Collab by @Mizos, @Grothnor and @Fox of Hearts
Team Sewers
Location: ???
Dark waters beat against the side of the rowboats, pushing them back for every three strokes forward. It was a struggle but none of the men were willing to give up. They showered the rowers with encouraging thumps on the back every now and then and, when someone began to fatigue, someone else would take over. This might be true for the pair seated towards the back but Bannon and Luro had yet to surrender their oars to anyone. They put in so much energy into each stroke that the others gave up after sometime. The men simply sat in the boat, staring in amazement at the lead they had over the other group.
Hana kept glancing back, but the second rowboat was slowly disappearing into the fog. She swallowed hard, wondering if she should remind the enthusiastic pair to slow down. Unable to find the courage to speak up, she contented herself with sitting quietly in her corner near the bow and observing everyone.
Having no other familiar face save Bannon's felt oddly lonely after living two years in the dojo. She couldn't quite wrap her mind around seeing the captain without his armor. True, he might be a towering man that almost reached Ms. Dani's chin, but he seemed smaller somehow. Tearing her gaze away from her countryman, Hana realized the other rowboat had completely disappeared from view.
"Capt'n," a pirate exclaimed. "They're - "
"They'll be back up," Bannon boomed. "You know the plan. If they lag behind, maybe they can sneak in through another way. Or you know," he lowered his voice and whispered cheekily. "Accidentally set the fort on fire."
"But, sir! We're not supposed to - "
"Blowing stuff up is all part of being a pirate," Luro said interrupting the pirate. "A wise man once told me that 'blowing stuff up is part of being a pirate, cause we got stuff that explodes' I mean he died in an explosion but that's not important."
Luro had been steadfastly focused on rowing, wishing he had a small lantern to put at the front of the ship, but this was supposed to be a stealth mission so he wasn't allowed to take one with him.
One of the men tried to offer to trade places but he was perfectly happy keeping up a rhythm with Bannon, he had actually forgotten he was rowing as his mind drifted to random items, one of which being the girl on the ship that reminded him of someone.
"Hey sword girl, I don't remember seeing you in the prison…are you with Yula Fei? I feel like we've met before…but I already know Alicia's sister…Tashigi number two…oh right manners and stuff. My name is Luro Makachi what's your name?"
Hana's blue eyes flickered in surprise. She stared at Luro with wide, wary eyes before she nodded slowly. She ducked her head down quickly after that and whispered. "I've never been to prison before. I didn't do anything wrong..." When she realized how silly she must have sounded, the teen couldn't stop blushing, as Bannon started teasing her. His attempts to get her to lighten up backfired horribly, causing the girl withdrew back into her shell. Hana refused to speak anymore. Instead, she sat there with her eyes trained to the hem of her skirt. Luckily for her, Bannon decided to speak up on her behalf.
"Luro, I see you haven't met Alicia's apprentice. I almost missed her myself the first few days on the ship. Quiet as a mouse and small to boot." He laughed again, breaking the silence with his usual roaring laugh. The booming voice created an echo that only made the other men in the boat stare around uneasily. "Might take you awhile before she says anything around you. She's only comfortable around the older Lady Tashigi."
Hana nodded in response. She was aware he was still teasing her but she didn't know what to say in her own defense. He was her elder and her superior in rank, so protesting would make her feel awfully rude.
"Oi, quiet there!" Durant yelled from the back, adding to the echoing din. "You want us to be caught or something?" He grumbled in a mix of his native tongue and the common tongue as he slid back into his seat. Unknowingly, his foot landed smack on Ray's in the process. "Watch it," he snapped when he saw the Lendrian make a face.
"Oh don't worry about it! We're being really quiet! We won't get caught at all!"
Feeling he had put the man's fears to rest Luro looked back at Hana realizing what Bannon had just shared.
"Huh….wait…you're Alicia's apprentice…Alicia has an apprentice?" Luro said clearly confused at this information.
He eyed the young girl for a moment, his eyelids lowered slightly as he analyzed everything he could from a basic glance, he motioned for one of the men to take the oars and handing them over stood up before moving over to the young lady. He stared down at her leaning forward slightly with a hand on his chin.
