Chapter 23: Dark Gaia Project! Ruby and Zack's date!
Our view is focused on a plain and suddenly a foot appears. More Dark Gaia Minions appear while heading to a rather strange structure. This structure emitted rays that apparently attracted the dark beasts.
At Eggman's base...
Project Dark Gaia - Sonic Unleashed [OST]
Orbot: All systems are green. Dark Gaia activation is confirmed on all seven continents. Electromagnetic homing signals are locked on. All units converging on Point Zero.
Eggman: Yes, yes perfect! Putting the Dark Gaia pieces together is a shame. I will make them come to me instead! A brilliant change of perspective! An idea worthy of Dr. Eggman, super genius! Oh ho ho ho!
Orbot applauds him.
Orbot: Your skill at self-aggrandizement is unparalleled.
Eggman: Ho ho ho ho ho!
Eggman looks at Orbot angrily and punches him.
Eggman: Silence!
Mercury: I hate to admit it old, but I'm right. The truth is that it saves us a lot of time.
Emerald: What worries me are those pirates. That old woman who was nine and the sun is terrifying!
Teach: To be honest, I didn't expect Big Mom to come here.
Mercury: The combat that impressed me was the one that was before your captain! How was it?
Cinder: Whitebeard.
Cinder walked towards everyone with his arms crossed.
Cinder: Now I understand why you went after him, Teach. The power to destroy the world! I wish I had it!
Teach: You will, my friend. At the right time. Still, what surprised me the most was the appearance of that "Destroyer".
Eggman: Oh right. Orbot, do you have the report?
Emerald: What report?
Orbot: Partly, Doctor.
Orbot brings a dossier with information and some images.
Orbot: This is the video the Bladed Spinner cameras, doctor and company. The bad news is that the videos are blurred and the report is not complete. What there is a reward for the Destroyer.
Eggman sees the video images but they are very blurry, as indicated by the droid.
Cinder: Well, let's read what we have in the dossier, to see if there is something clear.
Orbot: "Zackery Masayoshi Orion Project: Alpha 626 Codename: Egg Killer. Former human and genetically recreated by Eggman. Son of renowned hunter and pirate. He died slowly when his people, family, and people were massacred by Eggman's men, Teach and Cinder- "And that's it.
Cinder's subordinates were surprised, as was Burgess.
But the most surprising thing is that Eggman does not remember Zack in his life and the same thing happens with Cinder and Teach.
Eggman: Pile of useless junk! I have no idea who this "Zackery Masayoshi Orion" is! Assuming it's real!
Cinder: I'm with Eggman. I have no idea why my name is on this report.
However, Teach laughs.
Teach: Hahaha. Do you really think it's impossible?
Cinder: Huh? What are you talking about?
Eggman: Is it that you always laugh?!
Teach: Who says that after my partner and I arrived in your world, it's impossible?
Eggman and Cinder stop and think carefully about what Teach has said.
Cinder: Well, there you have a point.
Eggman: I'm telling you it's impossible... Unless...
Mercury: Huh? Old man, do you have something?
Eggman: N-No. It's nonsense! It´s a waste of time keep thinking about that. Orbot, activate the Dark Gaia fusion furnace! And while you're at it, get those energy conversion circuits warmed up!
Orbot: Understood. Commencing "Project Dark Gaia." Requesting final clearance.
A button comes out and Eggman crushes it.
Eggman: Granted! Finally, my ambitions will be achieved! Gaah ha ha! Oh ho hoho
Mercury gestures "go crazy" by making Emerald laugh, while Cinder thinks about the dossier. Then Burgess approaches his captain and whispers to him.
Burgess: "Captain, do you think it's a good idea to continue working with them?"
Teach: "Come on, Burgess. These are the ones we need to get to Laugh Tale. And think of the power we would have!"
Teach gets up and addresses his partners.
Teach: Come on guys! It's time for a party! Zehahahahaha!
Mercury: Haha! I like this guy! He does know how to have fun.
While close to the seas of Spagonia...
Happy Voyage - One Piece Pirate Warriors 3 OST [46]
Yang: WHERE IS IT!?
Yang had activated his Semblance and was furious, with Sanji just as angry.
