The first thing that caught my attention was the sword she was holding. Despite it being pointed straight at my neck, I could almost feel the same pressure that my own sword gave off.

Even though she just threatened us, she sheathed her sword and pulled up a barrel, sitting down on it.

Leona: "I've seen your posters around a few different ports. It's a crazy amount of money for a few kids"

Agis: "I-It wasn't us! Raiden's the one who—"

She put her hand up.

Leona: "Kid, I really don't care about the story"

Ava: "T-Then what do you want?"

Leona: "Well... I could turn you all in and gain that huge reward for your capture. Or..."

She locked eyes with me.

Leona: "I can make you all part of my crew. The King's right hand, his Arch Mage, and even a King's Candidate would make a fantastic addition to my crew!!"

Suddenly, a mug flew by my head and was caught by Leona. She took a chug of it.

Leona: "So, what do you think?"

Alice: "You're crazy. We have a mission and you're getting in the way"

Leona: "You've got some fire in you, I like it!"

She drew her sword and with a single slice, cut right through the ropes that bound us.

Leona: "There's really no point in keeping you tied, there's nowhere for you to go"

I stood up and looked around, noticing that she was right. All we could see around us was ocean.

Leona: "You could always try and overpower us, but you won't have much luck"

Immediately, Alice charged at Leona. Leona simply smirked and struck the tip of her blade into the wooden floor. Suddenly, ice shot out from that point and encased Alice from the neck down.

Agis: "A-Alice!!"

Alice: "Stay back!!"

Leona: "Like I said, I wouldn't advise it~"

She sheathed her sword.

Leona: "It's a rather hot night, she should melt in a few hours. Think on it and let me know what your decision is by daybreak"

The second she walked away, the three of us immediately began trying to break the ice. However with no weapons or anything hard to speak of, we didn't have much luck.

Alice: "I-I'll be fine, just try and find a way out of here"

Agis: "I-I think our only way out is to play along for now"

Noelle: "I won't be made a slave again..."

Agis: "It's either that or we die"

Noelle: "I would rather die!!"

Ava: "W-We won't become slaves, we'll play along until we get to a port, then make a break for it"

Agis: "Maybe... I can talk to her"

Alice: "That's the worst idea I've heard today"

Agis: "She isn't beyond reason"

Alice: "And how do you know that?"

Agis: "I... I don't, but I have to try at least"

Alice: "Don't you dare go anywhere!"

I hesitated.

Agis: "I'm sorry, Alice! Forgive me!!"

I turned and ran off from Alice. Thankfully, the ice held her in place, allowing me to get away.

Alice: "Agis!!!!!"

I was so dead when I got back...

I walked up to the main deck where the wheel was. Standing at it was Leona, sitting on a barrel and drinking something out of her mug, likely alcohol.

Leona: "The King's Candidate, have you already made a decision? That was quick"

I didn't notice it before, but in the moonlight, Leona actually looked really pretty.

Agis: "N-No, I just have a few questions"

Leona: "Shoot"

Agis: "Well... this may be a bit personal, but why are you a pirate? What made you start this path?"

Her happy smile faded.

Leona: "Pretty personal question, Kid"

Agis: "I-I'm sorry!"

She gave a light smirk.

Leona: "You're a pussy..."

She set her mug down.

Leona: "Let me answer your question with another question. What does it mean to be free?"

Agis: "H-Huh?"

She stood up and turned around, walking towards the back of the boat. She rested her arms on the back railing and looked up into the sky.

Leona: "I had a responsibility, not too different from what you have now. I was to be put into a position of power, my life would've been set. I could've lived a nice, quiet life. Everything being handed to me on a silver platter"

She shook her head.

Leona: "Absolute bullshit. I never wanted that kind of life and it was forced upon me. I don't want my life to be controlled by others, to be fixed into something I would repeat day by day until the day I die"

She placed her hand on her sword.

