Bragging Rights (Solo)

[Gar]

Gar was sweating. No talking, no thinking, not even walking, only sweating. The desert is hot and Gar wasn’t accustomed to being on solid land for so long. Gar was seated upon a dune with his only belongings at his side; water, dried meat, bread, his axe and a map. This map would lead any pirate to their dream. Hidden treasure. Treasure worth so much, Gar wouldn’t need to work another day in his life. No more sailing the seas, no more piracy, no more adventures. He could just relax and call it a life well spent. But Gar wasn’t concerned with settling down and living a cozy life with a family and kids. He craved the adventure that came with being a pirate. So the true reason Gar set out on his quest wasn’t for the monetary value. He was on this quest to find the treasure and simply leave a note with it. Just so the next person who found it knew that Gar was there first. Gar had to laugh at himself.

Am I really spending this much effort just for bragging rights? I mean I don’t even know if someone else will find it. Gar shrugged off the thought and smirked. It didn’t matter if someone found it or not. This quest was about the journey. Gar stood and gathered his belongings. Deciding which direction to walk based on the map and the location of the sun, he continued onward to his destination.

Gar walked, noting nothing but sand and the occasional tumble weed. It was a boring walk to say the least, but Gar held onto the excitement that came with treasure hunting. He thought back to how he had started this quest. It was a normal delivery. Find a port sell some stuff, make some trades and buy some drinks. At least that was the plan until that hooded lady came up to me, talking about how I looked strong and capable. I was gonna keep walking until she mentioned the map. Gar tapped his waist where the map was stored. “This map can lead you through your wildest adventure.” Gar recalled the phrase being whispered in his ear as if the lady was still beside him. Gar shivered. There was something strange about the map and something stranger about the lady. But skulls and crossbones never scared me now did they? Gar had forgotten how much gold he traded for the map, but he remembered how it felt in his hand. The map seemed heavier than it should’ve been, as if weighed down by some invisible stones. Thinking back on the exchange was making Gar uneasy. Oh well too late to turn back now.

Gar took note of the setting sun. He looked around and pulled his map out, trying to determine exactly how far he had come. After he found his position relative to the map he sat down and took a few bites of bread, washed down with water. Well Ive been walking all day I guess I’ll call it a night. Gar made his bed amongst the sand and fell asleep, dreaming of treasure.

“Oi Oi, Whats this now?”

[Gar]

When Gar awoke he couldn’t see, he felt a burlap sack over his head. As he reached to remove it he found that his hands were tied together by the wrist and tied again to his waist. His feet were also bound. “What the hell? Who is responsible for this?! I’ll break your skull open!” Gar’s threats were silenced by a strong strike to his head. Gar almost lost consciousness due to the unforeseen strike. As he regained his senses he heard a gruff voice coming from a man very close to his face.

“—ep your mouth shut there boy.” The voice said and a small whimper came from his right side. Out of habit Gar turned to the whimpering sound, but remained unable to see who it came from. “Please leave us alone haven’t you done enough already?” said a female voice from the direction Gar was facing.

“Why you little!” The gruff voice began to say as it drifted toward the girl’s voice. Gar was preparing to swing his leg’s in the general direction of the man when a third voice stopped him. “Hunger! The old one is awake. Let’s begin.”

Soon the sack was removed from his head and he took in the sights. The first thing he noted was a majestic white horse with one wing. Damn a Pegasus got it’s wing clipped. He turned his head to see two massive warriors standing side by side in front of a bound blue haired girl. That Pegasus must belong to her. She sure looks light enough to fly. The girl had tears running down her face, but she was unable to wipe them due to her bindings. Lastly, Gar saw an old man with a great beard.

The five of them were alone in a room, if it could be called that. It was more like the ruins of a room. One wall was knocked down and light was seeping in through cracks in what remained of the roof. The Pegasus laid in a corner breathing heavily. The two warriors moved to stand above a collection of items which Gar could only assume consisted of stolen goods, including his axe, water and his map.

“Please.” The Pegasus knight pleaded “At least give some of my vulnerary to Merle. He needs it” One of warriors opened his mouth to respond while the other nodded and did as the woman requested. The Pegasus drank it down and soon stopped it’s heavy breathing. “Thank you” The woman said.

