[Episode] Under Control

The member 'Yumiko' has done the following action : Dice Roll

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'Reflex Check' : 12, 13, 17, 20

"And here are the former Big Top pirates, some of the new recruits under the program," Anton explained to the two inspectors behind him, gesturing to the small collection of pirates before him. After leaving the main headquarters, Anton had figured actually introducing the inspectors to some of the new recruits might help improve their disposition towards the program. He just had to make sure he introduced them to the right ones. The misfits would certainly rub them the wrong way. He had hoped to find the Centurians, but no such luck. Fortunately, he managed to come across Barnaby, along with Lane, Stromboli, and the mime girl he came to learn was called Miss Monochrome. "Ladies and gentlemen, these are Inspectors Closou and Darlington. They're here to oversee the program."

Barnaby gave the two inspectors a cordial smile, giving them a bow. "A pleasure to meet you." Closou gave the former pirate captain an incredulous look. A group of circus performers? These were the sort of people the Rear Admiral thought would be good marines? "From what I hear, you were the captain of the Big Top Pirates, correct? It must be hard, having to lose all of that power and being brought down to a mere seaman." Anton's eyes narrowed. He knew what the inspector was doing. Attempting to rile the former pirate up. Get him to act up.

Instead, the older man shrugged. "Not at all, really. The Rear Admiral has given me, and my crew, a whole new lease on life. And we cannot thank him enough for it." The other three nodded in agreement. Anton couldn't help but smile. Before the Davy Back Brawl, the Big Top Pirates had been effectively enslaved. Anton had given them their freedom back. He was sure he had mentioned that in his initial report, so he couldn't help but get some smug satisfaction in knowing that the inspector had either forgotten or missed that part. Closou, for his part, gave the former captain an incredulous look, "I see. Well, don't forget that you're in the marines now. We have rules and order here. You can't simply do whatever you like here." "I'm very much aware of that," Barnaby's smile never left his face. It seemed he was getting the same idea and wasn't going to give the inspector any satisfaction.

"Oi! Boss!"

Anton visibly flinched when he heard the voice. Of all of his new recruits, he had personally hoped that he wouldn't be here. All eyes turned as Greed, followed by Crash and Six Pestols approached them. Anton gave a small sigh. "Greed, we've been over this. Please refer to me as 'sir' or 'Rear Admiral'," he looked back to the inspectors, "This is Greed Nay, former captain of the Misfit Pirates." Closou gave a look of disdain for the Misfit pirate, "Hmm, now this is the typical riff raff I would expect from this sort of thing." Anton tried to hide the growing panic within him.

Please don't start a fight. Please don't start a fight!

"Yeah yeah, fuck you too," Greed replied, almost as if waving the inspector off as he looked back to Anton, "Remind me again, the Iron Urchins didn't join us, right?" Anton was stunned for a moment. The fact that Greed, nor the Misfits threw a punch was now convincing him that god actually existed. It took him a second to process what Green had said. "Erm, yes. The Iron Urchins turned down my offer, and are now in holding cells awaiting transport."

Greed nodded. "Yeah, thought this fucker was lyin'." Crash then shoved forward a man in a marine uniform. However, Anton soon quickly noticed the metal arm, along with the obvious cybernetics over his left eye. There was no denying that was one of the Iron Urchins. But then, what was he doing here?

Then Anton remembered something. What was it that Ryoichi said, about there being more pirates than what they brought? Suddenly that statement made a whole lot of sense. He recalled a number of the Iron Urchins had managed to escape capture before. And now, one of them was here, on the island, disguised as a marine.

Anton's expression darkened. Another issue that popped up today. Something he simply did. not. need. He stepped towards the undercover pirate. "Where are the rest of you?" He knew full well that there couldn't be just one of them.


Post Word Count: 739
Total Word Count: 3,776

"I am not your enemy, Yumiko."

But those seemed to be the famous last words before the seeming hell volume two broke loose at the end of the corridor. Yumiko, while initially seeming to be hesitant, did decide to raise her sword against Ryoichi, with a catchphrase he had heard before from her.

