One Piece: Overlord of the Seas
Disclaimer: I don't own One Piece or the Overlord game series.
Prologue: Death is not the end
Grand Line: God Valley (36 years ago)
Wealth, Fame, Power! Gold Roger the King of the Pirates has found this and more the world has to offer. However, he wasn't the first to obtain this for there was another who brought both the seas and the entire world to it's knees. His name is Rocks D Xebec, captain of the Rock Pirates and is considered the most feared pirate in history. For you see, like most pirates, Xebec had a dream. But his dream goes far beyond the kind like the pursuit of wealth and adventure, no his dream is to rule the world. The ENTIRE world.
Xebec is a madman, downright insane for he cares not of the great authority of the World Government or to the World Nobles in Marijois. For you see, his hands are stained in the blood of a few he comes a cross, when one incident involves him demanding to bow before them, but instead he cut off the head of the Dragon and displays it on a flag-post with his flag bearing the skull of the devil. Yes, Xebec made his name known for that act of heresy, but not even one of the Admirals of the Marines could stop him, only for his head to be delivered back to Marineford, causing the Marines to rear back in terror that they declared him with the most dreadful title they dare give him.
Overlord of the Seas
And it's not an exaggeration, for you see Xebec was insanely determined to make his dream come true, he would sail island to island, conquer every nation, raze kingdoms, slaughter thousands if not millions while gathering many pirates to expand his already expansive fleet that spread across the 5 seas. It was a dark time for the World Government for the Marines are too scared to even face the Pirate Overlord.
No one, say for 9.
For you see, after a few years of terror, there is hope in the form of 9 crews- 8 of the Marine's and one of a Pirate.
Commodore Monkey D Garp, a foolish but brave man dared face this dreadful pirate that he is in fact going AWOL to face him, despite strict orders from his superior and friend Sengoku to NEVER confront Xebec. Of course, Garp ignored him and dash any consequence for he knows that Xebec will not stop until he conquers the entire world, destroy the World Government and plunge the seas into total chaos for all pirates to reign. He isn't alone in this endeavour, for there are others within the Marines who agree and bands with the renegade Garp on this suicidal quest.
With him are 7 other Naval Officers, originally stations in Greenvale, a coastal region in the Red Line, located in the North Blue. And they consist of:
Vice Admiral Wizard, a wise old man with a devil fruit which grants him with the power that's uncanny to elemental magic.
Captain Melvin the Short, a Halfling marine stationed in the agricultural region of Mellow Hills. First among his race to enlist with the persuasion from Wizard to help defend Greenvale and the North Blue from the pirate threat.
Oberon Greenhaze, an elven naval officer who served under Wizard, retired Marine Officer and elected governor of the region of Evernight, keeping it isolated from the outside world for the status of his people, the Elves are vulnerable due to the centuries of war against the Mountain Dwarves. But with Xebec evil spreading across the seas, the retired elven officer reluctantly returned to the ranks to stop him.
Captain William the Black, a young blonde man with valour and chivalry stationed in the moors by Heaven's Peak. Not only is he a Marine Captain, William is also part of an order of Paladins called the Shining Justice, an order dedicated that protect the people of Heaven's Peak from any forms of Evil, from pirates to the demonic.
Commodore Goldo Golderson, a mountain dwarf who sired from the Golden Hills. Unlike the Dwarves that you would read about in stories. The sub-species of Dwarf which Goldo is originated from are stout, immensely bearded and stands in a height of either 3-4 feet. In fact, the comparison is considered a mockery to Goldo that he only referred them to as "Wee gnomes", just to deny their relations between the variants.
Ensign Jewel, a reformed pirate now Marine soldier under the command of Wizard, Jewel is a dark-skinned human who sires from the barren deserts of Ruboria, which is considered worse than the vast sands of Alabaster. Jewel was given an opportunity to redeem herself by the old Vice-Admiral and a new life away from the harshness of the Ruborian desert. Trained under Wizard's wing, Jewel has proven to be an asset to the Marines for she uses her pirate knowledge to sniff out smuggling dens and ambush many pirates on the prowl for unsuspecting merchant ships.
