Chapter 29: Forced Job.
Dislaimer: Don't own anything here except the Oc's
[Wastelanders Undergrond Village, Ezekiel's POV]
After we got Luffy out of the cell. I had to stop him from pummeling Kianu after he started poking me with the gun for no reason. Believe me, i would've let him, but knew now wasn't the time and the baldy would get his share of karma.
''Calm down Luffy.'' Nami began as she sat on the bed near the door. We both turned to see the caged pirates and saw that Nami had more to say. ''Just listen to Ezek-kun and get us out of here fast. This bed isn't for my taste at all and i need a more comfortable bed.'' Sanji had hearts in his eye by what Nami said and demanded that they'll get Nami a decent bed.
''Will do.'' Luffy said as he mysteriously calmed down.
''You'll have a lot on your hands, buddy.'' Ace said with a small chuckle as i narrowed my eyes at him.
''I have a feeling that this is going to get much worse than it already is.'' I said and slicked my hair back once more. ''It can't be helped, but oddly enough, i don't regret about Luffy accompanying me.''
''(Get moving!)'' Izaiack snarled at me.
''Always in a bad mood are ya?'' I said and got a small laugh directed at him. Shrugging at his death glare, me and Luffy turned around and made our way to collect the Globes.
''Good luck, Ezekiel-nii!'' Chopper cheered and i waved my hand over my shoulder as the door was closed behind us.
''What's it like in here?'' Luffy asked and i raised my eyebrow. Was he attempting to make a small talk with me or just plainly asking. Couldn't tell.
''Its pretty cool down here. I guessed it has something to do with either the power source or that were far away from the suns beating stare.''
He shrugged and began to look around in wonder. I chuckled since he looked like a kid that just noticed that their kidnapped and woke up in a Disneyland. Or so i thought.
Walking for a while, we came in a huge clearing with the drillmachines neatly in line. The bigger ones were at the back with the drills pointing up and few smaller ones that were yellow colored. I sweatdropped at their size, since it looked like a damn smart car also with a drill on its front and window at its sides. I was confused how were going to navigate without a front window.
''(We call these Brevirostrate or just Brev's.)'' He said proudly and i facefaulted at the name.
''Good name, genius...'' I grumbled as i slowly stood up.
''What name?'' Luffy asked as he looked at the vehicles with starry eyes and drool escaping from the corner of his mouth.
''Brevirostrate means 'Having a short nose', seriously.'' I looked at Kianu and sniggered. That earned me another poke with the damn rifle he now changed after Luffy broke the last one.
Shaking my head, we both boarded the Brev's with Luffy sitting in the back and me at the front. Izaiack also boarded and took the seat with the buttons and something that made me laugh. ''A joystick, are you effin' kidding me.'' I sniggered and also took notice of the screen that showed us the front of the vehicle.
''(What's so damn funny!)'' Izaiack shouted and pushed a few buttons. The engines started to cough and i was worried that it'll blow up. Mostly because of my own safety since i don't have a nice memory about coughing vehicles.
Thankfully, that was it as it started to purr nicely like a decent vehicle should. Then, just then, i was scared shitless by the next action. Izaiack drove forward, fast and was about to collide with the end of the sand barrier.
''AAAAAAAHHH!'' Me and Luffy screamed and the grin from our driver was starting to get me nervous. I closed my eyes and the first thing to came to my mind was Nami exchaging her clothes back in Logue Town. ''Great, my life flashes before me and thats the only thing that comes to mind.''
I still held my eyes closed until Luffy started to shout. ''Sugooooo!''
I was wondering what was so 'cooool' that got my Captains attention. Opening my eyes, i was momentarily conflicted with myself as sand surrounded the side of my window. Looking at the other, it was the same for Izaiack. It felt like we were in a submarine, but instead of water surrounding us, there was lots of sand all over the place.
''(Afraid?)'' He asked as he pushed few buttons more and light came out around us. I didn't reply to him. OF COURSE i was scared, we were under the friging desert!.
''(No, i was... uhm.. bracing myself)'' I tried to save some of my dignity.
''(Yeah, sure. Tell that to your girlfriend.)'' He laughed when i looked away with my face heated up and a scowl. ''(Figured as much.)''
''(Oi! She's not my girlfriend!)'' I protested, but it came more as a muffled protest that didn't sound very convinsing. He was about to say more, but Luffy saved me by shouting he saw a fish.
''Can we eat that?'' I looked where he was pointing and saw a rock-headed fish that was glued on Luffys side of the window.
''Your still hungry?''
''A bit...'' He pouted.
I shook my head and saw the fish now glued to my window. Now that it was closer, the thing was about the size of my arm. It blinked a couple of times as it vanished back on the sand. ''Weird.''
Our treck continued for a little while until Izaiack drove the vehicle downwards after a beebing sound from the radar. He explained that we'll arrive in a clearing of sorts and the little fishies were the least of our problems. Pulling the joystick... ''I can't even say that in a straight face... joystick.''
Yeah, he pulled it up and next thing we knew. We were surrounded by rocks and were in the middle of the sand we just drove through. Getting out of the Brev, we started to look around the place.
''(Okay, the first Globe should be nearby. Go and look for it.)'' Izaiack commanded and i reluctantly did so.
''What are we looking for?'' Luffy asked me and i forgot to mention what the Globes looked like.
''Its a mystery ball, if you see a yellow ball with a X-mark in the middle, thats what were looking for. Got it.''
He slammed his fist in his palm with a nod. ''Find a mystery ball it is.'' That said, he ran forward and started to smash around.
''Easy there, Luffy. You might survive if this place collapses, but the rest of us won't.'' Well, the good thing was that he stopped... only for a while, till he began to give the rock slower yet stronger punches. I went to the other side from Luffy and began to power up the Raiken (Lightning Fist). The good thing now would be that my punches were weaker than Luffys, but atleast i won't be the cause of our death.
