[Cain]

-Axel didn’t really care about the human so he didn’t pay him any mind as he dove down and began picking up he chests and swimming them back up one at a time throwing one on his ship and another on the marine ship making sure the one with the weird fruit landed on his boat. He figured his fellow fishman would point this out a potential reward for his human but he doubted the human would take something from him which made him smirk. He finished doing this before he swam back to the bottom and began to search for any weapons that may have been inside the pirate ships that could possibly be worth something. He then turned to his fellow Shark man before he pointed at the two marine ships before pointing at the surface. He would go under the first one and with most of his strength for once he pushed it to the surface and then swam it towards land where it could be repaired as it only had two holes in this one. He then went to the other and checked it over and easily swam through it checking it out but was shocked to find humans still alive so he swam quickly up into the air pocket” take a deep breath ill get you guys to the surface”. Axel would wrap an arm around all four before he spun around and shot out of the boat and back up to the surface leaning each of them over the side so they could be pulled on board by there fellow marines. He would then do the same to the other two pockets luckily finding three men alive in the next pocket and sadly only one in the last making sure no harm fell to any of them. He made sure they would all be fine back on the marine boat. He searched over it once again trying to make sure he didn’t miss anyone before he swam out and went back to the pirate ships and would slay any of them he found alive by breaking the ship where they found air and allowing water to fill it. He searched again for weapons and any supplies in the pirate ships hoping to find something good for his hard work. He would feel the vibrations in the water he spun on the spot and shot down to the surface trying to get to her before the sand devil as he should be able to out swim because of sleek skin cutting the water like a knife. If he could reach her first he would point towards there home “I just freed two slaves one of them was born on the slave ship and doesn’t know the way, go help them and get out of these marine infested waters, there is a captain up there that’s a sand devil”.-

[Lord English]

The marines that remained on the ship were staring in wonder at the skypian. One of them finally got brave enough and moved to the edge of the ship and leaned to talk to her. He seemed to question what to say to her then finally blurted out, “How in the hell do you deal with sailing with a shark?” He crossed his arms and then the rest came over to hear the answer. “They are so intimidating with the sharp teeth and the sand paper flesh that can rip skin from bone. Not to mention they have a tendency to rip people apart for no reason.” He sighed and said, “We can’t take a step without fear of dying since he was promoted and placed in charge.”
“Yeah,” Another chimed in, “We’re even too afraid to take a shit for fear if it lands on a fish he’ll skin us alive.”
Then the crew waited in silence for her answer, not knowing beneath them that their other crew mate was frozen in fear and unwilling to take anything from any of the treasure. The Sand Devil made sure to attempt to keep an eye on him while seeing that his newfound friend wanted to raise the ships. While Axel went to the one, he went to the other and gently tugged on it to find it was stuck. He had seen Axel go in and begin to pull out men. He kept tugging on the ship to figure out which way it was to free it.
The men that were placed out on land in the ship with a hole felt safer as the ship drained. They didn’t get to see their hero but they were certainly thankful. While the others were slightly frantic as they were pulled from their ship, they were also thankful despite the needs to hold their breaths. Some of the marines on the ship came to the aide of their nearly drowned comrades with or without their answer. They got immediately to helping these comrades by getting towels and first aid.
Back below in the water, the Sand Devil finally found which way to tug the boat to get it unjammed from the bottom. He’d felt the vibrations of the other fish in the water and peered to see Axel heading towards it. He ignored this for now and got the boat up and onto the surface, rotating himself to place his feet against the bottom and looked up at the nearest hole that was draining. He located it and smirked, scooting his one leg forward on the boat. He placed one of his hands forward and the other in front of his chest, palms open and facing towards his head’s direction that was generally up to him. He felt the water as he focused and swiftly pulled his arms over his head as he clenched his fists, slamming them down onto the boat without harming it. The strike, instead, seemed to dry the wood as the water within the boat shot out of the holes. Then he sighed as the boat floated on its own merit then and pushed off of it gently.
It was then that he turned his attention to heading towards Axel and Heiwa, her being shocked when Axel approached but not actually outwardly reacting to such. She heard his words and nodded before saying, “I was instructed to hand these out at the meeting.” She pulled out a little pouch, similar to the one she had her snail in and placed it in the water in front of him. “If you need help, you know where to find us,” She then took his heed and took off as fast as she could in a circular path to attempt to avoid the captain of the marine vessel but they made eye contact as they passed one another. Strangely enough, he just let her swim on. This confused her but she swam quickly.
The Sand Devil went up to Axel and said, “I see you scared off a pirate… Seems a different story from you tearing apart the ones earlier. I’ve seen the mark through your shirt. I hold nothing against that particular grouping.” He looked back where Heiwa was swimming and voiced out, “They are more freedom fighter than pirates.” He looked back to the boats and saw the human they’d brought down was swimming back up empty handed. He sighed and said, “My crew is a bunch of worthless cowards…” An extra amount of bubbles left his mouth as he put emphasis on the word ‘cowards’. He started to swim back towards them and waved for Axel to come with to swim and talk. “I take fun in teasing them, hoping it will make them stand up to me,” He sounded exasperated, “Yet nothing has happened yet.”

