A Darkening Eventide [Open: Alyson, Claria, Gao, Raemi, Nex]

[LuckyBlackCat]

Eventide Island, if Alyson did say so herself, was shaping up to be quite the tourist spot.

Well, even more of a tourist spot. With the increase in visitors to Lurelin Village and its surrounding beaches in the past few years, the jungle isle once thought to be cursed now drew its fair share of campers, which meant a call for the construction of shoreline attractions.

A small thatch-roofed hut on a rocky hill overlooking Toronbo Beach housed the latest one.

"All looks to be in good working order!" Popping a screwdriver back into her belt and pushing her goggles up, Alyson cast one more glance over the Zonai-tech conveyor belt running by the back wall, the four-pronged crane poised over dolls and trinkets moving from side to side. This recently rediscovered contraption, according to the Zonai Survey Team, had been all the rage back in the day. Time would tell if it would catch on once more.

"Beautiful!" At her side, Bolson practically sang with joy, sweeping an arm in an exaggerated flourish towards her and the two Rito present, Billson and Frita. "Any one of you, step up and give it a spin, baby! Remember, testers get to keep anything they win!"

Billson strode forward, with a confident look over his shoulder at Frita. "I'm happy to do the honours. How does a souvenir sound?" Alyson thought she caught a wink.

"I wouldn't say no to that." Trotting over, the maroon Rito met his gaze with unmistakeable affection.

"Alright, here goes!" The crane whirred to life as Billson directed it with the buttons. Spreading its prongs and descending, it closed around a Razorclaw Crab figurine, which slid in the mechanism's grasp on its way up, dangling by one set of legs. Billson leaned in, grumbling, watching it drop onto its back at the last moment. "Aw! So close!" His wingtips curled into fists. "Don't you worry, I'll make sure you have your reminder of that briny bouquet you like soon enough!" As he tried again, Frita giggled behind her pinion.

Alyson couldn't help giving a friendly chuckle along with her. Her attention turned from the two Rito to the window, the large, multi-room cabin just outside. Between the efforts of Bolson, a small team of Hudson Construction workers, and Lurelin artisans, the Mariner's Dream stood tall, its sturdy wooden beams and straw roof illuminated by the gold and pink streaks against the blue evening sky. Now to make sure it lived up to its name - a dream resort.

It was, after all, a symbol of victory, along with the other, smaller vacation areas dotted around where abandoned monster bases had once stood. The hill afforded a view of the entire island, a cluster of tiny huts only just visible on Koholit Rock's lower outcropping in the distance. At the other end of Toronbo Beach, palm trees obscured the little cabin, but its remote location would cater to those seeking a wilderness retreat.

"I must say," Bolson commented, "we BEASTS of construction have truly outdone ourselves!"

"That we have!" Alyson gave him a fist bump and spun. "Bolson! Da-da-da Bolsoooon!"

As the group laughed and sang among themselves, taking turns to try out the crane game, Hyrule's troubled past drifted further away from them... or so it seemed.

A yell from outside shattered the good cheer.

"PIRATES!!"

Alyson's blood chilled like Hebran lakewater in her veins. She sprinted outside, finding herself face-to-face with a frantic grey Rito. Mimo, the wind-rider who'd made his roost on this island long ago, his usual carefree demeanour nowhere to be seen. "What? Oh sky isles above, you can't be serious..."

"Everyone off of the island!" His voice boomed. "It's happening all over again! I saw a pirate ship heading this way, they nearly shot me out of the air with their arrows just now!" He flung open the door of the Mariner's Dream. "All of you, out! We've got ourselves an emergency!"

The few staff members and guests spilled out, faces stricken with shock and confusion as they joined the small group following Mimo. At the sight of them, Alyson froze. Her limbs went numb. Her breath caught in her throat, which suddenly tasted of smoke and ash. She'd seen those expressions too many a time.

"C'mon, we've got to get somewhere safe!" Vaguely, she was aware of someone - Bolson? - gripping her arm, pulling her along. She willed her legs into motion, hurrying down the spiral path. Images and sounds flickered over each other in her mind's eye, a different figure replacing the former company manager, different voices calling to her.

"Alyson, we have to leave! Now!" Her father's voice was as firm as his grasp, yet shook like crumbling stone.

"B-But..." Alyson stared over her shoulder, trying to wrench herself free, barely able to see through the dust, smoke and tears that stung her eyes. All she could make out were skeletal ruins of once-proud homes, glinting metallic strikes as silhouettes fought and fell. Pain-wracked screams rose up. "But Grandpa! Where's Grandpa?"

Her mother clasped a strong arm around her back, rushing her along. "I'm sorry..." The words came out choked as if someone had knocked the air from her lungs. "I'm so sorry... But we can't lose you too!"

Alyson gasped down a sob to steady her breathing. As if reaching for a landline, she made a desperate attempt to ground herself in the present, focus on the task ahead. Make sure everyone reached the shore. The docks. The boats, the Loftwing, which waited for the evacuees. A Zonai glider touched down near them, Branli the flight researcher leading a family to safety from the swampland cabin at the opposite side of the isle.

"Everyone here?" She did a quick mental count of the vacationers gathered on the beach, the couples holding hands, the parents hugging children, as Bolson paced from one side of the crowd to the other and nodded.

"You alright to fly?" he asked.

Alyson clenched her hands to still their trembling, fingernails digging into gloved palms. "Yeah... Let's book it, everyone!" She pulled her goggles down.

