[Arc] [Kuraigana Island Conquest] [Part 1] Kill 'Em All

Sat Jan 04, 2025 1:08 pm

Spoiler:

On the Road between Dustof and Gomi | Kuraigana Island

A wooden chair creaked as it swayed back and forth on the deck of a small two-story building longer than it was wide. Its wood was mismatched and pieces of patchwork metal could be seen all over. A wood sign hung from the rafter, Karkov Inn.

A wrinkled prune of a man rocked forward and back as whisps of smoke drifted in the wind. His head hung lower than his shoulders, heavy with age and wisdom, and a large black unshanka. In the center was a marine medal and a large cigar was mashed between his teeth.

His face was cropped with a short beard, white shot with streaks of what was once a bright red; now dulled to a sandy brown. And what looked like two fluffy caterpillars sat above his eyes, hiding most of their features, though his gaze was fixed on the blackened sky above.

"Oi, Ded!" A young man shouted as the saloon doors swayed, with a rag in his hands and an apron hanging from his neck. "Looks like we are getting low on booze. Might need to go down to Gomi to restock."

"Ded...?" Mumbled as he noticed a dark black smoke emitting from his lap. "Dedushka!" He shouted, quickly smothering the smoldering fire on the elderly man's fur coat. Shocking him back awake.

"Waaah... WAAH!!" Jumping from the chair in shock the old man quickly discarded the smoking fur coat.

"Ded!" He shouted, "How many times do we gotta tell ya not to fall asleep while smoking!"

"Nnnngg.. Vas not sleeping.." The man wiped the sand from his eyes, "Only practicing staring at eyelids. You should try sometime, make you strong like me, da."

"We are almost out of booze.." The boy said with a sigh, choosing to ignore his grandfather's words of wisdom.

"Nyet!" He yelled with shock, "Vill not do, no." He removed the cigar from his mouth for dramatic effect. "You vill go to Gomi, fetch more, da."

"Me..? But I gotta stay here and run the kitchen, and who will pick up Peck? Plus I...-"

"You vill go, decided it is." His wrinkled hand waved off the young man, refusing to hear any more rebuttals. "Now go, night is coming."

Port of Gomi | Kuraigana Island

Voices shouted from the docks as workers scrambled to tie off the World Government inspection ship that sailed into port. A literal all-hands-on-deck situation as the leadership of the island had desperately pled for the World government's assistance in investigating the rumors on the island.

"Hmph.." A man turned his nose upwards at the sight of the island as hi exited his cabin.

Dark gray clouds painted on a pitch-black canvas above were a common sight on the island, and today was no different. Kuraigana seemed like one massive forest, with the tallest and oldest being a hundred feet tall or more, hiding ancient stone castles and great curling hills that harkened back to an age gone by. Massive stone monuments left in ruin and taken back by nature after constant war had them torn asunder.

An eerie mist hung on the branches and swept across the ground with every gentle breeze. Not a sound seemed to escape the thicket of pine and bark as if the entire forest was empty.

"Hnnn.. Let us make this quick...." A mumble slipped his lips as he strained to keep a professional facade regarding his current assignment. "I would very much like to return to headquarters and receive my promotion."

"Now then, how many days?"

"How many days, sir?" A much younger man mumbled in return as he flipped through papers in his hands, "I dont..-"

"How many days must we spend on this backwater..." Pausing to take in the disgusting scenery once more, "...Island.." The word was laced with disdain and disgust.

"...Well, s-sir, you s-see it's... its just.."

"Out with it!"

"It's just that, we have to stay here until we figure out the cause of all these kidnappings. So until then... we can't leave."

"Just wonderful.."

Deck of the Electric Dynamo Machine | Offshore of Kuraigana

Off the dark murky shores of Kuraigana Island floated a vessel too misshapen and ugly to be called a ship. It was squared and angular, with large circular speakers built into the hull. On the deck scurried dozens of faceless drones dressed in all-black suits and large white helms and black X's for eyes.

"Yeeeooooo...~! What is up everyone...~?! Oh-Oh, Yea-Yea...~!" The pitch of each syllable wildly different as he spoke, like an electronic tuner was reverberating each word into a different musical pitch.

"Itsaaaa ya cap'n speaking, Oh-ooo yeah..~!!" A scratching noise echoed through the speakers on the ship. "Now-owwww..~! All you little homies listen-up-up, yea-yeaaaaaa...~"

"Looks like the big-guyyyys are hereeeee! The high and mighty WG's themselves! Ohhhhh yeaaaaaah....! This is my time, oh yeah, my time to shineeeee..! Show em the kinda guy I am, so I can be one of those Shichibukai, oh yeaaaaaa....!"

"Sooooo, lets no fuck it up-yeaaaahhh-aaaahhhh...~!!!"

The drones rallied out in unison as their leader's electronic declaration lit a fire under their collective asses.

School House Building | Dustof Village | Kuraigana Island

"Miss Alina...! He's doing it again..!" She shouted drawing attention to a young boy using the book as a pillow.

"Mr. Peck..!" She snapped the ruler on the desk next to his ear, the sound more than enough to shock him awake. "How many times must I ask you to not drool on the books..?"

"There are twelve other students in the class, Mr. Peck, can you tell me how many books we have..?" Her eyes peered through the shine of her lenses.

"F-five..." He mumbled.

"Da, five. It was six until you decided to drool so much on the last one that it fell apart." She paused to let out a sigh as if all the frustration seemed to leave at the same time. "Now, if you please be so kind as to not ruin another, that would be much appreciated."

She turned back to the boy and shot him a disappointed glare, "While you may not care about your education, others surely do."

| Kuraigana Island

With a pack slung over his shoulder and a pistol on his hip, the young man, no older than seventeen set out. It wasn't the first time he had traveled the Lanternroad, a cleared path that cut through most of the haunted forest and stretched across the island. Just wide enough for two carts to pass by at the time and lit with oil lanterns every ten feet.

"Maaaaannnn...." Sighing as his eyes focused on the blackened horizon, the flashes of white light reflected in his dull blue eyes. "Of course, a storm rolls in now of all times..."

*Plop*

*Drip* *Drop*

"...Just my luck...*plip*.." Sighing in acceptance of his fate, pulling up his hood and picking up the pace. The rain was quickly behind, gently at first, then a sudden downpour that lasted but a second.

*BA-BOOM*

A crack of thunder louder than any he had ever heard sent him tumbling to the ground as a bolt of lightning split into a V across the sky. One bolt striking down deep in the haunted forest and the other back in the direction of Dustof.

"H-Holy crap...!?!" He squealed out, his voice jumping in pitch as he tumbled to his backside. "The hell was that?!"

WC 1,247/13,500

Tue Jan 07, 2025 6:20 am

Gloomy clouds loomed over the lands like the world’s most depressing bedspread. Thick, murky, mentally suffocating... No wonder everything below it looked like it had lost the will to live years ago. The nature, the buildings, the people obviously... Even the land itself was twisted, like a gnarled vine that dried up and died.

Still, there were worse places to end up than Kuraigana. ...Just because a certain surly old sailor couldn’t think of any off the top of his head didn’t mean there weren’t any. Oh and speaking of whom...

While the locals were enamored by the fancy -some would say pompous- ship arriving at the port, a far humbler merchant ship went mostly unnoticed. It got the bare minimum treatment. Ropes were tied. Sails were furled. A gangplank was set.