"…you must be a bad student, you're very ladylike not manly like Alicia at all," Luro said with a firm nod. "Still…I see a little potential in you. The potential to murder hundreds of people with one move like your master. To create many widows and orphans with that blade of yours, you should feel proud."
He raised his body and moved his hands to his hips, she didn't look like much but Luro could see an inner fire in this girl, or maybe he just had too much to drink and was looking at his own reflection in her eyes he wasn't sure anymore. His eyes moved to her sword for a moment wondering what kind of blade it was, but that thought quickly faded as he slammed one hand on the other.
"Oh if you're Alicia's apprentice she must have told you about our special relationship right…actually I doubt it as long as we've been in it she hasn't brought it up, I think it's cause she's shy. I really feel like I'm doing all the work though…but she does surprise me sometimes. When I got to see her undergarments being one of them, I didn't have any on that day so I couldn't return the favor, ah that was a fun day. Tashigi number two didn't want to show me hers and Alicia got mad when I asked…I guess it was asking too much. Anyway you don't have to say anything Future Murderer, I'm sure you'll turn out great. I can't wait to see how many bodies you leave behind."
Luro gave the small girl a heavy pat on the shoulder before taking his seat back at the rowboats and taking up the oars again.
"I hope you don't mind me talking to you Future Killer, I'm used to people not responding when I talk. I'll just take your silence as agreement, if that's bad just let me know."
Hana protested a little louder this time when Luro brought up how un-ladylike her mentor was. The girl couldn't fantom why the man would say such a terrible thing about her idol. Alicia was everything she ever hoped to be - smart, talented, honorable and graceful. Manly was the last thing she would ever associate with Sakura's daughter.
"Lady Tashigi - both of them, are everything a woman should be," she murmured again before freezing completely.
Future Killer? She finally looked up at Luro again. This time her blue eyes were wide with horror at the thought of her killing innocent people without any remorse. Doing that would make her no better than the vilest man in her memory, Odyn. Unknown to Luro, his words began stirring up terrible memories about the aftermath of recent attacks and all the pain she witnessed around her. Hana closed her eyes and looked away, as tears began gathering at the corner of her eyes.
Lady Tashigi, her mentor, wasn't like that? Was she? Hana couldn't imagine such a wise and noble woman being a heartless killer like Odyn. There was no way she nor her teacher could be like that terrible man. Hana tried to hide her sniffles, as she pulled her knees towards her chest and hugged them tightly.
"Oh ho I got you to talk to me, guess you're comfortable now right?" Luro questioned with a toothy grin.
Though seeing the girl's expression suddenly change his smile slowly sunk into a small one, up until it was clear tears were forming in the girl's eyes. Seeing this Luro looked at her than at Bannon then back at Hana only to throw his hands up causing a man to catch the oars.
"What? Why are you....does everyone in Yula Fei get upset at compliments?!"
"Don't you mind what Luro says, he's... well, he's an idiot." Ray turned away from peering ahead of them to gently smack Luro. "Don't call Alicia manly, Luro. You know she doesn't like that. And your 'compliments' aren't appreciated by everyone."
Luro looked over at Ray as the man shared his wisdom on the matter, he rubbed the spot he had been smacked listening to his friends words, granted most of it didn't make sense but he tried to understand what Ray was trying to tell him. Shutting his eyes he tried to use what little knowledge he had on speaking to women to solve this matter.
".....wanna be my mistress when you're older? Would that make-"
Ray smacked him again. "Don't be crude. Err, well, cruder than usual."
"Eh?" Bannon shot up suddenly, causing the boat to lurch. He heard that he would be handling a spirited bunch but dealing with an emotional girl was something he wasn't prepared to do. He scratched his head for a moment before smashing his fist against his open palm. "Luro!" He more or less yelled. "Jump into the water with me. We'll be faster if the two of us push the boat towards land."
Luro took the rows starting to row again since he was confused about many things, his compliments, when he was being crude and why birds didn't fly backwards when they had to go in another direction. When Bannon spoke about pushing Luro's eyebrows arched at the plan he had presented.