Looking at Izaiacks direction, i supressed a laugh at his expression. He was completely baffled by Luffy and me just smashing around. I would've been too had i lived in a undergrond complex nearly my whole life. I already acknowledged Luffy being stronger when it comes to fighting in his own area, but i still have my Ninjutsus and Sharingan to even the odds, for now. Not to mention my weak ass Genjutsus against his weak ass mind, but that should change once he gets some training in the use of Haki.
''Just need to get the brat motivated enough and not to rely on his crew. After the time skip, i'll be sure to have a small spar with him.'' That in thought, i slammed my fist hard in the rock and saw a glowing yellow orb.
''Oi! Found one!'' I yelled at Luffy who stopped looking around and ran towards me.
''So this is the mystery ball?'' Luffy said and kept looking at the Globe.
''(Good job.)'' Izaiack said. ''(Give it to me.)''
I, of course, wouldn't let him have it and sealed the Globe in my wristband, much to his shock as it vanished in a small cloud of smoke before his eyes. ''(You get these in their time, scarface.)'' He scowled at me, but didn't argue about it. Looking at Luffy who still had those star eyes on, i knocked on his forehead a few time to get his attention. ''Whats so intresting?''
''Magic!'' He yelled and i sweatdropped at that. ''That was so cool!''
''Uhm, thanks?'' I was confused about that. I remember showing him that trick dozen times, but apparently he really is a little kid.
What confused me even more was that Luffy began to smash around some more. ''(What is he doing! Cut it out!)'' Izaiack yelled.
''Oi! Luffy, stop it! Your going to cause a cave in!'' It was true as the place started to rumble and we both ran to the Berv's waiting for Luffy to stop. After a few seconds, Luffy stopped his rampage and also ran towards us. Closing the door, i hit him upside the head and shouted at him. ''What the hell was that all about shit-for-brains!''
He pouted at me and i felt my eyebrow twitch. ''I wanted to find the mystery ball too.''
I facepalmed and felt my blood pressure rising. ''There shouldn't be any.'' Well it wasn't true, but i guessed it since Izaiack was about to leave the place.
''Uh-hu, then what is this?'' He showed another of the Desert-Globe in his hand and i decided then and there, that i'm going to one day kill him. I took the Globe from him and did the same to it as the previous one.
''Nevermind, good job.'' I shook my head in amusement 'bout his weird actions. ''Just warn us next time you do something stupid, ok?'' He nodded and went back to see the same rock-headed fish that stuck in his side of the window.
''I wonder how it tastes...'' Luffy mused aloud and i looked at the fish who stared back at me. Our staring contest didn't last too long as the fish vanished back to the sand. ''Now you scared it off.'' The Captain pouted at me.
''Hell your talking about, fishies love me.'' I said and turned to the scowling Izaiack. ''(What are those by the way?)''
''(I have no idea.)'' He bluntly told me. I shrugged at him, not my problem that he starts to act all emo now. The guy should really start to grow up.
We stayed silent... well as silent as Luffy can get by pestering me to show him Magic Tricks on the small vehicle. Ignoring him for the sake of my sanity here, i looked at the weird radar and saw it was beebing where it marked our next location. This time our driver made a mad turn to the left until the same thing happened like the last time. We submerged from the ocean-like sand and got of the vehicle.
Me and Luffy scratched our heads in confusion. The place was more of a tunnel leading somewhere and it was pretty dark.
''Great...'' I sighed and took a torch from the vehicle. Lighting them up with a basic Katon from my mouth. After that was done, i spat a glob of fire to the ground.
''(The hell are you two?)'' Our driver said in astonishment
''(Last time i checked, we're humans. Some more than others.)'' Well i wasn't sure if i was anymore with these Chakra-abilities. I waved the torch to get a closer look around and saw few insects crawling here and there. ''(Anything you want to add before we make our move?)''
Izaiack got out of him daze and shook his head. I chuckled at him, the man tries to act all high and mighty with that alpha role he puts on himself.
''(Just get it on, i'll stay here.)''
I narrowed my eyes at him. ''(Your not going to leave us here to die?)''
He smirked at that and the same time put that tough guy facade on himself. ''(I might.)''
I tought about it and that pretty damn sure sounded like a threat to me. ''(I see... then i guess you'll never find out about your brother.)'' I shrugged nonchalantly and saw him tense, much like i did when he set the dagger of his near my throat. He grumbled about something which i tuned out and motioned Luffy to follow me. ''How come your so quiet?'' I asked Luffy.
''I'm bored.'' He replied to me as we walked the tunnel.
''You? Bored?'' I asked incredulously.
''I'm also hungry.''
I deadpanned at him and sighed. ''No surprise there. I don't have much on me, but we'll eat in a minute once this place is clear out of danger.''
He brightened up and held his fist in high. ''Yosh! I'm ready to begin!''
''Calm down or do you want to cause ANOTHER cave in!'' I also shouted and felt the place tremble for a moment until it calmed down. ''Okey, no more yelling.'' Luffy also nodded and we continued our adventure in the dark tunnel. It wasn't until much later when we found the Desert-Globe just lying on the ground.
''Oh, there it is.'' Luffy ran forward and grabbed it. He first looked at it in amazement and handed it to me. Sealing that too in my wristband we walked forward. ''That was easy.'' Luffy grinned.
''Don't let your guard down. Those guys said that people either die or get lost and die. So might as well prevent both of them while were at it.''
''Are you always that gloomy.'' He deadpanned at me this time.
''What can i say. I used to be a pessimist, i always thought that optimists were absolute retards in every aspect.''
''What makes you say that?''
''Its written, see. Nothing good comes from expecting something good to happen just like that. You have to work for it to happen. It worked for me a couple of times and i've never regretted it.'' He gave me a dumbfounded look and i couldn't help but sigh.
As we walked a bit further we came along a decent spaced area with some stalagmites lying around the place. These ones were weird as hell as they were spiral shaped and were going up towards the ceiling of the tunnel. Scratching my head, i decided that i should draw these later for the others.
