Many stories are of heros or of great deeds. Many stories start with the birth or death of someone. In this case it is far less poetic. This is the story of a crude, unorthodoxed and borderline dysfunctional band of merry misfits, scallywags and privateers. A tale of highs and lows as the romance of their adventure through this grand world leaving wakes of change as they go. OUr tale begins in a bustling small town known as the "town of contradiction". Its location is at the base of reverse mountain and the mouth of the grand line.

Its contradiction comes from its two main routes. On the one hand you have youthful and dreamy eyed rookies setting off for the grand line still filled with all of their hopes. The second are those that have been scuffed by the grand line. Their spirits are broken down. Both are polar opposites of each other. Many shops have been built around the massive lighthouse. Most are trying to sell supplies to the new rookies setting out for adventure. Log post are one of the most common accommodations that are sold (often at bloated prices). Things like food, water and rope are also common things here as well. Some are scam artists trying to pass off false logposts as real ones.

Of course as any town with plenty of pirates there is are taverns aplenty. In the largest tavern, The Rusty Wench, two strange individuals sit at a long table by themselves. The first is a young girl looking to be only in her early 20's with blazing red hair with white blond highlights. Her eyes a brilliant aqua green. Her pointed ears stick out some but not more than her massive collar and thick orange gloves. On her right arm is a skull and bones tattoo of some kind. She stands at an unimpressuve and average height for a human girl. Beside her however is a strangely dressed bullshark fishman. He stands taller than most human men and his scars from head to toe. He wears traditional japanese kimono with a massive katana at his side.

While the girl is warm and inviting the shark beside her is overly intimidating and off putting. A piece of white cloth behing held by several heavy glass beer mugs hangs over the front of the long table. Poorly written on the massive white cloth reads as follows

"Pirate Crew Sign ups. Beware, adventure and danger aplenty. Faint of heart need not apply."

---

“How long has it been now, Marxo?” he asked his companion, dragging the unconscious body of a pirate hunter by the collar. “Since we’ve eaten?”

His stomach growled, deep and ravenous. The sea had not been kind to them and they had long since emptied the rations. Was it four or five months? Perhaps six or seven. Time escaped him now. His stomach was his clock; every minute, every second that a meaningless noise rumbled from it he felt an infinite amount of time pass.

As he approached the tavern with steady steps, he pushed open the door and let the pirate fall from his grip. Drunkards, skeezers, and questionable figures rested inside the dim shack. But he could care less for them. His only ambition was doing damage to the marines in any way possible. He and his companion had come to terms with each other’s ambitions. It was mutual agreement to travel together.

As he took a seat at an empty table, next to a fishmen and pointy-eared woman, Nabil raised his hand up lazily for the barmaid to take his order. Slow at first, the blue-haired woman approached with a casual rudeness.

“Welcome to the Rusty Wench, how may I help you two gentlemen?” she asked, bored.

“Bread. Lots and lots of bread. How about you, Marxo?”

"Heheh, Grand Line here I come!"

Chuckling quietly to herself, a small girl admired her latest spoils from beneath a long table. She knew she needed one of these to navigate the treacherous seas of the Grand Line, but she didn't expect it would be so easy to steal! So this was a Log Pose, huh? It seemed a lot smaller than she thought it would be... Not that she minded, as that made it all the easier to take! She had to thank the sharkman sitting at the table she hid under; after all, if that merchant hadn't turned his head in fear when he entered, she would've had to figure out some other way to divert his attention whilst she swiped it.

"Ah... A perfect fit, too!" Strapping the Log Pose to her ankle, the thief chuckled once more as she gave it a polish. "Now... How did this work again..."

Polly Roger didn't seem all that concerned about wearing stolen goods so blatantly. After all, she was hidden right now, and even if the merchant noticed that some of his goods were missing would he really want to check under a table occupied by that scary looking sharkman and his female companion? No, Polly felt safe here. She'd learned from experience that it was always good to have someone big and scary to hide behind after a heist.

