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Post by Gar on May 13, 2016 15:25:30 GMT -6
Gar held one arm against his ribs as he struggled to move. The mines were dim and the pirate continued to stumble over rubble. He lost his balance a few times, falling to his knees. A shout from the guards brought him back to his feet until he reached the end of the shaft. Pickaxes laid in a pile against the wall. “Well you know what to do doncha?” A guard shouted at Gar as he stood. Gar gripped a pickaxe as if it were one of the two handed axes that he was accustomed to wielding.
With the pickaxe in hand he approached the side of the shaft. Muscle memory had him swing the axe with his appropriate strength. The pain in his body rebelled against the motion. Gar dropped the pickaxe and fell to his knees. The pirate’s ribs and back were engulfed in fiery agony. A guard cracked a whip in the air. Gar shied away from the sound. “Get to work, slave.” Gar gripped the pickaxe and rose again. He swung at the wall, lighter this time. He was still able to knock a few chunks of rock loose.
“Humph for a big guy you’re pretty pathetic.” The guard said as he walked away from Gar. The work was the hardest thing he had ever done. He had a bloody back from the whips and bruised ribs from the kicks. He had no energy from using Sacrifice and all that was before the work even started. Now he had a full day ahead of him, a day of swinging a pickaxe at a wall. The physical labor alone was enough to break a body down, but Gar’s body had gone a few steps farther. These were steps that his mind could not take.
Gar’s mind was empty, only operating his body. It simply couldn’t take any more stimuli so to protect itself, it turned blank. Perhaps it had shut out the pain or maybe using sacrifice expended too much energy. Either way, Gar simply continued to swing the pickaxe at the wall, like the waves crashing against a cliff. There was shouting and Gar was directed out of the mineshaft. Once he stepped outside he came to, as if awakening from a dream.
It was night, a lot of time had passed while Gar was in his trace-like state. In a strange way, Gar was grateful that he had zoned out, it made the work pass quicker. Unfortunately it wouldn’t be that way next time. Nor the time after that. The pain Gar felt still lingered, smarting with every step the pirate took. In time, he had returned to the cell. Gar collapsed against his wall. Before he could fall asleep there was something he had to do.
Gar grabbed the jagged pebble again and rubbed it against the wall, next to the first mark. Two. With that, the pirate passed out on the floor of the cell. His body, his mind, his soul all needed to recover after his first day as a slave.
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Post by Gar on May 14, 2016 15:27:54 GMT -6
Days were spent sore and aching. Gar was being worked ragged, leaving him little time to gather information about his situation. With little time and energy, the pirate couldn’t plot his escape, let alone find a means of enacting revenge against his captors. More days of labor passed by and Gar’s injuries were healing. He could swing a pickaxe without pain and the wounds on his back had begun to close.
Gar couldn’t tell if he was getting stronger, or if he was just getting used to the labor. In reality it was probably just the healing of his wounds that allowed for a greater range of motion. Now that he was unobstructed, he began to view the labor as a type of training. Simultaneously honing the mind and body. Gar imagined each swing of his pick was aimed at the body of a guard or the pirate lord Bullring himself.
Bullring, as Gar had come to refer to him as, rarely showed his face at the mines. When he did, he would pick out some specific workers for unknown purposes. The workers were led back to the fort and Gar never saw them again. He could only imagine the worst would happen to these poor folks who were selected. Another work day ended and Gar shambled to his cell.
Today he managed to stay awake long enough to enjoy his daily meal of half a biscuit and grease. The meal was small and repulsive, but Gar couldn’t refuse. He would need his strength later. The pirate retreated to his wall and carved another line. Seven. Gar went to sleep to prepare for another day of toil.
In the dead of night the pirate was violently awoken. His arms and legs were already pinned and his only source of light was from the white hot symbol in the air above him. A ghostly glowing bull’s face, something from a nightmare. Gar struggled to retreat from the symbol but he failed to move an inch. The symbol collided with the skin of his right lower abdomen. The searing pain was excruciating. Gar gritted his teeth in an attempt to bear it, but in the end he let out a holler of anguish.
The brand was removed from Gar’s flesh and the pirate ripped himself away from the guards. He examined the burnt skin. He cursed the guards who had already retreated from his cell. He spoke to himself under his breath. “Branded, like I’m someone’s property. Or like I’m cattle.” The irony wasn’t lost on him. I guess he thinks it’s funny to have a bull brand on a human… All the more reason to hate Bullring’s guts.
