79
Pirate
|
|
Infamous Lineage
LINEAGE FACTOR
|
|
|
Strength: 5
Agility: 5
Finesse: 4
Endurance: 4
Willpower: 5
STATS
|
|
Post by Bran D. Martell on Oct 20, 2023 6:58:55 GMT
It was night when it happened. If this had been like any other night the sky would have been dark. But Brandy could remember on this particular night, the night her life was torn to shambles, the sky burned.
The small girl hung tightly onto her mother as the woman ran through the streets, being carried in her arms, the girl's yellow fish tail wrapped around her abdomen. She watched with wide pink eyes as the castle that had been her home for her entire life burned in the distance. The fires were as tall as the castle walls themselves, encompassing them in a flickering blanket of flames. The smoke rose from the smoldering remains, wafting into the night sky and turning the moon itself red. In what felt like a mere instance, everything was gone. Her little heart pounded inside her chest, trying to understand what was happening to her home and why it was happening. The Marines had come, there was some angry yelling and fighting, and now they were swarming the island like ants encroaching on an unguarded picnic.
Her mother was bleeding. She could feel the warm liquid staining her clothing and yet, despite the pain she had endured from those bad men's guns, she was trying her best to get them both to safety. But from the sound of wheezing, and her mother's expression growing dimmer, Brandy was unsure if they were going to make it before her body gave in. Thankfully her mom was a very strong woman, so she knew she could do it. She would protect her no matter what. They just had to make it to the shore and then they could swim away, just like her mother had been teaching her during their swimming lessons. They would get away from the bad men before they could do any more harm to either of them.
The woman ducked and weaved through the town's alleyways, stopping at the end of each one as patrols of Marines stormed through with heavy and formulated steps. She would wait for them to pass before carrying on, quickening her pace when she heard the screams of the townsfolk being fired upon. Brandy winced and closed her eyes, not wanting to see the scene fold out in front of her. After what felt like an eternity the two reached the shore, one the Marines had yet to reach with their attack. It was quiet, compared to the horrid shrieks and and crackling fire of the inland, the familiar sound of crashing waves soothing the little girl at least slightly. They were here now, and they could leave this nightmare.
Yet, as they rushed through the sandy beach Brandy could notice her mother's slowing pace. Her breaths were growing weak and heavy, and as soon as her feet hit the surf, she found herself falling forward. Brandy braced for impact, hitting the water and sinking below the surface for a brief moment before she could gather her bearings enough to swim back up. Her head popped out of the ocean, searching for her mother with a worried look before seeing the collapsed woman still on the beach, the tide waving in and around her body. "Mama!" the little girl screamed, swimming over towards the coastline. Hitting the land line Brandy was forced to pull herself up and onto the sand, dragging herself along the thin veil of water towards her mother who remained unmoving. Blood seeped from her bullet wounds, pulling with the motion and the tide and forming faded red streaks in the water.
Once she reached her mother's body Brandy's eyes looked franticly move her, trying to spot any sign of life still there. She pushed down on her mother's body, trying to shake her. "Mama! Please! Wake up, please!" she sobbed.
"B-Bran..." The woman wheezed, her eyes just barely open. "I'm... I'm sorry, I don't think I can carry on."
"No! No! Mama please! Just transform! We can swim out of here together like you said. You just need to transform!"
A light chuckle came from the woman, even if it was pained "my sweet Bran... I'm too weak. Too terribly weak. I can't transform let alone swim... I'm sorry. I'm afraid you'll... Have to leave on your own. Swim. Swim as fast as you can. Leave before they catch you."
Brandy shook her head, holding onto her mother's hand. "I-I'm not leaving you! We'll leave right now, and find a doctor... We need to... We have to! Together!" Holding into her mother's hand Brandy turned to drag the woman, clawing at the went sand in front of her to move them both towards the water. Her mother lied limp as she did, not even having enough energy to fight her daughter's will. Brandy struggled to move, both lacking legs to help push and her mother's weight holding her back. Still, she had the strength of her species, and though it look a lot of her power, with the help of the waves she managed to slide her mother's body into the ocean. Brandy smiled, letting out a small gasp of happiness as she felt her mother's body grow lighter. "See, mama? We did it. We're-" she turned around to face her mother, proud of her accomplishment, only to see her body floating lifelessly on the surface of the water. The blood from her wounds leaked and pooled around her and her child, dying the water red. Brandy's eyes wobbled, tears building up and flowing down her face. "Mama?..." Silence followed for a few seconds, the reality hitting the child all at once in a terrible cry.
"MAMAAAA!"
...
Brandy gasped when she awoke from the nightmare, sweating, her heart pounding so loudly it felt more like a heart attack. Her breaths were quick and short, slowing down as she started to recognize where she was. She brought a hand to her chest, gripping herself to get a hold on reality. Eventually she managed to shake the terrible feeling from her dream, wiping away some remaining tears. The doctor sighed, leaning her head back to look at her ceiling. She hadn't had a nightmare like that in a long time. All the recent events that jogged her memories, something she was less than ecstatic about. She hadn't had them in years and now all of a sudden they were plaguing her once more. Her mind swirled, thinking over the entire thing. It still felt as real as it did that night. "... Mom."
...
