Pirate Age: The Golden Era

[Capt. Blu]

​

Location: Iurin island


"A chance to duel against Runali Lev…I've waited for this moment."

Nikos remained still watching Runali from the other side of the line, the fact she was a few feet away ate at him but his fellow Messengers were being patient as well, he was proud of them as their leader, he knew how much they wanted to fight their targets. How patient they had been all waiting for this moment, and even now they stood firm waiting for the chance to act on the feelings bottled up inside them for so long.

Knowing this it was simple to wait for Runali to cross the line, he would repay their patience and faith with some of his own.

Granted Runali could always stay on the other side of the line and not get involved in the duels, that was an option. Nikos wasn't going to force her to fight, but he doubted the Stardusk leader was that cowardly.

"When you come back." Runali nodded towards Luro as he scampered into the forest. She couldn't worry about her carpenter at the moment, despite some clear signs of… things not being 'normal'. There were more important things at hand, like the Ravens standing in front of them waiting for them to make a move along with Alicia's anger developing a tension she could practically feel. "Hmmm." She stretched her legs to the side absentmindedly and then put her arms behind her back. Without a word, she trailed along the edge of the line made by Nikos, raising a brow as if expecting him to follow. When the line stopped, she continued before finally speaking. "I'd listen to Tashigi if I were you, you might want to… make some room." The captain smirked and looked back at her crew.

"Raise hell."

Her back was turned once more and she continued walking down the beach, still staying on her imaginary side of the line. "Tell me Nikos." She had walked a good distance away from her crew. Apart of her did it because she wanted to keep her focus on Nikos and not her crew, and another part was because she wanted to be sure her crew couldn't intervene. When she finally stopped, she used her foot to create a quick line in the sand again. "Is this really business, or is it personal?" Runali tightened her eyepatch and pushed her hair back. "You've been watching us for so long and I can't imagine we've done anything as awful as you think. Well, heh, besides breaking out of Kane'Artem. Hah, in fact, we've saved more than we've killed- well, as a collective. What the crew does on their own is," She waved her hand back and forth, trying to find the right word. "Well, their own."

"The warning is appreciated."
That was the simple response he gave in terms of the Captain's warning, the Messengers didn't seem bothered by the sudden change focused more on their own matters, they almost seemed accustomed to it.
When Runali started walking Nikos turned and followed after her, he got a general idea what Runali wanted and saw little reason not to follow, walking next to her on his side of the line. If not for the slight tension in the air it wouldn't be far off to think the two were taking a walk on the beach and engaging in a lighthearted conversation.

When Runali stopped and made the quick line Nikos stared down at it, seeming to measure it for a moment before looking back up at her. Folding his hands behind his back he turned to face Runali as she spoke to him, his brow arching at her question. He stared at her his interest piqued at why she was bringing up Stardusk's past events all of sudden.
Though as she brought up matters of morality a small smile found its way on Nikos face, and bringing a hand to his mouth a small chuckle escaped from him before he slowly shook his head.
"I think you misunderstand our intentions, Captain Lev," Nikos said. "This is a duel of Conflicts not honor."
Nikos said this motioning back in the direction of his comrades.
"Our duel is not meant to be personal, far as I'm concerned this is business, but I am human so to say I feel absolutely nothing in this moment would be a lie. We have all chosen you for our own respective reasons. To say we approached you to punish you for your wrongdoings or out of some weird sense of justice would be lying. The Navy is around to deal out 'justice'."
Nikos lowered his arm and returned it behind his back as his gaze rested back on Runali.
"Besides the very presence of Luro in your group would be fit for a kill order…but he's not a part of this exchange, so no complications."

"See, that's where ya lost me." Runali stretched. "You say it's a duel of conflict but from what I know, conflicts are disagreements, arguments even. But save for Luro, we've only heard of you… what once?" Despite the looming battle approaching, Runali did seem genuinely curious. She felt she had the right to be, considering they had come out of nowhere and declared war on them- or at least a formal battle. That was more than most- or any of the people they fought. "I suppose," She looked down at the line she had made in the sand. "The conflict starts when this duel does. At least for me considering this looks like it'll play out as a till death thing." She turned her head in her crew's direction and then towards the forest. "They're not gonna hold back one bit." She laughed a little. "And I can't be upstaged by my own crew. But," She gave a polite nod towards Nikos. "I do appreciate you answering my questions though. It's a shame you're trying to kill us, you seem like cool birds. Weird obsession and all. I mean, nice to know we have fans."

Nikos offered a smile to Runali as the reason for their approach remained unknown, in the end that was how it generally worked. Stardusk were a strange exception but aside from that there was little difference in the exchange they were having. He didn't mind having the chance to speak with Runali, this had the possibility to be the last time.

"It's not too complicated honestly. Our leader has already shared this information with you so there's little point in keeping it from you," Nikos said. "Most of what I said is in that journal Nura gave you. Also yes she permitted that information to be known as well."

Nikos gave a small nod at this before moving one of his hands back to his sword.

"I appreciate the compliment but let make this clear, we're not fans. Your existence to us no matter the good you've brought into the world is a stain. We're here to rob you of your freedom. Not simply out of justice or hatred…but because we don't believe in what you believe in, our ideals differ and since you won't change yours…and I won't change mine."

Nikos' smile faded and he gripped his sheath.

"We're enemies, it's that simple. This conflict started the moment you bore that symbol as a Stardusk and not a moment after. We both have our own marks to represent…so whenever you're ready Captain Lev."

Runali listened and nodded only to give a rather cheshire smile. "Well Nikos the, what was it again? Fallen Phoenix? Just know, if you don't kill me, you're not gonna be the Fallen Phoenix anymore, you'll be forever known as Stardusk's biggest fan." She winked- which still wasn't as effective with one eye and proceeded to lower her body.

As much as she wanted to test the theory that he really had been studying her, she had to play it smart- which was never too hard in most fights, but that was because those people weren't obsessive. Her feet dug into the sand and she launched herself towards Nikos, careful to keep an eye on the blade at his side. She didn't readily have her armament, but that didn't stop her from throwing a punch with all the force she could muster straight into his gut. But, in true fashion, she distanced herself again as much as possible, careful not to stay too close, not until she knew exactly what this particular Raven was capable of. This fight wouldn't last a second if she went head first into danger- which was usually plan A for most things.

"Hah…we have orders not to kill you. We're not fans," Nikos said rubbing the side of his head.

Runali was every bit as eccentric as the reports said, though their observations had revealed it, watching it and dealing with it were two entirely different things.

The moment she lowered her body however his attention moved back to her, his hand still resting on his head but his focus clearly on her next movement. When she ran towards him his hand gripped his sheath but he made no attempt to draw his sword, watching as she drew closer. The moment the punch was thrown Nikos hand moved and his sheath blocked the blow to his stomach, his feet dug into the sand as the leaves of the tree's behind him shifted slightly. He glanced behind him before looking back at the now distanced Runali.

"That was a good amount of force…to be expected of the Captain,"

Nikos lowered his hand and drawing his sword put his sheath back on his side, adjusting it slightly before he started to walk towards Runali.

His kept a casual place, the tip of his sword dragging against the sand as he slowly shrunk the distance between them, he had the advantage against a hand to hand fighter but letting his guard down was how the other opponents of Stardusk lost.

Once he had measured the proper distance Nikos shifted gripping his sword with both hands, he raised his sword diagonally towards Runali's body, and maintaining the same distance made a second movement bringing the sword straight back down, the attack almost one movement as he attacked trying to stay outside Runali's striking range.

Runali heard his comment before she struck, but only offered a cheeky smile after she distanced herself. Her head tilted a bit, as he pulled out his sword and slowly walked to her. It made her sign, but nonetheless she adjusted her stance once more. The moment he swung the sword, Runali's arms raised in a 'x', the haki instantly covering it. Instead of letting the sword collide with her haki, at the last second she twisted her arms out and grabbed the sword. It wasn't a tight enough grip for her to keep a hold, but it was enough for her to move it out of her line of defense. And with the quick second opening she made, she ran towards Nikos again, attempting to him again, this time with the armament to add to the force.

Nikos eyes widened slightly as his sword was grabbed his eyes going to Runali's now Haki covered arms. When Runali closed the distance Nikos eyes twitched and his head lowered as the strike came his body sliding backwards until he slid to a stop a few feet back. Though he didn't raise his head his other sword was drawn slightly, and positioned where Runali's blow had landed. Drawing the blade with a sigh he brought both weapons to his side and rotated his shoulders.

"Expected of the woman who fought Alton," Nikos said tapped his foot against the sand. "Let's see what else you can do."

Nikos rushed forward throwing sand up behind him as he sprinted at Runali, a wave of sand flowing behind him as he got closer to Runali.

He swung his swords in a rapid flurry towards Runali, spinning his body as his blades sliced through the air, his attacks didn't seem to have any real direction, only making attempts to cut any opening Nikos could exploit. He kept close to her maintaining his attacks and speeding up his movements with each strike, filling the area around them with traces of silver.

In the midst of his attacks, he let a sword leave his hand and switching his grip on it, black ran up the blade as Armament coated it before he quickly swung it towards Runali with increased force.

"You talk and I hear 'obsession'~." For a brief moment, Runali wondered if others of the Worst Gen, knew about this group of mercenaries. She wondered if they had to deal with it as well. But her thoughts were quickly pushed to the side when Nikos changed his pace. With both swords in hand, she had to be quicker about dodging. And Runali was quick, but not quick enough to dodge every blow. She was stuck on the defensive, trying to minimize as much of the damage as she could. He was too fast for her to try and grab the swords again, but that was the least of her worries. Spotting the armament along the blade made her eyes narrow. 'Figures.' Runali dug her heel deep into the sand and braced herself for the impact, deciding it was best to take it head on than risk trying to dodge it.

When haki collided, the impact of it caused the ground to tremble ever so slightly, but Runali stayed on her feet. "Heh, keep training and you might hit as hard as the one bounty hunter that tried to kill me. Y'know, the one that died? Oh and, thanks for reminding me about Alton." Runali let herself drop to one knee using a free hand to scoop up sand and toss it at Nikos' face. Without hesitation, she lunged at him, her fist opened and the armament around it turned into a familiar claw form, so she went with it and tried clawing across his face.

Nikos kept a firm grip on his weapon staring at Runali during their collision in silence, he had expected her to block and his brow arched seeing she had managed to stay on her feet. He didn't make any other movements only staring with a calm expression. At her comment at the supposed strength of his blow Nikos only offered a smile to her.
"I won't learn anything if I come at you full force," Nikos said watching as she fell to one knee. "I-"
Nikos comment was cut off as the sand hit him in his eyes causing him to reel back, pulling away his blade in the process, he grit his teeth as he shut his eyes his vision going dark. He seemed to be preoccupied wiping his eyes to deal with the attack coming, grumbling as he wiped his face with his sleeve.
The moment the attack got closer however Nikos raised his sword swinging it in a wide arc, slamming it into the Runali's Haki claw, his own Armament colliding with hers. Unlike the first one this one was far harder, and the force of the collision threw away a bit of the sand around the two of them.
"Feel free to use whatever tactics you would like," Nikos said keeping his eyes closed. "Though I dislike that you actually made me use my Haki."

Nikos eyes opened red from the sudden sand, his gentle gaze replaced with a cold stare as he slammed the now Armament pommel of his sword against Runali's chest, forcing a few feet between them.
"I won't lie and say I'm not a bit obsessed," Nikos said letting the Haki fade from his blade. "All of us are here for a reason. Each one of us personally chose you as our targets. We don't attack you over something simple like greed…though I asked the others not to make these fights personal…"
Nikos sighed and rotating his shoulders spread his feet shoulder width apart, he brought his blades in front of him taking on a firmer stance, the aura around the man shifted and a small smile rested on his face.
"That's all but impossible. We want to defeat you."

The moment she was hit in the chest, the force behind it caused her to stumble back a few feet, sliding in the sand. She took a deep breath, before jumping back onto her feet and dusting some of the sand out of her hair. As he spoke, Runali's curiosity got the best of her. "Wait a minute you mean to tell me, you took all this time to research and stalk us just for you to go easy on me?" Her hands went on her hips. "Frankly, I'm offended Nikos." She took a few steps forward, armament only going up her right arm. "You make me come all this way and you're not even going to try and fight. You promised a fair fight after all." Her tone was mocking and playful and her expression was calm. Minus the few cuts from the swords, she didn't look too bothered. She couldn't exactly say she was enjoying the fight with so many threats on the line, but she had to admit, it wasn't the worst fight she'd been in. But it also had just started, so she wasn't getting too cocky about it.

Runali had stopped, still out of his sword's reach just to add, "If you can keep up, please, I'd love to know why you decided I'd be.. Such a perfect match." She didn't actually wait for a response. There was only a moment of Runali adjusting her stance before she rushed forward only to duck and slide behind him, causing sand to fly up in the process.

"Go all out and miss your snide comments, now that would be a waste," Nikos said with a small shrug. "We'd love nothing more than to come at you with everything, but orders are orders."
He knew every one of his Messengers wanted to throw everything they could at their targets; he knew how painful it was for some of them to hold back. It was because of that he forced himself to do the same, two years of watching and waiting. Watching Tari stare at a poster of Alicia, hands clenched until her nails dug into her skin, Nina swinging her sword every day, the poster of Kadi resting nearby for motivation, Kaim punching the poster of Sara as he trained…he watched the patience of his crew in silence. They wanted nothing more than to come at them with everything they had, and Nikos was no different.

Nikos' eyes narrowed slightly as Runali got closer but spinning his sword around he returned them to their respective homes and straightened his body, she was staying outside of his range which meant she was making an effort to judge it, seeing that he smiled a bit.
"Since that's not in Nura's notes, there's little reason to answer that question," Nikos said keeping his attention forward.

Nikos closed his eyes as the sand went up and his body seemed to shift left before he appeared next to Runali, his blades drawn and coated black once more. Though as he swung he made sure to do so on the side where Runali's eye patch was. His eyes rested on her eye and the moment he saw it move towards him he'd move just outside of sight and attack again, he didn't just attack from her 'blind' side, his other sword moving towards her torso but it was clear he was casually moving into her blind spot with any real attack, his other attacks however didn't cease. His swords came at her from three different directions with each attack his body shifting in and out of view as he attacked her with a bit more ferocity, hardening his Haki a little bit more with each attack.

She didn't have time to jump up when Nikos disappeared out of her line of sight. Fortunately, what she couldn't see she could hear, and hearing the 'swoosh' of the blades made her put both arms up to protect her side. She could feel more and more force being put into each attack so with a 'last ditch effort' she hardened her haki once more and let the force push her back enough so she could jump to her feet. "Jeez, Nura this and Nura that… Guess I can't complain. If you're gonna hold all these secrets might as well live and die by 'em." She had paused, letting the numbness in her left arm pass. He mentioned, they weren't trying to kill the Stardusk but they were in fact trying to win. Which didn't make much sense, especially when they went ahead and riled up Alicia of all of the crew.

Runali watched Nikos for a moment, recounting his movements and everything he mentioned before before narrowing her eyes a bit. 'Is this supposed to be some 'study' or something just to see what we can do...? There's probably some other motives that aren't being said too.' She spared a glance towards the forest before looking over at Nikos again. She stretched her arms out in front of her, letting the haki fade. "Alright. Then I suppose it's no use asking questions." She ran at Nikos again, throwing another punch. Before it could connect, Runali pulled her punch, making the armament drop and letting it be a regular punch with as much force as the first one.

Nikos slowly straightened his body as distance was forced between them once again; he had to admit that Runali was very tenacious. He was holding back but that didn't mean he wasn't trying to capture her still. He expected resistance from her as he did most of his targets but he could almost feel the difference from a normal pirate; just as he expected Runali really was something else.

"I'm not pleased to talk about her either but orders are orders," Nikos said with a small shrug.

Nikos stood glancing sideways at Runali waiting for her to make another move, his foot inched towards her wondering if he was going to have to make the move this time. However before he could move his attention moved over to the forest, his eyes narrowing as his guard dropped for a moment.

He was pulled back to the fight however feeling Runali's approach, turning he quickly leapt away from Runali putting some distance between them again, he narrowed his eyes at her and spinning his swords put them away with a small sigh. It was unfortunate but the situation had changed, much as he wanted to keep this going things had changed.

Nikos brought his fingers to his mouth and taking a deep breath an ear shattering whistle escaped from her, the sound seemed to resonate through the whole island.

"It's unfortunate but I'm out of time," Nikos said turning his back to Runali. "You should return to Lady Luck, he'll be heading that way soon and I have to address the new kill order."

The sand around Nikos suddenly exploded upwards, hiding the man from sight, the sand around them suddenly starting rising violently as if someone were throwing explosives into the area around them, obscuring everything from view.

"A word of advice Captain Lev. Luro…the real Luro is not a person…so do not treat him as such."

Nikos spoke his warning as the sand fell to back to the earth, the swordsman gone with even his footsteps in the sand fading with him, though one last warning was directed at Runali from no direction in particular.

"Next time we meet Captain…no…Runali Lev…I will kill you."

"Hmph," She stood straight up when he moved out the way only to wince a bit when he whistled. Rubbing her ear, she huffed. "Of course you're out of time. What other excuse is there." The sudden sand storm made her step back, but not far enough to run- especially not after what she heard of Luro. She couldn't help but chuckle. "Maybe if you started treating him like one-" She paused and shook her head, not bothering to finish the sentence, only to glance around curiously now that she was alone. Or at least she thought so. "Huh… Well don't disappoint me then!" She yelled out to the air before turning back around and heading to the ship. "Stalling for time? Assessing the fight? What could it be this time…" She mused, quickening her pace to check on the rest of her crew.

 

[Mizos]

She had forgotten how many times they had fought one another.
Not just physically…emotionally. This relationship if it could even be called that was exhausting and in some ways abusive. The two of them had eventually got used to the painful parts, whether that was a good or not escaped her.
Staring at the battered and bloody Luro only made her think of all the other times this had happened, seven years ago in the forest, six years ago on an island, five years ago in Cerula. The fact it didn't feel different from the other times was what bothered her the most.
Nura lowered her sword with a small sigh, watching as Luro stumbled a bit trying to stay on his feet. Luro wasn't going to win this fight, no matter how hard he swung, or how hard he tried he just wasn't strong enough, and that fact made Nura sigh as she lowered her weapons.

"Luro…hasn't this-"
Pain shot through her body as a bullet hit her leg, Nura grit her teeth falling onto her side as Luro lowered his gun with a grin. Approaching her he kicked her sword away and raised his gun to her head.
"You let your guard down Nura…guess you get to die now."
Nura stared up at the grinning Luro his finger resting on the trigger of his rifle; she sucked in a deep breath and did her best to ignore the pain. To say she was fine facing her death was a lie, she was afraid like any other person, and it was hard not to let it show.
"Luro…" the strength in her voice was gone; she was just tired of this. "Please…"

Luro raised his hand to his head as a piercing pain suddenly resonated in his skull, Nura's expression…something about it pulled at him. Nura didn't show weakness, this was weird, he could see it…he could see she was actually afraid.
"It hurts….why are you looking at me like that?"
"Luro…listen to me…please remember. You understand why this is happening…right?"
Luro grit his teeth falling to his knees as the pain got worse, it felt like someone was slowly inserting a dagger into his skull, trying to pick out something. The more he looked at her face the worse it got, this wasn't Nura, she didn't do things like this.
"Luro I know you remember."
Luro raised his rifle pointing it back at Nura when she tried to inch closer, he took long deep breaths trying to push down what was being pulled out, he couldn't let it, he made a promise to Captain.
"That promise is broken though…you said so yourself."
Luro's eyes widened as his own voice echoed in his skull, Cloaky sat next to him speaking into his ear a hard grip on his shoulder, the pain growing with each word he spoke.
"The Whispers…the Whispers won't stop….they won't stop…make it stop….please…make it stop!"
"Luro?"

Luro lowered his head and swung at the air next to him, Cloaky grinned but touched the side of his head and vanished.
"You need to wake up Luro."
The pain subsided and Luro flinched before letting out a shaky breath. Nura moved to one knee and started to reach a hand out to Luro, he grabbed her wrist however stopping her.
"…I never forgot Nura…how could I? I remember."
A relieved sigh escaped from Nura and she pulled her hand free from his loose grip.
She raised her hand and with a small bit of hesitation placed it on his cheek, he seemed calmer all of a sudden so maybe it was worth another shot.
"Good then let's-"
"I just don't care."

Luro stabbed the shovel into the makeshift grave brushing a bit of the dirt off his hands.
It appeared someone had whistle which cleared out the Ravens from the island, he couldn't feel as much of their eyes anymore. In the end he didn't really care all that much, he just wanted to see his friends. He looked next to him his mouth moving as he spoke silently to the air beside him and started making his way back to the ship. The pain in his head wasn't going away, and now that everything was calm every part of him hurt, he wasn't sure where Nura had cut and stabbed him but it felt like everywhere. The cuts were still bleeding, and the bandages wrapped around his arms hung loosely, now drenched in his own life fluid since he wasn't paying attention anymore. He ended up closing one of his eyes since blood was running down it, but it had thankfully stopped.

He slowly wrapped the bloody bandage back around his arm, he looked like he had just been mauled by three different predators, jumped by eight swordsman and burned for good measure.
A part of him wondered if he was actually dead right now, whatever wasn't covered was either bloody, or covered in scars new and old.
"Hm…" Luro mumbled tightening the bandage. "Z's going to be mad at me."

Zilia leaned against Lady Luck, gripping her side. Normally she'd immediately treat her wounds but she was worried about everyone. She didn't want to move until she saw at least one familiar face. She did send Lily to get her supplies though, knowing she couldn't just stay like this but she wouldn't be able to concentrate without seeing someone. She had faith in them but she couldn't help but worry.
Kara had left in a hurry when she heard that strange whistle, mentioning something about a 'Kill Order' and thanking her for the fight. Something about this didn't sit right with her, and worst off Luro still wasn't back, knowing he was off on his own, with no one to pull him back when he stopped…or didn't think worried her the most.

Runali stopped in front of her crew, counting them as she stopped. They were there and, well, alive. By the looks of it, and by the low tension, she could tell they had similar results. The Ravens left. She could only imagine the… disappointment some of them- or all of them had with that. Her hand went to the side of her stomach, and she looked down when she realized there was blood on her hands. 'Hm, cut deeper than I thought…' There were a few more scratches and cuts she hadn't really noticed, but there wasn't anything too damaging. She recounted Nikos' movements, keeping a mental note of it for later.

She nodded to her crew but stayed quiet for a moment, looking out into the forest. Her back hit Lady Luck and she sighed. "Give him… ten more minutes. If he's not back by then, we find him." Runali's gaze stayed on the forest, her one eye narrowed just a bit as she spoke. "He's gotta do this one on his own." She didn't give reason behind it, but her tone was final. A thought passed her mind that made her frown a little. "If in some pass of luck Nura makes it out alive… and Luro doesn't… well," Her brow raised as her gazed turned to the crew. It was an honest, typical Runali expression, that never really quite matched up with when she was as serious as she was now. "She's not allowed to leave this island alive." With another sigh, she leaned her head back on the ship, grabbing one of her 'new' chakram and spun it around. 'Wonder if I can transfer haki into this... '

Once everyone had returned Zilia breathed a sigh of relief, Lily running up to her with the supplies.
"When we're on the ship everyone is getting checked out. No exceptions or excuses, I don't care if it's a scratch or you walked away just fine…we don't know what kind of tricks they use so I want to make sure everything's in order."
She could see not everyone was hurt, a few came back worse for wear and they'd get a bit of priority but she wanted to make absolutely sure everything was okay. Not checking would only lead to problems later if someone was being tough or the Ravens had some other way of hurting them. Kara seemed pretty straightforward but her kicks hurt, she wasn't an expert in Haki but she knew what it felt like to get hit by a kick infused with it…and she was positive that's what hit her earlier.
At the Captain's comment Zilia gave a small nod and looked back at the forest.
"Please be safe Luro," Lily mumbled folding her hands together.
She was clutching a small pocket watch with a bullet indent in her hands, wishing on the object with every ounce of her being.

After a few minutes passed a dark silhouette appeared in the distant brush, Zilia's hands closing into fist expecting another Raven when the person came more into the light, and judging from the person's height it was pretty clear who it was.
"Luro!" Lily exclaimed pointing at head. "It's Luro!"
Luro walked out of the brush causing Zilia to immediate flinch at his bloodied disposition, she immediately ran up to him causing him to stop and look down at her as she dug into her medical bag. She wasn't sure what happened but Luro needed assistance immediately, she started pulling objects out as Luro stared down at her.
"…wait…something's…different," Lily said. "…something's…off."
Luro seemed the same from a casual glance but upon closer inspection there was something missing on his expression…a smile.
He was staring down at Z with dull eyes, almost devoid of any life. His mouth a thin line and little emotion in his expression as he watched the doctor dig in her bag.
Lily tried to rationalize what she was seeing, Luro wasn't happy all the time…maybe. Thinking of what he had just done it made sense he would be a little sad but whatever kept him from smiling faded quickly as a small one returned to his face.
Seeing his smile normally brought her some manner of comfort but his eyes hadn't changed, and what bothered her is he didn't look sad…he almost looked…hungry.

Luro's hand reached out grabbing Zilia by her neck, the sudden movement causing her to drop the items as Luro lifted her off the ground. Zilia eyes lowered as she grabbed Luro's wrist kicking at the air as the man's eyes slowly rose to meet hers. His grip tightened around her throat, Zilia's mouth opening as she gasped for air desperately trying to remove Luro's hand with little success.
"Haha…hahaha…"
Luro chuckled as he watched Zilia struggle in his grip, grinning at the pained expression on his friend's face, there was just something so…serene about moments like this. His body shivered as he laughed, his voice came in tatters, his laughter broken as he tightened his grip on her once more.
"It's so beautiful…I can feel it Z…I can feel your voice reaching me…scream louder. I want everyone to hear it."
No sound came from the woman save her gasps but Luro seemed happy all the same, a small smile resting on his face as the young woman struggled in his grip.

The moment she saw the silhouette, Runali stood straight and placed her chakram at her side. Her reaction time wasn't fast as Zilia's. The doctor was already racing up to the man. "Jeez Luro, you look like hell." She started forward, relaxing a bit to see they still had a shipwright to take to sea. She paused for a brief second, realizing how morbid that sounded in her head, only to look up when Lily spoke up. Her brow raised at Luro, now a little closer. And when she could see the expression on his face, there was a flash of realization across her face.

