[Saga] [Part 4] Black as Tar

Round 5:

Ryoichi:

[MT] Weaving on Himself
[LT] Left hook on Horde of pirates
[LT] Rotating jab on Horde of pirates
[UT] on Horde of pirates

Horde of pirates:

[MT] on Ryoichi
[LT] on Ryoichi
[LT] on Ryoichi
[UT] on Ryoichi

COMBAT TRACKERS:

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

---

#1 'Reflex Check' : 13, 1, 9

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

#2 'Reflex Check' : 8, 6, 3, 6

Round 6:

Ryoichi:

[HT] Bear Bite on Horde of pirates
[LT] Champions jabs on Horde of pirates
[UT] on Horde of pirates

Horde of pirates:

[AoE] on Ryoichi
[UT] on Ryoichi

COMBAT TRACKERS:

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

---

#1 'Reflex Check' : 18, 10, 13

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

#2 'Reflex Check' : 20, 6

"No, no.. Not sweep..." Ryoichi let out a soft sigh, "A blunt weapon is what you need if you do not wish to cut someone." he tried to explain to Yumiko while holding onto his head with one hand, feeling sharp pain... As if the man was hung over from a really rough party.

But his mind at least was put at ease when he saw Yumiko grab a hold of the snapped broomstick and decide to use it... At least in some way. The trip to the 'battlefield' was not a long one, at this point, a big bunch of the mindless 'creatures' had arrived on the upper open deck.

Those who have not yet been affected were off fighting all over the island, the ship where Ryoichi and the rest of the crew were staying was not in the worst of shapes yet, all things considered. But that situation probably will soon change with the horde that keeps coming up the ramp on the very ship.

"I have to... Get to that ramp."

But to get to it, they had to focus on clearing the path. Luckily, where he was standing, he was not alone. Yumiko was next to him, and even one of the pirates they had chosen from the fights, Nero, was there with them, even the sorceresses found their way back.

To give Yumiko a chance to gather her power, he and the group gave all they could to fend off enough of the enemies to give her the space she needed... And it was all worth it in the end. Her sweep was especially what he needed to clear the path to the ramp.

"I'll cut the route!"

Ryoichi rushed through the cleared path, punching a couple of the mindless hordes off. The fingers dug between the ramp and the ship. "Ngh!" the arms were shaking a bit, but also the muscles of it kept pumping up as Ryoichi tried to lift the crowd-filled ramp up and flip it over.

The lifting process lead some of the crowd to fall off the ramp into the sea, but many remained, and the horde kept gathering behind him. The arms began to slowly wrap around him, one by one. Some of the hordes that were still on the ramp flailed their arms at Ryoichi's head, trying to damage him, which they did... But he could not give up cutting the cord that kept feeding the ship with them.

"This."

"Is not...NGH!"

The horde had buried Ryoichi underneath them. Were all the efforts of his comrades for nothing? Were Ryoichi's efforts for nothing?

"THIS IS NOT THE END!"

The growling voice roared out. It seemed as if a balloon was being filled up and popping with the horde of mindless 'creatures' flying off of him. A massive creature had his claws between the ramp and the ship. It was Ryoichi who emerged from under the horde in his full zoan form. The ramp was flipped with extreme ease.

"TIME TO CLEAN THE SHIP!"

[506/3726/27 226]

Sol was about to follow Lune inside when she was stopped by the weasel woman. At first she had expected her to try and stop her, but then her words gave her pause. Was...was she going to help her?

The answer turned out to be a resounding yes, as she suddenly shot down the hall like a blur, a surprised yelp coming from Lune as she shot past. After a brief moment of silence, the horde of controlled people slumped to the floor like puppets with their strings cut. Both sister stared at the display for a moment, before realizing what they were supposed to be doing. "Oh...um...thank you." Sol stammered, before both sisters sprang into a run, heading into the depths of the ship.

If Anton had his swords stashed anywhere, it was in his room. The two dashed into the room, looking around quickly. They hadn't seen where Anton had put them. In fact, they hadn't seen them the entire time they were here. But they were in a hurry. Where else could he possibly have them? The two sisters immediately started tearing the room apart, clothes and other belongings flying everywhere as they searched the room for them.

