Azuma and Kenzu sat in a meditative position, their legs and arms crossed as they kept their eyes closed, letting the flow of seinshin move through their body in constant flow, allowing themselves to grow used to manipulating their life force more efficiently. Kiozen stood at the front of the candy ship, watching as they drifted gracefully through the sky like a cloud. Meanwhile Naiomi and Roxie were fast asleep in the corner of the cotton candy cloud, it's soft feel allowed them to fall asleep with ease as the soft breeze washed over them.
Seraph sat near the front of the vessel near Kiozen, asking about his magika ability, fascinated by it's versatility. "So Kiozen, just what all can you do with your magika ability? I'm rather intrigued in such an ability"
"I'm not entirely sure myself...I've had this ability for years and yet...it seems I always find a new use for it's capabilities when I'm in a situation, I can create items or even sentient creatures from basically any kind of candy and use them as I see fit. I can also use my Knowlege of seinshin to pull the life force from a person and seal them within a mere gumball. As harsh as my childhood was, sometimes I'm happy I was able to have such a unique ability. Though, if I'm being honest...sometimes I wish I could just give it to our captain, I'm sure he could make great use of my ability. Only having the ability to heal your own wounds might sound great on the surface, but it's still a limited ability. No disrespect to you captain"
Azuma sighed getting up from his seinshin training, walking over to the pair at the front of the ship. "Don't worry Kiozen, I was given this ability for a reason, if I was given your ability to manifest candy, I might've died before my journey even began, the best I could do is make bandages out of cotton candy and using sharp candy canes as stitches. Though it could sustain me for a few hours, I doubt I would've made it to a medic in time. So, don't let it bother you" He placed his hand on Kiozen's shoulder smiling before looking over at Seraph who started at his face and exposed torso.
Seraph looked away blushing as Azuma smiled back. "Heh, I'm glad you decided to join our crew Seraph, I know you and Rosera will be great additions to our crew" The blonde elegant pirate blushed more looking down before responding: "T-thank you captain, that means a lot, I'll do whatever I can to help you accomplish your desires!"
Rosera walked up to them with a smirk on her face, her red eyes glowing within the night. "Heh, it sounds like our captain has already taken a liking to you Seraph, you should feel honored to be seen in such a high regard"
"I-I do miss Rosera, it brings tears to my eyes at the thought that our captain already sees me in such a way even after our fight" Azuma just patted the man's head before looking out over the endless seas before them. That's when Rosera tapped him on the shoulder.
"Uh...captain...this might be a strange thing to ask...but can I have some of your blood? Being on that damn island made it hard to find blood that wasn't from mere forest animals"
Seraph gasped shouting: "Miss Rosera! Why would you ask such a thing to our captain!? He needs to be ready and alert when we reach the island, drinking his blood will surely weaken him!"
To Seraph's surprise, Azuma sat down closing his eyes. "Go on Rosera, I won't have one of my crewmates dying of hunger while I'm around. Just make sure not to take too much" This caught Kenzu's attention who had been deep in focus with his seinshin training. He spun around still sitting on the floor and commented: "Are you sure it's a good idea captain? What if she takes too much? We can't have you passing out on us" He gave Azuma a serious glare before looking up at the vampiric woman.
"I've made my choice Kenzu, you all can voice your options, but know that as captain, my world is final" Rosera walked over to Azuma, sitting beside him before leaning towards his neck as she opened her mouth reveling her sharp fangs.
"My captain" She whispered seductively in his ear before biting into his exposed neck. Azuma felt a sharp pinch but just endured it as the vampire ran her hands along his body drinking his blood. A cold numbness could be felt in his fingertips as it slowly traveled up his palm.
After about two minutes, Azuma nudged her with his hand motioning her to stop but she kept going. "That's enough Rosera, you've had enough" After no response, Azuma closed his eyes...Without warning his eyes snapped open as Rosera was launched back in an abrupt shockwave of seinshin. She bounced off the soft walls of the ship landing on her stomach before her captain.
He looked down at her with a cold glare as the bite marks in his neck could be seen quickly closing from his healing ability. "Nice try Rosera, but I had a plan in case you couldn't control yourself" She looked up at him with a smirk as his fresh blood dripped from her bottom lip. "Heh, you really are strong captain, no wonder that samurai trusted you with such a powerful sword. He must really have a lot of trust in you"
That's when Kenzu noticed the black blade at his captain's side. "Captain, where did you get such a blade? It feels as though it gives off a dark aura, as if it were alive" Their captain rose to his feet once more. "I was given this blade by a legendary samurai by the name of Sinyugia, he told me this is a cursed blade called the blade of Amaterasu. When he struck me with this sword, it was as if I couldn't heal from it, it seemed to nullify my healing ability. Such a sword is a force to be reckoned with. I'm not sure why he entrusted me with such a weapon, but I'll do my best to keep it from falling into the wrong hands"
Kenzu stared at the sheathed weapon, feeling as though it's dark essence were calling out to him. "May I hold it Azuma, I'm curious to feel such a blade for myself. Surprisingly Azuma shook his head. "I'm sorry Kenzu, though you are a well-known swordsman and I trust your swordsmanship, this sword particularly I can't allow anyone but myself to wield, Sinyugia trusts me with such a godly weapon, and I will not break his trust"
Kenzu started into his captain's eyes for a moment before nodding. "Y-yes captain, I'm sorry for asking such a thing"
An Hour Later...
The sun began to rise over the horizon as the seas gleamed from the sun's illuminating embrace. "Kiozen, form a barrier over Rosera to keep the sun from hurting her"
"Yes captain!" Clapping his hands together, an igloo made of gingerbread formed around the vampire's sleeping body, protecting her from the sun's harmful rays as she slept. "Good, now that we don't have to worry about the sun hurting her, we should be able to leave her somewhere safe until we're done or at least until the sun goes back down"
Azuma and the others still awake noticed an island off in the distance, as it came into view, they saw a massive city with a large wall made of solid gold protecting the outskirts of the city. All they could see was the wall with a few large stone buildings with one black and gold building towering over all the others. "Hmph, not hard to see people of star fall island enjoy showing off their wealth to an absurd degree Azuma commented in an annoyed tone.
"It would appear so captain, though...how will we hope to get within the city? surely we can't just fly over the wall without getting spotted and or attacked by the ones who run the city" Seraph answered with his elegant feminine tone.
"You're right, luckily, I have a few plans up my sleeves to get inside, hopefully it'll be a plan that doesn't involve just breaking our way through. As much as I want to make the citizens of this city pay for what happened to Rosera, I'd rather try to avoid too much damage to innocent bystanders and just focus on the man known as Baron Bones, I'm sure he'll be somewhere around that exaggerated tower within the city"
The candy cloud reached the shores of star fall island as they slowly landed within the forest that spread out between the city and the island's shores. "This should be far enough from the city to keep from any wanders from finding Rosera while she's sleeping. Just to be sure, I'd say place a guard near the gingerbread igloo just to be safe"
The pink-haired pirate nodded as the ship vanished leaving the brown candy igloo in the middle of the forest. Slamming his bare palm onto the ground he yelled: Candy formation: gingerbread golem!" The others watched as A seven-foot muscular figure made of gingerbread formed before them as it stomped over to the igloo guarding the entrance.
