Back at The Sea Corp headquarters the commander sat at his desk, his glare visible within his dark office when the young soldier Yuto stepped into his office, worried about the commander’s reaction to the news update. “I...I have some b-bad news commander” He spoke with a slight squeak for his fear of the commander.
The commander let out a deep groan before rising from his chair. “Spit it out Yuto...what’s happened now” The young dark-haired soldier held a blue folder and began to read off the reports he’d acquired recently. “R-right! The pirate known as Azuma as well as his crew managed to defeat S.D 10 as well as defeat the wanted pirate known as Baron Bones at star fall island. I was told Baron Bones himself had a bounty of over 1 million gold! That’s all I have to report sir...what should we do?”
The Sea corp commander walked past his desk stepping into view, he wore a black coat with a purple suit underneath. He had gray hair that slid back with a thick mustache. His face was wrinkled with age, but still seemed to give off a menacing feel. “No more games, Yuto...raise his bounty to 1,200,000 gold! No one will be stupid enough not to attempt to turn the pirate in! Seems it’s time to send one of the seven after him..”
“A-are you sure that’s a good idea commander? I feel that’s a little excessive for a pirate of just 1.2M gold” That’s when a violet aura of seinshin began to emanate from the old commander’s body as he glared at the mere soldier with a cold look in his eyes. The amount of power was so much, it caused Yuto to fall to his knees from the amount of pressure weighing down on his weak slim body.
“Never question my orders again soldier, next time I won’t be so lenient. Now...tell the 7th to head to Star fal city and haunt down Azuma before he causes anymore issues for us!”
“Y-YES SIR!” Overwhelmed with fear the scroney solder runs out of the office...
Bounties
Azuma – 1.2M G
Kenzu – 350K G
Naiomi – 300K G
Kiozen – 250K G
Roxie – 200K G
Seraph – 100K G
Kiozen had created a large ship made of gingerbread for a more realistic ship with gum layering the bottom to keep the candy ship from sinking. They sailed across the seas as moonlight shined over them. Azuma decided to finally rest for once given he had barely got any sleep.
The crew either looked out on the water or stayed close to their captain as he laid on the soft deck in a deep sleep...
One hour Later...
It began to grow cold, causing Azuma to snap awake as snow softly fell from the sky over them. “W-what the? Why is it snowing? Surely, we still have a month or so until winter” Azuma commented gripping his candy coat tightly as he began to shiver.
“This may help captain” Kiozen filled his captain’s coat with extra layers of cotton candy to retain more heat and hold back the cold. There you are, that should allow you to stay at a decent temperature without the need to worry about a winter coat.
“Thank you Kiozen” The crew looked out to see what could only appear to be frost drift island. As Azuma and his crew approached the shore of the Island, the snowfall intensified, blanketing the landscape in a pristine layer of white. The island's coastline was a stunning contrast of icy cliffs and frozen beaches, where the relentless waves of the frigid sea met the frozen land.
The sea itself appeared dark and foreboding, its waters seemingly untouched by the warmth of the sun. Large, jagged icebergs floated lazily in the distance, and the crew could hear the eerie cracking sound of icebergs shifting and colliding in the icy waters.
The shore was strewn with massive chunks of ice, Crystal-clear icicles hung from the rocky overhangs, glittering like nature's jewels. Footprints of various animals crisscrossed the snowy landscape, evidence of the island's resilient wildlife.
As their ship came to an abrupt stop by the solidified sea around them, they were forced to leave the ship. Walking across the icy frozen waters, they made their way towards the island's shores. The crew members could feel the crunch of snow and ice beneath their boots. The air was bone-chillingly cold, and their breath formed clouds of mist as they exhaled.
Azuma and his crew couldn't help but marvel at the desolate beauty of Frost Drift Island. Without warning they heard the sound of ice cracking behind them. All of them darted their heads to see the ice cracking apart headed right for them. Naiomi, Kenzu and Roxie ran as fast as they could while Kiozen sprouted wings made pink taffy, allowing him to fly towards the island. Azuma knew he could use his seinshin to leap over to the island but didn’t want the shockwave to shatter the ice around.
