Lin descended into the town of Port Royal beside the others in silence, keeping both thoughts and questions to herself for the time being. With their arrival into the thick of the community the group had been met with stares – some were welcoming, others were uncertain, even intimidating. The eyes were primarily centered on both Ace and herself, leaving James and Rika to be mostly looked at fondly. Whether envy or fear, the characteristics of youth and a past she had yet to discover surrounded the two. On the way to the destination that went unnamed, some of the folks offered greetings to James and he responded in kind. She determined based on their gestures and tone that it was genuine, as she was familiar with disrespect and insincere expressions. The entrance James had made in their lives had been questionable, but upon close examination of the people and how they looked to him, Lin could tell that James had a good reputation among these ordinary people living ordinary lives. 

A small smile of appreciation was directed at the back of their new comrade. It appeared that, in spite of how he looked at Ace, as well as how the man in question put them on edge, he was a good person after all. Just like Rika. Just like family. 

Her eyes rested on Rika and James chatting, mostly in reference to Rika’s mother and how long it had been since she had visited. Topics had gone from the fermenting of a good drink and the recent adventures they had embarked on, with Rika going into great detail about what they had just left in Agrabah. With the two Masaki enjoying their due indulgence of one another after what sounded like many years, Ace’s voice brought her attention to him. As the two tailed the Masaki duo, Lin lent her ear to Ace’s expression of concern for her. She briefly looked back at Agrabah – how she had forgotten the events that led them into Aladdin’s apartment were still a mystery, but she did not have time to dwell on it too much since the attack against the palace by a man without a heart. 

He turned his head and avoided her face now, just barely missing her smile and the faintest hint of red on her cheeks. Lin’s appreciative stare combined with a sudden heightening temperature brought the attention of the Masaki to Ace and Lin for a second before they returned to giving attention to one another, noticeably quieter in their conversing. 

[color=ed1c24][b]“Your concern is kind, Ace,”[/b][/color] she expressed cheerily, maintaining her smile throughout, [color=ed1c24][b]“but I feel fine now – renewed by the change in atmosphere, and the concern of a good friend. If anything changes I’ll be sure to tell you.”[/b] [/color]Lin placed her palm to his arm as a comforting gesture.[color=ed1c24][b] “Likewise, you can let me know if something is troubling you. I will always listen.” [/b][/color]

[color=00aeef][b]“We’re here,”[/b][/color] James cut in, bringing the attention of the others to a tavern with a sign, [i]The Royal Anchor[/i], attached. From several feet away he could already hear the familiar tones of a merrymaking band inside to entertain the patrons of the establishment. He stepped inside with Rika and the others in tow, laying eyes upon an abounding number of patrons. Lin appeared a little on edge, her smile and the heat she emanated vanishing. She did not desire attracting the attention of many rugged strangers, none of which looked welcoming. The air was musty enough that Lin’s nose wrinkled – Rika’s as well – while James appeared used to the scent of this place. Besides that, the place was rambunctious and lively. Everyone appeared happy and enjoying themselves. No signs of aggression on any faces, not even a nasty eye to one another. 

A sharp whistle was released from James by the proper placement of fingers, and immediately all attention fell on the party of four. Lin jumped slightly at how fast everyone’s heads spun – even the band had stopped its playing. All eyes fell upon their world leader, as the mysterious woman had called him.

[color=00aeef][b]“Gentlemen,”[/b][/color] he started, his voice strong and unwavering. [color=00aeef][b]“I’d hate to cut this gathering short, but I need the tavern. It’s time we removed this Empire from Port Royal, wouldn’t you say?” 
[/b][/color]

A roar of approval sounded; In Lin’s amazement, many of the patrons had immediately risen and left, some patting James’ shoulder on the way out, and others voicing violent obscenities about the Empire themselves. By the time everyone had shuffled out, only several men remained. One had incredibly dark skin and a scarred torso, as well as an impressive – yet fearsome – height. At his side he carried a long blade of an unknown make. His eyes were soft despite the hardened, scarred exterior the man had. Lin couldn’t describe it, but she felt safer now seeing them. 

Another was left at the bar, surrounded by a handful of empty mugs. He was short with muscular arms and a fully-bearded face, and had pistols at his side. He turned to James and the rest of the party, giving them a look over. What was left of the room, including the band, set their instruments aside and joined James over by the entryway. 

[color=00aeef][b]“Two watching the door, one to the ship, another to the blacksmith. Go.”[/b][/color] James ordered. The men nodded and fell out instantly, leaving only the scarred man and the bearded one. While the former was examining Rika closely, the latter was quick to take a mug of rum before joining over to James. Lin noted that the bearded man was walking steady, appearing unhindered by his alcohol binge. 

[color=39b54a][b]“Rika?”[/b][/color] The darker man asked, looking at Rika with curiosity. [color=39b54a][b]“Little Rika? Is that you?”[/b][/color]

Rika did her best to hold her ground, but her body had slowly begun to tremble. James chuckled at her attempt to be stoic, knowing she’d break at any moment. As expected, Rika’s indifference faded immediately. She towards the man and threw her arms around him, laughing. [color=fff200][b]“Noah, it’s been years!”[/b][/color]

[color=00a651][b]“Several, if we are counting,”[/b][/color] Noah pointed out in the midst of his laughter, hugging Rika tightly. 