"Alright let's get goin-" That's when Azuma heard a loud snore from behind them, that's when they turned to see Roxie and Naiomi still fast asleep now laying in the grass. Azuma groaned about to walk over when Seraph stopped him. Wait captain, I have a better way of waking them up" All looked at the blonde-haired pirate with curiosity as he slowly raised his fist up to his lips, blowing a kiss as two tiny inferios flew over to the sleeping pair. With a mischievous grin, Seraph snapped his fingers as the tiny creatures burst in front of the pair like mere firecrackers.
"Aaghh!" The two cried out sliding across the dirt before realizing what had happened. "W-was I asleep too long? Forgive me captain, I didn't mean to sleep for the whole ride" Oda confessed rubbing his eyes while Naiomi brushed the dirt from her clothes. "I'm sorry as well Azuma, I wish we could've spent some time together during the trip, I just felt so tired and just passed out from the soft feeling of the cotton candy vessel"
"Heh, well...now that everyone's finally up and ready, we should hurry and make our way to star fall city so we can beat the crap out of those who treated Rosera like a monster!"
"Wait? Where is Rosera?" Roxie asked confused. That's when the others pointed to the igloo just past the thief where the vampiric pirate was fast asleep. Without another word, Azuma proceeded onto the forest path with the rest of his crew following close behind.
As they marched along the dirt path of star fall forest Azuma commented: "That reminds me, I doubt they'll let me in wearing nothing more than scorched leggings and shoes...Kiozen, do you think you can make me some clothes with your magika ability?"
"Heh, at this point, what can't my ability accomplish? Hold on, let me see if I can create something close enough to your attire...candy couture" snapping his fingers, a black coat made of black thick taffy formed around Azuma's torso with the inside layered with thick layers of cotton candy to resemble the feeling of cotton wool. "There you are captain, I did my best to make a coat that resembles your original one but with a black dye. Also, I layered the inside with a special kind of cotton candy to keep you from feeling any stickiness or discomfort from the taffy outer-layer"
"Wow, once again you've certainly out done yourself Kiozen, you're definitely the most skilled magika user I've ever met"
"Thank you captain, your praise is greatly appreciated!" Kiozen smiled as they continued through the forest path with nothing but rows of trees on both sides of them. After about 30 minutes of walking, they could finally see the large golden gates of Star fall city where a tall built man with short black hair stood guarding the entrance. He wore black shades with a black suit on as he stood motionless beside the large gate with both arms at his sides.
The crew stopped behind a large tree within the forest just a few meters from the entrance. "What should we do captain? Should we rush and take him out? Or hope that he let's us through?" Oda asked curiously as the crew started at the large guard.
"I have better idea Roxie, Seraph...you're up" The guard looked up to see the elegant pirate walking up to him, his long blonde hair flowing in the wind. Seraph looked at the guard with a confident expression as if looking down on the brute. "I would like for you to open the gate for me, I'm in a rush to meet Mr. Bones and I'm sure he wouldn't want you wasting his time...would he?"
He looked down at Seraph who just glared deep into his eyes with a cold expression as he brushed his luscious blonde hair out of his eyes. That's when the once composed guard began to shake with unease as he responded in a deep voice: "Y-yes sir, allow me to open the door up right away!" Pressing a button on his wristwatch, the door slowly slit open before the man as the guard bowed in respect to him.
With that, Seraph and the others made their way through the star fall gate as the colossal gates slowly closed behind them with a loud boom. "Now then, we just need to make our way towards that large tower off in the distance, no doubt Baron is on the top floor like any big shot would be. Let's try and be careful, there's no telling what lies within this city. Azuma warned as they stood before a massive city none of them had ever seen before.
The city was filled with towering stone buildings with a turquoise shade on every single one of them except the tallest one there, a skyscraper made of black and gold steel with two golden letters on the top: "BB" Azuma pointed to the golden letters responding: "No doubt those letters stand for Baron Bones. Whoever this guy is...he certainly enjoys telling people how rich he is. Sigh, it makes me sick to see such corruption in this large city. Anyway, we've wasted enough time as it is, let's make our way to the tower before one of his men realizes why we're here"
"Yes sir" They answered. As they proceeded down the fresh-paved sidewalks of the city, a woman dressed in a black-hooded cloak watched them from an alleyway, her face concealed by the hood with only her long pink hair and smirk visible. The Azuma pirates walked past the many well-dressed citizens of the city, many appeared to be high class men and women wearing either black formal suits or dresses covered with diamonds and other jewels as if they were all headed to a high-class party or wedding.
(How strange, these people seem to all wear such luxurious clothing out in public as if going to a special event, however...many seem to just be doing normal daily activities such as going to the store or work. Something doesn't sit right here) The young captain thought squeezing past the many people walking up and down the streets like robots, no actual emotion, just blank stares as if walking on autopilot.
As they finally made their way downtown, the people around them seem to become livelier with rave music playing throughout the streets. Many were dancing in the streets with others inside the taverns that aligned the streets or buying things from merchants just outside. Azuma stomped in front of the street where the event was happening and just started at it with a feeling of unease.
"Captain? Is something wrong?" Naiomi asked with a worried tone as his crew stood beside him also looking at the partying residence. That's when their captain spoke up: "Something's not right here...many of the citizens behind us are walking up and down the streets like dolls with no free will...but here...they seem free and happy as if nothing's wrong. How could such a feeling shift so drastically from just a block away?"
Kenzu nodded. "You're right, this can't be normal. Something strange is definitely going on within this city" Azuma clinched his fist taking a step towards the street filled with many partying. As he got closer towards the crowd, it felt as though a warm feeling was flowing through him, all his pain and worries seemed to melt away as he felt himself drawn to the party.
(T-this feeling...is this...pure happiness? The trauma I once felt...I don't feel it, all the weight of my pain is gone...) Tears filled Azuma's eyes as the joyful feeling rushed through his body. Kenzu looked at Azuma, watching as he smiled with tears filling his eyes.
"C-captain...are you alright? You don't normally act like this, especially not in public"
"Y-yes I am Kenzu! I feel better than ever! Why don't you all come join me?" Just as the others prepared to join him, Kenzu threw his arm out, stopping them from getting any closer. "Wait...I think I realized what's going on...think about it, why are so many people in star fall lifeless puppets, but this one area is filled with such happiness? The moment Azuma stepped closer, his whole demeanor changed"
Without warning a needle flew past Kenzu, barely missing his face as it struck a light post a few feet away. All but Azuma darted their heads back to see the tall woman dressed in the black-hooded robe standing before them.
