Hello everyone!

I skipped my schedule and came back to you after two month and I'm sorry for that. However, I come back once more with a huge chapter. For the following chapters, things shall go smoothly since my class has ended. Still, I am quite busy (working full time and stuffs) and I'll probably stick to once a month. My plan are to end to headquarter battle by the end of summer.

Your support would be greatly appreciated in order to achieve that. I'm starting to gain a good amount of supporters, 6 favorites and 10 followers until now, and I thank you all for that. I do ask for more reviews though. I'm always grateful for your impression and it help a lot to make me improve.

This chapter will be introducing Jason, a character sent to me by Colossal Fighter GX, and your second OC shall make his apparition eventually. Thanks to all who have sent me an OC and remember that you can always do the same. I have almost filled all the spot I needed, so it's probably one of your last chance to share an OC. Help making this story even more awesome.

I'll take this opportunity to remember you that English is not my first language. I'm not fully confident with the writing in that one, so I wanted to tell you once more.

I think I have done rambling, so remember that Oda is a genius and that we all probably thanks him an thousand times for creating the universe of One Piece.

Lloyd the renegade

Chapter 11

A young man looked at the Marines that started to agitate around him. He made a hand run through his short black hair, momentarily flattening a big cowlick the lifted once more when he was done, before having a little satisfied smile. "It seems that I will be able to discover a good scoop." Thought Jason Hutchins as he pulled out his diary and a pen.

Now aged of seventeen, the young man had started to travel the sea so he could wrote down chronicle of what was happening around him. Drove by tales of powerful pirates, great battles and mysterious power given by Devil Fruits, he leaved his quiet life so he could saw them by his own. When he heard that serious stuff was happening at the West Blue Marine headquarter, he decided to cover it.

They weren't really satisfied by his presence, but they didn't have any reason to refuse an innocent civilian since it always had been allowed to outsiders to come visit the headquarter. The point was to eventually charm them and recruit them as they would be able to see the interesting life of the Marines. Jason wasn't interested at all to join, especially since he had a little bounty that could come out if they started to make some research about him.

Anyway, he arrived three days ago and he had the feeling they were trying to hide something from him. There was…a feeling in the atmosphere that Jason couldn't put his finger on. All the men were a little tense and it seems they were preparing something. Still, every officers he tried to interrogate simply waved him off and told him to mind his own business. Even more intrigued, he tried to get something from the common seamen in the little bar that was built in the east wing, the port being south and the main building north, but to no use. He was still under age and got thrown out when the barman spotted him sitting in one of the back table. He was waiting for a group to arrive so he could overhear their conversation, but the place was almost empty and he was standing out too much with his civilian clothes.

That confirmed his doubt that something was happening, because most Marines weren't any different to pirates when it came to drinking and cheering… But don't tell them, ok! Since everyone was so serious he decided to stick around until he discovered something… And that might be his chance. They wouldn't be hiding anything else from him as he climbed the stairs toward the central building. As he was doing so, he took a look at the ocean. He couldn't help but notice that three ships were heading toward the first door. It seem that they were the cause of the commotion that was starting to raise in the headquarter and Jason also found that something seemed weird about them. He stopped to closely look at them and finally spotted what was odd: They didn't have any sails even though they were coming closer. He noted that in his journal and kept progressing.

After a breath-taking ascension, he finally set a foot on the high plateau of the main building. He barely had time to recover his breath that doors opened and a delegation of officers poured out of it. Jason blinked twice when he had that feeling of having put his finger on something big. A red-haired woman made a salutation to an old man with an immaculate beard before walking toward him. He recognized the older man has the well-known Commander Koshiro and didn't want to miss this opportunity when she closed in. With her rifle on the shoulder and a revolver at her belt, the auburn-haired woman gave him a short curious look before aiming for the stairs. She had a certain intimidating presence around her and he she passed next to him before he could say something.

Coming back to his sense, he said a quiet: «Pardon me…» That wasn't convincing at all, but she stopped after a couple of stairs and turned toward him. He cleared his throat and tried to flatten uselessly his hairs as a tuff of hair sprang up immediately after. He tried to take a professional tone, that worked out pretty well, as he asked: «Would you allow me some questions about what is happening?»

