The Bloodstained Throne: A Prologue to War and the Flower that Bloomed on a Storm

A full moon in summer, the times when the alcohol gets the best taste it can achieve. It was only natural then to organize a celebration in that day.

A big table. Twenty, perhaps more, people. All of them crazy for the taste of sake and the legs of a beautiful woman. But no one was watching the outside.

“Now!” a man shouted.

The beauty of a silver blade reflecting the white light of the moon in summer is hardly describable by anyone who has already seen it. The cherry blossoms started to fall over the lake next to the building. Oh, it would be beautiful if it wasn’t for the blood spitting that would occur.

Ten swordsmen drew their swords at once, the lights from the cold iron as brilliant as any diamond could be, the pink cherry blossoms falling down and landing over the water of the lake… Ironically, during a summer full moon the blood was also more brilliant.

The twenty men perished one by one. When the doors were kicked they immediately fell when the swords touched their throats and the blood was spit. One by one, they fell.

Then, the last blade was unsheathed. Wearing his full blue armor, completed with a blue cape and a helmet adorned by a golden crescent moon, Date RedClaw entered the mansion. He killed a man on his right and pointed front with the sword.

“Prepare for the enemy! Their defenses will be getting here soon enough!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Your family needs you, master RedClaw” a man in the shadows told the Rear Admiral.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Who is this?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You father sent me… He’s…” He didn’t have to end the sentence. Date sighed and sheathed his blade.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I’ll be going. How I hoped for this not to happen. Wolfe!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">A tall man appeared before him, his clothes red from blood.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Yes, sir?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You’re in charge now, my father wants the whole family in his lasts moments.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Wolfe agreed and probably said he was sorry too, but Date didn’t hear. What else mattered that moment anyway? <p class="MsoNormal" style="border:none;mso-border-bottom-alt:double windowtext 2.25pt; padding:0cm;mso-padding-alt:0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-ansi-language:EN-US"> <p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Date opened the door silently, to see a dark room badly lighted by candles. His father’s envoy entered later, taking off his black hat and revealing a long blond hair, while Date took the helmet and the sword, placing them at the floor.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">They heard coughs, severe coughs, and stepped in, to where his father laid down.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Father” Date greeted his sick progenitor.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He bowed next to the bed.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">His brothers stared him seriously, and he knew what they meant with their eyes. Vladimir RedClaw, the second son, was slim and not that tall, although his pale vampire-like face and light, if not white hair made him appear as if he was constantly with a flu. Charles, the eldest, however, was big, robust and, despite the gray hair, showed the disposition of a bull.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Date didn’t like both and both didn’t like Date.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Where were you, brother?” Vladimir asked without interest.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“He was in a mission, obviously, he didn’t even take off the armor” the eldest sibling answered.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Let’s not discuss in front of our dying father, brothers” he didn’t make any effort to sound gentle, and everyone knew why.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He gave the old man one more look. He was paler than usual, his eyes were red and blood occasionally fell down through his mouth when he coughed. Certainly delirious, he mumbled senseless words.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">It wasn’t said, but none of the three felt sad for his incoming death.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Did he mention who is becoming Vice Admiral in his place?” the younger brother made the question the three most wanted answered.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“He can’t speak, at least not anything that makes sense, although in his lasts lucid moments he called you three here” the stranger in black, seemingly an acquaintance of their father’s, took out his black gloves and threw them on the ground.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“And his wife?” he referred to the third wife, mother of none of the three, but pregnant of the new RedClaw heir.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“She’s having their son.” Vladimir stared the ground with angry eyes. “The doctors say she won’t live much, but Macabre has a good chance of surviving.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Ugh… That is a horrible name… Not much worse than Date, though” Vladimir wasn’t the best of names also, he thought, but didn’t said out loud.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Silence fell when their father started to cough again, as they all watched him in his suffering. There was nothing else they could do; the doctors had already done all the possible. In fact, it was for certain the last night of the old Matheah RedClaw.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Date sighed.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I can’t stand this… Father, I hope you know you lived with honor, the best way you could.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Yes…” Vladimir agreed.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“We love you, father” Charles concluded and swallowed.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Neither of them told the truth. Matheah, for most of his time as a father, remained drunken, in bars and whorehouses, and unfaithful to his wife, or wives, as he married several times. He used to discount his anger in his family, but now he seemed so weak, on the bed, like a corpse, that they felt pity.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Matheah coughed once more and opened his mouth slightly.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">   “He’s trying to say something.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The blond man in black coat approached the bed and put the ear close to the dying man’s mouth. Pale as a corpse, he shook in the effort of emitting sound, then closed his eyes, and stopped.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“The last moments of Vice Admiral Matheah RedClaw, he spent with his sons… and me.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“What did he say?” the brothers asked at once.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The man in black simply grinned. He put the hat over his head once more and screamed for a doctor.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“What did he say, friend?” Charles asked, suggesting a threat.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Are you sure you want to know? Fine… I might’ve heard wrongly, but he said ‘fight for it, you ingrates’”.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“What? This can’t be true!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Although it is the kind of thing he would have said, brother.” Vladimir said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">A team of doctors entered the room. They checked the body for pulse, told the bad news to the family and removed themselves from the room, leaving the brothers alone.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Now it will be certainly formed a council to decide which of you three is the most apt to heir the position of Vice Admiral, or not… Anyway, I suggest you to find allies within the Marines quickly.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The mysterious man left. The silence returned to the room. It was as if sparks flashed when they looked each other. Things would become serious quite soon enough.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Breaking the silence, Date RedClaw turned back and walked to his weapon.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I don’t know about you two, but I’m removing myself from this little war that will start soon. I won’t let an unwanted title destroy my life…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He took his helmet and weapon from the floor and left his brothers. Passing through the door, he saw the man in black clapping, leaning on a wall.