The Search for a Two bit Ship captain, corny i know

[-DamagedHero]

It had been a long time since Kai had come to the city of Sanctuary or anywhere near it since Darshe had screwed Siran and himself by setting them up as villans who attacked him and injured him. "Fucking Callisto." Kai muttered out loud, as he looked about him his hood up to cover his face he really wanted nothing to do with anyone who recognized him. He could tell that something had gone down in Sanctuary while he had been running. There looked to be repairs going on everywhere. That didn't matter of course for the moment his mind was totally set on finding out information on a two bit ship captain who had marooned his new friend Pandora on a god forsaken island. A loud disapproving 'tch' sound came from Kai as the thought that someone would do that to Pandora pissed him off beyond his own belief. He hadn't been this upset since he had got his ass kicked by Adrianna and before that when Siran was captured.

Of course Kai shook his head to get rid of those memories and focus on the task at hand as he looked around before being bumped into by someone. Kai moved quickly to the side of the street and checked everything to make sure he hadn't just been pick pocketed by some random jerk looking for an easy score. After double checking everything making sure nothing was missing Kai sighed and looked again around. "We should probably ask a dock master if he has any information on boats leaving the port and their destination." Kai said aloud thinking he knew Pandora would probably hear him as he debated on the easiest way to find the ship captain and said ship.

Kai laughed thinking about that remembering how he had met Pandora... the fact she had scared the living hell out of him might have made him the nervous wreck he was at the moment, but Kai was her friend and she was his, And he'd help her find that ship captain and make him either pay Pandora back three fold or they would commandeer his ship either way that man would make that man pay up. Kai had a mischievous smile on his face as he thought about that then laughed to himself somewhat evilly. Kai was having fun, and he didn't even realize how long it had been since he had this same amount of fun. But that was something he wouldn't remember for now he had to focus on helping Pandora.

[-Raviel]

It looked like Sanctuary was still rebuilding after the devastating fires that ravaged the town. But helping them rebuild was not her goal today. She was here with her new friend Kai to take revenge on the piece of garbage that basically stole her money and left her stranded on an uninhabitable island. After Kai got bumped into and he stopped to make sure he hadn't been pick-pocketed he laid out the course of action. "We should probably ask a dock master if he has any information on boats leaving the port and their destination."

"That sounds like the thing to do. I can be quite persuasive if the need arises." Pandora said with a smirk. "The docks are over in that direction." Pandora said pointing to the northeast. "He shouldn't be too terribly hard to find." Grabbing Kai's hand she pulled him along in the direction of the docks.

[-DamagedHero]

(will pm you the actual thing he was going to say so you get the post xD)

"Woah!" Kai said as he was pulled along he laughed happily as he playfully added something without truly thinking about. "Hehe if that doesn't work i could always dress up as a-..." Kai stopped as finally the thought that crossed his mind and that he had just realized made him extremely glad that his hood covered his face as he blinked for a moment then his face was flush from embarrassment for even having thought of that idea made Kai want to hit his head against a pole in till he had forgotten it, "An-anyway lets just find the Dock master..." Kai said catching up and passing Pandora while still holding her hand as it now seemed that he was taking the lead.

Kai seriously hid his red face deep within his hooded cloak making it seem like everything was normal. He didn't want Pandora pressing for what he was going to say. Kai was looking around carefully trying to focus on something else as he shifted uncomfortably now noticing that he was still holding Pandora's hand he turned to look at her again, Then immediately turned he felt to embarrassed to speak now and try and ask Pandora to forget about what he had just attempted to say.

'This sucks!' Kai yelled in his own head as he looked about trying to eye someone of importance who might or might not know the dock master 'if Pandora asks I'll just pretend not to hear her it'll all be good if i don't answer. Damn it why did i even think that idea.' Kai again seemed to be beating himself up on the inside as his body tensed his eyes continued to look around eying several big sailors walking further into the docks. Kai wanted to follow them, but he knew that it could turn up badly if he left himself or Pandora alone. "Hey Pandora... do you think there's a pub near the docks?" Kai asked suddenly remembering something that now overtook his thoughts as he had a rather devilish smile as he tugged Pandora along closer to the docks and the small to large ships that were docked along the side.

[-Raviel]

Laughing as they were making their way to the docks Pandora was so caught up with looking around trying to see if anyone looked like they might know where the dock master would be, she barely heard Kai saying, "An-anyway lets just find the Dock master..."

"Huh? Oh ok. Yeah." She said, her face getting a little red realizing she had missed some of what he was saying, but she was too embarrassed to acknowledge it. Luckily Kai started pulling ahead. I hope he doesn't realize I wasn't paying attention. That was so rude of me. Pandora thought with a shake of her head.

Right as they rounded the bend to where you could see the ships Kai said, "Hey Pandora... do you think there's a pub near the docks?"

"There should be. Sailors love their rum. Even if it is a vile drink that turns even the most respectful of men into complete scoundrels." (Pirates of the Caribbean ftw) "I think that's a pub over there." Pandora said, pointing toward a building off to the left that had a hanging sign with a picture of a mug of ale on it and the words 'The Bellowing Banshee' written on scroll paper above and below the mug.

[-DamagedHero]

(ftw on pirates refrence also i took care of the bartender npc you get the dock captain xD have fun hehe)
Kai prayed to whatever divine being was up there that Pandora wasn't paying attention to his earlier comment he smiled as he walked over to the front of the pub and laughing as he heard the bit about rum, "yeah some of us though are already the vile scum that drink which makes the finer men turn into scum heh." Kai was smirking as he sighed thinking about his own father feeling depressed now as the thought seem to loom over him. Kai looked at Pandora for a minute before letting go of her hand "You should pull your hood up for now Pandora.' Kai smiled again as he thought of the reason.

Then without a thought he spoke the reason, "We don't want random sailors to be ogling the pretty girl who is in my company-" Kai blushed and turned swearing under his breath at his own stupidity and thoughtlessness. Kai gulped as he took a step up to the swinging doors of the pub and too his surprise was hit across the face by the door opening which quickly sent Kai sprawling off the ragged stairs onto the ground with a painfully loud 'thud'.

