Chapter 23: Trouble in Pucci Part 2
Previously Natsu, Happy, and their new friend Fujika a member of the Kuija Pirates escorted them to Pucci an island connected to Water 7.
Now the trio comes across the Celestial Dragon Charloss a wicked man that seeks out slaves even women that he finds beautiful.
As for Gray Fullbuster, he was ordered to escort the Celestial Dragon to the Mayor's office, however, his partner Miyaka requested the ice wizard to stay behind on the navy ship due to her encounter with Charloss while back as a child.
Natsu and Happy see the wicked nature of the Celestial Dragon Charloss in person, angered at the display a raging Natsu tries to confront the famous noble only to be stopped by Fujika.
After some explaining, Natsu reluctantly agrees not to do anything to provoke the Celestial Dragon.
Present.
Natsu, Happy, and Fujika decide then to find the train station that can take them to Water 7.
Eventually, they came across an old man that helped them.
"If you want to get the train, it's not too far away." The citizen pointed out. "However it won't arrive here till 3 pm."
Fujika checked her watch. "It's 1 pm, so I suppose we can do some sightseeing and pack up some food for the trip."
"Sounds good to me!" Natsu said.
"Yummy! Let's buy some fish!" Happy drooled.
Gray continued his way to escort the Celestial Dragon Charloss to the mayor's office. "I hope this bastard doesn't cause any problems." He thought. "Seeing that man he's riding on makes me sick."
Charloss noticed the Vice-Admiral's face. "Is there a problem?" The Ice wizard turned his head away. "No sir, just wondering if you're doing fine."
"I normally don't like when people speak to me however since you're escorting me I won't shoot you at least not yet," Charloss replied.
Gray was more disgusted by the noble's reply, seeing that he would shot someone for speaking to him. "Glad Natsu isn't here if he were then he would cause trouble."
Miyaka was in her room back on the navy ship, sitting on her bed looking helpless, even though it was her duty to stand by Gray's side. "Damn...I should've stayed by Gray's side..." Her closed eyes shook in fright. "Man dealing with pirates is no problem but..."
The memory of Charloss was still in her mind, how he tried to approach her with a perverted smile on his face was enough to shake to her core. "I can only hope that Gray won't get hurt."
M
On Long-Ring-Long land.
Wendy, Yukino, Lucy, and Carla had a feast with the old man Tonjit and his family.
The entire group feast on some fried fish, chicken salad, some fruit that was picked from some trees, a glass of juice, water, and lemonade.
"So good!" Wendy said with a mouth full of fried fish.
"Child don't talk with food your mouth!" Carla scolded.
"This food is so good," Yukino said chowing on chicken salad. "I wish Minerva was here." Knowing that her guildmate was an excellent cook and want the recipe.
Lucy giggled as she chowed on the chicken salad. "I have to admit this food is something that our friends would like." She then looked up at the sky.
An image of Natsu and Happy appeared in the sky. "I hope those two are safe."
Tonjit patted the girl on the shoulder. "Come on missy!" That took the girl by surprise. "What some cheese?" He offered a bread cheese but he accidentally handed it to her too rough that the bread slipped out of his hand.
The bread cheese flew right into her cleavage which bounced a little as the others were in awe while some male family members of Tonjit were astonished.
"You perverted old man!" Lucy yelled comically.
Pow pow.
Tonjit was unconscious with a few pumps on his head. "Ow..."
"She's scary," Wendy shivered in fright.
"Man does she have a nice chest," A family member whispered to another.
"Excuse me?" Lucy gave the two men a glare that made the two jump in fright.
"She hates perverts..." Tonjit's granddaughter said quietly.
The mother of Tonjit's granddaughter walked to the old man. "Sorry, my father-in-law can be a little pervy at times." She put an ice pack on the old man's head.
"Sorry about that just a force habit," Lucy said with an apologetic smile.
"Anyway, what do we put on a show with our spirits?" Yukino suggested.
Lucy smiled at that suggestion. "Yeah, we should repay these people for sharing our food."
Tonjit and his family were confused but interested. "Ok then show us, ladies!"
Charloss was near the destination. "To think these lowly peasants would have such a jewel for me." He snorted. "Normally I was hoping to see some women here but I guess getting some shiny would be nice when I can use it to buy a woman from an auction house."
Natsu, Happy, and Fujika went shopping buying what food they need including water.
"These fish can last me till we get to Water 7." Happy drooled over an aisle of frozen fish.
"True but if they dry up they'll stink," Natsu said.
Fujika was pushing a cart. "I found some vegetables, fruit, and some meat for the trip."
"Won't the meat and fish get spoiled if they're out too long?" Natsu questioned.
"True however the meat can be delivered on the train's storage room, where they keep frozen food and with our names on it so they don't get mixed up with other passager's stuff," Fujika explained.
"Cool! Hear that Happy, we'll have a feast once we get to Water 7!" Natsu cheered loudly.
"Aye, sir!" Happy replied jumping up.
Some customers heard the racket.
"That guy is loud,"
"Geez turn down the voice,"
"Hold on, did that cat speak?"