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Who are you?” Date immediately asked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“An agent of chaos, as well as a former subordinate of your father. I should in theory serve your family as a whole, but I don’t want to get involved in the war that doesn’t belong to me.” He bowed, exaggerating the measure, “At your services, master Date.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I’ll ask again: who are you?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Oda Rendan is my name, and I am a bodyguard for the RedClaw family… I owe your grandfather too much, did you know?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Why have I never heard about you?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You will, master Date, you will…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The council that would decide the new leader of the base was settled down to occur from two months after that day. The most powerful marine officers would reunite and discuss who of the two were to be given the power of a Vice Admiral, and it was a lot of power. As those months passed, Date RedClaw could barely see Vladimir or Charles, as the officers who didn’t know them would ask for the recommendations from officers who knew, thus they needed to get allies as soon as they could.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Date didn’t have any problem with it, at all. Actually, he’d rather have his two brothers away from him, without interfering in his job, than having them at his side.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">So, as they were the most corrupted marines he ever knew, he smiled when he realized he could undo all their dirty job during their absence from the base.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I’ll be leaving by tomorrow’s morning.” He announced drinking sake.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The announcement was made during a family dinner, and its reception was indifferent. It would be actually better for them if the younger however fairer brother was away.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Date left the next morning as planned, taking with him only his now trustful body guard, Oda Rendan, in a merchant ship.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Staring the horizon, Oda held his hat over his head, so it wouldn’t fly away with the wind.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Where are we exactly going, master Date?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Low your voice, Oda, this is a secret mission.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“And how will it work?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Date closed his eyes and by instinct tried to reach his sword, a habit some warriors acquire after some time, however he had not the blade with him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“The Triangle…” He opened his eyes and watched the sun rising, “ever heard about it? There are three islands that act as one because the distance from one to another is too short. Apparently there is someone there hiding himself from the authorities, someone with money.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Oh, I see…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Oda actually knew how his master’s brothers, and previously, the father, had received large bribes from the fugitive on the Triangle for a long time.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You could simply leave him there, you know that. If he’s bribing your base, this is not your job.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I decided to take this uniform because it means something, and that something is not following who has more money.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">His company laughed and took out the hat, making the long hair fly with the wind.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Sometimes I really doubt if you are your father’s son.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Me too, Oda… and I really hope Macabre doesn’t end like them…” He looked to the sky, enjoying the sea wind on his face. “If we do that… things are really going to change, you know?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Do you really think?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I hope so… at least one dirty secret from my brothers will be over.” <p class="MsoNormal" style="border:none;mso-border-bottom-alt:double windowtext 2.25pt; padding:0cm;mso-padding-alt:0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-ansi-language:EN-US"> <p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The Triangle was one day away from their base, which means by one in the morning from the next day they arrived. The first island, Beria, was also the smallest and poorest, putting an expression of surprise in Date’s face. It seemed the Triangle wasn’t as richer as people described.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“So what’s the plan?” Oda asked setting foot on the island.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“We’re looking for the former captain of a large pirate crew. He changed his name and pays for marine officers don’t appear asking his origin. It shouldn’t be hard to find him.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">They paid for a room in Beria’s inn. It wasn’t so far away from the port, but it was far enough so they could start to see the houses. There were simple houses, simple families, and happy lives. Happy lives, the thought really troubled the marine for some reason.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Do you have a family?” The swordsman happened to ask when he and Oda were at the inn’s bar, drinking a cup of sake.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I had a wife. Aside her, I have one younger brother.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Where are they now?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“It doesn’t matter. Do you want a family, if I may ask?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Date nodded. A wife and kids seemed a good kind of happiness for him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Someday, if you find a lucky lady.” The bodyguard couldn’t contain a small grin from the left side of his mouth, “Look at me, getting nostalgic! We should change the subject and ask for more alcohol. Waitress!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The waitress filled in their cups. They drank one more sip.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Are you okay, master Date?” Oda asked looking at his troubled face.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I live by the sword ever since I remember, but… Forget it.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You can talk to me, master…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Stop calling me. I… I want to talk, but…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You’re a holy man, master Date. An angel among demons, so I understand if you have questionings once in a while about the nature of what you do…” Oda stood up and dressed the hat “even angels need to stay alone sometimes, especially if he works like you do.” <p class="MsoNormal" style="border:none;mso-border-bottom-alt:double windowtext 2.25pt; padding:0cm;mso-padding-alt:0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-ansi-language:EN-US"> <p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“May I go, Tinean?” Valen Kromell asked her brother

