Maple Mayhem (open!)

[hector C. Vinland]

Hector could only thank ormus that things had gone as well as they had. After intense hours of negotiations, with many difficult times and threats of secession from the other side, Hector had ultimately gotten the other party to agree to the one concession he needed to go on his journey. He had gotten Kai to agree not to follow him. This was a tremendous relief to the paladin, knowing that Kai wouldn't be following him. Hector was, after all, supposed to be protecting her, and the last thing you did with someone you were trying to protect was bring them straight into what could be a dangerous situation.

Emphasis on "could be". So far, the farfetched nature of everything Hector had heard about this "problem" dawn island had been facing had only expanded his doubts that it even existed. There were plenty of times people had come up with strange and fictional supernatural occurrences just to get the attention of the night hunter order. This, however, seemed like one of the stranger stories Hector had heard in what little time he had been with the order. For it was a tale of dangerous and fearful magic...

A tale of "Maplemancy".

Yes, thats right. Maplemancy. A dark art that didn't even make sense. In Hector's mind (and from what he had learned in his time as a Night Hunter) supernatural causes usually did not have an explaination. In the cases that they did, it was usually something that was beyond the scope of science understood by the world at the time. However, according to the tale from a number of civilians he had interviewed in a nearby town, the explanation as to the power of this so-called "maplemancy" was rather simple:

"its so delicious, its madness!!"

"A single drop has unimaginable power...and terrible consequences."

"Those who defy the power of the maplemancer of syrup castle will....*gulp* meet a sticky end."

Apparently, this "maplemancer" lived in a place called "Maple Manor" on one of the massive ledges of dawn island's mountain. His goal? furthering his the power of his "irresistibly delicious art" and using it to one day rule the world. Not only was it exceedingly cliche, but the idea of using maple-related "magic" to take over the world seemed pretty damn difficult, if not impossible. That is, if this guy even existed and this was not just a colossal hoax to waste Hector's time. Nevertheless, Hector was committed to doing the work of the order, so he would at least give this "maplemancy" issue a glossing over. His crew was only in town for a short while for restocking and repairs, and the night hunter had no desire to hold them up with an investigation into a (probably fake) maplemancer. That, and the night hunter did not wish to test Kaida's patience with her agreement of staying behind.

And thus, Hector found himself in his current possition: slowly traveling a long, wide and winding forest trail up the mountain to a large, looming castle in the distance. The sun was setting at the moment, meaning that any investigation into the castle at this point would be done at night. It was not an optimal time to be investigating, but Hector had no choice. He was not going to waste his crew's valuble time by holding them up so that he could investigate what was most likely a hoax. Stopping for a moment, Hector looked at the looming trail and contemplated the journey ahead, not realizing the truth behind this "maplemancer".

The night hunter also did not realize how many people were going to be following him into this particular (mis)adventure...

[Kaida Amaya]

