Calm Before the Storm (Aluco/Kano)

[Flame]

Red dots in the darkness were all there was, like stars in an empty night sky. They disappeared for a moment before returning. There was a moment and then they flickered in and out of view once more.

There weren't many things that troubled Kano, but this, this might be up there. The soft feeling pressing on all sides, kinda felt like raw meat. Liquid passed over his body in waves, it slid through his clothes causing them to stick and drape upon his skin. Which would be bad enough, but he also had this sickly feeling in his stomach. It seemed to come and pass with whatever liquid passed over him from time to time. These factors all came together to give Kano perhaps one of the most disturbed feelings he had ever had. It was perhaps more uncomfortable then that unfortunate voyage in the wooden crate. And that he had regretted for quite some time. His mind slid back to how he got into this mess, vaguely he was reminded of a wooden ship and Oliver.

Trying to move his hand through the water it brushed against something fuzzy, not him. Must be Oliver, he raised it a little further until it ran into something soft again. It was a mushy soft, disturbing in every way possible. A chill ran down his spine, and he shook slightly. Sticking his tongue out it pressed against something that must've been millimeters from his face. There was a sort of meaty taste to it. Where the hell am I??

Vaguely a muffled voice sounded "Th-- i- al-- y--r f-ult" He could make out the sounds somewhat and suddenly felt a furry body pass over his. Heading past his head he winced slightly as a ice cold what must have been claw bit into his arm as it clambered over him. Kano unable to take the darkness focused on shifting his tongue into a sparkler. And ... nothing, there was no change, not a thing happened. His eyes widened, how could that happen? It must ... must be a dream. Yes a dream! That must be it. I'll close my eyes and I'll wake up and then this'll be gone, I'll be back in my boat and I can continue on this adventure! Kano closed his eyes shut and for a moment tried to sleep. Even so the disturbing feeling didn't go away, he tried to ignore and still it lasted.

Moments passed and nothing, and then suddenly everything seemed to convulse. The soft ... whatever which was touching him spasmed out of control and then he felt something at his feet. Pressure rising quickly along with the feeling of liquids perhaps some solid things intermixed pressing against his body lifting him and pushing him forwards. Head first, as he was surrounded by some substance that he dare not open his eyes and reveal to himself, Kano's body was thrown. Or better said he was expulsed. Something more solid hit his head on the way but it didn't stop him. Suddenly he was surrounded by something wet, ice cold, the pressure around his body. The sick feeling grew suddenly, liquids seeped through his lips, it found its way between cracks in his mouth and washed against his tongue. Excessively salty and like water his eyes burst open to see open water, the light of the sun breaking through it.

Something more solid was on his back but the feeling in his stomach was making him feel excessively weak. He could do little to nothing, then suddenly he felt the sharp feeling of teeth on his head, something was biting on him. Then tugging his body. The sensation of grains scratched against his back as his body slid forward. The delicate pressure of water across his face disappeared as he felt the air once more upon his damp skin. As his mouth passed above water level he gasped for air.

A little more and his strength began to return, his body heaved, its weight felt excessive but it was lightening by the second. "Common, you're out of the water now, you should be fine." An impatient voice said from above his head. There was a soft spray of cold water that drizzled over his face. Spluttering slightly Kano pressed his arms into the ground behind him. Soft semi-wet sand hardened beneath the pressure and Kano gained some traction. Pulling himself up to a sitting position, he glanced at the sea before him. Raising a hand he wiped the now known seawater from his face and glanced forward at the rolling waters. For a moment he thought he saw a shadow beneath the waters disappearing but he couldn't be sure.

"Well I didn't think we'd survive a seaking attack. You really are a lucky one Kano, or an unlucky one." The deadpan voice behind him spoke again. A smile spread across Kano's face as everything came back to him once again. "We made it didn't we!" His voice grew in excitement.

"The Grand Line!" Kano exclaimed starting to turn around.

"That's what you took away from this?" The voice behind him exclaimed, "We've no idea where this is! And what's more, I WAS EATEN BY A FISH. DO YOU KNOW HOW WRONG THAT IS??" Kano turned to face his partner. The small figure before him was shaking down still. All legs on the ground he shook his body from side to side clearing the water off of him. Kano smiled at his partner. The black cat looked back at him staring daggers into Kano. "No worries. This is the Grand Line I just know it. Besides common, looking back that was amazing right?"

That comment earned him three scratches right across the cheek.

[Vio]

¹

---

“Here we are, boys and girls,” yelled a man by the title and name of Lieutenant Borram. His awkwardly high voice was just about audible over the mighty groans of an equally towering gateway – the entrance to the secluded docks of Arabara Island’s largest Marine fortification. Such gates might have paled in comparison to the awe of the Gates of Justice, but a certain pair of eyes had not yet attained the privilege of witnessing such grandeur. Bright amber hues watched in wonder as the battleship slipped effortlessly between the mighty stone pillars of the port entrance, captivated by the scale of such a bastion of law and order. Sure, Marine fortifications in the Blues might have been fascinating, but the Grand Line’s versions were something else entirely.

“Welcome to Arabara Base, centre of operations for World Navy activities in this segment of the Grand Line,” Borram announced, walking along the deck with the distinctive clips of his abnormally high boots. Aluco Striggs, recently promoted to Master Chief Petty Officer for her various efforts, stood to attention and saluted as the LT walked past. She, like many of the seamen and women aboard, had been shipped from the calmer seas of her respective Blue to join the fight against piratical forces and Revolutionary antics on the Grand Line. Fleet Admiral Sakazuki had seen to it that any and all naval attentions were refocused, redoubled and recharged. That often meant dragging many a young Marine far from homely waters.

“Some of you – young and old, naïve and experienced – will find this to be your new home. Others may go further, but the Grand Line is no place for the foolhardy!” LT Borram paced as the ship was moored. His voice, no – everything about him was high. A tall man, unnaturally long and lithe when compared to the more mundane appearances of those around him, he looked as if somebody had grabbed his crown and toes and pulled. Despite his somewhat amusing appearance, MCPO Striggs remained respectfully composed, which was more than could be said for others in her bracket as their superior continued: “A new generation of heroes – and heroines – is needed if we are to win the fight, and I have every ounce of faith that such brave souls will soar from the fledglings I see before me. Despite your achievements there is still far more to do, far more to see, far more to learn. You’ve made the leap from the water’s edge and now stand on your first stepping stone on the way to greatness. Do any of you have any questions…?”

