Serious: Which way to Wonderland?[Ended]

Rick sat in the bar sipping his cocoa early in the morning. Rick looked at his log pose and saw where he would be going after leaving the town, Rick walked out after finishing his cocoa. Rick took one look at the town and felt a ping of sadness hit him as he new he would have to leave because he was really fond of this town and its customs. Rick went to the port only to see his raft missing. "Looks like I get to stay in town a little longer.". Rick brought out his two swords and began to run through town.

Hanging limply from the lighthouse tower was the body of the deceased Marine who'd been on watch that night. The lighthouse was no longer working currently and sitting looking out over the town Vulparia blowing rings of smoke from her mouth sat the murderer of the Marine. Beside her sat a cup of tea and a saucer and in her hand she had a cigarette.

She was out of sight and no one would be able to see her this far out unless they already knew she was there which atm only her Captain and crew knew of her existence there.

Seeing a young man running through tow with his swords drawn the woman shook her head grinning. "Stupid child" she muttered breathing out smoke.

The crew the woman was from watched her crew and noticed how no one was stirring at this moment in time. Just like her Captain to take his time.

In the town as Rick happened to run through the town with his swords out Marines on patrol noticed him and 1 stepped up to him in a polite manor.

"Excuse me sir but could you please sheath those weapons of yours. We would very much like to avoid an accident."

Behind Rick and in sight of the Marine at the entrance of the town two men approached dressed up in white overalls which had play card numbers and symbols printed on them. the front two where the 10 of clubs & 10 of diamonds. They stood either side and both held a trumpet to their lips and began to play a royal song introducing their Captain who walked up through the middle of them into the town.

10 of clubs & 10 of diamonds started to lead the way whilst playing their trumpets and the citizens all moved to the sides as this pirate captain and crew started to head down the centre of the street.

Watching from the light house the woman sipped tea from her cup and saucer then placed it down and grinned. She looked back at her Captain's ship to see them sitting down to breakfast. She sighed and patted the corpse beside her. She put her cigarette out on the corpse then grinned again.

Looking down at the parade leading from the ship beside her crews she rolled her eyes. What the heck is going on here she thought to herself. It looked like a ridiculous marriage or something of the sorts.

The ship on the end wasn't even moving yet not a thing stirred at all and she was beginning to feel a little curious as to what was going on.

As the large parade marched through the streets a Marine marched in front and looked at the men. He opened his mouth which was his first wrong move. The second his mouth opened two incredibly sharp blades rested against his neck so sharp they actually cut his skin a little before even applying any real force. The Marine froze then stepped back and coughed a little.

"Excuse me but could you perhaps make the rest of the street free for others to use instead of taking all of it up?"

10 of clubs & diamonds laughed as they held their swords against his neck and continued their slash through his neck leaving the Marine clutching at his neck stumbling backwards as blood dribbled down his front and he landed on his back fidgeting till finally his body stopped.

The parade continued walking until finally reached the blood puddle and a woman's voice from behind the men coughed.

10 of Diamonds pulled out a blanket and laid it over the marine and blood puddle and the parade continued. Other Marines watched this parade in fear not sure of what they should do. They had mercilessly killed another Marine without a second thought. Watching from the light house the woman knew who this woman was and laughed as the Marine fell to the ground. She had encountered this woman before and knew she was a powerful which should not be taken on so quickly. If one were to do so it would end in death.
This woman had power and 52 men to do her bidding.

She knew her own crew couldn't compare in a head on battle and raised her wrist and began to tell her Captain via den den mushi that the Queen of Hearts was here. Looking back at the other ship she noticed nothing was going on and this worried her a little she had encountered this pirate crew before too and still knew nothing about their Captain. The Marine Academy at the other end of town was currently getting ready for the Queen of Heart's arrival. They had heard of her coming here to execute a former crew mate of hers and had struck up a deal with the Marines that she be the one who brought him in so she be allowed to execute him. In return the Marines would get protection from other crews who were here to save him. The Marines wanted this Pirate to prove to the World Government that they had captured such a threat and Queen of Hearts wanted to execute him herself for betrayal.

The Queen of Hearts practically ruled this island but a few Marines knew who she was and weren't stupid enough to stand in her way. All of the Marines in the street were mostly new but even allot of them knew not to cross such a powerful force. Watching the parade march down the street a stray cat lying on the roof of a building watched relaxing lazily in the sun. His fur was a dark blue/grey and he had lighter blue stripes around his body with large light blue eyes and a wide mouth of pearly teeth. The Queen looked up at the cat and continued her journey up the street.

"Too late officer." Rick smiled ran knowing that defying an officer's orders was seriously a big no no, he traveled using alleys knowing the marines would be after him and hid in a garbage can "Hehe those stupid marines, but know I probably will be hunted by the marines making it harder to travel through the Grandline and save his grandmother. Rick growled in fear and anger as he awaited his faith. Rick after hearing the sound come and go he ran out and continued to run through the city looking for his raft so he could quickly escape the town, this little escape plan to escape peacefully was ruined all in a few seconds of acting on impulse, his cowardly impulse.

As the man who'd been running around with swords replied it was too late and ran for his life the Marine shrugged his soldiers. "Stupid kid" he muttered to himself. He was no big deal and not worth dealing with. Not when they had such big name pirates docked on the island. Seeing another Marine get his throat slit and stumble over clutching his throat the Marine froze and turned a pale colour. he hadn't seen a Marine drained of blood so quickly and stepped back against the wall as the parade continued down the street.

Upon the rooftop a cat watched The Queen of hearts as she was confronted by a Marine Commodore who stepped into the path of the parade. The Marine Commodore was tall thin and had a short brown bead on his face aviator glasses and an X scar over the back of his shaven head. The rest of his body was covered in the typical Marine attire. He removed a cigar from his mouth with his right hand hook and called out to the Queen.

"Queen of hearts. I here your here for the execution."

10 of Clubs & Diamonds parted as did the other card numbers who stood in front of her and walking from behind them was the Queen of Hearts.