Kai lay there for a moment letting the feeling settle as a rather large man exited the doorway passing Pandors while hiccuping a odd tune for a sailor. Kai sat up feeling his burning cheek it was worse then being slapped and punch to have a door catch you on the side of the face. "Dammit..." Kai said as he stood up feeling his face before walking up towards the door again and pushing it open without a second thought.

The pub... Wasnt too out there it had about seven or eight tables a bar and some odd looking woman singing off to the side. "explains the name" Kai mentioned to himself. The walls were white and blue the floor made of wood and had some cracks here and there. The pubs patrons were by the normal Kai guessed as it was was filled with ragged, burly, odd, and mean looking sailors Kai knew where to ask first for info as he approached the bar at the back quickly quietly as he took one of the two seats between some sailors having a good time laughing at the woman singing. The bartender glanced at him and came over. "Son I think your in the wrong place." The bartender said rather stoutly as Kai pulled out about eight or nine gold coins and set them on the bar. "not if you can tell what my friend and I want to know." Kai was confident as he made a mmovement of his head to confirm his friend. As Pandora who he hoped was behind him. The bartender seemed to register that and then asked, "alright kiddo what'ya want. to know?" Kai looked at the man for a moment. Before he simply asked, " Where'd we find the Dock Master." The bartender seemed to do a double take. Kai noted that as not a good sign

The bartender then made a move Kai half expected, "that's some tricky info might cost a lot more then the change you-" Kai slammed his hands on the bar and yelled, "Don't fuck with me!" Kai had stood up and was giving the bartender a look he was pretty sure would kill if looks could do that. The Pub was silent for a moment but Kai didn't dare look as he was scared by the fact he was surrounded by sailors. Not only that Drunk sailors. "Don't you dare pull that shit with me." Kai hissed quietly as he kept his gaze for a moment on the bartender. Who simply nodded towards a Large man in the corner drinking with two other men who looked just as intimidating. Kai lifted his hand off the coins he had picking up two that he thought he might need for later.

The bartender quickly scooped up the rest as he gave Kai a glare before he turned to take care of the other patrons. Kai looked to Pandora, "Well we found the Dock master at least... Greedy fucking bartender." Kai rubbed his head still embarrassed from earlier thoughts and sayings as well as his outburst. Kai felt like he was going to die of embarrassment.

[-Raviel]

As they were walking up to the pub Kai responded to her earlier remark against rum with, "yeah some of us though are already the vile scum that drink which makes the finer men turn into scum heh."

"Haha yeah I guess you're right," Pandora said with a smile.

Right before they got to the door to the pub Kai said, "You should pull your hood up for now Pandora. We don't want random sailors to be ogling the pretty girl who is in my company-"

"Aww thank you, that's so sweet!" Pandora said as she lifted her hood up. As soon as she was done Kai got hit by the door to the pub. "Oh my goodness are you ok?" Pandora said while rushing to his side. Kai cursed, but he seemed to be ok. He got up and entered the pub with Pandora following behind him.

While Kai was talking with the bartender Pandora was looking around. Everyone looked so... weather worn. The singing woman on the stage looked like a drowned rat. Suddenly there was a loud banging noise that got the attention of everyone in the pub. Kai had slammed the bar and was getting angry at the bartender. After the bartender nodded towards three men in the corner Kai turned away from the bar and said "Well we found the Dock master at least..."

"Leave this to me." Pandora said with a smile. Removing her cloak and walking over to the table with the three men she pretended to drop something next to their table, but far enough away so they couldn't touch her, she bent over and pretended to pick something up. As she did this she got the whistles that she knew would come. "Do you guys think you could help a girl out with a problem she's having?" Pandora said with a coy look and a bat of her eyelashes.

"Aye, we would be glad to lend you anything we can offer." The dock master said with a sleazy look in his eye.

Shuddering on the inside Pandora said, "Thank you so much mister. I could really use your help finding the captain of the "Moth's Flame." I have a score to settle."

"Do ye now? This information will cost ye quite the penny."

"Oh, I think we can come to some sort of arrangement." Pandora said while sliding into the booth next to the dock master and "accidentally" brushing his thigh with her hand.

"Oh, I think we may indeed. Boys, why don't you go somewhere for a while?" the dock master said with a smile. Looking disappointed the two other men left the booth and sat somewhere else.

"So, where can a girl find a piece of crap captain that needs to pay for his crimes?"

"Just about anywhere around here lass." The man said with a chuckle.

Laughing along Pandora said with her get what I want glare, "Good one. So, where can I find the captain of the Moth's Flame? I would be eternally grateful for your help."

"Last I heard he was heading to Tristan, now let's have some fun." The dock master said as he grabbed Pandora's wrist.

"Please let go of my arm this minute." Pandora said with malice in her voice.

"Now why would I go and do a thing like that." He said with an evil smile.

"Fine, you leave me with no choice, I warned you." Pandora said with a shrug of her shoulders. Taking her free arm she reached back and brought her open hand straight across his face. Pandora heard a cracking sound and a muffled ...itch. The dock master let go of her arm to tend to his probably broken jaw. Getting up from the table, Pandora walked over to where Kai was and said, "The captain we're looking for is headed to Tristan. Let's go"

[-DamagedHero]

Kai didn't hesitate as he tossed some of the gold coins he had left onto the table of the now injured man before silently following Pandora out of the Pub back onto the streets where he laughed happily, "That was brilliant Pandora!" Kai said pretty much astounded by how she had handled herself. "I thought you were cool before, but wow your amazing!" Kai said a smile visible even with his hood drawn. Kai was smiling again as he heard their location, "Hehe Tristian huh?... hmm last time i was there i got drunk by accident and ended up singing a couple of songs with one of the crazy people i know or i think i did i don't remember much of that night."

Kai started laughing again, "Anyway we should definitely make are way to claim a ship... You said you'd name it Friendship's Glory right. What a better way for it to earn its christening as two friends in search of a two bit ship captain to make pay for abandoning one of them on a god forsaken island. Kinda sounds like the start of one of those adventures... I'm glad that i got to go on one of those for once..." Kai said as he shifted carefully treading along behind Pandora as he thought of all the things that had led up to this point he might of been an apprentice to a dangerous psychotic dark mage, or the servant of some bitch from hell... but no he was here with Pandora with his friend and he was happy with that.