Sanji: If I see him again, I will kick him to infinity!
Sonic: Guys, come on. Calm down.
Weiss: How do you want us to calm down? Ruby almost eats a stranger with a kiss!
Nami: Weiss is right. Ruby is just a girl. He's only fifteen years old!
Luffy: And what's the problem? Isn't he our friend?
Blake sweats at Luffy's simplicity.
Blake: Seriously him DOESN'T notice yet?
Nami: Aww... No, my friend.
While Pyrrha keeps thinking about last night.
Pyrrha: "Maybe that's what happens to me with Jaune. I have to be the one to step! But ... won't I go over?"
Jaune: Pyrrha, are you okay?
Pyrrha is startled to hear his friend.
Pyrrha: O-Oh, Jaune! I-I didn't know you were here. I still think about last night.
Jaune: Tell me, it was crazy.
Meanwhile, in Ruby's cabin... Ruby has returned to her normal form, while stretching.
Ruby: Mmm ... what a dream. Although I'm still exhausted. The last thing I remember ... is...
Her face turns red and her head starts to steam and her heart is beating like crazy. She has a flashback about how she first met him and his skills, his speed and his weapon... They make her blush as you sit, smile sweetly and hug.
Ruby: Mmm... I remember: I kissed that amazing boy. Wait a minute... did I… ki-k-k-k-k-kiss h-h-h-h-h-h-h-h-h-h-HIM? Kyaaaaa! My God, Yang is going to kill me...! Although, I liked...
Ruby gets a little depressed.
Ruby: But that was at night, when I'm Devil Rose... If he saw me now, he would laugh at me... Or worse: it would scare him!
Then, he shakes his head and wavers.
Ruby: No. I am Ruby Rose. He wants me for sure. Now I have a boyfriend and I will do my best to keep us both well. Even with Penny, I'm sure he's a good person.
Then screams are heard.
Yang: How dare you?
Nami: I have never met such a rude girl!
?: Why don't you close your beak, you busty with wrinkles?
Nami and Yang: HOW DARE YOU, BRAT?!
Ruby dresses in her normal outfit and sees her sister and Nami arguing with someone else.
She is dressed in a traditional orange furisode kimono with a white floral print and a green obi sash that is tied around her waist and secured with a bow at the back. In her official artwork, she is dressed in a pink kimono with a red sash, her hair tied up in a ponytail instead of two, tied with a Kanzashi with pink flowers and holding a fan. She has orange eyes and is almost Ruby in stature, narrowly outnumbering her.
"The Dancer of Illusions. Hiyoko Saionji, former Ultimate Traditional Dancer and member of the Dragon King Pirates. Reward: 523,000,000"
Hiyoko: And what are you looking at, girl?
Ruby: G-Girl?
Yang: You are like her!
Hiyoko: And you have two melons on your chest! Men don't like women like that.
Yang was already about to strangle Hiyoko when another woman comes flying from the sky.
?: Enough already, Saionji. Remember what Father says: "A calf without manners ..."
Hiyoko: "... is a woman with no luck." I know that, big sister.
Sanji sees the two new women and his eyes turn to hearts.
Sanji: Ladies, excuse my bad manners. My name is Sanji, the crew cook.
?: Wow, a gentleman. Well, this is something else! My name is Mahiru Koizumi. It is a pleasure!
She has dark red hair in a bob cut, olive green eyes, and a pale face with light freckles on her cheeks.
Her outfit consists of an olive green school sweater with a white and orange check tie, which is tied around the collar of her uniform shirt. She wears knee-deep dark green socks, and her shoes are a dark shade of forest green. Directly below the opening of the socks, there is a small orange symbol.
"The Image of Death. Mahiru Koizumi, former Ultimate Photographer and member of the Dragon King Pirates. Reward: 560,000,000"
Nami: Wait. "Big Sister ..."?
Mahiru: Well, she calls me that. We are good friends.
Hiyoko: She is my older sister, if you mess with her...!
Ruby: Sorry.
Hiyoko and Mahiru are surprised by Ruby's behavior.
Ruby: My older sister is very overprotective.
Yang: Hey!
