Departure

Roman knocked on the tent pole. "You up? Hell~o?"

He heard Risty immediately rise (He wasn't surprised. Being a bandit meant sleeping lightly out of necessity) and footsteps before she stick her head out the tent flap. "Wha' iz iht?" She asked sleepily, her hair tousled.

Roman smiled. She'd stayed up and watched through the night so he, Knives and Saya could be together. He owed her one and had let her sleep in until the last moment but now it was nearly time. He producing a bowl of food from where it was hidden behind his back, waving it under her nose. "Rise and shine. I brought you breakfast... with an extra portion of meat!"

Risty drooled and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand before accepting it with a grin. "Thanks! That's definitely worth waking up for!" She immediately stepped out of her tent, stretched and started stuffing her mouth. "Ish iht awmust tim?"

Roman blinked at the nearly naked beauty, she was only wearing a black thong, as usual, and a thing that could have been a sort of tanktop but it was small to begin with and cut extra short. When she'd stretched he'd gotten a glimpse of her pink areolas and as it was he could still see a lot of bronze under breast. It didn't help that it was pretty sheer material either and he was pretty sure that if he looked hard enough- he looked away and up to meet her eyes but was smiling and answered her question, "It is Almost time. We'll head out as soon as you're ready," he said jerking a thumb over his shoulder.

Risty smiled. He'd definitely looked and liked what he saw... but Roman was a cool guy and kept his composure unlike some drooling morons. She liked that about him. He could be sneaky and underhanded at times, but most of the time he held his head up as a 'bad guy' honestly and with pride. She could respect that as a bandit herself. She glanced behind him to where he'd indicated and saw the funny boat was already loaded for their departure. They'd packed without her, letting her sleep in as long as possible. Saya was covering a few things up as Knives doused the cooking fire and fed the slimes scraps. "Oh... OK! Thanks," she said after swallowing. "Appreciate it but you didn't have to do that."

Roman shook his head. "No. We did. It was very thoughtful what you did. Thank you, Risty. I won't forget it! Oh and before I forget..." he handed over a small clay jug. "For you. Try to make it last the trip!" He said with a wink. "And I'll definitely find a way to pay you back!"

His looking earlier had only made her blush a little... but this earnest expression of gratitude really embaressed her... and made her happy. Little considerations like letting her sleep in when her brawn could make jobs easier, Knive's making a special late breakfast just for her and now this... a clay jug fired red and black, her colors, and even had her name on it with a nicely braided loop for carrying of what could only be that potent booze. Gifts just for her. "You guys... Thanks." She smiled widely. It was nice to have friends. "Thanks a lot! I won't hold you up. Let me finish eating and grab my gear and we can shove off!"

Roman shook his head giving her a thumbs-up. "Take your time, eat and stretch. There's hot water in the bath. We'll depart as soon as your ready and it'll be a bit of a trip. I'll be counting on you to help me paddle. No big rush though. Other than the advance party I sent to scout, I doubt the others would leave without us! Haha!"

She smiled watching him walk off. "You'll pay me back, huh? Nice." She saw the smiles on the others faces and she'd heard them going at it this morning. "Looks like everything went well. Mmmmm... I know how you can 'pay me back', later!" She said licking the wooden spoon.

Roman double checked with Saya and Knives to see if they needed any help but they both assured him that they were fine. Everything was set and they were just waiting on Risty. He passed the time practicing and stretching. It would be a long day of paddling ahead and he wanted to be warmed up for it.

"Here," Risty said tossing him a towel after finishing up bathing. "Looking good."

"Thanks," Roman said wiping off sweat. "Good to go?"

"All set," Knives said as she and Saya joined them.

"I've been meaning to ask," Saya said. "What is that fighting style you use called?"

Roman shrugged wiping himself down with the slightly damp towel before tossing it back to Risty. "Not called anything. Just my own unique blend. A lot of Bartitsu as the base core supplemented with a healthy dose of CQC and other techniques like Jujutsu, boxing, kickboxing, Savate, Muay Thai, Kempo, Kung Fu, Hapkido, Jodo and Jojutsu, Judo, Kendo, Fencing-"

"Okay! I get it," Saya said holding up her hand and rolling her eyes but she was smiling ever so slightly. "You're a martial arts Otaku. But aren't some of those redundant and not really useful to you?"

Knives butted in and answered before Roman could. "No way! The more techniques you know, the more options you have!"

