Questions, Confusion, and Chaos at The Pirate Market

[crimsonblaze]

The damp air and smell of alcohol in the air is what woke Aidan. Upon waking he realized that the surrounding area was covered in a thick fog. He realized he'd arrived at Pirate Market and would have to be cautious stepping onto land due to his lack of vision. He stepped out with one foot lightly trying to place his foot on land, but he missed by an inch and slipped into the water. "Dammit" Aidan exclaimed he already had a feeling that today wasn't gonna be a good one. After pulling himself out of the water he made his way into the market, as he looked around he could tell this island wasn't for the light of heart. The town as a whole looked shady there are stalls, and buildings ramshakled and placed randomly about as a result of various merchants selling their wears. Some are abandoned and some are not. Pirates and merchants fight over locations for selling so many structures have bullet holes and slash marks built in. Further into the market the buildings look a bit better with less signs of fighting. The center of the island is dominated by lush green forest land. As he ventured the market Aidan felt many eyes on him he wondered if this venture would bring danger. Just the thought of combat brought a devilish grin to his face. "Should be fun" spoke Aidan in a devious way. His stomach began growling Aidan hadn't ate in a while and it was starting to get unbearable, but he didn't have any money and pirates weren't about to give a free meal, he'd have to venture to the forest area of the island hopefully he'd find something there if not he was surely done for. After entering the forest he saw many exotic plants and small animals but nothing edible Aidan had expended even more energy journeying into the forest and was still starving and to top it all off he didn't have the energy to make his way back to the market. "A whole day wasted" sighed Aidan "welp I'm too tired to try and venture back out of here". He fell to the ground crossing his arms behind his head and closing his eyes "time for a nap" he said as he drifted off, this however was a mistake on Aidan's end. As he slept he dreamt of Ryusai and his time on Karate Island. He remembered learning the dragon style and journeying the island and challenging other martial arts students, though his sleep was interrupted by the sharp edge of a dagger on his throat. Aidan's eyes began shuttering before opening abruptly, seeing before him a frail sketchy looking guy with his face covered by a ragged scarf. Aidan's eyes opening suddenly frightened the man so he plunged the dagger, but Aidan's reflexes proved quicker as he swiftly moved to the side causing the man's dagger to get stuck plunged into the root of the tree. Aidan gave a solid blow to the guy's gut. Aidan looked upon him with pity he could tell the guy was just a thief looking for a way to get a meal. He left the man unconscious in the forest as he made his way back to the market. When there, he went headed to a saloon named The Golden Brew where he would begin asking questions. Upon entering the saloon all eyes seem to shift in his general direction, and a kind of pressure fell over him "great now what" said Aidan in a less than delighted tone as he sat at the bar.

[The Shimmering Banana]

A dense fog crept over the ledge of the sail boat as it made its way closer to the island. The sun light barely piercing the clouds making it a bit harder to see the land mass. Yet he was sure he was close having been on the seas for nearly three days now. His goal leaving a trail of bred crumbs that would lead him to the grand line. But for now a smaller quest has lead him here. The waives knock about the ship as the bounty hunter holds the helm steady. Otto now a semi-experienced sailor due to his time as a bounty hunter. Sailing from island to island was becoming an every day thing to him.

"Land ho!" he screams out spotting a light house on the edge of the island leading him to safety. Safety... how could he be safe heading to an island made up if pirates. He wasn't the mout famous bounty hunter but was sure to be known by someone here. After all it was the pirates market. A place for all pirates to gather, sell good and any other business that would bring them here. Much as it has brought Otto to thus place in search if an assassin. His twin siblings sending Otto ob a mission to bring him home. All he had to go by was what he learned from their previous encounter.

"You'll never stop the guild... they have the entire market behind them."

Words imprinted in the young hunters mind before the assassin made his leave escaping front Otto. Now attempting to recapture the fiend even if it means taking down the entire 'guild'. A task he was some what prepared for but with no one else to assist him it may prove difficult. And in a land of misfits and thieves who would be noble enough to help his case?

The ship sailed along the coast line Otto searching for a good place to dock. He would have to hide his ship in case his mission went sour and had to flee this place. With nothing but building and shanty twons visible he decides to sail around to the south end of the isle. There it was, the perfect place the traffic on land reducing on this part of the land. He closes the main sail slowing his ship before he throws the banana shaped anchor into the sea. Then goes into his cabin to change his clothes. He throws on a large coat over his usual attire with a brown scarf covering his face. The last change was himself. He changed into his human form, uf anyone was to recognise his the tail would be the easiest way. For this mission he would have to remain in this form. With his form and face covered he was ready to step onto land. He stretches out the wooden bridge from the edge of the ship and walks onto solid ground.

