Chapter 3: The Bridge Between

Officer Pepper entered the room with a solemn look upon his face. He raised his cup of coffee to his lips, scanning the room and the occupants- Celer and Salt. "So," he said with a scowl, " how did this happen again? He said something about a metal ship... and Straw Hat Luffy?"

"Y-yes... He was pretty badly injured by the time I got to him... and as you can see-" Celer and the others looked toward the lifeless Simon. He was wide awake, he was alive, but he was empty. He lacked the one thing that makes a person who they are. "He hasn't even so much as sneezed since he woke up this morning... you sure those herbs didn't... you know, mess up his head?"

Salt shrugged and crossed his legs, "guess time will tell... but alas, if Straw Hat IS on this island..." The room got deadly silent. "Im sure you can imagine what will come next. That would be beyond me, unfortunately. So you had better make sure he isn't, Officer." The ivory man smirked and sipped his moderately cold oj. Pepper shook his head and muttered something under his breathe while leaving the room yet again with his coffee. Salt turned his gaze to Simon. "Only thing we'll need to keep an eye on is his infection... being in the rain with an open would like that will do a number on anyone. I don't have the right amount of supplies for that. You'd need a doctor to treat him, before it gets worse."

"Yes... I know one, but that are in the town over... they might take him..." Celer nods. He leans back in his chair, it creaks like a crushed mouse. He stares at his lost friend. He knows what must be done. "Simon, you and I are going on a trip... so you better get your head out of the clouds!" Celer shoots up with a vigor in his eyes. He clenches his fist, which Salt seems to take notice of. "Salt, when will the deadline be for that fruit?"

"You're taking on that weight?"

For a person he worked with, a person he drank with, and a person he laughed with every day- he would do anything. "Of course I will. But not alone! Im no spring chicken anymore, almost pulled a muscle climbing those muddy roads last night. But I can still whip him into shape!" Celer charged out the room, he had a mission in mind. Something that would be a 1 in a million, but, under these conditions, might just work. He went to start on his project at the beach. He stopped by his garage-workshop for materials and a few sandbags. The time flew by, and before he knew it his work was done. He made several training dummies each with its own gimmick. They specialized in high stress fighting, something that Celer used to specialize in. After marveling at his work, he decided to get his transponder snail and call his 'friend'. The conversation was quick but efficient. They would gather what they could but it would cost a hefty chunk of change. "I'll pay it, my retirement has been good to me this long. Might as well use a bit of it for something good, right?" He let out a hardy laugh and slapped his protruding booze belly. "But I need you to know, Doc. If this works.. or better yet, if it doesn't... our little island might be laid to waste... Im sure you remember Salt, don't you?"

The snail paused before responding with a modest, "who wouldn't? That guy sold out everyone to get a nice cushy office at Water 7." The snail gave a nasty side-eye and left with one last remark before ending the transmission, "make sure he stays put, so I can give him a nice thrashing." Celer nodded and set the snail down. At the doctor's office, the shadowy figure turned in their chair and looked at a photo of 2 in naval uniforms and one in traveler's gear. The doctor squinted and set the photo flat, before preparing to leave.

Officer Pepper entered the small police building at the docks. The island never had a big issue with crime, so most of the cops were older folks who retired from the navy or volunteers. Pepper was a volunteer who rose up the ranks thru the office itself. He had no formal training in terms of naval combat, only what the veterans taught him on patrols. One of such, was Celer. The other, was Tate- the woman who called all the shots since Celer stepped down. She was cut throat but could solve any problem- hence why... "Tate, I need your help."

Tate was listening to a new record from a guy callin himself 'Soul King'. She had fallen in love with the groove and would sing loud enough for her own concert. While most would think that such a loud person wouldn't be able to hear anything while the concert was going- this woman was simply built different. She stopped mid air guitar riff to give Pepper a death stare of the century. While Pepper knew nothing of Haki, any experienced fighter would have thought she had the strong potential to have Conqueror's Haki. Her aura alone would deter most from even thinking of wrong doing in her presence. "What do you want Peppy? Can't you see these old bones are grrrrrooovin'?"

