OOC: Wow....didn't know a simple hug could be so scandalous. Also, to Persona, not that it matters a whole lot, but for clarification Orpheous is a Human, Thealter is my Hylian for this topic.

IC:

Orpheous was pleased to see the old woman joining them. "Song it is then," he agreed. "Glad to make your acquaintance. I guess I can understand why you're going. Personally, I value knowledge, and it's preservation. If we weren't sailing for Gossip Isle, the next expedition could be decades from now. By then, the old ruins could have been robbed and most importantly, defiled. I'd hate to see that happen."

Then he stood back, against at her rant about the second-in-command. He beat Morgoth to his words. "Our second is Dogura, and some might say he's even more capable than our captain. I personally view them as equals. As for our Zoran captain, he tapped into his life energy, his longevity, to produce an extra bit of power and speed in our most recent fight. Normally, this kind of tactic would cut a year of two out of person's life. His 'Cascade Invocation' was so deep that he could have cut ten to fifteen years off of his life. Right now, he just needs to rest," said the scribe. "Dogura is a Sheikah, like you, and he was held in high regards by our captain, and was treated as a consultant on the voyage."

"Now, if you don't mind, I'll lead you down and show you where your room is, then lead you to the armory," spoke Orpheous, wishing to get her off the topside deck, away from the fighting.

--

Thealter in the meanwhile was almost reduced to tears again. He saw the two girls arguing, and he walked away, to the other side of the deck, looking over the opposite railing. He stood as far as possible from them, and keep his eyes out at dock and sea. Trying to tune them all out. But that's the thing about Hylian ears, or the ears of Sheikahns as well, you really can't tune out sound.

He sighed, listening to how even Sakiko allowed him to just be considered a causality in this argument. Personally, he felt things were repairable with the thief. He wanted to defend her against Sakiko, to try to reason, but realized this was something he had no part in. He just needed to give them their space, and let them 'talk' as 'civilized' people.

Ooc: I had to edit because Arrika can't post anymore tonight, and I'm sure everyone wants to move along with the story of Gossip Isle, and I can't post tomorrow because I'm having oral surgery, and etc...

....curse you ARRIKA BEST FRIEND I WAS HAVING SO MUCH FUN!

...eh hem.

IC: Arrika had always been a mystery, after all these years. Her dark past made her seem, sometimes, as if she was part of another world. She had tried to connect, tried to understand, but she couldn’t. Especially now. She was slightly taken aback when Arrika held up the ring – the remnant of the fateful battle between her and Kobas. She hadn’t forgotten. When she saw Arrika, the thief had seemed to forgotten the friendship between them. She had tried to kill her. Changed? Definitely. And that’s what made her afraid.

Sure, Kobas was killed. But she still wore that ring. She wasn’t over him. Arrika, after the incident, stopped telling her things. That’s why she was even more nervous when she saw Arrika lingering about Alpha; because she had changed…because Sakiko felt that she didn’t know her as she had used to.
Jealous? Yes, she was. But more than that, she was uneasy. She couldn’t predict Arrika’s actions anymore, so she was left to assume things. And so far, her assumptions weren’t very positive.

“Do you want to know what’s pathetic, Arrika?”

Sakiko turned her face slightly, but her eyes were still on Arrika’s face. She hissed,

“You use people. Don’t think that I don’t know. You were going to try and kill Zapheta and me, when you first saw us in Hyrule. But you saw that we could be useful to you when you wanted to confront Kobas. And you used Thealter when you were lonely.”

The Mage’s cold gaze dared Arrika to refute it. She wanted to ask if she was using Alpha for something, but of course the thief wouldn’t answer. And if she did, she would deny it. Maybe she, Sakiko, didn’t deserve Alpha, but did Arrika? If Alpha did actually feel something for the Sheikah girl, she wanted to know if she was even worthy of it. Maybe she was just fooling herself. Maybe she was just jealous and was trying to cover for it with some justification.

Anyhow, this conversation was going nowhere. Before turning to go, Sakiko muttered,

"Think about it carefully, Arrika. Think about it honestly."

