The Love of two Blue Rogues
Chapter Four- A love almost lost~
The port of Nasrad bustled with activity, the flag of the hero had been sighted on the horizon and everyone had reasons for being there to greet the man who had saved the world. Traders and Merchants waited eagerly at the port with a sample of their wares, each knew that if the hero would be the one to deliver their cargo they would gain fame and prestige in the world and that was always good for business.
Others such as government officials and ambassadors from other nations who had come to Nasrad to assist in the ongoing struggle to rebuild the city, after Old Valua had bombarded and burnt it into the ground. Fellow Blue Rogues were also present though out of the way so as not to attract attention to themselves. They were waiting to meet the man who had made Blue Rogue a household name, a man whose deeds were spoken in every tavern under the six moons.
However compared to all these groups was another, less savory group. Their intentions to the hero were not friendly; nay their final intent was to take the life of the hero. Their future lay in the hands of that legendary hero who could disrupt all that they had worked for in the last year.
They were Black Pirates, a group who were the exact opposite of the Blue Rogues, while the rouges would only attack armed ships, The Black Pirates would attack anything in the sky. The rouges used some of their gold to help others, the pirates only hoarded, the rouges were always helping those in need, the pirates would only steal and plunder those who crossed their path.
Murderers and thieves all of them, they knew that the coming of the hero would break their unchallenged hold on the Nasrad government. They watched from the shadows as the Albatross II slowly docked at the newly rebuilt port. They watched and searched for any hint of the one they hunted or of his friends, they knew not a single one of them could handle the hero in battle but if he or one of his friends could be trapped…
----
Deck of the Albatross II
Aika had forgotten all of her problems for the time being, her excitement at being at Nasrad and of the crowds that cheered whenever she or Fina could be seen was to much for her. She turned and smiled to Fina before she stood up and exposed herself to the crowed waving at them all and smiling. The crowd responded in kind and Aika was surprised at the volume of which the crowd roared in happiness.
"Come on Fina get up there…I'm sure they want to see you too!" Fina started to say something before Aika grabbed her and brought her up to the side railing of the deck where the crowd could see both of them, Fina smiled and started to wave too while some of the more amorous men in the crowd tried to get the attention of the two young beautiful ladies.
Aika and Fina both laughed and turned back to their duties preparing the Albatross for the boarding of cargo and the like. "Aika…have you seen Vyse at all?" Fina looked around concerned that since she had last spoken to Vyse, she hadn't seen him and neither had most of the crew.
Aika also looked around but didn't see his familiar figure standing out giving orders. "I bet he's in his cabin Fina…lets go see if we can get him out huh?" She gave a hopeful smile but she knew deep down that Vyse was more then likely still angry at the both of them for their attempt to get him to tell them who he really loved.
"I…I just can't shake the thought that he doesn't love me" Thought Aika as she and Fina made their way towards his cabin. "Why did I have to be such an idiot and call him out like I did…its all my fault." Aika couldn't shake her guilty feelings and her fear of rejection, no matter how hard she tried but it didn't excuse her from not making sure Vyse was ok. No matter how he felt she would always be his best friend and right now it seemed as though he could use a friend.
After their knocks on his cabin door remained unanswered Fina tried to talk to him. "Vyse why don't you come out?" After a while and no answer Fina turned to Aika who had turned away for a moment. "Aika what are you doing?".
Grinning Aika knelt down in front of Vyse's cabin and began to fiddle with the door handle. "I'm a Air Pirate Fina…I know how to pick locks and Vyse hasn't found a lock yet that I haven't been able to pick!."
After a few more seconds of messing with the lock the door slowly creaked open and the girls peeked expecting to see an outraged Vyse but saw only his empty room. Both girls stepped into his cabin expecting him to jump out at them at any moment. Fina slowly looked around Vyse's room but didn't find anything out of the normal.
"Hey Fina…I think I have an idea where Vyse is…" Aika gestured to Vyse's open cabin window, a window large enough for a certain air pirate to escape though. Swaying gently in the breeze was a rope that reached down to the harbor.
Neither girl spoke but both looked down feeling as guilty as though they had pushed Vyse out the window. They knew he had run off because of them and they would search for him when the crowd died down. Until that time however Vyse was gone and would remain so until both girls could hunt him down in the large and dark streets of Nasrad. Fina slowly left Vyse's cabin while Aika just stood there looking at the window and thought to herself that if only that hadn't pushed Vyse so hard then maybe he wouldn't have run away. Aika drew a deep breath at the task that Vyse had given them, It had been awhile since she had been to Nasrad but she had heard rumors that Black Pirates now ruled the streets.
