[Episode] Boy Meets Girl

Sun Nov 24, 2024 10:12 am

Spoiler:

NEO, THE AVID REPORTER

■ 270/5000 WORDS ■ "I'm still getting paid, right?" ■

"Wow, this really is a massive piece of shit. How you managed to get it here without sinking should be studied!"

Neo couldn't help but stare at the docked ship for a bit longer than he needed to. It was from an adventure, from a deal, from friends. To turn it in meant that he could collect the fee, but it also meant that at least, one less person was after them. Was it wrong to feel bad for pirates? Some weren't so bad. Everyone needed to pay their bills. Some took from everyone and acted with this sense of entitlement to the world. Others took what needed to be taken. Some simply were just caught up in the mess, forever trapped in the cycle. With Minks discharged and dismissed from the military so suddenly, he wondered how long would it take before he too had a bounty on his head.

"Yeah yeah, so I can just pick up my payment the next time I get to base right?" He asked again, pulling a cigarette from his pocket and placing it between his lips. He could have argued to get paid then and there, but to have the money in someone else's vault, namely the World Government's hands, was far safer than in his own pocket. He'd lose track so fast and blow it all on a whim.

The man nodded and carefully stepped into the boat before waving Neo off. Money was money. He had a bit of downtime before trying to hitch a ride on a boat again. Though maybe it was time to finally get his own?

Tue Nov 26, 2024 2:03 pm

Despite the early morning, the winding streets of Baterilla were lively and cheerful as the townsfolk weaved their way through the hustle and bustle of the streets. The people moved fluidly as they went about their busy schedules as others lazed in their usuals spots.

It made things easier for the group to blend in as they made their way to the docks. Not that they needed much help to do so considering the trio were simple mafiosos out on an early morning walk. Completely inconspicuous or so they thought.

Unsurprisingly, the marketplace, too, was victim of the town’s boisterous activity as the docks had already started to welcome the slew of incoming merchant ships. Thankfully, and much to Ebony’s delight, none of the ships already worked on were the ones she was looking for.

“Alfredo,” The mafiosa asked curiously. “How long until it gets here?”

“Shouldn’t take too long for Cassel to show up, bella.” The red-headed man replied with a roguish grin. “You know our intel is never wrong.” Alfredo turned to his brooding twin for additional support. “Isn’t that right, Edoardo?” He laughed when all he received in turn was a shrug.

The mafiosa nodded pensively. While it was true that the Paneras had never steered her wrong with their intel, she, on the other hand, did not trust their source. Especially when Curtis’ seemingly mutual collaboration could derail like a runaway cart at any point in time.

The underboss was a man of many faces and, while he currently showed goodwill, she knew it would not last long. Their agreement was shallow as was their pretense of an amicable relationship. Moreso now that Giancarlo was out of commission after his unfortunate accident.

While the man wasn’t dead, the mafiosa knew Crow was fuming now that he had no one to trail the heiress. Not that it bothered the two brothers despite the working relationship they held with them both. For them, a job was a job, but she’d make them hers soon.

Ebony eventually shrugged in agreement, “If you say so.” Turning her focus to more important things, she gestured to the general direction of the meeting spot “We should scope out the area in case things turn sour. I don’t much like staying still.”

“You’ve got nothing to worry about, Ebs.” Alfredo interjected proudly. “You’ve got me watching your back.” Edoardo cleared his throat loudly. “Us,” The red-haired man corrected himself as he jabbed the other in the ribs. “You’ve got us.”

“Mhmm...” The mafiosa replied with an amused grin. “And they’ll get us the moment we show up uninformed and unaware.” She moved her hand to her head in a shooting gesture to emphasize her point. “Now, if you don’t wish to become bait for those trigger happy bastards, then I suggest we start walking.”

“You’re too high-strung, Eb.” Alfredo said jokingly as he slapped the back of the mafiosa’s shoulder a little too hard. “Lighten up.”

