Whispers Among Pirates

[indrayama]

Arrival on Bravo Bravissimo - Indra's First Post


Amid the perpetual night of Bravo Bravissimo, where stars adorned the obsidian sky like diamonds, a lone figure stepped onto the stone-paved streets of the Waterfront. Indra, a seasoned assassin with ambitions of piracy, had arrived on the island, drawn by a contract promising both challenge and a gateway to the pirate's life.



The air held a sultry mix of ocean breeze and the heady scent of the city's indulgences as Indra weaved through the canal city. Towering casino resorts lined the edges of man-made islands, beckoning with the allure of wealth and pleasure. Laughter and distant music played a haunting symphony, setting the tone for the unfolding drama.



His destination was the "Shadow's Gambit," a dimly lit establishment known for covert transactions. The Glow Fruit Trees cast an eerie glow, revealing only glimpses of the faces shrouded in shadows. Indra chose a secluded corner, his keen eyes scanning the room for the Broker, a middleman in the island's underbelly.



A figure emerged, draped in secrecy, and approached with a sly smile. "You're the one seeking the contract, aren't you?" the Broker's voice was a low murmur, blending with the ambient whispers of clandestine negotiations.



Indra nodded, his gaze unwavering. The Broker slid a parchment across the table, sealed with a crimson wax emblem. Indra's eyes flicked over the details as the Broker explained in hushed tones.



"The target," the Broker began, "is Akira Blackthorn, a man of interest to both the elite and the underworld. Your task is to eliminate him during an upcoming auction where a rare and valuable Devil Fruit will be on display. Retrieve any relevant information he possesses and ensure his demise."



The mention of the auction stirred a spark within Indra. His agreement was sealed with a nod, and he left the covert ambiance of the Shadow's Gambit, the anticipation of the pirate's life stirring within him. As he stepped back into the night, Bravo Bravissimo awaited the evolution of an assassin's journey into the heart of darkness, where contracts, desires, and the allure of piracy converged beneath the eternal night sky.

[Fox]

Having descended from the clouds above to the peaks of Bravo Bravissimo, Renata had a strict timetable for getting back into the clouds before they drifted away. That being said, she wasn’t going to let an opportunity like this pass her by. The White Sea that she frequented almost never passed over any islands, especially not ones that looked quite as lucrative as this. A bit of social sleuthing in the shadier areas of town informed her of an auction happening soon. Very soon.

Auctions were big time targets filled with a variety of treasures. Renata figured she’d infiltrate the auction and cherry pick the very best ones, including this supposedly rare and valuable thing called a Devil Fruit. Renata flicked her red hair over her shoulder, tying it back into a neat ponytail. Time to go to work.

Renata found the auction house without too much searching, casing the place from the cover of darkness. Lots of security around the front entrance. And, really, that wasn’t the ideal way in for her. She had no inkling of whether this was one of those sorts of places that was invitation only, so she’d be better off isolating a worker and stealing their uniform to get inside. It didn’t take her long to spot her opportunity.

A side entrance where workers were offloading what were probably crates of ingredients for feeding the many rich guests. Perfect. She made her way over there. She didn’t bother sneaking, instead strolling confidently over when one of the workers was isolated. He almost didn’t notice her until she was right on top of him. With a swift motion, Renata placed her hands around his neck and snapped it. He fell gently into her arms as she placed him in some nearby bushes.

Getting changes was similarly seamless and swift, stowing her smaller guns and daggers away on her person. When she was done, she dusted her hands off and grabbed the last crate, walking into the building nonchalantly.

---

Post Count: 1

[indrayama]

Infiltrating the Auction - Indra's Stealthy Approach


The venue hosting the exclusive auction loomed ahead, a grandiose structure carved from the remnants of Bravo Bravissimo's ancient mountains. Indra observed it from a concealed vantage point, a shadowy figure in the perpetual night of the island. The building's facade exuded opulence, with intricately designed arches and towering spires that reached for the star-studded sky.



Security personnel patrolled the front entrance, their watchful eyes scanning for any unauthorized entry. The air buzzed with tension as wealthy patrons, adorned in lavish attire, gathered for the invitation-only event. Indra knew a direct approach would be met with formidable resistance.



A side entrance, however, provided a potential avenue for covert ingress. Workers bustled about, loading crates into the building, their focus on the logistical intricacies of the event. The controlled chaos presented an opportunity.



