-7- Barren Town

Trot, trot, trot; the sound of the horses hooves tapping the sandy road as it pulled along the wagon was the only sound to be heard miles around. The sun was already up high, glaring down on earth with its heated gazes. The three of them had already travelled non-stop for more than half a day. Ikuto didn't rest at all whilst Yoru and the girl slept for the majority of the way. Yoru who had taken another bite of his apple stared at Ikuto, worried for his dear brother's health. Then again, his brother was a monster and lack of sleep was nothing to him Yoru decided, taking another bite out his apple. He turned to look behind him at the sleeping little girl, "god she sleeps a lot," he couldn't help but comment.

"Leave her alone," Ikuto commented hearing Yoru's complaint, "it's better if she's not awake. We won't have to babysit her this way."

"I suppose," Yoru said, though he wanted to wake the girl up so he could talk to her. After all, she was here just to keep him company at times like this when his brother was more occupied with tedious stuff such as, concentrate ahead and look where you're going whilst manning the wagon. As if the wagon would go off course any moment, Yoru sighed. He sat back and continued to stare at little Amu, still debating whether to accidentally wake her up. His gaze shifted towards her right cheeks as he suddenly remembered something strange. "AHH," Yoru let out an inaudible gasp as he remembered. Last night when he was still half asleep, he opened his eyes because he heard Amu breathing heavily besides him. Wondering what was wrong, he remembered seeing her cheeks glow. Imprinted upon her skin was what seemed like the shape of a clover leaf, it glowed a bright golden glow. He was so tired he closed his eyes back straight away, thinking it was a dream. Yoru crept slowly towards the sleeping Amu and took a closer look at her cheeks. Was it a dream? "Weird," he whispered staring at her face. "There's definitely nothing there at all." There was no sign of a clover leaf or anything gold or shiny on her face now. "OUCH!" Yoru cried out loud as something hit his head. He turned just in time to see Ikuto had thrown an apple at his head.

"I told you not to wake her up," Ikuto said, "honestly Yoru. Let the girl rest."

Yoru pouted his lips and joined his brother near the front of the wagon. "How much longer before we get there? I wonder what the others are up to now."

"If they're doing what they should be then hopefully guarding my ship," Ikuto frowned, "otherwise...we're most likely to be walking into more unnecessary trouble."

"Sounds fun to me," Yoru laughed looking ahead of him. "I can see it already...the edge of the town."

"So that's it," Ikuto smiled giving the horse a whip to move them faster. They were now speeding towards their destination. "Once we arrive in that town, we'll head for our ship, then Yoru…" His eyes seemed to shine as he said this, "we can finally set out to sea again and we won't be travelling aimlessly."

Yoru smiled and couldn't help but shout with excitement. After weeks stuck waiting for Ikuto to finish his business in the Tower, they could finally move on. They had another person with them too; surely things would get more interesting. This might really turn out to be a great new adventure, Yoru thought, although deep down he knew Ikuto was carrying heavy burdens and this was no adventure to him. Still, it felt that their journey would finally start after years of just gathering information. Amu, Yoru wondered staring up at the bright blue sky, I wonder if I'll meet another witch like you on my journey. I can't help but think that little girl is somehow connected to you…maybe that's why I can't leave her alone. Yoru sighed, not sure whether becoming friends with a witch was something good or bad. Only time would tell.

Currently, inside the Town Ikuto and Yoru are arriving at, the same daunting atmosphere remained. The villagers gathered inside the tavern, the men grasping tightly onto their weapons, the women silent and the children locked safely in their rooms.

"Have we come to a decision?" the town mayor asked. "About the execution of those two, I believe we've had long enough to decide."

There was a couple minutes silence before a man spoke up, "perhaps we should try interrogating them again? They must be behind the incidences. We should be harsher with them, maybe chop their fingers off or burn their skin or…"

"Enough," a woman shouted, "Are you nuts? Since when did we stoop so low as to torture people?"

"Nuts," another man laughed, "they're suspects of a serious crime, an awful crime. Just beating them up isn't enough to make them talk, we need to go further."

