Bodyguards (Solo)

[Gar]

Gar and his crew had recently been contracted as bodyguards for a lord’s son. Their job was simple, get the son from Lycia to Etruria safely and in disguise. The disguise part gave Gar pause, but he decided to keep his mouth shut as the captain was far too captivated by the earnings agreed upon in the contract. The mission was sure to be smooth sailing around Nabata, but once they started north, they would find themselves in pirate territory. Gar wasn’t worried, his crew was competent and with three ships, well-armed by the lord, almost nothing could keep them from completing their goal.

Gar frowned as he sat against a wall near the young lord’s bedside. “Why does it have to be me?” The pirate was questioning his new assignment to remain by the young lord’s side until they reached Etruria. “ ’Cuz I am too busy and the two commanders are dealing with problems on their own ships. That leaves you or Benji, and that good for nothing is too drunk all the time.” Gar attempted to open his mouth in protest but captain Cyril wouldn’t allow it. “ No more questions. There arr your orders.” With that the captain left the room, leaving Gar and the young lord alone.

“I’m sorry you have to take care of me.” The young boy said after a long silence. Gar sighed. “ Don’t be. I just don’t like being cooped up below deck all day. Especially when were out on the open seas. That’s what I live for.” The boy looked down at his boots as he sat on the bed. “Well, I’m not supposed to go outside until we get to port, it isn’t safe. So um sorry again.”


“I already said don’t be sorry. And to be clear, you will be safe now. You have the mighty Gar at your side.” Gar smiled and flexed for the child. Who seemed to cheer up slightly as Gar lightened the mood. “With me around you have nothing to worry about.” Gar thought momentarily about what this kid could possibly be worth if his crew sold him to the highest bidder. Who knows maybe double what we got paid for the contract. But that’s kinda messed up isn’t it. Even a pirate has to have a code.

Gar shook the thought from his head and looked to the kid. “Well looks like we’re gonna be spending some time together, so let me introduce myself properly.” Gar rose from the floor and stuck out his hand. “The names Gar, pirate of Cyril’s Corsairs and I will do what it takes to keep you safe. You have my word. ” The young lord rose as well and shook Gar’s hand with a small, gloved one. “I am Marvin of the Kladine line. I am pleased to be in your company. ” Gar could tell the child had rehearsed the introduction before and he smirked at the thought of people actually judging him on it. “Well then Marv, tell me about yourself.”

[Gar]

The boy looked around the room quickly before he began to speak about his past. “Well as you know, I’m a lords son. I actually have never left our grounds before this trip. I was supposed to become big and strong like my dad, but I never really grew up I guess. My parents thought I might have better luck with magic so they decided to send me to Etruria.” Gar nodded. Seems reasonable enough, this kid is far too frail to be any type of melee fighter. Magic is probably best for him. Still he could benefit from a little weapon practice.

Gar removed his axe from his belt and handed it to the boy. “Here take this. I’ll show you a little about how to use a weapon.” The boy hesitantly reached for the axe’s handle. As Gar let go of the axe, it fell slightly before the boy regained control of the weapon. “Whoa, It’s heavier than I thought it would be.” Gar nodded again. “Indeed, well first things first. Safety! In combat you need to keep your balance especially on the seas and with a heavy weapon like an axe. Try a couple of light swings to get used to the weight.”

Marvin began swinging the axe around, lacking grace and coordination. The ship rocked and sent Marvin to the floor. The axe slid across the floor to the doorway. “Owww” Gar chuckled and bent to grab his axe as the door opened. The man in the doorway looked down upon Gar. “Drop yer weapon there? ” Gar placed the axe back in his belt.

“What are you doing here Benji?” The man walked into the room and took a seat on the bed. “ Orders are that I watch over you and the kid. Guess the captain doesn’t want any funny business from you HaHa.” Gar was noticeably annoyed by the implication. He clenched his jaw and spoke through gritted teeth. “ Go back to the captain. Tell him I can protect the kid alone.”

Benji took a swig from a canteen that certainly didn’t contain water. “No can do Eddy. Cap’n is busy.” Marvin looked at Gar inquisitively. “Eddy? I thought you said your name was Gar.” Gar sighed and accepted that he would have to work with one of his more undesirable crewmates. “My parents named me Edgar. Most of my mates call me Gar, but some prefer to address me as Ed or Eddy. I’m more used to Gar though.”

