Windfallen

==Hanging About==
===Evalyn Vass, Windfall Island, Day 1===
As the sun glimmered across the bright blue ocean, two figures lay in the long grass of the hillside gazing down at the docks. The young woman, with long black hair and a mischievous smile, watching through a rusting spyglass while her nervous blonde compatriot lazes on his back with a worried expression.
“We could always just, pay for a ferry… you know that right? It’s not even that much” Said the scruffy blonde.
The woman took her eyes from the docks for a moment and flicked a grin his way “Sure, we could, but where’s the fun in that? Where’s the adventure?”
“Evalyn, please, don’t act like this isn’t about the money. We both know it’s about the money”
“You think that one’s going to the fortress? They’re loading bombs so it’s safe to assume right?” Inquired the girl, expertly attempting to avoid the topic as her companion sits up to glare down at her.
“It’s probably only a rupee or two, I’ll pay for us both if it means we don’t have to stow away for once. We could sail comfortably, sit on the top deck, feel the wind in our hair… maybe if we ask nicely enough they won’t even make us pay, offer to help out, y’know?”
An awkward silence arose for a moment as Evalyn stubbornly continued to eye up ships and ignore the pleas of her long suffering best friend.
“This one is definitely going to the tournament, look at that guy… look at his biceps… i’d put money on him if you catch my drift”
“Do we even need to go? I mean, is it even worth it? We’ve made good money here so far, we could just stick around, maybe save up for a boat of our own. That’d be nice”
“Seriously Rufus, this guy looks like he could single handedly row that ship the the fortress. Maybe we can convince him to join our crew…”
“Are you even listening to anything i’m saying?” Grumbled the frustrated Rufus, lying back down in defeat.
“Sure I am, save up, settle down, boring. This town is dead and I want to be where the action is, go where the rich are going, steal whatever I can get my hands on. Tell you what, it’s been a while since we gambled, let's make a wager… i’ll stow away, go to the tournament, make a killing, and you stay here. When I get back, whoever made the least money gets… I don’t know.. If I win, you have to be my first mate for life and actually live a real life with me, no complaining. If you win…” Evalyn paused to think, a fiendish smile crossing her face and her tone shifting to one of mockery. “If you win, we settle down, together, i’ll be your wife like you’ve always wanted.”
As his frown intensified, Rufus couldn’t help but blush, his freckled face flushing with red as he flustered through his response. “I… no… we… it’d be nice I suppose… but not like that… I….”
Evalyn promptly spat in her hand in a deliberately unladylike fashion and held it out to shake “It’s a deal then?” she said before Rufus slowly reached out to meet her and shake.
“But you can’t take his ship” He said stubbornly, pointing at the handsome sailor with incredibly well toned arms, much to Eva’s dismay.
“Ugh, fine, i’ll find another one… actually… I just had a thought, maybe if I ask nicely enough I won’t even have to stow away, offer to help on board, that kind of thing… it’s worth a shot…”
And with that, she was up, pushing her spyglass down into a compact holster at her belt and cheerfully walking through the long grass, leaving Rufus behind with confidence that she was about to show him exactly what she was capable of.
===Evalyn Vass, Windfall Island, Day 1===
“FIFTY RUPEES?” Evalyn shouted with disgust “You’re joking right? That’s extortion.”
“Look. A deal’s a deal ‘luv, if you ain’t takin’ the free travel with everyone else it’ll run ya back fifty to bunk with the crew” Replied the disgruntled sailor she had chosen to harass.
“But I don’t think you’re listening, sir, if I become crew, then surely I can stay with the crew.”
“We ain’t hiring. And what exactly would ya be doin’ in our crew anyway?” The man sneered, looking the slender girl up and down.
“I’ll have you know i’m an excellent navigator” She snapped back with confidence
“Already got one.” He stubbornly replied. “Sleep with the other filthy street rats or pay up, that’s yer offer.”
Eva’s eyes narrowed at this insult, but her determination followed through, a wicked grin creeping across her face, knowing that this ship was the last one to turn her down and really wanting to avoid having to stow away.
“I’d like to speak to your captain.” She sneered, absolutely prepared to stoop to a new low just to shut down this clown.
“Oh yeah? And you fink he’s gonna just let you in? Well too bad, he’s not ‘ere.”
“Well where would I be able to find him? I’m sure he’d be a more reasonable man than yourself.” She stubbornly persisted.
“Go to the Salty Stalfos. Find a man named Morgan Longhorn. Wears a lot of red, you’ll know ‘im when you see him.” The sailor replied with a chuckle “And lass, good luck, you’ll need it.”
Evalyn shot a wide smile back as she began to walk away “Cheers. And I definitely won’t.”
