Ashlyn hadn’t quite expected the woman’s reaction to her accident. The navigator had just asked them to let her pass when suddenly Goldilocks was slipping an arm around her waist. Raising an eyebrow, the young woman made no movements to remove herself from the blonde woman’s grip. “Uh, okay… Thanks I guess…”, Ashlyn spoke, unsure how exactly to respond. It was sort of an odd reaction in the woman’s eyes, but it wasn’t anything major.
The blonde woman continued speaking and Ashlyn opened her mouth to speak, when suddenly a black hole appeared not far ahead sucking up some people on the whims of this amazon of a woman. “What just..?” It took the woman a moment to register that it had indeed been Goldilocks that caused such a phenomenon. “Did you just… Wow… That’s neat.” The taller woman delivered everything in such a calm manner that Ashlyn found herself dumbfounded. This woman was over here acting like it wasn’t anything to do what she’d just done. What was going on? What twilight zone had she stepped in where this was the norm? Were devil fruits really so powerful?
Walking with the pair of pirates, Ashlyn nodded in response to her words. “Yeah, I’ll go with you guys for now. You seem strong.” Walking with the other two, they arrived at the tavern in question rather hastily thanks to Galand’s quickened pace. Of course not before Goldilocks created another black hole to clear a path for them. “I wish I could do that…”, the woman spoke with slight envy.
Once inside, Ashlyn felt a hand on her back push her towards the Yonko in question along with Galand. “Wait, I just wanted to-” Before much else could be said she was staring at Dekura. She had only intended to observe from a distance, but apparently her new friend had other ideas in mind. Galand didn’t take much time to begin speaking, but apparently Dekura decided to just address everyone in question, cutting the other man off. Listening to the man’s words, Ashlyn found herself intrigued. The Yonko had a certain charisma for sure. Just his words told Ashlyn all she had wanted to know. After all, her only plans had been to find out what kind of man he was. Watching the pirate until he walked off, suddenly Ashlyn became aware of Galand speaking.
Walking back over to the other two as Galand loudly called for them, Ashlyn was planning on sticking with them for the moment. “Is he always so loud?” Ashlyn asked the other woman with a curious expression. And then suddenly Galand displayed his own fruit powers. “Wow… You two are crazy strong…” Spoken quietly, Ashlyn inches forward a few steps. This sort of thing wasn’t exactly her forte, but she wouldn’t say no in the end. There was something about the other two that ignited a certain long dormant feeling in the navigator’s chest.
“Sure, I guess.” The woman spoke with a shrug, that is until she remembered she hadn’t introduced herself. “I’m Ashlyn.” With that she simply waited for the other two to move in a direction. “What’s the plan exactly?” She wasn’t exactly a hellion herself, so she wasn’t exactly sure what was the best opening action.
╔═══════════════════════════╗ "No signs of life here, save the embers, the occasional flame. We know the way but can't remember, conception to the grave. Shout confessions from the greatest heights, where no one can hear. All my fears, my insecurities are falling like tears. If you see me, please just walk on by, walk on by. Forget my name and I'll forget it too. Failed attempts at living simple lives, simple lives. Are what keep me coming back to you." ╚═══════════════════════════╝
[ The rampage had begun. With the first building crushed from the weight of his attack, Galand would humor the Yonkou while taking this chance to further his own needs. The Marines, Pirates, and Bounty Hunters alike would be busy with their own devices, dealing with the utter chaos of the South Blue. Fleets upon fleets of terrified bystanders and weaker sailers flood the docks, fighting and struggling with one another to escape the madness, fearing for the lives of both them and their families. Alas, it’s far too late to escape now. The destruction has already commenced. After grabbing hold of his greatsword’s hilt, he pulls it, and its sheath, from the floorboards where he had lodged it, before resting it over his shoulder once more. His right hand nearly feels naked without it. He doesn’t bother looking back, because he has an idea of what Goldilocks would be up to. After all, the opportunity before them is far too great to pass up for now.
“Don’t go doing anything stupid, damned woman.” he remarks, giving a reply to her stance at catching up later.
