The Pirate Hero & the Boy Priestess

by WarriorNun

Summary:

He didn't ask to be the Priestess to the temple...but what choice does he have?

While having a roof over your head and having bread on the table was a good thing, but constant surveillance from the church, almost gradual incarceration behind temple walls, and dubious nature of the church itself...not so much.

All he could ask for was someone to save him.

Just anyone.

 

Will a pirate do?

Notes:

Welcome to the year 2020!

And my first update of the year!

Just another new story. I've been busy away from the keyboard, mostly with the move out of town, watching over my little one, and other things. This is just for pure fun and it's one of the many ideas that's been inking at me! I've noticed that there is not much fantasy genres in the Hitorijime fandom, so this is the small idea that got me thinking with the RPG/Isekai inspired genres. So, just enjoy!

Chapter 1: The Boy who is a Priestess. Yes, you heard that correctly.

Masashiro let out a sigh, while making sure that it wasn't audible enough for anyone in the temple to hear.

Another day, another request to someone who wanted the blessed for one thing or another. It was mostly adventurer parties that came out of their way to see him but sometimes he would get a local or two. It was the harvest festival that he was never looking forward to. Especially when he had to hear something that is rather...provocative, even for something that was supposed to be "holy" for the priestess.

Yes, you heard me correctly.

Masashiro Setagawa is a temple PRIESTESS.

And yet he's biologically a man. He didn't know how but somehow the church (and by extension) the public doesn't seem to care. Just as long as there was someone who would give out the blessings from the gods, they wouldn’t need to worry about the “small details”. Perhaps it was because he was born under a bad sign, considering that his former home life was less than ideal due to the disappearance of his father and his mother's constant diligence to her....profession. (He would rather believe that she was working hard to keep the roof over their heads, not frizzling around and leave him to fend for himself at long periods of time). And he refused to believe that she took the money from the priests when they came to their door for him when he turned 14…

But it had been a long time since he had seen her. Some part of him does miss her. But then again, he doesn't know if he was able to go back...that is if he could ever get out of this.

Looking back, Masashiro wasn't sure how he got into this situation. Ordinarily he's able to find a way to get out such situations as this. But this time he wasn't able to come up with a logical excuse to not attend the harvest festival. Not to say that he doesn't want to help out the public.

It's just that...there has to be a better way to do so than THIS! Dressing up as a female priestess? It was hardly decent in his personal opinion. Even if it was for the good of helping others.

Sure, he gets to live in luxury and eat delicious food but that was the price for living in the temple. He had to deal with constant surveillance, even a simple walk outside would require him an escort.

Or five.

It was stifling...and less said about the so-called lessons the better. Hell, he couldn't remember doing something for himself at least once. Saying something about "sullying one's hands in filth" would lessen the purification or whatever.

(He was never that religious…)

So in short, he's simply in a gilded cage of some sort...prepping for the day to dance before the crowd for the harvest festival. Masashiro repressed a groan as he recalled seeing the "holy" attire.

"That thing was just gauze and silk!" He groaned. "It barely covered anything!”

Even prostitutes have more dignity than wearing that!

It was almost insulting to compare what prostitutes wear. They would surely not be caught dead wearing these scanty cloths. In fact, if he really thought about it, said women and men of the evening would probably voice pity towards him. So when he had the chance to sneak away and be alone, Masashiro took it without hesitation.

"Just two more hours, Masashiro...two hours and you can get into some real clothes." The boy priestess thought to himself as he stayed off to the side, furthest away from the party but not too far that people would think he left.

Just then the Masashiro felt a tap on his shoulder, of someone trying to get his attention.

"Priestess, why are you here by yourself?" A familiar voice spoke up. Masashiro practically jumped out of his skin for a moment before composing himself (just barely) as he turned to see one of the bodyguards that stared at him with concern within his bluish grey eye, since the other was covered by his dark hair.

"Yabase..." He finally spoke, sounding a bit relieved.

