The Plan to Meet
"So do you think your friends have been attacked too", Raymond asked. He was being shouldered by Jabra.
"I KNOW they have. Somebody wants us dead, and the bad part about it is that we don't know who."
"THATS, the bad part about that whole sentence", Raymond asked. What are you going to do?"
"I don't know. That's what we're going to go find out right now. I can see the beach from here...or at least I think that's the one." It was the beast on the West side of the island again. The promised meeting spot for the ex-agents.
"Thanks for helping me. I can walk now", Raymond said as he stood up straight. My head is pounding though. That venom was very potent."
"Hey! How did you manage to beat him anyway! He made me look like a kid when I fought him!"
"Pure strategy. Though luck may have helped to. But...he was also able to manipulate sea water, so I guess that put you at a disadvantage. I didn't even know that the government employed fishmen."
"Neither did I. Then again, there was an entire branch of the government I didn't know about either, so I guess I'm not surprised. In any case, we just have to wait for them to get here now...at least I HOPE they all get here...
"And that's the whole story. Down to the ash", Bleuno said. After Moira and Gilligan interrogated him, he spilled the beans on the events of his life.
Moira came up and placed her hand on his shoulder. "I can see now why you didn't want us to know anything. Either way this is still a huge disadvantage for you. I can only assume that once word gets back, she's been beat, they'll only send someone else after you. And that's IF she herself hasn't given up.
"Blueno...I don't want to dampen the mood more than it already has been, but I bet you plan on leaving aren't you", Gilligan asked.
"Yes. As I said before, I don't plan on bringing anymore danger to you two. Gilligan you won't have to worry about her coming after you, Gilligan, but Moira went a lot farther with that woman. That only makes me wonder..."
"I want you to take Moira with you", Gilligan said.
"Dad...w-what?" Moira shook her head in disbelief. Did her father really just say she wanted Moira to go out to sea?
"Listen. I used to be terrified at the thought of Moira even leaving this island, but after what I saw today...I think she can take care of herself. Plus she'd have others to take care of her...ergo, I want Moira to go with you, Blueno.
"So, in the end, you were somewhat right about me", Kalifa said to Heaton. The three of them were back at the Café discussing what went down.
"I didn't know it would be such a deadly situation. I was just funning around really. But anyway, what's going to happen to you now, Kalifa?"
"I'll have to leave of course. I'm a constant target until I get the situation taken care of, and I'd rather not have a repeat of what just happened today. I know I said goodbye to both of you earlier today, but... this time I really do mean it. The boys and I have some more work to do, and I don't mean serving up drinks", Kalifa said as she adjusted her glasses again.
"Very well, I'll see you to your friends. We'll be sad to see you go...again, but duty calls, huh? Come on", Borya said as he stood up.
"Don't worry Heaton, I'll come back and see you again before I depart", Kalifa said. He nodded in response to her.
"Kumadori, be careful! She could still be here", Gurin said. She was riding in Kumadori's hair. They were both also injured thanks to Rafflesia.
"No need to worry my dear. She won't pursue us. At least not yet. She too was injured in the fight. That won't be a factor for too much longer however. Once we get to the beach, I'll reunite with my friends, and we can all set sail again!"
"C-can I come with you?", Gurin asked. "I want to come out to sea with you. I know its probably forbidden, but I want to come. Rafflesia doesn't scare me, but I worry about you."
Kumadori stopped in his tracks. He didn't think about it, but what WERE they going to do with the friends who helped saved them? Would any of the ex-agents even allow anyone else to be there? "I suppose there's only one way to find out. It would be most favorable. I do not wish to leave you behind."
"It couldn't be too bad, right? Besides, I want to meet your friends. And the people who helped your friends too."
"These vines ill hold him right? Until we can get what we need out of him", Fukurou asked, as he dragged Springer along the forest path.
