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[Redcoat]

OOC: Be sure to have read Vithar's post in the last topic before continuing.

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Anikus was spun around by a vicious pull from Takeshi, and pushed with all of the warrior's might towards the side of the wharf house. He crashed into it with a resounding "thud", and before he could ask what was going on, or much wonder about it, the questions flew at him in droves.

"I've been thinking, "Captain", about your leadership. The Valdich, they live in the north. Deep north. Why the hell are they this far south? How the hell did you manage to lead us into their hands? Twice now! How are you involved with them, as well? Are you on some sort of mission? If so, why did you manipulate us rather than tell us straight out?"

Anikus was overcome with fear as the knife was thrust next to his throat. He had no defence, no way to protect himself whatsoever. And he was damned sure that there would be no help from the rest of the group, who were perfectly able to hear his answers. Perhaps Marketta, but she was alone. Perhaps Isabelle, but she wouldn't be any help at all. He thought quickly.

There was no way to avoid revealing the truth. But the whole truth? No! The Crown would have to stay secret! But they deserve to know... he thought. After all they've followed you through, even if not loyally.

"I'm on an important..." he struggled for a moment with the hold on his neck, resuming his horrified speech shortly after. "I'm on an important assignment... the artifact we retrieved. It's... more than what its form suggests. I do not know its true purpose, but the power within cannot be overstated... that is why it is so important that they are found and kept safe from evil forces."

Takeshi's hold loosened a bit, and finally the warrior stepped back and Anikus took a deep breath, regaining his composure slightly. He was still visibly horrified; he had never anticipated such a turn on the part of his ally. Of course, there was still a blade aimed at him, and the piercing gaze of every last one of his "comrades". But he noticed Marketta's was different; a gleam of hope.

"The Valdich. They want these Shards, you see. I'm working against them; if these Shards are somehow kept safe, we could be saving the world untold trouble and misery. Dammit, I know you all hate my guts, and for damned good reasons. I'm a liar, I'm a cheat, I've almost had you all killed with my incompetence. But I am not involved with those trogs! Surely you can divinate this?"

His display of confidence was utterly false. Certainly, he would not smell of Valdich, or strike anyone as such a villain? He hoped, at least that through his anger, Takeshi could see this, that he wouldn't be killed as some sort of spy. How utterly ironic.

Suddenly, Marketta began to move.

[Vithar Megilaglar]

Takeshi glared at Anikus a little longer, anger still burning. He thought over the information just revealed.

:There's more. There has to be...I can sense it, like a peripheral sight. But no...I've done enough damage tonight.:

Takeshi stepped back, dropping the knife and falling against another warehouse wall. He raised his hand to his head, as if to ward off a headache. It was almost as if he had just attacked magically again.

:I...I can not believe I did this...This is...was...my honour...:

He stood up, picking up the knife and resheathing it. He bowed at the waist in front of Anikus, a bow that, in the land of the Kyokujitsu Clans, denoted a desire for forgiveness and a motive of apology.

"Anikus, I must...must apologize. This was beyond reason. My honour...I have thus ruined it. But I also threatened your life, and for this I ask your forgiveness." He rose again to his full height, then continued. "I feel that I have insulted you greatly, despite the fact that you have pulled us from the very maw of death even though you lead us in."

Takeshi took a deep breath, looking down, his face displaying shame.

[Durandal]

Marketta quickly walked over to the two - she didn't know who she should help; the terrified Anikus that nearly blew his cover, or the grim Takeshi who she noticed was ashamed of himself. Winking to Anikus, she choose the saddened Takeshi, slowly moving next to him and placing her hand on one of his shoulders. "It's alright, Takeshi. Paranoia got the best of us, we need not to be ashamed, that and misery will only bring us further down. Wouldn't you say, Anikus?" she asked, turning her head to Anikus - who was still in shock for the most part. Before continuing, she thought about what Takeshi said, that they had encountered the Valdich twice; did Anikus and the crew really confront the Valdich Twice? She didn't doubt it, knowing how what he was doing was against Valdich, but twice most likely worried the rest of the crew, along with Anikus's tendencies to lead his party into trouble.

Then again, they were all in one piece.  Through thick and thin, it seemed from what she could a observe that the team would make it through - Anikus included. If he were working for Valdich, wouldn't he turn against them in the battle? Paranoia and prejudice was probably commonplace in this team of adventurers, and she worried there was more to come. All she knew was that in the morning everyone will be thinking straight again - although, Marketta was worried that was just as much a bad thing as a good thing, given the strained loyalty in the crew.

