[Episode] Liberating the Leviathan

Quest Request:

“The legend of the Sennenryu…” the white-coated man spoke affectionately of the long-lost fairytale, recalling the fantastical tales that had informed his life-long ambition, “... we draw so near Ray, it is almost like you can hear them, no? The cry of the dragon is not gone from this world. I can feel it,” beaming with pride the captain turned back to his first mate; countless hours of pillaging and preparation had led up to the pirates amassing enough wealth to undergo this costly endeavor.

At first it crossed the loyal subordinate’s mind to simply go along with his Captain’s excitement, but the flamboyant figured it would be more fun to tease, “I don’t know Siegfried, you say there is a time when these creatures are to return; what if now is not that time, hmm?” Taking a sip from his wine the loyal confidant smirked coyly over to his compatriot.

“Don’t say such things. It is time, time enough; I know it to be us who shall be the beholders, no, the inheritors of the dragons. No matter what we shall recover something...” wistfully, the gray-haired man looked out through the window to the darkened vista of of black waves and star-dotted sky, “...anything,” as he spoke this word tenderly over to his lover he ran his fingers through the hair of his exotic cat: a white lion by the name of Timba.

The majestic animal seemed right at home amongst the lavish oddities of the ship’s spacious captain’s quarters, though it was the only beast in the room that had been allowed to remain amongst the land of the living; the others: a menagerie of monitor lizards and large-horned ungulates, watched on from their mounting places as the hunters continued their delusional goose chase. The thunderous purrs of the large feline filled the room like the crackling of a fire.

“Timba, it's well past your bedtime, don't you think?” Siegfried ruffled his cat’s face as he fed the predator it’s nightly serving of meat; contented, the kingly animal headed off for a corner of the room where it seemed to disappear into the rafters and loft above.

“I’m sure we’ll find something darling…” the first mate strode up to his captain’s desk as he trailed off with a soft slur in his voice, “...legends can only lie in wait for so long eh? And whose to say it wasn’t us who were made to see them,” with this musing Ray leaned over the desk, meeting his captain’s gaze directly the playful blonde smiled reassuringly.  

The scene fades to black as we take a look at the bigger picture of the Century Drake Pirates…

Like a massive whale the pristine white and golden vessel encroached against the dark rolling waters of Warship Island, the smugglers den had fallen far from its time as a graceful roosting place, and was alive with the dealings of freebooters and underworlders alike; it was here where the pirate crew would find the last piece necessary to set their plan into motion.

Amassed along the queer pair’s journey was the crew of men who made piloting the enormous ship possible, while most large crews of this nature were comprised by nameless grunts it seemed that every member of these pirates had a story to tell; for the most part the endeavor had attracted poachers and thrillseekers, with a crew of hundreds of such eclectic personalities the Century Drakes were known for making a scene wherever they went.

The figurehead of the crew’s ship: the alleged “skull” of a Sennenryu, in truth an ivory carving fabricated by Siegfried, guided the crew’s voyage faithfully; in short time they would arrive at the smuggling port, and meet with their contacts in the “exotic humanoids” trade, with some luck they would have fulfilled the captain’s order for a fishman. It was well known that there were no dragons on the island, but perhaps the murky mysteries of the sea would tell a different story…

The Boy who Chases Dragons

In his rampage across the Blue Seas the oni had heard many interesting things, gossip, tidbits, and old wives tales alike; though for the most part he couldn’t participate in society, his keen ears made listening enjoyable enough. For the most part he deigned the affairs of the “little folk” beneath his attention, if only to preserve his own ego, but every once in a while something would pique his interest; the legend of the Sennenryu was one such affair.

Whenever Doji asked his mother about dragons she was quick to dismiss the notion, “... they’re nothing more than fairytales crafted to give prideful men something to chase after…,” her words echoed in his mind as he sailed onwards to the island. His mother’s denial had never dissuaded the red-mopped boy’s flights of fantasy; in some of her most brutal training, rather than imagining the cruel woman he was fighting, the boy dreamed of fighting dragons.

