Bruised Egos
Shaad followed the bartender as he turned his back on the three fuming youngsters and headed back to tend the bar, both unbothered by Vega needing to quickly step in to stop an attack to Shaad's back.
"I could've handled them," the bartender remarked, his tone as coarse as his scruffy, graying beard.
"I'm sure," Shaad replied half-heartedly.
The man was in pretty good shape for someone his age, and judging by the stance he had when they walked in, he was no slouch. Whether he could've taken out all three was certainly questionable. But, Shaad could say with near certainty, he wouldn't be an easy out.
"You used to be a sailor, huh," Shaad inquired as his drink was being poured.
"That was a long time ago. Now, I just run this bar. It's not much, but it's enough for me and my five daughters."
Shaad had almost forgotten this whole thing started over the man's daughters. Looking at the bartender's haggard features, the sight that popped in Shaad's head was unflattering to say the least. Even if you took away the pickled nose and overinflated lips (which admittedly were a bit of overkill), they were still a world away from palatable for his tastes. Shaad's face betrayed his internal mockup but his dour expression was kept from view as he took a sip from the offered mug. The fighting behind him having reached a fever pitch, Shaad, hearing the sound of two skulls smashing into one another, was thankful Vega was actually taking it easy on the crowd. If the masked man had wanted, he easily could've finished them all in a fraction of the time, leaving dead and injured bodies littering the worn floorboards of the quaint bar.
The chaotic scene had drawn attention from one unlikely source, though. Peeking out of a doorway behind the bar, her curiosity battled her attempt at being discreet and won out as Shaad caught a good glimpse of her through the open door. Shaad figured her to be one of the bartender's daughters and boy were his assumptions wrong. She had a pretty face with long blue hair curled at the ends. The uniform she wore did little to conceal the massive bust she possessed, and - a commotion behind her caused her to stumble forward and into the open - the skirt was obviously intended to be longer than it appeared hugging the shapely swell of her rear end. Behind her, another girl stood with hands clasped. She looked almost exactly like the first only with orange hair. The other three daughters were also gathered as the door was almost knocked off its hinges, but Shaad failed to get a good look before something slammed into his back.
"Hey, watch where you're throwing those fools," Shaad yelled at Vega. Vega, though, ducking under a series of blows, caught the arm of one of his attackers and pulled the bigger man towards himself, delivering a side kick to the chest of a second man. While that man crashed into the bar to the left of Shaad's stool, Vega transitioned the kick into a knee from the same leg that knocked all wind from the body of the man whose arm he still had. Pulling his opponent into the devastating knee for added effect, the large man sailed through the air landing upside down to Shaad's right, unconscious just as the first was.
"Very funny," Shaad scoffed, taking another drink from the mug of cola. "But, I suggest you watch your back."
From around the glass, Shaad pointed a finger over Vega's shoulder, but Vega didn't need the assistance as without even looking, a powerful backhand put that man down as well before he could swing the wooden chair in his hands at Vega's back. And, with that, Vega was the last man standing, all others either unconscious or groaning in pain while writhing on the wooden floor.
Shaad frowned as he turned around. He couldn't tell if Vega was intentionally being haughty or if that cocky swagger was simply built into his DNA. Either way, it was superfluous and annoying all the same. "Anyway," Shaad began, looking the bartender in his sharp gray eyes. "I came in here looking for a friend of mine. You seen a pink haired girl with jean shorts and a white tank top? I think she was wearing a sky blue bra. Oh, and she has on my fedora, too." Shaad added that last sentence as if it were simultaneously the most distinctive and infuriating detail of all.
"Um, those four guys were talking about someone matching that description."
Shaad heard the soft spoken, hesitant voice but couldn't see the speaker. Luckily, the sisters also seemed to be a little surprised as they slid aside to eye their youngest sibling. The girl wore the same conservative, frilled green blouse and black skirt as her sisters. But, she lacked the shapely curves that made it appear almost erotic on the older, more developed girls. She still had the same cute face, though, and the purity in her eyes gave her an attractiveness all her own. The girl slipped away behind her father to escape Shaad's critical eye, but Shaad was too distracted to care. "What else did they say?" His voice was definitely sterner than he'd intended, just managing to stay on the right side of threatening as the words left his mouth.
The girl was Shaad's age, but she seemed so much younger looking up to her father for approval before answering.
Once he nodded his head, she spoke. ". . . Not much. They just kept calling her a - a witch, and complained a lot before demanding drinks and food. . . The lead guy did look like he had a black eye, though."
The young woman was clearly not comfortable with eye contact and Shaad's forceful stare did nothing to alleviate her anxiety. Shaad guessed that was good as it kept her from seeing him smirk at her innocent aversion to cussing. Her father sensed she was through and anticipated Shaad's next question. "I don't know where they were coming from, but they're a bunch of pompous brats from up the hill. Its high end shops and restaurants are unmistakable; you can't miss it."
