Reika's dreams (R2)

[bathymetric]

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week 5; sunday night

[bathymetric]

[Reika once again dreams, and she is immediately submerged in the cool depths of darkness. Though now, it feels more like the sensation of floating in the deep, dark ocean than a solid void.

Thank goodness this is a dream, so you can still breathe.]

Hello?

[leaveittomother]

[This probably should be very alarming but Reika's had worse. At least she can breathe.]

Hello. I'm here.

[bathymetric]

Ah, excellent. My connection has grown stronger since last we met.

I hope you are in good health, then?

[leaveittomother]

That's excellent news! I'm still in good health. [Spirits is a different story but she has her goals set.]

I have news. We saw the Captain's face and hears his name. As you said, names have power but I'm unsure if you knew of his identity beforehand.

[bathymetric]

I won't ask how your spirits are doing.

I haven't discovered his identity, only that his powers are to be feared. What is the name of this scoundrel, then?

[leaveittomother]

His name is Jack. His face seems to be some kind of mask.

[bathymetric]

Jack...

[The currents still.]

This Jack must be quite bloodthirsty to put all of this together.

[leaveittomother]

I'd say so, he's boasted of 'killing many dangerous things' before. I'm not sure what his motivations are besides sadism and arrogance.

[bathymetric]

Hmm, a dangerous foe, to be certain. And with Davy Jones by this side, bringing him down will be difficult.

But not impossible.

[leaveittomother]

If there's a chance, there's little point in not trying. Even a tiger can be lured away into a pit.

[bathymetric]

Yes, and I believe your captain is just as trapped on this ship as you are. Opportunities will present themselves in time, and I will try to find them.

[leaveittomother]

He seems careless enough to a degree that I'm sure he'll practically hand them to you.

[bathymetric]

[The voice seems to find that humorous, at least.]

Let us all hope so.

[Which is all Reika hears now before, once more, waking up.]

week 6; Monday night

[bathymetric]

[Another night, another dream. After a sight as grisly as what everything witnessed this morning, the depths of this ocean-like dreamland are almost comforting. It flows around Reika, suspending her.

The voice calls. A bit closer than last week.]

I hope this message reaches you in a healthy state. My connection is improving by the day.

[leaveittomother]

[This is better than the smog and violence her daughter's memories were made of. The ocean can be fierce but also quite calming.]

I can tell; you seem closer. I'm healthy but one of our group wasn't so lucky as us. She found a way to Jack's office. Her attempt on his life was cut short by some sort of magic doll.

[bathymetric]

Oh, well, I'm sorry. That's deeply unfortunate for you.

[The sea stirs slowly.]

A magic doll, eh? Well, it would seem my suspicions are starting to come true. Your captain may be using voodoo.

[leaveittomother]

Mm.

[R.I.P. to Chloe but she's different.]

So it seems. Is there a way to turn it back on him or should we try catching him unaware?

[bathymetric]

Voodoo is a tricky magic. Unless you're well practiced in it, of course. Any fool could pick up a doll and stick a pin in it.

But a fool and his doll can be easily parted. You haven't witnessed him doing more, have you?

[leaveittomother]

Ah... Right. My best me this would to separate them.

No, I haven't. Given what we know of him he doesn't seem like the sort of person who has any skill in any magic. Likely he had someone do it for him; he's quite wealthy.

[bathymetric]

He does seem a tad... inexperienced with it. But money is an efficient way to get others to talk, or power.

But, if he is displaying power over voodoo now, you might be facing even more of its terrible might. Best to be on your guard.

[leaveittomother]

I plan to. I'm used to going against those that use magic but admittedly I had help on that front. I'm not sure other than being careful how I could help against this new development.

[bathymetric]

You will have help though.

I shall lend my assistance. However I can.

[leaveittomother]

I'm honored. I know how to deal with fools if I can get close to him.

[bathymetric]

And this man is nothing if not a fool, wouldn't you say?

[leaveittomother]

I would say that, exactly.

[She doesn't even care what happens to her... or anyone else, really. Killing is the only thing she's good at now. The irony of the Master of Assassin becoming an assassin herself isn't lost on her.]

[bathymetric]

His arrogance shall be a lesson that he won't live to learn, that's for certain.

[Which is the last thing Reika hears before she opens her eyes to the waking world.]

week 7; Wednesday night

[bathymetric]

[The swirls of the sea are stronger than every, nearly suffocating though Reika has no need for air. Over head, the flash of lightning cuts through the murky waters in quick shimmers of light.

The voice is beside her.]

I am closer than every before. Your group has lost so much... I am ashamed that it has taken so long.

[leaveittomother]

[It's definitely not good tonight but she's ready. She's ready for what must be done. She shakes her head through the water.]

That you were trying at all speaks greatly of you. [She's been thinking of this for all the week since Freyja's trial. There was no time to wait for guidance. She was already making movements that she could take back if the time wasn't right but:]

I'm afraid we may lose more. I've been thinking of ways to get close to him and while we can talk to him face to face now he's far too prepared there. He does bring those condemned in the trial close to him before they're executed. [Her Jack... she can't wait. Not now.] It's a risky move but I'm a wicked woman. I deserve any punishment I get for succeeding or failing.

[She's not going to get away from this free, she knows that much.] If I can get to him there... that's the only thing I can think of.

[bathymetric]

[The currents wash over her, slowing in moments. Like they're contemplating her words.]

...That would be where he is at his most vulnerable, yes. It's entirely possible that you could catch him distracted and unable to reach for that voodoo doll. In theory, it would work.

But you are aware just how dangerous that will be. And what you will have to do to get to that point.

[leaveittomother]

I do. The Captain threatened our loved ones this week; if no one goes after it then he plans to torment them in the same way. We have no way of confirming if it's true but everyone is convinced someone will go after it.

[It was the perfect motive that they'd believe for her. It wasn't even wrong that she'd do anything for her child.]

They also know that I would do anything for my child. They would believe my actions were solely for it, as would the Captain. [It actually is hard to admit this? Maybe it's just the water but she's trying.] I would rather do it more discretely but I can't think of one.

[bathymetric]

How vile. Threatening a person's loved ones is definitely a surefire way to get someone to kill, even if they do not wish to.

I understand. From what I know of this man, he won't see anything besides what you want him to see. And when you are close, you should be able to easily corner him.

You are very brave to do this, Reika.