Mission MME-10: Working the Pain[Senshi]

[❰ Misha ❱]

Post
"Blackbird" Emile Reivelt

"Don't worry, everything will be alright. I promise... that you will live to see this through."

It was a day obscured by overcast, foggy skies that laughed and lorded overhead like a tribe of demons. The rains over the past few days had been great and easygoing seas had been hard to bargain for. The crew were downcast in themselves with nary a sailor among them who would stand up in more than a straight-faced, dismal salute of respect. It had all started several days ago when they discovered many of their rations and supplies were either spoiled rotten or terribly unripe. After that, the weather and disrepair of some of the barge's facilities sunk their ship of morale further when they had been only just two days away from shore. When it became obvious that the ship itself would have a hard time standing the remaining journey, the crew and even the Warrant Officer in charge of the expedition were unable to raise spirits.

The ship itself was still in tight shape, though several cracks among the floorboards and lower deck kept the crew freezing at night. The maintenance had clearly not been as thorough as Emile had hoped. The topside deck had been given a good spiffing before the voyage, but they had discovered only afterwards that the vessel had not been cleaned all the way through. Thanks to that, many of the crew members would have to deal with sub-par standards of drinking water and other rations for most of the trip.

On this day, the handler of the voyage was the well-known but disliked "Blackbird" of the Marines, Emile Reivelt. He walked flimsily, staring out at the fog and inspecting the few multiplexed cages that had been brought out for this assignment. Giant beast of Daijuu island were a highly sought research subject and it was now their job to be beast hunters. When he had first heard of the job, Emile thought it would be

"We will be embarking very soon everyone... get ready to go ashore as soon as we hit land. Grab your rifles and make sure everything is oiled. Expect that we're going to be attacked first thing."

"In the end though, the question remains to be asked in hindsight if you will have wanted to."

"Speech Here"

1

Mission Ref No: MME-10
Daijuu Island, West Blue
HQ desires three live specimens for research into growth hormones. As such HQ has requested a team of Marines to go to Daijuu Island to capture three different species to bring back to the R&D department of Marine HQ. There will be a large transport barge provided for this mission that will be equipped to keep the beasts sedated and restrained

[Dandead10]

Odayakama Senshi had currently been sitting on the farther edges of the ship as she had been shining her standard marine rifle. It was a dull and depressing ship, and the crew members were even more so. Odayakama Senshi had seen a fellow marine fumbling around with a small bag to see that he had run out of bullets. The marine had been frustrated and had cursed himself as he seemed rather bitter. Odayakama Senshi had squeezed her right palm forming a handful of bullets as she would tap her comrade with her enclosed fist. "What do you want? If your looking for bullets, we ran out." Senshi had suddenly opened her palm dropping a small handful of lead shots into the bag. She had repeated this process as the marine in front of her was baffled. "W-What the?! How are you doing that?!"

Odayakama Senshi had turned her head as she readjusted her marine cap as her hair would blow through the wind. "I'm a devil fruit eater. I ate the Nama Nama No Mi and I became a lead human. Seems like everyone here could use a little bit of a morale boost." The marine in front of her looked shocked, and had continued to pass the now refilled bag of bullets around. Odayakama Senshi had been staring not at the sea...nor the sky...but at her warrant officer. The temporary officer and Senshi had a rough and bumpy relationship, and she wondered if he harbored any...dislike for her.

The redheaded marine had shined her weaponry as she had then placed her rifle onto her back with a strap as her side arm flintlock was also loaded. Senshi's standard 60 inch katana had been sheathed and tied to her right side of her waist as she was prepared for combat. As Senshi had looked to her fellow comrades, she had seen them in slumps of depression...or perhaps lethargy. The marine had frowned for a moment but had decided to entertain her fellow marines. Walking up to a position on the ship where almost every marine could see her, Senshi would begin.

Odayakama Senshi had yelled out to all her fellow marines. "It seems everyone is a bit down in the dumps! So let me throw on a little entertainment for you all!" The marine had suddenly squeezed her hand as two long but thin rods had formed in her hands about three feet long each. They were blunt with no sharp tip as instead it was cylindrical. Odayakama Senshi had thrown them into the air as they would spin 360 degrees as Senshi had raised her chin to the sky. As the rods had fallen, Senshi had opened her mouth and seemingly swallowed each rod, but in reality, they had just absorbed into her tongue apon contact.