"…that…is the best idea I've heard all day," Luro said with a firm nod.
Durant threw up his hands in exasperation. "Nutters, all of you! I suggest I be captain of this ship and not him."
Before the others could actually agree with the Ceranian, Bannon reached over and plucked Durant up by his collar. Bannon never liked using someone as an example but he didn't want to have a mutiny on his hands either. "You know, we could use some extra help." Without another word, he flung the man overboard. "Alright, Luro, into the water too."
Durant broke the surface of the water and gasped. "Wh-what are you doing?"
"Getting us to shore," Bannon said coldly before jumping feet first into the water. "Now, get to it. You, me and Luro. We're pushing this boat forward." Yanking the flailing man firmly by the collar, Bannon started swimming towards the back without even bothering about the gurgling sounds the shocked Durant was making.
Luro watched the strange man be thrown overboard and stood up himself, he stretched a bit before rotating his shoulders, turning to Hana he gave her a firm nod before pointing at Ray.
"Watch out for the Ray he's really suave. You might end up falling for him, you'll be fine around Kadi though he's bad at flirting."
With a salute Luro adjusted his rifle before jumping off the boat and diving into the water, he swam back up to the surface shortly after and made his way to the rear of the boat. Putting his hands against the ends he immediately started pushing.
"This water taste like death! You gotta try some!"
"Better you than me." Ray said. "Even if I could swim, I wouldn't want to dip a single toe in that muck. Besides, I wouldn't want to ruin my disguise." Seeing Hana had only reacted to the splash out of all the discussion, Ray asked, "You okay? Luro didn't rattle you too much did he?"
Hana's teary eyes looked at Ray again. She studied his face for a moment before giving a half-hearted "no" in response to his question. It was a white lie but she didn't want him to probe further. She sensed the two were friends, so she assumed that that he be offended on his friend's behalf if she told him the truth. She sucked in her breath and rubbed her eyes with both hands. "I'm sorry," she apologized. Her soft voice growing softer by the second. "I - I'll be okay."
Out in the open waters, Bannon used one hand to keep Durant pressed as close to the back of the boat as he could without drowning the troublemaker. He whistled to Luro then shouted. "Luro! Come here and let's encourage this man beside me. He seems to be reluctant to be part of our happy family in the water." If anything, he was so impressed by the maverick gunner that he was starting to see Luro as the only person he could rely on in this team. The rest have yet to make an impression on him.
Luro hummed a small tune to himself as he pushed the boat wondering when they'd finally make it to their destination, he was looking forward to seeing everyone in action, especially the Future Killer, he had a feeling when she drew that sword she changed into a completely different person, he was really looking forward to it. Everyone he's seen from Yula Fei has been skilled fighters after all. Hearing Bannon Luro looked over in the man's direction blinking a few times, his eyes moved to Durant and with a smile he made his way over to the two happy to give the man some encouragement.
"Hello!" Luro said to Durant. "Are you really not having fun? I mean you could lose strength at anytime sink and die from drowning cold and alone, isn't that exciting, makes you want to work all that much harder right! I mean think about it, the faster we get there, the faster we get attacked by hundreds of guards wholly intent on ending our lives, now isn't that a better way to go than drowning in tasty water. See better already now get pushing, I believe in your ability to do menial labor with no reward!"
"That's the spirit!" Bannon yelled jovially. He couldn't help feeling very pleased when he saw how uncomfortable Durant looked. "You hear that, man? You can't let your team down so let's push, push, push!" With another mighty roar, the man surged forward in the water at such speeds that those onboard couldn't believe he was fighting against the current. "Oi up there - Luro's friend, is it? Tell us when you see land!"
"Yes tell, us," Durant positively yelped between gulps of freezing salt water. His fingertips were barely touching the back of the boat now despite how fast Bannon was forcing him to swim.
"Ooooorrrryaaaaaaa!"
Luro yelled after Bannon's might roar and kicked his legs feeling a burst of energy fill him seeing the man's energy, he wanted to match it and the force he put into his kicks made that intent clear. It wouldn't be surprising to assume a motor was attached to the back of the boat at this point with the speed it was moving now.
