Revival Dawn - One Piece RP
Would you like to react to this message? Create an account in a few clicks or log in to continue.
⚠ The Annual Purge Thread is now open. If you wish to preserve your characters, you must post in it by the end of this year.
Switch Account



Latest topics
[Episode] Chapter One: An Author, A woman, and A Quest to Find More!Sat Nov 30, 2024 11:23 pmAnne La Tene[Episode] ENTER: NeoSat Nov 30, 2024 1:50 pmSantiago[Episode] Boy Meets GirlThu Nov 28, 2024 2:51 amSantiago Namey's Ideas & ConceptsThu Nov 28, 2024 1:16 amSantiago[Bio] Nero VidalWed Nov 27, 2024 8:35 pmGray[Episode] Mink-staken IdentityWed Nov 27, 2024 7:37 amYumiko[Episode] A Fresh Start of SortsTue Nov 26, 2024 9:33 amWilliam Busch[Episode] Is that man salty cause he's made of salt?Mon Nov 25, 2024 7:58 amMaxwell[Episode] Corruption of BloodMon Nov 25, 2024 5:07 amYumiko

[World Event] A Fool's Errand

+12
Pikasso
Julius
Stone Okirama
Noah
Anne La Tene
Orion Montgomery
Karl Friedrich
Sabian McQueen
Hyde Garland
Yumiko
Volo Rosso
Dadmin
16 posters
Go down
Pikasso
Pikasso
[tracker=/t2393-aya-pikasso-ruiz#14697]
Name : Aya Ruiz
Epithet : "Pikasso"
Age : 25
Height : 4'5"
Weight : 120 lb
Species/Tribe : Mink
Faction : Civilian/Other
Alliance : Nox Prime
Crew : P.T.S.D.
Ship : Dead Air
Crew Role : Procurement Specialist
Devil Fruit : Suke Suke no Mi
Quality Score : S+
Balance : [bel] 302,000,000
[[childofdestiny]]
[[improviseadaptovercome]]
Posts : 106

[World Event] A Fool's Errand - Page 5 Empty Re: [World Event] A Fool's Errand

This post has in-line assessment comments.Sun Jul 14, 2024 1:12 pm
Despite the initial chase, this wasn't the worst reaction anyone had had to catching her stealing. However, it was in the running for the most confusing reaction.

Aya hadn't been expecting to be hit with so many questions one after the other, nor to be dragged along to whatever work this crew had been heading toward when they crossed paths.

But it was better than sinking in the sea.

The runty Mink's confusion about the whole situation was visible on her face from the moment she was... well, visible.

She thought she was safe among the small party and was simply waiting for the right moment for her to slip out of view again. With no experience with machinery, she was effectively providing no help with whatever they were trying to do here. With mentions of explosives and mysterious forbidden areas, Aya felt less sure how safe this place was.

The sudden commotion did not help the concern.

An attack?

Marines?!

Aya's fur fluffed as prickles of panic danced across her limbs. Each moment eyes weren't on her, she slunk further toward the back of the small group.

Fight or Flight was a powerful set of instincts. The drab walls of this place had felt stifling before but now it felt as if they were closing in by the second.

Unfortunately, it seemed that her company was now intent on stampeding their way into what would surely only be more chaos.

Panicked glances at the other Lesser Minks didn't exactly instill confidence in the situation, either. She had to choose the lesser of evils here. Was it better to follow along and hope for the best or attempt to escape alone?

Perhaps there was another option.

"... Psst. Hey, youteia. "

Aya stepped toward the tallest of the bunch, using Volo 'handling' the guards and their guns as cover for her whispering.

"... Youteia were in the market earlier, right? With those little... ball... surprise..things?"

It was a stretch, but maybe it'd be enough to work.

" ...I saw one of them back... that way." One dark clawed thumb poked toward the closest avenue away from the doors before them. " Youteia don't want to lose it again, right?"

Aya took another step in that direction and grinned up at Orion.

"...Consider it an apology for getting youteia frisked, okay? Come on, it's not far. "

{ Post: 395 / Total: 2,662 }
Hyde Garland
Hyde Garland
[tracker=/t2330-hyde-garland#14068]
Name : Hyde Garland
Epithet : Death Dealer
Age : 23
Species/Tribe : Human
Faction : Pirate
Devil Fruit : Fude Fude no Mi
Bounty : [ber=r] 13,000,000
Quality Score : A
Balance : [bel] 344,550,000
[[hardboiled]]
[[improviseadaptovercome]]
Posts : 95

[World Event] A Fool's Errand - Page 5 Empty Re: [World Event] A Fool's Errand

This post has in-line assessment comments.Tue Jul 16, 2024 1:29 am
There were times when life just gave you a powerful slap in the face to remind you of your place in the world, and then there were times when it instead gave you a friendly pat on the head to let you know that things would work out. What looked to be the former was quickly turning into the latter, as in an amazing stroke of luck, Silver did NOT look in Hyde's direction, instead charging through the wall and bursting out into town below. Hyde was frozen for a few minutes, staring at the large, dinosaur shaped hole in the wall as his heart tried to restart and his mind was catching up with what had just happened.

"Oh thank every god above!" Hyde suddenly burst out, laughing at his good fortune. And with Silver drawing everyone's attention, that meant all potential eyes were off of him. His cover had been maintained!

Or at least, he was, until he heard movement behind him. He blinked and remembered that Nesbit was still there, having been thrown into the room by Fowl. Hyde turned as the man pulled himself from the rubble. "And you're still alive. The good news just keeps coming." That wasn't sarcasm. Hyde genuinely meant it. Of course, now this meant that he had to introduce himself to the man he had been following.

"No more than the lies you gave that gullible marine, or what you told the revolutionaries. Though I hope that will certainly change soon." He gave Nesbit a small, quick bow, "The name's Hyde Garland, and I have a bit of an interest in this little enterprise." He glanced back at the large hole in the wall, and the sounds of pandemonium rising up from below. "Though right now, I think it might benefit both of us if we make sure you don't die. Things seem to be going to hell in a handbasket right now."


Post Word Count: 322
Total Word Count: 5,824
Noah
Noah
[tracker=/t2666-tracker-noah-lacroix#17180]
Name : Noah Lacroix
Epithet : Red Falcon
Age : 18
Height : 1.88m
Weight : 86Kg
Species/Tribe : Human
Faction : New Revolutionary Army
Crew : L'Aube du Monde
Crew Role : Captain
Devil Fruit : Tori Tori no Mi, Model: Falcon
Quality Score : B
Crew Pool : [bel=u] 15,000,000
Balance : [bel] 76,459,821
[[childofdestiny]]
[[improviseadaptovercome]]
Posts : 87

[World Event] A Fool's Errand - Page 5 Empty Re: [World Event] A Fool's Errand

This post has in-line assessment comments.Tue Jul 16, 2024 6:42 pm
The more Noah heard about the trip ahead, the more he realised how reckless his initial idea was. Or, rather, the backup plan had been. Not having to resort to it was greatly reassuring for the redhead. The revolutionaries managed to pass through one storm today, more or less intact. How bad could another one be?

The more the redhead heard, the more he realised it could still be worse, as Genie disliked their next destination. But if she was confident in getting everybody over, then so was Noah. Not that he had the know-how to gauge the difficulty of the following crossing properly- if an experienced navigator gave her opinion, he believed her words. He thanked her and would soon dive into work- if Genie had adjustments to make, adjustments were what she would get.

However, the fact that Kathy did not manage to contact the rest of their unit made Noah uneasy. Not knowing what would await them was nothing he was too fond of, but also nothing he could change anytime soon. With everybody soon having a task to fulfil, Kathy continued to try and establish communication with the rest of their unit.

However, there was still one thing left to say. [plyr=revo]”I’m sure I have said it already today: We’re in this together, so if we have each other’s back, I’m sure it’ll work out. And now, back to work. Our vessel isn’t preparing itself!”[/plyr] With that out of the way, the preparations could finally start.

On sea

Noah quickly learned why Genie was so reluctant to accept the revolutionaries' request. For now, the navigator was the one to give most of the orders and as the rest of the crew did their best to follow them, Noah mostly followed suit. When Genie wanted him to do something, he did his best to comply. For now, there was no time for doubts. The currents would ruthlessly punish any mistake otherwise.

However, the sea’s current was not the only hindrance. Fog covered the sea and to say the sight was bad would be an understatement. When time allowed for it, Noah tried to check up on Kathy, who still tried to contact the rest of the unit, but so far, she did not reach anybody. While he very well could guess that the Marines would be awaiting them, given how they had a head start, the motley group moved forward blindly in the truest sense of the word. Whatever would await them, Noah had the feeling it would not be too pleasant.

WC: 425 | 5,102/10,000
Karl Friedrich
Karl Friedrich
[tracker=/t1546-karl-friedrich#8615]
Name : Karl Friedrich
Epithet : Venomous Bartender
Age : 20
Height : 6 feet 1 inch (1.85m)
Weight : 176 lbs (80kg)
Species/Tribe : Human
Faction : Pirate
Crew : Red Wing Pirates
Ship : Emilia
Crew Role : Bartender
Devil Fruit : Doku Doku no Mi (Venom-Venom Fruit)
Bounty : [ber=r] 10,000,000
Quality Score : B
Balance : [ber] 133,726,643
[[childofdestiny]][[masterchef]]
[[improviseadaptovercome]]
Posts : 107

[World Event] A Fool's Errand - Page 5 Empty Re: [World Event] A Fool's Errand

This post has in-line assessment comments.Thu Jul 18, 2024 3:41 pm
With no intention to help in the factory, Karl took off where the group had gathered and looked around, still in the earshot of others. Unfortunately, his head could not consume all the machinery and what they did in the very room... He was after all not an engineer.

What his mind did however was create an urge... An addict's mind is a greedy one. It will never get enough of what it craves. [plyr=pirt]"Cigarette... It has been a while."[/plyr] Karl mumbled to himself as he looked around... It had been a while, a whole ten to fifteen minutes or so.

With no exact sign forbidding him from smoking one out, he got the green light to begin his search... For an intoxicating cigarette. And he knew just who to bother for it, or rather, from who to just take one from.

[plyr=pirt]"Hey buddy bud bud."[/plyr] Who else to bother than his fellow smoker and a man made out of smoke? Karl approached Volo and tried to put his arm over his shoulder while the other hand tried to perform a sleigh-of-hand technique on his bomber jacket pocket.

With a successful theft, Karl flicked a cigarette between his lips and asked Susu to light it up for him. [plyr=pirt]"Hehe, sucker."[/plyr] he mumbled as he exhaled the smoke. However just as he was about to relax, karma had arrived. Marines had been spotted.

Go out and fight them, they said to Karl and the group. Unfortunately, it seemed like Volo had no intention of surrendering without a fight. Karl on the other hand was trying to calculate in his head the odds of escaping alive. [plyr=pirt]"One day I'll drown you for all of this, Volo."[/plyr] It was probably only a matter of time till all the exits were closed off. Thus all roads lead towards the secret room. Fortunately, Volo had the same idea for once.

But the guards did not budge when Winny begged to open the door... As they should, they are the guards after all.

[plyr=pirt]"Oh for fuck sake... Hold your breath"[/plyr] With no desire to deal with Volo's shenanigans and him possibly fighting and causing them to lose precious time from a possible escape plan, Karl took a swift step next to Winny and opened his mouth. With the initial look of him exhaling the toxins of a cigarette, the smoke turned blue.

