Chapter Eight: Blood Stained

Duke:

It turned out that our ship had taken on quite a bit of damage during the fight. Falcone's crew had been trying to sink us in air. With some luck though Heart found a nearby port on the map we could limp to for prepairs and some rest.

So we coasted into that port just before our engine gave out. We learned we had just enough for the repairs and some currency left for rooms and food, but not much more than that. With a sigh I gave it up, but then learned it would take a couple days to be finished.

"I'm not sure how much time I have left," I said under my breath to the shopkeeper, "But I don't have much choice now do I?"

Once everything was paid for upfront I turned to my crew and gave them their leave for the time being. Silver and Diana wandered off to explore the new port. Saffire went straight to the inn to secure a few rooms for a while. Trent kept an eye on the ship while it was looked over by the workers repairing it.

Heart on the other hand seemed torn. Swung over her shoulder was her pack with her book of drawings tucked away.

"I'm not taking any chances," she told me.

"Well we can't go any further at the moment, hopefully Falcone hasn't discovered his set back yet and is lookin' for us," I said with a smirk.

"Would ya like ta adventure with me sweetheart?" I asked her.

However I noticed she seemed a bit distracted as she looked out at the harbor.

This port was much like a cape you might see on Earth where most humans were from. The skies were blue along with the waters we had touched down on. However I noticed that wasn't what she watching as she breathed, "Is it?"

I followed her gaze to a ship coming up to the docks. A grand ship indeed with Puck World's crest waving in the air above it's full sails. I watched as tears brimmed her eyes when she saw a young drake waving his arms in greeting to anyone that might see him, "Ahoy there!"

"Dive!" She exclaimed while running by me and back to the docks.

I stepped back and watched quietly, feeling a part of me being torn away with her. Yet still I smiled despite this aching in my chest trying to distract me.

Heart:

My feet carried me as fast as they could as the ship met with the harbor. As the crew one by one emerged I ran up to my brothers with arms wide open, "Wildwing! Nosedive!"

Their eyes wide with disbelief and joy they both pulled me into a group hug. For a moment I thought Nosedive would squeeze the air out of my lungs as he embraced me, "Sis, you're alive!"

"Thank the stars!" Wildwing said still hugging me.

I looked Canard and the rest of the crew, "I'm so glad you're all okay!"

"We've been fine," Canard assured, "Glad to have you back with us."

I then found myself being swept up with my original crew, being taken to a tavern to get some warm food and just see everyone again. It was nearly dusk when I realized how long I had been away from Duke and the others. I figured Duke had seen me with my brothers and had left me to visit with them. However I worried that he might think I planned to stay with them.

This tugged at me when I asked, "How long will you be staying here at port?"

"We're not staying long though," Mallory mentioned, "We're just gathering some supplies and resting for the night. Then we're off again."

"But now our crew is complete again!" Nosedive said eagerly, "We can continue our adventure together!"

I could feel the smile on my face twisting when I heard this.

"I can't go with you yet," I admitted sadly.

"What do you mean?" Tanya asked, "We've been trying to find you!"

"I'm sorry, but I'm needed...elsewhere," I tried to say.

"Sis, what's going on?" Wildwing asked.

"It's hard to explain," I said biting my lower lip nervously.

Nosedive noticed and said, "Let's get something to eat before we go any further. We'll figure things out after that."

"What's to figure out?" Wildwing asked.

"It's been two weeks since we left home," Wildwing commented as we sat down to eat dinner.

"Only two weeks?" I asked a bit surprised.

"It seems like more time has passed than that," I then said.

"What happened to you by the way? How did you survive?" Mallory asked.

"Before my oxygen device gave out I was picked up by a friendly crew. They brought me here," I answered.

"Who were they?" Canard enquired.

"I...I'm not really sure," I tried to say.

"You've been with them for two weeks and you don't know who they are?" Grin questioned.

My heart began racing as I tried to think of an answer. Then I looked to my two brothers, "Can I talk to the two of you?"

Without questioning they followed me outside into the alley.

"What's going on Heart?" Wildwing repeated.