"Hehe, seems you figured out our little conspiracy pirate, too bad my orders are to kill all those who threaten to reveal the truth to the people of the city. Please submit and make this easier for yourselves, I'd hate to have to actually fight all of you"
Suddenly Kiozen clinched his fist, causing a thick layer of gum to sprout out of the ground, sealing the assailant within a massive sphere of pink gum. "Let's see you escape that" The candy pirate taunted while his crewmates just stood beside him watching. After a moment of silence, the ball of gum began to vibrate with pink electricity surging around it. "S-seinshin!?" He exclaimed in shock as the barrier of gum burst open.
"Hehe, what? You didn't think a beautiful girl like me was capable of using seinshin? Aww how cute" She spoke with a playful voice pulling back her hood reveling a young beautiful woman with long pink hair and green eyes. My name is Vespaira, but you may call me Ms. Midnight.
With a seductive grin on her face, she blew a kiss releasing a pink pheromone towards the pirate crew. Many of them tried to cover their mouth or hold their breath but sadly succumbed to the assailant's magika ability.
A massive weight of stress and anxiety washed over them as Seraph, Naiomi and Kiozen wrapped their arms around themselves falling to their knees, shaking with an overwhelming feeling rushing through them, as if they were on the verge of a mental breakdown. "W-what is this...it's as if...I'm having a panic attack!" Seraph shouted in utter terror.
"That's because my magika ability allows me to release a pheromone that affects your emotional state like your dear captain over there. I can take away all your pain for a brief moment...or send you into a panic attack leaving you unable to fight back" That's when she noticed Kenzu and Roxie unaffected by the gas-like substance flowing around them.
"How strange, not many can ignore the power of my pheromones so easily, you both must really have traumatic pasts to have such an immunity" Kenzu reached over taking the Amaterasu blade from Azuma who was still hypnotized by the joyful gas. "I've already experienced enough anxiety and trauma in my life...no amount of your pathetic pheromone will affect us"
Vespaira could feel herself beginning to shake with unease but did her best to keep herself composed before her targets. "Hehe, y-you may be immune to my ability, but I still have my seinshin! I doubt most of you are even capable of such a feat! Seinshin is only capable to those with a strong ambition to grow stronger as well as the patience to understand one's own life energy which I doubt traumatized men like you both could ever hope to comprehend!"
The pair watched as Ms. Midnight crossed both arms in different directions with a pink flame-like aura emanating from her body. "Seinshin formation: spiritual bind!" Before the pair could react, chains made of pure pink seinshin shot up from the pavement, binding their arms behind their back.
"W-what the hell is this!" Roxie exclaimed. "This...is seinshin when one learns to master one's own life energy in order to form powerful constructs with one's own life force. There are many uses for seinshin, though most only use it to enhance their abilities which is merely one of it's many uses. With each person's seinshin being uniquely different, there'll always be new ways to use the limitless potential of life energy itself"
Kenzu gripped the Amaterasu still in his grasp behind his back, focusing his seinshin into the blade. He could feel himself struggling to focus his seinshin, but continued to pour as much energy into the blade as he could. The once purple aura of the cursed blade began to glow red from Kenzu's seinshin before the immense buildup of power caused his seinshin chains to shatter to the ground, vanishing in a mist of pink wisps.
"IMPOSSIBLE! YOU BROKE THE CHAINS!?" The woman cried out in disbelief. With a stern look in his piercing red eyes, Kenzu advanced right for Ms. Midnight at immense speed, unleashing an instant slash with the cursed blade before coming to a halt just behind her, sliding the blade back into it's sheath.
An abrupt surge of pain rushed through her body as her eyes widened in shock. Roxie noticed blood dripping from the woman's lower torso as she struggled to stand. "Tssk! Y-you bastard! How dare you injure me with such a filthy blade! I-I'll make you pay for that!" Vespaira began to focus all her life force into her heart, ultimately planning to use herself as a bomb and take all of them out with her.
Just as she began to build up energy, Roxie formed a transparent barrier around her. "Go ahead and try...you'll only succeed in ending your own life. If you're willing to resort to such an act, you might as well admit you lost this fight and take us to Baron Bones"
"Why would I do that!? If Mr. Bones or his other members were to find out I was helping you, I'd surely be killed on the spot!"
Kenzu walked over to the barrier aiming the dark blade in her direction with a cold look on his face as his hair blew over his eyes. "You can either get us inside the tower, or I'll kill you on the spot" Vespaira fell silent...unable to think of what to say. "Sigh...fine, I'll help you into Baron Bone tower...though I can't promise to get you to the top, even I am rarely permitted up there unless the boss specifically asks for me"
Kenzu nodded to Roxie, signaling for him to free Ms. Midnight. Roxie sighed, lowering his hand as the barrier vanished. "Alright, if I'm going to get you all into Baron Bone tower, you'll all have to pretend you've surrendered to me and act like I'm taking you to Mr. Bones to be arrested"
"Alright, fine" Kenzu agreed. Vespaira made a swiping motion with her palm, causing all of her pheromones in the area to fade away. The others snapped back to normal getting off the floor with Azuma walking over, confused on what had occurred. "W-what happened? I remember feeling a warm embrace and then it went blank"
"Don't worry captain, Vespaira here has agreed to take us to the tower so we can meet Baron Bones himself" The swordsmen commented handing him back his cursed blade. "Hmm, if you say so Kenzu, I'll trust your word for it"
With that, all of them made their way down the long busy streets, making their way up to Baron Bone tower as it casted a shadow across the city from it's staggering height compared to the rest. The crew stood before the large black and gold building with a large entrance before them. The sign above the rotating glass door read: "Baron Bone Casino"
Azuma could see a red-carpet floor with a few slot machines in view of the glass windows. "The 1st floor is a large casino where the rich come to try their luck or just gamble their money away, that's one of the ways Baron Bones keeps money flowing through the tower at all times. Let's hurry inside before someone becomes suspicious"
They followed close behind the pink-haired woman as they pushed past the rotating door into the casino. They could see rows of slot machines all across the large room with dozens of people waiting to use them. The walls inside were made of a glossy black steel as employees worked in small counters serving free food and drinks to customers.
Vespaira made her way across the casino floor towards the elevator when a guy playing poker at one of the few green poker tables commented: "Where do ya think you're going Ms. Midnight?" He spoke with a deep Italian accent wearing a black striped mafia suit and a fedora. He spun around looking at her with a cold expression with a lit cigar in between his fingers.
"O-oh, I'm here to deliver these pirates to Mr. Bones himself to decide their fate, so if you'd excuse me" As she took a few steps forward, the mafia boss responded: "Heh, ya really think I don't see what ya trying do Vespaira? You've never really been good at hiding things from me" Azuma and the others watched as a poker card floated out from Vespaira's shirt over to the man's hand. "My boys heard everything that happened with you're little scuffle with Azuma there. I'm afraid...i'm gonna have to dispose of a rat like you"
"Pulling out a deck of poker cards from his suit pocket, he tossed a single card onto the floor before them, reveling it to be a five of hearts with the picture of a tall thin mafia member in the center. The card burst into wisps of light as five men dressed in similar attire appeared before them aiming their guns towards them. Those who noticed the rising tensions between them ran out in fear, clearing the room for them.