Rika’s reaction brought a smile to Lin, while the bearded one took another drink from the mug he carried. [color=7ea7d8][b]“Adorable,”[/b][/color] he mumbled sarcastically.

[color=fff200][b]“Oh, don’t be jealous Finn!”[/b][/color] Rika snickered, 

[color=7ea7d8][b]“I’m not jealous! I’m just …where’s MY hug?”[/b][/color] Finn demanded, appearing more shocked than offended. Noah released Rika, and she turned her embrace onto the bearded Irishman. [color=7ea7d8][b]“That’s more like it! It’s nice to be appreciated, you know!” [/b][/color]

[color=fff200][b]“Still drinking piss?” [/b][/color]

[color=7ea7d8][b]“It’s not piss!” [/b][/color]

[color=fff200][b]“Smells like piss, Finn.” [/b][/color]

[color=7ea7d8][b]“Well it’s not piss! It may not be any o’ yer fancy Masaki fermented nectar-o’-the-gods, but it gets my blood flowin’, and that’s all that counts!”[/b][/color] Finn stamped his foot down on the ground hard in defiance, but peered over his shoulder at the barmaid and owner of the establishment, cleaning up after Finn’s leftover mugs. He slowly turned back to Rika and held a cupped hand in front of his chest, as if weighing an invisible sack of gold. [color=7ea7d8][b]“Not to mention Josie’s chest leverage.”[/b][/color] he whispered, prompting Rika to nod her approval without a moment’s hesitation. Lin peered at her own modest chest for a moment before looking away with disappointment.

[color=00aeef][b]“You had a good deal of time to wet your whistle, but now we get down to business.” [/b][/color]James smiled and beckoned Ace and Lin to join him further inside. 

In time a large gathering of men had returned, all of which belonged to James’ crew. The man sent to the blacksmith returned with several blades, flanked by several others wielding pistols and short blades. As Rika chatted with Noah and Finn by the bar, James was left to oversee who was returning. Within twenty minutes the tavern was full once more. 

[color=00aeef][b]“Rika, up here!” [/b][/color]James called to her upstairs and she had soon joined them, leaving Noah and Finn to guide the rest of the men in distribution of weaponry, as well as remind them of the plan to follow. James gave the entire room one quick scan before his eyes settled on the trio of young warriors from unknown lands. [color=00aeef][b]“Well, I’d say we’re nice and comfortable now. This world – the Caribbean – is a place of piracy and chaos. But recently, with the Empire’s arrival months ago, the world has changed. There was a Royal Navy that patrolled the waters and guarded various settlements - settlements such as this one - until these people from other lands emerged and declared their right to rule: the Empire. That Navy was disbanded, and all that’s left are volunteers who wanted to continue bringing order, even if it meant betraying the colors they once represented. Even fellow pirates turned to joining them; they may be few in number, but it hasn’t gone unnoticed by my fellows.”[/b][/color] James paused and looked among the three of them.

[color=ed1c24][b]“What exactly is a pirate?”[/b][/color] Lin asked. 

[color=fff200][b]“It’s got a broad definition,”[/b][/color] the two Masaki managed to say at the same time, with James appearing more surprised than Rika. Gesturing to Rika, James would allow her to continue explaining herself. [color=fff200][b]“Some pirates are cruel and ruthless; they kill for the fun of it and do other, more unforgivable acts to people. Sometimes women and children aren’t spared. If you have no use to them, you’ll likely be killed.”[/b][/color] Lin looked to James, but Rika held up her hand quickly, making an effort for the young girl to not start throwing around judgment. [color=fff200][b]“Some pirates – like uncle here – are fond of exploration, treasure-seeking, and only fight if they mean to. He still loots and kills, but he doesn’t do it out of a need to dominate the seas,”[/b][/color] Rika glanced at James,[color=fff200][b] “which, you know, you could do. We’re kind of bad asses.”[/b][/color]

[color=00aeef][b]“Your mother told me the same thing. The life of a killer isn’t all it’s cracked up to be,”[/b][/color] James responded,

[color=fff200][b]“Well,”[/b][/color] Rika looked back at Lin, [color=fff200][b]“my point is, some pirates are treacherous and bloodthirsty, but if you’re going to trust any pirate, trust James. He hand picks his crew so no one’s a total jerk, and he’ll always take care of a target and prevent the least amount of casualties possible. But … there were those seven years—“[/b][/color]

[color=00aeef][b]“Another time Rika, another time.” [/b][/color]James pat her shoulder and smiled weakly before continuing, [color=00aeef][b]“Our target is a garrison stationed at Fort Charles that is currently commanded by an ex-pirate named Rutherford Clark – he’s typically known as ‘Runaway Ruth’ due to his knack at running away from trouble. How a coward like him gets command of an entire garrison, I have no idea.”[/b][/color]