"Got one!" Lune yelled out, pulling out the Conjoined, only for the two blades to come apart in her hand. The chilly woman stared at them for a moment before giving a shocked yell. "You idiot! You broke it!" Sol yelled out. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! It just came apart in my ha-" she slapped the two halves together with a click and paused, "Oh...they can split into two...That's cool!" She hadn't seen that when they first met.

Sol sighed in relief, before finding Anton's greatsword, "Come on sis, we have to get these to Anton immediately!" Lune's expression turned serious. "Right!"


Anton jumped back as a large first formed of tar crashed into the ground where he had just been. Anton attemped to lunge back and kick at the massive hand, only to see Loko pulling his arm back, the fist breaking free from the wrist before Anton's leg made contact. All he was kicking then was a large ball of tar. Dammit! He's disconnecting himself from the the tar before I can kick it! The only thing Anton was getting out of this was tar stuck to his leg. His body shook rapidly, trying to dislodge it before he leaped back to avoid another onslaught of attacks, long black tendrils spiking into the ground over and over again.

Up above, Loko gave a twisted cackle. He had formed long, spindly legs out of tar along his back, walking along like some demonic spider, as he continued to rain attacks down from above. "What's wrong La'croix? You seem to be having trouble? Where'd all that heroic spunk of yours go?" Anton lept to the side as another attack hit the ground. This was becoming a problem. Not only was he being kept on the offensive, but each attack left a puddle of tar on the ground. The amount of clear footing was starting to become scarce.

He down for one of the spindley legs holding Loko up, only for it to suddenly stretch out of the way like a noodle. "Oooh, so close!" The leg suddenly snapped back into place, catching Anton in the side and knocking him back. Loko laughed, "Can't you see how pointless this all is? No matter how far you go, no matter how hard you fight, you'll never be able to save them." His grin widened, "Wouldn't it just be easier to submit? To let someone else do the thinking for you? It would all be so easy."

Anton slowly pulled himself to his feet. "You know something? There was a time long ago when I would have agreed with you." Indeed there would be. Anton merely followed orders. He followed what others told him to do. His parents for going into the marines, his superiors giving orders. He didn't like it, but it was easier than going against them. And if he could avoid doing something, he would. Why stick his neck out?

Then he remembered a time in Loguetown. He was supposed to be taking the time off. Relaxing. Not doing anything. Instead, he had found himself willingly jumping in the line of fire, to protect two very beautiful women.

"But now? Now I just want to shut you up and kick your ass!" Anton suddenly kicked off the ground, shooting right at Loko. Loko shifted his body to try and avoid the attack, for Anton to suddenly kick off the air behind him and quickly turn, haki covering his legs. Loko looked back in surprise before suddenly taking the attack square in the back. The clown let out a surprised yell as he shot towards the ground, hitting it with a 'splat'!

A deep chuckle came from the puddle of black tar. "Not bad. Good to see there's still some fight in you." Suddenly, a spear of tar shot out towards Anton, hoping to spike him in the air. Anton managed to kick off the air fast enough, the attack shooting past. Loko, meanwhile, took the opportunity to slip underneath a nearby food stall, "But don't think that would work twice!"

Suddenly, there was a burst of tar as the stall was launched into the air like a missile. The attack caught Anton by surprised as he was smacked out of the air.


Post Word Count: 919
Total Word Count: 6,202

With the five-meter-tall bear on one edge of the ship, the weight obviously began to tilt the ship a bit to one side... But it wouldn't be a proper big ship if it was affected by one slightly heavy bear. Ryoichi swung his arm towards the horde to sweep some of them away.

"We'll get this ship off the dock!"

The enemy lines were cut off, but some of the stubborn ones kept finding ways on it... Some with desperate high jump, some clinging onto the ship with their life and use micro nooks and crannies to keep climbing up... But the biggest evildoer in that aspect was what still kept the ship at bay... The anchor.

Reeling the heavy piece of metal holding them back is what can fulfill Ryoichi's plan, but that will only do as much as get the ship to float off the bay... Or into the bay, depending on how the waves go. But the crew was scarce, and to get the ship off the dock required at least a dozen of active people... Luckily for them, Doc Black and Lady Amazon Melanie had found their way to the upper deck party.

