EP-4 Accidental Reunion

G-Gracias...

I injured a holy man when I corralled the burdenbeasts and startled one by accident. I will forsake half of my serving as penance.

No, eat up so that it doesn't happen again.

There's enough saltfin for everyone. Eat.

But, Señor Silver, overeating is—

Is better than letting food go to waste. Saltfin flesh won't last in this weather. Finish it before it spoils.

Kindly bring these to our injured brothers, my good chef.

They need something nutritious to eat, after the beating they've taken these past few days.

Have you reviewed the plan, Señor Alguacil?

I do not understand how such a notion could have even occurred to you.

If the bandits surrender the compass and the blueprints for a salt ship, I will pardon most of them and permit them to live as I allow them to.

Many are young and healthy. They will be invaluable labor if this town is to move.

Besides, it will convenient to have sword hands unbound by religious dogma, in the event of any future negotiations.

They will destroy your town.

Eliminate the Ægir leading them, and the rest are just a disorganized mob. The three whom we have locked up in the basement are each playing their own game.

I will split them and give them conflicting interests, such that if they do raise their swords, it will only be against their former fellows.

You once saved these townsfolk, taught them to suppress desire and maintain purity... yet now you would pardon the very bandits who murdered their friends and family, all for worldly benefit?

Did you imagine the people accepting this?

How is this anything less than a betrayal?

......

What would you suggest, then?

I would lead our men into the Flat without delay, eliminate the surviving bandits, and destroy the very means by which they have sinned.

Our injured brothers need rest.

We have neither the manpower nor the resources for another major campaign.

I will ensure they are ready.

I hope you'll forgive my bluntness, Señor Alguacil.

But the three bandits in the basement will 'escape' at nightfall. If all goes well, they will soon bring news back to their fellows.

All I need from you is to maintain order when the bandits come to negotiate.

......

What made you change your mind?

It's just a compass. There wasn't much to think about.

......

Would someone with so little on their mind have such restless hands? Should I be worrying about you making a hole in my ship, joven?

I'm not that strong.

Come now, don't be like that. I hope you realize that being serious all the time only makes you the butt of the joke.

Now grab a change of clothes. You have blood all over you.

...Gracias.

Come with me.

*Cough* *Cough*...

Sorry, I should have told you to hold your breath. This cabin hasn't been used in decades, and there's dust everywhere.

I'm sorry for touching things without permission.

Don't make me sound like such a petty woman.

You can touch whatever you want here. It's all top-notch alchemical equipment. Unless your hands are more dangerous than cannon fire or a storm, they'll survive.

This will be your lab from now on.

You have a full-fledged alchemy lab on your ship?

Yes.

......

Before I forget...

These clothes belonged to the previous alchemist. You're about the same size, so try them on.

Oh, uh...

You can change in the storage room to your left.

......

Do I look weird?

Of course not. It fits you well.

Do you like it? The style is decades-old, but it was tailor-made with the finest fabrics.

It feels brand-new, though.

It was meant to be a coming-of-age gift. But he fell into the sea along with the shells of the Iberian Defensa the very day before reaching adulthood.

I searched for his body myself, but never found a trace. I only hope it was the fins that got him. There weren't quite so many Seaborn back then.

You've fought the Iberian Defensa?

This was before the Profound Silence, when we still sailed the high seas. This very ship, La Conquista, was captured in that era.

I don't suppose you have an interest in history?

No, I've just heard a few tales about the ocean.

Then fix the compass and see it with your own eyes.

First you wanted me to fix your compass, now you want me to follow you out to sea?

It requires an alchemist to operate it.

......

Let me have a good look at you. Hm... raise your collar a bit, wear the shawl over your shoulder... not bad at all.

Er, I can handle the rest...

Try to avoid any strenuous effort for a few days. Your injuries aren't life-threatening, but given the hygiene on the ship, you can never be too careful.

Yes, yes... Oh! I know what's missing!

How could I forget?

I haven't given you the compass yet.

I can't guarantee success, but I'll give it my all.

Your all, you say?

When I make a promise, I intend to keep it.

Then you shall have all the support I can offer.

Good. First, I'll need an assistant. I'm not asking a lot, just someone clever and hard-working.

