--:::------::-------------------⛥--------------------::------:::--- HP: 60/60 Place: Flynn's Ship Company: Flynn Outfit: Black leather pants, half open blouse, black boots, short cloak with his collar hidden under it. Weapons: One handed Sword, Bow, Dagger Status: Unclaimed runaway slave, Currently helping Flynn, Healthy, happy to be back --:::------::-------------------⛥--------------------::------:::---
The feline could only nod as he heard his friend's reply. His mind was still back in the room where the man just got killed pretty much. It wasn't that Ikuto was new to deaths or even murder, especially after poisoning and killing his own master to escape, but to just do it like a sort of display? If they never had to deal with Dai again it would be to soon for the nekomata. But they still had to await the man picking up his weapons sadly. Still it provided Flynn with money, so Ikuto would deal with it. They offered him a place to stay as well and maybe they would leave soon.
That idea seemed even more probable when he heard what the other said about Dai and the feline nodded once more. "I can imagine. And don't worry about it. It is not a part of my life I enjoy reliving, but if it can keep us provided and, more importantly, keep our skins on, then I am happy to provide the little performance." he ensured his friend. It didn't escape the nekomata at all that Flynn was also making quite a wager, harboring what the upper-class would see as a ordinary murderer. Still, knowing that, they still allowed Ikuto to stay.
After this, Ikuto awaited the answer as to what they were exactly going to be busy with. However much to his surprise they weren't going to do anything. The feline couldn't help but chuckle lightly. "You also just wanted to get out of there huh?" Ikuto replied and smiled. It seemed they shared that thought for sure. It hadn't been the most fun time of this day. But they could leave it behind them now and Ikuto pushed himself from the railing back to his feet. "Well I'm glad we are out." the feline admitted.
Of course he was soon distracted when the notion of food came by. His ears perked and he thought about it as Flynn spoke too. "Oh, I completely forgot myself. I don't think we ate much at all." he replied and smiled. It still felt a little weird to be accepting food, but at least he had the feeling he had worked for it, so it made it easier to accept. They both worked hard on those weapons and Ikuto actually had liked the more calm work that actually had a purpose, it gave him a real sense of freedom and independence. "Maybe we can make something together. I always had to do the cooking as well and learned quite a bit of recipes." the feline said. He wouldn't claim he was a good cook, but at least he had been 'acceptable' for his previous master it seemed.
What's taken away is the price they pay. For goodness sake let it fade away. * * *
Flynn smiled at that response. It was good that the other male trusted him so much, even if it hurt a little to make him go through that. “I’d like to keep you having to relive those moments to a minimum though. I’ve survived this long without having to use those tactics right?” He said. “It’s exactly why I hated seeing something like that. I can’t really agree with harm to another without good reasoning.”
It was impossible to think that you could get by in this world without harming someone or someone getting harmed for one reason or another. He knew this even if his morals didn’t align with it. His offensive actions up until now were purely of self-defense. Perhaps, partially because of the acts he was forced to commit before he died that first time.
HE was grateful that the subjects had changed from there though and he was happy to laugh at the felines realization of his own hunger. “Heh, guess ya know how I feel when I get too caught up in work huh?” He smiled warmly and shift to get to his feet. “Don’t mind the help either, my wife did the co-“ He stopped when he heard a voice from below. It snapped him back to the reality that they were still near that unpleasant place.
A deep sigh slipped from Flynn’s throat and he spoke to Ikuto, “Hold that thought.” Before leaning over the railing and looking down below.
Red eye’s examined the creature that wait below, surrounded by the sweet children he hated to leave in such a place. It was lucky for them that he had a soft spot for children if they had managed to do any damage in their time of being playful. However, he didn’t like putting his trust into the larger and unfamiliar creature that accompanied them. There would have been a sense of lack of trust if he hand’t noticed Dai being so busy previously.
He remained up on deck and addressed them from above. “Hoi, I got yer weapons.” He replied and in the friendliest manner he could manage he offered a lick of advice. “Ya might want to remind yer god to hold off on private activities while he’s got guests over. Emotions or no. I ain’t here ta judge. We’ll just be a minute.”
