A Devil's Feast

* **Date Completed: Ongoing**
* **Users Involved: User:Shamankingaursu, User:Hitosarai, User:Dinonix12, User:AbysmalShadows**
* **Setting:**
* **Time In Universe: Late 1585**
* **Characters Involved: Rajin, Burgru, Ulysses Marshall, Kouna, Bubble, Gimli, Nanao, Zelo, Spiritwood Orion, Ackerman D. Falco**
* **Characters Mentioned:**
* **NPCs and Antagonists:**

## A New World Of Opportunity

A Large vessel ripped through the waters of the New World. A Shiny layer of coating protected the ship from the pressure of the ocean. As they made the surface, Rajin sighed a long sigh of relief. They had made it to the surface in one piece. "So this is the New World huh!?" Rajin raised his arms over his head and let out a roar of excitement. He was not the type to get so hyped up, but...he had been waiting to enter these seas. He had traveled the world looking for knowledge, but all signs pointed to this part of the sea. It seemed this was the part of the ocean that guarded the world's secrets!

"Heh, so we finally reach this place; I heard the level of strength here is at another level. But me and Gimli will handle any problems." Ulysses Marshall called out to Rajin. He was the right hand of Rajin, a red-haired gunslinger with a love for all sorts of battles. He rested his rifle on his shoulder, looking out to sea. "I expected things to be far more chaotic, but I guess the seas can surprise you. Maybe there just happy to see us."

"Yes.. let's head straight away to defeat Koyuki. We cannot wait any longer. We sailed together for two years, and now it is time for us to put it all on the line." Kouna, Rajin's other top member. The Fishwoman's clan had been friends of the ancient country of Wano. When it was taken over by Koyuki, her people swore to help Wano out of its darkness one day.

"Are you crazy?!" Nanao called from the back as she was fixing up Burgru. The giant mech had suffered some damage from an earlier battle, but he was almost as good as new now! Nanao was their mechanic. They had met her at the end of the grand line. Working on the runway that had been placed on the vessel, she grabbed a few parts from the small bi-plane she had created. "And if we keep rushing headlong into danger we are eventually going to get beat. We been keeping it lowkey that why we hardly got bounties! We should keep it at such. Koyuki just gonna have to wait. You said yourself, she is the strongest creature in the world!"

Ulysses huffed. "That actually Kurama chumps. The Commander in Chief I heard it is a real demon. Koyuki is only the strongest woman in the world." Nanao turned, pointing at Ulysses. "Does it matter!? That like saying we are gonna take on the third or second strongest person instead! Point is we don't stand a chance in hell."

Rajin stood in the front of the vessel, listening to his crew mates argue about the next course of action. He didn't exactly 'lead' the crew. Yes, he was the captain, but he wanted to let their dreams come before his. He felt that was the duty of a captain. Yet, Kouna's dreams were daunting. He knew of the reputation of the Emperors. His hand touched the side of his head where an aching scar now lay. The bullet that Black Bart used to nearly end his life. He had learned much later that it had been a hunting pirate vessel. Black Bart had nowhere near the top of that crew, and he easily beat Rajin. Of course, that was two years ago, but he was unsure how much had changed. There was a reason everyone cowered before the four emperors.

"If I may suggest." A small figure stood by Rajin's side. "We should land at the port and learn more about the challenges of the New World first. You usually plan things out, but for this, you just decided to head out here? What made make such a brass action? It is not like you, captain." Zelo called out. The Small Kinokobito had lived in the Calm Belt, another friend who had joined on their adventures. He had given Rajin a great deal of advice and knowledge on the ways of the old world. "I don't know, maybe it is the stories I have been hearing. Or maybe..." Rajin clutched at his heart. "I heard the voices call me here? Sometimes, we have to struggle against fate. Sometimes we need to just embrace fate." Rajin grinned as the ship sailed towards an island in the distance.

