A kings Reward and The Wings Spread

[Kami-Gaz]

Water7 City of water, city of magic. A place for people to come and gather to in a centre of culture, of industry and commerce. A place where people from nearly all walks of life frequent and many companies make their headquarters. It was also where many a rich entrepreneur made their home, in the upper sections of the city of water. One such home was the Stratonovki estate, a large mansion that was walled off with a small patch of green garden. This house fit the white stone construction style with a red terracotta roof but it had many grand windows lining the front of the house and balconies that overlooked the city in all directions on every face. Dotted around the entire place were water features, fountains in the grounds and waterfalls on the house and the interior of the walls the selves. Opulent was a word that could be used.

The entire place was swarming with men suited in dark clothes and with holstered weapons of all varieties, they were patrolling, guarding and generally looking menacing to the outside world. This place would have protection that would put most banks to shame. Littered in inconspicuous locations were posts that had visual Den Den Mushi taking pictures and sending them into the house.

Standing by the grand mahogany front door was a tired and warn out looking Annika flanked by a nine-foot-tall leather jacket wearing greaser who looked to be a brick shit house. And on the other side her policeman friend and adventure cohort. The group had just gotten back from being picked up by Folonzo “The Shipbreaker” the head of the C.R.A.C.K Ships security team. “Right, I’ve got a meeting! Your dad is expecting you in the main living room.” The ex-pirate said before turning on his heel and walking off with a bit of haste.

“Hey! Fonzie!” Annika called but he was gone. Her face turned into a pout as it looked to Simon. “Well, Simon, this is my house!” She said as the door opened up and a middle aged man with thinning greyed hair looked at the pair. “Claude!” Annika Said as she walked past. “Thank you I was just about to open that. Are father and mother well?” She asked as she walked into the grand entrance hall, it was flanked by a grand staircase that started on each side and met in the middle to a large over hanging balcony. The marble floor had a vibrant red carpet in the centre and there were columns where there wasn’t art on the walls.

“Lady Annika… They are waiting for you in the main living room. Who is your guest?” The man asked as he looked the man up and down, doing his best not to wince at the sight of the ragged policeman. “Is he another one of the Pipsi-Man Troupe coming for lunch?”

“No Claude! Simon saved my life; I am bringing him to father so he can be rewarded. Maybe use of our spa to help him relax.” The young blue haired woman replied, as she waved for Simon to follow, wanting him to stay close and not get lost in marvelling at her house. Her arms still being full of chest that contained her uneaten devil fruit... it needed to be eaten, needed to so it would not be taken away.

[Bobbie]

The tired policeman, still suffering the after effects of their exciting adventure, walked with his companion and her buddy, Fonzie. His legs grew tired, but at this point were functioning on auto-pilot, and simply kept moving mechanically to keep up with his two walking-partners.

The 'marvelling' began before they even reached the building as Simon spotted it from a distance – it stood out significantly with all of its grandiosity, windows and balconies, and even waterfalls! No way, this is where she lives? He had actually eyed this building before from afar always in admiration, while silently wondering what huge amounts of work it would take to manage such a huge establishment. Although it looked amazing, he always thought he wouldn’t want to be the owner of such a place, as it would require far too much upkeep, and how could he focus on such a massive home and his job? Of course, if he were wealthy enough to afford such a place, he’d probably not need a job... but he loves his job.

Next he saw the guards. “A lot of security…” he mumbled, not quite decided on whether that was intended for Annika or Folonzo to hear or not. The holstered weapons were conspicuous to the officer’s trained eye, and he wondered if his own firearm would cause a problem. He glanced at the taller man beside him, considering saying something about it, but made up his mind not to. Surely, if it were a problem, this man would have said something by now. In any case, with all the Den Den Mushi about the place, very little could really go unnoticed, it seemed. If it were a problem, someone would have said something by now, he thought to himself as he stood at the large mahogany door.

“Nice meeting you.” He replied to the leather jacket wearing man, with a big smile on the constable’s face as he watched him leave. Turning to Annika next, he laughed, “This is one mighty house you live in.” he recalled Annika making threats about her father taking care of things, but he hadn’t realised just until now how very worrying such a threat would be. It was very clear that her father must be a powerful man if he owns all of this. Before he knew it, the door was opened and Simon found himself face-to-face with another new individual he’s never met before. Claude.

