Serious: The Greatest goal, one last obstacle before the new world In Alabasta ((ENd and Closed))

MAXULUS (SHORE)

"There is no need to worry, marine... I am pretty sure we shall meet again one day... So, you might get your chance to have your revenge on me." Maxulus said to Izlend as his arm returned back at his body and he looked towards the sand fortress on the sky with a serious look on his face. Apparently, he had seen some of the marines moving there... Things were getting interesting... And with Clyde being at the shore, Maxulus really had no other place than the fortress itself. He should instantly get there in order to assist his crew in the battle. Although he preferred watching from afar, he knew that this was his responsibility. As the 4th Division commander and one of the most lasting commanders in the crew, Maxulus had to be in the fortress in order to assist his captain. He swiftly started flying towards the fortress and he prepared himself to enter in order to see what was going on...

FERDINARD (SAND CITADEL)

Meanwhile, inside the Sand Citadel... Ferdinard was looking for Lucas, as he walked inside the place. Apparently, he could listen to some explosions. Possibly there were people fighting inside the place... So many people were standing in a sand city at the sky. Many marines were there, including Vice Admiral Derge Namikaze Sr. and Gideon Newton. Ferdinard could not really believe that he was there with two people that had that rank... The battles in the citadel would definitely be interesting... And as they were going on, Ferdinard kept shouting Lucas' name, hoping that the pirate would come at him... "Lucas! I did not fly my way here to have you hiding! I am not interested in Hide and Seek! Fahahahahahahahahahaha!" Ferdinard commented and he looked around, hoping to find his pirate enemy.

Sometimes it was really hard to stay optimistic when one had such a hard case of bad luck as Johan had right now. After the particularily unfortunate string of events that put him into the situation he was in currently, the fact that it was that situation he was in was just the icing on the cake of tragic mishaps.... It was like the universe had noticed no one liked cakes made largely of sorrow and various handicaps and therefore decided to just hand them all to the revolutionary.
Johan frowned. Quite a colourful metaphor. He was sure Emil was shivering in disgust because of his captains inner capability to work baked goods into existential questions. Right now though, neither the various pastries of life nor Emil mattered all that much, seeing as the former were just a product of a stressed mind and the latter was (hopefully) safe and far away from this place.
Johan had insisted on going alone. Half of his crew was still missing, the other half was either injured, starving, exhausted or needed to guard the aforementioned. He had left the ship in Emils capable hands, advising him to give Jamil the strongest soporofic he could get his hands on and to make sure he really took it. Jamil was a good man, or, well, at least a capable man, but he really seemed to have problems with the meaning of the statement "I'm going alone". "Alone", in his mind, seemed to include him, at least when the word was applied to Johan.
And now look where his insistence had gotten him!

Currently, Johan was holding onto a ledge. To be precise, he was holding onto the edge of a sand based structure floating above the desert of Alabasta, while a battle was going on around him. He also had only one arm to grab onto the sand, and why it had ever occured to him that going anywhere near Anubis, who he always ever seemed to see when there were battles around with the injuries of his last little adventure not fully healed was beyond him. It wasn't the strangest thing that had happened to him this week though.
He had come here to see Anubis. While one could say he didn't have a liking for pirates, he did serve under one for... various... good... reasons. Reasons including the number of his other possible allies. So when he eard the yonkou was in distress, he had left everything and just got to Alabasta as quickly as he could. Which, granted, didn't seem to have been quickly enough, as he walked right into a battle upon his arrival. How exactly it had come to this specific situation though, he wasn't exactly sure. It might've had something to do with the universe handing him an especially large misfortune treat today. He had even been in the citadel already! He had even managed to somehow get up there without getting killed! And then he had tripped over his coat. Of course, he had been standing conveniently right in front of on of the few windows this thing had. So that's how he had gotten here.... There hadn't been a single attack or assassination attempt or whatever made on him, and still he was already in a life threatening situation.
He sighed.... sometimes... sometimes it really was hard, staying optimistic when you were him...
Just then, he felt his hand slipping.

Iced Shore

Zalton had seen Sabels many times and didnt want to get tossed about like rest of the lot. Although this one was larger than normal he avoided it by quickly maneuvering through field to where its eye would form. He glided on air untill he got back to the shore where the Grim Death had once been. He met up with Hibiki awaiting further instruction from Anubis he listned for information coming in over his Den Den Mushi.

Zalton had some experiance with Hibiki in the past although he didn't care for the guy much. It might of had somthing to do with him being a vet. To Zalton he was second rate doctor. He relished the fact that techniqually Zalton was his superiour given his status as Third Division commandor. But there was sure to be more injuries and they would need to work together to cordinate their subordinates. He watched as Cithadel was formed. "Its been so long since we cut loose hasn't?" his comment was more for Anubis, although he surely would not hear the comment. But Hibiki might, mistake it as small talk. <Who would of thought that Anubis would be sick when the time finally came to take Alabasta. But then we get to go to the good old New World once more.> Laughing out loud. He commented on the fact that it wasnt a place for the weak. "Is it?" This time actually talking to his fellow doctor but not looking at him.

