Serious: The rose between two thorns

[Docile]

West Blue
Basin Kingdom

Bathed in a beautiful light with the sun's warm glow shining over it, Basin Kingdom stood out in the West Blue, with a large town which seemed to have no end and dozens of towers reaching into the skies, it was clear this town was ready for whatever anyone wanted to throw its way. In the far distance of the island in the dead center of the town and a moat was the renowned castle Pogge. Sitting atop a large hill looking out over the entire island in all directions the castle's battlement were filled with soldiers who would shoot at any given moment with direct orders from the king himself.

Only recruiting the best of the best into his army of guardians the King took monthly sabbaticals to travel to Tonzone Island which was in the North East of Basin Kingdom. Their Colosseum was one of the best in the West Blue and a perfect place to lay eyes on some good talent.

During this warm day the streets were bustling with people of all kinds and everyone was happy to spend money due to a recent new form of money coming out and as a gift for staying with this Kingdom one of these notes was given to everyone in the Kingdom.

The new 500 note.

However this Kingdom had one of the most secure banks in the West Blue they wound up holding money for most of the West Blue islands. Most of their money was from the Trictonian Islands. A group of three islands all in a triangle formation which used each island for their resources. Climbing aboard his large and astonishingly beautiful ship King Drodenum accompanied by his beautiful busty wife, formerly Queen Florentine currently Queen Drodenum.

They're destination was set and in a matter of moments they were on their way sailing from the Kingdom of Basin to Tonzone Island.




Opening his eyes to hear the clucking of chickens and sounds of a bustling street the previous night came rushing back to Scallion. He hadn't been drinking but he had managed to gain himself a nice small room to sleep in at the back of a takeaway.

Sitting up and picking himself off of the mattress in the back he watched as a chicken wandered past the door and seconds later listened as the sound of a thud was heard followed by one less clucking chicken.

Pulling on his glasses and heading for the door he removed a few beli from his pocket and placed them down on the counter beside the owner who nodded to him ashe made his way into the bustling heat. Feeling the sun pounding down on him in an instant he removed his coat and slung it over his arm.

Damn its hot out today. he thought to himself, it was strange to feel such sudden heat after yesterday it had been so cool. Walking through the street Scallion needed a drink and could feel how badly his throat begged for one. Pushing open the door he accidentally slammed the door into a man in a green waist coat and blue shirt ith a horrible comb over.

Falling flat on his arse the man looked up at Scallion angrily. Noticing the man he'd knocked over Scallion offered a hand to help him up. Batting his hand away and getting up in his own time by himself the man stormed past Scallion into the blistering heat. It was clear the man wasn't happy, but then again who would be happy if you'd caused them to spill their beer all over themselves.

As the man left with a brown splatter of alcohol all over his shirt, Scallion shrugged the thought off and continued to the bar. Sitting down he reached into his pockets to find a few coins, he found a few small ones and as he ran his fingers over them he could tell it wasn't enough for a second drink. Placing his hands on the bar and glancing slightly to the right he noticed a man whose coins had been placed on the bar. The bartender was fixing his drink up with his back to the man and the man himself was a little bit drunk.

Shinku Shiknu Poltegeist targeting the money and using his vacuum powers, Scallion sucked the money along the bar quickly and cupped his hand over the money as it reached him.

Now he had enough for a second drink.

[Fin~]

It was a very hot day, way to hot to do much and enough reason to hang out in a bar, and relax while drinking some wine, red wine though, red wine was better then white wine, well some white wine was good, but in general red was better. Sally was sipping from a wine glass, observing targets, rich people, or maybe other victims.

She had to hide herself as a bunch of marines were looking for her around town, she had been stealing from a richmans house, and acidently let their dog loose, which resulted into a kid getting bitten badly.

staring around she got her eyes on a man with glasses who was ordering a drink, slowly counting his money she knew he didn't have much and that he wasn't a good target. The man in a miracly way got hold of the money on the table a few meters away.

In the mood to play with the man, she grabbed a coin from her pocket, put it on her thumb and shot it at the back of the mans head with her index finger. she smiled and wondered how the man would react to this cause.

[Docile]

As the bartender approached Scallion after refusing to give the previous man his ordered drink Scallion peered over the bar to see into the fridges and the shelves.

Quickly scanning each fridge he was able to tell ciders were kept in the middle fridge. Quickly reading over them he paused on a single dark blue bottle with a light blue coloured wrapper.