[atrb=valign, top][STYLE= font-family: franklin gothic medium; font-size: 10px; line-height: 85%; text-align: center; color: #666; padding-bottom: 2px;]❝ I NEVER KNEW DAYLIGHT COULD BE SO VIOLENT ❞[/style][STYLE= width: 250px; border-right: #373737 dashed 01px; border-left: #373737 dashed 01px; border-top: #373737 solid 10px; border-bottom: #373737 solid 10px; padding: 10px; background: #fafafa; font-size: 10px; text-align: justify; color: #6f6f6f; font-family: tahoma;]That Night Hunter really needed to learn how to word things. Yes, she’d agreed to not expressly follow him, but she’d never agreed to stay on the ship, or even in town for that matter. So, while he started heading off on whatever adventure she was not planning on staying behind for, she quickly got one of her old and tattered black shirts and fashioned a makeshift ninja mask. She really didn’t need it, since she could just change her hair color to keep her better hidden, but she knew it’d annoy Hector so much more if she acted like this was a game. He annoyed her frequently, treating her like a child, or like some delicate little flower that had to be kept out of danger. Kaida had seen plenty of danger in her life; she grew up on the streets after all. She also had a weapon, and knew how to use it, so she didn’t see any problem with her tagging along on whatever excursion her “babysitter” was going on. With her mask in place she quickly made her way off the ship and onto the rooftops of the town. Rooftops and trees were where she felt most comfortable anymore, since she’d spent so much time using them as a means of escape as well as a way to get the jump on targets she was after. If she remembered correctly, one of her targets had said something about what she did being called parkour, or some other silly sounding word. Despite what it was called, she was good at it, and used it as a way to catch up to Hector; using rooftops at first, then trees when there were no more buildings. She made as little noise as she could, though the rustling of leaves could be heard from trees as she jumped from branch to branch. He’s such a stick in the mud, I’m not a little girl and I am damn well not going to just sit on the ship when there’s fun to be had or money to be claimed. [/style][STYLE= font-family: franklin gothic medium; font-size: 10px; text-align: center; color: #373737;]MADE BY CYANIDE CANDY ✖[/style]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=valign, top][atrb=style, width:300px, btable][STYLE= color: #d5d5d5; font-family: franklin gothic medium, arial narrow; font-size: 10px; text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; background: #373737; padding: 05px; margin-top: 09px;]❝ Hector ❞ ❝ Open ❞[/style][STYLE= color: #d5d5d5; font-family: franklin gothic medium, arial narrow; font-size: 10px; text-align: center; margin-top: 05px; text-transform: uppercase; background: #373737; padding: 05px;]❝ 348 words ❞[/style][STYLE= color: #d5d5d5; font-family: franklin gothic medium, arial narrow; font-size: 10px; text-align: center; margin-top: 05px; text-transform: uppercase; background: #373737; padding: 05px;]❝ I really am on a role now, it hasn't even been an hour and I've got another post done. Just 2 more to go ❞[/style][STYLE= margin-top: 05px; height: 100px; width: 100px; border-bottom-right-radius: 30px; border: #373737 solid 10px; background: url(http://i.imgur.com/y0Kv4.png);][/style][STYLE= color: #373737; font-size: 80px; margin-top: -43px; margin-left: -09px;]◤[/style]

[hector C. Vinland]

The rustling of tree-leaves was not a sound that Hector liked to hear. Worse still, from what it sounded like it was someone whom Hector was very familiar with. A person who Hector knew that, although was a skilled sneak, did occasionally have momentary lapses that could be detected. A person that Hector had honestly not wanted to be following him for very, very good reasons. Namely, the reason that she had agreed Not to follow him in the first place through their negotiations earlier.

Hector let out a dejected sigh as he pondered what to do. Clearly, the situation was not optimal for him by any stretch of the imagination. Kai would only slow down the "investigation" with her overly curious and prying questions about everything including Hector's least favorite subject to discuss, himself. The thought of the continuous stream of questions almost made the young paladin want to grind his teeth. Hector Thank ormus for the strength of his patience cultivated under his father, Jacob, otherwise he might have just passed this assignment on to someone else. No, Hector was indeed committed to his work.

Or he would be just plain committed if things kept up this way.

Hector slowly turned and looked up into the trees, spotting the tiniest patch of faint, black cloth through the leaves. He was surprised, in all honesty. No matter what he said, Kaida was doing a damn good job hiding, as any lesser member of the order probably would not have spotted her or even detected her at all. Fortunately, Hector was no ordinary member of the order. Having spotted and confirmed her presence, Hector knew the game was up. No more playing around.

"...Alright, Miss Amaya, I know you're there. Get down here, we need to talk. now." Hector stated flatly, the slightest hint of annoyance detectable in his voice. he hoped Ormus would give him strength, as he was going to need it to deal with this particularly annoying individual.

