79
Pirate
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Infamous Lineage
LINEAGE FACTOR
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Strength: 5
Agility: 5
Finesse: 4
Endurance: 4
Willpower: 5
STATS
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Post by Bran D. Martell on Oct 16, 2023 7:43:55 GMT
"-So yeah, that's been the last couple of days. I made sure everyone was okay, though I was the only one who really needed healing, thankfully. My shoulder's a bit sore but I'm taking enough pain killers and changing the bandages twice a day like you said." Brandy leaned back against the kitchen counter, Den Den Mushi cord twirled around her finger as she explained the recent events on Lantern Island to the other people on the phone. The snail, positioned on the counter, was white in color with a brown circular shell, the only distinct accessory adorning it being a very fancy red bowtie and collar around its neck. It snickered in return as a voice spoke back through its speaker.
"Oh-ho I see. Intriguing. Very intriguing. Yes. Very indeed. Sounds like you had much fun past few days. Have not heard you be so passionate about story telling since you were duckling."
Brandy blushed, her expression souring, "they're not stories, they're the truth. You know I wouldn't lie about something this stupid-sounding."
"I know. I know. Am happy to hear you have been doing well despite excitement. Yes. Excitement. Good for the soul. Lantern village lacks a lot of it."
"Anyway, professor, how has the convention been going?" She decided to change the subject, lest she be forced to listen to Bill talk about how she doesn't seek out enough discovery and adventure, topics that had at this point been exhausted between the two yet he never grew tired of the lectures. "Today's the last day, right?"
"Yes. Last day. Convention was... satisfactory. Dreary in many aspects. But nice to see old friends again. Food was decent. Somewhat bitter. Other details irrelevant" The voice on the other end paused to clear his voice "anyway that girl you mentioned. You say she fired bullets through fingers yes?"
Brandy paused, confused by his sudden specific question. "Uh, yeah. Strange, really. I didn't believe her at first until I saw it myself. Why? Do you know what it is?"
"Hm. No. Not in slightest. Anyway will be back in approximately three days. With predicted wind current. Minimal turbulence two days. Oh and Brandy..." the voice paused for a few seconds, growing a bit quieter "buy extra bread crumbs for return. Ones with whole grain."
Brandy huffed, a smile forming on her lips. "Are you asking for whole grain because you've gained too much weight?"
"PROPOSEROUS!" The snail yelled out loudly, causing the mermaid to wince back in pain. "PROFESSOR MERELY GAIN WATER WEIGHT FROM FEATHERS! HMPH! APPRENTICE GROW RUDE FROM VACATION! I GIVE ROOF OVER HEAD AND FOOD IN STOMACH FOR THIS?!"
Brandy held the receptor a few inches away from her ear for a second, waiting for the ringing to stop before she replied. "No, of course not, professor. You're as fit as ever. Whole grain bread crumbs it is."
Some more muffled but indiscernible mumblings could be heard from the snail before the call ended, Brandy handing up the mic in turn. She rubbed her hurt ear for a few more seconds before turning around and gathering her bag from the counter. It had been a few days since the Donut Pirates were brought to justice. Everyone had accepted Eggplant in with open arms, even if she still wasn't revealing her true name or the real reason she had rescued everyone in the first place. Now Brandy was following up on her promise. A day in the market, looking for the woman's maps and a nice dinner to boot. It had been a while since Brandy had done something that wasn't work. It was a nice change of pace. The navigator did help save the town after all, the least she could do was help her find what she came here for. Hopefully they'd find something to her liking.
After making herself presentable and downing a good breakfast the mermaid stepped out the door and into the morning air, beginning her journey to the inn across the town where the woman was staying, an unsual pep in her step as she did.
