Wild-Roze: Yes yes, hullo again. I am very sorry for the year or more without an update. University takes up alot of time. A LOT of time. Anyway, thank you all for being patient.. and if you were not patient.. well.. thanks anyway. Here we have what you've all been waiting for, some action with the pair in question. Enjoy!

Chapter 7

At first he thought the room was empty. But on a second inspection, he spotted her tucked away in a corner, sat in a deep chair, as far from the bed as possible. He closed the door noticing her wince as the metallic click as he locked it. To his joy he noted that she still wore the tight breeches. She sat, legs crossed, her hands folded demurely in her lap, her bright hair cascading over one shoulder. He stepped forward, unclipping his cape, and dropping it and his elegant sword without care onto the window seat.

She looked up as he approached her, her heart was hammering wildly. Perhaps she could delay him, draw him into conversation...

She fixed an unusually bright smile on her face as she looked up at him and Ramirez raised a questioning brow in return.

"So, you're an Admiral now? Well, congratulations, quite an achievement!" He shrugged and sat down opposite her. He surveyed her over his fingertips as he replied.

"It is only a title. But it is about time Alfonso was humbled."

She grasped desperately for a subject that would keep him talking.

"I saw Alfonso before I was summoned, the ass looked pretty upset."

"So he should. A demotion is never welcome to a soldier, even if it is a temporary one. However, I will retain the title of Admiral once Alfonso has served his three weeks of demotion."

"Why was he demoted?"

"He lied to the Queen too often. His flagship, and his entire crew, minus his Captain, docked today. It was the ship your crew raided. The one he claimed either stolen or sunk, it also contained the crew he said had been killed." They all spoke against him. Some of the men even saw him murder the missing Captain, and take the single life craft available. Not only did he abandon his flagship, but he also lied and left his crew leaderless."

"Oh, I see." Murmured Aika. The thought of a Captain or a leader leaving his crew was utterly alien to her. As a Rogue, honour was everything to her.

'And I've just agreed to give away my honour to my enemy.' She thought.

"And what will become of him now?" She asked, continuing her questioning.

"He has been sent South. He has been given a chance of redemption with this new campaign. In my opinion, the fool should be hung."

Aika opened her mouth to ask more questions, but he stood abruptly, causing her rising panic to silence her.

"But enough talk. Or could it be, Aika, that you are asking so much, in order to avoid our little deal?"

She had gone pale, and her hands twisted in her lap.

"I-I'm terrified. I don't think I've ever been this afraid before." Her quiet admonition utterly crushed the irritation which had developed at her questions. He realised he had been expecting her to come to him like an experienced bed partner. But she was an innocent. Fiery and defiant, with a crude tongue and a quick temper, but still innocent.

"Come here." He said gently.

Aika forced herself onto her trembling legs, and helplessly approached him. She was out of time, the look in his eyes told her that much. She stepped towards him, till around a foot separated them. He closed the gap himself, his emerald eyes holding her as his hand reached around her to splay across her lower back, pulling her against him.

"You've not feared me yet, so don't start now. It will hurt the first time, but then, UI promise there will be only pleasure." His other hand rose to circle the back of her neck, pulling her face closer to his so their breaths mingled. "And I am not," He murmured huskily, "as the rumours you have heard, would cast me."

Then he kissed her. Automatically she resisted at first, but he was insistent, and slowly, Aika began to lose her grip on reality, she was only aware of his lips moving on hers, demanding that they part, one hand tangling in her hair, the other crushing her against him. Her mouth opened and admitted his eager tongue, and in moments, she found herself returning the kiss. It became a battle, heated and passionate. The only sound in the room was their rasping breath, and a wet sucking. Then he withdrew, and cool air rushed into her lungs. She felt her dragging up her shirt, and automatically lifted her arms as it slipped over her head. Instantly his lips dove back down on hers, and she gasped against him as his thumb grazed roughly against her nipple. His hands were sending sensations she had never dreamed possible, shooting through her body. Then he was kissing his way down her neck, and his teeth and tongue took over from his hands. Her own fingers tangled in his hair, holding his head to her, clinging to him helplessly. For a moment she thought her trembling legs were going to give way under his assault. As if reading her mind, the platinum haired man pulled back, and swept her feet from under her, pulling her against him like a child. Carrying her towards the magnificent bed, he laid her down, wasting no time in dragging away her skin tight breeches, his fingers skimming lightly across her abdomen, as his lips devoured hers again before he stepped away. She watched him as he stripped away his own ornate clothing, until he was as naked as she was. He had a beautiful body, she realised. Slender, he was, but he was very defined, the muscles of his solar plexus were exquisite, and his exposed body had a feeling of raw power that sent tingles over her flesh. While she had been watching him, her hands had unconsciously drawn the sheets around her. When he saw this, he smiled in amusement, and gently reached down to tug the material aside.