Naturally.

Right, and I have one other present for you.

......

......

If what the boss says is true, then we're out of options.

The townsfolk now control the route from the Flat to the inland, and we're their mortal enemies.

There's no way back. We have to face the ocean.

I...

Is there really no other way?

Señor Rus! Señor Javier!

Slow down and breathe. What's going on?

Th-They're back!

Who's back?

O-Our mates who got caught! They escaped and came back!

And they brought someone with them!

Take a look at this scallywag I found outside!

Healthy, works hard, don't eat much. And he's yours for two months of saltfin garum!

His face is kind of nice...

He's all skin and bones. A flick of a saltfin's tail would send him packing...

Hey! I take exception to that!

I'll have you know I'm ripped under this loose fit!

Okay, going for one-and-a-half months of saltfin garum!

......

For an absolute adonis like me? I'm worth at least a year of that fin stuff!

Shut up already! Can't you see no one wants you?

Going for one year of saltfin garum!

One month!

Two years!

Two weeks!

Three years!

Pah! Three days!

Deal!

Huh?

Three days of saltfin garum, under my name. Deal?

...Huh?

Perfect timing. I was just thinking I needed a bodyguard.

Now what to call you... How about Pelirrojito, for that red streak you've got?

You were hiding all this under the Salt Flat?

Shh, do you want the neighbors to hear?

That wasn't funny.

I'm more surprised you even noticed the joke.

So did you want me to help you kill this Seaborn?

Of course not.

Then why bring me here?

You came to the Salt Flat seeking a school of swordplay founded by a pirate, did you not?

Yes...

Then congratulations, you've found it.

When you need a break from repairing the compass, you can come here and learn from it.

From a Seaborn?

A Seaborn that has devoured countless swordsmen. With every movement of its appendages, it recreates their skills.

Perhaps as an attempt to escape, or perhaps a meaningless act of imitation...

...What exactly is going on here?

It is difficult to explain. After trapping it here, I issued a bounty, inviting any swordsman to try their hand at killing it.

Many have attempted it, but all have become a part of it, along with their blades.

Now I'm even more confused. Why did you trap it here? Why were you looking for someone to kill it?

And why do you want me to learn swordplay from it?

I was never the original captain of the fleet. It was it... him.

Him?

His name was Cruz.

When the waters that inundated this land subsided, the remaining Seaborn began to attack the cities in a frenzy.

We fought hard and slew most of them, but this one was particularly hard to kill. Cruz lured it into a cave, using himself as bait, and both became trapped here.

The last time I saw him, he named me captain and asked me to bring the others back to the sea.

Why not tell them the truth? I've heard the crew spreading terrible rumors about you and the Seaborn.

Let them. A leader needs to be feared as well as loved.

So you came up with this entire plan back then?

No. It was Cruz who gave it to me. He had long expected that he would die before I did, so he told me everything, that I might continue his work after his death.

You should have freed him from... this...

I wanted to. But it's not that easy.

I couldn't do it, not with my own hands... Even though I know it's just a Seaborn. I love him, just as I love the time we spent sailing far and wide.

Promise me. Learn everything you can from it, as much as your little sponge of a brain can absorb.

That way, at least, I'll get to see his swordplay once more.

Leaf? You've got news from Elysium...?

Play recording.

Weedy... I followed the escaping bandits back to their den.

Don't worry, no one knows who I am. And I found someone who can protect me.

She has a lot of connections here. I'm sure I'll find Thorns soon.

Just sit back and wait for the good news.

*Sigh*...

Bring the crates over here, Pelirrojito!

Yes, boss!

Not bad! You're stronger than you look. Now I want to hear that same energy in your selling.

You got it, boss! I've already memorized the entire list of goods, forwards and backwards!

(I'm done listening to you the moment I find Thorns!)

Look, people are coming! Say it so they can hear!

Prosthetic eyeballs! Made from the finest saltfin bones for maximum comfort, in any color you want!

Aged saltfin garum from our special collection! A flavor you won't forget!

Don't miss this chance, señores and señoras!

(Wow... this guy's a natural. Doesn't sound like a slave at all...)

