The Best Laid Schemes (Flame/Shaki)

[Flame]

The glare was annoying, almost too annoying really as it cut through overhanging leaves down upon her. Exasperated by the heat she grasped desperately at the neck of the black tee as it latched to her body weighed down by sweat. "Shoulda worn something lighter ..." she complained to herself. Drawing her hand over her eyes like a cap to dispel the glare she looked about the shoddy town she walked through.

Built off of the island itself Enkai was a bit of an odd place. At first seeming a shoddy set of wooden structures sitting atop the surf it was a bustling village of fishers, shops, and many an unsavory folk. Its meaningless structure invoked a strange life in its people it seemed. The slipshod streets of wooden plank sitting above the water with larger sometimes wooden, sometimes straw like huts built upon them. It was ever alive with life, teeming like a reef with people living closely and happily about each other.

For all the heat, the somewhat mangy smell, and slightly rustic smell, she liked it here. The folk about the more civilized cities were too troublesome for her, too many rules to follow, and in general things to worry about. There, that was the other nice thing, no marines about here. It was too boondocky for them to set up a proper base. Besides if she had heard correctly they were on the other side of the isle. The city of Minato, if she remembered properly. She had asked a bit about it, but none of the folk seemed really happy to talk about their island brethren. Not that she could blame them, for all she liked about this city it was still quite slipshod.

Noting a nice piece of shade beneath the overhang of a great leaf she pushed her way through the bustling crowd of folks moving about to place herself squatting safely beneath it. The humidity and heat still beat down upon her, but at least the sun was out of the way for the moment. Her eyes looked about, a bar or something might be nice, supposing it was beneath some form of shade. Given the folk who lived about here it seemed almost a necessity for one to exist.

Looking up into the sky the black-haired shogunness sighed. Placing a single hand upon the hilt of her sword she leaned back against the hot wooden structure behind her. This'll be interesting, I could use some excitement. Besides I need to test that out as well ... She thought to herself wrapping her fingers about the hilt placing a nice grin upon her face.

"Syphalia!" Closing a single eye she turned her head looking at the man walking towards her. Garbed in his normal gear he looked more uncomfortable than she was. He still wore his button-up white shirt but atop that he had his black jacket. As he closed in she responded "Ah, Arlen. Are they all here?" He nodded and she stood up stretching her legs out a little. "How many crews is it? Four?"

Arlen Baker made a show of counting on his fingers before answering. "Including us then yes."

"I'm surprised you found so many, I didn't think most pirates would be interested in such an idea." Arlen paused, "They're a weird bunch." Syphalia laughed before gesturing for Arlen to lead the way. It was to be expected she supposed, normal pirates would never of thinking attacking the marines straight out. With Arlen leading the way she followed behind him somewhat hidden within his shadow. Finally they came before what must've been the most decent looking bar in Enkai, not that that was saying much. Arlen pushed open the door and stepped in and Syphalia followed. She eyed the folk inside, definitely a weird bunch ...

[|The SHAKINATOR|]

"Nothing a nice cold beer can't take care of."

All he received was a grunt in response. The man didn't even bother looking up as he reached out for the drink before him, the warmth draining from his fingers as they latched on to the round of the mug. He had long stopped bothering with the handles on these things. They only got in the way of his large hand.

"So what's your story my friend? I've seen your face nearly everyday for the past week..."

The bartender tried to pry some information from his new regular. There was a short pause as he awaited a response but knew soon enough that his nose wasn't required in the business of this man and he simply walked away to another who may require his services.

Not usually the rude sort, The adventurer felt a pang of guilt for appearing so cold but he didn't feel like talking. He was down in the dumps and he knew it, yet remained helpless to the situation.

It wasn't supposed to be like this. Things hadn't gone the way they were meant to; at least not according to Uzuki Garuda, the grandson of Uzuki Hishima, the legendary pirate of the seas. The greatness he thought he was destined for kept on alluding him as if he wasn't yet worthy. What was he supposed to do to get things to go his way.

The large-framed man wasn't the superstitious type but felt his luck was cursed ever since the strange occurrence he experienced on that god-forsaken island. Things hadn't been right ever since and he was starting to think the devil may have hold of his cards.