As Aika slowly shut Vyse's cabin door she continued to think to herself. "If what I heard was true, they are all over the place and I'll bet all of the gold I've got that their going to be on the lookout for Vyse…Oh Vyse why did you have to leave like this…".
-----------
Nasrad Harbor
Few hours after the docking of the Albatross II~
The crowds had all left, a rumor had spread that the hero hadn't been on the ship, that it was captained by his friend Aika. The merchants and traders grumbled as they packed up their wares, The knew if the hero didn't captain the ship then it was just a supply run and nothing more. People who had just come to see the hero came away a little disappointed, they were happy to see his two friends and his crew but it wasn't the same as seeing him. The ladies of this group were the ones who were the most unhappy but they too soon left.
The Ambassadors of the other nations stayed longer, talking to Aika and Fina about various things. They invited the girls to dinner in each of their embassies but Aika politely declined saying that they would more then likely leave by the next sunrise. As the ambassadors left Aika and Fina had to deal with another group, a much more friendly group then the last two.
Two Blue Rogue ships had been docked at Nasrad when the Albatross II had shown up and they all had wanted to see the legendary hero and heroines themselves, they invited the crew and the girls to go to the largest bar in Nasrad for a party in their honor. Aika and Fina once again politely refused muttering excuses about having to be somewhere else. however all the crew of the heroes ship was allowed to go and relax ashore like they had wanted too.
After everyone had left Aika and Fina quietly left the ship, they had their own mission to fulfill that night, Vyse was still missing and they knew they had to go and find him. Both girls strode quietly across the harbor as quiet as they could, both girls thinking thoughts to themselves until Fina spoke up.
"Aika…I don't think you should go look for Vyse all by yourself…the Ixa'takan Ambassador told us that Black Pirates roamed the streets of Nasrad now." She stopped and grabbed on to Cupil and held it close to her, ever since Vyse had shut himself away and then ran off, Fina had felt a little lonely and Cupil had quite napping to join its mistress while she was sad.
Aika gave Fina a confident smile as they headed towards the city proper. "Look Fina don't worry…I can handle myself and besides…one of us needs to wait at the Inn in case he shows up there."
Fina still looked worried but quieted her protests as they entered the city proper and headed for the Inn. "Aika…Vyse…why do I feel like I might lose both of my friends tonight?" Fina shook her head "Vyse I'm so sorry what we did…please forgive us".
As the girls continued to walk they failed to notice that a group of about five men had been following them since they had left the Albatross II. The men stayed in the shadows and watched the girls carefully, A large man who appeared to be their leader held a whispered conversation with one of the others. After awhile both men parted ways but continued to follow the girls.
No one was out that night other then the two girls themselves, the citizens of Nasrad had long since learned that the Black Pirates frowned on those who stayed out late. The group of men knew that their deed would go unnoticed till long after it was done. Their captain had been worried about the arrival of the hero, he knew if anyone would be able to end their rule of Nasrad it would be the hero.
The leader of the group smiled to himself as the girls drew closer to the Inn, if he was right in his guessing then one of them would go out into the streets. He knew that the hero was in Nasrad, only a fool would think that he was still back at his base. The large mans name was Vorpel, he was the captain of the Dark Storm, one of the ships in his captains fleet.
Vorpel had been dispatched with four of his best fighters and given orders to either kidnap the hero or kill him. Vorpel had a better idea, an idea which he thought would work much better anyway and he was going to implement it as soon as the girls parted ways. Everyone knew how close the legend was with his two friends, Vorpel thought if he could kidnap one of them then the hero wouldn't dare risk his friend's life to stop the Black Pirates.
Vorpel smiled once again to himself, his plan would be perfect and no one would be the wiser. His captain would surly praise him and gave him a much larger share of the goods that they stole form the people of Nasrad. Yes thought Vorpel, tonight would indeed be a very profitable night.
-------
Nasrad Bar ~
The party between the crews of the Blue Rogue ships was in full swing. Vyse's crew was the toast of the party and they were enjoying every minute of it. The captains of the other ships in the harbor had paid the barkeep for the use of the bar for the entire night and everyone knew that their wouldn't be a sober head in the room before midnight.
Don was in heaven as far as he was concerned. The Loqua flowed like a river as he and a deckhand on one of the other Blue Rogue ships got into a drinking contest, the room nearly shook as the men and women of the crews cheered on their own favorite. Don drained a bottle of Loqua and reached for another one while his opponent was still downing his third bottle.
It was a forgone conclusion he thought, as he threw his head back and gulped down his sixth bottle. He was sure that Vyse would be happy to know that Don would be coming back aboard a much richer man then when he left, Don still owed Vyse for that card game he lost about three weeks ago. Of course with all the money he would win from beating this lightweight he could easily pay back the captain.
