Hoshiji Yuugi - Departure for the Red Archipelago [ask first]

It's been a little over a month since the end of the Unanimity Fair and despite how it had ended, a completely different topic has been holding the thoughts and conversation of the populace for some time. What was intended as a show of friendliness became an opening for something that hasn't happened in centuries, the allowance of visitation to the land of Sakigake. Due to cultural customs, the Emperor believed he was obligated to extend the same invitation to visit his country, if only for this once.

Aside from diplomatic representatives, the royalty has issued an allowance for the common folk or members of recognized guilds to join on the trip. However, the spots were limited and the applicants were required to undergo an extensive character test.

The day has come and just as promised, a magnificent boat from Sakigake arrived at the seaside port of Saoirse. The boat looked large enough to house a small village. Rather than large wide clothes, the windsails had the appearance of giant fins. The hull appeared to be made of a mix of metal and woodwork. Steam seemed to spout from the back of the ship in intervals. The crew, made up of fit enkidu men, were hard at work preparing the ship for departure. The guests had to patiently wait at the port to allow the crew to work freely.

One of the first people there was a man in a blue suit and neckerchief. He carried a cane with a golden knob handle. He had a gaunt face and thin hair that was combed over. His mustache twirled at the ends and he wore small round spectacle. He was accompanied by two armed men. This man was Baxter Elmwood, a Saoirsian governor and accomplished senator. He wasn't learned in magic or combat, but he's had extensive experience in relegating relations between multiple countries.

And the one other person there was....

"Ah ha ha! I can't believe I lived long enough to have this chance again!" Officer Jinn exclaimed, throwing his fists to the air in his excitement. He wore the usual brown suit and bowler hat he always had on, his curly orange hair poking out from the brim of his hat completely untamed. He had since recovered from his injuries from his actions during the Masquerade Ball as spry as ever.

He came here as both an Expiate representative and the defacto Aldemarrow diplomat. The officer was no politician, but his unique background made him very qualified for the occasion.

Baxter glanced at the energetic ginger with a wiry expression, but didn't speak up regarding his disposition.

The sun was high, just an hour before noon when the boat was scheduled to depart.

This was the best.

She couldn't believe she'd gotten the okay for this! Now if only they'd let her bring some wares! She tried to file it under, a sharing of Esterelf technology with the people of Sakigake, but she was promptly told that 'exploding spears sends the wrong message'. Bah! What did THEY know? Exploding spears sent a PRETTY clear message she thought.

Well whatever, at least she had her tulip.

"Again?" Kiara would suddenly pull her wagon up to Jinn, a subdued (no teeth) smile on her face as she approached. "You've been there before? Ooooo tell me about it! Is it anything like the stories I've hear?" Small sparkles seemed to appear in her eyes as she looked at the man. Suddenly, though, she seemed to realize who she was talking to. She snapped at attention and gave a quick salute. "Cadet Kiara! I've been chosen as a researcher on this trip!" She looked anything but, honestly. The girl was currently wore a white, lowcut buttoned top with a belt along her midsection. Rather than pants or shorts, the girl wore short brown skirt with boots that fell just below the knees. She'd clearly torn off the sleeves of her shirt. The only thing that gave any sign of her being with the expiate was the jacket that she had tied around her waste and the patch she'd sewn onto a bandana that she had put on for the trip.

"So anyway." She dropped the salute, looking up at the ship starry eyed. "You think they'll let me steer?"

"I think we should leave the steering to the professionals," a voice said from behind.

A girl with silky straight beige blonde hair in two twin tails and fringed bangs stood not too distant away. Much like Kiara, she also wore Expiate colors, albeit her uniform was the classic Officer variety rather than the cadet style with the cape. She had with her a pack that seemed to serve as her supplies for the day. She also approached Officer Jinn and saluted. She was quite familiar with the man due to his interactions with the Chief Commander, but she wasn't about to not be formal

"Detective Brettman," she said with a salute. "I'm accompanying Cadet Ferro here as a guardian. I hope we won't be in the way of anything, and please feel free to let us know if we can be of any assistance throughout the journey."

"Aren't you all excited?"

And suddenly, a rather bombastic voice was heard close to the group of Expiate officers, as another Enkidu approached them with his arm waving at them. It was none other than Goibniu McCrae, clad in his usual officer uniform, participating as one of the many Expiate representatives. Of course, he had an air of giddiness to him, as not only he would get to represent the Expiate in a new land, but also because said new land was the home of none other than Enkidus! Of course, Goibniu was rather rooted to his own home back in Esterelf, but he wasn't going to say to no to visiting the cradle where his kin rose from!

