Chapter 10 "In the film world, we can all be heroes. In the real world, where heroism can cost you your life or the life of the ones you love, people aren't so willing to make those sacrifices. When they do, they are set apart from the rest of us." – John Rhys-Davies

The Sailors were true to their word. They attacked the Isle of Ark just as the Pirates left to the waters. Now, watching just a few hundred yards and floating aimlessly, Pirate Captain Inverse watched dark smoke gather above the disturbed Island.

"This is our fault. If we haven't gone to the Island, this wouldn't have happened."

"It was inevitable." Her comrades argued relentlessly. Gourry wanted to fix the error of their ways while Zelgadiss elect to abandon the Island.

What did she want?

"We need to go back!" The blonde rose to his feet. "This is not right!"

"This is a Pirate's life." The stoic Navigator remained sitting on the deck however raised his expression to confirm his stern decision.

Another explosion. It made her blood run cold through her veins. She is excited.

"Lina." Gourry is behind her now. She keeps looking at the Island, like it would give her an answer. Eventually, she did look back at the tall man. He was pleading with his eyes instead of his voice. But it didn't work. Pirate Captain Inverse already made her decision and she never goes against her own decision.

- o -

They were all dead.

Anybody who were viewed as a threat were all dead. Shot just as they were shielding or fighting back. Who was left?

Only the children were alive. Rounded up like cattle, their tiny bodies pressed against each other as the Sailors roared in laughter. Waves of salty water ran off their faces and raspy intakes for air – the children were frightened.

"Please…" Only Joshua was brave enough to plead. He was on his knees and arms stretched out to block the Pirates from getting to the children.

"This shouldn't be happening." He was only following what was right. "I went to you because… the Laws-"

"And where are these PIRATES you mentioned?" A Sailor asked as he paced in front of the boy.

"We took time out of our day to search for these PIRATES and," Another man scoffed. "We found nothing!"

"T-They left last night!" Joshua brought both hands together. "I swear on my life-"

"ON YOUR LIFE?" A large Sailor exclaimed loudly; his sudden appearance silenced the cocky Sailors. He stepped forward while the lessor Sailors made room. Leading this terrible Class 5 and 4 Sailors, Captain Agrippa was stoic and deadly. His muscular body was heavy of healed scars and hair. Dressed with elegant cloths and a sword at his waist, Captain Agrippa never stepped out of his mechanical ship unless it was important. This was important.

He stopped in front of Joshua and stared at him. The boy trembled in his presence. This was the first time he laid eyes on Captain Agrippa. Ever since the Anti-Piracy Coalition landed on the Island, he had eavesdrop drunken Sailors speaking terrible tales of their impulsive Captain. The Anti-Piracy was meant to protect the weak from Pirates and this Captain allowed his men to wreak havoc. He absolutely held no feelings for the weak.

"Do you truly swear?" His sword left his belt and it was pointing to Joshua's throat. There was no air. Nothing could pass his vocal cords. Joshua was left mute. Just as his lips widen into a smile, Captain Agrippa turned his head when he heard a few of his men cheer aloud. It appeared his crew had found an escapee. Throwing a little girl into the Captain's view, she quickly fought to go on her feet until the tip of a sword caught her sight.

"What is this?" Captain Agrippa used his sword to move loose hair strands away. "Where will you go if I allowed you to leave?" He asked softly. The tiny female cried. A warm puddle of urine developed around her bottom.

"She pissed herself!" The Sailors laughed with fingers pointing. As they laughed, Joshua managed to find his air. He shouted for them to shut up. But when the sword came to him, he got quiet again.

"I can fix you." Captain Agrippa's whisper was louder than any laughter.

"Let's kill them, Captain!" The Sailors were getting reckless. "There are no Pirates on this Island! We searched everywhere!"

"Oh?" Their Captain kept his gaze at Joshua while he spoke to his men. "Did you… really search?"

"Of course!" They were eager.

"You hear that, boy? I cannot hold them back any longer." Their Captain noted softly. "If you do not tell me where the Pirates are… well, I can't promise any of you will be alive to see the afternoon." The sword grazed Joshua's cheek lightly, threatening to pierce through its soft exterior.

The Pirates have left. The Sailors are here now. How ironic. Joshua was now wishing the Pirates had stayed.

"Do you swear on your life?"

- o -

When I laid my eyes on him, I felt my heart shiver for the first time. I wanted it to last. So, I told the Sailors everything so we can remain together.

I fell when I laid my eyes on him for the first time and my heart still shivers each time I see him.