And soon, said gangplank whined beneath generous girth.

With heavy, dragging steps, a man built like an ale barrel with limbs trudged his way onto the docks. Nobody spared a second glance at yet another sailor wandering about. No passing greetings were exchanged. Nothing. The man was not here to make new friends. He had enough of those already.

Despite the ponderous pace, Patrick Murdoch -Paddy to the few friends who remained- wasn’t drunk today. Not even tipsy. And that was precisely the problem. The lovely fog that usually filled his mind had been blown away by the sea winds. He was beginning to remember... Hrm, no, would rather not dwell on any of that.

The temptation to dock at a harbor bar was great and growing by the moment. However, a man without money didn’t buy too many drinks. Old favors had dried up a long time ago as well. Only one thing left to do... Work.

Now, Paddy was not one to shy away from an opportunity for some honest work. In fact, he was quite fond of those moments. He liked to watch them sail by and wave at them as they went, bruwhaw! Haw haw... Hrm, speaking of sailing, if there was one thing he missed... It was having a crew around to groan at his terrible jokes.

Nevertheless, the old sea dog needed two things: a job and a drink. Not necessarily in that order. Fortunately, the world still had people who weren’t tired of seeing his ugly mug. One such friend around here would, hopefully, share a roof and drink at least. Meals were a bonus.

Resembling a penguin that had somehow eaten a bear, the crusty man waddled along the street. His bulbous red nose occasionally picked up a nostalgic smell in the breeze. Smelled like a rotting trash heap. Some things never changed.

Leaving the relative bustle of the port town behind, Paddy turned his prow towards the road to Dustof. The lantern road, they called it. Would be a bit of a walk... His back would ache with every step... The weather was looking rough too... Surly thoughts bubbled up one after another, as he nevertheless stubbornly pressed onward.

After all, he had all the time in the world.

---

Meanwhile, at the docks, the pompous arrival was just about ready to head out as well. ...Which was to say, the dimwitted louts he so graciously allowed to serve under him were almost done with the preparations. It was so hard to find good help these days.

Naturally, a man as important as the Special Inspector (second class, do not say that part out loud) did not lower himself to manual labor. You couldn’t see it under the silk gloves, but his thin hands were as soft and fair as those of a newborn babe. Furthermore, it would have sullied the flawlessly white suit that shone in the sun as a symbol of his justice. ...Or it would shine, if the sun bothered to show its face around here.

Just thinking about the island soured the inspector’s mood. This place was... How did they say it out in the Blues? Ah yes, ‘a dump’. Even the air was disgusting here. It smelled like actual bodily waste, though some scholars would surely have a lively debate about the origin species of said waste.

To think he would have to stay here until...

Until...!

Suddenly, there was a glint of genius behind the gentleman’s monocle. His sharp features gained an even sharper smile. “Oh ho ho, Sir Balderdash, you sly devil, you have done it again.” He twirled his blonde moustache with a delighted laugh.

From behind, a feeble voice voiced a cautious question. “Done what, sir?”

Sir Balderdash recoiled from the shabbily dressed assistant. “Hieh! Do not sneak up on me like that, Manservantes!” He had half a mind to remind the lad about the official dress code, once his poor heart stopped thumping.

The lad, to his credit, was quick to hang his head in shame. “Sorry...” He shifted uncomfortably beneath the combined weight of the glare and the hefty backpack bearing down on him.

Producing a comb, the inspector went to fix the strands of hair that were scared from their proper place. “Anyhow, translating my incredible mental prowess to your feeble mind is an exercise in futility, but allow me to try nonetheless.” For what was he if not a generous teacher.

Wielding the comb like a teacher would a ruler, aimed right at the lad’s nose, the lanky man leaned close. “Ahem, me solve mystery real quick, me also get back home real quick. Savvy?” When instructing the help, it was best to keep it simple.

The lad blinked. “I... I don’t...”

With a frustrated scoff, the gentleman straightened his back. “Of course not. I am surrounded by incompetence.” A problem which would be fixed once he got that promotion.

A couple more swipes of the comb fixed the inspector’s spirit. “Do not bother to put the kettle on, boy.” He turned his attention to the travesty of a town before them.

“I wasn’t-”

Naturally, any protests had no hope of reaching the man’s ears. “I will have this nonsense solved before noon and we will be back at the headquarters in time to enjoy some prom- I mean some actual tea.” He cast a venomous glance at the bewildered boy. “Not that tepid dishwater you stocked for some godforsaken reason.”

“Uh, but you were the one who-”

Thrusting a stiff finger to the sky like a simile best not mentioned in polite company, the inspector marched off. “Now, let us round up these ruffians and wring the truth out of them. With me!” Full steam ahead!

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Wed Jan 08, 2025 9:57 pm

Somwhere on the Lanternroad | Between Dustof and Gomi | Kuraigana

"Mannnn..." Pick mumbled as he glanced back over his shoulder, "I hope everyones okay.." His thoughts wandered back to the bolt of lightning he had seen.

"Ahhhh..! No sense in stressing about it now, I'm sure everyone is fine..." He paused for a moment, his eyes drifting to the blackened sky. "..Yeah, everyone is fine.."

A rustle in the woods broke the silence, reminding him of the terrifying fact one is never alone on the Lanternroad. "Ahh! Ahhh.. I-I.. I better get going, gotta make it to Craven's Haven before moonrise..."

A few moments before the Lightning | Dustof Village | Kuraigana

"I hate it here..." Peck moaned as crouched on the edge of the haunted forest, peering into the darkness. "Don't sleep in class, Peck... Don't go in the forest, Peck, it's dangerous, Peck... Blah, blah, blah... " Finishing off his big feelings with a raspberry sound.

A feeling of confidence overwhelmed him as he stood up, fist clenched and head forward. He was a boy on a mission as he took the first step towards the forest, half-cocked on milk and lacking comprehension of the consequences. Then a second, just as brave as the first as a smile erupted on his face, This is it... He thought, he was finally going to cross that line.

The third step is where the hesitation kicked in, the uncertainty, the darkness. The smile was gone and a chill ran down his spine, but still, he continued and on his fourth step he froze.

*BOOM*

A bolt of blue and white struck down in the forest as it whizzed overhead, all the hair on the boy's body standing on its end. That is until a downpour of rain slicked it down. He fell to the ground and scrambled in the mud as he peered from behind a rock, seeing the smoke rising above the treeline.

Curiosity took over as his legs carried him faster than his brain could think. In seconds he was pushing past limbs and jumping over roots and rocks, deeper and deeper into the haunted forest he went.

Lost in the woods chasing a light he may never find, he continued until he came to a burned-out clearing. Smouldering branches and a smoking crater several meters deep.

"....Woahh...." The ember's reflection flickered in his eyes as he shielded his face from the rising sparks. The crackling of the wood was all that could be heard and the smell of burnt pine was all he could smell.

"Ahhhhh..." A booming voice could be heard as the rubble began to give way to horns and hair as red as the fire. A massive beast like that of a demon rising from the firey underworld emerged from the smoking pit.

He was tall and tan, with long red hair that hung down to his thighs and bangs that covered his eyes. A pair of horns adorned his head and he wore a denim jacket with cut-off sleeves.

"Not a landing I would count among my best, no..."

The demon called out again as he stepped out of the crater with nothing on his lower half except a cow print bikini.