Come one, come all, there's something for everyone!

*Cough* *Cough* I'm getting hoarse, Boss...

Everybody's staring, but why is no one stopping by?

Yeah... it's weirdly quiet. I'd expect someone to have picked a fight with me by now.

Would you care for one, señor? Could come in handy someday!

No thanks, Pascuala...

Well, if you're not buying, you're not buying, but what's that look? Gives me the creeps.

I suggest you put your tail between your legs and behave yourself.

Huh?

Didn't you say you were well-connected?

I am! Just imagine how much worse it'd be for an outsider like you without me here to smooth things over.

(These two never used to give me a second glance. Why'd they stop to glare at me today?)

You know what, just close up the stall and pack up for today. I'm gonna go ask around.

Is it true what those guys were saying?

Yeah, I sent someone to check.

Do you trust them? That if we hand over the compass and the thief, we all get pardoned and can live in town?

It's hard to believe.

Then why'd you let that chaval from the city with the red hair onto our fleet?

I don't know what to believe anymore, Rus.

Could be the fickle sea, could be some inscrutable show of good faith. Whatever it is, keeping him around gives us more options.

If it comes to it... the chica is the easy part: just tie her up and hand her over. But how in the hell would we get the compass from the boss?

I... I'll talk to her. This is about the whole fleet. She'll listen.

Talk?

I used to think maybe you could convince her, but now I'm sure she'd just drag you right back in.

What do you want me to do then?

Who knows? You get to make decisions for the fleet, not me.

......

......

(Those Inquisition finshits... Now they're just playing dirty...)

*Sigh*...

What's with all the sighing, boss?

I heard... *sob*... I heard...

Come on, don't cry, you can tell me. Maybe I can help.

You're so nice, Pelirrojito, *sob*...

(Who else would I count on here?)

I'm worried about you.

Ahem. What does this have to do with me, boss?

It's one thing to be drifting around on my own, but now I've got you to care of.

I'm not fired, am I? After all the work I've done for you?

No... I'm just worried about you getting left all alone with these bandits if something happens to me.

I...

(This is practically blackmail!)

...Wow, I didn't think you cared, boss! Don't worry, nothing'll happen to you on my watch!

Oh, Pelirrojito!

Boss!

I... I heard them talking... they want to hand me over to the Inquisition!

The Inquisition chased me all the way into the Salt Flat! All because of a compass that used to belong to my family!

Your family?

I may not look it, but my family used to be rich and famous!

But everything we had was sold off, and the compass somehow ended up with the Inquisition.

Wow, that's amazing, boss!

(Yeah right.)

So, what do you need me to do?

Ahem. I heard the fleet's alchemist is looking for an assistant, and he's got the boss's trust big time. So, uh, maybe you could try applying?

You're clever and hardworking and I'm sure you'll get along like peanut butter and jelly! Then you can put in a good word for me.

Why not just do it yourself?

Well, me and him have a little bit of a history... Maybe more than a bit...

Anyhow, just work that silver tongue keep an eye out for your chance!

No problem, boss! I'll step up as soon as he needs me!

Maybe don't be TOO eager... In the end, it comes down to timing.

We can't make things too easy for him. He's gotta soak in the anxiety, then you can show up right when he needs you most. That way, he'll be helpless without you.

Why are you making this weird?

Both of our fates are in your hands, Pelirrojito.

(You can eat finshit for all I care once I get in that alchemist's good graces!)

Waahh!

H-How could he say that!

Hey, wasn't that Steelface Pele?

Steelface Pele?

Yeah, says he didn't so much as whimper when he fell from the mast last year.

So why was he crying like a little kid after leaving that room?

Are you here to interview for the alchemist assistant's job?

Er... yeah...

Turn back if you know what's good for you, chaval.

Does he have a bad temper?

No, worse.

Don't worry about it, Pelirrojito. He's a nice guy. He even saved my life.

Sure, but work always brings out the worst in us.

Now that you mention it...

He kicked me out in three seconds flat! Said I was breathing too loud!

(Whisper) Hey, boss, you said you had a history with this guy, right?

(Whisper) What about it?

(Whisper) You're trying to throw me into a fire! I'm not going in!

