-12- The Two Captured Pirates

"Hey Sis, does it really matter what they call you?" the pirate next to Nadeshiko Fujisaki spoke, not looking up at the crowd or anyone. "We're going to be executed here."

"Then they better remember my name properly and spread the news of my death," Nadeshiko said, still glaring at the Mayor. "Old man, or whatever, the one doing all the talking..."

The crowd of spectators remained silent and the mayor glanced around him before pointing a shaky finger at himself. "You referring to me."

"Who else am I looking at right now?" Nadeshiko questioned, keeping her glare intense, "Are you an idiot? Do you honestly believe you can go against pirates?"

The mayor gulped, fists clenched from fear more than anger. Despite the fact that these two pirates were tied-up, he still felt threatened and he couldn't stop shaking. So, this is how it feels to deal with a pirate, the mayor thought, his body slowly heating up from the stress of being glared at. He took in a deep breath, "since you insist in being bad to the very end, then let it be. We need not listen to you anymore. EXECUTE THEM."

"Now you've done it," the pirate next to Nadeshiko sighed, "and you could've bought us more time if you had chosen your words right?"

"Well, what would you have said Nagihiko?" Nadeshiko questioned back, then she smiled, "we don't need any more time."

The young man with the exact same face and long indigo hair as Nadeshiko Fujisaki finally looked up; he too smiled noticing what his sister meant. The twins threw each other a knowing look.

Behind them, two masked executioners raised their axe high, ready to hack at flesh and spill blood. Laughter began to spread through the execution platform; the laughter of the pirates. Bystanders, unable to comprehend the insanity of the two pirates who appeared so relaxed before their deaths, could only watch in silence. The axe lowered with a very swift movement and in that moment, many closed their eyes in anticipation of two heads being separated from the body. However, what was cut was merely the floorboards in which the two pirates knelt on.

"What's going on?" the mayor shouted at the two executioners who revealed their faces to the crowd.

"It's them," a confused Gofer gasped, recognising the two thugs he had previously hired to kidnap the children. Why are they the executioners? Gofer questioned, this is…

The two thugs stood before the pirates, making it clear that their intention was to protect them. They raised their fingers now, taking the attention of all the crowd and pointing at the Mayor, they shouted clearly, "The Mayor is the culprit behind the kidnappings."

"HOW DARE YOU IMPLICATE THE MAYOR," Gofer immediately shouted, running towards the execution platform. "Everyone, stay calm and don't listen to these thugs."

"These pirates have nothing to do with the children's disappearance," one of the thugs continued, "We can prove it …"

"What are you saying?" a man in the crowd began to question.

"Our children, they were kidnapped…"

"What about the curse?"

"THE CURSE IS A LIE," the other thug shouted over the crowds questioning. "WE WERE THE ONES WHO KIDNAPPED THE CHILDREN."

"Don't mess with us," an angry man in the crowd said, "if it's not the curse then, the kids in our town that's been disappearing…"

"We won't trust thugs like you, step aside or we'll just have to deal with you along with the pirates."

"Wait, what if they're telling the truth," a woman interrupted.

"We can reunite with our children," another man said, hope consuming him.

"My daughter, do you know where my daughter is…" a desperate mother asked.

"Calm down people," both the Mayor and Gofer said. "Remain calm. Do not be fooled by these criminals."

The crowd was beginning to divide between those who started to believe the thugs and those who remained believing of the curse. No matter how much the Mayor and Gofer tried, the crowd was already too riled up to listen to them. Nadeshiko and Nagihiko were the only ones whose attention was elsewhere as the thugs continued with their story, not stopping once to allow the dismayed villagers to take in the shock of the truth. Sensing the situation was no longer in their favour, the Mayor and Gofer took the chance and slipped away.

"How are we supposed to believe thugs like you?" a few people in the crowd questioned, the atmosphere tense with anger and frustration.

There was silence as the villagers surrounded the execution platform, waiting for the thugs to respond.

"Say something," the villagers shouted as the thugs remained silent.

The two thugs started to sway on their feet as though drunk. One of them shook his head and blinked a few times before staring at the crowd.

"W-what's going on?" he whispered, noticing the glares he was getting from the villagers.

"You can trust what these two have just said…" a voice said.

The two thugs turned to look behind them, their mouths opened wide as the two pirates had somehow freed themselves and were now swinging the axes around. Frightened and utterly confused with the situation, the two thugs jumped off the execution platform only to be captured by the angry villagers.

"If the pirates," Nadeshiko said, still swinging the axe around, "which is us," she paused to make sure everyone around them was listening, "can bring back your children then it proves we are innocent and the Mayor is the culprit. You'll owe us a sincere apology and I expect…"

"Sis," Nagihiko said, taking the axe from his twin-sister, "don't draw so much attention."