[REI SATSUKI]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-color: #111111; width:325px; padding:15px; border-left: 10px solid E6E6E6; vertical-align:top;] Normally, the Captain could have cared less what the two bounty hunters were up to. She provided most of her crew with a surprisingly long leash. Provided they were there when she needed them and followed orders without question, then Rei often allowed them to go and do as they wished. The crew had a general idea of what the Captain would allow and what she would turn them into a frozen statue for, so the majority were smart enough to abide by what few rules the Black Witch laid out to keep some resemblance of order. Simple matters, such as minding their manners around women and not giving a town reason to fight unless they started it first. They may have been pirates, but Rei was not about to seen as the leader of common thugs. Harsh as she could be with that nasty temper, she was fair, even if the Marines now had more than a few reasons to hate her. The most recent reason, of course, was her skirmish back with the Marine Captain, Chevalier. After sending the Marine cyborg back in pieces, Rei had spent the next couple weeks recovering on the ship from wounds. However, being stuck on the ship with nothing to do, tended to give a person a whole new perspective on their crew mates. In particular, the two bounty hunters that the Captain had become rather amused to observe. There was something going on between them, though Rei couldn't quite put her finger on it. Although, it did manage to peak her interest. While the rest of the crew was elsewhere on the island, Rei had chosen to tag along from a distance, just to keep an eye on them. Not because she didn't trust them, mind you. Heaven's no! Rather, the Captain had a nose for trouble like a bloodhound and it was hard to resist after witnessing the younger bounty hunter sneak away after Hector like many younger siblings did when curious of what the older was doing. Of course, considering all the strange rumors that she'd overheard at the tavern and from the shop keepers, the whole matter offered what would undoubtedly be interesting to see. Keeping to the shadows of the trees and leaning with her back against the trunk of a large one, she listened as the rustling leaves seemed to call Hector's attention. He seemed more than capable of putting it together and soon called out to her. The Captain had half a mind to surprise them, but was more content to linger to the shadows, at least until they needed her. Besides, it sounded like they had a few things to discuss and while Hector might have been capable of telling Kaida what to do, he wouldn't have as much luck with Rei. Not that she ever bothered to ask him about his jobs or where he was going, nor ever mentioned tagging along for one simple reason. The Captain didn't take orders, something she seemed ever quick to remind people. Still, they were her responsibility, which meant keeping an eye on them, even if their little game of 'tag' could be rather perplexing at times.

[atrb=style, padding:10px; width:115px; background-color: #000000;][atrb=valign,top] [style=background-color: #111111; background-attachment: scrolling; height:100px; width:100px; padding:5px; border: 1px solid #FF6699;][/style] [style= border-bottom: 1px solid #FF6699; text-transform: lowercase;]WORDS[/style][style= text-align:right; background-color: #111111; padding-right:2px;]529[/style] [style= border-bottom: 1px solid #FF6699; text-transform: lowercase;]TAGGED[/style][style= text-align:right; background-color: #111111; padding-right:2px;]Kaida + Hector[/style] [style= border-bottom: 1px solid #FF6699; text-transform: lowercase;]NOTES[/style][style= text-align:right; background-color: #111111; padding-right:2px;]None[/style]

[Kaida Amaya]

