[IC] Pirate Age

[Grothnor]

Ray took the scolding like an obedient child, feeling foolish and embarrassed, partly himself, and partly for Runali, who left soon after her chiding. He didn't think much of Shouta's grip on his sword until once his speech had ended. He saw it was warped, dulled and twisted in parts, and completely unfit for use as anything other than scrap metal. For some reason, Ray's blood began to boil. He was so willing to surrender his blade to the 'tender mercies' of the Rookie Judge before, but why was he upset now?

Ray was too riled to ponder such things and gulped down his drink and called for another. He tried to sheathe his blade, but it was too twisted and gnarled to fit in the sheath. He roared and slammed it into the table; it bounced off and clattered onto the floor. Ray slumped into a seat and bowed his head, accepting the drink brought to him, waiting for Shouta to bring his Judgment upon him. Instead, all he received was a gracelessly tossed bag of coin and 'advice' to get a new weapon. He looked up at the Rookie Judge with scorn in his eyes, feeling a sensation much like his last night on Lendria.

“Do you know why I follow her?” he abruptly asked. Shouta turned his head in his direction lazily, his drink still dripping from his unwiped chin and onto his shirt. “When she found me, I was a dead man. The fates had conspired against me and I was slated to meet my end with my neck on the headsman's block, though I wouldn't be surprised if they wanted me to dance at the end of a rope for them instead. I had sought out anyone who could help me and they all turned me away, including my own family. So when the guards showed up to arrest me, I had already given up. Captain Runali showed up, fought them off-”

“An' saved yer life,” Shouta drawled exaggeratedly, clearly implying that that wasn't anything special.

“She gave me hope, you drunken arse!” Ray shouted, standing angrily. Shouta continued to watch him with the same drunken passivity, which only fueled Ray's anger even more. He started talking with the stark clarity drink sometimes offers. “Yes, she saved my life, but I owe her for much more than that. She gave me my life, she gave me hope and she gave me a freedom I never knew existed. That is why I follow her.” He stooped to pick up his sword and bag of money. “Enjoy your drink, sir. I hope you choke on it.” he bowed mockingly and left.

[AkiBlue]

Alicia complimented her. She didn't respond to it, but she did give a small smile. Maybe Alicia was right. Maybe that was even the reason the crew she gained decided to follow her into the dangerous journeys of being a pirate. She remembered helping Luro off a stranded island and helping Ray from the authorities that were after him. Because she did, both thought it was necessary to join up with her...maybe they saw something else besides just a debt. She'd figure it out sometime later though. It wasn't something she could bother with at the time. The broken dagger was moved back into her lap and she nodded towards Alicia's confidence.

The serious tone that was had by the young woman made her raise an eyebrow. For the first time since she had sat down, Runali turned and looked at Alicia. She was declaring her allegiance to the crew, and making it permanent. "One little mishap won't make me kick you out. It's a learning experience. Though I would advise to find someplace around here. You know, just in case the next island harbors more people like Shouta." She joked lightly and stood, picking up the broken dagger and her now dusty hat. She decided not to put it back on.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

"Wha- What!?" Risa squeaked and turned a bright red when Luro flung her over his shoulder and patted her bottom. "I'm p-pretty sure I could've j-just ran..." Figuring the pirate wasn't going to put her down any time soon she sighed and just let it happen... "You don't seem to grasp normal socializing do you? Or is this a normal pirate thing?" When she was put down, it was a little confusing that he thanked her...and then threatened her. Luro was quite...confusing. Cute in his own right, but really confusing. "Um, you're welcome...?" She wasn't sure if she could even give the man a straight answer. Instead, she decided to lead the way. The pause had given her ample opportunity to and she did see the captain and her crewmate stand first. The two walked past them and she even decided to grab his wrist and pull him along.

Hearing the door of the shop, Simon appeared from behind the counter. "Oh good you're still alive-" His eyebrow raised, seeing Luro with her. "And you're still with pirates. Hm, never knew you'd get so bold Risa. Ha, you're not the dangerous type." She frowned at him and then lead Luro towards the back. "By the way! Dad came and left. So I fixed that ship of theirs."

"Here's where we keep the spare parts." The two ended up in a rather large back room filled with mountains of boxes. "You can even take a few of the blueprints if you like. We have copies." She pointed to a particular box closest to the door. "They're organized by what they are mostly used for. So, that pile is weapons, mainly guns and cannons. That side is for toys or animals." At the mention of it, she shuffled off to one side and grabbed her wings, turning on what appeared to be a mechanical owl. "The wings are out front. But parts for them are here." She gave him free reign, just as long as he didn't take everything. The shop made enough money and it was easy to find spare parts. The people of the island that didn't know how to fix things simply threw them out and it was sent to a junkyard full of things.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Runali had forgotten about the free try with the wings and was now walking through the city with Alicia, Nolan, and Danny in order explore the town. Danny didn't too much care for the on land transportation, but it was the fastest way to get to their destination. To ignore her nausea, she decided to explain to Nolan what he had missed until they were finally off the cable cars. "This place is amazing." The captain mused as she saw what looked like a mechanical bird in a child's hand.

As they looked around for their destination or destinations depending on where the chef and navigator wanted to go, Runali spotted a shop that caught her eye. Not everything in the town was modified and dazzled up. There was a simple shop that crafted swords. "You guys go on, I'll catch up with you guys at the ship."

She waved them off and went her own way. Runali figured that a temporary replacement for Ray's broken sword was necessary. Not just because she needed to apologize, but because he did need a weapon for his own defense. The rapier she bought was nothing like his old one, but it was well crafted. "If he doesn't like it, well I could always return it before we head off." In her shopping, she completely forgot about the sword she was suppose to get herself and ended up getting the rapier for Ray and heading to the ship.

[Fox of Spades]

The atmosphere aboard the Coral Pearl was anything but festive, though maybe Luro was an exception...

Well, Nolan was glad that someone was somewhat happy. Risa had definitely been a big help, and the repairs that had been done to their ship were astounding. Today had been quite an eventful day, and the cook leaned against the railing and thought about everything that had happened at the Tavern. He about Shouta, about judges, and about Alicia's broken sword . Seeing his friends hurt, it irritated him, but he shook the anger out of his head and approached Luro.

If they wanted to get stronger--If he wanted to become a better crew mate, then there was something he needed to do.

They'd have to work as a team, it was time he put the bad blood aside, and he could see that now. The cook made his way towards Luro and nodded his head in greeting. "So...the Coral Pearl looks better than ever now, doesn't it? I mean look at that, I guess we were lucky Risa fell out of the sky." There was a momentary pause. "Hey, Luro, I know we haven't been on the best of terms lately, but I came here to say...to say that I'm sorry." Nolan rubbed the back of his head awkwardly then glanced quickly at Alicia and Ray, "We're crew mates, and after today, I guess I realized something. Whatever reasons you had for attacking Lily were your own. I didn't know her, and I didn't know you before any of this. Your past is your own," he stuck out his hand, "I guess what I'm trying to say is...friends?" He didn't know how the other man would react, but Nolan was ready to put this all behind him. If they wanted to get strong enough to face the Rookie Judge, they'd need to stand united.

Sometimes he felt like he didn't fit in, but by now, he knew he'd follow these people across the seven seas if he had to; it was kind of silly.