==Hanging Around==
===Roy & Clara, Pawprint Isle, 1 Month Ago===
The hot, noon sun shined down on the grassy field that surrounded a large, egg-shaped stone. Next to the stone were two Hylians holding sickles. The male was surveying the grass before him as the female looked around in confusion. “Hey Roy,” the female finally spoke out.
Roy turned to look at the woman with a smirk. “Yes Clara?”
“What are we doing here?”
“Well I’m happy you asked!” Roy raised his hands up into the air while turning around to see the entire island. “We are here doing what no one has done before; we are stealing from the world!”
“Oh wow!” Clara shouted in excitement, but then instantly went back to a confused look and asked, “But how do we do that?”
“It’s simple!” Roy continued. “Beneath all of this grass lays an untapped trove of rupees! They say that little miniature men go around every night and hide rupees in the grass for people to hunt down.”
“Oh, like how there is all of those rupees under the ocean for people to find? We were starting to make quite a fortune grabbing those.” Clara pointed out.
“That’s right!” Roy agreed. Then, with his head lowered, sadly added, “If only that supposed ‘boat owner’ didn’t find us and chase us off.”
“Oh yeah, that was scary.”
“But all is good,” Roy assured Clara, “for our new fortune awaits right here in front of us!” And with that, Roy took his first swing with the sickle and cut some grass.
1 Month Later
A make-shift tent made of a tarp and two large sticks was covering the side of the egg-shaped rock. Next to the tent, the two Hylians could be seen swinging away at the grass.
“Hey Roy,” Clara said
Roy stopped his swinging of the sickle and looked at Clara with a smirk. “Yes Clara?”
“Are we really sure there are rupees hidden under this grass?”
“Why of course! Why else would the grass miraculously grow back to full height every night if not to conceal a treasure only those with true faith and patience may wield?”
“Oh, that makes sense!” Clara replied happily. “But wait, I think I remember hearing that only children could find things hidden by little people.” She held her finger to her chin in thought.
“If that were to even be true, I’m pretty sure our child-like hearts are good enough for us to still see everything! Don’t you worry, Clara, any day now and we will find this mysterious miracle the world is trying to hide from us!” And with that, the two quickly picked up their pace, swinging through the field.
Day 1
“Hey Roy,” Clara said.
Roy stopped his swinging of the sickle and looked at Clara with a smirk. “What is it, Clara?”
“We got a letter!” Clara waved the parchment in the air. “One of those flying Rito stopped by and gave it to me.”
“Well what does it say?” Roy asked.
LAST CALL: TOURNAMENT OF THE AGES!!!
His Royal Highness invites all brave warriors of sword and flame to compete in his name at the 14th annual Royal Tournament!
Festivities will begin on the day of the Equinox at Forsaken Fortress!
This year’s grand prize will be a ship and crew for the top three champions, with nothing less than full honorable knighthood upon fealty to the King’s Royal Navy!
Ferries and trains will be leaving from every settled isle for two days before! Competitors need only sign up when they reach the shore!
Come one, come all, for this once in a lifetime chance to prove you’re the greatest in all the Great Sea!!!​
Clara finished reading the letter and looked at Roy, perplexed. “They’re inviting us to a tournament. Is that one of those things where people fight to the death? How barbaric!”
Roy looked on, just as confused, until a thought put a smirk back on his face. “Oh no, you see! It must be one of those tournaments of the mind, like a puzzle!”
“Oh, you think so? But why does it mention brave warriors of sword and flame?” Clara pointed out.
“Hmm,” Roy thought, “Ah, you see, they are obviously trying to set up an intimidation factor into this tournament! They don’t just want any old person to walk in and ruin the whole tournament.
“Oh, like what we did with that one girl back at the private oasis!” Clara added.
“Exactly, just like how we didn’t want that girl barging in on our thievery, they don’t want the whole kingdom barging in on this amazing tournament! But since we have been personally invited, I cannot see why we shouldn’t attend!” Roy dropped his sickle and walked towards the tent. “We shall head off to Windfall at once!”
“But Roy, how are we supposed to get anywhere without rupees?”
Clara’s question froze Roy’s movement. “That’s right... Ah, I’ve got it! We shall commit some piracy to procure an investment!” Roy held his chin in his hand as he thought. “Now then, how do you commit piracy again? Oh yeah! Step one: steal rupees! Step two: get on a ship! Yes, this should work nicely! There’s bound to be someone at Windfall with pockets full of rupees they do not need!
===Roy & Clara, Windfall Island, Day 1===
Craaacckkk! The man slumped down to the floor, unconscious, as an oar, now split across the paddle, lands on top of him. Another man in a similar pinstripe suit as the first fell backwards and fearfully scooched away from the two people in fishermen outfits standing over them. “I’ll take that!” The male fisherman picked up a large bag out of their cart. The female cheered him on, jumping in the air repeatedly, almost as if she was doing jumping jacks. Then, before the man could even think of going after them, they disappeared into one of the many alleyways.
