Duel Sign Of The Time

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Nero vs. Dragomir





Synopsis: Valis is an impressive city with huge sweeping buildings made of white granite and wide cobblestone roads teeming with activity. Knights in shining full plate armor roam the streets maintaining public order and the people here go about their business with wide happy smiles. Cities landscape and large beautiful fountains create a relaxing atmosphere for the people.
Nero Appearance:

Stats

Level 56
56 × 5 = 280
Human Bonus: 10+10+10+15 in Str, Spd, Vit, M.A.
Strength: 71 + 10 = 81
Speed: 66 + 10 = 76 × 2 = 152
-Reaction: 71
-Movement: 81
Vitality: 61 + 10 = 71 × 2 = 142
-Stamina: 81
-Durability: 61
Haki: 41 x 2 = 82
-Armament Haki: 61
-Observation Haki(Precognition): 21
Martial Arts: 25.5 + 15= 40.5 × 2 = 81
-Ittoryu/Nitoryu: 81

Remaining Points: 2.5

~ Begin ~

Nero was walking on the main paved road with a girl. He was making his way to the guild of Valis city, looking at the many shops lining the street. Some shopkeepers greeted them warmly as they passed by, which the girl with him returned with a wave of her hand. Nero dressed in a black jacket that he kept unzipped, zipper tag and sequin details on the pockets. Underneath, he was wearing a steel gray shirt with skull prints. With black cropped trousers and black buckled boots with red soles along with a black glovelet on his left hand. And a sword on his back.

Nero raised his head and fixed his vacant gaze on the blazing fire ball reigning over the sky. he slowly opened his mouth to speak. "…Could you turn it down a bit?"

Frankly, Nero couldn't stand summer. And if there was anything that he loathed, it was the midsummer sun. The girl beside him giggled while pretending to be paying attention to the greetings from the shopkeepers. Nero turns around to look at her, Her cloth and hair were in perfect order, she dressed in a black shirt under a white one with a washed out lightening bolt print. With blue jeans and maroon boots with black laces, and naturally, there wasn't even a drop of perspiration on her face. She looked as cool and refreshed as if she lived in another world.

"It seems that even the midsummer sun is powerless against Kyouko Miyagi and her heart of ice."

"You're absolutely right. Everyone knows that only a prince's 'tender kiss' can melt a frozen heart," she replied, deflecting Nero sarcastic remark. Without saying another word, Nero let out a deep sigh that conveyed his annoyance.

Seeing how thoroughly she enjoyed this, to Nero she's just a girl who he met in loguetown and before he had realized it, she was his partner in this bounty hunting along with other two people had met in loguetown. However, He found himself unable to disregard Miyagi's meaningful attitude. The way she expressed herself hinted at some kind of certainty.

With her lips tapering as if she was sulking, Miyagi narrowed her eyes a little. "We can't extend our time here too much, but if the news is true about pirates coming in this town, it's fine if we spend some more time here. Things are better this way. Besides, Nero… it's not like you have anything better to do, right?"

Then again, while he could attempt to resist with what little pride he had, it was also true that he had little reason to oppose her. Indeed Miyagi has hit the bullseye by pointing out that he don't have anything better to do anyway.

Miyagi while glancing at Nero. He sighed and said, "Yeah, there doesn't seem to be anything I suppose to do, so why not?"
 
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Drago's Actions
Narration
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*Emphasis/Noise*

"Hey captain, I've arrived in Valis now," spoke a deep voice through to a den den mushi. "Good. Just do your mission for these several months. Bogard will reward good money for your services," the snail replied, and with a *ka-chup* it was off. "Hmph. Good money he says, I've already done a good service to him by eliminating those marine ships that followed his escort ship. Better give me a signing bonus for it," A lean, but toned figure with a green tank top and jean shorts walked across the tall and tiring stairs that laid the entrance to the Valis castle. It was a beautiful place really. Dazzling white granite walls. A green landscape covered by trees and grass filled the outside. They were neatly cut always sharp and not frizzy. Bogard makes good use of his tailors. Drago thought as he looked around.

Jesus Christ, this place is busy as hell. Shops and even more people around them, everywhere! The palace was always fluid with activity. People always got to see the royal family, thus attracting so many people all the time. Only this time, the royal family was kept shut in doors due to some random illness that was nothing more than a cover up for the scandalous action about to take place very soon.

The stairs now well behind Drago, he steadily approached these 2 giant pillars that were in front and an equally sized door, guarded by 5 knights.

"Halt!" spoke one of the guards. The shortest of the 5. His armor shined gold instead of the silver the rest wore. Keys jingled at his side. He must be the leader of this platoon. "Nobody is allowed inside for the royal family is sick and wish to not spread the disease."

Drago looked at him blankly. Not fazed by the boom of his voice and how it spread it's authority all over the courtyard. He only said one thing.

"P. A."

A frown rose across the leader's face. He looked thoughtful for a minute. And then, he seemed to have finally remembered something. "Ah, you must be the 'New Arrival'?"