[Introduction Box]
Mary "Queen of Hearts" Elizabeth Heart
Captain of the Crimson Heart Pirates
181,000,500 Beli

Mary stood tall at 6ft with help from her black high heels with ridiculously sharp steel heels. Her legs were covered in long tights which were black & red stripped all the way up her legs to the top of her thighs. Hanging down from her waist sat a large skirt. The skirt wrapped around her legs only exposing the lower part of her legs. the rim was red with heart shapes. The pattern on the skirt was a white skirt with a series of cards all over it. For her torso she wore a crimson red corset which looked as if it was only just managing to keep her cleavage covered up. The seems were all white coloured and arms and hands were covered by long white gloves with card symbols all over them which reached almost up to her shoulders. Hanging from her thick black belt with bright golden lock on the front which sat beneath her corset was her sword which she had named the Crimson Stalker.

Her skin was all pale and her lips painted into a pair of little red lips her face white as could be and her eyes ready for seduction with red pupils and long strawberry blonde hair which hung down her back covering the tattoo on her left shoulder and reaching to the bottom of her corset.

Mary looked at the Marine Commodore grinning. Her parade stopped and all the sound in the town silenced Mary walked up towards the Commodore, the only sound of her heels cracking against he ground. The Commodore waited for her arrival and as she came face to face with him he smirked.

"Good Day Commodore Ryan"

"Ms Heart"

"So what have you come to see little old me for then?"

"I was actually here to warn you about your enemies on the island."

"Oh I know they're here they docked on either side of me in the docks. I have a sneaky suspicion that they did that to use me but try as they will they shan't get far."

"Well Ms Heart I have been informed to ask you if you would like us to deal with them and take those enemies of yours out. We already have a squad ready to take the crews out we are just waiting for your answer."

"Well if you have a plan already in the works I say why not. Go ahead my sweet Commodore Ryan."

Commodore Ryan nodded and placed his cigar back into his mouth and inhaled.

"Enjoy your pleasant walk up to the Academy Mary."

"Oh I will, its such a lovely sunny day today how could I not."

All the Marines on either side of the street who watched this little confrontation and exchange of words between this Captain & Commodore knew what was going on and remained frozen in the spot fearing ending up like the previous Marine who stepped in her way and was no being trampled over as the parade started up again passing either side of Commodore Ryan.

Sitting on the rooftop watching the parade part around Commodore Ryan the cat above wondered why this crew was in kahoots with the Marines of this island and what was going on. It never quite bothered him too much since it made no difference to his life but he was curious and feeling quite bored as of right now. Leaping down from the rooftop onto the lid of a bin it felt quite full. More so than normal and he leapt from it and looked at the parade marching off to the Marine Academy then looked at the Marine Commodore who was speaking into his den den mushi.

Feeling a little mischievous he wondered on near by and started rubbing up and down against the Commodore's legs. He looked down and shook his head the continued his orders to inform the squad of attacking the two ships in the docks on either side of the Crimson Heart Pirate's ship.

Hearing about this attack the cat began to plot and stopped rubbing up against the Commodore's legs.

Sitting in the lighthouse the marine Commodore wasn't the only one speaking into a den den mushi. A fairly large Marine squad could be seen approaching the docks from all directions and it could be seen that both the Mad Hatter Pirates & Rabbit's Foot Pirates were about to take part in a large scale Marine operation.

As the Mad Hatter's tea party was interrupted by this little news of a cleansing operation from their fellow crew mate in the lighthouse the tea party came to a pause. As for the Rabbit's Foot Pirates they were all still in bed snoozing away and not a single one was awake to even hear the news of this attack upon them.

From the light house the sniper rifle's scope could see each and every Marine armed with rifles, swords, cannons and even a few explosives, the odd one or two who had nothing but most likely had devil fruits.

At the garbage bins the trash collectors came to empty the bins and as the trash collector opened the lid of a bin back in town he looked down to see the black hair of a person and was about to call out that he'd found another corpse till he heard cowedly breathing.

"Excuse me mate but do you mind getting out of there. I need to empty the bins."

Rick peeked his head out of the garbage can and scanned the area through his limited sense of vision. He saw a lady he thought was beautiful, he walked up to her and said in his calmest voice which was still shaky, "Hey lady do you know where my raft is?" Rick saw some gruffy men fall down on there knees and they were just as shaken up as he was, in fact even more. One held up a charred paper with the picture of the lady. IT WAS A GOVERNMENT BOUNTY PHOTO!" Rick was shocked by the amount of beli on that woman's head it was 181,000,500. Rick saw anger on the lady's face and he knew he had screwed up.

Hearing a weak voice ask about taking a raft the eyes of Mary rolled to look down at the pathetic weakling who stood looking up at her. Her guards all looked down at him and grinned clenching their guns & knives looking through judging eyes down at the man who spoke about a pitiful raft.

As one of her guards showed the man a poster of her she grinned and clicked her fingers. Her guards surrounded the man and placed swords to his neck from all angles. There were a total of 8 blades resting by his neck and Mary Heart looked down and bent down looking eye to eye with the young man.

"Who do you think you are to accuse me of stealing your raft? Why on earth would I want to steal a shitty little raft of yours when I have my own fabulous ship sitting in the docks right now. Oh you children make me laugh sometimes you really do."

As she burst out into a fit of laughter spraying the man in her spit she looked back down at him and continued.

"Bring him along. We'll execute him alongside the traitor."

With those orders given Mary marched off ahead now realising that as they headed out of the town towards the Marine Academy the most of the threat was over. The guards who held swords to Rick's neck remained around him with their weapons drawn and the one behind him poked Rick in the back followed by commanding.

"Get a move on boy, you heard the Captain."

Commodore Ryan walked down towards the docks covering up his Den Den Mushi again watching the cat which had rubbed up against him rush down there. As he arrived at the docks he could see looking to the left and to the right that his squads were waiting for the signal to attack. He grinned standing just within range of the Mad Hatter's ship.

Looking down from the lighthouse the woman sitting there with the Marine corpse sipped from her tea then saw how Commodore Ryan pointed his right hand up into the air and fired a red flare up into the air. From either side of the town rushed large Marine squads. One squad charged towards her crew the other charged towards the Rabbit Foot Pirates.

