Alchemist's Wrath

by DarthGlaurung

A young woman leaves her shelter for an adventure out on the endless blue. Equipped with only her skills as an alchemist and chemist, she uses what skill's she's acquired in search for a certain person. The cause of her tragedy in her youth. The only clue she has is their laughter. But she will make them feel her wrath, even if it means staining her hands.

8. Chapter 8

"Ah, but one looked like a rat!"

Ashe stalled for a moment; the phrase buzzed through her mind. "A rat, you say?" Void of emotion, she peeked a side glance at Luffy.

Said man nodded, stretching his face to mimic features of a rat. "Like this."

An amusing gesture, "Which way did they go?" Back on her feet with a stretch to the clouds, Ashe's pistol holstered upon her lower back was exposed.

Luffy held a slight smile at the sight of it, the shadows of palm leaves dancing across his face with a hum. "That way." A finger pointed at the path going up the hill.

The backpack properly saddled upon her back; Ashe gives Luffy a two-finger salute. "Thank you, I need to take care of some business, so I'll see you later."

With a nod and farewell, Luffy watches her grow smaller the further Ashe proceeds down the path. A lingering gaze upon the pistol equipped to the lower back. Hands grabbing his ankles, his smile disappears into a stoic expression. Luffy has no qualms with guns, he's grown up around them and they don't even work against him.

Yet…Something felt off about that one. "I'm hungry." Bouncing to his feet, Luffy scratches at his stomach before disappearing into the village, following his nose.

Soles crunching against the dirt and pebbles, Ashe hums to herself. Enjoying the peace and quiet.

It was nice.

Though, it was short lived as silhouettes formed upon the horizon, approaching in haste. Hand upon her hilt, Ashe assumes a loose, yet tense stance if needed. Until a recognizable voice calls out franticly.

"Ashe! Am I so glad to see you."

Nami approaches with two other people, a familiar set of blue hair and an older man with a pinwheel on his hat. "Nami?" Questioned Ashe, taking note of Nami holding up the other woman with the male on the opposite side. "I thought you didn't want people to know we knew each oth—"

Desperation etched itself on Nami's features, "Forget that!" The navigator's gaze turned to the blue haired woman, Nojiko, if she recalls correctly. "You know first aid, right? Help Nojiko, I'll compensate you."

Nojiko quietly chuckled with an ounce of pain. "I told you, Sis, it only grazed me."

Ashe tucked that knowledge away for the moment as the sole male spoke up. "There's no time, we need to get her to Nako, quickly."

It was then Ashe spotted the blood seeping from Nojiko's arm in a flood. Tightening her backpack in a fluid motion, Ashe steps forward to wedge between Nami and Nojiko. "I don't know what's going on. What happened to her?"

The name springs to mind as he speaks up once more, Genzo. "She was shot in the arm."

"Did the bullet wedge or exit the wound?"

He shrugged with a grunt, "Can't say, we rushed as soon as it happened."

Being careful of the injured limb, Ashe nudges in the direction of the village. "This is beyond me. I don't know who this Nako is, but Nami, run ahead and tell him to prepare for a bullet wound."

"But—"

"Go, Genzo and I will be right behind you with Nojiko. Faster you get moving, the faster Nojiko gets treated."

Said injured person scoffed with a slight whimper, "I'm not dead you know."

Nami struggled for a moment, nodding after common sense kicked in. "Right, thanks, I'll let Nako know to be ready." In a flash, the tangerine woman disappeared down the trail in a sprint.

"You didn't tell me you knew Nami, Stranger."

Ashe shrugged without a care, "It is a long story."

"I'm sure it is." Grumbled out Nojiko, "Can it wait? I could use a doctor after all."

Genzo was the first to step forward, causing Ashe to follow in-line as they carried Nojiko. "We will talk later."

It was a quiet retrace of her steps back to the village. Only the sound of heavy breathing from Nojiko who hid away the pain pridefully. Before long, Genzo led them to a small house that felt cramped after entering.

