They Shoot Pirates, Don't They?

[Sam]

-- CHAPTER 8 // They Shoot Pirates, Don't They?

The young man tilted his head in slight confusion at the sudden statement. Was she talking to him? By then tone in her voice it seemed like she wasn't speaking to him? But at the same time, there was no one around? So who could she be talking to other than him?

"W-well... yes? Why would I lie?"

Reynard stuttered a bit, he knew he was technically still a stranger. But lying about such a trivial thing like directions seemed kind of silly to him. One of his brows lifted slightly as he gave Tiana a face of both confusion and concern.

However, as fate would have it he wasn't allowed much more time to dwell on that matter seeing as they'd just been ambushed. Just like that! In the blink of an eye, out of the bushes a group of men clad in white bandanas, holding an assortment of weapons... from cutlasses to flintlocks pistols. The young man instantly recognized what they were! Mountain Bandits! This close to town? At this time of day?

"Yep... these are mountain bandits."

The young man answered, his golden eyes locked on the men standing before them. Their eyes gleaming with greed accompanied by unwelcoming smiles. Boy, had they chosen the wrong party to ambush... sucked too since they thought they'd hit a big catch.

"I can always dish out a few pounds for the needy."

Reynard remarked, he took off his dark blue coat and black hat. Now he just wore the white undershirt and grey pants with high boots... the young man cracked his fingers, a serious expression on his face.

A year ago he'd been terrified of this band of highways men... but after beating a Bandit Warlord, a Mafioso, and a pirate First Mate he felt more confident than ever. These men were small fry in a big Blue Sea of toughness. They'd probably never left Dawn Island. Tilting his head slightly Tiana's way he gave her a response.

"Yeah, it's bad... for them..."

Just as those words left his words his arms became covered in russet fur as did his legs. But that was it! The rest of his body remained mostly human. Now he had the best of both worlds without having to fully transform into his hybrid state. Having grown a few inches in length thanks to his long digitigrade legs he now had more reach than before.

"...RANKYAKU!"

Reynard yelled out, leaping in the air more than humanly possible, an act that caused the leaves on the trees around him to rattle slightly. Once up in the air he released a downward spin kick! Out of which came a compressed slash of air. Zipping through the wind the flying-slash cleaved through a group of bandits, pushing onward it went on to cleave a few trees in half. A testament to the six powers of the World Government!

"Feeyah!"

The kitsune exclaimed landing on all fours on the ground. Eyes slit, as he stared at the remaining bandits, pumped for action.

-- NAME // Reynard Ayoki

-- CLASS // D

-- TECHS USED // Rankyaku

[risaka]

''Ain't ya a cocky one, you'll regret thinking you can take on us all!''

One of the bandits retorted with the classic quantity threat, sure they easily outnumbered the duo, with that naive confidence the bandits did not back down nor show any hesitation on this minor raid. However, the sight of Reynard shifting a bit in appearance left some of them confused or outright baffled. Being only a local kind of group of bandits they have likely never seen whats beyond the blue in the horizon, and certainly not a Devil Fruit user!

''H-he grew hairy?-''

A bandit asked as a couple of droplets of sweat hung from his forehead, and without an answer Reynard sprung into action, causing Risa to steady her feet due to the intensity behind the marine's springing jump. She already guessed Reynard got some combat experience, but the way he launched himself truly caught her off guard.

S-such intensity!

Risa watched as Reynard sent down a broad slash projectile down on the approaching group! The impact sent several away along with the trees, some even getting knocked out from the slash! Truly small fries.

''Bastard! Ngyuh-! What kind of citizen grows fur and claws?! A demon!''

''Kah... arrgh! Idiots! We still outnumber 'em! Just surround and all attack at once!''

Still relying on their numbers those still standing spread out and making a curve around Reynard, with Risa in the back. However, as much Risa wanted to just watch from the sides she heard rustling from the bushes behind her. A couple of bandits had already been hiding there before they arrived. One bandit swung his cutlass up high with both of his hands, grinning and striking down towards Risa. The green haired lass quickly stepped to the side to let the bandit lose balance from the over-charged swing. She frowned at him and humiliated him further by pushing her left foot infront of his, causing him to trip and fumble forward and towards Reynard, defenseless and struggling to stand.

