And Still We Rise: The Revolution (IC)

[Jessica]

Kami
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The soft rocking of the handmade boat swayed with the ocean waters beneath them. The piercing blue oceans contrasted against the brown wooden boat a generous old man donated to them. The weather was slightly chilly as the colder seasons were gradually approaching. Not much they could do about that except watch out for splashing water and hope the boat didn't fall apart. With them were a couple of bags, each full of food, canteens of water, funds, and some weapons that was given for the cause... A cause that didn't exactly have a lot of people fighting for... Literally.

Kamilynn was only one of twelve people sitting on this rickety old boat heading their way to Fourth Region. The place of cannibals and the starving poor fighting to survive... Half were regular humans in the boat, the rest were their Summons. Each one had their own; Kami's happened to be the dark and rather scary looking girl by the name "Kia" on the boat with them. She had summoned her a while back during her travels to the Dynasa Island. Going quite literally across the country was a dangerous feat. She needed to have someone by her side, and Kia was perfect in her time of need. Sure the girl was scary and pretty intimidating, but Kami still appreciated her for not tearing up her scroll. Even if Kia didn't seem to appreciate Kami in return...

The rest of them, they had their chance to introduce each other. An odd group they were. People of various ages with different experiences. By the looks of them, they had all experienced the roughness of the poor life directly. What did the revolution expect? What kind of rich person would want to sacrifice their amazing life for a bunch of street rats?

It didn't matter. They all had each other to go through this. They were going to beat the head of Wyvornal and push the message Queen Ora wanted, or they were going to die trying...

Her eyes wandered to the rest of the people, but she didn't speak. The familiar sense of guilt in the pit of her stomach. Her eyes avoided falling on a particular side of the boat. She still felt awful about needing to drag him along like this. But if the future was fated by their actions, then she'd do it again in a heartbeat. The fate of the country... It needed people like them to fight all this injustice. If they didn't, who would?


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Vermilion
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Vermilion Bird was seated cross legged right next to her Summoner, the youngest looking one named Tristian. Her largest wings were tucked tight against her back while the smallest ones were available for other peoples' usage. Particularly if they wanted a blanket. She was ready for anything at the moment, especially for the chance of the boat collapsing. The long boat ride had proven the boat was pretty capable of holding all of them and their stuff, but they never knew.

The young woman was inwardly happy to be a part of the resistance. The Queen's message... Her wish was that everyone treat each other equally. Never before had Vermilion been Summoned by someone whose kindness was questionable but her motifs and mindset was actually for the best of her people. Despite the Queen herself saying otherwise. But nonetheless, Vermilion was proud to be able to fight along side these brave humans. They were greatly outnumbered, that was certain, yet they chose to fight. Should they fall, Vermilion would always place her scroll back at the Summoner's Gate. Again and again and again until the resistance won.

The conversations that did occur during the ride Vermilion was happy to listen to. She wanted to learn what she could about everyone, and she hoped the humans learned to care for each other. The only way to fight their hardest was if the lives of those they befriended or adored was at stake.​

 

[Beowulf]

Connor sat in the back of the boat, assigned to the task of making sure the boat kept going straight and the current didn't simply have it's way with them. It made sense, he was possibly the strongest human in the boat. And he's been on a boat before and seen how it's done. Push the rudder and the boat goes right. Pull it and it goes left. Simple. He had felt the current trying to steer them in the wrong direction several times now, and each time he had wrestled with the rudder to make sure that didn't happen. The currents were surprisingly strong. Lucky them they weren't having to swim. Otherwise they'd probably have had drowned by now, the currents dragging them down and refusing to let them up for air.

His summon, Shirou, was also in the boat. Of course he was, it wasn't like he could've just disappear and reappear when they were on the other side. He still wasn't used to having that fox listen to what he told him to do, but it was for the best. If he got used to ordering around his summon, then he would become no better then a slaver. As he thought of that, the scar on his chest throbbed slightly, a reminder on what could happen and why he was doing this. Rubbing it with a free hand, Connor quickly sweeps his gaze across the rest of the party.