[Introduction Box]
Marnie Gangello
Sharpshooter of the Mad Hatter Pirates
17,198,085 Beli

Sitting on her arse with a saucer and cup of tea beside her looking through a sniper scope Marnie when standing reached to a full height of 5ft 9 & a half and weighed a total of 9 stone. With long green fringe covering her forehead and hanging down her back into a pony tail she was pretty. Her large yellow eyes creeped most people out. Between her small lips hung the long black cigarette holder which she smoked through. Covering her hands were long black silky gloves with gothic themed edges and a black corset with silvery trims covered her pale skin and held her breasts tucked away behind it.

Allowing a small amount of her stomach to show a little old tattoo could be seen on her left hip and just below was her black gothic styled mini skirt sitting above her leggings. On her feet sat large heeled black boots which she hung over the edge of the lighthouse whilst glaring through the scope at Commodore Ryan. She wanted to take the shot but it was too soon.

Quickly turning her sniper from his bald head to the first few Marines arriving at her Captain's ship she squeezed the trigger firing out many bullets into the spines, knee caps, elbows and heads of Marines who were stupid enough to risk their life for the safety of others.

As the Marines reached the Rabbit Foot Pirate's ship the simple rummaging of them climbing aboard must've woke the crew as within a matter of seconds the Marines who had climbed aboard where met by something strong enough to throw him from the ship back over to the harsh concrete docks.

Seeing Marines either side the pretty cat which had wondered down here after rubbing against the Commodore was now heading towards the middle ship. The Crimson Heart's Pirate ship. As the cat climbed up the side and clambered aboard he noticed how a good few crew mates were left behind.

"This is the ship for me"

The cat thought to himself as he curled up on the figure head. Looking at each crew mate the cat flicked out its claws on the right hand and looked out at the Marines. He had already started to plot. He knew enough about this island to know the Marines wouldn't attack this ship but with a crew aboard some would need to be removed so this ship would be free. Sitting aboard the figurehead watching the crew the cat watched out for weak points in the crew aboard then looked at how the Marines fought against the Pirates from both crews on either side. As he looked at the Rabbit Foot Pirates he noticed how Marines were being launched from the ship by some powerful force and had no idea what it could be. Looking at the Mad Hatter Pirates it was clear that these two crews were working together.

Captain of the Mad Hatter Pirates could be seen standing at the figure head of his ship looking at his own crew mates fending off the Marines and he could even be seen ordering some crew mates to help out his allies. These were his words used whilst commanding his crew. Passing glances to the squad attacking the Rabbit Foot Pirates the cat noticed how Marines were simply falling to the ground as if being shot from afar.

"Well I have an armada heading here, and when they find out there valuable navigator was taken to be executed I doubt they would like that." Rick was obviously lying but he needed just to buy himself some time to find a way to escape, he may have been a coward but he was cunning. "But for my release they would probably would offer half of the treasure on the ship, since without me they would be lost... literally." Rick smiled even though on the inside he was screaming and crying "LET ME OUT!"Rick knew these vicious pirates would see through his lies with the smallest indication of a lie, so he kept a straight face and continued to walk as the guard ordered.

As this young man started speaking about how important he was and how his crew would come to rescue him Captain Mary Heart smirked at the man's words.

"Well this sounds like quite a crew you have and makes me just want to execute you to see how dangerous they really are. I love a good challenge."

Mary laughed and continued strolling towards the Marine Academy and her guards remained with their blades trained on the man grinning thinking of how tough this crew apparently was. They showed no fear on their faces and looked onwards at Captain Mary Heart smiling. If she could be so brave as to want this spoken off crew to show up then they would want the same. Commodore Ryan watched his men getting slaughtered as they approached both Rabbit Foot & Mad Hatter pirate ships.

Commodore Ryan reached into his belt to pull out a silver revolver which he aimed at the Mad Hatter Pirates who were protecting the Rabbit Foot Pirates. As he aimed and his finger began to squeeze around the trigger his aim was thrown off by something hitting his wrist at such a speed and powerful force that his revolver hit the ground and the bullet was fired off into the grounds.

Watching from the lighthouse Marnie could see something spinning in a tightly wrapped ball shooting out from the Rabbit Foot Pirate ship and it smacked into the Commodore followed by the heads of two Marines which were crushed into the concrete docks. These Marines wouldn't be getting up any time soon. This was her first look at any of the Rabbit Foot Pirates and for a first look she was quite shocked.

Looking back across at her own crew she could see her Captain leaping down from the ship and landing where the lower ranking members of her crew lay in their death. She wasn't too bothered as they obviously hadn't done anything yet to warrant themselves as valued members of the crew which was why they had been sent out first. Seeing that the men fell so easily Captain wanted to get his hands dirty.

Watching her Captain Marnie knew these Marines were now as good as done for. She noticed her Captain signal towards the Crimson Hearts and nodded. He scope got a look at the remaining 20 crew mates aboard the ship and she took aim and fired.

Quickly making notice of her at the light house the crew aboard took cover including the cat which had climbed aboard before it remembered it could turn invisible and did so then climbed back to his perch he'd been resting on all the while watching the woman in the light house and the marines flying from the island far into the distance away from the island.

[Introduction Box]
Maverick "Mad Hatter" Powell
Captain of the Mad Hatter Pirates
78,928,000 Beli

Quite short but thin and talented Maverick stood at 5ft tall with large black brows stern grey eyes and a head full of wild black hair covered by his black top hat with a white ribbon around it and a black tea cup & saucer silhouette printed all around it. His skin was reddish and features curved and large. Maverick's grin stretched wide and his left eye was a little bloodshot. Clean shaven face and a 3 piece suit he looked the part only a little more wild that expected. Wearing a lime green cravat a white shirt black blazer & pants covered in a pattern of swirls which looked like they had been cut into it. His waist coat had a similar look to it and his shoes were black and extremely smart.

He held a cane with his white gloved hands and as each Marine took a swing with his sword he would happily and easily glide to the side around it, beneath it or even leap above it. He danced so easily past each Marine's slash till he finally held up his cane to block a sword.

As he held the sword wielding marine off he removed one of his gloves using his mouth. Holding the glove in his mouth he then started grabbing the Marines as he passed them and avoided their attacks. The one thing which Ryan had forgotten about the Mad Hatter, he was in possession of the Mato Mato No Mi.

