Phantom of the Jreum Island

[Mr. Moon]

Magnus #1

Magnus´s little boat was slowly getting closer to the docks, while his eyes were watching the dark silhouette of the Jreum Island. The marine sponsored project that grew on the place of coral reef many years ago. Watching it´s port brought back many memories, from the times he wore the white uniform. Those were good times. Now he was glad, that his former allies didn´t considered him to be threat big enough to put a bounty on his head. At least not for now. But something was telling him, that it could easily change before this trip will be over. He was on the hunt for Devil right among the marines after all, things were bound to go awry.

After the Berserker serum incident the ex-marine went on the sea in a search for the missing scientist, however he had no luck in that regard. Instead he heard rumors about mysterious phantom that was harassing the people of Jreum Island. Phantom that was escaping even the local authorities. If that weren´t the signs of Devil´s work he didn´t know what would.

Anyway, as his ship landed in the port, the white haired veteran carefully stepped on the pier. Even through he moved slowly the wooden planks beneath his feet were making cracking sounds with his every step. He still remembered as they cracked under his weight the first time, when he as a fresh recruit jumped straight down from the deck of their battleship.

“Good morning sir.”

Being lost in memories, he almost missed tall and athletic looking Petty Officer that approached him.

“Please identify yourself and state the reason of your arrival.”

She yawned, looking at him with sleepy eyes, showing disturbing lack of discipline. He almost scolded her for her approach to her duty, before he realize that he is no longer her superior. And actually since his relationship with law was kinda tense these days, this type of officer actually played to his advantage.

“Magnus Romanus Augustus, now retired marine captain. And as for the reason of my arrival I just want to meet with some old friends of mine.”

He handed her his document. The mention of his previous rank made the right kind of impression on her. Her eyes cleared and back straightened as she looked at his paper before giving him a short salutation.

“Alright captain, everything seems to be in order so...enjoy your stay.”
Magnus answered with the same gesture.

“Thank you, I definitely will.”

He nodded and walked past her to the city. In the early hours of the morning the grim tone of his voice wasn´t enough to alarm her.”

[Fox]

“Ugh, why me?”

Poppy rubbed her eyes, massaging the bags underneath them. She was walking down the street in the early morning hours. There was a chill to the air, but nothing that her hot mug of coffee couldn’t thwart. She took a long sip from it and glanced down at the papers in her hand. It was her orders and a picture. Instead of hunting down the psycho killer that had appeared in Jruem, what was she doing? Babysitting an old fart. Ugh. That was what she got for expecting things to change when she made Lieutenant Junior Grade.

This guy was a retired Marine captain, which was fine and dandy, but it didn’t really make sense why they wanted her to keep an eye on him. She figured it was some boys club thing. They really seemed to like rolling out the red carpet for old men who were too puffed up on bureaucracy to actually do their jobs. It annoyed her. Especially because it was starting to feel like she’d never get off Jreum. They’d just listen to her father forever and keep her here chained to a desk while her brothers soared past her in rank. It was actually maddening.

Looking up from the papers as she approached the docks, Poppy spotted him. Gah, he sure struck an intimidating figure, didn’t he? Maybe part of the reason for her accompanying him was to be his bodyguard, but he sure didn’t look like he needed one. Maybe it was just to keep him out of trouble. But Poppy felt like it was a little too much to hope for something exciting. He was probably just here to smoke some cigars with old dudes and tell war stories.

“Nothing like men jacking each other off,” Poppy grumbled under her breath to herself as she walked up to this guy. She straightened up, her posture becoming formal.

“Former captain Magnus Romanus Augustus?” What a name. Poppy continued, “I am Lieutenant Junior Grade Poppy Catania. I’ve been assigned to keep you company for the duration of your stay by my superiors at B-1. Might I ask how long you intend on staying?”

---

Poppy | #ff0000 | Post Count: 1

[Sam]

*Flutter Flutter!*

Papers flew about as Jack's head cocked up from his desk. His baggy eyes blinking repeatedly as he noticed where he was... looking around it was his office space. He'd fallen asleep again while filing some paperwork. How lucky, a dreamless sleep, that was a rarity for him. To not have haunting nightmares that taunted him with finding his sister or saving his parents.

