The Lost Children (Ricky)

[Sebastian Stalinsa]

“Ha! Course I am.” Sebastian laughed off Ricky’s concern before grimacing as his wound pulled. “Ah listen though. Why don’t you do the rowing; I gotta check out this cut.” Undoing the bindings of his jerkin Sebastian gingerly freed his left arm with a subdued hiss. The cut was deep; starting from his sternum, slicing in a diagonal to his collarbone and bumping over ribs in the process. It needed cleaning and stitches neither of which he could do here. He could still use his arm but, every shift of the shoulder would hurt like a demon and only damage the muscles further. Still he was lucky to be alive. Charging an armed man without a weapon held enough stupidity to make the majority of his past martial teachers cringe. Holding the wound shut with his hand the best he could Sebastian let the water and blood dry from his skin. As Ricky took the oars and the continued their pursuit Sebastian wondered what to do next. He hated to admit it but, he wasn’t in any shape for another fight, especially against an entire ship’s crew if worse came to worse. He and Rick might still have time to alert the Wave Guard but, chances were slim they’d be able to mobilize in time. Sebastian had seen Zeltiva’s proud Wave Guard and hadn’t been overly impressed. While some were truly dedicated and disciplined individuals most were hardly more than average folk putting in some community service hours. They didn’t know a thing about land combat and he’d only heard stories about their sea warfare skills, and stories were often exaggerated. Still they were a better bet then he and Ricky going alone, and they could help the kids return home too. Not liking any of their options Sebastian gave a warning to his companions before bellowing out a threat towards the retreating pirates. “You see that you sons of dogs! We’ve killed three of your men so far! And now we’re coming for you!” His voice rang like a battle horn through the tunnel building upon its own echo becoming a truly monstrous roar. The effort hurt both his chest and head like an iron poker but, the satisfaction of believing he’d scared the shit out of the slavers was worth it. When the echo died down Sebastian eagerly whispered, “Alright Rick, you know Zeltiva better than me. What’s the plan?” Secret : Just wanted to let you know that this is Sebastian's personal opinion of the Wave Guard and doesn't necessarily depict them accurately.

[Ricky Maze]

"Plan?! You mean ye ain't got nothin?" He joked but the situation called for a more serious approach, still it helped keep his head cool as he began to pull. The boat now beginning to drift in it's gentle bouncing motion, as he leaned in forward with the oar's pulling them with his own weight this time to propel the boat further. He remembered watching his pa do the same, when they drifted out in the pay for a bit. Those were the day's when he was learning though, oblivious to the threats and dangers of the world. Now he had to recall the motion his father instructed, so he could make good of the time they had left. His thoughts were scrambled but not overdone, for his head was still in the cool now that he was relieving stress in each stroke he made with the oar's. He would take in a breathe before each pull, and exhale before each push. "Give me a few chimes to think...." He mumbled as he was occupied with his thoughts, he had to make a mental note of all the facts before he could assess the plan. From what he knew there wer three more kid's and three other pirates left, whose to say there could be reinforcements? Getting the Wave Guard would take time, but with the manpower they would be more successful. Yet the time for that manpower could be costly, unless a distraction could be made. However there was little time for distractions, as they would no doubt make way for the sea as soon as they dropped their sail.... It was either risk losing their lives or the pirates, and though the cutlass was unfamiliar becausr how light it was compared to Ricky's longsword he could be outskilled, but not outmatched if he could pull relentless flourishes like earlier. Sebastian wasn't going to be able to fight, not unless he was better with his other arm. Ricky exhaled as an idea hit him harder than his strokes. It was a risky idea and one that he absolutely did not favor. Yet if they could pull it off then it would lead to the element of surprise, giving Ricky and Sebastian a chance for a preemptive strike. Perhaps the kids would make for a distraction, if the pirates were to be greedy enough to attempt to reclaim their "money's worth" in them. The idea was repulsive to Ricky as it meant a great risk to the kid's, there wasn't even a garentee this would work. What if one went to the Wave Guard, while the other acted as the bait. Odis would be there for the child that stayed behind, as they would may not think nothing of it. Yet it was still too risky for his taste. He wondered what his companion would think of it, no doubt Sebastian wouldn't like it either; but in this very situation communication was key for a plan. He took a chime to catch his breath as he held his paddle in mid stroke. "Ok, I may have an idea. One I don't necessarily like, but if ye got anythin else to throw in yer welcome to try." He admitted humbly as his expression was clear: this. plan. was. risky. There was no doubt anything could go wrong, but if Laviku favored them tonight then things just may go accordingly. He leaned in close to Sebastian, so the kid's would not hear the part of their involvement. "Bait and switch," He said in a low tone, "The basic principle is settin them up to our advantage. If they want their full pay they need all their cargo....we have two, so if they were to see them they no doubt may give chase." He looked over his shoulder to the boy, then back to Sebastian. "The boy is taller, if he can get the Wave Guard to arrive then we can hold them off. Our surprise being the girl...." He took a moment to ingest the horrible idea before continuing. "Odis can stay with her and once one or two of those bastards come runnin, we get the jump on them and bring down their numbers." He wasn't sure what Sebastian was thinking, only now that his idea was now on the table. He didn't like it one bit, but if they turned out successful then there would be six children saved. Maybe more if their cargo ship was full. No doubt this event would all take place close to the docks, as he had a feeling that's where they were headed. Their only chance to plan was now, so they had to make the most of it while they could. Sebastian was the one to speak in turn now, as Ricky kept his mind open to embrace what idea's Sebastian had. Together they could do this, together they would find a way. After this there was no more toom for doubt.

