[Transportation Episode] Welcome To The Minor League

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"Ah, not this dream again," Castor grumbled internally.

Seated in a small hut, a mix of nostalgia and unfamiliarity surrounded the pirate. A figure resembling his father came into focus amid the rattling of pans from the nearby kitchen, creating an odd calm.

Even the scents seemed familiar, an inviting aroma unknown to the orphan in the real world. Taking the teacup almost as a chore, Castor blew on the ginger tea before sipping.

"Who knew killing my father would be the only way to spend quality time with him. Go figure. It’s been a few weeks since the war… Do you plan to haunt me for the rest of my days, Father?"

Sipping his tea, the man sighed, slouching backward in his kimono.

"I don’t want to be here either. I’m a figment of your imagination. The moment you figure out why this dream keeps happening, the sooner I can move on."

The ghost refilled his cup, reaching for the kettle.

"Maybe this is your penalty for all the lives you’ve taken?"

"Maybe. Except, I don’t believe in the supernatural. I’d even accept it if this was a mental breakdown of sorts."

"The three-eyed man who fires lightning from his appendages doesn't believe in the supernatural? The irony. The worse sickness a man can have is one in the mind."

"If this is the sin I must carry for all the lives I’ve taken… it’s understandable."

Castor’s father’s cold fingers gripped his neck violently, lunging across the table. Stabbing his father in the chest, Castor woke up panting with Minerva standing before him, sword drawn.

"Jeez. I came to wake ya’ up for breakfast… and this is what I get," Minerva declared, her kimono drenched in sweat.

In reality, the pirate Captain tried to regain his grip. Nox calmed down, facing Minerva.

"Same nightmare again?"

"Yeah. It’s always the same setting. My dad and mom… in a small room cooking for me. Then either one tries to kill me."

"Tough. I used to have a lot of nightmares after I left Alabasta for the first time too," Minerva said, sitting down on the deck's floor.

"Did you kill hundreds of innocent people before leaving? If so, I’d be glad to hear the remedy."

"Ah-ha. The almighty Castor O. Nox does have a chink in his armor after all."

"I have quite a few. It’s just hard to notice them if you aren’t close enough. I think everyone has a weak spot. I bet even 'gods' do. It's just us mortals are too far away to even notice."

Pausing, Minerva shared her thoughts. "I’ve killed tons of pirates, mercenaries, criminals… I see their faces often. In my sleep, sometimes when I’m walking down a random street, I’d see a face or two that reminds me of the slain."

After reflecting, Castor expressed, "I felt empty. I thought after obtaining my revenge… I’d feel justified but nothing changed. The only thing I lost was my thirst for vengeance."

“However you humans entertain me.

Newport and Dax blindly use me for their plots.

Jazzy always seems like her thoughts are miles away despite constantly putting on a spectacle.

The devil seems to be hiding a closet of secrets. You, who at one point wanted to turn me in for the bounty on my head.

It’s like I’m collecting a chest of broken things… No offense.”

"Nox, the dead aren’t coming back. That’s a burden you’ll have to live with."

Minerva remarked, "You’re never going to let me forget I tried to hunt you once, will ya."

"Nope."

"Such a petty short man you are."

"Genetics. Not my fault you were born Amazon size."

"Anyway, get out of your head, Duke Bastion. Breakfast is ready."

"That’s Castor Nox on the high seas to you, Minerva," he responded, poking out his tongue playfully.

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The ship was bustling with life, a complete three hundred and sixty-degree change from the dreary ghost ship of the past.

Castor had taken on a few rowdy knights who had a taste for the high seas, a gift from his doting wife.

As he’d traversed the vessel’s deck; several of the men bowed and even patted the Captain on his back in greeting.

The Nox Pirates were more than just an estranged orphan and his weirdo adopted mentor now, Castor had amassed himself a small army.

Minerva followed at his flank, spinning her parasol around as they approached the dining hall.

Sitting in the center of the room, Newport and Devil exchanged information about the outside world.

“If we continue to grow at this rate… We’ll need stronger men. Right now, our main goal in Paradise should be to take over an island.”

“Castor’s a rookie… That Block Buster title of his is just on paper. The North Blue is one of the roughest seas… That’s why a lot of the pirates here see us as boogie men.

However, on the Grandline, we’re just another bunch of misfits. Especially, once we make it to the New World.”

