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Post by Kuro on Feb 7, 2012 23:51:25 GMT -5
For a moment, Mr. Dark thought that the voice would belong to another future crew member. This thought vanished as quickly as it appeared when he saw the Marine coat. His presence and the sudden vacancy of the streets indicated that this wasno ordinary Marine. It was probable that the Marine could've defeated, but was there an point? He was providing a ship and did not know of their identities...Or at least, that was how it seemed. Thankful that the others had chosen to conceal the identity of the Phantom Pirate Roger, Mr. Dark looked at Mr. Meian and shook his head. The Dragonborn had never proven himself to be disturbingly rash or stupid, but there was never any certainty.
"Yes. There is a surplus of them in this alley." He loudly walked to the spot where he had poured out the posters earlier.
Mr. Dark thought of the possibility that this high-ranking marine held information on Mr. Zuberi. There was also the possibility that this marine already knew if their scuffle and there was the possibility that the ship was a trap. Perhaps the marine truly had no idea of who they were. Mr. Dark prepared himself for whatever could have next. Would the others do do as well?
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Post by CJ on Feb 8, 2012 2:54:23 GMT -5
Kusu looked to the others for their reactions to the situation. She finally realized this man was a Marine in a prominent position. They were fortunate to find a ship this easily, but if the man was to learn of their true identities, it could be bad.
“Is that so?” the Commander asked Mr. Dark. Fortunately, he was too busy focusing on his current task to notice any strange activity on Dunkan's part. He walked over to the street with his arms stretched out forward. He felt the side of a building Mr. Dark indicated. He grinned, feeling a poster, and tore it down. However, it was a poster for a sale at the very store he stood at, not one of theirs at all.
“One down! More to go!” he announced happily. “Once we get these down, I can give you my ship!”
The Commander paused and turned toward the group again.
“I didn’t introduce myself, did I?” he said glumly. “I’m Commander Patrick March. I work for the Captain who oversees this island.
“My men merged with hers when I was assigned to this place so I don’t use my ship anymore. It was big enough to fit my men so it shouldn’t be a problem for who I can only assume is a rather large man over there, judging by his steps.
“My condition doesn’t make it easy to sail ships around so I no longer have any use for it. I’m sure it could be put to good use with nice people like you… Wait, who are you all anyways?”
“I’m Kusu!” Kusu announced innocently. “And these are my friends, Mr. Dark and Takai.”
The Commander’s eyebrows rose slightly at the name of “Kusu.” He had definitely heard of the name before, but it did not seem to change his opinion of the group.
Kusu, on the other hand, seemed to be getting a handle on actual names, using nicknames simply for fun now.
“Awesome names. Your parents must have been cool,” the Commander joked. Kusu giggled and continued on.
“And these are… um… excuse me, who are you two? Sqwee?”
Kusu tapped her feet against the ground, looking over at Dunkan and Wolf. It was somewhat strange she had not asked them these questions before. And now with Commander March standing right there, it might be difficult not to bend the truth.
Kalen was an individual Kusu had still not noticed yet.
--
Gracie’s lip quivered as Z spoke rather confusingly. She seemed scared, not of him but of her obligation to take down such an unstoppable force. So when he stabbed himself in the head, she was incredibly relieved.
“Good. This makes things much easier,” she said with a soft smile. “But wait… are you still moving?”
Gracie staggered back as Z approached her, speaking unintelligibly. She bit her lip, making it bleed slightly in her nervousness.
“I would like you to please stop doing this… if that’s alright with you…”
Her wide eyes went huge when he dashed forward at her. She made a strange choking noise when he crushed her in his arms.
Gracie was a small creature, often mistaken for being simply, just a secretary. In reality, she could have been much more.
Z might have noticed by now that her backpack was unzipped. Somehow, in the chaos, Gracie pulled out two pearl colored revolvers from it. Her one arm was wrapped above Z’s left arm; her gun was pointed at the temple of his head. Her other gun was stuck between her and his chest as her arm was caught in his embrace.