Ruby: You are friends with Zack, right?
Mahiru: He is our captain, but yes. We are her friends. And you don't have to apologize.
Hiyoko: W-Well, I admit, I've been a bit too much. I'm sorry.
Ruby smiles at her.
Ruby: Nothing happens.
Hiyoko: Ah, you are the girl Zack talks about so much. He doesn't stop talking about you!
Ruby: D-Really?
Mahiru: Trust me. By the way, that's our ship!
Everyone looks at the sea when they see a ship similar to those of the Navy, but with a black color and a rather strange emblem: it was a black and white shield, with a feather and a serrated blade. Below it read: "Pirates of the Dragon King."
Nami: Wow...
Brook: Yohoho. That emblem... I don't know why, but it hides something sinister.
Franky: I tell you, bony brother!
?: But it is still our home.
Suddenly, everyone turns to see Zack, leaning on the post. Yang is instantly enraged.
Yang: YOU PERVERT STALKER, HAMMER STALKER!
Detective Conan Main Theme (Full Score of Fear Version.)
Yang came in to hit Zack in the face, furious. Zack sighs and smiles. Zack uses his tecnology to do something similar to Neo's Overactive Imagination, combined with Kenbunshoku Haki, to make Yang hold his fist like a whistle and jump while Zack lectures her.
Zack: Look and listen well to me, Yang Xiao-Long. I understand you, you are the older sister and you must protect your little sister, believe me, I understand you. As captain it is my responsibility to protect my friends, but you have my word that I am not evil or scum. So please don't jump to conclusion.
Yang listens to him, but continues to distrust him. Zack notices the distrust of her but decides to be patient.
Zack: Just stop and think about it: if he was evil, he would have let Doflamingo crush Ruby, Big Mom would have killed you all, Nami, Tails and Penny would be his prisoners ... Even my mission, but I choose this because I want and feel that I am doing the right thing.
Weiss: The truth is that he is not without reason.
Blake: And you have to admit that it is very strong.
Usopp: J-Just t-t-t-tell us w-w-w-w-what you want ... P-P-P-Please...
Then he looks at the others as they looked at him grimly, prepared to fight as Zack's eyes turn black and green, his pupils shine as this makes them see the image of a demon or an angel of death. Most are scared, except Luffy, Zoro, Yang Nora and Sonic. Zack takes a deep breath and looks at them.
Zack: I understand that you all have questions and ask yourselves who I am and how I possessed each of the skills, techniques and abilities of all you... As soon as the time comes, I will tell you, but I would really appreciate it if you calmed down and don't be too loud. It is very frustrating and I don't want to be mad, so let's be civil. For now, I am trying to find some answers from my past and why I am like this. Have I been clear? The time has come for your answer.
Everyone nodded in fear and Zack looks at Nora.
Zack: So don't break anything or I'll make sure those pancakes you like so much end up in your throat. Un-der-sto-od?
Nora: Y-Yes.
Nora swallows in fear and then he looks at Sanji.
Zack: As for you, if I see you "flirt" with one of my friends, I will break your legs and send you to that island of Okama if you piss me off too.
Sanji pales at the prospect of going back to that "nightmare" and looks at the others.
Zack: Do you also have problems?
They shake their heads quickly, while Zack sighs a third time and smiles.
Zack: Hehe, well and I hope we meet again.
Then a sandal lands on Zack's head. Everyone, cowering in fear, turns to Hiyoko, looking angry.
Hiyoko: Captain Zack, stop doing that!
Zack: Ouch! You didn't have to come to that, you know?
Mahiru: It is scary like that.
Zack: Wouldn't it bother you if someone points a weapon at you every time he sees you?
Mahiru: Yes, but at least I wouldn't intimidate or threaten them!
Zack: You know that pirates do the same thing, right?
Hiyoko: Not us, fool!
Ruby: H-Hey!
Ruby yells at Zack, hoping to get his attention, Zack turns around and sees her, while he blushes.
Zack: I-It's her. "What do I do, what do I do, WHAT DO I DO?"
Everyone sweats at Zack's doubts, while Hiyoko and Mahiru shake their heads, defeated.