As they all climbed into the vehicles, Bolson taking his place next to Alyson in the aircraft, an awful thought hit her like a blow to the stomach. Was there really any getting to safety? Considering the recent history she knew of Lurelin... What if the pirates set their sights there again?

No. She couldn't think about that right now. One thing at a time. Start the plane. Escape the immediate danger. Then warn Elder Rozel.

The aircraft's wings unfurled, the sigils lighting up blue-green along their frames as it left the ground, Rito soaring alongside it. Alyson's knuckles turned white against the controls. With the efficiency of a Zonai device in emergency mode, pushing aside all non-essential functions, she maintained a laser focus on her destination.

A faint scent of burning on the wind threatened to pull her out of it. Was it a figment of her memory, or could the others smell it too? Fighting back the swell of nausea, Alyson arced towards the distant coast of the village, away from the tropical getaway that wasn't to be.

Everything they'd built there, as a testament to Hyrule's resilience... gone, like a bubble on a needle.

The dream had become a nightmare.

Word of the threat to Lurelin Village had spread fast over the following night and day, the response just as speedy.

The beachside town was different to the way Claria remembered it. Granted, it had been... how many years? Yet what struck her wasn't the line of new stores along the seafront, or the boat racecourse in the distance. She'd never known the atmosphere of this jolly little village to grow this somber and subdued.

It wasn't even due to her own lens of nostalgia replacing the eager anticipation her arrival here had always brought in the past. Very little chatter carried on the breeze, the few residents out and about unusually taciturn, the wounds from the last invasion still raw. She wouldn't be surprised if many had left for the nearest stable to keep on the safe side. The plaintive cries of seagulls above punctuated and highlighted the quiet.

Of all the places ravaged during the Upheaval, Lurelin Village, she'd heard, had been one of the hardest hit. Fearing for one's home, one's people, being forced to flee... An experience she knew too well. At the mere thought, she could almost smell the acrid sludge that had tainted the waters of Zora's Domain back then.

Like fuck would that happen again if she could help it.

By the docks, she spotted a wizened, stoop-shouldered figure she recognised. Rozel, the village elder, spoke with a young woman sporting goggles atop her head - probably a local, Claria guessed at first, going by the Hylian's hair and skin tone. However, as she approached, she realised this was yet someone else she'd met before.

"-beat 'em back in no time!" Alyson raised her fist. She looked Claria's way with a bright smile, although it didn't reach her eyes, her face ashen. "Oh hey! Claria, was it? You here to send pirates packing?"

Rozel, too, turned and tilted his head, thick eyebrows drawing together, recognition dawning in his lined features at her distinctive appearance. "Ah, yes, I remember you. Been quite some time, hm? Quiet on the diving front lately?"

Claria's lips pressed tight. To both, she gave a terse nod, flippers shuffling as she faced away from the waves foaming on the shore. "Anything we'll need to know about what we're up against?" she asked, hastily changing the subject. Best to get straight to the point anyway, even if they'd have to wait until others arrived for a full briefing.

"Last time it was Bokoblins, Moblins and Lizalfos," Rozel replied, his wrinkles deepening. "Mostly blue, so ones that pack a punch, I have to warn you. And not just here, but on Eventide, going by reports from a monster control scout."

"We're also gonna have to be careful how we approach," Alyson added. "If they reclaim their old bases... They were placed around the island's corners in such a way that it may be tricky to even get close. Not that it'll stop us finding a way!"

On reflex, Claria dulled her glow, even though the afternoon sun already offset it. "Trust them to make this as much of a pain as possible," she grumbled. Once more people arrived, they'd have to come up with a plan, and pray that it wouldn't go arse up like so many plans did.

Now to wait and see who else would show up, if anyone.

[El]

There was blood in the wind. Streaming. Dripping. Painting the deck crimson.

A muscular chest heaved with exertion, beads of sweat gliding through the red, over scars and torn skin, through old and leaking pigment, tracing the swollen brawn, the burning sinew, trickling into puddles at his feet.

The floor heaved, giving out one last, gurgling death-whine. Whatever curses the beast wished to spit instead hissed out of his throat, spilling around the shattered horn - his OWN horn - impaled deep inside his windpipe.

It was dead. No, not 'it': He was dead.

Behind stitched fabric, Gao's lips firmed into a hard line. The air inside this mask was choking - smothering - hot and rancid with the stench of his own exhaustion. Even with all the ventilation gaps and netting he'd taken care to include, it was still far from enough. Not for this. But it was a necessary sacrifice. Breathe, Gao. But take care not to lose control over it. Assume a pattern - a melody. Cool the fire in your veins, and breathe.

He's dead. You won.

Burning, stale air hissed through Gao's nostrils. With great effort the encroaching fizzle of his vision subsided.

As he fought to stabilise his gasps for air, the crowd below him shuffled in tense silence. Looks were exchanged. Overgrown nails clawed tighter over weapon hilts. One of the bokoblins snorted. Another burped, scratching its ass. Yet all of their eyes were trained upon him, wide and unblinking, pairs upon pairs of them all an illuminated, vibrant magenta - even under the glaring sunshine of Necluda Sea.

Gao would keep them waiting no longer.

Crouching downwards he swiped a broad paw of a calloused hand across the grimy - slimy - stomach of the felled Boss, lapping up a greedy stroke of his pumpkin-orange warpaint. When the Sheikah stood once more he took with him the monster's warhorn, tearing it free from the belt at his hip in a loud, quick snap.

That quieted them even further. The one in the back stopped mid finger-sniff.

