Author's Note: I am so close to beating the non-human path in Radiata Stories, and Nall reminds me so much of Jack when he hated Ridley. Gawd, I might start a long chaptered Radiata Stories after this. No clue. Hmm, anyways I had loads of fun writing this chapter :) I hope you have just as much fun reading this!

Chapter Nine
By The Port

My strong dislike for the red dragon didn't dull during the next few weeks. We were making our way to the coast, in search of a boat to take across the island to find the Black Dragon. Between the two weeks the three of us had been traveling, nothing had changed at all. Zoteaki seemed as open as ever to listen to her, and she seemed as eager as ever to jump down my throat every time I spoke up. This was nothing like my previous journey with Alex and company.

But today? We had finally reached the seaside town, Gann. In fact, we had just entered. This town had always been my favorite. Reason? Fish of course! All three of us had decided upon a plan. It was as follows. We would go our separate ways, and meet up at noon at town's square. We each were allowed to spend ten thousand, leaving us with enough for boat fair.

My first destination was the local weaponry. That probably was at the coastline, right? Irritably walking to the market corner, I began to look at things on the Brightside. At least I wasn't lurking around Amber and Zoteaki the whole day. Taking a few, guilty breaths you could say, I walked up to the merchant, change clinging in my jacket pocket.

He eyed me suspiciously. Piercing blood-shot eyes starred icily back at me, and my return gesture was the same. Four o'clock shadow rested upon his chin, and the faint scent of rum lingered on his lips. Shifting positions wearily, I leaned against the counter, as if this man didn't phase me. Honestly, he was the most fucked up weirdo I had ever seen.

"Whadda buying?"

"I need a sword," I murmured. Nodding, he took out a list of inventory. The first thing that caught my traveling eyes was the Garnet Sword. Heart-jumping thousand feets in the air, I then starred, dumbfounded at the price. 12,000... I only have 10,000. I glanced at all the other swords upon the list. Each was a much crappy model, but still over-priced.

"Whadda selling?"

"How did you-"

"I can tell the look of someone who doesn't have enough. So, whadda trading?" He asked, stroking his chin. Raising an eyebrow, I continued to avoid this man. If he didn't freak me about before, this new found alikeness to the merchant from Resident Evil was starting to scare the shit out of me. Seriously. Reaching my hand to my belt, I rubbed the sword that lay there. Zoteaki had given this to me, I couldn't just toss it aside like old garbage. Scratching my head, I reached into my pocket to see what else was there. Taking out a clump-ful, I noticed was a golden bracelet. Wearily, I held it up and looked at the charm that hung off it lazily. "Love You Like a Brother, Mia." The bracelet was pure gold, no doubt. Heart-pounding I glanced at the man.

"I'll buy it at a high price," He continued, still quoting the merchant. Wearily, I considered my choices. Trade Mia's gift, Zoteaki's gift, or forget about the sword. Well, the last choice was out of consideration. Uneasily, I ran a stray hand through the locks of my hair, confused.

"Here," I murmured, handing the sword to the man, almost in a guileful sigh. He snickered as I passed him the ten grand from my pocket. Bending over, he pulled out a wrapped parcel. Eyes scanning it, I watched him place it on the counter and open it. There inside lay the most skillfully crafted weapon I had ever seen. Eyes bugging out, I grabbed it and held it, pointing towards the sky. The shimmer caught the eyes of many buyers, but ignored it.

"Come back anytime." He spoke, turning away. Glaring angrily at him, I equipped the sword to my left sheath and walk onwards, feeling accomplished.

It was then I learned the true meaning of the sin, greed. Greed was something many people acquired overtime. Greed was something that could cause the human heart to corrupt and leave you with scornful memories, and a ghastly image. Many people considered this sin abominable, and those bearing it would be toxic to the community. And now? Now I was becoming one of those sinners, caught up into my own wants and needs to actually open my eyes and see the gifts that were bestowed on me.

Anyways, my next stop was the local pub. I still had a few 'spare change' coins left, so why not spend on a well-deserved drink. Passing through the busy harbor I always thought was too crowded, I made my way to the pub. It was the same as I remembered it twenty years ago. Most of the neon lights flickered dully while the others fought with the sun's rays, competing for the better shine. The windows still bore that familiar sludge of film like substance.