Maybe it was just his exhaustion that had caused the lack of dreams. It'd been weeks since he'd been able to return to Lvneel after all. But hopefully, this would change soon. This work month in Jreum had been hell. People were frantically in search of a recent killer with little to no leads.

"Ugh..."

Jack rubbed his head, a pounding headache was there. No matter he'd have to just take some pills and pass it over. Reaching into his cabinet with shaking hands he pulled out the capsule with the pain relievers and popped them into his mouth. There was a cup half-filled with cold coffee from the day before.

*gulp*

The man took a swig of the stuff to swallow down the pills. Disgusting. But it would have to do. Turning to look at his watch he noticed it was 8:30 am. At first, he thought nothing of it. But then he remembered he had to turn in some paperwork to a local desk jockey. Lt. Junior Grade Catania was her name, right?

Right. Quickly scrambling through the paperwork, Jack snagged some of the papers and quickly started to rush out of his desk space. His green wolf-cut hair fluttering about as he moved through the narrow corridors and made his way to the CO's office.

"Lt. Junior Grade Catania, pardon my tardiness but-"

Jack stopped, there was no one there... his golden eyes scanned the office space. Where could she have gone? Turning around rapidly he spotted a chore boy going about his day ready to clean office space.

"You! Do you know where Lt. Catania went?!"

He asked the boy who got startled at the sight of Jack. He shrunk in the presence of the agent thinking he was in trouble at first only to notice that such wasn't the case. It didn't help that Jack was holding onto the blue-haired boy's shoulders and staring into his eyes.

"Huh! Oh! Umm, I heard she was called out to escort someone at the docks, she just left."

Jack let go of the boy and immediately ran for the docks. The boy tilted his head, a baffled expression on his face.

"You're... welcome?"

Rushing outside past seamen and junior officers alike. Jack pushed his way outside the courtyard and into the docks. His hair shaking about as he did and his red-tie fluttering in the wind. Panting heavily he finally made it to the docks where he saw the officer and a strange man.

"Lt. Junior Grade Catania, I...."

Jack wheezed a bit through his words, sitting all those weeks behind a desk really had taken a toll on his stamina a bit. Immediately after this he'd try and get a training session going. Looking up, he turned to face Magnus. The strange man. He recognized his face... narrowing his eyes he remembered. A one-off picture of him in some old paperwork he had to file ages ago when he first joined the Cipher Pol. Normally he wouldn't remember, but looking back that paperwork had gotten singed in his mind.

It was a cover-up on an attack against a fruit user and from what he remembered in the paperwork... the guy was practically insane. He was dangerous business. His wolfish eyes shifted to Catania for a moment, still panting. Leaving her alone with this man seemed... unthinkable. He was certain she was a capable fighter. But, an extra hand never fell short especially against someone as experienced as Magnus. Besides, the question could be ask as to why Magnus was here. Was he here to purge the organization of fruit users? Jack quickly pocketed the paperwork and made his choice. Leaving her with Magnus alone seemed like a bad idea. He'd formally apologize to her later in private. But for now...

"...I was also sent to look over former Captain Magnus here... hope you don't mind."

---

Jack | Shamrock | #03AC13 (Post Count: 1)
Chore Boy | Blue | #0065BF

[Mr. Moon]

Magnus #2

Finally leaving the pier behind, Magnus stopped for a moment, to look around. If his memoáry served him right, there should be an inn nearby, where he could start his search. Well, at least that's what he thought until he noticed a young lieutenant marching in his direction. At first, he thought or maybe rather hoped, that it's just a coincidence, but then she addressed him.
"So that's how it is. They didn't put a bounty on my head because of the past but decided to guard me anywhere I'll move…"
He muttered for himself grumpily. The white-haired veteran just opened his mouth to send her away, a young man without a uniform, who was running towards them.
"Ah, you have to be kidding me…"
He grunted behind the stone-cold face when the man declared to be sent to look over him too.
"Alright, lieutenant and...sorry I didn't catch your rank."
Magnus looked at Jack with a hint of suspicion in his eyes. Not only did he arrive without a proper uniform but also didn't state his name and rank as the custom dictated. Which was strange at best. However for now the former mark e decided to not dwell on it too much and continue with his speech instead.
"I appreciate the gesture from your superiors, but I was a mere captain and it was a long time ago. So I don't need nor wish for an honor guard. Because right now, I am just an old guy struck by a nostalgic mood who wants to stroll through the streets, drink a beer or two with some old friends, and that's something I would prefer to do alone. So say my thank you to whoever sent you and return to your post."
With that, he tried to walk past them. Of course, he didn't expect that they will give up so easily, but what else he was supposed to say in such situation?