Kasabako Island was right ahead of them. The island had an odd fate; it was an island early in the New World and was currently under the control of the marines. Rajin had done enough research to know this. He planned to be lowkey here. Get some supplies, then sail off. Of course, the voices told him otherwise. There was something here he needed to see. So the Sky Devil Pirates were going to see it even if it caused chaos! That was the way of a pirate, after all; he couldn't let anything stand in the way of his and his comrade's dreams.

"Alright now that we are inland! I say we split up and explore the island." Rajin said. "I'll go by myself. Burgru you stick with Nanano to keep her safe since we are not flying her airplane on the island."

Nanao sighed. "Come on, captain, it would be loads of fun." Rajin wagged his finger. "If you wanna stay on the ship instead, that can work." Nanano grinned. "Yeah, that is better, and take these." She pulled out tiny Den Den Mushi's. "I bought them on the last island so we can communicate if trouble starts." She hands them to each of her comrades. "That works for me." Rajin laughed. "Alrighty then you two stay here. Ulysses and Gimili of course can stick together. Kouna and Zelo you guys stick together as well. If any groups run into trouble, we contact each other then we meet up when possible."

All the members nodded as they began to split off; of course, Burgru and Nanao were left to guard the ship. "Breeeeeee." The Machine hummed as Nanao sighed and decided to work on her plane while everyone else enjoyed the new world's wares. "I hope they at least buy something for me." The girl complained.

## A Heroes Reward

Shore Leave.

Two innocent words, that for most mean nothing. But to a Marine? They might as well have been the word of the gods themselves! In just those two words, all their hopes and dreams could be realized. No more responsibility, no more duty, no more risking one's life to capture annoying criminals, absolutely none of that. Shore leave was what Marine's called it, but to everyone else it meant one thing:

Vacation!

Falco just shook his head as he laughed in a way that only a veteran of the seas could possibly understand. He was in currently in his room packing his belongings at one of the Marine bases stationed near the early part of the New World. As a Captain, he was afforded some degree of luxury, as the barracks he was provided was quite lavish. A beautiful view of the base, large and spacious with a full suite of amenities. This was the life.

He had forgone his usual attire and donned an aloha shirt, khaki pants and sandals. And of course, he reached gingerly into his cooler retrieving an ice cold beer. Popping the top off he drained the entire bottle in one go. Letting out a belch, he smiled warmly as he finished getting everything together. Pulling out his map, he took a gander at the island he was vacationing too.

Kasabako, the latest tourist attraction maintained by the Marines. However on this island the night life restrictions that were common on Marine bases were lifted here. So this was a place where a Marine could finally let loose! Chuckling to himself he noted the general direction on the map, he'd find it of course, and after gathering everything headed to the port of the base.

**Pururururu Purururururu**

Confusion marred his features before he sighed and pulled out the snail. "Captain Ackerman speaking." Who the hell was bothering him? This shore leave was dated, stamped and approved by no less than three Commodore's!

A disgruntled voice came through. "Ackerman! I hear you're going to Kasabako. Good, I've got some-" On duty, Falco was the picture of professionalism, but off duty Falco? Well, that was a whole other beast entirely. "Yessir!" he said interrupting his superior. "-I'm going on vacation, right now, so whatever you gotta say, I ain't gotta hear it, till three days from now. Respectfully sir, fuck off and have a good day!" He ended the call right after that.

*Somewhere else on base....*

A man in with the rank of Commodore could only stare in disbelief at the Den Den Mushi. "That bastard really hung up on me. Oh well, looks like I'll have the last laugh though." He said chuckling darkly. In his hands was a report, a request for assistance and reinforcements from the Marine's stationed in Kasabako. Trouble was brewing on the tourist island, and his wily subordinate was determined to dive headfirst into that mess. Taking a puff of his cigar, he considered his only regret.

Not seeing Ackerman's face when his precious vacation blew up in his face! He let out a loud belly grabbing laugh.

Stashing the snail, Falco let the power of his Devil Fruit flood out, the eerie green and black energy coalescing around him as he transformed into a sleek aerodynamic vehicle. Manifesting an arm to drop his luggage where the cockpit would be, once he was finished, he accelerated before blasting off into the air towards his destination.