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78
Pirate
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Lost Lineage
LINEAGE FACTOR
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Navigator/Scholar
PROFESSION
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Strength: 5
Agility: 5
Finesse: 4
Endurance: 3
Willpower: 3
STATS
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Post by Aurora Dawn on Oct 18, 2023 3:48:38 GMT
A busy couple of days were gifted to Aurora, she had helped to save the town and they went from distrusting/dismissive to all to happy to chat, and shower her with a few gifts here and there. Aurora had rejected most outright, she knew the reason the pirates were here and what if's or not she didn't wish to take anything from them, though some were so insistent she couldn't say no. Still the free board at the inn for the time being was very generous, Aurora wouldn't turn that down, because she hadn't slept in a proper bed for a while, aside from what she later found out was Brandy's bed, and she deserved at least that much. The first order of business' was simple shopping for parchment to make maps with and anything that could represent the local area. She had hoped this town could provide such things, though the few shop keepers who might have had such a thing had to really dig down deep to find them, so she wasn't counting her luck. Secondly, she had to get more clothes and something to store them in, her little satchel was nice, but wouldn't hold multiple outfits, and Aurora was tired of waiting in her birthday suit for her clothes to dry off after cleaning them. Thirdly, she needed a ship, any old ship would do, nothing too big, just something to sail around, preferably unnoticed by others. If that list could be fulfilled Aurora would be a happy camper.
heading outside the inn and looking at the bright beautiful day, Aurora smiled and chipperly hummed a tune, she was up a little early but she had grown so used to waking up at an absurd time that it didn't bother her one bit, and in this case that early bird gets the worm mentality caused a shiver down her spine. Rounding a corner of the smallish town, she spotted the distinctive white and blue uniform of the Marines, her heart skipping a beat as her eyes widened. She dashed behind a wall before she hug it to get a grip. They had already arrived? no marines were that fast unless... wait this was the West Blue which meant, oh shit.
Hurrying back to the main street, her morning walk interrupted she managed to catch a glimpse of the pink haired doctor leaving her humble home. Aurora in a flash of purple flying past her up to the door, trying to turn the knob. "Brandy, great to see you, love the outfit by the way, super cute. Please open this door and pretend I am not here, that I left say a day ago in some random direction, south, try south. Marines are here, and uh, while I'm not a crook, I'd prefer to not speak to them, especially if who is the captain of this crew is who I think it is, okay? Great glad we understand each other."
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79
Pirate
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Infamous Lineage
LINEAGE FACTOR
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Strength: 5
Agility: 5
Finesse: 4
Endurance: 4
Willpower: 5
STATS
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Post by Bran D. Martell on Oct 18, 2023 8:16:54 GMT
As Brandy started her way to the inn her stride was interrupted by a sudden purple flash rushing past in a blur, the tailwind of the navigator almost being powerful enough to knock her own alone if she had stood a couple of feet more to the left. The breeze of her movements caused the doctor's hair and clothing to lift slightly as she passed, causing her to pause in place as she processed the movement. She turned around to see the woman prying at the door she had just locked and closed a mere few seconds ago, a slim eyebrow raised in confusion as she spoke like a madwoman. "Uh, good morning to you too?" They both knew the Marines were coming, the mayor had called for them to report the recent attack on the village. The island wasn't exactly pro-Marine, but even they knew it was smarter to report criminals to the proper authority than to just not. Despite the doctor's very strong opinions on them, they did tend to be at least somewhat capable of bringing down their foes. She'd know that firsthand. But why didn't Eggplant want to talk to them so badly? She was acting strange... Scratch that, stranger than normal. Brandy placed her hands on her hips, "okay you're gonna need to slow down. Seriously you're going a mile a minute. What happened? I don't like talking to the Marines either but you were involved in this incident. They need to question you to get a better understanding of the situation. They're a deterrent, remember?"
"Doctor Martell?" A voice from behind the two piped up. Brandy turned to face them, seeing a rather formal-looking woman. She wore an outfit of an office worker, a white blouse with a black pencil skirt and neatly tied up brunette hair in a ponytail with a golden hairpin. She seemed rather official compared to most in the town, and spoke like it too with a rather assertive tine of voice. Her gaze looked from Brandy to Eggplant, glasses shimmering as she saw the other woman behind her. "Oh, apologizes I didn't mean to interrupt your conversation."