[Peridot]

Carina let out a soft sigh and crossed her arms in front of her torso, the very picture of impatience as she sensed the office worker was about to launch into a depressing pity-party. Her steel grey eyes focused in on the stamp in the marine’s hand and the gap between the ink-covered rubber and Captain Bedros’ registration papers. The man began sighing sadly and muttering to himself about how much of a hassle it was that Captain Bedros kept entering the Grand Line and returning. Throughout his whole speech, Carina stared at the stamp as though she could run the papers through more quickly with the power of her mind. I almost feel bad for this guy. He really wants to go back out at sea. She was convinced that he was jealous of Captain Bedros for being able to come and go as he pleases. Oh well, it’s his fault he screwed up.

Carina’s heart raced as soon as it looked like the man was finally going to stamp the piece of paper so she could leave him and his depressing atmosphere. Once the act was done, she felt like cheering but managed to keep herself together professionally. For a moment it looked as though the simple act of stamping had ripped through the cheap piece of paper. The ink had bled through to the back, but at least the sheet itself seemed to be still intact. Carina obliged the forlorn looking marine and took Captain Bedros’ stamped papers, taking a brief moment to blow on the ink and make sure it dried fully before gathering them up and evening up the edges so they made a fairly neat handful.

The young marine turned on her heels to go leave and let Bedros continue his fishing expedition in peace. She was about to leave when the thought of the marine officer lying with his head down on the desk, looking like the abject image of despair gave Carina pause. If I’m going to be working with this guy, I guess I should try to get along with him for now?

“Hey. Take some pride in your work, why don’t you? It doesn’t matter what you do as long as you’re the best at it.” Carina scolded now that she had the papers securely in hand. This guy gave marines everywhere a bad name, not to mention it was sickening to be near some one who let their emotions control them like that. With that, the young marine headed out the door.

“If you’re already giving up, then it’s all over,” Carina commented in a cheerful, upbeat tone before exiting and leaving the office.

Outside of the door, Captain Bedros and Rear Admiral Jango were still standing around, smiling at each other as if one of them had just told a joke or something. She didn’t pretend to understand what was going on, it was clear their relationship went way back. The girl walked over to Captain Bedros and handed him the stamped and approved papers.

“Here you are. Everything checked out so you should be all cleared to enter the Grand Line.”

[Silver]

She chuckled watching the chests land on the ship and smiled looking back at them tell she heard the one marine call out a greeting though he seemed shy about it and chuckled waving back to them. Hearing their questions and statements she had never thought about his teeth or his skin or what it could do. It didn’t phase her they had to work together they were a team of sorts. She puzzled over this as she watched the two work and the ships get moved from below. Looking back up to the marines that she had seemingly ignored tell this point. “Well I guess I never really thought about him eating me… well maybe once..” She teased still kicking her legs. “But the rest I don’t worry about its better to have more people on a ship working. I’m not scared of him though you all think I should be. Maybe if you quit worrying about what he will do and more about the job and making sure the ship runs smoothly it wouldn’t be a problem.. Oh and as for him baring down on you… Maybe you should try snap back and tell him how you feel… I mean aren’t you marines hunters of pirates protectors of the sea? The way I see it you shouldn’t be scared of anything. You even seem scared to talk to a girl.” She teased again crossing her legs. “If this is marines then I’m not sure I feel safe out on the waters… Well Axel makes me feel safe out here.” She leaned forward letting them get a better view of her already fairly exposed body. “And anyways I’m not scared of anything. I have a task to do and I will do whatever it takes even fight with a fishman if I must. If I die at least it should be honorably doing something that matters with my life. Can you all say the same?” She asked and then hopped up in a crouch and flipped back onto the ship landing on a chest and held her arms out then bowed and stepped off the chest her wings keeping her from dropping it was almost like she floated and then turned walking to her coat and picked it up and folded her wings behind her as they disappeared and she pulled her coat back on.