"E-Excuse me, w-would you please try my ale?...Sir?...Ma'am?...Anyone?..." Amelia quietly called out to the random people who walked by her little stand, lined up with wooden mugs filled with her self made ale. The wooden sign above her claimed that she was selling the first mug of ale for free, then they would have to pay 900 for a second mug, which was a high price for the average ale, but since Amelia's was far from average then it is worth every beli. Her head slumped down in defeat realizing none them were listening or even took a glance at her poorly crafted stand. I just really need the money... She thought to herself in silence. The money she needed was to continue her travels, she was even desperate enough to charge the first drink for free in hope to get the attention of the people, but so far none of them bite. They most likely thought she was a scammer or something.

She was set up a few meters away from 'The Rusty Wench' and watched two men enter inside the large tavern with a frown on her face. "It's not fair...that place has cheap drinks..." She muttered to herself as she just stood by her stand with a smile now, continuing to try her luck in getting someone to acknowledge her brew.

Sitting next to Nikko Able scanned the tavern patrons one by one. Nikko and Able needed a crew put together to travel through the Grandline. Yet as he scanned the faces of these patrons he does not see many who would be good crew material. He saw a few who looked like they got some experience on their backs but you can tell they are broken. To be broken just by Grandline must mean they could not handle the challenges this unknown world has. Growing up in the Wano Kingdom Able knew of the challenges in the New World, and it was not until he visited the Grandline is when he finally learned why many call it Paradise. Able has only been in the Grandline a few times so he was curious what could of broken these men.

Suddenly he see's two men enter, one carrying the other on his back. Both seem to be looking at Nikko and Able, more specifically Able. That is not too surprising seeing he is a Fishman, a large Fishman at that.His appearance has caused great fear in the one of the four blues he and Nikko ended up in a while back. Here though he is surprised it has not caused anyone to fight him, he guess its because they are too scared to approach him. He finally decides to hide his ignorance. "Nikko I do believe I found our first member" Able says grabbing one of his beer mug and downs it, then he slams the empty mug down onto the table, not to hard but enough for a shock for the thief under his table "Come out from under there girl. I saw you earlier at the store with the Log Posts" He said it loud enough for Polly to hear but not loud enough for others to hear other then Nikko. Of course the mug slamming would grab some attention.

Ahio

The young man known only as Ahio walked through the streets of the bustling town. He had arrived here only a few days before but hadn’t found anybody of interest in his wonderings. A few dejected pirates whom had visited the Grand Line sat about in bars, on the streets, and even portside. All bore the same look on their face; vacant eyes staring off into the distance as if broken. They pissed him off for they had given up on their dreams. The Grand Line may very well have broken them but a lot of things will break a person in their lives and it requires a strong man to pull themselves back together afterwards. Ahio’s was running low on beri since he had gotten in this town though so he was stuck to wandering the streets and seeing the wretches sitting around. How disgraceful of him to spend his money on a subpar piece of meat.

Having woken at the break of dawn, Ahio had almost constantly been wandering and this had woken a great thirst in his throat which he could only describe as akin to a fire burning freely. But, being short on beris meant he couldn’t just go about buying all the booze he could possibly want. Luckily there was a stand nearby which seemed to be selling beer, or that is what Ahio believed it to be. ’First mug free, second mug 900.’ said the sign sitting above the sign as the swordsman approached. ”Free beer huh? Well ain’t it my lucky day. So, is this a scam or what girl? Free beer just seems a little too good to be true ya’ know.” Ahio stated as he looked into one of the mugs. For sure there was beer in there but it could be poison as far as he knew. Then again, it could just be an actual attempt at getting people to try the beer. But, paying 900 was a bit excessive for a single mug of beer when the bar right next to the stand, ‘The Rusty Wench’ it was called, was selling cheeper beer which was probably mixed with water anyway.

@Animal

The young woman now identified as Nikko sits rather still at the end of the table. Her hair falls over her hand that holds up her head. Letting out a sigh she shows an expression of extreme boredom. Glancing around the room she didn't feel like anyone was spectacular yet. There was the girl hiding underneath the table. Her skills were impressive. She saw her going to hide under the table but she did it so skillfully that she didn't really have the heart to call her out on it. Two more mean looking men walk in. The two appeared to be a duo of some kind. They were obviously a few notches above the average joes that fill the tavern.