She responded him with a sharp: «And who might you be?» She had a seriousness in her voice that definitely tell that see wasn't the kind to be fooling around. Jason almost shriveled when she talked back, but he wasn't scared as her tone could make him be.

After a closer inspection, he felt a somewhat warm aura around her and he had the feeling she was more open than her formal attitude could tell. After a moment staring at her, she brought a slight shy smile that made him more assured as he answered: «A chronicler. You can call me Jason.»

«Hello Jason. I am Lieutenant Sophie.» She then pinched her lips and mumbled more to herself: «I'm not suppose to tell anything about him… But since he's already at our doors.»

«And who exactly are you talking about?» Asked Jason a who have sharp ear and understood what she have said under her breath.

For a moment, she had the face of a child caught with the hand in the cookie's jar, a blush sweetly covering her cheeks as her mouth stayed open with surprise, before she regained her composure: «I think there's no point hiding it now…» She was still a little unsure as she tapped her right shoulder twice her rifle. After a sigh, she decided to tell him: «This man is planning to attack the headquarter.»

«Hontoni! (Really)» The young man started to feel excited to be in the middle of such an event. This was the big pirate story he was waiting for. He then remembered that men, and women, would be risking their life soon and he shouldn't be that excited. Getting more serious, he returned to his professional attitude as he asked: «Could you spare more about this man. He his a pirate, isn't he?»

Sophie slightly looked away before answering with some bitterness: «Yes… He definitely became one.» He couldn't understand yet what was behind those words before she whispered: «Lloyd-sensei…»

It was more than enough to make him understand what that implied as he asked: «He was a Marine before?» She silently nodded and he added: «And I take it that he have betrayed you not long ago.»

«Two weeks ago, he turned into a renegade…» Jason noted this name as it had a nice ring to it. «… and declared a war on us after acquiring a Devil Fruit and the legendary Kokuto Yoru.» Jason face went totally blank from those information. Not only will he have the chance to see the power of a Devil Fruit, something that he hunted ever since he became a reporter, but he would also be the first one to cover the return of the infamous black-edge blade. This was turning into something way too big.

She must have seen the excited glint in his eyes since she decided to take her leave: «Now, if you excuse me, I have to get ready.» Jason didn't answer and simply turned back toward the three ships that were waiting at the outer gate of the headquarter-island. He stayed there to look at the deployment of hundreds of men. This will be a terrific battle and it was clear enough that the Marines would have the better of it. Still, he wanted to see just how far this new pirate would go in his foolish assault.

As the Chronicler stayed in awe in front of the vast military operation, a figure slowly sneaked behind him. He wasn't much discreet, but it seems that young man was totally absorbed by what was happening around him. He was keeping his notebook and his pen hanging uselessly and was simply letting the atmosphere soak into him. The figure stayed in his back and waited that he react, but it grew tired. He dropped a massive hand on the young man shoulder that comically jumped with a little scream of fright. The figure laughed and Jason slowly turned around to discover that it was in fact the Commander Koshiro that then told him: «Mind if you tell me what you're doing in here.»

The boy gasped as his moment of fright passed and he then turned toward the officer. He then saw that his elder had a somewhat warm smile. He still stumbled a little on his word when he told him: «S-Simply a passing chronicler making a tour of the headquarter.» He had a feeling of guilt that he couldn't shook off and he was certain that it transpired has the leading officer simply stared at him for a moment.

Koshiro walked next to him and stayed a moment staring at Lloyd's ships: «A chronicler, huh… You sure ended up on the front stage for covering this.» He then turned back: «Come.» As they walked back, he started to explain him: «It would be better that we keep this story between us Marines, but I'm against hiding thing from the general public. So, once everything will be over, I'll gladly answer any question you have.» He then stopped in front of the main office and turned back toward to sea so he could watch everything that was about to happen.

«Alright, sir.» He surprised himself with the seriousness of his tone that sounded military. This Koshiro guy was really inspiring and he had the feeling he could follow his lead toward hell itself. Jason shook his head as he tried to snap this weird thought. He was following no one, especially not a Marine. He had to protect this girl from them… He could never allow her to live hell, a daily one, ever again.