He looks over to the lavender haired woman now, giving her a confident smirk. “Ashlyn, huh? Cute. You can call me Galand. And our plan, is to humor the guy.” he says, pointing a thumb over his shoulder towards Dekura. “SO, let’s get going!” he says, wrapping his arm around her waist, running towards the outside of the building via the hole he made, and crouching before vaulting up into the air and atop some buildings. He frees Ashlyn from her confinement under his arm’s grip so that he can use his free hand as a visor. His golden hues slowly gaze over the island. Smoke streams sift up from various points, explosions and the cries of the falling resound, but more amazing that any of that is the brutality all abound. From his height all he can see is a large dust cloud of smoke, debris, and black ant like objects moving about. The sound of metal and screams echo, while doors get kicked in, shops and other establishments are burned to the ground.
With a resounding laugh, Galand turns to Ashlyn. “Do you see it? This is the control the words of a king holds. He had but speak a single line, and all of this happened! It’s the best!” he explains, holding out his free left hand as if he’s enjoying himself. After a few seconds he places said hand against his waist in the shape of a fist now, giving his body time to cool off. He had gotten too hot headed again. “So what now, girl. You’re already in the thick of it! Even if you try to run away, I doubt you could in the mess. Wanna run away? Or, you gonna stick around and let loose with me?!” he questions, finding humor in this situation. ]
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It hadn't taken long for the golden haired pirate to catch back up to the duo.
Perhaps all but five minutes was the length of her conversation with the bigwig Yonkou and her making her way over to where all of the fun had been taking place. She spotted her brother-in-arms and the would-be doll that she'd add to her make-believe collection at his side. Removing her hands from the depths of her pockets she lazily slipped her arms over their shoulders after tuning into the tail-end of their exchange of names."Damn yer excitable."She harassed, hints of her accent returning as she addressed Galand."You should really learn to broaden yer worldview, mate or you'll get bored with it."Her single azure then turned to Ashlyn, a tuft of curls swayed over and masked her eye-patch from view."And you also need to mind your manners and learn how to address a lady, properly."Her words still towards Galand but her visage was on the woman parallel to him."What he means is that we, pirates, have been given a rare but limited opportunity to act upon our true desires without fear of backlash from the authorities. In our case it's raiding this kingdom for its valuables that I'm sure no one will miss. And we'd love it if you accompanied us."Goldilocks explained in her more primp and proper tone.
By now she'd released them both. A hand came up and pressed calmly against the ruffled bust of her unbuttoned pirate top."We are also aware that such a task isn't for the feint of heart and if you'd rather leave than join us then we'll understand. I'll even offer my services to you to ensure safe passage back to your ship if it's what you wish. However, we'd be pleased, especially myself, to have such a dazzling woman at our side for this festive occasion."Her voice was sultry and calm, assuring but not overly direct. Goldy had removed her pirate's hat and held it close to her chest, letting her full aureus tresses cascade over her surprisingly broad shoulders. Her back was completely towards Galand now as she then extended an hand towards the violet haired woman, palm open and facing upward so that Ashlyn could place her hand on top."So, would you care to run rampant with us this fine day, Miss Ashlyn?"Goldilocks inquired with a slim smile. The look in her sapphiric eye was both alluringly pure yet eerily sinister.
WORDS
Words: 420 Experience: 4,200 Total Words: 2,035 Total Experience: 20,350 Posting History:435
QUOTES
Master Cliff Fate
North Lotus
Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2017 5:55 am
❖ Ashlyn Seiki Winters | Navigator x Assassin | Location ✦ Torino Island (Docks) | Company ✦ Galand and Goldilocks | Words ✦ 733 ❖
Apparently Goldilocks had business with the Yonko before joining them. Ashlyn herself had a question or two she wouldn’t mind asking the man, but she wasn’t nearly brazen enough to just go up and ask him. Maybe a bit later if he was still around. Not knowing the blonde well enough to say much, the navigator watched her walk back towards the man with lavender orbs.