"Could I have a bottle of Lumia?" he asked as he removed his hand to reveal the beli he'd taken from the other man. Nodding the bartender pulled out one of the bottles cracked the lid off with a bottle opener and then placed a glass with ice down next to it.

"Here you go." Scallion said as he handed over the coin. Checking them the bartender looked back at Scallion.

"Sorry sir but your short by 5 beli"

Feeling something smack him in the back of the head Scallion turned to see no one in particular standing out, but he did notice the coin on the floor. It hadn't really annoyed him though, but then again who would complain if money was thrown at them.

Reaching down to pick it up Scallion showed the bartender.

"This enough?" he asked.

Nodding the bartender took the coins and placed it in the till.

Lifting the cider and taking a quick swig Scallion smiled. It was good, best cider he'd had in the West Blue, that much was for sure. Pouring it into his glass with ice he left the empty bottle on the side and made his way back outside into the beer garden were people were smoking, soaking up the sun and others were playing cards.

Taking up a seat on his own in the corner under the shade he laid his coat over the seat and started to think.

He needed to figure out a way to get himself into the Grand Line as well as find collect a crew. But where do you find crew mates? Taking another swig from his glass Scallion smiled. The ice made it taste better. Much better actually.

Looking towards the door where a few scandalously dressed women exited, Scallion caught sight of a poster nailed on to the wall. Taking a closer look he read that is was for a pirate meeting, a pirate crew known as the Red Arrows were recruiting.

He could find a crew here. Show up and convince people to join him instead of these pirates he'd never heard of.

Making a mental note of the location he sat back down at his seat to finish his drink.

Levine Park at 3:00PM




Watching the young girl flick a coin towards the stranger a man sitting behind her with a large leathery brown cowboy hat watched her. Looking through a glass eye and a grey eye the man peered down over the paper in his hands and raised an eyebrow.

Reaching down and pulling on a length of rope connected to his belt the man sung a laso around above his head a few times before he tossed it towards the woman in front of him with brown hair and a face that matched the one in the picture.

They'd had a run in once before but she'd been lucky enough to escape when she stabbed him in the eye hence he glass eye. But that was the life of a bounty hunter.

Masterson Rukus wasn't watched as his laso shot towards the young woman. He just wanted to catch her and turn her in for all she was worth, he knew for a fact that she'd only become worse if given the time to grow.

[Fin~]

As sally sat back down calmly after handing the fellow stealing person some money, where he just had enough with for the drink he wanted, she smiled a bit and stared at him going outside to a place to sit .as she was about to take a sip of her wine as she fell something closing in. as a lasso fall over head she quickly grabbed her knife and slashed through the rope. with her knife.

in conclusion to this she quickly grabbed one of her yoyos in the other hand then her knife was in and swinged it right back to the bounty hunter that she had encountered before '' are you still angry about that eye, my bounty's only a month salary, catch a real criminal '' she said as her yoyo hit the man right in the face, when she propelled it back and caught it.

She stood up and smiled a little as she gulped her last wine down, and stood up, throwing a tip to the bartender she ran off out of the bar, trying to avoid any unescesary atention.

[Docile]

Glancing at the others in the beer garden Scallion smirked, they were enjoying their cigarettes and gambling. He looked over each of them attempting to figure out their line of work hoping to find someone who was into the career of causing havoc like a mercenary, but his eyes fell flat on each of them as he was able to see they were either bankers, store owners or simple run of the mill farmers.

Sighing he finished off his drink, picked up his coat and got to his feet ready to make his way to the bar for another drink. Shooting out in front of him however was a navy coloured leg which tripped him over slightly.

Catching himself with a hand on the door frame he turned to catch sight of the man who'd tripped him.

A rather young man sat at a seat with a bottle of beer in his hand a white cap, a five O'clock shadow and a grey t-shirt with a red pattern reaching down the left side of it.

Judging from the trousers Scallion guessed he was a marine.

Looking at hi Scallion had a few things to say to him. As he opened his mouth to speak he was cut off by his sudden question.

"How come you were checking out that pirate poster? You thinkin' of joining?"

"Do I really look like a pirate to you?" Scallion retorted hoping to throw him off of his trail.

"Who can say, a pirate can look like anything."

Nodding in agreement Scallion understood this man's curiosity. Getting to his feet and offering his hand the marine introduced himself.

"Captain Frank Hornigold"

Shaking his hand Scallion replied in return.

