Gathered Arms • Shield/RK & Badhand

[Badman Zeek]

Subsequent to her return to Rogue town for a brief vacation, Isabelle Reinhart quickly found herself taking on a rather mediocre task overlooked by her Grandfather and other Marines stationed on the island. It was truly a shame for, her; a recruit on vacation, to be the one to apprehend a rowdy group of pirates stirring up trouble within a local tavern. By the time the appropriate authorities had arrived, the young lady's intervention had resulted in the death of one up coming pirate and the capture of his intended inductee.

He was but one of many who would eventually meet their end should they proceed with attempts to detier the Marine from paving the road, to which she hoped to be the dawn of a new era. Alas she'd retire for the day, find slumber and sanctum within her Grandfather's quarters; a room. No a home she'd long since sought out. The comfort and memories she'd shared with the man who raised her still hung heavy in the atmosphere. Each of her sense set to full throttle as they retrieved past preceptions, prompting vivid and highly detail memories to play within Isabelle's mind.

She was home.

A home which she would soon be detatched from yet again once dawn and the Heavens had been set ablaze the Sun's rays. Nurturing hands rocked the young woman until her eyes parted and stare into the solem and aged face. Each wrinkle was a mark of experience and wisdom, and from their magnitude one could only assume that Grantz Reinhart was well versed in both.

He gently eased his granddaughter into an upright position. The eerie silence held between them was all too familiar, in that they often shared their reunions in such a manner. With a brief embrace to regain the memory of each other's touch, the two parted. Isabelle sat on the edge of the guest bed Grantz had placed opposite his own. The man stood erect casting a would be menacing shadow over the young Marine, had it not been for his wide grin an onlooker may have mistaken the scene as one asserting dominance over the other.

But that was not the case. Isabelle responded with smile not often witnessed by many. The connection between the man and young lady could have continued silently, but a soft knock at the door split the tranquilty. With three large strides the massive frame of Grantz appeared at the door, opening it a fraction before retrieving something from beyond the threshold.

[Teal]"It's for you." [/Teal] He said, replying to the inquisitive look on his granddaughter's face. He returned to Isabelle's side extending a rather massive hand in relationship to the size of the enveloped it offered.

A letter sent from one of Shield's opperatives, informing her that the division was on its way to Rougetown. Such news brought joy to Isabelle; she'd soon return to the Orca and be placed on her path towards greatness. She looked forward to reuniting with her comrades, especially Mian, a man whom she sparred with during their first meeting.

Good times.....

Pleasant thoughts filled the atmosphere surrounding Isabelle as she made runs throughout the town, gathering supplies she'd need for her voyage. As evening approached, enveloping the region in nightfall, she settled on visiting the sight where she'd ended the life of a mediocre pirate. It wasn't that she felt sorry for his death, or regretted anything she had done. No. Isabelle was more interested in how the citizens who owned the destroyed tavern were doing. Arriving at the site, she was greeted by nothing.

Dust particles scattered in the breeze. But other than the dancing wind, nothing seemed to have life. Shaking her head, the Marine walked off, heading towards the pier where her grandfather's base was stationed.

[Hanabi C. Badhand]

Hanabi sat looking over the piers from atop a tall post, counting the ships entering and leaving harbor. Some were heading back into the blues, some were heading onto the grand line. Hanabi herself was trying to figure out which ones were going where. It was hard to tell as there were a lot of strong ships in port this evening many of them fit for sail on the Grand Line. But none of them were headed that way.

"Perhaps I'll own that one." she muttered looking at one of the larger ones, she looked down and frowned when she saw the entire crew of the ship unload, they looked like they were anchoring down to stay a while.

The girl standing there wasn't a thief, nor was she a pirate. She was a special kind of thick headed. She was a professional stowaway.

Hanabi turned leaping off of the post dropping down a good twenty feet with a thud. Her turning to leave the piers. However Hanabi had only made it a few feet before she was stopped by a group of scrappy looking men with various weapons and guns. It was the crew from the ship she'd seen unload. Vicious looking and obviously parted from their vices for far too long.

"Hey boys, first time I've set foot onto shore and got greeted by a Wh*re!" Said a big one at the front who Hanabi assumed was the Captain. He was a rather brutish, dumb looking man, rather he was naturally dumb or it was his drooling at Hanabi would have been hard to tell.

The group started to surround Hanabi making perverted chuckles grinning. "Great. A pirate crew." Hanabi said flatly. The crew assumed she was being sarcastic.

The big one lurched forward, "Come on baby, give Ol' Wheeler a lil' bit of love." he said his hands outstretched his fingers twitching perversely as he charged towards Hanabi grabbing the red flag she wore around her shoulders to start stripping her down.

Hanabi twitched with anger a stress vain appearing on the side of her head as she suddenly delivered a powerful uppercut into the big guy's chin that lifted him three feet off the ground and before he landed she headbutted him in the chest causing him to crash backward across the ground into his crew!

"ANIKI! (Bro)!" Shouted one of the men as the guy flew backwards blood flying from his lips from his bit tongue. Him laying on the ground coughing. The big guy stood slowly, chuckling deeply "Oh come on baby don't be li---" he stopped talking for a moment reaching up a hand to his mouth looking at the blood.

"THIS BITCH MADE ME BLEED! GET HER!!!!" He shouted suddenly roaring in rage charging towards Hanabi pulling a fist back aiming to pump it into the girl's face.

Hanabi moved sideways avoiding the punch catching the guy in the gut with her elbow reaching a hand to his hair twisting his head around throwing him away from herself by his head.

A man with sword charged in behind Hanabi charging in slashing at her gut as she spun about quickly ducking the blade lunging into the guy flattening him on his back delivering three powerful punches to his face knocking that one out before hearing a gunshot and feeling a bullet ricochet off of her skin. She moved suddenly making it look like she'd dodged or the shot missed attacking the Gunman grabbing his rifle by the end of the barrel pulling it outwards slamming an elbow into the middle of the weapon busting it in half before spinning about slamming the broken peace of rifle into another thug's chin.

