Post by Rigel Larrat on Jul 8, 2020 9:45:40 GMT -8
Melissa had dove into battle much faster than Rigel, who was still reeling from his diplomatic catastrophe. He watched Taylor Mosa seek out the archer, Nova, hiding somewhere. The soldiers fought on in her absence. If his words were incapable of settling the dispute, then protecting both groups would require his power. Melissa was strong, she fought with some kind of blade that was difficult to completely make out in the midst of battle. Ganon fought with a kind of grace that dizzied his opponents. The foot soldiers between each group seemed evenly matched, even if the Shandorians were lacking in modernity with their weapons.
One exception to this rule existed. A fast little devil was splitting the formation of the Shandorians single handedly. His hit and run tactics pushed small groups of Shandorians into being surrounded by revolutionaries, swaying the tide of the fight in his party's favor. Rigel couldn't have this being a lopsided battle. Halting his dominance over the field would be an important step in de-escalating the conflict. His path saw him trying to attack the pair of warriors that protected Ganon. The horned fight tried to plunge a knife into one of the warrior's sides, but Rigel stepped into his path, forcing him to dodge a haymaker punch.
"Keep Ko's path clear!" A feminine voice called from above. Rigel looked upwards for a moment to discover where it was coming from. That brown-furred figure he'd spoke with was floating above the battle, shouting commands and directions to the soldiers below her while she glided like a cloud above the carnage. She weaved easily out of the way of arrows and spears with a practiced eye.
"Thanks Cabra!" the horned devil retreated from Rigel, looking to work his influence on the battle elsewhere. The pirate tried to give chase, but was blocked off by a young man with a broadsword, swiping at Rigel's head. He followed the hilt of the sword with his eyes, tracking where it would slash and pierce until his form opened herself to attack. Before the revolutionary could recognize his mistake, Rigel took advantage. He grabbed the collar of the man and introduced, with tremendous force, the guy's nose to Rigel's knee.
Another soldier tried to fend off Rigel and he sense a pattern of interference. Their strategy was coherent and well developed. The Shandorians were just mad. "Protect Ganon from their officers!" Rigel shouted towards Melissa and his guards. "We have to get to Nova quickly!" The second revolutionary swung the butt of his rifle towards Rigel's head and he blocked the clubbing attack, returning an elbow strike that set him gasping for air. "Thunder Cloud!" the voice from above crackled with lightning and summoned a bolt of energy down on Rigel. The electricity struck true and Rigel struggled to keep his wits with so much voltage coursing through his body. The flying squirrel mink had struck lightning down on the battlefield. She was many kinda of dangerous. Her flight needed and a landing and Rigel tracked the path of her flight to find it. He moved to intercept her, shaking off the daze of lightning with some effort. She was moving towards a small cluster of revolutionaries, protecting her landing point. This fight was already taking too long. If the captain returned after slaying Nova, they'd be completely overwhelmed.
30/50 Vigor Remaining 160/150 Stamina Remaining (10 Point bonus from "Lion's Contact")
Summary: Rigel enters the fight and identifies the officers Ko, the horned human, and Cabra, the flying squirrel mink Rigel takes down two revolutionaries Rigel is struck by Cabra's lightning attack
Last Edit: Jul 8, 2020 9:51:28 GMT -8 by Rigel Larrat
Today, had gone form good, too ok, too bad, too worse. Honestly what a fucking shambles this had become. Melissa had taken out three soldiers, yet more kept popping up. She fought back to back with Ganon, while a squad of Shandorian fighters fought with them. One moment they fought, the next they were being sliced open, Melissa could barely keep track of what happened. Some form of blur? Thankfully Rigel seemed to have seen this, and was beginning to take care of the problem. Only for this flying FUCKING squirrel who was surveying the battlefield from above. To top matters off, The woman with the gun, she had gone after the archer. Honestly. They were not prepared for this at all. Especially when LIGHTNING was called down to strike them. Though Rigel stood stong, Melissa grimaced.
An ambush would have been the perfect soloutin to this. These people all had an advantage. They had worked together, their team work was far superior. The mermaid weaved in between attacks, her now blood red blade looking much more menacing than it had been .Miss Devaroux. Given her unique ability, she would eventually be seen as a target. She was plowing down Rev's with simple ease, her training in swordsman ship slowly returning to her upon the battlefield this day. She brought her blade upward. The Rev's were killing Shandorains, the time to allow these people to live was over. Her blade came to seperate one mans head from his shoulder.