Her fellow marines were in awe as they would begin to cheer at the amazing trick...a spectacle not many would be able to see. They would want more tricks as they cheered and Senshi had awkwardly stood there not planning on drawing so much attention. At least her fellow crew members were much more excited than before. Senshi had only been able to do so much as she had looked to see if her commanding officer was looking at her. If so, she would have mixed feelings but would continue. The next trick had involved volunteers.

"Alright! Alright! For this next trick, this stunt will defy death itself. May I have some volunteers to come to me rifles raised? If the commander here would allow it, shoot at me anywhere in the front. Dont worry about ammunition, I can always make more." The marines had looked to Emile with looks of desperation as some of them wanted to really see the trick. Senshi had stood straight and tall as she had looked embarrassed almost. Perhaps she had made the wrong decision. After all, they were on a job. She knew though, that if the crew didn't have inspiration to work...they simply wouldn't. After going through several days with limited rations which tasted horrible, partially clean drinking water, cold temperatures, lack of action, and barely livable living standards, it was a miracle itself she was this enthusiastic. She hoped that the mission would be nothing but a great success. Danger was imminent...she knew it.

[❰ Misha ❱]

Post
"Blackbird" Emile Reivelt

Emile at first only spared the Marine looking over the deck with a passing glance before trying to turn his head away. It felt genuinely like he'd had a rough relationship with the young girl. During their first mission together... Emile had done some things that he wasn't proud of. Things he would best try to forget; that in a moment of rage, he had tried to−attack−his fellow marine and may have gone beyond that if she hadn't stopped him. He gulped down a lump in his throat, experiencing as well a bit of what could be considerable amount of mixed feelings. On the one hand, Senshi was a kind girl, a noble Marine, and a headstrong character. On the other hand, he didn't know and was unable to reconcile with himself.

Quietly and to himself, he noted that he found her to be strangely attractive and likable, though he would never go so far as romance or love. He did care about her though and deep in his heart, Emile knew he had to make true amends eventually. Taking a peak at and gazing from afar, he resided to keep his head down and continued walking away. The sound of the boards creaking under his feet somehow made the stride feel even more empty than it already was. The wooden planks were splintered and stead

Then the noise started to come. It began on the fringe edges of his brain, ignored and not so noticeable until they began to build and laughter joined them. As he looked back, he saw the circle of Marines that had gathered around Senshi, the mood considerably seemed lighter. He was hesitant to look the fiery Marine straight in the eye, but couldn't help breaking out in a smile for a moment.

She dazzled the few around her, looking as if she swallowed the rods she produced while they twirled freely out of thin air. They gobbled it up happily, something that Emile acknowledged had been lacking in t the crew for most of this trip now.

"Alright! Alright! For this next trick, this stunt will defy death itself. May I have some volunteers to come to me rifles raised? If the commander here would allow it, shoot at me anywhere in the front. Dont worry about ammunition, I can always make more." she said with showmanship-like flare that seemed to come naturally as all heads then turned slightly over to face Emile who quickly turned to see the island that was just a short dip away from docking.

He would be lying if he said that the stares and expectation from the young girl didn't make him a little uncomfortable, but soldiered through valiantly. He smiled through the inevitably gloomy atmosphere as he addressed the gathering crowd, "We're going to be disembarking soon I'm afraid. How about you show me the trick after we finish the Mission?"

He asked, much to the probable dismay of those around him. With quickened steps, Emile moved away from the group, preparing to set foot upon the beach of Daijuu island. The ship would then come to a stop in the small port, shaded by low-hanging mangroves and coniferous trees. Giant Pines and spruces dangled over the sandy beach while a slight gust and salty breeze overtook them, even as the fog grew deeper.

They rolled out onto the beach, each man and woman carrying rifles along with animal-catching nets. They also brought out the large cages on wheels that would serve them well in this jungle of an island. It was ominous and dark as the lack of vision served only to make their nerves and hair stand on edge. Emile was the first one off the ship, standing at the lead to all the Marines as they exited and filed into a few separate lines. A few other senior officers also flanked him, observing him closely to see how Emile would lead in this situation. Emile, with confidence and a bit of poise, turned to address his charges.

"The animals here will be extremely tough. They are giants and everyone should be careful and well-prepared. Make sure you all stay sharp and don't let down your guard!"

"Speech Here"

2

Apologies for the long time since my last post. This week, I received a job offer and I took it so it has been mostly me readying myself for Monday. I'm also trying to balance my days with watching anime so I will try to keep my replies within the 3-6 days range.

