The Scorched Sands: Welcome to Resinbar

[indrayama]

As the ship approached Resinbar, the heat began to intensify, wrapping around Indra like a suffocating blanket. The sun beat down mercilessly upon the barren land, its rays reflecting off the shimmering sands in a blinding dance of light.



Turning to Renata, Indra couldn't help but grimace at the oppressive heat that seemed to seep into every pore of his being. "Red, brace yourself. This place is like nothing we've ever seen before." he remarked, his voice tinged with a mixture of awe and trepidation.



"The heat here is something else." he continued, wiping the sweat from his brow with the back of his hand. "It's like being trapped in an oven with no way out." Despite the harshness of his words, there was a sense of excitement in his voice, an anticipation of the adventures that awaited them on this unforgiving island.



As the ship drew nearer to the shore, Indra gestured toward the landscape unfolding before them. "Look at those cacti." he said, his tone filled with wonder. "They're like nature's sentinels, standing guard over this desolate land."



"But amidst the harshness, there's a strange beauty to it all." Indra mused, his gaze sweeping over the patches of vibrant green amidst the sea of sand. "It's like a painting, each brushstroke telling a story of survival and resilience."



With a deep breath, Indra turned back to face the shore, his determination unwavering. "Whatever lies ahead, Red, we'll face it together." he said, his voice firm with resolve. "Resinbar may be tough, but so are we. Let's show this island what we're made of."



And with that, Indra took his first step onto the scorching sands of Resinbar, ready to embrace whatever challenges and adventures awaited them in this harsh and unforgiving land.

[slyfan01]

Unbeknownst the the upcoming ship, there was a man, a quite large man, sitting at an restaurant near the shore. His plate and cup now empty while he jotted notes in a journal. A wanted man by nature and a historian by trade, he found himself on the island of Resinbar following a legend. The Mermaid's Tear, a treasure that can even undo death itself. If the legends where true, then the single greatest lost of his life can be undone.

Meanwhile the heat beat down on him. But it was nothing he couldn't handle. The heat of the desert was nothing compared to the heat of his own currently extinguished fire. And even if the climate proved to much, removing his attire and mask would surly be suicide.

[Fox]

There were many times during their fairly short voyage that Renata had wanted to kill Indra. This was another of those times. For an assassin edgelord, he really had a tendency to get distracted and wax poetic about the scenery. That had left Renata in charge of basically everything having to do with their survival. While Indra wandered around and ate food in the galley, Renata was fighting a storm on the deck. While Indra spoke about dreams and how they’d fight the world together, Renata was desperately trying to make sure they weren’t hopelessly lost. The list of grievances went on and on.

When Indra turned and spoke to a very haggard Renata lying in a hammock made of spare sails, she just grunted, exhausted from days without rest. The heat wasn’t something that she particularly minded, though it did add just one more layer of exhaustion to her. As Indra went on about fucking cacti of all things, Renata rubbed her temples and groaned. She’d wanted to take a nap after having finally sighted land, but that apparently wasn’t going to happen. He just took off. Not bothering to moor the ship to a dock. Nope. Nothing.

Renata groaned again and reluctantly slid out of the hammock, taking several heavy steps across the deck. They were sailing a Marine cruiser and were very much not Marines. Anyone who saw them on the ship would be able to tell that. That being said, Renata couldn’t be bothered to arrange a new paint job and get everything sorted away right now. The most she did was grab a rope and the anchor and tie the ship off to the pier.

“Ha…”

As Renata turned to look down the dock and to the town, she noticed already that there were some looks. But hell if she cared. She just wanted to find a nice cool spot to chill out for a bit. Walking over toward a beachside restaurant, Renata went inside and sat down at the first table that she saw, propping her feet up on it and leaning back in the chair. A waiter came by, looking both indignant and nervous.

“Miss, you can’t-”

The man shut up as soon as Renata leveled her pistol at him.

“Stop. Just- stop,” she sighed with a hand to her hand, “Bring me a cool drink and some food. I don’t care what. Just. Stop bothering me.”

