Encroaching Sand; The Storm Blows In [Mandercune]

[Shaa`mal]

He'd awoken an hour before dawn, something about the cool morning air and the darkness before the light calmed the man. His tiny house, a loft-style studio, was comfortable and faced South in an attempt to limit the amount of light and heat. The cramped quarters somehow soothing and cozy despite his stocky frame.

With two cracks on the frame of the sink and a sudden sizzle as his breakfast began to cook, Shaa`mal would sit down on the counter and gaze out the window. A cup of water (he drank nothing else, if he could help it) held forgotten in his hands. The sea was just there beyond the rows of shacks and huts, past the market. An endless expanse of blue and green and white, not unlike a wet version of the desert that sprawled a half mile behind him. Both heaving titans alive with their own fury and rolling waves.

He sniffed the air and decided his food was ready, two eggs and a wedge of cheese. The only breakfast he'd eaten in the last fourteen months, creating a routine to occupy his mind and better help him to split his thoughts between the mundane and the complex. A form of meditation, if you will. With it he'd gotten himself into a semi-permeable state of ever calm. His goal was to always be at a neutral state and in this trance he began to ponder on his latest job.

It would be the first island Shaa`mal visited after leaving Aria. All of the contracts he'd ever accepted were local and while it may have spanned the entirety of the desert, Shaa`mal had never had reason to take to any true body of water or wander further than the shoreline.

The current contract was received via flying post, mail-carrier pigeons flocking to the local bounty officer with the same warrant tied to each leg. The warrant stressed that the nature of the quest was not one of all encompassing seriousness but that discretion and priority were of the utmost importance. Shaa`mal was eager to leave the safety of familiar territory and had accepted the hunt with the goal of going over the finer details en-route.

He knew but three things off hand from his skimming.

The notes were amusing to Shaa`mal and his goal of bettering himself and figuring out his lot in life had to start somewhere, so why not here.

---

He left just as the Sun cleared the land from the East, wanting to set out before the heat of the sun became something staggering- as he knew not how hot or overbearing it became on open waters. He had booked travel on a small fishing vessel, one in which would capture cargo on the way and drop it off on a neighboring island. It would then do the same as it returned to Razorfinn Village, making money and sharing an economy between two islands.

His journey took only a few short days, three to be precise. On that third day, he was given a small raft and advised to approach the island from the West, this being the Torino Kingdom. The fisherman had jokingly warned him to avoid the 'big birds' and refused to relent to any questioning. Shaa`mal was familiar with avian species, however- his best friend and comrade, Y`zir, was an Osir roughly the size of a vulture and significantly more fierce.

" So friend, what now?" He asked as they drifted towards the island.

[Mandercune]

Genma's trip had been, all things considered, a smooth one. As the boat he booked passage upon gently bobbed across the calm waters, he couldn't help but notice the captain and his assistant's nervous demeanor. The captain had been the one to offer Genma a ride yet the closer they got to the island the more nervous he became. He was a small, squat man with a round belly and patchy facial hair and his young assistant was about average of height and skinny as a rail. If Genma didn't know any better, these men could easily have been pirates. He'd had dealings with hidden pirates like this in the past. In his experience they relied on things like surprise, trickery and ranged weaponry so as not to have to do anything messy as was a staple of the community after all. In the end however Genma ruled that possibility at when he cleared them both of having any hidden weaponry. It was now obvious that the captain wasn't lying when he had said his lady love had a close friend who had a vested interest in this particular bounty being captured. He was all but forced to assist Genma if he wanted to stay out of the doghouse. 

The vessel itself was nothing awesome but also not a dingy of no notable substance either. It looked like a small size fishing vessel or perhaps a boat meant for casual trading among nearby islands. Perhaps at best it had a crew of eight to ten who fit comfortably with a small cabin in the back. Genma hadn't been inside very often except to rest and eat during the trip and while interested, did not overstay his welcome as it were. Genma assisted the men when it was required as a ship like it needed three hands in most cases to travel effectively. 

Nearing the island was, to some extent, picturesque. The wind was subtle but had a presence, the sun was shining and the island loomed large before them. Genma knew of the implications of the island and the birds that ruled it but hadn't been himself despite being born and visiting many of the South Blue islands. He took the time to re familiarize himself with the wanted poster. He read from top to bottom, his eyes remaining steady as he did. 

