Azuma groaned before reluctantly opening his eyes, the dim sunlight filtering through the window of his cabin. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, he pushed himself up from the bed, feeling the stiffness in his muscles protest with every movement. His hair, tousled and unkempt, a testament to the restless night he had endured.
Dragging himself to his feet, Azuma couldn't shake off the lingering fatigue that weighed heavily upon him, like an anchor dragging him back into the realm of slumber. Each step felt like a Herculean effort, his limbs heavy with exhaustion as he trudged across the cluttered floor strewn with dust and debris from the fight prior.
Meanwhile, Kenousa, remained vigilant, making his way down the narrow passageway of the ship, the creaking of the wooden floorboards beneath his boots echoing in the stillness of the morning. His senses sharpened as he neared Naiomi's room, the sound of her voice drawing him closer.
Pausing at the doorway, Kenousa's breath caught in his throat as he beheld the sight before him. There stood Naiomi, bathed in the soft glow of the morning light, her figure outlined by the delicate lace of her undergarments. A flush of warmth spread across his cheeks as he averted his gaze looking down.
"Huh?" Naiomi looked to see her captain blushing at her with his hand on his torso unsure of what to say. Naiomi blushed until a smile grew across her face as she walked over to him. "Hello captain didn't think you'd stop by my room so suddenly" She stood inches from him with a seductive smile.
Just as Roxie strolled into the corridor, his eyes widened at the sight of Naiomi, her presence exuding an intoxicating allure that seemed to fill the air with her hypnotic perfume. His face flushed bright red, a trickle of blood escaping from his nose as he struggled to maintain his composure.
"Tsk! Can't you see me and the captain are busy!?" Naiomi snapped. In a fit of rage, the assassin swiftly retrieved a concealed knife from the confines of her panties, her movements fluid and precise as she hurled it towards the startled thief with deadly accuracy. Azuma watched in astonishment as the blade whizzed past Roxie, embedding itself into the wooden doorframe mere inches from his face.
Caught off guard by her sudden outburst, Roxie stumbled over his words, trying to diffuse the tension with a nervous joke. "Well, I guess you could say...we've got a lot on our plates!" He chuckled awkwardly, his face flushing with embarrassment.
Sensing the awkwardness of the situation, Roxie quickly backed away, his hands raised in a gesture of surrender. "Anyway, I'll just, uh, leave you two to it then!" With a nervous grin, he made a hasty retreat, leaving behind a lingering sense of tension in the air.
"So then, where were we?" She winked. Azama blushed telling her: "We need to focus on the task at hand Naiomi" She gave him a sad expression before her captain walked outside onto the main deck as an island came into view. "Finally, we've reached our first stop"
"Yea, that's what I was gonna tell you before... that happened," Roxie remarked, his voice tinged with nervousness as he rubbed the back of his head, offering a sheepish smile.
Meanwhile, Azuma made his way to the front of the ship, drawn closer to the island by the sight of a vibrant carnival. The air buzzed with the sounds of laughter and excitement, colorful lights illuminating the night sky.
As they approached, Kenousa voiced his curiosity, "Hmmm, I've never been to a carnival before. It would be nice to explore it."
Naiomi and the others joined him at the bow, the assassin's eyes alight with anticipation as she took in the lively scene unfolding before her. Naiomi's excitement was palpable as she eagerly awaited the chance to explore the carnival's delights.
"I haven't been to a carnival in years! This definitely will be a great stress reliever for our first exploration!" Naiomi exclaimed, her eyes gleaming with excitement as she anticipated the festivities ahead.
However, Kenzu remained stoic, his arms crossed and expression unchanged as he leaned against the mast. His demeanor spoke volumes of his disinterest, seemingly unfazed by the prospect of the carnival.
Roxie, always one for lightheartedness, placed a reassuring hand on Kenzu's shoulder, attempting to break through his tough exterior. "Come on, sword boy," he chuckled, his tone playful. "You don't need to act tough all the time. Everyone needs to relax from time to time." In the background, faint strains of carnival music drifted through the air, adding to the anticipation of their upcoming adventure.
As they stepped onto the shore, the crew of the Azuma Pirate Lord found themselves on a picturesque island, bathed in the warm glow of the sun. Azuma led the way onto the grassy field, his crew trailing behind him.
A narrow path beckoned them into the dense forest ahead, its entrance framed by towering trees. Through the foliage, colorful lights twinkled like stars, casting a vibrant spectrum of hues onto the surrounding vegetation. The distant strains of music drifted through the air, growing louder as they approached.
Azuma's keen eyes caught sight of a bold red sign with shimmering gold letters that read, "THIS WAY," pointing in the direction of the lively festivities. He tightened his fist, a silent reminder to his crew to remain vigilant as they ventured forth into the unknown. With determination in his stride, Kenousa led his crew down the path, ready to uncover the mysteries that awaited them on the island.
As they ventured deeper into the forest, Azuma led the way with Naiomi at his side, her steps light and graceful. Behind them, Roxie sauntered along with an air of nonchalance, his hands idly tucked behind his head.
With a weary sigh, Roxie broke the silence, his boredom evident in his tone. "This better be worth it," he muttered, "My body's stiff from all that time on the ship. I could use a good fight to shake off the rust"
His words hung in the air, a subtle reminder of the adventurous spirit that burned within. Despite the peaceful surroundings, an undercurrent of anticipation coursed through them; eager for whatever challenges lay ahead.
Kenzu lingered behind, his watchful gaze scanning the surroundings with a trained eye. His hand rested casually on the hilt of his blade; a silent sentinel ready to spring into action if needed.
In the distance, the cheerful melody of chirping birds filled the air, accompanied by the gentle rustle of leaves swaying in the breeze. Finally, they emerged from the forest into a sunlit clearing, greeted by the vibrant spectacle of Phantom Shine Park. The entrance loomed before them, marked by a large blue sign adorned with bold purple letters that proclaimed the park's name to all who approached.