Drago snorted. Still frustrated at the fact that this was his code name. New Arrival. Pft. Really couldn't come up with anything better. Drago simply nodded at the leader. Mr. Gold Knight in shining armor looked behind to the other guards and told them he'd be back. "Follow me." The leader didn't wait to see if Drago followed suit. He flew past him almost running. Down the stairs and into the courtyard. Drago had to jog at times to keep up. Man, what the fuck? How can someone in such a heavy, clanky suit move so damn fast?

They walked for across the grass and trees, making a very wide turn around the castle. The leader made constant looks around him as if trying to see if anybody was following. He finally slowed down and walked much slowing. It looked to Drago that they finally arrived to their destination. The leader stopped at a tall, wooden door. He took the keys at his side, and using one of them, opened the door. "Go in here and walk for a good 50 meters, take a right, keep going until you see the stairs and go up them. Their will be door which is locked. Knock on them and Bogard will open. Have a nice day." Immediately after that, he left at the same pace that he walked through the trees. Almost running.

"Well, this is gonna be fun," And with that. The green tank top, jean shorts, biker gloves, black boots, and a 1900s pilot hat on his head with big googles, man otherwise known as Drago walked inside.

@Oreki
 
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In valis, the guild member operating within the same area tended to know each other pretty well. In the event of new missions news, all the guild members in that district would be asked to come, that’s why. Those who had arrived early sipped on the cups of coffee handed out by the Association’s employee and shared cordial greetings with each other.

Nero looked around to while away the waiting time, he was leaning back on a chair in the guild of Valis. Waiting for certain someone while Miyagi sat at the chair in front of him reading a book for some reason. One would say this was a sluggish afternoon, members of guild teeming with activities. Looking at the clock, Nero noticed 30 minutes had passed but the one Nero was waiting for nowhere to be seen. The time that was spent unconsciously was still long. Although one could say Nero was feeling quite relaxed, that isn't exactly correct. Rather, it was because he was feeling stressful that he had to enter into a state of relaxation.

I'm getting sleepy now.

Thud
The sound of a book closing was heard, as Miyagi, who sat in front facing towards Nero, sighed and said, "How barren."

While she wasn't looking at Nero directly, it was clear she was speaking to him rather than to herself. Though Nero had no idea how to respond to her sudden comment. Anyway, he'll try asking. "When you plant two crops in the same field?"

"You're thinking of double cropping?" as soon she realized her mistake. She showed expression of annoyance, as she took a second try. "Wait was that a joke?"

"I know. Lame"

"Look, I am not in the moods of joke now"

"You were saying something about 'barren'."

"Yes, that. It's barren."

"What is?"

Miyagi looked firmly at Nero and then raised her right arm as though showing the whole room, "All this time we're spending here in this town. We don't seem to have any purpose or do anything productive at all."

"Well, meeting a guild member is part of our job. Is there something you want to do?" It was kind of a mean question, as not many people are aware of what they themselves would want to do when asked directly. By the way, Nero at least aware that he desires nothing.

"We're talking about the Valis city. So we should be doing something like hanging out in the new places in this city while we can. We can't just sit around and waste our time waiting for someone we don't even know."

"Like I was saying, we need to wait here. I can't go anywhere right now"

She gave Nero a blank look, then started to chuckle. She was a person that had intense changes in facial expressions. "That's true, so do you plan to spend your entire time in waiting?"

Just as Nero was about to reply to Miyagi. Then, the guild main door with increasingly worse rattling was opened with a creaking sound. Both Nero and Miyagi looked at the gate. There was a man in the white armor, It was clear he was a guard of the castle by the outfit. "Excuse me, I'm looking for a man named Nero, I heard he will be here"

"Argh, just when I was going to have an important conversation he just had to come."

"What do you mean?"

Miyagi gave a tired sigh. "I said something meaningless so please don't pursue it."

At her's statement, Nero gave a sigh and looked at that man in the white armor and says "That would be me"

Upon being told that, he comes forward to tell what exactly he wanted to say. "I apologize for the wait. I'm a member of the white knight of the valis castle. The man you had business with, he said to bring you to the main castle"

"Huh, is that so? I guess I'll go then"

Nero took a thoughtful pose, then looked back at the Miyagi. "Sorry, I have decided to go alone there... meet me at the main gate during the evening"

She stared at Nero with a strong gaze before breaking into a smile, "Such a troublesome person. I'll wait for you" a sweet voice comes out. Its owner spoke expressionlessly, with only the corners of her lips curling upwards a little bit

Nero left the guild with the man in the white armor to meet this unknown person. It didn't seem like he was interested in this job, but he also didn't have the reason to oppose this so he went along with the momentum.
 
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I really don't like this place. The dungeons disgusted Drago. He damn near ran through them, trying to ignore the awful stench it produced. Avoidng making side glances at the wall. Oh yes, the wall. It was very creepy indeed for it was lined with skeletons, whole skeletons, from head to toe, not a single bone missing from the human body. They were lined up vertically on a dark, stony surface. Rows of skeleton laid everyone, damn near not a speck of the wall was without them. Drago was unsure what they were for, decoration? Or maybe the remains of Bogard's kills? Whatever it was, they were creepy, very much so.