''Gwah! ARGH! Y-you bitch!-''

He shouted angrily at Risa, not realizing he was right behind Reynard in the most horrible time and place ever. Risa preferred to not raise her sword, watching the bandit become a soon-to-be victim.

[Sam]

-- CHAPTER 8 // They Shoot Pirates, Don't They?

Just as he expected, there was shock amongst the mountain bandits. There came the words that usually were yelled at him when he used his abilities in front of people who didn't know any better. A smirk came over his face as the bandits spoke among themselves trying to improve their morale. Numbers weren't going to win them this fight, that was certain. One attack from him had already felled a few of the weaker ones.

"That's right, I'm a demon fox... kumiho, kitsune, ninetails... they call my kind by many names and no amount of numbers is going to save you from me making minced meat out of you."

The man Tiana tossed fell in front of him as he spoke, his eyes darted toward the man who was now laying in front of him. With breakneck speed and reflexes, he immediately reacted flipping back to put his weight on his arms! With one of his legs, he then punted the man straight ahead.

"Kumiho Chagi!"

He yelled using the basic technique to kick the man in the face sending him flying back at high speeds. If any of the other bandits weren't quick enough they'd likely get swept away with him as well and sent ragdolling down the path. With just as much speed Reynard pushed himself with his arms and stood up, back arched and claws bared.

"Duck, Tiana."

Rey commanded, his claws extending a bit as he looked at the bandits who were likely rushing at him at this point. Without further warning, Reynard disappeared... a gust of air matted the entire floor of the battlefield as there was nothing but silence. The bandits are likely confused by the disappearance of the young man. One second... two seconds... three seconds went by. When suddenly one of the bandit's chest got ripped into, a massive gash wound appearing on his chest. Then another, and another, and another. Each one was getting shredded about by an unseen force. Even the stones, trees, and pavement would get an occasional claw mark as the attack was all out. A creeping sensation came over the battlefield as the alleged 'fox demon' lashed at the bandits at random.

"Kamaitch Whirlwind!"

Came forth Reynard's voice and just as they left his lips he appeared amid the battlefield, claws matted in crimson liquid. He panted heavily and leaned slightly on his leg... mildly exhausted by that sudden exercise of power. He looked around to make sure Tiana was fine, if she was then he continued to spot the surrounding looking for any last man standing. To the untrained eye, Reynard's display was likely just a flex of combat prowess which surpassed the norm especially in the East Blue. But to those who knew something about fighting, Reynard's techniques were odd.

Something didn't add up with the story he was telling... they weren't simple fighter techniques, no they were assasination techniques meant to be used quickly to dispose of enemies in the blink of an eye and abandon the seen just as quickly. Whoever was behind training him was training him as a machine of destruction. An assasin who could dish out heavy attacks without being as much as touched.

-- NAME // Reynard Ayoki

-- CLASS // D

-- TECHS USED // Kumiho Chagi, Kamaitch Whirlwind 

[risaka]

With a sheepish grin at the unfortunate man getting punted with such velocity Risa certainly did not mind being on the side line while letting this relentless fox boy display his prowess. Of course with how precise his movements were she couldn't help to admire the finesse work he put in, he certainly was no one ordinary, almost like a certain man she once encountered. At this rate she tried to step back further away from the incoming bandits that had surrounded them with their arching formation. But yet Risa still saw their large group as a threat, would Rey truly be ok if she were to dash away right now? But having her concern cut short from the commanding yell from him she did not try to question it. With a swift drop she laid on her stomach and stared at him with a confused glare, before he vanishes out of thin air.