[Bladeninja]

Dropping anchor was a pain in the butt for David. As if the fog wasn't enough, he had approached the diamond-shaped island between two of its points, so it took him longer to actually see the land. Having finally gotten past the fog, David placed his usual shades back onto his face since he had no trouble seeing. He pocketed his map and walked briskly with his saxophone case in his left hand. Despite the unwelcome mood that the fog had given him, he smiled as he walked because it had been a while since he had felt like a free pirate. With a place like this he didn't have to worry about restaurant employers running background checks on him when he wanted to find a musician job. He looked around for any threats, but the truth was that he wasn't really afraid since he had lived through plenty of fights.

The musician couldn't help but notice the pathetic state of a couple of small buildings as he walked down the street. At the end of the block was a much better looking one titled "The Golden Brew". The appearance of the place was actually impressive with the poor-looking buildings nearby. David walked right in and waited behind a few men to place an order. When his turn came he requested a mug of hot chocolate to warm him up, as the air outside had been cooler than he was used to. He glanced around and found that the saloon itself seemed fairly normal. A few blokes leered back at him, but he didn't let it get to him. He found a table and enjoyed a sip of his hot chocolate. After a minute of kicking back and getting a feel of the saloon, the musician decided it was business time and asked the server if he could speak to the manager about getting employed.

"Pardon me." The server waved his hand at someone else and that person approached David with one hand in his pocket. The two walked side-by-side into a waiting room and David was asked to remove his staff weapon from his back and empty his pockets. The musician complied and removed a map of the island from his pocket. The man rolled his eyes when he noticed that David was new to the island, but David was able to meet with the manager and get a job playing the saxophone within minutes. With the formalities completed, he walked out with a saxophone strapped to his chest and began work.

[The Shimmering Banana]

Information; sometimes it was hard to come by, others not. Everyone wants it whether they know it or not. And people will do crazy things to gain it. Information was knowledge and in the end knowledge was power. Power is what our young hunter was seeking weather he knew it or not. The man he was searching for an initiate of a major force in the criminal underground. Responsible for any and all matters of public deaths and tragic accidents. The assassins guild was a force to be reckoned with, some of their members in a class of their own in physical and mental abilities. So indeed it was power that Otto was searching for in the form of the Guild.

"Hmm where do I start?" he asks himself as he wandered through the busy streets of the pirates market. His head dropped low as to not draw attention to himself as he made his way through the criminal infested town. "Where to start" he mutters as a large man bumps into him, their shoulders colliding causing Otto to slightly step back. "Watch where you're goin ya bum!" the man yells back towards Otto without even stopping. His fist balled waving it at the concealed bounty hunter. Otto keeping his cool as he regained his balance and continued his slow waddle down the street. Normally he would have reacted by punching that big lug in the gut repeatedly until his eyes rolled back into his head. But such actions here, although not uncommon, would draw a large crowd something the afro headed lad did not want. Otto let out a large huff through his nose as he walked slightly looking up as he approached a saloon.

"The Golden Brew" read a sign above the rather interesting looking bar. "That's exactly what I need right now" he says to himself as he steps up to the location and pushes the door open. A few heads turn towards the door upon his entrance but known that he knew or that recognized him it seemed. The few guest that happened to look at him quickly returning their attention to their own drinks and meals. Otto plops down on an empty stool at the bar top and slightly raises a hand to gain the bartender attention. The bearded bartender ignoring the homeless looking man as he tends to another guest. The man takes the order and quickly raises a frosty mug filling it with ale. Then slides the frothy treat passed Otto to reach its destination. Otto lets out a slight cough raising his hand a little higher than the last. The now rude bartender skipping past him once more tending to a couple that just stepped up to the bar top. Noticing the intentional disrespect Otto calls out "Excuse me I'd like a whisky!" he calls out to the bartender. The large hairy man finally responding "It'll. Be 20 beri" holding his hand out expecting payment before service. Otto finally understood, he was dressed as a homeless man so it was only right for someone else to assume that he did not have any money. With a smirk on his face he reaches deep into his pocket and pulls out fifty beri. He then slaps it into the mixologist hands "keep the change!" he says as the man's eyes widen having misjudged Otto, quickly going to make the drink adding a little more umph into it. "That's more like it" says Otto taking a sip his face squinting. It was clear to the bartender now that this was not just some homeless man.

