WingSong
'80's Pony
~Quicksand~ ~Tweak~ ~Baby Gadget~ ~Posey~
Posts: 158
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Post by WingSong on Jan 6, 2006 23:04:54 GMT -5
At first her strategy seemed to be working, but before she knew it Kail's train of thought had shifted back to all the present problems. In fact, now that she lumped them all together, it was enough to even seem dizzying to someone not experiencing them firsthand. Really, it would be a lot to handle.
"What about you. You're a... pirate? You seem too caring for a pirate."
Sandy genuinely had no idea if that should be taken as a compliment or an insult. In any case, she knew it wouldn't have been meant as an insult, so she smiled back at Kail. "Oh. Well...all sorts of silly little reasons, really. I just...well really, it's a bit like something you just said. Normal life is just so boring sometimes, and I wanted get away from home, and find some kind of more adventurous lifestyle." As she spoke, she took on a slight blush. "Well really, I guess I'm more the stupid little filly here. I mean, look at you - you're out here to save Ponyland, and represent the Rainbow! It's the most exciting thing I've ever heard, but you didn't just leave home on a whim like I did. And now it's starting to seem like I was taking a boring life for granted."
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Post by Bella on Jan 6, 2006 23:12:29 GMT -5
Kail nodded in understanding. "Yes, sometimes boring isn't that bad, is it?" Her thoughts were wandering back to a few days beforehand when she had teased her father for being boring, although now she would like nothing better than to curl up at the foot of his reading chair with a good book like she used to.
"Being at the beck and call of the Rainbow isn't that great. It's nice to know I have the Rainbow of Light on my side and all, but when its trapped on a locket sailing away in the hoofs of a crazy pony, well, things look a little darker than they used to." It wasn't the first time Kail had wondered why such a great power should be kept in such a vulnerable house, but then who was she to question her god?
Laughing a little, Kail spoke with a bit of her old self back in her face, "I guess its been fairly adventurous so far hasn't it?"
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WingSong
'80's Pony
~Quicksand~ ~Tweak~ ~Baby Gadget~ ~Posey~
Posts: 158
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Post by WingSong on Jan 6, 2006 23:24:33 GMT -5
"I guess its been fairly adventurous so far hasn't it?"
A more genuine smile crept onto Quicksand's face. "Maybe just a little."
She lowered her voice then and, having completely forgotten her resolution to keep the conversation casual, did not attempt to steer it back. "Do you have any plans for getting the Rainbow back, though? That is, you and the other Champions?"
Still under the impression that the adventure stories she had always loved to read were similar to real-life situations, she frowned and added quickly, "Oh, but maybe you're not supposed to tell me. I mean, it would only make sense for you all to have some secret plans. You are the Champions of the Rainbow of Light, after all." At the last statement, she smiled a little again. The full title sounded so official and important(which, she reminded herself, was entirely fitting for the position), and she couldn't help but be impressed whenever she said it all aloud.
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Post by Bella on Jan 6, 2006 23:32:03 GMT -5
The green peg couldn't help but laugh at the naivety of the filly. "Secret plans? We've no plans at all! We've got no leader, no plans, no nothing. We're just a bunch of ponies who don't always get along, whose "super powers" work sporadically at best, although you can usually rely on them in a pinch, and two of them weren't even Champions originally! We can't even keep a full set of seven through a span of two years!"
"Rainbows, what Champions we make." Kail sighed and shook her head. "My plan *was* to hide on the other ship and let this ship know where they were going through Razz, although he is appearantly not taking messages right now." Kail's voice softened at the thought of Razz - nothing had seemed wrong with him when she left, and perhaps it was just seasickness, but this sudden bought of sleepiness concerned her. "I did find out where it was going, but that was a far as I got before the Princess and Jewel "saved" me."
Leaning back against the wall, Kail played with a piece of her tail absentmindedly. "Now we just head to Course and talk to the Queen. It shouldn't be that hard really, considering the size of her army and treasury, and the fact that she still owes me a rather hefty debt."
(gotta run to bed, work bright and early in the morning)
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WingSong
'80's Pony
~Quicksand~ ~Tweak~ ~Baby Gadget~ ~Posey~
Posts: 158
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Post by WingSong on Jan 6, 2006 23:57:50 GMT -5
((K, bye for now! ^^ ))
Even after all that had been going on lately, Sandy had to admit that her little chat with Kail had ended up being the most discouraging experience since she'd come aboard the pirate ship. Not even the Champions knew what they were doing? Then how were any of them supposed to get out of there alive?