Ko, the one horned one would see this. HIs body blurred with great speed, Soon he raked his blades over Melissa's body as she tried to tank her way to were Nova had last been. Her clothing was being cut, but the Mermaid would try to slash at her foe, he proved too quick. Though Melissa realised something. His attacks barely wounded her. "You may be fast horny man, but you don't have the oomph too back it up" she said with a curved smile. If she could hold him here, if she could make him waste his time on her, then that would give someone the time to catch up to Taylor, hopefully they would be able find Nova. So the duo would dance, Melissa wouldn't be able to hit him, she came close every now and again but it just wasn't enough, while he carved at her body, the daggers drawing blood, yet not enough to seemingly cause a decent amount of damage to her for now. Though Melissa wasn't foolish, she knew that he was shaving away at her life. She needed a plan, and she needed it now.
Post by Rigel Larrat on Jul 9, 2020 13:56:25 GMT -8
Rigel could only glance behind him before charging towards Cabra's landing point. The horn headed human looked completely occupied, if not overwhelmed, by Melissa's ability. Her slashes had turned from their clear color to some scarlet, reflecting the destruction and loss this battle was causing. The two pirates had only just arrived to Yoruba, and death had found them far too quickly. Rigel wanted to repel this force soundly and end this battle. Toppling their officers would hopefully do that.
A small group of revolutionaries were protecting Cabra's spot in a semi circle. Rigel considered calling for help from the natives, but held his tongue. Letting the bloodthirsty warriors slip was the same as inciting war between them. Rigel would break through their formation on his own. Two riflemen leveled their guns towards the pirate, intent on keeping him at bay. Rigel couldn't wait for them to miss. If Cabra took flight again, then the whole defending force would be victims of her lightning strikes. The barrels of their guns exploded and Rigel tried to dash through the shots, feeling the cut into his flesh and clothing. It was a small toll to cross this bridge of opponents.
"Cepheus Law!"
One revolutionary was snatched from the defensive line, hurled into another over the pirate's shoulder. Their formation was divided before the squirrel mink could touch down to the ground. They tried to retake the position with desperation and iron in equal measure. A flintlock pistol was raised far too close to Rigel's head, and he slipped past its firing range, snatching his throat and forcing him to the ground, choking and sputtering for air. A second followed the charge with her cutlass, slicing up the air over Rigel's slide past her form. From the ground, he kicked her legs out from under her. Either dazed or stunned, the formation had been broken up just a moment too late.
Cabra found her footing, already enraged at her group having been taken out. "You're not a native to this island. You only wanted to talk things out, flee and I won't follow."
"Funny, I was going to give you that same option," Rigel noted. Negotations had broken down once Taylor and Nova had begun to fight. Cabra and Rigel weren't allowed to be diplomatic any longer, even if both were levelheaded enough to recognize the atrocity. "I'm sorry that it had to come to this. I wanted everybody to get what they wanted." Rigel said honestly, throwing a combination of punches towards the mink.
She deflected or repelled his punches, receiving the combination in capable stride. "You're young. You don't yet understand that's not how the world works. Not everybody can get what they want. That's a fairy tale, a dream land. You must pick a side."
Every strike, she missed, each time, this mans blades raked against her skin, yet he still struggled to get any actual leverage. "That...the best ya got" Melissa said. She was starting too feel the sting of the small attacks that been done to her. Ko was also heavy breathing, though he was untouched. "No one's ever lasted this long, specially a chick" he bragged. "Well, I'll take that as an accomplishment" Melissa said, she was smiling, for the first time since she could remember, she was enjoying the thrill of a fight. She had always disliked fighting, her heart was never in it, but now, ever since that day, she found herself looking forward to battling, though she knew the cosrt of battle slike this were generally ones that ended in death. Perhaps thats why everything eas heightened, knowing that she could be killed. The two continued their game, neither party falling. Ko was now bored of this game.
He sheathed his daggers and drew his short sword. "It's been a pleasure" he said, that same cocky smile upon his face. "Twister Plunge" he said. Melissa felt the wind, the breeze dancing along her body. It felt...nice, somewhat pleasurable until. Pain filled her abdomen. Her eyes widened, the smile upon her face faltered. Looking down, she saw the one horned man, his hand upon a hilt, almost half of the blade had almost vanished within her. The other had sprays of red crimson. "Not enough for a perfect sweep" Ko said grinning. "You're done" he said. Melissa's own sword faltered, the crimson red water dripping from her hands. "Ow.... she said.