For a moment, the man in uniform stood outside to wait for permission to enter as he felt rude to simply slip past this Claude character, whether he was with Annika or not. He patiently let the porter inspect him with what seemed like a pained expression, before extending a very cold hand to the middle-aged man for a friendly greeting. Yet another grin, a wider one, replaced the old one as Annika introduced him with her very kind and flattering words. “Hi! Simon Rickshaw, Annika and I bumped into each other at the dock yesterday.” He explained in very brief terms. “Just doing my job.” He added with a soft nod, and then obeyed the lady’s signal for him to follow.

Once he was properly inside the building, his jaw nearly dropped. Artworks hanging on the walls, a massive balcony, pillars, a red carpet?! What kind of palace did he just step into? More importantly, how did HE end up inside such a place which was clearly worth more than his entire life’s savings in this lifetime and the next? “This is… is… wow.” He uttered, already lost as the very simple and ordinary man now found himself in a very intricately designed and sophisticated mansion.

---

Simon: #d2ce2f

[Kami-Gaz]

“If you say so Anni.” Claude spoke in a monotonal tone in reply to the young woman’s words about how he was brought here to be rewarded for his bravery. Without missing a beat, the balding man shifted his gaze and looked right into Simon’s soul with his piercing eyes. “Come right this way Officer Simon Rickshaw.” He did not wait for a response he just turned and lead the way, following Annika through the grand house.

The young woman spun and began to walk backwards as she watched the man look around in awe. “It’s a lot, my Daddy worked really hard and still does! Travelling the world and building bespoke ships for wealthy clients.” She said proud of her father’s work, knowing that he came from virtually nothing. A son of an ice farmer in Drum Kingdom all the way up to a super-rich elite. “He is scheduled to go out on a big build in a few days over in Dressrosa!”

She stopped as they got to a large double door, it was made of a fine material and stained perfectly. “Daddy will be really thankful.” Annika said before turning around to fumble with the door handle, the chest in her arms was making it difficult. In a moment before Claude had moved up, she managed to get the tell tale click and with a cheeky smile she pushed the double doors open to reveal a rather impressive but cosy living room.

Sat in a fine leather chair was a man, ashen haired and covered in a five o’clock shadow. His pale sapphire eyes had bags under them. For being a CEO of such a big company and such a rich man he dressed in a rather comfy homely manner in a loose shirt and a woollen sweater. He looked up from all the papers that were on the coffee table and beamed a warm smile. “Anni! Princess come here!” He said leaping over the sofa and darting over to his daughter and wrapping his arms around her head and pulling her in so she was pressed into his chest. “I’m so happy!” He said with a slight tear in his eye.

With the commotion a woman sat up, a perfect copy of Annika… if she were a few decades older. A mature and beautiful woman with the same pale blue hair as her daughter. Time had treat the woman well… though the nap she took on the sofa had not done her hair much wonders. The mess was ignored as she herself smiled at the sight and started to get up. “Folonzo found you!”

“Simon did actually.” Came from the suffocating embrace Annika was in. She had managed to pull her head back enough to get the words out and some air. “Simon did! He saved me!” She said again now she had been let go. The whole ordeal had finally started to catch up with the girl now, but she soldiered through. Simon needed his recognition.

Oleg looked to the side and finally noticed Simon. “Oh! Well of course! It is good to meet you officer! A job well done!” He said, a powerful voice coming from his meek looking form as he thrust a hand toward the policeman in his presence. “I know you will likely say you were only doing your duty but please! Let me reward you! Bringing our princess back to us unharmed as she is makes me so happy. If we lost her we would be devastated.”

---

Post: 2

• Annika: acd1fc
• Claude: ce5a3d
• Oleg: 00c2ff
• Alivia: a55eff

[Bobbie]

Simon visibly flinched and automatically seemed to pull away from this man who stared into his soul. His eyes slightly wide and an eyebrow raised, it was clear that the young officer was intimidated, but speechless – why is he looking at me like that?

“Uh, yes sir.” He muttered in response, as if the command came from a high ranking official that he did not dare defy. As he entered the mansion and got lost in all the wondrous things hanging about the walls, he listened to Annika’s explanation, offering a soft little nod. “I see… Ah, that must be where I’ve heard the name before.” He replied, vaguely remembering it being mentioned when discussing large ships back at the station, but he couldn’t quite put his finger on what exactly was being discussed. Most likely just some of the guys admiring the finer craftsmanship in some of the vessels that docked at their ports. It must be quite an honour to come across a ship like this, let alone to actually board one to carry out an inspection… yes, that must have been it. They must have been bragging, as they often do.

Simon’s attention then went to the door handle that Annika seemed to be struggling with. He wasn’t sure if he should offer his help – this was her home and he didn’t want to seem intrusive, so he stood there patiently for a moment, before glancing at Claude, who made a move toward the door, just a little too late.