A sense of excitement stirred among the crew as they stood at the threshold of adventure, anticipation coursing through their veins as they prepared to explore the wonders that awaited past the carnival's gates.
"Seems we found it" Azuma proclaimed, his voice carrying a note of satisfaction. The crew approached the entrance, where a striking figure awaited them. Dressed in a sleek black tuxedo, the man exuded an air of elegance, his long purple hair cascading down his shoulders and his piercing blue eyes alive with curiosity. He stood at the booth, a welcoming smile playing upon his lips as he awaited their arrival.
"Welcome, all," the man greeted with a melodious voice that carried over the bustling sounds of the park. He gestured towards the array of attractions with a graceful sweep of his hand. "Phantom Shine Park offers a plethora of culinary delights and thrilling amusements for your enjoyment. The admission fee is merely one silver piece per guest"
As Naiomi brushed past Azuma, a gentle breeze stirred, causing her hair to lightly brush across his face. With a confident smile, she reached the counter, her presence commanding attention. Placing four gleaming gold coins on the polished surface, she declared, "This should cover the fee"
"O-oh, I'm sorry but I might not have enough change for this" The dressed man apologized with a worried look on his face.
"Don't worry about it" She wrapped her arm around Azuma's waist, pulling him past the entrance into the park as they found themselves in a large park with a red paved street, many different rides and attractions for miles. "Alright, me and Azuma are going to go try out some rides, you both can feel free to do what you want till we're done and Roxie, don't do anything stupid"
"What!? Why am I the only one being called out!?" The thief groaned in exasperation, his hands dropping to his sides in disappointment. A slight pout formed across his lips as he grumbled under his breath, feeling singled out and frustrated by the situation. The disappointment weighed heavily on him, evident in the slump of his shoulders and the dejected look in his eyes.
"Because you're a known thief, plus you have the kind of attitude that seems to spell trouble. So don't be an idiot or I will personally stick your head on the wall" He looked to see her revealing a concealed knife before hiding it.
"Y-yes ma'am," Roxie stammered, his face flushing with fear as he acquiesced to Naiomi's command. As she dragged the captain away, Kenzu remained stoic, his arm still resting casually on his blade. He sighed softly, his gaze wandering across the carnival grounds. "It's nice to finally relax, though a carnival isn't really my thing" Kenzu glanced back at Roxie who had a faint smirk. "But I'm sure if I just let you go off on your own, you probably would do something stupid"
Kenzu straightened up, responding: "Come on," Gesturing for Roxie to follow. "We're going to explore the park for anything of value. Plus, it would be nice to get some fresh air away from the sea"
"Awww, but I wanted to try out all the rides!" Roxie whined before giving the swordsmen a sad expression. The dark-haired man sighed once more closing his eyes in frustration before telling him: "Fine do what you want, but I'm looking around for a while, better than wasting time on these pointless rides"
Roxie dashed off with excitement, heading straight for the towering blue ferris wheel, while Kenzu strolled down the long, winding red path. He passed by spinning teacups and other familiar carnival attractions, his gaze surveying the colorful scenery.
As he walked, his attention was drawn to a large, pink fun house standing conspicuously among the other rides. A tall, thin man dressed in a black tuxedo with a red boutonnière on his left torso caught his eye, his face adorned with white clown paint and topped with a whimsical black top hat. Kenzu couldn't shake the feeling of unease that washed over him, but continued his path nonetheless.
Just as he was about to pass by, the clown stepped forward, blocking his way with an outstretched black gloved hand. "Wait, sir!" the clown exclaimed. "Surely, you want to try out the House of the Phantom before you leave!" His voice carried a hint of excitement and goofiness, but Kenzu couldn't help but feel a slight shiver run down his spine at the man's peculiar demeanor.
Kenzu's gaze narrowed as the clown's hand made contact with his shoulder, a chill running down his spine at the unexpected touch. He instinctively reached for the hilt of his blade; his eyes locked onto the strange man before him.
"Fine," Kenzu relented, his voice edged with reluctance and frustration. "If entering this damn fun house will get you off my back, then so be it. Let's get this over with already." With a deep breath, he followed the clown into the ominous depths of the House of the Phantom, his hand never straying far from his trusted blade.
As they approached the entrance, Kenzu couldn't help but shudder at the sight of the large, creepy clown face looming before them. It's mouth served as the entrance, it's red painted eyes seemingly following their every move with an eerie intensity. With a sense of foreboding settling over him, Kenzu steeled himself for whatever lay ahead as they stepped into the chaos within.
Stepping inside, the pirate found himself in a narrow pink hallway, the walls adorned with faded posters of clowns and circus acts. The floor beneath him was a disconcerting black and white checkered pattern, seeming to twist and contort with each step he took. Venturing deeper into the funhouse, he reached a doorway that led him into a large pink room.
Before him stretched a dizzying array of staircases, each one seemingly leading in a different direction and painted in vibrant hues. Some spiraled upwards into darkness, while others curved sharply to the side or looped back on themselves. Kenzu couldn't help but feel slightly disoriented as he gazed upon the chaotic maze of stairs, unsure of which path to take next. With a deep breath, he steeled himself and prepared to navigate the perplexing labyrinth.
"Ugh, never really was one for mazes," Kenzu muttered to himself, his voice echoing faintly in the eerie silence of the funhouse with only the carnival music faintly heard outside. With a sense of trepidation, he chose the stairway in the middle and began ascending the white steps.
The stairs spiraled upwards, seeming to stretch on endlessly until Kenzu finally reached the top. Stepping onto solid ground, he found himself in yet another large room, however, this one had been warped and bathed in an ominous red light. Before him stood a figure cloaked in pure darkness, it's form shifting and swaying as if in a drunken stupor. It's eyes glowed a malevolent shade of red, fixing upon Kenzu with an unsettling intensity.