Leona: "I wanted to live life the way I wanted to. No one around to tell me otherwise, free to go wherever and do whatever I want"

She turned to me and spread her arms open wide, the stars shining down from the dark sky.

Leona: "I've achieved the freedom I've so desired! I'm not bound by any rules, nor am I obligated to do anything for anyone! I'm free to make my own rules and my own decisions, to live life how I truly want!"

Agis: "T-Then I have a deal for you"

Leona's eyes sharpened.

Leona: "What kind of deal?"

Agis: "When I become King, I'll grant you the freedom to do whatever you want in the Kingdom of Wind"

Leona: "I'm already doing that, Kid. What makes you think I need that from you?"

Agis: "Because Raiden killed the previous King. He only wants power and he'll do anything to get it. If someone is causing him trouble, he won't hesitate to kill them"

She rolled her eyes.

Leona: "And that's my problem how?"

Agis: "How long do you think it will take until he decides you're a problem?"

She stayed silent for a few moments, thinking it over.

Leona: "You may have a point, Kid... But don't think you'll get your freedom that easily. There are laws even Pirates have to follow. But honestly, they're just common sense more than anything, so I don't really mind"

Agis: "W-What is it?"

Leona: "First, before I tell you, you mustn't tell any of my crew I've said this"

I nodded.

Leona: "There is an old rule for all pirates. If a prisoner wishes to be set free, they must best the top pirate on battle"

Agis: "And that would be...?"

Leona: "You're not the quickest, are you? It's me, the captain!"

Agis: "So we would need to beat you to win our freedom?"

Leona: "There we go, now you get it"

Agis: "I-Isn't there some other way?"

Leona: "What? You're a King's Candidate, are you not? Are you afraid of a little combat?"

I stayed silent.

Leona: "How did you get picked for King's Candidate..."

She approached me.

Leona: "Kings are supposed to be strong, confident, wise, strategic, and so many more traits that you lack. Why do you think you have a chance?"

I looked down at the ground.

Agis: "I... don't..."

She stayed silent.

Agis: "I'm just a peasant, I never wanted to be King. I was happy and content with my life before all this happened. Then... the Kingdom of Fire killed my Mom..."

Leona: "Then why do you act so cowardly? Is it that you just don't care?"

Agis: "I do care... But I don't want to go down the path of revenge. Even Raiden, I probably can't even kill..."

Leona grew a scowl.

Leona: "You're absolutely pathetic. You tried to bargain with me when you become King. There's no way you could ever be a King. Don't waste my time"

She went to walk away, however I spoke up.

Agis: "I challenge you for our freedom!!"

She turned and looked at me.

Leona: "This fight is to the death"

My heart sank.

Agis: "B-But—"

Leona: "If you truly want your freedom, you'll have to kill your captor. Otherwise, you'll be cleaning the deck by daybreak"

I didn't know what to say. I was scared, my whole body trembling. That's when I heard the same voice in my head from before.

???: "....Fight...."

Agis: "I-I'll fight!"

She grew a slight grin.

Leona: "When the sun reaches over the horizon, our battle will begin. For now, I suggest sleep. You and your harem can go down below deck"

Agis: "H-Harem?!"

Leona: "A lone boy traveling with three girls? Didn't think that would look a bit strange~?"

She walked off laughing, leaving me alone.

I dreaded this moment, returning to Alice.

Alice: "You are so foolish!!!!"

Thankfully, she was still mostly covered in ice, so she couldn't hit me.

Agis: "I-It's our only chance"

Noelle: "But you should've left the fighting to one of us. No offense, Agis, but you're not exactly a good fighter yet"

Agis: "I have to try..."

Noelle stood in front of me and bowed her head.

Noelle: "I'm sorry, but I followed you when you went off to talk to Leona"

Agis: "Why are you apologizing?"

Noelle: "Because I shouldn't eavesdrop, but I heard what she said. It's a battle to the death and I can't let you fight"

Alice: "You're not just a fool, you're just a complete idiot!!"