"So what's with the disguise?" he questions Otto leaning over the bar top. "It's not like there are any marines here." he would be right about one thing there was probably not marines on the island but there was in fact a form of law enforcement sitting right in front of him. Otto took another slightly larger sip of his drink. "So who is around here?" he responds attempting to keep the conversation going. "Im looking for a man" he giggled realizing how that could have sounded to the man. Just as he regained composure a musician entered the scene playing a catchy tune on a saxophone.

[Bladeninja]

The musician casually stood in a corner and placed his hands on the sides of his saxophone. He placed his lips onto the mouthpiece and played a series of notes with attitude. The notes were mostly separated instead of blended together, as he played each of them with fervor. He continued his debut for several minutes, before changing to a song with more notes blended together. He had the liberty of taking in his surroundings once again, this time noticing a trio of two men and a woman that wasn't around when he first entered. They were playing cards, with the younger of the two men turning his head toward the saxophone player with amusement on his face. The other man, who wore a thick beard on his chin, also watched with interest, but then a grin flashed across his face. David didn't know what to think of the sudden grin, and simply returned his thoughts to the song he was playing. Unknown to David, the bearded man saw an opportunity and sneaked a peak at the cards in the younger man's hands. The distracted victim was none the wiser, but the woman wore a face as serious as death as she watched the cheating occur.

At the conclusion of his second song, the musician decided to take a chance and give the customers a greeting. "Evenin' everyone. The name's David and I hope you're enjoying yourselves here at the Golden Brew. I'll be right back and then I'll play another pair of songs." David then set his instrument down gently and took a water break. He soon returned to do as he promised, picking up his instrument and thinking about what song he should play next. "Ah I've got something you guys should enjoy." Meanwhile, each of the card players concluded their game with the younger man in defeat. He begrudgingly stuck a hand toward his pocket to reach out his wallet, taking a glance at his lady friend. And then the lady winked.

As David drew his breath to play a high note, the younger man lowered his hand from his pocket to his gun holster. A shot was fired that made it impossible for anyone to hear David's note. The musician was overwehelmed at the scene, and his high note turned sour in a very unprofessional way.

[The Shimmering Banana]

The music enticed the bounty hunter as he sat at the bar top with his back to the bar, his arms bent back with his elbows on the counter. He nods his head in a smooth rhythm as the musician made his way around the room playing his catchy tune. The look on Otto's face clearly reading "I dig it man.. I dig it" as he continued to nod his head following the jazman around the room. His eyes slightly stopping as he came to the table of miscreants playing cards their beri laying on the table with other small valuables acquired god knows how. The young man's greed taking effect more than the soothing tunes just as the notes stopped and the man began to make his statements.

Otto continued to look at the men completely ignoring the bartender as he continued to talk to him answering his previous question. Information Otto might have even found useful if he had been paying attention but he wasn't. His eyes reading the lips of the gentlemen as they talked. From what he could tell one of the men had lost all there bettable items and was forced into betting his less than classy wife.

Ah I've got something you guys should enjoy." said David.

POOF!!

The shot rang through the bar halting the next set of the much anticipated musicians songs. The man being conned out of his money by his whore of a wife and the villainous pirate. The bar quickly turned to casos as the rest of the guest attempted to run or hide. Otto doing the opposite as he raised his elbows from the counter placing his palms atop it as he pushed off the bar top.

"Time to go to work" he says, knowing he couldnt trade the men in, in a town such as the pirate market. Yet there was the valuables that were left on the table as the men rose to their feet the first shot missing its target shattering the window behind them.

[Bladeninja]

The musician was disheartened to see his audience dissipate and to have the show stolen by a gunfight. "What the heck, I thought this place was different from the rest!" He jogged in the direction of the manager's office, interestingly more concerned about not bumping his saxophone into anything than getting hit by a stray bullet. Once past the same door he entered earlier, he slammed it, removed his saxophone and looked for his stuff, namely the saxophone case and his weapon. "You got a lot of nerve showing up here after squeaking like that." David looked to his side and saw the manager looking at him with disdain. "You definitely heard the bullet right? Excuse me for getting startled!" the musician retorted. The manager responded, "Hmph amateur. I'll forgive you but don't make a habit out of it. And don't give me that lip either." Still upset at the manager, David left the office with a staff instead of a saxophone. He threw the staff at the back of the younger man's head, successfully dazing him and making him lose his balance. The bearded man flashed a grin at another opportunity to gain an advantage, but David was already heading toward the man and could guess what the grin meant. The pirate musician leaped into the air at the bearded man's side and kicked the gun away, hurting the man's fingers in the process. He did the same for the younger man's gun, and with that he had cut down the level of danger.