Darnel
He found himself launched upside when Manus performed the handstand. Then kicked off his leg toward the ground. Without the presense of seastone, Darnel was able to transform into his hybrid form. He then was able to dig underground underneath the sand ground. Darnel knew once the venom worked its magic Manus would be unable to move in half an hour(3-5) posts. Time was on his side in a few moments Manus would die.

Maria
Maria just grinned "How perceptive of you. Yes this weapon is lined with seastone. It will give me the advantage in this battle. Surrender and I will let you live. There is no reason for you to die yet...." She grabbed her scythe striking the the blade into the ice. Then she lifted herself in the air pulling the scythe out from the ice and slamming it again. She continued the process again and again until she was rolling like a wheel toward Clear cutting through the ice

Conrad
Conrad placed his left arm to absorb the impact of the cannon. A sharp burning pain from his arm as a large imprint of the cannon ball hit it. Conrad shrugged it off disreguarding the pain. The second cannon blew up the area around conrad forcing him to fall into the ocean......

The captain blinked before chuckling softly at what the other was saying, bringing her sword up and pointing it at her with a cold smile adorning her face. "I won't be taken away again, not like last time," she said in a soft tone while watching the other get closer, frowning as her ice was being cut by the scythe before walking back and getting a good distance from Maria.

She then jumped as high as she could before aiming her sword downward where the water was as well as her fist, crying out as she stabbed it and let her punch connect to the liquid as she landed. Almost in an instant ice started covering what was left of the space between them and Nanohana, giving Barius the opportunity he needed to dash all the way to their destination.

"That should handle that," she muttered with a pant before turning back to Maria and not waiting for her to start rolling towards her again before dashing for a head on attack, avoiding the weapon and throwing a kick to the other's side so she could throw her off balance.

Letting his guard down Ryan was instantly blinded and didn't see the kick come to his face the power behind tgr kick sent him flying into one of the citadel walls instantly destroying the entire wall and shaking the citadel while also creating a dust cloud around the area.Ryan lay there with a smirk on his face he didn't know the marines still had someone this powerful under there sleaves " This is gonna be fun" Ryan jumped up launching himself threw the dust towards the marine "Flame Dance" Ryan quickly unsheath his sword and started deliverying dozens of flame air slashes towards Gideon...

In the cirdatal - Gideon vs Ryan

Gideon landed on the ground. Gideon stood up and watched as Ryan quickly stood up and began countering with a violent attack with flames. He was a swordsman. Gideon then held up his right arm and held up his index finger, thus he began firing off beams of light. Causing the slashes of flame to explode on contact.

"Not bad...to get right up after a full on attack of mine shows your no push over. But I haven't gone all out so brace your self.."

"Jugon" With a swift forward movement, the marine sent a blast of air towards the swordman's direction. The moving energy threw back every shard and scrap of of the glass like material that the man threw at him. As the pressurized air moved forward sand from the floor and walls swirled and blew; this created a small sand screen. The thickness of the blockage was intensified by the narrow structure of the maze.

With the forward direction eliminated as a possible point of attack, Derge Sr. spun around. Leaping back the marine was able to avoid any possible attack from below or the sides, while also giving him time to counter a blow from behind. The spear bounced off of Derge Sr.'s right gauntlet and grazed his arm. A large gash went up the sleeve of his marine uniform. Luckily his skin was still intact despite nasty cut in his clothing. The swordsman was nothing new; nothing he hadn't dealt with before. Even if he did have a wide spread attack, the vice admiral was certain he could counter it. Now the shadow woman, this was an ability he had only seen once. She was truly a dangerous foe.

"So you country was taken over by the World Government? Honestly, it was probably for the best. The government has forcefully taken many a country under it's wing. I understand, it looks bad. Yeah it even looks terrible. But that's what it takes for seed of peace to flourish. It has to be fed by the ashes of the old. My own country burned for this very reason; I lead the charge. The era of the pirate has to come to an end; an end of death, blood, and fire. A fire the burns the evil away, so the new good can grow. You say the government killed your family and destroyed your country? Just think how many innocents Anubis has killed; the number is probably considerably less than that of the World Government. Yeah, he's only one person, while the World Government is an alliance of the world's nations. If the World Government obtains full control, there will be no more pirates, no more dead innocents. In all of it's history the World Government has killed to preserve and move the times forward towards peace. Still with every country that has burned because of the World Government, the number of dead innocents pales in comparison to the number that you pirates have killed. If Anubis takes this country, it will be just as horrible for it's people as it was for you and your people when the World Government attack. The government doesn't just kill people for no reason. Now I'm willing to wager that a mere child wasn't exactly able to understand or comprehend the politics of a nation. You have no idea what kind of evils your country could have been dealing in. A spoiled, sheltered, princess isn't the one to speak of the hardships of the common people. In the end your just another privileged royal that's throwing a tantrum because you lost all of your power." Derge Sr. preached to the woman.

