The Electric City

[Docile]

---

Dog Ear Pirates
"Built up of broken bones, shattered hearts and carried on by dreams"

---

The sounds of war quickly became nothing more than a past memory as did the other competitors for the title of Pirate King. Leaving them in the dust behind and ascending Reverse Mountain was like ascension to Heaven. Except only faster, more dangerous & much more fun. The clouds had encompassed them for seconds before they burst out above them majestically floating through the air and momentarily sailing on clouds.

Above the clouds a clear, beautiful pristine sunshine bathed them in a loving light which only helped illuminate the beauty of this temporary moment that would soon come to an end when they reached the peak.

Leaving the vulgarity of gore behind in the East Blue at the foot of Reverse Mountain the battered & bruised ship reached the point of no return. As the ship shot into the air from the powerful current propelling it upwards whilst Wynter struggled to hang on. The breeze blowing past him nearly dragged him off. Pulling himself aboard though just before the ship was airborne allowed him to get swept up in the breeze which threw him into the railings. As gravity caught a hold of the ship once more and dragged it down the current quickly snatched it up and begun to carry the ship downwards with little regard for their safety.

The sudden burst into the sky had shocked Lyceum and cast him into the air. Looking at the ship below out of reach he spotted a young man climbing aboard and noticed how the Marine who had been heading towards Murii, was no thrown over board too. Plummeting down towards the deck once again and hearing Jun's screams telling everyone "HOLD ONTO SOMETHING OR YOU'LL FLY OFF!" Lyceum did as he was told and grabbed hold of the railings. Bad Idea! he quickly thought to himself as the railings in his hands broke apart and he was sent back against the kitchen.

Slamming his back into the wall he grunted in pain. This really wasn't helping his scoliosis, but he knew something that would. Reaching into his belt he popped the lid from a small orange bottle and popped 3 pills into his mouth which he swallowed with haste.

Looking towards the helm and seeing Jun, Wynter smiled. It was good to see her again even if she did look like she were about to unleash a foul stream of curse words because of the breakneck speed they were travelling at. Tearing down through the clouds, Wynter attempted to open his mouth and speak to Jun. He wanted to ask where Murii was but with the amount of air entering his mouth every chance he opened it he could only close his mouth again. Clouds tore apart leaving a white smoggy trail behind the ship. Watching the scenery speed past and feeling the water splash up to greet their wounded hearts and sore bodies it felt nice.

With the burn on his back the greeting of railing to Wynter hadn't been enjoyable but he was grateful non the less. He'd rather be aboard the ship than stuck in the sea. Now the Marines knew their names and they would all be getting bounties for their crimes. The four of them would be wanted and the one thing which drew them all together had its skin flapping in the breeze whilst wearing a blue waistcoat.

It was good to be back, even if Jun was going to kill him. Seeing Murii again would make it all worth while.

Crashing into the foot of Reverse Mountain in the Grand Line a horrendous splash shot up and over the ship which quickly dispersed. Falling from the wall to the ground and laying flat as chilling waters flushed over him. Slowly picking himself up and running a hand over his face Lyceum stepped towards the door he'd fallen through and gripped the door frame tightly. Looking out he could see the large vast skies & sea ahead.

Falling from the railings as water washed over him causing his wounds to sting, Wynter hit the ground. Slowly picking himself up and looking towards Jun & the helm he grinned. His clothing torn, stained & almost in pieces he gripped the railings and used them as an aid to pick himself up.

Looking over the ship in its current nearly dilapidated state a dog eared grin from a dog eared man stretched over his face.

Josh Wynter had arrived in the Grand Line and he had some serious explaining to do.

---

Pirguru
"There ain't no party like a Pirguru party"

---

The Island of Pirguru hung off in the distance and currently the Dog Ear pirates ship was heading directly towards it. As the day was coming to a close the island of Pirguru was opening up for business and one hell of a night. The clouds over head had already turned a grumpy grey whilst thunder could be heard already creeping in. The townsfolk were all getting ready for another great night.

Sitting in the open preparing to see the lighting show that was thunder and lightning striking the clock tower which powered their humble town, bars were all opening up, lights turning on, martinis, pina coladas & various other alcoholic drinks were being served. Setting up on the streets the buskers had their cases and instruments at the ready whilst others were just packing up for the night ahead. Sitting atop the balcony looking down over the island sat Mayor Gladstine with his favorite drink in hand. A sticky nipple, shipped in specifically from Reacher's Round for his personal enjoyment.

"Citizens of Pirguru enjoy the night as we always do and feel safe in the knowledge that the notoriously vile Professor Koga is no longer among us. But thankful for his invention of these lights he gifted us with before his departure into madness."

Tearing into the air as Mayor Gladstine raised his drink with a smile on his face as his belly rested against the balcony's railings and his curled mustache sat atop his cheerful lips. As good cheer filed with air and music burst into life they all rose their glasses with the knowledge they were safe now that Koga was long gone off into the seas banished from Pirguru for good.


 
 


Whilst their small rowing boat sailed lazily from Granville cutting through the waves, Rudy had been hesitant sailing aboard the ship they'd taken but there wasn't much that they could do since neither of them had any other means of flotation and even though Rudy did, he wasn't about to risk it. Thankfully though the ship they'd be sailing aboard had been fortunate enough to stay in tact and get them away from the forces of Granville and to what seemed a lovely nice new town where they could make a nice fresh start as friends as opposed to strangers.

Looking towards Phiola & Roderick Rudy smiled.

"Guys it looks like theres an island ahead. So we won't be stuck aboard this little thing anymore. I'm sorry about earlier. I didn't mean to come off as a brute. I was just, well I was scared. I'm not really the bravest guy in the world. I, I just hope we can be friends or something, unless you guys want to travel off on your own. Then, well its understandable. I'm sorry"

Turning back to the island that could be seen up ahead Rudy noticed the large walls and small entrance. Rowing towards it and up the small canal he felt a little intimidated. People from the walls encompassing the island looked down and as they entered and floated beneath a few bridges, he felt as if he was out of place. But the life inside the town only upon entrance was bewildering. Pirguru was like nothing he'd ever seen before. There was light from small glass made objects and an assortment of whimsical tunes coming from up ahead. 

Soon they would be in the town center and he could get off and explore the town which brought joy to his heart & redness to his cheeks. Smiling he looked back at Phiola & Roderick. He didn't know how they would feel about being in a place like this but was sure they'd enjoy it. To Rudy the entrance to Pirguru was like a menagerie.

Women walked around in skimpy dresses with cocktails in hand and men walked around in shorts, t-shirts with beers in hands. Artists filled the streets as did drunks who were puking into the canal and couples who littered the sides of the canal holding hands and trading stories. 

Looking up towards the dull grey skies and hearing a few simple cracks of thunder, Rudy gulped thinking to himself. Thunder?! he may have been a notorious revolutionary son with the control and manipulation over snow. But he was petrified of thunder. As it grew closer and louder his lips began to quiver and body begun to shake. This was not what he had expected.

[Fin~]

It had been a long long travel, sailing from Granville to anywhere that was land really, at first Phiola had tried to count the hours, by looking at the sun, but later she completly lost track of the time. the only thing she knew that it was possibly close to evening, but she was not even sure of that. looking over to the Island they were sailing towards, she felt relieved, Relieved that they could get off board, relieved that she could stretch her legs and relieved that they could go and find some shelter if it would rain, as their small boat did not offer this.

For Roderick. sailing onto an Island was different, he was very protective of phiola, and if they reached an Island, that could mean a lot of people, and since it had been a while since their escape, it would be a great posbility that Phiola would be looked for, knowing her parents there would be big amounts of money as reward for bringing Phiola home, that wasn't something Roderick liked at all.

As Rudy apologized for his earlier behaviour Phiola and roderick nodded in symmetry, '' It would be good to travel with you for a while Rudy, Ill be brave for the three of us'' Roderick said striking a pose, laughing a little by roderick actions, Phiola turned to Rudy and smiled, '' Traveling with you sounds good Rudy'' She said .

As they sailed further into the creek going to the town, phiola was suprised by the many many many things going on, loads of people, loads of noises, yelling, dancing, a lot of things she had never seen before. and there she was in her little boat with her long time friend Roderick, and her new friend Rudy. If she was honest, she was a little scared, so many people. so many things she had never seen before.