Then he disappeared and pointed Ikuto to the strung up old life boat. “Help me load ‘er up. Client’s waitin’.” There were weapons loaded to a point, but he’d known it was important that they’d rest before completing that task and visiting the Pavillion. The task wouldn’t take long before they could lower it down with the help of a mechanical pulley system Flynn had installed.
* * * Let go of the past, that tore you apart. Embrace this chance for a brand new start.
Who's that?: Ikuto, some big creature Where am I?: My Ship Feeling: a mystery OOC: ... #964B00
--:::------::-------------------⛥--------------------::------:::--- HP: 60/60 Place: Flynn's Ship Company: Flynn, some stranger with kids Outfit: Black leather pants, half open blouse, black boots, short cloak with his collar hidden under it. Weapons: One handed Sword, Bow, Dagger Status: Unclaimed runaway slave, Currently helping Flynn, Healthy --:::------::-------------------⛥--------------------::------:::---
The feline smiled a bit and nodded, secretly grateful that his friend didn't want to use their little charade to often. As easy as it was for him to fall back into the life he had lived for years, it had no good memories attached whatsoever. Just memories of pain and whippings. Ikuto even chuckled a bit when Flynn mentioned knowing how they felt. Before they could get to it however, they were interrupted by a voice from below. The sigh coming from Flynn spoke chapters of how they thought about these people, but the nekomata could merely give a sad smile of understanding as they moved closer to the railing. The curtain on their little act had not yet been drawn.
The feline managed to bite back another chuckle when Flynn gave his reply and added some advice of his own. They weren't alone anymore and it would be bad conduct for him to laugh at something while being supposedly subservient. It would also mirror on Flynn badly if the visitor noticed, so Ikuto's expression revealed nothing but the slave usual for the time being. This man wouldn't be here for long, so it wouldn't take long before they could be themselves again. It was a small sacrifice to make for what the feline experienced as a much calmer and more peaceful life.
Ikuto nodded when Flynn spoke to him and he walked with them to the life boat and started to help the man load it up with the weapons they made. The feline may not be as strong as Flynn with his artificial strength, but he didn't seem much weaker either. Just as easily the nekomata was able to carry more at once than a human would be capable of, which in turn might mean a much faster load up, small issues aside if those happened. As before, Ikuto would follow Flynn's lead, though he did give him a small smile of encouragement at a moment where he was certain only Flynn saw him.
What's taken away is the price they pay. For goodness sake let it fade away. * * *
It didn’t take long for him and the feline to load up the small boat and in the process of doing this he caught the slightest glimpse of a smile from Ikuto. It felt nice to see that, to see the other becoming more comfortable after their time together. Just as quickly as they loaded the small boat up, the metallic shipment was being lowered down to the man who waited for it.
Though Flynn sighed when the man mentioned him not being a master. Sure his personal morals impeded any chance of him being one, but was it really so wrong not to be harsh? He’d met plenty of masters with reasonable demeanors compared to this murderous man named Dai. This alone gave him reason to leave the comfort of the deck and right the statement while the goods were accounted for.
“You’ve got plenty of nerve yourself to be making such accusations slave.” Flynn rebutted as his feet hit the ground after sliding down the rope. “Not all masters are murderous, so I’d suggest you change that attitude before you get you or your little friends killed.” He said bluntly, twirling one of the swords he produced horizontally by its hilt.
This was a threat, and a real one due to the notion that the implication made this place all the more unsafe. The idea of them holding weaponry now made that even more so… so Flynn needed to stand his ground as if he had a hidden army at his back. For all Dai and his men knew, he did. It wasn’t like any of them knew what lie beneath the large ships deck and even he knew there was plenty of space for a reasonably sized crew if he wanted one.
He wasn’t afraid to make an enemy of this man, as it was common enough and was so simple to do in these parts, and he was far from afraid to kill if he was attacked. Of course, he had no reason to kill if not actively threatened.