Fujika saw the reactions from the customers and quickly covered the Fairy Tail wizard's mouths. "Shhhhh!" She hushed quietly putting her finger to her mouth. "Don't draw unwanted attention."
Natsu and Happy nodded in response.
The Celestial Dragon finally arrived at Mayor's office. "We're here." He got off his human ride. "Alright, peasants let me in!" He shot up in the air.
The gunshot made nearby standers flinch in fear.
Yamen(Yamenahare) the manservant of Bimine opened the door slightly. "Celestial Dragon Charloss please come in." But the famous noble rudely pushed the door so roughly that it caused the man to fall on his butt.
"Everyone I'm here to see Mayor of Gourmet City!" Charloss stated but more like it was demanding in his voice.
The office workers flinched in fear hoping to get this over soon as possible.
Yamen got up and bowed to the noble. "Of course sir, I'll take you to him."
Charloss just sneered. "Yes and don't keep me waiting even if he's busy signing papers."
The manservant gulped but nodded his head.
Maru(Marumeita)was inside her father's office's closet hiding hoping that Charloss wouldn't find her. "I hope father can pull this through."
Bimine was sitting at his desk with a box in front of him. "I hope Charloss accepts this ruby as payment and then he'll leave us alone." He eyed at the closet door and hoped that the wicked noble would catch on that he was hiding his daughter inside.
The door opened and there was Charloss the Celestial Dragon. "Mayor Bimine I presume."
"Yes sir," The Gourmet City Mayor bowed his head.
Charloss walked over to the front of the mayor's desk. "I believe you got a jewel that I was searching for."
The mayor pushed the box closer to another side of the desk. "Yes, sir I believe you can sell this for a lot of money."
Charloss looked at it closely. "Hmm...I believe I can buy this for 1 million berries and then I shall sell this again for more money." He clapped his hands as a servant walked by the noble holding a case. "I present you 1 million berries."
Maru was hearing by placing her head to the door. "Good, let's hope he leaves so that we breathe again."
Bimine hoped this would be enough to ensure that the Celestial Dragon would leave and the wicked noble was about to until...
"Hmm?" He sniffed out something in the air. "I smell something familiar."
Bimine was confused until the noble sniffed at a perfume that was a few inches away from the box. "Eh?" The mayor quickly recognized the perfume. "Damn...that's Maru's-"
But he was interrupted by the Celestial Dragon who grabbed him by the collar. "Hey! Are you're hiding a woman somewhere in here?"
The mayor realized his flaw, his daughter bought a perfume spray which was something that his wife loved, forget to put it away. "Hey, I'm talking to you!" Charloss spoke impatiently.
Maru backed away quietly but her foot accidentally hit a box knocking over another creating a thud.
"Hmm?" Charloss groaned curiously as he looked towards the closet. "Let's see what's behind door number 1."
He walked over to the door and open it to see a young girl. "So a girl is hiding here when she should be greeting a Celestial Dragon." He then paused for a moment gazing at the woman's figure. "I don't usually like girls with glasses, however-"
He looked at her chest which was big. "I believe you can be quite a beauty soon." He turned to look at the mayor. "I shall buy her too."
Bimine was shocked to hear that. "Please sir she's my daughter the only family I have." He shook his head. "No no I won't you take my daughter away!"
Charloss narrowed his eyes as he took out his pistol. "How dare you give me to speak to me peasant!" He was not happy at being spoken in such a matter. "If you value your own life then hand me your daughter and I'll spare your life!"
Bimine gritted his teeth wanting to hurt the noble but knows the consequences if he did so, however he couldn't just let his daughter be taken away. Before he could do anything Maru placed her hand on the pistol. "Stop!"
Charloss turned his head looking unhappy. "What'd you say?"
"Father please don't do anything," Maru said her eyes hidden. "If you oppose this man he'll shoot you or worse."
Bimine was in disbelief. "Bu-but...daughter you can't-" His daughter put her hand out. "I'll be fine as long as I do what he says he won't hurt you." She looked at the noble. "Please sir I'll go with you if you spare my father."
Charloss looked at the girl for a second and a perverted smile appeared on his face. "Very well then..." He grabbed hold of the girl's wrist tightly. "Ow..." She moaned.
"Hey be gentle with my daughter!" Bimine protested in a low threatening voice.
Bang!
Charloss took his pistol shooting the mayor in the chest causing the man to fall on the floor. "Aah!" Maru screamed in terror. "You promised that you wouldn't hurt him!"
Charloss glared at the girl. "Then your father should've known his place." He roughly took the girl away into the main office.
"Lady Maru!" Yamen was about to go to save his boss's daughter when she turned her head and shook her head which told him not to do anything. "Please help my father..." She whispered gesturing her head towards her father's office.
Yamen reluctantly agreed and walked into the office. "Bimine! Sir hold on I'll get a doctor!"
A short time later.
Gray sensed something off in the office, he turned to see the young girl being taken out of the office. "Hmm?" He was concerned, not only that he saw Charloss beside the girl. "Ha, ha, my new wife to be." He chuckled with a perverted look on his face.
Gray couldn't believe what he just heard, not only that but the girl's face was showing a look of sadness and fear. "She looks so helpless."