The Streets were filled with people, and some didn't wear a lot of clothes, Roderick almost wanted to jump infront of phiola and close her eyes but that would probably not have any influence, looking at rudy, who seemed a little afraid by something, Roderick wondered what was going on, it was almost time to get off board, and that was something he had been waiting for, for a while. Preparing their goods roderick pointed at one of the poles in the water, where ships could be docked and asked rudy '' Does this seem like a good place to get off?, it would be nice to find a place to rest and eat'' he didn't really need to eat though phiola and rudy did, and as a cook he Always wanted his companions to be well fed.

[Docile]

 


The first thing he'd expected when seeing Jun again, was to see her scowling. But seeing her reaction a little more violent than expected Wynter stood there taking the entire rant. It shocked him a little bit, but he couldn't say he didn't expect it. Nodding as she finished there were only a few words ringing through his head.

Murii fancies me? he questioned as a grin stretched across his cheeks, Jun would probably be likely to smash him around the face now, but after the last one he didn't really want another, his head was still hurting a bit from the first. When his name was called and suddenly ice cold arms wrapped around him, he reached for her hands around his torso and caressed them till she removed them and asked if he was ok.

Turning to look at Murii in her shivering state he nodded.

"I'm just fine, happy to see you guys again."

Feeling the tension between himself and Jun still lingering in the air he turned to face the still pretty pissed off Jun and scratched the back of his head.

"Yea, Jun sorry bout that. I know I planned to drop you guys off at the next island, which I will, I promise. I kinda got side tracked. Sorry. But look on the bright side, there's an island up ahead and I can drop you guys off there."

Blowing through the ship a cool breeze sent shivers down Wynter's spine. He could only think how Jun & Murii felt right now.

Life Return: Body Heat: Flaming drying his shirt and bringing it to a lovely toasty warmth he removed it and offered his waistcoat to Jun & shirt to Murii hoping they'd be appreciative of it.

"Can't really offer you much else to keep you guys warm, but I hope these'll do."

The sound of groaning could be heard and it quickly caught Wynter's attention. Turning to see the source of the sound he spotted an elderly gentleman emerging from the ship's kitchen and climbing up the stairs. Looking at the group he paused momentarily before continuing. He'd been in stranger situations than a topless man offering his clothes to wet women.

"I'm guessin' your the notorious pirate Murii here mentioned to me during that hell storm back there?" he asked as he observed Wynter's physique. He seemed to be in good shape. Turning has gaze towards Murii then Jun his eyes drifted back to Murii and her impressive bust.

"So this him?" he asked pointing to Wynter.

She'd been talking about me to this old guy? What the hell about?! Wynter thought to himself.

With the questions flying around the ship, it sailed on smoothly with a little trouble enough so though to bring the island of Pirguru into sight.


 
 


Hearing Roderick mention how he'd be brave for the three of them Rudy felt his heart sink a little. He felt like a moron. He needed a soft toy to be brave for him. Great! Nodding a little reluctantly Rudy looked across to Phiola as she spoke. She said how it would be nice to travel with him and gave her a small smile. As the small boat rocked into the small circular docks filled with tons of much larger ships Rudy looked behind them to see the a bigger ship coming their way.

Feeling slight hint of horror of being crushed by the boat Rudy formed an oar out of his hand thanks to the pop green seeds he was able to form and started to paddle quickly pushing themselves out of the way. As the ship quickly crashed into the walls of the small harbor, the much larger ship carrying criminals from the reverse mountain war joined them and seconds later Rudy found their small ship coming to a halt and dropped the oar.

"We should probably get off here now." Rudy said looking at both Roderick & Phiola. Standing up he was about to give them both a lift up.

"Here I'll give you a leg up. Just put your foot on my hand and I'll hoist you up. You should be able to pick yourself up there and I'll toss your bags up."

Preparing to help Phiola & Roderick up to the streets, Rudy noticed a terrifying sight just out of his peripherals. The ship that had been cruising in behind them and pulling in beside them was still coming their way at an alarming rate. With his face turning white and his voice turning to nothing but a low murmur Rudy panicked.

"MOVE!" he shouted in a high pitched tone as he quickly shot two vines from his hands. Shooting one vine from his left the other end of it slammed into the ship behind them whilst the right vine slammed into the ship sliding their direction. Slowing down their speed Rudy began to struggle holding the ship in place. Looking at Phiola & Roderick he blurted out.

"GO!"

The ship that had been coming towards them at such speed suddenly broke apart where Rudy's vines had been holding it off and Rudy's jaw dropped as did the vine on his right hand.

[Fin~]

Once they continued sailing, a big ship behind them popped up. at way bigger speed as they had. and if they wouldn't act soon then they would get crushed, roderick was ready to jump out and make it for the wall, but rudy had a better idea, he created a peddle with his fruit. and quickly sailed their little boat towards the wall, Rudy was really a life safer and his powers were really convenient.


There were mere seconds where the three could get off the boat, before they would be turned into human pancakes, stuck between ship and the wall. quickly Rudy started helping Phiola and Roderick up. out of the ship, and he was too follow quite soon after, though things ran a bit different then planned, a ship came crashing towards them, as rudy yelled for them to quickly go and climb up. Rudy used his power of plants to hold the ship in position so they could get out.


only mere seconds later the ship fell appart, which was really strange, it was way bigger then their ship, and how could something so big just fall appart so easily, phiola wondered as she stared shockingly at the mess in the water. 


Roderick quickly changed into human form, to offer a hand to help rudy up. and see if everything was okay. he looked very shocked. '' are you okay rudy? did you do that'' roderick asked still shocked by the recent events, he nor phiola had any idea of what was happening. Phiola was pretty scared, but knew she had to remain strong.

[Docile]

Between Lyceum & Wynter the conversation was settled it was agreed that Wynter was the pirate & leader of the war they'd just gone through and needed serious surgery. His power was great just as his desire & will. But his body couldn't accommodate. Coming into Pirguru Jun & Murii looked overboard and saw how excited the town was and how they seemed to be enjoying the night and music blared into life.

Unfortunately the ship wasn't able to find its way into the docks so easily and within a few sharp short moments and turns as Jun pulled on the steering wheel it came off with ease and wouldn't go back on, no matter how hard she tried. Panic ensued as she tried forcing it back on and it just shattered the stand.

Looking over the edge to see their ship closing in, in the docks on a much smaller ship, Wynter gulped. He wanted to leap down and help but there wasn't anything he could do. Catching sight of a green haired man, some sort of bunny/humann hybrid & a little girl Wynter shouted.

"Watch out!"

He watched as the green haired man panicked and the little girl & rabbit made their way on to the path. But the weird thing was something was jetting from the green hair man's hands. Like vines coming from each hand and pressing against the ships either side of him. Wynter watched in shock before he quietly mouthed the words.

"Wow"

The ship shook as part of the wall on the lower deck caved in. A high pitch squeal was heard and Lyceum grunted as the scream hurt his ears. Moving towards the edge of the ship he saw how Rudy was struggling to keep the ships from crashing. Quickly calculating it wasn't possible Lyceum sprinted towards the head of the ship which was figureheadless and hopped overboard on to the small podium that held up the clock tower. Placing his feet on the edge he took a deep breath and kicked off.

Looking towards Phiola & Roderick shivers of fear were sent through Rudy. He quickly dropped the vines as he realized there was no stopping the ship. Looking up at the pavement he would try to climb it but was smacked in the back by something quickly.

A few bumps later and the sound of wood splintering in all directions made Rudy not want to open his eyes. But he didn't feel any pain other than that of hitting his head on concrete. Opening his eyes and looking around he saw Phiola & Roderick beside him and a stranger who was popping pills into his mouth.

"There was no way you were going to stop those ships from colliding kid." the man muttered before stepping aside to show that the ships had indeed smashed into each other and not only that the ship had knocked the bigger one next to Rudy's smaller on over which had started a domino effect and broken pieces of each of the ships apart.

Wynter had leapt aboard with Jun & Murii who stood watching the destruction. Jun quickly & swiftly swung to slap Wynter and caught him square in the cheek leaving a bright red hand print and an echoing sound that many would mistake for a clap.

"I blame you!"

Wynter turned his head back and looked at Murii & Jun.

"Well guys I guess this is where we part ways, I delivered on my deal."

"After nearly killing us!"

"But I didn't."

Turning around angrily Jun started to make her way off into the town, Murii on the other hand smiled with sad eyes as she looked at Wynter. Rushing up to meet him she clamped her arms around him tightly hugging him close. He could feel her body pressing up against his and placed his own arms around her.

"Bye Murii, its been nice getting to know you."

"You too. I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too."

Reluctantly letting go Murii released her grip and turned to follow Jun, in sheer seconds she was gone. Just another body among the crowd. Turning around to look at a green haired man, a child & a plushie Wynter raised an eyebrow.