A laughing gas, targeted at the guards to cause them to laugh uncontrollably on the ground and those who fail to hold their breath. [plyr=pirt]"That'll show them some good time, now let us get moving."[/plyr] He took the initiative as he tried to open the door, hoping that others would also help him... Because the time was of the essence.

[456/5002]


Last edited by Karl Friedrich on Sat Jul 20, 2024 7:42 am; edited 1 time in total

________________________________________________________
BEHOLD! THESE USED TO BE MY STUFF.

Orion Montgomery
Orion Montgomery
[tracker=/t2718-tracker-orion-montgomery#17682]
Name : Orion T. Montgomery
Age : 26
Height : 6'8"
Weight : 283 lbs
Species/Tribe : Human
Faction : Pirate
Alliance : N/A
Crew : The Vintage Horde
Ship : N/A
Crew Role : Antiquarian
Devil Fruit : Arai Arai no Mi (Rough-Rough Fruit)
Bounty : [bel=r] 12,500,000
Quality Score : S+
Crew Pool : [bel=u] 15,000,000
Balance : [bel] 41,959,429
[[bookworm]][[hardboiled]][[dulcetvirtuoso]]
[[improviseadaptovercome]]
Posts : 59

[World Event] A Fool's Errand - Page 5 Empty Re: [World Event] A Fool's Errand

This post has in-line assessment comments.Fri Jul 19, 2024 11:52 am
Whatever quip, reaction or feeling Orion could associate with the shenanigans that happened across their ferry trip was immediately drowned out by the view of Carbuncle on the horizon. Each nautical cut through the ocean wake drew them nearer and soured his mood farther, and when the ferry moored and they stepped off the gang-plank to greet their escort, Orion was a shell of his former cheer.

For Orion, Carbuncle was basically the spitting image of Spider Miles in all its soul-sucking, trauma inducing splendor.

Face buried deep in his black, patched muffler, he fidgeted under the shadow of domineering smokestacks and disinterested gaze of mafia-aficionados. Adjusting folds of the scarf length as if to shield his scars from anymore abuse.

Disregarding the others' discussions with escorts, fishman or otherwise, Orion followed along mutely, trapped in memories as thick as the plumes of smoke pilfering out of the factory rows. While his eyes darted about instinctually, narrowing towards ruffling coats or errant waste bins, guarded against pistols, knives, thieving hands, and dangerous intentions.



The group was led by escort and the energetic boy who sprinted through town with nary a care, shielded from this place by childlike naivety and plot-armor confidence. Orion could only muster a pang of jealousy, for those were things the collector could never own. Not now, not in this bastardization of Spider Miles.

One plant, no different than the others but smelling of carbon dust and sulfur, swallowed them whole. The four rusted walls broke the torpor over Orion, and he glanced back as the doors closed. As he tried to count the steps back to the ferry and away from this place, a mirror of the home he hoped to never see again.

The immediate was enough to keep Orion from returning to his spiral, orders were disseminated to their group to perform repairs on various equipment. At another time and place, Orion would have played it stupid to avoid the bothersome task, but the distraction felt welcome, and he applied dexterous fingers and muscle memory to Carbuncle machines.

A clang and a clash. Reports of possible Marines. A whirlwind of chaos, of moving parts that were not of machine, of companions rising to action. Orion wanted to respond to it the only way he knew how, roughly.

"... Psst. Hey, youteia. "

A voice carrying a rope to escape on, a light through inevitable bloodshed and violence-polluted air.

"... Youteia were in the market earlier, right? With those little... ball... surprise..things?"

The weight of Orion's full attention fell upon the small mink, she reminded him of Jeeves. Ball…surprise…things… Orion's gachas!

She must have gathered she had him, as she stepped forward and grinned, A small step pointing in direction that was decisively not toward the Marines. It felt too convenient to Orion, but her resemblance to Jeeves and the prospect of one of his missing treasures being soiled by this Spider Mile knockoff was too much temptation for any one humble antiquarian to ignore.

"What?! MY GACHAS! Orion couldn't waste anymore time in a funk. He took off in the direction the Mink started towards.

"Too slow." Why was she only walking? Orion didn't have time for that. He scooped her up under one of his arms, effortlessly carrying her like a sack of potatoes.

Walls were in the way. He'd remove them. Friction slowed, ripped, and tore but Friction could also cut.

"Antique Collection…Obsidian Axe!"

Orion sliced at the walls with his heated and sharpened Umbrella. The wall fell in disjointed pieces of heated metal, cuts made more by brute strength than that of skilled sword swings.

"I'LL SAVE YOU FROM THIS HELL!"

Orion dashed through his self made exit, Aya in tow.

Word Count:
Volo Rosso
Volo Rosso
[tracker=/t2130-volo-rosso-airheart#12332]
Name : Volo Rosso Airheart
Epithet : Red Wing Volo
Age : 19
Height : 6'0"
Weight : 190
Species/Tribe : Human
Faction : Pirate
Crew : Red Wing Pirates
Ship : Emilia
Crew Role : Captain
Devil Fruit : Moku Moku no mi
Bounty : [ber=r] 30,000,000
Quality Score : S
EXP Bonus : +0.20 (to all allies)
Balance : [bel] 378,125
[[untouchable]][[childofdestiny]][[punchoutguru]]
Posts : 114

[World Event] A Fool's Errand - Page 5 Empty Re: [World Event] A Fool's Errand

This post has in-line assessment comments.Thu Jul 25, 2024 8:35 pm
Volo took a deep breath as his first mate spewed the noxious blue smoke from his lungs. The gas forced the guards to their knees as they laughed uncontrollably.

"Peeeewwwuuuu..." Winny's nasally voice called as the smoke dissipated, pinching his nose and waving his hand. "You should brush your teeth more..."

"Pffftahaha.." Volo snickered, trying to hold in his amusement and avoid Karl's glare.

"Now then!" Winny shouted excitedly, his fingers hovering over the handle. Childlike wonder took over as his imagination ran wild.

"Let's see..-...?!?" A thunderous chorus of clanging metal echoed behind him, sending a shivering fear down the boy's spine. "YEEEOOOW!" Instinctively jumping behind Volo and Karl for protection.

It was only after the initial shock wore off that he realized the amount of damage that had been done. "Wha... But... My...sniff" The poor boy was distraught. "Do you know, sniff, how long it's gonna take me to fix that..." Tears welled up in his big green eyes as waterfalls fell down his freckled cheeks.

"There...there..." Volo mumbled as he awkwardly patted the boy's head, doing his best to provide comfort. "So, any idea why Onion just abducted the squirrel...?" Leaning over to his mate Karl to shed light on the situation.

"Waaah, wazzat..?" Pinako mumbled as she shuffled around her bag for the listen-gooder. Adjusting her thick-rimmed glasses to get a better look at the damage Onion had caused.

"Sniff... Karl was right..sniff." Winny mumbled as he wiped the tears from his eyes "That Onion guy is a thief." He paused for a moment to reflect on his anger. "And a jerk too!"

The muffled noises from the secret door grew louder, enough to draw the group's attention. Pursue the squirrel abductor or open the door. That was the question.

"Outta me way, ya whippersnappers!" Pinako pushed through the boys and swung the secret door open without a second thought. A blinding natural light took over just a moment as their eyes adjusted from the shock.

"Hey look, it's the cueball and the Fishman!" Winny shouted.

WC 340/5,986
Stone Okirama
Stone Okirama
[tracker=/t1924-stone-okirama#10456]
Name : Stone Okirama
Epithet : Kodiak
Age : 19
Height : 10'8" | 328 cm
Weight : 1458 lbs | 661 kg
Species/Tribe : Human-Giant Hybrid
Faction : Marines
Crew : The Hunting Party
Ship : The Open Season
Marine Rank : Captain
Crew Role : Captain
Devil Fruit : Kuma Kuma no Mi, Model: Kodiak Bear
Quality Score : A
Balance : [ber] 105,550,000
[[hardboiled]]
Posts : 60

[World Event] A Fool's Errand - Page 5 Empty Re: [World Event] A Fool's Errand

This post has in-line assessment comments.Wed Jul 31, 2024 5:05 pm
If Stone’s quickened trot as a massive bear made any noise, the stalwart Captain of the Navy could not hear it over the sprawling slugger's spectacle behind him. Not that the Kodiak’s recent mad dash through some of Carbuncle’s coastal bases helped lower the volume any. Of course, there was something to be said about finally getting the opportunity to really stretch his legs a little bit, as a bear or otherwise. It was not as if the Kodiak was nervous about relaying the routes to the incoming reinforcements. That would be utterly ridiculous and unbecoming behavior of an Officer of the Navy.

...But one more battle before that call wouldn't hurt.



Five Minutes Later...

Eager flames from the site of a one-sided stomp lashed out at the sky like anger-fueled snakes. Destroyed weapons and battered thugs alike littered what was once a coastal base. Motionless amidst the chaos he had caused just seconds ago. Stone found himself lost in thought. If he had just waited a few more moments things could have went so much different.

[npc=misc]"We're... Not.... Done.... Yet!!!"[/npc]

The sudden voice was enough to quell Stone's regretful feelings, at least for the moment. Turning to face the new challenger, the bear-hybrid tilted his head in confusion at the sorry sight.

Propping himself up with the use of a massive cooking utensil, the bruised brigand continued his strange speech in-between labored breaths, [npc=misc]"I don't know what kind of game you think this is, but if you think some C-lister marine like you is going to bring me and my men down, you got another thing coming!"[/npc]

Resting a paw under his chin, Stone squinted at the worse-for-wear ruffian, [plyr=navy]"Sorry, I don't quite recognize you..."[/plyr]

[npc=misc]"Hah! Everyone in the South Blue has heard the name 'Lashing Ladle' Leland!"[/npc] With as much flourish and flair that the pirate could muster in the moment, Leland spun the ladle around.

Before the combat-ready cook was able to make a move, Stone was already in front of him. Wrenching the oversized spoon away from Leland, Stone perfectly bent it into a circle.

[plyr=navy]"That wasn't an invitation to introduce yourself..."[/plyr] Lowering himself to the ground, Stone brought both of his arms back, [plyr=navy]"... Raspberry Raider!"[/plyr]

Like a rock being skipped across the water, Leland was sent far off into the distance before making his "splash" into the side of a nearby building.  

[plyr=navy]“It's always something...”[/plyr] Ripping his axe out of the crater-ladden ground, The bear-man left the base behind and sat at the now empty dock nearby, [plyr=navy]"Let's get this over with before anyone else has the chance to try and fight me."[/plyr]

Riffling through the few pockets he had left for the transponder snail channel, Stone eventually managed to get his hands on the codes. Sighing deeply, Captain Okirama steeled himself and prepared to make the most important snail call of his career.

Word Count:
NPC
NPC
NPC
Tracker

Name : Variable
Epithet : Variable
Age : 0
Height : Variable
Weight : Variable
Species/Tribe : Variable
Faction : Variable
Crew : Variable
Ship : Variable
Crew Role : Variable
Devil Fruit : Variable
Bounty : Variable
Balance : Variable
Posts : 1289

[World Event] A Fool's Errand - Page 5 Empty Chapter 7

This post has in-line assessment comments.Fri Aug 30, 2024 11:14 pm

Chapter 7


April 1, 1829, ~3:30 P.M.

Administrator building at Carbuncle...

Nesbit was taken aback when the platinum-blond stranger (rightly) accused him of weaving lies, but he did not let it show. He seemed as composed as one could in a puffy suit dappled with dust and splinters.