Placing the cigar in his mouth he turned away from his targets. "Blow em down" He uttered. Just as the five men prepared to fire, Vespaira blew a wave of despair pheromone in their direction, only for it to have no affect.
Nice try Ms. Midnight, but sadly ya little perfume won't work on us" The boss taunted. His men unleashed a barrage of bullets towards the pirates, only for Roxie to form a barrier just in time. Azuma watched as the wave of bullets ricocheted off the transparent barrier, flying in different directions.
"Great work Oda!" The captain exclaimed charging right for the gang as the pink-haired thief dropped the protective field. Focusing energy into his fist, Azuma threw a punch in the group's direction, sending a fierce pillar of force bursting right through them as all five of them were sent flying in different directions, two landing on pool tables with the others hitting slot machines.
"Sigh, I have a feeling ya gonna be more troublesome than I thought...no matter, I have more tricks up my sleeve. Holding three cards between his fingers, the assailant threw them straight for Azuma. Just as the pirate prepared to move out of the way, the cards lit up in a blinding flash of light catching him off guard.
Two of the cards turned back into knives as they soared through the air at great speed. Both blades pierced him in the ribs causing him to hit the ground as the third card reverted into a bomb as it came within a foot of Azuma's face.
Just before it exploded, Kiozen sealed it within a jaw breaker, keeping the bomb from doing any damage. The mafia boss clenched his teeth onto his cigar growing impatient. "Tssk! Ya little rats! I'm growing tired of ya bull crap! I was hoping not to use it, but it seems I haven't gotta choice. Pulling out a single card from his deck, he held it between two fingers with a grin on his face. I'm sure ya remember this one Vespaira" He grinned.
The moment he revealed the card to her, her blood ran cold, she knew just as dangerous that card was in his possession. "Heh, by the look on ya face, I can already tell...you know just how dangerous this one card can be. Now then, allow me to show ya the immense power of Ace Cappello!"
All stood ready for the mafia boss' attack as black energy began to emanate from the card. With an abrupt toss he threw the card right for Kiozen. Just as the candy pirate attempted to form a gum barrier around himself, the card slipped through the closing barrier, phasing into the pirate's body.
"Heh, that should keep ya busy for a while, as much as I wanna keep playing around with you lot, I have better things to deal with" Ace proceeded towards the elevator calling it down. The others looked at the large gum barrier around Kiozen when it abruptly fell to the floor in a puddle of gum.
"Kiozen...are you ok?" Naiomi asked with a worried tone. That's when his eyes opened, reveling to be black soulless eyes. Before anyone could react, he grabbed the girl's face with one hand, forming a gumball in the other.
"Shit! I know that technique! Kiozen stop!" Azuma gripped his cursed blade with one hand, moving at super-sonic speed slashing through his crewmate's hand attempting to decapitate it. That's when he realized his possessed crewmate had detached his arm at the last second before reteaching it like gum.
Seraph crossed both arms out in front of him summoning dozens of inferios, sending one towards Ace Cappello while the horde flew right for the controlled pirate. Forming rings around him with the bat-like creatures, the blonde man clinched his fists, causing a devastating eruption that shock the entire building.
As the smoke cleared, Naiomi laid on the red floor, her once glossy blue hair now old and gray as she laid there in the body of an elderly version of herself from most of her life force being drained from her. Azuma grew furious at the sight of one of his crew members in such a state, he turned to see the mob boss step into the elevator pushing a button to go up. His eyes filled with rage, he moved at fierce speed into the elevator just as it closed, leaving the others to fend off the powerful pirate themselves.
With Naiomi now out of the fight, all that remained was Kenzu, Roxie, Vespaira and Seraph. The squad watched as the smoke cleared with Kiozen standing before them, half his body blown away from the devastating power of Seraph's explosive inferios. That's when the gum all over the floor drifted into the air, reattaching to his body until he fully recovered from the damage.
"Ugh, he really has a broken magika ability! It's like nothing hurts him and he can make almost anything out of candy! Is there even a limit to his ability!" Roxie groaned in frustration. That's when the tall woman stepped forward with a serious expression on her face. "You all go up the stairs and meet Azuma at the top, I'll stay here and hold your friend off as long as I can"
"What!? But you can't fight him alone! Kiozen has one of the most versatile magika abilities there is, it's better if we help you!" Roxie cried out. That's when Vespaira shook her head. "No, this isn't about whether I can win or not, it's about finaly putting up with Baron and Ace's crap after all these years. Now hurry and go!"
Kenzu lifted Naiomi's wrinkled body over his shoulder and turned to Roxie, giving him a nod before walking towards the stairwell in the right corner of the room. Roxie hesitated but just nodded with a worried look on his face. With Her and Kiozen now the only one's in the room, she took a deep breath, filling the room with a pink pheromone, attempting to overwhelm her target with fear as she had before.
However, the controlled assailant just looked at her, unphased by the gas. He aimed his palm in her direction, firing candy canes sharpened to the point they could easily pierce the skin of their target. She focused or seinshin, using it to evade the incoming projectiles as they flew past her by mere inches. "Huff...I see you're not messing around. Seems I'll have to do the same"
Jumping into the air she threw her hand out, causing seinshin chains to form around his arms weighing them down to keep him from moving. That's when he took a deep breath, spitting out a jaw breaker before her. To her horror it began to morph into a seven-foot golem made of the unbreakable material of a jaw breaker. It grew eyes and mouth as it let out a deep bellow before her.
She could feel her knees shaking in fear at Kiozen's potential when he's serious. She took a deep breath, advancing right for the jawbreaker golem, sending a fierce blow to it's abdomen with the streets shaking from her immense power. Vespaira looked up, only to see her attack had only left a mere crack in the brute's torso. "What!?" Without warning the golem picked her up by the throat, choke slamming her to the ground in a fierce shockwave.
"F-fuck...I-I can't move..." She could taste blood running from her lips as she laid in a small crater of the casino "G-guess he was right...Seems I wasn't strong enough to beat this guy. The golem stepped aside as Kiozen stood over her opening his palm. Several sharp candy cane spears manifested around him aimed right for her. She could feel tears fill her eyes as she closed her eyes in utter fear...
Meanwhile a few Floors up...
trapping Cappello with the enraged pirate. Without hesitation Azuma clinched his hand around the mafia boss' throat, lifting him off the ground with utter rage in his eyes. His irises glistened with purple energy, matching the emanating aura around his body. "I don't care what you do to me...you can hurt me, break me or even kill me....but when you cause my crew to have to fight one of their own...I WON'T FORGIVE YOU!"