"There you go! Drink that water!" Luro yelled towards Durant. "Yeah now you're feeling it, I knew you had it in you!"
Pleased to see that Luro was getting along with Bannon and Durant and that Durant was not enjoying himself, Ray turned his attentions back to looking ahead. "So, how old are you?" Ray asked Hana. "If you don't mind my asking. You're a bit on the young side to be hanging around pirates, even if they are like Tashigi."
Feeling somewhat more relieved now that the blonde man was not looking at her anymore, Hana lowered her knees and allowed her feet to fall back under the bench. She smoothed her ruffled skirt then left her hands pressed against her lap. There was something soothing about his voice compared to Luro's. Where the other was loud and kind of ...
odd, this man was soft and polite. The way he carried himself also reminded her of one of the nobles from Yula Fei. If he was, it would be rude not to answer. "I'll be 16 in spring," she replied. She reflected on his comments about her youthful appearance before adding. "I am almost 18 and that's when I'll be considered an adult. I guess I'm not a child anymore."
"Sixteen! That's not too young I think I killed about...forty-two people by then! What's your record!"
Luro yelled from his spot raising his head above the water to make sure he was heard clearly, though he immediatly focused back on his task.
Although he couldn't see Hana turning pale again, Bannon's immediate reaction was to splash cold water at Luro. Durant, who was caught between them, took the brunt of it and gasped loudly. His reactions only made the Yula Fei captain repeat the same action, leaving the poor Ceranian with drenched red locks plastered to his face like a wispy seaweed.. "You know what, Luro? I think we can go even faster!" Bannon spoke in an attempt to pull his comrade's attention away from Hana. He still wasn't sure what to say to her but it sounded like Luro's friend was doing a good job. "Also, you up there," he shouted to Ray. "What's your name?"
"Raymond Kareth Skalter, Pariah of Lendria and formerly Best Duelist thereof. A pleasure to make your acquaintance. I'd stand to bow, but I'd rather not rock the boat."
"As much as I'd like more men in the water, I think the three of us are just fine," he shouted jovially, shoving Durant face first into the water. "I'm Bannon, Captain of Yula Fei." He gave Raymond a friendly wave. "And Pariah, eh? What could a gentleman like you do to be banished from your home?"
"Gotta go fast! Gahahahaha! Faster Faster!"
"That's the spirit!" Bannon roared. "Full speed ahead!"
Hana perked up slightly upon hearing Bannon's question. Despite still feeling very down, her eyes were glowing with curiosity. She continued looking in Raymond's direction, hoping to hear his answer and yet hoping he wouldn't notice her at the same time. The last thing she wanted was to answer anymore questions.
"My good sir, I am wanted for murder." Ray stated plainly. "I have killed quite a few other noblemen before, but they were fair and legal duels, not murder; a point I feel I must specify."
"Eh, you were doing the world a favor," one of the pirates spoke up. The man's single eye flickered in Ray's direction. "Those good for nothin' scum mighta deserved what you gave them."
"Though many of my dueling opponents may have deserved their fates, alas, the man I murdered did not deserve my blade," Ray was affecting a voice of a wistful storyteller, enjoying having a captive audience. "For the woman I slew him for decieved me. She told stories of his brutality and cruelty, but in the end they were but lies to stoke my fires of righteous retribution."
The man nodded sympathetically. "Aye, women be sirens. They bewitch'd unsuspecting men and drive them to insanity." His sentiments were echoed by the men onboard much to the ire of the few women in the group.
"Eh? Not all lasses are dishonorable," a woman protested. "Tho, I hear ya, sir. That lass was a shrew alright."
"That is where we both agree," the man who first spoke to Ray said approvingly. "What became of her? Did ya teach her why God made Adam a'fore Eve?"
"Alas, she goes unpunished for her crimes. But in the end I feel I must thank her, for she drove me from the stifling life of nobility into the hands of Piracy, and the freedoms it allows."