It had been a long journey home, but at last the professor saw the landscape of Lantern Island. The duck flapped his wings as he hovered down to the ground, hanging in the air for a few seconds before landing neatly in front of his door. He shook his feathers, tucking his wings to his side. Ah yes, home sweet home. Two days worth of flying tended to tire one out quite a bit. He couldn't wait to kick up his webbed feet and relax for a bit before returning to his work. Briefcase tucked under him the white duck took out a button and pressed it with his beak. A smaller door attached to the larger door opened automatically. He waddled inside, pressing the button again to close it behind him. He took a second to look around briefly, seeing everything was more or less in order before proceeding inward. He stopped by the coatrack, placing his suitcase beside it and taking off the small hat from his head. From there he made his way over to his chair, looking upwards the the small side table beside it. Hm. Lack of food and drink. Very problematic. "Hmph! Leave for two weeks and apprentice grow lazy" he mumbled to himself. "Brandy!?" he called out her name more loudly, his beady black eyes looking for the girl. "Brandy! Where is bread crumb and tea?! Hmm?! Honestly! I ask for one thing after long travel and can't even have that! Should get new apprentice! New apprentice not complacent or sassy. But most importantly new apprentice remember to be courteous to professor after long trip away!"
|
|
78
Pirate
|
|
Lost Lineage
LINEAGE FACTOR
|
|
|
Navigator/Scholar
PROFESSION
|
|
|
Strength: 5
Agility: 5
Finesse: 4
Endurance: 3
Willpower: 3
STATS
|
|
Post by Aurora Dawn on Oct 20, 2023 7:46:37 GMT
The morning had proved fruitful, a good jog around the village, and acquiring a few emergency groceries for the possible guest that was inbound. Aurora had accomplished the task, but the need for so many bread crumbs and exotic tea? Was Brandy secretly an addict of bread and tea and just lying about this guest, the Professor Bill. He was real, but was he really that loving of all things bread and crumb? As the sun rose ever higher into the sky, she made her way back to the abode, the pep in her step less enthusiastic then before. The village was kind enough to build a vessel for her to venture forth with, but it wasn't without the downside of time, something which she secretly worried wasn't on her side anymore. The map provided to the 'village' by the good Captain Obvious held a secret the townsfolk didn't know. Carefully dipping the map in various discrete chemicals compounds revealed the thin layer upon the map, showcased troubling directions. A pirate, one which actual skill and charisma was gather other crews under his flag, forming an organization out in the West Blue. His epitaph read: 'Tiny Terror' Crysis Cringle. He was apparently a fearsome warrior of the sea, having already assaulted one of the local marine bases, killing their captain and eluding the relatively new captain 'Hammerhead' Great Moby.
It was clear to the woman now that Captain Obvious knew Aurora was here, but he hadn't wished to arrest her yet, no he had asked for help in taking care of his dirty work. Was this some kind of sick joke to him? Caught between helping these people again in a different way, saving parts of the seas from the evil reign of pirates where the marines had failed? He was a cruel man, forcing her into a life she had tried to leave, though he was right in one thing, she would help them, if she didn't act and had the power to then the fate of those who died in future invasions would be partially on her shoulders, or at least the desperately repentant soul thought. Emotion told her that was the case, even if rational thought knew it was false, still one can't ignore the health of their heart in this world.
Opening the door to the house Aurora went straight for the kitchen, her new outfit rather nice, it was freeing to finally have casual clothes as her normal outfit was drying from the wash. She remembered yesterday and how Brandy had walked in on the girl waiting for the clothing to dry in her birthday suit and criticizing her for the behavior's before helping her buy more clothes. The real awkward part, in that exchange, for Aurora was when Brandy lent her an outfit and it didn't quite fit in a certain region, she was ashamedly bested. Placing the groceries on the counter Aurora turned around to see a duck in the room. "Uh... hey there little fella, you lost or something?"
|
|
79
Pirate
|
|
Infamous Lineage
LINEAGE FACTOR
|
|
|
Strength: 5
Agility: 5
Finesse: 4
Endurance: 4
Willpower: 5
STATS
|
|
Post by Bran D. Martell on Oct 20, 2023 8:57:22 GMT
Bill turned to look at a figure he hadn't noticed on his way in, blinking at her in question for a few silent moments before he let out surprised gasp. "How rude! Who you calling little?! HM?! Have you know I am average height for duck of my caliber! Not one water reed over five inches!" The professor exclaimed with ruffled feathers, spreading out his wings as if he was waving what would be his arms in the air if he were human. "Who give you right to disrespect a licensed doctor?! Have you know I am certified in over sixty fields of research! What wrong with youth of today!? So ill-mannered and cheeky!" Without leaving the woman time to explain herself Bill grew wide-eyed before they narrowed, only now realizing he didn't even know this girl or what she was doing here. "Wait one moment who are you!? What are you doing in my house?! Intruder?! Humph! Try to steal secret knowledge while I was out?! The nerve! Will show you what happen when mess with the wrong duck!" Running forward Bill would jump at the strange woman and fly straight at her, quacking and thwacking her with his wings.
Brandy laid upon her bed in a groggy state, trying to flush the nightmare from her mind when she began hearing a commotion downstairs. It was at that moment that she remembered what day it was. The professor was due back, and from what she could hear, he had already done so. Angered mumbles and yells sounded throughout the house. A cold sweat came over the mermaid, the chill of he nightmare vanishing and being replaced with another kind of anxiety. She jumped out of bed, not even changing from her night time tank top and shorts before she ran out the door and swing around the corner. She rushed down the stairs, the doctor and Eggplant having the argument coming into view. "Wait! Professor! Stop!" she called out, coming to the landing. "She's not an intruder, that's the woman I told you about! The one who helped us!"