"Wha...." The boy exclaimed, "What kind of pervert are you?!"

WC 549/1,796/13,500

Fri Jan 10, 2025 7:15 am

Being a sailor was all about patience. Sailing across the vast oceans took time. For weeks on end, you were stuck on a boat with a bunch of blockheads with absolutely nothing to do beyond daily chores. Hell, getting a fresh News Coo was more often than not the highlight of the week. No wonder most stories about marines and pirates skipped sailing or only mentioned it in passing.

And some idiots still yearned for the seas. Those poor bastards.

Nevertheless, Paddy had practiced patience. He had turned it from a necessity to a hobby. His patience remained steadfast, even when his throat felt as dry as the arse of an Alabastan whore. Though his legs already protested the journey, his mind was too busy wandering to answer. The captain was not present at the moment.

The sea dog barely glanced from beneath the brim of his hat, when a bolt split the sky. His weary gaze hardly noted the lanterns lining the road. He had seen it all, he reckoned. The path was long enough without him stopping to gawk and gasp at every turd along the way.

Memories lurked in the cargo hold of the sailor’s mind. Usually, he kept the path there shut with an ale barrel... But today, the barrel was empty and had rolled away. He could feel the things down there peeking out... Stalking... Whispering... Useless bastards, the lot o’ em.

Spinning the imaginary wheel, Paddy diverted the course of his thoughts. No better direction than the present. This road got dangerous at night... And he wasn’t a young lad full of piss and vinegar. He needed to find one of them lamplighter houses before it got dark. His hand rummaged through his pockets. Still no coin, but... A pack of smokes and a good tale used to buy you a night way back. Oughta be enough even today.

---

Meanwhile, aboard ‘Steamboat Balderdash’...

The plan to solve the mystery before teatime was... Admittedly not going as the inspector had hoped. It wasn’t his fault, mind you. The locals just were remarkably uncooperative.

One such local stared at the white-clad stranger with the purest disinterest one could muster. ...Well, one eye stared at the man, at least. The other was looking somewhere completely different. He grumbled something barely audible beneath his breath, which stank of fermented fish far past its expiration date.

Balderdash visibly twitched at the words that he thought he heard. “What do you mean you ‘do not knowings of nothing’? Is that even any official language? Contradiction, I say!” This was the sixth person to fail at answering simple questions and somehow he doubted the seventh time would be the charm. He had half a mind to arrest all of them.

Stepping back, the brilliant detective stopped to gather his thoughts. “These fish-defiling yokels have succeeded in nothing but wasting my precious time.” Unthinkable. Had they been even half as helpful as average civilians, he would have cracked this case already.

Deep breaths...

In...

Out...

With a determined huff, the inspector straightened his back. “Righty-ho! Time to move this investigation elsewhere.” He twirled around and focused his attention onto the boy trying to cower behind him. “Lad, where did you say the word about kidnappings originally came from?”

The lad, to his credit, dug out his notes quickly enough. He flipped through the pages, before his dim expression brightened. “Uh, f-from Grustnyy, s-sir... Just east of here. B-but maybe we should-” As usual, he didn’t get to finish the sentence.

“Crustnow it is, then! Onward!”

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Sun Jan 12, 2025 9:13 am

About a mile from Craven's Haven |The Lanternroad | Kuraigana

"Almost there..." Pick huffed as he jogged along, "I-....I can make it..."

The hands on the proverbial clock ticked and tocked as his feet hit the dusty mishmash of brick and dirt beneath him. The clouds above began to split as the moonlight forced its way through the cracks.

The haunted forest seemed to wake more and more by the second as branches cracked and beasts growled. The nightly mist pouring out from the trees, crawling across the ground, turning to a wisp underfoot as the boy's jog turned into a run.

"Shiiiiittt....*huff*..*huff*.." The hair on his neck stood on end, and every fiber of his being screamed to run and don't look back. Keep running, keep moving, do not stop. "Damn you Dedushkaaaaaa...!!!"

Karkov Inn | Outskirts of Dustof | Kuraigana

"A..A...ACHOOOOO...!" Puck sneezed so hard he almost fell out of his rocking chair. "Ahh..."

"You okay, old man..?" A man with long black hair tied back with a pink band and a ruby rose attached to the clip.

"Da, da...!" He shouted, shooing away the man's helping hand, "I am not so old I need kroshka like you to worry."

Rolling his eyes, "Of course not, then I guess I'll just take my bottle and head home..." He reached for the bottle of liquor on the table.

"Nyet..!" Puck shouted, swiping the bottle from the table before he could blink. "Kroshka or not, liquor is always good, Xaxaxaxaxaxaxa..!"

"Oi...!" A patron from inside shouted, leaning his head through the saloon doors. "Wheres the kid..? I'm gettin hungry ova here and it's gonna be dark soon..!"

Puck puffed on a cigar before answering, "To Gomi the kroshka went..." He puffed once more before an exhale that looked like the sea train engine firing at full speed. "Kroshka.." He pointed to the man across the table from him and then toward the tavern's kitchen. "Go, feed."

"Wha....But..?"

"Go, feed." He paused for a puff, "Now." With a wave of his raisin-like hand the conversation was ended, no more argument would be heard from the old man.

Without another word, the man hung his head low and disappeared between the saloon doors. He approached the bar and leaned over to the woman behind the counter. She was... less than comely, as wide as barrel and strong as an ox, with a bosom that men would fight wars over and a face only a mother could love. Her hair was long and blonde, tied off into three long braids, one on either side of her head and one hanging down her back.

"Hey, Olga...." He sighed.

"Kliment..!" Her voice was like music, soft and soothing, betraying her outwardly, ogre-like appearance. "I haven't seen you in a while! It's good to see you still alive!"

"Morbid as ever I see..." He moaned, "So, uhh, can you toss me an apron..?"

Bursting out into laughter, she grabbed an apron and tossed it on his head. "Ol' Ded got ya working for Pick again, huh?"

With a heavy sigh, "Ya know, sometimes I really hate that kid..." Kliment moaned sarcastically.

Haunted Forest | Outskirts of Dustof | Kuraigana

"Whaaaaa...!" The boy shouted, "Help!!! A demon pervert is chasing me..!!" His pre-teen voice cracked up and down, sprinting deeper and deeper into the forest.

Close behind followed the massive monster with his long red mullet trailing behind him. " Run...!! There's a demon pervert back there!!" The ground shook underfoot as he ran like a stampeding bull charging head-on.

"Huh??" The boy shouted back, "What do you mean?? You ARE the pervert..!!"

"Me..?!

The boy stopped running as if to scold his pursuer, "Yes, you..!! Where are your frickin pants?? What kind of pervert runs around in just his undies??"

"Undies..?" Glancing down at his bare legs and cow print trunks, "I'll have you know, these are...-?!"

"Get down..! His words were cut off by a flurry of spinning blades, each one erupting from the shadows at a different point. Blackening his arms with haki, they posed no threat once robbed of their momentum.

"Reveal yourself, assassin..!" He paused for a moment as a glow could be seen from behind his bangs. "Or I will review you myself..!"

From out of the shadows emerged a tall, slender figure, with bandaged wrappings covering their body. They were dyed blue and only left the eyes and mouth exposed with baggy floral print pants and a yellow sash tied around the waist.