And to defend he did try to do. But there came Ryoichi's immediate downfall. He should have known that no matter what Yumiko does, she takes everything seriously... But he had hoped that she would not be that serious against a person she considers to be a friend. The first sign of no bullshittery was that of cutting the handcuffs.

The price had to be paid for his underestimating behavior, and the wind that surrounded Yumiko cut right into his flesh like the phantom blades they were, covering his white fur in dark red color on those cut spots. Lacking an immediate answer to Yumiko's attempts, he tried to throw a swift and precise jab that of befitting a champion at her to create some space between them.

Gritting his teeth to fight through the pain, he looked at Yumiko. Ryoichi was far from defeated. "I just want to talk to you, away from others." It's quite possible that at this point, his words did not reach her, if the poke of a sword was to indicate anything, piercing well into the left side of the rib, but not cutting too deep thankfully... But the pain certainly felt real, almost a tickle like in his ribs.

"I said stop."

In order to avoid any more senseless shedding of blood, Ryoichi tried to take a swift step closer to Yumiko. With his right fist drawn back, the left fist covering the left side of the face, he spread the distance between the legs enough to create enough of momentum to shoot forward a swift and powerful right straight punch, powerful enough that one should try and avoid it.

Upon a successful landing, it would be powerful enough to send Yumiko flying backward... Otherwise, there would simply be a whiff of wind leaving the spot where the punch should have landed. But Ryoichi was prepared in case of a failed punch. He would immediately try and grab a hold of Yumiko and lift her up, charging forward as he tries to bash through the wall of the building, possibly ending up outside together with her after the fall from the second floor, landing right in the snow.

[418/2577/5000]

COMBAT TRACKERS:

The member 'Ryoichi Ayugai' has done the following action : Dice Roll

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'Reflex Check' : 6, 11, 11

The member 'Yumiko' has done the following action : Dice Roll

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'Reflex Check' : 18, 16, 18, 11

Anton's eyes narrowed at the pirate's response. He figured that would be the case. His brief time around the Iron Urchins had shown them to be a highly loyal and close knit group. But now he had no doubt there were more of them here on the island. And judging by the uniform he was wearing, they were sneaking around in disguise. With these pieces of information, there wasn't hard to figure out what they were planning.

They were here to free their crewmates, down in the holding cells.

He looked to Greed and the Misfits. "Greed, take this one into custody. Cuff him and hold him somewhere." Greed nodded. "You got it bo-sir." Anton turned to Barnaby. "Barnaby, I need you to find Celia and fill her in on the situation. The Iron Urchins have infiltrated the island. They'll be wearing our uniforms, so keep an eye out for anyone who has cybernetics. Understood?" Barnaby saluted, "Yes sir!" He quickly turned to make his leave. Anton looked around at the rest of the gathered group. "The rest of you, spread out and search for anyone unusual in marine garb. Do not attempt to apprehend them alone."

As the reformed pirates nodded and scattered, Anton turned back towards the mansion, the two inspectors following behind him. "Well now," Inspector Closou spoke up, "It seems we'll get to see these new 'marines' of yours in action Rear Admiral." Anton shot a glare back at the inspector. "Inspector, with all due respect, now is NOT the time. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to make sure a certain, important prisoner is where they should be."


Sol let out a sigh of relief, now that she was nice and warm inside the main headquarters. The multiple layers of extra clothing had been shedded almost instantly, leaving her in her standard red dress. It felt so good to be able to move freely again. Lune, meanwhile, would have preferred to remain outside, but with the whole inspection going on, she figured it would be better of the two of them kept out of the way. Anton had enough on his plate as it was. "You think everything will be ok?" Lune asked. She had to admit, she was a little worried. If the inspection failed and the program was rejected, then that would make them, and the others all wanted men and women. And right now they were sitting in the middle of a marine base.

Sol gave her sister a reassuring smile. "It will be fine. Anton's delt with much worse, remember? And if things go sideways, I know he's got some sort of backup plan," she paused, remembering how nervous Anton had been these last few days, "I hope..."

The sisters paused when they heard something. Was that the sound of...fighting? No! There was to be no fighting today! Not when the inspectors could see it! The two rushed towards the sound. It seemed to be coming from close by. Hopefully they could put a stop to it soon. However, as the two came to the door and looked in, they saw just WHO was fighting.