"Cross, Scallion Cross" he knew that using his real name could land him in danger, but where would be the fun in getting a bounty under the wrong name?




Taking a yoyo to the face after watching his laso sliced in half the bounty hunter grunted clutching his nose in pain. Blood ran down from the nostrils and in a matter of moments he could hear footsteps heading for the exit. Surely this was that little bitch making her exit.

Getting to his feet and stumbling out after her he stood at the entrance looked towards her.

"You broke my f**king nose! You and your bloody yoyos."

Removing a revolver and struggling to load it the bounty hunter took aim at Sally.

"Look you stole from my family once, I'm just trying to do whats right and put you where you belong."

Placing his thumb in the hammer and tugging it back the first bullet was positioned and as he went to squeeze the trigger he grunted and hit the ground like a sack of potatoes.

Standing behind him was a young man with short dirty blonde hair a smooth face and a foot raised in the air.

"Don't you just hate people like that?" he asked as he allowed his eyes to find Sally. Usually viewed as a heart throb by most women he looked towards Sally thinking she'd probably think the same. Being the man he was he'd happily use that to his advantage.

[Fin~]

As the man put out a revolver Sally started sighing '' man I never steal a lot, and they should try harder to not be stolen from, you lost now take your lost and stop chasing me '' she muttered as she was about to back out.

but suddenly the man crashed to the floor and someone else stood behind him, a young man with dirty blond hair, he began asking her if she didn't hate those guys and smiled a bit. '' if you get stolen from you lost, then take your loss'' she said and looked at the bounty hunter on the ground. Sally was carefull not to really pay much atention to the young mans charm, as some would use that as their weapon, she knew she had to stay relaxed and calm, as everything could be a trick.

[Docile]

"So Scallion, if your not a pirate what are you then? A bounty hunter?"

Thinking for a moment Scallion realized he had to give a half decent reason to be inspecting the poster and if he wasn't a pirate then the next best thing to say would be a marine, but he wasn't exactly dressed for it and neither did he know much about being one either.

Nodding he smirked at the Marine.

"Yea I'm a bounty hunter."

"Sounds good, how'd you like to help me out with a little something?" Frank asked.

"Depends how big a little something is" Scallion replied looking at the Marine trying to read him. From what he could see, it seemed he had a question to ask and Scallion felt like he knew just what it was and his answer would be yes.

"How'd you like to join me ambushing this pirate gathering later today?"

He was right.

"Y'know what? I'd love to. Be great to show these guys a thing or two."

"Alright well I'll see you there mate. I've got to shoot off for now though, I've got a mission briefing to attend. But 3:00 I'll see you in the park."

Scallion nodded as he replied.

"Three O' Clock."

Watching the marine make his way to the exit Scallion grinned. He now had the upper hand. If he joined this Hornigold then he could get the inside scoop on whats going on

Once he got the scoop he could recruit some members for his own crew and prove his skills by pointing out where the Marines would be coming from which would surely make him look superior to these Red Arrow Pirates.



Listening to what the woman said the man stepped closer.

"Exactly, you snooze you lose."

Slamming his heel down into the head of the bounty hunter the man knocked him unconscious or into the after life. It wasn't as if he actually cared though.

"Your that Fluent Fox girl aren't you?" he asked curiously trying to remember her face he'd seen on a poster.

"I've seen your bounty poster."

Running a hand through his hair he stepped a little closer. He took on a much more innocent stance to show he meant no harm.

"Hey look, this may be a little forward, but my captain is looking for some new crew members, how'd you feel about maybe coming to the recruitment drive we've got going on later today?"

Lowering his arm to reveal a brown leather wrist band with the Red Arrow's jolly roger on it. It was simply a red arrow with a thin outline towards the top aiming diagonally towards the corner of the wristband.

"I know what you might be thinking right now and its not what your thinking at all."

Kneeling down and reaching into the bounty hunter's pockets he started to remove some of his money and as he flicked through it he looked towards Sally.

"Here." he said as he offered her half the cut. It was only 12 Beli, but 12 was better than none at all.

Realizing he hadn't even mentioned his name yet he shook his head and chuckled a little.

"My names Elijah by the way. Otherwise known as the Red man. But that's cause I bleed allot after a fight." Elijah chuckled to himself.

He hoped she'd accept his offer to join and even become a member of the crew. He was sure old Red Arrow himself would see the talent he'd seen in her the few weeks he'd spent watching her. But of course this wasn't something he'd ever tell her.