Perhaps it was memories of her training with Morgan, or her captains words that echoed into her brain. "If you get hit, always hit em back". Her hand moved before she realised it. With the crimson liquid dripping from her fingers, she shook them, releasing the droplets, much like before these droplets shot forth. Perhaps if she had been thinking, she would have aimed for the mans head and ended this. She did something worse to the man, who pulled his sword too late. As the droplets connected with him, a shot in both of his feet, one in both of his knees and the final shot connected with his upper thigh on his right side, just as he pulled his sword from her abdomen. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH" the two of them screamed in joint pain.
Melissa struggled too stand, her body faltered as she fell to her knee, one hand trying desperatly to put pressure on to her wound. At the same time Ko, was also trying to get back to his feet. The two of them trying to rise. Anger was evident in Ko's face. He screamed in annoyance as he pushed passed the pain too stand. Melissa attempted to do the same, though blood began to trickle from her. "YOU BITCH, YOU TOOK MY LEGS" he screeched in anger. Melissa managed to stand. "Walk it off bud" she said cockily, though her breathing had deepened, and if she had not been wearing make-up her colour would have certainly been drained. She had to end this....she had to halt her bleeding.
Post by Rigel Larrat on Jul 11, 2020 12:02:42 GMT -8
Rigel didn't have anything more to say to Cabra. In some way, she was right. Rigel was fighting for peace, but the contradiction in those words was all too evident. He was fighting for something that was the gone the moment he started fighting. He could've told these Shandorians to flee if he wanted peace, or let Melissa coordinate some ambush if he wanted them to win. His decision had only caused more pain and suffering, and now there was no way to turn it back. Cabra didn't scold him for making that decision. She seemed to pity him.
"Acorn Volt!" A small kernel of electricity, bundled tightly, exploded in a wide flash. Rigel shook off the light from his eyes. Everything was blurry and filled with black spots, impossible to see. The figure that had been Cabra seemed to strafe around him, and he threw a blind punch, lurching across the ground. Taking advantage of his missed strike, Cabra clawed at his outstretched arm, blood and flash scraped away by her sharp strike. Rigel directed his next attack towards where she'd come from, but swung wide again. Cabra clawed at his back, both wounds yelping in pain.
Rigel's vision wasn't returning quickly enough. Everything was just a little too blurry for him to see things clearly. He was helpless. Attacking randomly would just get him punished for his zeal. Instead, Rigel tried to collect himself amidst the chaos of the fighting. The pirate kept still, closing his eyes and removing the distracting, blurry imagery. The sounds of the battle were left behind. The desperation of the Shandorians, a man screaming about his legs, Ganon directing combat, and... someone stepping a little too close. Rigel didn't hesitate. The shock of a blinded man striking with accuracy was surprising enough for Cabra.
"Cepheus Law!" Rigel grabbed the mink by her fur, throwing her body just a few feet high into the air. Even blind, there was no way for him to miss his next attack against the helpless revolutionary. "Cygnus Pluck!" Rigel's spine curled like a whip, timing his punch carefully, and lashing his arm into a fearsome punch that connected with Cabra's sternum. Bones seemed to crack under his knuckles, and the mink slid across the battlefield, garnering the concern of many surrounding soldiers.
Rigel reopened his eyes, upper hand over the squirrel mink. Shandorians cheered for the small victory, no longer needing to be afraid of her lightning from the sky. The revolution's officers were on the backfoot thanks to these strange visitors. The pirate's vision began to come back into focus. It was still a brutal scene, but it was possible to achieve a victory. They were so close.
From outside of everybody's vision, a body fell from the heavens. Limp, lifeless and too familiar. Ganon was the first to recognize the man. "Nova!" The archer had been brutalized. Rigel only saw blood and injury. The woman who had tossed him down to the scene of the battle was welcomed like a hero from half of the battle. Taylor Mosa, hardly a scratch on her had defeated the guardian, and was back to lay waste to the battlefield with her gun.
"No more negotiations!" Taylor would say, cracking her knuckles before taking aim with her heavy machine gun. "Run! You roaches!"
