Crossed and Convenient Fates...

[Deleted]

The ships had finally arrived. They were docking at port while numerous Marines lined along the wide, cobblestone pier in preparation for the arriving criminals. The scorching sun beamed down on the B-4 Marine Base and caused much fatigue amongst the men. The fact that it hadn’t rained in a month didn’t help, either. Everyone tried to appear in prime condition, to seem unfaltering, but even the more conditioned Officers were visibly affected. This time of year offered many hardships through weather and a noticeable peak in lawlessness. There were only a couple dozen individuals who looked unfazed by the sweltering heat and long, tiring days. One of those individuals was a relatively new recruit, Vidar Mustafo.

Vidar, though having only been on site for the past couple weeks, showed much promise as a Marine. Whatever job he received, however undignified, he completed with efficiency. When a Commanding Officer demanded loyalty, he followed through, adding his own improvements where he deemed necessary. When other recruits were lost and insecure, he would swiftly—and uninvitedly—kick them into gear. Vidar was an incredibly hard worker with strong leadership. He was resourceful and perceptive; he portrayed devotion and trust. He also bore an intense hatred for pirates.

As the large steel hatch of the ship’s brig lowered, Vidar’s blood began to boil. Ensigns walked out first, escorting the chained bands of scum following behind. Treacherous, vile creatures, Vidar thought with scorn. I would end them all where they stand if I had the authority.

This was the first procession that Vidar had been present for on the base. He’d been preoccupied with chores during other times, but he’d been quickly trusted with more formal duties. It was surprising more than anything, his festering rage. The past few years of freedom and bounty hunting seemed to have affected his self-control more than he’d like to admit.

Thankfully, most of the pirates seemed to be horrified knowing that Impel Down awaited them. That calmed Vidar’s anger to some extent. Along the band, however, there were a few gleeful looking buggers. One in particular truly made his teeth grind. The shit was smiling. How was he grinning so much knowing that hell was creeping closer and closer?

The bastard must have sensed Vidar’s distress, and in some vain attempt of defiance, barked at him like a dog and spat in his face. Most would have brushed off the harassment like a good Marine, standing tall and proud, knowing that justice would soon be served. Vidar was not that man. He reactively stepped out of line and struck the man to the ground. He swept in and hit him again. And again. And again.

Everyone came to an abrupt halt. The completely rash and unexpected violence caused pirates surrounding Vidar to strike him. Unfortunately, he’d been hunting animals like them for years and had no trouble incapacitating them. He struck the vile bastard who ignited this short rebellion one more time before stepping back in formation as if nothing occurred. The pirate was sprawled out on the ground, unconscious.

Blood covered the man’s face and was spattered across the cobblestone. Pirates close to him were badly injured from Vidar’s swift beating; all signs of resistance and hope were snuffed out. While Vidar was brimming with pride, though he dared not show it, everyone gawked at him with disbelief. To make matters worse, a Captain of the B-4 Corps was present for the transfer, and she began pacing down the lane towards the insubordinate Marine...

[|The SHAKINATOR|]

She made her way forward slowly; her eyes focused ahead as always but her mind was noting everything that was happening around her. The turning heads, the whispers, the eyes that gawped at her sight and the throats that dried up with fear. She had arrived at the West Blue marine base not too long ago and had already gathered quite a reputation. In-fact, many referred to her as ‘Ice-Cold Kanna’ behind her back for her lack of emotional display but it didn’t affect the girl. As long as she could lead the line and rely on them in battle, that was all that counted.

She was capable of leading the B-4 Marine Division. Everyone at the base was aware of that. There was no doubting her abilities and her cause and with great this responsibility and ability she was the command of much respect by her fellow marines. Even those that had opposed against the leadership of a woman had bowed their heads in shame admitting she was far better than they had thought her out to be.

She had heard the commotion and decided to turn in the direction it had come from. The atmosphere that was edgy as it was just grew much tenser. Everybody became silent all of a sudden. Nobody wanted to miss a word.

She looked down at the bloody and beaten pirate on the ground before her as well as several others who were brutally assaulted. She looked around and saw many of the marines turn their heads toward the direction of one man who was standing proud and straight. It was obvious he was the perpetrator but it was important to understand why this had taken place.

“Are you going to have me stand around or is going to explain what happened here?”