Officer Pepper was visibly embarrassed by her remark but had to keep his composure before she swiftly reminded him why she kept her position in the navy for so long. "I-I need her help, ma'am. An issue has arose as of late-"

She held up her finger and turned down her music. The air settled and the vibrations settled. "So," she started as she put on her gloves. "I hear Straw Hat Luffy was supposedly spotted somewhere on the island. That why you're here?"

"Yes, ma'am"

Tate reached up to her wall of wanted posters littering the wall of her studio. "So, this is Straw Hat..." She looked at the poster expectantly. Pepper stood quietly awaiting her response, but he began to wonder what was going thru her mind. He didn't have to wait long before she held up Luffy's poster to Pepper. "This is your guy, Peppy. If he find 'em, your as good as dead." Pepper's jaw dropped to the floor. Of all the things he was expecting her to say, this was absolutely was not it. "Trust me, anyone who can stand side by side with Whitebeard is far beyond what this little island can handle. Better call the navy, my boy."

Pepper picked his jaw up and snatched the wanted poster from Tate's hands. "Thats impossible! He fought along side Whitebeard!"

"Well, yea. Haven't you read the paper lately? They say he left a cryptic message in the issue before last. Couldn't tell you what it was, but he hasn't been seen since." Tate had a smile on her face when she said that, giving Pepper a chill. "Well, whatcha gonna do? Gonna go lookin for the dragon in it's den?"

Pepper clenched the poster in his hand. He felt he didn't have a choice. The peace on the island has been disrupted, and it was up to the one's that held up the symbol of justice to take a stand. Pepper took pride in his skills, he knew the basic navy techniques like Tekkai and Shigan. Mainly to scare of the larger animals on the island and manual labor. He grabbed his baton and a flashlight just in case. 2 others, younger recruits decided to join Pepper on his search to verify the presence of Luffy. "Make sure you bring a transponder snail. If we do engage in combat, we'll need to have a line straight to the navy."

A lanky figure lurched its way into the police station. Salt was smirking ear to ear when he spotted Tate, who was not as happy to see him. "Well hello there. You look just as old as ever, Tate." The ivory man walked up to Pepper and placed his hand on his shoulder. "I'll be joining them on this adventure. I have a few ships on their way to get me, this vacation has been swell but it won't last forever."

Officer Pepper shook off the man's hand, "sure but if a fight breaks out, you're on your own. Straw Hat is dangerous." The ivory man, and the 2 recruits nodded in agreement and made their way to the divot. Tate shook her head in disappointment, muttered her disdain for the newer generation of navy men and their lack of discipline.

Celer walked back into the room with Simon, who had a little bit of a shine to his eye. The 2 sat in the silence for a moment, before it was broken by the sound of the waves crashing against the shore. "It's time Simon, time to quit poutin' and be a man." Simon didn't respond, but his body did. It was subtle but it was there. Celer smiled and walked over to Simon, checking his wound. Surprisingly, it had healed a great bit. Celer held up his hand to Simon. "Im going to teach you something that many don't know... this is the power of Haki. If you can regain your will to fight, this will save countless lives," his hand began to emit a great force. Simon's eyes, tho dull, turned to look at it. The dark seed within began to stir, it too longed for this light. "You have the potential, all you have to do," Celer extended one finger and touched Simon's hand. The energy felt like rushing water, it was warm but flowed effortlessly over Simon's hand. "You just have to focus, once you can feel your own energy flowing," Celer smiled and Simon's eyes widened. The moment seemed to freeze in time. Simon could feel himself chained down from the inside but his body wanted to tear out of those chains. He could sense it, almost on a primal level, that the winds were pulling him from the depths of his soul.

An hour later...

Officer Pepper and his team reached the summit of the divot. Their target laid in wait, and they had to make a move before the navy arrived. "So, Salt," Pepper muttered in secrecy. Salt raised his eyebrow above his glasses. The 2 walked ahead of the rookies, just out of earshot but close enough to defend each other. "If we really do catch Straw Hat... we'll be put back into neutrality.. right?"