A chime sounded and dragged him out of his thought. He turned toward the outer gate that started to open. It finally began. The battle between the Renegade and his former comrades. The ship entered the first ring of the Marine's base and quickly covered the distance toward the second one. One of the ship stayed back and watched over the remain two progress toward the canal. The boy could then heard the raging voice of an officer calling to this Lloyd guy.

Jason then saw the most amazing thing from his life and it soon turn into the most horrifying. The most damaged ship started to flew into the air. "So, that's the power of a Devil Fruit." He then stared wide when the second ship was lifted by the first before being literally catapulted over the wall.

His heart pinched in a feeling of pride when he saw the lone figure of the officer jumping toward it. It wasn't long before he been crush by a total fear. A bright flash of light exploded, a loud ruckus rolled and an unbearable heat washed over them. Jason's eyes widened and his jaw dropped. That was simply maddening to believe this pirate could do such a thing. The Chronicler then felt on his knee, crushed by the atrocity of this situation. The detonation started to died down.

He then heard a voice growling next to him: «Lloyd! You bastard!» A powerful aura emerged from the Commander and Jason almost got subjugated by this outburst of "ambition". However, it was solely directed toward a single man and the young boy managed to cling to consciousness. He still stayed a moment panting before he could lift his head in order to see what was currently happening.

He was shocked once more when he spotted Lloyd's main ship flying over the flaming debris of the canal… The ship was literally flying and was heading right in their direction! It then started to head down and the ship heavily felt on the water. However, it instantly started to pick up speed. That thing wasn't sailing, it was being pushed forward by the amazing power of a Devil Fruit. Jason stayed a moment to look with amazement this situation before he got aware that the ship had no intention of slowing down. The men that it carried assembled at the edge of it and were ready to jump down.

Then, it finally slammed into a cube of concrete on the edge of the dock. The ship got bent from the impact, almost folding on itself before it broke into pieces. Then, the scrap of woods started to flew in every directions, sometime in whole planks larger than a couple of men. They skidded on the floors and reaped many Marines as they did so. It caused a massive chaos and it was clear that everyone was still under shock.

Jason was also unable to have a single thought and even less react. He was still lying on his knee and he could nothing else than stare stupidly. The pirates had time to form up and they were only a handful facing the Marines that remained at the base. The real battle could begin.

«Do no leave a single one alive!» Lloyd then lifted Yoru and jumped in the fray with a the help of a Soru. He appeared in front of a young recruit that was still disturbed by the death of a comrade that was crushed under a piece of the ship. Lloyd slashed him down promptly and disappeared only to be next to a new foe. Well, not foe… He couldn't do anything before Lloyd kill him. He kept taking down every men, slowly progressing toward the stairs that would brought him into the main building. He wiped the huge black-edged blade to remove the gore and had a short chuckle. He then started to walk toward a new prey while holding the Kokuto Yoru next to him.

«Don'tcha have any shame in taking all the fun for yourself!» Fitz dashed by him and also joined the party. He made large sweep with his twin scythe and lifted a mist of blood. His weapon quickly turned crimson and a genuine smile appeared on his face. The two men were truly enjoying themselves as they made a real massacre.

Jason was still unable to move a single muscle. This was how fearsome a pirate could be? He was a real avatar of death, spreading destruction on his path. Would he be able to destroy everything so easily? He then saw someone passing next to him. The kanji of justice swayed along with the officer mantle and the Chronicler could saw a gripping fist that was shacking from wrath.

Commander Koshiro went at the edge of the main building plateau, looked at the rampaging Lloyd, then finally broke out of his torpor: «Men, fire!» His voice carried wide and waked up everyone that immediately reacted. They picked up their guns and turned the cannons toward the group of pirates. They then started to make rain lead; Hundreds of projectiles was heading toward Lloyd.

As he heard the order from the headquarter's leader, Lloyd dropped Yoru and spread his hand at both side. The hail of projectiles started to stop in a large sphere around the group of pirates. Those accompanying Lloyd stared in wonder at the hanging bullets that were piling on around them. Lloyd frowned deeply so he could focus and soon some sweats started to roll down his face. They were planning to constantly attack him until he was tired. This was troublesome, but he could probably manage to hold through this barrage.