Drago halted and whipped his head back around to his right. Staring dead at the skeletons as if he they were making eye contact with him. "I could have fricking sworn that a head from these demons just moved," Drago's eyes frantically looked from left to right, trying to catch any movement. He was very scared, you could see it in his eyes. *CREEEEEEAAAAK* Drago nearly snapped his neck trying to look back behind him. He had his hands squared up and fists tighter than a knot. He was breathing profusely. Sweat dripped off his face even though it was not hot. It was actually very cold. Cold enough to see the breath of Drago's exhales. The noise he heard sounded like that of a door in haunted houses, but the door to the dungeon was closed shut. If it wasn't for the small window with 4 bars in between, no light would enter this hallway.

Even so, what was Drago so scared about? His eyes stared straight ahead into the dark eye sockets of a skeleton on the other side of the wall. It was like a staring contest. Drago stared at it, literally daring it to move. "I am not crazy. I am not crazy. I am not crazyyyy! I know damn well that something that was behind me moved!!!" Was Drago insane perhaps? For he was accusing another skeleton of movement which is impossible. Maybe it was the stench of the dungeon going to his head. Did I forget to mention how badly it smelled in here? It reeked of dead bodies. Reeked of someone, no many people, who haven't seen a goddamn bathroom in months. Think of the worst smelling aroma that you ever smelled and multiply it by 5. Even that would be an understatement.

Drago grimaced. Having lost his patience, he ran in the hallway at lightning speed. Walk, no RUN for 50 meters, take a right, find stairs and go up them and knock or something like, man I just don't give a damn!. Whatever the fuck that guard's directions were, I gotta get out of here!

While Drago ran at full speed, fearing for his life. Eyes moved in his direction. Something, no, somethings, was smiling. The stench of Drago's fear brought joy to them. But the peculiar thing is, the only thing with eyes and a mouth that can grin was Drago.
 
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Nero quickly arrived near where the castle was. The castle was bold on the blue beyond. Every stone was even and square as if those who built were set on perfection as if they really loved what they made. They were walls made to protect a community, to echo with laughter and be the shelter they needed for the millennia to come. Knights in shining full plate armor roam the streets maintaining public. From a distance it is white, from up close it is a mosaic of humble rocks, each of them nobody would think anything of were they loose by the roadside. But together they are a castle, the crown of the landscape. That place is filled with friendly faces and happy greetings. The atmosphere is electrified with pleasant energy.

There was a fountain that looked like an oasis, and on the water's surface, leaves coming from the surroundings quietly floated. Upon falling, they drifted and fluctuated on the water, accumulating as though they had been pulled by a magnet.

"The yellow of the leaves mixing with the blue of the water is very pretty," Nero commented on how pretty they were.

From afar, Nero could see knights in shining white armor. And their weapons and knights will be able fell the mighty guards who stand watch.

Nero wouldn't want to get himself involved in such an energy-consuming task. Don't get him wrong, It's not what he does is saying that is the superior option, so he's not dismissing those active people as fools at all. He headed towards the castle main entrance.

Nero walked along the tiled road and up towards the floor. Upon meeting the gatekeeper, who was carrying a large spear, asked the guard that come with Nero about him and then was directed to the main hall of the castle.

The main hall is the main room of a royal palace, A typical great hall was a rectangular room between one and a half and three times as long as it was wide and also higher than it was wide. It was entered through a screens passage at one end and had windows on one of the long sides

Nero made his way through the castle's white arch gate. Right by the moment, he stepped into the castle's hall, he muttered something in a low voice - lower than the fluttering sound of the leaves outside of the castle, melting into the air without anyone being able to hear it. And after a short while, a man comes walking towards Nero. The Royal family adviser, the golden hair Louis, showed his face. He dressed formally in a well-tailored tunic and gambeson over his undergarments.

Louis looked at Nero, he was slightly perplexed. Was it because he had such a stylish get-up? Or was it because he was younger than he expected him to be? Whichever it was, it wasn't his concern.

Yet upon seeing Nero, he smiled and said, "Hello. You must be Nero, right?"

"... Who're you?" Nero asked candidly. Though he was never good at interacting with people "I'm sorry, I don't think I know you. Did Ian told you about me coming here?"

He quickly replied, "Yes, this is correct"

Nero gazed at him at the dispassionate voice. "Why you called me here?"
 
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"I am very glad that your captain was able to accept the offer that I sent him! Your presence and might should be very fruitful in aiding us from our enemies," said a very pompous voice.
"Yeah, well I'm not so glad about it," mumbled Drago. The encounter he had in the dungeons still very troubled him.
"Don't worry about the skeletons! They're just "stolen loot" from my conquests. As a fellow pirate, I'm sure you could understand."
"Yeah, sure," Drago paused for a minute. Something on his mind. I don't recall mentioning anything about the skeletons. Drago looked sharply at Bogard through slitted eyes. "How did you know that I was worried about those skeletons?" There was a brief moment where Bogard's nose twitched. Too fast for Drago to notice. Was it just a random reactionary thing or did Drago's question catch Bogard?