[color=fff200][b][b]“Can you take him?”[/b] [/b][/color]Rika asked. James gave her a plain look, as if waiting for the punchline to the joke. Rika snickered. [color=fff200][b][b]“Oh, you were actually biding your time?”[/b][/b][/color]

[color=00aeef][b]“Aye, biding my time.” [/b][/color]James responded. [color=00aeef][b]“He’s a coward with no significant title, and the men under his command are fresh and untested. I did my best to keep it that way by telling my men to avoid scuffles in the last month. And because of that patience, the patrols through town had no trouble. Without trouble they become relaxed, and when they become relaxed they become easily dispatched.”[/b]
[/color]

Lin frowned immediately, [color=ed1c24][b]“So we …we must kill, then?” [/b][/color]

[color=00aeef][b]“If it comes to that, yes,” [/b][/color]James replied, [color=00aeef][b]“but I have no interest in an extended engagement, not for a battle like this. One of my crew is on him constantly; he can’t lift a finger without it being noticed.” [/b][/color]

[color=fff200][b]“So the Empire’s hired natives to join their ranks, and that includes tested ex-Navy. So, what happens to the pirates that fight the Empire?”
[/b][/color]

[color=00aeef][b]“Captured. Tortured. Killed. Those like Ruth are cleared of past charges against the crown and are spared the gallows if they work for the Empire. I can’t blame a man imprisoned for taking freedom the first chance he got – even if it means servitude.”[/b][/color] James focused hard on Lin and Ace in particular now. [color=00aeef][b]“That woman convinced me to wait for you before I made my move, said that you had some firepower that can’t just be crafted or discovered. I want to see what that means in action, so I’m going to do something stupid, and you’re going to follow me.”[/b] [/color]

Rika raised an eyebrow, [color=fff200][b]“How stupid are we talking here?”[/b][/color]

[color=00aeef][b]“We’re going to charge the front door,”[/b][/color] James replied plainly,

Rika let out a low, drawn-out whistle in response,[color=fff200] [b]“Yeah, that’s stupid, but who better to do something stupid with than you?” [/b][/color]

Lin appeared resolute about fighting, even with the earlier comment about possible death on her mind. She still felt uneasy about the idea of actually ending a life, something that sounded so easily done here. Rika trusted James, and he wasn’t a bad guy by any means from what she could tell. She looked to Ace from the corner of her eye, wondering what he thought about all of this. 

~-~

[color=a0410d][b]“I’m well aware,”[/b][/color] Shinobu started, [color=a0410d][b]“and I wouldn’t do it if this matter weren’t so serious. It’s only a matter of time before what occurred in Agrabah gets out, and I need to be prepared to make a statement.”[/b] [/color]

The towering Mayor didn’t feel an explanation of his impatience and uncharacteristic rudeness was needed; she knew all about his determination to protect the defenseless, and what was achieved in Agrabah was not in pursuit of a stable Empire, but instead a madman too afraid to face a group of rebels. Shinobu did not believe in fighting from afar, yet he’d always admit that the front line was not for everyone. As they left the building he was greeted by citizens through town with pleasant smiles and surprised yelps. It wasn’t often he walked through town without being flanked by at least one of his Turks – or his wife – but he was not one to shy away from a stroll to clear his head. Through this walk he breathed easier and smiled cordially, continuing to wave at those he passed by and asked about businesses that have been around since before he had even entered office. Ryoko didn’t say anything, much to his thanks. 

Arriving at the hotel and offering a brief greeting to the employee behind the desk, Shinobu continued after Ryoko until they had arrived at her room. Emerging from it was a woman in a peculiar outfit. It took a great deal of effort for him not to comment on it. Ryoko could justify it because she’s Ryoko and she liked to get what she wanted. Whatever convinced that woman to dress up like that – probably Ryoko’s standing – he hoped she never spoke up about it to the wrong person. Thinking nothing more of it, she stepped inside with Ryoko and examined the young rebel chained to the bed. He tensed at the sight but resisted any comment towards Ryoko, instead taking him in. 

[color=a0410d][b]“He’s young. They usually are.”[/b][/color] He muttered, coming around the side of Gavin’s bed and wondering just how long it would take for him to wake up. The shirt he wore was torn to shreds, suggesting a real fight, likely one that Ryoko gave him. [color=a0410d][b]“I’ll give him ten minutes. After that—“ [/b][/color]a vibration rung out, cutting his sentence short. Digging into his pocket and pulling out his phone, he read a message from Tseng.

[color=a36209][i]We’ve arrived[/i][/color]

[color=a0410d][b]“After that, I’ll need to consider an alternative for him. I can’t let you torture him, but I can’t let him go until I get a look at him while he’s conscious.”[/b][/color] He pocketed his phone and looked to Ryoko,[color=a0410d][b] “You’re the only general I know of personally, and you have an aggressive streak to you. If he was after Nomis, I can’t blame him. But it makes me wonder …just what were you really doing at the time he decided to assault you?” [/b][/color]