She was very assertive when she spoke, although there was often a lack of it. She looked around to see who would take charge to answer.

“Captain Kanna, there was a conflict between on the new marines and a pirate who was acting out of line. It was nothing that couldn’t have been dealt with a disciplined manner but it seems recruit Vidar here thinks that it would be wise to beat the pirate to a bloody mess.”

One of the more disciplined members of the marine squad that had brought the pirates in spoke of his disgust at Vidar’s behaviour. It was quite clear he despised the new recruit’s ways. Kanna knew the marine and his love for discipline. She nodded allowing him to continue.

“This caused an outrage amongst the other pirates that had been put under arrest but his response was again violent and he disposed of them also.”

Arashi Kanna paused a moment, listening to what the marine had to say. She took a glance toward the culprit. It seemed he had done what he had without thinking about the repercussions. As if he believed what he had done was absolutely correct. From the way the pirates had been beaten, it was clear what he thought of them.

“So you’re telling me this man took out all of these pirates and the rest of you just stood by idly and watched?”

Nobody spoke a word. She looked around and everybody dropped their heads not quite sure how they should respond. Captain Kanna turned to one of her subordinates.

“Get his details down and bring him into my office… And get this mess cleaned up.”

The subordinate nodded her head and went on her way. Without speaking another word, Captain Kanna turned back in the direction she had entered and walked away. Her personal squad followed her out.

[Deleted]

So this is what it was like to sit across from a renowned Marine Captain. Her circular office was a decent size: a bookshelf to the side with an average amount of texts, a big desk closer to the far end of the room, and three chairs including the empty one next to Vidar.

The light shone through the window directly behind her, casting an aura about her with a light, orange hue. Paired with her crossed arms and chiseled expression, she was like an imposing statue of a goddess bathing in sunlight. Vidar had to admit, he felt a little anxious. Butterflies fluttered within his stomach; he did not know what to expect.

But I think I do, he thought. She has jurisdiction over this entire base, and by any normal leadership standards should have set an example with me then and there. At the very least, some form of reprimand was required.

An interesting thought sprang to his mind. Perhaps she hates pirates more than she loves the law. If he could have visibly grinned, he would have.

Captain Arashi Kanna, or ‘Ice-cold Kanna’, as she was known to everyone else on B-4. Much like Vidar, she masked her emotions with a harsh and direct manner. She had been staring at him for some time with no discernible intention, either gauging him further or deciding what the next step should be.

Kanna, Kanna, have I heard that name before? It sounds so familiar. I swear I’ve heard it somewhere... wait, could it be?

Vidar broke the unwritten law of courtesy by speaking before his Commanding Officer.

“Are you the one they call ‘Stormrider’?”

[|The SHAKINATOR|]

Arashi Kanna had entered her office in a casual manner. Her armour, shield and sword had been displaced and she was in her casual attire beneath her marine coat. She always felt less threatening without her gear despite being well aware of her abilities even without her weapons and armour.

She didn't even bat a glance at the guest in her office. She had simple walked past him; ignoring his presence and taking a seat at the opposite end of her desk. There was some paperwork on her desk that she needed to process as well as several messages. There was one from HQ but it didn't have an urgent stamp on it which meant she could leave it for later.

She finally decided to pay him some attention. She watched him carefully, judging his every move. There was a reason she had called him to her office instead of sending him to the disciplinary team on the spot. He would still be disciplined, it wasn't that anybody on her watch would get let off so easily but she had seen something in him. It was a spark you could say. He had something about him that had beckoned her to scout him.

Kanna knew he was adept at fighting but she had also noted his violence. It was a strong trait to possess in battle against the most vile of pirates. It was probably uncalled for against the scum he had taken out his frustration upon but it could be used as a weapon against those that were more deserving.

Her team were already capable of handling most crews they encountered in the West, however more recently she had decided to send Lieutenant Hunter out with a sub-squad so they could get more done. He was well on his way to becoming a Captain himself one day and this was the perfect training for him.

Hunter was a tall man; very strong and very brave. He had all the qualities of a good marine. He was loyal, determined and disciplined. However, he didn't have the patience to deal with those of Vidar's nature. There was a file on her desk as she had requested with Vidar's name on it.

It was then suddenly he decided to speak.