“I like Eddy. It’s friendlier” Gar shook his head and began to speak before Benji interrupted him. “See Eddy. The kid thinks ya gots a nice name.” The condescending nature of Benji’s speech wasn’t lost on Gar but now wasn’t a good time for them to go at it. A long silence ensued. Gar sat against a wall and kept quiet as not to make the situation any more difficult. Marvin seemed to be perplexed by the tension that arose.

“So then Marvin, how much gold would’ja say yer family has?”

[Gar]

Gar didn’t enjoy the question posed by Benji, but he kept quiet and allowed Marvin to respond. He seemed almost sad to answer the question, as if he were reluctantly bragging about how well off his family was. "Umm we have a lot of money I guess.” The kid said.

“Yea I know that I want to know how much. Give me numbers.” Benji said in response. Again, the kid was hesitant to answer. “I don’t know we have 6 bedrooms in our house…” Benji smiled and pressed the interrogation. “I asked: How much gold?” Gar found it hard to keep quiet as the kid was clearly uncomfortable. He had to say something to get Benji to settle down.

“ Just drop it Benji. It doesn’t matter how rich the kid is.” Benji turned his attention to Gar and walked to stand over him. Gars put on an angry countenance and stood to look at Benji in the eyes. I’ve had it with this guy. I’m about to knock him out. “What’s wrong Eddy? Are you upset that I’m cutting into your alone time?” Gar shook his head and clenched a fist.

“Back off Benji. Or you’ll wish you had.” Benji didn’t agree to settle things peacefully. Instead he placed a hand on Gar’s shoulder and shoved him into the wall. Gar quickly retaliated by throwing a hook at Benji’s chin. As the man fell back from the blow he grabbed onto Gar and pulled him to the ground. The two wrestled for a dominant position, all the while ignoring the hollers from the lord’s son. “Stop it guys. You have to stop. You’re supposed to be friends.”

After a few moments of wrestling Gar came out on top and was about to rain a flurry of fists upon Benji’s face. The only thing that could have stopped him in that moment did. “Gar get off him now!” Gar was too enthralled with the fight to have seen the captain enter the room, but he followed orders and left Benji alone and, for the most part, unharmed.

“What the hell are you thinking? Were in dangerous waters here and you two think it’s a good idea to fight in front of our client?” The captain was fuming. He clearly expected better from the two members of his crew. Cyril shook his head. “Benji, you stay here. Gar, with me.” Gar followed orders once again and looked back at the man he almost beat down. Benji smirked his classic, insufferable smirk. Gar exited with the captain, no words were said.

The two ascended to the main deck, the sun was shining and the seas were glistening. A refreshing breeze blew through Gar’s clothes and helped clear his mind. “You know better than that Gar. That man is part of my crew, part of our crew. He must be like family to you.” Gar replied. “I know, he just gets on my nerves. Especially in tight quarters.” Cyril shook his head. “Here’s your punishment. Go get lunch for the three of ya, and bring it to them. After you bring it, Apologize.”

[Gar]

Apologize? To Benji? Just being in the same room made Gar sick to his stomach, but asking for his forgiveness was a near impossibility. The captain must have seen the look on Gar’s face because he felt the need to reiterate. “Aye apologize. Those are direct orders an’ I expect you ta follow em.” Gar remained speechless as the captain turned to walk away. Why me? As far as I can tell I didn’t do anything wrong. Gar replayed the incident in his head as he turned to walk toward the mess hall.
Anybody wouldv’e done the same thing in my shoes. And I don’t even feel bad about it. That dude had it coming. Right? As Gar continued to the mess hall for lunch he began questioning his actions. The more he thought about it the worse he made himself feel.  Yea he was being a jerk, but I didn’t need to stoop to his level did I? Gar sighed and shook the feeling of remorse off before entering the cafeteria.

Gar was greeted by the smiles and waves of his crewmates. Gar waved his hand in reply. Most of the pirates in the mess hall were off for the day so they had taken their time to consume copious amounts of alcohol. “ Eyyy! Itsss Gar! Whatsss goin’ on mate?” The crew member was already slurring his words and it was barely lunchtime. It was all Gar could do to smile at the pirate. “Been a rough day so far mate.” Gar said as he began putting together three plates of food.

The mate stood and patted Gar healthily on the shoulder. “Don’t worry about it mate. I’m sssure itss nothing you can’t handle. And we alwayss got your back!” Other crew mates in the mess hall cheered and raised their mugs. Gar smiled again.  He’s right if just a bit too drunk. Gar finished making the plates and carried them in his arms like a waiter. He nodded at the mates and exited the mess hall.