[Cain]

-Axel once got all of the simple chests to the surface from the ships being going back for supplies this all was going to his ship. He The would give down finding on four ships weapons worth keeping he would sort through these later he placed them all in a barrel and swam them all to the surface placing them in separate based on swords, rifles etc. He would then dive back down to each of the captains cabins finding two chests full of jewels one with a huge gauntlet and two empty chests but they seemed smaller on the inside then they should be. He takes all of this to the surface and takes the them all to his cabin. He would then turn back to the chests he found earlier finally noticing the fruit and realizing what it could be he held it up far enough for the Sank devil shark to see it along with all the marines. He was in all of this items above all others though he could not eat this as he had hopes for another that he once heard the rumor of and this did not fit its example. He would hold it out to his crew member “if you want the power to possibly find your item and fight with me as an equal this is your best chance as I can not risk eating a devil fruit this early into our venture”. He wanted to see the power of this if it was what he thought it to be. He held onto it for now if she did not take it right away” come to me when you decide its worth using”. He would begin to steer the boat out into open water away from the marines “I wish you luck my brother with your crew and your venture. He made sure they sails were correct to catch great speed and left the bird in charge. He would then head down into his cabin and begin to examine the gauntlet being such a big fishman still bothered him that this made him feel like a midget. He expected not even boss Jimbei could have used this maybe the late king. He then began to examine the weird chests opening them finally he screamed at the top of his huge lungs. He couldn’t believe those fucking pirates had these two flags one the flag of red hair shanks and the other the flag of the straw hats. He began to cry seeing them he hadn’t cried since he was a child alone. He laid his head on the table letting the tears then he jerked up finding the snail”Unmute, I Axel new member of the Neo Sun pirates Have found a treasure that is priceless to us all, I have the King and Red Hair shank’s flag, I repeat I have the Kings and Red Hair shank’s flag”. He would sit down and wait for instructions as every sun pirate in the world would have heard that broadcast and there allies.-

[Lord English]

The marine just gave Carina a glare and seemed as if he was on the verge of it. Though he lifted his head off the desk and started placing things into order. He even decided to brush his hair more neatly on his head and started to rearrange his new office. The loud screeching of the desk was heard as it drug across the floor, that horrible sound that wood would make on a freshly waxed floor. Once it was drug once, the sounds were heard again as well as a bookshelf was moved as well as a lot of thuds from books falling.

Bedros didn’t even cringe at the obnoxious sounds from the office and took the papers. He smiled at her and nodded his head in thanks. “I certainly hope this wasn’t too much trouble, miss,” He said briefly before looking at the stamp and seeing it bled through. He only smiled more before he turned and began to walk to head out, “Thank you again, and good luck on your promotion.” He turned his head to flash her a smile before he turned back forward and it was lost in his serious guise.

Jango lost his smile as well, though to the girl, it would most likely just be a thought of him taking it serious. She would not know of the information that had passed between the two. He waved a hand for her to follow him, the Rear Admiral finding a secluded room and opening it for her to enter first. Once she passed, he’d lock the door before entering and closing it. The room chosen was a supply closet with a desk and a chair in it. He stood himself behind the desk and motioned for her to sit, saying, “This interview will be short. First off.” He took a pause. “What qualifies you for a promotion beyond a stranger’s say?” He had a serious look in his eyes.

An alarm would be heard outside of one usually to say another Marine ship was incoming and with a higher crew on it. Jango held his breath a bit but exhaled. The alarm was a short two loud beeps, meaning it was an admiral. After she’d answer, he’d be sure to ask his next question, “How do your fellow members treat you?”

Then a loud and blaring alarm of a pirate attack was set off. Jango’s fist clenched and said, “Ignore the alarms, we’ll finish shortly.” He seemed very nervous and kept glancing at the door. Something was wrong out there and feet were heard running through the halls.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

The crew began to feel horrible about the way one lone girl could stand up to a shark where a bunch of men couldn’t. They began going about their duties more firmly, seemingly her words had not effected them. They focused on helping the nearly drowned comrades by drying them, giving fresh clothes, and even by trying to check for water in the lungs with a ship’s doctor’s help. They were determined.

The Sand Devil grabbed the one human still in the water and shot out of the water, landing with the human safely on the deck. He then let him go get changed and looked around to find his crew was not trembling in his presence, at least they weren’t just freezing in fear. He looked over at the ship next to him and smirked at the bird. He then realized, she was putting clothes on, which meant she’d been nude and her men didn’t attempt to take advantage of her. He was proud of that. Then he saw the devil fruit raised by Axel and he tensed up. He was hoping he wouldn’t take it just because it promised him power.

