The Great Age of Piracy [One Piece]

[Gally]

It has been twenty years since Gol D. Roger, the infamous Pirate King, was executed by Marine forces. In his final breath, he told the world of his treasure, One Piece, hidden at the end of the Grand Line. Anyone courageous enough to conquer the Grand Line and seize One Piece would become the new Pirate King.

These words inspired a Golden Age of Piracy, with more young men and women setting sail every day. But the forces of the World Government have not been idle - the Marines grow more and more powerful with each passing weak, their organization and technology making up for what they lack in manpower.

Here, on the artificial island Grand Rock, begins the Grand Line. Anyone who seeks Roger's treasure must pass through Grand Rock, and so it has become a hotbed of Piracy despite the island's sizable marine presence. An uneasy peace has settled over the island in recent months, as the strength of the Marines and the strength of the Pirates equalizes. But that peace is dependent on a precarious balance, one that might be upturned at any moment...

Grand Rock
The First Island of the Grand Line​

It's a sweltering day, not a cloud in the bright blue sky. The city that sits upon Grand Rock stretches across the entire island, homes and buildings broken only by occasional patches of farmland which help supply the island with food. Marines prowl the massive port on the Eastern side of the Island, but that hasn't stopped many pirate ships from taking refuge in hidden coves on the island's Western end.

In the city square, located in the exact center of the island, a crowd has gathered. Atop the massive wooden gallows stands two men - one, kneeling, is draped in chains. He has long blonde hair tied in a ponytail and a distinctive scar across his nose.

Phineas Wake
Captain of the Riverbed Pirates
Bounty: 20,000,000 Beli

Above him stands a tall, impressively built man with slicked back hair. He wears the coat of Marine Officer with a casual grace. In one hand he holds a lit cigarette - in the other, a nodachi as big as a man.

Alexander D. Brock
Marine Lieutenant Commander
Current Ranking Officer of Grand Rock

"People of Grand Rock!" Shouts Brock, turning to the assembled crowd. "You see before you a man, Wake by name. He stands accused by the World Government of piracy, theft, and attacks against the peace! He would prey on the good people of this world to fuel his own dark ambition, and thus I, with the power granted to me by the World Government, declare him to be put to death!"

Many of the men and women in the crowd erupt into cheers - but many pointedly do not.

"Does any man, or woman, desire to challenge my ruling?" Brock roars. "If so, step forward now, and say your piece!" He stretches his arms to the sky, an invitation to anyone who would dare challenge his authority, and the island of Grand Rock waits with bated breath...

 

[Yuki no Yue]

Grand Rock
The First Island of the Grand Line

Click to shrink...

"Hoooot...." I hate heat.
Well, my jacket didn't help one bit, but it was everything that I had at the moment.

The fact that there was a whole crowd in the central plaza wasn't a perk of this city. They only made the heat more sweltering. It made easy to use what small pickpocket skill that I learned from one of the group which I traveled in the past months and earn a couple of Beri.

Mainly from the marines. It was easy, you just need to hit the young and overconfident. And do it only sparingly.

However, I wasn't really paying attention at what was happening on the stage, figuring it was some kind of lip service to the World Government, when...

"People of Grand Rock!" Shouts Brock, turning to the assembled crowd. "You see before you a man, Wake by name. He stands accused by the World Government of piracy, theft, and attacks against the peace! He would prey on the good people of this world to fuel his own dark ambition, and thus I, with the power granted to me by the World Government, declare him to be put to death!"

Click to shrink...

The cheer made my ear ringing a bit, but I saw at least the same amount of discontented face in the crowd.

"Does any man, or woman, desire to challenge my ruling?" Brock roars. "If so, step forward now, and say your piece!"

Click to shrink...

The marine captain was kind of... Attractive, I guess. Tall, well built, clearly strong and a not really bad face. It could bey type, if it wasn't for he being a marine...

"What do we gain to challenge you?!"

I shouted, ducking behind one of the cheering man and moving twelve feet back, using my small stature to mask myself from searching eyes.

If nothing else, a pirate captain have a ship and I need to reach Windnest Island. My map say so.

And messing with marines is always funny.

I grinned to myself, my eyes sparkling with glee, the hem of my hood masking most of my face.

 

[Camellia]

Laurent sat quietly on the rooftop of a restaurant, tucked under the shadow of one of the many umbrellas there with a bow and a hand full of arrows in hand, with a few more lying on a table. No need to get a sunburn.

They scanned the square, absently listening to the Lieutenant Commander's little speech.

"What do we gain to challenge you?!"

I shouted, ducking behind one of the cheering man and moving twelve feet back, using my small stature to mask myself from searching eyes.

If nothing else, a pirate captain have a ship and I need to reach Windnest Island. My map say so.

And messing with marines is always funny.

I grinned to myself, my eyes sparkling with glee, the hem of my hood masking most of my face.

Click to shrink...

There's one.

Laurent drew their bow and aimed. They hoped the Lieutenant Commander gave an order quickly, they couldn't hold a draw for too long.

 

[Gally]

Grand Rock
The First Island of the Grand Line​

"What do we gain to challenge you?!"

I shouted, ducking behind one of the cheering man and moving twelve feet back, using my small stature to mask myself from searching eyes.

Click to shrink...