“Thirst! We’re the ones in charge here. Don’t go doing what they say.”
“Oh Hunger! Where the harm in keeping a Pegasus alive? They’re worth a pretty penny even with one wing.”
“Fair enough Thirst.” The man referred to as thirst came back from the Pegasus and eyed the three once more. Twins named hunger and thirst huh? How clever. Gar thought as he examined the pile once again, nothing to note except a lance his axe and his map.

“Well then. Welcome to your new home. Get comfortable you three will be working for us now, forever.”

[Gar]

Gar laughed aloud. “What’s funny slave?” Slave? These guys can’t be serious. Hunger walked toward Gar and crouched above him. “I said what’s so funny?” The man reiterated menacingly. Gar shook his head. “You guys must have been dropped as children. What use are slaves in the desert?”

“Why don’t we show them?” Hunger stood up and grabbed Gar by the waist dragging him outside. Thirst followed holding the other two prisoners under his arms. As they exited the shelter Gar heard the Pegasus ninny, but he was more concerned with the scene that was revealed. Trenches and holes were revealed, going for a mile in each direction. “You are going to be our new diggers.”

This provoked the old man to talk for the first time. “Ehh? What’s that now? You expect an old man like me to dig holes in the hot sun? ” The old man was right there was no way he would survive such rough labor. “That’s right. I expect you all to dig until you find something interesting. And when you do find something interesting you’d better tell us.” The blue haired woman had stopped crying but Gar assumed it was because her tears had dried in the heat of the desert.

“So what happens after we give you something interesting? You gonna let us go?” Gar asked not expecting a rational response. "Perhaps. Depending on what you find.” The man named Thirst replied. The lack of a straight answer annoyed Gar, but at this point he was helpless. He would simply have to go along with what the warriors demanded. Well this is a downer. Maybe I could tell them what my map is for and they’ll let us go. Or I guess I’ll see how much time they plan on keeping us out here.

With that thought, Hunger and Thirst cut the ropes that bound the prisoners and shoved them into a trench. “Now get to work and remember the rules.” The two warriors left the prisoners with two pickaxes and a shovel. Gar moved to help the old man to his feet. “This is a predicament isn’t it. We’ll have to figure something out won’t we?” The old man stood and replied to Gar. "Yes little one. I’m called Bart. What are your names?”

“I’m called Gar, I’m uhh.. I’m a sailor.” Gar disguised his proffesion as not to scare the fellow slaves any more than they already were. The woman dusted herself off and introduced herself in a proper fashion. “I am an Ilian mercenary by the name of Flower. I’m a Pegasus knight.” Gar probably could have guess all of that except for the name. “Hahar wouldn’t have expected to find a flower in the desert huh?” Gar joked.

“I wouldn’t have thought a sailor would be found on a sea of sand either.” The woman retorted. Gar chuckled. “Well I guess we should get moving.” The three grabbed their tools and moved through the trenches. The trenches were deep, too deep to simply climb out of. Luckily we have tools, we can just dig our way out.

[Gar]

Gar, Bart and Flower walked for what felt like hours in the heat of the desert. Luckily, the winding trenches provided some cover from the burning sun. Gar assumed he was the most adapted to the sun’s rays so he walked in the sunlight, allowing the fair skinned Flower and Bart to move ahead in the shade. After walking in silence for quite some time Flower decided to speak up. “Gar you’re not a sailor. Are you?” Gar smirked a little which turned into a full laugh. “Aye, What gave me away?” Gar questioned. Flower turned to him and raised a finger. "What business would a sailor have in the desert? Perhaps treasure hunting?” She raised another finger. “Two. I’m sure a sailor would get paid for his services. Based on the collection of goods that the warriors had, you’re broke.” Flower then raised a third and final finger. “And three, I mean… Look at you.” The old man chuckled softly.

Gar furrowed his brow. “Now what is that supposed to mean girlie?” Flower put her hand down and shrugged. “It’s just you look… I don’t know, rougher than a typical sailor. More like a corsair, or a pirate.” Gar sighed. “Well ya got me there. Aye I’m one of the most noble pirates you’ll ever meet. You have my apologies for my deception.” Gar tilted his head toward the man and woman, then continued walking.