[Mizos]

Luro just grinned at the idea of socializing normally though he wondered if he was missing something about it, he normally interacted with people like this. He was polite and let her know that he was going to do it first of course, he learned from his previous times when he forgot to ask.
He looked down at his wrist when Risa grabbed it but followed after seeing the captain and Alicia had left, when they went through the shop he offered a wave to Simon and gave a small thumbs up when he mentioned fixing the ship before he was dragged into the back room.
His eyes widened and his jaw dropped just a little as he stared at the almost endless potential he was currently surrounded by, when Risa told him he could take whatever or at least that's what he heard Luro's hand curled into a fist before he turned to Risa.
"Don't move," he said before turning and dashing out of the room.
He promptly returned with the sack he used to carry the guns in from Utsukushi and dropped it on the ground before cracking his fingers and grinning as he went over to the boxes and started digging in them.
He pulled out all manners of objects and did take a few blueprints with him, surprisingly not all of them were for weapons and he stuffed everything into his bag with a wide grin, to him this was the equivalent of a child in a free candy store and he wasn't about to pass up the opportunity.
Luro took out a small toy and kneeling down on one knee immediately started taking it apart, his attention immediately focused on the object and his hands seemed constantly in motion as he quickly but gently took the toy apart.
"You know someone told me once that to understand something you gotta take it apart and put it together with it still functioning afterwards, do it over and over again till you memorize everything about it with your fingertips not your eyes. He told me that's the reason why we can't understand people...kinda silly right but I understood what he meant back then."
After a brief moment Luro put the toy back together and giving it a little flick caused it to start moving, he grinned and stopped it before taking it apart again.
"I tried to take apart the Coral Pearl with that reason but the captain politely refused, with her size it would have taken a bit to put back together and we had stuff to do. Still I know her like the back of my hand even though I didn't take her apart, which made me think maybe we can understand people another way too, or something like that. I believe that's what he wanted to teach me back then, he just gave me a little push in the right direction. Oh did I sound fancy there for a second."
Luro chuckled to himself and stood up before walking over to Risa and handing her a mechanical rose, he grabbed his sack and threw it over his shoulder.
"If you hit that button it'll bloom," he said pointing at it. "What I mean is when you understand something you come to appreciate it more. It's not much compared to money but it's the first thing I've made with the knowledge you've given me so it's a symbol or something, not many lasses out there have shown me a new world so I appreciate it and the kindness shown towards myself and everyone in the crew. You've been a big help and I wanted to thank you, I anticipate I'll end up back here eventually, probably in the far future when that happens I hope you'll extend the same kindness. I feel I've come to understand you just a little more thorough your kindness."
Luro rubbed the back of his head with a small chuckle.
"Anyway I've thanked you and acted mature enough, time to go out and be myself again. See ya Risa!"
With that Luro walked out the door waving to Simon along the way before walking out of the door, however he didn't head towards the Coral Pearl, he headed back in the direction of the streetcar, there was one thing he needed to do first.

A young man seemed to be looking through a carefully constructed list as he stood in front of one of the large ships, he heard a loud noise behind him before an arm wrapped around his shoulder as Luro leaned forward staring at the ship in question. Luro had his notebook in his left hand and the young man seemed a bit taken aback by the friendly embrace as Luro stared up at the ship his large almost full bag a few feet away.
"This is a nice ship you guys must have worked hard to get these going, can you show me the inside?"
"Well no not really, we're still working on them," the young man responded trying to move away.
Luro didn't let him however and just pat his chest with the notebook as he nodded a little, he had a feeling that might be the case but figured it wouldn't hurt to ask.
"Ah that's a shame you won't change your mind?"
The young man shook his head but flinched as Luro pulled a pistol from his belt and pointed it at him his attention still focused on the ship.
"How about now?"
The young man's eyes widened before he looked around for anyone that could help or at least see what was going on but Luro had waited until the others had left not wanting to be interrupted.
"Now here's the thing, I am more than willing to kill you, without remorse of course, and dump your body somewhere but that is a great deal of trouble for me and you seem like a nice guy so I don't want to murder you. That and my captain's asked me not to kill unless it's necessary and I'll feel bad when I see her again and it's all just one big mess you understand. If you scream then that gives me one less reason not to pull the trigger, cause you know I'd like this to stay between us, you don't scream I don't shoot you everyone wins right..sooooo-"
Luro cut himself off and readied the gun putting it against the man's cheek before he opened the notebook to the page where he took the notes on the ship from Risa's knowledge.
"Mind helping me find a few things?"

Luro dropped the bag on the ship and wiped the sweat from his forehead, he put his hands on his hips and chuckled at his haul, he ended up taking a few things from the ship but he made sure it wasn't anything that couldn't be replaced, if things went well Risa's shop might get some more business. Still with this much he'd have more than enough to make what he needed and he was already looking forward to it, though thanks to his long trip it took him a bit to get back to the ship.
When he did return Luro immediately went to his barrel and pulled out a bottle of rum before opening it, he looked around wondering if the atmosphere was just a little heavy but he shrugged and took a drink.
He let out a relieved sigh and was going to finish off the rest of it but stopped when Nolan approached him, he blinked a few times as he spoke leaning against the railing of the ship as he commented on the repairs.,
"I haven't fully checked but she seems in good shape I don't really like another guy touching my lass though, she's loyal though so I believe in her. Oh you and Ray are an exception of course, you're taken and I don't think she's Ray's type."
At the mention of not being on the best terms he tilted his head a little his brow arching at him though he knew it was about Lily he remained silent.
When Lily was brought up his smile faded a little and eyes narrowed, he stared at his hand when he extended it before he got off the railing and crossed his arms averting his eyes from Nolan.
"Nolan...did you really think it'd be that simple. You treated me like that without bothering to understand why, I'm offended and I can't believe-"
Luro cut himself off as he put his hand over his mouth.
"I can't...snrk...I can't believe you...gahahahaha I can't do it!"
Luro immediately held his stomach and leaned forward laughing, eventually putting his hand on the side of the ship to keep from fully falling over.
"Of course we're friends Nolan," Luro said straightening up and rubbing tears from his eyes. "Ah sorry sorry when you got all serous I couldn't help myself. Don't worry about it Nolan that sensitive side of you is what I enjoy the most, you feel bad when you kill someone and you can empathize well with others. Even when I did something so bad you still came to me and offered me your hand in friendship, that's a kind of courage I can respect. The kind that helps with understanding others, I tend to just pull the trigger first so I like that about you. You can find the words that I can't, I still don't know what to say to Alicia ya know but I prefer actions anyway so I'll figure it out."
With his peace said Luro knocked Nolan's hand away and gave him a quick hug patting his back before backing away.
"It really is a shame you're not a lass, Lily could learn a lot from you too bad she's probably scared of you now."
Luro pulled out the pocket-watch before holding it up showing where his bullet hit.
"That kindness of yours can make you a bit gullible though," Luro said chuckling. "When we see Lily and Mary again I hope you'll extend your hand to her, that lass needs friends. I suppose I should apologize for not saying something earlier, I just wanted to see what you would do."
Luro put the pocket-watch away before sitting on the edge of the ship putting his legs up as he looked out to the sea.
"Oh and...I appreciate that you were willing to still be my friend. Makes me wanna do more horrible things to test the bonds of our friendship."
Luro grinned after saying this to show he was joking...well half joking at the very least.
"I know it's heavy and stuff but we should still celebrate, I mean we came to a new place and saw amazing things all the stuff with Mr. Judge aside. We don't always have tomorrow after all. Oh did I sound fancy there for a second I'm getting good at this."