"I've had many people come through those dungeons. All of them were just so scared by the decorations I had, so I assumed it would be the same for you!" Bogard smiled and tilted his head slightly sideways. It was an oddly creepy motion.

Drago merely replied with a humph. He was not satisfied by the answer, still thought that there was something going on behind the scenes. My gut is saying something is wrong. But I can't press on what. Man, just fuck it. I'm here for the money and got no time to be snooping around trying to find what's going on undercover. I don't have enough evidence anyway.

Drago stood up from the chair he sat in and took a long look at Bogard. He had to eye him down as he was a good 2 heads taller than the mink even worse as the mink was sitting down. Oh yes, Bogard is a mink. A rabbit mink. Big, long, fluffy ears stuck out at the top of his head. His eyes were stunningly yellow and they cut like scissors wherever they looked. He wore a dark brown vest with nothing else or at least Drago couldn't tell based on the fact that he was sitting behind a desk. Drago took a look around, finally taking his chance to get a good look around. Stony walls were the first thing one would notice. Fortunately, no skeletons were on them. Sunlight illuminated the room through a tall window to Drago's right. One could easily see the courtyard from up here. A neat bookcase was at the edge of the room, near the door. Behind Bogard's desk was fireplace, with no fire and right next to it was another door with 3 locks. It was the one that Drago came from.

"This room is rather square and neat," Drago finally said. "That's rather odd for a noble like you. Could say the same for your outfit." Bogard chuckled. His head and chest lightly bobbing up and down. "My dear friend," Drago cringed. "I may have a lot of power and money enough to get me a room about as big as the King's but I choose not to. I much prefer small rooms. They're cozier and fit me perfectly."

"Alright. Do you, I guess," Drago began to take his leave but remembering something, he stopped just right at the door near the bookcase. "Oh, one more thing. I took down a marine ship on my way here. I didn't have to but I was feeling generous. I expect some payment for this generosity." For a mere second, Bogard looked angry and wore a scowl. But just like that, it was gone. He wasn't a man to express emotion. "Ah yes, of course. A-a-a-a...um," Drago helped him out. "A signing bonus."

"Yes, a signing bonus," Bogard nearly chocked from having to repeat the phrase. It pained him to give away extra money that he didn't account for. "I'll have sent to your room shortly."

"Good." And with that, Drago was on his way.
 
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"Sorry to call you all of a sudden. But we need your help, we're not sure but someone has set a killer to kill the king." Louis said unhappily with the cigarette in his mouth.

"Hold on a moment," Nero hurriedly stopped him. "Why are you telling me this?"

"I have considered this thoughtfully and I could not ask for a better person...." He smiled at Nero, but his eyes were hollow. "You don't know anything. You know nothing except how to fight. I am making use of this. That's why you, too, should make an effort to use me. Anything is fine. I will give you the amount of money you want.

"When you say it like that, I kind of feel… into it…" Nero compulsorily laughed. On one hand, Nero was a temp who may or may not here in this kingdom tomorrow. And on the other side, they live in this kingdom. From their perspective, there was no reason to get particularly friendly with Nero. He sighed dispassionately. "I appreciate the offer, but really..I've only ever taken work that interests me. That's my policy. And this work doesn't interest me"

Without further explanations on the Nero part, Louis had already understood his intentions. He couldn't even understand how he was so far removed from the sense of values that this world held. "Well, you should just know the offer is always here."

Nero didn't expect to do anything here anyway, so he quickly turned towards the door to leave. Louis fell into a train of thought while watching Nero make his exit from the hall.

As the gate of the castle open, Nero started to walk. Sticking his hand in his pocket, he felt something. Indeed, ever since he had arrived in this kingdom, he had this feeling that something had been set in motion.

After walking for a while he reached the yard of the castle, it was already late. Despite this heat, he could still hear the ruckus made by guards as they gave their all under the equally heated sun.

"I should probably go meet Miyagi."
 
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With his hands on the back of his head, Drago casually walked through the courtyard. Unsure of what to do, he was bored. This place is so boring. Why did Larsi send me here again? Tuh. A lame island in the South Blue with weird dungeons. The dungeons. Hmm, the dungeons. "There is something up with that place. Something very wrong. If I recall correctly, it smelled of death and bo. Dead humans mixed with unhygienic humans," Drago chuckled at what he was saying. I must be crazy. No way that actual people are being hidden in there. Or could it be? It has moving skeletons, I'm sure of it! Humans being kept there wouldn't be out of the ordinary either. It's a dungeon after all. Just a prison cell. But oh, those skeletons creep me out. Drago began arguing with himself, throwing his hands up, shaking his head, nodding his head. He was very curious about what secrets lie in those dungeons. But he was battling himself to go check it out, for the fright he had in there still haunted him. He was so consumed with himself, that he failed to see where he was going and *BOOP*. He bumped into someone.

