Restalaan

One Piece: The Devil's Due (Always Accepting!)

[ARC 2]

KUROZUMI HAKU

From afar, Haku wasted no time as he inched closer the ship. Avoiding all lines of sight that could’ve given him away.

Fingers found purchase in crevices of the rocks near the ship as he climbed down like a lizard, seemingly sticking to the surface as he edged closer.

All he was doing, was relying on his finger strength and balance to get him past this.

Slow breath came as he was now within jumping distance of the ship, with no one at the crow's nest.

He held his position like a statue, ignoring the slow-burning sensation as his body hung alongside the rocks and water droplets falling off him.

Motionless, still. Haku kept his breath steady, waiting for a single moment

Then it came, lightning struck across the skies, flashing everything and would’ve revealed himself if he had continued moving.

The moment it returned to darkness, Haku thigh muscles twitched and he leaped across to the ship like a tiger towards the ships mast.

In sync, thunderous noise roared following the lightning's path and echoed multiple times.

Because of that, no other pirates realized the smaller thudding noise on their main mast.

Using the momentum, Haku spun once and then twice as he let go, grabbing onto the riggings then quickly dropped down.
Everything happened in less than a few seconds, and he immediately got to work.

Making a knife hand, it blurred towards a pirate that was about to turned towards him and struck his neck. Right at the artillery to slowed the flow of oxygen. Transitioning to a sharp palm slap to the chin, it sent the force right to the brain and shut the consciousness down.

Arms shot forward and he hugged closely to the pirate, spun and laid him down on the ground in one smooth motion to prevent any noise despite the rain. No need to take the risk.

One down. Haku looked to the next target, moving like a ghost. Aiming to disable all of them before binding them.

Those on the top of the deck on watch, came to a weird realization as a precise blow struck on their neck. Severing their consciousness as they went into the deep embrace of sleep.

Once done on top, Haku looked around as he took a small knife, cut the rigging easily before using it to bind them.

A moment later, he moved towards the deck, and kicked the rudder chain off before moving inside.

—

Once inside, he approached more carefully despite the water dripping off him.

It wasn’t too unusual, but it wouldn’t last long.

Eyes scanned around as he forgo stealth and focused on speed by moving through the narrow passage quickly.

So far, it seemed the skeleton crew was all above and busy.

If luck holds, it’ll just be the hostage only. If not-

Hearing something at the edge of his ears, he moved quickly before reaching the door of the cargo hold.

Pressing his ears and extending his sense, the best he can do was feel that there was someone behind it.

No other choice then. Haku pushed the door slowly at first to prevent any sound. Fingers went to the throwing darts attached to his back and switched to the blunt side first

But once it was free, Haku flung it open in a burst of speed.

Eyes swung around the area and his main attention came to the only man standing in the hold.

Hands shot out as his throwing dart was aimed directly at the neck and Haku closed immediately. Aiming to incapacitate the pirate by tackling him to the ground. Hands already ready to throw another dart if needed.

Teen Titans: Ouroboros

Körbl Meier

Name: Körbl Meier

Known Aliases: Mr. Körbl

Appearance: A man blonde hair man in his early twenties. Standing at 181 cm with a wiry but incredibly toned body. Wearing an old duster that had been with him but usually dressed in a simple grey long-sleeved t-shirt, blue long pants and sandals. Also often sporting biting on a toothpick.

Age: 20

Gender: Male

Race:Demi-god, multiple generations down the line (Ares)

Alignment:Neutral

Mentor: Stephan Meier, Former Grandmaster of the Meier Sword Style.

Skills, Talents and Learning:

Swordsmanship (Master, Newly Minted): Körbl was the youngest student to reach the master rank of a swordsman. Letting him be capable of wielding the small humble messer, to the two handed ones. Epees, falchion, rapier, zweihanders.

Demi-god constitution: Körbl body is much tougher, faster and stronger than a normal human's and is capable of due to his heritage. Still in his youth, it'll take a while for him to fully mature and gain the strength that befits a demi-god of the Olympians.

Weaknesses:

One trick pony: Believing and dedicating himself to the sword, Körbl can understand and learn every aspect related to the sword. It's a way of life for him. Outside of that, not much and to its detriments, he also forsake other weapons in the process.

Pride: Reaching the rank master of a young age of 20, has done plenty of pride for him. The subsequent fall from grace did little to blunt it and only enhances other parts. Believing in the pride of a sword even more with nothing left to him.

Seeing red: While a patient man, it doesn't mean it's finite and once it's does boiled over, consequences are grave.