"Oh..." "No..."

Word Count: 527
Total Word Count: 4,303

"Ugh."

Ryoichi groaned a bit as he crash-landed down into the fluffy snow, easing the pain a bit. The fall leads Ryoichi to roll to the side but regains his standing quite fast, first on his knees and then back up on his feet.

"That... Ought to stop this madness." Ryoichi mumbled to himself as he gathered himself, stretching his arms out, leaning and bending his back backward to let a couple of cracks echo from his body. What Ryoichi had hoped was nothing but wishful thinking.

Instead of a fight ending, it had only just started as he now had to face what from the shadow looked like an odd slender and yet giant furry creature, but in reality, was a white, roughly his human height sized human weasel hybrid, over which Ryoichi easily towered while in his hybrid form himself.

But the size was not an issue for weasels, they were still predatory creatures, despite their size compared to most meat-eating predators. Ryoichi did not have the time to keep 'admiring' what was in front of him. Yumiko who was now the weasel-human hybrid of a creature sent a crossed claw slash at him from point-blank range.

"Why won't you li...- Agh!"

The blood covered the snow below Ryoichi after the slash. He really had hoped his latest attacks had put some sense into her... But he was wrong. If he did not do anything, he would suffer a defeat... Or worse... Maybe death?

"Yumiko.. I am sorry... I cannot lose here... I am sorry..."

With the arms closing in to his body, the fists pointing up, covering the half of his face and the back hunched forward a bit, Ryoichi begun to weave on the spot, slowly picking up the speed as he then dashed forward while keeping up the same weaving motion.

He sent out a swift forward jab into Yumiko who seemed to eat it like a sponge... With the consistency of a tree at that. The jab did not keep her down. Instead, she got back up and followed with kicks of her own, accompanied by the same slicing winds. While Ryoichi may have had answers to the current physical attacks, the wind kept him on his toes by slicing and dicing into his body, leaving trails of blood around on the snowy fields.

But the weaving bear did not let it bother him, not yet... He had a job to finish and followed her with a swift left hook which seemed to attack Yumiko who still had the consistency of wood. "Tsk... Haki?"

As with the previous attempt to stop her, she did not stay down, and kept on playing with the wind she could create, sending gusts of it at Ryoichi.

It may have looked like this was the end. The snow blew all around where Ryoichi was just standing a moment ago... But just like the weasel, the bear did not go down just yet as he dashed out from the snow storm-covered area, trying to land a quick right straight punch into Yumiko's stomach to drop her down on her knees if possible.

"I AM NOT YOUR ENEMY AND YOU AREN'T MINE EITHER!"

[533/3110/5000]

COMBAT TRACKERS:

The member 'Ryoichi Ayugai' has done the following action : Dice Roll

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'Reflex Check' : 18, 15, 18

The member 'Yumiko' has done the following action : Dice Roll

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'Reflex Check' : 5, 13, 5

Anton quickly made his way towards the main building of the Marine's HQ, the two inspectors following in tow. Everything was starting to spiral out of control very quickly. Of all the days for this to happen too! Why couldn't this madness have waited until the very next day or something? It was taking Anton everything he had to try and keep the stress and anxiety bottled up, to keep it from showing on his face.

That, of course, cracked as he pushed through the gates into the main courtyard outside of the building. His eyes immediately snapped to see the one sight he did NOT want to see. Two of his top men fighting, out in the snow. Yumiko and Ryoichi, both in their hybrid forms, battling it out. Blood had already been splattered onto the snow around them. This was EXACTLY the kind of display Anton had wanted to avoid. But it seems fate had decided today was the day it was going to make Anton's life an absolute living hell.

His face twisted into an angry snarl as he started to move towards the fight. "Oh that's it! This has gone on far en-"

And then, suddenly, a wall exploded.

Anton spun around around, facing the massive dusk cloud. "Oh, what the hell is it no-YIPE!" Anton quickly dove to the side as suddenly a large chunk of debris suddenly shot out of the cloud, crashing into the wall behind him. The two inspectors scrambled for safety, suddenly finding themselves in a very, VERY dangerous place.

