-11- Hero and Heroine

There was a strange warm sensation flowing through inside Ikuto, soothing his senses and making his once heavy body feel light again. He slowly moved his fingers towards his chest that was no longer in pain. Something soft and silky intertwined with his seeking fingers and he noticed the soft sensation upon his lips. He opened his eyes, just in time to see the girl break off their kiss.

She looked straight into his eyes and an innocent smile formed on her delighted face, "Thank god," she uttered with difficulty as she spoke quite breathlessly. "It worked….it really worked…oh thank god." A few drops of her tears dropped onto Ikuto's face, his hand gently clutching her head, his fingers interlocked with her long silky pink hair.

Ikuto stared back into the girls honey coloured eyes, his hand moving to her face. He lightly rubbed her wet cheeks. A strange feeling taking over him as he whispered, "You…saved me?"

The girl wiped her tears and quickly pulled away from Ikuto. "We need to hurry," she said, pulling his hand, "the fire, it's going to spread."

Hearing the crackling flames around them and sensing the rising heat, Ikuto got onto his feet, remembering where he was and what had happened before he collapsed. He allowed the girl to drag him along, running after the children. What happened, I was about to…my illness stroke and I…Ikuto tried to think, nothing is wrong with me but…that girl kissed me….kiss….

"Yoru is waiting," she said as she pulled Ikuto along, "I promised him I would bring you back with me. I promised that both of us would be safe."

"Yoru," Ikuto repeated, and he suddenly remembered something more important, recognising the long pink hair. Why had he not noticed straight away, this was the witch with Yoru in the Tower, the one Clover might've given the locket to. The dress she was wearing though, it worried Ikuto. It was the same dress Ikuto picked out for the little girl they took with them from the tower, although the dress now fitted the witch perfectly. This could only mean one thing, Ikuto logically thought, she used magic to turn herself into a child and deceived us. She must have a motive but…it doesn't matter, if you're the one with Clover's locket… Ikuto pulled the witch to a halt, the two stopping only before the entrance leading outside. He looked at her, it's just the two of us here, and no one will know if I killed her and took the locket. This is my chance. Ikuto's hand slowly reached behind him for his hidden dagger.

A surprised Amu stood still, watching Ikuto. "What's wrong, are you hurt? Are you in pain?"

Ikuto didn't answer which made Amu worry more. Maybe he's really hurt from before, Amu thought, we're almost outside though. "Please hang on," Amu said clutching onto Ikuto's hand tighter. "Hang on until we get out of this place," she reached up and touched his face, "Yoru and the children are all waiting for their hero. Don't disappoint them."

Ikuto's eyes widened, his heart skipping a beat as he was now unable to think straight anymore. Hero, the only one who has ever called me a hero…it's her…my princess….

"Hang in there hero," Amu repeated with an angelic smile.

What's wrong with me? Just because she reminds me of her….she's not her…What am I doing? Ikuto asked, his hand letting go of the dagger.He had wanted to take out his dagger, he wanted to kill this witch, and he wanted the locket if she had it, yet why can't he seem to move. It was like he was hit by a strange spell and all he could feel was her hands holding his, her soft touch to his face and her voice that kept echoing through his mind. Somehow his urge to play the villain vanished. It won't hurt to wait longer…he finally decided. "Let's hurry," Ikuto said. This time it was him that pulled Amu into a run, heading out the building at last.

The fresh air felt amazing as Amu and Ikuto both took huge breaths, now a safe distance away from the burning mansion.

"The children…" Amu gasped, looking around frantically but there were no signs of the children. "It couldn't be…did they not make it out?" Amu was about to turn back towards the mansion when Ikuto grabbed hold of her arm, stopping her.

"Stay calm," Ikuto said.

It was peculiar, but as soon as Ikuto had said those words, Amu calmed down completely. Her heart stopped racing and she felt composed, like a proper grown up should in these situations. Was this how Yoru felt every time he placed his trust in this man? Amu wondered, calm and believing. Before Amu could respond though she heard a loud crashing noise near them, so near it startled her. She immediately turned to face the direction where the crash came from and a dark shadow loomed over them. With her mouth gaping open, Amu found herself gazing in horror as a massive ship glided towards them head on. We're going to get crushed, Amu thought.

"Don't stare in awe," Ikuto complained, swooping the startled Amu into his arms and running towards the side of the ship.

"BROTHER," a voice called from above.

"IKUTO, hurry and grab the ropes," Daichi shouted throwing a rope down from the deck.