^{“Sir, I have a question!”}

^{“MCPO Striggs,” Borram acknowledged with a grimace.}

“Have our patrol rotas been scheduled?” Aluco asked, provoking a stifled and yet unanimous sigh from the majority of the men on deck. Though many of them had been rather over the moon to have a young lady amongst the ranks at first, the bizarre brunette’s workaholic attitude and seemingly endless reserves of diligence had quickly worn them out. All work and no play may have made Jack a dull boy, but it was what kept this Jane ticking. Perhaps it did not help that her best efforts often ended up causing more work for the others, but nothing seemed to dissuade her dutiful desires during daylight hours.

“Well,” the LT cleared his throat, “I had planned to provide you all with an extended break until sunrise tomorrow, but as you all seem so eager to get to work, I’ll be issuing workloads to each of you. It will be beneficial to all of you to learn Arabara’s ropes ASAP. Striggs, I’m assigning you to active patrol through town.”

^{“Yes, sir!”}

^{“You’re dismissed…”}

---

SPOILER: Click to show

{OOC}

, who’s probably the only Marine on the island right now (minus the Captain?) that’s actually committed to upholding the law no matter what.

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Starring…

_{Aluco Striggs (191970)
LT Borram (ffffff)}

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[Flame]

Kano patted his hand gently upon his cheek, he winced momentarily before standing up. "You didn't have to swipe me like that." He complained. The wind picked up, brushing past him, its cold winds biting at his salt and water covered body and he shuddered slightly. Reaching his hands around his body he crossed them over his chest pressing against his soaked clothing.

As if it were a towel, water streamed out of it when he pressed on the hoodie. It pooled upon the hoodie before breaking free and rolling down the folds of the clothes toward the ground. "Maybe, but you deserved it. Getting us into this mess, getting me swallowed by a fish!" The cat's voice begrudgingly reiterated it's previous issue.

"If you were so against it you should-" Kano started until he felt the four paws of his feline friend land solidly upon his shoulder. "Do you want me to deepen that scratch." There was a viciousness to the words that gave Kano pause. In his peripheral vision he could see one of the paws out, its claws outstretched and coated in some black material. Kano wasn't certain why but it always felt bad when Oliver's claws bit into his skin. More so than usual it gave him this nauseous feeling in his stomach. Rathering to not have that feeling again Kano shut his mouth and turned to look inland.

His eyes passed quickly over the scenery. Before him was a town, exactly as he hoped he might find. It rose as large wooden building gently first and then faster upwards. His eyes followed it as it went climbing up layers upon layers of rooftops met his eyes. As it climbed what must have been a mountain of sorts. It was not massively tall but in the distance Kano could barely make out some structure near the top. What a view it must be from up there on a clear night. Kano thought smiling to himself.

"What are you smiling about?" The voice of his companion was sharp and untrusting. For the life of Kano he didn't know why it sounded like that, so dreamily he responded "I was just imagining what the sky must look like from that building up there." Dripping water as it did his arm lifted up, hand swinging forward and sole finger outstretching. It pointed simply straight to the top, "Wouldn't it be amaz-" Kano's voice was sing-songy as he said it.

"Yes I'm sure," the exasperated voice interjected. "Come on lets go into town, maybe we can find a place to dry off and eat something. I'm starving." The talk of food moved Kano, his stomach rumbled and grumbled to sound his agreement. So still soaked he began to trudge his way up the beach toward the town itself.

His body swung slowly from side to side, that in combination with the wet state of his clothes left Oliver scrambling to hold on. "Oi!" Oliver's tail slapped itself across Kano's face. Tickling his fresh wound and spraying it with salt water. As Kano instinctively shook from the pain Oliver leaped off him. Landing gracefully on the ground he looked at Kano and smiled. The sort of sneaky cat smile with a cheekiness to it that Oliver would more expect from Kano than himself.

"Come on, look up." Oliver started, his voice had all the pep he could muster, which was not much. And already it disturbed Oliver to hear himself like this. So he stopped for a moment continuing to lock eyes with Kano. "We can go pick up some information, maybe this is the Grand Line, think of the adventures." Oliver gave a forced smile to Kano this time. He knew the words that would kick Kano's system. And just like that it did.

The dull red that has only moments ago covered Kano's eyes disappeared, replaced by a neon red, shining out. Though the itch on his cheek was annoying, it was quickly dulling as the sensation was replaced by the thoughts of better things to come. Adventure and all that. Kano glanced down at his partner, his small smile having now grown to a wide, very annoying grin. The kind of grin that just told Oliver that he had done too much and was in for what he could only term, the Storm.

[Vio]

²

---

“This place must be even bigger than Loguetown,” Aluco Striggs awed. Having left the refuge that was Arabara’s Marine Base, the young petty officer had taken to marching through the one place where she felt most comfortable – the streets. As a woman of the World Navy, she was the face of Justice and law, and so it was that she would always opt into patrol whenever the chance arose. The people needed to know that they were in safe hands, after all. What better way to prove it to them than to actively be that ‘bobby’ on the beat. Dressed in navy blue trousers, white shirt of shortened sleeve and donning the typical blue neckerchief and white cap, the MCPO walked with prideful energy.

“The town’s even been built on the side of the mountain!” Amber eyes taking in all of the fascinating details of her surroundings, Miss Striggs’ first taste of a Grand Line island was proving to be far more appealing than anything she had so far been told. The rumours passed between civilians and seamen alike always branded this stretch of sea as a place of monsters, unparalleled dangers. Right now, however, the ditzy demoiselle was not seeing it as such. The idea of an entire town being built up on the side of a hill was somehow entrancing, despite the fact that she had already spent some time on an island that had quite literally been carved out of a whole mountain. Then again, she did not wholly remember her experience of Platform Island – there were darkened gaps in her memories which she had so far dismissed without worry.

^Thud!

^{“Oof! Ow…,” the bumbling brunette babbled:
“That hurt my nose!”}

Her attentions honed in upon the uppermost reaches of Arabara’s civilisation, Aluco had once again managed to demonstrate one of her greatest character flaws. Not to her peers this time, but to a decent gathering of native citizens. Many a dozen pairs of eyes watched in blank amazement – some even in disapproval – as the lone lady managed to collide with the corner of a wooden building without once realising its presence. People whispered, some chuckled, and others even forced themselves to retreat before laughing. Still, despite her little mishap, the maiden Marine bounced back and continued her march. This time, she was at least a little more focused on what was directly in front of her…

---

SPOILER: Click to show

{OOC}

right now until she and Kano meet?