The merry making continued on and on into the night, the events that would transpire would have shocked the crews and brought them up in arms, however they wouldn't find out till much later. By tomorrow there would be a sore headed and a poorer crowd of Blue Rogues, however until then they could think nothing more then the next bottle of Loqua or the cute gunnery girl who sat in the corner flirting with the men who came to talk to her.
-----
Nasrad
City Proper~
Fina still looked concerned over Aika going off to search for Vyse all by herself. "Aika please promise me that you will come back safe…"
Aika just winked at Fina and reached behind her and patted her boomerang "I promise you Fina…nothing will happen don't worry…I'll find that blockhead Vyse and bring him back"
Aika put on a cheery smile as she continued to walk. "I just need you to stay at the Inn…in case he shows up there and if that happens you two come looking for me ok"
Nodding Fina continued to walk, she was still worried but she knew that Aika was right. Someone did have to wait at the Inn, And she had to admit she wasn't used to the streets of Nasrad. Aika was a much better choice when it came to hunting down Vyse.
"Don't look so glum Fina…we need to think of a way to get back at Vyse for ditching us like that" Aika knew that Fina was worried but she also knew that she had to look for Vyse. If Black Pirates were out then they might try to attack the girls. "And I know Vyse would never forgive me if I let you get hurt because we went looking for him".
The girls continued on their walk talking to each other and laughing at ideas on what to do to Vyse once they caught up with him again. Neither girl noticed that they had been followed, the group of men remained in the shadows never leavening them for more then a instant.
Aika had just finished telling Fina about maybe forcing Vyse to go hunting for moon shards to feed Cupil when Fina stopped and looked serious " Aika…what was Vyse like as a boy…".
Stunned at the sudden question Aika just looked away. "Fina do you think this is really the time for a question like that?"
Both girls remained quiet each thinking her own thoughts. Fina had wanted to know about Vyse's childhood for the longest of time. She wanted to know if Vyse had always been the way he was now. While Fina was their best friend she really didn't have a past with either of them besides the Crystal War. Cupil slowly sat itself on Fina's head, perhaps sensing the sadness in its mistress.
They both reached the door to the Inn when Fina spoke up once again "Aika…Its just that…I miss Vyse…I feel so lonely without him standing by us laughing and joking…I know its not the best of times but I can't shake this feeling that I might not see him again."
Aika only looked away again. "Fina…don't even think that, Vyse can take care of himself. You just need to calm yourself and keep an eye out for him here ok…I promise once I drag him back here I'll tell you everything." Aika grinned once more at her friend. "And not just the embarrassing stories either."
Fina only nodded, she knew how foolish she sounded but something was nagging at her and for some reason she could push it out of her mind entirely. "Ok…just make sure to stay out of trouble Aika… I don't want to have to rescue both of you."
Aika stuck her tongue out at her friend. "I seem to recall me saving you more times then you ever saved me, you just keep an eye out for blockhead" Both girls laughed before Aika turned and headed towards the Bazaar leaving Fina alone by the Inn door.
Fina watched Aika run off, once again that feeling that she might not see her friend was nagging her. Fina just shook it off before looking around the quiet empty street, "When we were here last it was always so busy, even at night…".
Shivering because of a cool wind that blew through the town late at night, Fina turned and opened the door to the Inn. She hoped that it would be Vyse she saw, but if not she could ask the Friendly Inn keeper if he was sleeping in a room. Instead what she saw made her stop and stare as though she had seen a ghost.
"Fina…how have you been these many years?" came the strangely familiar voice.
Fina could only gasp in surprise as the door behind her shut as she made her way towards the voice.
-------
Nasrad
City Proper~
The group of Black Pirates had stopped while the two girls had parted, they continued to stay in the shadows while their leader Vorpel decided on the next course of action. He knew the blonde one couldn't fight on her own without the hero or the redheaded girl, but the redheaded one was a fighter that much he knew.
Thinking, he decided to split his forces. Three of his men would go with him, while one would stay and watch the blonde one. If given the chance he was told, he should try to grab her and take her back to their hideout. Vorpel grinned once again as he and the majority of the group chased after the redheaded girl, if he played his cards right, he realized , he could kidnap both girls. But he would hunt the redhead first, she was far more dangerous with that boomerang of hers.
He only had to wait till she went into an alley so that her weapon would be useless. It would be Vorpal thought, like taking candy from a baby. In utter silence the men followed the unsuspecting Blue Rogue. The streets of Nasrad remained quiet and lonely as the Black Pirates plan started to come together.