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I still don’t understand why you want to go today.” The large man answered.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The brothers had the same dark brown hair. He kept it messy while her like to wear them in a ponytail, which really suited her, as she had round glasses that accentuated her delicate appearance.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The only problem with her appearance was the scar on her right cheek, caused by no one other than…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I’m waiting an answer, Valen…” the large Tinean, Rear Admiral of the Triangle Marine Base leaned his head on his right hand and lay down. “I don’t want to let you go without a good reason. You remember what happened to our parents, don’t you? You better do, because I swore to myself I wouldn’t ever let anything happen to you after that day.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He kept repeating that sentence, and Valen didn’t blame him, but he had the habit of hitting her to assure a “good behavior”. And a good behavior for him was to not disobey any of his rules.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I know you worry about me, but I want to…” she spoke with her head down. Ever snce they were little, she never had the courage to face him directly “It’s my birthday next week, so…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You want to party and find a man that suits you?” She blushed and held her left wrist with the right hand “If you do, you can’t leave. People are bad, Valen, and it was because of people that our dear papa and mama were…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He talked, talked and talked once again. That obsession of his by their dead parents was sick. Valen stopped paying attention everytime he started the story.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You know that, don’t you? Yoou know I can’t let you have a relationship with someone that might hurt you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Yes, I do, Tinean, but I just want to buy me a gift.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Is it? Well, you may go, but take a guard with you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I have to?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You do. I already explained why.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">It was only a matter of destiny that Valen Kromell was passing through Gaeria the exact time Date RedClaw and Oda Rendan decided to do their operation.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">She walked quiet steps the streets of Gaeria, the wealthiest of the three, with no worries inside her head. She even smiled while she walked, dressing her recently bought kimono. By coincidence, she also bought a white umbrella, which she decided to use, even though it was not raining.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The guard always kept next to her.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“We should go, Miss Kromell.” The marine said roughly.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">She needed to return to her home, it was getting late after all, but how many chances would she have to see the richest island of the Triangle? Only a few, considering the time she worked at the inn.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Life is a funny thing…” she would later hear from Oda Rendan “you can choose whatever you want to do, but there is always something you can’t choose… the consequences of your decisions.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Can’t I stay a bit longer?” she asked him and smiled “It’s not always that I can go out to go shopping.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The guard rubbed his head and thought. “I guess it’s alright…” he answered “more ten minutes, and then we go. But don’t tell Mr. Kromell, please.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">She bowed thankful and smiled once again.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Chaos is such a beautiful force…” Oda later told her smiling with passion.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">And how could she not agree?

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Just in time she heard the clap of wings of a crow and turned around to watch it, it’s slow though fast flight taking form, two men fell behind her. The white umbrella got bloody red as Date RedClaw spun to cut a thug’s throat.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Iris flowers bloom better during rain… even if it is a rain of blood.” Oda commented later.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“It wasn’t a good plan!” Date RedClaw shouted from behind.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I could see” answered his companion, “it’s not every day an invasion at the home of a former pirate captain goes right… There are more coming, keep your face covered…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Their eyes met the thin back of Valen. She hadn’t turned away. Even hearing the bloodshed, feeling the rain of blood hitting her new umbrella and listening the two partners talking, she couldn’t move.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">But before her, there was the guard.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He quickly tried to act and draw his sword, but Date’s sword hilt hit his head before.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“They don’t know who are we, we could pass ourselves by outlaws.” The bodyguard suggested taking a small blade out of his coat.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Well, I guess that’s just the way it is… Try preparing a boat for us, I’ll do it!” It was all he said before he grabbed Valen and touched the cold steel of his blade into her neck.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Don’t worry” he whispered, but when more thugs appeared, he screamed, “I’ll kill her if you come any step closer! And do not follow me!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He didn’t have the chance to know if the threat was successful or not, because he ran holding her as fast as he could.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Unluckily, the guard woke up the next second, the attack hadn’t been strong enough.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Damn! I must warn Mr. Tinean!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">In a few words, in a rush, Date hid inside a fishermen’s ship departing right in the instant they needed to leave.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Without noticing, Valen Kromell followed them.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Life is really a precious gem, isn’t she?” smiling Oda said “What reasons would a girl like you have to escape with us?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Valen remained quiet. Was there really a reason? She believed so, but still… would be escaping her brother a reason good enough for her to run away like that? To abandon the life she had?

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Leave her be, Rendan.” The younger RedClaw asked, sounding more like an order “Didn’t yourself said? Even angels need some time alone once in a while.” Date closed his eyes. Oda, on his left, smiled even more and directed for an instant his eyes to the girl’s beautiful brown hair, since her face was hidden to the right side, where she blushed and got pleased by the stranger’s complement.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">As the ship went away, deeper and deeper onto the blue sea, Tinean Kromell observed. He had no idea what had happened to his sister’s kidnappers, but he would figure it out soon, he would do everything he could to keep her on his side. <p class="MsoNormal" style="border:none;mso-border-bottom-alt:double windowtext 2.25pt; padding:0cm;mso-padding-alt:0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-ansi-language:EN-US"> <p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Date woke up the next day with a wave crushing the ship. He raised and rubbed his neck, it was hurting. At his left, Oda still slept. At his right, Valen didn’t.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The swordsman looked around, but she wasn’t there.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He looked all over the storage where they slept, and still couldn’t find the woman.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Dammit… Are you there…” he realized he didn’t even ask for her name.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He realized he would have to look for her on the deck, what would be very risky. “But if she was on the deck, someone would have gotten her and, therefore, us…” he thought and decided to call for Oda’s help when he heard…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Stop that!” it was her voice, definitely.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Date held the sword’s hilt strongly and rushed forward. He climbed the stairs and kicked the door to the deck. Men, busy cleaning the wood, looked him in surprised. As a lightning, he passed running by them and forced the first door he could see.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Oh… it’s you, sir…” she was serving breakfast for the fishermen. A large man, around forty years, tried to touch her butt. “I already said, stop that!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">RedClaw sighed and with a gesture called her to talk. She told the fishermen, all dirty man smelling fish and sweat, to wait and they complained as she went. “But I will be back!” she told them smiling and winked to them, causing some more commotion. She would only notice it later, but, although she boarded the ship sad, introverted and doubtful, when her brother wasn’t around, she could be vivid, charismatic and full of life. “What is it, Mr…?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Date RedClaw.” His eyes were heavy with… it was hard to say if it was surprise, anger, worrying or amazement. “It’s funny: ten seconds ago I was worried that I had kidnapped a girl and she could be in trouble, but now I look for her and see… I don’t even know how to call this!