Her green eyes blazed and her voice echoed from the shadows with thunderous tremors of rage.

"You know nothing, Marine. Our island was full of riches and resources, all of which the government wanted, and now maintains control of while the people starve. How do you speak of a polity you know nothing of? We were isolationist, allied and interacting with no one. We had every resource one could ever want on our island which is precisely why it was so valuable. Apparently the island sat upon a cache of diamonds as well as a silver vein. These were worthless to our people. No one was ever in need of material wealth which is why we never interacted with the rest of the world. We did not wish for greed and corruption to tear us apart as happened with everyone else. To avoid malcontent or corruption, my family along with the other house relinquished its dynastic claims in a ceremonial gathering every third year and the people could vote to support or challenge this action. Without fail the people voted to reestablish both houses of the monarchy. The monarchs live among the people, not in luxurious palaces. They, along with the elders and four elected officials formed a council of justice.

Our island was happy, healthy, and above all, left alone until a damaged marine vessel docked there by chance. The only thing we had that could be used for repair of the vessel was the copious amounts of silver that ran thickly through the island. We also kept the crew well fed until the left after the repairs were completed. After they left, more came, and when we would not allow them to destroy out orchards to mine the silver, which we didn't really want, the world government decided deception and murder was the best way to insure that it got access to the diamond and silver mines that we never cared about to begin with. So, don't your get on your for-the-good-of-mankind high horse and preach to me like you even have a bloody clue about who I am or where I come from. I know what kind of people you represent and make no mistake- they ARE pirates, they are merely institutionalized.

My home was once prosperous, happy and isolated and now it is burned to the ground and everyone is starving because all of the orchards, springs, and gardens were destroyed to make mines. I do not speak for Anubis, I only see the poison the the world government has poured into his home and he is doing the best he can with the influence he as acquired to merely survive. I'm not exactly sure what you expect of him, given the absurd alternative you have set forth as you assume is your right to do so. "

"You speak of the World Government's greed? Look at your own people. They could have merely used the silver to buy what they needed. But no, you decided that it would be better to war rather than just quietly subjecting. That silver and the gems you spoke of went on to fund the efforts of future peace. It was necessary. With that they could form the forces they need to benefit all of mankind. If it wasn't for the greed of your people they would still be around. So one or two islands have to give up their ways of life for something better. So bet it. If you're honestly angry because your island was destroyed, the be angry at the fools that resisted. They are the reason for it's downfall.

Today if they merely shared the wealth, they wouldn't be in such a sorry condition. It's their fault, not the fault of the peace keepers. If you're to blind to see that a small sacrifice is nothing in the long run, that's your problem. You're nothing more than a mere stepping stone, much like your country!" Derge Sr. yelled. Calming down the man spoke once again. "You see your country as a utopia, but that is merely the fairy tail vision of a child. I doubt your tantalizing stories are as pure as you say. All you see is a wrong against something that was precious to you, but in reality, it was for the good of everyone." lectured the marine.

Derge Sr. knew all to well that the woman was much to dangerous in such tight quarters. Leaping up the vice admiral burst through the ceiling with a solid tekkai enforced punch. With geppou keeping him in the air, the marine looked down upon the maze. This action gave him a variety of advantages. He could rain down attacks, with ease as they tried to dodge like fish in barrel. Also he could attack Anubis with little interference. Even if he couldn't see Anubis directly, he knew where his voice had come from.

(Ashley!Alurbana Palace Roof top's)

Seeing Payne stop below her. (Cuz Clearly he didnt jump high up onto the roof) As He started talking to her out of the blue took Ashley by surprise.

Replying to Payne Ashley said. "I Am A Marine stationed here to Protect the Prince and the people of this land. So yes I haven something against the Pirate Menace know As Anubis. He was also involved with a monster in my past. But that my personal business."

Taking in a few breathes Ashley Sighed. "I recognize you from from the description of other Marines. Vice Admiral Major Payne is it? I am already willing to work by your side. Currently I intend to stop any threat before entering the Palace. Your Welcome to stay by my side and aid me or continue on in to Protect the Prince...."

Loosing the serious act and dropping her guard for a moment Ashley Blew Payne a kiss. "Now dont break my heart and end up dieing cutie. My heart couldn't bare the Pain. "

Then quickly picking up her guard again she looked forward with forever searching eyes awaiting her prey.

"Did you just miss the part about isolationism? Words have actual definitions-you don't get to just make your own. We had EVERYTHING we needed to survive until you idiots destroyed our food and water sources. We bloody WERE at peace and you took that away and left nothing but blood in the wake of your greedy rampage ... is one peace more valuable than another? We would have given what was asked, if it was needed but you wretched creatures never troubled yourself to ask, you just killed, burned and PLUNDERED! Like the pirates you ARE!

Do you really think it makes the world better to make one set of people bleed so another set of people can live? You have not accomplished anything, you fool, you have merely displaced the pain. Furthermore, your government should be more resourceful in its crusades and not so directly rely upon resources that it just happens to stumble upon by chance. That means without such a lucky find of a resource cache, you would have had your thumbs up your miserable, entitled asses and my home would still be pristine without your toxic tentacles to destroy it.