Clutching her hands to the back of her head she tried to guess in her head what was happening, in all honesty it looked a tad surreal, that was when one of the bandits got struck in one single unseen strike, then another, and another, and it began to rain down hard. With fixated eyes she couldn't look away, the sheer movement of him went everywhere that even if she tried to follow the pattern it left her dumbfounded. No, this felt way too similar, someone this fast just doesn't exist as a regular civilian. Just who is he and what kind of extreme stuff is he dealing with? Knowing from last time she encountered such an individual she needed to be extra vary of him. Another agent following her? Even if it was her that approached him? Risa felt an increase of panic, silently closing her eyes and waiting for the barrage of slashes end, along with the group of bandits falling down on the ground, overwhelmed and pulverized by his monstrous speed.

''...Are they down?''

She asked, tad bit shaken but slowly gets on one knee, purposely hiding her face away from Rey as she knows that it was the kind of expression that spoke of doubt and caution.

Just who are you, an agent? Certainly not a pirate.

She shuck her head and shoved away her thoughts for a moment to keep her act up.

''A-amazing, you took them all down! I have never seen such strength, you truly are a warrior! More than a farmboy, that's for sure. For a moment there even I thought I was a goner! Can't imagine how these bandits must've felt.''

As she spoke, a bandit right next to her slowly came tp, groggy voice and barely concious. Tiana, in a brief second, gave the bandit a mighty sharp glare before delivering a stomping kick.

POW!

Knocking the bandit out the green haired lass sighs and fixes her bangs.

''Please tell me this is the last time we'll meet these... lawless people.''

She is more than ready to arrive Fuusha Town, anywhere far away from the thick forest.

[Sam]

-- CHAPTER 8 // They Shoot Pirates, Don't They?

Reynard chuckled at the sight of Tiana kicking the bandit down. There was something rather comedic to that scene.

"Yeah, I think that's the last of them, hahaha."

He said reassuringly, Tiana had changed. Drastically so, even the way she expressed herself has changed a bit. Reynard's ears twitched slightly. He had imposed fear on her, with his actions. Maybe he shouldn't have shown off. His ears drooped slightly at the thought of scaring Tiana.

"I'm not special Tiana, I've just fought a lot of tough bad guys in my travels. Psycho Cyborgs, Ronin Samurai, Mafiosos, and Demon Jesters. But I didn't get to where I am by my own merit... no I had a lot of help along the way. Some wonderful people helped me. I really just am a farm boy."

The young marine frowned thinking about his past battles, each one leaving its own scar. But perhaps the most terrifying one, was when he fought a psychotic cyborg. That one had left its deepest scar by virtue that it wasn't a scar in the flesh. No, it was a mental one. Many mental ones. Just the very thought of Shell Town was enough to make his chest tighten. His eyes darkened slightly as he looked down, his ears a bit drooped. What if the bandits had felt the same as him. The thought of inflicting such damage onto someone even if said someone was a criminal was unfathomable to him.

"On second thought, I rather not talk about it haha... and I rather not think about how the bandits felt."

This chuckle was weaker and forced. He smiled, weakly at Tiana. He didn't want to relive his fight with Kikori or any of the others. Especially with someone, he had just met. Although, a lesson he had learned in those fights was that they had humbled him in a way. Heroism was not about the glory. It wasn't about being celebrated at the end of the day or getting a statue built in your honor. It wasn't about recognition or pride. No. It was about doing the right thing with the gifts you had.

"Although I definitely would love to talk about those who trained me."

Reynard grabbed onto his coat and put it back on, as well as his hat. He looked around as he did, seeing the destructive wake he'd left behind. A frown came over his face. Was he no better than the monsters he sought to protect others from?

"So... should we get moving?"

-- NAME // Reynard Ayoki

-- CLASS // D

-- TECHS USED // None.

[risaka]

Gently brushed her coat some more from the dirt, laying down on the path really did a number to her attire, she looked like a total bum, but that was far from an issue for the greenhaired lass. Despite being reassured that there won't be more bandits she cautiously looked from left to right, gritting a bit with her teeth.

Why do I have the feeling... this is probably not a good place to be at right now. And now this boy, Rey, seems far more than just a farmboy, somethings not right.