"Children," one of the tied-up thugs gasped, suddenly remembering everything, his mind a lot clearer than before, now able to distinguish between reality and that man's voice. You did well, the voice of that man said one last time before it completely disappeared from his mind. The thug inhaled, realising he had no escape and would be spending the rest of his life in atonement. Although he still didn't understand why he had revealed himself, why he had told the truth, he was relieved that it was over. He didn't regret being found. Taking a look at his partner in crime though, it was a different story; it seemed he was cursing that voice in his mind that things had turned out this way.

"You really can bring back our children?" the desperate mother asked, staring at Nadeshiko and Nagihiko.

"Well if you lot kneel down and…" Nadeshiko began but was stopped by Nagihiko who clasped a hand over her mouth.

"We're pirates but that doesn't mean we're the bad guys here," Nagihiko said, "to prove it, we'll bring the children back."

"You pirates talk big…"

"It's already here," Nagihiko shouted, pointing towards the direction of the woods and where the mayor's mansion was located. "They're coming…"

The villagers all turned to look in the direction Nagihiko was pointing at and immediately fell silent. They gazed, gobsmacked at the massive pirate ship that was heading towards them, utterly perplexed as to where it appeared from. After minutes of watching the big ship entering the town and only just able to avoid colliding with several buildings, did the villagers sense danger and began to run away in panic, afraid they would get crushed.

"Relax," Nadeshiko shouted, taking back the axe from Nagihiko and throwing it just before the villagers, stopping them from running away. She then said in a serious and warning way, "If none of you want to die then gather behind us. The ship will stop just before hitting this execution platform." She pulled out the other axe that was still wedged in the wood on the platform, "anyone who runs away will have this stuck to their backs."

Genuinely afraid of Nadeshiko and not knowing what to do in such a crisis, the villagers reluctantly gathered behind the two pirates; all gazes focussed upon the ship that rapidly grew bigger as it sailed closer to them.

On the ship, Ikuto kept a steady hold of the helm, occasionally shouting at Daichi, Yoru and Amu, who ran around the deck following orders. Before the ship had landed back onto the ground, Ikuto had took a quick glance of the town and noticed the wide street space between the shops. He instantly calculated that, if they allowed the ship to continue moving forward at a particular angle, they would make it through without hitting any shops or houses straight to the execution platform. The children had also come out of the cabin, most of them standing quite near the sides of the ship, beaming as they recognised their own homes passing by them.

"Be careful," Amu said, pulling two of the kids away from the side. "Don't stand so near there."

The two children nodded with a smile and excitedly pointed towards their house, telling Amu about their parents. From a little distance away, Daichi observed Amu carefully, still unable to believe a witch could act so kindly towards normal human children. Then again, he thought turning to stare at the back of Ikuto Tsukiyomi, that man is doing something way out of character, although he did warn me….

"Brother, I see them," Yoru suddenly exclaimed in excitement, "its Nadeshiko and Nagihiko."

"I know," Ikuto said, "they're exactly where I need them to be…"

Distracted by Yoru's sudden excitement, Daichi snapped out of his little world of thoughts as he ran towards the front of the ship, anxious as they moved at high speed towards the execution platform full of people. "Ikuto," Daichi shouted, "We're too close. We'll crash into them."

Amu looked towards the direction they were headed as soon as she heard Daichi's shouting, and she quickly gathered all the children to the middle of the ship, calming them down.

"We won't hit," Ikuto said calmly, not moving from the helm. "Deaths are not part of my calculations."

Daichi nodded, clutching his own chest and simply waited for the moment to happen, the moment where Ikuto's words would be reality.

Standing on the execution platform, the villagers began to shout and panic as the massive shadow created by the approaching ship loomed over them.

"BE QUIET," Nadeshiko shouted, managing to silence the frightened crowd and their pointless whining.

"Sis, concentrate," Nagihiko whispered, "don't leave any scratch on our ship."

Nadeshiko smiled, standing back to back with Nagihiko, the two outstretched their hands towards the ship and the wind around them seemed to violently dance, blowing in all directions. A few of the villagers near them had to kneel down on all fours to keep themselves from being blown off-balance. The weird wind stopped almost immediately though and the twins let down their hands, watching as the ship slowed down, whilst approaching them until it finally came to a halt. The ship was exactly two metres away from hitting into the execution platform. The villagers remained silent, only able to stare at the massive ship, thankful they were still alive.

"Mother…"

"Papa, Mama…."

"That voice," a father said, looking hard at the ship, "my child…that voice is…"

A rope ladder was thrown down and the children, with the assistance of Daichi and Amu began to make their way off the ship. The presence of pirates didn't matter anymore, overjoyed parents swooped their child into their arms, cuddling them tight. It was a touching scene as parents and child reunited, tears and laughter mixing together. Amu stayed on the ship, watching with a smile on her face; she did notice how sensitive Daichi seemed though. Standing next to her, Daichi held back his tears, looking up at the clear blue sky, he thought, you can finally rest in peace Toto and I, I can finally go and find my brother…

The children began to tell their parents and the rest of the villagers how they were rescued by Daichi and Ikuto. The adults only displayed a very concerned expression upon their faces when their children started to mention of a pink-haired witch. Feeling their safety was still threatened by the presence of the two pirates and the unknown witch on-board the ship, the adults backed away, surrounding their kids. Nadeshiko and Nagihiko took the chance to board their ship.