Among all bodyguards, he tolerated him the most. Mostly due to the fact that he's a freelance mercenary not associated with the church but also that he was closest in age with him. He had forgotten how many times the guards that the Church had assigned to him more than once undressed him with their eyes whenever they thought he wasn't looking.

(Not to mention that he had to wear a DAMNED chastity belt at all times but that was a necessary evil if he thought about it.)

"Priestess, are you okay?" Yabase asked with a concerned look. After a moment Masashiro finally found his voice to reply.

"Y-Yes. I'm alright. It's just...well, you know I never really cared for the harvest festivals. I'd rather just be cooped up in my room back at the temple." Mashashiro said, gesturing his head to everyone chatting and celebrating among each other.

"Ah, yes. I completely understand. I remember how I used to enjoy them as a child. But ever since I was a teenager...they just seemed to change. And not in the best way. So I started not caring for them too." Yabase said.

"And yes, as the priestess of the Church I am to attend them every year to give blessings to children, potted plants, the elderly and so on." The blonde said with a roll of his eyes.

A small smile grew on Yabase's lips as he gazed at him. "Not a huge fan?" He asked, getting the conversation going.

"I can do without the outfit choices that the church have..." Masashiro pouted as he looked down at himself.

The outfit in question was indeed made of silk and sheer in certain places that left nothing to the imagination. And the way it was design was enough to turn many heads, be it local or outsider. A halter top that had a sheer that exposed his chest and midriff in a teasing fashion along with -he couldn't believe that he was talked into it- a skirt that exposed his legs up till his thighs.

Like he said...prostitutes-even exotic dancers- have more dignity than to wear something like this!

"Makes you wonder if the priests here have less than holy thoughts when they designed this?" Masashiro asked in a lowered tone.

Yasabe looked like he wanted to say something, but kept his mouth shut. He knew for a damn fact that none of what the priests of the Church thought was holy. When no one thinks he's around Yasabe has heard these men who are supposed to the pinnacle of all things decent and righteous say things that even a vagabond would scrunch their face at in disgust if they heard them. And that doesn't even begin to scrape the surface of things they have DONE. But as much as he wanted to warn people of these men who use their positions of power to take advantage of others...he couldn't. Not because he didn't want to, but because of what the consequences would mean for his loved ones.

"I...don't claim to know what the priests think, Masashiro. But I will say this - given your stance in the church they should definitely be more considerate and give you the proper attire." The young guard said.

Masashiro looked up to Yasabe and gave him a genuine smile.

"Thanks, Yasabe." He spoke with gratitude. Honestly, he was feeling a little bit better now that he talked it out with him. If he were honest, Yasabe made things in the church a bit bearable. A bit, but it still counts.

Yasabe blushed a bit before turning away to clear his throat.

"So, um...how many people that asked for your blessing?" he asked, trying to act casual with the topic change.

"Other than the locale, too many." Masashiro let out a chuckle. "More than once I tend to see one or two people get back in line for another blessing. And those are mostly adventurers.”

It was rather common now that he thought about it. No matter what the quest, they seemed to be yearning for his blessing.

"But enough about me, how about you, Yasabe?" The Boy Priestess asked. "Any news on the "cold and cruel outside world"?"

That is how the Head Priest described it when Masashiro first arrived at the temple for his training. Though it was mostly just religious propaganda. Though it didn't stop him from being wary of the Head Priest…

Yasabe let out a hum as he thought about it. "I've been hearing about sightings of the infamous pirate known as the Bear Killer.”

That caught on to Masashiro’s attention.

“Bear…killer?” He asked, trying to make sure that he heard it correctly. “That couldn’t be his real name, would it?”

"No one knows his real name as it is. Only the Bear Killer, on account of his ferocious temper and the necklace of bear claws he's said to wear." Yasabe explained.

"Wow. He sounds pretty scary." The boy priestess said.