Uninterested in the politics, Jazzy stared at a scrapbook of designs she’d been working on. Returning to Paradise brought her immense anxiety, and she hadn’t even shared her history with Castor as yet.

However, how could she? The woman she used to be before wasn’t someone who exactly shared meals with pirates.

Entering the mess hall, a roar erupted.

“Sanpaku!” the grunts roared.

“It’s been two weeks already! I told y'all to call me Castor. If we’re going to be sailing the seas together… I’m going to be responsible for y'all... yer family anyway.`` Castor barked pouting.

Swooning from the commander’s words, another roar erupted with tears of joy and pride.

“You’d never think that these men were hardened soldiers just a few weeks ago. Now they’re your devoted fan-boyos! How does it feel having your circle jerk?” Minerva teased.

Scratching his head in frustration ignoring the woman's sexual innuendo, “I tried to leave them on the island but they kept saying stuff like, ‘You’re Vana’s true ruler!’ and ‘The only King we’ll accept is you!’ Then when Anna told them to protect me, she just threw gasoline on the fire honestly.

With the island in such disarray, I was reluctant to take Vana’s most skilled men aboard the seas but I needed the personnel. The ship was a pain to sail on my own anyway.”

“Top Hunters will travel far and wide to come after you now. It’s great that on paper Anna’s the ruler of Lvneel but the rumors are uncontrollable.

She’ll have her trials and tribulations stabilizing an island post-civil war.” Minerva responded, taking her seat next to Newport, who was locked into a heated debate with Devil about their next move as a crew.

Sitting at the helm of the table, Castor’s chair was removed by a grunt who lifted him into the seat and slid it under the dining room table.

The Captain was stronghold into a position at the front. Pouring him a glass of Sake, the shrimp’s favorite dishes were escorted to the table by the crew’s new cooking staff.

Unaccustomed to all the attention, Castor just kept his usual blank expression. Once all of the grunts had their full of stuffing food, drinks, and attention down his throat, he’d turn his gaze to Minvera before chiming into Devil and Newport’s squabbles.

“Anna’s a smart girl. She has her brothers… and more importantly, Barrington is with her. The Note Family didn’t lose many soldiers in the war due to our contributionsand the wine business is lucrative, once all of the plans are put into motion, she’ll be fine.” Castor retorted, sipping his Sake.

“Now to the issue at hand. Taking an island on seas I’m not familiar with, especially with Dax absent, isn't a smart move.

Newport. You’ve spoken of Paradise and New World openly a few times but it’s been a while since you’ve been in the game.

Devil seems to be versed in that area, so I’ll be expecting your counsel on the World Players.”

“Of course my liege.” Devil smirking beneath his armor.

Scowling, Newport downed the ale in his glass, “Look kid, I don’t think you understand the position you’re in. That fucking snake Dax double-crossed us in Lvneel, I have no doubt he’s off somewhere fucking us over as we speak.

You might’ve gotten men from Vana but it’s nowhere enough to be seen as a force among the Veteran Pirates.

You need more men.

Stronger commanders.

An emo bitch with a parasol, a talking tin soldier, and a fashion freak - won’t mean anything in the eyes of a Warlord or Vice Admirals crew-”

Cocking their weapons, the barrels of both Jazzy and Minverva’s aligned with Newport’s skull.

“Enough. I don’t need y'all to get into a pissing contest. I need each of you to be successful moving forward. Lower your guns Jazz, Nerva. I’ve had years in getting accustomed to how this old drunk mouths off, he speaks crude but means well.” Castor declared, slouching in his throne-like chair, extremely comfortable he thought to himself internally.

“Newport’s right. We need more men. However, Jazzy’s in charge of the crew’s financing. Her clothing business gives a legitimate cover. Minerva’s familiar with the Bounty Hunters who might chase us, so we’ll know the hotspots to avoid until we’ve built ourselves a strong crew.”

“If I may speak, Capt? We also need a new vessel. This… ship is great when you’re trying to insight fear into low-level scrubs but against actually well-armed vessels… It’s only durable at best. I suggest we stop on our Log Route to a place known as Water 7.”

“Water 7? What’s that?”

“Not what. Where. It's a mecha for shipwrights in Paradise. All of the bigshot crews get their trademark vessel from the Galley-La Company. That’s one thing I can agree with scrap-man on.”

“Alright. Well. It all depends on what island our Log magnetically locks onto first... but Water 7 it is.”

Noticing Jazzy’s reserved demeanor, Castor turned his sights on the seamstress.