"...Shit."

In a sort of slow motion, Runali watched Luro grab Zilia by her neck, realizing she couldn't make it in time to stop him. Runali remembered that expression once before, a long long time ago. She hadn't forgotten it either. That's why, before her crew could move, she held her hand up. "Stand down. Don't move until I say so." It was a firm command, bordering a threat, that she didn't plan on repeating. Runali walked forward, her steps were light and her one eye was trained on the redhead. The haki slowly trailed up her arm as she cautiously moved forward, like a predator ready to attack.

"Makachi!" She yelled out, despite being close enough for him to hear. Her expression was neutral and hard to read as she stood there. "You're really planning to do this now? Right now?" There was a flash of something indistinguishable in her one eye. "If you're going to do this, you're going to do right." She didn't glance at Zilia but she could hear the doctor's gasps for breath. "You want someone to kill? You kill me. That is what you wanted right? Drop Zilia now. And that's an order from your captain, Luro." Like before when fighting Nikos, Runali dug her heel into the sand. She was faster than Luro, that she was sure of, and she was about to test how fast she needed to be to save Zilia.

Luro paid no attention to his crewmates his attention focused on the anguished silent cries of Zilia, however the moment the Captain spoke he seemed pulled away from his fun. When his name was spoken his eyes moved over to her. There was something animalistic in his gaze, a feral shimmer as he stared at her. His grip didn't relent even as the Captain spoke to him, but Zilia had stopped struggling, the color had left her face and it was getting harder to keep her eyes open.
His eyes widened a little as she yelled an order at him; slowly his grin became twisted and turning to Runali he threw Zilia to the side.
Rolling in the sand Zilia came to a stop a few feet away, coughing she gripped her throat, her body shivering as she tried to climb to her feet.

"Ah…that's right."
Luro raised his foot and started to approach Runali, slowly step by step his hands twitching at the idea of wrapping them around her neck.
"Captain…you're the one…I want to hurt the most. Haha...hahaha."
Luro raised his hand reaching towards the Captain only to grasp at the air due to the distance between them.
"It hurts Captain…it's not enough. I want to kill them…it's okay right? Jack…Masu…Alicia…Kadi…Zilia…I want to see it so badly…we're friends right…so…so it's okay. It's okay if it hurts…it's okay if I just do it little…"
Though he spoke there was no trace of himself in his voice, in his wide stare. No joy, no happiness, no lightheartedness. He was desperate, reaching out for something just outside of his grasp, something he wanted so badly it was the only thing keeping him moving.
"The order...Captain…let me kill everyone…please….I'm begging you Captain…just let me do it. I need to…I…I need to see their voices…just once…just one time…that's all I need."

Luro reached his hand towards Runali laughing in large gasps as he fell forward into the sand, the carpenter went still his eyes shutting as his body finally gave out on him. His breathing was light, and a small smile rested on his face, almost like he was witnessing a beautiful dream.
Lily fell to her knees clutching the pocket watch to her chest, a line from Nura's note replaying in her head as everything came rushing back.
"Eventually…the real Luro is going to wake up…I'm going to stop that from happening…even if I have to sacrifice everyone…"

The captain didn't budge. Her gaze never turned away from Luro, not even after he threw Zilia. She stayed in her spot, relaxing even when she didn't have rush to save the doctor. The captain… she pictured this day. She pictured it going several different ways. And when she saw all of the other Luro's back in the Undersea, there were a few more ways she pictured this time coming. Runali couldn't say this was apart of those multitude of ways, but she couldn't really say she was… entirely surprised. The warnings were enough. But each time, she had always hoped… always hoped she could face this one alone. It was the one thing she wished her crew didn't have to see. Not yet. Not at a time like this.

When he fell was when she finally took a step forward to him, crouching down. The haki disappeared from both her arms. It wasn't often she was close to his face, mainly because he was so tall. But now, as she carefully lifted his face to look into his wild eyes, she sighed. "You're under orders Luro and you know it." Her voice was stern, and for a moment, she reminded herself of her mother scolding children. "You're not going to kill them Luro. You protect them. You're a Stardusk first. And either we leave here as Stardusks or…" She let go of him. As much as she didn't like how this scenario was playing, she steeled herself. "We either leave here as Stardusks or… you're going to die here." She ran a hand through her hair, sitting down completely, next to him. "Don't go breaking your promise to me Makachi."

 

[Eastwood]

Sara, with perfect timing, walked right into the room at the very end. Before stepping back on the ship, she had spent 30 minutes aggressively pacing the beach back and forth, back and forth. Unlike everyone else, who either at least had a few cuts and dirt to almost being dead, the former gladiatrix was practically spotless. Normally, she would not have been this annoyed or upset at the course of events, but as of late she had felt her patience for the charade fade. She felt like her talents were wasted, since she had been hired all she had fought was something that she wasn't sure was real or not to fighting the most pathetic excuses of so-called that she had ever encountered. Where was the fun? Where was the joy? What was she even learning from all this? Nothing! She truly felt like she was improving but for absolutely no reason. "What the hell was that?!" She asked, not particularly addressing anyone and utterly missing her shipwright and friend attempt to murder the ship's doctor.

 

[SilentxChaos]

​

Every nerve in his body trembled until he visibly shook. The captain's order stood but Jack was so close to breaking it. Luro's demonic laughter grated his ears; watching him choke the life out of Zilia...blackness coated his arms and crept up his neck, covering the Stardusk tattoo.

"Fuck this."

Taking out his knives, Jack raced along the beach. He skirted around Runali and kept a fair distance as she spoke to Luro. He had no idea what he was going to do; he wouldn't break orders unless there was no other choice. But if it had to be done…

The pain was gone. He couldn't feel the wounds dealt by Ria, or much less his uneasiness of the whole situation. His eyes and mind were focused on his crewmate. What used to be his crewmate. Runali approached Luro with her armament at the ready. The giant stood on the other side with Zilia, and Jack to the far right. The others moved according to their natures. The beach turned to a chessboard and Jack would've laughed as it brought Undersea memories, if it wasn't for Luro at the center, directing the game. The pieces clicked together. That whistle must have announced the death of Nura, who'd been one of the Ravens, or at least worked in time to get to Luro. One big distraction that ultimately tilted against her.

What was your goal, Nura? Did you know all along?

Luro threw Zilia aside like a child done with its ragdoll, his focus switching to Runali in full force. Something crossed his face, a great pain. Jack steadily crept closer to Zilia as Luro moved to the captain in seeming great effort. By the time the giant collapsed, Jack sheathed his weapon and ran to the doctor's side. He knelt beside her, looking her over with a critical eye. "Do you need a moment?" he asked softly, deliberately placing himself between her and the giant, even though Luro was no longer a threat.

 

[Mizos]

A bit of time had passed since the interactions with the Ravens.

Things had gone quiet again after the vanishing of the Messengers, but there was little doubt their eyes were still focused on Stardusk. They had pulled away for the time being at the very least and there were no clear signs they were close, which was enough for a slight reprieve, at least until they made themselves known again.
The whole thing put Zilia on edge, the incident was still fresh in her mind and she sometimes found it difficult to sleep at night. Once she was positive Luro was fully knocked out she had taken care of him, but he didn't wake up for a few days even after she took care of his wounds. Luro had never really let her fully treat him, he'd let his wounds be dressed but anything he could do himself he did without hesitation, when Zilia took a closer look she found out why and she wasn't sure what to necessarily say about it. She decided to keep the matter to herself after she finished bandaging him up, if Luro of all people didn't talk about it, there was probably a reason, and speaking of his private matters wasn't right, not only as a doctor but his friend…at least…if she could even call herself that given what happened on Iurin.

When Luro woke up he seemed back to normal, going for a bottle the first moment he could.
He greeted everyone with the same grin and laugh, and continued on almost as if nothing had happened. Given his memory it wouldn't be surprising if he had already forgotten the incident.
What was a shock was Luro managed to remember a few matters involving the Ravens, one of which was why they were hunting Stardusk in the first place.
"They go after pirates with titles," Luro said one evening. "I completely forgot until now. My mistake guys."
Though Luro made light of it he went onto explain that he had spread rumors about everyone, including their names, due to that their current titles, save Kadi who was hunted as the Degenerate of Nirvana before, were courtesy of Luro.
Essentially it was completely Luro's fault that they were in this particular predicament.

Though Zilia was inches away from reopening Luro's wounds one by one, he went on to explain that there was a city nearby named Savera where they could get information on the Ravens.
It was in their territory but he was positive they could find who the leader of the Ravens were, killing the Ravens didn't do anything, they just came back stronger, but if you cut off the source everything else would fall apart; apparently Luro was looking for the leader years ago but forgot. His last lead was the city of Savera where there was information gathered by another enemy of the Ravens, the Navy.

"The Navy treats them as pirates just like us, they may have something that points us in the direction of who the leader is. The WG's got wayyy more information than we do after all. I don't remember why they do though as most of them don't know who they really are. I do know there's information on them in Savera though. I wrote it down so I wouldn't forget."
Though this information was all well and good and Savera wasn't terribly far away Zilia was bothered by Luro's sudden remembrance. After what happened on Iurin Luro seemed a bit more knowledgeable about the Ravens. At the very least enough to know why there were hunting them now, when pressed further Luro would check his notes which apparently had even more information, something he hadn't bothered to check.
The information itself was gibberish however and Luro couldn't make sense of it even though he could read it just fine. Which meant though they now knew why they were being hunted, and where to get more information that was the extent of Luro's knowledge. At least until he managed to remember more, which Zilia wasn't holding her breath for. She didn't like having nothing on the Ravens especially when they were constantly watching them, and so long as they were running around Stardusk and anyone they cared about was in danger. The area near Savera had a bit of naval presence but if they were quick they could get the information and get out before they were all the wiser.

Zilia pressed the matter a bit with everyone, almost pleading to head to Savera. It was hard to relax knowing the Messengers were just waiting for an opportunity to kill them, and not able to take any action to stop it except wait.
"I'd like to head there too…it is kinda my fault I got you guys in this mess. If I can do anything to fix it I want too. I'm remembering some stuff already…I think if we can find the stuff at Savera I can figure out how to make them leave us alone. Like what I did."
Luro grinned at this and pumped his fist.
"I'm gonna fix everything. I'll make sure our future is Raven free, that's a Makachi Promise."

 

[Capt. Blu]

Location: Out at Sea

After what happened in Iurin, Runali had stayed a little closer to Zilia, every now and then checking on her and Luro- who still hadn't gotten up. She didn't say anything about what happened with Luro on that island, even when- or if- the crew brought it up. Though with Zilia, she would offer her a pat on the shoulder or a calm smile whenever she saw the woman was a little uneasy- moreso when Luro woke up.

"Glad to see you alive and moving." Runali casually patted Luro's arm, treating him no different than before. Thankfully, he didn't seem to remember before- or he just didn't bring it up which was fine to the captain either way. To learn that he was behind the titles and the reason the Ravens were after them didn't surprise the captain a bit. With how much he drank to forget, she was more surprised he still knew his own name sometimes. And with the Ravens especially disliking him- for reasons Runali still wasn't really clear about- the pieces of this odd puzzle started to come together. Or at least, she wasn't as confused as she was when they were on Brass Cape.

Digging around in Luro's past earned them nothing but trouble so far, and by the sounds of it he only wanted to dig deeper. However at this point, it didn't sound like they had much of a choice. "Well, can't say I'm not amused by the fact that the Navy hates them." Runali stood in the middle of her crew, looking between them before her eyes landed on Luro. Her brow raised and she shook her head. "Kinda? No way Luro, this is all your fault. Fix it or not, you owe me big time." The captain's arms crossed before she smiled at the crew. "Well, besides Luro's forgetfulness, we all heard the Birds. They're working under kill orders now. Running away from this is only gonna make this longer than it needs to be. Besides, we don't need to give them any more ammo than they have, yeah?" She thought about their 'always watching' warning and huffed. However, before she could dwell too much on the paranoia of it, Luro spoke up again.

'A Makachi promise…' The captain's gaze turned to the ocean and for a moment she frowned. "Don't make promises you can't keep Luro…" Her tone was wary and soft almost as if it wasn't actually directed at the red head at all. Her expression didn't last long enough to be noticeable, and quickly afterwards, Runali turned back to her crew with her usual calm look.

"Well we can't fix anything floating around and even Zil wants to go. So guess we're headed to Savera and finding the 'Big Boss'." She grinned at Zilia. "Get your bandages ready because we're gonna need 'em."

 

[SilentxChaos]

Collsb bet'w @Mizos and Silent​

On the Lady Luck, middle of the sea

The clearing would've been quintessential, if it wasn't for the blood.

Dying sunlight streamed to the forest floor, dappling in an ever-shifting array of shadows and gold illumination as a consistent wind caressed the tree tops. Jack's footfalls fell on dead leaves and moss with a muffled crunch, each one careful and precise to keep the noise as little as possible. He knew what to look for, without ever seeing it. Or maybe he had seen and couldn't remember.

Kneeling down on a mound of dirt, he took a handful and sprinkled it on the highest point. He placed his hands together. Muttering a silent prayer.

A voice flitted behind him; soft, airy, and full of mischief, like the breeze that tugged at his hair. No internal instinct or vigilance could have warn him to her coming. But he expected it anyways.

"How many graves does this make?" she asked.

"I don't know. Too many."

"Liar." Teasingly, she wrapped around his arm and pushed her head against his sleeve. The sound of her curls brushing against linen rustled loud to his ears. He realized then the songs of life were mute here; no bird calls or bugs buzzing. Only the chuckling breeze the swirled lazily around them, amused as she. "That's okay though. I lie to myself too."

Jack frowned. He pushed his cheek into her hair, comforting as a pillow. "Then why ask?"

"A reminder."

"Of what?"

Silence. She moved off his arm and stood in front of him. Holding out her arms, she placed foot in front of foot as she walked across the unmarked pile, tilting this way and that, as if keeping balance. She twirled and a poof of dust rose around her feet. He watched. Something told him to get up, join her, dance on the grave while they were still here together.

"It's time to put the mask back on, Jack."

He shook his head. "No."

"You don't have a choice. Death caws at the Raven's chime and you will wake in the final grave."

She suddenly was in front him, red ruby lips pressing against his. It blossomed a well of longing and torment in Jack, causing him to shudder. A tear leaked between their lips. She broke away, smiling sadly. "Oh Jack. Don't you see?" She placed a hand on his cheek and moved a stray dread from his eyes. "Your inability to act will get them killed. Just like you killed me."

****​

Jack awoke with a start. Darkness enveloped the sleeping cabin, shading his crewmates except weak flickers of lantern light. The ship rocked and groaned from pitching waves as a whistling breeze wafted outside. He looked out of one of the portholes, hearing her voice lingering like a soft sigh. Shuddering, Jack got out of his hammock and tipped from the cabin.

The nightmares were getting worse. Since Stardusk left Iurin, the cook became obsessive with keeping vigilance. He refused to let the idea that the Ravens, or someone like them, could such a close eye on his crew. He went top to bottom, crow's nest to the bilge, searching every crevice and crack for a hint of tampering or other. He didn't know what he was looking for, but felt certain he would know when he found it. This had been the first night of real sleep he achieved which barely amounted to a couple of hours. He'd started drinking rum at night to help lure him to drowsiness.

Outside, the wind played with his clothes in a tease. He flapped one hand at it, as if it telling it to go away, while reaching behind a stack of chests. He pulled out a bottle of rum and took it to the bow. As he went, he procured an extra bottle and a flask of whiskey. The moon shone high and clear, illuminating the deck with startling clarity.

A small bag flew over the side of the ship, landing a few feet from Jack. A hand gripped the side of the ship shortly after, a few grunts coming from the strange intruder until a head popped up. The person looked at Jack and giving him a toothy grin climbed over the side of the ship, the stranger or rather Luro was completely soaked from head to toe. He waved his wet sleeves and wrung out what water he could with a small hum. Luro took a quick look around the deck his brows arching seeing no one else was around, though that made sense now that he took a moment to think about it, he had wandered off while everyone was asleep after all.

"Hey Jack!" Luro exclaimed raising his hand. "Ah wait everyone's sleeping…hey Jack."
Luro spoke a bit quieter waving at Jack and grabbing the bag took out a small black box out of his sleeve. Opening both he dumped the contents inside, though from where he was standing the contents of both remained a mystery.
"Oh you got something good there," Luro said putting the box away. "Mind if I join ya, drinking under the moonlight is the best with company."
Luro opened a nearby crate and digging around inside took out a bottle of rum before taking a seat next to Jack, blowing a wet bang out of his face as he opened the bottle.

Knives came out at the unexpected appearance of the wet bag. Jack raised it, still gripping the rum bottle in his other hand, ready to lunge at whoever was struggling aboard. He paused, listening to them. The cook grunted and sheathed his weapons then went back to drinking as Luro topped the railing. He raised the bottle in semi-salute as Luro greeted him, an eyebrow arching as he dumped the contents out of Jack's eyeline.

"What's that you've got?" Jack asked. His voice hadn't started slurring yet something was definitely off. He blinked at his bottle as Luro continued talking. Before he could announce whether or not he wished for company, the giant was already popping a bottle of his own. Jack frowned, then shrugged.

Turning to look out at the sea, Jack remained silent for a long period as the two pirates drank their fill. He listened to the waves and the wind in an attempt to let their ambiance fill his mind and drown out the whirling thoughts. The more he listened, the more annoyed he got. Eventually, he couldn't stand the silence. He emptied his first bottle and reached for the second.

"So… what, pray tell, has you midnight diving in the middle of the ocean, Luro?" Jack pivoted on his heel, leaning back on the railing to look at is crew mate. He drank, glinting gold eyes never leaving Luro's face. Wiping his mouth, it drew attention to the lack of his trademark half-smile.

"Some stuff I was messing with," Luro said.

That seemed to be the extent of his explanation as he took a sip from his bottle.

Luro focused his attention on the sea reaching over to grab another bottle as he finished the one in his hand, with a small smile on his face he stared out at the endless horizon only turning to pull another bottle out of some spot of the ship. Judging by the large collection next to him, the bow seemed to be one of his many 'drinking spots'.

Though he was having fun it was strange that Jack was being so silent, it almost felt like he was sitting next to Z, he would glance over on occasion just to make sure it was really Jack.

When Jack broke the silence between them Luro blinked at him before looking over at the railing he had climbed over, then back at jack. With a grin he rubbed the back of his head and held a finger up to him.

"I like to do a walkthrough of the lady. See how she's handling, I got this weird feeling that she was hurting so I went to check, next thing I knew was in the ocean."

Luro laughed a little before giving the ship a small pat.

"I'm also making adjustments to her but I gotta see how they work in all kinds of conditions. Is this affected if the temperature is a little lower, what if we're with the wind? What if we're against it? All these questions with no answers, I couldn't sleep at all."

Luro grinned at this and opened another bottle before his eyes moved back to Jack.

"So why are you up this late? I don't smell anything cooking…and it's kind of early for breakfast."

The idea of making breakfast struck Jack as amusing in that. Cooking was the farthest thing from his mind, so unlike him, that he threw back his head and laughed. "No, no...it's definitely too early for that."

He didn't answer Luro's question. Instead, after a moment of consideration, Jack vaulted away from the banister and went to sit next to him. He staggered a bit, landing next to the carpenter with an 'oof'. He chuckled at himself as he reached for tobacco leaves and a light. Rolling it, he observed Luro's growing stockpile with some envy. He'd a decent tolerance, as pirates go, but nothing close to the iron stomachs of Luro or the Pathfinder. After his cigarillo, Jack tilted his head up and blew out a circle of smoke, a perfect outline that floated up before being caught by the breeze. He watched it dissipate. The wind tugged at him more and he closed his eyes, as if leaning into its embrace.

"Tell me about Nura" he said suddenly, "I don't know how the two of you met or....how you ended where you did."

Luro nodded in agreement with Jack, he was sure a few people would be upset at having to wake up for breakfast. He wasn't sure why Jack laughed but he joined him glad to see his friend seemed to be in a good mood. When Jack took sat back down Luro focused his attention back out to the sea, he always enjoyed watching the water at night, he didn't know why but it was strangely comforting. He rested his arms on his knees twirling the half empty bottle in his hand, making no effort to break the silence that had fallen between them again.

Just as he was about to take another drink, Jack drew his attention with his question.

Blinking a few times Luro lowered the bottle and brought a hand to his chin as he closed his eyes, his brows furrowed slightly as he wasn't really sure how to answer that question. No one had really asked him about Nura before so it was a weird thing to talk about.

"I met her when she was taking care of some of the orphans," Luro said opening his eyes. "Lily, Zack and the others were among them. I kind of just came along and ended up as the leader for some reason. Nura stayed by me and helped me take care of everyone, she's pretty great."

Luro gave a small nod at this crossing his arms over his chest.

"I'm not sure what you mean by ended. Nura was a Raven person…which is weird since she saved me from Nikos. I guess she wanted to kill me herself, she has always liked doing things on her own. I don't really know what to tell you about her though. Did you want to know her favorite color, first lover, last name, favorite fish?"

Jack scoffed. Liked doing things by herself, huh? Yeah that sounds about right. He listened to Luro, intrigued, and trying to ignore how he could still hear her laughing if listened hard enough. He considered the giant's question. What did he want to know? He frowned and reached for the whiskey flask he placed on his belt. Maybe the alcohol was finally reaching his head.

"I dunn-- don't know," Jack sighed, rubbing his forehead, working through a foggy haze, "surely when you think of her, there's something that comes to mind first? A-a fond moment you shared, the first time you fought or... when you ran a successful heist together." He sipped from the flask and tapped his cigarillo between the rails, over the sea..

Luro blinked at the response from Jack, something that comes to mind when he thinks of Nura.

He could kind of remember some things they did together, it was faint but there were an abundance of moments the two had shared now that he took a second to really think about it. It was really weird that Jack wanted to know all of this, but whatever the reason it was hard to say no to a drinking buddy. Luro closed his eyes and bringing a hand to his chin took a moment to pick one of the memories that he could recall.

"The burning town," Luro said. "When I think of Nura, I think of her face in that burning town. It was the first time she couldn't look at me as me, she struggled to keep her stern face on but there was so much fear in her eyes, but she stood firm trying to match my gaze. Seeing her trying so hard to be strong, to hold back the tears stinging her eyes…it's delightful."

Luro grinned a bit a small chuckle escaping from him as he took a small drink.

"For the other things, we once took over a naval base together. Made love on the Commander's desk, well after we threw the bodies out the window, that's a fond memory. Let's see…we did a bunch of heists…my favorite was when he was we stole a bunch of stuff from this noble, but I ended up getting us caught and we ran to the boat. The guards ended up being called and we ran down the street with stuff flying out of our pockets and arms. Nura took out a dagger mid chase stabbed me in the back, took some of my things and tripped me, hahaha she made it to the boat and I got thrown in a prison cell again. She was so angry when we saw each other again, saying we lost half the goods, but we still got some of it thanks to her."

Luro smiled grabbing another bottle, now that he really thought about it the two had shared a lot of moments together, it was actually hard to pick one.

"The first time we fought…we fought all the time. I've forgotten how many times she's stabbed or shot me. I've shot her once or twice, forgot the argument though…got tons of em."

Jack started listening with rapt attention, because the mention of "the burning town" tweaked his memory. He remembered the Undersea and his crewmates saw of Luro...the burning mansion. Was that part of his past, or a intermingle of several? The threads of knowledge were hazy to Jack. He frowned, trying to puzzle it out. A few seconds later he ultimately lost it. He shrugged to himself. Draining the last of the flask, he tipped it to the floor when nothing came out. A single lonely drop drooped to the deck and it was emptied. Sighing, Jack tossed it aside. The next thing he knew he was clambering onto the ship's railing, swinging one leg over and saddling it like a horse. He plucked a third bottle from near Luro's elbow.

It was about then Luro moved on from the burning town and the moment Nura effectively became a Raven- in Jack's half-coherent mind- to the other memories. Jack spoke of heists out half-memory, half-longing, and hadn't expected a legitimate answer from Luro addressing that. He blinked, looking at his crewmate. The big guy talked of loving and backstabbing and more fights than he could count. The cigarillo and bottle of rum lowered as Jack stared at him. Something started bubbling at his throat. He shook his head and covered his mouth.

It burst out of him unexpectedly. A chuckle. A giggle, really. Coughed into the crook of his elbow. But it kept bubbling, wouldn't go away, and before Jack knew it he was laughing. He took one glance at Luro and laughed outright, swaying on the banister, tipping towards the frothing black sea. He dropped his cigarillo into those depths.

"Oh that's… that's perfect. That's just fucking perfect." Shaking his head again, Jack took a swig. He placed a cheek in hand and looked at Luro with a poisonous smirk. "All- of all, the crew," the cook hiccuped and his words slurred. He took a breath and tried to speak slower. "Of all the crew- even the captain herself- you are the one I have to share the most common with. Our very own resident psychopath."

Jack flung his arms in some mocking, grand gesture. He hiccuped again and started earnestly leaning overboard.

Luro fell onto his back grinning after telling a bit of what he could remember of his past. It was strange how easy it came this time, when he was asked by Nura it was so hard to recall anything. Reaching up he put a finger to his forehead wondering why it was so simple now, maybe because he wasn't really trying to remember. The more he thought about it, the more his head started to hurt causing him to give up on the idea. He stared up at the night sky raising his bottle to see how much was left in it, just as he was about to bring it to his mouth again he heard Jack laugh.

"Something funny Jack?" Luro asked sitting up.

He tilted his head at Jack wondering what had him so happy all of a sudden, was it because he found his stories funny? Maybe it was hearing about the burning town, he couldn't help but laugh each time he thought about it. Though when Jack spoke again it only confused Luro further as tapped the side of his head with his fist.

"Psychopath? I'm not sure what that is but there's one on the ship?" Luro asked scratching his head.

Seeing Jack about to fall Luro quickly climbed to his feet and grabbed Jack by his shirt, pulling him back on the deck to keep him from falling. Admittedly moving that fast with a bunch of drink in him was a bad idea but he seemed to swallow back whatever tried to surface.

Releasing him Luro leaned against one of the masts before taking a small drink from his bottle.

"You're interesting tonight Jack. We've drank together before but you seem…different. Did something fun happen? Are you celebrating?"