Roman smiled and nodded holding up his cane. "There are styles of boxing and kickboxing around the world, just as there are 'stick' fighting. Even something that is traditionally considered a sword style like Kendo or fencing are either often practiced with a wooden sword or other implemenrs that are basically a long rod. A rod type weapon is pretty basic but that seeming simplicity can also be deceptive and freeing." He twirled his cane easily in his hand. "I can use as a rod or a short staff, swing it like a club, use it like a hook but it's still light and sturdy enough to thrust with." He assumed an en garde position then give a little salute flourish before placing it tip down and leaning on it like nothing more than a simple cane. "Appearances can be deceptive."

"I'll say," Risty said shaking her head. "I expected that thing to snap the first time I struck it."

Roman smirked and patted it's handle. "It's made of a rather special material. My father made it mostly to test that materials capabilities ages ago. My mother fights with a rather unusual sword cane type umbrella as her weapon of choice. She suggested I try this... and I've favored it ever since." He knew he was named after one of her closest friends and companions who'd also been a cane fighter, a character named Roman Torchwick from her setting, but didn't bring it up. He was his own person so any similarities were purely coincidental and had no bearing.

"Well you must be the best fighter in your family- Hey! What's so funny?" Knives asked.

"Ahahaha! Oh no!" Roman said laughing heartily and now actually was using his cane to lean on. "It's- hehehahaha! Hooo! Ah! It's nothing! I'm not laughing at you. Hohoho... Heheheh... some of my siblings are truly gifted warriors and athletes and are much better than I am in a straight up fight without tricks, is all. Maybe you'll meet them someday. Aaahhh," he actually wiped away a tear from his eye he'd laughed so hard. "I can practically hear them shouting at their television screens now, the meatheads!" Roman was pleased to see the ladies wearing woven hats. "Good thinking on the hats by the way. That'll help keep the sun off. I approve!"

Risty patted Knive's shoulder grinning. "It was Knives idea! She made them too!"

"She really did a good job," Saya said adjusting hers on her head smiling.

Roman nodded patting her other shoulder. "Good thinking, Knives."

"Thanks!" Knives said smiling happily at earning praise. "Shall we shove off?" She asked then giggled. "Ehehehe... that is what sailors and pirates say, right- er, I meant Aye? Uh, yarr!"

Everyone nodded and Roman Chuckled. "Aye! Let's shove off!" He said looking at the sky. It was dappled with clouds and a gentle breeze blowing. A perfect day to travel. They had been rather fortunate so far on the Island. There'd been occasional storms but they'd been fast moving and quickly passing things so far. That couldn't last forever, he was certain of that... but today was a perfect day for paddling and trying ot the new sails.

They set off from their hidden cove. It wasn't long before the main encampment came into sight.

"Whoa!" Knives said excitedly seeing the canoes and people lined up on shore. "Look at them all!"

Roman nodded. "Half of the canoes aren't finished yet and not everyone will be coming with us. Some have to stay behind to guard the place after all and do real work. They're just excited and rubbernecking."

"Wait," Risty said pointing towards where the half finished outriggers were and a few much larger hulls were being constructed. "I thought you said you lacked the facilities for ship building? But that is definitely a ship."

Saya spoke up before Roman could with a knowing smirk. "It's a Philippine Karakoa, isn't it?"

Roman nodded, smiling. "Smart Saya! Yeah... or something similar to one. There were similar type ships by different nanes but the Karakoa is the one I was thinking of too. Of course we're not making a true karakoa, just using those same ideas and building something similar with what we have. Same principles and idea as an outrigger but much larger with a platform built ontop for carrying cargo and troops."

Saya smiled at Roman's praise and seeing Risty's still confused look added, "They were the pirate and raiding ships of the Philippines and were quite effective. They could also be used to conduct trade. They were quick and nimble with shallow drafts and have been compared to viking longships in their utility. I'm impressed you thought of them."

Roman shrugged. "Well don't be. Leastways not until we get one done and it sails. That's another problem. Constructing sails to use with oars and paddles. Smaller ones we made for the outriggers are easier to make and improvise. It's different on a larger scale. Anyway the overall construction has been much slower going as I've never built one before and Burt hasn't either. Also so far they require much more labor. For now we'll just be using the finished outrigger canoe's."

Saya looked thoughtful though before adding, "Well it's still impressive... and they all obviously turned out because they want to see everyone off. It just goes to show how popular you are."