"Don't hide yourself from me, Aika." He breathed gently, his emerald eyes watched her as her gaze fell to his chest. Here, he knew, he bore two ferocious scars. They crossed each other, one reaching from his shoulder blade to the bottom of his rib cage, the other almost horizontal across his chest. She had seen his bare flesh before, however, on his pale skin, the marks were difficult to see unless at close range. The other women had assumed them to be battle scars, and upon seeing them had shivered in disgust, and delight, demanding that he 'hurt' them. They were in fact, constant reminders of the crash he had survived when he had first arrived in Arcadia. Galcian had pulled him, injured, from the wreckage, and he had followed the man ever since. But he knew that Aika would not look on his with horror. He pulled himself onto the sheets beside her, awaiting her reaction. What she did do, shocked him and left him numb.

Propping herself up onto her elbow, she gazed down, feeling acute sympathy, at the silvery lines marring his smooth flesh.

"By the Moons," She whispered softly, tracing the tips of her fingers delicately over them. "What happened to you?"

Without waiting for an answer, she dipped her lips to each of the wounds, and tenderly kissed them. With a groan, the man tangled his fingers in her hair, her innocent touches and sweetness, driving him to a point of ecstasy he could no longer contain. Forcing her onto her back, he kissed her roughly, but her tongue gentled him and it became slow and passionate. His hand slid down past her abdomen, over her hips and into the valley between her thighs. Reflexively, her legs snapped together, earning a muffled chuckle from the man.

"Let me, Aika." He gently commanded her, pressing his lips against her neck. With a small moan, of both pleasure and effort, he felt her force her muscles relax. With a victorious growl, his fingers clove into her, earning a cry. Her continued to play with her, and her breath started coming in rapid gasps, as he pushed her closer to breaking point. She clung to him, her body bucking against him, her arms wrapped around him. Moments before she hit her climax he withdrew, his control was crumbling away and he could hold himself back no longer. She looked up at him with an expression of outraged annoyance at the halt in his ministrations, causing him to laugh briefly before lifting her hips to his. He gazed down at her, all humour gone from his hazy emerald eyes. Her face became serious too, and for a flickering moment, the two heated lovers merely looked at each other.

Then, slowly, her arms came up and circled his neck as she buried her face against his shoulder. Pressing a kiss to her temple, in silent acknowledgement of her trust and her permission, he slid himself forwards, into her tight welcoming warmth. He was glad he had taken time with her, and although he longed to bury himself deeply and take her fast and powerfully, he inched himself slowly through her, until finally he sensed he was about to encounter the barrier of her virginity. In reaching this threshold, realisation hit him. This wafer thin membrane marked her as untouched. Tonight he would break it, and a warmth grew in him as the honour of it struck him. His strong arms tightened around her, and his voice rasped into her ear.

"I'm sorry Aika."

In unison their bodies tensed, as with a jerk, he jarred through. Aika cried out in pain, and she went rigid below him. Ramirez remained still as she accustomed herself to him. Slowly her muscles loosened, and slowly he started moving, while she still winced a little. He set a slow rhythm at first, fiving her body time to teach itself how to move with him. When it did, he began to push harder and deeper, he was struggling to hold onto the last thread of his control. Below him, the painful ache in Aika's abdomen was receding, and a warmth was slowly creeping in to replace it. His teeth suddenly snapped gently around her ear lobe, and she arched her back, a gasp of pleasure escaping her, as she began to drown in a whirlpool of ecstasy. Each time he moved deeper, it seemed he was pushing her ever closer to an invisible cliff edge, over which she longed to topple. Her groans of pain, had become gasps of delight, and with one final shove, he drove her over, and an explosion made her breath come to her in short, sharp gasps, as wave after wave of contractions squeezed wonderfully throughout her body. With a moan of surrender, as she tightened exquisitely around him, Ramirez caved, and ground his hips into her hard and fast, causing her body to jerk below him, until, moments later his own orgasm spilled into her.

