours, or their fur will mat up horribly."

“I'm sure plenty of islands rely on fishing, but I've never seen anything like this."

“Well, I'm hoping you bathe regularly." The raccoon lightly elbowed his side. “Here. Hold my pants." Claire had already disrobed and handed them over to Augustin. “I won't take too long."

“Heh. You're ordering him around like he's your husband." Charlotte the Doberman approached the raccoon, already naked herself.

“Well he isn't going to just stand there and watch us-eh. I guess he will." The raccoon smiled.

“Hehe. You're lucky to get away with this."

“He is." Claire gave him a subtle wink. “Hey. Wasn't this going to be a naval base at some point?" She asked her friend.

“I dunno."

“I heard that it was originally supposed to be a sugarcane plantation, but the soil quickly depleted after a few initial harvests." Agatha the scarred Altai canine answered and stepped up beside her.

“Ah, I didn't know that." The two sat down on low stools under the aquatic shaped fixtures.

“Clams and other shellfish are plentiful here." A gray vixen disrobing nearby remarked.

“Yeah, but we're bringing in the bearded clams today." Claire winked causing a few to laugh, including Augustin.

“Don't you feel lucky being here, Augustin?" The Doberman giggled as she sat down beside Claire and Agatha.

“Eh." He looked away and didn't answer, but heard her giggle in response. With the pull of a handle, water steadily poured out of the fixtures above right onto the ladies’ heads and bodies. The sounds of pouring water, splashes, scuffing, and chatter filled the once quiet air. The human looked around and the majority of the pirate crew appeared to be in the courtyard. At least two dozen or so ladies were in the modest crowded space, stripping down completely naked. None of them were bashful in the slightest as they removed their vests, pants, and belts; if they were wearing any to begin with. Some sat close together, bumping elbows; or standing alongside another without any issue. Others even helped bathe another's back.

“Ah, I can finally rinse my fur!" Amy the border collie sighed happily.

“Yeah. I can get that salt out." Another commented beside her.

“You gonna wash out all those spots, Augusta?" Eva the cattle dog joked at the deputy.

“Pff." The jaguar rolled her eyes while washing her chest. “I just wish I could smoke while showering."

“You know that those cigars are making your breasts flatter." Crystal the heavyset malamute spoke up. “Your breasts will look like mine in a few years."

“They'll be fine, flat or full."

“You should pick up a different hobby than smoking."

“Like what? Pirating?" The feline smartly remarked.

“Heh." The pirate ladies talked heartily while washing and grooming their wet fur. Wilma the badger and Lily the wolverine arrived last, each carrying a heavy sack over their shoulders.

“Towels to dry off." They called out before setting them aside and stripping down themselves.

“Thanks!"

“Keep an eye on our belongings, human." Lily requested.

“Sure thing." He quickly answered. 'Who in their right mind would steal from them?' Augustin glanced around and noticed that a handful of onlookers were watching from safe distances. It was mostly men, but a few women were gawking as well.

“Those pirates are back again." Augustin overheard one man say before departing.

“I wonder if Jericho owes them any money."

“I think they're open to trading if you have money, or something they want." Two others talked quietly. Despite the locals presence, none of the bathing ladies seemed to care.

'I guess bathing in public isn't much different than being half naked in public.' The human reasoned in his thoughts. Whether they cared or not; hands washing over their bodies, breasts moved, and some even appeared to flop in plain view. Claire herself was acting no different than the rest of her crew mates. The mature raccoon laughed and talked with Charlotte while Agatha rubbed her back.

'If she calls me over to wash her back then I'm getting wet.' He knew it would happen and the last thing he wanted was to strip down in front of the entire crew.

“Scared I'll call you over here?" The raccoon spoke up only to smile, as if she had been reading his thoughts. The human's eyes lit up immediately.

“He'd die of embarrassment, Claire!" Charlotte glanced over at him.

“I'm just messing with him." She winked and generously ran her hands up and down her bare front, taking several seconds to smoothly trace over her breasts as water dripped off her. Augustin gulped and darted his eyes away.

“You're teasing him." Agatha noticed.

“Just as much as you are."

“Hmph." Augustin heard the canine answer back, but he kept his back turned to avoid becoming too distracted. Being the lone male within the courtyard, he caught the attention of a few locals. However, none of them intervened with the pirate.