"Dont worry. Not only are they strong vines, but I lined them with Haki. He won't be getting out of those, especially with how weakened he is. He's going to tell us everything he knows. Even if it's not much, at least he can give us a genral idea of where to start", Serenity replied.
"Us? Wait, does that mean..."
"Yes. I'll be accompanying you on this trip. Now that I've gotten involved, these attacks won't stop until we crush the source. So either way, I may as well not do it alone."
"Oh wonderful! I haven't been this excited since I found out Lucci perms his hair!"
"Fukurou, I feel like that one was kind of obvious... I think. Anyway, the task at hand! I can see the beach from here, and looks like there are already people here!"
The Meeting
After all, have gathered to the West beach, it was time to exchange information. Clearly, they all had been targeted by the government again, but it was much worst this time. Instead of sending fodder, they sent people who did stand a chance against them this time.
"Is this some kind of fate", Raymond asked. "Maybe some kind of irony? You all came here with the intention of restarting your lives, and getting back at the guy who framed you. None of you were wanting to make any friends... but ended up doing so anyway, and those very friends you made ended up helping you."
"I think it might be luck honestly", Gurin replied. Maybe someone really is looking out for them? Then again, none of us know each other. In fact, I've never even seen any of you before." Gurin looked at each of the non-agents.
"Now the question is, what to do about you all", Kalifa asked.
"Is this even safe for us anymore? I mean, now that we know your secret and all. Is this the part where you say 'now we have to kill you'", Raymond asked jokingly. He looked at each of the ex-members, whom each had a pretty serious face. "That um...was intended to be a joke."
"Relax, we obviously wouldn't kill you...I mean maybe before we met you, we would have...but now, I don't think I would be able to", Jabra said.
"Of course, we won't. Our days of assassination are behind for the most part. At least for now", Blueno replied. "With the recent developments in place... I think you all will have to come with us."
"Just like my dad wanted for me, I guess. Forgive me if I'm not exactly upset about it", Moira said. Gurin too was also excited to travel the sea, even though all with the exception of Kumadori were strangers. Serenity already established that she would be joining them, but Raymond and Borya on the other hand, were a bit hesitant.
"Thats...a tall order", Raymond said as he backed up a bit. I mean...I..."
"Indeed. I have a whole restaurant to run", Borya replied. He was actually frowning.
"Raymond, this might sound harsh, but I can't really give you that option. If I leave you behind, they'll end up killing you."
"That applies to you too Borya. Today they sent someone you were able to take, but next time it could be someone you cant", kalifa added. The hesitation in the two didn't seem to waver however.
At that moment, Springer began to shift. He was still tied up to a tree. "Hm? Well, look at this group of convicts. This supposed to be some kind of meeting or something?"
Serenity made her way over to the restrained silencer. "You finally came to. Now you can tell us what we want to know!"
"And what makes you think I'll tell you anything?"
"So you know something about whats going on here then? Wont you tell us who sent these people after our friends", Guri asked.
"I just told you, I'm not telling you anything other than the obvious. Your all going to die, one way or another. If I don't get you, then someone else will. And if THEY don't get you another person will come after you. Your lives have already been claimed by the government and its only a matter of time", Springer said as he smirked.
Fukurou came forward this time. "You don't seem to understand what kind of situation you're in. We're not ASKING you to tell us anything. We're going to make you spill your guts."
"And how do you plan on...", he began to say. He looked around to see that everyone around him had pretty devious faces. He was surrounded by ten people all seemingly ready to inflict some pain.
"By spilling YOUR guts", Jabra replied.
Coaxing Information
It was almost sunrise again. The group had spent the whole night taking turns trying to "get information" out of Springer. So far nothing of interest popped up.
"How long have they been at this", Heaton asked.
Gilligan looked up towards the rising sun. "Well, they all started wailing on him yesterday evening, but...there's only so much of a beating someone can take, at least if you're trying to purposely keep them alive."
"Your turn, I think", Gurin said over to Raymond. Her knuckles were beginning to get sore.