Out of the door leading to the manager's office came Hebi, a bald, muscular man who was the same person to lead David into the office. "Alright, who the hell fired that gun?!" Complying with the man once again, David pointed to the dizzy man on the ground. "It's this guy right here, but don't worry. I've got this under contro-"

Hebi immediately threw a knife at the man. David was powerless to stop the it with his weapon still on the ground, and the younger man's eyes widened as the blade pierced his side. "Was that really necessary?!" David called out. Hebi gave a look of annoyance and responded, "That's what he gets for property damage. This place don't keep its image by being nice." The pirate musician was unsatisfied with the man's concern for property damage over life, picking up his staff in case more knives were on the way. The two employees bickered for a moment, but soon decided on a reasonable course of action. Hebi proceeded to take the younger man's gun and look through the man's wallet for any money that could be used to buy another. Finding the wallet empty, Hebi tossed it back at the younger man and pulled his knife from the man's side without the least bit of carefulness. While Hebi dragged the troublemaker out of the bar, ignoring the man's shouts of pain, David picked up the other man's gun and handed it to him with an apology. The bearded man understandably swiped his gun back in resentment, but had accomplished what he came to do and decided not to antagonize the man who might have saved his life. The bearded cheater then made his way back to his table to collect his winnings, while the woman felt a strong feeling of regret.

[The Shimmering Banana]

The nappy headed hero rushed over towards the table as the cowardice musician seems to flee the scene. The two gentlemen diving away from each other in true action hero style as they let off three more shots between them. Otto could not tell who shot what or whom at that point, both men seeming to not have the best of aim. The men roll to their feet both taking a few paces running towards some sort of cover. The bearded gentlemen choosing a wall that divided the two sections of the establishment and the smaller, thinking quickly, overturns a large round table. With most of their body covered from the threat of bullets the men resumed their gunfight shooting another round or two from their six shot revolvers. The men once again running from their cover towards another close by form of cover. This was starting to get repetitive as the two men attempted to shoot one another again with no success. As they made their way around the bar, wasting shots, so did Otto.

The hunter tiptoed right between the buffoons as they originally dove away from their table their bullets no where near their target as they fly past the monkey man. Otto coming to a stop as they rolled to their feet and hid. They didn't even notice when he sat down at their own table and went through their goods. The hunter slides all the coin and paper money into his backpack a few jewels and gems falling in along with it. The last thing remaining on the table being a small stack of papers, amongst them the deed to a ship an inventory check list with over forty items checked off and an old map. Otto assuming it was a treasure map due to the fact that is was of this island and it had a large red X on it. As he knew treasure maps were the only kind of maps in which X marked the spot. He quickly rolls up the documents as he sees the musician returning a face he hadn't expected to see again. Followed by a staff he really didn't expect to see flying across the room driving into the back of the smaller man as they both stared eachother down their pistols locked on each other.

Another perfect distraction as the once cowardice now brave jazz man retaliated against the men for interrupting his performance. Otto swung his pack around his shoulder the coins jingling as they hit his lower back. Normally he wouldn't steal from people at a bar fight but these were most likely pirates and probably stole this loot anyways. The man pushes the front door open looking back to see another larger bald gentleman enter the room. Otto hurrying out before he could see what was to happen next.

The hunter runs out of the building rightly clenching the straps of his backpack as he heads down the road. He had made it away but needed somewhere to check this map but where to go? The only place he could remember was the inn right across the street from the bar. Even though it meant breaking the first rule of thievery; Never return to the scene of the crime. He decided to head back towards the commotion of the bar and check in at the inn across the street. Besides it's not like anyone there saw him take the stuff. This time his pace a lot slower Otto walked through the streets of the pirates market some of the stores intriguing him as he passed a pawn shop. New inventions from the new world calling his name from the stores window.

"Huh. I got nothing better to do." he said as he pushes the door open the bell above his head making a slight jingling noise. The store was filled with various items on tables and mounted upon the wall. Some weapons some ordinary garden tools. In the center of the store was a reinforced glass case containing jewels and valuables from all over the world. "Welcome" says a rather shady looking man dressed in an all black suite with a red undershirt a black tie hanging from around his neck. "Feel free to take a look around we have some of the rarest items on the blue seas" he continued as he sat at the front desk his eyes looking through a magnifying glass checking the purity of some recently traded in diamonds. The young hunter remembering the gewls he swiped back at the bar. "Excuse me I was wonder what i can get for these?" reaching in his bag for the scattered jewels inside. His hands making all the coins clank against each other as he searched. He pulls out a hand full of gems handing the to the finely dressed man. The man placing them on a cloth on the counter taking each one and cleaning them individually. He places each one under the glass nodding slightly after each glance. Stopping to look at the last one, a yellow diamond, a bit longer than the rest even holding it up to the shop light before placing it back with the rest.