That’s when Seraph threw both hands out, summoning his inferios to grab onto to his crewmates, caring them over to safety. The moment they reached the shore, the inferios let go of them, causing them to hit the icy sand. “Ugh, we just got here and we’re already having problems...m-maybe you should just leave me here” Roxie groaned lying on his back out of breath.
“We can’t just stop because of a minor inconvenience Oda, if Baron Bones really is on this island, we need to hurry and find him” Azuma snapped rising to his feet. Roxie, still catching his breath, flashed a cocky grin as he responded in a playful yet arrogant tone, "Well Captain, you know I'm always up for a little adventure, but I thought you'd want to give me a breather before we go chasing after that sand-shifting bastard. Guess I'll just have to suck it up for now until this is done with"
Azuma couldn't help but smile. Despite the challenges ahead, he couldn’t help but laugh at Oda’s attitude. The crew found a long narrow path blanked by thick snow that led them through Frost drift forest. The forest was filled with layers of thick snow with dozens of trees surrounding the area.
“As strange as this island is, it certainly has a calm and peaceful feel to it” Kiozen commented as the crew admired the quiet forest around them. That’s when they noticed a few small wooden houses spread out across the forest. The crew ventured further into Frost Drift Forest where they stumbled upon the first of several abandoned villages. These villages appeared frozen in time, their wooden houses nestled amidst the snowy landscape, covered in thick blankets of snow and ice. The chill hung heavy in the air, giving the surroundings an eerie, almost surreal quality.
The houses themselves were quaint, with steeply pitched roofs designed to withstand heavy snowfall. The windows were frosted over, and icicles hung from the eaves, glistening like fragile crystal daggers. The doors of the houses were aged, creaking softly in the cold breeze.
Despite the frozen appearance, it was evident that these villages had once been inhabited. Footprints in the snow led from one house to another. The crew explored the interiors of the houses, discovering remnants of daily life preserved by the cold, leaving their homes untouched by time. As they moved deeper into the forest, more abandoned villages appeared, each with its unique character and history. The crew couldn't help but wonder what had driven the inhabitants away, leaving behind only echoes of their former lives amid the icy solitude of Frost Drift Island.
“So much for a peaceful island...why would so many villages just up and leave their homes and leave so much behind? Could something have happened here? So many questions are popping up” The young pirate responded heading further through the narrow forest path. That’s when Kiozen spoke up: “You’re right, seems strange to leave all these homes all of a sudden...I wonder if it has something to do with the cold, seeing as though this island’s winter isn’t natural, it’s safe to say something or someone might’ve caused this, pressuring the island’s inhabitance to abandon this island”
Azuma contemplated the mysterious abandonment of the villages as he continued to lead his crew deeper into the snow-covered forest. Seraph, with his elegant and feminine voice suggested: "Perhaps I could employ my Inferios to conduct an aerial search of the surrounding area, Captain. They can cover more ground from the skies and provide us with a better perspective"
Azuma nodded in agreement, appreciating Seraph's willingness to offer his assistance. "That sounds like a good plan, Seraph. Let's use every resource we have to uncover the secrets of this island. We need to find out what happened here and why it left these villages deserted as well as the possible location of Baron" The crew continued their exploration, knowing that they were slowly unraveling the mysteries of Frost Drift Island and village frozen time...
Their curiosity grew as they explored the abandoned villages. Kiozen with his cotton candy wings soared into the sky as he began his aerial reconnaissance. From above, he scanned the surrounding area, taking in the eerie, frozen landscape. And then, a glimmer of something caught his eye—a massive stone castle nestled in the heart of the island. He descended to join his crewmates, excitedly reporting his discovery.