The boy backed away slowly as he went white as a sheet, familiar with the stories he knew the kind of warrior that stood before them. "H-hey...M-mr.. demon pervert guy...." He mumbled too quietly for anyone to hear, "W-we...s-should probably go..."

From the wrapping on their torso, two knives with blades like a crescent moon emerged, bearing the same shape as the projectiles from before.

"Hah-Ha..! Yes! This is wonderful!" The wild-maned demon shouted, "If a battle is what you desire, then a battle you shall have...! Rokkukukuku!"

The blue mummy prepared themselves, the crescent-shaped daggers gripped tightly in hand while the demon smiled. His eyes glowed a whiteish blue as bolts of electricity danced in the air around them. His long bangs stuck upwards, showcasing the brutal scars he bore.

With a toothy grin and dramatic flair, he shouted "Now..! To me, my axe..!" His booming voice cracked like thunder as he held out his arm and sparks jumped from his outstretched fingers.

Everyone held firm, clenching their buttholes waiting for the other shoe to drop.

"Was something supposed to happen...?" The child asked as he poked his head from behind a bush he had taken cover with. "Cause like... Nothings happening..."

With his performance in question, he cleared his throat and once more shouted like thunder in a storm. "To me..! My ax...!!" A bolt of lightning cracked across the sky to punctuate the statement, yet still the call went unanswered.

Pulling back his hand as the sparks dispersed and his eyes lost their glow, once more hidden behind his fire-red bangs. "Our battle must wait, for my ax...-?!" The mummy's crescent blade whizzed past his face, the blade's edges dripping with what can only be poison.

Without a moment to breathe one slash turned into two, then three and four, a combo that seemed as if it had no end. His moves were silent and swift as if the air itself permitted them to kill. No resistance, no ruffling of the colorful baggy clothing that he wore over the blue wrappings.

*BOOM* Thunder cracked as he clapped his hands together, unleashing a sonic boom that sent the mummy flying deep into the haunted forest. "Enough..!"

"Patience..! The fight you seek will be yours, assassin of the moon, but first I shall have my axe..!"

WC 1,140/2,936/13,500

Mon Jan 13, 2025 8:23 am

Reminiscent of theater curtains, the murky clouds slowly parted. The pale moonlight spilled down below, painting long shadows across the path. A chill wind rustled the dry leaves. Somewhere far away, a forlorn howl greeted the night.

All that which had appeared dead was coming to life...

Even the most stubborn sailor had to admit that it was high time to find a safe harbor. His half-closed gaze stayed firmly on the nearest lamplighter house just ahead. He refused to pay any mind to the silhouettes lurking at the edges of his vision. Wasn’t anything in that forest he hadn’t already seen on his travels... Or in his nightmares.

Up ahead, a grim figure tended to the very last lantern right in front of the house. A flicker of flame revealed a hunchbacked gremlin of a man. Vague stains riddled the hempen sack that barely constituted clothing. Crooked fingers ever so carefully brought the flame to the wick, lighting the promise of safety.

Paddy stopped his plodding steps a good few paces away. He waited for the stranger to close the lantern, before clearing his throat. It felt like coughing out a clump of coal, before his voice agreed to follow. “Hrhrmhark... Evenin’.”

With a twitch, the lamplighter spun around. Mismatched and bloodshot eyes bulged with what could’ve been intense scrutiny. The only response he offered in return was a curt nod.

However, the old sea dog had long since learned not to take it personally. Hell, he much preferred people who saved their words for more important occasions. “Got room for an ol’ sailor?” He asked, aiming a lazy point at the cabin that was as crooked as its caretaker.

Another curt nod was accompanied by an expectant palm, calloused and cracked.

Paddy stepped closer and placed a half-empty carton of smokes on the waiting hand. “Haven’t got any money on me, but I know a tale or two to keep the boredom away.” He offered.

The eerie hunchback turned the carton in his grasp. Gingerly, he took out a thin, mangled smoke... Cautiously, he sniffed it... And promptly ate it. The paper and tobacco crunched audibly between his teeth.

After a pensive pause, the peculiar man lurched to his cabin. The door opened with a long whine that scratched one’s ears and spine. With a wave of a gangly hand, he invited the sailor inside.

If the lack of booze hadn’t left the sea dog so surly, he might’ve smiled. Instead, he settled for doffing his cap. “‘Preciated...” The grumble was barely even audible, as he waddled over. “Got a name?”

The eerie man nodded and failed to elaborate.

A dry cough -or maybe it was a laugh- rattled the old pontoon. “Bruhaw, fair ‘nuff.” He plodded into the creepy cabin, ignoring the whine of the floorboards beneath his legs. “Ever heard the one about Noland the Liar? Well, in a certain country in the northern seas...” While the sailor started his tale, a sudden gust slammed the door shut behind them.

---

As the shadows grew, the white coat of justice shined like a proud beacon in the darkness. Sir Balderdash marched onward with a ticking rhythm only rivaled in precision by his pocket watch. His sharp mind was busy rehearsing his acceptance speech for the promotion ceremony.

Unfortunately, some cowards had no sense of duty. Even now, the helper dared to hesitate. His voice wavered like a leaf in the wind. “S-sir, we r-really should go b-back...” Nervously, he glanced at the twisted trees around them. “I-I feel like s-something is... w-watching...”

The inspector huffed at the mere idea. “Bah! Hogwash, lad!” His gesturing arm stirred the thickening mist like a proud sword. “There is nothing but meager vermin in a forest like this. Do not tell me you are afraid of squirrels now.” He could almost laugh. Yes, the idea was rather tempting.

“Har-!”

Barely had the bark left the mustachioed man’s mouth, when a strange sound cut him off. It sounded almost like... a cackle... Which was impossible, of course. Squirrels did not cackle. He squinted, when up ahead a gangly shape appeared from seemingly nowhere...

Hunched over, the shadow scratched at a tree.

Balderdash blinked. He rubbed his eyes briefly, yet furiously. No, nonono, that person did not just pop into existence. Must’ve stepped into view from behind that tree. Yes, that made much more sense. More importantly, someone so suspicious was sure to know something.

With reignited vigor, the inspector cleared his throat and called out. “Ahem! Halt!” Puffing his chest, he pulled out a badge. “By the power vested in me by... the... t-the...” Unfortunately, the words died on his lips, as the figure rose to stand on two legs... Slowly, his gaze measured the horrifying shape sniffing and cackling before them.

For once, the helper said something sensible. “S-sir... I d-don’t think that is... a human...” He stole the words right out of the inspector’s mouth. ...Well, except for the last one.

“RuuUN!”

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Mon Jan 13, 2025 6:04 pm

Karkov Inn | Outskirts of Dustof on the Lanternroad | Kuraigana Island

The dim flames of the lantern road flickered in the darkness as the night took hold, some buried far too deep in the trees for the moonlight to reach. A long road, one that could take weeks to travel at worst, and a few days or more at best. Assuming one only traveled during the day, that is.

"Oi, old man..." Kliment asked as the elderly man stood on the porch of the Inn staring down the Lanternroad.

"Kroshka is cooking, da..?" He mumbled with a puff of his cigar, the fur on his hat tussling in the ominous breeze from the haunted forest. The whispy white and gray smoke trailed off into the wind.

"Yeah.. Yeah, I'm in the kitchen.. But uhh, so..." He rubbed his hands in the rag he held.