Blood was seeping from the pirate’s freshest wound, but he didn’t concern himself with the injury. He simply returned to sleep, marking this in a long list of transgressions he intended to pay Bullring back for. Although the pain in his abdomen was agonizing, it was the smell of his own burning flesh that would haunt his dreams.
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Post by Gar on May 15, 2016 16:03:50 GMT -6
More days of work, more nights of pain. More beatings if he stepped out of line and more hatred roiling within. The pirate had adjusted to this life of toil and torment, but it had not broken him. Rather, it just fueled his long held desire to be a decent being. The scars on his back and the brand on his hip served as everlasting reminders for the pirate. Reminders of who he would never become. Gar thought about this as he scratched another mark into his tally one night. Thirty.
“Why do you keep doing that?” The younger cellmate asked Gar. He replied. “So I know exactly how much payback these scumbags deserve.” The man rolled his eyes at Gar. “I figured you’d be too tired to think of revenge by now. You should know we aint ever getting outta here.” Gar ignored the man’s comment and went to sleep.
He woke up and the daily routine commenced once again. A bucket of cold water for a bath and an uphill mountain hike for a commute. The pirate gripped a pickaxe and started head down into the mineshafts. He caught something in the corner of his eye. A man pointing directly at him, talking to a guard. The stout man, with black hair and a bullring.
Bullring, the pirate lord who bought Gar at an auction, outbidding the other scourge of the seas. Bullring, the man who had Gar beaten and branded as his own property. Bullring, the one who Gar held the deepest disdain for, was pointing at him. Gar’s knuckles were white as he clenched the pickaxe with all his might. Before Gar could do anything rash, two guards grabbed him by the shoulders and escorted him away. That’s right. If Bullring picks you out, you disappear. Well it won’t happen to me.
The guards bound his hands and led him to the fort. He wasn’t being led to his cell but somewhere different. He was brought before a grand door. The guards freed Gar’s hands and shoved him inside. The door slammed behind him leaving the pirate alone in a room. A grand table was set up in the middle of the room. Atop the table laid a red cloth. Atop the tablecloth laid a cornucopia of food. Food for any palette. There were turkey legs, apples, pie, potatoes, eggs and the list went on. It was such a grand sight that Gar wanted to cry, but he didn’t have time for that.
He tore into the food without a second thought. No hesitation would keep the pirate from eating his fill. He had been running on reduced food for about a month, but this meal ended that streak. He devoured the food so quickly the he felt full almost instantaneously. Still, he ate more as much as his stomach would allow him to fit. Eventually, his ravenous consumption came to an end. He ate so much that he almost felt sick. He was stuffed to the brim. It was only now that Gar began to wonder why he had been brought to this room.
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Post by Gar on May 16, 2016 16:29:55 GMT -6
Wait was all that food poisonous or something? Gar questioned as the doors swung open again. Gar was grabbed and once again his hands were bound. He was brought to another, grander door. This door had armed guards at either side who nodded at each other and pushed the door open. A throne room was revealed to the pirate. Guards lined either side of the room, to dissuade any attempts on the life of the man who sat the throne. That man, was Bullring. Gar was seething. Just the sight of such a man on a throne was enough to make Gar’s stomach churn. But that may have been because he ate too fast. Either way, Gar was not happy being brought in front of the man who had commandeered Gar’s life. The man had planned well, for if Gar’s hands weren’t bound and his stomach weren’t so full, he would have rushed the man on sight.
“Ahoy. Wat’s yer name?” Gar wasn’t inclined to speak with his captor. Bullring didn’t really seem to care that Gar had snubbed the question. He continued. “Well I gotta proposal for ya.” Gar’s eyes narrowed but again he refused to talk to Bullring. “Yer a strong lad. Join my crew. You’ll eat like you just did every day. No more hard labor. Whaddya say?” Gar couldn’t say he didn’t consider the offer. So just like that I’m free? I just have to pledge my service to this… this… monster? No, no way! What am I even thinking? Gar turned his nose up and spoke directly to Bullring for the first time.