I don't really believe you as so blind as to buy into all of this philanthropic bullshit you are spouting off either. Unless you have been thoroughly brainwashed, which I would not put past the world government, or you have the I.Q. of the nearest sack of rice flour, you can't possible believe a word that is coming out of your own mouth. I think you are just in a desperate and misguided effort to justify the copious amounts of power you stand to gain by standing behind this childish and idyllic view of something so large and corrupt as the world government. I hope it's worth it for you. I hope every metal affixed to your chest is worth every life that you sent to be slaughtered with out trial, proof, or even opportunity to offer a plea or defense. You sicken me."

At Alurbana Palace - Payne and Ashley

Payne stood there and nodded after hearing and seeing the female was Marine. She seemed to have, some what, a good head on her shoulders. Even though he felt this battleground was no place for personal relations. Payne looked up at her and did a respectful salute, not for her being superior, but more so as an "Okay". He then turned around to his men.

"Oh Please...Alright men! I want you all to build a physical and human barricade around the back of the palace, no rear attacks. I'll guard the front on my own. You all secure the back. Any attackers come one of you come inform me instantly. Spencer and Steven should be on there way soon.."

"Oh my child, do you really believe the crap you're spouting right now? I honestly think you do. Hehaha....That's to bad...Look, if a few islands have to burn for the good of the world, it not that big of a deal. If it wasn't the world government, it would have been someone else. And they certainly wouldn't have been as nice about it as the World Government. They would have raped and pillaged everything; no survivors at all. Actually, I thank you; your sacrifice is helping use obtain peace.

I killed the people that I called brothers as a child, they ways were old and stubborn. If I hadn't many more people would have died, for each one of them I killed, thousands of people in the future were saved. It's the same with your home island. Just think, if the World Government was a little stricter in the efforts for absolute justice, you wouldn't exist. Think of that. Killing you, one person would have saved many. Your existence if a plague of sorts; wiping out many, many people. Kill one save hundreds or even thousands.

Now look at what I'm trying to do. I'm trying to kill you and Anubis; with the deaths of just two mere people, I'm saving countries full of people. I think that more than makes up for what the destruction of your and my home islands. The World Government doesn't have to brainwash it's servants. Unlike your Anubis, it generates loyalty from it's members by showing them what true justice is. The World Government acts based upon what is best of the future of all the peoples of the world. This was and is not true of either of our home islands, nor is it true of the tyrant you're protecting. He's a monster, thousands of people met an early death because of his existence. The number will only grow if I allow him to live.

Absolute justice will guide use to a lasting peace. We have to shun the fools the oppose it, as they are too narrow minded to understand the grand plan. They are like mere insects in the presence of a god like figure. The leaders of all the world make up this institution. With the majority of the educated rulers in this group, we can be sure whatever they do is for the good of everyone. Utopia all across the world will be brought about by absolute justice; even the greedy people of your nation will be able to bask in it's glory. Just wait, you'll see. Your people will dance on the graves of their ancestors cursing them for halting the progress of utopia for even a single moment." Derge Sr. again preached.

[[Mashidi at Alurbana with Vice Admiral Payne]]

"Sorry about the reception then, our men are too restless right now, they will react to anything..... but,......" The soldiers which Payne had defeated got up slowly, dusting themselves off, some recovered right away , and some looked strong. Mashidi grinned at Vice Admiral Payne "These men will never give up, not while this country is in danger, we will fight to the last dying man, REMEMBER THAT MY BROTHERS, THIS IS OUR HOME!!!!!!!!" The soldiers all roared and went about their duties, most of them listening to the orders earlier conveyed by Payne. Mashidi then looked to Vice Admiral Payne "My brother.... he is strong....... but, this country is stronger, the bonds of these people will never shatter, we will not cave in to terrorists and invaders who seek to harm this population.... thank you for your assistance Vice Admiral...."

[[Anubis on the citadel]]
Anubis was feeling presence after presence on the citadel , since all the sand was linked to him, he could feel who was on citadel at this very moment. Derge Sr was the ultimate threat, since he was the closest and also probably the strongest of the enemy forces. Anubis cursed it, the timing of his arrival was unfortunate, but then again, Anubis had been in tight corners before, nothign new. Anubis then felt a presence that didnt stand out so much, since for one it was outside and another thing was that due to all the presences inside the citadel , it was distracting. Anubis knew who this was, it was johan, it seemed Johan had returned. Anubis directed some sand to let Johan stand and lift him into the citadel. Anubis then switched the maze around , cutting the exit between them and Derge, moving the area around. The entire citadel positions had changed, now there was a path for both Sven and Desiree with Derge Sr in the middle. Anubis had also moved Johan to his area "Hello there Johan my old friend, it has been a while......"