[Fin~]

As Sally stood there having some kind of conversation with this man she wondered what he wanted of her, and wondered what the best thing to do was. she decided to hang around and wait for anything before jumping to conclusions. atleast he had saved him well sort of, she would have easily gotten out of that predictament but still.

Apparently her bounty poster was seen and the man recognized her. '' Oh god I really am getting famous aren't I'' she said smiling a tad, the man began more serious bussineses, he wanted her to join some kind of recruitment event so she could meet his boss, who would gladly have her aboard, she scratched her head and wondered what she should do. the man did said it was sudden and she agreed, but yea it could be a trick to lure her out, but it was worth a while checking it out. she always got out of things so far.

as she looked towards the man who was knocking out the bounty hunter, and sharing his belongings. not that they were much but she catched it and thanked the man who just had introduced him as Elijah. or something sounding like that. '' I'm Sally but you probably know, I don't know if I do plan on becoming a pirate, or being around ones, but giving a visit wouldn't hurt. '' she said not stepping into the boat fully. but thrilled enough to check the situation out. but why would pirates be ineterested in her, nobody probably knew about her navigating skills, nor did she have that much of an impressive bounty, oh well they probably be some lowlife pirates. '' when do we leave, is there time for some drinks first'' she asked, about to order another glass of wine.

[Docile]

Heading to the park Scallion wanted to scope out the area. Following a few road signs and asking a few people he managed to find his way there. Before even entering though he could already see a clear line between justice and criminality.

On the bars of the park engraved deep into them was the Red Arrow's jolly roger. The park was in a state, littered heavily and a hell of a noise rose up.

Musical if you could call it that. There was also a distinct lack in colouring in a sense. Hard to explain, but upon approaching you could just see the colour of the rest of the island seemed to be that of protection whilst the park stunk of danger.

taking a few cautious steps towards the entrance Scallion started to calculate and quickly opened his hands preparing for any situation that may arise.

Stepping under the archway that read Levine Arrow Park, he felt his defenses rise. He just needed to have a good look around and get a feel for the place.




When Sally introduced herself and made mention of herself as famous Elijah couldn't help but smile, she seemed a genuine girl with an actual brain of her own unlike the majority of women who tried hitting on him.

He hated it.

Hearing her say that a visit couldn't hurt he felt much happier, he'd never thought she'd agree but now that she had it made him much more confident that he stood a chance at sailing the world with her gathering riches together.

"That's great to hear." he replied with a smile on his face.

He was about to turn and lead the way when she asked if they could stay for another drink. Checking the time on the clock tower in the far distance of the town, he nodded.

"Course we can, the recruitment drive is at 3 and its only half two now. We've got at least 40 minutes since the Captain won't start till 10 minutes later, he knows how people arrive to these things late so he gives them a chance."

Heading up to the bar he banged his fist on the bar grabbing the attention of the bar tender.

Raising his head to see Elijah panic ran through him and he gulped hard.

"Can I get a red wine for the lady and a pint of Rat Poison?"

Nodding the bartender quickly poured a glass of red wine and Elijah handed it over to Sally as he left his other hand open for the beer. Sliding into his hand he caught the sickly looking green drink and took a sip.

Standing up he gestured towards a table.

"Put it..."

"On your tab?" the bartender asked.

"You got it." Elijah shouted back as he followed Sally to a table.

[Fin~]

Sally was quiet cautious, the man seemed almost too nice for a pirate, sure she was quite handy with a yoyo, or with thievery, but for him to know he must have followed her for a while, and for her not to notice him he must be quite skilled, she wondered what the best course of action would be following up to this, but her decision would be made later, for now it was to go along with wanting to see the meeting, maybe she could rob the pirate captain, or use him to get out of this town, and go somewhere else, her allegiance was with no one but herself. So she knew she could do what ever she wanted to do. and for the moment going along with the flattery of this man, and attending the meeting was a good thing.

walking to the table she had sat before, she waited for ilijah to sit, who arived with her drink and a strange kind of green drink for himself, he told to bartender to put it on his tab, and she thanked him, she raised her glass, ready for a cheer, '' Could you tell me something about the crew, it is good to go there well informed, to impress your captain don't you think'' she asked, wondering what kind of things she would get to hear.

[Docile]

Spotting a trail of cigarette butts Scallion started to follow them. They led towards a large church which was easily visible in the distance. Heading towards it Scallion kept his eyes pealed for any pirates he may run into as well as Marines. Catching sight of someone walking around the church Scallion paused.