The waiter scurried away as Renata leaned her head back and sighed, the arm holding her gun drooping lifelessly at her side.

“Ugh.”

---

Renata | Post: 1

[indrayama]

As Renata ventured into the restaurant to satisfy her hunger, Indra found himself drawn to a different kind of feast—the tantalizing aromas coming from the kitchen. With a mischievous glint in his eye, he stealthily made his way to the back of the establishment, his stomach growling in anticipation.



Entering the bustling kitchen, Indra's eyes widened at the array of culinary delights laid out before him. Without hesitation, he reached out and grabbed a handful of savory pastries, his mouth watering at the thought of sinking his teeth into their flaky goodness.



But just as he was about to indulge in his impromptu feast, a sharp voice cut through the air, freezing him in his tracks. "Hey, you there! What do you think you're doing?"



Caught red-handed, Indra's heart raced as he scrambled to come up with a plausible excuse. With a mouthful of stolen pastries, he could do little more than offer a sheepish grin as the kitchen staff advanced on him, their expressions a mixture of disbelief and outrage.



Realizing he had been outmaneuvered, Indra made a split-second decision. With a quick darting glance towards the exit, he bolted out of the kitchen, past Renata who was blissfully unaware of his culinary escapades.



As he sprinted past her, he took a look at Renata and muffled something incomprehensible with his mouth full and vanished into the bustling streets, leaving behind a trail of laughter and chaos in his wake.

[slyfan01]

Azriel heard the mess going on and his curiosity got the best of him. Closing his journal, he got up revealing his massive stature in it's full size. Stepping forward to investigate the source of the noise, he was quickly greeted by said source. A man crashed into him, falling to the ground from the collision. Meanwhile Azriel's superior size kept him on his feet, but the surprise of the impact still made him flail a bit, sending his journal flying out of his hands.

"What are you doing?" He asked looking down on the other figure. "Some of us can do without the chaos you just caused."

[Fox]

Renata had only just received her drink when Indra burst out of the restaurant’s kitchen with a mouthful of stolen pastries. He sprinted past her, mumbled something completely incomprehensible - presumably at her - and then sprinted out into the streets. Renata sipped her drink as she watched him go, a veritable stampede tumbling out of the kitchen to give chase. One of them stopped in front of her table, having seen Indra attempt to communicate and scowled.

“Do you know him?!”

“Nope,” Renata replied flatly.

The chef didn’t push the issue further and went to give chase out the door. Renata sighed. She was tired. Now that she was here in some civilization, she figured she could ditch Indra and try to find a way back to the White Sea. Though, did she even want to go back? Back to living under the shadow of Pops and his spoiled brat? Not really. She clicked her tongue and sipped at her drink some more. The Blue Sea was new. A lot to see. But adventure didn’t really call to her.

Renata looked at her hand, transforming it partially into that strange star fox’s paw. She flexed it and turned it over, examining how it sparkled in the light. Hm. She did have this new ability. Guessing from how it was the big ticket item at this auction, it was probably powerful. She could use it, couldn’t she? Take over a place. Shake ‘em down. Hm. Maybe.

---

Renata | Post: 2

[indrayama]

As Indra dashed through the crowded streets, his heart pounding with adrenaline, he collided with a towering figure, their collision sending both sprawling to the ground in a heap of limbs and confusion.



"What are you doing?" the man demanded, his voice low and stern, a stark contrast to the chaos surrounding them. "Some of us can do without the chaos you just caused."



Caught off guard but undeterred, Indra's quick reflexes kicked in. With nimble fingers, he deftly relieved the man of his wallet, his eyes widening in surprise as he realized the unexpected bounty he had stumbled upon. But in his haste, he also snatched up a small journal that had fallen to the ground, mistaking it for one of the man's belongings.



Apologizing hastily, Indra scrambled to his feet, hastily gathering up the fallen food and the unwittingly acquired journal before darting off into the maze of alleyways, his pursuers hot on his heels.