As the door opened to reveal such a luxurious room, it was the older man’s presence that kept his jaw from dropping. Had there been more sunlight in the room, Simon would swear the room would sparkle and look like something out of comic. The man in uniform barely made it into the room before Annika’s father leapt over to her and wrapped her up in his arms in what could have easily been a low-key suffocation attempt. This family is… intense, he thought to himself, but remained disciplined and rooted to the floor somewhat rigidly. If he gave his body any freedom, he was worried that he’d instinctively move away and that would be rude and offensive. Not what Simon wished to communicate to these people at all.

Then he saw the woman who could only be presumed the mother. Quite shocked, his eyes were fixed on her for a few seconds – the girl was a spitting image of this woman! As both parents expressed their happiness over having their daughter returned to them, Simon stood tall and proud. He had done a good thing. With absolutely no effort, a smile appeared on his face long before he was given any credit whatsoever for his deeds.

Watching the girl struggle to get out of the death trap that was her father’s arms, he let out a soft chuckle once his name was mentioned. He wasn’t sure what to say, so he looked down nervously, then back up at the caring father as he was the next to speak.

Simon politely took the man’s hand to shake, surprised by how this man of such a timid frame had a voice that carried so well. “I was only-“ the policeman was indeed about to say precisely what was predicted of him, before he was cut off. “It’s really not necessary, sir, I’m happy to be of service.” He replied with his signature wide and charismatic smile, his perfect teeth and deeply burrowed dimples in his cheeks which now had a bit of stubble on them.

“But if you insist…”

Refusing a reward once it has been made clear that they want to give it would be impolite.

---

Simon: #d2ce2f

[Kami-Gaz]

Oleg nodded as he reluctantly let his baby girl slip out of his remaining arm to slink off to the side as if she were a snow leopard on the hunt. His full attention was now on Simon as he deliberated the endless possibilities that could be given, nothing was outside the realm of possibility. This man had saved his daughter and from the reports he had heard it was a dire situation. She had been kidnapped as the pirates attacked the vessel and a single officer was brave enough to charge in. After a while more came to back him up, though they were rebuffed. After that the story is hazy.

“I can get you promoted!” Mr Stratonovski announced, snapping his fingers and pointing at Simon with a finger gun. A great big smile grew on his face. “Or… How do you want to see the world? I’m always looking for competent people to work on my security team.” He carried on; another suggestion that was rapid fired to the saviour of his daughter.

Meanwhile Alivia had patted her hair down and shifted to lean over the back of the sofa. Her sense of fashion older, steps behind her daughter who lived on the bleeding edge. However, she still looked amazing despite looking like she had been up all night in that outfit of complimentary blues in a business casual dress that cut just deep enough to show some chest but still appeared modest. “We could just give the man some money? I am sure a few Hundred Million Beri could get him anything he wants!” Her voice and face were naturally far warmer and more energetic than the daughters which had a biting cold that could easily be mistaken for indifference.

“Ali! That would be fine if he found and returned my watch but this is Anni! No, this needs to be more personal.” Oleg stated, looking around to his wife. He then looked up and around to see Annika kneeling at the coffee table with the chest cracked open and her hands wrapped around a large shiny silver peach that was covered in blackish purple swirls. A green streak of neon green fluid ran down Annika’s cheek and dribbled onto the battered wood of the chest.

With eyes wide he stared as his baby girl recoiled after swallowing the bite. Her face was contorted in a look of pure disgust as her mouth pulled away from the fruit, showing its neon green flesh. “EUGH THAT IS VILE!” She managed to say before dropping it into the chest. That was it. She had the powers now… the rest of the fruit was disgusting and inert. She slammed the lid closed and jumped back to just gain some distance from that disgusting thing.

Oleg watched with his eyes bulging from the sockets, his mouth agape. His surprise was accompanied with a strange sound coming from him. His baby girl… ate a devil fruit! Why? How?! There were so many questions. “Annika!” He finally managed to shout, the shock slowly fading from his face.

The girl pointed her hand up and a hook appeared then shot up limply. It latched on to the dangling chandelier and she slowly rose up. It was taking effort and there was a big strain on her tired face, however she was smiling that genuine smile… she had power now.

---

Post: 3

• Annika: acd1fc
• Claude: ce5a3d
• Oleg: 00c2ff
• Alivia: a55eff

[Bobbie]

Simon watched the man let go of his daughter as reluctantly as he did – he could understand it. Though he had no children of his own, he could see that Annika certainly was a gem to be treasured more than anything wealth could buy, and she also seemed to be prone to winding up in a few messes. Holding onto her and never letting go honestly seemed like the safest route. Then the man’s attention was all entirely on him… and Simon began to shake.

