Mysterious Package

[Mr. Moon]

Eric #1

After their raid on the cruiser and acquiring the scroll, it was far from over, as the marine ship called by the cruiser´s crew cared a little about the wounded guards they left behind and focused solely on capturing the Wolves. It took some refined work with the helm from Martin, together with a bit of luck, to shake them off. It took them several hours before the Marines finally gave up on pursuing them, during which time Eric kept the whole crew on high alert in case they would have to fight their way out. However, once the danger passed, the Wolf King disappeared under the main deck, to report back to Gabriel. He expected that the professor will have some objections to the way they dealt with the issue, but surprisingly he seemed to be too preoccupied with other things to care. Well good for them. Eric wasn´t really that close to their boss to care about his personal affairs. However, he would lie if he said he wasn´t interested in the reason why was Gabriel curious about how fast they can arrive in the East Blue.

Anyway, he had his own problems to focus on, and so the white-haired veteran checked on Agnes, who, still unconscious was moved under the deck, together with her doctor and Takeda as a bodyguard, before going back upstairs.

“Sanagi!”

His voice cracked through the upper deck like a whip. From Rahu´s report, he already has a rough idea of what happened, but still, he wanted to hear from that girl personally. If her mental state was a danger for the Wolves then no matter Agnes´s wishes, he would have to deal with her as soon as possible.

“Care to explain to me what is going on with you?”

[Vio]

^{Sanagi #1}

---

Discomfort.

Her body ached in odd ways as she sat upon the deck of the small vessel, pressing one hand upon her opposing shoulder and rotating the connected arm as if to loosen upon the joints and muscles — to seek a reprieve for this state. A familiar state it was, ingrained into her psyche. It didn’t help that ‘HG-04’ suffered an altogether different feeling, still reeling from her outburst upon the ship the Wolves had attacked. Guilt. The whole incident — even the one before that with the swordsman — did not sit well in her heart.

^{“Sanagi!” Eric barked:
“…What is going on…?”}

^…?

She did not flinch. She did not turn. She was beyond much of that in the present, where her body was telling her something was wrong, but her mind was far more disturbed. Flashes of what once was, but imagery that she seldom could identify. The strange suit was her only actual physical possession beyond the underclothes she wore, but it felt alien, even as it sat there rolled up beside her. The integrated backpack protruded awkwardly, but despite being called out, she simply and silently allowed herself to open it and search it, drawing from it what amounted to a plastic and foil sachet with a plastic screw cap at one end. Yellow eyes, partly glazed over, absently read what was on the front — apparent instructions and an extra note scribbled on in hasty but neat penmanship:

^{HG PROJECT HORMONE SUPPLEMENT
TO BE TAKEN ORALLY / INTRAVENOUSLY
NOT FOR NON-HG UNIT CONSUMPTION
Drink it when you don’t feel well}

“I don’t know,” she responded after some delay, painfully aware of how quiet the rest of the Wolves seemed to have become as their pack leader’s voice lashed out across the deck like a whip. Every little thing she was now painfully aware of just added to the burden, physically and mentally, but she remained mostly silent as she unscrewed the cap of the little bag and followed what seemed to be both instruction and instinct. Its colour? Unknown. Its texture? A little syrupy but otherwise watery. Its taste? Sour, but not overbearingly so. She drained the sachet, screwing the cap back on half-heartedly and tossing the rolled up article back into the backpack.

^{“Mmmph… Wasn’t it…,” she spoke, turning to Eric:
“Wasn’t what, uh, Aron did against your orders…?”}

---

SPOILER: Click to show

{Post Synposis:—}
<sub>As Eric begins to question her on her behaviour, Sanagi downs a concoction before responding.

NOTES:— --</sub>

---

Wells Sanagi | #ff91a4
Eric | #eeeeee

[hurdy13]

Oro Midas #1

The Marine's were fierce in their pursuit but the wolves and the fishmen were able to avoid them. Eric's craft moved deftly through the waves, Leon keeping their little craft as close as possible. Both ships cut through the blue tide, dodging cannon fire and eluding the law.