Taking a moment to see the man's actions he watched as he took a few photos. Raising an eyebrow he wondered who this man was until a body leapt from the church window and dug a blade into his face numerous times.

Even at this far distance Scallion could make out the words the man shouted in a violent rage.

"DON'T MESS WITH THE RED ARROOOOWS!"

So he was a Red Arrow pirate and that guy was either a marine or a bounty hunter. That or someone who pissed these guys off. Gulping Scallion didn't let this deter him. only getting closer he found himself a nice hill to lie on top of and watched as the pirates begun to set up for the event they would be hosting.




¬_¬

As Sally asked about the crew Elijah took a sip from his drink before he placed it back down.

"Well, the crew's a lovely bunch of people who don't discriminate and just want to collect a fortune by whatever means necessary. We all love a good few beli right?"

Taking another sip from his drink a much bigger one this time he looked over Sally with a smile hoping she'd join.

"The Captain's also pretty ferocious seeming when you see him doing these recruitment drives, but in reality he's like a pussy cat. Don't get me wrong, he's tough and could take me down in a matter of seconds, but he's not intimidating, he's just a lovely guy. Easy to get on with and pretty understanding."

[Fin~]

The image given about the crew wasn't a bad one, she wouldn't mind checking it out, but wasn't sure how to go along with this, as this didn't really sound like someone having the balls to lead the crew, which was good giving her freedom in a crew. but yeah a crew without a captain was like a steerless ship. She guessed she would just wait to see things for real.

'' Alright, it be good to meet this man for myself, I am not promising anything as I don't take orders very well'' she stated, always keeping a back door open to escape from. '' Shall we go now then, Don't wanna keep the captain waiting'' she said smiling a bit, after gulping her wine down and stood up, throwing a tip to the barman.

[Docile]

Watching as the event was getting set up Scallion started to notice some pirates arriving in groups. Spotting them he decided if they were already turning up it might be a good idea for him to join in.

Making his way down from the hills and towards the stand he watched as pirates from all over had come out to this event.

A few who were notorious with crews of their own and others who seemed crew less. From the meager to the mighty they were all here and ready to show off their skills to the Red Arrow leader.

Attaching himself to a small group Scallion heard the words they exchanged between one another which was mostly those of "Whose this Re Arrow?" shrugging his shoulders when asked Scallion simply continued the journey to the stands.



Understanding Elijah nodded and finished his drink in one quick gulp. Swallowing it all in one go he let out a loud burp and got to his feet. Waving to the bartender he smirked.

"Thanks again Bruno" he said as he headed towards the exit with Sally.

"He's bound to keep the pirates who turn up waiting so I wouldn't worry about it." leading the way to the park Elijah turned to look for Sally and wait for her. He offered his hand to lead the way to her.

"Probably best if you hold my hand, just so they know your with me, otherwise they might get defensive, they see me like their baby brother. Strange I know but even though I can handle myself pretty well, they won't believe me, but I guess it just shows they treat me like family."

[Fin~]

As the two embarked on their journey to where the recruitment would take place the guy with Sally was a tad silly, she was told that it was best to hold his hand , so they would be let through, apparently they were very protective of him and she thought it be okay, it probably was a lie, but holding hands wouldn't hurt that much.

grabbing his hand softly she giggled a little as she followed her man through the streets, she hoped they were on time, even if she hadn't decided yet she didn't want to make a bad impression.

[Docile]

Arriving at the stands Scallion looked around, he could see a few big names had turned up and head the occasional mutters of who this Red Arrow man was, followed by one or two people mentioning how they were going to kill him when he showed himself just to prove their own superiority.

Moving among the groups Scallion kept his hands in his pockets and watched the other pirates who surrounded him. The occasional glance came his way every couple of seconds to which he simply returned it before continuing to the next group.

By the time he'd reached the other side of the audience who'd arrived Scallion already had a pretty good idea of what kind of thing who this Red arrow really was.

From the sounds of it, he wasn't anything like you'd picture. Not a hunter, nor an archer.

A little different.



Leading the way in through the gates Elijah pointed out the lake to their left.

"That lake over there is where we catch our fish, its to keep our hunting skills sharp also a nice way to relax if we feel like fishing. We've also go control over the castle in the park too which is where we'll be holding this recruitment."

Spotting the top of the castle battlements Elijah gripped Sally's hand a little tighter possibly hinting he didn't want to let go, her hand felt so small and soft in his which made him smile.

