CHAPTER ONE: WRONGFULLY ACCUSED
Tatsuyumi glanced quickly behind her shoulder. There, pressed against the cold metal walls of the island prison off the coast of Krawk Island, she saw four gelert soldiers clambering around a sharp corner after her. They were armed with large lapis-studded scimitars, sheathed within black belts that hung from their waists. The Captain, a large lupe who was, as far as anyone could tell, the only lupe in the gang, pointed angrily down the hallway with his sword, screaming orders at his soldiers.
The captive zafara quickly snapped her head back behind the corridor and dashed quickly down the next available hall, hoping that, somehow, she wouldn't find a dead end. Unfortunately, she was faced with a tall, barred door that reached all the way to the prison's ceiling. She wrapped her small hands around the bars and shook them in frustration. They rattled in protest, denying her freedom and taunting her further with their loud clanging.
There! The Captain's steely voice echoed down the hall as the rattling reached his ears. She's in the left wing! His deep voice was almost a growl, and his fur bristled irately over a largely muscular form.
As Tatsu turned around to find another way out, dashing down the hall through which she had just come, her eyes widened with shock as they looked into those of the Captain. Within seconds, she was lifted from the ground by the collar of her outlandish orange prison outfit. The Captain drew her face so close to his own that she felt his breath upon her face. He spoke slowly in a hushed, infuriated tone. She winced and turned her head away.
I've caught you. And now, if you value your life, you will be silent, and stay in your cell. His grip tightened, and the creature could feel that he could easily dispose of her...that is, if he didn't find so much enjoyment from his prisoners' misery.
Instead of speaking, Tatsuyumi spat at his dark face and simultaneously kicked at his torso, causing him to release his powerful grip and roar in rage. He cleared his face with the back of his heavy paw and turned to see the zafara sprinting down the hall.
You idle beasts let that rogue escape! In his haste to catch her, the powerful lupe swiped a guard to the floor and trampled him, but he was oblivious to it all in his madness. The remaining soldiers looked at their fallen companion and hesitantly shuffled past him after the burly lupe.
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Hidden among several wooden crates of cargo stacked high near a wall, Tatsu panted heavily after her near miss. Hearing a single pair of heavy footsteps,she stifled her fast-coming breath and waited for them to pass. Waiting a few moments for the creature to run further, she finally jumped from behind the crates and somersaulted in front of the door.
Immediately, she regretted her decision to do so; she stared up hesitantly at a lupe that framed the doorway; he unsheathed his dagger and stared down at her. He wasn't the Captain, but this wasn't much of a relief to the zafara. This lupe was leaner and slightly shorter, but had the same steely-blue fur as her captor...and the weapon in his hand certainly didn't look friendly. The zafara sensed that she may have a chance, however; when her eyes locked onto his for just a split second, she could see something in them that was very different from the cold, carefully mastered hate of the Captain's. She opened her mouth to speak, hoping that her judgment wasn't misplaced.
But before either had time to blink, two tremendous paws bound Tatsuyumi's arms to her waist. The lupe in front of her flinched at the sudden action; he watched her attempt to wriggle free of the Captain's grasp, but the rope that had quickly been slipped around her was already taught and held in place. Two other guards rushed to hold her down as she leapt through the air. The Captain chuckled and stepped regally in front of her.
Let me go, you sniveling worm! The zafara lashed out with her large footpaw, catching the Captain's shin.
The Captain ignored her comment and only glared at her, his posture slightly off as he bent to grin in her face.
Anick, take care of this prisoner.
Tatsuyumi sighed silently.
Sir?
There was a pause.
Dispose of her. She's no more than fish food for the jetsams to us.
Tatsuyumi narrowed her eyes and glanced quickly around the room. She was reluctant to show her loss of hope. Any fate is better than having to look into your face and see this horrible asylum every day, Captain! She pronounced her captor's title with as much disdain as she could muster. However, the strong creature merely shrugged.
As I said, dispose of her. I don't care how you do it, but she shouldn't be seen again, he said nonchalantly, waving her off with a swift flick of his toughened hand. Don't let me down, son. He turned, lifting his feet purposefully with each step in that same self-assured step that Tatsu had become familiar with, and come to hate. The girl's eyes followed him for a moment before turning back to those of Anick, the smaller guard that lingered to carry out his orders.
Now, as Tatsuyumi looked into the young lupe's eyes, she could not only see surprise, but some small amount of pity. He glanced down at her; she bowed her head, defeated, with no fierce comeback or escape plan.
What are you waitin' for? Don't you have a job to do? she murmured after a few moments. Did the Captain say 'son'? Surely any chance she had to escape was gone! No one had moved. Anick sighed.
You're lucky, zafara, that you've run into me instead of someone else. It seems we share a certain dislike for a certain commanding officer. He smirked, then looked away. If ever I've been given a chance to take matters into my own hands and inconvenience him, it's right now.
Tatsu was surprised. But...aren't you his kid or somethin'?
I still have the ability to choose sides.
