02. Barbossa is Hungry [Action]

[applepirate]

[Since exactly a month ago, the whole of Luceti has had the pleasure of being graced with the presence of a certain pirate captain who still thought that it was the most peculiar chunk of land he had ever seen, and yet, he found himself fitting right in among all the rest. For better or for worse, he found out that he stood out much less when his location was also supposedly a home for not one, but several bloody gods among mortals as well as the likes of talking dragon(s) and other strange creatures. And that was discounting the numerous certain humans who were not exactly normal either, some of them even brought here back from his own world.

Laying low for the duration of his stay here so far, Barbossa analyzed and read more about the village as a whole, what it offered him, and who exactly his enemies were. He had yet to devise a plan that would bring him back to his beloved ship back home and to the vast open seas that he was used to. It wouldn't be long now before those pesky, smug Malnosso folk were gonna start seriously regretting bringing him down here.

Today was his day out, however, and what was just about to happen couldn't quite be described as "laying low", oh, no.

Barbossa thought that if there was anything this place was good for, it was its seemingly infinite supplies of free apples and rum. Yes, here he was, in the middle of the day, out by the food store, an apple in his hand that he had just gotten for himself. It was quite a bright and enjoyable day too, even with the cold snap.]

Ah, this apple be a splendidly good choice, perfectly ripe! [Indeed it was, for he had already taken a single bite and was already enjoying it, even briefly standing still in the middle of the Luceti road so that he could simply savor the moment for longer. It was just so juicy and crisp.

He couldn't help but lean in for another bite immediately afterwards with a pleased look on his face, even closing his eyes dreamily when suddenly--]

What in the--?!

[The apple was bloody gone and he found himself trying to bite the air, which didn't taste nearly as good. His eyes snapped open, his pupils wide upon seeing that there was nothing in his hand, and soon enough his head swiftly turned in the direction of a suspicious sound nearby. That looked a lot like a--]

Monkey!

[And with that exclamation, he set off like a rocket right after the pesky complacent little creature through the road, his eyes on the precious apple that it had made the grave mistake of foolishly stealing from him. Thinking nothing of the possible collateral damage of this chase, Barbossa didn't shy away from lightly pushing people who were certainly taking their bloody time walking through the village.]

Arr, outta me way, ye bloody cockroaches! Come 'ere, ye thievin' little...

[Wait, he could just go back in the store and get another apple, right?... But no, this had been the perfect one, and besides, there was just something about this monkey that was oddly familiar... Perhaps it was the fact that it was dressed quite adequately, the outfit it wore ringing a bell in his head, along with its rather obnoxiously thieving attitude. Could it be...?

One way or the other, he was going to find out, and he planned on doing so before it could get the chance of disappearing into the distant forest and climbing up one of the trees there, in which case he wouldn't be able to follow. Barbossa may not have been the youngest of people here, but he was surprisingly spry, especially when either his hat, apple, rum or ship was on the line. And this chase right now? It was just the kind of emergency that warranted the pirate captain's best.

And for that reason, when the monkey began trying to lose him by attempting to climb on one of the house roofs and then jump towards the forest, Barbossa deftly pulled out his sword, skillfully swung it towards the apple and pushed it off the monkey's hand just before the animal could escape his reach. At the same time, he held out his own and managed to catch it, not letting it fall on the ground while also making sure he didn't harm the thief who had stolen it. His joy over regaining the previously lost piece of fruit was shadowed by the mutual recognition between a master and his monkey as the latter turned his head around with a set of puppy dog eyes Barbossa knew quite well.]

I knew it had to be ye, Jack!

Action I.

[One may stumble upon Barbossa wildly chasing Jack through the streets of Luceti (it was a sight that couldn't quite be missed), though unless they could keep up with the two, they shouldn't hope for small talk with the currently distressed, annoyed and preoccupied pirate captain. The character tagging can either be a passer-by, or somebody Barbossa shoved to get out of the way, or somebody who catches Jack first - go wild with this one.]

Action II.

[Once Barbossa and Jack were reacquainted with each other, the monkey was back where he belonged - on his master's shoulder, who had generously split the apple so that both of them would be able to enjoy it. As they walked through the streets of Luceti, one could tell that Barbossa was quite in a good mood after being brought back together with his pet, even if he was visibly tired from the chase. He couldn't explain how, nor did he have an idea as to why Jack was here as well, but he didn't particularly care.]

Water under the bridge, Jack! [His response to a brief sad look that the monkey gave him.] Puttin' up that kind of fight for a mere apple deserves some kind of reward, wouldn't ye say?

