Good ol fashioned Bonding
Location: Aboard Lady Luck.
Luro took in a deep breath once they were back aboard the Lady Luck, cheering as the new crewmates were introduced, ignoring Zilia's clear disagreement with the captain's comment.
They went to a new place and now had new crewmates, it was hard not to be excited. The moment they were out on the water he wasted no time asking the three new members all manners of questions. He asked Sara random questions generally about herself, how many people she's killed, why she takes their weapons and the weird words she says, he asked Jack how good he was with the ladies and random questions about his favorite fish and drink, a plethora of other random questions like his favorite wood also came up. Zilia answered four out of the fifty-nine questions since she only had time to write a response to them and a request to stop.
Time passed on the ship and though Luro was happy to be back on the sea something had been on his mind since they set off. He had sat and watched the sea and taken his gun apart hundreds of times, but he couldn't get back into his usual flows. His head hurt because he was thinking too much and he couldn't stop thinking because he wanted answers. He knew what this feeling was, his chest felt tight and he couldn't get the same thoughts out of his head. He didn't like it but he had to confront this, and standing up he made his way to the person making him feel this way.
"Alicia can we talk for a moment?"
Luro rubbed the back of his neck offering a small grin to his crewmate.
"In private...I'd rather not talk about this openly...if that's okay."
Being aboard the Lady Luck again felt good despite the pain and aches, her body continuing to complain and remind her of the consequences of being mortal. When Runali gave orders to set sail, Alicia gave a firm nod before turning towards the others. "You heard the captain! let's get our fair lady back on the ocean. Kadi at the helm, release the main sail at half mast, batten down the hatches and secure the cargo" unfortunately Alicia wouldn't be able to take care of the main sail herself, due to her arm. So she'd approach Ray for help, "Raymond, if you'd please see to the main sail... I'm afraid I'm in no physical condition to do it myself" she said apologetic smile, motioning to the limp sleeve of her kimono as her arm was still bound to her waist for support. Before long they would be on the ocean once more, the sea in their hair and the land at their backs.
The following two weeks Alicia primarily focused on getting better, giving her body time for bruises to heal and the break of her arm to mend. It'd be a further two weeks before she was able to use it again and even then she'd have to be careful not ot put it under too much strain.
Sitting at the bow of the ship where she'd usually be found, the swordswoman spent her time painting symbols from her home land, beautiful symbols of the Yula Fey culture. She paused only when Luro approached her, looking up with a small smile which fell slowly into one of concern when Luro asked to speak privately. "Of course, Luro" she said before slowly managing herself to her feet after placing the brush she'd been using to pain with into a small cup of water. She motioned for Luro to follow her further towards the bow away from the others, ensuring that they were alone before she gave Luro another concerned glance. "Is everything alright?" she asked.
Luro followed Alicia in silence rubbing his arm slightly as they walked away, though he was happy for the alone time this was still an awkward thing to bring up, but it was something that needed to be said so he took a few breaths mentally preparing himself. He slapped his cheeks a few times and stopped when Alicia did. He stared at her for a moment moving his hands into his sleeves as he averted his gaze from her, he was surprisingly more docile than usual, somehow being his normal forward self was hard at this moment. He wasn't even sure where to start with this so he supposed the beginning was the only real option.
"Alicia…" he said still refusing to look her in the eye.
He trailed off for a moment shifting around uncomfortably, shutting his eyes he hesitated for a moment before letting out a small sigh and turning to look at her.
"I've been…bothered by a few things lately. It happened after seeing your fight. I've been thinking about the past a lot, I mean…we've known each other a long time. I still remember the days of Utsukushi clearly, fighting together like we'd done so for years already."
Luro laughed a little at this but cleared his throat since he was focusing too much on the past.
"In that time I've seen you almost die…a bunch of times. I never doubted you'd get out of it though, you're strong after all…there wasn't a moment I expected you to actually fall. Yet two years ago when we all separated I worried for the first time and then…again in the arena. Seeing you bloody and beaten I was proud of you as you earned that victory as Alicia Tashigi. I've never seen you beaten in such a way though and it made my heart hurt….it made it hurt a lot."
Luro reached up and gripped his chest for a moment at this as if reliving the moment caused that familiar pain to return, he went silent for a moment shaking his head as that wasn't all he needed to say.
"Alicia there's something I have to say to you," Luro said with a firm nod.