“I have also been untrue.” The old man said after another silence. “It turns out I am a practioner of the natural energies.” The man said with a hint of pride. He began rummaging throughout his many layers of robes and eventually produced a book. What kind of book, Gar could not say, he wasn’t too big on reading. What Gar did know was that some people could read books and produce magical spells that could bring people to their knees. “You. Youre a mage?” Flower asked astounded.

“A sage to be accurate. I’ve studied long hours to reach this point.” Gar smiled. A sage huh? Looks like we have a chance at a rebellion. A good ol’ mutiny is bound to occur. Gar began formulating a plan. He was certain that one of the brothers would come out on patrol every so often to check on their progress. When that time came, the sage could ambush him and Gar could take his axe. Then they could return to the ruins and take care of the remaining brother. Gar shared his plan with the others and they agreed to play their part.

The group reached the end of the path and Gar set to work on building stairs that the old sage could climb out of the trench with. Damn that old man really saved the day here. If it weren’t for him who knows how long I’d be stuck here? Gar thought back to the map. Luck?, Serendipity? Either way I’m thankful. Gar smiled and continued digging, all the while treasure hunting was in the back of his mind.

[Gar]

After Gar had finished setting up the ambush, the three captives got into position. They waited silently for either of the brothers to begin wandering over. After a short while Gar began to question if his assumption was incorrect. They have to check on us right? Otherwise we could just walk off and there would be nothing they could do about it. Eventually, the old man Bart peaked his head out of the trench and nodded. “Someone is on their way. Get ready.”

Gar crouched lower into his trench and clenched his fists. Looks like I’ll be relying on you two for this one. Gar thought while addressing his left and right hands. The three remained silent as a silhouetted figure grew larger and larger upon the approach. The man would be revealed to be Hunger, based on the hairstyle. If it weren’t for that it would have been impossible to tell the difference between him and his twin brother. As Hunger grew closer he could be overheard talking to himself.

“…Always me. That dude never wants to go himself. It always has to be me. I mean I do like messing with the slaves more than he does. But I don’t like working! He should pick up the slack once in a while.”

Gar could only assume that Hunger was talking about thirst and a new plan started to form in his mind. Maybe. Just maybe I could befriend Hunger and turn him against his brother. Gar’s scheming was interrupted by a shout from Hunger.

“Alright you scoundrels, Come on out. I’ve got your water and bread for the day.” As the plan dictated, no one responded. They were to remain silent and hidden. “What the hell? Where are you? You fools didn’t try running off into the desert did you? You’ll be dead before tomorrow’s sun.” The group still remained silent. A visibly upset Hunger began stomping closer to the trench where the three were hidden. Alright here he comes, just a little closer now, a little closer. Gar’s anticipation was steadily growing. He locked eyes with the sage and they simultaneously nodded. Gar interlaced his fingers and placed them low enough for Bart to step on. As Bart did so, Gar lifted the old man using every ounce of strength in his body. The man was sent skyward until he was even higher than the startled warrior. As the warrior reached for his axe, Bart was chanting a spell. Fire or Elfire, Gar couldn’t tell the difference until the spell had damaged someone.

From the man’s palm, erupted a strong stream of flames. The warrior attempted to dodge but was too late. The flames engulfed the warrior and he fell to the ground, screaming and flailing. As the sage returned to the ground, Gar and Flower moved to catch him. They did so successfully. Yes everything went perfectly. Thought a proud Gar as he set the old man back on the ground. Above the trenches the screaming had stopped. He ascended the stairs and was momentarily shocked by the view.

[Gar]

What Gar saw was unsettling. A man, burnt to a crisp, was lying in to desert sand. Gar covered his nose with his hand and walked over to the body. Damn, I know he was a psycho and all, but this was a rough way to go. Gar knelt over the body and picked up the iron axe the warrior once had. The axe was still hot, either from the sage’s flames or the heat from the sun. Gar placed the warm axe through his sash and he gathered the food and water the warrior had been carrying. He brought the nourishment back to the trench where his fellows were waiting. “Here’s the food that warrior was bringing. We should eat it and gather our strength for the brother. We might not have the element of surprise this time.”

“Indeed.” The old man said as he divided up the food and drink into thirds and began to partake. Gar looked over his shoulder as Flower and Bart dug into the supplies. “Hey can one of you toss me that shovel?” Gar asked. Flower reached for the shovel and threw it out of the ditch with one hand. “Here ya go. What do you need it for?” Gar caught the shovel and replied. “Just gonna bury this guy, it’s… unsightly.”