Roman blinked. "Huh... You think so? I hadn't really thought of it quite like that."

Risty smirked. "I could tell right away upon entering the camp. You're a leader they look up towards. Hard when you have to be, but also fair. You show an interest in as many of them as you can and what and how they're doing. Not just yourself and your immediate subordinates. You're a good leader."

"Of course you are!" Knives said enthusiastically. "People are attracted to your charisma!"

Saya nodded and sighed. "Honestly? You're actually intelligent and you not only have know-how but can enact plans and delegate effectively. People will recognize that if they're half-smart and know they're better off. Natural leadership qualities."

Roman slowly smiled. "Charismatic leader, huh?" He'd never seen himself in that way before... of course he hadn't really ever tried before now either. This new role and persona were just that, new to him. "Thanks. I appreciate that coming from you all. I'll remember that. Well if that's the case let's not keep people waiting!" If he had to, which he realized he did, then it was best he keep play the part with everything he had!

Knives laughed as Roman made a show of standing up dramatically, one foot up on the prow knee bent. "Ooooo! It's the 'Captain'! Let's go!"

Saya rolled her eyes. "Geez! Talk about dramatic!" She said but she too was smiling.

Risty grinned. "Maybe... but that's exactly what bandit types want in a leader too! Inspiring confidence is important... just don't go falling in! Ha!"

"Good advice," Roman said through a grin, trying to look confident while keeping his balance as they coasted towards the shore. "Easier said than done... Hup!" He waited to the last minute and then hoped out and into the surf rather than risk falling out as they got to shore to cheers. The ladies followed suit as they pulled the craft to shore alongside the others and people gathered around.

"Morning!" Roman said loudly. "Nice day for a raid ain't it? Hahah!" The crowd burst into laughs and agreement with his bravado.

"Jeffe!" Carlos said in greeting holding out his hand.

"''Los!" Riman said grabbing his hand. Good to see you! Hey ya Burt!" He greeted the other 'officers' also shaking their hands. "Good to see you guys. How's it looking? Everything set?"

Carlos nodded patting hus cutlass. "All set to shove off as soon as you give the word! Darlene already went on ahead with the scouts and will meet us there."

Burt nodded but frowned. "I wish I was going with you guys."

Carlos gave Roman a look and he nodded his understanding. Burt was still sore about getting 'left out'. But someone needed to stay behind to watch over the main camp and keep some semblance of order. As the "Captain" he had to go and as the "Quarter Master" Carlos really should too. He supposed it could have been Darlene instead but she'd already gone to scout ahead.

Roman sighed. Having Burt and his axe along would be useful not to mention Malty aka Bitch's magic... "Alright if you find someone who you can vouch for, that Carlos and I both approve of, they can take your place and you can come with Burt. Deal?" He stuck out his hand.

"Deal!" Burt said shaking his hand vigorously before Roman could change his mind and running off into the crowd. "I know some guys! Be right back! Don't leave without me!"

Carlos shook his head but was smiling. "Que menso..." he smiled at Roman. "But he's a good dumb friend. Thanks for this."

Roman shrugged. "De nada. He doesn't want to be left out and that's understandable. Still someone has to be 'in charge while we're gone. Otherwise we'll come back to disorder and chaos."

Carlos grinned looking around the wild camp. "You mean more that it already is?"

Roman chuckled but nodded. "Exactly. It's all about striking a good balance. It's important to keep that spirit of freedom alive and even thriving... but without some structure a place like this would fall into complete chaos and disarray and we definitely don't need that either. It's a fine line between freedom and anarchy and also structure and authoritarianism. This place isn't so bad," he said looking around the place.

And it was true in his opinion. They'd had to fight a fair few fights, most verbal but a few physical, to get people to see some reason. Straight and clear roads. Keep potential fire hazards low. Keep certain areas clear for future building expansions like the main hall. But other than that they'd also tried to let people do as they pleased. As long as each person's individual camp, hut or what have you was sturdy and bit a hazard to anyone else's they were free to do as they pleased. And it made for an eclectic sight. People had tents, next to lean-to's, next to grass and straw huts, next to mud buildings, next to odd little cabins and shacks made out of whatever materials they could find, make, beg, borrow or steal. It was a hodge-podge of styles and things bkeded into a mish-mash of ideas. It was chaos built around order. Freedom with structure. Like a quilt made out of scraps. The only thing that was the same was that none of it was... and Roman quite liked it!