And lastly, Khan. A Giant Marine Captain who underwent many battles to the point that he is too angry to die and showed no mercy to any pirates who were unfortunate to face his iron flail. His strength would say even rival Garps, so much he and Garp were considered rivals way back in the academy.
But there is no better Rival to Garp than the Pirate who is allying with the foolish Commodore on the battle against Xebec, and that is Gold Roger himself. Roger is still on his pursuit for the One Piece, but his voyage was halted when one of Xebec's crewmates Shiki the Golden Lion tried to recruit him to serve the Overlord of the Seas, resulted in a heated battle which cost Shiki his whole division.
Roger knew that Xebec would be a problem for him in the future so he, albeit reluctantly on both sides, formed a temporary alliance with his Rival and the other Marines who joined the fight.
The battle against Xebec took place on an Island called God Valley, located in the New World and far away from any civilized settle as possible for the class between the two forces is immensely. Xebec is backed up with 3 of his powerful crewmates against Garp and his 8 comrades.
The yet-to-be Yonkou, Kaidou, Edward Newgate and Charlotte Linlin. But the 8 Marines and Roger hold on their all against their 4 enemies. The battle on the island was so immense that even the crews of the respected warriors of the sea are clashing in conflict too, both on land and at sea. Far off you can hear the cacophony of war orchestrated by cannon fire, metal clangs of weapons and thundering booms which shook both the earth and the sea to cause violent waves to shake the battling ships surrounding the island.
The end game of that battle became a mystery after that, for there were only a handful of survivors who know what happened, be it Garp, his 8 comrades, Roger and his Crew, and what remains of the dreaded Rocks Pirates...except for the captain for it was his death that resulted in the battle's end and the victory. In the midst of the chaos, no one know how Xebec died or who struck the final blow. Not even Garp or Roger knew who killed the Overlord when they and the other 8 marines charge in at him simutantiously. Only Xebec knows who killed him, but as the idiom goes: dead men tell no tales. Regardless, the reign of the Overlord came to an end and the alliance between the Marines and Roger ended, resulted in them going in their separate ways (which the Marines allowed the future pirate King a day head start as thanks for the help).
Loguetown: 16 years later
It wasn't until later when Roger and Garp met again after that battle against the Overlord, only this time, Roger is the foe and defeated by the "Hero of the Marines." On the eve of his execution, Roger calmly walks across Loguetown's Plaza and through the crowd where many can witness his end. Organizing this event is the revered Vice-Admiral Garp, Hero of the Marines and man who captured the Pirate King. Garp watches the chained king walk towards the towering platform which the Vice-Admiral currently stands with a pair of executioners who also waits. Garp frowns indifferently at Roger who is smiling as if he is going to a coronation instead of his end. And reason of this is because of how easy this is, Garp failed time and time again to capture Roger throughout the years during their chase through the Grand Line and the New World. And just a week ago, Roger was taken down without much of a fight. Of course, the World Government fabricates the story at how Garp valiantly defeated Roger when the truth is:
Roger turned himself in, for he is about to die.
But Roger wanted to die on his terms, as a pirate, so he gave his rival Garp his surrender as a parting gift so that he can end his wondrous and exciting life as a pirate. Roger regrets nothing, except for being apart from his beloved Rouge and their son which she holds in her belly. Plus, he knows that some of his crew, such as his first mate Rayleigh and his two apprentices Shanks and Buggy are among the crowd to watch him die and say their final goodbyes.
"Gold Roger!" Garp calls out as he begins the ceremony of the Pirate King's execution. "You have been sentenced to death for the crimes of Piracy, thievery, and conspiracy against the World Government. You have any last words?"