---

Where Isabelle was she would hear the noise of a gunshot as well as the clamoring of steel nearby and the sound of fighting.

---

Hanabi slowly backed away from the mob, she'd managed to create an opening and now was keeping the group in front of herself, she didn't like getting surrounded and she wasn't aiming to let it happen again. She was slowly backing away as the pirates advanced on her, some looking pissed, others looking lecherous.

[Badman Zeek]

Thinking to herself Isabelle couldn't help but think of what kind of missions she'd go on once she was back with Thor and Shield. Typical marine missions ranged from saving a cat to fending off swarms of mercenaries. Hopefully the latter would be what Isabelle would be sent on. Of course the difficulty of each mission regardless of type is what intrigued Isabelle the most. She looked forward to challenges, and would without a doubt accept any sent her way.

Isabelle continued to walk along cobble stone road, lost in thoughts of what was to come once back aboard Orca, when the clashing of metal called out to her. Like a moth to a light it beckoned her, peaking her interest and forcing her to seek its origins. Trailing the ongoing oscillations of sound Isabelle found herself reaching her initial destination. The pier. Except she was on some region foreign to her. She couldn't recall this section of the pier, or rather she had no time to attempt to remember the location, for her instincts kicked in the moment she sighted the source of metal clangs.

In the distance further down the pier, Isabelle saw one girl, roughly around her age, surrounded by pirates who seemed to have just docked. Rushing in without a second thought, the young woman found herself drawing both her sword and dagger. No, they were not as simple as being tools. They were Rovina and Oblio, her partners. Each found a target of its own striking down quite a few men, as Isabelle took a position amongst the crowd. And like that she landed right next to the girl she sought to aid, who apparently managed to defend herself for a while.

Somewhere in the back of Isabelle's mind thoughts of how absurd it looked for a one girl to be assisted by another to take on offenders of such quantity, was awkward, and unheard of. Especially since nobody would even recognize Isabelle as a marine, due to the lack of proper attire. To the twenty or so men it'd likely seem as though both females knew each other. But they'd be wrong; Isabelle didn't even recognize her as a civilian from around town. Then again, Isabelle had only been back for two days.

Two days.

How was it possible for one to be drawn into such activities in only two days. On the first she killed one pirate destroying a bar. Now she found herself aiding a girl against unreasonable odds.

Bleh.....

"Oh well...", she thought to herself before allowing a smirk to appear on her face. This was the kind of challenge she was particularly fond of. She'd may as well enjoy the opportunity, especially if she was able to assist someone in need, while fulfilling her own desires to challenge herself. [maroon]"How's about we shift the odds a bit?"[/maroon], Isabelle said, casting a rhetorical question towards her would be partner. And with that she was off--hacking and slicing away at the pirates closest to her. All the while she was sure to keep the girl within her view in case she required Isabelle's assistance.

[Hanabi C. Badhand]

Hanabi's eyes widened as a girl ran in with a sword and a knife to her aid, that was a first. She'd never had someone actually randomly come to her rescue. A smile was on Hanabi's face for the first time this evening.

Hanabi didn't have anything to say at this second to her would be savior, indeed, Hanabi vary rarely spoke when she fought often lost in the thrill of battle. This was a good evening to meet someone new. And her and the girl would know each other well. For they were fighting together. Hanabi was going to watch the girls style as best she could during the fight and try to see what kind of person was coming to her aid.

It was as Hanabi was in thought a fist came from her left slamming her in the jaw causing her to spin, as she spun her own fist accelerating with the rotation hit her attacker sending him rolling away across the ground.

Hanabi knelt down ducking out of the way of a sword grabbing the leg of one of the nearby pirates ripping him off of his feet with one arm spinning him around lobbing him into a group of his friends who, to their credit caught him and set him on his feet.

Hanabi knelt rocked back and forth as the pirates surrounded her and the girl again charging in, Hanabi then spoke for the first time since the girl had arrived, "Kainushi Buyou (Shepherd Dance)" Hanabi started to move in a circular motion around as people came blocking blows that were coming towards her, pushing them past into other opponents who were coming too close.

One thing Isabelle might notice is that whenever someone would go strength against strength against Hanabi they would instantly lose and their punches didn't even seem to jar her at all, not on the blocks or that earlier hit.

One of the Pirates rounded about Isabelle even as she fought moving in rising a mighty sledge hammer swinging it down aiming to crush the girl's head.

Isabelle if she turned to face the large man's shadow would see the hammer coming down striking hard straight into Hanabi's collarbone, the girl bracing the impact going down to one knee from the weight of the impact before she suddenly and quickly lunged forward in a near blur of a motion in her Slam Charge.

The man was lifted clean off his feet as Hanabi in a single lunge carried him through several of his men behind him and literally throwing him through five people off of the pier twenty feet away leaving a trail of fallen men. All and all Hanabi probably cleared out a good seventeen of them.

-Techniques Used-

SPOILER: Click to show

Kainushi Buyou (Shepherd Dance): Hanabi when fighting a large group of opponents like a mob continually moves in circular motions blocking, dodging weaving and quickly countering opponents with swift grabs and redirection meant to control the fight against a large group of opponents allowing her to out-weather them. (Hanabi can only use one 'Dance' at a time.)

Slam Charge: (40 Yard Range) Hanabi suddenly using a burst of her own power charges in blur of blinding speed towards her opponent. With the built speed she can ascend stairs and ladders with intimidating quickness. Her charge ends with her slamming elbow first into her opponent usually targeting their gut. She can only do this once per turn.