[AkiBlue]

Risa watched as Luro happily went back and forth, collecting items. She was fine with it. Their shop and two others were the only ones that actually had spare parts sent to them. So they'd have a shipment by the next two days. And the blueprints he had picked up were copies anyway. She quietly listened to the pirate as he spoke, and couldn't help the smile that she had. She stayed where she was the entire time before he finally prepared to leave with his things. With an expression of surprise, she did take the rose. "Well, I'll look forward to seeing you in the future." She said and slowly waved him off. As the two were back in to front of the store, Simon nodded his goodbye before looking at his sister idly play with the contraption in her hand. When she pressed the button, he recognized the flower structure and laughed. "Don't tell me you've fallen for some pirate. Dad's not gonna like that one..."

"Shut up!!"

Ray had gone off ahead to buy a few things, but ended up meeting everyone at the ship as well. Danny had followed Nolan and was now too distracted with her new inks and maps to play around. She went into the book room- her room, and began to draw out some more maps. Soon enough, as they traveled, she would have a map of the world. She had bigger dreams too, but those would be next. After the world, now she wanted to travel the skies, and then be one step closer to the stars. It would be incredible. She continued working until she heard the captain board. Danny then hurried with a map and compass in hand and prepared to set sail.

Runali and Alicia had been the last to board the ship. She noticed Luro happily hugging Nolan. It was nice to know the tension of before diminished. She noticed Danny ready for the captain's cue to leave, but she never gave one. There was something that had to be done first. Spotting Ray, she walked over to him and took the rapier she bought and held it in front of her. "It's not like your old one," She took the sword from its holster and showed it to him. "But it's the best the old timer could give me." Runali rubbed the back of her head and sighed. "I did appreciate the gesture. But I guess my appreciation wasn't good enough to prevent more destroyed weapons. It's a temporary replacement," She looked down at the sword again. "Until you can find one that suits you, or possibly get that fixed..." She sheathed the blade and then put it down in front of him. "If you don't want it, that's fine too. We can get rid of it, pawn it, or whatever." Her slightly informal apology sounded better on her hand. She had planned to be cordial, and even him call him by his actual name. But when she spoke, it...wasn't exactly how she planned. She shrugged hoping that would be fine as well and then gestured towards Alicia's blade, and the one across her back. "Of course, we needed two more."

After Ray had said what he needed to, Runali gave a half smile, fine with either answer she received. The captain went to her own room to put the broken dagger and her sword down before walking back out. "You didn't buy all that did you?" She asked, only because that stuff looked as if it would bankrupt them. They were still pirates...Runali didn't mind the stealing part...Just the random murdering. When she learned that Luro got the stuff for free, Runali gave a short laugh and turned to Danny.

"Alright, we can set sail!"

"Aye aye Captain!"

The crew went to work, opening the sails as usual and the crew was off again. The captain watched as Brass Cape began to get farther and farther away. She noticed something going up in the air, and when she stared long enough, she noticed Risa waving from the air. Runali waved back until the flying girl disappeared back to her work.

"Well crew. Even with being on an island for most of the day, we still had some lifetime experiences." She sat on a barrel and watched as the day grew dimmer. "But, we're still alive and still young. We still have a long way to travel."

It was now a time of rest and relaxation, not like they really really needed it. "So, food is next right? All that seriousness and walking and riding in weird contraptions have made me hungry! Nolaaan! Will you make food? Please?" Danny began to ramble on to the chef before pausing by the captain. "Hey, what happened to your hat? You're normally always wearing that hat. And you know what, I can see both your eye and your eyepatch! And you know what else?" Danny surely was a ball of energy. Runali appreciated her spirit, but casually pushed her back before she ended up falling off the barrel.

"What else?"

"I've never seen what's under that eyepatch! Unless...there's nothing under there at all! Hey, have you guys seen it? I haven't" It was hard to believe Danny was older than her sometimes.

"My hat is off in my room. I chose not to wear it...Just because." She ignored the thought of her and Alicia's conversation together. "As for my eye, no one has seen it becauuuuse no one has asked. Besides, I told you and the others the story before. My mentor and I were attacked by thieves. We won, but not without a few injuries. If you really must see though," Runali pulled her hair back revealing all of her face, and pulled it into a ponytail. She took off the eyepatch, the one Kai found for her, and set in her lap. "See?" Both her eyes were open now. The bright golden one was an odd mix with the pure white one on her left. Danny stared for a moment in fascination, noticing the scar that went right down her eye before nodding in contentment. Runali looked at the others before letting her hair go and putting the eye patch back on. "So, mystery solved?"

"Mystery solved! Now let's eat!"

[Fox of Spades]

Luro was laughing at him?

"H-Huh? Do I have something on my face?" Before Nolan could say anything else, his friend began talking about Lily and for a moment things didn't add up. Then again, things rarely added up when speaking to Luro and Nolan often questioned his sobriety. "Ooof—thank you, I guess." The cook was pulled into a hug and he laughed, Nolan gave Luro a brotherly tap on the back then took a step back and smiled. It was nice to know the all was forgiven—WAIT A GOSHDARN SECOND.

He stared at the pocket watch with eyes the size of dinner plates and Luro continued talking about Lily.

She was alive, and this was all just a ruse. He felt the heat rise to his face and Nolan could have sworn his ears were as red as apples. He didn't know whether to be relieved or frustrated. "That's not funny at all..." He exhaled but he wasn't mad and soon he was starring at Luro with a sense of amazement his mouth a small o. "I can't believe you two fooled so many people, but it's really good to know she's alive." There was a pause and the cook arched his eyebrow when Luro said Lily and Mary would now be afraid of him. Nolan paid it no mind. "I didn't know you two were so devious," the confused look on his face turned smug, "but do that again and we'll all be eating dinner without you." He gave Luro a friendly punch on the shoulder then nodded in greeting when Alicia and the captain arrived onto the ship.

The captain had a new sword for Ray, and it reminded him of the encounter with the rookie judge. It dampened his spirits a little, but Alicia looked a little bit better now. "How are you doing?" He asked with a kind smile before his attention shifted to the hyperactive Danny.

Nolan wondered if they'd ever run into the Rookie Judge again and as he looked out to sea with the others, he couldn't help but anticipate future adventures. Trouble and excitement seemed to follow them wherever they went and to be honest, he didn't mind it too much anymore.

[Winter]

~"A boy once asked me why I fight. I could have filled his head with stories and philosophical excuses for the reasons why. But when I looked at him, I smiled and responded; "Because I can"~

Alicia followed the captain into the shop, "I think I'll join you. After all I'll be needing a sword or two for myself if I plan to hold true to my promises" she said before she'd move into the shop behind Runali. The place presented itself in the same way that you usually see on most islands; the expensive swords held behind the counter and locked in cabinets while the cheaper ones stood together in barrels of varying grades and it was those swords that Alicia was more interested in. Sure she could probably afford one of the more expensive and exotic swords but to wield something such as that after the previous happenings would leave an undesired taste in her mouth. No, she needed training swords, swords which would break and strain under consistent use and only once she learned all that she needed would she allow herself to wield something more.

