high_seas | Meeting of the Minds

Entry tags:

Meeting of the Minds

Who: Everyone who chooses to participate
Where: Breakneck Cay
When: December 5th
What: A summit to get down to business and get this situation sorted out, L-Elf-style
Warnings: Possible violence?
Style: Any
Status: Open

Upon arriving on Breakneck Cay, if you can navigate the shoals safely and find safe mooring, you'll notice that the beach is more or less abandoned unless you count the countless shipwrecks an snarled piles of debris strewn across the shore. If you approach the jungle, you'll notice a makeshift sign pointing towards a path leading into the trees. There's a lengthy note tacked to it with a detailed map, an exhaustive list of rules and etiquette for participating in a military summit, and probably more if anyone actually got past the part with the map.

The meeting is to be held in a strangely silent clearing. Upon arriving, you'll find L-Elf sitting on the huge stone in the center, fast asleep. It's immediately obvious that this is not a social occasion or it at least wasn't planned by someone with any idea how to make guests feel comfortable. There's nowhere to sit except on the ground and definitely no refreshments. It might be a good idea to send someone back to the ship to pick something up if you want to make it through this thing.

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[BURSTS OUT LAUGHING]

Kitty! [CACKLES] That's too rich!

[Thatch's bird was unfazed by the explosions (IRONICALLY. But then again, it is made of fire. Explosions don't faze it.) but at the laughter, he takes off from Thatch's perch and chirps quietly chasing after Cynthia.]

[Cynthia was too mad to even notice the weird bird following her. God damn it Marco, she doesn't have poffins right now! But if he does keep up, she'll lead him to the only boat she salvaged during her last visit here. Somehow, she was happy it was still there.

After she boards the ship and climbs down to one of the rooms bellow the deck. That's when she finally notices the bird. ]

Oh...you again.

[Marco carefully lands on her shoulders, since he doesn't want her to decide he's a threat and try to smack him, and carefully gives her a gentle phoenix nuzzle to the side of her head as soothingly as possible.]

Are you all right?

[He's not sure she'll understand phoenix, but whether she does or not, he hopes the sentiment is clear.]

[Not even a little. But she understood that he was trying to make her feel better, and that was clear enough to her. So she scratches under his chin in response.]

That stupid man asked me to come to this summit because he "needed me". Can't believe I fell for that.

[asdkljasldkjasldkjasdlkajsd]

[He is just going to try to not melt right off her shoulder, thanks.]

[He does melt a little into a fluffy little blue phoenix puffball though.]

[But at the comment he reassuringly rubs his head against her cheek again.]

[He probably meant it too, Marco wants to say. But it's clear that Cynthia and Gan Ning understood what that meant differently.]

The direct order surprised me. He must have been really shook up.

[Marco's reflex to pirate captains who gave direct orders to their crew was a general "kick first, explain later" but Cynthia's reaction told him volumes about how unusual they must have been. Was Gan Ning scared by the explosions? Humiliated, and therefore wanting to exert his own power over the situation?]

[Marco just makes a "tsk" sound, and shakes his head.]

What will you do now?

[Marco had seen direct orders defied a lot, it's why he doesn't ever use them. Because he doesn't expect them to be obeyed. The only direct order he ever received from his father was to protect his own life, and the crew, the family. Well, those were the only kinds Whitebeard ever gave. Even to Ace. But even then, the crew had a knack for defying them. That's what pirates did.]

[Still, most crews did not operate as the Whitebeards or Spades in that sense. For all that Marco loathed mutineers, he knew most of them were only when the captain was so oppressive the crew snapped. And likewise, Marco had seen first hand a lot of defiant crew members punished, sometimes even with death, enough to know that defying a direct order was less tolerated among pirates than most navy. -- The other reason Marco didn't give direct orders. Either you didn't give them because you knew they would be defied, or you had to back them up with serious consequences. And Marco wasn't willing to do that.]

[Well someone's enjoying scratchie scratchie time. So she'll just keep scratching under his chin.]

I've known him for nine months now, and not once did he use or even think to use the captain card whenever I did something he didn't like. Hell, he never used the captain card, period. He never let the title get to his head, and I respected him for that.

[and then the scratching stops.]

And for something so stupid...I don't want to go back to my crew right now. I'm pretty sure I'd end up hurting him in some way.

[Marco is going to melt to a point of all but falling off. Scritches under the chin get to him in the worst way, and make him all too safe and comfortable with any environment. Which is dangerous, and completely unavoidable.]

[Ah well, at least he was basically impervious except to drowning like this.]