“...Do-ra-gon, Do-ra-gon…” continuing in cadence with his song the young man played a sweet melody on his flute, fading into the seabreeze as easily as ocean spray, “...take flight on your wings!”

Doji obviously continued belting his song as he rowed into an alcove of the thieve’s lair, “I won't kill ya, I won’t chase ya, fightin’s good enough for me!” And with a little diddy on the shakuhachi the song was over, he wished he had somebody to enjoy playing his music for; but for time being an audience of one would have to suffice, he enjoyed his song plenty.

[npc=pirt]“What’s the deal with this giant idiot? He ain’t with the Drakes comin’ in on a shitkeel like that…”[/npc] The man in the brush hushedly whispered over to his companion, he gestured towards the giant’s small sailing vessel, [npc=pirt]“...you think he wound up here by accident? Doesn’t seem like he’d have shit worth trading on a ship like that, he’s a big guy though so if he ain’t on anybody’s crew he might sell decent. Whaddya think we should do?”[/npc]

The blabbering man’s companion watched on in horror as the oversized figure came upon them in an instant, “I think you should shut up little guy!” With a smile on his face the lad swiftly slaughtered the two goons, and in short order Doji began his exploration of the supposed roosting ground of the Sennenryu.

In the Inky Abyss

Beneath the murky and turbulent waters the gargantuan guardian surveys its prized treasure: the Lost Island of the East: a sunken breeding grounds for a migratory species of avians that once nested here, a species that was likely hunted to extinction some time ago; still, the legend of the Sennenryu has not been washed away entirely. The fossils of the dead tell the tale of this legendary beast, for in their dying moments their bodies harden like crystal, to rest beneath the sea-surface as glittering mementos of ages past.

Shimmering like starlight the sea serpent writhed and slithered further into the ocean’s depths. At last beneath the high tide she could sleep, coiled restfully around the island’s base, her beastly mind eased of the burden of protecting her treasure; in this moment they too were blanketed by the gentle tide, safe and far from harm.

Post Word Count: 1,210
Total Word Count: 1,210

Round 1

Doji activates (Toggle) Swaying Breeze
Doji uses AoE Heavenly Song: Melody of Zephyr's Guidance to buff self
Doji uses UT against Beasts of Warship

(Opponent techniques resolve first)
Beasts of Warship use LT against Doji
Beasts of Warship use LT against Doji
Beasts of Warship use LT against Doji
Beasts of Warship use UT against Doji

COMBAT TRACKERS:

The member 'Doji' has done the following action : Dice Roll

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#1 'Reflex Check' : 4

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#2 'Reflex Check' : 20, 4, 5, 1

Round 2

(Doji's techniques resolve first)
Doji uses MT Seventh Star Slice to buff self and damage Beasts of Warship
Doji uses LT Horrid Hook against Beasts of Warship
Doji uses LT Monastery Slash against Beasts of Warship
Doji uses UT against Beasts of Warship

Beasts of Warship use LT against Doji
Beasts of Warship use LT against Doji
Beasts of Warship use LT against Doji
Beasts of Warship use UT against Doji

COMBAT TRACKERS:

The member 'Doji' has done the following action : Dice Roll

---

#1 'Reflex Check' : 11, 11, 20, 5

--------------------------------

#2 'Reflex Check' : 20, 7, 10, 14

Round 3

(Doji's techniques resolve first)
Doji uses HT Sunlight's Sixteenth Ray against Beasts of Warship
Doji uses LT Hilt of Tilled Earth against Beasts of Warship
Doji uses UT against Beasts of Warship

Beasts of Warship use MT against Doji
Beasts of Warship use LT against Doji
Beasts of Warship use LT against Doji
Beasts of Warship use UT against Doji

COMBAT TRACKERS:

