Professor Moon sends his regards!

[Mr. Moon]

Eric #1

Everything went according to the plan. Actually much better then planned. All the way from the Cinna Island they were blessed by a favorable wind and so they arrived three days ahead of schedule. True to his warmongering nature Eric decided to use the extra time to stop on a nearby Dance Island to warp up a bit before their mission and when he returned a day later, they were accompanied by another life form, alien girl named Sanagi. And sine they should still have day or so extra they stopped nearby a large rock, that was sticking out of the ocean like a sore thumb for a war council.

Gathering everyone on their boat, around a sealed barrel with a fresh water, the white haired fighter put a map on it, pointing on a seemingly empty space on it.

“Alright we are there, and just for our new member...”

The scarred warrior looked on Sanagi

“We are here because friend of mine asked as for a favor. In a day or so cruiser should arrive from a north west and pass around this piece of rock. One of it´s passenger, professor Morghan has a certain scroll in his possession. Scroll that our friend wants to buy from him. The problem is, professor Morghan doesn´t want to sell it and so we have to convince him that it´s in his best interest to do so.”

Few of the Wolves like Adam and Martin grinned. Jobs like this were the one they were enjoying the most.

“Of course”
Eric continued without paying any attention to them

“There is a catch a big one. We have two small boats with zero to nothing weaponry and they have large cruiser armed with heavy cannons to keep all the evil pirates away. And I seriously doubt, that they will let us to get close because we´ll ask them nicely. So, we will have to do this smart. Most of us except Agnes and Sanagi...”

The Wolf King pointed on his people.

“Will hide bellow the deck. As for you two, you will be decoys. Two lone women in the middle of ocean chased by terrible fishmen pirates.”

He nodded towards Midas and his boys.

“Hopefully the captain of the cruiser won´t resist the opportunity to be a hero and will chase our fishmen friend away. When it happens, Midas, just turn your ship around and hide it behind this rock than you and your boys can made your way to us underwater. As for us.”
He turned back to Wolves.

“Still scared for their lives Agnes and Sanagi will take our ship close to the cruiser. Two lone women on a boat with no guns should look harmless enough for them to let it happen and when it will, the rest of us will join the party. After that...”

The Wolf shrugged his muscular shoulders.

“You know the drill. Subdue the guards, scare the passenger, locate the target, get the scroll from him and in the meantime loot whatever you want and disappear before their distress signal leads Marines here.”

Eric frowned as if he suddenly recalled something.

“Ah and one more thing, important one. You can beat them down, break their bones but try to not kill anyone.”
Most of the Wolves didn´t even look surprised by this order, only Adam, the huge monkey like mink voiced his opinion.

“What? Why?”
The white haired warrior shrugged.

“Gabriel doesn´t like that and he is the guy who is paying for this operation so his money, his rules. Of course in fight accidents happens and if you should choose between your life and someone else kill without mercy. Just make sure the professor will be alright when we´ll leave. From what I understood he and Moon are friends. Alright”

His eyes traveled from one to another.

“Any questions?”

[hurdy13]

Oro Midas #1

The small craft that held the carried the fishman gently glided through the water, propelled by the strong winds of change. The three sea denizens sailed on, following the white haired human Eric and his wolf pack. Just a few weeks ago they were forced to start their journey when their small village was destroyed by humans and now they headed for their first mission having joined M.A.R.I. Leon was still a bit skeptical with the move, but he also hadn't fought Eric. Oro seemed to have been moved by their fight. Augusto was thoroughly enjoying himself, his youth bred curiosity and adventure, both of which were ahead for the group.

"You shouldn't be so outwardly excited Augusto... stay focused. Stay cautious as well. We don't know what'll be waiting for us." Leon warned, trying to mast his concern for the younger crew mate. Oro thought he came off like a doting parent, and smirked to himself. They would fill the coffers and learn more of the world around them. Too long they had been isolated, and surviving but not living. Tragedy started their quest but would not be the outcome. 

"I know Leon, but really, admit it, this is fun! We're taking our first step into the 'Merc' world," Air quoting, Augusto smiled, "Let's make sure it's a good time."  

The main focus was to head to the grandline once strong enough,  then head for fishman island. They all wanted to see a land that was made by and for their people. M.A.R.I would hopefully give them the push in experience and resources to continue on. 

----

The ships pulled up to a jetting piece of rock, lonely in the middle of the ocean. This would apparently be the staging point of the mission. Eric mentioned them being early, and needed to head to handle something. He would return the following day and asked Oro Midas to hold at the rock. 

The day allotted to the fishman was busy. The started early by diving down next to the rock, to hunt for fish. The rock was the only thing for miles and the sea life reflected it. It seemed like a hub, with a good sized coral reef sustaining a plethura of sea life. A few sharks swam by to investigate the three new arrivals but turned away to pursue easier prey. Augusto and Leon lazily swam through the water, catching fish in a net with ease. The trick was to not move fast, and just flow with the current, once they were caught it was too late. Bass and eel were their targets, Augusto could prepare a mean bass dish.