She doesn't even turn her head when Able mentions the girl under the table. Neither does she flinch when he slams the mug on the table. This was getting boring. She wasn't into borning. She is a pirate god damnit. Clenching her fist she leans back from the table but reamins in her seat.

"Hey girl...don't move." She said quietly but then flipped the long table with one hand. As the table was mid flip she kicked it so it flew up into the ceiling with the legs planting squarely and sticking it in. Now a table hangs upside down above where it once was. The banner she had painted with enthusiasm only 20 minutes ago falls to the floor. The empty glass mugs they had been drinking, with the exception to the one in her hand, flew across the room and hit a few random people. Polly is now revealed crouched under where the table once was. She downs the drink she had and then throws it with a flick of the wrist against the wall behind her.

"HEY!" She bellows far louder than one would expect as she nimbly jumps from the chair to her feet. "This bar is filled with nothing but looser weaklings that don't have the guts to be a shit stain at the ass crack of the grand line!" She points her hand out and indicates to everyone in the bar with the exception of Polly and Able. "If any of you are worth half of a barnicle's left ass cheek then come prove me wrong." A smile crosses her face as she saw every eye in the bar on her. She webs her gloved fingers together and then cracks them all as she steps forward.

The first man stupid enough to give into the taunt rushes her from the side but he doesn't even get close as she makes a lighting fast jab into his jaw and sent him flying across the room.

"Whose the next dickless coward dumb enough to take up my offer?"

---

Nabil leaned back in his chair and shrugged his shoulders at Marxo’s question. He had noticed them when they walked in but honestly hadn't cared enough to measure them up. Odd? he pondered. Were they odd because they were a fishman and a woman with pointed-ears? No, it was for sure the dangerous air they let off. The two of them were veterans of the sea. And it simply showed itself around them.

Hot air whirled from the ceiling fan above. The shack was filled with so many vagrants that their sweat, heat, had literally saturated the air. Nabil sighed with irritation next, his hand raising to rub his next in sync with the woman’s actions.

“Shit, they’ll be more trouble than they’re worth. That’s for damn sure,” he said indifferent, blinking while the table had slammed into the roof.

Behind him the woman barked her challenge to the dumb oafs around Marxo and himself. When they felt the need to answer, the first was sent flying with a jaw-cracking blow. Nabil looked towards the fearful waitress in the dark corner, hiding from the chaos. The dirty scum occupying the shack charged forth to fight the obnoxious woman from before. He caught the maid attention with a small gesture before waving her over. Beckoning her to continue her duties admist the fight.

She shook her head in defiance.

“Damned woman is too scared to delivered our food.”

Able sighed as Nikko threw the table. They have not been there long and already she is causing trouble. After she dealt with the first idiot who ran at her Able stands up and says "You seem to control over the situation. I am going to step outside for some clean air, do not cause too much damage if you can" He begins to walk away and comes across one of the waitresses, he hands her a bag of Beli "This should cover the drinks and the table, I advice to stay away from her" He is referring to Nikko. He walk past Nabil and Marxo ignoring Marxo about female hormones. It was a tab bit childish in his eyes,

He walks outside and see a stand for a free beer,interesting. He approaches the stand and a stranger who is talking to the lady about her advertisement. Able made sure to fix his Kimono so it covers up the bandages wrapped around his chest. Once he gets to the stand he says " Good day I would like to try one of your specialty brews today."

Amelia watched people walking by her stand for a good couple of minutes before she turned her head glancing at a particular young man approaching her stand. After she saw the look on the man's face, she let out a small gasp and smiled, thinking her prayers have been answered. She could easily recognize the face of a thirsty customer, having worked in her father's tavern for many years. She turned to the man and politely bowed at him before speaking. "Why hello there sir! It is indeed your lucky day as you get to be the first person to taste my glorious self-made brew! It is not a scam I promise you that! My brew is one of a kind! Please try one! You will see that it is worth every beli!" She offered trying the best she can to get this man to try her ale. She wasn't exactly the best saleswoman, telling someone they were going to be the first to drink this mysterious beer wasn't the best thing to say. However, Amelia had the face of a honest person and her words were sincere.