"You see the battlements just over the hill, that's where its going to take part. I think the Captain will like you, so you've nothing to worry about."


Navy

Checking his watch Frank lay in his hiding spot with binoculars pressed against his face. Peering down through them he could see a large crowd gathering, he hadn't quite expected this, but it didn't deter him either. Simply smiling he checked the time on his watch and then cursed.

Scallion Cross was meant to meet him in the park, where about's was he?

Raising the binoculars to take another look out at the audience Frank caught sight of a man who appeared similar to Scallion. Pulling away he took a second look and confirmed it, the man he'd seen mingling among pirates was indeed the bounty hunter Scallion Cross. The man he met in the bar.

[Fin~]

As sally followed the man who started holding her hand some tighter, she gulped down. Offcourse she was used to flirting to get her out of situations, and this was no different, but she didn't really know the situation here she wasn't in control, and Sally loved to be in control, she was quite a control freak to be more precise. everything had to be as her plan, otherwise it could possibly end in a man taking a yoyo between the legs, it had happened a few times, and she was not loved for those ocasions. Which was ofcourse not totally strange.

Explaining everything around the way, she started wondering why these pirates were on land so much, if they had this giant base, where were the big adventures, the fun stuff and the stealing on sea, she wondered and looked around, oh well, not possible to turn back now . '' It is quite a big base here, the crew must be giant'' she stated carefully looking around, checking escape routes, counting numbers, everything to ensure an escape if that was needed.

The meeting would take place around the hill that Elijah pointed at, she wondered what kind of person the captain be, and wondered if she was atleast respected, as normally in the world, woman were in many their eyes not made for the sea life '' Are you sure your captain doesn't look down on woman?'' she whispered in his ears. knowing this was a very random question

[Docile]

Noticing the group growing in size and the voices growing louder around him Scallion started to notice that time was going on and soon the leader would be approaching to begin his recruitment drive. The sooner the better, then he would know just who he as dealing with. But from the sounds of it he wasn't a person people knew much about. Now this could either be a great thing or an awful thing. He was either so mysterious because he was a talented man who managed to conceal his identity or so hideously appalling that he wasn't even worthy of notoriety and thus no bounty was issued.

Thinking about this for a few seconds he realized he was ment to be meeting Frank but had no idea where he was, spinning around to try and spot the man he found himself at a loss, there were no signs. Seems the Marine forces actually knew what they were doing here for a change. Suddenly a hand connected with his shoulder and a chill ran down it. The only thing that made this situation more terrifying was the sultry voice of a woman whispering. Scallion

Turning to see the woman in a hood with dark skin & what seemed to be brown eyes Scallion heard her continue to whisper.

"Follow me, Frank wishes to meet with you."

Nodding he gripped her hand and allowed her to lead the way, following her up to the hills, eh found a small naval army waiting for him. Smiling as he saw Frank lying on the ground peering down over the pirates he let go of the woman's hand and joined Frank.

"Sorry I'm late."

"Not a problem Scallion, scoping out the area were you?"

"You could say that."

"Right, I've drawn up a plan and have men already posted in position. Here's he map, it also shows my plan on it so you'll know what's happening when it happens. But as you can see its the classic pincer tactic."

Nodding Scallion already had begun to plot his attack and tried thinking of how he could use the Marines to aid him, settling on an idea seconds after a quick look towards the small army he had his plan. Taking into account all of the men and the weaponry he knew just what to do. Looking over the map and handing it back to Frank he replied.

"It looks good, although Frank would you mind me taking back one of the carriages of prisoners to the HQ? Y'know just so I can get my fair share of beli."

"Of course Scallion. Fair is fair, I mean your helping us out when you could try and take them all for yourself."

Happy to see Frank was a respectful man Scallion knew they'd come to blows, but as long as Frank didn't then all would be well.




"We're not that big a crew, we prefer being small. Smaller means we can attract less attention. I mean look at Yonko crews of the old years how big they used to be and how powerful, but also how much acknowledgment they got, everyone was after them. If you want to take things from beneath people's noses you can't be well known. It only creates more problems."

Pushing past the large crew's which waited outside and making his way to the castle the crew were currently staying in, Elijah reached the side door and pushed it open. gesturing for Sally to enter first he shut the door behind him and let go of her hand.

"Sorry bout the hand holding." he apologized before wiping his slightly sweaty hand down on his shirt. When Sally asked about if his captain would look down on her he laughed.