Gar removed his bandanna and tied it around his mouth and nose to keep him protected from the smell. He then walked over to the corpse and grabbed it by a fried arm. Must’ve been Elfire after all, maybe something even stronger. Gar thought as he dragged the corpse to one of the holes nearby. He lowered it into the hole gently and began covering it with sand. Who knows how long this grave will last in the desert. With all this wind and loose sand it could be uncovered by nightfall. Oh well, It would’ve felt wrong to just leave him out in the open, all burnt up. Gar finished burying the warrior and returned to the trench.

“I thought you said you were a pirate, not a bandit.” Flower said when he returned. Gar was confused by the comment for a moment, but then recalled he had his bandanna around his face, a style that criminal bandits have come to adopt. “What are bandits, just pirates of the land right?” Gar chuckled and began to eat and drink his share of the loot. As they finished up they conversed about what the best strategy was for taking out the last warrior. They settled on a plan where Gar enters first and makes a break for Flower’s lance. After they all are armed, Flower and Gar keep the warrior off of Bart until he has time to cast his magic.

With the plan set they began returning through the trenches. The ruins were about a half an hour walk away from where they were and Gar began to mentally prepare himself. Hopefully the warrior doesn’t shut me down as soon as I enter. Maybe he’ll be asleep or out to the bathroom or something. Gar didn’t want to think what would happen if he had to cross axes with a warrior. That would certainly be the end of him. Gar shook the feeling off as they approached the ruins. Gar climbed out of the trenches first, followed by Flower, currently armed with a pickaxe and then Bart.

“Ready?” Gar whispered to the group. They both nodded and Gar drew his axe. He took off, sprinting into the ruins. Two steps in and he froze in his tracks. Thirst was standing over the pile of goods. The lance was on the ground behind him. The warrior looked Gar dead in the eye, his arms folded.

“My brother hasn’t returned yet. Where is he?”

[Gar]

Gar stood still and silent. “My brother, he’s dead isn’t he? I can feel it.” Gar didn’t notice it at first but the tone in the warrior’s voice was more somber than anger. Gar regained his composure after a few moments and gripped his axe. “Aye. He’s dead. We killed him.” Thirst nodded and walked slowly toward the exit where Gar was standing. As he approached Gar’s mettle broke and he began backing up to keep his distance. Before he knew it he was standing outside between Flower and Bart, waiting for the warrior to continue. The warrior simply passed right by the three prisoners as if they weren’t there. If they had looked close they could have seen tears in the warrior’s eyes. Thirst stopped a few stepped behind the prisoners and began to speak.

“What a miserable life. We knew nothing, but poverty. Our whole existence; defined by thirst and hunger.” The huge man clenched his fist and stared at it. “It made us strong yes. But it also crippled our hearts. I never wanted to be a slaver; he would always say we only need a few more. Once we find that treasure we’ll stop.” Gar didn’t want to listen to the man’s tragic tale of the brother that they had slain, but he couldn’t resist. “I knew one day our karma would catch up. You three are free to leave. I must go to my brother. We never could be apart for long.” With that the man began walking into the desert and, in time, disappeared behind a sand dune.

“Do you think we should go after him? He intends to die.” Flower asked after grabbing her belongings and hugging the neck of her Pegasus. “I don’t know. I don’t like the thought of him walking to his death, but he seems pretty convinced to join his brother.” Gar replied as he grabbed his satchel and his map. Bart was putting his belongings into various pockets in his robes when he responded. “We should leave him be. The man lost everything that bound him to this world when we killed his brother. They only struggled to live for each other. Now that one half is gone… the other must follow.” Gar nodded reluctantly. Killing a man in a fight is one thing, but this feels so indirect and… I don’t know it leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

Gar tried to shake off the feeling of this unforeseen circumstance as he went over his map. Assuming the ruins he currently sat at were also the ruins marked on the map, he wasn’t far from the treasure. “What do you have there, young pirate?” The old man questioned. Gar figured these two were trustworthy enough to share the information. “This is a treasure map!” Gar said with pride. “I’m going to find it and leave my mark on it.”