???:

Being a progeny of Ares means carrying parts of his strength but at the same time, the Divine can also influence Korbl both subtly and directly. And there are a lot Grudges that Ares carries or simply finding means to amuse himself.

Personality: A man of few words, Körbl often keeps to himself. Before the incident that lead him into the path of self-imposed exile, however, he was an easy going person. This especially can still be seen after a few drinks that can open him up. He's also very focused on his dedication to his craft of swordsmanship and is often traning outside of work.

Likes: Swords, reading, pottery and wood carving

Dislikes: Cowards, people who harms children, and smoking.

Background: Körbl Meier was born and raised in Germany, Dinkelsbühl, into a small family with him being the only son. An odd, perhaps fate or coincidence, the Meier family line was blessed with a wisp of power from gods, one that came from the Olympian line of the Infamous God Of War, Ares.

As one of the many offsprings sired by Ares, the Meier family origin benefited from this as their physical prowess was greatly improved and capabilities to recuperate from their wounds much faster. Nothing as fantastical as other villains or heroes that could outright regenerate a limb or were essentially immortal, the Meier in comparison was still able to recover much faster compared to normal humans and was considered a family famed for their strength.

This was what allowed his father to be a teacher of historical sword fighting techniques that managed to stay true to its roots for practical combat, and had seen some limited uses amongst the army for a way to suppress and restrain others. Körbl studied it from young by his watchful and earnest father, he took to it like fish to water. Even at a young age, his father paid close attention to Körbl so that one day, the latter can succeed him properly.

And Körbl thrived, he enjoyed every moment of learning the art of the sword, fighting and even war.

However niggling thought came to him as the years went by.

What was the point of the art dedicated to war without war?

This question gnawed at Körbl slowly but he pushed it to the back of his head. Yet, over the years, that question ate him inside out until it all came to a head where during a celebration after being crowned a Master of the Meier Sword style.

A few gangster had interrupted the celebrations and started causing a scene. Moving to try to diffuse it, Körbl had to calm things down between the gangsters with the owner, a man that had practically watched him grew up. To leave the premise peacefully.

Relatively, it should've been a minor incident but something urged the gangster to escalate. One in particular moved from words to guns as they pulled out a gun towards him first, squeezed the trigger before boasting they'll do the same to the store owner.

At that moment, after imbibing multiple highly alcoholic drinks, in the high of his career, dealing with a hopeless gang that seemed intent on starting problem before facing an actual life and death scenario, the world slowed to a crawl from his perspective.

Körbl felt something snap at that moment, as a voice echoed and resound within him. Shrieking and roaring hard enough that his vision went red and blurry that his body acted before his mind processed what had happened.

Long training honed into him since a boy, Körbl snapped a nearby steak knife and sliced the gangster in half. Neatly avoiding the rib bones, cutting only the spine and lungs in one fell swoop. The gangster in question was ,still clutching the gun and firing it off, didn't even realized that he was dead until the top half fell onto the ground uneceremoniously.

It took barely any effort for Körbl to end his life as the sweet overwhelming sensation of victory, triumph, and enjoyment was...liberating. Like he was born to do this.

Yet the moment it passed, he was confronted to horrific scene of a man half they used to be, the other gang members running away in terror, followed by patrons of the store. But what made it worse was the looks given by the owner and soul-crushingly, his father who had moved to intercept the gangster but was far too slow.

A deep sense of regret and shame filled him. He had unintentionally slain someone in cold blood, bad person or not, and felt that he had let himself, the art of sword and most of all, his own father down.

Panicking and feeling completely disgraced, Körbl fled the scene, with nothing but the clothes on his back and a sword. Which was strange since he don't remember ever carrying or attaching it to himself.

Nevertheless, he hitched a ride, first out of Germany, and then outside of Europe. Far away from his homeland. He didn't even felt clean that he was still in the same continent after his father, no doubt, saw him as a monster.

By the time he had come to terms with what he had done, he had snuck onboard illegally on a flight bound for America.

Homeless, a murderer and illegal immigrant. Körbl was resigned to his fate but the last thing he can do is to at least dedicate himself to Art of Sword so he'll never lose control like that ever again.

So with that in mind, he arrived into one particular city as a muscle for hire when the plane stopped. His plan was to aim for whatever odd jobs, bouncer or even less than legal activities. Though he stops at gang member activities due to his dislike of them.

