Hello,

I hope spring is treating you kindly! Last month was crazy busy for me so I didn't really update anything but I'm aiming to add another chapter by the end of the month. I have something special I'll post for Whitebeard's birthday and I'm very excited to share it!

Thank you for your patience!
DigitalGuardian

4/3/2022

Log 4: Breakout

Yuuna was taken out of the marine base by the bounty hunters to drink themselves under the table and Agni enjoyed his five star accommodations in the dungeons, waiting for Valker to come and rescue him.

Meanwhile, in the highest office in the marine base was Captain Evelyn who was none the wiser to the bounty scam in progress on the lower levels. In fact, her main interest was admiring the key to a certain pirate captain's seastone cuffs.

Captain Evelyn laughed. "I can't wait to shove it in Captain Adam's face that I caught Crackerjack Agni after he let the pirate escape." The marine placed the key around a string and hung it around her neck. "I'm going to treasure this. I can just feel a promotion coming my way."

The sound of the den-den phone rang out but it wasn't coming from her snail on her desk. The captain rummaged around her drawers and pulled out a smaller, black shelled snail with an red apple depicted on the side.

*Cha-chanch*

"What is it?"

The face of the transponder took on sharp and serpent like features as a voice growled out, "It's me."

"What do you want?"

"Where the hell is my delivery?"

Captain Evelyn frowned. "What's with that tone, huh? I don't believe you have any room for making demands when I'm still waiting for my battleship."

"If I had the manpower, the ship would be done."

"If it's about manpower then I'll get you more. There're plenty of able bodies wasting their potential, in fact, the next delivery will be extra special." Evelyn stated.

"Oh?"

"Think of it as a sign of good faith between us in this business venture." Evelyn said, tracing the key around her neck.

The snail grinned. "I'll look forward to it."

Hanging up the receiver, Evelyn stood up from her chair. "Talking with him always pisses my off. Now I have to make the delivery," That thought brought a smile to her face. "At least this gives me an opportunity to take her out for a spin."

-VP-

Agni leaned against the wall to his cell, the cuffs around his wrists keeping him from having the strength to move. He hated being without his powers. With his Burn-Burn Fruit, he could regulate his temperature so he's never felt cold since eating the fruit but right now he was painfully aware of the stone touching his back and it deeply irritated him.

"Valker better hurry up." Agni grumbled.

"You're just impatient." Valker said as he walked into view of the cell.

Agni gave Valker a toothy grin, rattling his chains. "Freeee me!"

"I can't." Valker said, examining the key rack. "There's no key for your cuffs."

"Seriously?! Where is it?!"

"I don't know. Sit tight." Valker ordered as he left Agni's view to search around the room.

"Not much else I can do." He grumbled.

Valker searched farther and farther away from the cell to no avail. The key was no where to be found.

Both pirates tensed when they heard footsteps and someone barked. "Hey, you!"

"Tch," went Valker under his breath and saluted to the marine who had approached him. "Sir!"

"What do you think you're doing? The captain wants us down by the docks."

"I was not informed, Sir."

The marine groaned, obviously jittery about whatever was happening in the base. "Have you seen yourself, man? You look like a disgrace."

"I'm aware, Sir. But I find that it is best to do dirty work in a more worn out uniform to keep my other pair pristine." Valker informed, jabbing a finger at Agni. "Criminals have deplorable hygiene."

Agni tried not to take it personally.

The marine chuckled. "I see you're dedicated to your image. Captain Evelyn will like that about you if she doesn't punish you for the state of your uniform. Unfortunately, there's no time to change. The Captain hates delays."

Valker didn't even bother to spare Agni a glance as he followed the marine out of the holding area. The devil fruit user sat back against the wall and whistled. "He definitely makes one hell of a marine."

But Agni still found himself in the predicament of being caught. He had a sneaking suspicion that whenever he got out of here, it was not going to be subtle like the last time. At least Yuuna was at the ship and out of danger.