Risty nodded crossing her arms under her breasts. "As a former bandit leader myself you definitely got that right. Infact I'd say it's impressive the balance you've struck so far."

"Hey!" Burt called out leading several people over. "These guys are the one's I'd recommend for the position! They've been helping with either the construction or the guarding the camp the most."

Roman was introduced to them one by one. They were all men and while they seemed somewhat competent in their areas none of them seemed particularly outstanding or notable except for one... "And who is this?" He asked standing before the final candidate a rather handsome longhaired glasses wearing man in a tracksuit with intense eyes. Actually they were more "pretty", than "handsome".

"Ah! This is Godo," Burt said introducing him. "He's very sharp and quite the martial artist and... something wrong?"

Roman traded stares with Godo but smirked noticing a lack of an Adam's apple and then shook his head. "Nope. It's nothing," he said nodding to Gojo slightly who returned the gesture. Roman had recognized the name. "A pleasure to meet you Godo-san."

Godo smiled back understanding. "The pleasure is mine, Stark-san."

"Ahem. 'Kumiko' here was the one who caught and exposed the thrives we had a while back," Carlos helpfully added, placing emphasis on the name.

Roman nodded. So the fact that 'he' was a she wasn't any kind of secret. Burt was just being clueless... but Roman recognized that name and judging by her manner and bearing she was yakuza. His father had had some dealings with the Godo family once upon a time. He also noticed the cute character wearing a girl's school uniform standing just behind Godo. *Aha! It's a pretty boy,* Roman realized. *She likes crossdressing herself as well as her personal Characters.*

"Well that's very helpful and good to know... Hmmmm," he hummed as if in thought but he'd already made his decision so it was simply a performance. "Godo-San. If I leave the task of protecting this place and keeping the peace in your hands do you believe yourself up to the task?"

Gojo bowed. "I am unworthy of the appointment but if the task were entrusted to me? I would do my utmost to see the duty faithfully fulfilled, 'Boss'," She said adding emphasis on the honorific title.

Roman bowed back. They had an understanding and an accord. "Very well," he said pulling out his flask and drinking from it before passing it to her. "Well said. I leave the task to you, Imouto."

Kumiko Godo smiled accepting the flask and drinking from it. Roman had intentionally done away with the master/apprentice parent/child mentirship. It wasn't exactly swearing siblinghood by drinking sake from the same cup, but it was as close as possible under the circumstances... and the implications warmed her heart. "Domo arigato, Aniki," she thanked her 'elder brother' passing it back.

Roman smiled and nodded. "You know what that means, Burt?"

"Does that mean I can go?" Burt asked hopefully, the meaning of younger sister/elder brother passing by completely missed.

Carlos, Saya, Knives and Kumiko Godo and several others around either chuckled or giggled shaking their collective heads as Roman grinned and nodded, clapping him on the shoulder. "Yup. You can go."

"Yes!" Burt said pumping his fist enthusiastically. "Baller!"

"You sure about this?" Saya whispered to Roman while everyone congratulated Burt.

Roman nodded. "We're all of us a bunch of thieves, brigands, pirates and rogues. Having someone that understands the duality of duty and humanity keeping the peace and things running smoothly is a no-brainer." He chuckled softly. "Honestly? You can probably guess what I'm thinking."

Saya rolled her eyes but nodded, smiling a bit too. "Yeah... she'll probably be a better fit for that job than Burt."

Knives giggled. "Ehehehe! He means well though. He's just... well..."

"A dumb dog," Risty said grinning. "Not that that's a bad thing! There's plenty of good things about living 'uncomplicated'," she added.

Roman and the others smirked. Risty was a bit 'uncomplicated' herself. But she wasn't wrong. Still...

"Yahoo! Let's go!" Burt declared pointing towards the boats before turning back. "Uh, sorry. You give the orders, Boss- er, Captain."

Roman grinned and seeing Knives staring at him comically sparkly eyed, and everyone else almost as expectantly excited, nodded as he stepped into his roll barking orders. "Aye! All hands to your stations! Quickly now! Secure weapons! Double check all lashings! Make ready oars and sails! We're shoving off," he declared.

"Aye-Aye!" Was the shouted reply and amongst cheering they departed.

[Roman Stark - Knives Chau - Saya Takagi and Risty

Will Return In

Making Battle Plans

Coming Soon]