"Out you spit it, da!"

"Yeah, so, if Pick went to Gomi..." He paused for a sigh, "Where is Peck...?"

".....Ona!" Puck shouted as a wave of terror washed over him.

Haunted Forest | To the North of Dustof | Kuraigana Island

"THAT WAS SOOOO COOL!!!" Peck shouted with stars for eyes, sprinting out from behind the bush.

"Ha-hah, little striped one! You did not run..!" Squatting down he continued, his booming voice now at ear level. "That is good..! Now, would you tell me where this might be...?"

"You talk funny... and loudly.." He plugged his ears with his fingers to no avail, "This is Kuraigana Island, ain't much but forests and monsters."

"Forests and... M-Monsters... You say...?" The smile erupted on his face larger than before. "First, a mummified assassin of the moon, and now monsters say you?[/b]"

Slapping his knees he stood to full height and began to stretch, "That settles it little striped one, you will be my guide on this, Kuraigana Island..! Now, to my axe..!" A finger to the sky as he marched eastward.

"Wait, what..?" Groaning as he buried his face into his hand, "So not only are you a pervert, but you are also an idiot..." rolling his eyes, "My name ain't 'little striped one' either, it's Peck."

"Ahh..! Much like that of a baby bird, Rokkukukukuku..! Very fitting for one such as yourself...! It is very nice to meet you Baby Bird, I wish to see you as my guide if you will..!"

"N-No...!! Not like Baby Bird..." The boy fumed under his unshanka, "Just Peck, alright ya pervy demon. Just Peck." He responded angrily, only to notice his newfound companion wandering off in the wrong direction once again.

"And how am I supposed to know where your axe went for that matter...?!" Shouting as he chased after him, deeper and deeper into the haunted forest. "Hey...! Wait..! Seriously!!" Huffing and puffing as he caught up to the red-haired demon.

"Alright...*huff*...*huff*.. Listen, we gotta get back to my house, okay? We can go looking for your axe or whatever in the morning.. But right now..." He paused to take in the gravity of the situation for the first time as he had completely lost sight of Dustof and there were no flickering lantern flames in sight.

"We gotta get outta here...!"

Karkov Inn | Outskirts of Dustof on the Lanternroad | Kuraigana Island

"...H-How... Is he t-this...s...s-strong...." Kliment groaned as it took him and four other grown men to hold Puck on the deck as he desperately tried to march forward.

"Unhand..." He groaned, struggling to put another foot in front of the other. "Now....! Must..... Get... Kroshka....!!!"

"K-Kliment...! I-I don't think.... we can...!!!"

"I know... Alexi..!!" Kliment grit his teeth and put all his weight on his heels.

Then suddenly a weight was lifted as Olga picked up the elderly man by his collar like he was but a babe, while the other four still hung from him. "Please, Dedushka, for me..." Her big blue eyes watered up but all Puck could see was her voluptuous bosom.

"D-Da...!" Blood erupted from his nose as the life seemed to drain from his body and his eyes replaced by hearts.

Olga gently placed the group down and smiled, "Would you boys be so kind as to get the shutters closed down for the night..?" She slung the old man over her shoulder and went back inside with a wink.

"Y-Yes, Miss Olga...!!!" They shouted in unison with a nervous salute, scrambling to their newly assigned posts.

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Tue Jan 14, 2025 9:29 am

Small legs drummed against the quiet road with the rhythm of desperation. The thick mist coiled around the runner like the claws of an ethereal beast. Something skittered in the darkness. In the distance, light shone from the doorway to safety like a beacon. One final sprint! Aaaand...

Saaafe!

The door practically spanked Pick, as he stumbled inside. Fortunately, something round and relatively soft stopped him with a thump and a pained grunt. Gasping for breath, he staggered back. As his eyes adjusted to the dim lighting of the cabin, he found himself staring at a surly sailor.

Surly and round sailor.

Who was currently on the floor and rubbing his head...

Eyes widening, the boy was quick to put one and one together. Hurrying over, he offered a helping hand alongside an apology. “Uh, sorry! And hello.” He tried his best to smile. ...And to ignore the smell of old booze.

Paddy swatted the hand away and grabbed his fallen cap. A twig like that would just snap if he tried to lean on it. “Hrmh, watch where ya run, ya spooky midget...” He hoisted himself upright with an annoyed grumble. Every joint in his body protested the movement. For a good moment there, staying on the floor felt like the more tempting option.

The boy tried not to be too offended. “My name is Pick.”

However, the old sea dog wasn’t having it. “Didn’t ask.” He had met enough people to last a lifetime. And just like that, the name was already forgotten, kicked down to the cargo hold of his mind along with the rest of the undesirables.

Lumbering over to the nearest chair, one of the very few in the cabin, the weary man sat down to rest his bones. Idly, he scratched his crusty beard. Grains of salt trickled from it like sand.

Meanwhile, the lamplighter limped around the cabin like a man trying to look busy. He lit a candle, only to put it out immediately. Then, he twirled it around, bit a chunk off of the other end and lit that instead. Apparently that light was somehow better, because he went to scrawl something onto a journal of sorts. The messy symbols didn’t look like letters.

Leaving the odd man to his devices, Paddy leaned back in his seat. “Now, where was I...? Hrm, ah, right...” He cleared his throat some more. “In a certain country in the northern seas, there was a man named Mont Blanc Noland...” His voice slowly filled the cabin, painting a story on the walls.

All stories had to end eventually, no matter how long or brief. Falling silent, Paddy glanced around the dim cabin. His audience had already fallen asleep. He couldn’t muster enough energy to care. Besides, his eyelids were feeling mighty heavy as well. Might as well rest them... for a couple of... mi.. nu...

---

Not all could sleep soundly under the shining moon of the eerie island. Two figures rushed through the streets of Gomi at speeds that had to break some records. Shrieking at every sound and bolting from every shadow, they headed for the only safe place imaginable...

The night guard at the Marine ship was startled speechless, when the two shadows burst onto the deck. He staggered back and leveled his rifle, before recognizing the duo. It took a couple more seconds for his mind to catch up with his eyes. “Whuh-huh-ah-er, good evening, sir!” He didn’t even remember to salute.

However, Sir Balderdash was a little too shaken to care about formalities right now. Finger to his lips, he hissed in barely contained panic. “Hush, not so loud, you simpleton. It might hear you...”

The shaken guard gingerly peeked at the docks and saw... nothing. “W-what might, sir...?”

It did give the inspector enough courage to do the same. His relief was immense when he too found nothing there. Clearly his expert retreat had allowed them to outmaneuver the furry devil. Splendid.

The pompous man reinflated his spine and puffed his chest. “Ahem, never mind that, lad. Just keep your eyes open, while I get some well-deserved rest. Goodnight.” He stepped past the young man and retreated into his cabin, before further intrusive questions were voiced. All he wanted right now was to squeeze his teddy bear and dream of the medals he deserved for surviving this harrowing encounter.

Words: 729
Total: 3 244

Tue Jan 14, 2025 6:06 pm

Dustof | Kuraigana Island

"Ya know.." Peck spoke up as the pair wandered through the empty streets of Dustof. Dilapidated homes boarded up and covered in dust littered both sides of the road. "I don't think I've ever been outside this late.."