"Aye," said Roger with a smug grin as he lifts his hands slightly to show that they are bound to a pair of wooden stocks. "Do you mind taking these off, they're starting to itch."
A few among the crowd starts to laugh by this, for even in death the Pirate King couldn't care less to any authority. Garp scoffs at his fallen rival and leans slightly to whisper in his ear.
"I warned you, Roger," Garp said quietly, his face showing regret as despite everything, he does see Roger as a friend and this will be the end. "You brought this upon yourself."
"That I did, Vice-Admiral," said Roger smiling at Garp "Now I'm bringing it to one and all."
The executioners pulled Roger down to his knees and point their polearms onto his back, waiting for the word from Garp.
"By the authority of the World Government," said Garp, "I declare your life...forfeit."
Before Garp for signal the executioners to kill the Pirate King, a voice from among the crowd calls out to speak the out the very question that would change the world forever.
"Pirate King! Where did you hide your treasure?"
"Where is the ONE PIECE!"
Hearing this, Roger begins to laugh, laugh so loud that it would bring shivers down everybody's spine, even Garp as he stood silently while he looks at the laughing pirate.
"You want to know where my treasure is?" said Roger, "Then go, look for it, it's all yours of you find it! I have gathered it all into one place."
The crowd murmurs with eagerness when the Pirate King answered back, confirming that his rumoured treasure is indeed buried somewhere in the Grand Line. Garp is beginning to worry by that answer and turns to executioners to kill Roger.
But instead of causing those who committed piracy to lose all hope and renounce their wicked ways, they all sees this as an opportunity to make a name of their selves, to become just as great as the now late Pirate King ever was. The crowds break appears so they can head for the harbour and sail off on their ships so they can begin their quest to find Roger's treasure, the legendary One Piece.
The dying Roger watches the crowd disperse so that they can find his treasure, making his laugh and smile at his final breath.
"What have you done?!" Garp exclaimed at the dying Roger.
"I told you, didn't I?" said Roger as he slowly looks up at the enraged Vice-Admiral. "An old era has gone, now I've brought in a new one. Ha ha ha,"
Roger continues to laugh until he can laugh no more, but his grin continues to form even when death finally claims him and froze in place in homage of his heritage: the Will of D.
And history would repeat itself, for years later two more pirates bearing the Will of D dies with a smile on their faces, forever haunting Garp.
Garp's Ship: East Blue (Present Day)
Life for Garp gets even worse further on, after losing a man he once considered a friend before turning to a life of piracy. He up and goes losing two more to that accursed lifestyle: his grandsons Ace and Luffy. After the war on Marineford, Luffy was assumed to have escaped with his life, but when Jimbei arrived at Garp's battleship on his way back to the East Blue, it wasn't the case.
The Former Warlord issued a parley to the Vice-Admiral while his crew pointed their guns at the fishman. Fortunately Garp allowed Jimbei to speak for he knows what he is going to say, especially when he can see the wrapped up bundle, in the size of a human, held in Jimbei's arms.
Jimbei gently placed the bundle on the deck and stepped away so that Garp can approach it. Garp kneels down and starts to loosen the wrapping, and saw the pale dead face of Luffy, dead with a smile on his face. Taken back by this with a silent gasp, for the smile frozen on the boy's face, the same smile which Ace made on the eve of his death. Seeing that smile made Garp recall the final seconds of Roger's life before he meets the twin blades to the back, and when Xebec grinned menacingly seconds before his own end back in God Valley.
Garp doesn't understand why Luffy smile at his death, not when he witnessed the death of Ace and when he died in his arms. Not even Garp could understand the mystery of the D, but the more he thinks of it, the more he thinks it's a curse.
Garp turns his attention back to Jimbei who is also kneeling and trying to fight the tears pouring down his face. It was surprising that Luffy befriended Jimbei, who is a Fishman with barely opens up to the like of humans, considering how he bears very little love for them. And here, he delivers the body of Luffy so that he can get a proper burial.