A whistling sound got closer and Lloyd tried to sidestep , but his shoulder got scrap by a bullet. All of a sudden, the bullets started to pierce the protective sphere he had established. Fitz managed to deflect some of the bullets with the help of his scythe. Still, they could not avoid everything that was sent at us and they earned some superficial damage. After a brief period, Lloyd was able to activate his power once more. Another bullet pierced his normally impenetrable shield and Fitz putted his scythe in its way toward the Renegade. The projectile got deflected as his owner said: «The hell! How come there's something getting through your power. Does it get overloaded or something?»

«No! Never would my strength be at fault.» Almost snarled Lloyd who felt aimed in his capacity. He made a quick movement to avoid a third bullet shot at him and then explained: «Kairoseki: Seastone. It's a special mineral that have the same capacity than ocean water. Which meant that it nullify a Devil Fruit power. If I got hit by one of those, my power would be neutralized until it is dislodged.»

«This is goddamn annoying. We have to do something about the shooters then.» Said his right arm while trying to look around: «The shots came from different place, there must be a couple of them ambushed around.» They had been receiving constant fire for a good time now and the sky was covered with bullets and cannonballs. It was almost hard to see through these.

«I totally agree with that, but there's one thing that you got wrong.» Lloyd managed to spot with the help of his Haki the next incoming bullet. It originally came from the East Wing, ricocheted on a couple of cannonballs and went right at his direction. He waved his head off and the bullet cut a lock of his hair: «There is only one shooter… And with that level of skill, I might know exactly who it is.» He then looked at the top of the eastern stairs: «Fitz, take care of this one. I will assault the other side. You better take two guys with you… The other one shall go with me.» He said will pointing the three men that managed to follow him up to now like if they were nothing.

«Alright, I should take care of him quite easily.» He turned toward his objective with a confident grin: «The hard part would be to get there in one pieces if you don't cover me.»

«I wouldn't pay much mind to that. I'll give you all the time you shall need.» Some fatigue could be spotted in his voice since he had been using his power for so long: «However, I warn you. That sniper his strong. I trained her myself.»

«Her? Dude, this might get actually interesting. So, what's ya plan for buying me up time?» While completing his sentence, he slashed up a Marine that was closing in.

«Well, they gave me enough materials for a nice counterattack.» He then joined his hands in a circle: «Idô-Idô no… Finale…» He then spread them while shooting: «Refrain!» The cloud of projectiles that gained a massive size with time was then dispersed. Sent back at the same speed that they were initially fired, the projectiles immediately took down everything around the group: «Let's go!» Ordered Lloyd as he went his way.

Fitz started to run and didn't mind the two men trailing behind him. His capt'n attack took down most of the people that were shooting at them and those remaining were too much shocked to be a threat. The only one they had to mind was that ace shooter that needed to be hunted down. He started to climb the stairs and he was taking down the men that Lloyd's attack wounded. Halfway through his progression, a well-aimed shot was heading toward him. He manage to deflect it with the tip of his weapon and the bullet bounced on the ground before ricocheting on the sword of a dead man and finally touching one of the men accompanying Fitz. He was sent backward and his body started to roll down the stairs while Fitz wondered. "Dang, I have the feeling that's what she planned from the beginning."

He then hurried up and was climbing steps in pair. She might be able to have an incredible aim, but it was clear that it took her a good deal of time. The next shot came a lot sooner than usual and Fitz managed to deflect without making the bullet take another route. A second one was fired right afterward and so on. She was feeling the pressure of Fitz's rush and she wanted to take him down quickly. Even though she was firing fast, she still had a deadly aim and Fitz couldn't avoid all of the bullets. One scrapped his calf and the moment he was distracted by the pain was enough to earn another scrap on the shoulder. Fitz gritted his teeth and forced himself to keep progressing. After a couple of injuries that he managed to keep minor, he finally reached the East Wing plateau and he took cover against the building wall.

He was soon joined by the man accompanying him that wasn't spared from the sniper's assault. He was still in a good enough condition to fight and a glint in his eyes could tell that he also had the spirit to continue. The massive pirate tore down one of his sleeve and used it to bandage one of the important wound he had. He seemed ready to go as he then asked Fitz: «So, how do we proceed?»

