For imperial_saga

[scourgeofthe8seas]

-1-


[A pleasant ocean cruise! What better way to spend your evening, or week, or however long you're out here for whatever reason. Or it would be better, if it weren't for that pesky little detail called piracy.]

[Emerging from the fog is a daunting battleship, jet black and bristling with cannons, flying a flag depicting a skull with eight legs extending from it. The first volley of fire is almost immediate, and as soon as they're close enough, ramps are lowered, and a host of horned warriors storm the ship. Total chaos reigns as the lovely yet terrible Captain Mindfang calmly crosses between the two ships.]

[You are being boarded. What will you do?]


-2-

[Congratulations! You have succeeded in what many claimed was impossible, and finally captured the dreaded Mindfang. She's tied up and separated from her crew, totally at your mercy. So why is she grinning?]

You've done a great job with this escapade of yours. Not many can claim to have captured me. Your ferocity and cunning impress me, which is why I'm offering you one chance.

Untie me yourself and let me go free, and I'll consider sparing your life. I'd consider it, if I were you; I do take prisoners, but not for very long.


-3-


[Some time back, possibly months or even years, something else unthinkable happened: Mindfang came to your aid, without provocation, at a time when you were in a serious bind. She then vanished from your life completely... until today.]

[No, she didn't say she was coming. No, she didn't knock. No, it's not even entirely clear how she got into your home. And yet here she is, bottle in hand, looking you in the eye as you come home.]

Been a while, hasn't it?

I'm calling in on that favor you owe me.

Comments

2

[nonchere]

Are you trying to reason with me? That's adorable. Unfortunately, it won't work. You'd do best to hold your tongue.

[scourgeofthe8seas]

Reason? No. I was offering you an ultimatum.

Last chance.

[nonchere]

[The ice queen she is unfazed.]

We'll make land in two days. Hopefully that will give you enough time to think of some pitiful reason for us not to hang you for your crimes.

[scourgeofthe8seas]

A pity. If you survive, do remember that I gave you the chance.

[Someone like Celes was far beyond Mindfang's ability to manipulate. A high-class sorceress? Not a chance in hell. Fortunately, the direct route isn't always the only one.]

[Several of Celes's crew draw their swords, but it's not Mindfang they're looking at. It's their captain.]

1

[wanderingbard]

Attack
Sing a song
Cry
>Flirt

Oy! Glad you could make it. You can board my ship any day.

[No incorrect response try again. Levin thinks some more as he backs to the furthest rail.]

Hey, anyone know what happens when a tornado lands in the middle of the ocean?

2

[thirdtimesthechar]

Oh, certainly. I only bothered with the ropes so you'd sit still long enough for me to talk to you, you know. If you'll listen to what I have to say, I'll release you now.

Number 1

[timeforcourage]

MINDFANG! Someone obstructs your easy path to claiming the ship, and it steps right in front of you.

"Stop!" A boy in green? He looked very petite, as did his sword, but his eyes carried resolve.

3

[nomen_est_numen]

Shen stops and stares, but doesn't let his composure stay on the floor for very long.

"... Are you, now? After twenty years? Honestly, I thought you'd be dead by now."