The cook groaned as he toppled back on the deck, feeling his own stomach sloshing uncomfortably. He didn't quite catch what Luro said but the last part. It made him want to laugh, but it was more forced this time, dying off quickly. "Oh, Luro…." he said, looking up at the clear night sky. Even in his intoxicated state, he identified one, maybe two, constellations lazily drifting past them. He placed a hand over his eyes as the moon continued shining brightly on them. "This isn't celebrating."

Moaning, Jack picked himself up to sit next to Luro. He propped an arm on one knee and set his rum bottle aside. "You know, I had a Nura too, once?" Jack kept his eyes to the stars, his own shining unnaturally bright. "She liked to backstab, too. Not always at me... but secrets? Those were her specialty." He chuckled and it caught in his throat, his humor gone, and it came out as a choked sigh. "She was the best there was. Believe me, she'd run circles around those Ravens.

"You know, ever since we left Iurin, I can't get her out of my head. I keep hearing her voice...playfully admonishing me for letting those two Ravens sneak aboard the ship all this time. If only I had done more. If only she was here...she'd know. She always knew when there's a game afoot."

Falling quiet, Jack rubbed his eyes and found unexpected tears. He turned his head from Luro and swiped them away so the giant wouldn't see.

There was a lot happening that Luro didn't understand.

If someone wasn't drinking to celebrate or out of joy, which Jack didn't look too joyful then why was he drinking at all? Luro wasn't sure but the words Jack were saying both made sense and confused him, he had a feeling this was a confusing conversation…but somehow he understood bits of it. Luro rubbed the side of his head as Jack spoke to him, bringing up another Nura, which was confusing but then he told him about some Lass he used to know.

Luro looked over at Jack rubbing the side of his head as he watched Jack turning his head from him, he shut his eyes not sure what to really say right now. This was really complicated, the feelings toward a Lass was one of the most difficult things any pirate had to face. He wasn't sure he was really the person to help Jack with this kind of thing, that's what the Captain and the others were good for, they did complicated stuff. Looking over at Jack though that wasn't an option, there wasn't anyone else here and even he knew leaving Jack like this was bad.

Luro reached up and gripped his head trying to think of something to say, something to help his friend, he felt a headache come on before his eyes open.

"Hmm…I'm sorry Jack. I'm really not good with this kind of stuff," Luro said a small sheepish grin resting on his face. "I kinda wish I had words of wisdom for ya, or immense manliness like Alicia to help in this moment but I don't. I don't got the Captain's wisdom, or Z's sincerity and I don't have Masu's determination either. I pale in comparison to everyone like that."

Luro rubbed the back of his head at this.

"Still of course you're gonna fail if you do stuff alone Jack," Luro said leaning forward a bit stretching his arms. "Nikos would have killed me seven years ago if Nura hadn't saved me. If I had killed Nikos seven years ago he wouldn't be here now. I just wasn't strong enough on my own, that's the end of it."

Luro stretched his arms above his head with a sigh grabbing another bottle.

"Trying to stop the Ravens by yourself is hard Jack. Doesn't matter how good you are, even I know that. So don't see why you're beating yourself up that you didn't stop them. Taking them on by yourself is really really hard Jack. We're Stardusk ya don't gotta do stuff alone anymore. If you can't do it by yourself then do it with the rest of us, it's not that hard and you're smart you know that."

Luro scratched the top of his head.

"I don't know this lady but she wasn't here to stop them either so I don't know why she's messing with you Jack. Not like anyone's mad you didn't stop them so why let it bother you, I've dealt with them the longest I should have stopped them…I just forgot too."

Jack shook his head. Either he was more drunk than he thought, or Luro was being legitimately consoling. He leaned back and closed his eyes as the deck appeared to be wobbling unnaturally. "You're right," the cook sighed, "I can't defeat them by myself. Nor do I want to." A small smirk suggested him imagining how that scenario would play out, and discovering it morbidly amusing. It broke into a yawn. "It's just...it used to be my job to see these things coming, you know?" Another yawn interrupted him. Jack crossed his arms, slipping slightly down the railing. "But I appreciate it… nice to be reminded, I suppose… I've forgotten what's like to have a crew willing to fight with you. Not throw you to the wolves...."

Luro pat Jack on the back, though seeing he was already close to going over the railing he pulled his hand back, those were some of the wisest words a drunk has said. At least the seventy-sixth wisest thing that came to mind. Luro moved his hands to his hips grinning out at the sea, it was nice to have friends wasn't it; everyone was really nice after all. They could be mean too but it was all mostly niceness, it was a good feeling.

"Hmmm it's not your job now. Captain says your cook and being a Stardusk is your job. Long as you do that no one's gonna be mad at ya," Luro said scratching his head. "We won't throw you to wolves Jack, they bite hard, I don't want you getting bitten by a wolf."
Luro pat one of his arms and grinned at Jack.
"Mr. Fakehead sent his wolves after us at Yakone once. We took em down though, wolves ain't bad if you fight em together. It's annoying dealing with them alone, bite ya in the shoulder and stuff it's annoying. Why we do stuff together it's easier, like going through this drink, it's wayyy more fun with someone."

Luro lowered his arm and took a long swing from his bottle, downing the rest with a content sigh he turned and started digging for another one. He seemed to pause for a moment pulling out one, turning the label over he read it before putting it back in and grabbing another one, returning to the edge of the ship.

"It's nice to have a home here, oh but your old home was nice too Jack. The ladies were really kind, I just like it on Lady, ya can really be yourself you know. So long as I keep my promise I got all kinds of freedom it's great!"

Luro threw his hands up in the air at this and grinned at the twinkling night sky.

"No way I'm gonna let this get taken away. I'm going in with everything I got!"

That's very nice Luro...I do miss it… Jack half-mumbled, half-thought, already lost in the thralls of sleep. His hands folded on his chest as his back slouched on the rails. In seconds, a gentle snore rumbled in his chest, the tiniest smile tugging against his lips giving him an almost peaceful expression.

Luro started to offer another drink to Jack only to see his eyes were shut. He leaned over and pat the man's shoulder to check on him, hearing the light breathing coming from him and the movement of his chest Luro smiled and stood up and brushed off his bottom. Cleaning up their mess he ran to one of the rooms and returning put a green blanket over Jack. It was fun drinking with him, even if they did talk about some serious stuff it had been a while since he had such a fun conversation.

Staring down at Jack he smiled a little as Cloaky knelt down next to the Jack staring at the sleeping man's face.

"Oh Jack…I can't kill you when you have such a nice expression on your face…next time," Luro said grinning with his silent companion.

 

[Arcadius]

The Pathfinder was leaning on a bulkhead close to Sara. His eyes were following her rounds, and he was most certainly sharing her overall distaste of the turn of the events. "Well,, Sara, in every young man's life, there comes a moment when you absolutely positivelly have to murder the shit out of your lifelong nemesis, or whatever Nura was to Luro anyway. Then it gets all sad and mopey and dramatic, with your friends standing around and all awkward, not knowing what to do and to say."

He turned around and glared at the sea instead, missing Luro's sudden, unhinged arrival. He felt strange. Or rather, he felt completely fine, but his opinions on Nina. Apparently, being a pirate suddenly fills one's life with femme fatales. He wasn't ready for that, not at all. He wasn't sure what the hell happened there in the sand. Was it love? Hate? Pure primal sexual attraction? All of the following? He wanted Nina here. What she did was rude. Wake so many emotions and then just vanish.

His hands gripped the railing, driving splinters into his palm. "God dammit it all! I WANT TO MURDER THAT SHABBAROON!" In one motion, he stabbed a knife into the wood and stomped away, past the scene with Luro. "I'm off for a drink. Call me back when this tomfoolery is over!"

Several days later, out at sea...

"Well, cap'n, sounds like a plan to me!" Arcadius agreed with the plan, leaning above them over the bannister of the poop deck. "Means a reasonable chance Nina will be there, and damn it all, I need to take another stab at her or I'll go insane, and we definitelly have enough of that with us already."

 

[Mizos]

Saying that Savara was occupied by the navy was like saying a forest had trees.

The city was more a base than actual town, officers ran around the area in uniforms, either performing drills or their duties. There were a few people around and from first glance there seemed to be a few places where they could shop and gather necessities but the function of the area was abundantly clear from a glance, especially with the huge tower that rested in the center of the island. The imposing tower seemed to function as a lookout and a deterrent for pirates, generally because of the large cannon that rested at the top of it.

Luro stared wide eyed at the huge weapon, that thing could destroy most ships with one shot…he wanted one.

"That's definitely the place," Luro said opening his notebook. "…strange…there weren't as many navy people there five years ago…wait was it five years ago…I didn't put dates in this."

Luro scratched his head with his pen and Zilia was packing extra medicine in her pouch, she had a feeling this was going to be one of those days.

"Anyway I'm…pretty sure they won't attack us."

"Extra wrappings…probably going to get shot too…what else…"

"I never really expect things to be easy," Runali started, as she leaned over the edge of the ship only to walk over to stand near Kadi. "But this one's gonna beeee- well, a task." From what she could see, there was no way they could just dock and search around. "We go in there and we're gonna get arrested- or killed. Does our wanted posters say dead or alive on it? We'd get killed. That's like sticking your hand in a shark's mouth." Runali eyed the tower and then looked up at their pirate flag. "Sticking your hand in a shark's mouth and waiting till it takes your arm off actually. Hmm… Luro you sure there's no, I dunno non-navy infested place on this island?" She motioned for Kadi to circle the island before walking to the ship's ledge.

"Nope."
Luro answer was almost immediate at the Captain's question of non-navy invested places.
"Last time I checked the navy was everywhere on the surrounding islands. It seemed like they were building bases…oh that's why it's here."
Luro pointed at one of his notes and grinned before looking at Savara, moving his hands behind his head he grinned as he stared at the island.
"…so we're in Raven infested water…and surrounded by the Navy…I want to say I'm surprised but we are following Luro's advice." Zilia thought grabbing another medical bag.
Luro was silent for a moment staring at Savara before pointing at one of the docks.
"We can probably land. They're not going to attack us. I was a pirate when I came here and they left me alone. We don't have a giant Raven on our flag; they won't be interested in us…probably."
Luro brought a hand to his chin making it clear he wasn't really clear if they were going to attack them or not.
"The information is there though…so we gotta get there…I'm fine going on a boat and looking myself if you guys don't wanna go," Luro said looking back at everyone. "Ten minutes and I'll be back. I was looking for something here, old me would be mad at now me if I didn't get the stuff."

Runali responded with a deep sigh. She should have expected this. She expected to go to an island and immediately be put into a fight with the Ravens, not have to worry about the navy. The idea of being put back into prison made her shudder a bit so she turned to her crew- specifically the one who had gotten them into the mess in the first place.

"You can't guarantee the same rules apply now after so long- I mean before you were a pirate sure, but you're under the title of Worst Gen now." Even though the captain spoke her doubts, she didn't see any other way around their situation. It was either dock and test their luck or move to the next island and let the Ravens continue their pursuit.

"Hmm… Go on and dock Kadi." Her brow raised when Luro suggested he went alone. That sounded like a bad idea the moment he said it. "We'll go. Just in case you need the back up. And… just in case in general." The last time they left Luro to his own devices he came back near dead and with the desire- the need to kill his own crew. There was no need to mimic that scenario- especially not while the navy was around.

"It's just a grab and go 'mission'." Runali turned back to stare at the large tower, seeing if she could spot anyone inside. "I'd say if we stay on our 'best behavior' while we're there we should be fine but," She laughed a little. "I don't think that'll work here."

"I'm sure it'll be fine. Well as long as Alicia doesn't go starting any brawls," Luro said sitting on the edge of the ship. "You can't go causing trouble here Alicia, Masu you guys are close keep an eye on her."

The Captain was probably right about things not being the same, but he could see a few people looking in their direction as they approached. They didn't seem to bothered by them, though he did notice the cannon had turned to face the dock they were currently at. Figuring it was coincidence Luro hopped off the ship and started to make his way into the town.

Zilia ran over to the edge of the ship watching as Luro stopped at the start of the docks and waved everyone to approach.
"Hurry up guys! We gotta steal the thing!" Luro yelled back at everyone.
"This might not be enough…" Zilia stared down at the two large pouches on her person.
At the new faces some of the Naval officers came to a sudden halt and looked in Stardusks direction, their eyes moved to their flag then to their faces. One of them clearly a low ranking officer ran up to a well dressed man and handed him a wanted poster. The man looked at it then at the face of Runali before handing it back to the officer and ordering him to returning to his duties, the rest of the officers doing the same.
"They…really are ignoring us…What is going on?!"

"Luro you're the last person that should be saying that." Runali shook her head. He had already jumped down before he could hear. "Well, you heard the giant. Let's get going and Alicia, please don't start any brawls." Runali teased before climbing off the ship too. Luro's outburst made her shake her head, but she casually walked over, gesturing for the rest of the crew to catch up. Her one eye scanned over the navy that looked their way. She was mostly checking to make sure no one reached for weapons, but seeing that they all continued o with their work, she relaxed- only a little. Towards one naval officer, she gave an innocent grin only to watch him quickly look away and move along. "Reminds me of being in the middle of a herd. One wrong move and they'll stampede." She spoke to no one in particular as they followed Luro through the island.

As they carried on, she spotted familiar red hair in the distance. "Hm." Unfortunately her eyesight hadn't played tricks on her because the longer she looked the more she was sure it was Nikos off in the distance. As much as she was itching for a fight with Nikos, Runali kept calm. "Luro, I just want you to know, out of all the redheads that I've ever met you're my favorite." She nudged him before pointing over at the Raven that she had fought before.

Luro took a look around the city looking down at his notebook then back around, after a few minutes of this he came to a stop and put his notebook away. They were in Savara, he knew the information was here and the Navy was leaving them alone just like back then. All of that was in his book but nothing about where it was at. He had clearly taken a bunch of notes back then about this place, so why wasn't the location of the information in here. He wasn't sure what the old him was thinking, there was even a message for the future him but it didn't make any sense.

Luro was pulled from his thoughts however at the Captain's nudge; he looked over at her before grinning.
"Well thanks Captain, but what other redheads do you-"
When Luro looked ahead and saw Nikos a wide smile came onto his face and he raised his hands up before waving them.
"Hey! Nik-"
Luro words were cut off as Nikos closed the distance between them in the span of what could only be a second his hand covering Luro's mouth, a glare resting on his tense expression. Nikos slowly moved his hand away his shoulders drooping slightly as a sigh escaped from him.

"Think before you act Makachi," Nikos said wiping his hand on his outfit. "The only reason the both of us aren't being attacked is they're looking for me. If you go yelling my name or the Raven name you'll get both of us killed."
Luro looked over at the others then back at Nikos.
"We don't mind."
"Yes we do mind!" Zilia thought squeezing the bridge of her nose.
Nikos stared at Luro for a moment before turning and looking over at the rest of Stardusk.
"You know I'm going to speak to the ones who do have common sense. Don't go yelling our names here."
"Are you gonna kill us?" Luro asked with a grin his hand moving to his rifle. "The Kill Order right! Right?!"
"Fighting you here would only draw attention. Tempting as it is to finish our affairs with you, I'm not putting my people in needless danger. Captain we are of a like mind correct? Unnecessary harm to our crew isn't needed. If you don't attack us we don't attack you deal? At least until we're separated from one another."
Nikos didn't seem all that surprised by the appearance of Stardusk, though the rest of his crew was nowhere to be seen. Zilia instinctively looked up at the crow's nest of the Lady. Thankfully no one popped their heads out, but she did get the odd feeling they were being watched, and not by the strange Navy officers.

As quick as Nikos appeared in front of them, Runali couldn't help but tense up, only to run fingers through her hair and sigh. She wanted to make a comment about it but decided against it. "Think before he speaks, good luck." Runali mumbled before raising a brow. So they were both standing in the middle of danger. It would have been a lot more amusing to think about had they not been in the predicament as well. "You want me," The captain pointed herself to emphasize her statement. "To not only agree that we are 'like minded', but you also want me to agree to not fight you while we're here?" Runali started to say something else, something snarky, but she bit her tongue when she noticed the navy officers out of her peripheral walking away from them.
"Hm."
Runali hummed in thought for a few seconds, tapping her foot. "Risk or reward…. Risk or reward…" After those few moments, she reached over and nudged Luro's hand away from his rifle. "Not here. Not now. If I'm going to have a proper fight with the bird here, I'd rather not have to deal with the navy too." She thought for a moment before adding. "Besides Luro, you couldn't try to kill him if you wanted to- he's my target remember? No stealing!" She shook her head and then looked back at Nikos. "No fights here. But off this island, no promises. As much as I don't like this, and I hope you know I don't like this- it's a deal."

Nikos hand lingered near his sword as Runali seemed to respond to his offer with her usual sarcasm, he mentally sighed wondering if they were really going to finish their affairs here. Just as his hand was about to grip the sheath he stopped seeing Runali make Luro move his hand away from his rifle. He seemed a tad sad about not fighting but it seemed he respected that the Captain had claim to him, though he wasn't too pleased at having 'dibs' placed on him he supposed they were doing the same to Stardusk.
His eyes moved to the other members making sure they weren't reaching for their weapons either.
Ultimately he lowered his hand from his weapon looking back at Runali.
"…trust me I don't like this either pirate. We want nothing more than to finish our…conversations but letting you get captured by the navy isn't an option," Nikos said. "It's a deal then."
Luro grinned at this and quickly took Nikos' hand before shaking it.
"All right! Stardusk and the Ravens working together!"

Every Navy officer in the area immediately looked in the group's direction the base going still as all eyes fell to the small gathering. The color faded from Zilia's face, Nikos' eye twitched and Luro let out a small laugh.
"Oh right it's a secret…sorry."
"Raven's spotted! They're with Stardusk!"
The yell echoed in the area and every officer immediately drew their weapons and the group was surrounded by Navy in moments, one had to respect their organizations in moments like this. Gun were trained on them from every direction, the route to the ship cut off by multiple officers who gripped their weapons tightly and more approaching from the distance. A giant red light flew up near the cannon before exploding in the air, clearly a signal to others in the area.

"Luro you are the embodiment of stupidity!" Nikos exclaimed.
"We've barely been here five minutes!" Zilia wrote gripping her skull.
"Damn it! Messengers Gloves Off!"
Nikos grabbed his sheath and turning to Runali sprinted towards her, though he drew his sword slightly as he approached his ran past the Captain his body vanishing for a moment before reappearing behind the group of officers that stood behind them. Straightning his body Nikos spun his sword and slowly sliding it back into its home waited a moment before a small clink followed.
Crimson burst from the men behind Stardusk their bodies falling to the ground as Nikos let out a small sigh.
"Messengers we're escaping with Stardusk. Help them escape!"
"What?!"
Nikos was already running to the ship Tari already making preparations to leave.
"Where'd she come from?" Luro questioned as Tari jump onto the Lady Luck with Nikos.
"Hurry up Stardusk! Unless you like rotting in jail cells!" Nikos yelled.

The rifleman wasted little time firing at the crew, a shadow sliding in front of everyone, seven swords filled the air cutting at seemingly nothing though small sparks seemed to form with each movements of the blade, cutting the bullets as they approached. The owners of the blades stood with one drawn eyeing the rifleman. Nina turned her sword slightly and glanced back at Stardusk.
"I'm only watching the front anyone that can stop bullets should watch the side," Nina said.
The woman had sauce on her face which she wiped off a bit on her sleeve before turning forward again and continuing to stop any shots that were fired at the group from ahead.
"Wahooooooooooo!"
A loud yell filled the area accompanied by boisterous laughter; a few of the officers in front of the Stardusk went flying into the air as Kaim showed himself. He was using one of the officers as transportation grinning as he slid down the road with his makeshift ride. He spun in a full circle laughing as he dodged the attacks from the officers around him, his fists slamming into them sending them flying in different directions. Jumping he kicked the officer into his friends before landing in front of Jack.
"Yo thanks for the ride guys. You're the best. I got dibs on the crow's nest!" Kaim said running to the ship
"…I wanted that."
The rattle of chains suddenly filled the area and officers started to drop one by one as Ria calmly walked towards the crew, her sickles resting in her hands as she stared at the group with her half asleep gaze. She would casually lean out of the way of any attacks directed at her, cutting apart anyone that tried to attack her in a single motion. A yawn escaping from her she wiped her eyes throwing her sickles to the side before quickly pulling them back decapitating a row of men before tossing the blood off her weapons.
"…tired."
Ria walked past Stardusk and climbed onto Lady Luck paying no mind to the pirates behind her.
Zilia wasn't sure what was going on but there wasn't much time to think, the Navy weren't slowing down, the Messengers were cutting through a fair amount but for every one cut down ten more seemed to show up.
"W-wait for me," Kara jogged towards the group panting heavily as she carried a large brown case. "C-can somebody help me please!"
The Officers tried to attack the woman as she ran but any that got close fell to the ground moments later, large cuts on their necks, some gripping their throats as if someone had slit their throats. It got to a point a few of the officers cleared a path for the woman as she trotted towards everyone.
"G-gah why am I carrying all the supplies! Kaim help out too!"
"Busy!" Kaim said from the ship. "I'm helping Tari!"
"N-n-n-n y-y-y-you're n-n-not!"
Luro fired off a shot taking out one of the gunners but seeing two more take his place he grinned realizing he was going to need a few more bullets.
"Masu! Why didn't you watch Alicia! You know how much trouble she can cause!"
"This is your fault!"

"Huh… five minutes? Maybe a lil more?" Runali stood still, watching the area become a chaotic mess in the matter of seconds. "Not the fastest you've gotten us into trouble. But, probably the loudest and arguably the most dangerous." Runali watched as the Ravens appeared out of nowhere cutting down those in their way and heading straight for Lady Luck. "I'm.. almost impressed Luro. Almost." She turned her head to face him. "But you coulda did that before I decided to make the deal. Alright everyone, back to the ship!"

She shook her head with a sigh and took a few steps forward. Despite the navy surrounding them, Runali didn't seem to be as worried as she did when they first docked. She maneuvered around sword strikes and used other navy officers as shields when they shot at her. The ones that did manage to get close, someone else managed to take them down. She hadn't actually attacked anyone while she walked, too busy in her own thoughts. "If I stress about this now I'll just have a headache, I know it." She was talking to herself, walking towards a few of the navy with guns pointed at her. All the while, Runali remained evasive, not paying mind to the officers. She didn't need to waste energy on them, nor did she really want to.
"The Ravens are boarding my ship. First they sneak onto my ship and now they're boarding it. Does this still even count as a deal? I technically didn't shake his hand-"

Feeling the bullet graze against her face made her snap out of her own thoughts. "Oh." She realized the amount of officers and soldiers that had appeared. "Right." Armament colored both her arms. Without a moment's hesitation, she punched the ground as hard as she could causing the stone to crack and break under them. The soldiers were sent flying into the air and Runali took the opportunity to make a run for it. She didn't run at full speed, wanting to make sure all of her crew made it to the ship before she did. "Hey! Less brawling, more escaping!"

The moment everyone was on board and Kadi was steering them to 'freedom', Runali grabbed a knife- more than likely one of Jack's he had plenty- and pointed it at Nikos. "You or any of these other birds do anything stupid and you can swim to the next island. In fact, you can just save us the trouble and drown… You're lucky though. I like my ship so I won't fight on my ship." Runali's one eye narrowed at Nikos, but she eventually turned away, handing the knife back to Jack. "Alright Luro whatever you were looking for on that island we're not going to find it. So unless you want to ask the enemy themselves for that info- if they have it, we're gonna need a new plan." She sat on one of the barrels, reaching behind it to grab a 'hidden' bottle of rum. "I like the idea of dumping them on the nearest island."


Nikos sighed a bit as he watched the island start to fade into the distance, he watched as a few of the ships the officers tried to run too explode once they were on board. He closed his eyes glad they had sabotaged them just in case this happened. That wasn't going to stop the ships that saw the signal however, and he had a feeling an extra set of eyes were also watching them. Though he didn't have much time to contemplate it as a dagger was leveled at him. He stared unflinchingly at Runali his eyes narrowing slightly at her words.
"Believe me I'm not keen on sharing a ship with scum…but we made a deal. You keep your weapons sheathed we'll do the same. Ravens don't break promises. Nina put it away."
Nina sword half drawn put her sword away with a dejected look, the other Messengers didn't seem to keen on the matter either save Kaim who didn't seem to care either way. Though they were on guard seeing their leader being threatened but a glance from Nikos seemed to be enough for them to calm down.
"The sooner we're away from each other better. Tari where's the nearest place not occupied by the Navy or Renegades?"

Tari pulled a map out of her pouch and started looking over it, Zilia was busy admonishing Luro to pay much attention to what was going on the ship. Though when Runali spoke to him Zilia left him alone and Luro turned to look at Nikos.
"If it's information you're looking for we'll share it with you. Anything below Classification B anyway," Nikos said.
Tari flinched at this and looked up from the map, Nikos raised a hand to her seeming to silence whatever was about to come out.
"I don't like owing favors especially to the enemy. In exchange for a ride we'll answer any question they pose, again below Classification B. That way we're even."
"Really Nikos!" Luro exclaimed grinning at the man.
"We got a sudden job to destroy years old evidence on Savara out of nowhere. Then suddenly you all show up. That's too much of a coincidence. That and as I said I don't want to owe you, in exchange for safe passage and all that accompanies it we'll talk."
Zilia stared at Nikos who only looked over at Runali, he didn't seem to be lying. She didn't know him and these were some secret cult like people, but his words seemed sincere and the other Messengers weren't making any motions to attack them.
"That and if we fight here there won't be a ship left. Which means we'd get trapped too," Nikos added. "It's the wisest…though most irritating course of action."

Tari looked up from her map and walking over to Kaim pulled on his sleeve, when he leaned down she whispered something into his ear which caused Kaim's eyes to widen. Looking over at Tari she gave a small nod and Kaim walked up to Nikos.
"So how long are we stuck with them?" Nikos asked.
Kaim held up five fingers.
"Five hours. That's about what I expected."
"No…Five days…maybe."
Nikos immediately turned to Tari at this and she pointed at the map making a motion to the marks made on it, from their current location…they were surrounded by the marks.
"The Navy and Renegades got this place covered and thanks to that signal they'll be on high alert. If we approach any of those islands we'll get torn apart. The closest one without getting close enough to be discovered…is about five days away."