Mahiru: "Oh Zack. You really have no remedy..."
Hiyoko: "As for seeing this Ruby girl has become a kid ... Oh, Izanami, help this poor and foolish man."
Ruby: H-Hello.
Zack: Hi.
Ruby: T-Thank you for everything you have done.
Zack: D-Don't mention it, it was nothing.
Zack approaches Ruby and throws a folded paper in a pocket.
Zack: "Read it when you can." Well, I just wanted to say before, so I hope we get along. Bye.
Zack, Mahiru and Hiyoko jump towards their ship, leaving everyone impressed.
Sanji: You bastard ... Look at threatening me with that...
Nora had her hammer ready to crush him, when Ren stops her.
Nora: Let me go, let me go!
Ren: Nora, calm down.
Sonic: What a guy ... Ruby, are you okay?
Ruby: Yes, of course. Easy, brother.
Ruby goes back to her cabin and notices her. When she finishes, she blushes, nods happy.
"Do you want to have a date with me?"
While with Zack, he was hitting his head.
One Piece Soundtrack - Funny! (2:18 - 3:30)
Zack: How could I do that?
Mahiru: Oh, if ... Why do you listen to Fukawa?
Asahina: I'm with Mahiru; Fukawa is a little ... pessimistic.
Zack: She was the Ultimate Writing Prodigy, I thought it would be a good idea ...
Hiyoko: If she's a bitter one!
Zack: W-Well, the thing is, I have a possible date... What am I going to do?!
Asahina: Easy, captain. We will lend you a hand.
Zack: Really?
Hiyoko: Sure! We are family, right?
While on the ship, Yang had Zack's note and gathered Blake, Weiss, Team JNPR, Penny Luffy, Nami, Sanji, Robin, Sonic and Tails.
Yang: Thank you all for coming. I have gathered you here to discuss a very important matter.
Blake: Ruby's "date", right?
Yang: Yes, it is.
Weiss: Oh come on! It's ridiculous; it's just to talk...
Sonic: Weiss don't lie to you anymore: that guy tries to charm Ruby.
Tails: Well, I think it was our fault too, for having mistrusted him ...
Jaune: He has threatened Nora and Sanji!
Sanji: As soon as I get it!
Yang: That's why we're here: We're going to follow my sister and we catch that guy red-handed.
Robin: That's why you asked me for help, right Yang?
Yang: That's right.
Luffy: I trust him; I just want to see him to fight him.
Nami punches Luffy in the head.
Nami: You really only care about that ?!
Luffy: He doesn't seem like a bad guy to me!
Penny: I'm with my friend Luffy! If Zack was an evil criminal, he wouldn't have saved me.
At that moment, Ruby leaves when Mahiru picks her up with her ship.
Ruby: Hi. Koizumi, right?
Mahiru: Yes, it is.
Zack awaits you on a nearby island, with an amusement park.
Ruby: An amusement park! Oh thanks for the help!
Mahiru: Nothing, it's a pleasure. And thanks to you.
Yang: Ruby, where are you?
Mahiru: Come on, come up!
The two leave, unaware that Sonic, Luffy, Weiss, Nami, and Robin are following them in the Shark Submerge III.
Sonic: A little tight, right?
Nami: Shut up! If you don't like it, go out and start swimming.
Sonic: Ngh ...! You are a monster...
Weiss: "How could they convince me to do this?"
In Aquarium Park, Zack was waiting when he saw Mahiru and Ruby arrive.
Mahiru: "Good luck, Zack. Cheer up, you can!"
At the same time, the Shark Submerge III arrives and docks at a nearby beach.
Robin: Ara, I see that we have arrived at the same time.
Zack addresses Ruby who has traded in her jacket outfit for a nice black shirt, a red and black jacket along with red headphones.
Zack: "Wow ... Can you be prettier than you already are?"
They have a moment of silence while he breaks the ice, although it is quite complicated.
Since they both have the same idea of going on their date, both a little nervous, but Zack let Ruby go first.
Zack: So, um hey.
Ruby: Hey.
Zack: Good about after rescuing Nami, Tails and Penny ... Uh ... I'm curious if you don't mind about last night. Was it Devil Rose that lifted you up talking or is you really serious?