He and his crew froe when he offered the fruit to her. The captain smiled a very toothy smile as he watched this. He watched as they were going to head out and heard Axel. He called back to him, “I hope we cross paths again on similar terms. Thank you for saving some of my men and for ridding us of those pirates. Good luck where-ever you go.” He had a large smile and then turned to his men. “SET SAIL! Head to port to restock and patch up! Place the wounded lined up on deck!” He would be out of sight and earshot as the two sailed in opposing directions.

When Axel would broadcast over the snail, the first reaction was silence. Then Mihawk’s voice came through, “Don’t ever let go of those.”

“Like he said,” Mako’s voice echoed after his then the sound of a cannon. “Crap.” It seemed like she had meant to mute but instead more firing was heard through her end and her yelling, “TELL ME WHEN WE’RE IN A FUCKING FIGHT! ILL GO SINK THEIR ASSES!”

“Mako,” Mihawk spoke through again.

“Shit,” Mako said then the sounds from her end muted.

Truble decided to clarify the situation, “Marine ship, perfectly under control.”

A very deep voice came through, it was Mako’s gunner, “Axel, if you ever lose those, we’ll kill you.”

“Shut up, Haiboku,” Heiwa’s voice came through. “Axel, I got Samuel up to the other he seemed to be trying to follow. I am coming back to your position, I must see this and I won’t touch it.” Her end muted.

Then a haunting female voice rang through, “Ki shi… What a lucky little fishy.” The voice seemed to be giggling, “They’re right you know, you’d have several crews coming to kill you if you lose them. And still some that may be coming to do so now… HEY BUNNY BOY! RABBITS CAN’T EAT A FISH!”

“Fuck off Bats…” A somewhat high male voice patched through. “I want them, yeah, but I would think he’d be in more trouble if he was IN the grand line. Our only way out and in is currently who knows where and we have no links of communication.”

“YO HO HO HO!” A laugh chimed through on the frequency and continued, “You children should back off. He may have my captain’s flag but if you target him, I will cut you down myself!” There was silence for a moment before he said, “Oh and Tanakami~! I am coming back for more boobies!”

“If you didn’t, I’d be upset,” The creepy female responded.

“I don’t think you have the right to hold either of those,” A rough voice patched through, “One of us four should have them since we are the unspoken Yonko.”

The next voice could not be placed and was obviously gargled, “That boy has more right than you, Kid.”

“The Undead have spoken,” Mihawk stated then continued, “I will be following your ship. It will need a distant eye on it.”

“That’s not needed,” Heiwa spoke up again, a splash heard as she came out of the water near the ship then swam over to the edge, “I think he’s far capable of taking care of himself.”

The smooth male voice of Onotameni spoke through as he said, “Because he is a fishman.”

“No,” Heiwa pulled herself on board and started to ring out her skirt, pretty much showing everything off. “Because he was one of us, and he still is a pirate. He is a good one. Also, if anyone notices directly that one of the ones currently deemed the most powerful is seen following his ship, they will assume he has something of value. This will not just get him killed, but if that Fleet Admiral sees you then we will all be compromised.”

“This is why you are the brains on her crew,” Mihawk commented.

There were mutters of agreeing and a few of the members protesting. Heiwa then said, “Mute.” Then she looked to the bird and said, “What’s the difference in time between when you guys parted from those marines?” It was clear she was hoping they weren’t being followed by the Sand Devil, which they weren’t.

[Peridot]

Carina did wince at the obnoxious sounds coming from the room behind her. The wood would be terribly scratched and scuffed for whoever next held that office. The thud of books made her face twitch into a slightly satisfied smile at the thought of the annoying, whiny officer having to pick up all of the fallen books. She turned the near smirk into a gracious smile at Captain Bedros’ words though. “Not at all, thank you very much and good luck on your fishing expedition!” She called back as he left. It was nice to see that not all civilians and sailors resented the Marines. He had been very kind, compliant with Marine bureaucracy and good to her plus he shared her love for the Grand Line. What a swell guy.

Now that the fishing captain was gone, and her job complete, Rear Admiral Jango commanded her full attention. Carina followed Jango into the secluded room, noticing that the door was locked behind her with a slight flash of worry. Is it to keep people from coming in and interrupting or to keep me from getting out!? She put some effort into quashing that concern though and focusing on the questions. The young lady then sat down in the chair, hands in her lap and ankles crossed as she fidgeted with anxious apprehension. The Rear Admiral could be very scary and intimidating when he wanted to be, and she wasn’t sure if it was his position of authority, the fact that she was now locked in the room with him or the serious expression on his face. Did he take all interviews and promotions this seriously!?

