Though looking focused down at his drink, staring at his reflection across the surface, Kirk was fully paying attention to their conversation.

Kirk hadn't expected Leroy to dive right into questions so soon, knowing far too well from many awkward situations that asking questions only forced one into being expected to help out.

Kirk was selfish, he had better things to do than help out random people in their sad little towns. As much as grief and guilt struck him for these citizens, he was on a mission.

Kirk's ears twitched in attention each time his memory was refreshed from the lady's tale. he stayed silent as well, letting her take her time and go at her own comfortable pace. He knew how hard it would be to talk about something like this.

He did feel a stab of guilt through his chest once though. As much as he hated it, he looked forward to snooping around Iron Boot's waters. He had to be rich.

Kirk cleared his throat before looking up at the lady, looking solemn. "I am... so sorry that this town has been brought to its knees like this, ma'am. I can't imagine how hard this has hit everyone here..."

The Fishman had been considering lying for Leroy, thinking he probably didn't want to be here any longer either since he was looking for a navigator just to get out of the damn town... but he was unsure if this guy was reliable enough to not blurt out something stupid, so he saved his ass for now.

"I just arrived here with those new people that were hauled up to the docks and I was told to sneak away and try to report back to my town. I wish I could help, I truly do ma'am, but I must be getting home as soon as I possibly can. I can't thank you enough for your hospitality though, my lady."

Leroy had listened. He heard it all.

Yet he stood there. With out reaction. Without even that smile on his face. He gave a slow, deep nod to the elderly woman. Who in response, tilted her head as her eyes widened.

When suddenly He turned around and left out of the door. Stopping only for a moment. Not even looking back before speaking sternly. Yet there was this tone of warmness in his throat.

"Lets Go Kirk."

And without even waiting for the Koi Fishman he walked back out into the rain.

Thats when it was noticeable. The way his shoulders were squared off as he walked with a confident strut. That smile non existent as he adjusted the red fabric around his body.

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

With his back straight, the fabric of his shirt was able to cling to his skin. Revealing the true form of this mans body. Deep etched muscle rippled across his skin. Lines etched like a fine piece of marble. Considerably well toned and well trained back muscles were on full display.

This was no mere 'Homeless man'. This was a fighter. Trained. Hardened.

He waved his hand to kirk as he spoke in that same confident ton "C'mere, Wrap your arm around me and limp."

It was time to move.

"Wh-.. what?"

That was all that could come out of his mouth as he turned his head in shock, now watching Leroy strut out of the door. He took one more quick sip of water from the glass he was given, and set it down gently, before yet again thanking Dearest.

He stopped and stared at the pirate before him, being stopped in his tracks by the sight. He had known the man was fit already, based on his build... but he didn't realize how chiseled he truly was. It was looking at a perfect statue. How the candlelight shone against his sodden shirt, framing his torso closely, darkness surrounding him.. yet his determination alone lit up the area.

Almost without a second thought, becoming urged on with a single wave of a hand, Kirk followed Leroy.

He grabbed his shoes along the way, of course also noticing the pirate forgot his sandals and picked them up as well, before slipping them on with a few hops on each foot before coming right up beside him. As he had ordered, Kirk slung his arm behind Leroy's neck and over his shoulder, though a bit hesitant. he made sure to place his sandals down too, mentioning them to make him realize.

"You.. sure it's alright to do this? Lean on you?" He didn't put his weight into the other just yet, not feeling completely safe to do so yet. But Almost with a surprise. As soon as Kirk put his arm around the Pirate Captain. He Brought his own arm up and wrapped it around him. Before pulling him down, making him drop his weight with a surprising amount of ease.

As the cold, sharp rain hailed down on him yet again, it suddenly flashed to his mind that he didn't even think to ask why. Why Leroy needed him to do this. Why Kirk had even been so encouraged to follow along. He was shocked out of his trance, almost about to pull away from the man.

“What… are you planning?”

"You'll see."

They then slowly walked up the stairs. The long journey up. Making sure to to keep up their façade just in case anyone was watching.

And before they knew it. They were at the large metal gate of the Marine base. The Symbolic Coat of arms of the Marines splayed across it's surface. The rain gently streaming down the cold metal.

Leroy then took a breath. And suddenly, his demeanor changed "HELP PLEASE! SOMEONE HELP ME! MARINE! SOMEONE!"

He then banged on the door hard enough that it shook and reverberated a mighty sound. Suddenly. Lights at the top of the tall blue camo tower lit up. Shining at the front gate.

A sudden rummaging behind the gate spoke out.

"CIVILLAIN! STEP AWAY FROM THE DOOR!"