[Sebastian Stalinsa]

“Your right Rick.” Sebastian murmured keeping his voice lowered as well so the kids couldn’t hear. “They’d be sorely tempted to return if we dangled the kids like worms on a hock.” He couldn’t completely hide the emphasized distain sparking from his last word. Sebastian wanted to catch the cancerous dogs but, Ricky’s plan was unacceptable. It was a plan however and he’d asked the man for an honest suggestion. There wasn’t any point in holding the answer against him just because he didn’t agree with it. Sebastian stared into Ricky’s face with fierce blue eyes. “If they were adults it’d be a fine plan; risky but, worth a try, but what we have are kids. Kids who can’t defend themselves if something goes wrong and the slavers have shown their willing to end them if they become troublesome. “He nodded towards Quinzel’s bundled cadaver then glanced up at the rowboat ahead. The pirates had blown out their lantern but, Sebastian could still see them outlined by the light of the rapidly approaching cave mouth. “Look at that.” He said speaking quickly while casting a hand towards the pirates. “They’ve got two hearty men on the oars and we have one. Unless something changes we’re not going to catch them. What about the Wave Guard? How fast do you think they can mobilize?”

[Ricky Maze]

It was reassuring in knowing Sebastian though it a well made plan, even better knowing he was in the same boat as Ricky about putting the kids at risk. There was no such need for it, had they been adults then things would be very different. Alas they now where trailing the pirates now, and while Ricky had no other alternatives, he immediately came to the conclusion that they will just have to act. If they were to stop these scoundrel's then they would have to keep up; and even that was slightly becoming troublesome. Ricky continued working the oar's once more in the same motion as before, repeating the breath intake he would do with each push. His forehead was covered in sweat now as the water proved to be a workout, but he knew that in each row he did he was pushing them closer to the outside. Closer to the pirates that were ahead. Finally when they reached the end of the tunnel he squinted his eyes, adjusting to the light of the night as they were now embraced my the moonlit sea. He seemed to be having trouble thougb as his vision was blurry, maybe it was the moisture from the tunnels. They had been in there for quite a while after all. However when he rubbed his eyes to clear the groggy blur that was around him, his vision would just not clear up. It was then he realized that it wasn't his eyes acting up, it was a fog that covered their view. "Damn. I can't see them." He cursed as he looked around for the other rowboat. He could not see any sign of their runaway rats, not anywhere nearby them now anyway. What ever trace was able to be picked up was hidden within the fog now, as Ricky picked back up on his rowing. 'Damn it! To be so close, and now they're gettin away.' His voice rang out in his head, his thoughts jumping from solution to solution; in an attempt to find the scumbags that slipped away. Convinced that there was no other way he kept his rowing going, each push harder than the last as he felt furious about this predicament. He was failing them. Those kids needed the trio to save them and Ricky couldn't keep up with them, he had failed those kids by being unable to follow. Now they were doomed to become some other person's slave no doubt, and would be well out of Ricky's reach by then. Ricky spotted the harbor nearby, a familiar place he knew to be right next to the docks. He was sure that the pirates could be docking themselves by now, and came to the conclusion that maybe, just maybe, there was still that chance. Now determined more then ever he put even greater effort into rowing, tapping into his energy reserves as he furiously sweated through each push and pull. They were not letting those two get awag, Ricky would stake his life onto stopping them. He and Sebastian would make it through this, and they would both save those kids. The docks drew near now, as Ricky began to lighten his pushes. He wouldn't want them to hit the docks and make any dead give away noises, not today he wasn't anyway. The docks were now in reach, finally at a grapping distance. Their time has come now, as they would travel through the foggy docks....and save the children from their fate.