"We only just met," said Jimbei, "But Ace spoke so highly of him, only for him to lose him. We tried to save him, Law worked so hard but I don't think that Straw Hat wanted to live, not after losing his brother."
Garp remains kneeling in silent, starting in sorrow at the eerie relaxed expression on Luffy's face. To learn that Luffy wished for death after losing Ace pains the Vice-Admiral so much.
"Damn it," Garp said as he pulls the covers over Luffy's face. He looks back at Jimbei while tears starts to fall from his eyes. "You had to be so stubborn, brat."
He is glad that Koby isn't on-board the ship right, for he is still recovering in the infirmary back in Marineford after his defiant act to end the war due to the Whitebeard Pirates no longer have the will to fight after their Captain/Father was killed by the hands of that blackguard Teach and his cutthroat crew.
Koby was about to be killed by Akainu for insubordination for refusing to slaughter every pirate despite their surrender, if it weren't for Shanks and his crew showing up to stop the fighting indefinitely. Garp sighed sadly as he knows that his pink haired progeny would be devastated if he sees his friend's body laying on the deck, and it'll be more devastating when Garp delivers the news to the young Warrant Officer.
"Did...did he suffer?" Garp asked Jimbei
"I wish I could ease you with a lie, Garp," said Jimbei, "But to lose a brother, it's agony to the heart and soul. I should know as it happened to me."
"Aye," said Garp before turning back to Jimbei. "Thank you for bringing him to me, Jimbei."
"I thought he'd be at ease if he was buried at home," said Jimbei "He started his life in the East Blue, so he should rest in the same ocean."
"And... what of Ace?" said Garp
"Buried in Sphinx, with Pops," said Jimbei as tears starts to fall from his eyes as he was there at the double funeral of Ace and Newgate. "He wanted it that way."
Garp, albeit with reluctance, nodded as he knows it's appropriate. Ace loved Whitebeard like a father, even though there was talk at how the brat tried to top the old bastard in numerous occasions.
"Alright, thank you Jimbei." Said Garp, "You can go now,"
"Vice-admiral!" Bogard, his right-hand man was shocked at what he heard, exclaimed and stands in protest. "With all due respect, but he is a traitor to the Marines and a World Government. He needs to be brought to justice."
"Justice?!" Garp exclaimed in anger as he confronted the fedora wearing officer. "You think I give a damn about justice when I lost my two Grandsons?! Justice died when that bastard Akainu murdered them, in cold blood."
"I-In his defence, they were pirates and they know the consequence," Bogard said in a stammer as he was taken back by Garp's outburst.
"I don't want to hear it!" said Garp as he unleashed his Conqueror's Haki, knocking anyone out who is weak-minded, while causing Bogard to shudder in fear. "I don't care if he is my superior, and damn bloody Sengoku too for their hands are forever stained with the blood of Luffy and Ace. Jimbei, you're free to go, this parley is over."
Jimbei nods and starts to take his leave. But before he jumps overboard, he gives the bundled body of Luffy one more look and says his final silent goodbye. Garp picks up the body of his grandson and walks off down to the lower decks, where he put the body in storage to preserve for the burial back in Foosha Village.
Later: Garp's Shack (Foosha Village)
After reaching Foosha Village, Garp made his final decree as Vice-Admiral for Foosha Village to be protected from any threats, be they pirates of bandits. But he also came as the bearer of bad news as he confirms the death of Foosha Villager's own pirate: Monkey D Luffy. Everyone in the village where shocked and distraught by this, and physical proof didn't make it better either.
It didn't take long for Curly Dadan, a mountain bandit who raised Luffy while Garp is away at sea, came to the village and assaulted Garp with a wooden club. Garp took the blow and while ordered the Marines to not retaliate for Dadan is a "friend." Dadan, who isn't quite mother material to the late pirate, took the news even bad. For despite her neglect of caring for both Luffy and Ace, she still cares for them and feels like she lost her own sons today. She blamed Garp for the boys' death, venting out her anger and sorrow at Garp, who took it all, for she is right.