"Well if were going to Tristan we might as well start as soon as possible unless you'd like to hit any sailors while were here as a warmup for the Captain of the Moth Fire or whatever it was called. Soon it will be yours My Captain!" Kai said smiling as he stepped in front of Pandora and did a rather well imitated mock salute too her as a sign of respect and just because he liked the idea of owning a ship with Pandora it made him smile as a small gust of sea wind slowly passed them. "Onwards to claim that ship of your Captain Pandora." Kai laughed as he looked up and around before walking forwards happily.

[-Raviel]

Pandora was feeling great after breaking that man's jaw. She was practically skipping as Kai praised her for her actions. After the compliment Pandora turned and gave a little bow. After she turned and started walking again Kai started describing his last trip to Tristan. "Wow sounds like a fun time." Pandora said with as much sarcasm as she could muster and a laugh.

Laughing, Kai said, "Anyway we should definitely make are way to claim a ship... You said you'd name it Friendship's Glory right. What a better way for it to earn its christening as two friends in search of a two bit ship captain to make pay for abandoning one of them on a god forsaken island. Kinda sounds like the start of one of those adventures... I'm glad that i got to go on one of those for once..."

"I'm glad too." Pandora said with a smile.

After a few steps Kai said, "Well if were going to Tristan we might as well start as soon as possible unless you'd like to hit any sailors while were here as a warmup for the Captain of the Moth Fire or whatever it was called. Soon it will be yours My Captain!" After saying this, Kai turned around and gave Pandora a nice salute.

"At ease first mate Kaitan." Pandora said with an overly serious look on her face.

"Onwards to claim that ship of your Captain Pandora." Kai said with a smile.

After Pandora and Kai had walked a few yards the two men that had been with the dock master came out of the pub hollering "You two, stop! You're going to pay for this." Turning around, Pandora saw the two men with glares of immense anger on their faces. "Uh oh this could be bad... for them anyway." Pandora said while grasping her bow, notching an arrow, and taking aim. Once she got her sight and made adjustments for the wind she said, "I got the one on the right you take the other one." and let her arrow fly. Flying the distance between her and the man easily, the arrow landed in his right calf.

The arrow didn't stop him, he barely even paused. But no sooner had she let her arrow fly as she notched another one. She would only have enough time for two more arrows before he was too close to use her bow and she would have to resort to hand-to-hand. Her second arrow went wide and didn't even scratch him, but her third hit him in his left arm. This stopped him for long enough to pull out the arrow, but as soon as it was out he was running again.

Now that he was too close to shoot, Pandora tossed her bow down and started running towards the man. Once she was close enough she threw a right hook that grazed his chin. While she threw her punch he threw one that hit her stomach.

Feeling his blow Pandora grabbed his arm and used his momentum to flip him over her, and twist his arm painfully behind his back. "You are going to leave us alone creep." Pandora said pulling harder on his arm.

"Never. You're going to pay for leading the boss on like that. Either you get as much as you gave or give him what he wants."

"Psh, you don't get to decide how things go. In case you haven't noticed I'm the one on top." Giving one final pull Pandora dislocated the man's shoulder and got off of him. "Tell your boss that I don't care what he wants. I do what I please and there's nothing he can do about it."

Walking away from the man, Pandora collected her bow and looked around for Kai to see if he needed help.

[-DamagedHero]

Kai relaxed when Pandora gave the order to at ease it was rather fun doing that. but now When Kai heard the two angry sailors come to harm the two who had disrespected their precious boss. Kai sighed as he let his staff drop to the ground as he and the other man quickly made for each other to begin the fight. Before Kai realized the man had raised his leg and Kai's face was met with a rather large boot which hit him square on the side of the face nearly making him do a flip before crashing down on the ground with an even louder 'THUD' then when he had been tossed off the stairs by a door. Kai was having issues now as the sailor he was to deal with actually got a good clean blow to his face and a punch as Kai tried to weakly protect his face from the barrage of punches.

The sailor was laughing at Kai, "Whats wrong kid can't put up a decent fight your more of a girl then your friend over there!" Kai definitely felt embarrassed at that as he moved one of his hands and sent the man flying off him with an energy ball spell. Kai's eyes were blurry and his face looked a little bloody. As the man stood up drawing two knifes, throwing one at Kai who moved only to have said knife cut a gash through his shoulder. "Gah!" Kai yelped in pain as he watched the man look towards his partner who Kai couldn't see, but had a feeling was getting his ass kicked by Pandora. "Stop being such a pansy and deal with the girl you moron!" The sailor yelled at his partner as Kai regained his sight for a moment before the man came at him still bearing the other knife he swung it as Kai fell back out of range.

The sailor laughed at Kai goading him pretty badly, "Whats wrong punk can't take it? you just a little punk ass bitch with a mother who serves her self around on a-" The man didn't get to finish the sentence as Kai had made a move kicking up off he ground Kai and connecting with a kick to the center of the man's face right on his nose. The man screamed in pain as he backed up Kai was pissed and wasn't focusing his anger was deluding his senses as he charged the man again the man quickly made a move to stab Kai and he succeeded in a sense since the knife went through the center of Kai's open left hand as his right connected with the mans face.

Kai let lose a muffled scream of pain as he fell to his knees holding his hand staring at it now blind to the man thinking he had dealt with him. Kai felt hands around his neck suddenly choking him as the man pushed Kai down and made sure he was pinned as Kai tried to fight it, but he could only use one hand to try and rip the grip of the man's hand off his neck. The man's eyes looked deadly as they stared down at Kai who was still struggling trying to shift his body to kick the man like he had done with Siran not that far back at the Dark mage temple. Kai Couldn't and as the man continued to choke the life out of him he tried with all his might to call for help from Pandora. Nothing, but even more trouble breathing came from that as Kai began to feel his mind going blank. This throat hurt as the man's grip continued to squeeze the life out of him. Kai's life actually started to flash before his eyes. Kai tried one last time to escape and it didn't work Kai... felt a rush of fear- he didn't want to die not to some drunk sailor and not before he had finished everything he wanted to. Kai felt panic that he hadn't felt since the first day he met Siran.