Not outwardly, of course, he would physically appear perfectly composed, apart from his eyes that expressly revealed the young officer’s uncertainty as they were wide and fixed on Oleg. The older man’s pensive stance made Simon very nervous, as he watched the man’s gears silently turning and his thoughts being processed in what could only be a very clever mind.

‘promoted’ – PANIC! the word rang in the air for a moment and shot right through Simon’s soul. Promoted!? What was this, some kind of twisted joke that the universe was playing on him? This would be the second promotion in less than a month! Both of which were unwanted and would undoubtedly come with increased work, more responsibility, added stress, and a never-ending list of things that could go wrong while on the job! No thank you. No, no, no, no t h a n k   y o u !

Simon really did try his best to hide his honest reaction to such a proposition, but his face twisted and contorted against his will. His brow furrowed into an expression of shock and his eye twitched. His attempt at a grateful smile turned out to be a sheepish one with a deep secret as one corner seemed unable to decide if it would be rising or not, twitching in limbo rather awkwardly. “Ah.. hah… haha, I couldn’t-“ he began his gentle rejection of such an offer, but he was interrupted by a second suggestion. Saved! Though he wasn’t quite sure if it was really any better than the first, he quite liked being an officer, even as a lowly constable who was constantly being given grief by the almighty Miguel and his buddies. Travelling sounded nice, but what reason could he give in his resignation letter to the chief? This required a lot of thought, and he wasn’t sure he wanted such a big change in his life.

Change is good, everybody always says, but that simply isn’t always true. Simon enjoyed the absence of change. Routine and the mundane. Mundane is good. It’s steady, it’s secure, it’s predictable. Predictable means prepared.

As the woman then spoke, he shifted his gaze to her, watching her as she spoke her words. Words so great that they caused Simon’s jaw to metaphorically and almost literally drop. A few hundred million!? How many hundred million? The poor peasant in comparison to these people felt faint at the prospect – he could become a millionaire, just like that! No more public transport to work, he could buy his own vessel! He could buy a larger home than his silly little apartment! He could do up his kitchen with all the latest fancy equipment and buy all sorts of exotic ingredients to throw in his cooking without having a guilt trip for spending his salary on unnecessary treats that were less than essential to his survival! Think of all the clipboards he could buy and use for work, with his name on them so nobody could touch them! And the sunglasses!! He had lost his old ones just yesterday and needed them replaced.

This woman speaks sense and she knows what people need.

Already nodding, he turned back to Oleg and had one hand already raised with a single finger extended, about to agree with her offer and accept whatever amount she had in mind, but as he opened his mouth, Simon learnt the true consequences of hesitation. Oleg spoke first, and his words crushed the man.

Simon's entire body deflated and became ten times lighter. He could feel his essence escaping his body and floating up into the air as such a great opportunity was so narrowly missed. Devastated, the man has never appeared more downtrodden than he did at that precise moment and somehow even his uniform seemed to turn a shade darker with the filth of his recent adventure - and his crumbled spirit, that was now so shattered in such a cruel world. One look at the man could easily reveal what he really needed - a new uniform and some relaxation, as well as a trained medical practitioner to have a look at the wound on his leg from a nasty rat that got a bit too grabby.

“Yes… more personal…” he whispered after the man, barely loud enough to be heard at all.  Defeated, the man was in a daze, until he heard Annika’s expression of disgust. Blinking himself back to reality, he turned to look at Annika just as her father did. That was the fruit that she so desperately wanted to get from the ship… did they not know that she had made this purchase?

“Did you just…?” he croaked out from behind Oleg.

With an eyebrow raised, he watched her perform her trick in surprise. This was it? She wanted to shoot hooks out of her hands? She can shoot hooks out of her hands!? The shock seemed to grow on his face the more time passed. Then, however, he saw her smile. It was all the renown Smiling Man needed, as just like that, his own face had the same genuine smile on it.

She did it. This girl had a dream and knowing that she was now one step closer to achieving it warmed his heart.

---

Simon: #d2ce2f

[Kami-Gaz]

Everyone in the room looked so surprised, they had just witnessed a mythical devil fruit being eaten and used in front of their eyes! The girl who was dangling from the chandelier using her ability, a hook lodged around the chain that held it up and in the arms that extended outwards. The ceiling creaked and groaned under the new pressure. She did however look incredibly happy! That was until the groaning ceiling gave way and let go of the chain making the entire unit fall down. Annika hit the coffee table with a yelp and a thud before rolling to the side… just as the light fixture hit it and crushed it with a fantastic crash.