Alicia checked for a few swords, taking them out and partly revealing the blade from it's Saya to check it's condition. Eventually she pulled two from the barrel, taking them over to the counter before purchasing them with the money she'd earned from her tournament win on Utsukushī. She still had allot left over considering the price of the swords, but she'd save that for a time for when they'd need money for something important. It was strange to think of the journey which lay ahead of her and the thought of spending so much time as apart of a pirate crew. But this was her path now, the one she must walk in order to reach her new goal and continue on to become like the other great masters, and become legend.

When she reached the ship she hesitated for a moment, the feeling of leaving her families history behind weighing heavily on her mind. She exhaled deeply, taking another step before noticing Nolan who asked how she was, "I'm... better" she replied before giving a smile, "Thank you" she said before turning to take a look back at the island. The two swords she'd bought now were tied next to the Saya of her destroyed sword which she'd decided to keep there, at least for now. Alicia watched the island for a little longer, her hair gently carried by the soft breeze before she turned as Runali gave the order to set off. Without a word she began to secure the ropes and help prepare the ship for sale, noticing Runali wasn't wearing her hat after securing the first rope. She gave a small smile to the captain before carrying on, "I'll take the watch for tonight" she'd announce while working.

She didn't give her reasons for why or for what her reasoning was, but while the crew were asleep it would be nice to have the space, peace and quiet to begin her new training. It'd take her a long time to achieve that which she desired, but the journey towards the power of destruction was not something which could be taken lightly or achieved with speed or ease. No, the road ahead would be filled with more pain, suffering and tests of the body and mind before she could begin to comprehend the strength of will it took to wield such strength. But she'd get there, even if she has to break herself a second time.

[Grothnor]

Ray had left the tavern in a sore mood, not simply because Shouta had infuriated him, but because he was right. He walked through the streets, eschewing the use of the mechanical transportation, trying to cool his blood. As he did so, he came to the slow realization that he might have, in fact, been in the wrong. Maybe remembering Hugh Scarthane dug up more than a few memories. Well, I'm not going back to apologize. I won't go begging for the pardon of anyone like him.

He wandered off to a swordsmith to see if his blade could be repaired. Once Ray explained the damages it had gone through before, the swordsmith shook his head explaining if the sword were reforged, the metal would be too brittle to be useful. Had the blade been snapped in half instead of bent completely out of shape, it might have been repairable. Ray groaned, reaching into his wallet to give the man a silver for his time an unfinished dueling dagger caught his eye. It was just a blade and grip, lacking the hilt. Ray offered to buy it and suggested his damaged rapier be used to provide the metal for a basket hilt. The swordsmith nodded, liking the idea.

Some time later, Ray left the swordsmith, feeling much better about the loss of his last memento from home. The swordsmith was quite happy to have been paid in a whole platinum coin. He made his way back to the ship and waited for everyone to arrive. When the Captain arrived, she handed Ray a new rapier.

“It's a temporary replacement until you can find one that suits you, or possibly get that fixed...” she gestured to Ray's sheath, with the hilt still protruding from the end. “Oh, this?” He drew what remained of his old rapier and showed that it was nothing but a hilt. “I already took care of that.” He displayed his new dueling dagger and explained how he he decided to turn his broken memento into something useful. He took the new rapier and drew it, giving a few test swings and gently bending the blade. “Not as supple as I'm used to, but I'll manage.” He gave a tired smile, “Thank you, Captain.”

“Oh yeah, I suppose we have our 'good friend' Mister Takan to thank for our new weapons,” Ray said as he procured the bag of platinum and tossed it to the captain. “I'm still not forgiving him for what he did, but at least he had sense enough to repay us for the losses he incurred. And before you ask, we are not spending this on booze, Luro!”

[Mizos]

Luro grinned seeing Nolan catch on though a small nervous chuckle escaped from him at the mention of losing dinner, he was glad he was just joking about missing it, losing food was a good way to ruin a day quickly, especially one of Nolan's meals.
He spoke no further of the whole thing glad to put it behind them and only turned back around once Ray came back on board, he offered him a two finger salute swinging his legs back onto the ship before he watched the captain and Alicia board.
He looked towards the sky and returned the wave to Risa before they set off, though when asked about his sack of mechanical goodies Luro just grinned giving a small shrug.
"Some came from Risa but the others came from a gentleman willing to part with them after a little...what's it called...negotiation."
At gun point mind you but negotiation was negotiation and Luro thought it went quite well, he considered doing it more often.
When Nolan questioned Alicia Luro couldn't help but smile himself seeing she was better, that was good she was tenacious if anything else.
"Good to see you smile again Tashigi," Luro said chuckling a little. "I was going to offer we clean out the rum together tonight but since your okay we'll save it for another time."
Luro's attention moved back over to Ray as he brought up not buying drink Luro's eyes moving to the platinum coin before he threw up his hands clearly confused by his train of thought.
"What's the point of coin if your not going to buy drink Ray? That's like...having coin and not buying drink we're doing it right now Ray we're going against nature! Well that or using a cannonball as ammunition for a rifle it just doesn't make sense. Wait or does it...actually that'd be pretty cool...hold on I wonder if that'd be possible."
Luro ended up getting lost in his own world for a second only to return to see the captain's other eye, he blinked a few times seeing it before a small smile slid onto his face, though he kept his words to himself, at least until he could write his letter later.

Once the ship had sail for a bit Luro went into the rum room taking the time to sit in his throne chair for a moment to enjoy its softness before heading back out and moving to the far side of the ship near the bow, he did so repeatedly until he had multiple rows of rum spread out in an easily reachable fashion. The next few hours if he finished by then were going to be pretty harsh but it was a challenge he decided to willingly engage, and with Alicia taking the first watch he could focus on his task. He'd probably take the second since he was going to be up anyway which he made sure to tell the captain later on, didn't feel right letting Alicia take the whole night she must have had a long day after all.
That was something else entirely however as Luro dragged the bag over to his spot and pulled out a majority of the items setting them down near the center in a circle.
For the next few hours Luro sat in the middle of his mini rum fortress before setting his rifle on the ground in front of him, he closed his eyes and immediately began taking the gun apart, with what he was going to do he wanted to make sure he could still take it apart though since it was something he practiced almost everyday it was easy enough. He made sure to keep his other senses open so he'd know when dinner was or if anyone approached him but his attention went to his gun once it was apart, the moment it was a wide grin formed on his face before he started mixing the items from Brass Cape with his rifle.
He had read the schematics, considered how to add them to his own rifle, what components could possibly be replace with others to improve it, make it better and now he was going to see if any of it was right.
Luro's hands went right to work moving from his rifle parts, the mechanical parts and rum in a continuous motion, Luro would finish raise the gun and fire only to see it wasn't working only to take it completely apart and redo it, over and over and over again without ceasing.