“Forget it. I would rather die a slave than live in service to a scumbag like you. Your nothing but a scoundrel, a villain, a mon-” A guard silenced Gar’s rant by socking him in the gut. The blow was powerful and unexpected. Gar fell to his knees. The blow was so strong that the food he had just eaten came up. Gar continued to dry heave even after the food had been expelled. No… no damn it.
“Hmm I haven’t been refused in years. But yer call. I’m sure youll change yer mind in a month or so.” Bullring waved his hand to shoo Gar away. The pirate was dragged out of the room by the guards that could have been his mates. Gar was tossed into his cell. It was empty, Gar assumed they were still out in the mineshafts. Gar sighed at what had just occurred. I can’t believe I puked out that food. It was the first real meal I had in a month.
His cellmates returned later that night and they questioned him about the events of that day. “He wanted me to join his crew. I refused.” The two were shocked at Gar. They called him simple and foolish. “Your pride just bought you a few more weeks in hell. I would’ve taken that deal in an instant.” Gar didn’t respond, instead he rolled over and carved another day into his list. Thirty-one.
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Post by Gar on May 17, 2016 16:32:07 GMT -6
A second month of labor came and went. Then a third. Gar’s muscles had become hard rocks. He had been practicing his axe combinations with the pickaxe while guards weren’t looking. The beatings he received no longer hurt quite as much. The work had become second nature and Gar believed the time had come. Ninety-two. Ninety two days of this torment. That’s enough. I can't exist like this anymore. Tomorrow, I have to make a move. I have to do something. Gar fell asleep.
Gar was led to the mines, same as every day before. Today was slightly different though, Gar was vigilant, looking for any opportunity to make a break for it. No such opportunity opened up in the morning. I’m probably better off waiting for nightfall anyway. I’ll just have to lay low for one more day of mining. Gar worked in the mine as he would any other day.
That is, until one strike felt odd. It collided with the wall a bit differently than every previous one for the past three months. Gar gathered his strength and struck again, breaking through the ground and forcing it to cave in at his feet. Gar fell into another mine shaft, this one was darker than the one above. He turned his head to eye the hole through which he fell. There was rubble leading up to the upper level, providing Gar with a route back.
Gar’s curiosity was piqued by this second mine shaft and he decided to have a look around. He knew he would have to be quick about it though. Gar grabbed the pickaxe that fell down the hole with him and he began poking around in the dimly lit cavern. He wasn’t sure what he was looking for specifically, but he felt that there was something nearby. He swung his pick at a pile of rubble, tearing some of it away. He repeated the motion again, pulling away more rocks.
From the look of it, this is an old shaft that had caved in long ago. If it wasn’t reopened then the vein was probably tapped. Gar continued swinging at the caved in mineshaft. After a few more swings Gar figured there was nothing to be found. He turned to return to the upper level. While he was turning a glimmer caught his eye. Like a star in the night sky, the light shone through the dark rocks of the cavern.
“What’s this now?” Gar swung the pickaxe with more determination. After a few strong swings the shine revealed itself to be a metal lining on a piece of wood. Gar dug it out of the rubble. It was a wooden chest. Gar didn’t know what to make of it. What is a chest like this doing in a caved in mineshaft? Nonetheless, Gar had to open the chest. It would’ve been against his character, not to mention foolish, to leave it alone. Gar checked behind his shoulder to see if anyone was nearby. The coast was clear so Gar placed his hands on either side of the chest’s lid.
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Post by Gar on May 18, 2016 16:35:26 GMT -6
Gar cracked open the chest and a glow emanated from inside. “Whoa. What is this?” Gar spoke with an excitement in his voice, which he tried to keep quiet. He reached into the chest and removed a long turquoise coat. He whispered his amazement. “This is the coolest coat I’ve ever seen! This thing is going to change my life.” Gar reached into the chest once more and wrapped his hands around the handle of an ornate axe.
You actually prioritized the coat above the sacred axe? Gar quickly checked behind his shoulder, but saw no one behind him. He looked around to see who was speaking to him.Calm yourself. The voice you’re hearing is mine. Junzentaru, the Holy axe of Intimidation and Inspiration. Gar had heard stories of magical weapons having the ability to speak to its wielder but never imagined he’d find one, especially in a place like this. Gar regained his composure after the initial shock wore off.
“Uhh Aye it is a pretty nice coat right?” The pirate whispered to the white axe in his hands.