"Hmm... To be honest most of them aren't worth much but this last one is most rare. They call it the eye of the canary it is just half of the set though. Alone its worth a lot but if you had the other you're sure to get a pretty penny. That being said I'll give you... 1000 beri for the lot." says the pawn man attempting to hustle Otto. Little did he know you can't hustle a hustler.

"No deal!" says Otto snatching back all the gems. He then drops the ordinary gems back on the table "how about you take these now and i pick two of those dials?" a good deal to Otto, he had known what a dial was but hadn't ever seen one before today. To be honest he didn't even know what they did but who cared it would serve as a good present if nothing else. "And when I find the other yellow one I'll be back and we'll take prices. What do ya say?" says the clever lad reserving the right to just leave once he's found the other diamond. The man stopping to think about the offer before extending his hand out. "Deal go ahead pick from these over here." says the salesman as he placed five random dials on the table. "Oh one catch kid I don't actually know what these dials do. They just came in." a twist in their deal but not one that Otto particularly minded just added to the thrill of trying them out.

"In that case" says the brown boy as he closed his eyes and picked up two random dials. With the dials in his position the boy opened his eyes and shook the pawn man's hand. "Pleasure doing business with ya, I'll be back when I find that eye." he says tossing the dials in his bag one of them activating as it hit the bottom. He then takes his leave heading towards the inn the bell jingling once more as he exited.

[Bladeninja]

"What?! Where is it?!" The grown man had approached the knocked-over table where all his winnings were stacked, but found next to nothing. Running around to the other side of the table, he desperately searched but only found a few bills and some coins that may have rolled away. "No, after all that trouble... Not just my winnings, but what I gambled!" He quickly gave an accusing look at his accomplice: the troubled wife of the man who just got swindled, stabbed and kicked out of the restaurant. He didn't hesitate to grab her arm and demand for some answers, but this only startled the woman into realizing that the money was gone. David was at first equally surprised when he heard about money going missing, but was troubled by the argument that began between the folks in front of him.

Not wanting it to escalate, he reasoned, "Let's calm down folks. If she stole the money then you can get it back. She hasn't left yet so just let her give it to you before you pull out your gun again." The grown man hesitated to release her, but was willing to do so since David blocked the exit. The woman was still scared, and hastily opened her purse before dumping out all of its contents to prove her innocence. The confused expression on the grown man's face was less intimidating, but with a problem remaining he was hardly calm. Hebi was still watching everything going on, but was satisfied with the lack of a gunfight and decided to return to his usual spot near the manager. "Hey musician, you did good but make sure you get back on-stage." David felt bad about the theft, but agreed that he was better off playing music than getting involved in some crime mystery. He followed Hebi so he could get his instrument back. Returning to the stage, he saw the grown man questioning the bartender, who replied about seeing a man with a large coat and a brown scarf carrying a big bag. The couple of cheaters quickly left the restaurant in search of such a figure. Watching them leave, David held his saxophone and looked around to find that no customers were left. He recalled how people uninvolved in the chaos had been evacuating, and laughed as he realized that he had no audience. "Yo Hebi, everyone's gone."

Minutes later, the musician casually walked outside and onto the streets, having no reason to stick around until his next shift. He then pondered about where he should spend the night, considering his options of either going back to his boat or renting a room in the inn. He was leaning towards the boat option, since it would save him money and allow him to protect his valuables. That aside, he felt like exploring more of the island and withdrew the map from his pocket to see if anything caught his eye. As he lifted the map up to his face to view it, he stopped raising it and noticed a large coat and brown scarf wrapped around a person entering a pawn shop. David was intersted by the person's resemblance to the man described by the bartender. Unable to bridle his curiosity, David peaked into the window and saw the suspicious character place a large bag onto the counter. What are the odds?, thought the musician. He watched as the bag was opened and saw bills briefly being lifted up as the coated man revealed a handful of gems.

David smiled at the slight possibility of the character being the thief, but at the same time wasn't sure what he would do about it even if he was right. Approaching a thief about his actions seemed pointless, especially in a market of pirates. Heh, I wonder what expression he would make if he recognized me. Before the musician could ponder any further, he noticed the suspicious character grab some dials and casually make his way toward the exit of the pawn shop. David hadn't a minute to gather his thoughts and just carelessly decided to open the door for him. Even if he didn't get involved in any hero business, the musician figured that the least he could do was give the man a hint that he had been noticed. David opened the door for the fellow pirate, looked him straight in the eyes (that he could barely see over the scarf), and smiled saying "Allow me."