Oro floated above thinking back on his fight with Eric as the two brothers continued their hunt. Even when Eric was blocking, the hard hits had begun to feel different. He could almost feel the water in Eric... An extension that he was almost able to access. He threw a punch under water... but nothing extraordinary happened. The deep blue around them existed as always. Another and another were thrown by Oro, who had now drawn the eyes of his busy crewmates, annoyed their boss wasn't contributing to the food gathering. 

Punch after punch was thrown, and with each but of effort exhausted, Oro Midas grew closer to the sea. It wasn't just the repeated motion, he was beginning to get it. He was beginning to move the waves around him. Little by little he could feel his force, his power, extending into the clear blue in front of him. There was much water here now, but judging on what he was feeling in the fight with Eric, he could potentially extend this into on land combat. 

They continued on for some time like this, the brothers gathering food, their leader throwing underwater punches. As the Sun began to set on the undersea oasis, the three fishmen headed back to the surface.

They rested for the night on their ship, laying some fish out with salt to preserve them, preparing some over fire. As they sat around it, fish cooking Augusto piped up first. "Saw you training earlier, anything interesting? You had a look of intense focus on your face..." Oro looked as his stripped the fish meat from the bone he was holding. "Yes, I think I'm starting to get the next phase of fishman karate, I was moving the water!" Exclaimed Oro, excitedly wolfing down his meal. Leon smiled and kept eating.

They team called it an early night as Eric was to return tomorrow, hopefully with Mission objectives.

The next day at the war council Eric introduced a new member, a pinkish girl, small in stature. Oro has his doubts upon first looking her over and hearing that her role was to act as bait, seemed fitting. Next, was the part about the Fishmen acting as bait. Oro felt funny about it, and the unpleasant look from Leon affirmed that he was upset. To use the strife and fear of fishman to draw out the enemy... would likely be effective. Oro looked silently at Augusto who seemed more accepting of the situation. It was true that they shouldn't be viewed as monsters or threats to the humans, but it was also true that they were.

All in all, the plan was sound and would likely work. The fishman were suited to the situation, Leon would follow Oro despite any negative feelings anyways.

"Sounds like a plan, Eric. We caught a bunch of fish yesterday if anyone was hungry." Said Oro, he looked at Sanagi and offered and nodded. "Nice to meet you, my name is Oro Midas, this is Leon and Augusto," said Oro Midas, gesturing to his two fellow Golden Dorado Fishman. "Are you also a fishman? Can't help but notice the skin tone, perhaps a salmon?"







    

[Vio]

^{Sanagi #1}

---

Wells Sanagi’s crash landing in the fields of Dance Island had been the first of what would likely be many a strange occurrence, not discounting the unusual duel with the island’s swordsmen — a man who had put every bit of honour and effort into taking down Eric and his pack despite clashing ideals. Truth be told, Sanagi herself had not understood much of what had transpired that fateful day and, even now, her head was still reeling from the series of bizarre events that had been her life in the last few days.

Only one thing was certain. As she stood upon the deck of Eric’s ship, looking out over the waves, all her mind’s eye could see was haze. Despite Agnes’ best attempts at lending the girl a hand, the mysterious creature’s memories were a misty patchwork of vague details and loosely sewn together clauses, leading to minimal progress. Who she was, where she had come from, and why she was here were perhaps more of a mystery to her than her own body, whose utterly alien physiology she was slowly starting to adapt to.

Her suit only half worn, its sleeves wrapped around her midriff to prevent them dragging awkwardly behind her, HG-04’s upper body was at least exposed somewhat. The white cotton tank top revealed her arms and shoulders to the elements, where salmon pink flesh showed seams and scars in various places, and where the numbers ‘04’ were branded upon her upper left arm. The very same left hand was currently being flexed, fingertips clenching into a fist before black claws emerged from between the knuckles, only to hide themselves again as her hand unfurled. There was something more to it — a muscle through which she could control such protrusions — but learning how it felt was a strange task.

The meeting followed.

Professor Morghan, Sanagi repeated mentally, doing her utmost to retain this information. Overall, the plan was a strange one. Not something she would have thought herself to get involved in, but she owed the wolves something, she just wasn’t entirely sure what that was. Nevertheless, she wasn’t the only anomaly present in this meeting. Three others, their forms perhaps just as abnormal as her own, had joined the group for this discussion. They were a strange lot; almost as strange as Adam!

“Any questions?” Eric asked.

^{“So we just have to find Professor Morning…?”}

^{“Nice to meet you,” Oro said:
“Are you also a Fishman…?”}

“Hi! I’m Sanagi,” Miss Wells answered, looking up at the stranger. At around two and a half metres tall, Midas dwarfed most of those present to some extent, but she was amongst those who seemed absolutely miniscule in comparison. She couldn’t help but take stock of his appearance, gleaming and golden in some places, yet a dull blue-grey in others. Much like hers, his eyes were vivid yellow, but certainly not as strangely defined as her blackened sclera. His lack of hair contrasted her own messy mass of black, his fin her horns, but all the same she couldn’t help but tilt her head and look at him and his brethren confused.