Ava: "Isn't there another way?"

Agis: "No, this is our only chance. If we can't get off this boat tonight, we won't have any chance of escaping at a port"

Noelle: "But you aren't strong enough to fight her!"

Agis: "I know..."

Ava: "Perhaps if you had your sword, you could have an advantage. We're out in the ocean where the wind is strongest"

Agis: "Do you think she'll let me have it?"

Alice: "I've heard a lot about her from his Highness. She may be a pirate, but she's very honorable. She likes fair fights, at least when it's one on one"

Agis: "All I can do is try"

I could hear it in my own voice that I was scared.

Ava: "I'll stay up here and try to melt Alice out with some heat spells. You two go rest"

I nodded.

Agis: "If you need anything, wake me up"

Noelle and I went below deck, where there were a few low hanging hammocks.

Noelle: "Definitely not the worst place I've slept"

She laid down in one of the hammocks.

Agis: "Hey... Noelle..."

She looked over at me.

Noelle: "Yeah?"

Agis: "Earlier... you were scared you would become a slave again. You don't have to worry, that won't happen. I won't let it happen"

She smiled.

Noelle: "Thank you, Agis"

I did my best to get some sleep, however it wasn't very good. I was later woken by Ava, shaking my shoulder.

Ava: "Agis, it's time"

I sat up and pushed the hair out of my face.

Agis: "O-Okay, I'll be out in a minute"

Ava and Noelle left to go above deck, leaving me alone.

Agis: "Mom... I'm... I'm scared..."

I closed my hands around my silver cross and began praying. I prayed that I would survive this fight and win our freedom. But most importantly, I prayed that none of my friends would get hurt.

I felt a warm presence wash over me. I didn't know what it was, but it made me feel more confident than before.

I walked above deck and saw Leona standing around with her gang of pirates, talking and drinking. My group were on the other end of the ship, waiting for me to come over.

Alice: "If you get yourself killed, I'll kill you"

Agis: "I won't get killed. I hope"

Noelle: "I know we didn't have too much time to help you train, but try and remember what we taught you"

Agis: "I'll do my best"

Ava: "If you need, just yell and we'll jump in. Maybe we can take them if we attack together"

Agis: "No, it's my challenge. Don't step in, no matter what"

Though they didn't like it, they nodded.

I turned to Leona, who had just finished off another mug.

Leona: "Sun's about to rise, last chance to back out and join us!"

Agis: "We have a mission that we can't abandon"

She sighed, as if disappointed.

Leona: "Very well"

She snapped her fingers and one of her pirates handed her a sheathed sword. She then tossed it to me, which I somehow caught. I drew the sword and saw it was mine.

Leona: "I want nothing but a fair fight"

She turned to her pirates.

Leona: "Any one of you interfere and you're in the sea, am I clear?"

They all agreed.

Agis: "Before we start, I would like to ask one thing"

Leona: "And what would that be?"

Agis: "My friends over there don't deserve to become slaves, one of them already escaped slavery. So please, as a King's Candidate, I ask that I have a condition to fulfill, even if I end up losing, that they can go free"

Alice: "What do you think you're going?!"

Leona: "This whole fight is for their freedom too. But if it gives you more motivation and gives me a better fight, so be it. If you can land a clean hit on my cheek, I'll let them go, even in the event you die afterwards"

I nodded.

Leona: "Then let's dance with the Devil!"

With that, she drew her sword and charged me. Reflexively, I held my sword up and managed to block her strike. It surprised both of us, however I tried to push her back. With one hand on her blade, she pushed me back, making me stumble as I lost my balance.

Leona: "So you've got some fight in you after all!"

She rushed me, landing multiple cuts and gashes on my arms and legs with her sword. I did my best to block or parry, but she was too quick for me. With a sudden back kick, I was sent back, somehow able to keep my footing. Despite that, the pain in my stomach was too much.