Stealthily, Indra slipped through the shadows, navigating the labyrinth of alleys and concealed passages that crisscrossed the city. He observed the islanders, searching for a target – someone attending the auction, likely a foreigner with an invitation, unfamiliar with the city's nuances.



His sharp eyes settled on a well-dressed man, speaking a foreign tongue and gazing at the grandeur of Bravo Bravissimo with awe. This was the mark – an outsider, who had traveled from afar for the exclusive event. Indra assessed the situation, calculating the risks and benefits of his next move. A plan formulated in his mind – eliminate the target, acquire the invitation, and assume the guise of the unsuspecting attendee.



With calculated precision, Indra closed the distance. The foreigner, engrossed in the spectacle around him, remained oblivious to the imminent threat. In a seamless dance of shadows, Indra drew his deadly dagger, swift and silent. The blade found its mark with lethal precision, and the foreigner crumpled to the ground, life extinguished.



Now possessing the golden ticket to the exclusive auction, Indra slipped into the shadows once more, blending into the night. As the imposter seamlessly joined the ranks of the privileged guests, Bravo Bravissimo's grand auction house awaited the unfolding of a clandestine operation, where deception and intrigue danced beneath the perpetual night sky.

[Fox]

The worker passages of the auction house were stark and plain, illuminated by bright white lights that buzzed overhead. Renata examined them curiously. They weren’t light dials. She opened a door into an expansive kitchen where many chefs were hustling to get hors d’oeuvres out to the guests. Renata took a tray of them after placing her crate of ingredients on the floor and stepped out into the main hall. It was staggeringly gaudy and elaborate in both decorations and architecture. It looked like some giant theater with a stage and rows upon rows of seats as well as balcony seating.

Renata leaned down occasionally to pass out the food on her tray whenever someone waved at her, slowly making her way to the back of the room near the stage. She figured that the auction items would be stored somewhere around there at least. She couldn’t go up directly onto the stage, but instead placed the tray down on a nearby table and slipped behind the curtain. The curtain offered cover from prying eyes, but it wouldn’t stifle noise very well. She’d have to be quick and quiet about this.

Backstage was dark and held very little in the way of items. A few paintings and a statue were sitting on a few carts. Her eyes snapped over to light coming from a door closing as someone passed through it. Perhaps there? They had to be storing the items somewhere. She’d prefer something travel sized like jewels or gold. After all, she had to climb back up those damn mountains after all of this was over. That fruit was probably the perfect size. Maybe they had some necklaces or some such other pieces available as well. A smile slipped over Renata’s face as she thought of it, and she stepped forward into the darkness toward the door.

---

Post Count: 2

[indrayama]

Indra's Unintentional Encounter - Behind the Curtains of the Auction House



Indra melted into the shadows, his keen eyes scanning the bustling crowd of well-heeled attendees within the auction house. The opulent setting was a stark contrast to the perpetually dark island, and the air hummed with anticipation.



His target, described in the contract, was said to be a man with an air of importance, likely surrounded by an entourage of guards. Indra, attuned to the art of stealth, circled the edges of the auction room, observing the patrons and their interactions. The elaborate garments of the affluent attendees whispered tales of their wealth, but the elusive mark remained elusive.



As he continued his discreet reconnaissance, Indra's gaze was drawn to the backstage area, a realm hidden from the prying eyes of the auction attendees. A silent slip behind the stage curtains revealed a trove of valuables awaiting their turn in the spotlight. Indra, a thief as much as an assassin, couldn't resist the allure of potential spoils.

As Indra circled the periphery, lured by the allure of backstage treasures, he collided with another shadow— a woman, draped in the guise of a worker. The collision, a dance of inadvertent secrecy, unfolded in the dim-lit backstage.



Without missing a beat, Indra's piercing gaze met hers, and with a characteristic edge to his tone, he remarked, "Watch your step. Shadows can be deceitful." The apology was absent, replaced by a subtle challenge in his eyes.



A flicker of recognition passed between them, unspoken words hanging in the air. "Got a reason for lurking around here?" Indra questioned, his voice a low murmur that echoed the clandestine ambiance.

[Fox]

“Damn,” a curse escaped Renata’s lips despite her best efforts when she collided with something. She reflexively turned toward it to catch or steady whatever she’d bumped into when she very quickly realized that it was much less of a what than a whom. A rather young man who distinctly looked like he was up to no good. Renata recognized the look in his eye. For her part, she was dressed much the part of the waiter with black slacks, suspenders and a white button up shirt. Still, something about her reaction must have given something away, or, at least, like recognized like.