[[Lucas vs Ferdinand]]

Lucas had been following Ferdinand around hiding in the sand walls. Using his wax as camouflage. Lucas then moved from wall to wall. He finally came out "Hello marine... welcome, i am 20th Division commander of the anubis pirates.... and this place will be your grave....." Suddenly dragon heads made of wax formed from Lucas's hands, about 4 dragon heads. Lucas eyes were also glaring.

[[on the shore]]

One of the pirates found Izlend and had transferred him to Bests position at the ship without wounding him furhter. Izelend was being treated by Best at the time. Knight Jr heard the sound wave and covered his ears "Thats one hell of a way to do it......."
Hibikis attack simultaneously took out any remaining forces on the shore which were part of the Alabasta faction. The place now had pirates overruning it , heading towards Nanohana.

FERDINARD (SAND FORTRESS)

Ferdinard was walking for quite a while in the sand citadel... Apparently, the place was just like a labyrinth! No matter where he walked, he would end up seeing a dead end and he would be unable to progress forward. And that was not only that... Sounds were coming from around. Many battles were going on and from the looks of it, they were very intense. The Vice Admirals were probably taking on the heads of the Anubis Pirates... And while all those things were going on, Ferdinard was stuck and he could not find his enemy! He hated that more than anything else. Despite the fact that he was walking around for minutes and screaming his name to make himself noticeable, Ferdinard did not see any results. He was pretty sure that Lucas would come out soon at the start, because of the fact that he caught a glimpse of the places they both entered the labyrinth. They entered the sand fortress from two close places... Lucas was probably hiding somewhere around... And from the looks of it, he did not seem to want to appear. Maybe he was planning to perform a stealthy attack to Ferdinard in order to finish him off, and being a fruit user as he demonstrated before, Ferdinard would have to be cautious. "Damn you, Lucas... You are making me mad!" Ferdinard said with a smile on his face before he laughed with his signature laughter "FAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!". And... As soon as the marine started laughing, what he expected started taking place. Lucas appeared out of the wall, revealing himself to Ferdinard. And before Ferdinard could even introduce himself to the pirate, he started attacking him...

With a smile on his face, Ferdinard swiftly moved both his hands forward, after taking off his gloves. He said "Nice! A dragon! FAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!". A second later, the muscles of his palms moved twice, creating four compressed balls of air that moved towards the 4 dragon heads. They two attacks collided with each other and the wax was spread around the place, with Ferdinard having no contact with it. He had just protected himself from Lucas' first attack. "Nice...Compressed balls... FAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!". The battle between the two had just started.

MAXULUS (SAND FORTRESS)

As the sound of war could be heard from the fortress, Maxulus started flying towards it faster and faster. As Clyde was behind, he was of no use at the shore and so he started moving fast towards the fortress... He just did not know where he would end up appearing. He could end up appearing in the middle of his enemies, or in the middle of his friends, or even in the middle of two attacks. As a result, the Division Commander decided to open a hole at a place where no sounds came from. At the moment he reached the sand he swiftly used a part of his stored Impact Dial energy to break a part of the sand and burst into the fortress, finally arriving at the place to assist the Anubis Pirates. Then, he swiftly started flying around the labyrinth with great speed, in order to search for Anubis and the rest of the crew.

ARABASTA SOLDIER (ALUBARNA)

The soldier was carefully listening to the words of his general. Apparently, Mashidi was inspiring all the soldiers who were around. All of them were cheering for him and they seemed to agree with his ideals. To the soldier's eyes, Mashidi probably looked to his soldier's eyes like a Messiah who would save Arabasta from any dangers. "YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEES!" he cheered afterwards, probably inspired and move by the words that the prince of Arabasta just said. It looked like that after these words, all the soldiers would be more motivated to fight than before. Then, he stood near Mashidi and he looked at him with eyes that showed awe, just like the eyes of an innocent child that was looking at his parent...

SALTY (SHORE)

Around the shore, a man with a brown hat, brown colored clothes and a marine coat was hiding behind a big rock. The man was carrying a camera with him, which he was using to take pictures from the area around. So far, he had taken a picture of the 4th Division Commander, Maxulus, of the 7th Division Commander, Clyde, from the 7th Division members as well as of other soldiers of the Anubis Pirates that still happened to be around. He was about to take a picture of the rest of the Anubis Pirates, but before he did so, Anubis' spectacular fortress was created on the air and many of them moved there. Of course, the picture of the fortress which he took was amazing, but his real mission was to take the pictures of the Anubis Pirates and any other pirates who happened to be at the site of the war.
"Damn it..." he whispered to himself as he started quietly moving around the area in order to try to find a way to get into the fortress and do his job. Even if it was too dangerous, the man was determined to do what he should do. As the head of the marines' photography department, he would have to do his duty to not shame his division and himself.

Alurbana Palace - Payne and Mashidi

Payne was surprised at Mashidi's sudden appearance, but knew it was coming sooner or later. The hope he struck into his soldiers hearts was that of a true leader. Payne highly respected that, They needed some one like him in the Marines. Payne turned towards Mashidi and saluted in a "Nice Job" meaning. Payne watched as his men had already practically finished the barricade in the back of the palace. They worked fast, they were trained too.