[npc=pirt]"Hyde Garland, you say? I believe that rings familiar."[/npc] The name had stood out to him in one of Billy Audi's intelligence reports. [npc=pirt]"I have heard of your singular talents in the art of forgery. A gift from the devil, was it?"[/npc]

Nesbit would have highly valued an employee with his powers. But, judging by his first impression, Hyde didn't seem the sort of man who would make a convenient pawn; at least not until he remembered another pertinent detail from the same report.

[npc=pirt]"I recall some uproar a few months ago invoking your name with the Amoratis of Baterilla. Though I might have sworn it was resolved by your demise following your benefactor's beheading."[/npc] Nesbit's remark came with an air of assertive dominance.

[npc=pirt]"No matter, I'm sure you've outgrown the dons of Baterilla by now, considering the present circumstances."[/npc] He conjured a shrewd smile and continued, [npc=pirt]"I'll gladly accept your assistance in surviving my current ordeal if you'll allow me to return the favour by helping you continue to avoid the mafia hounds thirsting for your blood, Mr. Garland."[/npc] Nesbit made no attempts to mask the blackmail. After all, the conniving trespasser had earned such threats for his transgressions.

Regardless of Hyde's cooperation, however, Nesbit's life was to be in peril once again. When he exited the office he had crashed into, two more intruders dropped in through the skylight. They wore neat black robes that covered their frames and masks that obscured their faces—one a silver fox with red curls, another an orange tiger with colourful stripes.

Nesbit froze.

[npc=pirt]"CP9..."[/npc] He said, devoid of his distinctive boldness.

[npc=cpol]"You know who we are, then you must know why we're here,"[/npc] said the tiger with a man's voice.

After a moment of wordless despair, Nesbit responded with unsteady confidence. [npc=pirt]"Your appearance here certainly explains the callous act of terror in Briss. We expected your chief to be affronted by our affair with the NRA, but I did not expect him to learn of it so soon."[/npc] New and old puzzle pieces slowly formed together in Nesbit's mind, revealing a precarious possible image—one of betrayal by the man to whom he was beholden.


Nearly two months ago...

A hidden lab in the Patch Mountains...

Nesbit's belly jiggled off every rung of the ladder as he descended a dark tunnel with what grace he could muster. An intimidating red-haired grump followed.

They stepped through steel doors into a pristine lab manned only by a lonesome one-eyed scientist.

[npc=scbk]"Nesbit, Rubill, how did it go?"[/npc] Asked the one-eyed man with a grey mop of hair.

[npc=pirt]"Mr. Silver was as commanding as you would expect. He has an imperious bearing to him. It was no hardship convincing the Jollies he was our elusive patron all along,"[/npc] Nesbit said with his chest puffed like a grouse.

[npc=scbk]"Looks like brown noses are common in this business,"[/npc] Rubill remarked, his dry lips beset by a noxious scowl.

[npc=scbk]"It's only brown-nosing if he doesn't mean it,"[/npc] said the scientist.

[npc=scbk]"Whatever. You still haven't told me what your end goal is here. You've gotten into bed with Loha, CP9, and the NRA. I doubt you'll be able to juggle them all forever, Galinstan. As soon as one of them finds out you're dealing with the others, the whole thing's gonna go tits up,"[/npc] Rubill warned.

[npc=scbk]"CP9 already knows about Loha,"[/npc] Galinstan said with a cheeky smirk.

[npc=scbk]"What?"[/npc] Rubill's brow lifted halfway up his forehead, wrinkling his long scar.

[npc=scbk]"It's how we got into bed with Cipher Pol No. 9. When they discovered my connections with Loha, they threatened to expose me unless I offered them some bargains."[/npc]

Rubill grunted with a faint, resigned smile—an expression he wielded only once in a blue moon. [npc=scbk]"Let me guess, it's what you wanted all along. With those terms in place, exposing you would also mean admitting their own shady extortion."[/npc]

Galinstan's smirk grew sharper. Its devious nature unsettled even Nesbit.

[npc=scbk]"You make it sound so simple. It's true - they can't act against me directly, but if they find out about the NRA deal, I expect they'll seek roundabout methods of bringing me down. Luckily, I have contingencies planned for that too."[/npc]

[npc=scbk]"Like making me the scapegoat of your operation here, you duplicitous cunt?"[/npc] Rubill growled.

[npc=scbk]"You're the face of Carbuncle because I lack the gravitas you bring to the masses. People fear your name. None fear mine. After all, I had no bounty when the Navy commissioned me,"[/npc] Galinstan admitted. [npc=scbk]"The Jolly Keys are filled with roughneck pirates who respect only infamy and strength, and you bring both."[/npc]

[npc=scbk]"And what happens when CP9 finds out?"[/npc]

[npc=scbk]"Does it matter? I have many goals, but the only one you care about is the one concerning Loha. You know better than me that killing the Behemoth is as out-of-reach as the sun. We need to drain his support first."[/npc]

Galinstan fetched a neon green fruit with swirling scales covering half its skin. He placed it on a sparkling ivory countertop and continued.

[npc=scbk]"I intend to keep feeding his army with the powers they crave until they believe themselves invincible, and then I'll feed them some more until every last one of them dies a slow death from the poison within. No matter what happens here, these gears are already in motion and can't be stopped."[/npc]

Rubill thumbed the two thin points of fuzz on his chin as he pondered over the near-luminescent devil fruit.

[npc=scbk]"It's a dicey plan at best. It'll take years for your poison to do its job. But, short of throwing the entire Marine fleet and the World Government's Greatest Military Powers at him, it's the only strategy I've ever heard that has a dog's chance against that fucking fiend."[/npc] A glint ignited Rubill's fierce crimson eyes. [npc=scbk]"If it works, once his army is dead, I'll be there to tear off his head, even if it takes an army of my own."[/npc]


April 1, 1829, ~3:30 P.M.

Carbuncle docks...

Captain "Meandering" Meredith Wyre thrust her rapier repeatedly, architecting jolts of wind as loud as fired bullets. They ripped through the wicked denizens of Carbuncle who guarded the prize she sought. She wiped the sweat crawling down her hazel forehead and studied the charts—smugly satisfied—validating a safe course through The Lashes.

It took her longer than it should have to regroup with her fellow captain. If anyone asked why, she would swear to the Marine seagull how enemies impeded her every step. It would take some terrible, vicious scheme to make her confess she simply got lost.

After floundering for a while, she finally spotted Okirama sending some pitiful thug flying into a rickety wooden building, drowning him in splinters.

[npc=navy]"Remind me not to get in your way when you're slapping crooks around, Oki,"[/npc] Meredith said with a nervous but familiar smile.  She handed off the charts to the Kodiak, picking a few stray bits of debris ornamenting the frizzy red ball she called hair.

[npc=navy]"I'll leave mobilizing the reinforcements to you. I'm not keen on talking to the one who'll answer the call,"[/npc] she said. [npc=navy]"I was relieved they didn't choose him to lead this mission. Kaif Ali is a boor almost as bad as Seamus Fowl. If the two of them worked together, I can't imagine how much worse off the rest of us would be,"[/npc] she added before she let her wanderlust guide her away, allowing Okirama to heed Nottingham's orders.


April 1, 1829, ~3:30 P.M.

Outskirts of Carbuncle...

[npc=revo]"What the hell are you doing, Nettle? Are you seriously gonna use your damn sewing kit to fight one of the shichibukai?"[/npc] Shouted a short man with a fountain of dreadlocks. He bore a heavy metal tank on his back with a flexible hose snaking out its side. Even with the excess bulk, he just managed to evade a violent swing of the Iron Beast's tail.

[npc=revo]"Be quiet, Sumac! You don't hear me complaining about your pesticide—even if it stinks worse than a pissed off skunk. We all have our own ways of fighting,"[/npc] said a slim man with a long, pointy nose as he threw several curved needles at the enraged dinosaur's tail.

The stings barely managed to pierce the beast's sturdy green skin. Several threads stretched between Nettle and his needles. He jerked them with all his might, but a flick of the tail was all it took for the beast to break free.

They battled in a field of concrete rubble, with crooked rebars sprouting like fresh steel blooms. Several corpses fertilized the ground; most were pirates who had called Carbuncle home, but some had been NRA guests, accompanying their commanders on the investigation.

"Poison" Sumac and "Stinging" Nettle clashed against the killer beast, driven partly by a desire for vengeance, but mostly by the need for survival. Twelve NRA soldiers still lived, firing rifles from a less lethal distance to support their sergeants. The struggle was futile, for the Iron Beast was undeterred, perhaps even angrier than before.

[npc=scbk]"Out of my way, shrimps,"[/npc] he bellowed. His eyes saw nothing but red as he charged through the lot head-first. His sprint did not taper until he had made it deep into town, structures crumbling in his wake.

Silver's roars thundered through the town, chipping walls and shattering windows. The maroon stripes on his scaly green hide seemed to flutter like a banner in the wind. Specks of ugly spit flew far from between his jaws, while his serpentine tongue tasted the blood dripping from the tips of his jagged teeth.

[npc=scbk]"Nine Grain! I know you're here somewhere!"[/npc] He shouted. [npc=scbk]"I need a better meal than some shitty small fries. Come face me so I can grind you to flour and bake me some bread."[/npc]

A ferocious gust of wind sliced through the air, tearing into the theropod's flank.

[npc=radm]"I'm right here, you overgrown gecko,"[/npc] Nottingham announced, standing atop a corrugated metal rooftop a few blocks away. A pale katana gleamed in his hand, its tsuba shaped like a rounded cross pattée, and its grip red as if painted with blood. It boldly unleashed another aerial slash, sounding the death knell for the warlord's title.

The monstrous pirate spared only a brief few seconds to wince at the sharp pain in his side before turning to his adversary. [npc=scbk]"I was starting to get bored hanging around this shithole, but, the wait was worth it. I can finally have some fun,"[/npc] the Iron Beast said with a vile grin, presenting his crooked bloody fangs.

A quake stemming from the mountains rocked the earth, heralding the clash of titans.


April 1, 1829, ~3:30 P.M.

The forbidden section of Carbuncle's central facility...

The beats of Seamus' wings had found harmony with the rhythmic gushing of the pipes in the room. He hovered high above the NRA commanders, close to the ceiling, wary of sudden moves.

[npc=cpol]"I was listening when you spoke to the Iron Beast and his chubby associate,"[/npc] Seamus said. [npc=cpol]"I gather you were not the perpetrators of the bombing at Briss; that, in fact, you were framed by someone who used the same explosive substance that the Iron Beast sells to your army."[/npc]

Ta'al and Bracken exchanged anxious glances before the bald one responded. [npc=cmdr]"That's right. The NRA would never target civvies."[/npc]

Seamus scoffed.

[npc=cpol]"Setting aside how erroneous that statement is, let's say for a moment that I believe you regarding Briss. Who, then, do you think is responsible for the attack?"[/npc] The Cipher Pol chief asked.

[npc=cmdr]"What the fuck do ya think we're here ta find out? We figured Langhorne had been double-dealin'. If he didn't cross us himself, he's gotta have some idea who did. That fat fuck tried ta spin our heads with his glib lies. I don't care what he says, he's definitely hidin' somethin' besides just the damned Iron Beast,"[/npc] Ta'al insisted.

[npc=cpol]"Yes, I suspect the same,"[/npc] Seamus agreed. [npc=cpol]"Maybe I was a bit rash in assaulting him. My anger admittedly gets the better of me sometimes. Though I don't believe I killed him. I'll find out soon enough. First things first, of course."[/npc] Seamus flexed his pure white wings, charging an attack, but just before he launched it, the metal gate burst open across the room.