It was funny how he always found himself in a bar over the past few years but it felt like home away from home and despite the strange atmosphere in this particular tavern, he didn't feel out of place.

This island was just another one of those Garuda had stumbled upon in his search for clues. Clues in regards to finding his old friend, Loriko Zeige. He had been tracing his whereabouts for the past year and this was the first time somebody had mentioned anything that even paid a little resemblance to the pirate. But once again, things fell onto a dead end with not even a scrap to go off.

A heavy sigh escaped his lips as he stopped himself from falling down memory lane once again. The door to the tavern opened and all eyes fell upon those who had entered. Garuda immediately covered his face in fear of recognition.

[Flame]

"Is everyone in here joining us?" Syphalia whispered to Arlen as she stepped into the bar glancing about it's poorly lit premises at the folk standing and sitting about. "Some are probably just patrons, and of course the full crews aren't here. But certainly the majority are." Syph's second responded neatly. The swordswoman flicked her eyes around the crowd once more, there weren't any particularly recognizable faces at first glance. Not the best of signs, but given the time-requirement I guess this is plenty ... She yawned slightly as Arlen gestured for her to follow him. Syphalia followed in tow as he brought her before the first sort of group of people.

It was a neatly dressed bunch, tall and seemingly all male they had an odd aura to them. Syphalia's eyes narrowed as she watched one of the taller ones in the bunch step forward. His face was painted white and he had comically red hair, he was otherwise well-dressed the kind of suit that was worn in an older era though. "This is 'Top Hat' Birt, leader of the Top Hat Pirates. Twenty six and a half million beri." Arlen rattled off a few comments about him. Birt for his part stayed mostly silent only putting out a hand at the end for a shake. Syphalia blanched slightly but in the end proceeded to shake the man's hand. "A pleasure," Birt tipped his hat and smiled revealing a pair of golden teeth. Syphalia only nodded in return.

The second group was a truly pirate-looking group. They had a motley look to them, and the man who seemed the captain had a girl on either arm fawning over him. "This is-" "Sir Mateo Silva, Butcher of the South." The captain interrupted Arlen as he stood up pulling up his weapon from behind him. A giant ax swung forward placing itself in Syphalia's face. Glancing at the weapon for a moment she spoke, "Would you get that out of my face, Butcher of the South." Her words spread venom over his lauded nickname. Reaching forward with a single hand she grasped the head of the ax, then shoved it away from him. Mateo stumbled backwards, rage turning up on his face.

"Now now, let's not get too rowdy, save the energy for the real prize." From the shadows of the back of the bar another man walked forward. Mateo's face was still flush with anger but he stood down none the less. This one was a well built warrior, his body unlike the others showed the scars of combat. At his side were a pair of blades sheathed and ready. "This is, 'Gas Mask' Alec Argysen. Forty-six million beri. The last of the three captains to join us." The tall man stepped forward, "Thanks for the introduction ... Alec at your service." He bowed politely, a strange habit for a pirate. Syphalia scanned him quickly, seemed a capable man, perhaps the group wasn't going to be completely made of fools.

"Syphalia at yours, I assume I need no introduction, if you're here in the first place." Alec nodded and Syph smiled slightly, this was a good one. "Arlen, you've briefed them all on the plan already?" Syphalia asked as she scanned the room, once again eyeing the three captains, it was a strange lot no doubt. "Yes."

"Good. We should head out soon. The longer we wait the more likely the marines will-" Syphalia's voice cut out as she noticed a familiar looking man at the bar. A wicked smile slid over her and she laughed. "Gather your crews and meet at the edge of the jungle in an hour." Syphalia announced, her own motley group was all in the bar so they'd be able to make it there in time, this expedition wasn't going anywhere without her anyways.

"You know Arlen, rifles are good for shooting down beasts. And I'm spotting a furry one right over there. You should take aim before he strikes." Syphalia amusingly pointed her finger over towards the person she had noticed earlier. Arlen on command lifted his rifle cocking the flint and took aim. "Beasts are around to be shot, aren't they Garuda." The Firefly smiled as she called out her former acquaintance.