Once they had lost the pursuers, the fishman turned to each other. "Well that was quite the time." Mentioned Augusto lightly, his large Sturgeon fishman build casting a huge shadow on the little deck. He had done well for his first outing, thought Oro Midas, and he made it out in one piece. Leon nodded, his thoughts continuing on how they were working with humans. They were forced from their home because of the destruction wrought. True, this group was paying them but it still didn't sit right. They had promised to make it home to Fishman island by any means, but was this the solution; being their muscle?

Oro had gotten some time to heal up in the escape and was feeling much better. He could see Leon's disapproval whenever the waves rocked the wolves craft into view. Augusto was the better of the three, his mind was younger and he had much less unpleasant dealings with the humans. He himself was opening up more because of Augusto, also Eric and his standstill fight.

"There's much to learn still... Leon, I see you aren't the most enthused at this arrangement. What would you think to splitting up, and re-grouping in the east blue. That is the departure point for the Grand line, our next step."

Leon looked, containing his surprise well. The three of them had been together for many years, but perhaps some space would help. "I think it could be a good switch up, how are we splitting?"

"You an Augusto take this ship, I'll ride with the wolves. I want to learn more from these humans, and I think you and Augusto deserve to run your own show for a while. You proved you can handle yourselves on the mission. I know you want some human free air as well." The three chuckled at the joke, the air lightening.

Augusto did want to stay with Oro and the wolves, but the show of trust was a nice gesture. He could see too what Oro was aiming for, he wanted him to loosen up Leon and get him better acclimated.

The fishman caught up with Wolves craft and Oro Midas Jumped aboard, carrying a small bag of supplies. "I'll catch you all in loguetown." he shouted, as their small ship peeled away.

He turned to head to the bow and heard a shout for Sanagi below deck. He leaned against the rigging and stared at his 2 friends sailing off, he'd see them soon...

[Mr. Moon]

Eric #2

There was it again. After the white-haired veteran addressed Sanagi, she didn´t respond and instead looked absent-minded somewhere in the empty space, before pulling out a small vial from her suit and drinking whatever was inside. Only after that did she really focus her attention on him.

“Yes, he did. But that´s not what I am talking about.”

He growled, walking these few steps that were between the two of them.

“I am talking about what´s happening here.”

Eric knocked on her head with his index finger.

“I heard the reports and saw it myself. You lack focus, are spacing out, even in the middle of battle, sudden outburst…we cannot continue like this.”

He wasn´t yelling at her nor did he seem to be angry, still the stern tone of his voice was something that was better to be taken seriously.

“You are a good fighter, I saw that myself and Agnes like you…a lot, but we are mercenaries. When we enter battle, we are entrusting our lives to each other so I have to know I can rely upon you, otherwise, your journey with us is ending here.”

The Wolf King looked at the pink peculiarity in her eyes.

“So, tell me do you have it under control or not?”

Meanwhile, Shiro was standing near the taffrail looking into the ocean. Like everyone else on the board, he was listening to what was happening there sure, that whatever the result Eric and Agnes will fight again. As he was watching the waves breaking against their ship, he noticed that Oro Midas jumped at their boat, while the remaining fishmen were preparing for a change of course.

“Hmmm, what´s up?”

He asked the large fishman.

“Your guys are leaving us or something?”

While his voice was calm and without any unnecessary emotions, the large fighter wasn´t happy about this turn of events as these two fishmen proved to be strong and reliable allies in the last battle.

[Vio]

^{Sanagi #2}

---

Sanagi’s eyes focused on Eric as he spoke, even as his finger tapped her head. Oddly enough, she didn’t feel threatened by this man’s frustrations, perhaps because he was clearly keeping the reins on any actual anger he might have had — but she wasn’t sure. He certainly wasn’t yelling at her. At the very least, it was a distraction from one thing, bringing the other to the fore. A glimpse of that guilt found its way to the surface, forming a soft frown upon the alien oddity’s face.

^{“So, tell me,” Eric finalised:
“Do you have it under control…?”}

“I… Mm,” she squeaked, looking down slightly at one of her arms as she flexed the digits. Pink skin marred with faint little darkened lines. “I’d like to, but, I don’t know if…” Her voice trailed off as she focused on the prickling sensation in her body, the likes of which had started to dull a bit. Flexed fingers curled and balled into a fist, discomfort intensifying a little as blackened enamelled blades slipped from tiny darkened seams between her knuckles. Just as smoothly as they protruded, they retracted as she opened her fingers again.