"I think that last one broke my bat. I couldn't have realized he was this tough. Even WITH his iron body technique."
"Heheh. I Tolth thyou you wouldn't get me to thalk! About...whath I don't remember", Springer said. He was missing a few of his teeth, nearly making him incoherent. He still wouldn't break, but he was clearly getting disoriented.
Kumadori sighed in frustration. This will get us nowhere I'm afraid. We have been torturing him nonstop since yesterday, and he hasn't spoken a word. If we don't leave soon, they'll awaken again and attack.
"Thats not that much of an issue, Kumadori. There's too many of us to fight...then again, we've been up all night, while they've buen somewhere sleeping", Blueno replied.
Just then a feminine voice appeared from nowhere, and the persona it came from as well. To most of them, she was unfamiliar, but to Kumadori and Gurin it was a horrible sight to remember. "You're the last person I expected to get caught, Springer", Rafflesia said. Her Kimono was burned, and some of it was gone. Her mask also still appeared to be somewhat destroyed.
"Its her again! Everyone stay back, she can paralyze you with her devil fruit", Gurin shouted. She and everyone else prepared for confrontation!
"Calm yourself. I haven't come here or your heads...at least not yet. I've come to give you the information you so desperately want."
"Raffletha! What tho you think you're thoing", Springer said.
"I see no reason to trust you! After all the trouble you have caused us", Kumadori shouted.
"As we said, we don't know who sent us...but we do have general idea of where they MIGHT want to start. Somewhere in the new world... Birth island! That's where you want to start. There you might find something to go on", she said as she grabbed on to Springer's shirt.
"Didn't you hear Kumadori!? Why should we trust you", Gurin asked again.
"I couldn't care less if you trust me or not. I'm only passing along the information. What you decide to do after that is up to you. Now if you'll excuse me, I have some work to do", Rafflesia said as she and Springer vanished into thin air.
Preparations! Everyone's resolve!
"Serenity, they got away!"
"They won't be an issue for us right now. It's as Kumadori said, we need to depart soon."
"But he and Gurin also said we cant trust them", Borya replied.
Gurin nodded. "Its true! She likes to play mind games! I'm almost sure this is a trap."
"That's true, but we may not have a choice", Moira added. Its either we listen to her, or wander aimlessly until we stumble across something. That just doesn't set too well with me. Sure, we could investigate, but with the world government on our tails now, we don't really have that kind of time."
"Kumadori San", Gurin said as she looked up at Kumadori.
"It may be our best choice of action. There are too many mysteries left unsolved. Spandam, Lucci, and Kaku...and whether or not they are behind our misfortune still remains to be seen", he replied looking back down at Gurin.
"Plus we need to smash these silencers at the source", Borya said. Kalifa looked at him quickly in surprise. "Yes, I suppose I should go along with you. I'll be a danger to myself, AND my other employees if I stay. Heaton, could you come here a second?"
"I know what your going to say Borya. I hate to say goodbye, and I hate even more to have to close the café."
"Actually, I was thinking you could run it for me, until I get back. I couldn't think of a more worthy boss actually."
"What!? No way! Too much responsibility for me...I cant..."
Kalifa walked over to Heaton and giggled, before planting a small kiss on his cheek. "I'm sure you'll do fine, Heaton."
"He...hehe. I'll do it", he said before falling over. He had a huge grin on his face.
"And then there's just you now...how do you feel", Jabra asked Raymond. Raymond still seemed unsure. He would have to leave a lot behind. "Alright, then I suppose you give me no choice. I'll have to do THIS then. Prepare for my puppy dog eyes!" He changed into his wolf form, and sat down...and somehow managed to make very convincing puppy eyes.
"Oh my gosh...this can't be happening", Raymond said as he chuckled. "Alright, alright" I'll go, just don't ever do that again. Its weird and convincing at the same time."
"Great! Lets go get some of the stuff you made!", he said as he grabbed Raymond and zoomed off, much to Raymond's surprise.