Bill paused his attack when Brandy appeared, having retreated back to fly at her once again. The professor looked up to his apprentice before looking back to the woman. "Oh! I see." He cleared his throat, adjusting his bowtie with a tug of his wing. "Apologizes! Apprentice did not mention you were here. Thought you were pirate who come to steal my findings. Happened before. Pirate now located at bottom of West Blue. Deceased. Anyway!" he looked towards Brandy, his face scrunched. "I see apprentice busy snoozing into late morning. Do not remember teaching her that! Apprentice also forgot my snacks! Appalling!"
Brandy sighed, her voice tired "yeah yeah I know. Sorry. I slept past the time I was meant to. I'll fix your snacks for you so calm down, okay?" The mermaid excused herself to the kitchen, brushing away the sleep from her eyes.
"Hmph! Would hope so! Make some for guest too! Do not completely forget manners!" He watched her leave before turning to the navigator, his little tail bobbing behind him. "So! Guest sit. Talk to professor yes? What should I call you? I dislike eggplant. Horrid food. No good."
|
|
78
Pirate
|
|
Lost Lineage
LINEAGE FACTOR
|
|
|
Navigator/Scholar
PROFESSION
|
|
|
Strength: 5
Agility: 5
Finesse: 4
Endurance: 3
Willpower: 3
STATS
|
|
Post by Aurora Dawn on Oct 22, 2023 19:13:54 GMT
Few individuals can ever say they were attacked by a duck, even fewer still can say a talking duck. If someone have been attacked by a duck they have Aurora's condolences and sympathy as she too has now been attacked by a duck. Perhaps the duck attacks against was more horrific then most, for most ducks cannot insult you while they attack. Once he spoke it clicked in her mind, this was professor Bill, the bread crumbs weren't for brandy trying to lose weight somehow, it was for this duck who was conscious of his weight. Aurora did her best to fend off the attacks from the angry professor, holding back from attacking him, and thankfully that effort paid off as brandy rushed down the stairs in rather bed minded attire, not that Aurora minded the view so much, well what she could enjoy out of it while she was being beaten by a duck. When brandy told him who she was, he stopped, thankfully, she could tell he was holding back and that's what made her nervous, the following mention of dead men drove home that factor, he could always be lying but what if he wasn't? She was just glad she didn't count her chickens too early.
"Don't worry about it, I don't need snacks right now but... right, Brandy I did the shopping, hopefully everything is there!" Aurora semi shouted around the corner so the sleepy woman could hear her clearer. "Right, manners, don't worry about it I didn't say who I was I just surprised to meet you, you are so, not what I expected in the best possible way." She could still feel the pecks and prods from the beak upon her face, ow. Aurora sat down in the chair, though very formally, she didn't wish to rock the boat any longer lest she wade into more treacherous waters. "Eggplant's a fine name? I mean they don't taste that bad. I mean you could call me Violet, or Annoying, or your Majesty, I've been called all sorts of things so I don't really mind any of them, I'm more so curious why you want to talk to me? Surely brandy told you everything about what happened and how it is partially my fault, so sorry about that, but it worked out in the end." Aurora tried to casually steer the conversation towards a lighter tone, but she could guess this tone was going to be killed off rather quickly if the professor had any form of intent. Was Aurora about to get the same treatment Brandy did a day or so ago? She hoped not.
|
|
79
Pirate
|
|
Infamous Lineage
LINEAGE FACTOR
|
|
|
Strength: 5
Agility: 5
Finesse: 4
Endurance: 4
Willpower: 5
STATS
|
|
Post by Bran D. Martell on Oct 22, 2023 21:02:39 GMT
"Nonsense!" Bill spat, waddling over to the the wing chair next to the fireplace and using the steps to the side of it to climb up and plop down on the seat. "Food and drink make conversations better. Better to speak when stomach is full and happy. Therefore words more full with meaning and vigor" as he spoke his little webbed feet seemed to disappear under his body, nestling down into a more comfortable sitting position. Bill looked up towards his guest, humming in question as he looked her over with his beady black eyes. "Hm no. Will not do. Not correct shade of purple to be Violet. Not loud nor crass to be Annoying. And lack of good bloodline or physical genes to be Your Majesty. Will call you Grape. Yes. Easy to digest. Make for wonderful jelly." The navigator was free to make of those comments as she wished, may they be negative or something else. There was no easy discernment from his tone. He was too candid.
The duck wiggled in his place, closing his eyes to feel the warmth of the crackling fireplace before he replied. "I am thankful you saved town. Even if problem was own doing. Apprentice is strong but lacks composure when push come to shove. May not have been better outcome if Grape did not assist. Apprentice's words not mine" he smiled, opening his eyes once more to the navigator. "Yes she tell me everything. But one thing stood out most. Your style. Your technique. It Rokushiki yes? Fire bullets from fingers. Super human prowess..." Bill was not delicate with the delivery, instead he was his straight forward self. "What Cipher Pol member doing all the way out in West Blue hmm? Candle Village is market town. Insignificant. Looking for something perhaps?"
|
|
78
Pirate
|
|
Lost Lineage
LINEAGE FACTOR
|
|
|
Navigator/Scholar
PROFESSION
|
|
|
Strength: 5
Agility: 5
Finesse: 4
Endurance: 3
Willpower: 3
STATS
|
|
Post by Aurora Dawn on Oct 24, 2023 2:00:25 GMT
"Ouch, didn't think ducks could be this rude." Aurora thought to herself as the roasting of her commenced in place of the roast duck. No wonder Brandy was snarky, if this was the man who took her in as his student, she learned the art of sass from him well, much to Auroras detriment. Bitterness ran in her veins, though it wasn't anything serious it was still quite hurtful to hear, seriously you try and listen to a Duck cut you down to size. Unfortunately the harsh words Bill had so casually said were only the beginning of a far more difficult discussion, he really didn't beat around the reeds. He knew about how she fought, that raised quite a few alarm bells.