She wasn't even sure if she had the right to say that, but she couldn't take back what had come out of her mouth. Sakiko headed toward bed for much needed rest, although she was sure she wasn't going to get any sleep tonight.

Ooc: Yup, yup, Africa. Make sure you use POVs for every document that you use…I think at least four groupings. Anti-imperialism v. imperialism, then motivations for imperialism. Just put economic, social, political… haha it always works.

Oh, and Orph... we were just looking for an excuse to start a cat fight. We've been wanting to have one for awhile.. haha... I think we were going to have a cat fight over Hannah's boots, and at the feast, and etc, but...we haven't had the chance. tee hee. ^_^

Song looked at Orpheous with the strangest look, a patient humour at play. "Do you now? Empathy is a treasure that bites the hand that gives it, just a saying though, empathy is indeed a treasure" She nodded, listening to his explanation, and in time comented. "Defilement could lead to damage; you're correct the knowledge to be gained at Gossip Isle is far greater than anything that could be robbed"

"Do-gu-ra," She spoke it a couple of times, in what seemed to be a variety of ways, though there seemed to be some variants she was testing that sounded identical. Apparently not to her. She seemed to have a pressing question, but didn't follow it. Instead she listened to what had happened to their captain, her expression morphing from concerned to outright horrified. Once again, aside from her changing facial expressions, that shifted and changed with the story, like stirring sands, she had nothing else to give. Finally, with a contented, but still worried nod, she lifted her quarterstaff, indicating she could walk to some degree or another without it. "Just ramps built for a younger generation" She explained with a wink. "Perhaps the armory first; is that not more pressing? I bring only what I have on my person" She adjusted her stance, indicating a series of bags slung on her person. Very well-kept for her age, indeed. "Which is everything, but that is beside the point.."

"Your second is a Sheikahn who speaks by the mind? I was right to call him a wolf, and I find it best to meet wolves before much else"



OOC: ...HA2 Gossip Magazine has a new front cover...

Thanks Orphy, and best of luck with assignments. I had a pointless test today, and over an hour of idly sitting in my chair /after/ finishing. Ended up plaiting and braiding all of my hair until I looked like Medusa; was very bored.

Dogura listened as carefully as he could from the armory. He needed to remain there until everyone had gotten what they wanted, so he could lock it up after everyone had gone. He still able to catch every word; and he had no doubt in his mind that if Alpha was still anywhere on the ship, he'd find the bickering impossible to ignore as well. At this thought he grimaced. I certainly hope Alpha is hiding somewhere on Everbreeze... If he showed up during all of this, he'd verbally rip them to shreds. All the poor guy wanted was to be left alone. Dogura pondered inviting the mage to hide away under the falls with him and Darkin. Nobody ever bothered them there- it was a nice retreat.

* * *

Morgoth stared open mouthed at the fight that was breaking out on deck. They're having a cat-fight over boys? Morgoth thought, completely astounded. They both seemed rather quiet up until now. "So you do have voices..." He muttered under his breath. He simply listened as they babbled on and on. Truth be told, he was tired. He walked past the two and disappeared into the ship's interior. He walked to the end of the long hallway of cabins, and found an empty unused cabin. He tossed up a magical barrier on his door, and plopped down on the bed. Not even bothering to undress, he fell asleep fully clothed on his new bed. It was comfortable...

* * *

William's attention was torn away from Saber when the two girls took their fight out on deck. It appeared that they had quite an audience. William walked towards the two, trying to sort it out. Only he couldn't get a word in edgewise. He eventually smiled awkwardly and returned back to the rim of the ship near Saber. He leaned against the side of the ship, elbows up on the rim. "Women." He simply stated, tilting his head back with a sigh.

ooc: Okay I have nothing IC to say... post pending deletion then.

"Women," He simply stated,

This ^ needed saying. I applaud you.

....-KICKS- I want to delete chuuu.

EDIT:// Apparently I can't delete until 8pm my time. I mean- what the hell?

Fire lanced across his face. Literally.