"WOW…wait…" Amu breathed, everything happening too quickly for her to take in.

Ikuto grabbed onto the rope and the two of them were lifted off the ground, swinging along the side of the massive ship as it continued to move down towards the main town area. Amu clung tightly onto Ikuto, noticing his hand on her waist which made her blush. They only stopped swinging back and forth as Ikuto steadied himself and allowed Daichi to reel the rope back in. Slowly the two ascended until they finally landed on the deck safely. The smiling children on board ran towards them, forming a semi-circle before the two.

Amu let out a sigh of relief, seeing all the children safe. She smiled at Yoru who stared at her in a disappointed way that confused her.

Still carrying Amu, Ikuto commented, "You know you're actually quite heavy, young lady."

Amu twitched at Ikuto's comment. She wanted to protest but didn't wish to come across as rude. "I-I'm sorry," Amu began, controlling her facial expression very carefully, "I didn't know a child would be too heavy for you."

"Child," Ikuto chuckled, "hmm…" He stared at her for a bit, then lifted one of his fingers and poked her breast with it, "I wonder, the size might still be a little small but it bounces."

"What are you doing?" Daichi blushed, turning to try and cover the children's view and Yoru just frowned at his brother's cheeky antics.

Amu let out a small scream, flushing bright red and immediately pushing Ikuto away from her only to end up falling onto her butt. "Ouch," she breathed, rubbing her bottom as she stood back up, a little distance from Ikuto. "W-what are you doing?" she questioned, her arms folded over her chest to protect herself now. I thought he was a good person like a hero too, Amu thought, looking as though she was on the verge of crying buckets.

Ikuto tried very hard to stop himself from laughing as he answered seriously, "To prove you're not a child." He put on an innocent smile. "I thought you didn't know."

Amu wasn't convinced. She puffed her cheeks in frustration, staring at him. Of course I know I'm not a child but I'm stuck in a child's body right… "Eek," Amu suddenly squeaked. She looked down at her chest then stared down onto the floor and looked all around her and back at Ikuto again. She blinked a few times then ran over to Yoru, who looked smaller than her. Tell me this is real, Amu thought. She bent down and whispered into Yoru's ears, "Am I a child?"

Yoru sighed, unable to believe how dumb and slow this idiotic witch was. Did she honestly not notice she turned back into her normal size? Yoru simply nodded.

Over-joyed that she had somehow, miraculously changed back from being a child and into her original form, Amu jumped up and down ecstatically and did a little dance. Now she understood Yoru's disappointed look, he could no longer bully her about her child form. For some reason she also felt she was brimming full of energy. Being back to normal really is amazing, Amu mused, and more importantly, this cream dress with gold chains and a delicate red rose is so wonderful, thank you that I am wearing it. Ah, I feel so happy now, she raised a 'v' sign into the air as she landed from one of her jumps. The children and Ikuto stared at her, worried for her sanity. Sensing the gazes upon her and finally realising she had become somewhat of a display, Amu stopped her little joyous dance and whistled, staring around, pretending as though nothing happened.

"Is that girl mentally alright?" Daichi asked, looking at Amu.

"Yoru, this friend of yours," Ikuto whispered, "is she mental?"

"More than just mental," Yoru whispered back, "insanely mental."

"Poor thing," both Ikuto and Daichi pitied.

I heard that, Amu wanted to shout but stopped herself. Endure it, endure their foolish compliments…

"Thank you," a child said, pulling at Ikuto's hand.

"Mr Hero, thank you for helping us," another little girl said, grasping Ikuto's other hand.

"Thank you for saving us, Mr Hero" the children said in unison, smiling at Ikuto.

Ikuto nodded, with a very faint smile that would be unnoticed if you didn't look closely. With the children still clinging to him, Ikuto turned to look and mouthed, 'Sorry' to Amu. She gave a light nod back. Watching Ikuto like that surrounded by the children, Amu couldn't help but forgive him. He's such a strange person, Amu thought, smiling. "Yet he's amazing," Amu whispered. "To plan ahead and use this ship…"

"You ok stupid witch?" Yoru asked out of concern.

"Never been better," Amu replied, truthfully. Though, I wonder why the curse was broken and… Amu blushed, suddenly recalling her kiss with Ikuto. She shook her head, stop thinking nonsense that was just CPR. The main thing is, I'm fine, even after losing so much magical energy. No, I feel full of magical energy but I was sure I….Why? I wonder, both the curse and this…it makes no sense….

Amu felt a hand on her arm and she looked at Yoru who had a worried look on his face.