Hana felt a spark of sympathy light up within her when she heard about Raymond's betrayal. Being deceived into murdering must have been a very hard for him to accept. Her gaze soften a little more, as she began gripping the edge of the bench. The teen opened her mouth to say something, but she quickly closed it. She wasn't sure what she ought to say in such a situation. "Mr. R - "
She started to say something but the shouts of approval from the pirates silenced her once more. Hana continued sitting there, staring a little less guardedly at the blonde Lendrian. He didn't seem so bad after all, she thought. Anyone with the capacity to feel remorse couldn't be evil deep down. She tilted her head to the side and smiled ever so slightly when he looked her way. Then, she looked down again, feeling embarrassed at putting herself out there. Slowly, a faint blush started dusting her cheeks.
Yes, perhaps, she wouldn't mind trusting him too. Lady Tashigi was never been wrong about anyone before. At least, not to her knowledge.
The quiet contemplation was shattered by a grating voice. "I can't keep up!" Durant hollared. His legs were slowly turning to lead as he began lagging even further behind Bannon and Luro. "I - I won't mutiny again."
"What was that you say?" Bannon asked, feigning deafness. Somehow even after all that exertion, the man didn't even sound tired. He actually sounded a lot more energized. "I think you need to speak up. Can't hear you with all this water in my ear."
"I won't mutiny." Durant repeated. He sounded even more desperate now, as his hands gripped Luro's shirt. "You, you, save me from him!"
"Eh why aren't you swimming faster," Luro said looking back at Durant. "If you don't keep up you're going to die and stuff. Here I'm going to swim even faster watch what I do then do it, cause if you don't you'll die...and that'd be bad...wait would it. Bannon is it bad if he dies?!"
True to his word Luro moved even faster seemingly okay with his speed, his brows arched at the slower man as he kept moving, the act almost like paddling at this point.
"Hold it! I think he finally gets it," Bannon gave Luro an approving nod. "He better learn to swim with the men before he challenges anyone to a fight."
Bannon bobbed in water for a moment before grabbing a panicking Durant by his shirt. Ignoring the man's pleas, the Yula Fei captain simply held the guy above his head like a sack of flour then tossed Durant head first into the boat. Luckily for the Ceranian, the rest of the unit were a lot more forgiving. Some stood up to catch the guy then allowed him to disappear in their midst.
"Let's continue working as a team!" he shouted to the men in the rowboat. Turning to Luro, he motioned for the man to resume paddling. They wasted enough time squelching any dissentors. "How far till land, Raymond? And - oh ..."
The shadows in the fog morphed into a steep cliff face towering above them. Somehow, their group managed to take a wrong turn or two in the waters earlier and ended up much further east then they intended. Luro raised his head from the boat wondering how close they were getting to their destination, he slowed down slightly as his gaze moved to the large prison a part of him wondering if it touched the sky with how far it stretched upwards. That was a side thought however as what lied in front of them wasn't a giant hole which is what he expected but instead just black rock, that almost seemed to stretch as high as the prison. He knew he had a bad sense of direction but he expected someone else to lead the way. That aside what lied in front of them wasn't a sewer but stone, impassible rock that did little good to help them enter the prison.
"...did we...go the wrong way?!" Luro yelled. "Is that thing nearby...or is there an open window somewhere? An open window is normally somewhere! Does someone have a map!"
While scanning the rock for some kind of alternate entrance he noticed something strange float by him, he wasn't sure what it was but it smelled like Davy Jones on a good day, noticing more stuff floating past he turned his attention following the trail of filth until a small stream of green liquid came into view. He blinked a few times seeing it come out of a relatively large hole slightly above them though it was slightly right from their current location.
"Oh....is that it?"
"Looks like. Take us in." Once they came close to under the grate, Ray used his powers to craft a spiral starcase of ice up towards it. Now up close to the grate, ray examined it and spotted a tiny gap between the iron grate and the stone around it. Planting his hand next to it he repeatedly iced the gap and thawed it, growing the ice further each time until the iron began to bend and creak, finally ripping free from its bindings and sinking beneath the waves. Once everyone entered the sewer grate, he shattered the spiral staircase, leaving no trace of their passing, save some rapidly melting ice shards and the open maw of the sewers.
We're coming, Captain.