[The Shimmering Banana]

*Ding-a-ling-a-ling*

Chimed the bell above the door as the musician held the door for the young hunter. “Thanks” mumbled Otto as his brown eyes scanned the man assisting him. It was the jazzy musician from the very bar he had just been in. Fu(k thought the boy as his eyes dropped to his own feet as he recognized the man. Did he follow me here? He questioned himself as he quickly passed the fellow and headed back toward the scene of the crime and to his resting place. His strides became longer and faster as he attempted to loose his possible tail occasionally turning back to see if the jazz man was following him.

There it was ‘The Lower Deck’ a hole in the wall motel that resided across the street from the bar. Its brick walls cracked and battered from years of wear and tear. Common damages due to the salt water air of the isle. Long vines grabbing hold of the tears in the stone allowing the plants to scale the building. Otto walked into the establishment which resembled the lower deck of a ship. The walls made of planked wood some of which was rotting at its core. Circular windows scattered about the walls allowing vague amounts of light in. At least it'll be cheap thinks Otto as he shuffles his feet towards the front desk. “Welcome aboard” says the old sea dog behind the counter. The droopy skin on his face showing his milage on this vast blue plane. “I'd like a room for a few nights.” replies the newly wealthy man as he swings his sack over his shoulder holding it low enough that the counter would hide it contaminates.

“It's 30 beri a night” says the man who Otto assumed was the owner. The monkey man shuffling around in the stuffed pack pulling out a 100 beri bill. He places it on the counter smoothly sliding it towards the old timer “keep the change” he says as if he had the cash to spare. His eyes widening from the “extra” beri placed in front of him as he calls for the cabin boy to get their new guests bags “Take this man to the upper deck” he says. In the moments that passed Otto searched the room making sure to to take an extra long look at a pair of thugs posted up at the inn’s bar. It wasn't much just about a dozen different bottles enough to make a decent drink. Then four wooden stools with a burgundy cushion for a top. The young cabin boy stumbled up to Otto reaching out to take his bag.

“Thats ok its all I've got. Don't really need any help.” he says wanting to keep his possessions in his possession. You couldn't trust anyone in a town full of pirates. “Yes Sir. This way” says the young man as he leads the devil fruit user towards the satires. The second floor only had five rooms the doors a good amount of space from one another. Directly at the top of the staircase was the first to Otto's left still in the same old ship style as the bottom floor. Within a few feet the pair passed the second door then the third in a few feet more. “Here we are” says the boy as they reach the fourth door;he then sticks his arm out holding the key to the room. Otto gently grabs the key from the young worker and opens the door to his room. “We offer three complementary meals a day, you've missed lunch so dinner is at 7:45. Weird time but the old man would always rant for ten or twenty minutes before a meal so we started scheduling them fifteen minutes earlier. Hahaha” he explained letting out a thunderous laugh at the end.

“Thanks” says Otto as his eyes slowly creep down seeing the young boy's hand out expecting a tip. “Oh yeah!” handing the boy three beri coins the sum equaling out to be fifteen beri. The boy stuffs the coins into his pocket without checking how much it was as it was considered rude to check a tip in front of a guest. Then turns and takes his leave leaving their new guest to do what he pleased with the couple of hours he had before dinner. “Better help the chief prep for dinner” he says as he scurries down the hall.

[Bladeninja]

The musician was somewhat disappointed by the lack of reaction when he held the door for the alleged thief. There was nothing left to be done however, so he went back to his own business. He went back to checking the map and was guided toward a plaza. From eggs to explosives, the many vendors there carried a wide range of items. There was still much activity despite it being the evening. David readily restocked on gunpowder for his explosive shuriken, before setting his sights on some interesting looking cuisines. He had already eaten a light meal back at the Golden Brew, but couldn't resist the prospect of shrimp cocktail.

After treating himself to the shrimp, he took out his map to see if there was anything else to do besides buy stuff. A sizable area of the island appeared to consist of a forest. Looking up to the sky, he noticed that the sun was setting and decided against visiting the forest. Still, his sense of curiosity was strong so he planned on venturing into it the next day. It would have to be first thing in the morning, so that he could still make it in time for the lunch shift at his new place of work. With that in mind, the pirate casually walked back to the docks so he could retire for the evening in his sail boat.