(Whisper) We're already here! You're not out of this that easy!

No, I'm not going! Whatever you're up to, nothing good can come of it!

Just go in! Stop running away!

Get off my shoulders!

No!

Yow! Stop pulling on my eyebrows! I can't see!

Hey, watch where you're going! You're gonna hit the door!

Ow ow ow...

Whatever the reason for this racket, you're interrupting my work.

Either I toss you out the window, or you show yourselves out. Choose.

Sorry, sorry, I just wanted to recommend you an assistant.

You mean another of those guys who couldn't tell a beaker from a flask? No thank you, you can keep them.

You sure don't mince your words, do you?

He's new here, Isidro, doesn't know how things work. Don't mind him.

You...

Yup, me.

Er, excuse me?

Have they been starving you? You pat like a wimp.

......

Do you even know how much weight I lost looking for you? Hope you're ready to buy me a good meal.

Señores...

How did you find me?

We can talk about that later. Let's talk about you. How did you get here with all your limbs intact, you lucky boy?

...What's with the tone of disappointment?

Excuse me...

......

Never mind.

That's two arms, two legs, two eyes, two ears, one nose, all present and accounted for. Maybe a bit of a tan?

Thank goodness! You have you no idea how anxious I was when I heard these bandits were stone-cold killers who ate people for breakfast!

And who told you THAT?

Do you know how much courage I had to muster to come here and rescue you? Weedy's still back at town. I'll get in touch with her.

......

(Whisper) Whenever you're ready, I'll call her, and we can get out of here!

I've tried, it's practically impossible. Besides, I don't plan on leaving for now.

Why not? Don't tell me you actually joined up with these bandits like they say?

(Whisper) Come on, out with it. Or do you really think there's a future out here with these backwater thugs?

...I have no interest in becoming a pirate, Elysium.

I'm staying because... I want to resume the alchemical research I ran from. This compass has Corazonix in it, maybe the last one.

Besides... I promised them I would fix it. It's critical for their survival.

So... you plan to stay with them?

No. Once it's fixed, they'll leave the Salt Flat for the ocean.

Then I'll stay behind and continue to hone my skills in both swordplay and alchemy.

Sounds like you've had a lot to think about... Well, that's not such a bad thing.

So what exactly did the girl outside want me to do here again?

I needed an assistant as I repair the compass.

Just like back in Rhodes Island, then. Let me know what you need.

Mm-hm.

I will.

What are they doing in there?

That kid from outside is doing his thing, that owl-kemmie or whatever... Never though it'd glow gold like that though.

Lemmesee, lemmesee...

......

Not gonna lie, this is pretty sick. What's that in your hand?

What's that in his hand?

Some beggar's magic trick, what else?

Oh. Well, nothing to see here then. It's not like we have any food to spare.

Bothersome brat...

Come and see my trick! All I ask is a piece of bread—

Ugh...

Get lost, you're in the way.

(Whisper) Bastard...

......

Er, we're attracting quite a crowd outside. Does that bother you?

Want me to chase them away?

It's fine. With you here chatting away, it feels like I'm right back at Rhodes Island. They won't bother me.

You ever seen anything like it?

Way back when, I remember the boss talking about folks who'd perform tricks for others in the big cities. Guess that's what it looks like?

It's beautiful...

Let them watch. Just make sure they don't barge in and try to sell me for food.

...Sounds weirdly plausible. Do people do that?

People do a lot of things when there's nothing to eat.

Excuse me...

Do you have any food?

No... will you take this ribbon though?

No, it's got to be something I can eat.

I don't have anything to eat myself... I...

I happen to have a few biscuits here. Why don't you let this young lady see your trick?

Biscuits? Sure, since you asked.

It's so pretty. Can I take a closer look?

Suit yourself.

Wow!

It's just—

Oh, shut up and watch.

When was the last time I saw fireworks...

I think it was a long, long time ago...

Fireworks? What are fireworks?

Impressive, boy. It's not often that the people here have something to smile about.

Just trying to earn my bread.

Is that so?

Why do you have a smile on your face, then?

Now you're just showing off.

Did you think I couldn't tell?

......