“Squeeze harder… if you want to hurt me more…” she said robotically, her head just inched away from his sword.
At that moment, she pulled back the triggers of the guns, releasing bullets aimed for his brain and liver.
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Post by KaosuKishi on Feb 8, 2012 9:51:02 GMT -5
Takai smiled at the marine. The air of danger around the man didn't bother him in the slightest, nowadays most people had one of some degree. And that it wasn't aimed at him or one of his friends helped, too. He started taking down posters, not wanting to raise suspicion with March.
"I, for one, appreciate your generosity. You see, I've been stuck here for day ever since a bounty hunter mistook me for someone else and destroyed my ship, and I do want to continue my journey sometime. As my friend said, the name's Takai. It's rare to see marines with your...condition, since such people usually get ridiculed a lot. You must be VERY strong to have earned your Captain's trust."
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Post by Hitotsumami on Feb 8, 2012 12:20:35 GMT -5
Samuel watched as Mr. Dark and Kusu quelled any suspicious March had towards them, and was glad the situation had been neutralized. Kusu then turned towards Wolf and Dunkan, and asked for their names.
While still in earshot of March, he knew he could not reveal his real name. It could potentially be well known to him. He did escape from Vegapunk ten years ago, and as far as he knew, Vegapunk was still looking for him. He would have to make up a name, at least for the time being.
He accessed his anagram generator (he had no idea why Vegapunk installed that within his mind) and quick inserted his real name Samuel Wolf. He choose a random result and answered with that.
"My name is Law Elf Sumo."
He hoped Dunkan wouldn't give away what his real name was, at least not yet.
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Post by newb23 on Feb 8, 2012 18:30:22 GMT -5
Dunkan glanced up at Wolf and smiled intensely as the man said he would accompany Dunkan on the adventure. He was glad he would not have to join the group alone and would have someone he was already slightly acquainted with joining him as well. ”Always nice to travel with friends,” Dunkan told Wolf before he looked back at the others. He watched as Commander March walked down the alley and ran his fingers on the wall, tearing down the wrong poster once he had reached one. Dunkan wanted to speak up but kept his tongue, the voice in the back of his mind telling him to behave and not say anything that may upset the marine.
When Kusu asked for their names and Wolf gave a different one altogether Dunkan looked at him in slight confusion but decided not to break his new friends trust and kept quiet which seemed more difficult then it actually should have been to Dunkan as he had to keep his hand in front of his mouth for a moment before he could speak. Lowering his hand Dunkan smiled broadly at Kusu. ”I’m Dunkan Walker and me and Law are best friends. Did ‘ou just decide that on yer own? Well…uhhh maybe? I’m sure he doesn’t mind. I mean I’m sure he feels the same way. ’Ou keep being delusional while I ignore ‘ou fer a while. Hurtful,” Dunkan told Kusu before arguing with himself.
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Post by CJ on Feb 10, 2012 14:24:09 GMT -5
“A bounty hunter destroyed your ship?” March asked Takai. “That’s terrible. If I find that guy, I’ll make sure he gets what’s coming to him. That’s a promise!”
March gave a thumbs up and continued to take down random signs for events and sales. When he heard Wolf’s anagrammed name, his glasses dropped, revealing quite sparkly eyes.
“That is the coolest name ever!” March and Kusu shouted at the same time.
The both looked toward each other and laughed as they continued to take down posters (Kusu, to her disappointment, of course).
At this time, Kusu finally noticed Dunkan’s strange quirk. She found it odd he was having two conversations with himself and couldn’t quite understand it.
“If you need psychiatric help, we’ve got some in Babel Tower,” March said quite plainly to Dunkan.
“What’s sci-tree-ack-tick?” Kusu asked.
“Something you won’t hopefully ever have to seek help from.”
At this point, March found yet another poster on a lamp post. It had the picture of a puppy stating: Lost. He tore it off and stared face to face with the puppy’s adorable face.