"I don't agree with torture," the man sitting next to the mayor spoke up, "we are cultured people and we should do things in a sensible way. Beating them up is already enough physical pain to get them talking."

"For the safety of our Children," another woman slowly began, "we shouldn't let go of any chance. We should execute them."

"Agreed," another villager said, "they're pirates anyway. We don't need them around in our town."

"Ladies, Gentlemen," the mayor began, "I must say I agree with the majority's will in this matter. Those two pirates need to go. Tomorrow afternoon we will publicly execute those two pirates. Is there any objections?" The Mayor waited and since no one spoke, it was a sign that everyone agreed upon the execution. "We'll end today's meeting. Everyone may go now." With this the villagers slowly left the Tavern. As the mayor stood to leave though, the mayor's personal assistant came rushing in. "Calm down Gofer, what's happened?"

"There are newcomers," Gofer whispered, "with more children."

The Mayor stared at his assistant, "how many are there?"

"One adult, a very young man and two children," Gofer answered, "a boy and a girl."

The Mayor breathed, slowly stepping out the tavern. He looked around him to see if the other villagers were near them before whispering, "I can't tell whether they've come at the right time or the wrong time. More like I can't tell if it's their luck or mine." The Mayor stepped onto the carriage, "anyhow allow them into the town first."

"There's a problem," Gofer slowly said, "that kid, he's doing it again. I saw him heading towards the newcomers."

"FOOL," the mayor almost shouted louder than he wanted to, "hurry over to the town entrance. We have to stop that meddling brat."

Just a few miles away from the town, Ikuto had stopped his horse and wagon as a young boy stood in their way. He was slightly older than Yoru; the boy's hands were outstretched, clearly showing his intention to stop them from going further.

"You're in my way boy," Ikuto said, not amused since he was literally outside the town. He wanted to hurry in, meet up with his two crew-mates and set sail. He had no time nor humour to play with a kid.

"Are those children your family?" the boy asked not moving.

"What are you doing?" Yoru asked also annoyed at why they were suddenly stopped, "what a dumb thing to ask. It's obvious we're a family if we're travelling together. We're siblings, we even look alike."

"Hurry," the boy urged, "turn around and leave now."

Ikuto and Yoru remained silent, staring at the boy unable to decide whether he was genuinely an idiot or mentally insane.

"If you value your family, your siblings," the boy continued looking at Ikuto, "then hurry and leave. You can't enter this town. TRUST ME."

Ikuto kept staring at the boy, somehow sensing his urgency which alerted him, "I have quick business in your town boy. I intend to enter but you trust me, I'll leave quickly if I'm not welcomed. Now step aside."

"You won't be able to protect them," the boy shouted now, still not moving, "those two kids are not safe here. They'll get taken away just like all the rest."

"I'm not really a kid," Yoru protested, "I can take very good care of myself."

"What do you mean by taken?" Ikuto asked directly. "Could it be..."

"Leave before it's too late," the boy urged again, "this town, it's..."

"DAICHI," two voices suddenly shouted over the noises of horses racing towards them.

The carriage carrying the mayor and Gofer stopped behind Daichi and the two middle aged men hurriedly caught hold of him.

"Sir," the mayor said smiling at Ikuto, "welcome to Barren Town. I am this town's mayor." He slapped the young boy named Daichi, "this mischievous brat must've been causing you trouble. Do ignore him and everything he says."

"He's well known for trouble in our town," Gofer said in accordance with the mayor. "It's been awhile since a visitor has come to our town. Do please make your way sir. I'm the mayor's assistant, Gofer."

"What are you going to do with the boy?" Ikuto asked, uncomfortable with how welcoming these two were. If he had to decide by instinct then he would definitely trust the boy named Daichi over these two.

"For trouble-makers like Daichi," the mayor began, "a few flogs would teach him to behave. Take him away."

"Wait," Ikuto said, "I don't ever recall saying that Daichi had ever caused trouble for me."

"You mean to say..."

"Daichi was earnestly telling me to stop by and stay in your town, Mr Mayor," Ikuto said with a smile, "You're going to flog him for attracting visitors to your town. Quite absurd."