“Are you the one they call ‘Stormrider’?”

He spoke out of line which Kanna found a little rude. Her reply was just as snappy and it had her authority written all over it.

"It's Captain Kanna to you so let's learn how to speak to your commanding officer. Make it a habit and I'll assign you to Tequila Wolf."

Although it was in the East Blue, the threat was very much true as many men had been taken from the West to work at the bridge. Not many marines enjoyed it and it was often a form of punishment for her lot.

"Do you know why I've called you here? Do you understand why you can't do what you did? You did realise they were already captured didn't you?"

Kanna spoke in a condescending. She wanted to see if the marine before could take being mocked.

"So tell me recruit Vidar Mustafo, what made you decide that such an action should be carried out?"

This was a very important question and the only one she wanted to know the answer to at this moment. It was this answer that would allow her to make a decision whether she would be willing to take a agressive recruit like Vidar Mustafo under her immediate command as part of her elite squad, 'The Knights'.

[Deleted]

"It's Captain Kanna to you, so let's learn how to speak to your Commanding Officer. Make it a habit and I'll assign you to Tequila Wolf."

A fiesty one, indeed. There was the Captain the Marines were so fond of. She evaded the original question, so Vidar assumed he was correct. Tequila Wolf: he'd heard the name tossed around the base. It was a placement, or rather punishment, settled out in East Blue given to those who were deemed disorderly or without proper conduct. It was more than a bluff, but considering the less than typical circumstances, Vidar was confident Kanna brought him here in hopes of... something. He decided to tread lightly until he was provided clarity.

"My apologies, Captain. I was out of line." Vidar allowed himself to smile politely.

She continued with a condescending tone, "Do you know why I've called you here? Do you understand why you can't do what you did? You did realise they were already captured didn't you?"

A smirk wanted to form on Vidar's face, but he quickly overcame the urge. A test of pride. Some would be foolish enough to fall for it, but he had no care for such games. He was, however, concerned of her opinion. While he didn't think much of others, anyone with real authority—not simply the kind drafted on paper—he had great respect for. From the brief time Vidar spent with her, Kanna portrayed some strong traits of a true leader, and he admired her for it.

There was no response, and so she asked, "So tell me recruit Vidar Mustafo, what made you decide that such an action should be carried out?"

Vidar pondered to himself. She does not completely condone my actions, but at the same time it feels like part of her agreed with it. Perhaps that's what she would have done if not bound by her own sense of righteousness. Vidar laughed inwardly. He wasn't sure if righteousness dwelled in him anymore.

Silence filled the room. Vidar didn't respond right away, but instead studied the woman further, beyond her appearance and title. The Captain and Recruit were both similar in a number of ways, with the exception of developed physical habits. For instance, whenever Vidar's eyes met hers, Kanna would avert her gaze slightly to avoid a connection. That along with some other physical and psychological details noted throughout the meeting, Vidar assumed she was quite emotionally distant; she kept her heart locked away. 'Why' wasn't a concern unless she spoke of it. He doubted that would happen.

"Before I can answer that in a way you'll understand," Vidar broke the silence, "I need to ask you a question."

He took a deep breath before continuing. "How much have you lost in life? How much has been taken from you? By circumstances, by people... by pirates?" He put much emphasis on that last word. Vidar never enjoyed exposing his past but felt it would be the only way to make her understand.

"I have been hunting pirates for many years, Captain, and I have seen them do many horrible things, as I'm sure you have. Many of them are what can be best described as demons in a human body. Monsters, most of them."

Vidar began slowly pulling out a folded scrap of parchment. "I have lost everything, Captain. My innocence, fond memories, my home, my friends, my loved ones... all of them were taken from me. By pirates. By a pirate."

The unfolded scrap, a bounty poster, was placed in front of Kanna. Vidar placed his finger firmly on the person it depicted.

"This bast—this man took everything I ever knew. I'll be blunt: I want vengeance, but I also want justice. I want absolute justice in this world so no one can ever experience the pain I have. Those pirates on the pier merely reaped what they sewed."

The poster displayed the picture of a man with a glint of evil in his eyes. The name shown was 'Fargo "The Scourge" Mustafo'. It was Vidar's father.