With a growling voice, Ryoichi let an order echo out. "I'll deal with the anchor! Yumiko! Cut the ropes to let the sails drop down! Melanie, grab the wheel! Doc, help the less capable!"

With the orders handed, Ryoichi moved towards the massive winch that was to be operated by four people. For now, it seemed like it was just Ryoichi left to do it. He got to it and began to lift the anchor from the water with fair ease, but it went even faster now that Nero also showed up to help Ryoichi... He had completely forgotten about the pirates who they had employed.

Melanie got to her position as well, grabbing a hold of the wheel that steered the ship, occasionally even kicking a few of the approaching horde members away... That now left only one to finish the main task... To get the ship away from the bay faster. This responsibility was all laying on Yumiko's shoulders now.

[359/4088/27 585]

Anton grunted as his body was sent crashing through another stall, bouncing along the ground as he slid to a stop. He quickly shook his head, regaining his senses just in time to see a massive fist of tar flying at him. He swung out a leg, meeting the attack head on, but the sheer force behind the blow sent the Rear Admiral flying backwards, crashing into another wall.

Loko let out a twisted, cackling laugh, bouncing towards him like some sort of deranged cartoon character. "You know, it's been a long time since I got a good work out like this! Been a while since I had to actually beat someone into submission! Oh, the whole tar puppeteering things works much easier, but sometimes there's just nothing like doing things the old fashioned way!" He stretched out a hand, grabbing a large crate before launching at the disoriented Anton. The marine didn't get a chance to move before the flying box crashed into him, slamming him back against the wall.

Loko stalked towards him as Anton slumped to the ground, "But, unfortunately, all things have to come to an end," he raised an arm, the limb splitting off into a mass of black tendrils, "So, let's finish this, shall we? Just give in. It wont hurt...much." Before he reached out to him, he paused. He could hear something. A sound quickly approaching. Was that...screaming?

Suddenly, two forms crashed down nearby. Both Loko, and the battered Anton, looked over to see two familiar, female forms laying in a heap. "Owwww, why'd that weasel lady have to throw us? We can walk you know!" "Lune, I agree, but right now just get off of me!"

Anton grunted, trying to pull himself upright. "Lune...? Sol...? What are you doing here?" The two girls managed to get to their feet, all eyes on the rather beaten up grasshopper man. "Anty!" Lune yelled out, holding up one of Anton's swords, "We got your swords for you! There's no way in heck we're letting you fight him unarmed!" "That's right!" Sol interjected, "We don't care what you told us to do, we're not leaving you!"

Anton blinked, honestly surprised as Loko laughed. "Aw, now isn't that sweet? But you really should have listened to his advice!" He swung out, his hands growing in size and his arms stretching as he threw them at the pair. Lune and Sol quickly threw the swords in Anton's direction, before throwing balls of fire and cold at the incoming fists. Loko's grin widened as suddenly those fists disconnected from his arms, turning into a pair of projectiles, frozen and set on fire by the two sisters, but not enough to stop their momentum. The two yelled out as they were thrown off of their feet. A couple of extra blobs of tar launched at them pinned them to the ground before they could get up.

"You two thought I forgot about your little tricks?" Loko cackled, his arms stretching out and his hands twisting into long, viscious claws, "Still, that little hot and cold act of yours will just get in the way. So let's wipe away the peanut gallery and get back to the main event, shall we?" He laughed like a lunatic as he got brought his arms bag, ready to deliver the blow.

Suddenly, there was a sharp sound and the laughter stopped. Everything seemed to go still for a moment.

And then, Loko's arms fell to the floor, no longer attached to their body.

"MY ARMS! OHMYGODOHMYGODOHMYGODOHMYGODMYAAAAARRRMMS!" Loko shrieked, his eyes wide and looking between his two shoulders where his arms used to be. Blood sprayed onto the floor before tar formed from his body, closing up the wounds. Behind him, Anton stood with his two swords in hand, glaring at the now frantic clown. "Not much of a monster if you let yourself get distracted that easily," he said coldly, "Unless you forgot how haki works."