Still, Renata wasn’t one to give up the game so easily. She bowed slightly to the much smaller man. “My apologies, sir,” her voice was gruff. That couldn’t be helped. She lacked much of the necessary decorum for one working in the service of others. “Are you a guest? I’m afraid this area is off limits right now while we’re setting up for the auction.”

She avoided his question entirely, acting with the confidence of someone who belonged. “Please return to the main hall at your earliest convenience,” she added. She didn’t have time to babysit who could potentially be a real guest back to the main hall and maybe get called away to serve more appetizers. Instead, she turned slightly. “If you’ll excuse me.”

Hopefully, that’d be the end of it. If he pushed his luck, she’d have to do something about him. She had a knife stowed under her belt. That would probably be the quickest and quietest way to go about things, but it would leave evidence. Renata would rather this be a quick in and out affair. She had to get back to her line before her clouds drifted away from this place.

---

Post Count: 3

[indrayama]

The Dance of Shadows: Indra's Silent Confrontation

As Renata's apology grumbled from her lips, the deep, almost guttural quality of her voice reverberated through the dimly lit corridor. "Damn. My apologies, sir," she spoke with a tone that matched her imposing stature—a clear indication that her words were not just a formality but an assertion of authority. Her towering figure, 2 1/2 meters tall, cast a long shadow over Indra.



"Are you a guest?" she inquired, the words carrying the weight of someone used to issuing orders. "I'm afraid this area is off limits right now while we're setting up for the auction." The dismissive tone in her voice made it clear that she expected compliance.



Unfazed by Indra's attempts to engage her in conversation, Renata pressed on with her directive. "Please return to the main hall at your earliest convenience." Her words were a command, not a request. Turning away, she prepared to leave, her demeanor suggesting that the conversation had reached its end. "If you'll excuse me." she added, signaling her departure.



Indra, however, had other plans. His profession demanded discretion, and the imposing figure of Renata presented an unforeseen obstacle. The red hue of her long hair caught his eye as he made a quick calculation—silence was his ally, witnesses were not.



Swiftly, like a shadow in the night, Indra's hand moved to the concealed dagger at his side. In a calculated maneuver, he launched an attack, aiming to neutralize the potential threat posed by the imposing woman.

[Fox]

While Renata was eager to get away, she wasn’t so foolish as to lower her guard completely. After all, she was usually correct when people were up to no good. She just usually turned a blind eye to it so long as it didn’t affect her. It was sort of what one would call professional courtesy. Which is why Renata wasn’t totally surprised when the man leaped at her. She whirled, drawing her own knife from her belt seamlessly and met his knife in the dark with her own.

The blades clashed, unleashing a shower of sparks that illuminated the dark for an instant. She was made now, but so was he. The question, of course, being what he was here for. If it was for the Devil Fruit, she’d certainly fight him for it. She’d made up her mind on acquiring that particular prize.

“Masks off and knives out, it is,” she said, shoving Indra away from her with her blade. “What are you here for?”

She kept her voice low so as not to arouse any suspicion from beyond the curtain. “I’m here for the Devil Fruit.”

[indrayama]

Blades Clash in the Shadows: Unveiling Motives

Indra smirked as the blades clashed, his nimble form dancing back a step after the initial confrontation. The sparks briefly illuminated the tension between them, but Indra's expression remained cool and calculated. He hadn't expected the woman to be so quick with a blade, but that only added a layer of excitement to the encounter.



"Masks off and knives out, indeed," he replied, twirling his dagger skillfully in his hand. "You're quite skilled, I'll give you that. But I'm not here for the Devil Fruit, sweetheart. I'm here for a different kind of business," he added, narrowing his eyes at her.



Indra didn't entirely trust her claim about the Devil Fruit, suspecting there was more to her story. However, he wasn't keen on revealing his true intentions either. Instead, he decided to play along, at least for now.



"If you're here for the Devil Fruit, we might have common interests. But I'm not buying that you're just a worker here," he said, his tone low and cautious. "What's your game, red?"

[Fox]

What sort of other business was possible at an auction house? Renata scowled down at the man. She’d been pretty straightforward. For her, this was just an in and out job before she ran back up to the White Sea where no one would be able to reasonably pursue her. A smash and grab. She clicked her tongue at him, spinning her knife in one hand before tucking it back into her belt.

“Of course I don’t work here,” she admitted, rolling her shoulders into a haphazard shrug, “If you’re really not after the Devil Fruit, then I don’t really care what you’re actually here for. I didn’t see you as far as I’m concerned so long as you don’t plunge that knife into my back. Once I get what I want, I’m gone.”