"I often hear that he takes rival pirates that dared to sail into his territory, place them in a pot and eats them." The mercenary spoke, making Masashiro do a double take. "And that's one of the tamer ones.”

"THAT'S TAME?!" Masashiro squeaked.

Forget scary, this Bear Killer sounded downright terrifying!

Yasabe let out a small laugh as he looked at him reassuringly. "Don't worry, as long as I'm around, even the dread pirate Bear Killer wouldn't be able to get to you.”

Masashiro nodded, returning the smile before taking a sip of his own drink. Now that he felt more better than before. Little did he know, however, the boy priestess was destined to meet the famous Bear Killer...

--

Of course, "Bear Killer" is only an alias for the pirate. His actually name is Kousuke - and by Neptune's trident if he's not deserving of his reputation. A fierce swashbuckler, an intrepid adventurer and even tactical in mind, Kousuke is quite the frightening man. Pirates know to respect him and few bounty hunters dare to pursue him. Which is good as he has no time for crap like that. Especially when there was a prosperous city to pick clean.

"Captain, how long do we 'ave ta wear these posh shirts? My neck's chaffin'!" Complained one of the crew mates as he pulled at the collar of the dress shirt he was wearing.

"It's only for tonight, Buck-Eye. If we're to pillage this village and all of the riches the upper-crust have then we have to look the part. There's no way that the law will let obvious pirates in town. Especially during their town's festival. Hence why we're acting under the guise of merchants." Kousuke explained.

Buck-Eye thought for a moment before nodded in understanding. "That's actually a good point there, Captain," he spoke. "No wonder, you're among the best!"

"That's because my brother IS the best!" A youth exclaimed, taking the First Mate by surprise. He was dressed similar to Kousuke and Buck-Eye, though the personality more or less threw off the appearance of a respected Merchant's son. "He's uber smart and strong enough to think this through!"

Kousuke smiled in pride as he patted the younger man's head.

"I'm glad that you think that way, Kensuke, my sweet little brother of mine..." Then he smirked. "Though I have a feeling that you wanted to go on this job so YOU get out of your math homework.”

Kensuke immediately freezes, rather comically as he let out a whine. Busted…

"What's the point of math, anyway? I'm a pirate too - I should be raiding this village with you." Kensuke said.

"Ah, but as you full well know my dear brother a pirate's best skill is tricking people. We have to be the smartest people in the room at all times. And you won't get smarter if you don't study." Kousuke stated.

"Ugh! Why do you always have to make sense?" Kensuke asked with a pout which made his older brother laugh and ruffle his head.

"Because I'm the captain, little brother. But tell you what - the crew and I still have some touching up with our appearances to do. And we need a bit of recon done so we know what to steer clear of and get any possible gossip. A random grown man would be suspicious...but a young child would fit right in." Kousuke said with a hinting tone.

"Wait...are you asking...me to do your recon!?" Kensuke asked with a look of hopeful shock.

"Only if you think you're up for it. And you have to promise to do your math homework." Kousuke stated.

"Throw in pork cutlet bowls for dinner tonight and I'm in!" Kensuke smiled brightly as he saluted. "Kensuke away!!"

With that, he practically skipped off of the ship and down to the docks, now filled with vigor for a new found mission tasked to him by his older brother.

"Remember! Stay on task and don't wander off!" Kousuke called out.

"I won't~" Kensuke called back as he headed to town.

Buck-Eye watched the youngest member of their crew disappear into the crowd before turning to his captain.

"Is this a good idea, Cap?" He asked, sounding concerned. "I know that he could take care of himself, despite being dopey looking but he's still a kid.”

Kousuke took out a small tin box from his pocket before opening up to reveal a row of rolled up tobacco. He plucked on out to place upon his lips before lighting a match to lit it. After taking a drag, he blew out a stream of smoke and said, "Kensuke is a dork but he knows how to get the best information on something. So anything he brings back would be interesting.”
"Eh, that's true. Kid's got a pretty good ear fer all things ta do with the latest news. Bet he'll learn somethin' pretty interesting." Buck-Eye said.