As the dust settled, a large, iron clad figure stepped out of hole in the wall, her eyes locked on the Rear Admiral. "Well...that was easy," rang a familiar voice from behind the helm. Anton let out a frustrated groan. "Of course. Of course YOU got out. Because not enough can go wrong today."

Frau Eiserne stepped forward, cracking her knuckles through the spiked gauntlets she wore. "We have score to settle bug man." Anton glanced over at the fight going on between his two subordinates before turning his harsh gaze back towards the Iron Maiden. "You know what? Fine. After today I have a lot of stress and frustration to let out. And it looks like you just volunteered." He rose to his feet, drawing his sword and slipping into a stance.

He was sick of everything going wrong today. Time to start trying to set things right again.


Post Word Count: 409
Total Word Count: 4,712

"What do you mean you cannot... Surrender? It is just routine questioning... Yumiko.." He was perfectly aware of how stubborn his comrade can be, it was not the first time when she had fixated on something... But to him, this felt odd... Nay, he felt this fight, it felt stupid at this point.

"Serving the enemy? What are you talking about? Blood has been needlessly spilled Yumiko. I cannot get to the bottom of this if you don't stop right now!" he could not help but respond to Yumiko who kept explaining her stance. One by one he began to put the puzzle pieces in the right spot, forming the finished picture.

There are more pirates than meets the eye, or as the strange talking penguin said... Could that really be it? He knew of the program Anton had launched... But are there real traitors among them? Did Yumiko get a whiff of it and start her own case... Perhaps she was mistaken? Ryoichi froze on the spot for a moment as the theories ran through his head, all until he could hear the last farewell.

"Huh?"

As he saw the claws of Yumiko crossed, he himself 'balled' up a bit as he brought the forearms close to his chest, hunching his back, the fists pointing up and covering half of his face, the elbows covering his stomach, he had entered the complete defensive stance. To aid his defense against the incoming Yumiko who seemed to have disappeared from the spot, his arms were covered in a black substance, using Bushoshoku Haki.

He could not see Yumiko or the attack... But he could feel the clash of claws against his haki-coated arms, even trying to push him back a bit. The wind gust lead the snow around him to be blown away, some even in his face... Quite possibly that was the reason he could not see her... Or she simply was that fast?

But not all was perfect defense on Ryoichi's part, the initial strike was strong, very strong, so strong in fact that it felt as if his Haki got broken through, which lead to a couple of other slices landing on his arms. Gritting his teeth through the pain, all he could do was try and endure, possibly building up his Haki once more.

As all good things, or bad in this case, come to an end... And so did Yumiko's assault. Her hopes were unfortunately met by disappointment. It was not enough for her to cut Ryoichi down... The final mercy as she called it was in fact too merciful.

A hand with claws pointing forward flew out of the gust of snow with Ryoichi following, aiming at the leg of Yumiko and trying to cut just enough to inflict damage and drop her down on her knee as Ryoichi's claws simply were not long enough. Upon a successful cut, Ryoichi would try and go for a swift K.O by trying to land a quick jab in between Yumiko's eyes to finally end this madness... Mayhaps this can be called Ryoichi's own version of Final mercy?

[520/3630/5000]

COMBAT TRACKERS:

The member 'Ryoichi Ayugai' has done the following action : Dice Roll

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'Reflex Check' : 6, 13, 15

It was, and is still, a common belief that everything big and heavily armored would always be on the slow side. However, Anton had enough experience out in the world to know that this was a complete and utter lie. And right now, there was no clearer example of this than Frau Eiserne, as the large armored woman suddenly charged towards Anton with a frightening burst of speed, throwing an iron covered fist right at him. Fortunately, speed was Anton's forte, as the man quickly leaped to the side, his form shifting into the human, grasshopper hybrid everyone was familiar with by now. He swung out with a leg, aiming to kick the pirate captain, only for her to bring an arm up to block it.

And I just HAD to leave my swords back in my office!