Finishing pushing the rubble from the fabric of her cloak she gazed at Reynard for just a brief moment after he explained his reasoning. Risa couldn't help but to glare, but her inner Tiana took that to the side and made a faint smile.

''Ah, well I suppose some people just end up in more unfortunate circumstances than others, you must have gone through a lot.''

She tried to be sympathetic, however, that would require her to list down what sort of wild adventures she has partaking in, not very merchant-like to say the last.

''But please, do tell me about your superiors, I can't imagine how strong they must be to teach you those amazing moves, certainly not from just any local dojo I pressume!''

She jokingly said, in her head she instead felt convinced he must've been someone from the deep markets, a trained super assassin taking the role of many various occupations. Now the real question being, was he after her? Risa believed she could read people fairly well, and right now Reynard seems to be genuine to some degree, but she has been fooled before, the kind of betrayal that inflated her pessimistic nature.

''But we can talk about that when we have walked away from these vile men! Staying around them makes me feel uneasy, even if they are on the ground groaning! Ahaha.. but I doubt they'll give chase after seeing your excellent work.''

She then hurried down the path, not even waiting for Rey's response, but it was about damn time they reached Fuusha Town. But during the entire walk, Risa always walked a bit further than Rey, just enough to cloak her face, and the expression of dread, with a single sweatdrop hanging from her forehead.

Stay calm and collected, stay calm and collected, stay calm and collected...

[Sam]

-- CHAPTER 8 // They Shoot Pirates, Don't They?

Gone through a lot? Reynard tilted his head and blinked. He wasn't sure what Tiana was talking about or what exactly she meant by going through a lot. His ears flickered slightly as he parsed her face with his golden eyes that shined slightly under the rays of the sun. Tiana was acting awfully strange... stranger than before.

"Well... I don't know what you mean? But I guess?"

Reynard replied, he adjusted his coat on himself slightly and pulled out a pair of gloves from his pockets. Putting them on gently, he turned to look at the path ahead. Tiana seemed eager, to speak about his superiors, so maybe he was overthinking things again. He could agree with her, moving away from the pile of bloodied bandits was probably a good idea.

Honestly, the right thing to do here would be to turn these guys into the nearest Marine facility. But to be honest, Reynard was off duty and he couldn't be bothered. Besides he had made a promise to Tiana. Ah well, next time he could catch these good-for-nothing bandits. It wasn't like he couldn't fight them on his own or anything. Anywho, it was time to move on. He began to pace forward through the woods.

"Well, Rosalyn Lovelace! She is one of my main trainers and she has taught me a lot. She's a big tough woman!"

He lifted both his arms up high over his head and even stood on his tiptoes.

"Very big, at least ten feet tall give or take. Very stern and cold too hahaha."

An awkward chuckle followed up his comment, his ears set back as he thought over what he was saying carefully.

"She is very strong you know? Capable of breaking a cannonball with her fist. I saw her do that once, when we got ambushed by pirates in the northern reaches of the East Blue."

He remembered that day clearly, Rosalyn honestly never played games and rarely showed mercy toward criminals. She would kill them on the spot, something Reynard wasn't keen on himself. He would much rather capture a criminal than kill them. Of course, sometimes that didn't work out and you had to make an executive decision. That was a burden he had accepted when signing up to the Marines. Heros couldn't save everyone and perhaps not everyone was worthy of saving. Reynard tilted his head up and looked up at the sky, taking a deep breath... letting the gentle breeze ruffle his hair.

"I wish I could understand her more, you know? She is a hard shell to crack. Both literally and figuratively... I wish I was like Rakka. He can melt hearts."

The boy opened up his golden eyes and looked at Tiana. There was a slight slight smile on his face, one with a hint of pain. He honest to god felt incapable with a need to always prove himself. Rey always tried his hardest, mostly because he felt he was at a disadvantage. He was a good fighter, but fighting alone wouldn't take him far. Reynard pressed his lips hard, making them go slightly white from the pressure. But he didn't believe himself to have the charisma others had. Nor the intimidation factor. To most, he was either an annoying kid or a charming little boy. He wanted to be more than that and prove he was more than that.