The burning trident slowly wove its way across his skin, ripping it open and sending its festering magic into the wound. He screamed, writhing in agony, and it was all he could do to keep from fighting back against the torment -- he could feel the power of his attacker pouring into him, infesting him, tainting him to his very core. And he could feel the eyes of those gathered around boring into him, waiting for him to try and save himself. They would kill him in an instant if he did . . . assuming their master did not finish him first.

When at last the blade trailed off at his cheek, the young Sheikah known as Wraith fell back, clawing at the wound as it closed up. Rotting him from the inside out -- if this was not what dying felt like then there was no term to describe it! He collapsed to the ground, screaming into the stone and the carpet, for his willpower had been spent in resisting his desire to resist; it had no strength left to try and dull the pain.

"Now," the beast proclaimed, standing tall over him, "may this curse consume you! Should you ever turn away from the path I grant you, the darkness in your own soul shall prove your destroyer!" The monster and its minions roared in laughter, were still doing so when the boy finally was able to look up again with one blazing eye.

'I will KILL you,' he thought in his rage. 'GANON!'

Of course, he never had.

Link the Hero had risen and stolen that chance away from Alpha, leaving the most important vow of the Sheikah's life unfulfillable. How many times since he'd heard that news had the mage thought to try resurrecting Ganon, if only so he could have his revenge? A foolhardy thought, and one that he'd never act on . . . but at least in his dreams he could imagine the thrill and ecstasy that would come with hurling a thunderstorm's worth of Lightning magic down the throat of the Dark Beast. Thank the goddesses for dreams . . . they alone had sustained him after the Hero had stolen away his one wish . . .

He stood at the rear end of the ship, gazing out across the ocean with eyes that never actually saw the water and clouds before him, with ears that never heard the roar of waves or squawks of seagulls. The maze of his own mind had trapped him once again, memories being drawn back in full force despite his efforts to keep Arrika's question from affecting him. Sometimes he could dismiss such queries; at times like this, though, with battle fatigue moving in on him after several days of disappointment and stress, they were more effective than the Void at removing him from this reality.

As such, he never noticed Song's arrival. Nor did he take note of any of the proceedings going on behind him.

* * *

Yukie, too, didn't have much knowledge of the girls' sudden strugglin'. Like so many of the crew, he'd gone below once the armory was announced, and was still gazin' over the weapons and armor. Some people had taken the items without a second thought . . . they obviously weren't puttin' as much thought as he needed fer this decision. Armor was good; it'd keep 'im alive, but at the cost o' some of the speed he loved so much. The blades were also finely made, but to wield one o' them would require his own swords be sheathed fer good.

He patted the sheaths on his belt; these swords'd been too good to him over the years. To decide to set 'em aside now . . . he weren't gonna do that without a good bit o' thinkin'.

A couple o' times he wondered what the heck the racket was upstairs . . . but if another fight was breakin' out, no doubt he'd start hearing the sounds o' warfare. Til then, he'd take his due time down here.

"Whaddya think, Dogura?" he muttered to the samurai, holdin' up one o' them Steel Cutlasses in comparison with his own tried 'n true blade.

OOC: Figured I'd better interject here and let you all know what's up with my characters throughout all this. For continuity's sake and whatnot. Please, carry on.

"As I thought," thought aloud Orpheous, realizing the true value of Gossip Isle. He chuckled a bit at Song when she called Dogura a wolf. Then again, he had heard something once about Dogura having feral side. It was all probably rumors. "Haha, yes, quite," commented the scribe, Orpheous, as the woman suggested being led to the armory as well. He offered soon led her down below. The cabins were on the way to the armory, and he pointed out an empty on for her to take, before walking into the armory with her, and pointing over to Dogura. "He's your guy," Orpheous smiled.

--

Thealter sighed. Just a stepping stone to all these people. 'Yeah, that's great, you've thrown away Thea, and now you're going to do the same to Alpha.' Even after being discarded, he felt like less than a person. Damn large ears.