Renata was done here. The longer she lingered behind the curtains, the more of a chance that she’d get caught when they went up. She moved, keeping a wary eye on Indra toward the door where the worker had disappeared. Her hands fumbled around in the darkness for a moment before finding purchase on the handle. She pushed, and a bright white light blinded her. These were the same stark looking hallways that the servants used to get around.

She rubbed her chin thoughtfully. Hm. How exactly was she going to find the room where they were keeping the items? She figured there’d be more security when she got close. There was always extra security for those sorts of things. Her mind flashed back to Indra. Maybe he’d know the layout of this place? She hadn't had long to case the place. Her eyes slid back to him.

“I don’t suppose you know the layout of this place?”

---

Post Count: 5

[indrayama]

Unveiling the Blueprint: Paths Known and Alliances Tested

Indra's eyes followed Renata's every move, his gaze keen and calculating. As she retreated from their brief clash of blades, he couldn't help but admire her skill. However, he remained cautious, recognizing that appearances could be deceiving, especially in this den of secrets.



"I ain't here for the Devil Fruit," Indra grunted, his tone gruff and direct. "Got a different job, and that's to end the life of Akira Blackthorn. The Devil Fruit just sweetens the deal, you know?"



He watched her reaction closely, searching for any flicker of recognition or surprise. The dimly lit backstage area concealed their conversation, and Indra had no intention of letting any prying eyes catch wind of their motives.



As Renata made her intentions clear, a hint of a smirk played on Indra's lips. "Well, ain't that a coincidence? I happen to know the layout of this place, thanks to a little contract I took on. Akira's room is well-guarded, but I reckon two heads are better than one in a tight spot."



His gaze met Renata's, a silent suggestion lingering in the air. "We work together. You get what you want, and I get a clear shot at Blackthorn. If things go south, having someone like you by my side could come in handy. What do you say?"

[Fox]

Assassination? Renata scowled a little bit at Indra’s comment. She definitely knew that world better than most, but the subterfuge and deceit it required usually just weren’t her style. Still, she wasn’t one to judge. She just rolled her shoulders in a half-hearted shrug in response. Luckily, this kid knew the layout! Perfect! She was half tempted to pick him up and tuck him under one arm as she just stormed through the halls, but she was pretty sure that he’d gut her if she attempted it.

“I suppose we could-”

As Renata began to speak, someone rounded the corner not too far away. Renata glanced over briefly, registering the confusion on his face. As he opened his mouth to speak, Renata just took out one of her knives and casually tossed it into his neck. It landed with a sickening thunk in his throat, causing it to fill with blood almost instantly. He gaped and gargled like a fish out of water until he collapsed onto the floor with a quiet thud.

“Don’t interrupt me when I’m talking,” she said disdainfully to the dying man before looking back to Indra with an upbeat smile, “Sounds like a plan, kiddo! Lead the way!”

Renata stepped aside with a dramatic flourish and bow, gesturing with her hands for Indra to get on with it. “Bit of a ticking clock now, so after you~”

---

Renata | #d22b2b | Post Count: 6

[indrayama]

Unspoken Alliances: Blades and Bloodstains


Indra's eyes narrowed slightly at Renata's reaction to his revelation. He could sense a reluctance in her demeanor, but the prospect of achieving her goal seemed to outweigh any moral qualms she might have harbored. As she spoke, considering the alliance, a sudden interruption unfolded.



Renata's swift and ruthless response to the intruder caught Indra off guard. He couldn't help but watch, a mix of surprise and admiration playing across his features. The dying man's futile struggle seemed to have left an impression, though Indra masked any visible reaction.



Renata's flamboyant bow and flourish earned a raised eyebrow from Indra, but he chose not to comment. He met Renata's upbeat smile with a nod, acknowledging the urgency she had just introduced. "Right, let's not waste any time," he grumbled, taking the lead through the labyrinthine corridors of the auction house.


The duo soon approached the room where Akira Blackthorn was rumored to be. Two formidable guards stood vigilant at the entrance, their imposing figures suggesting a formidable challenge. Indra turned to Renata, a silent understanding passing between them. It was time to put their alliance to the test.



"How do you want to play this?" he asked, his gaze fixed on the guards.