Flickering my Sharingans a bit to get the memory of the place for my documents of our adventures. Even though i don't use it frequently. The Dojutsu lets me memories things like places, faces and writing. How else do you expect me to remember all the hand seal for different Jutsus.
''Hey, i see something.'' Luffy said and pointed up ahead. I activated my Sharingans once more to zoom in and saw another Desert-Globe. This one was on top of the highest stalagmite we were currently gazing at it. ''What now?''
''There shouldn't be any problem, so you could get it for us. Just stretch your hand will ya.''
He nodded and did as i explained our next course of action. Not many seconds later it was in his hands and i sealed that too in my storage. ''This is way too easy.''
''Yes it it, but keep your eyes open at all times. Others are depending on us and we can't afford to screw up here.''
We looked around a bit more and saw that it was actually getting a lot darker in here than before the stalagmite area. Looking to our left, there was another long tunnel and walked over there. I saw that it was starting to get more and more narrow here until we reached the end of it.
''This is it?'' Luffy said and looked around.
''Might as well be, but lets make sure that were not missing anything.''
We began to move the few rubbles around the place. The result was not so pleasant as there wasn't any Globes lying around.
''There's nothing hereeeee~!'' Luffy whined and began to stretch his back down with his head facing up. ''Nani? (What?)'' Luffy said, still keeping his eyes focused on the ceiling.
''Hn?''
''There's something stuck in there.'' He pointed up. I looked where he kept his eyes and saw that there was another Desert-Globe stuck above us.
''Well i'll be damned.'' I muttered and also looked at the thing stuck in there. ''I'll go get it.'' I began to channel Chakra to my sole of my feet and walk up to it. Standing upside down and crouching. I took a Kunai and began to infuse it with Wind Chakra. Since i didn't have my Katana with me to up it a decent notch. I had to use Fire Chakra with it and let me tell you, focusing on the two was extremely difficult. I was worried that i'll blow this whole place up, but in the end, i got the damn thing and sealed it.
''Yosh! 3 more to go!'' Luffy grinned as i plopped down in front of him. ''Can we eat now?''
Sighing, i took my other scroll that i managed to scavenge before my forced mission. There wasn't much since i had two large bentos with me. Poofing them to existence and giving one to Luffy who eagerly aplauded at the small show. The portion wasn't big, but i thought it was enough for my Captain not to complain for a while.
''100% meat, no vegetable nor rice and others stuff.''
''Sugoi! Another reason i wanted you in my crew!'' He pointed his finger at me. ''From now on, your my Secret Meat-storage!''
I sweatdropped at my new position in the crew, but was amused to see him tear the meat after that. I also began to eat and imitated his eating style. Gotta say, i had fun eating like that since Master forcefully installed some manners in my brain. The reason being that the old man, who would never admit it, liked to brag about me to his ninja buddies. That was what Yamada-sensei told me in Masters funeral. He usually acted as Masters assistant and was about twice as old as Izaiack.
''Are you going to eat that?'' I heard Luffy address me and saw that he already ate his bento. I looked at mine and it was half-eaten. Even though i was a bit hungry, it would be benefitical to sate the rubbermans hunger. So as to save myself from the future headache that i was sure, would be because of him doing something reckless, i gave it him.
''Only if you promise to eat while we walk back.'' He furiously nodded with that dumb grin of his and we went back to see if Izaiack probably left us to die in here.
''Ezekiel. When are you going to make us those 'batzas'?''
I was confused what he meant by that. ''Batzas?''
He made that thinking pose of his as he swallowed the meat he was prosessing. ''The flat sandwich with meat and all. You know, the one you made for us when we met!''
''Oh! You mean pizza?'' I asked as Luffy nodded again. ''Sure, just ask me next time when were back on our ship.''
It went like that with Luffy asking me more about the mystery spiral stalagmites. I couldn't explain him why their spiral shaped, but came with an excuse that the Globes might have something to do with it. Those damned things were still a mystery to me.
''(What the hell took you guys so long!)'' Our driver shouted.
''(Easy there old timer.)'' I said and got a death glare from him. ''(We found a bunch of those Globes and we only need 3 more.)'' He widened his eyes for a moment, but luckily didn't ask me more about them. We only had to wait for about a minute more for Luffy to finish the meat chunks.
This time as we drove through the sand. The fish that was following us now banged its head on the window. It didn't aim to break the window just to get our attention.
''What does it want now?'' Luffy asked.
''Maybe it wants to play?'' I said to myself, but i was pretty sure the rock-headed fish tried to... warn us? Not really sure, since i was still doubtful about me understanding what Carue was quacking about earlier. When i said that, the fish vanished back on the sand and the radar started to beep loudly.
Izaiack made yet another hefty turn and we pummeled down once again. The place was like the previous one with a larger tunnel leading forward. I took the last two torches with me and lit one of them. The other was just incase something bad happens around us.
We walked forward and this time we were accompanied by Izaiack saying that he's curious. If he dies on us, its his fault. I never told him to follow us and were not exactly in good terms with one another. What was funny was Luffy annoying the hell out of him and since they couldn't communicate was just a plus to it. We stopped as we heard some screaching noises up ahead and nodded to each other to see what it was.
There was lighting up ahead and i decided to distinguish my torch. I could always lit it up again later. Walking silently towards it and looking over a rubble, our eyes went wide and i felt like vomiting. What we saw was a bunch of four-legged beasts with black sharp claws. The skin was all rugged brown with deep scars, they were bleeding green liquid that i thought were their blood, but wasn't sure. There were about 7 of them with no eyes and nose, but you could see the long set of teeths covering most of their face except their forehead.
''What are-'' Luffy was about to say when i clasped his mouth shut. Since the monsters couldn't see us, they took a deep breath and started to growl menacingly in our direction. Now that i saw clearly, they were eating what i thought was a larger than average lizard.
''(Shadow Ghoul)'' Izaiack said i shock and i thought that they must be dangerous for him to act like that.
''Seems like we interrupted their meal...'' I said bluntly and saw Luffy made his way to them and bowed to them.