He watched as his squad were all sent flying into the air and far away from the island. He gulped and raised his head to look at who it was who'd kicked his revolver from his grip. His eyes filled with shock and he bit down on his lip tightly in attempt to hold something back.

Rick eyes filled with dread he had one last resort, "Why slay a nobody like me when famous notorious pirates are floating around waiting to be captured!" Rick but all of his emotion he had into that sentenced and panted, Rick fell onto his knees and screamed "SOMEONE PLEASE SAVE ME I DON'T WANT TO DIE!" Rick fell to the floor and blacked out.

As the boy asked about why they should slay him Mary rolled her eyes this man's cowardice was getting on her nerves and she hated how annoying he was. Stopping again and turning to look at him the man she said to him.

"If this crew of yours is so powerful and your so important to them then killing you will be just the thing to draw them in. I love a good challenge and if your as important as you claim to be when I kill you I guess I should be expecting a rather strong fight with this so called crew of yours."

Hearing the man call out for someone to rescue him Mary grinned and knocked on the doors to the Marine Academy. As she entered followed by her guards and the guards who poked their blades at the man who cried out due to his cowardice. Captain Mary Heart was met by a Marine who she spoke to about taking the man with them and hand cuffing.

The Marines approached Rick and the Crimson Heart guards all stepped backward whilst still aiming their rifles at him. As the Marine attempted to place the cuffs on Rick he grinned seeing how scared he was.

Looking up at the one who'd kicked the revolver from his hand Commodore Ryan saw just who he was looking at. Laughter burst from his lips which drew in the attention from everyone else taking part in this raid.

Maverick & Marnie both casted glances over towards the person and gasped. Maverick not so much but was still shocked and Marnie was even more shocked to see the Rabbit Foot Pirate's Captain. He never showed himself so now seeing him there was an unusual thing.

[Introduction Box]
Captain Thumper Raymer
Captain of the Rabbit Foot Pirates
67,908,200 Beli

Standing before Commodore Ryan at a height of 7 feet Captain Thumper Raymer was a Laphan Bunny rabbit from Drum Island who'd eaten an IQ fruit. He was allot thinner and stronger than most of the ordinary Laphans but he had spent time training himself and increasing his strength.

As he looked at Commodore Ryan he thrust a strong foot down into his face smashing his aviators upon to his face. As the lenses smashed into his face Commodore Ryan swung his hook up into Thumper's foot causing blood to dribble from it and was pulled behind Thumper. As his hook came free he pulled himself up to his feet and noticed how Mavery had dealt with all of his Marines and as he glanced at Maverick he noticed how he was heading towards him.

Thumper had turned to deal with the rest of the Marines attacking his ship. As he flipped in the air and launched powerful kicks into the Marines knocking them unconscious with each kick he realised how easily these Marines were to defeat. After a few kicks where thrown and the marines defeated Maverick & Thumper both turned to Commodore Ryan.

Commodore Ryan removed his sword from his sheath and attempted to slash at Maverick with it but found his sword being avoided and grabbed by Maverick who kicked it from Ryan's hands and threw it away. As he was disarmed Ryan lunged at Maverick in hopes of digging his hook in only to find that Thumper kicked him down to the ground. He felt weak and Thumper began to dig a hole which he placed Commodore Ryan in and buried him up to the neck in.

Both Maverick & Thumper looked up at the Crimson Heart Pirate's ship and the cat turned himself visible once again and leapt from the ship down towards them both. Both Captains looked at the cat and where about to kill the rotten cat not sure of who he was until he changed from Cheshire Cat form into human form.

[Introduction Box]
Echo "Smiling Echo" D. Mair

Soon to be Captain of the Echo Pirates
0 Beli

Both Maverick & Thumper looked at him raising an eyebrow before Maverick asked him.

"Who the heck are you?"

"I'm Echo, before you attack me I'm not a member of that crew."

"Then who the hell are you and what were you doing aboard that ship?"

"Thinking of ways to kill them all off without giving myself away."

Maverick grinned and looked at Thumper who was smiling too with his ears floppily hanging down. He had grey fur and pink inside his ears and black beady eyes. Upon his right bicep he had a tattoo of a Rabbit's dismembered foot.

"How would you like some help in taking out these rotten Crimson Pirates?"

Echo's ears picked up on this question the second it was uttered and nodded.

"I'd love some help."

Rick's eyes darkened and headbutted the guard trying to handcuff him he looked around as the guard stumbled away. "You love my pain and cowardice, but I am a cunning bastard." Rick flipped and grabbed the sword from the pirate behind him. "Now I suggest you just tell me where my raft is, and I can peacefully leave to go to New World." Rick began to back up slowly waiting for a reaction from the pirate crew

Seeing Rick headbutt the Marine the Playing Card guards of the Crimson Heart Pirates and Captain Mary Heart were unimpressed. he said how they loved his cowardice and Mary nodded.

"Yes you fool. Of course we love your cowardice. I revel in your fear. I want you to die for your lies and stupidity in the thoughts of attacking me. You obviously don't know that I pretty much rule this island do you. "

The Marine Rick headbutted stumbled backwards dropping the cuffs and looked at Rick. Blood was trickling from his nose and he looked at The sword Rick was now holding. The Pirates around Rick stood their laughing. They didn't fear this cowardly fool. In fact as Rick took the sword the 8 of clubs whipped out his pistol quickly and fired a bullet at Rick from behind. Since he was standing less than a foot away from Rick there was no way for him to avoid the bullet.

The 8 of clubs knew how Mary Heart loved executing people and had fired a shot at Rick's left waist. It wouldn't kill him but it would stop his escape, the pain would make every movement excruciating.

Mary looked back at Rick and shook her head.

"I am going to meet up with the current Marine Captain of the island. Take that fool to the courtyard and set him up on top of the execution platform alongside that other traitor."

At the docks when Echo, Maverick & Thumper all agreed to work together they turned to look up at the Crimson Heart ship.

Echo turned back into his Cheshire Cat form and made his way up the side of the ship as he turned invisible. Maverick climbed on to Thumper's back and he leapt up into the air and landed aboard the Crimson Heart's ship. As Maverick got off of his back he unsheathed a sword from his cane and took up a stance. 3 of the Crimson Heart Pirates came at him with swords Thumper found himself surrounded by 5 Crimson Hearts and Echo was left to deal with 2 as Marnie had taken the rest out from the light house.