His mind tended to wander during this time, it was one of the few times he let himself think about complicated stuff though his mind would immediately switch back to the parts afterwards. Luro would get lost in his creations to a point that he wouldn't even notice days pass though he made an attempt to avoid that this time.
The captain Runali Lev invaded his thoughts along with the others, Raymond, Nolan, Alicia, Danny, Kai, Shouta now and even Risa.
Faces flashed through his head as his hands continued dissembling and reassembling though they vanished as quickly as they came.
Luro remembered what he had told Risa before about the question he had received a bit of an answer too, the question with the captain and it brought a smile to his face.
When they first met Luro had pointed his rifle at Runali, after being stranded for days...well stranded again anyway and knowing it could be months or even years until another ship came he was beyond delighted. Back then he hadn't agreed to hold back his own impulses so he was well aware his intentions the moment he raised it. When he pointed his rifle at Runali the first time, he was wholly intent on pulling the trigger and killing her, what person would pass up a free ship after being stranded, and back then she didn't have her Jolly Roger up nor a large crew on board...well technically she still didn't but it was enough. Luro figured shoot the lass steal her ship and sail with a new one. The fact he liked the look of her ship also helped with his attempted murder but that was another story.
Yet...when he put his gun on her he found he couldn't pull the trigger and instead shot the spot next to her, that act made Luro question a few things about this lass one of which was what made her so intriguing. It wasn't the reason he was now aboard the Coral...but it was a question he wanted an answer to.
That wasn't going to be the last time his rifle would be pointed at the captain, Luro knew that very well. He wasn't sure when but he was going to try and kill her again, not because he disliked her or was angry at her, he held no particular grudge against her and personally he enjoyed her company and leadership. However this lass was his captain and he wondered if he pointed his gun at her again, would hesitate on pulling the trigger. Luro wanted to know why he couldn't just kill Runali and be done with it, even now the thought crossed his mind occasionally well when he sobered up a little anyway.
When he saw the look on the captain's face after their dealings with the judge he felt he got a little closer to the answer to that question, and it made him realize he should wait a bit longer before he raised his rifle to her again. Luro didn't like thinking what would happen if he could pull the trigger, he knew himself well enough to know it would end sadly.
Luro shook his head and grabbed his bottle taking a long swig of it before letting out a relieved sigh.
"Alright enough complicated thinking," Luro mumbled reassembling his gun.
All of that would come later, right now he had this to focus on. He needed to protect the captain and everyone else if need be, it'd really ruin his future plans if she went and got herself killed that and he'd be sad too, this ship was his home and the crew his family or at least the closest thing he had to one in a very long time.

[AkiBlue]

"The trip will be a little over a week Captain. According to the map, the island's pretty far." Danny reported the next morning. The captain merely nodded and casually walked along the edge of the ship, easily maintaining her balance. She held her new sword in hand, tossing it between each hand. She knew how to use swords, not as well Alicia or Ray, but she could always practice. Runali knew how to handle most weapons, but she found she was no good at using guns, and she could only survive so long with a sword. Come to think of it, before Danny arrived Runali just followed wherever the wind took them. And obviously, she was no where near as amazing as the chef on board.

The boat rocked and she grabbed onto a rope near her. She looked over at her crew on deck and smiled lightly. Even though she wasn't good at those things, that's what she had her friends for. And they were pretty good at what they did. She hopped down back onto the deck and continued on with day.

The crew went about their merry way. For three days they sailed peacefully. During one of those days, the captain got Alicia and Ray to teach her a little more about sword fighting, mainly because there was nothing to do. Curious enough, she did occasionally peek to see what Luro was doing with all the metal pieces around. Runali never asked, not wanting to break his concentration. Instead she would watch for a few moments and then disappear.

On the fourth night, after everyone had enjoyed another meal, Runali called watch for the night. Though she doubted anything would happen.

In such a short amount of time, Runali's peaceful doze on the deck turned into one less than pleasant. The moon disappeared and it grew dark instantly. The sound of thunder wasn't far away either. Soon enough, heavy rain started to pour and the waves grew more violent, causing the Coral Pearl to teeter back and forth dangerously. The captain was soaked by rain water, and soon enough, ocean water too. "Danny! What happened to our course?!" The captain yelled over the crashing waves and the roaring downpour. Danny had already rushed out of her room when she noticed her compass going on the fritz. She hurried to the helm of the ship to steer them on a safer course.

"I have no idea! This weather came out of nowhere!" She struggled against the waves, and at one point, the ship leaned so far over to the right, anything not bolted down started to slide.

"Make sure everything is secured!" The captain yelled out and held on to the side of the ship when it leaned again. She looked up at the sails and then pointed. "We need those tied so they don't rip!" She helped where she could and looked up at the sky. Nothing but dark clouds and lightning pierced the sky.

[Winter]

Alicia arrived at the deck fairly quickly, holding a hand up to prevent her hair from blowing into her eyes as she observed the situation around her while her other hand gripped the rail. Lightning arched across black clouds before a loud boom followed after it creating momentary shadows to flicker across the deck of the Coral Pearl. She gripped tighter as the ship rocked, threatening to topple them over before Danny would catch it just in time. Alicia wasted no time as she rushed to the deck before taking hold of ropes to secure everything down, though the sails would require a few people to work the pulley's to raise them while someone tied them from the top. The scene reminded her of something which happened a long time ago back on her home island, a war which threatened to leave her home in ruins and end her people

ooo000OOO Three years ago. Coast of Yula Fei - Port Hurasai OOO000ooo


~"The orchestra of Yula Fei played a song to our people on the eve of battle... we walked tall against the morning rain with the sound of beating of drums against our iron hearts"~

The sky tore with vicious strikes of lightning, the rain sliding down the gentle curves of her face as Alicia stood on the beaches of Yula Fei beside her sister, father and a small group of the greatest swordsmen trained at her families dojo. Thunder echoed the sky like an angry god sitting atop clouds of black, casting a shadow over the approaching pirate fleet which were now sailing past the shattered smoking and fiery remains of Yula Fei's navy. "Stand ready! we must not permit them to pass us, lest we lose everything we hold dear to our souls" boomed the voice of her father, each swordsman taking out their swords one by one in response as they looked on towards the large vessels which began unleashing smaller boats to carry their men ashore.

Port Hurasai had been designed in such a way that attackers would be forced up the centre of the beach between the dockyards in order to reach the large town. It was here that the last stand was waiting, prepared to lay down their lives in order to protect their loved ones, homes and everything they held dear. Though with most of the fighting population being defeated trying to blockade against the enemy fleet, only few remained to stand against them. "Whatever happens today" her father began as droplets of water dripped from his chin, his clothes drenched and darkened from the rain, "This will have been my greatest honor, to fight beside friends and family against a greater enemy. I'm proud of you all" he said, a flash of lightning casting their shadows in the sand as each of them stood taller in that moment.

The pirate horde charged up the beaches, their swords and steel flashing with the passing strikes of light from the sky as their shouts and cries began to overpower the roar of the thunder. Alicia took a deep breath, the salty air stinging her lungs as her soaking hands gripped around the hilt of her blade. A second latter and the world around them exploded into a flurry of exchanged blows, the sound of metal impacting on metal ringing in Alicia's ears as the fight began. Enemies in their masses fell before them as the group held strong, refusing to give to the overwhelming odds that piled up the beach to meet the challenge.

It felt like she'd been fighting for days, each blow she struck taking more and more of a toll against her body as she became tired, some of them falling to exhaustion only to be cut down by their opponents. Eventually only a few of them remained, but the enemy forces were greatly thinned and some of them began to lose their nerve, fleeing from the beach towards the shore where they were cut down by their comrades who looked at them with disgust, as if they were no longer worthy of fighting beside them any longer.

It had been hours and hours before the remains of the attacking pirates turned and fled, withdrawing from the island entirely and leaving their dead and fallen behind, even leaving some of the ships which now lacked the man power to sail. The storm had let up now, a light drizzle falling between grey clouds with a low grumble of thunder to accompany them. The remaining fighters of Yula Fei stood exhausted, a couple of them collapsing to their knees while others simply could not stand any longer. Only Alicia, her father and he sister remained standing, their clothes stained with blood and their bodies just barely able to hold themselves up. For lack of better terms it looked as if they'd journey'd through hell together and emerged the other side.