Garp failed as a Grandfather, even if he tried to make them into Marines like him while denying them of perusing their dreams as pirates, which in the end killed them. Garp took Luffy back to the shack where they loved, where it faces the East Blue where the sun would set on the horizon.
He dig deep by the shack and buried the body in the grave, marking it with a simple wooden tomb-post bearing his name. Luffy didn't have his hat with him, for it was returned to Shanks by Jimbei, who delivered the bad news to the Yonkou who took it bad that his Haki caused the seas in the New World to ripple violently around him.
Even the news of Luffy's death was also delivered to his father Dragon, by Ivankov, where he and his Okama subjects were there the moment Luffy passed away. Even a certain someone among the revolutionary army was devastated that the traumatic news caused him to fall in a coma. Some would assume that Dragon doesn't care, but Ivankov knew better that Dragon is indeed saddened when Dragon stated that it's raining- even though the sky is completely clear above Baltigo.
Garp retires in his shack and begins his retirement from the Marines, Sengoku was also considered retiring as Fleet Admiral but remains in office so that he can issue a replacement before he can make his own retirement official. Now wanting to get into the politics in Marineford, especially not now when he just buried Luffy, Garp only wanted to be alone so he can grieve.
KNOCK
KNOCK
"Go away," said Garp in an irritated groan
The door opens regardless and the visitor in question makes himself known as he enters the shack. He appears to be a really old man, especially when he has a long grey beard which is braided into several segments, even his moustache is long and braided which reminded Garp of a certain young pirate with a proficiency of cooking and kicking. The old man also has equally long white hair which is in the form of dreadlocks and is wearing a grey skullcap. Part from the usual Marine coat draped over his shoulders, he is wearing a long cobalt blue robe with golden accents on the long sleeves and numerous long layers of cloth on the lower parts.
"Hello, Garp," said the old bearded marine, shocking Garp that he leaps out from his seat and came to welcome his guest.
"Wizard, f-forgive me," said Garp as he took the marine's hand and shook it. "I wasn't expecting you here."
Vice-Admiral Wizard, another revered hero of the Marines who fought alongside Garp against the dreaded pirate Rocks D. Xebec 36 years ago. The same pirate that terrorized all the corners of the world, and with a deep ambition to usurp the World Government so that he can rule it for himself. But thanks to the 8 heroes, including Garp- as well as the late Pirate King Gold Roger, they defeated Xebec and saved the world from his tyranny over the seas.
Garp is happy to see his old friend, a fellow hero who he...tolerates while the rest are slightly bearable since the victory over Xebec made them...arrogant from the renown. But not Wizard, he remained level-headed due to his experience -and old age- which made the only person for Garp to welcome with respect.
"I'm not too busy to meet an old friend," said Wizard smiling gently behind his thick long braided beard. "And also to...pay my condolences to you."
"Thank you, old friend," said Garp as he offers Wizard a seat, "Can I offer you a drink or something. I'm afraid I'm fresh out of tea given that I just arrived her."
"No need, Garp," said Wizard as he politely declined the offer of refreshments. "I just had some at the Party Bar."
"I heard what happened in Marineford," said Wizard with a disapproving sigh. "I never thought Sengoku would pull something so...cruel, just to get at Newgate."
"You can blame the damn 5 bastards for that," said Garp gritting under his teeth.
"You shouldn't speak ill of the Gorosei like that," said Wizard. "Like it or not, they are World Nobles, ergo our superiors."
"Which is why I quit," said Garp, "I want nothing to do with the Marines anymore."
"And what of your young progenies?" said Wizard. "Young Koby and that Helmeppo brat still needs you,"
Garp sighed when Koby and Helmeppo was mentioned. To be honest, he only saw them as replacements for Luffy and Ace when they rebelled to become pirates. But over the months under his wing, they showed promise, and it'd be a waste if he does let their training regiment go.
