[Lvneel: Contestation Arc] [Part III] Disaster Breeds Sin - A Bittersweet Symphony

Fri Feb 26, 2021 12:15 am

Sanpaku (산빠쿠)

Slumping Castor over his shoulder, Newport began his ascension of the centerfold castle in the heart of Asgar Manor. Escorted by an envoy of Vana soldiers, Castor’s procession towards the destiny he’d been waiting the past ten years to fulfill was about to become a reality. Yet, the youth felt empty.

Drained from the burden of combat, the usual mental fortitude he’d possess had faded, blaming exhaustion was the only rational thought that came to his mind at this time. His father’s blood was the only paint on his body that felt especially icky, as if maggots were burrowing into his flesh.

A feeling he could live with but, what wasn’t bearable was the emptiness in heart. Shown evidently by the glazed look that befell the new King’s stare. Finally, returning to the Throne Room, Newport marched towards the throne, adorned in the rarest gems; emeralds, rubies and diamonds, completing the task he’d promised Castor all those years ago on Swallow Island.

Grinning, the man would step back three paces, dropping onto one knee. The Knights of Vana followed suit, each man showing their praise for the New King. However, everyone in the room but Newport bore a smile on their face, as he’d watch the young pirate captain, for the first time in ten years, weep.

“I told you. Revenge is a heavy burden to relieve. It’s not like thirst… If you drink enough water, you’ll quench it. With starvation, if you eat enough, you’ll be full. With an erection, if you screw enough, you’ll be soft.” Newport declared, wiggling his pinky finger playfully to demonstrate the difference between a flaccid and erect johnson.

“But with revenge, you can try your hardest to feel justified but the reality is, the injustice has already taken its toll. Oftentimes, in the pursuit of vindication, the strongest man loses his strength. The virtuous man falls to debauchery. The kind man becomes a brute. The pure woman becomes a shrew.

In your case, the white sheet became stained. I knew since I met you all those years ago, as a man who’d taken many lives himself. It’s often the ones who love the hardest that can easily develop the ability to abhor.” Newport concluded.

Taking a deep breath, wiping his tears away, Castor’s mental fatigue eased. Extending his hand towards the ear of the throne, he’d secure the crown atop his head. Adjusting it inches above his third eye, he’d slouch into his palm.

“What is this feeling Newport? Is it regret? Is it remorse? I’m not completely sad. I think my family’s life was tragic, of course. My mother used to tell me stories of how they fled the Three Eyed Tribe to be free. Explore the world and escape their primitive ideas on humans, philosophy and science. Yet. The cost of their freedom was my father dying to his son's sword and my mother a slave, at worst-” Castor responded, dwelling on Stein’s chamber maiden comment from earlier.

“Bittersweet.”

The King’s eyes expanded widely in curiosity.

“What does that mean?”

“It’s eating a really hot meal that smells delicious and burning the insides of your mouth. You’ve done it. The Father who abandoned you is dead. The Kingdom that murdered your Madonna is yours. Yet. You’re not content. As your mentor, let this be a lesson to you. The things we desire the most aren’t often what they seem. If you make enough deals with the Devil, he’ll come asking for a favor in return one day.” Newport concluded.

Paku Paku Paku Paku Paku…

“Are you implying you’re my devil?” Castor inquired. “Since my childhood, you’ve provided me the circumstances to achieve my unrealistic goal. Fighting, training and survival skills. I even managed to control this Devil Fruit ability partially at first due to your advice. So tell me, Mr. Victor Von Newport - The Bloody Port. What favor do you need of me? You’ve never been one to speak in metaphors and similes.” Castor inquired.

“You have potential but for now, you’re just a wounded baby bird I nursed back to health. I need you to become more than a King, maybe even a God to grant this wish of mine.

Shichibukai. Yonkou. The two powers who run the seas and instill balance among criminals.

Admirals. The Marine Core. The system put in place to eradicate evil.

Not to mention Five Star Hunters. You need to be able to take on and defeat people of this stature. Your little run in with Rubill Silver should have shown you a taste of the power needed.

Though, among the Warlords, he’s rumored to be the weakest.” Newport explained.

From this point, Newport would explain the categories of these kind people who ruled over their respective faction. Their roles, their reach and a small percentage of their might. A tingling sensation kindled deep within the Pirate Captain, a Supernova himself in name, as this man who’d seen the pinnacles of the world expounded on how puny Nox's accomplishment truly was.

“The Seven Warlords with the likes of - Silver. These Yonkou who sound like storybook legends. The marines who chase me as a wanted criminal. Bounty Hunters that are stronger than ones I encountered on Toroa… Your reason for saving me was to defeat one of these people.

Yet, you don’t have the courage to tell me who we're hunting? Everytime you did that on the island, it was a beast I couldn’t best as yet. Fine. I trust you Newport. Devil or Angel, you’re the only one who I would move mountains for in this era. The Grand Line. Color me impressed. Let’s go.” Castor responded.

Bowing his head once again, the Knights who decorated the room were lost at the men’s exchange. These men were to be the new rulers of their nation, to them, the greatest accomplishment, now stood before them plotting at an even more ridiculous goal. Without any command, the men bowed to their knees, banging their spears against the ground.

“All Hail Castor O. Nox… King of Lvneel! The Azure Pheasant!” the Vana Knights barked.

Breaking their intimate moment, both men looked on confused.

“Azure… Pheasant?”

“The Pheasant is a sacred bird to our people. One of myths. The Colored Pheasant shall descend from the skies and one day, open the eyes of the fallen. We thought it was just a lost story from the Fiore but today’s event has shown us, you are the One True King.” the Vana Knight continued.

