Fargo
The "Before" years
[M:0]
"Just wait, 'cause, like, I'm going to be the best bow man ever!"
Posts: 64
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Post by Fargo on May 31, 2010 2:16:05 GMT -6
These events start out in the middle of the day, drizzling slightly. The exact location, while unknown at first, is somewhere between Laus and Pherae. Trees and bushes are the only seen vegetation at this point.
The young archer sat down beneath a tree, alone and cold. He was lost, and not sure of what to do next. Fargo, with his dripping green hair, stared into space, recalling his mistakes that he had made. Every once in a while, he would start hitting his head on his knees in self punishment for his stupidity. With the chill through his body, he remembered the events that brought him to this exact position.
It all started with that confrontation with Garnet, Abel, Rayl, and another person he could not remember clearly. He had decided to split from the group, because he thought there was a decent shot at the ruffians. Fargo, being the greenhorn of the group, was wrong, and suffered the consequences. He was positioning himself inside a small nestle of trees on a hill, with a slight clearing, with a shot at the bandits. As he began to place the arrow on the bow, Fargo's footing slipped, and he tumbled down the hill, and slammed his head in a tree.
He couldn't say when exactly he woke up, but when the young archer did, he knew nothing of what took place when he was unconscious. Fargo woke up alone, and decided to search for his friends. Days went by, and the bowman went about mindlessly looking for his comrades. After days of searching, he decided to go out on his own, accepting that he was alone.
That was his second huge mistake. After two hours of deciding to be on his own, he was chased around by brigands. They attempted to capture or kill him for days again, but each time Fargo escaped with minimal injuries. However, the young bowman had lost his strength, and gave in to the fatigue.
This brought him to where he was now. Fargo spent the night under the very tree he was sitting under. He had no supplies, no food, and no water. The young bowman did not know how much longer he had. Whether he would simply slip into unconsciousness again, or die of some wild animal attack. Fargo was just so tired...
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Joseph
The "Before" years
[M:0]
"Time to fight, mate."
Posts: 44
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Post by Joseph on May 31, 2010 11:11:16 GMT -6
Joseph felt out of place as he trekked slowly through the woods. He had fond memories of his comrades on the high seas, fighting pirates, and earning his fortune. Now, he had no idea where he was. All he knew was that he left Etruria, and past a huge city with great difficulty. Joseph reminisced on what had past.
After his meeting with that girl, the sea-wolf was forced to make another escape. Somehow, those soldiers, or a different platoon, had caught up to him. More running had followed, and he found himself at a border. Joseph decided to cross it. This did not lead to anything good.
The sea dog could not say how long he spent in Ostia, the city filled with people. All he knew was that he had a bad run in with the local bandits, followed by a big misunderstanding with the law enforcers. For days, he hid and ran through that city, trying to find some kind of shelter. Then, Joseph made a break for the eastern border.
From there, he had been traveling for days, unsure of the exact amount. Joseph did have the necessary supplies to survive, but now he was running low on water. This was concerning to him. Water was vital to survival. Still, the sea dog continued on, avoiding any possible contact with any local authorities.
As the sea-wolf walked, he glanced over to his side, and stopped. To his left, a person was sitting very still. Slowly, Joseph turned around to face the stranger, only to find it was a young man, soaked. Furrowing his eyebrows in concern, the man of the sea carefully stepped forward towards the green-haired boy. For a moment, Joseph was not sure if he was dead or not. Not wanting to disturb him, the sea rover crouched down in front of the young man, and waited for any response. Seeing that his eyes were open, Joseph assumed he would be able to see him, unless he was blind. The sea-wolf waited patiently.
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Fargo
The "Before" years
[M:0]
"Just wait, 'cause, like, I'm going to be the best bow man ever!"
Posts: 64
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Post by Fargo on May 31, 2010 11:31:24 GMT -6
After a few minutes, the young bowman acknowledged the man's existence by looking into his eyes. Fargo looked deep into those eyes. He was looking for something, anything. The archer searched for compassion, for cruelty, for anything that would tell him what his fate would be. This man could decide if he was to live or die in a matter of seconds.
Yet, the young bowman found nothing on his intentions. The only thing he saw was those eyes. They were not like any others he had seen. Those eyes reminded him of a passing storm. It was weird for the archer, but he accepted that he had no sense of control in this situation.