Song seemed to not notice the amusement found in the calling of Dogura a wolf. So she sought to explain it. "Amongst the n- -the was that was mine," It sounded ritualistic. "A man was called a wolf in a leadership role, if he was worthy of it; I do not know about the other lines, but I believe it is an eccentricity of my own branch" Orpheous was the type to relish new information, and even as she said it, it occurred to her she must say it, before it crackled out of existence with her own demise. She noted the cabin, and continued following, not swift, but with grace, and eloquence to her steps that suggested swift - to a degree - was a possibility.

Song ducked her head, and waited for him to speak first, though, more accurately it was her place, as an elder. She couldn't be sure of the lines of his tradition, or if they even existed. However, the ducking of her head should tell him regardlessly, that he may speak first. Permission, ritually given.

Alpha wrote:"Whaddya think, Dogura?"

The samurai examined the swords he was holding- it was true that it was much sharper that his current blades. He thought it through before speaking. He approached the Deku and ran his finger along the edge of the cutlass and nodded. "This is one sharp sword. It's finely made too..." He ran his eyes up and down the blade, inspecting it for flaws. "Perfect even. These were probably stolen from a very famous blacksmith. I'll do some research on these weapons when we get back home, but for now these are sharper, and probably sturdier than the blades you're using." The samurai pulled another Cutlass out of a box and tossed it in the air. It flipped 180, and the he caught the sword by the tip, extending the hilt towards Yukie. "I've noticed you're a fan of dual wielding. You'd do best to make sure you can naturally dual wield these without any coordination problems."

Dogura pointed towards the swords at the Deku's belt. "If you've been using those blades all of your life, you're probably very used to their weight and range. A switch in swords will take some getting used to, that is unless of course you're a natural." Dogura pointed to a wooden training dummy across the room. It was a wooden humanoid figure held by chains that connected to a wooden frame around it. "You could test them out over there if you're having trouble making a decision. As a lad, whenever I found a better weapon, I'd get used to it. As you evolve in skill, so must your weapon- even if that involves upgrading to a better style of sword. As for me..." He trailed off as he unsheathed his sword. Ancient lettering was engraved along the blade, and the lettering glowed green for a moment after it was unsheathed. "This is my father's katana. It was forged by two legendary blacksmith who have resided at the top of Death Mountain since the beginning of time." He smiled in pride at the weapon.

"Only those who are strong enough to brave Death Mountain, pass the trials, and climb to the summit are granted a blessed weapon. This particular one will never break, no matter what it strikes. It will also never grow dull, no matter how many strikes against any surface. It is imbued with my father's righteousnesses, allowing no evil to lay hands on the blade. It can only be used for good. It's strong, and lightweight. It is the only weapon for me, no matter what new swords come out." He smiled at the Deku, before the smile quickly faded. "Oh dear, I'm rambling. Sorry about that, Yukie." He apologized before stepping back. "Go ahead and try em' out." Suddenly, an elderly woman came into view. Dogura could only imagine that it was Song, the elderly woman described by Morgoth. Dogura looked her up and down.

"Nice to meet you, Song. My name is Dogura, and until our captain wakes up, I'm in command of this vessel. I understand you bear the eyes of the Sheikah." He smiled, understanding that she could very well be a wealth of information. "Have you ever been to Gossip Isle?" He asked, placing his hands on his hips. "We don't know what dangers await there... But according to research there's never been a single recorded death on that island... And yet some people don't return. Those who do return swear that the missing person never accompanied them to the island in the first place... Weird things go on over there on that island. I just want to be sure you're prepared for it."

* * *

William suddenly remembered that Morgoth had never finished raising the anchor. He was tired of being on this island, and decided to finish the job. He walked over to the crank, and began cranking away until the anchor was fully raised. The boat rocked a few times as it slowly moved away from the docks. "Somebody go get Dogura please? He knows the right direction." William added, as he fiddled with the sails.

OoC: "It works every time". um, NO. I've been getting solid 4's.

IC:

"Think about it carefully, Arrika. Think about it honestly."