She sniffled.

“I– I don’t wanna fight…,” Miss Wells whimpered, standing up to at least speak to the pack leader more directly. Black and yellow eyes watered slightly, tears held back as she struggled to look him in the eye. “On… On that ship, nobody did anything wrong, right? We attacked first, right?” she queried, her own memories of the situation now a bit of a hazy blur as she poked for confirmation. “It– It was mean! Agnes! Agnes got hurt because we did that… That’s what happened, right…?”

---

SPOILER: Click to show

{Post Synposis:—}
<sub>An upset Sanagi questions the actions of her company.

NOTES:— --</sub>

---

Wells Sanagi | #ff91a4
Eric | #eeeeee

[hurdy13]

Oro Midas #2

Shiro addressed Oro, asking about Leon and Augusto. "We're going to split up for bit and re-group. There is a lot of bad blood with humans and fishman and some need more time than others to break through barriers. Meeting Eric and the rest of you, I'm breaking through with respect and fighting..." He was cut off when he realized Eric and Sanagi were speaking and he caught on that Shiro was listening as well. 

The young pink companion seemed to be struggling with a power she did not yet understand, what a situation to be in. He was lucky to be born with his gifts, which lead him to think Sanagi wasn't. He saw how capable she was, and power such as that isn't easily given. She must have a had a tough go of it so far. 

"To answer you though, I'll be sticking around awhile to learn and see what these Seas have to offer. Too long me and my brothers have lived below the waves, whether fear or caution but no more." 

The small Fishman crews goal was ultimately to reach their home land on Fishman island, the birthplace they couldn't recall. Oro decided to stay up deck while Eric and Sanagi finished their discussion, no need for him to interrupt as this was Eric's ship and as the captain, he had things to handle with the crew. 

[Mr. Moon]

Eric #3

The white-haired veteran was watching Sanagi and her struggle with something that be considered a pity written all over her face. The pink skinned peculiarity was a formidable fighter blessed by many gifts that many men would kill for. Gits that earned the respect from Eric and his crew. But it seemed, that she lacked the heart of warrior that was necessary to actually use this strength.

“Pity, I think Agnes really liked her…”

Eric sighed for himself, before putting one of his large hands on her shoulder.

“That´s right kiddo. Nobody on that ship did anything wrong. We attacked them simply because they had something we needed and they wouldn´t give it to us otherwise. We were stronger and so we took what we wanted and left them bloodied behind. That´s the world we are living in.”

A few muscles in his face twitched as she mentioned Agnes and what happened to her as the usually callous Eric still couldn´t shake off how closely his little sister avoided death. But this wasn´t a time for sentiment, so he pushed his regrets away and continued.

“And if you are feeling that it´s too much for you it´s o.k. Remember what I said to you back then. Once accepted, members of this group are free to stay or go whenever they want, no hard feelings from us. So if you don´t want to fight anymore, it´s alright. We´ll take you to the nearest port and from there we all go our separate ways.”

He patted her shoulder, before retracting his hand.

On the other side of the ship Shiro sighed.

“Well I hoped your buddies will stick around longer, since we are loosing Pink, but guess that´s the life. We were doing good with nine people so with you around it´s still one more than we were used too.”

[Vio]

^{Sanagi #3}

---

Eric’s confirmation wasn’t exactly what HG-04 wanted to hear, but she wasn’t exactly annoyed by the facts. If anything, she was more disheartened than anything, if only because of how the pack leader spoke about the entire situation. The strong take what they want from the weak? No, that didn’t sit right with her, but she couldn’t really find the strength to object, especially when he spoke further. To travel with the pack wasn’t a necessity, but an option; a decision she could make of her own accord.

“Members of this group are free to stay or go whenever they want,” he explained, reminding her of things she’d been told but likely forgotten. “We’ll take you to the nearest port and from there we all go our separate ways,” he finished, more understanding of her plight than she would have perhaps given him credit for. For a moment, she simply stared at him, but broke eye contact and wiped her tears across her arm before nodding vehemently. This was an offer she had to take, if only for her own peace of mind.