I have to agree with you there. But perhaps that is because it’s the only company I’ve had for centuries. Gar was shocked once again. The axe looked brand new as if it were constructed the same day. Apparently, the axe noticed Gar’s disbelief and continued to ‘speak’.
I’ll try not to bore you with the details of my history, but I was indeed placed in this form hundreds of years ago in order to aid a divine hero. Unfortunately, things went south for him, and I fell into the hands of a corrupt pirate lord. He thought he could use my power for evil. I refused. As punishment I was locked in that chest with that coat and buried in this dismal mine. That way my righteous strength could not be used against him. I imagine that man has long since died and I was forgotten.
Gar was barely listening. His mind was flooded with thoughts. Most importantly, he had a weapon, a seemingly powerful one he could use to escape. Without really knowing how to respond to the axe, Gar said the first thing that came to mind. “ Uhh… That must’ve been rough. Waiting for so long.”
I made peace with it long ago. What I would like to know is who you are.
“Well I’m Gar. The most noble pirate you’ll ever meet.” The pirate responded. After recent events he felt even more confident in the proclamation. The pirates he had met in the past few months were nothing but scum. The axe was unimpressed.
Noble pirate sounds like a contradiction doesn’t it. An oxymoron. Gar glared at the weapon. He had half a mind to seal the axe back into the chest and burying it all over again. The pirate spoke in his defense.
“Now I don’t know what an oxymoron is, but I hope for your sake it isn’t a normal moron. But I certainly ain’t lying. I’m a good guy with a good heart who also happens to be a pirate.”
A silence followed Gar’s declaration. Moments passed and Junzentaru gave off a faint, pulsating glow. Gar felt as if the axe was reading his innermost motives. I believe you. At least for now. I will lend you my strength when the time is right. Together, we will achieve our salvation. The pirate almost couldn’t believe he wasn’t dreaming. No longer would Gar remain a slave for now he was armed with a mighty weapon. However, Gar’s time in captivity paled in comparison with Junzentaru’s. Gar was a slave for months while Junzentaru spent centuries in a forgotten box. The pirate was happy that Junzentaru would be freed from his imprisonment.
“You got yourself a deal Juzen- Gunze- June.” Gar had already given the weapon a nickname. It was both a sign of his excitement over the partnership and a sign that Gar couldn’t really pronounce the full name yet. “But you did say when the time is right. What did you mean by that?” Gar had been too distracted by the weapon and its implications to notice the guard who had made his way to the top of the cave in.
“Hey You! Get back to work. Wait what’s that?” Gar turned with the holy axe in hand. Junzentaru emanated a faint yellow light and Gar’s his blood beginning to run hot. It’s time. Gar and Junzentaru thought simultaneously. The enemies were separated by an incline of fallen rocks and stones. The pirate took a deliberate step toward the guard who was positioned above him. The guard fumbled at his whip, eventually grasping it and cracking it in Gar’s direction. The pirate braced himself for the impact, but it never came. Junzentaru rose, leading Gar’s hand and allowing the whip to coil around its hilt. Quickly catching onto the weapon’s intention, Gar pulled back, yanking the whip from the guard’s hands.
Gar grinned at the whip that now laid at his feet. He felt strong, despite his malnourishment and soreness. He glanced at the divine weapon in his possession. This strength, is it your doing? Junzentaru gave no reply. Either way, I feel great. The pirate exhaled through his nostrils as he prepared to rush the guard. The opponent withdrew a short sword from his scabbard with a scrape of metal on metal that echoed softly off the cavern’s walls. Gar ascended the rubble quickly but carefully. He couldn’t risk a misstep here. As the distance closed the pirate saw the guard shaking. Was this the man’s first taste of actual combat? Against an armed opponent?
The guard stabbed at Gar’s chest as he rose up the incline. Gar parried the strike with his axe and turned the weapon in an arc. Following the axe’s momentum, Gar shifted his positioning slightly before delivering a horizontal slice that opened the guard’s midsection. The guard fell to his knees. Gar grabbed the body and tossed it down the incline. He didn’t want anybody coming across it. The engagement was over, but Gar still felt adrenaline and power in his body. It was remarkable how strong he felt. It slowly faded away and the pirate returned to the pit where the chest laid. He picked up the turquoise coat and tied the sleeves around his waist.