But it was over now, the attack on Yula Fei had been repelled and the people were safe once more. "It is done" her father tiredly spoke before he too fell to his knees, both Alicia and her sister moving to stop him from falling completely as they braced him. "My daughters... I fall not for the weakness of my body, but for the overwhelming pride of being your father" he spoke, his words soft yet ragged by exhaustion. The towns people had arrived at the beach after hearing the word that the pirates had fled, and were now rushing to their aid, carrying some of them away to be healed and rested. Some cheered while others cried at the sight of what they saw upon their arrival, but even they knew it would be the price of their victory.



ooo000OOO Present day. Coral Pearl. Location unknown OOO000ooo

Once Alicia was finished securing everything which hadn't already been secured by the others she looked to try and find Ray and Luro. "Ray, Luro!" she called to them, "Help me with the main sail! if you hoist it I'll tie it!" she shouted over the wind before running over to the mast, nearly losing her footing a few times from the rocking of the ship against the waves. Once she reached it she took hold of a the foot and finger holds, climbing it to the top with a reel of rope on her shoulder, once they'd raise the sail she'd bind it to prevent it from tearing as Runali had ordered.

[Mizos]

"Dear Lily,

It's good to hear that you're doing alright, and tell Mary I wish her well and thanks for thinking of us. I'm glad you've been hearing about the Crimson Monarch, I told you he was pretty well known. Nolan's a good guy though when he's not tearing living things apart limb by limb. Oh that reminds me I haven't told you about the others either. I'll go ahead and tell you now.
I'll start with Alicia Tashigi, you know her of course from the tournament. Well I hear she has all manners of names, I believe Bow Black is one but I know her by the Maiden of Misery. You saw her fight before right? Well that demonstration paled in comparison to what it's believed she can do. I heard she cut a galleon apart by sneezing while her sword was drawn and that she can cut you without even drawing her blade. After what I've seen recently I wouldn't doubt that one actually.
Raymond Skalter otherwise known as the Fallen Scholar I don't ask about his past but it's clear he has some nobility in him, it's said his intellect have brought men to their knees but that his skill with the sword is nothing to ignore either. He's a wonderful musician but I advise you be cautious, should you ever hear one of his many songs, consider it a prelude to your own requiem as he only plays the beautiful songs for the ones whose lives he intends to end. Even now I wonder if I'll meet his gaze one day and know my own time has come. They say he walked into a town whistling a tune to himself and by time he reached the exit all the residents had departed from this world.
Then of course there is the captain, Runali. I could go on for days about all the legends surrounding her but I got to see one myself the other day. The Reaper's Eye I didn't believe it but she removed her eye patch and showed it to us. The captain is known as the Melancholy Queen and that eye, with the same color and mystique of mid-winter snowfall is said to be able to not only see how long a person has left to live but take the years away from them. If she willed it she could take all the time you have left and end your life and very existence, and I've heard that all the years she takes goes back to her. That's why she looks so young even though she's the captain, some say she's hundreds of years old...I don't believe it but after seeing that eye...I wonder. She doesn't remove it out of consideration for all those who would gaze upon it, I probably lost five years glancing at it.
Anyway that's all I know for now make sure to tell others what you've heard and. Also concerning that other matter don't bring up those names for me I went through too much trouble with the name Luro Makachi to have it overshadowed by a nickname. Still let the world know who have come together on the open seas.

Sincerely,
Luro Makachi


Luro handed the letter to the news coo and grinned to himself as he watched it fly off into the distance, none of what he said was technically true but he figured since everyone was trying so hard to be better that it'd become truth soon enough. Besides he didn't think it fair that all these people got fancy names and they didn't, Kai was 'The Leviathan', Shouta 'the rookie judge' Alicia was 'bow black' even he had a name in his hometown one that he promptly forgot but still it was there.
If everything went well the names would stick and Luro would be satisfied, with Lily's help and a little influence of his own he could see this going well. Although Luro did feel a little guilty he felt scary nicknames should be born on their own not through others, he figured with this little push more would come forward.
Feeling much better Luro went back into the rum room as it was early morning and he had more work to do.

---

Luro spent most of this time especially over the past few days researching how to improve his rifle, the exceptions were of course dinners and when he wrote the letter earlier this morning. He made sure to take the time to talk with everyone as he didn't want to ignore his fellow crew members but a majority of his time was spent doing research. He was actually glad someone said something about dinner, he tended to get too lost in his own studies that'd he'd forget to eat, sometimes for days. Luro smiled a little remembering when he almost passed out after staying up for three days straight messing with his original rifle.
Luro sat in the rum room in his throne chair, a schematic was in his left hand and his cheek was rested on his fist as his eyes scanned over the paper yet again, he had forgotten how many times he had viewed it but he could close his eyes and still see all the lines and notes on it. There were a few bags under his eyes as he had barely slept the past few nights, his red hair was disheveled and a few bangs hung in front of his eyes though he had tied it into a low ponytail now just to get it out of the way. Powder decorated his once white shirt as that was what he had been messing with for the past few days and some of it stained his hands as well which a few spots on his face as well, mostly his cheeks but he paid it no mind.
One leg was crossed over the over as he shifted in his seat a bottle of rum resting on the far end of the arm of the chair, he went to grab it only to knock it over causing it to fall. Thankfully the bottle was empty but as he watched it roll he realized he had made a bit of a mess in the room.
Schematics and all manners of personal notes were scattered about the room, drawings of the gun, potential parts, failed attempts, successful attempts, scribbles, each record over the last few days were scattered around the room.
"Hmm," Luro said rubbing the side of his head.
That was all that came from him however as he returned to the schematic, he had all the pieces but for some reason he couldn't get anything to work. Something just wasn't clicking and no matter how many times he messed with it nothing worked the way he wanted it too.
He had studied the flying ship out of curiosity but mainly he wanted to see what made it move, there was no way it could stay in the air and maintain that with just the wind the ship was far too heavy for that but that was common sense. Just as expected they used something else on the inside...and now Luro was trying to imitate that in a way. It wasn't possible to create it but the idea triggered something in his head.
He had to do so in a way that didn't get rid of anything he already made for the gun, the safety of firing multiple times, avoiding bad or damaged flints and of course the powder getting wet though the latter was difficult enough.
"If I could get rid of the hammer then I could remove the tumbler and perhaps use the mainspring in another manner...but without it I have nothing to hold the flint and I can't ignite it. On top of that I'd like to do something about getting the powder wet too which I adjusted with the pan but it's only so successful....ugh..."
Luro ruffled his already messy hair and looked over at his rifle which was leaning against the far wall, he let out a sigh but a small smile rested on his face. The whole matter was unnerving but Luro stilled loved the endless possibilities laid out in front of him, the bag full of mechanical bits was still there and he hadn't even reached half of it yet so he was fine.