"I'm fine Yoru," Amu repeated with a smile, deciding not to think about it too much. All that mattered was the fact that she was well and back to normal.

"Thank you," Yoru said, "I trusted you too."

Amu and Yoru smiled at each other, nothing more needed to be said between them.

"HEY WE'RE NOT EXACTLY SAFE HERE," Daichi shouted catching everyone's attention. "We're heading towards the small woods, at this rate…"

"WE WON'T CRASH," Ikuto calmly shouted, already holding the helm. "Listen to me and get moving," he started to command, "Yoru, take the younger kids into the cabin. Daichi, take the few older kids and fold in the sails. Young lady…"

Ikuto began, staring as Amu stood at the edge of the ship's bowsprit. When did she get there? Ikuto pondered.

Standing on the bowsprit, Amu looked ahead of them. They were as Daichi said, headed straight towards the small woods. Since the ship was sliding downwards at such a quick pace, it won't stop even if they hit into the trees. We might not make it to the town though, Amu thought, we need to do something, I need to do something. She materialised her red umbrella and stared at its vibrant colour. "The colour of blood," Amu whispered, "my blood." She closed her eyes, sensing the direction of the wind.

Ikuto stood watching Amu, his heart beat slowly accelerating as he was expecting something to happen. Will you do it? Ikuto reasoned, thinking of the possibilities, it's forbidden for a witch to reveal their true identity to others. You risk being hunted and killed by both Pirates and commoners. However, with magic, we may be able to get out of this predicament more easily. He took a quick glance at Daichi and the others who were already tying up the sails, before returning his gaze upon Amu. It's hopeless, a witch that breaks the ultimate taboo faces severe consequences. All witches are selfish and wicked, she won't be any different, and she won't risk her life to save us. Ikuto clutched at his chest, I'll have to risk it and hope my illness doesn't act up…

Amu opened her eyes, she had made her decision. I'm a witch so I've got something everyone else doesn't have, magic…I should be the one to save them. I can do it, I feel that I can. Amu took in a deep breath, and she turned to face Ikuto. "Open the sails," she shouted, "trust me. Open them up fully and make sure to keep the ship in this exact position."

"Are you stupid? The sails will get caught by the trees if we hit," Daichi said, clearly having doubts about Amu's orders. Besides, who the hell is she? Daichi simply questioned.

Amu clenched a fist, knowing she was no hero and knowing full well her magic may not work but, her desire to save these children, to reunite them with their parents and Ikuto's selfless act before, it all gave her a burning passion. I can't explain it, Amu breathed, but ever since I met Yoru, I think my life has changed and now there is Ikuto…I can do this. I will break the taboo. Amu tossed her umbrella high into the air and jumped up.

Daichi and the other older children helping him stared with their mouths wide opened as Amu stayed floating in the air. The children in the cabin gathered at the windows to look and Ikuto too watched with disbelief.

"PLEASE TRUST ME," Amu shouted, "Open the sails, I can do it. I'll make the ship fly with magic."

"M-magic," the few children gasped and their faces were beginning to pale.

"Don't tell me, you're a…" Daichi began but unable to finish his sentence. How terrible, this girl is actually a…

"She's a witch," Yoru shouted running back out onto the deck. "She's a witch but we can trust her."

"We won't listen to you," Daichi shouted back, ignoring Yoru, "everyone knows that witches and pirates are evil. Go away…we can't deal with you right now."

"I'm trying to help. If the ship crashes into the woods like this, even if we don't die, we could seriously get hurt," Amu shouted more desperately now, aware that they were running out of time before the ship would hit. "GIVE ME A CHANCE!"

There was a few minutes of silence.

"Please trust her," Yoru tried again. He turned towards the other children and Daichi, "she's a good witch. She won't hurt us."

There was another few minutes of silence. Is it really impossible for them to trust me? Amu thought, losing hope.

"Can she really help us?" one of the older kids helping Daichi asked.

"She really isn't bad," another asked.

"No, she's not bad," Yoru assured.

"Help us," the children said in chorus with each other, and Amu flew towards the back of the ship.

"Even so, she's still a…" Daichi uttered but his attention was snatched by the sudden sound behind him. He turned to stare at Ikuto who released the sails, "Ikuto are you sure?"

"Daichi," Ikuto said with a confident smile on his face, "it's not what you are that defines whether you are good or bad, whether you can be trusted. It's what you do."

"I understand that but," Daichi struggled.