And this was also when I realized how much change has effected me. This town used to bring so much joy to my young and restless heart. Damn, I remember coming here with Alex, and my eyes bulging at the sight of fish. Sometimes I got carried away, and annoyed the sailors to the point of no return until they agreed to give me a 'treat'. But now? As I stare at this broken down wasteland, I just think. Think about all the changes of heart I've been through, and how much time had hurt my heart, and soul.

Pushing my way into the pub, I watched as a few intoxicated heads numbly arose to glance at my appearance. Within moments, each had fallen down solemnly and when back to their consuming of what might be their death. Why do I call it their death? Because too much alcohol had send a person over the edge, and cause them to believe in suicidal attempts. I've been there, seen it, sadly.

"Whadda want?"

Lifting my head from the stool I sat on at the bar, I noticed the bartender had questioned me. Examining him closely, I raised and brow and took in a melancholy sigh. This wasn't the same pub at all, was it? Even the bartender bore a huge difference than the precursor. Placing my hand on my head sheepishly, I bite down on my bottom lip.

"Vodka, on the rocks."

"Aight."

Taking my gaze off the tender, I decided to take in my surroundings. Many sailors had taken custody of a table, and were feverishly drinking away just like the term 'drunken sailor'. Snickering from my own humor, I rustled the change in my pocket weakly. Slowly, wonderment of what the other two dragons were doing crossed my mind. Possibly they were having as much 'fun', if you call it that, as I. Then again, my mind drifted off towards the last dragon. The Black Dragon, was she beautiful and open to the thoughts of a better world? Did she want revenge, was she anything like me? With a sigh I puckered my lips with bitter thoughts.

"Here."

A tall glass of Vodka was shoved in my face, jabbing me in the nose. Glaring upward, I watched the bartender extend his left hand, awaiting his pay. Taking in his appearance, I guessed by the prickly beard and eye-patch, he was a local. Vaguely, I took out the last hundred I had and passed it to him. With a confirmatory nod, he went back to his duties and left me be.

Taking the glass in hand, I placed the brim upon my lips. The sweet scent of remembrance filled my senses as I slowly recalled what alcohol tasted like. Question was, why did I ever quit? When there is something that tastes so good, but is so crude for you, something you can't resist, you become addicted. With a large glug, I placed the glass on the counter roughly and pondered for a few moments longer.

"Whadda want?"

Raising a brow once more, my expression turned vague as I watched the tender's gaze fall in my direction once more. Tilting my head in confusion, I opened my mouth to speak but was cut off by the sound of footsteps behind and next to me, and then a man taking the stool.

"Tonic and gin, with a hint of lime. And hurry it up."

"Aight."

Sitting there, I dared a glance over at the 'snappy' one who was taking custody beside me. There sat a man, around the height of five and a half feet. Dark, vacant eyes starred icily at nothing as he remained stiff as stone. He wore what looked like thieve clothing, a leather jacket and pants to match. Accompanying his black assumable was a long slump of sable hair running from his scalp down to his lower back. Messily tied with an elastic, it hung freely on the leather backing.

"Here."

"Took you long enough."

His voice was silent, but yet demanding at the same time. Cocking a facial expression, I watched as his averted gaze passed to me. Almost freezing from shock, I immediately buried my nose into my Vodka, and winced in the sour and strength of it. A snicker rolled across the man's face as he took a light gug of his drink, and placed it on the counter.

"Vodka, on the rocks I see."

Blinking a few times, I recollected my thoughts and put on a confused but stubborn look. Furrowing my eyebrows, I tensed my body and clasped my hands around the cup as if I was thinking, or in the process of deep thoughts.

"What's it to you?"

As expected, another sly smirk covered his face as he shoved his drink once more on his dark lips and took a final drink. Setting it down, he snapped easily, then replaced his icy stare back upon me, as if I had done something wrong. Sizing him up, I finished off my drink and returned the gaze with a frigid one.

"You see, I'm a mercenary. One who demands respect from people in the towns I visit. Most people know to stay the hell out of my way or be slain. But you? I'll cut you some slack, this time."

Stunned by his sudden direction, I squinted my eyes furiously. About to grab my sword, I noticed he had a large sword equipped on his other side. Deciding better wise upon battle, I closed my mouth and just starred at him. Words were better at this point in time anyways.

"And I'm a traveler, who doesn't take shit from show-offs who think they can whoop someone's ass."

Wrong Idea. As fast as I could finish my sentence, I was catapulted over, and onto the floor in a head lock. Wincing in pain, I squirmed underneath the wait of the mercenary. For someone as thin and slender as him, he sure did have a bloody good grasp.