''Forgive me for interrupting your meal.''
Me and Izaiack facepalmed at the same time. He does have some of Aces traits on him for being polite. Just then the Ghouls lunged at Luffy who dodged to far left. Since there was a lot of space around us meant that we could freely divide and beat them. Briefly looking around, i spotted a campfire a bit further away, so the lighting wouldn't be much of a trouble.
I heard a few banging noises and saw Izaiack shooting at the Ghouls with his shotgun. One of them died and the other hogpiled him and was about to eat his face off. I would've helped the guy out if it weren't for the fact that 2 other jumped at me.
Activating my Sharingans, i easily dodged the swipes from them. Since the Ghouls were clumsy and relied on their claws i had no trouble dodging them. Summoning a pair of Kunais and holding them in reverse grip, i block another swipe with them and kicked the thing in the torso. As the first one flung away the second one jumped over his buddy and tried to pin me down to the ground. Rolling out of the way and succesfully dodging the one i kicked tried to bite my hand. I took a good look at them as we observed each other.
''So...'' I started to make a conversation despite the problem. ''You guys come here often?''
My answer was replied by a growl and another dozens of swipes. I swore when one was near my face and had enough as i jutted the Kunai in my hand in its forehead. The Ghoul writhed in pain before lying on the ground unmoving. The other one was about to run at me, but didn't get much far away as i summoned 4 Shurikens and threw them at it. The same happened to his buddies as he also fell down after the Shurikens found their place in its torso.
Looking at Luffy who already knocked out one of them and had a bit of a trouble with the next two. Summoning a Fuuma Shurinken, the bigger version of the normal Shuriken. This one was folded as i focused on the jumping Ghoul that was about to decend on top of Luffy. Unfolding the Fuuma Shuriken, i threw it straight at the Ghoul. This one tried to defend itself with its claws, but was futile as the Giant Shuriken embedded in it torso on stuck the thing in the tunnel also writhing in pain.
I saw that Luffy was done with his and looked at Izaiack who slammed his shotgun at the Ghouls head. That gave him some space and he aimed the shotgun in the monsters huge sets of teeths, where he shot a hole in the back of its head.
''(Damn things ruining my day!)'' He growled and i decided that i wouldn't annoy him... for now.
''Whoa, these guys are tough!'' Luffy said as he began to observe the one he knocked out. Unfortunately, Izaiack saw that it was still alive and shot its head off with a scowl. Luffy thankfully saw that and moved away. Not disturbed by the things green blood all over the place. He then walked over to me as looked at the lizard. ''Do you think its the fishies mother?''
''It could be. I don't know, these freaks popping around just rubs me the wrong way.''
We shrugged at that and i lit my torch again at the campfire they made. Come to think of it, how did those Ghouls even make fire? Dismissing the thought with a shake of my head, Luffy began to shout once more.
''Oi! I found the mystery ball!'' He waved the Globe at me with a grin. ''How many left?''
''Two.'' I gave him a fist bump and he eagerly accepted it with his own. ''You seem to have a nose for those, impressive''
He grinned at my praise and it made him look more of a kid than he already is. ''Its nothing, they have this weird feeling around them.''
I was curious about it and was determined to find out more of it later. ''Great, do you happen to know the next one?''
He sniffed the air and momentarily sweatdropped at him acting like a bloodhound. ''This way.'' Luffy said and walked forward.
''(Does he know where he's going?)'' Izaiack said as he examined the dead Ghouls near us.
I looked at Luffy with a small smile as i followed him. ''(He might be onto something, just watch.)''
There were more of those strange stalagmites and rubbles lying around. We had to climb over one as the tunnel was now large enough to fit a huge football field. Then out of nowhere the place started to tremble a bit and we steadied ourselves while looking around. Finding nothing unusual, we walked forward, but much more cautious until we came across a puddle of sand. As we neared it, something jumped from it and smashed straight into my face, knocking me down with huge force.
''Ouch! Oi! Who the hell did that!'' I shouted and looked around until my eyes landed on Luffy... holding something.
''Hahahaha! Look! Its the fishie!'' Luffy shouted, still laughing at me. Izaiack wasn't on the same wavelenght as him as the undergrond cow-boy aimed his gun at it.
''(Tell you friend to let it down so i can shoot it!)''
I was confused and looked at the creature. Now that i got a closer look, it was actually a lizard. The sand must've covered his limbs and tail, but that didn't explain the rocky head. His was brown, but not the same rock brown colored that surrounds us. The baby lizard looked at me with a pout and i instantly fell in love with it. Walking towards HER, as i just found out, jumped on me and circled my torso with her tail. She lied he head on my shoulder with her claws piercing my robe.
''Cool, i wanna hold her too.'' Luffy piped in as the lizard gave me a lick to my cheek with its pink tongue.
''In a minute Luffy, we must come up with a cool name first.'' We both too a thinking positions on the ground and the lizard looked at us curiously.
''How about... Yakiniku?''
Me and the lizard sweatdropped at Luffy. ''Grilled-meat, are you serious?'' I said and our unnamed lizard hissed in disapproval. ''I'd say her name should be, Jeffy-Pooh.'' That earned me a tail swipe to my head from our lizard. ''Okey, okey, i was kidding.''
''(Will you two stop it!)'' Izaiack shouted at us in utter frustation.
''(Chill old man...)'' I said as our driver got a tick mark. ''(She's now part of us and won't cause any problems... i hope)'' I said the last part under my breath and gave a grin to the downed lizard, who seemed to understand us. I scratched it under her chin and got her in a good mood again. Or so i thought since she grinned at me, showing a set of sharp teeths.
After a long debate of abandoning the lizard with me and Luffy winning. We continued our walk until we came across a narrow tunnel, again. Turning to our resident lizard, who by now was in Luffy shoulder snoozing off. We saw anothe Globe, just lying there, unmoving.
''I'll go get it.'' Luffy said and was about to walk forward when i stopped him. ''Nani?''