Suddenly, she heard a slashing noise, and knew that Anick had unsheathed his lapis-engraved sword.
The zafara felt the cold steel of the blade sliding down her back. She winced, then felt the rope around her slacken and slide down to the floor.
Still very uncertain and disbelieving, she remained there, gaping at the Captain's son. You...you let me go.
Listen, Anick replied, placing his sword-holding hand on his waist. I really don't want to be identified with the term, 'like father, like son,' prisoner. I'm sure you understand. He smirked.
She didn't, but she nodded anyway and shuffled her feet along the ground. I...thanks.
Anick shooed her out of the corridor. I don't know where you're going to go on this puny little dot of land, but I assume you have a plan to have come this far. If you don't...well, better hurry and think of one.
Tatsuyumi looked out at the glorious sunset of red and pink hues displaying themselves in the dusk sky, separated from her by five blackened bars. She dashed behind Anick, giving him a final thankful look, before disappearing into the dark maze of corridors where one door would free her from the Captain's unlawful wrath.
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The zafara sat on a coastline boulder outside the prison's cement walls, staring at the calm water, savoring the last few moments she had before she would be running again. A seagull chimed in the distance, and a buoy's gong echoed through the tapered ribbons of color high in the sky. Tatsuyumi sighed and rested her arm on her bent knee.
The details of Tatsuyumi's experiences before the prison island were dulled and blurry. She could recollect, however, that she had been kidnapped. She could faintly remember the incidents that led to it; the Captain's crew had come into her home. He had sent them...he was money-hungry, robbed her and her family...
She paused and looked down at her paws. My family... She remembered them well enough...a fire shoyru and a striped shoyru, female twins with completely opposite personalities, and of course, her owner, an odd human who was a bit unorthodox, but always very good to them.
She could see the festive lights of Krawk Island glowing about a mile away from where she sat. The zafara stood up and walked toward a makeshift raft that she had been constructing from washed-up driftwood. She wiped a bead of cold sweat from her brow and gazed at the finished product; it was by no means attractive, as far as sea vessels go, but it was adequate. It was her only plan up until that point, but the thought of sailing to Krawk Island on this raft didn't seem impossible.
Time to be free. With that, Tatsu sat on the small raft, took a wide piece of driftwood into her lap, and untied the seaweed vine anchoring her to the island. She paddled off into the dark sea, not knowing what she would do now that she had finally succeeded in getting away.
CHAPTER TWO: DECEPTION EVERYWHERE
Tatsu tossed the wooden paddle into the shallows of Krawk Island and bounded into the waist deep water. She pulled her raft ashore in the glow of the yellow moon with wet, salty paws, and anchored the raft with sand, practically burying the small vessel. At last, the zafara stopped, gazing at her new surroundings in awe.
Krawk Island at night, even so late, was like no other. Sounds from the nearby shops greeted her ears as she walked into the light that escaped from their windows. On the other side of her, the tinkling of glasses and the smell of food wafted simultaneously to her from the Golden Dubloon, reminding her stomach that there was better food out there than gruel sandwiches and old milk. She sighed gratefully and approached a more inland area that lay void of activity. She was gazing into the sky above her, observing the position of the moon to estimate the time, when a small creature bumped into her.
She stepped back to keep her balance and looked at what it might be. It was a native krawk, very old, and very green, that was draped in a brown cloak decorated in shells. He was hunched over, making him even shorter than he already was; Tatsu stood almost two full heads, perhaps more, above him. He glared up angrily at her.
Who're you? he asked in a rattling, raspy tone.
I'm Tatsuyumi...just call me Tatsu." The girl hesitated before extending her paw to help the old one up. I'm sorry I knocked you down.
The krawk took Tatsuyumi's hand and righted himself. He brushed the sand and dirt off of his cloak, ignoring the zafara's apology and instead mumbling something about the unawareness of younger creatures. He paused for a moment and gazed at the girl, who was indeed an interesting sight.
You come from that prison island. You cannot be good. Why're you here on this Krawk Island? You refugee? Yis, yis you are... The old reptile nodded his head, sure of the answer he gave to his own question.
I...yes, I'm from the island, but I didn't do anything for it! I can't remember much, but...well, I was kidnapped from my home. I came here to hide from the beasts that run it.
The krawk snorted. Innocent as a pea. What dey all say...what dey all say... he mumbled as he took Tatsu's paw.
You come with me to ship shack. I live on me own small island...you follow, and I give food and rest, the old krawk instructed. Get your raft an' we go.
Thank you, Tatsuyumi said, stumbling to fetch her buried raft. She hesitated for a moment. And...you're not gonna give me back to...them?
The old krawk, already shuffling away, waved his scaly hand in the air. I play for no side, he said. I make own rules, yis. The zafara quickly unearthed her raft and ran until she caught up with him.
I didn't catch your name, she said after a moment, her makeshift boat slung across her back.