'They may think I am paying to travel with them or something.' Augustine wondered what they really thought.

“Yoo-hoo." A familiar voice spoke up as a wet claw tapped his shoulder. Augustin turned around and the mature raccoon looked completely different standing before him. Her fur was much darker in appearance and clung to her figure snugly, outlining her mature figure very well. She gave him a knowing grin while water dripped all around her.

“I appreciate the staring, but I wanted you to hand me a towel." She bent over and grabbed one herself.

“Oh. Uh. Sorry." He felt a flash of embarrassment as he noticed a few ladies discreetly watching them. Claire stood up and wrapped the towel over her shoulders.

“Cmon." She beckoned the human with a whisper in his ear. “Let's go somewhere a little more private."

“Okay, but aren't you going to dry off and get dressed?"

“Heh. No." She gave a quick chuckle. “Cmon, or I'll leave you here." The wet raccoon purposefully brushed past him, leaving his side and shoulder damp.

“Alright. Alright." He noticed a few others glancing over towards them as they left the courtyard baths together. Claire didn't care that she was completely naked and dripping wet. The raccoon pirate walked casually down the street with Augustin by her side, carrying her clothes. The few locals they came across would pause and stare only to resume whatever they had been doing. Two fishermen, a man and an otter, stopped and stared at the unusual sight.

“Excuse you." She walked past the two fishermen.

“Where exactly are we going?" Augustin asked.

“Right through there." She pointed ahead at the nearby foliage and palm trees past the last homes. He looked at her in confusion but trusted the raccoon.

'What's back here?' He wondered.

“Just stay with me so you don't get lost." Claire paused and checked around before entering a narrow pathway into the foliage. The soft hums and trills of insects along with the occasional chattering of birds quickly replaced the sounds of the town behind them.

“I have a lot of little nice memories on this island." She mentioned as they walked along the little path through the dense thickets.

“Does the crew stop by this island a lot?"

“Yeah, we'll stop by a few times a year. The baths are nice, so I always appreciate feeling refreshed."

“Even if there's plenty of people watching you?"

“I don't care if they watch. I'm just bathing." She shrugged. “We walk around half naked all the time, and some are completely naked." They brushed past a few more short palms and emerged onto a tiny little sandy corner beach facing the open ocean, completely out of sight from town. Three logs were nestled in the sand close to the foliage to sit on. It was as if they had disappeared onto a remote island somewhere in the tropics.

'It's hard to imagine an entire town is behind us.' Augustin glanced over at the dense palm trees and underbrush that concealed the town and docks. A little crab scurried out of their steps squishing into the cool shaded sand.

“This is a nice spot." He remarked. “It reminds me of something I'd find as a kid, a little hideaway to freely run around."

“It's a nice contrast to crowding into an inn or tavern, even if the owner is happy to treat us; however, this is like camping out on any desolate beach without being too far from civilization." Claire toweled off some before sitting down on one of the logs and faced the sea.

“What would all of you do here?" He knew it was too public to bury treasure at the location.

“Sometimes we'd fish here with long nets, cook what we caught in the evening, and camp for the night." Claire reminisced. “There's card games to play, some casual swimming, and lounging around."

“Sounds like something pirates would do."

“You can call this little spit of a beach, Pirate's Beach." She mused.

“And no one from the island bothers the crew while they're here?"

“No." She found the idea funny. “We hang up our flag by the trail entrance to let the locals know where we are staying. If anyone is stupid enough to try and spy on us, then we can always tie and gag 'em till we leave." She shrugged. Augustin wasn't surprised to hear that.

“I can demonstrate if you want me to." The raccoon feigned reaching over to her bag.

“Haha. No thanks." He was quick to step back.

“Suit yourself." She grinned and stretched her legs out. The two simply enjoyed the scenery together for a long moment. Augustin watched the little waves softly crash onto the sandy shore before them. The sea breeze was pleasant and cool, only gently ruffling his hair and clothes. There were no docks, loud shouts, or pesky seagulls lingering around for an easy snack.

“This is nice." He pleasantly sighed.

“Mmhm." Claire hummed in agreement. “Now you see why we like this spot so much?"

“Yeah."

“But we can't sit here forever. I'd like to do something."

“Like what?"