“Eh. It’s going to suck when I eventually forfeit this crown then.” Castor thought to himself. “Ah. I see. Rise my subjects. In that case, there's no need to kneel. I'm no supernatural figure. Just a Three Eyed Boy who dreamt of reading this libraries books in comfort.” Castor responded, saying it with the kind of gusto a textbook king would provide. His habit of throwing himself into acting was wearing it's ugly head yet again.

“And you’re one of the shortest kings in history, your highness.” the Knight quickly murmured.

“Oi. I heard that.”

Newport broke out into laughter, “Bwahahaha… Azure Pheasant. I get it now. Perfect name for this little fucker.” Newport belted out, breaking into tears at the kid’s nickname.

@Goldmonger Word Count: 1,134/5000
^{Castor'sTracker}

Sat Feb 27, 2021 8:12 pm

Dax lumbered up the long circular staircase, each stone step he took another impact on his aching joints. Still run ragged from the gauntlet that Annabelle had put him through while traversing through the Labyrinth. Though, the spoils were more than worth it as his eyes drifted to the blade now wrapped around his waist as a belt and then to the giant slug like mound of gold crawling behind him.

"Alright, alright, alright.~" Snickering too himself as he pinched the unconcious Annabelle's cheeks as she was slung over his shoulder. "Not a bad fuckin haul if I do say so myself. Plus, this little thing may still be worth somethin.... Now if only I could get the fuck off these god damn stairs!"

A Different set of stairs | Note Trio

"Jesus fookin christ, Bearington..." Paris huffed as sweat poured off his face.

"Y-yeah...fookin...christ..."Sully puffed as he crawled behind the even his brother on all fours. His robust figure not built for this type of grueling activity.

"Just stairs boys. Or are they gonna kick your sorry asses too.." Grunting back at the brothers, jabbing at their pride to kickstart their engine again.

"F-foock you, Bearington! These steps, its like they never fookin end!"

"Y-ea....never...f-fookin end..."

"Hmph.." Looking bak in disgust, Bearington quickened his pace, disapearring into the darkness ahead.

"Ahhhhh you gotta be fookin kidding me!!!" Paris shouted out, "Get back here ya fook!"

"Y-yea....ge....fook it..." Sully groaned as he collapsed to his belly on the steps. "I'm done... go on without...me dear...brother.." With dying words from a living man, Sully closed his eyes and let out a sigh, promptly followed by a loud, echoing fart.

Silence followed the explosion of flatulence, for a few moments the pitch black staircase was nothingness. Unles Paris interupted the silence. "Ugh, that fookin stinks, yea fook!" Pinching his nose shut and waving the air away with the other.

"If you two are done fookin around down there, I found the exit!"

Shrimp's Throne Room | Now

From behind the throne, Dax appeared from the shadows, peeking around chair and locking eyes with Castor. "Hey look, its the fuckin shrimp! Bwahahaha!" Coming out from behind the throne, "Long time no see ya little shit!"

Simaltaneously, the Note trio appeared from a different secret passageway located behind a large tapestry featuring the Montblanc king's of old and their victories establishing the original Vales.

"A-Annabelle..?!"Bearington shouted as he noticed the girl draped over the Goldmonger's shoulders. Drawing his gigantic weapon, he postured aggressively towards Dax, and therefore the newfound King Castor.

Following their adoptive elder brothers lead, Paris notched his arrow and drew on Dax while Sully readied his warhammer.

WC: 446/5,000

Sun Feb 28, 2021 12:12 am

Sanpaku (산빠쿠)

The moment Newport laid eyes on Dax, the man sprung into action. Closing the distance between them, Newport bawled up his fist and attempted to slug the traitor in his face. On the other side of the room, the Nilf survivors sprung into action to rescue their sister.

Sighing, Castor would simply snap his fingers, disbursing his Haoshoku Haki around the room, causing the Nilf boys, with the exception of Bearington, Newport and Dax to fall to their knees. Instead, their rash attempts at violence would be temporarily quelled.

Using the action as a distraction, Castor would instantaneously snatch the woman from Dax’s grasp, and return to his position on the throne, carrying the woman in his arms. The Vana Knights watched on in awe, as from their perspective, the Nox Pirate Captain simply flickered, disappearing and reappearing with the Princess of Nilf in his possession.

“I should kill you right where you stand, Dax. However, the fact that you kept this woman alive allows you to breathe a bit longer.” Castor declared, with a stern authority.

As the princess slowly began to regain consciousness in Castor’s arms, the woman’s face flushed pink in embarrassment.

“S-S-Sir Bastion!” Annabelle nervously stuttered.

“Gashi Gashi Gashi…. It’s been awhile since someone has called me by that alias.” Castor responded, smiling warmly. Resting the woman onto the Throne, Castor removed the crown from his head, and placed it atop Annabelle’s head causing an uproar in the room among the Vana banner men. Getting down on his knees in the same manner a man would propose to a partner, Castor grabbed the woman’s hand, kissing it slightly.

“You did well staying alive, Miss Annabelle Damne. I, King Castor O. Nox, first of his name and interim King of Lvneel, appoint you as Queen.” Castor declared.

“EHHH!” the Knights of Vana shouted in objection.

“I never had any attention staying King of Lvneel. Now, I don’t need to bring back the former King alive. She’s perfect. The last royal of Nilf-” Castor declared, looking at the passed out bodies of the Nilf twins momentarily before continuing, “That I trust anyway.” Castor declared with a bright smile. “Trust I can manipulate… The girl seems to have some affection for me. Though… I don’t know why she’s so fond of me.” Castor thought to himself, examining the Queen on the Throne, inches away from her face.

