Summary 

(of the whole book)

On a mysterious island just off the Caribbean Sea, a fierce pirate hunter named Kiko Koisak'i finds herself caught in the chaos unleashed by an unspeakable fiend. The notorious Blake Diomed, a ruthless pirate, is on a rampage, leaving destruction in his wake as he pursues a hidden treasure belonging to Kiko’s ancestors. Kidnapped by Blake and thrust onto his treacherous crew, Kiko is forced to navigate a perilous world filled with deadly encounters, fierce storms, and the looming shadow of Blake’s enigmatic brother. Their journey is fraught with danger, heartache, and a clash of wills that will challenge everything they thought they knew. As they spiral into a whirlwind of conflict and emotion, Kiko and Blake are pushed to their limits—will they crumble under the weight of their circumstances, or will they rise together as allies? As their fates intertwine, questions linger: Will friendship arise amid the chaos? Will they unearth the secrets of the past? Or could fate lead them to an unexpected love for each other? Dive into this thrilling adventure where loyalty and betrayal dance on a knife's edge, and discover whether a pirate and his hunter can survive the storm—together. The answers await you, just beyond the horizon.

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Chapter One

The Attack

It was near dusk as the sun dipped below the horizon in the distance. Fog and smoke suffocated a desolate town near the shore, where an unwanted presence lurked. The town’s once lively Street now bore the blood and bodies of its fallen residents. Not one soul survived. 

It was a sorrowful sight, yet someone was standing amongst it all. Someone who would avenge the fallen people and who would not let the death of this town go in vain. One individual stood in the center of the village near the broken and blood-filled fountain, ready to take vengeance with the steel of her blade and the led of her pistol. 

Her face was pale yet marked with ash and soot. Her hair once white as snow was now darkened by the smog. Her face did not reflect joy like it did so long ago, no, it reflected anger, hate, sorrow, fear, anguish, and disappointment in herself and the one who caused such a terrible fate.

As the young woman stood in the town center, the rhythmic footsteps of someone approaching grew louder and heavier. Through the thick fog, she strained to catch a glimpse of the mysterious figure drawing nearer. A break in the mist finally revealed the individual more clearly. 

A tall figure cloaked in a dark blue coat, shin-length pants, boots, gloves, and a bandana adorned with the crossbones symbol. His piercing gaze cut through the fog, sending shivers down the woman's spine. A menacing grin crept on his face as he tilted his head down, almost daring his victims to feel fear. The sun's rays pierced through the peak of the last standing building, casting a blinding light on the two individuals, who seemed unfazed.

“Hello, Lassy.” The man's voice echoed against the town's walls, or at least, what few walls still stood. The woman gritted her teeth, his voice was intimidating. 

“Why so silent? Had your tongue pruned? Are you scared?” The man questioned, but the woman did not answer. The man smirked and stepped closer. 

“If you are so afraid, then why are you even here? Look at yourself, you are shaking in your boots, and you think you can take me on? Don’t make me laugh!” He exclaimed. The woman’s jaw was tight, and her body was tense. 

Another step, then another, and another. The man is nearly towering over her by now, and he grabs her by the chin tightly, forcing her to look up at him with a smirk on his face. “You should leave before you get hurt, lass. I could spill your blood on the very ground you stand on before you could scream.” He said in a low, almost growling tone. 

The woman stared at him, her eyes sharp and narrow. She grabbed the man's wrist and shoved it aside, “I don’t take kindly to being touched by someone with so much blood on his hands.”

The man stared at her in slight awe. Most people would run away if given the chance, but not this one. Oh, no. This one was fierce and bold despite the danger afoot. 

“You’ve got spunk, I’ll give you that. But that doesn’t change anything. It just makes this entire situation more entertaining for me.” He said as his eyes widened. 

“I don’t think you know who I am, lass. My name is Blake Diomed. I’m one of the most feared pirates on the sea. Do you understand?” He grinned. 

“I don’t want an introduction, I want you to leave.” The woman said softly. 