They'd never seen a Lynel on the sea before. How did they get here? Why? When? How come they weren't already in the midst of slaughtering the rest of them now that the Boss was dead?

Gao could see their furious terror curdle with confused excitement as up, he lifted the warhorn, pressing it through the slim opening of a mouthpiece. He could taste the Boss's sour saliva. No matter. Slashing his own bared chest with the fiery warpaint - painting the chiselled muscle with smears of red and orange - he breathed in deep, dug his heels in hard against the corpse's hefty gut, flicked up his chin, and with a proud, fiercely-defiant flare of his chest-

----

A warhorn blared.

That was the signal! Oh Moon and Naydra above, that was the signal! THE SIGNAL!!! He'd succeeded?! He'd.... He'd really done it.

He won.

Anxious relief released a breath that almost caused her to cry. Within minutes she saw the ship's torn sails unfurl. They flapped against the fierce tidal winds, filling up wide and vast, as the bonfire at the helm relit and the oars down below re-animated. Even from here she could hear the thundering chorus of cries - monsters cheering - as a huge, obese corpse was hefted overboard. The impact was so colossal and sudden it struck the water in a spear of exploding foam, shattering the sea with tremors that stretched on for yards upon yards. She could feel its waves: almost as much as the heartbeat thundering in her ears.

The head disappeared back below the water.

----

Something was speeding through Necluda Sea, directly for Lurelin Village's beaches.

It didn't pause. It didn't veer. Its pace was startling, the trail it left in its racing wake smooth with all the powerful elegance of a native ocean-dweller. Just like a-

"HEEEEY~!!! PLEASE DON'T SHOO-eughck-OOOT ME!!! ...eck." A Zoran head abruptly bobbed up from the waves and immediately started screaming.

Raemi wasn't used to exerting such loud volume.  To-... exerting ANYTHING on this level really. But when the sudden thought of being shot dead right there and then in the water attacked her, she'd broke through the surface before she knew it and quickly flailed around to disarm her well-intentioned assailants. Having her voice crack and croak like that halfway through such a heartfelt plea was admittedly extremely embarrassing... but on the bright-side, it did allow her to look even less like an enemy.

...Right?

...........Well no arrows were coming.

Awkwardly Raemi disappeared below the water again, pausing - just a few times - on the couple of inches downwards, just to make sure it truly was OK to continue the advance.

When she re-emerged it was a few minutes later and directly on the sandy shores, a rush to her step despite the fact that she wasn't even technically walking. "I-is-....! IS-! Is Elder Rozel here?!" The dancer gasped, chest tight and the breath in her lungs thin despite not feeling physically fatigued per se. Was it the stress? The buzz of her nerves? She could feel herself shaking, an electricity that caused every fin and tendril to shudder and constrict her throat. She swore if her heart thundered any louder her eardrums would rupture!

Frantic eyes scanned the small crowd before her, bewilderment flashing through them at the sight of another Zora: but that was neither here nor there. According to the scholar's description, this smaller and greying Hylian must be the one she was searching for. Sure enough he had a wizened look about him which immediately gave her the impression of stern and collected kindness. Yes. He was the one. The leader of the village.

Raemi took a deep, bracing breath, willing herself to settle.

Finned feet finally touched the hot sand below, the flair of her exotically-colourful fins curling inwards. It was visibly apparent she wasn't a native of Zora's Domain, yet much of her usual decorative coral jewellery had been untangled and forsaken for something far more practical: braids of fisherman's ropes, strung with a multitude of bottles containing... purple goop?  Whatever the substance was it swirled with an eerie sparkle, clouding and curdling in on itself.

"GAO-!!! Gao has-.. G-gao... Gao's... Oh Moon's."

Raemi collapsed onto her knees, gasping. But while the mortification misted her eyes, the vision darkening, the world collapsing in on her, determination clawed her hands in the sand. She saw the fingers move, felt the sand burn against her dripping scales. So she clawed harder, grabbing fistfuls of the stuff to fight the fog that sought to claim her.

Gritting her teeth to just get over herself she winced and glared back up at Rozel, "Gao has seized the ship! W-well, one of the ships. A different one. But he's in charge! The one with the green sails.

"W-we-... ... we... phew.... We have a plan!" Breathe, Raemi. Breathe.

Swallowing a hard lump in her throat, desperation pitching her delicate voice several notches higher than normal, she pressed a hand to her chest and pleaded, "I realise-... I know I don't look like much right now, but I can help! I'm-... confident in my abilities. With my magic I know I can put on a performance which may well lure many of the simpler monsters on Eventide right into the water!" ...And drown them. Though Raemi couldn't quite bring herself to spell out that part, it went without saying. Lizalfos were a different story, but the other grunts - bokoblins - were notoriously bad swimmers.

"The rest-... well, I'm sure it'll be of help in distracting them. M-mean-... mean-...while, Gao is... he will be-... launching an attack of his ...own." How did that Hylian phrase go again...? Her brow puckered. "...fighting fire with fire."

What a ridiculously, stupidly handsome noble man! AN IDIOT!!! TRULY!

Oh Naydra.

She was feeling faint again.

That last rush of blood to her head sent Raemi swaying to one side, her balance knocked askew.

[Rex Draco]

In ancient times there were scriptures describing an island that only appeared during certain lunar or celestial events. The island was said to be a land of dreams, overrun by monsters trying to hoard it all for themselves. It is said that a people once inhabited the islands and weaved reality from dreams. Remnants of this civilization remained on a site simply known as Koholit Rock and it was the goal to reach the hill where these ruins lay.