"I can, and I will." He replied firmly.

Still squirming, I felt him release his grasp and stand back up. Arising to my feet rapidly, I grabbed my sword. He rose a hand and starred at me as if to say this wasn't the time for a real right. Sighing angrily, I eyed the man, as a few drops of blood fell from my unearthed wounds. The slash that was on my face from my battle with Ghaelon resurfaced and began to bleed lightly.

"The name's Soren."

"Nall."

"Nall, humph? You're unlike the other bastard's in this town. And I use that term loosely. I'm sure we'll be meeting again." And with that he left the pub, hand upon his sword. Standing there, dumbfounded, I mentally beat myself up. I had just let down a fight, the first real fight in weeks. Scornfully, I sat back down on my stool, ticked off more than ever.

"Nall?"

I didn't turn my head, just starred in brutal defeat at the wall. Almost as if I knew it, a hand reached out from behind and poked me. Groaning gruffly, I glanced over my shoulder and saw the dim figure of Zoteaki.

"Drinking, neh?" He asked, taking the seat Soren was sitting in earlier. Breath suddenly quickening, I replied with a stiff nod and ordered myself another Vodka, this time iced. It seemed iced drinks tasted better lately.

"Where's Am?"

"Shopping," Zoteaki replied miserably. Snickering, I leaned my arms against the counter.

"Don't all girls have an attraction for that sort of crap?"

"Lily didn't..." Zoteaki whispered silently.

Then I remembered once more. Zoteaki once had someone to care for other than himself, and other than Mia. To think a dragon could fall in love with a human, it was insane! But yet, at the same time, quite amusing. Running a lazy hand through my locks of hair, I wondered why love had never really stricken a fancy to me. Sure, there had been lots of times where it presented itself. But why hadn't I taken the risk, taken the chance? Was I that afraid to be hurt, again?

"Nall, you're still alive, right?"

"Huh? Oh yes, sorry." I mumbled lazily.

"Once Amber finishes, we'll start our search around town for a boat." He declared. Thinking a few moments and analyzing what he said, I gave a gentle smile of agreement and went back to my drink.

"Mhm." Was all I had to reply with. It was a few moments before I realized Zoteaki was just sitting there, drinkless. Taking the glass away from my lips, I cleared my throat. "Aren't you going to get something?" My voice rang out, trailing off.

"I... I'm not much of a drinker."

"Why so?" I murmured.

"Well, I am, but I prefer not to." Zoteaki stumbled.

"Hmm?" I stopped once more and starred at him diligently.

"Before Lily died, I was a heavy drinker. After my sensei died, I lost my will to train, so I drank away the pain, and drank away the pressures of life. Sometimes I think that's what sent Lily over the edge..." Zoteaki spoke, leaning into his hand. Stunned for words, I just sat there.

"She committed, suicide?" I stuttered, not wanting to sound rash.

"Yes," Was all he could answer, as his eyes showed no emotion.

"I didn't know," I grumbled, wanting to brush off the subject.

"It's not your fault. And if you're wondering, that's why I don't drink, and why I'm always calm," His words were becoming whispers only I could hear.

"You don't have to hide your true attitude, not like someone's going to come down and kill you for being yourself." I declared, taking another drink, trying to lighten his mood. No point, seeing he continued to stare vacantly.

"Sometimes It's better to hide your true self, then reveal it too early."

"That makes no sense," I huffed, contemplating if Zoteaki wasn't making sense on purpose, or if it was the alcohol that was getting to my head. "A-anyways, why not have a round? Won't kill you. And besides, Amber might be all day, so why waste precious time?"

"Fine," Was all he answered as the bartender strode by. "A tonic and gin margarita on the rocks, easy on the lemon, heavy on the gin."

Blinking a few times, I tried to think what the hell Zoteaki just ordered. Sure I know what all those things were, but why put them together. It was like intoxication waiting to happen. Then again, he did say he was a heavy drinker. Pfft, at least he doesn't lie.

"Here."

I watched the bartender shove the cold jug in Zoteaki's direction. Taken back, I finished my second drink and fought against my urges for a third. The last thing we needed on this journey was me, drunk. Grumbling, I buried my head into my hands, filled with exhaustion.

"I think we should rest here for the night, and sail at dawn."

"Agreed."