An infirmary with a few beds and curtains for privacy. The familiar stench of antiseptic that was fading and weak. "About time, hurry up and put her on the bed."

Quickly obeying, the group placed Nojiko upon the bed before an elderly man moved them out of the way. Wrinkly and old with a black bandana on his head with a red cross, sunglasses, and a white doctor's coat with more matching red crosses. "Move out of the way, its crowded enough in here as it is."

With Ashe taking a step back, Genzo turns to her before placing his hand upon her shoulder, preventing the woman from escaping if she thought of it. "We can talk in the other room." Nodding in response, Ashe allows herself to be led into a separate room, Genzo closing the door behind her. His chest bellowed in a deep sigh as he rubbed the bridge of his nose. "You know, word gets around quickly in this village. You are the one that helped Chabo and his mother, correct?"

Placing her backpack upon the small sofa, she leans against the arm of it. "Yes, I am, should I not have?"

Genzo waved her off, grabbing a bottle of rum from Nako's personal stash. "No, that is not what I wanted to imply. I just wanted to show my appreciation." Approaching Ashe, he reaches out with a small glass of booze in gratitude.

Ashe accepts the kind gesture, enjoying a quick drink between them. "You're welcome, but I doubt you called me in here for just a drink. What happened?"

"Before we get to that, there's something I want to know first." He took her silence as approval to continue. "How do you know Nami?" As if a flip switched, his gaze sharpened, awaiting judgement on her answer.

Ashe could feel the piercing protectiveness from the man upon her. "She's just an…acquaintance, I suppose. Nami is the person who brought me to this island after we made a deal."

"What was the deal?"

Ashe shrugged while crossing her arms, "Nami asked me to keep it a secret." It would not sit well to just spill those secrets. Their gazes clashed, Ashe's immoveable, and Genzo's pleading. The pinwheel upon his hat stalled.

An awkward silence filled the space, the tension forming a knot in her chest at the sight of the weary man. From the body language, it seemed he would soon beg her if Ashe did not budge. With a deep sigh, she relents. "I don't want my reputation being tarnished by this, so tell no one I broke my end of a deal."

"I won't tell a soul; you have my word."

Still, she chewed the inside of her cheek before speaking, "Nami asked for me to help the people of Cocoyashi Village to the best of my ability and to pretend I didn't know her. That's all."

"In exchange for what?" Questioned Genzo.

"Nami promised to pay me in Beri at a later convenience."

"I knew it." Slowly sinking into a seat with heavy breath, Genzo covers his face with a hand and a frown hidden under his mustache. "That girl…She's to kind. She's been working herself to death for us…And with what just happened. It is time we put a stop to this madness."

Now it was Ashe's turn to ask questions, "What exactly does Nami have to do with what's going on? I know the gist of it, but where does she fit in?" A piece of the puzzle that is not properly in place.

Rubbing at his eyes, a redness was fading away. "Nami has been struggling with a heavy burden for us. She made a deal with Arlong, to buy our freedom with Beri." His gaze turns to the window, a tree on the other side, a butterfly caught in a spider's web. "Nami was so close, but Arlong betrayed her. He's been in cahoots with the Marines, and they just confiscated all her Beri. Nearly 100 million Beri. Years…of blood, sweat, tears, and hope, gone."

Clenching his fists, Genzo stands firm and resolute, "But enough is enough. I won't let her bear this burden anymore. I will rally the villagers and do what we should have done, long ago."

"These are fishmen, you realize that don't you? You and the villagers, will die."

Genzo approaches a cabinet to reveal a hidden compartment, arming himself with a cutlass. "I know. Either one of two things will happen. We defeat Arlong and free ourselves or we die." Back straight with pride and resolve, he strides to the door, but pauses next to Ashe. "Either way, Nami will be free. Do not try to stop us."

Tilting her head to meet his dutiful gaze, amethyst colored hair cascades her emotionless features. "I will not interfere or try to persuade you otherwise. You've made your choice; this is your justice. See it through."