Gar was careful not to drop any of the plates as he crossed the ship toward the young lord’s cabin. The few crewmates that saw him carrying the food chuckled lightly. Gar scowled in response, but continued on. He eventually reached his destination and knocked on the door with his foot. Marvin opened it and Gar stepped through.

“Ahh Eddy brought us food like a good lil’ maid. If you play your cards right the kid might just hire you.” Suddenly, the good feeling Gar had was gone without a trace. He glared at Benji and placed the plates onto the desk that was in the room. “Here’s your food.” Gar began to eat immediately. Maybe I can put off this apology thing and it’ll all be forgotten. No, that wouldn’t work. The captain will certainly ask. Damn, this is lame. Gar quickly glaced toward Marvin and sighed. He put his fork down on the plate and turned his chair toward the other pirate.

“Yo Benji. I’m sorry.”

[Gar]

A silence was all that followed Gar's apology. There were some exchanged looks between the three in the room, but the only noise was from the consumption of their lunch. After everyone came to terms with the words that were spoken Benji decided to speak his mind. "Are you kidding me?" Gar frowned and looked straight at the pirate. "What's that now?" Benji put his plate down and walked over to Gar.

" Ya know you didn't have ta say anything. All you did by apologizin' was make us both look weak. Believe me I can handle meself." Gar didn't feel the same way exactly but he understood the sentiment. Benji didn't expect an apology because he knew he was in the wrong. Gar shrugged and laughed a little. " I just decided to set a good example for the kid." He replied while gesturing to Marvin. Marvin seemed to enjoy the sight of the two coming to terms with each other. The lord's son was about to speak when the boat rocked, sending all three plates of food to the floor.

Gar barely kept his balance. He listened to a growing commotion above deck. "What's going on?" Marvin asked to no answer from either of the pirates. Gar focused and tried to listen closer. "..breach...hull breach!" Gar didn't want to make Marvin panic, but he knew they were under attack and would have to change ships quickly. Benji was already on it. He swung Marvin over his shoulder and began heading toward the door. Gar followed. At least the other two ships should be fine. There is no way some common scumbags could take on three ships. As the trio approached the main deck Benji slowed down. "No way!"

Gar hurried to see what was going on. The situation was revealed. One of their ships was already sinking, it's mast collapsed and what remained was burning. He swiveled his head to something even more concerning. The other ship was turning on his. It looked as if it were preparing another attack. "Those bastards betrayed us!" Gar ignored Marvin's whimpers and whines for the time being and began formulating a plan. We have to get to the captain's quarter's.

"Follow me. We can handle this." Gar led the way through the chaos as cannon explosions cracked through the air. In time they made it to the captains quarter's. Cyril was busy directing traffic and developing strategies on how to best fight the traitors. " You two! Here's the plan! Defend the boy in my quarters until we capture their ship. They should be coming ta board us soon. Do not let them take the boy." Gar and Benji nodded and the captain turned and walked to the main deck. The fighting was soon going to be upon them. Benji set Marvin in the room and told him not to leave. Gar took a deep breath as the boarding planks connected the two boats. These guys were once my mates. But I have to follow orders. For now they are nothing aside from the enemy.

[Gar]

Pirates were flooding across the deck of the ship, more pirates than Gar even knew were in his crew. Gar shook his head, still trying to reconcile the betrayal of his mates. The clash began regardless, metal on metal rang in chorus with grunts of rage and effort. Gar kept an eye on his captain who seemed to cleave through the mass of traitors like a knife through butter. His glance followed Cyril until the captain crossed to the deck of the attacking ship. From that point, Gar's world became smaller. It was him and his orders. The remaining traitors were closing in on the captain's quarters where Gar stood. They seemed to know exactly who was behind the door that Gar and Benji guarded. The pirates climbed the stairs leading to Gar with blood in their eyes. Gar unhitched his axe. Hold it down.

Only a few enemies came at first. Simple deckhands and cabin boys with axes, looking for a quick profit. Gar disposed of them easily and tossed a couple back down the stairs to slow the other attackers. The next group of enemies were at one point some of Gar's understudies. They didn't have much skill, but Gar did know them. Damn I wish it hadn't come to this. Gar tightened his grip on his axe. Suddenly he was shoved against the door. His thoughts raced as he recoiled off the wall and glared at Benji. "You too huh? Guess I couldn't be too surprised." Benji turned ask began swiping at the novices with his axe, cutting them down. After the last was felled he turned back to Gar.

