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Originally posted by Bride2:

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Originally posted by Jazaf:
'There you are. I've been looking for you Deuce.'
Deuce looks up from her training, sweat beading her forehead, and manages a smile.
'Hiya, Sensei!'
'Just thought you should know, Soul is alive again. It got everyone in all manner of hysterics.'
He watches Deuce resume her training and notes that she has improved very well.
'Here, instead of training out here jump into the pool and use the water's resistance to help get a more effective training session.'

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Deuce smiled. "Soul is back? That's great news, Sensei. And good advice about the water. I'll take a dip and a quick shower, then I'll join you all."

As Jazaf left her alone in the water park, Deuce slumped down to the deck, exhausted. She had gotten there just in time. She remembered what happened just a bit earlier:

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Deuce woke up and rolled over. Her head felt like daggers were piercing it. She shivered, and became aware that she was very cold.

“Where am I?”

Even her own soft voice was too loud. She winced.

“Gorram hangover,” she whispered.

Without opening her eyes, she patted the grassy ground on either side of her for her weapons.

“Grass?”

Deuce sat up, and forced her eyes to open and focus. She seemed to be sitting outside, perhaps in a park. She was naked. A pond was nearby. Deuce ran her fingers through her short red hair, unsuccessfully willing the headache to stop. She had a dim, hazy memory of…

“Skinny-dipping? Did we… really do that? Uh, we? Right, I came here with… somebody… Wow, that must have been some party we had for Soul! Got hammered well and good.”

Deuce got to her feet and started to stagger around, occasionally tripping over a discarded bottle. Before long, she came to a tree. It was impaled with one of her katanas. The bark seemed to have been hacked away by the weapon, and the wood was vaguely chopped and carved into…

“Is that supposed to be a face? Hmmph! How drunk was I?”

With some effort Deuce managed to wrench her katana out of the tree. With a frown, she examined its dulled edge. What would her Sensei say? That blade’s scabbard was lying nearby on the ground. Her second blade was next to it, still in its own scabbard.

“Now, if I could only find some clothes!”

Carrying her two katanas, Deuce wandered around for a while. Then she heard some kind of low growling or moaning sound and made her way toward it, not entirely sure what she would find. As she pushed the last shrub out of her way, she discovered Frederick the Dinosaur calmly chewing on her clothes like a cow chewing its cud.

“GORRAMIT!” she shouted, forgetting her hangover. She dropped both of her katanas and grabbed her head, to better endure the agony. When the latest wave of pain passed, Deuce ran up to grab what was in Frederick’s mouth.

“That’s my favorite top, you stupid lizard!”

Frederick ignored Deuce, easily winning the tug of war with her clothes. Frustrated, Deuce kicked him as hard as she could. Frederick made no sign of noticing, and moved to grab a nearby fern in his mouth. He started chewing that.

“Gorram stupid lizard!”

Deuce fell to the ground, and tried to think. She was in the “This Land” park, on top of the Serenitree’s north wing. The seven brides had taken up one whole level of the south wing as their quarters. How was she going to be able to get to the other side of the ship without any clothes, and without passing through a public or restricted area?

“Can’t.”

Deuce took up her sharp katana and cut down a few ferns to cover herself with.

“The water park is close, though. I got a locker there with some sweats. Worth a try. Maybe I can sneak there.”




Bride2

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Originally posted by KellyofLuthien:
Ath's eyes widen just a bit before he opens his mouth to speak.

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Originally posted by mai:


Hey Kelly. Please come join the game. The more the merrier!

I'm taking a few people on the tour later on, if you'd like to come along to pick out a room.


Mai, Secretary of Unmentionables.
http://iammai2.livejournal.com]

"I'd love to play! Er, how do you play? We only play "Kiss the Orc" where I'm from....


And thanks, I would love the tour! Any chance I could take a shower and find some new clothes? My dress is slightly filthy after spending days in the dungeon of a pirate ship!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I love my Captain



Check out my Big Damn FF Icons at http://www.livejournal.com/community/bigdamnfficons/

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Right now, I have to concentrate on beating the pants off of PR at twister! You guys wanna play?

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"Pants off twister" is always the most fun, eh?

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TheManInBlack wrote:
Elsewhere on the ship a wind begins to blow.