The moment Sakiko left, Arrika snarled and punched one of the railings of the ship with her left hand. She attacked the railling again and again, but no matter how hard she hit, the ring was never dented or even scratched. Its indestructability frustrated her, made her want to scream at the world. She drew the new dagger she'd gotten from the armory and stared at her left hand as if it were a foreign object, an enemy to be destroyed. She took a deep breath. She could live without one finger- it wasn't even her thumb, she could still function normally if she tried, still be just as fast at stealing and pickpocketing. If she wore the right kind of gloves, no one would even notice...

Her resolve faltered so quickly that she almost felt ashamed for it, and she made up for it by burying the knife up to the hilt into the mangled wood.

Maybe Saki was right. She hadn't really thought about it- she was the kind of person that lived day-to-day, holding on to every moment. Yes, maybe she'd used Thea. She hadn't wanted to go back to Rhyss' house that night right after she'd stolen that painting. She hadn't wanted to return to the large, creaking house that reeked of dark magic, hadn't wanted to lie sleepless as she often did and listen to the sound of Rhyss' headboard knocking into the wall and Seth's stifled screams.

It hadn't mattered what excuse she gave Rhyss the next day. He always knew, and Seth already had the bruises that next morning to prove it.

She buried her head in her hands. Yes, she could admit she'd used Thea, but it wasn't like he'd been averse to it. Maybe she seemed like she was a terrible person now, but that night, he'd been a completely different man. Confident and even flippant about it, and definitely not one for commitment. So what had happened to him, between that night and now? Whatever it was, it wasn't her fault. She hadn't promised him anything.

The thief exhaled. The sea breeze was cool against her cheek, and the air clean and bright. It calmed her enough to pull the steel dagger out of the railling and realize what a scene she'd caused. She glanced at Alpha once; somehow, thankfully, he didn't seem to be aware of what had just happened.

She went to her room and lowered herself onto the bed gingerly, arranging the pillow so it wouldn't further strain her aching neck. She wasn't using Alpha, as Sakiko was convinced she was. It was a silly claim, ridiculous, even- how in the world could someone take advantage of him? She just wanted someone in her life who wasn't anything like Kobas, someone who could make her forget and feel like she finally did have control over her life.

She scowled. "Using" was such an irritating word, up for your own interpretation. No matter what she did, Sakiko wouldn't be happy, and that was that, and if the cold mage girl was going to insist on being a difficult stick in the mud, she wasn't going to worry herself about it.

Her neck was still slightly swollen and inflamed, and she dug in the bag Seth had given her. She picked up the tin of cream she assumed was to save her skin from the harsh sun, but after a moment's contemplation, smeared a small amount onto her neck. The swelling reduced almost instantly, and she fell back onto the bed with tears pricking the corners of her eyes. So Seth had Seen her and Hannah too. Not for the first time, she missed the little thief.

He knew he had failed. And Alpha even removed himself from the argument completely, what could he be thinking, so alone and isolated near the back? Thealter was tired; tired of being a disappoint, tired of trying to fight this new personality that he become him. He staggered down below deck, to the cabins, before stumbling into his own room, and crawling into his bed. He barely had time to shut and latch the door with his magic before he let the deep sleep overtake him, wiping away all of his stress and self-loathing.

---

Orpheous, in the meanwhile, detected the anchor being put back on the ship, and he could definitely feel the ship beginning to rock. While he was still in the armory, he decided to tell Dogura, who probably also noticed, but it was better to make sure. "The boat's leaving shore," he called out, informing all those in the armory. Then he went back out, back to topside.

"I can make a mean marinara sauce. Why, are you a fan of tomatoes?"

"Not at all. However, you just might make me one."

Sabertache began to think of the cart below deck more fondly, toying with the idea of requesting a few dishes until Michael headed off to do some dirty work. Getting Dogura...great idea! He hadn't talked to Dogura, or anyone else really, nearly enough this entire trip.

Squeezing his eyebrows, he started thinking as hard as possible, "HEY DOGURA HOW ARE YOU DOING. ALSO WE NEED DIRECTIONS."