[|The SHAKINATOR|]

What in the world was she doing here?

That's the first thing that crossed the thick-skulled warriors head. It was quite obvious that she was on one of those, 'recruit some muscle' type missions where she uses people to get what she wants. And Syph was one of those who always got what she wanted as far Garuda could tell.

He forgot about his state of misery and began to contemplate how he should react in such a position. Hiding his face had been the obvious mistake as it only drew attention to him.

The heavy swordsman attempts at eavesdropping were mighty poor. He could tell what the gist of it all was but specific words he could not make out, well not ones that made a lot of sense. At one point it all seemed to be kicking off and although Garuda knew his comrade could handle things, he couldn't help but place his fingers around the hilt of his blade.

"Oi! Psst... Do you know who those people are?"

The barman, who had been lost in the excitement that had just entered his bar almost didn't realise where the voice had come from. He almost dropped the glass he was polishing in realisation.

"Huh? You finally talking eh? Have a thing for the feisty looking ones do ya?"

Garuda grunted and waved his hand to dismiss the bar-man. He wasn't interested in idle chit-chat. All he wanted to know was what was going on.

"Alright fine. You just want information right? Well as far as I know, these three she's talking to are wanted pirate captains of their own respective crews.

There's talk of a party-raid on the marine-base and from the looks of things, she's the one in charge. Never seen the likes of her around here before. That guy she seems to be her boy-toy has a familiar thing to him though..."

The Howling Wolf had stopped paying attention to what the bar-man had to say at this point for her fell in his direction. Garuda turned his gaze back toward his drink and hoped she wouldn't pay him any heed. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. She had spotted him and whether he liked it or not, he was going to have to take part in this raid on a marine-base.

"You know Arlen, rifles are good for shooting down beasts. And I'm spotting a furry one right over there. You should take aim before he strikes."

He heard the cocking of a gun and this time the sword was out in a flash with his left arm slipping 
into the shield he so possessively carried. Probably what gave him away he suddenly realised as a smile escaped his lips.

"Beasts are around to be shot, aren't they Garuda."

"I'm not the type of beast you hunt down for fun though. I'm the one you fear on a cold dark night."

His words were sent as a warning to this Arlen fellow, making sure he didn't take Garuda so lightly but if they were going to be acquaintances, it was best to leave it at that he decided.

"Funny running into you here Syphil-..."

He stopped short of completing the word realising the mistake he was about to make.

"...Syphalia. Heard you planning on taking down some marines. I know you're going to claim you've got it all under control but I insist you take me along with you. Just in case you need a beast at hand." 

The swordsman would take no joy in this expedition but he wasn't going to have Syphalia consider him a coward. Besides, his honour wouldn't allow a comrade to take on trouble whilst he sat around moping. That just wasn't the way he was brought up.

"I promise I'll give the rest of these bastards a chance to get their swords dirty."

[Flame]

Syphalia laughed at Garuda's response. She got an eyebrow rise from Arlen and she smiled. "You can put down the rifle Arlen. He's mostly harmless, all teeth, no bite." The black-haired swordswoman smiled as she pressed down the barrel of Arlen's rifle. "He's just an old acquaintance of mind, got a nasty bite on Night Beast Island, likes to use the side effects to freak people out." She said shaking her hand flippantly at him. Her suited up companion blinked twice before taking his second hand off the barrel and dropping it completely from a ready position.

"I'll take your word for it ..." The sense of distrust had not disappeared from his voice just yet. Syphalia shook her head for a moment before shrugging. Arlen was quite a bit more serious than she was and less trusting at that. He called it less naive, but she shrugged it off, she was more than capable of taking care of herself anyways. Garuda spoke again and her eyes narrowed slightly. "How open did you make this recruitment ..." She asked Arlen under her breath. "Not very. Did tell the barkeep, he must've spread the word." Syph sighed, the plan could be compromised already.