Fargo decided to speak. Hoarsely, the young man said to the giant, "You... are gonna kill me, right? You're gonna end me right here... right now." Right there, Fargo accepted his death. He came to terms with it, and prepared for the worse.
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Joseph
The "Before" years
[M:0]
"Time to fight, mate."
Posts: 44
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Post by Joseph on May 31, 2010 11:48:05 GMT -6
This ain't good. Kid's probably not going to make it without any help. I'm not about to let some scallop like this'un die on my watch.
Slowly, letting the drizzling rain fall from his hair, Joseph shook his head. He was not going to kill for no reason. The sea rover took pity on the young man. While he was lost at the moment, the pirate could survive. This soaked boy probably would not.
From a small pack that he carried near his axe, Joseph brought out a miniscule portion of venison. It had been slated to preserve it, and it did taste good. The pirate held it out to the young man, whose name he didn't even know. Joseph decided to become acquainted with the scallop.
"The name's Joseph," he began in as kind a voice he could muster, "And you look miserable. Just take some of this. It'll do good for a scallop like yerself. Besides, if'n I didn't do a thing fer you, then what kinda man would I be, eh?" The sea rover waited for a reply, hoping he did not scare him with his pirate accent.
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Fargo
The "Before" years
[M:0]
"Just wait, 'cause, like, I'm going to be the best bow man ever!"
Posts: 64
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Post by Fargo on May 31, 2010 12:58:23 GMT -6
Fargo stared blankly at the very big and muscular man. While he spoke kind words, it was his accent that threw off the young bowman. The accent was different, and he had never heard any man speak that way. Also, he was confused about what he had called him. Perhaps it was the lack of food, but Fargo could not comprehend what a scallop was.
Either way, the archer took the meat, gratefully. He bit into the meat, letting the flavor envelope his senses. It was the best food in the world. Fargo closed his eyes, savouring the taste and texture of the venison. Never had the young bowman appreciated food like that very moment.
Then, after a minute of chewing the meat, he swallowed. Fargo decided to begin to speak to the odd man. The archer began slowly, "Man... that is, like, the best meat I've ever even had. Thank you so much, Joseph. You've no idea how long it's been since I've had anything to eat... Oh, hey, my name's Fargo. Man, thank you, though."
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Joseph
The "Before" years
[M:0]
"Time to fight, mate."
Posts: 44
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Post by Joseph on May 31, 2010 18:49:35 GMT -6
Joseph nodded in response to Fargo. He seemed to have recovered from slight confusion. The pirate figured that the young man was still groggy from the lack of nutrition. Either way, it was good to see Fargo being able to converse fully.
However, there was a slight issue with the young, green-haired scallop. He was alone and starving for quite some time. Joseph needed to know if Fargo required more assistance. He almost looked like he would have a difficult time traveling. The sea rover decided to take it upon himself to care for the boy, as long as it took.
Joseph began to speak once more, in his strong and pirate-like accent. "Seems to me that yew need some more 'elp. If yew haven't eaten for a while, and seein' how young yew are, then walken's gonna be a mighty task. I gotta know now, me bucko; can yew walk on yer own?" The sea-wolf remained crouched as he waited for a reply.
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Fargo
The "Before" years
[M:0]
"Just wait, 'cause, like, I'm going to be the best bow man ever!"
Posts: 64
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Post by Fargo on May 31, 2010 20:41:22 GMT -6
This time ignoring the unique accent, Fargo did as the man told him. He attempted to move his legs, but with little success. While the young bowman could move them from side-to-side, he could not lift them. Fargo kept trying on his own, but failed. This brought the archer's spirits down further.
Again, self-pity began to fall upon Fargo. He remembered those he was inspired by, and those who had relied on him. The young bowman, it seemed, had failed them all. His thoughts were very sad. Look at me. Like, I suck so bad, I can't even walk. I'm useless, a failure, and all because I can't even walk...
Looking back at Joseph, the archer said to him, "I can't... I can't walk." Fargo averted from meeting his eyes to Joseph. He was so ashamed of his disposition. Fargo felt so small compared to the giant man. He probably never made any kinds of mistakes like he had.
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Joseph
The "Before" years
[M:0]
"Time to fight, mate."
