Chapter 13 Faith of a Captain Part 9
With Verde Island out of sight, the White Creed Pirates set course for the North Blue. Ken looked out towards where he had last saw his island as the Grimm's Argo began to sail farther and farther away.
"Come on, Ken let me introduce you to the others" Rick said as he grabbed Ken's arm and pulled him towards the center of the ship where everyone were gathered.
"You already know me, Am Solestor Maverick but call me Rick" Rick explained as he pointed to himself with grin. "One of the Shipwrights of the White Creed Pirates"
"That my brother and partner in crime, Austin" Rick pointed to Austin who have a smile and small nodded to Ken. "He's also a shipwrights like me"
"The man with the glasses is our navigator, Flowright Shizuo. " Rick pointed to Shizuo who smiled and offered his hand to Ken which he took.
"Welcome aboard, Ken."
Ken nodded. "Thanks"
Rick's grin grew wider (if that's even possible) as he continued to introduce the others. "That lovely lady over their is our beloved cook, Nortel Izumi." Rick said as he pointed to Izumi who shook Ken hand. Rick then whispered to Ken ear. "Get her mad and your going to having a fasting"
Ken eyes wide upon hearing Rick's warning and would have proceeded to asking about it but was cut off by Izumi.
"Don't go making me look bad Rick or your the one whose fasting this week" Izumi warmed with her arms crossed. Rick panicked and began to bow none stop saying, "am sorry" And "won't happen again" to Izumi. Ken stood shock in the scene in front of him but the others were laughing as if this was something that happened everyday.
"Come on, your helping me prepare lunch today" Izumi orders as she grabbed Rick's ear and began to pull him below deck. Ken sweat dropped while Allison and the others laughed.
With Rick gone, Allison proceeded with the introductions. "You already know me Ken. Am Allison, captain of the White Creed pirates"
Ken nodded in knowledge of it. Allison couldn't not have been anything less than a captain.
Allison grinned before she continued. "That's Drew Beckett, our bodyguard and part time bartender"
Ken looked where Allison pointed, there was a man in a nice bartender suit who grinned like mad man.
"You remember Axel right"
Ken nodded as he turned to Axel who smiled and shook Ken's hand. "It seems that Al managed to drag you into this"
"Yeah, I didn't really have much of a choice" Ken explained.
Axel laughed. "Yeah, sorry about that but once Al had set her sight one someone, there is no stopping her. That's how all of us are here in the first place"
Ken sweat dropped. Axel noticed this and gave a encouraging smile. "Don't worry, you aren't the first to fall and surely won't be the last"
"So what your role in the crew? Are you the Swordsmen of the crew?" Ken asked taking into account that Axel, Allison and the women Izumi were the only ones with swords. The others, like Shizuo, Rick, Austin and Beckett didn't carry any weapon on them.
Axel chuckled and shook his head. "No am the first mate. Your our Swordsmen"
Ken's eyes widen in surprised as he looked to Allison who continued to grin.
"Welcome aboard the Grimm's Argo, Ken"
Later that day, in the dinning room
Aboard the Grimm's Argo
"So we're headed to the Grandline" Ken asked as everyone were gathered in he dining room eating the delicious god that Izumi had prepared.
"Not really" Axel informed.
Ken have him a confused look. "What do you mean not really?"
"Our destination isn't the Grandline but we will have to cross the Grandline to get there"
Ken frown because that even mad him more confused.
"We're headed to the North Blue" Rick explained. "But the only way to get there is to cross the Grandline"
Ken nodded understanding the situation that awaited them. "Why are we headed to the North Blue?"
"You ask too much questions" Beckett responded before he stood up from his seat and headed above beck for his shift.
"Don't worry about, Beckett. He takes a while to warm up to people. He isn't much of a talker and he doesn't like when we're making too much noise. He like peace and quiet which is weird considering how destructive he is" Izumi informed hoping to calm Ken down.
Ken gave her a small nodded.
"And for question, we need to search for extra members" Shizuo said. "Taking on the Grandline won't be easy, so we're traveling to all the four blues. We already went all over the South and West Blue which is were all of us minus the captain come from."
"Who do you have anyone in mind for possible recruits" Ken asked Allison who was eating her meal quietly while hearing the conversation between her crew.