Placing a single hand on her hip she plastered a wicked smile on her face. "You insist do you?" Her eyes scanned Uzuki, he looked no different than he had before. Biting her lip, she focused and spread forth her haki, it washed over the bar. She got a particularly strong response from Uzuki, the beast was still there inside of him. "Well I suppose I don't have a choice then. You can fall in with the rest of them." She said snapping a finger. A strange mishmash of five men and women with differing looks stood up and gathered about her. "This is my urr, squad." She glanced at the group of them and they shifted uncomfortably. "They help run the ship, and I can guarantee they are all at least decent fighters." She laughed as a few of them scoffed at the assertion, obviously their pride was a little hurt.

Pointing to them one at a time she named them off, "This is Garth, Kitty, Speedo, Del Ray, Bumpkin, and of course you've met Arlen." She rattled off their names liberally, each one nodding as they were named. "Everyone this is ... she paused trying to remember correctly. "The 'Howling Wolf' Uzuki Garuda, worth thirteen million beri. Huh .. I guess that makes him slightly more valuable than you Arlen." She laughed and Arlen frowned in turn. His other hand grasped the barrel of his rifle once more. "Well if you have anything else to say to them, you should say it. Don't wanna get off on the wrong foot." Syphalia said with amusement.

She paused thinking, "After that we can talk, I'll need to fill you in a bit more, you seem to be a bit off on the actual plan." Syph said drawing her hair back slightly from where it was beginning to shadow over her face. Blinking she glanced between her new crew and Uzuki before stepping away. Stepping out of the shade of the bar she went back into the beating sun that laid itself upon Enkai. So what is he doing here anyways ... she squinted looking up into the sky. At least it's a nice day out. Good day for a fight. She yawned leaning back upon the walls of the bar.

[|The SHAKINATOR|]

The Howling Wolf had no quibbles falling into the things with the rest of them. They looked like a healthy bunch, capable of doing much damage whilst remaining sensible about it, unlike Garuda himself. Arlen hadn't got off to the best of starts by pointing that gun at the beastly man. It was obvious he was just acting his soldier part and had done no wrong in doing so but things didn't sit well with Garuda. There was just something about the guy that ticked the former pirate hunter off. They wouldn't get along, that much he definitely knew.

"Don't worry about me guys. I'm pretty harmless unless you piss me off! I'll try not get in your way unless there's bones waiting to be broken or sliced. They can pick whichever they want. I like to give them a choice because I'm a swordsman who relies on brute strength!"

The large man knew he had no silver tongue and was making a nuisance of himself. He let out a laugh, trying not to seem too intimidating or foolish. He wanted to appear cool to the crew so he made it deep and powerful. It didn't come out quite right and there were a few awkward stares. One of the girls gave him a smile so it wasn't all too bad. Unfortunately, he had forgotten their names already. This was going to be a lot of fun.

The beating sun made the day way to bright for the almost nocturnal Garuda. Ever since the encounter on that weird island, the 13-million beri man found it more comfortable to spend the day asleep and travelled cautiously during the darker hours. It wasn't like he was a vampire or anything, the sun didn't burn his skin; it just put him in a fouler mood. He lifted his gaze up into the sky at the blazing red ball, a deep sigh escaped his lips. This is not going to be a good day. I can feel it.

Garuda approached Syphallia cautiously, knowing well how annoyed she could get at his misdemeanour at times. There was something different about his ally. He wasn't quite sure what it was but she was way more confident. Not saying she wasn't confident as it was but there was something else. She wouldn't have taken it so lightly that word had spread about the mission and it didn't seem it was all that important to her either, not like a rescue attempt like the previous time. This was something different entirely.

"So... What am I missing? What's all the fuss about eh Syph?"

Garuda tried to remain non-chalant about it, looking around the place as if he had just entered the city for the first time. He was actually truly taking in the town for what it was just now, having not really experienced it in the middle of the day before. He had planned to spend the rest of the day hitting the sack in his rented room.

He was however very interested indeed to what was going on. Although not entirely bothered about the situation, he was extremely bored and whilst he would spend many days pondering over what he needs to do, such opportunities did seem to lift his spirits.