"..Maybe I could call in a few more foot soldiers..just to hold off the back...Hmmm.."

The futility of his attack was not wholly unexpected, Sven mused, as he sidestepped the shards of glass sent flying back by Derge Senior's counter. Sand flooded the narrow hallway of the citadel's maze, kicked up by Derge Senior's incredibly bizarre wind based technique. Sven was force to seal his mouth shut to avoid getting the grit into his lungs and throat, covering his nose with his free hand. Luckily, Sven's goggles allowed him to keep the majority of his vision in the midst of the sand. He also managed to hear the other two combatants launch into what seemed to be an idealogical debate, and Sven found the woman's argument far stronger than Derge Senior's brainwashed drivel.

He moved his sword about to clear the air of sand, freely exclaiming shortly afterwards, "I hate to be ignored." Releasing his face with his hand, Sven continued unabated. "Do you know what you reek of? Treachery. The answer is treachery." Sven gripped his sword's handle in a slowly growing rage, infuriated by the words of the older man. "You claim the Government acts in the interests of the masses, is that correct? Yes, at times, the Government acts as an incredibly vital stabilizing agent for the rest of the world. Without the Marines and the operatives of the Government, the crueler pirates would have long overtaken the land."

He sighed, struggling to contain his anger. "However, the Marine ranks are rife with corruption and arrogance, brainwashing and cruel orders. One like yourself would be willing to head the slaughter of his entire people if he could get something out of it, and obviously, it has happened before. You claim to be one of the instruments in the Government's hunt for true peace, but you only sow carnage and betrayal. But... there's one thing you've clearly not learned yet.." His grip on his blade tightened as he straightened himself up. "And that's to not turn your back on an enemy until you're certain he's dead."

At that, Sven shot his sword up, and with a flourish, carved a hole in the ceiling to release a block of hardened sand. Sven lithely stepped back from the area under the block before kicking it at Derge Senior. The block would at least distract the Marine before it exploded into a cloud of dust. At this point Sven brought himself low as the hole filled itself back in, and he prepared to launch an attack at Derge Senior's shins as soon as he was certain of the man's movements. He prayed the woman would have the sense he believed she had to move away from the cylinder to avoid being blinded.

" Of course that wasn't your full strength if it was you would have disappointed us all Vice-Admiral" Ryan removed his jacket "Now the glint-glint fruit a powerful fruit which most powerful ability is the speed some how Ill have to keep up with you, but enough talk lets plat" Ryan launched himself towards Gideon and begin spinning in mid-air and then from the tip of his sword to the hilt it fire begin shooting out of the sword and twirled around Ryan's body "Spinning Fire Shot"

Sister Maria
Maria felt the kick to her side. She flew toward the opposite direction as rolled away across the ice. Maria thrusted her weapon into the ice to stop herself from sliding across the ice any further. The scythe slid across the ice creating a long rift until stopping. Maria got up still hurting from the side "Looks like I underestimated you. A mistake a deliverer of justice won't make twice." Maria saw how the ice split from her weapon which gaver her an idea. She swung her weapon hitting the ice with the dull side of his scythe. The impact cracked the ice splitting it down the middle where Clear was standing at. If nothing was done clear would fall into the water below and presuming drown.

Conrad
Conrad rose from the water he fallen into. He was wet and cold. Conrad roared as he gotten out the hole from which he fell. He wanted revenge against the hooded knights. Conrad ran toward the ship at full speed ready to smash the ship into pieces...

Mail turned and saw Conrad going for the ship. "Not the ship not again you bastard." Mail said rushing to the giant before using the impact dials on his feet to launch him self into the air. Getting in front of the giants face he shot out his ice beam in an attempt to freeze him.

Johan closed his eyes as his hand finally slipped and he fell, half expecting this to finally be it. All in all, it'd have been a sort of acceptable end for his life. Not exactly how he'd have pictured it. But all right.
He opened his eyes again when he realised he wasn't exactly falling or crashing into the ground anytime soon. When he looked down, he realised he was sitting on sand, and for one second he wondered if he had somehow fallen after all and just... survived... and not hurt himself... at all...
It was way too stupid a thought to hold on to however, especially when he remembered that oh, this was Anubis castle, and right, Anubis happened to control sand. He guessed that meant at least the yonkou wasn't angry with him for being late then. Or not being there at all the last times he had called for him... Either that, or he was angry, but hiding it very well.
Whichever it was, Johan decided, he didn't exactly have a choice but to go along with it for now.