"Yeah, 11 members should be find" Allison smiled as she looked up the feeling as if the feeling was reveling something to her. "We already have a First mate, navigator, shipwrights, cook, bodyguard and now a Swordsmen. Making 7 members in total, not including myself. But I don't have any positions open in mind."
"There are several positions in a crew that we can fill, like a Doctor, Gunner, helmsman, second mate, spy, lookout, Rigger, Quartermaster, Blacksmith, Musician, Scholar, Chronicler, Merchant, and Janitor. There are other positions but those are the Pistons that are normally found in crews." Shizuo said.
"That's a lot" Ken said in surprised.
"Of course there has to have lot of members. The more people he better. It will make is easier for us to survive the Grandline" Izumi enlighten them.
"Four more should be fine" Allison decided. Everyone turned towards her in confusion. "There is no need for a lot of people or the ship will get very crowed."
"So what do suggest we need?" Axel asked. He knew about Allison's past of being a part of the Whitebeard Pirates, so if there was anyone that knew how to survive the Grandline, it was Allison.
Allison thought for a few moments before continuing. Having the whole crew minus Beckett awaiting her response. "We don't need extra people filing the position of Scholar, Chronicler or Second mate because Shizuo already fills those position"
Everyone froze in shock and stared between Allison and Shizuo.
"The position of Rigger and Blacksmith falls to Rick and Austin"
"Izumi fills the position of Quartermaster and Merchant"
"Anyone in the crew can fill or switch the position of helmsman, lookout though that's mostly Beckett's job, and same goes for janitor"
"But we do need a Doctor, Gunner, Spy and musician"
"Aren't you our Gunner? Al" Rick asked taking a bit out of his food.
"Gunner?" Ken asked.
Rick nodded. "Al is one of the best when it comes to using the sword in this crew but no one can use the gun like her. You she had seen her last time, it was like whoosh! The bullets were faster then lighting"
Allison thought for a moment. "I guess your right on that, there is no need for a gunner when I can easily fill the position"
"That's it's then. All we need is a Doctor, Spy and Musician" Axel confirming the information.
"To the North Blue!"
Few months later
In a island in the north blue..
"Rick, Austin. I need you help with the supplies. We have almost nothing left so we have a very long list to go over" Izumi explained holding a thick role of paper.
"Alright but can we have sea food for dinner" Rick asked.
Izumi sighed. "Alright. Hurry lets go"
Rick and Austin nodded to one another and followed Izumi off the ship and headed into town. They had just arrived in the docks of there first island of the north blue and their journey crossing the Grandline was a long one since they didn't bother to make any stop but sailed nonstop until they reached the North Blue.
"Finally! Land" Allison laughed as disembarked from the Grimm's Argo. Ken and Axel followed right behind her leaving Beckett and Shizuo to guard the ship.
As the enters the town which was crowded and busy day. Many other pirate ships and docked near the island, no doubt that they wanted to restock like they were. Yet surprisingly, none of the pirates in the town had caused any trouble as they walked down town. Allison, Ken and Axel hadn't had any trouble looking around. It wasn't peaceful or calm but it was better then marines chasing after them especially when they were low on supplies.
"Am surprised there isn't a big fight going on since there are several pirate ship docked here" Ken said.
Before Axel could reply. They were interrupted by a sudden ruckus which caught the see of eye of everyone else. In front of entrance of a local bar were a group of pirates, no doubt causing trouble. The most noticeable thing was the beautiful women with very dark red hair in barbarian clothing as she tried to break the grip that a pirates had on her wrist.
"I said let go!" the women shouted as she tried to break his grip but prove to be useless as the pirates laughed at her struggle.
"Hahahah, you're a women with a lot of guts, I will give you that but why don't you join my crew and become my bride"
"Never! Now let me go you filthy pig" the women shouted.
"Captain we could probably sell her for a good price. Look at her fine body and look at those breast" one of the men grinned rubbing his hand together.
The captain laughed as his grip on the women tighten. "Your right on that but why don't we have our fun first"
The women's eyes widen in terror as she fought even hard to break herself free. The surrounding bystanders did nothing to save her because they knew that if they interfere, it cost them their life.
The barbarian women bite the man hands causing the pirate captain to scream in pain and ended up throwing her to the ground.
"You b****!" The pirate captain shouted as he top out his gun and aimed that the women. "I was planning on having fun with you first then selling you but why don't I kill now"
The women cross in terror as the gun aimed for her face. Closing her eyes shut and waiting for the undeniable death that waited her. "Please, I can die now. I can't fail them. Not now" the women thought.