[Barbossa, now with Jack on his shoulder, can be found walking around Luceti basically anywhere, mostly to and fro the food store to procure another apple for him and his pet to share. Of course, he would celebrate the occasion later in the evening in the Good Spirits tavern as well.]

Comments

Action II

[applepirate]

[But it was such a cute sight! Actually, Barbossa initially didn't even quite catch Vegeta's apparent discomfort as he continued feeding Jack apples, too overjoyed at the fact that they were together once more after such a long while, and it showed on his face. He had started getting pretty lonely here too, so what better way to fight that feeling by having Jack here as company in Luceti.

Though the pirate captain did pick up on a certain vibe regardless as he turned his head to look at the man.]

This monkey 'ere be Jack, me fellow comrade, aye. [He furrowed his brows slightly.] And who might ye be?

[misterbrief]

[Why is he talking like that agljal;kfjl;dkf

humans

don't they have any sense at all]

Vegeta, Prince of all Saiyans. [He understood that part.] Must you always speak like that?

Vegeta, you so angry! :D

[applepirate]

[Not humans, Vegeta. Try bloody pirates and you would be more on the right track.

Barbossa shook his head a bit as he let out a cackle, remembering the few times he had been asked the very same question, though it was not usually inquired with this much anger, but rather, with mere curiosity. Interesting.]

Not when I used to be a privateer in the King's court, nay. [But how had that been any fun?] Don't tell me ye haven't ever had the pleasure of bein' acquainted with a pirate before, hmm? [For one thing, pretty much everyone seemed to know Jack Sparrow in Luceti, right?]

Man he's always angry

[misterbrief]

[No way, who the hell is Jack Sparrow and why should he care. He'd probably irritate the hell out of the Prince. He laughs himself, well isn't this interesting to know.]

So you defected from your King and became an outlaw? With that appearance I shouldn't be surprised. But if you must know, no, I've never met an earthling pirate before. If I had I'd of made sure to carry a clothes pin on me at all times.

[You smell weird.]

[applepirate]

[Oh, well then, wait until you see Jack Sparrow, Vegeta. And you think Barbossa is hard to understand?

Regardless, ill comments on Barbossa's appearance were never quite met kindly from the vain man, who was actually rather fond of the way he looked and how he dressed. Which was why finding his hat was such a big deal to him, after all!]

I prefer to look it as choosin' me own path, lad. Bein' part of the Navy is quite restrictin', ye see, as I thankfully came to realize quite early. [He then furrowed his brows at Vegeta, looking him over curiously with a bit of annoyed look on his face.] Who might ye be, then? With that appearance I can't quite place ye anywhere.

[It's from the monkey!]

[misterbrief]

[He's not looking forward to dealing with Jack Sparrow. He's probably more irritating than Barbossa could ever be, honestly. He'll just yell at him to speak like a normal being all day and get nowhere.

He laughs, he knows he looks a little different than your average human and looking like he's from a future that Barbossa would never see except here in Luceti.]

Navy? I see. That does explain more to me now. [Nappa blew up one of Earth's navy fleets once.] I'd think living out on the sea would be restrictive in itself. [He shrugs carelessly. He wouldn't ever do that and honestly doesn't see the point.]

Very good observation! I guess you could say I'm not exactly from planet Earth. But if you must know I am Vegeta, Prince of all Saiyans. [And he is proud of that!] And who are you?

[applepirate]

[Yeah, good luck in that endeavor. He's going to need it.

In response to Vegeta's laugh, Jack flinched a little on Barbossa's shoulder, his eyes looking straight at the man with a certain terror. After a reassuring look from his master, Jack calmed slightly while Barbossa eyed the otherworldly fellow.]

Sailin' out in the seas under yer own colors is precisely what freedom is, lad. The vast waters back home be rich with treasure, mystery and all sorts of adventure if there's nothin' holdin' ye back. [Not to mention the mere feeling of standing on the ship deck out in the middle of the ocean, and how beautiful and liberating it could be, but the pirate doubted that this Saiyan person could understand so he didn't bother to explain it right now.]

I be Captain Barbossa of the Queen Anne's Revenge, Prince Vegeta. [He straightened his shoulders just a bit as he grinned slightly, irritably so.] ...Speakin' of, how does one such as yerself become a prince, exactly? Standards must be fairly different in yer own world, I wager.

[misterbrief]

I don't think your little pet likes me too much. Why is that? I'm not that scary, now am I? [He eyes the monkey, and eyes its tail- he wishes he had his back.] Well, Captain Barbossa, I suppose we have different definitions of what it is to....'sail'. I prefer the expanse of outer space myself, but I'd have to say those days are long gone now. I'm not exactly someone you'd be calling a lad. [He really didn't care for the treasure part of it, he liked the adventure part the most. The part where he killed everyone standing in his way. Though back then he didn't sail under his own colors, but he does now, right?]

