Without you I just can't breathe

-A couple days later-

Trace would not let Kira out of his sight. He followed her EVERYWHERE! Even to the bathroom. Well he didn’t go in with her. But you get the point.

“TRACE!” she yelled. “Stop following me!”

“I can’t help it! Black beard is coming to get his property. And I think he means you.” He snapped.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I am no one’s property.” Kira snapped back.

“I know, but I’m worried about you. I don’t want you to get hurt again.”

“Okay, ummm…since when do you worry about me? Hmm?” she asked.

“ Since, well…that’s not important!” he said grabbing her hand and marching off to the deck.

“Oh I love the ocean! It’s so beautiful and peaceful.” She said running over to one of the rails and sitting on it. Trace walked over and rested his hand on her shoulder.

“Kira, there is something I want to tell you.” He said looking at her. She looked back and blushed a little.

“Ummm…yeah?” she asked nervously.

“I ummm…I wanted to say that I lo-“ he was interrupted by yelling on the other side of the ship.

“Black Beard!” Someone yelled.

“Black Beard?” Kira asked. “Oh no! He must be here!! Shit!” She jumped back onto the deck.

“Don’t worry.” Trace said. “I won’t let him touch you.” He stepped in front of her and grabbed her hand. She hid behind him and waited for something to happen. White beard ran over to them.

“Hide Kira!” he said. Kira ran into a small cabinet in the captain’s cabin. Soon enough Black Beard turned a corner and started walking towards them.

“Where is she Heatfist?” he demanded.

“I suggest you turn around and get out of here.” Trace snapped. “She’s not going with you.”

“You’re making a mistake.” Black beard said. “Give her to me.” He raised his blade to Trace’s neck. Suddenly,

“Leave him alone!” Kira screamed. She stood in the doorway of White Beard’s cabin.

“Kira…” Trace said. Black Beard smirked and turned towards her.

“Kira, Why don’t you come with me.” He held out his hand.

“Go away Black Beard.” She was slowly becoming a little braver. Black Beard laughed.

“I’ll only leave when I’ve got what I want.” He said. “C’mon Kira.” Trace stepped forward and punched Black Beard in the face.

“The only way you will get Kira is to go through me!” he yelled.

“Well, well.” Black Beard laughed. “Now tell me Heatfist, are you protecting Kira because she is your assistant or because you love her.” He said smiling. Trace’s fists became on fire and he punched Black Beard again. Black beard pulled out a gun and started shooting at Trace. Luckily all of his shots missed. Trace flung a ball of fire at him, but he ducked. Everyone on the ship was watching, not wanting to get in either one’s way. Black beard threw his gun aside and charged at Trace, Trace charged back.

“Kira get out of here!” Trace said as their fists collided.

“No!” Kira said. “I’m gonna help you!” She stepped forward.

"I can handle it! Just go! Get out of here!" He pushed against Black beard, who was eyeing Kira as she turned to run somewhere. Black Beard quickly shoved past Trace and grabbed Kira. She screamed, Trace turned around and chased after them.

“Trace stop!” White Beard yelled. Trace stopped and looked back. “You can’t risk yourself for Kira!”

“What are you saying?!” Trace snapped. “You of all people know why I can’t leave her!” He paused, “I’m going to track him down and get Kira back!” He ran into his room, grabbed his backpack and ran after Black Beard.