^{“What’s a Fishman…?”}

---

SPOILER: Click to show

{Post Synposis:—}
<sub>Sanagi experiments a little before listening to the meeting, doing her best to understand the plan before introductions to Oro Midas!

NOTES:— N/A</sub>

---

Wells Sanagi | #ff91a4
Eric | #eeeeee
Oro Midas | #0d4077

[Mr. Moon]

Eric #2

After finishing their briefing, the white haired warrior asked gave his new companions the opportunity to ask their questions. The fishmen led by Oro Midas simply agreed to his plan. Some more easily than others he noted for himself as he noticed the sudden change in expression in the one they called Leon. It wasn´t for the first time and Eric noted that for himself. Not that he would expect him to betray their cause, but as a leader responsible for his people he simply had the duty to notice any signs of potential insubordination, especially in situation where it could cost someones live.

“Find and capture, so I´ll have a chance to speak with him.”

He nodded in response to the question asked by Sanagi. As Midas and the alien girl started conversation of their own, the Wolf King turned around to start preparing their ship, when Takeda spoke up.

“Hmmm, just one thing boss. Maybe it´s inappropriate to point this out, but wouldn´t Sanagi´s appearance look suspicious to whoever will be in charge of that ship?”

Despite his polite, almost apologizing tone, his word earned him angry look from Agnes, that however quickly changed it´s target as Martin walked out from the lower deck with something that looked like a pile of bloodied bandages.

“Still step ahead of you newbie”

He grinned at Mitsuo.

“Ah please, tell me these aren´t yours bandages from the Dance Island.”

The girl groaned.
“Excuse me? Do I look like a complete barbarian to you or something? It´s a beetroot juice.”
Shaking his head in disbelief, the lieutenant of the wolves dropped his them in front of the Sanagi.

“Looks like the fishmen hurt you in the chase. So be a good girl and wrap it around yourself in some believable way.”

Eric grunted appreciatively. That was definitely something he should realize himself, but perhaps he was so accustomed to the presence of his more unusual companions that he simply failed to realize, someone could find her appearance weird. Anyway, that was really good thinking on Martin´s part, he had to admit that.

[hurdy13]

Oro Midas #2

"A fishman," Started Oro, "Is a child of the sea. We can breathe water just as easy as air, and usually take after a certain species of fish. I guess you aren't one as you would probably know if you were? Either way, nice to meet you and good luck on the mission." 

He turned to leave, nodding at Eric and headed out back to their ship. They would be the bait to draw out the target. Who knew what the cruiser would decide to do.

"Let's start by stowing any valuable resources in the water, attached to the rocks. Ammo, nails, tools that stuff, just in case they decide to immediately open fire. Augusto you got that? 

The large fishman nodded and began to sift through the tools, and store them as best he could in what little water proof bagging they had. Once he gathered the goods, he lept into the ocean to stash it.

Oro turned to then to Leon. "Look, Augusto is younger and likely won't have an issue with this plan. I believe you won't either, right?" 

Leon nodded, "Yea, let's just get this over with. I get that it'll work well, but should we really be doing stuff to decrease the view of fishman for the top world? I know grand scheme this is small but the principle..." 

"The principle is for us to reach fishman island, Leon. We've never even been to our homeland. We don't really even know any other fishman. For all we know, we are scourges of the sea. Look, I get what you're saying, but now we have at least a few we can somewhat trust. Lets do this job and see what happens. If they're honorable we can be as well. We need resources and friends to get to the grandline and then fishman island."  Oro took a breath, somewhat shocked at himself at how he spoke to Leon. He never had to "discipline" him or Augusto, and never considered himself they leader until now. 

"Fine, I hear you Midas. If this goes south, don't say I told you so. I obviously want this to work, I guess questioning society is a bit bigger than we're capable of at the moment." Leon rolled his eyes and began to prep other tasks around the ship as Augusto came back aboard. 

He looked between Oro and Leon and saw something was off, "Is this something I should be concerned about?" Both Leon and Oro responded with a solid "No" at the same time. 

[Vio]

^{Sanagi #2}

---

“A Fishman is a child of the sea,” Oro explained, revealing the nuances of Gyojin kind to Miss Wells, who simply listened intently with a fascinated expression upon her pink visage. The idea of there being more kinds of people in the world than just humans like her was baffling, yet awesome, but the stranger’s conversation was short lived as he turned to take action with his kin. Yet such was the girl’s fascination with the explanation that she only realised she had become a focal point of conversation when Agnes groaned.

^{“Tell me these aren’t your bandages…?”}

^{“Excuse me?” Martin replied:
“It’s beetroot juice.”}

Sanagi blinked. Lengths of simple white bandages were stained with something dark red — slightly purple upon closer inspection — and had been designed as such for deceptive reasons. The most confusing part came when Martin spoke to her again, implying something that she surely could not remember.