Breathing heavily, I pushed by body off from the counter and watched my feet. The floor suddenly became interesting, as I tried to think of a conversation. Each moment that passed, another inch was gone from the dragon's cup of what some people call their 'anecdote'. Arising to my feet, I pushed my way through the lumps of bodies to the entrance. Half-way out, I felt a hand grab my shoulder. Turning around, about to punch someone, my expression softened when I saw Zoteaki standing beside me.

"I've had enough, anyway." He mumbled and continued with me out of the bar.

-line break-

"There you two are, god. Leave two guys alone in a town with beer and they end up finding it."

My eyes weren't adjusted to the bright light, so the sudden change of brightness and contrast startled me. Standing in front of both of us was red, wearing her smug and proud look. She was wearing black pants and a fiery red shirt with a jacket, which were far more different than her others. The way her hair was went from long and straight to layered. Sighing, I closed my eyes and muttered to myself.

"You look nice," Zoteaki offered.

"Humph, at least someone knows when to offer compliments when needed." Her eyes darted from blue to red. Blinking a few times, I felt a hand reach out and smack me lightly across the face. Of course, it was across my gauge..

"What's your deal, bitch!" I snapped, about to aim a punch. As it flew, Zoteaki's arm reached out and stopped the punch. "No, Zoteaki. She deserves to be smacked for being a conceited slut." I huffed, glaring angrily as she became flustered in the face.

"All you men are the same," Amber snapped in my face, flaring her nostrils from rage.

"I'd rather be myself then some dress up doll."

"Shut up!" She hissed, grabbing for her sword. This ws the point were Zoteaki broke in, sending a powerful wall of water in front of us. Blinking a few times, I gave a huff of disappointment and relaxed a bit, trying to be less tense. Amber crossed her arms and a vacant hand through her red hair busily. How stupid did she look for a dragon? It was true, she acted as if the world revolved around her, well it didn't. And she wasn't perfect either for that fact.

"Amber, Nall, go the Inn and use this money to check out two hotel rooms. I'll continue the search for a boat, seeing I can't trust you too alone for two seconds on a job. Hopefully this separation might motivate you to get the job done?" Zoteaki spoke, with a dulling look in his deep eyes.

"Fine..." I spoke, taking the money in my hands and giving a hopeful expression over to Amber.

"Fine, as long as I don't have to share a room with him," Amber spoke smugly.

"I wouldn't expect you to either way, I only have enough for two rooms, so I'll be bunking on the coach in Nall's room for tonight," Zoteaki sent me a spare glance. "Is that all right?"

"I'll take the couch," I murmured, running the money in my hands boredly.

"Decide later, come on Nall," Amber protested, beginning to walk down the street in the direction of the Inn. Taking a disdainful sigh, I looked at Zoteaki with a pitiful pout.

"You owe me for this..." I whimpered.

"I know," He lightly smiled and turned his back and went back to the port.

"Wait up, Amber!" I called irritably from behind her. Pausing, she stood still and awaited for me to catch up. Once I did, I took a few deep breathes and bent over, hands on knees trying to catch my breath. For a girl, she did move fast.

"You're so useless," Amber whispered.

"If I hadn't promised Zoteaki no more fighting, I'd rip a hole through your head right now, girly." Raising an eyebrow, I straightened up and furrowed my other brow.

"I'd love to see you try," That smug laugh sent a cold shiver down my spine.

"Next time when the chance presents itself, I won't hold back," I promised, with a glare.

"Agreed." And with that she continued down the road, caring less if I was following. Grunting under my shortened breaths, I followed her slowly, making sure I kept a safe distance.

Once at the Inn, we entered side by side. Stopping right before the counter, Amber eyed me and stuck out her hands. Cocking my head, I gave a confused expression. Beckoning with her hands once more, I contemplated what she was asking for. Coming up empty, I watched the word 'money' cross her lips. Finally enlighten, I took out the change and passed it to her.

"And they call humans dense." I heard her murmur. Pretending to ignore her comments, I walked up beside her at the counter.

"Two rooms please," It was as if she had two different personalities. Her voice and attitude completely changed when she was asking for something, or anything of that sort. She actually sounded sincere and caring. Too bad it was only an act.

"Here's the keys."

And with that, Amber snatched them hastily, and shoved one in my hands.

"Take yours and don't ask questions. I'll be in my room, don't disturb me. If there's an emergency call for help, not me." An icy glance passed her lips. Goddess, did she have a changing attitude.