[atrb=valign, top][STYLE= font-family: franklin gothic medium; font-size: 10px; line-height: 85%; text-align: center; color: #666; padding-bottom: 2px;]❝ I NEVER KNEW DAYLIGHT COULD BE SO VIOLENT ❞[/style][STYLE= width: 250px; border-right: #373737 dashed 01px; border-left: #373737 dashed 01px; border-top: #373737 solid 10px; border-bottom: #373737 solid 10px; padding: 10px; background: #fafafa; font-size: 10px; text-align: justify; color: #6f6f6f; font-family: tahoma;]Well damn, he had to go and spoil the fun. Not bothering with being totally silent, but still naturally very quietly, Kaida jumped down to a low branch before turning and dropping backwards. As she did she hooked her legs around the branch so she was hanging upside down by her knees, her masked face nearly level with Hector’s. Before she left she knew she’d end up being caught eventually, whether by her own choice or not. It was only natural that she’d already have an excuse planned out since she had promised not to follow him, and she knew he’d assume she broke the promise. A random thought about why she kept working as a bounty hunter crossed her mind briefly. Her skills would make it easy to just work strictly as an assassin, very few people being able to tell she was within arm’s reach of them until they were caught. She’d probably make more money as an assassin as well. Then she remembered that Hector would still be “keeping an eye on her” for whatever reason he had but still refused to give her a straight answer about. He would probably give her a very hard time for working as an assassin. There were a few bounties out she remembered that wanted the target dead, so she made a mental note to get more information on them when she could and test her assassination skills. She kept a blank expression to her eyes despite the smirk she was biting back. “For the record, I wasn’t following you.” [/style][STYLE= font-family: franklin gothic medium; font-size: 10px; text-align: center; color: #373737;]MADE BY CYANIDE CANDY ✖[/style]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=valign, top][atrb=style, width:300px, btable][STYLE= color: #d5d5d5; font-family: franklin gothic medium, arial narrow; font-size: 10px; text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; background: #373737; padding: 05px; margin-top: 09px;]❝ Hector ❞ ❝ Rei ❞ ❝ Open ❞[/style][STYLE= color: #d5d5d5; font-family: franklin gothic medium, arial narrow; font-size: 10px; text-align: center; margin-top: 05px; text-transform: uppercase; background: #373737; padding: 05px;]❝ 260 words ❞[/style][STYLE= color: #d5d5d5; font-family: franklin gothic medium, arial narrow; font-size: 10px; text-align: center; margin-top: 05px; text-transform: uppercase; background: #373737; padding: 05px;]❝ Wow, 2 posts in roughtly an hour, how am I doing this today? ❞[/style][STYLE= margin-top: 05px; height: 100px; width: 100px; border-bottom-right-radius: 30px; border: #373737 solid 10px; background: url(http://i.imgur.com/y0Kv4.png);][/style][STYLE= color: #373737; font-size: 80px; margin-top: -43px; margin-left: -09px;]◤[/style]

[hector C. Vinland]

Not long after Hector had called Kai out on following him, the young woman (looking rather masculine) flipped down and hung upside down from a low-hanging branch, her disguised face looking at Hector with a rather blank expression. Hector didn't even react, as he expected such an entrance from the stealthy and deceptive Kaida. What he did not expect, however, was the words she said as a justification for why she had clearly followed Hector despite their bargain.

"For the record, I wasn't following you."

Hector's face grew the slightest frown as his thoughts turned on the statement kai had just so easily (and flatly) made. with a sigh hector moved his hand to his face and did something he often did when dealing with particularly difficult individuals. He "facepalmed".

Really. REALLY?! What other possible definition could there be for someone observing and pursuing the movements of someone else? Are you going to argue that you somehow stupidly and randomly happened to follow me by pure chance? Would you like to argue about the particular verbs you would use to describe how you followed me as well? Perhaps you didn't walk after me, but gamboled? Maybe you didn't jump through the trees to follow me, but hopped instead?! And perhaps you weren't following me, but STALKING me?!?!...

After a few silent moments of rhetorical fuming inside his mind, Hector turned his attention back to Kaida and, in his usual and calm demeanor, confronted her on the very obvious elephant-in-the-room about this entire situation.

"So, Ms. Amaya, why exactly are you here then? Do you have any reasonable explanation as to why you are here in this very location where I am despite the agreement that you would not follow me?" Hector inquired. Before he could get his response from Kaida, however, Hector's attention turned to another issue. He still felt like he was being watched. After confronting Kaida, that feeling should have gone away, yet it had not.

This was obviously very concerning to Hector, as his attention was rather immediately (and abruptly) taken away from Kaida as he scanned the treelines. Was someone there? Were they hiding and watching him like Kaida (albeit with more success)? This could have just been Hector being a little paranoid, but since paranoia could sometimes be a survival trait Hector elected not to let this feeling go ignored. Taking a few steps away from Kai, his hand indicated to her to be quiet as he scanned the immediate area with his eyes. After the silence continued with no tells as to who or what was watching them, Hector spoke into the air, preparing himself for any kind of response (be it hostile or otherwise):

"...Is someone there?"