"If he looks down on you I'll show him your bounty poster. No one gets a bounty without a bloody good reason right? You've got to be pretty dangerous to have one. So if he dares look down on you, just leave things to me. I'll give him my word on you and trust me, its a good word." Winking at Sally Elijah led the way to the stairwell and started to climb it.

Reaching the top of the narrow and echoing stairwell Elijah found himself standing face to face with his captain who was currently on his way down. Placing a hand on his chest and pushing him back from the stairwell gently he stepped back and opened his mouth to speak.

"Captain, just the man I was look for, I've brought someone to ask about joining the crew, she's . . . "

"She?!" he questioned in a thick deep voice that sounded as if he'd been chain smoking for thirty years. Not to say he hadn't been since he had.

"yea, she's a girl, but she's pretty talented. She's got her own bounty poster actually and when I found her was being hunted by a bounty hunter cause she, well she did something bad to his family."

Gesturing towards Sally Elijah hoped his Captain would take a liking to her. Leaning in closely to allow his cigarette stained breath leave his lips and begin to spread he looked her up and down.

"She can be judged at the recruitment drive like everyone else." he replied before pushing past the two of them and heading downstairs.

Looking towards Sally with a disheartened expression Elijah replied.

"Really sorry about that, he doesn't seem to be in a good mood today. But hey, look if you want, you can still go to the recruitment drive and see if he'll accept you in that way." Elijah was hopeful and pretty determined to get Sally in, but something struck him that she didn't want in.

[Fin~]

Everything seemed to good to be true, and yes this was the case, as they entered to find the captain, soon they encountered him, a man with a voice that was quite intimidating. and when Elijah told him about her, he seemed to act down on woman, which kind of infuriated her. kinda being down when they got shoved away and she would be put in the recruitment drive Sally looked at her feet.

when they walked back, at first it was to see if she wanted to join, but now she wanted to show this bum of a captain that she was capable of much, and she felt like she had to not let Elijah down, as he might got himself in troubles '' Yea I don't mind I am going to show him what I can do'' she said trying to cheer herself up, '' so when does this drive start, I feel like kicking someones butt'' she stated clearly getting in the mood for some combat. she hated being told down for being a woman, and she always had the urge to prove herself after.

[Docile]

Lying down beside Frank & peering through the binoculars they caught sight of the Pirate Captain stepping on to the stage to a cacophony of cheers from the pirates with their admiration showing pretty clearly.

Raising his flintlock and firing a single shot he silenced them all and begun to walk from side to side glancing over the motley lot who turned up.

"Someone seems to be full of themselves."

"Wouldn't you be if you were leader of a notorious thieving pirate crew."

Smiling to himself Scallion nodded.

Ironic



"Great, I really hope you do kick some arse. I just know he'll reconsider."

Reaching for Sally's hand Elijah quickly attempted to drag her down to the recruitment drive so she could begin showing this man just what she could do and how amazing she really was.

[Fin~]

In a mather of a minute, maybe two, Sally and Elijah reached the recruitment drive, she entered while Elijah would wait for her outside the area. he told her he hoped she would kick some serious butt, she felt like doing so but still wasn't sure why she wasn't in here.

Soon the captain would shoot his flintlock in the air, she wondered what would happen, how this drive would work and what ever their plan was. she just payed close atention. looking at the future pirates surounding her. she was remembering the faces of people, she was trying to look at them, to see signs of how strong they were. just some calculations, and precausions. Sally didn't like going unprepared.

[Docile]

"All of you whose bounties are below 10,000,000 Beli best be gone, I won't accept ye otherwise. But if you really think you can handle it then feel free to stay. I've placed 10 red flags with our insignia atop this castle at the highest peak. Anyone who doesn't get one will be gunned down."

Looking towards his watch he peered back towards the ground of pirates before continuing.

"Well go then."

Realizing they had to move the group all quickly begun to clamber over one another towards the top. They all wanted that flag and would do anything to get hold of them.

Taking aim with an arrow one of the men in a leather hood took seconds to get his own when his arrow shot through the center of the flag and tugged on it pulling it down towards himself.

Catching the arrow and plucking the flag free he grinned looking towards the leader who grinned back. It was clear he liked this man.

[Fin~]

Okay so it was a challenge, many people were going to just run up and climb to get one of the 10 flags, those who had one, could join the crew, and if they didn't have a flag they be gunned down, well why not grab a flag get some food, and check how the crew was. that was a good idea. a very good one.