"Fine, no problem." I replied stiffly. With a swish of her vibrant hair, she charged up the stairs proudly, as if she thought I was watching. Shrugging my arms, as if it didn't phase me whatsoever, I turned away and took the left set of stairs, that led to where my room was.

"Women..." I groaned under my breath.

Once I had arrived at my room, I decided to lay down and stair out the window. And that's precisely what I did. The bed was far more comfortable then the hard barren earth I was accustomed to lately. And plus, the harsh climates from the outside couldn't reach me now. Smiling from a sudden burst of content, I casted my tiresome glance to the window. The sun was setting, creating a fiery picture in the sky. Each ray of light seemed to represent just another let down in my life. How can one go through their life and not be touched by love once?.. And that's when I drifted off into the abyss of dreams.

I was standing in a open and vast plain in what seemed like the middle of nowhere. The blades of scorched yellow grass reached up to my knees, and blew to the left every time a gentle breeze came about. Swift bursts of cold touched my cheek as I took in my appearance. I was wearing some fancy armor, and had a different sword sheathed on my belt. This sword, it looked cursed, or previously cursed of the short.

My attention was snapped away from the sword when I noticed something in the distance. Some person, a vague figure. Oddly, the figure grew closer to me but did not become clearer. It was a female, no doubt, but any other features I couldn't pick out. Not even when she stood a foot away from me.

Somehow I felt something odd towards her as she buried her head into my chest, and wept. Heart-dropping, I oddly reached out and held her close, trying to comfort her.

Not knowing is the greatest burden of all. Who was she, and why did I feel so compelled to hold her closely in my arms? Lies wrapped around me as I held her close. I felt myself telling her everything would be okay. To my sudden dislike, the field became increasingly dark and the sky turned a dark shade of sable. Her eyes, which I couldn't make out the color, became vacant as a single tear trickled down her face.

"Please Nall... don't do it."

She knew, how could she have known-... Wincing, I whispered softly, not sure whether she could hear me or not.

"I have to, it's my destiny."

"No it's not, your making a mistake." She pleaded, clenching her fists and pouting with her eyes as her body language told me how much she meant what she said.

"I don't want to hurt you anymore, so please, let me do this."

"Nall?"

"Hey Nall, what's with the nightmare again?"

I was jerked back into the real-world from my short dream. Sweat rolled off my face onto the pillow that lay beneath me. Heart pounded six times faster then it usually did, as I starred at Zoteaki standing a few feet away from the bed. Afraid that I may have spoken too much in my sleep, I gulped and tried to look innocent.

"Yes, sometimes you dream of the most farfetched things."

"Oh, is that so? Either way, I see you've taken claim to the bed."

So he didn't hear anything. Relief poured over my body like a soothing waterfall. Wonderment then replaced the fear. Who was that girl, and how did she know so much. As a matter of fact, what did she claim to now. Shaking off the creeping feeling of guilt, I glanced back at Zoteaki with a gentle blink.

"Sorry, I was just tired."

"No problem, a coach is much better then the floor for me."

Zoteaki, he found good in everything. And sometimes that got annoying. Then again, he was a completely different type of person I'd have ever met prior to this. Each of my old companions each had their own pet peeve and made it evident. However with Zoteaki, he kept it bottled up, and only showed resistant towards opposing forces.

"Well, meet me at the port tomorrow morning at dawn. We'll be setting sail." Zoteaki murmured and sat down on the coach.

"Can't you just wake me up when you leave?" I yawned, feeling tired once more.

"No, I'll be waking up far earlier than that to make sure everything is running smoothly. Just be sure to be there at six." Zoteaki nodded sharply.

"Ah right, I will." And then laid back down and closed my eyes.

"Night, Nall."

"Night."

A good night's sleep wasn't something I often got. Since this journey began, I had only a few hours to myself at nights. So this rare occasion was nice. Smiling in my light slumber, I rolled over in my bed and held my pillow tightly. Just having my eyes closed in this half-slumber felt increasingly relaxing. Dawn, it mustn't be too far from now. It was sunrise, right? Rolling over to where the window was, I cracked open an eye. My heart sank as I saw the sky brightly filled with light.

"Crap!" I hissed and practically jumped up off the bed. Thanking myself for wearing my clothes during the night, I ran out of the room, and out to the hall. Knocking out a lady as I ran by, I scrambled for the stairs. Almost falling down them, I made it to the bottom and arrived at the door to the outside.