"Late...?" His companion's voice boomed, glancing at the moon overhead. It seemed to hang closer on Kuraigana, as you could almost just touch it if you were the tallest giant in the world, maybe.

"Man, you really don't know nothin, huh?" His walk turned to an arrogant strut as he rushed ahead and began walking backward. "Well it's a good thing I'm your guide, otherwise you'd be lost in the sauce."

"Here on Kuraigana, we don't go out after moonrise..." His eyes drifted up to the heavenly body above. "Moonrise 'round here...." Pausing once more to look at the haunted forest at the edge of the town. As if he was waiting for something to spring from the shadows.

"Well, let's just say alot of things go bump in the night and ya don't want em bumpin' into you."

"Lady luck was with me this day, Baby bird. A great companion I have found in thee..!"

The boy sighed, having given up on correcting him. "I guess it's better than being an Ero-Oni..."

Karkov Inn | On the Lanternroad near the Edge of Dustof | Kuraigana Island

"What are we gonna do when he wakes up...?" Kliment mumbled as he stood over Puck's unconscious body.

"Pray that Olga's teets save us..." A patron snickered as he gulped down a beer.

"..And if that doesn't work..? Kliment responded nervously.

"God help us all..." Alexi spoke up.

"Quit worrying boys, I'm sure Peck will walk through that door any minute." Olga smiled as she placed two clinking mugs in front of them, the foam spilling over the brim as they set down.

"Lucky if alive, a lie I do not tell, all know it.." An elderly man groaned from the back of the bar. He was tall and slender, with a beard like straw and no hair on the top of his head. Yet the horseshoe of hair he did have fell well past his stomach.

"Hey now.." Kliment said.

"Ehh, no loss if I am asked.. Both kroshkas, worthless. Like potato on table there..." He motioned towards the passed-out Puck.

"Okay, that's enough now, Andrei..." Olga smiled, her polite demeanor never faded as she approached the man and placed a finger on the thick, oak slab that acted as a table. "I would kindly ask that you do not say those things in here, regardless of how you feel. Thank you." She smiled as the wood cratered under her finger, creating a divot an inch deep. It was smooth and perfect, the pressure was so great it didn't splinter or crack.

"Hmph.." Andrei responded as he took another swig of his drink and put himself to bed.

"I don't know why you let him drink here..." Kliment groaned, "I can't stand that guy.."

Olga smiled as she wiped down the bar top, "His beli is green just like the rest of ya."

"Oi...! Hey everybody!" Alexi shouted in a hushed tone as he ran through the saloon doors. "I-I... I think its Peck and he's with... Someone or something...! Hurry..!"

Before anyone could blink, Puck was gone in the blink of an eye, leaving a slightly blurred image in his wake.

"What the...?!" Kliment shouted, "Where'd the old man go...?!"

Edge of Dustof | Lanternroad to Karkov Inn | Kuraigana Island

"I mean, Pick's alright, I could have a worse big brother..." He mulled it over for a moment, "Probably..."

"Meeting them will be a joyous occasion, Baby Bird, I do look forward to it..!"

"Don't get too excited they aren't all that spec-...?!"

Ero-Oni stepped out in front of the boy and assumed a posture fit for battle, his hair stood on end and his teeth gritted into a nervously excited smile. "Hold boy..! There's a beast approaching... A strong one...Rokkukukuku...!"

"Oi..! Kroshka!!" Puck called out as he appeared before the two.

"Dedushka!!" Peck shouted rushing towards his grandfather, pushing past the massive leg and in between the pair. "Check out my new pal..! He saved me from one of those Mumiya's!" Snickering he proudly pointed to the horned man behind him.

Suddenly the air of bloodlust and death dissipated as Puck smiled, "Ohohoho, drook you say?" He approached the massive red-haired demon with a smile, his eyes bouncing back and forth between his small grandson and the hulking demon.

"Kroshka, no, this is krutoy!!" He shouted laughing, slapping the demon's massive calf muscle and motioning to his large stature. "Da..! Da! Xaxaxaxa!"

The demon smiled as he flexed his arm for a moment in response to the praise heaped upon him. "The little raisin has good eyes for one as old and wrinkled as he..! I am impressed..!

"Come, come, hurry to Inn, we drink, we sleep..!"

Every night on Kuraigana, for as long as anyone can remember, at midnight, a cathedrals bell rings thirteen times from the ancient ruins. It can be heard across the island, no matter where one is and god help those who are outside when it does....

*Dong*

*Dong*

*Dong*

*Dong*

*Dong*

*Dong*

*Dong*

*Dong*

*Dong*

*Dong*

*Dong*

*Dong*

*Dong*

Then from the silence comes the wingbeats of thousands, echoing from the haunted forest as fluttering monsters flood the land.

908/4,583/13,500[/b]

Wed Jan 15, 2025 8:45 am

White mist swirled. War drums pounded a grim rhythm. Doom, doom, doom... Their echo rang like a distorted bell. A murky forest stretched into eternity. Shadows moved in the trees. Their hateful eyes burned like embers.

Patrick was running through the thick forest like a rampaging boar. Thick leaves fluttered in his wake, torn free from their broken branches. Doom, doom, doom... Arrows stuck out from his hide. Weeping wounds stained his white coat red. Yet he couldn’t stop. If he stopped, he was dead. More importantly, they would all be dead...

In the distance, light leaked through an opening. Familiar figures were gathered in a clearing, back to back. Arrows fell like rain, painting crimson splatters across the field. Doom, doom, doom... Screams echoed through the forest.

Suddenly, one of the thick tree trunks came to life like a giant snake. It whipped the stout captain off his feet. Doom, doom, doom... Before he could find his footing again, the horrid serpent twisted around him. He felt his back folding beneath the pressure. The pain rippled through his bones.

Doom...

With a raspy gasp, the old man shook awake. Beads of cold sweat lingered on his face. It felt like his heart was trying to escape through his mouth. His wide eyes swept the surroundings wildly, before adjusting to the comforting darkness.

The weary captain massaged his aching temples. That was a new version... He knew it wasn’t how the story went, but Hell it if it didn’t feel all too real. Sometimes he wondered if he ever actually left that damned island. Or was a part of him still stuck back there?

Looking around, the broken man found the lamplighter still sitting at his dinky table. The mismatched eyes stared, unblinking, one to the east and another to the west. That was one way to keep watch.

Paddy squinted at the fellow, before voicing an idle question. “Plannin’ to sleep at all?” The answer he got was a deep, rattling snore. “...Fair ‘nuff.” Tugging the cap to cover his face, he leaned back in his chair as well. Closing his eyes, he sank into the murky waters of dreamless sleep.

---

Sleep... If only Sir Balderdash could. Every time he dared to close his bloodshot eyes, there was that cackling beast again. The memory was so vivid, he could’ve thought the creature was living inside his head.

In the darkness, every sound was amplified. Somewhere, an ominous bell rang so many times the inspector lost count. The sound left an imprint inside his skull. Soon after, something scratched at the window. It sounded like the frantic scraping of a wild beast, no, a hundred wild beasts trying to climb inside.

Sir Balderdash stared at the shadows dancing in the flickering candle light. They looked like skeletons crawling with cockroaches. He hugged his loyal Lieutenant Bear closer to his chest and burrowed deeper beneath his blanket. A brave man of the seas did not cry...

But he was allowed to miss his dear mother.