Frau swung a fist to counter attack, only for Anton to roll over the incoming attack, managing to kick her square in the face. The large pirate grunted, her head jerking back as she stepped back, before swinging both fists at Anton in a heavy hammer blow. Anton braced himself for the impact, being thrown backwards but managing to land on his feet. Frau cracked her neck from beneath her helmet, "Not bad," her voice echoed out, "But I felt bees sting harder!" She charged forward, bringing her fist down, only for it to crash into the snow as Anton lept out of the way. However, Frau wasn't going to stop, quickly turning in place to pursue the Rear Admiral.

"Then perhaps you'd prefer something that hits harder?"

Frau managed to quickly stop herself, jumping back just in time to avoid the massive form crashing down in front of her. A large mass of rippling muscle, topped of by the small head of an old man. Anton blinked in surprise. "Cisero?" Frau seemed equally surprised, before suddenly turning around, quickly jumping to avoid Greed, who came flying out of nowhere, guitar in hand like it was a battle axe. "Greed?" As she backed up, she quickly stopped and brought a leg up, to avoid a trio of throwing knives that hit the ground where she had been standing, curtesy of Barnaby. "Barnaby?"

Anton looked around, the three former pirate captains all here, surrounding Frau. "What are you three doing here?" Greed looked back at him, giving a cocky smile. "What's it look like we're doin'? We're helping out our capt'in of course."

Frau stood tall, looking around in surprise, a low growl coming from beneath her helmet. "You fools," she growled, "Why you help him? You could all run! All be free again! Why help this pathetic bug man?"

Barnaby stepped forward. "My dear, this 'pathetic bug man' as you call him, gave me and my crew their lives back. He could have thrown us all in chains and be done with it, but instead gave us a second chance at a life we all thought lost. I could never repay him for that. But this is a good start." "Indeed," Cisero added, "My men and I never chose this pirate life. We were soldiers first and foremost, discarded by a corrupt kingdom. Anton, he's given us a chance to help people again. Just as we originally wanted." Greed looked at everyone before giving a small shrug. "Honestly, I just like the guy."

Anton took a step towards Frau. "Frau, I understand why you hate the marines. I read the reports regarding your crew, and to be honest, I don't entirely believe them. I know something bad happened to you all, and I'm sorry for that. But we don't have to fight. We don't have to make things worse than they already are. Please, stand down Frau Eiserne."

Frau was quiet for a moment, looking around at the four men surrounding him, trying to process everything. She trembled as he fists clenched tightly. "Fools...Damn, idiotic FOOLS!"


Post Word Count: 654
Total Word Count: 5,366

Money was exchanging hands among the spectators. Some cheered... Some kicked an imaginary can. The loss for the was bitter... But for Ryoichi, the win was the bitter part of it all. Where did it all go wrong that it had to come to this?

Ryoichi who had shifted back into his human form rushed over to Yumiko. It was unfortunate, but as his hands moved towards her, some blood dripped onto her, staining her. Many things rushed through his head as he looked at his unconscious comrade of his.

'What have I done?' 'Why did it come to this?' 'Could I have avoided it?' I need to get help for her.' Fortunately for Yumiko and Ryoichi both, the last option was the dominant one... But close were the other thoughts to overclouding the right choice. Grief is a powerful weapon... But not today.

Ryoichi picked Yumiko up to carry her in both of his arms, moving her off the snow and back inside. He kicked the door open with his foot and moved immediately towards the hospital wing of their settlement.

The door into the hospital wing was open and for a good reason. The remaining injured kept coming, being carried to their beds using the stretchers. Fortunately, for a big settlement, the hospital was also big, and there were beds for every one of Yumiko's victims... As well as Yumiko herself.

For her own safety, and possibly for others, Ryoichi took her to the furthest available bed, placing her down gently, and afterward drag a bed closer to hers and sit down on it as well... Awaiting for a medic, or even doctor Black himself to come and tend to their wounds.

"Several questions will be asked... And a lot of thoughts exchanged." Ryoichi mumbled, as he was waiting for help. He knew what had happened... What the order was... But why was the order given out in the first place? Is it all really tied to what that mysterious Penguin said?