Nikos brought a hand to his face and Kaim placed a hand on his shoulder as his body trembled, it seemed he'd be speaking for the group since Nikos was gone.
"Well…it seems we're stuck with each other. So yeah…let's do our best not to kill each other right. Nina put it away."
Nina returned the sword to her sheath and Tari came over taking the swords off her person.
"Five…days…I have to stare at her face…for five days…" Nikos muttered under his breath. "Questions…for five…days…"
Zilia looked over at Kara who offered a smile to her; she took a small step away from her. Bumping into Luro she immediately stepped away from him before turning and putting her head against the mast.
"…this is a nightmare."

Runali was too busy downing the bottle of rum she had to care about being called 'scum'. Her brow raised however when Nikos mentioned owing them a favor. She stopped drinking and looked over at the group, not saying a word to them. Instead she looked over at Luro. "Alright buddy, there you go. It worked out after all. And we walked out with minimal injury." The last part was of course directed to Zilia- as if trying to be reassuring. Runali went back to drinking, feeling Nikos' gaze on her.

The moment she heard 'five days', she nearly choked. Both her and Nikos looked at Tari at the same time. There was a look of surprise followed by immediate disdain from the captain. Her hand lowered to one of her chakram, but she sighed and closed her fist. Instead, she finished the bottle and stood up. Turning on her heel, she faced the Stardusks and gave them her usual calm smile. "Alright crew. We've got a five day trip ahead of us. Jack, I do apologize for the surprise guests," Her voice was playfully formal, "But I do hope you can accommodate for extra mouths." She smirked a bit. "You can ration there's as you see fit of course."

Runali patted Zilia's shoulder and smiled at her. "No worries, at least there won't be a ship fight. And when we do have to fight, it'll be a pretty cool story to tell." She laughed a little. "Alright Kadi, Tari has a map let's try to make this five day trip… as quick as possible." Towards Alicia and Sara, Runali gave a cheshire smile, mimicking Luro. "And Sara, make sure Alicia doesn't cause a fight. Can't have her destroying my ship in one fatal sword swipe." CP had flown down from the Crow's Nest and perched herself on Sara's shoulder, eyeing the Ravens with as much caution as the rest of the crew.

After she addressed her own crew, including nodding to the bird, Runali seemed to relax a bit more. She turned to the Ravens, raising a brow at Nikos. For a moment, she just stared at him and spared a glance at the others. And then she crossed her arms and gave Nikos a mischievous smile. "Five whole days you get to live like the scum you hate so much. This'll be fun, yeah?" She snickered and shrugged, "I'd say there's available sleeping arrangements but that…" She gestured to her crew. "Is up for them to decide. I'd also say it's nice to have you onboard but I wouldn't wanna lie to ya."

 

[Capt. Blu]

Location: Out at Sea

The idea of a five day trip with their newly made enemies wasn't the most pleasant of ideas, but after about thirty minutes, Runali was back to her usual calm and carefree attitude almost as if nothing changed. She made little conversation with the Ravens, not really having anything to say. They kind of just existed in the same space for the most part.

The captain was mostly cordial to the Ravens… mostly. Despite telling Nikos she wouldn't remember any of their names besides his, she found herself remembering them anyway. Five hours on a boat together could do that- five days? Who knew what she'd learn about them. Runali for one wasn't used to the extra bodies taking up space on the deck of her ship. Normally, she could walk around with her nose in whatever she was into whether it was the newspaper or a map. The crew would walk around her or move out the way- or even turn her around, but now with the extra people she'd have to stop and huff.

"Kaim I swear I'll kick you if you don't move."

"Nina... go be weird somewhere else."

But eventually, later in that particular day, things had settled and Runali could actually have a glimmer of peace when the sun started to set. It wasn't like chaos had ensued the moment everyone boarded the ship, but Runali liked the fact that sailing was usually calming, so the tension that built every now and then was tiring and not very welcomed.

As the day grew later and she found Nikos by himself, the captain wandered over. At first she didn't pay him much attention, taking the time to sit on the ship's ledge and look out at sea. And for a few more moments it stayed quiet, only for Runali to finally speak. "So how long have you hated pirates? Learned trait from your folks or some... tragic vendetta?" Her gaze never left the sea as she spoke and there was nothing negative to her tone just… innocent curiosity.

Nikos couldn't help feeling a little guilty at the recent events, watching his Messengers wander the ship, some trying to stay out of the way others slinking into the depths of the ship away from prying eyes. It was his job to keep such instances from happening, now under his guidance they were on a ship with their targets stuck together in a fragile ceasefire. He knew the hatred some of his crew had for these people, and yet he asked them to stand next to them as if nothing was wrong. He'd be lying if he said it didn't eat at him, but they acted fine, smiled at him as if nothing was wrong, he wondered when they had gotten so perceptive as to read his emotions that easily.

Nikos tended to fish whenever he wasn't busy, and with quiet on the deck he wanted a moment to take his mind off things, and this seemed to be the perfect time. Just as he was losing himself in the slight rocking of the boat, the gentle whispers of the waves, his focus on the water below watching as the fish turned in the direction of his bait, their little eyes sparkling at the meal before them…it was ruined by a familiar voice. He kept his attention forward keeping his body still as he watched the fish's curiosity slowly inch it closer.
"I detest criminals…pirates just fall in there and since I was a child."
He answered the question but there was a clear disdain in his voice, he disliked having to share such things with this woman, but breaking his word wasn't an option and regretfully a question like that was answerable.
"Why are you a pirate? Folks….Tragic Vendetta?"
There was no sarcasm in his voice, and having met Runali's parents he more than likely knew the answer but seemed to ask anyway, there was a decent chance he was curious.

Runali snorted at his answer and his tone of voice, but she did nod towards after. When Nikos echoed her question, she couldn't help the small smirk before she rolled her one eye. "Wow, you don't know? After all the studying you guys did?" Her voice was flat and laced with obvious sarcasm before she straightened up and sort of shrugged. "Folks." She answered, leaving it at that for a brief moment to watch the fish. "Specifically my dad." Runali figured it didn't warrant a further explanation than that and didn't press into it. Just as he didn't want to tell them things, she wasn't too keen on giving them more information than they already knew.

However, one question did come to mind that made her turn her head to Nikos. "Was it a bluff?" She frowned a little and raised her hand before he could speak. "You 'detest' criminals. So you wouldn't go after innocent lives." Her brow raised, but she faced the sea again. "Unless you think it's some righteous cause- but then, you'd be no better than the criminals you 'despise'. And you don't seem that far gone- not yet at least."

Nikos kept his attention forward though his eyes lowered slightly at the woman's sarcasm. He merely shut his eyes at the response to his question, he didn't speak or reveal if he knew the answer but seemed content focusing back on his fishing. Her next question however caused him to glance in her direction; his brows narrowed a bit not sure what she meant by 'bluff' until she went onto explain. With a small sigh Nikos looked back at the water, it was a fair question especially considering their first encounter.

"There's no point having a code if you don't keep it," Nikos said. "Pursuing 'justice' or whatever you call it these days isn't simple…but we pursue pirates with titles. Killing a mother trying to live her life, a doting father, siblings, friends, lovers…what point is there in taking their lives just to take another…one's enough."
Nikos flexed his hand his line coming out of the water, a fish came with it and catching it he smiled a bit at his catch, with a chuckle he removed the hook before tossing the fish back into the water along with his line.
"So no we weren't bluffing. I stared your parents in the eyes after all. I merely spoke with, ate and had pleasant conversation. That was it; I have no intention of harming anyone you know. Save your pirate friends."

"Hm." The sound lingered as her answer, until she rubbed her face, pushing her eyepatch up. "Pleasant conversation? With my mother? Hard to believe." She chuckled a bit and then shrugged. "Looks like you're not just wolves in sheep skin," She paused wondering if that was how the saying even went. "Murdering people just for your own definition of justice or whatever." A small smirk grew on her face. "I mean, that's what pirates are for, yeah? How you see it, at least." Bored of sitting, she stood up on the ledge, casually balancing as she walked back and forth. "Speakin' of," Runali held out two fingers. "Two questions." She leaned a little to the side when CP flew from behind and landed in between her and Nikos. "Pirates with titles? You not high enough in the bird league to go after pirates like the Cutthroats? Or the Pirate Lord herself?" She took a small step forward, just to pet CP. "Or am I right and you guys just don't wanna admit you're fans?"

"On the contrary it was quite fine, she's a very nice woman," Nikos said. "Very…full of life."

He seemed to strain finding the right words, it was an experience meeting Daya he could say that, and she wasn't the kind of woman he'd start a fight with, but he had no intention of sharing that particular part. A small sigh escaped him at the wolves comment; they had been honest from the very beginning so it was annoying having to answer the same inquiries over and over again. Granted most didn't have the opportunity to realize they were being honest.

"Don't pretend to know my view on pirates Lev," Nikos said leaning forward a bit.

Nikos turned to look at CP when she landed, he blinked a few times at the bird and removing one hand reached towards CP, but he ended up pulling his hand back and focusing his attention forward again.

"Didn't get the order," Nikos answered simply to her question about the other pirates. "I'd go after the Cutthroats or Pirate Lord in an instant but they already have claims. Should they fail then the Messengers will deal with them. I have information on the Cutthroats, Red Pirates, Nova, Stardusk…well every pirate with titles. I had eyes on your cousin before you were even a Stardusk."

Nikos glanced over at Runali.

"I came after you because you're different. Very slightly anyway…since Waterdeep we've had a very close eye on you. It was a glance at first…but you made quite the splash in a few places. It's not a matter of being fans, you somehow got Makachi on a leash…well a temporary one…I wanted to meet the woman he finds so interesting. Can't speak for the others though."

There was another hum from her, amused by his answer of her mother. "I'm not pretending to know anything." Runali had her eye closed as she put on her best- as she would call it- 'Kadi impression'. "I'm simply… intuitively putting this puzzle together with the pieces of information that you've given me. You speak oh so righteously, so it's only fair that I get to make sure you…" Her voice trailed off as she looked for the right words. "Practice what you preach." The little nod she gave was as if she was confirming her own thought. The smile after only confirmed that she was trying to hold in a laugh.

Runali stopped her pacing and once again sat by Nikos' side. Though this time, she faced the opposite way so he wouldn't be on her blind side. "Huh. So a little lower on the ranking scale, gotcha. S'all good and fair. Not everyone can be the best of the best- heh, like we can." With how little she made actual eye contact with Nikos it looked as if Runali was just talking aloud. But every once in awhile she'd glance in his direction, watching his reaction or expression. At the mention of her cousin, Runali snorted and rolled her eye. "Well, I'll do you the favor of dealin' with him myself. Not like you'll get to really hear about it I suppose." With how casual Runali sounded, it could have been missed as an actual threat of the fight the two were supposed to have later.

A small smile appeared on her face and she laughed softly. This was oddly friendly for two people who promised to kill each other. "I'm 'different' to you too, eh?" The rhetorical question was left in the air.

"Luro's his own man- giant… alcohol mixed creature. There's no leash. Only an agreement made years ago that he's remembered to keep up with. So, I doubt you'll find any answers there, unless you ask him yourself, but you and I both know how good you are at talking to him."

Nikos fished up his line another fish flying into his hand, he looked over the fish and gave a small nod before tossing it back into the ocean. He went to bait his hook only to stop as Runali spoke to him, arching his brow Nikos glanced over at her.

"Lev making sure I practice the values instilled into me. How delightful, I hope you're proud," Nikos said glancing over at her with a half lidded gaze.

Nikos went back to his hook sighing a little at her comment of being the best, there were all manners of things he wanted to say but he wasn't letting himself getting pulled into her pace.

His hands stopped moving at here comment on Carabis only offering a nod, he wasn't all that interested in him, and little would be gained dealing with him.

"Well should you survive he's all yours," Nikos said. "I have no interest in him."

It was a tad difficult to focus on fishing with everything that was going on right now, he had the motions down but he couldn't clear his mind. Not just because of the questions being thrown at him by Runali but this situation in itself. He was having a conversation with someone he was going to kill…probably in a few days. It was a strange feeling to actually sit and talk with one of his targets at length, he had sat down with one before, learned information but this…this was almost a normal conversation.

"…hmm I doubt it's the agreement. Luro is a man who kills without remorse. Least that's how he introduces himself…or something along those lines. He probably hasn't been shy about trying to kill you either. Luro just finds it funny to kill people for a reason. Your promise gives him that reason. Until it stops being funny he'll probably keep it."

Nikos said this with a small shrug.

"Still I almost didn't take your bounty because of that. It was nice not to get a new report of another city wiped clean, an orphanage burned down, bodies strewn about on walls in funny ways somewhere. Long as he's with you all he behaves himself cause it's fun."

He closed his eyes at the thought of 'talking' to Luro.

"I spoke with him years ago, I have no interest in having any further conversations with that man. If not for the order I would have killed him the moment I was in range. He's a monster...he has the same grin, the same eyes. We spoke through battle and I learned everything I needed in everyone one of his movements. Perhaps you can't feel it...maybe you blind yourself too it, but I can feel his murderous intent from here, we know enough about each other. I want to kill him...he wants to kill me, that's the end of it."

Every time Luro was brought up, she noticed the… subtle change in Nikos. She didn't deny their history or anything that Nikos presented as 'fact'. But she could feel his calm manner seeming to slip ever so slightly. It was obvious just how much Nikos wanted to kill her carpenter, and hearing that he 'wasn't allowed' was all too amusing. Her eye closed again while she listened to him. And she slid the eyepatch back over her eye- not that it was easy to see with her hair in her face.
His words echoed in her head.

Until it stops being funny he'll probably keep it.

She pictured the face of the man that tried to kill Zilia only a few days ago. That crazed look in his eye was embedded in her brain when he faced her. It wasn't the first time she had seen it and she was sure it wouldn't be the last time either. That 'monster' Nikos spoke of… It was still there, Runali wouldn't deny it, but… there was something else there. Something that Nikos hadn't seen.. or maybe it was something new. Runali wasn't sure, and she didn't think she'd ever be sure. But she trusted the man Nikos called a monster and that wouldn't change, not even when it was finally time to fight each other. Luro put his life on the line for her and she wouldn't hesitate to do the same.

"It's... dangerous to assume things like that Nikos." Her gaze had focused on the deck of the ship. "You may have known him longer but," She slowly stood to her feet. "I've… actually gotten to know him." Her arms stretched over her head before she laced her fingers behind her back. "We've seen similar things Nikos. You're right. But your mistake is that you've seen them in the eyes of his enemy. Me? Well, as a friend of course. There's something you can't see that I can. Half blind and all."

Runali started towards her own room. "Anyways Nikos, it wasn't all that awful getting to know you a little better too. I'll leave you to your fish. Try not to attempt killing me in my sleep, okay? We still have a deal after all~"

Before she completely vanished past the door, she called out again, "Oh and if you want CP to stop eyeing you like food, just give her one of the fish you catch. She won't bite… maybe."

Nikos looked over at Runali as she spoke of Luro, defended him. He could tell she didn't know the pain that man had caused others, the suffering he took immense pleasure in. Since Nikos had the choice he didn't want to talk about it, the very thought of it made his stomach churn.

There was so little she knew that it was almost painful listening to her protect him, his other victims believed in him too, spoke of friendship and understanding and each time it ended the same way. Seven years…maybe more he's done this and moved to the next, but a part of him had to respect Runali. She had faith in her crew; if nothing else he could see that just fine.

"Seems like you're trying to convince yourself more than me," Nikos mumbled focusing forward again. "Friendship is different for that man…but its fine. I won't kill you in your sleep, I intend on looking you in the eye when you die. We offer our targets that respect, and there's no need to attack you in such a state."

Something in Runali's words bothered him, but he wasn't sure what to take from it. He was surprised how agitated he was, but there was a sense of serenity somewhere in there. He stared at his hand not sure what to make of it, that woman Runali Lev…was dangerous.

"…just as expected…she does have a different aura doesn't she…"

Nikos pulled another fish up and after taking a look set it near CP, glancing over at the bird he raised his hand slightly and reached out only to pull back. His eyes twitched a bit and he reached a bit further trying to pet the bird.

After a bit of hesitation he put his hand on CP's head, he didn't move at first waiting to be 'bitten' but when nothing happened he slowly started to pet the bird. Nikos' body immediately relaxed and a small smile found its way onto his face.

"…hah…how comforting…this softness is nice…I wonder if I should get us a bird…"

"Ah...you have to be my favorite Stardusk...well the only Stardusk I like...actually Zilia and Jack aren't too bad."

 

[Winter]

Alicia opened her mouth to protest Luro's words about her starting trouble before she released a sigh, casting a flat look towards Runali as she echoed his words with an order and a smirk. "Please don't encourage him... " she said softly before following after the others, stopping short and resting her hand upon the hilt of Shusui at the sight of Nikos. She didn't expect him to make a move, but there was little to gain in not being cautious especially when he belonged to a group that intended on killing them. Besides he was alone and she'd be foolish to believe his colleagues wouldn't be far away.

What happened next went as expected with Luro once again being unable to contain himself leading to trouble, causing her to pinch the bridge of her nose to contain her own irritation at his folly. "Next time it might be wise to invest in a muzzle" she commented partly to herself as Marines ran to engage them, her sword arm stroking a long arc in front of her as her black blade glided to deflect bullets away from her and those closest to her. The swordswoman turned with Runali, walking a pace behind her at her side as she continued to flick bullets away without much effort.

Once back on the ship she waited for everyone to board before casting off the mooring rope with her free hand, continuing to hit away gunfire till they were out of range where upon she'd turn and give Luro a clap around the back of the head for his stupidity, shaking her head as she walked on by to survey the horizons for signs of any Marine ships that might tail after them. Thankfully it seemed they were in the clear however, at least for the time being... which she had to admit was rather unusual since she'd expected to see white sails heading in their direction to cut them off.

Things didn't really get much better upon learning that the next five days would be spent sharing space with Nikos and his entourage, news that Alicia found difficult to swallow before letting out another of her trademarked sighs before casting another irritated glance towards Luro. But if that was Runali's orders than so be it, they would simply have to make do for now. "You know I like to think I'm able to perform without causing collateral damage" she responded when Runali mentioned her capacity to sink the ship with a single swing, though Alicia did at least manage a small smile in her response.

Once things had started to settle Alicia returned to her usual pastimes, remaining to herself as per usual at the bow of Lady Luck. The swordswoman sat upon her neatly folded blankets embroidered in Feian symbols and designs, cleaning her sword with various oils using taught disciplines learned from home, enjoying carefully brewed tea and sometimes even mediating to clear her mind and allow it to breath. Most of these things were pretty routine for Alicia and while she continued them while staying out of their 'guests' way, she did remain some what cautious in case they decided to break their temporary armistice.

As the sun began to dip towards the horizon casting an orange canvas across the oceans sky, she'd taken out her Ehru once more, playing the sun to it's slumber while blanketing the ship with a song from her homeland. Since Ray had left them they hadn't much in terms of music and while Alicia wasn't intending to fill that spot, she thought it nice from time to time to breath some of his life back into the ship every now and again. She wondered how the hopeless romantic was faring, flashing a small smile to herself for a breif moment before she drew the instrument close to her, drawing the bow stick to the strings.

 

[Eastwood]

Collab between @Eastwood and @Winter

​

A few weeks ago

Alicia and Sara weren't able to return to that island the day after their fight, for the ship and it's crew had business elsewhere. It was only until a month later that they finally had time and the opportunity to disembark and train upon solid ground.


It was late morning, as the sun started to climb higher in the sky. Like before, Sara had a basket by her side and this time was determined to enjoy its contents. Her experience in the Undersea had faded from her current thoughts and no longer felt as hostile as she had before. Still, she thought to herself, she was glad that she got those issues out of the way with Alicia and that she was going to be more open about the training. Sara said nothing, waiting for her teacher to speak first.


The mark on Alicia's face had more or less faded by the time the training resumed, having turned dark purple before fading lighter to a green, her usual color eventually returning. Alicia never told anyone what had really happened and saw no reason to say anything otherwise, for there would be no point other than to risk unnecessary drama. Joining Sara at the boat she carried with her a long rolled up cloth but said nothing about it as she set it down into the boat, "Are you ready? I trust you are feeling well?" she asked, needing to be sure Sara was in good health before they did any kind of training today.



"Yeah I'm feeling good, you?" Sara replied as she gradually lowered the jolly-boat down to the ocean. She took the oars, both of them, as she effortlessly started to row through the water. "So." Sara asked curiously, breathing steadily through her nose. "What do you have in the cloth wrappings anyway?".


It didn't take long for them to reach shore. Sara hopped out and dragged the boat deeper into the beach. "And what do you have planned for today, Alicia?"


The swordwoman didn't mind letting Sara do the rowing, not because it was anything to do with teacher respect but purely because she'd fear they would have a longer time getting there, Sara being far physically stronger than Alicia. When Sara asked about the cloth Alicia smiled, "Well I thought you might help me bury a dead body" she replied before softly laughing, "No, you will see soon enough" she replied, hopping out of the boat once they managed to reach the shore, taking a deep breath as she carried the rolled up cloth out. "Today we're going to do some physical sparing, I know you've been looking forward to it and I think given your progression and the effort you've put in it's more than earned... not that I'm doing this purely as a reward, this is very much necessary" she said with a smile before motioning for Sara to follow her.


She took Sara off towards a grassy area just off from the shoreline, not far from large jagged rocks with shallow sea water beneath them. Alicia would place the cloth on the ground before unrolling it carefully and neatly, revealing two Bokken training swords, and an additional one which was shorter. "These are training swords" Alicia looked to Sara, "They'll allow us to train safely while we work your swordsmanship, eventually we'll use metal but for now this would be the wiser decision. I even crafted you a wooden gladius myself... there were some failed attempts but I hope this one suits you well enough, should you choose to use it that is. There is a standard Bokken if you prefer" she said before lifting out a Bokken for herself.


"Was that a joke, Alicia? My, there is more to you than just the stern stoic warrior." Sara grinned teasingly as she kept rowing.


Sara observed the wooden blades and holding both the Bokken and Gladius in her hand. "This is well-made." She commented, admiring Alicia's handiwork as she twisted and turned the gladius. "I'm pretty sure you never even held my sword, but you got the balance just right." She laid it down to take the Bokken, matching Alicia's own choice.


She made her way opposite Alicia, standing ready with the sword in hand. There was an almost-mischievous grin on her face. "Hey Alicia, do you want to see something that'll weird you out?" There was no hint of malice in her tone, nothing to suggest that Alicia would come to any deliberate harm from Sara.


Alicia inclined her head in thanks with a smile when Sara complimented her handiwork. Luro was the skilled carpenter of the crew, but Alicia knew enough to be able to craft smaller wood items. Besides she'd had a whole month to work on it and get it right. She saw Sara pick up the Bokken and found herself rather surprised by her choice, though decided not to question it. Alicia would move herself over to the other side opposite the Gladiator before turning when she mentioned she had something that would 'weird her out'. Alicia raised her eyebrow before smiling and giving a light shrug, "Sure, why not".


Sara stood opposite her, her sword at the ready and her feet shifting into a stance. But this wasn't the stance that Alicia had seen Sara use before, but it was one that she recognized immediately. It was her own stance, her own style, perfectly mirrored in front of her. All the while, Sara's grin shifted into a smile. "Ready when you are."


The fight started and it was unlike any other fight that Alicia had fought. Every technique, every movement that Sara displayed was Alicia's style. She moved seamlessly from form to form, her sword effortlessly weaving in a fashion that was distinct to the Tashigi school. It was, for the most part, extremely uncanny.


The white haired swordwoman didn't seem weirded out but instead rather impressed as she beamed in response to seeing her own stance emulated so well. "Ah! Sara I am very pleased. You've been paying attention. I am most proud" she replied with a smile before the Gladiator voiced she was ready. Alicia nodded and gave a short bow before raising her Bokken, engaging Sara as the wood clacked together loudly. Alicia was impressed that Sara had managed to pick up her style so well, noticing how each of her movements were made with the same refined precision as some of her more adept students from home. However knowing her own style so well meant she was almost always ahead of Sara, sidestepping counters or parrying her attacks to push her back and gain ground. Sara handled herself better than Alicia would ever have dreamed with her own technique and never before had she felt so proud of her friend.


It felt much like when she'd spar with Satia and more recently when she'd taught Hanako. The swordswoman, who knew her own style more than anyone had one advantage within this moment that Sara didn't however and that was knowing where the holes were, the windows of opportunity that presented themselves between the swift elegant movements. Because of this Alicia would parry Sara, pressing the flat side of the Bokken against hers before stepping close, she would roll their swords so that her Bokken was pinned under Alicia's before raising the wood up hard into Sara's chest, deciding not to slam it into her chin for the sake of friendliness, before spinning on her heel and delivering a nimble back kick to the same part of her chest to throw Sara back.


Alicia would land back into stance as she turned, seeming very pleased. "I am very impressed!" she would say with a smile, "And very proud" her tone would come down into one of sincerity as she smiled and bowed her head forwards respectfully.



"Aww." Sara looked disappointed when instead of shock, Alicia just looked impressed. "You would be surprised by how many opponents died to that trick. That one moment of shock is all I need."


She kept using the style, partly for practice and partly because it made Alicia happy. Sara had never seen her beam up like this, that nostalgic expression suggested that fighting against a similar style was a happy memory. She was caught briefly off-guard and launched backwards, laughing as she landed. "You think I don't know the holes, the weaknesses, of your techniques? Hah! And if you're impressed, you haven't seen anything yet!"


What followed next was an onslaught of attacks from a multitude of techniques. There were elements of Alicia's style, but there was also fencing techniques, duelist-school attacks, and even a few military strikes and more. They chained and flowed endlessly in an oddly graceful but synthesized pattern that was borderline impossible to follow. Sara had ended it with a brutal two-handed strike against Alicia's sword, knocking it away before following it up with a shoulder bash, knocking her opponent down to the ground.


Sara looked down at her holding a hand out. "Good bout!" She smiled genuinely.


Alicia raised her eyebrow when Sara mentioned knowing her weaknesses, unsure how much truth there was in that before Sara opened up with an overwhelming variety of attacks that caused Alicia to have to concentrate and adapt fluidly as she blocked and parried, side stepping and nimbly flipping out of range to avoid some of the strikes. She didn't default to her power to overcome the Gladiator, that would have been unfair and pointless for both of them, so she continued to move and flow with the fight as she changed up her own movements as best she could, even taking her Bokken in both hands to block the heavier hitting techniques.