Oleg the father of this devil fruit eating menace had moved away from the conversation that he had been having with Simon and got to his daughter, placing his hands on her shoulders. He had managed to contain his shock, but his face was still a picture. The man despite his wire thin frame hoisted the girl up effortlessly and pulled her in to a great big hug with a smile. “You did it! That’s my girl!” He said with a proud tone.

Alivia had been startled by everything that had gone on, her daughter eating a devil fruit and showing its power… the chandelier falling and the crash it made. She was holding a hand over her heart as the hug happened. “Sorry about this officer…” The woman breathed before looking back to Simon with a smile. “Anni had wanted to be strong and help people for as long as I can remember. We said we would support her but only if she could prove she could handle it.” The woman said.

“Daddy! I did it! I got a fruit! I can help people!” Annika managed to say through tear filled eyes, hugging the man back but looking around to her mother and Simon. “Simon helped me so much! He deserves anything! I said he could use our Spa whenever he wanted.” She said before leaning back so her fathers face filled her sight. “Is that okay Daddy?”

Oleg looked down, then back over his shoulder to Simon. A moment of thought passed over his face before he nodded. “He can have that and any one favour from me he wants.” The business man said in a thankful way. “Mr Rickshaw. You helped my princess follow her dream and for that we both owe you greatly! Please if there is anything you need let me know and we can do our best to make sure that is sorted.”

---

Post: 4

• Annika: acd1fc
• Claude: ce5a3d
• Oleg: 00c2ff
• Alivia: a55eff

[Bobbie]

With the loud crash, the scaredy-cat of a constable jumped as he got startled and instinctively took a step back as glass from the fancy trinkets hanging on the expensive chandelier scattered across the floor of the room. “Are you okay?” he soon blurted out, countering his previous backward step with another forward one to return himself to his previous position.

Simon was worried for the girl – first of all, she could have got hurt. Seriously hurt, if she fell badly and landed at the wrong angle, and that chandelier fell dangerously close! Secondly, he thought she’d be in serious trouble, judging by how shocked her father was at her taking a big bite out of the devil fruit that may or may not have been smuggled in. Either way, it didn’t look good, and Simon felt it best to simply stay out of it – until he watched the man hoist the girl up and hug her once more.

This raised three questions in Simon’s mind. Was he really so worried about his daughter that a bear-hug was in order? Was this some odd sort of punishment in which the rather stoic girl was forced into an emotional situation? How on earth does a man as fragile-looking as this one simply pick up a girl as effortlessly as he just has? Confusion was written all over the officer’s face, and he wished he had his sunglasses. At least that way, he could try to look like he was following what was going on and his mind was not wandering off into silly corners with many questions. Three, to be more precise.

When Alivia spoke, Simon shifted his attention onto the woman. “It’s okay.” He smiled to the woman, “I may have heard something along those lines being mentioned while we were on the ship.” He nodded in confirmation. Yes, what this woman has just described summed up everything that Simon knew about Annika – which wasn’t a lot, granted, but he felt it was enough to get to know the girl at least on some level.

Turning back to Oleg, he smiled once more and laughed nervously, “Please, just Simon is fine.” He offered, before nodding somewhat guiltily, “I’d really appreciate her offer, actually, a day at a spa sounds like just what I need. Oh, and…” he paused, only deciding to make this request because the man so graciously offered any one favour. He glanced down at his uniform that was dusted with sea-salt, stained with soot from the fireworks and a bit of oil from the ship – the source of other markings were unidentifiable to Simon – “Could I, maybe, get an order for a new uniform in? I feel like this one’s a little past its expiration date.” He joked, before quickly adding, “After everything it’s been through just yesterday, including the beast that latched onto my leg.” He muttered, as he grabbed said trouser leg and tugged at it lightly to reveal not only subtle tears and stains, but also a bullet-hole at the ankle.

There isn’t a single bone in Simon’s body that is capable of harbouring bad intentions – but, unknowingly, he had just added fuel to the fire, and this is exactly how rumours get out of hand.

---

Simon: #d2ce2f

[Kami-Gaz]

There was a reluctance in the way Oleg let go of his little girl, a look in his eye that made him out to be a man that doesn’t want to let his baby girl go. She being the most precious thing in the world to him. In a moment he did let her go, then he turned his full attention to Simon. The fact he was grateful just to be getting a pass that let him into the C.R.A.C.K Ship employee spa at any time he wanted for free was a good sign.