Kenzu remained strong as he confronted the mysterious entity before him, instinctively unsheathing his katana. With a wary gaze, he prepared himself.
"What is that thing? It seems too real to be a prop or a man in a costume," Kenzu thought, his mind racing with uncertainty as the creature before him lurched forward with sinister intent. Without hesitation, Kenzu gripped his blade and swiftly sliced through the air, his sword cutting through the darkness as if it were merely smoke.
He watched as the entity dissipated into particles of darkness, exhaling a sigh of relief. His heart still pounding with adrenaline. "I knew there was something off about this place," he told himself, his voice tinged with unease. "I should get out of here before another one of those shadow bastards reappear" With a determined stride, Kenzu turned on his heel and began retracing his steps, eager to escape the ominous depths of the House of the Phantom.
He attempted to go back the other way, only to find the stairwell had vanished with no way back. "Of course, why am I not surprised. Whatever, seems forward is my only option" Kenzu raced down the large warped room when he spotted the same clown that had insisted he'd enter the fun house in the first place.
A smile grew across the clown's face as he placed his hand upon his top hat. "Hehe, I only wanted you to enter the fun house so I may steal your soul and use it to become stronger...I'm weak, but once I absorb enough life essence of the souls of the living, I shall be strong enough to make those who ruined my life pay"
"YOU'RE CRAZY! WHO WOULD BELIVE THAT BULLSHIT OF A STORY!?" Kenzu lashed back in utter vexation, his voice edged with disbelief and frustration. Without warning, the clown broke into a sadistic laugher, a chilling sound that echoed through the room. That's when Kenzu's irritation turned to shock.
With a slow smear, the clown wiped away the face paint he was wearing, revealing a grotesque visage beneath. Half of his face was decayed and undead, the skin rotting away to reveal bone beneath. The sight caused Kenzu to freeze, his eyes widening in horror as he stumbled back, his left hand tightening it's grasp around his sword.
"W-WHAT THE HELL!? JUST WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU!?"
"Hehe, do you believe me now!? For years I've spent trapped in this undead body...the feeling of cold being the only thing I can feel. I should've died, but the bastard revived me using some power to raise the dead into an undead corpse. The man began to cry but no tears could be seen from his shriveled body. "I-I just want to die, I can't stand being in this body...between life and death. Then one day, I found something, a crystal that when consumed gave the person power. Since I wanted to live again, I was given the power to steal the life essence of anyone I came in contact with. From there I've regained my strength over time, siphoning the life of all who enter"
"Who's the one that resurrected you, if he did this to you, he's also the one that can undo it!" The pirate questioned, his blade still in hand.
"Why would you help me? You have nothing to gain from it, you're nothing more than a stranger... just submit and let me steal your life essence!" The clown's voice filled with malice as he clenched his gloved fists, lunging at Kenzu with an unnatural speed.
Kenzu's heart raced with unease as he evaded the oncoming attacker, the sense of dread intensifying with each passing moment. Gripping his katana tightly, he waited for the perfect opening, his muscles tense with anticipation.
In one focused strike, Kenzu exhaled, steeling himself before slicing through the air once more with deadly precision. The clown's head was decapitated from his body, rolling to the ground. It's skeletal eyes still fixed on him with an unsettling intensity.
Before Kenzu could exhale a sigh of relief, the severed head spoke with a chilling resonance. "Shadow art: demon fist!" With those words, a colossal fist made of darkness erupted from the tiled floor shaking the entire fun house. The titan-sized fist hurtled itself toward the swordsman with unstoppable force.
Reacting quickly, Kenzu raised his blade to guard, the impact of the shadowy limb sending shockwaves reverberating through his entire body. The sheer force of the blow sent him staggering backward, the air knocked out of him as he crashed into the pink brick wall of the room.
His sword slipped from his grasp, clattering to the ground. Kenzu struggled to push himself up, his heart pounding with adrenaline-fueled panic. The once-mist-like darkness had transformed into a formidable adversary, and Kenzu realized with a sinking feeling that he was facing a foe far more dangerous than he had ever imagined.
"I knew you would try something like this, sadly for you I can just form a new body" Kenzu watched as the body of another shadow entity formed, attaching the clown's head onto it's shoulders as he slowly approached the swordsmen. "Now then...you've given me far more trouble than I would've liked, I can't afford to waste my precious strength on a nobody"
The pirate reached for his weapon when his assailant grabbed him by his throat, beginning to siphon the life from his body. Kenzu's once black hair began growing gray as his face grew wrinkled. "Since you're about to turn to dust, I shall tell you my name...my name is-" Just then a knife flew through the room, piercing the clown's arm, causing him to drop the weakened swordsmen, turning to see Azuma and Naiomi.
"How did you two get inside my funhouse!? Tsk, I guess it doesn't matter, you'll just be more life force for me to consume"
"We'll see about that, you chaotic freak! I won't let anything happen to Kenzu!" Naiomi's voice rang out, laced with decisiveness as she pulled three gleaming knives from her pocket. With practiced precision, she hurled them toward the undead clown, each blade finding it's mark with deadly accuracy.
The sharp projectiles pierced through the decaying flesh of the clown's cheeks and one embedded in the center of his skull. Naiomi's lips curled into a smirk. "Heh, I hope that hurt!" she taunted, her voice tinged with satisfaction at having struck a blow against their sinister foe.
That's when their target, undeterred by the atack, slowly advanced toward them, plucking the sharp projectiles from his cracked skull with an eerie calmness. "I'm sorry, my dear... but I no longer feel pain," he intoned, his voice laced with a chilling certainty. "But I'm sure you still do!"