One of the Crimson Heart's thrusted his sword toward's Maverick's chest and he simply knocked his blade to the side spun his blade over and under the Pirates then stabbed him in the waist and tore his blade out to the side cutting through a series of veins.

Blood spurted out like a fountain as the Pirate stumbled back screaming, it hurt so much and he couldn't hold back the blood which sprayed so powerfully. The other two Pirates moved aside to let the blood spray at Maverick. As the blood spayed Maverick didn't care and used it as a distraction. He charged into the blood which covered him. As he was in the line of fire of the blood Maverick sliced quickly at both Pirates who couldn't see it coming due to the amount of blood spraying out.

The blood stopped and the Pirate landed on his back struggling to breath moments from death. Maverick sheathed his cane sword again and the two Pirates one on either side froze for a second and the next thing they knew blood sprayed from their necks, waist's & knees. Both Pirates fell to the ground drained of blood and Maverick nodded to Marnie in the lighthouse.

As 5 Pirates came after Thumper he knelt down and threw himself into a forward flip. Launching his foot up into the Pirate's chin he managed to break his neck by kicking him with such force. As he landed the Pirates were shocked to see such a thing and before they could attack Thumper threw his right foot backwards into another Pirate's chest. The Pirate fell back and smacked his head on the railing of the boat. With 3 left Thumper looked around to see one swinging a double sided axe at him but before Thumper could react blood shot over the left side of his face. The Pirate wielding the axe was no missing an eye and instead blood was dribbling down his face. Marnie had saved him on this one and Thumper was grateful.

The two other Pirates were attacking him high and low, one swung low for his legs with a sword the other swung high with a hammer. Thumper used soru and managed to vanish from in front of them and wound up behind them. As he stood behind them Thumper launched a kick at the Pirate who'd been attacking low into his groin kicking him up into the Hammer's swing. Grinning Thumper grabbed the last remaining Pirate's wrist and kicked the elbow snapping the bones breaking it and forcing his arm the other direction. Screaming the pirate dropped the hammer and let his arm hang limp down at his side whilst Thumper wiped his legs out from beneath him and stamped his foot on the Pirate's temple knocking him unconscious.

Having 2 Crimson Heart Pirates to deal with Echo was quite shocked. He'd never really dealt with such high ranking Pirates. As the pirates rushed to take out Maverick & Thumper Echo blocked their path without them knowing. Both Pirates eagerly ran to help out their fellow crew mates but were met by a slashed throat from Echo's razor sharp claws. As they ran past Echo's claws managed to dig deep into both of their throats and tore out their voice boxes.

Turning back visible again both Pirates stopped and fell to their knees in agony. they both looked at Echo and blood spluttered forth. As both Pirates died Echo turned to Maverick & Thumper changing back into his human form.

"Thank you guys for your help. I'll be taking this ship, its a good size for my first pirate crew's ship."

"Ehm...Echo wasn't it. I see that your eager to get away but since we just helped you I would like to ask you to perhaps help me."

Thumper coughed.

"Right, us."

"Ok and whats that?"

"Both Thumper and I are here to rescue an informant we had aboard the Crimson Heart Pirates. Captain Mary Elizabeth Heart is currently on her way to the Marine Academy to execute him. Since she damn near controls this entire island the Marines here are on her side. So we best be on our way to that Academy now if we want to stop her."

"And this concerns me because?"

"Well we've just helped you out, now I would suggest you help us out."

"And if I don't?"

"Maybe you've heard of me. I'm Captain Maverick "The Mad Hatter" Powell Captain of the Mad Hatter Pirates. I'm a Mato Mato No Mi user and I can send you to a most unfortunate place."

"You gotta catch me first."

Maverick raised his left hand and two fingers in the air which signalled Marnie. A bullet fired with pin point precision and tore straight past Echo's cheek. The bullet sliced open a small wound under Echo's eye.

"That was my sharp shooter Marnie."

"Shes not a very good shot."

A 2nd bullet was then fired tearing through Echo's jeans just missing his manhood.

"Care to insult her skills again?"

"Ok so you want me to help you rescue an informant right?"

Grins grew across both Maverick & Thumper's faces.

Rick heard the gunshot and slowly turned his head but he was to late the bullet had begin to pierce his flesh and he quickly grabbed his wound which began to bleed, he gasped for hair as he clasped the wound harder. He slowly walked towards the captain with his sword overhead, and fell unconsicous at her feet. Rick shot to a place and there he saw his grandma and the cerebues and feared for both of there lives, but there was nothing to do, Rick fell down in his hallucination and completely blacked out.

Rick

Watching Rick fall to the floor the guards and Marine smiled.

"Pick him up and strap him up along with the others"

The card guards lifted Rick leaving his bloody wound to dribble and carried him off to the courtyard where he would meet his end. The Marine followed behind placing the sea stone cuffs back on his belt. As they arrived outside in the courtyard there were 8 crosses and Rick was tied up to one. His wrists were tied firmly and tightly his weapons and log pose were stripped from him, his waist was tied up firmly and he was left hanging from this cross a good 5ft in the air above the ground. All he would be able to see on either side would be empty crosses.

Two Marines walked out from the Academy into the Courtyard where they strung up another man beside Rick. The man who was strung up beside Rick was shaggy looking with long straggly grey hair and beard to match he wore a filthy once white shirt which was ripped open all the way dark red pants and had bare feet. As he was tied up he hung their defeated and turned his head to look at Rick through his one good eye.

He noticed how he was bleeding and shook his head.

"Poor kid will die before he gets the chance to beg for his life."

He then watched the Marines take up positions to patrol around the courtyard to stop these two escaping. He noticed how the Card guards of the Crimson heart Pirates left the courtyard and he grinned. This could be his perfect way to escape he thought to himself.

He would just have to be careful. The man on the cross felt bad for the kid being tied up but wasn't ready to free him out of kindness. His own life came first.

Using a life Return technique he had learnt in his many years as a Pirate the prisoner allowed his body to become nothing more than skin and bones. With the ropes tied so loosely around his skin he pulled his hands free and dropped down from the cross. Looking at the Marines who noticed him escaping they unsheathed their swords and charged at him.