“I was hurt…? I don’t remember a chase, though,” HG-04 questioned, though all the same abided by orders given and picked up the fabric. Wrapping it about herself was no easy feat, especially not tightly, but little by little she coiled it about her body and limbs, covering as much of her salmon pink skin as was possible. A few twists and tangles later, plus some assistance, and she was almost completely concealed. It felt strange — strangely familiar — to have her movements ever so slightly restricted by such a material, equal parts comforting and worrisome in manners she just couldn’t place.

“I guess this’ll work…,” she groaned through a thin layer of fabric, despite her convincing disguise. At a glance, especially from a distance, what would have normally appeared to be a monstrous entity instead seemed decidedly like an injured woman of young age. The subtle scent of beetroot on the bandages was entirely overwhelmed by the salty sea air, and what little of her true form peaked out from behind the bandages would not have been immediately recognisable at range. That was the plan, at least…

---

SPOILER: Click to show

{Post Synposis:—}
<sub>Sanagi is fascinated Oro’s people, but promptly forgets part of the plan when a sly deception is provided!

NOTES:— N/A</sub>

---

Wells Sanagi | #ff91a4
Eric | #eeeeee
Oro Midas | #0d4077
Agnes [NPC] | #e66b19
Martin [NPC] | #7851a9

[Mr. Moon]

Eric #3

The discussion between Midas and Sanagi was rather short-lived one, as the large fishmen simply explained what fismen are, before heading back to their ship, together with his two remaining companions, leaving the oblivious anomaly in the capable hands of Martin and Agnes.

“Because there was no chase to remember. It´s just a ruse, were you even listening when...”

Asked Martin with a hint of frustration in his voice, but he was immediately silenced by Agnes.

“Come on, don´t be so hard on here. She fell from the sky remember? It simply takes time to adapt to such changes. Come here, I´ll help you to wrap these things around.”
Her voice quickly changed from reproachful, when she was talking to Martin to kind as she turned to Sanagi, who she helped to properly attach her bandages. Subtly sniffing to them in the process, like if she didn´t trust Marin in this regard.

“Seriously...”
Muttered the lieutenant as he was waling around Eric.

“I though she was supposed to play her sister, not mother.”

Toning his voice down so she wouldn´t hear him, his remark made Eric chuckle. But when he looked how his sister was acting around their new recruit, he couldn´t but admit there was some truth in his words. This kind of behavior was completely uncharacteristic for Agnas, making him wonder, what caused this change.

As his mind wandered however, he noticed that the two of them already finished their job.

“Alright, it looks good, meaning for the next few hours, everyone keep your heads down and if possible, stay under the main deck. Agnes...”
She smiled at him in reply.

“Watch the horizon and when you´ll see a ship coming start the show. I know bro, this isn´t my first rodeo.”
The Wolf King bared his teeth in a wide grin.

“Yeah, so don´t forget to hide your guns you lady in distress.”

He laughed as he and the remaining male members of their group disappeared under the main deck.

“Hmmmm, this will be few long hours.”

She sighed, hiding her pistols in a small box under the helm, before leaning against the taffrail so she would have a nice view on the ocean. With eyes like hers, she would be capable of noticing incoming ship long before anyone else on their part, maybe with an exception of especially sharp observer with a quality telescope.

“So...”

She started after few minutes of looking into the nothingness

“What are your first impression about us? Are the guys giving you some trouble?”

It was attempt to start conversation, hopefully one that would be long enough, to pass the immediate boredom. But just as she finished her sentence, the young sharp shooter frowned.

“Looks like someone is way ahead of they schedule, look...”

She pointed somewhere towards the horizon, where literally nothing could be seen yet for anyone with a regular eyesight.

“Alright, time to go...lay down and...play injured.”
She gave Sanagi encouraging smile, before she whistled and waved on Midas and his friend to get ready for the chase.

With taut sails, their little ship shoot in the direction of the distant cruiser. As they had to keep relatively close to the large rock she was turning the helm lie someone who wasn´t experienced in it, or rather someone, controlled by panic. Minute after minute, they were faking chase, until the tiny dot changed into large sailing boat comparable to a galleon in size.

True to her role, Agnes stirred their boat in their direction, waving and yelling in “desperate attempt to get their attention”.

And it didn´t took a long before she got just that as the large ship slowly changed it´s direction toward them, with frenetic activity on it´s main deck signalizing, that the crew members were getting themselves ready for a battle. Fortunately for them, despite it´s size there was only a small number of actual sailors as majority of the people on board were simple passengers.

“Time to tuck the tail and run boys...”
The sharpshooter whispered, when she noticed the amount of cannons getting ready.

[hurdy13]

Oro Midas #3

The target was a bit early but the abruptness of their arrival was well timed and let the awkwardness of of Oro Midas and Leon's discussion end quickly. The Fishman focused on the task at hand, Augusto taking the helm and giving chase to Eric's cruiser where Agnes and Sanagi played damsels in distress. Both of their ships were about the same size, the fishman however didn't have a crew of mercenaries hiding below deck and had to adjust their sails slightly as not to catch their "prey" too quickly.