"He...he told you to stay in our town?" Gofer queried, staring quizzically at Daichi who remained very silent.

"Of course, what else do you think he was telling me," Ikuto assured, "you shouldn't be treating someone who loves his own town so much so roughly now should you?"

Confused by Ikuto's words, the mayor simply uttered, "good job Daichi...err...let him go Gofer."

Gofer did as the mayor said and Daichi stood to the side of the road, out of Ikuto's way.

"Your name sir," the mayor asked politely, his cheeks flushed from the embarrassment of misunderstanding the situation or rather, Ikuto's unforeseen defence of Daichi.

"Ikuto is fine," Ikuto introduced, "they're my younger brother and sister, Yoru and Amu."

"Hello," Yoru said acting alongside Ikuto. Sometimes he didn't understand why Ikuto had to put on the nice guy act before people, was it really necessary? They were only going to stay in Barren Town for one night at most.

"A pleasure for our town to receive you Mr Ikuto and your siblings," the mayor said, "let us lead the way. Daichi, you return home and don't cause anymore mischief."

The mayor and Gofer stepped back into their carriage, leading Ikuto into Barren Town. As Ikuto passed Daichi by, he smiled at him and mouthed some words which made the boy simply stare in utter disbelief.

"That confidence," Daichi whispered as he watched the three clueless travellers enter the town, "and...I still can't do anything." He clenched his fists. No matter how hard it was, he'll try again to warn them.

As Ikuto entered the town he took notice of the tense atmosphere amongst the villagers regarding children. Although the villagers were delighted with the presence of the young, they seemed rather tense about their safety. Take for example how some villagers offered Yoru free food as they passed by, then suddenly pulled Ikuto to a corner and whispered to him to make sure he didn't lose sight of the kids. There were also several men and women who offered Ikuto protection until they arrived at the inn. Certainly this amount of concern over the children's safety wasn't normal. Ikuto didn't see any children on the streets either, most likely, they were kept home. The villagers helped prepare a room for Ikuto to stay in, securing their wagon and horse in the small stables they had.

"Make sure you lock your door," a woman told Ikuto for the third time.

"Do not ever leave these children alone," another woman said as she bustled into the room with some duvets. "If you need more then ask."

"Thank you," Ikuto said smiling sweetly at both ladies.

The two women blushed as Yoru held in his laughter. Ikuto always had his way when it came to women. Well, he didn't deny his brother was rather handsome when he wasn't angry or being violent.

"I was wondering," Ikuto began still keeping that sweet smile on his face, "if there is anywhere I could perhaps get a ship or boat."

The two women looked at each other, and then one of them apologetically said, "We're sorry. This town is right next to the sea but you see…"

"We're not a main trading town or anything so we only have very small boats for fishing purposes. Did you perhaps come to the wrong town dear?"

"Barren Town isn't a place where big ships will set off from."

"That can't be…" Yoru muttered, carrying a still sleeping Amu on his back.

"Is there any outsider ships that has recently docked here where I can perhaps…"

The two women shook their heads, "we've not seen any ship of the kind that can set sail to the vast sea stop here. There hasn't been one in the past few years."

"Is that so," Ikuto said, certain Barren Town was the place where he was supposed to meet up with them.

"Well we shan't disturb you anymore," the woman said heading out the room, "remember to lock the doors."

"I will," Ikuto answered half-heartedly.

"Also, be careful when you are going out with the kids," the other woman said, "It'll get very rowdy tomorrow. There'll be an execution of two pirates in the centre of the town."

"Pirates," Ikuto repeated, "didn't you just say there weren't any ships?"

"We're not too sure ourselves, but those two pirates had no ship with them," the woman said, "anyhow, remember not to go out tomorrow. You know crowds can get out of hand during an execution and all even if our town is generally friendly."

With that final warning the two women finally left Ikuto and the rest alone in their room.

"Brother," Yoru said, "do you think they were caught?"

Ikuto held in a laugh, "I'll find out what those idiots are up to. Stay here until I get back."