Loko's face was twisted in pain and rage. Normally, as a logia user, getting parts of him chopped off wouldn't be a matter. He could simply regenerate. But that had been a haki-infused strike. Those were his actual arms laying there. Sure, he could create copies from his tar, but the fact that something like that actually happened to him was a major blow to his ego. His eyes were bulging out in fury. "This can't be happening! Not to me! Not by you!" He threw his head back and shrieked in rage. "That's it! To hell with this island! To hell with these damn useless slaves! Now I just want you dead!"

What happened next could be felt all over the island. Tar was being pulled from every which way. Those under Loko's control felt the tar suddenly being pulled from their bodies, collapsing to the floor as the black ooze was drawn all towards the enraged clown. The Big Top pirates soon found their bodies freed, watching on towards the center of the island.

The tar all began to collect around Loko, as more was generated from his very body. Anton jumped towards Lune and Sol, pulling them away as Loko's body was engulfed by the growing mass of black. The three could only watch as the blob grew, taking shape into the form of a giant colossus of tar, one visible across the whole island. The giant's face morphed into a replica of Loko's hateful expression. Black eyes looking down at the Rear Admiral.

"I'll reduce you and this entire island into a black, drowned ruin, ANTON LA'CROIX!"


Post Word Count: 943
Total Word Count: 7,145

While on the surface it may have looked like Ryoichi was all okay... Except for a couple of battle wounds and bandages that have loosened up a bit or want to be ripped apart... On the inside, his heart was racing. It all would be under control, if only he had stayed in the bed... But would Ryoichi still exist if he had stayed there?

The massive polar bear dropped onto his knee with the paw moving over to where his heart is, pinching the fur, and gritting his teeth. The sharp pain as if a knife had thorn through his heart spread across his whole body, sending shivers down his spine.

"Ngh!"

He was not the only one losing his form to an 'internal' struggle. Ryoichi was shrinking down until there was left nothing else but a buff man dripping with sweat.

"Nero! Take care of what's left on the ship of the mind controlled! Melanie, keep us close enough to the bay! We still got the captain to fetch!" Doc Black was talking with a very deep-toned squeaky voice through his plague mask, all the while flicking the needle of the syringe that had liquid in it...

Destination of the liquid?

Ryoichi's veins. The doctor had seen symptoms and dedicated his life to studying medicine... And had managed to just in time create the antidote that he had used earlier, but it seems like it was not enough, clearly.

The doctor pushed Ryoichi down on his back and immediately went for the veins on his arms to inject and let the antidote flow through Ryoichi's veins.

"That should do it. Stay down, and let the antidote do its work."

But the good doctor's work was not over. He had plenty of people to tend to, his main comrades first, but those who are still on the ship instead of floating on the sea also got the treatment... Eventually.

[320/4408/27 905]

Anton had fought many things up to this point. Brutish pirates, assassins, even a sea king. But right now, none of those things were more terrifying than the collosal tar giant before him. The sheer hatred, the sheer evil radiating off of him was more than anything Anton had ever faced before. It chilled him to the bone.

But, well, it wasn't like he could back out now. He knew he simply couldn't turn and run, despite every fiber of his being screaming at him to do so. No, if he didn't stop him here, countless people were going to suffer. He had already committed to this the moment he swung the first kick at him.

Loko reared up a black arm. "Move!" Anton yelled out, grabbing Lune and Sol and quickly jumping away at top speed. The giant's came crashing down, smashing the stalls and a chunk of the nearby building. Anton managed to land safely on a nearby rooftop, watching as Loko pulled his arm back, leaving a large, murky pool of tar in his wake. Ok, definitely don't want to step into that. As Loko turned towards them, Anton quickly jumped back, firing off a sonic blast from his legs right at the giant's head. The attack hit head on with a burst, only for the head to reform like nothing happened. Loko's face split into a horrific, distorted grin. Anton sighed. "Of COURSE that doesn't work."

He glanced back briefly at Lune and Sol. He needed to move away from them, lest they be caught in the crossfire. Quickly, he lept towards the giant, kicking off the air at high speed. Loko tried to grab him, but the agile grasshopper managing to get under his arm, swinging his sword to slash him in the side.