The next morning came, and the foggy sky was even less appealing than when the sun was high in the afternoon. The pirate packed light and made his way toward the jungle. On his way, David noticed two men walking together who were dressed very differently. One of them wore a respectable gray suit, while the other had a tank top and torn jeans. The way they closely walked, with the poorly dressed man resting his hands on a gun holster and the suited man holding his briefcase with both hands was a noticeable sight. Hm, I wonder if that guy with the gun is a bodyguard. Sounds like a risky, but fun business. Despite already having a new part-time job, David continued to consider the prospect of being a bodyguard.

Upon reaching the forest, David felt a cooler air than before and saw more droplets than could be explained by simple morning dew. "Hm, didn't hear any rain last night. Didn't see any puddles either." As if respondng to David's conversation with himself, a pirate called out to him saying "Hey buddy, you new here? It's wet and cold 'cause the trees are misty. I mean the trees literally give out mist. You sir, look like an exploring man who wants to check out the forest." Pointing to David was a fellow with a rainjacket and a table of lanterns. David confirmed the man's guess and was invited to purchase a lantern to increase the visibility. "Could I just rent it? I already have a lantern back at my place." The lantern-seller returned David's proposition with a laugh, saying "Not exactly buddy, can't rent something you don't expect to get back." Right, pirate island... remembered David. The merchant proposed "You can buy it and return it for a quarter of the price." David took him up on his offer, buying the lantern temporarily before entering the foggy forest.

As David left, the merchant smiled and mumbled to himself, "Hope he does alright. I'm two lanterns short since those other two folks still haven't returned.

[The Shimmering Banana]

Locked away in the averaged sized motel room Otto sat hunched over a wooden desk studying the map he had stolen. A single candle at the edge of the table the only thing providing light in the room. It wasn't that old, the paper still neatly folded with no tears along the edges,a good thing in this case. Being a treasure on an island of pirates there's no telling how long it would actually stay hidden. The city portion of the map having clear marking of current well known establishments such as the very motel he was in. An even better sign for the young hunter as in a thriving city such as this businesses changed like a baby changes diapers. Otto places his left hand atop the table tracing his projected route using the inn as his starting place. He slides his hairy index finger along the paper the first sign that he had relaxed a bit changing into his more prefered form.

If someone was to walk in they might not have noticed it at first as he was still wearing his heavily covered disguise. If they took a few more steps they still might not notice unless they actually knew Otto well. The only difference being a slight increase in size. Yet if they stepped in even further one might even step on the addition to the man's body. A long tail laying lazily on the wooden floor blending into its dark surroundings. The Saru-Man was in his hybrid form changing Otto Saix into a Spider monkey man. With the same hairy finger Otto scratch his head as he became perplexed. He was now on the forest side of the map and that's where things became strange. The first marking was of a candle, “what does that mean?” questioned Otto as he didn't understand why there would be a candle in a forest. “It would just burn down” he thought as he traced the path once more with his finger. The second landmark on the map was a a clock, this marking leaving Otto just as confused as the first. The next leaving the man more confused than ever as it was a picture of a fish in almost the direct center of the forest followed by what seemed to be the marking of a trench; easy enough for Otto to understand. His finger coming to a halt as the last marking was of a shed with a red X over it. It was the spot of the treasure “man who ever these guys are they hid this thing well” he mutters to himself before refolding the map.

With no sign of the dinner soon to be had Otto stood from the desk and walked over to the bed pouring his sack with the loot on it. The bills and coins flowing out as the smile on the monkey man's face stretched from ear to ear. A grand total just short of ten thousand beri not a fortune but enough to get him around for a bit. “Eehh not bad” he says to himself as he lines his pockets with the stolen goods. It was best not to clutter his bag with things such as cash. With nothing else to do he heads down to the bar within the inn and has a drink before dinner. The pair of thugs still sitting at the bar as he plops down on the stool. “Gentlemen” he says as he nods towards the men then turns back to order his drink. Almost an hour passed as the three sat mostly silent with the exception of a few whispers between the thuggish looking men. The dinner bell ringing right at 7:40 allowing five minutes for the guest to reach the dining room.

*Burrrppp*
“Excuse me!” yells out Otto after letting out a thunderous burp after devouring his meal. “It was delicious” he says as he slightly slides his chair out rubbing his bloated stomach. “If you like that you're gonna love desert” replies the cabin boy in a joking manner as if he noticed something. He runs into the kitchen and retrieves their desert, an extremely large bowl of banana pudding with vanilla wafers scattered within and around the edges of the bowl. That's when Otto understood the joke as the cabin boy placed it on the table along with 6 smaller bowls for the guest. He had forgotten to change back into his human form “my tail must be out and that little punk noticed” thought Otto as he changed back into his human form his hairy features returning to the smoother selves and his tail inverting into his body. “Hopefuly no one else noticed” he thinks as he nods towards the child bowl in hand as he is served the pudding.