"Well, I'm sure you can take them," said Garp, "I'm sure some time in the North Blue could help."
This only made Wizard laugh and shake his head at Garp.
"Nice try, I'm too old to have more students."
"You're planning to retire too?" said Garp raising his brow.
"I've been serving the Navy for over 80 years now," said Wizard, "brought in many promising cadets under my wing, even Zephyr- God rest his soul, showed plenty of promise."
"It's a shock that you didn't become Fleet-Admiral," said Garp
"You know I don't want that," said Wizard. "You and I are alike, we love our freedom and follow our own ideals of Justice."
"I suppose you're right," said Garp with an exasperated sign.
"I've some fight left in me before I decide to retire," said Wizard, "The world needs me in their battle against evil."
"Glad to hear that you still care," said Garp
"Which brings be to the next topic of my visit," said Wizard with an exasperated sign.
"What is it?"
"Sir William and Goldo are throwing a get-together in Angelus Keep with the rest of the "heroes", said Wizard, "You know, to celebrate our 36th anniversary of our battle against Xebec?"
"Seriously?" said Garp with a deadpan look with annoyance.
"I know, it's not an appropriate time," said Wizard hold out his hand while expressing the same annoyed look on his face. "But you know how persistent they are, especially when that battle was the sole reason why we became heroes to begin with."
"So... not just because we took down many pirates and brought them all into justice?" said Garp
"Clearly, it's just work for them." Said Wizard, "and it's not every day that you get to fight one of the big bads that plague the seas like Xebec."
"I'm quite surprised they weren't in Marineford when we're fighting Whitebeard." Said Garp
"We're needed in the North Blue," said Wizard, "Sengoku was stubborn when he issued his to sail for Marineford. But I gave him a very thorough reason why we need to stay. If every marine is summoned from their posts, then what will stop any pirates taking every opportunity to strike during our absence. Countless of innocent lives would be lost, and the damage would be costly to the North Blue's economy."
"That seems reasonable." Said Garp
"Then again, the others weren't happy that they were excluded in the fight against Newgate," said Wizard, "No doubt it'll inflate their already blown ego."
Garp rolled his eyes by that.
"No doubt William and Goldo chewed out your damn ear when you told you that." Said Garp
"Oh, they have," said Wizard "With Greenvale constantly at peace, they're getting bored of it and wants more bragging rights to state their Heroism, hence the annual get-together.
"Well, you can tell that can tell them that I'm unavailable," said Garp. "36 years is too much to lemant over."
"Fair enough," said Wizard, "but at least let me buy you a round at the Party Bar, for your Grandsons' wake."
"Throw in a few prime rib steaks and you got yourself a deal."
"Alright," Wizard said with a chuckle as he pats Garp on the shoulder.
Garp and Wizard exits the shack so they can hang out in the Party Bar, Garp appreciates the support his old friend is offering to help with the grieving process. The two Vice-admirals left the shack for hours, enough for the sun to set on the horizon. Slightly drunk, Garp stumbles home so he can sleep off the booze and steaks he consumed, Wizard isn't with him for he had to go back to the North Blue to resume his duties there.
As he reached his shack, he suddenly notices someone standing in front Luffy's Grave, a woman with dressed in dark seductive clothing which consists of a red corset with black accents worn over a black short sleeved blouse with the collar open to reveal her elevated cleavage, and a dark skirt with a red underlay, which is open at the side to show off her legs which have a pair of knee high boots. She is a beautiful woman, even with her dark eye shadow and dark maroon lips. She stands silently at the grave while holding a candle with a green flame.
"Excuse me," said Garp in a slight slur as he stumbles to approach the woman. "Who are you?"
The woman starts to make herself known, and to Garp's shock he knows exactly who she is.
"Velvet," said Garp in an attempted calm, "what are you doing here?"
"I heard the news, and I wish to give you my condolences for the loss of your grandson," said Velvet. "His exploits in the Grand Line were inspiring that I wished to meet him in person."