But to answer your question, becoming the Prince of all Saiyans is my birthright. My father was the king of our race and I his son. I'd say it's not that much different at all by earthling means, which is surprising considering how different our races are. But I guess some things across the galaxy don't change no matter where you go.

[applepirate]

[And just like before, Jack flinched a bit, even let out a short, odd snake-like hiss in response to Vegeta's stare. Barbossa's tone as he spoke then was just a tad on the defensive side.]

Perhaps he'll like ye better, Prince Vegeta, if ye didn't look at the fellow like he's gonna be yer main course for today's dinner, hmm?

[Barbossa lifted his brows curiously at the mention of outer space, though.] Ah! Ye're the second gent who claims he's supposedly explored outer space. Somethin' tells me ye're not from me acquaintance Mr. Spock's lot, however. [The introductions with the Vulcan, for one thing, were a bit more... peaceful, one could say]

Aye, that doesn't sound too different from what I'm used to, actually. I can't help but be curious, however, as to the public opinion of their Saiyan prince?

[misterbrief]

[He has to chuckle quietly to himself again.] Well, you can tell him that the very last thing I'd ever consider eating is a monkey. I never have and I never will. Honestly, the very idea. [You are a silly monkey, Jack.]

[Oh, you talked to the Vulcan. Great. That's peachy. He gets a little annoyed at the sound of Spock's name, but he'll push it to the side. Barbossa doesn't know and he doesn't need to know that Vegeta just cannot stand the Vulcan. In fact he'd like to not be considered an acquaintance of Spock's at all.] I'm afraid my world is nothing like anyone else's that you may encounter. There are others who have traveled across the galaxy that reside here, but their reality is much different than my own. But I'm glad you asked- the royal family is looked up to and revered, part of the elite of Saiyan society. So I'd say I was received quite well.

[Too bad it doesn't exist anymore, but eh; he didn't need to tell Barbossa that, the whole concept of the ability to destroy planets might be a bit much for the old pirate. Maybe he'd explain that another day, once he really became comfortable with this bizarre circus.]

So what, are you one of those typical pirates who loot and plunder? Or is there something I'm missing from that part of history?

[applepirate]

[Vegeta's comment about his apparent distaste for monkeys made Barbossa give out an amused laugh in return.] Ye'd be surprised, Prince Vegeta. If what I hear be true, I hear some folk in our continent of Africa actually consider 'em to be a peculiar, if not dangerous, sort of delicacy. [The mention of that also caused a quiver to run down the contentiously distressed monkey's spine. Seriously, they knew he could hear them, right?]

[The old pirate captain's brows lifted and his eyes widened a bit in a mix of curiosity and amusement as Vegeta explained more about his world, obviously thinking highly of himself.] Are ye now? Well, well, isn't that a curious thing! I'd say ye're most certainly correct, then - yer world isn't anythin' like those I've heard about nor me own, and it seems like its inhabitants are a rather strange sort as well. [Otherwise the man in front of him perhaps wouldn't be received nearly as well, heh. Barbossa chuckled inwardly, and then pursed his lips a bit at the mention of pirates. Now that was interesting, considering the common opinion of his ilk back home.]

Typical pirates? I thought ye claimed ye haven't been acquainted with one before, correct? Or have ye only assumptions and tales of 'em?

[misterbrief]

That's disgusting. Maybe someone should teach them some proper eating habits. Though why am I not surprised to hear that humans would go so far. [Sort of hypocritical on his part though- he's eaten some weird things when he used to travel from planet to planet.] Thankfully monkey would be one of the last things on the menu on my home planet. That being said I'd say my people aren't quite as strange as yours are. [To be fair he doesn't think humans are as strange as they are weak, but that's a whole other barrel of fish.] In fact they were smart enough not to cross their King or Prince, because-! Heh. That wouldn't end well for them. [He'll continue to sport that arrogance card there.]

I said I'd never met an earthling pirate before. Space pirates, on the other hand, are sort of a thing. [He smirks, he's killed plenty of those too. They were fun to mess with.] Completely obsessed with riches. It didn't matter what you had, they would take your spacecraft if they could. Sound familiar?