Approaching Kiara, Claes and Jinn, he made a salute to the team almost automatically, despite not hiding his excitement. "This will be a rather momentous occasion! A chance to bolster our homeland's relations with Sakigake!" However, amid the excitement, a hand touched Goibniu's shoulder, the gentle pressure meant to urge him to calm down. It came from a rather aged individual, wearing a scholarly robe, showing his affiliation to one of the academies in Aldmerrow. "Now now, child, remember what you are supposed to represent." He said, as he pointed to the insignia. "Excitement is positive, just as long as you use it to do your job better." Despite his encouragement to calm down, the older man didn't even need to raise his voice, or be overly naggy to convey his point, as Goibniu seemed to relax at the prompting of this man, not even looking upset about it.

"Ah, you are right, forgive me godfather." He said, making the older man do a small smile, as he turned to the group in question. "Now... I take it you are all Expiate too?" He said, his sight seemingly relaxing ever so slightly as he set eyes upon Jinn. "They are making quite the effort in making sure no intruders enter the region, don't they?"

A bead of sweat ran down Jinn's temple as he was being saluted. He rubbed the back of his head and had an awkward smile.

"Now now, no need to be so formal," Jinn chuckled.  "I'm here as an Expiate representative but I'm also effectively off duty."

Jinn placed his hands on his hips and chuckled. "Yeah. It's a long story but I was given special permission to visit Sakigake back in my early days. Perhaps I'll tell you about it during the trip. It'll take about a day and a half."

When the young trainee asked if they'd let her steer, Jinn just laughed loudly.

"Sorry, but even if they would I don't think you can," Jinn state. He turned and gave the ship a quick once-over before pointing at the  back where a large ornament seemed to be attached. It looked kind of like three fish fins made of metal and cloth arranged in a circle. "See that big windmill looking thing? That's what moves the ship forward. Sakigake ships are designed to be able to move without relying on the winds or the waves. This whole ship is like a giant Enkidu tool and the steering wheel is the handle. Only an enkidu can control this thing. These ships are the only means of reaching their country right now. Esterelf's ships simply can't manage the journey yet. But I believe Stahlim developed a ship that's managed to go... err..."

"100 kilometers pass the shores."

A man in military dress walked up to the group, his hands behind his back and his head held as high as possible with each step. His hair was white as snow and combed back. His facial features were like stone if stones had frown lines.

"Lance Corporal Douglas Grant," Jinn smiled, tipping his bowler hat curtly to the man. "You are here for your country?"

"Along with these children of the mother land," he stated, gesturing behind him where three folks were standing. They looked to be metal workers or some sort based on their clothing. They looked to the Enkidu ship and awed while murmuring to themselves. "We board a Sakigake vessel today, but Stahlim is steadily advancing in developing true voyage ships. Hopefully this excursion will bear some fruit towards that."

It was close to noon when someone who didn't look like a shiphand stepped out of the ship and approached the waiting group. The representatives stood straight (except for Jinn) to greet the Enkidu, but they each (aside from Jinn) started to shrink and step back as he approached closer, seemingly growing in size with each step. When he stopped right before the group, everyone had to crane their necks just to make eye contact with the ten foot tall man in robes.

Qi Rin:

"Na' Ghi" a deep but smooth voice spoke from behind the stone mask the tall figure was wearing. He pressed the palms of his hands together and lowered his head five inches without bending his neck, which seemed clasped in some sort of metal brace.

The group just sort of gaped for a second before Baxtor stepped forward, placing a hand over his heart and bowed his head slighlty. He cleared his throat and started speaking, but the words coming out of his mouth sounding like a series of sounds that made no sense to everyone else. However, the robed enkidu looked and listened calmly before raising a fist to wear his mouth presumably was and chuckled lightly.

"I see you made an effort to learn our tongue," the robed man said fluently, causing Baxtor to stammer and flinch back. "An admirable gesture, but not necessary. I am learned in the tongue of the humans and shall be your escort to Esterelf, honorable guests. I am Qi' Rin. It is a pleasure to meet you all."

It was then that Jinn stepped forward. He made a fist with his right hand, stretched the fingers on his left to point to the sky, and pressed his right fist against his left palm. He bowed using his whole spine while keeping his eyes looking up.

"You honor us with your presence Master Qi Rin," Jinn greeted. "Jinn Germain Brettman. My master was Kurama Obi of the Muu Zhai."

"Ah, I have heard of you," Qi' Rin stated with lightness in his voice. He mirrored Jinn's bow. "I am of the Yanh Zhing Ken. It is an honor."

After their exchange, Qi Rin simply asked the group to hand him their visitation passes they received after passing the examination and had them board the ship. When he got to Goibniu though, he paused as he looked at him, a notable hum coming behind his mask.

"You were born on this land, weren't you?" Qi Rin commented. "Well then, welcome back home, brother."