"Look, I'm sorry, but I have to stay with the other crew for now. Just believe me when I say that, please," I told him.

"No, I want answers! We've been worried sick about you! We thought you were dead!" Wildwing exclaimed rightfully.

"If I tell you you'll try to stop me," I admitted quietly.

"What?!" Nosedive joined him.

"Please, just take my word on this one. And please believe that I've missed you both too, more than I can say! But I have to do this right now! I owe him my life!" I slipped.

"Owe who your life?" Wildwing caught it.

Before I could answer something flowed into my ears. Her voice giggled to her melody this time.

My father is a merchant

The truth I now will tell

And in great London City

In opulence doth dwell

Without a word to either of my brothers I began to search around me. They had not heard it I noticed, but they did ask, "What's wrong?"

Not answering I started sprinting through the streets with them tailing behind me worriedly.

Duke:

I had reached the inn by now, finding most of my crew there by this point. Trent was still keeping watch over the ship, and it appeared Heart hadn't come in yet either. The latter I had a feeling about though.

"Where's Heart?" Silver asked none the less.

"It appears her brothers have found her," I mentioned half heartedly.

"And that's a bad thing?" Diana questioned.

"Of course not, she was so happy ta see them again," I reminded myself.

"So is she joining with them again?" Saffire asked with a hint of worry masked in her voice.

"Your guess is as good as mine," I said with a shrug, "But honestly it's where she belongs. A young lady like her doesn't really belong with pirates does she?"

"What are you talking about?!" Diana exclaimed, "Of course she belongs! She's our guide isn't she? And she has the new maps to our treasure!"

I shrugged, "I'm sure she'll bring them ta me with her answer. For now let her be with her long lost brothers an' happy."

"Captain, are you okay?" Silver asked with worry creeping into his tone.

"Of course I'm okay," I assured before I heard the melody in my head begin again.

I raised a brow in puzzlement at this. Shaking my head I excused myself from the others and stepped out onto the streets again. For a brief moment I wondered if Heart had heard it this time. Or maybe now that she was back with her brothers, perhaps she would be freed from this?

"It's what she deserves isn't it?" I asked the aching sensation I felt again while still facing the door.

"No," a deep voice retorted from across the street from me, "You're not what my daughter deserves you worthless thief!"

Turning around quickly I now faced a tall, mountain of a sailor. His stern face was adorned with a thick black beard with greys sprouting here and there. His eyes were fixed into a hardened glare. His navy blue thick coat reached down to the tops of his boots, but was tattered at the edges. He wore a merchant's hat. At his belt was a curved blade and in his hand a pistol trained on me.

"Facing death like a man?" He questioned, "Surprising for a coward like you!"

I didn't risk saying anything just yet.

"Do you know who I am?"

Noting the words sung in my head moments ago I answered carefully, "I have a good guess. You're her father?"

"That I am," he replied bitterly, "You lying son of a serpent! You took my daughter from me, stole her heart away, and left it twisted and shattered in the shore! For that I will make you pay with your blood and your life!"

"I never meant ta hurt her, I told her I was jus' tryin' ta see if she were alright. I told her I couldn't stay!"

"Lying coward!" He bellowed.

I didn't dare move.

"Do ya know what your daughter is? She has me payin' already with her song," I told him.

"I can break the curse for you then. You can't be haunted by her melody if you can no longer hear it!" He assured me in an icy tone, "Allow me to assist you worthless devil! Not that you deserve such mercy!"

He cocked the pistol and I braced for something I had no way of avoiding.

Suddenly before he placed his finger over the trigger I jumped when Heart came running into him, trying to pull his arm down, "Don't shoot him!"

"Heart?!" Her younger of her older brothers exclaimed from behind her.

Heart was focusing on the sailor, trying to stop him from firing.

"Who is this L'Orange? Another heart to shatter? Will she end up just like my daughter?!" He bellowed with a rising temper.

"He wasn't trying to hurt her!" She pleaded, "Please! You can hate him, but please don't kill him!"