“I think I’m qualified for a promotion because…” She took a moment to structure her argument before continuing, “I don’t slack off, I have an unblemished record and I’m more efficient than the other Seaman Apprentices. If I have the time to stay on top of basic Marine PT, work as an assistant under the base physicians and perform basic duties around the base then I think I’d be better put to use in a higher position. Frankly, I think it’s a waste to keep me at the level of an apprentice. Even without my Devil Fruit abilities, I am very useful so it would be worthwhile to get serious training and preparation in case I’m ever needed on a battleship. Also, out of a mess-hall filled with marines, I’m the only one who got off her butt to run the registration papers.”

She finished and took a few breaths while Jango asked his next question. She guessed she was hoping for some immediate feedback, but it seemed like he wanted to get each answer before passing a verdict. The second question was the one she was dreading. Now, how to put a good spin on this and not outright lie?

“Well, not too well to be perfectly honest. The majority of the crew don’t feel at ease with me. Possibly because of my Devil Fruit powers or because I work harder than them. It might very well be because of both.” They think my powers are revolting…and they’re right. But I can’t say that.

“Still,” Carina continued, “even if they don’t show me the same level of camaraderie as the other apprentices, they do treat me with respect for my skills and knowledge in our training. I can beat any of them in a one on one match, and that gives me their respect, not friendship. I’m a match for them even without my poison in CQC and that spooks them.

“The chefs like me though,” because I eat all of the spoiled food they normally have to throw out, “and the physicians who I study under are kind towards me and appreciative of my help. I am positive that they would vouch for me if you asked about my progress and work ethic.”

A series of alarms sounded during the interview to Carina’s dismay. Seriously!? Pirates have to attack right when I’m trying to get a promotion!? Of all the luck! Luckily it seemed like the Rear Admiral wasn’t going to call off her interview just because of the attack. She had been worried about getting him distracted and having her chance for promotion lost in the general uproar.

“What kind of idiot pirate crew attacks a Marine base in broad daylight?” Carina wondered out loud, before noticing that the admiral looked far more nervous than he should be. Something was wrong, and people were sprinting and rushing through the halls. She half expected gold crazed pirates to try and break the door down any minute now. Maybe it’s a good thing he locked the door.

[Silver]

She looked back as the crew seemed to ignore their captain and just kept working she smiled glad to see that they had learned to grab their nuts and stop living in fear of what could happen and live for what is happening. Hearing the scream then the tears she stopped just above deck at the top of the stairs. She closed her eyes and nodded almost understanding that something of personal value to him had been found and turned walking away. When he came back above deck she looked at him then the fruit he bore and handed it to her she thought about it and she didn’t want power. Though she stared at the fruit and blinked a few times and tossed it into the air catching it and thought. Then looked back in the direction of the Marines and opened her wings letting the wind blow through her feathers then folded them back the coat falling back around her and she sighed. “They are trailing away at about 20 knots we have about a half hour lead time on them at current speeds of both ships…” she then turned from the fish she seemed to have a concerned look on her face as she was heading towards the stairs leading below deck. “I’m heading below deck to leave you two to your business….” She then stopped her head the only thing sticking above deck now. “Captain thanks for everything….” Her head then disappeared below deck and she headed to an available bunk avoiding where it seemed Axels bed was and took a seat and held the fruit in both hands staring at it as she puzzled over what he said and closed her eyes. “Captain my captain.” She whispered and lifted the fruit to her lips and bit into it and started to devour it quickly holding her breath to swallow it down to avoid dealing with the taste for as long as possible she even forced herself to eat the stim.

[Cain]

-Axel holding the snail spoke” for those who would challenge my claim to these items come and find me, for those who wish me to keep them save I will do so till my dying breath. I one day will return this flag to you Soul king” He would bring his fellow sun pirate down to examine the flags that he newly acquired before they walked back to the deck and he began to search through the chests pulling out all of the ingots and putting them all in one chest He would then sort out the jewelry and rare jewels and sort them into two chests. He looked at the hoof looking disgusted and threw over board not knowing what sick twisted bastard would keep it as a trophy. Axel laid out each of the armors easily seeing none of them were his size not that it really mattered as his skin was probably stronger then most of this. He found the real treasure at the bottom which was white beards jacket and once he saw it he closed the chest and then went and stacked all of the chest in the hold with that one on the bottom making sure that the chest with the giant gauntlet was on top of that chest and then stacked the others with all the jewels on top. He didn’t care if his crew mate found the jacket but he couldn’t let anyone else find it till he reached Marineford. He would not tarnish the name of the hero of the fishmen who once brought peace to there island. He went picked an orange from his tree and slowly ate it while he sat down looking up at the sky and simply let the boat coast along for now as they were in calm waters. He looked to his fellow fishman”what should I do”this was all he could think to ask as he stared at the sky wondering where there venture would go next.-