Annika nodded as her friend accepted the Spa, that was good but she knew her father and she knew that he was going to offer the man more than a free pass. She looked to Simon and then shook her head with a dry chuckle at his request for a new uniform. Really? That was all he wanted from a rich business owner that owed you the world? Annika could provide that in her sleep! “I’ll get Simon that Daddy! You give him whatever you want!” She said before looking at her palm to see a small metallic hold now there permanently. That was going to be something she needed to adjust too.

Oleg opened his mouth to respond to Simon but was beaten to it by his very own daughter, he nodded to her suggestion. “Well Simon. What would you say to working with one of our up-and-coming inventors? We can get you some real kit that you can use both on and off the job.” Oleg said as he moved away to walk around the couch that his wife was now standing up from to pat the man on the back and shake his hand.

Alivia smiled as she walked to Annika and put her own arms around the girl and squeezed tight, even tighter than Oleg ever did. “You had us so worried! We sent Folonzo out all night to look for you.” She said in that same stern but caring voice mothers had when they were fighting their urge to tell the child off for doing something dangerous. She pulled back and kissed the younger version of her self on the forehead and then smiled. “If you’re going to be doing crazy things to help people you’re going to need some training little Miss.”

The stern words made Annika recoil and nod… this was always going to happen. “Yes mother…” She replied quietly. “I’ll ask Fonzie to train me.” She said in a small voice as the mother nodded before looking over to Oleg with a victorious smile. She had gotten her way, as always. “Officer, please follow me and Annika when Oleg has finished chatting your ear off. He just likes showing off our employees skills. We will show you how to get to the Spa and give you your pass.”

---

Post: 4

[/font]Claude: ce5a3d
Oleg: 00c2ff
Alivia: a55eff[/ul][/div]

[Bobbie]

Simon looked at Annika, quite surprised by her head-shake of disapproval, and even more so when his request was not only accepted, but he was offered yet another reward. The officer was modest to a fault, he wasn’t the kind to ask for things unless he absolutely had to simply because he didn’t like inconveniencing people, and he had a gift for accepting the mundane.

“Oh? Okay, erm…” he uttered in response to Annika’s comment, but he felt genuinely lost. This was a very strange situation that he found himself in, and he didn’t know what to ask for. He had everything he needed.

Receiving a suggestion from the man was a godsend – Simon was starting to sweat! Whatever it may be, he was ready to accept it even if just to bring his suffering to an end. “Yeah!” he nodded as Oleg patted him on the back with a hand that felt a lot sturdier than it should have for a man of such apparent … fragility. His hand in a firm shake, Simon smiled and let out a relieved laugh, “Sure. That sounds interesting.” He was about to repeat that it wasn’t necessary, but managed to stay his tongue before it rattled on.

While their hands were locked, Simon could hear the exchange between mother and daughter. It was quite a traditional one – the girl being told off as the mother made her demands, and of course it ends in the mother as champion. Mothers have a way of getting what they want, and it quickly became clear that this one was no different.

As the woman addressed him, his attention shifted to her with the same pleasant smile on his face. Ah, this mother was a funny one too – he glanced at Oleg to confirm that. Surely her husband must find her wit quite amusing.

“It’s really quite alright, ma’am.” He laughed. The men must stick together, it was the number one rule of any social exchange that consisted of more than one man and any number of women. They are a force not to be reckoned with and their male counterpart should be happy to add to their numbers in such a dangerous encounter. Oftentimes, sheer numbers was not enough.

As if he hadn’t already done enough for this family, the people-pleaser of an officer soon opened his big mouth again, “I wouldn’t mind teaching her some jujutsu, if you’d like. They’ll let her into the dojo back at the station if she’s with me.” He offered with a light shrug as he was ready to follow her, if Oleg was finished.

He wasn’t quite sure why he made that offer. Judging by the appearance of this man, Fonzie, and the way he brings himself about, it was quite clear that he was a man who knew his way around in battle. His size alone led to the assumption that a fight against him would not be one to look forward to, so Annika really shouldn’t need Simon’s help – but perhaps he was simply looking for the opportunity to seek out her company.

If their last adventure brought no other good with it, it certainly brought out an amicable impression of the girl on Simon.

---

Simon: #d2ce2f

[Kami-Gaz]

Oleg stopped talking all together when his wife addressed Simon and only nodded enthusiastically after the fact. “You really don’t have to Simon; you have done more than enough for Us and for Annika. You brought her back to us and helped her get miles closer to her dream… now let us just pay you back.” The patriarch of the Stratonovski explained before patting Simon on the back with something the man thought was gentle but was easily enough to knock the policeman off of his balance and maybe the air from his lungs.