Genma's attention wavered after he had gotten the man's face and name seared in his mind. He didn't care about the particulars only the man's name and how he looked. He was completing the bounty as something of a favor anyways, he didn't plan on keeping all the bounty money in the end. He could use it sure but 'the people who the man wronged and stole from could use it more' his mother had said days before. He wasn't one to fall victim to charity cases but in this case he had an obligation to do 'the right thing' and taking a small fee was the most his conscious, as closely monitored by his mother, would allow him to charge. 

She had known a few women whose husbands had gone missing at sea on Dance Island and even other nearby islands who had been swindled by The White. He was called such, Genma's mother had said, because he wore predominately white clothing and his sword's blade was pure white. He was a swordsman and a grifter it seemed, preferring to do his illegal workings alone rather than within a pirate crew or at least that was the rumor. Genma learned a long time ago assuming rumors are correct will get one in trouble at the least. 

As explained by his mother, the man was handsome and used that to his advantage choosing to spend his time with widowed women and rob them. Genma hadn't cared about the details. He knew what he saw and the bounty notice told him all he needed to know. The picture on the bounty notice was well inked. The man had a square jaw, bright eyes, not a single mark or scar, a rather fantastic mustache and short middle-parted brown hair. Genma understood how a man like that could take lonely women for their possessions based only on the picture. He folded the bounty notice and sighed to himself. 

When he came back to reality they were very near the island and their approach was accompanied by another boat not far their starboard bow. Maru had been tapping his shoulder for a while now, pointing in the same direction while Kevin simply lay in a heap, presumably sleeping. Genma gave the monkey a nod then gave the ship at which Maru pointed a quick glance and prepared himself making sure to take only what he needed. The captain had sworn to watch over his belongings from the boat as Genma completed the bounty, opting to stay on the island themselves as they had been before and knew many of the locals. The ship touched down on a small sandy beach of sorts on the outside of the island and the captain spoke. 

'We are here.' 

He spoke very simply, his eyes on the sky. Genma nodded also finding it odd that they had seen some of the island birds from afar but were not greeted by any now. 

'You have a place to house him so he cannot escape as we take him in correct?' 

The man nervously responded. 

'Y-yes, that should be taken care of.'

Noticing the man's nervousness, Genma cracked a subtle smile which was out of character. He did not want his ride to be having any sort of issues to make his job harder on him.

'I know this isn't exactly what you want to be doing but try not to worry, I have an interest in this bounty even if it's not ideal as well. I am a professional after all, despite my looks...' 

Genma nodded and hopped gracefully from the boat, landing softly on the island. A moment later Maru did the same and Kevin, now awake, did the same but landed very ungracefully in the sand behind Genma. Maru chuckled and helped the racoon-dog up. The three turned one last time to the captain and his assistant then naturally headed towards where he assumed the other boat they had seen would make landing. 


Genma's Speech Color = 2aaf1f

[Shaa`mal]

Oh...someone else landed first?

Shaa`mal rubbed his chin, scratching at his beard with a sense of mild bemusement. He hadn't been paying enough attention to the surrounding sea, it would seem. Had they traveled next to each other on the way here and just been hidden by the cabin? Regardless, it didn't much matter.

The raft was sturdy enough and the oar provided was of solid build, allowing the man to make powerful strokes and row towards the beach. With a quick whistle and nod of his head, he sent his avian ally off ahead of him to scout out whoever had landed first and determine any important information.

" Be wary, my friend. Assalaamu Alaykum," He called out and finished with a blessing in his native tongue.

The giant bird chirped in a cheerful manner, flapping twice and taking to a higher altitude to soar over to the island first. Y`zir dialed in on the stranger and noticed the two mammalian creatures that scampered in his wake. More detail was impossible as of yet, the Osir moving to circle overhead similar to a buzzard scanning for scraps. He gave a sharp screech, aiming to attract attention to himself and more clearly see the face and eyes of his targets for the sole purpose of relaying his own personal opinion on the man back to Shaa`mal.