The most important of which was this, how did a professor/doctor out in the West Blue know about such a hidden style of fighting? He knew far more then he let on, this was really her interrogation.
"You certainly know more then you are letting on..." Aurora bite out, her tone less sarcastic and goofy and more direct, yet respectful, she fell back on her training a bit. "Former member of Cipher Pol. Since you know enough to discern the organization I was from due to how I fight, I suppose you are also aware of what I was apart of within that organization?" her eye brow raised a bit as she crossed her arms, and legs. her stance relaxed but also firm as she leaned backwards a bit, showing she was calm enough to be in control. "I just so happened to pass by, I am looking for something but I doubt you would know about it. I was really looking for a ship and a map so I wouldn't have to steal more ships and could have a vague idea of where I was going, the ship is in the works now should be done sooner rather than later." she sighed, "Tell me Doctor, Brandy said you were at a conference, what kind of conference takes place that many days away from such a place huh? No boat either so you flew, over the calm belt and into the Grand Line perhaps?" She bit back slightly, she wasn't about to be completely bullied no matter how smart this duck was.
|
|
79
Pirate
|
|
Infamous Lineage
LINEAGE FACTOR
|
|
|
Strength: 5
Agility: 5
Finesse: 4
Endurance: 4
Willpower: 5
STATS
|
|
Post by Bran D. Martell on Oct 24, 2023 4:49:44 GMT
Normally someone may have clapped back at the navigator for what she was insinuating, but Bill couldn't help give a sly smile in reply, a slight hint of huffed laughter as he exhaled. "Grape is smarter than anticipated. Good. Very good." He sat back in the chair, thinking to himself for a second. "Hm. Less conference. More gathering of old friends. Conference fancier term. Happens every year. Am not just called professor for no good reason. Research colleagues gather to show previous findings and exchange notes. Members all around world. Hard to do often. Must meet in middle somewhere. Inconvenient. But price must be exchanged for knowledge."
The duck would go silent for a few moments, letting Grape soak in the information. He knew this was not a topic that was easy for her to speak about just from the slight chances of tone and posture, but he also figured she was strong enough to do so anyway. "Cipher Pol not just let anyone go. Alive at least. Surprising you are not dead. Or maybe that is point? AWOL hm? Very interesting. Very hard to pull off. Maybe you also pay price for knowledge. Does not come cheap. Nor is pleasant."
Bill looked off into the fire, keeping his gaze there for a few seconds to watch the flickering flames. "I have request of Grape. Should Grape be interested" he looked back without waiting for a reply, less cold and calculating than before and more warm, a small hint of somber in his beady black eyes. "If leaving and exploring take apprentice with you. Adventuring lonely with only one. Two make better company yes? By sound of calls you two becoming quick friends."
|
|
78
Pirate
|
|
Lost Lineage
LINEAGE FACTOR
|
|
|
Navigator/Scholar
PROFESSION
|
|
|
Strength: 5
Agility: 5
Finesse: 4
Endurance: 3
Willpower: 3
STATS
|
|
Post by Aurora Dawn on Oct 24, 2023 7:32:27 GMT
"I see." the gathering of various colleagues in the middle of nowhere? Sure it could be some kind of scientific conference, but many in this professors line of work were affiliated with the World Government, if they met out in the middle of nowhere then they didn't wish for the World Government to know what they were doing. Aurora didn't voice that concern nor notice, though her furrowed brow as she debated internally about the process was noticeable. She had her suspicions on the matter, and there was only one way to really concern if what the professor had said about the conference held any grip on reality, "Did you happen to see a Professor Hindsight?" Aurora relaxed her tone for a moment as she continued, "I've been acquainted with him in the past, just curious if he is doing okay is all." She'd get a clue to her question if he answered in the positive, though she didn't know if that would be a lie, she doubted this duck was the type, especially because of the way he flapped arounds issues. He didn't lie, he avoided the truth.
"Cipher Pol doesn't let anyone leave them, without a lateral transfer, you are correct. I faked my death, though I suspect the Marine captain, Captain Obvious, who visited the island picked up on the lie." she shuffled herself a bit as she sat more upright and sighed, "On the note of leaving, he left me with a map pointing out some threats in the area if you know how to see the map clearly. He's relying on my conscious to assist in riding the West Blue of some scum. I'd love to have a capable doctor and fighter alongside me, but to take her with me isn't my choice to make, it's hers. I was denied my freedom of choice for as long as I can remember, I'm not about to inflict the same pain on another." Aurora nodded somberly as she became frustrated with her own morals, she'd never wish to drag someone else into hell and back, but some times there wasn't a choice in the matter. Aurora felt she walked a doomed path, company would be nice, but not welcome if it lead to their ruination.
"It would be more dangerous to travel with me then you realize, I'm not a deserter from the 'public' branches of Cipher Pol, if you understand my meaning. Are you still sure you'd even give that blessing?"
|
|
79
Pirate
|
|
Infamous Lineage
LINEAGE FACTOR
|
|
|
Strength: 5
Agility: 5
Finesse: 4
Endurance: 4
Willpower: 5
STATS
|
|
Post by Bran D. Martell on Oct 24, 2023 20:45:32 GMT
Grape would ask the doctor if he had seen a 'Professor Hindsight while at the convention. The duck shrugged. "Perhaps..." Bill answered with a slight smile "professor say hello." As the navigator knew Bill was no liar. He hadn't lied about anything so far. His speech, while direct, was very open and methodical. Like navigating a minefield. Very apparently he was an expert on it, along with many other things. He simply just left out pieces like an incomplete puzzle. If she wanted more answers she would have to find the pieces herself.