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Don’t be so serious, I went with you myself! Besides, those men are really nice. It’s the first time I meet fishermen, but it wouldn’t if I knew they were so nice and…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">She kept mumbling, but Date didn’t hear all. Most of his minds kept focusing in deciding if she was stupid, innocent or very intelligent.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Anyway, what I really want to know, Miss…” he would have asked what had happened, but he didn’t know her name.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Valen is my name.” She smiled saying the words and Date felt embarrassed.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">She then explained what happened: she felt sick, so she went to the deck to vomit. There, firstly embarrassed, she met the fishermen, whom she thought would do indecent things to her. Instead they ended up greeting her and gave her space in the kitchen as a waitress.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“It isn’t strange…” Oda explained to his master, while both were eating breakfast “most fishermen are family men, a good part of them surely has a daughter of her age, so they wouldn’t do anything bad to her… now, about us, I don’t know why they didn’t do nothing.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Shut up, Oda.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Oda grinned and gave another bite on his old piece of bread.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">After the breakfast, the captain asked to see them. Date would come alone, but Oda strategically brought Vale as well.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Date spoke the truth and the captain believed, telling it was an honor to travel with a Rear Admiral, guarantying they would stop at their base as soon as they finished business. Once hearing the RedClaw’s title, Valen remembered her brother, would he be worried? Probably, but she couldn’t return, even if it was to say goodbye.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">After lunch, they were given proper, though small, space to sleep inside the storage and permission to walk where they wanted. Oda, having a chaotic eyesight, remained in their chambers, leaving the two alone.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I’m really sorry…” Date said to Valen, when they were both alone on the tables “it’s my fault you’re here.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“No, it isn’t! I wanted to come!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Don’t you have friends or a family worried about you?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Well, I…” she pictured her brother looking for her “I… I don’t!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Date was scared of how much impetuosity was put into the answer.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Okay, lady… I won’t ask anymore… I’m the worst person when the subject is family.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Really, Mr. Date?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Only Date, please. Yes, my father is dead and my two brothers are psychopaths and I… my job is not… how I wanted it to be.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Oda wasn’t there, but if he was, he would have recognized the same expression that Date had when they were on the inn. He seemed lonely.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Valen held his hand.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“My parents were murdered when I was only a baby… I have seen pictures, but I have no memory of their faces inside my mind.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The Rear Admiral sighed.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Thank you, Valen, for making it safe for us to travel.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He smiled and she smiled in response. They didn’t talk anymore, however her hand was still holding his’. She didn’t stop, because her mind was thinking about her brother and the man in front at the same time. He didn’t say anything because he thought of the burden of a uniform, although he was paying more attention to her company than anything else.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">And Oda Rendan slept with a smile on his face.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">And the next two days in the ship weren’t much different for them. <p class="MsoNormal" style="border:none;mso-border-bottom-alt:double windowtext 2.25pt; padding:0cm;mso-padding-alt:0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-ansi-language:EN-US"> <p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Date left the ship with Oda, while Valen waited at the inn. Valen said she would take the next ship to any island, but she didn’t want to return to the Triangle.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The Rear Admiral needed to talk to his brother.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The swordsman whistled and walked with a smile.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“How was yesterday?” Oda asked holding the hat on his head, a habit of his.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“What do you mean, Oda?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Nothing…” his smile said otherwise.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I’m in a good mood, so I won’t bother you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“In a good mood? Funny how less than a week ago you were exactly the opposite.” Oda turned his head behind, where Valen was opening the door to the inn. “Once I said you were a tragic angel between demons… so is Miss Valen your holy priestesses?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Nothing happened, idiot!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Sure…” the bodyguard stated ironically “If you don’t mind, I’ll rest. I don’t like long trips.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Do as you wish.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“How did your operation go?” Vladimir RedClaw asked when Date entered his chambers.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Rather badly. We weren’t able to conclude our objectives.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You never told me where you went, by the way.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“It doesn’t matter anymore…” he avoided the answer “but I didn’t come here to talk about my mission.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Moving a cup of tea to his lips, Vladimir simply stopped the movement and returned the cup to the table. “I see…” he heavily breathed and closed his eyes. The next second, he opened them, but somehow they looked different “I’m going to win, Date. There is absolutely no way Charles can become Vice Admiral. That’s how it is…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I already know, Vlad, my question is other.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Is that so?” Vladimir took the cup of tea from the table and sipped slowly. Now his eyes returned to its normal state “Speak, then, brother.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Date thought for a second. Embarrassed, he rubbed his hair and looked up.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Well, I met a girl there… Nothing happened between us, but she followed us and I…” he sighed “I feel like it was my fault she came here and she doesn’t want to return to her home. She said she is going to any island as soon as possible, but is there a way we can give her someplace to live while she is here… Only temporarily…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“If you want to do that, she may live in our mansion, if you act as the host.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“What?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“It’s not my business.” Date decided not to reply more, Vladimir was right, “And, Date…” his brother added, “what’s her name?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Her name is Valen.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">And Valen, he didn’t mention, was waiting for him at the inn.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Their base, unnamed, known simply as the RedClaw base, wasn’t as big as any G-base, but it was close. It had the size of a small island, as it was in fact a small autumn island, and it was populated only by officers and their families, with a few commercial exceptions, the inn was one of those. Its construction was permitted not only to give the officers a bar were they could have fun, but also because the base received occasional visitors, Marines, most times.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Valen was sitting on a bench, drinking a small cup of lemon tea Date ordered for her.