Caged: Part II
The great warship was abuzz with excitement as Marines ran around and putting up whatever decorations they could find or make. Chefs were working furiously to meet demands as pots boiled, pans sizzled, and knives chopped ceaselessly. Everyone was putting in the overtime to make it happen.
Cassidy walked around the newly built stage at the ship's bow as she inspected it. She was quite pleased with the energy these people were showing in order to get this impromptu concert ready. It really brought a smile to her face. "This is wonderful, seeing what my music can bring. I really hope I can take this gift home someday."
"Cassidy, do you have a moment?" The Lt. called, snapping her out of her thoughts.
"Oh, hello Lt. Sorry, I was a bit preoccupied." The singer apologized.
The Marine nodded in acknowledgement. "I know you're under pressure to get everything done, but with only a few hours to go. I wanted to make sure you're not overworking yourself."
"Oh no, I'm alright, but thank you for asking. I was just about to get the band together so that we can rehearse." She told the red-head as she admired the construction. "It's impressive what everybody accomplished in so little time. You certainly run a tight ship." She commented.
"Well I can't take all of the credit. Although the Commadore can be peculiar at times, he always prioritizes his duty and his people." The Lt. replied.
"I hope I can meet your expectations." The Amazon said.
"If you're half as good as everyone claims you are. I'm sure it will be a night that no one will forget."
Cassidy smiled sweetly at the compliment as she turned her attention towards another project. "While you're here, would you mind helping me setup the stage?"
The Lt. rubbed her head with a mock sigh of frustration. "You sure like to keep me on a tight leash."
"Not at all, but I trust in your attention to detail." Cassidy commented. "Which is why I will need you close at hand."
XXXXX
Jesse was idly sitting against the wall, his hands mimicking guns as he aimed at imaginary targets. With nothing to do, it helped pass the time.
"Hey Jesse, you there? Hey Jesse…Jesse…Jesse!"
It also let him forget about his annoying neighbor. "What is it now? Can't you be quiet for longer than five minutes?" The cowboy hissed.
"Well I'm bored. With these cuffs on, you're the only one I can talk to. Not to mention that being next to someone you had a past relationship with isn't a great option for conversation."
"What are you talking about?" Jesse asked in confusion.
"It's a long story. Wanna hear it?" Kain's tone rising with excitement.
"I'd rather not." Jesse replied.
"Suit yourself. It was a real roller coaster." Kain added, linking his hands behind his head as he rested against the wall.
"So any ideas?" The Supernova inquired. "There's not much I can do with these bracelets the Marines were so nice to give me."
"You mean about breaking out?"
"Yeah, don't tell me you're gonna accept going to prison. You know better than anyone that when it comes to pirates, they'll lock us up and throw away the key."
Jesse was silent for a moment as he mulled over what Kain said. "I'm well aware of that, but we can't just move at anytime. Otherwise, we would have to deal with an entire ship of Marines." Jesse explained as he took off his glasses and looked towards the ceiling. "For now, all we can do is be patient and wait for the right moment."
XXXXX
Jaime peeked around the corner of an intersection. Luckily, everyone was so focused on the concert that there were few Marines around to risk detection. "Thank youuuuu, Cassidy." She said to herself as she slinked down the hallway towards her destination, the ship's armory.
Slipping inside, she was welcomed by rows of rifles, pistols, swords and other standard-issued weapons.
"I have to give these guys credit; they sure don't skimp on firepower." She commented as she went down the rows, searching for a few moments until she found what she was looking for.
"He's gonna owe me bigtime for this." She picked up a pair of revolvers, grinning at her success. She placed the holster around her waist, which barely clung to her lithe frame.
"Now with everything else taken care of, I have a little bit of time left so what to do…?" She scanned the room full of weapons as her grin grew wider and a mischievous glint flashed in her eyes. "All right Jaime. Time to go to work."
XXXXX
Within the kitchen, the cooks had almost completed their preparations for the show and had finally decided to take a break before it began. Some made their own meals from the available dishes while others took a smoke at the nearest window. Their calm demeanor shifted to surprise when Commadore Ralley walked in as they frantically tossed out their cigarettes and went to attention.
The Commadore, however, seemed more focused on something else as he made his way through the kitchen as he reached the Head Chef.
"Ensign Nelson, do you have what I asked?" He said to a thin brown-haired man with fogged glasses who turned towards him. "Who said that?" The officer cleaned his glasses so he could get a better look at who was standing before him.
