[Fin] X Marks the Spot

[Jericho]

A small island can hold many secrets. A large Island can hold even more. Either way, a map can reveal these secrets, and that is exactly what Jericho had acquired, as well as a small row boat through theft. He was clad in his normal outfit, shirtless, tattoo visible, Behemoth clad upon his back.

The man was nothing short of being a poster that simply yelled pirate, bandit, scumbag, something along those lines. He was not as famous as he once was though, years ago before his imprisonment. Now, he was a simple sky pirate, and his legacy as the most feared captain of the seas had come to an end.

Stepping off the small boat and onto the island, he looked around. Three tree's, a small mountain, some more tree's, and then the unknown. This unknown was simply the ocean; this Island was much smaller then he anticipated, and smaller than the map led onto. It showed a climbing up the mountain, and then into a long discerning tunnel.

This was not right...

[gavin]

Gavin wasn't on any sort of hunt. He wasn't out looking for treasure, he simply wanted a new place to train. Perhaps his own private island to settle. Instead what he found was a small island with a single boat ashore. He landed upon the island, folding back his wings and taking a moment to rest them.

It was not until after his short break that he noticed a man not far from him, likely the owner of the rowboat in question. His appearance made Gavin cautious, mainly because of the sword on his back. Quite the blade, much more intricate than the basic swords Gavin traveled with.

The island appeared desolate, save for the two men now occupying it. Rather than approach the man, Gavin instead decided to stay put, not sure if the man was friendly or if he had even noticed Gavin swoop in.

[Jericho]

Jericho did not notice the man drop in, but rather remained elaborately focused on the map extended before him. Glancing up between it and the mountain several times over, he could not distinguish the meaning of the map. Perhaps there was a cave entrance, or a tunnel at the top of the small mountain leading down into the ground where the treasure lie, perhaps not. He could not know for sure unless he went up to survey the top of the mountain.

"Hm...."

He did not want to climb a mountain and be disappointed, his laziness was to strong. So, he did what any man would do. He looked up to the mountain, and stared at it. Perhaps the Gods would give him a way of knowing if the adventure was worth his time.

"Some hard liquor sounds good about now."

[gavin]

Apparently the man did not notice the hawk swoop in. He did, however, have a map and a strong desire for strong booze. Gavin didn't often indulge in alcohol, it messed with his system something fierce.

"If you came here for something, as I would assume the map is for just that, I would suggest you start searching for it. The sooner you finish your work, the sooner you can get back to your precious booze." The comment was of course meant to ruffle the man's feathers. Though Gavin was the only of them with actual feathers.

[Jericho]

As the Oocca spoke, Jericho shifted his stance, pivoting his foot so that he turned to face the winged being. Flight was something of use, and since he was not with his crew as of now, the airship was not at his disposal. Raising a single eyebrow, he stared at the mans wings momentarily.

"Words of truth." He grunted.

Taking a few steps forth, he took a slight bow to the man. "And what interest do ya have here?" Jericho had one thought in mind; perhaps this Oocca would fancy flying to the top of the miniscule mountain, see if any cavern entrances existed, and return to tell Jericho. The only problem was that the chances of this were small, considering caves were not at the top of mountains unless man made, and even then no one built a cave from the top of a mountain. Jericho was unaware that his map was simply fabricated, a fake one he one in a bet back at Westport. He had been, by all means, royally bluffed, tricked, and scammed.

[gavin]

Gavin gave an equal bow back, a brief sign of respect for a fellow man, even if he did look a bit shady.

"I saw the boat, thought I'd see what a solitary row was doing on an abandoned site such as this. Judging by your map, I'd say you were on the hunt for some long lost treasure of a dead pirate. I didn't know grown men still did those kinds of things. It's more of a children's tale, don't you think?" He didn't mean to sound like a stuffy old codger, but it was just how it came out. Trying to find an old treasure seemed to be pretty foolish. Then again, he never knew. He never hunted for lost treasure, it was just something that never interested the old bird.

[Jericho]

"Childish? Perhaps, but I've gotten rich off of lost treasures before, and a means to making money isn't childish at all." He folded the map up and tucked it under his armpit. Casually, he couldn't help but wonder what this Oocca was actually intending on doing here.

"You may be right though- I'm thinkin this maps nothing but a hoax."