- o -

The boy's voice was braver than it ever was. Standing fearlessly behind the Captain, Light was there. Captain Agrippa turned around to meet him and Light didn't lower his eyes.

"I'm one of the Pirates." The boy with the crimson hair said with his chest puffed outward. Laughter erupted amongst the Sailors. Even Captain Agrippa let out a chuckle.

"I'm the one who brought the Pirate's presence to this Island. I'm the one who begged for their guidance. I'm the one who trained with them." Light admitted. With each confession, the laughter became fewer until it was quiet. Captain Agrippa stared at Light with a smirk.

"Where are the other Pirates?"

"They left. Apparently they believed that a little boy can take care of a group of cowardly Powder Monkeys by himself." Angry protests left the Sailor's mouth. This was the first time Light had ever said something so arrogant and he just smiled.

"They said that the Anti-Piracy are a bunch of cowards. Singling out children and killing off their family in front of their eyes – These are not Sailors! Not even men! They are COWARDS!" He was digging a deeper hole for himself. The terrible Sailors were on edge; screaming profanity and weapons recklessly waving toward Light, they wanted to skin him alive.

"I like your attitude. Keep him alive for my entertainment later." Captain Agrippa was the only one laughing. He lowered his sword and nudged to his men. At his signal, a dozen furious Sailors rushed to Light. He quickly dropped to the ground and curled into a ball. The Captain wanted him alive so they physically beat his body. It was alright because Captain Inverse's punches hurt worse. This was a pillow fight compared to her fists.

All he could think about as his body slowly got crippled was his parents. He missed his mother and father. It was his mother who told him that he was a hero. He changed his parent's lives in the best way. Just because of his existence, it brought light to their lives. That was why he was their Light. So, how was he supposed to be a monster when he is Light?

Joshua's scream brought him back to reality. Light opened his eyes. The beating had stopped a while ago and the Sailors were now terrorizing the children. As they creeped closer to the true victims, the sight of the tiny girl who believed in him made his blood turn cold.

She was laying on the ground. Dead.

A raspy screech left his lips. Light flung to his feet and threw his body against the nearest Sailor. In the struggle, Light grabbed the weapon from the Sailor's unexperienced hand and kicked him in the gut. With a weapon in hand, Light swung and swung at every man in his view. And at each swung, he managed to slice into a body part.

Only a true monster can create change.

Everything was so cold. Light just felt cold. The rush of cold blood was flowing throughout his body. He couldn't stop for the freezing temperature was only getting colder and he knew that if he stopped, he will freeze to death. He can't stop and he won't stop or everyone will die.

Only a true monster can create change.

She won't shut up. Her voice is ringing in his ears.

Only a true monster can create change.

Screaming so loud that his ears were ringing. Light was going to kill them all. In this sudden rage, he couldn't be stopped. The Sailors were falling to their feet; dead like the little girl. The children watched with wide eyes as their Brother went on this killing rage. Their Light was not there.

Only a true monster can create change.

"Interesting." Captain Agrippa was watching from afar. He stood away, not caring for how many of his men were falling from the hands of this boy.

Eventually, the men stopped rushing him. Leaving Light to take a breath. The breath did not clear the coldness. It was at this time, everyone was able to stare at his manic expression. Drenched in deep red fluids and hyperventilating, Light kept his weapon to his side as he searched through the men surrounding him. Finally, he spotted Captain Agrippa and grinded his teeth loudly with a loud snarl.

"Nicely done." Captain Agrippa stepped in front of his silent crew and stood bravely. He did not look bothered. Rather, he looked intrigued.

"You are no longer a child of innocence. You have proven to show potential. You will make a great addition to our Coalition."

"I will never join you." Light wheezed for his throat burned. "I would rather die!"

"Pity. I was going to save your family too." His sudden statement made Light wince. Captain Agrippa moved to allow Light to spot his family. They were staring at him with such fear that it almost made him cry.

"What are you talking about?" He looked away to keep his tears from forming.

"How do you expect to save them all?" The older man asked while stuffing his sword back into its sheath. He took a brief second to straighten his long coat. "We are not the only rogue Anti-Piracy Ship in the Demon Sea. You may kill us all now. However, more will come."

"I will just kill them all!" Light raised his sword to the Captain's face. "And I'm going to kill you!"

"We can save your family, save your home, and save your life." His smile is fearless. "Join me and you can be the hero who saved the Isle of Ark." This lowered his sword.

He can save everybody and everything. Just say yes and he can be a hero. This is what he wanted, right? To be a hero?