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Starring…

_{Aluco Striggs (191970)
LT Borram (ffffff)}

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[Flame]

Kano never simply walked, he was too vibrant a person for that. With the unquestionable certainty that he was in fact in the Grand Line buoying his spirits Kano skipped up the beach. Alongside him Oliver stalked, his sleek black figure moving silently behind Kano like a shadow.

Together they made a strange pair as they entered the edge of town. First the boy, bouncing about with enthusiasm in clothes that drooped about him dripping water in streams from every side. Then the cat, slinking around, keeping only a short distance behind him. They moved at an excessive pace, speeding through the town like a rocket even though there was no end in sight. Around them eyes turned, if only for a moment to acknowledge the stranger striding through their home, they glanced at him. He was a bit of a strange sight at least for the locals. Oh they were used to pirates, coming in with their motley clothing and unshaven look, but none came in drenched to the bone like this kid. More than that no one walked around with such pep in such a soaked state.

Of course Kano noticed, stopping suddenly, he glanced around him. His chest puffed out, as he breathed in the attention. Noting his sudden stop was Oliver, somewhat relieved that he no longer had to hold pace with Kano he ambled around the boy with one eye kept on his ward. Kano's hands planted themselves on his sides as he turned around to take in the environment. This was it, the Grand Line, Kano gave a great grin. Oliver on the other hand glanced around and saw nothing. Nothing of interest, nothing that might prove that this was the Grand Line, no proof that, as Kano's body language yelled to all that would watch, the Wild Spark's fervent belief was true. Bunching his legs up for a moment Oliver sprung up to Kano's shoulder.

Kano momentarily eyed Oliver curious as to what he was doing. "Its not that different is it?" Oliver's deadpan voice rained on Kano's party. Skeptical words tried to cut at Kano's spirit, but it was of no use. Kano looked back incredulously at Oliver, "Are you blind?!" Waving a hand out he gestured out to the town unfolding around them. He grinned, that sort of impervious grin, that gave Oliver a sick feeling in his stomach. It was the sort of unbreakable smile that Kano had which signified that he was set. His belief would be unwavering, untouchable.

This was why Oliver was with him, believed that through Kano he could manifest his revenge. It was also what was so annoying about Kano. "It's perfect, the atmosphere,
THE AIR, I can feel the adventure standing before me!

Can't you?!"

Oliver stared back at him and shook his head back and forth. "You're an idiot." He said flatly to his human companion. He was as always taken back by Kano's lack of sense.

"OI DID YOU CALL ME AN IDIOT?"

Kano turned about to look down a large burly man crunching his knuckles together. "huh?" Kano tilted his head confused at the sudden accusation. The brute before him advanced toward Kano closing the already small difference between the two. Around them people were whispering, "Ohoho playing the fool are you? No one gets away with making such insults to a crewmember of -"

Kano was already tuning him out. Waving his hand carelessly at the thug Kano started to walk past him. Beside him Oliver spoke again openly "What a stupid lout." Kano glanced at the cat on his shoulder frowning momentarily before beginning to laugh.

"NOW THAT'S IT!" The witless barbarian yelled out swinging his fist straight towards the side of Kano's head.

SPOILER: Click to show

Figure this'll be a member of that pirate's crew, it'll be a good sort of way to get them involved. He runs back to them and calls them to arms against Kano, and Aluco if you get end up intervening here. Otherwise we can always meet later.

[Vio]

³

---

“Arabara’s a lot busier than I expected,” Aluco Striggs assessed as she continued her patrol through the streets. Each and every turn she took heralded new wonderments of the Grand Line, but at the same time was painted with a familiarity that even she could not help but notice. It seemed no matter which sea one sailed upon, human behaviours were always the same. Unfortunately, that also included criminal activity, but that was the whole reason she had even been shipped into this hectic stretch of ocean in the first place. In turn, that had also been the source of her eagerness to get going – a lapse in the law was intolerable in her eyes.

Again she turned the corner, wary of the buildings’ edges, but also curious. Though not usually the observant type unless she was actively focused upon something, the MCPO had at least managed to pick up on a certain sense of disparity between the streets of the mountain-based metropolis. To some extent, it was almost as if the town was divided; split into sectors that each seemed to pertain to a common theme and industrial focus. Or, maybe she was just seeing things that were not there. Dismissive, she moved on.

^{“Oi!” shouted a voice:
“Did you call me an idiot?”}

“Huh?” Ears perked up, Miss Striggs’ march was halted – her policing senses were tingling. Somewhere nearby, somebody was causing a ruckus, or at the very least about to do so. A part of her wished that this was not the case, though the overwhelming majority of her conscience was entranced by the fact that the island of Arabara was offering her a chance to test her mettle on the very first day. One hand quickly palmed the hilt of her cutlass, standard issue, which was stowed within its scabbard at her hip. It was not the only armament on her person, but the amber-eyed officer was not all too fond of drawing her twin blades – nested at her lower back – unless the situation called for them. Quite simply, the standard sabre sufficed in most scenarios.

^{“Now that’s it!”}

“That way,” Aluco announced, ears honing in upon the origins of the kerfuffle. Without hesitation, her standard but brisk march had been replaced with a speedy dash, a sharp heel turn accommodating for the change in direction. The sooner she approached the action, the better. There was no doubt in her mind as she rushed through the steepening streets, her stride skipping entire yards at a time, but the lack of doubt was actually turning out to be her downfall. Indeed, the tawny teen had no idea what she was about to get herself into; a fate which could have been avoided had she been more patient and learned about the isle’s agenda beforehand.

^{“Stop,” the Petty Officer cried out:
“In the name of the law…!”}

---

SPOILER: Click to show

{OOC}

[/sub]

Starring…

_{Aluco Striggs (191970)
LT Borram (ffffff)
Pirate #1 (bb3412)}

[/ul][/spoiler][/font][/sup][/blockquote][/div][/div][/div]

[Flame]

Like a maul the brute's fist crashed through the air towards the blond boy's face. He however did not notice the fat-fisted punch heading straight toward him. Instead it was his partner who did, the black cat perched calmly on his shoulder moved into action immediately. "On your left" he said silently to his companion before launching himself from where he stood. At the same time red orbs turned to action, flickering leftwards they widened only slightly as they relayed the situation to the head.