A medley of interlopers spilled in, led by a wrinkled old lady—short as a stick—and a ginger-haired boy—shorter still. When the child crudely identified Seamus' opponents, the hairless one nearly popped a nerve.

[npc=cmdr]"Who the hell are ya callin' a cue ball, ya pip-squeak?"[/npc]

The child puffed his cheeks and crossed his arms, standing as tall as he could. [npc=misc]"I'm not a pip-squeak!"[/npc] The pip squeaked. [npc=misc]"I'm Dr. Winston Bell, the Genius Machine God! I built all the contraptions in this factory!"[/npc] He declared. [npc=misc]"With granny's help, of course."[/npc] The addendum came at a lower volume.

[npc=cpol]"Is that so?"[/npc] Seamus asked. As preposterous as the claim was, the prospect intrigued him. If the boy spoke true, he and the old woman were persons of interest worth apprehending and interrogating. A single glance around the room had hinted to Seamus he had entered Carbuncle's dark underbelly. And now, someone claiming to be its engineer had marched right under his wings.

[npc=misc]"That's a fact! Mr. Langhorne himself hired us to build these machines. Oh! And he gave us permission to be in here too. We didn't break in or anything; unlike you guys."[/npc] The boy's jitters went unnoticed, for Seamus was now certain of his complicity.

He had witnessed the boy and his group greet Langhorne's at the docks. He had failed to pick up on the brusque conversation, but the interaction alone was enough for Seamus to believe him.

Seamus eyed the three young men who had barged in with the kid. Every last one of them seemed a ruffian eager to fight. A brawl in a room full of pressurized drums was a poor plan, perhaps. Luckily for him, another option presented itself.

[npc=cpol]"Ca-caw! Ca-caw!"[/npc] A conspicuous crow's cawing came from the large hole in the ceiling. Seamus smiled.

[npc=cpol]"Well then, I'll have you and your old crone tell me all about your work here, little boy,"[/npc] he said as he landed on the floor, taking the form of a tall man. His dark ponytail seemed to grow longer as his head transformed, sharp and clean-shaven, but for a patch of hair on his chin. His wedding-white suit clung tight to his charred muscular frame, while the hem of his white coat grazed the dirtied tiles on the floor.

Seamus retrieved a gas mask from within his coat and strapped it over his face. One could see his eyes squint through the transparent lenses as he delivered his order loud and clear.

[npc=cpol]"Gas!"[/npc]

Not half a second later, several canisters dropped through the ceiling hole, trailing grey-white smoke that would burn the eyes, scratch the throats, and muddle the minds of nearly anyone who dared breathe it in. Another half a second later, the canisters exploded, filling the room with the malignant gas. Ta'al and Bracken, being as close as they were to the point of origin, had no time to escape. They clutched their chests and coughed their lungs out before ultimately collapsing to the ground.

Seamus scanned through the smoke for the boy and his troop. He was a moment too late to guard against the metal staff that struck him right in the groin.

[npc=misc]"What did you do to my granny, you jerk?!"[/npc] The urchin screeched. He stood livid before the Cipher Pol chief, his voice muffled behind a gas mask. Seamus clinched his unmentionables, though the injury to his pride sank deeper than the one to his body.

[npc=cpol]"You little shit!"[/npc] He growled. His hand acted faster than his mind when it slapped the guttersnipe clean off his feet and flung him into a concrete wall. The strike accomplished what the gas failed to. The brat was unconscious before he even slunk to the floor.

Seamus' gaze then found two more survivors of the toxic ambush. Their silhouettes quivered in the haze, and their eyes shimmered red. Neither of them wore masks, which could only mean one thing. Seamus' fists clenched, and his arms started to blacken.

A tremor beneath the ground shook the building. More tremors above ground were sure to follow.


April 1, 1829, ~3:45 P.M.

Many miles south of Sinister Eyeland...

Hundreds of uniformed sailors shuffled across the decks of two warships, unfurling the sails and sounding sirens on the masts. A man with double-jointed, inhumanly long arms stood at the helm of the lead ship, shouting orders with grim fervour. He wore a standard-issue marine cap and a white coat bearing the kanji of "Justice", as was expected of commissioned officers of the Navy. He carried a long axe over his shoulder, its head broad and sharp. A trimmed black beard outlined his jaw, skirted by well-groomed stubble.

A sailor rushed up the stairs leading up to the helm to address the officer. [npc=navy]"We're on course for Sinister Eyeland, Rear Admiral."[/npc]

The Long-Arm officer took charge of the helm and replied, [npc=radm]"I've got the route from Nottingham's flunky. Signal Steps' ship to line up and synchronize with our manoeuvres."[/npc]

The sailor hurried away to execute the new orders. Not long after, the warships lumbered in a single file towards Sinister Island, its faint shadow flitting on the distant horizon even through the viscous fog.






Notes:



2,950 out of 19,643 words
Pikasso
Pikasso
[tracker=/t2393-aya-pikasso-ruiz#14697]
Name : Aya Ruiz
Epithet : "Pikasso"
Age : 25
Height : 4'5"
Weight : 120 lb
Species/Tribe : Mink
Faction : Civilian/Other
Alliance : Nox Prime
Crew : P.T.S.D.
Ship : Dead Air
Crew Role : Procurement Specialist
Devil Fruit : Suke Suke no Mi
Quality Score : S+
Balance : [bel] 302,000,000
[[childofdestiny]]
[[improviseadaptovercome]]
Posts : 106

[World Event] A Fool's Errand - Page 5 Empty Re: [World Event] A Fool's Errand

This post has in-line assessment comments.Tue Sep 03, 2024 8:56 pm
Even years of watching Lesser Minks could not prepare Aya for the chaos of the ones she managed to get tangled up with. Countless hours in silent observation had painted a picture of the subtle beauty of mundane human life in the artist's mind... and yet fate seemed hellbent on throwing the wildest of the Minks' follicly challenged kin into her path.

Though she was ruffled, the runt had long since given up on starting any arguments over being carried. It seemed to be in people's nature to want to scoop her up and Orion was only validating that theory.

As her enthusiastic companion felled walls before them the hurricane of questions about what she had just gotten herself into hit like déjà vu.

"...W-wait, how am I supposed to tell where we're going with youteia wrecking the place??" she piped up suddenly, " We're going to get caught if youteia keep this u-"

"Uh-"

AH -CHUU!"


Suddenly, the mink was caught up in an adorably squeaky sneezing fit.

She tried to dispel the irritating tickle of dust from the rubble around them with a shake of her fluffy head. When the feeling persisted and Aya's sensitive nose continued to sniffle like after downing one of her Mother's hot pepper-laced cold remedies, the feeling that something was amiss began to set in.

While she couldn't hear much above the jostling of being carried and the destruction, there was definitely something in the air.

"Ahh... ah... AHH-CHUU!"

It took a few attempts for her to squeak out anything actually understandable.

"... N-never mind! Keep going!!! Whatever youteia have to do to put distance between us and- !!"

The rumble of the earth below filled Aya with dread. The little artist suddenly blinked out of view, then back. Clasped between her dark, pleading paws was a desperate offering from her pockets. She was trying her best to shove it into Orion's view.

The gacha gleamed in her grasp.

" ...Here! Change of plans! Get us anywhere that isn't here!! Please!!" Aya did her best to pour all her years of practice flashing puppy-dog eyes into one hopeful plea.

She felt a pang of concern for the others in their strange impromptu pack, but she'd seen what chaos they were capable of causing. For all she knew, whatever was going on was their fault.

Either way, getting somewhere they could think it through without the world shaking at their feet would help.

" I'll help youteia sniff out more of your gacha or whatever! Just keep running!!"

With the offer made, Aya was not waiting for an answer. She disappeared again (along with the gacha bribe,) though the sensation of the little fluffball under Orion's arm stayed the same.

{ Post: 456 / Total: 3,118 }
Orion Montgomery
Orion Montgomery
[tracker=/t2718-tracker-orion-montgomery#17682]
Name : Orion T. Montgomery
Age : 26
Height : 6'8"
Weight : 283 lbs
Species/Tribe : Human
Faction : Pirate
Alliance : N/A
Crew : The Vintage Horde
Ship : N/A
Crew Role : Antiquarian
Devil Fruit : Arai Arai no Mi (Rough-Rough Fruit)
Bounty : [bel=r] 12,500,000
Quality Score : S+
Crew Pool : [bel=u] 15,000,000
Balance : [bel] 41,959,429
[[bookworm]][[hardboiled]][[dulcetvirtuoso]]
[[improviseadaptovercome]]
Posts : 59

[World Event] A Fool's Errand - Page 5 Empty Re: [World Event] A Fool's Errand

This post has in-line assessment comments.Thu Sep 05, 2024 4:56 pm
Orion didn’t need the little Mink’s words. Didn’t listen to them. He didn’t bother to question her strange disappearing act, the casual display of what could only be a devil’s power.

If anything, it was a refreshing reminder that Carbuncle is not Spider Miles. A newness he could latch onto. A furry-person shaped night-light to fight back a nostalgic bleakness of post-traumatic memory.

No. It was convenient to ignore her words, to pretend she didn't just manipulate him. To pretend the gacha flashing before his face was always the prize. Not ones that were promised to exist somewhere out on Carbuncle's streets, suffering in his absence, cold and alone.

He was happy to have left that factory anyways.

Orion focused on the gacha in front of him. His new goal, his new bribe. Eye's matching overcast sky narrowing, vision tunneling. A hunger. Addiction-Adjacent.

Then the plastic ball was gone as fast as it had arrived. The polymer shine of its case vanishing. Vanishing just like Aya.

He felt something still tucked under his arm. The weight had remained unchanged, slight as it was. More of her power.

Orion suppressed a sigh. She wanted to get away. Orion would help.

"As the saying goes... In for a gacha, in for a gacha..."

He shuffled the invisible form in front of him, spinning her around, presumably, and blatantly ignoring any causal accidents such mink-handling could create. With the repositioning and light application of friction on his duster, he had the mink, hopefully, strapped to his chest in an Orion-made Aya shaped bjorn. Aya-bjorn.

”You are bjorn again.”

Getting away was the tricky bit. Getting away reminded him of an old memory. Pigeons on factory stacks. Gray feathers washed out by grayer smoke. A pigeon's eye view. To see how those smug bastards see. To assess.

There was plenty of smoke here. Plenty of stacks.

Brick and mortar veneer covered the chimney’s exterior. Stained from ash, dried from heatsmoke and craggy from age, the material made for a great grip. Friction made for even greater. It was no more difficult than a casual walk.

For Orion, that is exactly what it was. A walk up a vertical surface, a complete disregard for gravity as well as the slight concavity of the stack, and an impressive display for core strength.

In no time, Orion had reached the factory plume’s peak. He cast open his umbrella, a shade from the ash, plopped down on the rim and dangled his feet over its edge, kicking gently at the wind. His invisible burden—possibly Aya—placed next to him.

Finally, they took in Carbuncle proper.

”So…” Orion picked at an ear in nonchalance.

”Where to next?”

Word Count:

Yumiko
Yumiko
[tracker=/t1347-yumiko#7408]
Name : Yumiko
Epithet : Kamaitachi
Age : 28
Height : 5'5'' / 165 cm
Weight : 128 lbs. / 58 kg
Species/Tribe : Human
Faction : Civilian
Devil Fruit : Ita Ita no Mi, Model: Kamaitachi
Bounty : [bel=r] 10,000,012
Quality Score : S
EXP Bonus : +0.20 (to all allies)
Balance : [bel] 2,916,996,298
[[baneoftheweak]][[dragonheart]][[childofdestiny]]
[[punchoutguru]][[dulcetvirtuoso]]

[[improviseadaptovercome]]
Posts : 496

[World Event] A Fool's Errand - Page 5 Empty Re: [World Event] A Fool's Errand

This post has in-line assessment comments.Fri Sep 06, 2024 4:10 am
April 1, 1829, ~3:30 PM

Outskirts of Carbuncle...