The screams and screeches of the battlefield had all but vanished from both Melissa and Ko's mind. She lost sight of everything but the enemy before them. Was this battle? was this what Gabrielle used to talk about...the thrill of fighting a strong opponent. She must have looked a mess. Blood rapidly flowed from her wound. She pushed her hand against it trying to stem it some more. Ko took his first step, but his legs began to buckle. It looked like Melissa had gotten lucky, she managed to strike them in a vital spot. "I'll....KILL....YOU" the once calm assassin uttered. Funnily enough Melissa's mind flowed back to the days being on board the Red Scarves Vessel. Tyrisha, their own assassin was very similiar to Ko. She wasn't strong, but she was smart and agile, she could move into places others struggled too, and she tried to kill before she was spotted. Yet when she was, her attitude would change, she became volatile and sloppy. Much like Ko was becoming now. Taking a painful breath, Melissa did her best to smirk. "Come and get it"
With movements of her wrists, she summoned her blade once more, much more easier than before, her water skin was already leaking, her hand passed through the spout and her blade protected her once again. The assassin and the Musician looked to one another. Melissa's smile, and Ko's look of utter hatred. He ran, though he was stumbling from the pain. It was obvious to Melissa that he was not used to being injured, that he did not do well with being injured. Melissa on the other hand did not move. She remained where she was, that smile still upon her face. The distance seemed to go on and on as Ko moved. She wondered what went though his mind, she wondered if he felt like his speed was not hindered at all? Yet the look of anguish, and anger in his face was all that Melissa needed to answer her question. The hand that had the sword came up, Bringing her spare hand up, using her arm, she bounced it off inbetween the wrist of his wielding arm, blocking the sword from being able to complete his swing. Ko's facial expressions, his eyes, his twitching mouth. It showed Melissa what she needed to know. He wasn't well trained in blades, not like she had been. He relied on his speed and daggers more so, fighting an opponent who had training, who could take his weaker hits without faltering, had been his downfall.
She did not hesitate, as her hand blocked his, she thrust her own blade of water upwards, in its arc it pierced his flesh. What was strange was, with his contact....Melissa could sense her blade flowing through him, sense the disturbance of his own natural bodily liquids, she could have sworn she could have reached out and touched him as if he were pure water. "You lose". She had almost run him through, so close to his heart, yet she missed on purpose. "TAYLOR" the shouting of the revs brought her back. Kyo's head turned as he coughed blood, before turning back to Melissa. "Y...Y...ou.....lose" "Or do we?" Melissa said as she twisted her blade. He winced....he couldn't contain it anymore as she screamed in utter agony. "THIS MAN. THIS MAN IS STILL ALIVE. PUT YOUR GUN DOWN MADAM. LEAVE IT ON THE GROUND, BACK UP. OR I RIP THROUGH HIS ENTIRE BODY LIKE BUTTER" Melissa shouted. Ko didn't have a lot of time left with this wound, he had already lost the colour in his face, Melissa's blade circulated within him, seemingly drawing his own blood from it. The bleeing woman looked to Taylor. Melissa felt sick, the loss of blood was beginning to take its toll. Her eyes felt heavy. If Taylor did decided to shoot. She would twist Ko's body, using him as a shield, she had already thought that far ahead, but she prayed, that his life was enough for them to halt.
Post by Rigel Larrat on Jul 13, 2020 12:42:03 GMT -8
All the resolve on Taylor's face faltered when she locked eyes with Ko. The officer seemed determined to tell his captain to continue fighting. He wanted her to go on with the conflict and the invasion. He couldn't express it. Her people on the ground were beaten and bloodied. She'd been closed off to negotiations, but her threat was something else entirely. Ganon was tending to Nova in the pause of the battle, and the Shandorians and Revolutionaries both looked to be without leadership. If Ko croaked before Taylor made a decision, then it would be made for her.
"We didn't want anybody to get hurt!" Rigel shouted, taking charge. He needed to be surgically precise with his words. Any misstep and bullets would tear the Shandorians, and Melissa and Rigel to shreds. They'd be helpless. He looked for the right ones. He found Cabra's face, heaving in pain, on the floor of the battle. Her advice rang in Rigel's head. Inaction was not an option. "You're far stronger than these people!" Rigel would say. The natives drew their aggression towards the pirate, the outside. One proud warrior went as far as turning his spear against him, but Rigel didn't flinch. "You have nothing to lose by talking before you start shooting, and everything to lose by doing so!
"I've already seen the incredible resolve of these people. For every ally they lose, their strength seems to double! They're fighting to the last man... because they're defending their home!" Rigel let his words sink in, trying to get them in quick enough. Ko and Nova were both badly injured. "Look around you," Rigel said to the Revolutionary fighters. "Not at the stuff or what it is. Look at it all. It's lived in. Their fingerprints are everywhere."
Rigel's arms swept around the ruins. For a moment, they were hesitant to take their eyes off the natives, but they found themselves drawn in by Rigel's words. They weren't lies. Without the heat of a small war to blur them, the beauty of the temple and the altar and the ruins made themselves known. Delicate carvings sprawled across the dark stone, intricately cut features had been shaved out of the cliff sides, stories and histories and cultures weaved into mix that made them guilty to stain it with blood and iron. Again, their resolve was chipped away.
Taylor would drop her gun. "What are you doing! Medics! Help Ko!" A few members from the force would rush into the downed assassin, hopeful that Melissa would move her blade away from him. "I won't back away. You'll only be wary of us returning tomorrow. Let's settle this conflict today. Now."