Shaa`mal was comfortable in either regard, his weapons strapped firm and his feet still surprisingly dry. He decided at this point it was better to stand and greet whoever he was going to meet at the island. Y`zir was focused on scouting and didn't realize that Shaa`mal would reach the island faster than anticipated. As it was, he figured he was close enough for sound to travel at a shout.

" Sabaḥu Al-khair!" He shouted by cupping his hands around his mouth and then waving with his left hand. This translated roughly to 'Good Morning!'and given the tone of voice, it was easy to infer he was being friendly. The waving gesture was also non-threatening and he was making sure to keep his hands as far from his weapons as possible to prevent hostility.

Y`zir was first to hear Shaa`mal's cry, giving the avian equivalent to a sigh and shrug before tilting wing and lazily drifting back to his friend. With a quick flap to disperse his momentum and slow his descent, the Osir landed maybe a little more heavily than required upon Shaa`mal's shoulder. Shaa`mal, himself, gave a mild grunt and a begrudging glare at the bird who promptly ignored him.

" You've been eating more then, have you?" He sneered in playful banter, making an obscene gesture under his neck as if to demonstrate a double chin. Y`zir decided to look elsewhere, continuing to ignore the little man but did dig his talons in maybe a tad bit more to discomfort Shaa`mal.

" As you say, friend..." Shaa`mal chuckled, the raft now within a stone's throw to the shore. Shaa`mal was not quite certain how the sea would affect him, though. Such being, he was extra careful and wanted the gentle toss of the water to bring him right to the shore- despite looking a tad awkward.

[viruswithshoes]

Paradise consisted of some shade and a few bottles of rum and cola. A large chest filled with treasure freshly buried near the root of the giant tree that grew in the middle of the Torino Kingdom was nice too.

Three rum and cola's into his vacation, Jacques finally felt comfortable enough to fumble with his rarely played accordion and sing about a rakish young man who pursued a life of pleasure and education rather than being stuck on a farm. His father DeSade La Croix had taught him the song and it had always stuck with Jacques. Alas, the man who liked to sing of a man who wandered disliked staying in one place or tied to one woman for too long.

Jacques could trace his adolescence through a series of nearly sociopathic suitors who drained his mother Blanche La Croix of most of her funds and all of her faith in humanity. A bitter, resentful woman eventually replaced the one who taught Jacques how to make crem brulee and enjoy poetry and music. No woman deserved to die unloved. If he could make a woman feel love before she died, Jacques feld he had made the world a slightly better place.

Despite the incessant cawing of birds and the fear of possible cannibalism by the island natives, the Torino Kingdom had it's charms. The wanted man decided to rank it the third best island he had hid treasure within. His accordion rang across his tiny patch of heaven and Jacques began to sing of a man with no responsibilities other than himself and his own pleasure.

[Mandercune]

Genma's eyes wandered as usual as he surveyed what he saw. Maru and Kevin as was their usual, sauntered on behind Genma one sniffing the flora and preparing to urinate on said flora and the other sorting through stones presumably so he could toss them at Genma later. Their usefulness in combat was...not their strong suit and Genma knew it. They acted mostly as mascots and when Genma was able to convince them to act seriously, spies and scouts. As a result they have thus far been able to escape or hide when need be during danger and after several close calls Genma has been able to trust them to survive without his intervention. In the end, they were like nakama as much as they could be. 

First Genma noticed the large bird leave the boat floating into shore. It was different than the birds native to the island as Genma knew them but from the looks of things the avian creature was certainly as impressive. Reflexively Genma's bandage wrapped right arm twitched as he prepared to let the hidden shuriken fall from the bandages into his hand if need be. He looked at the bird as it passed, not worrying about showing his face. If an attack was incoming Genma would have known it or at least he would have liked to think he would. He took a moment to watch the bird as it flew then sighed to himself. Realizing that there would be no danger to him from the large bird at least at the moment, he focused his efforts once again on the man in the boat. He was now close enough for Gemna to make an assessment. 

As if by some sort of serendipity the man called out to Genma from his boat in an obviously friendly tone. The language was not something he was familiar with but Genma had begun to let his guard down. The man, now waving furiously, was built strong. Strong and stocky, obviously due to training. Genma was impressed at least at first glance. He had distinctive facial hair and inense curly black hair atop his head. Genma remembered his training on the South Blue islands and he been to Aria twice before. His basic assessment was that the man could have been from there. 