"Good idea. We'll need a lot of stuff the...", Blueno began to say before facepalming. "We don't have a ship."
Everyone froze up! They were all ready to get ready and leave, until realizing they had no way to do so. But then, Gilligan spoke up. "Dont worry, I got you covered. The good old Sky dancer will get you to where you need to go."
"Dad! The sky dancer hasn't been out to sea in years!"
"Yes, but she retired in great condition. At least this way you wont have to pony up for a new one!"
"Are you sure about this Mr Gilligan? There's not telling how long we could be gone", Blueno said.
"I'm too old to use her anymore. Plus you can consider it a thank you gift for taking my daughter out adventuring! Speaking of which, I'm trusting you to look after her Blueno! Bwahahah!"
"You have my word boss. When we come back, I look forward to having another drink with you", Blueno said. Once again, he actually smiled! A rare but heartwarming treat.
"And YOU take care of Kalifa, Borya!", Heaton stood back up. "I have to go home and do a lot of paperwork now thanks to you!" This prompted a laugh from Borya.
"Kumadori San this is so exciting! I've always wanted to go out to sea...and I can go out with you", Gurin said.
"Indeed, my sweet! I'll protect you with my life! Together, with our friends, both old and new, we'll get to the bottom of things!
"Serenity...it'll be an honor working with you! I can't wait to tell you all sorts of things", Fukurou said.
"Looking forward to it Fukurou", Serenity replied. She herself was actually pretty excited. I'll have to get a new librarian before we go...and also put in a work order for that wall we broke.
Time to depart! Goodbye Zero Island!
The Sky dancer was a fairly big ship. Big enough to house several people. Gilligan did have his own crew back in the day. It was a dark blue color, and had wings protruding out the sides of it. They may have just been an aesthetic however. The front portion of the ship had a sharp beak like extension on it. It was clearly modeled after a bird of sorts. "It's beautiful! And we get to ride on it! Thank you very much Mr Gilligan", Gurin said.
"Not a problem my dear. I'm just glad she gets to see the world again", Gilligan replied.
"Speaking of world, isn't the new world supposed to by horrifyingly intense", Moira asked.
"Something tells me that's where we'll find our remaining few", Jabra said as he approached holding a few machines. Raymond too followed whilst holding a few as well.
"Oh you mean, THEM...what are those things", Kalifa asked.
"Just a few things for our trip. A water distiller, will turn seawater into purified drinking water. I also brought a few other things to help us out. Luckily I'll be able to work on some things too."
"He even brought the fricking spider", Jabra said.
"Well I couldn't just leave him there! I brought all my money too, since our food supply will run out at some point."
"Wow! We're actually going to do this aren't we? Going to go hunt down someone who wants our heads on a stick", Borya asked.
"Yeah. World government and pirates are going to be after us, so we must be prepared for plenty of fighting", Gurin added.
"Then let's be on our way. We'll find the silencer source, AND Rob Lucci. New world, here we come", Serenity said.
Without further hesitation, the group of ten boarded the ship, to head to the first place mentioned by Rafflesia; Birth island. There's no telling how long it would take to arrive, but considering it was in the new world, it would take a few months to get from where they were. Nothing for them to do now except get stronger to be prepared for whatever they may face. With a final wave to Heaton and Gilligan. As they're setting sail, Rafflesia and Springer continued to plot.
"We have to round up the others and go after them. If someone finds out we lost to those run of the mill scum...", Springer said.
"Relax. They just got lucky is all. They'll probably be heading to Birth Island by now anyway."
"Why did you tell them that? We have a whole base on that island!"
"We could afford to lose a base or two... but I told them because they're willing to go far it seems. Even so, they have no idea what awaits them in the new world. There are things there that make adults quiver in fear just from thinking about it. I'm counting on them finding whoever it was that sent us after them...and when they do...they won't live to tell about it. Now come on, we have to make our own preparations", she said as she and Springer made their way into the forest.