Her offer didn't align with Ganon's wishes or with Melissa's threats, but it ended the fighting. He looked to the shaman, who quickly nodded his approval. Rigel looked to Melissa then, bleeding in various places and soaked red. She, standing over Ko, looked like what he'd always imagined the Red Scarf Pirates to look like. If she agreed to Taylor's offer, she could descend down the cliffside, and talks could begin.
Melissa's smug smile faded into a warm smile as Rigel spoke. His words flowed over the fighters, she had to struggle to not turn her blade to them. But if she did, Ko would bleed out. In truth her sword was all that was keeping him alive. With Taylors words, Melissa would look to Ganon. This cease fire would hopefully mean Nova had a fighting chance. "I...." She breathed deeply. "I'll have to...accompany you....or he will bleed out" Melissa said, her eyes located at Taylors. As she did, she helped turn Ko placing her wet hand on his back, manipulating the end of her sword, by condensing the water, she was making a sort of bandaid, to help keep his blood within his body. She began to struggle though, Her breathing was increasingly shallow, she was also desperatly trying to fight the deep tiredness from her own blood loss. If Taylor agreed she would move with Ko.
"Rigel...could you put pressure on this while we walk" she said, her voice shaky. If Rigel were to do so, he would feel that Melissa's entire body was shaking, he would also probably see the scales that lined her body through the torn pieces of clothing. Though she did not address nor did she think about this. Her mind was currently focusing on keeping Ko's wounds from worsening. During the fight, she felt like she had become something else. Someone else. She wasn't sure if she liked that person yet. Sure, her act had allowed for a small lapse, Ko's life had been enough to halt and change the course of this battle. But she didnt think of what would have happened if it hadn't been. Rigel could have died, they all could have. She couldn't think like that though. She could not second guess actions. They had done what they had to do. Though as they walked she would give that warm smile once more to Rigel.
Post by Rigel Larrat on Jul 13, 2020 21:16:24 GMT -8
Rigel watched Melissa and the revolutionary medics struggle to coordinate their movements into some strange, yet helpful ensemble around Ko. Cabra watched on in anxious patience. Taylor had come down from the cliff to more closely monitor progress. Some of the medics began to disperse to other soldiers. One made the mistake of examining Cabra. The squirrel mink swung the nurse off of her, despite her critical injury, pointing the medic towards other soldiers. The Shandorians were beside themselves. They were still in the mindset for a fight, but the atmosphere had completely dispersed.
"We'll just talk with them," Rigel assured the group, slow to lower the sharp edges of their weapons. "I won't abandon you guys until we figure this out." A cough of blood sputtered out from beside Rigel's ankle. Nova was alive. He looked to be in similar condition to Ko. Life and death flirted on his face and breath. "Do you guys have a medic?" Rigel quickly asked.
Ganon would shake his head. "They're all back with the other soldiers and Pachwua. We didn't keep any here!"
Rigel would look out quickly towards the revolutionary crowd. The medics avoided his pleas. They stayed focused on their own people. "A man is going to die!" Rigel barked at them. "Is that not enough for you to help?" The doctors seemed conflicted despite Rigel's words. Cabra grabbed one by the scruff of the neck, throwing her towards Rigel. "Thank you," he quickly said, guiding the reluctant nurse towards Nova, where she slowly went to work, directing Ganon in how to help her save the archer's life. "Thank you," Rigel would say again before moving to Melissa's request.
"You're naive. There's worse crimes to commit than that, Emerald Eyes."
Rigel helped Melissa support Ko's body, delivering him into more proper care under Taylor's supervision. Melissa was far more battered than Rigel. Her skin looked twisted and gnarled. It hardly resembled a human's anymore. Rigel didn't care much for what that meant for the other pirate. He only hoped she'd be okay. "I've got you," he'd tell her. To her praise Rigel would try not to blush. He felt embarrassed being so earnestly complimented. "You did too. You'll have to show me how you did... well any of that after things calm down."
In the aftermath of the battle of the Temple of the Spirit of Dark, it would be surprisingly discovered that there were very few casualties. Those that were injured made full recoveries from the medical team of the Revolutionaries and the Shandorians. It would be a while until some found their feet once more, but they would be alright. What was left was to discuss the actual results of the conflict. It wouldn't happen for a little while, but eventually, at the mouth of the cave that acted as the temple, a small council was held. Ganon, Pachwua, Taylor and Cabra all sat in attendance. Rigel and Melissa had been invited to keep things under control by Cabra and Ganon respectively. Whether or not they could prevent further bloodshed would come down to this fateful talk.