He continued his leisurely pace towards where he assumed the boat would dock and he himself waved back to the man, albeit much more lackadaisically. He even smiled to the man as he arrived where he planned to go, sitting gently on a large rock. As he did Maru and Kevin caught up to him, the former leaping up and landing gracefully on the rock next to Genma. The monkey cocked it's head in essence asking Genma why he wasn't preparing himself to fight as he normally would meeting someone in this way. Genma looked at the monkey sternly and spoke. 

'Be nice. He is freindly.' 

With that, Genma confirmed Maru had already snuggled into the sand and closed his eyes. Genma smiled an uncharacteristically 'happy' smile. He was really starting to enjoy those two little rascals. 

[Shaa`mal]

Good, he comes to greet us. This man must be of some kindness.


Although Shaa`mal still had yet to exchange words with this stranger, it was obvious by his body language and the way he was walking to meet him that the individual meant no harm to the older man. Simple blessings such as these were always appreciated, as bloodshed was not the first objective Shaa`mal pursued even among enemies.

" Greetings, my friend. Allow me a wager, you too seek a bounty on this island, yes? This does not look to the be the place of simple visits, hahaha." Shaa`mal laughed, giving away his own reasoning for being here and also opening the door to friendly banter and cooperation despite a similar goal. He did not know if this youthful man was selfish or only interested in gaining as much beri as he could, but it never hurt to try and express a means to mutually benefit.

" I know not much of this White, the man I am to hunt. Maybe you are more informed, my friend?"

A venture but also revealing his own weakness of intel and making him even more friendly yet. Every word that spilled from his mouth was like the kindly talk from a father or grandmother to child, endearing and full of a warmth mostly uncharacteristic to people in this trade of business.

" Oh, my manners. I am named Shaa`mal Judar of the Wastes, I believe in your tongue this means "A wind from the north adrift an omen', but fear not! I am not a villain or particularly full of prophecy, hahaha!"

Another chuckle from Shaa`mal, his left hand reaching up to stroke his curly beard and bring attention to the red and orange hue of his hair.

It was this time his boat finally bumped gently against the harder sand of the beaches drier parts and thus the time for Shaa`mal to leave his vessel for land. He gave a cautious leap with a staggering step, showing an obvious fear of the water and intention to not touch the water's edge. With a sheepish grin he turned back to the other lad and held up a hand as if in apology.

" You see, I don't quite know if I can swim. I take no chances with the blessing that is life, sadiq." He said with a shrug, not quite comfortable enough to reveal his devil fruit user status but also intent on preventing himself from lying outright," Oh, and this one here is Y`zir. He is my best friend and my partner in all I do. Believe you me, he understands everything you could say and has a means to express himself just as well as you or I,"

The bird in question had landed a few feet from Genma and his entourage, jumping from talon to talon in a half-step as he inspected the man at length. After the introduction by Shaa`mal, the large bird raised a wing as if in greeting and looked to the side in a blatant show of disinterest in the conversation. Pleasantries aside, there was work to be done.

[Mandercune]

Genma was surprised the man was as calm and collected as Genma himself. Hell, given the strife of the age most people, especially those travelling alone and acting as bounty hunters, were always on guard and if armed would have most likely met Genma with resistance. Becoming accustomed to this reaction seemed to be common among Bounty Hunters at the very least. The Marines and Pirates usually traveled in groups for obvious organizational reasons. Genma had seen it a few times before and realized most Bounty Hunters didn't care to play nice with others because after all they are hunting the same bounties as rivals. He kept his breathing steady and closed his eyes as the man nearly landed on shore and began to speak.

Genma's response was rather simple but certainly enough. The man had asked about Genma being a bounty hunter as well first thing and Genma couldn't help but be slightly taken aback. He would have expected some sort of sizing up or at least small talk before the man got down to the nitty gritty. Genma was pleased at this fact however because there would be no need for him to play the silly social game of exchanging pleasantries and ignoring the fact that they were both obviously alone and armed...giving them very few choices beyond both being bounty hunters.