-VP-

Yuuna was on high alert, not feeling safe in the slightest from where she sat on a rickety stool. She thought having a seven foot constrictor who could crush her windpipe dangle around her neck was risky but now she found herself in the middle of a lion's den. The two bounty hunters had dragged her to a bar in town. It was a hole in the wall kind of bar that attracted a very rough kind of customer. Apparently the word spread that a "new bounty hunter" had brought in her first bounty. When they arrived, there was a cacophony of cheers as the bar was packed with hunters, some even sitting on the rafters. She quickly realized why this was a big thing for the bounty hunters because they partied on the newbie's expense.

Yuuna held on to her mug still full of rum. The hunters had completely devolved into partying, arm wrestling, and dancing terribly. Currently she was just putting all the drinks on her tab but if she actually paid of the bill with the reward money, then her crew would be as broke as they were when they arrived. She was seriously beginning to consider escaping and leaving the bounty hunters to pay their own bills. Then again, if Agni and Valker weren't back yet, she would have to avoid all these hunters until they return. Yuuna watched a hunter bend a mace in half. She shuddered at the thought of having to face off against any of the hunters.

"What's wrong newbie?" the fat hunter who initially dragged her into this mess asked, plopping down in the free stool next to her. "You haven't even touched your first drink."

"Um…" Yuuna was not about to admit she's never had alcohol, "Just enjoying being with such seasoned hunters such as yourself."

The hunter's brow raised, clearly skeptical. "You can't bullshit me kid. You're worried that we're going to drink your reward money."

Yuuna scrunched her shoulders, not liking she's been found out. "When you put it that way…."

The bounty hunter laughed, the redness on his cheek becoming more pronounce. "You aren't wrong!"

"Seriously!" Yuuna screamed. These guys were planning on drinking 15,000 beris worth of alcohol. She had never held this much money in her life and these assholes planned to drink it all in one sitting. But what could she do? She was no match for an army of a bounty hunters. But if she couldn't return with the money, Agni would have risked his freedom for nothing. Fretting over her situation, Yuuna didn't notice Hebi plunging his head into her drink.

"Happens every time," the hunter affirmed. "It's like a rite of passage."

Yuuna ran her hand through her curls in frustration, trying to figure out how to escape. "What am I going to do?"

Her companion took pity on her. "You're in the hunting business. You'll make those beris back in no time."

Yuuna frowned, ignoring how much alcohol Valker's old snake could guzzle down in favor for worrying about how said owner will react when Yuuna comes back empty handed. "There's no way."

"Sure there is." The fat hunter leaned in close enough for Yuuna to get a whiff of his sweaty odor. "I'll let you in on secret about hunting around Captain Evelyn's base." This caught Yuuna's interest. "Captain Evelyn is very generous when it comes to giving out bounty rewards. Likes keeping a clean area of the sea, yah know? Anyways, she'll give a small reward for bringing a pirate even if they don't got a bounty." The man inched closer on his stool, clearly excited. "If you ever find yourself out of beris and yah can't bag a bounty which – let's be honest – your first was a lucky break."

Yuuna shrugged.

"All you need to do is find some scumbag or lowlife. The marines are hella dumb and will give you a reward. I recommend pick'n someone from the south side of town, there are a lot of beggars that no one cares if they go missing."

"But they haven't committed any crimes," said Yuuna.

"They bring down the town's reputation. I'd say that's crime enough." The hunter's partner said as he sat down on Yuuna's other side.

Yuuna wanted to protest this but seeing the other, very dangerous and very heavily armed men in the bar echo the hunter's sentiment in agreement, she wisely kept her mouth shut. She was furious that innocent people were imprisoned because of these hunters wanting to make a quick beri. She wanted to help these people if she could. Maybe by informing the marines but if the marines were in on the scheme, then outing the hunters would just paint a target on her back. It was still wrong for innocent people to be rotting away in jail. Yuuna stood up but was forced back down when the hunter put a hand on her shoulder.

"And where do you think you're going?" he asked in a low tone.

Sweat beaded down her temple. "Um the bathroom? I really have to go."

"And give you a chance to escape and make us foot the bill? Nice try, kid."

