|
|
Post by Shark a' Pult on Oct 12, 2014 0:55:06 GMT -5
"Well that's good because I'm not afraid of anything, so I guess I'm immune to these boogeymen!"
Kalen proclaimed rather boldly with his hands on his hips, his distinct lack of fear towards the entities Sharp spoke of. Perhaps he was cursing himself, but he felt he could hold his own where every other dead person on the island had failed. That wasn't arrogance or boastfulness, it was defiance against the odds! It was when Mr. Dark made clear his intentions though, that he felt a need to come further back to reality.
"Hey, we can't just chuck her off. Even if we're not interested in interviews or being famous, we should probably learn more if we can about this problem the island has. After all, we're going to be stopping there for who knows how long, so the better prepared we are the better overall."
It might not have been apparent, but Kalen at least marginally cared about becoming famous.
|
|
|
|
Post by Kyubey on Oct 19, 2014 23:57:07 GMT -5
Lizard listened deep in thought, realizing she did not understand what was going on as well as she thought. So far, the Boogeyman, if that was indeed what was on the boat, had only attacked Hil. There was no logical reason why everyone else would be so upset, as long as the entity did not approach anyone else. As long as none of them were afraid, then nothing else eventful should occur. It would take her a while to figure out why that, or anything else, was happening. If anything, Sharp's offer to make them celebrities seemed like more of a threat to her. She did not much like the notion of being recognized by many people.
"When we reach this Ticker Island, we will act according to our own agenda. I do not see any reason as to why we should allow you to interview us, especially after what has just occurred. Would it be possible for you to produce even one?"
"You did not ask me," said Lizard, "But I can think of one. If we throw her out, she can't give us food."
Lizard blinked, not even thinking that the others may not take her seriously.
|
|
|
|
Post by CJ on Oct 20, 2014 13:52:23 GMT -5
Sharp's face went sour when Mr. Dark suggested throwing her off the ship. She slammed her fists on the table.
"I didn't know the Boogeyman had latched onto my ship. Besides, if your friend wasn't so much of a pansy, he wouldn't have been attacked in the first place!"
"Hil's not a coward! He's brave!" Kusu shouted as her face turned bright red in anger.
"Sure he is," Sharp said with a roll of her eyes. "Oh, you could go to Ticker Island without me, but how do you think you'll be able to get into the offices of the Daily Ticker without the Warlord noticing you? From what I understand, he can slow down time and leave if he so much hears that you're going to be there. You can try to go in alone, but I can guarantee a meeting with him or that you'll be safe from the Boogeyman, like this shepherd boy said. All I'm asking is for a small interview and you can see the Warlord for sure!"
Smiling again, she bit onto some candy, tearing through it without even taking off the wrapper. Her eyes lit up at Lizard's comment.
"And hey, what's-her-face is right! I've got some food for you guys! Like doughnuts and tiny cakes!"
"Tiny cakes!" Kusu exclaimed, but then went solemn. "Tiny cakes sound nice, but I'm not sure if I like you. I don't know why my brother would like you either. I know I'm the captain and can make whatever decision I want, but I want to leave it up to you guys. Should we go with this weird lady or kick her off the ship?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Shark a' Pult on Oct 26, 2014 3:05:36 GMT -5
"What I just said don't chuck her off. Even if she was some evil villain, at least wait till we reach land. I don't have to give a reason."
Kalen blinked when Kusu ever so magnanimously stepped off of her high captain's podium in the clouds for just a moment to grace the pathetic worms with her divine presence. Perhaps he was still bitter that despite his efforts, he still sat as nothing more than a shipmate, but bitterness aside he didn't like the sense in which Kusu seemed to captain by. If they really did decide to chuck Sharp off, he'd go with her and help her as she needed.
"Interviews or whatever, that's not the most important thing right now."