Last Edit: Jul 13, 2020 21:35:16 GMT -8 by Rigel Larrat
Melissa did'nt say too much after Rigel spoke, she had to keep concentrating, with every step and soft slip of Rigels hand, she felt the pain flourish through every single bit of her body, yet they continued. She wouldn't complain and soon they reached the place where they were meant to reach. Eventually Melissa would no longer be needed to help control Ko's wounds as the flurry of medics began to do their work. She was also seen too. "No Peeking" Melissa would say with a gentle smile at Rigel as she was lead into a small medical tent. Her secret was out to the nurses of these people. "I'd appreciate it, if you didn't tell anyone about my....physiology" she would say to them. Though she simply had to trust that they would.
When she was patched up, she had been given new clothing, basic wraps and such, nothing too fantastic, but a woman walking around in destroyed clothing wasn't too great. When she was patched up and dressed, she would head out of the tent to find Rigel. Eventually the duo would be informed of the "talks" having been requested to take part as mediators, too try to keep the peace. "Thats pretty nice of them" she said to Rigel. "We clearly made a mark on them" she said. She would use Rigel as a kind of walking stick, putting some of her weight on him. She had taken a pretty big risk, Ko could have killed her, if it wasn't for his over confidence.
"Do what?" she asked curiously. "Shape water? sword fight?" she queeried. "I could always control water, in a way, It's one of the only things I was really talented at, that and singing. Morgan showed me how to really do stuff like this, Kakua, our swordsman taught me the basics, I'm not pretty good at it yet, If Ko wasn't all speed and had some more strength behind his attacks. I'd have died" she said staring towards the meeting area. "Well. Shall we" she said with a smile.
Post by Rigel Larrat on Jul 14, 2020 15:30:47 GMT -8
"Is that what it was? Shaping water?" Their short trip to the conference was slow going, with Rigel supporting her body along their trip. "You definitely got to teach me how to do that. I'd be like... the best surfer!" Rigel hadn't really seen Melissa used water like a blade, he just thought about the amusing convenience of forming his own waves. The power probably held no end to fun uses. "You were good enough not to die. Which I'd say is good enough, right?"
The atmosphere of the small conference was already tense, even if a single word hadn't been exchanged. It was difficult for anybody to be relaxed, sitting in the same setting where such a fierce battle had just been halted. It felt as though it could resume at any moment. The natives were seated, cross legged on the stone ground. Taylor Mosa had brought for herself a small wooden chair, Cabra a little wooden stool. When Melissa and Rigel arrived, the squirrel mink noticed Melissa's condition and would offer her stool to Melissa, volunteering to sit on the ground should she accept it.
"Rather generous now, aren't you?" Pachwua jabbed. It was not the opening note that Rigel had hoped to start upon. "Sure you don't wanna kill for our seats?" The venom in his words wasn't subtle, nor did the old man want it to be. Ganon thwacked him upside his head, a silent scolding.
Taylor took charge of the conversation. "There's no reason for us all to be coy. Let's be frank about what we want." Nothing about her actions had been any kind of subtle either. "You guys are sitting on a treasure trove of rare materials on this island. You haven't even really been using them right. This cave is made almost entirely of Nguriam. Most sources have maybe a few veins of this metal. This entire cave is coated in it. You see some nice place for praying? I see weapons and armor that will protect and liberate generations of people in the North Blue." Her explanation was well informed. "I want it all."
Pachwua laughed and shouted, "Talking was waste of time! Greedy heretics! Our ancestors mined this rock with their bare hands! We built it as a temple to our great spirit of the Dark! The spirit that sees what we cannot and protects us from the horrors of the night. Our faith keeps us safe. It is not just a prayer."
"Please!" Rigel sensed flames of rage arise from both sides, stamping them out. "Nobody wants to see innocent people get hurt.
"They're murderers, not innocents, if they deprive the revolution of this precious resource to keep away the boogeyman," Taylor declared.
"And you're just violent oppressors to take it by force!" Pachwua retaliated. "That's twice you've insulted my faith now."
This talk was deteriorating quickly. Cabra and Ganon looked like they wanted to get some words in, but couldn't find the space. Taylor and Pachwua were too willful, too combative. Rigel was only feeding it. He needed a minute to think, but he was too focused on keeping their hands off each other's throats. "A little help?" he whispered to Melissa.