Instinct and training shifted into gear as his feline friend jumped past him with claws outstretched. Kano's body shifted downwards as his feet took up a more stable stance. It was a reaction of only milliseconds. Alongside it his left arm swung up his wrist and forearm slamming into the oncoming fist knocking it off track. The change is course was just enough and the fist missed its target by only an inch or two striking the air in front of Kano's face rather than Kano himself. A cheeky grin slid across the youth's face as he spoke, "Better luck next time." He said laughing as he grabbed the extended arm with his other hand and pulled it forward.

The thug who had been punching him now had his center of mass far before him. The simple pull had him tottering. Precariously he jumped with his feet trying to regain balance. Oliver having already landed on their assaulter, now charged up the arm with claws unsheathed. Launching himself straight at his enemy's face seastone-encased claws scratched across him before Oliver promptly removed himself. He dropped to the ground and began to scurry away expecting Kano to finish the job. "Normally its a cat got your tongue, apparently this cat got your face instead." Came Oliver's 'witty' comment as he slid behind Kano.

There was a smattering of pitiable laughter as the watching crowd picked up on the voice assuming it came from the boy.

For Kano the line flew straight over his head, not that he cared. The idiot before him was now yowling in pain and grabbing at his face. "If anything the face looks better than it did before." Oliver's whisper of a voice from behind Kano turned him to another chortle of laughter. Which only managed to enrage the man pawing at his face even more. He froze then balling his hands up once again he allowed Kano a glance at his face. Thin streams of blood slid down it making him look if anything a little more fearsome. "You're right, much better now." Kano replied to Oliver's earlier comment with a happy tone.

That apparently only making it worse. "Now you're a dead man." He said pointing a bulky finger straight at Kano. Unimpressed as always Kano just shrugged his shoulders. The big oaf came in swinging. Punches were thrown wildly at Kano, going every which way seemingly in an effort to flatten Kano, or at the least turn him into a pulp. Not that Kano was having any of it, he danced around the thick fists easily. It helped that the lug was not punching very quickly giving him time to re-position between punches. "Stay still will you!" Kano's enemy grunted with annoyance.

"We're attracting too much attention, will you just finish him so we can move on." Came Oliver's whispering meow from behind Kano. He sighed, it was fun messing with these sort of idiots. Besides it gave Kano good practice with his dodging, he needed the practice. His recent run-ins in the North Blue had taught him there was still practice for him to have. But Oliver was right, he was always right, Kano frowned slightly and shook it off as another punch brushed through his hair as he dodged under it. Balling his fist Kano met the next punch head on. The two opposing hands crashed into each other.

Weight and muscles, technique, strength, and more, all became relevant as the two punches collided with each other. Shock traveled through Kano's arm as he bore the brunt of the punch. He bit his lip slightly and followed through with the punch. Overpowering the larger man as he did Kano finished his swing sending the man twisting backwards. A thick red bruise erupted upon the man's fingers and his brows furrowed with rage. Shaking his hand out it seemed the man could take no more. Blood was welling in his face turning him a bright beet red. He looked around glancing through the crowds as if he was looking for someone. The boorish man's face fell, and then even further when a sharp voice was suddenly audible.

Kano whose attention had been solely hogged by the man before him caught only the word 'law' from the bright voice in the distance. Distracted momentarily he looked back to see his opponent pointing at him once again. "This will not be forgotten." Teeth ground together as if the words were hard to allow through. Then he laughed, as if reminded of something, "The Captain will hear about this. This affront to the Skimm Pirates will not be forgotten!" He yelled swinging his finger around. "You will pay. YOU ALL will pay!"

The onlookers backed off suddenly their interest suddenly overcome by a sense of fear. Oliver could smell it and Kano to some extent could notice it in their eyes. The man trundled off parting the crowds in his path. None of the civilians seemed to want to give him any cause for trouble. Glancing at his 'partner-in-crime' Kano's held tilted sideways "Who are the Skimm Pirates?" He asked absolutely confused.

[Vio]

⁴

---

By the time MCPO Aluco Striggs had caught up, the skirmish was over. As quickly as it had begun, the street brawl – the disturbance she had so diligently picked up on – had come to a close and any involved parties had scattered. Civilians milled about like a tide, unintentionally obstructing her path and her vision and allowing the truly offending half to escape without recognition. The brunette came to a halt, but already had the energy dispersed, leaving just a few onlookers. Again, some of them gave her odd looks; some even appeared to be startled by her presence. Had they never seen a Marine on the beat before?

“Who are the Skimm Pirates?” a voice quizzed.

Skimm Pirates…? Aluco’s focus further honed in a split second, she turned her attentions to the youth that had posed such a query. A little taller than she was, even accounting for the fact that she was a tall soul for a woman of the East Blue, the subject was clad in rather loose and baggy casual attire. It was hard to tell whether he was skinny, muscular or perhaps even a little tubby beneath that hooded jumper of his. What she could see of him was his façade, adorned with a moderate complexion, vivid eyes of sparking red, and framed by a few visible spikes of short, blond hair. He seemed befuddled by something – an innocent bystander in all this as far as she was aware.

^{“Are you alright, sir?” the MCPO asked:
“Did you see what happened?”}

The girl’s mind ticked away quietly as she did the routine civilian check. The name ‘Skimm’ struck her as familiar, but why? Similarly, the face before her – bright of eye and fair of hair – also set gears whirring. And yet, she could find no connection to either track, her train of thought running circles through a haze of absent memory. She could happily and quickly pluck free thoughts like feathers from a moulting bird’s plumage, but nothing she snatched at seemed to have any correlation with what she was looking at or focusing on. Of the two, it was certainly the former name of ‘Skimm’ that stood out the most, if only because the word ‘Pirates’ had been tacked onto the metaphorical locomotive’s carriages.

“Master Chief Petty Officer Aluco Striggs,” the bumbling brunette introduced as she offered the simple citizen a polite salute. “I’m here to– …Oh. My. Gosh. You’re so cute!”

