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 Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2024 3:00 pm
At first Imani had thought that docking in Talrise last month wasn’t the worst since it gave the crew time to refresh on supplies, but that was before the awkward feeling settled over the empty bed in his cabin. The very sight made Imani’s lips press tightly into a line of disappointment, the hybrid still trying to adapt to the missing presence of his sibling. He wasn’t certain how the fighting had started, but the presence of the Maokai sailor who had caused such a ruckus had pushed Endellion to make a decision that did not settle well with most on the ship. Especially with the wildcard who was constantly picking fights with anyone who looked at him in the wrong way along the docks, Ronan coming back with more bruises and cuts than ever before. Not that Imani could blame him in a sense; even he was feeling a bit more reckless than before when he once had the calmest energy of their little group growing up. From feeling sick with worry to the point that he couldn’t stomach a meal to feeling a burning frustration that ended up with scrapped pieces of maps being scattered across the cabin floor, it was a tangled mess of emotions that was for certain. His own parents had their reserved reactions, his father moving from port to port to try to get more information while his mother clenched tightly at her crossbow once more. She had expressed faith to allow his sibling to take this chance to explore when the topic was initially brought up, but there was something in the hard glint of that golden gaze that proved even Chrys was feeling conflicted about the whole situation. And so they had lingered in Belrea for a bit longer than expected, not going straight towards Kahi as originally planned for the season. Though Ephrym couldn’t push the ship’s schedule indefinitely and so today was the last chance at being in port before taking off to the open ocean for a few months, the crew preparing to sail back towards Kahi before taking the southern trade route into Matori.
“Where is that b*****d, huh?!” Imani blinked as he once more heard a commotion around the corner, the voices shaking him out of his thoughts where he had been walking along the docks. He had simply been walking as the rest of the crew loaded goods onto the ship, his parents both further in town to speak with some merchants there and to potentially try and gather intel on any other ships in the area for signs of Del. Which left that one wildcard to do as he pleased while the higher ups were busy with preparations and their search of town. A sigh left Imani’s lips, frustration building up in his own chest as he straightened his coat and started walking in the direction of the commotion. If Mako wasn’t around to bother with Ronan then it was up to him to try to drag the goon out of yet another conflict. Here we go again.
[Imani 1]
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Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2024 3:00 pm
“I said where is he?!” Ronan raised his fist again, the teen not even flinching despite the blood that dripped down from a cut across his forehead, the burning sensation in his closed eye only fueling his rage more as he refused to loosen his grip on the menehune sailor he had encountered. He would rather keep his eye closed than risking losing his current opponent by letting go to wipe away the blood that irritated it. While the Misty Maiden was docked at the southern port city in Belrea, he had encountered a pair of Kahi who had been joking about while waiting on their ship to finish with its preparations. Of course he had started by simply walking up to them, his hands tightly clenched at his side as he tried to stop the tremors of rage that he felt at first glance of the laughing duo. Perhaps any other Kahi would have only slightly irritated the teen, but the fact that one was a Maokai like Nifo instantly tinged his vision with red. Despite his brute strength and fighting skills, the fighter couldn’t process that not every Maokai would know one another and so he had jumped the gun demanding answers from them. If he couldn’t find Del then Nifo would be his punching bag instead! That a** had not only beaten his dear friend to a pulp but had gotten some stupid idea in Del’s head that joining another crew was a grand idea! Even though Ronan did complain constantly about there not being enough adventure on the Misty Maiden in comparison to pirate crews, he had never expected someone to actually leave their ranks for another ship! Spirits, it made him heated to just think about it! And so his fist slammed into the ground again as the menehune didn’t answer him. The Maokai had been just as useless, his limp body by the crates already proving that Ronan was not patient when it came to demanding answers that simply did not exist as neither sailor knew of Nifo’s existence in the first place.
“I-I really don’t know! Let go of me, ya psycho!”
Ronan growled in response to the insult, his fist raising once more but this time it wasn’t aimed at the wooden panel of the docks…
[Ronan 1]
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Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2024 3:00 pm
“Ronan!” Imani moved just in time to catch his friend’s wrist, though the force nearly brought him stumbling down onto the docks next to the Menehune. Swaying, Imani strained as he tried to stand upright as he allowed the Menehune a chance to scramble back away from the rampaging brute. “If he doesn’t know, then he doesn't know.” Pressed Imani, a sigh of relief leaving his lips as Ronan’s arm grew limp and the pressure subsided. Though the sight of that angry glare did nearly make him flinch, Imani doing his best to stand his ground despite the pure rage that he now faced in the place of the menehune.