With a sudden toss, he hurled all three blades back at them. The crew braced themselves for the incoming attack, but to their astonishment, the flying blades were abruptly swallowed by a small, purple swirling rift, vanishing from sight in an instant.
This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.
The air crackled with tension as the crew exchanged wary glances, their apprehension rising in the face of this new display of otherworldly power.
"W-what th-"As Azuma's mind raced to comprehend the sudden danger, time seemed to slow down. "CAPTAN WATCH OUT!" His eyes widened in shock as Naiomi suddenly propelled him out of harm's way, her movements almost graceful amidst the chaos. The assassin's push was like a forceful gust of wind, sending him staggering to the side just as the lethal blades shot forth from the rift beside his head.
The air crackled with tension as the blades sliced through the space where he had stood moments before, one after the other disappearing into the darkness of another rift. Across the room, Kenzu lay sprawled on his back, weakened from the assailant's siphon ability, his breaths coming in ragged gasps as he watched the events unfold with a mixture of shock and fatigue.
"Hehe, Haha! This may actually be fun to watch. Even if you manage to dodge one of them, they'll just be sent through another rift until one of them pierces you!" The undead clown giggled throwing his arms out as he watched the madness unfold.
"Damn it, he's saying he can just teleport our own projectiles around us like pinballs until we're hit!? Sigh, what a pain" Azuma stood back up when seven rifts manifested around the pair.
With lightning reflexes, Azuma instinctively ducked as the knives rushed past him, the rush of air brushing against his face. Meanwhile, Naiomi executed a graceful backflip, her lithe form contorting effortlessly to avoid the deadly projectiles. They danced through the air in a deadly ballet, darting in and out of the rifts at a rapid pace, each movement calculated to strike their targets with precision.
The small blades seemed to have a mind of their own as they moved through the air, their gleaming edges reflecting the dim light of the room. The pair remained on high alert, their senses honed to anticipate the erratic movements of the knives as they continued to evade each deadly strike with agile finesse.
"Tssk! Fuck this!" Tired of the same old tactic, Azuma threw both hands out, using himself as a wall when all three projectiles pierced through him all at once, two in his abdomen with the 3rd in his back. Blood began to seep down his body staining the floor, his body shaking in pain. "Huff...huff, enough of your little tricks. I've got b-better things to do than waste my time with the likes of a mere undead clown"
Azuma gritted his teeth against the searing pain that shot through his nerves as the knives pierced his flesh. However, Kenousa refused to yield, his resolve unwavering even in the face of adversity. Blood welled from the wounds, staining his clothing and pooling the floor beneath him.
Despite the excruciating pain coursing through his veins, Azuma's voice remained steady, laced with a steely resolve as he addressed his adversary. Each word was punctuated by labored breaths, his body trembling with exertion, yet his spirit remained unbroken. With a fierce glare, he stared down the undead clown, his eyes ablaze with an unwavering will to overcome whatever challenges lay ahead.
The tension in the air was palpable as the pirate stood defiant, refusing to succumb to the pain that threatened to overwhelm him. Though battered and wounded, he remained resolute, his mind sharp and focused on the task at hand.
A smirk grew on the villain's face as he responded: "Oh really? And just what is so important that you should live?" Azuma slowly lifted his head looking him dead in the eye. "I'm going to become the next pirate lord...and to do that...I need to become stronger. Until that day comes, I won't die"
"HAHAHAHA! A pirate lord!? You can't be serious! You're nothing more than another drop of rain in a vast ocean, what makes you so special!? Pirate lord is a title given only to those who've accomplished great feats as well as made the sea quake with their power. What have you accomplished?"
The clown's mocking laughter echoed through the chamber, reverberating off the walls as he taunted Azuma with biting words. His voice dripped with sarcasm and disdain; each syllable laden with contempt as he belittled the pirate before him. Drawing closer, the clown closed the distance between them, his eyes boring into Azuma's with a malevolent gleam.
With a wicked grin plastered across his decayed visage, the clown leaned in close. Despite the looming threat, Azuma met the clown's gaze head-on, his own eyes burning with defiance and confidence. Azuma stood his ground, refusing to be cowed by the clown's derision. Though his body was battered and bloodied, his spirit remained unbroken.
The corpse's eyes widened in astonishment as he witnessed the miraculous healing of Azuma's wounds. Each knife previously embedded in the pirate's body, slid out with a clatter, hitting the ground as if released by an unseen force. A puzzled expression crossed the clown's decayed features as he observed the wounds rapidly closing, the torn flesh knitting itself back together before his very eyes.
A sense of disbelief washed over the undead as he watched the injuries vanish without a trace, as though they had never been there in the first place. The villain had never witnessed such a display of resilience and regeneration and could only stare in shock.
As the last of the wounds disappeared, the figure's amusement turned to frustration and anger. His plans thwarted and his pride wounded, he glared at the pirate with renewed intensity, his goal to defeat him burning brighter than ever before.
"Impossible, you have a magika ability!?" The villain gasped. Without a word, Azuma lunged forward, gripping the fiend's rotting skull with his bare hand, crushing it with ease as the figure collapsed to the floor. Naiomi watched in shock, unable to form words of what just happened.
He looked down at the remains of his foe. "I will...become the next pirate lord...weather it takes 10 years or 100, I will overcome any obstacle that stands in my way. Even death won't block my path" Stepping over the remains, Azuma walked over to Kenzu who's gray hair slowly reverted back to it's youthful black hair as he slowly rose before his captain.
"C-captain Azuma? When did you get here?"
"About a moment ago, you were getting attacked by that sadistic clown, luckily Naiomi managed to draw the monster's attention just before the life was drained from your body" The blue assassin slightly blushed looking away, embarrassed that the captain was giving her credit for saving Kenzu.