"You're a teddy!"

Lyceum on the other hand watched the destruction continue as one of the larger ships fell apart. The mast came crashing down and slammed into one of the larger machines on the streets. Crashing down and splitting it in half Lyceum watched as the machine was no longer in working condition. Citizens who'd been partying had now all stopped and run aside in fear of what was happening.

Mayor of Pirguru though had seen it all and made his way down as quickly as he could manage with his weight issues accompanied by various of Pirguru's national guards.

Trouble was coming to ensue and Lyceum knew it.

[Fin~]

It felt like a mere second took more then an hour as Phiola saw scenes envelop in front of her own two eyes. Rudy trying to stop the ships from colliding by shooting vines towards them. A man yelling from the same ship that was crashing into them to look out. Roderick hurrying to pull Rudy out. As he almost got squeezed to a pancake by the ship crashing into him. Suddenly rudy appeared in front of the two carried by a man who popped a pill in his mouth. He called rudy a kid and said that there was no way he could stop the ships from colliding. Phiola gulped and thought. If he called rudy a kid what am I then?

The ship had crashed into the wall as wood splinters had shot everywhere and started shielding phiola from them. The mast on the ship broke down. Crashing into a weird machine with a large bang. Gulping phiola thought this was not a good day. Would they get in trouble for this damage she wondered. Though she felt relieved that rudy was okay and save. She bowed down to the man and thanked him. She also asked rudy if he was okay. Which came with loads of stuttering as the events had shocked her quite a bit. 

Roderick on the other hand had diverted his atention to the group of three leaving the ship. A man and two girls saying goodbyes after one slapped the man right in his face. "Ow that must hurt. "He whispered to himself as he saw how the two girls left off. The young man had then enthousiasticly said hey you are an teddy. Roderick giggled a little reverting to a plushie form and waved. "nice to meet you too. I think you are an human. My name is roderick " he joked. As phiola mostly was frightenend by the broken down machine and the people around it. 

[Docile]

Feeling the sounds of a familiar voice slide through his ears and remind him he was still alive, Rudy looked to see Phiola and nodded. He was just happy to be alive. Looking towards Lyceum his words came out shaky but as truthful as they possible.


"Thank you so much. I'd be dead if it hadn't been for you."

Turning to see who Roderick was now conversing with Rudy's jaw dropped. He'd heard of this guy but never did he think he'd ever meet him in person and now that he had. Well he was pretty shocked.

JOSH FREAKING WYNTER!" he thought to himself as he watched Wynter converse with the plushie known as Roderick.

"Yea I am a human. At least last time I checked I was. " Wynter replied as he checked his back & arse. Smiling back he looked at Rudy and grinned.

"You're Josh Wynter!" Rudy exclaimed a little star struck. He'd heard his broadcast for the Reverse Mountain war and from the looks of it he'd survived the war.

"Urm yeah and your that green haired guy from the boat in front of ours."

"Oh god, I'm so sorry. We owe you a new ship."

Lyceum's eyes were watching the sudden crowd around them that slowly begun to gather along with the men dressed in uniforms of black & silver with large thin circular hats, rifles in their hands & what seemed to be some sort of blade connected to their wrists.

"Its fine you really don't that ship was falling apart anyway." Wynter said to himself as he thought about the five other ships he'd sunk earlier in the day during the war including the one he'd rode in on as a decoy.

"You may not owe him a new ship, but you all owe us a favor!"

A loud voice called out. Catching the attention of Wynter, Rudy & Lyceum they all turned to catch sight of a circle of soldiers wearing the national Prigruvian uniform armed with rifles and blades. Each rifle aiming at them from a small distance of 10 feet.

The mayor stood among the crowd looking onward.

No one else but Lyceum had noticed how the entire town's lighting had gone out due to the fact that hanging from the barrels of each of the rifles towards the end was a lantern which had been lit and whilst they had moved in to surround them all the guards had lit up the area.

"Within mere moments of entering our humble town you've not only destroyed a series of ships, but you've also knocked out our electricity. Now the choice is yours you may either go to prison and serve out a nice long sentence or fix our lighting."

"How would we ever fix your lights? None of us are mechanics. Well I know for a fact that I'm not, he's no where near smart enough to fix anything as complicated as that looks." Lyceum said pointing to Wynter.

"What're you trying to say?"

Rolling his eyes Lyceum continued.

"These three are only young and I highly doubt they'll be any good at it either. In fact the little girl's holding a harp, so she's probably more of a musician than a mechanic."

"You can escort Franklyn down. He's our chief mechanic and the only one who'd understand that nut Koga's lighting booklet anyway."

"Why'd we need to escort him?"

"Do you want to spend time in prison?"

[Fin~]

As Phiola watched Rudy thank the man that had saved her and feel totally delighted that everything was allright, Roderick was busy smiling at the man infront of him, who told him he was a human the last time he checked, and started examening himself. 

When Rudy blurted out the name of the guy Roderick was talking too, Roderick wondered who he was, Josh Wynter? He read that name maybe in a news paper? maybe he didn't it was a familair name but he couldn't remember. as funny remarks were made of that Rudy was the green haired guy in the boat they had crashed into, Roderick wondered what kind of care free guy this Josh Wynter would be.

As Rudy continued appologies, and Phiola was reliefed that The person called Wynter, didn't really care about the ship being destroyed, the mayor came, along with some armed man, telling them to either fix the damage they had done, by restoring the electrics or go to jail, Phiola had no knowledge about electrics but didn't see jail as a good option either. Luckily for them there was this electrician they had to lead and protect to some place. and with rudy and Roderick around how hard could that be? she thought to herself as she looked at the two new men infront of her, and said  ''h-hello, I am Phiola, nice to meet you''

Roderick had already introduced himself to Wynter and was ready to take on this job they had been given, though his priority was safety, and maybe sneaking out with just Phiola could be an option, he didn't really want to ditch anyone. but if it meant safety for Phiola, he might have to do that. but he hoped that it didn't have to come to that, he knew that the guy that had saved Rudy was probably quite a bit stronger then him, and the guy called josh Wynter, atleast as strong as well. Their traveling party had become quite the parade, raising his tiny arm into the air he said '' Lets do this, I don't like owing people something'' as he jumped up and grew into his human form to carry the bags, which probably would bring many many strange looks. but he didn't really mind for now.

[Docile]

Introducing herself to Wynter & Lyceum, the two of them looked towards Phiola. Wynter smiled before returning his gaze to the mayor who mentioned Franklyn & prison. He was tempted to speak up and say he'd happily help but Rudy seemed to beat him to it.

Leaping up and raising a hand up the same time as Roderick who had mentioned he'd help instead of serve in prison, Rudy shouted out in a higher pitched tone and slightly louder over Roderick.

"WE'LL HELP!" gathering all sorts of peculiar looks Rudy lowered his hand and smiled awkwardly as sweat dripped down his face.

"Right you are then. We'll bring Franklyn to you. Wait here. He'll have maps on him. Dreyfuss. Get them some lanterns & some rifles. They'll need 'em." Turning on his heel and making his way back into his lovely large building the Mayor vanished from sight.

Lyceum focused on what he said about the weapons as a few of the soldiers filtered off and the rest remained with rifles at the ready. Looking around at the others Lyceum held a stern expression on his face.

As Roderick changed his form the guards remaining felt dear shoot through them as they stepped back and a few begun to shake & swallow hard frightened at the beast that shot up before them.

As few murmurs among the crowds were sent around as they saw the size of the monster grow. Eyes of the crowd couldn't believe what they saw and neither could Wynter who simply smiled in awe.

"Guess we wait for them to return."

Offering a hand to Phiola, Wynter smiled at her and replied.

"Wynter. Josh Wynter. And whose your friend here?" he asked gesturing towards Roderick. Rudy placed his hands in his pockets and stepped over towards Lyceum.

"So, you travelling with Mr Wynter?"

"No. I promised someone I'd perform surgery on him."

"Wow. Wynter's Doctor." Rudy said in an almost dream like voice as he looked up at Lyceum in awe.

"I'm not his doctor."

"Your so cool."

"Did you even hear me?"

"Of course I did Wynter's doctor." Rudy couldn't break out of his dream like spell. The awe of being in the presence of Wynter & his doctor was simply too much for him.

"Look kid, the names Lyceum. I'm just helping him as a favor for a pretty girl. A pretty girl I might try & track down afterwards."

Looking back to the guards standing around him Lyceum's brain realized the man with the green hair was a familiar face. but he hadn't seen him during his travels.

Turning back around to look into his eyes he grinned realizing just where he knew him from.