“Well, I couldn't teach you about bathing with so many around us, but you can help groom my coat now that it's mostly dry." She opened up the bag and handed over the brush inside.

“You've got something else in mind , don't you?" Augustin looked at her, brush in hand.

“Maybe." She temptingly answered. “But you can trust this pirate."

“It's dangerous to trust a pirate." He found it funny.

“High risk, high reward." She offered and patted the spot beside her. Augustin was all too happy to join her.

“It can't be riskier than becoming stuck on a pirate ship."

“Oh I'm sure I could come up with a few scenarios if you wanted me to."

“I'd rather not know." He held up the brush.

“Back first, please." She turned for him.

“A pirate saying please." He hummed aloud.

“Uh huh. Don't get used to it." She glanced over her shoulder at him with a grin. Augustin began brushing her fur, smoothing it out into a uniform smoothness.

“I wish you could've bathed me, but this is close enough."

“I was terrified thinking that you'd call me over."

“Heh. I really wanted to!" She giggled. “But it would've made a scene, and everyone's eyes would be on us-eh mostly you."

“That's why I was nervous."

“Well, you did get to see most of the crew bathing."

“Seeing you bath was very nice."

“I did want you to watch." She admitted.

“I noticed." He thought about Claire washing over her front. “You're very soft now." Augustin ran a hand down the raccoon's dark grey back.

“I appreciate it." She relaxed as he worked on her shoulders and arms next. For a few moments there was an understood silence between the two. Only the small waves lapping onto the sand, buzzing insects in the foliage, and distant birds made any noise. She raised her arms as he moved onto her sides next.

“Smooth like silk." He ran a hand down from under her arm to her hips, letting his fingertips glide through her fur. And once he finished with the raccoon's ringed tail, Claire turned around without a word. Sitting before the human in her naked glory, Claire's grey fur was kinked in several spots from drying with the towel. Even though he had seen her naked a few times, being able to enjoy the view at a beach in privacy made it a little more special.

“Did you forget that my front needs to be brushed too?" She looked at him with a toothy grin.

“Not at all." He didn't hesitate to start brushing the top of her chest.

“Good. I'm hoping you'll pay them plenty of attention." She puffed her chest out for him. Augustin was all too fixated on her breasts. He gently handled each, taking great care to hold one by the cusp while grooming through the light grey fur. Her feminine softness yielded to his touch.

“I can't brush you there, so I'll have to use my fingers." He traced her dark nipple, enjoying the smooth skin sensation.

“They can get very sensitive." She agreed. “Best be careful how you touch them." Claire winked as Augustin tenderly rubbed her until firm.

“Just like this?" He rubbed one between his thumb and finger.

“Oh, I'd say you're doing just fine." She grinned while watching. “It feels… good." Claire hummed. Encouraged, the human gave her breasts lavish attention from top to bottom. The brush groomed over her chest more than once as he fondled her. Claire cooed on occasion as her nipples became stiff and hard. He eventually moved on and started brushing her torso next.

“Hey. Don't forget to hold them up and get underneath." She stopped him, but didn't move an inch.

“Are your idle hands too busy?" He smartly pointed out.

“They should be." She murmured. “But I want you touching them."

“If you insist." Augustin returned to the raccoon's lovely bust for another round until she was satisfied.

“What about the rest, or are you done?" He expected her to throw a leg onto his lap.

“I'll help you with that." She insisted and stood up to his surprise.

“Oh." The human blinked as she stood mere inches in front of him, and planted a foot on the log beside him. Augustin has a very close and intimate view of the raccoon's thick downy furred womanhood. The line of her sex was hidden underneath, but he knew she wanted him to see everything up close. Glancing up, he had an equally beautiful view of her breasts and face smiling back down at him.

“You better be careful down there." She grinned and kept her legs parted for him. “But not too careful." The raccoon added in a sultry tone. The human's pants suddenly felt uncomfortably tight.

“I doubt Abby was this polite to you, or did you want her to sit on your face?" Claire rotated her hips at him. The wide fearful look that overcame the human's face made her laugh.

“You two are nothing alike." He was quick to mention. “I'm sure she actually wants to hurt me."

“You could be right, but I'm not shy about sharing my treasure with you either." She teased. “But you'll have to find it first."

“Gladly." Augustin went to work, but to her dismay, brushed over her hips, legs, and thighs first.