Bill let out a sigh, being somewhat dissatisfied by the reply the woman gave him. "People not always make best possible decision for themselves. It why doctors exist to tell rough truth. To tell what their patients need to know to get better. Apprentice is amazing doctor. Smart as myself when it comes to medical research. However lacking in self reflection. Does not know what she needs. Second opinion crucial. Prescription... Travel." Travel did the soul good. Made it stronger. Wiser. Bill may be a highly smart duck, but at the end of the day he was still simply a duck. Brandy needed more than this island in this middle of nowhere, even if she was trying to deny it. She needed more than him and the townsfolk. She needed her own people. "Brandy more involved in all this than Grape thinks. Surely you have sensed it by now yes? Not professor's place to speak on it but she run from something. It hold her back. Grow complacent in small town. Complacency kills. If doctor afraid they make wrong choices. Become doctor of death. Oxymoron."
The duck's face grew more serious. "If Grape thought hiding was good thing she would settle down somewhere and never be heard from again yes? Could do same thing? But Grape is not. Unfinished business to settle soul. Seek answers. Want better life. Everyone deserve that yes?" He closed his eyes again to reflect on his memories, thinking back to when Brandy first came to him. She was broken. She still was broken. Her healing was stagnant. There was only so much he could do for her. If she were to ever get better she would need to move forward herself. "Candle Village merely temporary fix. Band-Aid on bleeding heart. Need to find better cure. Apprentice may object. Will make her listen to reason. Then again if Grape is not willing... Will not push."
Their conversation would be interrupted by Brandy returning from the kitchen, a cup of tea in both hands. She would give one to Grape, and settle the other on in front of the professor. If Grape was observant enough, she would spot some breadcrumbs floating in his tea specifically. "There, done" she sighed, putting her hands on her sides. "Happy?"
"Hpmh! Took long enough! Surprised tea is not cold." Bill reverted back from his warm and thoughtful sate of being to the quack of a professor the navigator had originally scene. The duck dipped his beak into the tea, jolting the tea around as he drank before spitting it out in disgust.
"Blegh! Decaf?! Is apprentice crazy!?" he choked out.
"You know what happens when you drink caffeinated tea, professor. I don't really feel like cleaning that up."
"Prosperous! Professor hate decaf! Point of drink supposed to be energizing!" The professor quacked, throwing the tea cup at Brandy's feet. The liquid spilled out onto the wooden floor, the cup spinning on its curved brim. "Shit tea! Tea brewing skills as bad as doctoring! Make again!"
A red vein pulsated on top of the mermaid's head, grinding her teeth together in annoyance. "You know I didn't think you could get more annoying but today somehow you're just pushing it..." She bent down and picked up the cup, twirling it between her fingers for a few seconds before she threw it at the wall. Smashed porcelain pieces shell in shards onto the floor. "WELL THEN IF I'M SO SHIT MAYBE YOU SHOULD JUST GET A NEW APPRENTICE OR SOMETHING! GET A BETTER ONE THAN ME IF YOU THINK I'M SO BAD!"
"Maybe I will!" The professor bit back. Brandy winced backwards, visibly hurt by his words. The duck looked up to his apprentice with a scrunched up look, his black eyes starring daggers at her. It was a drastic shift from the duck just one minute ago. "Teachings obviously fell on deaf ears! Disrespectful! Dull! Not good enough to be doctor! Never good enough to be doctor ever! Waste of time! Waste of space! Disgrace to medical field!"
Brandy's anger faded with the barrage of insults the professor shot at her like bullets. They pierced her skin, her heart. All she could do for a few moments was look at him with wide and bewildered eyes in complete and utter bafflement. It wasn't until a few silent seconds had passed before time seemed to unfreeze. Brandy's hands twitched and flexed, gripping into a tight fist. Tears threatened to spill from her eyes, gritting her teeth. "H-How could you... How could you say that?!" she cried, trying to push past the sobbing in her voice. "I've practiced every day for so many years! Sacrificed so much! Yet all you do it berate me and tell me I'm horrible! What kind of a teacher is that!? Maybe you're just a shit teacher!"
"Professor the one with degree. Merely being truthful" Bill stated bluntly. "Never be good doctor as you are now. Should give up while ahead. Save both of us time. Quit."
Brandy scanned his eyes silently for a few moments, expression contorted in hurt and confusion as she searched for answers on the duck's face. There was nothing but a cold wall. The mermaid disconnected their eye contact, turning her back on him. "Fine. Whatever" were the only words she spoke, stomping to the back of the house, opening a door, and slamming it shut behind her.
Bill turned back to Grape after watching her leave.
"Your choice. If Obvious trusts you I hold no qualms. You have blessing. Go. Make choice before apprentice become too upset to listen."
|
|
78
Pirate
|
|
Lost Lineage
LINEAGE FACTOR
|
|
|
Navigator/Scholar
PROFESSION
|
|
|
Strength: 5
Agility: 5
Finesse: 4
Endurance: 3
Willpower: 3
STATS
|
|
Post by Aurora Dawn on Oct 24, 2023 23:21:46 GMT
Aurora wasn't one to gossip much, in fact she typically avoided such talk it didn't do any good to hear such rumors and speculation and only clouded your mind when seeking the truth, but right here in this moment she couldn't help it, the tea was literally spilled in front of her. If Aurora thought her mental wounds were harsh from the duck, the thrashing she witnessed was akin to a buster call to self confidence. Aurora sat silently, sipping the tea ever so gently, it was prepared rather well Brandy clearly having practiced making such a blend many times this harshness was just Bills method of removing Brandy from the island, or trying to. It could work in some sense of the word, though the real push would be Aurora herself making the notion, though with how Brandy acted towards her would she even want to tag along? Huh, maybe the push by Bill would be enough. As brandy stormed off Aurora pondered for a moment before resigning herself to a decision.