Standing on either side of him they looked at him angrily.

"Get your ass back on that cross right now!" one of them said to him with fury in his eyes.

The prisoner raised and finger and shook it as he said to him.

"I don't think so."

The Marine in front of him swung his sword down towards the prisoner's shoulder and he easily side stepped out of the way grabbed the Marine's hand pushed down on his thumb holding the sword so much he broke it and the Marine let go of the sword. Holding the sword the prisoner looked back at the Marine with a cheeky grin which only filled him with more anger. The other Marine thrusted and the prisoner simply batted this thrust to the side long enough to give him a clean shot at the Marine's chest. Digging the sword in and removing his pistol he let the Marine's body fall from the sword to the ground, stomped his foot down on the other Marine's head and began dressing up in their uniforms equipping himself with their weapons.

This was simple stuff to him, he just now needed to escape the island so he didn't have to deal with the Crimson Heart's Bitch Captain. He was sick and tired of her and wasn't about to deal with her again.

Echo

Leading the way to the Marine Academy at the other end of town Maverick was shortly joined by Marnie his sharp shooter who appeared beside him with a rifle hanging from her back and holding a saucer sipping from the cup of tea. She laid it down on the saucer then looked back at Echo grinning.

Behind Echo was Thumper silent but deadly. Echo knew this was one bunny rabbit he really wouldn't want to cross. As they walked through the town Echo saw the glares they received from people. He didn't mind the glares one bit but he did mind when the Marines kept attacking only to be shot down by Marnie kicked in the gut or face by Thumper or thrown far away by Maverick.

It was just getting annoying and slowing them down. Reaching the end of town they had a short walk to the Academy and now knew that they had to come up with a plan.

Maverick knew the most about the Crimson Heart Pirates and their methods of execution on their own islands and thus he was the first one who started talking planning their assault.

"Alright. I've come across Crimson Heart owned islands before and witnessed their executions so I know how they do them. The executions will be held in the courtyard and her Card Guards will be around the courtyard protecting it stopping anyone from entering. Inside there will be a few Marines to stop the prisoners from trying anything. So we will need to get in and out without being seen or slaughter every single one of them straight away."

Echo sighed.

Maverick looked at Echo and could tell he already knew what they wanted of him.

"You want me to sneak in there and free them don't you?"

Maverick nodded.

"Well you can turn invisible so it would be most useful."

"Where would you guys be without me?"

"Setting ourselves up for an assault."

Echo nodded and they watched as the Academy grew bigger with each step closer they took.

Maverick continued explaining the plans about how he would set the rest of them up. He pointed to a tower in the Marine Academy for her to take up as a vantage point.

He then explained to Thumper how they would sit back and wait for when they were needed.

Echo didn't like the sound of this but knew his life was at risk if he didn't. Normally he wouldn't accept the do something like this but at the current moment in time there was nothing he could do to stop these damn Pirates from killing him with such ease.

As they reached the Academy they all saw how the doors of the Academy were guarded by two marines which Marnie quickly dispatched with two bullets from her rifle. She rushed off inside leaving the Marine's bodies to hit the ground outside.

Maverick grinned watching her run off and readjusted his hat and looked at Echo.

"Well what are you waiting for boy? Off you go"

Echo nodded and changed into his cat form followed by turning invisible and rushed off to the courtyard. As he reached it he could see how the guards around were spread out and quietly walked up to the wall. He looked from side to side at the card guards who looked bored and clambered up the wall. The sound of a few scratches were heard on the wall and the guards turned their attention but saw nothing. They shrugged their shoulders and ignored it.

Reaching the top of the wall Echo looked in to see a heavily armed Marine putting something into the large mound of hay and a single man hanging from a cross with a serious looking wound in his waist. He started thinking to himself how this man could already be dead and gulped. Maverick & Thumper wouldn't be too happy if he was dead.

Leaping down into the courtyard Echo silently sneaked past the heavily armed Marine who walked out the door. He watched as he left and then quickly looked all around the rest of the courtyard to realise he couldn't see anyone else.

Taking this opportunity to turn visible he did so and used his cat claws to climb up the cross which felt like a wonderful scratching post. But instead he sliced through the ropes with his claws with ease and watched the man fall from the cross.

Leaping down and turning back into his human form Echo rolled him over, checked his pulse and inspected the wound. He found a pulse weak but still there non the less. He could straight away see it was a bullet wound and seeing that he had no medical supplies there was no way he could remove it. Instead he removed his belt and torn a little bit of fabric from his shirt and placed it over the wound then used the belt to apply pressure. It wasn't much but it was all he could do at this moment in time.

Lifting the man up Echo looked up towards the tower where Marnie had been sent in hopes of finding her there. She wasn't there yet and that meant he would have to wait till she was.

"dammit!"

Echo muttered to himself as he waited for Marnie to reveal herself.

Rick groaned as he was being carried away and he slowly felt himself regaining consciousness, Rick mumbled "Sword... Sword." His voice growing louder as the more he regained his consciousness. Rick fell off the back of the man and got up. Rick pointed at the man become invisible and gt my swords, I will hold them off." Rick pointed towards the stand where his swords lie. Rick saw the guy turn visible before getting him off the stand and knew his ability.

Looking at the bleeding man waking from his unconscious stupor Echo grinned then looked back up to the tower to see if Marnie had arrived yet. Knowing his luck she'd been captured. He looked at Rick and heard him ask for his swords. Looking around to where he pointed he noticed that this man must still be a little dizzy as he was pointing towards the hay stack that Marine had been putting something in.

"I don't think you'll find your sword in that hay stuck buddy. Look I'm here to rescue you. I've been told that your an informer for the Mad Hatter Pirates and Rabbit Foot Pirates. Also I don't think you should get busy doing any fighting just yet, the area where that bullet is lodged will cause some serious long term damage to your pelvis if you do any fighting any time soon. I'll get you out of here first then when I have access to some medical tools I'll remove that thing for you and treat you properly."

As Echo finished speaking he peeked through the gap between the gates and realised, there's a Marine Academy on the other side of these gates.

"Purrfect" He muttered. Looking at Rick he said to him.

"I'm Echo and you?"