Shaad thanked the bartender, but his attention was diverted by some chatter. Behind him, the four buxom beauties excitedly clamored around Vega. In addition to the two near twins, a girl with glistening green hair framing her face, seemed to be getting a bit handsy, more in admiration of his physique than sexual in nature, but it still had the effect of dampening Shaad's mood. It was the oldest sister, though, an athletically built redhead that made the most fuss. Her fiery demeanor claimed attention as she recreated her favorite moments of the brawl before the unreadable eyes of Vega's expressionless mask.
"Petra, calm yourself," the bartender roared, immediately halting his active daughter's actions, though her face showed obvious discontent. Despite that, she and her sisters continued animatedly flocking around Vega.
Finishing his drink with a large gulp, Shaad brusquely rose from his seat. Walking straight past the girls, Shaad pushed Vega away. "Come on, Vega, we're leaving." The young captain practically shoved his top pure fighter out the door before turning back, remembering, "Wait, how much do I owe you for the drinks and. . . damages?"
"Don't worry about it; it's on the house. You were taking care of a problem of mine."
That was a great answer for a number of reasons. Not the least of which being Shaad nor Vega had any money. And, Shaad actually liked the old fella; he would've felt bad about just disappearing on the man after everything he'd gotten from the visit. He would've done it. But, he would've felt bad about it.
"Thanks, a lot. . ."
"Robert. Robert Acklund. Don't mention it. And, for protecting my daughters' honor, if you need anything just ask."
Shaad didn't really get what the old man was talking about so he just smiled and went on, turning Vega around and proceeding down the street.
With nothing to go on but 'you can't miss it', Shaad and Vega missed it. A lot. But, eventually they finally came across what they were looking for, and Robert was right. This subsection of the town was markedly different from the rest, remarkable in its unparalleled splendor and opulence. Contrary to the rumors, this island was peaceful, upscale, and beautiful, far from the glum picture the many tales painted. But, this area in particular was on a wholly different echelon. With shops, restaurants, and boutiques aplenty of such glorious quality to draw in people the world over -including nobles and even a World Noble at one point in its history-, it was no wonder this place once held the nickname, The Gem of West Blue. According to the stories from Big G, the 'Illusory Forest hides the Gem of West Blue, laughing at all foolish enough to dare try and claim it'. None knew its nature, appearance, or location within the massive forest that dominated this island's landscape, but still many came to test their luck and try their hand, pit their strength against that of nature, rumor, and the unknown. Over the years, thousands had tried, all had failed.
Shaad, though, seeing the wondrous spires glistening in the afternoon sun around him, was sure that this awe-inspiring district was the real 'gem', not some single jewel or treasure chest after all. It gave new meaning to the island's name, Sennouso Shima ('Isle of a Thousand Lies'), but didn't tell why Big G would have included it on his list of places in West Blue to find strong fighters. None on the island so far were worth the time of day in a scrum save for the goliaths standing guard outside the district's dividing wall. In order to avoid starting a riot that would risk both their lives, Shaad and Vega were forced to lower themselves to sneaking in. Shaad sensed formidable strength from both of the titans but also knew futility when it struck him, and trying to convince either of them to betray their task and join him would've been the pinnacle of futility and foolishness, especially trying to do so with minimal fanfare; that would be impossible.
Now inside, though, their task was to locate Raine. And, in this area where everything was so marvelous, it wouldn't be as simple as finding the nearest bar.
"Anything," Shaad asked, Vega alighting behind him with nary a sound. The answer came in the form of silence, but Shaad understood perfectly. "Alright, keep looking."
Shaad was pushed to 'borrowing' an outfit from one of the local boutiques, with no intention of returning the items, in order to walk the streets freely. The chosen attire wasn't his first choice, but it did the job. It was a sad commentary that bold blue trousers paired with a frilled, white blouse and a feather hat lent itself to blending in but it did. He also threw on a light scarf to hide his face from any who might look more closely. Vega didn't so much require a change of clothing, a masked man would draw stares either way whenever Vega stopped long enough to be seen.
After a few minutes of walking alone, Vega returned to Shaad's side. This time it brought a smile to the young captain's face. "Good. Where is she?"
Shaad's head turned in unison with Vega's and they watched as a beautiful couple trotted happily from the restaurant, arm in arm and more than a little buzzed. It was getting late; they'd need to find a place to stay the night. But, first. The two walked into the restaurant. All eyes immediately converged on the pair, Vega's mask and Shaad's swords bringing with them an uneasy feeling. Raine spotted them immediately, and dabbing the corners of her mouth with her napkin as she finished the last bite of dessert, she rose to greet them.
"Finally; pay the man will you, darling." And, with that said and a tap on the shoulder, she was already out the door.
The staff heard her as well and looked to Shaad for their payment. Shaad checked his pockets, expecting, hoping, Raine to have again left money without his knowledge. But, pulling his hands out, they were empty except for the price tag of his new wardrobe, leaving him standing there with a dumb, apologetic, grin on his face.