“Ah, isn’t stealing from local gangs so exciting!” Roy exclaimed as he took off his false beard and hat. “They always seem troublesome, but never expect any trouble in return. Plus,” he lifted the bag up to their view, “they always seem to have big sacks of rupees!”
“I just hope that man is okay,” Clara said as she also took off her false beard and hat. “I heard that hits on the head can severely damage people’s memories.”
“Don’t worry, my dear Clara. If he loses his memory, I bet that other fine fellow that was with him will be able to help him jog it back.” They continued to stroll down the alley.
“Oh, you’re right! What a noble pursuit he must have to now stay with his companion and nurse his memory back to normal. What if he forgot how to breathe!? Pushing his chest in and out until his lungs could remember what to do, oh, isn’t it such a wonderful relationship they must have?”
“A relationship anyone would dream of. Of course,” Roy smirked at Clara, “it still falls short of the wonderful relationship the two of us have together.”
“Oh Roy!” Clara did a little twirl before embracing Roy. “I guess we should find a boat that will take us to that tournament now? I hope it has great service; I could really go for some food.”
“With all of these riches, they’re bound to give us anything we want!”
==Katamari of Stupidity==
===Mistral, Windfall, Afternoon 1===
Mistral zipped off on Bise with a huge grin. "Cloooooooooothes for a Boooooooko buuuuuuuuuuuuudy!"
She drew some attention, what with the flying cloud and all, but nothing she wasn't used to. It was definitely preferable to walking. Her nose crinkled as she saw them all. On their feet. She leaned down, whispering to Bise, "You're right. It doesn't move right."
And then it happened. Suddenly and overpoweringly. She had no idea from whence it came and yet it was open her and she found herself stunned. Powerless.
"Ooooooooooooooooh my godesses. That. Smells. AMAZING!"
A street vendor was frying a meats on a large open grill. Bise floated her, involuntarily, toward the all-encompassing aroma. "I suppose... well, no one's eaten all day, really... Shin-shan the Grumpy-man probably won't mind tooooo much, as long as I bring something for him."
Bise bobbed reproachfully.
"Shush, you don't even eat."
The vendor cautiously raised his voice. "Uh... Uhm..? Ma'am...? Eurh... Did..." He seemed to realize he was stammering and cleared his throat. "Aherm! Welcome to my grill. Not much, saving for a shop, but the best eats you'll find on Windfall! I'd say you could ask anyone, but I see you happen to have a nose, so you must already know!"
"Yes!" Mistral squealed. "It smells like heaven mixed with bliss and a dash of yummy!"
He chuckled. "Well said! This is ready to serve, I'll make you one!"
Mistral thrust forward a hand with upraised fingers. "FOUR!"
The vendor boggles slightly, then shook his head. "Four it is, then, miss."
Moments later she was drifting down the street with juices dripping from her chin, and grease smeared over her hands. "Happy tummy." she sighed, her mind drifting with the peaceful contentedness that comes after a good meal. Bise wafted along beneath her, insistent about something or other.
________________________________________________________________________
Half an Hour Later
"And that one looks like a tektite!"
"A... what?"
"You know. Tektite. Sorta like a less-leggy spider?"
"Uh-huh... you're making that up."
"Nu-uh!"
"Well.... that's clearly a bokoblin."
Mistral bolted upright, eyelids spreading wide. "Oh no! Bokoblin! Bingbang! Clothes!"
With a nudge she sent Bise blasting back down the hill into town.
"Weird girl." commented the boy laying in the grass, as he looked down after her. "But I kinda like'er."
________________________________________________________________________
Bise flew with such speed back to the Bingbang Gang's hiding spot that it left a trail behind Mistral. She brought it to a halt and began bowing in apology. Her words fell out in a frantic rushed mess. "I'msorryI'msorryittooksolongsorryI'msorryhereIgotclothes-" she tossed a voluminous yellow and orange dress at Bingbang, which landed on her head, "-andIgotusallgood sincewehaven'teatenallday-" she tossed the fried street-meats to her three companions, "-butIalreadyateminesofeelfreetogoaheadnoneedtowaitformeandasaspecialI'msorrytoyouShinhereIboughtyouthispleasedon'thavemeweshouldbefriends."
The final item she did not toss, but gingerly offered a glass bottle full of red liquid to Shin, her eyes wise and welling with tears, hoping he'd accept the peace offering and fearing his dismissal and ire.