-- NAME // Reynard Ayoki

-- CLASS // D

-- TECHS USED // None.

[risaka]

Didn't take long until the sight of the dozen of mountain bandits laying on the ground slowly getting obscurred by a few hills and the thick vegetation hugging the sides of the path. Risa briefly looked back, not that she doubted the farmboy's ability, but she was a true pessimist at heart and never dared to take a chance of not double checking.

I doubt they saw my face clearly, so I won't have to worry about them in the future, if I am even gonna bother staying on this island for some time, which I highly doubt I will!

Once easing herself she lended her ear back to Reynard. But she couldn't help but to raise a brow at how he described his mentor. Truly, that big? Risa narrowed her gaze up to the top of Rey's hands, trying to visual such height standing infront of her.

''Ah.. haha, I hope they make houses in her size! Or anything for that matter.''

Jokes aside Risa quickly reminded herself yet again another short tale from her former pirate captain, of these huge beings called giants. Could she be one of those? Her captain loved to exaggerate, no way a creature could reach up to forty feet!

''Oh... wow, with her fist? Just her fist alone?''

Risa then genuinely began to add some disbelief to her tone. Thinking about a cannonball hitting directly on someone's knuckles made the greenhaired lass stretch her fingers on instinct, shivering from such thought.

''Well no matter what they do I can tell you look up to them. They must be inspiring bunch, I personally haven't had much of a chance to find the right kind of people to look up to, or get to understand if I'm being completely honest. I have travelled a lot but for every passing month I feel more and more insignificant in this world seeing just how little I know.''

She halted and quickly gave the farmboy a swift thumbs up, including a determined smile that still showed her uncertainty.

''But thats what gonna make keep motivating us right? I may feel extremely small right now, but that just means there are so much more to discover! Enjoy your journey while you still can.''

Putting her hand down she directed her gaze back forward, placing her hand flat above her face to scout onward without the sun blocking her view.

''Say... are we there yet?''

[Sam]

-- CHAPTER 8 // They Shoot Pirates, Don't They?

He perked his ears, turning to Tiana who seemed amazed by his descriptions. How tall she was seemed to surprise Tiana. That was amusing to Rey who had meant other people of exceptional size in his travels. That said, it did prompt a rather funny remark from Tiana.

"Hahaha, trust me she fits in... she isn't exactly a giant. Now those guys? I hope they make places large enough for them."

Reynard replied he'd never seen a giant himself. But he had heard of them plenty of times. Rosalyn had told him about them and his father had told him stories of his Grandfather and how he met some out in the Grand Line. Men and women the sizes of towers and with the strength of a thousand men. Surely, even his beloved captain was but an ant in comparison to such people.

"I've never seen a giant, but I hear they can be as big as a castle tower and are stronger than ten elephants combined! I'm afraid even Rosie is but an ant compared to them, hahaha."

Oh, but the breaking of a cannonball also seemed to surprise Tiana. To be fair, he too had been quite astounded by that feat of strength. Although it wasn't something he gave much thought especially considering he was capable of such a feat himself. His legs ached just from remembering how he was able to bust through the steel scales of a ronin samurai. It was something he honestly didn't know he had in him when he did it.

"Well... I actually did something similar once... I..."

His ears fluttered slightly as he spoke.

"I broke through the plate of ronin, shattered her armor... like glass. I guess Rosalyn has taught me well."

Hopefully, that didn't sound like boasting, he wasn't trying to boast. That was for sure, that endeavor had taken a lot out of him. It was his first time and he was heavily injured. Even so, something within him sparked. A will of sorts that seemed like an entire cavalry of knights. It pushed him to deliver his blow at that power.

"Something took over me at that moment, you know? It was like a burning flame of willpower."