[334/3964/5000]

As Frau charged towards them, body coated completely black from haki, Anton, Barnaby and Greed dove to the side, as Cisero braced himself with a grin. A dark coating covered his own arms and torso as he readed to take her attack head on. The two giant warriors collided into eachother, Cisero being pushed back, but managing to stay on his feet as the two of them grappled against eachother.

Barnaby quickly drew some knives, hurling them towards Frau's feet. The former kommadant gave a grunt as the knives hit, bouncing off of her reinforced armor. At the same time, Greed came at them from the side, swinging his guitar at her head. Sheer grit kept Frau from staggering, pulling an arm back to swing at Greed, who nimbly dodged out of the way. Heaving in fury, she then swung the fist forward, catching the bulked up Cicero in the stomach. The old pirate captain grunted from the blow, managing to stand his ground and taking the opportunity to grab a hold of her.

Frau snarled from behind her helmet. These three idiots were getting in her way. After all, at the end of the day, it was the Rear Admiral she wanted to beat into the floor. To her, the man was a walking embodiment of the trechery she and her crew had endured. She knew that behind that kind smile and gentle words, he was just another heartless marine, willing to do anything for power.

Yet, as she tried to spot him, she saw no sign of him. The Rear Admiral had disappeared. She gave a hiss of disgust. "You all fight for him, yet he flee first chance he get!" Cisero gave a small chuckle. "Flee? Oh my dear woman, you should probably look up."

Frau blinked and then slowly looked up. It was hard to see, but she could see him there. Anton hadn't run away from the fight. No, the marine had instead jumped straight upwards, going up high into the sky above them. And now, the Rear Admiral was coming down towards her. Anton shot down like an incoming meteor, his body coating itself in Armament Haki. The pirate captains had merely provided a distraction to give him a running start!

Frau growled in anger, shoving Cisero back as she looked up, ready to take him head on. The old pirate's body shrank back down to his own, shrivelled form, as he and the other two captains jumped clear. The former kommadant of the Iron Urchin pirates let out a yell of defiance as she swung a punch at Anton.

Everything then seemed to slow down. At least, it did for the two fighting. For everyone else, it all happened so fast.

Anton crashed into Frau feet first, the impact sending her crashing into the ground. A split second later, there was a brief flash, as Frau almost felt a second impact, cracking the heavy armor she was. Then, just a second later, the third and final impact hit. The sonic boom that followed Anton down cratered the ground around them, the force of the blow smashing the haki-infused armor.

Frau couldn't believe it. He was just a scrawny little bug man. A pitiful noble wannabe who his behind his men. How could someone like that hold such strength? Fortunately, he didn't have time to dwell on her shock and surprise, before she drifted into unconsciousness.

Anton stood atop of the fallen pirate captain, panting heavily. Honestly, that attack had worked better than he had expected. While her second in command had most likely gotten away, at the very least he prevented Frau from escaping. He looked at the three captains who were standing by, watching them. "Someone, take her back to her cell, would you?"

As Barnaby and Greed moved to pick up the unconscious Frau, the two inspectors, who had wisely stayed back during all of this, now approached. "Well, I must say that was a fine display," Closou spoke up, "I do say, the marines could use more men like you. Not this pirate riff-raff you're so intent on helping. I dare say this whole affair could have been avoided were it not for their presence here." Greed, Barnaby and Cisero shot the inspector a very dirty look. After all of that, this pointy nosed bastard was still going to run his mouth.

"Actually, I must disagree with you." Everyone paused, before looking over at Inspector Darling. The man had been completely silent up to this point. "From what I've seen, these former pirates have proven quite dependable. A little rough around the edges, yes, but they've been shown to be willing to follow orders, and even to assist you in combat without being prompted. I'm not sure how you managed to win such loyalty out of them Mr. La'croix, but I must say I'm impressed." Closou blinked in surprise before giving a small snort, "Dependable indeed. When they're not too busy fighting eachother."