''Lets not get ahead of ourselves, Luffy.'' I said and waved the torch around a bit to see it was yet another clearing, this one even bigger than the previous. ''This could obviously be a trap.''
''How could it be a trap?'' Luffy said incrediously, not believing me.
I took my Kunai and threw it near the Globe. Just as i expected... well i didn't but i had a hunch. The place rumbled once more, but this time it was much louder. Then something was about to emerge from the rock beneath the Globe and we braced ourselves until it bursted from the rock. The shock from it was enough to sent the Globe in my direction, where i grabbed and sealed it away. ''One more left.''
I was happy at the moment that this wasn't that bad of a small quest. But no, fate wouldn't let me get away so easile, would she? A God damn snake was now visible to us with its green scales, one giant eye and fangs. The fangs weren't like the usual snakes, but one of a feline predator. Our unnamed lizard growled at it and i couldn't understand it yet, but felt her anger over something she lost.
The snake lunged at us and we jumped to different places with me backing away to distract it. The plan worked as it focused on me, giving Luffy and Izaiack enough time to attack it from its sides. As i kept dodging with my companions attacks doing nothing, i started to throw three Shurikens at its eye. It closed it just in time to block the projectiles with it eyelids that were also as hard as its body scales.
Grunting, i jumped on top of it where the snake started to trash around. Channeling my Chakra to my feet as to not fall of the snake. I wen't into a quick 5 sequence hand seals and set my palms on its head. ''Raiton: Jibashi! (Lightning Release: Earth Flash!)''
The Lightning Jutsu i used on his from this close set him into a fit of rampage around the cave. Luffy shot his Gomu Gomu no Bazooka on its middle while Izaiack shot it with his rifle. That only sent the snake into another fit animalistic rage and managed to get me off its head. I was now standing upside down on the cave, the snake being directly 'above' me. Since the other two guys were distracting it, i took my so called 'sisters' spear and threw myself with it straight at its eye.
With a sickening squishing noise, i knew that i hit the target as the green slimy blood gushed out of the eye. The now blind snake started trashing around until it gave away and fell in front of Luffy. Our lizard took of and ran at the snake, where she started to claw at it. We watched it for awhile until it came with our last Desert-Globe wrapped in its tail. Me and Luffy started to jump around in joy as we got the last mystery ball.
Our victory dance was interrupted, by a sound of trembling around us. Looking at the panicing Izaiack, who trembled in fear gazed on us. ''(We have to get out of here! The place is going to collapse!)'' Just then, rocks started to fall on us and i lit another torch that i had in me.
I looked at Luffys direction where i saw the scene of the lizard snuggling at the rubbermans skin from his shoulder. ''Luffy, we leave. Now.'' I got a nod in reply, oddly enough, from both of them.
Running back to our vehicles, we came across more of those Shadow Ghouls snarling at us and as the place started to get worse by the second. We didn't have time to play with them so Luffy started to Gatling Gun them all for few seconds. That was enough for us as even more rocks started to fall.
I swear, the place where we parked the Brev felt like it was much further away than it should've been. We didn't stumble in more of those Ghouls and the ones that were following us ended up underneath the falling rubbles, hopefully never to be seen again. Still running, we finally saw the drill vehicle nearly sunken to the sand, but was enough for us to get on. Our lizard went back to lounge in the sand, much to our displeasure.
''Whew, lets NOT do that again.'' I wiped my forehead from off from the sweat i gathered. After what i said, it was once more silent as Luffy and me tried to spot our new friend, but she never came back. Aside from that, i was glad that we finally collected the Desert-Globes and we can get the hell outta here. What surprised me was that we were a good far away from the Wastelanders HQ.
Emerging from the sandy wall of the Wasteland parking lot. Me and Luffy were escorted back to the old man who was surprised to see us.
''(You look like you've seen a ghost, old man)'' I grinned, but that earned me a poke from Kianu and i was close to just maim the guy into a bloody pulp.
''(Just caught me off guard.)'' He said and i was saddened that i still couldn't see his face beside the long beard and the hood. ''(Do you have them?)''
''(All 9 of them, yes...)'' He was about to motion me to give it to him. ''(First, i want to see my friends AND get one of those drillmachines to get us back to surface.)'' I saw he was thinking or i thought he was by the beard he was stroking. It made him look much older than he already is.
''Ezekiel, can you ask him to get me more meat?'' Luffy inquired and i just shrugged. It was worth a shot as i was getting hungrier by the minute.
The old man looked at me what i thought was a smile. ''(I think we can arrange that, but on one condition.)''
I groaned in frustation at him. ''(What...?)''
The old man looked around and waved his hand for the guards to leave. He then looked at Luffy and then back at me. ''(I'd like to talk with you... alone, if its possible.)''
I shrugged once more and turned to Luffy. ''Luffy, how about you follow the guards and see if you can find us something to eat.'' As i said the magic word 'eat'. He vanished and looked for our guards to get something to munch.
Me and the old man walked back to the sofa. I wasn't in the mood to act properly in front of the rude old man and leaned on the sofa with my dirty boots on the expensive looking sofa pillow. If he was disturbed by the sight, he's either furious and masking it or just plainly ignoring my behaviour.
''(I'm aware you have a Cursed-Globe within you.)''
I raised my eyebrow at that. Did he mean the purple orb thing i found months ago? ''(Cursed-Globe?)'' I said with a raised eyebrow.
He nodded and began to stroke his beard again. ''(Mmm, yes. You have that running through you veins as we speak. I'm surprised that your not dead.)'' He blached out and i was starting to get nervous about the fact. ''(That's why i want to offer you... a little help.)''
''(I thought you don't help anyone except your fellow Wastelanders.)'' I stated.
He waved me off with a small chuckle. ''(Just want to do something good once in awhile.)''
''(Why the sudden change of heart?)'' I asked skeptically with narrowed eyes.
''(You see, i don't have much time on me and i've come to accept my fate.)'' He looked down and i hated to see the old man saddened.