"Stay behind us," the adults instructed the children. "Those people aren't good…"

"Why?" one of the kids asked, "they saved us."

"Even so," a mother said, "that girl is a witch."

"LEAVE," a man shouted, "LEAVE THIS PLACE NOW."

"That's right, please leave," another quickly followed.

The rest of the villagers began to shout for them to leave as well.

Nadeshiko clicked her tongue, "so that's the way they treat those who've helped them?"

"Don't get angry sis," Nagihiko said, "they're only scared."

"Does not mean they can demand us to leave with such an attitude," Nadeshiko protested. "The Cap-"

"Nadeshiko, we're leaving," Ikuto said clearly, "we've wasted enough time here."

Nadeshiko sighed and nodded before heading towards the sails, ready to unravel them.

"Amu," Ikuto said turning to look at her, who had quickly stepped away from the villagers view as soon as she heard them talking about witches. "Can you help us once more?"

Amu stared at Ikuto.

"Right now, everyone in this town knows you are a witch," Ikuto began, "I don't think you can stay here."

"Are you telling me to go with you?" Amu asked, never once considering that as an option until now.

"We're planning to leave this place and I think you too," Ikuto continued, "but to leave, we need your help. We'll leave Barren town together and once we're out at sea, we'll drop you off at the next nearest town or city. How does that sound?"

"How do you want me to help?" Amu said, taking up Ikuto's offer. She'll begin searching for power once she arrives at the new town.

"Make the ship fly out to sea," Ikuto simply said, "can you do it?"

"Yes," Amu answered already beginning to chant the flying spell. The same red dust started to coat the ship again and slowly, it rose off the ground.

The villagers of Barren Town stared in fear and shock as for the first and possibly last time in their lives, they witnessed magic.

"Wait, isn't Daichi still on the ship?" one of the villagers questioned.

"Daichi," a few men began to shout, "hurry up and get off that ship."

Daichi walked towards the edge of the ship so the villagers could see him. He shouted, "Thank you, but it's time for me to leave. I'm going with them, that's what I've decided."

"Daichi, you fool."

"No one's stopping you from leaving but, do you know who you're going with, those people are…"

"I know," Daichi shouted, "I've decided."

The villagers went silent, realising that Daichi had already made a decision. They could only hope the best for him and that he wouldn't fall to being a pirate. The ship began to rise higher and higher and the children all shouted, Ikuto and Amu's name along with thank you non-stop. Daichi turned from the villagers, making his resolve to finally leave Barren Town.

"Daichi," one of the villagers yelled, holding their kid close to them, "thank you and…" There was a brief pause before the man continued, "I'm sorry about Toto."

Hearing that person's words, tears escaped Daichi's eyes. This was probably what I've been wanting to hear, Daichi thought, wiping his tears, I can really leave this place with no regrets now Toto? I'll find my brother and I'll see for myself, what kind of a man Ikuto Tsukiyomi really is.

The ship was now high enough to move without hitting into any buildings; it sailed in the sky towards the sea, the voices of the children slowly faded out. Once the ship was completely above sea water, Amu chanted another spell that let the ship slowly sail onto the waters surface. They were now a fair distance away from Barren town, unable to see the place properly anymore but a mere patch in the vast oceans.

Barren town, Amu thought, that's a place I won't forget. The first human place I've been to…though I don't think these will be very fond memories. I wonder where I'll go next.

There was a loud bang, catching Amu's attention as she turned to see the man who boarded the ship from the execution platform, firing his gun at Daichi. There was no blood so the bullet missed, but Amu had no time to worry about Daichi as she felt something sharp lightly pressing upon the skin of her neck. She stared at the woman, who looked exactly like the man who fired his gun.

"We seem to have extra company on our ship don't we Nagihiko?" Nadeshiko said, staring at Amu. She nudged the sharp blade of her Naginata into Amu's neck, making sure there was no blood.

"Your ship?" Amu said confused, "I thought this ship belonged to…"

"You won't need to know who this ship belongs to," Nadeshiko smiled, "you'll be dead soon. This is a pirate ship after all."

Amu's eyes widened, unable to believe what this woman had just said. This was a pirate ship, she thought, but, Yoru and Ikuto aren't pirates…impossible….Right at that moment when Amu was convincing herself that this was not a pirate ship, her eyes seemed to wander on their own until they gazed upon the distinct black flag with a skull imprinted onto it, hanging high on the ship's mast.

"This is a pirate ship after all," Amu repeated, shocked.