"Oh, welcome to my parlor, Commadore and yes I did, as you requested." The man retrieved a metal tray, pulling off its domed top to reveal a fresh, well prepared platter and a glass of ice water.
"Thanks for this. Your culinary skills are top-notch as always." The Commadore complimented as he took the dish, but was momentarily halted as the Ensign didn't immediately let go.
"With all due respect Commadore, are you sure about this?" The chef inquired, eyeing his superior questioningly. "I mean, you were there. You don't have to do this."
"I understand your concern, Nelson, but don't worry. It's me… remember." He smiled as he took the plate. "I'll be back before the concert starts."
As soon as he left, the tension in the room relaxed. "Do you think he'll be ok?" One of the Marines asked. The others silently agreed as some wiped cold sweat off their faces.
Ensign Nelson nodded. "Well if anyone can handle what's down there. It's him."
XXXXX
Having navigated the bowels of the ship, Ralley had finally reached the brig. It's not often that he has a need to come down here, but this was a matter of principle. He had a question and only one person had the answer for him.
With food in hand, he made his way down the corridor of cells. Its contents filled with pirates worth more than half a billion berries in total. Luckily, enough Sea Stone cuffs and a strong crew is a good deterrent from escape.
"Well well well, so the Legendary 'Star Crusher' has come all the way down here to grace us with his presence." Came a leering tone from behind a cell door. "Smells like you're bringing some 5-star cuisine." Captain Basus critiqued. "It wouldn't happen to be for me, would it?"
This caused the Marine to stop and peer through the small barred window, looking at the wiry man who was leaning against the far wall. "Considering that you already had your meal for the day." He stated flatly.
"Oh come now. Such bland portions are hardly worthy for someone of my infamy." The pirate chuckled as he approached, the Sea Stone shackles rattling with his movements as he reached the door.
"Just be glad that you and the rest of your crew are even fed, murderer. If it wasn't me who captured you, you would be learning how to swim by now." Ralley retorted.
"And what a terrible end that would be. I guess I am lucky that is was you." Basus' jovial demeanor unphased by the statement as he looked in the direction that Ralley was headed. "Of course, that depends on your perspective."
Ralley noticed the subtle shift in Basus' tone as he continued. "I'm sure you're dying to know what happened on Cockatoo Island. I can see it all over your face."
The Commadore didn't attempt to deny it. "It is something I intend to find out before we reach our destination."
"Well I hope you have fun with that." Basus chuckled as the Marine walked away. "Because the real fun is about to begin." He pulled on his mustache evilly, shackle less.
Shortly after, Ralley finally stopped before one of the last doors of the brig. Standing on either side were his two best men and each were capable fighters. Just under him and the Lt.
"I've come to feed the prisoner." He stated, which caused the two to glance at eachother with uncertainty.
"You don't have to do that, Sir. We can take care of this for you." One of the men offered.
"No, I'm doing this personally. Just open the door and leave." He replied.
"Sir, that's not necessary. He's just a pirate…" The man argued, but was halted by a stern glare from his leader. "No… I will take care of this." He stated in a more commanding tone. "Now unlock the door and take a break."
"But sir…."
"That's an order!" He shouted, silencing their protests.
The two finally obeyed as they unlocked the door and left. As the tense moment subsided, Ralley took a breath to calm down before he opened the door and stepped inside.
The lantern's light offered passable visibility inside, which allowed him to see the numerous plates and bowls that barely made it passed the threshold. Cold and spoiled from the dank environment the brig created.
The Commadore was a bit disappointed in his Marines at this display, but part of him couldn't blame them. That wave of terror they experienced several days ago still lingered. Thanks to Cassidy's presence, they were too busy setting up a party than thinking about what was living below them.
He returned his attention to the heavily chained man at the center of the room. His body forced to his knees with his limbs shackled to the floor and walls, rendering him immobile. His head hung towards the floor, motionless.
Despite knowing the fact that this pirate was bound by chains designed to hold the weight of his ship's huge anchors, Ralley's senses would not allow him to lower his guard.
He cleared his throat as he walked closer. "I apologize for the poor treatment. Circumstances aside, I did order that you be cared for as humanely as possible." He explained, sitting on the cold ground in front of Victor.
"I guess that's one way of putting it." Victor replied, still keeping his head down. "If I had known the accommodations were like this. I would have asked for a different cruise. Any chance for a refund?"
Victor's cavalier response almost caught the Commadore by surprise. Pulling off the lid and picking up a fork, he offered the food, which Victor accepted.