[RK]

Arpeggio was bored, really bored. He glanced down to his pants and started to bounce his knees. He was ready for any kind of action, but he was told to wait outside as he was assigned his first duty. He had just joined the marines and was a proud member. He waited for another 25 minutes and was asked to come inside. After a long discussion about Justice and an oath, Arpeggio was given a task. There are some pirates who have just docked on shore. "The Thorn Arrow Pirates" as they we called were a fairly large crew that had been pillaging many east blue islands in the past month, he had to do something about them.
"
He was confused though, wasn't sending a recruit out to bring an entire pirate crew to justice kinda....idiotic. Maybe it was because he was a devil fruit user. Or maybe they just trusted him. Either way he had some pirates to hunt!

He had walked out of the base and started to head towards the docks. He didn't make it far before he saw a few men running in fear. he thought that they had been attacked by the pirates. Then he realized that THEY were the pirates. Everything seemed so odd. He arrived at the dock and looked around, about 10 yards in front of him were 2 girls beating the crap out of the crew. He dropped to his knees. He watched as these two women annihilated the entire crew. He wanted to help though. He ran towards the men and began combat. "Guns: Rage" he said as he enlarged his biceps and triceps, and smashed his fists into two nearby pirates faces.

He then noticed the girls were being outnumbered, but certainly not outmatched. As he was punching a pirate in the stomach numerous times he noticed how powerful these women were, he had to join them. He deactivated his guns and initiated his next attack. "Nerve: Dead Man Style" He numbed his hands to the point of loss of feeling. He then rushed in and punched through one of the pirates bellies, and pulled out part of their liver.

As he finished he deactivated his nerve ability feeling the full force of punching through a mans stomach rush over him he fell onto one knee but soon got back up. He walked over to the two girls and introduced himself. "Hello my name is Arpeggio, i'm a new marine who was assigned the task of beating up these pirates but it seems you two beat me to it." He said as an amused smile came across his face.

[Lord Bromosalino]

[style=text-align:center; font-family: arial narrow; font-size:25px; margin-bottom:-5px; color:A60A17; letter-spacing:5px; text-shadow:1px 1px 0px 660000]GET READY TO IGNITE![/style]

[atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, width: 500px; background-image: url(http://colourlovers.com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/patterns/2221/2221010.png); background-repeat: repeat; border-left: 5px solid D91438; border-radius: 0 20 20 0; opacity:0.8;] [style=float: left; margin-left: 35px; margin-top: 20px; width: 100px; height: 100px; background-image: url(http://forum.onemanga.com/image.php?u=105620&dateline=1322688013&type=thumb); border: 5px solid D91438; -webkit-border-radius: 55px; -moz-border-radius: 55px; border-radius: 55px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 20px][/style][style=float: left; margin-left: 20px; margin-top: 20px; width: 100px; height: 100px; background-image: url(http://forum.onemanga.com/image.php?u=105620&dateline=1322688013&type=thumb); border: 5px solid D91438; -webkit-border-radius: 55px; -moz-border-radius: 55px; border-radius: 55px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 20px][/style][style=float: left; margin-left: 20px; margin-top: 20px; width: 100px; height: 100px; background-image: url(http://forum.onemanga.com/image.php?u=105620&dateline=1322688013&type=thumb); border: 5px solid D91438; -webkit-border-radius: 55px; -moz-border-radius: 55px; border-radius: 55px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 20px][/style] [/style][style=float: left; margin-top: 20px; margin-left: 20px; width: 460px; height:200px; overflow:auto; background-color: 000000; color: 037F8C; opacity: 0.9; margin-bottom: 20px; border-radius: 10px][style=padding: 10px; text-align: justify; opacity: 1.0; font-family: verdana; font-size: 10px] Home! Home! Home! The sound brought such a sweet sound to Isaac’s ears, much like that of an angelic choir. And after rough days at seas, the landing had been made just that much sweeter. Rougetown. Such a marvelous place. Notorious for pirates making a name for themselves here and, more importantly, the site of where many notable Marines had once been stationed. Especially Smoker, who had been a lifelong idol of Isaac’s. But right now, this was simply home! Though he was not born here, Isaac was nonetheless raised here. Originally from the Goa Kingdom, the young noble had come here in his young teenage years to study under his uncle to become a successful Marine. In fact, so was Cerberus. A large, sleek black dog who was always at Isaac’s side, Cerberus was just as excited to finally be done with all the rocking and swaying that the seas had so freely provided. Luckily, Isaac was used to such travel. That was more than he could say for Cerberus. Isaac feared he wouldn’t hold out so well, especially after all the fighting. But like a true soldier, Cerberus kept it together and was now on full alert and filled with energy. Of course the first thing to do was to go to his family’s house. After his grandfather had passed away, Isaac’s father took over the family trading business here in Rougetown. Well, that was the plan. Unfortunately, other things seemed to have a higher priority in the order of importance. Just down the pier, two young women and an equally young male, all who seemed to slightly younger (maybe two, three years?) than Isaac himself were caught in some scuffle with a group of twenty or so older gentlemen. Though he himself had just come out of battle a few days ago, he was able to rest up and was nearly in tip top condition, nearly. A battle scar still lingered, his left shoulder. He had be struck by a large cutlass and though the strike wasn’t as grievous as the pirate would have liked, it still made movement with that arm stiff and numb. Luckily, Isaac was a foot fighter and only used his arms to push or block incoming attacks. Immediately seeing the attack taking place, Isaac’s natural instinct was to rush forward and help. He had a soft spot for people in distress. That was part of the reason he had become a Marine. But upon further observance, he could see that the trio were no ordinary civilians. Though they were outnumbered seven to one, at least, they were doing quite well. And they did not seem to hesitate in their attack. Admirable. Isaac did appreciate the underdog in any fight. But helping even out the scale would probably be the “nice” thing to do. Only problem was, which group was on which side? If the small group were in fact civilians, then Isaac could easily swoop to the rescue with a few of the Marines that were still filing off of the boat and put a stop to whatever was going on with little to no violence. Many times, the simple presence of Marines was enough to deter criminals and pirates alike. On the other had, if they were thieves or pirates, they would have to be apprehended just the same. Isaac’s first reaction was to generalize the big, dirty guys as evil pirates and the trio to be squeaky clean civilians. Isaac had to take a step back from all of the generalized profiling and think about it critically. They could be tired sea travelers or merchants who had been out a sea for quite a period of time, or something along those lines at least. Searching for Captain Thor and not finding him, he might still have been onboard dealing with docking procedures or something of the like, Isaac quickly rounded up two dozen or so Marines who had also seen what was going on. Though he himself was also a new recruit, Isaac had gained some level of respect within the crew. He had been hand picked by Captain Thor to lead two squads during the assault during the Battle for Winchester Island and had been with Captain Thor to the end. “Alright men, you guys see whats going on. Lets go see what this business is about. Move out.” Efficiency, swiftness, and teamwork were essential within any group and the crew of The Orca had all three. Moving in perfect unison, the group moved out and within seconds had arrived at the scene of commotion. Though he was not dressed in standard Marine uniform, Isaac was dressed very formally. A crisp white dress shirt, with two buttons undone, covered his lean body. Freshly ironed black dress pants and newly shined black shoes covered his feet. To finish it, a pair of black overalls were strapped over his dress shirt. The Marine group he had brought with him had immediately circled and enclosed the chaos. Pushing the long black hair back, Isaac took charge once more and approached the middle of the commotion. “Well, well, well. Looks like this is quite the party. Mind if we join, we love parties.” [/style][/style][/style]