"Captain, I've spotted a colossal stone castle at the center of the island!" Kiozen exclaimed, his voice tinged with excitement. "It's unlike anything I've ever seen before. This could be a key piece of the puzzle, and possibly where Baron Bones is hiding"
Azuma's eyes filled with both excitement and surprise. "Good find, Kiozen. That castle might hold the answers we seek. Let's make our way there and uncover the truth behind Frost Drift Island!" With Seraph's inferios leading the way, the crew set their course for the mysterious stone castle, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead in their quest for answers.
The crew advanced through the snowy landscape. As they ascended the large hill, they were greeted by the imposing sight of the stone castle. The fortress stood tall and resolute, seemingly unaffected by the harsh blizzard that had engulfed the island. It’s massive gray stone walls were complemented by roofs of a striking deep blue, creating a stark contrast against the snowy surroundings.
At the forefront of the castle's grand entrance, a colossal gate towered above them. The gate bore the symbol of a blue seashell, intricate and finely detailed. This emblem, a testament to the island's maritime heritage, capturing the crew's attention, hinting at the castle's history.
A grand stone staircase, adorned with ancient carvings and flanked by weathered statues of mermaids, led from the stairs to the castle's entrance. The crew exchanged glances, their anticipation growing as they prepared to cross the threshold of the enigmatic fortress. The castle held the promise of answers and perhaps the key to uncovering the truth behind Frost Drift Island and Baron Bones' presence.
They ascended the stone stairs, ready to face the mysteries that awaited them within the formidable stone castle. “Time to finally get some answers to why out of all the islands, why did he choose this strange place” The pirate commented as he and his crew stood before the large gate. “Now how do you suppose we open it?” Seraph asked.
That’s when a figure dropped from the window above, landing before the crew. Their eyes widened in surprise as they beheld a pakari, a humanoid creature with distinct animal features. This particular pakari bore the visage of a lion, with a majestic, snow-white mane of hair that framed his face. His lion-like features were accentuated by sharp, retractable claws that peeked out from his fingers.
The lion pakari was clad in a sleek black coat that fluttered slightly in the frigid wind, and matching black pants that gave him an air of mysterious elegance. His presence exuded an aura of wisdom and confidence.
As he addressed them, his voice was calm and measured. "Greetings, travelers. You stand before the gate of Frost Drift Castle. If you seek entry, you must prove your worthiness" His eyes, a deep and piercing blue seemed to examine each member of the crew. "I am Leo, guardian of this castle. Only those who possess strength, and a pure heart shall be granted passage. Are you prepared to proceed?"
Azuma and his crew exchanged glances, ready to accept Leo's challenge. Azuma stepped forward putting his fists up preparing for the coming fight. That’s when the lion commented: “I’m afraid we won’t be using weapons, please give your blade to one of the others if you would”
A little confused Azuma nodded handing his blade to Kenzu to hold before turning to face Leo. “Very good...now let us begin” With a swift elegant burst of speed, Leo vanished from the pirate’s sight before reappearing behind him as if in slow motion. “I may be large human, but I can still move swift and precisely, perhaps you’re just a mere pirate with no unique fighting capabilities” Leo bared his claws, sending a fierce strike right for the human’s back with his index claw. Leo's clawed hand descended toward Azuma's back, only for the pirate captain to react with a burst of seinshin-fueled speed. He caught Leo's hand mere inches from his back, their clash creating a dazzling display of sparks and energy.
"I may be a pirate," Azuma replied, his voice filled with determination, "but that doesn't mean I lack unique fighting capabilities" He pushed back against Leo's hold, his seinshin-infused strength amplifying his efforts. The tall pakari jumped back, looking down at his opponent with surprise. “Fascinating human, not often have I met such a human with the mental stability to wield seinshin so easily...But our battle is just beginning, can your use of seinshin really keep up with my mastery?”
Once more Leo began to move at immense speed, this time moving so fast it appeared as if there were three of him. Azuma's display of seinshin-infused strength seemed to catch Leo off guard, eliciting a flicker of surprise in the lion pakari's eyes. However, Leo quickly regained his composure and acknowledged Azuma's unique abilities.