Words: 504
Total: 3 748

Wed Jan 15, 2025 8:57 pm

The Hour of Thirteen | Karkov Inn | Kuraigana

"Alright..." Kliment groaned as he finished closing down the last of the shutters. "We're all sealed up!" He clapped the dust off his hands for a job well down as he turned around to see Puck and his new friend drinking.

"Oi...! This krutoy, I like! Da!" Puck shouted with a smile, downing a shot of vodka.

"And I am fond of you, Little Raisin..!" The Ero-oni boomed with a smile before downing a shot of his own. "Ahhh..! Yes.. what a burn..! Another..!" Smashing the glass on the floor with excitement. Puck paused momentarily as if to scold him, the whole room sat on the edge of a knife.

"DA!", Slamming his glass on the ground as well, "Another!"

Round after round they went until the entire bar joined in on the merriment alongside them. The sound of laughter and music drowned out the beating wings of death that fluttered just outside in the moonlight.

"Barmaid...! The demon shouted, "I trust you have things to bang on, yes..?"

The ogress face turned redder than the demon's jacket as his hand thrust inside of his jacket.

From the pocket, the Ero-Oni retrieved two wooden sticks and started beating rhythmically on the table. He motioned to Olga who brought over a few pots and pans, a sheet of cooking tin, and some glass. It was aggressive and precise, a beat that sucked you in and made you want to thrash about.

Soon enough the entire bar broke out into a rambunctious jamboree fueled by intoxication.

"Woooahh..!" Peck's eyes lit up at the makeshift drumkit that was set up. "Can you teach me to do that..?!"

From there a party was had, the terrors outside the shutters all but forgotten as they drummed the night away in a drunken stupor.

The thing about parties though, is they tend to drown out the screams from outside....

Dustof | Kuraigana

Nine riders in black on the backs of feral horses seemed to ride the fog into the town. From their snouts, a twisted horn grew like an antler, their feet like a wildcat, and the riders atop cloaked in shadows with twisted weapons of black iron in hand.

A chill was in the air as they swept through the town, door to door they tore into the wood. Those not braced with metal or covered with shutters like the Inn stood no chance as the iron left nothing but splinters in their wake.

The shadows screeched as the victims screamed, one by one each of the nine made a claim. Killing any who dared to get in their way, their movements were bestial yet their form was something more akin to supernatural.

The band of nine mounted their shadowed steeds, the beast's mouths wet with blood from their spoils of war, and took their leave back into the depths of the haunted forest.

"M-MONSTERSSSS...!!!" A woman shouted as she stumbled into the street bloodied and clothed in a sheet, her voice cracked with fear and emotion. "H-HELP US-...*shnickt*..*gluuurrgggh*..!?!"

Her voice trailed off into a gurgling of blood as she clawed at the arrow that stuck in her throat. While the sound of fluttering intensified, the smell of slaughter had attracted the wings of death. Her bloodshot eyes strained as the moonlight disappeared behind a swarm of monsters.

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Thu Jan 16, 2025 8:35 am

As an internal clock went off, the old captain stirred awake. A man could leave the military, but the military never fully left the man. Getting up too early was a habit he had long ago given up on trying to fix.

Stepping outside, the sea dog smelled the air. It tasted... stale. Like it was missing a certain flavor. Maybe that was the best for his life now.

Soon, the young twig clambered out of the cabin as well. “Oh, good morning.”

“Nothing good ‘bout it....” Paddy grumbled at the notion.

Before turning to leave, the boy waved farewell. “Bye! Stay safe!” If he hadn’t been in a hurry, he would’ve invited the old man to stay at the inn. Dedushka would’ve liked him. Oh, maybe he would see the guy again, when he got back.

However, the grumpy man was set on not making any friends today. “Hrhm... Mind yer own business, boy...” He turned away and headed the opposite direction.

Thirst scratched at the old drunkard’s throat more by the moment. He shoved the feeling into the brig inside his mind, right alongside the ache from his knees and the pain from his back. It was still a few more hours until Dustof.

Some monks spent a hundred years in the mountains -or something equally ridiculous- trying to empty their mind. Paddy had mastered that skill a couple years into sailing. It was the most straightforward thing in the world to not think at all. He could march onward without a thought in his mind. Made the time fly by so much quicker.

Soon enough, a small two-story building came into view. The sailor didn’t need to see the sign to know what it said. You couldn’t really mistake that haphazardly pieced pile of patchwork for any other place. Now, he could only hope the old dumbarse hadn’t kicked the bucket yet...

---

A long yawn escaped the gentleman’s jaw. His perky moustache drooped solemnly. With every blink, his eyes begged to stay shut for just a couple more seconds. His shaky hands clutched a tea cup like his life depended on it. Even the hot splashes falling into his lap failed to perk him up much.

Eventually, the inspector had to peek out of his quarters. “Top of the morn-” For once, he cut himself off in sheer puzzlement. A rather large crowd of distraught soldiers had gathered on the deck. Straightening his back, he puffed his chest, marched over...

...And immediately wished that he hadn’t been so eager.

Much to the sleepless man’s immense horror, a shriveled husk of a marine laid on the deck. Pale and breathless, the poor fellow bore striking resemblance to a prune. Nearly choking on the lingering terror, he voiced a careful question.

“Is he...?”

A grizzled, old medic kneeling over the victim shook his head. “Barely alive.” He stroked his long goatee, as his bespectacled gaze studied the discolored skin. “Acute anemia caused by blood loss.” Carefully, he turned the patient’s head to reveal a shocking discovery. “Yet the only injuries on him are these two small puncture wounds on his neck.”

Sir Balderdash could feel his hair standing up in ter-er, righteous indignation! “It was not a vampire! Even suggesting such a thing is frankly preposterous.” He declared. Loudly. To reassure everyone present.

The medic gave the inspector a strange look, as if the latter had just spontaneously sprouted a second head. “...I didn’t say anything about vampires.” He was a man of science, not one to believe superstitions.

Of course, the inspector didn’t believe in such silly stories either. Not in the slightest. “R-right. Of course not. Preposterous, I say. Ahem.” Refueled by adrenaline -and mysteriously motivated to finish the investigation- he stormed off. Double time.

“Lad, with me!”

Right on cue, the poor lad squeezed out of the cabin door. His backpack seemed twice the size it was yesterday. He jogged after his superior, not even bothering to try and keep pace. Worst case scenario, he would run into the man again in Grustnyy...

Best case scenario, the inspector would get lost and disappear under mysterious circumstances before that.

Words: 692
Total: 4 440

Thu Jan 16, 2025 10:57 pm

Karkov Inn | The Following Morning | Kuraigana

There were no roosters who crowed on the island, instead, it was a loud banging on the metal shutters that awoke the the sleeping group. A mass of bodies strewn about the tables and chairs, floor and counter, littered with empty bottles. The remaining booze they had drained overnight.

"Oi.!!! Puck!! Ya in there..??" A hoarse voice shouted as the banging never let up. He shined his light in the cracks and did his best to peep through the holes in the wall.

"Da....Da...." The old man groaned as he blocked the light peering through the cracks in his eyes.

"Puck...!!"

"DA...!! Coming, coming..." Moaning as the shutters rattled upwards. "Yelling is what for? Quite early, da...??"

"Early or not..." His face was paler than a ghost, "The shadows... They came.."