The member 'Doji' has done the following action : Dice Roll

---

#1 'Reflex Check' : 11, 16, 15

--------------------------------

#2 'Reflex Check' : 1, 1, 4, 3

Round 4

(Doji's techniques resolve first)
Doji uses MT Jinketsukei to buff self
Doji uses LT Horrid Hook against Beasts of Warship
Doji uses LT Monastery Slash against Beasts of Warship
Doji uses UT against Beasts of Warship

Beasts of Warship use LT against Doji
Beasts of Warship use LT against Doji
Beasts of Warship use LT against Doji
Beasts of Warship use UT against Doji

COMBAT TRACKERS:

The member 'Doji' has done the following action : Dice Roll

---

#1 'Reflex Check' : 14, 18, 10

--------------------------------

#2 'Reflex Check' : 18, 9, 15, 19

Round 5

(Doji's techniques resolve first)
Doji uses HT Haunting Visage against Beasts of Warship
Doji uses LT Hilt of Tilled Earth against Beasts of Warship
Doji uses UT against Beasts of Warship

Beasts of Warship use LT against Doji
Beasts of Warship use LT against Doji
Beasts of Warship use LT against Doji
Beasts of Warship use UT against Doji

COMBAT TRACKERS:

The member 'Doji' has done the following action : Dice Roll

---

#1 'Reflex Check' : 2, 8, 3

--------------------------------

#2 'Reflex Check' : 16, 7, 15, 8

Round 6

(Doji's techniques resolve first)
Doji uses LT Monastery Slash against Beasts of Warship
Doji uses LT Horrid Hook against Beasts of Warship
Doji uses LT Two Heavens Reversed against Beasts of Warship
Doji uses UT against Beasts of Warship

Beasts of Warship use HT against Doji
Beasts of Warship use LT against Doji
Beasts of Warship use LT against Doji
Beasts of Warship use UT against Doji

COMBAT TRACKERS:

The member 'Doji' has done the following action : Dice Roll

---

#1 'Reflex Check' : 4, 20, 4, 15

--------------------------------

#2 'Reflex Check' : 12, 13, 4, 15

Round 7

(Doji's techniques resolve first)
Doji uses LT Hilt of Tilled Earth against Beasts of Warship
Doji uses LT Waning Crescent's Arc against Beasts of Warship
Doji uses UT against Beasts of Warship

Beasts of Warship use LT against Doji
Beasts of Warship use LT against Doji
Beasts of Warship use LT against Doji
Beasts of Warship use UT against Doji

DOJI SURVIVES HIS ENCOUNTERS WITH THE BEASTS OF WARSHIP

COMBAT TRACKERS:

The member 'Doji' has done the following action : Dice Roll

---

#1 'Reflex Check' : 14, 13, 10

--------------------------------

#2 'Reflex Check' : 20, 14, 13, 2

---

---

In the low light of the abyss, the flashes of bioluminescent glimmer appeared like swirling stars in an all-enveloping void of space.

Though one of the larger creatures at these depths had laid lifeless on the sea floor cradled between crags of dark stone for months, wellsprings of life teemed around it in a chaotic cacophony of 'eat, or be eaten'.

The carcass of a ship had certainly been rotting for longer just nearby, cracked ribs of timber barren and hauntingly placid as they jutted upward in one more desperate reach toward its past life.

Most lurking scavengers had long since learned to give the wreck a wide berth or had quickly suffered the consequences.

Some bottomfeeders never learned.

Even where the light of the surface hardly dare show its face, the passing of time could be marked by the influence of the sun and moon. Species shifted and rotated to and from the surface to take advantage of the cover of dark or abundant prey.

Like clockwork in the early mornings, Shui was greeted by scavengers... and a friend.

Unlike most mornings, however, the long-faced remora fishman Shui-Nihl had come to know as 'Emery' stunk of something strong that made the large fishwoman's head hurt. In his arms, he carried an oversized box, his usual attire replaced with something strange.