[Fox]

Renata picked her knife out of the dying man’s throat as she passed by, wiping it off with a handkerchief she found in her pocket and tossing the bloody cloth away. There. Spinning it casually in one hand, she put it away and followed her fearless leader into the maze of white halls that made up the auction house. She ambled along behind him with her hands behind her head. As he leaned around the corner and stopped, she also stopped, blinking at him as he turned back to her. Oh, they made it then?

Renata peeked out from behind the corner as well, resting her elbow on Indra’s head as she held her head in her hand. Why was he asking that? Kill them, obviously. Oh, maybe he didn’t want to show his face, being an assassin and all. Renata didn’t care about that, so she could go out first if he wanted.

“I’ll handle it. Distract ‘em and such. You get the other one? Or I will, doesn’t matter to me.”

She patted Indra on the shoulder and walked out, immediately alerting the two guards to her presence. One of them jolted and put his hand on his weapon as she lifted a hand to wave at them. Renata had a pleasant smile on her face. The other guard wasn’t as jumpy as his companion, but he watched her with a normal amount of caution for someone being on guard duty.

“Hey fellas! I’m a little lost, just a temp worker so it’s my first time here, can you gents point me to the kitchens? I’ve a date with some silver platters,” Renata lied as easily as she breathed.

Renata saw the one that she’d consider the veteran relax just a little bit as she stopped a respectful distance away from them. The veteran gave what she presumed to be the rookie a nudge to calm him down. The veteran’s eyes darted up and to the side as he tried to recall the way back to the kitchens presumably. As he did, Renata herself just smiled, relaxed, drew her knife from her belt and plunged it into his heart.

He stared at her in disbelief. His buddy stared in stunned silence. Renata smiled.

---

Renata | #d22b2b | Post Count: 7

[indrayama]

Silent Symphony: Devil's Fruit, Death's Pursuit


As Renata smoothly dispatched the first guard with a cold and efficient strike, Indra wasted no time. With the lifeless body crumpling to the ground, he stepped forward, his own dagger unsheathed. Indra felt challenged after Renata just walked up to them, without a second thought, so he followed suit. The second guard, sensing danger, tightened his grip on his weapon, prepared for an imminent threat.



However, Indra's movements were swift and purposeful. Instead of lunging at the guard, he interposed himself between the rookie and Renata, blocking the guard's potential attack on her. In the dimly lit corridor, the clash of steel rang out as the guard's weapon met Indra's dagger.



The guard, underestimating the agility and skill of his assailant, found himself outmaneuvered. Indra seized the opportunity, executing a calculated counterattack that swiftly incapacitated the guard. The second lifeless body joined its fallen comrade on the cold floor.



Now, with the guards dealt with, Indra turned his attention to the guarded room. His dagger sliced through the air as he skillfully cut down the doors, revealing the treasures within. Amidst the gleaming valuables, Akira Blackthorn, the target of Indra's mission, stood alerted. The room's silence shattered as Akira raised the alarm, his voice echoing through the corridors.



The element of surprise was lost, but Indra and Renata remained poised. The dance had shifted, and now they faced the challenge of securing their objective against the impending chaos that would undoubtedly follow Akira's alarm. In this unfolding symphony of shadows and steel, Indra's resolve remained unshaken, ready to navigate the turbulent currents that awaited them in pursuit of their goals. "Just when i thought it was going too smooth." Indra said calmly before realising there is a awkard looking fruit in a box made of glass. "Looks like we found the fruit, as well as the Target." 



With the doors sundered, Indra surged into the room, his predatory gaze fixed upon Akira Blackthorn, the elusive target of his mission. As he spoke to Akira who was in awe by the power before him "My blades whisper the language of death. Can you hear the symphony of your demise approaching?". Akira felt the Bloodlust coming from Indra and took a few steps back until he fell backwards, trembling and clearly sweating. He heard rumors about an Assassin in the East Blue but he didnt think he would meet him in the Grandline. "W-w-why are YOU here? I never did anything to upset your boss!" The opulence of the chamber dimmed in significance as the assassin's focus narrowed to a single, lethal purpose.



In a swift, calculated movement, Indra lunged at Akira, his dagger poised to strike. Akira, caught off guard, attempted to react, but the assassin's proficiency in the art of silent death left no room for hesitation. The dagger found its mark, piercing through the air with a deadly precision that mirrored Indra's intent.



As the blade met flesh, a muted gasp escaped Akira's lips. Indra, a master of his craft, swiftly withdrew the dagger, leaving Akira to crumple to the ground in the wake of the silent, deadly ballet. "My Job here is done, get the fruit so we can leave before more show up."