After what could have been second, or half an hour, he rolled slowly from above her. Never had he thought she would feel that good. When he had lain with other women, they had cried out and screamed loudly in over exaggerated, and what he guessed were fake, orgasms. The quick, passionate little breaths Aika had taken, he found infinitely more appealing. Lying against him, Aika felt numbing guilt roll over her, drenching her in cold shame. Not only had she given her body to this man, but she had enjoyed it. Even now, beside him, she craved his kisses and his touch.

Despite her guilt, all she wanted was to hear him whisper her name, or to tell her that she meant something to him, or simply just perhaps to press his lips against her forehead... she knew that 'I love you' was a far cry, and was not entirely sure that that would be what she wanted to hear anyway. Given the situation, it might have made her feel worse.

"Did I cause you much pain?"

She shook her head mutely.

"I am sorry if I did. It would have hurt, no matter who took you the first time." As soon as he said those words, he regretted them. She stiffened in his arms, hurt showing in her eyes, and he cursed his tactless words. She pulled away from him and sat up.

"May I please return to the Harem for the remainder of the night?" She asked coldly.

"No." He answered, catching her wrist and pulling her back down against him. "The deal between you and I will not be complete until the morning, and I plan to enjoy the time I have."

With that, he pushed his hand around the back of her neck, and pulled her into a kiss, which, despite a slight resistance at first, soon plunged her back into senseless passion. Their bodies crushed together, limbs tangled in helpless, mindless ecstasy.

In sleep, the young Admiral rolled over, and became acutely aware that there was no warm, female body beside him. He came awake in moments, cursing himself for trusting her to slumber like a docile pup beside him. She had probably made her way down to the cells to attempt a daring rescue. He flew to his feet, and was about to hastily dress, when a cool breeze licked over his skin. Turning with a start, he saw her. She stood still and silent, gazing out of the window. The lights from the Upper City below her, illuminating her face, and the odd, sporadic flash of lightning transformed her into a marble statue. She was wrapped in a thin silken sheet she had dragged from the bed. He wondered if perhaps she was weeping for the loss of her innocence, or was she considering throwing herself upon the mercy of gravity? Whichever it was, she seemed unaware that he was awake. Quietly the young man tugged on some breeches, as she was covered, he somehow felt it would be prudent to do the same. He stepped forwards, and drew level with her, causing her finally to notice him.

"Oh, sorry." She mumbled vaguely. "Did I wake you?"

He shook his head, investigating the expression on her face. She was not crying, nor did she seem suicidal. She merely seemed lost in thought. She turned away from him, gazing back out at the stormy, black skies, a clear indication that she wished to be left alone. He knew he should leave her, but instead he drew closer.

"What are you thinking of, Aika?" She smiled softly, but when she turned to face him, her dark eyes were set, and determined.

"I was thinking about the dawn." She said, "I was thinking that if I see a chance, no matter how small, to help them, to save them, then I will."

He shook his head, smiling at her courage.

"Aika, I fear you don't fully understand the Arena."

Her arched brows snapped together in a frown, and Ramirez raised his hands in mock defence.

"It is not an insult, you have merely never witnessed it before. None of the spectators are permitted to take in weapons, and anyone, at all from the crowd, be it slumdog or countess, who tries to intervene will also be killed. There is also no way out. There is only a pit in the centre which leads into a maze of sewers below Vaula. This, however, is guarded by a huge poisonous beast." She had turned a little pale, and he thought perhaps he had not crushed her hopes quite so brutally. He laid a hand on her shoulder, and it was a small comfort that she did not throw it off. "I'm sorry Aika, but you cannot help them." She looked at him, that soft, determined smile still in place.