[Lyon]

This is wonderful and heartwarming, but I'm sick of this tapestry already, thought Kaethe irritably, pulling her makeshift shirt tighter around her shoulders. It's ratty and low-quality, and it itches. Still, the food was good, even if he did lead us into a trap.

"You can continue with your lovely conversation, but I'm going to bed," said Kaethe. "That feast was far more tiring than it needed to be." She tossed the tapestry over Anikus's head and sprang lightly up the gangplank. "Good night, everyone!" she said with a bow and a grin, vanishing into her cabin.

Telchi blinked, then shook his head. What does she get up to all the time, anyway? He shrugged, then turned to Anikus. "What exactly are these Shards capable of? You said something about the destruction of the world... but that couldn't be possible, could it?"

[Kamikaze_X]

Thalmir laughed bitterly as he saw Takeshi push their leader into a warehouse wall. He obviously wasn't the only one with anger toward Anikus. From beneath his hood, he grinned wildly. Just as Takeshi started to apologize to Anikus after his confessions, Thalmir approached them.

"You're right Anikus. You're a liar, and a cheat... and in my own opinion, you have no right to lead these people, forth into your mad quest. I shan't lower myself and follow a common swindler and deceiver such as yourself. You have been lying to all of us, the entire time, and under the most dangerous of pretenses. Anikus... you have the Valdich riding on our back!" Thalmir stated coldly.

[Chef]

Grimlain watched the scene before him play in front of him.  He didn't do a thing.  He just watched cooly as the chaos erupted.  Anikus probably had this coming, but things were getting worse than Grimlain thought he would.  Grimlain was very insensitive but he didn't want this group to break up in hatred.  These were the only people he had ever had in his life.  The only people he could possibly even consider his acquaintances.  He knew they probably didn't like him, but he didn't care.  He belonged to something for once and he didn't want to let go just yet.  Years of roaming around for a lost cause had turned him cold and heartless, getting him nowhere.  Anikus had changed that after he was dragged into this mess.  Though it was all just one unfortunate event after another, at least something was happening in his life.

Grimlain turned to the Thalmir, a hard look on his face after hearing the words come out of his mouth.  If nothing happened soon things weren't going to go well.  Thalmir even sounded like he could be pushed to violence.

"Even if he is a liar or a cheat," Grimlain said slowly. "It's not like he forced us to come with us.  We could've left anytime, so it is not our right to be complaining.  He didn't tell us something important that has endangered us, but that doesn't change the fact that we are here by choice.  Any of us could've left at any time, but we didn't.  Why?  I'll be damned if I know.  I'm not sure what you were expecting following a complete stranger anyways."

Grimlain sighed.

"Even though we have been betrayed," he said. "I'm not going to betray him back.  I've followed him this far on this terrible and unfortunate journey, so I'm not going to stop now."

[Nowe]

From somewhere around the group, a wolf reared back its ears, allowing both her and her companion to listen in on the conversation of the strangers. S'ven and Aingi were still listening in as the talk of the shards began. Aingi started a low gutteral growl, the fur on her back standing on edge. His people had known of these shards as well, but not of their nature. The people had rarely talked about them, as they were deemed a force of evil, and if one were ever found that it should be destroyed, rather than fall into the hands of a rogue faction. It was time he decided to make his move, and see what he could do to release some of the tension that they were feeling. Making no efforts to conceal either himself or Aingi, he moved into the open.

"You speak of dangerous things, things that should not exist under Sky-father," stated S'ven, openly and directed towards Anikus, "And yet, instinct tells me to trust you, even if you have concealed information from them."

[Phantom]

Alec watched the confrontation, Ria lifted an eyebrow.

Alec nodded as the others spoke, "You know Anikus they are all right and if it weren't for the fact that I found Ria because of you, you would be dead. I would have pulled a knife on you long ago."

Ria looked a little shocked but stayed quiet.

Alec was mad, seriously mad and things weren't adding up. Anikus was not some selfless person who embarked on quests to save the world. No he was working for someone. people didn't take missions like this unless they were hired or power hungry. So one of those two was the reason behind Anikus's behavior.  Alec was about to push it further when another person came and started spoke to them. Alec eyed him, another odd person..... great. How many more people were going to join?

Ria shook her head, Alec be careful alright. I am exhausted I am going to bed alright, you take care of things here.

Ria left without a word to the rest of the group and slipped down to her sleeping area. Kaethe was settling in for the night.

Ria smiled, "Hi, just so you know I think we have another person joining us tonight. No idea who he is but don't be shocked when you see a new face in the morning."