Puck froze momentarily as he motioned to Olga, who knew to drape his fur coat over his shoulders and place a cigar between his wrinkled lips. "Spasibo.."

"How many?!" Kliment shouted, "W-Who'd they'd take...?!" The man's face somehow found a way to get paler at the question. "Tell me, who'd they take...?!?!"

"Kliment... I-I..."

"No... No..." He took off towards the town, It cant be... Not her... There's no way... Thoughts raced as fast as his feet, "Alinaaaaa...!!!" Kliment shouted as tears ran from his eyes.

"Kroshka, Krutoy" Puck nodded to Peck and the Ero-Oni, "Come, work to be done..."

The Lanternroad | Southwards towards Gomi | Kuraigana Island

Pick trotted down the dusty road, his mind still fresh with the night of two old men that made his Dedushka seem normal. "Strange lot.." He mumbled, taking a bite of a sweet roll he pulled from his pocket. Nothing better to do and he hadn't had much of a breakfast back at the Lamplighter house.

Something his stomach was currently reminding him off, "Yeah, yeah.." Taking another bite of the roll, "You'll get more when we get to Gomi.." The smoke from the city could be seen rising over the treeline, too much for just the fish smokeries, his nose twitched for a moment. Taking in the rank smell that drifted in the air.

"Must be burnin day..." He let out a heavy sigh, "Just my luck.."

Streets of Dustof | Kuraigana Island

"Puck should be on his way, Danda went to get em.." The voice belonged to a man as wide as he is tall. With a stubbled square jaw and jet-black hair that he wore in a bowl cut. He nursed a cigarette between his pearly white teeth and wore a long fur coat made of bear fur.

"Hrnnn...." A man grunted back as he investigated the body, "Pompous little man, what good will he do..." His blonde hair was tied back into a ponytail and a short beard framed his face. While a pair of black-framed glasses rested on his face.

"Aww c'mon, you're as bad as your father..."

The statement earned a cold glare, "Careful.."

"Yeah, yeah, or what? Jakakakaka. What're ya gonna do that's worse than livin 'ere, aye..? Jakakaka!"

Alinnnaaaa...!!!!" Alinnaaaaaa....!!!

The screams grew louder and louder by the second as Kliment ran faster than he had ever run in his life. His heart felt like it was gonna explode, his lungs were on fire, snot and tears covered his face.

"Allinnnaaaa...-????!!" He shrieked as the body came into view.

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Fri Jan 17, 2025 9:01 am

Three thumps on the doorframe announced the arrival of a grumpy vessel far past its prime. As the door opened, he found himself facing an ogre who could crack a mirror with its foul smile. He didn’t even miss a beat. “Mornin’, Olga.” It was the friendliest greeting he bothered to muster anymore.

However, the comely woman had enough friendliness for the both of them. With the sweetest music reserved for close friends, she clasped hands together. “Ohhh, Paddy! It’s been too long!” She couldn’t even remember the last time. “You haven’t changed a bit.”

Paddy, meanwhile, had made his choice. He didn’t even spare a glance at the maiden’s eyes or smile. “Neither have you.” His stare was a little lower than that, taking in the sights.

Olga tone quickly took an apologetic tinge. “Hm, you must be here to see Dedushka. Sorry, but you just missed him.” She gestured down the road. “He left in an awful hurry this morning. The shadows came to Dustof...”

After a moment, the hefty woman firmly slapped her cheeks. Ohhh, Olga! Not in front of a guest! What kind of hostess was she being right now? “Ah, but never mind that. Come in, come in!” She turned to assess the messy room. Oh, those boys...

However, the invitation barely even registered. When the ogre of a woman turned around, the sailor’s gaze headed south. Stroking his beard, he admired the sway of the stern. A shameless smile missing several teeth spread across his face. His hand reached out.

There was a pause, a silent beat where Olga wondered if she had just imagined it. Then, the second squeeze sank in and her expression twitched. Her voice rang out like thunder. “...Idi nahui!”

A heartbeat later, the whole inn shook with a hefty smack. Paddy was launched out the door like a living cannonball. He tumbled several yards along the road, before coming to a skidding stop. His cheek throbbed with a distinctly hand-shaped red welt. Blood trickled from his nose and lips. “...Worth it.” He mused to himself.

With a groan of effort, the old sailor found his legs again. ...And the cap, of course. Very important. He didn’t bother dusting himself off. His next destination made that pointless anyway. Instead, he just started waddling again, not in a particular hurry to arrive.

---

Inspector Balderdash was growing increasingly convinced that someone was playing an elaborate prank on him. Along the way, the island had been just as dull and dreary as the day he arrived. No monsters, no beasts, no peculiar critters. No sign of anything strange... If one didn’t count people who seemed to survive on a diet of naught but fish as ‘strange’.

All evidence pointed to practical jokers. In fact, the gentleman was willing to bet the creature last night had been one of the locals in an ill-fitting bear rug. Yes. That was the sensible explanation. Clearly they were offended by his interrogation and decided to get back at him. It proved conclusively that he was on the right track.

Emboldened by the self-delusions, the inspector found his steps light and swift. He reached the village of Crustnow or however one spelled it before noon. His keen gaze studied his surroundings. Not a single detail was missed.

At a glance, the village seemed impoverished. Calling it a shanty town was honestly a kindness. The buildings seemed like they were cobbled together from driftwood and moss. One brave soul was living in an upturned boat, apparently. Where architecture and engineering failed, copious amounts of nails and rope had to pick up the slack.

Furthermore, the people looked like rag dolls with their patchwork clothing and messy mops. They shambled around like zombies, barely paying any mind to the white-clad visitor. Said visitor doubted this place even had a barber, much less a clothing store.

Sir Balderdash marched to what passed for the village square with its little well. Puffing his chest and clearing his throat, he turned to address the general populace. “Ahhhem! People of Crustynough! I am Inspector Balderdash of the World Government! It is likely you have heard of me. I have come to investigate...” As the man went on with his no doubt enthralling monologue, the people went on to ignore him.

Words: 717
Total: 5 157

[Arc] [Kuraigana Island Conquest] [Part 1] Kill 'Em All

[Arc] [Kuraigana Island Conquest] [Part 1] Kill 'Em All

Re: [Arc] [Kuraigana Island Conquest] [Part 1] Kill 'Em All

Re: [Arc] [Kuraigana Island Conquest] [Part 1] Kill 'Em All

Re: [Arc] [Kuraigana Island Conquest] [Part 1] Kill 'Em All

Re: [Arc] [Kuraigana Island Conquest] [Part 1] Kill 'Em All

Re: [Arc] [Kuraigana Island Conquest] [Part 1] Kill 'Em All

Re: [Arc] [Kuraigana Island Conquest] [Part 1] Kill 'Em All

Re: [Arc] [Kuraigana Island Conquest] [Part 1] Kill 'Em All

Re: [Arc] [Kuraigana Island Conquest] [Part 1] Kill 'Em All

Re: [Arc] [Kuraigana Island Conquest] [Part 1] Kill 'Em All

Re: [Arc] [Kuraigana Island Conquest] [Part 1] Kill 'Em All

Re: [Arc] [Kuraigana Island Conquest] [Part 1] Kill 'Em All

Re: [Arc] [Kuraigana Island Conquest] [Part 1] Kill 'Em All

Re: [Arc] [Kuraigana Island Conquest] [Part 1] Kill 'Em All

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