Ruby hesitates for a moment, although she tells him what she thinks.
Ruby: To be honest here, when I first met you, I was happy that you saved us and helped us against Doflamingo and Big Mom. Including who helps rescue our friends. The truth is that I saw a little of your face, but not all of it from your hood. I have this feeling and I see that you are not a bad guy. As you said the other night, I would like to know you and the real you since you know me, but I thought it would be fair if you were well or free, that's what we came to know each one as a date.
Zack: I-I sure like it, so that means we're ...
Zack asked, unsure of the answer.
Ruby: Boyfriend and girlfriend? Hehehe, I know it's crazy since he's fast, but I can trust you and I'm sorry for my Devil Rose form. It's kind of wild and bold, I'm even really dizzy and ashamed of myself at the same time, even for the girls and going crazy.
Ruby blushes as she braces herself.
Zack: Even your half sister? If that's possible?
Ruby: I don't know, I'm not sure either, but can I still see your face please?
Zack: Well, if we are going to be a couple, I have to show you my face.
Zack shows his face, making Ruby blush like crazy.
Ruby: W-Wow ... you have really nice hair, such a wonderful and cute face, a pretty scar and those eyes ... it's like looking at the ocean or the sky.
Zack: Thank you, I like your hair and the color red, even your eyes also match your tenderness and be an incredible buttress. And the clothes you have matched perfectly.
Ruby: Thanks.
Zack: Hey, sorry for the threat when you were like Devil Rose and I was in my Wrath Azure form. Let's say you're not the only one more or less.
Ruby: Yes, I can see that, hehe, so what Robin said you seem lost and looking for something.
Zack: You know, all I want to know is what I am and why I have these powers...
Ruby: Don't you know?
Zack: I can't remember it, I only know my name and then what would be my old man and those who would be my subordinates and my friends found me.
Ruby: Wow ... Sorry.
Zack smiles at her.
Zack: Don't even mention it, how would you know?
Ruby: Well I wanted to ask you; why did you attack Magellan, Neo and Rob Lucci?
Zack: I wish I knew. At first they should be here of what they are doing there. I didn't want any more trouble than attacking Magellan first, but somehow ... I felt a strange urge to hate and rage. It is as if I knew them before but I have never seen them in all my life and they don't seem to know me. I wonder if there are clues to my lost memories and somehow I'm curious.
Zack then feels something and sees Ruby hugging him.
Ruby: Sorry to hear that, okay, I'm sure my friends and I will help find your memories. And surely your father and your friends will also help you. Beside your fit as a hero after what you did.
Zack smiles.
Zack: Thanks Rubes. It really means a lot to me.
Meanwhile, near them, Nami and Weiss are crying loudly, while Sonic and Robin smile and Luffy laughs.
Luffy: Hahaha! I knew he was a good guy.
Sonic: Hey, maybe we were wrong about him.
Robin: You are right, Sonic-san. We should continue to monitor how the matter occurs.
Zack: Listen. I have a gift for you.
Zack gives him a necklace in the shape of roses and in red and white colors that he made. Ruby puts it on, very happy.
Ruby: It is beautiful. I love it!
Zack: Well, shall we start our date?
Ruby: Hehe. Of course!
The two leave, followed by Sonic and company. Zack takes Ruby through the park, to have fun at the amusement park, to visit a gun store, they buy a gun magazine and headphones to listen to good music, and at the end they go to the restaurant cafe to have a drink.
Zack: Wait, I have something else for you. Close your eyes.
Ruby listens to him, while smiling, and then Zack takes out a giant case and opens it revealing a weapon.
Zack: Okay, now you can open your eyes.
Ruby opens them and is surprised to see a huge sickle.
Zack: Do you like it? I had to ask a friend, but I think it is perfect for you. It is a sickle with a bright energy beam that connects the Chaos Energy. It can also be converted into a blaster pistol with a silent mode and in the third mode it also has a chain scythe. I have called "Lunar roseThorn"
Ruby is super happy with the two gifts and gives Zack a kiss on the lips, which corresponds with the same passion.
Sonic and company: They form a good couple.
To be continue...