When he arrived, or rather was brought back to the inside of the citadel, he found himself in an area he had not yet been in yet. Which was most of the sand structure. He wondered why he had been brought here... Then he heard a voice behind him. He would have been able to tell it from any other, but still he reflexively grabbed his cutlass and spun around, weapon at the ready. You never knew when you might have to face incredibly advanced voice impostors.
When he saw Anubis though, he lowered his weapon, eventually sheathing it again.
"Anubis. I came here as fast as I could..... Is everything...."
Johan interrupted himself. He couldn't see Anubis clearly, his glasses were still in his pocket, and the man didn't exactly stand inches away from him, but even with his limited eyesight, he could tell something was off.
Carefully, he took a step towards the yonkou, pulling his glasses out of his pocket to find the glass of the left lense broken. Still, he put them on.
Anubis didn't look good. He was pale. He looked weaker than usual. Johan knew, his condition must be even worse than he let on. Anubis possessed enough will to not let anyone see how weakened he really was, at least that's what Johan suspected, judging from what Jamil usually did in such situations. Jamil and Anubis weren't alike in a lot of things, but they both had that incredible will.
"...So, you really are sick then...."
Johans voice was soft and quiet, barely more than a whisper. For once because he didn't know if there were any people around that Anubis might not want to hear that, but also because, all of a sudden, it hit him that he hadn't ever expected this. So many things had happened when he wasn't there, off fighting for his own revolution, one that, for all he knew, could be a lost cause. If he had called for help, Anubis would have come. But Johan himself... hadn't been there. Hadn't even been there enough to realise something was wrong at all. Hadn't been there once, twice, hadn't been there at all.
Johan looked lost all of a sudden. He wasn't good at hiding his feelings, had always been an open book to Anita, heck, even to his crew. Right now, he was looking to the ground, ashamed, his arms first crossed, then hanging at his sides, as if he didn't know what to do with them.
revolutions ate their children, wasn't that how it went? Well, with him, it was more a case of a revolution that had been waiting so long to get carried out, it had gone on to eat allies, friends and family of its son. Johan briefly thought of Jackson, who was still on the ship. They hadn't gotten him to wake up, despite the mechanic they had hired.
He managed to look up at Anubis, though he was still keeping his head down.
"I'm sorry. I should've been there. I'm really sorry."



Meanwhile, on the ship.
There had been worries, complaints even, that their assistance would be needed in this battle. It was closeby, Emil had to admit. But right now, as Jamil was out, Zuzen wouldn't be able to even lead a well trained dog, and Jackson remained in that comatous state of his, so Emil had been left in charge, and he did not intend to endanger those revolutionaries any further. They were good human beings, except Jackson, who was.... Emil wasn't sure what he was, but "human" wasn't it, and Jamil, who he could not, ever, describe as "good". Even "human" seemed to be stretching it. Either way, those two, as well, would not be willingly endangered further under his command. They were here to fight for what they believed was right, for the revolution. Not for some pirate. Emil had never quite understood why Johan would associate himself with those lawless.... persons... But he wasn't here to critisize him, neither his actions or choices. He was here to protect the ship and the crew until their leader got back.
And right now, it looked like they could well be safe. The pirates were slowly pushing their enemies back, it seemed.
"...It's not like I'm scared, but... can't we just go back to the ship and wait somewhere else?"
Oh right, he was out here with him.... Emil didn't show his annoyance.
"We are literally two feet away from the ship, the battle is much more towards the center of the city, we have weapons, and we're standing guard to a ship that most likely does not interest either of the two factions right now. We are on guard duty, Zuzen. Guard. Duty. We're not even fighting, and most likely, we won't be for the rest of the day. So please, control your cowardice and paranoia for once in your life, or at least don't let everyone around you know of it. Thank you in advance."
Emil had said it in a very neutral tone. He was completely sure that everything he had just stated would hold true. If it didn't, however.... if only one faction of the enemy somehow got to them, and decided, for whatever reason, to attack.... Well... Emil had never claimed to be a capable fighter, and Zuzen certainly couldn't stand up against a large number of enemies either.... Then again, their chances had never been big. Following Johan meant gambling with your life. Might as well do it while following orders and keeping the others safe.

"Who's that guy ?! He just appeared out of the blue .. and .. GAAAH !!"
"What are you doing ? Why are you .. kuuuuhh !"
Around 10 low-ranked grunts charge at a mysterious man, that even since he set foot in the battle, has started slashing down every pirate on sight. The man, without showing any expression on his face, moves a massive axe, that he had on his back, with the handle "resting" on his shoulder, and slices them off, killing them with one blow. Todd, now being a marine, after being gone for months to train, somehow ended up being here at the right time. The right time for one of his ambitions to be realized.
Todd: I dont have time for you little ants. I am looking for someone that shouldn't be alive now. But you wont go away this time .. *he smirks a bit and walks away, causually as if nothing just happened* Miroku Satoshi !

((OOC: Just to clarify Gael, you get priority. I have already discussed of a different fight for Todd.))

SALTY (SHORE)

Salty had been running around the place, staring at the levitating sand citadel at the meantime in order to figure out a way to create an opening in it so that he would burst in and continue with his mission to take photographs. However, there was nothing he could do. He was so unlucky... Even himself, the Head Captain of the Marines' Photography department could not figure a way to enter the fortress and take the pictures of the pirates who were involved in it. There could be many powerful rookie pirates that Anubis recruited during his travels inside the fortress, that he could not just this chance slip off. He would have to make a move as fast as possible.

