Runali peeked out from the Crow's nest and noticed her crew piling in. Nolan had way more food than he could carry and she laughed silently. "Well I know he's happy. Food for days. Awesome." Danny helped him out and she smirked when she saw the new tattoo. It was pretty easy to spot since it was so new. "Nice, she's official now." Next who came rolling along was Luro...with the throne from the kingdom. She literally face palmed and laughed. "That dope...He actually stole the chair." Ray was last in approaching the ship, and that's when everyone gathered on the main deck. That's when the captain jumped out of her hiding spot and took the untraditional route downwards by sliding down various ropes.
"Alright! Let's get to business." She pointed to Danny first. "Danny is now an official, official StarDusk pirate." She motioned for the girl to show off her tattoo, clapping in the process. "Next for announcements?" Whoever had something to say, she let them speak. It wasn't like they were on a schedule- actually, they were on a schedule. By tomorrow, the navy would be close to Waterdeep and Runali was in no mood for a back to back war. Besides, the navy was a lot stronger. The pirates wouldn't stand a chance. "Alright. Next, for the real reason we came here. Kai says his flag sank somewhere around here. I don't know if it is still there, but it doesn't hurt to look right? It's important to him, so it's important to-"
"Actually. Pardon me captain, but I do believe I should do this..." Runali gave Kai a curious look before stepping to the side to give him the floor. "I think I'll be taking this minor mission on my own. It's my honor I'm trying to regain, so it would be best if I did this alone." The captain crossed her arms.
"Well I understand you're trying to regain your honor, but you have stopped the ones that hurt you. And I'm sure it would be faster if we all searched...But if you want us to hold tight, we'll wait on the ship until you're ready."
"Not quite what I meant Captain. I'm going to search for my flag...and you guys will go to Utsukushī. I overheard those servants just as well as you did. The Navy will only bring us more trouble, trouble we don't need right now. It's something I have to do." Kai's voice was stern, and ultimately 'matter of fact'. He wasn't planning on taking no for an answer. It was just something he had to do. That, and he wanted to help rebuild Waterdeep. It brought him fond memories, and he hated to see it so badly beaten down.
There was a silence between the pirates as the all stood on the deck of the ship. The only sounds around were the sounds of the crashing waves and the occasional bird that flew by. Runali stared at him for awhile with a disappointed expression. Finally, after the intense silence, she spoke. "You made an oath you know...You said you'd stay and help me become a legend. You said I was destined for greatness....But now you're leaving?"
"It's true what I said. And I hold to that word. I will fight for you and help you to the top. But as selfish as it may seem, I have to complete my own goal first. I have to end one chapter before I can begin another." Seeing the disappointment still on his captain's face, he continued. "This isn't a goodbye forever. Merely a leave of absence. When I am done, I will return...if you may have me."
This caused a small smirk to appear on Runali's face. She saluted Kai and nodded. "I'm going to hold you to that Kai. You better come back. You're the best bodyguard I've ever had." This produce a light chuckle from the male, something new to the crew. They normally saw the straight face and intimidating looks.
"I've been your only bodyguard." He looked at Luro, Nolan, and Ray with a stern look. "Protect our captain while I'm away. I'm holding you three to this. If any harm comes to her, you will be to blame and you will be dealt with by me...And good luck on your adventures." To Danny, he simply nodded. His expression wasn't as intimidating towards her. "I trust you will lead them in the right direction."
With their final goodbyes, Kai got off the ship and watched as the Coral Pearl began sailing off. He didn't stay long. He walked to the kingdom to ask if he could help in anyway- and as a favor helping him find his flag.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
She gave one final nod as he walked off and then looked at the flyer in her hand. "Alright crew. Our next stop is Utsukushī!" She handed them the two flyers she had found explaining about the tourist island, along with the tournament and the prize money.
"I didn't plan on joining, but it looks cool to watch! That, and it's like a safe zone for everyone that goes there. No fights, no criminal activity, surprisingly just an attraction for everyone to enjoy. I've made up my mind, so Dani you can take the wheel and lead us there. We're setting sail."
And as one adventure ended, a new one began. Who knew what the next adventure would bring.