Having said that, he took off in a sprint just before Ebony could retaliate. The move proved fruitful in evading a painful consequence yet it left him with a pair of disappointed comrades. Not that Alfredo would have minded nor would he have felt any shame in it.

As Edoardo and Ebony continued their walk in silence, the quiet man eventually gestured to the retreating figure of a familiar feline. His unmistakable colorings “Isn’t that..?” Ebony nodded as the creature arrogantly slinked away into the darkness in a manner befitting a don.

“Don Gato,” She replied amusedly. ““I wonder what he’s doing here.” Yet, with more pressing matters to attend to, the mafiosa shrugged nonchalantly. She could not afford to screw this up.

“Let’s get going. Who knows what trouble Alfredo’s got himself into.”

Edoardo nodded in agreement. Knowing his brother, disaster was the least of their worries considering how uncaring of the consequences Alfredo was. “Let’s,” Edoardo sighed. “Before that idiot ends up cuffed.” It wouldn’t be the first time and he only knew it wouldn't be the last.

Word Count: 673 | 673 | 5000

Tue Nov 26, 2024 2:51 pm

NEO, THE AVID REPORTER

■ 593+270/5000 WORDS ■ "Brings back memories." ■

Nostalgia wasn't something only ever limited to one's past. Sometimes it was someone's else's history that brought those feelings forward. These small moments as he begun to chase ghosts and those trying to make a name for himself, all he could think were all of the stories Jones once told him. Maybe he was fond of the memories of an easier time, or maybe part of him was starting to believe he lived a life just like his dear friend. The idea that he, Jones, could finally be in reach brought a smile to his face. He took his steps carefully as he left the docks. It wasn't to say that it was unsafe or unwell, but he wanted to cherish this moment. He wanted to preserve this feeling, this moment, this memory for later. He felt the joys of recalling today, now. An enigma of feelings seemed to resonate deep in his soul in a way he would not understand until much later.

He raised his hands to set them on the back of his head as he cheerfully made his way into town. This was a place he had never seen, never been to. He might as well enjoy the place while he had the chance. It all made for a good story later, for a drink with friends or even the paper. He quickly made his way to the first person he saw, careful to get as much information as he could. A woman, some deckhand it seemed like based on her garb and the smell of fish that lingered with her aroma.

"Excussssse me~!" Neo cried out as neared her, an expression of distaste and disappointment on the woman's face. "What island is this, I've never-"

"Baterilla." the woman spoke, a single word, a name, yet it seemed laced with so much venom he almost assumed she had some sort of snake like devil fruit. "Fuckin tourist." She would turn, flipping her hair in the process as she returned to her duties, far, far away from that man.

A blank expression fell upon his face for a moment before Neo shrugged it off. "Ah, right." he said to himself. "I don't really fit in here either. Well, might as well find a cafe and enjoy the night before my next adventure!" He cheered, living in his own world, his own moment. To him, this was his story. It was his tale to weave and spin, and one he could tell in complete truth to brag about to his friends and former co-workers when they met again, whichever island they ended up going to.

"Coo. Coo." The sounds of the pigeon broke his internal drama about a bounty hunter trying to pay back his friend. Before he could even look down to acknowledge the bird, it would fly up towards his face, only to perch on his head. "Coo. Coo~"

"Alright, I can make this work." Defeated he accepted his fate. "I shall name you Huevo, and we will travel to each of the Blues together! And we'll be together forever!" He smiled, unaware and uncaring of the dock that continued to function around him. Crates and workers moving around him and silently cursing under their breath.

"Coo. Coo~!" Huevo seemed to answer back.

"Ah yes, you are right my dear friend, we should find an inn to stay, and a bar that would allow suck a wonderous pet!" He answered his new companion, fully understanding his intentions.

However, he truly had no idea what the bird may have said.

