Diving in the Deep End!

[Sam]

-- CHAPTER II // Deep End

It was around 10 am in the morning as Pacha walked through one of the villages in Gecko island. A mink was an odd site people didn't really know how to react to a literal talking Jaguar walking upright especially these folks who lived in the East Blue in small villages isolated. They knew very little about the world, unlike sailors who usually got to see more than most.

However, the odd looks and general distrust the citizens had toward Pacha didn't phase him. Despite people in the grand line being more accustomed to oddities many where still distrusting especially of odd-looking creatures like himself. That was how the world was supposed... according to the elders of his people.

No matter! It was no use thinking about that now! He had that magical feather to find and according to his people's legends, the Quetzalcoatl lived in the East! Perhaps he could find such a creature in the East Blue... it made sense too since the East was the land of air... the land of winds and sky. Or so he had heard long ago! It was, in essence, a pilgrimage to make amends with his people. Something he hoped to do despite how impossible such a quest seemed.

A feather belonging to the great air spirit they worshipped and guided themselves by. Pacha's stomach began to growl a bit... he was hungry. He turned about on the empty road finding a local tavern. Perfect! He had some cash too and that... was a language everyone understood! No matter how you looked or how weird or scary you were! If you had money service would never be denied. Pacha ran for the place and immediately.

"Oi!!! Miss Waitress!"

Pacha yelled something that may seem rude but from the things he'd heard was a common custom around these parts. The waitress came over at first she was very friendly but after seeing Pacha's visage she was mildly unsettled.

"Uhh... hi sir... what can I get you?"

She asked Pacha shyly.

"Hmm, I'll have uh some eggs... perhaps an omelet and a coffee!"

Pacha said he was a bit excited his mouth salivating just thinking about the loaded omelet he was about to have. The waitress wrote it down.

"Alright, I'll be right back! I'll get you food."

She left, leaving Pacha behind to await his meal. Meanwhile he waited he pulled a deck of tarot cards from inner pocket and began to divine for himself. It held no true power... there was no magic! But for Pacha it was very real and the way he would sell it to others made it seem like such.

-- NAME // Pacha

-- CLASS // E

-- TECHS USED // None.

[SnowDog]

Oboro entered the cozy little tavern a couple minutes after Pacha did, the shipwright having just returned from another salvaging trip around the island. He had found the perfect spot just a few dozen meters away from the shoreline with a sizable amount of salvage just ready for the taking. After his first haul he could feel his stomach churning and roaring for something to refill it. Pulling all that salvage up ending up draining him more than he thought.

As he approached the bar to order, he could feel the unease practically oozing for all the other patrons. He couldn’t fault them though, how often does a Fishman visit these parts? He knew he had to be careful as to not unintentionally instigate anything.

“H-Hi there, what c-can we get for you today?” The woman behind the counter began, her eyes nervously shifting back and forth from Oboro to Pacha.

“Hi, um... Lets see... Could I do the Hungry Man’s Breakfast?” Oboro responded as he quickly glanced at their menu, picking the first thing that sounded good without reading much into what all was in it. The barkeep nodding quickly and dipped back into the kitchen. As he waited for his food to arrive, Oboro drummed his fingers across the counter. He pondered the woman’s nervousness a bit and began to feel that maybe they were already on edge when he entered, which only escalated more upon his own arrival. But who or what could’ve done that? Maybe this town was just a nervous bunch. The hammerhead fishman pivoted his head to glance over his shoulder and noticed a man decorated in spots with a deck of cards sitting nearby. He almost looked... furry, and feline. Upon closer inspection, the cat-man wasn’t even playing with normal cards, they were decorated with colorful pictures on them. His curiosity got the best of him.

“Oi, mister!” Oboro called out, waving his hand to try and attract the attention of the card holding cat-man. “Are you like, some kind of magician or something?”

[Sam]

-- CHAPTER II // Deep End

The Mink had been at work or rather busy doing his little divination trick when he heard someone enter. He turned to look over noticing a Fishman... wow now that was another rare sight. A Fishman? In one the Blues? It wasn't as rare as a Mink as many Fishman frequented the blues and if anything Fishmen had more contact with humans than most Minks ever did.

But still, this was not a sight to scoff at especially when you add up the chances of there being a Mink in the room. Pacha shrugged the matter off going back to his divination as we waited for a meal. He didn't want to stare at the Fishman much more for fear of accidentally offending him or some such. People usually didn't take well to being stared at for too long. That's when the Fishman called out to him.

“Oi, mister!” 

He heard him call out! Pacha began to sweat... oh boy had he made upset? Thousands of scenarios began to run through the Mink's head. He just wanted a meal! But here was about to inadvertently cause problems.