---------
Nasrad
Bazaar~
"Vyse where could you be?" Aika had begun her search in the rebuilt bazaar knowing it to be the largest and easiest place to get lost in, She knew searching for Vyse wouldn't be easy but she had to find him. Ever since he had left both girls had felt a terrible loneliness. She knew they have been separated before but never by his choice or theirs.
Aika turned around as that alleyway turned out to be a dead end once again. "Vyse…why did you have to run off…couldn't you have just talked to us about the whole thing?".
Aika continued down the street, sometimes calling Vyse's name softy, she knew that the Black Pirates would love nothing more to kill or kidnap her. But she had to find Vyse, if they knew he was about all by himself, they would get every Black Pirate in the city to hunt him down. She shivered at the thought of seeing Vyse drug through the city in chains while the Black Pirates celebrated.
She didn't have any doubts that if they were able to capture him that's what they would do. "Damnit Vyse why do you have to make everyone worry so much when you take off on your own!" Aika swore to herself as another alleyway proved fruitless.
"Vyse if I find you I'm so going to kick your ass for all…" Aika gave a surprised gasp as the wind caused her hair whipping it around into her face, blinding her for a few seconds as she fought it back into place. Swearing once again Aika turned to leave by one of the two exits of the alleyway.
"Stop right there Blue Rogue scum!" Aika turned quickly to see that a large man standing at the south end of the alleyway. Aika was about to reply when she heard a noise and turned back around to see three men standing at the north end of the alleyway.
"Damnit they have me trapped…Vyse…where are you!?".
--------
Nasrad
Bazaar ~
A man in a green cloak walked swiftly through the dark streets, his face was obscured by the cloaks hood. The man didn't want to bring any attention to himself as he wandered through the street, he had been walking all day ever since the crowds had dispersed from the legends ship.
Grumbling the man started his way down a alleyway, he had finally been able to find out where the fortune teller Kalifia made her home. The man desired information that he couldn't get anywhere else. He knew that if anyone knew, it would be Kalifia, she wasn't called the vassal of the Red Moon for nothing.
As he approached the end of the alley he saw a faint light coming from a tent, along with a soft singing voice of a woman. The man grinned, he recognized that song, he had found what he was looking for at last. The Black Pirates had pretty much scared the citizens into total silence, they had refused to talk to anyone asking information of the Black Pirates.
That hadn't surprised him, the people though had unknowingly answered one his questions. Black Pirates had indeed taken over the city, this really didn't surprise him either, after the attack by old Valua, Nasrad still was recovering. It was no wonder, mused the man, that everyone had shown up to greet the hero. He would have been their best hope to drive away the Black Pirates and bring peace back to the city.
The man reached the end of the alleyway and the opening of the tent, the singing had since stopped, he assumed she had heard his footsteps. "Is this the tent of the fortune teller Kalifia?".
"Why yes it is stranger, it is late at night but please come in". The man smiled, he had a feeling she knew who he was already, like he already thought she wasn't called the vassal of the Red Moon for nothing.
As the man entered her tent he saw Kalifia sitting down quietly against the far end of the tent with her eyes closed. "Fortune Teller Kalifia I have come….".
Kalifia raised a hand and smiled as she cut him off "Captain, you off all people should know you can't fool me…so please take off that hood and cloak, it really doesn't suite you"
Vyse only smiled back as the removed the hood and cloak. "I see your talents haven't diminished any in the years since you sailed with me Kalifia." Vyse sat down on a cushion facing opposite of Kalifia "You probably know already what I've come to ask you then?".
Kalifia nodded as she drank some of the tea she had prepared ahead of time. "Yes captain…you wish to know about the Black Pirates and who leads then correct" she stated as she passed him some of the tea she had made.
Vyse took a sip of the tea while he waited for her to answer her own question. Vyse knew that no one else could provide the answers that he needed. Kalifia seemed to communicate with the Red Moon and as such knew things that others would have no idea about. He had sought her out as soon as he heard from one frightened citizen that a fortune teller of great repute had recently moved to Nasrad from Maramba.
"My captain…what you seek is two things, the Red Moon has told me this…and they will both be reveled to you now." Kalifia took a deep breath before continuing "Yes the Black Pirates have been in control of Nasrad since the start of the latest lunar cycle. They have cowed the Nasrad council into ignoring them and their raids".
Nodding Vyse took another sip of the tea, This was just confirming his thoughts on why the Nasradain council hadn't called for help from either Yafutoma or Valua. "Kalifia…is the Black Pirate captain a foe I have faced before?". Vyse had his suspicion that maybe it was Baltor who was behind it all.