Leo circled Azuma repeatedly, making it incredibly challenging for the pirate captain to keep track of his movements. Despite his best efforts, Azuma found himself struggling to land a hit on Leo, who effortlessly evaded each of his attacks. Then, in a lightning-fast maneuver, Leo struck one of Azuma's vital areas with his index claw. The sharp claw found its mark, causing Azuma to collapse in pain, momentarily incapacitated.
Gasping for breath and nursing his wound, Azuma knew that he had to adapt quickly if he hoped to overcome this formidable opponent. He shook on the icy stone pavement struggled to move, as if Leo had struck a nerve to intentually keep him from moving.
“Give it up pirate, my mastery over seinshin as well as ability to sense and strike one’s vital life force areas, you may as well be nothing more than a moving target. You have talent, I'll give you that. But this is a fight you surely can’t win” To his surprise, Azuma slowly rolled over onto his stomach pushing himself back to his feet as his body quickly healed from the vital wound.
“What? How could you recover from such an attack so quickly? A normal human would be stunned for hours after such an attack!” Azuma cracked his neck before advancing straight for the large furred beast. Purple energy surged around his body as he made a flicking motion in his target’s direction. “Force flicker strike” With abrupt flick of his fingers, he sent a condensed shockwave of power right for Leo, striking him in the chest as he was sent soaring off the castle grounds out into the blizzard.
“Sigh, w-what did that guy do to me...it feels like it’s harder to focus my seinshin into a simple attack...He said he struck my life force areas, wait! He knows how to disrupt a person’s flow of seinshin with a precise strike!?”
The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
“Are you alright captain!?” Naiomi called out. That’s when they abruptly head something soaring straight for them. That’s when Azuma realized it was Leo flying straight for him, a blue aura illuminating his large torso. “Wait he can fly!?” Roxie cried out in disbelief. The crew just stood and watched as Leo flew right for the already drained captain, moving around him at super-sonic speed as his sharp and precise index claw struck the pirate’s vital area repeatedly before coming to a halt, the pakari floating just behind him.
Azuma opened his mouth to groan in pain, yet nothing but silence escaped his lips as his eyes were wide with sheer shock by the brutal attack. The crew watched as their poor captain collapsed before them. “AZUMA!” The crew cried out in shock.
The lion pakari slowly turned towards them announcing: “Don’t worry, your captain is still breathing, he’s just in shock from his vital points being struck relentlessly. Though, he definitely has a strong will…most humans can’t survive a head-on blow to their life force points, so the fact Azuma is somehow still alive is a feat in it’s own”
After pondering for a moment, looking down at the defeated pirate, Leo smirked focusing seinshin through his large white paw. “Seinshin pulse!”
“WAIT WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?” Kenzu snapped gripping the Amaterasu intensity. Before the crew could intervene, Leo struck Azuma’s chest with an abrupt strike of his palm as an abrupt ray of blue energy filled the area. To their surprise, Azuma let out a cough before opening his eyes.
Azuma's vision slowly cleared, finding himself staring up at the lion pakari who had struck him with an incredible force. Despite the pain and shock of the attack, he could feel that his flow of seinshin had been restored. He pushed himself up to a sitting position, still breathing heavily.
Leo regarded Azuma with a calm and wise expression, his aqua blue eyes filled with a sense of respect. "You are indeed a powerful opponent," he spoke calmly, "I sensed no ill intentions in you, which is why I used my Seinshin pulse to restore your life force"
Azuma nodded, slowly regaining his composure. "Thank you... I didn't expect such a formidable challenge. You seem skilled in striking your opponent’s weak points" The lion pakari extended a large, furry paw toward Azuma, offering to help him up. “You've proven yourself worthy to enter the castle, I sense that you seek answers about this island. Follow me, and I shall guide you to where those answers may lie"
The crew watched in amazement as Azuma accepted Leo's offer, and together they entered the stone castle. Little did they know that their journey on Frost Drift Island was far from over, and more mysteries awaited them within the ancient fortress…
Meanwhile On Star Fall Island…
A man with black hair brushed to the left; hazel eyes dressed in a black jacket, white inner shirt and black pants stood on the shores of star fall island with a Katana resting on his shoulder. He looked up at tower fall tower with a smirk when his black wristwatch with a small illuminating purple crystal in the center began to flash on it off.