They all looked hot headed. Nothing but swords. The only shield they had between the twelve of them was him, and he could only be in so many places at once. He'd rely on them to get the job done when it came to fighting, yes, but he had been trained to protect people like them while he was in the Band of the Red Hand. And he'd do as his training had taught him as best he could. But, again, there was only one of him, and eleven of them. Well what could he do, his best that's what.

 

[Tank2Crate]

Xuthakag was started to get annoyed with this boat. Ontop of being crowded his size didn't really help. He was stuck in the middle of the ship on a lower level. The cluster of people either were staring at him or bumping into him. Luckly he had brought a keg with him to keep him cool but still didn't help the situation as much as he liked. Finally unable to deal with the annoyance of everyone he climbed his way to the top deck. Still slightly cramped but not as bad. Standing ontop of the deck was peaceful for him and he enjoyed it, reminded him of his war times of traveling on massive orcish warships. But none the less that time had long been passed now and he fought a new war this day and age.

Xuthakag found a place were he knew he would be out of the way and he decided to sit there against the wall until someone called out for his assistance. He felt kinda bad though for walking away from his summoner, but he was certain that he would appreciate a walk away then a blood shed anyday.

 

[Takashi]

Shirou was merely sitting on the upper deck of the boat. A bit cramped, and his tails really weren't helping the situation. It was a tad cold and wet for his liking, though he didn't dare conjure a flame, for fear of burning the entire ship down. His summoner was at the rudder, steering their ship. He seemed capable enough, also the only one here with a shield. Everyone else here had some form of dagger, sword or other blade. One even seemed to have a makeshift spear of some kind. Shirou didn't know too much about anyone else there, only as much as they had said during their little intro session. This whole revolution thing was pretty risky and not exactly the kind of thing Shirou normally got into, but it was the will of his summoner and the other five there, along with the other summons most likely. He just hoped they'd live long enough to successfully reach whatever goal they were ultimately aiming for. For now, he just needed this boat to survive the trip. It wasn't in very good shape, but hopefully they were close to land by this point.

 

[Lockheart]

He knew it was not much further. He kept telling himself that they would reach land soon. But no amount of words of reassurances could prevent the stagnation of boredom that was driving Jarl insane. Cooped up on this ship. He needed air. Fresh air, that did not smell like the sea.

Jarl stood up from his seat, taking a quick look around before heading towards the stairs. It was small ship with barely enough room for them. Generally, he spent his time out of the weather. But right now he wanted to breathe in the open air. So he headed up to the deck. A few people were already out there. Including his summon. Maybe Xuthakag had something to drink. He was always reliable in that way.

So far this journey had been boring. Hopefully their rebellion was just as boring. Because excitement meant fighting, conflict, and a lot of effort. Sure, it could be fun to get into some trouble with thee people. Though he did not need to remind himself why he signed up for their crusade. He often wondered if Xuthakag felt the same way. Did he believe in the cause? Or was he doing what is summoner told him to? Or did he have his own motives? Admittedly, Jarl did not talk to Xuthakag about much on the personal side.

As soon as he saw Xuthakah on deck, Jarl approached him.

"Any sight of land? Or birds maybe... Some cliff side birds would be a blessing right now," Jarl said as he leaned against the wooden side of the boat.

He peered over into the choppy waters. Blue, dark, and wild. The waves crashed and smashed against the side of the boat. Did something move? In the water... No, he must of mistaken it.

"Hm. Could of swore I saw something in the water then... Never mind..."

 

[timv999]

Tristian sat there silently staring out at the water as they made trip to the fourth region. Tristian had never seen the ocean before so, this was quite a new experience for him. He looked down at the blue waters as the boat effortlessly glided its way through them. The boat was an old one for sure and was not the sturdiest thing around, but so far anyway it was getting the job done. Hopefully it would just get them to their location. Tristian was by far the youngest of the lot on this boat. Though he was young he could fight and he was ready to give his life for the revolution. Tristian had been apart of the poor class of this land for most of his life and had dealt with all of the horrible things that entailed. Including the kidnapping of his little brother. He clenched his hands and gritted his teeth as he remembered that day. He and his brother were playing in the street with other kids and suddenly out of no where, the wealthy's henchman came and snatched his brother. Tristian tried fighting back to free his brother, but that was to no avail as they simply took him.