Galand spoke towards the retreating woman before turning to Ashlyn herself and responding to her telling him her name. “Cute? I don’t see how, but I won’t complain if you want to call me cute. Just don’t expect special treatment Galand.” Apparently they were going to humor the Yonko. Then suddenly the large man grabbed her by the waist and pulled her towards the literal hole in the wall to jump out. “Hey wai-”, was about all she managed to get out before suddenly they were jumping through the hole and then literally jumping to a roof nearby.
Eyes wide all the while, Ashlyn could almost see her life flash in front of her eyes as they were in the air. Then suddenly she felt herself on solid ground again. Falling to her knees, Ashlyn hugged the ground tightly. “I’ll never leave you again.” Standing up after a moment, Ashlyn spotted the man looking off in the distance. Walking over to him, Ashlyn looked at the scene beyond in slight disbelief. There was so much chaos. Is this the kind of power a Yonko wielded? People screamed and Ashlyn could almost feel her heart ache at the sight. Looking over at the scene sadly, the sudden arm of Goldilocks draped over her shoulder caused Ashlyn to sigh.
Letting the blonde woman speak to Galand, Ashlyn simply stared on at the chaos. Remaining silent as she mulled over things in her mind, the taller woman’s words to her were enough to give the lavender haired woman reason to glance in the blonde’s direction. “He’s fine.” She spoke in reference to him needing to learn how to speak to a lady. “You would?” The navigator asked curiously, not sure why they would want her along. Rubbing her neck, Ashlyn sighed again, deciding to address Galand’s statement about the chaos itself.
“I don’t know if I would call it the best exactly. Such power should not be used so carelessly.” At the second part of Galand’s question, Ashlyn remained silent for a moment. What had she gotten herself into? Her curiosity was going to be the end of her some day. Goldilocks started speaking again next, her tone adopting a certain alluring quality to it that made Ashlyn just a tad curious. The woman’s words were nice and all, but Ashlyn was also aware that just getting to her ship wouldn’t secure her a guaranteed way out of here. “While I appreciate the offer, I don’t see how I could get anywhere in this mess. Logic would dictate that the marines are indeed on there way, and even if I made it to my boat, there is no guarantee a stray cannon ball wouldn’t find my ship. I don’t like those odds.”
“So… While I’m not entirely sure I agree with what your methods clearly are, I still think it’s probably safer at your side. You don’t seem like bad people exactly, or maybe you are. Regardless, I’ll tell you what, you two have your fun, and I’ll see if there is anything valuable left behind in your wake, and we can split the findings evenly.” With the proposition made, Ashlyn took a long back at the carnage. “Even if I don’t agree with the slaughter of people exactly, I don’t have the power to do anything about it, and there is no point in leaving any valuables behind. Just… Try to protect me, and I’ll watch your back as best as I can.”
Looking down at the hand offered to her, Ashlyn took it after a moment’s hesitation. “And you can drop the miss, just Ashlyn is fine… Did he say your name was… Goldy?” She didn’t quite notice the look in Goldilocks’ eye, but it was probably for the best at the moment. Her mind was already having a tough time processing everything without having to worry about if this woman was trying to bed her. She just didn't know how she felt about that at the moment.