[Lord English]

Jango listened to each answer intently and ran his thoughts over what was going on. His mind was divided but he made sure to put his mind to detail on the interview. He thought over things as he debated what she was saying though her eyes told him that she was not a liar. He then nodded and heard people run past again. He tensed up and thought on what he must do and gazed at her dead serious, slipping out the paper from his sleeve. It appeared to have been folded twice, him only opening the one fold and writing on the paper for it to say, “Promote her to where you see fit, Koby.” He then took a deep breath and said to her as he folded it. “You will be receiving a promotion, but I have a final two tasks you must complete.”

He pressed the paper to the desk and slid it over to her. He spoke to her in a dire tone, “Take this paper and do not open it. Take it straight to Vice Admiral Koby and do not let anyone take it from you.” He then took out three pistols and set them on the table, two swords, and then took out his bladed hypnotic disc. He sprawled them out and placed his hands upon them. “The second task is for you to take my head and show it to the attacking Admiral. Bedros warned me they may have found out about my past so since they are here and obviously searching, I will tell you.” He looked down slightly and removed his hands from the weapons as he interlaced his fingers and placed his elbows on the table.

“I,” He paused as he regretted bringing back a life he had left behind, “I once was a pirate…” He swallowed his own remorse. “I abandoned my captain for a life of justice. I started at the bottom and worked my way up like a normal human being. I stood up against Fruit users without any powers of my own.” He started to sound more proud. “I lived my life to the point I knew eventually it would be uncovered. So, if you do this, you should get promoted well.” He stood up straight and strong, ready for her as he said, “I will put up a bit of a fight so you will not be called a traitor but you must pull the first move.”

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

The bird upon eating the fruit would feel extremely sick, no power would come to her but her insides would very well feel like they were twisting up. The pain would be felt through her entire digestive tract as it grew and her stomach would be highly upset. The pain would slowly begin to immobilize her as this fruit was a fake.

Heiwa nodded to the bird and did some minor calculations in her head. She then followed Axel and examined the flags. Sure enough it really was them, she smiled as he spoke through the com and was proud of him to still consider himself one of them. She followed him as he checked out the other chests. Her spines puffed up a bit and her eyes widened when she caught a glimpse of the jacket. Her eyes trailed as he stacked the other chests on top of it and then followed him back out onto the deck. She crossed her arms under her breasts and closed her eyes as he sat down. Then she heard him speak to her, her eyes opening to glance at him in deep thought. “Well,” Heiwa started, “Perhaps try to get stronger.” She offered him a polite smile and said, “You’re already strong for a shark. I could always raise it with toxin immunity since I am pokey and deadly and then we could have better tactics in combat.” She was thinking strategically. “Or get Mihawk to do some training with you. Or one of the others, preferably ones that seem to like you.” She was almost thinking out loud. She then looked up at the storm they were sailing towards, soft droplets beginning to fall as they got closer to the storm.

This was when he got to see her do something she’d not done in front of him before. She looked up and let the rain fall on her face, her taking a deep breath to puff her back and chest spines out and then lightly for all of her spines. The drops ran down her body like a klinko machine as they weaved between her spines. Once she’d felt the cool drips for a little amount of time, she released the breath and trapped some of the water against her scales. She then said, “Perhaps… get each of the crew to come for personalized training for you and your bird friend.”

[Peridot]

Carina watched anxiously when the Rear Admiral scrawled something down on a small slip of paper he took from his sleeve without a word to her about whether she got the promotion or not. The running noises from outside the supply closet continued to increase in frequency and intensity as people rushed about in response to whatever the alarms were about. The way the paper was folded prevented her from sneaking a peek at what he was writing to her immense frustration.

Then Jango took a deep breath as he detailed the conditions of her promotion. Yes! The name of Krieg is rising up in the world. Haha! She took the piece of paper and slipped it in one of the pockets of her navy pants before sealing the pocket with a small zipper to make sure it wouldn’t fall out as she rushed through the halls. The girl startled slightly, her eyes growing wide as Jango took out a large armament of weaponry and set them on the table with the soft clank of metal upon table surface before detailing his second set of instructions.