"Indeed. Now then, everyone line up and I'll properly comb out your hairs. We must look presentable for the people." Kousuke said, undeterred by the groans of protest from his crew.

 

--

 

Meanwhile, little Kensuke was wandering around the village - taking in the sights and keeping his ears open. He easily passed for a young child taken in by the bright lights of the colored lanterns, delicious street foods from the different meal huts and the whimsical outfits the festival attendees were wearing. So why would any of them ever suspect that he was really a young pirate carefully eavesdropping in on their conversations, listening out for anything worth reporting to his brother? However the private talks he's heard so far left a lot to be desired...

"Can you believe that my husband actually got me a pet pig for our anniversary? I mean really! I take care of him already, one messy swine is enough." Stated a disgruntled woman to her friend as she hung up a colored lantern.

Mildly interesting but no. Let's listen in on this father and his daughter's conversation then then.

"Papa, can we light the purple lantern in honor of mother?" The young girl, probably a year or two at most older than Kensuke, asked her father.

"Of course, dear. Purple always has been her favorite color." The father replied with a sad smile on his face.

Ok, depressing. On to the next one then…

"And then this old hag TURNED me into a newt!”

"A newt?”

"...I got better."

Definitely weird and out of context…

"I swear, I ran into a dancing man in a middle of a night while I was walking! He had the most hideous grin and everything!”

Sounds like a ghost story, highly doubt that it would serve them a coin.

A sigh escaped from his lips as he was starting to feel tired and a bit overwhelmed from the bustling of the town square. "Man, isn't there anything that was at least worthwhile!?" He whined to no one in particular.

As if answering to his prayers...Kensuke's ears picked up something from a nearby pub where a bunch of adventurers were having a pint. Drunkenly laughing as they chat.

"I swear to the gods above...I would die a happy man if the boy priestess would give ME his blessing, no questions about whatever quest I have!" One Adventurer grinned drunkenly. Apparently he seemed to be a self-proclaimed leader...judging by his sword as well as the aura around him. The type of person that his brother would be more than happy to "teach a lesson".

"Hush, you idiot! We don't want the guards of the temple hearing us. Last fool who spoke like you did about the Boy Priestess was made an example of with a public flogging that killed 'em." Said a slightly more sober adventurer with a grim look.

"Captain's right, mate. I wanna stay in this village for at least the festival tonight and a few more days to restock. And we can't do that if you get us thrown out the damned place." Stated another adventurer, his expression more serious.

"Bah! You two...hic! Ain't no fun. And I'm not 'fraid of those holier than thou guards. Or them damn priests. Besides if they was any good at their job they would have more protection around their Boy....hic! Priestess. I mean during the part where he blesses adventures that come to see 'em and performs his dance for the year's harvest - you'd...hic! Think the guards would be forming a circle. But any ol' bloke could come swinging in ta....hic! Grab the priestess if they was fast enough." The drunk adventurer rambled on, slurring his speech as he talked.

But while the captain and his fellow crew mate rolled their eyes at him, Kensuke's eyes widened with surprised glee. Without looking too obvious, he immediately doubled back the way he came and headed for the Bear Tamer ship. He had to tell his brother what he learned!

Chapter 2: Are There Any Heroes?

Notes:

Well, this has taken me a while...but I hope that it's worth the wait! ^^

“Aaaaand done!”

Kousuke made one more run with the comb through the hair before stepping back to observe his work. Hw let out a hum of approval before looking to the rest of his disguised crewmen.

“Now you all look like part of society!”

“Ow…” the unfortunate pirate-or rather, merchant, winced as he gingerly touched his formerly messy hair. He then took his place along with his comrades who had gone through the same makeover treatment as him.

And they all share the same thought.

This is way above their pay grade.

“Was this really necessary, Captain?” One of them asked, tugging at the collar. The urge to loosen it was strong.

To which Kousuke smacked his hand, akin to how a stern mother does to her child.