OOC: you guys are insane

i posted just yesterday and already its buried

when do you sleep and work and go to school and shoot commercials

OoC: Late post is late. I blame the Theater. Saber can relate

IC: As Blind exploded like some sort of gigantic ugly zit, Leth felt his senses start to slip. The battle-rage within him was wearing off, and he was painfully reminded that he was very, very, tired. He managed stay awake long enough to see what happened immediately after the death of Blind, with the creepy mage guy and Dogura and that other soldier guy and whatnot, and then he stumbled into the pirate ship, found a spot that looked comfortable enough to sleep on, and crashed.

They'd wake him up if something important happened. He hoped.

OoC: Bleh, have to go to bed, and didn't want to have to wait another day to post. So yeah. <<;

IC:

It was over.

Letting gravity do its thing, Teal quickly dropped back to floor level, although with his balance slightly off. He landed with his right foot in an odd, unstable position - one not really able to withstand the weight from the rest of his body. Non surprisingly, he found himself tumbling and collapsing on the street, his back against the pavement and his foot twisted and lightly sprained. He did not complain about the sudden pain however; instead, he managed to adopt a makeshift sitting position, using his arms to support his weight. The woodcutter let out a sigh: it was over. He no longer cared about Blind now; the boy knew he had sealed the fell creature's fate - he could claim that much by the way how his axe collided, smashed and gored the monster's eye. He averted his eyes from the gruesome sight that was to follow as the beast died. Not that he would mind watching, mind, but he didn't really see a reason that he should either; the human tilted his head upwards instead, teal-colored eyes gazing the clouds overhead. Lack of adequate response from his body, shallow breathing... there was no doubt about it: he was tired - nay, exhausted.

Not seeing it however, doesn't mean he wasn't able to hear it. Both the Ocean Horror's last cries, as well as the commotion around his employer - apparently named "Taint". But more than hearing it however, Teal could feel it. The blood trickling down his face, the blood that drenched his hands, the blood that inked all his clothes a crimson hue - most of it not even his own. He raised himself to a full sitting position followed by an improvised standing position, his right foot limping slightly. He gazed at the survivors all banding together and discussing... he wasn't too sure. But alas, once again, he did not give it any importance. Slowly, but surely, he walked towards the plaza where celebrations had undergone just the day prior, his back turned against the group. His target was clearly in sight: a small well with a wooden cover above it to shield it from the rain; the village's source of drinkable water. However, such water did not serve solely for drinking, as Teal was about to demonstrate. Ignoring the gazes of onlookers, he threw a wooden bucket inside the well, tied by a rope. Afterwards, he spun a handle, retracting the rope and thus pulling the bucket, now filled with water, back to him. Finally, with one sole motion, he turned the bucket upside down from atop his head, drenching himself in water and cleaning his body from that icky red residue.

And thus, with the limited time he had, he took what could be considered a quick bath.

He felt his nose tickle him slightly as he turned back to face his new, temporary companions, and a sneeze left him. Disregarding the use of a towel - not that he had any to spare - he limped back towards the ship everyone else seemed to be boarding - he had seen his employer being carried inside, so that must mean he was to follow as well. Once again, like before, his hand reached for his pocket and toyed with something inside for a couple of moments. Yes... he would have to address that soon. The boy hastened his pace as much as he could, and boarded the vessel himself.

<center>~*~</center>

The teal-eyed child grabbed the handle of the door, and headed inside the room. It was not too big nor too small - a small lantern overhead, a bed... it had all that was needed and expected of a cabin. It looked fairly deserted - perfect. The human removed his boots and stood up on the bed, on his tiptoes, as he attempted to light the room. Ah... if only he was older and taller... but it was not yet to be. After a couple of attempts, the last one of them finally being successful, he let himself fall onto the bed. Outside, the rest of the crew had continued their discussions over several issues he knew not and cared not; without expending an "excuse me", Teal retreated the scene into an empty cabin he had chosen for himself - a place he could be more at ease. The boy placed the tool of his trade, now smelling a bit like blood - he would have to wash it soon - to the side of his bed, and removed a blue crystal from his pocket - an item he had been fiddling with for a while now. Teal raised himself into a sitting position, both legs crossed, and held the artifact with two hands.