I fell to one knee, only supported by my sword.

Leona: "Though I knew this would happen, I never imagined it would end so soon. I expected more from a King's Candidate"

I somehow managed to get to my feet.

Alice: "Don't forget what we taught you!! Precision over power!! Use your reflexes!! Watch and counter!!"

I steadied my breathing.

I thought about what Mother would think of me right now if I lost.

That's when I had a sudden realization.

Mother loved the Kingdom of Wind with all of her heart, even though she was born a peasant. Despite growing up poor, she loved her life. She would want it saved from someone like Raiden.

I also thought of King Boreas, who had entrusted me with the task of saving his Kingdom. I couldn't fail him, I couldn't!!

I couldn't fail those who had put their faith in me. Losing now meant we would never even get close to saving the Kingdom.

Agis: "I... I won't lose..."

I gripped my sword tightly.

Agis: "I'm not much of a fighter, and I'm a poor excuse for a King's Candidate, but I still have something I'm fighting for. I won't give in to defeat!!"

Wind began swirling around me, growing faster with each passing second.

Agis: "I won't let you stop me from saving my Mother's Kingdom!!!!"

I saw a smirk grow on Leona's face.

Leona: "Cute~"

She swung her sword in the air, forming a massive wall of ice over the wind barrier I was making, immediately shattering and destroying the wind I can conjured.

The next thing I knew, Leona had her sword stabbing straight through my chest.

Leona: "You're a long way from being on my level, kid"

Alice: "AGIS!!!!!!!!!"

I looked up at Leona. Powering through the sheer pain in my chest, I threw my fist as hard as I could, landing a solid but weak punch to her face. My nail grazed her cheek, forming a small cut.

Leona: "You knew you'd lose, so you wanted to guarantee your friends' freedom. That's why you wanted that deal so badly"

She smiled respectfully.

Leona: "I'm sure you would've made a fine King, if you had grown up a bit"

She looked to her crew.

Leona: "Let them go at the next town"

Suddenly, she grew a wicked grin.

Leona: "Right into the Kingdom of Wind's Royal Guard"

I struggled to talk.

Agis: "Y-You p-promised..."

Leona: "I said I would set them free. I would let them go. But once they get to land, that's where our deal ends. That cash reward will be worth quite a lot of beer. And come on, you decided to trust me? I'm a pirate~"

She pulled her sword out of my chest, making me fall to my knees and slam face first onto the ground.

Alice: "AGIS!!!! Hold on!!!"

I saw Alice and Noelle fighting with the pirates to get to me while Ava kept most of the crew at bay with a barrier spell.

The pain in my chest was like fire, nothing but burning and pain. I laid in a puddle of my own blood, just barely clinging to life. Breathing hurt and I could tell I wouldn't last long.

Mother... Boreas... Everyone.... I'm sorry I failed you...

I felt everything go dark as my eyes closed.

...

...

...

...

...

???: "You may not fall"

My body suddenly erupted with a high speed wind, so fast that it created massive waves in the water. The ship rocked back and forth so hard I wondered if we would tip over.

That voice in my head was definitely male, however I couldn't think of who it could've been.

Then, my body began moving on its own. I stood up, the wound in my chest beginning to heal. The high speed winds increased so much that we found ourselves in the center of a tornado.

My mouth started talking, however it wasn't in my own voice. The voice was of the man I had heard, with a bit of echo in it.

???: "He is not destined to fall here"

My body held my sword with both hands, strong and steady. I didn't know this until later, but apparently my eyes had been glowing a bright green.

Leona: "H-How are you still alive?! I stabbed right through your heart!!"

???: "He is not destined to fall here"

Leona: "Guys!! Get him now!!!"

The rest of the crew rushed me all at once. Instead of holding my sword with two hands, I opted for just my right hand.