With a slight cough the swordsmen slowly got to his feet. "Thank you, Captain, you too Naiomi, I knew I should've gone in this damn funhouse, especially with my gut telling me something with wrong to begin with"
As they made their way outside, Azuma spotted Roxie having fun in the spinning teacups by himself while he and Naiomi walked Kenzu over to a bench that sat along the path of the park. "Sigh, I should give that thief a kick in the ass, but I'll let him enjoy himself for now"
"Are you sure captain Azuma? I could give him a light stab in the back if you wish" The blue assassin offered. Azuma sat beside the swordsmen looking up at Naiomi who gave him a smirk wielding a knife as if ready to throw it right at her own crew member.
"It's fine, we deserve to relax from time to time, but eventually I want to explore the rest of this island, I'm sure if that freak was here, there's bound to be more magika users around..."
Chapter 4 Beyond The Park
As the crimson sun dipped below the tree line, it sent an eerie veil of red light over the carnival grounds. Azuma slowly rose from the bench with Naiomi and Kenzu remaining steadfast at his side. They proceeded down the red stone path, heading towards the northern part of the park where Roxie could be seen riding the towering Ferris wheel.
The atmosphere was tinged with a sense of unease, the carnival now bathed in the surreal light of dusk. Shadows danced across the grassy expanse, elongated by the fading sunlight, lending an otherworldly aura to the surroundings. Despite the ominous backdrop, the trio pressed on, unshaken by the strange occurrence within Phantom Shine Park.
As they approached the towering Ferris wheel, the joyful laughter of Roxie drifted through the air, blending seamlessly with the distant melody of carnival music. With each rotation of the giant metal structure, the young thief's exuberance seemed to grow, his carefree demeanor evident as he reclined in the spacious pod.
With hands clasped behind his head and legs casually crossed, Roxie leaned back, allowing himself to be enveloped by the thrill of the moment. The wheel ascended to it's climax, allowing him to gaze out at the sprawling expanse of the carnival below, a grin of pure delight spreading across his face.
For Roxie, this was more than just a simple amusement park ride; it was a fleeting moment of joy in an otherwise chaotic world. As the wheel came to a gentle stop, leaving him suspended high above the carnival grounds, he savored the feeling of freedom and exhilaration that coursed through him, "Ahhh, best day ever"
Azuma stopped in front of the red steel steps of the ride looking up at the pod his crew occupied. "Roxie! It's time to move out, I've given you a few hours to enjoy yourself while we on the other hand were attacked by a magika user!"
The pink-haired rogue groaned in protest, "Aww come on, can't we relax just a little longer!?" His plea for more relaxation falling on deaf ears. Azuma exchanged a knowing glance with Naiomi, a silent agreement passing between them. With a resolute nod from his first mate, Azuma's expression hardened.
Naiomi drew her knife, the glint of steel catching the fading sunlight as she released the blade, sending it hurtling through the air towards the pod where Roxie lounged. The sharp projectile soared towards it's target, embedding itself in the steel pod just inches above Roxie's head.
In that moment, the stern resolve in Azuma's eyes spoke volumes, a silent reminder that even in moments of relaxation, their vigilance could never waver. He allowed himself a brief exhale, his gaze unwavering as he awaited Roxie's reaction.
Opening his eyes to see yet another blade just inches from his skull, he let out a gasp as his eyes widened with fear. "ALRIGHT, I'M COMING!" They watched as the scared thief leapt from his pod, running down the support beams before landing in front of them. "Huff, here I am. Now what's so important you had naiomi throw yet another knife at my head!?"
His captain gave him a serious look. "As much as I want to relax, Kenzu was attacked by a clown that seemed to possess a magika ability...I'm not sure how rare it is for people to acquire a crystal since I was lucky to be stranded on an island that had some growing, but it's still suspicious some random clown had one.
That's when Kenzu spoke up. "When I was fighting him, he told me he was resurrected by someone and trapped on this island. It's a long shot, but maybe the one that confined him here is somewhere on this island. If not, it's all we have to go off of" They turned to Kenousa who thought about it for a moment. "You could be right, but why would they stay here? What value does this island have to them? Either there's something on this island we need to find, or whoever trapped him here is long gone and we won't be able to find him until we have more info"
As they approached the northern end of the park, the atmosphere grew increasingly ominous. The once vibrant carnival now seemed to fade into the background, overshadowed by the foreboding presence of the Phantom Forest.
Roxie's unease was palpable, mirroring the sense of apprehension that hung in the air. His footsteps faltered slightly as they reached the exit, where a warning sign stood sentinel, it's red hue a stark contrast against the surrounding darkness. Bold black letters spelled out a dire message: "WARNING: Phantom Forest, enter at own risk!"
Azuma paused, a momentary hesitation flickering across his features before he steeled himself. With a deep breath, he stepped over the red chains that marked the boundary, his crew following closely behind. Each footfall seemed to echo off into the silence within the depths of the forest.
"Cap' are you sure it's a good idea to leave the park? The sign clearly says enter at your own risk" Roxie commented a little unsure about exploring the woods. Azuma continued to walk as he replied: "Are you worried something's going to eat you Roxie? I thought you'd be confident like you normally are in these kinds of situations, what's got you so scare all of a sudden?"
Roxie clinched his fist. "I-I'm not scared...I just think we should wait until morning to explore the forest so we can see better"
"Ah, so you're scared of the dark is it? Tell me Roxie...what in this forest could possibly be a threat to us? Kenzu is well enough to use his blade as well as Naiomi's quick reflexes and accuracy with her knives and other weapons. With all that, you shouldn't have a reason to be scared so long as you actually stay with us. Though knowing you, I'm sure you'll do something stupid that gets you lost" The young captain remarked with a slight smirk.
As they ventured deeper into the heart of Phantom Forest under the cover of night, the surroundings underwent a surreal transformation. The once menacing dark woods gave way to a fantastical landscape straight out of a fairytale. Trees adorned with fluffy pink foliage reminiscent of cotton candy towered above them, their hues illuminated by the soft glow of the moonlight filtering through the dense canopy.