Brandy waved her hand dismissively "ah, no it's okay, Auburn. I was just leaving to show our hero around the marketplace, you're not interrupting anything just yet. Is there something I can help you with?"
Auburn's green gaze disconnected from the navigator and traveled back to Brandy, pausing for a second as if she was thinking on her wording. "It's about our current company. The captain wishes to talk to you both. He says your input and recollection of events will be helpful with his investigation."
Brandy groaned, annoyance spreading across her expression as she put a hand to her forehead "seriously? Today? Annoying. You know I don't enjoy speaking to Marines."
"I'm aware of your hesitance, Miss Martell. Because of this I managed to cover for you to an extend. Well, one of you that is. Though he requested both of the individuals who fought the pirates I also told him I could not guarantee that both would show because of the injuries you acquired during combat. I did not specify the description of the injuries, nor which one of you was hurt. So, while neither of you would like to speak to the Marines I would urge at least one of you be willing to make the sacrifice. Less we deny their request, which, as you know, is not an option. For all our sakes." Her snake-like gaze looked back to the navigator. "If our honored guest does not wish to speak to the captain, then perhaps you could do so in her place? She may have her reasons for avoiding the Marines, I'm sure. You have spoken to them before, Miss Martell. You have experience dealing with them and their questioning."
Auburn had always been a quite frank woman, even more so than Brandy. She wasn't afraid to get to the center of problems no matter who or what may get hurt in the process. She was very analytical, and some times, was the reason the entire island hadn't gone under. She would do what must be done. She also made annoyingly good points. It would be a horrible idea to reject the summoning, so really they had no choice. "Ugh, fine. You made your point. I'll do it" Brandy reached into her pocket and flung a key in the purple haired woman's location. "Lay low for a while. There are some leftovers in the fridge if you get hungry. I'm not sure how long this'll take but we'll go down to the market after if it's not too late." Walking up to Auburn's side Brandy paused for a second. "Oh, and Eggplant..." she glanced behind her "... Keep your hands out of my drawers this time."
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78
Pirate
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Lost Lineage
LINEAGE FACTOR
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Navigator/Scholar
PROFESSION
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Strength: 5
Agility: 5
Finesse: 4
Endurance: 3
Willpower: 3
STATS
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Post by Aurora Dawn on Oct 19, 2023 1:07:54 GMT
Aurora was trying to open the door, comedically knocking on the side as Brandy seemed to chat back to her, saying she was going a mile a minute. Duh, there could be serious complications if she were to be discovered, though she had a feeling the captain had a strong inclination that she was out here, she didn't wish to give him concrete evidence of that fact. Thankfully, the secretary of the mayor showed up to speak to them, now that's what you call dedication to a job, going out of your way to warn people, hopefully she could get a raise for that. She also spoke sense, and could bypass the iron curtain of curiosity that Brandy held towards why Aurora didn't wish to speak with the Marines. Boom, she was off the hook, Brandy gifting her the key and even letting her eat some of her food, flawless victory. "Got it, and uh, just don't get captured this time then I won't need to wave the white flag!" Aurora jammed the key into the slot and thankfully the door opened, her motions inside hastened, but she stopped ever so briefly in the doorway to glance towards Brandy, "If the captain is who i think he is, just be careful, he's pretty clever. He's the nicest son of a bitch you'll ever meet." Click the door closed.
...
"Miss Martell, please take a seat." The room was splotched with the mayors various nick-nacks, records, photographs, and triumphs. The slim yet tall man sat in the chair of the mayor respectfully, elbows off the table, his face clean shaven and his uniform pristine, but not in a haughty way, a professional air crept about the grey haired man, his bangs covering one of his eyes ever so slightly. "I am Captain Obvious, I appreciate you dressing up for this event, but my questioning will be a casual affair. I just need an answer to a few questions, I'd appreciate honesty." his smile was poisonous in how friendly it was, clearly hiding his true intentions, "Though, as you are the apprentice of the esteemed Dr. Bill, I doubt honesty will be an issue." he relaxed a bit back into his chair, his gazed still focused on Brandy.