On the other side of the gates the prisoner walked out past the Card Guards.

Marnie finally reached the tower and took a look down into the Courtyard through her sniper scope. As she saw no one on the crosses and a Marine leaving the courtyard she noticed Echo waving to her and she waved back to him followed by taking up her aim on the marine leaving the courtyard. She knew they never would've been able to silently sneak this man out so taking up her aim she pulled the trigger and his brains were splattered over the Card guard beside him.

As the Marine's body hit the ground the Card Guards looked down at him then turned their attention to where the shot had come from. Looking up at the tower they could see someone in the window. A few took their aim whilst others rushed into the Academy.

They were met by Maverick & Thumper who had been signalled by the gun shot that things had started. As Card guards rushed towards them Maverick unsheathed his cane sword and whipped out his pistol. He began taking aim at the Guards running his way and Thumper used his powerful legs to launch himself into the guards and crush their bones.

Marnie took aim at the guards and began taking each guard out with simple shots in their main points such as their knee caps elbows and necks. They weren't all kill shots but they were shots which would hinder them greatly.

Pushing the gate open a little Echo peeked out to see the chaos going on, the gate was tugged open and he was met by a gruff looking Card Guard who grabbed him by the neck. Echo was lifted up by his neck and found himself panicking a little unsure of what to do. Echo gulped then changed into his Cheshire Cat form.

The Card Guard laughed squeezing on Echo's throat which was followed by a sharp claw slashing through his trachea. As the claws tore through his throat Echo fell to the ground and saw the guard stumbling backwards clutching his throat. Instead he fell backwards and landed on his back. Looking at the guard Echo smirked then licked his paw and combed his fur back.

Stepping back into the Courtyard he looked at Rick and said to him.

"Theres a sword out here follow me, grab a sword and be careful don't bother trying to deal with these guys I'm going to take you into the Academy so I can sort your wound out."

As Echo headed out of the courtyard and started strolling towards the Academy he noticed how Maverick, Thumper & Marnie were doing a good job dealing with each of the guards. Blood splattered over Echo's back and he paused and looked.

"Oh for the love of god. They just don't understand how important a cat's fur is to them do they. Its like a girl's hair, one simply doesn't deface it without permission from the one who it belongs to."

Echo sighed shook his head then continued walking in and out of the way of the fight as he headed towards the Academy. Looking back he hoped to see Rick following him.

Rick picked up the sword and he smiled "I guess these will do for now." He felt the wound acting up and winced, he fell down on his knees and said "Echo I suggest you hurry up this wound is acting up again, oh and nice to meet you I am Rick." Rick crawled to the corner so the fighting didn't have to involve him, he took quick breaths so he didn't black out and throw up. "Why did this have to happen to me all I wanted was to find my raft and get the hell of this island, but the evil witch had to capture me for asking if she seen my raft." Rick angrily whisperd

Seeing Rick following behind with two swords he grinned and continued his way through the battle field of Guards who were falling. As Echo reached the other side he changed back into his human form and pushed a looked back see Rick struggling through.

"Rick I'll sort out that wound of yours as soon as we get to the medic's room in this Academy. it shouldn't be too hard to find. Just hurry your ass up."

He pulled the door open and held it open waiting for Rick to join him.

As Marnie took out the guards blood splattered from a guard's head over Rick and the corpse fell to the ground. Marnie's scope looked over Rick and she wasn't sure whether or not to pull the trigger. He looked to be in enough pain as it was and hadn't seen him before. He didn't look like all the other guards of the Crimson Hearts so he couldn't be one of them.

Maverick passed a glance to Rick and raised an eye brow, he couldn't remember Haymer looking so well groomed. It surprised him. he wanted to question him to see if it was really him but found himself too swarmed with enemies to be able to do so.

As more and more corpses crashed into the ground in front of Rick blood dribbled out in small puddles and Thumper flew crashing past him into the wall of the Courtyard. Bullets from Marnie's rifle shot down and past Rick.

Watching Rick get closer Echo sighed and looked in to the Academy down the corridor. He couldn't see any Marines yet but he knew that some would probably be turning up due to the noise. If need be he would turn invisible and slash their throats but first things first he had to get this guy to the medical room so he could patch him up.

Then he could recruit him or at least try.

Rick dragged himself behind hiding behind corners when ever he got paranoid, Rick feared for his life knowing he wasn't any messenger or anything he knew that the pirates would surely kill him when they find out then truth, but Rick had to see this through.

Seeing Rick join him at the door Echo let it close and sighed he looked at Rick dragging himself and reached down to pick him up. He couldn't let the guy bleed all over the floor as he dragged himself to the medical clinic around here. Looking up at the signs hanging from the ceiling Echo could see there was a sign pointing to the medical wing. He grinned then looked at Rick.

"Shouldn't be too long now Rick, just gotta take you to the medical clinic then we can patch you up and get out of here. Get you back to Maverick & Thumper, unless that is your tired of being their informant."

As he attempted to heave Rick down the corridor he stopped at the end and laid Rick against the wall so he could check around the corners. Looking around the corner he noticed 2 Marines running towards them both and gulped. He couldn't let this man in his injured state fight. He would only do more damage by moving so much. That bullet would only find its way deeper and further into his pelvis if he moved so much and if he did it too much eventually that bullet would get stuck between the bones and just make things uncomfortable for him.

Seeing them running Echo looked at Rick and said to him quietly.

"Wait here"

As both Marines rushed Echo changed into his Cheshire cat form and turned invisible. As he did so he stepped between the two rushing Marines and raised his claws up and slashed at them both tearing through their throats.

As their bodies hit the ground Echo stepped back making his mouth & eyes visible and smiled at them both as their lives left. With both Marines down he walked back around the corner in human form and started helping Rick down the corridors again.

"Sorry bout this but seeing as your such an important man in this operation I can't really let you come to any harm and seeing as this bullet is in your hip I can't let your condition get any worse so sorry if I'm not letting you fight much."

Looking up at the signs Echo noticed one which read that the Medical clinic was up the stairs. Getting Rick up these would be a pain, especially if he had to look after him But it was what he doing to make sure he wouldn't lose his life to Maverick or Thumper. They wanted this man alive and he would deliver, if his plans didn't change that is.