Trying to describe scents to those who only experienced the faintest hint of them was like describing colors to a blind person. How would you approach it? What words would you use? Could the other side ever truly understand?

Those questions lingered in the back of Yumiko’s mind akin to hecklers in an audience, as she sat on top of a factory roof. Loud, distracting, pointless... Her sharp nose took in another sample of the filthy air. It smelled of violence.

Unfortunately, the hunter had lost the trail of her target. Those dizzying aerial maneuvers had left her head spinning. She had crashed against the roof, while the bird flew away. An utter failure on her part. Shameful.

Glaring at the countless scurrying mooks below, the weasel weighed her options. Her soul still burned with the predatory instinct. However... In the haze of countless different traces, it was impossible to pick the one that smelled the most traitorous. And the winds stirred it all into thick broth.

After a moment, a decision was made. The warrior flopped onto her back. She shrank down. Her dark fur receded rapidly, leaving pale, blood-stained skin in its wake. Ragged breaths scratched her lungs. Her left arm looked like a sock fresh out of a washtub. Mangled and dripping.

Fortunately, the self-sufficient samurai had years of experience with living alone and tending to her own injuries. Emboldened by the thought, she gripped the limp arm. Her plan was simple enough. A bit of wiggling got the dislocated joint lined up, a deep breath steeled her nerves and...

-Crack-

...Hm, no, that only made it worse.

A medical professional the warrior decidedly was not. Doubts began to creep into her mind alongside the pounding pain. Could she really do this? With one arm? Staring up at the uncaring sky, she tried to think of her comrades. What would Sir Nottingham do? If he ran into impossible odds...

Would he simply roll over and give up?

A monstrous quake answered Yumiko’s wordless question. Her gaze was immediately drawn towards the commotion. She couldn’t put the sensation into words, but... Even from all the way here, she could feel the two titans clashing.

Gasping, rasping, for air, the warrior forced herself back onto her wobbly feet. Her sheathed blade pushed against the roof like a cane, helping her upright. 'Not yet...' That was the answer she told herself. 'Not. Yet.'

Jumping down from the roof, the wounded woman found herself facing a swarm of scurrying pirates. Lackeys... All of them... Her eyes ignited with that peculiar madness again. “Thou... are in mine way...” In a blink, her unsheathed blade danced, painting a storm of lingering flashes in the air...

Followed by a chorus of screams.

Words: 458
Total: 7 582
Karl Friedrich
Karl Friedrich
[tracker=/t1546-karl-friedrich#8615]
Name : Karl Friedrich
Epithet : Venomous Bartender
Age : 20
Height : 6 feet 1 inch (1.85m)
Weight : 176 lbs (80kg)
Species/Tribe : Human
Faction : Pirate
Crew : Red Wing Pirates
Ship : Emilia
Crew Role : Bartender
Devil Fruit : Doku Doku no Mi (Venom-Venom Fruit)
Bounty : [ber=r] 10,000,000
Quality Score : B
Balance : [ber] 133,726,643
[[childofdestiny]][[masterchef]]
[[improviseadaptovercome]]
Posts : 107

[World Event] A Fool's Errand - Page 5 Empty Re: [World Event] A Fool's Errand

This post has in-line assessment comments.Sun Sep 08, 2024 1:01 pm
Not being the only ones in the secret room made Karl feel uneasy and on alert, with his eyes scanning the room. His eyes locked on the bald lad and his Fishman friend, but lastly on a man wearing a white wedding suit. It was clear they had interrupted an important 'meeting'. Even if Karl remained silent in the situation, some along with him had chosen the opposite route.

Proudly Winny had told of his accomplishments in the building they were in, only for the script to be flipped. To say they hadn't fallen into an unfortunate trap was an understatement, planned or not. The man in white uniform had bought the time to gear himself for the moment as the canisters dropped through the ceiling.

[plyr=pirt]"Look out!"[/plyr] Karl tried to warn those in the room, but it was too late. The room was filling up with the gas, and those in it dropping, one by one. Even with Winny's courage, he was not immune to the nature of the gas... And the concrete wall

His eyes did not deceive him, it was no ordinary smoke. Sniffling the air, Karl's nose managed to confirm that theory. It was some form of gas, but not just an ordinary gas, a toxic one, used to kill if stayed too long in it.

[plyr=pirt]"This is some..."[/plyr] Karl slowly opened his mouth after his nose had inhaled a bit of it.

[plyr=pirt]"Ooooooooooh yeeeeeees!"[/plyr] Karl's envigorated satisfaction echoed through the gas-filled room.

Like a vacuum sucking smoke, Karl began to suck the toxic gas into his lungs to clear the room up from it. Cigarettes went down smoothly, but this went down so much smoother. The delicious toxins flooded his veins and his skull. There was a party starting and everybody was invited!

[plyr=pirt]"Tsehehehehehehehehe~!!!"[/plyr] he couldn't help but laugh as his lungs were filled with the toxicity. Feeling energized and full of life all of a sudden, he looked at Volo who surprisingly was still standing as well. [plyr=pirt]"This was excellent, wasn't it Volo?!"[/plyr] Followed by his sight setting on the man in a wedding white suit.

[plyr=pirt]"Tseh~. Seems like we've got work to do... Keep up Volo! The lives of others now depend our success!"[/plyr] He grinned as he slid his hands into the black gloves, readying himself for the inevitable fight.

[388/5390]

________________________________________________________
BEHOLD! THESE USED TO BE MY STUFF.

Hyde Garland
Hyde Garland
[tracker=/t2330-hyde-garland#14068]
Name : Hyde Garland
Epithet : Death Dealer
Age : 23
Species/Tribe : Human
Faction : Pirate
Devil Fruit : Fude Fude no Mi
Bounty : [ber=r] 13,000,000
Quality Score : A
Balance : [bel] 344,550,000
[[hardboiled]]
[[improviseadaptovercome]]
Posts : 95

[World Event] A Fool's Errand - Page 5 Empty Re: [World Event] A Fool's Errand

This post has in-line assessment comments.Sun Sep 08, 2024 9:29 pm
Now this was a curious development. Hyde certainly hadn't expected Nesbitt to be aware of who he even was, and yet he not only knew of his name, but also of his capabilities, and even his past back on Baterilla s well. Honestly, Hyde was quite impressed. This was how much information one can gather on a person, and he was someone who wasn't of high renown either. Just what other treasure troves of knowledge did this man possess. "Gotta say, very impressive. Though I will say the rumors about my demise have been greatly exaggerated."

Fortunately, it seemed that Nesbitt was more than happy to accept his assistance, though not without a little bit of blackmail thrown in. Granted, Hyde wasn't too worried. "Now now, there's no need for threats. I already offered to help, didn't I?" he replied with a smile. Granted, if the dons did know he was alive (which was a possibility considering he had a bounty now), odds were they weren't concerned since he was no longer in Baterilla. After all, the crime family he had been a part of had been destroyed, and as long as he was out of their business, why would they concern themselves with him? Still, it did give food for thought. Some of the families might get the wrong idea and try to do something about it. "Regardless, let's get you out of here. With the marines and Cipher Pol here, your revolutionary friends no doubt ticked off at you, and the big guy going on a rampage down below, well...need I say more?" At least with everyone distracted by the chaos, the pair of them can make their escape.

Or so he had thought. As soon as the two stepped out of the office, two figures fell down from above, clad in fine black suits and animal masks. Government types of the suits were any indication, though why the masks? They certainly seemed frightening enough if Nesbitt's reaction was anything to go by. "CP9?" As far as Hyde knew, there were only nine Cipher Pol cells in existence, going from zero to eight. The reveal that there was a tenth was certainly an interesting development, and if Nesbitt's reaction said anything, it was that this particular group was not someone to trifle with. Hyde wasn't normally one to shy away from a fight if he had to, but he was also smart enough to choose his battles.

Slowly, Hyde reached into his coat, "Well, in that case, I guess now is as good a time as ever," Suddenly, with a flick of his wrist, a few sheets of paper were flung out towards the two agents, "to fucking RUN!" With his certain capabilities, Hyde had long since learned the value of having some of his drawings prepared ahead of time, instead of always relying on drawing them during the heat of battle. As the seemingly harmless sheets of paper fluttered through the air, hounds suddenly emerged from the pages, snarling and barking as they lunged towards the two CP9 agents. At the same time, Hyde reached over and grabbed Nesbitt's arm, "Come on boss man! Let's get the hell out of here!"

Hyde didn't expect the hounds to be able to do any real harm to those two. No, he had a feeling CP9 had some much stronger stock than that. What Hyde had been hoping for was that they would distract them long enough for them to at least get some sort of head start, and for Hyde to come up with a good exit strategy on the run. Right now, it didn't matter where the two of them ran, just so long as it was not here!

Post Word Count: 621
Total Word Count: 6,445
Volo Rosso
Volo Rosso
[tracker=/t2130-volo-rosso-airheart#12332]
Name : Volo Rosso Airheart
Epithet : Red Wing Volo
Age : 19
Height : 6'0"
Weight : 190
Species/Tribe : Human
Faction : Pirate
Crew : Red Wing Pirates
Ship : Emilia
Crew Role : Captain
Devil Fruit : Moku Moku no mi
Bounty : [ber=r] 30,000,000
Quality Score : S
EXP Bonus : +0.20 (to all allies)
Balance : [bel] 378,125
[[untouchable]][[childofdestiny]][[punchoutguru]]
Posts : 114

[World Event] A Fool's Errand - Page 5 Empty Re: [World Event] A Fool's Errand

This post has in-line assessment comments.Mon Sep 09, 2024 6:04 pm
The ominous crow call got the young man's attention towards the gaping hole in the ceiling.

Within seconds the room was filled with toxic smoke, its noxious fumes engulfing everyone inside. All it took was one breath, it started with a scratch at the throat that turned into a roaring cough—robbing them of oxygen before they went out.

..Shit!. Volo grit his teeth as he looked for Winny, Where's...? though the resourceful little bastard had it covered. Armed with a mask and weapon, he was off and running. Brave too, huh? The pi(lot)rate snickered as he shot into the air, his lower half propelled by a stream of smoke.

Meanwhile, Karl devoured the noxious fumes like they were a breath of fresh air. Being a poison man had its benefits. "Shishishishi! Nice Job, Karl! Grab the ol' crone, I'll get Winny!" Giving his first mate a confident thumbs up and an ear-to-ear smile to match.

"And try not to fall too far behind, ya?! Shishishi!" His voice trailed off as he gained altitude.

Scanning the room as he reached his highest point, Volo watched as the sharply dressed man made short work of the little redhead, though not before he got in a good whack of his own.

"WINNY..?!" Careless and fueled by impulsive anger, Volo ricocheted off the ceiling like a pinball, smoke bursts exploding as he picked up speed. A billowing blitzkrieg of teenage fury was locked on and heading straight for the tuxedo'd terror.

No plan, no thoughts, only smash.

"AHHHHHH!!!!" Rage boiled over his cheeks flapped in the wind and tears flowed from his eyes. Assuming no one could handle that much speed at such a short distance, the arrogance of the maneuver was not lost on those still awake to witness.