In a flurry of comical swiftness, the girl’s wide amber eyes had settled upon the presence of a certain charcoal tom and, enthralled by the cat’s features, she proceeded to scoop him up in her arms. Excessive was one way to describe the way she cuddled and cradled the cat, squeezing him against her chest with one arm as her spare hand scratched gently behind the ears and ran across his silky coat. Any and all semblance of dutifulness had been swallowed whole by her admittedly awful attention span, for right now every drop of focus and concentration was upon her captive audience…

---

SPOILER: Click to show

{OOC}

[/sub]

Starring…

_{Aluco Striggs (191970)
Kano Toro (a79b12)
LT Borram (ffffff)
Pirate #1 (bb3412)}

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[Flame]

Kano's quizzical eyes were met by a deadpan look from his feline compatriot. The cat had no clue who the Skimm Pirates were, at the least they were not from the North Blue which he called home. "As if I ..." He began before being distracted by another voice, the same voice from before. The distraction caused both Kano and Oliver to turn their gaze. The pair of them saw before them a new character, the crowd around them dispersing due to at least their previous encounter or if not this new one.

Before them was a marine girl, the white and navy uniform made that much obvious to even Kano. The first instinct was to run, Kano's was that is, his last run ins with the authorities had not turned out overly well. So he was if a little unsure about what this girl was coming up to him for. Glancing quickly at Oliver the cat shook his head at Kano dissuading him from doing anything reckless. So he stood there and listened as the girl gave him her queries. The first he answered off the cuff, it was a simple question. "I'm fine ..." he responded pausing quickly to glance at his bruised knuckles. "A little discoloring on my fingers but it'll pass." Shaking his hand limply before her, he showed off battle wounds so to speak.

The second question was also simple to answer but Kano hesitated. It was Oliver's concerned glare that gave him pause, causing his neck hair to stand on end. Glancing between the lady and the cat he shrugged. "Some big doofus got a bit ... testy." A smile crossed Kano's face, 'testy' it almost made him giggle. As if noting his companion's amusement Oliver poked the back of Kano's ankle with a sharpened claw. Pain streaked up Kano's leg re-centering Kano's focus. "Just a little annoyed by a comment my com-" another shot of pain entered Kano's system and he turned to glance at his furry friend who was looking to take a bit out of his flesh.

As he did she introduced herself, 'Master Chief Petty-' whatever, a name excessively too long for such a person. Turning back while biting his lip he paid a little more attention as she spoke further and then suddenly moved towards him in a swing. Her voice cracking, it took on a new sweeter tone as she did. A little freaked Kano swerved away watching as she scooped up Oliver. The cat wildly swung about and yowled as he was pressed in from all sides. His legs and tail swung about in a cacophony of struggle as the marine turned animal-lover cuddled him like crazy.

Kano grinned, his eyes dancing with laughter met Oliver's for only a moment. But it was enough and he fell victim to a wave of chortling amusement. His arms grasping his sides he fought the hysterics for a chance to breath. "MEEEOW!" Oliver roared as best he could unable to separate himself from the girl.

Glancing at him Kano's laughter faded slightly and the grin calmed to a softly happy expression. Pressing his finger upon her shoulder, twice, and gently he endeavored to gain her attention. "Umm ... Master-chan" he picked the first part that he remembered from the excessively long moniker she has provided. "My ... uhh " choosing words with some regard to care "Oliver, seems to want to get free." He gestured towards Oliver who continued to hopelessly fight his restraints.

Then a bright idea came to mind. Precipitated from an empty feeling in his stomach he asked Master "Lets go to a pub! We can get a bite to eat, and you can ask any questions you'd like. You seem to have a few" He offered in the naive hope that he might find some funding for his hunger. A withering look from Oliver was the first response but Kano ignored it with ease.

Without waiting for her answer he grabbed at her hand. His decision was made without consent from either of the other parties before him. The goal being to pull her along and perhaps gain some grub while he was at it. Besides she was nice to look at, as a marine she might have some information about where they were, not that Kano wasn't certain already. That was what Oliver said they should do and perhaps he'd learn a little more about the unexplainable urges which continued to prod at Kano's conscious.

[Vio]

⁵

---

Ignorant of the feline fellow’s protests, and somehow simultaneously avoiding the wild flailing of claws and tail, Aluco Striggs continued to cuddle the curious cat. Pets were one thing, but there was something about this particular cat and his scarlet scarf that had the girl smitten – which was a darn sight better than being bitten.

^{“Umm… Master–chan,” Kano spoke:
“Oliver seems to want to get free.”}

“Who–Who?” the MCPO hooted, equal parts confused by the exchange of nomenclature. Owlishly, she turned her head to the hooded youth, gaze skewed just in time to dodge a stray paw through sheer luck as the testy tom continued to struggle helplessly. Fortunately, distraction had done the cat a favour. Her attentions diverted, the brunette’s enamoured embrace loosened enough for the creature to escape, or at the very least claim a breath of fresh air.

“Oh…,” she realised, “my name’s Aluco. Master Chief Petty Officer is my rank!”

Oliver twisted again, working his way to freedom, but in the process renewing Miss Striggs’ focus. Again the binds tightened, further proving her lack of knowledge when it came to care and proper etiquette for the treatment of household pets. Focused or not – a usual deciding factor in her level of efficiency – it was quickly made apparent to all but the ditzy damsel herself that she was clueless beyond retribution. Even so, the cat’s confinement was not much longer lived.

^{“Let’s go to a pub!” announced Kano:
“We can get a bite to eat!”}

^{“But it’s against the Marine code of conduct to–”}

Apparently not being given much of a choice in the matter, the Navy lass found herself being dragged along like a kite in the wake of the exuberant enigma. The youth’s name had so far eluded her, but that did not seem to matter all that much to either party. Bundle of fur still struggling against her grip, Oliver had at least managed to lay claim to a few threads from the Seawoman’s shirt, his claws doing unseen and apparently unnoticed work in his efforts to break free.