As he broke the sound barrier Falco let out a whoop, "Hehe, here I come Kasabako! Woohooo!" With that, Falco disappeared into the horizon flying towards the island.

## Cages and Keys

Along the docks in a much more secluded section of the island. A lone ship stood busy in the harbor. A constant line of crates being carried on and off. Men wearing identical armored vests and gray uniforms worked heavily to unload the vessel. At first, it seemed not to out of the ordinary. Just sailors doing their jobs. Until, instead of crates, they began carrying cages. Cages filled with creatures and exotic animals. Some even housed humans; one particular cage held a rather energetic individual. A red-headed girl with an inconsistently appearing coat of feathers of the same color along her body. Gray, scaly legs made it seem like she was some kind of mink.

Despite her figure, the girl acted nothing like a human. Quite literally, bitting at the bars with a sharp-toothed mouth. Constantly shaking the cage, which threw the men carrying it off balance. Even leading to the cage being dropped as one tripped and ended up falling into the water. A nearby man who had seen what unfolded quickly took up the latter's spot. "Damn, this is a wild one; I've never seen a mink like this before.” He spoke as he began to lift the cage. Having to speak louder to be heard over the girls constant screams.

”Yeah, though you know what they mean. Rare breed, she’ll fetch a pretty penny on the market.” The adjacent man replied, flashing a grin while chuckling as he did. Clearly, this was not just any group of sailors going about their business. But a group of slavers, based on the chosen location of their delivery, it was an illegal slaving operation.

After reaching the end of the dock, the two men set down the cage. The girl still squirming around inside like a rabid animal. A more finely dressed man nearby with a strange haircut stepped up. Clearly having noticed the commotion from this specimen. Leaning down to look inside the cramped cage, he asked. “Now what the hell kind of mink is that?” Just as confused as the other men in the group.

Stepping up, a man appearing to be a captain arrived with a clipboard. On it were a number of different lists. Separated by different races, genders, and ages. Listing all of the slaves they had caught and were delivering. Skimming through the list, he landed on a certain line under the section labeled minks. “It says she’s likely a dog mink, but I…” Too beginning to look down and inspect the girl. He continued, “I don’t see it.”

”So then what the hell is she?! We can’t sell a slave if we don’t even know its species.” The man with the haircut yelled in an uproar. “Our benefactor, whom I represent, holds this operation in high standing. We do not fail, we do not lose a slave, and we do NOT lose a profit.” Moving over, the man got right up in the captain's face. Pressing a finger against his chest. “Unless you figure out whatever the fuck this thing is, keep it out of the auction.” Seemingly finished with his rant, the man turned and walked away, upset. Walking in a nearby building and slamming the door.

The captain was still stunned by the man’s rant. He just began to order his sailors. "Well, uh, you heard the man; put her in the storage building. Label the cage under…” Taking another glance at the paper, where the slaves names would typically be shown, it was blank. “It’s blank? Where did they find this one?!” He questioned, “Just label it, uh, I don’t know whatever the hell you want.” He finished before walking off. He walked towards the ship to attend to other duties.

”Welp, you heard the captain.” One of the workers spoke. Beginning to lift the cage up and take it to a warehouse where all the other cages were taken.

## Sunshine, Secrets & Scoundrels

Amongst the calm crystal waters of one of the islands beautiful beach shores did a dark silhouette weave about under the water. Drawing closer To the shore in a leisurely pattern, not rushing but steadily making it’s way toward the shallow waters. Finally encroaching upon the shallow waters a figure started rising from the depths, seawater splashing away in a technicolour spray about them. The figure was of a bubblegum blue mermaid, hair colourfully cycling between purples and blues with all the shades in between with dreadlock like tendrils mixed in. Her bottom half gave away the fact she wasn’t of the standard variant of mermaid usually imagined, a large number of colourful tentacles in place of a tail and fins that she used to walk rather gracefully on.