Reynard turned to look forward, the forest was coming to an end. The path seemed clearer... just ahead rolling green hills could be spotted. Fences with cattle like cows and sheep behind them littered the scenery. If barns had been commonplace back in the last town, then windmills seemed to decorate the hillside of this one. Foosha Village, the village of windmills! This was it.

"Oh, we're here! Foosha Village! Take a look."

He pointed ahead, the homes of the town were barely within sight. Just like Naya Town, it was quaint and small... with near-identical architecture. There was just something so calming and endearing about towns in Goa Kingdom. They were almost a juxtaposition to the Capital... a terrible, awful, and disgusting place.

-- NAME // Reynard Ayoki

-- CLASS // D

-- TECHS USED // None.

[risaka]

The further the conversation went on the more skeptical the greenhaired lass became, true this world has super unusual occurences, but despite her pessimistic nature it did fuel her curiousity. Is there truly giant at the size of castles out there? If so then she certainly doesn't belong to be dangerous people, she has already met a whole bunch of dangerous folks in this Blue, and if the tales are true then the Grand Line must be the living hell on earth.

''That... sounds frightening if I'm being honest. How would you know if you are able to crash through tough materials? Its hard to see what its made out of with the naked eye.''

Just thinking about crashing one's very own hands through solid materials makes her head hurt, trying to rationalize the effects only seems like a burden than a beneficial result.

''Erhm, apologies, you probably have gone through heavy refinement to achieve such results, I shouldn't undermine those efforts.''

The farmboy just keeps giving her a new surprise from left to right, but should she really be surprised with what she has seen from him so far? Risa did not desire to answer that just yet, theres much more to witness, and assuming the rest onward simply did not bode well with her.

Continuing down the path they finally saw Foosha Town in the distance! And the many tall windmills screamed countryside, quite windy around here too.

''O-oh, the very sight of the town put me at ease, I nearly forgot we encountered those bandits back there! Do you often visit here Reynard? I imagine this is a prime spot to visit just to take a day off! I certainly would do that if I lived here.

Walking closer to the start of the town Risa looked up at the buildings, combining that with friendly people and a blue sky, yeah it definitely sold her. Nothing could disturb this place, and that says alot coming from her.

''I know its a village, but is there by any chance certain locations around worth visiting?''

[Sam]

-- CHAPTER 8 // They Shoot Pirates, Don't They?

Well, Tiana did have a point... how did you he know? He wasn't sure... it was more of a gut feeling. Reynard wasn't really a technical guy, he didn't know the logistics behind what he did! He just did, but he racked his brain trying his best to concoct a fine explanation for his verdant-haired friend. Thinking back to the day he fought Wagyu, he remembered something. A mantra he told himself.

"It's not undermining at all! I do have canon explanation.... sort of?"

Rey tilted his head, his ears swerving to the side same as his eyes as he started to think.

"...Well, you know how the knights of old would wield lances into fights?"

He asked her, his ears flickery as he did.

"Well, those knights when mounted on horses could pierce through the plate armor of other knights. Because of the speeds, they managed to reach while mounted. What I did was similar in fact, my kicks are fast thanks to my strength and speed! It's no different from a lance at full speed."

Hopefully, that explanation would satisfy Tiana, although she seemed like the inquisitive sort. He doubted that such an explanation would be enough to satiate her curiosity.

"Tell you what! The docks always have rusty old anchors laying around. I can break one of those and show you if you don't believe me! Maybe your sharp eye will catch something I haven't noticed yet."

When they arrived at Foosha though, Tiana seemed overly excited. Had the whole ordeal with the bandits really freaked her out that much? That was understandable, she was just a humble merchant after all. Reynard lifted a brow.

"No, not really, our family has everything we need in Naya Town. It's not that different from Foosha actually? We do sometimes head to the Capital for business? But uh... well..."

Reynard's ears drooped slightly.

"The Capital isn't exactly the nicest place around, Tiana."

-- NAME // Reynard Ayoki

-- CLASS // D

-- TECHS USED // None.

[risaka]

''I mean, if you put it that way I suppose I could see the possibility, but then again, lances are not our precious hands, ahaha...''