“VERY necessary.” He pointed out. “We needed to blend in after all. The last thing we wanted were the guards on our asses. And you know how famous we are.”

The entire crew looked at each other before turning to their captain. Each one had a blank look on his face which definitely screamed, “the only one famous here is YOU, Captain.” No doubt that Kousuke is infamous. And the outstanding traits about him were his beauty mark upon his chin and his eccentric manner of clothing.

Right now, he was dressed like an everyday merchant. Which is rather unsettling to say the least.

Thankfully, before their Captain could even have the chance to point out their obvious same train of thought, the youngest member of their crew suddenly popped back up on the ship.

“I’M BACK!!!!” He announced in a sing-song voice, and there was a slight pep in his step. That sight alone gave them all a collective sigh of relief. Thank Neptune…now they wouldn’t resort on calling on Davy Jones to face rather than their Captain’s wrath. The dark haired boy blinked and took in the appearance of his older crewmates and grinned. “Wow! You all look so legit! Brother is so amazing when it comes with fashion!”

Hearing that made all of the pirate crew bit their tongue from saying otherwise. Especially when their Captain is RIGHT THERE in front of them.

Thankfully, Kousuke gave his younger brother his undivided attention with an eyebrow raised.

“Oh, welcome back, Kensuke,” He greeted, not at all different from greeting his younger brother home when he was back from an errand. “You got something good?”

Kensuke grinned at this, practically bouncing upon the balls of his feet.

“Boy, do I ever!?”

—

“Priestess? Are you ready?”

Masahiro flinched as soon as he felt the golden collar clasped around his neck thanks to the help of one of the handmaidens. He could never get used to this outfit. It’s only been a year but it was still uncomfortable. He recalled the first time when he set sight upon this ensemble. Masashiro practically choked on his own saliva when he saw it, and vehemently refused to try it on. He put up a good fight for about a week, trying to suggest an alternative design for the outfit to make it more modest, or a closer to gender neutral in appearance. Even offered to make his own outfit, despite his mediocre sewing skills.

But the Elders were rather persistent.

It was tradition, They have said.

All past Priestesses that were chosen have worn the sacred garments for generations. Only difference is the obvious gender difference when it comes with the title. He didn’t even know if there were male priests in the past due to the fact that his knowledge was rather limited for some reason.

All the more reason for him to resist. And that only lasted at least about a week when he noticed that they started to withhold his meals. Regardless, Masahiro managed to hold out until he couldn’t take it anymore on the ninth day. This wasn’t like his old home before, though the only difference is that his mother remembered to give him enough money to buy at least a loaf of bread to ration or some fruit.

He hated himself for kneeling before the Elders, apologizing for his “grievance”.
Oh, how he kicked himself on that day.

Luckily, the Elders saw to it that it was only a one time thing and only gave him a warning.

Don’t do it again, that’s what they meant behind those sickeningly sweet words.

Masahiro stared down at the adornments upon him, grimacing at the constricting yet cold feeling of the bracelets around his wrists. They felt too much like cuffs despite the weight difference. And the sheer material of his outfit, he swore that it felt as if he wasn’t even wearing anything.

And the dancing…he knew that it was to give the gods their thanks for the bountiful harvest and ask for another fruitful year. But how the choreography is like…

It took everything in Masahiro not to groan and bury his face in his hands; he placed on a standard pleasant smile (that felt painful to wear) as Masahiro turned to the Elder in question. The Elder before him is a monocle-wearing elderly man, probably around his early 50s or so, and dressed in typical clerical vestiges of a temple priest. Only thing that set him apart from the low ranking priests were the embroidered stole that hung around his shoulders. He has a pleasant smile, no different from a grandfather.

But there was something about him that set Masahiro on edge.

Even if there is a woman there with them, there was no way that he could rely on her for help. From what he had seen…they mostly suck up to the higher ups and just in it for the brownie points.