Opening up a Parasol she carried in her hands to create a secondary spray of water about her. The mermaid, Bubble would take a large inhale through her nostrils and smile brightly. “I’m so totally here and I gotta say, it’s just as awesome as the brochures say, YAY!!!!” She expressed whilst jumping up and down in the water joyfully, throwing her hands up in the air as she did. After the little outburst the mermaid spun the umbrella in her hand and headed out of the water, the skin tone slowly shifting in colour as she strode, matching that of a more tan human as she strode onto dry land.

“I wanna play on this beach so much, some drink and new friends, it could be such a wild time, Ya Know?” She said to no other visible person, seeming to be speaking to herself out loud, though her tone definitely implied she was addressing someone. “It’s like soooo totally lame that I’m here for business first, it’s a total buzzkill, yeah?” She continued while strolled across the beach, Parasol positioned to block the Sun as she made her way into the town, still talking. “But hey, who could complain about all the cash I’m being offered, It’s gonna be the easy life for a while!.” She exclaimed enthusiastically, though her smile faltered a little after the statement, shifting into a frown. “Still, I kinda might have like totally done this pro-bono, I don’t like losers like them…” She trailed off, mumbling some incoherent noises to denote her displeasure.

A few seconds later her face brightened up a little as she said “though, who says we can’t have fun while working? I’m not so lame I can’t multitask, ya know? Let’s go and have some fun and catch ourselves some attention! Let’s hit up a bar first!” She expressed, a couple of the islands inhabitants looking toward her as she did. The two guys looked between each other, pointing at themselves as they tried to figure if she had been talking to them, though as she didn’t stop or look at them, decided not to pursue and find out.

A blue-skinned woman called out as Bubble was getting ready to head to the bar. "I didn't expect to see another of my sea-born kin on this island. Guess the new world really is marvelous." The Kimino-clad Fishwoman was followed closely behind by a stout little mushroom. It was quite an odd pairing. "I couldn't help but overhear you seem to be looking for information. Me and my friend here are in the same business. You wouldn't happen to know anything about this island? Or you lacking as much information as we are."

”Hmmmm?” Bubble turned fast but gracefully, blue/purple eyes landing on the samurai like Fish-Man and the stocky mushroom on legs following behind. Her instincts immediately told her she recognized at least the Fish-Woman, though her memory didn’t offer her “the why,” to why she recognized them. Still that didn’t deter the Mermaid, a very friendly smile crossing her face, voice raised and pitching as she exclaimed. “Hihiiiiii! I totally didn’t expect to see a distant relative here, how you doing stista?” She scooted over to the pair, reaching out a hand to grab Kouna’s hand in greeting, trying to give it a friend squeeze with her own, the Parasols hook on her wrist to prevent it falling to the ground.

Eyes locking with Kouna’s as she got very close, clearly not a fan of keeping distance from others. Her smile was still bright as she would address the question thrown at her. “Well girlfriend and mushroom friend, I know a bit about this island, it’s like totally a tourist hotspot and pretty popular too, ya know!” Moving over to the Mushroom she lent down to also give it the same friendly greeting, not giving even the slightest hint of nefarious intent behind these actions. “Heya, I’ve never seen such a cutie Mushroom before! I’m Bubble it’s super sweet to meet you guys!!!!” She lent in close to where she believed its eyes to be and fluttering her eyelashes at it and getting extreme close, in a test of sorts.

“So, like the Marines love sending there off duty officers here for shore leave, it’s meant to be super safe, the prices are good and the party scene is great! Plus who’s gonna complain about a bunch of hot Marine guys and girls letting loose, there’s lots of options if that’s your idea of a good time!” She giggled and started to straighten, looked around in a relatively obvious manner and then lent close to the two of them with the back of her hand shielding the side of her mouth from the gaze of others. “Despite the party scene being great though, I’d like super advise you two be careful, there’s some bad people on this island hiding behind all the fun here. It’s all right under the nose of the Marines, but you didn’t hear that from me, kay?”