Brock casts his eyes over the crowd, but doesn't manage to pick Orphan out of the mass of bodies. If anyone in the crowd itself realizes it was the young boy who spoke up, they don't betray him.

Orphan does, however, see Marines forming a loose perimeter around the crowd. They wear the standard uniforms of low ranking marines, and carry rifles and swords.

"I would not want it to be said that I am tyrant, executing whomever I choose with no regard for the will of the people," Brock calls out to his unseen challenger. "But it seems my generosity inspires only mocking..." he glances up and to the right, towards the rooftop of a nearby restaurant.

Laurent sat quietly on the rooftop of a restaurant, tucked under the shadow of one of the many umbrellas there with a bow and a hand full of arows in hand, with a few more lying on a table. No need to get a sunburn.

They scanned the square, absently listening to the Lieutenant Commander's little speech.

There's one.

Laurent drew their bow and aimed. They hoped the Lieutenant Commander gave an order quickly, they couldn't hold a draw for too long.

Click to shrink...

Brock's eyes widen slightly as he notices Laurent has knocked their bow, and he raises his hand high into the air. "It doesn't matter. I suspected Pirates to be hiding amongst the good people of this island. Ensign! Protect the citizens!" He sweeps his hand down. "Fire!"

 

[Sinsystems]

Vincent watched the announcement from the corner of the Plaza, he had only been in the area to purchase some herbs to restock his supplies before they set off again but the crowd has caught his attention. The Hunter didn't particularly care about what was being said though, it was just another instance of the world government posturing for the position of Alpha on this little rock.

However while he didn't really care for this show or the life of the man about to be executed Vincent did have some sense of morals and if he could at least ease the man's passing then perhaps that would be enough to calm the nightmares...for a night at least.

@Insufficient Dakka

Leaning over to his captain the Hunter began to whisper "If I can get I little closer I could tag one of them with a knife....up for it?"

However even as he said this Vincent's eyes glanced at the Marines forming a perimeter around the crowd, like wolves surrounding their prey. Something didn't feel right....he had a very bad feeling about this.

Brock's eyes widen slightly as he notices Laurent has knocked their bow, and he raises his hand high into the air. "It doesn't matter. I suspected Pirates to be hiding amongst the good people of this island. Ensign! Protect the citizens!" He sweeps his hand down. "Fire!"

Click to shrink...

Ah feeling that proved itself right almost instantly, acting on instinct the Hunter dived for cover against the wall of a building as he tried to figure out his next move.

 

[Insufficient Dakka]

Vincent watched the announcement from the corner of the Plaza, he had only been in the area to purchase some herbs to restock his supplies before they set off again but the crowd has caught his attention. The Hunter didn't particularly care about what was being said though, it was just another instance of the world government posturing for the position of Alpha on this little rock.

However while he didn't really care for this show or the life of the man about to be executed Vincent did have some sense of morals and if he could at least ease the man's passing then perhaps that would be enough to calm the nightmares...for a night at least.

@Insufficient Dakka

Leaning over to his captain the Hunter began to whisper "If I can get I little closer I could tag one of them with a knife....up for it?"

Click to shrink...

Eric scratched his chin, mulling it over. It was risky, but an act like this could get them recognition in the area, one step closer to being truly notorious pirates. Either way the man'd die, so it didn't truly weigh on his conscience.

"Do it. Not a scratch on the marines though, we aren't here to pick a f-"

Grand Rock
The First Island of the Grand Line​

Brock casts his eyes over the crowd, but doesn't manage to pick Orphan out of the mass of bodies. If anyone in the crowd itself realizes it was the young boy who spoke up, they don't betray him.

Orphan does, however, see Marines forming a loose perimeter around the crowd. They wear the standard uniforms of low ranking marines, and carry rifles and swords.

"I would not want it to be said that I am tyrant, executing whomever I choose with no regard for the will of the people," Brock calls out to his unseen challenger. "But it seems my generosity inspires only mocking..." he glances up and to the right, towards the rooftop of a nearby restaurant.



Brock's eyes widen slightly as he notices Laurent has knocked their bow, and he raises his hand high into the air. "It doesn't matter. I suspected Pirates to be hiding amongst the good people of this island. Ensign! Protect the citizens!" He sweeps his hand down. "Fire!"

Click to shrink...

"Belay that!" He said under his breath, "Get down!" He shouted, grabbing Vincent as he dove to the ground. He'd never been shot before, but he didn't plan on testing if his Fruit protected from it any more than blades.

 

[Camellia]

Brock's eyes widen slightly as he notices Laurent has knocked their bow, and he raises his hand high into the air. "It doesn't matter. I suspected Pirates to be hiding amongst the good people of this island. Ensign! Protect the citizens!" He sweeps his hand down. "Fire!"

Click to shrink...

Laurent shot with a smile on their lips.

"Sir yes sir~"

 

[Yuki no Yue]

Laurent shot with a smile on their lips.

"Sir yes sir~"

Click to shrink...

You know, I'm afraid of a lot of things. Big spiders. Entrails (especially in my plate. Don't ask). My so called parents.

Snipers.

That said, in this specific situation, a sniper isn't exactly my first concern. Wanna know why?

It's because I'm fucking tiny!

Seriously, I'm sixteen years old and not an inch over 5'4". In a moving, and now panicking, crowd full of men and women, which are all taller than me.

So, the arrow that I see in front of me, that I could only presume was aimed at me, hit someone else when one of the people pushed me away.