Or so he thought... turns out the guy had just been curious about craft. Pacha felt a little guilty in assuming the man's actions. But could he really be blamed? He had spent all his life running from trouble because all his people knew was trouble. Town after town would kick them out once the money ran out.

"Oh, this? These are tarot cards! I guess you could say its magic! Divination magic to be exact they help foretell things to come."

Pacha pointed at the cards, he picked them up and began to shuffle them once more. He then started to place them on the table face down once more before shuffling them in various elaborate fashions. He then gestured the Fishman to sit down.

"If you're interested I can foretell yours."

-- NAME // Pacha

-- CLASS // E

-- TECHS USED // None.

[SnowDog]

The cat-man certainly was magic after all given his polite and welcoming tone felt like he had went ahead and read his mind.

“By all means, let’s see what ya’ got!” Oboro exclaimed, grabbing his drink from the counter and moving to sit across from the mink at his table. Once he adjusted himself into his seat, his eyes scanned over the cards laid out before him. “I’ve heard tales and rumors about this kind of stuff... What all does it entail really?”

[Sam]

-- CHAPTER II // Deep End

"They work in mysterious ways... one can only assume of course... my people have mastered the way of cards for entertainment and to bring joy to others! But magic can also be used for evil! As such it must be heavily guarded."

The Mink explains as he begins to flip the cards on the table. Four cards laid out flat with their faces down. The backs decorated in elaborate red diamonds seeming almost elusive in the fashion they were laid out. Pacha smiled as he began to turn each card around slowly and softly. The first had the image of two skeletons.

One of which offered the other flower in a rather friendly gesture. The second had a skeletal jester dancing about like a fool. The third card had a horned man to be assumed he was the devil with red skin, fangs, and bat-like wings. The fourth and final card had a skeletal wizard on it smoking on a pipe. Pacha looked up as he slid the first card upfront to Oboro the one with the skeleton giving another a flower.

"The lovers... you will likely make a friend or friends soon."

Pacha explains. He slides the second card up to Oboro the skeletal jester dancing about like a total fool.

"The jester! Representing bliss and happiness... you will likely have a good time with this new friend or friends."

The mink explains as he slides the Devil next. His face changes a bit as a frown comes over his face.

"Fear and temptation will overcome you as a powerful enemy will confront you and your friend or friends."

But upon pulling out the final card Pacha's frown disappears as he looks at the final card of the wizard quizzically. Knowing its meaning full well...

"In the end, the problem will be resolved like magic... being easier than you would ever expect likely because your friends will be there for you."

Pacha looks up to the Fishman pondering on all of this. He wonders who this new friend might be... when will these events will take place. It could be this very day! Or could be within months or even years. It was a curious thing that was for certain.

-- NAME // Pacha

-- CLASS // E

-- TECHS USED // None.

[SnowDog]

Oboro sat there idly as Pacha read off his fortune. He cocked his head a bit as the mink went off about each of the cards. The Lovers, the Jester, the Devil, and finally the Wizard. The shipwright reached out and pick up the series of cards, staring deep into the artistic depictions of each card.

“And you’re telling me you can see all that? Just by looking at these?” He inquired as the barkeep came by and placed his food down at the table. He absent-mindedly reached for his fork and pulled up a piece of meat to his mouth. Tasted like a sausage but he didn’t bother to look at the menu in great detail beforehand to verify. As he chewed he couldn’t help but look away from the “Wizard” card that was drawn. His entire demeanor shifted when he had pulled the devil card before this but Oboro still remained a bit skeptical on the whole “magic” thing.

“I mean- Have any of these come true for you? Or like... Any one else you’ve- what do you call it? Read? Read?”

[Sam]

-- CHAPTER II // Deep End

Pacha took back all of his cards and began to shuffle them. As he pondered on the Fishman's question. It was a valid one. To Pacha his fortunes were true however vague they may seem at times. But the reality was it was but a playful facade... a game... fake.

Vague things put together that could be interpreted into real-world situations almost easily. It became easier if those who learned about it went out of their ways to make the predictions come true. But alas the Jaguar was unaware of this situation! To him, it was very real.

"Life takes man turns! It's like the Rollercoaster at Sabaody the ride is bumpy and can be quite fun or quite horrifying depending on how you look at it."

The Jaguar Magician shrugged with a knowing smile on his face. He looked at the questioning Fishman playfully taking the final card which rested in his hands and shuffling it back into his deck.

"I can tell you the future but not when or how or even if it'll ever happen. It's a mystery even for me... a riddle you have to solve for yourself. Some of my fortunes I believe have been fulfilled but many have yet to happen... others I doubt will ever happen. There are too many factors happening at once... to map out a perfect fortune."