Kouna was cautious despite the friendly introduction; she knew better than to be swallowed in by a nice smile. Kouna listened to Bubble advice careful before giving a curt nod. "So there is something more to this town then just a big party." Kouna frowned. "If there is some injustice out at sea then we need to do something about it? Of course, that is just my opinion; others can venture to deal with the seas in their own way." Kouna and her comrades were quite the just groups. Rajin wanted to make the world a better place. He might have fit a marine if his spirit hadn't also desired to be free and explore the history of the world. "I'll thank you for the infromation. Shall we go?"

Zelo nodded along. "Thank you for the kind words and the kinder advice, my lady. We shall be on our guard. Hopefully we will not run into any of the troubling things you have said." Both marine and whatever trouble was brewing under the surface.

“Happy to help, you’re most welcome cutie!” She sounded out to Zelo with more of her inviting smile. Gazing at Kouna for a moment she considered what the other said beforehand and considered what that said about their morality. Tematively coming forward with a little more detail, anxiety spreading across her face and tone denoting she was moe on edge than she acted. “Well to be honest, there really is some injustice taking place here, your and my ancestry know it well.” Bubble said with a tone of remorse for the past Fish-men and Mermaids once suffered. “And like.., I am just an Aurelia Aurita Jellyfish Mermaid, these tentacles as just for show and don’t “sting” so like, maybe you’d like to go around together? I can take you around as I memorized all the best spots! Plus it’d be a relief to have some company I can truly trust.” She aimed the last part of her comment to Kouna hoping to strike their sensibilities, getting the feel they would potentially feel compelled to help. “I can also like pay you, plus I’ll cover your drinks and everything, I could offer a hundred thousand beli to each for the days company.”

Despite her height being greater than either of the two she suddenly seem quite small and delicate. Her eyes were pleading and hopeful, small subtle hints at her worry about her own safety leaking out with slightly drawn in body language and very slight nervous glances implying she was more concerned inwardly than she showed outwardly.

Kouna nodded to Zelo then turned to Bubble after listening to her words.  "I suppose we can join you for now." This island really seemed to be dangerous. This woman didn't want them to be captured, and it seemed the trouble was related to slavery. So something that Kouna and her comrades could not stand! She wanted to charge right in and find these slavers, but she decided it best to stay with Bubble. She would hopefully eventually lead them to these slavers so her blade could taste their flesh. Zelo had nothing to add, only stepping forward Bubble and offering to follow her lead.

## Cruel Justice

Off the coast of Kasabako Island, Orion's marine ship is coated in black scorched marks, and the sails are full of wind despite the weather. It pulls into the dock when hundreds of Marines start pulling down the sails, tying the ship to the dock, and unloading the cargo off the ship. The captain quarter's door swings open, and a hulking 8-foot person walks out and stands tall in a strict posture. He speaks in a booming voice, "Finally, land." As he speaks to his crew, storm clouds fill the sky, turning the nice, bright summer day into a stormy, dark day.

One of the marine captains walks up to Orion and tells him, "Sir, I have been informed that you are on vacation and should not be working", Orion says, "I won't be working. I am here for vacation, don't worry" he walks off the ship while putting on his glasses that were custom made for his three eyes. once he is out of sight he pulls out his notebook where he keeps his list of suspects. he plans to go against his order to relax by having time off and instead plans to hunt down a slaver operation for relaxation.

"first stop, the tavern," he thinks he can have a drink since he is technically not on shift; he has plenty of coin in his poach, and he might as well. Orion walks to the tavern, shadowed by the cloud.

Walking into the tavern right after was Rajin, who had come to gather information the old-fashioned way. He stood with his cap like a beacon, not even trying to hide who he was. When he became a pirate captain, he no longer had the luxury to hide away and pretend everything was ok. No, he had to show the world who he was. He was not afraid if anyone decided to take their chances to face him in combat. He was confident in his skill (Even if he was still rightfully weary of certain things he failed to understand).

"I've come just for a small drink." He'd put down a few coins for the bartender, who began to get him something light to drink, while Rajin glanced around the bar, trying to see if anyone stood out to get information from.