[Sebastian Stalinsa]

In answer to his question Ricky set his jaw and gave a great heave on the oars determined to catch their quarry. Sebastian admired his enthusiasm and Rick kicked a nice bit of speed into the boat but it was still obvious they were underpowered. They needed another set of hands. The two kids looked about ready to collapse and even together they wouldn’t be enough to even out Ricky’s strength. Sebastian gave his left arm a slow swirl and stiffened as pain pin ponged between his chest and head. The bleeding hadn’t stopped and wouldn’t for a while he reckoned, but if he could move then he was well enough to row. Bringing the pirates to justice would be worth every agonizing moment. Sebastian was about to tell Ricky to scoot over when the voice of Sir Emmhra boomed from his memory. “Oy yah, that’s a fine idea ladie, very considerate of you ta wear yourself out on a pair of blasted oars. Save your foes the bother of killing ya. That’s down right genteel.” Laying back into his seat with frustrated resignation Sebastian redawned his shirt and held the wound firm with one hand. He hadn’t been in Zeltiva very long and was hard put to come up with an alternative plan to capture their sea destined foes. Ricky was fully focused on rowing and Sebastian wanted to keep him that way. The faster they go out of this tunnel the better, but he needed more information. “What are your names kids?” He asked with perhaps more crack in his voice then he’d wished. The boy jumped and grasped the sword glancing at Sebastian over Ricky’s shoulder, but the girl who’d affectionately attached herself to Odis spoke up, her words nearly tripper over each other in hast. “I’m Lina and he’s Danny. Are you really going to take us home? Because I don’t have one but the others might.” “How many others are there?” Lina squinted in thought before replying. “I don’t know. More than I can count.” “There’s eight.” Danny whispered. “They killed two of us.” He added as Lina said, “They took Halva away and…” Her eyes lingered on Quinzel a moment before staring down into Odis’ fur. Two dead. Sebastian shoulders drooped in sympathy for the two girls and regret for the brutal loss of youth. Closing his eyes he offered a quiet prayer. “Dira, guild their souls to safety. May they wander only a short while in the dark.” Looking back at the children he asked, “Do you know how many slavers there are?” Both children shook their heads. “They already have three of us on the ship.” Danny mumbled. “They took them away yesterday. Varshna’s the oldest. He’d been in the tunnels for two weeks.” “Two weeks?” Sebastian asked puzzled. How could the pirates have fended off inquires towards their ships languid harboring for two weeks, unless; unless they’d sent part of the crew ahead of time. Sebastian’s eyes farrowed. If that was the case then their foes where even better organized then he’d first imagined. How far did the planning go? How many hovels such as this were scattered about Zeltiva. How many children missing? Something like this could have never slipped past the knights of Syiras, but as he’d first suspected the Wave Guard could use improvement. He wondered how long it would take to root out all the slavers? Or whether any would be caught at all? His face darkened in contemplation when a fog suddenly and thickly engulfed the two rowboats cutting their adversaries from sight. Ricky swore speeding up their craft even more while Sebastian told the kids to keep an eye out and strained to listen for the sound of retreating oars. It was as if the fog had completely wiped the world away and the only bit of reality remaining was sitting in their little boat. Sebastian heard only the sound of Ricky’s harsh breathing and splash of paddles; saw nothing beyond the blanket of fog. “Rick, we need to turn back.” Sebastian ordered after a few minutes just as Lina pointed behind him. “Look! Lights!” Sebastian turned and beheld a great vastness floating upon the ocean wreathed by a glimmering of lights. The great man of war pulled at her mornings as their tiny rowboat creped past towards the docks. The name upon her prow was Belia. Sebastian could barely restrain the cackle which attempted to explode from his lungs into the night. Thank Ovek! By some luck the villains were still here. Sebastian turned and grinned at Ricky. “We’ve got em now!” He chortled. Docking silently they slipped out of the boat into the shadows. Voices echoed across to them from the ship. “Look captain Vel, we can’t have you sailing in this weather. Its just for safety reasons. You’ll have to wait it out.” Argued the leader of a small group of Wave Guard atop the vessel’s deck. “I can weigh anchor whenever I dam well please!” Barked back Belia’s captain. “I’ve got goods to carry and merchants to grease. Now you kindly remove yourselves from this vessel or I’ll throw you off!” “Ah, that be it then.” Whispered a familiar sandpaper voice from around the corner. “Was worried something like this must’ve happened when She wasn’t waiting for us at the point.” “Bad luck.” Grunted another voice. “Guess Laviku wasn’t satisfied with Splinter. Shoulder tortured him more.” “Well, can’t do anything about it now. Better move the merchandise to a better location. May have to cart them along the road and catch up with Belia later.”