Maybe Kusu could happily level Regala and butcher its people, but Kalen was not so ready to follow her footsteps yet.
|
|
|
|
Post by Kyubey on Nov 16, 2014 22:55:12 GMT -5
Lizard's brow furrowed as Sharp revealed that the food she was providing was, as far as they could tell, more pastries. Even if such food had any nutritional value, there was more than enough sugar supplied on the ship, as evidenced by the amount of candy that people were freely eating. What they needed was more meat, vegetables, and grains, to survive long journeys at sea. And that seemed like something that Sharp was not going to provide. The most fervent plea in her favor, coming from Kalen, was not convincing either. Lizard had noticed that this crew tended to make decisions without having reasons quite often. It was enough so that, in her mind, it appeared that all choices were made completely at random. It was a custom that she decided she would have to change. After all, what if they, without reason, decided to walk off a cliff, or stick their heads underwater for an extended amount of time?
"If you get rid of someone, you can't just take them back. They're gone forever," she said. "So it would be bad if you kicked her overboard, and then we realize that we really wanted her to stay on. So maybe she should stay for now. It that's a mistake, there are all sorts of ways we could kill her later."
As much as there didn't seem to be much purpose for keeping Sharp around, the logic behind throwing her off wasn't all that clear either. Lizard hated having to make decisions of that nature, and would have much preferred someone else handle it, but it was better she put her voice in than have the final answer be made with no rationale behind it.
|
|
|
|
Post by CJ on Nov 17, 2014 15:22:56 GMT -5
Ticker Island.
It a city based island with sprawling houses and establishments, all devoted to one thing and one thing only. News.
One couldn't go ten feet without experiencing some form of news, whether it be a discarded paper or news articles or specialized Den Den Mushis, spouting reports and tales from all around the world. The place was noisy, not just from reporters gathering and sharing notes, but from the constant information that overwhelmed the place.
Jack and the brothers would have read some rather vague information about their venture in Mock Town, but that news was swiftly replaced with other exciting tales across the Grand Line. The busy brick roads of Ticker Island felt almost like a market of information, with various reporters trying to sell them their stories and get a lead back from them.
The three were on their way to get something to eat. Having been exhausted by the race earlier that day, Rizzo suggested that they try to find somewhere to get food.
"Filthy commoners," Ron muttered as he walked and tugged at the bandanna covering his scar. "What makes them think that their ambitions are even the least bit fruitful."
"I think it's kind of fun!" Rizzo responded. Having been told to cover his rather unique hair color differentiation, he bought a hat with a news corporation's logo plastered on it reading "The Clipper."
They walked past a booth that had a magazine that was being set out by employees. On it was stated in huge, bold letters, "SECRETS OF THE MR. DARK FAN CLUB REVEALED." When they began to walk past it, Ron suddenly made a swift turn and marched straight toward the booth. If Jack was paying attention, he might have heard the rouge make painful sounds, like he was being dragged somewhere.
In an ubrupt action, Ron raised his hand to reveal a slick dagger. He brought it down upon the table and began to destroy the magazines.
"Hey! Stop it!" one of the employees shouted as they watched in horror.
"I'm not doing this!" Ron said back. "I swear, I'm not doing this on purpose!"
"Jack!" Rizzo shouted. "What's wrong with my brother! Ron, what's going on?"
"I don't know! It feels like someone's grabbed ahold of me! Get them off!"
If Jack was somewhat perceptive, he'd be able to see that Ron's shadow was significantly changed. It jutted along the ground unnaturally and was much longer than it should have been. It led right to a dark alley between two buildings, where a shadowed person sat motionless.
|
|
|
|
Post by Franky on Nov 26, 2014 0:52:45 GMT -5
Jack pleasantly strolled along, watching the impressive number of News Coos overhead flying to and from various places on the island. The sudden commotion with the brothers jerked his attention back to the ground. Ron hardly had the best poker face, what ever was happening he wasn't lying. Jack stepped forward and grabbed a hold of Ron's knife hand. He was more focused on Ron himself than his shadow. He waved his hand over Ron attempting to grab any invisible people or puppet strings or anything that might be there. Finding nothing he grabbed hold of Ron's other arm and gently held him in place.