Hmm…? As she was dragged through the streets of Arabara, Aluco could not help but fall victim to thought. Once more with feeling did curiosities come to mind; recalling the question that her excitable escort had asked at the time of their initial encounter. The name ‘Skimm’ sounded ever so familiar, to the point that it actually bugged her a little. Then again, many a thing was starting to test her nerve. Between a familiar name and a familiar face, an unfamiliar territory and a gnawing feeling at her sleeve that–

^{“Oh! Sorry Mister Kitty,” she chirped:
“I didn’t realise you’d had enough petting…”}

---

SPOILER: Click to show

{OOC}

[/sub]

Starring…

_{Aluco Striggs (191970)
Kano Toro (a79b12)
LT Borram (ffffff)
Pirate #1 (bb3412)}

[/ul][/spoiler][/font][/sup][/blockquote][/div][/div][/div]

[Flame]

Momentum was on his side as he pulled the reluctant marine along with him. She had made some halfhearted attempt to state something, but it was ignored. Kano didn't hear it in his drive forward. He was too impatient to grab Aluco's hand and get moving. With the lightweight marine involved the now trio moved through the town at speed. Kano's eyes swung left and right, judging shops and houses to find the food that he so desired. As they moved all eyes turned. What a strange sight they must have made, a young woman grasping a cat in one hand, a black cat screaming and yowling, and a similarly aged boy dragging the pair along his face alight with energy.

For Oliver it was a small relief when the girl finally noticed his annoyance. Oblivious female the feline noted to himself. Breaking free of the girl's grasp he scrambled up her arm and perched upon her shoulder. Retracting his claws, settled down and enjoyed the view from there. His tail in a moment of revenge slid itself under her neck, its little hairs prickling upon her neck and from below her chin. A wicked grin slid across his face as he amused himself wondering if she was as ticklish as Kano had been when Oliver had subjected him to this.

For his part Kano was no longer curious about what was happening between Aluco and Oliver. He had done his part and Oliver could fend for himself, of this he was fairly certain. It was then that Kano found a pub, or something of the sort. Grinding to a halt he stood before a large building. From the outside it looked a somewhat boring stone structure. Rising up from among a forest of wooden and stone buildings alike this one was slightly different. A three story building it rose at least one story above any of the other buildings in the nearby vicinity. What gave it away to being what they might be looking for was the sign, the scent, and the sound.

First was the sign, hanging from a metal outcropping, it swung slightly in the wind. It was wooden, with the engraving of a hearth fire upon it. The words atop it wrote 'The Upside Man', it was a little dirty, but otherwise a fine looking sign. Then was the scent, wafting out of the building. The smell of roasted meat came from the building like a fog. It was everywhere, it seemed imbued with other flavors, some sort of spice mix. Of this Kano was sure, he knew the what the smell of cooked flesh was, and it wasn't this. And finally the sound, it was a cacophony of noise coming through its doors. Jovial speaking and cheering echoed from within its walls to the outside street. While the civilians upon the street found it normal and passed by the building without even a second look, this made it all the more interesting to Kano.

Tugging his companions, new and old along with him, he smiled only for a moment to look back at them. "This is the place!" There was a fierce grin of uncontained expectancy of how it might be like. It was a face that Oliver despised somewhat. One that had more often than not led them into troublesome situations. The cat glanced at the girl upon whose shoulder he rode, she for the most part seemed untouched by a sense of foreboding. Perhaps then, it would be okay. He forced himself to be convinced that if the marine girl saw nothing wrong with joining

With him at the front the three barged through the front doors. Inside the place was rowdy, people of all sorts sat about the numerous tables that dotted the large room. It was raucous, but cozy, having a warmth often found at a local hangout. For the most part, on first entry the trio went unnoticed. Only the barman standing at the far end of the room seemingly subconsciously cleaning a glass took any notice. His eyes which passed quickly over the first time came back quivering, locking onto the trio.

Kano however paid little notice to him and had found a small booth in the corner of the room. Leading Aluco and Oliver by the hand he brought them over, scooching by other customers as he did. Each time the customer and his/her companions would glance up, then their eyes falling upon Aluco they would stop what they were doing. Exchanging looks between each other they would go into a hushed discussion. Their eyes swinging furiously from the marine in their presence to the larger group of mangy individuals at the far side of the tavern. Kano of course, single-minded as he was, had not a clue and sat himself and Aluco across from each other at the corner booth. Oliver a little more aware of the situation jumped down upon the table and curled up. His bright golden eyes scanned outwards trying to understand the lay of the land.

With initiative on his side Kano spoke first, "Is there anything you'd like to know first Aluco?" He asked curiously resting his chin upon his hands. It made him look 'serious' or so he believed, as if contemplating answers.

SPOILER: Click to show

I'd think perhaps the barman might come over and give us a little warning, wondering what we're up to. I don't think we'll actually end up confronting them here, Aluco might be pulled along into another Kano get's chased sequence or something. I don't know i'm sorta making this up as I go.

[Vio]

⁶

---

^{“Hohaha,” Aluco Striggs giggled:
“Mister Kitty! Stop that!”}

^{“This is the place!”}

“The Upside Man?” she quizzed, head tilting as her wide amber eyes locked onto the tavern’s swinging signage. The scent of roasting meats and vegetables on the wind barely seemed to bother her senses, nor serve to drive her appetite, though that was more or less because confusion was dominating her state of mind. Despite being dragged like a kite through the Arabaran streets, Aluco showed no further signs of resistance to being pulled along in her escort’s wake. Meanwhile, the feline fellow had taken up his pride of place upon her shoulders, managing to paw in just the right places to make the young woman feel more relaxed than usual.

Cosy was the establishment’s innards, though busy as well. Alas, the enforcer’s gaze did not wander all that much as she was dragged through the busy tables and towards a slightly more isolated corner of the place – a traditional seated booth with a laid table and wooden screening that separated it from its immediate neighbours. Admittedly, Oliver’s poise upon her shoulder prevented some degree of neck movement, but an almost complete lack of trying left the girl oblivious as to the strange glances that had been thrown her way.

“Is there anything you’d like to know?” asked her company, having taken up a rather thoughtful stance. Miss Striggs’ own seat had also been taken, though more by subconscious following than direct decision. Arguably, only ‘Mister Kitty’ had taken his place by virtue of personal desire; Aluco could at least be thankful for that. However, now she was presented with a choice – a question to which there were a variety of possible answers of varying calibre. The sense of martial discipline within her immediately chose the more professional, dutiful route to take, though not without issue. It was times like these where she almost wished she carried a notepad and pencil around with her, but then again she had always been more action than assessment.