Gaurix, he said, very quickly. After a short time of continued walking, the two reached another shore, shrouded by trees. The old lizard beckoned for Tatsu to set the raft into the shallow, swampy water, and they spoke no more. Gaurix's island was set in the shallows a few yards ahead of them, and it was not long before a wrecked boat was in sight upon a small, lonely island.
Is that the place? Tatsuyumi inquired, pointing at the wrecked ship.
Gaurix chuckled, but it was wry. Place, you say! This is my home. Follow inside. Without any further ado, Tatsu was being dragged along into the shallows, sand sticking to her feet as they wound their way up to the ship.
The exterior of the boat was musty and old-looking, like it had been there for an extremely long time. Odd vines crisscrossed around a cloth that served as a doorway, and bland rags could be seen hung inside that blocked moonlight from entering the dark abode. Tatsu looked at Gaurix and watched him hold open the cloth door, tying it back with one of the vines. The krawk turned his sharp, green eyes to hers, and spoke agitatedly. Come now, you going to follow?
The zafara smiled and stepped quickly beside the old krawk. Right behind you...nice place--er, home, you have.
Gaurix raised one eyebrow in annoyance and shuffled into the wreckage. It was mildly furnished with a plain wooden set consisting of one chair, a round table, and a bed covered with a green blanket. To Tatsu's left was a wall supporting some driftwood shelves; they held a few wooden bowls, three plastic cups, and a giant wooden ladle. There was also a faded, jade-green rug that matched the bed's blankets lying on the otherwise empty floor. Both items were moth-eaten and smelled slightly of mold.
Hungry? I can make good soup...good soup. Gaurix grinned toothlessly as Tatsuyumi nodded. He shuffled off and returned soon with soup, smelling of leek, garlic, and tomato, and something else that she could not identify with a name.
So, why don't you live in the town? Tatsu asked, taking the bowl from the krawk. The zafara sipped it and nodded, too hungry to notice the watchful eyes of her host.
Mmm...this is very good!
Thankee. Old Siln don't need towns of people. I work alone. Before long she had devoured the entire bowl, not even needing a spoon.
Siln? I thought your name was Gaurix.
Had she been watching the rim of the bowl, Tatsu would have noticed the powder drifting near it, no doubt some concotion that he learned from a nasty pirate folk...and if it hadn't knocked her out immediately, she would have also noticed the old krawk's sardonic grin.
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When Tatsuyumi awoke, it was very cold. She lay on her back on something soft and damp, and a mild salty breeze grazed her hair. Sand.
She opened her heavy eyelids and sat up. She moaned and looked around, confused as ever and slightly anxious. It was a hazy, early morning with gray skies, and Tatsu was left on a shore that she had never seen. It was bedecked with small shrubs, and to the west in the distance was the grand sight of the Golden Dubloon.
Oh, I must be on the other side of the coast, she mumbled. She felt extremely sluggish in addition to her confusion, but the cold, salty air was bringing back her senses. She stood up, warily at first, and began walking towards the familiar landmark. Moving around certainly helped wear off the effects of whatever the krawk had given her, and Tatsu became angry as she became more aware.
Just seems like there ain't anybody good left anymore, she said, nearing the Golden Dubloon.
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Excuse me, Tatsuyumi said, approaching a beautiful aisha who sat cross-legged on a stool at the front desk.
Do y'have a reservation, ma'am? Her voice was much harsher than her appearance. She proceeded to look over the disheveled zafara with disdain, noting her obnoxious orange uniform. I'd guess not, aye.
Well, no, she said hastily. But I was wondering...er...if, I dunno, you...might be able to help me out? You see, this old krawk--
Listen, hate to cut yer story short, but no reservation, no food, ma'am. If'n you want to gamble, well yer a little early. Oh, and no handouts! The aisha folded her arms and leaned on the desk, frowning.
Gambling? Tatsu asked.
Oy, y'must be another tourist...hope yer not one of them prison folk, though that's a dumb wish by lookin' at yer outfit. Yes, gambling! Down in the basement, o' course! Krawps, Bilge Dice, card games...fun place ter spend the rest o' yer money in the evenings. Not many people down there this early, but just y'wait, ma'am.
The zafara thought for a moment. I...I don't have any money to start with, but...I'd love to go down there and have a look around anyways? she said.
The aisha shook her head. Nope...no money, no entry, ma'am, she said, uncrossing her legs and leaning forward.
Oh...well thank you anyways.
Disappointed, she began to walk away with a sigh. She had completely forgotten about currency! How would she ever get home without money?
Oh, don't look so GLUM. Sheesh! Tatsu heard the aisha behind her and turned around.
I don't wanna chase away another tourist...and hey, I like you...yer tough-lookin', even if'n yer wearin' the ugliest suit known to Neopia. Here ma'am...have a little bit o' fun. She dug into a drawstring bag attached to her eccentric belt and flipped a coin at her. The zafara caught it in both hands and stared down; the coin was worth 50 NP.
Oh, thanks very much! she said with a wide grin. The aisha smirked and gestured towards the glass doors into the restaurant.
Hey, it ain't an issue...just don't tell anyone, else they'll be askin' fer handouts all day! Back stairs on yer left. Don't spend it too quick!
