Let's do the Time Warp Again

[hand_of_courage]

Who: Howling Sabers
Where: Various islands in the west and south
When: 05/21-06/07
What: Crew catch-all for last half of May, beginning of June
Warnings: None

[Catch-all for Howling sabers.

05/21 will be the end of the official scuttling of the Charming Murderess near Scorpion Reef and we'll have to start using the new Galleon (and name her!) from then on. The Hey! Listen! is still intact and usable. As we sail away, remember to watch out for scorpions and get ride of them.

05/26 Link Jr. returns from his canon update in a 17yr-old-body with the Master Sword strapped across his back.

05/28 - 06/04(dates negotiable) Stopping on Manila for a library visit.

Any other events TBA as they're decided.]

Comments

[hand_of_courage]

I did. I was there for a few weeks.

[He answered the questions asked and offered nothing more. He was scared Sasuke was going to kick him out of he said something 'wrong'. He was scared he'd have to find a new family because his current one didn't know him anymore.]

[thethundersaid]

... it wasn't that long here. [So that seems like a common experience, at least if Link and Hajime count as 'common'. There's irritation in his voice when he mutters, mostly to himself:] This place and time --

[And then he rewinds the words and the narrowed-eyed look transfers to the boy.] You grew that much in a matter of weeks?

[Is this some side effect of being born from trees?]

[hand_of_courage]

[Link shook his head.]

No. I didn't grow at all while I was home. I took the Master Sword and I was small, then I was in the water outside the ship and I was big.

[thethundersaid]

[That ... okay. Well, this probably has something to do with the whole tree business, and the way Link's explained his world before makes Sasuke not relish the idea of asking for details.

In any case, what's important is --]

At least you've retained your memories while away. You're combat-ready at that size, or do you need to train?

[hand_of_courage]

[Link tilted his head before finally stepping back from the door. He rolled his shoulders and swung his arms experimentally, then looked back through the small space.]

I can fight. Nothing hurts.

[thethundersaid]

[He watches, assessing, and unwillingly impressed by how easily Link appears to have adjusted to a completely different body in so short a time.]

Good. I'll expect you back on duty tomorrow, then.

[hand_of_courage]

...I can't fit into the small spaces I used to anymore.

[thethundersaid]

Then you'll stand regular sentry with the rest of us and join the other Link for short-range combat if we get into a fight. [He pauses, only now thinking to ask:]

Do you no longer want to be on board?

[hand_of_courage]

No! I mean I want to stay!

[Link rushed to the door, grabbing it and the frame and leaning in to Sasuke in slight panic.]

I can stay, can't I? Please?

[thethundersaid]

[Whoa -- the kid moves fast and Sasuke tenses instinctively before he realizes that he's being ... begged to be able to stay?

Just when did he become the arbiter of who came and went on this ship? If he thinks about it, he only ever intended to be a temporary captain, able to shrink his circle of interest back to Itachi and himself, but here he is.]

Of course. [It comes out almost annoyed.] There's no reason you wouldn't; it's not like you've become a different person. Just a taller one.

[hand_of_courage]

[Link's lower lip wibbled a moment before he threw open the door and threw his arms around Sasuke in a tight hug. Not only had he gotten taller, but he had gotten stronger, too. He didn't actually know his own strength yet and hugged the other man with all his might.]

Thank you.

[He had been so worried he'd be kicked off the ship because he'd changed so much.]

[thethundersaid]

Whoa! [He says it out loud this time, arms flinching up before he forcibly keeps himself from sparking all over with lightning chakra and paralyzing someone on his own crew. Even so, it's obvious he's deeply uncomfortable --

And after a few minutes, not just mentally; Link is squeezing with what feels like his full strength and Sasuke has to grab his shoulders to push him back, breath a little strained.]

Okay -- okay, yeah, just let go --

[hand_of_courage]

[Link released his Captain, giving one of those salutes he'd learned to give way back when from Captain Jack Sparrow.]

I'll be on duty tomorrow!

[thethundersaid]

Yeah, great. [The response is thoroughly informal in comparison to that salute, Sasuke half-lifting a hand to acknowledge it. He doesn't massage his ribs, even if he kind of wants to. If that strength is any indication, Link will do just fine on his new duties.

He turns to leave before any new expressions of joy happen.]

Get reacquainted with the ship in the meantime.

[hand_of_courage]

I will! I'll climb every rope and enter every hole I can!

[Link went back into his room to grab his sword belt and strap the nice new Master Sword over his shoulder. At least his clothes seemed to have grown with him so he didn't need much else.]

I'll start right now!

[That way Sasuke won't be able to find a reason to get rid of him.]

[thethundersaid]

[The sword catches his eye before he leaves completely, and Sasuke leans back to add:]

And find someone to spar with for that sword. I train most mornings if you want to test it against me.

[And afternoons, and evenings. There's not a whole lot to do on board.]

[hand_of_courage]

[Link paused long enough to grin back at his captain.]

Okay! I will!