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Well, Miss Valen, you can stay at my house if you want to.” She spilled the tea in her mouth when she heard the news “No! Not that way! You’d have your own room and…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You don’t need to do this for me, Date, it was my decision to come here.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“But you wouldn’t decide it if I hadn’t escaped with you… Please, I barely stay in that house and… well, it is a mansion.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I can’t accept it, Date, I’ll… I’ll be leaving by tomorrow…” he raised his finger asking her to remain quiet.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I don’t want to see a woman leaving by herself to an unknown place, not when it was my fault she left her home…” he grinned “even though that same woman has shown great capability of dealing with fishermen.” She smiled as well “Besides, where would you go?” She didn’t have an answer, “Exactly… We have a library, with lots of maps, you can look for some place to go there and I organize a boat for you to go when you decide to leave, but meanwhile I beg you: please stay with me.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">By the second time, Valen blushed for the misinterpretation of the marine’s sentence.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Sorry, I don’t mean stay with me like that!” He looked to the ceiling in embarrassment and she giggled.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Fine, Date, I’ll accept your request.” <p class="MsoNormal" style="border:none;mso-border-bottom-alt:double windowtext 2.25pt; padding:0cm;mso-padding-alt:0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-ansi-language:EN-US"> <p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Two days later, and for Date’s disdain, the younger RedClaw would have to receive the incoming Marines who would decide the fate of the base.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">But before that, he could spend as much time as he wanted with Valen.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">And so he took her to see some maps. But in the end, the less they did that afternoon was looking into maps. Date showed her the mansion, then the whole island. He presented her to acquaintances of his, and it was obvious for all that they were in love.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Only at night, they really sat and opened books. For a time, that is.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You know what?” Date asked “We can do this some other time!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He stood and offered her his hand. Laughing, she didn’t hesitate to hold it.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Where will you take me, Mr. Rear Admiral?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He showed him the greatest view of that island: the moon.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">That was a full moon day. The moon was a silver giant in the sky, a shining ray of beauty into that horrible place. “The perfect light to love” Oda thought seeing the two together. He was the guide of the boat they were on, and smiled as always looking to the bright moon, pretending he wasn’t looking. “How I miss you, Kyria…” he remembered looking the moon “She is just like you were…” Oda shed a tear or two that night.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Date RedClaw and Valen Kromell, on the other hand, smiled all the time.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">As always, Oda Rendan was at his side. Oda was actually the closest he had of a friend, which was really sad, but true. Both watched the lonely sea, only waiting for the ships to come.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Did she say why she came with us?” Oda asked when they observed the ships coming closer. It was the sunset, making the ships against the orange setting sun a beautiful sight.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I asked, but she preferred not to answer…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Do you think she may be escaping from someone?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“It could be… I’d beat him up if we met, because he would be really lucky to have her.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“She’s behind you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He turned around scared and spitting explanations, but she wasn’t there. And Oda was laughing all he could.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Very funny, Oda, I can’t stop laughing…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“The funny thing, master Date, is that you fell in love with her since the day you two met. What did you talk about yesterday when I wasn’t here?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“This is not your business!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You’re right. Who am I to talk about love?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Shut up and listen…” he looked his bodyguard seriously in the eyes, “we still have to see about Shane Geddoe.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Are you still thinking about this? Why don’t simply leave the man and live happily with Valen here? Oh, right…” with a dull expression, Oda looked the ships over the horizon. “We’d have to wait for the committee to go.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Obviously, how would we leave with all them in our back?” a shining light of comprehension had hit their faces with the strength of a falling brick, so they smiled: they had a plan.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The reception went well, but that was the least important part.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Tinean Kromell went there as well. Valen knew that, so she hid inside her current room until it was over.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Tell me, Vladimir and Charles…” Tinean approached them “my dear younger sister disappeared last night… she was kidnapped, actually. Neither of you know something, do you?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">While Charles didn’t, Vladimir understood immediately.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“What is her name?” Charles asked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Valen.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">If he was alone, Vladimir would be laughing.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“We know nothing, Mr. Kromell.” Vladimir answered at once. The older of the brothers didn’t know what that would mean, but it would be a very important information in a near future.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">After his job was done, around ten at night, Date departed with Oda in a small and unused boat. Luckily, the wind was good, which meant they would arrive a few hours soon. The committee would last until the end of the next day, in other words, the officers would still be going to their respective bases.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">More specifically, the closest island, the Triangle, would have to stay the whole day without its main marine. Normally, that would not mean anything, but that was the day it would be chosen the new Vice Admiral. That by itself could change the whole game if Date knew how to use his cards.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“What if Vladimir or Charles need your help tomorrow?” Oda asked playing cards by the moonlight.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“They won’t. I already told them we were going to spend the day away to avoid ‘passing any wrong ideas to the high ranked’.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“They accepted?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“As stupid as it may sound, yes they did.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Oda laughed a lot, making his companion to do it so too. It was a lovely evening, that one.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“What can I do for you, Master RedClaw?” A spy was called to Vladimir’s presence.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“The girl my little brother brought here, the one with glasses… keep an eye on her.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The spy agreed, and so it begun. <p class="MsoNormal" style="border:none;mso-border-bottom-alt:double windowtext 2.25pt; padding:0cm;mso-padding-alt:0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-ansi-language:EN-US"> <p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Because of the good amount of wind the whole morning, they arrived at the island of Galeria a little before sunset.