Ace swiftly pulled out a poker card, revealing it to be another bomb as it blew up in the confined space. "Cough, cough! How did that feel ya little runt!" As the smoke cleared, Azuma remained standing, his face covered in burns but were quickly healing from his regenerative ability.
"That was your free shot...now it's my turn" He responded in a dark tone. The elevator beeped signaling they had reached the 30th floor while Baron Bones was known to be on the 50th floor of the tower. Azuma threw Ace into the steel doors, striking him square in the abdomen with his seinshin-infused fists. The force of his strike caused the elevator doors to break from their restraints, hitting the corridor floor with Ace Cappello sent flying across the gray corridor, landing in the middle of the hall.
"Huff...huff...w-what kinda monster are ya brat!? N-no mere pirate can use seinshin with such ease!"
"Who said I was a mere pirate? After I had everything taken from me...I vowed to never let it happen again. My goal is to become the strongest pirate and protect the ones I care about. Those who stand and my way...shall be crushed by my burning will"
A look of fear washed over Ace as he slowly crawled away on his back out of fear of the enraged pirate. Azuma stepped out of the narrow elevator, taking a step forward. "Shall we continue? Or do you realize just how weak you are compared to me? I Azuma Kenousa shall become the pirate lord and shape this world the way I see fit, no more sea corp, no more corrupt pirates, just people who wish to live freely"
"Hehe, y-you may be a strong pirate Azuma, but strength doesn't always equal power, you could be the pirate lord himself and still be unable to sway fate over this world. The title of pirate lord is nothing but a worthless title given to those who seek to waste their lives chasing a worthless dream. Do ya self a favor...and give up on such a worthless endeavor"
"Enough, all I want is to deal with Baron Bones and make you lift the possession of Kiozen. You have one chance...or I'll knock you off this building and let you fall to your death" Cappello glared deep into his assailant's eyes, only to see the man was serious about the threat.
Azuma clenched his fist, aiming it in his target's direction. "Here's your chance to do the right thing...try anything and I'll send you flying across the city with a single punch" After a moment of silence, Ace groaned holding his hand out as the joker card he had implanted within Kiozen came flying up the elevator shaft into his hand, emanating it's black aura.
The suited man slowly rose to his feet holding the single card between two fingers. "Sigh, very well...I won't stand in ya way any further...but don't expect this to be the last time we see each other" Tossing the card into the air, it manifested into a pink rift that pulled the mafia boss inside before vanishing.
"Now that he's gone, I just need to make my way to the top floor and deal with Bones himself. Azuma walked over to the elevator beside the one he had taken up and pressed the "open" button hoping it would take him the rest of the way up. After nearly two minutes of waiting, Azuma groaned walking over to the 1st one, opening the escape hatch on the ceiling allowing him to get on top of the elevator. He could see the endless elevator shaft before him but knew this would be faster than taking the stairs.
Taking a deep breath, seinshin flowed through his body as he pushed off with all his leg strength. He jumped several floors into the air before running up the steel shaft, using his super-human speed to keep him from falling. Purple light filled the shaft with him moving full speed towards the top floor...
Meanwhile On The 50th Floor...
A man dressed in a black suit with white stripes sat at a desk made of solid gold in a black leather chair covered in jewels. He had long white hair with pale-white skin wearing red shades and a black overcoat.
He sat at his desk counting a large stack of gold pieces when the elevator in front of him illuminated with purple light. He smirked placing the gold down as the steel doors burst open, flying across the room landing just behind the man.
Azuma stood before his target who just looked at him with a sly grin. "Ah Azuma, I was wondering when you'd finally arrive, you sure took your time getting here. So...what does a nobody pirate like you want with me? My sources told me you've been quite clear in targeting me specifically. Are you some kind of hitman hired to assassinate me like the many others before you? If so, that makes you the 2nd hitman that's made it this far"
"You could say that...I'm here to avenge a young girl who once lived here before the people of Star fall city attempted to kill her for being a vampire!" The man leaned forward with his elbows on his desk, pondering...ah yes, Rosera was her name correct? I'm rather surprised she's still alive, I expected her to die of lack of blood consumption within the 1st work of banishment. Fascinating she's managed to survive for this long. So what? You've come to kill me just cause some brat was stupid enough to eat a magika that turned her into a blood-sucking monster?"
"Either you apologize to her face to face, or I'll kill you myself, this city alone feels like nothing, but a society filled with corruption. Half of your city were mindless husks while the other half were living a false hope because of one of your member's magika ability to affect one's emotional state through pheromones. But now the citizens of this city will see the truth about this horrid city, that you don't care about anything more than what you can profit from!"
"Heh, you think you have it all figured out, don't you? I'm just another corrupt businessman that's willing to step on those beneath me...that's what you're thinking right? Well, what if I told you, you were wrong...what if I said I cared about the people of this city?" Baron Bones leaned back in his chair, still wearing that sly grin, and began to speak with calm and precise words.
"Ah, Azuma, you perceive me as just another cog in the wheel of corruption but allow me to elucidate. I do care about the people of this city, for they are a vital source of my power and influence. You see, manipulation is an art, and I have perfected it. The emotional turmoil, the despair, even the false hope you mentioned – these are my tools. Through them, I maintain control, fostering an environment where I prosper"
He paused, his red shades concealing his true thoughts. "As for Rosera, I must confess that her transformation was unintended. My associate's magika experiment went awry. But does she truly wish for an apology? Or perhaps, her thirst for vengeance is what motivates you. Either way, Azuma, you underestimate the complexity of this city's web, and your noble intentions might just become entangled within it"
Azuma gritted his teeth snapping back: "What does that even mean!? You sure don't look like one who cares for the people of this city! Just sitting up here while the people suffer below you! You're nothing more than scum!"
The man, known as Baron Bones, continued in his calm and precise manner, still wearing that enigmatic grin behind his shades. "Scum, you say? It's a simplistic label, Azuma. You see, I am a realist in this world. True, I reside in luxury above, but it is the foundation of the city's suffering that ensures my dominance. To care for the people directly would disrupt this balance. I offer an illusion of prosperity, and in return, I maintain control. It's a delicate dance, one that requires finesse"
He leaned forward again, steepling his fingers. "As for your judgment, you are entitled to it, of course. But understand this: noble intentions alone rarely change the course of history. Should you seek to dismantle this city's structure, you may find that the consequences are not as straightforward as you imagine. Proceed with caution, Azuma, for the path of upheaval is fraught with unforeseen challenges"
Baron maintained his cool demeanor as he raised his hand, palm upturned. In a seamless display of magika mastery, sand began to swirl around him, forming an intricate chessboard. The pieces carved themselves from the sand, knights, bishops, and queens. "This chessboard, Azuma, represents the delicate balance of power and prosperity in Starfall City. Each piece symbolizes a player in this grand game. I manipulate the very foundation of this city, much like I control the sand beneath my fingers"
He gestured to the chessboard, and the sand pieces moved, mirroring the moves of a high-stakes match. "Consider this a lesson. Power isn't always as it appears on the surface. The illusion of prosperity, like pieces on this board, can be moved strategically. With my magika, I can mold and reshape the very ground you stand on" Baron Bones fixed his gaze on Azuma, his voice unwavering.