Before the pirate captain could shot, Ken was already by his side and easily took him out with one sword.
"Captain!" The crew shouted as they quickly took out there weapons preparing to fight. The barbarian women slowly open her eyes to find the pirate captain on the floor out cold, with an tall man standing over him in some sort of dress looking rope with two swords by his side.
"who?" Was all she was able to say in her shock state.
"Kill him" the pirates shouted as they charge at Ken but were quickly stopped by Allison and Axel.
"You shouldn't be terrorizing a women. Have you no honor as men" Ken said before he turned to help the barbarian women, offering his hand. The women hesitated at first but accepted his hand as he pulled her up back to her feet.
"Thanks, uh?"
"Ken lets go before more of them come back" Allison interrupted. "We can't afford to cause more trouble before we restock"
Ken nodded to his captain. Taking one last look at the barbarian women before he followed Allison and Axel. Leaving the women, bystanders and knockout pirate crew behind.
An hour later...
Back in the dock of the island
"We should be ready in a another hour" Izumi informed. "We managed to get want we really need suck as food and powder for the cannons but there are still others things we need."
"Alright" Allison said. "I think we should move the ship to other island"
"You might be right Al" Shizuo responded as he walked up to her. "Beckett just spotted a large ship coming this way, probably a marine ship"
Allison nodded in agreement. They need to restock badly. They weren't ready for an all out fight with the marines, at least not yet.
"Rick, Austin prepare to make sail" Axel ordered.
"Already on it" Rick replied as he and Austin handled to the sail with Beckett's help. Axel, Allison and Ken went to work handling the anchor while Shizuo and Izumi keep any eyes out for any trouble.
Something caught Izumo eyes as she called to the others. "Al we got company"
Allison turned to look were Izumi had pointed. There was more then a dozen men. No doubt pirates by their appearance. But what surprised them was the barbarian women from earlier. For unknown reason had managed to get herself captured by pirates once again.
"Hey, Ken wasn't that the women from earlier?" Axel asked.
Ken slowly nodded. Looking at the women. She had a couple of bruises and look quiet beat up.
"Axel you take care of things here" Allison ordered. "Me and Ken have some business we have to take care of"
Axel nodded as he continued preparing to make sail.
"Shall we" Allison asked taking her sword out. Ken nodded in agreement.
"So you're-" one of the man said who looked like he was in charged but was soon cut off short by Allison and Ken who attacked them.
"Kuro Suto" In a single strike, Ken had taken out half of the men including the one holding the barbarian women hostage.
"Take her aboard. Leave the rest to me" Allison grinned. Ken nodded as he took the women into his arms and jumped aboard the ship.
"Why don't we start this from the beginning. Who are you?"
The pirate captain managed to a small smile but was a bit shake up to have half of his crew easily taken out. "I may ask you the same. No doubt that your captain is a tough one. I never seen you before so you guys might as well be rookies"
"You can say that but am sorry to disappoint you but am the captain." Allison responded.
The pirates captain was a bit taken back but laughed it off. "You captain. What could a mere women like you be sailing the seas"
Allison laughed along with him which confused the bystanders and some of the enemies. Putting her katana away, Allison began to walk towards them cracking her knuckles as a dark aura began to surround her.
"Show-" the pirates captain was interrupted as Allison appeared in front of his face in light speed and punched him hard. Sending him flying to a near by house. With the captain out of the way, Allison easily took out the crew in matter of seconds. It was long that the crew out cold.
"Grovel before me" Allison laughed with her hand on her hips in triumphant pose.
"hey! Al were ready to go" Axel shouted to her breaking her out of her trans. Allison gave him a nodded in replied as she turned her back and walked towards the the ship.
"Ugh" one of the men slowly got up as he pointed his gun at Allison. Axel took a notice of this and was about to shout out to warn Allison but she was already a few steps ahead of him. Quickly turning around, Allison took out her gun from her jacket and disarmed the man.
"When your captain wakes up. Tell him that the beating that I gave him was courtesy of the White Creed Pirates. Don't you forget that"
Hoping aboard the ship, which quickly began to sail away from the island leaving beat up pirates behind.
An hour later...
"Here hold still" Izumi said as she cleaned the barbarian women's wounds.
The women slowly nodded.
