InnocentSerenity

"You remind me of my friend, an assassin." “Um… thanks...” Karik was nearly taken aback by the Dancer’s words. Karik tried not to think too much about their words. They probably didn’t mean anything, but… Why would you tell a child who just nearly fell into tears from killing someone for the first time that they remind you of an assassin? “But, don’t ye worry. Aye don’t think it be necessary for me to kill for money.” In any case, Karik had to follow behind his allies. Picking up the Iron Club laid out on the floor, Karik stuck behind the rest of them. “Aye’d best save me axe for later.” Karik brought out his new Hatchet, enjoying not lugging around such a heavy weapon for once. Move to K15 and equip the Fancy Boomerang Hatchet

Alison A chill ran down Alison’s spine when he saw the rather terrifying stare from Tessa. It took all his focus to not drop the luggage there, in his fear. “My apologies, Ms. Whipschnapps.” Alison adjusted his stride, only to nearly fall over when he noticed that Tessa adjusted hers. “Please don’t notice this time!” Though, Alison had a feeling she would. Alison wasn’t going to leave that easily. If he walked back and accepted defeat, Karen would probably just laugh at him. Not this time! Xe'll laugh at him for many things, but not for how easily he'd give up. “Onward, Eric! We will not be defeated that easily!” Though, he had to admit. It was times like this Alison enjoyed the fact that Karen spent most of xyr time sleeping, rather than bossing him around for some rather arduous tasks. Eric’s stomping on his head told Alison that he had similar thoughts.

“Everyone’s close by, I know it.” Luka tried to put on a smile, trying not to worry himself too much. “They just, uh, needed to do something on their own.” Luka felt his foot tapping on the soft ground over and over. Try as he might, he couldn’t find a way to stop it, at the moment. “Ah, they’re over there!” How rude of them to go on without me! Luka began running towards Hoshiko and Terrin, preparing himself to give them a dance, while trying not to scratch his arm too hard. “Hey, Hoshiko, Terrin, watch this!” After getting closer to his allies, Luka felt calmer as he began to dance. Move to H8 and dance for Terrin and Hoshiko

“So, never forget what I said... or I'll never forgive you." Karik said nothing as she passed by him. Nothing much he could say, anyway. Searching your mind for a completely defined moral compass wasn’t the easiest thing for a child. All he could do was heed the lance-wielding woman’s words. They’re humans. Not monstrous demons for us to kill. Kill when necessary, not otherwise. Karik looked at his axe. With it, he’d been able to disarm people, and let them go without the need to kill. There were lives he didn’t need to end, but there were those he would need to. Karik didn’t end up giving Cadence a response. He didn’t feel like she was expecting one from him, though. "Are your pains gone? Don't work yourself too hard you just started fighting. Oh and I'm Emilee! I almost forgot to introduce myself." Karik was so deep in thought, he didn’t see the woman coming to heal his wounds. The healing spirits felt so soothing as his wounds closed up, nothing like the Vulneraries he was used to taking. “Oh, um, thanks.” Karik shifted his body around, looking at the woman’s face, rather than the floor boards he had been focusing on for too long. “I’m Karik. Nice to meet you.” The woman’s giggle served well to calm him down. Staying so down wouldn’t help him, anyway.

Might I say, Tales series music. Some of the best, in my opinion.

Karik listened to Cadence, his eyes refusing to look up from his prisoner. His hands were still shaking as he gripped onto his axe. This wouldn’t be the last time. Their destination was a long way, and getting back to Versidia would take more than just sitting behind the others and taking the weapons off of enemies. He couldn’t spare everyone he met. There’d come a time where mercy would only lead to his own danger, and maybe even others’. “Weigh the cost both to themselves, and to those they might be seeking to protect if they lower their weapon... and in that moment, decide whether it is better to express mercy, or exact justice.” “This man… He doesn’t deserve mercy. None of these men do. The things they've done, to me and to the many they have or will cross paths with. Unforgivable." "But if you don't feel alright making this choice... you don't have to be the one to do it. I suggested it in the first place. If it's anyone's responsibility to make sure he harms no one else at the end of the day, it would be mine..." Karik looked down at Wakin. He remembered something one of the pirates told the young boy. “C’mon, once you get a taste for blood, you’ll stop being dead weight.” Once you get a taste for blood, it becomes easier. That’s what Agrev meant. Once he did this, perhaps it’d get better. "I won't pass the responsibility off. This is my choice to make.” Something felt different as Karik held onto his axe. The weapon felt just as light as it used to feel, and his arms stopped shaking. Karik raised his mighty axe with both hands, eyes locked to where he must strike. Like an executioner, almost. Karik’s axe fell, hitting its mark. “...The deed is done.”