"Easy buddy, easy! I got ya,now calm down and tell me what's going on with you, real quiet-like"
|
|
|
|
Post by Kyubey on Dec 1, 2014 2:48:35 GMT -5
Amidst all the noise of Ticker Island, one figure moved though the crowds without a single noise made. Even through spots where the bustle of the crowds created a thick obstruction to anyone trying to move quickly, her movements could not be described as anything less than fluid, weaving in between and beside the worst of the congestion and frantic talk. While making no noise herself, all she did was listen, and already she was gaining much. Islands like this were like home to a smuggler, especially one like Timo. Despite being part of the crowd, she was hardly a noticeable piece of it, looking as modest and unassuming as any other person, if not moreso. The only ones who would find her of note at all would be those who recognized her usual manner of dress, or those who might take issue with the cigarette smoke that wafted from her. Certainly, it wasn't likely that anyone would notice the tiny white envelope she kept clenched in one hand.
While she moved steadily, eventually her pace began to slow down, as she searched to find a specific point. Soon enough, she found it. Turning a corner, she found a bench in the shade, slightly detached from everyone else. On the bench sat a man, in all dark clothing, just as unassuming as she was. The calm face she worked to maintain slipped a little, allowing for one side of her mouth to curve into a smirk for one single second, but even that was covered once she bent her head down slightly. Without a single slip in her pace, she passed the bench, and in a blink, the envelope in her hand was gone. She made her way back into the crowd, once again assuming the role of an innocent passer-by.
Information was a tricky thing, and it came in all kinds. Because of the nature of society, even more so in the society that Timo happened to be living in, a great deal of information couldn't be passed or gained as easily as a simple news report of a declaration from a Den Den Mushi. The best kind of information, what some might call real knowledge, had to be traded in secret, in the absolute tightest of trust, and absolutely never for free. It was a sign of how sick and damaged the world really was, but Timo never outwardly complained. Why would she, when it was this simple, horrible fact that made her trade so lucrative? Secrets, just like everything else made taboo, had to trade hands somehow. From behind her shades, the noisy frantic reporters and journalists looked remarkably like walking pots of money. The hardest thing she had to do was take her pick. As for the real dirty stuff, her contacts were pretty good at doing that on their own. That was the other upside to her rotten world. Never a shortage of nasty secrets waiting to find the right voice to expose them.
Now that her primary task was complete, and she was hitting a lucrative streak, she was in a pretty good mood. The day was still fresh, she was at the center of a thriving market, and she knew this fortune wouldn't last. Between her last job's completion and the winnings from that awful race, she already had plenty of money, but it was never to early to move onto the next gig. The best places for people like her, of course, were the small cafes, taverns, and other darkened meeting places, where the less ethically or legally grounded information brokers mingled. If she could establish and maintain a good business relationship with even one of them, she'd have her next job. And thus, she wandered, waiting until her careful gaze found just the right place to stop for a moment.
|
|
|
|
Post by CJ on Dec 1, 2014 19:53:58 GMT -5
Up close, Jack would be able to see a dark shadow twisted around Ron's arm, coming out from the sleeve of his arm. It tightened and squeezed his skin.
"I don't know. It feels like something's wrapped around me. I can't shake it off!"
Swinging around, he lashed out at Jack's stomach with his other fist. The strike was incredibly powerful, like nothing the rogue could have pulled off by himself. Even if the punch didn't connect, Jack would able to see by Ron's wincing and cringing that his actions were painful. He screamed as his knife arm twitched about in a frenzy to stab the Captain.
---
Timo's good fortune might have been ending sooner than she thought. A boy ran this way and that through the crowd, looking like he was in a terrible hurry. She might have recognized him as the Zoan fruit user from the Red Ace during the race.