"I'm going too," Yoru immediately said, "if they're in trouble then I can…"

"Do as you're told Yoru," Ikuto said in an authoritative tone that meant Yoru couldn't protest to his decisions. "The only trouble those idiots will be facing is their captain's wrath. I'm sure you don't want to be a prat of their troubles."

Yoru gulped, remaining silent as Ikuto left the room. He waited for a bit before running over to the window and peering down on the streets, making sure Ikuto had left the inn. Yoru then took a quick peek at Amu who slept very soundly on his back, "just how long are you planning to sleep?" He sighed; annoyed that Ikuto had left to take care of things alone without him again. He hated that part of Ikuto, the side of him that always dealt with things alone. Yoru just sometimes wished he could be there to help his brother.

Having slept for quite a long time, her eyes slowly opened. Weird, Amu thought sensing that she was not lying on her side or back. Something was pressing against her chest. She opened her eyes wide and stared at the blue hair in front of her before noticing she was on someone's back. "A man…" Amu gasped already pushing herself away from this stranger. "LET GO!"

Surprised by Amu's sudden push and slaps to the head from behind, Yoru dropped Amu to the floor and turned around glaring at her. "What are you doing now?"

Amu quickly glanced around her, an unfamiliar room and…a boy that's about the same age as her, yeah, he must be about 10 like her. But why was he here and where the hell is she? "Move," Amu ordered, waving for Yoru to move away from the window. She stood up, trying to think hard what she was just doing before she got here.

"Are you ok?" Yoru asked, seeing how tense Amu was. "Hey, are you feeling unwell anywhere." He slowly approached Amu, wanting to touch her forehead to see if she had a fever but as soon as he took one step close to Amu, she screamed. "Ok, ok, stop it, I'll stay away."

Amu waved for him to move from the window and he did so, still puzzled and concerned about her sudden change. Amu took a quick glance out the window once she was near it but quickly refocused her gaze on the boy before her. They were the same age but why the hell was he so tall, Amu couldn't help but notice. The village and everything was all different. This isn't Melas Village, Amu started to panic, the people down there didn't seem like witches either. God where was she?

"Are you alright?" Yoru tried asking again, "you've been sleeping for nearly a day now whilst we were travelling. Do you feel ill?"

"SHUT UP," Amu ordered, not knowing what to do all of a sudden, "where are we?"

"Barren Town," Yoru answered.

Amu blinked, clearly not knowing where that place was. She had never heard of Barren Town before. "T-then…whose house is this? No wait, how far is this from…err maybe I should ask something else first," Amu struggled now, "WHO ARE YOU?"

This time it was Yoru's turn to blink. "Yoru…we met at the tower the other night remember?"

Amu blinked again, Tower…what tower?

"You decided to come with me and my brother when we escaped, we're currently travelling together…you lost your memories too before so we named you after a witch called Amu, who I met…"

NO WAY… Amu thought, this boy is out of his mind, he's crazy, what he's saying makes no sense at all. How does he even know my name…is he a witch too? Where's Dia? That's right; I was practicing magic with Dia before. We were in the Academy.

Yoru gazed at Amu not believing this was happening. They really did pick up a strange girl. This girl, whose real name he doesn't even know looks no different from when they found her, but who would've guessed her memories were so messed up. The way she panicked made it look as though she didn't know what was going on, like she didn't know him when they were together for the past day or so.

"You kidnapped me didn't you?" Amu shouted, clearly coming to this decision of what has most likely happened, "you evil commoners…I knew there were witch kidnappers out there since Dia warned me but…what have you done to Dia and where have you taken me, you kidnapper? How did you kidnap me?"

"Cut the crap," Yoru couldn't stop himself from shouting now, "we never kidnapped you…we saved you and you followed us…did you hit your head or something?"

Amu pointed a finger towards Yoru, "I knew you won't tell me the truth so I'm prepared…I won't be nice to you."

Yoru didn't move but kept leering at Amu now. "You little brat, as if I'd be scared of someone way younger than me."

"Just because I'm slightly shorter," Amu protested, "I'm 10 you know, the same age as you."