“I will find you, Pirate Roger,” he said, “and when I do, I will end your evil reign.”
Kusu looked at Mr. Dark anxiously at this.
March seemed to ponder slightly at Takai’s inquiry. He smiled smugly, as though proud of himself.
“I’m strong, but there are plenty stronger than me. My Captain, for example, could take me down in an instant. And just because I can’t see like you all, doesn’t mean I can’t really see.”
March stared directly at Takai, even though he shouldn’t have been able to. It was uncanny, almost strange. His face turned from its usual happiness to a strange fear. His mouth frowned deeply underneath his sunglasses. Not a fear for danger of his life, but that he might have been wrong about something. He looked terribly regretful.
“You’re not human… are you, Mr. Takai?”
--
A figure approached from Kalen’s direction.
It appeared to be a woman, covered completely in black. She wore a large motorcyclist’s helmet on her head, branded on the one side with a large Marine’s logo. Her attire was much like a normal Marine Captain’s, though material seemed almost plastic and was entirely black.
There were two black sheathed sabers at her side. There were clearly expensive, with gold designs spiraling around them.
She looked down at Kalen and scoffed.
--
The woman in black approached the group there in the street. She seemed to merge out of the shadows. There was something about her that seemed otherworldly. She didn’t belong in this business district; she belonged with warriors and kings.
“Captain Fate! It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you out here,” March announced happily, though how he knew she was all the way over there was bewildering.
“Commander, what are you doing with the pacifista?” she asked coldly. Her voice was deep, though not masculine.
“Say what now?” March asked, shockingly. “The pacifista’s here?”
“It’s right there, idiot!” she pointed to Wolf.
“Where?!” March asked, spinning in circles.
“Turn on your Haki!” she shouted angrily.
March stood still and then tilted his head rapidly upward. He had the same expression on his face as when he spoke with Takai.
“Oh no,” he whispered.
“You,” Fate nearly shouted at Wolf, “what are you doing on my island? I demand answers. Who sent you here and why wasn’t I informed?”
Before Wolf could likely get a chance to answer, Fate slammed her heavy boot to the ground.
“ANSWER ME!”
A force rang out from her being, spreading out toward all those present at the scene.
Kusu had been busy trying to figure out what the two Marines were talking about when they said “pacifista” when she was hit with the force. She hit the pavement of the street hard and lied there with her eyes still open. She began foaming at the mouth slightly.
Those who were informed before would know this technique was called “Haoshoku Haki” or “Conqueror’s Haki.” It was the rare ability to dominate those of weak will. For a child, like Kusu, it was extremely effective. While the others might feel it, they likely could withstand it.
But the fact that Fate would use near Kusu, not knowing of the girl at all, was a pure demonstration of how little she cared for others, especially those who stood in the way of what she wanted.
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Post by KaosuKishi on Feb 10, 2012 17:33:43 GMT -5
Takai chuckled at March and Kusu's cheerfulness, but frowned when March mentioned his not being human. He leaned to March and whispered.
"I usually keep this little detail to myself, as we all know how people tend to react despite the fact there's a LOT weirder things in this world. Fact is, only Kusu is aware of this right now, so keep this quiet, okay? I'm not here to hurt anyone, I'm just a traveler."
He stiffened as the Haki washed over him, but remained standing and conscious. Something inside of him stirred in response, as if a king had been challenged by another. He forced down the sudden urge to simply attack and looked at the woman.
"What the heck? I thought all Haoshoku users were either back at Mariejois, Marine HQ or scattered among the Yonkou's crews?! Well, aside from Rayleigh, but who knows where the old coot is right now...."
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Post by crocoduck on Feb 10, 2012 20:02:19 GMT -5
As he held the dragon woman in his arms, Z suddenly gasped. His hug was supposed to cheer the woman up, but instead, she was transforming! This was bad! This was really bad!
"AIPFJDASFSOGKD!"
"Stop, I can't heal from the wounds created by a dragon! Stop, you vile woman, you! Please don't hurt me!"