The ship's deck was wide and spacious even with the crew walking about preparing to sail. Qirin stood still with his hands clasped behind his back patiently, his expression unreadable behind his stone mask, the sunlight shining off his smooth scalp.

I minutes, the ship started to move. The large windmill-like device started amazingly spinning and as it did it seemed to push the water back and propelled the ship forward without any wind. Esterelf was already shrinking out of sight within minutes.

"Dinner will be provided at sundown," Qi' Rin stated to the group. "Beds are provided below deck. Feel free to pick and use them as you see fit. Till then, you are free to walk around so long as you don't get in the way of the crew's work. If you have any questions, feel free to ask."

Qi' Rin bowed to the group and walked away. Baxtor started stumbling, raising a handkerchief to his face as he started to grow pale. However, Lance Corporal Grant stood firm and simply started walking to explore with the other Stahlims following him. If one's not used to it, sea travel can be very straining it seems.

"I think I'll rest in a room then," Baxtor coughed as he shuffled off with his guards who were also starting to look pale.

"Hmph!" Kiara crossed her arms, shaking her head. "I think the term ESCORT is much less condescending. Guardian..." She muttered with a small sigh. That sigh, only grew more exasperated as she was told that only an Enkidu could steer the ship. Well what the hell!?!?!?!? That wasn't fair! She thought for a moment. She REALLY needed to get her hands on an enkidu corpse. "Hey, you think if I get enough Enkidu blood in me I might be able to pilot the ship." When she saw Goibniu, she, excitedly began to walk towards him. CLEARLY he was a part of her new, awful plan. Of course, she had to pause her plan temporarily as she was addressed. "Mm! I'm a trainee, but a good researcher. They want me to do some studies here." And, NOT sell any weapons...Honestly she could've made a lot of money on this voyage. MOST OF IT tended to go back into the Expiate anyways...

Well...Whatever.

Her plan waited further as a HUGE GUY appeared. She didn't know enkidu could get that big. How did his muscles even support him? She wanted to ask, but she doubted he knew. By the time all the boring talks were done, Kiara had forgotten all about her plan, instead, she looked at those around her with lights in her eyes. "Okay, I'm going to go explore the ship now! Bye!" With that she would quickly run off to explore and, most likely, get herself into trouble.

Kiara seemed a little huffy at Claes' words and for once Claes had to suppress a smile. Kiara had many traits that were way bad for Claes' stress levels, but she had to admit that sometimes her enthusiasm was a little endearing.

"Sorry, Kiara," Claes said. "Escort, then. Though Commander Veiller did say to keep an eye out for you, so..."

Was this Claes' veil attempt at teasing? Hard to tell with her straight face. But then a voice boomed from behind them.

.
.
.

Well, the gods just did not enjoy Claes having a day without at least TWO heart attacks, huh?

Goibniu came by chipper as ever, and Claes' eye twitched ever so slightly at the fact she'd be enduring a long voyage with him and taking care of Kiara at the same time. To her surprise though, some reined Goibniu back in, a rather stoic looking Enkidu who seemed to be his godfather. When the man spoke to Claes, she straightened up.

"That is correct, sir," she said. "Officer Claes Alfson. I'm one of Office McCrae's partners in the workforce. A pleasure to meet you."


Things started go by really fast as one person introduced themselves after another. A Corporal from came by first and then did their main guide. Claes straightened up, but wasn't sure if she was supposed to bow or anything. Jinn handled most of the niceities though, a relief to her. They eventually boarded.

While Claes had been on a ship before, the structures of the Enkidu boat had some key differences, as Jinn had pointed out to Kiara earlier on.

"Well, I'm definitely going to take this time to relax and organize our stuff to--"

But when she looked at her side, Kiara had already wandered off.

"W-wait! Kiara, hold up! You can't just wander around! What if some place are off--"

Claes' shoulders slumped and she let out a huge sigh.

"Well, I better see where she's heading to. How about you, Officer McCrae?"

"Tuirbe Kendrick, godfather and mentor, at one point. The pelasure is mine." He introduced himself to Claes as he gave her a nod, his face still looking quite stoic despite the greeting. Of course, a small smile appeared on his face as Jinn explained the intricacies of the Enkidu ship, while Goibniu merely observed said ship with a curious eye. "Only accessible through Enkidu lineage, eh?" He muttered, as Kiara expressed her discontent over such a feature, earning her a glare from Tuirbe, despite not speaking any words. "Hehe, you might need to be careful, who knows how the Sakigake people would react to such statements!" Goibniu replied, trying to keep a jovial tone despite his godfather being right there, looking displeased.

At the appearance of Grant, Goibniu straightened up and salute the man, as he talked about the plan they had for today. "Mmhhmm! We can only hope for the best!" And eventually, the team would be treated with a sight to behold, as a rather large appeared from the ship, looking as if he came from a different world completely. Goibniu gawked in surprise, while Tuirbe merely stared at Qi' Rin in a rather casual manner, and the younger man, unsure on how to actually greet the newcomer, merely stood right with his chin held high.