“Awe, too bad. Speaking of introductions, what the heck is your name anyway? I feel like I’m ranting about myself here.” He asked and stepped even closer, now invading her space. 

“My name is Kiko Koisak’i, Blake. I know darn well who you are, and my name should ring a bell.” She said in a loud, stern tone. Blake’s face darkened. 

“Yes. I am aware of that name, ‘Koisak’i’” He practically spat the name out of his mouth. 

“Are you by any chance-” He began, but Kiko cut him off, “Yes. I am.” Blake's grin widened. 

“It would be such a prize to take a member of the Pirate Hunting League, let alone the second in command.” He said. Kiko glared and swallowed hard. 

“I see you are rethinking your choice to stay. You should have taken the chance to run while you could because now, I’m not letting you go.” Blake said as he stepped back and drew his cutlass.

Kiko drew her own and the two circled each other, the sun glinting off their blades and their footsteps heavy and intimidating. Their eyes bore into one another’s, their faces were hateful between them. They stopped circling, and they opposed each other. 

Blake's face was once again tilted down menacingly. There was a moment of silence where even the wind held its breath. The tension was high, and the entire world seemed to stop in time to watch the two battle it out. It was so quiet, that Blake and Kiko could hear their hearts beat. Then, it began.

The two lunged at each other and their blades clashed with sparks. They fought fiercely, never backing down, and never breaking. Blake found this amusing. How can someone so timid, fragile, and afraid put up such a fight? 

“You are stronger than you look, lass. But I’m stronger, and you are not enough.” He laughed as he threw a swing at her in a wide arch. 

She blocked with a reply, “I’ve been told I’m not enough by a lot of people in my life, that I can’t amount to anything, that nothing I do is worth it, but I don’t care anymore, so rant all you want.” She delivered a strong blow, but Blake easily dodged and grabbed her wrist, pinning her hand against a wall, and his blade at her throat.

“Now, now, lass. You are getting reckless. I think you still carry a lot of hate and emotion behind that tough exterior. I think behind this mask of yours is just a scared little girl who doesn’t belong, and you know it.”

Kiko stared at him, shocked. “Maybe I am, but that doesn’t mean I’ll let it stop me.” Blake's grip tightened, and his blade pressed harder against her skin. Kiko growled softly, but Blake only seemed more amused. 

“You should surrender. It will make things easier for both of us. If you don’t, then things are going to get messy...” He said in a low tone. Kiko stared at Blake with an expression of defiance. She would not abide or surrender.

Blake chuckled darkly. “Very well then, Pirate Hunter. It seems you don’t want to give in, but I will make you cave one way or another.” He sheathed his sword while keeping a tight hold on Kiko. Then, he grabbed her sword from her hand and tossed it aside. He kept her pinned so she wouldn’t move. 

“What are you doing, bilge sucker?” Blake’s eyes widen slightly, it seems this little ball of fire has a tongue on her too. “Awe, that’s not very nice, you should watch what you say, lass. You could offend someone.” He then tried to grab her by the throat, but Kiko saw it coming and uppercut him under the chin, causing him to stumble back. 

Blake clutched his jaw and blood dripped from his mouth. He stared at Kiko with fury. “Now you have done it...” He said in a low, threatening growl. Kiko glared back at him, standing with her feet planted, and her position was on the defense. 

“Just because I look weak, timid, and fragile does not mean I am as I appear.” She said with a soft, calm tone. Blake’s grin fell, and his jaw was tight. “I’ll teach you a lesson you won’t forget, little girl. You will regret this blunder, you will regret not surrendering, and you will suffer at my hands!” With that, Blake lunged at Kiko, his fist clenched and reeled back. 

He struck at her, but she jumped out of the way, causing Blake to hit the wall that was behind her instead. The wall cracked on impact, and Blake’s gaze turned towards Kiko. He stepped towards her slowly and ominously.

Kiko stared at him, not expecting him to use so much force just to knock her down. Blake growled and attacked. The two sparred against each other, exchanging blows and receiving them. Blake managed to knock Kiko down with a strong kick to the face, causing her to stumble to the ground. 