"You're a fool girl!" He snapped, "You'll become just like her if you're not careful! Leave him now and toss any feelings you have for him aside before it's too late!"

"I won't let you kill him!" Heart snapped while standing between us.

"Sis are you crazy?!" Wildwing exclaimed.

"He saved my life! I owe him this much!" She said firmly, "He doesn't deserve to die, that much I know!"

"Heart, ya don't owe me a thing," I said to her, causing her to look over her shoulder at me.

"My fury is not caused by you child, so please step aside so I can deliver him to the grave he belongs in!" The sailor requested with a growl in his polite tone.

"Would killing him turn your daughter back?" She questioned.

"No, once changed a starmaid can never turn back," he said bitterly with rage burning from his coal like eyes, "But spilling his blood will prevent the change for other women, including you!"

I noticed as Heart stiffened from this revelation. I too stood in shock to hear this. For a moment I wondered if he were in the right? Whether I had intended to or not, had I really caused his daughter to change in such a way?

"Heart-"

"I'm sorry for your pain, but Duke did not change her into that creature! She chose to dwell, she twisted in on herself because she didn't get what she wanted! She could have learned from that heart ache rather than give into it!" Heart then said as calmly as she could, "She allowed venom to over take her and became vindictive!"

"He's already gotten to you hasn't he? Worry not child, I'll save you from his wicked spell!" He insisted as he rushed at her, knocking her out of the way and into her brothers.

"Heart!" I exclaimed when he struck her to the side.

"Duke run!" Heart cried as she scrambled away from her brothers.

"If he runs it proves he's a coward!" The sailor barked as he aimed at me once more.

"Duke please!" She screamed, her voice filled with fear.

Fear for me?

As he went to fire, another shot blasted out as his gun went flying from his hand. Looking over I saw the younger of the two drakes holding his own drawn pistol.

"Both of you run now! Hurry! We'll figure this out later!" Nosedive ordered.

Heart hurried to me, grabbed my hand, and pulled me along with her. In seconds we were sprinting down the street from the commotion. Behind us we heard the merchant cursing at me while he was tackled away from the gun he tried to pick up.

"You'll hit our sister you psycho!" The older of the two yelled from far behind us now.

Heart:

Duke and I ran as fast and as far as we both could. Ducking through the busy crowd and weaving through streets, we managed to lose the angered father of the starmaid. Finally taking refuge in an alley Duke and I gasped for breath as we leaned back against the brick wall behind us. Our lungs burned for air as we slid to the ground now.

"Are you okay?" Duke then asked me while looking over where I'd been stricken.

I nodded my head still regaining my breath. Unable to ignore the pain tightening in my sides I leaned forward into him while I gasped still.

"Why didn't you run? He was going to kill you!" I then questioned.

"'Cause I'm not a coward! I wasn't goin' ta leave ya there actin' like my livin' shield!" He snapped.

"He wasn't going to shoot me!" I said.

"We don't know that! If push came ta shove I don't know what he would have done!" He yelled.

We both grew silent, looking at one another with fear in our eyes, but not for own sake it seemed.

"It seems the longer we're together the worse things get," he then said in a calmer tone.

"It's her song, it called him-"

"That's not what I meant Heart," he said quickly.

"Then what do you mean?" I asked.

"Ya need ta go with your brothers, that's what I mean!" he told me while getting to his feet again.

"What?!"

"You need ta leave with them in the mornin'! That's where ya belong!"

"I swore I would help you break this curse!" I reminded him while getting up as well, "I'm not going back on my word!"

"Heart, you have saved my life enough times ta pay me back! Ya don't owe it ta me ta fix my mistake! I will solve this or reap what I've sewn! But you are not stayin' with me ta sink with me!" He snapped with a rising temper in his voice.

"Duke, you said I was your guide-"

"Give me the maps an' I'll figure out the rest from there!"

"Why are you doing this?!" I demanded with my heart racing in my chest again.

"I almost got ya killed! I'm not goin' ta keep puttin' your life in danger!" He yelled, "An' I won't let ya end up like her!"