He actually bumped into her and stumbled for an apology. He seemed to be mannered at the very least. But looking up, his demeanor changed. He definitely recognized her. His front teeth hung awkwardly in his open mouth. He hadn't yet transformed, but his appearance was terribly close to a rat's.
"Hey! You're the dame that won the race! We need help. My brother's gone into some kind of fit! He's wrecking a news stand and we don't know why!"
He bit his lip in nervousness as he reached for spare coins in his pockets.
"I don't have much, but I'll pay you if you help us!"
If Timo chose to go to the scene, she'd see Ron outright attacking Jack in the wake of the devastation he laid on the newspaper booth. His shadow was stretched across the ground, leading straight to the cloaked figure in the dark alleyway.
|
|
|
|
Post by Franky on Dec 3, 2014 5:18:12 GMT -5
Jack was not used to people being able to overpower him once he had them in a grapple. Now, just holding someone's arms isn't exactly a powerful move in the ways of wrestling but the Ron he knew couldn't have budged an inch. Ron's punch connected with his chest, provoking a loud "HURRK!" from the gambling galleyman, it almost distracted him from the blade coming far too close for comfort to his face. With no free hand to catch the thing, Jack released Ron from his grip and dove backwards getting some distance between them, tumbling through a roll before rising to one knee.
Seems like someone dealt us a hand in a high stakes game with telling us the rules first
It was then he noticed the stretch of shadow going across the street. His eyes followed it from Ron back to the mysterious figure in the ally.
"And there's our dealer"
He focused his attention back on the length of shadow on the ground in front of him.
Well if shadows can grab people...
He placed his fingertips on the shadow on the ground, then clasped his hands into fists, grasping the shadow like a thin fabric. He rose to his feet, peeling the shadow off the ground like black packaging tape. With most of it's length hanging in the air now he turned to the figure in the ally and gave the shadow a quick and powerful yank as if pulling a rug out from under someone.
|
|
|
|
Post by Kuro on Dec 7, 2014 21:29:49 GMT -5
There wasn't much to do but listen as everyone gave their reasons for not removing the threat from the premises. Sharp herself attempted to rid him of such a notion, but her promises meant little. If it were up to him, they would not see Uzo at all. Too much risk for no purpose. What could possibly be gained from seeing the warlord? And the interviews? It would only make them even more well-known, something that was undesirable in every single way.
Unfortunately, he could not express all his sentiments. He knew he would not be able to dissuade Kusu from visiting her pathetic wretch of a brother, and even suggesting it could lead to unnecessary arguments. Ugh.
Kalen's reasoning for sparing the reporter was somewhat sound. If it were up to the doctor, the crew would stop only for supplies and directions, and as briefly as possible. But things rarely turned out that way. Preparedness through knowledge was usually helpful, and there was no telling how long they would really be on the island. Agh.
At the very least, Lizard made complete sense. Keep her in case of potential use, then dispose of her later. It was a relief to have a crewmember who agreed with efficiency and logic. No talk of "morals" or "mercy" or any of that.
Come to think of it, no one had used mercy as a reason to keep her alive. None had spoken of common decency. Instead, all spoke of how throwing Sharp overboard would be inconvenient to the crew. Simple as that, with little-to-no hesitation.
A corner of his lips twitched upwards.
"Very well. It seems as if we are keeping you onboard, Ms. Sharp. But, know that we do so out of convenience, not mercy. If another trick comes out of your sleeve, you will not make it to Ticker Island. Understood?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Kyubey on Dec 9, 2014 23:12:02 GMT -5
Timo visibly tensed up and took more than one step back when a gross rat person bumped into her. Her sunglasses dislodged a little, and she stared for a couple of seconds in confusion before readjusting to them. It was both her and the boy's good fortune that the sudden collision hadn't caused her to drop her cig. As unpleasant as the interaction already was, and how unqualified she was to handle it. Once again, there was another kid in distress, that she wanted nothing to do with. And yet, she couldn't just walk away, either. She was sometimes difficult like that.