Level 71
71 x 5 = 355
Strength: 37+14=51
Speed: 84+14=98

98x2=196
-Reaction: 96+5(from science)+5(when CoO is activated)
-Movement: 100
Vitality: 47+14=61
61x2=122
-Durability: 61
-Stamina: 61
Haki: 37+21=58
58x2=116
-Armament Haki: 61
-Observation Haki: 55(Precognition)
Mind: 50
50x2=100
Scientist: 100 (97 IP remaining)
Cyborg: 100
100x4=400
Destruction: 100 (42 MP remaining)
Energy: 100 (Nuclear Cell)
Armoring: 100
Utility: 100 (45 MP)

Cyborg and Science Equipement: Flexible Armor
100: flexible armor allows the user to eat a devil fruit
61-80: shoulder-fired missile launcer + 3 missiles (DPR: B), artillery gun + 3 rounds (DPR: B) - costs 4 modification points Destruction
81-99: directed-energy weapon + 3 magazines (DPR: B) - costs 4 modification points Destruction
Laser (obtained through defeating a pacifista or crafted by a scientist with 81 mastery): a cyborg destruction weapon that uses pure energy and creates an explosion on contact - DPR: A Science
100: can detach and reattach body parts at will - costs 5 modification points Utility
B-rank power suit(+10 movement speed and durability) 23 IP
 
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It seems to take about 20 Minutes for Nero to have his meeting finish with Louis, but it was good for him. In any case, today Nero had nothing left for him to do, It gave him sigh with relief. At heart, it felt like he was being saved with a lot of work by not accepting the offer. But even then, Nero was certain there was really something going on. He let his mind wander, stretching his senses, moving across the geography around him without the bother of actually relying on his eyes. Yellow and brown decayed leaves danced around him where he was walking. Perhaps because of the curtain of leaves, his field of vision was momentarily clouded. The sky was so expansive and sunny as if telling him that he would someday have freedom in this confining world. Gazing into the hazy, far-off sky and gazing into the future were pretty much the same things to Nero.

Why would anyone want to kill the king of this country? he fell into thought while staring off into the air and summoned up a few words of doubts. Well, the important thing is whether I take the job or not. So It's none of my business anymore, but even then... Nero's thoughts got stuck on something once again. Why did it feel like I am missing something? What is that bothering me? I have a really bad feeling about this. Lost deep in thought, he didn't even seem to notice the people around him. That's when it happened, he bumped into someone.

"Sorry," Nero said as he looks at the person he bumped into. As soon as he did that, he recalled what he just saw and a smile floated up on his lips, there was no mistaking it as he said, "Well ain't that face you see every day, Dragomir the member of silver hair pirates!"

Nero scanned the pirate he just bumped into. Drago was a tall young man taller than Nero, his pilot hat was hiding his hairs, gloves revealing his knuckles, the green tank top, jean shorts, and black boots... Ah, why he's here? There wasn't anything Nero could think of for this pirate to be here, but now he could venture a guess and say that he was also affiliated with the matter Nero just discussed with Louis.
 
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Drago stumbled backward, nearly falling to the ground but was able to regain his balance in time.
"Well ain't that face you see every day, Dragomir the member of silver hair pirates!"


Drago's reaction to seeing that someone not named a silver hair pirate knew who he was.

"Uh...yes?" Damn, am I this famous already? I haven't even done anything. Looking up and down this new person. He looks too plain and boring to be a marine. "You want something?"
 
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"Uh...yes?" Damn, am I this famous already? I haven't even done anything. Looking up and down this new person. He looks too plain and boring to be a marine.
Nero sighed with the trace of a bitter smile. Contrary to Drago's features, the man had a downright strange atmosphere to him. That strange sense of being unmoored. So oddly enough, the man named Nero found himself surrounded by a variety of people. For Nero, there was really no need for him to stop this guy on his track. The only problem was that given the possibility that Drago was behind all of this, the volume of this action is not great, indeed. Nero was positively tickled by the existence of all that information he hadn't known and remembering the talk he had with Louis about someone attempting to kill the king. The biggest problem was there that Nero couldn't just blame a person for something he's not sure of Hmm…well, in terms of crime, that’s Nero, not even close to what silver hair pirates consider to be.

"You want something?"
"Not particularly. Do you find it enjoyable to ask questions with really obvious answers?" Nero mocked, his face had the innocent wonder of an uncomprehending child. As continued, his delighted expression was gone, and a different kind of smile played across his lips. "I don't like pirates violence because it doesn't respond to reason, words, or logic. So as a bounty hunter I had to know about them"
 
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The pirate nearly choked on his own spit from sputtering when he heard what this person just said. In a soft whisper, Drago said "B-b-b- bounty hunter? Did I hear you correctly?" He looked around himself trying to spot any eavesdroppers. The citizens of Valis went about without paying any attention to the pirate and bounty hunter. The guards stood at their posts, they looked straight ahead, appearing attentive but if you looked closely in their eyes, you'd see their boredom. Everything was as it should be. Facing back towards the supposed bounty, the cyborg's nose wrinkled. This man is ugly as hell. Dark hair covering his face and head in every which way. Can barely see his eyes. Someone needs to cut those bangs of his and he a damn beard would do him some good. His entire outfit is lame as shit. Just an ugly black color. Peh. Unable to find the eyes of his new acquaint, Drago's brown eyes looked dead firm at the bridge of his nose, which gave the illusion of eye contact. Chin high, shoulders squared, chest out, a look of unsatisfaction on his face. Drago tried very hard to appear as someone that you shouldn't cross.