“We’ll return if Dai is in need of my services again. Take care of them blades.” He said and climbed back up the rope to return to Ikuto and put this place behind them.
When he returned to the deck he smiled at Ikuto and said, “Heh, now that that’s taken care of, how’s about we get outta here and cook up that meal hmm?” It was liberating to be able to leave and find a place of comfort to do such simple things. Well… more comfort than in front of a master’s home at least.
* * * Let go of the past, that tore you apart. Embrace this chance for a brand new start.
Who's that?: Ikuto, some big creature Where am I?: My Ship Feeling: a mystery OOC: ... #964B00
--:::------::-------------------⛥--------------------::------:::--- HP: 60/60 Place: Flynn's Ship Company: Flynn Outfit: Black leather pants, half open blouse, black boots, short cloak with his collar hidden under it. Weapons: One handed Sword, Bow, Dagger Status: Unclaimed runaway slave, Currently helping Flynn, Healthy --:::------::-------------------⛥--------------------::------:::---
The feline actually enjoyed this new pace of life. When he escaped from his master, and inevitably started the life of a fugitive, he hadn't expected to meet many friendly faces. Let alone make a friend. It had been many years since his last free days where he had picked his own tasks and way of life. But it looked like he was finally able to pick it back up, even if he still wasn't back to wandering.
It was for a good reason however. Ikuto wanted to stay put and stay with Flynn while they would have him on the ship. It felt good to consider someone a friend again, a person near whom you could lower your guard if only a little bit. Speaking of guards however, it wasn't a time to lower theirs at this moment. Not with that stranger nearby. To anyone but those that truly knew him for years, which was none of the current present but Flynn due to circumstances, Ikuto truly looked like a slave and a guard.
Sure the cyborg wasn't barking orders or anything, but Ikuto was just obedient. Much like a trained slave and devoted guard. This was also why the feline reacted when he heard the commotion just off the ship. Ikuto ran to the railing placing one foot on it so he could swiftly jump down if he had to and placed his hand on his sword, but he didn't draw it yet. After all, he was to be seen as subordinate to Flynn. The nekomata wouldn't draw any of his weapons unless his friend ordered him to when they had company.
Ikuto just narrowly managed to avoid a chuckle as he saw how the axe wielder was dealing so easily with the other man. His face was expressionless, not showing any of his inner enjoyment. His friend was very right too. On top of that, it was pretty dumb of this person, if they really were what they wanted to be seen as, to not recognize Ikuto as a Nekomata. A lesser demon. This man had no way of knowing if the feline was under a contract or not. A contract would easily explain Ikuto being mellow until the situation demanded otherwise. And of course the feline slept in the hull with the cargo. Ikuto was fine with this, but others that weren't part of their little fellowship could also see that as a sign of his rank.
Once Flynn returned safely to deck, Ikuto finally removed his hand from the sword's sheathe and nodded to his friend with a smile. That was superbly handled. "It would be a pleasure and privilege, my master." the feline said with a bow, just in case they were still being overheard. Though that didn't stop the feline from sneaking Flynn a wink while his bow had him hidden behind the railing and only his friend could see.
If they kept this up, no one could cause them any undue problems. "What is it that you would like me to cook for you?" he asked before adding in a low whisper so only his friend could hear him: "I still remember plenty of Asian cooking if you would like to sample something." and grinned. Of course it was possible they might need to find themselves a shop for a few ingredients, but that really depended on what Flynn had on board.
What's taken away is the price they pay. For goodness sake let it fade away. * * *
Yes, Flynn had taken quite the risk with what he said to the potential threat that seemed to assume exactly what the pirate was trying to pull. He knew that he was far too careful for someone to so easily believe this man if he planned on using this against him, but there was also always the risk of being attacked. Thankfully… it went well enough and the interaction had broken with nothing more than perhaps a scoff.
Flynn couldn’t help but chuckle at the response, though he knew fully why he received the words that he did. They couldn’t possibly know if the other male was out of ear shot. Not without knowing what type of being it was. “That sounds really good actually. Don’t know the last time I had a chance to have something like that.” He said thoughtfully. It wasn’t his favorite food, but it was among them. “Don’t got any meat to mix in there, but we can stop by the markets or go veggie.”
