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| Topic Started: Aug 25 2012, 09:56 PM (194 Views) | |
| Post #1 Aug 25 2012, 09:56 PM | Blood Isaac |
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The first thing he heard was the sound of waves, the feeling of cold water washing over him, and the rough sand and splintered wood beneath his body. Then he recognized the aching pain that went through his whole body. His eyes slowly peeked open, his vision blurred at first. He willed himself to move, his joints aching as he moved. Everything was bright, before his vision cleared. It was the middle of the day. And he was on a beach. His clothes were soaked, the broken remains of a barrel scattered around him. Vanilla groaned as he tried to rise to his feet. He legs were shaky, the same pain coursing through him. What the heck had happened? How did he wend up here? Then it hit him. Memories flooding back. The night his crew, no, his family betrayed him. Him and his brother. Beating his brother unconcious. Chaining him up. Throwing him into the ocean. And then stuffing him into that barrel and throwing him into the sea. His mind tried to convince himself that his brother could survive. But it was a pretty bad beating. That combined with those chains... Tears began to form in his eyes as his attempts to convince himself died. His crew had turned on them. His brother was dead. And now he was here, all alone, in the middle of nowhere. Vanilla let out a howl of misery that echoed throughout the beach. |
 
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| Post #2 Aug 29 2012, 09:01 PM | Dumpster |
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Watching from a far an old man began to approach Vanilla. If the man managed to hear anything through the howling of his misery he would notice the pitter patter of tiny feet as sand is kicked away in a hurried fashion. Although he seems to be moving swiftly by the sound of his constantly moving feet his small legs do not seem to cut the distance very easily and it is a few seconds more before the sounds of shuffling feet are so close that even through Vanilla’s mourning he wouldn’t be able to help hearing him. The elderly man didn’t bother to wait for the man to notice him, but rather just stepped before him. From his chipper and cheerful expression it is obvious that he had no idea this man before him had been crying when he came over. He smiled wide at Vanilla completely oblivious of his pain and waved gingerly. ”Hello there young one. It is so good to see someone enjoying the beach and the water from time to time. So many take for granted that we live so close to the sea and its wonders.”  It was then that the elderly man noticed the albino’s crying and his expression became one of shock and then worry. ”Oh my. Are…are you ok? What happened? You shouldn’t cry. I don’t know what happened, but I am sure tears and sadness will only burden your heart more. Besides crying will get you nowhere. At times of sadness you must dust of your shoulders and trudge on….Please don’t hesitate to talk to me, not that your crying is having any effect on me.” Judging by the tears already forming in his eyes it was obvious that Vanilla’s crying was definitely having an effect.  |
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| Post #3 Aug 29 2012, 09:19 PM | Blood Isaac |
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Vanilla didn't even notice the tiny man approaching until he began to speak. He looked back at him, tear stained eyes looking at him curiously as he spoke of the beach, before noticing his tears, his own forming in response. Just who was this man? "Sorry," he said, wiping the tears from his eyes, "It's just...well...I've been through a horrible ordeal..." He didn't know why, but he felt like he could talk to this little man. And talk he did. Sitting down on the sand before him, Vanilla began telling him everything. From him and his brother forming the Crackerjack Pirates, to their adventures, to the horrific betrayal and murder of his older brother. He finished up with him being trapped in that barrel and washing up here. "I...I don't know what to do...I'm stuck here, all alone. The Bly person who looked out for me is gone, and I have nothing...I just don't know what to do..." He looked at the old man before him. "Sorry. I didn't mean to go on and on with that. I don't want to bother you with my problems." |
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| Post #4 Aug 31 2012, 10:50 PM | Dumpster |
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The old man watched as the stranger wiped his tears and mentioned some sort of horrible deal. The much shorter man was unsure just what could have been so bad to leave a grown man crying, but he was obviously concerned over it. However, he had to at least seem that the man’s tears weren’t completely affecting him. After all he had just stated otherwise and he knew nothing of this man. For all he knew the man was crying over something as silly as a stubbed toe. He would look like quiet a fool indeed if he doted over the boy only to find out that there was no reason to dote over. However, after a minute the boy began to explain his story and the old man couldn’t help, but sympathize. He felt like a fool for not immediately trusting the other man and wanted to take the young man under his wing and take care of him. Judging from his story he had no home on the island and certainly nowhere to go. He may have been a pirate, but anybody who would cry over their brother was a friend to him. Be damned what the mayor would think the old man had resolved himself to see to it that this boy got back on his feet. All in all the old man felt he had handled the story well…or maybe not.  It took a little while, but eventually the old man had managed to stop crying. Before speaking he took out a rather large handkerchief and blew what surmounted to be a rather large amount of snot into it. He then pushed it back into his pocket and spoke, “You poor poor child. It settles it then, you are spending the night with me in my cottage. Don’t even think of saying no either boy, in times like this you have to listen to your elders.” The old man immediately turned away and started to trot down the beach, presumably towards his house. After a few seconds he turned back in the direction he had left the boy. He gave a sort of knowing smile and said, “Well you coming? I had some stew cooking before I left so it’s probably waiting for us. I know all that crying probably made you hungry….NOT that I would know because all that crying made me hungry too….Nope I was like a rock. Oh, I almost forgot the name is Ogai, but everyone just calls me Oji-san”  Edited by Dumpster, Aug 31 2012, 10:54 PM.