“Sigh, Saber here” He sighed with a slightly annoyed tone yet still smiling. That’s when his communicator began to pick up a high-pitched man’s voice: “Sir, I really think you should have some support in your mission to capture Azuma and his crew! I and my fleet are ready whenever you give the order!”
Saber, with a calm and confident tone responded: I appreciate your concern, but a law of the sea like me doesn’t need mere soldiers to help, risk is a part of the performance" He paused for a moment, looking up at Star Fall Tower with a mischievous glint in his eye. "But, I suppose, if things get too exciting, I might just call upon your fleet for some backup. After all, it wouldn't be as thrilling without a bit of a challenge, right?"
But sir i-!” Before he could continue, Saber turned off his gem turning back to the tower before him. “Chronostasis” He uttered in a soft tone as a dome made of silver energy formed around the tower. Saber, utilizing his magika ability, manifested a time-stopping space around the entire Tower Fall Tower.
As time froze within the field, the world turned monochromatic, and Saber walked casually through the suspended scene. Citizens, frozen mid-action, were unaware of his presence as he advanced toward his intended destination, demonstrating his mastery over time manipulation. As he entered the stairwell past the casino, he released his Chronostasis ability to save stamina for his targets.
Saber continued his leisurely stroll through the tower, heading straight for the top floor where the boss’ office was located. As he ascended the stairs reaching the office door, he couldn't help but maintain his cocky smirk, feeling the anticipation of the encounter. He pushed the office door open with a sense of drama, ready to face the young leader of Star Fall Island.
Rosera was sitting at her new desk in the center of the repaired office when she spotted Saber standing the room, a smirk on his face with his katana still resting on his shoulder with one hand.
“Heh, I was informed Azuma and his crew might be here, but it seems I’m mistaken. Care to tell me where he is? I’d rather not waste time here” The young vampire looked him dead in the eye with a cold stare before responding: “I’m afraid I don’t know where he is, he was here yesterday but sailed off somewhere. I’m sorry, but I can’t help you”
Saber lowered his head still smiling. “Oh that’s too bad, I was hoping he’d be here, my mistake. Sorry for bothering you miss” Saber maintained his playful demeanor, seemingly accepting Rosera's response. Just as he reached the door and turned the handle, Blood splattered all over the desk from the vampire’s chest as she let out a shocked gasp.
Saber, still grinning with his back turned to her, continued to question her. "You know, I have a knack for noticing when someone's lying. It's a useful talent in my line of work." He gestured casually to the blood-soaked desk with his free hand. "Now, tell me, Rosera, where did Azuma and his crew really go?"
The vampire clenched her teeth in pain and frustration but remained defiant. "I've told you the truth. I don't know where they've gone" Saber turned around slowly, his eyes locked onto Rosera's with a calculating gaze. "Well then, I suppose I'll have to search for myself. Thank you for your cooperation" With that, the assailant brought time to a halt, sending a fierce sword strike across the woman’s chest before resuming time once more. She spat out blood collapsing on the titled floor motionless.
With the vampire pirate unconscious, Saber brought his communicator up to his lips. “Rosera the vampiric pirate has been dealt with, hurry up and come get her before she wakes up!” Ending the transmission he headed down the tower back outside as multiple ships filled with sea corp soldiers began to flood into the city…
Back On Frost Drift Island…
Azuma and his crew followed close behind Leo as the lion pakari opened the large wooden doors of the castle. As the large wooden doors of Frost Drift castle creaked open, Leo led Azuma and his crew into the ancient fortress. Inside, the castle held an aura of history and secrets long buried beneath the ice and snow.