╔═══════════════════════════╗ "No signs of life here, save the embers, the occasional flame. We know the way but can't remember, conception to the grave. Shout confessions from the greatest heights, where no one can hear. All my fears, my insecurities are falling like tears. If you see me, please just walk on by, walk on by. Forget my name and I'll forget it too. Failed attempts at living simple lives, simple lives. Are what keep me coming back to you." ╚═══════════════════════════╝
The youth wondered at which parts of the kingdom would have been best to start with. Given how the destruction started from the place where the once bar was, now ruined by the power of individuals unbeknownst to Rune, he analyzed that the destruction that was to be wrought upon the kingdom as a whole would spread outward like an infected wound. The sickness of madness and desires run rampant would eventually encompass the entire country like a blanket until nothing was left but darkness. Certainly it was within expectations given that the call to arms was from a lord among pirates. The man's presence alone could disturb the peace of any well-established country with stable military backing. Such charisma was befitting a leader, though from the perspective of a merchant dealing within a market free of any particular regulations, the Yonko was an outlier that could very well upset the general equilibrium of goods. "The b*****d alone is equivalent to a significant increase in population. The monster," he cackled. He eyed the systematic destruction of the shops all around his person and let out a disparaged sigh. At the rate how things were progressed, the kingdom would no longer be a supplier of unique goods. Rune eyed the various bundles of cloth burst into flames as a group of men tossed bottled filled with volatile liquid through the glass pane protecting the establishment they were housed in. He should have counted himself fortunate in some regard. Had the lord himself joined the fray, Torino would have no choice but to become a importing country, unless of course the king of thieves had a trick up his sleeves for an entire market revamp as well as a government rehaul. Regardless, the situation that the merchant envision for the kingdom's possible future had it's negative points. They would be subjected to the prices of imported items set forth by other countries until they were able to become a functioning state again. Depending on the restructure of the kingdom, that could very well take decades. Bared fangs sought to bite upon the keratin claws of his slim digits in agitation. If he was so much as put in charge of restoration of the kingdom, or rather the ruins of what it was, he would certainly make the king of thieves regret it. Producer nations certainly could overtake markets given the right circumstances. If he played his cards right he could very well create his own specialized zones, unperturbed by pirates and marines alike, but such was only under the most fortunate of situations. At the worst case, he would allow the nation to die, abet slowly, and reap whatever he could salvage from the corpse of the kingdom. Such was his way. All of the aforementioned relied on the case probability of if he was to oversee the kingdom. If he didn't then it was certainly no skin off of his back.
The merchant allowed nimble digits to be put to better use than being torn apart by gnashing teeth by grasping the weapon that hung from his waist. It was an odd sword if compared to a regular broadsword sold at general shops. It bent at a strange angle. The intriguing part was it's sectioned off parts. With an expert flick of a wrist, it revealed itself as it unraveled to the ground in a series of 'plink, plink, plink' sounds. It had the form of a hybrid weapon drifting between a sword and a whip. Rune used the weapon as a grapple while he took into consideration of his surroundings. Where flames of destruction had yet to touch surrounding structures, he took the liberty to latch the weapon onto the overhanging balconies and other high reaching pieces of architecture where his grapple could sink it's lith claws around. He swung as he did as a young child in the jungle of his youth when he danced from tree to tree without regard of how high he climbed like a lowly earth spirit ever determined to reach the noble sky world. Keen eyes took note of the destruction but a keener mind sought to get a broader outlook on the chaos that ensued below. Like he did with the vines and trunks of the large trees of wild growth, he lassoed the sword-whip to a nearby pole where he allowed it to act as an anchor as he worked upwards until he was able to rebound against a nearby building and leap onto the rooftops as would a flea from a smoke riddled hide. Birds liked to flock apparently as he was not alone on the rooftops amidst flame and ash. The black and white haired traveler pulled his hijab closer to prevent the inhalation of smoke that drifted from the ocean winds. While he was no navigator, he certainly knew that the winds would only propagate the furnace and urge it to reach further inland. "Oi, you three. Are you part of the yonko's crew? What are your bounties? I need to know in order to relay back information back to the man himself," he barked in a impatient tone.
Reimbursement/Observation of Torino Kingdom [ 625 | 625 words required ] [ 235 words left ]
[ The view was so perfect, but it wouldn’t hold much meaning for long. This is what Galand desires sometime in the future. Command. Both physical and influential might. Best yet, he has people to share it with. His arrogant remarks to Ashlyn was met with a rather smart reply, showing that she has some spunk about her. Nice. He smirks to this, rubbing the back of his head. “Damn. Not even a little bit? Well, that’s fine.” he says jokingly, responding to the no special treatment bit. Before long his partner in crime finally makes her up atop the building where they stand, as cool as ever. And it doesn’t take her any time to start scolding the musclehead about his worldview. The words sting, but he doesn’t have much of a good rebuttal. With a suck of his tongue, he places his left hand on his hip while he taps the sheath of his great sword over his shoulder.