With a nod, his hand turns the handle of the door as a cold voice calls out. "Before you go…Answer me this…" Genzo peers back once more, the sunlight fleeing from the window in a barrage of clouds, allowing shadows to descend. "What is the name of the Marine who confiscated Nami's Beri?"

A droplet of sweat dripped from Genzo's brow, those eerie yellow eyes bore at him, a slight glow of madness played with his senses. "Captain Nezumi."

Her lips twisted into a scowl, "Captain? I understand now. That's how this has gone under the Marines' radar for so long. Where can I find him?"

Genzo ponders for a moment, "Nezumi should have finished collecting the Beri by now. And if I was a betting man, Arlong would want a share of it. There's a chance he may be heading to Arlong Park, but I could be wrong. Sorry, I can't give you a better answer."

"That will do, thank you."

With the door now open, Genzo remains motionless before speaking. "Thank you, for understanding. Good-bye." The door clicked behind him with fading footsteps.

Now alone within the room, Ashe collects her thoughts in solitude. "Captain Nezumi." Running a finger along her belt, she takes stock of what potions are available. Two empty holsters reminding her she's out of speed and strength and to make more later. Now down to eight potions upon her belt, only one is a self-augmenting potion and its defensive.

Another is a poison that she keeps on hand for her blades if needed, leaving the other six as her explosive power or 'fun stuff' as she likes to call them. Chemicals and compounds that have various reactions, depending on what they interact with.

Moving her finger to the inner workings of the belt, hidden compartment of bullets for her pistol are within, each volatile and to be handled with care. Ashe's appendage lingers on one black coated compartment longer than the others, contemplating. "Only if he truly deserves to suffer."

Happy with her current stock, a dexterous hand reaches into her backpack before pulling out an old and worn pair of goggles, resting them upon her head. Though they've seen better years, they still rest snugly upon her head. With the backpack now properly in place, Ashe reaches for the door, before pausing with a hovering hand.

'Why am I getting so worked up for this?' The hand collapses against her thigh, 'This has nothing to do with me.' Thoughts begin to race through her head in a jumbled mess, 'I don't even know these people. Nami and I are just acquaintances, not even friends.' Her hand tightens into a quivering fist. 'Whatever happens here, has no effect on me whatsoever.'

Luffy already said he would be willing to give her a ride off this island. All she must do is stay safe and mind her own business. Yet Ashe can not help but argue within.

How much time is passing by right now? How long has she been standing at this door, lost in thought? Has she missed her opportunity window?

What is she even doing with her life?

The thunderous sound of footsteps was the only warning Ashe received before the door swung open. Stumbling back in shock, a childish voice quelled the storm in her head.

"There you are! Big Sis! We need to hurry!" Chabo reaches out to grasp onto her hand before pulling Ashe through the door in bewilderment.

"C-Chabo? What's going on?" She stumbled awkwardly behind him, his smaller steps throwing her off balance temporarily.

"No time to explain! Nami's hurt and losing a lot of blood. You have to help her!" Chabo slams open the front door of the doctor's home, the brightness of the sun causing temporary blindness.

Dragging her along the village road, Ashe notices they are heading toward the entrance of the town. "What do you mean she's hurt? What happened?" Her head begins to clear and collect itself.

Chabo continues to yank her along, "Everyone else is off to fight Arlong, but I had to stay behind to make sure my mom is okay. But when I came back, I found Nami sitting in the road covered in blood." Rounding a corner onto the main road, Ashe spots a figure sitting upon the path, and red blood easily noticeable upon them.

Her body was in motion before she realized it, breaking away from Chabo's grasp, and kicking off in a cloud of dirt. Racing down the main road, Ashe knew the figure as Nami, blood trickling down her arm. "Nami!"

Startled, the woman looks up in her direction, a face stained with tears, dirt, and a quivering lip. "A-Ashe? What are you doing here?"