"Hey. I'm just a smuggler. What do you want me to do here, shoot him?"
Taking a drag, Timo raised her free hand to her forehead, rubbing it in thought. She looked over to the direction the boy was pointing in. Looking down at the pocket change he was handing to her, she remembered how she came to the island to gain large amounts of money easily. Now those plans were ruined. It wasn't as if she needed to live in comfort and wealth, anyways.
"Look, kid," she said, taking the change she was offered, "I'll do what I can, but don't get mad when I can't work miracles. First of all, has your bro freaked out like this before? Any medicine he hasn't been taking? 'cause that would make things so much simpler."
As she was talking, she was already moving to where Ron was, looking to investigate how bad things really were. Obviously she wasn't about to try and restrain him herself, but if there was a clear cause for the behavior she could figure out, that was something she could work off of.
|
|
|
|
Post by CJ on Dec 10, 2014 14:24:31 GMT -5
"If you get rid of someone, you can't just take them back. They're gone forever," Lizard had said. It was something that Kusu didn't understand then, but would stick with her for a long time. She knew of death. She lost many friends in her adventure, but she still did not quite understand the horrors of mortality.
When at last Mr. Dark gave his input, it was decided. The crew would go with Sharp to Ticker Island for the exclusive interview with the Warlord Uzo.
Only an hour later (and a grating lecture on the difference between clementines and mandarines from Sharp), the crew arrived at Ticker Island.
To the uninformed person, the island would seem as dull as any other town based island. Its buildings were not uniform and looked rather tacky. It was evident that not a whole ton of creative work had gone into the planning of the place. Rather, it seemed as though buildings were just placed there for the sake of being there. There was no glorious landmark or man made structure to give the place personality or flavor. It merely was what it was.
But as the Spirit Wolf drew closer, the crew would be able to make out the obnoxious amount of newspaper vendors and reporters lining the streets. As the ship was anchored some distance away, a small boat and Sharp's ship were prepared to use so that the obnoxious miniature war ship wouldn't cause any disturbance.
Some hundred feet away, a horde gathered to greet the ship as it got closer. They were all dressed in black robes with signs and decorations that read obnoxious phrases such as "We Love Mr. Dark!" and "Mr. Dark is my waifu!"
Many of their robes had crude drawings of the man in question and his very name. Several of them wore blank white masks that had symbols and scary faces drawn on them.
"Where's Mr. Dark?" several called out.
It seemed even if Mr. Dark was visible to them, the fans wouldn't notice him. After all, the Mr. Dark they knew had bandages all over his face.
Stuck in the middle of the crowd, there was one particular fan who was different from the others. He wore a mask like the others, but this one was simply white with no design.
Mr. Dark would notice that the man didn't have any fear. He wouldn't be mistaken to be assume that this fan wasn't even a person at all. It was something that Lizard might notice as well. There was something oddly different about this man. He wasn't there to get a glimpse of Mr. Dark. No, it seemed he had, well, darker intentions in mind. It was a killing intent.
"You damn cretins! Get out of our way and leave us alone! This is important business. Nothing that you lot should get involved in."
It seemed Sharp wasn't aware of the man standing amongst the crowd. She began to push and shove fans away, almost as though they were a nuisance and not potential killers.
"I can't believe Mr. Scary Man has so many fans!" Kusu said to Kalen as she looked over the railing. "I wonder if you have a fan club too! Do you think all of the members dress up as sheep? I want to dress up like a sheep! Let's start a Mr. Kalen Fan Club!"
Sharp hopped onto her paddle boat, which had somehow appeared on the side of the ship again. Just where had it gone?
"Who wants to come with me on my grand ship? I can seat a second person. The rest of you will have to go in your boat. Your dingy, smelly little boat."