WC 296/6,282
Gray
Gray
The Conqueror / Black Fist
[tracker=/t131-tracker-gray-starks#504]
Name : Gray
Epithet : "The Conqueror"; "Black Fist"
Age : 49
Height : 10'2" (310 cm)
Weight : 1043 lbs (473 kg)
Species/Tribe : Cyborg Human
Faction : Pirate
World Position : Lurking Legend (Former Yonkou)
Crew : Black Fist Pirates (Destroyed)
Ship : Sangria's Vane (Destroyed)
Crew Role : Captain (Former)
Devil Fruit : Pressure-Pressure Fruit
Bounty : [ber=r] 5,000,000,000
EXP Bonus : +0.20 (to all allies)
Income Bonus : +0.20
Shop Discount : -30%
Balance : [bel] 25,000,000,000
[[strollingdeath]][[baneoftheweak]][[riseandshine]][[childofdestiny]][[freakofnature]]
[[punchoutguru]][[dulcetvirtuoso]]

[[improviseadaptovercome]]
Posts : 3997

[World Event] A Fool's Errand - Page 5 Empty Re: [World Event] A Fool's Errand

This post has in-line assessment comments.Thu Sep 12, 2024 8:07 pm

Chapter 7 - Part II


Administrative building at Carbuncle...

Nesbit reached for his notebook when cornered by the government agents. He tore a few pages on which his finger-pencil had previously scribbled some powerful words. He could not have anticipated his chaperone having a similar idea.

The hounds conjured from Garland's drawings harried CP9 just long enough for their targets to make their exit. For good measure, Nesbit crumpled a piece of paper with the word "poof" scribbled on it and threw it hard towards the assailants. A smothered puff introduced a cloud of pink smoke where the paper ball had landed, obscuring the vision of the agents briefly as they combated the mysterious ink-hounds. 

[npc=pirt]"That was a marvellous idea, Mr. Garland. Now, we must rush to the main facility in the heart of Carbuncle as swiftly as your powers can carry us,"[/npc] Nesbit said with faint terror in his eyes. [npc=pirt]"Those two undoubtedly mean to have me divulge certain secrets to the other invaders on the island and then see me murdered before I am finished exposing them all."[/npc] 

[npc=pirt]"But, they have made two dire errors in their judgment. They have underestimated my fidelity..."[/npc] He equipped an apprehensive smile. [npc=pirt]"And they did not account for you."[/npc]


The main facility at Carbuncle...

Seamus swallowed a bitter groan when the blond, sharply dressed companion of the filthy brat sucked all the toxic smoke from the room. His gaze behind the gas mask's visor darted to the commanders. Fortunately for him, both the NRA soldiers had lost their faculties and were fast asleep.

He turned his attention back to the two goons. The teal-haired one had flown up to the ceiling, chased by a trail of smoke that seemed to be of his own making. When he raced back down like an angry meteor, Seamus tried to skip backwards to clear his path. 

His feet were not fast enough, so his arms had to be. When he was sure the strike would connect, the Cipher Pol chief put up his blackened arms, letting them take the brunt of the blow. The hit sent Seamus flying across the open centre of the room, but he spread his wings wide and rescued himself from a collision with a nest of bubbling cylinders.

[npc=cpol]"You're no run-of-the-mill thugs. Who the bloody hell are you?"[/npc] He asked, searching his memories for mugshots matching their faces.



393 out of 20,036 words


Last edited by Gray on Mon Sep 30, 2024 12:43 am; edited 3 times in total
Hyde Garland
Hyde Garland
[tracker=/t2330-hyde-garland#14068]
Name : Hyde Garland
Epithet : Death Dealer
Age : 23
Species/Tribe : Human
Faction : Pirate
Devil Fruit : Fude Fude no Mi
Bounty : [ber=r] 13,000,000
Quality Score : A
Balance : [bel] 344,550,000
[[hardboiled]]
[[improviseadaptovercome]]
Posts : 95

[World Event] A Fool's Errand - Page 5 Empty Re: [World Event] A Fool's Errand

This post has in-line assessment comments.Sat Sep 14, 2024 10:41 am
Hyde knew there were other devil fruit users out there, all sorts of different powers that people possessed. But seeing a power set so similar to his own almost tickled him a little. While he worked in pictures, Nesbitt worked with words, and they combined efforts had given them a good head start on their escape from CP9. Though how long that would last, Hyde wasn't entirely sure. Either way, the words of praise coming from Nesbitt caused him to smile. "Well, I aim to please. Or in their case, aim to annoy and frustrate!" So, Nesbitt was aiming to get to the heart of the island. Hyde honestly would have thought the man would take the opportunity to get the hell out of dodge. Well, whatever was there had to be really valuable if he was going there first.

Hyde quickly slid to a stop. "And now, for my next trick!" Pulling out his pen, Hyde began to draw, and draw fast along the nearest wall. His time on the seas and back in the mafia had give him quite the skill in churning things out fast. Sure, it wasn't as detailed as he would like, but he was prioritizing function over form right now. Before long, a massive lizard pulled itself away from the wall, large enough for the pair of them to ride. A long, thin body to help navigate corners, and clawed feet to help scale walls if needed. "Hop on! She ain't the prettiest, but she'll do in a pinch!" Once both of them were on board, the lizard let out a low hiss before it starting running, clawed feet digging into the ground at top speed as it took off.

Hyde held on tightly, looking back at Nesbitt. "Alright, now we can just focus on keeping those suits off of our backs!" he called over the noise as they continued to make their escape. "By the way, what's in the main facility that's so important, if you don't mind me asking?"


Post Word Count: 337
Total Word Count: 6,782
Karl Friedrich
Karl Friedrich
[tracker=/t1546-karl-friedrich#8615]
Name : Karl Friedrich
Epithet : Venomous Bartender
Age : 20
Height : 6 feet 1 inch (1.85m)
Weight : 176 lbs (80kg)
Species/Tribe : Human
Faction : Pirate
Crew : Red Wing Pirates
Ship : Emilia
Crew Role : Bartender
Devil Fruit : Doku Doku no Mi (Venom-Venom Fruit)
Bounty : [ber=r] 10,000,000
Quality Score : B
Balance : [ber] 133,726,643
[[childofdestiny]][[masterchef]]
[[improviseadaptovercome]]
Posts : 107

[World Event] A Fool's Errand - Page 5 Empty Re: [World Event] A Fool's Errand

This post has in-line assessment comments.Mon Sep 16, 2024 2:06 pm
It is not unusual for a fight to turn into a competitive endeavor. What is uncommon however is when a fight turns into a competitive endeavor between teammates against a common enemy. That is exactly what Volo seemed to make it out to be... Albeit one could blame Karl for implanting it.

That said, behind all the gas-induced energetic and exciting outbursts, the sober feelings lingered deep in Karl's thoughts. The frantic feeling of Death itself arriving by the door any minute now and knocking on it. With barely any way out, what was he to do other than ride lightning and flee the sensation of fear?

An entrance into the competition... That's the way out.

He wasn't planning on staying a spectator and immediately followed Volo 'behind' his trail of smoke. As Volo tried to be as 'fashionable' as ever, so did Karl by oozing the purple liquid out, creating a trail for him to slide into the action.

Choosing to approach the battle from a different angle, Karl slid around with both of his index and middle fingers pointed out and his thumbs resembling that of a hammer on a revolver.

[plyr=pirt]"Rusty nails!"[/plyr] Karl announced his attack as he unleashed an acetone smoke-trailed barrage of light brownish nail-shaped projectiles toward the man in a wedding white suit. [plyr=pirt]"Tsehehehehehe~... The Death's not knocking on the door yet! Not today! Karl three! Volo one!"[/plyr]

[234/5624]

________________________________________________________
BEHOLD! THESE USED TO BE MY STUFF.

Pikasso
Pikasso
[tracker=/t2393-aya-pikasso-ruiz#14697]
Name : Aya Ruiz
Epithet : "Pikasso"
Age : 25
Height : 4'5"
Weight : 120 lb
Species/Tribe : Mink
Faction : Civilian/Other
Alliance : Nox Prime
Crew : P.T.S.D.
Ship : Dead Air
Crew Role : Procurement Specialist
Devil Fruit : Suke Suke no Mi
Quality Score : S+
Balance : [bel] 302,000,000
[[childofdestiny]]
[[improviseadaptovercome]]
Posts : 106

[World Event] A Fool's Errand - Page 5 Empty Re: [World Event] A Fool's Errand

This post has in-line assessment comments.Tue Sep 17, 2024 12:37 am
" I knew one of youteia had to be reasonable..."

It was mere moments before Aya regretted her words.

"W-wait what are youteia-"

A shrill squeak eeked out from the void where handfuls of fluff alluded to the presence of the phantom Mink. One of Aya's heart-shaped paw pads pressed to the side of Orion's face as she leveraged herself with his head, adjusting herself against this blind manhandling.

In the tussle a bamboo bottle fell from her bag and into view, clattering open and leaving a splatter of vibrant orange pigment in their wake.

" Watch it, grabby!"

Despite her squirming Aya soon found herself stuck fast to the front of him. It was Pitiful. Hung up like a fur coat by some unseen force of nature.

"...What-... is-... How...?"

At least no one could see held up by her scruff like this. Defeat washed into confusion as her getaway turned onto a perilous path straight up.

All she could do was wait for the ride to end.

"...Why are youteia all so weird? Please tell me this isn't messing up my fur... As if that other guy's goop from before wasn't bad enough.."

The higher they went, the easier it became to forgive the transgressions. Even industrial structures gave an awe-inspiring sense of scale when viewed from above. The drab buildings themselves, however, left the artistic eye craving something more impactful amongst the smog.

As she was set down the Mink's dark shades blinked into view. The gacha appeared next, offered up to Orion by an unseen paw.

" ...Thanks for the lift." She sniffled, glad to be back outside.

There was shuffling, static crackling,  and a spark. Another small cloud of smoke joined the rest of the pollution, spicing the air with the smell of cloves.

The dark-tinted lenses turned their attention back to the Lesser Mink as he spoke.

" First... Hold still," Judging by the encroaching feeling of fluff that followed, it was safe to assume that it was Aya's tail that was now wrapped loosely around Orion's torso, " I wasn't willing to bet that youteia wouldn't trip over your feet if I did this earlier..."

The gift of invisibility bled over into her new companion, leaving Orion and his belongings see-through as well.

" Much better. Now... How would youteia like to collaborate with me on a project?"

An inspired, mischievous glint reflected off of the disembodied shades.

{ Post: 405 / Total: 3,523 }
Orion Montgomery
Orion Montgomery
[tracker=/t2718-tracker-orion-montgomery#17682]
Name : Orion T. Montgomery
Age : 26
Height : 6'8"
Weight : 283 lbs
Species/Tribe : Human
Faction : Pirate
Alliance : N/A
Crew : The Vintage Horde
Ship : N/A
Crew Role : Antiquarian
Devil Fruit : Arai Arai no Mi (Rough-Rough Fruit)
Bounty : [bel=r] 12,500,000
Quality Score : S+
Crew Pool : [bel=u] 15,000,000
Balance : [bel] 41,959,429
[[bookworm]][[hardboiled]][[dulcetvirtuoso]]
[[improviseadaptovercome]]
Posts : 59

[World Event] A Fool's Errand - Page 5 Empty Re: [World Event] A Fool's Errand

This post has in-line assessment comments.Tue Sep 17, 2024 8:29 pm
Orion thought he did a good job. Heck, they got out of the way and he even provided a view, bleak as it was. So, when he got the gacha as payment, he figured it was an equivalent price for his service.