''(I don't understand. What do i have to do with all of this?)''
''(Seems like i've taken a liking into you.)''
I sweatdropped at him. ''(I don't swing that way, old man.)''
I finally got him to sputter and my chore of the day was complete. ''Thats not what i meant!'' The old man shouted, not in his language though.
''Oh! So you do know our language.'' I smirked and thought about blackmailing him. Something i think i picked up from spending too much time with Nami.
He was getting slightly paniced. ''I kinda forgot.''
I pinched my nose in a slight agitation about this whole ordeal. ''And to top it of, your a senile, great.'' Shaking my head to get rid of this new found information, i consentrated on the previous one. ''About the Cursed-Globe...'' I beckoned him.
''Oh, yes. Am i to assume correct that your aware that it is also a power source, much like our Desert-Globe?'' I nodded at him.
''Yeah, it has something to do with will power and the like to get something out of it.''
The old man nodded, still stroking his beard. ''The power also corrupts the user in time. Tell me, did you feel anything unusual about yourself?''
''Beside the bloodlust and the eagerness to fight stronger opponents, those two are the only traits that have been increased these days.'' I said after i thought about it for awhile and pegged it, because i don't sleep much. The old man laughed about it and i narrowed my eyes at him. ''Just because your old doesn't give you the right to laugh at me.''
He once again waved me off. ''I'm sorry, its just that you don't see the Cursed-Globe accepting a host.''
''Wait, you mean to tell me that someone is housing me?'' The old man nodded and i was beginning to panicing.
''Relax sonny, i can help you with that.'' He said and i paid my attention to him instead of my arm. With a grunt, the old man stood up and walked towards the door. I guessed he wanted me to follow him and begrugginly complied.
''I kinda liked the sofa...''
Our walk was uneventful as the glares and whispers were around us. Though none of them dared to do anything about it, since the old man was near me. We walked until we came across a two-storey building with the symbols for 'Lineage'. That got me a bit of guard, but went with it. The inside was something you'd expect from a tattoo shop and the same blonde woman from before sat there, reading something. She kinda looked like the missing children of Niro, but this was older than the girl is supposed to be.
''(Naiara, its good to see you.)'' The old man said to the now named Naiara who looked up and widened her eye. With a jolt she stood up and bowed at his direction.
''(Its good to see you, Great Elder.)'' She said and looked at my direction with a sneer. I returned with my own glare that fixed her sneer into a scowl.
''(Don't worry about him.)'' The old man said. ''(He's just a...)'' He then looked at me and tried to find a proper word for this situation.
''(Co-operator, for now.)'' He nodded while the girl gasped in shock.
''(H-how d-does he...)'' She stuttered and i couldn't help but sigh. First these Wastelanders act all badass and the next they quiver like a kid who wetted its pants.
''(Its a long story.)'' The old man said and walked to the back room. There i saw a dentist chair surrounded by machines. My fear of doctors, specially dentist always gave me the creeps and i once thought that the sucktion machine was invented to suck my brain out. ''(I'd like you to fix his Globe.)''
She looked at me up and down with a calculating gaze. ''(Where is it?)''
''(Its inside him.)''
''(What variety does he have?)'' She asked with a raised brow.
''(A Cursed one)'' The old man said and the girl once again widened her eyes in fear where she backed away from me. ''(Relax, its not contagious so theres no need to be scared of him.)''
''(But, he's still dangerous and a outsider to boot! We can't trust them!)''
I rolled my eyes at her and just sat on the damn chair while the old man came with a threat at her if she starts to rebel. He seems to be highly respected around here. She still looked at me with a sneer and the whole your outsider thing.
''(Is there something i have to do now?)'' I asked and ignored her glare.
''(Shirts off.)'' She bluntly said and i shrugged. I took the robe and my long sleeved white shirt off where i wrapped the sleeves of it around my waist. Looking up, i saw she was blushing and kept staring at me. I snapped my fingers in front of her to get her mind off something i don't want to know at the moment. ''(Uhm, lie over the chair and i'll do the rest.)''
I complied and i was about to relax when the paranoid started to kick in. ''What if they try to kill me? The old man wouldn't since i have the 9 Desert-Globes with me, but the skank would.'' Without anyone noticing, i summoned a Kunai out of the old man and the troblesome womans vision. I was ready to dispatch of her if it came to that, but for now i would co-operate with her.
At first she took a pencil and started to draw some weird tribal tattoo on my left shoulder and there to my bicep and arm. I first thought that its just a routine thing of hers, but when she applied ink in a weird tube with a needle. I instantly knew that i was going to get a tattoo and felt kinda weird about it. Never in my life have i though of getting one much less this soon, but if it helps me then who am i to say no.
She first made a spiral in my left shoulder and continued making the tribal mark tattoos down to my bicep. From there it went to my arm where she made yet another smaller spiral. The whole thing didn't hurt in the slighest and she complimented me about it. All the animosity gone replaced with something aching to respect, but i could be wrong. She took a pause and re-filled the ink, where she continued her work.
I gripped my Kunai harder and was tense as hell when the pain increased. That didn't go unnoticed by my tattooer as she gave me a glare.
''(Will you relax? I won't slit your throat open, jeez. Men these days.)'' She said and shook her head while consentrating on her work. I didn't know what kind of tattoo i'll get and i could feel that Naiara was being careful on her work. What surprised me was that she tried to converse with me. ''(So...)'' She began. ''(How old are you?)''
I averted my eyes from her as her breast came into my vision. ''(Eighteen.)'' I replied, a little nervously i might add.
''(Youngsters these days...)'' She sighed. ''(I didn't get your name handsome.)''
''(That's cuz i didn't give one.)''
''(Oh c'mon now, were friends here.)''
I was confused now. ''(You were the one that threatened me just minutes ago!)''
''(Do you know what this tattoo means?)'' She asked me and i shook my head. ''(It means that your our ally and seeing that Great Elder helds you in a high position is a plus here.)''