Slinging her backpack off, Ashe slid to a stop in practiced ease to kneel beside Nami, first-aid kit quickly appearing in hand. "Chabo fetched me and told me you were hurt. What's going on?" Gently grasping Nami's wrist, Ashe repositions the injured and blood covered arm for a better view.

"N-Nothing, it is just a small cut." Nami motions to jerk her arm out from Ashe's grasp. "I can handle it myself." A teary frown and lack of power behind the gesture stated otherwise.

Ashe tightened the grasp and ignored the outburst. "Shut up and let me handle this." That seemed to have startled Nami for the moment. Allowing Ashe to grab the only clean cloth she had left in her bag. A blue bandana that she used to clear away the excess blood. "Stab wounds, thankfully they aren't too deep."

Surrendering her arm to the alchemist, Nami looks at the ground in despair. "Why…Why are you helping me? I don't have anything to pay you back with."

"I don't know."

Nami choked out a chuckle in disbelief. "You don't know? What does that even mean?"

Pausing for a moment, Ashe shrugs while applying antiseptic to disinfect the punctured wounds. "Exactly what I said. I don't know why I am helping you. But when I saw you bleeding here alone…My body moved on its own." Ashe's eyelids partially close before shrugging. "Perhaps I am just meddling, so sorry in advance."

Nami flinches at the burning antiseptic, using it as an excuse to hide her quivering body. The tangerine woman's good hand reaching up to clutch at the straw hat upon her head with a watery smile, "You guys…just don't know when to quit. What am I to do with you all?"

The contemplating expression within Nami's eyes, made it feel like she was talking about other people and not Ashe specifically. A faint and yearning smile forced its way onto Ashe's lips. "I don't know, but I think you already know the answer."

Finally, a quiet laughter rings out from Nami with a smile. "You are really bad at this stuff, huh? Here I was, thinking you were smart, but you don't know a lot of things it seems." There was no bite to her words, just playful banter, or perhaps venting.

Putting on a large band-aid, Ashe gives it a good tap to make sure it is snug, making Nami flinch in pain as payback. "I ran out of bandages. This band-aid is just temporary while we get you some more somewhere else."

Shaking her head, Nami uses both hands to smack at her own cheeks while standing back on her own two feet. "No, that's enough wallowing in self-pity for myself. I have bandages back at my house that I can use on myself."

Closing her first-aid kit, the box is practically empty before placing it back into her bag. "Are you sure? I don't mind following you and helping you out with that."

Nami declines the offer with a smile, "That's alright, I am fine now. You have done more than enough for me, but it is time I got back on my own two feet. I have to hurry up and join them after all."

Chabo finally caught up to them, hunching over and resting his hands on his knees before Ashe spoke up. "Join who?"

As Nami was walking back to her home, she peered over the shoulder with a shaky smile. It was filled with uncertainty along with a familiar straw hat upon her head, "…My comrades..."

That knot returned within Ashe's stomach, hidden behind a yearning and forlorn smile of her own. "Ah…They are lucky to have you."

"Why are you saying it like that?" Nami's good arm raises into a thumbs up, "That includes you as well, thanks again." Running off, Nami disappears into the distance, in a rush to tend her wounds and venture where she's needed.

Catching his breath, Chabo paces up to Ashe from the side. "Man…you're really fast. Thanks for helping Nami out too, Big Sis."

"Mm, of course. Chabo, do me a favor." He looks up to her eagerly, already accepting the task before it is given. "Keep an eye on Nami for me, just in case those wounds re-open."

"You got it! What are you going to do now though?"

Tightening the straps of her backpack, she peers down at Chabo with a smile, her mind clear and made up. "How do I get to Arlong Park from here?"

The boy's eyes lit with a fist pump. "Alright! Are you going to join everyone else and beat up Arlong?"

"Of course, after all." Ashe grins while ruffling Chabo's beanie. "They hurt my comrade. So, make sure you look after her, will you?"

He nods, knowing how important the task he was given is, "Yea! And to get to Arlong Park, just follow this path. It will take you directly there, you can't miss it. Good luck, Big Sis!" Waving behind him, Chabo chases after Nami, just in case she needs any help.