But, it was all a lie. The greatest of scammers, Queen of Thrift, and Vicious Vixen of Vile Vices, Aya would have had his respect if she hadn't just broken his heart.

"MY TREASURES!?! BRING THEM BACK!!!!"

Orion flailed, like a beached fish, with invisible arms waving like limp noodles, seeking restitution, desperate for transparent fingers to graze a transparent backpack. To reach out and pull his beloved--backpack–into his imperceptible but welcoming embrace.

He failed.

Fetal position, gently rocking. If he could see himself, or if anyone could… they'd see a man crumbling under the weight of his own existential dread. So quickly into his journey, freedom at the tips of his fingers only for it all to end now.

Orion raises his missing hand in front of the sun breaking through overcast smog, bathing him in this moment.

"So this is how I die... Lo' Vixen! At least bury me with them…"

Word Count:
Volo Rosso
Volo Rosso
[tracker=/t2130-volo-rosso-airheart#12332]
Name : Volo Rosso Airheart
Epithet : Red Wing Volo
Age : 19
Height : 6'0"
Weight : 190
Species/Tribe : Human
Faction : Pirate
Crew : Red Wing Pirates
Ship : Emilia
Crew Role : Captain
Devil Fruit : Moku Moku no mi
Bounty : [ber=r] 30,000,000
Quality Score : S
EXP Bonus : +0.20 (to all allies)
Balance : [bel] 378,125
[[untouchable]][[childofdestiny]][[punchoutguru]]
Posts : 114

[World Event] A Fool's Errand - Page 5 Empty Re: [World Event] A Fool's Errand

This post has in-line assessment comments.Tue Sep 17, 2024 8:32 pm
Volo dug himself from the shallow dent his cartoonish impression had left in the steel wall. "Tch.." The pompous man hit hard, that much was clear, as the pi(lot)rate wiped the blood from his lip.

Using Karls's attack as a distraction, Volo scooped Winny and flew back towards the secret door. Dropping him with the rest of the crew.

"Don't worry..." He mumbled to the greasy little ginger boy as he tussled his hair, "I'll get 'em.."

He made his way to the top of the steel vats, springing off each one until he reached the highest point. "Oiiiiiiiiiiiii....!!!!!" Volo shouted angrily.

"The names Volo Rosso fuckin' Airheart, and I'm gonna kick your fuckin' ass!!!!"

With a crack of his knuckles and not to be outdone by his first mate, the logia user put on a show, blasting an immense cloud of smoke around him. Squatting with a smile and wink for the blonde bartender, the gray cloud billowed and rumbled, like an engine ready to let loose.

"Here I come...!" The steel drum dented from the explosion of power released from his take-off. The smoking kamikaze blackened his right hand as he made eye contact with the well-dressed villain.

"Eat.....THIS...!!!"

WC 201/6,483
Pikasso
Pikasso
[tracker=/t2393-aya-pikasso-ruiz#14697]
Name : Aya Ruiz
Epithet : "Pikasso"
Age : 25
Height : 4'5"
Weight : 120 lb
Species/Tribe : Mink
Faction : Civilian/Other
Alliance : Nox Prime
Crew : P.T.S.D.
Ship : Dead Air
Crew Role : Procurement Specialist
Devil Fruit : Suke Suke no Mi
Quality Score : S+
Balance : [bel] 302,000,000
[[childofdestiny]]
[[improviseadaptovercome]]
Posts : 106

[World Event] A Fool's Errand - Page 5 Empty Re: [World Event] A Fool's Errand

This post has in-line assessment comments.Wed Sep 18, 2024 10:55 pm
"W-wait, what? Why are youteia being so dramatic...? It's just see-through, not gone!"

Aya rolled her eyes and for a moment the scene of the two blinked into plain sight. The red panda tilted her head to raise her brow at him over her shades. A playful snicker clenched her teeth onto her cigarette and softened the more critical icy blue stare.

" Kiiii-pi-pi... Are youteia sure the climb isn't getting to your head?" Aya waited to let him take stock of his belongings and took a peek at her own backpack, which now sat open on her lap. "It's not my fault youteia don't know where your backpack is the second youteia can't see it."

She shrugged and held a large bristly paintbrush out to Orion.

" ... I'm not going to try to steal from youteia. Youteia helped me out, so we're friends, alright?"

A sure nod shook the panda's fluffy ears. Moments later, the pair disappeared once more.

"... Please, don't freak out again. "

{ Post: 168 / Total: 3,691 }
Noah
Noah
[tracker=/t2666-tracker-noah-lacroix#17180]
Name : Noah Lacroix
Epithet : Red Falcon
Age : 18
Height : 1.88m
Weight : 86Kg
Species/Tribe : Human
Faction : New Revolutionary Army
Crew : L'Aube du Monde
Crew Role : Captain
Devil Fruit : Tori Tori no Mi, Model: Falcon
Quality Score : B
Crew Pool : [bel=u] 15,000,000
Balance : [bel] 76,459,821
[[childofdestiny]]
[[improviseadaptovercome]]
Posts : 87

[World Event] A Fool's Errand - Page 5 Empty Re: [World Event] A Fool's Errand

This post has in-line assessment comments.Thu Sep 19, 2024 5:52 pm
Any hope Noah had that the weather would change remained unfulfilled. It was still as unforgiving as it had been when the ship had set sail. So far, he felt confident that they would make it. Until a few hours ago, neither the revolutionaries nor the circus knew of the existence of the other and yet they managed to cooperate. Something he found particularly reassuring, as they lacked anything which would come close to proper preparation time. If anything gave him hope right now then it was this impromptu cooperation succeeding and braving the weather.

In order to keep the cog running, Noah continued to do what he had done so far: follow the instructions Genie gave. Right now, she had the best know-how among the bunch and as such she was the best bet the crew had to securely manage their passage. As such, if the navigator uttered a command, everybody did as they were told.

Kathy, meanwhile, took a short break from her task. "Still no news on my end. Do you want me to continue or is there something else I should do?" For a moment, the redhead stopped in his tracks. While he still worried about the situation, there was nothing they could immediately do. Be it the weather somehow affecting signals or simply nobody being able to accept the call, sooner or later it had to work. [plyr=revo]”Keep at it. Whenever we establish communication again, I want to have somebody respond immediately.”[/plyr]

With that out of the way, Kathy returned to her post, trying to reach some ally, while her captain followed suit shortly after. He continued doing what he had done a mere moment ago, but soon slowed down in his work again. While at first glance he found the weather to be as harsh as it had been mere moments ago, he was simultaneously convinced that it started to improve.

Soon, the redhead should get his answer. ”Battle ahead!” said the lookout, drowning any other sound. For a brief moment, everybody stopped in their tracks, looking around. Did they make it through the worst part? But Genie's commands shortly after made sure that everybody quickly returned to their post. However, Noah had a request before doing the same. [plyr=revo]”Any chance we can stay hidden for a little while longer out here?”[/plyr] With the battle raging in front of their vessel, he hoped that the combatants had other things to do than looking for sudden arrivals. If somehow possible, Noah would prefer hearing from some allies before being forced in action.

WC: 427 | 5,529
Orion Montgomery
Orion Montgomery
[tracker=/t2718-tracker-orion-montgomery#17682]
Name : Orion T. Montgomery
Age : 26
Height : 6'8"
Weight : 283 lbs
Species/Tribe : Human
Faction : Pirate
Alliance : N/A
Crew : The Vintage Horde
Ship : N/A
Crew Role : Antiquarian
Devil Fruit : Arai Arai no Mi (Rough-Rough Fruit)
Bounty : [bel=r] 12,500,000
Quality Score : S+
Crew Pool : [bel=u] 15,000,000
Balance : [bel] 41,959,429
[[bookworm]][[hardboiled]][[dulcetvirtuoso]]
[[improviseadaptovercome]]
Posts : 59

[World Event] A Fool's Errand - Page 5 Empty Re: [World Event] A Fool's Errand

This post has in-line assessment comments.Thu Sep 19, 2024 9:34 pm
“Who’s dramatic?! Every item I own is practically priceless. They are irreplaceable.”

Orion pulled his backpack into view, bear hugging it and rubbing his cheek against a rusty frying pan warped beyond functional use.

Now that Orion was able to focus on something other than his motley collection of bric-a-brac, he found himself having a lovely time being invisible.

No one could see him flicking off some pigeons. He considered a chunk of broken mortar nearby, it was suitable for a toss and chuckle.

Throw, soar, and… miss. Pigeons are a small target. Reflexively it looked his way, luckily he was invisible, and if miraculously the pigeon could see in a different light spectrum, well the finger he had pointed Aya’s way made for a good scapegoat.

“Anyways…” Orion chuckles to himself and cracks his fingers.

”You said you had a project? We might be pals now, friendship earned through transparency, and all that. But, I don’t work for free.”

Word Count:

________________________________________________________
[World Event] A Fool's Errand - Page 5 W9OopTM[World Event] A Fool's Errand - Page 5 7kzCN2j
NPC
NPC
NPC
Tracker

Name : Variable
Epithet : Variable
Age : 0
Height : Variable
Weight : Variable
Species/Tribe : Variable
Faction : Variable
Crew : Variable
Ship : Variable
Crew Role : Variable
Devil Fruit : Variable
Bounty : Variable
Balance : Variable
Posts : 1289

[World Event] A Fool's Errand - Page 5 Empty Re: [World Event] A Fool's Errand

This post has in-line assessment comments.Sat Sep 21, 2024 11:10 am

Chapter 7 - Part III


During The Conqueror's War...

Somewhere on the Grand Line...

It had been a rainy morning. Unending showers assaulted the streets and battered the roofs of a coastal government base. Seamus was grateful to have brought his umbrella and coat. 

He removed his mud-soaked shoes in the vestibule and stowed his umbrella in a rack before stepping into a homely office. The floors were covered with straw mats, and the walls and ceilings were wreathed with small golden bells and mistletoe—as if readied for a winter holiday. There was also a pleasant minty scent lingering in the air.

[npc=cpol]"Come in."[/npc] A deep voice said when Seamus knocked on the open door of a small room. It came from a bull of a man dressed in a black suit with a red-and-white striped tie. He sported square shades and a squarer jaw. But, the true standouts in his appearance were his round, red nose and the pair of antlers sprouting out of his dark pork pie hat. 

The heavyset man stood by the only window in the room. His gaze seemed to drill past the droplets striking the glass pane, pondering the dense barrage of bad weather. He lifted a kettle from an oaken accent table and poured a shimmering green liquid into a cup.

[npc=cpol]"Tea?"[/npc] He asked, glancing at Seamus.

[npc=cpol]"If you wouldn't mind,"[/npc] Seamus replied.

The red-nosed man promptly served Seamus a cup of tea and gestured to a seat at his bureau. Seamus placed a pristine folder—documents stacked perfectly within—on the polished epoxy desk before sitting. The larger man seated himself on the opposite side in a cushioned chair. 

[npc=cpol]"So, what's the latest on the Black Fist Pirates?"[/npc] The generous host asked, blowing on the hot tea before taking a sip. The petite teacup looked like a child's toy in his enormous hands.

[npc=cpol]"They attacked G-6 this time, sir,"[/npc] Seamus said. He savoured the sweet aroma of the peppermint tea and continued. [npc=cpol]"It appears they're still hunting for the location of the She-Devil of the Sea."[/npc]

[npc=cpol]"Wasn't Warp visiting G-6?"[/npc]
[npc=cpol]"You're correct, sir. There was a brawl between Black Fist and Vice Admiral Warp, but the Black Fist Pirates escaped soon after."[/npc]
[npc=cpol]"They've started calling him 'The Conqueror', you know?"[/npc]

A loud rumbling of the clouds underscored the title, as if the heavens spoke with intent. 