The Zora floated across the dark, grey waters of the Necluda Sea on a dilapidated raft held together with sticks, Korok leaves, and hope. He had draped his cape over the crooked log mast in order to guide the vessel along by way of some drift wood with a rotting shield serving as the rudder. He had been fishing on Tenoko Island, having swam over from Loshlo Harbor for some time away from land. He noticed a green fog surrounding the island so decided to follow his curiosity, but upon arriving all the Zora was able to locate was an abandoned Shrine. Settling in during the high tide to fish he took a walk around the island, only to find a small raft. From there he took off south, following the winds.

He landed on Toronbo Beach.

The Zora was garbed in a cloth outfit drenched with sea water. His linen, thigh length tunic was tucked into his sarouel trousers. Over the tunic he appeared to be wearing a shirt of plate mail, but in reality it was woven with light sheets of chitin that acted similar to a snake's ventral scales and served to keep him cool more so than protect him. His trousers were tucked into his boots, flippers only ever free when he decided that the boots were a burden. Over his tunic he wore a sailor's jacket. Brass buttons lined the cuffs of his sleeve and down from the neck to the hem, but he never bound up the front of the jacket, instead choosing to leave it open.

After disembarking his newly acquired raft, the wizened Zora collected his fishing pole and hoisted it over his shoulder and started along, leaving behind his wet boot-prints down the beach in a wide, snaking pattern. As he strode along the beach he noticed that there were quite a few people hither and tither on what should be a deserted island full of monsters. Perhaps times have changed. Obscure huts lined the beaches and the historical site of Koholit Rock seemed besmirched by the even tinier huts. Yes, it seems quite a lot has changed since the imprint of the reports he's read.

But he wasn't sure if it was for the better.

While Nex was someone who was fond of peace and preferred to preserve the sanctity of order over the chore of managing ruckus. It seems in time tourists have come to take over the open island like a swarm of locusts, eating away at its nature in a way, he felt, was little dissimilar to how the monsters likely managed the island. He decided to put aside the concern when he heard a commotion swell from the silence.

"PIRATES!!"

Instead of an overwhelming sense of disappointment he felt a tinge of interest swell in his heart. The organ fluttered at the remnant feelings of a nearly forgotten memory. He was nearly tempted to abandon his rod as he took off running towards the hill, where sat a rather gauche looking cabin that was across the way on the cliff that housed Koholit Rock, but for now he had to put that aside. He climbed up the nearest hill in order to observe the shore. As residents and visitors fled the normally monster infested island, he relished in the irony. Monsters had the island in full force before man even arrived. It was only a matter of time until nature returned to the way it was meant to be.

Summer cottages and spring cabins did not suit the natural landscape of the mysterious island. He angles his foot, digging his heel into the soil so he is able to slide down the hill. Once at the base he made his way across the beach to return to his raft, but he was in no rush. In fact the Zora's languid pace would leave one guessing as to the possibility of a monster raid. He wasn't afraid of a few Bokoblin or Moblin. What bothered him was the fact that there wasn't a single Gerudo among them. By the time he returned to his raft he was able to calm his heart and stepped onto the aged wood. He pushed back into the ocean, the vessel lingering around the beach before following the waves out.

After a moment he moved to seat himself on the raft, his cloak still serving as the makeshift sail. He looked as if he were lost at sea, but this ferryman was quite good at navigating the seas, especially as the pirate ships drew ever nearer....

[LuckyBlackCat]

"Over there! Something's coming this way!"

At Alyson's sudden warning, Claria spun round, one hand on her sword hilt, the other held out in preparation to fire a beam if necessary. A dark shape churned the water with formidable speed, darting straight towards the beach, breaking through the surface in a hiss of foam.

"HEEEEY~!!! PLEASE DON'T SHOO-eughck-OOOT ME!!! ...eck."

A fellow Zora, one Claria was sure she'd seen somewhere before, silver scales and flowing red-purple head fins tugging at her memory. She lowered her hands, slowly approaching the shore with the others in tow as the frantic newcomer submerged once more. When the girl burst onto the shore, it was all she could do to breathe through her wide-eyed panic, her many tendrils trembling as she immediately called for Elder Rozel.

With a nod, the village elder advanced to the front of the group, his voice calm yet grave with concern as he spoke. "By Farosh, breathe. What happened?"

It was a few moments before the girl, shuffling onto the sand with swaying steps, brought herself to speak - uttering a name that made Claria's eyes widen and her stomach plummet. Despite the scale-scorching heat, her insides went cold.

Gao.

Elder Rozel's posture visibly stiffened. "Is... Is he alright?"

Claria was already moving as the other Zora sank to the ground. She crouched beside her, hesitating - don't crowd her - before gently placing a hand on her shoulder in an unspoken offer to help her up. The way the girl clawed at the sand... It didn't speak well of Gao's fate. "Stars above, what did he go and pull this time?"

Relief loosened her taut muscles at the next words. He'd taken control of a ship. An entire fucking pirate ship. How utterly reckless and brave and so, so very much like him. "Why am I not surprised..." For all the foolish risks he'd taken, he may well have turned the situation in their favour - and it seemed the new arrival would too, as she hurriedly explained her plan.

A performance. Now Claria realised where she recognised her from. The ball, the fountain, the colourful and elaborate display she'd put on. Although she sounded rather less confident in her skills than she claimed, Claria had already witnessed a glimpse of those capabilities. And if those few coral accessories were any indication... Did she happen to be of the Apsaras? A community she hadn't met in years, yet she hadn't forgotten those captivating, oft magic-infused songs and dances from those few times she and fellow researchers had stayed with them en route to deep sea expeditions.