Plants start to sway and leaves skitter across the floor.

The wind surges knocking plants and tools about the room.

Thunder cracks the air as lightning begins to strike the ground preparing the way.

The power flickers and goes out, so that only the lightning strikes illuminate the room.

And then just as quickly as it all began, everything stops and the room calms.

The power returns allowing the lights to come on and in the epicenter of the aftermath sits a man clothed in black.

*Looks up and grins*

*Moves swiftly from the room to the vastness that is the Sereni-Tree with it's many places to hide and far from prying eyes.*

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...in the epicenter of the aftermath sits a man clothed in black.

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Originally posted by ScorpionRegent:
Duece's luck doesn't hold for long. She had barely traveled twenty meters when a voice damaged her calm.

SR: This might work better than fern fronds.

A stranger leaned against a ajacent wall. A rain pocho hung from the tip of his left index finger. He looked askance in her general direction, clearly having no interest in making her uncomfortable, yet unwilling to turn his back on a person so armed. He extended the poncho toward her and raised his eyebrows emphasizing the offer.

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Originally posted by VoodooNell:
Unnoticed by the others Nell half wakes up, but less now of the Nell, silently, through one eye, she watches her disguise wearing off, her nails grow, the sundrenched and weathered look leaves her skin....

She scurries past the bar and its various drunk crew members, heading for the infirmary, but SW and TWG are still in there.

She runs for the west wing, trying random doors until she finds a musty smelling room, obviously unused, with the glorious, marvellous heaven sent sight of an adjoining bathroom.

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Originally posted by mai:
magic? well thats uh very interesting. what exactly do you mean by magic?

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Deuce was surprised by the stranger she had come upon, and reacted without thought. She dropped the plants and performed a perfect backflip to gain some distance. When her feet again hit the deck, her hands were grasping the hilts of her blades. With a flick of each wrist, the scabbards went flying, revealing the gleaming steel.

Deuce stood there in a fighting stance, naked, as she faced the stranger. Embarrassment or anger or both had flushed her face until her freckles were obscured. “Who the hell are you? I know everybody on this gorram ship, and you ain’t one of them!”

She looks closer. "Do I know you?"

Bride2

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Originally posted by seryn:
She notices a man sat watching the crowd, a large cat sat with is head resting on his lap follows her slightest movement.

She also notices that Rackham is gone. Turning away from the party games, she follows the lingering scent of rum, ...

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Originally posted by citizen:
The sound of Alliance boots came stamping to a halt outside the shop as the trap door to the sewer slammed shut above them. Citizen began leading them on through the tunnel network before speaking.
“Look, I don’t have any idea how we might get in touch with this Needy, I don’t have those sorts of contacts.” He said stopping and turning. There was silence for a few moments as the group stared at him. Citizen slumped his shoulders.
“Okay” He said finally. “This way.” He started leading them off into a fork in the tunnels.

Before long they came across a large metal door, that looked like it could withstand a Nuclear explosion, and had several large ‘danger: high voltage’ signs plastered across its surface. Citizen began unlocking various locks with keys and swipe cards.
“Just need to pick-up a few things first.” He said as a retinal scanner folded out of the wall. The door finally hissed open as he continued. “Can never be too careful these days.” He shrugged.
Citizen stepped through the entrance and let the group fan in behind him.
“Welcome,” he said as Bride7 began to have what can only be described as a religious experience. “to my Armoury.”

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Originally posted by ScorpionRegent:

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Deuce stood there in a fighting stance, naked, as she faced the stranger. Embarrassment or anger or both had flushed her face until her freckles were obscured. “Who the hell are you? I know everybody on this gorram ship, and you ain’t one of them!”

She looks closer. "Do I know you?"

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SR: Who I am is a long story. You seem to contradict yourself. I could say things about past lives or fate or parrellel universes, but I sense the form of answer you want to hear. No you don't know me. For the present I am the person who is offering you a poncho. You can put away your weapons. If I had wished it you would all ready be dead.

The stranger is armed, in a way that brings to mind the phrase "to the teeth". However a clever observer would certainly notice the sword on his left hip is tied into it's scabbard, the pistol on his right hip is likewise secured in its holster, as are the rest of his weapons likewise bound or covered.