[Dandead10]

Odayakama Senshi had heard some dissapointed groans from the audience as it seemed they were going to be landing shortly. Senshi had switched back to her serious working mode as she had stood rifle in hand. In her mind, she had wondered if her commander was nervous of her. Perhaps she should speak to the man to end his fear of Senshi's hatred. There was no hatred in her heart torwards the man as she knew he was in a bad spot with the crew members dissapointed by his choices. He needed a simple scapegoat to take his frustrations out apon, that was understandable seeing she had done some inexcusable things herself. Stealing a devil fruit from the loot of a pirate ship was a crime in itself.

As the ship had docked, Odayakama Senshi had taken in the rich sites of the sandy beach and the trees that had covered the island. She was honestly a bit concerned on how the mission would turn out. After all, they were chasing gigantic animals that could potentially kill the crew if angered. The waves had rocked back and forth as a cool breeze had blown across the sea. Senshi's vibrant hair had blown in the wind as she had readjusted her cap. The salty smell of the sea was very familiar to her now. It had to be after her experience across the ocean. Odayakama Senshi had walked in line with her comrades as a variety of tools had been brought to apprehend the dangerous animals. Firearms, nets, cages, and a large crew was what the government had supplied for the capture of the beasts. Senshi had seen the marines stop as they had seen the forest was dark and the dangers unknown lurked through the shadows.

Odayakama Senshi had heard her commander speak at the lead of the marine forces as he spoke with utter confidence. "The animals here will be extremely tough. They are giants and everyone should be careful and well-prepared. Make sure you stay sharp and don't let down your guard." Senshi as well as many other marines had called out in unision, "Yes sir!" Senshi had made her way to the front of the group close to her leader at the moment. She felt it was her duty to stay in the frontline as she had abillities that may be able to benefit the group in case trouble were to arise. Senshi had her rifle held securely in her arms as the group had moved forwards through the eerie forest. Who knows that dangers watched from the trees, or the ground, or perhaps amongst them.

The marine forces had been more and more uneasy the deeper they traveled within the forest. It had been nearly two minutes, and some men were paranoid that they were being watched. Odayakama Senshi had felt a tap on her shoulder as she turned her head to the right. She had seen a rather nervous seaman recruit who had seemed a little bit more than insecure. "Your gonna protect us with your awesome powers in case things go bad right? I mean, your a devil fruit eater aren't you?" Senshi had honestly felt conflicted on how she should answer this question. She honestly hadn't been able to scratch deeply into her powers, and had yet to understand her full abillities. Senshi's eyebrows had furrowed as she thought, but then she had answered. "I will try my absolute best to defend everyone in the group as everyone here is a comrade and fighter for justice." The marine whom had asked the question seemed much more relaxed and confident as did some of the others who overheard her response. It was what had happened next that had made this change very quickly.

A loud crack had sounded through the woods as the sound of an animal's cry could be heard. The sound had echoed through the woods, and the marines had been unable to locate the point of origin. The marine troops had raised their rifles and turned to every different direction as they were scared. Some of the more senior marines had not done anything as they had awaited their commanding officer's order. Odayakama Senshi had listened for another sound as soon she was greeted. Rumbling footsteps could be heard from the darkness as Senshi had felt the ground shake beneath her feet. This wasn't good...something big was coming their way. Odayakama Senshi had focused her power as she had focused her power within ten meters of herself as a field. Her comrades would suddenly find their rifles would be lighter as Senshi had altered the properties of their lead bullets. She had made the lead feel lighter as she had found she could alter the properties of lead. She had only been able to alter weight thus far, but that was the best she could do.

She had not called the name of her technique as Senshi had leaned into her rifle looking to the darkness to see what abomination would creep from the shadows. The startled marines had kept their eyes ready as nets had been raised, and guns ready. Would this creature that was coming their way even be affected by mere bullets? Now was an excellent time to find out as the beast came ever closer as the smaller plants had toppled over from its mere pressence. She hoped everyone was ready for battle, because Senshi was honestly uneasy herself. Was it a massive beast of carnivorous nature? A demon of the forest sent to capture them and eat them? Regardless, Senshi was a marine and she would face the foe with pride. Shrugging any doubt left in her, she had placed her index finger on the trigger of her gun.