You could cut the tension with a knife made of sparkling water, as the duo walked in. A pleasant surprise when the flying mink would offer her seat up to the wounded mermaid. "Thank you" Melissa said with a genuine smile. Taking the stool Melissa would sit, shuffling a little too get comfortable, she would ignore the shamans words to the mink. Eventually finding her sweet spot, she placed her hands upon the table in front of them, crossing them over. How long had it taken to get comfortable, the table had erupted in to assaults of words and tyrades. She had caught the end of Pachwua's first tyrade, though she remained sitting, peaceful, smiling gently. No words escaped her lips. She simply remained.
She would patiently listen to Rigel interrupt them. Though this would be too no avail. His disrupted look, his pleading words would reach her. "You all need to shut the fuck up" she said, placing her head into her hands and rubbing her temple. "Today, I almost slaughtered your ally" she would say this to Cabra, "Yet mere moments ago, you offered me your seat without hesitation because I was wounded. She understands this better than any of you I think. We are not each others enemies. We only want to aid our own allies and protect what we believe is ours." the water bender said.
"I haven't heard much about this revoloutianary army or whatever it is you speak off. But is this really the way they work? Like the marines? Just taking and killing with no regard for life? These people, are new to our lands, they are outgunned and out manned by the sheer volume of chaos that has entered their lives. Settlements all over this land, they protect whats sacred to them and can't call for back up. Not only that, but how much of their home fell from the sky? Was it all of it? or have they just lost their families and friends?. Enter the guns and you just attack them?" Melissa uttered. Though their was no malice in her voice. "Yet explanation is key." she said. If anyone would attempt to speak, she would quickly place a finger over her lips and "Sshhhh" them until they were silenced.
"Your lives have changed forever, unless theres a way we can get you up to the sky once more, but I'm sorry to say, your way of living....it won't work. Not any more. When your world fell things had to change. This island is being hunted by more than just these guys, their are people who want to strip it of all but its dirt. You and I, we can't stop them. Not with spears. Perhaps the devils power that we have heard off? But I'v yet to witness such miracles." Melissa softly spoke. "Compromise and help, thats how this should have been done. You want the Nofulugemablanla" Melissa said, obviously unsure on what it was or how you actually pronounce it to Taylor. "You need to protect your sacred rites and rituals. Compromise. Help one another to better understand your own ways. I'm a pirate. lawless and cruel according to the world. But the world doesnt define me, and it shouldn't define any of you. "You could train them with weapons that you have, and in return they could give you some of their resources. Help each other. Or you might aswell just slaughter one another now....all I know is, I won't be aiding either of you if thats the route you want to take" She said. Sitting back on the stool, she winced. Great, she lost the sweet spot.
Post by Rigel Larrat on Jul 16, 2020 12:04:55 GMT -8
Rigel was so pleased that Melissa could step into the situation. She was calm and methodical in her explanation, and there was little resistance from any party to her words. Taylor bristled at being likened to the marines, but was pulled back from anger by Cabra. Pachwua and Ganon both looked depressed at the reality of their situation. The perspective outside their own that Melissa brought had grounded them outside their emotions. The two shamans also flinched at the mention of a devil's powers, but tried not to reveal any more emotion on that. Rigel couldn't glean much from their reaction.
Her words left both parties in silence. Their was hesitation to set aside all vengeance and feelings. Nobody quite wanted to throw out what had driven them to kill and be killed. "You mined all this rock before, right?" Rigel offered, trying to restart communication between the two parties. Pachwua nodded, hesitantly, at his question. "Then, perhaps, you'd know where to find more of it?"
"There are a few places we know of. Once our ancestors finished construction on the temple, we stopped collecting it. I guess it would still be there," Pachwua would explain. "But we can't just let you go around searching for it!"
The tensions flared again, Pachwua got defensive and Rigel leaped to interrupt the discord. "Then use it!" Rigel interjected. "These guys know how to make weapons and armor and tools from rock that's just sitting there. You could use it to take back the other captured temples across the island. You could use those tools to trade with neighboring islands and prove your value to this world."
Taylor caught on to the gist of things. "If you would help us find some, it would only be natural for us to help you in other ways. The Revolutionary Army is a dedicated corps of liberators," she explained. "For us to have acted like anything else has been a grave error." Taylor and Pachwua had both conceded points. Rigel would glance to Melissa, hopefully, happily. There was opportunity to have actually turned this situation into one of peace. All the bloodshed could be concluded into something that could actually help both parties.
"I understand," Ganon would speak up. "But, there is one thing I must confirm if we're to enter into such an agreement." Rigel felt ready to quench another fire. "If our tribe asked you to leave our home. To leave it empty handed. What would you do?"
"We would leave, ashamed of our behavior on Yoruba." Taylor answered without hesitation. Ganon was relieved at the answer, mostly trusting of her words. Their talks were going well. They would continue to succeed until their successful and peaceful conclusion.