[|The SHAKINATOR|]

Arashi sat silently, listening to everything Vidar had to say. It seemed he could sense her pain which was why he said the words he did.

"How much have you lost in life? How much has been taken from you? By circumstances, by people... by pirates?"

She had lost a lot in life. More than she had ever thought she would. Arashi wasn't somebody who was emotionally very strong should she let those emotions come out. She couldn't afford to give them freedom. It made her weak and it was something her sensei had taught her. Vice-Admiral Rondon; the man who had made her the marine today never showed such emotions when fulfilling his duty and she had learnt from him how to be professional when it came to being a marine leader.

Whether it was circumstances or whether it was pirates. It didn't matter. Life was tough and you had to deal with it but that didn't mean you couldn't try and make it better for others.

"I have been hunting pirates for many years, Captain, and I have seen them do many horrible things, as I'm sure you have. Many of them are what can be best described as demons in a human body. Monsters, most of them."

Monsters they were. Not all. There had been a few who were just following the bandwagon but the majority saw it as a choice that meant they could do as they please. They were indisciplined and wild. They needed taming. The rest were blood-thirsty killers and inhumane. They deserved punishment. They deserved the hells of Impel Down.

She could feel herself getting worked up now, thinking about the pirates who had killed Rondon. It was difficult but she had learnt how to control that anger up until the point when it was time to unleash it. She continued not to speak; listening to what Vidar had to say.

He began to reveal a parchment he had been hiding. It seemed like a bounty he had been carrying. This intrigued the marine captain.

"I have lost everything, Captain. My innocence, fond memories, my home, my friends, my loved ones... all of them were taken from me. By pirates. By a pirate."

He revealed the face on the bounty poster. The name on the bounty poster was Fargo Mustafo. She knew immediately what was going on here. It was his father.

"This bast—this man took everything I ever knew. I'll be blunt: I want vengeance, but I also want justice. I want absolute justice in this world so no one can ever experience the pain I have. Those pirates on the pier merely reaped what they sewed."

Arashi Kanna didn’t speak for a moment. Things like these did take a little time to figure out. So his father had ruined his life and now he wanted revenge. Being a marine wasn’t about seeking revenge but about making the world a better place by upholding justice. Capturing this man would be upholding that justice and would make the world a better place but he must lock away those emotions from day to day business.

It was strange to Kanna how she would give anything in the world to have her father back and yet here was a man who was willing to throw everything away to kill his father. It was his life’s goal. The world was a very disturbing place but Kanna was already aware of that.

“I understand why you did what you did but I must still punish you and with this punishment I will also give you some advice. This anger and hatred you have inside. Keep it disciplined and use it when it is required. It is something I have learnt to do and I think it would prove itself quite useful to you. It might take some time but don’t give up.

You want vengeance, that’s fine but you that must not be your reason to hunt this man down. You have signed up as a marine and therefore are now a keeper or law and upholder of justice. If this man is a threat to the world then he must be stopped and brought to justice for his crimes. That is all I have to say on this matter.”

Kanna paused for a moment to think through the punishment she was about to give Vidar. It would be difficult for most to handle, especially a new recruit. She decided it was time to meet his gaze directly for it was important to do so as a marine captain when handing out an order or punishment.

“Vidar Mustafo, as punishment for your misconduct as a marine, you must spend the next week under the command of Ensign Shadow. That means you must follow his every command; every order. Do not take this punishment lightly for by the end of the week you might not even be able to stand.”

Ensign Shadow was the craziest man in the West Blue base. The only reason he was still an Ensign was his chaotic behaviour. She had initially thought to put him under Lieutenant Hunter but she knew the two wouldn’t get along very well and it would test Hunter’s patience to the limit. It wasn’t fair to put him through it. Whereas Shadow would love the opportunity to break in a new recruit. Ensign Shadow was known for his brutal training regimen and dangerous lifestyle. His training programme could not be followed by anyone else in B-4. It was ridiculous and just the type of thing that Vidar needed to get put into his place.

[Deleted]

“Vidar Mustafo, as punishment for your misconduct as a marine, you must spend the next week under the command of Ensign Shadow. That means you must follow his every command; every order. Do not take this punishment lightly for by the end of the week you might not even be able to stand.”