It was not even a minute and she already had another customer. Has the gods shined down on Amelia? Regardless, she instantly turned to the second voice that called out to her, only to lay eyes on a rather intimidating fishman overshadowing her this time. "Eek!" She let out. It was her first time seeing a fishman and it gave her quite the scare, but she swiftly recollected herself trying not to be rude. She quickly bowed to the fishman in a apologetic manner, still a bit startled by his appearance. "Oh my! A fishman! I've heard stories about merfolk, but never once have I met one in person! Forgive me for my outburst sir. But yes, you may try out one of my self-made brews! As I was telling this gentleman here, it is a one of a kind! Please, try one!" She cheerfully stated and picked up a mug with both hands offering it to the large fishman. A small smile went across her face as the fishman would see she was not comfortable being so close to a big strong fishman like himself.

@Invisible@Boss Muffin

Polly almost jumped out of her skin as the sharkman slammed the table. He'd noticed her? Well, thinking about it he probably saw her duck under the table earlier... She'd been sure both his and his female companion's attentions were diverted when she did so, though, but apparently they were more perceptive than she gave them credit for. Well, all she could do right now is just pop her head out from under the table and introducer herse-

...Oh, the girl had just flipped the table. And then... Kicked it so hard that it was now currently embedded in the tavern's ceiling. No use in hiding anymore, the thief though, This woman is clearly a psychopath.

The pointy-eared woman clearly had anger issues, at least. Of course, Polly knew fine well what anger you into: a schmuck. Not only that, but she seemed like a strong schmuck. And she seemed to be gathering a pirate crew, which meant only one thing... She was headed for the Grand Line. And since this suited her needs rather well, Polly figured it might be a good idea to take up the sharkman's offer of being their first crewmate...

"I don't even have one of those, captain!" Faking a smile and saluting, Polly responded to the pointy-eared girl's taunt as her mind groaned at her. That's the angle you're going for, Polly? Eeesh, I know it's hard to work under pressure, but still... It seemed like she wasn't the only one with interest in this woman, however, as two men had approached the debris where once stood a table; one with black hair and one with white hair. And as soon as the white haired one opened his mouth, Polly could tell she wasn't going to get along with him. Geez, what a jackass! She didn't even want to dignify him with a verbal response, so instead the diminuative thief backed behind the pointy-eared girl and stuck her tongue out at white-hair.

"Order up!" a young girl calls out, sliding the most recent dish across the half-wall separating the kitchen from the bar. An simple, yet exquisite dish, citrus salmon with a hint of mint. The portions were large enough for the average, working man, and worth every beri.

"Hey Nyxie, how long ya here for this time?" one of the waitresses inquires as she leans on the half-wall, chewing a piece of gum quite noisily.

"Hmm?" Nyx turns her good ear towards her co-worker, tearing her gaze from the skillet. "Didn't quite catch that, May baby."

"I says, when are ya leavin' us? You been in port almos' a week, usually ya not here that damn long."

"Well, we had a casualty to the ship on our way in, hit a rock or some such. Big ole hole, should be patched in a month or so." the young chef grabs a plate, neatly scooping the sauteed meat onto it and arranging a few slices of lime around the pork as garnish.

"You poor dear, I know how much you hate being stuck with us landlubbers and all.." the girl takes the dish, hips swaying as she walks away to deliver it. She soon comes back, shaking her head, still holding the food. "Nyxie, some young, neurotic brats are tearing up the place again. Not even drunk by the smells of 'em. You know you're the only one of us that can really defend herself.. Help us out, yeah?"

Nyx pauses in her prepping, smiling to herself. "It's been much too long since I've smelled blood.." then, to her friend, "I'll be out in just a moment, dear. Can you try to limit the damage in the meantime?" Nyx sets her prep work aside, wiping her hands on a nearby dishrag and turning off the stove. She makes her way to the bar, weaving around tables to see the cause of the commotion. She spots one of their newest workers rooted to the spot, with two dishes in her hands. Nyx gently plucks the pork and salmon orders yet to be delivered from her hands, approaching two men that seemed to be getting riled up by another duo across the room. "Excuse me, gentlemen.. Did you order the ginger pork tenderloin, with a side of salad? And triple citrus glazed salmon with fries?"