Perhaps this man would want to join him as a member of his pirate crew which was yet to be formed, or maybe not.

Rick sighed and got off Echo's back, "I am not the informant it was probably the old raggedy man but I don't want you to be in more pain than me carrying me up these stairs, Rick sighed once more and continued " I just got caught up with that band of pirates trying to retrieve my stolen raft an they took me in for execution for absolutely no reason, and there is the truth.". Rick couldn't believed he fessed up and he went running up the stairs only to fall to the floor and clasp his wound and he winced in pain

Hearing this man mention another man and about him not being the informant Echo felt his body temperature drop. He'd picked up the wrong man. He was saving the wrong man. He froze looking at Rick before a memory from his past came to life. He remembered when he had been travelling as a Pirate amongst the Wild Boar Pirates. He remembered their Captain and how mistakes were treated no mater how big or small.

He remembered his cherry laughter and how he simply shrugged it off. He wanted to be a Captain like that and had learnt much from him which made him the person he had become today. He shrugged his shoulders ignoring the fact that this man was Rick & not the informant and as he snapped out of it he noticed Rick had attempted to run up the stairs and failed falling half way up.

Echo joined him and helped him up as he attempted to help him reach the top of the stairs. Hearing some sounds from the top of the stairs Echo grabbed one of Rick's swords and said to him.

"On 3 thrust that sword into the Marine."

Echo could tell these Marines were in a little rush and would be heading down those stairs quickly sue to the commotion outside.

"1"

Outside Maverick, Marnie & Thumper had dealt with the guards and tried to see where Echo had run off to. Looking around they didn't see him anywhere and checked in the courtyard just to make sure there was no one else to free. As Maverick stepped over the Marine he stepped back and looked down to see.

Long grey hair wrinkled face.

"Cheeky swine"

Thumper turned his head and looked down to see the man Maverick was looking at. As he passed a glance Thumper was sent into a blind fury. He slammed his foot into the floor and rushed into the Academy searching for Echo & Rick.


"2"

Maverick lifted his sleeve to say to Marnie.

"That cheeky little bastard double crossed us. He's gone and freed someone else. He shot our informant here in the head."

As Marnie looked through her scope she saw who Maverick was looking at and gulped. She knew she had been the one to kill him and didn't want to admit it and so she said nothing except a bunch of curses.

Thumper rushed up the stairs in a rage hoping to find Echo and attack him. As he turned up to see Echo holding a sword and another man he launched a strong kick towards them both. The Marines came rushing down the stairs and screamed frozen looking at Thumper speeding towards them. Echo turned his head in time to see Thumper and let him slide through between himself & Rick.

Thumper wound up with his feet shooting into the Marines and taking them out. Looking at Thumper who'd been attempting to kick him Echo looked at Rick and shrugged.

"3"

As his final number left his mouth he thrust his sword forward towards Thumper hoping Rick would do the same to offer the finishing blow to this over sized bunny rabbit. Both Marines had been thrown against the wall by Thumper's strength.

Rick had ran up the stairs ignoring the pain, the only thing driving him was helping Echo from the foe about to come. Rick stopped dead cold before Echo said 2 and remembered what his father said to him once, "Son remember these words the lion within will awake when you meet someone who's kindness knows no bounds.". At first Rick didn't understand and thought all his family did was tell riddles and he didn't understand, but now he know, he knew he couldn't abandon Echo. Rick was near the top of the stairs when Echo got to 2 and Rick felt the railing and hopped on it gaining more and more speed he was bending over and running as he pulled out the sword Echo had given him, Rick thought I have to time this exactly right, Rick jumped off shooting his body like a bullet, Rick screamed "Soaring Sun Lion Strike!" Rick's body was straight as he shot towards them an he thought it was a hallucination but he saw a giant lion head roaring behind him. As Echo said three Rick pulled his sword back and thrusted it towards the target.

With Thumper in front of both Echo & Rick and them having thrusted their swords unto him they tore through his back and poked out the front. Thumper paused for a second looking down at the blades poking out of his chest before he breathed out. Echo withdrew his sword and dropped it allowing it to clatter to the floor. He wasn't one to often use swords and as it hit the ground he smirked.

Blood quickly dribbled from his back & chest staining his fur, Echo watched and as Thumper's body fell forward and crashed into the ground face first Echo looked at his body.

"Come along Rick, the medical room is just around the corner. Once we're there I can remove that bullet for you and stitch you up. But you'll still have to be careful not to rip the stitches. So remember to take it easy."

As Echo stepped up he looked down either corridor to make sure there were no more Marines. Looking up at the signs he nodded as he saw a sigh pointing to the left. Echo ran down the left corridor to see a sign pointing to a blue door on the right. He peeked through the key hole and couldn't see anyone. He stood up and opened the door anyway. As he opened it he walked in to see a doctor sitting at a desk.

"Hello. . .How can I help you?"

The doctor asked a little unsure of Echo, as he walked up to the doctor Echo allowed himself to change into his cat form and turned his entire body transparent all except for his stripes eyes & smile. The doctor stuttered a little looking at something she had thought impossible. Looking at Echo he gulped which was followed by chocking as Echo dug his right claws in deep and slowly drew them across his throat allowing blood to escape and freely run down his neck. The doctor grabbed his neck and started to struggle for breath before he finally hit the ground.

Looking to the door Echo hoped to see Rick and started to gather tools and other equipment for the quick removal and stitching up on Rick.

As Maverick headed in to the Marine Academy hoping to find Echo & Marnie headed down searching for him they both planned on putting a bullet into his head for his betrayal. Marnie felt stupid but would rather let some no body pirate take the blame instead of insult her own skills.

Marching down a corridor on the hunt for Echo Marnie was stopped when a door slammed open and out walked Captain Mary Heart Captain of the Crimson Hearts.

Maverick had cleared the bottom and hadn't been able to spot Echo at all after slaughtering the many Marines he'd come across through use of his Mato Mato & sword he shook his head. Fury overwhelmed him and he couldn't wait to sink his teeth into this pathetic no name Pirate Echo. He was obviously useless. His devil fruit being his only power real power Maverick knew there wasn't much of a way for him to escape. He reached the stairs and began his way up to find Echo.