She shook her head slightly, not quite ready for such frightening thoughts just yet. Connections with royalty would be helpful, but that was assuming they even made it to the Queen. And all of this was with some sort of limit to how much time they had, because no one even seemed to know what was meant to become of the Rainbow.
After a considerable pause, Quicksand skipped straight to the new question that had crossed her mind. "These pirates we're up against...what are they like?" She really only had a feeble hope that they were like her new crew, and wasn't counting on it. If anything, her ignorance to real situations just made her more aware of the typical pirate stereotype.
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Post by Jewel on Jan 7, 2006 3:38:58 GMT -5
The gold pegasus had her ears pinned to her head and her eyes shut tight as Hollow and Kail passionately argued, seemingly unaware that there was still a pony lying at Hollow's feet, with her cheek against the stallion's black-pointed feathered hoof.
She hadn't the strength nor the patience to add anything of significance to their harsh exchange of words, but she did take a moment to think about the situation as a whole. The team was missing its most important aspect, and at that point the mission seemed to heavily rely on that missing unity between the Champions.
With an exhausted effort, the pegasus pushed herself up to a sitting position, wincing at the strain on the various cuts and marks on her body, some of which still dripped slightly. If Kail was still in such a state, Jewel knew she wouldn't have much of a chance of being healed terribly soon, and that was also if Kail wasn't too drained from Rain, herself, and possibly Razz. Though she was no healer or doctor, the pegasus felt somewhat secure in looking after herself.
"I need to get.. cleaned up," She said softly, not even wanting to think about the damage to her wing. Without aid, that would probably take the longest to heal. Trying to retain her dignity, the mare shakily pushed herself to her feet.
She smiled sadly and tiredly at Hollow, "I told you.. we'd bring her back."
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Post by Crescent on Jan 7, 2006 7:02:06 GMT -5
Hollow followed Kail leave the deck, his ears drawn back and his eyes remaining expressionless, but inside, there was a storm brewing. And he wasn't even sure what kind of a storm it was. He felt a touch of regret at his harsh words, seeing very well that Kail was most upset. He wasn't sure what was right anymore, what was true. What was logical? He was angry for Kail's behaviour, but he wasn't sure if it was mostly because she had went off on a solo mission or because she had indirectly got Jewel into danger. He still held to the opinion that she had gone too far, much too far. She had supposed to have gone ahead to scout. Not try and retrieve the Locket all by herself, which Hollow was still convinced she had attempted to do. Rainbow help them, if it only took one pony, Kail could have gone ahead without waiting for them. The point was that they were in this together.
Just like Jewel had told him. What had she said? He was part of something important now. We couldn't be the Rainbow's Champions without you, as much as you could be a Champion without the rest of us... So, like it or not.. you're part of something now. Yes, those were her exact words, and they echoed in his mind like a call from some age long past, even though it was only some hours in the past. Hours. So many things seemed to have changed within these past hours. Something had waken inside him he had thought long gone.
But was he doing what he should have been doing? Was he protecting the Rainbow, filling his place among the Chosen Seven, or was he just breaking them apart? It seemed to him like ever since he had met the Champions, he had been fighting, desperately breaking free of the bond that was tentatively trying to tie their lives together. He was less himself than he had ever been. Was it because of the Rainbow, because a confusion inside him he couldn't explain? Something had entered him when the Stripe had become part of him. A new awareness, but he had also felt as though he were invaded by something, and he couldn't help but fight it.
For a few moments there, Jewel had been able to pass through all his guards, had been able to soothe this uncertainty, this confusion. Her words about belonging still warmed his heart. He remembered Roxanne's kindness. She had brought him a blanket, and had been trying to cheer him up during the entire journey. He had never experienced anything like this before, and he had no name for it.
Vaguely he seemed to recall it was called friendship. But as he stared after Kail he wondered if it could ever be. If he was just not the right kind. If the Rainbow had made a mistake. If it should have chosen someone else.
Why me? he asked from the warm yellow flicker inside him. Why did you choose me?
But there was no answer from the Rainbow. The only answer seemed to come from near his feet.
"I need to get.. cleaned up,"
Hollow recognised the voice, and it snapped him back from his thoughts. He was beginning to think he would have recognised that voice from among a thousand mares, calling out all at once. He arched his neck back to look at Jewel, a smile on his lips. The smile faded, however, when his eyes met with the blood that still stained the golden fur, and the wing that hung sadly, plucked of a good mouthful of feathers. He swallowed, not understanding how he could have forgotten about her for such a long time. She was sitting now, and he supposed that was good.
She smiled sadly and tiredly at Hollow, "I told you.. we'd bring her back."
A sad reply smile lingered on Hollow's lips. He turned properly to face Jewel and reached his muzzle closer, black smooth fur to touch briefly with the indigo mark on her forehead.