Nikkai braces herself as another person comes at her. In fact there were three of them. Aiming carefully she knocks the one into the other two sending them all back. Most of the men in the bar had gotten the clue that they probably shouldn't attack her. However this was also growing boring and quick. The initial reason behind her outburst wasn't simply to pick a fight but to coax out those who weren't just weaklings. If someone could take her punch and stay standing then it would be a sign they might not die before they reach their first island.

She turns her head over to the white haired man who said some sexist something or another. She hardly listened. However she did take note that he was one of the few in this tavern that wasn't pretty much useless. Then she heard the little bird girl call her 'captain' and it made her feel strangely happy with that. Even in her time with Able he never called her captain. Though to be fair it was just the two of them so it would sound like it was making fun of her. Captain of two. But hopefully after today she will have a crew.

"Of course you don't little one." She says patting her on her head. "I like you. If you want to join our crew I'd be more than happy to have you there." She gives her a quick smile and then turns back to the crowd. This time her smile seems more devilish. "As for the rest of you I'd have to be convinced any of you would be wroth the boot space on my ship." She looks over at the two that still haven't gotten up from their table. Either they were not easily rattled or perhaps they simply didn't feel the need to fight. Either way it probably meant they were strong.

Walking briskly over to them through the crowd of people she pulls up a chair...er rather took it from someone still sitting in it. She also took a bottle of rum off of an adjacent table before sitting between the two. She sits casually as if there was no intention of fighting but their instincts would tell them otherwise. She takes her gloved hand and pulls the cork out of the rum bottle and flicks it out of sight and out of mind. Taking a swig she leans back in her chair balancing it on two legs and props up her feet on the table.

"Sooooo..." she starts with an intentionally annoying and elongated tone. ".. I take it the two of you aren't newbies to the grand line are ya?" she keeps her gaze between them so they were both in their peripheral vision. "Lets cut to the chase. I'm looking for a crew. I was hoping that my taunting would prompt some kind of reaction. I was wrong. The two of you smell like blood and violence. I like that. But before I ever extend you an offer you can't refuse I'd like to see what the two of you are made of." Tilting back the rum bottle she finishes it and then slams it on the table.

Ahio

”Not a scam.” were the only words which Ahio needed to hear before his face nearly morphed into the literal representation of glee. He was so ecstatic to hear those words and get to drink something which didn’t taste like pisswater and salt. In fact, he was happy to drink something which wasn’t served by somebody who looked like they had given up on life. Ahio reached for a mug but stopped halfway there before looking the at the large fishman standing nearby. He was a big man, or is it better to call them a fish, either way Ahio questioned what such a person was doing in a town like this. He didn’t seem like some dejected nobody who had failed going to the Grand Line nor did he seem like some new kid who was looking to join somebody’s crew. Either way, Ahio decided it was best not to question it and grabbed the wooden mug.

Almost as if to throw up a big middle finger at Ahio, the mug burst into flames lighting the alcohol in the process. The sheer anger Ahio seemed to be emitting would have been enough to scare anybody who was actually paying attention as the threw the mug down the street, still on fire of course. Before Ahio realized what was going, a spark of electricity traveled up and down his blades creating a nearly inaudible crackling sound. Calm yourself, anger only makes it more difficult to control. Ahio told himself as he stood still for a few seconds, as plain as a statue. Then, the idea popped in his head to pass it off as all part of his plan. ”The proves it, it is most definitely alcohol. If it was water it wouldn’t have burned. Sorry about the mug though lady, it was just sort of collateral. Here, take this as payment for the mug” Ahio said as he handed over a hundred and fifty beri. The metal coins of the beri sparked with small burst of electricity as he placed the on the stand, as careful as possible as to not catch it on fire as well.

@Animal @Boss Muffin

Walking through the town was a rather peculiar sight, well, not for this world. A rather short man with deathly pale skin with a cloak that seemed to be worn out and ancient, as if he were a timeless traveler. Some made way for him as he walked down the streets, his slanted crimson eyes looking as people avoided him like the plague, all the while wondering: "...I-I don't smell that bad, do I? I washed this coat yesterday..." And, it was true. His dirty looking coat did indeed smell of fabric softener and lavender, if ever so slightly.