Annabelle’s eyes awkwardly darted away as she fell deeper in infatuation with Nox by the second but her mind wasn’t at ease about the decision.

“Sir Bastion! I mean- Castor! Wait a minute. I can’t accept this crown. I’ve done nothing during these conflicts but play prisoner to that brute of a man over there!” Annabelle exclaimed, pointing towards Dax in a flustered manner. “I know nothing about being a leader…. I’d much rather… marry and help rule at your side.” Annabelle declared passionately, her voice losing it’s gusto at the part of the sentence that mentioned marriage. Her voice dipped from a mighty roar to a meek squeak.

His fist frozen inches away from Dax’s face, “Ugh! Get a room. You can’t be serious Nox?” Newport protested.

Turning to Annabelle, “I'll pass. Marry? Gashi Gashi… I’m flattered but the seas are calling me. There’s still quite a bit I have to accomplish.” Castor retorted waving his hand in disapproval, flattening the air in Annabelle’s balloon of love. Smirking, he’d move slowly towards the woman’s face, diverting his own face inches away from her lips to whisper in her ears. For about ten minutes, Castor would explain his ‘plan’, a secret that’d stay between Annabelle and himself.

Her eyes expanded widely, the immense detail in Castor’s schemes brought her a bit of comfort.

Nodding along as the man whispered his plots, the woman’s face switched between expressions, ranging from shocked, embarrassed and overwhelmed.

Stepping back, Castor would look at the woman who pondered on his words intensely.

“Fine. I’ll go along with your plans under one condition.” Annabelle stated, twiddling her fingers.

“Sure.”

“The next time you return to the North Blue… We’ll start a family.” Annabelle declared, the sound of her heart pounding. Gazing at Castor’s eyes wantingly.

“Family? This is like the second proposal… Seems like an awfully lopsided trade. Who’d want to marry a wanted criminal?” Castor thought to himself in confusion. “I don’t plan on returning to the North Blue until like a decade from now. No way she’ll wait for me that long. Works out in my favor.” Castor continued with the internal dialogue.

“Gashi Gashi. Sure, why not.” Castor responded, the conditions seemingly perfect.

Suddenly, remnants of the former King’s army were escorted into the room. Among them were Saint Baptiste, leader of the church. The Vana Knight’s placed spears at their neck, “Your majesty! We’ve found the remaining leaders of Lord Stein’s faction.” the Vana Knights announced.

“Perfect timing.” Castor declared smirking.

Marching from his position at the Throne, Castor approached the subdued forces, smiling sadistically, he’d release glimpses of bloodshed as he’d strut to their position. Grabbing the priest by his throat, “I’ll ask this one time only. Where’s Stein?” Castor inquired.

“H-H-He fled! He’s at sea! He took three vessels and escaped at the Northern Port. Please! Spare me and my men’s lives!” Baptiste pleaded.

“It’s not my decision. Talk to the Queen, as followers of his sect, you lot are responsible for her family’s demise.” Castor stated. “Newport. Let’s go. Our ships docked in Asgar’s port. It’s time to bring this mess to a closure. Annabelle! Make the announcement!” Castor shouted.

Nodding in approval, “We’ll have the ceremony later! As Queen, I hereby appoint Castor O. Nox and his company as Duke’s of Lvneel, and provisional counsel to the Crown!” Annabelle shouted. Walking away from Dax, “What do we do about this piece of shit, Nox?” Newport inquired, sighing. As celebration, he should be knee deep in whores and booze but now, he has to go play escort to his whining Captain.

“Whether he falls in line or not is his decision… Are you coming Dax?” Castor inquired in an authoritative tone.

@Goldmonger Word Count: 2,139 /5000
^{Castor'sTracker}

Sun Feb 28, 2021 1:06 am

The fist came flying towards Dax's face, stopping just an inch short of contact as Castor exerted his will over all those in the room. Freezing Newport and Dax, while the twins hit the ground like a ton of bricks.

"Hmph. Pussies." Bearington snickered as he glanced down at the boys before holstering his weapon on his back once more. The man was a seasoned warrior, having seen more battles than Castor had heard of, and it was this very expirience that told him how dangerous this tiny man could be.

"Speaking of pussies.~" Dax snickered as he looked Newport up and down, "Who's this fuckin guy again...?" Having a laugh at the man's expense before realizing Castor had swiped Annabelle from his shoulder. "Wha...?! You better pay me for her you little fuck." He snarled with a pout, ignoring the threat the imp had made and his respect my authority voice.

While everyone in the room watched in wondered at Castor's actions, Bearington couldnt help but let out a booming laugh. "Well well, boy." Walking over to Castor and tussling his hair like a child, the static electricity tickling the Terror's hand. "Oho. Sparky little fook are we." Having a laugh before turning his attention to the now queen. "From this day, till my end of days, I solemly pledge my blade to you and only you, ma queen." Kneeling beside the others, causing the other knights to quickly do the same.

"Wh...what.. n-noooo!" Annabelle shouted, her bright red face signaling her embarassment. "I-I mean, I'm not the queen. hahaha..."

As Castor spoke once more, the reality of the situation began to sink in all that much more for the girl. Causing her to directly address the pirate herself, even going so far as to reccomend something as drastic as marriage in the heat of the moment. But the one thing she wasn't prepared for was the man's response. Did he just say yes...?What? Smoke blew from her ears as blood poured from her nose and hearts replaced her eyes, on this day, Lvneel almost lost its first queen the same day she was crowned. Thankfully, doctors managed to intervene just in time to save her life.