"Let's start with a broad question, could you describe the events that lead up to the invasion, and the events during the invasion itself? Feel free to boast a bit, you did good fighting off pirates, impressive even, most would have fled."
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79
Pirate
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Infamous Lineage
LINEAGE FACTOR
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Strength: 5
Agility: 5
Finesse: 4
Endurance: 4
Willpower: 5
STATS
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Post by Bran D. Martell on Oct 19, 2023 5:01:16 GMT
Brandy sat in the cushioned chair across from Captain Obvious, her uncomfortable body language not hidden in the slightest. She sat up in her seat, knees closed together and her hands in her lap. She didn't want to be here, and she wasn't afraid to let it be known. The Marine seemed kind as the navigator had warned, attempting to use friendly speech and more casual comments in the conversation. Normally the Marines sent here ranged from grizzled and uncaring to unsure or nervous. But already Brandy could feel this one was... Different. He almost seemed like he cared, which unnerved her. It didn't help that she was going to have to cover for their guest on top of it. Just what kind of a person was Eggplant to draw the gaze of someone like this?
The doctor eyes focused on his face when he pointed out who she was. "It seems you've done your research before coming here, Captain" she'd state, trying to produce an air of confidence behind her words. While the professor was indeed esteemed it's not like just anyone knew of him. This was the West Blue, after all. News didn't travel very far. Even then, it would take digging to know anything about her. She didn't exactly hold the same reputation.
The doctor would pause for a few moments to gather her thoughts, the sound of the wall mounted clock ticking filling the void of silence.
"Boasting isn't appropriate. It was survival, not a contest. As for the events, I had spent the morning south of Lantern Island salvaging in the ocean. While there I saw an abandoned boat with a Jolly Rodger anchored. I went back to town to investigate as we aren't strangers to pirate attacks. I arrived at the inn during the afternoon, and there I saw a strange girl. I talked her up out of curiosity, got some alcohol in her and found she was the one who drove it here. Turns out she had stupidly stolen the boat from the Pirates the day before and was looking for some sort of map. Since we're a merchant town she figured something might be here. I tried to get her to leave in fear of the pirates spotting their missing boat but she refused. She left after that, went somewhere else for the night after we had a heated argument about it. Was probably too drunk to think straight. Not wanting to alarm the town I attempted to move the boat myself. However I was captured by the Donut Pirates during the process. They brought me to the town square that morning, threatening to execute me if they weren't given treasure. The woman showed back up during this time and fought them. Figuring I could take advantage of the distraction I broke myself out and assisted. We took them down and they retreated. The woman was badly injured during the fight. I patched her up as thanks and so I could send her on her way as quickly as I could. She left two days ago. I haven't seen her since." Half truth, half lie. Brandy didn't exactly have enough time to come up with a whole new story, nor did she knew if the townsfolk had said anything to him yet. It was best to tell the truth where she could but throw in a few fibs to hopefully throw him off the trail.
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78
Pirate
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Lost Lineage
LINEAGE FACTOR
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Navigator/Scholar
PROFESSION
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Strength: 5
Agility: 5
Finesse: 4
Endurance: 3
Willpower: 3
STATS
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Post by Aurora Dawn on Oct 19, 2023 5:52:55 GMT
"I see, that is quite the tale." Captain Obvious, obliviously stated as he leaned back in the mayors chair a bit, his posture more relaxed now as his mind pondered what to say next. The thoughts trickled in slowly and he methodically culled those that didn't fit in with his mantra. "These Doughnut pirates, quite the little scoundrels, though they are a minor inconvenience compared to why I really came here. it is a shame that she already set sail away from this island, I would have liked to chat with her, seeing if she was who I think she is. You see pirates are one thing, but traitors are another." His calm and compassionate face looked towards Brandy with the faintest of smiles, he pulled up a bottle of brandy from underneath the desk and poured himself and her half a glass. Picking it up he nodded before taking a sip. Swirling the liquid in it's container he spoke again.