[Fox]

Magnus didn’t look too happy about being babysat. Well, that made two of them. Poppy kept an annoyed scowl from appearing on her face, forcing out a cordial smile that made the tension between the two of them incredibly awkward. At least, until someone that she only just vaguely recognized as being from Cipher Pol showed up and said he was assigned to look after Magnus too. What? That didn’t make sense. They didn’t even have the same superiors.

“And… who are you exactly?”

For that reason, Poppy couldn’t be overly harsh with him. He was still sort of a civilian in her mind. Even though the Marines and Cipher Pol sometimes worked closely with one another, Cipher Pol wasn’t military. They just weren’t part of the Navy. As such, Poppy considered him one of the people that she was sworn to protect. So, why was he butting in like this? Wasn’t Cipher Pol helping to work the Phantom Killer case? Was Magnus related? Magnus didn’t seem to clock on that this man was from Cipher Pol, but that was because he was more in a hurry to ditch them.

Poppy sighed and rolled her eyes after he moved past and trailed along in his wake. She understood his frustration, but there was nothing she could do about it. Orders were orders. He probably would want an explanation though, given how he thought he could still wield some authority and give her orders.

“My apologies, Former Captain, but I am unable to comply with your orders,” Poppy droned in a flat monotone, “As you are no longer a mere captain,” Poppy stressed the mere part, having taken some offense to the idea that it was easy to make Captain. Maybe it was for men. She continued, “Your orders don’t hold water. You’ll have to take it up with my superiors directly.”

With any luck, Magnus would go to the Marine base first thing, go through the literal mountains of paperwork it would take to see one of her superiors, and she’d be back on desk duty. She sighed. She didn’t really want that either. Maybe she could get Magnus to recommend her for field duty? Probably not… If his word still held any weight, then she didn’t fancy her chances of impressing him. Plus, she wasn’t some brown-nosing suck up.

---

Poppy | #ff0000 | Post Count: 2

[Sam]

Jack paused and stared at Poppy blankly, taking some time to process what was happening. He took a deep breath and held it for a moment, golden eyes locked forward. Magnus seemed curious as to who or what he was so, the most appropriate introduction was due.

"Oh, my apologies. I am Cipher Pol Agent Jack Fitzgerald, here is my ID Card."

Department of Investigation

Bureau of Justice - Fitzgerald . J

CP

This certifies that the signature and photograph hereon is an appointed.

Cipher Pol Agent: Jack Fitzgerald

Of the World Government's Bureau of Justice

The Cipher Pol Agent nodded, a fake smile on his face. Poppy was certain to know that he wasn't assigned this for real. But she would likely have her suspicions on the matter if she was a commission officer worth her salt. Magnus' presence was... well... it was concerning, to say the least. Given his background and the happenings on the island. No. It couldn't be, the news on the Phantom Killer was fairly suppressed. It wasn't easy to get much news on the matter outside of Jreum.

"Right, well there is also some paperwork I have to turn to you, Lieutenant Junior Grade Catania. But that'll have to wait, let's take care of Captain Magnus here."

Jack motioned with his hand, he was feeling slightly jittery. Likely because of his lack of sleep, that and well... he wasn't used to this side of things as an agent. He was usually in charge of investigations... not really an undercover sort. No matter. He'd try to do his best. Standing up straight he put away his card and waited for the others to go about their thing. His goal, was to pull the Lieutenant aside and inform her of the situation at hand. That was easier said than done though.

---

Jack | Shamrock | #03AC13 (Post Count: 2)

[Mr. Moon]

Magnus #3

"World Government, effective as always."