Kalifia only shook her head as she spoke once more. "No this is not one whom you have crossed swords with before…he is a new foe, as cunning as Galcian in his thinking and just as ruthless" Kalifia closed her eyes on concentration, it had been many moons since the Red Moon last spoke with her of this. "He commands a fleet of six well armed Black Pirate ships…those that aren't ambushing ships as they come to Nasrad…wait near the sky rift by the North Dannel Strait".
Vyse nodded slowly as he took all the information in. Six black pirate ships would be nothing to the Delphinus but to the Albatross that would be much different matter. Vyse bowed his head as he began to think of plans to somehow defeat his latest foe. Six ships versus his own wouldn't be easy but it could be done.
"Vyse…the Red Moon spoke of a warning…it concerns your friends…" Vyse looked up sharply, his planning put on hold as he waited for Kalifia to finish.
Kalifia looked away as she finished the warning to Vyse. "Vyse…both of you're friends are in danger…but the woman that you love…deep in your heart….she will be the one harmed on this night and if you do not go to her……" Kalifia knew she didn't need to finish, She wished she knew more but the Red Moon had only told her this much, whom Vyse was to see hurt was known only to him.
Shocked at Kalifia's words, Vyse got to his feet as though he had been shot. "Kalifia do you know where and when this will happen?!." Vyse turned pale as she only shook her head sadly.
Vyse grimaced as he turned to leave the tent "Thank you for all your help Kalifia…"
Vyse didn't even bother to grab his cloak as he ran swiftly out of the alleyway in a race against time to save a friend and the woman he loved.
"I'm sorry my young captain that I could not be of any more help…Red Moon keep them safe…" Kalifia bowed her head and prayed in hopes that what she had predicted did not come to be.
-------
Nasrad
Inn~
"Gilder!!" Fina ran towards her friend and wrapped her arms around him in a embrace that only good friends who haven't seen each other in years could give.
"Hey Fina…whoa calm down I didn't think you were that happy to see me!" Gilder joked as he wrapped his arms around her as well. "Jeez It's been so long, how are you doing?"
Fina just smiled as tears of joy crept from her eye's "Your still a scoundrel Gilder, I've been doing just fine…what about yourself? Why didn't we see the Claudia at the docks?"
Gilder laughed as he answered he rushed questions. "Can't teach an old dog new tricks Fina…Heh well…you see I've had to use operation Clara again." Gilder looked away as Fina stared disapproving at him.
"Gilder, Clara is such a nice person…why do you have to keep running and tease her like this?" Fina and Clara had been good friends ever since she had picked up Fina and Aika after Ramirez had shot down the Little Jack during the Crystal Wars.
Shrugging Gilder just smiled . "Hey I'm still young Fina…no reason for me to settle down just yet you know" Gilder frowned as he looked around. "Hey where's Vyse and Aika?".
Fina looked down as she began to tell Gilder all the events leading up to Vyse's departure from the girls and the ship. Gilder never interrupted her, only listened carefully as she told him of her and Aika's plan. She told him how worried she was for both of them since the streets were owned by the Black Pirates. And how she had a feeling that both might not come back.
"So you see Gilder…" Fina turned around as the Inn door opened slowly and a shadowy figure stood in the doorway. The man didn't say a word but he reached for something under his coat.
"Fina…Down!!" Gilder pushed Fina away as his own hand went for his gun. Fina screamed as a single gunshot reverberated throughout the town. A deadly and unbreakable silence hit the entire town as the fates of four friends began to play out.
--------
Nasrad
Bazaar back alleyway.
Same moment as above events~
"Blue Rogue wench drop your weapon and give your self up now!" The large shadowy figure yelled at Aika.
"Fine I surrender…" Aika reached around her back and let loose the strap that was holding her boomerang to her back. A single man detached himself from the group at the north and started to head towards her with a sword drawn.
"Oh I forgot…we Blue Rogues don't surrender!" with a wicked smile Aika reached down into her boot and drew a knife and aimed it at the man coming towards her. With deadly accuracy and power she threw the knife.
With a strangled gurgle the man went down with the knife lodged into his throat, another man charged at her from the north exit, intent on revenge for his fallen comrade. Aika only smirked as she got readied herself in a fighting stance that Kirala had taught her a few months ago. "Lets just hope I don't screw this up…I'd rather not be captured or killed tonight".
The man charged her with a wild yell, just as he raised his sword to strike at her Aika kicked upwards into the mans face. The man screamed in pain as he dropped his sword, Aika kicked him in the head once more smashing him into the wall next to her. Without another sound the man slumped against the wall. Aika grinned and turned to the large man standing in the shadows at the south end.
"You Black Pirates still can't fight…what a bunch of losers…" Aika slowly reached down to grab her boomerang and leave.