All momentum immediately halted as his sword stuck into the black mass. Anton's body jerked back as he managed to keep a hold of his sword. As he tried to pull his sword free, the tar that made up the giant's body reached out, grabbing hold of his arm. "What's wrong?" snarled Loko, his face suddenly emerging from the mass in front of Anton, "Think it'll be that easy because I'm bigger?" Anton mentally cursed. He should have known. Loko was merely controlling the tar giant like a puppet, not actually making himself large!

The giant's hand reached down, grabbing hold of Anton and pulling him away, holding him in a tight grip as the large, twisted face leaned with a sickening grin. "First, I'm going to drown you like the miserable marine dog you are. Then, I'm going to beat those little tarts of yours to death with your corpse!" Anton tried to struggle out of the massive fist, the tar starting to overwhelm him.

"Hey! Who are you calling a tart?" Suddenly, Anton felt cold as the black ooze around him suddenly hardened. Loko's smile faded as he watched his fist suddenly freeze over, slowly looking over to see Lune and Sol glaring up at him. "Again with the damn interference! Ok, change of plans! I'll kill you both and MAKE HIM WATCH!" Loko's giant lashed out with its remaining arm, aiming to crush the two sisters. As the large fist closed in, Sol took a deep breath, letting out a breath of flame right at his fist, just before Lune tackled her to the side. The fist smashed into roof they had been standing on, taking out a chunk of the building, but Sol's flame breath had done the job.

Loko's eyes widened as the flames climbed up his arm, the giant quickly pulling back as the limb disconnected from the main body. "Damn, miserable firebug!" Loko snarled, before suddenly there was a loud shriek, and the giant's frozen fist shattered, freeing Anton. As the rear admiral fell towards the pool of tar below, Lune quickly through a ball of cold down at the black ooze, freezing it and giving Anton a safe place to land. "Thanks Lune!" The musical ice girl grinned happily.

Loko snarled, looking down at them as the giant's arms started to reform. "You think that's going to stop me!? I can keep growing parts back as much as I need! I'll drawn this entire island in tar, and you along with it!" Anton slowly looked up at the giant. "Well then, we'll just have burn it all away, wont we? Sol!"

Sol didn't need to be told twice. She let out a yell as fireballs starting forming in her hands, throwing them at the base of the giant. Like a bonfire, the tar making it up began to ignite, climbing up its body. Loko's eyes widened in horror as the giant's body began to stretch, rising up higher and higher in an attempt to outrun the flames climbing up its body.

Anton then kicked off of the ground, jumping straight up into the air. The humanoid grasshopper lept higher and higher, trying to keep up.

That giant may be just a puppet, but I'm sure he doesn't want to burn up in it!

As both giant and marine both climbed higher and higher into the sky, the flames soon caught up to the giant's head, engulfing it in flame. Anton watched as a small form burst out of the top of it.

There you are!

Loko snarled as he looked down at his collapsing giant, his face twisted in blind fury. It was like watching everything he built up going up in flames. He was going to kill them! He was going to kill them all! As painfully as he possibly could!

Something suddenly shot past him, forcing him to look up. Up above him, Anton looked down at the psychotic clown, blades at the ready, almost like an avenging angel. And...were those wings?

Loko let out an inhuman shriek. This miserable insect had cost him everything! Numerous black tendrils erupted from his body, shooting up at Anton in one last effort to end the marine. Anton, in turn, kicked off the air, shooting straight towards him like a missile. His body and blades coating themselves in black.

The two collided in the air, and then Anton kept moving, shooting down towards the earth.

Lune and Sol watched as Anton landed on his feet, amidst the ruin and burning tar. Behind him, Loko's defeated form crashed into the earth.


Post Word Count: 1,072
Total Word Count: 8,217

With his eyes closed, he could not see the action that was ensuing back on the island... But with his animal-like hearing, he could still hear every last bit of it.

"What is... Going.."

Ryoichi grunted as he was trying to help himself back up, only to be stopped by none other than Nero, one of the pirates who for some odd reason actually was speaking the sense. "The doctor said to stay down, so stay. It'll be over soon."

And Nero was right... It all was over not too soon after. Was this all truly finally over? The days of infiltration... Being who they are not supposed to be... Countless hurt... Was it all, in the end, worth it?