That went through Magnus's head when lieutenant Catania admitted she didn't know the newly arrived guy, who promptly introduced himself as a Cipher Pol agent. Ah, wasn't it wonderful that both Marines and CP sent their representatives to greet him? Too bad, he will probably never have a chance to read through Tomoko's report as he would like to know what exactly she wrote there, that it made such an impression.

"Hmmm, aren't you too talkative for a secret agent?"

He asked Jack, visibly annoyed by the presence of another babysitter. Catania refused his offer, of course, he didn't expect anything else. But what was surprising was her attempt to push him into paperwork that would release her from her duty.

"Well actually, I have a better idea."

Magnus smiled, which in his case was a grimace that could be easily interpreted as both, smile and a threat.

"I wasn't here for a very long time and right now, I don't have anything better to do, so I think I can spare two...maybe three weeks strolling through the streets, drinking with old friends, and feeding ducks and seagulls. You know, all the things old guys like me usually do during their retirement."

With that, he entered the inn. Small yet clean place that was, this early in the morning, almost empty, save for the innkeeper and three guys who were sleeping on their tables.

“Good morning Francis.”

Magnus greeted the innkeeper with familiarity that was unusual for him.

“Who is...Magnus, long time no see!”

Francis was a tall and wiry man in his early fifties, with silver hair and huge scar on a place where usually would be a left eye. It was no secret that like Magnus, Francis was a marine veteran. Only few people knew, however, that he used to be Magnus´s commanding officer, when he was stationed in the North Blue. Back then, Francis held the rank of Commodore, while Magnus was a young Lieutenant.

“Are you here to drink, or talk about the old times?”

The elderly man smirked as he started pouring ale into a large glass.

“Why not both?”

The retired captain answered, taking the most sturdy chair in the room. Even then it growled almost as if it was about to break apart.

“Fair enough.”

The former commodore nodded, before asking Jack and Poppy.

“And what about you two?”

But before they could answer, Magnus said

“Only water. Both of them are on duty after all.”

Francis burst in laughter.

“Captain Magnus, aways the perfect soldier, even in retirement, right?”

The martial artist only shrugged his large shoulders.

[Fox]

Yep, Cipher Pol. Though the suit was pretty much a dead giveaway for Poppy. She glanced up at his face. Mm. Wonderful fake smile. This was gonna be a long day, wasn’t it? Something was up. Poppy scratched the back of her head and sighed weightily. She just nodded, understanding that the paperwork was the real reason that he was here. Probably about the Phantom Killer case again. She’d rather be doing that, but apparently her superiors thought this was a better use of their resources.

“Poppy’s fine,” she said dryly. No point in sticking to honorifics outside of the Marines anyway. Her tired eyes rolled over to Magnus who smiled at her. Oh, uh-uh. She didn’t like that one bit. God, he looked like the grim reaper when he smiled. She’d rather he scowl at her and spare them both this farce. Unfortunately, it seemed like Magnus did not want to do things the easy way and actively had decided screwing with her was an appropriate use of his time. Poppy’s eyes narrowed at him.

“Ah, is that so?”

Poppy gestured for Jack to come along as she continued following Magnus, eventually stepping into a small inn. It was pretty empty aside from three guys who were dead asleep and almost certainly were going to be nursing hangovers when they woke up. Poppy sighed softly and stepped up behind Magnus who greeted the innkeeper. Poppy managed an actual smile at Francis.

“Nice to meet you, sir.”

Magnus and Francis were well acquainted. Probably old Marine buddies. Her guess was confirmed by Francis not a moment later. It seemed like drinks were on the agenda for Magnus. Poppy was perpetually on duty, so she wasn’t sure when the last time that she had alcohol was. Hm. Not that she much cared for it. Coffee was her ambrosia. Magnus went to sit down, making a chair whine like a dying animal. Heavy much?

Shaking her head, Poppy took a seat at the bar by the door. It was a vantage point that allowed her to look outside as well as survey the entirety of the room. When Francis asked them what they wanted to drink, Magnus interjected just as she was opening her mouth. She felt a bolt of irritation. Francis burst into laughter, which only served to further annoy her. Oh. This meant war.