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">That time, with all the glory he could emanate, Date dressed his full dark armor and the crescent moon helmet, along with the blue cape. Also, he had on his belt, besides his regular sword, the black sword Kurosenko, borrowed by Oda Rendan. “It doesn’t matter how I got her, but I want her back someday. This beauty can rip the heavens in two, alright? Use her carefully.” The owner stated before handing the blade over.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">They stopped in front of Geddoe’s mansion, now before the entrance, where two guards awaited. The guards, most likely hired mercenaries, had only simple swords.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Who is it?” the left one asked without hesitation.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Rear Admiral Date RedClaw and Oda Rendan, the… a friend… We came by order of newly turned Vice Admiral Vladimir RedClaw.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Both thugs looked at each other.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“What do you want with Mr. Geddoe?” the one on the right asked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“We only wish to talk.” Oda calmly added.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“We’re not stupid. The election of the new Vice Admiral is still happening.” The left thug said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“No, it was finished last night.” Date didn’t have any idea if it was or not, “You can call the one in command of the base here, and he can confirm the information.” Date purposely touched Kurosenko’s cable, “but Vlad let very clear: he does not appreciate lack of confidence… even from Shane Geddoe.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Both guards looked each other again. Normally they wouldn’t let any marine to get close of their boss, but could they refuse someone sent by the Vice Admiral, and above else, the most powerful RedClaw? Besides, the marine leader was returning of the commission, so they couldn’t know if Vladimir was or not the new Vice Admiral.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Do you have any proof the Vice Admiral sent you here?” the right mercenary asked desperately.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Vlad also said the face of his brother by its own should give him credibility. You can recognize a RedClaw Rear Admiral, can’t you?” he spoke with emphasis the word RedClaw, since they were the most powerful family from the region since a long time before. Still, they seemed indecisive.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Why don’t you just ask your boss if we can enter?” Oda asked, adjusting the hat on his head, “He knows the power of a Vice Admiral, after all.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">It worked. One of them entered the mansion and after a while, returned and told Date and Oda to get inside.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The interior was badly illuminated, making any guests have to force their sights to clearly see the entire environment, but Date and Oda didn’t bother to have a proper look.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The room where they met Geddoe was more poorly illuminated than the rest of the mansion, and maybe that was the intention, as the guests couldn’t see the host’s face from where they were. They sat on benches of an unnecessarily long table. They could see where Geddoe was, the other extremity of the table, but couldn’t see his face.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Speak” the host said, “what does Vladimir RedClaw has to say?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I’ll just speak quickly…” the swordsman started, “Vladimir RedClaw sent us here to arrest you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Really?” There was a tone of doubt in his voice.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“It would be good if you could come with us peacefully” he stood up and drew Kurosenko. The few lights there were reflected in its black blade.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“And what would be the accusation?” Geddoe asked calmly.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You know exactly what the accusation is.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Yes, I know… You’re not the first to try, did you know?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Yes, but I’m the first from the RedClaw family to come, am I not?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The host didn’t answer. Oda laughed once. Who would want to face the impetuous RedClaw family?

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“To send you here to take me doesn’t seem something Vladimir would do.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“He’s a Vice Admiral now. Besides, no one ever understood completely my brother.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Geddoe hadn’t arguments against that. Vladimir was indeed unpredictable.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I won’t leave without proof that I did something!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“We can provide that later.” Oda said, taking a short sword from inside his coat, “After we take you with us.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I can’t allow that to happen.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Well, we could call an army of marines to allow that to happen.” Oda bluffed smiling.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The front door was kicked heavily and opened with a loud noise. The two guards unsheathed their swords, but, when understood the scenery, dropped them in surprise.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Mr. Geddoe…” one said, his jaw as low as it could open.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Shane Geddoe stood still, head down and hands on his back, held by Date RedClaw and Oda Rendan, both armed.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I hereby declared…” Date screamed “I, Rear Admiral Date RedClaw, and Oda Rendan, are arresting the former captain of the Blue Blooded Pirates, nowadays known as Shane Geddoe, guilty of the crimes of robbery, disrespect of the law, bribery, maybe some indecent acts against the common moral and mass murder along with the rest of his crew on the island of Gegizera!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">They walked slowly holding Geddoe, and all left space for them to pass. Oda asked for a boat to an officer and he promptly obeyed.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Vladimir won’t like this, master Date.” Oda stated on the boat, “How will you explain this?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“It’s easy… There is a good argument I can use.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Oh, really?” Oda was interested “And what would that argument be?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Date smiled.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">But in his heart, he knew it wouldn’t go well.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="border:none;mso-border-bottom-alt:double windowtext 2.25pt; padding:0cm;mso-padding-alt:0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-ansi-language:EN-US"> <p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“This event will do well to the new Vice Admiral’s image.” Date calmly explained in the immediate audition requested by his brother.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Don’t ever do that again!” Vladimir shouted “He gave us a good amount of money for a long time!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Exactly. He spent so much time away from our reach that it’s impossible someone not to fear you for arresting him.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I can’t deny it, so you’re not in a situation as bad as it could be. Still… I can’t allow you to do something like that again!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“What? Making your image more respectful?” he touched the sword’s hilt and provoked “Honoring what my uniform represents?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You will…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You don’t like I’m the only one in this family that actually ever did anything right?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You will shit your mouth, Date. You don’t know what you’re saying…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I know you and father received bribe from a pirate. I know many things you, him and Charles did while I pretended I was with eyes closed!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Shut up! And you are always perfect, aren’t you? You’re dismissed from your services as a Marine until next year!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I can accept that.” Date turned away and walked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Leaning on the wall next to the door, Oda expected him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Are you okay with your punishment?” the bodyguard asked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I am. A little resting would do well to me.