Reaching forward he took his friends free hand in both of his and stared into her eyes with a strong but determination.
"…it might be a little selfish…and probably a little awkward but…would you hear what I have to say. I need to make my feelings known to you…I fear it might tear me apart if I don't say it."
Alicia listened as Luro explained, blinking as she realised that she had never really considered how her actions might affect others in terms of their worry for her safety, feeling some what guilty as he explained further. Her look of concern only deepened as he continued, his hands taking hers which prompted her to listen further. When he finished explaining she had more than a few questions, but stopped herself as she simply gave a nod. "Luro if there's something bothering you then of course I want to hear it, especially if I am in some way the cause of your upset. What's wrong?" she asked, tilting her head to the side as she looked up at him.
Luro seemed to visibly relax at Alicia's response, though he was grateful he still wasn't sure how to say what was bothering him, and now that he was staring at her there was a feeling in the pit of his stomach, like something was bouncing around uncontrollably. He opened his mouth to speak but ultimately closed it and released Alicia's hand. Crossing his arms across his chest he took a small step back hating how hard it was to say a few simple words.
"I mean...Alicia you know I think you're great right? You're cool, you can fight well and I mean look at you."
Luro unfolded his arms and motioned towards Alicia to make his point.
"I know I call you manly but I think of you in other ways too...that's a big part of it but...no wait that's...that's not what I'm trying to say...hmm."
Luro ruffled his hair a long exasperated sigh escaping from him, he kept talking about other things and not what he wanted to really say.
"I mean...looking at you how can I not think that way right...but...Alicia I feel if I tell you this it'll change...this."
Luro made a motion to himself and Alicia with his hand before his gaze move to the wooden floorboards of the ship.
"I don't...want to lose...this...but...it's agonizing not to say something...just...promise me no matter your answer...this won't go anywhere...I mean...I like...this...but I...hm.."
The more Luro spoke the more the young swordswoman became more and more confused, at least at first. She thought she might have an idea of what he wanted to say, but with Luro that really could be anything as he was very much the most unpredictable member of the crew. Her eyes watched him as he spoke, noting his body language and the look of frustration painted across his features as he struggle to speak to her. Alicia gave a small steadying exhale before she reached forward and gently took both of Luro's hands, bringing them between them, letting his hands rest on hers as she held them flat with her thumbs on the backs of his hands. "Relax, take a deep breath" she breathed in one herself, prompting him to copy her. "Then breath out" she exhaled softly. "Now, think about what you want to say and then when you think you have it in your mind, try and put words to it".
Luro's eyes seemed to wander everywhere but the person in front of him, he wanted to pace, to move, to do something, a part of him wanted to walk away but that wouldn't be good, that wouldn't solve anything. His head hurt with all the thoughts forming in his head, his heart hurt, his stomach felt weird nothing felt right. Feeling something touch him though pulled him from himself causing his attention to focus back on Alicia, he blinked a few times and not sure what else to do gave a small nod and mimicked Alicia. After a moment of this he seemed to regain his bearings a little. He was silent for a moment taking Alicia's advice as he formed the words in his mind, not stepping away or removing his hands to remind himself she was still there.
"I think I got it," he said looking back at her. "Alicia...do you...still think of me as your rival?"
Luro was silent for a moment after this his whole form seeming to relax to its former state now that he had said what was bothering him.
"I mean...after that fight with Thorn, uh I mean Masu! You guys colliding all that stuff going on, it was amazing. I mean I watch you all the time Alicia. I can tell when you're tense, when you're happy, when you do that thing, you know push your sword out of it's sheath so you can draw it at a moment's notice, the steps you take before you make a move with your sword, the movement of your butt during some of your strikes. All of it...but...watching that fight was like on a whole other level! I always try to become stronger, to be a worthy rival but we're miles apart, you and Masu are much closer...so you know...it bothered me. If you don't want me to be your rival anymore I understand...but I needed to say something."
Alicia listened intently as Luro explained, unable to hide the smallest of blushes when he mentioned how he'd noticed her preparation methods within her technique and specifically her rear, which she thought to question before deciding it might be better to leave that for another time, given what he'd said next. She thought got a moment before giving a small nod, "I see" she began, "Let me see if I can explain things" she stepped back, letting Luro's hands fall to his sides as she took her free hand to her waist and withdrew her sword.