"Well that was unexpected you fuckin dog, you." Dax smiled at Castor as he gave him a few playful winks. "Just a piece of advice, don't ever let her lead with directions. Trust me on that, shrimp."

"Ma queen."Bearington asked sternly, "Are you sure this is the man you want as your king?" With a feint yes from the stretcher, Annabelle confirmed and reassured her love for the lightning imp. "Well then."Bearington grunted as he turned to Castor, "It's settled, you shall marry on the eve of tomrrow so next you return to Lvneel. It can be consumated. Thus ensuring your lasting, bonding promise."

"Bwhahahaha!"Dax laughed, clearly seeing the hitch the imp's thought plan. "Oh boy.~ Hope it's open bar."

Then, with a sudden burst the room was filled with strangers. Ones Castor personallyy handled as he descended down the steps leading to the throne, losing inches with every motion.

Passing off the men to the indisposed queen, Bearington stepped up to pass judgement. "There is no room in this court for men such as you, Baptiste. Let you be an example to those that follow you." Signaling for the man to be put to the death, several knights grabbed and took him away kicking and screaming.

Once back on the road to recovery, Annabelle was able to dub the Sin's Dukes of Lvneel. After which Bearington Promptly saught to her transfer to her new bed chambers for rest and relaxation. As the doctors hypothesised something in the room was continuing to get her blood pumping and heart pounding. And with the wedding, she would need to be in perfect health.

Dax glared at Newport, "Oh, I'm the piece of shit." Rolling his eyes as he glanced around the room before answering Castor's question. "Well, I guess I don't really have much else going on right now. Seems like this place is pretty muched tapped." He paused for a moment to ponder. "Yeah. Fuck it. Lets fuckin go."

WC: 696 (1,142/5,000)

Sun Feb 28, 2021 3:31 am

Sanpaku (산빠쿠)

Off The Coast - Lvneel
Aboard The Shadow Libra

At the bowsprit of the ship, a wooden figurine of a scale tips from side to side against the incoming sea winds.

Face to face, Stein and Lvneel’s Former King conversed about the state of the kingdom.

“I can’t believe I let these injustices transpire under my nose.” the King declared, covered in bruises and dried blood.

Swinging his cane to kill the time, the dandy man entertained the King’s sulking.

“Cheer up. Most of the plots were put into play during your childhood. Karl Nox honestly was an excellent choice to lead in your steed but he underestimated the power of a Celestial Dragon’s connections.” Stein explained, smiling as he’d tap the can’s tip against the deck of the ship.

Blood dripping gingerly from his wounds, the chained up King rested against the mast.

“The end of a dynasty due to my ignorance. I’ve failed my people. First to the World Government’s false god, and now, to a lowly pirate.” Lvneel King stated.

“Hey now. My employer has generously donated millions to Lvneel. False God’s a little harsh when your people benefited from his involvement.

Besides the desire for your crown allowed those idiots to turn a blind eye to my studies. I finished my experiments on the Viking Blooded while pretending to desire after the Throne. Those foolish veil leaders couldn’t see anything other than ascending their respective families into royalty.

I truly had a blast.” Stein concluded, snickering confidently.

“By the time Ragnar’s sons realized what was going on… It was too late.”

“Experiments? I see. You were after the Vikings unique composition?” Lvneel's former King inquired, his face contorted in a noticeable disgust.

“Since the beginning of time… Vikings have been said to have ‘magic’ in their blood. I certainly found nothing supernatural but what I did gain was an understanding of their genetics. Cross breeding them with different races… Three Eye, Long-Arm and Winged Race… The results were superb.” Stein announced, a permanent creepy smile plastered on his face.

“Cross Breeding?! You think people are live-stock?! My father promised the Vikings a fair shot at not being prosecuted by the World Government for their time in piracy. An apex of the human race who were targeted by slavers! Only to be pimped out due to my weakness. I’m surprised Ragnar didn’t lop off my head.” the former King barked.

“I do. I was once a slave too until Master Sinclair saw the worth in my mind. These hands and my abilities… I’m able to push the boundaries of what a ‘super’ soldier could possibly be. Humans aren’t any better than sheep or cows… We eat, sleep, fornicate and die. Nobility and Monarchy weren’t created by science or nature, it was socially orchestrated by humans.

I learned a long time ago. The strong will live and the weak will die.

I’m strong because I survived my origins. You’re weak because you didn’t utilize your privilege. I applaud you on bringing in the Wano Swordsman - Yasuke to tutor you. It was a good move.” Stein concluded, complimenting the King.

“Sir Yasuke! What did you do to him?!” the King barked, losing his wits.

“He’s fine. That man's power wasn’t something I could’ve handled head on. I found out his history and sent him on a chase in Paradise. Ensuring him I’d protect you personally. He’s a very gullible one.” Stein stated, reassuring the King.

Sighing a breath of relief, the King was at least at ease, knowing that his missing aid hadn’t perished to this monster’s clutches.

Asgar Port - Wailing Calamity

Travelling towards the port via carriage, Newport, Castor and Dax were escorted to their Full Rigged Vessel. The haunting eerie image of Jyestha in the distance caused the carriage operator to sweat nervously at the ship's outline. With no time wasted, Castor disembarked onto the ship, ordering the knights in his command to cast the sails. With Newport at the helm, raising the anchor, the vessel sailed out of the port along the inner city canal out onto the sea.

Sailing North, Castor tried to use his electro-radio to pick up sounds of sailing vessels, ordering Newport to navigate the ship at his whim. With expertise in reading sea currents, the vessel’s pace increased gradually, obtaining decent speeds in a short period of time. Looming ahead, the final clash between the orphan Three Eye and Dapper Gentleman was pending.

