Harlock's Palace - The Endless Orbit of Loneliness Deux

[freearcadia]

Who: Yor, Nikkolaus
When
What: Palace time
Content Warnings: same as the first.

In the same ruin-filled wasteland, Yor and Nikkolaus would find themselves some distance away from where the other group had landed, the darkness that momentarily blinded and tried to choke them them receding.

The featureless void is not so featureless now, as the dimmest of stars struggle to make themselves known, still and not twinkling as stars should - the spaceship Arcadia hovering, unmoving on the northernmost horizon.

The winds still howled, alternating between the blistering heat and arctic chill, carrying a faint melody in the air from the east and a vague shape surrounded by a localized sandstorm, and low groans from the west with what looks to be a withered tree in the distance.

The ground shakes as the Arcadia fires - debris and dust flying up as it attacked something too far away to see - hopefully no one got hurt.

Comments

[briarliar]

[ catches that hiding, but if Harlock is guiding the ship then they need some way to get to it. and she knows they wouldn't let any harm come to Mayu. ]

Just a little more. Although if you're tired, please rest. I think they've noticed us now...

[badsunrising]

[Attention is once more on Franklin and suspicious]

[freearcadia]

[Franklin mouths something to him, though it's hard to tell what he's saying, but given one of his hand was around his neck, where that cable was.

The ship slowly descends about about a hundred or so feet away, again giving the impression that it is oddly sluggish - almost exhausted.

Then, and only then does Mayu stop, gasping for air]

[briarliar]

You did wonderfully, Miss Mayu! Please rest a little.

[ reaching her arms out to let Nikkolaus know she can take her back down ]

[badsunrising]

[Gives a confused look at Franklin before turning back to Mayu]

Yeah, you did great. Now catch your breath so we can see about finding your father on that ship.

[Handing her down to Yor]

[freearcadia]

[The girl gave a tired smile as she's helped down]

Ah... Harlock - he doesn't want to replace daddy... but, he's also on Arcadia.

[briarliar]

[ cradling with the utmost care, giving Mayu a soft smile ]

I understand that feeling. We'll see if we can bring them to you as soon as we can.

[badsunrising]

[A bit confused by nods just the same]

[freearcadia]

[The engine shuts off, and there is a hiss as a ramp extends down as Mayu settles against Yor.

Cautiously, Franklin comes out of hiding]

There is where we'll be partin' ways, even if it looks like he's not fixing for a fight, I'm not riskin' getting another air dance if you get my meaning.

[He then glances away, towards the tree]

Ain't good to let the past get too mixed up in the present either.

[briarliar]

[ weh, holding Mayu makes Yor feel all kinds of feelings because she misses Anya so much, and she doesn't want to let go. but she also doesn't want to put her in any danger, especially if Harlock's palace was anything like the other two. ]

Thank you for helping us get here, Mr. Harlock Jr. We will continue on our own.

[ then looking at Nikkolaus like "what do we do with this small child we both want to keep safe" ]

...Mr. Nikkolaus?

[badsunrising]

[Gives Franklin an odd look but nods]

[Turns back to Yor and Mayu]

Normally, I'd say one of us should stay with her. But it sounds like she wants to find Harlock as well.

[freearcadia]

[Mayu nods sharply in confirmation as Franklin lowers the brim of his hat, concealing his face as he starts walking away]

Right-! Mr. Nikkolaus, Miss Yor.

[She starts tugging on their hands, to get them to board]

[briarliar]

W-we're coming! Please stay close to us, Miss Mayu.

[ Yor is going to stay hovering near Mayu in case she needs to shield her or anything ]

[badsunrising]

[Guess we are getting on this questionable ship...]

[freearcadia]

[The ship it is.

Upon boarding the ship is oddly silent, but there's almost an impression that it's breathing - that it's not just metal and electronics. It looked like it had seen better days, with dark splotches on the walls, and the lights dim]

[briarliar]

[ are the dark blotches grease/grossness or blood? she could tell if it's blood, but either way moving slightly to the side of the ship's tunnel, flanking Nikkolaus ]

Do you think you might be able to give us more light, Mr. Nikkolaus? O-or is that an improper use of your magic?

[badsunrising]

[Probably investigating those splotches

Gruffly:]

It's more for heat than light.

[But he does press his fingers to the amulet, generating a decent bit of brightness]

[freearcadia]

[The splotches look like soot and some kind of dark ichor that's recent enough that it's somewhat tacky if someone touches it.

The girl peers fretfully at the stains, the light of the amulet helps to illuminate the corridors, down to an elevator that seen better days and what looks to be stairways]

Something bad must have happened...

[briarliar]

Thank you, being a little warmer is also appreciated!

[ trying to sound So Normal and cheerful for Mayu's sake, looking more towards the stairwell than the elevator. she's not sure she trusts electricity in a place this dirty. ]

Which way?

[badsunrising]

[Nikki has learned that touching mysterious blood is a BIG NO NO in this place so he won't be doing that.

Turns back to Mayu:]

That's why we're here. To help.

[freearcadia]

[Probably a smart idea, Nikkolaus. She closes her eyes, before pointing]

Up.

You're both very good people - I'm glad you're here.

[briarliar]

Ah, we're glad too. Would you like a piggyback ride this time, Miss Mayu? If we're taking the stairs it may be a long way up...

[badsunrising]

[Might smirk slightly at that. SECRETLY. You saw nothing.]

[freearcadia]

Are you sure...?

[She'll accept one. But whether carrying or walking up the flights of stairs, they'll find themselves in a much shorter corridor but wider - with a conveyor belt on either side of the floor, on the far end is a large set of double doors made from a dark wood, contrasting with all the metal so far]

There. That's his room.

[briarliar]

[ Yor is determined to make this palace run as pleasant an outing as possible for Mayu, okay. but once they get to the landing, letting Mayu down onto the floor. ]

Oh, conveyor belts. Like we have in the dorm!