Tristian has felt it has been his fault that his brother was taken and now being apart of this revolution, he is hopping to find him. Somewhere within the clutches of the wealthy of this land. Tristian then thought back to his parents, who had worked so hard to make it from the poor class to the middle class. After his brother was kidnapped, they worked harder than ever to make sure they made it out of the poor class so nothing like that would ever happen again. They may have been in the middle class now, but still a lot of times they were treated like the poor class.

Tristian took his mind off of those thoughts and looked forward. There was much that he and the rest of this revolutionary group had to do, which included gaining more members. They were a very small revolution right now and there was no way they were going to succeed with the numbers they currently have. Tristian turned and looked at his summon, her name was Ms. Vermillion Bird and incredibly enough she was the summon of the queen herself. Tristian had already asked Vermillion bird a thousands questions about her time with the queen and her sword training and fighting tactics. This boat ride though he decided to remain silent and stoic as they made their first push of the revolution.

 

[Dunruffle]

Blood sat with his back to the hull of the boat in the lower level. One would barely see his face in the shadows, his glowing white eyes similar to floating orbs of light in the darkness. He grumbled to himself as he looked at the others. He was not happy that he was separated from his sister, to follow the instructions of a lowly human. The human that had summoned him was slightly better than his last summoner, not that Blood would say it out loud. The boy was a sneak thief, and had merely happened upon his scroll in the middle of a burglary. He had barely spoken with the boy, usually only answering his questions with monosyllabic grunts or head movements. He would not show much respect until his new summoner has proven himself in battle.

 

[The Dapper Mog]

Asahd Alahkir​

This transport by ship thing? Not fun. Whoever invented it deserved to be stabbed. Several times. Over the course of several years. Yeah, that seemed sufficient. A young man sat against the hull of the ship, a set of dice being rolled around in his hand. His white hair hung over his eyes, casting his dark skin in a shadow, his gaze seemingly fixed on the floor beneath him. A low sigh escaped his lips, rolling his head back to reveal his face, planting the top of his head lazily against the hull behind him.

Asahd had never been one for sitting still. Even when he was still he was usually manipulating something with his hands or tapping his foot or fingers against his surroundings. Even before this Resistance business, he'd hated being in one place for any length of time longer than a few hours. Movement was imperative to staying alive. Much more difficult to hit or catch a moving target, after all. The dice in his hand, rolling over themselves and between his fingers made a steady clicking sound, one of the few constants Asahd could handle. The idea of the sound being something within his sphere of control brought him comfort.

Not far from him, the creature he has inadvertently gained employ of was sitting, seemingly stewing in his own rage and angst. Ever since Asahd had summoned him, the working relationship was strained. The two didn't have much of anything in common. Sure, Asahd could fight, but, he never preferred resorting to violence. Instead, avoiding conflict was always much simpler. This guy, however, was pure aggro. If someone even looked at him wrong it was an invitation to make them bleed. Sure, he respected the beast's conviction and strength. Yet, restraint was just as important. This was sure to be an interesting partnership.

"Hey, big guy. I know this situation isn't ideal. Hell, it blows. But, you know this whole Resistance business is likely to be a lucrative opportunity for us both. Lot of nobles out there with purses heavy with coin that are in dire need of a good bloodletting. At least we'll both be able to get something for all the risk."

Another sigh, sounding immediately after he finished speaking. Why did he let the girl rope him into this? Probably would have been better off just telling her to stick it where the sun doesn't shine than to throw himself headlong into danger just to stick it to the rich people and do some good. Ah, who was he kidding? Asahd was looking forward to sticking it to some pompous noble twits who thought they were untouchable. Still, it'd be wise to talk to her a bit more. Maybe be able to work out some kind of back-up plan in case things go too far south.