He put the cards away within to his robes and dug into the meal that had been brought to him by the barmaid. It was quite delicious... he hoped his explanation had satiated the doubts of the skeptical Fishman.

-- NAME // Pacha

-- CLASS // E

-- TECHS USED // None.

[SnowDog]

Oboro sat and stared at the card further before offering it back to the Jaguar-man sitting in front of him so that he may return it to his deck. Part of him was having trouble interpreting the vague answer he was given. It wasn’t exactly a yes, but wasn’t a no either which kind of left him with wondering more than he was earlier. Oh well, if it is to be left to fate, that’s the way it be then.

“Mmm... Mhmm I see...” He murmured between chewing his plate of food. He quickly shoveled another helping of breakfast into his gullet. “Mand urr you chaffing emmy off dess furtunes off yoursh?” (Translator’s Note: “And are you chasing any of these fortunes of yours?”)

Oboro downed what he had in his mouth with the flagon of juice that was provided and wiped away any spillage shortly after. This food really hit the spot! He had almost forgotten how hungry he was when he had walked in.

“You know I don’t think I ever got your name there, Magic Man.” The fishman said, switching subjects and easing back in his seat a bit. He extended his hand outward as a pleasantry. “I’m Oboro, shipwright. Although I guess I’ve been busier with salvage collection lately...”

[Sam]

-- CHAPTER II // Deep End

Pacha stared at his fish friend, he seemed a bit skeptical on the matter still. At least that's what Pacha thought seeing as Oboro kept staring at him with an inquisitive look plastered on his face. But in the end, he seemed to give in.

Instead of asking if Pacha himself was chasing any of his own fortunes. Albeit with a mouth full of food an act Pacha found a tad bit unrefined. The question, in turn, reminded the Mink of his family of his people. Pacha frowned a bit avoiding making eye contact with Oboro.

"Not at the moment. Maybe once I fix some issues I'll chase my dreams once again."

The magician shrugged turning his attention back to the shark man. He continued listening to him. A shipwright who salvages? That was an interesting prospect. As a matter of fact, it was one that he himself knew about it. His people were salvagers who would often use the pieces to construct the ships they used to sail the grand line. It was a marvel an art a craft! To create ships that powerful out of the sums of lesser ships.

"That's an amazing friend! I do the same! I myself am a shipwright! I actually come from people who salvage pieces."

Pacha stood up extending an arm to Oboro. He felt he needed to stand up properly to meet this man! This sloppy fellow whose presence was enjoyable.

"Well met Oboro! My name is Pachacuti but you can call me Pacha."

-- NAME // Pacha

-- CLASS // E

-- TECHS USED // None.

[SnowDog]

“Get out!” Oboro exclaimed, his eyes lighting up as he rose to accept Pacha’s extended hand, “You’re a shipwright as well?! What luck! I didn’t think there would be many fellow craftsmen here given how small the ports here are!” After excitedly shaking the jaguar man’s hand, the hammerhead fishman sat back in his seat.

“You say you salvaged before? I was just out collecting this morning as a matter of fact to try and earn some quick Beri.” Oboro inquired before taking a quick sip of his provided beverage. “Almost starved myself too cuz I sorta forgot I needed to eat but I was itching to get back out there after I got something in me.” He paused for a sec to quickly shovel in another bite, all the while his mind racing and pondering the aspect of being able to talk shop with another shipwright. Hell, he couldn’t even remember the last time he had talked to another shipwright, let alone talk of the trade with anyone willing to discuss it! “Say, Pacha, would you care to join me?”

[Sam]

-- CHAPTER II // Deep End

The Mink smiled, it was good to see others happy and up. Especially when their favorite subject was touched upon. Pacha had grown to be a shipwright because that's what his folk did. They where seafaring nomads! From one island to the next they went pedaling goods they had salvaged pieces, selling ships, and putting up elaborate shows.

In all honesty, while Pacha enjoyed the craftsmanship it was not his calling. Magic and performance the other side of the coin. The other aspect of his people. That was his calling. That was the difference between him and Oboro. One had learned out of tradition while the other was truly passionate about the craft. Deep down Pacha wished he could feel the same as Oboro.

"Yes, I salvaged and built ships with my people for a living. Among other things!"

Pacha began to take a seat but upon receiving the invitation from the upbeat Fishman Pacha immediately stood up again. He pondered for a moment on the matter, he had a quest ahead but was at a dead end. It wouldn't hurt to distract himself for a bit. Salvaging might not be his passion but he still found the matter exciting and fun. It reminded him of his people.