“You're such a gentleman." She sighed but patiently waited.

“Can't rush a good thing." He glanced up at her. The raccoon's messy fur was quickly transformed into a sleek uniformity like her upper body, and he saved her unkempt groin for last.

The fact that she wanted him to explore her most intimate areas was more than arousing for the human. He parted the light grey downy fur and was graced with the lovely sight of her womanhood. Augustin didn't realize that he had dropped the brush entirely, and traced a lone finger over the line of her sex. The heat was inviting and made his nerves light up. Up and down yet all over, providing a simple teasing touch, only prodding very lightly. He glanced up and saw her grinning face watching from above her heavy breasts. The raccoon remained fairly quiet until he gently rubbed a circle just over the top of her labia.

“Ohh." Claire wiggled her hips causing her breasts to shake a little. He felt his heart beat faster in response.

“I think you found it." She giddily spoke.

“Here?"

“Mmm. Yes."

“Don't stop?"

“Don't. Right there. Keep rubbing." She encouraged him. Augustin all too happily obliged. He rubbed his thumb over the top of her womanhood while gently teasing the folds a little lower. Claire started to moan and shift her hips in moments, but he was entirely fixated on her sex. Augustin didn't want to stop until the hand on his shoulder suddenly grabbed a fistful of his shirt.

“Alright. You better lose your clothes, or I'm tearing them right off you." She playfully spoke with a tone of neediness lying underneath. Passion flaring into his soul, the human was all too happy to oblige the mature raccoon. Although, even with swift hands, Augustin wasn't fast enough for her liking. The human found himself contending with the mature raccoon unbuttoning his pants before he could finish pulling his shirt over his head!

“Oh, you are excited to see me!" She grinned at the sight of his growing manhood.

“You have a way of riling me up." He readily admitted and tossed his shirt.

“I've noticed." She gently took ahold of his throbbing manhood. The warmth and smoothness of her padded hand made him twitch stiffly in her grasp.

“Nice and hard. Oh, and warm too." She murmured approvingly only to let go.

“Yeah…" Augustin hesitated and looked over at the trail and foliage. Everything was still, but he clearly remembered being interrupted in his own bedroom.

“Cmon. We're the only ones here." She beckoned him and laid out the towel.

“You said everyone can come by here."

“They will if you keep stalling and making me wait."

“I know…" He said but hesitated still.

“I might be horny, but I am not going to beg." The raccoon gave him a toothy smile. “Hmm. Since I know you want to face me…" she murmured and laid down on the towel. Augustin felt his length twitch achingly hard, full of desire at the sight. Claire's arms raised up behind her head allowing her lovely breasts to naturally rest off center from her chest. The tip of her ringed tail tapped the ground in anticipation. Her fur was fully groomed. She looked so soft and invitingly warm.

“I'll dare to say that you look beautiful." He admired the smiling pirate laid out before him.

“Then make love to me." She beckoned him by parting her legs. Augustin found himself kneeling before the lovely beauty, his length pointing directly as her womanhood.

“Yess…" her cooing voice urged him closer. She was wet, and he pushed forward to the hilt.

“That feels good." She murmured as their hips bumped together.

“Mmhm. You feel wonderful." He whispered.

“Heh. I'd hope so." She shifted her hips.

“Nngh." The human grunted from the movement before planting his hands at her sides and getting to work. He pulled back a little and pushed forward, just enough to bump into her causing a little jiggle.

“This good?" He kept the slow pace.

“There. Mmm. You've got it." She hummed only to sigh sincerely.

“Just making sure you're happy." He breathily spoke.

“Oh, this makes me very happy." The raccoon hummed with a wide grin.

“You make me happy."

“Ohh? Heh. Even when I wash myself in the public bath in front of you?"

“I wish I could've bathed every inch of you." He huffed and felt himself twitch inside her. “And rubbed those beautiful breasts until you moaned."

“Ahh, Augustin." The raccoon's ears fell back in pleasure. He simply grunted back in response from the lovemaking.

“Ohh! That-nnggh." She grunted and groaned as words escaped her. Neither one needed to talk anymore as more passionate moves took over. Her necklace and breasts jiggled and bounced in a hypnotic rhythm with every bump of their hips. The soft wet slaps echoed between them. The growing pleasure down below was self evident. Her moans sounded like a lone chorus from the seas, and his muscles strained to keep up the pace.