CHAPTER THREE: ROLLING THE DICE
The basement was nearly as lavish as the dining region. The floors were covered in a thick, dark green carpet, and all of the chairs and stools were upholstered in red velvet. A bar area served all sorts of ale and grog, among other exotic drinks that were special to Krawk Island. The area was almost completely empty at that moment, however, aside from the bar server, a pirate eyrie who was busy drying some glass mugs.
As she sat in one of the velvet chairs at a Krawps table, the server eyed the girl with his non-patched eye. Then he spoke, his voice gruff and very accented.
Hmmmm...what're y'doin' down here, lass? Ain't no one ready to gamble this early'n the day'! He began to chuckle, then coughed abruptly.
Oh, er...well, just waitin' then, I suppose, Tatsu replied. She didn't want to admit that it was because she had nowhere else to go.
Waitin, aye...hmm. Wastin' yer time, maybe yeh'll waste some money too? Got a fresh cart o' grog in last night, dyin' ter open it, y'know...
Oh, I would if I could, she replied nervously. I...well, I don't really have a lot on me. I'm hoping maybe my luck will change.
Ahhhh, hopin' ter make a fortune from the misfortune of others. The eyrie bellowed a good laugh. Well, good fortune ter yeh then, lass...I know two folks who'll treat yeh to a game in just a few here after their lunch. Always gamblin', them two...never seem ter run out of money, either!
The zafara nodded, looking around her at the various ornaments on the walls, some of which included ship wheels, ropes, and a large collection of framed pictures. She noticed the one-eyed eyrie in one of the pictures, without his eye patch and a few years younger, gathered in front of the bar area with two of his friends. She assumed that the shadow krawk and pirate-clad brown kyrii next to him were the gamblers that he spoke of.
Sure enough, when just about an hour's time had passed, more seasoned versions of these two came noisily down the stairs into the basement, laughing heartily and approaching the eyrie. They hadn't even given her a passing glance until the eyrie mumbled something to them; beaming a smile, the kyrii approached her.
Hmmmm...so, ye're wantin' to play a game, eh miss? The krawk followed behind, sporting a white beard and red kerchief upon his otherwise bare head. I'll warn yeh...we mightn't be as young as yerself, but we play a mean game o' Bilge Dice.
Well...honestly, I never played the game, but I seem to have a lucky streak...sometimes. Tatsu smiled.
The kyrii let out a bellowing laugh and leaned forward, his three-pointed hat slipping down over his eyebrows and shadowing his face. Well, ain't no better time than the present ter learn! He sat at a nearby table; the krawk followed suit, and Tatsu followed as well.
The name's Mr. Kazz, by the by, the kyrii said. This'n here we just call Zip. He don't say much, but he's slyer then he lets on. Aye, Zip? The krawk grinned, his mouth missing one or two teeth. Mr. Kazz removed the golden dice from their spaces on the side of the dark wood table. Now, let's play!
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Where could she have gone, Captain? 'Tis an island...she couldn't have just swam away!
The blue lupe shook his head and massaged his temples in great frustration. Dunno... he mumbled.
His closest gelert guard, Neible, battled within his mind to ask the question. If you don't mind me asking, why is finding this girl so important, sir?
Because she's a criminal out on the run...who knows how many she's plundered by now? She could even be more than just a simple thief; she could be dangerous.
But sir, you know that...
The Captain silenced him. For the record, I DO mind you askin'. Now go and fetch me a drink. Neible hesitated. GO!
With the Captain's bellow, the gelert swiftly ran from the room. The commander directed his attention at another guard. You there, he said calmly.
The gelert, a bit scrawnier than many of the others in the crew, was terrified of this demeanor. Y...yes, sir...?
We need to devise a plan to catch this zafara. We must track her down first, you know, wherever she's gone to. He slammed his fist on the desk. I can't believe that one of my own kind would betray me at such a high degree. But, it shall never happen again, so it's not important now. What's important is, where do you think she went?
The gelert was speechless; he decided it would be best for his health to be silent until addressed.
No doubt she's on Krawk Island...it's where they've always gone in the past. I haven't a clue as to how she managed to get there, but I'm sure she did. She's probably also wondering about that worthless family of hers...I'm sure she'll head in that direction eventually. What do you think, hmm?
The guard swallowed. I...er, you're probably right, of course.
The Captain slammed his large fist on his desk. Of course I am! he growled. The gelert shrank away. Now, the question is...do we simply meet her near Neopia Central and catch her then, or cut her off before she can find out that they're still alive and well?
There was a light knock on the door. Sir, your grog?
Good. And YOU... he pointed at the scrawnier guard. Go make yourself useful and clean something.
Utterly relieved to leave the tension of the room, the gelert threw up his hand in salute and hastily obeyed. Yessir!
The Captain stroked his chin in thought, sipping on the mug that was given to him. Oh, we'll think of a way, you little rogue...don't you worry.