[Lyon]

"Another person joining us, eh?" said Kaethe with a knowing grin.  "Would that be Alec?" She chuckled, then realized belatedly that Ria probably didn't mean it that way. She meant someone new entirely. "What's his name?" she asked hurriedly, trying to cover up her earlier assumption. "Or hers, I suppose. Is whoever it is attractive?" She licked her lips with a grin. "I'm sorry, am I shocking you a bit?" she asked, belatedly realizing that her rather deep interest might be somewhat unsettling.

[Phantom]

Ria rolled her eyes, "I have no idea his name, I didn't stay to listen to be honest. I didn't find him to be attractive.... he seemed odd.... but then again beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I am rather biased when it come to men."

Ria laughed, she got in her cot and closed her eyes, popping them open for a moment she turned her head, "And Keathe..... Alec isn't that type you can rest assured he won't be in here. Hell I haven't even kissed the man yet."

She frowned, they had almost...... in the diner. A romantic to some extant Ria had been waiting for that first kiss for a long time now. But wait she would..... At least she didn't doubt Alec's love. Few woman could boast about having a man who was as committed as Alec.

[Lyon]

"You want to know my suggestion?" said Kaethe with an impish grin. "Kiss him. I'm sure that he's been wanting to for a long time, but he's never had the courage to do so." She laughed and leaned back. "You know how men are. They don't want to alienate us by professing their true feelings for us. It takes a woman to take the initiative." She winked. "Or I could nudge him in the right direction. Say you're both walking on deck, and I happen to trip you into his arms..."

Kaethe giggled. "I love plotting," she said gleefully. "Come on, join in the conspiracy!"

[Redcoat]

Anikus took a long, hard stare at the newcomer, S'ven. He'd been the one to destroy the third Royal Guard, and had obviously heard all that had taken place. His anxiety welled up inside of him; leading two lives at once had been long, difficult, and, increasingly, emotionally strenuous as he began to feel a sense of comradeship. He had been ordered to see them as tools, but he could no longer follow the word of the Crown absolutely, for his soul had deserted this tenant of his mission. Regardless of the newcomer's presence, he had to tell all of them the truth. They deserved to know. They had to. Kaethe and Ria could learn later, from the rest of the crew.

"My motivations for my actions are not entirely my own," he said, paying a particularly nasty glance to Thalmir. He sighed for a moment, and had difficulty expressing himself. "I am a servant of the Arkovan Crown."

He looked about to all of his captive audience, especially Marketta. Damn, he had to repay her someday. That she'd been so supportive, and so quickly, was a testamount to either incredible gullibility or incredible ability as a judge of character.

"Not some sort of assassin, of course. I am a scholar. All that you know of me is true, except that I am, in addition, on assignment to retrieve these shards. The plan was originally for me to pay all of you and keep this a secret; seeing as that is impossible..." he said, attempting to inject some humour into the situation, "I've decided I'm going to keep you quiet with the promise that you're all doing a service to this world. Not merely the Crown--I can assure you of this. But the world. And if this doesn't satisfy you, which makes perfect sense given my checkered record of honesty, I'll pay you to stay aboard."

He turned to Telchi, followed by the still visibly ashamed Takeshi. "These Shards are of a sort I have not yet seen in my travels. The Valdich pursue them relentlessly, and this alone is evidence that they are useful. It... is also a good reason to stay with me. Even if you leave this venture immediately, which all of you as individuals have every right to do, you will be hunted by those fiends until the ends of Aurisel. Stay with this group, and we can protect you. As my friend--my dearly forgiven friend--Takeshi has said, I've got you out alive every time I've put your existence and good health on the line."

He closed his eyes for a moment. "I'm sorry for what I've done, but I never intended harm to any of you. This I swear by."

[Nowe]

"I have no reason as of yet not to trust you," replied S'ven, "I have been training and studying, knowing that one day I would leave quiet solitude to venture out into the world. I would never imagine it would be on a quest this dire or desperate. My people know of the shards, and the stories have been passed down the many generations. Perhaps you would like to hear them, perhaps not, as most are believed to be legend, tales to keep the children from being naughty."

At this point, S'ven realized that he had yet to introduce himself to the group, "Forgive me, I have yet to introduce myself. I am S'ven Almac of the people. This is Aingi, a loyal friend and companion."

The wold had padded up next to S'ven, nudging her nose under his hand, then sitting back on her haunches. Realizing that he was still holding onto his bow, he slung it over his head and shoulder so it would be easy access if he were to need it.