For a moment she didn’t quite understand what he was asking of her, nor why he would. The thought of willingly letting yourself be killed and by a Seaman Apprentice of all things bewildered her. At first, she was convinced it was some sort of complicated trick or trap but then the Rear Admiral began to explain in further detail. Carina listened in stunned silence as she found out that the Rear Admiral of the marine base had actually been a pirate at one point. It seemed that there was no mercy among the Marines for pirates, even if they had essentially redeemed themselves. The only question was: had he joined the Marines before the rise of Nomikomu or not? Rear Admiral Jango, no, I can’t think of him like that any more. He’s just Jango now, Carina corrected herself, had a certain amount of steady pride and resolve as he spoke. This was what he had wanted, and he was clearly ready for her.

The young marine took a deep breath trying to let all of this soak in before swallowing to force the lump in her throat back down to her stomach before speaking. “A-Alright, then. If that’s what you want, sir. It was a pleasure working under you.” The girl studied the weapons left on the desk. There were swords and pistols and an odd pendant like chakram blade which she had no clue how one would go about using it. If that’s how it’s going to be, I better at least give him a decent fight to send him off.

She grabbed for one of the swords left on the table. A clean cut will be useful for taking off his head. Better make sure not to burn his face off though, she thought pragmatically to herself as she rose from her seat in the chair and shifted into a ready stance. There was no more being polite and obedient any more, now it was time for battle.

“Doku Doku no Acid Armor,” Carina muttered under her breath as she began to perspire profusely, coating her body and clothing in a frothy, lavender ooze of batrachotoxin. The poison she chose was a potent neurotoxin capable of permeating through human skin. One touch would lead to paralysis and cardiac arrest within 10 minutes.

Once her body was suitably coated in armor, Carina fondly stroked the back of her borrowed sword and wiped off some of the poison onto the tip of the blade. Her preparations complete, Carina turned to face Jango and hardened her expression into a serious one. He had mentioned he would put up a fight, so she didn’t think that scoring a kill would be easy. “You won’t feel any pain,” she commented in a solemn voice. Using a paralytic toxin could be considered merciful. If that’s what he wanted to think, Carina would certainly let him. In reality it was one of the few poisons able to permeate the skin without potentially marring his facial features for identification. He’s not my superior officer any more, just a pirate I have to kill. I’ll have to kill many, many people as a marine. You can do this, Carina. Don’t show any weakness.

For a brief moment, the young marine did not move. Carina took a deep breath and began to start to form the beginning of one of her ranged Poison Gas Bullets. If Jango wasn’t going to attack until she pulled the first move, then she’d take the time to prepare. Another pause, and then without any preamble Carina lunged across the desk and jabbed at the pirate’s torso in front of her with the tip of her sword. If he blocked that attack like she fully expected he would, then she would follow up the attack with a Poison Gas Bullet aimed higher at his face and then another sword thrust aimed lower, hoping to catch him off guard.

She wasn’t naive enough to believe that her limited sword skills would be enough to dispatch the Rear Admiral.Instead, she would rely on the constant stream of neurotoxin dripping down the length of her blade, her Poison Gas Bullets and the closed cramped space of the supply closet to slow Jango down enough to get the job done.

[Silver]

As she swallowed the last of the fruit she felt the pain flow through her and felt her insides start to twist her intestinal track was in pain and she wrapped her arms around her gut and doubled over and growled hitting the floor becoming immobile she wanted to scream but the pain was so much that not a sound could escape her lips She laid below deck as the pain rolled through her. She wanted to move but just laid there in pain letting it run through her body fighting it fighting to get used to it as the pain soaked her and door through her system she wondered when it would end or if this would be the end of her journey. She didn’t care she knew this was her choice no one had made her do this. She accepted her fight but not without a fight. Closing her eyes she fought to open her arms and pull them off her body and went to scream again this time forcing a squeak from her body as she laid there in pain trying to move.