“Ooohoh-!" She barely contained a loud moan. “Gah-ah!" Her head twisted. She gabbed his back and arched her back as a crescendo came. Augustin couldn't hold back and a red hot release suddenly burst. The pulsations faded and cries ended as their bodies slowed only to stop. In the fading orgasmic finish, the world fell silent around him.

Lying on top of her, all he could hear was the raccoon pirate's heavy panting. For a moment, all he could do was catch his breath. His face turned and brushed up against her muzzle. The fine little whiskers teased his cheek in response. Without hesitation he fully kissed Claire. Her damp nose touched his nose as their lips pressed together messily at first.

“Mmm." They hummed as their kiss deepened. Mouths parted as they exchanged breaths and tasted one another.

“Mmm. Mm. Hmm." Leathery palmed hands rubbed up and down the human's back. That encouraging touch and feeling her naked furry front touching his bare skin heightened the sensations he was experiencing. The accidental grazes of her teeth and claws were done so tenderly like her embrace and kiss. Their lips eventually parted as he looked deeply at the raccoon pirate. Nearly nose to nose, she was all he could see. The look in her masked eyes was not lustful, but complete contentment.

“You kiss… well." She licked her lip.

“Your teeth aren't too sharp."

“Heh. You want me to bite you?"

“No." He found it funny.

“Hah. I didn't think so." Augustin sat up and relaxed, but she grinned all the same. A lovely feeling emerged from within his chest that he hadn't felt before with her. Kissing Claire felt different than simply making love to her. It was nice and warm, just like her fur.

He sat up for a moment and enjoyed the afterglow. He had given the mature beauty all of the loving that she had desired, and it felt wonderful. They were finally alone after being crammed on a ship for more than a day. The soft crashing of waves behind them, chattering birds, and blurting insects made for a natural backdrop. The raccoon herself was laid back, arms above her head. Her mature breasts were naturally splayed out, and her torso rose and fell as she breathed. Their hips were still intimately pressed together, her fur giving him a kind of warmth that only a lover could provide. Augustin started tracing his hands down her front to her thighs, feeling the softness of her fur.

“Can't get enough?" She cleared her throat.

“Never."

“I like to hear that." She gave a little chuckle and watched his hands trace over her body.

“You do look beautiful." He admired the raccoon laid out before him.

“Really?" She half grinned, looking back up at him. “I could've sworn you were lying just so we could end up like this." Claire playfully retorted.

“I didn't even have to lie." He smiled.

“Well, you are hurting my leg, leaning forward like that." She mentioned.

“Huh?"

“Ow. Really. You're hurting my leg." She roughly had to pull up her leg.

“Sorry." He started to pull back only for the pirate's leg to hook around his rear.

“I didn't say you could pull out yet." She half joked.

“There's nothing left to pull out. I'm shriveled up." He nearly laughed.

“I can go for another round. Can't you?"

“I just came inside you!"

“Damn right you did." She slyly answered and pulled her foot closer into his lower back.

“I'll never walk again if you keep digging your heel into my back."

“You rubbed my feet before."

“With my hands, not my ass."

“Are you trying to say that I'm fat?" She winked. He couldn't help but laugh.

“You're a funny woman."

“I don't get compliments like that often." She smiled and moved her leg.

“You've earned them." Augustin stood up and stretched.

“I think I need some help up." She grinned at the fact and lifted her arms.

“I gotcha." Augustin pulled her up., but was surprised that she threw an arm around him. Her warm furry body pressed up against his side.

“You know how to make a mature lady sing." She breathily spoke. “It was that good."

“I enjoyed it too." He grinned.

“I know you did. You fire like a cannon and came right inside me." She kissed his cheek. Augustin found himself smiling brightly even as she openly talked about their lovemaking.

“Oh. It's probably noon already." She realized how high the sun had climbed. “I need to take you to someone."

“For me to stay at?"

“Yeah. She's got a place, but I can't just dump you off there without warning."Claire huffed as she lazily retrieved her undergarment and pants.

“Don't need me to help?" He offered.

“No. I told you before, I only want you to help me disrobe." She winked and bent over in front of him. Augustin stepped over and gave her naked rear a firm pat before she could pull her pants up.