"I do not plan on throwing my life away, Ramirez. But as I said, if I see a chance... I will take it." Her eyes were set, so he decided not to argue further. No chance would present itself anyway.

"Aika," He breathed, leaning close to her ear, "I know it was not your will to lie with me, however, I have a proposition for you."

This time when she turned to face him, the hardness was gone, and her eyes were warm. "You're half right. I wasn't willing to come to your bed." His heart clenched in his chest with surprising force at her words... "but once I was there, the Moons themselves could not will me to leave it. What is your proposition?"

His heart relaxed instantly, a warmth filling his chest and he drew her flush against him.

"There is still two hours until we must face the hardships of dawn, the open window has chilled me. The bed is warm, yet it is wanting for good company. Will you join me?"

She answered by kissing him. Ramirez groaned in surprise, as for the for the first time, it was her tongue that forced its was past his lips. Her arms came up around him, allowing the sheet to fall away.

Aika knew that if Vyse was alive, he would attempt a rescue, and if that was the case, then she would help. After that, she would either escape, or die. Whichever the outcome, she wanted to savour every contour, taste, and shape of the handsome man who had taken her virginity. Her hands ran over his face, his chest and back. She felt his arms encircle her, and lift her against him. Instinctively, her legs wrapped around his hips. The pair gave into their lusts, and Ramriez barely managed to carry her to the bed before they fell together and made love twice more before the sun had risen.

Vyse cursed, above him the roars of the crowd were deafening. He cast a quick Sacri spell, and watched the poison mark on his arm heal before his eyes. He glanced across at Drachma. The huge man with the mechanical arm seemed barely affected by their battle with the hideous creature. The man was immensely strong, and Vyse was thankful that he had him as an ally.

"Best not linger boy, we might already be too late." The man said gruffly. With a nod and a grin, Vyse, sheathed his blades, and hitched up the boomerang which was slung across his back, before mounting the ladder.

"I don't know why you're carrying that thing around, Boy, you're a dunce with it." Said Drachma from below.

"It's just in case I run into a friend."

Aika had barely had an hour's sleep during the course of the night. Despite this, and a very dull ache between her legs, she was wide awake and totally alert. She had dressed as Ramirez has suggested. He said that most women wore fine clothes, if they could, so a dress would be suitable. Many of the clothes in the trunks did not fit her. But down at the bottom, buried away, she had discovered a black dress. It was utterly perfect, on all counts. The colour was suitable for mourning, in the unthinkable event that her family was indeed put to death, she would at least be dressed to honour them. It was also fine and elegant, the kind of thing a rich woman may wear. However, she also considered the gown as one might consider battle armour. It came to mid-thigh, so she would be able to move freely in it. It had no sleeves, so they would not restrict her arms, it was also skin tight. It was ideal.

After they had eaten the breakfast which had been delivered to the rooms, Aika had dressed herself fully. Another advantage to the sleek little dress was that it was extremely attractive, or at least so she guessed. For, as soon as Ramirez saw her in it, he had kissed her passionately and told her how much he would enjoy removing it again.

With that, they had departed for the Arena. Aika had been awed when she first saw the huge coliseum. It was located behind the palace, at the half way point between Upper and Lower City. Thus, half the tiered seating was given over to the poverty stricken populace of Vaula, while the other side was designated to the citizens of Upper City. Aika found herself in the Pavilion, where only the highest ranking individuals and their favourites were allowed. The Queen had not lied, it did indeed boast the greatest view. It was positioned slightly forwards, an equal distance from the torture racks, the gallows and the pit at the centre. It was about 9 feet from the sandy floor, and a canvas shelter was stretched tight overhead. Upon stepping into the Pavilion, Aika felt like a traitor anew. She would be watching the executions alongside other ranking officers, their wives and concubines, and the Queen and Prince. The huge woman looked disgustingly eager, although her son looked decidedly repulsed. In the crowds around the Pavilion, Aika caught sight of Maev. She smiled as brightly and as reassuringly as she could at the girl when their eyes met, and her heart lifted slightly when it was returned enthusiastically. However, the next person Aika saw, was the unpleasant spectacle of Celeste, glowering at her.