As the dancer slumped to the side, Claria quickly caught her. "Take a deep breath, ok? Sounds like you've got a solid plan. As for monsters that can swim, I'll back you up."

She bit back a sigh. The last thing she wanted was to stress the girl out further, but the news had raised questions that needed answering. "First, though, we need to know... How many ships are there? And did any of them look like they were heading over here?"


The air left Alyson's lungs in a rush. Just a Zora. A somewhat familiar, panicked Zora at that, stumbling onto the beach as if her legs were about to give out any moment, vivid-hued membranes billowing around her. Was this the girl who'd danced with Axel at the ball?

"Hey! You're not hurt, are you?" She stepped forward as the newcomer toppled to her knees in the sand, but Claria was already on it, at her side in an instant. Although the silver Zora bore no visible injuries - not that it was easy to tell, with those sail-like fins draping over and obscuring much of her form - whatever had happened up ahead couldn't have been anything good.

Or so it initially seemed, the news that finally spilled from her mouth taking a surprisingly hopeful turn. They had an ally. One who, by the sound of it, would be leading several unexpected allies.

Gao... Alyson had only crossed paths with the guy briefly on a few occasions, but the incident that stood out in her mind was that time he'd knowingly taken the brunt of a sledge crash. Going by Claria's comments, this seemed to be the kind of thing he did on a regular basis. They could only hope things would turn out for the best this time... and do their darndest to make sure it happened.

"Alright, the tides are turning, so to speak!" She flashed a broad grin, even as tremors began to course through her own limbs as the weight of the dangers they'd all face pressed on her. She couldn't help but remember just how powerless she'd been as a child, amidst the dust and debris, calling for those who'd never respond... Things were different now. She'd proven herself capable of assistance, of holding her own in a pinch. Yet the sensation remained scarred into her mind.

"I can strike from above." She gestured to the aircraft parked near the docks, trying to hide the trembling in her hand. "Between all of us, we've got this!"

She started as the Zora keeled over. "Ah! Hey... hey, do ya need an energy candy?" She rummaged through a belt pouch, holding out a round golden sweet. One of a woeful four she still had on her. It reminded her how utterly unprepared she was, having had no time lately to gather elemental fruits or anything of the sort. Her toolbelt was much lighter than usual, much of her usual gear unneeded for the task ahead. All she had was her boomerang, a few tools that would help with wilderness survival and emergency vehicle repairs, basic first aid supplies, and a small amount of food and water.

And with the confrontation imminent, it wasn't as if anyone had time to further prepare. Hopefully the few tricks she'd learned from the short course at Castle Town's academy would prove useful.

[El]

With a searing bonfire at his back, and a horned monstrosity of a skull underfoot, a Lynel stood snarling as it peered through a telescope. Through the fierce glare of Necluda sunshine he spied upon the gleaming isle of Eventide: counting the pillars of smoke, scouring the decks of moored ships, sweeping across its coastline to take stock of bustling numbers and their restless activities.

----

"I counted the masts of... two other ships." Raemi informed, filling her lungs with her deepest breath yet. It braced her, settled her, her mind clearing as the soldier's touch and support offered her some much needed assurance. Shamelessly she leaned upon her strength, too grateful for it in the moment to second-guess the propriety of it. A Domain Zora perhaps...? Though it'd do her no good getting distracted by such wonders.

"Moored. Though... there were some much smaller boats too." Raemi's responses weren't reluctant - they were careful. Intentionally the dancer took the time to pour over her memories, squinting as she scrutinised them until she was certain of her assessment. After another moment she added, "-which I could only guess were patrolling the currents of Eventide's perimeter.

"One of the bigger ships did look especially busy, but I didn't risk getting close enough to see if they were preparing to depart in this direction."

----

"Pwheeergh?!" Squawked the guttural question of a Lizalfos. Eyelids flickering, head oscillating, the erratic swish of its tail gave away that it was more impatient than simply inquisitive. It was awaiting orders.

With a grumbling growl -  deep in the pits of his throat -  Gao clicked his tongue. Lowering his telescope he jerked a chin towards the island, jabbing a bloodied hand in the same direction to drive the point home.

...The Lizalfos gurgled with confusion. Maybe even reluctance? With a swish-SLAP of its tail it stomped upon the floor and shrieked at something in a differing direction.

A raft.

Gao had seen it, but had pretended not to.

It was a ramshackle thing, clearly still capable of use despite its dilapidation, but nonetheless strung with a cloak in the place of a proper sail. The solitary soul upon it was unmoving... but seated. Sunstroke perhaps? Maybe even... asleep? In any other situation he would've mistaken the stranger for a Lurelin elder, basking in the sounds of the sea waves as some quiet meditation before suppertime. If Farosh smiled upon them, their resting fishing rod would even snag a prize to take on home and add to their old lady's simmering paella.

But very visibly this was NOT the time for that. What sane man would float idly upon a raft amidst all of this?! ...Thought the also totally sane man who'd just stolen a pirate ship of monsters.

"Fargh-ACK?! ACKK?!" The lizalfos bounced and hopped, jabbing its spear up high. A petulant child throwing a tantrum. The longer he ignored it, the more vocal it became, finding far too much confidence in the absence of a rebuttal. Then it began to scitter off, no doubt with the intent of racing to the helm and-

Gao did not sigh, he ROARED.