"Don't be an Idiot!" Joshua suddenly voiced. He lunged forward to go to him but the Sailors prevented him. "You already did enough! Don't sacrifice your life for us!"

"Brother!" A few brave kids joined Joshua's side. "Don't leave us!"

"We can leave the Island and move to another! We can move on!"

"Please, Brother, don't leave!"

"I NEED YOU!" His best friend screamed with fallen tears. Light let out a heavy sigh and looked to him. It was there when Joshua saw the relaxed expression. He already made his decision and it was sufficient enough for him.

"How?" The grip on his weapon loosened slight causing it to slowly drop in the air. "My family can finally live a happy, well-deserving life." A gentle, satisfied smile spread over his face.

"So, how can I refuse?" The sword dropped to the ground. Sailors glanced each other with hesitation before slowly moving towards the boy. Captain Agrippa simply shrugged a shoulder and turned toward the harbor to take his leave.

"How many times do I need to say it? Damn, you are so irritating!" A voice chimed in out of nowhere. The high-pitch vocals stopped everyone in their tracks, including the Captain.

"Stop being a hero, you Idiot." Light couldn't believe it. He whipped his head around, trying to find the body that the voice belonged too. Then, a strong gust of wind blew past furiously by.

Two new figures stood between Light and the Sailors. The little woman dramatically moved her long hair off her shoulder while the handsome male stretched his arms over his head. The Sailors jumped back at their sudden presence, drawing their weapons immediately.

"You left…" Light dropped to his knees, finally able to give in to his exhaustion. She looked over her tiny shoulder and grinned coyly. Pirate Captain Inverse doesn't need to answer if she doesn't want too.

"Well, now, look at this." The Pirate chuckled at the group of Powder Monkeys surrounding her; she especially eyed the well-dressed Captain standing afar.

"Agrippa, isn't it? Didn't you migrate from the Southern Border? Rumors were that you were caught by the Anti-Piracy bastards and changed for the worst. I guess the rumors were right."

"Ruby." Captain Agrippa sorely spoke her name. Than he looked to the man next to her. "Sapphire." His men stirred uncomfortably at this. It was the legendary Pirate Captain of the Demon Sea and his precious gem.

"LIES! They look nothing like the deadly crew!" A Sailor shouted in strong disbelief. Grinning from ear to ear, Captain Inverse gave a soft shrug from her shoulders and walked away from Gourry. As she strolled by, the cautious men withdrew from her way and allowed her to pass. Finally, she got to the group of whimpering children. The corpse of the little girl laid next to her feet. She stared at the dead girl for a brief second before looking back at her partner. He saw her solemn expression and nodded; he understood what she wanted to happen.

"Well, then." With her back facing the children, Captain Inverse crossed her thin legs under her and sat comfortably down on the ground. "Gourry should be able to handle these cowards by himself."

"Who are you calling a coward!? Get her!" They ignored their rattled emotions and lunged for the sitting woman. In a flash, the group of Sailors were thrown off their feet and launched to the buildings nearby; dead and in pieces. Gourry stood valiantly in front of the bored Captain Inverse with his coat off and bloody sword in his hand.

"Scissors." The blonde showed off a pointer and middle finger in the air. Then he showed it to his partner, who was already grumbling. He repeated and smiled while snipping his scissors in the air.

"I blame you." She was glaring at her open palm that represented paper.

"GET HIM!" They all threw themselves to the swordsman. In mere seconds, every Sailor was tossed aside like crumpled trash in the street. Nobody could get close to the Pirate. Soon, they were all fleeing toward the harbor, not caring for who they were leaving behind to die. Captain Agrippa watched Gourry fight the last of his men. He scoffed at the sad example and turned away. Only to come to a halt. The third Pirate stood in his way of the harbor. They stared at each other until the last Sailor was kicked to the ground.

"You can't leave now! The Pirates are here, just like how you wanted!" Captain Inverse exclaimed from where she was sitting.

"My ship is leaving without me." The stoic Captain noted. Without saying a word, Zelgadiss cast a powerful wind spell. It blew out of his palm and rushed straight to the fleeing mechanical ship. It picked the heavy metal vessel from the water and it shredded into pieces before blowing away with the roaring wind. Standing now, the redhead was in front of the lonely Captain. She looked up to the tall male with a sly grin.

"Paper-rock-scissors – winner gets to play with his decapitated head." She challenged joyfully to her mates. The three Pirates huddled with a hand ready to play, yet an unannounced fourth player interrupted the game.