SR: Have you ever considered a career in performance art?

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Originally posted by Bride2:
[B
“Performance art? Hmmmph! Like with a pole or something? I was a gorram Olympic acrobat! And I’m pretty strong, too. Didn’t save me from getting my ass kicked, though, ‘cause I never learned to fight. Well, I learned in the time since! I’m not afraid of anyone, now, and that means you, too! Now, who are you, how did you get on this ship, and what do you want?”

Deuce continues to hold her fighting stance while Scorpion Regent remains unthreatening, dangling a poncho off one finger. Still unclothed, Deuce shivers slightly. After a short time, she relaxes a bit and slowly brings the point of one sword near SR, but it is not pointed at him and the edge of the blade is turned away. He hangs the poncho off the tip of that sword. She brings it back and wraps it around herself, but she does not put it over her head or take her eyes from him.

“I was just getting chilled, is all. It’s not like I trust you.”


Bride2

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Originally posted by BlackJackRackham:

*surprised by the company he looks up*

Oh hey, Nell. Wow you're good. Haven't been here long and you've already changed your hair. It looks great. Interesting bunch of folk here. Can hardly believe the recent events.

You looked concerned, what's on your mind?..........

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Originally posted by ScorpionRegent:

SR: Who am I? The short form: Name, Scorpion Regent. I am quartermaster with Voodoo Nell, but that's just one of my day jobs. How did I get here? I'm not completely certain. I took part in a tribal ritual involving the ingestion of some powerful sacrements a ways back and they have some side effects that still manifest occasionally. What do I want? It's been a long time since anyone asked me that. For the moment I would be well served by a chance to clean up, a bite to eat and a chance to get some sleep.

The stranger turns his head such that he now is looking Duece straight in the eye. His eyes reveal a soul that has traveled, fought and searched for centuries. These eyes have seen birth and death, triumph and despair. They are eyes of wisdom and yet they have no arrogance. They are sharp and then they focus out for a moment, they blink in a rapid complex sequence. Duece feels slightly light headed and then stranger turns his gaze away.

SR: Yet I suspect that is far too much to ask for in trade for the use of a poncho, so if can show me to Nell's ship I will be out of your way.

Scorpion Regent

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Originally posted by mai:
Ath, you playing?

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"Pants off twister" is always the most fun, eh?

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Of course! Why is there some other way to play the game?

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Originally posted by Bride2:


“Hmmmph! Never heard of you. Or this Nell character.”

Deuce realized that, even though he talked funny, she thought Scorpion Regent was kind of cute in a scruffy sort of way, and gentlemanly considering the circumstances. She bent down to pick up her scabbards, and sheathed her katanas.

“But, I know that folks drop in here all the time, just like me and my six friends did way back when. I guess I could take you to talk to somebody. The Real Him is a good choice. He knows most stuff that goes on here. And I'm sure we can get you fresh clothes and a place to sleep. But just now I have to get to the water park to get some clothes before someone sees me like this. Uh. I mean, someone else.”


Bride2

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.'I seem to remember, last time, that you said you would if I ever touched you again...'

'Ah.... well no fear, I have renounced my gut-inesss ways, In fact i'm not going to be a pirate any more.'

..

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.'Jack.... do you know who that large scary looking cat belongs to?
More importantly, has it ever been know to eat folks?'

..

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Originally posted by citizen:
Before long they came across a large metal door, that looked like it could withstand a Nuclear explosion, and had several large ‘danger: high voltage’ signs plastered across its surface. Citizen began unlocking various locks with keys and swipe cards.
“Just need to pick-up a few things first.” He said as a retinal scanner folded out of the wall. The door finally hissed open as he continued. “Can never be too careful these days.” He shrugged.
Citizen stepped through the entrance and let the group fan in behind him.
“Welcome,” he said as Bride7 began to have what can only be described as a religious experience. “to my Armoury.”

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Originally posted by ScorpionRegent:

SR: I can wash what I've got, I even have a change in that bag there.

SR inclines his head indicating a canvas duffel bag at his feet.

SR: Maybe the water park isn't necessary.

SR hunkers down, undoes the intricate knot holding the bag closed and begins rummaging around in it. He produces a pair of baggy pair of cotton draw string pants and a Japanese hapi coat.