The ritual of his approach hadn't changed a bit since the first encounter. Still slightly unnerved to this day, Emery ducked in past half-wrecked doorframes and the scattered flotsam and jetsam. The dark of the stone below gave way to pale white the further into Shui's lair one dared to venture.

Bone; crushed once by a lonely mouth, then again by scavenging vulture-beaked carrion-cracking fish that seemed to be the only things desperate enough for a scrap of marrow to venture within the hallowed temple to destruction, littered the seafloor in coarse sand.

Through the dark water, the snow-like sand gave off a ghastly glow. The crunch of bone echoed through the water from a short distance, but Emery persisted.

The largest space enclosed by the wreckage had become home to the monstress, and the young man knew only once he entered would he find out if his offering would be accepted.

The monster within took joy in the stalking. She could feel each jump he made during his encroachment, and delighted in finding the best way to scare him even after all this time. Surprise always tasted best.

Before he could even react the huge woman's teeth were mere inches from his head in a horrifying threat Emery had mostly convinced himself was no more than a playful display. Still grimacing, he shoved the presents out towards her as if they might save him from the open maw.

---

---

The dress fit like a glove. It was like nothing Shui had ever seen before. Beautiful embellishments, careful (and strong) stitching, a snug corseted middle, and soft silky fabric with a bright color that glowed like the bones below.

As she had stood before him to admire herself Emery had covered his eyes and refused to look at her. Shui, perplexed, drew near.


Emery blurted out words like Shui had never heard before, spilling the sound of a thousand panicked words into the quiet of her home.


What were all these new words all of the sudden?


Now that was one Emery had talked about before, but not one Shui liked.


The girl's unblinking eyes stared down at the young man as she sat frozen in place in the water.


Shui-Nihl's pupils sharpened to daggers. Of all the words he had filled her head with, this was one she understood well. This was a claim.

Though she hardly noticed it normally, the shackle around her neck suddenly felt like it might choke the life out of her.

There was silence.

Then, terrible laughter. The creak of metal under duress.

Emery peeled his webbed hands away from his face, no longer worried that seeing his bride before they wed would be the worst luck he was about to incur.

It felt like the groveling would go on for an eternity. Normally it'd be a treasure, like some deeply satisfying show of how the world was meant to work in the seas; a smaller creature prostrate and whimpering at the feet of the championing predator. It was the savored sacred and ever-fleeting moment of anticipation before sinking her teeth in.

But something about this display made her stomach churn like the raging tides.

For the first time, Shui found herself repulsed by an easy meal.

---

---

Observation was often a predator's greatest boon in a new environment. Though finding the living things around her came naturally, the unnatural additional dangers of the near-surface were an entirely new foe to grapple with.

Though the crushing pressure of the depths was something Shui was accustomed to, a rapid ascent from them was not. Unshackled, partly blinded by the light, and dizzy from a temporary loss of equilibrium, the monstress's freedom seemed to be cut almost laughably short.

Lurking through the billowing blades of seaweed and taking solace in the meager shade from the sun's reach they provided, Shui-Nihl had found herself suddenly tangled. What she first thought was a twist of errant algae revealed something much more confusing as she turned to free herself.

The net swallowed the huge bride-to-be with ease. As Shui's instinctual thrashing and biting kicked in she found herself stunned by the lack of give the net's material showed when faced with gnashing teeth.

The metal sent a jittery shiver down her lateral line as she bit down on it.

The material ushered her quickly toward the surface, where even faced with the light of the sky she could now clearly see that the shade of the kelp field was in fact due to the looming hull of a huge ship far above.

On the deck, there was a sudden air of chaos as the crew worked tirelessly to haul up the feisty beast below.

"This could be it!"

[npc=pirt]”She’s strong and a damn big catch Ray! I don’t know if we can reel her in!”[/npc] One of the men hollered as the crew fought to drag the beast up.