^{“Alright, so,” the brunette began:
“First of all, what’s your n–?”}

^{“Orders…?”}

Who…? Head tilting as her query was interrupted, amber irises clumsily honed in upon the vision of a middle-aged employee – perhaps the owner, or at the very least a waiter or barkeep. To be quite frank, there was not a snowball’s chance that the buffoon in blue would have been able to determine the man’s profession based on aesthetic. The only things she ever recognised were the naval uniforms and the distinctive red worn by members of the Revolutionary Army – that one atrocious league of men and women that dared to oppose the World Government and its law enforcement. Anybody else was immediately categorised as a sort of ‘Average Joe’, regardless of what choice of attire they went with. A man in a snazzy business suit was no different to a woman in rags; such was the blindness of Miss Striggs.

“Listen,” the gentleman said in a hushed tone, his voice naturally a bit low and gravelly, “I’m going to suggest you lay low. People just aren’t used to Navy folk out and about around this end of town – there’s a few who don’t take too kindly to the Marines having presence here… Anyway, what’ll it be? Uh…?”

Not entirely sure of what the man meant, the MCPO went to speak, but was soon distracted by something further. The man’s attentions – the likes of which had been initially focused on her – had now diverted towards the sleek charcoal lump on the table. For a moment, the waiter seemed to squint.

^{“No pets,” he huffed:
“And no, we don’t make exceptions…”}

---

SPOILER: Click to show

{OOC}

[/sub]

Starring…

_{Aluco Striggs (191970)
Kano Toro (a79b12)
LT Borram (ffffff)
Pirate #1 (bb3412)
Barkeeper (333333)}

[/ul][/spoiler][/font][/sup][/blockquote][/div][/div][/div]

[Flame]

With her question interrupted Kano turned from Aluco to face the barman. He was a little displeased, it was a bit rude what the man had done. Lifting his chin from laced fingers, Kano paused considering the question. While he was hungry he did not have a specific preference on what to eat at the moment. Perhaps meat would be enough, certainly he could have some and then share it with Oliver. Oliver, he believed would take no issue with such an arrangement. Yes perhaps that would be good. Nodding to himself internally, he wondered for a moment what his new companion wanted.

Glancing over back to the marine girl he saw her head tilted looking uncertain. It made him feel a little better of himself not being certain what he wanted to eat. Perhaps she was deciding in her own mind what to have, certainly they should have many options at this fine establishment. The smell of it could tell him that much. Just the thought of the food caused his stomach to grumble again. That ache tickled him in a most annoying way, tearing at his stomach and bothering him constantly. Vaguely Kano thought he should let his female friend go first, there was some sort of chival-whatever that called for that. Or so he had heard from his best friend all those years ago. But since she made no attempt to say anything Kano decided perhaps she was waiting for him to take initiative. That or she was still clueless as to what she wanted, in which case he would be making the play to give her more time to think. Yes, yes that makes sense!

Opening his mouth to talk he was suddenly silenced by the barkeep's own voice. Low and gristly he warned them of hazard. Kano, never one for taking warning seriously filed the suggestion away in his mind. Such things didn't concern him, much to the distraught of his partner who was getting the sense of troubling things to come. Oliver's eyes which had vaguely spied it before now had his concerns solidified by the words of this burly man. Golden eyes widened slightly as the black cat scanned the room from his position on the table, worry spreading through his body causing his hair to stand on end. I'm not even going to look ... Oliver knew what he would see if he looked to Kano and at the moment simply didn't need the extra annoyance. As Oliver pictured Kano was simply looking on semi-happily undeterred by the trouble he had brought them in. The marine gal also was apparently blind enough to not know this was not a place for them so he dropped trust in her as well.

We should leave. The feline asserted to himself wondering now how he might convince Kano to do just that. The answer which came only moments later plopped into his furry lap. "No pets." the rule came out of the barman's mouth giving Oliver his out. The no exceptions comment after was simply icing on the cake. Or it was but Kano responded in kind "No worries, he" The young man's hand slid softly across Oliver's back "is no pet. If anything hes a companion. He'll eat just like the rest of us. Two steaks please! One for me one for him." Two jolly pats landed upon Oliver's head with a little more force than he'd have liked. "Oh and a bowl of milk, and a jug of ... soda. Yes lets do that." Kano nodded to the group before him. For him it seemed all set in stone, he had cleared up the problem with ease.

The barman however looked at Kano like he was crazy. Oliver glanced sympathetically at the bemused bartender. A look of displeasure, greater than the one that had previously been crossed his face and he spoke more gruffly. "Boy, I'm not certain you're getting the point." Drawing out a pudgy finger he pointed it at the black cat. "Animals." He pushed it into Oliver for a moment eliciting an annoyed response from the cat as he pawed the finger away. "Are not allowed in my establishment." There was no uncertainty in his statement as he stared down Kano. Kano in turn stared back at him with hardening eyes. Never one to be done in by such statements Kano frowned back at him.

The grumble in his stomach argued strongly in Kano's mind that he should ignore the barman's orders and simply ask again for what he had before. Glancing to the cat and the lady he wondered what they wanted. Oliver gave no sign of any wants at least as far as he could see. The lady, he knew naught of so he figured it better to ask. "What do you want? Wanna leave?" Kano asked Aluco bluntly.

"This isn't a ques-" the barman's annoyance grew as Kano silenced him with a very annoyed look. Propriety meant little to him, he simply wanted to know what Aluco wished to do.

[Vio]

⁷

---

^{“What do you want?” the boy questioned:
“Wanna leave…?”}

^{“This isn’t a ques–”}

“Are you sure you can’t make an exception, just this once?” Aluco Striggs interjected, attempting to amend the disparity between proprietor and patron in whatever way she could. Unfortunately, her efforts were not so clever, though that was not going to stop her from trying. Indeed, she was entirely unaware of what the barkeep had meant with his initial comment, finding it somewhat intriguing but at the same time not notable enough to keep her focus upon such curiosity. Truth be told, she needed to get back to work as soon as possible, but all manner of obstacles – no matter how pitiful and petty – seemed to be creeping into view at every given opportunity. All this because she had wanted to make sure a civilian was alright.

“N– No, ma’am,” the owner grumbled, “I’m afraid I can’t. Rules are rules, right?”

“Oh, that’s a shame…,” the MCPO shrugged, inner dutifulness appealed to by the man’s mentioning of rules. Within his establishment, he was relatively free to set rules as he deemed appropriate, and she was well aware that attempting to exploit loopholes or anything of the sort was effectively in defiance of the law. Though selfless in the sense that she wished to accommodate for her companions’ appetites, it was the very same sense of ‘people’ that forced her to acknowledge the proprietor’s plea and accept his rulings.