He stayed a moment contemplating the shinning light on his scythe before answering: «With extreme caution, that's all I can say. She's somewhere in there and I bet she doesn't plan of going down easily. Hopefully, she's not that good in close combat and she won't cause much trouble if we manage to rush her.» He then looked at the window above him: «We'll get a better chance of ending this quickly if we separate. Also, there might be more Marines than just her in there, but I don't expect much trouble on that side.» He then jumped and used his scythe to cling on the window and climbed with the help of his weapon.

The other pirate had been in Yluseff crew along with Fitz and he was used to this man way of proceeding. Still, he was quite uncomfortable with the fact of heading alone through the front gate. He slowly opened the wooden door and peeped a look inside. No one. He pushed quietly and sneaked while firmly holding his sabre.

He moved carefully amongst the walls, concealing his breath and trying to pierce the dim light with his nervous gaze. Suddenly, he heard a faint noise in one of the room next to him. He stopped in his track and he tried to hear more. He recognized a nervous person that was moving from foot to foot while breathing sorely. Was it their target? She seemed a lot less fearsome than he imagined. With a slight smile, he tapped against the wall. He heard the other jump in fright before asking with a shacking voice: «W-who's there?» Though it was high-pitched because of his nervousness, the voice was still definitely male. He started to walk toward the source of the noise.

The pirate smiled at the Marine foolishness and he hided in the shadow while preparing his sword. In an act of courage, the young man kicked the door and pointed his gun in the hallway. It was already too late. The pirate emerged from beside him and pierced him with his sword. The young Marine was touched right in the heart and died almost instantly. The pirate held him before he felt on the ground and he dragged him inside the room while closing the door. It happened to be a small bar. The pirate removed his sword from the boy and dropped him on the ground before turning toward the bar where he could grab a good bottle or two.

However, he found out that he wasn't alone. Emerging from the backdoor was an astounding woman with vivid auburn hair. She lifted a long rifle while she walked inside and her officer mantle was swaying with every steps. She pointed with a single arm her gun toward him and said with a cold voice: «You dare take a life and then turn your eyes from it like it was nothing. You monstrous bastard, I'll teach you some respect… One bullet at a time.» She then fired and the pirate ducked. The bullet made a ricochet toward the roof and then felt directly on the pirate. It hit right on top of the left shoulder and broke his clavicle. He gasped from the intense pain, but he managed to drop one of the table and he took cover behind it.

She made a bullet deflect so it could reach him. Knowing that he wasn't safe, the pirate was already rolling away from his position and managed to avoid the shot. Having difficulties to fully use her rifle skill in such a small range, she pulled out her revolver from her belt while putting her rifle in her back. The first shot was deflected by the blade of the man. She swiftly climbed on a table for her second shot. She was still unable to pierce the pirate defense. So, she putted her body sideway and pushed with her front leg while twisting her body. She started to do an aerial cartwheel and she emptied the four remaining bullets in her magazine while she was crossing the room. It was an impressive attack that took the pirate by surprise, but she didn't manage to land a mortal hit.

He rolled on himself, ducked down and rushed forward to avoid the lethal part of the assault. He earned a scrapped cheek, but he was still alive and was rushing toward her. Startled by how close the man was when she landed, she dropped her revolver on the ground and pulled her rifle. She blocked the hit with her barrel. She pushed him back and tried to strike with the butt of her rifle in his guts. He managed to sway from this attack, but she swiftly replied with a strike under his chin. He got startled and she managed to dive her hand in the purse in which she was holding her bullets.

She equipped a bayonet on the edge of her rifle and putted one cartridge in it. They started to exchange blows and Marine's officer had the better of it since she wasn't wounded. She repelled most of his attacks until she created an opening. She tried to stab upward for his head, but he managed to avoid the bayonet that swayed next to his face. Still, it was too late as the barrel was right under his chin. He could only open his eyes wide while she made a hand slide on the rifle and pulled the trigger. Nothing could save you from such a direct shot.

The woman made a step backward and grabbed thigh her weapon as she let out a shaking sigh. It wasn't the first time that she took a life, but a sniper like herself never had to experience it from so up-close. It really was a gruesome feeling and she had to recover from the shock. She sat down on one of the chair and putted her rifle between her leg. She tried hard to temper her mind from such a thing. She never gained this level of detachment that Lloyd tried to teach her. Seem like she wasn't made for this and that probably was a good thing if you consider how her mentor turned out.