He eyed the birds stance carefully, feeling a sense of tension grow between the two. They were in fact polar opposites, or so it appeared. "Jericho Santana."

[gavin]

"Maps can be trouble, especially when provided by unreliable sources. You appear smart enough to understand that though." That, or he appeared to frequently follow treasure maps. Regardless, his was experienced in the maps department.

"Gavin Cooper. Unlike you, my target was not this island. Aren't you a bit...solo to be following treasure maps. I always thought of massive vessels carrying entire crews, not a shirtless man in a rowboat." An interesting turn of events. It seemed that words would be the first battle, then from there...who knows?

[Jericho]

Jericho spit on the ground, staring at the Oocca with a less patient demeanor. "I belong to a crew, the crew does not belong to me. I do not bring them everywhere I go." He dropped the map to the sand and lowered his brow.

"We gonna have a problem, goose?"

He reached back, gripping the Behemoth tightly, yet not quite drawing it or moving it. He had come across quite an odd situation.

[gavin]

As Jericho reached for and gripped his sword, Gavin instead folded his arms and shook his head.

"Relax treasure hunter, you're in no danger. I'm no marauder, here to kill or steal your treasure." His swords at his side may have suggested his position as a swordsman, but he was no bandit. Though this man looked like he was closer to being one than being afraid of one.

"I must say though, you were rather quick to suggest a problem." His eyes drifted down to his dagger and shortsword down at his side. Of course, there was a longsword across his back as well.

[Jericho]

He retained his grip, out of pure habit. "I know I'm not in any danger, heh." He was being cocky again, he knew it. This Oocca was testing his temper though, and the pirate knew it. He was arrogant, but not stupid. He had the experience of age with him, and in his younger years he would of already made an attack, but that was the kind of thing that got you killed.

"Men are prideful by nature, and combat is the true test of character. Respect comes from battle, but until then..."

Jericho stared at the Oocca, his blood coursing for battle by nature. He was a Pirate, but he held morals nonetheless. Women and children received mercy, yadda yadda, the typical morality of a man. He believed in his words though; men were creatures of pride and combat by nature, and neither would respect one another until they had fought, against each other or alongside each other. At least, it held true for the old man.

[gavin]

Gavin chuckled at Jericho's comments. Was that a challenge? Granted, Gavin didn't mind a swordfight, test of skill and all that.

"If it's a duel you want, I suppose I could indulge. I don't carry around three blades for show after all." He released his arms and went behind his back to grab the longsword out of its scabbard. Not nearly as fancy a blade as Jericho's, but Gavin always preferred substance and functionality over cool points.

"There's still a chance to turn back. Though I doubt you're the type to give up." This might be fun. It was always a treat to fight against a weapon that looked unorthodox.

[Jericho]

Jericho brought the sword around to his front somewhat, resting the large blade on his shoulder. It wasn't that it was heavy, because for him it weighed literally nothing, it was like moving his fist around. Normally, it would be an inconvenient weapon, but its steady growth in magical properties made it quite the tool.

"Surely not to the death- only for sport."

Of course, since when was anything for sport.

[gavin]

Gavin rested the blade outward towards Jericho.

"Of course."

And with that, the wings spread out in full and Gavin was in the air, monitoring Jericho's reaction to an aerial opponent. As he circled his opponent, he brought the longsword to ready before executing a dive-bomb, the sword aimed directly at those ridiculous tattoos of his.

[Jericho]

He watched as his opponent gained air after pointing his sword forth to initiate the battle. With his spare hand, he pulled out a small bomb behind him, with discreet, and dropped it behind him, using the small lever to ignite the string. He had only a small quantity of time before it would blow, and his body finely blocked it from Gavin. It was a small bomb that did some damage, but nothing fatal at all.

As Gavin nose dived with his sword aimed directly at his chest, Jericho waited until his timing was right, and shifted to the side slightly, using his gauntlet covered arm to trap the blade against his skin; it would cause him some damage, a nasty wound no doubt. He would then immediately use Bum Rush

[/color], attempting to deal the damage, and push Gavin forth with him. The Bomb was to assure he didn't teleport instantly behind him.

(Due to Jericho's inability to look at the bomb without it being obvious, he has no idea he has NOT lit it, so it will not explode)

[/blockquote][/blockquote][/size]