SR: That's more the ticket. I offered the poncho because it was closer at hand.

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Originally posted by Jazaf:
Amid all the commotion Jazaf looks around for his pupil. When he doesn't see her in the common room he heads into the waterpark where they sparred on occasion. His heart swelled with pride as he found Duece training diligently.

'There you are. I've been looking for you Deuce.'
Deuce looks up from her training, sweat beading her forehead, and manages a smile.

'Hiya, Sensei!'

'Just thought you should know, Soul is alive again. It got everyone in all manner of hysterics.'
He watches Deuce resume her training and notes that she has improved very well.

'Here, instead of training out here jump into the pool and use the water's resistance to help get a more effective training session.'

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"Pants off twister" is always the most fun, eh?

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Of course! Why is there some other way to play the game?

Mai, Secretary of Unmentionables.
http://iammai2.livejournal.com]

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Originally posted by seryn:
*continues to watch the cat*

but you're not gonna move are you kitty? You're just on recon.
Well, i'm pretty much gonna be here, the kitchens, or the room in the west wing, you can smell everywhere i've been, so just run along now kitty. back to you're....

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Originally posted by Bride2:
Continuing Deuce’s adventure from earlier that day:
Moments later, Scorpion Regent joined her. He had apparently noticed Jazaf. To Scorpion Regent’s questioning gaze, Deuce said, “That was my Sensei, Jazaf. A master with the blade. Uh, I really didn’t want to introduce you to him just now because that would have brought up other questions, like where and how we met. And to tell you the truth, I’m really not sure what I’ve been doing over the last day or so.”

Bride2

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Originally posted by Jadehand:
*reaches into a pounch on his hip, and withdraws a Blue Sharpie and a pad of stickers....there's a slight gleam to them as he places them atop FUNHOUSE. The Pad reads..."HELLO, My name is....." He quickly writes out "JadeHand" on one and "Seryn" on another. He places the Sharpie and the pad back into his pouch and closes it. He peals the back off and Sticks the "JadeHand" sticker above his heart, and hands the "Seryn" sticker to Seryn*
*As she finishes sticking her tag on he holds out his hand.....*

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Oh thats a marvellous idea! *sticks her name sticker onto the shirt and grabs his hand*

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Shall we?...............

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of course!


*unertainly*

though you know, there no need for you to change identities, I kinda had no choice, I couldn't make it stick. *pauses* y'see I wasn't a pirate to begin with, though I do love the life...

But please don't go changing on account of me, keep your options open, what would Rose say if she new you were never coming back? Plus, with SR gone, who is going to go back and take over my ship? I don't think the cabin lad will ever really take to pirating...

*looks down at the sticker*

this really is a stroke of genius my man, wow, all the crap I got stuffed into my bag, never thought of name stickers.

*thinks of the bag, and the rabbits, all the way away in the west wing, where they're of no use. then thinks of the spell she sensed, they were looking for someone

Tell me Jack... jadehand! Jack? Who here do you reckon in is capable of spell casting? or should I be thinking back to front? Who here do you think is looked for? do you think we should warn someone?

*thinks of the guy with the cat*

yeah, maybe he's a good place to start...


-------------------------------------------
"She's a mite whimsical in the brainpan." Enormous thank you to KOL for the pictures!

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Originally posted by Bride2:
Deuce was wondering about the strange effect that Scorpion Regent's eyes had on her. She closed her eyes and shook her head to clear her mind.

"Uh, okay. Whatever. Hey, Scorp, come on to the common room and I'll introduce you to folks. Then maybe a quick stop in the kitchen for something to eat."


Bride2

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Originally posted by ScorpionRegent:

SR nods and offers Duece his arm.

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Originally posted by Bride2:

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Originally posted by ScorpionRegent:

SR nods and offers Duece his arm.

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When Scorpion Regent offered his arm, Deuce blushed slightly, then got angry with herself that she blushed. But she did take the arm.

"By the way, I'm Bride2. You can call me Deuce."

They head through a pair of double glass doors and are in the common room.


Bride2

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Originally posted by ScorpionRegent:
SR: "A very interesting name, does it indicate your pledge or vows to someone?"

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