Meat among the other ingredients was hard to come by at a reasonable quality and, of course, tended to spoil much quicker than others. However, there were various other ingredients that could work for the rest of an Asian dish.
“Go start preparations and I’ll start ‘er up.” Flynn said, his voice commanding to keep up the charade but his facial expression being his usual friendly self to assure Ikuto that he wasn’t getting too attached to that role. Then he whispered to add on to make it assume like his friend already knew. “The stuff ya need is mostly in that room near the sleeping area. Only the newer stuff is with the cargo, but I don’t mind ya following me since it’s quieter up ‘ere.” That would at least direct the feline in the right direction if he wanted to get things together while they made their escape. Then the pirate would take his leave and start heading towards the control room to start up the ship. He would wait until Ikuto looked somewhat prepared before starting the ship, no matter which decision the feline made.
* * * Let go of the past, that tore you apart. Embrace this chance for a brand new start.
Who's that?: Ikuto Where am I?: My Ship Feeling: pretty darn good OOC: SORRY IT TOOK SO LONG!!! So feel free to need ingredients or anything else ovo7 #964B00
--:::------::-------------------⛥--------------------::------:::--- HP: 60/60 Place: Flynn's Ship Company: Flynn Outfit: Black leather pants, half open blouse, black boots, short cloak with his collar hidden under it. Weapons: One handed Sword, Bow, Dagger Status: Unclaimed runaway slave, Currently helping Flynn, Healthy --:::------::-------------------⛥--------------------::------:::---
This was all going very well so far. Ikuto could tell that Flynn wasn't comfortable with it much either but it served it's purpose. Though they had no clue what the other man was and if he might have enhanced hearing of sorts, so it was a good idea to keep it up a bit longer until they went on their way. The feline nodded when Flynn mentioned no meat. That was alright since there were plenty of meatless food as well in Asian cooking.
Of course there was a lot of fish dishes but they would have a hard time finding those here. "As you wish, Master." he replied for now. The feline felt sorry for putting his friend through this but it would be the last time for now. When Flynn told him where to look for the ingredients, Ikuto winked at his friend, showing he had understood. Surely they would have enough vegetables, maybe even mushrooms. They could be well kept for a while.
Hearing the other about the engine though he lightly drooped his ears but nodded nonetheless. Perhaps he would get used to it over time. Still, he needed the ingredients still. The nekojin cast a look at the hold but then decided to just act as fast as he could. That said he wasn't even sure where the kitchen was at. Up above hopefully. Ikuto quickly made way to the room next to the sleeping area first so he could look at ingredients.
It made sense to first use the older ingredients after all. The feline quickly looked over at their current food possibilities, gathered the vegetables and some rice and mushrooms he needed for the dishes and then quickly bolted out of the lower area, all the while expecting to hear the loud sound from the engine soon. Ikuto managed to grab most he needed for Shojin Ryori. But perhaps with more eaters they could manage to buy some meat or maybe even fish for well fish. It would be consumed sooner after all.
Once the feline made it back to Flynn, using a smaller barrel to hold all the ingredients, he smiled. "I think I got enough here for making the dish." Ikuto said once they were out of certain earshot. "But perhaps we can get some meat for us later on, or fish of possible." he added considering the options. Once they would maybe be at a spot longer than a day, the feline could do some chores for people as well to help pitch in. For now though they were set. "Where can I cook?" he then asked in a whisper, since he wasn't really known with ship lay-outs.
What's taken away is the price they pay. For goodness sake let it fade away. * * *
The engine roared as it usually did and within minutes the ship was far enough away from the Master’s place of residence to be considered safe… well safe from one problem at least. Flynn didn’t stop the ship. He wanted to move it to somewhere less populated for the time being now that even the inn wasn’t a terribly good place to be.