His pleas reached deaf, mythical ears as the woman proceeded to transform under his very grasp. He quickly let go and started to back away, but it was too late. A loud gunshot sound rang out as two of her scales shot off and slammed into Z's head.
The force was enough to send his body flying backwards and crashing into the ground. He was stunned. He had never fought a dragon before. While he was always up for a goodfight, that was only when he thought he had a chance of surviving. Dragons? He had no chance there.
He had to run.
Chanting gibberish, Z clawed his way back onto his feet with a wild fright in his eyes. His hallucinations were running rampant due to the sword lodged in his face and he was clearly not himself. The strike seemed to not only remove the voices from his head, but also slice away a chunk of his personality. The usual Z would love to fight a dragon, despite the risks.
This was not the case with the current Z. He was frantic and absolutely frightened. His lack of empathy for others, however, was as present as ever. He picked up his other sword and sprinted from the dragon.
He grabbed passerby's as he and tossed them with full force towards the "dragon". With his strength, it was enough to toss grown men a distance large enough to seriously damage them upon landing. Considering he thought the dragon lady was gigantic, he aimed the bodies at something that wasn't there. Meaning the people would be sent high above the woman's head.
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Post by Shark a' Pult on Feb 11, 2012 2:40:25 GMT -5
The lot of pirates seemed to be getting on fairly well, even with the arrival of the Marine commander. Naturally Kalen became quite tense at his arrival, but when he seemed engrossed with the crew, he figured like everything else so far they had handled him. And what more it seemed they had been promised a ship, so everything worked out. He of course realized how easily he could have up and shouted that they were the pirates he was looking for, but what would be the point of that? He wasn't that kind of person anyway.
Scoff.
Quite suddenly the woman in black happened past him, and focused on the pirates as he was he jumped in his seat a little.
"Oh! Are you looking for the pirates as well? I think-"
Taking in her appearance as he called after her, in realizing the truth he stopped dead, nearly falling off the bench. Slowly he reached in his jacket for something lest he have a need to use it. But whether she didn't realize who he was or simply was more interested the pirates, once she walked past he exhaled very slowly bringing his hand to his arm once more. Once the shouting began, he took it has his chance to leave. After all the marines were now out in full force, if the pirates could handle this then they could certainly handle themselves without him, and what more he was supposed to be moving on anyway; he had no working schedule, but Kalen was only passing through really.
"Ooof-!"
In making to his feet though, it felt like something had punched him hard in the stomach. Were it not for his staff to hang onto he would likely have collapsed. Instead he clung to it, if desperately, for support. This was looking to be quite bad, but he couldn't fully move yet.
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Post by Hitotsumami on Feb 11, 2012 22:57:50 GMT -5
Wolf was surprised to see another marine appeared, a woman in black. Before he could even complete his scanning of the woman, she demanded to know why a pacifista was on the island and caused a huge shock wave. He had just enough time to examine that, and according to his records, it was a type of Haki.
The Haki didn't effect him much at all, since he was more mechanical than man, but he understood what was going on. He answered.
"I'm not a pacifista," he answered, truthfully. He then bent his neck slightly, showing him the tattoo on his neck. It read "AX-0". "If I were a pacifista, it would read PX."
He wasn't sure if he should let out this information, but he knew there was no escaping the lady at this point. "I am an Activista, a different type of cyborg... And I am here passing through. Though, if you know, can you tell me where Vegapunk might be?"
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Post by newb23 on Feb 11, 2012 23:25:24 GMT -5
Dunkan took note of Kusu’s and Commander March’s reaction to Wolf’s made up name. It made him chuckle slightly. When March pointed out that Dunkan could seek psychiatric help he scratched back of his head. ”Why would I need that? I dunno maybe he thinks somethin’s wrong with ’ou. I don’ know what he could think is wrong. Eh don’ worry bout it.” The conversation was cut short by the arrival of somebody new. This one looked to be a marine as well but not the same joyous kind that March seemed to be. Instead she seemed stern and very serious. When she mentioned something about a pacifista Dunkan glanced upwards at Wolf before looking back at Captain Fate.