“Wait, you mean..?” A chill ran down Karik’s spine as he realized what Cadence asked. “Yes, of course.” Karik threw Wakin onto the floor, the man near silent and not responding much, probably from his rather dangerous injuries. “Guess now’s as good as time as any...” Karik put the Hatchet and Club aside, reaching for his axe. His hands wavered as he began to raise the weapon off the ground. "It's easy. He's already down. Just need to raise up my a- huh?" The axe felt different. It felt strangely heavier to the young boy. Karik tried to lift it off the ground, but he wasn’t able to bring it up far. Barely past his waist, but no farther, certainly unable to be high enough to finish him off. “Dang it, why is this thing so heavy?”

“Yer supposed to be some weak runt.” “What can Aye say?” Karik took the Iron Club attached to Wakin’s belt, his Hatchet also dropped to the ground beside them. “Aye’ve a good reason to fight this time. It helps ye fight sometimes.” Karik took a look at the Iron Club he took from Wakin. “Wow, this thing ain’t even that cool-lookin’.” Karik dropped it onto the floor, leaving it to pick up later. “Now, this Hatchet.” Karik picked up the small axe that Wakin dropped as he struck the blow that brought him down. “Aye wonder..” With a flick of his wrist, Karik threw the axe out towards the sea, forgetting he was on a ship… somehow. Despite his worries, Karik was right about his guess. The spinning Hatchet swung right back towards him and he caught it in his hands. “Well, this thing oughta be a boat load o' fun.”

"Give him to me." “Ah, thanks, matey.” With a quick toss over his shoulder, Karik handed the Mercenary off to Idei, knowing he’d probably do a better job of taking him away. Besides, he needed his full strength for this. "Aye owe ya one." “Hey, Wakin!” Karik dashed past Belros and Idei, approaching the enemy Pirate from his western side. “Remember when ya wanted to show off yer fancy club?” Karik gripped onto his axe, his eyes darting to vital areas, a giant grin on his face as he prepared himself. Even if he wanted to strike those points, this felt much better to him. “Why don’t Aye take a close look at it?!” With a quick strike, Karik swung his axe low, hoping to incapacitate Wakin’s legs. Move L11 and Capture Wakin for that sweet Hatchet and Club

"Man, this training thing be easier than Aye thought. Can't wait fer our next chance."

Karik looked, wondering who the heck was the one to throw that Hatchet. It was certainly a man he recognized, given that he was just talking to him a few minutes ago. “Ey, Aye regret nothin’, Wakin! Ye’re a pirate, though. Ye should know all about mutiny, right?” Karik gave a wink as he continued, ignoring the slight pain from the axe. “This mutiny just happens to be doin’ a lot better.” "Quick, pass me that sword!" Karik saw Belros dash between them, asking for Biden’s sword. “Thanks, Biden! Who knew this thing would be so useful? Certainly wasn’t very for ye.” Putting his foot beside the sword on the ground, Karik kicked it toward Belros. “Quick, before it slides overboard.” Trade Iron Sword (43/45) to Belros

“I’m… not so sure about that.” Karik gave a fake smile, trying not to dishearten Idei. “Once I return to Versidia, I doubt I’ll be leaving for awhile. Once thing’s for sure, it's unlikely that I can stay with you all.” The members of the Royal Guard seemed so nice. Well, other than that red-haired woman that yelled at him just because he was trying to speak with his friend, Biden, though Karik probably got to her at a bad time. But otherwise, they certainly did feel safer than the pirates. They were seemed to supportive and kind, and they were hired by the Royal Family, so of course they were. Still, as much as he’d love to, he didn’t feel at his safest with them. Versidia was where he could feel at his safest.

“Arcadia, huh?” Karik closed his eyes, trying to remember the details of the place that he had remembered. “Ah yes, Arcadia. A desert island located slightly southeast of Versidia. Many nomadic tribes exist on the island, taking refuge in oasis villages spread throughout the entire island. Like many islands across Veritias, the church’s influence is strong throughout the island.” Karik smiled, happy to know he still remembered everything the information he learned about the islands. “Oh, um, but Aye’ve never been there meself.” Karik’s smile went away, losing its emotion as he continued. “The pirates wouldn’t let me leave the cabins when they went out and about, so I just stayed inside.” Karik shook his head around, trying not to think about it. “Aye bet Arcanos be an amazing capital, though. Maybe Aye'll see it meself, someday.”

“Oh, um, thank you.” Karik was surprised to see the rather imposing man on a horse speak to him. He seemed a lot more silent than he expected. How the heck does he keep his horse steady on a boat, though? “Aye’ll make sure my technique gets stronger. It wouldn’t do to have one of yer soldiers holding back their mates.” “Oh, my name’s Karik, by the way.” Karik didn’t want to seem rude around the rather nice Nomad, giving him a rather polite bow as he spoke. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir.”