"I am not heartless, but I see the world as it truly is—a realm of subtlety and manipulation. If you still wish to challenge me, Azuma, know that you face not only my wealth but also my mastery over this city's very foundation. Are you prepared to make your move in this perilous game?"
Azuma step forward, a look of pure determination in his eyes. "Your view of the world is nothing more than a twisted view of false justice, if the people of this city aren't willing to step up and rebel against you, then I'll be the one to free them from your evil grasp" Baron Bones couldn't help but chuckle, a mirthless sound that echoed through the opulent office. "Ah, the idealistic hero, ready to defy the perceived villain. How quaint, Azuma"
With a swift, calculated motion, he slammed his hand onto the desk, sending forth shards of condensed sand in his direction. The shards moved with blinding speed, a testament to his control over the very element of sand itself. "As they say, actions speak louder than words," Baron spoke calmly as their battle commenced. "Let's see if your determination can withstand the might of true power"
The shards of sharp sand flew towards Azuma with precision and lethal intent, each one a testament to Baron Bones' mastery over his magika. The young pirate dodged each project that came his way as the projectiles pierced the black marble walls of the office leaving cracks from their sharpened tip of condensed sand. The man continued to manipulate the sand, his control over it growing more formidable with each passing moment. As Azuma dodged the relentless sand projectiles, Baron's calm and calculated demeanor remained unwavering.
With a swift movement of his hand, Baron formed colossal hands made entirely of sand that reached out to grab Azuma. The massive hands managed to grab ahold of the pirate, attempting to crush him. "Your determination is admirable, Azuma. But remember, strategy is not solely about power. It's about understanding your limitations. Do you truly believe you can escape the grasp of my control over this battlefield?"
The sand tightened around Azuma, increasing the pressure. "In a battle of wits, one must seize every advantage. Power alone cannot win the day. You see Azuma, it is not enough to defy the illusion of power and prosperity. One must also possess the means to dismantle it. And you are not yet equipped for such a task" With a snap of his fingers, the colossal arms threw the trapped pirate out the window as it shattered to pieces.
Azuma could feel his life flash before his eyes as he fell from the tower towards the city below. (T-this can't be the end...I...I can't die here...I WON'T DIE HERE, NOT NOW!) Focusing as much energy into his fist as he could, he threw a punch straight for the streets below, releasing a devastating shockwave of power. The amount of power was just enough to slow him down as he hit the streets. His attack had destroyed nearly a mile of land leaving it in ruins as he laid in the crumbling remains.
"I-it worked" He choked out with a faint smile. The pirate slowly stood up as his wounds began to heal once more. "You won't get rid of me that easily Baron, this fight's just beginning" Keeping his eyes locked on the top floor of the tower, Azuma prepared to take it down with everything he had. "Focus strike: LEVEL 2!" With all his strength he sent an immense pillar of force right for the tower.
The entire tower quaked violently as every single window of the tower instantly shattered with glass falling from the sky. That's when he spotted his target fly out from the tower, floating high above him with sand flowing around him. Baron looked down on him with a frown as his coat fluttered from the flow of sand around him.
Baron, now suspended in the air, gazed down at Azuma with a mixture of irritation and curiosity. Despite the destruction, his composure remained unshaken. "Remarkable resilience" he mused, his voice echoing through the chaotic scene below. "But do you truly believe that such brute force will be enough to defeat me? You are but an insignificant speck" Baron taunted. "Prepare yourself, Azuma Kenousa, for you are about to witness the futility of your resistance"
With a raise of his hand, Baron Bones manipulated the surrounding sand, creating a towering golem of tremendous proportions. It stood at a daunting fifty feet, casting a foreboding shadow over the ruins below. Its jagged form resembled the ancient titans of myth, composed entirely of compacted sand and dust.
Baron extended his sand-covered index finger, firing a discharge of relentless barrage of bullets made of condensed sand. These projectiles soared toward Azuma with uncanny precision, a deadly symphony of destruction that sought to overwhelm the determined pirate.
As the golem loomed over Azuma, Baron watched with a sly expression, ready to showcase the sheer gap in their power. "You see, Azuma, your struggle against me is utterly futile. This is the reality of power" The golem let out a deep below that seemed to shake the entire city before it set it's sights on the pirate, sending a colossal fist right for him.
As the captain prepared to retaliate with an attack of his own, a large transparent barrier formed around him, protecting him from the golem's crushing blow. A gust of wind traveled across the city from the creature's attack as cracks began to form around the barrier. The colossal sand golem's fist created a shockwave that reverberated through the city as the ground quaked, the barrier straining to withstand the immense force. Inside the protective sphere, Azuma gritted his teeth, feeling the immense pressure from the blow.
The tyrant observed the situation with a keen eye, noticing a young man nearby, their presence maintaining the protective shield around Azuma. Baron's usually composed demeanor began to crack, irritation seeping into his expression. Roxie steadfast and determined, held the barrier with all his might, his face contorted with effort, struggling to keep the golem's attack at bay.
His loyalty to Azuma was unwavering, with his actions speaking for his determination to protect the captain. Baron Bones couldn't help but be vexed by this unexpected development, as the power of their resilience became increasingly apparent. His calm facade began to show signs of frustration, a stark contrast to his earlier confidence.
His irritation growing more by the moment, continued to fire sand bullets at Roxie from his index finger with astonishing precision. The bullets darted through the air towards Roxie, Baron couldn't help but mutter to himself. "Seems I should erase you of this accusation if I'm to continue my little game with Azuma" His focus on Roxie remained unyielding as he sought to eliminate this perceived interference once and for all. Azuma turned to see sand bullets pierce through Roxie's body as blood dripped from the thief's jacket. "No, ROXIE!"
Azuma's cry of despair echoed through the chaotic scene as Roxie was struck by the deadly sand bullets, his pink hair stained with blood, his body collapsing to the ground. The thief of Azuma's crew had fallen, and an overwhelming wave of anger surged through the pirate captain. he turned his gaze back to Baron Bones, his eyes once more glowing purple, burning with fierce hatred.
"BARON!" Azuma cried out, his voice filled with fury. His opponent looked down on him still high in the air with sand flowing around him. "Hmph, seems I've dealt with the weak barrier user, now to finish this little scuffle" His irritation turning into confidence, looked down at Azuma, who was now filled with rage. He raised his hand, commanding the colossal sand golem. "Golem, finish him," Baron ordered, his voice commanding and resolute. The towering sand behemoth, still standing tall amidst the chaos, prepared for its devastating final assault on Azuma Kenousa.