What Ikuto would find in the hold were actually fairly fresh vegetables, and a variety of them at that. As expected they were deformed to some extent, but their biological makeup compared to their previous forms remained very similar. Despite his need to essentially steal resources from Dante’s lands like the tree the other day, they were actually on good terms with each other. He had a deal with the incubus that if he provided and maintained the weaponry of the northern raiders, that he would be provided food that was grown and favor if the lands ever came into war.
Ikuto approached and Flynn smiled in response. “Perfect!” That was honestly the best news he’d heard all day. There was a bit of hope that the feline had better cooking skills than what he had just to get by. “How about we make up something without for tonight, then work on trying to make that happen after? I need to figure out what’s actually edible in the meat department.” He said, scratching the back of his head as he steered the massive hunk of wooden and metal.
“There’s a kitchen like area down below, but I do the cooking up on deck so the whole place doesn’t get toxic and set fire. There's iron pots and such in a chest down there too.” He gestured towards a small pit made up of rocks and metal that sat next to a cannon.
* * * Let go of the past, that tore you apart. Embrace this chance for a brand new start.
Who's that?: Ikuto Where am I?: My Ship Feeling: pretty darn good OOC: SORRY IT TOOK SO LONG!!! So feel free to need ingredients or anything else ovo7 #964B00
--:::------::-------------------⛥--------------------::------:::--- HP: 60/60 Place: Flynn's Ship Company: Flynn Outfit: Black leather pants, half open blouse, black boots, short cloak with his collar hidden under it. Weapons: Nearby but not in hand Status: Unclaimed runaway slave, Currently helping Flynn, Healthy --:::------::-------------------⛥--------------------::------:::---
At the moment of the engine, Ikuto had only startled a little bit as he had been mentally preparing himself. The sound was still super loud to him, but it was doable and he already had found the ingredients so he could hightail it out. In truth Shojin Ryori was a way of cooking, not as much a single recipe. But since Ikuto really only made one dish of the Shojin tree of recipes he had come to just call it as such.
Seeing the smile on his friend's face pretty much told the feline enough and he chuckled a bit. Luckily he was pretty apt at cooking, since he had to do it more often than not. So that was at least one task he could take upon him and please as well as thank Flynn with. Hearing the other's words the nekojin nodded and then looked at where they were pointing. The ship was level enough. As long as they wouldn't hit unexpected bumps, cooking while on the move shouldn't be a problem.
On top of that the ingredients looked really well compared to what one would expect seeing the landscape around. "That sounds like a good idea. For now I will make a dish without meat, though mushrooms are a good replacement." the feline spoke with some knowledge and smiled. While he spoke, he walked to the cooking area on deck and started setting up. It wasn't a kitchen like he got used to at the manor, but that never stopped Ikuto before. Ikuto didn't need long to find the way to light the fire and begin once he had took off his weapons for now.
The feline memorized the recipe well and for some reason he had always been good at cooking. Even if he had started with roasting meat that the tribe caught. Soon enough Ikuto had already made the sustaining broth and he was adding the last touches and making sure everything was cooked well. After all it wouldn't taste as good otherwise. Since there had been some ingredients he didn't usually use were added in now too, the nekojin made it a regular practice to try the soup and then add whatever was at hand that would make the dish better.
It wasn't extremely luxurious but then they had to do with what they had on board. And it was still a lot more savory than Ikuto had cooked since he gotten to this world. At the same time Ikuto kept an eye on his friend and the time as well as he could by the sky so they wouldn't need to wait to long to eat once they finished steering the ship. It could easily be reheated though. "Dinner is done!" the nekojin said when he finished. If preferred, he would just bring Flynn a bowl of the food so they could eat and steer.
What's taken away is the price they pay. For goodness sake let it fade away. * * *
The area where they stopped wasn’t exactly what you’d call safe… but was there really such a place nowadays? It was because of that that he had made deals with shifty people. Why he made weapons for those who were likely going to use them for evil. This was survival.
The ship stopped somewhere north of the pavilion, comfortably safe between there and raider territory. He couldn’t get close to them until he could explain, and probably lie, to Dante about the incident in the forest days prior… and that would have to happen after those patrolling cooled down and forgot.
