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Post by Shark a' Pult on Jun 28, 2014 1:36:08 GMT -5
Kalen listened to himself getting torn down by Titania with surprising patience, because it was an argument he had heard before.
"You know I don't really consider myself a pirate, but before this I was a shepherd. Each morning I woke up at sunrise, took the sheep to pasture and minded them for the day, then brought them back home and went to sleep. That was my life, and the life of my father, and his father before him. My family lived on a mountain, a small valley we shared with some others, you couldn't even see the ocean from it. My sister was the first to leave in living memory, and I the second."
As he spoke, he closed his eyes and imagined the place of his words, a smile ever so small emerging on his face.
"That was my life, and the life of my ancestors. That was our tradition, and we didn't change. We might not have gone to sea, seen the world or ruled it, but we were happy."
Beyond that he didn't really have much more to say, he simply continued to look out over the scenescape before him but he wasn't seeing it. He was a thousand and some miles away, sitting on the green slopes of mountain range, hearing the wind blow and feeling the sun on his face.
He could never compare to someone like Titania, and all her future held for her. But as great as she was, she suddenly felt very small to him and her ambitions so petty, and perhaps he even felt sorry for her. Simply before she left, he added, though wasn't particularly mindful if she heard him.
"I hope your ambitions reward you with as much as you believe they will."
She was probably gone already by that point, but he didn't bother to leave the cabin.
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Post by Kyubey on Jun 28, 2014 18:35:45 GMT -5
The hunter was still and unresponsive during Mr. Dark's talk with Kusu. She knew that she was the subject of conversation, and listened to every word, but any reactions or thoughts she may have had, she kept to herself.
She found it strange, that Mr. Dark would try to be so understanding of the hunter's condition, even if she didn't think he was entirely correct. Equally unusual for her was Kusu's rather callous reaction to the hunter's presence. From what Lynwood's memories had told her, it should have been the other way around. She concluded that the difference must be because Lynwood was stupid and wrong, which is why she remembered things so poorly. Mr. Dark was kind and compassionate. Kusu wasn't. An easy shift to make, really.
"If simply calling me by what I am is not convenient, you can call me..."
When Mr. Dark asked the hunter for her name, the hunter began to reply, but before she could say the name that she had picked out herself, Kusu interjected. Llama Oyster Brian O'Rangutan cocked her head, and thought about the name that she had now been given.
"That name's too long," Llama Oyster Brian O'Rangutan said after some thought. "Saying it would take too much time. Just Llama works, I think."
It was rather funny, Llama thought, or would have if she understood humor. Her new name sounded not unlike the name that the Urdian used, before she began calling herself Lynwood.
"Also, perhaps we could discuss whether or not you will travel with us after we depart from this ship. You have the whole world to go across; is there any reason for you to stay with us?"
Llama looked up at Mr. Dark, staring at him through the one eye that wasn't obscured by her hair. She gave the question the consideration it deserved, though it wasn't something she hadn't already thought about.
"It was my plan to be on this crew," she replied. "I can't find what I'm looking for if I'm only in one place, I don't think. I've no reason to stay with you, but I have no reason to stay with anyone else, either. I can find another way, if you don't want me."
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Post by CJ on Jun 29, 2014 0:12:46 GMT -5
"Wait," Kusu said with wide eyes and puffed cheeks, "you actually like that name?"
The young captain remained silent for some time, realizing her horrible mistake. She blurted out her idea so fast, she didn't even think of the repercussions. She couldn't live with calling Lynwood something like "Llama." Llamas were too fluffy and smelly. No, her crew member was sly and quick. She was more like a...
"Lizard," she interrupted. "I demand that your name be Lizard instead. Not Llama. I'll call you Liz and you'll be the best crew member ever! Even better than the Scary Man! You'll teach me everything you know about fashion and being a young maiden!"
She approached the Hunter and went to squeeze her hands within her own.
"This is a very important task. Are you ready to take it on?"