[Ricky Maze]

Ricky hadn't really focused on the coversation that had continued as he rowed, but he really didn't have to pay that close of attention to understand the kids. Hearing of the two deaths made him feel somewhat glad he ran through Harp now, as he recalled the innocent girl that was quickly slaughtered just by acting on a whim. It enraged the ocean with Ricky's spirit, churning the tempest that was instilled within him to a higher degree. It was good that Sebastian was gathering information, it would help to add to a method of their planning should anything be discovered. Alas their arrival had come about the docks, and the impossible chance that theg would find their runaway rats was soon possible. The Wave Guard had a ironic sense of timing when it came to luck or fate, whatever the case was Ricky and Sebastian now had the chance to set things right, to settle the score with these smuggling murderer's. Ricky pulled himself onto the docks, pulling the boat in close as he would help Sebastian up if necessary. Odis was capable of jumping up onto the dock, his attention now in the direction of the scumbag's that were now planning a new course of action. His posture was one that meant "not today" while he manage to keep his growl a low rattle in his rib cage. Ricky tried to keep a sharp eye as he held out his hand, should Sebastian take it Ricky would help pull him up and then help the kids if needed. If not then a rope could be tied to the boat while Ricky and Sebastian would continue onward. Ricky wasn't sure what plan or course of action to take, he just knew that there was going to be hell. A hell that would come from the fury of two men now ready to bring down the world of these villians, a hell that Ricky knew he would not escape from. The tempest was now at it's peak form in its tension, and in its wake the pirates would find themselves on the front line. "What do ye think we should do." He spoke lowly to Sebastian to keep his voice from giving their location away, they were too close now for him to cause another slip up. Like when they first discovered their base of operations, as dark as it was he still should've taken better precaution to avoid discovery. Yet now was not the time to dawdle on the past, now he had a job to do and a friend to aid. Sebastian was the one that led them here, and Ricky trusted the man's judgement better then his own. Ricky would follow through with this, after all Sebastian had his support even till now. He wasn't going to change or alter his course, he would follow him into this to see it meet it's end. He waited patiently for his friends order or idea's, whatever he would share Ricky would listen.

[Sebastian Stalinsa]