Thu Nov 28, 2024 1:24 am

”Peasant scum, tch.” The graceful god-like creature thought to himself as his large blue eyes narrowed in disgust at the approaching demonspawn. He’d glare menacingly as it approached his sanctuary - a little perch atop a hobby shop where the early morning glow of the rising sun felt just right.

His majestic tail began to twitch this way and that as he anticipated the hell demon’s next move. Yet, instead of walking away, the little scum decided it would try its luck by extending its hand towards the divine creature. This, in turn, earned it a furious growl from the angered god. “MRRrrRRR..!”

Unfazed and unbothered, the child continued to draw nearer to its challenger. In fact, he found it quite amusing how the plump cat drew itself back against the wall as he attempted to pet its fluffy coat. Moreso when the space was rapidly decreasing for the black and white feline.

“Mama, look!” The child exclaimed as the cat hissed angrily in reply. “It’s soooooo fat!” He giggled uncontrollably as the feline creature took a swipe at his hand and missed. “Can I keep hiiiiiim? Pretty pretty pleeeeeeeeeease?”

The child’s mother did not spare a glance at the cat as she continued to browse the merchant’s goods. “No, sweetheart. It’s fluffy, not fat.” She picked up a vase to inspect its intricate work. “You can’t keep him either or his owner will be very sad.”

“Mamaaaaa!” The child exclaimed in protest, “But I want to keep him!” He was at the verge of throwing a tantrum when he received the look. It was gaze so devastatingly deadly that it cut the act of defiance short. Even the feline god himself immediately took the opportunity to narrowly escape its cone of destruction.

Having finally evaded the diseased sack of meat and its equally destructive mother, the robust feline decided that it was now time to move up his busy schedule. In fact, he believed visiting the docks would be a good opportunity to squeeze in a quick snack before his midday meal.

“Perhaps fish today…” The feline thought to himself as he squeezed through some gated areas of his vast kingdom. He rounded the final corner only to notice that his favorite fish slave was not in his usual spot. He swore that this disrespect would not be forgotten.

Plotting the slave’s future demise, his thoughts were immediately cut short when his snack came flying by his line of sight. “Pigeon,” Don Gato nodded to himself in sinister glee. “You shall be my snack today.” He knew that he would be eating well tonight.

Word Counter: 435 | 1108 | 5000

Thu Nov 28, 2024 1:36 am

NEO, THE AVID REPORTER

■ 312+863/5000 WORDS ■ "Brings back memories." ■

"Dearest friend, we must keep everyone on their toes! Never let them know what we're up to!" To say he was excited in his new found endeavor would be a sort of understatement. To rely on a person was to take on their problems. It was to allow them to curry the burden of yours. That was what made good crews great. A captain who could bring everyone together and unite them. Neo was no such leader, but to keep a bird was far more simple than to work together with some other mercenary, at least for anything longer than a single joint mission. His journey may have been short thus far, but it didn't make him feel any less lonely. This time, now he had a companion, even if they didn't speak the same language as he did. As long as Huevo stuck to his side, he would have enough motivation to get to the next place, the next mission, the next story, the next and the next!

He walked forward, almost skipping, and most likely would have if he wasn't unsure if Huevo could keep his footing. He couldn't see his new companion from atop his head. He could feel the warmth and weight of him as he nestled upon his head like a brand new watchtower, or for now, a bed.

"You still there buddy? Why don't we find you a good snack! Seeds, not bread, because you could fucking die and that would devastate me~!" he singsonged his words to himself. He wasn't entirely sure about the dangers of bread and pigeons or if it was ducks instead. Whatever the case, it was not a risk he was going to take, like cats and chocolate or cats with grapes. Or was it the other way around?

Whatever. It didn't matter, he wasn't going to buy that stuff anyways.

Thu Nov 28, 2024 2:40 am

- Don Gato -

The furry feline hunched down on his hind legs as the flying morsel landed a few feet away. His eyes narrowed in deep concentration as his majestic tush wiggled at the ready. He watched as the bird ate scraps without a care in the world; Oblivious to the danger it was now in.