Yoru blinked a few times and then rubbed his eyes staring at Amu. What was she on about? No matter how he looked at her, she seemed like 6 the most and now she's claiming to be 10. Crap, was this girl delusional?

Completely lost in his thoughts, Yoru didn't notice Amu's sudden attack; she grabbed the stool and threw it at him. As he dodged and moved out the way, she sprinted out the room.

"CRAP," Yoru shouted running after Amu. "Brother will be mad if I lost her all of a sudden."

Where the hell am I? Amu thought as she ran down the streets, Dia, where did you go? Why did you leave me alone? This place, it doesn't seem like a place for witches…I'm not allowed to use magic then…

"WAIT UP," Yoru shouted as he ran after Amu.

Amu looked behind her and saw the boy from before catching up. She ran faster, knowing she had to escape. If only I could remember what happened? She turned the corner, running into a small alleyway out of the main streets and from the villagers view. Perhaps I can hide in the dark…

Yoru followed Amu into the alleyway, refusing to give up on the chase. How can he let a younger kid beat him? As he ran after Amu, he saw however two people secretly plotting. This was…Yoru feared.

"That can work…we can definitely do it unnoticed by everyone and we'll have the right number this time…it'll be a perfect plan…"

Amu wanted to turn back as soon as she realised there was strangers in the alleyway but it was too late. Both the men had noticed Amu and Yoru and already one man grabbed hold of Amu.

"Let her go," Yoru shouted, running towards the man and biting his hand.

"LET GO…DON'T KIDNAP ME," Amu shouted angrily, "LET ME GO KIDNAPPERS."

"They're making too much noise," the other man warned, rending Yoru off the other man.

Yoru was roughly shoved to the wall and was whacked over the head a few times. There was blood on his face but he continued to struggle up, telling Amu to run. His pain won over him as he collapsed onto the floor, his conscience slowly fading. Seeing Yoru hurt but was still desperate to save her, Amu felt a little guilty for running away. It was against the rules and she was just a beginner but in such a situation, it was wrong to not use magic. Amu started to chant something and the man jolted and wobbled, letting go of Amu.

"W-what did you do?" the other man asked watching the other man move as though he was having a fit.

The man took a deep breath and stopped for a minute recovering from whatever he had just experienced. "Girl, now you've done it."

"It didn't work…my magic," Amu muttered in disbelief.

Together the two men secured Amu, knocking her out unconscious and tying her up with a rope as they did Yoru, who still had little conscience left. Yoru stared at Amu for the last time before his eyes closed shut. Magic…you are her…aren't you… was the last thing he thought before everything was black.

"Good job," another man said entering the alleyway. "Now we have to cover up our tracks and deal with their older brother."

As Ikuto walked along the streets he could sense that he was being followed. He wasn't followed the entire time, it seemed a few little bugs decided to target him only moments ago. So much for this village being friendly, Ikuto thought, looking around him. He knew he had to sneak into the sheriff's office as soon as possible to meet up with those idiots and he could easily avoid being tracked by these fools, but playing around a little surely wouldn't hurt. Going in the opposite direction he was originally going, he deliberately headed towards a more secluded place; all so those fools could attack him. Once Ikuto reached a spot where he knew his followers couldn't resist attacking, he stopped walking, closed his eyes and simply waited. It was just as he thought, sensing movements from behind him, two men ready to attack him. One had a wooden stick of some kind, the other one using his fists. Too easy, Ikuto thought with a smirk as he turned around, ready to show the two men hell but he was startled by his sudden appearance.

With one hand holding desperately onto the wooden rod and his face taking in the pain of the fist, Daichi had protected Ikuto.

"I knew it," Daichi gritted his teeth as he lunged himself towards the two men.

Ikuto watched as the 14 year old boy struggled to keep hold of the two men who were clearly thugs.

"Hurry and run…" Daichi called out to Ikuto, "your little brother and sister…I think they're already in trouble...GO!" Daichi kept his grasp on the two men as strong as he can, enduring their hits as he did. If only he had stopped Ikuto from entering the town sooner, this was his fault, Daichi thought. "GO BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE," Daichi shouted as he glimpsed the silver blade about to tear into his chest.