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Ey now, zafara! I think you were lyin' to us before we sat at this table! Mr. Kazz grudgingly slid another portion of his shrinking winnings into the center of the table as Tatsuyumi raked them in with a smile.
I wasn't! I told you I had a lucky streak, aye?
After a while in the company of pirates, Tatsu found herself lapsing into their comfortable dialect. She also found that she was much better at Bilge Dice than she believed she was. She had taken hundreds, approaching thousands, from the kyrii and krawk in front of her, losing only a handful of times. On those rare occasions, both competitors laughed triumphantly, joining together in what they hoped would be the takedown of this newcomer, and the return of their cash.
Alright, good sirs, one more hand, 'n I should probably stop before I take the patches of yer eyes too! Tatsu chuckled; her comment was in good humor, but she received sour looks in response. The eyrie server was watching, a grin of very good humor on his beak.
All got ready to roll their dice. Tatsu let hers go last, as she typically did; a four, two sixes, a five, and two threes. She kept the sixes and four.
Awfully risky, not takin' that five, the kyrii said, sliding three of his own dice into position. Zip grunted in agreement.
They all rolled again; Tatsu had all sixes. Zip slammed his fist on the table and folded his arms as she kept two of them.
Don't worry, Zip...she ain't never gonna roll a one! Looks like we're finally takin' yeh down, miss!
Oh, we'll see, sir! Tatsuyumi took a deep breath, jingling the last die in her hand for a while. She was one die away from a perfect score, and also from having enough money to leave the island. She closed her eyes and let it fall.
Mr. Kazz's roar and Zip's growls of disbelief were the response that she had hoped for. She looked down at the one that lay on the table.
D'aaaaw, that ain't fair! Yeh've rigged those dice, I tell you! The kyrii shook his head. Fine, fine game for a newcomer, miss...'n' what're yeh gonna buy with all o' our cash? He motioned to shake her hand.
Tatsu smiled. A boat, sir, she said, accepting his paw. I'm on a mission to get to Neopia Central. My family might be there, you see.
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The zafara sighed and looked down at the tiny vessel that she had purchased, filled with sacks of food, blankets, an extra sail, and other supplies to tide her over on her journey. Naturally, of course, she had also left her orange suit behind, in favor of burgundy pantaloons, a white smock-style shirt, and a brown vest. She had said her goodbyes to her friends in the basement of the Golden Dubloon, and was now positioned on Krawk Island's northwestern coast. She was headed towards the Haunted Woods, the closest route to Neopia Central. Tatsuyumi took one last look at the island's pink-hued sky, sandy coast, and many buildings before opening her sail and kicking off from the shore.
As Krawk Island became a tiny speck against the horizon, silhouetted by the white sun coming down into the ocean, the zafara turned towards the northwest, excited to be able to see that coast for the first time. The dinghy that she purchased picked up speed as the wind favored her direction. As the sky grew dark, and the whirlwind of happenings on the island caught up with her, Tatsu allowed herself to drift into a guarded sleep.
CHAPTER FOUR: PURPOSE
Sir, I think you're mistaken. The voice of a human, Tatsu's human, was reasoning with the officials that showed up on the doorstep of their glass home, a large but cozy abode on Guild Street, Neopia Central.
Well, MADAM, I believe that we are not. A tough, sinewy gelert put away his badge. We are part of the N.P.S., Neopian Protective Services, if you will. We have evidence that your home, your items...even your pets, were obtained or enhanced with neopoints that are not your own.
May I see this so-called evidence? The human crossed her arms and glared at the official.
If you'd like to get into more trouble with the law and resist our attempts to correct this problem, then it is permissible for us to take custody of your pets as well. So, if you'd please move out of the way--
My pets? This is just outrageous! she said, blocking the lavish doorway. The gelert was taller and, overall, larger than she was, and easily shoved her aside. Alright, troops, he yelled over his shoulder to the group of guards behind him. Storm the house. Anything that looks, smells, or even hints at being expensive must be confiscated. Any pets that look expensive will be taken into custody until the money can be returned. The gelerts unfolded large, black bags from within their pockets and entered the house.
But you can't do that! You can't! The girl rushed into her house, one step ahead of the crew that had entered, and ran up the staircase. She went into the rooms of all of her pets.
You have to leave immediately, she said to each of them. I'll explain later, but you aren't safe here. Go as far away as you can, and I'll meet up with you later. Don't take the main door, use the back door through the kitchen. You have to hurry!
A fire shoyru and a slightly older striped shoyru snuck carefully down the stairs on the opposite side of the hallway; they were led into a dining room, attached to the kitchen. The human was currently warning the last of her pets, a small zafara.
You have to leave, or they'll take you!
Tatsuyumi was confused, but she nodded fiercely, trusting that she would have her answers when the danger was gone. She trekked down the hallway quickly, only four or five steps behind her siblings...
Oh look, Serge, they're all trying to run away! How adorable they are...come see! One of the guards motioned towards them all, entering the fancily furnished dining room. In the background, the sound of breaking glass, falling books, and heavy furniture being scooted across the marble floors could be heard.
