[hider=The Thief: Arrival]
[b]Lost at sea[/b]
The muffled sound of a splash underwater; the light of a raging fire and the inaudible screams of dying men above water. He was knocked unconscious straight away. The force of the explosion had knocked him clean of his feet, right into the water several metres away. The shock of the cold freezing water knocked him back into consciousness, but he was falling deep into the vast depths of the ocean. He couldn’t register what was happening straight away; he couldn’t comprehend anything.

Bodies surround him, as dark unconsciousness creeps in from the edges of his vision. He was drowning; he must reach the surface. Numb. His right arm isn’t working. His legs ache. Black…

[b]Face to face[/b]
“Hello there, old friend”. A familiar voice. His own voice, but more menacing and sonorous. “Long time brother. I was wondering when you’d pay a visit.” Jain looked up, his face tensed as he recognised who is talking. Himself, specifically his other self, sitting shackled to the floor behind his cage. A menacing smirk spread across his ‘brother’s’ face; his red eyes glowing in the blackness of his subconsciousness. “Hello, Marid.” Replied Jain, “I think we’re dying.” Marid’s smirk widened at this remark. Giggling he replied, “I think not brother. You think I’d let that happen so easily? After all we’ve been through together? I think not.” The shackles that bound Marid’s hands fell off him. The cage opened. “I shall save us.”

[b]The land of lost dreams[/b]
“We’re safe now Jain, brother.” said Marid with an unexpected, sad smile. “But I fear it may have cost you. you have some shrapnel in your head.” Jain looked at Marid and asked, “What was the cosss…” He trailed off and fell. “You see. You spent too much time in the water, Jain.” Marid replied. “I’ll keep them safe for you”. “Keep what?” whispered Jain. “Your memories.” Replied Marid. “I’ll see you again, Jain.”

Jain once again fell into blackness. This time further into unconsciousness. To a land where dreams and memories merge and form. He’d been here before. This was where he first met his darker persona, Marid. But something was different. He was in his hometown burning after a major battle took place here before his adoption into the Ifreet family. This is where his mind broke into two. And now, he’s right back. The scene shifts. Now he’s floating underwater again. This time the bodies are of his loved ones. The faces all turned featureless like that of mannequins one by one. He was losing his memories of his loved ones. Total blackness again.

[b]A thief washes ashore[/b]
Jain woke up sputtering and coughing up the salty sea water from his lungs. He had washed up on a beach. Two men had spotted him on him on their patrol of the beach. One of them told the other to do something and he ran away shouting for someone else. He couldn’t understand their foreign language. The first man approached Jain and spotted his sword strapped on his back. In response he draw his own sword as he approached. He shouted a question at him. Jain tries to get up, but he falls onto his back instead winding himself.

A few minutes later a bunch of other men joins the first man, all with their swords drawn and shouting at him in their foreign language. Questions perhaps? Intimidation? He has no idea. Jain didn’t show any trace of being scared as he tried to gesture that he doesn’t understand, which probably pissed them off even more. Jain got up onto his knees and saw a tall large built man with pale skin, jet black hair, a dark hay-coloured beard, and a scar wrapping around his left eye, briskly walking down the beach towards him. As he reached Jain he also drew his sword as the men parted to let him through. Presumably their boss. One of the men said something to him and as he quickly shushed him. His grey eyes pierced into Jain as he, like the others, asked him something. Jain then gestured to him that he doesn’t understand. The man’s eyes seemed to soften somewhat. Perhaps he thought Jain was no threat? No. His eyes were very deceptive as he gestured to a man behind Jain and suddenly he was knocked out cold. Just before his mind faded back into the black, he thought “Oh, not this again”.
[/hider]

[hider=Beautiful Friendship: Conscription]
[b]The Dark Corner[/b]
The small dimly lit section of the cave was rarely visited by William or his crew as it was saved for special occasions when they found thieves loitering in there territory. But that rarely happened; the few who found the cove were unable to talk about the bounty of treasures they discovered. Some lost their tongues to the blade, the literate ones left missing there fingers also. And repeat offenders left as the tide washed there bodies further down the coast. It wasn't pleasant but it was safe.