Seeing Daichi's insecurity, Ikuto went up to him and whispered into his ears, something that made Daichi completely speechless. Ikuto then left Daichi to digest everything and once again he took the helm, positioning the ship in the exact direction Amu wanted it to be in.

"Hurry Amu," Yoru shouted, seeing that the ship was about to hit the trees.

Amu pointed the tip of her umbrella towards the opened sails like a gun, aiming at the right angle to shoot. She then extended the shaft before pushing the handle hardly away from her, to shorten the shaft again. A strong blast of wind blasted out of the tip of the umbrella at the sails. The force of the blast so incredible, it pushed the sails upwards and lifted the ship off the ground. Amu started to chant a flying spell and a thin coat of red dust formed on the ship as it continued to rise into the sky. The ship shook only slightly as the bottom scraped the top of the trees. Yoru and Daichi made sure all the children were secured as it all happened.

Amu smiled feeling that she was finally able to be useful and do something right. Like this, the ship could at least fly over the small woods before it continued into the town. Although, that was another problem they needed to solve later. "I did it, Dia," Amu whispered, "if only you were here to see this too. Even if it's only small, my magic worked for the first time." Her heart pounded hardly and Amu's body stiffened. She clutched at her chest, not breathing anymore and her mind started to go blank. This is bad, Amu thought whilst she still could, maybe that kiss with Ikuto really did use up my magical energy, I…if I can't think then I can't control my magic….I'll…

Staring up at her, Ikuto also smiled; never had he expected that in this lifetime he would smile because of a witch. She honestly did it, he thought, she's interesting, that witch. His smile quickly faded though as he left the helm, running towards Amu who just seem to suddenly fall from the sky.

"Amu," Yoru shouted, watching as Amu's red umbrella disappeared and she began to fall.

Now that the ship was moving steadily, Yoru, Daichi and some of the children began to run towards where Amu was falling as well.

"Brother, catch her," Yoru shouted as Amu was about to hit the deck.

Ikuto ran as fast as he could, outstretching his arms towards the falling Amu and he grasped tightly onto her body. "Got you," Ikuto breathed as he hit the floorboards of the deck, still holding Amu tightly against his body to protect her. He gently touched her face, sitting up and leaning Amu against his chest. "Are you ok?"

"I'm not hurt or anything, I just feel tired," Amu weakly replied, resting her head against Ikuto's chest and closing her eyes for a few minutes. She could hear his heart beat and her head moved when his chest was breathing. It felt nice.

"Stupid witch, aren't you enjoying yourself a little too much resting on my brother's chest?" Yoru sneered, "You're drooling."

Amu bolted open her eyes at Yoru's mockery and covered her face with her hands, leaning away from Ikuto. She peeked through the gaps of her fingers, embarrassed and couldn't help blushing as she noticed that she was being held by Ikuto.

"You did well, young lady," Ikuto said.

Amu lowered her hands from her face and smiled. "I'm glad I managed to help."

"Thank you," one of the children said approaching Amu. "You really are a good witch."

"Thank you," the rest of the children shouted forming a circle around Ikuto and Amu now. "You two are really cool, Mr and Miss Hero…"

Ikuto and Amu looked at each other, most likely thinking of the same thing. They smiled, trying to calm the excited children.

Daichi watched from a little distance, letting out a sigh before he smiled quite softly. "Brother," Daichi whispered, staring up at the sky, "have you ever heard of a pirate being a hero and a witch being a heroine…you know, it's happening right now. I'll find you and let you meet this story's hero and heroine, a witch and a pirate…huh…"

Assembled at the centre of Barren Town, the villagers shouted and cheered with enthusiasm. The mayor, stood at the front of the execution platform and raised his hands to silence the audience.

"Everyone gathered here today shall witness the execution of two unknown pirates, who has committed the unforgivable crime of kidnapping our town's children. To add, the comrades of these pirates may still be lurking around in our village as I was attacked not long ago," the mayor announced, "my home was set on fire and although I believe I have managed to outsmart those pirates, and lock them inside the burning mansion to let them taste their own medicine, we cannot be more careful that there will be another attack. So, we shall proceed to execute these two unknown pirates before any more disaster befalls us."

The crowd cheered and the mayor raised his hands once again so that he could speak. He turned to face the two tied up pirates, stood at the centre of the platform. "Any last words unknown pirate A and B. This is your final chance to do good and tell us where you've taken this town's children."

One of the pirates raised their head and directly glared at the mayor, hissing with a murderous intent, "yeah, my name's Nadeshiko Fujisaki. Don't call me unknown pirate A or B."