Ramirez evidently felt her stiffen slightly beside him, for he glanced at her and instantly caught sight of the dark haired whore. With a quiet chuckle, he put his arm about her hip and pulled her into his side. Leaning close he murmured in her ear.

"Don't even bother to look at her. Just hold your head high. She usually occupies the Pavilion with the General, however, since he is not attending today, she must watch from the crowds." He gave her a slight squeeze. "Now laugh, as if I have told you something extraordinarily amusing."

And laugh she did, it was however, entirely natural.

"Ramirez," She chuckled, "surely you are not giving me tips on how to make that tall bitch jealous, are you?"

"She has a lot to be jealous about when it comes to you, Aika." He gave her a half smile, carrying an unspoken warmth, before his eyes turned back towards the dusty Arena floor. All humour evaporated from Aika, as she remembered why, precisely, she was here. Wrenching her eyes from the handsome face of the man beside her, she looked down at her loved ones. They were stood, guarded by four Vaulan soldiers, and before them, wielding a giant, double headed axe, was the executioner. The man was armoured in ornate silver and gold, and he was enormous! Aika quivered against the Admiral's side, before stepping forwards, and laying her hands on the balustrade of the Pavilion. Even now, she was careful to plaster a look of keen anticipation and keen interest onto her face. Just for show, she cast a dazzling smile of excitement over her shoulder at Ramirez.

He, however, saw what others did not. The shine of unshed tears, the strained look of panic and helpless desperation in her eyes. He moved to her side, and together, they looked down on the captives below.

"Proceed!" The Queen's voice boomed ominously overhead, and Dyne was goaded forward, towards a blood stained beheading block. Aika's heart was in her mouth. She felt Ramirez's hand close firmly around her bicep, whether in comfort or restraint, she didn't know, or care. Her eyes were darting wildly around the crowds. Where was Vyse?!

Dyne was forced onto his knees. The death of their Captain would totally demoralise the rest of the crew, crushing any hint of rebellion they may have held. Aika repressed the urge to press her fists to her lips. Her gaze left the crowds, and in defeat settled on the powerful form of her father. It seemed she had been wrong, and now she would have to stand among her enemies and watch them die, one by one.

Suddenly a roar erru[pted from the gathered multitude, and Aika's voice was among the gasps of shock. Out of the grille at the centre of the arena, climbed a young man. He carried a pair of cutlasses, and bore a scouting glass over one eye. Across his back was slung a large boomerang, clearly a weapon not suited for him. His clothes, his posture and his recklessly handsome grin bespoke one thing; pirate. With him emerged a giant. The huge man was silver haired, but looked brutally powerful. He bore an eye path, a wooden leg, and an enormous mechanical arm.

At the back of her mind, Aika felt Ramirez tense behind her, his hand tightening its grip, but she paid it no heed. She leaned forwards and called out the man's name.

"Vyse!!" Above the baying of the crowd, her call was lost, however, Ramirez as well as the occupants of the Pavilion heard her.

It was two things that made the young Admiral lose his grip; the first was the realisation that he was looking down at his rival, the man who had asked for Aika's hand. The second, was that as she leaned, her long, bright hair, which had been left down, fell forwards, parting over the back of her neck. For the first tim, he saw his insigna inked onto her flesh. Feeling his slackened grip, aika wrenched her arm free, and without hesitation, pushed up and over, vaulting the rail before her.

Her legs bent when she hit, and she fell into a roll, absorbing the shock of the impact. Smoothly she came to her feet and broke into a sprint, once again calling the name of her closest friend. This time, he heard her. His face turned towards her, and it lit up with joy. He closed the remaining distance between them, and swept her up in his arms, swinging her around.

"Aika! I knew I'd find you! I knew it!"

"Oh, Vyse, you big lump, I'm so glad to see you! If you had been a moment longer, Dyne would have lost his head.!"

They separated and dashed back to the huge giant, Vyse deftly un-strapping the boomerang and handing it to her.

"I got it from your house before I left Pirate Isle." He said with a grin. The, together, they turned, ready to fight.