[applepirate]

Perhaps they should, but until they stop lookin' at monkeys as naught but meat to fill their perpetually empty stomachs, I'm quite certain Jack would rather not have me sail anywhere near those lands. [The monkey vehemently shook his head as Barbossa mentioned that, his eyes still just as wide and full of the very same dread. Personally, the pirate captain couldn't care less what people all around the world used to sate their hunger, but he wasn't fond of the idea that Jack should be eaten either.

He laughed at the mention of humans being odd, a few of them in particular immediately creeping up in his mind.] Strange some of us may be, but at the very least, in all my travels across the seven seas, I've never laid eyes on a felow before with a head... quite so full of hair as yers. [Yes, in Vegeta's case, the pirate actually had to shift his gaze up and down to take all of it in.] So perhaps we're not an adequate judge of how odd things are in the other's world, I'd say.

[Admittedly, space pirates in Vegeta's home did sound familiar, with actual pirates back home being more or less the same folk. Not that Barbossa himself wasn't a fan of treasure, of course.] I shall concur with yer previous statement, then, as this is another thing that doesn't seem to change no matter which world ye're on. [He did a slight shrug as his eyes grew a bit wide, a grin on his face as he spoke.] As for whether I be the typical example of a pirate? [...] I don't think I can give ye an answer to that, Prince Vegeta, for I have been called many things back in me home waters. I'm afraid that such definitions boil down to one's point of view, ye see.

[misterbrief]

My hair is of no concern to you. So you can forget about it. [sdlkfjasl;fakl; not again. He's going to be cursed forever because of this, isn't he?]

However, I don't see the difference if that's the case. And it's quite simple- if you're the kind of pirate that doesn't enjoy hoarding whatever valuables you can get your hands on and having no qualms with killing anyone who gets in your way, then I'm not sure what to call you either. Because that's my point of view on the matter. [And he really couldn't care less about pirates, to be honest- he just would kill any who would try to rob him anyhow. Their own fault for not know who they were dealing with.]

[applepirate]

[Vegeta, you can always get a haircut and then it will all stop~

...Or can you, actually? Hmm...

Regardless, noticing Vegeta's brief annoyance at the unwelcoming mention of his hair elicited a chuckle from the pirate captain, who laughed along with his equally amused monkey sidekick (who was suddenly feeling quite a bit better), but he chose not to provide any additional commentary. Not on that subject anyway. For now.]

Aye, and that's precisely what most pirates would be, and they would stop at nothin' to acquire all in the world they can get their hands on whether they really understand what it bloody is or not. 'Tis always worth at least several pieces of eight somewhere in the seven seas. [He took a small step towards the Saiyan as he nodded his head and grinned a bit.] I prefer to pick me targets wisely, however, Mr. Vegeta, and sometimes I happen to draw the line is when it comes to the death of me victims. [Not to mention treatment of his crew, which was certainly not the same as Blackbeard's whose methods Barbossa was in a disagreement with, and he would rarely pull the trigger on any of them as Blackbeard did.

...Besides, tossing the more rebellious ones on deserted islands was much more amusing.]

[misterbrief]

[This version of him actually did get a haircut! And people still make fun of him...though it still defies gravity.]

Hmf. I don't see the point. All this pirating business seems pretty ridiculous to me. [After all, for a long time all he cared about was power, not riches.] Especially since you're leaving your victims alive. How do you know they're not going to come back and kill you one day for robbing them? You'd be digging your own grave if you stole from someone like me. [He's really not joking either, and he looks dead serious when he says it- he's killed for less. Though nowadays, small things wouldn't bother him as much since he can solve it with a solid punch now instead.]

[applepirate]

[Barbossa wasn't about to respond to Vegeta's final comment either way as he didn't exactly have an idea of who he was dealing with here yet. He had his doubts that the odd-looking Saiyan could take him, but he wasn't about to just stupidly attack him for no reason, or just so that he could take something of his that he didn't know it would be even useful to him.]

'Tis why I mentioned that I pick me targets wisely, did I not? Besides, I highly doubt that any of the folk I spare have what it takes to find and take their revenge against me. As for the others, ye need not worry so much, Prince Vegeta, I can take care of them quite adequately. [If it wasn't a shot through the head or a sword through the chest, it was a distant, lifeless island that awaited Barbossa's enemies. Back in his own world, at least, as he obviously couldn't apply this highly entertaining tactic here.]

[misterbrief]

[He can't help but laugh a little. To him, if Barbossa was strong enough, he'd never have to worry about any of those people coming back to kill him, because by all means they should be dead. But that's just what Vegeta would do if he were a pirate.]

They don't have what it takes eh? Tell me, are you one to have the reputation that your very name strikes fear into those who hear it? [Maybe they have something in common here?] You make it sound as if you are by how you have no problems taking care of your enemies.