Chapter Three. Sorry for the wait track season started this week so I've been mad busy but here is the new chapter. It is confirmed in this chapter that the story takes place in the North Blue and this chapter is pretty much just focusing on the newly arrived character, Matthew. Grammar mistakes might be more common then usual but it's late and I need to go to get some sleep.
The prison cell was cold as the only source of sun light was being emitted from a small lamp that was hanging from the ceiling. Sitting around lazily were four guards all armed with rifles the only thing separating them from the two Marines was a set of iron prison bars. The prison hall had no windows, no sky light, and the only way in or out was a small wooden door located at the far end of the hall. Escaping would not be an easy task to complete.
"So, how did you lose your name you miss place it or something?" Bryson asked curiously as he broke the silence of the prison cell as Matthew had became oddly quiet after the realization that the four guards refused to even hear them out. Not to long ago Bryson had attempted to taunt the guards into picking a fight with them allowing them to escape, but it was at vain as the four guards were far from short tempered.
"Yes, I misplaced my arm. You do realize how idiotic that sounds?' Matthew muttered lowly as his moral had dropped rapidly upon the realization that hope of escaping might as well be a million miles away from them.
"It almost sounds as idiotic as being captured by a over sized man who thinks he's a King along with his very Flamboyant son" Bryson responded grinning at Matthew who just gave him a very confused look.
"For a Marine Officer you're kind of...um... Different" Matthew admitted as he was at awe how Bryson acted as in his history of being in the Marines he had never met any Officer quiet like him. Most of the Officers he met in his time of service were ether obsessed with ranks and medals, were power hungry, or took life way to seriously. Yet, out of all the Marines in the world he was stuck in a prison cell with little hope of escape with the most childlike Officer of them all. Yet, there was somethign about Bryson that drew his interest.
"Thanks! I prefer not being one of those up tight upper brass, probably why I've never set foot at HQ" Bryson stated as he rubbed his chin curiously at the thought why he had been stationed in the North blue since the first day of his training.
"You've never been to the Grand Line?" Matthew asked curiously as he was utterly shocked that a Officer of his rank had never even been trained at the Grand Line and yet been able to obtain the rank of Commander without doing so.
"Nope" Bryson chirped happily.
"What about your crew?" Matthew spat out as he had some hope that the Commander's crew would be searching for him.
"I don't have one. I decide a while back that I'd hand pick my own crew" Bryson explained as upon hearing these words Matthew's head sank lowly and his eyes sparkled with sorrow at the idea of never escaping. Matthew had plans and dreams, things that he could never accomplish being held prisoner in a place like this.
"We're doomed" Matthew growled angrily as his muscles tensed up upon speaking these words.
"If we're doomed when why not share the story of the missing arm with me, Righty" Bryson said with a shrug as he shuffled closer to Matthew his eyes warmly welcoming Matthew in an attempt to comfort the fellow Marine. Matthew released a loud sigh as he realized there was no turning down Bryson's request to hear his story which slightly shocked Matthew as not many people asked him about it.
"It happened when I was fifteen only a four years back, I as born and raised on the island of Rampuegen an island just North from where we are now. There the island was ruled by a royal family of warriors known as Knights, the island had an agreement with the Government that if they kept trade sufficient then royal family could stay in power. Every man on the island was allowed a chance at a young age to train to be a famed Royal Knight and at the age of thirteen I was accepted, almost unheard of accomplishment " Matthew started to explain as the memories of his home came flooding back into his mind all at once causing him to tense up slightly. Most of the memories were good but he had his fair share of nightmares. Sighing heavily Matthew looked up to lock eyes with Bryson and the once playful stare that was once in his eyes weer now filled with interest and seriousness.
Four years ago...
Matthew's eyes shut right open upon the ear piercing sound of a fiery explosion in the distance and his body flung upwards. His fingers ran deep through the warm sheets of his bed as his shirtless body was covered in a light sweat from the sudden panic that over took him within his slumber. His eyes nervously scanned the dark room but there was no source of what had created the explosion, until he peered through his bed room window beside his bed. In the heart of the city that surrounded the King's castle was a large burning fire which was rapidly swallowing the city below.
"What the-" Matthew muttered lowly under his breathe as his heart race increased upon this sight, but before he could finish his sentence his bedroom door slammed wide open. Standing within the doorway was a man decked out in silver platted armor and in one hand he grasped a long iron spear, his face was helmet-less and his face bore battle scars from years of combat.
"Father, what's going on?" Matthew asked curiously as he was utterly confused by what was occurring in the center of the city.
"We've been attacked my, son! All Knights have orders to gear up and head to the center of town as soon as possible!" He called out loudly as several other Knights raced down the hall passed Matthew's door their destination the same as the others. Matthew could see the horror within his father's eyes, something he had only seen a few times when he'd tell old fairy tells of a feared warrior. The warrior who everyone feared was said to be a myth by the name of the Black Knight, but there had been rumors that this so called myth had been spotted within the Grand Line slaying unfortunate Pirates and Marines who came upon him.