[Lyon]

"You're a servant of the Crown?" Telchi raised an eyebrow. "So you're not a freeloader. Well, that makes me think slightly better of you, so long as you share the purse you receive from them. I appreciate your honesty." He chuckled. "I'm quite content with how this is going, near-death experiences notwithstanding." Noticing the looks he was getting from the others, he shrugged and smiled self-depreciatingly. "What can I say? I'm a fickle person. The Selkens are used to mercenary work, whoever the employer is."

He turned to the new fellow and offered a hand to shake. "Macenor Telchi, of the Selkens," he said with a half-bow. "By all means, tell your tales. Our clueless leader can use all the help he can get when it comes to these Shards. And perhaps I, too, will have tales to share ere our business is concluded tonight."

[Kamikaze_X]

Thalmir returned fire back at Anikus with a look of utter disdain. As he listened to the man's altogether logical explanation of why he did, what he did, Thalmir still held close to the rage he felt. Honestly, much of the past anger of the experiences back at the last island had more or less dissipated, however a new rage had been firmly set in its place. A single realization popped up within his mind that caused this wrath. He managed to wait until Anikus stopped talking and all was said before 'exploding' once more.

"You can't be serious... what you have said is all well and good. I can see that you are indeed working for Arkovan Crown, but as a scholar don't you think you could have went along this mission in a completely different direction? You knew full well that the Valdich coveted these relics for one reason or another... you knew that whomever set their sights upon them would be targeted to the ends of the earth by that ultimate enemy. Yet, instead of picking professional soldiers from Arkova itself, you call upon... mere adventurers. Men and women that had no intention of having to go against an enemy as powerful as the Valdich I'd warrant. This is far worse than con-artistry, Anikus... that is morally wrong.

Thalmir almost hadn't realized his hand was straying toward the hilt of his Claymore, resting at his back. However, curiously enough in his mind, he lowered his hand and turned slightly away in contempt, then looked to the sky above. In a lower, more calmed voice, Thalmir spoke once more:

"And even if I want to cleave you in half, that would solve nothing for myself, nor the good people here standing amongst us. Either way, you have sentenced us to a doom unimaginable because of a royal whim. If I left, I should only be hunted by beasts in the night for the rest of my life. Though you state we have a choice in staying or leaving, none would pick the latter for it would surely mean demise. I will stay in this prison a while longer Anikus, and fight to recover these damned trinkets, however I won't forgive you of this grave sin."

[Vithar Megilaglar]

Sakura turned to Thalmir, raising an eyebrow.

"Thalmir! Your anger is turning you for ill. It will dull your skill and ruin your honour."

"Indeed."

Takeshi looked up, still appalled at his actions. His voice was a little rough, as if he had been sobbing. He looked at Thalmir.

"Trust me, if honour means anything to you, Thalmir, let go of your anger. It is inefficient and only serves to cloud your mind when you most need it to be clear."

Takeshi looked towards Anikus and bowed again, this time only his head. He raised his head.

"I will follow you wherever, for to restore my honour. This is my only option now."

"And I go wherever Takeshi goes. No matter what. We are bound, on many levels. More than anyone here might know. Takeshi, shall we go to rest?"

"Yes, let's."

Takeshi and Sakura walked up the gang plank, entering a room themselves, and settling in for the night.

[Phantom]

Ria laughed, "Nice Keathe but I think he almost did today...... stupid people got in the way though. No I want it to happen when he feels like it..... which if Anikus keeps this up will be soon seeing as he will think every time we are about to do something will be our death." Ria shrugged.

--

Alec nodded as the new comer introduced himself and he just stared at Anikus, typical. Working for the crown though! Big stuff. Alec wondered what kind of bounty was on his head..... Alec mentally thought of the wealth he could earn by stealing a shard and killing Anikkus. The Valdich would pay very well he assumed. Anikus was a lucky man, Alec had some honor and would not betray them like that. And then Ria would kill him if he did anyway. He would have to fill her in in the morning. As the party began to break up Alec merely nodded at Anikus and the rest and disappeared into the night. He needed to think, did he really want to endanger Ria..... though he could guess her reaction, she would like him..... want to see this through.

[Durandal]

Marketta crossed her arms as Takeshi left, although the anger Thalmir and the others felt was justifiable, they were working for a better cause. "Thalmir, Anikus works for the Crown, if it says it so, he can not defy it! Surely if Anikus had the choice he would have chosen to not endanger lives of people like us. Even if he has endangered your life many a time, are you not still alive? You've pulled through, like the rest of you, and under his command. I may not have accompanied you all during your previous quests, but I assure you that through the lies and cheating there is a just scholar who is only trying to serve his Crown and save the world. If anything you should be proud, what we do today will change the future - if we succeed in our mission to gain the shards, the Valdich shall be powerless, we will have changed history for the best; would you rather the Valdich gain these shards and dominate?" She explained, Anikus must have done something unforgivable to make his companions this enraged, as tensions were growing extremely high.