The three pets blocked out the noise and dashed into the kitchen. They had their paws on the door handle when the Sergeant grabbed the dainty fire shoyru by her tail.
Ouch! she exclaimed, then looked to her sister for help. Shazi, help me!
The striped shoyru whirled around, and without hesitation, kicked the guard in his shin. Caught off-guard by the attack, he let go of the fire shoyru's tail, allowing them both to escape.
Tatsu, however, was trapped. The sergeant was too close to the door, and behind her, the rest of his crew was taking everything they had. She decided to bolt for the front door, hoping the guards were distracted enough to allow her to pass.
Unfortunately, one gelert had noticed her, and set down his bag of fine items from the downstairs study. He snuck along after the zafara, and just as she was about to run through the door, he pinned her arms to her sides and dragged her back in.
Let me go, let me go! she yelled as loud as she could. You aren't even supposed to be here! Let me go!
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Tatsuyumi woke with a shudder, her heart beating a thousand times a minute. The Captain's crew had pillaged their entire home! And stolen her, simply because she wore an expensive color on her fur...it didn't make sense, but she was positive that it had happened.
But why? she asked herself out loud. Why us? Just because we had nice things? It just doesn't make any sense no matter how y'spin it!
She shook her head in disbelief. And what about Shazi and Jadeite? And my owner? Are they all alright? She stood up in the swaying dinghy, steadying herself on the mast.
It was another early morning; the sun had barely even entered the sky. There was a salty haze over everything, including the clouds. However, to Tatsu's joy, it did not mask the faint glimmer of a coast that surrounded her. To the north, Terror Mountain's peaks were visible with snow whirling over them. Straight ahead, the heavily treed hills of the Haunted Woods loomed enticingly.
Tatsu climbed quickly onto the shore as she reached it, jumping into the shallows almost too soon, submerging herself up to her stomach in ice-cold seawater, and tugged her vessel onto the coast. Though the Haunted Woods' eastern coast was sad, grey, mossy, and laden with more debris than she'd ever seen, the zafara was glad to be off of the water.
She sighed and dragged the dinghy underneath a half-dead tree that still bore enough leaves to provide some cover from anyone on the ocean, especially once she'd removed the sail. She was exhausted; her sleep, plagued by the answer to her predicament, did nothing at all to rest her, and in fact made her journey even more desperate. However, the fire zafara had no choice but to allow herself some time to eat and relax as she planned her next move.
By the time that Tatsu was on her feet again, the overcast morning was slowly turning into a similarly dreary afternoon. She stood, surveying the vast, thick woodland that she would be trekking through, and bid a farewell to the sea craft that had brought her so close to Neopia Central. With nothing but a single sack of supplies slung over her shoulder, she was on the move again.
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Stroke! Stroke! A whip cracked over the back of a desert kacheek, wielded by the Captain in his ship, the Fierce Blade. He presided over the rowing slaves, an arrogant smile on his face, as a handsome yellow shoyru, clinging to a rope, swung through the doorway from the deck.
Capt'n, Krawk Island is approaching. Should we steer to it?
The Captain barely paused, and without turning, replied, No. We have enough provisions to last us to the next shore. Set our course straight to the Haunted Woods.
Haunted Woods, Capt'n? the shoyru asked, rubbing the back of his head.
Yes. The zafara is bound to be headed for Neopia; she would be a complete fool if she hasn't thought anything through by this point. The shore of the Haunted Woods is the closest port.
The yellow shoyru saluted and sighed. Aye, Capt'n.
The Captain followed him onto the deck, much to the relief of the individuals he had presided over. He gazed sternly over the hazy blue waves, lapping swiftly against the sides of his beautiful ship.
If you want to do anything these days, you have to do it yourself, he mumbled to himself, surveying his crew. That zafara ain't gettin' away.
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The setting sun, no longer covered by the afternoon's clouds, was bright in Tatsu's eyes as she slumped against a wilted tree, pawsore and hungry. She reached into her supply bag, starving, and grabbed the nearest food item in reach; a lukewarm, slightly crushed tomato and cheese sub was downed in less than six enormous bites. Tatsuyumi sat there, listening to the silence, occasionally interrupted by the rustling of leaves.
Night would fall soon. As a youngling, and even more recently in the prison, the zafara had heard the tales of what happened in the Haunted Woods at night. Goblins, crooks, and bad spirits were said to come and prey upon the travelers within their domain, sometimes going to even violent measures to preserve their solitude. Tatsu smirked; she was too smart for ghost stories, and nearly laughed at herself in her exhaustion for ever considering them to be true. Still, the legends were disconcerting, and she found herself wanting to keep moving as far as she could before night fell completely.
CHAPTER FIVE: FACE TO FACE
Tatsuyumi trekked as far as she could before complete fatigue washed over her. She collapsed, exhausted, onto a hill, bare of anything but yellowed grass, scattered mushrooms, and a single, very small tree that was completely void of life. She looked around bleakly, her lids falling over her green eyes. She lay down, looking up at the darkening sky that filled quickly with shades of dark blue, deep purple, and black, illuminated serenely by a bright full moon.