Just as the towering creature prepared to attack, a massive sphere of gum in the shape of a colossal meteor came descending onto the sand titan. The colossal meteor, comprised of seinshin-infused gum, crashed into the towering sandy titan with an earth-shattering impact. Upon contact, the gum immediately released its seinshin, causing a blinding explosion of pink energy that engulfed the entire area in a dazzling display of power.
The explosion tore through the sandy titan, disintegrating it into countless particles of sand and gum. The shockwave radiated outward, shattering windows and sending debris flying in all directions. The force of the explosion rocked the entire city, rattling buildings and causing the ground to tremble.
When the burst of pink seinshin energy finally subsided, there was no trace left of the once-mighty golem. It had been utterly annihilated, reduced to nothing more than scattered grains of sand and dissipating remnants of gum.
Baron Bones, who had been caught in the explosion, emerged from the chaos battered and disheveled. His coat was tattered, and his demeanor had shifted from arrogance to bewilderment, surrounded by the aftermath of the colossal explosion.
Azuma Kenousa, standing amidst the dissipating gum residue, stared down at his opponent with a cold glare. With the destruction of the sand golem, the tide of battle had shifted dramatically in his favor, and he was ready to seize the opportunity to end Baron Bones' reign of terror once and for all. Baron, despite his battered appearance, managed to collect the scattered grains of sand, absorbing them into himself to facilitate his healing. As his wounds slowly closed, his composure returned, but this time it was accompanied by a simmering rage.
He fixed his gaze upon Azuma, who stood resolute amidst the dissipating gum residue. The tyrant's voice, previously calm and composed, now thundered with anger as he bellowed at his opponent. "Insolent fool! You dare injure me and disrupt my carefully laid plans!? You will rue the day you crossed my path Azuma Kenousa! Prepare yourself for the consequences of your recklessness!"
With newfound fury burning in his eyes, Baron prepared himself for the next phase of their battle, fully intent on putting an end to the upstart pirate's resistance once and for all. "Sand creation: Chaotic sandstorm!" Azuma watched as the entire city was engulfed in a fierce sandstorm so thick, he could no longer see the city around him, only the flow of sand closing in on him.
Amidst the blinding sandstorm that enveloped the city, Baron Bones initiated his devastating "Chaotic Sandstorm" technique, transforming the urban landscape into a nightmarish swirl of sand and debris. The tempest threatened to consume Azuma, closing in on him from all directions.
Baron's body began to disintegrate into pure sand, and he flowed into the storm itself, vanishing from sight. As the grains of sand inched closer to the pirate, Kiozen stepped into view. With precision and speed, Kiozen conjured a small piece of gum, almost invisible amidst the chaotic sandstorm, firing it from his index finger with pinpoint accuracy. It latched onto Baron's sandy form as the gum began to rapidly expand and solidify, encasing Baron in a rapidly forming cocoon of hardened candy.
Baron struggled against the unexpected trap, his sand form trapped within the growing candy shell. The battle between sand and candy raged within the confines of the sandstorm, creating a surreal and colorful spectacle amid the city's turmoil. Azuma, momentarily shielded from Baron's assault by Kiozen's intervention, observed the clash within the sugary prison, preparing for the next phase of their confrontation. The fate of their high-stakes battle hung in the balance as the sandstorm raged on, concealing the epic showdown from the eyes of the city's beleaguered inhabitants.
As Baron Bones found himself trapped within the rapidly hardening candy shell, his sand form struggled fiercely against the unexpected prison as Baron's determination burned brightly as he sought to escape the candy's sweet embrace.
With a sudden and surprising transformation, Baron's head morphed into pure sand, separating from his sandy body within the candy trap. The sand hovered above the candy shell before sand flowed into one spot as Baron reshaped back into his human form. He glared down at Kiozen, who met his gaze with a serious expression.
Their silent confrontation spoke volumes, an unspoken challenge between candy and sand, each representing opposing forces in the ongoing battle. The sandstorm continued to swirl around them. Azuma nodded to Kiozen to continue the fight as he rushed over to Roxie who laid motionless in a pool of blood. Both magika users stood ready for the next phase of their confrontation, as the surreal battlefield remained locked in a fierce struggle between Baron Bones and Kiozen.
"Candy creation: Sour candy acid!" Taking a deep breath, the candy pirate unleashed a breath of green mist in the target's direction. Baron could feel a tingling feeling throughout his body as he realized his sand was beginning to dissolve from the high acidic levels of the pirate's breath. Baron Bones cried out in a mixture of anger and fear, his voice echoing through the storm. As the sour candy acid engulfed his sand form, he could feel the disintegration and weakening of his once-formidable defenses. The acidic onslaught threatened to corrode his control over the sand, leaving him increasingly vulnerable to Kiozen's candy-based onslaught.
In this moment of desperation, Baron realized that he might have underestimated the candy pirate's cunning and mastery over his unique abilities. His overconfidence had led him to this dire predicament, and he now faced the very real possibility of defeat at the hands of his relentless adversaries.
"N-no, I can't die at the hands of you fools! I shall take my revenge another time you can have Star fall, it's not worth losing my life over!" Slamming his palm onto the destroyed pavement, he dissipated into grains of sand, flowing effortlessly through the cracks of the road and escaping the battle scene as the sandstorm gradually dissipated from the city...
"Sigh, it's finally over" Azuma turned back to Roxie as Kiozen carefully sat him up in his arms. "I'm sorry I took so long Oda, if I had been faster, this never would've happened. But don't worry, I should be able to extract the sand bullets from your wounds with little to know trouble" Holding the incapacitated pirate up with his right arm, Kiozen aimed his left index finger towards the bullet holes, manifesting thin strands of cotton candy from the tip of his finger. Azuma watched as the thin pink strands borrowed into the thief's wound pulling out each of the condensed sand fragments with precision.
"That does it for the sand, now I just need to patch up his wound" Placing his palm over the multiple wounds, he stitched the wounds closed with seinshin-infused Licorice. "There we are, with my seinshin flowing through the Licorice, it should keep them from snapping and causing any unnecessary injury"
"Thank you Kiozen, you've helped us so much since you joined us, I doubt we would've made it this far without your magika ability's versatility for nearly any scenario" Azuma placed his hand on his crewmate's shoulder while looking at their unconscious friend.
"Don't worry captain, he she be up and about in a few hours once his body properly recovers. I'll make sure to watch over him until then" Just then Seraph came bursting out of the tower running over to his captain before getting down on all fours kneeling bow him. "I'M SO SORRY CAPTAIN! I WISH I COULD'VE AIDED YOU IN YOUR FIGHT! BUT WAS TOLD TO STAY AND WATCH OVER MS. NAIOMI PLEASE FORGIVE ME!"
Azuma looked down at the young blonde pirate with a look of surprise before placing his hand upon the man's shoulder. "Don't worry Seraph, Kiozen and Roxie came to my aid when I needed it, the fact you were beside Naiomi in her time of need is all I could ask for in my crew. Great work Seraph"
Tears of joy filled the elegant man's eyes as he looked up at his captain. "T-thank you captain! That means so much to me!" Azuma looked past his crewmate to see Kenzu walking out of the tower with Naiomi's arm wrapped around him as she struggled to keep her balance. Though her youth had returned thanks to Kiozen.