“I… I wish I knew why I was like this,” she uttered. “It’s not that I don’t want to fight, but,” Sanagi explained, trying to find the reasons for how she was — she owed the wolves that much for what they’d offered her. “I do, but I don’t. If I have to fight, it’s gotta be because I think it’s right… I think.” Maybe it made sense. It didn’t really do so in her head, but then not a lot did. A hazy, messy jumble of thoughts, emotions, and memories so vague that she wasn’t even sure if they were memories or not…

---

SPOILER: Click to show

{Post Synposis:—}
<sub>Sanagi tries to reason her reasoning.

NOTES:— --</sub>

---

Wells Sanagi | #ff91a4
Eric | #eeeeee

[hurdy13]

Oro Midas #3

Oro heard Shiro sigh, and hearing Eric's words it seemed like they would be losing Sanagi. Thinking on it though, it's dangerous to have someone half into the fight supporting you, for success you need all fronts united. If this was the reasoning behind the free leave policy, it was a good one. Keeping only those who are willing and able. It also re-assured Oro that should he need to leave the group, there shouldn't be too much issue. He wasn't sure how long he would stay himself, but he felt he still had much to learn, and taking what he wanted from others who weren't defenseless wasn't a problem for him.

His goal was the same as when he started, venture to Fishman island, where is people hailed from. His Family left when he was young so he never got to see it himself...

He turned to Shiro, "Along the same lines as Sanagi, they need to find the spirit to move forward, I'm thinking some time without their 'Leader' will help them gain more. It is a vast sea but we'll see them again." Though he had not known her long or knew much about her but he could appreciate someone who was out of the norm of humans making their way. Luckily she seemed to be able to defend herself.

The Fishman watched the waves around the ship, the sway of the ocean. Life swirled and moved similar to the great oceans, turbulent and ever changing. To make it, one must sail through life ready for any weather.

[Mr. Moon]

Eric #4

The Wolf King tilted his head to the side when he noticed tears running down Sanagi´s cheeks. He wouldn´t admit it, but he had a soft spot for this pink-skinned peculiarity. Still, the safety and effectiveness of his pack came first and in their line of work, there was no room for compromises.

“Come on, there is no need to cry.”

He grinned, taking the crying girl around her shoulders to hopefully comfort her a little.

“This kind of life isn´t for everyone. You want to fight only for the right reasons and that´s perfectly fine, but it´s not something we can offer you here. So we´ll take you to the nearest island and from there we´ll go our separate ways as friends because for what it´s worth, you earned my respect.”

With that, the white-haired veteran patted her shoulder and headed towards the helm to set their course towards the Silver Island. One of the more famous archipelagos in the South Blue. The journey there took almost a whole week, during which, Agnes regained her consciousness. She wasn´t happy about the fact that Sanagi will be leaving them, but after a heated debate, that was interrupted by her doctor several times, she agreed, that it was perhaps for the best.

Navigating through the circle of smaller islands that were around the main landmass, Eric led their boat to the port of the main city, which was big enough for anyone, even someone as peculiar as Sanagi to not stand out too much.

As the other Wolves were completing the anchoring, Eric made a way into his cabin, taking one of the envelopes stacked with cash he was keeping for worse times.

“Hey, Sanagi!”

He called at the pink-haired girl just as Agnes was giving her, her goodbyes.

“Something is telling me, you didn’t have any money in that suit of yours, so take this.”

He threw her an envelope with something around 500 000 Beli in it.

“It´s not much, but it should help you to start with whatever are you going to do. Just…don´t let anyone to steal it from you and stay safe kid.”

[Vio]

^{Sanagi #4}

---

“…For what it’s worth, you earned my respect,” Eric spoke, comforting Miss Wells with an offer of friendship and a pat on the shoulder as he switched his attention to chartering a course. Another week’s worth of sailing at least allowed her the chance to make her peace and prepare herself for goodbyes, as awkward as it was, but it didn’t seem that many were opposed to the idea of her departure.

Agnes was an exception.

Even so, the days passed quickly, and HG-04 soon found herself ashore on the sprawling port of a massive city. Just the image of such a place baffled her — not a single place she had visited nor could remember had been so big as this. But here it was, the beginning of a foray into a whole new walk of life. One where she had to be prepared, physically and mentally, to fend for herself. Both sides were debatable.