Apologies for not answering your previous inquiry. When I am engaged in a state of combat, I need to focus. I will not be able to communicate well, if at all. Gar shrugged at Junzentaru, it was no skin off his nose if the axe couldn’t give him orders in the midst of a battle. In such situations, Gar needed to focus as well.
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Post by Gar on May 19, 2016 16:36:06 GMT -6
Gar stashed his new weapon in between the coat on his waist and his hip. He gathered the whip and the sword off the felled guard. If today truly was his day of escape, he would need some help. Gar took a deep breath and steeled himself for the upcoming battle. If his expectations were going to be met, there would be casualties, a lot. If they were quick about it there would be about twenty guards. Gar’s eyes glanced over the body nearby. Nineteen armed guards against something like fifty slaves, malnourished and weak. The slaves would have picks though, not the most conventional weapon but it could do some damage.
Gar was prepared, he climbed the incline and made his way into the proper mineshaft. The first face he came across was a familiar one. His cellmate, the young one allowed his eyes to scan Gar’s body. The sight caused him to stop working. Gar gave no words, he simply offered the sword to the man. The cellmate lost his grip on the pick and gained one on the short sword. Resolve grew inside the men as they continued through the mineshaft. The next man they saw also stopped working as they passed.
“It can’t be…” Gar tossed the whip in his direction. The slave caught it willingly and fell into formation alongside the others. A next man had his back turned. A guard was returning to the mineshaft’s entrance after a patrol. Gar’s cellmate snuck up on the patrolman and shoved the sword into his back. The other gathered up the patrolman’s weapons which were distributed to the next couple slaves they came across.
Junzentaru was glowing at Gar’s hip, lighting the way toward the exit. As the mob of slaves grew, so too did Gar’s determination. One quick fight and we will have reclaimed our lives. It wasn’t going to be easy, but that wasn’t a deterrent anymore. The group had spent too long working for the corrupt pirate lord and his gang. The group approached the mineshaft’s exit into daylight. Chatter could be heard from the camp outside. Gar knew as well as the rest of the others that nothing really needed to be said. No words would convey the sentiment he carried. At least no words that Gar had the capability of expressing.
The pirate gripped the weapon at his hip and withdrew it. The pulsating light was brighter than before, giving the slaves a sense of confidence. Gar’s muscles were twitching as he clenched the weapon with both hands. If you are truly as noble as you claim, show these men deliverance. Gar furrowed his brow and dug his toes into the dirt. He took off up the path into the light. The refreshed men followed with shouts and battle cries. The group flooded out of the mine, engaging with the unsuspecting guards. The battle for liberation had begun and Gar was the linchpin. The pirate made a beeline for the tent of the head officer of security. Two guards stood outside the tent. They drew their weapons at Gar’s approach.
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Post by Gar on May 20, 2016 21:09:16 GMT -6
The spear men simultaneously thrusted their weapons at Gar’s torso. The pirate was at the edge of their range and hopped back to exit the reach of the lances. The crossed weapons hovered in the air in front of Gar for a moment, giving the pirate an idea. As the lances retracted, Gar entered their range once again. The guards repeated their previous action as Gar anticipated. Gar dodged with a side step and raised Junzentaru over his head. Gar tightened his core and swung the holy axe downward aiming for the point where the two lances crossed.
Even Gar himself was surprised with how easily the wood splintered under the might of his axe. With the tips removed from the weapons, the guards threw down their sticks. The two began to retrieve their back up daggers. Naturally Gar didn’t want this to happen. He rushed the closest guard and swung the axe in an upward arc. The blow was strong enough to lift the guard off his feet and send his body sailing through the entrance of the tent. The pirate could hear confused shouts coming from inside the tent, but he was more occupied with the second guard who had successfully drawn his dagger.
The two handed axe Gar currently held had a massive range advantage on the smaller weapon. Gar slid his hands closer to the hilt and wildly swung the weapon at the man’s neck. The guard reacted with a duck, allowing the axe to soar harmlessly over his head. The guard closed the distance with a charging strike aimed for the pirate’s ribs. Gar had no time to react with his axe, its momentum was far too great. He instead removed his top hand from the weapon and redirected the man’s charge into the ground.