"Look, my friend. I don't know what you want. Don't care what you want," a strong deep voice Drago spoke with matter-of-factly. "If you know what's good for you, you should leave right now. Unless you'd like to take this out into the forest where we can...resolve our differences."

-----------------------------------------

-Bogard's Office-

*Pom pom pom* someone knocked loudly on the door to Bogard's office. "Come in," Bogard looked up, seeing a human tank at his doorway. About 20 feet tall, arms and legs the size of a log, torso about as wide and lengthy as a flat-screen TV put on in a vertical position. This human beast wore no shirt but only a leather jacket with its sleeves tore off. It was left hanging, exposing his abdomen. A mask covering this man's face, for what was underneath was a sight to give grown adults nightmares for the rest of their days. "Sir, I believe that Louis is aware of the plot to kill the king," a low, raspy voice, sounding like an earthquake spoke. Even though this beast was the clear cut strongest person in the room, it spoke with inferiority to his master. Bogard.

The rabbit's nose twitched. Its fists tightened up into a ball barely visible to the naked eye for a few milliseconds before they loosed up again. Looking right back down to his papers and continuing on with his work, Bogard's high-pitched and pompous voice ringed across the room. "How can you know for sure?"

"I have some spies within the knights in this kingdom. One of them overheard a conversation with Louis and some other man. He told me how Louis had asked the person for help with a person wanting to kill the king. Although, Louis hasn't found out that it's us yet."

Bogard smiled and nodded his head in approval. "Oh, I didn't know I had such a smart brute on my hands. With spies of his own. Thank you for the information. You may take your leave. I'll deal with this shortly." The brute gave a small bow and began to leave the room. "Oh wait! One more thing Gunner. Call one of the servants from downstairs up here. I need them to take some money to the room of our new ally, Drago of the Silver Hair Pirates."

"Yes, sir." And with that. Gunner left.
 
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"Look, my friend. I don't know what you want. Don't care what you want," a strong deep voice Drago spoke with matter-of-factly. "If you know what's good for you, you should leave right now. Unless you'd like to take this out into the forest where we can...resolve our differences."
His voice was indeed quiet and chilling. Some people had voices of ice. The man named Drago that Nero met just a few minutes ago had one of those. But the chilling edge to Drago's voice was something else entirely. If Nero had the kind of chill that froze his listener, this one was enough to cause frostbite.

"Hmm…there are a few things I obviously want to know…but realistically come into contact with anyone here is not my concern." Now there was strength in his words. It wasn't like he was speaking words of power. There was no real meaning to what he said. But was it possible to strike fear in another person just with a tone of voice? At first, Nero planned to have an extremely boring time in this city with nothing to take care of. But a King assassin story from Louis was so incredibly interesting after this pirate sudden involvement that Nero had to put himself into the story… That might lead to quite an interesting development.

"You're right to turn your anger on me here. I taunted you with clear and present malice," Nero cackled with no hint of remorse. He brought a finger up to his lips. "But this is a peaceful place. Gotta keep it quiet in here," he taunted, turning his gaze to the citizen of the valis, busy with what they were doing.

Nero looked down on the pirate. "Though you know exactly what I mean. Aren't you just attempting to delude yourself into thinking you don't know what’s going on this city king's affair? You're connected to this, aren't you?"

He tried to overwhelm him with statements and questions, some of which he didn't even believe in himself. But he wasn't just trying to provoke him out of desperation he was trying to observe his reaction by all means to confirm if this pirate really does know about the current situation.
 
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To say Mr. Big Bravado wore a confused expression would be a criminal understatement. His mouth hanged slack-jawed. Eyes squinting at the bounty hunter as if they were looking for any shred of sense. This man did nothing but confuse Drago. Words and phrases making the pirate's brain scratch its own mind. What in God's name is he saying? Connections? What connections? Drago finally had enough. He shook his head, then had his face in his right hand. Appearing to be chuckling, not with laughter, but ridicule. "Do you always confuse people that you're talking too?" Snapping his head up to glower at the bounty hunter. "It's like whatever the hell that comes out of your mouth puts the person at the receiving end into a maze where finding the exit is how they make sense of what you said to them." An array of hands going every which way accompanied the rant. He perfectly expressed his frustration in these elegant hand movements.

"I don't know what you are talking about. These connections, the king's affair," Drago continued vigorously shaking his head. "They don't ring a bell for me." Without waiting for the man to give a reply, Drago took off in the opposite direction. Having forgotten what he had planned to do, he decided to go to his room. "What is madness? Over here bombarding me with nonsense questions like a damn interrogation! If he even dares to follow me...I'm gonna have to show him his place." Drago went on with a hot fury. Fists balled up. Every step was just about a stomp that pounding the ground. "Hungh!"
 