"Your Rudy Michaels."

Feeling confusion settle in and dragging him from his awe inspiring moment, Rudy raised an eyebrow.

"How do you know who I am?"

"You've a bounty on your head."

Slamming a finger to his lips, Rudy moved in close quickly.

"SHHHHHHH!" Standing side to side with Lyceum Rudy looked up at him and quietly whispered. "Not. So. Loud."

"Rudy. Its fine. I won't say a thing. I'm hardly a good guy either." smiling and winking to him, Rudy felt not just a friend in Lyceum but a fatherly figure.

Sighing his heart slowed down and arm pits couldn't have felt worse. Doused in sweat.

Returning through the crowd of soldiers a few men arrived with lanterns. One for each of them. Handing them out to each of them the next man handed out a rifle to Lyceum, Rudy & Wynter. They purposefully walked past Roderick ignoring him. He wasn't a person or even civilized. That thing was a bloody monster.

As Lyceum was handed a rifle along with a few rounds he shot the man a strange look.

"Why're we going to need these?"

"You'll see. People who go down there, don't often back."

"Should we really be taking a small child with us then?"

"Would you rather leave her with us?"

Looking across to see Roderick at her side Lyceum smiled.

"I don't think I'm the one you should be asking." gesturing towards Roderick with his head he placed the rifle on his back. Dreyfuss turned to see Roderick and gulped. Stepping aside it was clear Phiola was coming with them.

Taking hold of the rifle Wynter quickly begun looking over it up & down. He'd never had a gun before. Well never been trusted with one before. Slinging it on his back he couldn't help but smile a little. It'd be cool using a rifle for the first time and probably what would be the last too.

Stepping in dressed up in grey| blue overalls the mechanic Franklyn had round glasses, curly dirty white hair covered by a blue | grey cap and a bushy filthy white beard. On his back a rucksack and in his hands a tattered old book. Holding it open he peered over the pages quickly before slamming it shut and stepping into the group.

Walking over towards the edge of the docks he looked up at the clock tower. Reaching into one of his many pockets and removed a small remote. Pressing a button on it the large draw bridge of the tower crashed into the edge of the docks. Turning around to look at the group Franklyn smiled.

"So whose comin'?"

[Fin~]

As their job would be escorting Franklin the mechanic to a place where he could fix the towns lightning, Roderick couldn't grasp the need for such a big escort, weaponry or the big fuss, something probably was up, and this something was probably very dangerous, Looking at Phiola who was shaking hands with this person called Josh Wynter, he could overhear her saying, '' that is my friend Roderick, he might look a bit scary but he is very kind, but also strong'' she boasted a bit, while smiling and flexing her fist. making roderick rub his head and just wave at Josh.

It was good hearing big compliments like that, it was actually very nice, to know that Phiola really thought of him as strong and that made him feel proud. very proud.

As talks continued, Questions arised if Phiola should come with them to a dangerous place, and as they were asked if they would rather have Phiola stay with them Roderick glared angrily '' no Phiola is coming with us, I will protect her, if you want her to stay I will stay too, you all look quite delicious Roderick said baring his fangs and growling at two of the guards around them, Phiola sighed a bit and muttered '' oh Roderick''

It was decided that phiola was coming with everyone, she was quite scared to be honest, she didn't know where they were going, she didn't like that everyone carried a rifle around, and didn't like the feel of this at all, shivering a little roderick patted her on the back and whispered that it all would be fine, Phiola smiled and nodded, if Roderick said so then she thought that things would turn out okay.

The mechanic walked away a bit from the group, and with a press on a strange device he made a bridge come out, followed by the words, who is coming? Roderick smiled and said ''lets go, the sooner we are done the better'' followed by Phiola, roderick followed Franklyn

[Docile]

To answer Franklyn's question Lyceum stepped forward with rifle hanging from his back and replied.

"We are."

"Well best stay close, it can get quite dark in here."

"But we have lanterns" Wynter blurted out following holding his up to his chest and outwards.

Following Franklyn in the darkness was apparent within seconds. After crossing the draw bridge they were inside the clock tower. Turning around Franklyn looked out through the door and towards the citizens.

"Raise the draw bridge. Preferably two strong people. Those chains are pretty rusty."

With Lyceum, Wynter & Rudy following alongside Roderick & Phiola they looked around to see the clock tower had many shadows. Gulping Rudy was terrified of the sheer appearance of this place. Holding his lantern up high he was able to get a good look around but the lantern only lit up so much.

Lyceum headed towards the winch and gripped it tightly. As he wrapped his fingers around and tried raising it he grunted struggling. It sure was stiff. Turning to face Roderick he shouted.

"I sure could use a hand with this winch. You big bunny. What's your name? Give me a hand."

Looking towards Franklyn a thought came to Wynter's head.

"Why don't we just fix the machine we just trashed? That'll fix the lighting won't it?"

Shaking his head Franklyn replied.

"No point mate. We haven't got the tools or supplies needed for it. That and there's a machine down in the basement we'll need to restart."

"Is it some sort of lab down stairs?"

"Oh yeah. Like nothing you've ever seen before!"

Moving closer to Phiola with his lantern held high he asked.

"Why do we need to shut the draw bridge?"

"Safety precaution."

"Then what's keeping us safe?"

"You got a rifle there don't ya boy?"

Holding it in his hands and looking at it Rudy gulped.

"This is it?!"

"Well that and your brains assuming your not a nimrod."

Lighting up a cigar and popping it between his lips, Franklyn flicked out the match dropping it on to the floor. The sound of the storm outside had begun to subside the second they stepped into the tower.

"Once you've got that door sealed shut we'll make our move downstairs. There are elevators just over there we can use, but I think we best avoid them for the time being. Don't know what sorta critters been living in 'em."

[Fin~]

continueing to follow Franklyn, the party had soon reached a clocktower, and were encountered by the other side of the drawbridge, though this one suffered from a case of rusty old chains, instead of a nice worked out system to get it out.  Oh well, one couldn't have everything. Franklynn asked for two people to get the chains down, The first one was Lyceum who asked the big bunny to help him, and asked for his name too This big bunny is called Roderick, how about you?'' He asked Lyceum.

Roderick then walked off to the seccond chain, while Lyceum would go for the first. the chains seemed to be quite heavy, but nothing he couldn't do. Getting a firm grip on the chains he waited till Lyceum was ready and started to pull it. Hoping that together with Lyceum to get the bridge out.

Phiola was quite scared in the dark, and felt relieved how wynter came closer with a lantern, to shine up on their enviroment. Franklyn said that their were quite a lot of critters in the lifts, so that the stairs be the better options, looking back at roderick who was closing the bridge with it Lyceum she got quite scared how the light dimmed down, following josh closely, who had the lightning she mentally prepared herself to go downstairs, this was not going to be a fun journey, but atleast she had people wth her.

[Docile]

With a helping hand from the large bunny whose stitching on his arms puzzled Lyceum the door was quickly raised up and slammed shut. Franklyn had been right the lanterns really hadn't done much at all. It was almost so bad they couldn't see their hands in front of their faces.

Turning around to see the group and a mass of darkness between themselves and the group Lyceum lifted his lantern and led the way.

"Thanks Roderick. Names Lyceum. What's with the stitches?" he asked pointing at Roderick's arm.

Rudy felt shivers down his spine once in darkness and held his lantern close to his face out of fear. Wynter on the other hand rushed over Franklyn. He wanted to get a move on.

"Where do we go now then Franky."

"Please, Franklyn. Franky is my brother."

Looking over his map Franklyn looked left, right then finally straight ahead.

"Its this way." he said as he gestured forward and begun to lead the way towards an archway.

Wynter walked along beside Franklyn, Rudy next to Phiola & Lyceum beside Roderick.

As Rudy walked beside Phiola he turned to her and quickly mentioned.

"Hold your lantern up high, we need light, the more the better."

Hearing small sounds all around them from low rumbles of thunder outside to the sounds of water dripping in Rudy's head they sound so much louder. Each time the sound of one was heard he would turn around looking in all directions for the source.

Looking at Phiola she didn't seem too bothered by it, but Rudy was petrified. This wasn't what he'd expected upon arrival. A night in a creepy watch tower in pitch darkness with such little light.

"If we're going to be in possible danger, why have we been given rifles and you've got nothing?" Wynter asked Franklyn as he led them down the stairs.

Walking down them side by side, Franklyn placed his hand in front of Wynter stopping him.

"I'm not unarmed. Trust me. Just wait here."

Rudy noticed how Wynter & Franklyn had stopped and stopped too waiting behind them. Taking a few steps forward Franklyn raised his lantern to reveal tons of bats hanging from the roof of the stairwell.