If he chose to use another rifle this whole matter would be easier but Luro loved the flintlock he didn't intend on changing it.
"Hmmm well there's only one thing to do then. Drink some more until inspiration hits me or I pass out whichever comes first."
Luro reached for one of the rum bottles but was immediately thrown back when the ship lurched, he fell onto the thrown chair and blinked a few times before he got up and rushed out of the rum room and onto the main deck to see they were in the middle of a storm. He grabbed hold of the mast and laughed as the rain pelted his face causing him to close on of his eyes.
"Whoa look at this! The last time I saw a storm like this I ended up stranded on an island for months! Hahahah! Oh wait that's not a good thing."
Luro's attention immediately shot to Alicia hearing her mention the sail and Luro nodded and started making his way over to her, however he froze as one of the barrels rolled past him, his eyes widened and his jaw dropped as the barrel hit the side of the ship and fell over spilling the contents inside.
The world seemed to slow for just a moment as the top opened and rum fell out of it falling into the sea below, Luro extended his hand towards the barrel a sad cry escaping from him as he rushed towards it and peered over the side to see the rum floating in the water.
"I can still save them! Wait for me!" Luro yelled putting his foot on the ledge however he stopped as he was about to jump and grit his teeth. The Coral came first...just barely but she came first which meant he couldn't save the rum, he had to help with the Coral, it was the captain's orders and it's what his heart told him to do or at least he believed so, honestly at the moment he wasn't sure how much he had drunk the past few hours.
"You're sacrifice won't be in vain I'll enjoy drinking your brother's and sister's even more. Tell Davy Jones he owes me a drink when I meet him."
Luro promptly turned and running over to the main sail grabbed the rope and letting out a loud yell gave it a strong pull though he heard Ray's name mentioned earlier so he figured he'd have help with it.
Luro was thankful the other barrels were alright, he wasn't sure who tied them down but he owed them some thanks later...still that was his favorite barrel and the loss hurt.
"Be careful Tashigi!" Luro yelled looking up at her. "If you fall it'll probably hurt...well a lot! Also I can see up your dress!"
Luro lowered his gaze only to look around before looking back up at Alicia.
"Where's Nolan and Ray at?"
Luro slammed his foot down and pulled with all his might a wide grin on his face as he poured his all into making sure the sail raised, he wasn't against help with it though, the task was hard enough to do without a storm raging but he couldn't help but feel excited all the same.
"This is so great! We need to survive so this can happen again!"

[Fox of Spades]

He was dreaming about hamsters when it happened.

The ship lurched to the side and the lamp by his nightstand fell with an audible crash. Nolan thought they were being ambushed, so he leaped to his feet, pulled his rifle from under his bed and ran crashing through the door. He reached the deck in his boxers, eyes the size of saucers and breathing ragged. It sounded as if a hundred pirates were firing cannonballs at them, but that wasn't the case.

The cold night air whipped at his face and when he looked up he saw Alicia climbing the sail.

One of his friends was climbing a goshdarn sail in a goshdarn storm.

The ship tilted to the left and his rifle fell with a bang, the bullet whizzing past his head. Nolan felt like throwing up, but then he heard the captain and made a run for the rope. "I'll take care of stuff!" He yelled, "just focus on the sail and Alicia!" The cook scrambled for the rope and began tying down whatever he could, but a colossal wave sent the ship lurching forward and barrels began to roll. "Captain, Danny, look out!" One of the barrels crashed against the railing and he watched as a week's worth of rice fell overboard. The cook gritted his teeth and dove for a barrel that was rolling towards the railing.

"GODS!" The wind was knocked out of him and he found himself falling back. How heavy were these things? He pushed but another barrel collided with the one he was clinging to and he found himself with his back pressed against the railing. He was going to feel this in the morning. The ship tilted to the left and the weight of the barrels disappeared. He took a moment to mutter a prayer then stared helplessly at everything that was happening.

"Hey Danny, Captain, I'm gonna need some help." His sides stung but he wasn't going to let them lose their supplies. "I'll need you guys to hold onto the rope, that way we can help each other stay upright. Maybe we can get to the supplies together and store them in one of the rooms?" He waited for them to respond. Lightning flashed across the sky and he shivered. Why was the wind whipping at his flesh?

Nolan realized he was dressed in only his boxers and despite the cold, he turned several shades of red. "W-What do you guys say?"

[Grothnor]

Ray had enjoyed the peaceful interlude between islands. He drilled with his new rapier and dueling dagger since it had been months since he had used that combination of arms. He also spent some time teaching Runali the fundamentals of dueling and swordsmanship. Since dueling had come naturally to him, he wasn't the best teacher. He had to explain concepts that had been second nature to him for so long, he forgot most of the details. He let Alicia do most of the actual teaching, while he imparted more of the philosophical aspects.

“I was taught to be like the Basilisk: despite its size it is a frighteningly agile beast, wickedly deadly and lethal in more ways than one. If it's gaze doesn't paralyze you outright, it's venomous teeth will kill you in seconds, or its sharp claws will shred you or its sheer weight will simply crush you.” He feinted to the side and Runali fell for it. Ray let his rapier whip to the other side and slap her on the shoulder with the flat of the blade. “You must be prepared for all avenues of attack...” He then moved inside her instep and swung his foot, knocking her off her feet. “...and exploit them in turn.”

In hindsight, he had been rather hard on Runali, but his teachers were hard on him, educating him through hard knocks. At the time, he hadn't been appreciative, but he learned later that swordplay was an art that had no use in coddling, and was grateful for his rigorous instruction.

He had wanted to ask Alicia to spar with him, but figured it would be best to wait until they could purchase some practice weapons. Both their skill with the sword was great enough that to hold back would simply be a waste of time, and they didn't want to hurt each other needlessly.

Ray was sound asleep when the ship lurched to the side and dumped Ray out of his hammock. He sleepily tried to get up, unsure of what happened only to be thrown back towards his hammock. “Lords of Lendria, what-?” He scrambled to find his footing in the rocking ship, anxious at the loss of stability.



Emerging onto the deck, his fears were confirmed. A storm had unexpectedly taken the ship. Nolan was rather bare, and Ray was rather glad he had kept his work clothes on when he went to bed. He moved to help Nolan secure the loose cargo onboard the ship lest they lose any more; somewhere in the back of his mind he registered a howling that wasn't the wind, a howling that sounded like a lament for rum. He pushed it out of his mind and focused on the task at hand and tried not to think about the fact that they could be tossed from the ship and left stranded a hundred leagues from the nearest land or ship.

[AkiBlue]

The captain ran- more like slid- to where she needed to be in order to help out. Alicia was tying up the sails, albeit dangerously while Ray and Luro helped. Good, that was one thing out of the way. But there were still a few things that needed to be tied down. A barrel of rum and one of rice fell off the ship. Hearing Nolan over the roar of the sea storm was barely possible, but when she saw him she gave a look of confusion. There was no time to question his practical nudity at the time though, and the ship lurched another way causing her to slide to one side again. Luckily, she managed to catch a barrel and shove it over to Nolan since he was closest to the door. "Good idea! Put them inside!"



Danny fought the currents, forcing the wheel the opposite way it tipped so it wouldn't tilt completely and have them stuck in the water. She used all the strength she could muster, and some strength she didn't even know she had. "I don't understand!" Her voice was strained as she pulled the wheel. "The map should've been right! The weather was perfect! I checked!" She was talking to herself as she pulled and tried finding a way out of the storm. Looking up to the sky, it seemed to last for miles. This was no good. This was no good at all. The navigator heard Nolan's call, but she could only yell back. "Sorry chef! My hands are a little-! Gyah, a little tied!" Danny was nearly flung to one side when the ship was turned in an entirely different direction. Fortunately, she was holding on to the wheel still.

Suddenly, for a few moments, everything was still. Eerily still. The storm continued to rage, but the waves momentarily ceased. Everything had been secured thanks to the quick opportunity, and Danny tried to sail to safety. But that calm only lasted for so long...