"Pirates?" Matthew spat out as he jumped out of bed and quickly started to throw on the nearest shirt as refused to miss out on his chance to make the kingdom proud.
"No, it's him... The Black Knight" These words hit Matthew like a ton of bricks as he stopped in his tracks and froze up upon these words that his father had spoken.
"It can't be true, he's just a legend" Matthew whimpered lowly as the memories of the stories he had heard as a child were returning to him. Matthew remembered some of the other knights talking about how the Black Knight could sink a whole ship with one cut of his blade and how even the most fierce warriors would coward before him.
"I fear the stories are true my son... The Black Knight, is here and he wants the King's blood" Matthew watched as his father shook his head lowly as the bloodly cries of the wounded echoed loudly throughout the halls of the , a explosion ripped through the air and the whole castle shook violently causing Matthew to drop down to his knees as his father grasped the doorway's frame tightly.
"He's in the castle! He's heading towards the Throne room!" A voice cried out loudly as Matthew and his father locked eyes both of them realizing how quickly the situation had developed.
"Son, get on your armor and meet me at the Throne room!" Matthew's father ordered loudly before he ran off the two sharing a brief moment of eye contact before his father disappeared with lightening quick speed leaving the fifteen year old Knight standing alone in his room. At first, Matthew was to afraid to even move from where he stood but after hearing several blood filled cries of pain he realized that he could no longer stand around while his comrades were being slaughtered.
"I have to help them" Matthew growled angrily as he kicked open his closet door to find his personalized armored. The armor was a standard steel material with his won personalized baby blue stars which were scattered across the armor to give it a personal look to it. Matthew wasted no time putting his armor on as he made sure the leather straps were on securely and with this he pulled out his weapon of choice. Holding firmly in his hands was his favorite type of weapon which was a large bladed katana also known as a Nodachi; which could be wielded with one or two hands.
"Time to show them how strong I've gotten" Matthew spat angrily as he spun the sword rapid with his left hand grinning at how skilled he had became with wielding the blade with his left hand. Realizing he was wasting precious time Matthew picked up his traditional family helmet and slowly placed it upon his head, his face being hidden by the helmet so he would show no emotion when facing the enemy.
"What do you think you're doing, boy" A deep raspy voice muttered lowly from behind Matthew causing him to spin around in fear. Standing in the doorway was a large dark figure covered head to toe in midnight black armor. The figure stood at about 7"3 but his armor made him look even larger then what eh actually was, his face was exposed due to the lack of a helmet, and his eyes were a light yellow said to be tainted by his cruelty. The man had pale white skin with two crimson red markings running from his eyes to his chin that resemble arrows, he had long black hair that ran down to his back, and his canine teeth were oddly sharper then usual.
"Y-You're the..." Matthew stuttered as he struggle to speak the words but was unable.
"The Black Knight? Yes, that is the name given to me by the Government but all of hell knows me more as; Rabus the Slayer!" His voice boomed loudly as he slammed both his arms into the doorway smashing down the whole wall that once stood there. Matthew watched in horror at this display of strength and what horrified him the most was the blood that dripped off his armor.
"W-What d-di-did you do with the K-King?" Matthew demanded lowly as Rabus just gave him a devilish grin.
"He is among the dead in the throne room along with the rest of the pathetic Knights who call themselves warriors" Rabus spat angrily as he smashed his foot down upon a near by lifeless body of a fellow knight. The amount of pressure that Rabus had applied easily squashed the human head, leaving a disgusting look displayed on Matthew's face.
"Father... Mother... The King" Matthew whimpered as he realized that everyone he once knew and loved weer now dead. Everyone was dead and it was because of this man!
"You bastard!" Matthew roared angrily as he charged at Rabus his blade held in his left hand as he charged at the murderous man who was soaked in the blood of his comrades.
"This is not a game, kid!" Rabus laughed widely as he landed a single punch upon Matthew's torso and with this mighty hit the young Knight was sent flying through the room. Smashing into the opposite wall Matthew could feel the stone and the support beams behind him break upon contact as he was thrown right out of the castle itself. Matthew released a loud cry of pain as he flew through the dark night air blood escaping from his dry lips as he felt his chest plate go inwards into his chest from the punch that Rabus had delivered.
Matthew released another blood filled cry of pain as his back slammed into the roof top of a near by building and with great force he rolled across the roof top blood now gushing from his chest as his armor dug deep into his own body. Losing hold of his own weapon Matthew watched as it slid across the roof top out of his reach and with one final roll he felt his face slam down onto the roof leaving a large dent as his body finally stopped rolling.
"Everyone you once knew it dead! Your father, your mother, your Kind, your comrades, and the peaceful citizens who cried for mercy!" Rabus laughed widely as he launched himself high into the air his body turning into a shadow as it entered the view of the moon. With great speed Rabus hurdled his body towards the roof top and with great force he smashed into the building.