The forest floor, once obscured by shadow, now lay blanketed with a carpet of vibrant green grass that seemed to shimmer like emerald under the moon's beams. Despite the whimsical allure of their surroundings, Azuma pressed on, leading his crew deeper into the enchanted depths of the Phantom Forest, driven by the promise of discovery that awaited them amidst the surreal landscape.
As Azuma strode along the path, his footsteps resonated with a soft, muffled sound, hinting at the peculiar material beneath his boots. The ground felt firm yet yielding, as if he were treading upon solid chocolate, it's rich aroma wafting up to tantalize his senses.
Flanking the pathway, a line of marshmallows, perfectly aligned like railing, stretched into the distance on both sides, their soft, fluffy forms creating an ethereal distinction against the backdrop of the enchanted forest.
Amidst this fantasy setting loomed a grand mansion, walls constructed entirely of gingerbread, adorned with intricate white icing designs that glistened in the moonlight like delicate filigree. The air was suffused with the sweet scent of sugar and spice, emanating from the confectionery masterpiece before them.
Azuma's incredulous gaze swept over the fantastical structure, his mind struggling to reconcile the surreal sight before him with the rational world he knew. "What is this, some kind of fairytale?" he muttered, his voice tinged with disbelief. "Who builds a house made of candy in the middle of the forest on a random island!?"
Despite his skepticism, curiosity gnawed at him, urging him to uncover the mysteries hidden within the sugary walls of the gingerbread mansion. With his interest peaked, Azuma took a step forward, his heart set on unraveling the enigma that lay ahead.
Roxie let out an excited cry preparing to run towards it when Azuma gripped him by his collar with a stern glare. Roxie ran in place full of energy, unable to escape the captain's tight grip. "Look at all that candy! I have to try some!" The thief cried out. Meanwhile Kenzu gave him a cold glare crossing his arms. "Sigh, you really are stupid, aren't you? You let your greediness get the better of you instead of wondering why a forest of candy is just sitting here. It could just be a trap for those who get lost. How do you know the candy isn't poisonous or there's some kind of trap set around the house for dimwits like you?"
Roxie looked at his captain with sad eyes hoping to convince him to try the candy. "Tsk, if you want to risk it then be my guest, Kenzu, keep watch over him incase this really is some kind of trap" Azuma responded, tossing the pink-haired pirate towards the house as he landed on his feet racing towards the house filled with excitement. Meanwhile the swordsmen followed behind, his arm close to his sword with an agitated expression.
"So, you think it's some kind of trick?" Naiomi questioned standing beside the young captain. He sighed, crossing his arms. "If this really is just a ruse to lure innocent people by dark means, it's best we deal with it to ensure it doesn't happen to anyone else"
Without warning, Roxie's desperate cries pierced the eerie silence, the trio's instincts kicked into overdrive, propelling them towards the source of the commotion with urgent haste. Their hearts pounded in their chests, matching the frantic rhythm of their footsteps as they closed in on the gingerbread mansion.
Arriving at the scene, their eyes widened in horror at the sight before them. The once innocuous red licorice window now resembled a gaping maw, it's jagged edges contorted into a grotesque semblance of a red mouth. From within this warped aperture, a serpentine tendril, slick with an oily sheen, shot forth like a monstrous tongue, seizing Roxie by the throat with a vice-like grip.
Terror painted across his face letting out faint coughs. Roxie struggled against the relentless force, his futile efforts only serving to tighten the tentacle's grip around his neck. With a sickening lurch, he was yanked through the window's threshold, disappearing into the depths of the sinister abode.
The trio stood frozen in shock, their minds reeling at the nightmarish spectacle unfolding before them. "ROXIE!" The trio cried as the window reverted back to normal as if it had a mind of it's own. Azuma and Naiomi rushed over to the swordsmen who gripped his katana, preparing to slice through the wall of gingerbread. "Kenzu what happened!?"
"I'm sorry captain, one second the idiot was in front of me, the next he was getting pulled inside before I could sever whatever grabbed him. Don't worry...I doubt a mere gingerbread mansion is strong enough to withstand a strike from my blade" With a firm grip of his blade, Kenzu unleashed a sudden slash across the left side of the mansion as the wall began to crack before crumbling to the ground.
As the dust-like sugar faded, they could see a large library with a gingerbread floor, licorice pillars and marshmallow furniture. The trio cautiously stepped inside, examining the candy-filled room with both surprise and disbelief.
Walking over to one of the gingerbread bookcases, Azuma pulled out what he expected to be a fake book made of candy, only for it to be a real book. "Huh? Seems this book is real, which means all these books must be real unlike most of this house. Though, if there's real books here, that must mean someone actually lives here. We need to find Roxie and the bastard that took him"
"Yes sir!" Naiomi responded as they searched the library for any secret pathways or clues on where Roxie could've been taken. Kenzu walked out of the library, finding himself in a large lobby where the floor was solid chocolate, stairs in the center of the room leading to the 2nd floor which were made of white chocolate with licorice as the railing.
"Hmm, I guess I'll check the 2nd floor while Azuma and Naiomi search the library" As he walked up the stairs, he thought he heard something just up ahead. The swordsmen walked slowly up the stairs, quietly unsheathing his blade as he reached the 2nd-floor corridor. He started closely at the dark-chocolate hallway with rows of doors aligning the hall with candy cane doorframes.
That's when high-pitched giggles could be heard from behind the doors. Kenzu took a step forward when the doors slowly creaked open all at once before him. Kenzu grew unease when a small figure slowly leaned it's head out the door, it was a small gingerbread man with a creepy smile on it's face. It let out high-pitched giggles standing motionless before the man.