Bokoblins balked, swabbers scattered, the one up in the mast-top cackled, as with a loud resounding SLAM the Lynel pounced off the figurehead and crashed onto the deck before the mutinous lizard. It screamed. Gao didn't hesitate. It tried to run. Gao won. Seizing the slippery fiend by its tail he spun and CRACKED its neck against the splintering bulwark rail. Immediately it went limp.

He tossed it overboard.

The pungent purple gas as it exploded into ether was still settling as the Lynel turned to the rest of the crew. A few snorted up some anxious snot. Another ribbed his mate in the gut to share a hearty gurgling-giggle. One half-blind oddball hadn't even noticed and was still sharpening his spear with an old chunk of flint. But as a whole it seemed the example had been made.

Good.

"FRRAAAGH-NE-NAH-NAAARRGGH!!!" Gao's bellowing howl erupted up into a warchant. Again he pointed in the direction of Eventide Isle, this time raising his own halberd to strike at a beam of searing sunlight. The Boss's warpaint was now baked upon his chest, the emblazoning orange crackling against the swelling exertion of muscle and tendon. 

The monsters joined his chorus and resumed their tasks with renewed vigor.

It wouldn't be long now.

----

"But no, no I'm not injured - thank you." Raemi shook her head, beaming a soft smile of gratitude up at the Hylian lady. A Lurelin native? Her skin was stained with much of the sun's love, her own disposition just as radiant. It was warming to see such chipper optimism, despite their situation: ...even if Raemi did suspect a shaky foundation beneath that brave smile. Yet who was she to judge? It seemed many of them were 'faking it until they made it', hoping that one day the confidence they boasted of would be forced into fruition by pure will and hope alone. They didn't have much other choice really, did they? They could only try their best and pretend it was enough.

The dancer swallowed at the lady's confident exclamation of victory, forcing down a sharp ball of bile before she could nod with firm agreement. Right. THEY have got this. She wasn't in this alone. Neither was Gao.

Then there appeared some candy.

Was it shock? Or delight? Maybe even a mix of both. Either way it was laughter rather than dread that filled Raemi's throat this time.

Hastily she slapped a decorated hand over her mouth, but the deed was already done. Eyes crinkling with mirth and guilty apology, Raemi gratefully accepted the gift. "I would love one. Thank you." She wasn't sure what to expect, but the golden gem of sugar promised a delight that didn't disappoint. After a subtle tremor of sweet pleasure, her tendrils and fins flared open in a joyful sway. A faint kiss of warmth coloured the scales of her cheeks.

Maybe she should start keeping a stash of these herself.

"If any of you feel up to the task, there is something specific I would really appreciate some assistance with." Taking care not to choke on the little ball of summer sunshine, Raemi licked clean her lips and fumbled around at the many ropes that bound her slender form. With a few deft motions of her nimble fingers, she unknotted several flasks of the mysterious liquid. She didn't offer them to anyone in particular, but rather left them in rest upon the sand - up for grabs and inspection.

"I was going to uncork these during my performance, as in all honesty there's a high chance I'll need ALL of the ink I've mixed to increase our chances of success. However-" Her brow winced, her smile sloping. "-as you can probably imagine opening them all at once is not just wasteful but distracting too. I can control the ink once it's within my vicinity, but if anyone could throw me a bunch throughout - a steady supply - that'd be much more preferable."

Yet Raemi hesitated then, concern etching a frown upon her delicate features. "But please take care not to breathe in the fumes: Muddle Bud blooms were used in its creation."

[Rex Draco]

Nex had settled himself against the spindly mast of the raft, which obscured much of his body from the harsh sun of the open ocean. His left leg laid bend on the raft floor with his right foot tucked beneath his left leg, knee to the air. His arms were tucked between his legs, the fishing rod hugged to his chest while the line was cast out to the sea. He recognized that it would be impossible to reel in a catch with the noise of ships cutting through the high waves. His own raft was churned and heaved up and down by the ebb and flow of the waves.

But it was so warm. He was unwilling to interfere with the current state of things. By their size and sheer gall to sail so close to the coast, Nex could easily identify the patched up vessels as boats of war, the specialized tubs of ransackers.

Pirates.

It was easy to come to that conclusion with just the panic laid upon the Eventide visitors. It serves them right. That land was originally a monster haven with ruins displaying the hubris of Hylian who ever attempted to step foot on its soil to stamp the mark of civilization on its banks. It had become a curiosity to him that there was a land that no Hylian, Gerudo, or Zora, could step foot in. He was sure the odd Rito or Goron may have visited, but those sorts never seemed inclined to create epitaphs of civilization across the land like the aforementioned groups.

Soon he couldn't ignore the vessels. Their wakes breached his raft's space by throwing water and turning him about. Any closer and he would have risked being pulled down by the boats into the inky depths.

"What fun is that...?" He mused to himself.

Once his raft was beneath the shadow of the massive ship he moved to stand. He pulled his cloak down from the mini mast and twirled it around his shoulders before pulling the hood over his head. He tucked his fishing pole behind his back, using his bag's strap as a makeshift holster. Once the boat was close enough he dove into the water.

After several moments the shark's webbed hand broke the dark surface of the water and latched onto the side of the ship. His claws dug deep before his right hand reached out to do the very same. Step by step Nex climbed his way up the bow of the ship, using the intricate designs of the hull and gaps between the planks to hoist himself up. With some effort the old fish pulled himself onto the bowsprit. His boots gripped against the wooden surface as he crouched down on the protrusion. He turned his gaze towards the main deck where all sorts of monsters meandered and moved.