A little girl he passed by hugged her mother's leg, while he felt a tinge of pain in his throat. "M-M-M-Maybe I'm just cr-cr-creepy," he pondered, before dissapearing down an alleyway, to go crouch in a corner, dejected from his lack of social skills. The short doctor would spend a good half an hour there, finding a rather hungry looking cat to pet, before going off to replenish his supply of vodka. Worked fairly well as a cheap disinfectant, albeit a painful one. Nearly walking past a woman who appeared to be giving out single pitchers of ale for free, he stopped on his heel, hood and mask still covering most of his face as he asked: "...What p-proof is your alcohol?" as he looked judgingly at the ale, barely picking up his stutter fast enough to make it hard to hear. "Please don't think I'm creepy..." he pleaded mentally, accidentally glaring at the pink haired lady as he waited for her response.

Looking over to the other person who was there, a fishman, he noticed something very faint and very quick. Maybe it was the slight delay one might have when reacting with an injured body part, or the distinct scent of bandages over a bloodied wound, but he felt compelled to ask: "A-A-Are you injured? I'ma-a-a doctor," as he jittered nervously. This fish man was big, and RIPPED. And had a sword. Maybe he should have shut up and taken the free alcohol. "PLEASE DON'T THINK I'M CREEPY!"he mentally shouted, staring at the fish-man with accidentally intense eyes.

@Animal@Invisible@The Irish Tree

Able was not surprised at Amelia's reaction, their is not many fishmen around this area. Still he could not help but laugh at her apology. Not a lot of people will bow down to a fishman. "You apology is accepted and appreciated. However it is also unnecessary as not many fishmen live around here and I do not expect anyone to have a normal response to my race." He grabs the mug and takes a brief sniff, it does smell of alcohol and lacks the typical smell of poison. He did not expect poison but you can never be to sure. The aroma smells really good and his mouth starts to water in anticipation.

As he puts the mug to his lips he notices Ahio mug catching on fire. He could tell he is a devil fruit user.Judging by his body language it seems like it was unintentional, maybe he had no control over his powers yet. Able made note of this however he has this great smelling brew to drink. He begins to take a sip and suddenly others can see what looks like a small pause.Then suddenly he downs the brew in seconds he slams the mug down to show his approval of the brew. "By the seas I have not ever tasted such a exceptional brew, what it is I have to know, in fact I would like two more!" He was not able to hold back his excitement the brew brought up great joy seeing he has been drinking nothing but what he can only describe as piss water.

He put 1800 Beli onto the table, then notices Leonard. The first thing Able took note of was his sheepish body language. This could be because a 9 foot tall fishman shark is standing in the middle of the street. Leonard does not seem hostile so when he asked about Able bandages. Able only smiled and said "Thank you for the offer however I am not injured." Which is true, the bandages are only hiding the Celestial Dragon branding on his left chest. Hmm a doctor huh we could use one for the crew. He then said "I do however know of someone who could use help from someone of your talents. Once I get my other two mugs we will go see her. You two should follow, defiantly you brew vendor because you may earn more money" The two he spoke of was Ahio, and Amelia.

---

Nabil had been patiently waiting for the new waitress to approach. In her hands was of course a foreign platter, an array of food that he hadn’t ordered but would surely take. A devious frown formed on his lips as Marxo explained him to a tee. It was quite ugly to deny him his food and was one of the quickest way to piss him off. He had once burned down an entire restaurant just for that same reason.

Now that I look back on that, I sorta regret it. They had some damn good casserole.

As the plates were placed on the shabby table, Nabil dug in unrestrained. His mouth full, he wholly ignored the obnoxious elven women. Though her words had gotten into his head, he had decided her offer was … uninspiring. Yea, that was the word he was thinking about. Once Marxo expressed some form of interest in her proposal, he glanced up at the man from his meal.

He wouldn’t attempt to stop him if he wished to join her. But at the same time, it would be saddening to lose someone he trusted. Friends like those were hard to come by.

Just after Marxo’s own question, Nabil sat back in his chair, laid an arm on the table, and stared at the woman with dead-pan eyes. “You’re not worth it. The trouble that is. Fighting you would only cause me to be sore in the morning. And you bed-ridden. I suggest you use your words and not your fist, girly. Showing off is no way to earn respect.”

@Ira@Yorutenchi@bmxbrat484@Rin