Little did either know that this was just the beginning of a long story.

@Goldmonger Word Count: 2,890 /5000
^{Castor'sTracker}

Thu Mar 04, 2021 9:58 pm

Dax leaned off the side of the bobbing behemoth known as the Wailing Calamity, the massive ship took an intimidating form as it sailed. Bleached white bones from a fallen sea king linning the hull, while its tanned hide fluttered in the wind as the ships sails.

A salty sea breeze filled the Goldmonger's nose as he took the moment in for what it was worth. The calm before the storm. But for now, it was like any other boat ride.

1812 | Somwhere on the Grandline

"Move it, punk!" Micah the strongman shouted as he shoved past a small child. The man was easily eight feet tall and built like an ox, spending show nights bending iron and lifting actual oxen. He had no business shoving a scrawny, scared little child to the ground, but he did so anyway because he could. The strong do as they pleased on this ship. A rule all those living here quickly became assustomed too after boarding.

What was one more bruise the boy thought as he drug himself up off the wooden floor. Shakily, he moved towards the captains cabin of the Big Top. Creaking open, the light slowly increased revealing the man inside.

"There ya are, boy!" Carlos the Ringmaster ad quite the booming voice, treating every word like he was addressing a roaring crowd. "Whats this now?!" Grabbing his cheek to inspect one of the many fresh bruises decorating his skin. "Again?! How many times must I tell you to play nice with everyone! I will speak with them once more, you have more word!" Gently rubbing his skin like a caring parent and Carlos was indeed a caring man. He genuinely cared for each and every member of his troop. However, his naivety and trusting nature too often got the better of him. Prefering to ignore the more...distasteful things in life and focus on the good.

"Y-Yessir.... I-I'll try harder, p-promise.."

"Good! Good! Now come boy! Lets be off then, I have much to do now before our next show!"

With a nod, Carlos waved the child from the room and back to the bustling deck. Hilda, the bearded lady was busy being waited on hand and foot by the magical dwarven duo, Rut and Gut. Known far and wide for their seemingly magical abilities. She rarely had anytime for a child like him, prefering to be pampered by the tiny twosome or showered by the cheers of the crowd after she awed them with her opera singing.

"Hey! C'mere and gimme a hand, wouldya..?" John shouted over to his brother Donnie, the pair were the carpenters on the ship. Being charged with everything from ship maitenence to Tent construction and everything in between.

Donnie shot over across the deck carrying several large planks as he tripped over the kid, almost falling to the ground before managing to regain his balance. "Hey! Watch it wouldya?! Stupid kid!"

"S-Sorry..!" He called out meekly, tightening his grip on his own arms as he seemed to shrink down into his own body like a shell. It seemed as much as he tried to stay hidden, the more he stuck out.

"Honk Honk!"Jojo the Clown shouted as he squeezed the boy's nose. "Hyuck Hyuk, like, what's got you so down today, sonny?!"

"N-Nothing.."He squeaked, "I-I'm fine, r-really.." Pulling away from the clown, clearly unnerved by his pressence.

"Hyuck, well I don't believe that one bit!Hyuck Hyuck!"Laughing a water sprayed from the flower on his lapel into the kids face. "Now isn't that better! Hyuck hyuck hyuck!"

His shoes honking as he trotted away, much to the boys relief as he let out a large sigh.

"You aint the only one who finds him creepy, don't worry." A voice called out from behind him."

Turning around, he noticed an elderly man with a long white beard and bald head. "I-I... I dont't like clowns."

"Trust me kid, ninininininini, no one does. You been here what, a few weeks now?"

"Y-Yeah.. C-Carlos picked me up , s-said I could work f-for him. F-food, money..."

"Yeah, Carlos did that for just about everybody here. Anybody show you around the ship yet?"

"N-No... no ones r-really even l-looked at me... n-not really..."

"Yeahhhh, you'll get that around here for the first bit. But you'll warm up eventually, promise."Smiling as he spoke before noticing the bruises all over the boy, "Fight much..?"

"O-Oh.... N-no.. A-A few are from M-Micah, b-but..." His words trailing off into a mumble and before he could finish another voice called out.

"There ya are!" Another child about his age shouted, "We were looking all over for ya!" Tailing behind the boy was Chester and Lester, a pair of rare siamese twins known for being as sharp as a circle when it comes to smarts.

"We was lookins all-!"Lester began, "All over for ya!" Chester finished, the pair having a a tendency to start and finish the others sentences.

"Well if it isnt the old man." The other boy snickered, "Lookin for a place to die or what?"

"Ninininininini, Oh Dax, I'll outlive all of you yet."

"Yeah yeah, keep talkin. C'mon Yale, lets go." Dax barked back as he grabbed Yale's arm and drug him across the deck, closely tailed by the twins.

Dax took the boy to a dark corner of the lower deck, somewhere no one would hear the boys muffled scream or the blows landing on his frail body. The twins held the boy still and a gag kept him quiet as Dax unloaded strike after strike to youth's body.

"Ya hear that...~?" The juvenile Goldmonger whispered into Yale's ear. "That's the sound of no one coming to save you.~" Tears and blood splattered onto the floor with every punch, even accompanied by the occasional tooth. That is, until something strange hit the floor. A golden bracelet, glittering as it caught the small bits of light as it rolled across the floor.

The colors and sound captivated Dax and the twins, never having seen something so beautiful and so closely in their short lives. Having been banned from having or even touching anything of value by those above them. Mesmerized, they failed to notice the youth slowly regaining his wits.