Salt gave his devilish smile and nodded in acknowledgement, "of course, the navy will leave with the body of Straw Hat and leave the island 'as it is.' Never to return, thats a promise to the navy I have you know." Pepper let out a brief sigh as they continued walking... but now they were alone. In that brief moment, the recruits had vanished. Pepper and Salt looked around them to see if the 2 rookies had made a pitstop. "Seems we have guests."

"Seems so," Pepper readied his baton and took a defensive stance. A twig broke a short distance behind them. The 2, in unison turned to its origin. It was a raccoon dog biting at its flees. They gave a disappointed look, but heard another click very close to them. This, unfortunately, was not a twig. "Impossible," Pepper thought to himself as his body stiffened. Salt was collected and held his casual pose as if unbothered. "Who goes there?"

The person who had them in a checkmate laughed," why, its THE Straw Hat Luffy! And looks like we got ourselves some new intruders to our humble abode!" The man motioned out his crew. Zoro stepped out from behind a tree along side Sanji. Nami flipped over her brush cover with a pistol handy. "So, what shall we do with these 2? Maybe... yea why not!" Luffy had a brilliant idea. He remembered that there was a ship in the center of the divot. The same that the idiot from last night tried and failed to raid. So why not make these 2 get its bountiful loot for him. It was a flawless plan. The path they were on was far enough from the road that noone would hear them yell. So the 2 men were at the whims of the Straw Hats. "You cooperate and you'll keep your life! You hear!"

Salt clicked his tongue while turning to face Luffy himself. Their eyes met, and Salt was... surprised to say the least. "You really are Straw Hat... you're more... robust than I imaged..." The ivory man adjusted his glasses and placed his hands in his pocket. "What is it that you want?"

Luffy mocked, "if you keep movin, you're friend's gonna mistake you for a slice of swiss cheese!" He turned his gun to Salt and surveyed the odd man... he was navy, that wasn't good. If there were more on the island, then Luffy and his gang would have to make a break for the pier as soon as they got their treasure. Maybe even cause a little trouble along the way to free up their escape. "You must know that there's a ship on this island... one that's mysteriously in the middle of the island, right?" Salt lowered his head, Pepper turned to look over his shoulder. "It's been the talk of the talk of the town. Overheard some people talkin about it earlier along the path, its bound to have treasure on it! So, you're gonna haul it out for us and get a ship outta here!" Zoro and Sanji laughed while the raccoon dog and Nami snickered together. "So, what'll it be? Gonna comply? Or die?"

Pepper looked at Salt and the 2 silently agreed with a nod. They lowered their guard and put their hands up, not wanting to spir the wrath of a titan like Luffy. The odd pair made their way down the path to the center of the divot. The winds blew thru the trees with a mournful song, and the animals flickered about. Something was expecting them, and it was something that was far greater than what they could handle.

Simon looked at his hand. He had been staring at it for what seemed to be forever. The energy... it was there, but not nearly as good as Celer's. Celer drank his booze excitedly and let out a loud belch. "You're coming along well! Keep it up!" Simon made an awkward face and regained his focus. However, his focus kept being broken by that overwhelming feeling of dread he felt. He could feel it crawling over his skin and pulling him deeper into his apathy. Simon sighed and pulled his blanket aside to get out of his bed. "Whoa there, you shouldn't move just yet!" Celer jumped up and held his hand to Simon's chest to keep him from leaving.

"Can't even use the bathroom, huh? Talk about terrible room service!"

Celer smiled, seeing his friend slowly pullin himself back together. "Just don't fall in, you have a long day ahead of you." The two smirked at each other as Simon left to use the bathroom. Celer looked at his transponder snail. Something was urging him to make that call. He couldn't tell what tho... maybe its the nerves. He took another swig and glanced out the window. The sun was just breaking past the clouds. It was a nice view, better than last night. Even the stiff air seemed to have a charge to it. Simon walked back in confused. "What's wrong?"