"Have you ever ventured into the Grand Line Miss Martell? It's a dangerous place, but also filled with many wonders, the gates of Justice, the Florian Triangle, Fishman Island." he let out a slight smirk, "But, it is also home to some of the most proud Marines serving to protect the world from the threat of piracy. You see, it's called the pirate graveyard only because of the hard work of the Marines, still some slip through, we aren't perfect, but we do try to help as much of the population as possible, at least most of us do." he took another sip before calmly placing down the glass and crossing his legs and arms, "You see, sedition is a real problem in the marines, many have found the lure of piracy and rebellious thought too tempting and taken the training we provided and sided with those who would do the citizens of the world harm. This, purple haired woman, the villagers gave me some accounts, she could jump in the air, had super speed, and could shoot from her finger tips?"
His smile was still present, but his eyes were slightly more sinister, "If she is who I think she is, she should be dead after an operation went poorly, we all heard the news internally, very sad. I had served with her in an operation once, she was cold and merciless to her foes, but chatted with my men as if there was no gap in authority. They didn't tell me much, only that she was 'in charge', she delegated all matters aside from her own mission to me however, unusual for those kinds of jobs. Still, she was fearsome as a warrior capable of taking down dangerous individuals." His tone got a bit more serious as he continued to speak, "My apologies miss Martell, I am being an old warhorse and reminiscing. My point is, if she is still alive and not merely dead, then she's a traitor to the marines, one who was a special agent no less, so if you have idea where she might have gone I would appreciate your cooperation. The Citizenship of the world would be safer if you could provide any assistance."
Pulling out from his coat pocket a map of the West Blue, or parts of it at least he placed it on the table. "Just point us in the right direction to the best of your knowledge."
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79
Pirate
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Infamous Lineage
LINEAGE FACTOR
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Strength: 5
Agility: 5
Finesse: 4
Endurance: 4
Willpower: 5
STATS
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Post by Bran D. Martell on Oct 19, 2023 7:08:50 GMT
Brandy's eyes watched carefully as the captain poured out a drink for both himself and her. Brandy. Of course. Normally she would compliment him on his good taste, but the more he spoke the more nervous the doctor became. This wasn't a normal interview. The marines were never this forthcoming with information or cordial. He obviously knew more than he was letting on, but never said any more than what he had to. The air in the room was thick with tension. She didn't take the offer of a drink, merely watching him sip his own. This was an interrogation. Just who the hell was Eggplant, and what had she gotten her into?
The captain spoke of the navigator as if she was some sort of dangerous criminal, an ex-marine agent at that. Brandy couldn't help but form a bit of a nervous sweat. Was she really dangerous? The description of the person he was looking for didn't seem to fully fit her. She could never see Eggplant being cold or cruel. She had been the one to stop Brandy from killing one of the pirates in cold blood, after all. But on the other hand, treating her allies as equals was defiantly something she'd do. It didn't make sense, and the doctor was beginning to doubt her decision. Was she actually trouble? If she were to be let go, would she cause harm? This was sounding way more serious than what she had signed up for.
... Was it worth selling her out to the marines in exchange for her own safety?
... No. No he was making her doubt where her loyalties lie. It was the government that set her homeland ablaze. It was them who killed her parents. If this woman was running from them, she had the same goal as Brandy. They shared a common enemy.
Brandy paused her thinking as the captain brought out a map and asked her to point where she thought the girl may have run off too. The doctor looked over the map for a second before turning her eyes back to him, for once, looking him directly in the eye with a blunt expression.