[Flame]

She glanced to her right as she noted the bar's door opening once more. Garuda stepped out, he was obviously perturbed from being in the sunlight. A small punishment for him, after he'd disappeared on Inlet Grove Stop all those days ago. He noticed her and she stuck her tongue out at him clearly amused by the situation at hand. As he spoke her smile faded. "What're you missing huh? I'm not sure I'd say missing so much as, you don't grasp the full extent of this ... mission." Her search for the right word for whatever she was doing gave the pause, though she was still unsure of the decision.

Frowning she glanced up again towards the sun. "On the face of it, this is just an attack on Minato. Each of the groups has an area they're raiding. The harbor, the residential area, the market, et cetera." She frowned she was a little uncomfortable leaving the other crews to do their own business in those areas, but she needed the help with some distractions. "You'll be able to see when we get there, Enkai is really being left in the dust for being one of only two towns on this island." She said gesturing towards the wooden buildings, rickety and sort of shabby as they were caught between the ocean and the jungle.

I'm mostly here to see how haki stacks up in real combat ... she thought to herself. She wasn't about to say that out loud though. "If you're sticking with my group and I, we're going for the Marine Base." She said with a wicked smile, "So in a sense we're going for the marines, but most of us aren't. It's just our group. The rest are in it for the money I assume. The loot and what not, Minato is a rather rich city." She laughed thinking about that idiot Mateo, he'd probably be a bigger ruckus than the rest.

She glanced at Garuda, "So if you want the money or whatever you're free to go with one of the others. For us it's more like a challenge?" She said disinterestedly, it was a test for her, but for the others it'd probably be a challenge. Going straight up against the marines was generally unheard of, though she'd done it before, never had she been so blatant as to attack them straight up. "As for the fuss, it'll be an issue if the marines get wind of this. Them bringing backup could put a real wrench in the plan, I don't think the others will stand up to some of what the marines can bring." She thought in an aside Though it could be fun ... She smiled secretly amused by the prospect of fighting an extra division of marines.

From behind them the bar's door opened once more. Coming out in a mish-mashed group came Arlen and the rest. "Time already?" Syphalia asked curiously. "We've got a bit but, better to be punctual right?" Arlen said. Syphalia laughed, it was a very Arlen thing to say. He was always early or on time, she'd never seen him late for a thing. "I suppose. You can follow us Garuda, if you want to join up with another group you're free to do so when we get there." She said waving to the rest of them to get moving. They were still in the sector of Enkai that was on stilts above the water and they had to head inland. The clearing picked out for their launching point wasn't too far out and if one wanted they could find shade under the nearby canopy of the jungle.

"You should tell me what you've been up to since Inlet Grove. It's been a while since we last saw each other." She prompted Garuda once they were on the move.

[|The SHAKINATOR|]

The warrior stood silent as he listened attentively to the plan his comrade had prepared. It was a very simple plan; a few different parties going in to raid and cause chaos upon the island. It was standard pirate stuff you would expect from the likes of thieves and bandits. Unfortunately for the honourable young man, this wasn't something he took part in or encouraged. In fact, this went completely against what he stood for.

There had to be more to this. He couldn't quiet understand why Syphalia would organise such an event. Then again, he didn't know much about what inspired her to be as she was. He hadn't judged her character so far in anything she had done up until now.

Some people declared the world government and marines as natural enemies of the world. These people craved freedom. That was something Garuda could understand and could fight for. But from his recent understanding, marines were also there to protect and serve the people of the world. Not all marines were enemies to the world and unless it was an act of defiance to a certain action, there wasn't a need to directly attack a marine base.

She was encouraging him to join one of the raiding parties instead. He wanted to ask her directly as to why she was okay with such dishonourable actions. A city was full of citizens. These were everyday people comprised of women, children and elderly as well as hard-working men who were looking to provide for their families. They weren't the enemy and to take away from their livelihood was absolutely wrong.

He was going to have to put a stop to it. It was the only thing that made sense to him right now. However, he decided it would be best not to bring it up. Not right now anyway. He knew what he had to do.

"Yeah, I think I'll just follow you guys out and see what the rest of the teams are up to. Don't really fancy going up against the marines again. You know I'm not a fan of being a wanted man."