Jinn managed to handle the introductions well, and it eventually lead to Qi' Rin inviting everyone to board the ship, of which Tuirbe passed without causing any attention to be geared at him. But Goibniu was a different story, as he was addressed by Qi' Rin directly, denoting his status as a native of Esterelf. "Indeed I was! And I'm honored to participate in this excursion towards Sakigake." He replied, giving him an Expiate salute, as a way to try and not just leave the man hanging.

In only a matter of minutes after they set sail, Esterelf was already rather distant, a sight that made Goibniu gasp in surprise, staring from the edge of the ship as if his stomach was somehow made of iron. This one moment of distraction made Tuirbe slip away from him, his destination unknown. What did catch his attention was Claes, looking rather exasperated over Kiara running away from her, and approaching for his plan. "Oh? Well, outside of making sure no problems arise, I was given no direct orders." He said, as he turned side to side to see that Tuirbe was gone. "Ah... and it seems godfather already went to explore on his own. Mayhaps you need help catching the little scoundrel? She'll get herself kicked out of the boat." He offered, a small chuckle and playful tone showing he was just joking about the scoundrel thing.

"Now now, you two shouldn't worry so much," Jinn reassured his colleague and junior. "She seems like a smart lass. I'm sure she'll be fine. Instead, you two should take this chance to explore the ship yourselves. In fact, take this chance to practice interacting with the Sakinese. You'll be expected to socialize a lot once we reach the archipelago. Take this chance to acquaint yourselves with the standards and culture. For example..."

Jinn raised a finger with a childish matter-of-fact grin. "Here's an old saying the enkidus of Sakigake have. Tori o gufuu o ke gnoc daikai zhi yao."

Jinn grinned and laughed. "It means 'Birds, smoke, and idiots like high places'."

~~~~

The Sakigake ship was very large and ornate. It possessed a certain curvature and style that Esterelf ships did not have. Along with the propeller system, these were the things Lance Corporal Grant and the Stahlim workers studied across the ship. Sakigake ships rarely made a trip to Esterelf and they seldom stayed around long enough for proper study. The crew that worked around the deck didn't seem to pay them no mind.

The ship was certainly impressive and intricate. The mast and sails looked like giant fins. The haul was a mix of wood and metal as if it was a massive beast equipped with protective armor in vital points. This was a magnificent ship by all rights, though focusing only on the ship left one missing on seeing a wide-open seas that surrounded them. The blue waves practically shine under the bright sun overhead.

And there was no better place to see it than the crow's nest. It was the one part of the ship that didn't require a lot of maintenance though, so it was largely ignored by even the crew. That gave a certain Expiate trainee the perfect opportunity to pursue the ultimate view.

The nest was positioned over thirty feet high, propped on a towering wooden pillar. The only way up to it looked to be a rope net of sorts rooted to the deck and stretching all the way to the top. It was a feasible climb, but it had its hazards.

Since the crow's nest was largely ignored by the crew, Kiara would have plenty of time to climb up the net ladder to the vantage point. However, by the time she'd reach close to the top, the ship was hit with a wave, causing it to tilt slightly. The everyone else on the deck, it was just some moderate rocking, however the moving caused the loose net ladder to sway about wildly. Even skilled mountaineers would be in danger of falling with the violent shaking. Before Kiara can lose her grip though, the rope ladder was suddenly taut, making her hold much more steady.

"Daii sho' buu asu ga?"

A voiced called to Kiara from above in a quizzical tone. Just above where she was was a strong grip on the ladder, holding the whole thing taut with a single strong arm. The grip belonged to a young boy with tanned skin and light-orange hair. He had a youthful face and a bright grin, all the while hanging upside down like some sort of spider.



He didn't look much older than Kiara, yet his hand gripping the ladder was covered in calluses and rough skin and his bare arms and chests displayed fit muscles. All the same, he seemed to smile brightly while hanging upside down from his own tail.

Kiara never really seemed to notice she was in any danger. She had a firm grip and, honestly, if she fell she'd just activate her tattoos and air jump. As the wave hit, Kiara felt her grip began to slip and she let out a small sigh. Well it looks like she'd have to air jump after all. I guess part of the pirate experience would be falling to your death though right?

She was just an unlucky pirate!

But suddenly, the luck turned.

The rope was grabbed by and Enkidu who spoke in...Enkidu language at her. Kiara was quick to respond, a phrase she had practiced since she actually got her position as researcher on this voyage. "I'm Kiara Ferro and I have no idea what you just said!" She beamed at the boy for a few seconds before trying to up and pull herself onto the crows nest.