The first pirate swung his sword at an angle, however with no effort, I parried the attack and slammed my dull blade into his chest, sending him to the ground. Three pirates rushed me at once, however I swiftly disarmed them and took them out with swift, precise movements and strikes of my sword. One after another, my body took every single pirate out until all that was left was Leona.

Leona: "W-What is this?! Were you just pretending to be weak?!"

My mouth didn't move. Her eyes fixated on me.

Leona: "No... You're not Agis"

The air around us grew cold, so cold that I could see my breath.

Leona: "You're a spirit"

The water around us began to freeze over, making sure we wouldn't tip over.

Leona: "Or perhaps a demon"

Her eyes began glowing a pale blue, almost as white as snow.

Leona: "Either way, it's you or me"

In a flash, Leona and I began clashing swords, faster than I thought I could move. My body parried, thrusted, slashed, blocked, and dodged with expert skills. Every movement felt coordinated and orderly, almost like a dance.

I could also hear Ava and the others talking, however I didn't see where they were.

Ava: "I-It's like he's awakened something!"

Noelle: "Is it even safe to be on this boat right now?!"

Alice: "We have to hang in there until they finish fighting! Hopefully... this is enough for him to win!"

Shards of ice and snow swirled around us as the fight raged on. Clouds began to circle high above us, almost like the center of a storm.

Leona: "Come on!! This battle isn't over until our hearts stop beating!!!"

???: "The battle had already been decided by me"

I swung my sword with so much force that it created a massive wave of wind. Leona drove her sword into the ground and made a wall of ice, however the wind blew it down and crashed right into her. She slammed into the mast of the ship, crumbling to the ground.

The wind around us died down as I walked towards her. She looked up at me just in time to see the tip of my sword pointing at her face.

Leona: "You... I can't believe..."

She glared at me and grabbed the end of my sword, holding in line with her neck.

Leona: "If you're gonna kill me, do it already!! If I'm gonna die, I'll die free!!!"

Despite the anger I felt for her trying to sell off my friends, I somehow gained control over my body again. My eyes stopped glowing and the wind had vanished completely. The sun shined down upon us as the sky cleared.

Agis: "I'm not going to kill you"

I lowered my sword.

Agis: "I'm not a murderer and I'm not heartless"

Leona: "Then you're not a King... A King has to make the tough choices for those who can't! You are the judge, jury, and executioner!! We had a battle to the death, so just end it!!"

I drove my sword into the ground and left it there, reaching my hand out to Leona.

Agis: "That's not the kind of King I'm going to be"

I smiled.

Agis: "Besides, I think Heaven would bore you too much"

Leona lowered her head. At first, I thought she was crying, however it quickly turned into laughter.

Leona: "Hahaha!! It's cute that you'd think I'd go to Heaven"

She grabbed ahold of my hand tightly and I helped her up.

Leona: "I was wondering why that sword didn't have an edge, I just thought you hadn't taken good care of it. But it's a blade meant for combat, yet never to kill"

Agis: "I've seen too much death around me for too long. The starving and sick people in my town, my family, even strangers that died along the road, it's too much. I won't add more to the list of death"

Leona smirked.

Leona: "I like you, kid. Maybe I was wrong, maybe you'll make a good King some day"

She shook my hand firmly.

Agis: "So we've earned our freedom?"

Leona: "I'm a woman of my word. I won't turn you in"

Agis: "Then could you drop us off at the Kingdom of the Sea's capital?"

Her eyes widened.

Leona: "Huh? That's quite a way out, Kid. It'll be at least a week, maybe two depending on storms"

Agis: "That's fine. I need to get there"

Leona: "And why can't you get some other ship?"

Agis: "Because I want the best"

She smirked and wrapped one arm over my shoulder, pulling me in.

Leona: "You know what, you're alright, Kid!"

She grabbed a mug off of a barrel and took a chug.

Leona: "Set sail for the capital!!"

As I looked over at Alice and the rest, my eyes felt heavy. Suddenly, my whole body gave out and I collapsed to the ground, all energy nonexistent in my body.