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| Post #5 Aug 31 2012, 11:35 PM | Blood Isaac |
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Needless to say, Vanilla was surprised to see that the old man was crying as well. Now he felt equally bad. He knew he had been through a rough time, but he didn't want to upset this man with his own problems. Of course, quickly the old man had wiped away his tears, and now was offering out his home to him. "Oh, thank you, really. But you don't have-" he barely got to finish before the old man cut him off, as if he never spoke, refusing and refusals and insisting he came with him. This old man, they way he listened to him, sympathized with him, and was now opening his home to him. He was like a grandfather, or even an uncle, that Vanilla never had. He was certainly grateful. When the man stopped to ask him to come, Vanilla's eyes drifted to the ruined barrel. In the sand, he could see the iron of his hook swords half buried. Weapons given to him by his brother. It wouldn't feel right if he abandoned them here. "Just a second," he said, before collecting them and jogging over to catch up with the smaller man, who was now introducing himself as Ogai, or Oji-San as everyone called him. "A pleasure to meet you Oji-San. My name is Vanilla Coles. Thank you for all this..." he could feel his Dispair lessening. Especially if there were more kind people like Oji-San. |
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| Post #6 Sep 1 2012, 02:54 PM | Dumpster |
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The old man was in his own little world by the time he had begun to walk away from the boy and off the beach. His own thoughts had started to fill with images of the nice home cooked meal waiting for them both at his house. He had completely missed the boy’s first statement only just catching his request for the much older man to wait for him. Pleased that the boy had recognized the foolishness in trying to argue the point with Oji-San he opted to patiently wait for the boy. From where he stood he could see the boy retrieve what seemed to be some oddly designed weapons. Oji-San didn’t know how he felt about the boy bringing weapons into his house, but for now he decided it was better not to be bothered by the thought. Oji-San smiled as the boy finally caught up to him and offered his name in thanks. For a pirate he was awfully polite. The elder was feeling more and more confident about his decision to let the boy join him for supper and possibly the night. The mayor would have a fit when he found out, but he couldn’t let this young man stay out in the cold. The two walked in silence for some time, Oji-San enjoying the view as they went. From time to time he would cut into the quiet by commenting on some building or local landmark of the village. The information wasn’t exactly thrilling, but it was something to pass the time and give the island a bit more of a backdrop. After a few minutes the two found themselves at Oji-San’s cabin. His house was about a mile or so from the major part of the village and was rather secluded. The walls were cobbled together by stone and the roof was just simple wood and straw to keep the rain out. It was a small building, only the one floor, but it gave a welcoming aura. A small farm lay just outside its doorstep, fenced in so no wild animals could get to Oji-San’s crops. The smell of stew was already permeating the air around the building. Oji-San smiled as he waved to the building and said, ”Well this is my home. It isn’t much, but it is all mine. Head inside. You can warm yourself up next to the fireplace while we enjoy our stew.”  With that he headed inside gesturing for Vanilla to follow. The inside was similar to the outside. It was a plain building, fairly small. It held a bathroom, a separate bedroom, and a sitting area that also survived as a kitchen and eating area. Oji-San made his way over to the stew and smiled back at the boy. ”It’s coming along nicely. Take a seat wherever you like. You told me what brought you to our shores, but I would love to hear more about you. What was your brother like? Why you decided to become a pirate? Were you hoping to get treasure or something more?” Oji-San waited for an answer as he patiently made the final preparations with the stew. Edited by Dumpster, Sep 1 2012, 03:07 PM.