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Watching this with the corner of his mouth curled into a twisted smile, Nero said quietly to himself, "Well, I suppose someone like him, really must be a worthless human in this situation..."

Perhaps Nero did intrude too readily. Or maybe it was because he was showing his true colors, or he was bluffing, but this pirate savagely showed his anger at Nero, with the intent of intimidating him. Nero's words were rather unexpected, but the pirate had already taken off before Nero could say anything else. Nero was smirking. From his expression, it was obvious that he had figured that Drago is not aware of this situation. After that Nero made his way towards the existing gate.

At first sight, Nero looked like a gentle-natured man of a slender build; but his features had a relative sharpness in them, making him the perfect exemplification of the word "handsome". He was smiling as if willing to accept anything in the world as part of him, yet at the same time his eyes shone without mercy as if he held contempt for everything except himself. The way he was dressed was idiosyncratic. Overall, he gave an elusive and mercurial vibe.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

As the wind brought smells of burning. Louis sat down to watch the guards doing there work. All the pictures were the same: towns neatly evacuated, cities enclosed, grateful citizens waving from the windows of big, a life of perfect happiness. A life of painlessness.

"See?" Louis says, smiling. "It's a nation known for its peace. See how lucky we suppose to have such a country for us to live in?" And yet it was like ash continued swirling down, and the smells of death came through the windows, crept under the door, hung in their carpets and curtains, and screamed of to have justice.

Is it possible to tell the truth to the king? He looks almost sorry, and he wasn't in the favor to cover such truth to his own king. Louis decided to make his way to the King's room, where the king was waiting to meet him.

A weary-looking Regis sits down heavily in his chair, having just returned from an interminable meeting. Moments later, he is joined by Louis, who was busy with his own task all day.

"I had no idea meetings could be so taxing. My back aches." Louis manages a short laugh followed by a long sigh.

"How are you feeling? I imagine you must be busy with crown works."

"I had a meeting with someone so I took longer than expected to handle the crown works. You have my sincerest apologies, King Regis" Louis said, trying to keep his voice steady.

King Regis smiled tightly. "No worries."

"After your last meeting. Let me handle the more trivial matters," he said. His voice was muffled, but he spoke very slowly as if he wasn't sure he should say it.

"I can’t have that. If I leave the kingdom in your hands even for a day, I won't have a place to return to." Louis laughs

"You make it sound like a bad thing." They both laugh.

"But you needn't worry about me. I'm doing just fine." Just to make sure his king's safety Louis cannot let this information out. He will try everything in his power to protect the king who gave him everything.
 
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It was a new moon. The only natural source of light was the everlasting stars from light-years away. Even that wasn't enough to illuminate the area due to the moon being a coward and hiding in the darkness that was space. Little shit. Luckily for Drago, the cobblestone road he was walking on had lighting posts on each side. One about 20 meters apart from the next one. The black post stood sturdily in the ground, standing taller than even the trees surrounding the road. It wasn't like they just looked straight ahead and shined forward. They were cleverly created to arch downwards at the top, forcing the light to shine down.

The pirate looked around, almost in awe at the architecture. "This is certainly creative and original. They're beautiful too. A smooth and slick black that glistens in the light. Whoever thought them up needs a raise for sure," Drago said in approval, nodding his head. "Now, about this restaurant my servant told me about. Said that it was in the main town of the country just a 7-8 minute walk from here. He sure hyped the food up and if it's not up to expectation..." Drago couldn't hold it in. He began giggling at the thought of what he thinking. "I would just...just...just blow the place up! AHAHAHAHAHAHA! Oh, I'm hilarious!"

Drago should be arriving at the restaurant in your next post. Presumably opening the door, so if you say that a person opened the door and was entering, who you recognized to be Drago, then it's fine.
 
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"Where are we going?" Nero asked, and Miyagi, looking up at the sky with narrowed eyes, answered like she was dancing.

"Heavens!" That place called heavens could possibly exist in a world that could take away the life of the person - Nero thought it was strange.

"Are you for real Miyagi?"

"Yep! Just follow me."

Nero starts to follow her as they entered the store.

"What's wrong? You're looking glum." The look on her face told Nero that not only had she noticed his discomfort, it also amused her greatly.

The answer to her question had come together pretty clearly. "Nothing, I was just thinking you really enjoying, this isn't you?"

Yes, Nero was aware that he wasn't the type of guy that would rejoice over being misplaced in a fancy and mellow space with no one else but a girl. "You see, the food here is really good."

Since before they entered, Nero found her choice of the location just a little bit that it was odd. If Nero were hazarded a guess, the type of restaurant they were now would be a buffet. Its name was "Heavens". To Nero right then, a fast-food restaurant would have been much closer to heavens than this.

Reluctantly, Nero started talking to her grinning self.

"Hey"

"What's wrong"

"I thought you wanted to eat something light, are you trying to get yourself overweight? That's the second time you're going to a buffet"

"Neither. I'm just eating what I want to eat."