She stepped towards the guard rail of the bow, lifting the sword up above her head before flicking it towards the water, causing a small explosion of water to whip upwards beside them. Alicia stuck her sword into the water that fell back towards the ocean, collecting droplets onto the blade which she carefully brought back to Luro. "People are much like droplets of water" she said softly. "They appear the same" she said before flicking her blade towards the wood between them, the water droplets splashing into individual marks on the dry surface. "But each one takes it's own shape, unique and independent from any other" she motioned to the differences in the marks, some larger, some smaller and each differently splashed against the floorboards.
"Yet still, though they're all different, they're all made of water" she twirled the blade nimbly before sliding it back into her saya. "Much like people, Luro. We are all different but on the inside" she pressed two fingers to Luro's chest gently, "We are all made of the same thing" she smiled, "I see neither you nor Sara as my rival, for I do not seek a rival in anyone that I meet" she paused for a moment to think about what she was saying. "When I look at you, when I look at the others. I see people that I would lay down my life for, that I would trust to have beside me in any given situation, from here and beyond" she smiled again, "I would never call people I value so highly and hold so dearly, a rival".
Luro watched Alicia in silence his eyes moving to her sword as she drew it and watching the powerful yet graceful movement as she collected the droplets. His head tilted to the side slightly but he listened nonetheless trying to understand what Alicia was trying to say. He closed his eyes, his eyes twitching slightly during her explanations the words seemed to fly over his head as he opened his eyes to stare at the droplets. His gaze moved back over to Alicia as she touched her fingers to his chest and he stared down at the droplets once more, at her comment on their state as rivals however he sighed a little.
"Aw man...I try really hard to be you rival Alicia...that hurts a little," Luro said rubbing the back of his neck.
He laughed a little and grinned his familiar grin to show he was only joking, at least a little.
"I get what ya saying though...someone told me something similar a long time ago…"
Luro raised his arms and folded them behind his head as it was his turn to explain things, he wasn't sure he could use fancy stuff like Alicia did but he would do his best. Reaching back he grabbed the rifle off his back and held it in his hands.
"Hmmm it's hard for me not to see you as a rival though...I mean everyone else yeah but when I look at you it's hard not to view you as someone to meet on even footing. I feel that way towards the others too, but with you...I see it differently. Probably cause we tried to fight each other before we were crewmates I can just get in that mindset...well the captain too but...you're still different."
Luro flipped the rifle in his hands and turning towards the ocean rested it on his shoulder before he cocked it a bullet falling into the chamber.
"I don't wanna beat you as a rival...it'd be cool if I became stronger but that's not what I want. Probably want Masu wants but I want to stand by your side. There's so much malice out there ya know, hate and power. Powerful people are everywhere, and if a day comes when you find yourself up against something that your strength can't beat alone I'll be standing right there by your side adding my strength to yours...but if I'm not strong enough that won't matter, why I get stronger."
Luro reached up and touched the Stardusk symbol on his chest with his fingers, there was a clearness in his eyes, almost like a fog had lifted from his vision for a moment.
"I'll stand by all your sides taking on the strongest with everything I have, if you're not strong enough then I'll give you mine, if I'm not strong enough...well I'll probably die but that comes with it ya know. We're Stardusk, we stand together...I think. I'll always try to meet your strength Alicia, I'll get more powerful and I'll stand side by side with you against anything, same with everyone else cause you guys are dear to me...I think."
Luro reached down and picked up a rum bottle and hurled it high towards the sky letting it spin in the air, turning towards Alicia he grinned at her and made a motion towards the horizon with his head.
"If you had one shot, if you had to pull the trigger once wouldn't you want to hit what you aimed at?"
Luro raised his gun sideways and closing his eyes exhaled before pulling the trigger, when he did the bullet hit the falling bottle shattering it into pieces. Opening his eyes he rested his gun on his shoulder.
"I'm not allowed to miss Alicia, I got too many people behind me not to hit what I'm aiming at. For those people I'll be the strength they need if they need it. You guys are pretty strong already though but I'll match you, and I'll be your wall if you need me to be. I'll die a Stardusk that I intend on doing."
Luro sighed and moved his gun behind his head resting his arms on it, the clearness in his eyes seemed to fade replaced by the familiar carefree gaze behind it.
"Really though you guys are really strong, Ray's got powers, the Captain can punch things with style, Kadi's all smart, Masu's got good adaptability, and I can look at Jack and see he knows how to defend himself. I'm sorry though Alicia you're gonna be my rival for a bit longer I'm afraid. I need something to aim towards, just know it's out of love I promise, I won't try to kill ya or nothin."