Sebastian grasped Ricky's offered hand before remembering his own was smeared in blood. There wasn't much time and they had to act fast. His mind sped puffing to a line all the various pieces into a coherent plan. They needed to stop the Belia from leaving port, kill the slavers around the corner and find where the other kids were stashed. Sounded like a good enough plan. Except he realized it wasn't a plan at all. How were just the two, and a half of them including Odis suppose to do all that? He frown as another string of thoughts made themselves known. If they killed the slavers then they'd never find the kids, and if subduing them made too much noise then they risked distracting the Wave Guard from delaying Belia's crew. The pirates might even attack the small patrol of guard a bored their ship. Sebastian inwardly groaned as the gears in his head smashed against each other. He was a soldier, a follower, not strategist. Planning had never been his forte. He was driving by action, impulse, and passion. These anxious undisciplined voices all clamoring for his attention, none willing to wait their turn, it was bogging his head down, distracting him and preventing any progress towards the actual goal. In frustration he garbed all the noisy pieces and threw them out a window where they fell from a very great height and smashed against pointed stones. Then all was quiet, and in this peacefulness it became obvious that whatever he decided to do he'd need a weapon. "Danny, I'll be needing that sword back." He ordered in a hushed voice holding out his hand. "But what are we going to do?" The boy hesitated unwilling to relinquish his newly found security. The kid had a point. The fight ahead was no place for children. "You and Lina get to the Wave Guard headquarters or Sailor's guild whichever's closest. And try to get as many down here as possible." He added as the thought struck him that they'd need reinforcements. "But I want to help." The kid muttered darkly as he stared down at the blade in his hand." "No, listen to me Danny." Sebastian's voice cracked as an image of the kid getting skewered flashed through his head. "There's no time to argue, get going. Now!" He growled easily twisting the sword out from the boy's grasp and slapping the flat of it against his retreating buttocks. "Alright Rick," He said turning back to his friend as the kids ran off. "You, Odis and I will grab those two around the corner there." He said pointing to the building ahead. "We need one alive to question. I'll go around this way, you the other side and we'll pin them in the middle. Lets go." Sebastian finished striding forward nearly before the last words had left his mouth. This wasn't a time to think or worry about the details. Such things were for people who had too much time on their hands. No, this was a time for action. The fight ahead wasn't going to be easy, but it had to be done and there wasn't anyone else to do it but them.

[Ricky Maze]