Kusu began to raise her hand and flail about to get Sharp's attention, but it seemed the reporter was ignoring her on purpose. It also seemed Hil hadn't come back out yet. He was still likely in the control room, getting things prepared for their departure.
---
Meanwhile, on the other side of the island, a little rat boy was speaking to a smuggler about helping his unfortunate brother.
"You're a smuggler? I thought you were a detective! I'm not sure why. I just supposed you looked smart is well. Dang, ah well."
Rizzo looked entirely defeated. Had his efforts gone to waste?
"Has my brother freaked out before? I mean, my brother gets crazy mad sometimes. Doctors said nothing was wrong with him, but I suspect he might have been dropped on the head too many times as a kid."
Rizzo was interrupted by Ron yelling.
---
Likely to Jack's surprise, he would find that the shadow was tangible. Indeed, he could have picked it up the whole time. As he yanked on it, Ron yelled out.
He succeeded in pulling the dealer as he called her, but also Ron. The two went flying forward and landed on their faces. There was a snapping noise as the shadow actually broke apart. Ron was free from the shadows, though he was left to groan in agony with his face in the road.
The cloaked figure stumbled as she got up. She looked rather short, almost like a child. She shrieked and began to sprint away in fear. Her face was obsurced by her hood, so it would be different to see exactly who she was. However, the words "Mr. Dark Fan Club" were painted onto the back of her black cloak in bright white letters.
The girl ran and stumbled, almost crashing into Timo as she tried to flee. Rizzo only stared blankly. Perhaps he didn't realize the connection between the girl and the attack on his brother.
|
|
|
|
Post by Shark a' Pult on Dec 17, 2014 22:22:47 GMT -5
"There's no way I have a fanclub!" Kalen thought aloud in a lighthearted tone.
---
"A shepherd, yes. Not more than twenty, and not much taller than the young Mistress there. Light hair, light features..."
In a way it was hard for Joran, since traipsing into this place was a painful reminder. Just as the Hyperion had been a thing of beauty but no more, such was the same with Victoria, the results of recent pirate activity still prevalent. Still though, he put any personal issues aside as he asked about to whomever he could, as to the status and possible whereabouts of the pirates responsible. One, in particular, and as he spoke he gestured to a very rugged, very ill-looking young woman kneeling in some rubble. Woman in a loose sense of the word, as her battered, burned, scarred body was losing human resemblance overtime.
"Christine, I don't think we should stay here for much longer. The people here creep me out."
Almost a painful contrast was Calida, also a young woman (at least in appearance) but very much the opposite in looks. The very portrait of health and good looks, she was literally glowing, though she looked rather uneasy with the situation at hand and kept checking over her shoulder.
"He was here... the shepherd."
She didn't seem to register Calida's presence though, as she pulled the remains of a thrown bola from the rubble. Holding it between her hands, her grip tightened as she closed her eyes to think. The trail had not gone cold, which meant there was only one path to follow.
"Hey guys, I think I found a pretty big banner over here! Not sure what it used to be but it's blank now, I think we can fit 'Gravel Fanclub' on it easily enough."
Al opened the door of a doorframe, which was the only part remaining of what had been a house probably, carrying a bundled and badly damaged Arkady banner. He approached the others though, with some much needed optimism.
---
"I like the boat..." Kalen responded in a half-defeated tone, sitting on the deck and busy mending some rigging. When he heard Sharp was leaving though, he volunteered.
"I'll go if no one else wants to. You all can manage without me for a little bit, right?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Franky on Dec 19, 2014 19:43:44 GMT -5
Jack stumbled back a step when the shadow snapped but then hurried to Ron's side, pulling him off the ground and helping him up.
"Hey, hey, c'mon buddy let me hear ya, you okay?"
He looked up to see their assailant already on the run, headed straight for Rizzo and the girl from earlier.
"Rizzo! Stop that hooded fangirl!" He shouted, pointing her out as she nearly collided with them.
|
|