"You killed two of my best men you dumb bitch!" Vorpel couldn't believe his eyes. His two best fighters done in by a woman in less then two minutes. He knew she was a good fighter but he never dreamed she could be so deadly with just a knife and her feet. He shook his head as he realized that trying to capture her would put his own life at risk and he wasn't about to do that.
Aika gave another one of her wicked smiles as she retorted in voice that held more then a hint of cockiness. "Awww is the poor dumb bastard going to cry…I'm sorry I ruined your little plans…now get out of my way before I move you out of my way!" Aika growled as she started to make her way towards the man.
Vorpal only shook his head as he reached down and grabbed his gun. " I wanted to take you alive…but if I have to kill you…we'll just have to get the blonde girl." Vorpal looked up at her and gave her a sadistic grin. " Say goodnight wench…tell the devil that Vorpal sent you when you get to hell!" with that Vorpel aimed his gun at her.
Time seemed to slow down for Aika as she realized that there was no way she could dodge or move. "The bastard's got me…there's no way I can…" . The boom of the gun seemed to sound like one the cannons on the Albatross, Aika froze for an instant before she decided to turn and run. As soon as she did the man on the north exit also drew his gun and fired at her as well.
Aika gasped as one bullet hit her in the left shoulder and as the other one hit her in the left part of the chest at almost the same time, she felt like she had been kicked by a Dahbu. "Well this isn't as bad as I thought…ugh…". Aika thoughts ended as she slowly fell to the ground when the shock set in and she started to lose consciousness.
As the blood began to flow out of her, Aika started to see her past. Her life with Vyse, his warm gentle smile, The things they had done together. She saw Fina and Vyse and her all together, on the day they had raced back home on Crescent Island. The warmth and closeness that her friend and Vyse had brought her in her life made her have no regrets other then she couldn't have kept her promise to Fina.
"Vyse…….forgive…me…" Aika closed her eyes and fell into the darkness, the last thing she saw before the darkness enveloped her, was his kind face smiling at her.
---------
Nasrad
Bazaar~
The sound of three gunshots rang like a cannon shot though the empty streets of Nasrad, the people of Nasrad ignored the sounds, they had heard gunshots and various other noises in the night before. However to one man those sounds meant the life or death of a friend and loved one. Vyse stopped only momentarily, "The second pair of gunshots sounded really close…but the other shot had to have came from the Inn…Damnit!" .
Vyse swore to himself as he ran towards the closest sound, the sun had just begun its downward trek into the sky as he rounded a corner and continued to run. The cold chill that had grabbed a hold of Vyse ever since Kalifia had told him that his friend and the one he loved was in danger. It seemed as though everything had been going against him ever since the girls had tried their little scheme. He swore out loud once again as he turned to enter the alleyway where he thought the two shots had come from.
What Vyse saw made his blood run cold, for about five seconds he was stunned. Aika lay on the ground, covered in blood as a Black Pirate stood over her and seemed to be brooding over what to do with her.
Vyse blinked once and when he opened his eyes he saw nothing but red, his rage filled him beyond reasonable thought. Aika lay there in her own blood , he knew she had been out looking for him. That thought…the thought that he had been the one responsible filled him with sorrow and rage.
Vyse moved with a deadly intent as the Black Pirate seemed to make up his mind, The man drew his pistol and aimed it at Aika's head. The man was just about to pull the trigger when he head a noise and turned to see what it was. The Black Pirate barely had time to scream in terror before a cutlass sliced into his chest and he fell to the ground and joined his comrades in death.
Before the man had even hit the ground Vyse had knelt down next to Aika and was checking to make sure she was still alive. "Thank the moons…she's still breathing…I need to get her to the Inn and find a doctor fast!" Vyse put his arms around Aika and picked her up a gently as he could. Aika gave a painful groan as her eyes opened slightly.
Aika felt herself being moved, "Owww Damnit…why can't they just kill me and get it over with…" Aika opened her eyes expecting to see the ugly face of one of the pirates but saw something much different.
"V…Vyse..?" Vyse smiled at Aika as he started to move out of the alleyway carrying her as gently as he could while running.
"Shhh…Aika…don't talk you'll just make it worse …I'll get you to a doctor ok. Just hang on" Aika only nodded weakly.
"Vyse…I'm sorry…I was looking for you……they got the drop on me…I'm so sorry Vyse…it wouldn't have happened….if I…". Vyse put his finger over her mouth in an effort to silence her.
"You never did learn when to shut up Aika…just like when we were kids" Aika blinked, she thought she saw Vyse…crying?. But she never saw Vyse cry before…never had he shed a tear not even when Drachma had died. Why would he… Aika's mind blanked as the darkness enveloped her once again.