'Help!!' Kai thought desperately as again his mind was drawing blanks on thoughts being stopped by the lack of air going to his brain. This hadn't been the first time he had been choked like this, The last time though was by someone who would never kill him Kai felt tears flooding his face at the fear of dying as the man continued to goad Kai "Oh whats wrong you little baby in pain! well you and your friend over there shouldn't have messed with us or our boss! don't worry all that pain will go away real soon you stupid little brat!" The man laughed as Kai now could tell this man really wanted to kill him just for insulting their boss Kai found t his funny even as his breath was being taken away and he was feeling the pain of the wounds he had along with the knife still stuck in his hand. Kai almost tried to smile and laugh if it didn't make his throat burn even more with pain.

[-Raviel]

Noticing Kai pinned to the ground by the man, Pandora ran as fast as she could and swung her bow like a club, knocking the man across the face with as much strength as she could muster. The blow knocked the man sideways and off of Kai. Feeling rage building up at the nerve of that man trying to kill her best friend she swung and swung repeatedly all across his body. "Do. Not. Ever! Think. You. Can. Hurt. My. Friends!" Pandora shouted with each swing. With one final kick to the groin she turned away from the scumbag to help Kai.

Rushing to his side, she used her Cura spell focused mainly on his throat. After a few seconds she kept one hand at his throat and moved the other one to his various other wounds. "Come on! We're not done with this quest you can't leave me to do this by myself. I need you." Pandora said with tears running down her cheeks. After a few minutes, she had done everything she could. Now all I can do is wait. Pandora thought while still crying.

[-DamagedHero]

Kai's eyes had closed from lack of oxygen, but he was there hearing her as a sudden breath filled his lungs his eyes shot open from the pain as he felt the pain in his body even from the healed wounds. Kai could feel the soft feeling of tears upon his cheek as he looked up seeing Pandora teary eyed he tried to close his left hand and move it, but had difficulty without it hurting quite painfully so he closed his right hand raising his hand slowly he extended his middle and index finger and softly poked her in the forehead. "I-i..." Kai was trying to speak, but was having difficulty with getting the words out. "I-id-iot."

Kai finally got it out as he winced his throat was healed, the best it could be and Kai guessed he owed Pandora his life and he smiled weakly as he moved his hand down and carefully cupped her chin, "I-i Ca-n't die t-till yo-u tell me t-too d-ie i-idiot" Kai smiled up at her as he attempted to get up feeling his shoulder and flinching from the pain as he started to cough again, Kai slid up against a nearby wall breathing heavily as he lay there for a moment looking over to Pandora again. Kai had an odd peaceful smile on his face and his heart was fluttering he had heard her say that she needed him he was blushing as well even though he nearly died as his hood fell off from his head his smile visible along with the start if bruises left by the mans fist however Kai looked pleased all the same.

"Th-th-thank y-ou." Kai managed as he looked up at Pandora he was tired and hurting alot, but he kept himself awake through the pain that he felt. Kai lifted his left hand again noticing the Knife was nowhere to be seen he didn't think about it again yet he couldn't close his hand and it hurt to move his fingers probably where the knife had gone through, Kai could manage for now then he leaned against the wall. Coughs broke whatever silence he hoped to achieve as he shakily got up as he felt tears washing down his face before falling to a knee. Kai felt all the emotions pour out of him again as he felt tears dropping down from his eyes. Kai shivered once before forcing himself onto his feet shakily. "W-we shoul-d he-ad for trist-ian n-now.." Kai breathed through as he looked over at Pandora still holding a faithful smile towards his friend. There was pain, but nothing he couldn't work through so they could catch up with the Moth flame or fire. Kai went over to where his staff was carefully not bumping into Pandora as he picked it up and used it to hold himself up a bit easier as he turned back to Pandora.

Kai didn't want to worry about himself much he knew that their adventure was important even as tears of fear and panic continued to fall from his face he tried to wipe them away with his left hand as he cringed. Kai could feel the heat on his neck still there would be a mark their too it would probably last longer then the bruises would emotionally physically the mark on his neck would vanish first probably. Kai wasn't sure as his eyes closed for a moment before he opened them again looking about curiously as he waited for Pandora to say something.

[-Raviel]

With tears still falling down her face Pandora saw Kai stir. "Kai you're ok!"

"I-i Ca-n't die t-till yo-u tell me t-too d-ie i-idiot" Kai said barely able to speak.

"Ok. I can handle that." Pandora said while laughing.

"Th-th-thank y-ou." Kai said while struggling to get up.

"No problem. I will always do my best to help my friends in need." Pandora said while sniffing her tears away. Kai was alive and that was all that mattered.

As Kai was getting his staff so that he could walk by himself he said, "W-we shoul-d he-ad for trist-ian n-now.."

"Yeah we should definitely get out of here, I don't feel like beating the crap out of any more stupid sailors." As Pandora was saying this she was leading the way out of the town. In hushed tones Pandora said, "We should make camp in the forest near here and take things slow until you're fully healed. It'll take a few more sessions before you are back to normal."

After a little while they had passed the last building, that was part of the town, and the forest was visible in the near distance. "It's starting to get dark, we should set up camp as soon as we make it into the forest.

[-DamagedHero]

Kai was walking with a blur he had followed Pandora had heard what she had said, he tried and tried to focus it was so hard though. Pandora said it would be a couple more sessions before he would be back to normal. Kai smiled at the news weakly, but still he smiled and managed to say a enthusiastic if not soft voice to push his happiness, "Y-yay!" Kai coughed as he looked around.