However, as he was running and he was not paying attention to any of his surroundings, he was apparently spotted by a bunch of pirates who were at the shore after receiving orders from their respective commanders. They were lesser members of the Anubis Pirates and they were all staring at the marine with a look on their faces that showed how much they wanted to take him down because of the fact that they realized that he was an important member of the marines. From the camera he was carrying and the marine coat he wore on his back, it was not difficult to understand that he was the man who was responsible for the bounty posters of each pirate...

Seeing that he got spotted, Salty started getting frightened in the beginning. Those pirates... They were all looking towards him with a look on their faces, as if they were starving for days and they were viewing him as a piece of meat to eat him. Even the pirates who looked kindhearted were staring at him angrily, as they all understood who he was and what he was doing there. Obviously, Salty could understand, too, why they were acting like that and as a result, he started running faster and faster in order to avoid being grabbed by the bunch of the pirates who were about to attack him.

"Get him, guys!" one pirate screamed as they all started running behind him in order to chase after him. They were all giving their best to reach him and cut him down with their swords. However, an unexpected thing was going on. Salty, who was running as fast as he could as well, seemed to possess greater speed than them to the point that he could avoid them somewhat easily. It seemed that those years that he was on the run to take the photos of pirates, he had a great speed increase and he became a fast runner.

"Haha! You can't reach me!" Salty said with a smile on his face as he run and run. However, before he could be stop to take a breath and congratulate himself for his great speed that granted him his safety and his life, he listened to a strange sound that started worrying him again. BANG! A sound was heard before being followed by many other similar sounds. BANG! BANG! BANG! All those sounds were constantly heard by Salty who had just realized that the pirates simply sheathed their swords and they were aiming towards him with their guns in order to shoot him down. As they started shooting, he was lucky enough. The first four shots that were shot towards him passed through his marine coat, opening four holes on it and scaring Salty as much as he never was scared before.

"Damn it!" he said as he kept running with great speed and he finally looked at a big rock in front of himself. Also, the man had managed to run many meters at a few minutes, to the point that around him the only men he could see where those who were chasing him. This was his biggest chance. He could hide himself behind that rock and use it as his advantage to start shooting them down and protect himself. At first, Salty slightly hesitated. However, thoughts were coming to his mind. Salty was a marine captain, after all. He would have to show that he was not a worthless piece of trash for the marines that only knew how to take pictures. He would have to take the pirates down and defeat them in order to protect himself, his own force, his ideals. He would have to do his duty as a soldier.

At the moment he moved behind the rock, he slightly moved his head out to see where his enemies were, even if he was scared because of the fact that a shot could come to his head. They were at a distance of around 65 meters away. That was perfect... He would have the time to shoot them down. He grabbed his camera's specially designed handle with his left hand. Then, he opened his bag, taking bullets which he placed in a small box at the right side of the camera. Afterwards, he instantly grabbed the camera's handle at the upper part with his right hand, while he grabbed the camera's bottom part with his left hand. His left hand's thumb was touching the left side, where there were two buttons... He was about to start attacking.

As the pirates knew that they could not shoot at him behind the big rock, they all stopped. He got out at the moment they stopped shooting and he said with a smile on his face. He said "Say hello, my little friends!" as he pressed a button around the camera that made it start shooting bullets constantly, like an automated gun. The pirates, who were around 10, before they could react were shot down by the bullets, injured in their chest. The weapon was shooting very swiftly and it shot up to 30 bullets. Those who were lucky enough were shot by only 2 bullets but there were some unlucky guys who were shot by 3-4 bullets. Nonetheless, all of them got injured to the point that they fell down unconscious, although none of them was going to die soon from the bleeding. Salty was an expert sniper and he knew how to shoot to not kill his enemies, even if he was a coward.

Seconds after this happened, he looked at the pirates. He sighed and he grabbed a Den Den Mushi from his bag. He said "It's Captain Peppery of the Photograpy Department, here. I need some medics to come at the east of the shore. There are a few grunt pirates shot down and they need medical assistance. The way they acted, it looks like they would fit perfectly to the first floor of Impel Down, if that thing is ever rebuilt again...". "You got it, sir." the man behind the Den Den Mushi and the connection was shut off. Then, he took a deep breath and he looked towards the site of the shore where the Anubis Pirates were standing... The marines seemed to be losing the battle of the shore... And not only that, but also Salty did not manage to think of a way to enter the sand fortress. The best he had to do was to retreat towards a safe spot, now.

Seconds afterwards, he turned his back in order to start moving. As he did so, though, he saw something that really picked his interest. Except from the known ships, there was another ship of the Anubis Pirates. That was some information! It seemed that the fact that he got chased by those pirates was a game of fate that led him to find the ship. Interested to see who was inside the ship, and take pictures if there was somebody after all, he started walking towards it. But little did he know, that the ship belonged to Johan Frideswide, the 15th Division Commander of the Anubis Pirates and the Revolutionary with the Bounty of 45,000,000 Beli.