“Actually… I’ll take coffee if you have it. I have a feeling this is going to be a long day,” Poppy said with a smile that poorly concealed her seething. Glancing at Jack, she gestured to the chair next to her.

“Park it,” she ordered flatly before lowering her voice to a volume that only Jack could hear, “What’s the deal?”

---

Poppy | #ff0000 | Post Count: 3

[Sam]

Magnus was an ass, that much was obvious to Jack just by being in the presence of the geezer. He didn't trust him one bit, Magnus was like a literal demon with the way he carried himself. If Jack's eyes were like those of a wolf, then Mangus' eyes were like those of the Sea Devil. Most creatures in the world could be read and well, Jack's training had given him that ability.

He could read people and animals fairly effectively. But Magnus, he couldn't read at all. His eyes were, in all sense of the way soulless and that smile. Oh, that smile that would send shivers down even the toughest of sea dogs. He wondered, Magnus had children and a wife according to his expedient. How did they fair back home?

"You're mistaken, I'm not part of an espionage branch. I'm in the investigations department, a detective if you will? There is nothing secret about me."

Jack replied, he tried being as polite as possible with Magnus. At the end of the day, he was an elder and the elderly should be respected. Especially if they were a retired marine. That's how he was raised at least, Vaun had instructed as such. That said there was a lot he disagreed on with Vaun, but this wasn't one of them. That's when Poppy piped up.

"Poppy is fine."

The green-haired gave his head a slight tilt as if to say understood. He fixed up his tie slightly noticing it was... not in the best of shape. He let out a sigh and stood up straight watching the two (Poppy and Magnus) have a discussion. Apparently, Magnus was here to feed ducks and spend time with old friends. What a bunch of lies, Jack didn't believe him for a second. He couldn't read Magnus, sure. But no one spends three weeks on a vacation away from his family for something as minor as this.

"Right."

Jack blurted out as Poppy gestured for him to follow them. It didn't take long for them to enter a local pub, one that Jack frequented himself on off days. There were at least three hungover guys, local drunkards that Jack recognized.

"Hi, Francis... hehe..."

The Cipher Pol Agent rubbed the back of his head awkwardly. Of course, he was familiar with the barkeep. Not that he talked to him much, Jack wasn't exactly talkative when he would come to get his fair share of Shamrock Cream every now and then. Before he could ask for anything, however, Magnus interjected saying he wanted water. Sure, he couldn't have any liquor in his system right now, especially in the presence of Poppy. She wasn't exactly... Mei-Lee who didn't care what Jack did. But water was boring.

"Actually, I'd like some soursop juice. Please?"

Jack asked politely, he took his seat next to Poppy as she asked. She cut to the chase, good she was quick. Jack appreciated that. The cipher pol agent leaned forward and whispered.

"Magnus is bad news, your superiors must have been on something to assign him to you alone. That man is insane, I don't think he is here for the reasons he says."

The man turned his eye to glance at Magnus and make sure he was still talking to Francis. He turned back to Poppy.

"I'd like to keep an eye on him, the both of us... I suspect he is tied to the Phantom. There was a similar attack on his home island just a few weeks ago you know?"

---

Jack | Shamrock | #03AC13 | Post Count: 3
Poppy | Poppy Red | #FF0000 

[Mr. Moon]