[He cranes his neck low, and then tilts his head at the final comment.]

[Valid. Whenever he and Ace fought, one of them usually DID have to take off for a time to cool off.]

[He doesn't hesitate long before unfurling his wing to gesture to the Spade tattoo again.]

Other friends? You shouldn't be alone, even though you have your animals.

[It's dangerous to be alone on the sea, as Ace and Marco could testify all too well.]

[Marco would also offer to allow her the space on his ship(s? They needed to figure out which to do away with or get more people) but he wasn't sure she'd accept given her apprehension of the Spades before.]

[She took the gesturing of his tattoo as an invitation and chuckles.]

You are a sweetheart. But I heard Marco's the captain of the Spades now, and I don't think I'd feel safe if I was left alone with that guy.

[Oh Cynthia...sweet innocent Cynthia...]

But then, who am I to judge him? I barely know him past the stuff my crew mates say. I bet he's just a big ol sweet heart, just like you.

[She gives the bird an affectionate little peck and then back to the scratchies. But god if she actually knew who she was giving all this attention to...heaven help her.]

[Marco gives a birdie chuckle at that and just nods, before melting into the scritches again. Curse those heavenly scritches, it's so hard to think straight like that!]

Aye! Besides, Roxas says he loves me!

[He happily swishes his tail back and forth, wishing he could explain that better, and trying to clear his head enough to think more level-headedly.]

[Everything seemed to be filled with sparkles instead, and it probably didn't help that Marco was actually sparkling at that.]

Consider your sources. You're mad at Kitty, and...

[Well, Lea did leave the crew on Marco's account, but it wasn't like Marco wanted him to. Not that it mattered because all that came out in avian chatter anyway. He flicked his tail again, thinking harder how to explain it. If worse came to, he would simply extend an invitation through the journal later, or get Thatch to translate. On the other wing, hadn't he specifically told Thatch he didn't want to become like Shanks, always offering to steal Gan Ning's crew? But wasn't there a huge difference? Marco had always been clear that he loved his father. Shanks only offered specifically to set Marco off -- even if he did mean it. Marco wasn't trying to steal anyone, just give them refuge. And god knows, Gan Ning started it, so it couldn't hurt to return the favor, would it?]

[Marco lightly bumps his head against Cynthia's cheek, and gestures to the Spade tattoo more insistently.]

At least talk to Thatch or Selphie. Nothing to lose by trying.

[And then the scritches stop.]

I'm sorry but I just can't. I don't know anyone in the Spades well enough, and I don't think being with the Spades is the best for me right now.

Maybe I'll just sty here for a bit...I know for a fact that my crew would wait as long as they need to. They always do.

[He flicks his tail up and down. By no means will he force her, but doesn't she have other friends outside the crew?]

[Maybe not.]

[Which leaves him very uneasy.]

[Well, he can stay a little bit at least.]

What if you brought someone you trust with you?

[But maybe she doesn't want to leave Gan Ning which makes sense, but still...]

[Marco anxiously flicks his tail a little more thinking harder how he can get his message conveyed, short of trying to call Leanne and Naesala over the journal. Did Cynthia know either of them?]

[Well she does have friends. But the funny thing about her was that almost every friend she made in this world outside her crew, she somehow managed to recruit into her crew. Which was totally a skill.

And think about it. How would Cynthia react when she finds out that that the bird that's been rubbing against her face all this time was Marco? If he got someone to translate, that info might slip out.]

Sometimes, I wonder if Ning even cares about what I do for the crew.
Did you know I was the reason they got so rich so quickly? Given I endangered myself to get most of it...and the rest were mostly accidents. But I don't think I've ever heard him say thank you.

I wish I could keep you. It's like you completely understand me.

[Nah, Marco told his crew he wanted to be incognito -- even though he sucks at it, Thatch has been covering for him almost completely.]

[Granted, if he did invite Cynthia to the crew, he wouldn't want to run the same situation of taking too long in explaining that he was the same person like he did with Roxas, but it's not something he likes to reveal to those outside of the crew. The only exception is the Straw Hat crew, and even then, not all of them.]

[Marco tilts his head at her complaint of being under-appreciated. It could just be venting, but if it is symptom of something deeper, Marco wants to do what he can to help.]

[And as for understanding?]

[He grins in spite of himself, and nods his head yes, chirping.]

That's because I do.

[That makes her smile, and kiss the top of his head. What a sweet little bird.]

I don't even know what to do anymore. What do you think?

[Blushes fiercely at that and makes a mental vow not to tell Robin.]

Come with me, yoi!