Yale had been hiding the jewelry as best he could in rags he wore, it belonged to his mother and it was the last thing he had to remember her by. There was nothing more he valued in the world than that bracelet. "G-Get away...! Yale shouted, desperately pushing his body beyond its limits as he flung himself at the gold piece, landing on top of it.

Snapping back to reality with his trance broken. "H-Hey...." Dax mumbled as the boy dove onto the bracelet. "The fuck do you think you are doing..?" Snarking as he reached for the boy, grabbing him by the rags.

"N-No..!" Swatting at Dax as he spun around, "Stay away f-from me..!"

"Give it! I" Dax shouted as if possessed by the devil. He wrapped his hands around Yale's throat and looked him in the eyes as the life drained slowly drained from his body. "I...said....give...it....too...me..." With every desperate swat to free himself, the young Dax's grip tightened, the more he struggled the quicker he died.

Taking the bracelet in his hand, Dax turned to Chester and Lester now huddled and shaking in the corner. He slowly walked over and knelt down, placing his head between the two of theirs. "Tell anyone about this and I'll be sure to kill just one of you. Then, I'll leave the other to die slowly in a cold, dark room. Alone with their brothers rotting corpse attached to their own..." Dax whispered, "Understand..~?"

Urine leaked onto the floor as the twins desperately shook their heads in an agreeing manner.

"Perfect! Now then....What do we do with this" He said turning to the body with a pause. "Ya know..." He mumbled to Chester and Lester, "I heard from Vance that the lions haven't eaten in a few days, since we ran low on supplies and all..."

"So..What-" Lester began to ask. "Does that have to do with anythin..?"

"So."Dax said sternly as his gaze drifted to the beaten boy. "Why starve the shows main attraction when we have food for em right here.~" The words gew more vile as they left his tongue, his almost jovial tone would send chills down even the most hardened adults spine.

"I...I uh don't-"Chester stammered, "I don't know, Dax...."Lester picked up.

"Trust me..." Dax said as he managed to sling the unconcious youth over his shoulder. "

A few hours later

"HELP HELP!!" Dax shouted from the lower deck, "Someone hurry!!"

Barreling down the stairs, Carlos and several others arrived onto the scene. "What's going on???" He shouted.

"Come quickly! Its Yale!!" The pre gold, goldmonger shouted once again, putting on a play of award winning ability. The adults followed Dax down to the lions pen, where they were greeted with a gruesome sight.
"Oh my god... " Carlos wretched, the view of the boys mangled corpse too much for the good natured man.

"What happened here?!" Vance the Lion tamer demanded as he arrived on the scene late.

"I... I don't know... we had been playing down here and then...he..." He paused and glanced to the corner.

"Its okay, go on."

"He said he had something to do and just... took off... right?" Turning to the twins as he finished.

"Y-Yeah...r-right...j-just t-t-took off..." Lester responded as Chester stayed silent, tears welled up in his lifeless eyes.

WC: 1,594 (3,036/5,000)

Thu Mar 04, 2021 11:42 pm

Round 1:
Castor O. Nox uses [AOE] Divine Pillar on all enemy ships
Castor O. Nox uses UT on all enemy ships

Wailing Calamity uses MT on Ship Two
Wailing Calamity uses UT on Ship Two
Wailing Calamity uses UT on Ship Three
Wailing Calamity uses UT on Black Libra

Black Libra uses MT on Castor O. Nox
Black Libra uses UT on Castor O. Nox
Ship Two uses MT on Castor O. Nox
Ship Two uses UT on Castor O. Nox
Ship Three uses MT on Castor O. Nox
Ship Three uses UT on Castor O. Nox

Black Libra uses MT on Wailing Calamity
Black Libra uses UT on Wailing Calamity
Ship Two uses MT on Wailing Calamity
Ship Two uses UT on Wailing Calamity
Ship Three uses MT on Wailing Calamity
Ship Three uses UT on Wailing Calamity

COMBAT TRACKERS:

PLAYER STATS:

PLAYER RATIOS:

USED 1 TECHNIQUES | 1 TOGGLES | 0 HAKI:

0 TECHNIQUES ACTIVE | 1 TOGGLES | 0 HAKI ACTIVE:

1 TECHNIQUES COOLING DOWN | 0 HAKI COOLING DOWN:

SHIP STATS:

CREW COMPANION RATIOS:

SHIP TECHNIQUES USED:

ENEMY SHIP STATS:

SHIP RATIOS:

OPPONENT TECHNIQUES USED:

Thu Mar 04, 2021 11:42 pm

The member 'Castor O. Nox' has done the following action : Dice Roll

#1 'Reflex Check' : 10, 13, 15, 14

--------------------------------

#2 'Reflex Check' : 6, 12, 18, 8

--------------------------------

#3 'Reflex Check' : 17, 6

--------------------------------

#4 'Reflex Check' : 2, 13

--------------------------------

#5 'Reflex Check' : 18, 11

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#6 'Reflex Check' : 14, 9

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#7 'Reflex Check' : 1, 18

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#8 'Reflex Check' : 19, 6

Fri Mar 05, 2021 12:24 am

Round 2:
Castor O. Nox uses [AOE] Divine Flicker on all enemy ships
Castor O. Nox uses UT on all enemy ships

Wailing Calamity uses LT on Ship Two
Wailing Calamity uses UT on Ship Two
Wailing Calamity uses UT on Ship Three
Wailing Calamity uses UT on Black Libra

Black Libra uses LT on Castor O. Nox
Black Libra uses UT on Castor O. Nox
Ship Two uses LT on Castor O. Nox
Ship Two uses UT on Castor O. Nox
Ship Three uses LT on Castor O. Nox
Ship Three uses UT on Castor O. Nox