Ensign Shadow: now that was a name and face Vidar had seen before. The few times he'd spotted him, Vidar was not particularly impressed. The man seemed wild, untamed, and only the smallest sense of hierarchy left in his brain subdued him. Even Vidar seemed to have a better understanding of regulation. Beyond those brief sightings, he hadn't heard much else about him. There was a nagging itch in the back of his mind that told him, in some all knowing way, that he wasn't going to enjoy the unruly Ensign.

"Understood, ma'am," Vidar said as he rose from his seat. To be honest, the whole procedure ran much smoother than expected. Three important things were also learned: the Captain was sympathetic, she was more emotional then she would ever let on, and there was still some other reason she called him up here. Her decision to place him with Shadow was proof of that. It was for punishment, as she said, but was it also some kind of training? Clarity would come as the week progressed.

Vidar folded the bounty poster and slipped it back into his pocket. He saluted. "I assume to see you in a week's time, Captain. Where can I find Ensign Shadow?" A blank expression took his face, hiding his slight distaste for her decision. If, like he thought, it was for something beyond punishment, Vidar would deal it.

[|The SHAKINATOR|]

"I assume to see you in a week's time, Captain. Where can I find Ensign Shadow?"

No sooner had he spoken the words, the door to the Captain Arashi Kanna's room swung open and standing in the door-way was non other than Ensign Shadow himself.

"Talk about perfect timing... Someone call for me?" Ensign Shadow asked. He leaned his body against the frame of the door-way and gave a salute of sorts to Vidar with a smile on his face.

"Ensign Shadow. I have previously told you that you are to knock and take permission before you enter the Captain's room. Is that so diffic-"

Kanna hadn't even finished with her telling off that the Ensign knocked upon the wood of the door thrice. He smiled cheekily before asking in a overly polite manner.

"May I please, with the permission and authority of Captain Kanna, Commander of the B-4 Division, enter this room?"

Kanna just shook her head in disappointment. Had he not had such amazing work ethic and a truly gifted marine, she would have never allowed him to be a part of her elite squad. He was wearing his 'Knights' uniform for once. It was a given for all of the members of the elite squad so that they could be distinguished from the rest. The 'Knights' were her personal command and she was their direct leader.

"Come in..." she finally said, allowing the spiky haired young man to enter. His hair was a full black that was slicked back in spikes, apart from a single strand that looped forward. A large black staff was attached to his back; his weapon of choice.

He stood proud and tall before the Captain, trying to amend his cheeky behaviour from before. The truth was, he had great respect for Kanna but he couldn't help the urge to misbehave at times.

"How can I be of service Captain?" He asked in a responsible and professional manner which almost brought a smile to Kanna's face.

"I put Recruit Vidar Mustafo under your command for a week. He will shadow you for the whole week, taking part in all the tasks and training you do. This is his punishment so don't go easy on him and makes sure he understands what being a marine is all about."

Kanna was strong with her words and put emphasis on the punishment bit. Kanna didn't waste time in what she wanted to say. Her sense of leadership was very good and she understood how to deliver it. Shadow smiled. He knew what she wanted him to do.

"So Vidar Mustafo... Think you got what it takes to shadow 'The Shadow'?"

Shadow asked Vidar before turning back to Kanna. The smile that had reappeared on his face disappeared again.

"Sorry about that. Couldn't help it... I completely understand what you are trying to say and I will ensure I fulfil my duties as a 'Knight' and a marine to the best of my abilities. I shall take my leave now."

He gave a look at Vidar insisting he does the same. The whole being professional was becoming tiresome for Shadow and he wanted to get out of there as soon as possible so he could back to being his jolly, chaotic self.

[Deleted]

Vidar found banter between the two amusing. Shadow seemed more a misfit than anything, though he knew when to step out of his jester's wear. Respect for authority was existent, but only by some small degree due Kanna's command. As they talked, Vidar noticed their similarity in clothing. It was distinctly different from the attire of any Commissioned Officer he'd seen. Were they apart of some other division he wasn't aware of? Was Kanna in charge of it? Was Shadow seriously apart of it?

"Sorry about that. Couldn't help it... I completely understand what you are trying to say and I will ensure I fulfil my duties as a 'Knight' and a marine to the best of my abilities. I shall take my leave now."