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

@PaulHaynek@AzureKnight@Crowvette

Skarsneek of the Red Hill

"Hmm, feeling a lot better now." Skarsneek said as the fairy strained herself to do a final spell for the benefit of everyone. Not exactly wise since it'll just make her vulnerable.

Still, that it managed to affect the villagers was something he certainly isn't going to deny that it was helpful. Support was at least on their side for now.

Scooping the fairy gingerly with both of his hands before passing her to Shizuka.

"Here, she wanted you to carry her." Skarsneek nonplussed said as he packed his weapons together.

"Well, if you want to decorate using Varjan corpses, do it in front of their base. Scares and rattle them, after all, that's what they all say about us monsters anyways. So might as well take advantage of it." He placed a hand on Io shoulder at her comment.

"Just don't do it too often, otherwise they'll stop surrendering and start fighting to the death." Skarsneek pointed out after a moment of thought.

As they walked back, Skarsneek looked towards a certain direction for a moment before deciding against it. He just wants to go home.

---

Once he was back with everyone, Skarsneek waved lazily as towards Takeshi and...another person.

"Hey, you betcha! We took care of all the Varjan. Even bag this guy called Na'Kratz or something." Skarsneek played it off with a smile and a thumbs-up. "Ports open, and we can put the refugees over there. If they want to."

Hearing the back and forth, Skarsneek inclined his head at the sentiment of rest. "Yea, we'll need some time to rest. Sharpen ourselves and get some final preparations. Don't worry, if the Varjans didn't kill him on the spot, they won't be killing him anytime soon."

"Probably wanted to 'convince' him to join the Varjans. Not standard tactics but there's precedence. That's how they managed to grow so fast over the years too. So we got some time, they'll need to reorganized too since they lost the momentum." Skarsneek extrapolated further to Takeshi, giving him a slight insight to their enemies and calming him down.

Granted, he left out the details they might stop being sweet and start being really mean if Takeshi father kept being stubborn in resisting them.

Skarsneek however stopped one foot away from Reveul, looking at the man as he studied him up and down.

"Also, who are you?" Skarsneek asked with a raised brow, he don't recall meeting this person before.

Afterall, he definitely would've remembered. Considering this was a Varjan.

---

Gringor of the Ironhide Tribe

Patient. Gringor said in between strikes, missing the air as he slowly figured out what's going on.

"Don't worry, you get joke soon." Gringor swung his weapon once, then twice.

Well, as that monk said, does what he do best.

At the last moment once he got closed, Gringor swung his weapon horizontally in an obvious manner.

Only with one major difference, he let go at its apex.

The axe spun wildly, forcing the mercenary to either dodge or deflect.

That was a distraction, as Gringor swiftly charged forward and tackled the man in a crushing bear hug. Dragging the two down into the mud for a fistfight even as he landed a few jabs into the liver before landing into the solid ground.

Once there, Gringor tightened his grip and raised the mercenary in his grasp before slamming the latter down into the ground again.

On and on, he would continue the process until either the man succumbs or pass out.

Teen Titans: Ouroboros

How the hell do you slice someone in half with a knife? Did he take multiple swings until he got all the way through?

@Skwint

He's both that strong and skilled to do that, it's not an exaggeration when lots of heroes (And sometimes villains) pulls their punches on normal people. Korbl in this case didn't and ended up outright just cutting a man in half.

Teen Titans: Ouroboros

Editted, waiting for GM approval.

Teen Titans: Ouroboros

@Master Crim

I see, cause I was thinking of makimg a neutral character, so I was wondering in between large collab events, I would be crafting my own story that would eitger build into the next main story or expand my own characters story?

Or would you occasionally guide or put an update for these sidestories?

Teen Titans: Ouroboros

So just to check, we're free to make our own stories exploring the cities/underground so long it within reason during the downtime (Which I suppose also builds into the main story)?

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

Crap, was a little late in my posting. Sorry.

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

@PaulHaynek@AzureKnight@Crowvette

Skarsneek of the Red Hill

Its worked? Great Demon Lord, it worked. Skarsneek continued to held up high the helmet, even waving and shouting threateningly at the remaining Varjan that quickly turned tail.

He’ll loved to pursue them but as it is, securing the place was far more important. The stragglers will have to be moped up as bandits in the far future.

Hearing Ayu talked them up had him smiling despite the exhaustion and urge to just lay down as the headache grew.

Though his ears picked up the consequences of the monsters did jerked him up a bit as he considered it.

“Yea, but think on this, morale is low and they’ll need every bit of it.” Skarsneek pointed out to Shizuka quietly, “Also makes it easier to operate since they’re more likely to trust us.”