As the light scorched their retinas there was a sudden screeching sound as the trillions of bats were awoken from their slumber.

"DUCK!" Franklyn shouted as he ducked himself.

Wynter caught a glimpse of the bats and started to flail wildly as the bats flew towards him searching for an exit. Rudy panicked dropping to the ground curling up in a ball on the step he happily avoided all contact with them whilst Lyceum did as Franklyn had mentioned and ducked right down allowing the bats as black as the night to pass by them and out through the archway.

Standing back up as the bats had gone, Franklyn continued down the stairwell leading the way for the group.

"I'm guessing we were given these rifles for something a little more dangerous than bats."

"What's worse than bats?!" Rudy exclaimed.

Turning with a grin on his face Franklyn replied to Rudy & Wynter.

"You'll know it when you see it."

"How will we know?"

"Trust me. You'll just know."

The rain from outside had started to seep through the brickwork and dripped down towards Roderick, Phiola & Rudy.

Dripping down his neck Rudy stopped on the stairwell and shivered. It had caught him off guard and shocked him. Shivering he held his lantern closer.

"So Franklyn, you were saying your not unarmed."

Reaching into his belt of tools Franklyn removed a small device with two prongs sticking out.

"This weapon's more powerful than you'd think."

"What does it do?"

Pressing the button in the dead center the two prongs shot a stream of blue electricity from one to the other.

"Cool. Can I get a closer look at it?"

Handing it over Franklyn continued leading the way and Wynter pressed the button a few times sending out quiet clicks as the electricity shot from prong to prong. Remembering his experience with the lightning bolt at Roger's Execution Platform he stuck his tongue out and pressed the button.

It was a hell of a shock.

[Fin~]

Roderick smiled, he had done a good job by closing the door and Lyceum had introduced himself, he also wondered what was with the stitches, and Roderick wondered what would be the best answer to that, what was with the stitches, well they kept him together, basically he was still a teddy'' Well I kind of am a teddy, so those stitches keep my stuffing from falling out, its like human skin, but a bit different'' he said. knowing it probably wouldn't make much sense but he couldn't really thing of another explanation either. Roderick liked Lyceum, he was a smart man, and observing, knew what was going on and wasn't too happy go lucky, it was good to have him around.

In front of them were Rudy and Phiola, Rudy was instructing Phiola on how to hold the lantern, it was better to hold it higher, as it would light a bigger area, although Phiola wasn't the biggest of humans, she tried her best and lifted her lamp up a little higher '' is this better'' she asked, as she suddenly heard Franklyn called to duck, quickly ducking she held the lamp lower again and thought to herself, this didn't last for long. she then saw how bats flew over her, and gulped. bats were scary creatures, and she didn't like them one bit.

Although once the bats were gone, Phiola heard discussing about the guns being need for something worse then bats, Rudy asked what was worse then bats, and Phiola actually wondered the same, she looked back to Roderick who was still behind her , and had also bucked to dodge the bats, she was glad he was still close, but really wondered what was worse then bats

In front of her, Wynter was discussing things with Franklyn, as they were going down the stairs, she heard the drops of water fall down quietly, which actually was quite a scary sound, she didn't like that at all, and based on Rudy's reaction it also caught him off guard, Phiola looked how Wynter started pressing the button on a device, in his hand making lightning shoot from one point to another, it was weird but it actually lighted up the room a little. she wondered what it was, but didn't want to ask.

[Docile]

As Wynter felt the shock of Franklyn's tazer surge through his body, Wynter pulled it away within seconds. his hair now standing on end slightly and eyes seemed a little wider than before. Patting his hand back down and handing it back to Franklyn it was clear he could stand the voltage but it wasn't a good idea to do so.

Wynter was now charged with electricity but being grounded would cause it to leave his body quickly.

"Wow that things really powerful."

Pausing Franklyn looked at Wynter and from his slightly more alerted appearance gather he'd used it on himself.

"yeah you don't want to use this on yourself. It could kill a man."

Shit! Mental Note. Get one of them!

smiling as he continued to follow Franklyn down Wynter saw exactly what Franklyn had seen and both of them stopped.

As Rudy walked along beside Phiola he smiled at her.

"Yeah that was much better Phiola. but come on we've gotta keep moving. We need to be careful too. Whatever it is there's something scary in here and I really don't want to run into it."

Turning to his right Rudy turned to face a large spider on the wall and froze inches away from it.

His jaw dropped and seconds later a loud high pitch squeal exited his mouth. leaping backwards Rudy fell into panic mode and cast his lantern towards the spider which scuttled away over the concrete pole in the middle of the spiral stairs they were heading down.

Shattering and splintering into lots of smaller pieces, Rudy left a bit of a mess for Lyceum & Roderick to go though.

"Everything ok Rudy?"

"Sp-sp-spider!"

"Well its gone now. Mind brushing the debris aside with your feet? Roderick & I won't be able to walk through this glass."

Looking at their feet Rudy realized Lyceum was bare foot & Roderick was well made of plush.

Pushing the glass aside Rudy got back up to his feet and continued downwards with Phiola.

The answers Lyceum had been given from Roderick had raised more questions but he didn't want to bug him so he just accepted the answer that he was walking with a giant teddy rabbit.

"Its good to have you with us Roderick."

Smiling at Roderick and then Phiola, Lyceum reached into his satchel and removed a small lolly pop. One of the sweets from the last time he was treating a child. Reaching forwards he handed it to Phiola.

"Here you go kid. Something to take your mind of the place and to enjoy. Its a lolly pop, I used to treat children one time so a sweets always good to have."

Noticing how Wynter & Franklyn had stopped up ahead, Lyceum looked down asking.

"Whats the hold up boys?"

"The stairs have ended."

"What do you mean ended?"

"There's no more."

Wynter was right. It was now just a drop into nothing back darkness. Looking over the edge nothing could be seen. Franklyn looked around then towards their lanterns.

"Here hand me your lantern." Franklyn said to Wynter who handed it over. Holding it out over the darkness Franklyn still couldn't see anything.

Opening his hand he dropped it.

"Lets see how far the drop is."

Watching the lantern grow smaller and smaller finally the sound of shattering was heard and the light went out.

Standing up straight and looking back at them all Franklyn said.

"That's still at least a good 75 foot drop."

Lyceum started to calculate ways to get down as did Franklyn.

Only one thing made it worse. As the group all looked around at one another for ideas Wynter looked down in curiousness. His brain ticking away.

The sound of the glass hadn't been interesting to only the group though. Making its way towards the sound a creature of indescribable strength responsible for the stairs no longer being full let out a roar.

A hulking scream tore through the tower. Shaking the walls the low roar rose up past the group and tore into their ear drums drawing the curiosity of a special person.

Life Return: Pain Release: Sleep Defense

Leaping into the darkness as limp as a rag doll, Wynter was gone in a matter of seconds whilst the faces of Lyceum & Franklyn dropped questioning WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT IDIOT DOING?! Whilst Rudy watched in awe feeling slightly dreamy about Wynter's act of bravery.

[Fin~]

Following behind wynter and franklyn while roderick was bonding Lyceum behind them. Phiola was glad to see people who were not afraid of roderick and were just talking she looked at rudy. Who was telling her that she was holding the lamp way better now and told her to keep it up so they be able to spot something scarier that was supposed to be here?  Gulping down she took a deep breath and said " something scarier then bats?" Murmering not many people would be able to hear it. 

Suddenly Phiola heard a bang coming from rudy who had slammed his lamp somewhere. As lyceum asked him what happened rudy told them he had seen a spider. Making phiola quite scared aswell. As rudy had pushed a side the glass so roderick and lyceum could move along aswell

As roderick was told by lyceum it was good to have him around and he smiled as he told him it was good to have met lyceum aswel. As they continued walking lyceum offered Phiola a lollypop so she could relax a bit and had something to focus on she smiled " thank you i really like them" She said as she removed the paper and popped it in her mouth smiling as the sweet flavours reached her tastebuds. 

Everyone had now stopped walking and as lyceum was told the stairs suddenly stopped existing. Gulping phiola waited to hear the next course of action. Asking for wynters lanter franklyn dropped the lantern down to see how big the fall was. Which was then followed by a big scream making phiola tremble on her feet.  "what was that"  looking to see if everyone was safe he saw wynter jump down and wondered if hed be okay what fool would jump down when rudy probably could create some vines to climb down on. Roderick patted phiola on the head to calm her down. Ready to see what was going to happen now

[Docile]

The sudden disappearance of Wynter shocked both Franklyn & Lyceum.