[style=font-size: 9px; font-family:georgia;]made by cirrus of CNT[/style]

[tr][/tr]

[thormundsson]

Thor stirred his coffee as he tried to get comfortable in the office of the Captain in charge of Roguetown. The black liquid was sort of grainy as he stirred it in it's cup. He let out a heavy sigh just as he took a sip of the coffee. It didn't taste half bad though he could taste the grains in it. Whoever made this was most certainly not an expert maker of coffee and Thor couldn't help but feel a longing for some well made, black brew to keep himself from punching through a wall. He hated this part of any stop in Roguetown. He had to present himself to the man in charge of the town and fill out a few forms to get the supplies he needed and the repairs completed on the Orca.

He paced slowly in front of the large window of the office, looking over the harbor and especially the amount of marine ships here. The strength of the garrison had been increased to almost twice it's size since the end of the War but that wasn't the whole story. The amount of patchwork and men at work fixing the base itself as well as the number of injured he had passed on the way to the building spoke of a more distressing truth. It was obvious that the crews that were moving through this town and away to the Grand Line were getting stronger and an even more obvious fact was that they were growing in numbers. Somehow it just served to anger Thor as he kept staring out into the bay.

He almost didn't notice when the slim man entered the place. Captain Martel was a young man and had risen to the rank of captain far faster than was normal. The need for marine fighters these days was so much that they had started to promote men beyond their capabilities. The man had a smug look on him as if he knew he had the command in the base and Thor was subordinate to him in this place. The fact that he had been forced to ask for such an increase in men to make up for his lack of strength didn't seem to lower is self-esteem. Thor sized the man up and knew he could flatten him in one blow, the man was no Smoker, that was for sure.

"Good morning, I trust you are feeling well" Thor said dryly as he saluted the man. He didn't even bother to stand at attention, they were of the same rank after all. His salute was returned in much the same way, the young commander of the base smiling a bit as he approached Thor. "I am always feeling well, though I'm still waiting for the HQ to make this post of mine permanent" Martel said as he stood still next to Thor, joining him in watching the harbor. The man's post was not a solid one and it was only temporary until the HQ could assign a fighter powerful enough to adequately replace Smoker.

"This is the parcel that was meant for you, I trust you know it's content" Martel continued, handing Thor a small metal box, the lid of which was locked down with two numbered locks. The box had the insignia of the Marines and the World Government on the lid, revealing it's origin. "I hear you've earned it?" Martel said as Thor took the box from his hands. The young man had a sly look on his face as Thor unlocked the two locks and took a small peek at it's contents. A look of satisfaction marred his face as he locked it again.

"Whether or not I earned it isn't much of a concern, is it?" He said rhetorically, looking the young officer in the eyes as he tucked the box into the inner pockets of his coat. He pointed Martel over to the desk that was stood at the center of the room and the documents which lay on it. "They are filled out and ready, I'll have to have you sign them so as to finalize it" Thor said as he handed the man a pen.

"I see no problem with them" Martel said as he inspected the paperwork with one eye and focusing on Thor with the other, he didn't have much to say in it. It was a formality really, occasions when these things were denied were rare and only if the one who requested it was guilty of several code violations.

"Good, I have a job to do and I need to be under way as soon as possible" Thor said calmly and continued to stare out across the bay.

[RK]

Arpeggio was walking back to the marine base in Roguetown. Dragging behind him was the beat up captain of the Pirate crew they just stomped on. He wasn't as satisfied as he should have been but nevertheless he got the job done, and that's what being a marine was about. He shook his hand around a little. "God i hate using Dead man style, gonna have to improve it later on" he said to himself as he passed through a crowd of marines.

He saw a superior of his. "Hello there sir" he said with a salute. Arpeggio looked at this man, he looked like a strong marine. Arpeggio looked at him and asked. "Is there anything i can do for you sir, i was just on my way to HQ."

Arpeggio heard some faint whispers from around town, he was a "Hero" or something, it was just some pirates. They started to applaud and cheer for Arpeggio. He didn't quite like this appraisal. He put his head down and walked into the Marine base. He walked through the halls of the base. He was only getting awkward, or angry looks here. Arpeggio had no idea what was going on. He looked behind him to see a trail of blood stretching behind him, he pushed open the door to the street to see it stretched all the way to the dock. His face went blank. He swallowed his pride and took the pirate straight to the holding cell.