“I'm surprised they even kept him alive, Varjans aren't usually known for mercies. This is downright lenient compared to what they often” He replied to the topic though he had a few suspicion. "They must be trying to get him to turn by treating him well, or torturing him for information."

"Anyways, yea, let's head back," Skarsneek said to everyone. The raid turned out better than expected.

They might run into someone in the way back, but that'll depends on the task force. For Skarsneek, he was heading straight back.

---

Gringor of the Ironhide Tribe

Gringor raised his axe sideway with a smile, this one had a spine!

Also like that idiotic sneaky and annoying Gobbo, adjusting his swing, he utilized the far-reaching length for a sharp horizontal strike. Aimed for the wrist since it felt suspicious to Gringor. He'll then follow it up with another flurry of strikes. Taking a slightly cautious approach to this fight.

After all, he also wanted to appreciate this fight for a bit longer too. The camp fight was way too fast for his liking.

Besides, he also has yet to show this person his own funny joke.

One Piece: The Devil's Due (Always Accepting!)

[ARC 2]

KUROZUMI HAKU

The dark clouds rolled in, and throughout the town, Haku kept to the quiet areas as he looked through the place.

Once he spotted his quarry, he quickly approached the man quietly before flinging his arms once from out of sight.

—

Ryu Burnet, wherever he was, would soon receive a letter. One that flew towards him and stuck into a table, attached to an iron needle that would’ve easily be used for knitting rather than sewing.

Reading it, a simple message stated its intention and location.

Will be helping for the night but stay alert sir.

-H. Marine of the Kirin

—

In the dark depths of the forest, a blurred figure flitted past the trees almost like a wight as they blurred from one tree to another.

Haku eyes looked around as the storm was now beginning to pick up and winds interfered with his ears, barely able to pick up finer details as the entire forest shuddered.

Patrolling around the area outside of the village and expected zones, Haku landed in one of the shorter trees. Stout but wide enough for him to hide amongst it, and in this dark, he might as well be invisible.

Studying the path, it felt odd, they’ve should’ve been traces of something if the pirates planned to do something.

Then he noticed something, a fruit, alone a fallen tree log. It wouldn’t have barred a second look but Haku mind wondered idly as he looked around the forest.

Why is there a fruit out of nowhere, one that was far away from its trees?

Suspicion came and he moved closer with a leap, observing the area from above before his keen eyes noticed something.

There were a lot of tracks, and odder, it was the imprint of a person's lower body.

Someone was trapped here.

Using the branch as a foothold, he wrapped his legs and hung upside down like a bat sleeping as he took a closer gander.

He looked at the fallen log and to a set of lighter tracks, which came from the direction of the village.

Another one came.

This was where a third set of footprints came, with none of them going back to the village direction and instead headed in the opposite direction.

That struck his suspicion immensely as he trailed the tracks quickly. The rain would’ve erased everything so forgoing perfect stealth, he opted for speed instead.

Minutes passed as his surroundings blurred, his immense focus tunnel vision on the tracks as it felt like hours before he reached what looked to be a small harbor, an area that he had missed due to time constraint.

In the ever-darkening skies and light, it took a moment to recognized the tracks leads further and it didn’t take him long to realize what was going.

Moving to a higher ground, he finally caught sight of a familiar shape against the water. Being hidden almost perfectly in the dark, it would’ve missed his notice if Cadog hadn’t drilled him sufficiently.

Pirates.

His thoughts slowed as he took multiple deep breaths to steady himself for a moment of clarity. Only, then did he made his plan as he looked at the surroundings and back to the suspected area.

If there was a village that was kidnapped, then it’ll be imperative that he rescue them first.

But if he does that, then the pirates will no doubt range forward to the town for easy pickings and there’s a chance others might get hurt.

A choice came, and time was of the essence.

Haku steeled himself as he quickly moved away from the high ground

Using his outdoor skills, he quickly moved around and crafted simple traps. Logs and trees that stood normally but small vines at a level just above the feet, leading to people that simply walked into it having a rude surprise.

Small little holes that are meant more to suck people’s foot in, delaying them. Haku contemplated adding little wooden spikes into for further damage but that wasn’t his intention. It was a delaying action.

Just in time too, as the rain now begun to fell harshly. Now those little traps, hard to be seen on a moon light night was now invisible to all but the most competent ones.

Observing the first few pirates moving away as time crept on, Haku decided to make his move.

Cut off their way of escape, rescue the hostage and engage in a hunt.