Results?

Me stumbling left, arrow whistling past me, man falling on the ground with arrow stuck on his back.

Mass panics ensue, panic that both help and hinder me. Because I use it to hide in the crowd and because I'm trying to not be trampled to death.

Until now, I succeeded at both.

 

[Camellia]

You know, I'm afraid of a lot of things. Big spiders. Entrails (especially in my plate. Don't ask). My so called parents.

Snipers.

That said, in this specific situation, a sniper isn't exactly my first concern. Wanna know why?

It's because I'm fucking tiny!

Seriously, I'm sixteen years old and not an inch over 5'4". In a moving, and now panicking, crowd full of men and women, which are all taller than me.

So, the arrow that I see in front of me, that I could only presume was aimed at me, hit someone else when one of the people pushed me away.

Results?

Me stumbling left, arrow whistling past me, man falling on the ground with arrow stuck on his back.

Mass panics ensue, panic that both help and hinder me. Because I use it to hide in the crowd and because I'm trying to not be trampled to death.

Until now, I succeeded at both.

Click to shrink...

Missed.

And gone under the crush of the crowd as well. Not good.

Father would have slapped them for that, see what will happen and shoot where they are, not where they have been. Now you have wasted an arrow, are you going to give up your position to retrieve your shot?

You can always cover up sins with merits. Just look at the shichibukai. Even the sin of being a pirate can be forgiven with enough power.

Laurent easily nocked another arrow, but kept their bow loose. If they could find a pirate's head, enough pirate heads to present to the Lieutenant Commander, their sins could be forgiven if not forgotten.

Now, all they had to do was find a pirate to take.

 

[LuteStrings]

Via Treace wasn't even in the city square before she heard the screams. She had been wandering around the back alleys of the Rock, looking for more out of the way specialist shops, back-street dealers, or really... anything at all. Grinning, she had been talking with some random citizen when she heard the first sounds of battle and the ensuing chaos that always came with one. She spun around on her heels, her white coat whipping out and whacking the civilian on the hip.

"Oh, sorry! Gotta dash, pirate stuff, I mean, not pirate- oh, screw it, later!" she babbled, waving, before running off towards the square, drawing Rerum Hex as she did. The sleek revolver, scratched steel with a wooden grip and a strangely thin mid-section around the chambers, was her pride and joy and probably a few other things. Flicking open the chambers with practised ease, she loaded it up and flicked the chamber back as she slammed her shoulder into the wall of the alleyway, peeking out into the square.

"Aw, they started the party without me?" she muttered, firing off a Bouncer round into some hapless marine's forehead and flinging him back into one of his buddies. Racing out into the square, she fired another Bouncer round at another marine grunt, ducking under the swing of a sword and slamming her elbow into a third marine's nose.

 

[Camellia]

Via Treace wasn't even in the city square before she heard the screams. She had been wandering around the back alleys of the Rock, looking for more out of the way specialist shops, back-street dealers, or really... anything at all. Grinning, she had been talking with some random citizen when she heard the first sounds of battle and the ensuing chaos that always came with one. She spun around on her heels, her white coat whipping out and whacking the civilian on the hip.

"Oh, sorry! Gotta dash, pirate stuff, I mean, not pirate- oh, screw it, later!" she babbled, waving, before running off towards the square, drawing Rerum Hex as she did. The sleek revolver, scratched steel with a wooden grip and a strangely thin mid-section around the chambers, was her pride and joy and probably a few other things. Flicking open the chambers with practised ease, she loaded it up and flicked the chamber back as she slammed her shoulder into the wall of the alleyway, peeking out into the square.

"Aw, they started the party without me?" she muttered, firing off a Bouncer round into some hapless marine's forehead and flinging him back into one of his buddies. Racing out into the square, she fired another Bouncer round at another marine grunt, ducking under the swing of a sword and slamming her elbow into a third marine's nose.

Click to shrink...

"..."

Speak and you shall receive indeed. A more obvious target Laurent could not see. Now, she's ducking and going for Samson, she'll leave her back free for a second-

Laurent pulled back, exhaled, and released their arrow.

 

[LuteStrings]

"..."

Speak and you shall receive indeed. A more obvious target Laurent could not see. Now, she's ducking and going for Samson, she'll leave her back free for a second-

Laurent pulled back, exhaled, and released their arrow.

Click to shrink...

"Whoashit!" Via ducked away from the arrow, the projectile nicking her ear. She spun around, sighting the archer on the rooftops, before firing a Flasher round right at the base of the roof, the special round bursting into a bright light right in front of the Marine. Grinning, she raced into the crowd, slipping a couple more rounds back into the chamber and spinning it, cocking the hammer back.

 

[Yuki no Yue]

@Gally

"Whoashit!" Via ducked away from the arrow, the projectile nicking her ear. She spun around, sighting the archer on the rooftops, before firing a Flasher round right at the base of the roof, the special round bursting into a bright light right in front of the Marine. Grinning, she raced into the crowd, slipping a couple more rounds back into the chamber and spinning it, cocking the hammer back.

Click to shrink...

The sound of guns is always unmistakable.

And, generally, even when said guns are on your side, is a good idea to be cautious.

When you don't know on which side said guns are? Run towards the other side of the place, fast.