"I can see you know more about her then me, if you think it's for the best I can't argue with you. I'll try to keep her safe as best I can, but the world is cruel professor." Aurora put down her tea as she finished it off, standing up but before the purple haired girl walked out of the room she paused, "Aside from my personal quest out here in the West Blue I'm looking for something else, something that is the reason I went AWOL in the first place, the truth." she stilled herself, "One hundred years of history, gone from the world, I know it's important, I've killed enough people for the World Government to know it is, that's my dream and my repentance for the lives I've taken. I thought it only fair to tell you, you put a lot of trust into me." She didn't turn around just walked out of the room, and followed off to where Brandy had run to.
Walking up to the spot Brandy was sulking in, Aurora calmly kept her hands in her pockets as she yawned, "What a day huh? Didn't know ducks could be so rude, guess the professor isn't all he is quacked up to be." Aurora cleared her throat in a nervous sort of way, the joke landing horribly but hopefully breaking some tension, "Say uh, you know he didn't mean all of that, right? he just cares, but I don't think he'll teach you anything else, if anything that yelling sounded like a graduation. Reminds me of when my superior told me off and said I had to do everything on my own, we're ready to march out in the world, no need to follow them anymore." Aurora shrugged, "What I am saying is, you aren't bound to this village anymore, and I'll have a boat ready in a day or so if you would want to take a journey, I already know the next destination, that map was a life saver, sorry you had to go through hell to get it." she cracked a feint smile, "What do you say? fancy an Adventure?"
|
|
79
Pirate
|
|
Infamous Lineage
LINEAGE FACTOR
|
|
|
Strength: 5
Agility: 5
Finesse: 4
Endurance: 4
Willpower: 5
STATS
|
|
Post by Bran D. Martell on Oct 25, 2023 5:45:28 GMT
Bill watched with careful eyes as Grape rose from her seat to follow Brandy out. Before she did however she paused, revealing apart of her reasoning for leaving Cipher Pol in the first place. Curiosity. Repentance. Knowledge. The Void Century. Quite curious indeed. "I see" he spoke, watching her leave through the door. "Happy to see youth question world around them. Maybe there still hope after all."
Meanwhile Brandy had found a spot on the back porch to sulk in, curled up in a ball with her knees tucked under her chest and arms slumped over them. Her forehead pressed downward onto her arms, hiding her face from the woman who opened the back door approached her. The doctor didn't move an inch, not even from the bad pun, instead allowing the navigator to speak her mind before she reacted in any way. "Yeah right. Sounded more like a layoff to me" she sniffled, finally lifting her face up and running an arm across her eyes to rid herself of any tear trails. Her tone sounded a bit happier, almost laughing with her words, although some of that could be chalked up to a bit of coping or bitterness. "This isn't the first time he's tried to make me leave. Says I need to see the world or some shit like that. Yeah well newsflash I've already seen it. Not really missing much other than more pain and misery. I already get enough of that here too." She slammed a fist into the house wall "maybe I should open my own clinic, give him a run for his money. See who's the shit doctor then!" She yelled, just loud enough for the professor to hear if he was bothering to listen in at all.
She turned back towards Eggplant, shaking her head with a chuckle. "You want me to go with you? Well, I am out of a job now I guess. But..." She paused, eyes shifting towards the floor as a somber air took hold once more. "... I... I don't know. I don't know if I can. Not again. Besides there's a whole bunch of people you could hire that'd be more help than me. Like mercenaries or something. Why me? I'm nothing special. You heard him, I'm just a disgrace." She'd say she was flattered that the navigator would even ask, but all she could think of was the ones who had been lost. Her island. Her family. Her friends. She didn't know if she could do that all over again, or if she was capable of even trying.
|
|
78
Pirate
|
|
Lost Lineage
LINEAGE FACTOR
|
|
|
Navigator/Scholar
PROFESSION
|
|
|
Strength: 5
Agility: 5
Finesse: 4
Endurance: 3
Willpower: 3
STATS
|
|
Post by Aurora Dawn on Oct 25, 2023 6:25:06 GMT
Heavy atmosphere, not a rain drop in high but there was a high pressure system in the form of Aurora having to plan out her next words. "Oh boy, I'm not that good at this. Aurora resigned as she sat down on the porch next to Brandy and merely looked up towards the sky. "Look, believe what you want to believe I guess. Shit doctor aside you were good in a fight, you battled against a guy whose been at pirating for potentially years without trying much." Aurora noted as she smirked a bit before shifting to a more somber tone. "No, wait that's not a good thing to say, I mean you must have good medical knowledge to be able to hurt him that... let me start over." She took a long pause, the chill breeze washing over the space, the wind blowing ever so calmly.
"My name's Aurora Dawn, traitor to the World Government, a unit called Cipher Pole No. 9. I'm an orphan who was trained to kill people since I was a children and have taken the lives of twenty three people who didn't deserve it, all in the name of the World Government. I've seen people enslaved for no reason beyond a whim, and an island put to the torch. I found a trace to who I believe to be my long dead father and am discovered a key and am trying to find out what it unlocks that was so important to him, probably treasure as he was a pirate. I faked my death when I refused to add to that death count and ran all the way to the West Blue in search of the treasure, and knowledge of events that the World Government wants to keep hidden."