“Good…” The god-like creature grinned with murderous intent. “Just stay right there, you tasty morsel. Just stay riiiiiight there.”

Unfortunately, just as the supreme hunter pounced upon the unsuspecting bird, the flying bag of meat chose to ignore the young feline’s inner thoughts. Just seconds before its life would flash across its unblinking eyes, it hopped away in search of a more suitable meal.

As the most feared Don of Baterilla missed his opportunity of a tasty meal, his eyes filled with rage at the pigeon’s arrogance. “Pigeon!” Don Gato thought to himself as he let out a warning growl. “You will rue the day you messed with me!”

As the divine creature once again launched itself towards the bird, the winged creature took to the skies in search of refuge. However, this did not deter the great Don from completing his mission and taking vengeance upon the creature who slighted him.

“I’m not done with you, peasant!” Don Gato screamed at the top of his lungs as he darted closely behind the escapee. “Get back here and die, you useless bird!” Yet, despite the screeching and yowling, the bird did not stop once.

In fact, it flew towards the crowds and eventually perched itself upon the head of one of the walking peasant scum. It was quite the low and bold move. Even for the winged creature as it smugly stole a glance at the hunter.

“Just you wait.” The feline creature spat as he hid behind a few crates. He made sure that he could see them while remaining invisible at his spot. “It’s not over yet!”

Once the new duo started to move, he, too, began to trail stealthily behind. He was their shadow. Forever invisible to them as he plotted their demise. For now, he would stake them out but soon, very soon, he would strike them down with the power and fury of the great and mighty Gato.

With strong determination and willpower, the feline, like the many warriors before him, decided that he would show the world his strong determination and conviction. He was sure that they, too, would rally behind him if they knew of the pigeon’s disrespect.

Moving towards the center of the road and, with the mightiest of voices, he screamed his war cry.

“MRROOOOOOOW!!!”

The rest would be history.

Word Count: 446 | 554 | 5000

Thu Nov 28, 2024 2:51 am

NEO, THE AVID REPORTER

■ 339+1,175/5000 WORDS ■ "Brings back memories." ■

A cafe. It wasn't like he really knew of places to go to, nor did it seem like anyone was going to be helpful enough to his aid. If he didn't know better, every place was like Jolly; wary of outsiders and adverse to anyone who isn't escorted in some way. He was going to have to wander aimlessly in these streets until he found something good enough for what he wanted, and even then it would be hard to say if they would even accept his patronage. A smile still hung on his face, for it remained an adventure. He trotted on, unknowing of the unsuspecting danger that lurked around the corner. After all, it wasn't like anyone was going to attack him out in the open!

“MRROOOOOOOW!!!”

He jumped, nearly soiling himself as he turned to the newest animal. Still he kept his mood, even when it seemed as if Huevo seemed to be a bit wet from some earlier swim.

"Jesus fuck, where did you come from." Neo would say, taking a few steps to distance himself from the feline, only to take a knee. He knew better than to walk up against a cat. To get close with one, you have to make yourself approachable and let them come into your space. To take a step towards this kitty was to invite his claws to use his face as a brand new scratch post. He rubbed the back of his next, trying to wipe clean the sea breeze that had gathered. Extending a hand to the cat as an offering of sorts he was faced with a different reality.

"D-d-did... Did Huevos shit on my head? Aww man..." He sighed as he wiped his hand on his pants, smearing the mess before offering his other hand with its palm down.

""Meow meow, mao mao?"" Neo would say, making a dumb face as he sucked on his upper row of teeth doing his best to make a catlike expression.

Truly, he was not a smart man.

[Episode] Boy Meets Girl

[Episode] Boy Meets Girl

Re: [Episode] Boy Meets Girl

Re: [Episode] Boy Meets Girl

Re: [Episode] Boy Meets Girl

Re: [Episode] Boy Meets Girl

Re: [Episode] Boy Meets Girl

Re: [Episode] Boy Meets Girl

Comments