Posts: 44
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Post by Joseph on May 31, 2010 21:07:22 GMT -6
The sea-wolf's eyes softened when he saw the young boy's head lower in shame. It was apparent that something had happened, and he felt regret. Joseph remembered that day when he gave himself up for his crew. There was a slight sense of regret, because he believed that he would die, and never fulfill the promise he made to his parents. But then, someone pulled him out of the gloom, and Joseph gained the courage once more to live. Perhaps that was what this young boy needed.
With a slight sigh, Joseph began to speak. "Alright, yew young scallop, this is what's gonna 'appen. Yew're gonna keep eaten' the meat I gave yew, and I'll be taken' yew to safety. Sound good? Now, get ready fer some 'eavy liften'."
The sea rover never waited for a response. He figured that all Fargo could do was talk, so Joseph lifted him up, and placed him on his shoulders with ease. When doing this, he saw that the young man had a bow, with a quiver of arrows. The sea-wolf found that interesting, but said nothing about it. All he asked was, "You good up there?"
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Fargo
The "Before" years
[M:0]
"Just wait, 'cause, like, I'm going to be the best bow man ever!"
Posts: 64
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Post by Fargo on Jun 3, 2010 21:47:03 GMT -6
"Whoooaaa!"
The young archer felt himself lifted into the air by the firm grip of Joseph. He wanted to squirm away, but Fargo was too weak. Still, he had his quiver, bow, and meat that was just given to him. Knowing that he did have his weapon was slightly comforting.
Fargo was silent for a while, feeling somewhat vulnerable being so high up. He then decided to reply, in a shaky voice. "Like... Whoa... I didn't realize that you were so tall. Serious, I'm gonna be okay here, right? 'Cause, like, if you drop me, uh..."
A sudden thought entered the weakened young man. His life was literally in Joseph's hands, or shoulders, in this situation. The man was a complete stranger. If Fargo were to feel at all safe, he would have to acquaint himself better with this man. "So, like, where are you from?"
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Joseph
The "Before" years
[M:0]
"Time to fight, mate."
Posts: 44
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Post by Joseph on Jun 6, 2010 2:07:58 GMT -6
Before answering the young man's question, Joseph looked around at the scenery. Even if he did not know his exact disposition in Lycia, the least the sea rover could do was continue on the trail he chose. Joseph would have asked where Fargo was going, but the conversation that was taking place told him not to. He probably was just as lost as the pirate.
As the sea-wolf began walking, Joseph replied to Fargo's inquiry of his home. "Hmm... it's been far too long since oi've seen me, eh, 'house'. Quite a number of years, actually. Still, I have found memories of my house oi was raised, in the Western Isles. The island oi grew up on was Caledonia, the southern area. However, me real home is on the sea. Being surrounded by water every day, staying cool by the sweet spray, and having the waves cradle ye tah sleep. Ahh... oi miss the ocean."
Joseph's mind wondered back to his life on the ocean blue. He could see the harbors now. Walking across the wet planks, listening to the gulls fly overhead. Then, in sight, would be the ship. The sails would be flapping in the wind, and the deck would almost shine in the sunlight from a new polishing. Oh yes, Joseph could see exactly what he wanted. Still, reality set in, and that brought upon a terrible longing for the sea.
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Fargo
The "Before" years
[M:0]
"Just wait, 'cause, like, I'm going to be the best bow man ever!"
Posts: 64
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Post by Fargo on Jun 7, 2010 21:59:46 GMT -6
"Man... I'm, like, sorry about your home. And I'm sorry you can't be at the beach, or whatever. But, like, if you were at the ocean, then I would still back there, like, dying, ya know?"
As the young archer sat upon Joseph's shoulders, he kept eating the meat. Fargo did enjoy the meat very much. His gratitude was more than he could explain. At the moment, that was bugging him. He wanted to repay the big man. Fargo thought about this, as he immensely enjoyed eating the meat.
Then, from out of the bushes, came a group of men. Two of them were wielding axes, and the last was carrying a sword. All of which wore dirty and ragged clothing. They also wore evil grins on their faces. Fargo had only one thing running through his mind. Aww crap, not again...
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Joseph
The "Before" years
[M:0]
"Time to fight, mate."
Posts: 44
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Post by Joseph on Jun 16, 2010 5:07:42 GMT -6
Joseph looked over the group of men that emerged from the woods. Whether they had been following them for some time, or just stumble upon Fargo and himself, they made a fatal flaw. This specific group of bandits made themselves known to Joseph. Now, Joseph would have to make sure they will never do any harm to another innocent soul. Ever.