Aurora turned towards Brandy with an absolutory stupid smile on her face as her words dribbled with self destructive sarcasm, "So if anyone here isn't anything special or shit it's me. I should just give up, maybe drown myself or eat some lead, but if I did that then everyone I've killed will have truly died for nothing, and all the pain and suffering I've seen and experienced would be pointless to, I'd have wasted everything. I'm not saying you have to come with me, it'll be dangerous, suicidal, and we will end up on the wrong side of the law at some point, but if either of us stay here, give up on what can move us forward well, I don't know about you but I might as well have stayed where I was in the first place then." Aurora's face was gentle and warm but also slightly sad as she kept her hands in her pockets to keep as comfortable as possible with her body movements, "the choice is yours though, even though we've known each other for just a few days you were handy to have around, and you handled Obvious well, you can handle whatever is out here on these seas at least and besides, do you really want to get yelled at by a duck all day? I've spent maybe half an hour with a guy and I already want to roast him up for dinner, don't think I haven't been eying up those lemon trees!" She laughed a little, trying to regain a lighter composure and tone, though the whole conversation had her on edge, she gave away a lot and was really betting on Brandy joining up with her, but what was life but a series of risks and sometimes you had to play your hand on a bluff and a prayer rather then logic.
|
|
79
Pirate
|
|
Infamous Lineage
LINEAGE FACTOR
|
|
|
Strength: 5
Agility: 5
Finesse: 4
Endurance: 4
Willpower: 5
STATS
|
|
Post by Bran D. Martell on Oct 25, 2023 7:35:21 GMT
Honestly just listening to the woman trying to comfort her was almost enough to break her out of the somberly state. She kept at it, starting a sentence only to give up half way and try something else when she was doing the complete opposite of what she wanted to achieve. If she wanted to become a comedian she would have certainly gotten the job by now. Only what she revealed next was... Less than comedic. Actually, it was pretty serious and sad. Brandy's eyes settled on Aurora as she explained her history, watching her facial expressions shift and change as she did. She was trying to hold back on being too depressing, but given the story's containments it was hard to do so, and even the doctor couldn't blame her for being hesitant to talk about it. Growing up as an orphan, never knowing your family, and then being put to work to kill people. She couldn't even imagine that kind of life it was such a foreign and outlandish concept. It was almost like a story. "Oh... Well... damn" Brandy rubbed the back of her head, unsure of what to even say to that. "That's rough. I don't think I can beat that. I'd even call fabrication but given the fact that everything else you've said has ended up as the truth I'm inclined to believe you. So that's why you were so against killing the pirates... Makes sense. I couldn't imagine living a life like that. I heal people's lives, not take them away. To think the government has organizations like that... Can't say I'm surprised, but still. It's horrible." It all made sense now, the hesitation to speak on any of this. It wasn't exactly a past to be proud of. Still, despite everything she was moving forward. To move from her past into someone new. It was the only way to honor those who had been lost along the way.
The mermaid looked down, holding her legs closer. She thought about her mother, her father, her people. How would they feel if they knew she was standing still, refusing to move forward? Her family, her lineage was all about looking towards a brighter future. For generations the Martells had stared oppression in the face and bowed to no one, and here she was hiding in the shadows. They'd be rolling in their graves. Was that any way to treat their memories? To treat their sacrifices?
Brandy pushed herself up and rose to her feet suddenly, raising her arms out upwards in a stretch with a sigh.
"Well, I guess I don't have much of a choice now do I? You told me your name. Shame. I know too much. Oh well there goes my quiet village life." She turned around to Aurora, crossing her arms over her chest, the sadness from before faded and now standing before the navigator was a girl with fire in her eyes. "I'll need to move on then, yeah? At least for a while. Maybe I'll even find a new island to put a clinic on. Market here's full anyway. Luckily, seems I know a pretty good navigator to show me around" she smiled, reaching out a hand for the woman to take ahold of if she wished for some assistance in getting up. "Right, Aurora?"
|
|
78
Pirate
|
|
Lost Lineage
LINEAGE FACTOR
|
|
|
Navigator/Scholar
PROFESSION
|
|
|
Strength: 5
Agility: 5
Finesse: 4
Endurance: 3
Willpower: 3
STATS
|
|
Post by Aurora Dawn on Oct 25, 2023 18:09:21 GMT
The gamble had paid off, she came out ahead. Telling the truth could have been far more damaging then telling a simple lie, but Aurora couldn't ask someone to give up what they had and travel with her if she lied, that's not how the world should work in her mind. A naive desire that was shattered every day, but it wouldn't be her reality anymore, she'd be better then them even if it cost her dearly. Aurora stood up as Brandy mentioned how she just had to leave now to help Brandy up from her somber position on the porch. "Yeah, I suppose you can't, alright Brandy, let's go get into some trouble."
A few days later...
Aurora stood on the sailboat and felt the cooling sea breeze waft over her. It was a beautiful to set sail, the inventory on the ship was fully stocked and they had their next destination, Spice Island. She heard they were famous for their entree's and their exotic flavors, and the girl was excited for it, tis the season for her to experience something new and exciting after all. Sitting above deck and running the last of the checks she confidently smiled as her hands were placed upon her hip, "She's good to go." of course what was a voyage without any kind of companion, and shouting towards the lower deck Aurora excitedly rang out, "We're all ready up here! Shall we set sail!?"
|
|
79
Pirate
|
|
Infamous Lineage
LINEAGE FACTOR
|
|
|
Strength: 5
Agility: 5
Finesse: 4
Endurance: 4
Willpower: 5
STATS
|
|
Post by Bran D. Martell on Oct 26, 2023 5:59:16 GMT
A few hours earlier...
