[Tiburon] [U] The Sunken Barrel Tavern

[Kage]

Kage merely glanced back at him with a raised eye. "Not everyone thinks fighting is the only solution in life, although it is often useful. I prefer, instead, to not be seen. As for why I am here, it is because this is a job and I need to be paid."

[Magikeeper]

They suddenly hear a shout from in front of them as the exit the tavern.

"WHO TOOK THAT BOAT!?"

Dalton runs towards the docks, shouting threats and pointing at the unusually shiny (iron plated?) boat making its way out of the bay.

A pair of old men wave Dalton over. "Redhaired kid, wore a black bandana with the gaudiest red coat I've ever seen. Screamed that the "crimson bandit" had stuck again." The other man nods "I bet he doesn't last a week. This mess is bringing all the crazies out of the woodwork. Things were better 'fore the council did away with the old families, I'll tell you that."

Dalton had already ran off by the time the second man had finished speaking, shouting something about trying to find another boat to give chase.

[Ryker]

Bether with the old families. I'd agree with that...
"Well, unless you can find a non-violent approach, I'm gething that boat back... and teaching that kid a lesson."
Ryker searches the waters for any boat he can use, occupied or not.

[Kage]

Kage takes in the situation quickly. Figuring he won't get paid without getting to the island, Kage figured the boat needed to get returned. Ignoring Ryker, he shifted his suit into a set of flippers as he just jumped straight into the water while casting Skein, after dropping his shaded eye on the docks to keep an eye on what is going on there. As he swam, he used his visionary talents to focus on the magic in the oil on the boat's hull* and then amplify that light so he can keep track of where the boat was as he swam. Being a feline that greatly enjoyed the water, it wouldn't take him too long to get to the boat especially with the flippers.

When he got close enough, he would try to grab hold of the hull or one of the docking ropes if the thief didn't take the time to store them properly before shoving off.



*clarified by mk in cbox

[Ryker]

Upon seeing Kage take to the water, Ryker leaned back against the tavern wall. Perhaps it would be more beneficial to see how he would handle the boy. Maybe Kage could be beneficial ally...

[Magikeeper]

OOC: I'm assuming Lilith/Darby are not going to rush out and steal a boat. Although Kage would arrive first anyway.

Ryker had seen a small, unmanned sailing boat in the opposite direction of the running Dalton. On the other side of the dock a small crew was busily unloading crates from a slightly larger vessel.

Kage rapidly closed the distance, his force barrier slipping through the water like a fish's scales and the faint light before him serving as his guide. As he nears the vessel he notices that the bandit had not properly handled the anchor ropes - he could climb up the side if he so desired. Kaia whispers into the shifter's mind. {I'll sneak up when we reach the ship, try to distract him from another angle.}

[Kage]

Kage smiled and replied to Kaia with a sarcastic tone and chuckle. {"Distraction? Who, me? I couldn't possibly cause a diversion."} He did grab onto the lines and began to pull himself out of the water, his suit reshaping into the regular fur pattern as he did so. As his feet cleared the water he used Foothold to give himself that last boost he needed to pop out of the water and over the side. As soon as he landed, he addressed the thief. "Nice boat. Where'd you get it?" His hand was resting on the B.O.S.S. as he waited for a response.

[Magikeeper]

The vessel is a 55' long, 20' wide at the center, single-masted cog ship. There is an open access panel on the ship's deck 1' starboard of the bandit. Kage is on the port side of the ship.

Kage's adversary must have heard him clamoring up the boat, as the red-haired and gaudily coated youth stood about 8' in front of him (next to the very back of the ship). The human boy - he looked to be around 14 or so - held a shining cutlass in a defensive position before him. In his other hand was a large axe made of fire.

"Y-You'd best get back in that water, cat. I'm the Crimson Bandit, scourge of the-"

Kage could tell this introduction was going to be as long as he let it be.

-----

Kaia had billowed out of Kage's sword as the latter charged up the ship, the nebula coalescing into her tiny fairy form as she began her flight to the back of the vessel.

OOC: So it begins. If enough time passes for anyone to conceivably catch up I'll pause this but I doubt that's going to happen. Or if anyone wants to do something back at the shore (by all means, have at it).

[Kage]

Kage's focus remained on the boy, but he pretended to feign no interest. He held his left hand, the one not on the blade, to his face in a gesture of checking his nails for imperfections. "Fascinating really. But you didn't answer my question."

[Magikeeper]

The boy glares at him. "You think this is a game?! I got the boat from the harbor! The one you'll go back to if you know what's good for you!" He slightly crouches, shifting his feat and readying his weapons for a charge. "Ever hear of the Crimson Murder? I ran 'em out of town! Showed them how it's done!"

Kaia's head poked up the side of ship - she couldn't quite swing around to get completely behind the bandit without being obvious about it unless Kage moved a foot or so forward.

OOC: Kage may or may not have heard of the Crimson Murder. They were a gang chased out of Tiburon by the town guards, rumor has it.