Turning around, any joy or mask of it degrades into a husk. She has decided what course of action to take. Rushing down the trail of dirt, she bounds down the road in strides, using trees, rocks, and fence posts to alter trajectory more quickly along the winding paths.

Wind whipping along her hair, it was not long before a mob appeared in the distance, along with a massive structure protected by stone walls around it. At the very top of the multi-story building was a lone flag, a jolly roger with bones and a blood red shark emblem.

Safe to assume it belongs to the Arlong Pirates.

Momentum dispersing, Ashe approaches the mob of villagers from behind, noticing they are spectating through a breech in the protective wall where the entrance used to be. Most noticeably on her approach, however, was the human torpedo sprinting in her direction in a desperate cry for help.

"Ashe! Heeeelp me!"

Her neck nearly snapped from whipping in the direction of the human missile. The familiar sight of Usopp sprinting with his life on the line, followed by a trail of dirt.

"I'm going to kill you! Chu!" Only to be followed by a tall fishman with elongated lips that were bright in color.

The fluttering of her shirt tickled at Ashe's collar bone from the wind, "…I've seen that desperate run for life before…Usopp?" This isn't going to be a common occurrence, is it?

"Ashe…what are you doing here?" Slow to approach was Genzo, though his expression was neutral, his eyes were baffled. "Why did you come? This is not your fight. Didn't you say you wouldn't try to stop us?"

"I am not here to stop you, but help." Stepping to face the gruff man, Ashe shrugs with a questionable smile. "I don't know…I don't know the extent of what's going on here and I don't know what you all have truly gone through."

A slender hand ruffles at her own hair, "Nor do I have anything to gain from this." Truly, entering a conflict with no promise of Beri or goods, how rare for her. Ashe's soft steps crunch against the dirt before standing beside Genzo with a sigh. "Maybe I am doing this for me. I am quite selfish after all."

Taking his silence as the conversation being over, she passes him by. Only hearing his grouchy, yet soft voice carried by the wind. "Thank you."

The mob parted for Ashe; it was strange to have so many eyes upon her for once. Rather, eyes that were filled with hope, as she is used to being stared at by military personnel. Loose stones tumble as she crosses the threshold of the crumbled entrance, finding a peculiar scene.

Fishmen lay unconscious and scattered within the once beautiful plaza. Blood, crumbled stone, and debris littered the arena, a familiar view in hindsight.

Straight ahead was a gathering of people. A humanoid figure caked in some kind of black ink, Sanji, Zoro, and some fishmen. The most notable figure was a hulking fishman of a sawshark, approaching dangerously toward the smaller human coated in ink.

The groan of pain and shuffling of metal caught her attention nearby. A struggling fishman taking aim with a loaded pistol at Zoro's back.

Her boot crushed the webbed hand with the pistol, electing a cry of pain, a wide and desperate shot sinking into stone. The sound alerted everyone to their presence as curious gazes peered in her direction.

A sheathing katana did not escape her notice.

With a quick heel drop, the fishman entered the world of unconsciousness, only for a familiar high-pitched voice to welcome her.

"Ah~ Mademoiselle~ Did you come all this way just to see me?! I missed you as well!"

And just like that, Ashe's shoulders drooped with a sigh, "Hello, Sanji." Upon her approach, she was thankful for Sanji, it made the situation less awkward for her. Though, she would be damned before Ashe told him that. Head tilting in Zoro's direction, she nods, "Zoro."

His hand remained firmly around his katana's handle, "Ashe, come for a rematch? I am a bit busy taking out the trash, give me a moment."

Her brow arched, "You make it sound like I lost, didn't we agree to a draw?"

"Tch."

Ashe ignored the sudden argument between Sanji and Zoro, the former lecturing the other about showing a lady proper respect. It was only a step or two before she stood before the giant fishman and next to the ink covered person.