As he sprinted through the labyrinthine streets, Indra's mind raced with a mixture of exhilaration and trepidation. With each passing moment, he could feel the weight of the journal burning a hole in his pocket, a silent reminder of the unexpected turn his day had taken.



But for now, there was no time to dwell on such mysteries. With a determined grit, Indra focused on evading his pursuers, his every step a testament to his skill and agility as he disappeared into the bustling chaos of Resinbar's streets.

[slyfan01]

Azriel just shook his head at what happened. As the stranger disappeared down the street the larger figure looked at the ground. Then he patted his jacket. His journal and wallet where both missing. "That bastard." He cursed under his breath, his rage and desire to hurt the pickpocket almost making him ignite his fire. He needed to find that man, at the very least retrieve his journal. People learning he's a Lunarian, he'd have to flee the island before he even began to search for the Mermaid's Tear.

Azriel took off in a dead sprint. He wouldn't risk revealing the working nature of his wings just yet. He had to do everything in his power to keep his secret. "Where are you?" Azriel roared out.

---

Azriel Post 3

[indrayama]

As the commotion of his escape began to fade into the background, Indra's mind shifted gears, thoughts turning to the task at hand: assembling a crew worthy of his ambitions.
As Indra scanned the crowded streets of Resinbar in search of potential crewmates, his attention was suddenly drawn to a commotion erupting nearby. Amidst a gathering crowd, a burly man squared off against a much slighter figure, his muscles tensed for confrontation.



Curiosity piqued, Indra edged closer, his gaze fixed on the unfolding spectacle. In a flurry of movement, the lithe figure darted forward with surprising agility, ducking and weaving around the lumbering strikes of his larger opponent.



Despite the brute strength of the burly man, it quickly became apparent that his opponent possessed a skillful grace that rendered his size advantage moot. With lightning-fast reflexes and precision strikes, the slender combatant danced circles around his adversary, landing blow after precise blow with effortless finesse.



In a matter of moments, the fight was over, the larger man left sprawled on the ground, defeated and humbled by the sheer superiority of his opponent. As the crowd dispersed, whispers of awe and disbelief rippled through the onlookers, leaving Indra to marvel at the unexpected display of skill and prowess.



With a newfound respect for the slender victor, Indra couldn't help but wonder about the potential this formidable fighter held. Though their paths had yet to cross, the encounter served as a stark reminder of the diverse talents that lurked within the streets of Resinbar, waiting to be recruited into his burgeoning crew.

[slyfan01]

Azriel followed the noises of a fight, perhaps the thief was being held up by something. This would be the ideal opportunity to get his stuff back. And it seemed that today the fortunes have smiled upon him as sure enough the man was there.

"You! Stop!" Azriel yelled out. But his words weren't the only thing that would lash out. Calling upon his devil fruit, the Lunarian began to grow a chain from his arm, modifying it to possess a sharp edge. Lashing it forward the metallic whip ripped through the air at the target.

But he wasn't aiming for a direct hit, he was aiming at the ground around the thief. His plan was to take out his sure footing. He tensed his legs. Without his fire going Azriel's speed would be unparalleled. Once the ground was cut up, he would release the metaphorical spring he was tensing, launching himself like a projectile.

---

Azriel Post 4

[indrayama]

As the chaos of the fight subsided, Indra's senses remained on high alert, attuned to the slightest hint of danger. Suddenly, a familiar presence loomed behind him, and before he could react, chains lashed out from beneath his feet, threatening to ensnare him in their grasp.

As Azriel launched chains beneath Indra's feet and dashed towards him, Indra's keen instincts kicked in. With a swift motion, he activated his technique, Rhythm Echo. In an instant, multiple illusions of himself materialized, creating a bewildering array of copies surrounding him.



With a quick feint, one of the illusionary Indras lunged forward, aiming a punch at Azriel's face. The move was executed with precision, aimed to distract Azriel and buy Indra precious moments.

Indra used the distraction to slip behind Azriel, as he flashes a predatory grin and warns Azriel with a cold edge to his voice,"Cross me again, and you'll find that even shadows fear the darkness i bring." Before he vanished in the crowd that formed around the earlier fight.