“Hehe. Thank you." She looked over her shoulder and gave him a toothy smile. He finished dressing himself while she gathered up her bag.

“Ready?"

“Yep." They started walking across the sand when movement caught their attention.

“Huh?" He blinked as a few ladies emerged from the thicket right before they entered the little trail. Charlotte the busty Doberman, April the jackal, Althea the leopardess, and Nikita the husky were all grinning as they looked at the human raccoon pair. At least two of the ladies patted him on the back as they brushed by.

“Guess you two made good use of your time alone."

“Your legs and back are pretty strong, Augustin." The leopardess remarked.

“I never imagined you were a loving romantic raccoon, Claire!" They were quick to say. Augustin missed what Charlotte whispered, but the grin across the raccoon's masked face appreciated the comment.

“Were they watching us?" Augustin whispered as soon as they left the beach.

“Feels like it." Claire mumbled.

“Yikes." The human felt embarrassed. 'I knew someone would be watching us!' He thought to himself.

“You should feel proud." She lightly elbowed him.

“P-proud?" He looked over at her in confusion.

“Making love to a pirate lady on the beach like that… Mmm. You shouldn't mind a little audience."

“You are the pirate who wanted some privacy aboard the ship." He was surprised to hear the raccoon talk like that.

“No one bothered us out here." She told him as they emerged from the trail along the edge of town. “Besides, I'll be walking funny tomorrow thanks to you, and everyone will notice." Claire lightly elbowed his side. Augustin couldn't help but feel some embarrassment over her open comments.

'I'm sure Sebastian would agree my shyness keeps me single, but it's impossible to stay private with a pirate.' He thought to himself. The pair walked within sight of the baths once again, but took a wide turn up another street. Augustin could see a few pirates were still there, but many had left. Some locals were talking to them, apparently unfazed at the open nudity.

“Mary lives here somewhere." Claire mentioned.

“Mary?" He wasn't sure if that was a name he had seen or not in the stack of wanted posters.

“She's a former Topless Pirate, and so is Adelaide. I don't know if you saw either of them or not. Both live here."

“Are you taking me to where they are?" Augustin looked at the houses, unable to imagine a former pirate living in the midst of a regular fishing town.

“I'm taking you to Adelaide. Unlike Mary, she's one of the original crew members, and joined before I did." They approached a well constructed two story building at the edge of town. It vaguely reminded the human of an inn where several people could stay overnight.

“She better be home, and not at the baths." Claire mumbled and knocked.

“Oh, to visit the others?"

“Yeah, but I don't want to be playing hide and seek when we're going to leave soon." A few moments passed before a petite Arctic vixen answered the door, and unlike Claire, she was wearing a linen shirt with simple shorts. Her white fur was a stark contrast to everything around her, and her bright blue eyes seemed to shine.

“Claire, is that you?!" Her face immediately lit up before hugging the raccoon pirate.

“The only raccoon you know." She grinned.

“Haha. It's nice to see you. Where's the rest of the crew?"

“Leaving the bath." She nodded over her shoulder.

“I thought all of you were visiting in a week. You're here early."

“We had a little detour to make." She nodded at the human standing beside her.

“Is this your chauffeur?" The vixen teased.

“Yeah right." Claire laughed. “I'm not that wealthy even after raiding a few ships."

“I'm sure you could afford one." She found it funny.

“He's Augustin, a dock worker, and heh… it kinda went from there." The raccoon chuckled and rubbed her head.

“It's nice to meet you Adelaide."

“Likewise. You don't look like a pirate or a smuggler." She looked him over skeptically.

“I'm not, so that's good." He found it funny.

“He's a thief in my eyes." Claire smiled and placed a hand on his shoulder. Augustin blinked in surprise.

“A thief?" She giggled.

“Yeah, I think he's trying to steal my heart."

“Hah. Aww. He's no thief then." She grinned.

“You're the one who shook your chest at me first." Augustin mentioned causing the vixen to laugh.

“Hah! So that's how you two met?"

“Pretty much." Claire said as they looked at each other.

“Get in here. Let's talk." The vixen urged them inside. They stepped inside a modest wide room that led to a back room, a stairwell, and a small side room. At first glance it looked like an innocent boarding house, but there were signs of the Arctic vixen's prior adventures when she was younger. An old broker cutlas was handing above a doorway; foreign bottles of wine were placed on a shelf; and a large map was framed on a wall. He glimpsed what appeared to be a copy of the Topless Pirates bare breasted flag hanging in another room.