Running a few meter forward she calculated that the distance was just the length of the strings of her yoyos would just make it if she was smart, running at speed she made a small leap and aimed a yoyo right around a flag, aiming it, it spinned just around the flags pole by pulling it the yoyo and flag came back to her. she didn't need a 10 milion bounty for this

[Docile]

"Alright boys lets move in and surround the field whilst they're all busy clambering the castle. C'mon Scallion, we're heading in, we can incapacitate the crew then wait for these fools to get down and fall straight into our hands. They won't be getting out of here. Snipers stay put, Scallion, you're with me."

Getting to his feet and making his way down into the field which the stage sat in, Frank & Scallion were accompanied by a small army of 20 soldiers including the woman who'd brought Scallion over.

Slowly making their way in without weapons drawn the soldiers surrounded the stage and pirates who remained on the ground as Scallion & Frank arrived before the leader they looked towards him and exchanged glances.




Catching sight of the yoyo which wrapped around a flag and begun to pull it down one of the other pirates realized this was his chance to get one without the struggle of climbing. Leaping towards the flag he dug his fingers into the end of it and came crashing down towards Sally with the flag.

Hitting the floor he kept his grip and slowly picked himself up getting to his feet. Looking at Sally he grunted.

Standing at a height of 7 feet with a filthy white tank top that didn't even cover up his large belly that hung out from beneath his tank top, blue & white stripped shorts and a pig like snout for a nose along with a shaven head this man was a pretty notorious local pirate.

Sooty Bolt
13,000,000

"You better [Oink] give me that [Oink] flag girly. [Oink] or I'm 'ave to [Oink] take it from yer." he said struggling to keep back his oinking that his nose requested he did due to the horrid clogging of the snot deep inside his filthy nostrils.

[Fin~]

When a fat person came to snatch the flag she had grabbed from her she tried to keep grip on the yoyo it suceeded quite well, the big bellyd scary person that was oiking like a pig stood infront of her, ready to fight with her for this flag, oh god how stupid fat people were, they eat to much, this one stank too.

'' you really are like a pig'' she said as she threw her second yoyo up and with a whip like effect slammed it aimed to the side of pigmans face. things seemed to get crazy as marines seemed to enter the field. what was the bestest cause of action now. bluffing she was a bounty hunter here for the captains head. that was the bestest. she had a plan for when things would go down even more

[Docile]

Catching sight of a young woman with a yoyo who'd managed to catch a flag with it Scallion smiled, he could have uses for her later if he was able to convince her to join him.

Looking towards the large round man he figured he'd wait to see the victor before he made an attempt to recruit. He needed to get these people arrested first, then he could break them out later on his journey to drop them off for a few beli.

Closing in much more the group stopped and soldiers took aim with their rifles at the leader who stood on stage unsurprised or unshaken by the current situation.

"So you've come to arrest us all now have ye?"

"You knew this day was coming, now give up and come with us peacefully."

Shaking his head and slamming his heel into the stage the floor cracked open and down fell the arrow's leader.

"Cheeky bastard" Frank muttered as he gave chase following the leader down the hole he'd created and into the castle.

Turning to see the men now taking aim on the pirates climbing the castle, Scallion gave some orders of his own.

"Alright men, I know I'm not in charge of you or even a marine, but I've got a plan. Leave these two to sort it out between themselves. Take aim and bring down the pirates climbing. Bringing them down is a priority, these two I'll deal with."

Hesitating the marines agreed after a few minutes and started to open fire on the pirates climbing. Falling from the tower and hitting the ground hard Scallion grinned until a corpse landed beside him and splattered up blood.

Wiping it from his face he turned to see Sally & Sooty.




Shooting towards his face spinning at such speed the yoyo collided with Sooty's face burning his cheek a little with the rotation. Barely moving his flab took the brunt of the impact, but the rotation hadn't been easy to ignore.

Slamming a hand down on his cheek and looking at Sally with anger in his eyes he took upon himself a stance and removed his hand to reveal the small burn on his cheek.

"I told you not to, but you just couldn't help it could ya?"

With his right foot forward and left behind he flipping himself forward catching himself on his free hand and tossing himself into the air where he performed a multitude of flips before directing his right foot down towards Sally.

All the while he held the flag in his hand refusing ti let go. Shooting down towards Sally with his tremendous weight he called out.

Pot Belly Pig: Raining Swine

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