"Have a good day, sir." The clerk spoke cheerfully.

"If only it was that simple." I sighed to myself as I ran out and towards the dock.

Arriving, I noticed Amber and Zoteaki were proudly standing at a medium sized vessel, conversing. Sweat rolling down my face, I slowed my pace and casually marched up to them. Suspecting Zoteaki to be the first one to question me, I braced myself.

"You're late." Amber sighed, shaking her head.

"Fashionably late." I snickered, scratching my head, trying to act as if I planned it this way.

"Would it kill you to arrive on time?" Amber asked vaguely.

"I wouldn't risk it," I grinned mischievously.

"Sometimes you make no sense." Amber huffed.

"Enough, let's just get out of here before we are delayed once more." Zoteaki shot me an icy glance as he spoke those words. Blushing a dark red, I straightened up and nodded my head obediently.

"Aye, nice ship you got there."

Our group attention was re caught by an odd group of people behind us. Raising an eyebrow, I elbowed Amber and whispered. "Hey, are they your friends, Amber?" I felt her elbow me back, aiming for it to hurt. Pouting, I watched Zoteaki step forward, acting as stern as ever.

"Thank you."

"In fact, I like it, a lot." The men behind him cracked their knuckles. Suddenly turning tense, I felt myself extending a hand to block Amber from doing anything.

"I've got this one." I spoke, almost in defense of her.

"You can rent it when we get back." Zoteaki snapped, placing a hand on his hidden sword.

"Why would we want to wait?" The leader grinned.

"Nall, I don't like these thugs." Amber whispered behind me.

"Don't worry, they won't get our ship." I replied sternly. She gave a gentle nod and took a step backwards from me and Zoteaki. Walking up to his side, I faced the group of five, placing my hand on my sword also.

"Are you suggesting you're going to attempt to steal it?" Zoteaki unsheathed his sword and a bright gleam flashed off it. Taking his lead, I unsheathed my newly bought sword and eyed the men angrily. I wasn't quite sure if Zoteaki had noticed I wasn't using the one he bought me, or if he hadn't noticed at all.

"Attempt to steal it? Nah, us pirates only successfully steal," All five of them took out rapiers and bore a determined look. Heart-sinking, I imagined each one of those knives being shoved into my flesh. Wincing from the sight, my knees began to shake.

"I have a problem with that theory." Zoteaki replied hoarsely.

"And that is?" Each member of the group began to circle us. Body shaking, I hold my sword tightly, trying to keep focus.

"We don't let our things be stolen by scum such as yourself!" Zoteaki hollered, rearing up out of nowhere and striking down one of the weaker pirates. Sudden startle filled the remaining members, except for the leader. He violently swung his weapon at Zoteaki, aiming for his chest. Quickly, he blocked it and swung a return hit, just to be blocked.

Turning to my side, I noticed one had begun to aim for me. Gulping, and taking a leap of faith, I swung at him, catching him off guard and dealing a blow to his left arm. Snarling, he swung back at me, scrapping the skin of my face lightly. Clenching my teeth from pain, I swung back twice as powerful as before, sending him toppling over. As I basked in the glory, I quickly forget of the other enemies on my other side.

A surprise shot was sent to my back, causing me to collapse on the ground from pain. A rather large gauge was dealt to the back of my left arm near my shoulder blade.

"Shit.."

I opened my eyes and watched as Zoteaki fought off the leader, as the other two remaining members grabbed Amber by her arms and dragged her off. Eyes widening, I attempted to stand up.

"Let-her-go." I demanded, swaying on my feet.

"Nall, watch out!" Zoteaki hissed, as a spare swing from the leader's sword found it's way over to me. Ducking just in time, I lost my balance and fell once more, clutching my arm in severe pain. Daring another glance, my heart sank as the two pirates dragged Amber off, through her futile attempts to escape.

"Damnit.."

And everything went black.

I have to save Amber, sure she's annoying and full on herself, but lately she's been less testy around me. So I've got to save her! She's got to have a good heart in her, and I won't let her die! But the thing is... I have a tendency of being knocked out durning battles, don't I?

Author's Note:

Yay for chapter nine. Gawd did this take awhile. Anyways, you can see Amber is becoming less bitchy towards Nall. But poor Nally wally, being hurt, once more. Let's hope Zoteaki saves him, or atleast tries to. Find out next chapter. I might update fast, might not. It's up to you, the reviewer!