With a regal tone in his voice, Leo began to explain the castle's significance. "Welcome to Frost Drift castle, a place that holds the legacy of the hydrosapiens, a remarkable race of humanoid fish. These beings possessed the unique ability to breathe both underwater and on land, making them formidable in any environment. Their strength was unmatched, and their swiftness in the water was legendary"
Leo continued to speak as they walked through the castle's gray grand halls, his voice echoing with reverence. "This castle, as you can see from the emblem on the gate, was once the seat of power for the hydrosapiens. It served as their stronghold, a testament to their dominion over the seas and their mastery of both the aquatic and surface world"
The crew listened intently, picturing what a race of humanoid-fish would look like. The presence of the castle on the island hinted at the importance of Frost Drift Island in the grand tapestry of their world.
"As you explore this castle, you may uncover more about the Hydrosapiens and their connection to this island" Leo added, his tone filled with anticipation. "They were guardians of great knowledge and secrets, this castle may hold clues to what you seek. Let us continue our journey and see what mysteries await us within these ancient walls"
With Leo as their guide, Azuma and his crew delved deeper into Frost Drift Castle, ready to uncover the secrets hidden within it’s icy embrace. As they ventured deeper within the old stone castle, Azuma couldn’t help but hear something across the narrow corridor. “Do you all hear something?” He asked the group coming to a stop in the middle of the hall.
They all looked around, unaware of the faint sound nearby. “Apologies Azuma, I'm afraid I don’t hear anything unusual” Leo responded with his hands formally in front of him. His curiosity getting the better of him, Azuma walked down the narrow hallway before reaching a large wooden blue door with a golden seashell in the center.
As he slowly reached for the golden door handle before him, Leo snapped: “Wait Azuma! That room is off-limits to those not of hydrosapiens descent!” The young pirate paused for a moment before forcing open the door before him, reviling a large library with turquoise coral bookshelves and old-aged chairs made of large purple clam shells. The room was dark with barely any light reaching through the frozen windows.
As Azuma cautiously entered the forbidden library, his curiosity ignoring the warning, he found himself surrounded by the eerie ambiance of the room. The turquoise coral bookshelves and the large clamshell chairs created an otherworldly atmosphere. The lack of light filtering through the frozen windows added to the sense of foreboding.
Just as he took another step forward, a sinister presence manifested in front of him. Baron Bones appeared before him, his form coalescing from the very sand he had concealed around the room. He floated before Azuma, His voice smooth and calculated as before, echoing through the dark library.
"Ah, Azuma," Baron Bones purred, his eyes gleaming with malevolence. "I knew you couldn't resist the temptation of following me here, in fact, I wanted you to find it. You see, the map to Frost Drift Island, the key to our ultimate prize, is hidden within these ancient tomes"
Azuma's eyes narrowed as he confronted his nemesis. "You may have led me here, but that doesn't mean you'll get your hands on that map" Baron chuckled softly, the sound chilling the air around them. "Oh, Azuma, you misunderstand me. I don't intend to take the map from you. No, I intend to force the location of the pearl out of the guardian of this castle, only he knows the location of the hydrosapein’s new kingdom beneath sea. Once I possess the celestial pearl of Poseidon, I will be unstoppable"
“Pearl of Poseidon? What are you talking about Bones? What does a pearl have to do with anything!?” Baron Bones smirked as he revealed his grand plan, his voice emanating with confidence. "The Celestial Pearl of Poseidon is a legendary artifact, said to grant its holder immortality. With it, I can take over one island after another without the fear of old age or death...no one will be able to stand in my way"
As Azuma processed the gravity of Baron's words, Leo rushed into the room, determined to stop the villain. “Don’t worry Azuma, I shall stop him in his tracks!” With a swift and precise strike, he lunged at the assalient, aiming for the side of his head with his index finger claw. However, to Leo's shock, his attack passed right through Baron's sand body.