“You wound me, Gold. But...I guess you’re not wrong. I gotta see more of the world, otherwise, I won’t be able to reach my goal.” he says to her, turning his back to look down at the destruction all around them. His eyes lock onto a group of men dogging around a long woman and her daughter, most drooling or giggling like hyenas. Galand’s smile quickly fades before he holds up his left hand and cocks back his middle finger. With a snap, the building next to the men bursts and splits before collapsing atop them. The large man exhales through his nose. “All those guys and you waste your time attacking weaklings? Gimme a break. I’m standin’ right here ya know.” he says, as if genuinely upset the men ignored his looming presence in order to pillage some booty. The nerve. Behind him Goldi explains to the new girl what their current objective is, attempting to recruit her to their cause. And judging by the woman’s response, she seems rather acceptant of the terms. Not that she has much of a choice at this point if she wants to get out of this hell hole alive.
“Well, you heard the most of it from my partner here. And you’re still planning to stick around? I like that, lass. Just stay close. We’ll get you out of here alive, and while you’re at it, feel free to take whatever you want. People who lived here are either long gone, or dead by now. Ain't gonna find much use for it, that’s for sure.” His usual confident smile returns while he gives the woman, apparently named Ashlyn, a quick chuckle. As the three get their pleasantries out of the way, the explosions and sound of war grow ever closer behind them, creeping up on the building they are standing on. He would have ignored it had a cannonball not explosion literally right before their building. He looks over his left shoulder, glaring at the flames. The slit of his eye thins and widens as his sight adjusts to the flaring fires and smoke. “These bastards… Hm?” he starts until noticing the banner of Marines parading about through various points of the crowd.
His smile widens into a grin, but he manages to suppress his desires. “Guess we shouldn’t stick around for much longer. Looks like the Marines finally got here. Goldi, let's take what we can, and get lost. We’ll meet up with the Yonkou after things chill out a bit. Cause if there is a Yonkou, it won’t take long for the Marines to send THEM here.” he as he turns to prepare and jump down. However, as he crouches, a familiar voice catches his attention, binding him in place. “Eh?” he stands and turns to the origin of the voice, noticing the man who had assisted him back in Misty Peak. “You’re that guy, from Misty Peak, yeah? Been a while!” he starts before lifting his greatsword back over his shoulder. “Wait, workin’ for the Yonkou? Who the hell would do that? I aint workin’ for anyone but myself. And if that guy wants answers, tell em to come ask me face to face! We gotta chat with the king anyways.” he smirks, holding his ground against the desires of the Yonkou, though it's up to the others if they want to do the same. ]
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Invitation accepted.
The woman standing before her had more common sense the the average person it seemed. Her sense of intrigue and mind of wonder prevented her from being swooned and swept off of her feet by the lady pirate's ambitious advancements. In all honesty, Goldi always liked a challenge. Ravaging a good whore every now and then had its uses in stress relief but the real fun happened through the art of seduction. To meld one's mind with another to fully understand their wants and desires in the bedroom. However, she'd set aside her charming self, but not before she calmly brought the hand that was set atop her own and placed a kiss upon the back of it."Yes, short for Goldilocks, but I also go by Goldy."She introduced with plans on having Ashlyn eventually call her Mistress over time.
Clearing her mind of perverse images, Goldilocks regained her composure and released Ashlyn's hand just in time for a cannonball to crash next to the building they perched upon. Things were off to an explosive start. The flags of Marines were off in the the distance, ships sailing to shore to come and ruin their fun before it'd really even begun. The woman scoffed under her breath towards Galand's words, craning her neck to the side and simultaneously giving it a crack along with her knuckles."Tch, I ain't afraid'a no damn Marines."She taunted with a smirk. However, her attention was grabbed by another appearing besides the trio in the corner of her eye. She gazed over to him as Galand started chatting him up, apparently the man was somewhat known around these parts, or at least she assumed given Galand knew him by first name.
The pirate gave him a look over as he mentioned something about needing to know the bounty that was on their head. It was suspicious but Goldy didn't bother hiding it, it's not like she didn't have her face up on posters throughout the Blues. Having reminded herself of this fact she extended a hand out towards Rune, a thick darkness enveloped a spherical space in front of it. She reached her hand inside and from within its infinite space she removed a Wanted poster of herself, grinning at hand-drawn mugshot of herself; was her face really that stern looking? After producing this copy the black orb shrunk, thinned, and faded from existence."Here yah are, mate. Keep it, I've got plenty."With a hint of pride in her tune she handed Rune her poster. If the big cat wanted to know she wasn't going to get defensive about it.