Ramirez had gone cold. When he had seen her hit the Arena in a flurry of dust and sand, he had known then, that she would be killed. The very thing that he had worked to prevent, was about to unfold before his eyes. Every spectator was on their feet, and the crowd was wild. Not only would they see the executions, but it seemed that three others had now offered themselves up to the sword. The guards and the executioner were turning from their captives, to the unbound, armed opponents who had appeared. Ramirez had scowled at the sight of the shared embrace, but it turned to a look of impressed awe, when the boy handed the boomerang to Aika. On him it had looked foolish and unwieldy, but as soon as he palced the strange weapon into her hands, it was like the final piece of the picture. She twirled it expertly in a deadly arc, before sinking into a fighting pose. Aika in that moment, was unforgettable, beautiful and dangerous.

As the guards on the Arena floor started towards their new threat they disregarded and underestimated the score of Air Pirates at their backs. As soon as their captor's attention was no longer focussed on them, they attacked. Booted feet and hard skulls battered aside the armoured soldiers, who in their surprise could do nothing. Dyne and his crew broke away and dashed at a breakneck tilt towards their three waiting comrades.

From the Lower City inhabitants, roars of delight and approval, at the defiance of the Pirates, thundered against howls of outrage and fury from the citizens who supported the Crown.

As soon as Dyne drew level with her, Aika slashed the bladed edge down, severing the cords binding his wrists. The others were similarly freed, and Aika's heart soared as hger father and Captain threw his arms around her. Then, in full view of everyone, he turned and give the Pirate's salute to the Queen.

"I don't think we'll be much help to you unarmed, Vyse." He said, turning to his son. "However, i did manage to slip this."

Into Vyse's palm, he dropped a small magic box. "I believe its yellow magic, so use it wisely." Then he was past them, vanishing down into the bowels of the darkened pit after the rest of his crew.

The gaurds now advanced, the massive executioner among them. Vyse cast a casual glance at Aika. She looked beautiful. The black dress clung to every curve, her hair was magnificent, falling down her back in a red-blonde sheet. Her eyes were their brightest lavender, her face set in eager concentration. For a prisoner she looked in remarkable health. Where had she come from in the crowd? He would have thought he would find her among the rest of the crew, about to be put to death. He followed her tracks in the sand, and his eyes rose to the sheltered Pavilion. It housed some of the most richly dressed people he had ever seen. His dark gaze ran over the faces. Suddenly a chill hit him like a sledgehammer. His eyes had met with the those of a man in the crowd. There was something akin to a chalolenge blazing in his emerald stare. Disturbed, the young rogue looked away, back to the far more appealing image of Aika.

"What do you say," He said, drawing her attention, "Shall we let them come to us, or shall we take it to them?" She answered him with a devilish grin. Ramirez watched the boy. He was swarthy, dark haired and handsome. Totally relaxced and at ease. He was smiling, saying something to Aika, seemingly oblivious to the approaching danger, and baying crowds. He saw the woman, his woman, toss her head proudly, grinning in response, then her eyes locked onto the closest soldier.

She stepped forwards, throwing her shoulder back behind her. The crowd seemed to quiet for a brief moment, and he heard her cry of effort, as she flung her weight forward and released her weapon. It shot forwards with mind numbing speed. She aimed well, the bladed edge slashed into the small gap in the armour between the shoulder and the neck. The helmet was knocked off and the boomerang sang across the man's throat. In the same moment she released it, she had raised her hand, calling down the power of the moons, and flung a Pyrum spell at another two men.

As soon as the spell left her fist, it closed around the handle of her returning weapon. The man with the slashed throat hung, suspended on his feet for a moment, his eyes staring up at the stormy skies, his chest heaving, lungs drowning in blood. Then he crumpled to the dust. The power of the Pyrum spell, which usually was not an especially strong incantation, had turned the armour of her two victims white hot. Their screams resounded as their flesh stuck to the metal. They collapsed either unconscious or dead.

For a moment, the watchers fell silent. No longer was this sport. This was serious. If these Pirates succeeded, then not only would they have made a mockery of the Armada, but the open defiance could stir rebellion. The remaining soldiers stepped forwards with more caution now, and Aika moved back beside Vyse. Ramirez was deeply impressed with her ability, she was stronger than he had given her credit for. He felt an intense dislike for the arrogant whelp at her side. Even now, the boy was gazing at Aika with a look of sickening adoration. Ramirez dragged his eyes back to her. She looked more alive than he had yet seen her. Her cheeks were flushed, and her lavender eyes blazed with the excitement of battle.