Charloss cleared his throat. "Vice-Admiral Gray, take me back to my ship I'm all ready to leave."
Gray bowed his head even though it was sicking for him to do. "Yes sir." He looked towards the girl again seeing her silent and saw in her eyes emotionless.
Natsu, Happy, and Fujika were coming in their direction. "This shall last us until we get to Water 7 which we'll get there by next morning if there aren't any delays." The purple-haired amazon said holding a shopping bag.
Natsu was holding one that looked heavy but nothing he couldn't handle. "This is gonna be great."
"Aye, sir!" Happy saluted.
The trio stopped as they saw the Celestial Dragon up ahead and saw the girl, Fujika sensed the feelings of the girl using her Observation Haki. "She's in a trouble."
Natsu heard the girl's sniffles due to his high sense of hearing. "That girl is hurting..." He realized that the girl's pain and suffering are being caused by the wicked noble. "That bastard..."
Happy caught him by his scarf. "Natsu doesn't...if you do that then Navy ships and these Admirals will show up."
"Who is that blacked-haired guy?" Fujika questioned.
Natsu and Happy looked ahead closely seeing a familiar face. "That's-that's..." Just as they about to speak out loud, Fujika covered their mouths. "Stop!" She whispered as her mouth got closer to their ears. "I know it's hard to watch and that your friend is here but we can meet up with him later."
Gray heard the faint sniffles from Maru that was being guarded by Charloss' servant. "Sniff...sniff." Maru was on the verge of tears.
The servant moved his head until the girl was in earshot. "Listen I advise you to keep your mouth shut, if you try anything master Charloss won't be pleased."
Gray was getting sick of this crap. "Excuse me." The servant looked directly at the ice wizard. "Don't..."
This caught the attention of Charloss, the noble wasn't pleased with what he just seemingly heard. "What'd you just say to my servant?"
"I said "Don't" Gray narrowed his eyes at the noble and the servant. "Your right-hand man was scaring the girl so I suggest you tell him to back off."
Charloss gritted his teeth. "I don't like your attitude...but my servant is merely giving my new wife a warning that anyone that opposes me shall learn their place." He showed a smirk on his face. "That includes everyone citizen, commoner, other nobles, navy, and pirates, they all know we Celestial Dragons make the rules and those that oppose us shall suffer!"
Nearby citizens continued to bow on her knees showing fear, helplessness, and terror knowing that the noble was right.
Natsu was getting more disgusted but mostly angry at how this man treats his people and others as well. "That bastard..."
"You're a fool," Gray muttered.
Charloss' eyebrow twitched at what he just heard. "What?"
"Don't you realize the hellish nightmare of what you and your family are causing?" Gray said looking directly into the noble's eyes.
The citizens flinched at the Vice-Admiral's words in disbelief.
Charloss wasn't happy with what he was just told. "What? How dare you as the Celestial Dragon Family we can do what we please and that we have higher authority than anyone else!" He looked then looked at the ice wizard with cold eyes. "Therefore-"
"That's enough!" Gray roared. "You realize that spreading fear into your people isn't what someone like you and your family should be doing, no matter what you are whether you're a king, an emperor, or some big shot you can't treat your citizens like dirt, it's inhumane and cruel!"
Natsu, Happy, and Fujika continued to listen.
The citizens were getting worried, knowing that opposing Celestial Dragon's authority or hurting them will cause a serious problem but Gray wasn't finished.
"Charloss you think you and your families are gods or something just because of your descendants from the creators of the World Government!?" He questioned. "No, you're just human beings but then again you guys don't like one, you spread fear into everyone you come across and take whatever you want like spoiled rich children!"
Charloss was getting angry at this lecture, but Gray continued as a dark glare appeared on his face. "If you ignore the pain and suffering you and your family are causing then how you guys expect a revolution to start due to your dishonorable ruling!?"
Every citizen was in awe while others were shocked as well as Maru.
Natsu couldn't agree more and Happy did so too, their friend was so right, both of them smirked.
Surprisingly nearby was Miyaka who was eavesdropping hearing the speech that Gray just spoke out loud, she blushed an admonishing look on her face. "Gray..."
Charloss lost it. "Ugh! You question the Celestial Dragon's authority, mine, my family, a navy Vice-Admiral questioning us!" He roared pointing at the boy.
"I tolerated you because of your military service to the Navy and what Fleet-Admiral Akainu's statement of you but you crossed the line!" He pointed his pistol. "I will see to that the Navy will have you court-martialed, but I'll give you a bullet to show the Navy what happens if they were to oppose-"
He stopped as he saw Natsu running towards him with an enrage looked on his face. "What the?!" He aimed.
Bang Bang Bang
Natsu evaded the bullets coming closer to the noble. "Natsu!" Fujika cried out.
Natsu pulled back his hand into a fist and extended forward delivering a punch to Charloss' face but not before Gray did the same only for his fist to hit the noble right in the stomach.
The force of the two boy's punches was strong that Charloss was sent rolling across the street right into a building's wall and knocked out.
Natsu and Gray looked at each other then smirked.
"Looks like we caused another scene."
"Looks like it Gray."
End of chapter.