Leon pretended to yell at Oro, who was upfront with an old rusty pistol they had found at Cinna Island. Oro was shooting wide, landing shots well clear of Agnes and Sanagi. The Cruiser was still getting closer and would no doubt hear the shots ringing and assume the worst of the situation.

"Cant you hit anything? It's only two of them!" Bellowed Leon, trying to sell the charade. Augusto smirked to himself, seeing clearly that Leon was enjoying his role cathartically.

Oro looked back and after seeing Augusto's smirk retorted; "Perhaps if I had a solid helms man, I wouldn't have to compensate so much!"

Augusto, never one to be left out belted; "Quit yer bellying both of ya! Get them, and lets get out of here before this Cruiser gets too close!" The shots continued from Oro as the two ships began to draw closer to the Cruiser. He looked to Leon and nodded, the slimmer fishman then began to prep a quick change of the sails and made sure Augusto was ready as well at the helm. Any minute now they would need to begin to cut left and move behind the rock and hope the Cruiser couldn't get a good shot off.

[Vio]

^{Sanagi #3}

---

Whether or not Wells Sanagi remembered the plan was rather a moot point, for the rest certainly did, and quickly shifted gears. Eric, Martin, and the rest of the host secluded themselves below the deck of the vessel, hidden from prying eyes and keeping their voices quiet enough so as to be unheard. That just left HG-04, wrapped in beetroot-stained bandages, and Agnes. The others — Oro Midas and his brethren — had vanished elsewhere. Maybe they’d gone home? She hadn’t the foggiest idea.

^{“So,” Agnes began as they sat in silence:
“Are the guys giving you some trouble…?”}

^{“Huh…?”}

“Looks like someone is way ahead of schedule,” the sharpshooter added, pointing towards the distant horizon before the bandaged girl could even formulate an answer. Time had been kind upon them as far as the waiting game was concerned; kind enough that she at least remembered a chunk of what was supposed to be happening. That, however, did not change the fact that no matter how hard she stared, she could see nothing.

Huh… Is this how they felt…? But, who are they…? Almost as if on cue, Sanagi’s stance shifted, discernibly faltering as if overcome by a sudden migraine. Eyes closed tightly, a hand to her temple, the hazy recallings of images in her mind almost seemed to threaten to burst from her skull. Blue. That was the most prevalent colour in the cacophony. Blue upon a splash of silvery white, lights blinding. And yet, as quickly as the images had come to the fore, they vanished again, sinking into the fog.

“Ugh… Yeah, I suppose that’s a good call,” she replied in a perceived semi-reluctance, Agnes’ words about play registering in time before the situation in its entirety kicked into gear. It didn’t require much in the way of effort for their small boat to catch the winds, jostled into higher speeds that soon allowed them to approach the much larger craft. Of course, by that point, the pink-skinned peculiarity was resting herself against the cabin’s outer wall, a little overwhelmed by what she had just experienced and yet being none the wiser for it.

Is this right…? The question lingered in her mind as she rested, gazing up at the empty sky and mostly leaving Agnes to her own devices. Something inside her wanted to escape, but Miss Wells was far from aware of what it was. Escape. Freedom. What even were these concepts? Alien. Since clambering from that strange pod, she’d been in the presence of Eric and his comrades, some of whom were peculiar and definitely not human. Others had been welcoming, Agnes in particular. The rest? Strangely unknown quantities.

Further thoughts were scattered by noise.

Bang…! Splash…!! Explosive noise emanated from a distance, a light whistling barely audible before the sounds of breaking water deafened. White sea foam and spray erupted in a pillar from behind — a single blast likely aimed to act as a deterrent for their would-be pursuers. Sanagi’s body tensed instinctively, but she remained still. For whatever reason, something about this whole situation didn’t sit right…

---

SPOILER: Click to show

{Post Synposis:—}
<sub>Sanagi’s memories agitate her as the first phase of the plan occurs.

NOTES:— N/A</sub>

---

Wells Sanagi | #ff91a4
Eric | #eeeeee
Oro Midas | #0d4077
Agnes [NPC] | #e66b19
Martin [NPC] | #7851a9

[Mr. Moon]

Eric #4

All went according to the plan. Crew of the cruiser decided to intervene and save the damsels in distress from “the evil fishmen”, firing salvo of waning shots to discourage them from their actions. Midas and his two friends stopped the chase, turning their ship back to the large rock, while their ship continued forward, towards the cruiser yet for some reasons, Agnes felt uneasy. Perhaps it had something to do with Sanagi´s weird behavior? She was making excuses for her in front of the other Wolves, but truth to be told, when it came to her health and wellbeing she was the most concerned one.

“Hey, are you alright?”

She asked the alien girl quietly, before turning to the larger ship yelling

“Please help! My sister was injured! She needs a doctor!”

Her plea was followed by a moment of tense silence, before the answer came.

“Of course madame, please turn your ship around and lower your sails, we will take you on board.”

The sharpshooter suppressed the victorious grin and quickly did as she was asked. Even though their boat was small, controlling it on her own was a challenging task for a single person. Yet thanks to the experiences acquired from her independent missions Agnes managed to do so almost effortlessly.