[npc=cpol]"I've heard."[/npc]
[npc=cpol]"Small wonder, I suppose. He's already made ruins of nine bases."[/npc]
[npc=cpol]"G-6 makes ten. The battle annihilated the place. Though, the Vice Admiral played more than a small part in the chaos."[/npc]

The large man's bulbous red nose inflated to near twice its size. The snort that followed ruffled the thick hairs of his bushy, greying moustache.

[npc=cpol]"Doesn't surprise me,"[/npc] he said. [npc=cpol]"Those who can go toe-to-toe with the Black Fist Pirates are often woefully ill-equipped to minimize collateral damage. It's one of the reasons why they've had all hands on deck with this investigation. Bigby and the rest of his CP0 thugs alone couldn't manage to keep tabs on the madmen on both sides."[/npc]

[npc=cpol]"I'm grateful for the challenge, Mr. Finch,"[/npc] Seamus noted with an ever-so-subtle grin.

[npc=cpol]"Ho-ho-ho! Not everyone's as keen to rise through the ranks as you, Fowl,"[/npc] Finch huffed. [npc=cpol]"In any case, tell me how the Black Fist Pirates escaped this time?"[/npc]

[npc=cpol]"The same way they escaped in the last two battles. Near the end, Black Fist summoned a ferocious hurricane."[/npc] 

The CP5 agent placed his emptied cup on the desk separating him and his chief. Finch offered a refill with a pouring motion, which Seamus declined with an open palm and a shake of his head. One cup was plenty.

[npc=cpol]"How do they keep managing to sail away through weather bad enough to ground the marines?"[/npc] The Cipher Pol chief asked, peering through the window at the undesired elements they were experiencing themselves.

[npc=cpol]"The credit goes to Solo Rosso Airheart, the helmsman of the Black Fist Pirates."[/npc] A second roar came down from the skies, rattling the glass window. Seamus sensed the chief shared his unease. [npc=cpol]"His piloting talents seem to far exceed even the Navy's best,"[/npc] he continued. [npc=cpol]"He's managed to sail their ship through the worst of storms with practised ease."[/npc]

[npc=cpol]"Find out what you can about him. There are big names among that crew besides The Conqueror himself. If we can deliver actionable intel to our overlords, they might even cut us some slack on our other obligations."[/npc] 

Finch rested his cup on a gold-trimmed coaster on the desk, though it was still half-full. He rose from his chair, prompting Seamus to do the same. The chief escorted his agent to the door and finally added, [npc=cpol]"And you might even get that promotion you've been hankering for."[/npc] 

Seamus smiled and took his leave.


Present Day...

Central Facility of Carbuncle...

Volo Rosso Airheart...

For a moment, Seamus was transported back to that rainy day in the office dressed in mistletoe, sipping tea with Rudolph "Red Nose" Finch. The vision faded away as swiftly as it came. 

Seamus finally realized his earlier haki-clad defence against Volo had ricocheted the ruffian into a metal-plated wall. But, the man seemed even more eager to fight. 

[npc=cpol]"I knew the Millennium Surfer had come from the South Blue, but I never realized he had a brat running around here too,"[/npc] Seamus said. His beak twisted in a stiff grimace, while his white wings flapped to keep him in the air. 

[npc=cpol]"And to think you even have his logia ability,"[/npc] he added, deftly evading the impulsive strike Volo tried to feed him. Seamus was reminded of the dossiers his team had compiled on several of the Black Fist Pirates; "Smoke-Smoke Fruit" was penned in bold ink on Solo Rosso's profile.

He had identified one of the abilities he faced, but not the other. His momentary focus on the teal-haired bundle of bluster allowed the well-dressed blond man's toxic projectiles to graze his lustrous wing. 

He quickly morphed back into his human form only to notice the skin on the back of his hand had cracked and blistered where the "rusty nails" had struck. He had laboured to cover the mutilation the Briss bombing had inflicted upon his shoulders and chest. Consequently, the latest disfigurement of his exposed skin sent him into a seething tirade.

[npc=cpol]"You disgusting lowlife! What did you just do to me?!"[/npc] He hissed, spit flying from his lips. [npc=cpol]"Do you have any idea who I am?!"[/npc] He asked, knowing his rank demanded deference from every man, woman, and child. [npc=cpol]"I'm the god-damned Chief of Cipher Pol No. 2."[/npc] 

A sharp whistle and a curt command punctuated his declaration. [npc=cpol]"HOSTAGES!"[/npc]

Without a second's delay, fifteen agents in black suits descended through the shattered roof via ropes, quiet as owls. They scattered as if guided by a hive mind, each tending to the task best suited for them. 

Agents Broad and Borrows went straight for the floored NRA commanders, binding them with sturdy iron shackles before they could shake off their delirium. Four agents surrounded the ginger urchin, his shrivelled hag, and the white-haired hoodlum who had barged in with them, pistols trained at their heads. The rest surrounded the repulsive scoundrels who challenged Seamus, pistols in hand. A smug grin illustrated the chief's delight over the clockwork precision of his team.

Once his agents were in position, Seamus transformed into a swan again. His sleeves stretched around his arms as they turned into wings, and his face sharpened until it resembled a swan's beak. The trilby on his head stayed in place, fitting snugly over his rounder head.

His metamorphosis concluded with a content wag of his feathery tail. He straightened his serpentine neck—looking up—and honked like a trumpet. Someone roared from outside as if in response. Seamus had no doubt it was the Iron Beast, wreaking havoc. Slight tremors seemed to validate his assumption.

[npc=cpol]"Surrender now, both of you, or your friends die,"[/npc] Seamus said, turning his attention back to Volo and his blond ally. His beady round eyes were camouflaged within the black stripes stemming from his beak, and yet his vicious glare was unmistakable. 


In the rubble beneath the administrative building...

Sumac and Nettle dusted themselves off, groaning from the aches that tortured every muscle and ligament.

[npc=revo]"Holy mother of oceans... how in the world did we survive that?"[/npc] Nettle asked.

Sumac shrugged as he inspected his gas tank for leaks and dents. [npc=revo]"Your needle stings must've run him off,"[/npc] he said, sneering like a monkey that believed itself clever.

[npc=revo]"Kindly shut up,"[/npc] Nettle replied.

The two NRA sergeants regrouped with the soldiers who had supported them during the bloody skirmish against the Iron Beast. There were fourteen survivors altogether, with three times as many broken bones between them. But, they plodded through the wrecks born of Silver's rampage.

Once they had a moment to catch their breaths and reset dislocated joints, Nettle retrieved a mini transponder snail. Its wavy mouth seemed to quiver as its droopy eyes came to life slowly.

[npc=revo]"Kathy!"[/npc] Nettle said, relieved to hear a friendly—though barely familiar—voice upon placing his call for help. He asked for an update on their current status and location, and was pleasantly shocked by the response. A beam of hopeful sunshine seemed to cast itself on the sergeant as he reported on their condition and submitted his request for assistance.

[npc=revo]"Listen carefully. Things have gone completely awry here. We were attacked by the Iron Beast - yes, the Iron Beast is here. Oh, you already know? Why didn't you tell us, dammit?! It's fine, never mind. Look, we don't know why, but we saw him send Gotli and Mancie flying into town. Don't worry, I'm sure they're okay. We just need to go find them. But, we'll need a way to get off this island.

If you can get your ship close to the southwestern edge of town—near tall cliffs with some brick buildings built high into them—I think you'll be able to avoid whatever hell's broken loose at the docks. You may still meet some resistance, but we'll try to clean up as much of it as we can before you land. Once you're here, we'll pick up the commanders and get out together."[/npc]

Nettle ended the call optimistic, for if their would-be rescuers came through, they might just all live to see the next day.


On the tall cliff housing the administrative building...

Nesbit watched intently as his grey-haired chaperone sketched a large reptile on the wall. His eye nearly popped out from behind his monocle when the lizard came to life. Earlier, when the man had summoned hounds, Nesbit had failed to observe the process. Seeing it in action more closely, he was more than a little impressed.

[npc=pirt]"I must admit, I had heard of your ability, but witnessing it within arm's reach has me convinced: no report could have done it justice."[/npc]

Nesbit hurried onto the lizard, sitting behind Mr. Garland, clinging to the living art for dear life as it scaled the sheer cliff. [npc=pirt]"It will serve you no purpose if I fall to my death, you know?"[/npc] His back nearly touched the lizard's tail as he tried to keep himself straight as they descended.

His astute three eyes tracked the Iron Beast's trail of destruction leading into the city of Carbuncle. In the distance, he could see the red-and-green two-storey-tall dinosaur roaring and rioting. Nesbit's instincts suggested Carbuncle was finished. His intuition agreed.

When his improvised bodyguard asked after the significance of the main facility, Nesbit smiled.

[npc=pirt]"You are only an ally of circumstance, Mr. Garland. With as much overlap in our business and abilities as there might be, I cannot give away the specifics of our operations."[/npc] He shuffled in his uncomfortable seat to balance himself again before continuing. [npc=pirt]"However, if you manage to keep me alive through the day, I may be inclined to compensate you appropriately, whether it be through information or currency."[/npc]



1,987 out of 22,023 words
Pikasso
Pikasso
[tracker=/t2393-aya-pikasso-ruiz#14697]
Name : Aya Ruiz
Epithet : "Pikasso"
Age : 25
Height : 4'5"
Weight : 120 lb
Species/Tribe : Mink
Faction : Civilian/Other
Alliance : Nox Prime
Crew : P.T.S.D.
Ship : Dead Air
Crew Role : Procurement Specialist
Devil Fruit : Suke Suke no Mi
Quality Score : S+
Balance : [bel] 302,000,000
[[childofdestiny]]
[[improviseadaptovercome]]
Posts : 106

[World Event] A Fool's Errand - Page 5 Empty Re: [World Event] A Fool's Errand

This post has in-line assessment comments.Tue Sep 24, 2024 10:10 pm
"...Right, alright. Beauty really is in the eye of the beholder, huh?"

Aya tapped ashes off the end of her cigarette and sent them soaring toward the ground far below.

" ...Youteia like art, right, - "

The redhead froze up, nearly choking on her smoke.

" ...Uhm ...Which one are youteia, again? There was Volo, Blondie... Goopy... and you are O-... possum...? ... Ball guy. Whatever. Opossum, do youteia want to make some art with me?" Aya snickered while one dark claw appeared from nowhere and motioned toward the smokestack, then farther off toward other buildings.

"...If youteia can climb like that, there's a whole lot of canvas just begging for paint. And as long as you're careful, we can stay out of sight until we're done."

It was obvious by the excited disembodied hand motions that the runty artist was itching to get started.

" I'll... pay youteia... in exposure??" Even Aya couldn't say it aloud without groaning.

" Look, if youteia do this with me and I'll... owe youteia one. No questions asked, I'll help youteia out. I'll pinkie-promise on it and I won't even zap youteia. ...Even though it sounds kind of fun."

The phantom paw extended one little pinkie-claw out toward Orion.

Before Orion could even try to get close, a little spark danced off the tip of her claw and fizzled out.

" ...Sorry, had to get it out of my system. But I mean it! What do youteia say? What should we paint? What sort of thing would youteia like to see in a place like this? "

{ Post: 265 / Total: 3,788 }
Back to top
Permissions in this forum:
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
Join Revival Dawn on Discord