He felt like a real idiot but he got the job done. He walked into Captain Martels quarters and addressed him with a salute. "Captain, i've taken care of the Pirates down by the docks" he said with a stirn face. "Yes, good work Marine." he said with a dry tone. Arpeggio looked to see a large man sitting in the chair in front of Martel. He Saluted the man and stood waiting for orders. "How long are you just going to stand there, i need to talk privately with Captain Thor here?" Arpeggio had received his orders, and he was to follow them out. He walked out the door slowly, but before he did he poked his head in and bowed "It was a pleasure meeting you Captain Thor." Arpeggio walked down the hallway into the barracks. He looked at his hands. They were shaking. He started to take the full effect of using his dead man style. He hated it so much, but it was so useful. He could hear noise outside of people and busy streets and life. He didn't want to hear these noises he wanted to hear the sound of the ocean, just the ocean.....

[Lord Bromosalino]

[style=text-align:center; font-family: arial narrow; font-size:25px; margin-bottom:-5px; color:A60A17; letter-spacing:5px; text-shadow:1px 1px 0px 660000]GET READY TO IGNITE![/style]

[atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, width: 500px; background-image: url(http://colourlovers.com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/patterns/2221/2221010.png); background-repeat: repeat; border-left: 5px solid D91438; border-radius: 0 20 20 0; opacity:0.8;] [style=float: left; margin-left: 35px; margin-top: 20px; width: 100px; height: 100px; background-image: url(http://forum.onemanga.com/image.php?u=105620&dateline=1322688013&type=thumb); border: 5px solid D91438; -webkit-border-radius: 55px; -moz-border-radius: 55px; border-radius: 55px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 20px][/style][style=float: left; margin-left: 20px; margin-top: 20px; width: 100px; height: 100px; background-image: url(http://forum.onemanga.com/image.php?u=105620&dateline=1322688013&type=thumb); border: 5px solid D91438; -webkit-border-radius: 55px; -moz-border-radius: 55px; border-radius: 55px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 20px][/style][style=float: left; margin-left: 20px; margin-top: 20px; width: 100px; height: 100px; background-image: url(http://forum.onemanga.com/image.php?u=105620&dateline=1322688013&type=thumb); border: 5px solid D91438; -webkit-border-radius: 55px; -moz-border-radius: 55px; border-radius: 55px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 20px][/style] [/style][style=float: left; margin-top: 20px; margin-left: 20px; width: 460px; height:200px; overflow:auto; background-color: 000000; color: 037F8C; opacity: 0.9; margin-bottom: 20px; border-radius: 10px][style=padding: 10px; text-align: justify; opacity: 1.0; font-family: verdana; font-size: 10px] “Well, well, well. Looks like this is quite the party. Mind if we join, we love parties.” Amid the final struggles of the fighting, it seemed that Isaac and his company of Marines had arrived just a bit short of the action. Bummer. The long boring wait, and the time spent recuperating from his injuries from Winchester Island, of the boat ride had left Isaac, as well as Cerberus, with a need to move about. Action was the word, and Isaac was its vessel. Hopefully Captain Thor’s meeting with the Marine in charge of Rougetown would go well. Captain Martel was it? In any case, Isaac just longed for their meeting to be over so that they could continue with their plans. But, Isaac knew how such meetings went. It was nothing more than regulations, paperwork, and occasionally egos butting heads, though Isaac knew Captain Thor would do anything to hurry and be off. And that, in and of itself, was the problem. Captain Thor could become violent if Captain Martel kept beating around the bush and kept Captain Thor waiting around. Scanning the scene, the Marines here in Rougetown were obviously still well trained, just as Isaac remembered them to be from his youth. Making short work of the pirates, a crowd was cheering the protectors of the sea as they rounded up the beaten and humiliated scum. Though this place was under new management and care, it had seemed as if Commodore Smoker’s presence and legacy was still alive and throbbing on this island. However, as this was Rougetown, it also meant that pirates would continue to flock here. “Hello there, sir. Is there anything I can do for you, sir, I was just on my way to HQ.” Snapped out of his faze, Isaac stared into the face of a young Marine who had just saluted him. Standing at an equal height, Isaac scanned the boy. His eyes told Isaac that he was still a child, that he had yet to learn the meaning of pain and suffering. Though he had been part of the rumble that had just taken place, this meant nothing. His face alone showed that he had not experienced the true terrors of the sea, nor had he witnessed death. But, he would learn one day. “No, that will do for now. Carry on.” Returning the salute, Isaac was still getting used to having some sense of command. Since the Winchester Island War, Isaac had steadily gained recognition and respect from the Marines that served with him on The Orca. Being given a high priority mission to handle, command of a squad during the war, and even now, other Marines looking to him for leadership when a clear chain of command was absent, it was all new to him. But, that was not to say he did not enjoy it slightly. Captain Isaac Saifer. There was a certain ring to it, and it sounded oh so good. But, he had a ways to go until he could call himself equal to someone such as Captain Thor, who Isaac was sure would continue to grow and rise in rank. As the young man carried away the captain of the pirate crew they had just defeated, Isaac stared into the blue expanse of the sky. It had been a busy morning. From unloading the ships, loaded new supplies, and now this, Isaac had completely forgotten what he was really here for. Not only did The Orca need more members, but Isaac had yet to visit his parents! They hadn’t heard from Isaac in over two weeks, for Isaac wanted to surprise them. They must be surely worrying about him, but don’t all parents worry about their children regardless? Still, he wanted to see them. In fact, their home, which also served as the second floor of their store building, was quite near. Leaving the scene, Isaac whistled for Cerberus. Bounding down the paved cobblestones of the street, the duo were finally refreshed. No amount of rest and sleep had brought them new energy such as this feeling. Home! How were his parents, how was business, did they miss him? Questions, questions, questions. Oh how did Isaac miss them. And suddenly there it was! The same familiar red walls still had the same sign hanging there; Saifer Trading Co. Pushing aside the deep green doors, Isaac’s ears were graced with a one simple sound. One that he never thought he would miss as a child, a loud ding, ding. The bell was heard even in the noisy store, as traders and merchants from all over came to see if their inventory had arrived. He was home! “Mom, dad? I’m home!” [/style][/style][/style]

[style=font-size: 9px; font-family:georgia;]made by cirrus of CNT[/style]

[Hanabi C. Badhand]

After the fight had finished, Hanabi had gone silent. The arrival of the marines was an interesting thing for her to behold, indeed it was rare for them to respond so quickly in Roguetown. Granted if she'd been a 'normal' civilian she'd be face down in a ditch somewhere.