My eyes widened in shock when I heard this. My voice faultered as I tried to say his name. My hands balled into fists at my sides while my frame shook. Looking up at him I tried to figure out what to say, what to do. Things were spiraling out of control.

"So yesterday...when you saved me...was it because you knew I had the maps?"

"Of course not!" He told me still just as angrily.

"You asked me what I thought of you! How I felt?! For you to turn around and do this! I told myself to keep you at a distance! Why didn't I listen?!" I said as I reached into my pack, grabbed the book, and pulled out the pages he needed, shoving them into his hands.

"Heart-"

"When you break this curse try not to end up with another one by the next heart you try to take!" I snapped while closing my pack and darting away from him.

"Heart!"

I didn't care to listen or look back at him. All I could think to do was run. Despite my aching lungs still I just kept going. I didn't stop until I was far from him now too. Finding myself back at the docks I slowed to a walk. Finally I came to a hault at the end of one and sat there looking out over the harbor. Pulling my knees up against my chest I felt a pain in my chest I couldn't describe. At first I thought it was from running, yet a part of me knew better.

"Why didn't I listen?!" I sobbed into my arms.

"Little friend?" A voice I vaguely remembered from two weeks ago spoke up.

I looked over my shoulder to see Grin standing over me. His eyes were filled with concern as he watched me crying, "What happened?'

"It doesn't matter!" I snapped while looking away.

The gentle giant then sat beside me while resting a hand on my shoulder, "If it didn't matter, would you be crying right now?"

"Did Dive and Wing come back?" I asked avoiding his question.

"They did, they're back at the inn. They said they were waiting for you to hopefully come back and talk to them. They've been looking for you for a while," he told me.

"Well they won't have to search for me anymore. I'm staying with them, just as I planned to all along!" I assured shakily, "I should have-"

I couldn't even finish my sentence. If I had stayed back at the port previously to this, what would have happened? He might have been dragged away by her shadow, driven mad, or worse. Yet at the same time every thought of him burned my core somehow.

"I was so scared before! I was scared for him! Why doesn't he understand that?!"

I looked up at Grin knowing he couldn't answer for Duke. Though he did provide some words in reply, "It seems the journey you are on isn't finished. Until you complete it as you sought to you won't have the answers you need."

"He doesn't want to continue things as we planned," I said as I got to my feet now.

Wiping the tears from my reddened eyes I tried to force a smile, "I think I'm ready to go back to my brothers now. Thank you Grin."

"You can't force yourself to heal," he warned, "Give yourself some time before deciding on an outcome."

I shrugged, "There's nothing to decide. He already made the choice for me. So let's just go."

Yet as we walked towards the tavern I heard her melody continuing. I tried to ignore it as I walked on still.

His fortune doth exceed

200,000 gold

And he frowns upoon his daughter

Who loves a sailor bold

My blood ran cold as I forced myself to walk still. He didn't need me to get him out of this. Besides, even if I did help he would just get himself in trouble again with the next heart he broke, wouldn't he?

"You'd best forget him now child," the deep voice of the merchant warned from behind Grin and I, "before you are changed as my daughter was."

"I am not like your daughter! I am not trying to rob him of his freedom!" I heard myself growl, "And I will not turn into a venomous siren like she did!"

"Don't speak of her that way!" He bellowed as I turned to face him.

Grin stepped forward defensively, "I think it's best you leave my friend alone sir. Hatred blinds all from seeing the truth, including you and your daughter!"

"How dare you!" He growled, "My daughter was a precious, innocent girl until that worthless thief stole her heart and broke it like glass! He doesn't care for those he charms, only uses them! Just as he used you as a shield before!"

For a moment I paused and thought about how I had aided Duke the last few days. How I had remade the maps for him and protected them. Now he didn't really need me did he?

All the same I stood my ground before the sailor, "You do realize that your daughter sought him out don't you? She lured him in with a fake cry!"

"I never said she wasn't foolish and young, but none the less she is my daughter, and his blood will stain the seas when I'm done with him!" He vowed, "Besides, the galaxy could use one less pirate in it!"