“Go with the girls! I’ll organise this equipment upgrade. Get to the C.R.A.C.K Ships HQ for 9am and Fleur will work with you.” The man said before shifting to head in the other direction as Annika bounded over and looked up to Simon. There was a simmering look of excitement under her cool eyes and the stoic face was muddled up by a form of happy energy that gave the corner of her lips a little twitching smile she wasn’t entirely used to.

“Come on Simon! Let’s get you the Spa pass!” She said, waving her arm to try and pull his to make him follow. Her parents seemed to have an effect on the girl that brought a happiness to Annika, it’s a family unit that functioned amazingly despite the pressures of business and wealth.

A smiling shake of her head was all Alivia offered as she turned and walked out of the room, her pale ice blue hair was long enough to touch her knees as it waved with each step. “This way you two!” The elder woman called as her high heels clicked on the marble floor between the living room and the magnificent hallway of the mansion.

Annika followed, pointing her hand out and making a hook limply fire outward and thud to the floor. She paused mid step and pouted, puffin out the cheeks with a sour look. Was the power of the hook being shot proportional to her own physical strength?! What was this crap!? “Crap…” She spoke softly before reeling the hook in slowly then making it dematerialise. Fonzie would need to help a lot.

---

Post: 5

[/font]Claude: ce5a3d
Oleg: 00c2ff
Alivia: a55eff[/ul][/div]

[Bobbie]

Simon smiled as Oleg so politely refused his offer and he nodded in response. “Alright-“ he started to say, but the pat on the back that was really more like a smack on the back just came out of nowhere. The officer tensed at the blow to his spine and staggered forward just a bit – had he not been quick enough to move one foot forward to steady himself, he’d have easily stumbled further into the middle of the room. The wind in his lungs was indeed knocked out of him as Simon let out something like a cough, which then transformed into a cover-up laugh.

How the heck does this guy pack such force with a simple pat on the back, I think he just cracked my spine!

A smile remained on Simon’s face as he slowly straightened up as discreetly as possible, silently assessing the damage. Of course, no cracked spine, but that sure did take him by surprise.

The man’s prompt for him to follow his wife and daughter was very welcome if it meant getting away from his very powerful show of affection, no matter how appreciated such immense gratitude was. Bracing himself for another ‘pat’ Simon was relieved to see that he began to move away from him and soon eased up. “Yes, sir. 9 a.m. sharp, I’ll be there. Thank you very much.” He smiled before his own attention took a shift as well, now facing Annika as she appeared in his vision once more.

She truly was such a treasure. The slightest hint of a smile on this girl’s face just warmed his heart and brought a big silly grin on his own face. “Okay, okay!” he laughed, before he glanced toward Alivia who called out to them and her heels clicked away. As he walked after the woman, he offered a final nod to Oleg, then paused by Annika, who seemed to be lost in the despair and disappointment of her newfound power not being strong enough.

Simon resisted the urge to ruffle her hair, but playfully patted her shoulder – a real pat, unlike the horrific attack that came from her father earlier on – and he smiled. “You’ll get it with some practice and patience. Come on, let’s not leave your mother waiting.”

---

Simon: #d2ce2f

[Kami-Gaz]

Annika looked up to Simon as he patted her on the back and nodded to his words, he was right! This was still going to be a long road! No one was born strong so she had to work on it! With a secondary resolute nod, the girl stood up straight and took the lead after her mother. “Yeah!” She said before heading out of the way in a cool calculated walk. She was going to master this, she was going to be the biggest hero out there.

Alivia had been slowly walking, waiting for the pair to catch up with a knowing look over her shoulder. The mother really was just Annika but older and far warmer in personality than the daughter. Once they were close to being on her heels she walked on, leading the small group through the well-lit carpeted corridor that had pictures of all the ships that the company had built over the years and the crew that built it. Annika did appear in a few through the ages from small baby to child to teen. “Our masseuse will have you feeling ten years younger in no time Simon, the Sauna will sweat out your worries and we have a hair dresser in every other Sunday if you need a trim.” The woman explained as they passed by a large model ship that looked far to advanced with weaponry and mechanisms that looked really intricate.

“Ohh and we have a pool if you want to go for a swim!” Annika said to add on, it was her favourite part. Something she couldn’t enjoy anymore without floaties to keep her alive.