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Post by Kyubey on Jun 29, 2014 0:38:47 GMT -5
Llama did not necessarily like her name, but it was what the Captain had called her, so she figured it would have done just as well as any other name could have. But, as she had no attachment to the name and only kept it for a brief moment, she found that Lizard was just as suitable a name. No, it was better.
Llamas, as a species, were prey. They were weak, they were slow, and they were killed by hunters. It was not a good thing to call one who was a hunter herself. But lizards were different. They sought after prey, they stalked enemies, and they thrived off their kills. The name was more than merely fitting. It perfectly encapsulated who she was.
"Then I'm Lizard," she said.
When Kusu reached for her hands, Lizard accepted her, though her face did not change. Everything was happening rather fast for her, but, apart from the new restriction on killing, it all felt okay. She was part of this crew now, like Lynwood was, but as a completely separate person, with a name to call her own. Lizard could have her own life, to live as she wanted. The idea was so new to her, but she welcomed it.
"Very well, I accept this task. I will teach you."
Teaching Kusu everything she knew about fashion and being a young maiden wouldn't be too hard for Lizard. After all, there wasn't a lot she knew to begin with.
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Post by Kuro on Jul 1, 2014 10:43:57 GMT -5
For a while, Mr. Dark only stared at the newly christened hunter, his face as flat as his tone.
"..."
He had to hold back a sigh.
"...Yes. Llama. Truly your name will strike fear into all."
He wasn't sure how he had the power to look at a bloodstained, ruthless killer and call her Llama with a straight face. And he would have to do so many more times in the future, it seemed. So she was staying. Mr. Dark shook his head at her last question.
"Please, feel free to stay with us. We welcome your company and it is likely you will find whatever it is you are looking for if you travel with us. This crew has a tendency to end up in the strangest of places, as proven today."
Although he had certainly never expected the hunte - sigh - Llama to return after she left Jackal a bleeding mess, he almost smiled at the thought of her addition to the crew. She was powerful, yes, but more importantly she seemed sensible, direct, and pragmatic. None of Lynwood's naivety and overvaluing of human life, not to mention none of Lynwood's negative influence on Kusu. He had not forgotten how she had managed to get Kusu to turn on him, to reject his just and logical suggestions. Hopefully, that would no longer be the case.
Plus, one can only tolerate for so long the company of no one more than a child and an idiot shepherd, both of whom had far more energy and volume than necessary or desired.
Titania took a moment to reply to Kusu's question. For a little while, the shepherd's words echoed in her mind. No, this was worth it, it was. It had to be. Finally, she shook her head. "No, you can't have any food right now! Once you get out of here, you have to keep running and never look back! We have no idea when Victoria will be able to reestablish contact with the outside world, so you have to leave Arkadian territory immediately. Is that clear?!"
Without even waiting for a response, she continued. "Good. Now then, I believe we are all ready. In that case...It is time for you to leave."
She opened the door. Behind it was a familiar office, cold and empty and yet, as if a veil had been cast aside, one could now feel the spite, hatred, and bloodlust that had accumulated in this place, piling up over the years. It practically had a stench.
"We hope you enjoyed your stay at Arkady Industries."
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Post by Shark a' Pult on Jul 1, 2014 10:59:52 GMT -5
"We're here then? Alright, best to do as she says."
Kalen had for the most part remained in the cabin, so missed much of what happened, but he could see and tell when they stopped moving. While he might have been somber and reflective before, he took a deep breath and stretched, before his positive and cheery demeanor returned. He moved for the exit as instructed, and saw the office, the first room outside Victoria he had seen in awhile.
"Hey wow, this is a nice room!"
"We hope you enjoyed your stay at Arkady Industries."
"Thanks so much your Highness for having us, I had a great time! Though just a tourists suggestion, but I'd think about changing the name. Just off the top of my head, but Titania Industries sounds much better."
With that he exited the vessel into the office, and carefully made his way though, hoping not to disturb anything. If everything worked out and he was permitted, he aimed to head back to the docking bay and the crew's ship, perhaps leading the way if need be.
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