Black Libra uses LT on Wailing Calamity
Black Libra uses UT on Wailing Calamity
Ship Two uses LT on Wailing Calamity
Ship Two uses UT on Wailing Calamity
Ship Three uses LT on Wailing Calamity
Ship Three uses UT on Wailing Calamity

COMBAT TRACKERS:

PLAYER STATS:

PLAYER RATIOS:

USED 1 TECHNIQUES | 1 TOGGLES | 0 HAKI:

1 TECHNIQUES ACTIVE | 1 TOGGLES | 0 HAKI ACTIVE:

1 TECHNIQUES COOLING DOWN | 0 HAKI COOLING DOWN:

SHIP STATS:

CREW COMPANION RATIOS:

SHIP TECHNIQUES USED:

ENEMY SHIP STATS:

SHIP RATIOS:

OPPONENT TECHNIQUES USED:

Fri Mar 05, 2021 12:24 am

The member 'Castor O. Nox' has done the following action : Dice Roll

#1 'Reflex Check' : 7, 4, 8, 11

--------------------------------

#2 'Reflex Check' : 15, 5, 16, 5

--------------------------------

#3 'Reflex Check' : 5, 1

--------------------------------

#4 'Reflex Check' : 12, 8

--------------------------------

#5 'Reflex Check' : 15, 1

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#6 'Reflex Check' : 13, 12

--------------------------------

#7 'Reflex Check' : 12, 10

--------------------------------

#8 'Reflex Check' : 9, 11

Fri Mar 05, 2021 1:09 am

Round 3:
Castor O. Nox uses UT on all enemy ships

Wailing Calamity uses MT on Black Libra
Wailing Calamity uses UT on Ship Three
Wailing Calamity uses UT on Black Libra

Black Libra uses LT on Castor O. Nox
Black Libra uses UT on Castor O. Nox
Ship Three uses LT on Castor O. Nox
Ship Three uses UT on Castor O. Nox

Black Libra uses LT on Wailing Calamity
Black Libra uses UT on Wailing Calamity
Ship Three uses LT on Wailing Calamity
Ship Three uses UT on Wailing Calamity

COMBAT TRACKERS:

PLAYER STATS:

PLAYER RATIOS:

USED 0 TECHNIQUES | 1 TOGGLES | 0 HAKI:

1 TECHNIQUES ACTIVE | 1 TOGGLES | 0 HAKI ACTIVE:

1 TECHNIQUES COOLING DOWN | 0 HAKI COOLING DOWN:

SHIP STATS:

CREW COMPANION RATIOS:

SHIP TECHNIQUES USED:

ENEMY SHIP STATS:

SHIP RATIOS:

OPPONENT TECHNIQUES USED:

Fri Mar 05, 2021 1:09 am

The member 'Castor O. Nox' has done the following action : Dice Roll

#1 'Reflex Check' : 14, 18

--------------------------------

#2 'Reflex Check' : 15, 7, 8

--------------------------------

#3 'Reflex Check' : 3, 4

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#4 'Reflex Check' : 15, 12

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#5 'Reflex Check' : 17, 5

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#6 'Reflex Check' : 14, 20

Fri Mar 05, 2021 1:25 am

Round 1:
Castor O. Nox uses [MT] Curse of Orochi on Hoard of Shadows
Castor O. Nox uses [LT] Million Works on Hoard of Shadows
Castor O. Nox uses [LT] Surge on Hoard of Shadows
Castor O. Nox uses UT on Hoard of Shadows

Hoard of Shadows uses MT on Castor
Hoard of Shadows uses LT on Castor
Hoard of Shadows uses LT on Castor
Hoard of Shadows uses UT on Castor

COMBAT TRACKERS:

PLAYER STATS:

PLAYER RATIOS:

USED 3 TECHNIQUES | 1 TOGGLES | 0 HAKI:

1 TECHNIQUES ACTIVE | 1 TOGGLES | 0 HAKI ACTIVE:

1 TECHNIQUES COOLING DOWN | 0 HAKI COOLING DOWN:

OPPONENT STATS:

OPPONENT RATIOS:

OPPONENT TECHNIQUES USED:

Fri Mar 05, 2021 1:25 am

The member 'Castor O. Nox' has done the following action : Dice Roll

#1 'Reflex Check' : 7, 3, 3, 11

--------------------------------

#2 'Reflex Check' : 20, 14, 11, 1

Fri Mar 05, 2021 1:48 am

Round 2:
Castor O. Nox uses [HT] Odysseus on Hoard of Shadows
Castor O. Nox uses [LT] Skewer on Hoard of Shadows
Castor O. Nox uses UT on Hoard of Shadows

Hoard of Shadows uses MT on Castor
Hoard of Shadows uses LT on Castor
Hoard of Shadows uses LT on Castor
Hoard of Shadows uses UT on Castor

COMBAT TRACKERS:

PLAYER STATS:

PLAYER RATIOS:

USED 3 TECHNIQUES | 1 TOGGLES | 0 HAKI:

1 TECHNIQUES ACTIVE | 1 TOGGLES | 0 HAKI ACTIVE:

3 TECHNIQUES COOLING DOWN | 0 HAKI COOLING DOWN:

OPPONENT STATS:

OPPONENT RATIOS:

OPPONENT TECHNIQUES USED:

Fri Mar 05, 2021 1:48 am

The member 'Castor O. Nox' has done the following action : Dice Roll

#1 'Reflex Check' : 1, 12, 9

--------------------------------

#2 'Reflex Check' : 17, 9, 13, 13

Fri Mar 05, 2021 2:04 am

Round 3:
Castor O. Nox uses [MT] Dance of the Lightning Phesant on Hoard of Shadows
Castor O. Nox uses [LT] Millions Works on Hoard of Shadows
Castor O. Nox uses [LT] Surge on Hoard of Shadows
Castor O. Nox uses UT on Hoard of Shadows