[Imani 2]
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Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2024 3:00 pm
Dammit! Ronan shot his friend a glare, feeling annoyed that the smaller teen would dare stand in his way. “What are ya doin’, Imani?” He asked, tilting his head with that dangerous feeling building up in his chest again. It felt like a storm was brewing, just not on the horizon and within his own spirit instead. That pressure, the same one that foretold of a storm just like his da always felt, it was impossible to ignore the more furious he became with this whole situation. “He could be lyin’. I don’t trust ‘im.” Though if he wasn’t seeing in crimson hues, the fact that the menehune was busy trying to help his friend stand would probably show that they weren’t wanting to fight any longer and simply wanted to get away. Cowards.
[Ronan 2]
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Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2024 3:00 pm
Imani pulled his shoulders back, trying to seem as confident as possible as he stared back at Ronan. He knew that fury, he had felt it himself in the past couple of weeks ever since Del left, but he also knew that just beating up random strangers was not the answer. If anything he felt it towards himself for being so useless that he couldn’t help his sibling to be more confident, to stop them from leaving in the first place. If anything he had the feeling that Ronan probably felt the same, but he was more of a brute about it. Ronan was never the brightest one in their group and navigating his emotions was surely near impossible, especially when it came to Del. He was hurt, but he didn’t know how to acknowledge it to address the feeling. “I think you would have gotten an answer out of him already.” Imani protested, gesturing towards the pair of Kahi who flinched at the movement. “How many more people do ya need to beat up, Ronan? I think they’ve had enough.”
[Imani 3]
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Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2024 3:00 pm
“Ye don’t know.” Ronan muttered, finally wiping the blood away from his eyes as he tried to gather his bearings. It was so hard to suppress the rage that his own voice was dangerously low, the urge to scream at the sky so tempting as he stood there. “How many Kahi sailors could there be?” He spat, blood mixed in with spit splattering against the wooden docks. Plus, they had gotten a good few punches in before he had turned the tide by slamming the one against the crates and flinging him into the menehune with pure adrenaline. “I can’t believe that none know about tha’ b*****d who hurt him.”
[Ronan 3]
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Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2024 3:01 pm
It was a good question, but even Imani realized that there had to be several crews with Kahi members by now. It had been years, over a decade even, since the islands were discovered and the trade connections that their own family had rode as one of the first ships to sail that way were now widespread. Still, it made him hesitate since even he wanted some sort of answer from someone. It had been a few weeks now and they had visited three different ports, but none seemed to know about the disappearance of Nifo or Del. How was that possible? His parents weren’t saying much on the matter either, not since their initial discussions and it made him wonder…was there something that they were keeping from them? Surely there had to be some sort of information, something that they could use. His father wouldn’t want the others to worry, especially Ronan who was already causing plenty of trouble on his own. What am I missing?
Not that he had much time to think when another Kahi sailor had snuck up behind them, a bottle flashing in the air behind Ronan’s head. “Ronan!” Imani yelled as he jumped forward, slamming into Ronan’s chest to push them back out of the way of the swinging bottle. Even if he lacked the bulk of his friend, the speed of Imani’s movements were not to be underestimated and taking Ronan by surprise had made his legs buckle as they tumbled backwards.The shattering impact of the bottle may have missed Ronan, but it smacked him square on the back instead where sharp pain made tears well up in his gaze.
[Imani 4]
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Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2024 3:01 pm
“See!” Ronan pushed Imani away from him and twisted so that he could face their assailant, his body positioned to protect his injured friend. “Told ya!” It looked like another one wanting a fight, eh? Perfect! The brute raised his fists, nodding towards the other menehune daringly. “Bring it!” The sailor cursed as he started rushing towards Ronan, the pair swinging their fists as they collided. Ronan was not to be taken lightly, the bulky teen having spent years working out while at sea. He was strong like his mother and had the same static feeling that his father sometimes emanated. And now that Imani had taken a hit for him? Well, he was feeling super charged!
[Ronan 4]
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Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2024 3:01 pm
Wincing, Imani slowly dragged himself a bit further away from the fighting pair. Ronan was foolish, but at least he could be reliable in a fight. Though Imani supposed it was only fair, if he was that Kahi who saw his fellow sailors beaten to a pulp then he would be tempted to join the fray as well. Sailors often forgot to use words, save for flinging insults around, and found that the best type of communication was through their fists and weapons. For now though he couldn’t reflect upon the logistics of everything, the mentalist in training taking a moment to reflect upon the dampness that was spreading across the back of his shirt. That may need stitches indeed. Swallowing, Imani started to tug at his coat, trying to pull it free despite the pain that kept blooming across his back. He worked at tying the coat across his back, using the sleeves to hug around his chest where he twisted the material into a tight knot to apply pressure against the wound. Fran would give him an earful, but her lecture would be worth it for stitches to seal the wound so that he didn’t bleed out.