“Just hold on a little longer, doctor will be with you shortly”

As she said these words to Sanagi thought occured in her mind, that perhaps it wouldn't be such a bad idea to persuade the ship doctor to actually take a look at her but...would they even know what to do with someone who fell from the sky? Well that was something she could care about after they´ll take over that ship.

In the minute that followed, the cruiser slowed down to match their speed with theirs, aligning against their port side before stopping all together. The sailors lowered a rope ladder as Agnes quickly kneeled next to the alien girl gently grabbing her shoulders.

“You are doing it well.”

She whispered before yelling towards their wannabe rescuer.

“Quickly! I think she lost consciousness!”

She yelled in acted despair. As she was facing towards her friend, she didn´t see the faces of two armed men and a doctor who quickly climbed down, nor could they see hers. Not until they were right next to them.

“Don´t worry miss, we will take care of her.”

Said the doctor, a tall and stocky man in his late fifties with a thick mane of short silver hair and round glasses, armed with nothing but a large leather case.

“Ah thank you…”

Agnes turned around and froze in place even before she could look into the doctor's face. Her eyes stopped on the armed man. Young fellow in his late twenties with long black hair tied into a ponytail and stubble beard, wearing brown sailor pants and white shirt with short sleeves. Curiously enough, she wasn't the only one who paused. His eyes widened in surprise.

“Agnes…?”

The she-wolf smiled awkwardly as his expression quickly changed from surprised to angered and then alarmed.

“Marcus?”

She reached towards him, but it was already too late as he quickly reached for his pistol while yelling.

“It's a trap!”

---

Meanwhile, in the depths of their boat the remaining eight wolves waited with Eric crouched to the hatch so he wouldn't miss their signal for attack. According to the original plan they would attack, after the sailors would take Agnes and Sanagi on their ship so they would be distracted and careless however, knowing way too well how many things could possibly go wrong, he decided to be carefull. After all, during the time they spent with Sanagi he couldn't miss how forgetful and absent minded the Alien girl sometimes was. Fortunately the initial part of their plan went rather smoothly. The crew of the cruiser drove Midas and his boy away without chasing them while allowing Agnes and Sanagi to board their ship.

“Alright here they come, silence you two…”

The Wolf King hushed Adam and Takeda who were arguing about some nonsense again.

Sounds of boots walking towards the rear part of their ship and then…

“You have to be kidding me…”

He whispered in silent disbelief as some man started warning others that they fell for their trap.

“CHARGE!”

With a sudden push, Eric broke the hatch open, jumping up on their deck, followed by remaining Wolves.

[hurdy13]

Oro Midas #4

The Fishman continued their coarse a bit even with the canon fire incoming, they could not fail to make the cruiser stop Eric's ship. As the spray of the water from the cannon balls hit the hull, Oro waved at Leon to cut back by the rock. The cruiser began to curl towards the target vessel, it would seem they had taken the bait. With the ship safely behind the rock they dropped an anchor which should have been about where they stored their vitals undersea. The fish man prepared for the boarding. All three took knives but left any firearms. The pistols they had were terrible anyways, just junk they found on their travels.

---

With a nod, the three took to the ocean and went a bit deep as to avoid being seen from the deck of the cruiser. Augusto, the largest yet youngest of the trio couldn't help but feel excited. He was on his first mission, and not even Oro and Leon's arguing from earlier could derail the adrenaline pumping. He recalled that Eric said no killing, which was fine for him. He could if needed but had the softer heart of the bunch and was relieved at the request.

Leon was a tad upset at his spat with Oro, but he was more mature than Augusto. At the end of the day, he would accomplish the mission and they could finish the discussion later. The plan would work, and Eric was using them to the best capacity in this situation. If he wanted to change things socially for the Fishman, he would need more allies and power as Oro mentioned. Perhaps he had let his feelings get in the way before...

Oro led the group as the glided through the water towards the cruiser. Seeing the hulking shadow from below, they began to hear talking as they drew closer to the surface. He held up a fist for them to hold under the rudder to the rear of the ship. Based on the commotion, it seems they may have been found out, however it was also a nice distraction.

"Alright, lets climb up from the rear and board. Me and Leon will split up left and right, Augusto, Leon on the right of the ship but give him some space. If things go south we will have a hard time escaping this cruiser on our little boats. Our back up plan is to destroy the rudder so they can't follow. I'll leave that to you Augusto which is why you'll hold back a bit, let us know if anyone tries to come up behind us as well. Remember, no killing if possible."

Leon and and Augusto nodded, and the three began to climb the back of the ship, digging the knives into the wooden hull to raise themselves from the water. Once above the waveline, the Fishman could hear the yells from Eric and the wolves. Hopping on the deck, they began to head to the front of the boat towards the sounds slowly. Based on the commotion they heard, a good amount of the crew was beginning to move to the front to help fend off the trap.