“How's the past few months been?" Adelaide asked. “I haven't heard much noteworthy news since the crew took the merchantman 'Deluxe' and took almost everything on board."

“Ah yeah!" Claire's face lit up. “They tried out sailing us at first, and then when we caught them the captain stalled us as long as he could. It was beyond stupid so we fired a cannon and blew a hole into the tip of their bow."

'She's talking as if this is normal.' Augustin couldn't help but think to himself.

“I bet our bounties will go up because of it." Claire concluded.

“The navy has been so bad about updating them nowadays you may have to wait a few months for someone to get those bureaucrats together."

“Some of the crew are serious about their bounties." She smiled.

“I know that very well." Adelaide nodded.

“But other than that, it's been the usual trading, sailing, and visiting Vel. Nothing too exciting that you haven't already experienced."

“Uh huh. So what's the story about you two?" She looked at the human. “You know I want all of the details." Her curiosity was shining through her eyes.

“Geez, I wish I had the whole day to tell you." Claire looked at Augustin only to smile.

“She caught my eye," he discreetly glanced at her bare breasts, “and somehow I caught hers by looking."

“He overslept on the ship one night." Claire added.

“Overslept on the ship?" Adelaide was surprised.

“We overslept together." Augustin rubbed his head.

“He fucked me real good." Claire said causing the human to look away in embarrassment.

“Oohh." She understood and slowly nodded.

“I never thought you'd give romance another chance, Claire." The vixen grinned at the mature raccoon.

“He puts up with me." She giggled and shrugged before lightly elbowing the human's side.

“I'm happy for you, and I see you' have a curious eye human." She noticed him glancing around.

“What exactly is this place?" Augustin asked.

“It's a boarding house for women who are down on their luck. Whether it is financial troubles, divorce, abuse, or out of wedlock pregnancy, I give a place to stay. There's a few rooms upstairs, a bath and kitchen downstairs. We try to cook together, but everything else is their decision."

“Do they pay rent?"

“No." She shook her head. “They pay what they can and help with upkeep, but no one has to worry about being evicted while staying here."

“Think of it as a safe house." Claire explained.

“I'm surprised that pirates like your group do a lot of good like this."

“Heh. You better mean that in a good way." The raccoon winked at him. “It's nice to do some good in the world, but we have a reputation to uphold as well."

“Leave it to Claire to uphold the crew's reputation." She giggled.

“We always help ladies in need when we can." She smiled and winked.

“Are you staying the night? I can get a room set up." The vixen turned to Claire.

“No. I really need to leave soon." She soberly spoke.

“Oh."

“We have to collect some smuggled goods on the water before we sail west."

“Yeah, I heard about that from early in the morning. I didn't know my friends would be picking it up." She smiled.

“I need to talk with you in the other room first." She turned to the Arctic vixen.

“Sure."

“Just wait here." She told Augustin.

“Alright." The human watched both ladies walked into the back room, but he soon overheard the two ladies talking.

“Can he stay here for a week or so?" The raccoon's voice was hushed, but clear.

“A week? Have you gone mad? He's a guy and this is a house for women in need of assistance. I don't need any trouble here."

'So she does want me to stay here.' Augustin wasn't completely surprised, but found it fitting that he would be under the watch of a former pirate.

“Please?" Claire requested. “He's innocent compared to us."

“How many innocent people associate themselves with pirates?"

“All of the people you help are women in need."

“I'm not a pirate anymore, and he's not a woman in need."

“I know, but-."

“I haven't seen you with a man in many years. Do you love him?" Adelaide asked. Augustin's interest was piqued, but he couldn't hear the raccoon's quiet response.

“Well… eh. If you're sure he won't cause any trouble." The Arctic vixen wasn't entirely convinced.

“You have my word." Claire immediately answered. “He can help you with chores and whatever else you need him to do around here."

“Yeah, yeah. That's fine and all." She huffed. Augustin blinked as he heard footsteps approaching. The raccoon reentered the room with heavy steps that scuffed over the wooden floor. Augustin immediately sensed that this would be the last time they'd see each other for a while.

“Sorry for putting you through all of this." She sighed with her ears fallen back.