"I'm sorry, captain. I would do anything to help for my fellow man but, I'm not sure where she could have gone. She was sparce with details. I tried prying but she held her secrets close. She didn't even say her name let alone where she was heading. I saw her sail south from the island, but other than that I'm afraid I'm out of information."
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78
Pirate
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Lost Lineage
LINEAGE FACTOR
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Navigator/Scholar
PROFESSION
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Strength: 5
Agility: 5
Finesse: 4
Endurance: 3
Willpower: 3
STATS
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Post by Aurora Dawn on Oct 19, 2023 7:29:50 GMT
His brow furrowed, his gaze long. He silently stared at Brandy, the seconds ticking by on the clock as he heard her answer, let the atmosphere eat away at the duo in the room, the tension thick enough to cut a knife, and then he let out a hearty chuckle, "That's damn unfortunate then. South you say? She's a talented little navigator, if she is who I think she is, so we are out of luck. Oh well, at least Candle Village is safe, that's enough for me." his laugh returned his expression to normal, a healthy smile that showed warmth in it. "I appreciate your cooperation Miss Martell. Oh, you may keep that map, it's updated, I'm sure the village will appreciate it, the Mayor mentioned how they were digging out older maps to try and make one that made sense. Consider it a small gift from me to you." He nodded his head before standing up, "You are free to leave, though I had never detained you in the first place, i find a questioning can often feel like it, so you may go about your day." As he motioned for her to leave he would wait until she was at the door frame before speaking again.
"Oh, there is one more question Miss Martell." He said with a more chipper tone, "The young woman, when she sailed away, was she smiling?"
Aurora sat in the attic of the house, the Marines having gone in via a key acquired from the mayors office, the secretary giving it away and warning Aurora at the same time. Nice woman, too bad Aurora now sat up in the attic eating... bread crumbs? Seriously there so many of the things, and whole wheat to. Good for your body in some quantity, was Brandy worried she was getting plump? Aurora didn't think the girl was plump, but then again she had always worked out well enough so didn't worry about excess fat building up. Maybe she should help train brandy a bit, she was plenty strong but a good workout routine could help to really keep the fat at bay, that and eating right, or skipping meals entirely because you didn't pack enough food! Aurora really needed to plan for occasions better.
The familiar sound of a Den Den Mushi rang out as the Marines left the home, being polite enough to lock up and presumably head back to port. Pulling up her Black Den Den Mushi she tuned into to the Marines own, Brandy had been let go and the Marines were pulling out, but it was indeed Captain Obvious group. She knew it, the man was efficient but he wasn't cruel. He was returning to the seas in search of other pirate activity in the West Blue, a bigger group of them apparently out and about, but of course even on their own channels it was classified as to where or who. Did he think she was listening in on it, was he that paranoid. Obviously he was right but still.
Climbing down from the attic, Aurora made herself at home, pulling out a few other dishes before eating away at them waiting for Brandy to return. They could still salvage this day after all, and have a good time before Aurora had to inevitably leave the island. Still, this Dr. Bill or Professor Bill as Brandy called him, he wanted to meet her? Well, he wouldn't be long before arriving back to the island anyway so, what was the harm in it?
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79
Pirate
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Infamous Lineage
LINEAGE FACTOR
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Strength: 5
Agility: 5
Finesse: 4
Endurance: 4
Willpower: 5
STATS
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Post by Bran D. Martell on Oct 19, 2023 8:19:48 GMT
Brandy's heart pounded as she walked home, her stride quick and rapid. A few of the townsfolk tried to say hi to her on her way past, but they went unnoticed or unseen. Her eyes were fixated on the path in front of her, wide and fearful, ignoring everything around her. Her mind was racing, thinking over the conversation. Analyzing her words to make sure she didn't reveal too much, analyzing the captain's words trying to make sense of them. Her thoughts and worries were piling on top of each other faster than she could even think. Everything was so jumbled and messy, distress gripping inside of her chest and choking her. It was a wonder she wasn't running into anything. All she could think about was making it home, and the answers she would need when she got there.