[REI SATSUKI]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-color: #111111; width:325px; padding:15px; border-left: 10px solid E6E6E6; vertical-align:top;] While it was rare for many pirates to be versed in stealth, Rei was not your average pirate and had spent many years on the streets, learning to blend in. She knew how to be patient and simply observe, so hung back as Kaida dropped down from the tree branch in an acrobatic display to where Hector could see her. It was apparent that he wasn't pleased about being followed around by the younger crew mate. Kaida's somewhat blatant denial of what she was doing though, was hard to miss. Even from this distance, the Captain could tell it annoyed him and couldn't help allow a smirk in amusement at the Lookout's boldness. It was rather amusing though, if only because few people could deny something after being caught red-handed. The scene soon fell silent though, the feeling in the air growing a bit more tense, before Hector called out to whoever could hear him. Guess, she should have expected him to catch on. Hector did have some of the better senses on the crew and there was no point in tailing them from a distance. "Oh, don't stop on my account."

[/b] The Captain spoke with a faint chuckle, stepping out from behind the tree and allowing the few strands of light that passed through the canopy to highlight the pink hair that had been tied up into a pony tail. Pressing her hands into coat pocket with a lazy smirk in amusement, Rei was in her usual attire, not bothering to disguise herself, since it seemed a little to much work for a mission that might have required her to run somewhere else in a hurry.

"The rest of the crew was busy, so I thought I'd come along to observe, especially considering all the nasty rumors in towns."[/b] She explained calmly, though anyone who knew the Captain, knew that the pirate had keen ears. There were rumors that it was some kind of magic, while other assumed it was some logia-user gone mad and running a muck. Whatever the case, it was certainly worth looking into. "Besides, what kind of Captain would I be, if I allowed my crew to go to a dangerous situation alone?" Rei added, shrugging her shoulders as though the matter should have been simple enough for even a child to understand.

Not that she was far off, finding new crew members was hard work. Far more work that the Captain intended to do anytime soon, so it only natural to protective of the one's she had. It could have almost been considered honorable and a little sweet... Well, it would have been, had the Captain not regularly lived up to the title of North Wind and seemed to cause trouble wherever her foot seemed to touch dry ground. [/size][/color][/justify][/td]

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[style= border-bottom: 1px solid #FF6699; text-transform: lowercase;]WORDS[/style][style= text-align:right; background-color: #111111; padding-right:2px;]462[/style]
[style= border-bottom: 1px solid #FF6699; text-transform: lowercase;]TAGGED[/style][style= text-align:right; background-color: #111111; padding-right:2px;]Kaida + Hector[/style]
[style= border-bottom: 1px solid #FF6699; text-transform: lowercase;]NOTES[/style][style= text-align:right; background-color: #111111; padding-right:2px;]None[/style]

[/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[Kaida Amaya]