"Yes," he said softly. "You did. But what a price you paid." His muzzle traced its way over the Champion mark and then he pulled his head back and turned, moving until he stood by Jewel's side. "Come, I'll help you to our cabin. Those wounds need to be taken care of."
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Post by Jewel on Jan 7, 2006 13:26:37 GMT -5
"Yes," he said softly. "You did. But what a price you paid."
"Not nearly as big as the price I would have paid in losing one of my friends," she replied, making contact with his golden eyes. Breaking her gaze, she shook her head slightly, "It was a mess back there."
Hollow's compassionate gestures didn't register with the mare at first, for she was preoccupied with both her own injuries, and what she had overheard of the argument. She made a mental note to herself to have a word with Roxy about giving the team a serious pep talk.
"Come, I'll help you to our cabin. Those wounds need to be taken care of."
Jewel nodded thankfully, and began walking toward the steep stairs that led below deck.
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Post by Crescent on Jan 7, 2006 13:38:28 GMT -5
"Not nearly as big as the price I would have paid in losing one of my friends," she replied, making contact with his golden eyes. Breaking her gaze, she shook her head slightly, "It was a mess back there."
Hollow had to admire her loyalty. Kail had not been especially thankful for her help, quite the contrary, and yet she wasn't resentful. He smiled a bit as he started to walk alongside her, making sure to be ready in case she'd need support as they descended the stairs.
Sea Tiger, for his part, was only now making his way toward the main deck and back to his post at the helm. He hadn't heard the commotion and was in his thoughts as he walked along the corridor.
[[just thought to bring him here... so that, uh, he's here in case Kail or someone wants to talk to him. or something. lol]]
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Post by Jewel on Jan 7, 2006 13:53:11 GMT -5
Already below deck, in an unoccupied cabin, Cutter lay the unconscious flutter on a narrow bed which sat against the wall. He thought to simply leave her there, and let her friends take care of her.
His thoughts drifted a moment, still debating what she had claimed about being a princess. Cutter tilted his head, looking at the silver form. Rain had a wound he hadn't noticed before, but oddly enough, it seemed only a deep scar. Did she possess healing power?
Another thought crossed the large stallion's mind. Tiger might see the opportunity to hold the royal foals for ransom, and continue draining the kingdom of the Queen. At least, that was what greed might persuade him to try. It was doubtful he would succeed, however, with the Champions aboard.
For the moment, he did his best to put it out of his mind. He would wait and see, always watching more than speaking. With one last look at the Princess, Cutter turned and left her to rest.
The gold pegasus was making her way down the narrow corridor as Cutter had left to return to Tiger. Tiredly, she found once again the empty cabin where she had been cured of her seasickness toward the beginning of the trip. Without hesitation, she climbed upon the bed which sat in front of a porthole looking out into the black night sky.
Jewel lay on her stomach, forelegs stretched before her and rear legs tucked against her body. Her right wing folded neatly at her side, but the left had feathers sticking in odd directions, as well as a trail of a few golden feathers dotted along the corridor. Opening her wing, the pegasus began a vain attempt to preen her feathers back into place.
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Post by Bella on Jan 7, 2006 14:07:47 GMT -5
(Kail will run into him in a moment, I'll drag her away from Sandy since she really has too much to do to sit and chat... ponies to heal, ponies to appologize to, and a captain to tell which way to go ) "These pirates we're up against...what are they like?" Kail looked up and saw the lack of hope on Quicksand's face and laughed miserably to herself - rainbows she was making a mess of this Champion buisness today. "Well", she started, wondering how to say it, "I know the captain. He's a good fighter, very good, but I think the power of the locket is driving him mad. He's also a bit of a drunkard now it seems, so he shouldn't be much problem. The only other two that I met on the ship are... well quite frankly they are dangerous. Like that big red guy (meaning Cutter) but smaller. They are certainly your sterotypical bloodthirsty pirates." Realizing that the information probably wasn't making the filly feel any better about the situation, Kail smiled. "Don't worry. Somehow us Champions always make it out ok. I'm not honestly sure how we do it, but we always win." Pausing at hooffalls just outside the little corner they were in, Kail poked her head around the door to see the Captain. "Excuse me, Quicksand, I've got alot of buisness to attend to unfortunatly." The peg frowned, but then turned back with a smile before heading out of the little alcove. "Thank you for listening, it made me feel much better." Ducking out of the shadows Kail hailed the Captain as she jogged down the corridor towards him.
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Post by Crescent on Jan 7, 2006 17:42:41 GMT -5
Princess Rain was unaware of Cutter's examining eyes on her. She was still mostly unconscious.