This other group didn't wear what she'd have called 'normal' marine attire. They seemed to be more calm and aloof about it. They were just arriving she'd have ventured to guess. They didn't seem like the 'Roguetown Regulars."

She grinned ear to ear, "It is good to meet you two. By all means, join in, there is plenty to go around." as if she was serving dinner.

The varying styles of Arpeggio interested her, the way his muscles expanded Hanabi found extremely amazing, and slightly handsome. She coughed a little before turning back to see how quickly the rest of the pirates went down. In the end she'd had another fight where she hadn't needed to pull out her Devil Fruit and this crew seemed to be numerous, not strong.

Isaac seemed to be some sort of 'Sleek but unkempt not-so-gentle-man.' He had arrived with many re-enforcements. She herself hadn't seen that many marines manifest before her eyes at once at one time. Granted she hadn't stowed away on a Marine Ship before.

"The name's Hanabi C. Badhand." she said as the battle quickly drew to a close, the pirates fleeing one direction or another getting captured, literally being driven back into the sea or being put down hard by one of MANY combatants who now not only had the tables turned in skills, but number now as well.

When the battle was over it wasn't what she'd expected, no 'grand-finale' between the crew and the marines with the Captain taking out the small fry. Nope... in fact as she thought back she couldn't remember which one of these men was the captain, they were all weak. It sort of just ended with every last one being routed or captured.

Slightly confused about her lack of gratifying opponents she decided to follow around Arpeggio, who's name she'd already forgotten, to her, Mr. Guns.

---

It was at the marine HQ that Hanabi stood alongside of Arpeggio at. She'd silently followed him away from the scene. She'd been eyed suspiciously by the marines arresting the pirates. She still bore her Crimson Flag around her shoulders. But they didn't step out of what they were doing to arrest her.

Hanabi followed Arpeggio inside and listened to him speak with one of his 'superiors'. She sighed to herself leaning on a wall.

Hanabi had followed him down to the holding cells and up silently towards the offices. She hadn't said a single word and had stayed behind Arpeggio the whole time.

When she entered Captain Martel's Office she'd still not said anything. She simply waited in silence.

When Arpeggio had left the office Hanabi however did NOT follow this time. The conversation made her realize that this Captain held some notable influence or something and since she hadn't been called out so far she figured she'd be able to just stand around in plain sight and eavesdrop.

Hanabi walked to a corner of the room, with Thor and Captain Martel in it leaning back.

A strong girl looming in the shadow, muscular as hell for a woman, dressed in torn up black clothing with no lower legging left. She had no shoes, her hands were bare. Around her shoulders was her trademark Crimson Flag. Her orange eyes almost seemed to catch the light from the window giving the illusion that her eyes were glowing from the corner. Her long brown hair, unkempt draping down her shoulders. Reaching down in length to the nape of her neck.

[thormundsson]

The young marine who had just walked in seemed to do so with remarkable confidence. Most people always seemed afraid of their superiors. A nice quality sometimes but the lack of it spoke of a strong character, something that Thor was always intrigued by.

Thor took a glance back out the window, noting the pirates that had just been rounded up. He had to train his eyes very firmly to see the insignia on their clothes. It seemed to be the general skull and bones but the odd part out was that the skull was that of a whale. "White Whale pirates, no wonder this town isn't in good shape" Thor said quietly to himself. He kept staring and noted that there was an absence on one important thing. The captain of these pirates wasn't around and it didn't seem like they had brought in the reputed tough guys of that crew.

Thor turned around, grabbing the young marine by the shoulder as he walked out the door. Martel opened his mouth to say something but decided against it and closed it just as fast, apparently not wanting Thor to notice his hesitation, which he had done either way. "Wait a moment, I need you to direct me to the location of this fight, marine!" Thor said with his usually commanding voice. He didn't much care that the man wasn't his to command, some times he didn't have time for the courtesy of asking the acting commander. "The pirates you took down were part of a much much larger crew that was heading in this direction according to the latest news. Their captain even has a bounty" He continued, walking towards the door.

"Captain Martel, it's been a pleasure and we'll continue any discussions later on if you don't mind. I feel my arm needing some sort of a jolt and a fight might help me get there" He said, giving the captain a dry smile as he moved past him, directing the other marine to accompany him. "Oh and do try to work on your observation skills, it seems like a good thing to have for a commander of a Marine base as important as this!" He said, this time his smile turning to a wicked grin as he noted Martel's surprised look.

Thor turned to the woman who had been standing in the corner of the room, she hadn't even tried a stealthy way in and yet Martel had been to preoccupied by his conversation to notice her. "It takes a certain amount of courage to just waltz into the room of a Marine commander and expect not to be punished!" Thor said with thunderous tone as always, he had never quite been a calm man and this moment was getting him riled up a bit. "I need strong hands to take the fight to a few pirates, if you care to join I'm sure there can be some reward coughed up!" He said, directing the woman, who seemed unnaturally fit for a...well...woman, to join Arpeggio as he left the room. If he had ever seen a woman as fit and ready to fight he couldn't remember it.

He waited patiently for a reply or for the woman to follow his orders, all the while standing in a relaxed position.....

[|The SHAKINATOR|]

"If you're looking for capable hands to take out some pirates, I'm your man... If you call these hands, and see me as a man that is." Came the deep gruff voice of the half man, half machine.

With his right arm made out of Steel and his left hand replaced with a claw contraption, there was little doubting, he wasn't born with those limbs. If that wasn't enough, the fusion generator stuck in his chest gave it away.