The last hit was unexpected and the power in it threw the smaller girl onto her back foot as her sword was bashed away wide, leaving her open to the shoulder which sent her to the ground with a small 'oof' sound as she landed. Normally she would have backwards rolled to her feet and prepared to re-engage but she saw Sara's stance shift to passive before her hand was offered out. Alicia smiled and took it as she was helped up, "Most impressive indeed Sara, good bout" she replied genuinely. "You have improved so much since we started, have you noticed?" she asked curios to hear what Sara thought about her training.



"Well to be fair, this is the first time we fought since last time and I did learn a lot from that fight. And you have been displaying your forms on the ship, so it wasn't very hard for me to learn from that." She took a firm grasp on her wrist and pulled her up effortlessly. "But I do admit." Sara confessed. "I can definitely see things faster, to put it in a way, and I don't get as tired as easily anymore. Plus, I do think my reflexes are lot faster. But…" She sighed. "I was expecting, well, more."


Alicia smiled, "Well I wasn't planning to hide anything from you. If you've learned my style and it helps keep you safe, then I am happy. You're my friend Sara, helping you become stronger is a positive to me, not a negative" she replied before listening as she explained about her training and improvements, nodding in agreement before noting she was dejected about how much more she's improved, guessing that she was expecting to be able to use the power by now. Alicia raised her hand hesitantly before placing it on Sara's arm, "These things take time Sara, you'll get there... I believe in you. We just need to figure out how to draw it from you, awaken it within your soul" she said reassuring the Gladiator before returning her hand to her side. "We'll work on it together until that happens... even if I have to knock you around the island till it falls out of you" she joked to try and elevate Sara's mood.


Sara blinked in surprise when Alicia called her her friend. "Well… thanks Alicia, you're my friend too." Sara said honestly. She felt the hand on her arm and felt no urge to move it away. "And wow. Two jokes in the span of an hour, Alicia, that's got to be a record. So, what's next?"


Alicia rolled her eyes with an amused smirk, though was happy to see her mood improved. "Very funny. Maybe if you spoke to me more instead of teasing me you'd notice my sense of humor" she teased back before she motioned with her head over towards the jagged rocks in the shallow water. "Next up is balance. You're larger and stronger than me, yet I managed to kick you away. I shouldn't have been able to do that, not really" she said before looking back to Sara. "We're going to stand on the rocks and do some light stationary sparing to try and knock the other off, the aim of the game is to keep your balance and not fall into the water" she said before adding, "And I brought towels and it's a pretty hot day, so I wouldn't worry about getting wet too much" she said before motioning for Sara to walk with her.


"Ah, but where is the fun in that? And the only reason you kicked me away was because I let you." While Sara appreciated the chance for some serious combat training, she didn't see the connection between this type of training and the other. Well, so far Alicia seemed to knew what she was doing, so Sara decided to follow her lead.


Sara wrinkled her nose at the prospect of fighting over water, even if it was shallow water. Nevertheless, she stood ontop of the rocks easily, her arms folded across her chest. "Ready!" She declared, adopting a low and wide stance, something that Alicia might recognize to be from wrestling.


"Oh good then you wont have trouble balancing and I won't have to hold back" Alicia replied simply to Sara's claim of letting her kick her back. Unlike Sara who climbed up, Alicia burst herself up and onto the rock with a blast of wind beneath her feet, nimbly twisting mid air before landing neatly on the rock. When Sara was ready Alicia nodded, "Alright, remember the focus is balance" Alicia's rock was more narrow, so Alicia stood with only one foot on hers, the other pulled up beside her leg to compensate and balance better. The swordswoman began, opening with a flurry of hard hitting attacks aimed at Sara's Bokken as opposed to her, wanting Sara to remain balanced through the variety of his strengths at different angles. Whenever Sara would remain balanced she would increase her strength and speed.


"Show-off." Sara said with a smile, flourishing her bokken.


With only one leg to support, Alicia couldn't commit all her weight to her strikes as she normally would have, so Sara was able to block all her attacks with ease. "...Are you sure you don't want to move to a different spot, maybe get a better footing?" Nevertheless, the strikes came surprisingly fast and strong so she maintained her absolute defense.


"I'm quite alright thank you" she replied, noting that Sara managed to keep balance. "Lets keep going, but this time I'm going to up the ante and hit a little harder" she said, taking in a deep breath before she started throwing swings infused with a bit of power, striking with strength similar to the first strike she'd delivered to Sara during their duel, when she'd almost hit her hard enough to loosen the sword from her grip. The wood strained from the blows, loud wooden clacks echoing from the rocks as the ocean gently pushed and pulled the shallow waters under them. It would seem impossible that Alicia was able to deliver this much strength standing on just one leg.


Sara's smile faded somewhat. So her poor footing, and impossible strikes, were deliberate. When the next strike came, Sara's sword lashed out coming into brief contact with the underside of Alicia's sword. Sara ducked, using her opening to rush the gap between the two fighters. She grabbed a hold of Alicia's kimono and effortlessly pushed her into the water.


She crouched down, looking down at Alicia, her hand at the ready to pick help her up. But there was no smile on her face this time.


"I thought we agreed that we were going to be more open with one another." Sara said, with no hint of judgment or accusation in her tone.


The image of Alicia would fade and dissipate as Sara looked down, as if her body had just melted away into the wind. There was a burst as Alicia would appear in the air behind the gladiator, twisting her midsection before her blade crossed across her chest with the point aimed for Sara, "Unmei no saigo no shudan!" a pillar of powerful air would slam Sara from the rock into the ocean below with reasonable force, not enough to hurt her since she was hitting water but enough to make a big splash as the swordswoman landed nimbly onto the rock, flicking the wooden blade before placing the tip against the rock, leaning her hands on the hilt as she looked for Sara to surface. Alicia was a little irritated that Sara once again wasn't getting the point, or allowing her to coax her around to seeing it for herself. The move she'd used was Alicia's Shudan, a wind based strike she'd used during the assault on Fort Nevis during the rescue period of her friends from Kane'Artem. She'd used it to launch a ships crew into the air, clearing the ship with one strike.


When Alicia faded, Sara closed her eyes. She knew what was coming and didn't bother to even move out of the way because what was the point? She resurfaced after hitting the water, sputtering and choking as the salt irritated her sinuses. "Okay." She panted, as she clambered back to where she stood. "I may have deserved that one, but my point still stands." She stood up on the rock, balancing herself deftly on one leg.


"Is this what you want me to do?"


Alicia honestly felt a little sympathy for her as she choked and spluttered before climbing back up, perhaps even feeling a tad guilty for launching her like a gladiator sized missile into the ocean. The swordswoman shook her head, "No Sara, come and sit" she said, making space on the small rock she stood on that'd previously been Sara's, crossing her legs as she sat to give Sara room. "First of all you grabbed me. We already know you're bigger and stronger than me, if you keep taking the easy option you'll never learn to get better through pushing yourself through the path less traveled" to be fair she had a good point, "Secondly, I can't always spoon feed you the point, sometimes I want you to see and or feel it for yourself. Apart of this is self discovery" Alicia continued, "I had to discover a lot of this for myself, my mother died before teaching me about the power. But you have me Sara, to create the situations and expose you to the opportunity for discovery yourself" she added with a smile. "Please know I'm really not trying to patronize you, or belittle you. I believe you're able to get this without me having to tell you... " Alicia sighed, "And I realllly don't want to get punched again... I was sick for a few days the last time" she added with a flat look.


Sara blinked in surprise but sat down quietly next to Alicia. In her defense, Sara was annoyed that she thought that she was given the run-around again but she didn't give voice to those thoughts. "Yeah…" She sighed, looking guilty. "I do appreciate you talking to me like this, and I know that you're not trying to be patronizing and I really do appreciate that." She sighed again, looking away. "... I guess it's not very fair, you put all your trust in me but I haven't exactly reciprocated. Okay Alicia, I'll put my trust in you. Now, what's next?"


Alicia appreciated Sara's response and once she was finished she tapped the gladiator on the leg reassuringly as she stood up, "Right, allow me to explain then" she said as she motioned to the rock she'd stood on, "When I was hitting you, I bet you noticed that the attacks were probably stronger than they should have been given I wasn't on stable ground?" she asked, waiting for Sara to nod or confirm it. "Well, you see what we can do, is infuse power through our strikes instead of generating force through our physical bodies in relation to our stance on even ground. But you already knew apart of that, so I'll explain further" Alicia adjusted balanced the Bokken between her elbows as she used her hands to explain to Sara while she spoke, "What it means is that we're not limited by the physical word, just like you wasn't in the wind tunnel, you got through it because you believed that you could, that you were confident in what you are capable of. Now then, it's the same principle here in theory and while I could explain the intricate details I want you to try this again, but I want you to try and focus more on what you can feel and less on what you know... if that makes sense, I know it's a little vague"


Alicia hopped back onto the smaller rock and turned, "Now, this time I'm gonna be the defender, I won't strike back, I just want you to hit me off. If you're confident enough, limit your balance more by raising your foot. But only if you're confident, don't fall and hurt yourself we're fairly high up"


Sara listened to the lecture intently, nodding where it was appropriate, and she absorbed the knowledge quickly. A lot of things were starting to click into place, and Sara had to wonder why Alicia didn't tell her any of this to begin with. If she could beat the wind tunnel, she could definitely beat this. "No, that makes sense." Sara concluded, standing opposite of Alicia, raising one leg up. "After this we'll break for lunch, yeah?"


The strikes came, nowhere near as fast or as strong as Alicia had done prior. Sara paused a few times, breathing in and out, before striking again. She maintained her balance, but couldn't deliver the strikes with the speed and power that Alicia had demonstrated.


Alicia fended off the attacks without a word when Sara began, blocking and meeting her blade without counters as she wanted Sara to adjust and try to increase her power absence of balance. She was pleased to find Sara managed it a few times, or at least, improvements but the Gladiator was soon tiring herself which was expected till she'd find the ability within herself. Eventually Alicia called for her to stop, "That's good Sara, we'll take a break and have some lunch for now" She said with a smile.


"You're doing really well, I think soon you'll get there. You're so close I can feel it… I might wonder though if maybe something is holding you back" she said, both to her and to herself as she frowned a bit. Alicia shrugged, "Ah well, we have plenty of time to work it out. Come, let's rest" she said as she hopped down from the rock, waiting for Sara to join her.


Sara exhaled sharply from her nose when Alicia said she was doing good. She didn't see why she felt the need to lie, for she already saw that it was pretty terrible. Regardless, she didn't say anything as she hopped down and followed her down. She opened up the picnic basket and her gloomy expression brightened.


"All right!" Sara started to rummage around in the basket and pulled out a cloth bag filled with nuts and dried fruit, two loaves of bread, two canteens of water, two cups, and brown paper packaging that was tied loosely with string. With shining eyes, she opened it up to reveal thinly sliced ham, holding it up for Alicia to see. "It's prosciutto ." She said, taking one with her hand throwing it in her mouth. "It's from Tilea, try it!"


Also from the basket, she pulled out a bottle of wine, that Alicia would recognize from the time they shared tea and wine together. Without even asking, Sara filled up a cup with water and wine and held it out for Alicia to take. "Come on." Sara said, grinning. "It's a nice day, why not enjoy it?"


Alicia would ease herself down into a comfy spot and take a steadying breath as she allowed herself to settle, allowing Sara to reveal the contents of their lunch as she observed. She eyed the ham curiously before taking a piece graciously, "Thank you" she replied before setting it aside to have it with a piece of bread that she'd taken from one of the loaves. Seeing the familiar cup of poison she looked thoughtful about it before she decided to concede to it, "I suppose it's ok, though we should probably finish training for today since training while having had alcohol is a recipe for disaster" she replied before taking the cup with thanks. As before she would take a small sparing sip before pulling a face, still not quite used to the sharp bite of it compared to the usual tastes that passed through her palette. She would set the cup aside before arranging herself a small collection of food, a little bit of everything for the sake of variety.


Sara leaned back, resting the back of her head with her hands, taking a sip from her mug and sighing contentedly. It wasn't often that they stopped on an island long enough for Sara to relax, so she savored the moment. It really was a nice day, and not a cloud in sight to marr the perfectly blue sky. After a moment, Sara asked a very odd question from out of the blue.


"So, who do you think is more attractive; Jack or Ray?"


Alicia almost choked on some water she'd placed beside the wine at the question, having been caught off guard by it and more so coming from someone like Sara who seemed way more concerned with training and fighting than boys. She blinked a few times as she recomposed before she did what she usually does and gave the question some considerable thought. "I have to admit that is the last thing I expected to be asked today, but alright I suppose there's no harm in such a topic" she replied at first before placing a piece of dried fruit in her mouth as she thought about it. "I would have to say, Jack" she replied simply, "He's friendly, can cook and he's quite an attractive gentlemen" she felt her cheeks warm as she embraced the topic but tried to ignore it as best she could, "What about you Sara?" she asked curiously.


"Hah, great minds think alike!" Sara kept looking up at the sky, but there was a smile on her face. "Going down the list, it really boils down to those two. Luro's, well, Luro and Kadi, while handsome, gives me the creeps at times. While Ray is extremely charming and handsome, and that hair, I haven't known for very long and from what I did know of him, he acted more like a little bitch and that's never appealing. Jack definitely gets the cake. Now, if only he would cut off that… hideous mop that he calls his hair."


Alicia listened to Sara with a smile of amusement across her features as she explained her reasoning in far more detail. The swordswoman meanwhile sipped from her water before taking a bite from the bread with the ham, rather enjoying the flavor. "I'd gotten to know Ray and after he made a pass at my little sister... well if there had been any attraction, it'd have died there and then" she gave a soft chuckle. "As for your reasoning, it seems to me you've given this some thought" she said with a smirk, an almost teasing expression before she continued, "Why not ask Jack out on a date?" she said, raising her eyebrow.


"Hah!" Sara wasn't at all surprised to hear that Ray flirted with Alicia's sister. "I didn't know you had a little sister." She commented. Sara really didn't know that much about Alicia, now that she thought about it." Sara turned around to face Alicia, a teasing smile on her face, as she made a rough ham sandwich and tore into it, washing it down with dainty sips from her wine. "Oh no Alicia, I wouldn't dream of it." Sara said, magnanimously. "Our humble and beloved cook is all yours. Okay, now here's a thinker." A wide grin grew along her face. "Who's more attractive; Zillia or the Captain?"


Alicia rolled her eyes to Sara's response and took another sip from the wine before eating a few more of the dried fruits. "I call her my little sister but she's actually only a few years younger than me... I suppose she'll always be that to me though" she confessed with a small smile before listening again as Sara posed her next question, causing Alicia to sit up a little as she gave it some thought. "Hmm, that is a difficult one. I would have to say the captain, she's somewhat mysterious with a refreshing carefree attitude" she replied simply before taking another small sip of her water. "And your choice would be?" she returned the question same as before.


"Really?" Sara sounded surprised but let Alicia explain her reasons as she considered them. "I think Zillia's more attractive, her muteness and smallness is actually really cute and endearing, like you feel the need to protect her or something. Plus she is a good doctor, a great one, and that's never a bad thing, especially in this line of work."


Sara sighed, and her mood seemed to shift to melancholic. "If you had a choice, to go back over and pick a new line of work, would you do it?"


Alicia nodded as Sara explained her choice. She couldn't say she would be attracted to the same details but Zilia was indeed cute, that much was true and she was sure everyone on the crew would agree with that. She finished her piece of bread and ham and decided to settle with the wine as they continued to talk, once again considering her question before she shook her head. "No, I'm quite content with my choices and who I am. Although if I had to choose... I think I would have probably done something musically. I've been told I can sing pretty well and before you ask no I won't show you" she smiled, "Believe it or not there are some areas I'm simply not confident in and singing in front of others is one of them. I can however also play the Ehru" she added. "What would you be given the choice to start over?" she asked.


"Oh, that's a shame, I would've liked to hear that." Sara sounded genuinely disappointed, although somewhat puzzled. "And what's an erhu? I'm guessing it's that cello with missing strings that you keep in the hold."


Sara sighed again. "Well, it's not like I had much of a choice. I didn't choose to be kidnapped, I didn't choose to fight when I was sixteen and shoved into that arena, and I certainly didn't necessarily choose to leave home and be a... criminal. Although..." Sara couldn't help but laugh a little. "I guess I only have myself to blame for that last one, I was the one who did make that bet after all. So in the end, I don't know what I would choose, if I had the option to go back and start all over."


The swordswoman nodded, "That's the one, it has a much different sound than a cello. Perhaps I will play it for you at some point, though it's an acquired taste in terms of sound I believe" she replied before listening as Sara explained a little about her past, giving a slightly sympathetic expression before her eyebrow raised. "You know that no one is making you stay, right? You are free to leave at any point" she replied before adding, "Though I agree, the bet is definitely your own doing" she gave a small smirk, "Overconfidence will do that to some people" she jabbed in good jest before taking a small sip from the wine.


"No." Sara said firmly, frowning at the implication. "I made a promise and I fully intend to keep it. My word is one of the few things I own in this world, and I am not going to throw it away on a whim. Besides." Her frown shifted into a smile as she rolled onto her back to stare back up at the blue sky. "I don't hate travelling with Stardusk, even with all the trauma that comes with it. Runali is the best boss I have ever had and the rest of the crew are so dependable that I feel like I want for nothing. Every day brings something new so it's impossible to get bored. One day we get attacked by bounty hunters, the next we're dragged down to what I still think as hell. And besides." Sara grinned. "I'm not leaving until I kick your ass."


Alicia gave a short simple shrug when Sara explained that she would not abandon her word. She understood it but to the crew Alicia was least of all their slave or someone they were forcing to be around. She was apart of the crew because they wanted her to be, Runali herself had already made that much clear from what Alicia could remember. "I agree, we seem to attract the most peculiar of situations and while they can be stressful and sometimes exhausting I can't argue that it quenches the lust for adventure rather well, not to mention the company is great, as you pointed out" Alicia took a small cloth and wiped her mouth clean neatly before she balled it up as Sara mentioned kicking her ass, causing the swordswoman to close her eyes and shake her head a little before she gave a small smile. "Then be prepared to be among this crew for a very long time Sara" she replied.


"I'm not going anywhere." Sara laughed. "Besides, I appreciate your company far too much to hurt you that badly. After all the time we spent together, I don't even feel the urge to stab you anymore." She smiled teasingly. "Even at your most obnoxious."


Alicia perked her eyebrow again, "My, how fortunate for me" she said in a semi sarcastic tone, half in good humor before she straightened her posture and closed her eyes, letting her other senses take over for a moment. "Besides I'm not obnoxious, you're just a sensitive flower that requires a certain approach" she grinned, eyes closed as she let herself pay mind to the air washing through the leaves and the slow creep of the waves against the shoreline, the songs of the birds as they fluttered between the tree canopies. The air would gently kick against her silvery white hair caught in the cooling breeze against the warm rays of the sun, though the swordswoman appeared quite content.



"You're right." Sara nodded her head appreciatedly. "I am a flower, the prettiest in the garden. It is only fitting that I deserve a certain approach. And you should feel fortunate, I don't spend my time with just anyone, y'know." Sara leaned back, smiling peacefully, as she let her senses catch the sounds and smells of the island. She couldn't remember the last time she had felt so at peace, even before she joined Stardusk. It really was a beautiful day.


Alicia shook her head while keeping her eyes closed, "Now if only you would move as gracefully as a flower we might get somewhere" she teased. "But thank you, that's kind of you to say... I think" she added before drawing in another composing breath before opening her eyes again. She would neatly put away what she used for lunch, ensuring she left nothing behind that would infect the natural beauty of the island, littering was something quite detested by Feian's which is why Yula Fei itself was a very clean place. "So, what shall we do with the rest of this day. I'm in a good mood so I think the choice can be left to you this time" she said with a small smile.


"That's a silly thing to say." Sara grinned up at her. "Have you ever seen a flower uproot itself and walk away?" She finished her makeshift sandwich and drained the last few dregs of her wine before she helped Alicia pack up. There was no sense in despoiling the beautiful environment, so Sara simply didn't do it. She examined her bottle of wine and found there to be very little left, just enough for two cups. Sara turned to face Alicia, swirling the bottle lazily. "... Enjoy the rest of the day and relax?"

The white haired girl closed her eyes and exhaled a sigh as she shook her head a little, albeit with a small amused smile. "Nevermind, I think some of my metaphors might be lost on you" she replied before she finished packing everything up with Sara, eyeing the bottle before looking at the larger woman. "Sure, why not" she shrugged before she stood up and stretched before reaching down and picking her cup from the floor, "You may need to educate me in how to relax, I think we both probably have different opinions on how we'd go about that and… well I'm up for learning something for a change" she smirked.



Sara laughed softly as she filled the two cups, smiling as she passed one of them to her friend. "Yeah, or maybe you need to get better metaphors." She snickered, leaning back against the rock and sighing contentedly as she stared up at the blue sky. A few moments passed by before Sara suddenly turned to face Alicia, a very serious expression on her face. "Sure, but first, I want to know your secret."


Alicia rolled her eyes before taking the cup with a small smile and a gracious thanks, once again taking small sips between long breaks to ensure she didn't intoxicate herself and probably end up losing control. She'd still never really been drunk, close to it on a few occasions but she'd never let herself go too far with it, possible out of fear to some degree. She looked towards Sara when she asked about her secret, causing her to blink as she paused, unsure if Sara was making a joke or asking a serious question. "My secret?" she replied, "What secret?" she said as her brow furrowed a little, almost concerned as if there was something she herself was not in the loop about.


"Yes, your secret." Sara got closer to Alicia, practically up in her face, still very serious. She gently grabbed ahold of her wrist and started to run her fingers up and down her forearm. "You spend just as much time in the sun as I do, and yet you're so pale and your skin is so soft! How?! When we were in Sumter Island, and you were wearing practically nothing more than a bikini, you didn't even get slightly burned from the sun. Do you realize what I have to do to make sure I don't get burned? So, your secret, tell me!"


The white haired Fein girl swallowed a little as Sara got up closer to her, half suspecting she was about to get punched again. Because of this she flinched when the Gladiator grabbed her wrist, becoming tense when she realized what was happening as her face expression conveyed her discomfort. "Ah I see" she replied before she would pick up Sara's hand from her arm and place it beside her in an almost comical fashion, "Well first, you know my touch policy... I have no idea why you and the others keep breaking it" she said with a light smile, though her expression was stern. "Secondly Yula Fei is a tropical and subtropical country, we have hot weather most of the year round. However our pale complexions seem to be more something of our racial characteristic. It does also suggest to our historians that perhaps Yula Fei wasn't always where we lived, that maybe we moved there early during our rise from earlier ages. The weather is also the reason for our clothes, our 'bathrobes' as you call them keep us cool during the weather" she replied.


"But as for why I'm so soft, come with me I'll show you what I use" she said before motioning for Sara to join her back at the ship. She would take her back to her room, a place people very rarely would get to see. Once inside Alicia would go to a drawer and pull out a glass bottle with a bulbous base and thin neck with a finely crafted glass cork in the top. She would pull the cork with a satisfying 'pop' before bringing the bottle over, sitting next to Sara. "May I borrow your arm for a moment?" she asked politely, placing a pillow on her lap and motioning for Sara to rest her arm upon it.


Sara frowned at the reminder of her no-touch policy. She felt it was a bit unfair and one-sided, given that Alicia seemed to start touching her on a semi-regular basis, but she did not voice these concerns. Curious though, she put the empty bottle back in the basket and carried it alongside their two battered mugs of wine. She rowed the pair back to the ship, spilling only a few drops. She let herself be lead to her 'room' and sat down next to Alicia. Her curiosity compelled her to delicately take the bottle and let her senses inspect it. "What is it?" She asked, handing the bottle back and letting Alicia take her arm. With her free hand, she reached for her mug and took a few sips.


The Feian swordswoman closed her palm over the mouth of the bottle before tipping it, letting the contents wet her palm before she placed the bottle aside onto her side table, rubbing her hands together as she replied. "It's an infusion of various plant extracts found from flora in Yula Fei, my mother used it and so does my sister" she said before applying it to Sara's arm, rubbing it into her darker skin till it dissolved entirely. "Let your arm dry for a few minutes and then see for yourself" she let the Gladiator remove her arm before placing the pillow aside and recorking the bottle, standing to place it back in it's designated place. "You don't need a lot of it either, a small amount goes a long way so a bottle can last quite some time. Once you use it regularly your skin should start to change long term".


She felt Alicia's gentle touch and relaxed, letting the lotion do its work. After a few minutes, she delicately touched her skin and her eyes shone up. "Wow, it's already working!" Like many Tilean women, she had to use pork fat to soften her skin but, unlike Alicia's concoction, it had the unfortunate effect of leaving the wearer smelling much like a sausage. Mentally, Sara made a note to pick up a crate or two of the stuff should Stardusk ever find themselves in Yula Fei.


She kept rubbing at the smoothened skin in awe, until she noticed the stringed instrument that Alicia liked to play. "Hey Alicia." She said, still staring at the instrument. "Remember that you asked me how to relax? Well…" Sara tapped Alicia's still half-full glass and pointed at the instrument. "Wine and music are a good place to start. Play me something, something nice please."





Alicia turned and looked towards her Ehru, the slender wood of the instrument carved with the same elaborate patterns that adorned most items from her homeland. She looked towards Sara as she asked her to play something and was a little hesitant at first, mostly because she played it for her own enjoyment and hadn't been asked to play for someone before. "I think I know a song, although I warn you the Ehru is an acquired taste" she replied before gently lifting the instrument from it's wooden stand, taking the bow string with her other hand before settling herself down in a chair in the corner of her room, letting her balance the instrument comfortably. She considered for a moment what to play before she allowed a small smile to grace her features, drawing the bow against the strings.

After a minute of the song playing from the instrument Alicia eventually closed her eyes and allowed herself to immerse in the music of her home, almost letting herself imagine being there again in the gardens of her estate under a blanket of stars. The peace the instrument brought her was unparalleled and it reflected in her soul as she poured it into the music. Eventually the song would come to a close and the Feian would open her eyes again before exhaling a content sigh. "It's been quite some time since I've played that, it always has a way of bringing me home" she said with a soft meaningful smile.


Sara quietly listened to Alicia play and, when she was done, gently applauded. " Bravo, Alicia, bravo! The warning was entirely unneeded, that was beautiful to listen to. Thank you for sharing that with me." There was unabashed admiration on Sara's excited features as she leaned in closer to Alicia. "Outside of sword fighting, I didn't know you were this talented. What other songs do you know, I would absolutely love to hear more from you."