Nevertheless, it was best to just smile and go along with whatever the Elder wanted. Hopefully it wasn’t too bad.

“Yes, Elder, I am.” He spoke in a demure tone. “I hope that everything is in order.”

The way that the other man’s smile grew wider, it took everything in him not to shiver visibly.

“Everything is all set,” he confirmed. “And the public is waiting for you, just as last year.” The Elder then placed a hand upon Masahiro’s shoulder, letting it linger upon his bare skin for what seemed like an eternity before pulling away. “I wish you the best.”

Masahiro could only keep smiling to the point that it was straining his facial muscles. He managed to nod as he gave a somewhat (and hopefully genuine) pleasant. “Thank you, Elder, I hope I will do my best as well.”
And with that, the Elder (finally) took it as a signal to leave as he bowed respectfully before him.

“I’ll be back to check over for last minute preparations, Priestess.” The Maiden finally spoke, in a morose tone that is borderline distant. “Please excuse me.”

Masahiro could only nod in confirmation to her as she turned and left the dressing room. Hearing the door click shut was the only signal for him to take a chance to relax and breathe. For now, that is. He shifted his gaze and frowned at the reflection before him.

Instead of the familiar auburn orange, Masahiro’s hair was dyed golden. His ears were pierced with the silver earrings that were gifted to him by Yabase every time he came back from a mission. Yet in contrast, golden adornments shone upon him as they complimented his official Priestess outfit for the festival.

Soon, it would be that time once the Harvest Moon rises up to the highest peak.

And he would be on stage…before the crowd.

While there are some decent folk that actually wanted to support him, Masahiro tends to notice that a certain percentage tend to flock over just to watch him dance. A sigh escaped from his lips as he stared down at his vanity.

Even though he just gave out blessings, Masahiro knew this whole thing was a sham.

He doesn’t even have an ounce of holy magic.

He didn’t hear any divine voices of the goddess that they worshiped.

All he did was to give rehearsed blessings to whoever came through the temple, and at the harvest season, just do a show for them.

Besides, that feeling he had since the day that they took him into the temple was growing stronger and stronger. And honestly, he felt powerless. Even if by some miracle, Masahiro would escape…where would he go?

He had no savings to speak of…

He only managed to get the basics when it comes with cooking and cleaning before being taken in by the Temple.

And he had no idea where to go. He had the basic idea of geography, thanks to him getting the chance to study. But yet as they say, he wasn’t allowed beyond the temple walls. And when he did have permission, it was with an escort.

Then he thought of Yabase.

Kind as he is, at the end of the day, he is still a mercenary.

A mercenary who was paid to be his babysitter by the Temple.

“...there is no such thing as heroes…” He muttered.

—

A hum was heard as Kousuke stroked his chin.

“So, you were saying that a young man is the current Priestess…”

“But shouldn’t he be a Priest instead?” One Crewmate cuts in, pointing out what the other pirates were thinking.

A simple clearing of Kousuke’s throat was enough to make him shut up immediately before continuing speaking, “Moving on…this Boy Priestess you mentioned, he’s the one that Temple had been jealously guarded for a while?”

Kensuke nodded enthusiastically, making the crew worried that he might have bobbled it right off from the momentum. “Uh-huh! Uh-huh! That’s the intel we got from the big boss! And he will be performing tonight when the Harvest Moon is at its peak!”

The Pirate Captain took everything in, nodding as he was deep in thought. That’s when Buck-Eye, now presentable with the prosthetic eye, took it as his chance to speak to him.

“Sir, I think this corresponds with what Her Majesty and the Captain of the Guard had been investigating about.” He noted.

“You think so too?” Kousuke spoke. He narrowed his eyes as he thought over his next course of action. He had been going over the blueprints of the temple. All that was left were the simple stuff for him and the crew to deal with. “Further recon until we get to the main event. Then you boys know what to do.”

“Aye, Captain.”

Kousuke couldn’t help but smirk in excitement. This is going to be one hell of a heist.