"WHAT THE HELL IS HE DOING?!" Franklyn shouted angrily as he turned to face the group, mainly Lyceum as he seemed to know the fool best.

"I have no idea. But that boy survived a war and managed to make it into the grand line hanging off of a ship as it shot down Reverse Mountain at the speed of a bullet. I think it'll take allot more than a drop like that to kill him."

Lyceum was happy to see Phiola enjoying her lolly pop. Rudy felt a moment of excitement in his body, but fear as the roar resonated more and more and started to rise growing louder and louder.

"Right, unless any of your guys have any ropes or something our best bet would be either trying the lifts. Or we could take the cables and use them to climb down."

"The only rope I've got is string for sewing. Its not ideal for climbing, so I'd vote for the cables."

Turning around to head towards the lifts back up the stairs, Rudy raised his hand shyly.

"I can . . . get us, down there."

Stopping and turning Lyceum looked towards the frightened kid and raised an eyebrow. Franklyn looked at him asking.

"You can?"

Rudy nodded.

"How?"

"Yeah Rudy. How?" Lyceum asked curiously.

Stepping forward Rudy looked down over the edge of the stairs into the darkness. Taking a deep breath to control his fear of vertigo Rudy pointed his fingers downwards into the darkness.

Two small seeds shot from Rudy's fingers. Watching Franklyn looked back at Rudy then down at the pit. He couldn't figure out what was going on but after the seeds vanished he looked at Rudy who seemed to be a little scared.

"Look kid. I don't know what you just did, but this ain't gonna help us. Lets just go get the cables and use them to climb down."

Whilst Franklyn's eyes were focused on Rudy from the darkness below large beanstalk like vines begun to sprout up out of the darkness towards the stairs.

Lyceum's face changed to one of surprise as the beanstalks touched upon the brickwork of the stairs and Rudy sighed smiling as he saw his powers worked perfectly. Turning and smiling he looked at Phiola, Roderick, Lyceum and finally Franklyn.

Turning to see the vine that everyone else was looking at Franklyn smirked.

"Well would ya look at that. Whatever you just did I'm impressed. But just how did you do that?" Inhaling on his cigar and exhaling Franklyn started to climb down the beanstalk into the darkness whilst Rudy muttered.

"I'm a. Well I have a. When I was little. I'm a devil fruit user."

"I don't know what any of that means, but it helps us get down to the bottom of the pit so I'll just nod & smile."

Rudy was happy he could help. Grabbing hold of the bean stalk himself he started to climb down too. Bringing up the rear Lyceum gestured for Roderick & Phiola to go ahead of him.

"Be careful guys. Don't want you falling."

It was time the group made their descent.




Crashing into the ground below Wynter's idea had worked. By making his body limp & fragile he had survived with minor injuries. But it hadn't been one of his better ideas.

Picking himself up and dusting himself off Wynter looked around and realized he could see bugger all. The lantern had shattered upon landing and now he had no light. But he did have a rifle.

Reaching for the rifle Wynter pulled it around into his hands and found himself only holding the butt.

Turned out when he'd landed he'd broken the rifle apart a bit too. Now the butt & barrels were in two.

"Crap."

Removing the remains of the rifle from his body Wynter looked around. Dropping the barrels they echoed in all directions sending out a clanking sound of metal on brick. He needed to find this lab but in the overwhelming darkness this probably wasn't going to happen anytime soon. Sighing he looked up.

Feeling something warm running down his arm Wynter looked towards his sleeve. Placing a hand on it he felt something sharp and painful.

Taking a closer look he realized what it was. The glass from the previous lantern had embedded itself into his right arm. Shaking his head Wynter plucked it free. As painful as it was he grunted as each piece came free. Rolling his sleeve up he allowed the wounds to be exposed to the air.

Hearing something whistling Wynter looked upwards as the source of the sound cam from above he tried seeing what it was but nothing came to light.

But when the ground between his feet begun to rumble Wynter dived towards the right out of panic rolling. Landing on his feet in a crouching position he watched as a large figure sprouted from the ground and rose up towards the heavens. "What the hell?!"

Whatever it was, he wasn't sure if he should climb it or leave it.

But the sudden roar that only got louder along with shaking the ground made his decision for him. Wynter turned to face the source only to see nothing but the darkness.

[Fin~]

The first few moments were spent discussing what much of an idiot wynter was the second moments were spend how to get down aswell it was a bit hard as no one had ropes and the best plan was cables though then rudy stood up and said he could create a way. After a skeptical reaction from franklyn that soon turned to a suprised one they both dissapeared onto the stalks created by rudy. 

Lyceum had told them to go first as that be saver. Shivering phiola didn't want to go down but there was no other option. Patting her roderick said ill go down first and will catch you  if you fall okay" nodding phiola smiled. And as roderick went down she followed him. She then looked at lyceum and asked "please stay close" she asked as she followed roderick down. She was scared

[Docile]

Watching as Roderick said he'd go first Lyceum smiled and waited for them both to make their way down. Turning Lyceum noticed the spider Rudy had been talking about earlier. It had brought its friends with him this time. A large group of the spiders all started crawling towards Lyceum.

Shaking his head & sighing Lyceum reached for the rifle on his back and quickly hung the lantern on the under side of the barrel. Taking aim he blasted the first of the spiders. Watching it explode he looked at the others which stopped momentarily before continuing towards him.

Continuously firing to take the big bastards down, Lyceum could see himself running out of ammunition, soon he'd have to start beating them with the rifle, but he didn't want to let them get that close.

"Having a bit of trouble up there?" Franklyn shouted hearing the noise.

"Just some spiders. Some big ones!"

"I TOLD YOU THERE WAS SPIDERS!"

"Didn't doubt you for a second Rudy. Just hurry up and get down there guys cause I don't want these things coming after you guys too."

Reaching into his pocket Franklyn removed his tazer and two iron bars which were crossed.

"Catch these mate!" he shouted.

Lyceum turned to look down only to catch site of a tazer and the bars coming his way.

Firing his last shot, Lyceum threw the rifle towards the spiders. Sending the lantern with it a fire burst and the lighting around Lyceum died down. Catching the tazer in the dim light that was left from the fire he could see a mass of more spiders coming his way. Holding the crossed bars and the tazer Lyceum was confused, what was he meant to do with it.

"Break the bars apart by unclamping the small twisting mechanism and throw one bar towards the right side of the mass and the other towards the left then point the device towards the middle!"

Watching as the mass picked up their pace and begun heading his way Lyceum wasn't sure about this.

"Are you sure about this?!"

"Just do it already!"

Twisting the two bars apart Lyceum quickly threw one bar left and the other right. One bar stick into the wall between two brick whilst the other dug into the ground. Raising his hand with the device Lyceum watched as the spiders nearly reached him.

Time seemed to slow down as he pressed the button, but in the seconds that he did he saw something that he'd never witnessed before.

Pressing down the button shot out a small blue electric shock which shot towards both bars on either side of the mass. A blue electrical triangle formed between the device and the bars.

The spiders all stopped and seemed to have what could only be described as a seizure until their bodies exploded. Letting go of the device, Lyceum felt his heart beating wildly and looked over the massacre of spider guts.

"Get 'em?!"

"What did I just do to them?"

"Fired 'em. Good thing too. Those things'll eat ya if you let 'em."

Picking up the bars and reconnecting them Lyceum placed the device in his pocket and bars on to his belt and started to climb down. It was time he joined the group.

Franklyn reached the bottom and looked up waiting for the rest to join him at the bottom.

Hopping down from a ledge Rudy joined Franklyn and smiled as he removed the cigar and flicked some ash off before placing it back and inhaling once more.



"There's something down here with us."

Turning to see a figure Franklyn raised his lantern and smiled.

"So you are alive ya nutta. Yeah that's the thing I was talking about roaring. You'll need your rifle." noticing it was no longer on Wynter's back Franklyn looked around and noticed the blood stain and broken rifle. Picking up the rifle pieces he shook his head.

"Ah you broke your rifle. Ah well I can get this mended or use it later on. May as well keep it for now."

Placing the pieces in his bag, Franklyn took his map out and took a quick look at it whilst Rudy looked up at Phiola & Roderick climbing down.

"Don't look down Phiola." Rudy shouted up hoping to help her but he didn't realize those words only made looking down more interesting. Looking around Rudy felt the coldness of the dark begin to worry him and moved slightly closer to Franklyn and his lantern.

The sooner we get out of here the better. Rudy thought to himself.

After a quick check on the map Franklyn nodded.