...
"The young woman, when she sailed away, was she smiling?" The captain asked as he stood by the door, waiting to watch her leave. Brandy stopped beside him on her way out, keeping her gaze forward as she feared turning towards him would cause her to break. It was a strange question, given the nature of what transpired. But Brandy was compelled to answer this at least.
The doctor thought back to the ending of their fight, seeing the woman's face as she watched the townspeople force the pirates back onto their ship. She was smiling.
"... Yes" Brandy looked up "She was."
...
The door slammed opened and Brandy stepped inside. The navigator wouldn't even have a chance to say hello or do anything as the mermaid threw her bag onto the couch and walked straight up to her, grabbing her by the front of her shirt. Her features were twisted in anger, almost on the verge of tears as she looked down at her, her grip so tight her hands were shaking.
"Just who the hell are you, and what did you do to the Marines to get them hunting you down?" Her voice was dark, holding back the volume to ensure no one would be able to hear aside from the two in the room as this moment. "That wasn't a questioning, that was an interrogation. I need your answer, now. Just what the fuck have you gotten me into?" Of course, she now knew some of the answer. But she needed more. They were stuck in the same boat, and it was only going to get rougher.
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78
Pirate
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Lost Lineage
LINEAGE FACTOR
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Navigator/Scholar
PROFESSION
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Strength: 5
Agility: 5
Finesse: 4
Endurance: 3
Willpower: 3
STATS
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Post by Aurora Dawn on Oct 19, 2023 8:51:58 GMT
The comfort Aurora had was shattered by the arrival of Brandy, an occasion to be celebrated, surely, as she had survived the questioning and the Marines had left the island peacefully. This, however, would not be a time of celebration, but rather an interrogation of Brandy's own on Aurora. (Wo)man handled, Aurora had been in this situation before, though it typically was less angry and a bit more frisky, so the shock of it all got to Aurora a bit, the face of angry Brandy displayed triggering some of her memories of how others faces looked when she had... fulfilled her duty.
"I..." her throat went dry as she felt the words unable to leave her lips, caught in her throat. Brandy didn't know it, but the Marines leaving was the best sign, she was off the hook, free from them, free to go about her life, but if Aurora said what she could, then Brandy's life would be more complicated, dragged down even. Her eyes flicked around the room seeking momentary comfort to escape the anger filled gaze of the girl in front of her. "I grew a conscious." Aurora struggled to break free from the grasp so as to better compose herself.
"If I tell you, it'll be even worse for you, the marines leaving is a good sign, you are off the hook, if he really wanted to do something to you he would have done it. Obvious isn't the type to let people get away, his sense of justice is too strong, if he let you go he meant it, I'd know I worked with him once." despite her training Aurora was panicking internally, she was trying to avoid hurting people but by helping them she had hurt them, the world was a cruel place and she understood why many gave up into atrophy, and just mulled about. "I... I don't want to have anyone else hurt because of my decisions, please, I'm trying to help you, but if you really want to know." Despite everything in her mind to help others she had realized denying them a choice was just as harmful, after all that had been her entire life, the denial of choice up until recently, she couldn't force the ways she had escaped onto others anymore, and she had already done her damage. Life was a complicated afaire, Aurora cursed it at times, "I could tell you, but then you'd have the same burden I do, the burden of knowledge, of how a piece of this world works, the corruptions, conspiracies, what makes a good Marine turn away from the cause, why I can't sleep well anymore, I could tell you, if you want to make that choice."
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79
Pirate
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Infamous Lineage
LINEAGE FACTOR
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Strength: 5
Agility: 5
Finesse: 4
Endurance: 4
Willpower: 5
STATS
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Post by Bran D. Martell on Oct 19, 2023 23:16:00 GMT
Brandy hadn't really known what kind of answer to expect when she finally confronted the guest. Maybe some more rambling to dodge the conversation, maybe a lie, but it seemed the navigator was more or less willing to speak of it. The only thing she required, was the doctor's permission. If she did accept, however, she would have to leave her blissful ignorance behind and with it the life she had built up until now. All the suffering she had experienced, all of the pain and misery, it would come rushing back in and she wouldn't be able to do a thing about it.