The people that although had shunned him he missed. It was the feeling of nostalgia you get when you are far from a place a people that are home. You miss the food, the flavors, the smells, the places, the speech. It was a thing that was hard to describe if you never had experienced it. Pacha smiled again.

"Of course Mister Oboro. I would love to join you! Off we go! Or well... we actually should finish our food first."

He laughed sitting down to finish his meal. Admist all his issues he looked forward to a moment of peace a moment to distract himself. Rest and free time where good for the mind and spirit after all. That was at least a wisdom he had once heard. It was one he strongly believed in too.

-- NAME // Pacha

-- CLASS // E

-- TECHS USED // None.

[SnowDog]

Despite the food he had been chewing still sitting in the back of his mouth, Oboro couldn’t help but smile enthusiastically at Pacha after the jaguar man accepted his offer. This was gonna be great! Finally, some much welcomed company on another outing! Especially one that knew the craft as well as not turning away in fear at the sight of a fishman! On top of that, it seemed the jaguar man was quite excited himself, having to remind himself that they both ought to finish up their meals before getting too far ahead of themselves.

“So I gotta ask,” the shipwright began shifting subjects after swallowing another mouthful of breakfast, “You and your family, have you worked on any famous ships? Ya know like... Boats with names that nearly everyone in each of the blues have heard tales of?”

[Sam]

-- CHAPTER II // Deep End

"Famous ships?"

Pacha asked as he dug into his food taking bites from it. The Fishman posed a good question. He wasn't sure... but he did think his people made a ship for some pirates. He didn't recall the name of the vessel.

It wasn't his specialty after all but he did remember the pirates' name. They were called the 'Fang Pirates' a wild bunch from what Pacha recalled the stories saying. He was sure they'd been a great crew in their time.

"You know Oboro? I am not sure... about a name but I do recall my people made a ship for a band of Rookie Pirates called the Fang Pirates. Apparently, they were a big deal in their time."

The mink explained, he put a piece of food in his mouth and slowly chewed. Still deep in thought over the name. In the end, it wasn't all that important... it was more of a matter of making conversation than anything else.

He wondered why the question though if Oboro had partaken in some famous ship as well and that's why he had brought this up. People often did so to talk about themselves, nothing wrong with that though.

"How about you Oboro? Have your folk worked on some famed ship?"

Pacha asked his fishy friend.

-- NAME // Pacha

-- CLASS // E

-- TECHS USED // None.

[SnowDog]

The Fang Pirates? Oboro has not heard of their name before, at least not that he could remember currently. Still, if they were out there making a name for themselves, this guy must be mighty proud to see his handiwork carry them so far through their journey. Still, what a feat to be proud of!

“My folk? Oh, no, my family aren’t ship builders.” The Hammerhead fishman responded looking off over Pacha’s shoulder, “I got into it because is was a fascination that slowly turned into a hobby, heh.” Oboro couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle, “Who am I kidding, it wasn’t slow at all...” He took a moment to let his words sink in as the Jaguar-mink continued to finish up his plate, trying to recall all the ships he’s pieced together.

“But yeah other than that, I myself haven’t built any notable vessels yet. Patched up a few caravels and long boats over the years but I can’t recall if they were of anyone famous. Really the only ships I’ve built have been the rafts I’ve been able to piece together just to hop from island to island! Haha!”

[Sam]

-- CHAPTER II // Deep End

Quitely Pacha listened to the Fishman's words. He didn't want to interject much and besides he wanted to eat his meal quickly so that they could go salvaging. Personally, he found it hard to believe that Oboro with all his love for shipwright work had yet to make a special ship.

Nonetheless, Pacha saw something special within the man. He saw a degree of potential something that very few shipwrights no matter how skilled they were had. It was like starlight shining and billowing from Oboro's very soul... from his very aura! It radiated and it was hard to miss... or maybe that was just his bad smell. But Pacha remained positive about the matter. To him, what he felt was the man's concentrated passion.

It was true, passion was the key to great works without it work always seemed like just that, work! Therefore nothing special would come from it. Finishing his meal Pacha put down his fork and wiped his mouth with a napkin.

"I'm sure you'll build the ship of your dreams Oboro and I don't need any fortune-telling to tell me that."

Pacha smiled reaching into his pocket he pulled out a few Beri which he left on the table. It was enough money to pay for both meals and plus a little extra for the shy waitress that had brought them the meal. Standing up he looked down at Oboro with a wide smile ready to depart to the open sea for a nice swim.

"Well? Shall we get going Oboro?"

-- NAME // Pacha

-- CLASS // E

-- TECHS USED // None.