"Its this way to the lab." Pointing towards the tunnel behind Wynter he started walking and Rudy quickly followed.

"But the noise is coming from this direction."

"Then its none of our concern. We don't bother it, it won't bother us."

[Fin~]

During their climb down, Phiola and roderick, heard noises from downside, but also from where Lyceum was, the shooting of the rifle didn't make things more fun either, shaking from nerves Phiola wondered what was going on as she clinked to the stalk Rudy had created, taking a deep breathe and trying to control her fears, slowly she went down from her position and  climbed after Roderick, Lyceum and franklynn were yelling at each other, and then franklyn threw Lyceum his weapon, which he could use to fend of the big spiders, she heard so much about. She was glad they were fend off, as she didn't have to deal with them, but she worried about lyceum

Things were no fun for Phiola, and Roderick knew this, he stood as close as he could, making sure no harm would be able to come to her. Rudy tried to help aswell but yelling that Phiola shouldn't look down made her lose even more nerves, clinging to the beanstalk, roderick said we are allmost there Phiola, hang on'' as he climbed down quickly to catch her if needed, though it wasn't soon she followed and they landed besides Wynter Rudy and franklyn,  Franklyn was going to lead the way to the lab, but wynter was more interested with where the roaring came from, but franklyn told wynter to leave the monster be, Phiola sighed in relievement, and began following franklyn

[Docile]

Climbing down quickly Lyceum joined them at the foot of the beanstalk and looked either way before running to watch up to them. Joining Franklyn, Lyceum reached for his weapon.

"Thank you. That's a nifty little weapon you've got yourself there."

Smiling at Lyceum before turning to look at the map again and led the way into the darkness he replied.

"Well we gotta help out each other however we can right?"

Nodding Lyceum took hold of Franklyn's lantern and held it up for him whilst he looked over the map then back out to see where they were.

Behind him Wynter started walking alongside Phiola whilst Rudy walked beside Roderick.

"Its creepy down here. I don't like the sounds that creature keeps making." It was clear Rudy was terrified.

Walking along beside Phiola, Wynter looked over her and noticed how young she looked.

"You're a bit young to be out here travelling the seas aren't you?" he asked.

Coming to a fork in the road Franklyn paused looking over the map quickly. Looking up and between the two he seemed puzzled and uncertain.

Another roar from behind sent shivers down Rudy's spine. Turning around and looking down the tunnel Franklyn looked at the man then continued down the left.

Leading the way down the left hand side of the tunnel, Lyceum followed after him holding the lantern up enough for them to see their way along without getting themselves into any trouble.

Stepping over the cobbled stones and towards a large wooden door Franklyn smiled as he folded the map up.

"This the place?" Lyceum asked looking at the door.

"Yep. Behind this door is the laboratory of Professor Koga. One of Pirguru's brightest and now craziest men."

Grabbing hold of the lock in front Franklyn struggled to move it. Removing the bars of his weapon he placed them beneath the large wooden lock in front and used them as levels to raise the wooden stick.

Lifting it off and up Franklyn leaded it against the wall.

Grabbing the handle he tugged on it and the door just stayed shut.

"Feels a bit stiff."

Putting down the lantern Lyceum grabbed the handle and tried to help in opening it up. After trying and failing he agreed, it was quite stiff.

"Yeah. Your right. That is quite stiff."

Joining Franklyn & Lyceum, Wynter smiled as he watched the two struggle to open the door. He looked behind to see Roderick & Rudy joining them at the door too.

Unfortunately the floor gave away as Rudy took another step and seconds later he found his right leg falling down through a hole. Now sitting with his right leg through a hole up to the knee he tried pulling his leg free but couldn't quite manage.

"Mind giving me a hand?" he asked looking at Roderick. With the floor giving away Rudy felt his foot suddenly getting doused in something. He wasn't sure what though. But directly beneath the flooring was a pipe which water ran through into the lab.

As the water washed over Rudy's foot he started to panic trying to pull himself free, but the debris around his leg falling in wasn't letting him go.

To make matters worse a violent barking sound was heard closing from behind Roderick. From the pipe running beneath the floor a scent escaped and filled the corridor. It stunk like rotten meat.

"Pwoar. Can you smell that?" Wynter asked as he looked at everyone else. Rudy sure could and wanted out ASAP. Lyceum was focusing on the door too much to care.

The barking got louder as did the footsteps. Trying to help Rudy out of the flooring Wynter felt the ground beneath his own feet begin to crumble a little and he couldn't have them all falling down. Standing in front of Phiola he spoke to her.


"You should go stand by Lyceum & Franklyn. I don't want you falling."

Wynter had also heard the sound of the creature running their way and looking just over Roderick's shoulder he saw a creature of incredible size sprinting right their way.

"Bunny, you better look behind you." he said gulping.

With large long arms and smaller behind legs this creature could be seen running like a gorilla towards them. It had dark purple fur and what appeared to be four nostrils on the front of its face. No eyes and a mouth similar to a dogs with fangs sticking out. Saliva dripping from its mouth and a tongue that split in two.

For the front legs they seemed to be like large thick fingers made out of deer's hooves. The hind legs looked more like paws. Making unintelligent noises as it spirited closer and closer it became a little more visible until it was noticed this creature was the same size as Roderick's human point, maybe a tiny bit bigger.

Stomping on the ground angrily before Roderick the creature howled in a snotty sounding way as if its nostril was filled with mucas & saliva.

Finally it pressed its nose which was the majority of its face against the ground and then faced the group. Roaring and sending saliva their way Wynter felt it slap his face and angrily mopped it away.

Noticing the creature Franklyn shouted.

"Keep it busy!"

Swinging its large right hand for Roderick's face the creature wanted a fight.

[bunbunny]

Staring down at the golden liquid in her glass that many could identify as rum by the smell of it and experienced consumers of alcohol like herself could also smell that it was of lesser quality Jun grumbled, this was not the kind of booze she wanted to put in her system. Well maybe after a few glasses of even shittier stuff when she got desperate but not right away. But they had literally ducked into the closest bar as the storm started raging on so this was what she had to deal with.

Looking up at her freckled friend sitting at the other end of the table who was currently looking at a painting next to them, seemingly intrigued by the scene of a laboratory with a man bent over a robot. Huh, she never took Murii for that kind of person. Or maybe she was just one of those posh people that appreciated "the fine arts" or whatever bullshit they called it. It was a painting and not a bad one at that but not one that interested her either.

What Jun didn't realize was that Murii frantically was trying to work out the calculations on the blackboard behind the scientist in the painting until she came to the conclusion that the total was five and turned her attention to the skinny girl sitting across from her looking straight back at her over her glass filled with what Jun had kindly explained as "Shitty as fuck" rum. And even though her friend had complained about the drink she was still gulping it down steadily and Murii was almost starting to wonder if the alcohol itself was more important to Jun than the taste.

Which it was.

The bar they were in looked incredibly shady and even more so when the power was out and it was candlelit. Not that Jun really was a stranger to shady bars but she preferred lively taverns, less chance of someone coming up and trying to sell weird powder to you. She also didn't like the way men around the place were eying Murii. But no one had come up to them yet so it was all good. She didn't really know what to expect now that they were in the grand line either, it was stressing her out cause she'd have to be the one looking out for Murii who clearly was way too clueless about how rotten some people could be. While Jun prided herself in being able to tell by just looking at their ships. 

NOT THAT THERE WERE ANY SHIPS LEFT TO JUDGE ON THIS ISLAND.

Hearing a growl coming from Jun Murii blinked a bit and asked "Everything alright?"

And that was when Jun decided she couldn't hold back her frustration anymore.

"No! Everything's not alright! And let me tell you why! W. Y. N. T. E. R. Yeah Wynter! The idiot that dragged us to this shitty island! ON A FISHERMAN'S BOAT WITHOUT AS MUCH AS A FIGUREHEAD NOR A GOOD HELM. OH YEAH I'LL DROP YOU OFF AT THE NEXT ISLAND! IN THE GRAND LINE AFTER I RISKED YOUR LIVES TAKING YOU THOUGH A DAMN WAR BECAUSE I'M A FUCKING IDIOT WITH NO IDEA OF CONSEQUENCE! THEN AS IF THAT WASN'T ENOUGH HE DROPS US OFF ON AN ISLAND AND RUINS ALL THE SHIPS ON IT SO WE CAN'T GET OFF IT. WELL MAYBE NOT ALL SHIPS BUT YOU GET MY POINT! NOT AS MUCH AS A GUNBOAT LEFT HERE! AND YOU KNOW WHOSE FAULT IT IS? WYNTER'S THAT'S WHO. GOD I DESPISE HIM. HIM AND HIS STUPID FRECKLED DUMB FACE. "THIS WAS THE NEXT ISLAND" NEXT ISLAND MY ASS HE JUST WANTED TO RISK OUR LIVES FOR FUN I SWEAR TO GOD IF I SEE HIM AGAIN I'M GOING TO RIP HIS GONAD-" Having to stop to breathe right in the middle of her rant as she had not breathed a single time during it Jun's face was blossoming red and Murii saw she had to calm her down or otherwise she was going to upset the other patrons of the bar or have a heart attack or possibly both.