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| Post #7 Sep 1 2012, 04:47 PM | Blood Isaac |
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Vanilla listened intently to Oji-san's words as he led him across the island. Apparently he had washed up on Dawn Island, all the way in East Blue. East Blue! When he was thrown overboard, he was in the Grand Line. Did Oji-San mean that Vanilla had somehow floated all the way back to the blues? He didn't think it was possible, but why would Oji-San lie? There was nothing to gain from it all. The fact surprised Vanilla greatly. The two finally reached Oji-san's home. A homely Little place, but well put together, not too different from the home that he and his family grew up in. The place certainly felt like home as he entered, feeling the warmth on his soaked body, and smelling the delicious stew cooking. At Oji-san's words, he took a seat near the fireplace, soaking up the warmth as the old man joined him. Then he asked about his brother. Vanilla blinked, a hint of sadness from the memory of what had happened to him. But he wanted to know what he was like. Thinking back in the memories together brought some joy to him. "He was a good man, strong and willing to look after his family. I was born with a bit of a weak body you see, but he always looked out for me, protected me. I always thought I was bothering him by following him everywhere, but if I did, he never showed it. He was always so kind to me. As for why we became pirates, well, we grew up on the stories about the pirates of old. Rogues who sailed the seas, having adventures, seeking treasure, helping those in need. Those men and women were real heroes. You really can't blame us for wanting to be like them. So when my brother decided to travel the world like they had, naturally I wanted to come too. Throughout our time together, he always looked out for me. Even though I was weak, he always made me feel like I was part of the crew and not somebody tagging along." The memories of his brother's love and warmth brought a tear to his eyes. On of joy. |
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| Post #8 Sep 1 2012, 07:29 PM | Dumpster |
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The old man continued to prepare the stew, but as he moved his spoon through the pot he listened intently to Vanilla’s description of his older brother. Even without all the nice words Oji-San could tell Vanilla’s brother was a good man. The way Vanilla’s voice lilted in admiration when speaking about his brother was all the evidence Oji-San needed. There was a certain way people talked when they were discussing someone they cared for that just didn’t seem to come about in any other way. The much older man had never had any siblings himself, but he had seen such a bond before and envied it a little. He felt saddened that such a person would no longer be in this young man’s life anymore. Oji-San nodded his head as Vanilla continued and mentioned their reasons for forming a crew and setting sail. Although Oji had never left the island in the entirety of his life he could see why someone would be enamored by that lifestyle. The mayor had practically tackled several of the younger men who had tried to leave with similar dreams. That Vanilla’s older brother never treated Vanilla as a burden while they were out at sea was a testament of his affection for his younger sibling. Such a long lived bond was rare even among siblings.  It was then though that Oji-San noticed that the young man had begun to tear up. His body contorted in shock and worry as he thought the boy might be crying over the death of his brother once more. He stammered quickly in an attempt to cut off further tears, ”Now, now. Please don’t cry further. Not that they are having any sort of effect on me or nothing, but your cold tears will only soak your clothes more and make you sick. He turned away from the boy hastily grabbing some bowls and filling them up. The stew was finally ready and could be served for their enjoyment. When he was done serving he handed the boy a bowl and some stew. ”Now eat some stew. It has plenty of healthy vegetables and some meat in there so it is going to make you big and strong. If you don’t mind me asking what are your plans now? I feel for your loss, but I do not think your brother would want you to mourn for him forever. From everything you have told me he seems like the sort of man who would tell you that it was your turn to be the Captain and sail the seas for yourself. After all you weren’t some tagalong, but a real member of his crew in his eyes. The Crackerjack pirates lives on in you…no?” Oji-San couldn’t help, but smile a bit, thinking he had said something rather clever. To emphasize his point he even pointed at Vanilla.  |
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| Post #9 Sep 1 2012, 07:44 PM | Blood Isaac |