"My father... have you seen him? I thought he was here," Simon asked as he put on his jacket. Celer looked at his transponder snail again before dismissing his inner concern. He told Simon that they went to go find Straw Hat Luffy. They didn't want someone that dangerous on the island, so they went to go find him so the navy can remove him. Simon's face lit up. His mouth laid agape for a moment as he reached up to his former wound. "H-he went to find Luffy? That idiot!" Simon whinced in pain a bit but quickly recovered. "Luffy isn't the thing they should be concerned about! That ship! They can't go to the ship!"

Celer gave a concerned look. He put down his booze and picked up his transponder snail, "Oi, Pepper! You read me? What's your location?" Static. "Oi! Pepper! Quit playin games and-"

"-need.. back.. up"

Celer and Simon looked at each other. They could barely hear the message but they knew something wasn't right. "Repeat that! We couldn't hear you!"

"we...found... the Straw Hats *cough*" the transmission cut shortly after. Simon's face was red in anger. Celer could tell this wasn't going to be good. They still had a lot to do before Simon was ready to go back up there. The transmission came back on. The 2 looked at each other and waited for the transmission to come thru. "Heeeeelloooooooo! This must be that wimp from last night!" Simon was now seething with rage. That voice, was the last thing he needed to hear. That black seed of dread, was beginning to burn. "Why don't you be a sport and get your dear ole friend a ship! And you better not try anything, or else these 2 chaps are gonna have a matching set of wounds! A perfect set for the 3 idiots!" The transponder snail broke out into an uncontrollable laughter.

Simon picked up the comm to the snail, Celer was shocked and tried to warn him from saying anything stupid. *Click* A silence blanketed both sides. Simon took in a deep breathe. Celer waited on baited breath, as well as the 2 captives on the other side. As long as Simon didn't provoke the invader, things would be able to balance out into their favor. They could plan and work around anything the pirates would try to pull. However, in times like this- stress running high and rage building, we all make... stupid decisions. Simon exhaled speaking in a calm, rage filled manner, "Wait for me, Old Man." He hung up and zipped up his jacket. He turned to Celer with a rather impish smile, "so, can we take that training on the go?"

Celer was... shocked to say the least. He was expecting Simon to pull a stupid move and shout his head off. Or maybe provoke the Straw Hats into fighting head on... but he showed that he had some restraint. The old chap nodded and told Simon that he only needed a few minutes to get some gear. If they could train on their way up the summit, it could awaken the basic form of haki. Even a bit would make a difference here. Celer himself had haki, but definitely not enough to stand toe to toe with someone in their prime. Just as he said, he returned with 2 big mits. He stuff his hands in them and smacked him together. "Alright, we'll be sparring all the way to Straw Hat. Better not slip up, or else you'll be left behind!" The 2 took their stances and locked eyes. A lone piece of paper flew by in that moment, it twirled thru the air doin several flips and tricks. Once it settled and met it resting ground, the 2 launched toward each other with the intent to push themselves to their limit.

Meanwhile at sea...

"Are you sure we got that right?" A navy man asked as he turned to his mate. "Are you sure they said Straw Hat was there?"

The 2 mates began to sweat. A stout man slammed his fist down on his armrest to his chair, "then we must act. Summon 3 more ships! Noone leaves or enters that island as long as Straw Hat lives!" The stood up and groomed his exaggerated hair style while flexing his bulging muscles. "Try once more to reach Salt, if he is able to give us an update we may be able to get the jump on those pesky pirates! Or..." The room grew silent. The man examined the map of the island. "An island of this scale... we could level the entire thing with our cannons..." The other men looked at each other for reassurance. "Yes, thats the only true course of action. I, Jelry, shall claim the honor of defeating Straw Hat Luffy. And my men," he paused while waving his hand to his now saluting crew, "my men shall go down in HISTORY!" The ship erupted into celebration as it emerged from the clouds of fog. "We'll arrive by tomorrow! Be prepared men!"