"He was a fool," said Garp as he turns to the front door of his home and enters. "And I was a fool in believing that I could save him from himself."
"We are all driven by ambitions," said Velvet as she remains fixed on the grave of Luffy while the candle's eerie green glow continues to glow in front of her face. "The call of the sea is alluring to all who seek adventure...and freedom."
"And look where it got him, 6 feet under, to be a remainder of an old man's failure." Said Garp "You're free to pay your respects, but don't overstay your welcome."
"I won't," said Velvet without even looking back at Garp. "Get some sleep, Garp. For tomorrow will be a new day for all of us."
Garp grunted at Velvet before he enters the shack so he can sleep. Velvet then kneels down and placed the candle on the foot of the grave marker. She then begins to pull out what appears to be a large skull with dark crimson dreadlocks and begins to blow on it and mutters an undescriptive dialect. The skull's eye sockets then starts to glow red and the jawbone starts moving up in down which a haunting laugh starts to echo out from it.
"This Era is far from over," said Velvet as she then stands up and walks away, still with the skull in her hand.
Months ago: at Wizard's Battleship
After leaving Garp in Loguetown, Wizard is now at is cabin on-board his battleship that is set sailing for Greenvale. He sighs tiringly and groans in mild discomfort as his old bones ache him so. His journey to Greenvale will be long for he'll has to cross the Grand Line and both the calm belts surrounding it. But he isn't worried about monster infested waters for his ship, like any Marine Vessel is lined with Kairoseki and coal-powered paddle engines.
Purururu Purururu
On his desk, Wizard's Den Den Mushi is ringing. The snail, which bears the same long braided beard as it's owner, continues to ring for someone is calling the old Vice-Admiral. Wizard lets the snail ring for a while so he can sigh and collect his thoughts, for he has a very good idea who is calling him. He picks up the transceiver on top of the shell and starts answering the call.
"This is Vice-Admiral Wizard speaking," said Wizard
"Let me guess, Garp turned you down,"
Wizard sighed as he is now speaking to another Marine Hero, and it had to the Goldo Golderson.
"No, he's got other matters to attend than celebrate this redundant anniversary of our battle against Xebec." Said Wizard, "And besides, he recently lost both his grandchildren so now's not the appropiate time for him for festivities."
"Seriously?" Goldo said while Wizard's snail expresses a deadpan expression. "He takes down one of the mightiest of pirates in history and he spends his victory moping over the death of a pair of sea urchins?"
"You damn know that Garp loves his Grandchildren, Goldo," said Wizard with a frown as he doesn't approve with the Greed Dwarf's words. "He tried to put them on the right path of valor and justice, but they're as stubborn as he is"
"Then it's his fault for having the wrong sort as family, especially when he took in Roger's bastard," said Goldo, "He should know better than to pick up children who are stained with evil."
"You can't fault children by their fathers, Goldo," said Wizard, "as far as I'm concerned...Ace and Dragon were innocent until they decided to become criminals."
And what a model guardian Garp turned out to be," said Goldo in a sarcastic tone. "Kinda reminds me of you, Wizard."
"Don't compare Garp to me," said Wizard, "I know what I did wrong, Garp did his best to be the parent for Dragon... I chose my career over my daughters, and the fault is entirely mine when I heard nothing of them ever since."
"No doubt spreading their legs in the streets for a few beri, no doubt." Said Goldo.
"You watch your mouth, Goldo!" Wizard exclaimed as he slammed his fist on the desk in anger. He does like the implication Goldo stated about his estranged daughters
"Anyway, it's his loss, it's about to be one helluva celebration."
"Like the past 35 anniversaries we had?" said Wizard in a deadpan expression
"Don't be a smartarse, Wizard," said Goldo, "We are Heroes, so you best act like it. Look, I gotta go, William is flirting with the staff again."