Anton's eyes narrowed. He knew who Closou was referring to. However, Darling interjected before he could say anything. "I think you'll find, my friend, that those two we saw fighting earlier were in fact Marines. Isn't that right Mr. La'croix?" "What!?" Anton gave a grim nod, "Petty Officers Yumiko and Ryoichi sir." He hated having to rat them out like this, but he couldn't let everything he had built up to this point be put into jeopardy. Darling nodded. "Ah yes. The woman from Wano. I do recall seeing reports about that woman from previous commanders. Indeed, it is a bit of an embarrassment when former pirates prove more capable than our marines. Rest assured, Mr La'croix, that this will all be featured in our report."

Closou still looked uncertain, but let out a frustrated sigh. "If that is the case, then I cannot refute Darling's words. The man does have a keen eye for this sort of thing. I still don't trust this program of yours, but it's hard to argue with results. I just hope our trust won't be misplaced Mr La'croix. It will be a great disappointment."

Anton nodded. "Thank you sir. Both of you." Had he actually managed to pull it off? Despite everything that happened today, he had managed to save the program? Right now, exhaustion was keeping him from bouncing up and down with joy. Exhaustion, and one other matter in mind that he needed to take care of.

He needed to have a talk with Ryoichi and Yumiko, once they recovered.


Post Word Count: 1,091
Total Word Count: 6,457

With the head hanging forward and the eyes open, Ryoichi was sitting down. The open eyes were fixated on the fist that had struck the last blow. The bystanders could notice that there was something off. Ryoichi did not seem like Ryoichi himself. He had lived through many fights... But none had ended with his fist shaking.

"I never... Meant to..."

Ryoichi's low mumble to self was interrupted by an approaching medic. "Things have gotten under control. We can take care of you now." 'accompanying' the medic was the cart full of medical equipment. Out of the two, medics had a keen interest to tend to Ryoichi first... Which Ryoichi 'politely refused'

"What are you doing? Tend to her first. She might have broken bones... Nose... Possible concussion."

"B...But... Petty Officer Ayugai. You... You are bleeding all over... And she... She"

"She what?" Ryoichi glanced over at the medic who then took a step back to go to the nearest available marine officer to whisper something to him. Moments later, a familiar sound entered Ryoichi's ears, that of sea stone cuffs clinging.

"What do you think you are doing, Lieutenant?"

"For the safety of us all around here, we have to cuff her before we can tend to her."

"She does not need to be cuffed. I am here."

"I ask you to stand down, Petty Officer Ayugai. That's an order. Petty Officer Yumiko is to be cuffed."

At this point, a lot had happened... And with each passing moment, the agitation kept creeping up to Ryoichi. "And I said she does not need to be cuffed. This entire ordeal started with someone giving orders to capture her."

But the Lieutenant would not have it. He decided to carry out the act of 'justice' and did not stop with even Ryoichi standing in between. "Last warning. I will have to arrest you for being a suspected accomplice."

"And I said... I am enough." Agitated Ryoichi stood up from the bench and stared into the eyes of the Lieutenant. In the brief moment of staring, the emotions within Ryoichi got the better of him, and it felt as if a burst of emotions left Ryoichi, sending waves across the base... Some would recognize this mass burst of emotions full of willpower to protect... And most, especially in the very medbay they were in, would collapse at the sight of it.

This ordeal lead those capable to call in the head of the medbay, which was none other than the good Doctor Black. "What happened here?" the doctor asked around from those who had either regained consciousness or had not collapsed.

"H...He... He" the few fingers pointed in direction of Ryoichi and Yumiko. The 'culprits' of the incident were found, and the doctor made his way toward them. "Was it you?"

Ryoichi who had retaken the seat was looking at Yumiko. "I don't know what you are talking about... But please, tend to her and then just patch me up... This big misunderstanding needs to be... Solved."

Compared to the medics and Lieutenant who did not know better, the Doctor could make his own conclusion of the situation, and nodded to Ryoichi's request, taking as much time as he needed on both Yumiko, and Ryoichi.

[543/4507/5000]

Anton was tired. Very tired.

Today had been a complete disaster. Everything Anton had been trying to build up these last few days almost went up in smoke, and it was only by some miracle that they had come through on the other side intact. Granted, by this point in his career, Anton almost EXPECTED something to go wrong with everything he did, but it was still physically and emotionally draining by the end of the day.