"Stay back and let me deal that coward!" he warned as he turned to walk away.

"He's not a coward!" I heard myself erupt, "And he isn't worthless either!"

"But you won't deny he's a thief?"

"Rather he'd be a thief than a murderer," I stated glaring at him.

"You do realize if not me then justice will claim him sooner or later?" He mentioned, "Whether it's a bullet through him or a noose around his neck, he can't run forever!"

He then turned to Grin, "I suggest you talk some sense into that love sick friend of yours before she is thrown in with him!"

Glancing up at Grin he looked to me, gave a nod, and then said, "I think she has plenty of sense in her. Perhaps she sees a path you can't due to your anger?"

An appreciative smile curled my lip slightly.

The sailor looked at both of us with disgust and disbelief in his dark eyes.

"Believe what you want, it won't stop me either way! He'll die by my hand once I find him. His ship is still here and this is not a big port. His blood will stain the waters soon enough!" He assured as he walked off.

Had Grin not been there with me I wondered what would have happened? Turning to him I gave a nod of thanks. He smiled in return. With that he lead me back to the tavern to find my brothers.

"Sis!" Nosedive cried as he ran over and hugged me, "Thank goodness!"

"Is your friend okay?" He then asked.

I shrugged my shoulders, "He's alive at least. Whether he's okay I have no clue."

Wildwing and him then pulled me aside to talk again. In the safety of our shared room I wove my tale from the last two weeks. I told them of meeting Duke, what he was, and his crew. I then told them of the starmaid's curse and my promise to help Duke break that curse.

"You speak as though something changed?" Wildwing observed

"He doesn't need me anymore. When we got away he decided I should just go back with you two and continue our initial voyage into space," I explained.

"That's actually very reasonable for a pirate," Wildwing commented.

"No it's not! It's the most reckless decision he's made yet!" I argued looking at the ground, "I've saved his neck as many times as he's saved mine at this point!"

"Sis, you're not a pirate. You're an adventurer yes, but you don't belong with them," Wildwing told me.

"Wildwing...even away from him I hear her song haunting us...but it doesn't matter, he made the choice for me," I said.

"Wait..." Nosedive then said thoughtfully, scratching the back of his head, "Sis, how are you caught up in this in the first place?"

I then told them of the shared dream with Duke, and the night at the first port. I left out bits about sharing a room and bed with him. I didn't need my brothers hunting him down too.

"He thinks if I'm seperated from him that she'll give up coming after me and focus on him. But if that were the case I wouldn't still hear her song would I?" I said with frustration in my voice.

"Sis, it sounds like he did this to try and protect you?" Wildwing realized looking over to me.

"Wildwing, even if I couldn't hear the song, I would still know he wasn't safe. He saved my life, how can I just...?" I gave up, my anger getting the better of me now, "It doesn't matter! He doesn't need me around, he made that clear! He can handle his own problems!"

Nosedive walked over to the edge of the bed I was sitting on now. Out the window we could see the night sky settling over the little port. I knew somewhere his crew were enjoying themselves at another tavern. Though with that last verse of the song hanging in the air, I knew he was watching his back. I tried to ignore this.

My twin then wrapped an arm around my shoulders, pulling me into a hug, "I think it does matter, and I don't think he doesn't need you sis."

"Dive-" Wildwing tried to protest.

"Can you agree with her bro?" Nosedive asked.

"You both keep growing up on me, I miss two weeks and this happens?" Wildwing tried to laugh.

"Sorry Wing," Nosedive said, "But would you rather her go on believing a lie?"

Wildwing shook his head.

"Sis, it sounds like he needs you to stay alive," Wildwing admitted gently, "From what you've told us and what he risked trying to save you, it sounds like it would be worse than this curse to see you die because of him."

Suddenly in the distance through the night air we heard shots being fired. My heart leapt to my throat as the harsh blasts erupted through the previous calm. I jumped away from my brother and rushed to the window. Opening I looked out fearfully.

"Sis?" Wildwing asked worriedly.