Rayne had his trusty long blade and his one-handed shotgun strapped at his waist. Although only just having been promoted to an Ensign, it was pretty easy to figure out, Rayne was one hell of a soldier. With his body and build, focus in his eyes and deadly weapons, he was the muscle every team would want.

Marcus had arrived just that very day on the island. He'd didn't have to go through much paper work considering he was originally listed to serve in Rogue-Town but he was looking for something more adventurous. Ever since his mission with Vice-Admiral Masaru, he knew walking around a city, keeping peace wasn't going to suffice any more.

He had heard of the SHIELD Division being at work here so it was only in his best interest to seek them out. "Captain Thor," He said, saluting whilst doing so, "Marcus Rayne, reporting for duty. I have served with Vice-Admiral Masaru in the Tequila Wolf riots recently. I believe I can take on any mission in the world sir. I wish to sign-up to the ranks of SHIELD. If there's anything I can do to help, I'm willing to do so." Rayne spoke assertively. He was confident of his ability and determined of his worth. He wanted nothing more than to become part of this division and hunt down notorious pirates.

He looked at the other marine's in the room one by one, trying to remember there faces into his new memory. It was easier to remember things now, considering his past life was completely empty.

[RK]

Arpeggio was stopped by Captain Thor on his way out the door, he looked over his shoulder to see the captain staring him in the face. Arpeggio felt Thor grip his shoulder, this guy was one behemoth of a man, and presumably had the fighting strength to prove it. "The Pirates we beat up were at the docks." Arpeggio had heard his superiors talking about the pirates coming here, he saw it his duty to deal with them.

Arpeggio looked to the girl who followed her back from the dock, Hanabi, and motioned her to come along. Then he looked at the hulking cyborg on the other side of the room, Marcus. Though Marcus was higher in rank than Arpeggio, he still had this chance to tell him what to do. Arpeggio walked out the door calmly, he didn't want to stress himself before another big fight.

As he walked out the door and back to the docks he saw the ship of the White Whale pirates. As he trotted up to the ship he had seen the captains bounty poster on his way out, he wasn't sure if he should be scared, was 12 million beri all that high. The guy Smoker chased out of here 2 years ago had a bounty almost 3 times higher than that. He walked slower, he didn't actually see if his back up had followed him so he might have just been walking to his death here. He looked at Rogue town. The people saw him walking toward the ship and got inside their homes. Arpeggio was glad they did so, he didn't show pirates mercy. He was ready for action, and would jump to it at the tip of a hat. He was cracking his knuckles, listening to the cracks, he found this to be one of the manliest noises ever. As he neared the ship he chuckled. "My first real pirate job...i am going to die" He was at the ships hull now. He felt it, this was a very high quality wood

[Lord Bromosalino]

[style=text-align:center; font-family: arial narrow; font-size:25px; margin-bottom:-5px; color:A60A17; letter-spacing:5px; text-shadow:1px 1px 0px 660000]GET READY TO IGNITE![/style]

[atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, width: 500px; background-image: url(http://colourlovers.com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/patterns/2221/2221010.png); background-repeat: repeat; border-left: 5px solid D91438; border-radius: 0 20 20 0; opacity:0.8;] [style=float: left; margin-left: 35px; margin-top: 20px; width: 100px; height: 100px; background-image: url(http://forum.onemanga.com/image.php?u=105620&dateline=1322688013&type=thumb); border: 5px solid D91438; -webkit-border-radius: 55px; -moz-border-radius: 55px; border-radius: 55px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 20px][/style][style=float: left; margin-left: 20px; margin-top: 20px; width: 100px; height: 100px; background-image: url(http://forum.onemanga.com/image.php?u=105620&dateline=1322688013&type=thumb); border: 5px solid D91438; -webkit-border-radius: 55px; -moz-border-radius: 55px; border-radius: 55px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 20px][/style][style=float: left; margin-left: 20px; margin-top: 20px; width: 100px; height: 100px; background-image: url(http://forum.onemanga.com/image.php?u=105620&dateline=1322688013&type=thumb); border: 5px solid D91438; -webkit-border-radius: 55px; -moz-border-radius: 55px; border-radius: 55px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 20px][/style] [/style][style=float: left; margin-top: 20px; margin-left: 20px; width: 460px; height:200px; overflow:auto; background-color: 000000; color: 037F8C; opacity: 0.9; margin-bottom: 20px; border-radius: 10px][style=padding: 10px; text-align: justify; opacity: 1.0; font-family: verdana; font-size: 10px] Home! Such a sweet thing. How long had it been? One year, two? No, it felt much, much longer than that. Though he was an adult making his way in the world, it was good to be back in place that housed so many of his memories from his childhood years. There was that smell still. With literally dozens upon dozens of crates entering through the door of the Saifer Trading Co., there was always a pleasantly new and unique smell in the building. Spices, herbs, perfumes, gunpowder, metal, and papers filled the room in the same way a large pot of different foods and spices come together. But it was that old paper and ink smell that Isaac missed the most. Up at the front desk, under the counter was the ridiculously large, and old log book in which Isaac’s father, Mark Saifer, recorded every ship and crate that used their company to come in and out of Rougetown. With the strong voice of Isaac’s piercing through the many different conversations and rambling, one lone voice resounded in Isaac’s ears, his fathers! A tall man, Mark Saifer pushed his way through the crows and stood face to face with his son. Always the serious man, Mark held out an arm for a shake. Knowing his father, an ex-Rear Admiral within the Marines, was a man of regulations and such, Isaac gripped the older gentleman’s strong arms only to be pulled into a large bear hug. Immediately Isaac smelled another familiar smell, the smell of a man who had been smoking from his pipe again as well as the all to familiar scent of strong peppermint. “Ah, my boy! How you’ve grown. Just look at you, and Cerberus! Honey, honey! Bring the gift, quickly, quickly!” Only half way down the staircase that led to the pair’s home, Martha Saifer ran back up and disappeared behind sturdy oak doors. Finally giving his son space to breathe, Mark held his boy out at arms length to look over him once more. Isaac had grown in the short space of five years, yet he was still the same boy. Well, that wasn’t necessarily true. The quite recent events that Isaac had partaken in had drastically altered his views. Though he was a follower and believer in Absolute Justice, his eyes had been opened. He could no longer believe that every Marine was a man full of goodness and justice, like Captain Thor was for example. But, that was a thought for another time. “Hmph, you still have that silly long hair, I see.” Though Isaac knew his father hated his long, shoulder-lengthened, black hair, Isaac could never manage to sport the short, clean cut look his father wore. And yet, at this joyous reunion, Mark’s cheeks were rosy as his smile made its way across his aging face. Oh, how his father was aging! Though he shared the same jet, black hair as Isaac, the sides were beginning to gray and his beard was already completely gray. But, like the man Isaac remembered him to be, he was still in good shape and excellent health. With a slam, both men looked to the staircase. In her eagerness to hold her “little” boy once more, Martha had allowed the doors to swing back on its hinges and slam shut as she ran with a long black box in her arms. A gift? But how? There was no way they could have known he was coming home, not unless they had prepared this for the moment he did finally visit again. Thrusting the package into the arms of her husband, Martha nearly leapt at her sons open arms. A petite woman, she had hardly aged in these past years. Catching glances of customers, the happy family moved themselves into the backroom of the store. As expected, questions from both sides came spewing out like water that had been held back by some means and was finally being released. Isaac told them everything from Captain Thor, the others on The Orca, and the events of Winchester Island and Captain Udyr. He also told them of their plans to go after him and bring him to justice. After a silent moment, both of his loving parents told them of how they were faring, the business, and of many other events that had occurred since he left. While during this time Cerberus lay at the feet of Mark and Martha, who kept showering him with pets and strokes. Finally, Mark handed Isaac the package that his mother had brought him. He had all but forgotten about it during their discussions. Reaching for the box, Isaac noted that it was quite long, yet not very wide. In addition, whatever was in there was light. Taking off the box, Isaac was taken back. It was a sword, more specifically a rapier. Surely, though, his parents, at least his father, knew that in the short period of time that he had trained with them, he never had a knack or affinity of any kind for the weapon. And even then, that was more than four years ago. Saying nothing, Isaac gently took it out of the box. As most rapiers go, this was one ornate weapon. The hilt was black with silver lines with the cup being multiple swirls and sweeps. Pulling the blade out of the black and silver sheath, Isaac held it up before him. The blade itself was a strait edge and was over three feet in length and its thickness was roughly an inch or so in width all the way up. It was beautiful. Isaac didn’t know what to say. Putting it back into its sheath, could only stare with a silly grin. He had always been a fan of the art of the sword, and now he would give it another shot. Besides, if Isaac remembered, he had heard some members of the crew say that Captain Thor’s right hand man was quite the swordsman. This would work out nicely. [/style][/style][/style]