The one wielding the sword spoke up first. "Alrighty, boyo. Yew seems tah be smart, so let's make this quick. Lay down yer weapons, 'cause yer serrounded. No troubles from yew big'un, or yew, squirt." The others behind the one with the sword did seem strong. Still, Joseph could take them.
Without answering the ruffians, Joseph knelt down, taking Fargo from his shoulders. He then began to give him directions for what to do. "Look 'ere, I don't expect you to fight. Still, if you can, use that bow of yers. Just, you know, don't hit me matey. Got dat?"
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Fargo
The "Before" years
[M:0]
"Just wait, 'cause, like, I'm going to be the best bow man ever!"
Posts: 64
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Post by Fargo on Jun 16, 2010 17:02:24 GMT -6
Like, did that guy just call me 'squirt'? I'm so not gonna take that.
In a quick movement, Fargo found himself sitting, propped by a tree. In his left hand, he gripped his bow. After listening to Joseph's quick plan, the young bowman nodded in understanding. He was not about to keep out of this fight entirely. Not after that guy called him a squirt.
One of the axemen stepped forward, and began to speak. "Look't that. Ain't the big'un sweet, taken' care o' dat likkle green-'aired babe. He's just a big softy, boss. Lemme take'm down roight 'ere, roight now." A concerned look crossed Fargo's face. He was curious as to how Joseph would take the bantering.
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Joseph
The "Before" years
[M:0]
"Time to fight, mate."
Posts: 44
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Post by Joseph on Jun 16, 2010 18:15:25 GMT -6
Joseph froze for a moment, taking in what the bandit said to him. Then, slowly, Joseph turned his head so that he was looking at the brigand. His eyes were that of a hurricane. While many landlubbers had no idea what that might be, Joseph knew well enough. Such fierce storms on the seas were considered suicide to sail in. Yet he and the rest of the crew had survived one, if only barely. That was what Joseph was about to unleash upon the incompetent buffoon of a man.
Joseph whispered to Fargo so that only he could hear. "Go for the swordsman." After that, he lunged from the ground. In a flash, the sea-wolf took out his axe, and swung his axe in a cleaving motion towards the brigand. Not seeing if his attack was lethal, the pirate landed on his side, skidding across the ground some three feet. Then, like any ferocious animal about to attack again, he lifted his upper torso with his mighty arms. Joseph then swiftly adjusting himself, so that he was facing the bewildered bandits from behind their original position. Joseph was on his legs and left hand, holding his axe upward, behind him.
The brigand that Joseph stuck at stood there, frozen. Then, he went down on his knees. As he continued to stare at Joseph, blood dripped from the corners of his mouth. The ruffian’s mouth moved, but no sound came out. This oral motion continued even as the brigand fell, face first. No more movement came from the dead man.
Good; one down, two tah go. Fargo, yew've gotta make that shot...
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Fargo
The "Before" years
[M:0]
"Just wait, 'cause, like, I'm going to be the best bow man ever!"
Posts: 64
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Post by Fargo on Jun 16, 2010 20:25:18 GMT -6
Fargo tried to talk to Joseph, and be quiet about it. "So, wait, I've gotta go for, like, what-?" He was cut off by Joseph's lunge at the brigand. Fargo watched, amazed, as the pirate cleared quite a distance, cut through the bandit, and then skid away. The skidding was due to the mud, but it didn't matter. That display of prowess in battle was outstanding, and breathe-taking.
Then, it hit Fargo what Joseph meant. He wanted to shoot at the man with the sword after his attack. Thinking on the tactic, it was very clever. Still, it was the young man's turn to fight. Even with his weaker strength, Fargo felt renewed by the pirate's show of strength. The bowman lifted his bow with his left hand, and pulled an arrow from his side with the opposite hand. Silently, he notched the arrow into place. Fargo pulled back on the thin projectile, and then released.
"YYYOOOOOOWWWWWWCCCHHH!!!"
The sword wielding man limped forward a step, then fell. He then clutched his left leg, which had an arrow piercing through it. From the looks of the wound, and how the bandit was taking the pain, Fargo guessed the shot was a good one. Still, the yowling of the man was pretty scary for the young bowman. He wasn't sure what to do next, except look in Joseph's direction.
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