I did exactly that, using my small stature to slip between the panicking humans, almost getting trampled twice, before reaching a momentarily calm spot, right in front of the podium where the marine and the pirate captain were.

They were both still alive, for what reason except showing off, I wasn't sure.

The sniper didn't try to hit me again, so I raised a bit more chaos.

Hiding right behind the front border of podium, I pitched my voice and spoke again.

"I simply asked a question! Why such overreaction?!"

Then I slipped away again, using the crowd to mask my presence again.

 

[Gally]

Grand Rock
The First Island of the Grand Line​

"Whoashit!" Via ducked away from the arrow, the projectile nicking her ear. She spun around, sighting the archer on the rooftops, before firing a Flasher round right at the base of the roof, the special round bursting into a bright light right in front of the Marine. Grinning, she raced into the crowd, slipping a couple more rounds back into the chamber and spinning it, cocking the hammer back.

Click to shrink...

"I simply asked a question! Why such overreaction?!"

Then I slipped away again, using the crowd to mask my presence again.

Click to shrink...

"No."

In a burst of speed, Brock vanishes from the gallows and appears on the ground behind Orphan. His almost unnaturally long arm lashes out, just barely managing to grasp the back of Orphan's collar, and with a powerful yank he pulls the young pirate off his feet and tosses him across the city square, which is rapidly emptying as civilians struggle to reach safety.

Orphan sails through the air, over a decent portion of the crowd, until he finally slams into Via.

By the time both pirates manage to make it to their feet, Brock is in front of them, a half dozen marines at his back. Sunlight glints off his nodachi, and he scrapes the tip against the cobblestone as if to test its sharpness.

"I recognize you two," Brock says, his voice mellow and unworried. "I believed some of Captain Wake's crew members would be hiding in the crowd, attempting to interfere with his execution, but it seems they all have more sense than that...more sense than the two of you." He raises his nodachi. "Via Treace, the gunslinger of West Blue...19,000,000 Belli bounty. 'Akuma' Orphan of East Blue...16,000,000 Belli bounty. Your stepbrother in particular wishes your return to your father's custody. You were both fools to come here. Grand Rock will be the end of your careers, as it has been for so many young miscreants before you."

 

[Ψυχή]

Loguetown Gallows — East Blue​

The wind sweeps through the city streets with the warmth of the searing sun, just as unabated across both sides of Reverse Mountain. The square remains mostly deserted as most citizens sticking to the shade of the lining structures, going about their business like any other day. In the middle of that open space in high noon, a figure stands before the old rusting platform. Unmoving in a moment of meditative concentration, the gust brushes his navy blue shorts against his long black tabi socks — his toes shifting with comfort in their hold on dark-red wooden geta sandals. His bright cyan short-sleeve button shirt stands out from the bleached stone as much as the crimson characters of Justice,「正義」flutter upon its back.

Behind his pensive concentration, a Marine runs forward in standard uniform save for the cast upon his arm. Saluting awkwardly with his uninjured limb, he speaks a curt but patient, 'Sir.' and waits.

A moment passes, the hustle and bustle of the city about them unheard as if another world away as the figure draws slow, pensive breaths for a long moment. "Report."

"Brock-Shōsa is going forward with Wake's execution today, Sir."

This time there was a deeper exhalation as the officer turned to face his subordinate, short red hair bristling with withheld frustration. "Of course he is — no pirates traveling to Grand Rock have made him waver before, and this latest group ought not be an exception... Any word on the Riverbed Pirates' movements?" The recruit shakes his head. "I see. Inform me when we hear anything from Grand Rock, then."

"Yes, Taii," the Marine straightens, salute still off but closer than before.

The Lieutenant sniffs the air a moment. "You should change your bandages tomorrow — I can smell the blood and disinfectant."

"Y-Yes, Sir..."

"Dismissed." With that his subordinate rushed back to their base, leaving the Lieutenant to himself yet again. Pushing up red sunglasses with a sharpened nail, he turned back to the gallows with open ears following the injured man as he pockets his hands. What is it that brought you to from here to the vastness of the world...?

 

[The LD Creature]

Vincent Finck stared at the chaos in the square, and was eminently unimpressed. For one, there was twenty million belli worth of reward money sitting there, and he wasn't the one who would receive it. At times like this, he gave serious thought to Riley's suggestion of being a bounty hunter, but Anton always gave the best advice. He wouldn't squander it. Still, the way the guns were going off, it looked like the fighting was already underway. Brock, a group of guards, not too much trouble. The sniper on the rooftop, however, that one looked like trouble. Especially as lightly armed as he was at the moment. But, he couldn't see how this situation could turn profitable.

Wait.

The pirate in question hadn't been killed yet. They were just sitting there, chained, and vulnerable. What if he snatched the man, and then escaped with him to turn him in at a different Marine base? Reinforcements hadn't come down yet, so between whoever was currently assaulting them and his own skills, it could work. It was risky, he thought with a bite to his lip, very risky. but it could work. And the money.

But now, to deal with the current situation. It looked like Brock was occupied with the young troublemakers. Well, he could use some help in fighting his way out. It was the least he could do for their help. Jogging a bit back on the rooftop he was perched on, he turned and sprinted off, his spear out and pointed directly at the Lieutenant Commander as he plummeted with the crazed greed shining from his eyes.

"Million Belli Meteor Strike!" Riley had always discouraged him to name his attacks, but he couldn't help it. It was a good habit to value something appropriately.