Unexpectedly, the ship lurched again, this time as if it was hit by some powerful force. This time though, they and the entire ship was sent flying into the air. Runali gasped, trying to grab onto something before she ended up free falling- unfortunately she didn't manage to grab onto anything so she fell hard against the deck. "Ow..." She breathed and looked around. Thankfully, everyone landed back on the ship. They were all still safe-

And then a screeching pierced to the heavens causing the captain and Danny to cover their ears. The thing she saw when she opened her eyes made her eyes widen. It was something she had never seen. She had heard stories of sea monsters like Krakens and Sirens...But this was nothing like those. This was unreal... It's beady red eyes stared at them. Tentacles splashed around the ship causing those deadly waves again. Danny paused in fear, stumbling away from the wheel. "W-What the hell is that?!"

And then it opened its mouth...

[Fox of Spades]

"Nguhhh! There we go!" Nolan shoved the barrel into one of the rooms before slamming the door shut. The ship tilted once more and he heard the barrel rolling, but at least it wouldn't fall overboard now. There were still so many things to take care of, so the chef skidded back towards the main deck, scrambling after sacks of food and barrels of equipment. He manage to nab an armful of things and passed some to the captain. "I can't believe we're losing so much stuff in less than an hour." He pushed another barrel into the same room they had been tossing stuff into.

The storm raged on, but there was a moment of peace. Nolan looked at the captain and wondered if this was a sign of the storm's end. "Wha—AGHHH!" He was tossed into the air and he fell onto the deck and rolled, eventually crashing into the railing. Nolan let out a groan before leaping to his feet. "IS EVERYONE OKAY?" the chef yelled as he scanned the deck wildly for his friends. They were all there, but his blood ran cold.

"God save us..." Nolan rushed for the rifle that was halfway across the deck but when he reached it, he didn't know what to do. Was this really how they were going to die. "Captain!" He yelled. "What is that thing? What do we do? Can we shoot it? Should we sail away?" He was rambling now, fingers shaking and as pale as leaf. Sea monsters were supposed to be legends, but this one...whatever it was, it was real.

It could kill them.

[Mizos]

Luro couldn't help but grin seeing Ray make it out, the sail had been for the most part taken care of so he was glad he took care of the other problems currently present, once he was positive everything was okay he let go of the rope only to turn and look at Nolan seeing him run out in his...boxers.
Actually now that he got a good look Nolan had more muscles then he thought, when he first saw him carrying the food which seemed like ages ago he figured he was pretty strong to get that far with them, but now that he got a good luck he did have some decent muscles, not too much but just enough, it was pretty nice to look at actually.
It really was pretty impressive though Luro wondered why he was thinking about and staring at Nolan's muscles when there were more important things to do and promptly returned to making sure nothing else rolled off.

When the quiet came and things seemed to calm Luro let out a small sigh and went over to one of the barrels before going to open it trying not to untie it.
"Alright time for a drink," Luro said grinning.
However that opportunity was taken as the ship was flung into the air, it took a moment for Luro to register his feet weren't on the ground, the moment he realized that he was in the air he promptly looked down and thousands of things ran through his mind in that split moment at the highest ascent.
Wonder if this is what birds feel like all the time?"
Regretfully none of those thoughts matched the situation and he screamed as he plummeted, though it was a mixture between fear and laughter as he hit the deck hard and let out a small groan as he laid on his stomach.
He got back up to one knee before he heard the screeching, he closed his eyes at the noise before he stood up fully and turned towards the creature, his eyes landed on the creature just as it opened it's mouth, he felt his entire being shake at sight of the creature and his hands trembled as he stared at the creature with eyes the size of saucers.
However there was a toothy grin on his face as he recognized the feeling in his body right now, he thought it was fear but that wasn't quite right...this was excitement. This was the thing of legends and it was right in front of him.
This immediately was the best day ever.
"Ha...ha...haha...hahahahaha...ahhahahaha look at the size of it, that's amazing!" Luro said pointing at it. "W-what is it?!" His excitement immediately drained when a tentacle slammed against the side of the ship chipping the wood.
He promptly turned and ran back into the door towards the lower deck, he came back out seconds later holding his rifle with a bottle of rum on his belt and one in his hand.
Bringing the bottle to his lips he promptly downed the drink and hurled it over the side of the ship before readying his rifle, glad he put it back together in functioning order just in case.
"I have to fix that!" Luro yelled at the creature before he rushed forward towards the creature. "Creature or not no one hurts my lass!"
He ended up rolling out of the way as it slammed one of it's tentacles down on the deck, Luro promptly took the opportunity and climbed onto the tentacle remembering his fight with Ryu and running along it ran towards the creature raising his gun at it, however another tentacle came down and Luro ended up holding his rifle in front of him as it slammed into him knocking him back.
He hit the deck rolling and stopped when he hit the mast gritting his teeth at the pain. His whole body cried out in pain but he kept it down and opened his eyes looking back at the creature.
"Ow...ah thought that'd work," he said standing up. "Does anyone have a plan...cause all I got is run headfirst at it really!"

[Winter]

Alicia fought the urge to climb back down and sock Luro in the side of head for his comment as she reached the top, securing the sail tightly when Luro raised it. She was soaked by this point and though it was cold, her adrenaline and discipline kept her warm. "Sail is secure!" she called before the ship began to move in strange ways, causing her to grip the mast to stop herself from falling. She nearly fell a few times but it wasn't until the ship literally jumped into the air that she lost her grip and came plummeting down to the deck, hitting it hard. Everything went black and blurry as the wind was knocked from within her, causing her to cough and choke as her vision fought to regain control. She groaned, rolling onto her front as she put a hand to her head, closing her eyes and shaking her head a little to try to shake the dizziness.

The first thing she saw upon standing again was Luro being flung into the mast, and a giant beast watching them from the side. Her eyes widened and for a moment she was caught in shock, unable to think or act as she took in the sight before her. Eventually however it came back to her when she heard Nolan call for what they should do. "Captain!" she said as she limped closer to throw her voice towards Runali, "We should roll out the cannons and aim for the tentacles holding the ship! If we have any spare gunpowder barrels, we could drop them over the side and use them as depth charges! providing Luro can make the shot!" she shouted before coughing a little as she cleared her chest. She was sure something was broken, but thanks to adrenaline she could manage for now. As she looked back to the beast she wasn't even sure if her idea would work, given it's size the cannonballs might just irritate it. But one way or another those tentacles had to come off.

[Grothnor]

“Lords of Lendria...!” Ray murmured.

The second he heard the ear-splitting cry, his gut sank into his bowels. When he turned, his mind emptied and his jaw dropped. He stood gaping in horror and awe at the titanic beast, struggling to wrap his mind around what his eyes were seeing. How can we survive against such a thing? Is there anything we can do?

Alicia's suggestions stirred him from his inaction. Use cannons. That's something I can do. He hurried down to the lower deck and swung one of the new guns around to face the closest of the great slimy appendages holding the ship. He fired, but the cannonball simply bounced off the rubbery, spongy flesh. Cursing, he reloaded the gun, this time with grapeshot. This time the tentacle was severed, shredded into a gory mess. Ray whooped with joy now that he knew they could hurt it, or at least drive it away from the ship. He pointed out the powder kegs to Nolan, who heaved them into the water for Luro to shoot. We may get out of this one yet!

[AkiBlue]