Magnus #4

Both the agent and the marine had at least enough decency to sit at a different table, ordering the drinks for themselves.
"Does this place look like some fancy bar to you or something?"
Asked Francis with a hint of annoyance in his voice but in the end, they both got what they ordered before the former Commodore sat down at Magnus's table with two beers.
"Good to see you, captain."
"Good to see you, commodore."
The two veterans toasted before Francis asked.
"So, I heard some rumors that they tried to call you back to active duty. Is it true?"
Magnus nodded.
"Yeah, they tried it, but I turned them down. I build a new life for myself and am not willing to abandon it just like that."
The retired commodore smirked.
"Yeah, I heard about that too. Your student, Jan came by a few months ago. He said that he was looking for inspiration, for his new book and asked lots of questions about my career, so I showed him the door. Guess there will be a grumpy innkeeper in it."
Both men laughed. The next few hours they spend talking, about everything, from their past to how weak and soft the current generation of marines is compared to them. They drank too, but not enough to get drunk. During that time, two of the three sleepers woke up and left as the sun appeared on the horizon.
"Alright, time to take a break. I am not the youngest anymore.
Francis yawned.
" By the way, if you don't have a place to sleep, I have few empty rooms here. Since the incident with Phantom, we don't have many visitors."
Despite waiting for this piece of information the whole conversation, Magnus's face didn't change from its usual stone expression.
"Phantom?"
He asked.
"Yeah, some weird guy is making fun of people by spooking them in the middle of the night. There were even some deaths that were attributed to him, but as far as I know, no one found a single proof, and since some folks saw him flying and he is escaping both the Marines and Cipher Pol for several weeks, they started calling him a ghost, or phantom."
Magnus contemptuously snorted.
"People and their imagination."
But Francis shook his head in disagreement.
"Ah no, that guy exists. He even visited this place once. Or rather scared my customer by looking at her through the window... on the second floor at midnight. But yeah I don't believe it's a ghost. I mean, he can fool some common folks but guys like us, who served on the Grand Line, know better right? So my money is on him being some jester who got his hand on Devil Fruit, or something."
Magnus nodded with his trademark smile.
"Yeah, good thing catching him isn't my responsibility anymore. Detective work was never my strongest suit."
Francis finished his last beer and laughed.
"Yeah, that's something we can definitely agree on. But hey, it's late, so...room number 3 on the first floor. Here…."
He reached to his pocket pulling out a large key.
"The bed is sturdy but in your case...maybe it will be safer if you will sleep on the floor."
Both men laughed as they remembered something from their shared past before the innkeeper wished everyone a good morning and walked upstairs to his apartment, while the inn was taken over by one of his employers. Young, lively lady in her late twenties immediately headed to Jack and Poppy, asking what she should bring them next. Meanwhile, Magnus finished his beer and headed towards his room as well. He knew that the next night will be a long one, so he should take his 8 hours as well.

[Fox]

Poppy turned her full attention to Jack, leaning over her drink in a sort of conspiratorial way. She didn’t really care if Magnus thought they were talking about him, because, well, they were. Poppy did take a grateful sip of coffee, savoring the taste and heat of the drink. She sighed softly and nodded as Jack explained. If it was coming from a Cipher Pol agent, odds were that the information was good, but Poppy would have probably been able to guess as much. Something was stinky.

“Hm… there was? I’d already planned on keeping an eye on him - orders, you know - but if you think there’s something more here, I’ll gladly accept the help.”

Poppy enjoyed another sip of her coffee and spun around in her chair, staring daggers over at Magnus and Francis. She wasn’t overly fond of Francis to be totally honest. Coffee was a must for any establishment that served drinks. And he’d had both what she and Jack had wanted, so there was no need to be such a sourpuss about it. Boys’ clubs… Poppy scoffed disdainfully.

She sipped her drink and idly listened in, keeping an eye on the door and windows. Magnus wasn’t going anywhere in a hurry, so she wasn’t too worried about him trying to jump out of a window or anything. And, it did seem like word about the Phantom was getting around. She glanced over at Magnus, but his stony expression didn’t even so much as blink. Hm. It didn’t really seem like he was here about the Phantom. Or even interested. But Poppy wasn’t putting anything past him. She trusted Jack.

As Magnus departed for a room upstairs, Poppy pushed herself out of her chair and put what she owed down on the countertop. She put a hand on Jack’s shoulder, nodding.

“Stay here till he comes down. Keep watch? Don’t let me catch you napping,” Poppy said with a chuckle. She slipped a small Den Den Mushi into his coat. “Try to keep in touch.”

With a nod, Poppy exited the tavern and swerved around it to the alley behind it. There were windows all along the back wall, but none on the sides of the building. Well. That made it easier, she supposed. She stood on the corner so that she had a full view of all of the windows and the side of the building and leaned against a wall.