--------------------
Nasrad
Inn~
Fina stared down at the corpse of the Black Pirate who had tried to take her life. If It hadn't been for Gilder, she thought, she would be that corpse on the ground. Gilder was standing by the Inn owner and talking to her about something that Fina couldn't hear. All Fina knew was that Aika and Vyse hadn't come shown up and that worried her.
"Fina…you ok?" Gilder had stopped talking to the Inn owner to check on Fina who had seemed distant ever since he saved her life. "What's the matter?".
Looking away Fina was about to say something when a man came down the stairs, he had been staying at the Inn it seemed. Both Gilder and Fina looked at him as he started to pay the Inn keeper for the nights stay. "It's nothing Gilder I just…".
Bam! The door to the Inn was kicked open as everyone in the room turned to see who had kicked the door open. Fina gasped in terror and Gilders face turned deadly serious. Vyse was standing in the doorway, holding Aika's bloody body in his arms, Gilder knew it didn't take a genius to figure out who had done this to her. He only hoped that the kid wouldn't go off on manhunt through the town.
"Gilder…You have to get a doctor here now…Aika's hurt badly!" Vyse looked around franticly as if hoping a doctor would be in the very room.
"Young man I'm a doctor, get her up to one of the rooms immediately." The man who had been paying the Innkeeper for his stay was indeed a traveling ships medic, he pointed to Fina before heading up the stairs. "You young lady, you come with me and assist me. You two stay down her and pray to the moons while you're at it".
Fina only nodded as she followed the man and Vyse up the stairs. She was shocked to see her best friend battered and bloody. She was scared for her friends life and felt hatred for the person who had thought it wise to shoot the air pirate girl. Whoever that was wouldn't live much longer, she had seen the look in Vyse's eyes when he had brought Aika in. It almost scared her how hard and angry they had looked.
Vyse carried Aika up to the first room in the Inn and lay her down on the bed. He had planed to stay and watch over her but the doctor who still hadn't given his name nearly pushed him out. He walked back down the stairs to see Gilder leaning against the wall by the door. Vyse just sat down on the couches near the far wall and put his head in his hands and prayed.
-----------
Nasrad
Inn
3 hours later~
Vyse, Fina and Gilder waved goodbye as the doctor headed on his own way, he had refused payment saying he was a free ship doctor. It wasn't the fact that Vyse didn't have to pay him that made him happy it was the fact that Aika would not only survive but make a full recovery in a week. Vyse and Fina had nearly hugged the old man out of sheer relief and joy at the good news about their friend.
However Vyse had been pulled aside and told by the old man that her bandages would need to be changed everyday to prevent the wounds from becoming infected. Vyse had blushed and muttered something about Fina changing the bandages, the old man had just smiled and nodded before going on his way. "Whew…it is a good thing we have Fina around…I'd rather not have to face Aika if she found out I had to change the bandages on her chest…",Vyse had thought to himself.
After they had sent off the old man the three friends had gathered themselves in the Inn lobby. It was apparent to all three of them that the Black Pirates might try to either storm the Inn while Aika was injured or to try and take the Albatross II and prevent them from leaving. After much discussion it was decided that as soon as the sun started to set, Gilder and Fina would make a dash for the Albatross and help the crew defend it while Vyse stayed behind and took care of Aika. They all agreed it was the best plan and the only one they could think of, Fina would of course come back in the mornings with Gilder to check on Aika and Vyse.
---------------
Nasrad
Inn
Sundown~
The time had come for the three to part ways, even though they had all agreed on this plan Fina seemed worried about leavening her two friends alone again. Vyse had to assure her that nothing would go wrong and if anything did they would send some kind of signal to the harbor for help. Gilder only nodded to Vyse, he knew what had to be done, he was worried about Aika and Vyse too but he knew that if the Black Pirates got their hands on the crew and the Albatross then things would get dicey.
Vyse waved goodbye to his two friends as they started towards the docks, Vyse wished he could go with them and be with his crew but someone more important to him needed him now.
Nodding towards the Innkeeper Vyse slowly made his way up to the room where Aika was sleeping soundly. He opened the door gently and quietly as he stepped in, it nearly broke his heart to think that she may have died in his arms on the way to the Inn.
She was beautiful just laying there, she seemed so calm and relaxed even though she could have died earlier in the day. Vyse smiled as he knelt down beside the bed and took her hand in his, as he held her hand he started thinking of what they had done together. The fights they had been through, the treasure they found, during the wars he had done things that no other man on Arcadia could have boasted of doing. He had done amazing things in his life, and he had done them when most just considered him nothing more then a kid, but the whole time she had been there by his side or at his back. He could count on one hand the number of fights he had been in that Aika hadn't been fighting just has hard beside him. He searched deep in his mind and heart and realized that he had to come to terms with the truth...she had to knows how he felt...everyone did.