[atrb=valign, top][STYLE= font-family: franklin gothic medium; font-size: 10px; line-height: 85%; text-align: center; color: #666; padding-bottom: 2px;]❝ I NEVER KNEW DAYLIGHT COULD BE SO VIOLENT ❞[/style][STYLE= width: 250px; border-right: #373737 dashed 01px; border-left: #373737 dashed 01px; border-top: #373737 solid 10px; border-bottom: #373737 solid 10px; padding: 10px; background: #fafafa; font-size: 10px; text-align: justify; color: #6f6f6f; font-family: tahoma;]"So, Ms. Amaya, why exactly are you here then? Do you have any reasonable explanation as to why you are here in this very location where I am despite the agreement that you would not follow me?" Kaida already had the perfect response planned for him. She raised a finger very matter-of-factly, though it looked more like she was pointing to the ground, and prepared to speak. Unfortunately, Hector’s attention was immediately drawn away. A rather annoyed expression crossed her face for a moment, though she knew his attention was elsewhere. He proceeded to call out to whomever or whatever he thought was there, and lo and behold, out pops the captain from behind a tree. Kaida had been so focused on keeping Hector from spotting her that she hadn’t noticed Rei following as well. It didn’t bother her too much, since she quickly figured out a way she could make Rei’s presence work in her favor. Rei made it clear quickly that she planned on following along as well. That would just help Kaida’s plan all the more. If Hector tried to protest to her being there, well, with the captain around she could just go over his head. A devilish grin spread on her face, though most of it was covered in black cloth, with her pale blue eyes being visible. Once Kaida was sure Hector would not find something else to distract himself she finally spoke, “As I was going to say; I wasn’t following you, I was practicing my ninja skills.” While her face was hiding her actual smug grin, her eyes clearly showed how smug and triumphant she felt. There was no way he could tell her to go back to the ship, at least none that would work. [/style][STYLE= font-family: franklin gothic medium; font-size: 10px; text-align: center; color: #373737;]MADE BY CYANIDE CANDY ✖[/style]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=valign, top][atrb=style, width:300px, btable][STYLE= color: #d5d5d5; font-family: franklin gothic medium, arial narrow; font-size: 10px; text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; background: #373737; padding: 05px; margin-top: 09px;]❝ Hector ❞ ❝ Rei ❞ ❝ Open ❞[/style][STYLE= color: #d5d5d5; font-family: franklin gothic medium, arial narrow; font-size: 10px; text-align: center; margin-top: 05px; text-transform: uppercase; background: #373737; padding: 05px;]❝ 294 words ❞[/style][STYLE= color: #d5d5d5; font-family: franklin gothic medium, arial narrow; font-size: 10px; text-align: center; margin-top: 05px; text-transform: uppercase; background: #373737; padding: 05px;]❝ I may not look like much, but I'm a pro at pretending to be a ninja ❞[/style][STYLE= margin-top: 05px; height: 100px; width: 100px; border-bottom-right-radius: 30px; border: #373737 solid 10px; background: url(http://i.imgur.com/y0Kv4.png);][/style][STYLE= color: #373737; font-size: 80px; margin-top: -43px; margin-left: -09px;]◤[/style]

[hector C. Vinland]

"oh, dont stop on my account." A familiar feminine voice spoke through the twilight air. Hector was slightly surprised and relieved to see that it was none other then his captain who came from behind the tree.

"The rest of the crew was busy, so I thought I'd come along to observe, especially considering all the nasty rumors in towns. Besides, what kind of Captain would I be, if I allowed my crew to go to a dangerous situation alone?"

"Point taken, Captain. Its good to see you." Hector responded politely with a slight bow to his captain's (likely rhetorical) question. As nice as it was to see her, it did throw a bit of a wrench in the works of Hector and Kaida's deal. The young paladin was more then aware that Kaida was an intelligent girl, and that meant she would definitely use this situation to her advantage. Hector had to obey roughly 99% the Captains orders as part of their agreement, and none of Hector's conditions and stipulations would allow him to circumvent her command at this point. Nor did he wish to: he trusted the captain enough that if she wanted to join him on this particularly strange investigation, Hector had no qualms letting her. It was Kaida that was the issue, a point which she made very apparent with her next comment once Hector's attention returned to her.

“As I was going to say; I wasn’t following you, I was practicing my ninja skills.”

Hector's eyebrow twitched at the young paladin gazed flatly at Kaida though his black-rimmed glasses. The sheer gall of what she had said gave the young man great pause as he fully processed the extreme stupidity of the excuse she had given. It took several second before the disbelief of what had been said hit Hector like a hammer flying through windows in a window shop.

She. Did. Not. Just. Say. That.