"What are ya sayin? I'm not like that lot of scum down there. I'm just making sure ya got yer head on straight. No time for yer hesitation." Gar nodded and regained his composure. He scanned the deck to see if they were in any immediate trouble. He figured he had a moment to talk. "I guess I'm just a little surprised. Who could've seen this coming." Benji scoffed and began to laugh. "Seriously? Yer dumber than ya look." Benji took a second to spell things out for Gar. "A rich lord sends his weak son on a dangerous journey with pirates. That didn't seem strange to ya? The old guy was trying to get his son killed." Gar hadn't thought about it fully. Damn. Benji's right. This raised a few questions for Gar though.

"If it was so obvious then what are we doing here? Why would the captain take on this mission if he knew we would get attacked and we wouldn't even turn a profit?" Gar still didn't quite understand their motive for escorting the young lord. "Tha captain is tryin to get the kid a new life. Away from the kind of father who would let him die. He knows we won't get paid. He doesn't care. He wants to do whats right and we-" Benji paused as he noticed another wave of attackers approaching the stairway. "We are going to help."

[Gar]

Gar heard Benji's words and deeply internalized them. He went as far as to descend the stairs and bring the fight to the attackers. Benji looked at Gar as if he had lost his mind. "Ha, Takin the fight to them eh? Try not to lose yer head mate." Gar was already tiring as he sliced through the betrayers on the deck."Aye, unfortunately this ride is going down. If we're going to have a shot at saving the kid we'll have to jump to the other ship." Benji nodded his head in agreement. As the pirate turned to the captain's quarter's the door opened.

Marvin stood in the doorway holding an axe. "I... I want to fight. I can take care of myself. You'll see." Benji scooped the boy up and descended the stairs without a thought. Gar turned to see the two coming down the stairs. Looks like I'm gonna have to clear a path for them. He flicked his wrist, shaking the blood from his axe. At this moment a former mate of Gar's squared off with him.

"I knew you would stand in our way." The pirate claimed as Gar shifted his stance to defend Marvin and Benji."Hmmph. And you're standing in my way. So let's find out which way will be clear!" Gar charged the enemy, swinging his axe and cutting the bicep of the pirate's dominant arm. A loud yell followed the strike. "Guh! You lucky son of a-" Gar didn't hesitate in bringing the axe through the foe's windpipe. Things should've been different. He thought as he continued across the deck with Marvin behind him.

The trio crossed to the opposite ship and disposed of the boarding planks. ”They wont be botherin us now… Swimmers!” ‘Swimmers’ was a term Gar had heard when he was younger. It meant that those people had no chance of making it to land so they would spend the rest of their lives swimming. Gruesome. But what else did they deserve? The boats began drifting apart.

“Now! In order to take control of this vessel properly, we need to take the steering wheel.” Gar nodded and pointed with his axe to the navigation deck. “There. Doesn’t look like anyone’s guarding it.” The trio began to ascend to their destination. As they entered they were greeted by a man with a drawn bow who stood defending the wheel. "Get... just get outta here! Commander said we wouldn't have a problem." 

Benji walked forward, in front of both Gar and Marvin. "Listen mate. We don't want any trouble, but yer commander is done for. The Cap'n is gonna take care of him. So why don't you let me take the wheel and bring us all to safety?" Benji approached the wheel slowly. Marvin followed. "No. No I can't let you do this!" The ex-mate said with tears in his eyes. "The commander would never forgive me!"

The pirate closed his eyes and let a shot loose. The arrow penetrated deep into Benji's chest.

[Gar]

Gar took a moment to assess the situation he found himself in. Enemy armed with a bow. Ship we need to steer hard to starboard. Mate dying in front of me. All three statements seemed to run at the same instant in his mind and interfered with each other. Gar moved to the first task that his feet took him to, as if they made the decision instead of his brain. Instinct bid him to charge the enemy that felled his comrade, however a crying Marvin beat him to the punch. " You monster! You.. you killed him for no reason!" The boy whimpered while hacking at the bowman's stomach repeatedly. It was a pitiful and gruesome scene, so mush so that Gar had to look away. He grabbed the wheel and spun it away from the sinking ship.