Luro chuckled a little at this and moved his gun to his back.
"Still though if Masu's not your rival then that means I'm naturally still yours, that's science Kadi style right? I think he's starting to rub off on me."
A toothy grin formed on Luro's face as he stared at Alicia, almost as if he had missed everything the woman had said moments before.
Alicia listened as Luro replied and spoke his piece, even giving a small clap as he bullseyed the bottle out of the air with precision she could never hope to achieve with a projectile weapon. She smiled and respectfully inclined her head as Luro expressed his desire to add his strength to hers. "That means a lot to hear Luro, thank you" she replied, her eyes focusing on him as he eventually went on to explain that he would still consider her his rival. She gave a soft laugh, "If it is necessary for you to see me in such a way then I won't endeavor to change your mind. However just try to remember what I said before and know that... while you do aggravate me at times with your favored insult, I cherish you dearly, and my blade will always be available to you, whether it be in defence or vengeance in your name" she inhaled the fresh sea air and exhaled. "If there is one thing I would ask of you Luro" she looked up to the side at him with a smile, "Never change who you are".
Luro couldn't help but smile a little wider glad to see his friend would lean on him if need be, he did the same for everyone else after all, thanks to the captain and Kadi he didn't have to think at all, and with Ray, Alicia and now Masu and Jack he didn't have to fight alone. It was always more fun fighting with friends then by oneself, that was one truth he knew very well, not that it wasn't fun to fight by oneself.
"Eh he he thanks Alicia, know that I would commit genocide of an entire people if it meant your safety and everyone else's, you need my gun you say the word," Luro said with a firm nod. "I'll always be Luro Makachi Alicia, the carpenter of Stardusk, best in the south sea ya know."
Luro chuckled a little at this before he blinked his smile fading a little.
"Though I've never insulted you Alicia, I only ever say nice things. I mean you got a real nice body, and when I look at your face it makes me think of those goddesses I keep hearing about everywhere. Hah...if we weren't crewmates and you weren't the epitome of manliness I'd take a shot at you. Oh I learned that word from Kadi, I asked him how to describe how manly you were with fancy words. Hah...it almost makes me sad...the captain's the captain, and Sara's too feminine for me I keep worrying I'll offend her somehow, but with you it's not a problem, cause your manliness is almost godly Alicia, I'm envious I'll reach that level one day."
Alicia's smile started to fade as Luro did that thing he usually did, which was to talk more and not think about what he was saying. His words started off flattering but quickly descended into more insults, leaving the white haired swordswoman with a frown. "There it is, you just did it again!" she crossed her arm under her bound one instead of doing what she usually did, which was to clip him round the head or hit him with something heavy. "You keep calling me manly and that's exactly what I'm talking about" she continued to frown up at him, "How do you not see that calling me a man is insulting, I am not a man!" she replied, her tone firm, "I do not enjoy being compared to one physically and frankly it's hurtful!" she said before exhaling.
Seeing the movement of Alicia's hand Luro's entire body tensed, the pain normally followed at this point but when nothing came his body relaxed slightly. His head tilted to the side slightly and reaching up he scratched his cheek as Alicia commented on something surprisingly strange. Luro shut his eyes and gave a small nod, he understood what was making Alicia upset, he was surprised he didn't catch it before.
"...I understand Alicia, how could I be so heartless, please accept my apologies," Luro said.
Reaching forward he put a hand on Alicia's shoulder giving her a thumbs up with his other hand.
"Don't worry, your manliness doesn't hide the erotic parts of you, from a glance you're clearly a woman just manly. Don't beat yourself up over it, manliness is a good thing for you. I'll always respect your manitude Alicia."
Luro grinned and removed his hand from her shoulder.
"See taken care of, goodness Alicia just because you're manly doesn't mean you're not still a lady, the manliness just fills out the feminine parts, why you're not as feminine as Masu, she's not manly at all!"
Luro gave a firm nod and pat Alicia on the head.
"Don't worry, if I had to choose between you and Masu, I'd choose you anytime, but we're crewmates so that's wrong keep your mind out of the gutter Alicia. Anyway I got stuff to do, thanks for listening to me, I'd hug you but I don't wanna hurt your arm. Bye Alicia!"
Luro grinned and waving walked away from his comrade.