The forest... it seemed that as the branches breathed by rattling in the wind it was somewhat scary to look at, but Kai found the fear gone from normal things and started gathering what strength he could to look for twigs and other such bramble trying to keep himself busy as he put it into a small pile and put rocks around it to mark the campfire area as he looked up at Pandora. "C-cam-pfire s-e-e..." Kai coughed and took a deep breath again as he continuned "Se-t u-p Ca-ptain." Kai laid his staff down against a tree away from the campfire so it wouldn't burn when Kai lit the fire. Kai took off his cloak and set it down. His shirt had some cuts and holes here and there, but he seemed not to notice as he stayed still for a moment as his shoestring necklace holding his mothers ring was visible he smiled at it as he put his left hand on the ground flinching slightly at the numbing feeling it now produced.

Kai then finished preparing the campfire carefully lighting it as it slowly lit brightening the small clearing that they had found as it kept getting darker, At least now they had light and heat. Kai sat down his eyes slowly closed for a moment before he opened them having a focused look again as he turned to Pandora giving a weak salute showing he was alright as well as he had dutifully prepared a fire for them. Kai stood up and took Pandora's hand and pulled her close to the fire before sitting her down and then going to get his cloak before folding it up and setting it next to her as he sat on the other side of Pandora quietly. Kai had to make sure she was comfortable.

For some odd reason Kai wanted to stretch his wings so he unfolded them and carefully without hitting Pandora expanded them to stretch as far as they would go before he laughed to himself and then looked to Pandora, "K-now any goo-ood jok-es?" Kai stuttered trying to stir a conversation again he wanted to laugh again at the pitiful attempt, but for some reason he didn't as he stared into the fire with a rather odd look on his face.

[-Raviel]

After Kai got the campfire ready Pandora said, "At ease first mate Kai."

Once they were comfortable around the fire Kai asked, "K-now any goo-ood jok-es?"

Maybe I can heal him while I tell him a story. It might make the process easier to bear. "Sadly no, but I do know a tale of a normal orphaned girl who finds out one day that she wasn't who she thought she was."

Spreading her wings as well, Pandora started her story, "This story starts with a secret love..." Slowly and methodically she told Kai everything she knew about her story as she ran her hands over his wounds focusing mainly on his throat again. With just a few pauses, during which she made Kai move so she could get to some of his wounds, she eventually finished her story with, "And then she started telling her story to her best friend that was in desperate need of healing. And without him even realizing it, the worst of his problem was over and all he needed now was a good rest."

Resting back into her original position she leaned back and waited to see how Kai would respond.

(If you want to know all the details that were way too long to recap here the link is in my sig.)

[-DamagedHero]

( i've read it once before and i will probably read it again since its well written and awesome.)

Kai smiled as he listened to her tale, he liked the part where the whole village raised her and taught her a lot. "S-ounds like y-ou were a w-ild c-child Pandora" Kai felt most of his pains go away as she healed him he had to move sometimes so she could get to a injury of his. Kai was blushing at this as he tried to look into the fire to distract himself.

Kai felt saddened though as he heard the end of Pandora's starting tale he looked over at her for a moment then he decided something. "Pandora... i-i'm going to tell you a tale as well and after... anyway the story starts out with A Well known knight settling down with a woman mage." Kai had a cold look as he recited his past, the beating that his drunken father delivered to the woman and his only son and the names the boy was called and how he was stripped of his own last name by his father. Kai then went on to explain of the mothers undying love for the both of them and how she always would heal the boys wounds and even taught him how to heal himself. Kai's story continuned on in till he came to the part he had been afraid to tell anyone about... so Kai lied about how his parents died.

"Then the house was set ablaze an accident yet it did so much... both the parents died in the fire... and the boy was left alone in the world..." Kai spoke so sadly about this as he continued the tale, telling about Siran, Adrianna, Freya, even Darshe. In till he finally he got to the part where he was at now with Pandora, "Then he came to be telling his life story to his best friend while sitting amongst the trees and a campfire while feeling rather embarrassed about having got his ass handed to him by a sailor." Kai laughed as he coughed again. It was as this happened that a bush swished and rustled and caused Kai to turn quickly and look at the bush that had rustled before sighing at his own paranoia.


Though Kai was right and something had been there as a rather loud hiss made him aware of something there as a black and white cat sprung upon Kai pawing at his face as he let himself be pushed onto his back by the cat. "Sparks!?!?" Kai yelled surprised as he recgonized the cat which let out a meow and a his as it scratched his cheek making Kai flinch as he made a rush to pick the small cat up and hug her. "Sparks!! i knew you were a smart cat, I'm so so sorry about leaving you behind. It was an accident i swear!" Kai said trying to reason with the cat almost oblivious to anything else as the cat meowed angrily as it looked at him before it wriggled from his grip and cautiously walked towards Pandora eyeing her closely before sitting down and letting her tail swish side to side as she looked at Pandora then back at Kai meow expectantly.

Kai made the introductions, "Pandora this is my cat Sparks. Sparks this is my friend Pandora." Kai smiled as Sparks made her way over to Pandora and jumped into her lap which made Kai laugh to himself. "I picked Sparks up in Roft and she's been keeping me out of trouble in till recently we got separated...." Sparks hissed at Kai still upset at the 'seperation' which it seemed she blamed Kai for. "No fair! its not entirely my fault" Kai said bitterly at that as Sparks purred and looked up at Pandora almost happily.

( hehe anyway same deal with my profile though i haven't got all the stuff up to date xD) most of it is there)

[-Raviel]

After a few seconds Kai said, "Pandora... i-i'm going to tell you a tale as well and after... anyway the story starts out with A Well known knight settling down with a woman mage." He finished his story with, "Then he came to be telling his life story to his best friend while sitting amongst the trees and a campfire while feeling rather embarrassed about having got his ass handed to him by a sailor."

Kai's story was heart-wrenching to say the least. "Oh my gosh you poor thing! All of that strife, heartbreak, and pain. It's amazing you're still alive!" After hearing his story Pandora gave Kai the biggest hug she had ever given anyone before ever. During her hug there was a noise in the bushes. "What was that?"

"Sparks!?!?" Kai shouted as a small cat came jumping out of the bushes.

"So I take it you two know each other." Pandora said with a chuckle as Kai picked up the cat and started conversing with her.

After Kai was finished chatting with his cat she jumped out of his arms and sat down just staring at Pandora. "Pandora this is my cat Sparks. Sparks this is my friend Pandora." Kai said introducing the two.