Approaching the lip of the rooftop she stared out again towards the numerous ships that stretched across the ocean and whistled at their numbers. The big cat sure did know how to draw attention to himself."Welp, I'm gonna go do some more lootin' before my date tonight. Better hurry up before the Marines show up to s**t on our parade, yeh? After we're all done I'll meet up with yeh at the docks."Goldilocks slipped a single hand into the recess of her pants pocket, her back to the group. She turned her head to the side where they'd be met with a half smile and an excited twinkle in her eye. Thumb and index clasped the rim of her pirate's hat before tipping at as she nodded, giving Ashlyn a charming but quick wink."Later, love."She chimed before stepping off of the building and slipping out of view.
Somewhere below rang the echo of breaking glass. The woman, through unknown methods, had managed to get inside of the building adjacent to them where she'd immediately commence looting. Along with smiting any stray thief that got in her way while doing so.
WORDS
Words: 625/625 words Experience: 6,250 Total Words: 2,660 Total Experience: 26,600 Posting History:420
Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2017 8:54 pm
❖ Ashlyn Seiki Winters | Navigator x Assassin | Location ✦ Torino Island (Docks) | Company ✦ Galand, Goldilocks, and Rune | Words ✦ 683 ❖
An eyebrow was raised as Galand clarified that he couldn’t get even a little special treatment. “Why would you get special treatment? Such basic flattery will get you nowhere. If you want special treatment you best step up your game. Only then would I even consider it. I’m not that easy. Definitely. Probably.” In all honesty she wasn’t used to flattery being directed her way, so she could only make assumptions about how she would treat flattery. Perhaps she would be that easy. Only time would tell really.
As Goldilocks explained the situation, Ashlyn gave her response. Apparently this amused Galand as he responded to her. “That was the plan.” She mentioned in reference to sticking around. The other portion, Ashlyn was less sure how she felt about. That so many people were dying didn’t amuse her or bring her some kind of sick joy, but at the same time she recognized that letting things go to waste because of it was pretty pointless really. “No, I don’t imagine they will.”
Goldy on the other hand, proceeded to kiss her hand and give her full name. To say she was a little taken aback by the gesture was an understatement. This woman, she was quite well versed in the art of seduction it seemed. Ashlyn would have to stay on her toes to attempt to stop from being another conquest. Her cheeks might have flushed for a moment, but she prayed it wasn’t noticeable. “And you may call me Ashlyn or Ash if you like. I have no preference Goldilocks.” She didn’t want to go straight to using the woman’s nickname, if only to show her that perhaps she wouldn’t be easy for the woman.
It was a small thing, but hopefully it did it’s job. Flattery and flirtation was all well and good, but she was still insistent upon not being another conquest. She would not go quietly into the night, even if it was for a night of pleasure.
A cannonball hitting next to the building was enough to bring her back to the situation at hand. “My, that was rather close.” Looking over the side of the building, Ashlyn bit her lip in worry. The mention of marines causing the woman to look up. “Well that might complicate matters. I’ll make sure to stick close to you guys. If you need, I’m a navigator.” With a shrug, the last sentence was simply said in a matter of fact way.
She had to admit she was curious about meeting back up with this Yonko, however. Ashlyn still had a question or two that she felt more comfortable asking now that she had Galand and Goldilocks to protect her. Though, she was aware that given the status of the Yonko, the other two pirates probably couldn’t protect her all that well really. Still, it gave her more confidence at the very least.
The arrival of a new man, who at least seemed a little rude in her opinion, drew the attention of Galand. Apparently the other two men were already familiar with each other. He asked for their bounties, but unfortunately for him, Ashlyn didn’t have a bounty at the moment. “I don’t have a bounty.” Was the woman’s simple reply, letting Galand speak to the other man.