“You’ve been quiet since we’ve left Flevance, Jazz. Homesick already?” Castor teased.

Snapping into the present, the woman’s tongue felt heavy, as if it was weighted by several chains.

However, she’d resolved from the moment she agreed to join Castor’s crew about the journey ahead.

“I-”

Before the woman could’ve even spoken a word, a mob busted into the dining room bearing the Daily Newspaper in their hands.

The shock on their faces told the story that’d yet to be unveiled to the crew about the hardships ahead.

“Captain! It’s Sir Dax! He’s on the front page of the Coo!” one of the men shouted panting.

“Eh.” the core Nox Pirates exclaimed in disbelief.

“Bahahahaha! I bet that fucker went off and got himself caught! Serves him right! Throw him into Impel Down and toss away the key, I say!” Newport shouted in immense glee, refilling his jug with ale.

Gulping nervously, the mob approached handing over copies to each of the seated sins.

“Well… He hasn’t been caught… Exactly. Apparently… He’s joined the Seven Warlords Of The Sea, Lord Newport.” the leader of the mob informed the lot.

Eyes widening, Newport slugged the messenger in the face, snatching up the paper in a fury.

Jarring at the paper speechless, Newport slammed the paper onto the table and snatched up Castor by his collar.

“See! I told you that little prick was fucking traitor!”

Jazzy Reads Exert from Coo wrote:“Earlier this month, pirate Dax Morgan, now better known as "Goldmonger", was outlawed for kidnapping a noblewoman and his part in the chaos enacted by Blockbuster Castor O. Nox in Lvneel.

A few days later, gold being transported to Alabasta via a treasure fleet had gone missing in the North Blue. Goldmonger was implicated as having stolen this treasure single-handedly without alerting its security."

“Alabasta... Seems he’s been plotting his escape plan for a while. Explains the missing treasure.” Minerva chimed in.

“Non-Non… This makes you look weak, Nox.”

Scanning the paper attentively, ignored Newport’s anger to properly assess the situation.

Digging into his ear, “Ah… I guess we’ll need to find a new Vice Captain now.” Castor thought to himself. “Relax. All of you.” Castor responded, shocking himself free from Newport’s clutches.

“'The life of piracy is riddled with betrayals' You always used to preach that to me, Newport. Pirates are free to do whatever they please. I’ll pardon Dax for now.”

“Kid-” Newport protested feverishly only to be silenced by the devilish glare in Nox’s eyes.

“However. Let this be a warning to any of you. You’re free to leave this crew at any point but betraying me… That’s one thing I won’t accept.

I’ll take Dax Morgan’s head one day to restore glory to our name…but for now... He lives. If he has the government in his pocket now, that just makes him their dog.”

The coldness in Nox’s words silenced any further complaints on the Dax situation, on this day, the Nox Pirates lost a Vice Captain and the World Government gained a valuable piece in suppressing the seas.

“Castor… Turn the page. It seems they’ve pulled the trigger on your bounty as well.”

Flickering through the newspaper articles, a few bounty posters slipped out. One was Newport’s own and the other was Castor’s, and the number was astounding.

The helmsman’s eyes lit up like a kid’s own at Christmas, the sight of new bounty and Castor’s own erased the disappointment from moments before.

“5-5-500,000,000!” the crew exclaimed in a wild roar.

“Eh. Where did they get this picture… Were they watching me while I was celebrating in Lvneel? This looks like the banquet cups on the night of our wedding...” Castor pondered in deep thought.

“You look like a real playboy in this shot Nox.” Minerva chimed in.

Tears made of oil flowed from Devil’s kabuki suit, “Bravo… I’m so proud of my liege.”

The roughest of the waves crashing against the massive vessel interrupted the festive occasion.

A scream from outside summoned Castor to the deck.

“It’s up ahead boss! Reverse Mountain! The weather changed drastically!” one of the grunts bellowed.

“Newport!” Castor barked.

“On it!” Newport retorted downing one more shot of rum for the road.

“All hands on deck! It’s time to go boys! Assuming the position! Lower the sails! Turn starboard! It’s time for a new adventure!” Castor shouted.

“If Dax told the World Government about my plans against the Celestial Dragon… I won't be able to operate under the radar any longer. He knows my entire operation… Dax… How royally have you truly screwed me over this time?” Castor thought to himself, smirking with villainous intent.