Many thoughts ran through the zafara's mind. Why does the Captain hate me so much? Did his guards catch up to my family? Did he frame them and take them as well? She blinked in silent contemplation. Could the Captain possibly be afraid that she would expose him for his crimes? Does that mean he was looking for anyone who knew what he had done? What other crimes had he gotten away with?
Tatsu was even more worried about her family now; she sat up and hugged her knees. I just hope that if that's the case, he isn't after my family. She blew a stray strand of hair off of her face and looked out to the sea.
Her eyes widened, and terror slowly spread across her face. The Fierce Blade, the Captain's unmistakable prized ship, was on the dark horizon very near, floating closer to the shore of the Haunted Woods. It was so close, she thought she could hear the Captain's bellowed orders carrying through the soft, autumn air.
Tatsuyumi stood up quickly and shook her head. It just ain't possible! The ship seemed to sail faster, and the zafara leapt from the hill and into the trees.
Despite the danger that she knew awaited her, Tatsu couldn't help but feel drawn to the ship. Her captor, her complete enemy, was within reach of her, but now that she had considered that he feared her, she felt bolder. She sifted silently through the woods. Then she waited.
Her feelings towards the Captain, finally coming to a head, were far more mystifying and ominous than any of the Haunted Woods' ghost stories that she had heard yet.
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I know she's here; I can feel it, the Captain mumbled, hacking through the dead branches before him with his sword. Two green lupes followed behind, their heads arrogantly tilted upward. With the lack of this species in his crew, it was clear that these assistants held great power and authority, emphasizing the importance of the mission.
The blue lupe stopped, causing the guards to nearly bump into him. He raised his hand for silence, his sharp ears detecting movement in the shrubbery nearby. He held a finger to his lips, signaled the soldiers to silently wait, and darted into the woods.
Tatsu knew that he was close. She was unsure of his exact location, or hers for that matter, but she could feel the tension that always filled any room that the Captain resided in. It became almost unbearable just as the zafara turned, gasping at the sound of a moving bush. She ran without thinking, fear taking over her confidence. As she jumped over a thick, mossy log, the Captain suddenly burst through the thicket of trees, a menacing redness in his eyes, his prisoner in sight. Out of the corner of these red orbs of rage, the burly lupe saw Tatsu run, and followed swiftly after, holding his sword out like a club in front of him.
The zafara was gasping from terror...any ideas she had had of confronting the Captain had now nearly vanished in her thoughts. While she knew that she was far more cunning than the Captain, the menacing anger in his eyes was more than intimidating. She ran on faster, thorned leaves and threatening branches of the woods' shrubbery clawing at her. She was going so fast, and her mind was so focused on putting as much distance between her and the Captain as possible, that she paid less attention to the terrain. The steep hill before her ended in a dizzying drop to a lifeless, jagged-edged creek below, but she paused for only a moment.
The Captain let out a blood-curdling scream as Tatsuyumi left from his view, jumping down the hill. He stopped, the madness in his eyes only growing, and looked down, just in time to see the zafara running toward the edge. He smiled wickedly and slowed his pace. She had no way out.
Tatsu's green eyes widened, then shut tight for a moment as she continued running towards the drop. She couldn't climb back; the lupe captain would destroy her without question, and might not even drag out his punishment as he had so often before. To go on might be equally perilous, but she was aware of what she had to do.
I'll take my chances, she said to herself and ran doggedly on, remembering what she had said before she had escaped from the prison. Any fate is better than having to look into your face...Captain. As she gained speed, she trusted her powerful legs to carry her over the drop. She lunged and flew through the still air.
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NO! How--? The Captain was stunned as the zafara landed with a thud on the opposite side of the cliff, curling into a ball upon impact and sliding with a light thud into the trunk of a tree. Miraculously, she began to pull herself into a sitting position after only a moment. The burly lupe stamped his foot and flew into such a rage that none of his soldiers dared to approach him; his teeth were bared, his hands clenched into fists, and his howl echoed through the entire Haunted Woods. The guards stepped back as his sword flailed through the air. The two green lupes, who had caught up with their lunatic commander, exchanged confused glances with each other and shrugged, choosing wisely to stay out of the situation.
Tatsuyumi panted and held her side as she lay upon the ground, surrounded in yellow-tinted grass, resting on her elbow. She crawled toward the tip of the cliff, first to look at the Captain, now a small, maddened figure pounding the crest of the hill, then to the creek below.
It was so deep...she knew she would have perished the second that she hit the ground, had she fallen. She crawled back slowly to rest against the tree trunk that she had collided with. Would her antagonist attempt the same feat?
Much to her surprise, and the surprise of his crew, he did.
In the next second, the blur of steely-blue fur was the only thing focused in Tatsu's disbelieving eyes. She braced herself against the peeling trunk and winced.