The night was over,dinner leaving the man tired and full, it was time for Otto to return to his room. “Excuse me” he says as he completely pushes out his chair from the table. “Thank you for the meal but i have to get up early tomorrow” continued Otto as he stands to his feet taking his leave to his room. The hunter instantly falling asleep the second his head touched the pillow. His sleep not lasting long though as the clock hit four he heard the sound of his door knob being wiggled. It was locked so who ever it was would have to break in. “Shh” said a voice from the other side of the door, another replying “i know i know”.The wiggling of the door becoming louder despite the man's warning. “What amateurs” thought Otto “must be those wannabes from the bar. They must have noticed what I am at dinner”. He quickly grabs his belonging and rushes over to the window pushing it open. He tosses his bag out the window and changes into his full slider monkey form. The window wasn't large enough for an adult to hop out of but just perfect for a small monkey. “Man i have this place for another two days at least” he thinks as he hops to the ground below just as the two thugs burst into the room finding it empty. “Where did he go?” says the larger of the two as the other walks over to the open window sticking his head out spotting Otto running down the dark road back in human form and fully disguised again.

“A little earlier than I wanted to start this hunt but whatever” he says as he continued to run towards the forest remembering the lath he traced out on the map. The streets turning to dirt then to grass as he reached the dense forest a thick fog covering legs from shin down. It was an old vendor selling lanterns “ that must be the candle on the map” he thinks as he walks up to the stand. “An early bid I like that” says the vendor. “Tell you what I'll make you a deal since you're my first customer. You can have one for just 15 beri” he says a mere five beri discount. Otto tossing the old timer the coin as it was obvious that he would need the lamp it this dense mist especially at this time of night. The man lights the lamp after filling it with fluid allowing it to stay lit for as long as possible and hands it over to the young hunter. “Should last till just after daybreak” says the salesmen as two voices are heard in the distance.

“There he is” says one as the other yells out “get em’”. It was the two thugs from before still after their prize of the zoan devil fruit user. “Not these two again” thinks Otto as he takes the lamp and runs into the forest. “Thanks pops” he screams out as the light becomes fainter and fainter the more he goes into the woods. The two men stopping at the vendor snatching a half full lantern at a five finger discount. “Yeah thanks pops” say the thieves mocking the monkey man as they chase him into the darkness.

[Bladeninja]

As David trecked through the mist, he felt the cool air depositing cold moisture onto his face. His hands however were kept warm by his leather gloves, especially with the hand that wielded the lantern. The first few minutes only showed him uninteresting sights, but the sounds of nature became louder as he went deeper. One by one, David began hearing the the cries of animals and chirping of crickets joining together. The sounds combined unharmoniously, like a disorganized choir led by a careless conductor.

Two snakes crept behind David, adding their hisses to the noise. If not for the musician's keen ear for sound or his observation skills, he might have been caught off guard by the overconfident snakes. This not being the case, he turned around and slowly pulled his spear weapon from behind his back. Havind failed its surprise attack, the snakes split up as they made 90˚ turns before hiding in the vegetation. Not wanting to hunt for the snakes, David simply dashed ahead to a point where the snakes would not be able to catch up to him. He consequently went even deeper into the forest, yet for some reason his visibility started to increase. Ahead of him was a shaking light, and he got closer he soon figured out that it was likely to be a lantern.

He was soon able to make out two men whose movements were frantic. One of them raised the lantern, which illuminated his face to reveal a worried expression. "Curses! It's getting low! We're THIS close and now this happens!" David curiously focused on the lantern itself, and sure enough it was flickering weakly. "Damn, no choice but to steal his lantern. I see it!" David noticed another lantern nearby, held by what seemed to be a cloaked figure. Huh, I feel like I've seen that cloak before. Unfortunately for David, there seemed to be a miscommunication as the men were looking at different lanterns. While one of them went after the cloaked figure's lantern, the other dashed straight toward David!

Already holding his spear, David set down the lantern and horizontally slashed at his attacker. The attack was dodged, and then David guarded himself as the man countered with a dagger thrust. David side-stepped and knocked the man's arm away with the staff of his spear. Then, he lowered his body while extending his leg backward for a powerful kick. "Lion Leg!" David shouted as he kicked forward with enough force to crack a tree. In one hit the man was down, and then David kicked the man in the head to knock him out. "Crap. I even early in the morning in some foggy forest, I still get mugged. Screw this, I came for sight-seeing, not to follow desperate pirates." With that, David picked up his lantern and turned around to leave the forest.