Before Dunkan could do anything he was hit with a wave. It made him stumble back slightly but he managed to stay on his feet. Again before he could move Wolf spoke and showed his tattoo indicating that he was not a pacifista but an entirely different type of cyborg. ”Don’ worry. I won’ let them take ‘ou if they try. How are ‘ou gonna stop her? She’ll probably beat you to a pulp. Why are ‘ou so negative. I’m just bein realistic,” Dunkan said as he patted Wolf’s arm in a comforting way.
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Post by CJ on Feb 12, 2012 2:46:06 GMT -5
"Some of us can't be as lucky," Fate responded to Takai. Her black motorcyclist's helmet hid whatever disgust might be on her face.
Fate turned her head toward Wolf and began to tap her foot.
"You're a liar!" she shouted. "I don't care what you are! You're a Marine weapon so someone has to be responsible for you. And what do I care for Vegapunk? He never did the world any good by making useless trash like you!"
Fate's arm twitched when Dunkan spoke.
"And the rest of you are pirates, the whole lot of you! I won't let the Activista or any other Marine have you. You'll regret stepping onto Jubilee. Commander!"
At Fate's command, March moved at what seemed like the blink of an eye to Kusu's position. He picked her off the ground and cradled her in his arms. The respect he showed her, even in apparent capture, was a heavy contrast to Fate's previous ignorance when she used her Haki to knock out the girl.
The Commander stood somewhat behind the Captain. He looked nervously toward her.
"Commander March, report!" she shouted strictly.
"Their levels are extremely varied. The most powerful is likely the Activista; the least powerful is the young girl with us."
"These people are definitely the group talked about in the posters. Which one is 'Roger?'"
"None of them," March responded with a nervous twitch. "Or, at least I think from what they told me."
"They're liars, all of them!" Fate snarled. "Get the girl to Babel, Commander! I'll teach the piece of junk and the rest of these pirate scum not to lie before authority."
March nodded grimly and immediately took off toward the tower. He ran so that Fate blocked the path.
"Now, give yourselves to me!" she screamed.
Her voice echoed as though she was the most confident person in the world. Her black coat blew open in the wind as she used her power again. The Haki spread out around them like a heavy blanket was draped over them. It was slightly more powerful than the force she used before. Though now, the crew would likely be able to remain conscious after being exposed to her previous attack.
There was a great chance of the attack staggering the group. Even if the attack did succeed
---
To those who might be able to escape Fate's Haki, they might see Commander March clearing crowds as he ran through the city. Even his fellow Marines would not bother to go near him as he dashed through the city.
The Commander held the unconscious Kusu carefully as his feet sped rapidly toward the tower.
"I'm sorry, Kusu," March said sadly, "but I can't let you see Mr. Zuberi. Please, forgive me."
It was still possible, at this point, to catch up with the man. Kalen would likely have the best advantage because of his position behind Fate.
---
Z ran away, leaving Gracie in a rather strange position. She stared at him with her huge eyes and immediately began to dash after him.
Gracie looked up despairingly as citizens began to fly over her head. She began mumbling to herself again.
"Oh no... there's going to be so much legal work to do when I get back because of this... too many complaints... why can't these people ever have a normal day?"
Gracie pulled her pearl pistols forward and began to fire deadly bullets rapidly at Z. She kept rotating her pistols with, apparently, more of the same colored pistols in her backpack. She was able to aim for Z with some accuracy, perfectly missing innocent citizens standing by. She did this crazy action with a strange sort of grace.
"Please stay still," Gracie said meekly, "that is... if you want."
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Post by KaosuKishi on Feb 12, 2012 5:15:46 GMT -5
Takai cursed loudly as he tried to go after March and his captive, but froze as Fate's Haki washed over him once more. This time, he embraced the feeling of whatever stirred inside of him, and took a battle-ready stance. He turned to Dark.