Back at the divot...

The squad of captives and pirates made their way down the riverside and arrived at the rusted ship. Luffy and his crew looked around for any signs of traps or other surprises. Salt and Pepper gazed at the ship and raw aura that came from it. They knew who this ship belonged to... But surely that was just an old legend. The defeated ship of a man who dared to face Whitebeard. A man so vile that his very name made the underworld quiver. The very man, they were going to rob if he dared to still live. The 2 said their prayers as they were goaded to ascend the rope. "And don't try anything funny! We have you fools outnumbered!"

The 2 men counted their blessings that the pirates weren't following them. They could try to signal the navy using their snail, but its a bit rough since the main snail was with the now missing rookies. Salt has a baby transponder but its range isn't nearly strong enough to reach his vessel. "I suppose we have no other choice than to play along for now," Salt sighed as he wiped his glasses. His neatly kept suit was tattered with dirt and debris from the bushes they slid thru. "You have any idea where this treasure would be?

Pepper looked at the open doors beside them. It lead to the kitchen and a few of the closets. There was even a room for lounging above deck. But the air that seeped out was causing them to cough feverishly when they got too close. "This can't be the way... must've been where Simon came... I see his blood spots," Pepper pointed out the trail leading up the stairs. "They're pretty washed out, but I can see it. Let's check the captains," a loud rumble interrupted the Officer's plan. "What was that?" The 2 peaked over the side of teh ship to catch a glimpse of 2 figures wrestling in a cloud of dust and dirt. "It can't be..."

"W-what?! Why are you here?! Where is my ship?!" Luffy stammered back a few steps. Zoro and Sanji clenched their jaws in annoyance of the new development.

The first figure stood and faced the pirates. His golden locks dangling in front of his face. The second standing up shortly after and removing his mits. "Looks like we made it just in time, Celer." Simon took a step forward and a sharp glare at Luffy. Celer scoffed and dusted himself off as he checked for any other surprises. Nami was hiding behind a tree with her pistol readied to fire. She quickly came out fired her gun at the 2. Simon barely caught glimpse of the action, but Celer was more than ready. He grabbed a nearby fallen log and batted the bullet away. His arms were coated in black and his muscled buldged with the immense weight. "So, thats what I need to do... got it." Simon cracked his knuckles and started toward Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji. "Where is my father?"

Luffy pulled out his pistol and fired at Simon, who swiftly dodged. "N-No way... Y-you're just a punk!" He readied and fired 2 more times. "How can this be!" Luffy was sweating more and more with each step Simon took. He had to think quick, they had the Berries from last night. If he used that to drop Simon's guard he could easily beat him. But then he'd be out of the Berries they'd need to get to Saboady... He kept thinking, Zoro looked expectantly at Luffy. They locked eyes for a moment and a sense of reassurance calmed their nerves. Luffy fixed his collar, loaded his gun and stomped his foot into the ground with a dominating stance. "I told you, I AM STRAW HAT LUFFY! A punk like you," he got serious. Simon stopped in his tracks, he could sense this pirates determination overflowing. That feeling of dread slowly creeping back in. Salt and Pepper could see this turning back very quickly. If they got the treasure, they could diffuse the situation before anyone got severely hurt. "You wanna lose your life," Luffy aimed his gun with one hand and started walking toward Simon. The two never breaking eye contact, and both ready to strike at any moment. Celer kept his eye on Nami and the other 2. Numbers weren't in their favor, and this was would be no easy battle. "Let me show you how a REAL pirate fights!" Luffy kicked up the loose dirt into Simon's eyes. He blocked it with his arms and was kicked by Sanji in the side. Zoro rushed Simon with his swords but was stopped by Celer and his now sliced log.