^{“Sorry,” the bubbly brunette turned to Kano and Oliver:
“It looks like we’ll have to find somewhere else!”}

Taking her leave as necessary, providing the barkeep with a courteous and somewhat apologetic bow before doing so, Miss Striggs moved to exit The Upside Man and return to the streets that she had been so diligently patrolling. Indeed, the fresh air hitting her visage was somehow enough the remind her of why she had interacted with the hooded youth in the first place. She paused for just a second, mid step, as her mind processed the necessary details. Apparently a notebook would not have gone amiss, especially as she had already forgotten the brief mention of a somewhat familiar name just a short while ago.

Scum, was it? Skimp? Maybe it was Scampi? Oh, no, that’s what I was going to order… Combing her mind for the name that had been brought up in conversation, Aluco could not help but feel as if something was wrong. In leaving the restaurant behind, she had paid little attention to wayward eyes that had otherwise taken note of her. Luckily for her curious company, she was a little too busy trying to find an answer in what she had experienced to dare to further attempt questioning. Even if asking a few questions was in her best interest, it did not strike her as such. Actually, the only thing that struck her was the lack of fellow Marines on the beat, and that served to remind her of what she was meant to be doing.

“Oh! So,” she turned, “I’m supposed to be on patrol, so I’d best get back to that…”

---

SPOILER: Click to show

{OOC}

[/sub]

Starring…

_{Aluco Striggs (191970)
Kano Toro (a79b12)
LT Borram (ffffff)
Pirate #1 (bb3412)
Barkeeper (333333)}

[/ul][/spoiler][/font][/sup][/blockquote][/div][/div][/div]

[Flame]

The decision was made much to the displeasure of the young man's stomach. The rules apparently would not be willingly broken by his marine companion. Frowning slightly Kano glanced at his feline companion who shrugged his furry shoulders. What was Kano to expect leaving such a decision to a lawful citizen of the world. Coming up from his relaxed swirl Oliver quickly climbed Kano's arm perching upon his shoulder, paws gripping Kano's now mostly dried shoulder as best they could. Kano sighed as he watched Aluco get up and walk out of the Upside Man.

Closing his eyes for a moment Kano breathed in through his nose. The wholesome flavors of cooking meat and vegetables slithered in. Gurgling and aching from his stomach reminded him of the original reason for his ploy. Kano sighed, he had momentarily hoped that the smell of food would wipe the hunger pangs out. He was annoyingly mistaken as they redoubled upon him. Unable to stand it anymore he exited the booth as well. The barman eyed Oliver with annoyance, "Do you want your order to go?" The gruff man had a sparkle in his eye, always one looking for a little extra profit he made the suggestion with a pitying smile.

Kano paused at the thought, his eyes suddenly brightening at the thought of getting some food. Glancing ahead of him he realized that Aluco had already left the tavern. Without any money to pay with Kano was stuck between a rock and a hungry place. Another crushing blow to Kano's stomach was made as the fiery boy had to solemnly shake his head and decline. "No thanks." he responded dejectedly. Heading to the door he heard Oliver whisper into his ear. "Time to ditch the girl Kano. If you want food we're going to have to use some less than savory tactics. Nothing a marine would want involvement in." Oliver of course was more concerned in them potentially stirring up more trouble on this island before they had found a solid way off of it.

Turning his head to Oliver he gave the cat a bemused look, before grinning at him and facing straight once more. Placing a hand on the door he went to push on it as the door slid open on its own. Stumbling forward Kano walked directly into the chest of someone else. His hand came out and levied himself against the solid muscled mass. "Sorry m'bad was a little distracted." Kano mumbled out still slightly discouraged by the situation going on behind him. The lug of a man before him made no note of him and with a large arm sent Kano staggering sideways. "Outta the way." His gruff voice was somewhat familiar to Kano. Perking up slightly he tilted his head sideways looking at the figure disappearing into the door of the Upside Man.

Unable to place the voice Kano shrugged before rejoining Aluco as she stood in the middle of the road. The breath of fresh air at the least was nice, the pub had had a certain stench to it beyond that of the food. To be cleaned of that at least was slightly uplifting for the disheartened youth. Oliver's fuzzy tailed wagged in an almost doggish manner as he heard that she needed to head back on patrol.

Perplexed Kano flicked Oliver's tail away from his neck. Responding "Patrol huh ... " suddenly he was reminded of what Oliver had said not moments ago. Unsure of how to continue Kano lightly and lankily stepped around her. His hands twisted together behind his back fingers interlocking. Then unlocking he floated a hand above his head as if grasping a hat. Giving his most winsome of smiles his other hand flourished tucking in a pretend cape and bowing slightly. "Then I'll leave you to your duty." The cat on his shoulder shuffled about to hold a solid footing but was otherwise unmoved. He certainly expected this sort of strange stuff from his human counterpart.

"If you ever need anything. Just look for me," he raised himself straight up once again. Realizing that he had never given her his name. "I am the one and only Ka-owwww" His name suddenly changed as Oliver realizing what he was about to do gave the boy a fierce bite upon the shoulder. His head turned annoyance towards Oliver."WHY I OUGHTTA!!" Kano's voice rose reaching an opposing arm at the black cat. So used to the traversal of the young man's back, the cat skirted about. This led to what seemed the oddest game of cat and mouse ever. As Oliver amusingly playing the mouse scratched and scrambled his way around Kano's body as he twisted and turned in a futile effort to catch him.

The movement which had initially Kano took out of annoyance quickly devolved into pure fun. Sudden laughter springing from his mouth he continued to try and chase down his feline friend as he clawed about his back. Arms waving wildly around he twisted like a mad man. If Kano was more conscientious about himself perhaps he would have stopped, but such was Kano he cared nothing for the opinions of others. As his fingers finally grasped a paw of his partner he pulled the yowling cat before him. Using his free hand to tickle under Oliver's chin the pair looked insane. Kano's clothing which had been normal moments ago was now completely disheveled. An incredible smile exuded happiness from the fiery youth.

"AHHHHH!" A voice turned out of the tavern still not far behind them. Sounding like a eureka of sorts, Kano was somewhat intrigued, but given he couldn't go back put such thoughts aside. Only giving a minimal glance, he gave Aluco another nod and turned to walk off.