"I can't do this...I can't walk away...if morning came and I learned he died tonight I wouldn't know what to do! I need to find him! I need to know!" I shook my head, "But we've been through this already! It'll just end up the same way won't it?!"

"Heart, when you found us on Puck World, you never questioned us. You never second guessed that we were your family," Wildwing told me.

"So why would this be any different? If you see something in him worth saving, why question that?" Nosedive pushed.

"Dive? Wing?"

"We'll miss you sis," Wildwing said with tears in his eyes, "But I think you have your answer don't you?"

I hurried to them, hugging them both tightly for a brief moment.

"Thank you!"

"Just please be careful!" My oldest brother begged as he hugged me back.

Then I was out through the window and sprinting through the lamplit streets again. My feet pounded along the cobblestone and my heart raced nearly out of my chest.

"Please!" I barely breathed.

Duke:

"It's me or the gallows devil, I think my bullet would be more merciful, not that you deserve it!" He shouted when he'd found me wandering the streets restlessly.

With that he began firing. I dodged the first few, sliding to the wall and then leaping into the alley.

"Sorry, but I have no desire to die either way!" I said as I started down the alley towards the other end.

"Who said you had a choice in the matter? I didn't get a choice to save my daughter from your spell, but I will avenge the child I once knew tonight!" He bellowed as he chased after me.

I didn't answer. I just kept running. He continued to fire after me, hitting the wall near me and signs as he tried to aim at me. I turned the corner and found a ledge to climb up. Staying on the move I made my way to the rooftops and continued to evade him. Over head thick clouds rolled in seemingly out of nowhere. Thunder crashed over us while lightning struck the small sea that lead into space. Rain began to pour over me as I ran, making the rooves slick under my boots. However I maintained my footing as I hurried over them.

Coming to the end of the line of rooves I found another far across the street. Looking back I saw the merchant nearing my position. Taking a deep breath I stepped back as much as I could and then ran. With a leap I mangaed to catch the edge of the roof across. My fingers tried to maintain the purchase on the slick planks as I scrambled to try and get up it.

As I was halfway up I heard him bellow from the roof behind me, "Die in the storm so your blood will wash into the sea. When your blood stains the waters she will know she is free of you and your lies you son of a serpent!"

The pain that burrowed into my shoulder as he fired made me cry out. As it seered through my flesh I lost my grip and fell to the street below. My back buckled upon impact with the cobblestone I fell onto. Gripping my shoulder I tried to stand up and stop it from bleeding. Above me I heard him cursing me.

Looking up I saw him taking aim. The pain in my right shoulder kept me from getting up. Pulling my hand away I found my white dress shirt now soaked and stained with my crimson blood. With a deep breath I managed to stand as he cocked his pistol and prepared to pull the trigger. I looked straight at him, accepting this fate.

"Any last words?"

"I'm sorry for what happened to your daughter..." I started, knowing it woudn't change anything.

Then I said quietly, knowing she couldn't hear me, "Heart...I'm sorry for what I put ya through...and...I wish I could have told ya just once that I love you."

"As for that girl who foolishly spoke in your defense before, may the comfort of knowing once you are dead that she will be free of the curse that fell upon her."

I wasn't sure of I believed him. Yet I faced him all the same, knowing I couldn't keep running.

"Good ridance to a worthless thief!"

"He's not worthless!" Her voice shouted through the hail and rain, causing him to jump slightly as he pulled the trigger.

This time a bullet dug itself into my left leg, causing me to drop to my knees.

"Duke!" She screamed as she ran to me.

"Heart go back now! Find your brothers and leave!" I yelled, trying to ignore the pain burning in my wounds.

"Have you lost your senses entirely child?! He's a thief! You'll become just like my daughter when he breaks your heart!" The sailor bellowed at her.

Heart didn't answer him. Instead she stood before me with the hail pelting us both. Her clothes were soaked with rain, while mine were drenched with that and now blood.

"Heart, it's okay. Jus' turn back an' pretend we never met if ya want! If this can save ya from her then maybe-"

"Are you insane?!" She snapped, her own anger rising to the surface as she looked at me.