 

[Silver]

[fieldbox="Kia - The Black Dog, red, dotted"]
Kia had her arms crossed as she leaned against the side of the ship, not too far from the human who had called her from her brothers. Again, her red eyes bored into the human, wondering why she hadn't simply taken the scroll from her and shredded it then and there. She had another quest in her own home. She had to help Karek become the Reaper he deserved to be. She didn't have time to waste on silly mortal wars that would be naught but a blink in their history. Glancing at the other summons in the boat, she wondered why any of them had stayed. The majority of them at the least had longer lives to live than that of a silly human. Why bother with their affairs? It wasn't practical. They all should be at home minding their own lives...

Then take it from her and rip it up already. A voice snarked in her own thoughts, sounding eerily like her eldest brother. A barely audible growl rumbled Kias throat for a second in irritation. Not moving to do as the voice demanded. Instead, she tilted her head back and inhaled,as she lifted her nose to the air. She scented the wind, the ocean, salt, a slight decay, and then Kami's floral scent washed back at her. It smelled too sweet for what the small human was trying to undertake.

Fool. She accused the girl to herself. She huffed through her nose, much like any mortal dog before she turned away, red eyes bouncing over each of the others in the boat again. One of the human was still naught but a pup. Why hadn't the resistance sent him home? The other humans seemed somewhat capable, the most capable looking being the one steering the vessel. Shaking her head, red eyes bounced back to watching Kami, keeping silent vigil. Even if ti was unlikely that anything would happen on a dingy little boat out on the water.

[/fieldbox]

[fieldbox="Tari - The Hunter, green, solid"]
Tari was humming quietly. Leg bouncing as they sat back and leaned over the boat to drag their hand into the salt water. Small smile playing at their lips while they enjoyed the way the air blew against their face. Pulling back up, Tari tosses a small handful of water at the duo who had come forth from the gate when she offered up her blood.

"Pretty cool, eh?" Tari grinned, mischief already sparking. They'd been in the boat too long and the happy go lucky hunter had spent as much time as they could just stroking the bow quietly. If the leg bouncing wasn't sign enough that Tari was antsy, then the spike of action would probably be far too telling. Pulling the flute from a pocket, the blonde twirled the instrument in their fingers like a baton briefly. Then the human pulled it to their lips and began playing a peppy tune, bouncing their leg in time to it. Wondering only briefly afterwards if they were trying to be quiet.

"I could really go for an ale right now..." The thought whispered through her mind before she pushed all fo ehr focus into playing the fast beat piece.

[/fieldbox]

 

[Tank2Crate]

Xuthakag finished sipping from his keg before looking up at Jarl and gulping down what had is his mouth. "From what i can see not a damn sight of anything for a while." Xuthakag said lifting his keg up slightly. "And at the rate this is going i didnt bring enough of this ale for the trip." He said shaking it a little bit. "Its still about half way though. Grab a mug or hell anything and ill pour you some." Xuthakag said setting it down next to his leg. "Better hurry ill drink the rest if you take to long." He said with a slight giggle.

 

[Lockheart]

That was all the warning he needed. Jarl had to find a container of some kind immediately. Luckily for him, but probably not so lucky for his liver, there was no shortage of mugs on this rickety old ship. Scattered all around. His search would lead him back under the deck, into the hold.

"I'll be right back with a cup."

As promised, he returned just a few moments later with a wooden cup held triumphantly in one hand.

"Sorry for the wait," Jarl said as he held the cup out towards Xuthakag. "So what fine beverage are we drinking?" That wry smile played on his lips. "If we had enough to go around, I bet there are few drinkers in this group. Maybe someone who could beat us at a few drinking games... What do you think?"

 

[Tank2Crate]

Xuthakag kinda tossed the idea in his head as he poured Jarl a mug. "Well its some weak ale that i found on-board here, so if you can find enough people." Xuthakag chugged down the rest of the keg and placed it down between his legs. "And someone you think can out drink me then lets go then." Xuthakag said cracking his knuckles and neck. Xuthakag really didn't have to worry about anyone out drinking him. The drinks back in his days were way stronger than today alchohol. Xuthakag was also on about his Third keg about now and didn't even feel a bit of anything. But he still was ready to take on anyone who was wiling to ... for a small price of course.

 

[Lockheart]

Jarl took a large gulp from his cup. "Maybe one of these summons has the same tolerance to alcohol as you do." Doubtful but maybe the non-mortal summons were just like Xuthakag. Question is, what did it cost to play their games? "So what should we have them bet on our games?"