Yuuna slumped in her chair. She was beginning to realize she couldn't escape without it escalating to a fight but there was no way for her to beat all these physical strong hunters, at close range, and with only a handful of bullets.

Hebi jolted around her neck and slid into her lap. Yuuna frowned at the snake's weird behavior as he withered at weird angles. Hebi clamped his mouth shut as his cheeks puffed out like he was preventing himself from hurling. Then his midsection inflated and then again and again. Yuuna and the hunters watched at the snake became a balloon.

Yuuna quickly checked her pockets and found she only had two pepper bullets. "YOU DIDN'T!"

Fearing that he would expand so much that he explode, Yuuna wrapped her arms around Hebi and squeezed.

Hebi burped fire.

The flames, fueled by the alcohol, were much stronger and hotter than when Hebi first mistakenly ate her bullet. The force of the sudden fire breath pushed Hebi right into Yuuna's stomach and sent them flying through the air, crashing through the window. Yuuna grunted when she hit the pavement, skidding several feet before she stopped.

"Grrr," Yuuna throttled Hebi by his throat with unbridled fury. "Stop eating my bullets!"

The sound of an explosion rattled the streets and Yuuna, causing her to look back at the burning bar. Hunters were running out and jumping out of the windows to escape the flames. Her mouth dropped at the sheer absurd destruction Hebi's burp caused.

Hebi blew out a little bit of fire and looked to Yuuna with his droopy eyes. There was something in those silted irises. Something knowing. It was as if the snake was aware that their fiery exit would happen if he mixed the bullet and the alcohol.

"You... are smart then what I've been giving you credit for." Yuuna blocked his head when he went for her pocket again. "Only a little."

Part of the bar exploded into a billowing column of smoke and Yuuna realized she didn't want to be anywhere near the bar when the hunters organized themselves.

The sniper scooped up Hebi and sprinted away.

-VP-

Marine Captain Evelyn traveled down the street with an entourage of marines marching to her pace. Amongst these marines was Valker, wary of their destination. The citizens quickly stepped aside for the captain to make her way to the docks. There were two docks parallel to each other.

Valker spared a glance to the opposite dock where their empty dinghy was tied up. He frowned when he didn't see Yuuna.

The marines stood in a line facing a schooner ship. It was a well-crafted vessel. It had two masts with Bermuda rigging, dressed with white sail with the marine insignia painted across them. The hull wasn't a typical schooner, being wider and having two levels - some of the speed was probably scarified for more space. It was likely Captain Evelyn's personal ship for missions which Evelyn supported Valker's guess when she rubbed her cheek lovingly against the stern.

"Oh! My precious baby! You are the jewel of the sea! A masterpiece!" Captain Evelyn cooed. "My spirit is always refreshed when you set sail!"

Valker's eyebrow quirked while several marines grumbled under their breathed, obviously familiar with their captain's antics.

"It's just a ship." A young marine uttered beside Valker but not quietly enough. Captain Evelyn snapped to look directly at them and strode up to the marine.

"What's that you said, marine?" Evelyn spit out.

"I—I uh. Nothing ma'am!"

Evelyn narrowed her eyes and marched furiously along the line of marines. "Ships are integral to the Navy. You boorish mites don't understand that ships mean power! Ships carry the weight of justice, allowing the Navy to chase down and crush the ambitions of pirates! With ships we can cross these intrepid waters filled with sea beasts that could swallow a man in a single gulp! The seas are vast but, with a ship, you can submit it to your will! You won't get far in the Navy if you don't understand this," She stopped in front of Valker. "And you! You are a disgrace to the Navy. Lax, slovenly and no self-respect!"

Valker's eye twitched, suppressing the frustration that built every time a marine made a degrading remark about his clothing. "I have no excuse." He gritted out, "Especially in the presence of magnificent ship such as this."

"Oh?"

"Despite its smaller size, a schooner ship like this is ideal for maneuverability and autonomy. It is a fine vessel for a captain such as yourself."