"Er, I think I didn't catch your name yet, but, will you fight, or go after her?" He turned to everyone around them.
"I'd appreciate if SOMEONE went after them. I have to fight, for various reasons I don't want to discuss in depth right now, so...." He drew his sword and with a flick of his wrist and in a flash of light, it turned into its zanbatou mode. He hoisted the massive, pure white blade onto his shoulder and smirked at Fate.
"It's common courtesy to know your opponent's name. I know you're Fate, my name's Takai, Takai Meian." He pointed Tri-Edge at her. "And the girl your subordinate just took is very important to me, so don't expect me to hold back, just because I owe Sengoku-oji-san."
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Post by Shark a' Pult on Feb 12, 2012 7:58:02 GMT -5
The moment he could stand on his own, Kalen ducked into an alleyway not too far off. While he may have had reasons for being here in the first place, they were all greatly outweighed by the presence, the now violent presence of the marines. Simply enough this was not his fight, and he didn't intend to get bagged in the process nor a bounty on his head for the trouble.
Sorry pirate Roger, you just picked a bad place and a bad time.
As he was making his leave he could still hear some of the shouting, but he was ready to simply ignore it. That is until he saw March run past the alley. It was only for a split second and he might have missed it otherwise, but Kalen was certain he saw Kusu being carried off.
Just keep walking... this doesn't concern you anymore. Let it go, you can move on no problems.
He shouldn't have thought about it, he had no obligation to these people. But seeing the one he was ready to approach not five minutes ago, defeated and seemingly under arrest, his sense of duty took over. So what if she had started some trouble, so what if she claimed to be a pirate or willing to lead the others; she was still just a kid. She couldn't have been more than twelve, and the marines were out in full force against her. The others, they seemed to fit the part, but it didn't sit right with Kalen just watching Kusu be treated like that. Were it any other child and he would have intervened, and not just because he was a revolutionary. So why not this one?
"Damn it all, I don't care if I miss the rendezvous, they can't just push people around like that."
Steadying his resolve he looked around quickly, and once an idea sprung to his head he extended his staff. Using it to grab ahold of a roof he pulled himself up, and proceeded after March, watching down from up high. It would have been hard to catch him at first, but without people to get in the way he could likely track the commander en route to the base. Whether he would act before or after Kusu was actually in custody, remained to be seen.
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Post by Kuro on Feb 12, 2012 11:03:16 GMT -5
Mr. Dark stood in defiance of the haki's effects. Whether or not he was actually affected by it could not be seen from just looking at him. Before he could go to Kusu's side, March had taken her and ran off, protected by Fate. How troublesome. The fact that he large man was some sort of cyborg though, something similar to a pacifista...Tha was very interesting.
In response to the second, stronger haki attack, Mr. Dark still stood. It could be noticed that the ground underneath him was cracking and the man in black had slightly sunk into the ground, as if he was being pushed into it by some invisible force. In response to Mr. Meian's question, Mr. Dark said nothing. He looked at the marine before him and the marine running towards the tower.
"..."
Mr. Dark was gone and sped across the rooftops as a black blur. Assuming that Fate would be kept busy by the others, Mr. Dark chased after March. As he raced from rooftop to rooftop, he noticed the bystander from before also following the marine, though he was going across the rooftops on the other side of the street. Suspicious of the stranger's motives and not knowing of the fact that that the revolutionary was more tracking than chasing March, Mr. Dark tried to get to the marine first. As he ran, climbed, and jumped, Mr. Dark saw the strange man from before fighting with what was most likely another marine. But there was no time to observe them.
Closer.
Closer.
Mr. Dark was now ahead of March. He jumped down to intercept the marine's path, half-expecting a tackle or collision of some sort. A strange aura of sorts, invisible to the human eye, surrounded the man in black. Any contact with him would cause for a significant amount of fear, doubt, and the such to enter the victim's mind. He hoped that Kusu would not be subject to such trauma, but such an attack was necessary.
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