“Don't apologize. You know I was more than willing to participate. It doesn't seem fitting for a pirate to apologize anyway." He half grinned.

“Heh. You're right." She gave him a toothy grin in return. “Here. Take this." She handed him a small pouch.

“What is it?" It jingled quietly as he lifted it.

“Money, you idiot." She lightly elbowed him.

“I know. But why?" He didn't understand. Claire rolled her eyes.

“It's not for the romance." She pointed out. “That was on equal terms."

“Obviously…"

“It's for anything you might need, and just enough to get you back home if you want to charter a boat to sail back before we return."

“Wow. Thanks." Augustin didn't know what to say as she looked at him expectantly. “But I'll wait for you." He decided.

“Heh. I was hoping you'd say that." She looked away grinning.

“We've been through a little too much just to leave like that."

“Hey. If you don't get married…" Her voice trailed off for a moment. “I know plenty of ladies would fall for you, and most of them wouldn't be outlaws." Claire winked with a little toothy grin. “But… if you don't get married, then would you consider being in a long distance relationship?" He was surprised to hear the raccoon as that. Moreover, it was the first time she had ever sounded nervous before him.

“I wasn't expecting that." He blinked with open eyes.

“Look, I'm not young anymore, as you can tell." She gestured to her bare chest. “But I don't fool around despite being a pirate. I know it's kinda sudden uh-."

“Of course I'd consider it." Augustin grinned. Claire's furry cheeks beamed into a full smile.

“I'm not one to cry." She winked despite feeling a little emotion bubbling up from within her bosom.

“Then don't." Augustin stepped forward and gave the pirate a firm hug.

“I can't believe you put up with me." She hummed and hugged him strongly.

“I manage." He quietly spoke and enjoyed the feeling of her warm furry body pressed against his own.

“I don't know if that makes you the luckiest or unluckiest man alive." She teased and winked as their embrace ended.

“Guess we'll find out." He optimistically spoke.

“Yeah who's telling?" She mused. “We're just here to ride the waves, and you're riding me." She added in a lower voice.

“Sheesh Claire." He felt his cheeks warm at the thought. The raccoon laughed heartily as his eyes darted to her breasts.

“Oh go on. Grope 'em for a good moment." She puffed her chest out, and lightly shook her upper body at the human. The mature curves swayed seductively.

“Just for you." He happily grabbed the furry cusps of both breasts. It only seemed fitting since it was what had first drawn them together. They squished so perfectly in his hands, and the softness of her fur was a delight to feel. Her dark nipples grazed his palms, and received their love in turn.

“Yeah like that." She sighed and nodded. “Older women like to feel appreciated." Her ears fell back as she rested her hands on her hips. As much as they both enjoyed it, their time was coming to a close.

“Alright." She sighed and regretfully ended the fun. “If you do that much longer then you'll work me up again, and I don't need to break your hips in someone else's home."

“I heard that." Adelaide's voice called out. “And not in this house."

“Heh. I guess not everyone wants to watch." Claire whispered.

“I'm glad."

“Pff." She rolled her eyes. They walked to the front door where the Arctic vixen waited.

“Thank you so much Adelaide." Claire hugged her friend.

“We'll talk more when you come back in a few days." The vixen promised.

“It's a deal." She agreed and then turned to Augustin.

“If you're not here when I return then I'll hunt you down!" She winked at him.

“I believe you." He didn't doubt her for a second. Claire flashed him a smile and marched outside but kept walking. He watched the buxom mature raccoon walk, and she waved a waved just before disappearing from sight.

“How did you two exactly end up together?" Adelaide looked at the human curiously.

“I have no earthly clue." He said after a moment and shook his head slowly.

“Haha." The Arctic vixen laughed. “I wouldn't have believed you if you answered any other way." She smiled. Even though she was gone, Augustin stared outside for a moment longer. He didn't really know what to make of the past few days, but they were worth it. A brief flaring romance had lingered into something a little more for them. She wasn't just a pirate seeking pleasure from him, like plundering a ship. He was eager to see it through.

“Claire told me you'd help around the house, so I have a few ideas in mind." She gave his shirt sleeve a little tug.

“Yes ma'am." Augustin obliged. And with that Augustin and Claire's little romantic adventure seemed to end, or had it really just begun?