He pushed to stand and made his way across the deck. From his satchel he pulled out a mask and settled it onto his face. It was a mask with big round eyes and fluffy cheeks. It resembled the visage of a Lynel with glowing, blue eyes. He made his way to the edge of the ship's starboard taffrail. Grabbing his fishing rod from his back, he cast his line.

[LuckyBlackCat]

At the mention of the busy ship, Claria's frown deepened. Whether the pirates planned to depart for Lurelin or not, their purpose couldn't be anything good. Elder Rozel's lips pressed together, his spindly hands balling into fists, but he kept up the stoic mask befitting of a leader.

"Thank you for your intel," he replied to the colourful Zora. "The few villagers who stayed behind... I'll have to warn them, in any case." Despite the calm and collected response, a despondent note weightened his words, the shadow of Lurelin's recent past looming large.

Claria remained crouched by the other Zora's side, although her muscles bunched with urgency. She gave her silver-scaled shoulder a gentle squeeze. "And we'll head out as soon as we're ready." It didn't sit well with her to pressure the already frantic girl, but with a ship about to leave and Gao in the thick of the conflict, time was of the essence. Once they'd discussed their plan, there'd be no waiting for backup. They'd have to get going at once, drastically outnumbered as they were.

Alyson's gift of candy, thankfully, seemed to boost the dancer's morale as well as her stamina, those bright fins spreading and rippling in the wind as she perked up. Even her voice grew steadier as she asked for help with a task, plucking several bottles from her braided rope accessories and setting them out on the sand in front of her. Murky purple liquid swirled inside each one, glimmering in the sunlight.

With a nod, Claria fit three bottles in a stretchy Octorok leather pouch on the belt of her scale mail. "Muddle Buds..." Useful little Depths-dwelling flowers against large groups of enemies, if handled right, rendering them unable to tell friend from foe. A wry smile tugged at her lips as the plan's details clicked into place - the dancer sought not just to distract the pirates, but confuse them. An invaluable trick against the ones who could swim. "So it's not just Gao turning monsters against each other?"


"No problem!" Alyson beamed as the stamina-restoring candy took effect at once, the Zora spreading her membranes like a butterfly's wings. "Not only are they good for giving you a boost when you're tuckered out, sugar helps relieve shock. Yeah, they say sweets are bad for you, but if you ask me, most everything has its place in moderation... and a little extra stamina is just what you want in a situation like this."

She was babbling, as always when nervous. With a deep breath of salt-scented air, she crouched and started gathering up bottles of cloudy violet ink, stuffing them into her belt pockets. The liquid shifted, reflecting magenta tints. "Anyway. Yep, I'm happy to help!" Despite her lack of familiarity with Muddle Buds, the name was a pretty good indicator of their effect, as was Claria's comment - some kind of hallucinogenic, most likely. The thought of such a boon against the enemy should have unclenched some of the knots in her belly. It didn't.

"And wind magic should come in handy here." With a flick of her fingers, she rippled the sand before her to demonstrate. "Not gonna lie, my precision isn't the best, but it means I can throw stuff pretty far. It'll also keep those fumes well away from us." She brushed her hand against the pocket containing the remaining three stamina candies. She'd be relying on magic far more than usual, as the coastal breeze whipping at her tunic reminded her. With this weather liable to throw off her combat style, even directing a boomerang would require spellcasting - which would drain her fast if she wasn't careful. Or get away from her. Such was the nature of elemental magic, wild and chaotic.

She jumped to her feet, heading towards the mini-plane at the docks. "Anything else to discuss, or are ya ready to kick monster butt? My name's Alyson, by the way, and yours is?" Setting her goggles in place, she turned her gaze to the one Zora whose name she didn't know.

If they had nothing more to plan, best to make a start as soon as possible, even as her heartbeat rose to a fever pitch at the mere thought. The sweat running down the back of her neck wasn't just from the Faron heat. One Yiga squad back in Akkala had been tough enough, but... two pirate ships, as well as Hylia only knew how many smaller boats?

This plan had to work. It had to.

[El]

Raemi

The gentle squeeze of her shoulder caused Raemi's heart to throb. The gesture was intended to be supportive - she could understand that much - and to an extent it was: the toughened scales of the warrior's palm communicating a life fraught with combat experience - reliable strength. And yet... that suffocating pressure bubbled up again.

The Zora's comment on 'turning monsters against each other' was also probably meant  - at least in part - as humorous, perhaps even as a tinge of praise of her strategy. And yet... Raemi winced.

She didn't want to be here. Not really. Especially not to do THIS.

But the dancer gave a silent nod in response, the set of her lips hardening into a more grim expression. It wasn't - and had never been - in her nature to get involved in any sort of situation which brought harm to another living creature. Conflict never sat well with her. Luring the monsters to their own deaths was a coward's approach - a 'loophole' in true accountability. She didn't have the courage to point a spear at another's throat, and so she'd chosen to hide in the murky waters of deception and trickery instead. Ha.

It left a sour taste in her mouth, but in seeing the Elder's feeble frame shaken by the events - the concern etched deep into his wrinkled face - she realised perhaps it wasn't such a bad thing to ease the weight upon his shoulders. What use were misguided-morals when innocent people were at risk of dying...?

She didn't want to be here. Not really. But it was the least she could do - she wouldn't be able to live with herself otherwise. These were Gao's people after all. His family and his childhood home.