Captain Evelyn smiled, clearly flattered. "A marine of culture. The Navy needs more with a mindset like you. Your appearance is lacking but that can be fixed. I should like to speak with you more about my wonderful ship. The rest of you! Prepare her to sail!"

"Yes ma'am!" the marines scattered and busied themselves, leaving just the two of them.

Captain Evelyn directed Valker to board the ship and ran a loving hand across the smooth wooden railing. "It is always refreshing when I can take my baby out into the open water."

"What is the special occasion, ma'am?" asked Valker.

"We'll be transporting a very special criminal today." Evelyn replied, pulling the key out from under her shirt. "I can see a commendation and maybe a promotion in my future."

Valker gazed at the key thoughtfully. He continued to follow Evelyn around the schooner as she rambled on about all the ship's features.

-VP-

As much as Yuuna wanted to save the wrongfully accused people, she knew she wouldn't be able to take on an entire base full of marines or with a island worth of bounty hunters after her. A haki wielding snake and a handful of bullets weren't going to cut it. Yuuna needed some serious firepower in the form of a burning man and marine wannabe. So she made her way back to the docks to wait for her crew.

Half way to her destination, she encountered a squad of marines. Yuuna stopped a distance away to avoid attention until they passed by but things got complicated when she realized that Agni was in the middle of the squad, still in cuffs.

As soon as the squad passed, Yuuna ran after them who just so happened to be going to the docks. The pirate scrambled to hid up on a stack of crates and observe the marines work. Agni looked confused, he just happened to make eye contact with Yuuna and together they shared the same thought.

Where the hell was Valker?!

"Captain Evelyn!" One of the squad members announced. "We've brought the pirate."

Captain Evelyn came to the railing with – much to Agni's surprise – Valker. He followed the marine captain down the ramp.

Yuuna gasped softly, they said it as a joke, but was Valker a marine pretending to be a pirate this entire time? While this thought crossed her mind, Yuuna couldn't find herself believing it especially seeing the determined look in Valker's eyes when he declared nothing could stop him from reaching the Pirate King. Agni was taken before the captain but he was more interested in Valker who was standing right behind her. His hat was pulled low so Agni couldn't meet his gaze.

Captain Evelyn sneered gleefully. "Burning Crackerjack, you've been nuisance since you took up the black flag. You're infamous for raiding and burning marine ships."

"Those were good times." Agni grinned longingly. "There was one time when I lit the sails on fire like it was a birthday cake!"

"THAT'S NOT FUNNY!" Captain Evelyn shouted.

"My crew would beg to differ." Agni refuted which caused Valker to frown.

"Where is your crew?" Captain Evelyn demanded but Agni just halfheartedly shrugged in response. "Doesn't matter. I'm going to send you to a place where your crew will never reach you." She ranted, pulling out the key and pointing it at the pirate. "You will never be free of those cuffs! You're days of pirating are over!"

"You did have his key." Evelyn whirled around to command Valker to tell her what he was talking about but was met with a fist to her face. The punch sent Evelyn into the squad of marines, knocking several of them over. Valker managed to snatch the key from the captain's hands as she fell back.

Evelyn clutched at her reddening face. "What are you doing!?"

The cuffs dropped to the docks with a heavy thud after Valker unlocked them. Agni rubbed his wrists. "Took you long enough, captain."

"You're free, aren't you?" Valker deadpanned.

"C-Cap-CAPTIAN?!" Evelyn screeched, looking at Valker.

Valker was unamused. "That's me."

Agni grinned, "New crew."

"That's explains your outfit."

A vein nearly burst on Valker's forehead.

Her shock quickly turned to anger. "ARREST THEM!"

The marines let out a war cry and charged, many jumping off the ship and onto the dock. Valker and Agni ready themselves for battle.

Agni's arms burned a bright red as steam rose off of them, "Burning Fist!" The devil fruit user punched a marine and sent him flying into another marine which carried them into several more marines, knocking them over like dominos.

Valker retaliated against his opponents with disciplined martial arts. Yuuna watched from a distance, once again in awe at her crewmates' fighting ability.