[slyfan01]

Releasing the tension in his legs Azriel fired forward, ready to meet the punch he thought was coming for his face. But to his surprise, his fist passed through the figure. This confused him, taking his concentration off his jump causing the large man to crash into and through a nearby wall.

Despite the ringing in his ears from the crash, he heard the mocking words. this crowd, it was going to keep him from doing anything he really wanted. But he couldn't let someone make off with his journal. To many secrets and facts are on those pages. The level of hiding he would need to go into to recover...he'd never recover.

"Give me my journal back!" He yelled out again. Crowd or not, he might have to start playing into his unique powers. He spread his wings, and with a powerful flap shot into the air. Spreading them out again, he felt the air catch suspending him in the sky as he surveyed the ground below.

---

Azriel Post 5

[indrayama]

As Azriel's words sink in, Indra's smirk widens, realizing that he inadvertently holds something of significant importance to the imposing figure before him.

Feeling a sense of newfound leverage, Indra's mind races with possibilities. His grip on the journal tightens imperceptibly as he considers the potential advantages of possessing such a valuable item. Despite Azriel's insistence, Indra remains composed, a flicker of mischief dancing in his eyes as he contemplates his next move.

With a nonchalant shrug and a sly grin, Indra replies, "Finders keepers, my friend." His tone carries a hint of mockery, subtly taunting Azriel with the knowledge that the journal is now in his possession. Though outwardly calm, inwardly, Indra relishes the opportunity presented by the unexpected acquisition of the journal, eager to uncover its secrets and exploit them to his advantage.

As Azriel soared into the air, his wings carrying him above the bustling crowd, Indra seized the opportunity to slip away unnoticed. With a quick glance over his shoulder to ensure he wasn't being pursued, Indra melted into the throng of people, his movements swift and calculated.

Keeping a low profile, Indra navigated through the crowded streets, his mind buzzing with thoughts of what to do next. The journal tucked securely under his arm, he mentally mapped out his next steps, considering the potential value of its contents and how best to leverage them to his advantage.

As he disappeared into the labyrinthine alleys of the city, Indra's thoughts raced with possibilities, his determination unyielding as he plotted his next move. With the journal safely in his possession, he knew he held a valuable asset—one that could potentially shape the course of his future endeavors.

[slyfan01]

Sadly, despite the sky-based advantage, Azriel couldn't pick the thief out of the growing crowd. He landed in a back alley away from the crowd, thoughts rushing through his mind. Truth is half his research he could accept loosing. It's the secrets he put into it, the fact that he was a member of a lost race still alive, that was what he couldn't risk getting out. It would bring the world government down on him.

He could feel it happening. The beating of his chest, the blurring of his vision, it was the fear. The fear of this world his mother taught him. He would never be safe...never be safe....never be safe...

[indrayama]

With the journal in hand, Indra found a secluded spot away from prying eyes to peruse its contents. As he flipped through the pages, his curiosity piqued by the tantalizing secrets it held.

His eyes scanned the lines of text, absorbing the information within. The mention of Azriel's wings intrigued him, sparking questions about their origin and significance. The revelation of Azriel's defection from another crew hinted at a troubled past, ripe for exploitation.

But it was the mention of Azriel being a surviving Lunarian that truly caught Indra's attention. The notion of such a rare and mysterious lineage stirred his imagination, opening up a realm of possibilities for alliances and leverage.

As he continued to read, Indra's mind raced with plans and schemes, envisioning the potential alliances he could forge and the power he could wield with this newfound knowledge. The mention of Poneglyphs only added to the intrigue, hinting at a deeper connection to the ancient history of the world.

But for now, Indra knew he needed allies by his side. With a newfound sense of purpose, he tucked the journal safely away, his mind already turning to the task of recruiting this Lunarian to his crew.

As he slipped back into the bustling streets, Indra remained vigilant, his senses sharp for any sign of Azriel's presence. With each step, he moved with purpose, ready to confront the enigmatic figure who now held the key to his ambitions.