With the antidote taking its effect, the last of Ryoichi's strength was leaving... Perhaps it was not the antidote, but the knowledge of knowing that this was, indeed, the end and that he could finally have the well-deserved rest.

But before the eyes shut... The last words of the day left his lips. Words that could for some solidify that the somewhat of a mighty polar bear trusted the rest of the job to his comrades.

"Pirates... You are all... Under arrest."

[202/4610/28 107]

The island around him was in ruin. Buildings and stalls stood broken, pools of tar burned as a quiet fell over Anton. He simply stood there for a moment, breathing deeply to catch his breath. Now that the fighting was over, the adrenaline slowly fading from his system, the pain and fatigue he felt was starting to become apparent. He began to sway, stumbling lightly before he felt someone suddenly catch him and hold him up. "Anton!" Anton looked down at Sol, Sol as the woman helped him stay upright, followed shortly by Lune, helping him from his other side. "You did it Anty! That was amazing!"

Anton couldn't help but give a smile. "Heh...not bad for a bug, huh?"

"Sir!" Anton blinked as all three looked up, seeing a familiar face running towards them. "Bowork, good to see you made it through this ok." The marine nodded, though he was clearly winded by everything that had happened. "Th-Thank you sir. I have no idea what happened! Everyone was acting insane, and there was this black ooze and-!" He paused when Anton raised a hand to silence him, "I know Bowork, I know. It's all dealt with now. What of the others?" "The ship pulled away from the docks to avoid the worst of it. Um...so...what do we do now?"

Anton slowly looked around. Amongst the destruction he could see others laying around, dazed and battered, while others were looking around, unsure of what to do. This whole thing had turned into such a nightmare and fast. But now, it was over. He looked to Bowork. "Find the others...and then round up as many of them as you can. I believe...we're done here."

He looked to Lune and Sol, as the two looked at him with a somber, yet understanding expression. "I'm sorry..." "It's ok..." "We'll come quietly..."


They had managed to bring in quite a number of the pirates that had been on the island. After everything that had happened with Loko, many of the pirates had been rendered unconscious, while others had the will to fight drained out of them. That wasn't to say others hadn't escaped. The Riptide pirates had taken to the seas early on, and it appeared that Alcibides' group had made a run for it, along with some others from the Big Top Pirates. Most of the Iron Urchins had managed to flee the island as well, though some had been captured, including Frau Eiserne. As one could imagine, she wasn't too happy to wake up in chains. That being said, it was still a rather sizable catch. They couldn't even fit all of them in the brig. Many even had to be shackled up on deck. Hopefully the situation could be more sorted out once they met up with the Grand Steamer.

The feeling aboard the ship was quite somber. Not just amongst the pirates, who now seemed to accept their fate, but amongst many of the marines as well. The last couple of days amongst these pirates had given them a bit of a fresh perspective. Yes, they were marines, it was their duty to capture and stop these lawbreakers. But until that point it had been easy for them to simply demonize them. To see them as unfeeling monsters. But these last couple of days had forced them to realize a truth they had long since pushed down. These pirates were human, just as they were. They knew this was what they had to do, but now it left a sort of bad taste in their mouth.

Down in the brig, the door opened, all eyes turning towards it as a figure stepped in. Anton had changed back into his original attire, his hair styled back into its twin curls. He stepped inside, meeting the gaze of all the pirates around him. Some, particularly the Iron Urchins, were sending him harsh glares. The rest though, just simply stared.

From his seat, Greed spoke up, "So, that's what ya really look like, huh?" He eyed him critically, "Bit more foppish than I expected." Anton glanced over at the rowdy pirate, "Would if look better with the mushroom cap?" Greed couldn't help but give a rueful chuckle as Anton gave a sad smile. He then took a deep breath, looking to the others. "I think you all are aware of what's awaiting you. Despite your reasons, you're all still pirates, and, as a marine, I can't simply let you all go. As much as I would like to..." He looked over to Barnaby, who gave a small nod. "Regretful, but understandable."