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Navigating the harsh waters, the giant vessel tossed from side to side. The knights turned to seamen and held on for dear life, adjusting the sails to accommodate Poseidon's temper tantrum.

Checking the density of the air, Castor scaled the mast, hanging off to the side as he’d bark orders to Newport on where to sail next.

Avoiding the nasty currents that guarded the base of the upcoming mountain.

However, after a point, it was useless to resist.

Nestling the ship, propelling it forwards with a groove, the Wailing Calamity shot off towards the massive divider that was Reverse Mountain.

With no peak in sight, the boat seemed to be a seat on a rollercoaster ride that seemingly climbed and climbed.

With each meter traveled, the angst in each pirate's heart grew larger. There was a kind of sparkle in Castor’s eye, sailing seemingly brought a hidden kind of joy that couldn’t be expressed in words.

Scaling the massive waterfall, Castor hung on confidently, his heart racing at the new adventure ahead.

Reading was one thing but actualizing everything he’d been studying in the library as a child about sea currents, charts and navigation brought him a sense of fulfillment. It wasn’t one he’d be able to recognize yet, but a seed had been planted in his heart.

Soon, it’d demand water, and there'd be nothing that any of the players in Nox’s life could’ve halted.

At the peak of the waterfall, the view as the ship cascaded down the mountainside was beautiful. After the horror of nearly dying in terrible weather, as the ship landed, a calmness awaited at the bottom.

Early morning mist immersed the Nox Pirates and the Wailing Calamity, going with the ebb and flow of the still waters.

Eventually, a lighthouse came into sight, and that meant that all of the cards had been put into place.

Castor’s radio telepathy picked several voices up ahead.

“Sir… The banner being flown on the ship is indeed that of the Nox Pirates. Currently, the vessel is surrounded by mist. I guess the terrain is working with us. Shall we proceed with the plan?”

“Aye. Stay out of sight. We’ll handle the rest from the seas.”

Tilting his head from side to side Castor recognized one of the voices, which seemed to be giving out instructions.

However, he couldn’t quite put his finger on who it was as yet. The sound of boots shuffling against the decks of multiple ships complemented with that of canons being swabbed and clean, let Castor know enough of what awaited them ahead.

“All hands on deck! Be ready to fire the cannons!” Nox barked.

“What are you talking about shrimp?!” Newport responded.

“It seems we have company.”

As the ship passed the lighthouse, the mist’s hold on the vessel diminished and within sight, the marine's banners flew valiantly in the wind.

A small armada of five vessels lined the exit of the cove, and the main vessel was commanded by none other than Rear Admiral Clevis, who was bested by Nox on Flevance.

Sipping from a panda bear tea cup, the old man with a natural hunch on his back reached for a transponder to the loudspeaker on the vessel.

“It’s been a while Nox. Had I known at the time you were tied to the mess on Lvneel, I would’ve personally requested backup then. Rumors on the seas tend to make rookies seem tougher than they are but I know firsthand you’re a problem that needs to be nipped in the bud.”

Cleaning out his ear, the shrimp descended towards the deck, springing off the mast and displaying his agile limbs. “Ah. It’s that old man from the lecture.” Castor declared.

Leaving the mess hall, the members of the core members of the Nox Pirates assembled on the deck.

“It’s an old fossil… I see his sense of fashion is still as terrible as always.” Jazzy declared peeping through a pair of miniature binoculars.

“Ah! Five ships to greet us at the entrance of the Grandline! Adventure awaits!” Devil shouted in a Shakespearean actor's tone.

“Two of those vessels belong to the Bounty Hunter Association… Look at their banners Nox. There aren’t only marine affiliates among them.” Minerva chimed in.

“What’s the plan midget?! You're the captain! Make a move!” Newport chimed in, eager for violence.

Lightning flickering across Castor’s body, the shrimp walked to the front of the ship with a sinister grin.

“I guess we’ll just have to clear a path!” Nox shouted.

Slamming their swords against the ground, the pirates revealed in their Captain’s command.

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Elsewhere on Paradise

[npc=wgov] “It’s a shame, Stein. Lvneel was such a useful breeding ground for those Viking soldiers you’ve been sending me. They don’t break as easily as the other fodder.” [/npc] Sinclair arrogantly declared, being fed grapes on a bed of human backs.

“That’s just one of the many islands in our catalog, my liege. I didn’t quite calculate for Nox’s brat to become that strong. I was sure that when you abducted Karl's wife, he’d just sent him into hiding somewhere… but alas, it turned out he’d bite us all.” Stein snickered, tipping his top hat to offer an apology.