Genma nodded simply but clearly to the man in answer to his question. They were both bounty hunters but very different from one another. The man quickly followed up by asking Genma about the information he had on the bounty. Genma, again, was taken aback. This man was extremely forthcoming and perhaps naive or even cocky? Why would he ask a rival about the bounty they both had arrived on the island to claim? Genma quickly came to his senses and smiled at the man. Genma was happy. The man in front of him was going out on quite the limb asking the question he did but it would pay off for him because Genma knew he would be likely to accept their teaming up and taking the bounty split down the middle. It was rare to see a bounty hunter who would do so but Genma was hopeful.

'Jaques The White. As far as my understanding goes he has consistently used his swordsmanship skill and his handsome features to dupe women out of their possessions. His targets generally had husbands, brothers or sons who confronted Jaques and lost the resulting duels. I would assume some of the men has been killed in the duels as well. The only logical reason he would be here of all places is that he is fleeing or perhaps uncovering hidden treasures then fleeing...'

Genma momentarily paused as the man introduced himself and gently avoided the water as he landed. Genma paid no attention to the action but his first instinct told him men from the wastes rarely learned to swim because of their desert homes but the possibility that he was a DEvil Fruit user crossed his mind as well. He spoke to Shaa'mal.

'I'm Genma. Those two are Maru and Kevin.'

He gestured toward the small monkey then the racoon dog respectively. Before Shaa'mal could speak again, Genma did.

'I propose we split the bounty when the time comes to capt...'

Genma's words were cut short with a shrill, earsplitting sound. He reflexively slid into a half-prepared combat stance, the throwing knife hidden in his false arm sliding towards the surface once again. A moment later, from the far left treeline burst forth a group of the native birds while on the far left of the treeline shot forth a group of rotund men with spears of sorts hollering in Genma's direction. With a sigh, Genma turned to Shaa'mal.

'I will meet you in the middle either in combat or cooperation...the choice is yours I suppose...'

Genma dashed off in a diagonal direction towards the treeline in the direction of the islanders. At that point, most of the men broke off and tried to meet him at the treeline while two remained where they were, unsure of chasing Genma or Shaa'mal. Maru and Kevin, as usual, followed behind Genma at a slower pace. They were proficient in escape of all things. They would be fine. 

[Shaa`mal]

It was good luck that this man was of the friendly sort and not intent on violence for mere violence. Shaa`mal had always been one to enjoy peace over strife, no matter the time. 

That being said, the sudden relaxing of his back was not unnoticed by Y`zir who of course was able to figure Shaa`mal had been ready for transformation and to bring his tail to bear.

Genma was this one's name and Shaa`mal received it graciously. Names held meanings and intents even if their wearers knew it not. Subliminal in message, your name pushed you towards what your fore-bearers intended of you. While he did not know the language of this man fluently, he knew that it spoke of mute things and quiet men.

The brethren hunter revealed precious more about their intended prey, painting a portrait of the man as one handsome in appearance and cunning with his sword. Be it luck or cheating, any man who could as of yet claim to be undefeated in single combat was one worth being wary of no matter how confident you may be. Shaa`mal was no hypocrite and mentally tacked a note to take Jacques down fast and before he could talk if possible.

" My friend, if I might as-" He began as the other introduced his own animal companions, a happy fact for Shaa`mal and another point in favor of their growing likeness. Fate, as it was, seemed to be prepossessed of other plans and had brought a sudden horde of avian monstrosities and loincloth clad wildlings racing down either side of the beach-head.

Toz Feek...


A silent curse to himself at the irritation that was confrontation. He sighed and brought his blades out from either side of his back and charged in the opposite direction of Genma, meaning to intercept the birds with whom the help of Y`zir would hopefully be capable of communicating.


" My friend! See if our your cousins here are blood mad or have veiled their eyes! With my trust, be off!" Shaa`mal shouted, pointing a blade before him as Y`zir gave an answering shriek and took the sky and towards the gigantic birds faster then the older man could sprint. The bird dipped a wing and made to cut right in front of the other birds, indicating a clear line and releasing a series of chirps and shrill whistles that Shaa`mal had no hopes of translating.


By your mercy, let them be friendly....yjb 'alla yakun hunak salam.