[Vio]

^{Sanagi #4}

---

Agnes’ reassurance did not change a thing. Indeed, all Sanagi did was look up at her with a confused look in her eyes — confusion intermingling with a strong urgency that something wasn’t entirely right. But what was right? Was this entire plot ‘right’ or ‘wrong’? Amidst the fog of her mind, there lay no clear answer to the internal conundrum, only further confusion. So prevalent was this invisible battle of conscience that she didn’t even realise immediately that their small vessel had been boarded.

Only yelling snapped her back to reality.

“W– What’s going on…? Why am I bandaged up? Wh– Who are you?!” Almost as a cornered animal, Miss Wells’ instincts kicked into gear as she realised another man was present. A tall man with silver hair and round glasses whose lenses’ glare hid his eyes from her, yet somehow struck her with fear. For a moment, she wasn’t sitting on a small, wooden sailing vessel on the open ocean, but on a cold metal table in a large round room of silver, black, and white. She didn’t even take into account who was present; everyone else, even the group emerging from the hatch, were simply featureless forms in pristine white coats or black body armour.

No…! Not again…! Her mind screamed, yet from her mouth came only a croaky growl as she grasped at bandages about her head and neck, tearing them away. Salmon pink flesh, untouched by the wounds that reddish stains in the fabric feigned the existence of, was revealed to the world at large. Darkened horns exposed, the look in her eyes was one of wild instinct, not unlike the fear she had demonstrated previously when exposed to fire — a fear far more intense and angry than that primal aversion that so many animals shared.

The doctor, amidst the panic, made for the ladder, but HG-04 didn’t let him. Freeing herself from enough binding to be able to move freely, she lunged despite the threat of a pistol being pointed, grabbing the back of the medicine man’s coat and pulling him to the deck. With lightning reflexes, her right arm released the black enameled segments that clicked into position — a blade whose serrated edge found itself barely an inch from the man’s throat. She stared, wide-eyed, into the eyes of the man whom she was now atop, his spectacles having fallen from his face to reveal something that stirred her soul…

---

SPOILER: Click to show

{Post Synposis:—}
<sub>Sanagi’s memories continue to agitate her, to the point of action.

NOTES:— N/A</sub>

---

Wells Sanagi | #ff91a4
Eric | #eeeeee
Oro Midas | #0d4077
Agnes [NPC] | #e66b19
Martin [NPC] | #7851a9

[Mr. Moon]

Eric #5

With their plan taking an unexpected turn to worse, Eric was in a hurry. Rushing from below the deck, the Wolf King quickly glanced over the deck of his boat, with one hand already on the ladder.

"Rahu help them!"

He barked at his subordinate while pulling himself up. The time was of the essence at the moment as they had to get on the cruiser before its defenders managed to arm and organize themselves.

Faster than it should be possible for a man of his size, Eric climbed up, jumping over the taffrail on the upper deck.

"Surrender and we won't harm anyone!"

His words were reinforced by two other Wolves, Martin and Adam, who simply jumped from down below, using their incredible strength. Their arrival however created only greater chaos.

"Pirates! They are pirates!"

The passengers who were earlier eager to see some action from a safe distance were now screaming and trying to run below the deck as fast as possible, together with several crew members, while members of the cruiser security were trying to get closer to them through the panicking human herd. There were around 20 of them. Mostly your regular mercenaries armed with cutlasses, pistols, and rifles, experienced, yet lacking any particular skills or powers. However, there were two among them, who were standing out. First was a large heavily muscular man, visually in his early thirties. Easily over two meters tall, with short brown hair and brutish face, armed with a pair of heavy gloves with a steel chain wrapped around each of them. The second one was a woman, tall and athletic-looking in her late twenties, with long chestnut-colored hair braided into a long braid. Unlike her partner, she was wearing leather armor and was armed with a katana.

"Let's split up and make some noise."

Eric smirked, as he and his two men charged against the guards yelling like a pack of demons summoned straight from the depths of hell. Normally, they weren't so noisy, but this time they wanted to keep all the attention to themselves, as no one except them noticed the three fishmen who just climbed up on the other side of the deck.

---

Meanwhile back on the Wolves´s boat things get rather awry. Most of the mercenaries rushed up to the cruiser to support their commander, leaving behind only Agnes, Sanagi and Rahu.

One of the armed men, Marcus, reached for his pistol, but Agnes was faster. Blocking his forearm with her own, she lunged towards him, hitting his chin with swift strike. It wasn't enough to send him to the land of dreams, but definitely enough to knock him off his feet, just at the moment, Sanagi caught the fleeing doctor.

At the same time, several things occurred at once. The alien girl released her blade.Rahu grabbed her arm, to stop her from killing him and the remaining guard in the attempt to protect the doctor pointed his gun at her.

“Hey, kid snap out of it. The boss said no killing.”

He muttered completely oblivious to the fact she was in danger. But Agnes wasn´t.

“Watch out!”

She yelled, jumping at the guard's weapon arm.

BANG!

Startled, the guard pulled the trigger and Agnes fell on the deck with quickly growing bloodstain on her side.

“AGNES!”

Alerted by the sound, Rahu released the alien girl´s arm and dashed towards her, however was forced back by swift slash of Marcus´s saber as he already managed to climb back at his feet.