"Wh-" Matthew began to cry out but it was to late as the whole building fell under the forceful tackle of Rabus. Matthew scrambled to his feet in a desperate attempt to flee the collapsing building, but it was hopeless. Matthew's body dropped to the ground below him along with chunks of stone from the building and with gerat force he smashed into the ground.
Everything became black.
Matthew gasped for air as his vision finally returned to him and although everything was blurry he could tell he was pinned against the ground by a large chunk of the building's chimney. Placing his hands against the rough remains of the chimney Matthew struggled to lift it off of him, but it was useless. He was to tired and beat up to do any sort of physical work. Sighing heavily he slowly began to dig the dirt from under him in a desperate attempt to free himself, but it was to late. Emerging from the smoke was Rabus his yellow eyes already locked upon Matthew as he spun a large butcher knife like sword.
"Wake up, kid! I'm not done with you!" Rabus roared angrily as he pulled a black cannon ball like weapon from his belt and lightening a small fuse on it he threw it at the trapped Knight.
It's a bomb Was the last thought that entered Matthew's mind before the cannon ball went off shrapnel ripping into his armor as a thick black smoke engulfed his body. Pain surged through his body as he felt the chimney no longer pinning him down but the pain of the explosion was enough to nearly kill him. Realizing his sword was lost in the debris Matthew pulled out his combat knife from hsi belt and preparing for the worst he stood up.
"Where are you?" Matthew cried out angrily as his eyes nervously scanned the area he was surprised to see Rabus appeared. Giving Rabus not time to attack Matthew charged forward screaming loudly as he held his knife at hand prepared to kill the murderer of his family.
"Not so fast" Rabus said lowly with a loud yawn as he simply slashed his blade upwards and with this one simple slash Matthew dropped to the ground.
"I c-can't f-feel my arm" Matthew groaned in pain as his face was face down in the dirt his eyes watering from the pain as his fingers dug deep into the dirt. Matthew slowly lifted his face from the dirt as blood was now dripping from his lips even more then before. His eyes slowly scanned his surrounding area and what he noticed laying on a few feet from him was...
His left arm.
"My arm!" Matthew cried out as he hadn't noticed at first but his left arm had been cut off completely from the shoulder down.
"You weakling! You could never kill me, nether-less lay a hand on me! At least the others died with honor, you're just a brat trying to play hero!" Rabus laughed loudly as he slammed his right foot down on Matthew's back and gripping his back armor he ripped it right off. Matthew had no idea what he was planning on dooing and at this point he didn't care, he just wanted to die now.
"Just kill me" Matthew cried lowly hoping it would be quick and painless.
Suddenly, pain surged through his body as he felt a hot blade dig into his back and slowly run down creating what felt lie some sort of letter. Matthew continued to cry out in pain as Rabus seemed to be carving something in his back, amused by the pain he was delivering to the young Knight. Finally, after unbearable amount of pain Matthew passed out right there and then.
Bryson's reaction wasn't what Matthew expected as the Marine Commander seemed amused by the story more then scared, or even feeling any type of sorrow for him. Matthew's breathing had picked up throughout the story telling and his eyes became watery upon mentioning his father, but at no point did he take Bryson's offers to stop telling the story.
"What did he carve into your back?" Bryson asked curiously as he seemed to have been scutting closer and closer throughout the story until he was face to face with Matthew. Realizing now that he knew about his scar he might as well show Bryson and with this he slowly began to turn his back towards the Commander. Only slightly healed, were the words 'WEAK' carved into Matthew's upper back. Turning to face Bryson again Matthew was expecting a see the Marine all excietd and impressed with the battle scar, but instead he turned to face a beyond pissed off Commander.
"Bryson, are you alright?" Matthew asked as he was never expecting to see the go happy Marine to ever even consider acting in this serious manner.
"That bastard had no right to do that to you. How dare he decide who should be labeled weak and who should deserves the title of, strong" Bryson growled angrily as he stood up tall his eyes filled with rage as he turned his back upon Matthew and stormed over to the prison cell door.
"Hey, you back away from there!" One of the guards called out as he rushed over to the prison door his rifle now aimed upon Bryson as he slowly approached.
"Let us out" Bryson growled angrily as the guard annoyingly placed the barrel of his rifle between the prison bars in hope he could scare the Marine to back away. With no warning Bryson shot forward grabbing the barrel of the rifle he pulled it towards him sending the guard crashing face first into the bars. Ripping the rifle from the grasp of the guard Bryson fired a single shot into the cell door's lock. Giving the three other guards no time to react he launched himself forward using the rifle like a club and with ease he took out the three remaining guards.
"Why didn't you do that earlier?" Matthew cried out.
"I had to make sure you were worth rescuing and from what I heard you're ten times the man the guy who did that to you" Bryson growled as he pulled out a set of keys from one of the guard's belt.
I'm still accepting characters for the story but if you want your OC to be part of the main crew then start sending in roles that are needed. Like cook, shipwright, sniper/gunslinger, doctor, and so on. Review!