With a firm nod he followed Sebastian's order without hesitation, this was now the time where he would act without a second thought. Where he would find it in him to not hold anything back until he had completed his task, in this moment here where time was everything their failure was not an option. Ricky and Odis quickly and quietly made their way around like Sebastian commanded, Ricky keeping a cool head as he was now coming around to the position where they would surprise their enemy. A standard surprise attack that would give them an advantage, the initiative to charge into your battle head first being the desired gambit. There would be no time for a pause or a hold up, not even in the confusion of the fight. No if he were to lose his head then he would have to rely on instinct, already the heart pounding adrenaline was rushing into his head. The anxious excitement that built up in his brain twisted and raveled his stomach into knots, making him even more uncomfortable as he prepared himself. When he saw Sebastian was in position, Ricky flicked his right wrist in a circular motion. Getting the feel and balance of the light blade he now had. It was certainly easier to swing compared to his longsword back at the inn, its sharp edge ready to cut open it's next victim of his fury. He had little skill with such a light blade, but a cutlass was bound to do the same injury as his sword when he would perform one signature move. The Flourish. Yes with this in mind it was possible he could overpower his enemies, if they prove to be faster than him then the might of a Flourish could stagger one of them. His breathing was getting heavy and deeper now but they were steady, the very course of his nature now tapping into the primal instinct of his inner bear. Odis didn't make a move or noise but his posture was exactly in the position he needed, one to get a good start to charge into the battle ahead. Finally ready to make his move Ricky ran in, cutlass raised to be brought down on his victim. His footsteps pounded on the docks as he ran, giving the two smugglers a slight warning that something was incoming; yet Ricky was the last thing they expected to see. They drew their blades in a quick attempt to defend theirselves, as Ricky brought the cutlass down with both hands now. A clash echoed out from Ricky's cutlass as it crashed onto his target's blade, causing a clinging noise to echo out into the area around him. Both Ricky and the pirate grunted as the force of his blow rattled their blades, causing Ricky to cringe a bit as his ears now rang. "Damn!" He swore under his breath as his mind now centered all of it's focus on his target, the pirate was more agile than Ricky predicted though. He made a steady recover that practically slipped underneath Ricky's blade, giving the bear only a moment to evade. The pirate flung his sword out to Ricky's right shoulder, swiftly making its way to his ribs. When Ricky pulled back he had felt the metal cut into his flesh, creating a shallow wound where the impact would've been significant. He staggered back wincing as he could feel the cut radiate out onto the rest of his torso, the pain not being as significantly painful as it would were he not running on adrenaline. Warmth could be felt dripping down his body now, as the clean cut through his vest would reveal the wound like an open window. Ricky didn't have time to think or examine the wound, he only had time to act on whim. Already his opponent was going in for another killing thrust, this time though Ricky was prepared for it. He would parry the blade with his best effort and strike at his enemy, but even with a lighter sword his opponent was far more agile. Curving his blade around to knock Ricky's down he slashed at Ricky, barely nipping the man at his chin. Ricky fell away on his back as he attempted to avoid his opponents attack, looking up to see the pirate now smirking in his victory at disarming Ricky. He crawled back in a desperate attempt to get away so he could get up, but there was no where for Ricky to go without the risk of getting stabbed. He would rather face his enemy then turn his back and run, as he would brace himself for the killing blow....until Odis made his strike! The snarling hound leapt at the pirate in a furious rage as the smell of his masters blood spurred a reation, his canine instincts now going into full over protect mode as he tore at the pirates left ankle. Caught by surprise he screamed in agonizing pain as the dog yanked and pulled with his torturous bite. His jaws clamped down into the shin of the pirate. He snarled and tore with all his anger directed at the pirate. Ricky was caught of guard but took advantage of the moment to pick himself up, it was then however that the next thing he saw completely broke his spirit. The pirate had kicked Odis off with his other foot and away from him, staggering the dog with whines of cruel pain from the injuries he suffered. Then right there the pirate thrusted his blade into the shoulder of the dog, and then the whining quickly died out. His blood boiled hotter than ever while his heart now began to crumble into dust, Ricky lost control of himself as the entire world seem to become dark with red. Bloodlust from a savage within him he had never known, his rage gushed through his mind and destroyed the dams of his conciousness. "Odis!!" He screamed in denial at what he saw as he charged at the pirate tackling the murderer without a second thought. His intentions was nothing like before now as he wanted to kill this man, he wanted him to suffer for what he had done. When Ricky had tackled the pirate they had both fell down, with Ricky now on top of him in a matter of chimes. The pirate had lost his blade after Ricky had tackled him, as it slid off the docks and into the ocean below. The tempest now swirling into a devolved chaotic hurricane, Ricky released his wrath upon his target relentlessly. In his blind screaming rage he had snapped and lost all control, his left hand now gripped the neck of his victim without loosening his grip while he raised his right hand in a fist that was clenched tight. He could hear the pirate choking as he was losing air but it was not enough. No nothing would be enough to undo what this demon has done, nothing could change what he had just pulled. Not thinking of the consequences that would follow with his actions Ricky smashed his fist into the pirates face. He did so repeatedly with each punch nearly as hard as he could, he could feel his hand breaking as he continued. The mans face now being blooded as he attempted to cry out in pain, but Ricky's tight grip was now as tighter than earlier; and a snap soon followed as he squeezed the hardest he could. Though he may have killed the man he didn't care about this, there was no relief or calm in the storm. There was only the violent turmoil it created as it poured through every part of his body. His fist now feeling a stinging pain all within he still kept the punches going, as his entire hand was now covered in blood. He had smashed the pirates nose in, literally beaten both eyes to bloodly black, and done more damage than a busted lip. This guy was no longer recognizable, nor was the Ricky Sebastian had just witnessed. Ricky hadn't paid any attention to the fight he and the other pirate would have had going on, but what had just happened was not something that was originally part of Ricky. With fast heavy pants his mind was rushing, every processed thought wasn't given enough time to register...until now. When he was finally slowly coming around to he had seen what the damage was he had down, his head spinning and aching from such a volatile reaction. Ooc : Whew, sorry if I overwhelmed you. I can trim it down if you need.

[Sebastian Stalinsa]