The praise from Sara provoked a very light redness to Alicia's pale complexion. Coming from a modest culture she wasn't used to being complimented for her ability or talent. Swordsmanship was one thing but this was something more personal to her after all. "Thank you Sara, I'm glad you enjoyed it" she replied softly before setting the instrument back down again. "I'd love to play some more but another time I think, we have some more work to do in the coming weeks and we should both get some rest" she replied before turning towards the Gladiator, "Unless of course you're content on letting me continue to be stronger than you for the rest of your life" she teased, deciding to lighten the mood a little with a little friendly poking.


For a moment, just a moment, the thought of being lesser to Alicia didn't bother Sara. Caught off guard by the momentary lack of pride, Sara could only look away and sigh, trying not to look too disappointed. "Okay, I will hold you to that." She stood up, brushing away imagined dirt from her trousers, as she took both mugs and the empty bottle away. Seeing as Alicia was going to drink hers, Sara saw no reason to waste perfectly good wine.


Alicia politely held the door open for Sara as she gathered herself and her things before stopping her at the door, "By the way, I wanted to say thank you… for showing me that it's ok to relax every now and then. I had fun" she said with a smile before she inclined her head respectfully, a cultural tendency but genuine nonetheless.

 

[SilentxChaos]

​

After his drunk episode, Jack appeared no more relaxed, but at least he was sleeping again. He made a point of being extra-nice to Luro, appreciating the giant a little more, and secretly feeling guilty for calling him a psychopath. Things slipped out he rather wish to keep hidden when he drank to much.

Jack came to the captain's side as they finally approached Savara, readjusting his knife bandolier while frowning at the coastlines. He frowned at the sight of the giant tower. "That seems… ominous."

He looked down when Zilia approached. "Got everything?' he asked, noticing her bulging medicine bag.

Trust was an odd thing. Ever since Luro's uncontrolled moment, Jack felt protective over Zilia. He did his best not to hover yet it couldn't go quite unnoticed the number of times he stopped to "grab a book" or make "casual conversation". He also kept an eye on Luro. Though he was grateful to the redhead man, and harbored no ill will, Jack was just as ready to unsheathe his blade as the day on the beach if a hint of insanity reoccurred.

The cook fell silent until they docked. The captain's caution to the bristling military presence eased him somewhat, and so he ended up boarding after Alicia when they finally reached the docks. As they started leaving the pier, Jack glanced at the notice boards. Towns like these often had a variety of information, from worldly news to military protocols (particularly in a town crawling with the navy), and, of course, latest bounty information and how to cash in at your local deputy's office. A couple bounty fliers caught his eye; one made him do a double-take. While the others paused to plan next steps, Jack inched over and ripped one of the fliers off and stuffed it inside his waistcoat.

Things predictably fell apart after that.

Jack flicked a hidden knife into his hand the moment Nikos appeared. Only the captain's reaction and the sudden realization of their precarious predicament prevented the cook from driving it into the Raven's neck. He nearly threw it at Luro when the carpenter yelled, obtaining the attention of every marine within their vicinity. Jack passed a hand over his face and groaned. I seriously question what I see in him.

****
​

Jack Kunal barred the door to his kitchen. It was a stupid, preventive measure that made him feel more secure nonetheless. The Ravens were aboard. Withdrawing to themselves, and Stardusk replicating, as everyone acclimated to their newfound situation. Five days...five days with the enemy on board.

A hand went to his shoulder, the other curling into a fist, as he leaned against the doorway. I'm surrounded again. Danger on all sides…slinking in shadows. Nikos' words echoed in his head. The Ravens were obligated to answer any questions falling beneath "Classification B", which Jack guessed as a ranking system to however the Red Ravens arranged the importance of their information. Doubtless it was any info that could endanger the Messengers, or the organization at large, and probably more but what Jack had no way of knowing. Yet.

"No." The word escaped him, soft and strained.

A long moment of silence passed. With effort, Jack vaulted from the door. Going over to the fireplace, he grabbed some matches and lit it. "Probably should make some tea...ease everyone's nerves," the cook talked to himself. He reached into his waistcoat and pulled out the bounty. It was old. Most the ink had faded beneath the blazing sun, its edges torn, the paper brittle and wrinkled. It had to be months out of date. Jack glared at the picture.

Time to put the mask back on, Jack.

"I can't."

You don't have a choice.

Jack closed his eyes. He believed, if just for a brief moment of time, he could really be the cook of Stardusk and nothing more. Even the title Tenebrous Bodhisattva would've been acceptable given time. Shaking his head, he crumpled the bounty and tossed it into the fire. Trust was an odd thing. He'd no doubt, when it came to frontal assault, his crew had skill, power and no small amount of luck on their side. As Luro told him that one windy, drunk night, there's no way to fight the Ravens on one's own. But they were destined to fight them separately, and at a severe disadvantage in knowledge. These next five days would be his- their- chance to to turn the tides. Learn more. If they were careful. Together as a crew, Jack trusted his crew could pull out fine. But individually?... the odds were uncertain.

No better opportunity would ever present itself. All Jack had to do was….reach out and take it. Just this one time.

"Just this once," Jack muttered and nodded to himself.

Standing up, the cook started to brew some tea, and practice hi smiles.

Over the next five days, nothing really changed in the cook, except he seemed cheerier and more extroverted than usual. He made casual conversation when addressed, and was often found on the deck watching people with a cigarillo. He went about his daily routine as if their current enemy was not inches apart, sharing the same space. Only to those who knew him best felt the rift that had opened, and he never seemed more distant.

 

[Mizos]

​

Kaim rested on the deck of the ship near the bow, his eyes focused on the cloudy sky above, a small smile on his face as he took in the day and everything it had to offer. Nikos had yelled at him for letting his guard down, but it was hard to be on guard when the weather was this nice, how could one not relax at least a little.

It was surprisingly entertaining being on the ship, he didn't expect it to be boring as they were living in the same place as their future murder victims or future murderers. Yet there was something interesting about being this close to Stardusk, they had watched them but to actually watch them while they know they are is a whole other experience. Watching their sideways glances, seeing the tenseness in their shoulders, especially Zilia's was just entertaining. He kind of wished they could do all jobs like this, but admittedly it would be hard to get information out of their targets.

This was his preference though, just being straight and upfront was easier, though the others weren't happy about this order it felt nice to just talk casually, Kara felt the same but she had more shame than he did so it was a little harder for her.
"Ah right this is a good opportunity," Kaim said before sitting up. "Sara should be nearby or something right? Can't pass up a chance like this."
Stretching his hands above his head letting a few of the cracks out Kaim grinned.
"Sara! Oiiii! Where are you!"

Sara, during their exodus after just five minutes on a new island, did not do anything. She did not unsheathe her weapons nor ready herself in a fighting position. She did not stop to question why the Ravens were escaping with them instead of leaving in their own ship that they presumably came in to get to the island in the first place nor did she stop to help them. The island, and the trip to get there, was all of course a complete waste of time.

To pass the time since they had all come aboard, Sara had opted to dedicating the early afternoon to pull-ups and sit-ups using the bowspirit of the ship. If she fell, she would be dragged under the ship and most likely drown, but the danger of the exercise, she felt, only added incentive to properly do it. With one last hoist of effort, she hauled herself back up and walked backed onto the deck, scanning her surroundings for the sight of a redheaded giant. After learning that he had attempted to kill Zillia, she kept an eye on the gunsmith in case he did anything radical, like blow up the ship.


"Yeah?!" She called back, distracted once she saw it was Kaim. "What do you want?"


Kaim had noticed that Sara really put in her work during the early start of the day; it was quite invigorating to watch. Nikos told him he wasn't permitted to train near Stardusk due to his lack of civility, but he had asked for permission to train below deck at night. Granted he had woken Luro a few times in the process the man being a surprisingly light sleeper for how much drink he had before passing out.

"Hey you're done training right? We should play a game or something. I got cards and all kinds of stuff. We can even make it a little more interesting if you want," Kaim said.
After saying this he made a motion with his hand causing a deck of cards to appear in it, he arched his brows a few times at Sara.
"Doesn't have to be money if you don't want it to be. It's a fun game, if you win a hand you can ask something of the other person, or order them. We can make rules of course at what can be asked and what can't. I'm all kinds of bored since I can't really do anything and everyone else is busy or avoid me. Help me out here Sara."

Sara raised an eyebrow at this. "... Don't you want to kill me and all my friends?" She let it hang as she stared as the deck of cards, seemingly on the fence on something, before asking. "What's the game?"

Kaim grinned as he held his hand out and let the deck fly into his other hand in smooth transition; her question was an obvious but decent one. It did make a bit of sense that playing a card game with the enemy was a bit…out there but he was bored.

"Well yeah eventually we have to go after you guys. However we are Ravens, not pirates or thieves. We do our utmost to keep promises and deals, part of the code so I'm not going to attack you here. I mean just cause we have to try and kill each other doesn't mean we have to be all mean all the time. That's just boring right, being mean to someone all the time, making angry faces and glares, too much effort."

Kaim smiled and divided the cards evenly in his hands.
"The game's called Barnacle Valley, you've probably played a game similar to it," Kaim said kneeling down.
"Two decks are put down adjacent to each other and you each draw one card from each deck. You then look at the two cards put one down face up and the other face down. You flip them over at the same time and the one with the larger sum wins that round."

Kaim spread out the deck revealing the cards were numbered one to ten indicating their values before folding them back together.
"However the fun part is when you call Valley. Let's say I put a ten down face up and you have a two and four in hand. Obviously no matter the card I turn over you lose. In that case you can call Valley and you get to guess whether my card is higher or lower. If you guess right…then you get that card and I lose it. So if the card was a five then that makes eleven and you win the round."
Kaim stood back up after his demonstration and held out half the deck to Sara.
"It's hard to cheat in the game too due to rules and the fact we each cut our own decks…whaddya say?"


Sara nodded, following along with the rules. And due to the fact that the game was designed where it was hard to cheat only made it inevitable that cheating was going to arise. "Sure I'm game." She said, sitting opposite of him. "What are the stakes?"

Kaim almost jumped hearing Sara's agreement and immediately starting cutting his cards, at her question at was at stake Kaim brought a hand to his chin. He supposed they could gamble what the Raven's generally gambled, it did make the game more fun and far more intense when the stakes were a bit higher.
"Hmmm I don't really care what the stakes are but in the Messengers we gamble secrets," Kaim said fanning the deck out.
"Secrets are the most precious things to a Messenger, it's our job. Normally we can't play this with targets but you do have up to Classification B privilege sooo that's not too bad."

Kaim quickly brought the cards together as one.
"We including me have been watching you all for a bit now. Every fight, every exchange, every high and low moment. I believe we both know the advantages of watching someone for a long time, you learn a lot. Yet you know little to nothing about me. That doesn't seem fair especially when I'm trying to kill you…well eventually. I feel bad knowing all this stuff about you and you knowing next to nothing about me."
Kaim set the deck down on the right side and grinned at Sara.
"If you win you can ask me a question and I'll answer truthfully. I win I ask you question and you answer truthfully. You can even ask my measurements though I'm shy so I'd prefer you not do that."
Kaim rested his arms on his legs and grinned.
"Good chance to learn about your future opponent and pleasant company, what could be better? Heck we can even share something random if you don't like the question bit, though it's gotta be something juicy."

Sara nodded, understanding what was up for play. She didn't see Kaim fight so she had little idea as to what were his methods beyond unproven hypothesis, so this was a good opportunity to fish for secrets. She then sat down opposite of him and took the second half of the deck of cards, shuffling them thoroughly while keeping an eye on his hands.

A small smile formed on Kaim's face and he clapped his hands together pleased to have a playing partner. With the other Raven's occupied there wasn't much to really do here, and fun as it was to relax on the deck he needed some kind of interaction. He didn't really pay attention to Sara's shuffling merely doing the same with his, using the same fanciful flavor he was earlier. He kept his eyes closed humming to himself just letting himself go through the motions, there was nothing really special about the shuffling and ultimately he finished and set the cards down.
"All right! Let's begin. Go and ahead draw," Kaim said.
Reaching over the deck he drew one card from Sara's deck then one card from his deck, he looked at the two cards for a moment, his brows arching before he put one face down. The face up card was a two.
"Turn over whenever you're ready," Kaim said placing one hand on his turned down card.

Sara did the same and took two cards, all the while keeping an eye on Kaim. Just because she did not see him cheat did not mean that he was not cheating. As she couldn't prove anything, she continued playing the game and flipped both cards.
"Two tens, nice!" That was a good start, and that gave her the first round. "So, what I want to know is." She turned to face her opponent, a serious expression on her face. "What is the weapon that you are most likely to use in our bout or, if you do not use any weapons, what is the fighting style that you adopt?"

Kaim turned his card over revealing a one, he grinned a bit seeing Sara with a set of ten. He got a really bad hand the first round; he knew he wasn't winning it. He had been tempted to call Valley but it was way too early in the game to go using mind games on one another. Kaim offered a small shrug of his shoulders at his loss and resting his cheek on his fist he stared at Sara waiting for her question.

He remained silent listening to her intently, offering a small nod to show he was listening. Seeing the expression on her face grow so serious his brows arched slightly. He was expecting something like his favorite color or something, but it seemed that wasn't the case. The question was in fact very Sara and he couldn't help but smile a little.
"Sheesh you could have asked me that anytime," Kaim said. "Don't use weapons and I don't know which one I'll use yet. I'll probably just pick one of the ones I know."
He smiled before folding both the cards putting them to the side and drawing another two cards, he set a five down face up setting the other face down before smiling.
"Turn over whenever you're ready," he said placing his hand on the turned over card.

Sara stared at him flatly. Of course he wouldn't give a real answer, why was she expecting anything else. At least now she learned that her opponent was an unarmed fighter that was capable of multiple styles, although that still wasn't much to go on. She drew two cards and flipped both over, revealing it to be a two and a three, five total.
"Alright." She sighed, folding her arms. "What's your question going to be?"

Kaim had the strange feeling that he had offended Sara in some way, the look kind of gave confirmed it wasn't satisfactory. He scratched his cheek a little ashamed, he was as honest as possible but he supposed it was a bad answer. Kaim turned over his card revealing a three, eight over all. Though the moment she turned her card over he knew it was his victory and couldn't help feeling a little bit excited.
With a grin Kaim brought a hand to his chin and leaning forward a little stared at Sara for a moment.
"...hmmm. What makes you pick up your weapon?" Kaim said. "Ah no that doesn't make sense. Why do you fight Sara Masuma? I'm genuinely curious. I got all these ideas and speculation but to have a firm answer would be utterly delightful."
Kaim grinned but put his cards to the side once more to get ready for the next draw as he awaited Sara's answer.

"Hmm…" Sara had to consider the question for a moment, but the answer came easily. "To me, fighting is artistic expression brought down to its most primal and basic form. How you fight reflects how you were raised, the type of environment they were in, their masters, their upbringing, and way of life. I admire a masterful fighter the same way I gaze upon the statue of David, for example. It is, after all, a martial art. As for why I do it, I view the perfection of this art as the perfection of one-self. As I fight, and train to fight, not only does my body get stronger but my mind and spirit as well. Nothing builds confidence more than surviving multiple near-death experiences."

Kaim gave a small nod to Sara as she spoke, his brows arched a bit at her answer. His stare was almost like that of a child discovering something new for the first time, it was hard to hide his interest in this question. He shut his eyes for a moment after she spoke explaining why she fought, it was quite an answer to say the least. One he would expect from his future opponent, it pleased it was more than, pick up stick, swing stick, don't die today he had too many of those for one lifetime.
"Hmm I see. So you fight to perfect the art form itself. That's a nice answer, I really like that. So by fighting you improve yourself in all aspects, pushing natural limits."
Kaim gave a small nod making sure he pieced everything together.
"So…ultimately you fight for yourself…I think…interesting. Thank you Sara that was an interesting answer."
Kaim went to continue the card game a small smile on his face at the answer, reaching over he grabbed his cards and looking at both, set a one down face up and another card face down.
"Valley," he called. "Lower."
He pointed to Sara's face down card indicating his bet.

"Yes, exactly." Sara smiled as she continued to explain. "The endless pursuit of self-perfection and constant improvement is something I feel to be admired. Perfection, after all, isn't just a singular act but a habit. We are what we repeatedly do."
She revealed one card to be a three and, as he called valley, she flipped the other card to reveal an eight. "So… Do I win?" She asked, not quite understanding the rules of the valley.

"There is truth in that, you don't get better in a day after all," Kaim said with a small nod. "I have to admire conviction, it takes a lot of determination to keep on, even in times when there doesn't seem to be improvements."
The moment Kaim saw the card his head lowered and he turned his own over to reveal an eight, regretfully he sacrificed it which meant he lost, though if he had just turned them over he would have lost anyway. With a heavy sigh he folded the cards and set them to the side before motioning towards Sara with a grin.
"Nah I lost, it was higher so no card for me. I basically just drew a one," Kaim said grinning at her. "All right ask your question."

"Okay, here's my question." Sara pondered, and decided to ask a question of little to no strategic value, given that's what Kaim did last time. "Why do you choose to hunt pirates, more specifically, why do you hunt us?

At the question Kaim reached up and scratched the side of his head. That was a simpler question and surprisingly an easier one to answer. He hoped he wouldn't disappoint this time, that look was a bit much to take head on if he was being honest with himself. Thankfully he didn't need to contemplate too much over it as he already had an answer to this question, as thankfully Sara wasn't the first person to ask it.
"Funny enough they're the most fun to fight," Kaim said grinning at Sara. "You guys are so diverse one fight isn't like the other. You ever fought someone from the navy? It's the same movements sometimes, or with slight alterations."
Kaim sighed a little bit at the thought before continuing.
"However…with Stardusk if I attacked any one of you each fight would be different. A whole experience in and of itself. It's utterly delightful, one person doesn't fight like the next because you're diverse, allowed to shine on your own, not wholly as a group. It's just the best fighting Pirates."

Kaim grinned at this almost giddy with excitement.
"For why I'm fighting you all…interest really. I grew up around bad people, there are way worse people out there than you guys. Hell I spent most of my childhood willingly enslaved to quite the bastard. He's ten times worse than any one of you all, so sadly I'm not here out of hate like some of the others."
Kaim offered a small shrug of his shoulders at this.
"I was just curious why you seem to fight for yourself. You're so strong I've seen it. Why doesn't she fight for her friends? Why does she fight out of obligation? Out of some promise made? I was so curious what drove you to put your life on the line for such a reason…so I picked you. No one else really stood out to me."
Kaim said this grabbing his next set of cards.
"Hopefully that was a bit more satisfactory?" Kaim said with a small smile.
He set a three face up, and one card face down, making no attempt to say Valley this time.

"Yeah, I agree. It does get somewhat boring seeing the same thing over and over. So, in comparison to your friends, you want to fight us because of fun rather than revenge or any of that bullshit. I can understand that, and it'll help keep our fight honest. In our own ways, we are fighting because of the fun of it and for little other reason."
With that said, Sara flipped both cards to see double ones. "...Hmm, snake eyes. Your turn to ask."


"Indeed it's nothing personal, just a measure of skill between two fighters," Kaim said. "That's exactly what I wanted."
Seeing Sara's cards Kaim grinned turning over his card revealing a five, though it was a win on his side anyway. His eyes moved to the horizon for a moment and he seemed to mark the time of day before giving a small nod. Folding his cards up he quickly grabbed the cards on the deck and brought them all together again before shuffling them once more and returning them to his pocket.
"Nikos is going to make his rounds soon so this'll be the last question," Kaim said. "Though I do feel bad ending it at a question for you, so feel free to ask me one in response if you'd like."

Kaim brought a hand to his chin contemplating a possible question, he wasn't wholly interested in Sara's style, it was no fun if he saw it coming after all so there was no sense asking her a fighting question.
After a moment of contemplation a smirk formed on Kaim's face and he had the eyes of a midwife who just learned quite the nasty detail.
"If ya could go a round with anyone here who'd you pick?" Kaim said with a small chuckle. "You can whisper it if you'd like just in case someone's listening."

"Truth be told, I was interested in Alicia's opponent, the girl with the big sword. But after this talk, you're now at least a close second." She smiled up at him, stretching out on the seat as she contemplated what would most likely be her last question that she could ever ask him. "Tell me, what country do you hail from? Your accent sounds vaguely familiar."

Kaim grinned a bit leaning forward as he couldn't contain his laughter at Sara's response, that had to be one of the best answers he had ever gotten. He gripped his stomach and it took him a moment to contain himself, reaching up he wiped a tear from his eyes and grinned at Sara.
"I never thought…I would ever hear someone have the slightest bit of interest in Tari. That…that made my day thank you," Kaim said as one more chuckle escaped from him. "Aww thank you Sara, I appreciate that. I'm usually fifth on the list so second's a huge jump. You'd definitely be top three…if I didn't already have my eye on someone."

Kaim stood up brushing himself off as she asked her question, stretching his arms above his head he glanced over at her at the mention of his homeland. Shutting his eyes he took a moment to contemplate it, a pensive look on his face probably for the first time in ages, his brows furrowing slightly as he tried to find an answer to her question.
"Hmmm I hail far away from this land, but that's about the extent of my knowledge," Kaim said. "I did reside in Tilea for a time…there's a chance I picked up on the accent there. I was trying not to sound like a foreigner so I tried to mimic a bit."
Kaim grinned a bit.
"Habit I picked up. In the orphanage if ya sound different you get beat up on. So there's a decent chance I reverted to a Tilean one around you out of habit. Sorry if I sounded offensive, it wasn't my intent."

"I'd ask who." She grumbled, realizing now that she wasted her final question. "But something tells me that I ran out of free questions." Oh well, in the end, she reasoned, it didn't much matter. He could tell that she wasn't at least offended but merely mildly disappointed. "I love forward to our bout." She said, and she meant it too. "Just, please, don't turn out to be another disappointment."

Kaim only offered a grin in response to her question, it was a shame they wouldn't have another chance to play the game. He couldn't give that one away for free but he could talk all day about that particular subject. At her comment of their future fight Kaim offered a small nod and held his hand out to Sara, who gladly shook his hand, he was expecting a lot from her so it only reason that he should put his all into it as well.
"Back at ya, I came a long way for a good fight after all. I'd be sad to walk away with bad memories."

 

[Mizos]

​

Nina had spent a majority of their first day trying to get her weapons back from Tari, though as she had proved she couldn't be responsible with them she didn't really have much of an option but to relent and follow orders. She found that some Stardusk did approach her and engaged in conversation, Luro always spoke with her, and every now and then the Captain would speak with her. Having Ria around made everything easier, as she generally had someone to linger near, when Ria wasn't around however, she generally just watched or followed Kadi around.

She'd normally sit nearby during his daily activities, always sitting just out of arms reach staring almost unblinking as the day moved on. It seemed to be her 'entertainment' on the ship, if it could even be called that, her eyes just followed his movements and she only stood up when he changed locations.
She made no attempt to hide her presence or anything of the sort, she had a desire to linger near Kadi and did so without hesitation, it only halted when she was asked to leave or was pulled away by a fellow Messenger.

He wasn't sure he liked the attention. It was obvious she was watching him, noting possible weaknesses and viable angles of attack, while he was busy with actual job, namely making sure a five hundred tons of wood, sail and rope was heading where it should. It didn't matter what he was doing, she'd always be there, in the corner, sitting on the Handbrake.
That was actually the worst part. He could handle the silent stare. She was nothing as far as staring contests went. In the Dreamlands as Pathfinder, he fought, and won, over Hate of Sleep. The demon would consume anything and anyone who even conceptualized the idea of blinking in their mind. No, Kadi wouldn't crack that easily. What royally pissed him off, however, was that she appropriated the most rickety, creaky chair on board. Also coincidentally the only chair that could be jammed into the helm to keep it stuck in single position. Oddly, the wheel wouldn't… accept any other chair on board. They wouldn't fit, or would snap, or in one case, spontaneously combust.

So, he decided to switch them. On the second night, he'd get up at third bell past midnight, intending to hide Handbrake while Nina was asleep. Only to find her sitting in the corner of his cabin on the Handbrake, watching him.
"That's my. Goddamn. Chair. There are dozens of better ones all across the ship. Even several literal thrones. Pick any other and leave this one be," he grumbled out.

Kadi's everyday ventures were fascinating to watch, she never tired of watching him. She had done so before as part of the job, but not having to hide her presence and having the ability to view everything at different angles was delightful. Though something seemed to bother him, she noticed it seemed more present whenever she moved or shifted in some way. She thought it was her imagination so at one point she made an effort to shift frequently in her makeshift seat, his body language confirmed that her moving was causing some manner of discomfort, though she wasn't wholly sure what it could be.

She made it her mission to figure out what was bothering Kadi, increasing her watch over him in the meantime. Though during her nightly watch, munching on a bit of bread from the kitchen waiting for him to go to sleep he spoke to her. His sudden request caused her to look down at the seat, shifting her bottom slightly in it for a moment before looking back at Kadi. Her eyebrows lowered slightly she tilted her head at him.
"The fact is yours is what makes it comfortable," Nina said patting the chair. "Like being enveloped in a warmth blanket…though If you bring me another one of your chairs I will trade you this one."
The plain look on the woman's face made it reasonably clear she was serious; her settling further into the chair seemed to only cement how comfortable her present seat was.
Nina leaned forward a bit causing the chair to creak once more.
"Also good evening Arcadius, I forgot to say so earlier."

"It's three in the morning. You should be asleep, so i could hide away this bloody chair. It's… important ship equipment. Not mine. Hers," he said and knocked on a beam. Thein his recently woken up brain parsed the rest of her words.
He blinked and gave her a flat look. "It's full of splinters and the legs point in every direction but down. I'll get you a new one." He got up, threw robe over his shoulders and headed out.

Nina stood up from her seat and brushing off the back of her garment followed after Kadi. It seemed the moment he confirmed it wasn't his chair Nina lost all interest in it. With hands folded behind her back she walked a few steps behind Kadi staring at the back of his head. She couldn't deny being a bit curious why Kadi was up at such an hour, only Ria was up at these kind of hours, at least outside of watch hours.

"I forget to sleep sometimes," Nina admitted with a small nod. "Is there a reason why you're up this late Kadi? Are you on watch? Expecting something or someone? I won't attack you until much later so there's no harm sleeping near me."
The woman's eyes lowered slightly, a little concerned that her job as his killer was interrupting the navigators precious moments of slumber.
"Also my appreciation for the chair. It will be nice to receive another gift from you."