"Don't let me keep you," said Wizard "I'll be at the North Blue at the end of the week."
"Don't be late," said Goldo before Wizard hung up the call.
"If I'm lucky," said Wizard as he leans back on his chair and sighs once more. "We should've let that memory die. It's not a thing to celebrate considering the many lives we lost. What good is a hero if they can't save everyone?"
BOOM
Suddenly the ship shock violently, this startled the old Vice-Admiral that he nearly fell off his chair. Then the alarm bells rings out loud, stating that the ship is under attack. Wizard immediately gets up from his chair and ascends to the main deck. And there, a battle is now taking place, his crew are in battle stations with their muskets loaded, cannons primed on one side. Wizard walks up from the hatch to see who is attacking.
"Status report!" Wizard
"We're dead in the water, sir," said the Marine Officer as relays the current situation. "Our paddle engines are destroyed when a pirate ship just suddenly appeared out from the fog. We're currently fighting back to prevent them boarding us."
"A pirate ship?" said Wzard, "you recognise the colours?"
"Negative sir, flag's very unique, sir." Said the officer.
"Unique, huh?" said Wizard with mild curiousity, he has seen so many pirate flags during his many decades of service as a Marine that he's seen about hundreds of pirate flags, each which their own unique design. So when the officer mentioned about the attacking pirate's unique flag, he needs to take a look. "Let's go see who we are dealing with."
Wizard pulls out a spyglass and angles it up to the top of the ship's main mast, where the black flag flies with the jolly roger printed on. But when he set eyes on the pirate flag, he was taken back by the design as it's...familiar. Especially when it's comprised with a crimson jaw-less skull with short horns made of fire.
"Impossible, it can't be," Wizard said with a quiet stammer.
"Sir? What's wrong?"
"Focus all your fire on that ship, sink it and don't let it get them board us," said Wizard, "If that's who I think it is...then god help us all."
"We're getting boarded!"
"Damn it!" said Wizard when he looks ahead to see many hooks grappling the bulwark, "Stop them, we can't let them board the ship!"
The marines are already at work with cutting off the boarding lines to prevent the pirates from boarding their ship, sadly their progress is slow and failing for the ships are now drawing near, and quickly thanks to the lack of current from the Calm belt. The marines are keeps on firing their cannons and guns at the ship so they can in hopes of sinking it.
BOOM
But despite the marine's efforts, they were in vain as the enemy are now boarding the ship. But instead of the usual pirates the marines faced on a daily basis when their out at sea, the enemy comprised of strange terrifying creatures, from goblins in pirate attire and wielding shoddy pirate weapons, red skinned imps with black goat-like horns, undead pirate skeletons and creatures which at first were thought to be fishmen...except they aren't.
The raiding hoard jumps onboad the marine ship and a battle raged on, the Marines are fighting for their lives which proved to pointless for the mass numbers of these...pirates are overwhelming them. And that's not the worst to come, for their captain suddenly enters the fray and joins in the fight.
The captain is of average height, dressed mostly in black except for a red shirt and a mask which matches that of the jolly roger. The captain is also wielding a huge black sinister looking broadsword which, when someone gets cut by it, it drinks the blood of the victim, making the sword's black blade even sharper and deadlier.
Wizard, looks down to where the masked pirate captain is and makes his way down to the main deck while fighting off the monstrous crew with his staff which is uses to cast a variety of offensive spells. The masked captain took notice of the Vice-Admiral approaching him and starts to approach the old Marine too.
"Vice-Admiral Wizard, I presume?" said the masked captain.
"Who are you?" said Wizard
"You can call me Lucifer," said the Masked Captain as he takes off his mask, "Lucifer Diablo, captain of the New Rocks Pirates."
Wizard however was taken back for despite the pirate's introduction, the knows exactly who he is the moment his face is shown. Especially when it's been plastered on wanted posters like the rest of the wanted pirates.
"Straw Hat," Wizard whispered in disbelief.
End of Chapter