Goldy produced her bounty for the man from a black hole. “What fruit did you eat?” Ashlyn asked towards the blonde woman curiously. The blonde then moved towards the edge speaking of looting and a date later. “Date?” Ashlyn asked, curious if she had missed something in the woman’s demeanor towards her. Surely she hadn’t accepted a date of some kind right? The confusion was compounded as Goldilocks then proceeded to wink at her and tell her later. “B-Bye.” She managed to sputter out.
What was going on? Had she missed something? As the sound of breaking glass drew her attention, Ashlyn remembered the marines. “We should probably get going too Galand.” She didn’t want to be stuck up here when the marines arrived in full. Especially not in the presence of multiple pirates.
╔═══════════════════════════╗ "No signs of life here, save the embers, the occasional flame. We know the way but can't remember, conception to the grave. Shout confessions from the greatest heights, where no one can hear. All my fears, my insecurities are falling like tears. If you see me, please just walk on by, walk on by. Forget my name and I'll forget it too. Failed attempts at living simple lives, simple lives. Are what keep me coming back to you." ╚═══════════════════════════╝
Even in the midst of the chaos, the merchant had calmly withdrew from his person a piece of parchment and a quill that was specially fitted with an internal ink well. It's golden nub was poised at the ready as his silver-green eyes shimmered in the light of the fires that raged not too far from the group who he was interviewing. From his elevated perch, keen eyes noted the intensity of a particular block destruction and made note of the estimations regarding the damages done to the shops of the area upon the yellowed papyrus. He sighed and mumbled under his breath, "Goodness, at this rate, I won't be able to assess what kind of facilities were held here," he paused to cough as a fume of smog permeated his lungs, "though it would be far too much to presume that any of these lot would kindly halt in their rampage." The more he observed, the more furious the golden quill danced atop of the elongated scroll that continued to grow with every passing second. He smirked at his own naivete but the gleeful visage he wore did not linger as a building just within feet of them exploded with immense force from a cannonball. With a quick flick of the wrist, he sliced and deflected what bits of debris came his way, all the while barely managing to dodge the larger pieces of stone. Apparently the Marines had gotten involved. In spite for his general dislike for the law of the lower lands, he was thankful in this instance that military aid had come so quick, no doubt due to the presence of the king of thieves. While grateful as he was, the merchant was not devoid of criticism, "One would think they would try to prevent blowing up the place. They as bad as pirates, blowing everything as they please!" Among those he encountered, his ears perked at a voice he did not expect to hear again. "Huh?" he sputtered as his eyes narrowed in order to peer through the smoky haze. Brows furrowed, unimpressed by the familiar face that haughtily hefted a large sword to his shoulders. "Ah, it's you from before," he sighed in disappointment, clearly expecting more, when he was further informed that the swordsman was in fact not part of the pirate lord's crew. "You really know how to find trouble, Ga-ga....Gawain was it? the merchant noted in an amused tone since he and the swords wielder were of the same flock, per say. No sooner had he encountered bandits along the misty mountains of the north blue, it was one strange occurrence after another that included strange customers and sea monsters. "Hmm, you do seem to be the free spirit type," he scoffed before being approached by the beautiful, and rather buxom blonde who held out to him a pitch black sphere. From the orb the woman withdrew a wanted poster. His eyes narrowed with curiosity as the object seemingly disappeared into thin air, as if created by magic. He openly expressed his amazement and interest, "Houu, that's rather interesting thing you can do." The merchant gladly accepted the parchment from the beautiful woman as he once again pondered the meaning behind the topic of "fruits" which seemed to have been quite prevalent since his time spent with the novice magician. Having no other posters to collect, he silently bid the trio adieu in order to further collect information based on the surrounding area. When he could help it, he escorted various natives to safety. While the fire had proved to be meddlesome, with his prowess with his whip, he was able to direct individuals from a higher ground to where it was safe to go. Where he was able and it was within his capacity to do so, he rescued individuals along the way. If they encountered pirates along the way then it was surely due to their bad luck, for even with his own cunning, he could not direct an entire kingdom to safety. He was only human but he tried his best to save those he could find. It was not out of the kindness of his heart however which guided him to do this but as a stop gap measure to save the invaluable human resources which could not be rebuilt or refarmed if they were to perish. If their unique knowledge regarding the land disappeared, and all that was left was ash, the Torino kingdom would be no more as well as the potential revenue it could have generated under the rule of stable leaders.