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“And you could spend more time with Miss Valen.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Date ignored, but he knew Oda was right: that was exactly what he was thinking. <p class="MsoNormal" style="border:none;mso-border-bottom-alt:double windowtext 2.25pt; padding:0cm;mso-padding-alt:0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border:none;mso-border-bottom-alt:double windowtext 2.25pt; padding:0cm;mso-padding-alt:0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border:none;mso-border-bottom-alt:double windowtext 2.25pt; padding:0cm;mso-padding-alt:0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">At, the same day, seeing how dozens of men and a lot of money were available, Tinean Kromell took all the fortune of the arrested Shane Geddoe to himself. His intents with it, he kept repeating, were to save his sister and never let her go away again.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="border:none;mso-border-bottom-alt:double windowtext 2.25pt; padding:0cm;mso-padding-alt:0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-ansi-language:EN-US"> <p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Date spent all the time he could of his dismissing with Valen. It didn’t take much until they actually fell in love for each other. At first, what they had was only the beginning of what it would be the great love of their lives.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">But not all was forgotten. The last event only increased the antagonism between him and Vladimir. And, as such, the younger wouldn’t let the older to influence the newborn Macabre RedClaw.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“He is so cute!” Valen said holding the younger half-brother of her loved one “He looks just like you, Date.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Is that so?” he laughed. After a few seconds, however, his smile fell. “Does that mean I look like my father?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Valen looked like as she had taken a punch. “No, no! I mean… you… you two look like him, but… I want to say… that is…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Even though the subject mattered to him, he forced a smile, and tried to forget. “I’m sorry, Valen, I didn’t mean to…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“It’s okay… But you two really look like each other. That’s a good thing.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Is it?” he thought, but he couldn’t see how it was good being like someone of the RedClaw family.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Yes, it is, because you’re the best man I ever met.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Date smiled, and as he smiled, his heart was filled with joy. He held Valen’s chin and touched his lips on her lips, for the first time.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Iris flowers bloomed better during a rain… even if it’s a rain of blood, preceding a gigantic storm.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Unfortunately, Vladimir RedClaw had eyes wherever he wanted to. And so, one week later, their romantic involvement was already known by the Vice Admiral.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">As such, Oda Rendan was called at the same time.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Oda Rendan…” Vladimir greeted the bodyguard sitting on his newly made steel throne, an exaggeration to the show the amount of power he had “I need to speak to you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“What is it, master Vladimir?” he took out his hat and bowed “How can I be of service?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I want all you know about my little brother’s girlfriend or whatever they are. You better not lie to me. I mustn’t remember you serve my family as a whole, must I?” That was a test, a test of loyalty.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I know nothing about her, sir” he promptly answered “and even if I knew, why would I tell you?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You serve me!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“No, I have a strict chain of loyalty…” he put the hat once again “and, really, I don’t know anything about her. May I go?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“How much do I have to pay for you to discover what I ask you?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You want me to be a spy for you? Some kind of regulator to Date’s actions, under your command? No…” he turned and walked to the door “Besides, I serve Date, not you, Master Vladimir. No offense meant.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">When the doors were closed, silence once again fell within the throne room. Vladimir stood up and deeply breathed, kicking strongly the steel of the throne.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I shouldn’t forget…” he said to himself “who are my brothers’ allies.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Walking the streets, Oda could notice how he was being followed, by more than one stalker.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He also noticed how the streets were getting more silent and emptier as he walked. He took the short sword from the coat and took out the hat, throwing it away in a dead end to his left.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Now, now…” he felt five men approaching behind his back “why is Vladimir that much revengeful?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He heard swords being unsheathed and guns being taken and loaded. In response, he turned and looked straight to the men’s faces, with a smile in his face.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You should know that Date RedClaw won’t like this… at all…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Days later, Date found the black hat covered in mud on the streets. He held it close to his eyes for a few seconds, and then his hands started to shake.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">It was anger.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Wait, sir, you can’t do…” Vladimir heard before the doors to the throne room were opened.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Vlad!” Date shouted and threw the hat on the floor.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">Vladimir was talking with three officers, or, in other words, he was bored with three officers speaking.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Leave me with my brother, gentlemen.” the Vice Admiral gently asked and, when they exited and closed the door, he lied “What is this?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Don’t lie to me, Vlad! What did you do to Oda?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Your friend? I didn’t see him.” Vladimir rose from the throne and walked towards his brother “Why do you think I’ve done something?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Why?” Date angrily walked to his brother and touched Kurosenko’s cable “Because you called him before he disappeared!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“I don’t control all that happens in this base, Date.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Yes you do!” Date punched his brother’s face and Vladimir was pushed behind. “I don’t care about all this, I’m leaving this place!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“And where would you go, little brother?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Anywhere away from you and Charles is great.” He approached the throne and drew the black sword and, with one movement, he cut the steel backrest. “If you wanted to control me or whatever, there was no need to kill him! Our father… at least he had the decency of letting us act our own way, but you, Vladimir…” he pointed the black blade towards the pale brother “you’re painting this throne of red!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">When Date left, Vladimir raised and spitted blood.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Sir?” his secretary looked into the room.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Leave me be… and close the door…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">He smiled when it was done.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">He wanted to tame his brother, to show him that he had to obey. He tried to do it through Oda Rendan, but when he refused the Vice Admiral thought his death could do the job, and it would have worked if they weren’t both stubborn bastards, Oda and his little brother.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">Vladimir, still smiling, raised his head to the roof and laughed madly. He laughed as much as he could while looking up, and then kicked the back rest of the throne, fallen to the ground. The steel flew away and hit the wall.