“Thanks for looking out for me,” Sanagi said to Agnes as they exchanged farewells. An interruption came soon after, a call from the Wolf King himself as he tossed a small package in her direction. An envelope whose contents she investigated after some prodding from Agnes. Cash, a decent sum, more than the girl could ever remember seeing in her lifetime. More than most people saw as annual salary as far as she could remember.

^{“Just,” he cautioned:
“Stay safe, kid…”}

“I– I will! Thanks,” the pink one smiled. “Oro… Adam… Gin… Martin… Semjon… Takeshi… Rahu… Shio… Agnes… and Eric! I promise! Next time we meet, I’ll be stronger! Thank you… Thank you for everything~!” With that, she departed, a cheerful smile and a wave given as she walked away from the pack that had so graciously cared for her since her crash landing. The ultimate question now was, where would she go…?

---

SPOILER: Click to show

{Post Synposis:—}
<sub>Sanagi departs (and gets the names right).

NOTES:— Sanagi exits the thread.</sub>

---

Wells Sanagi | #ff91a4
Eric | #eeeeee

[hurdy13]

Oro Midas #4

The ship was docked, and the wolves had begun to depart. Sanagi beat them to it however, with a little bag of well wishes from Eric himself. His time with Sanagi had been brief and she seemed to have a bit to figure out about the world, and herself; from what he saw in the battle she would be alright. Perhaps one day their paths would cross again...

He looked up now, that Sanagi was leaving to the grand castle before him. One of the towers was under construction, whether battle or just updates he knew not. The air was cool, not quite chilling and the clouds were heavy in the sky. It seemed as though it could rain at any time, but looking to the island's inhabitants one wouldn't be able to tell. They were dressed in a multitude of cloth, frills and other things Oro Midas Assumed were "fancy" he knew not of most human society but seeing how limited the clothing would leave the people in case of battle, they must have a relaxed life.

"Well, we're here. What's the orders of business Eric?" Asked Oro Midas without looking, his eyes were still drawn to the sprawling city before him, the largest he had ever seen being an ocean dweller.

He then heard splashes behind them, and turned quickly, only see swimming... Monkeys. His heart leapt at the thought it could have been a fellow Fishman but alas, thus was not the case. "What an odd place..."

[Mr. Moon]

Eric #5

Saying goodbye to Sanagi was hard for several members of the wolves, as the young peculiarity seemingly won the heart of many of their members. Especially Agnes was taking it badly, nearly adopting her as a little sister, similarly to how Eric took her in all these years ago. But the decision was already made, and it was a final one, so once their ship arrived at the Silver Islands, they gave her their goodbyes, while Sanagi finally managed to get their names right.

“Sniff…it´s not right…”

Agnes muttered watching her disappearing into the crowd.

“She is so naïve and gullible, what if someone hurts her?”

Overhearing her, Martin laughed.

“Then it would be the last thing they would do...that lass knows how to defend herself. Anyway…who´s guarding the ship this time, because I am pretty sure it´s not me!?”

The crew looked at each other before Gin raised his hand.

“My turn, but if anyone wants to trade…”

Eric´s lieutenant laughed.

“Your wish buddy! Enjoy your stay I´ll send some booze your way!”

With that, he saluted everyone and headed toward the city.

Taking Agnes around the shoulder to comfort her, Eric looked at Midas who asked him about their future plans.

“What are we going to do? What we always do after a successful job. We will rest! Ask Gin to give you your share of the treasure and enjoy yourself for a few days. I´ll get in touch with you once we´ll get some new job.”

“It´s party time!”

Adam laughed as he and the rest of the Wolves headed to the city.

“You should go too, I´ll stay here with Gin.”

Agnes muttered heading towards her cabin.

“You sure? Should I keep you a company?”

Eric asked, hiding the concern that was trying to reflect itself in his voice.

“Yes, I am. And no, I…need some time for myself, sorry.”

The Wolf King was watching her for a moment as she disappeared under the deck, before shrugging and heading towards the nearest inn.

[hurdy13]

Oro Midas #5

Oro nodded and caught up to Gin before he departed, getting his share of the loot they got from the mission, a nice sum. The good made him think of Augusto and Leon, specifically Augusto who had collected the valuables of the ship they raided. It should be enough to support them... They're resourceful after all. Thought Oro Midas as he stowed his share with his belongs in the temporary room on he was granted on the Wolves' Ship. He took a bit on his person, deciding it would be good to have while he explored the island, it seemed as they would have some downtime.