Valker kicked a marine into the water and looked directly at Yuuna, much to her surprise, she was well hidden. "Get to the boat!"

Yuuna quickly scrambled down the crates and sprinted across the docks. She was about to step on the dinghy when a shadow cast over her. Yuuna yelped and dived out of the way as a cannonball was thrown into the dinghy, completely destroying it. Evelyn, who had thrown the cannon, shouted. "I won't let a traitor like you escape!"

She threw another cannon right at Valker but he dodged out of the way as the cannon shattered a segment of the dock on impact.

"What is with her strength?!" Yuuna yelped.

"New plan!" Valker shouted, jumping onto to the schooner. "Destroy the dock!"

Agni raised his burning fists above his head and slammed them down. The wood turned coal black on contact before splintering. The marines screamed as they plunged into the water with a splash. Valker took a rope and lassoed Agni before the pirate joined the marines for a swim. As Evelyn fell towards the water, she pulled out her revolver and aimed it at the back of Valker's head.

She fired.

Without prompting, Valker jerked his head to the side and the bullet whiffed through his hair. Evelyn had an expression of absolute shock before hitting the water face first. Valker yanked Agni onto the schooner. While the marines were trying to get out of the water, Valker unfurrowed the sails. The wind caught in the fabric, pushing the ship forward.

"Veer hard to starboard!" Valker ordered as he untied a rope.

"Aye captain!"

"MY BABY!" Evelyn screeched and ordered to the marines who managed to stay out of the water. "Shoot them! Kill them!"

Yuuna watched as the ship was turning to sail pass the dock she was standing on. Valker stood on the upper deck of the schooner, tightening the grip on the rope he held. He swung off the ship in wide arch and slammed right into her. Yuuna instinctively latched onto him to not end up in the water. The swing carried them to the bow of the ship where Yuuna landed in a heap. Valker rose from the crouch he landed in and looked back at the docks as the men scrambled to ready the other battleships.

Agni waved happily, yelling back. "Thanks for the generous gift!"

Evelyn screech incoherent words of anger.

"Ready the cannons!" a marine shouted.

"Belay that! You'll hurt my baby! After them! Capture them! Don't let them escape!" Evelyn ordered and three battleships set sail after the hijacked schooner.

The marine fired their rifles at the pirates and Yuuna dived for cover. Agni laughed as he ducked from a volley of bullets. "Gahahaha! Did you see their faces! Gahaha! It's too good!"

"You're insane!" Yuuna screamed.

Valker said nothing but as he watched the marine ships struggle to keep up, he had a small but genuine smirk his lips. Yuuna's heart sunk to the bottom of the sea. Though he didn't express it, her captain was enjoying every second of this. It was at this moment Yuuna realized both her crewmates found a thrill in screwing with the marines.

"You're both insane!"

"Cheer up Yuuna!" said Agni. "We got beris, messed with the marines, and got a brand new ship. What could ruin today!"

"A storm," said Valker. Sure enough they were sailing right toward low, dark clouds growing in the distance.

"WE'RE GOING TO DIE!"

To Be Continued

CHARATER SPOTLIGHT

"Apple of the East"

Name: Evelyn
Species: Human
Occupation: Navy Base Captain

Description: A middle aged, paled skinned woman with pronounced facial features, with high arching eyebrows and long eye lashes. Her marine coat is worn over her red, sleeveless dress that ends at her knees. She wears green gloves and boots and a thin belt around her waist. The buckle is detailed to look like an apple. Her clothes are impeccably clean.

Dislikes: Difficult business partners. Anything that could tarnish her reputation.
Likes: Ships and the power they represent. Cleanliness.

Techniques:

1. Forbidden Fruit - A rapid fire spray of bullets from her MacTosh Revovler
2. Folly of Man - A thrusting sabre technique, known for taking an opponent down in one strike

Weapons:

1. MacTosh Revolver - A revolver with an apple motif
2. Rib Sabre - A sabre that eerily looks like a rib. Rumor is that it once belonged to a former lover.

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