“Treasure? Well that sounds exciting indeed.” The old man walked over to look at the map himself. “I hope you wouldn’t mind a little company from an old sage now.” Gar smiled at him. “Of course not, after all you saved us old man.” A loud whinny from a Pegasus positioned directly behind Gar, knocked him off balance. He turned to see a long white horse face two inches away from his.

“We will be joining you as well. For… protection. You see Merle is severely injured so I think it’s best that we stick together.” Flower said in a somewhat demanding tone. She couldv’e asked, I would have let them join regardless. “Certainly. The more the merrier.” Gar said with a smile. With that the former prisoners set off following the directions laid out by the treasure map.

[Gar]

After walking throughout the remainder of the day and into the night the destination had been reached. Gar still had the two warriors on his mind, but that didn’t detract from his excitement. “Well were here. This has to be it.” Gar proclaimed as they walked up to two old, withered tree trunks laid in an X position in the sand. “Pirates are so dull aren’t they? It’s always an X.” Flower asked her Pegasus. The white creature whinnied and bobbed it’s head while stomping it’s foot into the sand. It was almost as if the majestic animal was agreeing with it’s master. “Simple, Yes. But simplicity is subtle and subtlety is a requirement for hiding treasure.” Bart said defending the X.

“Yeah, Did you expect flowers and gold to be sitting here, marking the location of hidden riches?” Gar asked rhetorically. The pirate could hardly contain himself and he began digging. Oh boy, I can’t wait to see all that treasure, It’ll be amazing. I bet those other two are going to want some, but they can’t take it all. I have to leave my mark on something. After a few minutes of furious digging, Gar hit something. He knelt down to brush off a piece of wood. The more and he brushed away, the more it was revealed to be a chest.

“Woohoo! I found it! I found the treasure!” Gar began jumping up and down shouting his excitement. Flower and Bart grinned at the pirate and Merle let out another whinny. “Come on guys help me dig it out!” The three brought the chest above ground in a manner of minutes. Gar then examined the lock on the front of the chest. Looks pretty solid. The lock actually looks… newer than the chest itself. Oh well. Gar slammed his axe against the lock repeatedly. On the third strike the lock split and fell off the chest into the sand. It’s time! Gar couldn’t help but giggle like a child on his birthday as he opened the chest to a pile of gold, glinting in the moonlight.

“Wow. Look at that.” Flower said astounded by the riches. “You certainly made out well on this one.” Bart added. Gar noticed a parchment rolled up and stuck on the side of the chest. He grabbed the scroll and unfolded it in his hands. His eyes flowed over the words.

If you are reading this, congratulations! You seem to have found the treasure of the legendary pirate, Slinky. Unfortunately for you, I, William, reached it first. Har Har How does it feel to know I found it all first and was gracious enough to leave some for you young treasure hunters. 

Gar’s teeth clenched as he continued further down the page.

Arrrgh, Second isn’t too bad, Signed Clara Moon

Are you kidding me?

Third - Theo

Fourth - Big Hauler

Chet, Bertha, Ernest, Drake, Low- Tide Leon

The long list of names who beat him to the punch, upset Gar. “No! No no no. I was supposed to be first. I was supposed to be the one who left his name on the treasure.” He threw the scroll into the chest and slammed it shut. He dropped the chest into the hole it came from and started covering it once again. Gar's outburst left the others silent. Only the sounds of Gar burying the chest remained.

“Hey, I don’t know what that scroll said but you’re okay right?” Flower asked after Gar had finished burying the chest. “Yea I’m fine.” Gar said through his teeth. “All this has done is change my goal. No more searching for other treasures. I will create my own fortune and leave that for others to find. That is how I will leave my mark on the future!” Gar looked to the moon and turned to leave.

Flower giggled. “Well, that sounds like an incredible way to spend your life!” She hopped onto the one winged Pegasus and took to the sky. “Hopefully I get to see you around sometime.” She smiled at Gar and flew off, leaving him speechlessly staring at the figure of the Pegasus as it crossed the moon.

“I… I thought she was staying because she couldn’t fly away.” Gar said to Bart curiously. “Pegasi don’t use their wings to fly, they kick the air to stay airborne. I guess she just wanted to spend more time with us.” Gar laughed lightly and began walking. “Come on old man, it’s a long walk to the coast.”

[End Thread]