That's when more and more laughter could be heard as a gingerbread man stuck it's head out of each doorway looking right at him as if from a horror movie. "W-what the hell is going on here!?" That's when a horde of them began charging towards him like gremlins as they let out sadistic laughter.
Kenzu could feel himself slowly backing away before he realized what he was up against. "T-these are just gingerbread men...cookies, I'm a trained bounty hunter! Tsssk, stay back!" Gripping his sword with both hands, Kenzu brought his blade down with one abrupt slash. He watched as a fierce wave of force pierced right through the center of the horde, slicing the demonic cookies to pieces as half of them hit the floor.
"Sigh...that's right, you pipsqueaks are nothing to a trained bounty hunter like me" The horde stopped as they circled around all the broke figures lying on the floor. That's when they all began to pile on top of each other, there once high-pitched laughter began to become a deep-tone laughter as the small cookies merged into a 7-foot-sized gingerbread man.
"W-what the hell!? G-get back!" Sweat tripped down the bounty hunter's face as he sent a barrage of fierce sword strikes right for the merged entity, only to watch as it's wounds quickly healed as if it was made from soft dough, each slice slowly closing back up. "TSSSSSK!" Unable to think of a way to stop the tall laughing figure, Kenzu leapt from the railing, landing in the grass where he rushed back into the lobby.
"Captain! We have a problem! Some gingerbread golem is upstairs and is making it's way down here! I've tried cutting it to pieces, but it seems to have no effect on it!"
Azuma gave him a confused look before responding: "This isn't like you to make jokes Kenzu, but we don't have time for this, we need to find-" Just then the large gingerbread man smashed through the doorway staring right at them with it's creepy red eyes and frosting smile as it continued to laugh with it's deep voice.
"This day just gets weirder and weirder. Naiomi, Kenzu get out of the way, I'll deal with this large bastard" His crew members nodded as they ran past the large candy brute. "Alright, bring it on you candy bastard" It looked him in the eyes before charging right for him, it's feet stomping with every step. Azuma dashed forward, throwing a punch right to his target's face as he struck the right gumdrop eye of the creature.
It let out a deep bellow stepping back as it placed it hand to it's eye before smacking Azuma across the room, causing him to impact one of the book frames, causing it to break as dozens of books hit the ground. "Sigh, you're a tough bastard, aren't you? Well, if I can't break you...then let's try this!"
Advancing towards his foe once more, Azuma gripped the gumdrop eyes on the gingerbread man's face, taking them away before jumping back. (Hmmm, if this works, it won't be able to see me anymore. Though it could've just been for show and I took these for nothing. But at this point, nothing would surprise me)
Closing his fist to hide the eyes, he looked up at the creature who began to let out loud cries of despair as it's once smile turned to a frown as it proceeded to flail it's hands around, smashing the library in an attempt to reclaim it's gumdrop eyes.
(Hmm, if it actually does need these to see...does this mean it also has internal organs as well?) Placing the gumdrop eyes in his pocket, he snuck up on the raging monster, throwing a punch right for the creature's back as he punched right through it's gingerbread skin.
"Hmph!?" That's when he realized his fist was stuck inside it's back. "D-damn it...I-I can't free my hand!" The gingerbread began to slowly travel up his armor as he was pulled inside the golem...
Meanwhile Kenzu and Naiomi searched the house for any sign of Roxie, only to find nothing but empty rooms. As they raced down the stairs, they came to a halt at the sight of a tall buff man with pink hair, red eyes wearing a white cloak and black pants. "Hello...I see you're looking for something...allow me to help you both"
Before the pair could react, the figure shot his arm out right for them, his arm becoming pink taffy as his fist struck the pair across the face knocking them out...
Kenzu and Naiomi awoke chained to the wall in a large basement where they spotted the same man standing before them along with the giant gingerbread at his side. "Ah, I see you're both awake. Welcome trespassers to my hidden lab where I bring those stupid enough to trespass on my property"
The pair struggled to free themselves from the tight chains but in the end was in vain. "Hehe, try all you like, but you all have no chance of escaping from here. I suppose you're wondering why I bring trespassers down here...torture? Imprisonment? Or perhaps I just kill them for the fun of it? Well, you'd be wrong. The reason I've brought you all down here...is because years ago, I discovered something that would change the world...Magika crystal creation"
The pair's eyes widened at his words. "Magika....creation? No...it's not possible, no one can just create crystals, it takes time" Kenzu commented as both looked at him as if he were insane. He slowly walked up to them, looking the bound swordsmen dead in the eye. "You're right, it does take time...but that's only if they're created naturally like plants or oxygen. How are magika crystals created? From a buildup of natural energy that then condenses into one spot until a crystal grows in that area like a tree or fruit. That's when I realized...life itself is a natural form of energy. So, I thought if I can drain the human body of it's life energy, I then could condense their life essence and replicate the creation process of the magika crystal!"
Naiomi continued to struggle. "Just how do you expect to drain the energy from us? Something like that just sounds like a psycho's fantasy"
"Oh really? Have you heard of spiritual energy? It's the physical manifestation of one's own life force that can be used to enhance one's own capabilities as well as supernatural abilities. Allow me to demonstrate"
The pair watched as the tall gingerbread man opened it's stomach, revealing Roxie in the center, his arms and legs bound by the thick dough of the entity. Standing before the unconscious pirate. The man placed his left palm against Roxie's face while opening his right to reveal a gumball. "Now watch, as I siphon his spiritual life force from his very body and transfer it to this mere gumball"
"NO STOP YOU BASTARD!" The blue assassin cried out as she struggled with all her might to free herself from the chains. "Don't worry my dear, it won't hurt him, he'll just grow weaker until his heart stops. Like one dying in their sleep" A purple aura began to transfer from Roxie's face as the gumball began to emit a purple aura as well.