"Father." - he spoke, in his usual monotone voice. As if in response, the crystal - a sapphire, to be exact - lit the room up in several tones of blue, aqua and similar hues. More surprising than that was the voice that echoed back in the youth's mind. "How did it go?" The boy shrugged. "Done." A moment's pause filled the room, before the voice spoke once more. "You did well, Teal. It seems that even after death, Ganon's influence is still great... we must not allow this evil to pervade the land." Eying the gemstone with a nonchalant look, the woodcutter simply responded "Understood". The voice, decidedly from a young adult male, let out a laugh. "You really need to learn to express yourself better, Teal. So, tell me... who are your new friends?" Teal shook his head negatively, then motioned towards the door. "Employer." Another giggle. "Employer it is, then. Well, you've earned some rest, so have fun in your new job. I'll contact you later." The human nodded in response before pocketing the crystal - whose luminosity had since faded - once more.

Finally at peace, the human stretched almost as a reflex, and rested his head on the pillow. A good rest after such a taxing battle - his first, to be exact - would be extremely beneficial. He turned on his side, intent to get some rest, before a sharp pain hit him: that sprain from before apparently hadn't been as light as he had hoped. Teal got up and, not bothering to put on his boots once more, limped his way towards the door, opening it up with one swift motion. He strode outside and paused right in the middle of the corridor. He turned his head to one side, and, finding no-one, turned to the other.

Someone here should know where to get some bandages.

<center>~*~</center>

Somewhere else, someplace far, far distant from the troupe, a young man also stored a sapphire in his pocket. His form was conforted by the soft texture of a sofa, his azure eyes staring directly at an aquarium before him, filled with all kinds of seafaring fauna. "So the Dark Beast intends to interfere once more..." His voice was pensive, his left hand massaging the bridge of his nose. "I'll have to see to it that his influence doesn't extend too much; it would not bode well for my plans..." Getting up, the pointy-eared individual turned his back on the miniature ocean, a grin visible on his visage. "Alas, at least I believe I'll be rewarded with some good data soon..." His grin widened. "I'll be expecting good information from your trip, Teal..."

Yukie nodded at Dogura's many comments -- a good many more than he'd thought the question woulda raised -- before slowly heftin' a pair o' the cutlasses. He tested their weight as he walked over where the dummy stood; they were certainly different from his old companions. Weight 'n balance were off compared to his Deku Swords, but that was ta be expected given they was made o' metal. Still, the uncomfortable feelin' was tiny, as they truly were some good quality blades.

He hefted one o' the cutlasses n' laid the other on the ground. Dual Wieldin' was always nice, but stances tended ta be sturdier when holdin' a single blade. Once he'd gotten 'imself into a good position he lunged forward, firin' off a couple o' quick strikes in a couple seconds' time. He'd thought his movements would be a bit less sure than normal, 'n that was the case -- still, it weren't nearly so bad as he'd expected. As if ta demonstrate that fact ta himself, he dropped the cutlass and grabbed one of his Deku Swords, then struck again.

Probably got a good three more strikes in the same time frame . . .

Still, he couldn't underestimate the extra force he could be puttin' behind some o' them steel blades . . . Yukie sighed a long breath before sheathin' his swords 'n grabbin' the cutlasses. "S'pose I'll spend the day practicin' with these," he said, referring to the pirates' weapons. "See if I can't get some skill with 'em."

He started towards the exit . . . then glanced over at the armor one more time. Most of them heavy suits simply weren't fer him, but this time he spotted the helmets amongst the defensive outfits. With a shrug, he trotted over and grab himself a helmet, one that looked like it musta been made for that pirate Deku -- couldn't've fit any other species, but for Yukie it was nice 'n snug. Then he grabbed another o' the regular helmets. "Fer Alpha, if he wants it," he acknowledged the unasked question.

Now he made his way towards the exit, content with his choices.