«My, my… Mind telling me what's on your mind sweetheart?» Said a voice with a carefree accent coming from behind her. She turned around and spotted the second pirate that went after her with his scythe in his back. She never felt his presence as he was scrolling through the bar's bottles. She lifted her rifle and tried to shoot. The gun was empty and nothing followed: «Quick on the trigger, aren't ya? Damn, you're just so my type.» He had a genuine smile when he looked at her.

She grabbed a handful of bullets and started to reload her rifle: «Easy, easy there… For what I know, we're not in a rush… Found ya!» He said as he grabbed a bottle and putted it on the table along with two glasses: «West Blue rum is certainly the greatest in the world, don'tcha think.»

She gave him a skeptic look and picked up her revolver that she also reloaded. Now ready to fight, she asked him: «Just what are you planning?» He didn't seem to understand the situation and the fact that they were enemies. He grabbed the two glasses and started to walk toward her.

She pointed her gun in his face, but he didn't seem disturb and he sat at the same table as her: «We are about to kill each other, so I think it's only natural that we enjoy this possible last moment. We're civilized people, I think we can cast aside our position for a moment and simply be two human beings.» He presented her a glass and she picked it up while he smiled: «So, can you take a compliment, 'cause I wanted to tell ya that you're truly beautiful.»

She turned her head away to hide a light blush and replied: «Not from a man with such a high lack of hygiene.» She detailed his messy pale hair that went to his shoulder, his goatee that had a patch of dry blood, his dirty white shirt and his damaged jacket.

He didn't seem disturbed by this commentary and simply laughed it away. He then added: «It's true that I could use a shower. Ya can join me if you wish.»

«How about you go hang yourself.» She immediately replied to him with a cocky smile. She was really taken aback by this man carefree attitude, but she was slowly converted to it. She took a sip from her glass and enjoyed the burning feeling of the rum on her tongue: «This is definitely weird for a pirate and a Marine to share a drink.»

«Then, how about we exchange name. I find it weird to share a drink with a pretty woman that I don't even know the name.» He emptied his glass and then whispered: «Should've brought the bottle along.»

«I am the Lieutenant Sophie de Larose. Will that do?» She emptied her own glass and then stood up.

«Fitz Lyrald, infamous pirate. At your service, milady.» He also stood up and made a sarcastic bow.

«I knew I saw your head somewhere. Your bounty his 37 million berries, isn't it? The "Crimson Crescent", first-mate of the "Stretcher's Pirate."» She readied her revolver.

«This crew is no more. I am now Lloyd's first-mate.» He pulled his scythe from his back.

«I figured that much.» She jumped back to make some room between them: «You both truly are the same. You might seem kind at first glance, but you're rotten deep down inside.»

«Ouchie! It's such a shame we have to fight. You're the most interesting woman I probably ever met. Who know, in other circumstances, we might had been lover.» He seemed sincere as he said that.

This was getting on Sophie's nerve who answered: «I doubt it.» She then pulled the trigger of her revolver and their fight started.

On his side, Lloyd was climbing his own set of stairs with the presence of another man. He said to his crewmate: «You're in charge of clearing this area. I'll go on ahead.» He then used his Soru to jump on the stairs that were heading toward the central plateau. He landed in the middle of them and started to walk nonchalantly. There had to be a handful of officers remaining at the headquarter and most of them should be there. He still considered them negligible with the exception of a single man. He could feel the weight of Commander Koshiro conqueror Haki increasing with every steps he took. It seems he was in for an interesting fight and that idea made him smile.

At the main building plateau, Koshiro frowned when he saw Lloyd neutralise their plan. Seastone's bullets were really rare, so he leaved them all to Lieutenant Sophie who was their greatest markswoman. Still, he managed to avoid them and he spotted where she was hiding. Lloyd then sent some of his men before going toward the other side. Koshiro knew that he was coming for him. He took a step forward and said: «All of you, get inside. I don't want to be hindered in my fight.» He made his possible to have a confident façade. His men needed to have an example to look up to. They didn't need to know that their leader's courage was starting to falter. Koshiro took a deep breath. He knew that this was probably his last fight. He tempered his mind… He was ready.

And that's all for today. Thanks for reading until now and see you next time.

I hereby challenge someone who never put a review yet to do so.