[Swishes his tail more.]

[She sighs, giving his chin one more scratch before getting on her feet again]

Yeah, you're probably right. Screw Ning. If he's going to pull crap like that, he doesn't deserve me as a friend. But maybe I should head back. Arceus knows, I always get into danger when I'm alone like this.

[Marco can't frown as a bird, but he makes a low distressed note. 1) Anyone would get into trouble alone, even the strongest man in his world, or Davy Jones. They both had nakama, it's important. 2) Marco already refuses to leave until he's sure she's ready. 3) Should he get Thatch or Selphie to extend the invitation?]

[He gently tugs her sleeve to gesture to the vicinity of Thatch, and Selphie.]

At least talk to them. What harm can that do?

[Thatch seemed interested in buying explosives, and where explosives were, Selphie was likely to be close by, but if nothing else, it would give Marco time to fly to secure place, and switch back to send a message through the journal.]

[She does glance at the direction the bird was pointing at. Not really sure what she was looking at. But she'll just blame it on the fact that she was talking to a bird right now.]

Not really sure what you're pointing out. But it's getting late, you might want to head back to your crew, little guy.

[There's a lot more rapid chatter in phoenix as Marco tries to figure out how and what to tell Cynthia.]

[Finally he just lightly headbutts her with a fluffy tap again.]

What about you? Will you be all right?

[He won't leave until he gets at least that much assurance, and even then, he'll probably make a journal thread to ask for interference if necessary.]

Hey now, don't give me that look. It's not like I'm returning to an abusive crew or anything...

[There was a hint of sadness in her voice. It was still hard to accept that Ning would willingly embarrass her in front of the other captains like that. She was trying to gain alliances, she was trying to start a business for arceus sake! What kind of first impression was that? Being shouted at by her captain? How was she ever going to live that one down?

She watches as the last rays of sunlight disappear into the horizon, before climbing out of the wrecked ship that she called her new hiding place.]

I don't trust captains who give commands instead of suggestions. It speaks to insecurity, weakness, distrust of the wisdom of the crew, and someone who thinks of themselves as a military commander, not a pirate officer.

[But for now, Marco carefully moves to perch on the top of her head.]

I do think you have enough self-respect not to stay where you felt unappreciated, but too many of you non-pirates don't realize how much choice you have in this world! How can I not be nervous about that?

And I won't go back until you promise to be okay. Because that's the kind of captain I am. My Pops taught me. He adopted thousands of allies and looked after them like children, and even people who should have been his enemies. It drove me crazy as his first mate, but I wouldn't have him any other way. So if all I can do is follow his giant footsteps, I will, yoi.

[So much chatter to himself considering she doesn't understand most of it.]

[Aww the shiny Ho-oh's making cute bird noises again! Maybe he was hungry? Oh if only she brought some of those poffins with her.

Once her feet are safely on the ground, she stretches out her arm from him to perch on.]

So, do I get a kiss before I go? This might be the last time I'll ever get to see you...

[There's that sad tone again. She liked making friends. She especially liked making friends with new creatures that were just as sweet at this one. Deep down, she really did wish she could keep him. Sure she always had her pokemon to talk to, and she knew they completely and utterly understood every single thing she says. But somehow, being able to vent to a strange new creature felt nice.]

And tell your captain that I'm sorry for misjudging him. If he could raise such a sweet creature like you. He must not be such a bad guy.

[asdlkajsdlaksjqirjlijaALSJdalskdjALskdjALtjAjALSDjALSkdjASdklASJd]

[Oh lord how will he explain this?]

[Would Robin be mad?]

[Thatch will laugh at him!]

[Of course it is all his fault.]

[And when/IF????/when probably/ever Cynthia talks to Roxas or Lea about him one of them is going to explain he is Marco, and he'd rather not have her hate him for it.]

[So blushing like a cardinal instead of a blue jay in the cheeks, he carefully perches on her arm and gives her a quiet birdie nuzzle.]

I'm glad you think so.

[Aww birdie nuzzles aww

One final tickle under the chin before she shoos him off...in a nice way. Listen, if he doesn't leave right now, she cannot promise that she won't at least try to catch him.

Would pokeballs even work? Whatever, she'll just try and reassure the bird because she can see it looked worried for her.]

I'm a big girl, and no matter what stupid thing my captain does next, I can take care of myself. Always have.

But I think I'll take the long way towards the boats. Maybe a nice long walk would cheer me up.

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fierybluebird - 2014-12-10 08:17 (UTC) - Expand

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Meeting of the Minds

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BAHAHAHAHA

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