“Ahh…” A small grunt escaped her lips, and Blake grinned. “Doesn’t feel so nice, now, does it?” He snickered. Kiko got up and spat blood out of her mouth without an answer.

Blake walked towards her with a grin. He lunged at her and tried to sweep her feet, but she jumped over it and delivered a blow to his face. Blake grabbed her wrist before her fist could make contact with his face and flipped her over his shoulder, slamming her onto her back into the ground, knocking the wind out of her. 

Kiko gasped, completely stunned, unable to breathe or move for a short time. “Ah, did I hit you too hard? I’m not sorry.” Blake sneered and walked closer to her. Kiko quickly grabbed his ankles and tried pulling him down, but he kicked her in the face instead. “Bad girl.” Blake laughed as he grabbed Kiko by the collar of her shirt, pulling her to her feet. 

Kiko glared at him and Blake leaned in close. “You look like you need to take a caulk.” He sneered. Kiko’s eyes widened slightly, “What are you implying?” Blake grinned and raised his fist. “I think you know, lass.” With that, he attempted to strike her down, but she was quick to pull off and evade. Blake scowled. 

“You are supposed to stay still, lass.” “I thought it was more ‘fun’ when I ran, or am I mistaken?” She replied. Blake smirked, “I did say that. But now I’m getting bored. I’d like to end this now.” He said. Kiko shook her head, “Then leave. I don’t want to fight. I just want you to leave. There is nothing here for you, you took and destroyed everything.” 

Blake laughed in amusement. “No, lass. I haven’t taken everything. There is still one thing left that I want…” His tone was low and suspenseful.

Kiko’s face darkened as she slowly came to realize what he meant, “It’s me, isn’t it.” Blake nodded slowly with an everlasting grin. “Why?” She asked. Blake chuckled. “You are a fairly skilled woman, lass. You are bold, strong, and fierce. I want that on my crew. I want you to join me, I could teach you many new tactics and tricks. How to fight better, especially since you are fighting so terribly? Join me and we can skip this entire charade altogether. What do you say? Are you going to join? Or are you going to fight?” He asked, offering his hand to her. Kiko thought about it for a long time.

Two minutes went by as she made up her mind, and Blake staring at her didn’t help. Kiko sighed and looked up at him, “I am not going to join you.” Blake scowled, and his eyes burned. “I’ve just given you an offer you simply cannot refuse, and you are telling me no!? Are you mad, lass!?” Blake exclaimed. Kiko remained silent, she would not join him, not willingly anyway. 

Blake couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “That was the last straw, Kiko Koisak’i. I’ve given you multiple chances, but you refuse me every time. You defiant little wench!” Blake yelled as he charged at her full speed. 

He attacked her with fury, punching, kicking, grabbing- anything. Kiko blocked and dodged it all. The tension in the air was thick like smoke, restricting both of them from clean air. Kiko ran away and hid inside an old tavern. She needed a breath. Her throat was dry and painful from the smoke, and her eyes stung. 

She hid under a table, but Blake was hot on her trail. “Retreating, are we? I hope you are prepared for when I find you, lass.” He chuckled.

Suddenly, all went quiet. Kiko couldn’t see or hear him, but she had a bad feeling. After several minutes, Kiko came out and stood up, looking all around cautiously with her pistol cocked, but she never looked behind her on the table she hid under. 

Blake grabbed her by the back of the neck and then grabbed her wrist tightly, making her drop the gun. “I thought-” Kiko stuttered, but Blake squeezed her neck harder. “I could hear you wheezing. You can’t breathe.” He snickered. Kiko turned around quickly and punched him in the face to catch him by surprise. To her avail, it worked.

Blake fell off the table from the force as Kiko made a break for it. Blake recovered quickly and chased after her almost instantly. He grabbed Kiko before she could escape and pulled her back, holding her in a headlock. 

“Wanna try that again, Lassy?” Blake snarled as blood dripped from his lip. Kiko, in retaliation, managed to flip him over her head onto his back like he did to her. Blake gagged as he was stunned but recovered quickly. He grabbed Kiko by the ankle and pulled her down as he got up. 