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At Oji-san's pleas for him to not cry, Vanilla chuckled. Was the old man afraid he would start crying again as well? Oji-San was truly a good man if the feelings of others affected him so much. It just showed how much compassion he had. Vanilla wiped his eyes, a smile on his face. "Sorry. It's just hard you know? Losing someone you cared for for so long, being betrayed by those you thought were family..." his hands clenched into fists as he spoke, a bit of anger rising within him. However, before it could become noticeable, Oji-San handed him a bowl of stew. The look of the meal, along with its warmth and delicious scent, caused him to forget his anger. Good cooking tended to do that. "Thank you," he said in reply, beginning to eat the stew as he listened to Oji-san's words. He never actually thought of what to do now. He was lost here, stuck on an island with no way out. What could he possibly do? But as Oji-San continued, he couldn't help but agree with his words. His brother always wanted him to be strong, even when looking out for him. Whenever he was sad he would comfort him. Wallowing in misery didn't get you anywhere. As he continued, he felt his strength returning, s eyes widening in realization. "You're right..." he said after he finally finished, looking at his stew before looking at Oji-San right in the eyes, "My brother and I created the Crackerjack Pirates together. My brother wouldn't want me to give up. The crackerjack Pirates...they were almost a symbol of our dream..." He stood to his feet, the bowl still in his hands, "I'll do it! I'll go out, and reform the Crackerjack Pirates! We'll go out and sail to the ends of the earth, just like me and Basil did all those years ago!" He could feel his spirit soaring. |
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| Post #10 Sep 2 2012, 06:40 PM | Dumpster |
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Oji-San was more than a little relieved when he realized he had convinced Vanilla to stop crying. He wasn’t about to admit it for a second, but he was finding it harder and harder to deny the young lad. He could tell the boy was truly shaken up by the loss of his brother and was in a vulnerable state. Not wanting the pirate to have a life filled with regret and sorrow Oji-San felt compelled to spur the boy’s dream on, even if the mayor would be displeased. He was sure that a good kid like Vanilla would lead a band of excellent pirates who would not bring shame onto Oji-San for sending them out into the world. Oji-San was practically beaming he was smiling so hard when Vanilla finally spoke of capturing his dream once more. Good for him! It was true that at first he had joined his brother’s crew out of love, but Oji-San could tell he had the spirit for it. The only way Vanilla was going to be able to go on with his life is if he took up the Jolly Roger and sailed on. The elder couldn’t help, but laugh delighted and shout, ”Hahahahaha! The era of the Crackerjack Pirates begins again right now! First stop Dawn Island, next the New World! You do your brother proud speaking such things so confidently.” The happy moment that Oji-San was sharing with the boy was shattered in a moment. Shouts from outside could easily be heard and it cut through their happy conversation. ”Oi! Old man come on out here! “ ”Ya Old man… We want to seeee you!” Oji-San practically halted at the sound of the voices. He made a motion for Vanilla to remain silent and made his way outside in a hurry to greet the intruders. From a small window Vanilla could have a clear view of what was happening. Outside Oji-San made his way to the end of the courtyard where two rather intimidating men were waiting for him. They both smirked wickedly at his approach and leaned atop the fence, their weight causing it to creak under the strain. What seemed to be the leader of the two leaned even further till his face was almost touching the older man’s and said, ”Long time no see old man. We’ve come to collect the taxes you owe the Great Oni Band.” To that the older man only grit his teeth, his face contorting in anger, and said, ”I paid you scum barely a week ago! The deal was once a month for our protection. When Sanjirou was in charge you guys had bandits where did that go?!”  For his outburst he was rewarded by the bandits roaring at him and tearing his fence from its post with their strength and tossing it aside. ”You are going to pay us the money or else. Times are changed, deal with it old man. I will back tomorrow and if you don’t have the money you will be sorry.” With that the bandits stormed off and Oji-San slowly made his way back to the house. Once he was inside he smiled an apologetic smile at Vanilla and said, ”Sorry about that.” 
Edited by Dumpster, Sep 2 2012, 06:49 PM.
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| Post #11 Sep 2 2012, 07:03 PM | Blood Isaac |
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Doing his brother proud. Hearing those words warmed Vanilla's heart. That just further cemented his decision. He would find others like him. He would form a new pirate crew, and he would do what he and his brother set out to do! And then the moment was ruined, by a bunch if tgs suddenly appearing outside. Despite Oji-san's request for him to keep quiet, Vanilla made his way to the window to see what was going on. He could hear what was said clearly. A couple of thugs wanting Oji-San to pay some sort of tax, but he could see what it really was. They were extorting the old man for money. The instant one of them tore up the fence, Vanilla went to his swords, intent on going out there and protecting Oji-San. However, coming back to the window, he could see the thugs leaving, and Oji-San with a weary look on his face. Vanilla watched as Oji-San returned to the house, apologizing for what had happened. Why was he sorry? He had done nothing wrong. [color=red"Who we're those guys?"[/color] he asked, forgetting he was still holding his hook swords, "What is this Great Oni Band and why are they forcing money from you?" it was pretty obvious to be honest, but Vanilla wanted the whole explanation before proceeding further. |
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