[Cain]

-Axel felt the rain running over his flesh and its sweet smell was smooth and crisp and a smile came to him as he wished for this to be the smell of the surface at all times. Axel walked up and steered the ship carefully through the water knowing what it would mean as they waited to long to change direction so he went in the thunder and lightening chopping up the water and the waves crashing at the ship tried to pull the wheel from his strong grasp but his power would not allow for this. He thought on growing powerful so he would need those who could stand with him which means he needs all parts of a crew only one warrior could he fill the position of. He could be a warrior with his fists but with a weapon he was no good. He would require training if he wanted to go any weapon or just use his fish man abilities. He wondered if she ate the fruit or not down there but this was her time to decide and h wouldn’t invade as it my force her to decide on either way. He also had more to discuss with his fellow fishman” who are the undead Heiwa”?-

[Lord English]

Jango smirked as she readied herself and picked a sword. He opened his lips in this smirk and placed his finger on the desk to the string connected to the chakram. He allowed her to make the first move and he tugged the string to flick the chakram to wrap around the desk leg and then yanked the table up hard to use as a shield. As the desk went up, he ducked down kicked his leg out towards her shin. He didn’t strike with his full force so if it did connect, it wouldn’t break it but it would leave a nasty bruise through to the bone if it hit and would hurt like all hell. He’d follow that with pulling the string on the chakram and forcing it to cut through the leg of the desk as he swung it around the flying edge of the desk to slice towards her arm. He wasn’t trying to hurt her bad and he knew worse was coming if she did lose to him so he’d wait for her to defeat him.

Feet scurried towards the door again and it was clear the scuffle was heard. Marines were banging on the door and shouting demands for the door to be opened. Their thrashing against the door sounded as if they were about to break it down and sounded more so frantic as time progressed. Because of this, Jango slid around to the side after his attacks so he could be in front of the door.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

The poisoned fruit would continue to eat at her inside, her stomach acids would beg her to enduce vomiting but the pain in her would beg her not to for fear of more pain. She would begin to taste blood.

Heiwa stood and enjoyed the rocking of the boat and the rain on her flesh. She appeared to be enthralled in the sounds of thunder and lightning echoed in her eyes as she watched the direction they were going. Her head fins wiggled a little, her turning her head to Axel as he guided the vessel and seemed shocked at his sudden question. She looked back out at the sea and pondered how best to answer. She took a deep breath and let her spines resettle and trapped more water against herself. “I really don’t know,” Heiwa answered.

She reached into her skirt and pulled out a notepad encased in a plastic sheath. She opened it up and a pen fell out of it as she let the rain hit the dried inks that seemed to not be water based. “I have taken notes to attempt to guess the identities of the four undead,” Heiwa showed him the paper. “All I have on it is that across the com, they all sound the same so I have attempted to analyze the personalities. They seem to be from the same place or at least it seems they communicate through the same snail.”

On the paper was written, “Seems impatient.
Constantly seems to want to come from hiding.
Voice seems to emit both masculine and possibly feminine tendencies.
Extremely proud, evident through impatience.
All seem to want to reveal, Mihawk always insists not safe. What does he know of them?”

Heiwa would hold it so that he could read it. “This is literally all I have on them. Though I forgot to write down their interest in those flags and allowing you to possess them. Yet the only thing they know is that you are one of us and they refused a stronger power to let you keep them.” She sighed, “So much faith in so short of time is either hope or desperation. Especially since they even let Darcel as one of the powers when all he is doing is attempting to replicate a former captain. Even when Truble tried to revive the Whitebeard Pirates, he wasn’t trying to emulate him despite finding and nearly dying to attain the Gura Gura No Mi. He was trying for both fruits present but he’s the only one of the powers that has fought the Fleet Admiral before he was at full power.” She shook her head. “Some of their decisions are questionable but it seems Mihawk has full and total trust in them.” She folded her arms and looked back at the pad, picking up the pen and jotting down her last thoughts on them.

They would here the snail utter out Truble’s voice, “Fleet Admiral found, made Mako and my crew retreat. I will face this bastard.”

“Stand down,” Mihawk’s voice came through. “Just because you have a vendetta doesn’t mean you have to face him.”

“Mako’s down,” Truble’s voice traveled through. “It’s not just a vendetta.”

One of the gargled voices patched through, “Live to fight another day. You are important to our fight against them.”

There was silence then a slight crunch noise before the snails announced, “Contact lost.”

Heiwa clenched her fist and said, “He’s so stubborn…”

[Silver]

She laid there as her body was destroying itself. This was the end she knew it. She knew one day she would die alone. She just didn’t know it would be this day. No one would mourn her. No one really knew her and now here she lays blood filling her mouth and stomach. It even started to run from her eyes. When she went to scream again all that happened was chunks of flesh and blood shooting from her mouth her body releasing the blood it could not hold with the chunks of her digestive track that had fallen off. After the second burst of blood came from her mouth her eyes grew distant and empty and blood ran from her mouth as it trickled from her eyes making her look like she was crying.