"Ho~, you humans just keep crawling out from your burrows. I really should hire a pest controller. Who are you?" With a towering presence, the fishman looked down upon Ashe with a gaze of disgust.

Arms crossed over her chest; she meets his eyes with a calm demeanor. "Just a traveling alchemist. I take it you're Arlong?"

"I am, what do you want?"

"No."

Both Ashe and Arlong tilt toward the figure clad in black ink before Ashe spoke up, "Excuse me?"

The figure's arm reached up and began poking at his nose with a pinky, nonchalant and stoic. "I was here first. I'm gonna kick his butt. Go find your own pirate to beat up."

Silence reigned for a moment, broken only by the sigh of a swordsman and snicker of a chef. "…Wait, I recognize that voice. Luffy…are you stuck in the ground?"

A stiff nod with a grumble, "Mm, go beat up someone else, he's mine."

The urge to facepalm was strong, but Ashe settled for a deep exhale at the audacity of the man. "I am not here to beat him up. I just need to ask him a question."

Luffy perked up with a grin, "Oh! Should have just said that earlier, its rude to keep people waiting." His palm clapped onto her back with a laugh.

"…Not yet at least."

"Oi."

A deep and thunderous laughter rolled out in amusement, "Sha-hahaha! Interesting! You come before me to ask a question? You do know who I am, don't you? Very well, I am a most gracious host, and welcome your question. Never let it be said I am…impolite…to humans."

The formal sarcasm rolled off her tongue, "How generous of you. Where can I find Captain Nezumi?"

"Hoh, Nezumi? Knowing that coward, he's probably hiding in the cove behind us, waiting to…conclude our…mutual agreement." It was then Arlong stiffened for a moment, eyes sharpening as if realization begins to set in after a closer scrutiny of the woman before him. Sharp teeth glisten under the sun in a murderous glean, "I see…It was you…I can smell their blood upon you."

The tiniest of smiles slithered upon her lips, leaning forward to meet his murderous rage, out of view from the others before her. "Were you their 'brother' as well?"

Arlong's muscles tensed and bulged with a clawed, webbed hand. Raking forward to gorge out her heart, only to be caught on the wrist by an ink covered hand. The mirth and joy were gone from Luffy's face. "Oi. I said you're fighting me. Ashe, stop interfering."

With a nod, she relents and slowly paces away from the conflict to her new destination. "Aye, aye, he's all yours."

Sanji's valiant voice called from behind, "My Darling! If you're in trouble, just call for me and I shall rush to your aid as your heroic knight!" A shiver of disgust crawled up Ashe's spine at those words.

It dulled Ashe's senses long enough to miss the cold and alert gaze upon her back, a tensed hand tight on the sheath of a katana, poised to draw within a flash.

Crashing water drowned out the sound of Ashe opening the wooden gate toward the cove. Signaling the renewed sounds of battle in the plaza. Once she's done taking care of her business, she will return to see the results. For now, Ashe believes they can handle themselves.

Hopefully.

The soft crunch of sand beneath her boots and soothing waves of ocean waters gave her pause momentarily. Surveying the cove and easily finding a rowboat moored upon the beach. Fresh footprints lead only a small distance away, an easily noticeable cave with flickering shadows.

Ashe's steps quicken in rhythm to the cave, securing her backpack and goggles properly at the entrance. Joyful laughs echo through the damp cave, along with the clink of coins and fluttering of papers.

Beri.

Whispering to herself, "Found you."

Delving further into the depths, cold water drips from the stalactites on the ceiling, pelting her smooth skin periodically. On occasion, a strange smell would linger, but it disperses just as quickly. It was then the voices became more tangible.

"We did it, Captain! We'll be able to retire early with this amount!"

"I can't believe it was so easy. We'd never earn this amount working for the Marines in our entire lives."

"Right? Working and being treated like dirt, just to get paid in peanuts. You definitely made the smart choice, Captain." Boisterous laughter rumbles through the cave in greed. One henchman held a torch, safely away for extra light.