"I am up in order to hide the chair while you were asleep. Or at least I assumed you'd be. Wasn't expecting to wake up and see your eyes glitter in the dark, looking at me. Good to know I ought to not rely you being asleep in the future," the slightly drowsy Navigator explained, directly and purposively ignoring her strangely close and affectionate behaviour. He wasn't feeling it. Not at three in the morning, anyways. "And I'd… look, I think we may have taken this too far to quick. Maybe we should establish that we sleep in separate rooms. Before we murder each other. And… wait, another gift? When did i ever gave you a gift, Nina?"

"Hmm if you want to sleep in a separate room that's fine, I'll end up in yours eventually."
It appeared she missed the general meaning between his words, but then again she also didn't register why he wanted to take the chair away. It wasn't his chair so she didn't quite understand why he was so fascinated by it, perhaps because it was the Captain's. He did take an eye patch from her so perhaps he could be a bit possessive when it came to objects that belonged to her. At the very least it was a possibility, though he didn't see him take anything else of hers.
"Do you wish to possess the chair because it's the Captains? Possession is good but don't go overboard Kadi, it's worrying."

When Kadi brought up the gift Nina's shoulders slumped slightly, she turned her attention away from him taking a moment to clear her throat. There was a small trace of pain in her gaze, her body almost reeling at the question itself but she seemed to recover her composure fairly easy looking back at Kadi.
"If…you do not remember that is all right. It was some time ago…but it was very precious and I still keep it with me. The memory is enough."
Nina offered a smile at this before turning to her usual staring.
"Once I acquire the chair I think I'll go off to check on Ria. I'm worried about her…and Tari told me I shouldn't watch you sleep…I forgot about it."

He was confused. For the life of his he couldn't remember Nina from before, and it started to worry him. What if… what if the soul merger wasn't as lossless as he thought it would? What if Pathfinder overwrote or discarded some of Navigator's memories? By accident or… intentionally, even?
"Eh, yes," he answered. "I uh… sorry. I had a long… day. The chair is possessed by the helm. I mean, the ship, not me. Glad you liked the gift, and, uh… here's a chair. With cushion, no splinters. Goodnight!" Kadi mumbled out and stormed past her, leaving Handbrake forgotten behind. He slammed the door of his cabin closed behind him.

Ruse. This had to be some kind of ruse. She was gooood. This mind fuckery really did get under his skin, didn't it? Oh, he was really looking forward to wrapping one hand around that slender, elegant neck, and sliding knife into her chest with the other, yeeess…

Nina offered a small smile to Kadi at the mention of the gift, she didn't say anything further merely taking the chair with a small bow before watching him leave. She waited as he faded into the distance, vanishing into the depths of the ship. Nina calmly sat the chair chair down and digging into her pocket pulled out the wanted poster of Kadi. Out of each Stardusk, this one pulled at her the most when Nikos showed them their choices.
She knew why, at least she believed she did. Kadi was Kadi, he was supposed to be anyway so why was there this seething hatred every time she looked at his face. This intense desire to kill him, she didn't hate Kadi. She didn't, she knew she didn't so why...why did it hurt so much knowing he was still alive.
"...I want to kill him. I...I want to hurt him so bad. Arcadius...I'll...I'll kill you...you sick monster."
Nina's crushed the poster in her grip her bloodshot eyes staring at the crumpled piece of paper, the distorted face brought her no end of joy, she needed to make it a reality, she had to tear apart that face so she never had to look at it again.
"You'll suffer for everything...I swear it…"

 

[Mizos]

Luro spent the days the group was together watching everyone, since for some strange reason he couldn't find Zilia, he found himself talking with the Messengers often. Surprisingly enough there was plenty for them to talk about, Nikos avoided him going on about disliking that they were to a degree the same species, but aside from that no one really avoided him. Nina had even approached him asking if he'd build a ship, one that she could hold in her hands and move around. Luro had to explain that wasn't a possibility since she wasn't strong enough, but that he could make her a boat and she could call it a ship.

He also noticed the one named Kara speaking with Kaim, Ria and Nina about reports before she met with Zilia who wanted to speak with her, there was always something going on.
"So will you assist us with the reports, it'll go faster with more people," Kara said.
"Ah with Tari and Nikos…uh...I kinda have something to do," Kaim said walking away.
"…busy." Ria said before leaping over the side of the ship.
Kara watched the two quickly leave and with a sigh turned to look at Nina only for no one to be in the spot. With a small shake of her head she turned and walked away.
"Just the three of us then…guess I'll meet with them."

Luro followed Kara asking if he could sit in with Kara informing him it was fine, the information was coded so it wasn't as if he'd be able to understand it anyway. That and the information was only good for today so it'd be useless tomorrow, but she warned him to still avoid talking too much during.
The three met below deck and Luro took a seat in the corner as requested by Nikos as the three sat at a small table looking over specific papers. For a moment there was a bit of silence between them and Kara who seemed oddly uncomfortable decided to speak up.
"So…you two always do this together right? You should ask for help more often, no need to put so much strain on yourselves," Kara said grabbing another sheet.
"The only one who really helps is Aira or Emil," Nikos said. "For some strange reason Ria, Nina and Kaim won't help. Though they did in the past."
Tari offered a small nod to this.
"We're not going to force them of course," Tari added.
Kara blinked a few times and with a bright smile something seemed to click.
"Ah Tari you always have so much trouble speaking…but it's not like that with Nikos right. You speak normally around him."
"I suppose I don't have any trouble," Tari said continuing to look over the documents.
"We have been together for a bit," Nikos reminded.
"Ah...y-yeah Tari was the first Messenger right?" Kara said looking between the two.
"Indeed Nikos saved me,"
"Hardly your own determination saved you. Give yourself more credit."
"I appreciate the thought but I can't ignore you giving me the chance."
"Thank you for the compliment."

Kara watched the interaction between the two who didn't look up from their papers, speaking as if they were commenting on the weather, or greeting each other in passing on the street.
This atmosphere…was very painful. It was like the two of them were speaking in riddles they didn't understand, trying to say something they didn't know the words for. Kara wanted to say something but she didn't know if this was some hint at something or just a normal conversation.

"I…I suddenly understand why they didn't want to do this…I want to say something so badly….but…would it be rude?" Kara thought staring intently at the reports.
"Y-you must enjoy each other's company right?" Kara said trying to push it at least a little.
"Tari's company isn't unpleasant," Nikos said as he wrote on his paper.
"Nikos is comfortable to be around."
Kara waited but nothing followed the two's comments, not even a glance up at the other. She mentally sighed; this was going to be a long session.
"They could have at least warned me about this...everyone's so cruel..."

Such instances were common as Luro watched the Messengers each day finding joy in watching them interact with each other as well as Stardusk. He wasn't sure why but watching them brought back weird feelings, he couldn't really place a word on the feeling, it was warm…yet somewhat painful. It was like being stabbed in the chest while wrapped in a blanket, or something like that. The more he watched the more it seemed to hurt, he wasn't sure why and whenever he tried to think about his head would end up hurting. Eventually he just stopped thinking about it, but at one point the thoughts forced themselves back, mainly when he watched Zilia speak with Kara.

Zilia wasn't wholly pleased to sit across the table from the woman who was trying to kill her, but she knew one thing at the very least...she couldn't beat this woman without information. She could barely stand after their fight and knowing she was holding back only made it worse. According to everything they knew, these Hunters were just the first ones. They had already survived fights with the others, knowing they were basically the 'scouts' didn't make her feel any better. She couldn't even keep up with Kara, knowing a stronger one was right around the corner only made her feel worse.
"I need to find out at much as possible." Zilia thought staring at the woman in front of her.

Luro noticed Zilia glancing at him every now and then, though she didn't try and speak with him. He had taken a seat on a nearby barrel a few feet from the two, Zilia had walked to the lowest deck as most of the Messengers resided there out of everyone's way, Kara especially as she liked cleaning and organization and ended up keeping herself busy by doing just that, supervised by a Stardusk member for obvious reasons, generally Zilia.

Though this time she had brought a table and chairs down along with some snacks so the two of them could talk. Since the Messengers were obligated to answer questions now was a good time for such a thing. Zilia opened her notebook and started writing moving from page to page trying to get all the questions in her skull on paper. She was going to learn everything she could while the opportunity was here.
"Okay first and foremost...who are you, tell me your name and some things about you."
Kara looked at the note and offered a small nod before speaking.
"My name is Kara, I'm the doctor of the Messengers. My rank is Owl. I grew up on a small island in I suppose a simple home. I lived on a farm where I helped out everyday."
Zilia took notes but she was surprised Kara was willing to share so much willingly, she looked up at her before writing something else down.
"...I don't think you are...but you're not lying right?
She wasn't sure why she had asked as Kara could just lie and tell her no but the woman seemed sincere at the very least, her and Kaim had honest expressions, one look generally gave away their emotions, even if they tried to hide it.
"I'm not," Kara said shaking her head. "We're obligated to answer questions right? So I have to answer whatever you ask under Classification B."
Zilia gave a small nod, she supposed that made sense. If that was the case then she'd keep prodding until she figured out everything she felt they would need in their future fight with them. She let Luro sit nearby figuring if he heard this information it might remind him how to get out of their code.
"How do you choose your bounties?"
"We're given bounties by a messenger, we choose our targets from those. The Messengers just happened to receive Stardusk over two years ago, shortly after Waterdeep I believe. We just picked you all after that, we don't always take bounties from the same crew but...this was a special case."
Zilia tried to press further but Kara brought a finger to her lips and winked at Zilia indicating that was Classification B information.
"Where'd you learn to fight?"
"An man came to my island one day. He became my mentor, both in medicine and combat," Kara said smiling at Zilia. "Nikos helped me polish what skills I already had."
Zilia's eyebrows arched at this but when pressed Kara again brought a finger to her lips once more causing Zilia to move to the next question.
"Whose Emil?"
Kara's eyes seemed to brighten at the question and she grinned at Zilia.
"Utterly adorable! He's so precious."
"I-I mean who is he as a Raven."
"Oh...you don't want to know what he's like...I have drawings. Some of him asleep too."
"N-No thanks."
"Hm...well he's one of the older members. He works directly under Tari which he hates. That just makes him all the more adorable though, he always complains to me about it. It's so cute."
Zilia had a feeling she was going down a dangerous road that would derail all her efforts so she decided to move onto another question.

"Who was Nura to you all?"
"Our Boss," Kara said simply. "Nikos is our leader but Nura was our boss. She was a rank above Nikos."
"Rank...explain."
"It's a complicated system that would take...well more than five days to fully explain and more than likely wouldn't make sense. If it's all right I can give you a shortened version of it."
Zilia gave a nod and Kara nodded before holding up five fingers.
"There are five main tiers of the organization, not counting the Leader. The first tier are those who work alongside the Leader, the Second tiers are people like Nura then there are the third tier which are Hunters. That's where we are, then fourth and fifth, mainly scouts and Hunter Candidates. Of course there are a mess of sub tiers within it but that's a simplified version of how we work. Each Messenger has at least...one-thousand Ravens at our disposal to be used in anyway we'd like."
Zilia almost cracked a quill at this information looking up at Kara who merely tilted her head at her. That was six-thousand. They had an army of at least six-thousand constantly on stand by just waiting to be unleashed at a moments notice. She supposed their rule kept them from resorting to that matter but it was good to know just how many they would have to deal with.
"Nikos and Tari of course have much more being higher up in rank," Kara said folding her hands together with a smile. "Nikos leads armies in his spare time, crushing small countries and spreading our influence. It's so nice having more friends, I have tea with the others quite often while we discuss our next targets."
"Who the hell are these people!"
"At least I believe so, I'm the newest to the organization so I'm still learning everything. Tari would be the better person to ask for details."

Zilia looked over at Luro glaring at him which caused him to look around wondering who she was angry at. He had brought dangerous people to them and thanks to him they had even more problems to deal with, she didn't like the fact they were an order away from fighting a regiment. Zilia was really starting to wonder if Luro just attracted chaos wherever he went, it became harder and harder to deny her luck had gotten worse since meeting him.
"Why did you choose me," Zilia wrote deciding to push such thoughts aside.
Ultimately Luro didn't do any of this on purpose, and getting mad at him wouldn't change anything. Though Kara's answer pulled her back to reality relatively quickly.
"I don't like that you take care of pirates," Kara said folding her hands on the table. "Why would you aid people who murder others? You're a doctor aren't you, saving a murderer means they murder again which is more blood on your hands than letting one person go."
Zilia's eyes twitched at this and she looked up at Kara, the smile on her face faded, her expression stern as she stared at Zilia. The two women stared across the table in silence, their eyes narrowing at each other, Zilia's hand slowly closing into a fist as Kara's words replayed in her head.
"...so you're here to stop me from doing that."
"Precisely," Kara said. "Though...I would ask that you do so of your own volition, in which case there's no need to kill you."
"I politely decline," Zilia wrote slamming the note on the table.
Kara closed her eyes after reading her response and with a small sigh she shrugged the smile returning to her face.
"I expected as much, but I didn't think there was any harm in trying to ask. I suppose there's little choice. We're in conflict on the matter after all."

Zilia didn't say anything further returning her gaze to her notebook, she took a few breaths to try and calm herself. Having someone tell her who she should help was one thing she couldn't condone. She didn't want to kill Kara...but she wasn't going to stop helping those in need, doctor or not no one had the right to force that choice on her. She'd fight this woman to the end if that's what it came too.
"It is interesting though," Kara said staring at her hand.
Zilia looked up from her notebook at Kara.
"Trust can really blind you to so much. Those of Stardusk…don't know about the Raven in your book."
Zilia flinched a bit at the woman's proclamation, her hands moving over her book, her eyes slowly raised to Kara, narrowing at her small smile.
"How did they find out so much about us? That was so intimate how were they aware? How are they so informed…the answer's sitting right there…but no one can see it…because they trust their friends so much."
Zilia lowered her gaze to her book, gripping it tightly, the pages crumpled a bit in her tight grip and Kara put a hand over Zilia's to make her stop, pulling her hand away when Zilia's grip relented a bit and she looked back up at her.
"Three people in this room have quite the affiliation with the Ravens," Kara said. "It's strange that only one of them is honest about it and the other is the reason we know so much."
Kara glanced over at Luro who tilted his head at the two before offering a smile, Kara leaned forward a little and spoke quietly in a whisper.
"That's right...Luro told us so much...but who would imagine such a thing right...even if you were to tell everyone...would they believe you?"
The fact Zilia couldn't respond to her with confidence bothered her, forcing her to stay silent.
"In the end it's okay though," Kara said backing away. "He doesn't remember so there's no real harm. Besides worst case you got shot in the back by your friend...please don't let that happen though. I would like to finish what we started Zilia."
Kara stood up and bowing to Zilia left the area, leaving Zilia alone with Luro. She looked at her notebook then at Luro, there was too much truth in her words, she was sure a bit of that was trickery, but it wasn't a lie and staring at Luro it was hard to worry about their current threat.

 

[SilentxChaos]

On the sea… again… with them

Jack hummed under his breath in the sanctity of his kitchen, barred shut against unwanted intruders, except he wasn't so sure the intruders on his ship could be stopped by locked doors. Despite his subtle change of demeanor over the last few days, Jack kept a vigilant and trained eye on the Ravens. It was...difficult, for just one person, but he didn't dare involve the rest of the crew. Instead he watched and waited and made polite conversation in the meantime. If anything, the cook seemed more content about their situation than when they went to Iurin. His crew, if they noticed any change, would be hard-pressed to place a finger on what exactly was different instead of his newfound relaxed posture.

Chopping onions for the crew's and guest's next four meals, Jack paused in his humming as he went to wipe his eyes. He strained his hearing for any misplaced sounds.

"Phoo."

A small burst of wind tickled Jack's ear, the owner of the both the sound effect and act standing next to Jack. Ria in her normal grab stared at Jack with the same sleepy gaze, where the woman had come from was hard to say but scurrying rats made more noise than her it seemed. She tilted her head at him blinking a few times, due to Nikos' rules she wasn't allowed to carry weapons on her person so her hands were rested on her hips.

"…when you're on guard that much…it's easy to slip through…." Ria said taking a small step back.

A yawn escaping from the woman she turned and walked away from him, there was no sound in her footsteps and her body leaned to and fro almost as if she was floating instead of walking around. Once she was a few feet away she glanced back at him craning her neck slightly.

"…are you gonna come? You've been watching us right? If you wanna learn stuff now would be a good time. Everyone's guard is down a little so now's a good chance."

Ria stared at Jack seeming to wait for him, the woman showed little energy in most of the things she did and her tone rarely shifted past 'Ria' as Kaim called it.


The onion-coated knife flashed at her neck before Jack really registered who it was. He jerked back at the last second. "Oh...it's you."

Rubbing his ear, Jack made a smile and slowly lower his knife though he didn't let it go. "How can I--" He stopped when she spoke. The smile slipped a little when she mentioned him watching the Ravens. He hadn't been particularly covert about it, but it still unsettled him how much they observed of him. His head tilted to one side when Ria mentioned coming with her. Is this a trick? Or…

"Alright. Let me just finish this. Can't leave food to rot, you know, not with this many mouths to feed." He turned back to finish his mincing.


"Kay."
Ria turned around fully to face Jack, it seemed she had piqued his interest. He did seem invested in learning more it only seemed right to help him, as Nikos did say to get along with Stardusk, that and she was pretty sure nothing he would see would be above Classification B, if so she'd just cover his eyes. Walking over Ria gave a stoll and sit on the middle leg rested a cheek on her fist.
"…let me know if you want help."

The moment everything had been taken care of Ria held something out to Jack, it appeared to be a blonde wig of sorts with long hair. She held it towards him silently pushing it against his chest, though she didn't say anything the stare and continuous nudging made the intent clear what she wanted him to do with the object.
"We'll start with Kaim…he rarely breaks pattern so he should be in the same spot…hurry hurry we got spy stuff to do."

The spy stuff didn't really seem like it at first, there was no real attempt at trying to hide their attempt at watching, granted Ria still made little to no noise as she walked but she brought Jack to the top deck and sure enough Kaim was there with Nikos standing nearby. From the glare at the sunbathing man it seemed Kaim was in some manner of trouble but their conversation couldn't be heard from where they were. Ria pointed a finger at a part of the ship not too far away from their conversation.
"Sit there…and you can see what they're up too," Ria said. "…Make sure the wig is on straight."


Not from you, Jack thought internally. "Don't worry. This will only take a minute."

It took ten, actually, and that was because the cook felt particularly slow today. He carefully finished his work and piled it into a safe container, covering it, for storage until later. Once he achieved this, he turned to his Raven counterpart. "Alright. Ready when you...what is this?"

Jack instinctively grasped the wig thrusted against his chest and stared blankly at it. Oh God. Not this again.

"I'm no wearing this," Jack said, unlocking the kitchen door. He shut up when Ria mentioned they had 'spy stuff' to do. He glared at her back, trying to judge how much she truly knew about him, to no avail. Of all the Ravens, Ria was the hardest to read for him. It stood to figure she was his self-chosen opponent.

Sighing, and very reluctantly, Jack threw the wig on his head. He tried to make it straight as Ria suggested, but it was hard with his dreads. His unnatural thick locks spiked out from under the pale blonde curls in jaunting contrast, for a completely unbecoming hair-do. Jack frowned as he plucked at the wig. Why am I even doing this? I hate them all. he thought.

An extra pleading smile turned to Ria. "Is this really necessary?"

Ria only offered a small thumbs up to Jack and gently nudged him in the direction. She had a feeling explaining it wasn't going to help, it was just easier to see for oneself.

Ria took a step back seemingly vanishing into the shadows, her eyes closed as her presence faded from the area. Though ultimately she just opened a door and walked through it leaving Jack to spy alone.

"Kaim have some sense of self-preservation," Nikos said staring down at the man.

"I'm just relaxing a little. We're stuck here for a few days, it's time off."

"No it's not…less you forget we're surrounded by the enemy. Letting your guard down will make the inevitable fight harder."

"I think having a stick up your butt would make it hard to fight."

Kaim rolled onto his side as one of Nikos swords stabbed into the ship, conveniently where is head once was.

"Oooh…scary scary," Kaim said grinning.

Nikos sighed and put his sword away, he was accustomed to this but he was way too lax given the circumstances and it was clearly weighing on him.

"My guards up Nikos don't worry," Kaim said. "I'm not gonna hold back. You have my word on that one. You know why I chose Sara...Imma figure out the answer one way or another."

"..that's all well and-"

Nikos cut himself off before glancing in Jack's direction, Kaim doing the same. The two stared at the blonde haired dreaded man before Nikos arched a brow at him.

"Ria," Nikos said sighing. "We'll discuss this another time Kaim."

Nikos turned and walked away making his way back below deck.

"Yeah…I'm kinda not in the mood to take in the sun anyway," Kaim said getting up and following Nikos.

Once the two were gone Ria poked her head up over the side of the ship behind Jack, climbing over she took a seat next to him.

"…simple…you learned something today," Ria said. "…it always works."

Ria handed Jack a white powdered wig and pointed at his hands.

"Okay…now this…and I have to paint your nails…next is Kara…she's harder."

Jack casually leaned against the banister, doing his best to keep the long blonde wig from blowing into his face while listening into Kaim's and Niko's conversation. He listened, curiosity getting the better of him. It didn't take them long to notice. He smiled and gave them a wave. When Ria finally reappeared, he nodded slowly. "Yes, Ria, I believe have. Thank yo-- what?"

He looked down at her sharply. "Paint my… nails?" he sighed. It really is like that all over again. Blowing a strand lock from his face, he reluctantly allowed Ria to pull him further on. He truly possessed no idea what this wig or painting his nails had to offer in helping them spy on her own comrades, except the sheer, absurd overtness might just convert into covertness. He sighed as they passed Alicia and Sara, giving them a helpless smile and shrug. After a moment, he returned back to Ria. "Why are you doing this?" he inquired.

"…Curiosity."

That was the extent of her answer to Jack's inquiry.

After checking his nails once more she made a motion with her hands to follow and led him down below deck. Unlike most of the other Ravens Ria kept mostly to herself, it was rare to see her anywhere on the ship, almost as if she wasn't there. In the few instances she was around she was normally with Nina or talking with Zilia, strange enough she got along well with both of them, though Zilia was due to surprising circumstances.

"We have had repeated conversations with Stardusk….some of them…I enjoy talking with Zilia…she is a fun person to talk too…sometimes this happens…"

Ria came to a stop at the training room below deck, the door was shut but Ria motioned for Jack to come over before opening the door ever so slightly leaving a small crack with poured a little light into the darkened area. Inside Kara was sitting down on a stool; she seemed to be sewing something. Upon close inspection it was a red shirt, a rather large one, she had made considerable progress on it, and judging by the oversized sleeves there was only one person who it could belong too.

"Hehe thanks for this Kara."

Luro's voice came from inside and sitting across from Kara Luro was seated on a stool as well dressed in his normal wear, though he seemed to be sitting straight compared to his usual slouching.

"Well you only have one outfit. The wear and tear shows in it. I figured I could make you something, I chose red since you have a tendency to get blood on your outfit."

"Heh he sorry sorry, this outfit's got memories for me though I can't let it go. Could you make me some brown pants too?"

"I understand your joke and the humor in it but I'm afraid I can't laugh," Kara responded with a smile.

"Booo," Luro said before grinning at her.

"…pay attention," Ria said moving away from the door. "You'll learn a lot here."


Jack inspected his now perfectly painted nails as Ria lead him to their next location. "Huh. This is actually a decent job. Tell me, is this a favorite color?"

He hadn't missed her quip answer to his question, but sensed she'd say no more about it and left it be. He watched her as they descended towards the training room, a question burning the tip of his tongue, but he held it. It was a simple inquiry meant for later. For now, Jack in his messy blonde wig and painted nails, wanted to know where this little adventure was taking him, and that meant playing along.

"Wait." Reflexively, Jack reached out and caught her wrist as Ria retreated from the door. He let it go immediately; holding his hand up in an apologetic way, not meaning to touch her without permission. "Stay and listen with me. Please."

Jack noticed how little Ria appeared around the ship. Of all the Ravens, she was the one who disappeared the most beneath Jack's radar. That alone showed him some small truth and hearing her liking of Zilia's company had caused a side smile of understanding. She'd done it again, minutes ago, when they "spied" on Kaim and Nikos. Keeping to the quiet and peace of shadows instead of remaining in the open. He gestured for her to join him, wondering if she'd agree or retreat again.

A shake of the head was the extent of Ria's answer towards the nail color though she did seem content at the job she did on the nails. Once they made it to the room Ria started to leave surprised as the sudden grab by Jack, she glanced back at him and eventually stared at her wrist when he let go. She didn't seem all that bothered by it, more confused by the act than anything else. Though at his request she walked back over and knelt down on one knee next to him, which seemed to be an indication that she'd stay. She brought a finger to her lips before pointing inside the door as the two continued walking.

"Wow you're really good at this," Luro said leaning forward a bit.
Kara chuckled a little and offered a small nod to him.
"Emil always comes back with battered clothes so I do this often for him and the others," Kara said.
"Is Emil fun?"
"He can be a little rough around the edges to some but he's a sweetheart. His weapon is modeled after one of your old designs actually."
"Really which one?"
"Number 127 I believe."
"Ah that one, he should be careful then it might explode."
"Haha I'll tell him. I believe he wanted to make a later one but any one after that is basically gibberish and can't be read."
The two's conversation seemed to move back between the Ravens, Luro and general daily things in their lives and they didn't seem all the wiser of the people resting just outside the door.
"Ohhh so Nikos trained you guys," Luro said tilting his head.
"Well most of us came in with combat knowledge Nikos just helped us refine it better. Tari assisted as well, we're sort of like you all actually. Not strong in every field but powerful in our perspective ones."
"Sooo whose the strongest? I wanna fight them."
Kara seemed to chuckle at this flipping the shirt over.
"No one is necessarily strongest, no one is necessarily weak. Just like you all."
Luro brought a hand to his chin not sure how to read that, but there seemed to be some meaning behind Kara's words though Luro of all people wasn't going to get it.
"We willingly chose you as bounties after all," Kara said. "Why we did so…is different for each person but we understand our limitations."
Luro nodded a bit and sat up straight as Kara requested, her gaze moving to him before looking back at the shirt.
"I noticed you talked to Ria, you two get along?" Kara questioned.
"I can't understand what she's saying most of the time but I guess so. Z seems to get along with her though. She seems nice."
"Ria is nice. Probably the nicest among us."
"Even nicer than you."
"Indeed even nicer than me."
Ria's eyes seemed to twitch a bit at this but whatever tried to show on her face faded pretty quickly.
"She's been through her own ordeals…I wasn't surprised to see her choose Jack. Like us she joined rather recently."
Kara's eyes glanced at the door but Ria had already pulled Jack away at that point, the woman smiled a bit and went back to sewing and conversing with Luro.
"So who do you think is the strongest Stardusk?"
"Oh that's a good question. I think it's-"

Ria had pulled Jack a bit away a small sigh escaping from her as she placed her hands on her hips.
"Hmm lingered too long…Kara's gotten better…I'm proud of her," Ria said.
Though she said this her eyebrows narrowed slightly, that was a cruel trick to speak of her, but she supposed it was fair seeing as she was spying on the woman. She closed her eyes not able to truly be mad at the woman, having two people nearby probably made it easier for her to pick up on them anyway.
"Did you learn a lot?" Ria said glancing over at Jack. "The last one is Tari…she's the hardest. Even I have trouble since she helped train me."