 

[Camellia]

"Whoashit!" Via ducked away from the arrow, the projectile nicking her ear. She spun around, sighting the archer on the rooftops, before firing a Flasher round right at the base of the roof, the special round bursting into a bright light right in front of the Marine. Grinning, she raced into the crowd, slipping a couple more rounds back into the chamber and spinning it, cocking the hammer back.

Click to shrink...

Laurent dropped, their eyes watering. Blinking away tears, they fingered their arrows. Three left of the original five in the hand, twenty more on the table.

Laurent didn't know how the pirate had managed to dodge their arrow-

The bow and arrow are silent before they strike home. An improper fetching will cause sound your target will hear. That is why you must rely on your own work, rely on your own equipment that you have made yourself

They had checked their equipment, every day, always. There should have been nothing wrong, so why?

This wasn't the time to wallow, Laurent was still on duty. Lifting their sleeve to wipe away the last of their tears, Laurent rose and stood ready. There were still a few stars in their eyes, but they had recovered an acceptable amount. The Lieutenant Commander had already captured the two who'd they had missed. Because he was a good Marine, unlike Laurent.

But now, to deal with the current situation. It looked like Brock was occupied with the young troublemakers. Well, he could use some help in fighting his way out. It was the least he could do for their help. Jogging a bit back on the rooftop he was perched on, he turned and sprinted off, his spear out and pointed directly at the Lieutenant Commander as he plummeted with the crazed greed shining from his eyes.

"Million Belli Meteor Strike!" Riley had always discouraged him to name his attacks, but he couldn't help it. It was a good habit to value something appropriately.

Click to shrink...

Draw.

Breathe.

Fire.

Fire.

Fire.

Reload.

Draw.

Breathe.

Laurent would not miss, not this time.

They would keep shooting until they could present the Lieutenant Commander at least one head.

 

[LuteStrings]

Grand Rock
The First Island of the Grand Line​

"No."

In a burst of speed, Brock vanishes from the gallows and appears on the ground behind Orphan. His almost unnaturally long arm lashes out, just barely managing to grasp the back of Orphan's collar, and with a powerful yank he pulls the young pirate off his feet and tosses him across the city square, which is rapidly emptying as civilians struggle to reach safety.

Orphan sails through the air, over a decent portion of the crowd, until he finally slams into Via.

By the time both pirates manage to make it to their feet, Brock is in front of them, a half dozen marines at his back. Sunlight glints off his nodachi, and he scrapes the tip against the cobblestone as if to test its sharpness.

"I recognize you two," Brock says, his voice mellow and unworried. "I believed some of Captain Wake's crew members would be hiding in the crowd, attempting to interfere with his execution, but it seems they all have more sense than that...more sense than the two of you." He raises his nodachi. "Via Treace, the gunslinger of West Blue...19,000,000 Belli bounty. 'Akuma' Orphan of East Blue...16,000,000 Belli bounty. Your stepbrother in particular wishes your return to your father's custody. You were both fools to come here. Grand Rock will be the end of your careers, as it has been for so many young miscreants before you."

Click to shrink...

"Hah, mine's bigger..." Via wheezed, clutching her stomach as she picked up Rerum Hex from the ground. Dusting the gun off on her pants leg, she pulled the hammer back, eyes scanning around as she looked for something to use.

"And hey, we're just stopping by! I haven't even done anything!" From behind her, the marine who's nose she broke groaned, and she glanced back, before turning to the Lieutenant. "...That one doesn't count."

 

[Gally]

Loguetown
East Blue​

"Dismissed." With that his subordinate rushed back to their base, leaving the Lieutenant to himself yet again. Pushing up red sunglasses with a sharpened nail, he turned back to the gallows with open ears following the injured man as he pockets his hands. What is it that brought you to from here to the vastness of the world...?

Click to shrink...

The Lieutenant's meditation is interrupted by a young girl in standard marine uniform, who snaps a quick salute before speaking. "Lieutenant! My name is Seaman Apprentice Hart - I was on lookout duty with Warrant Officer Jun Yi. There are ships on the horizon, sir - ships sailing the black flag. Your presence at the observatory is requested at once!"

Grand Rock
The First Island of the Grand Line​

But now, to deal with the current situation. It looked like Brock was occupied with the young troublemakers. Well, he could use some help in fighting his way out. It was the least he could do for their help. Jogging a bit back on the rooftop he was perched on, he turned and sprinted off, his spear out and pointed directly at the Lieutenant Commander as he plummeted with the crazed greed shining from his eyes.

"Million Belli Meteor Strike!" Riley had always discouraged him to name his attacks, but he couldn't help it. It was a good habit to value something appropriately.

Click to shrink...

Laurent would not miss, not this time.

They would keep shooting until they could present the Lieutenant Commander at least one head.

Click to shrink...

A true warrior knows that battle is not a linear series of events, an orderly chain of cause and effect. Battle is chaos - action, movement, instinct. A thousand years could pass in the blink of an eye.

Alexander D. Brock was nothing if not a true warrior. Battle hardened by years patrolling the North Blue, he has captured or killed hundreds of pirates, bathed his sword in the blood of a thousand would be marauders. But being a true warrior meant that one never lost sight of just how vulnerable you really were...