Reimbursement/Observation of Torino Kingdom [ 625 | 625 words required ] [ 768 words ]
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100 and 200 ...
160!
[ So it was him after all, the guy from Misty Peak. Galand smirks as the man butchers his name, not finding the need to correct him for now. He’d learn it sooner or later, just as all others. He quietly lets Goldilocks hand over her wanted poster to the man, of course she’d have one. The sight fills him up with hype again, knowing his partner is as dangerous as they come. For some reason, this causes him to look over to Ashlyn, who also has no wanted poster for the errand boy of the Yonkou. He starts to wonder. Even amidst all of this destruction, she has remained relatively calm… And unlike most others, after witnessing even a fragment of Goldi’s power, she didn’t shirk or waver. No, in fact, she showed interest! His golden slit hues watches her for a few seconds more before he turns away to listen to his partner’s whims. “Right then. Until then. Guess we should have a bit more fun before we run across the Marines as well.” he remarks, as the strange yet familiar errand boy dashes off, likely to continue his work.
With Ashlyn’s request, their own next move is made. He nods to the woman and walks behind her before wrapping his left arm around her again and leaping down to the ground below in a large crash. The resulting impact causes several nearby buildings to rumble, and others to fall over under their own weight. After releasing Ashlyn and standing back up tall, he takes a few moments to look around. To the left is a group of rookie Marine trying standing off against an equal sized group of thugs. Galand grins, baring his fangs. “Oi, Ash. Every person I drop? Take everything they have. Strip em clean. You run across abandoned loot, snatch it. Just gather it up, and I’ll lug it back with us. You do that, and I’ll break anything that even looks at ya wrong. Deal?” he says, looking at her from over his shoulder before turning forward and walking towards the group. At first the men and women are blinded to their surroundings due to their focus on the opponent before them, but as if a collective unit, their faces all show signs of dread or loss of will, as a suppressive aura drops on them.
“That’s no good. Don’t go showing fear now. This is a battle ground! You came here ready to fight for your life, yeah?! Then let’s do it!” he roars before spreading his legs and stomping his right on the ground similar to a sumo wrestler. His left hand’s fingers press firmly against the stone beneath him while he rests his greatsword over his shoulder. Eyes like that of a madened beasts coldly glares at the group, yet a fang bearing smile sits beneath. “LET’S PUT OUR LIVES ON THE LINE! LETS HAVE SOME FUN!” he shouts before dashing to the group. His sudden lunge forces one of the marine to fall back from fear, prompting a scream deep from his lunges. Showing no mercy to this display, Galand immediately deems him as useless before smashing his katana, sheath and all, down onto his body. With no regard to his own safety, he bounces around, smashing the men and women as he goes, tossing them around like ragdolls.
The blood and sound of broken bone mixes with the screams of agony causing a concerto of regret. Regret, the feeling resting in the hearts of all those currently within Galand’s radar. Regret that they had come here, to this place, at this time. They regretted everything. Why had they come to this god forsaken place? What kind of superior would force rookies to this kind of battlefield? Why was I so greedy to steal from such a foul place. Some of the thoughts running through various minds as they squirm to their lives, hoping to whatever god they believe in, the monster attacking them would let them live. After the last woman is brought down, having been slugged in both the ribcage and stomach simultaneously right into the wall of a bank vault, Galand turns to Ashlyn with a frown. “I think...I’m dissapointed. I got to rampage, but none of these guys have any guts. Let’s just pack it up and find somewhere to rest for a while. We gotta speak to that Yonkou guy later. But now, might not be the best time.” he says, looking through some ruble at the mammoth sized marine battalion marching through the city, dispatching any pirate or thug they run across.
Galand knows full well, that someone dangerous must be with them, and without Goldi here, he’d have a tough time handling that size of enemies while keeping his pact with Ashlyn clean. He dashes towards the woman and grabs any extra baggage she might have with his free hand. “We gotta get movin’.” ]