"Jun calm down we're alive and well and indoors it could be much worse. Besides I don't think he meant any harm." she said in her calmest voice and gave Jun a kind look, hoping to calm her down.

It seemed to work as Jun huffed and chugged down the rest of her drink before sourly mumbling.

"Yeah well I still blame Wynter."

[Fin~]

Walking next to Wynter, Phiola had only noticed a slight bit of Rudy's complaining, how he didn't like the sounds the creature was making, or how he was scared, she was scared too, very scared to be precise but she wouldn't voice it, she would just walk on, knowing that she was in good hands. knowing that it would only hold everyone back if she would start complaining. Wynter had asked her, if she wasn't a bit to young to be traveling around the world, she looked at him and answered Maybe I am a little bit young, but I got Roderick here, and we can make a living if I play at bars or pubs, and we brought some money too, so we are all fine'' she said smiling, still trying her best to be brave. 

As the group continued walking, passed a split, and encountered a door. phiola was asked to move up a bit, they didn't want her falling, she nodded and walked to Lyceum, to stare back, and see Rudy that has gotten himself in trougble by falling through the wood, and also seeing something behind Roderick, freezing in fear, all she heard was Wynter yelling to Roderick to look behind him.

Looking behind him in a quick manner, he saw how this strange creature, slightly bigger then his human form, which he was in, was behind him, saliva dropping from his mouth, they were tracked by smell, as roderick saw his eyeless face. His growling shot saliva all the way towards the door, and also covered rodericks jacket, the one phiola made. As Franklyn told them to keep him busy, and as Roderick saw how the creature was going to strike his face, he knew it, it was time for him to show some combat skills.

As the creatures paw came closer to roderick, the first thing he had to do was make sure he was safe. By changing into his hybrid form, where he became quite some smaller he could duck under this sweep attack and then after a big jump, using his bunny hind legs in his hybrid form, he got some air, to change into his human form again, where he tried to land an hammering attack, full on the creatures face. his two hands were clamped together so he could unleash all his strength.

[Docile]

Grabbing hold of Rudy's hand Wynter, tugged on it hard trying to free him but getting nowhere. He looked at the hole and struggled to figure out how he could make it slightly bigger without causing trouble for the rest of them.

"Please get me out of here. Its so cold!" Rudy moaned as Wynter had the idea to dig out all the debris around Rudy's leg. Digging it free like a dog and tossing it all aisde he quickly grabbed Rudy placing his hands under his shoulders and tried hoisting him up.

"Rudy I need you to try and pick yourself up as well."

Nodding Rudy tried but couldn't find the strength in his other leg which was stretched the wrong way far too much. Trying to use his hands h could be seen struggling until finally his leg started to come free. Smiling Rudy looked at Wynter with a grin.

"I'm Free!" he shouted in excitement.

Celebrating too early Rudy forgot he was still in the whole and dropped back in again only this time further. Screaming Rudy held on to Wynter tightly who held his ground.

"Right lets try this gain and this time, don't start celebrating."

Picking Rudy up again with him pushing up using his arms Rudy started once more coming free from the hole.





Standing at the door trying to pry it open Lyceum noticed the beast behind them engaging in battle with Roderick and quickly placed a foot on the wall trying to kick off from it. In doing so Lyceum found himself holding the door slightly ajar.

"Franklyn I need one of the bars for that weapon of yours."

"Why?" he said grunting.

"I've pryed it open a bit. I want to use it as a lever."

"If I let go the door'll slam shut again."

"Phiola, grab hold of the pipe from Franklyn's pocket. It should be sticking out. Then jam it into the small gap but be careful of your hands."

Hoping she would do so and wasn't too terrified about the creature battling her friend Lyceum continued to push against the wall trying to pull the door fully open. He just hoped what they'd find on the other side would be worth it. This really wasn't one of the first things he expected to find himself doing upon arrival. What he had in mind was a nice cool drink taking in the sights. Now here he was trying to save his own life as well as a bunch of strangers.




Whilst the creature swung for Roderick and his sudden change in size caused him to shrink the paw slammed into the wall to Roderick's right. Sending vibrations along the corridor it sent shivers down Rudy's spine.

"Please be careful!" he could feel the ground around his leg growing weaker.

When the creature's paw slammed into the wall he pulled it free seconds later bringing some of the wall with his paw. Suddenly something met his lower jaw square on. Roderick's tightly clenched fists slamming into his jaw had hurt. Closing his jaw and stumbling back a little the creature exuded some mucus from its four nostrils. A green gunge dripped from them.

Roaring back at Roderick the vulgarity of a creature charged towards Roderick with drool hanging from the sides of its mouth. Upon reaching Roderick it reared up on to its hind legs and attempted to bring down its large paws on Roderick crushing him. However a few steps behind Roderick was the green haired man trapped in a hole terrified for his life that he might never make it out alive.





Whilst Jun & Murii sat topside trying to console themselves drinking by candle light and Jun ranted on and on about ships, a war & Wynter. It turned out someone had been listening in. Approaching the two women was a large burly man wearing a tank top, yellow cargo trousers with a platted blonde beard & short blonde hair. Around his belt a large tool belt with many many tools.

Sitting on the stool that was free at the edge of their table he sat down. Due to his large stature he still seemed out of place though.

"I'm not so sure I heard this correctly but from the sounds of it, you sound like a shipwright. I'm only saying this because, I heard that rant and well you sounded more angry about the ships being destroyed than anything else. I mean I totally agree with you that a ship without a figure head is a disgrace but if your a shipwright then I might be able to brighten your day up a bit."

The man really hoped she was a shipwright and even though she was drinking she could still be of help.

"You see, I'm a shipwright too and there's actually only four of us on this island. But due to the recent destruction of those ships we're in high demand. So we need all the help we can get. I've got three others working back at my warehouse, but if you're a shipwright I could really use your help. There'll be allot of money in it too. I've already got tons of materials back at the warehouse if you're interested."

Striking down from the skies into the pavement a strong bolt of lightning cracked down and the winds picked up making the day outside a little more horrible. The night was just getting worse and worse. People scattered looking for places to hide from the storm which seemed to be getting out of control.

Even some of the national pirguru guards had made their way in. As one of the guards laid his hat & rifle down against the bar he noticed to his right Jun & Murii. Two of the people who'd been aboard the ship that had crashed. Turning and making his way over in haste he had a good mind to lock them both up.

"You two! I recognize you. You were both aboard that ship that crashed! Your friends have gone down into the catacombs to fix this mess. But you two aren't getting off so easily. You're gonna help too."

Turning to see the guard's angry face the shipwright towered over him as he stood up.

"You're right they. This ones going to help me build ships." the shipwright said pointing to Jun.

"And what about this one?!" the guard screamed shouting as he pointed at Murii. Turning to look at Murii the large shipwright of a man would've loved to have said she'd be helping too but no one would believe she could be a shipwright. She just didn't have the right look for it.

[Fin~]

Starring at the fight between roderick and a very scary smelly weird mean monster. And looking at rudy being pulled out by wynter. It was hard for phiola to control herself. It was like everything was scary and she didnt like that. Once lyceum called her name she looked at him. She had to bring him a rod from franklyns pocket and stick it between the door. okay i will" she said as she slowly walked over to franklyn. 

Looking at the rod sticking from his pocket she carefully grabbed hold of it and pulled it out. Walking over to lyceum she stuffed it between the door like lyceum told her and hoped she did an okay job

If nothing was at stake roderick could have been more careless but now he had to focus behind him was rudy being pulled out but now the creature had already tore the wall and made rudys like more scary. He had already been yelling and roderick knew he had to be carefull. This was not a good predictment for him to be in but he had to do this. He had to safe phiola. 

As the creature came closer enfuriated by rodericks earlier attack roderick knew he couldnt afford dodging that meant he would endanger rudy. He had to encounter the creature head on. Taking one step back he then charged forward. brawler's barrel roll" sprinting before reaching the creature he jumped and rolled up in a ball launching himself right into the charging creature.

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