“Here we go…”

---

Poppy | #ff0000 | Post Count: 4

[Sam]

Fancy bar, please... Jack let out an annoyed groan as he waited for his juice to be served. He gave a glare to the two older men.

"Old men are such a pain in the ass..."

He muttered loud enough for Poppy to hear but not Magnus or Francis. He turned back to her and listened in. His golden eyes staring at her eyes, Jack was always one to make eye contact. Sure he often liked hiding his feelings (something he was god awful at) but when it came to business he had to be clear-cut with his words. Especially when working with a fellow World Government in a delicate situation.

"Right, right. I could simply be paranoid, but the connection is rather thick. It's better to be safe than sorry my father always said."

Jack took a sip from his juice, the sour flavor prickling his tongue and cheeks. He loved that feeling, sour foods were his favorite sweets. Jack let out a pleasant gasp as he leaned comfortably on his chair.

"Oh and one more thing there are rumors of certain enhancement drugs being used as well. If we do end up encountering something ugly that's probably something to keep in mind. We cannot allow for such substances to make it to the public. Much less to the hands of the Revolutionary Army."

His head turned around, he saw Magnus head upstairs to his room. That was a little early, it wasn't even dark. Sure he was an old man, but given his nature, it was a suspicious act. Luckily, his partner caught on to the air of suspicion and made her move.

"No worries, I'm a good guard dog. Or so I'm told."

Jack gave her a friendly wink. He really hoped Magnus had no connections to the Phantom and this was all some fluke. Jack looked down at the cup full of juice under him. His reflection stared right back... man he was tired. He looked like a wreck of a man with his baggy tired eyes and an unkempt stubble. Where had he gone wrong... he frowned looking at his reflection. Perhaps it was the series of tragedies he felt unreasonable guilt for.

If he'd been older like he is now he could have stopped the assasin who killed his father. If he had followed Wolfric when she got lost he could have likely stopped her from being taken away by pirates. But that's why he was here, that's why he promised himself he would never mess up again. There was no room for mistakes. He would help them, help everyone by solving cases and bringing them closure. The closure he never had the luxury of. He gave a slight smile... he was a good man at least.

---

Jack | Shamrock | #03AC13 | Post Count: 4

[Mr. Moon]

Magnus #5

Magnus walked upstairs, taking the room, Francis offered to him. It was early morning and from the rumors he heard the Phantom was operating only in the night, so there was no rush. With movements he did at least thousand times he took down the mattress from his bed and put it on the floor. He traveled and talked through whole nigh, so nice eight hours of sleep were in order. True to his military experiences, few minutes after he lied down, the only thing that could be heard from his room was his slow, regular breath.

Meanwhile on the lower floor the restaurant started living again, with guests going in for breakfast being replaced with the ones who came for their lunch and even later the ones who finished their work earlier ad wished to drink and chat with their friends. The clocks were announcing 4 p.m. the lovely lady, that was taking care of the establishment was once again replaced by the elderly owner and Magnus finally walked down the stair, rested and in good mood, although both were hard to notice as the overall expression of his stone cold face didn´t change that much.

“You look awful, get some rest.”
The large warrior said without a hint of sarcasm or mockery, as he was passing Jack, towards the bar counter, where he greeted Francis and sat down for another half an hour, to eat his late breakfast, large bowl of scrambled eggs with bacon and fresh vegetables, before heading out, completely ignoring whoever was trying to follow him.

During the short time he spent eating, the two veterans didn´t talked much, outside of some general small talk, and even after that it didn´t look like the white haired man was up to anything suspicious. Walking through the city, he was visiting the regular sights, together with a local postal service to buy a postcard, and sweet-shop, where he bought two large chocolates and one box of chocolate pralines. During that time, he didn´t mention anything that could be linked to secret enhancement drug, but he asked about the Phantom a lot. Although not in a way one would expect. Rather than investigation, his questions resembled inquiry of curious tourist, who was interested in the newest local attraction.

The time passed by and shortly, the sun set over the horizon and natural light was replaced by the one of the street lamps. Like on signal, Magnus found himself a nice restaurant a bit away from the center, ordering himself a dinner...or maybe lunch, on nicely decorated front garden.

