Withering Clues...

[Kami-Gaz]

The monster of a woman stood in the courtyard as her entire unit filtered in and took positions with their kit ready. They wouldn’t need the half an hour she gave them they would all be here in mere minutes. This was perfect, showing the Lieutenant her men and women and their capability and willingness to get the job done, even against the monsters that are Loga Devil Fruit eaters.

As the group finally finished getting into position Cynna looked over them before standing to attention, it caused the first row to stand up and salute her which then rippled back through the group. “At ease.” She commanded in a loud tone. “We’re going to be penetrating the Crystal Caves in a spread-eagle formation. I’d like the wings to be ready to perform the Reach Around Manoeuvre at a moment’s notice. If the front wedge gets caught out then you guys will back us up nice and fast.” The Warrant Officer explained before picking up her mask off of her belt and bringing it up to her face.

This thing that had been adopted by must of her unit within the division was one that helped to protect her men’s faces also served as an intimidation tactic in a combat scenario. “Lieutenant, if you would leave the capturing to us as we can still handle Kairoseki Cuffs without being impeded. I would appreciate any aid you wish to offer us.” Cynna said to the man, turning to give him her full attention just as the squad would be doing as well.

[mildofthewild]

"Folgrum," the man responded in kind, the glowing eyes from behind his helmet displaying an almost detached sort of warmth; ironic, given how stalwart the entire ensemble made him appear. Ah, but this conversation would have to be picked up later, as River was called to the Lieutenant and Warrant Officer's side. 

"Oh, a noble position indeed. Well, I'm sure your aim will be true, comrade; and, you'll be given a good show should you get to see me in action! Fuahahahaha, let us hope it comes down to that! Let us be off, and we'll talk all about it over drinks to celebrate!" Folgrum says, saluting and marching off behind the other soldiers, easily the tallest in the proceedings. His hands twitch with anticipation, Folgrum gazing down at the metallic gauntlets before giving a strong flex, the clang melding with the rhythmic beating of several Marine boots pounding forward to the crystal caves...

A Logia User...even now, it's hard to believe Devil Fruits truly exist. Used to think they were but bedtime stories for babies...well, I'll make sure they stay bedtime stories. I, Folgrum Feralhart, have the heart of a lion...and the ferocity of one! 

"FUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" The massive man's bellowing laugh causes a few of his fellow marines to nearly jump out of their boots, several shaking from the sudden outburst, even if they were used to it by now...

"Folgrum, you were laughing out loud again."

"Eh? Impossible; my mind is like steel trap, comrade. No one knows what i am thinking. It is the enigmatic nature of a poet...mysterious, with hint of danger, and quite alluring to the ladies. And lads, must not forget lads." 

"You were thinking of that joke earlier this week again, weren't you?"

"....FUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! No, but I am now, quite the belt buster, comrade, FUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" 

[localproblem]

After nodding to Folgum she’d do one last check on her equipment and ready her things, everything was in place and accounted for, so why was there a sense of uneasiness in the pit of her stomach?

She’d do as João ask and would be on standby for Cynna, it was sort of comforting being around such a fierce looking individual, which was odd, you’d think River would be more intimidated. But all three giants were now her alleys, it was comforting to know such people who dwarfed her in size would be fight with and protecting her.

Cynna gave out a strategic plan of action, which was a little bit hard to follow due to the very colorful way she put things- but River supposed it didn’t matter to much. As support she would be mostly sticking to the shadows of the crystal caves and keeping pace with the Warren Officer, easy enough.

Being nervous was only natural, this was the first time River was entering real combat, battle simulation and training can only prepare you to a certain degree. Any man or woman would feel some fear when first faced with this. But fear wasn't where this unease was stemming from, this might be something she's been ignoring for some time. "Uhh, excuse me Warren Officer, this will be my first combat, so I wanted to ask what level of... lethality... am I permitted to use?" She kept her face and tone neutral like always but was still clearly embarrassed to ask this. In fact, she was pretty she she already knew the answer, when your comrades are at risk you kill without hesitation. Even still, she needed to hear it from her superior, especially someone who was so much more experience and confidant.

It was still odd, why is she feeling this? River has killed a countless number of creatures, it should come as naturally as breathing. But whenever she pictures a human face in her cross-hairs she can't help but feel dread. There is a fundamental difference between firing on an animal and human, it was a gap she hadn't really thought about.

Maybe this was all just pre-battle-jitters, and who knows, a logia-user might be different. What would happen if you shot at someone made of tar? Is killing a being that was practically magic even possible? But there will be others, the strong always have followers.