[npc=wgov] “The problems of commoners… I never quite understood. I’ll have my revenge, eventually. I heard word that the marines have sent a fleet after Nox in conjunction with the Bounty Hunter Association. Meanwhile… I’ll leave you one of my favorite playthings for your next plot. I do quite enjoy messing with the Three-Eye Brat.”  [/npc]

“Oh? What would that be?”

Snapping his fingers from the east end of the chamber, a three-eyed woman dressed in dingy white rags emerged with a dazed stare.

A wide grin filled out Stein’s face from ear to ear.

“Excellent. I can set up a show you’ll never forget. After all, I lost quite a few of my ‘babies’ as well.” Stein ominously alluded.

[npc=wgov] “Do with her as you may. I think I broke her with our last game. She hasn’t spoken in months… all it’s been doing is staring off into space with a stupid blank stare. No screams moans… Devoid of all emotion. Usually, I dispose of them when they break but with recent events… I found a use for her. Surely, you will too.”  [/npc]

The dandy man simply bowed, tipping his hat once more. Slamming his cane against the floor, a minion emerged from the shadows to pick up the broken woman, a grotesque monster that tossed her over its shoulder.

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Meanwhile on Lvneel

Sitting by her study desk, Annabelle began to write a letter to send to Nox. Face flushed red in embarrassment as she titled the letter, ‘Dear Husband’, the young woman wasn’t quite sure if that sounded too formal or too mushy.

“Things have been going well on Lvneel. Though every day comes with its problems… The people are excited about a new change.

Well. The common folk at least, many of the nobles have been lobbying in court to have us go under the World Government’s banner after losing the Montblanc Bloodline.

However, Lvneel will follow its tradition as it has for centuries. Staying away from the World Government’s clutches.” Annabelle wrote.

“I miss you. It’s strange. We’ve only just met but I feel like I’ve known you forever. I often wish you could abandon your life of piracy and come home.” the woman confessed nervously.

“However, that’s not the reason I’m writing to you. Whenever you get this, since a child, I’ve had strange premonition dreams. I had one about you and I just wanted to share it with you.

It could mean nothing. Sometimes it’s just my imagination…. Other times… It’s strangely precise.

Beware of a woman with white hair and deep red eyes. She's an extremely dangerous character, Castor. I have no clue who or when you’ll meet… but whenever that happens… Associating with her will only bring you misfortune.

Also. I read about that slime Dax’s betrayal. I’m working on ousting his title as Duke but political law is hard to reverse and many see him as a Saint for his contributions before he left. However, I’ll find a way to put his influence to good use.”

Signing the letter, ‘Love Anna.’ The woman concluded her ominous letter and sealed it with the Lvneel Royal Seal.

---

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Staring at the paper with immense animosity, the young Viking sipped the stale ale disappointed.

“Fader! Come read this article! The Three Eyedman has seemed to lock his clutches on Lvneel.” Bjorn shouted intensely.

A loud wail erupted from the helm of the dinner table, tears flowing passionately from the Viking Captain’s eyes.

“Montblanc must be turning in his grave! I pray my foolish sons are wise enough to succeed in my legacy, unlike his twerp.” Ragnar belted dramatically, every inch of his arm grappled sensually by his score of chamber maidens.

“Oi! Shutta up Fader! Yer killing my ears. Gosh!” Freya shouted annoyed, sitting a few meters away from her father at the table. “We should’ve gone back out to sea ages ago, when Bjorn was still wetting his loincloth."

“Watch your focking tongue, Freya… Just because the brother’s gone tracking down our gold doesn’t give you the right to be talking so slack to me. I’m the First Mate in my Brother's absence. Put some respect on my name.” Bjorn mouthed off to his sister.

“You don’t have the balls or strength to call yer self number two pup. We can settle this right now if ya want-”

Slamming his glass onto the table, Ragnar silenced his seed.

“Enough. Lvneel is behind us. Rollo is waiting for us in the New World. Instead of scrapping amongst yourselves, you should be focused on how our gold ended up in that possum’s hands.” Ragnar retorted, tossing out a rancid blech to boot.

“Tch. Dax Morgan.” Freya scoffed.

“When I see Sanpaku next… I’ll stick my fooking knife up his pheasant arse.” Bjorn declared confidently.

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