As William entered the makeshift cell he saw a sight that took him back a bit. Not a thief terrified and panicked like a rabbit caught in a trap but a level of pride and confidence which William rarely experience when dealing with a thief. No, definitely not a thief. William could tell the man's atmosphere alone could chill a room to it's core, or make it roar with laughter.
And that was a concern. 

"So tell me" shouted William, overcompensating upon realising this man was no common Akki thief, "who are you and most importantly who sent you". The man looked up between long knotted strands of sweat drenched hair and glared. "Oh so you’re not a talker, that's completely fine, you won't be speaking much after this little interview but I'd really appreciate it if you told me who hired you". The question a perfect balance between anger and charm. "Please, I don't like asking nicely but I'm making an exception". 

He looked up again, Croaking through his dehydrated lips "Jain Surya". Jain knew what the man was asking but could not reply in their language. It was as if he knew the language but some part of his mind has forgotten how to speak it. He had forgotten how to speak it. Along with almost everything else. 

"They didn't give you a drink, here take this", William handed a small flask full of a questionable fluid to Jain. With in a few seconds of gagging Jain had drank it all. 
"So where you from and what can I do for you" Williams tone had greatly improved as he struggle to hold in a smile. Jain understood the question. How was he meant to answer them when he can’t speak. Will they understand? He replied in the language he knew how to speak, “ Thanks for the drink. I’ll tell you again, I absolutely have no idea who I am or how I ended up here.”

William flinched at those words. He understood some very basics of the Seikatsu language Jain was speaking, enough to understand the gist of what his guest was saying to him. "I'm William Flin, Merchant Lord, master trader, the man who is really trying to stay calm, so don't say that again". William was quick to understand that the guest understood what he was being asked but for some reason he couldn’t reply in the same language. How very curious. 

Puzzled at his predicament, Jain peered through his hair again, "I meant no offense sir". William smiled at the politeness, "I just simply cannot remember anything except washing up here, and..." he paused patted his rags and suddenly his tone changed to almost a sinister growl, "Give it to me, the medallion I need it". His eyes shimmered in the light of the cave as green as the most pure emerald. William left his chair opposite Jain and turned his back. "Where is it?" Jain repeated, before he snapped out of his anger, "What are you going to do to me? I swear nobody sent me. You won't believe me I'm sure". 

Suddenly, William returned with a familiar short blade about 30 inches long. Jain hung his head in anticipation of his inevitable end. With on quick swing it was over, Jain's bonds where cut and he was free. William handed Jain his medallion and said "This is yours as well" handing the sword to a surprised Jain. "But you thought I was a spy or a thief why would you free me instead of killing me." Jain questioned.

William began to laugh and so too did the crew watching Jain through a grid it the top of the cellar. Jain visibly flinched.  "Well common thief's don't have glowing eyes, you're a mage, and a fairly potent one at that, I can tell. And trust me nobody would hire a spy so underprepared that they suffer dehydration and drink the latrine water so readily". Upon hearing this the crowds laughter increased further. "Welcome to the crew lad, I need a new first mate as the last one jumped overboard after 3 days" as the sniggers continued the crew, William and Jain made there way to the ship. In reality Jain had no idea what the hell just happened, but he liked it that, in a weird unexplainable way…
[/hider]

[hider=Travel: To the Capital]
[b]The Forgotten Soul[/b]
The sight of the monstrously huge carrack took away Jain’s breath. He’d never seen a ship so huge before, and it's design had a unique charm which was impressive to say the least. He knew he’s seen large ships before in the ports of his home country (not that he remembers any of them) but they were nothing compared to this huge beast. William was pleased at his new first mate’s reaction upon seeing his pride and joy, “This lad, is my pride and joy. The Forgotten Soul. Complete with a captain's cabin, crew quarters, crows nest and a lovely balcony on the back of the captains cabin where I can go drink with other people.” William was beaming with pride as he explained this to him. Once boarded William continued, “She’s the flagship of my fleet. 8 ships including my own, all travelling and trading around the world, independently buying and selling goods all...” 

William’s explanation was suddenly cut off to his annoyance and much to the amusement of the crew by Jain’s stomach growling. “Of course you’re hungry. Let’s get you some food as soon as we set sail lad. We’ll go eat by the balcony I told you about.”