"You can always leave the marines. Just, run away with us." Anton looked over towards Lune and Sol. Having to chain them up, still seeing them in those chains, was enough to almost tear Anton's heart in half. "The thought crossed my mind. Believe me. But..." Lune's eyes looked down to the floor. "I understand..." That expression would have been almost unbearable if Anton hadn't been thinking what he was right now. Cisero looked over at the two women sympathetically. "The man has his own duty. No shame in that." Frau gave a small snort, clearly having her own opinion on the matter, but not saying anything.

"That being said, it DID bring another thought to mind." All eyes were back on Anton now. His expression had changed to an almost thoughtful one. "Well, the rules of the Davy Back Brawl clearly state that the loser joins the winner's crew, correct? And, well, one could say I've won the whole pot here, so..." he trailed off as numerous wheels started to turn in the pirates' heads. "So...you're saying we're part of your crew?" Nero spoke up. Anton looked over at him and grinned. "Yes!" "What, as marines?" Greed piped up incredulously. "Also yes!" The pirates were now looking at eachother in clear confusion and surprise. It was one of the Iron Urchins that spoke up, "Is...that even possible?" Anton tilted his head, "Well...it's not unheard of. Criminal rehabilitation via conscription HAS happened in the past. Just...not very often. A lot of the higher ups aren't particularly fond of the idea. But dammit, I'm going to try anyway!"

The pirates were now staring at Anton like he had gone crazy. And yet, there was a glimmer of hope in some of them. Anton looked around. "Of course, I can't simply force you all to agree. So, I'm giving you all a choice. Either serve under me as marines, work off your debt to society, or go to prison. The choice is yours."

The pirates were quiet for a moment, looking amongst themselves, before Barnaby rose to his feet. "Mr La'croix. Before today, me and the others were nothing but slaves, forced to do horrible things under that monster's servitude. I speak for myself and the rest of the Big Top Pirates here when I say we simply cannot thank you enough. We accept your offer." The other Big Top pirates in the brig nodded in agreement.

Anton gave a small smile and nodded. "Glad to have you." At that point, Cisero rose to his feet, calmly approaching him as close as the shackles on him would allow, which was surprisingly close. The old pirate looked straight into Anton's eyes. He was quiet for a moment, before speaking. "You've found it, haven't you? Your own reason to keep going on." Anton smiled. "Yeah. I guess I have. Surprising that I found it amongst you all." Cisero gave a small nod. "I don't know where this path of yours leads to young man," his withered face then split into a wide smile, "But hell, consider me along for the ride! I accept!" Anton couldn't help but chuckle at that, noticing the nods of agreement coming from the other Centurian pirates in the room.

Greed watched him with a wary look. "Do I have to wear one of those uniforms then?" he asked. Anton blinked and looked back at him, before shrugging. "'Fraid so. Though if it will make you feel better, I'm sure I can get some fairy wings for you." Greed let out a sharp laugh. "Aw what the hell. Better than rottin' in prison at least."

Anton turned his attention to Frau, who had been sitting quietly. He calmly approached her. "How about it Frau?" The large woman was quiet for a moment, before rising to her feet, looking down at him. "No." She shook her head, "No, it's too late for that. Not after everything." Anton gave a small, sad sigh. "I had a feeling you would say that. I'm sorry." Frau gave no further response.

Anton finally turned his attention to Lune and Sol. "So, how about it?" The two sisters looked at eachother before smiling at Anton. "Did you really need to ask?" Anton chuckled. "No, guess I didn't," he looked at the pirates around him, "Alright. Hang tight. I just need to get everything set up, and then you'll be out of those chains!"

As Anton stepped out of the brig, closing the door, he looked over to see Celia leaning against the wall, watching him, "Are you sure about this Anton?" Anton gave a small nod. "Yeah...for the first time in my life, I actually am." He then gave a deep sigh. "And now...for the hard part." Celia rose an eyebrow. "And what is that?" Anton gave a sheepish chuckle the belied the dread buried within, "Trying to convince the higher ups that this is a good idea."

This long mission was over, but now Anton had a whole new challenge ahead of him. He knew he was going to get a lot of pushback from this, but he knew he had to do it. He now knew, for the first time in a long time, how to move forward.


[Saga End]

Post Word Count: 1,642
Total Word Count: 9,839
Saga Word Count: 39,152