A knight... with the exception of old fairy-tales, Vidar had never heard the term used before, especially amongst Marines. At the very least, his questions of another group were answered. Vidar was not blind to the freedom of thought and action that he and Shadow shared, and as such came to a conclusion: Kanna had intentions of recruiting himself into this band of 'Knights' if proven worthy.

This should be interesting, Vidar mused.

Shadow took his bow and left the office, casting a gaze to Vidar that insisted the same. The Seaman saw a glint of chaos in the Ensign's eyes, similar to his own. Shadow's seemed to be on a more childish level, however, and that left him feeling more uncertain.

"Captain!" Vidar took his final salute and followed in Shadow's footsteps. The week of uncertainty and intrigue began now.

The two Marines walked alongside each other, down the impressive white-stone hallway. Round marble pillars, lined along either side, stood erect about three times a man's height with large paned windows in between. It felt rather grand, which was strange considering half the base was either under repair or left in ruin. Neither of them spoke for some time, and the Knight was gazing every which way but forward. A very rambunctious man, Vidar thought. He has a very untamed energy about him, and not in the ways I'm fond of.

"Engisn Shadow," Vidar finally broke the silence, curiosity once again breaking protocol, "what is today's regiment?" More than anything, he was curious to know exactly what kind of man Shadow was, and why Kanna kept him so close.

[|The SHAKINATOR|]

Shadow walked with a bounce in his steps, as he explored his surroundings with his eyes. He was a keen observer of detail. He noticed a bunch of new recruits being bullied by a warrant officer who had stopped immediately as he stepped into view.

Shadow was very well liked by many at the base. He had the hero following for his knack of sticking up for the under-dog. The truth was, once upon a time, he too was an under-dog and it was being that under-dog that made him strive to become stronger, faster and better than everybody else. His reputation for being cocky and direct was also well-known.

He had gained a lot of respect even before Captain Arashi Kanna had offered him a position in her Elite Squad, ‘The Knights’. They hadn’t been running very long but they were seen as celebrities immediately amongst the base. It was something Shadow very much enjoyed.

Having a new guy as an assistant was something new to Shadow but it was a responsibility he wanted to fulfil well to please his Captain. She was one of the people he had great respect for and he enjoyed teasing her, just to get that little response out of her. A lot of people at the branch knew her story and how Commander had perished whilst on duty in the past year. It was a shame such an amazing woman was always so glum.

"Ensign Shadow… What is today's regiment?"

Shadow stopped walking all of a sudden and turned to the man who was under his watch.

“Aren’t we eager to know?” Shadow said in a teasing manner whilst grinning from ear to ear.

“That’s for me to know mate and you to find out. Don’t want to be spoiling the surprise now,” he chuckled before breaking off into a paced walk.

“Hey, considering this is quite a walk and I’m feeling bored, why don’t you tell me a little about yourself. We’re spending a week with each other so we might as well get to know one another better. Wouldn’t you agree Vid-…”

Shadow suddenly paused, having forgotten the recruit’s name.

“We can start with an introduction… What’s your name and what the hell are you doing in the marines?”

[Deleted]

“Aren’t we eager to know?” Shadow said in a teasing manner whilst grinning from ear to ear.

Vidar had to refrain from rolling his eyes. A blank expression veiled his face as the Ensign continued.

“That’s for me to know mate and you to find out. Don’t want to be spoiling the surprise now,” he chuckled before breaking off into a paced walk. Vidar, with his hands crossed at his back, matched Shadow's speed and continued down the hall. Vidar was already perturbed by this man's temperament. He sighed inwardly, this is going to be a long week.

“Hey, considering this is quite a walk and I’m feeling bored, why don’t you tell me a little about yourself," Shadow piped. "We’re spending a week with each other so we might as well get to know one another better. Wouldn’t you agree Vi…”

He'd already forgotten Vidar's name. To be fair, they hadn't been properly introduced through the brief minute in Kanna's office.

“We can start with an introduction… What’s your name and what the hell are you doing in the marines?”

"Vidar Mustafo," he spoke with a monotone voice, "and my duty is to uphold true justice as a Marine of the World Government."

Kanna may have trusted this man, but he still made Vidar agitated. If Shadow became bearable in the coming days—and if it proved to be in Vidar's best interest—he would open up a little more. Beyond that, he had nothing more of importance.