"This is my kill." Light said as he got in front of the lone Sailor. The Pirates briefly looked to each other before agreeing reluctantly.

"Kill me." Agrippa enticed him by lowering himself to his knees. Light watched the grown man open his coat and show off his pale-skinned chest. "Right here." He patted over his heart. "Drive it through my heart."

"I am what I am so I can do the things that I need to do." He quoted from Captain Inverse. Raising his sword to meet Agrippa's nose, Light glared murderously.

"I will become anything to save my family. If that makes me a monster, then so be it." It was his revelation and this made his teacher smile. However, the weapon dropped to the ground and that made the smile vanish.

- o -

The Pirates stood atop a cliff overlooking the harbor. They watched the lone man sail away in a single raft. Not only did Light let him live, he freed him back to the Demon Sea. There was no punishment, no reprimand, and no slap-on-the-wrist. He just let him go.

"He will return with a stronger crew." Zelgadiss was always pessimistic.

"I will kill him then."

"Why didn't you kill him now?" Gourry was always curious.

"I must keep believing there is light within every person. No matter how monstrous."

"Strong beliefs can get you killed in the end." Pirate Captain Inverse was always rude.

"I am just as monstrous as he." Than Light looked to his teacher. "If I'm going to be as great a Pirate as you, I must keep to my strong beliefs."

Allowing herself to immerse with the tender moment for a few wasted seconds, Captain Inverse crossed her arms and restructured the resilient wall back up.

"Be your own person, Light." She nodded to her two comrades and they all turned to leave. Light watched the three Pirates walk away from him. He broke into a large smile when the tiny leader of the small crew raised an arm to signal a decent farewell. His body copied, even though none of them were looking back at him.

- o -

The Pirates simple sailboat had left Light's sight a long time ago but he continued to watch the Demon Sea. Gently, his best friend made his presence known by letting his arm brush against his. He knew his scent so it didn't alert him.

"Is this what freedom feels like?" Light asked quietly when Joshua sat next to him. They both stared out to the Demon Sea. For the first time in a long time, Joshua allowed his mouth to widen into a smile.

"It's nice." It was at this time, he noticed Light staring intensely at him instead of the blue sea. The smile quickly vanished but not the unexpected attention.

"What you said back there," Light began. "Did you mean what you said? That you need me?" The blonde jumped at this sudden interrogation. Feeling pure hotness over his face, Joshua looked away in embarrassment.

"Do I usually say things without meaning it?" It wasn't an answer.

"Good." Light responded and placed his head on Joshua's shoulder, worsening the heat on Joshua's cheeks. He didn't know what to do with this abrupt affection. So he did nothing and allowed Light to rest on him. Eventually, Joshua did look at the sleeping Pirate and gave him a secret kiss on his brow before he woke up.

- o -

A higher-pitch squeal erupted from Lina's lips. She joyously dove her fingers into the large bag that Zelgadiss dumped in the middle of the deck.

"I knew that metal ship was loaded!" With her fingers running graciously through the finds, Lina continued to giggle with glee as her Navigator cleared his throat to get her attention. Eventually, she did notice his intent grunts and looked up.

"I require payment for my troubles."

"Here." Lina threw a gold coin and it slapped his chest. Zelgadiss didn't respond; he let the coin drop between his boots. "Don't spend it on something foolish now like slug scales."

"I independently commandeered an entire ship for just a single coin. Pardon my ecstatic behavior." He said quite mockingly. The Pirate Captain rolled her eyes and reached for the lone coin, only to get it swiped away.

"Show some appreciation, Zel. Other Pirate Captains won't share their treasure with their crew." Lina told as Zelgadiss buried his reward deep into his inner coat pocket.

"Other Pirate Captains would sanction the innocent to perish." He then raised his stern glare to Gourry, who was relaxing at the opposite end of the sailboat and staring longingly at the calm sea.

"We can no longer call ourselves Pirates if we linger on this righteous direction."

"Righteous? That's a nice word." Gourry smiled and lifted his head toward the two. "We can be righteous Pirates, can't we?"

"I don't believe this." Zelgadiss grumbled while Lina laughed at the unexpected turnaround. Gourry sighed heavenly and returned his head to rest upon the boat. He shut his eyes and crossed his arms under his neck; relaxing thoroughly in the hot sunrays and forgetting to alert his comrades there was a large wooden ship that was cruising their way. Actually, he purposely didn't alert them for he knew they would not allow it.

It was the notorious Tournament Ship and Gourry intended to join the festivities.

- 010 -

HERO