Vyse closed his eyes and took a deep breath as he held Aika's hand. "Aika…this is all my fault…if I hadn't run off and left you and Fina alone you wouldn't have come searching for me. I promised to protect you but instead I was the reason you almost got killed…". Vyse opened his eyes and was surprised to feel tears running down his cheek. "Aika…….I love you…and I almost lost you today and I realized that I should have told you sooner…this might not have happened if I had, and I just wish…I could tell you how much you mean to me".
Closing his eyes once again Vyse brought Aika's hand to his heart and squeezed it gently and lovingly. She meant so much to him, he loved Fina as dear a friend as any man could but Aika had always been there and she knew Vyse in and out, the things he hated and the things he loved. Just as he knew the things she loved or hated, they had been friends since they were kids. They had shared so much together; he knew in his heart that this was the girl he wanted, the girl he loved.
Aika opened one eye slightly and squeezed Vyse's hand just as gently. "You know Vyse…you could never sneak up on me, why did you think you could do it just because I nearly died?" Aika smiled at Vyse's surprise and abrupt blushing
"Aika…err how long have you been awake?" Vyse muttered. "Oh man she must have heard everything…Damnit why do these things always have to happen when I least expect them".
Aika laughed and grabbed him with her good arm. "Long enough to know you won't object to something like this". Aika brought him close to her till they were face to face and she did what she had wanted to do since he had spoken those three certain words.
Vyse offered no resistance as Aika kissed him lovingly; he wrapped his arm around her and helped support her as the two exchanged their passion and love in a single kiss. A kiss that all of Arcadia knew would come one day but to whom and when, no one had known. The world stopped for Vyse and Aika as their hearts and minds knew only the unleashed emotions that coursed through them.
Aika had long since waited for this day, the day that Vyse would tell her that he loved her as much as she loved him. The ever-constant cold fear that perhaps he would reject her for Fina or another dissipated the moment he had spoken. She forgot all about her wounds, of the problems of the people of Nasrad, of the challenges still to face. All she knew or cared about was that Vyse was at her side, kissing her lovely and tenderly, that he loved her.
After what seemed an eternity they broke the kiss and smiled lovingly at each other. "Vyse…I'm glad you've told me how you feel…even though it almost took my life for you to say it" Aika teased.
Vyse laughed as he helped her lay back down on the bed. "Your just lucky we found a doctor in time…you got to promise me when you get better you don't pull a stunt like that again. Don't leave my side and go off like that" Vyse grinned as he prepared himself to get up. "I better let you get your rest, I don't want to have to deal with you while your cranky tomorrow".
Aika's hand shot out and grabbed his own and she held on to it tightly. "I'll promise that only if you stay in here tonight…with me".
Vyse reminded silent for a second before he moved to the wall next to the bed and sat down, he leaned against the wall and continued to hold onto Aika hand. "You have yourself a deal…now get some sleep. We've got things to do tomorrow"
Aika nodded as she stared into Vyse's eyes, she could see the warmth again, the caring and the love in them. She smiled as she closed her own eyes, she was happy no joyful that she knew Vyse loved her. Now they would continue to fight and sail side by side, no longer just friends but as something more. Aika's thoughts trailed off as she slipped into a deep and peaceful sleep. Vyse smiled as his own eyes grew heavy and he soon joined his love in the warm embrace of sleep.
The sun shone its fading light gently, the world of Arcadia would soon know the answer to its most popular question of the day. The hero had chosen his love and the world would celebrate, one person would stand out amongst the crowd however, one who would feel happiness for her friends but a bitter sadness for her own loss. The world would celebrate the union of Vyse and Aika and mourn the sadness and loneliness that Fina would feel. All that stood in their way was a army of Black Pirates. ~
Cappy= Alrighty then...this would be THE largest chapter i've ever produced...i was seriously on coke o cola that night...there was like 10 or 12 cans all stacked up from the first half of that story ALONE....needless to say i felt that the next time i woke up...i do hope you enjoyed it...and guess what folks...the next chapter you will see will be after i did my sonic work...IE a couple of months...or maybe it was a year...??? not sure anyway chapter 5 will have been the one i've only recently finished...so you can sorta compare then and now...
Once again thanks to all you readers...can i say i've got a loyal following now or is that to much of me to ask? ...oh well thanks again for reading and stay tuned folks...i ain't near done yet.