An unexpected enemy joined the fray, spear flashing in the light of the midday sun. Brock, caught off guard, can only watch as the attack draws closer, even his prodigious speed unable to make up for the element of surprise...

Until three arrows, fired from the roof of a nearby building, zoom over his head with unerring accuracy.

Victor, no novice to combat himself, is able to deflect two of the arrows with his spear, but the third slams into his shoulder and drops him to the ground. He lands on his feet however - though he may be wounded, the pirate's lust for money keeps him in the fight.

"Excellent shooting, Ensign," Brock says, settling into a fighting stance. It is clear from the Lieutenant Commander's posture that he will not be taken by surprise again. "You've tagged Victor "The Hoarder" Finck with those arrows of yours. Here to turn yourself in, Finck? Perhaps you think you can collect that 18,000,000 Belli bounty of yours."

"Hah, mine's bigger..." Via wheezed, clutching her stomach as she picked up Rerum Hex from the ground. Dusting the gun off on her pants leg, she pulled the hammer back, eyes scanning around as she looked for something to use.

"And hey, we're just stopping by! I haven't even done anything!" From behind her, the marine who's nose she broke groaned, and she glanced back, before turning to the Lieutenant. "...That one doesn't count."

Click to shrink...

"You assault marines just for the fun of it, interfere in official World Government business for seemingly no reason at all...this is why pirates are a stain that needs to be scrubbed out," Brock says. "The time for talk is over. Now our weapons will speak for us!"

With those words he charges forward with an impressive burst of speed, his Nodachi coming up above his head for a powerful two-handed swing. "Flash chop!"

 

[Camellia]

A true warrior knows that battle is not a linear series of events, an orderly chain of cause and effect. Battle is chaos - action, movement, instinct. A thousand years could pass in the blink of an eye.

Alexander D. Brock was nothing if not a true warrior. Battle hardened by years patrolling the North Blue, he has captured or killed hundreds of pirates, bathed his sword in the blood of a thousand would be marauders. But being a true warrior meant that one never lost sight of just how vulnerable you really were...

An unexpected enemy joined the fray, spear flashing in the light of the midday sun. Brock, caught off guard, can only watch as the attack draws closer, even his prodigious speed unable to make up for the element of surprise...

Until three arrows, fired from the roof of a nearby building, zoom over his head with unerring accuracy.

Victor, no novice to combat himself, is able to deflect two of the arrows with his spear, but the third slams into his shoulder and drops him to the ground. He lands on his feet however - though he may be wounded, the pirate's lust for money keeps him in the fight.

"Excellent shooting, Ensign," Brock says, settling into a fighting stance. It is clear from the Lieutenant Commander's posture that he will not be taken by surprise again. "You've tagged Victor "The Hoarder" Finck with those arrows of yours. Here to turn yourself in, Fink? Perhaps you think you can collect that 18,000,000 Belli bounty of yours."

Click to shrink...

"Yes sir." Laurent said. "Thank you for your kind words, sir."

How aggravating. Two shots deflected, and the only one that landed wasn't lethal.

That would change.

Before their muscles began to shake and throw off their aim, Laurent lowered their bow. Victor Finck. They knew that he came from the West Blue, that he used a spear, and that he was fast enough to deflect arrows with it.

They had twenty arrows left.

None could be wasted. To take Finck, they would have to have him distracted, with either the Marines on the ground, or with more arrows. Laurent glanced at the other two targets.

"You assault marines just for the fun of it, interfere in official World Government business for seemingly no reason at all...this is why pirates are a stain that needs to be scrubbed out," Brock says. "The time for talk is over. Now our weapons will speak for us!"

With those words he charges forward with an impressive burst of speed, his Nodachi coming up above his head for a powerful two-handed swing. "Flash chop!"

Click to shrink...

The Lieutenant Commander had engaged in combat with Via Treace, and Laurent was unsure if he were the sort of man who did not appreciate another person's aid in a fight. As for the other one, Orphan, it sounded as though the Lieutenant Commander wanted it taken alive.

A shot to the leg would keep him from running. There weren't civilians to get in the way now.

Laurent lifted their bow and drew in a steady motion-from the back, not the arms-and fired.

Four.

 

[The LD Creature]

Grand Rock
The First Island of the Grand Line​

A true warrior knows that battle is not a linear series of events, an orderly chain of cause and effect. Battle is chaos - action, movement, instinct. A thousand years could pass in the blink of an eye.

Alexander D. Brock was nothing if not a true warrior. Battle hardened by years patrolling the North Blue, he has captured or killed hundreds of pirates, bathed his sword in the blood of a thousand would be marauders. But being a true warrior meant that one never lost sight of just how vulnerable you really were...

An unexpected enemy joined the fray, spear flashing in the light of the midday sun. Brock, caught off guard, can only watch as the attack draws closer, even his prodigious speed unable to make up for the element of surprise...

Until three arrows, fired from the roof of a nearby building, zoom over his head with unerring accuracy.

Victor, no novice to combat himself, is able to deflect two of the arrows with his spear, but the third slams into his shoulder and drops him to the ground. He lands on his feet however - though he may be wounded, the pirate's lust for money keeps him in the fight.

"Excellent shooting, Ensign," Brock says, settling into a fighting stance. It is clear from the Lieutenant Commander's posture that he will not be taken by surprise again. "You've tagged Victor "The Hoarder" Fink with those arrows of yours. Here to turn yourself in, Fink? Perhaps you think you can collect that 18,000,000 Belli bounty of yours."