Noticing the newcomer, she bowed herself, addressing her identity "Hello, S'ven, my name is Marketta Sohvik, Generally I'm just called Marketta." the newcomer looked like a Mysticist, and beside him a wolf with a beautiful white fur coat. One thing that suprised her was that he knew of the shards as well - he would be a perfect member to the team, as he seemed an excellent candidate in combat, and she felt that he knew much about the shards - much of which would be useful to their just cause.

[Redcoat]

"Thalmir, I have no response to you. Just know that this adventure is as hard on me as it has been for all of you."

Anikus looked about. He really didn't know what else to say to his comrades, or the newcomer, or to Thalmir; and so, he nodded and began to walk to the ship. His cabin, sleep, and what rations he had saved up awaited him, his hungry belly, and his troubled mind.

Am I right in revealing this? He thought, second-guessing himself. If the Crown learns of my disloyalty--

No. He had to stop himself. He could ponder such things over the next few days. For now, all of his speculation could be dealt with by his journal.

Journal Entry Nine
Date: 4th January 802 AE
Weather: Tropical bliss
Mood: Reflective

It has been a great deal of time since I last wrote in this journal. My mission has gone south; my identity is now open to these people as a servant of the Crown. I shall burn this journal and all of my papers, should the Eureka Cross ever find its way to looking down on them. This mission is too important, far too necessary to allow it to be given to anyone else. Of course, I fear no gallows pole. Abelia knows more basic respect than that. And yet, I am not foolish; I know that I and my crew may yet die in the attempt to find these accursed Shards. But we may try, and I trust myself and my crew to do better than any other.

Marketta, the newcomer I scribbled warnings about on the last page, was the first to discover my secret. The experience forced me to confront a number of things about my nature, and ultimately the fact that perhaps I am, ultimately, foolish in thinking I could live two lives at once. In any case, my plan to restore morale after the Hellway incident has destroyed itself in a ball of Valdich-induced fire. Our banquet was ambushed by the Valdich, probably intending to kill or capture us for the Shard--which I hope they do not realize I possess--or the information related to them--which they, much to the benefit of my growing paranoia, do realize I possess.

This has led to my revealing of my status to the entire party, an action which was met, surprisingly, with positivity by all except Thalmir. My personal journey of self-discovery, and what I believe may have been the beginnings of the fugue state I now narrowly avoid by writing, made me weak to the threat at bladepoint Takeshi confronted me with; thus, I crumbled. It is to be expected, but I do not feel the sense of duty-bound shame one may expect; I am overjoyed, elated that my comrades accept this and still wish to carry on. Frankly, I accept Thalmir's judgment, as a personal standard, but perhaps this, too, may yet change. I can only hope I can repair relations with him. For now, I watch my back. On a side note, a new member of our group, a mystic known as S'ven, has joined. With what else is on my mind, I don't care. He can come with.

The quest is to proceed to the deeper jungles. Our next Shard, revealed to me in part by Marketta's expertise, is located on the Outback; it is, also, located inside of an ancient temple complex I have had the pleasure of before studying. I'm not even going to try and think that my luck will hold up in there. I realize now that this is yet another broken promise; Telchi shall have to wait longer, perhaps a few more chapters in this sordid tale, until we may visit his homeland.

Lost,
Anikus Barrka

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OOC: Sorry, Lyon, but it makes more sense for us to go Jungling. I promise that the Icesheets are next.

[Nowe]

S'ven had taken to working on his longbow, oiling the wood so that its strength wouldn't absorb the humidity of the environment. Having accomplished the task of sealing it to meet his standards, he placed it into the leather carrying case, also strapped across his back with his twin-bladed sword, the ja'shi and a quiver of poison arrows. Among his many belts, he checked that all of the pouches were secure. He already knew what they all contained, the abilities and effects of the herbs and various plants contained within each. He checked that his box of ten'si also remained with him in one of the larger pouches on the belt. He decided he would take up a quick talk with his new leader, Anikus.

S'ven knocked once on the door frame leading into Anikus's room aboard the ship, alerting the man to his presence. "Do you have a moment? I believe it within both of our interests now to discuss the shards," he stated simply.