Jain was feeling faint, weak and hungry from his ordeals. He doesn’t even remember when he had last ate. At least he’s safe for now. As far he can tell. And what did William mean that he’s his first mate? He wanted to laugh but he was too weak from hunger to do so.

[b]Lunch with the boss[/b]
The view over the balcony was amazingly beautiful. The whole ocean laying before him. It filled jain with a sense of wonder and adventure, and for some reason, a sense of dread. Jain knew to trust his instincts. Something major was about to happen when he reached the end of this journey. As much as he felt this dread, Jain couldn’t care less about what the future held. Only what laid before him now. Food. Good, warm food.

William watched with curious fascination at the man before him. “So Jain, You can understand what I’m saying but you don’t speak Formarothian. Why is that?” Jain stopped eating to consider his question. Truth be told he wasn’t sure why that was. Maybe he should try learning it while he was here on the ship. “I don’t know”, Replied replied Jain in his foreign language. “I feel like I used to be able to speak this language of yours, but I can’t seem to remember how to speak it. I don’t even remember much about myself.” William looked at him considering his reply. He didn’t know what to make of it. “You said I was a mage, Sir William.” continued Jain, “Truth is I don’t even remember how to cast spells.”

Suddenly Jain’s eyes rolled up and he fell to the floor, convulsing and bloor pouring out of his nose. William just sat there shocked at the sight before him. “What in all of Formaroth is going on here?” He jumped beside Jain and realised what was happening. Laying beside him was an open tin box that must have fallen out from Jain’s coat. Inside was the a familiar green/blueish herb that’s a common sight in the ports of Seikatsu. Blood Grass. His blood was tainted. Instead of the usual red of blood, he was seeing a slight dark green/blue tinge mixed in with it. Classic sign of addiction to blood grass. “Get the surgeon in here now!” William shouted.

As surprised as he was at what transpired before him, Willam was all smiles. He was wondering how he could use a man like Jain. How to control a man like Jain. William also now had an idea as to why he didn’t remember anything. He probably lost his memories because he washed up on our beach, probably shipwrecked. Add in the fact that he’s dependant on this drug, it probably messed with his head quite a bit, the reality was William probably knew the supplier. William also now had an idea as to who Jain might be, probably a battle mage from Seikatsu. Only them and alchemists knew how to make use of blood grass. And considering Jain’s outfit, probably the first.  Blood grass is rumoured to be used to enhance their performance in battle. He must be taking quite a bit to turn his blood that colour.

William had an idea as to how to control Jain now. Simply save his life and he’ll be indebted William. Then gain his trust by ‘helping’ him get his memories back. And once he woke up from his poisoned sleep get his magic back. He’ll be honour bound to serve William. William smiled at his clever plans unfold before him, he knew he wasn't a bad man, but he couldn't pass up this business opportunity. This should be very interesting.

[b]Poisoned Sleep[/b]
A profound sense of terror. Pain racking his body and mind. Thick Black darkness around him. “You’re safe. Do you hear me Jain?”, Marid asked. “Clam down. It’s just the poison leaving your body.” Jain calmed down upon hearing Marid’s voice. The pain was unbearable but he managed to stay still. “Marid? What’s happening?” No reply.

Thunder. The deep growls of thunder from afar. Jain was now suddenly standing on the deck of a familiar boat. Not the carrack he was on before the pain and blackness. The ship he was on now was the one he got shipwrecked from. Looking down he could see his medallion, the only thing that told him who he is. He remembered now. He remembered the oncoming storm. The clam breeze as the sky darkened around him before the waves turned turbulent and the gales rocked the ship violently. Thunder. Closer now and louder. Rain. Suddenly, an explosion, throwing him into the water. Falling deeper into the water. Awake.

Jain awoke a week later from his drug addled sleep drenched in sweat, below decks in a hammock. He knew what happened to him now. More questions. Questions upon questions. How did it happen? Why was he on that ship? “Who was he?.

“Well, look who's awake, you don't look half as bad as I expected” William announced happily looking in from a chair in a dim lit corner of the room. “Time to stop fever dreaming, we've got money to make, we'll be arriving in a few hours. Make yourself look a little better we've got a big day ahead”. Jain saw straight through William's over enthusiastic smile. He didn't know why, but he had a bad feeling about this.
[/hider]
By
[@JaisonJ97] [@Randyfourballs]