With the first two tasks accomplished Gar knelt by Benji's side. "Oy. Mate, can you hear me?" A faint nod was mustered by the wide eyed pirate. Marvin stumbled to Benji's side, opposite from Gar." You protected me... If it weren't for you I would've been kidnapped. I-" Marvin took a breath and wiped snot onto the sleeve of his tunic. Gar turned his head. He couldn't look at the boy who was wet with blood, tears, snot and who knows what other fluids at this point. "I don't want you to die." Gar simply nodded in agreement. "Aye, Just when I started to think you weren't the scum of the earth. You go on and die. Ain't it a shame." A small amount of disdain could be seen in the fading eyes of Benji. Gar smirked, he had analyzed the wound and saw that there wasn't enough blood for it to have been a killshot. Gar determined that the arrow had punctured a lung and Benji could hardly speak.

"pu- out" Benji coughed while gesturing to the arrow. "You what? You want us to pull out the shaft?" Benji nodded. "Uhh Alright." Marvin reached for the arrow and Gar knocked his hand away. Before Benji could cough up his complaint, Gar spoke.
"I'll take care of it. I don't want you causing him any unnecessary pain." Gar broke the shaft of the arrow and tossed the fletching to the side. Gar knew this next part would hurt so he wanted to make it quick.I'm gonna be pulling this out the wrong way, but better than leaving it in right? Gar looked down at Benji who lie on the floor, still coughing. He placed his hand on Benji's chest with the arrow between his index and middle fingers. His other hand grabbed the arrow and Gar prepared to pull.

"Hope you're ready." Benji gave a slight nod and Gar pulled. The arrow began to come out as Gar tried to ignore Benji's shrieks of pain. Ugh. Poor guy. Wish I could make this easier on him. Gar pulled once again and freed the arrow. As the arrow came loose he felt a pulse of energy flow through his arm. The hand that now laid on Benji's would began to tingle with a warmth that Gar was unaccustomed to. He scanned the wound and saw it begin to close. What? what... the.... Gar fell back to deck and lay unconscious.

[Sacrifice Get!]

[Gar]

Gar woke with a headache and blurry vision. As far as he could tell he was in a bed on a ship. Benji lay in a bed on the opposite side of the room. Gar struggled to sit up and looked around the room. To his left Marvin was reading a children's novel and to his right their captain sat with his eyes closed. "Arr. So my hero arises." Gar rubbed the back of his head. "What are you talkin' about? I got knocked out as soon as I took that arrow out." Marvin closed his book and stood up, giddy as ever. "You're up! You did it! You saved him!" Gar didn't understand what the two were talking about." Can someone explain whats going on? What happened with the mutiny?" The captain opened his eyes and looked directly at Gar.

"With your help we fought 'em off. For that you have my thanks." The captain did not seem very happy about the news he was delivering. "Unfortunately we suffered many losses." Gar shook his head. The worst part is that they were all once our crewmates. I can only imagine how the captain feels. Benji cut in to lighten the tone. " Why don't cha tell Gar what you told us Capn?" Cyril nodded.

"Listen Gar. You have a skill." Gar took a second and started laughing as hard as his body would let him. "I'm glad you noticed Cap, but I have lots of skills. Harhaha." The captain smirked lightly but shook his head. "Aye you have skills, but I'm talkin about a powerful one, the kind very few in this world have." Gar was beginning to get excited. His mind was racing with the stories he heard, the legends of men with skills like adept and pavise. "You mean like how some guys are so fast they can attack twice as quickly as anyone else. Or how some people can deflect blows off their skin without taking so much as a scratch. Man oh man! I'll be the strongest pirate of all time." Cyril corrected Gar before his imagination could run any further.

"Indeed. You can trade you life force to heal others. You have the skill of Sacrifice." Gar looked as if a terrible smell had entered the room. "Sacrifice? What kind of lame skill is that?" Gar crossed his arms and looked away. Really? Of all the awesome combat skills in the world I get the one that heals people. As if I were a priest or cleric. And it takes away my life force? The disappointment in Gar's face was read by his fellow pirate.

"It was enough to help me out back there. You really made me feel all warm and fuzzy." Benji laughed heartily. "He's right. You're amazing Gar" Gar shook his head. "Whatever.It's better than nothing I guess." Gar was indeed happy he had an ability to protect the people he cared for, but he would never show it, certainly not in front of Benji. "Well what's the next move?"

The remaining crew had already made a decision for their future. "Cyril's corsairs are hereby disbanded. Marvin will remain under my protection. As soon as you two heal fully get off my ship."

[/End Thread]