Stopping the weapon's momentum from his previous swing with the one arm, Gar was able to strike the grounded man down. He then turned to the tent’s entrance. With a deep inhalation to regain his breath, he entered the tent. Oddly enough the tent was empty. Gar stood in the entrance with his glowing axe in hand. His eyes scanned the empty tent, only falling upon the body of the guard he had slain earlier. Gar was certain he had heard shouts earlier but perhaps they were from something else. Then he felt a breeze blow through the tent.
Gar noticed some daylight coming through a crease in the tent on the opposite side. Gar crossed the tent to get a closer look. Upon inspection it was apparent that the canvas of the tent had been cut through with a dagger. The officer had escaped and he was certainly headed for the fortress to inform the others and request back up. Gar gritted his teeth. He couldn’t allow the man to get away. Gar lifted the cloth and looked for a trail to follow.
Broken twigs in the bushes guided his path. Gar entered the dense greenery in pursuit of the head officer.
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Post by Gar on May 21, 2016 22:27:12 GMT -6
Gar pursued the officer at a brisk pace. Tree branches and vines flew by the pirate’s face and he leapt over roots and bushes. The officer wasn’t far ahead, Gar could hear the man struggling through the foliage. The fleeing man was on the brink of reaching the main road when Gar grabbed him by the collar and yanked him backward. The head officer scrambled back and regained his feet. This however, placed Gar in between him and his destination. Gar approached the cowardly officer with the glowing weapon in hand.
The man let out a few words, with his voice shaking and cracking. “St-stay b-back.” The man brandished his dagger and held it out in front of him. The act lifted the man’s sleeve, revealing a familiar armband on his upper arm. The bronze armband that Aeos had once given the pirate was being worn by this slaver. Gar’s possessions had been taken once he was purchased. The man must have claimed it as his own. The sight of the coward wearing it made Gar sick. The pirate was nearly shaking with fury as he sheathed his axe.
The stolen possession made this engagement personal. Gar approached the man with nothing but his bare fists. The guard swung the dagger at the air in front of him, a feeble attempt at keeping Gar away. It didn’t work. Junzentaru still gave off its glow as Gar grabbed the guard’s wrist. He twisted until the knife fell to the ground. Then, he placed a balled fist into the guard’s windbox, dropping him to his knees.
Something in Gar desired to continue with the punishment, but his rational side won out, he still had to escape after all. Gar removed the armband from the guard’s arm. “This is much more than some accessory.” One solid punch to the man’s jaw knocked him unconscious. The pirate placed the armband onto his bicep where it belonged.
The battle was over and Gar was free for the time being. He began to traverse the jungle in the direction of the nearest coast. He would need to find a ship and get off the island. He would certainly have to lay low until that happened. Gar descended the jungle covered mountain quickly and covertly. Eventually, he heard from Junzentaru again.
What is your current escape strategy? Gar responded without breaking stride. He came to the realization that he didn’t even need to speak, he could just think a thought and Junzentaru could understand. Get to the coast, find a boat. It was almost as if Gar could hear the axe sigh in exasperation. That isn’t a strategy. You need a complete outline, complimented by contingency plans.
Look I've done just fine this far haven’t I. I can handle this escape just relax. The axe reluctantly accepted to follow Gar’s lead this time. You performed well indeed. Your style of combat, as erratic and tiresome as it may be, is well suited for my magic. Gar still didn’t completely understand what that meant, but apparently the weapon needed time to rest. Gar obliged by refraining from questioning Junzentaru.
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Post by Gar on May 22, 2016 22:29:14 GMT -6
Gar came up on the edge of the forest as he neared the coast. There was a nearby camp that Gar couldn’t ignore. There were familiar faces in this camp. A giant man with a hook hand, the man who sold him, and his daughter, the woman who saved him. Both of them seemed different this time than when he had last seen them months ago. The man had visibly aged, with streaks of grey penetrating his beard. The woman looked concerned about something but Gar couldn’t figure why. The pirate did recall hearing that she would save him from the enslavement and decided to ask Sapphire for her help when the time was right. Gar was forced to lay low in the brush on the edge of the forest until sunset. Eventually, Gar got his opportunity to speak with the healer alone. She had wandered into the forest and Gar followed. He came up upon her as she was examining some herbs, most likely for their curative properties. Gar circled into her field of view and approached her with his palms raised to make sure she knew he wasn’t a threat.