"Pleasure to meet you Sparks. How do you do?" Pandora said as the cute little kitten jumped into her lap.

"I picked Sparks up in Roft and she's been keeping me out of trouble in till recently we got separated...." Kai explained.

"Well I'm glad she's with us now." Pandora said as she scratched behind the cat's ear so she would calm down and stop hissing at Kai. "I am sure that Kai would never voluntarily leave such a beautiful feline on purpose. Aren't you just the sweetest thing?" Pandora said as she laid back and held Sparks above her and then laid her on her stomach.

Picking a long piece of grass and transferring Sparks to the ground and twisting to lie on her stomach she dangled it in front of Sparks and watched as she started batting it back and forth. "So once we get some rest we should probably start heading towards Tristan. How does Sparks like traveling?"

Suddenly, Sparks turned towards the deeper part of the forest and started hissing. "What's the matter girl? What's there?" Standing up and getting her bow ready she watched and waited with an arrow ready on her string.

After waiting for a few minutes everything went back to normal. "That doesn't bode well. I really hope we aren't attacked again. That would suck. We should probably take turns keeping watch."

[-DamagedHero]

Kai blushed as he felt Pandora hug him he really liked the feeling and closed his eyes for a moment as he enjoyed it and Kai looked at Pandora for a moment smiling really widely. Kai laughed at Pandora playing with Sparks who was enjoying Pandora's company and being able to play with someone. "Glad to know she accepts you as her friend." Kai said as Sparks turned and lept onto Kai's shoulder before jumping and laying down on his head eyes on Pandora from atop of Kai's head.

"Geez Sparks, i'm recovering from injuries ya know." Kai said trying to play the guilt trip on Sparks who just whacked his forehead with her paw and meowed with an annoyed tone. "Merciless as always.." Kai muttered before he remembered something and immediately turned to Pandora pulling off his necklace and disposing of the shoe string into the fire as he held onto his mothers silver ring preciously to his heart. "i almost forgot." Kai carefully moved his hand to cover one of his eyes

"Blind as a bat, I'll never lose that."
Kai muttered a small phrase quietly to himself and then lowered the hand containing the ring to his mouth,

"Mute as a boot, still won't really give a hoot."
Kai was blushing as he raised it to his fore head.

"shedding blood or tears, i will always be in this gear."
Kai stopped before extending his hand towards Pandora and motioning for her to put her hand under his as he finished his little tune,

"Holding this close, to remember those who will always be dear."
Kai stopped as he looked at Pandora before he did something that surprised even him he took his hand and hit one of his eyes with it causing it to water and he even managed to open a small cut below his eye as he opened his hand as both tears and blood touched the ring before he closed his hand with the ring inside.

"From me to you, our hearts beat true." Kai extended his hand again opening it as well as letting a small magic spell of cure to give off the appearance of a magical rhyme as his open palm showed a small silver ring with a emerald on the top along with a single name stretching across the inside of ring. The name was one Kai knew well. the name he loved so dearly and treasured it read "Naire" and Kai looked up towards Pandora with a serious expression for a single moment before smiling at her. "Go on take it, if you don't the rhyme will lose its effect." Kai said he laughed though he knew that rhyme had been said to him before and he knew the person, but not when or where he had heard it.

Kai turned as the bushes rustled again and noticed Pandora's seriousness and made a joke, "Maybe it's Sparks boyfriend?" Kai snickered before receiving a swift paw to his head from the sleepy cat on his head. Kai smiled and then grabbed his cloak over on the other side of Pandora and spread it out over Pandora like a blanket, "we'll take the first watch you get some beauty sleep." Kai's voice sounded normal again and he didn't really have to strain so he was happy that Pandora had healed him so he would do his best to let her sleep.

"And before you go all debating that i need the sleep because i was injured blah." Kai said before poking her in the forehead, "I can't die from sleep deprivation so chill silly and get some well deserved rest my savior, my friend..... And my heroine..." Kai muttered the last bit very quietly while blushing before rubbing his head, "Sorry if that sounded corny it sounded better in my head." Kai said looking away embarrassed from what he had just said.

[-Raviel]

When Kai started his ritual, Pandora just watched silently as he went through his motions and rhyme. Holding out her hand when he showed her to she jumped a little when he hit himself. After Kai said, "Go on take it, if you don't the rhyme will lose its effect." Pandora took the slightly glowing object from his outstretched hand.

Slipping the ring on the third finger of her right hand Pandora said, "Thank you. I don't know what to say. This is the sweetest thing anyone has ever done. I'll cherish it always and keep it safe."

After Pandora put on the ring the bushes rustled again. Instantly alert, Pandora grabbed for her bow, but before she picked it up all was still again. "Maybe it's Sparks boyfriend?" Kai said trying to lighten the mood.

"Yeah... maybe." Pandora said with a little hesitation.

Placing his cloak over Pandora Kai said, "we'll take the first watch you get some beauty sleep. And before you go all debating that i need the sleep because i was injured blah." Kai said before poking her in the forehead, "I can't die from sleep deprivation so chill silly and get some well deserved rest my savior, my friend..... And my heroine..."

Knowing that Kai would never let her take first shift now that he already said he would she said, "Are you implying that I need beauty sleep?" with a very serious voice. She managed to hold out for about 30 seconds before bursting out laughing. "Thank you for the compliment. It was my pleasure to save you."

Tired after the long day, Pandora yawned, lay down, said goodnight to Kai and Sparks, and tried to get some sleep. Her dreams were filled with strange formless monsters hiding behind bushes, and strange noises. Several times she stirred in her sleep and made the occasional noise. The most common theme in her dreams was her not being able to save Kai. A few times in her dreams Sparks was as big as a lion and attacked her for letting Kai die. Her dreams went on like this until Kai woke her up for her shift.

[-DamagedHero]

"It's nothing really after everything you've done for me that little trinket and the safe keeping charm was all i could do to make it up to you Pandora." Kai said smiling as he rubbed the back of his head looking nervous as he stared at Pandora smiling his devilish little grin as he patter her head before laughing to himself.