He had been watching Ikuto work while he found this somewhat reasonable spot in the landscape, setting the ship next to a large pointed rock face for the slightest bit of cover. It was amazing how skilled the other male was even while they were traveling over such rough and unpredictable terrain. Flynn had to admit he probably would have chopped his finger off if he tried to do that. It was when he saw Ikuto arriving with food that he decided to stop the ship where he did. Flynn walked out of the little room and out onto the deck and stetched his arms over his head.
“Heh, that was fast man! Surprised ya could pull that off with how much the ship was jumping.” He said, taking the bowl. “Thanks.”
It may not have been anything fancy, but it was much better than what he usually pulled off, at least in appearance and smell. He was never fancy and often stuck to just simply cooking a vegetable and eating it rather than trying to put them together… or just ate them raw. Onions weren’t good for that. He appreciated that the feline had put so much work into it and it wasn’t long before he picked up a bent out of shape spoon to try it.
* * * Let go of the past, that tore you apart. Embrace this chance for a brand new start.
Who's that?: Ikuto Where am I?: My Ship Feeling: pretty darn good OOC: ... #964B00
--:::------::-------------------⛥--------------------::------:::--- HP: 60/60 Place: Flynn's Ship Company: Flynn Outfit: Black leather pants, half open blouse, black boots Weapons: - Status: Unclaimed runaway slave, Currently helping Flynn, Healthy --:::------::-------------------⛥--------------------::------:::---
It had been an experience, cooking on the ship with how it went. But the feline understood from his friend he wanted to eat soon, so he was eager to deliver the meal on time. The cutting was the trickiest but the nekomata kept an eye out for longer lasting flat surfaces before cutting. With some improvising, and trial and error, he had managed to make a decent meal. Of course it would be much better once they had some more ingredients if possible and were standing still.
The feline chuckled when he heard Flynn's comment. "Trust me, I noticed. I improvised a lid. It's not like I didn't lose some of the food, but I'll clean it up when we ate." he said and smiled giving the bowl to his new friend. It had been a world apart from cooking at the mansion, quite literally. But in the end, Ikuto would rather cook here than there, in freedom and very much his own person.
Once they were done eating he would find a way to clean up some of the food that spilled and return the ship in it's cleaner condition. It wouldn't be much different from the work he was used to after all. And here he didn't need to anticipate any lashings or beatings if it didn't work out as it should. That alone made the daily jobs more worth it. The feline didn't even bother to grab a spoon. "I hope it will taste you well." he said to Flynn and smiled.
Much like he was used to back at home way back, he kind of drank the soup like meal from the bowl. He'd have to use the utensils once their meals would be more solid though. Nonetheless this meal wouldn't be less satisfying. While he had been cooking and watching the terrain for the most favorable patches Ikuto even had been to busy to really worry about the loud engine that lurked down below.
What's taken away is the price they pay. For goodness sake let it fade away. * * *
Flynn shrugged off the comment that there was a mess. Was there over not a mess when your home traveled the bumpy wastes? Yes there was a sensitivity to “ruining” his ship, but he fully trusted the other male to clean up such things. A stain was nothing compared to a splintering gash in the wood.
As expected, the food wasn’t the most amazing thing in the world due to the resources he could get his hands on, but it was far better than he was used it. A soft smile slid across his lips as the liquid touched his taste buds. It had a delightful taste and Ikuto had managed to prevent it from becoming bland. “Damn, that’s pretty darn good.” He said. “You’ll need to teach me sometime.”
Placing the bowl down, Flynn stood up from his sitting position and looked out into the wastes. The city was far enough away now that it had become a small silhouette in the distance. If he didn’t know any better, he’d consider it peaceful. “Hey Ikuto… What’s it like beyond the raider territories? You’ve been there, right?” He asked, not turning back to the other. He’d always been so curious, and it was so tempting to just run away and try to find real peace if it was even possible.