“What the-” Kiko yelped as he brought her down. “This is it for you, lass,” Blake growled as he violently slammed her into the wall, hard enough for it to break and for her to go through, now outside once again. Kiko rolled to a stop, trying to get up, but her body was shaking too much, and she was coughing up blood.

Blake stepped through the hole in the wall and stood over her. “Give up yet, lass?” He asked as he crouched down next to her to see if she was even still alive. Kiko didn’t answer him, her eyes had glazed over and were unfocused. “Hmm… I’ll take that as a yes.” He said as he stood up. 

The adrenaline in his body steadily yet quickly decreased, and he could feel his body begin to throb from all the injuries he had sustained. He looked at Kiko, wondering how he would get her back to his ship. 'It’s not far, I could carry her over my shoulder before my body gives out, or I could just drag her. Either of those is physically demanding, almost too much. I can already feel my body weakening.' He thought. 

“Well, we must be going before you wake up and I pass out. Come on lass.” He said as he picked her up over his shoulder and began his walk back to his ship. Though it was short, it felt much longer than what it was. Countless times, Blake nearly passed out and kept leaning against things. 

He was exhausted and the smoke he breathed in was taking its toll. He was hurt and physically spent. Just as he felt that he wasn’t going to get to his ship in time, he saw it in view and kept going. Every step was like climbing a mountain, but he made it. He climbed the gangplank and stood on the deck. He stood there, swaying slightly, with his eyes heavy and his body quivering slightly. 

“Blake?” John asked. John was Blake’s uncle, and he cared for Blake like a son, yet was under Blake’s flexible control.

Blake looked at John as John walked closer, “Blake, you don’t look so good." Blake scowled at him. “Put the wench in the brig and have someone dress her wounds.” He ordered. John nodded and Blake’s best friend, Kai, cared for Kiko while Blake stood in a daze. 

“Blake, you need to-” John began, but Blake’s eyes rolled up into his head and he fell forward. John caught Blake and laid him down on the deck gently. “Clyde! Get me the medical kit, and fresh water, then get to work on something for both the Captain and the lass to eat.” John ordered. 

Clyde is the ship's cook and cabin boy, per se. He ran about the ship, keeping it clean, grabbing needed things, and cooking. When in battle, Clyde can hold his own and is a valuable asset to Blake’s crew. 

Clyde brought John a small crate of medical supplies and fresh water, he brought the same to Kai in the brig and then went to make something for them to eat once they woke up. John dressed Blake’s wounds and put him into new, clean clothes, but they were clothes for the wounded, so they were light and loose. 

John took Blake to the Captain's quarters and let him rest there before taking charge of the ship. “Right! The Captain is currently out of commission, and we just destroyed an entire town. It won’t be long until someone learns what happened, so let us set sail west from here for now.” John ordered. “And make haste!” He added as he took the helm. The anchor was weighed, and the sails were dropped and caught wind. The men were fast to set sail and were on their way.

Kai came up from below deck after treating Kiko and locking her away. He joined John at the helm of the Rum Barrel. “How is the girl?” John asked. Kai made an unsure face and shrugged. “I see,” John said. “Just check on her and Blake every so often for me, will you?” John asked. Kai nodded in agreement and went to do his tasks.

“Poor kids,” John muttered to himself. “Blake is falling so far down the wrong path, and now he is forcing a young girl to do his bidding, and it is quite obvious she didn’t want to. He killed an entire town’s worth of people, but does he feel any remorse? All of this killing has to stop, I don’t like seeing it or having to watch without much power to say otherwise.” He continued. “And Kai. The poor lad lost most of his voice during that tragedy. He didn’t deserve that, he was a good kid. But now, he is cursed to be silent and can hardly speak his mind.”

This went on for a while, John talking to himself, as he found a small island to dock for the remainder of the day. 

“We will stay here until the Captain is well enough to give the next orders. Until then, do your tasks, and we may all rest. And not one of you will drink a drop unless it be water, you hear me?” John said as the anchor was dropped. 