Location: Lady Luck
Evening
Zilia adjusted her things as she climbed aboard the Lady Luck, the name of the ship that would be her temporary home.
Moving her gloved hand along the side of the ship she sighed and sat down on a nearby crate. Reaching up she grabbed her hood and lowered it from her head shaking her head slightly. Reaching up she pulled on her bangs a little her amber eyes staring up at the blue sky for a moment. Reaching back she ran a hand along the edges of her short hair and looked back at the town, she had forgotten how long she'd stayed there. Her hair had grown out at least twice so that's all she had as a reminder of the time, pulling on the edges of her long side bangs she couldn't help but feel a small sadness. The place wasn't the greatest and she had suffered immensely but for a bit it was her home. Now that she thought about it she got tired of people judging her by her looks and kept her hood up most of the time, most of the pirates didn't think she knew how to wrap a wound much less treat a broken arm once they looked at her face. She was thankful that wasn't the case here, and since the captain herself looked young she was sure her youthful appearance wouldn't cast judgement on her ability, at least for the little time she'd be here.
"Speaking of which...what Miss Runali said bothered me earlier...why was she so facetious about dropping me off...the lack of a direct answer to that matter bothers me a little....it's because of matters like that my hair is already grey..."
Zilia put the matter aside as Runali seemed to address her people, she started to pull her hood back on but stopped and walked forward keeping it lowered. She supposed it was time to leave, as the captain spoke Zilia pulled out her book opening it so she could ask questions should they come up. She knew very little about the ship after all and wanted to know where she would be sleeping.
"It's important to eat healthy as well, Mr. Jack is the cook correct I should...wait what did she just say?!"
Zilia's gaze shot up to Runali when her name got added to the list of Stardusk crew, she quickly shook her head from side to side and started vehemently writing down on the paper.
"Whoa wait no! I'm not a member, I'm not a pirate! I'm just helping Miss Thorn and Miss Alicia please do not call me a member of Stardusk! Oi are you listening to me! I mean reading! Agh don't just continue-"
Zilia continued to write but Runali was already walking off talking to herself as she moved away from the group.
"Please listen to me!"
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Two weeks later aboard Lady Luck.
Zilia sat on the side of the ship feet over the edge her face in her hands, this couldn't be real...this was some kind of weird joke right? She had been continuing to treat Alicia and Thorn and the two were thankfully recovering but there was no sign of Stardusk just...letting her leave. Runali had spoken to her asking her all kinds of questions like she was just naturally a crew member, she answered not sure what else to do but the girl had her own flow to things she couldn't find an opening to question why she was suddenly a 'member'. There was no one she could ask for help, each one was a Stardusk member! She would go to Miss Thorn but she was bound by some strange code, asking her would be selfish and Jack...she wasn't sure what to even think about him. The giant redhead kept trying to get her drink saying she looked too depressed so that didn't help either.
"...I've been kidnapped again haven't I...I willingly walked onto a pirate ship, what did I expect was going to happen? The only difference was last time it was at gunpoint, I just walked on. Gah! I walked onto a pirate ship! Everytime I say it I realize my own stupidity! Though...at least they're nice...long as I'm useful anyway. I try to help people why is there so much misfortune following me where I go, did I do something wrong in a past life?! Was my ancestor a homicidal warlord! Did I steal babies and sell them back to their mothers at twice the price! I did didn't I! That's why my luck is abysmal! This ship is no Lady Luck! It's a ship of endless misfortune! It's like it's taunting my very existence! Like my despair is the wind to her sails!"
At the mention of an island Zilia immediately perked up and swinging her legs over stood back on the deck, pulled from her depressing monologue by the hope of possible escape she turned and stopped as Sara ran past her towards the edge of the ship. Zilia scratched her cheek feeling a bit bad for her, she'd make some medicine later for her stomach. Hearing they were really heading towards land a relieved sigh escaped from her, the one good thing about Tilea was she could easily get medicinal herbs and supplies, though she stocked up one could never have too much and land meant escape, she could almost cry as luck had finally found her once more.
"I apologize Lady Luck, you must have been trying so hard to end my misfortune, thank you so much!"
Walking over to Thorn Zilia reached her hand forward and rubbed her back as she leaned over the side of the ship, writing on a piece of paper she held it towards her.
"I'll give you something for your stomach, hang in there Miss tho-"
Zilia quickly pulled the paper back and wrote on it again.
"Uh I mean Miss Sara."