''So thats why she's being nice to me.'' I thought and re-summoned my Kunai back as the slightly elder woman was harmless. Well, as harmless as she can be with a needle pointed to my skin. ''(What do you mean i'm your ally? I never agreed to being one!)''
''(You did provide us a generous amount of Desert-Globes. Weren't it for you, we might've been buried under all these sand.)'' She shook his head with a light chuckle and smiled. ''(So i'm grateful.)''
''(If the old man says so, then i guess i'm your ally.)''
That remark earned me a flick to my forehead. ''(Don't call the Great Elder old!)'' She shouted at me and stood up. ''(Now, it should be finished so i want you to stand up slowly.)''
I nodded and slowly stood up. My skin felt like it would burn off and i walked towards the giant mirror on the opposite of the chair. What i saw blew my mind, literally. There was first the spiral tattoo on my shoulder and it was going downwards with beautiful sharp lines going around it.
''(This. Is. So. Damn. Cool!)'' I shouted in glee. I grinned at myself and felt much better when the black tattoos glowed purple.
''(I'm glad you like it. I hope it shows that we don't hold any grudge against one another.)''
I smiled at the old man. He really seemed like he wanted to do something good and who am i to deny that. ''(If you say so. Does this mean we can leave now?)''
''(Oh yes, of course. Let me walk with you to your friends.)''
Naiara also wanted to add something. ''(I want you to let the ink dry itself on the skin, so you can't put on your robe for... about 20 minutes.)''
I sweatdropped at that. I always thought it would take longer. Looking around, i saw where the mystery ink came from. It was one of those black orbs i found from the Ravagers brain. I shuddered a bit, but since Izaiack also had the same, it shouldn't be too dangerous. ''Note to self: See if you can use that stuff as a medium for my own ink.''
Me and the old man plus Naiara were walking back to the cellar where the pirates were. We got a briefing from Kianu saying that Luffy was already with the others.
''...and you should've seen the snake! It was enormous with one huge eye! Me and Ezekiel beat it around and made a run for it since the whole place was about to crash on us!'' I heard Luffy tell them our little story.
''Then where is he now?'' Sanji said and was smoking his last cigarette, mildly paying attention to Luffys story.
''Didn't know that you of all people would've missed me.'' I said as we four walked in. Waving my tattooed arm around with a grin at them.
''Since when did you get a tattoo?'' Nami said from the cage in astonishment and if i'm not mistaking, i light blush creeped out on her face. Vivi had the same blush on her and i heftly laughed in amusement at their expression.
''Its brand new, Nami-chan.'' At that moment, i think i found a new hobby of teasing her to death by the intensified blush.
''(Kianu, open the cage.)'' The old man said with authority in his voice. It must've been because he didn't want to show any weakness to his suborbinates. Kianu just nodded, but didn't get much far away when i stopped him.
''(I'll do it, hand over the key.)'' I said rudely. Since the first time i saw the guy, i just wanted to beat him to the ground for messing with me. He looked at the old man who nodded and begrugginly gave me the key. Walking to my nakamas + Ace, who walked away and nodded at me.
''Those are soooo coool!'' Luffy praised with stars in his eyes and was imitated by Usopp and Chopper. I showed it off and thought that Karen would've also liked my tattoo since she also has one.
''Why would you get one?'' Vivi asked and she was, as always, worrying over nothing. The blush was still there as i continued walking around shirtless.
''Well for startes it would've been rude not to accept it. This tattoo is a sign of friendship around here and besides, i can see you like it.'' I said and did some ridiculous poses in front of the pirates
''(Okey tough guy, you can pull your shirt back on.)'' A flustered Naiara said and i chuckled. Putting my shirt on that i craftly tied in my waist, i did the same to my robes. I saw that Nami pouted in front of me and i narrowed my eyes at her while muttering something about perverted navigators, thankfully she didn't hear me though. Unfortunately for Naiara, Sanji saw her and went into his love-cook mode.
''Oh beautiful flower of the desert have i waited thy for too long. Your man has finally arrived to be thine knightof your dreams.'' He said and got a rose from out of nowhere. I laughed at the scene, since Naiara was confused about the language barrier between them.
''(What did he say?)'' She asked me to help translate him, but i decided to have a little fun with the both of 'em.
''(He said that your the most ugliest old hag he's ever seen and would be glad to get away from this hellhole you call home.)''
She was furious and i had my time of fun-pills today watching her punch Sanji in the head. The cook flew straight at the cage with a groan and i laughed at the whole thing. It was just too damn funny! I motioned Kianu to pick our weapons and supplies that they confiscated from us. The baldy guy was actually a scaredy-cat in front of me. Maybe it had something to do with Izaiack telling stories about our short adventure.
''Can we leave now?'' A frustrated Zoro said as Kianu handed him his three swords, much to his confusion. He probably never saw someone carrying three swords. He then gave me my own and was still hesitant being near me.
''Bo!'' I shouted and scared him of. Laughing at him for good 10 seconds and easing myself, i felt my Katana and Tanto pulse in obvious displeasure. ''I know i shouldn't have let you to the bad men, but i also didn't want any unnecessary ruckus.'' Triton seemed to understand that, seeing as i had a good reason why i didn't let them attack the guards. The problem here, was Yama-chan as she said that i betrayed her and let ugly men touch her. ''C'mon, i didn't do such thing.'' I got a small cut in my palm and winced a bit. ''Alright alright, next time i visit i'll do something nice for you, cool?'' I didn't get a reply and took it as sign that i was almost forgiven.
Walking out of the cellar with me walking beside the old man and Naiara, conversing something about the Globes and their different varieties. Looking back at the pirates who were awed at the sand on top of us, surrounding the place like a gigantic dome. The drillmachines weren't so highly looked up to because they already saw them. As we got near them, Izaiack came running towards us.
''(Oi! Ezekiel!)'' He shouted with a grin that fit him. The man hid himself in a deep scowl all the time and the fake alpha aura vanished. ''(I heard your now our ally.)''
I nodded at him. ''(Is that the only thing going around?)''