It occurred to Sebastian just as Ricky and Odis slipped around the corner that he’d forgotten to mention stealth. Ah well, Ricky didn’t seem the kind of guy who’d waste time playing with his opponent and he’d guess the pirates would want their confrontation to go just as unnoticed by the guards. As fog swirled around his cautions footsteps Sebastian wondered if a better plan might have been for either he or Rick to disguise themselves as a fellow pirate while the other snuck up from behind. Well too late for that, he thought, as the clash of steel ring through the night. Hurrying around the corner Sebastian saw both slavers engaging Ricky. One was a small quick man the other average height but, strong if the width of his shoulders was any indication. Blades sang in the moonlight as Rick and the smaller man exchanged blows while the other advanced waiting for an opportunity to strike. Neither noticed Sebastian coming around the corner so with a decisive movement he sheathed the cutlass in his belt and tired the red scarf around his left wrist. Running Sebastian jumped slamming the full force of his weight into the larger man and sending the cutlass spinning away. Looping the scarf around the man’s neck he pulled giving a snarling cry as the wound in his chest opened further. The body bulked beneath him trying to turn as Sebastian pinned his lower body and drew the man up like a bow. It was incredibly painful and he tightened the grip around his right hand as his left side began to weaken. He couldn’t see what was happening to Rick. There was a clatter and snarls. A blood chilling roar that caused Sebastian to turn and see a flash of movement as the two men went tumbling into a wall. There was the sound of fists hitting flesh, screams, and the breaking of bone. The pirate beneath him began wildly clawing at the air and Sebastian had to turn away from whatever was happening with Rick to focus on balance and maintaining his hold. The man was just about to give out when there was a clatter of footsteps and the four were surrounded by the brightly lit torches of the Wave Guard. “What’s this! Separate these men!” A weary voice ordered. Sebastian felt two men grab him roughly from behind as another flipped over his opponent. “Still breathing captain.” It was a women’s voice. Unbeknownst to any of them the Belia had begun quietly detaching itself from the docks in preparation for weighing anchor.

[Ricky Maze]

Just a few chimes ago Ricky was prepared for what was to come and knew that there was a great risk at getting injured, yet he never thought that this was going to happen. Not like this really. He imagined that at the very least things would've gone another turn, maybe he would've sustained a more severe injury as he should've, but for Odis to now be gone in a matter of ticks. No it wasn't bearable to Ricky. He wasn't able to grasp the reality of the present situation, his head was ringing with a serious headache and his heart knew only pain. To him this was all just a nightmare now, a nightmare he wished to wake up from. Yet he couldn't he had his arm raised as if he wanted to give another punch, but it was frozen there in place. His hand now cramped from the pain he felt in it, paused in the transition to another first. He couldn't move his fingers much less his hand. Any small movement he made would hurt seriously, causing him to frown in the discomfort he would feel. His torso felt numb now but his injury seem to pulsate to show it was still there, Ricky no doubt injured himself further there too with his violent reaction. The Wave Guard had a timely arrival too as the pulled Sebastian off from his target, and too more of their men had pulled Ricky off of his victim. He did not fight back or even much less speak when they did this, he only hung his head in shame in knowing what he had done. Though it was a haze his frenzy was still fresh on his mind, the satisfaction in feeling the pirates windpipe snap from the pressure Ricky applied. He had no regret in taking the bastards life this time, only wished he had more satisfaction out of it really. Instead he only felt the grief overwhelm him, as he looked to over to where Odis lay. His body lifeless now because of the event that played out, Ricky took a step to go to his faithful companion but the two guards wouldn't let him go. Angry with what he was dealing with Ricky almost lost control, but manage to stay his ground so he wouldn't challenge the officer's. They were in enough of a pickle already, and even though he wanted to go to his beloved dog; he knew he first had to comply with the Wave Guard. It was a fact he would rather say "push off" to, but he stubbornly accepted it with impatience. Still though Ricky was broken now and he couldn't be fixed, the one thing he had left in his life was officially now taken away. Nothing else seemed to matter anymore, no feeling Ricky felt, not even the physical pain, couldn't subdue the emotional breakdown he had just had. The ocean within him churned deep as the tides rose and fall, the inevitable downcast fell as the chaos from the violent storm finally subsided. The ocean was now beginning to swirl into a vortex, and within it the abyss he felt would swallow his spirit whole; leaving nothing but an empty shell of this devastated bear. He was silent but his eyes now began to overflow, and like the downcast inside him, his own rainfall took place. His mind zoned out constantly as it repeated the scene in his mind, the final moments of Odis defending his master before his death. Odis had saved Ricky at the cost of his own life; and like a true hero, a true dog, he protected his master to the end. Funny how the irony now stood out before Ricky, first his dad is saved by his best friend and now so is his son; and both were named Odis. Wincing as he stood in the pain he was in still looked to the body of the man he had killed, maintaining his silence as he would weep for his lost companion. The guard must have been here because they heard the commotion, if the kids hadn't already brought their attention first. Ricky would look to Sebastian and let the man speak in tbeir stead, for Ricky was now unable to find the will do even speak. He was still occupied with his thoughts, but would do his best to drown them out; he would attempt to listen as best as he can.