[❰ Misha ❱]

Post
"Blackbird" Emile Reivelt

They treaded forth, making way through the throngs of large wildflowers and overgrown hanging trees covering their immediate path. In truth, Emile himself almost felt right at home here. If they encountered a giant Owl, he wouldn't be able to prevent the oncoming nostalgia. He glanced to and fro, inspecting and keeping his eye open for changes or shifts in the greenery. He looked closer at the wildflowers to take note of their vibrant colors. It wouldn't help them track the animals they were hunting, but it might just give him a better idea of how they could return to the ship with their catch.

The way wasn't easygoing with the fog and oncoming darkness seeming to suffocate their march like a snake curdling around the neck of its prey. Many of the crew seemed on-edge and even he found himself coldly gripping Irony and anticipating the need to defend himself from a sudden attack or stave off a shaking claw at a moment's notice. His muscles were tensing, altogether making it harder for him to continue walking while his mind was prone to wander off to keep check on the people he was leading and his second stood at the head of the pack. His mace crackled a little bit from banging against his legs while he traipsed ahead of the group.

Several cool minutes passed by with the tension among them building to a fevered crescendo. You could easily tell who were the most experienced among the Marines, the veterans were cool and collected while the rookies were stuttering or making more hurried paces that could be heard as well as felt.

Emile had just taken a long stride when the crack of an animal's roar split the air around them. "Everyone get ready! It's coming at us!" he ordered aloud, causing the few around and behind him to stiffen up and prepare themselves. The first hint he got was a boom, banging noise that signaled the attack. Next he heard the heavy footsteps that hinted at its distance and gait.

Emile quickly kept his eyes turned on the fog, looking for the silhouette that would obviously emerge, keenly shifting his weight around as he drew his Irony lance and prepared for battle. Moments afterwards, a dark shadow became clearly visible at the peripherals of his vision. With not a moment to hesitate, Emile moved quickly and ducked low to the ground just as the animal broke through the barrier of wilted fog. It was a wolf and a large, mean one. It passed over Emile, leaping toward him.

By the grace of fortune itself, Emile's reflexes had prompted him just at just the right time and the creature's legs passed overhead. With a piercing thrust, Emile shot upward with Irony. The lance drew blood, spiking against it in the lower belly region. The lance came away with minimal blood drawn on its blackened barrel.

That injured it as the wolfish cry could be heard by all the Marines, but it was certainly not enough to bring it down.

"Be careful! Don't shoot for its face! We need it alive! Try to break the legs!"

"Speech Here"

3

[Dandead10]

Wolves hunt in packs. The wolf had cried out as bullets had been fired...only to bounce off of it's tough and furry body. The wolf that Emile had injured had aimed to swat it's paw downwards onto the warrant officer only for Senshi to leap in front with her hands on the ground. "Nama Nama No: Wall!" A tough wall of lead had rapidly risen and was crushed under the weight of the wolf, but had protected against a single attack. Bullets were worthless against these animals. Odayakama Senshi had noticed this herself as it seemed the wolf seemed to shrug off the bullets and charge into the marine forces with a enraged look. If it were one wolf, it may have been bearable..but soon five more rumbling footsteps had called. Now was not the time to fight, but to run for your life if you so hold it dear. Many of the rookie marines had began to run like cowards while the more senior members stood strong. It was time for Senshi to present her new skills. Odayakama Senshi had drew her blade as she had stood still and caressed the back of her blade as she focused herself.

"Sword Technique:Surasshu-fū!" One of the wolves rapidly approaching had seen a horizantal crescent of compressed wind launched as it's front left leg had sprayed blood. It had fell to the ground in agony as it cried out. It was then she had seen Emile her current commanding officer with a bloody lance. He had to order a retreat. The wolves had been shrugging away the bullets that were fired, and were easily blowing away the men who had swords. They would need to retreat and regroup in order to survive the endeavor. Senshi in her thoughts failed to notice the wolf she had attacked was angered by her. By the time she was snapped out of her thoughts, the wolf was in front of her with a look of pure hatred.

"Lead Armor!" Senshi had formed a set of black and heavy armor as she had been swatted by the wolf's claw. She had been sent flying and she had crashed into a tree as her armor would have a deep slash across the chestplate. Senshi was lucky to be alive as that was a close call. She felt like she had a headache however as she felt like she was bounced like a rubber ball across the room of a building. Her armor had melded and absorbed into her skin as it seemed her fellow marines were dwindling in morale and strength. Senshi had stood as the wolf she had faced seemed to forget about her in favor of other marines annoying it with gunshots. What were the marines going to do?! The thick fog wasn't helping as it made it easy to get lost.