“How long...” Karik felt his eyes fall to the floor, and his grin began to disappear. He didn’t want to think about it. If he was only 13, it surely wasn’t as long ago as he could imagine. Felt like almost years to him, but there were some parts he could remember. What was the day like? Calm, not too cloudy. Seas were rather nice. Wind wasn’t as favorable as it could be, but it was still soothing. Still, as nice as that day was, it was also the day he had to step onto that ship for the first time in his life. All he had with him was his axe and cloak, certainly in better condition than they were now. Karik didn’t want to remember much else, but even then, it was still fresh in his memory. “I don’t remember.” It was a lie, but it wouldn’t harm anyone to say it. Now wasn't the time for it, anyway. Karik turned around, facing away from Cadence. He had a feeling continuing their conversation would only make his mood worse.

“Don’t worry yourself, Biden be safe wit’ me." Karik flashed a grin as he answered the Fencer. "Just need to make sure he doesn’t have any weapons on him.” “I don’t have anymore weapons on me!” “Biden, Aye can see why we didn’t talk much, you’re really chatty.” Karik's eyes finally went down to Cadence's feet, seeing the corpse at her feet. The short image was all Karik wanted before he darted his head to the side, not wanting to see the wounds. He didn’t want to feel sick to his stomach right now. “And, Aye’ve been on this ship so long, Aye’ve lost track of the months, really." Karik scratched his head, trying to remember his own birthday. Certainly had been so long since he'd thought about it. "I was born… 17th of Setena, Year 1624. Ye’ll have to forgive me fer not knowing the day. Do ye perhaps know how old that makes me?”

Karik turned his head, noticing the lass Biden had pointed to earlier. She seemed to be coming in their direction. She don’t look too cheery. "Where'd you come from, and WHAT are you doing with that Merc, boy?” Definitely not cheery. “Don’t worry, he be well.” Karik patted Biden’s shoulder, admittedly rather awkwardly with how he was holding the man. “Biden and Aye be friends. We just be havin’ a happy conversation.” “Actually, you were in the middle of stealing my weapon-” “Not now, Biden.” “Aye won’t kill him, don’t worry. Aye just wanted to show off this trick Aye know.” Karik crouched down, picking up the Iron Sword that belonged to the Mercenary. “These tend to break when you kill your opponent, what with putting force onto attacks and getting thrown out of hands. Thankfully, these pirates know a little trick: If you hold back your attack and strike wary of the vital points, you can incapacitate your opponent, and steal all their equipment.” “And if yer looking fer the full autobiography to explain why Aye’m here, it’d take longer than the amount of time we have to chat to explain it.” Though, the Fencer’s rude tone is what made Karik less willing to talk. “For now, Aye’m joining the Royal Guard temporarily.” Karik put the Iron Sword back down, not having much use for the weapon he had even less experience with. “I guess that means we should probably get acquainted.” Karik had a feeling he wouldn’t get a nice answer from her, but thought he might as well try “Me name’s Karik. What be yers?”

“Hey, thanks fer the sword, matey.” Karik left the man’s blade on the ground as he held the man over his shoulder. “Don’t worry, Aye’ll make sure to keep it safe.” “K- Karik?! What are you doing?!” “Wait is that..Biden?” Karik looked over his shoulder to see the man’s face, recognizing the man’s facial features. Generic, but certainly something easy to remember. “Biden, it’s you! How ye been?” “Oh well, apparently being held hostage by every single youngster on the ship!” “Hey, ye fell in the wrong crowd. Let yerself get hired by pirates of all people, and decided it was worth the money." Karik shrugged his shoulders, careful not to let Biden slip off. "Aye got out pretty safely. Maybe you should’ve tried the same.” “Can you just let me go? I promised the lass over there I’d never fight for the strong to bully the weak again, and I was hoping to go away unnoticed.” Biden pointed towards the red-haired person in a rather large coat. “That be a woman?” “Apparently.” “Huh. What a weird world we be inhabitin’.” “So, um, can ya let me go now?” “Um… Give me some time to think about it, ‘kay?” “Ugh...”

Karik saw the Mercenary running away from the scene, probably trying to escape unnoticed from the group. “Hey, how about Aye show off one of me tricks?” Karik gripped onto his axe, remembering where the vital spots were and how to avoid them. Don’t kill, please! Before the Mercenary could escape, Karik blocked his path to the east, noticing the group’s leader nearby. Something felt almost inspiring about the guy, but Karik couldn’t put his finger on it. Oh, well, now wasn’t the time for that. “Sorry, Aye can’t let ye go that easily.” Move to J12 and Capture the Mercenary

Well, it's about time Karik makes his appearance, Aye?

“My name is Karik. Aye know a thing or two from working with these Pirates, so Aye won’t slow ye down.” Karik lifted his axe off the ground, holding it over his shoulder as he grinned in Belros’s direction. “I promise to protect you all, as long as ye’ll do the same for me.”

I'll consider it. I'll come back to you if I feel like it, friend.

Yay!