Baron chuckled wickedly as part of his head fell to the stone floor into a pile of sand before flowing back into place as if he was never touched. "You may be a skilled warrior pakari, however, your physical attacks have no effect on my sand body. Any injury I sustain from you will just be filled in with a new layer of sand"
With that, the sand magika user formed a condensed sandstorm around the room. Compared to his sandstorm that covered star fall island, in such a confined space, the sandstorm was far thicker and harder to get through. Baron's sandstorm raged within the confines of the library, making it nearly impossible for Azuma’s crew to advance. They struggled to push through the thick layer of sand, but the fierce winds and abrasive particles forced them back, rendering them helpless against the onslaught of Baron's magika.
In the midst of the chaotic storm, Baron materialized a large hand made entirely of sand and swiftly grabbed Leo by the throat. The lion pakari found himself trapped in Baron's sand grip, struggling to breathe as the malicious pirate began his interrogation.
"Tell me, Leo," Baron hissed, his eyes gleaming with a sinister light. " You know the location of the Hydrosapiens' kingdom beneath the sea, and I need that information to find the Celestial Pearl of Poseidon. Speak, or your fate will be a slow and agonizing one"
Leo, caught in Baron's sand hand, could do little more than glare defiantly at his captor. The battle for control of Frost Drift Island had reached a critical juncture with the guardian unable to physically wound his assailant. My apologies for the oversight. Let's continue with Azuma in the room with Baron Bones and Leo.
As Baron tightened his grip on Leo's throat, Azuma knew he couldn't allow Baron to continue any further. With his seinshin-infused speed, Azuma dashed toward Baron, making a dagger with his fingers close together. Purple energy surged around his palm as he struck Baron's sand-formed body with incredible force, causing it to ripple and momentarily lose its shape. The grip on Leo's throat weakened as the guardian collapsed to the floor. The lion pakari coughed and struggled to regain his composure, while Azuma confronted their sand-wielding adversary once again.
The room was filled with tension as Azuma faced off against Baron Bones, determined to protect Leo and uncover the truth behind the Celestial Pearl of Poseidon. “Seems I'll have to defeat you once more Bones, maybe this time you’ll learn not to step on those you see as beneath you”
Baron Bones laughed menacingly, his voice echoing through the room as he corrected Azuma. "Oh? But it wasn't you who defeated me last time; it was your candy-coated friend. But that doesn't matter now, because this time, I'll deal with you without his childish antics"
As Baron taunted Azuma, he unleashed a barrage of sand bullets from his index finger, sending them hurtling toward the determined pirate captain. Azuma attempted to dodge the incoming projectiles, only to be shot several times with blood splattering onto the stone floor. Azuma’s body shook in pain with blood seeping from his bullet holes as his assailant just smirked looking down at him.
Baron's voice took on a sinister tone, "You see, Azuma, the world is a place where only those who use their power to excel can truly succeed. Those who waste their time on pointless heroics are destined for mediocrity, forever trapped in their own illusions of grandeur"
Despite the pain, Azuma's spirit remained unbroken. He knew that true strength wasn't measured by power alone, but by the purpose for which it was wielded. With unwavering determination, he sought a way to overcome this formidable foe and protect Leo. As Baron continued his speech, Azuma's resolve grew stronger. He understood that true strength came from the purpose behind one's actions, not just raw power.
Just as Baron prepared to launch another assault, something changed within Azuma, His eyes glowed with a vibrant purple light, and an aura of electric purple magika energy surrounded him. The room seemed to tremble as his awakened form manifested.
Baron's confident expression faltered as he witnessed the transformation. He realized that he might have underestimated Azuma's potential. Azuma, now in his awakened state, stood ready to face his adversary with newfound power and determination. Stage 2 of his magika ability had been unlocked, and the battle was about to take a dramatic turn.