[Fox]

At some point during her eight hour vigil, it occurred to Poppy that Magnus sleeping immediately after arriving was a way for him to exhaust the two of them. Poppy was accustomed to working unreasonable hours. She was already working off three days of no sleep. She’d done longer stints before, so this wasn’t very intimidating to her, but Poppy was a little worried about Jack. She called Jack and told him to get a nap in before beginning a patrol around the tavern. She’d wake him up. When it was close to eight hours being up, Poppy called up Jack on the Den Den Mushi.

“Rise and shine, pup dog,” she said with forced cheer, “Where’s our eaglet- Ah, nevermind. I see him.”

Poppy spotted Magnus through one of the windows on the ground floor. She stayed outside by the front door, stretching her stiff limbs. God, what she wouldn’t do for this assignment to be over. Well, she’d sleep for a couple days after it was over. Mm. That would be nice. Well, maybe only one day. Scratch that, she couldn’t slack off that long. A normal night’s sleep then! Poppy nodded to herself.

When Magnus came out, Poppy followed him around town. It was, gratefully, uneventful. She even got in a couple twenty minute power naps when Jack was on duty. Magnus was either being coy or he was being a doddering old man. Poppy didn’t particularly care which because uneventful was fine by her. When evening came, Poppy stood in the garden of the restaurant.

“Did you have a good day then, Former Captain Magnus?” Poppy asked idly, trying to engage in some small talk. Jack was her partner in suffering, but it didn’t mean that they had to suffer in silence. “Jack, you should get something to eat too while we have the opportunity.”

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Poppy | #ff0000 | Post Count: 5

[Sam]

Jack stared at his come for a few minutes more and then downed the drink. Ten minutes went by, fifteen, thirty, an hour. He looked up at the clock with his baggy eyes. By the fifth hour, it was starting to become clear that Magnus was indeed sleeping. He was in fact doing this to wear down Poppy and him. Jack scoffed, what a clever old bastard.

Luckily, Poppy took notice of this and called him telling him to take a short nap. With slight reluctance, he ended up taking a two-hour nap which was regularly interrupted by nightmares. By the sixth one, he was done with napping and decided to wait out the final hour awake. It was at this point that Poppy called him again.

"Afternoon, ma'am. He should be... oh yep there he is."

Just like that Magnus was already walking downsizing up the dreary green-haired man. Jack tilted his head and raised a brow as if to ask 'need something' without words. To his surprise, he just got a comment on how he looked.

"Eh? I'm fine. This is just how I look hahaha."

Jack chuckled, truth be told he didn't feel that tired just hungry. A good stretch for his legs and a meal would surely help him out. But he could hold off on that for now. His eating habits were less than desirable... a trait his sister had an effect on. Jack stood up and stretched taking his place next to Poppy as he waited for Magnus to finish his meal. Their talk was idle and non-suspicious. But Jack didn't buy it for a minute. Magnus was many things but he wasn't stupid and only an absolute idiot would make his intentions clear. He was playing coy, he could sense it. See it in his cold dead eyes. His senses were tingling.

What followed was rather boring, it was Jack and Poppy suffering through walking around seeing a boring old man go about his day buying chocolates and other knickknacks. The praline looked so tasty and made Jack want to lunge at Magnus snapping them from his hands only to wolf them down. He was hungry having not eaten for two entire days now, there was nothing but coffee and juice in his system. What did pique Jack's interest was Magnus constantly asking about the Phantom?

Eventually, once the sun was settling Magnus walked up to a restaurant. Poppy and Jack waited out in the garden... Jack was looking paler than normal as the scent of meat hit him. He stared at the restaurant with great interest. Poppy must have noticed because she suggested he get a meal too.

"Oh... well that would be a good idea."

He rubbed the back of his head awkwardly. Leaving Poppy out would be in bad taste... but he was afraid of inviting her. Not wanting her to get the wrong ideas.

"Well, you should join me too! Empty stomachs aren't fun and well, I think we'll be at this for a while. Come on, it's on me."

Jack smiled shyly, he hoped this was taken as a friendly dinner and nothing else.

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Jack | Shamrock | #03AC13 | Post Count: 5