The men all agreed that there would be no celebration for their plunder until Blake was well enough to celebrate with them. But they were all curious about the girl he brought back with him from the town. They knew nothing of her, who she was, how old she was, what she did, or where she came from. Blake and Kiko were the only ones who knew this information, but not even Blake knew all the details.

Blake’s crew quickly finished their tasks and left the ship searching for supplies. Kiko, Blake, Kai, and John stayed on the ship. Kiko and Blake were still out cold, while John and Kai took care of the two unconscious individuals. The food for them had been made not too long ago before Clyde left with the other men, and it was below deck waiting to be eaten. 

“How is the girl, Kai?” John asked. Kai shrugged again. “She hasn’t woken up or moved in hours. How about Blake?” He replied in an almost inaudible voice. John sighed. “I’m afraid he has done nothing but the same.”

Little did they know that Blake had awoken and gotten up. He opened the door to leave the captain's quarters. 

“What is all the chatter about?” He asked. John and Kai looked at Blake in utter disbelief. 

“Captain, you should not be out of bed or even walking!” John exclaimed as he stepped towards him. “I’m fine,” Blake said, but John persisted. 

“No, you aren’t. Just because you can walk doesn’t mean you should. You took quite the beating.” Blake only ignored John and closed the door, stepping out into the fresh, sea-filled air. “It’s nice to be out of that smoke-filled town.” He stated. 

John and Kai gave up trying to reason him into doing anything, especially since Blake never listened anyway. “Where is Kiko?” He asked. “Who is that?” John replied, a bit confused. “You know the second in command of the Pirate Hunting League?” 

Instantly, John knew who he was talking about. “That girl is a part of the League?” He asked. Blake nodded and Kai smiled. “Isn’t that a treat?” Kai said in a quiet voice. Blake nodded, but John shrugged. 

“Don’t do anything foolish, Captain. You tend to overlook a lot in people. I’m not saying you are bad at seeing what’s true in people, I am just telling you that you don’t always pay attention. And as a result, you get hurt a lot.” John said in a soft tone. Blake rolled his eyes. 

“I didn’t ask for a lecture, John. I was asking where the girl is, and you have yet to answer me.” He growled. John shook his head and said, “She is in the brig below deck, she hasn’t woken up yet. Clyde and Tommy, his accomplice, made a broth for the both of you. You should have some now before it gets cold and unfit to eat.” Blake nodded and agreed to have something to eat and drink. 

After he ate, he went below deck to see Kiko. He opened the door to her cell and stepped inside. “Hmm…” He muttered. He stepped close and crouched beside her, brushing her hair out of her face. “You are a lot more pleasant to be around when you aren’t being so violent.” He said with a short chuckle afterward. 

“Hey, wake up, lass.” He said in a soft, quiet voice, but to no avail did she wake. He nudged her gently, but that didn’t work either. “Hmm…. You must be really out of it.” He said as he stood up to leave her alone, closing and locking the door behind him. He walked up the stairs and stood at the top of them, shaking his head slightly to shake away his dizziness. 

“Sit down, Captain,” Kai said in a soft, raspy voice. “Don’t…. Tell me what I know.” He muttered. Kai half growled and pulled Blake down to sit on a crate. Blake glared at Kai but didn’t fight it. He knew Kai cared, so he wouldn’t go against it. 

Blake sat for about 20 minutes or so before he stood up and had a determined look on his face. “John. Tell the rest of the crew to come aboard and get ready to set sail.” He said as he walked towards the helm of his ship. 

“To the East. We do not stop until I get that map. I don’t care If I have to blast every vessel on the sea to get it, I will find that book and unlock the key to the entrance of the land of the heavens!” He yelled as his crew hastily boarded the ship and made ready to set sail on a new voyage to find the land of the heavens.

“This will be the journey of a lifetime.” He said as The Rum Barrel left the island. 

“Bow ahead, Lads! We do not stop for night! Onward to the Pirate Hunting League!” He yelled. And they were off.