Melissa would sit back. Wincing as she did so. She was no longer needed in this conversation. Her words had done their job, and she would simply allow the others to converse. It would take time thats for sure, but it would seem like a dialouge was being opened. Taylor, had now seen that the way they acted had been foolish and cost lives. Yet Melissa understood why she had done so. She had done this for the cause that she believed to be the greater good. Too stand and fight against those who had wronged her and the world itself. That was interesting too her. She had never heard of an organization like that before. Now though, was not the time to ask about it. The talks would have to be extensive but as she looked back and forth to the groups who now were talking peacefully she would sigh. "It seems our jobs are done...but uh...could I see Ko?" she asked softly. She had been the one to gravely injure him and while others were apologizing she felt that she owed him one as well.
When allowed, Melissa would give a soft bow to the others. "Are you coming?" she would ask Rigel. It was his choice, if he decided to remain and over see the negotations for a little bit longer or if he wished to accompany her. Regardless, Melissa would head off when given permission. She knew were the medical tent was located having already been in there herself. It didn't take too long for her to find it either. Entering she would smile to the nurses. "Is he?" she asked a raised brow granting her face a puzzled look. "He is a awake" a nurse said. Allowing Melissa to stand by his bed. "Here to inspect yer handywork huh?" he said as she struggled to sit up. "Don't get up, you'll open your stitches" she said sitting down. "Whats going on?" Melissa would fill him in on how the negotiations were going before she left. "But I came down, I wanted to say sorry....I started off that fight with we should'nt kill anyone....I killed a lot of your soldiers, It's strange to be forgiven but in times like this I get it, this is new to everyone. But I'm glad your alive...you're the strongest person Iv fought against" "Yeah, I woulda had you too" "If you didn't get cocky, a little training with some weapons and that speed of your's would take just about anyone out" "What about you, that water shit, like holy crap, but also like what the fuck is your skin made off, my daggers felt like they were hitting rock" the duo would converse. Eventually the time to leave would come as Ko needed his rest, but Melissa would kiss his cheek before leaving. "Until we meet again" she said as she left the tent. What would happen now?
Post by Rigel Larrat on Jul 16, 2020 15:19:19 GMT -8
Rigel would decline Melissa's invitation, but the parties in question wouldn't refuse her decision to leave considering her injuries. Rigel felt responsible for much of the situation, and so decided to stay, overseeing the talks. From Ganon's question onward, however, there was little more for him to do. The two sides may not perfectly forgive each other for the loss of life, but they saw eye to eye. Understanding, and respect for their dead pushed them to seek a peaceful mediation, for now. When the talks were ended, they split their separate ways, sure to report on their deals to their parties.
In the wake of all the commotion, the pirate didn't mind some quiet. He mused on the temple itself, trying to explore its depths despite the creeping evening and fading daylight. Someone's uneven footsteps tracked behind him. Rigel turned to see Pachwua. The older shaman waved gently, a little signal of nonaggression. Rigel returned to examining the curve of the building itself. It was soulful and sound. Rigel's appreciation for its construction only expanded as he explored it.
The old man took a seat on a stone bench, watching the pirate comb through the temple. "Worried about what I'll do out here?" Rigel asked, feeling awkward without any conversation.
"Actually, I came here to seek counsel from the spirits. Now I'm just waiting for the outsider to leave." They both laughed at the cruel joke. Rigel stepped away, looking to sit on an adjacent bench. Pachwua didn't resist. "Before our island ended up here," he explained, "I spoke with the spirits here. I've always liked what they've had to say," he explained.
"Pretty grim domain," Rigel responded. "A darkness spirit? That's your favorite?"
Pachwua wagged his finger. "The Spirit of the Dark, is not thought to represent the darkness," he corrected. Rigel cocked an eyebrow. "Our young go through trials based on these spirits. When kids reach a certain age, they are told to find a completely remote, abandoned tract of land at sunset, and seat themselves down. From sunset to sunrise, they must not move from their spot, blinded by the night and forbidden to defend themselves. The Spirit of the Dark is not the darkness. It is the warrior that rises when a situation seems to be lost. It is the knight of faith. The warrior of one's last hope." Pachwua kept his focus on Rigel. "When all plausible options have been exhausted and our common sense leaves us frightened, only then may the Spirit of the Dark make itself known to us."
The words hung in the air for a little bit.
"I guess I can see why you like this place so much," Rigel conceded. They would stay seated there, the night coming to pass over them. Rigel would have to pull himself away to eventually return to their camp on the coastline. EXIT