"Relax. We aren't going to hurt you" Izumi replied noticing how tense the women had become. The women had old light brown dress with a snow boats and a thick blanket like coat make out of wool. She looked around her mid twenties from Izumi could tell.
"You already know all of our names. Why you tell us your" Izumi asked. The women stood quiet for a moment deciding if she should talk. She already knew there names since they introduced themselves as soon they were out at sea and out of danger.
"Evangeline...my names is Evangeline Maeve but my friends call me Eve."
"Well then, Eve welcome aboard the Grimm's Argo" Allison responded. "If you want we can drop you off at the next island"
"No! No it's fine. You shouldn't have too" Eve nervously backing down with her arms in front her in self defense.
Allison tinted her head in confusion. "Why shouldn't we?"
"Because your pirates!" Eve shouted.
Allison blink a couple times before breaking into a laugh. Rick and Austin followed her example. Izumi, Ken and Axel just smiled. Beckett and Shizuo's face remained emotionless.
"What does that have to do with anything"
"Your pirates right" Eve asked and Allison nodded in response. "So you should be taking me hostage or making me walk the plank or something.
"We're not that kind of pirates. Seriously how many pirates have you meet before us"
"Only a few but they all have taken me hostage a couple of times and so far I been lucky enough to escape at least until today." Eve responded.
Allison whistled. "Man, you may have the worst luck ever"
"I should start making dinner now. Eve was it" Izumi asked. Eve nodded. "Want to help me cook, we're making sea food today."
"Ok" Eve gave a small replied almost sounding like a whisper but Izumi heard it just fine due to her superhuman hearing caused by her devil fruit. Izumi headed below deck to prepare dinner, Eve slowly followed behind.
"She sure is scare cat" Rick said. Austin nodded in agreement.
"You can't blame her, she had it rough with pirates. So I don't expect her to trust us so easily" Ken informed.
With the little reunion coming to a head. Beckett went to his room to get a bit of shut eye before dinner, Rick and Austin went to their workshop, Ken and Axel went to the training room for some training. Something that those two had come custom to, since both of the were Swordsmen. Leaving Shizuo and Allison to watch the deck.
"Is there something wrong" Allison asked noticing the look that he was wearing on his face, deep in thought.
Allison's voice had broke him from his thoughts. As he turned to face her.
"Am not sure but something about here seem familiar"
"You know her!?" Allison asked.
"No but there something about her. I not so sure" Shizuo said confusing his own self.
Allison gave him a encouraging smile. "Well what ever it is about her. Am sure your going to figure it out"
Shizuo's eye widen in surprise.
"When there something that Me or Axel don't see. I trust you to see it. After all your the smartest person I know and if there anyone who can sail us to victory its you"
Shizuo stayed nothing waiting for Allison finish. "I don't really see nothing wrong about her and I doubt any of the others see it. So give it time. What ever it is that she is hiding, I know your going to figure it out."
Shizuo nodded as he turned to face the sea as the sun was begging to set down. The cool wind blow through his hair. As he looked into the horizon. Waiting for what ever waited them in the future.
To those don't understand the positions that each of the members fill. Here is a simple explanation.
Allison is captain and gunner of the crew due to her abilities with the gun.
Axel is the first mate being Allison right hand man.
Shizuo is the navigator of the crew but he also fills the position of scholar, Chronicler and second mate of the crew. Even when second mates only exist in large groups, Allison trust him to take charge when she and Axel can't. Shizuo is very smart since he knows a lot about history, that one can say he is like Nami and Robin put together without all that tragic backstories.
Rick and Austin are the shipwrights but also fill the position of Riggers and Blacksmith because they do anything related to building or handling the ship.
Izumi is the cook of the crew but she is also the merchant and Quartermaster. She handles anything related to money, food and supplies for the ship. Izumi is like Nami without her crazy money love and Sanji's pervert personality. (F.Y.I - Izumi hates perverts)
Beckett is the bodyguard of the crew but he also fills the position of bartender and lookout even when he shared that position with the other members of the crew. But he is the main one who looks after the ship when the others can't.
Ken is the Swordsmen of the crew (he probably can handle the sword better then Allison, Axel and Izumi.)
Now that leaves for four more people to join the crew. And once that over, I can proceed to the good juice part. It would probably be quite a while before I update again so so hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please leave a comment and don't forget to hit a like if you do.
Till next time,
Neoqueen Sandy.