With the stakes so high... (The Mission. 1.2)

[Zeke Omoihake]

The strange man in white's words had intrigued Zeke, and made him suddenly somewhat wary of the pearly orb that he had secured back down beneath the deeps. Part of him wanted to demand more information of the figure, yet something about the frivolity of his words and manners told him that was unlikely. At first he wondered if the man had been there just to ensure that Zeke would keep the artifact on his person, but still he remained on the ship, left as a mystery that Zeke would have considered further had it not been for Brea breaking his focus.

"Oh hey yeah man I could really use a little touch up after that fight. One of those stupid fish really got me good here." Zeke rolled his sleeve up to the point where he had known the fish had torn into him, yet no matter what angle he inspected his arm from his flesh looked healthy and in one piece. "Hmmm, that's weird it was right here...well whatever, the worst that I got it was up in the...shoulder." Once more Zeke inspected his bare arm, yet no blood or wound was there for him to see. Caught in a complete confusion he did a quick glance left and right to make sure no one but Brea was looking before digging his hand down his pants to try and find the last injury on his outer thigh. That's when it hit him.

Come to think of it, I started feeling a lot better right after we got into the ship. If I'm the only one who's been getting better, than it has to be because of the orb. No wonder that weird guy told me to keep it. It's going to get me through this adventure!

With an thrilled look on his face Zeke trailed off from his discussion with Brea with a half hearted laugh and dismissive comment. "Guess I musta just got spooked or something. Nevermind..." Leaving the man's presence he turned with a sudden surprise to see a golden skinned girl flash onto the deck of the ship so fast that the wooden deck creaked painfully beneath her, and the whole thing sent Zeke on his ass. Unsure of what to say or do about her he could only watch as Mark exchanged words with her before pointing her in his direction.

"Uhhh, hi?" Zeke still hadn't got to his feet, and could only stare as he wondered how many more strangers were going to appear from nowhere to tell him something today.

[shanira]

'Heeeeee...Lady Shanira~' Shanira thought to herself all in a ditz, she'd never been referred to as a 'lady' before. To Felios she was 'Shanira' or 'Child', to the other guardians she was 'the brat', and until she had revealed herself to Alexander she had been known as 'Foxy'...which now she thought about it she still kinda liked. The other guardians thought it was immature but she thought it was perfect, it just meant she was better-looking than them! Right?!

Thoughts trailed off for only a brief moment, Shanira's eyes lit up once Mark pointed Zeke out to her. He seemed confused, but he was also usually standing instead of sitting around on the floor so somehow she took this as nothing odd. She looked excited beyond even what a small child could have shown on their birthday, with a spring in her step...which she only took about three of before she leaped towards the man on the floor, landing nearly on his side and greeting him in her usual fashion by snuggling her head under his chin and impatiently waiting to be petted.

Oh wait! She almost forgot it already! She retrieved the envelope from her pouch again and pushed it forcefully into Zeke's hands. It had Alexander's seal on it and as Shanira sat there (still in Zeke's personal bubble and had no intention of moving) waiting for him to look at it she giggled with excitement.
Inside he'd find a chain with a small pendant on it, as well as a note that read
Zeke,
I'm not sure how good of a messenger she is like this, but if a strange-speaking woman has delivered this to you, it's Foxy. Don't ask. Her name is also apparently Shanira. Long story.
I'm not going to busy myself counting the days you're away, but rather the days until you return. Until then, take this pendant. It'll keep you safe and well.
Shanira will also help you. She insists. Really. Give her something to do. PLEASE. --Alexander

Shanira remembered watching over Alexander's shoulder as he wrote the note, and how he kept looking up at her and asking if she had anything else she could be doing. She told him no every time he asked.

[Zeke Omoihake]

"Ahhhhh!" Zeke scuttled back in a futile effort to escape the manic golden girl, but her nuzzles could not be escaped. At least she seemed harmless, if somehow oddly familiar in a way he couldn't quite pin down. Putting his hand hesitantly out he patted her on the head, and as strange as it was if felt oddly appropriate. In that moment Shanira handed him the letter, and immediately Zeke recognized the Santo-Lucian seal. Pausing only briefly to give her a perplexed look he tore open the envelope and lapped up each elegant pen stroke of Alexander's writing. His words touched Zeke, killing all doubt that he'd made the wrong choice in following Mark. Holding the pendant in front of him Zeke watched it sway gently in the wind as he lost himself to fond memories. At least, he did till Shanira's incessant giggles and prodding finally could no longer be ignored.

"Okay okay Foxy...ohhhh, yeah that name's gotta kind of weird all of a sudden." Zeke said as he caught more than an eyeful of her curves. "Shanira it is then. No wonder I thought you were familiar. Well then, if Alexander wants you here with me we'd best find you something to do? Come on." He heaved himself up with a grunt and made his way over to the Captain. "Hey Cap, looks like we've got ourselves another crew member, and she's eager for something to do. Don't suppose you've got something for us by chance?" He inquired, hoping not to distract the blue-haired sea captain from her task at hand.

[shanira]

Shanira wiggled happily because she'd gotten her reward out of this deal. Ears and head scratched, it was the greatest thing ever. She knew she'd done a good job, then.

Watching Zeke get to his feet, Shanira leaped to her own and followed closely on his heels towards the blue-haired woman again. She watched as Zeke talked to her, turning her gaze around to the others on the ship with them. She had someone else she was supposed to look for as well on this ship, but somehow could only vaguely remember what he looked like...

[Zaria DeGantz]

"For now, both of you Just rest and take it easy." Zaria answered. "Morning comes quickly, and we've already dropped anchor, so there's really nothing that needs to be done right now." She turned for a brief moment to see who else was above deck before turning back to Zeke.

"From the sounds of it, we'll need all the help we can get tomorrow. So We'll be needing everyone to be in tip top shape."

She looked at Shanira then grinned. "There will be plenty of tasks tomorrow, so for now- just keep out of mischief."

[shanira]

Shanira blinked at Zaria, whipping her head around from Zeke to her and saying simply, "Ava hevetik ami hue."

She put her hands on her shoulders as she spoke and then gave a jump, hands shooting straight out into the air. She wasn't tired, this was no time to rest. She had a mission to complete. Shanira had people to find, she was told to help Zeke, which apparently meant she was here helping the crew, so that meant work had to be done. It would make her master happy. She liked when he was happy, she felt better when he was.

Right now? He was content.