"Do you really think I could just forget about you?! Do you think knowing you were killed would save me any grief?! And what about your crew?! Don't you think they would miss you with or without Saffire as their new captain?! I know I would miss you!"

I wondered if she knew she were screaming. I wondered if she knew she was trembling.

"He's not worth missing! Once he's gone you'll see that and you'll thank me one day!" He took aim.

Yet still she shielded me. Looking over her shoulder in fear at him, though unmoved by his words all the same.

"I'm not leaving him!" She said firmly with the rain mixing with the tears running down her face, "I won't! I'm going to see this through with him like I swore I would!"

"Heart..." I protested while gritting my teeth.

"Then I will come down there and remove you from him!" He told her as he jumped down with a harsh thud that shook the ground.

Heart turned around, facing him completely. The heels of her boots dug into the ground and dirt to keep her stance firm.

"Heart...please...jus' go back..."

She remained standing there. I hated that she was shielding me. I hated that I couldn't get her away from me now. I hated what I had done to her. I hated that no matter what I did her heart would be broken whether I left her here or died here in the rain.

The merchant marched forward towards her. I remembered how small her frame was as he towered over her. The only movement she made was stepping back closer to me.

He raised his arm over her, preparing to let it fall and collide into her. With what strength I had to break from the pain I reached out and grabbed her hand. Then I pulled her back swiftly to keep him from knocking her to the ground like a ragdoll. Instead she fell back from me pulling her off balance. Despite the screaming pain in my shoulder and leg I reached out and caught her as she stumbled back into me.

I groaned as my face twisted into a grimace. Then I made the mistake of looking into her eyes. I felt her trembling still in my hands. All I could think to do was pull her close to me, shielding her at the very least in return as he readied his pistol.

He then reached forward, gripping her shoulder as he pulled her away. She tried to grip my now faded crimson shirt, but it tore from his strength pulling on her.

"Please! Please don't kill him!" She begged as he tossed her to the side.

"Turn away child!" He warned as he aimed straight at my chest.

"I won't!" She shouted as she tried to grapple him.

He frowns upon his daughter

Who loves a sailor bold

The words echoed through both of us I knew. Then his stone glare twisted into a sneer as he turned on her now. Tossing her back to the ground he then said in an icy tone, "Then I'll send you with him so you don't become like my daughter!"

My heart racing I struggled to my feet as he went to aim for her. Drawing my saber with my left hand I slashed at him, swiping a gash in the arm he aimed with. He snarled in pain as he managed to hold his gun steady and aim back at me.

"Die you wretched thief!"

I looked to Heart in that instant, the rain and tears on her face made my chest ache before he pulled the trigger. Then I glanced over her trembling body and said, "Sorry, but I'm not breakin' her heart!"

"What?!" He mocked just before he was slammed back away from us by the flying barrel tossed at him.

"Heart get to him!" A deep voice ordered as a giant Puck Worldian rushed up behind her.

Heart scrambled over to me, supporting me as I started losing my balance from the loss of blood. I tried to hold myself up against her as she held onto me.

In seconds the the large grey drake stood over the merchant who had hit his ground on the harsh ground as well. As he lay still our new companion crushed his gun under his boot, "That's enough negative vibes from you!"

Heart:

Looking up at Duke I watched in fear as he seemed to be fading in and out.

"Stay with me Captain, please!" I told him, "Where's Trent?"

"Back...at the ship..." he answered tiredly.

Turning to Grin I pleaded, "I need to get him to our ship, Trent will know what to do! If we take him anywhere else he'll be arrested!"

"Please he'll die if we don't help him!" I begged.

Without a word Grin smiled and took Duke from me with ease. He then followed me while carrying our captain through the soaked streets. In time that rushed by and stood still at once we were at the ship. Trent saw us coming, up from hearing the gunshots not too far from the ship. Upon seeing Duke he ordered us to bring him to his cabin to see what he could do.

Looking back at the docks I could see the trail left from his drops of blood as they stained the waters they fell into. Seeing this I had never been as afraid as I was in this moment. Looking as Duke was carried away I couldn't help but hold my breath now.