I Will Sail With No Pirate! (mxm)

Chapter 24 End

Alexandre's sword was already drawn before they got above deck. He had no doubts that Wallace would meet them there, and he did not disappoint. The man stood tall at the stern while they stepped out into the dim light by the bow.

"How nice of you to allow us to catch up so easily, blood pirate."

His eyes moved to Alexandre, making him straighten his back with self respect. It was something he hadn't felt in a long time, especially while in Wallace's care.

"I see that you've brought me back my whore, too. Well, I have no use for it any longer so it can follow you to hell since you seemed to enjoy it so much last night." 

Alexandre had to force himself not to flinch at the man's words. That was how Wallace worked. He demeaned you and got beneath your skin, then used it all against you when he needed, or wanted, certain things.

"He was mine to begin with, so I do believe you have no right putting such a title on him," James said as he slid an arm around Alexandre's waist, then pulled him gently to his side. 

"Alexandre is one of the most noble men I have known throughout my years. He gave his freedom and bent his will to save his crew. Those are not the actions of a whore."

"How touching."

Judging by the sound of Wallace's voice, he didn't find it emotional in the least.

Ignoring the man's words entirely, James took a step forward and lazily unsheathed his weapon.

"Do not waste anymore of my time, human. Draw your blade."

Wallace smirked and shrugged, doing as told as he stalked toward them. Alexandre got ready to attack with James, but before he could, James calmly lifted his arm, tapping his chest gently.

"You will not fight my battle."

He didn't want to let him go against Wallace by himself, especially since he had a strong feeling that Wallace had plenty of spells on him already, but he also wouldn't argue. Instead, Alexandre started toward three of Wallace's guards. Considering he had stood by the terrible man for the past several months, he knew he would not care if his men were cut down. All he was ever concerned about was his own well-being and profit. His men, however, were loyal, and would gladly step in to save him from James. He couldn't have that...

There was no hesitation in James' actions as he lunged. He would not give Wallace the first move since he did not know which spells he had on himself. When he didn't bother blocking his blade, James knew right away that the first spell was a protection barrier. It was a simple thing and fairly easy to break, but it took a few swings. Those swings, however, could leave him wide open for an attack. So, he immediately withdrew, reading the situation just fast enough to block the swing that had been aimed at his own abdomen.

Their swords clashed together loudly before James shoved Wallace away. He may have magic, but he was still a stronger creature. He also didn't seem to have a strength spell on him this time, either. It was odd, but that was how it went with magic. Some spells didn't mesh together well. 

Not wanting to give him a chance to recover, James lunged again, hissing with anticipation. His blade hit hard, but the spell broke the attack before it could harm his opponent. That was alright, though, at least he was wearing down the barrier.

Wallace tried to return an attack of his own, but James managed to dodge any dangerous strikes. His sword did clip his wrist, but that was nothing to him.