[hurdy13]

Oro Midas #5

The Fishman heard a shot ring out above the screaming and panic of the assault. Oro midas kept his cool but the shot did concern him, it was close to Eric's craft and their squad had been told no killing... He began to quicken his pace towards the front of the ship which was made harder by the humans. Civilians were fleeing while security forces continued forward. By now the fishman were beginning to be noticed, passengers who terrified by the pirates all but lost their wits seeing the fishman approach from behind. Oro Midas didn't want to kill as asked and decided to show the humans his greatest respect by introducing them to his home; the ocean. He was quickly tossing the unarmed people over board to his left, his fishman strength more than enough to move those not used to combat.

He was about half way through the boat, and all the way through the civilians when he heard the yells of Eric's wolves beginning their attack. The guards began to turn to face him, nudging and shouting that there was a Fishman behind them. The closest 3 of the 20 warriors drew their swords and began to advance towards Oro slowly. This should buy Eric and them some time, and divide their forces... I wonder how Leon and Augusto are doing.


One the other side of the ship, Leon was moving similar to Oro Midas, except hitting the passengers with non lethal strikes to knock them out. He didn't want to throw anyone over board as he was unsure if the pathetic humans could even swim. Behind him, Augusto advanced slowly peaking in through windows to find valuables. they could take, or even the scroll that the mission was focused on.

"Hey, Eyes front." Said Leon to Augusto quickly as they too ran into the armed guards. The closest one drew his sword and charged at Leon, who moving nimbly quickly stepped forward and grabbed his arm with a power webbed hand. With a quick twist of the human's wrist and a loud crack, the sword fell to the deck. The guard howled in pain as Leon picked up the sword. This drew the attention of more guards who were turning to face him. He wasn't planning on killing anyone with the blade but having it would help on defense. Hopefully the fishman's distractions would help to further split the boat's forces for a quick mission.

[Vio]

^{Sanagi #5}

---

Escalating commotion meant nothing to Wells Sanagi at that moment. With laser focus, her attention was unwavering from the doctor whose life she quite literally held in her hands, even when Rahu grabbed her arm in some vain attempt to prevent her from making a rash move. Simply frozen there regardless, the glossy, ebony blade protruding from the scar-like seams in her skin had not moved even another fraction of an inch towards the medicine man’s throat. It was almost like reliving a memory, yet without recollection of the true events, such were the motions that she found herself playing through.

^{“Watch out!”
Bang…!
“Agnes!!”}

“Agnes…? What’s happening…?” Sharpness within her gaze fading as she took in the frightened look in the physician’s eyes, HG-04’s tone shifted drastically as she threw herself back and turned to observe the scene behind her. Rahu was forced back by the swing of gleaming steel, but it was the vision of Agnes herself, laying upon the deck with crimson staining her flank, that really triggered the alien oddity in a way rather unexpected. “Ah! You’re hurt! Quick! Somebody get a doctor!”

^{“I… What in the world are–?”}

^{“Wait,” Sanagi snapped, freezing:
“I forgot… You’re a doctor, right, mister?”}

^{“I… Yes, I am… But–?!”}

“Help her! Now! Please…!! I need to… I need to help,” Miss Wells exhaled, practically hyperventilating between utterances as she focused on the neighbouring vessel. Almost entirely ignorant of Marcus’ presence, yellow eyes pierced those of the other armed man who had boarded their smaller ship as he hurriedly worked to reload his pistol. For a moment — just a second — Sanagi wasn’t standing on the deck of a sailboat in the middle of open waters, but in a tiled room. Nobody else existed — not Rahu, not Agnes, not Marcus, not the doctor — save for herself and her target.

Aim… Shoot… Reload… Aim. Shoot. Reload…! With a click, the blackened blade retracted under her skin once more, but the girl was already in motion anyway. Springing forwards as fast as she could, knowing the distance between herself and her target was short, she instead balled her left fist, blackened claws protruding from betwixt her knuckles. Before the gunman could finish reloading, he instead dropped the gun entirely, reaching for his sword in its place and shifting to defend against an incoming left hook.

^{Thwack!
“Urf…!!”}

“Don’t shoot people! That’s mean…!!” Rather than a strike to his face, the guard instead found himself forcefully exhaling most of the contents of his lungs as Sanagi’s knee slammed hard into his gut. His half-drawn blade fell from its scabbard entirely as he stumbled back, struggling for air, only to collapse forwards and unconscious when her right hand grabbed his face and slammed the back of his head into the taffrail. Not enough to do any serious damage, but certainly enough to knock him out cold for a few hours, his breathing normalised again out of system shock…

---

SPOILER: Click to show

{Post Synposis:—}
<sub>Sanagi’s confusion switches to benevolent inclination as she calls for the doctor’s attention and quickly knocks out the man who shot Agnes.

NOTES:— N/A</sub>

---

Wells Sanagi | #ff91a4
Eric | #eeeeee
Oro Midas | #0d4077
Agnes [NPC] | #e66b19
Rahu [NPC] | #8a0303
Martin [NPC] | #7851a9