Brandy was preparing for the long journey ahead of them, holding a list in front of her as she checked over their boxes of supplies held below in the ship's hold. Food, water, clothing, repair tools, survival gear, medication- it was a lot to take it and keep track of. She often caught herself double checking over everything just to be on the safe side. It would be their luck if they departed and suddenly found themselves scrounging around for something small only to realize they hadn't packed it while in the middle of an empty ocean. Well, maybe for Aurora is was less of a big deal. The girl didn't have a lot to begin with, merely the clothes on her back. Brandy in the other hand had to pack her whole life into this small space. It was a bit of a taxing task.
Checking off another box with her pen the doctor heard a small thump behind her. She turned around to see the professor standing there staring at her, a large medical bag newly plopped down onto one of the boxes. "Doctor forget something" he quacked "very important. Not real doctor without it." The bag in question was one Brandy recognized very well. It was Bill's own medical bag that he had carried around with him ever since she could remember. Well, less him carrying it around and more she had to carry it for him because it was almost as big as he was, but that was besides the point. It was his own bag, and he was trying to give it to her. Brandy looked at him for a few seconds before turning back to the boxes.
"Funny. I thought I wasn't a doctor. I seem to remember being fired."
"Almost fired" Bill corrected. "Apprentice make correct choice. Final exam. Earned a ninety. A minus. Would have been higher if not for uncaffeinated tea." The duck smiled "professor have nothing left to teach. Apprentice graduated. No longer apprentice. Doctor. Bag proof of accomplishment."
Brandy laughed, looking back to the duck with a raised eyebrow. "My final exam was deciding to leave? Seems odd."
"Doctor was trained by talking duck and says final exam was strange? Hmph. Doctor lack self-awareness."
Brandy shrugged, realizing the stupidity of that statement. "Fair. Still professor that's your bag. Wont you need it?"
The professor shook his head. "Will find new bag. Many of them in world. Maybe one duck-sized. This bag one of a kind. Needs passing down when earned. Better than piece of paper with scribbled ink yes? Lack hands. Would be tricky and unreadable." Bill waddled up to Brandy, his head held high to look her in the eyes. "I am proud of Brandy. Learned a lot. Very impressive student. Will not miss back sass or quick temper. Will miss our talks and companionship. It was pleasure being your teacher."
Brandy was taken aback by the professor's sudden praising. Not that this was an unfamiliar side to Bill. Despite his calculating and direct nature he could be very compassionate when the situation called for it. Rather it was just a strange idea in general, her leaving his care and being a real doctor now. It was new. Hopefully as time went on she would get used to the thought. "Professor..." Brandy breathed out, realizing this would be the last conversation they would share for a while. The duck had been there for her when she was dying. He had also been the one to lift her back up when she needed it most. Now she was leaving, a pang of bitter sadness weighting her heart down. The doctor bent down, wrapping her arms around the duck. Bill was caught off guard at first, hesitating for a second before returning it with a content expression. "Thank you, for everything."
...
Brandy finished up checking all their supplies, said her goodbyes, and was now ready for whatever adventure lied ahead for them. The sun was high in the sky above them. It was time to go. Closing up the last barrel Brandy walked over to the hole leading to the lower deck, closing one eye to look upwards towards Aurora. "Aye aye captain!" She shouted back to her.
The mermaid climbed up the ladder to the upper deck, releasing the knot tying up the mast's sails. The white canvases fluttered down, holding back against the wind's movements. The anchor lifted. The ship began to move. Brandy walked over towards the back of the boat, leaning over the edge. The townsfolk had gathered to watch them leave on the dock, lined up. Some were cheering, others were crying. It was emotional indeed. She had known all of these people for so long, and now she was having to say goodbye. She would be lying if she said she wasn't a bit sad. But she had hid for too long. It was time for her to move forward, and leave Lantern Island goodbye. Though her heart was heavy she pushed a smile to her lips, giving them some tear-filled waves. "Good-bye everyone! I'll miss you all! I'll come back and visit, I swear!"
...
On the dock Bill watched as his apprentice bid them all a fair well. Auburn and the mayor stood next to him, turning to the duck suddenly when they heard a sniffle. His black eyes were watering.
"Professor? Are you crying?" Auburn asked in her usual deadpan tone.
"Hpmh! Nonsense!" The professor shouted, his feathers becoming ruffled as he sniffled back his tears. "Professor doesn't cry. It merely irritation from allergies. Hay fever season." he stated, wiping his wing across his eye.
"But it's not-" Auburn tried to argue with him, but got an elbow to the shoulder by the mayor who simply cleared his throat in a cough. He too had tears running down his face.
"Oh." She paused after the realization, taking out two handkerchiefs from her pockets for the two men. "So it is."
...
Brandy watched as the island grew smaller and smaller, the breeze ruffling her hair. It was easy to forget just how small Lantern Island was compared to the ocean. It was a mere speck in a gigantic pool of water. In a way, it made her feel small too. Insignificant. She had been silent since the boat began to move, taking in the last remaining hints of land before it was out of her eyesight. Seagulls cawed from above, swirling around the sails in the breeze.
Finally, after a while, she spoke up, though didn't remove her gaze from its fixation. "Aurora? Do you know anything about an island by the name of Sirona Haven?"
|
|