Hollow remained as close as he could to Jewel as he walked alongside her, to make sure she wouldn't trip or fall. He stopped at the door when Jewel climbed onto the bed and started to preen herself. His ears went this way and that, until he finally smiled.
"Wait here," he said kindly. "I will get some water and fresh bandages or something. We'll clean up those wounds of yours, so they won't get infected, and you'll be more comfortable." He hovered at the door for a moment nervously. "Can I... can I get you anything else?" He wasn't very good at tending to sick mares, hell, he wasn't very good at tending to sick anything.
Sea Tiger stopped when he heard Kail's voice. He turned to regard the green pegasus. She seemed somehow ruffled. Oh, yes, the other pirates. She had apparently been inside, even. Taken a look at them. This reminded him that he wanted to hear everything she could tell him about the other pirates. He knew most of the names on the business, even if he'd never met most of them, and he liked to know who he was up against.
"Aye, you've returned," he said. "Quite a ruckus you started up, too. Your Rainbow pals twisted their tails into a knot when they figured out you'd left." His voice wasn't accusing; it was matter-of-fact. He respected her for the risk she'd taken, and would have sent her there himself. He would have kept the others from going after her, though, but then that was friendship, he supposed. He knew the meaning of that word well. "So, what news? And most importantly, did you catch any names?"
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Post by Orivy Assassin on Jan 7, 2006 18:02:14 GMT -5
Roxanne stood off to the side of the Champions as they argued and bled. Her chest felt heavy.
Champions of the Rainbow of Light... an ensemble trying to make the show work, but split by the pressure on our shoulders. Her ears drooped and she sighed. Charisma, what good are you when you stand in the wings? But this cast... how did ponies I thought I knew become so unknowable? And since when was I not able to make friends with newcomers? But there's a weight on all of us that just...
What can I do? Roxy didn't join in the conversation. Her good-natured heart faltered under the influence of her mind. She didn't feel that she knew enough about anyone or any situation to be useful. For once, Roxanne wasn't the director, but the understudy, thrown into a world she was only marginally prepared for.
She stood a moment on deck as the others disbanded, before following far behind Jewel and Hollow. Jewel was injured, but she was the one that Roxy could talk to best.
As Hollow tended to Jewel, Roxanne stepped up behind him in the doorway to wait for him to leave.
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Post by Bella on Jan 7, 2006 18:26:48 GMT -5
"Yeah, I heard," Kail said as Sea Tiger told her how the Champions acted upon her leaving.
"Indeed I did catch names, and I'm not sure whether it makes me feel better or worse." She paused a moment as she fell into step behind him for their accent back to the main deck. Kail hoped that Hollow wouldn't still be above and breathed a sigh of relief to see that he wasn't, and neither was Jewel.
"The captain of the other ship is a stallion by the name of Ratskull, or Rascal, depending on when you knew him. He thrice fought for Queen Luna of Course before a yellow mare brought him to the sea. I met him once in the southern continent and re-attached his hoof, but it seems he doesn't see his debt in quite the same way I do."
Kail stopped for a moment and frowned, "they are headed to Course again. Getting the locket from there wont be much of a chore I shouldn't think."
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Post by Shadow on Jan 7, 2006 19:21:08 GMT -5
((Okay, time to try and get caught back up.))
As he always did, Gan Ning had fallen asleep after eatting and drinking at the meal; It took energy to cook the meal, and eatting it to recover said strength while building up extra for the next few days, he had fallen asleep at the table. Thankfuly, the crew knew that waking him was just asking a shark to tear you apart in a feeding frenzy. Even with the rocking of the ship slaming him all over the place, he was impossable to wake. Thankfuly, it was just now, after the entire comotion, that the hydromancer at last woke.
After drinking some brewed green tea, he walked out into the hall, just in time to hear Kail and Quicksand's discusion. Walking over, the young stallion shook his head as he spoke up. "I can tell you now that the best two to ask about fighting a enemy are Tiger and Cutter, Lass. I know we've only met a few days ago, I promise that I'll protect you, Quicky. You have my word as a man of the sea, a pirate, and on my pride of both. Buck up! Your just earning your fins. But once you get experienced, you'll be able to sail to where ever your heart takes you, and make yourself a HUGE amount of bounty when you get there."
It was clear that the stallion liked her; He never gave pep talks to anyone that didn't mean anything to him. "You got what it takes to sail the seas, Quicksand. When I look at you, I don't see a girl that belongs on land; I see a mare with the potential to become a queen of the seas! But don't tell Bridie I said that, or she'll throw me overboard!" He then openly laughed, his good mood yet again slowly lifting the dark aura in the area.
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