There was a shrug of his shoulders and a sheepish grin as if to apologise, his hand reaching for the back of his head to scratch a non-existent itch.

"I'm sure you got the logistics of how you're going to go about doing this and I'll probably just get in the way like I do."

He looked to his large boots and slipped his hands into his pockets feeling a little uncomfortable. He felt like he was betraying a friend in what he was deciding. The rest of them were getting ready to get going. They seemed like an eager bunch. They didn't seem malicious or anything but going out for a challenge wasn't a good enough reason to do what they were doing.

"What I've been up to since we last saw each other?"

Garuda had been expecting something of the sorts to come up but he hadn't really thought how he was going to answer such a question. It was a bit embarrassing to say 'I've been contemplating life and the decisions I've made'. Like seriously, who even says that. It would make him seem weak and he didn't really want that. There was always an option to keep it to himself but saying nothing much would make him seem like he didn't want to share.

"I've just been wandering the seas in search for adventure."

It was a lie but it was more in line with his character and hopefully it was a believable lie.

"Was looking for an old friend but not had much luck yet."

There was truth in that at least so he could throw away some of that guilt away.

[Flame]

She glanced at Garuda for a moment, his response was well, unspecific. Righting her eyes once again looked forward continuing to lead her small coterie through the town. "Not much luck huh? It is a large sea, it's hard to find anyone out here. Coincidence enough to run into you." She commented. It had been quite a surprise to find Garuda all the way out here. It had been by luck that her path had been sidetracked from the original route she was on. Inlet Grove Stop was supposedly heading to an underwater island, but her layover with Shah Ki had put her quite off track. "Anyways, if you prefer one of the other crews you're free to join up with them." She shrugged her shoulders a little disappointed that he wouldn't be joining her squad.

Stepping a little faster she popped out in front of the little group. Turning around she grasped her hands behind her back. She walked backwards, her eyes slid over the different members of her squad. Kitty in her strange black uniform walked along happily the ball on a chain happily swinging behind her shoulder. Her chipper attitude completely overshadowed her conversation partner.

He had a more evil genius look to him, though plainly dressed his smile had always concerned her a bit. It was just how Del Ray was, apart from that he looked rather normal save for his left arm, which was completely mechanical. Built with his doctor's knowledge and engineering training, he hid most of it with his sleeves but the mechanical structure of the hand itself was hard to miss.

Behind them walked Garth, the hulking brute of a man was by himself. His body rippled with muscles that were only hidden by the dark cloak he covered himself with. He had a discerning eye upon him as he walked about eyeing their surroundings. Beside him though equally alone was Bumpkin. He wore his usual light purple hakama and wooden pack on his back. With a sword sheathed at his side and the eye patch over his eye he made an imposing figure. He was just an idiot though, probably sulking after a lost match of cards where he gambled away his earnings.

And finally rounding out the bunch were Arlen and Speedo. Speedo as always was fawning over Arlen, which Syphalia found hilarious but Arlen just tried to ignore. As it always seemed she was wearing a black and red outfit which well suited her curves, her thin saber attacked to her hip swung neatly at her side. She hung to Arlen's arm, noticing Syph's glance she glared at her with impunity. Turning her eyes away she spun to face forward once again. Speedo should really get over her petty jealousy. It's not like I'm in a relationship with Arlen or anything ... She sighed to herself, Speedo was probably the most troublesome member of the crew, at least for her.

The silence of walking bored her so she put forth another question to Garuda as he was up front with her. "So any plans for the future? Going to keep looking for your 'old friend'? Going to try and go good clean your record? I don't know if it's possible to get your bounty rescinded unless you become one of the Daibukai." She laughed, "If you're planning on doing that, we may soon find ourselves on the opposite side of a fight." Her hand slid over the hilt of her blade as it sat at her side. "Are you sure you want to find out the result of that?" A glint of amusement was in her eye. The blood-thirst poured out of her in droves for a moment. Her eyes scanned glancing at Arlen who had looked up at her in the moment. She winked at him and laughed some more as they turned out into the clearing that the crews were supposed to meet in.

Her group was the first to come, they were early by quite a few handfuls of minutes at that. They'd have to wait for the rest.