"Practicing your...Ninja skills?" Hector rhetorically responded flatly. his head hanging again as he facepalmed at Kaida's response. Hector was so glad he had such control, but even with restraint as strong as his Hector was losing his patience. At the moment, any lesser man would have likely caught fire with rage as he ground his teeth to stubs or simply screamed and ran away like a madman. Hector would do neither, but Kaida would likely still see the young man's eyebrow twitching as the turned to the captain and, still maintaining his composure, spoke a request to her.

"Captain Satsuki, If I may?...We seem to be having a problem with a deal between miss amaya and I. One that, ultimately may only be up to you to resolve, as she seems to not be very cooperative with me." Hector asked, hoping that the young captain would be on his side. He was also hoping Kaida didn't make this situation any more complicated then it needed to be.

[REI SATSUKI]

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[atrb=style, background-color: #1A1A1A; border-radius: 35px;] [STYLE=height: 250px; width: 460px; margin-top: 6px; opacity: 0.7; border-radius: 30px; background-image: url(http://i.imgur.com/lqqb6.jpg);][/style][STYLE=font-family: times new roman; font-style: italic; font-size: 45px; color: #E7E1CD; text-transform: lowercase; margin-top: -30px; letter-spacing: -3px; opacity: 0.99; text-shadow: 2px 2px 2px #000000;]YOU ONLY GOT ONE LIFE TO LEAD[/style][STYLE=font-family: arial; font-size: 12px; margin-top: -10px; color: #CEC6AA; letter-spacing: 2px; text-transform: uppercase;]SO DON'T TAKE FOR GRANTED THE LITTLE THINGS[/style] [STYLE=font-size: 11px; font-family: arial; margin-right: 13px; margin-left: 13px; text-align: justify; background-color: #696969; padding: 13px; color: #000000; margin-top: 6px; opacity: 0.95; margin-bottom: 1px; border-bottom-right-radius: 30px; border-bottom-left-radius: 30px;]Rei smiled lightly as Hector seemed none to offended at her presence. Then again, the Captain was hardly one that needed protection from anyone or anything. With her abilities, she was practically a force of nature, one that tended to get unleashed rather often when anyone crossed them or the Marines showed up. Trouble seemed to come natural to the Captain, but at this point, most of the crew had become accustomed to the obvious fact that Rei could be horribly stubborn when she set her mind to something. As she moved to join them, Kaida soon spoke up with an excuse that caused even Rei to have to stifle the urge to laugh. Although, she tried not to, lifting a hand to her lips in some attempt to hide the amused smile that had appeared. Well, the Captain had to give the lookout one thing, she was certainly creative in her excuses. That was one that not even Rei expected to hear. Hector, on the other hand, didn't seem to find the matter nearly as amusing as the Captain did. It was a wonder the man managed to remain so calm, since most would have probably been ready to curse around this point. Instead, he didn't seem interested in attempting to further argue his point with the younger Bounty Hunter and soon requested a favor. It seemed that his reasons had not convinced Kaida not to follow, but considering that this was part of a Captain's duty, Rei soon crossed her arms and nodded affirmatively. "Very well. What seems to be the problem?" Rei asked seriously, though it seemed obvious that she already had a good idea of what was going on. Kaida was younger than Hector, but even Bounty Hunters could be competitive. Although, whether this was simply a matter of her wanting to demonstrate that she could stand as his equal or some simply curiosity, Rei couldn't help tease him just a little. "Please, don't tell me that your embarrassed over some a girlish crush, Mister Vinland. I should think living with pirates and a man of your reputation would be rather accustomed to be followed around by women." The Captain hinted with a devilish smile. As usual, the Captain found it difficult to remain serious and decided to flirt a little with him, curious of what reaction she would get from both parties. Not that she ever missed a chance to fluster a man for her own amusement, even if he was part of her crew. [/style][STYLE=width: 400px; text-align: center; font-size: 9px; color: #565656; text-transform: uppercase; margin-top: 0px; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: 3px; opacity: 0.9;]made by kiwii at btn & ote![/style]