Orion sat on a stool next to Rajin, towering over him. Orion scoops rajin's coins back to Rajin and puts enough coins on the bar to pay for both of their drinks. "Let me pay for both of us. I would like a butterscotch" the bartender pours his drink, gives it to Orion and places rajin's drink in front of rajin. "please sit down"

'This guy got quite the feeling to him.' Rajin had gained quite the sense from his adventures to sea. It was not exactly a six sense, but he knew those who stood out, and this guy had that feeling. Rajin was slightly on guard but didn't move to leave the bar. Might as well see where this goes. He caught his coins as Orion explained he was going to get them both a drink. Rajin nodded. "Thank you good sir, but why are you offering me this drink." Rajin would lift his drink and give it a light sip as he went to listen to Orion.

Orion down his butterscotch in one gulp and pays the bartender for another. "I have a big salary, as a vice admiral, and I want to be sweet like butterscotch, so i paid for your drinks". Orion looks at Rajin's face; it is familiar to him, but Orion can't remember where he saw him. "Sorry I forgot to introduce myself. I am Vice Admiral Spiritwood," he extands his huge hand for Rajin to shake.

'Vice Admiral fucking hell.' Rajin was unsure what he should do in this situation, but he knew better than to lie. It would give away his intentions, so he decided to speak on his matters. "Names Rajin." He decided not to say he was a pirate captain, but he was not going to pretend to be somewhere else. "I just came to explore this island, but it seems most of the island is just a small town. Guess a drink is what I get for my woes and that might be all." Hopefully, he finds something on this island that makes this venture worthwhile.

"The Marines forced me to take a vacation, so I'm also here exploring, cheers" Orion raises his glass and downs his whole drink." rajin sounds like that pirate captain in the Grand Line, he couldn't be in the new world yet. he would be too weak and Orion can't arrest anyone with getting in trouble with his boss because he is on vacation. "I know, let's play a drinking game, one asks a question, and the other can answer or drink but you choose to drink water if you need to"

It seems this guy didn't know who he was, which was good. Rajin smiled, "Vacation, huh? This did seem to be a nice island to relax in but not sure why they wouldn't send you somewhere like the South Blue. I heard it has a ton of nice beaches over there. I'd love to go there someday." Rajin let out a small laugh at the thought. He doubted he would even see the West blue again. He had chosen a path that could lead to his death quite quickly. The past few years, he mainly had just gotten lucky.

Despite this, he put the luck to the test as the man would go to suggest a game where they would ask each other questions. "I can maybe do a few rounds. And I'll drink to it, that is fine with me. I had enough water I need something light at least now that I am on land."

"Nice, okay, I will go first. What is your passion?" Orion is finally glad to be having fun with someone who isn't a marine.

"Hmm, my passion, huh? There are a lot of things I wanna say, but I suppose it is just exploring. I like to see the world, there are so many people who always stay in their small corner in the world. But, the world is so vast and I want to be able to touch every corner. To say that I have seen every place that one can lay their eyes upon." Rajin took a sip of his drink.

"What about yourself? Other than being a marine, of course, what are your passions? I assume when you are off duty or when you have the time there must be something you are clamoring to do."

## Guntowing

Ulysses walked alone as Gimli clung to his shoulder. The turtle had not grown any bigger, but it didn't mean his little buddy couldn't fight. Quite the opposite. He was quite the fighter, maybe not so much for the standards of the New World. Anyway, Ulysses was just gonna find information his way. He wanted to know what this island was about, and he didn't assume anything good. The New world was a place of monsters, so he assumed most of the people here were...not the type to be messed with. Of course, Ulysses didn't give a fuck messing people's days up.

Ulysses slipped into an alleyway where he saw two thugs talking. He grabbed his rifle, smacking one into a wall. "Hey wtf man!" Ulysses grabbed the man. "You two seemed to be quite the fools; you know anything about this island. You seem to be conspiring, so I want some damn work. You feel me.." The man would wave, "No way, man, this is just a peaceful tourist time. There no work of that type. Your gonna have to scram. My buddy. Gonna get up soon, and he gonna be pissed!"