It was then that he grimaced, though it wasn’t because of the thought or the words that left his lips. It was because of the gnawing pain in his chest that had grown stronger in the passing days. It was a sign that his heart was giving out. A sad fact that he couldn’t burden the other with, but his hand raised and clenched his chest nonetheless. He was running out of time so quickly.
* * * Let go of the past, that tore you apart. Embrace this chance for a brand new start.
Who's that?: Ikuto Where am I?: My Ship Feeling: Oh no... problems. OOC: ... #964B00
--:::------::-------------------⛥--------------------::------:::--- HP: 60/60 Place: Flynn's Ship Company: Flynn Outfit: Black leather pants, half open blouse, black boots, short cloak with his collar hidden under it. Weapons: Nearby, not wearing Status: Unclaimed runaway slave, Currently helping Flynn, Healthy --:::------::-------------------⛥--------------------::------:::---
The feline was glad that Flynn wasn't to upset about him spoiling some broth over the pot while cooking. This may be a ship but it was also a home after all. To them both right now. As for Ikuto, he always did like to keep his home tidy and well looked after. Perhaps a remnant of his prolonged stay in the manor under his cruel master. Same with cooking, it had been literally hit into him. His cooking skill had always been there on the surface, but not until he got beaten everytime he got a recipe even an inch wrong had made sure the feline had took upon himself to learn every recipe he could find.
When Flynn spoke again, the nekomata startled out of his thoughts and looked over to see that his friend had gotten up and was now staring out into the lands around them. "Thank you, I am glad you like it. I had to learn every recipe I was able and actually came to consider cooking almost therapeutic." he replied and smiled a bit as he watched the other's back. Cooking had always allowed him some sort of escape for even just a moment. In the kitchen by himself, without the man looking at him trying to catch him on mistakes.
After a while he finally trusted the feline by himself in the kitchen and that was a fatal mistake of the master. Ikuto still remembered clearly his search in the deep of night for the right poisonous plants and making the poison which he had later added to the man's wine during making dinner. When the man had noticed something was off it had already been to late and he had died a quick but painful death.
Ikuto looked at Flynn once more and tilted his head a bit, his ears twitching slightly. The world beyond the raiders. He hadn't seen much of it. Mostly the forest but that was a raider's was it not? "I am not sure." he softly admitted. "I had only just set foot in this land when I was attacked and eventually overpowered and sold into slavery. After that the man kept me inside most of my time, for years." he spoke as he remembered.
Ikuto hadn't spoken very much about his time as a slave, but he trusted Flynn. They even accepted him nearby and as a friend after finding out he murdered his previous master. Since Flynn wasn't looking at him, the feline was unable to see what he exactly did with his hand but he wasn't aware it was serious. "I may have seen some of it after I escaped, but I went to the forest quite quickly because I knew how to survive there.
From...my past. If you mean the land where I came from, before arriving here, well that is a whole other story." he answered and smiled as he remembered before he continued. "I was born and grew up among a tribe of Nekomata. Or actually several ones in the same forest, though we never did get along. Both hunter tribes there was a constant repute about who owned what part of the forest. I was raised to be a hunter like many others of our kind." he started about the past.
"When I was about eight years old, our family was joined by my little brother and after that it was a constant balance between my fighting, hunting and herbology lessons and watching after my brother." he paused for a moment. It was bittersweet memories. "The forest was alive and green with all sorts of flowers and a few lakes. One that was in our territory and we often went there to swim, fish or dive. But around when I was twelve...we were invaded by a nearby rival tribe, they burned down the entire village, murdered all the tribe members. I happened to be lucky to have been sent away to the forest to hunt some meat.
By the time I returned I just noticed the blaze and saw one of our own talking to the stranger of the other tribe as if they were friends. I didn't stick around and ran off. It can't have been many after that I came upon these lands and curiosity led me to into the hands of the slavers. So I can't really say I saw a lot of it in the precious little time I spend beyond raider territory. Heck when we met I wasn't even aware there were raider groups.
I thought they were just bandits." he admitted and sighed a bit. That had more turned into a history lesson than a reply to the lands beyond. "I can tell you stories and all about the lands where I was born though." he added, they were untainted and pretty wild. Perhaps that was what his friend was looking for.