Jack glanced at Ria when Kara started talking of her. He couldn't help but let slip the smallest smirk when he saw her eye twitch, so much like Zilia. He listened intently. It was an amazingly normal conversation for someone like Luro, and they spoke like old acquaintances. Jack remained fixated on their conversation, and being aware of Ria next to him, that he didn't notice the softness that relaxed his face as he listened. This felt more like people watching with Runali than actual spying.

The cook recognized the signal to move before Ria had to speak. He moved in step to her, flawlessly and with practice, as if he'd done it a hundred times before. His foot tapped without sound as he went over the conversation between Kara and Luro in his head. He was beginning to see the threads of a pattern from these conversations they listened to. Not unexpected… not totally realized either. With a shock, Jack understood how alienated he made himself since the Ravens came aboard. How depressing. She would've reprimanded me for sure. Dislodging the thoughts, he nodded absently when Ria asked her question a second time.

"Of course," he said smoothly. Then his head tilted. "Tari-- what about Nina?" The fact the shy and skittish Raven had, in fact, trained Ria surprised him some, but then he reflected she'd been by Niko's side on Iurin, the first of his underlyings to introduce herself, and Alicia was her target. Two leaders and two first mates, perhaps? A small idea formed in his thoughts. He gazed down at her and smirked mischievously. "I may have a way to approach her without alarm. Would you care to try it out? We can always revisit your approach a day or so later, when her guard is down again."

Making a slight bow, Jack offered his hand to her as invitation.

"Nina is impossible to spy on…she always knows…she's got the eyes."

Ria bit the tip of her thumbnail as she thought for a moment, approaching Tari was going to be difficult, catching her when she was doing reports was probably the best option. Though she was pulled from her thoughts when Jack spoke to her, she glanced in his direction for a moment slowly lowering her hand as he spoke of another method.

She remained silent to his question, staring sideways at him with her tired expression, her eyes moved to his hand and for a possibly a full minute she remained unmoving merely staring at Jack and his gesture.

"Hm."

Ria touched the tip of Jack's palm with her finger which seemed to be an agreement to do things his way, pulling her hand back she stared at him and crossed her arms under her chest.

"I had the dress ready too…hmm doesn't matter," Ria muttered to herself. "…lead the way Jack."

"Excellent!"

Wickedly grinning, Jack looped an arm around her shoulders and steered her back towards the kitchen. "You really do have the spying arts down. As a humble cook, I can't say for much, but I've found sometimes the best hiding places are those in plain sight."

They reached his kitchen and he ushered her in. "It's about lunchtime so you'll be my assistant alright? Everyone comes for lunch; we can listen to their conversations as we serve the food. Including Tari's." As Jack talked, he whisked about, grabbing his apron and expertly slipping into it with one hand as he grabbed a matchbox with the other. A flick of his wrist popped it open, and the next moment he threw the newly lit match into the fireplace. The wood he'd restocked that morning burst into flames as he finished tying the apron around his waist. Carefully, the cook removed the wig and placed it aside.

"Sorry," he said apologetically to Ria, glancing her before rummaging in a drawer, "I don't want to have it ruined. And the curls fall into my eyes." Whatever misgivings he had with her initial plans of the wig and his nails, they seemed to have past. A loose smile relaxed Jack's face as he made a triumphant sound and retrieved from the drawer a small bundle. The mischievous look appeared again as he approached Ria and placed the bundle in her arms.

"Now it's your turn, assistant."

The bundle was a second matching apron with a pink lotus flower on its corner, slightly large for Ria's slight frame, and a large white hat that retained a shape similar to cauliflower: a straight shaft with a puffy bonnett top. Jack gestured for her to put them on. "Come on now! We need to serve soon." He left her no time to argue, already shifting to the next task.

As it happened, it was around lunchtime with the noon sun shining high. The light filtered into the kitchen through portholes, brightening the space, as the cook and his enemy-turned-helper quickly prepared a meal. Jack had prepared a broth that he dumped in the fireplace's cauldron to heat while setting Ria to preparing utensils and setting up the serving place out in the crew's quarters. He handed her spoons and bowls while handling a knife to slice a loaf of bread. Soon, the smells of food would catch the crew's attention and call them down without prompting. Jack had Ria aid him in carrying the big cauldron of simmering soup, constantly warning her to be careful not to burn herself even though she handled the balance just fine.

Jack paused as activity on deck started stirring, taking a moment to appreciate Ria in her cooking garb while forcing down an amused smile. He smoothed a hand over his hair, tied back with a string of twine into a loose bun, and cleared his throat. "Well, I think we're about set. Ready?"

Ria eyes shut a bit as Jack explained his purpose, but whether out of curiosity or interest she gave a small nod indicating that she would play along. She stared at the apron and hat as it was handed to her but put both on without complaint, Jack was taking the lead on this one so it seemed all she needed to do was follow. She wasn't expect to be an assistant however, she looked at him adjusting her hat slightly surprised he wanted her near the food. She kept the opinion to herself however and merely nodded following Jack's instruction.

The woman worked earnestly, placing the silverware carefully yet quickly and getting everything prepared, adjusting as need be. She cut the bread but the moment Jack handed her a knife she stared at the object, running a finger on top of it, twirling the object in her hand her mouth slightly agape as she marveled at the small object in her hand. Her eyes opened ever so slightly for a brief moment but it passed and with a small twirl she got to work. Her cut of the bread was fine but a tad violent, it was strange how she could cut evenly when it seemed she was chopping off limbs with her movements.

The moment finally came when everyone had gathered, Ria's gaze moving over to her fellow Messengers. They seemed engaged in their conversations as always, Tari occasionally speaking with Nikos about one thing or another. She stared at the faces of each person, her mouth seemed to twitch slightly but it ultimately remained a thin line. She did seem to stare at the scene almost with longing, her gaze focused on the small gathering. Whatever lied behind her eyes faded quickly however as she glanced over at Jack.

"…Ready," she said with a small nod. "Careful...she's...really good."

"Don't worry," Jack leaned down to whisper to her as the crew started lining up to get their lunch. "If we're lucky, the others will do our work for us." He tapped his ear and gestured to the crew and Ravens, indicating for her to listen to their conversations as they went by.

With Sara first in line, Jack shifted to a wide grin and greeted her. He made short conversation, inquiring if she would need another lunch packed for her and Alicia once their guests had left, commenting on her growing skill from when she fought as Thorn. Next came Kara, whom Jack softened his smile some but noted on her knitting skills. Since she had caught their presence at the door, he felt no need to hide what he knew. For each person, Raven or Stardusk, Jack talked with genuine interest, always finding something to comment or ask. Innocent, trivial things that made one person perk up, another appreciate the notice. He had his "assistant" dole out the broth, but never neglected her either. He glanced at her time to time to gauge whether she heard anything of interest, or perhaps she found less interest in this endeavor. He also watched Tari shimmying down, looking to see who, if anyone, spoke to her.

It was a rather strange sight for the Messengers to see Ria helping but they seemed to pay little mind to the matter merely engaging in the conversation. Each Messenger would look up when Jack spoke to them, offering a smile of their own and engaging him. Ria watched the scene in silence providing food to whoever asked or needed, refilling mugs, mainly Luro's as he'd down it rather quickly. On the occasion she was spoken to she tended to respond, she didn't seem to dislike the scene, but there was some stiffness when a compliment was thrown her way, either on the dress or something of that matter. The woman didn't smile but always inclined her head in thanks.

Tari meanwhile took one look at the two, her eyes lowering slightly before she took her seat and ate with the others. She only really engaged in conversation with Nikos, the two speaking of random matters, generally what they did on the ship that day and discussing previous targets. That was the extent of her conversation as she ate rather quickly and departed earlier than the others making little effort to speak or make contact with anyone else, even among the Messengers.

Ria watched the scene in silence giving a small nod at the matter, she expected that response but the fact Tari had come out at all was big enough on his own.

She offered a thumbs up to Jack indicating 'mission complete' though no new information was really gained as she went back to serving.

Jack nodded her. Though he'd hoped for something more, it was a gamble, and in truth, a result he witnessed before. Next to Ria, Tari was the second most elusive because she was so withdrawn and… skittish. Jack couldn't think of another word to describe her interactions. Once they were finally done, Jack gave Ria her own bowl and ushered her to a table. As the cook he still needed to clear away what was left, but he noticed her glance from earlier as everyone mingled. He paused at the doorway to his kitchen to observe the odd group. It truly is...odd. Within the week's end, they'd be at each other's throats again. Jack folded his arms, his eyes shifting to Ria. After this little experience, could he kill her, if it came to that?

Once lunch had finally dispersed, Jack waved Ria back to his kitchen. The dishes needed tending, and he inquired for her aid once more. They worked side by side for a time in shared silence. Finally, Jack broke it. "I have three questions for you. If you answer them, I will answer yours in turn. Sound like a deal?" He paused to look at her, waiting for her response, before asking his questions.

"First," the sly look returned, "did you learn a lot?

"Second: why did you pick me as your target?

"And third, and I know this will be the hardest, but I hope you'll be honest...what is your favorite color?"

Ria offered a small 'thanks' to Jack at the food and ate it in silence. Her mind seemed far gone as she ate slowly, though whatever weighed on her thoughts seemed to fade as she returned to her meal. Though not all of the others were keen on the matter, Ria enjoyed this moment being close to their targets and seeing them up close. She was good at her job, Tari made sure of it, but this was easily her favorite way of doing things, but that wasn't an option each time. Even this had to end at some point, these little moments shared would fade, that's how it was, that's how it always needed to be.

Ria put her all into helping cleaning the dishes, not really sure how to pay back the day properly to Jack. Strange as it was, the whole thing was entertaining and she wanted to repay it somehow. Though when Jack broke the silence it seemed he had provided a way all on his own, she turned to him and tilting her head gave a small nod to him.

"…I am obligated to answer questions…go ahead," she said drying off her hands.

At the questions Ria's eyelids lowered slightly, she shut her eyes for a moment taking a second to think about two of them.

"I did yes, it was interesting," Ria said in response to his first question.

At his second question Ria took a small step closer to Jack and raising her hands placed them on the side of his head.

"To understand Jack…to understand. There's…something similar we share…so I wanted to know more," Ria said. "I can feel it…so I wanted to understand you…so I chose you…it's that simple."

Her stare was focused as if she was trying to peer into the very fabric of being, there was more life in her eyes than her expression, almost like a fire was burning within them threatening to scorch Jack at their close proximity. However the fire faded quickly and she took a step away from him pulling her hands away.

At the third question Ria's eyes opened fully and she brought a hand to the side of her head.

"Auburn like hers. Faint.Pillowly.Sweet.Soft slipping through my fingers, so fragile yet so alive."

Ria's gripped her skull and grit her teeth, she had spoken plainly as if reciting a line terribly from a play, almost completely lifeless like a doll whose string was pulled. She closed her eyes her body trembling for a moment, her breathing came in rapid burst and she gripped her shirt trying to regain whatever was consuming her. After a moment she lowered her hand her tired expression return.

"…my apologies. A pleasant memory surfaced," Ria said rotating her shoulders. "Auburn is my favorite color."

Ria brought a hand to her chin as she contemplated her question, after a moment she stared at Jack.

"I'd like to save the other two for later. I only have one right now," Ria said.

With a small nod she folded her hands behind her back and stared at Jack.

"Why…are you fake around me?"

The question was a simple one and she motioned to her own face.

"…your mask…the one you wear…I'm your enemy. It's okay not to smile at me…to glare. To feign kindness is strange…I know you didn't want my help in the kitchen. You can be honest with me that's what I want…your mask is very well done…almost perfect…but whenever I see you wear it…"

Ria reached her hand towards Jack but didn't go near his face.

"I want to rip it off…because it's painful to stare it. This…false you. I'm accustomed to such looks quite honestly… one of scorn and hatred…being the child of a Mistress…fake smiles…are the most irritating…"

Jack froze when he felt her cool hands on either side of his face, and her eyes burned in front of him. He remained mute as she spoke, not wishing to interrupt her willingness to talk. With a soft sigh, Jack gently pushed her hands away and turned back to the dishes. "If your goal is to understand, you should choose someone else," he said softly, "I don't deserve that kind of attention."

He gazed sideways at her as she told him her favorite color. Whatever throughs enraptured Ria, he didn't address it. "Auburn? That is a good choice." He didn't look at her again until she mentioned being a child to a Mistress, and he wondered what that could mean. The abstract way she spoke suggested, perhaps, that thread of similarity she spoke of earlier rested in their childhood. He dashed the thought aside. It wasn't something he wished to entertain just then.

Sighing, Jack put the last of the dishes down and looked at the ceiling. There was a long pause as he decided on what to say. "I appreciate your honesty but you misunderstand," he finally turned to her. A thoughtful seriousness rested in his features, replacing his smile, as he rubbed his chin and sighed for a second time. "I can't see the harm in sharing this with you, I suppose. This isn't a mask. It's an unfortunate habit picked up from being a cook."

He stepped back and shrugged with an apologetic, semi-helpless way. "Even on a ship where you get to know those you serve, there's a certain etiquette that demands pleasance from the server to those he serves. I picked it up...a long time ago. It eases people so I keep doing it. That's all there is to it."

His piece done, he turned his back to her. If what he said was truth or lies, it was hard to say, and he didn't say anything farther on the subject. Once done, he retrieved the apron and hat from Ria and thanked her for the day. Despite himself, it'd been amusing and eye-opening. As she turned to leave, he called out to her.

"Ria, just so you know, I did want your help today. Enemies or not…" he scoffed slightly at himself, smoothing the top of his hair. He flapped a hand at her. "Nevermind. Go get some rest or, whatever it is that you do."

Jack watched her leave, holding the cook's garb in his hands. His fingers clenched it.

That's it then. That's the way it'll have to be; how this all will have to end.

 

[Mizos]

Nikos stood on the bow of the Lady, staring out at the sea his arms crossed as he kept an eye out for the island. The days had passed slowly at first, but in the span of what seemed like mere moments the five days had come and gone. He glanced back at the main deck, at Stardusk and his Messengers; he wasn't sure what to really take from this whole experience. Being this close to their targets were expressly forbidden, he knew his Messengers wouldn't hesitate when the time came, but even he found his thoughts clouded with memories of their voyage. Every Raven was required to look at their targets as people, not things. A kill order carried weight because of that, but the weight felt heavier all of a sudden and it bothered him. He had gotten to know his target too much; he would be relieved when this feeling was gone.
"Hey Nikos it's time for you guys to go right?"

Nikos glanced over as Luro walked up and stood next to him; he narrowed his eyes at him before focusing his attention forward. He could condone Stardusk, much as he disliked them they were tolerable, but this man was a whole other matter. His very existence was an insult to decent people, but he held in that thought pointing ahead at the silhouette of a landmark in the distance. That was his answer as their destination started to come into sight.

Nikos had told Tari to inform Kadi where Renegade hideouts were confirmed and make sure it went on the map. Stardusk didn't need to land or go near those places, they'd be attacked without hesitation or a Renegade would slip on board, neither of which he wanted to happen to their targets. Getting a kill stolen by a renegade was an insult as a Raven.
"Oh there's something else there."

Nikos looked over at Luro before his eyes widened a bit, turning Nikos yelled towards everyone on the deck.
"Renegades!"
A giant splash of water followed as a cannonball narrowly missed the ship, Nikos ran onto the deck quickly gathering the Messengers. One ship a Brigatine lied in front of them, red sails being pulled by the wind, a Raven with a line through it resting on the ships flag. Luro grinned and bringing his hands together yelled.
"We're being attacked by ships! Yay!"
Luro quickly turned and started heading towards the cannons as another cannonball went flying, chipping a bit of the wood off the side of the ship before crashing into the water.
"Renegade ships are well reinforced, regular cannonballs will have trouble breaking through," Nikos said as Luro approached the cannons. "Still it's just one ship so it shouldn't be too much of a problem…"
"Two."
"Huh?"
"There are two ships," Luro said pointing behind them.

Luro pointed at another Renegade ship approaching behind them, Nikos eyes narrowed and gripping his sheath he realized they were out of options. The Renegades were already a step ahead and they were prepared for them, making sure Stardusk got away was important, his people were in danger right now as well, which meant swallowing his pride for a moment.
"…I didn't realize they had this many reserves…we cleared this area…I know it," Nikos said glaring at the ship. "It doesn't matter, they're here now. We'll adjust accordingly."

Nikos turned and looked over at Runali motioning to the ship trying to approach.
"Every Raven ship is filled to the brim with explosives," Nikos said. "It's why they're so well reinforced…a last resort is to ram the ship and blow itself up along with the target ship. The Renegades aren't trying to hit you, they're just trying to get close enough to use the explosives…possibly poison too."
"Poison!" Zilia wrote shoving the note in Nikos face.
"We like to be thorough," Nikos said pushing the note away. "Just in case the explosion failed…the wind will generally carry the poison a bit…which…melts skin on contact I believe along with destroys internal organs if inhaled. It's quite potent."
"What is wrong with you all?!"
"I said it was a last resort, if the code isn't followed after repeated attempts at trying and there are no other options then such methods are permitted, and only if the ship doesn't have any innocents on it…the Renegades however don't care. So we need to make sure the ships are blown up a safe distance away or we could get hit with the poison. It'll dissipate before reaching us so long as we're a good distance."
"Oh yeah I forgot about the poison," Luro said grinning. "Yeah that's pretty bad, I saw a Raven use it on himself, it's very painful, it burns to the bone."
"Just once…can you remember dangerous things before we're face to face with them."
"It's just a slow agonizing death," Luro said. "It's not that big of a deal Z."
"Stop discussing it Luro, Captain Lev it's your ship, what are your orders? I'm not dying with you, and letting you get killed by Renegades isn't an option."

Runali was having a semi peaceful time sitting on the ship's ledge, playing with CP. Every now and then her gaze would go over to Luro and Nikos, but for the most part she was unbothered. For the most part.
Nothing ever remained peaceful for the Stardusk, and with the Ravens attached to them, of course that time frame of peace would only get shorter. CP noticed the ship a few moments before Runali did, but both of them were up. While the bird took to the skies, Runali whistled for the rest of her crew who hadn't been on deck. "Oi! My ship!" She shook her fist at the Renegades, only to glance over at Kadi. "Let's not give 'em a clear shot, please and thanks!" The mention of poisons made her look at Zilia. "Ya know, poison could be pretty useful. Toss it and then have Alicia do a cool sword slice, it'd clear a number of people outta our way."

Just as Nikos was staring to speak further the ship behind them let off a bright red spark, a moment later the ship was completely consumed in flames as an explosion came from inside the Renegade vessel. Nikos and Zilia held their arms up, Luro leaning forward as screams came from the ship accompanied with gasping and choking. A purple mist hovered around the ship and just as Nikos said anything that came in contact with it suffered the consequences. Nikos was glad the ship was blown up a fair bit away; the poison was being blown in another direction thankfully. The source of the explosion however was what concerned him; the ship was nowhere near close enough to do any damage, with the explosive or poison.

Luro turned and noticed two ships in the distance, a frigate from what he could see and a man o war both sporting black sails and a pirate flag with a wolf plastered on it. Luro's eyes widened at the craftsmanship of the vessels as they sailed in their direction, they were like works of art, creations that fell from the heavens above, their shape, their sails, their proportions, the way they glided on the water, everything seemed so…so perfect! He wanted to shake the hands of the man who had built them, he could see the love crafted into the wood from where he was standing, the fine details in the curved designs of the ship, the masts were like living people at first glance, it brought tears to his eyes. Though after a moment he realized he was staring and ran his hand over the side of the Lady.
"Sorry I didn't mean to stare," Luro said. "I was tempted don't worry I still love you."

The frigate got closer to the ship and someone ran and leapt off the ship landing onto Lady Luck, the other ship continued forward engaging the other ship, which had stopped the moment their ally had been destroyed.
"You're Stardusk right?"
A woman grinned at Stardusk as she placed her hand on her hips, which sported two wheel like weapons on them with sharp edges. Reaching up to adjust her eye patch for a moment she motioned her head to the other ships.
"You must have the luck of Jones himself, you got some Ravens on your tail but luckily we found you all…though a little after they did. My Captain's taking care of your pursuers and my ship will keep that one busy. Think you can fight that one on your own?"

The woman motioned to another Renegade vessel approach from a distance which was closing the distance rather quickly.
"My Captain ordered me to help. Said we can't let fellow pirates get killed by bounty hunters, that'd just be rude. She's also got business with Luro here along with a few bullets. That can come later though; she can't 'speak' with him if he's dead."
The woman eyed the people on the ship ignoring the battle between her ship and the Renegades; she arched a brow at everyone before slamming fist on the palm of her hand.
"Oh right I didn't introduce myself, I'm the first mate of the Lupis Noctus, you can call me…Patch…that's a horrible fake name but please bear with it, I can't introduce myself before my Captain. Whoever the Captain is let me know what needs to be done, I'll help you out."

Nikos' question almost went on deaf ears. The captain was about to explain that Kadi was doing something called 'evading', but she could only get the point at Kadi out before the ship coming up on them exploded. "Huh?" It was definitely not caused by them. Seeing another ship coming towards them, Runali started to motion towards the cannon again, only to pause when someone jumped on their ship. "I don't know what games your group likes to play Nikos, but it sure isn't fun." She moved to the front of the pack and stared at the woman offering them help. She wasn't sure what was more of the surprise here: the fact that this woman was a pirate helping them or the fact that someone else had business with Luro.

Thinking about it, she went with the first one. "I guess… glad to know there's civility in pirates after all… or something." She rubbed her temples for a brief moment before stepping forward and putting out her hand. "Stardusk Captain. Runali Lev, pleasure to make your acquaintance, Patches. Well, less of a pleasure because you- or your captain threatened my shipwright. We've got enough extra bodies and threats to deal with but," Runali turned away from her and looked over gave Kadi a signal.
"We don't have time for that right now! Kadi I need you to get us close enough for our cannons to hit. Kaim, help Sara with the cannons. Alicia and, hmm, Tari- when we get close enough, see what you can do about their fire. Keep ship damage to a minimum! Jack, keep a look out for me! Yell if anything changes. Luro, spot whoever's at the helm and shoot them. I'm sure they'll get someone to replace 'em just shoot them too." She continued yelling orders to her crew and the Ravens before stopping by the woman. "I dunno what you can do Patchy but try not to get in the way."

 

[SilentxChaos]

Jack sipped a rum bottle near Ria as he watched the island slowly approach. He wasn't quite sure how close she was, but after their spying adventure, he relaxed somewhat in her presence. Maybe it was her tired nature that eased him, similar to the effect of Alicia's quietness, or Runali's laid-back attitude. He liked to think he had a better idea when she was near...but, secretly, Jack only pretended at it. True to her title, Ria remained an enigma.

He sat up when he spotted the speck of red sails on the horizon. Running to the rail, Jack abandoned his drink. He made it in time to watch a cannonball fly by and splash him with water. Wiping his face, Jack heard Nikos shout and Luro's excitement, and knew they were under attack. "Damn it. This is going to be a long day," he muttered, glancing at the crew and Ravens as they piled on deck. He stayed long enough to hear Nikos explain they were Renegades, and the defenses they had in place on the ships before turning on his heel and running below deck. If these ships were meant to be dealt at long-range, his normal weapons would be next to useless.

When the cook resurfaced, he slung a long cap-lock rifle on his shoulder. His face pinched, creating deep furrow lines between his brow and around his mouth, in a look that hovered between disgust and irritation.

He came up in time to see the mysterious pirate jump aboard, and immediately pulled a fist of knives out, instead of aiming the gun. Only Runali's failure to call for an attack stayed his blades in hesitation. He retreated next to Ria as the mystery woman introduced herself. An audible scoff escaped as she mentioned yet a third party in connection with Luro. Of course. The feeling that Stardusk was spiraling further into their friend's past caused worry in the cook. Considering how things went with Nura, and now their shaky truce with the Red Ravens, Jack felt justified in being overly cautious to this new group.

But now was not the time to question it. Runali called for action against the biggest threat. Jack gave a slight bow to her and jumped to her orders. He shouldered the rifle, sheathing his knives, and made for the crow's nest. He swung over the railing with nimbled grace and scampered up the net. Pausing halfway up, Jack looked out to survey the scope of their opponents. How could the Messengers miss this… It bothered him that Nikos believed his Ravens had eradicated the Renegades, yet two ships were coming to face, and by their size, Jack estimated a large crew on each, larger than Stardusk. The cook gritted his teeth and continued climbing.

Once in the nest, Jack grabbed a spyglass from the chest containing his star charts and Luro's hideaways. He leaned the rifle against the railing and turned his eyes to the oncoming renegade ships.

 

[Eastwood]

By now, Sara had settled into a comfortable routine, adjusting to the strangers and potential killers that were on her ship. Although, after seeing and snickering at Jack in a dress and blonde wig, she questioned if that routine would ever be normal.

At the cry of the sight of the Renegades, Sara immediately sprung into action, by diving straight into the hull. She reemerged a moment later with an armful of loaded muskets. In case they were ever attacked by sea, Sara had already made some preparations. She shoved them into Kaim's arms as she ran back into the hold. "Fire at them while I reload the cannons!"