Honestly, just thinking about it now, Brandy would have probably preferred if she had just tried to dodge it after all.
Whoever Eggplant truly was, she was a coming storm, and Brandy wasn't prepared for more rain.
The doctor held her in her grasp, but stayed silent for a moment as tear running down her cheek. Her grip was still strong, somehow becoming even tighter, but not out of fear of the woman's escape, out of the fear of old memories flooding in. Fire. Blood. Screams. Sobbing. Pain.
"... I..." Her grip released, her face turning from anger to sorrowful in a mere few seconds. "I'm sorry. I don't want to know. I... I can't go through that. Not again. I've built up something good here. If he really let me go like you say, I can't risk it. I'm safe here." Brandy let the clothing slip through her fingers, much like she had let this opportunity fall through them. It was a big responsibility, to know the truth. Brandy knew the pain, she knew it all too well. She had spent so much time healing from her childhood, the chance of opening old wounds again was too much for her to bare. She felt bad for the navigator. Truly, she did. It hurt to reject someone she could relate to in that regard. But Brandy had already done her time. She hoped Eggplant could also get the same end as her... Just, not here. Not while she was a risk to not just herself, but the people around her.
She turned her back on the girl, not having the confidence to face her after rejecting the offer. "You helped us out. You did. I'm still willing to help you get what you need because of your kindness, but after that I'm afraid you're on your own. If that captain decides to come back, or a different marine, I'm not sure if I'd be able to vouch for you again." Brandy walked over to pick up her bag from the couch, slumping it over her shoulder and heading towards the back. "We'll need to wait a while to make sure there are no straggling marines. I also need a little bit of a rest after all the commotion. In a couple hours we can head down to the market and fetch you those supplies. But, um, whatever your name really is..." She paused by the stairs, looking towards the woman with a saddened face. "... Wherever your travels bring you next, I hope one day you're able to sleep peacefully again."
Brandy would rush up the steps to her room, close the door, and fall backwards onto her bed. She stared up at the ceiling for a while, feeling the tears prickling at her eyes once more before she started fully sobbing.
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78
Pirate
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Lost Lineage
LINEAGE FACTOR
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Navigator/Scholar
PROFESSION
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Strength: 5
Agility: 5
Finesse: 4
Endurance: 3
Willpower: 3
STATS
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Post by Aurora Dawn on Oct 20, 2023 4:26:17 GMT
Aurora didn't feel good about any of this, the guilt wracked her mind. Apathy was preferable to hurt, but for those with skill in the world to not use it was a worse crime. Brandy had trauma, her own story on the high seas that spoke wordlessly from her, but Aurora didn't mutter a word in response, only listening as Brandy's frustration flowed out. Aurora knew it wasn't really because of her, or what she had done in the past, it tied to Brandy in some way. Aurora was curious, why exactly brandy felt the way she did, but Aurora didn't want to intrude that much and curiosity often killed you in the most ironic of ways. She let the girl be for the time being, instead simply nodding, not prying any further, it was best that way, and finishing up what she had pulled out for a snack. As she casually waited she noticed the bag Brandy had on the couch, a piece of parchment poking out from the side. She shouldn't, but it looked like...
As she picked it up her suspicion was confirmed, it was in fact a map. This was convenient, but Aurora figured it was a trap of some kind, she just needed to figure out where Captain Obvious wished for her to go. Naturally the map might have been a gift, but judging by the frustrated state of Brandy it was unlikely the woman had bought her anything out of the kindness of her heart. No, this was yet another troublesome situation brewing, and Aurora felt the air crack with tension, this was only the beginning.
To be continued.
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