There was no sound at all as the lupe fell, except for the slow fading of his angry roar. The zafara waited a long while, but there was no horrific end for her, and her curiosity brought her again to the cliff edge.
There was nothing out of the ordinary, except for a gray rock glinting in the muddy creek that she didn't recall being there before. Even if she had wanted to, the zafara was too exhausted to think at all about the events that she had just survived, and slumped over into a deep slumber on the spot.
CHAPTER SIX: HOME
Tatsu, come here real quick! Jadeite had peeked into her room and leaned against the doorway. She had a very pretty face and petite build; though she was very young, she was still older than the zafara, old enough to boss her around without question, it seemed.
What? The young creature was sprawled on her large, fur-covered bed, reading one of her favorite Neopian novels.
The gardeners just got done with everything! It's really pretty, Jade wanted me to come get you so you could see! With that, the shoyru was gone.
Tatsu got up from her bed and shuffled down the modern-looking spiral staircase and out the kitchen door. Several creatures in construction gear were just leaving, large ropes curled up and thrown over their shoulders. She surveyed the garden before her.
It's absolutely beautiful! Tatsuyumi was taken aback. Rose trees, planted in the shape of a circle, surrounded two stone benches surrounded by a wide variety of pink and red flowers. Stepping stones created a path behind them to a beautiful waterfall fountain, surrounded in tile and secluded by more trees and white lilies. The grass was rich, green, and inviting; the entire scene was illuminated by a string of small lights that hung from the house.
I thought you'd like it, Jade said. She was standing with the two shoyrus to the side of the back door. It cost a pretty penny, but I figured it would be a nice place for all of you to hang out and get out of the house.
Shazi was already walking swiftly toward the pond, her stylish burgundy hair bouncing over her right eye. She stood in front of it and raised both arms. I claim this as my part...you two can fight over the rest.
That's not fair! Tatsu protested, hands on her hips. Why don't you take the bench, so you can read your fashion magazines?
Jadeite was sitting under one of the rose trees. I say that she can have her little pond. This place is perfect! Come see how the little lights make the trees look from over here!
Tatsu plopped down next to her sibling, folding her hands behind her head. The stars are really pretty too, she commented. Gosh, I could just stay here all night.
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Tatsu had mixed feelings when she woke up. She scrubbed her eyes with her palms and sat up awkwardly, almost numbed by the depth of her slumber. The sun, though high in the sky, was covered in a foreboding haze that seemed to be fog. Still, its position let the zafara know that she had slept long past morning. She sat up and stretched, the nostalgia of her dream slowing her down.
It was one of her more favorite memories, because it was a day when she and all of her family had gotten along. She allowed herself to appreciate it for only a moment before urgency placed itself in her mind. Surely it wasn't too late to have more memories like this?
Though her supply of food hadn't made it this far with her, she had found a small creek running into the ravine--she shuddered as she recalled--only a few hundred feet north of where she had rested. She was too frightened of the effects of the Haunted Woods plants to attempt to eat any of them; the cool, crisp water would have to be enough.
Tatsuyumi was closer than she thought to Neopia Central. At a point, the ravine had dwindled away, and she was able to return to the other side, where she needed to be to continue her journey. She found that the farther north she headed, the more that the heavy afternoon fog had dissipated...after only a few miles, the dead trees and shrubs were becoming replaced with smaller, more delicate plants that still had life in them. The land evened out, and she found herself walking through slightly rolling fields of the brightest grass that she'd seen in a very long time.
Tatsu felt a memory tug on her brain. These fields were familiar to her; she recalled spending an afternoon or two picnicking there when she was very young. Jade had stopped asking them to go when both of the shoyrus complained that they were too old for such things, but Tatsu remembered that she had very much still wanted to go, even by herself, for months to come.
You're too young to go off on your own! I don't want anything happening to you.
It was early evening by the time that Tatsuyumi had made it to her goal. She was so close to the city that she could hear the many voices of citizens in the marketplace, and faintly heard the laughter of young pets as they enjoyed an evening of bargaining with their owners. She smiled, adjusted the worn boots that had come all the way from Krawk Island, and trudged into the town.
The first thing that the zafara saw was the immensely large marketplace, where thousands and thousands of Neopians purchased goods, and where some poor creatures quickly dove beneath the oceans of feet to retrieve some neopoints that lay strewn across the ground. Tatsuyumi smiled as one of these, a young yellow aisha girl, bent to pick up a handful of neopoints that lay at her own feet. The girl looked up at her and returned the zafara's smile before darting into the crowd.
Then, as she tried to make her way toward a sign reading, 'Neopian Bazaar,' she saw her. The short, dark hair, pale skin, and blue eyes without a doubt belonged to Jade. She was in front of a fruit stand, sternly haggling down the price of something expensive, by the amount of money in the bag tied to her hip.
Tatsuyumi couldn't believe that her human was alright! It was a relief almost beyond her handling; in fact, before all of her adventures, she might've broken down, but if anything, the Captain's cruel treatment had only made her stronger.
Her short legs began to shake as she carried herself in the direction of the stall.
The End
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