What's taken away is the price they pay. For goodness sake let it fade away. * * *
What Ikuto said in response to the compliment didn’t feel quite right. While he could understand the idea of such an activity being theripudic, similar to his own work, he knew that skill like that came at a price when it was learned for a master. Flynn had never been owned, but he was no stranger to a master’s treatment when he’d been invited to their homes on a rare occasion. OH, but he didn’t have that heart to mention something potentially painful like that. It was part of the reason why he changed the subject…
The answer to his question however was disappointing. The other male male have known the slightest bit more about the lands beyond, but it wasn’t nearly enough to know it was ‘safe’. Flynn had hopes that the area’s further north might prove to be more safe and free from the hold of the masters of this city. Why? Well because he had so little faith in his ability to find a way to live that he wanted to get the other to safety in his final moments. The world might be cruel these days, but this was the kind of man Flynn tried so hard to continue being.
“I… see.” He said, hand lowering from his chest and crossing over the other. He still wasn’t quite ready to look the other male in the eye in that moment and continued staring off longingly as he listened to the feline’s story.
It was far more elaborate than the story he’d gained before, and he learned more about the lands where this man came from and the way they worked. To be honest, such a place sounded much better than here, even with such a tragic ending.
“You may have lost your tribe to a terrible person, but your home sounds beautiful. Wish I could return ya to the life you had before it was taken away.” He sighed and his body slumped a little.
Flynn was quiet only for a moment before he finally turned. He wore a defeated look on his face that was much different than the kind smile he so often wore. “Ikuto… I don’t know where can be considered safe… hell, the raider territory might be the best bet… but I want to get you somewhere that you won’t be enslaved.”
He brought a hand up to his chest again and clenched his teeth. “I don’t know how much longer I can protect ya…… I’m dying.” There was such hurt welling up in him and his stomach was in knots as he admit the fate that he’d been avoiding for so long.
* * * Let go of the past, that tore you apart. Embrace this chance for a brand new start.
Who's that?: Ikuto Where am I?: My Ship Feeling: It... hurts... OOC: ... #964B00
--:::------::-------------------⛥--------------------::------:::--- HP: 60/60 Place: Flynn's Ship Company: Flynn Outfit: Black leather pants, half open blouse, black boots, short cloak with his collar hidden under it. Weapons: One handed Sword, Bow, Dagger Status: Unclaimed runaway slave, Currently helping Flynn, Healthy --:::------::-------------------⛥--------------------::------:::---
When a moment of silence came between them, Ikuto made use of it by eating the rest of his food. It had only been a short time between them meeting and sitting here today, but the feline had come to like the other. The man was very friendly and perhaps somewhat curious going by the question he had asked. Once Ikuto finished his food he set aside the bowl for now and watched Flynn. He would have cleaned up right then and there, but he wasn't sure if his friend had eaten enough already, so the feline waited. He would clean up everything once certain Flynn wanted no more food.
After he told his story of his past, uncertain if it had been his idea of an answer, lands beyond the raiders, another silence fell but Ikuto wouldn't rush the other. It was shorter than the last, yet somehow Flynn seemed even more downhearted than earlier after commenting about his lands. Had he said to much? When he finally turned around and looked at Ikuto, the feline tilted his head slightly in confusion and wondering. So far he had only seen the other smile, but now they seemed almost downtrodden. This confusion didn't get less when he heard the first words about safety. He was safe now wasn't he? They both were, stronger together than alone.
However the latter didn't come any less as a shock. The feline's ears perked as he looked at Flynn straight and blinked a bit. "What do you mean, how? You look healthy to me." the feline finally said softly, lowering his ears a bit at the news. Of course he had missed the earlier episode where Flynn had been turned away, though he didn't look very comfortable now either. So far the other seemed nothing but strong, especially how he moved about and did the work so far, it was hard to imagine they were dying, but the feline felt like they weren't kidding him. Just how is what he wondered. It hadn't been that long but the nekomata had gotten accustomed to the new company and friendship.