''(Yeah, pretty much. People here wanted to see you)'' He said and just in cue a massive line of people came out of nowhere and waved at our direction.
''Well, thats surprisingly new.'' I said as i rubbed my head in embarrasement at the cheers and whistles.
''Seems like your quite the famous one.'' Ace grinned.
''Who said their cheering for you. They all came to see the Great Usopp-sama's departure.'' Usopp boasted, but got depressed when the people shouted my name. I didn't know what i did, collect few Desert-Globes with Luffy and i'm now loved by them. I then remembered about the Globes and took them one by one. I set them all in the empty wooden cart that Kianu carried. The spectators were amazed that i just popped them out of nowhere and the cheers got louder.
I turned to the old man and rubbed my head in embarrasement for asking this. ''(Hey, if it isn't too much to ask. Can you guys give me a empty scroll, a brush and ink?)''
The old man was confused, but told one of his guards to fetch it up for me. ''What are we waiting for? Can't we just leave?'' Nami said in frustation, she apparently had enough of not knowing whats going on around here. Minute later, my tools were brought in front of me and the courier bowed at me. The scroll wasn't really that big, but it'll have to do for now.
''In a minute.'' I replied to Nami and got infront of the unfurled scroll on the ground. I felt that the crew got closer to my back to see what i was doing. There wasn't really much to see as i scribbled the usual storage sealing scroll. Standing up and handing the leftover ink to Kianu, who was quite the whole time as were the audience who looked at my art in confusion. ''(Do you have any food and water for us? Sorry for being too needy about these.)''
He just waved my conserns off. ''(Nonsense, we help each other out and consider this...)'' He showed me the maids carrying a huge load of food and water for us. ''(...as a apologize for our hostility towards you and your friends.)''
''(Its nothing, really.)'' I smiled. The old man wasn't lying and i've come to really like him. In a grandfartherly way of course. Pulling the two barrels of water to my scroll and some of the food i managed to cramp in there, the audience were amazed once more.
''Looks like we won't have to worry about food for a while.'' I heard Sanji say as he packed a majority of it and gave some to Zoro to carry. The swordsman wasn't happy about it, but did as he was told.
''You sure are something else, Ezekiel.'' Usopp said behind me as i rolled the scroll and got a bit feeling to it.
''He sure is! Unlike someone we can name.'' Nami praised me and turned to Luffy with a glare. The Captain probably told them the whole story in the undergrond cave and him getting us nearly killed in the first cave.
''I'm glad you think of me that highly, but its nothing, really.'' I seriously need to do something about my shyness from being complimented by her. ''I might end up like Tony-kun here.'' I patted Chopper hat when a sudden realisation came to me. Walking over to Izaiack who was now smiling with the blonde tattoo woman, i addressed him. ''(Yo, i think i need to explain something to you, about Erumalu.)''
''(What about it?)'' He asked me curiously
''(How to start...)'' I began to think how i should tell him, but came to the conclusion that i should be honest at him. ''(The whole city is in ruins. A massive sandstorm hit the place hard, BUT...)'' I added the last part a bid loudly as the man was getting depressed. ''(The people there were evacuated in time with few prescious lives lost. Those men risked their lives to save other people and i couldn't recognize any resemblence between you and your brother from there.)'' I made a deep bow at his direction. ''(I'm sorry for installing false hope into you.)''
I could've added more, but the guy waved me off saying that he understands. Sighing in relief, we all went to the bigger version of the Brev and kept shut for about 5 minutes. Surprisingly, the old man was with us and we talked even more about the Globes, but his knowledge on them was limited to those that reside here in the desert.
Looking around at the crew, i saw that Ace was conversing with Zoro and Chopper. Sanji was thinking what he did wrong with his swooning, Luffy and Usopp were pestering Kianu, Nami was just looking around at the machines. ''It wouldn't surprise me if she takes a few souviniers with her.''
I shook my head and saw that Vivi was spacing out on us while patting Eyelashes. Shrugging, i shut my eye for a quick relaxation until we hit the surface.
It didn't take us long to finally emerge from the undergrond sand village. Once we were outside, i took a deep breath and saw that it was getting late. Looking around, i spotted a small outcropping a small distance away and nodded to myself. ''We all could use a small rest there''.
''(Our path end up here, sonny.)'' The old man said as i walked over to him.
''(Yeah, despite being a major dickhead, your still cool in my book.)'' Instead of bowing to him like his suborbinates, i gave the old man a light hug. ''(You remind me of someone who used to be a very important figure in my life.)''
He returned the hug with one arm as he held the staff of his with the other. ''(Its nothing. Oh, and we have even more presents for you.)''
I pulled off the hug and gave him a glare. ''(Isn't that a bit too much?)'' He shrugged at me with a air of indifference and looked at Naiara. She had a small backpack with her and gave it to me. I thought against it to open it now and waved at them as we walked away.
''What a weird bunch of people.'' Usopp muttered with a heavy sigh. Glad that the whole thing is over now.
''Don't be so harsh on them, their just doing what was necessary for their survival.'' I said to him.
''Guess your right.''
As we walked towards the outcropping ahead, i was bombarded with questions about me and Luffys small adventure. It was more like Luffy explained more with me correcting some of the scenes. We laughed when i shouted about me forgetting my weapons there.
''Its not funny! Do you know how much one of that costs!''
[To Be Continued]
That ends that filler and we continue towards Yuba now! At first i though that i should make a shorter chapter, but decided against it and went with it. Tell me how you like, cuz i'm not really proud of this one. I thought that i can get this one before Xman, but got a little carried away in some other events.
About the picture, i guess i have to find a base for it since i couldn't get a grasp of what i want Ezekiel to look like. But that will be done in its time, so patience here. If someone didn't get how the tribal tattoo should look like, google 'Tribal tattoos' and you should see how it looks. If you still have problem imagining it, i guess i have to draw that too...
Right, i've got nothing else to write here, so Happy holidays and the rest. I off to enjoy my vacation!