Luffy kept rushing Simon along side Sanji. Simon pivoted on his strong leg and threw 2 solid jabs at Sanji. Luffy pulled his gun away in fear of hitting Sanji, but that didn't stop him from shoulder checking Simon into a tree. Celer nimbly dodged Zoro's rapid sword slashes. He could tell that the green haired man was gradually getting tired and would be easy to defeat. However, once a slight opening presented itself, Nami took the shot a the unsuspecting Celer. He narrowly dodged and managed to block Zoro's follow-up attack. While winded, Zoro still felt his captain's determination. He wouldn't give in, not while his friends were giving it their all. Nami and Sanji traded glances. She quickly repositioned and hid amongst the brush. Celer tried to track her but Zoro broke his focus with a volley of slashes. Simon was trying his best to defend against the onslaught of attacks from Luffy and Sanji. His wound giving him the addition pain to lock him into place. He knew he was over his head with this one, but that feeling he felt. That feeling that almost took away who he was on a soul level, that was far worse than any pain he felt now. The pain began to numb. Simon's focus locked onto Luffy, who could sense something coming. He jumped back and readied a shot. Sanji jumped back as well, revealing Nami sliding past him with a readied gun. Celer caught a glimpse of the plan unfolding before his eyes. He couldnt move fast enough to stop them, Sanji hopped over and intercepted Celer's advance.

Time in that instance, had almost completely frozen. 2 guns pointing his way, nowhere to move to protect himself. All he had was his own 2 hands. For some reason, he felt that was all he needed. The guns fired, the smoked slowly erupting amongst fire and gunpowder. The bullets zipping thru the air at a speed that was barely trackable by the eye. Simon closed his eyes, it was the moment of truth. The image of the black seed flashed before him. The image of Celer's darkened arms followed. Simon pictured that wave of energy, that rushing emotion coming to its peak. His arms felt like they were burning, ready to burst into flames. His eyes shot open with immense vigor. His hands, moving almost like the wind, deflected both bullets simultaneously. The dark aura coated his arms and swirled around his healing bullet wound. Luffy and Nami stepped back and glanced at each other, unable to process what was happening. Simon looked at his new found ability. It was exhilarating, but now wasn't the time to let his guard down. While this power was great, it was taxing. His fatigue was settling in, but so was theirs. Luffy's eyes, tho fearful, never broke sight of Simon's. This feeling would be one that wouldn't set easy on his heart. Luffy scowled at Simon and put away his gun. "I wasted enough bullets on you... Red Heart..." Simon's eyes widened in shot. That was the second time he was called that. And it was no coincidence, tho he didn't see it. His awakened haki, and the mixture of blood seeping thru his clothes, make it appear as tho a burning red heart appeared on his chest. Luffy shot a glance at Zoro and Sanji, who nodded in unison. "Be smellin ya later, punk!" The troupe leaped into the brush and scurried away. Celer took a step to pursue, but by the time he blinked they were already gone.

Simon, breathing heavily, released the haki he had built up. His body was almost weightless. He was in a high from all the energy flowing in him. Celer could tell and congratulated him on his accomplishment. "You did well for your first fight with pirates." the 2 locked hands with a resounding clap that could have shaken the island. But their moment was quickly broken by the sounds of 2 heavy objects falling to the ground. Celer and Simon both looked at the origin of the sounds with shock and horror. "W-what is that?!"

One figure was clutching a small object, it was Officer Pepper drenched in sweat and breathing like a mad man. The other, however, didn't have the luxury of breathing. His last breath, the last action his brain allowed, was to utter the last 3 words any person would want to hear in this situation, "Run..."

Simon tried to rush over to help the figure but Pepper slapped his hand away. "But father, why?! He needs-" Simon stopped mid-sentence. He realized who that was, and his ivory suit was now immortalized in a coat of metal. "N-no... how did this..."

Pepper stammered to his feet and shoving Simon as he did. He was shaken to his core, whatever he saw wasn't too far behind. "W-we need... we need to GO!" Celer reached out to Pepper, who declined the assistance. The trio made their way out the divot, with prying eyes on their heels. As they ran, Simon caught a glimpse of what Pepper was holding. And his face grew... grim.