“Sweetie, with your fruit powers… you can’t use the pool anymore.” Alivia said sternly, stopping by a door and gesturing for the pair to enter first. Annika sighed softly and pushed the door open with a frown, inside was a reception room, white and clean with a tiled floor and signs pointing to changing areas and different treatment rooms. It had a clean modern medical look but was warm and refreshing.

---

Post: 6

[/font]Claude: ce5a3d
Oleg: 00c2ff
Alivia: a55eff[/ul][/div]

[Bobbie]

Simon watched Annika as she was converted so quickly. This girl really was a wonder all by herself, with or without the devil fruit and its powers. With a smile of admiration and genuine care, he stood up and followed after her to catch up with her mother further down the corridor.

As he walked, his attention shifted from one painting that hung on the walls to another, only occasionally glancing at the speaker as she explained the situation. The many different ships were really quite impressive, though he wasn’t sure how legal some of them were – especially the more advanced ones with weaponry and mechanisms that he didn’t recognise. They were quite unlike anything he had seen during all his time working at the docks of Water 7, and a bit of scepticism began to show on his face. What would a ship like that even be used for anyway? Surely this simply had to be a model alone, certainly not for practical purposes… right? He then let out a burst of laughter as Alivia had only just barely finished speaking, “Knocking off ten years sounds good to me!” he exclaimed with a big grin. Simon was only 28 years old, but being a man who must frequently be on his guard to protect himself from his own unfortunate mishaps and who would often find himself in one awkward predicament or another, it was easy to feel well above his actual age. His last adventure left him feeling quite drained – yet his incredible ability to keep smiling through it all did not falter.

Upon hearing mention of the pool, he was about to oblige and ask to make use of that, but when he heard Alivia tell her daughter that she couldn’t make use of the pool, he hesitated. Maybe he’d use the pool on a day when Annika wasn’t around, just so she wouldn’t feel bad about being unable to use it… “A massage and sauna sound great, no need for the pool - they are usually overrated, anyway.” He replied, kindly, as if his words were necessary to make his new favourite companion feel better, which they probably weren't. The price was worth her newly acquired hero powers, anyway!

As he walked through the open door, his eyebrows were instantly raised as he stared, taking in everything that there was in the room – was there anything that these people didn’t have, contained within these many walls? The room itself was spotless. As he paused and looked down, he could practically see his own reflection staring back at him in the polished floor tiles, and as he smiled, it smiled back to him.

He raised his head to look at all the different sections indicated by the signs: the changing room, of course, as well as a massage parlour, sauna, relaxation space, experience showers, ice fountain, aroma therapeutic room, and finally a sign toward the pool, indoor and out? What didn’t their facilities offer!? Simon didn’t even know where to start! Forget sticking to a massage and sauna, he had never even heard of half of these treatments, let alone experienced them! That needed to change!

His mouth  open in shock by all of this, he looked at Alivia, then Annika, then Alivia again. “You’re really… you're just letting me use any of these?” he asked, having never expected a reward as amazing as this one.

Still intent on starting with a massage to soothe his aching body, he looked around for the 'massage parlour' sign, finally closing his mouth for a brief moment, only for it to open once more in a wide grin. “Can I start with a massage?”

---

Simon: #d2ce2f

[Kami-Gaz]

Annika was the first to respond to her companion’s question, quick on the draw and icy cold in response. “Anything you need.” She spoke before spinning around on her heels to look at Simon and where his eyes were wandering. He wanted a massage? That was good, he did deserve one after last night. She nodded and pointed to the massage parlour then stopped. “Mummy… do we have spare clothes for Simon to borrow? He can’t wear his uniform it is ruined.” She explained before looking at him with a pout.

The mother chuckled as she looked over the man. “I am sure there are some spare workers clothes he could wear after his massage; you can have those cleaned and patched up in the mean time?” She asked, paying full attention to her daughter who was running over plans and possible styles that the gear could be done in. Then a slow nod came as a plan formed in her head. “Simon, leave your clothes in a basket and we will give you something to wear home. Tomorrow when you come to meet Fleur, we will hand your uniform back to you in mint condition. Annika will likely work all night on it for you.” The woman noted before turning to walk to a counter as she pulled out some paper and started to fill it in.

“See Simon! You get so much and now you get to use the Spa whenever you want!” She said with the most excitement her small form could muster. She moved to pick up a set of towels and moved them over to the counter by Simon, then slid them closer to him. “Go, get a massage and relax!” She ordered, a sense of self importance coming into play because she wanted her friend to feel comfortable.

---

Post: 7

[/font]Claude: ce5a3d
Oleg: 00c2ff
Alivia: a55eff[/ul][/div]