"You all wait out here, I'm going to check something inside the tower"
"Are you sure we shouldn't come with you captain? What if there's more enemies still lurking within the tower!? Seraph exclaimed, his voice filled with worry for him. Azuma assured them they were all gone but they were welcome to follow if they wanted.
Making his way back inside the destroyed casino, he pushed the "open" button on the working elevator and to his surprise it opened before him, allowing him, Seraph and Kenzu up to the top floor rather than using seinshin. As the door opened before them, Seraph and Kenzu found the once luxurious office now in ruins covered in sand with shattered windows.
Azuma walked across the white and black checkered floor over to the desk of solid gold. The desk somehow remained intact even after their intense fight. He looked down to see gold coins scattered across the room from the battle with Baron. "Seraph, will you pick up all the gold while I examine the area for anything that could help me figure out where Baron could've gone?"
"Yes, my dear captain!" The elegant pirate responded with positivity. While he sent his inferios all across the room to collect coins, Kenzu stood there with his arms crossed, watched his captain look around the disheveled room. All that was in the room was a large bookshelf in the right corner and the solid gold desk.
"Hmph, this office looked more impressive at 1st glance, seems there's only two places he could keep something of utter importance...the desk, and behind the bookshelf. One of you check for anything suspicious about the bookshelf while I get this desk open"
"Hmph" Kenzu responded in frustration walking over to the dozens of books on the shelf. He began feeling around the wooden frame while Seraph pulled out random hardcover books skimming though them for anything of use.
Placing his hand upon the desk drawer, Azuma used his seinshin to heat up the gold until it eventually melted just enough to get the drawer open. To his surprise, the only thing in the drawer were more pieces of gold and a few golden rings. "Damn, all that's in here is more gold. Then again, Baron didn't seem like the kind of person to just leave anything of importance lying around"
That's when Seraph pulled out a black and gold hard-cover book titled: "Myths of the old world" The book was an encyclopedia of myths around the world. As Seraph skimmed through the book, he realized there was a loose page in the book. Quickly flipping to the page, he realized it wasn't a page of the book, it was some kind of map Baron had hidden within the book.
"Captain, I think I found something that might be what we're looking for" Seraph's words brought Azuma closer. He leaned in to get a better look, tucked between two pages of the book was an old and weathered sheet of paper, showing signs of age and use. Its parchment had turned a pale, delicate beige over time, and the ink lines that formed the map's details had faded slightly. Despite it's worn appearance, the map still retained an air of mystery and adventure.
On the map, one could see the general shape of Starfall Island, marked by its jagged coastline. To the northeast of Starfall Island, across the open expanse of water, there was another landmass depicted. A simple "X" was etched onto this island, signifying a significant location.
Beneath the "X" the words "Frost Drift" were carefully written in elegant script, as if by someone who wished to keep the island's existence a secret. The text was slightly smudged, suggesting that the map had changed hands and seen it's fair share of use over the years.
Despite it's simplicity, the map held the promise of adventure and discovery. It hinted at untold secrets waiting to be uncovered on Frost Drift Island, and for Azuma and his crew, perhaps even the answers they sought about their enemy's location. "Alright, seems we found a clue to where he may be heading, now we just need to hurry and get there as soon as we can"
The sun began to go down as a beautiful sunset filled parts of the city with warm red light. That's when Rosera met them at the entrance of Baron tower. "I'm sorry Azuma, I wish I could've help beat that asshole into the ground alongside you rather than hiding from the bloody sunlight. Kiozen told me everything that happened, how you confronted Baron Bones nearly by yourself but was saved by him and Roxie"
"Yeah, I'm thankful they were here to have my back when it counted, without Kiozen distracting him and Roxie protecting me with his barrier, I probably would've died" Rosera hugged him tightly causing Naiomi to glare at her with jealousy.
"I'm just glad you're ok captain! I don't know what I'd do with myself if you'd been killed and all I could do was just hide from the sun like a coward!"
"Stop it Rosera, you're not a coward, I'd rather you be safe than rising your life just to help me while also trying to avoid the sun. If you can only help at night, that's ok, I'm not going to think any less of you for something you have no control over. Besides, we have some good news: we searched through Bones' office and found a map leading to an island by the name of "frost drift" have you or Kiozen heard of such a place?"
Kiozen and Rosera pondered for a moment before the vampire spoke up: "I-I think I heard about it as a child, it was said to be an island once populated by Hydrosapiens, better known as fish people. They were fish-like creatures with humanoid features capable of breathing in land and sea. The stories and rumors people spoke of said the hydrosapiens once flourished upon the island before it became covered by an endless blizzard, ultimately freezing the ocean around it. They must've abandoned the island and that's how it became known as Frost drift island. At least...that's what I can put together with the bits I can remember"
"Seems the only way to know for sure is to head to the island and see for ourselves. That island holds some kind of significance to Baron and we're going to figure out what it is!" Just as Azuma prepared to walk away from the tower, Rosera gripped his hand tightly. "Wait Azuma...what about the people of Star fall city? Who will the people look to for help and guidance now that the tyrant is gone and there's no one to step up to take his place and rebuild this city into something greater?"
The pirate captain thought for a moment before letting out a sigh, looking up at the vampiric pirate. "This is your home Rosera...if no one Is willing to step up, it's probably best if you become the leader, you want this city to have. I'm sorry...but it seems we must part ways here. I'd hoped we go on so many adventures, but it seems that's not what fate had in store for us" As tears filled Rosera's eyes, she looked at Azuma with a mixture of gratitude and sadness. Her voice trembled as she spoke, "Azuma, I don't know if I can do this on my own. I've never led an entire city, I'm scared of the responsibility. Is there really no other way? Can't you stay with me, at least for a while longer? We still have so many adventures to go on, and I don't want to lose you"
Azuma placed a comforting hand on Rosera's shoulder, understanding the turmoil in her heart. He replied softly: "I wish I could stay, Rosera. But there are other places that need help, other battles that need fighting and deep down, I believe in you. You've shown incredible strength and determination. You're not alone; you have the potential to be a great leader, and I'll always be here for you, even if I'm not physically by your side"
He wiped away a tear from her cheek and continued, "Remember, Rosera, you have the support of the people who still believe in a better Starfall City. Seek their counsel, listen to their voices, and together, you can rebuild this city into something beautiful. I have faith in you"
As Azuma prepared to depart, Rosera nodded, her eyes still glistening with tears. "Thank you, Azuma. I won't forget your words. Please, promise me you'll return one day. I'll be here, waiting for you!"
With a final, bittersweet embrace, Azuma began his journey to new adventures, leaving Rosera behind with the weight of leadership on her shoulders, but also with the hope of a brighter future for Starfall City...
Frost Drift ARC