He wondered if many of them had anything worth betting. Of course, the mortals had their summons scrolls. And the summons had some equipment, weapons, armor. But they were all here to fight in the revolution against the rich. That heavily suggested that they did not have enough money to gamble with.

"If they have anything worth betting with, that is..."

 

[Tank2Crate]

Xuthakag kinda shrugged a little. "Ill take anything from a hundread bronze and up." Xuthakag said closing up his keg and sitting down on it like a stool. "Grab anyone at this point im just ready to drink." Xuthakag turned and pointed towards Jarl. "They better have money on table by the time they get here and get me a damn table." Xuthakag yelled a little before slamming his hand up against the wall and breaking a board.

 

[Dunruffle]

When Asahd spoke to him, Blood only slightly turned his head to acknowledge him. "I dont care about you human's petty fights. I am only here because the scroll demanded it. Once I have fulfilled the contract, I want to return to my sister. If she so much as has a scratch when I return, I will find a way back to your realm to eat your heart." His gravelly voice carried over the creaking of the ship to Asahd, at least this time Blood had actually responded with complete sentances. Before it had either been a mix of growls, grunts, or head movements.

Sighing in exasperation, Blood watched the human and his summoned partner drink from a keg. "Silence yourself you drunkard, do you plan on drinking your enemies to death?" Blood spit onto the floor in derision as idly drummed his fingers on the blade of his sword.

@The Dapper Mog
@Tank2Crate

 

[Tank2Crate]

Xuthakag grabbed one of his axe's and pointed towards the other summoned. "Listen here man i ain't drunk you would know when im drunk. So shut it before i shut it for you bastard." Xuthakag taunted standing up and uncovering his keg to take a swing out of it.

 

[Takashi]

@Beowulf

Shirou was bored, cold, and wet... possibly the worst non-painful conditions he could imagine at the moment. There was a little bit of liveliness on this boat at least. Just a summoner and his summon drinking and another summon starting an argument with them it sounded like, but at least something was going on. Shirou sighed and leaned his head back. He was now looking at Connor, his summoner, upside down, almost laying on his tails at this point. "Hey, think we're close to land? I'd love to start a warm fire, but I don't think this boat can take it..." He decided to at least strike up some sort of conversation with someone, his first attempt being his summoner. He figured that's who he had the best chance at not being turned away by. Of course, he could be wrong.

 

[Beowulf]

"I'd have thought we'd have been there by now." Connor said, Shirou snapping him out of his thoughts. "And you better not start a fire on this boat. Not while we're using it at least. I don't feel like swimming the rest of the way. I doubt you'd want to go for a swim either. So do us both a favor, and don't start that fire. But I can tell you what you can do. Gather up the others and get them to rowing. There should be some oars, and it'll get us to where we need to be a lot quicker. And from what I've seen, a couple of them look to have some real strength behind them. I'd go and do it myself, but as you can see I'm a bit busy." He said, nodding his head towards the rudder as he finished talking.

 

[Takashi]

@Jessica2477 @Beowulf @Tank2Crate @Petricus Euryale @timv999 @Dunruffle @The Dapper Mog @Silver

"Consider it done." Shirou then quickly got to his feet and half-jumped, half-floated to the front of the boat, now standing on the bow. "Listen all, my summoner has had an idea and I now propose it to you. There are oars lying about everywhere, and some of you are quite muscle-clad. Should you help in the rowing of this vessel, we should get to land much sooner. Then we can get off this rickety excuse for a boat. Who would help should pick up an oar and row, straight ahead." Shirou had tried to be persuasive yet tactful, though he definitely wasn't sure if he had did that right. He wasn't used to speaking to large groups, but maybe some would listen? He now looked around at the group, awaiting the response.

 

[Tank2Crate]

Xuthakag annoyed at the other summon hollering out grab the now pretty much emptied keg and chucked it towards the loud summon. Throwing it kinda awkward he could throw it exactly at him but just close enough to him to smash the ground next to him. "Shut up you peasant ill smash your head in as well." Xuthakag yelled out.