Hoard of Shadows uses HT on Castor
Hoard of Shadows uses UT on Castor

COMBAT TRACKERS:

PLAYER STATS:

PLAYER RATIOS:

USED 3 TECHNIQUES | 1 TOGGLES | 0 HAKI:

3 TECHNIQUES ACTIVE | 1 TOGGLES | 0 HAKI ACTIVE:

6 TECHNIQUES COOLING DOWN | 0 HAKI COOLING DOWN:

OPPONENT STATS:

OPPONENT RATIOS:

OPPONENT TECHNIQUES USED:

Fri Mar 05, 2021 2:04 am

The member 'Castor O. Nox' has done the following action : Dice Roll

#1 'Reflex Check' : 9, 5, 4, 16

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#2 'Reflex Check' : 3, 11

Fri Mar 05, 2021 2:19 am

Round 4:
Castor O. Nox uses [HT] Awakened Status on self
Castor O. Nox uses [LT] Will-o-sp on self
Castor O. Nox uses UT on Hoard of Shadows

Hoard of Shadows uses MT on Castor
Hoard of Shadows uses LT on Castor
Hoard of Shadows uses LT on Castor
Hoard of Shadows uses UT on Castor

COMBAT TRACKERS:

PLAYER STATS:

PLAYER RATIOS:

USED 2 TECHNIQUES | 1 TOGGLES | 0 HAKI:

3 TECHNIQUES ACTIVE | 1 TOGGLES | 0 HAKI ACTIVE:

8 TECHNIQUES COOLING DOWN | 0 HAKI COOLING DOWN:

OPPONENT STATS:

OPPONENT RATIOS:

OPPONENT TECHNIQUES USED:

Fri Mar 05, 2021 2:19 am

The member 'Castor O. Nox' has done the following action : Dice Roll

#1 'Reflex Check' : 4

--------------------------------

#2 'Reflex Check' : 5, 8, 2, 16

Fri Mar 05, 2021 2:31 am

Round 5:
Castor O. Nox uses [HT] Odysseus on Hoard of Shadows
Castor O. Nox uses [LT] Sky's Cry on Hoard of Shadows DMG
Castor O. Nox uses UT on Hoard of Shadows

Hoard of Shadows uses MT on Castor
Hoard of Shadows uses LT on Castor
Hoard of Shadows uses LT on Castor
Hoard of Shadows uses UT on Castor

COMBAT TRACKERS:

PLAYER STATS:

PLAYER RATIOS:

USED 2 TECHNIQUES | 1 TOGGLES | 1 HAKI:

3 TECHNIQUES ACTIVE | 1 TOGGLES | 1 HAKI ACTIVE:

7 TECHNIQUES COOLING DOWN | 1 HAKI COOLING DOWN:

OPPONENT STATS:

OPPONENT RATIOS:

OPPONENT TECHNIQUES USED:

Fri Mar 05, 2021 2:31 am

The member 'Castor O. Nox' has done the following action : Dice Roll

#1 'Reflex Check' : 1, 15, 12

--------------------------------

#2 'Reflex Check' : 2, 20, 12, 14

Fri Mar 05, 2021 2:52 am

Round 6:
Castor O. Nox uses [MT] Raijuu on Hoard of Shadows
Castor O. Nox uses [LT] Surge on Hoard of Shadows
Castor O. Nox uses [LT] Million Works on Hoard of Shadows
Castor O. Nox uses UT on Hoard of Shadows

Hoard of Shadows uses AOE on Castor
Hoard of Shadows uses UT on Castor

COMBAT TRACKERS:

PLAYER STATS:

PLAYER RATIOS:

USED 3 TECHNIQUES | 1 TOGGLES | 1 HAKI:

4 TECHNIQUES ACTIVE | 1 TOGGLES | 1 HAKI ACTIVE:

9 TECHNIQUES COOLING DOWN | 1 HAKI COOLING DOWN:

OPPONENT STATS:

OPPONENT RATIOS:

OPPONENT TECHNIQUES USED:

Fri Mar 05, 2021 2:52 am

The member 'Castor O. Nox' has done the following action : Dice Roll

#1 'Reflex Check' : 13, 1, 16, 7

--------------------------------

#2 'Reflex Check' : 13, 10

Fri Mar 05, 2021 3:15 am

Round 7:
Castor O. Nox uses [MT] Enlil's Curse on Hoard of Shadows
Castor O. Nox uses [LT] Celestial Barrier on Hoard of Shadows
Castor O. Nox uses [LT] Inazuma on Hoard of Shadows
Castor O. Nox uses UT on Hoard of Shadows

Hoard of Shadows uses MT on Castor
Hoard of Shadows uses LT on Castor
Hoard of Shadows uses LT on Castor
Hoard of Shadows uses UT on Castor

COMBAT TRACKERS:

PLAYER STATS:

PLAYER RATIOS:

USED 3 TECHNIQUES | 1 TOGGLES | 1 HAKI:

4 TECHNIQUES ACTIVE | 1 TOGGLES | 1 HAKI ACTIVE:

8 TECHNIQUES COOLING DOWN | 1 HAKI COOLING DOWN:

OPPONENT STATS:

OPPONENT RATIOS:

OPPONENT TECHNIQUES USED:

[Lvneel: Contestation Arc] [Part III] Disaster Breeds Sin - A Bittersweet Symphony