[Imani 5]
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Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2024 3:01 pm
“Yer crazy!” The menehune panted, having thrown several punches at Ronan who just took a few before slamming his own fist into the Kahi’s body repeatedly. What was that kid made of?! Stone or something?! It was like smacking into a cliff every time he tried to push him back! Even his knuckles ached after exchanging a few blows like that, the menehune eyeing the petite one that he had managed to get instead. If his friend hadn’t pushed him back then this fight would have been over already, the bottle he used was jagged and should have left quite a good wound. It was only fitting since he saw his mates bloodied and bruised on the docks like this.
“Maybe!” Ronan let out a laugh as he pushed forward, that static charging along his body again until a zap of energy left him with one more punch that sent the menehune flying back into the crates like the others. His fury had only increased when Imani had gotten injured and it was hard not to continue pummeling the other sailor in retaliation for his actions. He probably had a cracked rib or two, but that did nothing to stop him as he hovered over the menehune. Placing his left foot against the Kahi’s throat, Ronan applied pressure until the menehune was gasping for breath. “Oh? I’m crazy enough, should I just keep goin’?” He pressed down a bit more as the menehune thrashed beneath him.
“St-stop! Please!” This time it was the maokai who had crawled forward, having just regained consciousness as he begged Ronan. “We really dun know anythin’ about this Nifo or Del! We just got here from Kahi a few weeks ago and have been lookin’ for a crew ta join. This is our first ship.” It was enough of a confession to make Ronan slightly move his foot, the hybrid still keeping the menehune pinned down even though his rage was slightly lessened at the sight of tears.
[Ronan 5]
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Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2024 3:01 pm
“I’m okay, Ronan.” Imani managed, having tightened his coat to try to stop the bleeding the best that he could in this situation. He hurt like hell, but he would survive if they got back to the Misty Maiden in time so that Fran could take care of him. Which he meant to tell Ronan before swaying when the blood loss really started to get to him. Perhaps allowing Ronan time to fight hadn’t been the best call, but he knew his friend would stay dangerous until he got it out of his system. Imani just prayed he wouldn't kill someone because of it. Imani felt his own legs buckling, the teen trying his best to stand even as he swayed towards Ronan. “I think….we should….go back.” He managed weakly. It truly sounded like they didn’t know anything and had only been attacking them because of how Ronan had provoked the others, that much Imani could piece together despite his own dazed state from the injury.
[Imani 6]
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Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2024 3:02 pm
Crap. Ronan caught Imani, pulled his arm around his shoulder so that he could better support his swaying friend. “Yer lucky that I have to take care of this.” He muttered, kicking the menehune backwards as he started to help Imani back along the docks. After a second thought, Ronan paused and glanced over his shoulder. “What’s the name of yer ship? I’ll take it from my list.” One less ship to worry about then if they truly didn’t know either of the sailors he was looking for.
“Ruby Coral.” Replied the maokai. “I promise, we ain’t lyin.”
“Fine. If I find out otherwise…well.” Ronan’s lips curved upwards into a dangerous grin. “Then I’ll just hafta come back and finish what I started.” And so he carried Imani back towards the ship, not even bothering with the worried glances their way as he helped his friend back towards the healing ward. “Yer a fool fer stoppin’ that, Imani.” He muttered, taking a final glance over his shoulder towards the docks. It stopped his search early which was annoying, but it was what it was.
[Ronan 6]
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Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2024 3:02 pm
“Yer a fool for starting it.” Replied Imani weakly as he allowed Ronan to escort him back onto their ship and through the lower decks. Eventually the sight of the twisted herbs marking the healing ward came into view and he felt his body stagger forward even more, Ronan basically carrying him forward at this point. The sight of Fran’s furious expression only brought a weak smile to his lips as he was dropped onto a cot, Imani’s coat being stripped from his back so that the older healer could look over him.
[Imani 7]
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Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2024 3:02 pm
Fran was furious. Ronan flinched when Fran greeted them, the brute having only one true fear on this ship and that being the geian who took care of most injuries and sickness on board. “He got hit in the back by a bottle.” He muttered, looking away almost sheepishly despite his earlier rage. The fury had somewhat abated after he got his hits on the menehune, but there was still a knot in his stomach that threatened more soon enough. For now though he knew to behave or Fran would stick him with some of those tranquilizers and have him stuck on board for a month or something if he wasn’t careful.
[Ronan 7]
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Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2024 3:02 pm
“A bottle?” Imani heard Fran’s voice, strangely muted through his dazed state, but he knew that she was at work by the pain that came from his clothing being forcibly removed. “Take these clothes and throw them off the ship or in the wash. Don’t ya dare leave them to stain the flooring.” The geian commanded, a cool feeling suddenly replacing the stinging sensation along Imani’s back as she started with some ointments and numbing herbs to help with the skin there. “Nasty bottle, seems like they really wanted to toss your bodies into the sea.” Fran continued as she busied herself, getting ready to stitch up the wounds along Imani’s back.
[Imani 8]
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