Sapphire’s eye rose to meet Gar’s and she allowed the herbs she had picked to fall to the dirt. Her eyes welled up with tears and her hands covered her mouth. She mumbled some muffled words before she ran and jumped at Gar, hugging him tightly. Gar came to the understanding that she actually regretted the events that had occurred a few months ago. Gar reciprocated the embrace and the woman expressed herself before he could speak of his need for a ship.
“I don’t know what to say, I’m so happy your alive. Why didn’t you just join bullring’s crew? I had my dad put in a request for me.” Her face turned angry with the question. Apparently, that day was her doing. “I appreciate the concern, but I would die before I worked for that man.” She had something else in mind at this point and suggested the plan.
“Then join up with my father’s crew. We can keep you from the mine workers so no one recognizes you.” Gar shook his head. “I cant do that eith-” She pounded his chest with a strength that couldn’t do any real harm. “Don’t be stubborn! I want you to come with us. We can help you.” Gar sighed and tried to find a way to keep things calm so no one found them in the forest.
“Look I can’t work for slavers. It just isn’t going to happen, but I need your help. Can you get a rowboat to that northern bay?” The healer reluctantly nodded. “I could convince them I was looking for rare herbs but there would be a couple guards.” Gar sighed at the prospect of another fight. “Just make sure your old man isn’t one of them. Then meet me there tonight.” She nodded again and gave the pirate another hug before she was off. Gar went to the north bay and waited for Sapphire.
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Post by Gar on May 23, 2016 23:45:28 GMT -6
The moon was full in the sky and Sapphire hadn’t shown up. From where Gar was situated, he could see the bay without being seen. His attention kept falling on the fortress upon the mountain. The one where Gar was held prisoner for months. Certainly, they had been informed of the escaped slaves by now. There were likely search parties out for the runaways. Gar’s time was running thin and he was growing impatient. Maybe she isn’t coming, maybe sold me out.
Gar waited moments longer and eventually heard light splashing from the bay. Gar could see three figures in a rowboat approaching the shallows. Gar gripped Junzentaru and strolled out into the shallow water. The current lapped against the pirate’s bare feet. As the ship grew closer, Gar grew concerned. The three figures were revealed. Sapphire, the interrogator and the captain himself. Gar couldn’t run, he needed this boat. No, Gar had to stand and fight. He drew his axe as the captain and the interrogator stepped out of the rowboat.
“You will not fight.” The captain commanded. Gar grew infuriated and his eyes narrowed. “Wat he means is, we ain’t here to fight ya. Put yer axe away.” Gar raised an eyebrow but did indeed lower Junzentaru. How very trusting… Sapphire exited the rowboat as well, her looks were remarkable in the light of the full moon.
“I told them you needed help. They agreed to provide you with this rowboat and a week of supplies.” Gar couldn’t believe it. Were they really that remorseful? They gave Gar a means of escape. Gar placed his axe against his hip. “What? Why are you doing this?”
“Does it matter? Just take the ship n get outta here.” The interrogator seemed to be in a hurry to get back to camp. It wouldn’t be too far of a walk. Sapphire requested that she have some alone time with the pirate so they could say their goodbyes. The two others agreed and walked onto the shore. Sapphire revealed their reasoning for helping Gar escape.
“You were never supposed to be a slave. We were never even supposed to be slavers you see. We just, we need money for my mother. She lives with an incurable disease, it’s why I became a healer. All we can do is provide her with medicine that can ease her suffering. The amount that they offered us for you it…” Gar didn’t need to hear the rest. “I get it. I guess you can call us even. But I suggest you find a new line of work.”
Sapphire dug through he pouch and retrieved a turquoise piece of cloth. With an outstretched arm she offered it to Gar. The pirate immediately recognized it as his bandanna. Gar gripped the cloth and tucked it into his waistband for now. “Thanks for holding onto it.” The two embraced once more before Gar entered the ship.
“I wish things could’ve been different.” Gar simply nodded and began to paddle away. With a few strong strokes he was already moving at a good pace. The sight of the island was beginning to shrink. The three silhouettes faded from sight, but Gar could still see the fires burning in Bullring’s fort. We will leave this island in the past. Now we turn toward our future. Gar shook his head in disagreement. He withdrew the turquoise cloth from his waistband and tied it atop his head where it was before this ordeal began. I won’t forget the things that happened here. One day, we will return and make things right.
Well said… A partnership. To make things right.
Aye.
[End Thread]
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