Kai tensed as Pandora seemed serious and upset at the comment of her needing beauty sleep he was going to deny it and say she looked prettier then any other girl he'd ever seen, but Pandora thankfully started laughing it off like a joke which let Kai take a sigh of relief rather then freaking out on a way to explain how he meant what he had said. Kai smiled as Pandora went to sleep and whispered softly, "Good night Pandora." Kai stood up stretching his body was exhausted and so was he, but he would manage he only had to last a little while anyway right?

Kai hummed as he picked his staff up and started leaning against one of the trees as he kept an eye on Pandora and made sure that nothing was moving, Kai didn't like the quiet, but for now he settled his mind and kept up his watch on everything. Kai noticed that throughout the shift Pandora had been stirring every now and again and he wondered what she was dreaming about as he looked on turning away from the bushes for a moment to look at Pandora's face closely Kai smiled, "Yep you defiantly are cute enough without beauty sleep." Kai jokingly said aloud as he turned and kept watch for the rest of his time.

It was a while before Kai felt truly weak he had slumped down to sitting down against the tree and his eyes were heavy and hard to keep open so he stood up yawning as he did and carefully shook Pandora as softly as possible to wake her up, "Wake up sleeping beauty your turn to keep watch." Kai said rather tiredly as he looked up to see Sparks fast asleep and purring in her sleep atop of his head which made him smile a very tired smile though a smile nonetheless as he poked Pandora's forehead to make sure he woke her up as he sat next to her before he fell backwards and almost fell asleep instantly he got back up and did his best to stay awake in till he was sure Pandora was up.

[-Raviel]

Having the feeling of being shaken and hearing "Wake up sleeping beauty your turn to keep watch." Pandora slowly opened her eyes and stretched.

"Ok I'm up and ready to keep watch." Pandora said while she finished stretching. "You look like you're about to pass out. You should have woken me up sooner. You get some sleep and rest up, we have a lot to do tomorrow."

Sitting on a nearby rock with her bow in hand she kept watch for a few hours with hardly anything happening other than a few noises that didn't seem worth worrying about. Feeling extremely bored and a little chilly Pandora stretched out her wings and wrapped the around herself for warmth. A few minutes later Pandora heard a voice coming from the other side of the campsite. "I thought he would never go to sleep. I've been wanting to talk to you for ages."

"Who's there? Reveal yourself."

Stepping into the light of the campfire a man with no shirt and a finely toned chest said, "My name is Atticus, and I'm like you." As he finished his statement he stepped fully into the light and revealed that he had demon's wings. They were pitch black, his horns were that of a bulls and were at least a foot long. His fingers ended in claws and his feet clopped like those of a horse. "I know how tedious it can be dealing with the petty humans and their "feelings.""

Taking aim at the man she said, "I don't know what you're talking about, but I think you should leave."

"What, you don't want to share your snack with a fellow demon? He looks so tasty, and I can smell the angels on him. They taste so good."

"Y...yeah I haven't eaten in a while and I...I'm really hungry. I'm sure you can understand." As soon as she said this a breeze blew from behind Pandora towards the stranger.

Taking a deep breath through his nose the demon got a look in his eyes that really creeped Pandora out. "Ahh so your not what I thought you were. You have elf in you. I think I'm rather in the mood for a snack myself, but first I could use some "fun" back in my lair. You're coming with me."

He was next to her before she had a chance to do anything. His hand was around her mouth before she could scream. He kept his hand on her mouth while he carried her off into the woods. Thinking fast she used her magic to create some balls of light and sent them to hit Kai, and hopefully wake him up. He's my only hope. You're my only chance Kai. I know you can do it.

[-DamagedHero]

Kai lay against a tree as Pandora got up to take over Kai smiled, "just wanted to make sure you got enough sleep." Kai snuggled into the tree as he fell asleep pretty quickly as his dreams brewed inside his head. The first was him sitting on the side of a castle in the sky. Kai was holding a fishing rod while humming something he didn't recognize at all. Kai had the feeling of peace as he sat there he felt someones hands on his head yet he couldn't look up and it surprised him so much. That dream changed to something else Kai was riding atop a giant Sparks who meowed happily as they went along the road.

Suddenly a blaze of light rippled his dreams tore as the real world flooded back onto his vision as he stared around at the camp ground and he saw a strange mans hands around Pandora, he saw as she was started to be taken away and Kai moved sluggishly as he followed using a pick me up cure to wake his senses up as he took to the task of flowing the man who was taking away his friend. Kai wasn't afraid for himself, but for Pandora as he followed Kai started hearing things in his own mind as he followed quietly.

Voices screamed through his head causing him to stop and hold his head. Kai was losing it as he heard whispers from his father about being a disappointment to him and saying things about failing Pandora. Kai gritted his teeth as he heard many others voices then it all cleared out as Kai remembered what Pandora was to him and he swore to himself as ge hit his head against a tree before falling to the ground quickly into a bush to hide himself. Kai could only hope that the man he was following would think it was the Sind as Kai comtinuned to carefully follow the man carrying Pandora.

[-Raviel]

I really hope that Kai comes to help me. Pandora was afraid for her life right now. And with her mouth gagged she was left with her thoughts. Where is he taking me?

"I doubt that the sniveling brat will work up the courage to come after me. He looked weak and afraid. And I am taking you to my lair so that I can have some fun before I kill you."

w..what? Can he hear my thoughts?

"Yes, I can read your mind. I'm a psychic. That's how I knew you were camping over there. I could sense your power."

I don't even have the privacy of my own mind. Great. Deciding that she wouldn't give him the satisfaction of knowing her thoughts Pandora started thinking about the lyrics to her favorite song from the temple of light. Soon they came to the side of a hill near the middle of the forest.

"Ahh home sweet home." Atticus said as he squinted at a boulder and caused it to move aside revealing an opening in the hill. "Now lets have some fun." He said with an evil laugh. After entering the hill he got some rope, walked over to a stalagmite, held Pandora against it, and tied her hands and feet behind it. He tied it so tight Pandora gasped through the gag. Hurry Kai! I need you!