"...Raemi. My name is Raemi." The dancer summoned a weak smile, though it was softened by the bumbling engineer's continuously endearing rambling. The mention of wielding wind magic piqued her curiosity - as did her quickly evident comfort in handling tech (a vague recollection of the Ball's fairy constructs flitted through her memory) - but once again, this was not the time nor place to dwell on such things. Alyson was as eager as the other Zora to get going. Understandably so.

"Thank you - again." Raemi re-iterated. "Your assistance - from both of you - is really appreciated." Clasping a tense fist to her chest, she finally stood upright again and gave them firm nods of resolution. "Remember not to breathe in the fumes, OK? I can't say what coming into direct skin-contact with the ink will do either, so try to keep your distance from the illusions themselves as well if you can help it." Yet it was undoubtedly a relief to have her load (both physical and metaphorical) lessened, and it showed in the subtle ease of her shoulders as she reflected on the successfully averted alternative.

A quiver of anticipation rippled through her fins. She drew in a deep breath, "I suppose I shall lead the way then...?"

----

Gao

The curious quibbling of monsters drew the Sheikah's attention, his stare immediately snapping to a lynel-masked individual who had chosen to board the vessel. His vessel. Wearing his same mask. And there he sat, after swaggering across an ample length of the ship, making himself comfortable at the starboard's taffrail to cast a fishing line - of all damn things!

Tension locked tight Gao's jaw, sealing scowling lips over barred teeth. Was this a joke? A taunt? Or just plain and simple stupidity? Perhaps-... perhaps not even that, but something altogether far more sinister.

He snarled, the reek of dried gore still clinging thick to the back of his throat. His blood was still running hot, pounding hard in his ears and bellowing against his ribs. Fury came quickly - easily. Violence was his first instinct. Restraint took effort.

Thank Hylia the sun was up at least. A Blood Moon would've been... problematic.

White-knuckle fists pierced chipped nails into his palms, through the fabric binding of haphazardly-stitched scraps. That tickle of pain was enough - just about - to sober his mind with a flinch of logical clarity. He drew in a deep breath. Swallowed the feral urges.

The stranger's motives were as confusing as his garb: he'd never seen an (assumedly) Zora so heavily clad in Hylian clothing. And yet there he sat, clear as day, so completely at peace - relaxed even! The decision to abandon his raft to board a ship of violent pirates was fraught with perturbing logic, the gall of it all too troublesome to commend. Gao could NOT afford to have his cover blown. Nor could he afford to have his mission jeopardised by some infuriating stranger's meddling. For now he was stationary, but the captain didn't trust him: Not. One. Bit. Maybe he was in truth some goddess-sent ally, but it would be foolish to entertain such naive notions when the risks were so high.

Nostrils flared, the 'Lynel' marched straight towards the stranger and his gaggling collection of bokoblins-

...-and continued straight past, directly to the ship's stern.

Initially, Gao had wanted to check the gundeck below to see if the vessel had any working cannons he could use in the attack. Now however, he had an unidentifiable imposter with unknown intentions who was settled far too close to the helm for his liking. He couldn't risk leaving him unattended above deck.

A muffled huff reflected off the musky leather of his mask. Whatever. Plans changed all the time, and he couldn't afford to waste anymore of it. The stranger was responsible for his own safety just as Gao had many, many more lives hinging on his own actions.

Soiled, coarse hands seized the wheel. A swinging shift of taut rope and groaning masts allowed the sails to fill anew with a fresh blast of forceful wind. Adjusting the course of the ship, a guttural barking roar of command boomed from Gao's swelling chest. Immediately those with hands to spare scuttled to gather their weapons and collect at the ready those of their comrades' too.

At the rate he was going, the ship was set to beach itself - forcefully and at full pelt - against the eastern rear of Eventide. This was intentional. If all went to plan, Raemi and any reinforcements she had managed to gather from Lurelin would have the directly-opposite side covered.

Divide and conquer.

----

Raemi

Swimming for efficiency, pure and simple, was not something the dancer was accustomed to. Her movements were never just 'practical', yet now she had to undress, reduce, stripping away all care for appearances and impressions to reach her target destination just that little bit quicker. She wasn't performing. Yet.

Weaving through the sea at full charge, Raemi's submerged form streaked colour through the shimmering water: her vibrant fins and pearled tentacles trailing behind her, tightly packed in an effort to streamline her advance. She chose to trust that her newfound allies were at her back - trust in their abilities - and focus on only that which was directly ahead. They were quickly gaining ground, and from the way she felt the tides shift so too was Gao.

When she halted, it was only because they'd arrived.

A shiver of a hum tickled at the Zora's throat. She wet her lips though they didn't need it. As she bobbed, weightless, below the waves, she spared one last moment to doublecheck her equipment and run over the idea in her head, imagining each keyframe and silently muttering to herself its main points.

A performance of this great import had NOT been practiced enough. Nowhere near it. But she hadn't the time - none of them did.

In truth... a lot of this was going to be created in the moment.

A first.

Raemi had left that part out, not just to ensure she could convince allies to join their plan, but also so that in speaking it she did not give it any weight of reality. Foolish? Absolutely. Irresponsible? ...She couldn't argue with that. But she couldn't afford to acknowledge the guilt and instead twisted that crushing force into determination instead. She could do this. She WOULD do this.

Twisting she looked back to give her fellow Zora a signalling nod. Then she raised a pearlescent hand, piercing the sea's surface to alert Alyson to the incoming opening act.