===Ethan, Windfall Island, Late Afternoon 1===
Ethan’s attitude grew more grim once the party was safely on Windfall island. Without the distraction of villains and wannabe villains, he was forced to pay attention to more important details. Bing had somehow survived drinking from an ancient well of power, a place where magical ley lines converged. Mutations, death, disfigurement. All things he would have expected from drinking something of such power. Not for Bing. It made Ethan’s head hurt.
Mistral came wandering back after a relatively brief time away, rambling, and offering things she’d purchased with Shin’s money. Ethan’s attention however was on the sky, as he watched a single curious spot above the windmill. A singular dot had appeared in the air, and then began stretching out into lines. It was like watching a crack in a window forming, spidering out rapidly, catching the attention of more and more people.
The entire party and half the island now had their eyes on the sky. Strangely not a soul was panicking or reacting how one might anticipate when the very heavens begin to break. With a most unpleasant crunching sound, the crack finally tore open, leaving a fissure in the sky. A cloud of insects swarmed out and down to the surface of the island, coalescing into a humanoid-esque shape. Just enough definition to identify which part began talking.
“Empress Vera wishes a message.” The words came out like one might expect from a creature composed of insects, all hisses and buzzes forced into barely intelligible words. Ethan and crew braced for a fight as the creature drifted closer. “You are marked now.” insect-man pointed to Bing. “The Empress shall claim the power you have stolen for yourself. Make peace with your existence or pledge your future to her, for she is coming.” Exploding out into thousands of insects, the creature vanished back into the fissure, which sealed itself up immediately, but not completely. A single thin line still traced across the sky where the wound had been opened.
“You just had to drink the all powerful magic soup.” Ethan snapped at Bing, taking comfort in sarcasm as the gravity of the situation truly settled in.
===Shin, Windfall, Afternoon 1===
Shin wasn’t entirely sure what Mistral had just said but he sure as hell knew what a red potion was. He quickly drank it all down and the let out a sigh of relief, “thanks, I really needed that.”
Mistral than sheepishly handed Shin back his now empty wallet. For a brief moment Shin looked disappointed but quickly realized that she had actually come through for them at this one. He shrugged and smile, “Well, it can’t be helped. We are going to need more money though.”
It was then that the sky opened up and a swarm of insects put a death mark on their bokoblin companion.
“You just had to drink the all powerful magic soup.” Ethan snapped at Bing, taking comfort in sarcasm as the gravity of the situation truly settled in.
“In her defense, you never did get around to telling us about sentient swarm of hell bugs that we’re up against,” Shin pointed out. “Besides does it really matter? That’s the... person? Yeah, that’s the person you were going after anyway right? Now we just have another reason to fight... it? Them?”
“Psh, you think too fighty,” Mistral interjected, “we just need bug repellent.”
Shin was about to say something to correct her, but then he quickly realized he wasn’t sure she was wrong.
===Mistral, Windfall, Early Evening 1===
Shin look like he was going to respond, but then shut his mouth and took on a confused yet thoughtful expression.
Mistral turned her head up to look at the weird crack-thing in the sky. "Or a frog."
Without so much as a warning, Bise zipped up high into the air. Mistral circled around the top of the Windmill and then took a closer look at the offense to reality the Bug-man had left behind.
===Bingbang Bongbang, Windfall Island, Day 1===
“HISSSSSSSSS”
The sudden shift from darkness to light came as a shock to Bingbang, who spent a while gradually adjusting to her new surroundings while Mistral fetched her a new outfit, shrieking and screeching from within a bush that Ethan had thrown her in to maintain their cover. Eventually she stepped out from her cover and nattered meaninglessly to the others about how great and powerful she had become and how she knew it had always been her destiny, until…
WHAP
Darkness. Bingbang Bongbang was suddently covered by a mess of fabric, she fought valiantly with no success to struggle her way out of the dress but only found herself more and more tangled in its pockets and sleeves until a strange voice causes her to stop still. After the threat was over she carefully found her way through the neckhole and nervously peeked out at her surroundings, gulping heavily with dread.
“You just had to drink the all powerful magic soup.” Ethan snapped her way while she pushed her arms out and strapped her drum to the back of her new elegant dress, which was far too long and dragged across the dirt behind her as she stepped towards her bickering cohorts.
“Or a frog” Mistral commented
“OR, HOW ABOUT A FEW OF THE BEST PALS A BOKOBLIN COULD EVER HAVE, EH? BY THE SOUND OF IT, THERE’S ONLY ONE OF THEM CREEPY VOICE FELLA’S, BUT THERE’S 5 OF US SO REALLY, THEY SHOULD BE SCARED OF US, RIGHT?”
And with that, Bingbang put her clawed hand out in the centre of the group, hoping that the others would join her in a moment of comradery.