[-DamagedHero]

Kai stared taking a breath as he watched the Demon take Pandora into a cave. Kai was afraid he felt the fear creeping back into his mind and that doubt that earlier drove him to bang his head against the tree and almost knocked him out. Kai wasn't thinking as he stepped slowly he thought carefully as he neared the cave he heard Pandora's voice and the Demons and Kai felt pissed when he heard what that bastard planned to do with Pandora. That simple anger was enough to set him in motion, He had heard the insult to himself about being a sniveling brat as well as that the demon was a psychic. Kai sighed as he walked towards the cave he stepped into the entrance and leaned against it for a moment looking it before thinking something,

'Kinda sad that you have to kidnap and tie a girl up to get any. What are you trying to compensate for something?' Kai' thought out loud as he smiled somewhat evilly as he eyed Pandora out of the corner of his eyes, "That sniveling brat you were talking about... well he has come to rescue his friend, But before that i have to say you look very evil ya know the horns and all.. really frightening....." Kai faked falling asleep for a second then pretended to wake up again. "Awe sorry about that. i guess your so scary that my brain fell asleep out of fear from your sheer presence. You must be some sort of Demon lord or something."

Kai still had a evil smile on his lips as he looked to the Demon. "Awe also one more thing...." Kai took a deep breath before he started laughing rather suddenly. "Pffft... your what i was worried about man. i was more afraid of the Sailors then i am you." Kai was lying he was terrified, but in moments like this he did what he did best... or at least what he picked up from Siran the most. Kai belittled the Demon as much as he could.

"Okay okay enough shen- enough games down to business. You.... whatever the hell your name is... are you even a demon i mean the horns make sense... you kind of look like.... an undead monkey." Kai said squinting his thoughts were actually focused on his words and nearly echoing them inside his head though there wasn't really a plan and he was almost out of insults. "A horned Undead monkey... man i kinda feel bad for you i mean your a horned undead monkey who kidnaps teenage girls and has to tie them up to compensate for what you don't have... did you have issues with your Mother?" Kai said rather distractedly as he looked around the cave.

Kai then coughed as he looked at the Demon dead on. "You sir have two choices." Kai's voice was cold as he said this. "Choice one, you untie Pandora and i take her and we continue on our journey and you can live and wait for another woman to come along for you to disappoint." Kai was on a roll as he kept thinking of witty things to add to belittle the Demon. "Or two. you attempt to kill me, i rip your horns off ,cut of your wings, shove your horns into your eye sockets then turn you into..." Kai coughed as he looked at the Demon,

"well lets just say the vultures wouldn't even touch it.." Kai said this with a innocent smile on this face which made him seem more like a creepy little kid again then anything. "So your choice Sir Woman are disappointing in you." Kai smiled still he knew he probably would barely have any time to dodge an attack and Kai really hoped this guy did what Kai thought he was going to do.

[-Raviel]

Atticus was just about to start his fun when he heard a thought, 'Kinda sad that you have to kidnap and tie a girl up to get any. What are you trying to compensate for something?'

"Well I guess you would know all about compensating wouldn't you tiny?" Atticus said with a laugh while turning around to face the intruder.

After a long string of creative and rather laughable curses and insults the boy laid down an ultimatum that Atticus had no intention of even considering, "Choice one, you untie Pandora and i take her and we continue on our journey and you can live and wait for another woman to come along for you to disappoint. Or two. you attempt to kill me, i rip your horns off ,cut of your wings, shove your horns into your eye sockets then turn you into... well lets just say the vultures wouldn't even touch it.."

"You don't scare me boy. I can tell that you're all talk. I can see into your deepest thoughts. You're just a small boy trying to fill a man's shoes. You don't deserve your true name so your pitiful harlot of a mother gave you hers. How pathetic! You couldn't save your mother and you can't save this girl either. I bet you won't even try. You'll just run away and cry." Atticus could see that these were things that would hurt the boy, and that was the plan. Fight him with his own mind. "I think I'll go with choice number three, I beat you to a pulp, tie you up, and make you watch me have my way with your friend before I eat you both." After his speech Atticus used his psychic abilities to push at the boy to send him on a collision course with the wall of his cave.

[-DamagedHero]

Kai was caught off guard by the comments the man spoke to him he could see everything about his past and the comment about his Mother drove Kai to that blank look, He couldn't save his mother and Pandora was doomed to the same fate? Kai didn't struggle as he felt himself being pushed towards the wall and the collision slammed his head back against it as he felt the pain and even felt the back of his head start to bleed as he was now on his his hands and knees head looking down as his thoughts went over the same words and how deep they cut into him. Before he stood up slowly he reached back and felt the wound on his head blood dripped on his fingers as he dizzily looked at his hand then at the Demon. "I couldn't save my mother... yeah and my dad... hated me for no reason. thought i was a failure worthless... i probably am... And my mother tried to save me from a small fate of being named Only Kaitan with no past... I'm grateful that you brought this up..."

Kai stared at his hand and wiped the blood onto his jeans as his thoughts emptied as he looked up his green eyes had a certain anger in them as his grip on his staff tightened. "I may have not been able to save my mother... But if you actually think for a second that there is going to be a repeat course...then i should inform you that there are a couple of things you don't do when around me... One you don't insult my mother..." Kai's eyes showed his determination and exactly how much anger he felt, "Two you never ever bring up that piece of crap drunk of a father of mine..." Kai clenched his fists as he stared licking his lips for a moment, "Three.... When you plan on killing someone... Don't toy with them over their friends lives and don't start with such a weak offence.. Because now..."

Kai stopped talking as he looked at Atticus, "... Pandora forgive me for what I'm about to do to him and for making you watch it because... after i murder this loser... I'll... I'll..." Kai didn't finish his sentence as he looked at Pandora for a moment then turned towards the man before he bolted forward as his eyes and whole body shook at how pissed off he was and now in his head there was little to nothing of thought and memory in Kai's head other then the being his own imagination on how to kill the man in front of him as he quickly cast a spell a small ball of light gathered in his hand as he threw his staff quickly towards the man before attempting to tackle the man and at the same time slam the ball of light straight into Atticus face.

Kai Let out a loud scream as he tried to do this, "YOUR DEAD YOU SON OF A BITCH!!!"