Tiana laughed an awkward one, rubbing the back of her head trying to play along with the analogy, but to her more pessimistic side the analogy needed more reasoning. But that is so far from what she needs right now! What she needs is a place to stay low at, perhaps scout out the nearby locals and formulate a plan. That sounds like the ideal path, but then Reynard and his colourful imagination offered a preview of his prowess?!

Risa felt hesitant, but if she turned down the reuqest it may come across rude of her, considering how enthusiastic he seems about it! She looked down at the direction of the harbor, squinting.

''I- uuuh, well maybe a small demonstration could be useful, I just don't want you to be in any trouble! I've heard abandoned anchors shouldn't be touched, like relics of past ships.''

Okay, she felt that might be a bit of a stretch, even for her. She shrugged though, forcing out a silly smile.

''But its totally up to you!''

Then just as Reynard is done explaining his activity in Foosha Village he kinda got gloomy there for a second, something Risa could almost relate to, even without context. She cleared her throat and crossed her arms.

''Hm okay so, are you suggesting I shouldn't visit the capital? It is afterall my goal on this island, as a humble merchant I seek the best places to expand my wares and services!''

She looked then up to the warm sky, seeing the flock of birds just passing by.

''This island is beautiful, a place suitable for majority of people, then how come the capital is not great either?''

[Sam]

-- CHAPTER 8 // They Shoot Pirates, Don't They?

The young man opened up his fist and looked at his gloved hands. He had never considered that his hands were precious... that they could be damaged after striking hard substances. That never crossed his mind, like ever. When he punched or kick something hard he never thought about it hurting him too. Was that not normal?

"I never think about that... you know? Hurting myself when I hit things..."

Could that happen? He wondered still, perhaps that was something normal people had to worry about. Those who were not endowed with special abilities... well some people used proper weapons. Perhaps that's why? To avoid harming their hands maybe? Things were confusing Reynard now, maybe it was best not to dwell too much on those subjects.

"They're old relics... huh...?"

Speaking of new subjects, he didn't know old anchors were anything special. To him, they were nothing but discard junk waiting to be repurposed, but here Tiana was telling him otherwise. Explaining to him that they were meant to be given some sort of reverence. Nothing Reynard had heard about before? But he could believe it, after all, sailors were superstitious folk who likely held onto such beliefs.

"Oh well, we don't gotta then."

Reynard shrugged, that didn't bother him. He didn't want to cause trouble for Tiana or himself while visiting a different town. As they both paced into town. Homes and market placing became more visible. Chickens roamed the streets and children played tag with each other as the adults went about their lives. It was a simple and peaceful town life that made the cityscapes of places like Logue Town or Mirrorball feel overwhelming by comparison. That's when Tiana brought up the topic of the capital once more.

"The capital? Yes, well that's where the nobles from Goa live and..."

Reynard bit his lip.

"They... aren't the friendliest... it's best to stay out of their way if you get what I mean? Mm... not to mention the grey terminal?"

Almost as if on queue, her last statement felt... ironic. Nonsensical even. Rey shook his head.

"No. Not the capital. It's not for everyone."

-- NAME // Reynard Ayoki

-- CLASS // D

-- TECHS USED // None.

[risaka]

Gently biting her lowerlip out of frustration Risa glared off to the side, hearing that the supposedly promising place on this island is not for everyone already puts hesitation to her decisions. She immediately crosses out the ideas related with the city, better to play it safe for now. But she's not too worried from this considering she needs first and foremost a ship, and hijacking a ship from a village is likely far easier than a harbor with heavy security by wealthy nobles.

''Uhm, I'll take your word for it I guess. This town got plenty of opportunities too I'm sure!''

She stated with a shift of behaviour, acting more lively with her words, even clapping her hands together to showcase her 'excitement' to be here.

''I have already noticed a few places that I can visit! Like uh, like-... this small hidden corner shop!''