"Afraid not." Ralley responded. "This trip is one way for you and the others. At the very least, in way of apology for my men, I had this meal prepared by my finest chef."
"How considerate of you? Are the others being treated so well?" Victor asked.
"Kain and Jesse are being cared for as any other prisoner. Unfortunately, the former Sergeant was pulled from his cell without my permission and made a public example of. Rest assured, those who were responsible will be tending to the Latrines until you and your crew are dropped off." Ralley answered.
"What about Cassidy?"
This question caught the Commodore off guard briefly, asking about the welfare of a victim. But in order to keep the conversation flowing, he obliged.
"Cassidy is safe and as thanks for rescuing her. She is throwing a little concert."
Victor nodded in acknowledgement. "I guess thanks are in order for taking care of them. Circumstances aside, of course."
Ralley was glad Victor was being so responsive. He had expected more resistance than this as he offered the glass of ice water with a straw. "You seem to have the wrong impression of us. We Marines are charged with the safety and defense of this world. Unlike you pirates who only seek to create a path of destruction wherever you go."
Victor finished his drink before letting out a sigh. "I feel like we've had this conversation already, but obviously you only see what you want to see."
This irritated the man a bit. "Well lets shed some light on that topic, shall we?" Ralley said as he put down the empty dish and glass. "Upon your arrival to the Grand Line, you followed Eustace Kidd's rampage on Este Town and reduced what remained standing to splinters. In your collaboration with El Toro, you enslaved hundreds into your service before finally betraying him. At Club Island, under the guise of a Bounty Hunter, you turned in his and his first mate's bodies for the reward. You then joined forces with Kain, a known pirate and Supernova. At the Shimmering Clam, you killed the Wild Bunch and kidnapped the idol, Cassidy Sundance. On Parakeet Isle, your involvement with the Strawhat and Raggedy Pirates led to the loss of 100 million berries. I don't know what you did on Magpie Island but it must have been something if you managed to convert an entire village to help you. And finally… the chaos that was Cockatoo Island. All of this has led to many deaths and millions in damages. Now, do you have anything to say about that?" The Commadore finished, looking down in contempt. The silence that followed was palpable.
Finally, Victor spoke. "When you put it that way, it does sound pretty bad. However, you're missing the most important part."
"Oh?" Ralley asked. "Care to explain?"
"Context…" Victor began. "Not that it matters to you, but we are Hunters. We were trying to stop those attacks and save lives... I'll admit that there is collateral damage when fighting pirates. That's unavoidable, but not once did I nor any of my crew hurt anyone who didn't deserve it. And we especially never killed anyone."
This was the opening Ralley had been waiting for as he leaned closer. "Really, then what was that you displayed on Cockatoo Island, huh? That's not something that comes from someone who doesn't kill."
This accusation caused Victor to go silent once again, telling that he was on the mark. So, he continued to press the matter.
"I've faced a lot of pirates throughout my career and all of them had a look of death on them and you are no different. Try and hide it all you want, but I can see the blood on your hands! Admit it! You enjoy killing, don't you!"
The atmosphere suddenly became tense, cold even.
Ralley knew he was close. He had to see what his instincts were telling him. He wanted to see, he needed to see what was beneath this false visage.
"It must be hard, knowing that no matter where you go, people will be afraid of you. Do you relish in the fear you bring others?"
The thick chains went taunt and creaked from the strain being imposed upon them. "Is there a point to all of this?" Victor growled through clenched teeth.
Ralley knew he was close. Now he just needed to give one last push. "You can't hide what you really are. No matter what kind of mask you wear; the true monster always comes out. Now tell me, what are you!?"
In that instant, the chains relaxed, as if some kind of calming spell came over Victor. This caused the Commadore to pause his interrogation as confusion took hold.
"Is that why you came down here? To ask me that?" Victor's tone shifted as he began to laugh, as if Ralley had just told a joke. "Is that what you really want to know?"
Ralley didn't like that this bound man was playing coy as he grabbed Victor's face and forced him to look him in the eyes. "YES! NOW WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU!?" His words showing his desperation for an answer.
Victor could only smile at his captor as he replied.
"I don't know."
XXXXX
A/N
So the players are set and the next chapter is going to be a bit chaotic.
Don't mistake Victor's answer because it's more than just him being a Fishman. Since the beginning, he has been trying to find other Fishmen in order to, hopefully, find the answer to that question.