Joining in with the remaining men in hauling the net, the First Mate bellowed out a promising rallying cry as he lent his muscular physique to the catch effort, “Pull her aboard and the berri we would have spent on another is yours for the taking men! Captain Siegfried will be overjoyed!”

The money-hungry crewmen were well motivated by their leader’s monetary incentive, and though their muscles strained to accomplish the job, eventually she was hauled to the ship’s deck: the sea monster. Ray looked upon his crew’s catch, she was better than he could have imagined, a large and powerful looking fishwoman; the perfect tool for realizing his captain’s lofty ambition.

The man’s fancy black boots clacked sharply against the pristine wood of the deck, giving the girl a look-over he seemed quite pleased with himself, “Excellent work men! I’m certain Siegfried will be pleased, even if she is a woman…” the man spoke with a bit of misogynist disdain in his voice, he’d never had much respect or interest for women, or non-humans for that matter, “...I’m certain we can make great use of her.”

A number of the crewmen collapsed to the ground, smiling at their accomplishment as their First Mate spoke to the creature, “my, what a fine specimen. What is a lady like you doing in our fair blue seas? Our contacts have gone to great lengths trawling the outskirts of the Fishman Island for suitable labor, if only they’d known a treasure like you was swimming about in their homelands.”

Feigning friendliness for his new “guest,” the man afforded the fishwoman a hospitable inquiry, “is there anything we can do for you dearie? Anything you need?”

Meanwhile, a Predator Stalks the Underbrush

[npc=misc]“So Fishman Island eh? What’s it like down there?”[/npc] A novice smuggler spoke idly to one of his elder peers, killing time before the arrival of the “merchandise’s” buyer.

[npc=pirt]“Ugh, don’t remind me…”[/npc] the spiky-haired pirate spoke back in return, [npc=pirt]“...I’m just glad I didn’t have to get into one of those weird bubbles and go down there myself. And I thought the people above the water were crazy out there, but that entire ocean, it’s a fuckin’ freakshow man.”[/npc]

The trees surrounding the duo shivered as a stiff wind shook loose tropical droplets to further rain on their parade. Had they been a bit more perceptive, they may have noticed that the sound of a snapping branch originated from the ground rather than the canopy; but alas, there was now a third, unnoticed presence privy to the finer details of their conversation.

[npc=misc]“That’s right! You guys went out to the Grand Line for the first time! Didja meet any of the big names out there?”[/npc] The smalltimer spoke with excited naivety, he’d often dreamed of venturing out to the Grand Line and finding the One Piece himself.

[npc=pirt]“You don’t want to meet any of those fucking monsters, trust me. We’re damn lucky we didn’t run into any of the Saints, any one of them would’ve slaughtered us in an instant. Do you have any idea how terrifying that is? Men like that could kill ya just by looking at you funny,”[/npc] Mauricio’s heart-rate began to pick up a bit as he thought back to those long nights, hauling a sea-floor net to “poach” fishmen from the domain of an emperor.

[npc=misc]“Oh my god! You sailed a Yonkou’s waters? And you lived to tell the tale? That’s insane! Someday…”[/npc] The young Peter looked up to the sky as he spoke of his silly dream, [npc=misc]“... I want to take down all the Emperors and be King of the World! Every night I dream of my final battle with Lo-lo-l-l-l-aaahhh!!”[/npc]

The horned figure had made himself all too noticeable at this point. Speak of the devil, and he shall appear; or at least one of his dipshit bastard children might. Upon seeing the devil, Mauricio died instantly of a fearful shock, assuming it to be the man his ally was about to refer to.

“What? Finish the story. I wanna hear your ambitions, King of the World…” the Oni spoke with a wide, toothy, condescending smile that glinted like a mouthful of daggers beneath the evening moonlight, “... I want to know what my competition looks like.”

The sounds of an immediate, decisive, violent, victory were muffled by the sounds of palm trees dancing amongst the wind.

Post Word Count: 763
Total Word Count: 1,973