She skimmed her surroundings very briefly till she saw the closest place with a sign! But she didn't read what the sign said before pointing the corner shop out. 'Andrew's Pottery'. Her expression turned disappointed and blank, not what she expected.

Out of all possible things to be sold, why did it have to be the most mundane sleep incuding subject...

Shaking her head she got rid of the sad expression, she knew that commitment is key. Turning back around to Rey with a hopeful smile she kept pointing at the shop.

''R-right? Who doesn't love a beautifully crafted curved vase on their livingroom table! A potter uses a handful of tools that likely needs a solid fixin' after some time! Observe Reynard, you've already seen me fixing your radio, watch me fix a uhh, pottery wheel?''

Did a pottery even have  technology of any kind? All they do is push their hands against a piece of mud and occasionally poke it with their needles. The more she thinks about it, the more she feels disinterested in this darn pottery shop.

''...Ugh.''

She grimaced for a second and walked inside, better to get it over with, as long she shows Reynard that she is capable of doing business with the locals everything should be fine. She steps inside and gently raises her hand up, making her presence known to the shopowner.

''Uh, moshi mosh-''

''ROOOAAARGH! HELLO HELLO! MY NAME'S ANDY AND WEEEELCOME TO MY DOMAIN!''

The shout of a large grown man blew across the shop and even causing Risa's hood to fall back. Even the pots and other fragile objects began to shake around her, but not enough to make any of it fall down. Risa however stands with a muted stare, usually she gets annoyed by loud people, but his tall figure and intimidating aura kept her thoughts occupied.

Oh god almighty please don't shout again, I don't wanna feel the avalanche of pots crashing down on my head!

''Hm? OH! Sorry 'bout that miss! I just feel overjoyed to have a new customer visit my humble little shop! A big man like me can't help but to feel lonely these days when no one desires my bowls or cups!''

Gee I wonder why...

[Sam]

-- CHAPTER 8 // They Shoot Pirates, Don't They?

To say the woman was jittery was an understatement, Reynard tilted his head his fox ears twitched. She had suddenly become all nervous more so than before dare he says. The boy had to wonder what exactly was going through her head. But only mentalists could get into the mind of others and he was far from that. Besides, peeking in a lady's mind seemed a little naughty. Reynard found himself blushing lightly as this thought came over his mind.

"I... uh... well okay."

He humbled through his speech averting his golden eyes away from the woman. However, almost instantaneously his attention was turned back as Tiana pointed to a nearby... pottery shop? Reynard blinked. His aunt was a merchant and his Grandfather had been one too. He himself wasn't one, but last he checked... Merchants went out to buy exotic goods. Silk, Spices, Perfumes, and oils... that sort of stuff.

That was the point of being a merchant, you brought in goods that people lacked. Although, then again Tiana seemed to focus more on mechanical applications. But... pottery was neither of those things. Even so, he decided to follow along.

"Oh... umm... interesting? Andrew's Pottery? I'm sure Mr. Drew is a fine fellow who would appreciate your services."

Reynard lifted a brow, he was getting even more concerned with Tiana's sad expressions.

"Uh... you...?"

He said in a very low voice, only to be interrupted by Tiana.

"Ugh."

Immediately Rey remained silent, his face flushed red in embarrassment. Nope, he was not going to push her for questions. Instead, he gave a gentle nod and followed her into the dusty old shop loaded with all sorts of potted goods. In the end, was the owner and clerk... a large man that towered over both him and Tiana even sitting. Plainly asleep. Until suckling, in air, he awoke with a booming voice greeting the duo. His ears drooped back and shook at the very sight of the huge figure that almost matched Rosalyn in size.

"Umm... hi! Hi! Actually umm... I'll buy something yeah!"

Wanting to help he lifted a hand and gave the man a gentle smile. Supporting local businesses was important after all and hearing the lack of business really hurt Rey some. He understood what it was like to run a low-income business. Even though his situation was a lot better now.

"Do... you have... a cup that says #1 Boss?"

-- NAME // Reynard Ayoki

-- CLASS // D

-- TECHS USED // None.