The air crackled as the Vaulans threw up defensive walls which would protect them from any spells that were cast at them, and then the remaining soldier let out a cry and ran at Aika. He thought she would be struck down, however, before the sword cleaved her, it was blocked by a cutlass. The boy stepped forwards, his blades whirling, as he forced the man back. In one fluid movement, he blocked a thrust, and tossed something to Aika. Ramirez had to give him credit, his fighting skills were substantial. A loud bellow echoed around the Arena as the huge man garbed in a green tunic, charged the executioner. Aika stood back, closing her eyes, she was tensed, as if drawing in all her energy. The young admiral recognised a spirit charge, she was building up power for some powerful move. Ducking under the huge, ornate war axe, the giant Pirate thundered his metal fist into his opponent's chest. The other man staggered back a few paces, and dropped to one knee for a heartbeat, before surging back up. In the gilded, ornamental armour, there was a heavy dent where the Pirate had struck, and would no doubt be causing a great deal of pain, as well as hampering breathing. However, the Vaulan charged all the same, but again, the Pirate avoided the deadly swing of the axe. For all his bulk, the massive man had great agility. But this time it was him who was sent sprawling by a ferocious backhand from the man's armoured gauntlet. Aika saw the executioner reach for his utility belt, he fumbled in it. Despite his visor, she could almost see the expression of baffled confusion on his face. She grinned.

"Looking for this?" She called, holding up the magic box Dyne had stolen. With a growl of rage, the executioner started forward. Her fist closed around it, and she felt its power rush through her. One box held enough magic to cast around six spells, however, Aika pushed it all into this one attack. The magical shields the men had erected about themselves would block any attack that was cast at them from scratch. A box, however, was a different matter. The spell slammed into the man, his metal armour acting as a conductor. Electricity rent the air, as the deadly power of the storm spent itself on its victim. Finally the blazing glare of the lightning melted away, leaving coloured spots dancing before Aika's eyes. The executioner was on his knees, but, remarkably, still alive and conscious, the axe weakly grasped in his enormous fist. Vyse eventually dispatched his opponent, his blade sliding into the gap under the man's armpit, cleaving g into his heart.

Jogging back to Aika's side, he nodded in the executioner's direction.

"The honour is all yours." He said, sheathing the cutlasses.

Ramirez saw her take a step closer to the Vaulan who was struggling to his feet. She raised the arc of her boomerang before her, and released her grip on it. Impossibly, it hung in the air without support, then it began to spin. As it whirled, she held her hands out before her, it moved faster until the sound of rushing air built to a crescendo. Hr eyes blazed, following her weapon in concentration, and words tore from her lips.

"Alpha storm!"

Flames ignited around her, and rushed towards her enemy in a twisting inferno. The huge man was engulfed in the blaze, his roars of pain barely audible. Then, the flames vanished, and panting, Aika grabbed he weapon, which had begun to topple to the ground. The executioner collapsed with a groan, unconscious, but still alive.

The crowd erupted. The citizens of Lower City stomping their approval, and the wealthy residents of Upper City screaming in outrage. The trio in the centre backed towards the pit, the enormous green-clad man vanishing from sight first.

Ramirez saw her turn, and their eyes met. A sorrowful smile touched her mouth, and she pressed her fingers to her lips for just a moment, before she leapt fearlessly into the blackness. Now only the boy remained, but after one, mocking bow to the spectators, he too was gone.

WR: Well THERE you go!!! Shes escaping, as per the storyline goes, BUT in this version, shes doing so, leaving behind a Ramirez who is rather smitten it seems. WHAT shall occur next?? MWAHAHAHAAAA, well, it may take another year, as in the second year of university, im chosing my honours project for my final year, and have a crazy amount of work to be doing. BUT i like this story, and quite often find myself reaing through, correcting, and altering the chapters which are all written out on paper, but just need typing into a computer (which is the sadly time consuming part) anyway, please review, I love your feedback, it really does encourage me to keep writing and posting. So.. hope u liked!

Wild-Roze