After the whole incident with Frau, Anton had returned to his office, going over the paperwork. He made sure the two inspectors were safely escorted back to their ship and on their way back to headquarters with their report, while the former captain of the Iron Urchins was returned to her cell. They hadn't managed to find any other infiltrators, with a thorough search of the island turning up empty. It was safe to assume by this point that they had decided to withdraw, which was perfectly fine by Anton. Enough had happened today and he just wanted it to be over.

However, there was still one last thing he needed to take care of. He needed to fill in Yumiko and Ryoichi on what had happened. No doubt there would be a lot of questions about it, and hopefully these last couple of hours gave everyone enough time to calm down. Still, it was a conversation he was dreading. Everything had just gone so wrong so fast.

Celia was in his office with him, going over the paperwork and reports, when there was a knock at the door. "Enter." The door slowly opened before a seaman poked his head in. "Sir? Um, you wanted us to inform you when she woke up." Anton gave a small nod, already knowing who 'she' was. "Good. Have her and Ryoichi report to my office." The seaman nodded. "Um, just to let you know sir, she, um, she won't be cuffed. Petty Officer Ryoichi prohibited us from doing so."

Anton quietly looked at the seaman in the doorway. "Is she being violent in any way?" "Um, no sir. She's been relatively passive." "Then there's no need for the cuffs. Thank you." Truth be told, he only wanted the restraints if she was going to get violent, and even then it caused his stomach to turn thinking that he had to resort to that. The seamen nodded, retreated back behind the door as it closed.

Anton sat back in his seat, letting out a tired sigh. This was not going to be fun, he just knew it.


Post Word Count: 430
Total Word Count: 6,887

Compared to Yumiko, Ryoichi's 'patching up' took only at most twenty minutes. This left the man plenty of time to do some investigation of his own while Yumiko was recovering. Lucky for the man, he did not have to leave the medbay, after all, most of the informants got sent to the same place where he and Yumiko were.

"Apprehend Yumiko at all cost."

"Arrest Yumiko, don't let any collateral damage to happen."

"Rear Admiral sir... Ordered us to arrest Yumiko."

"Yumiko said there were pirates here, and then we were ordered to arrest her."

The story kept repeating, it was all the same, just sentences were formed with different words used. And it all lead to one conclusion. "Rear Admiral ordered Yumiko to be arrested and not let any collateral damage to happen." Ryoichi mumbled to himself as he tried to conclude the situation.

"But... Why?" was the question in Ryoichi's mind that only the Rear Admiral himself could answer. Then there was also that nagging voice in the back of his head... What the penguin said. There was more of someone... Was it the pirates... One of the injured marines who Ryoichi questioned did mention Yumiko saying there were pirates... But Ryoichi knew that!

The Rear Admiral's new redemption program had caused quite a mess in Ryoichi's eyes, and even more so for Yumiko. It did not take long until Ryoichi's thoughts on what the strange penguin has said had been put to rest as the message and news were delivered to him by none other than Celia.

The message was to report to the Rear Admiral, he and Yumiko both... But the news confirmed there really had been more pirates, infiltrating ones trying to free their comrades. Truly a pain in the backside that one. Ryoichi could not help but let out a heavy sigh. "Let him know we'll come once Yumiko is feeling better, thank you."

Celia nodded and left the busy medbay. Ryoichi however returned to sit down on the chair right next to Yumiko's bed, waiting for her regain consciousness, which thankfully happened in a couple of hours. The man was not that good at expressing it, but he grabbed her hand and looked into her eyes. "I am glad you woke up so fast."

With his head bowing deeply down as he was 'facing' Yumiko, he apologized to her. "I have put you through pain, it is unforgivable to hurt my comrade like this. I apologize. I am sorry I did not listen to you or try to understand you better. We would not be here like this if I had done so."

He let Yumiko speak what ever she wanted to say before he explained to her that he had gotten the hang of the bigger picture of the very situation. "I know now what happened... And I promise you Anton will hear a piece of my mind on this very matter. We are expected to his office."

Once Yumiko was ready to move, so would Ryoichi. Without cuffing her or anything, he trusted her to follow him to their boss's office peacefully. It was time to put a matter to rest.

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