"You assault marines just for the fun of it, interfere in official World Government business for seemingly no reason at all...this is why pirates are a stain that needs to be scrubbed out," Brock says. "The time for talk is over. Now our weapons will speak for us!"

With those words he charges forward with an impressive burst of speed, his Nodachi coming up above his head for a powerful two-handed swing. "Flash chop!"

Click to shrink...

Victor Finck hissed in irritation as he tore the arrow from his shoulder. A hindrance, but not enough of one to handicap him. Still, that sniper was more irritating than he had expected. To react and shoot him that fast, within a few seconds? That took unprecedented skill. The person firing must at least be an officer. Still, he had already committed, and the money was still there. Oh, the things he did for some nice cash in hand. He needed to take out that sniper, or they would just shoot him in the back as he fled.

With that in mind, he lunged forward and deflected Brock's Nodachi enough to send it away from Via Treace. Turning to her, he grinned.

"Hello there. As you seem to be in possession of some mighty fine ranged weapons, could you do me a favor and occupy the skulking coward who shot me? I'd be more than happy to occupy your own dancing partner." He got out as he deflected another strike and dodged the last.

@Luigilewis889

 

[Sinsystems]

Vincent watched the chaos unfold from his hiding place at the edge of the plaza, it seemed that a bunch of other newbies had decided to engage the Lieutenant Commander. In the Hunter's opinion it was a foolish move as it was only a matter of time before reinforcements arrive to turn this into a lose/lose situation for the other pirates.

@Insufficient Dakka
He on the other hand had something else in mind, "Captain meet me back at the ship, I'm going to deal with that sniper."

Dashing off he kept to the shadows as he circled around to the restaurant the Sniper was perched on and using the claws of his gauntlets started to clamber up the side of the building as silently as possible.

 

[LuteStrings]

Victor Finck hissed in irritation as he tore the arrow from his shoulder. A hindrance, but not enough of one to handicap him. Still, that sniper was more irritating than he had expected. To react and shoot him that fast, within a few seconds? That took unprecedented skill. The person firing must at least be an officer. Still, he had already committed, and the money was still there. Oh, the things he did for some nice cash in hand. He needed to take out that sniper, or they would just shoot him in the back as he fled.

With that in mind, he lunged forward and deflected Brock's Nodachi enough to send it away from Via Treace. Turning to her, he grinned.

"Hello there. As you seem to be in possession of some mighty fine ranged weapons, could you do me a favor and occupy the skulking coward who shot me? I'd be more than happy to occupy your own dancing partner." He got out as he deflected another strike and dodged the last.

@Luigilewis889

Click to shrink...

"What, the archer? I guess I can give it a shot or 20." And with that, she threw herself into the chaotic fighting, white coat agonising blending in with the Marines if you didn't know what you were looking for. And if she didn't keep shooting at the archer. Calling back to the brawler, she yelled.

"As much fun as this is, we need to get outta here! Know where we can yoink a ship?"

 

[Yuki no Yue]

Grand Rock
The First Island of the Grand Line​

"No."

In a burst of speed, Brock vanishes from the gallows and appears on the ground behind Orphan. His almost unnaturally long arm lashes out, just barely managing to grasp the back of Orphan's collar, and with a powerful yank he pulls the young pirate off his feet and tosses him across the city square, which is rapidly emptying as civilians struggle to reach safety.

Orphan sails through the air, over a decent portion of the crowd, until he finally slams into Via.

By the time both pirates manage to make it to their feet, Brock is in front of them, a half dozen marines at his back. Sunlight glints off his nodachi, and he scrapes the tip against the cobblestone as if to test its sharpness.

"I recognize you two," Brock says, his voice mellow and unworried. "I believed some of Captain Wake's crew members would be hiding in the crowd, attempting to interfere with his execution, but it seems they all have more sense than that...more sense than the two of you." He raises his nodachi. "Via Treace, the gunslinger of West Blue...19,000,000 Belli bounty. 'Akuma' Orphan of East Blue...16,000,000 Belli bounty. Your stepbrother in particular wishes your return to your father's custody. You were both fools to come here. Grand Rock will be the end of your careers, as it has been for so many young miscreants before you."

Click to shrink...

"Hah, mine's bigger..." Via wheezed, clutching her stomach as she picked up Rerum Hex from the ground. Dusting the gun off on her pants leg, she pulled the hammer back, eyes scanning around as she looked for something to use.

"And hey, we're just stopping by! I haven't even done anything!" From behind her, the marine who's nose she broke groaned, and she glanced back, before turning to the Lieutenant. "...That one doesn't count."

Click to shrink...

"I was just asking. sir. Of course, I could be more than happy to settle this with a nice dinner together." I winked at him, licking my lips. Then I stilled. And any and every trace of mirth or malice dissipated from my face.

"My stepbrother, uh?" A faint, inaudible clinking sound was starting to be present around me, but I was the only one that I could hear it.

*Candles on the table, me on my bed face down, just thirteen, my step-father behind me, chains that keep pulling my wrists up, my tears staining my face, the photo of Grandma still watching on me...*

My eyes, normally a soft grey-violet, shifted becoming a venomous purple. I smiled innocenlty, using the fact that I was tiny, young, innocent to try and lower their guard.