[style=font-size: 9px; font-family:georgia;]made by cirrus of CNT[/style]

[Hanabi C. Badhand]

Hanabi chuckled at Thor's orders. It was audible, she didn't take orders from anyone at the moment, least of all 'him' but... something inside of her respected the man. She had no reason to, but she felt like he was one of the few marines she'd seen who were worth the talk they talked, and something about him made her doubly sure he could walk the walk.

"If you must punish me the do so." she said fearlessly and factually, she was not afraid of him however. She found herself respecting him, but not fear. She listened as he explained that he would reward her for helping with the pirates. "I need no reward. I will do this non-gratis, I have a feeling you are worthy of the respect you are given and because of that I will do what is asked. I don't desire money or fame."

When she saw she half robotic man come in, at least, he looked half robotic to her she went into silence as he introduced herself. Another man who came across as worth his salt. He was confident, sure and he was obviously battle hardened. She would gladly fight along side of him as well.

No one probably suspected it, but the fight she was being offered, a chance to fight along side of a team against pirates without being labeled a criminal, a chance to fight and even being offered a reward for it was more of a reward for her then ANY one could have possibly given her.

After hearing his name Hanabi turned, "Captain Thor..." She gave him a quick salute before going off to follow Arpeggio.

As Hanabi walked down the Roguetown street at a brisk pace following whom she fondly remembered as 'Mr. Guns', she looked out seawards towards Reverse Mountain, on the other side of that mountain was her home on Crescent Moon Island. Smith Fort, where she'd been born, where she'd found the devil fruit no one here knew had an advantage from.

First she'd been a Gladiator, growing up in an arena, fighting all her days against opponents to train her skills. Then she'd been a meager deck swab for a selfish captain who'd lied to her parents about getting her to safety. From there she had been a Mercenary fighting her way against opponents both powerful and strong. Later she'd been, if only for the shortest time, a pirate, fighting along side of a rather famous swordsman in an Arena. Now here she walked, allied with the Marines.

Was this her fate? To become a marine and fight for true justice? Or was she just doing a captain a favor on a hunch. She silently pondered again. She knew she was Hanabi C. Badhand the Warrior, The Wanderer and the Gladiator... But was she the Marine?

As she walked the old looking pirate ship came into view. Its light brown aged hull coming into her view, the tattered mast and sails and the unmistakable and rather obvious jolly roger coming into her eyes as the greyish white stone of the street under her feet moved on.

It was here she would fight and get to learn the worth of these men, it was here she would have the answer to her Marine question. On this ship was action, a fight, a potential for glory, and more then any would have guessed by the shabby hull.

Hanabi knew herself well, she knew that she would be ready for the fight at hand. "Ready." she said lowly, and clearly punching a fist into her hand with a low clap. A breeze of wind catching her Crimson Flag Cloak tousling it for a brief moment revealing her almost completely destroyed black outfit underneath where her powerful muscles showed though destroyed black fabric. Her long brown hair dressed down her rather broad and powerful shoulders.