That was just a check of the alchemy equipment and compass. Now comes the next step: separating the rusted and denatured parts from the Corazonix.

This is what I promised them... what I can do for them.

You two sure spent a long time chatting.

Well, it's been a while since we last saw each other. Were you sitting out here this whole time, boss?

You can stop calling me boss. All my friends call me Peludita, on account of how fluffy I am.

Oh, so we're friends now?

'Course we are! Could you have ever found your old amigo without the help of yours truly?

(Talk about twisting the truth.)

Hm... so what should you call me, now that we're friends?

Anything you like! More importantly, what did Señor Isidro say?

About, you know, putting me under his protection?

Oh, I forgot to ask. But maybe I'll remember tomorrow, if you ask nicely.

Please, o honorable Señor Pelirrojito! The greatest, handsomest Liberi of all!

Ooh, I like that. Keep it coming!

(You flipping finshit!)

(I'm yanking that red bit right out once I'm out of this mess!)

......

Well, I guess I do owe you one for helping me find my good buddy...

You sure keep some choice company for a girl your age. Well, come find me if you ever squeeze yourself into something you can't squeeze out of.

I'm as kind-hearted as they come, after all!

...Huh?

...Huh?!

Hmph! Who'd believe a show-off like you?

At the end of the day, the only one you can trust is yourself.

Another one, please.

......

That pancake... mm... another plate please!

(Whisper) Have they never eaten in their entire lives?

(Whisper) Isn't it all so very familiar? The pride, the gluttony, the greed.

(Whisper) How are they any different from when they raided your granary?

(Whisper) I don't need them to change.

Ahem... I'm sure you're familiar with Aarón, even if your previous visits have been, shall we say, less peaceful.

Still, I bid you welcome, and look forward to a productive discussion.

*Burp*—

(Raises arm)

Did you need a handkerchief?

I'm good, got my sleeves.

...Very well.

(Whisper) Who decided to serve them fried garlic pancakes?

(Whisper) Do you truly believe you can accept them?

(Whisper) If it benefits the town.

Now that you have eaten, it's time to talk—

Can we get some more of those for take-out?

Dinner is over. It's time to—

Alright, you over there, no need to hide. Come here, and we'll talk.

...?

Yes, you, señor. You're the one calling the shots, right? You can't fool us.

...Negotiation is the calificador's duty. Speak to Señor Silver.

......

How long have you been waiting here, Javi?

Since morning.

Didn't Teach tell you I had private business I needed to attend to?

In all my time by your side, you've never had 'private business' even once. Do you even have a life outside this fleet?

I never said I did.

So why were you looking for me?

...Would you give up the compass, if we found another way besides going out to sea?

I'm listening.

The mates who got back from Aarón said we'll be pardoned if we hand over the compass and the thief. That they'd let us live in town, or go wherever we want.

And you believe them?

I looked into it. The offer's real, at least.

When? And why wasn't I informed?

Didn't want to bother you while you were recuperating.

...And who asked you to be so protective of me?

How else would I treat the woman who raised me?

It feels like it was only yesterday. Now you're taller than I am.

When I was little, I used to pray to grow up faster, taller, and stronger, so that I could share your burden.

Guess my wish came true.

You'll always be that little boy to me, no matter how big you are.

But what about my thoughts? Will you still treat them as the ideas of a little boy?

......

No, Javi, I won't. I know it's a feeble concession, the kind that only an adult can make.

But I'd sooner die than surrender to them.

How many of the friends you grew up with have already died at their hands?

I'll never forget, Señora Juana...

My crew and I did everything for them, when times were hardest!

Cruz, myself, and our crew fought the Seaborn to protect them!

We spared what little rations we had, so they wouldn't have to feed on their own corpses!

And how did they repay us? By chasing us into the Salt Flat as soon as the Inquisition arrived!

That never would've happened to Cruz if they hadn't turned a blind eye!

I will never bow my head to those ingrates.

I love you, Javi, all of you, whether you believe it or not. Just as I loved all the mates who fought alongside me amidst the waves.

They're long gone, but I still see them in you all. The legacy of blood works in such mysterious ways.

That's why I can never forgive them... I hope you understand.