“W-what is this!? I Thought your only ability was to heal your wounds, but this...it’s something more isn’t it!? Well...no mater! I can still defeat you and the guardian with ease in such a small space!” The tyrant was filled with unease. With fierce determination, Baron unleashed a barrage of sand shards, each aimed at Azuma's vital areas. However, Azuma's injuries healed at a rate faster than Baron could inflict them. The wounds closed almost instantly, leaving no trace of the damage.
Azuma's awakened form had granted him an incredible healing ability, one that outpaced even Baron's relentless attacks. The room was filled with the sound of sand shards clattering to the floor, their intended target now a symbol of resilience and power. Baron gritted his teeth, realizing that defeating Azuma had just become an exponentially more challenging task.
Bones couldn't hide his fear and astonishment as he struggled to comprehend how Azuma had acquired so much power in such a short span of time. His voice quivered as he asked, "How... how is this even possible!? How did you gain such incredible abilities in a mere instant!?"
His voice steady and filled with newfound knowledge Azuma replied, "Healing, is not merely mending wounds. It's the act of creating life energy from nothing... I realized that by continuously healing myself without stopping, I could generate an excess of energy within my body. This surplus energy not only accelerates my healing but grants me incredible resilience. Though it may drain my stamina at an accelerated rate, it’s worth it if it’ll give me the power I need to finally stop you"
Baron's confidence continued to wane as he grasped the implications of Azuma's explanation. The tide of battle had shifted dramatically, and Azuma now stood as a formidable and seemingly invincible opponent. Azuma's explanation left the white-haired man stunned, his fear growing as he realized the depth of his opponent's newfound power. He attempted to retaliate, but Azuma's speed was now beyond anything he had ever encountered. The pirate moved at super-sonic speed, too fast for Baron to see or react.
In an instant, Azuma struck him with his bare palm, channeling a fierce burst of seinshin energy through Baron's sand body. Agonizing pain surged through him as his form began to disintegrate. He cried out in torment as half his body fell apart, the sand scattering in all directions.
To The pair’s surprise, Baron began to slowly float away from Azuma shivering in fear, half his body remaining with the other half nothing more than sand slowly falling from his body. As Baron Bones continued to disintegrate, he was consumed by fear and desperation. His voice trembled as he spoke, "P-please," Baron stammered, his voice a mere whisper. "Have mercy... I-I didn't realize... your power would become... this overwhelming... I beg you... spare me..." He huddled in the corner of the room, his form flickering and incomplete as fear and despair took hold. The once-menacing sand magika user had been reduced to a pitiful, broken figure, frozen in fear of Azuma's might.
The awakened magika user glared into his eyes, a look of pure hatred filling his glowing purple eyes as he slowly approached the frozen man. As Azuma's hand began to quiver with the intent to deliver the finishing blow, he heard a voice out in the hall speaking the words "Chrono-stasis!"
Suddenly, time came to a screeching halt within the castle, freezing everything and everyone in place. Azuma's crew, Baron Bones, Leo, and Azuma himself were all suspended in time, locked in place like mere statues.
Then, as quickly as it had stopped, time resumed it’s natural flow. Azuma and his crew members hit the ground, slowly consciousness. Baron Bones and Leo shared the same fate. The abrupt change in events left them bewildered and vulnerable.
Standing over the weak pirate with a playful smirk on his face, was Saber. He looked at the fallen figures with a mix of amusement and curiosity. "Well, well, what have we here?" he mused, "Seems like you were all having quite the party without inviting me. Don't worry, I'll make sure to clean up this mess" Saber chuckled to himself as he surveyed the scene, fully in control of the frozen time within the castle.
Azuma and his crew had been momentarily thwarted, their quest for answers and their nemesis temporarily slipping from their grasp. With Saber's unexpected intervention, the mystery of Frost Drift Island had grown even deeper, and their adventure had taken an unforeseen turn...
Aqua Bastion Prison ARC