He dressed himself in his cloth and seaweed cloak, something he had been working on while they sailed in. Generally his tribe would just craft out of the seaweed but it really only worked while underwater. He borrowed a standard grey hooded cloak from the Wolves stock below deck, but to stay true to his roots wove the purplish green seaweed info the edges. He was getting better at controlling the moisture around him and found that the seaweed could hold some water should he need it in a pinch, and by focusing now and then he could keep the seaweed from drying out by circulating the water through it every hour or so. 

Once back above deck, he saw Eric and the crew head off into town as Agnes headed below deck. She was very close with Sanagi but he hadn't realized how much since he was the newest member. He didn't know how to comfort her, time would heal he hoped. 

Hopping off the desk, he scurried after the rest of the wolves and followed them to a bar. He was last to arrive after Gin but saw the crew had already begun. 

Shio and Adam were in each others face, and after over hearing or rather plainly listening as they were so loud, seemed to be engaged in a contest of attrition. Who would be left standing after their race to the bottom the numerous cups before them? Rahu, prideful and not one to be left behind was quickly trying to catch up to the two, much to the ire of the clearly overworked bar tender. 

He scanned the room further and saw Semjon, sipping a pint off to the side, he was normally pretty reserved, perhaps that would change after a few more rounds? He was joined by Takeda both seemed to be calmly sipping their drinks observing their stark contrasts; Adam and Shio.

By the time Oro got to the bar and ordered a drink for himself, he noticed Gin had secured a drink and found a comfy spot at a table occupied by some wonderful women, Oro Midas could feel the charm oozing off of him from yards away. 

Oro took a big swig, instantly remembering this was only his second time drinking, his first had led to the fateful fight with Eric. The drink tingled his body as his Fishman physiology accepted the libation. Perhaps it was the greater control of water he had gained since, but he wasn't under the table right away like last time. 

The crew along with Oro Midas carried on far into the night, with the Wolves nipping at Oro Midas for details of his travels and past, he told them of his underwater village and how it was destroyed by humans, setting Augusto, Leon and himself to Seas with no where to return to. He told them of his Dorado golden scales and how in the part even Fishman hunter them for trophy and his small bands desire to return to their ancestral home, the Fishman island. Such sad tales didn't last long however as the mood was constantly on the up and up. Before they knew it... the Sun had returned to the sky, dethroning the Moon... 

[Mr. Moon]

Eric #6

Sitting in a comfortable chair in a room he rented, Eric was drawing a portrait of the red-haired woman that was still sleeping in his bed. As the pencil was moving across the paper in his sketchbook, the Wolf King noticed the sound of boots that were stomping up the stairs. One, two…three pairs.
"Maybe a husband and his friends?"
Eric muttered to himself as the room they were occupying at the moment was the only one on the third floor and he couldn't imagine anyone else who would dare to disturb him this early in the morning.
Always the gentleman, the white-haired veteran decided to let her sleep, silently putting down his sketchbook and opening the doors just as the man on the other side was getting ready to knock.
A tall and athletic-looking guy in his late thirties with short, slowly graying hair and a marine uniform, identifying him as a Marine lieutenant, accompanied by two armed seamen.
"Sh*it…"
Eric cursed, making his way outside of the room, and closing the doors behind him.
"Sorry man, would you feel better or worse knowing she didn't tell me she is married?"
The lieutenant raised his eyebrow, looking at the already closed door, before shaking his head as if he couldn't believe what he just heard.
"What you are doing in your free time is none of my business Irongate. Dress up, the captain wants to see you."
Wishing it would be an angry husband instead, Eric disappeared back into his room, coming out again in barely a minute, still wearing nothing but his long pants, but this time with his sketchbook and pencil deep in his pockets. The woman still sleeping soundly.
"Alright let's go, just let me order her breakfast alright?"

---

An hour and a half ago, the city was already slowly coming back to life as a very early morning transformed itself into the early morning, while Eric was leaving the Marine base, looking for his people. It wasn't a hard task; all he had to do was to find the inn that was nearest to the port and offered a good selection of beers.
Just two inns and he had them, still lying on the floor and tables sleeping after the last night.
"Alright…"
He growled.
"Wake up you drunkards, we have a job to do!"
He yelled at the whole room.