"I guess that's true. So are you going to eat until you die today?"

"Exactly. You're okay with this, right?"

It would be annoying to get flustered like she expected, so having reached this point, he went to get food with her. It was night, the restaurant was filled with customers. After appropriately getting some carbs, some salad, a Hamburg steak, and some fried chicken, Nero returned to his seat to find Miyagi already happily seated down. On top, her plate was filled with sweets.

She said she wanted to try the best eating place in Valis city, so as a result, here Nero was with Miyagi. This peaceful place has the most delicious food for all the food lovers out there. The Heavens is the most exquisite place to eat and is truly the finest restaurant in town. With a comforting smile, the employees doing their job and the soft music playing, making customers feel relaxed.

Though it was indeed a pleasant environment, it was quite a boring place for someone like Nero. While he sat across from Miyagi in the restaurant and talked with her. Miyagi took a sip of ice water from her glass and said, "I'd like to know what you've been up to all this day, Nero."

"I'd like to hear about you first," Nero responded, but she insisted, "Let's start with Nero."

Nero prefaced it with "Well, this isn't going to be all that interesting," then talked about his time in a castle and other things along the way. It really wasn't of any interest. Nero looked at her. Without saying even a single word, she smiled and ate the fruit-covered cake that was on her plate. As just Nero was about to ask her about her day the sound of a bell announced the arrival of a customer.
 
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"Any tables free?"
"Uh, no sir, all the tables are full right now."

Drago sighed. It was only inevitable that the most popular restaurant in the city would be packed. Especially at night. The pirate leaned against the stone wall. The cold bumps massaging his back, making him feel all squirmy. *Flish flish flish* the entrance servant was flipping through several papers. Curious Drago moved closer. "What are you looking for?" The girl jumped, making an "oop" sound. "Oh sorry, hehe. You startled me. Um...I'm looking for any tables here that may have an extra seat. For all our guests we jot down which table they are at and how many seats taken. I think I've found a free table." The girl's eyes glistened as she felt surer of what she was saying. "Yes! I'm sure. Table 12 at the back corner is available, but you'd have to share it with 2 people. Miyagi and Nero."

Drago shrugged. "Sure." Good to make new friends anyway amirite?

Within a few seconds, Drago immediately regretted his answer. He regretted even coming here for the place the servant took him to was the company of his newly met enemy. The bounty hunter. Ah shit, here we go again.
 
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When Nero looked at the person who was unable to find any seat due to the place being fully reserved the surprise he felt quickly made itself. Apparent on his face. As for Miyagi, she was smiling as her rose-colored lips opened expectedly, "Hey there, please make your self comfortable" She spoke in an awfully casual manner.

Nero remained silent, not saying anything. Even though he was normally expressionless and would merely say whatever he was supposed to quite frankly, he was at a loss for words upon seeing Miyagi being so polite. That was an unexpected sight for Nero. Her black hair, irises of a blue even more crystalline than the sea's, rose-colored lips. No matter from what perspective, she was too beautiful yet so hard to understand.

Nero smiled wryly, looking at the person he had made an enemy out of. Surprisingly Miyagi appears to have not realized that the person who they were sharing a table with was a member of silver hair pirates. Having seen Nero's expression Miyagi let out a smile and said, "You guys are enemies or something?"

Nero almost looked surprised at her remark seeing how she hit the nail. Upon looking at Nero's new-founded expression her eyes looking at him cautiously. he couldn't blame her. Anyone would be cautious in front of a person who smiles that way while seeing a total stranger.

Miyagi looked at the Drago again, and a warm smile came to her lips. "We're terribly sorry for making you sit through all that."
 
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"Are there any other seats available?" The girl flipped through several pages of her notes before replying. "Uh, no sir. This is all we got. Is there a problem?" Drago side-eyed the bounty hunter. The guy named Nero. His nose wrinkled and his eyebrows pulled down. The pirate looked at his enemy like a toddler looking at a bowl of broccoli. Then Drago's eyes caught something beautiful. If you could take a sunset from the ocean, where you stood at the edges of the beach just looking out and basking in the beauty, and turned that very sunset into a person...that person would be Miyagi. For her beauty gave the equivalent reaction of seeing a sunset or witnessing a meteor shower. Wow. Wow is the only reaction. What? Just how? Just such...such impeccable beauty. She must be creeped out by my staring. A jaw-dropped, eyes big and round stare like any other type of action would kill me.

"Sir? Sir?" The girl's pestering snapped him back into reality. "Oh, uh? It's fine. No problem here." The girl took her to leave and Drago took to his seat. Eyes focused on the girl. "So, um...my name is Drago. What's yours? I bet it's as beautiful as you look," A big, fat cheesy smile laid on the cyborg's face about as cringe-worthy as his compliment. Without waiting for her reply, he continued. "What do you say we get out of here and go out for a walk. I'd love to get to know you more without the ugliness of this friend of yours smudging our date," Drago said and again with a big cheesy smile. He made no gesture to Nero but it was clear that the side-comment he made was directed at him.
 
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