"Now, now, simmer down, boys. We are respectable men, and we made an agreement with…Arlong after all. He will, of course, be paid with his share of the loot." The haughty and slimy voice reverberated through the cavern as Ashe approached. A small squad of Marines huddled around a sturdy chest, the sunlight illuminating just enough to expose the cunning grin. "But…if we just so happened to…miscount the total…Well…that would just be a shame now, wouldn't it? After all, no one really knows how much is here, except us, honorable gentlemen."

Another thunderous laughter erupts in cheers, bragging about their wise Captain. Feeling sick to her stomach, it was difficult to prevent the grinding of teeth and snarl upon her face. It was plain to see who her target was. The flamboyant white coat of the Marines with the emblem of 'Captain' proudly on display. "Captain Nezumi."

The laughter ceases to exist as their spines straighten, hands reaching for sabers and rifles at the unknown voice to them, but a small wave from their captain causes the lower ranks to relent. "Yes, I am Captain Nezumi." Tall, lanky, aged with some wrinkles, beady eyes, and his mustache sprouting like whiskers, he truly looked like a rat. "You'll have to…forgive my men, they can be quite…protective. But I must apologize, I am afraid I've never seen you before. Who might you be?"

Quiet and unresponsive, Ashe stalks up to the squad, their gazes following her every move. Reaching the sturdy chest, she kneels to casually grasp a handful of Beri. "Is this all of it? The 100 million."

Nezumi tensed as Ashe rummaged through the currency. "Yes, it is. I must insist again. Who are you? Did Arlong send you to collect for him?"

Scanning over the Beri, the paper notes were covered in dried blood, the coins in her hand felt heavy. The burden and weight behind this money…it was substantial. Ashe let the funds trickle from her palm, yet the burden lingered. Closing the chest, she latches it safely before standing. "Yes, I am here to collect."

Pausing and resisting the urge to click his tongue, Nezumi grit his teeth in frustration. "I see…I was unaware Arlong had more…human business partners. Now, shall we get down to business and sorting out our portions of the money—"

"You misunderstand." Cool, collected, yet coiled with venom in her words. "I never said I was here to collect the Beri."

The corrupted Marines tense and become guarded, Nezumi cleared his throat in confusion. "Oh? Well, do enlighten me. What is it you are here to collect?" A hidden signal behind his back, commanding his troops to ready their weapons.

"Your lives."

In a flurry of motion, Ashe's left leg thrusts the heavy chest back, slamming it into Nezumi's knees in a topple. "Kill her!"

"Captain!" Though they were out of shape and not up to standard, they were still Marines. Four troops, probably his most loyal, drew their weapons. Two with sabers charging forward, the other two retreated, one with a rifle, as the other holding the torch pulled out a pistol.

Rather, he tried.

There was a glint of a steel blade before a gurgling sound escaped his lips. A warm liquid, flooding down his chest, unable to breathe. The strength was sapped from the Marine as the torch slipped from his grasp, crashing to the ground.

With a thud, the first of the fallen Marines lies upon his side, next to the flickering and dying torch. Life fading away, the last view of his existence, was his comrades charging and rushing the woman. He tried to scream. To yell and warn them at what he saw, yet his body refused.

The Marines' shadows rushed at the woman's, but it was not a normal shade. No, what he saw was something else entirely. Perhaps it was a trick of the torch, a mutation from the misshapen cavern walls, but that was no human shadow.

More akin to a beast.

With his vision blurring, his brother-in-arms struck the shadow, incomplete as it was. A desperate shot, ricocheting from the slimy, wet walls, followed by an inhuman gurgle. One claw like appendage, picking off his greedy friends, their cries of pain accompanying him in his descent to madness.

Till she alone remained with his Captain. In only a few seconds, the Marine and his companions were taken out like common fodder. Though his Captain was holding his own with his cutlass, he was blind to the situation. It was not her claw, her dagger, that was the danger.

No.

There behind her shadow, hidden from the plain view, was something dark. Another appendage, coiled, and poised to take the life of his Captain.