"Sixteen million, uh? Strange, the last time it was only Ten...and didn't have a photo, either. Mind telling me where You found something like that?" I asked, tapping the heels of my boots on the street below. I was unhurt, the gunslinger near me softened the blow. A slight breeze caressed my skin, my muscles liquid and ready.

"You assault marines just for the fun of it, interfere in official World Government business for seemingly no reason at all...this is why pirates are a stain that needs to be scrubbed out," Brock says. "The time for talk is over. Now our weapons will speak for us!"

With those words he charges forward with an impressive burst of speed, his Nodachi coming up above his head for a powerful two-handed swing. "Flash chop!"

Click to shrink...

Flash? Please.

That nodachi was big and the blow destroyed what was under it (the street), but it didn't hit me. The only thing that did was easing my sidestep. Three steps to the left, jump and the wave that that monster sword released brought me away from the blow completely unscathed.

The Lieutenant Commander had engaged in combat with Via Treace, and Laurent was unsure if he were the sort of man who did not appreciate another person's aid in a fight. As for the other one, Orphan, it sounded as though the Lieutenant Commander wanted it taken alive.

A shot to the leg would keep him from running. There weren't civilians to get in the way now.

Laurent lifted their bow and drew in a steady motion-from the back, not the arms-and fired.

Four.

Click to shrink...

...Or not.

The blow was perfectly timed and perfectly aimed, truly a testament to the ability of the archer, but the irregularity of my movement and my use of the wave that the Lieutenant Commander caused with his sword, the arros simply grazed my hips, cutting into the cloth of my pants (what are another tear? I have needles and thread) and in my flesh. Just a line of blood, nothing that would impede me. I fought in worse situations.

"As much fun as this is, we need to get outta here! Know where we can yoink a ship?"

Click to shrink...

"Nope, sorry." I called back to her, waving my arm towards one of the marine that was coming towards me, my chains flying unseen thanks to the extreme speed that I could use to move them. A bloody gash opened on the chest of the man (big fella, tall and welt built. In other circumstances i could have tried to bring him for a 'ride' or two. *Wink*) and I was pretty sure that almost anyone, except for two people (The sniper? Yes. The Liutenant commander, maybe.), couldn't see what caused the wounds.

"The next one that try to attack me except for Beefcake there..." and I pointed to Lieutenant Commander Brock. Seriously, is both fun and distracting using insinuation against the enemy, why people didn't do it more? "... get a second smile on his face. Situated on his throat."

My last words were like the biting of a cold wind. I was extremely serious.

I looked at my foe and smiled, boyish and innocent, like the kid I looked like.

The Akuma smelt blood in the air, the wind of battle brought the smell to his nose. And how could i refuse such gentle invitation to dance?

(Silly step-fathers. Didn't you know that Akumas looks like people?)

 

[Camellia]

"What, the archer? I guess I can give it a shot or 20." And with that, she threw herself into the chaotic fighting, white coat agonising blending in with the Marines if you didn't know what you were looking for. And if she didn't keep shooting at the archer. Calling back to the brawler, she yelled.

"As much fun as this is, we need to get outta here! Know where we can yoink a ship?"

Click to shrink...

Laurent snagged their remaining arrows as they crouched behind some shrubbery while the gunner was distracted. Didn't provide much cover, but it'd break up their shape and help to throw off her aim.

...Or not.

The blow was perfectly timed and perfectly aimed, truly a testament to the ability of the archer, but the irregularity of my movement and my use of the wave that the Lieutenant Commander caused with his sword, the arros simply grazed my hips, cutting into the cloth of my pants (what are another tear? I have needles and thread) and in my flesh. Just a line of blood, nothing that would impede me. I fought in worse situations.

Click to shrink...

Missed. Again.

Laurent was going to have to start looking into some paralytic poisons, with the way their targets kept managing bare grazes.

"Nope, sorry." I called back to her, waving my arm towards one of the marine that was coming towards me, my chains flying unseen thanks to the extreme speed that I could use to move them. A bloody gash opened on the chest of the man (big fella, tall and welt built. In other circumstances i could have tried to bring him for a 'ride' or two. *Wink*) and I was pretty sure that almost anyone, except for two people (The sniper? Yes. The Liutenant commander, maybe.), couldn't see what caused the wounds.

"The next one that try to attack me except for Beefcake there..." and I pointed to Lieutenant Commander Brock. Seriously, is both fun and distracting using insinuation against the enemy, why people didn't do it more? "... get a second smile on his face. Situated on his throat."

My last words were like the biting of a cold wind. I was extremely serious.

I looked at my foe and smiled, boyish and innocent, like the kid I looked like.

Click to shrink...

Laurent didn't care.

Marines don't fear death, they fear failure. And if you don't understand that, you will never be worth anything.

The Orphan used a chain weapon of some sort. If it was skilled enough to deflect arrows using it...

It was better to waste a bit and bring in heads than it was to be frugal and stand before a superior empty handed. Laurent drew their bow.

An arrow through the leg would limit mobility a great deal.

Fire.

Arrows through both legs would be even better.

Fire.

Shoulder wounds would restrain them from swinging that chain around. Laurent was willing to bet that such a weapon required excellent reflexes and range of mobility.

Fire.

Fire.

Laurent drew five more arrows from their quiver. Now to get rid of that annoying gunner.