"Please. If you wouldn't mind, I'd like to speak to you in the back," Shaad whispered to the restaurant manager, a thin man dressed in a fine black suit.
The manager complied, escorting Shaad off the dining floor while Shaad motioned for Vega to go ahead. In the back, Shaad was met by three muscle bound men all dressed in black suits that stretched across their bulging physiques. Their stern expressions brought an almost nervous smile to Shaad's lips, but he quickly straightened up.
"Now, now. We can all walk away from this. Just forget you ever saw me or the pink haired girl." The manager raised an eyebrow as if expecting something more, but Shaad's face remained straight. "No, that's it. Simple amnesia; just forget."
The room was quiet for a second before the manager announced, "Guards." Shaad took a step back and found himself in the chest of a third man.
"This room's not soundproof is it?" The strange question earned Shaad a questioning look from the manager, leaving Shaad to merely sigh and shake his head. "That's sad. . . Vega."
Quick movements, precision strikes. Glinting steel and muffled screams. The office was chaos for only a few seconds. The door creaked open, but only Shaad emerged.
Shaad was still straightening his clothes when he looked up and into the eyes of a boy seventeen years in age. The boy was on staff as evidenced by the black formal attire and leather bound business folder in hand. Shaad adopted a sincere-ish smile and extended his hand for a handshake, the boy's grip surprisingly firm.
"I'm sorry, but he's quite busy right now," Shaad eloquently stated. "Give him a few minutes, if you don't mind. Oh, and do knock; no need to be rude."
Left in the hallway alone, the boy watched as Shaad again entered the main dining area.
"Greetings, ladies and gentlemen," Shaad announced, his voice drawing the attention of every patron. "I am pleased to announce that all of your bills are on me. Please, eat and drink as much as you like."
Shaad received a few cheers from the guests and puzzled gazes from the wait staff, but didn't take the time to bask as he made a lap around the room and quickly dipped out of the elegant establishment. The restaurant had ambient mood lighting and more than a few guests had had alcohol. Combined with the smoke from pipes and cigarettes, if any police came investigating, they'd receive dozens of differing descriptions and no clear leads. Blend in or stand out, those were his two options. He chose the latter because the former, in his mind, would have left Vega at the forefront of people's minds when thinking back on this night, and, if the manager often personally handled bills, things would get highly suspicious in a short amount of time. Now, the only loose end was that boy. Vega would make the decision on him.
Loudly sucking the flavor off his fingers, Shaad proudly strutted into the streets. "Mmm, that was delicious. Wish we could come back."
"Since when does it take that long to pay a bill," Raine demanded, flustered as Shaad switched his fedora on her head with the feathered hat on his.
"Since when do I have money?"
Raine just eyed him, but he caught the implication. "I'm not a thief."
"Uh-huh." Raine's expression said it all.
"We don't have time for this," Shaad finally said after a groan and a sigh.
"What," Raine teased with a smirk, "afraid people'll start staring at the man with a woman's scarf.
"Huh? What," Shaad exclaimed, looking down at the now disheveled accessory. The garment was quickly stripped off and thrown to Raine. "That at least explains why people were giving me such strange looks."
"Yea, I'm sure it had nothing to do with the two swords strapped to your back."
"Oh, I always forget about those."
Thankfully, Shaad didn't have to explain his absent mindedness as Vega appeared next to them.
"OK, now that we're all here, we need to find a place to sleep for the night before Vega and I head into the forest tomorrow to search out and secure the shipment."
Shaad looked to Raine expecting suggestions since, of course, it would be her decision as the most discerning one and the only one of them with any money. But, her expression was hard, meeting his eyes evenly.
"Don't treat me like some damsel," she warned, her tone making clear that she was not some weakling to be protected or rescued. "I can take care of myself."
"Believe me, I trust that," Shaad assured his fiercely independent navigator. "This ain't about protecting nobody; this is about all of us, the crew as a whole. We're going in blind, so I can't send Vega in there alone. Plus, this is on me. I wish I didn't have to get you all involved at all, but sending everyone from the onset would be as stupid as sending a single one of us. Somebody has to stay back, and, if worse comes to worst, you're the only one with the skills to either back us up or escape this island, depending on the situation."
Raine's expression softened but remained stern. Shaad was being honest and thorough in his evaluation, but there was a nagging part of her that still felt left out of the action she'd normally so freely push them towards strictly because she was the only woman.
"You're lucky I don't actually want to go into a hot, humid forest."
Shaad smirked at her attitude. She was upset because it was a ruling made for her instead of a choice. 'Fiercely independent indeed. You learn something new every day.'
A/N: Thanks for reading. A Long Way From Home is being suspended indefinitely while I focus on school. In the meantime, check out Crimson Pirates if you haven't already. And, I'm going to be posting a preview for an off-the-wall idea I had about a month back (Title: I'm Not Crazy!) sometime in the near future. Keep an eye out and tell me what you think.