"Behold, thanks to my magika ability to turn myself as well as non-living things into candy, I can transfer his spiritual energy into this gumball thereby condensing natural energy into one location ergo replicating the process of crystal creation. To you both it might not make sense, but to one who's spent years alone in these woods...one only has time to think and study. I had come to this island many years ago...back when I was a mere boy. I loved phantom Shine park, the rides, the people...but after awhile, I grew bored, I wanted to explore the rest of the island much like you. But sadly, it wasn't long before I grew lost in the endless forest. Days soon became months as the only source of food were fruit and berries that I'd find on rare occasions. As the food grew slim, I thought I'd be finished, however...as I was struggling to survive in these woods, I saw it...a pink crystal...sticking out of the ground like a plant"
Another gingerbread man entered the room as the man continued. "With no other option, I ate the crystal thinking it was ice. At the time I had no knowledge of magika crystals and their existence. But after awaking hours later, I realized whatever I touched would turn to candy. The grass would become cotton candy, the trees turned to lollipops. My need for food must've manifested that crystal to insure my survival. So as the weeks passed by, I used my new magika ability to keep me alive, using the food to feed myself as well as transform the environment into my own personal wonderland. I'm sure you're wondering how I've managed to stay sane after all these years...about a year into my isolation, I decided to make these gingerbread men as both guards and friends to talk to...but I soon realized, they were sentient...they could react and respond to me as if alive"
Just then the gingerbread man that had just entered suddenly crashed apart as Azuma jumped out before the assailant. "What!?" The pink-haired pirate was caught off guard as Azuma pierced his blade straight through his target's chest.
That's when the man began to laugh. "Hehe, you really think it would be that easy? One quick stab of my heart and I'd be dead...that is what you were thinking wasn't it? I'm afraid this vessel is nothing more than a form I created out of candy, why else would I be in such Prestine shape from only eating sweets?"
Azuma backflipped away from the target as a pink substance seeped out from his stab wound. "Hmph, so you're saying most of your body is nothing more than transfigured candy made to look human, is that it? Well then...seems I'll just have to strike you until I find your real organs, I know underneath that facade of a body, there's vital organs that are weak to a blade's strike"
The young captain aimed his blade towards the psychopath, a determined look in his eyes as he gripped his blade tightly. "Are you sure you want to continue this little scuffle of ours? I already have one of your friends right here" He held out the small pink gumball as Roxie's purple aura flowed around it.
That's when Azuma had an idea, a slight smirk grew across his face as he lowered his blade. "I have a better idea, how about we make a bet, if you win...I'll let you absorb my spiritual energy without resistance"
"Oh? What an interesting bargain, you've piqued my interest, continue"
"I wager I can strike a vital organ in this next attack" His opponent grinned opening both arms out, leaving himself wide open to an attack. "Go on then, if you miss, your spirit energy shall contribute to the creation of a new breed of magika crystals!"
Gripping his sword with both hands, Azuma dashed forward, piercing his blade right into the leg of the candy man. Both blood and pink goo splattered to the ground as the pirate's eyes widened in shock. "Im-impossible...h-how did you know where m-my vital organs were!?" He shook in pain before falling to one knee before Azuma who looked down at him with a serious expression.
"The first time I struck, I could feel your heartbeat in a lower part of your body, so I knew it had to be either in your leg or feet. Aside from that, I just got lucky not piercing your heart but rather a kidney...Now then...return Roxie's energy back to his body, unless you'd rather I pierce your heart this time"
Asuma aimed his blade towards the man's right leg with a cold look in his eyes. Clinching his teeth, the candy man dropped the gumball as the purple aura flowed back to Roxie's motionless body. All watched as the thief opened his eyes, his vision returning. "W-what happened? Just a moment ago I saw some kind of light off in the distance of a dark void.
"Now, release my crewmates from their chains" The pink-haired pirate lowed his head as the pirates were free from their traps as they stood before the defeated villain.
"We should hurry and kill him here, someone this sadistic and heartless has no right roaming freely" Roxie snapped angrily towards the wounded pirate. Azuma put a hand up signaling him to calm down. "That won't be necessary Oda, I think I have a better idea" Crouching down before the bleeding foe. Azuma asked: "What is life to you? Just a source of energy used to create power? Or something precious? Something needed to be protected at any cost?"
All watched as tears of red candy syrup began running down the man's face as he struggled to hold back his sorrow. "I...I'm sorry Azuma, being isolated from society for so long has made me forget the importance of life...for years I hated the outside world as if they abanded me, but with the creation of my gingerbread guards, I thought they could fill the gap inside me, but like me...they were nothing but hollow creatures just following my orders like mindless drones. I'm sorry for hurting your friends and understand if you never forgive me"
That's when he felt a hand on his shoulder. "What is your name?" The man looked up to see Azuma kneeling before him with a smile on his face. The fellow pirate answered: Kiozen...Kiozen Kiyoko" The pirate captain smiled responding: "Why don't you come with us Kiozen? Away from phantom shine island, away from this hollow and isolated place? We'll travel the world together, seeing new lands and meeting new people, both friend and foe. With your candy abilities, I'm sure you'll be a great addition to the team"
"WHAAAT!?" The others cried out in shock. Roxie clinched his fist pointing at Kiozen. "You really want to bring that heartless psycho with us!? What if he tries to kill us again!?"
That's when Azuma stood up, glaring at his crewmate with his back still turned to him. "Do you have a problem with my decision as captain Oda? If so, say it, I won't leave him here to wallow in loneliness. I can tell he's not a heartless monster unlike the others we've faced before, he's just broken...feeling rejected by this world. I know what it's like...to be rejected by those around you...left for dead as you feel the end drawing near. So I ask you again Roxie...do you have something to say?"
Kenzu and Naiomi stood and watched as Roxie clinched his fist in frustration before looking away. "No captain..."
Stardust Island ARC...