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">Now, he stared the wall without a smile. The older RedClaw spitted blood once more and allowed the red liquid to flow from his lips.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">After that, he saw he couldn’t control Date RedClaw, no… differently from Charles, that brother had a good morale, he was incorruptible, and that wouldn’t be a problem if he wasn’t his brother and, therefore, someone with influence.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">Now Vice Admiral Vladimir RedClaw didn’t want to tame Date RedClaw, something like that would be impossible… What Vice Admiral Vladimir RedClaw wanted to do was to crush him so hard so he would have no choice but to obey or perish. Yes… It was the time he used that piece of information, the one he thought it wouldn’t matter as long as Tinean continued to be useful.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">Vladimir had to attack Date right on his heart.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">Tinean Kromell’s chambers were dark, badly lighted and dirty. All his things were thrown to the ground, without any order, and his appearance wasn’t the best either.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">Basically, he was becoming crazy.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Mr. Kromell! Mr. Kromell, sir!” one of his subordinates entered the room he was.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">But he was naked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“What is it? Don’t you see I’m in laments due to not being able to protect my dear sister?” He asked as if it was obvious.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Sorry, sir… but… There’s a call from you in the Den Den Mushi… it is from… Vice Admiral RedClaw.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Tell him to call later, I’m busy.” He said and turned his head to the wall.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“He says it’s urgent, sir!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Is it? So hand me this thing! Yes, Vladimir… Sure, I call you Vice Admiral RedClaw.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">Listening, Tinean stood up.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Really, sir? Thank you very much! I’ll be departing as soon as I can!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">Tears fell through his face.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt;border:none;mso-border-bottom-alt: double windowtext 2.25pt;padding:0cm;mso-padding-alt:0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US"> <p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center;tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">Date spent the rest of the day with Valen, preparing to depart as soon as possible. As most of the ships departed to the Triangle, they had to wait two days to get to a ship to a different island.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">At midnight, they prepared a small raft with flowers and a sword, to honor the memory of Oda.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">Date threw the hat on its pink and white colors and lit the fire. They observed as the burning raft went away.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Are we really going to go?” Valen asked, hugging her lover.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Yes… I can’t stay here any longer or I might do something I don’t want to.” A family must remain united, his father kept saying before he died, even though the father himself didn’t follow the rule. Still, it was something that reached deep within Date’s heart, to not hurt the ones you share blood with. “You don’t need to come with me, Valen…” he told her “You can return to your home.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“I won’t. I like my home as much as you like yours.” Date grinned after the sentence, but in fact he wasn’t finding anything laughable that day. “We should sleep” Valen asked “we’ll depart soon tomorrow.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Just a little more…” he asked and watched as the fire went away.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">Vladimir RedClaw saw the fire from the higher floor of his mansion and grinned. Charles RedClaw was with him, but he, in the other hand, remained quiet.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">A ship, slowly moving over the water, broke the silence that covered the crew when the sight of fire appeared.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Sir, what is that?” an officer asked his superior.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“That, my subordinate, is the sight of our destiny.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Does that mean…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Exactly… Valen is over there…” <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt;border:none;mso-border-bottom-alt: double windowtext 2.25pt;padding:0cm;mso-padding-alt:0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The rain was over, the storm was coming… it was coming quickly. <p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center;tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">The ship arrived at the base along with dawn.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“The honorable Rear Admiral Tinean Kromell! What makes you visit us?” Charles RedClaw himself greeted him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Where is Valen?” there was rain during the night, so his dark brown hair was wet when he talked to Charles.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“What?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Valen Kromell, my sister. Vice Admiral himself called me last night telling she was here!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Did he? Sorry, I wasn’t informed…” he lied “Your sister may be found within our family’s mansion.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">The door to Date’s room was knocked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Date RedClaw!” Tinean screamed “Come outside with my sister or I’m going inside!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“What? Valen…” next to Date on the bed, Valen’s face fastly acquired an expression of fear.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“I can’t go with him… I can’t!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Calm down, I’ll deal with this…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">The door was kicked, and thus it opened.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Valen!” Tinean pulled her by the arm and slapped her face “You had no right to do this!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“What are you doing?” Date took Kurosenko next to the bed.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“You, quiet! She had no right to come with you, but you had less right to take her! You’re lucky Vice Admiral RedClaw asked me himself to punish you!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Vlad…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">Valen shouted she didn’t want to go more than once, but her brother kept holding, each second stronger. He slapped her again.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Someone, take my sister!” he shouted for his subordinates “You’ll get more punishment when I finish here, until you become the obedient woman you need to be!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">Date held the sword’s hilt. He didn’t draw it however, although he was ready to do it: Charles touched his shoulder, his eyes telling Date he should calm himself.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">Tinean looked to his eyes with disgust. “What kind of man… What kind of dreadful creature takes away one’s beloved sister… a sister that I love more than me? Once again, you’re lucky that your brother spoke for you… or else…” The Rear Admiral turned and left the room, always with an expression of anger and disgust.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Charles…” Date started, taking his brother hand out of his shoulder “You better have a good reason for having stopped me…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Well, Date…” Charles crossed his arms “I wouldn’t let you disobey…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">Date’s hand moved quickly to Charles’ throat.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“’Disobey Vlad’, you were going to say?” His eyes shined with wrath when he threw his brother to the room’s wall and so broke a closet. “Why did I trust you? I should have simply cut that man… how can I forgive the man who hurts my beloved?” he moved to the armory inside of his room. There, standing gloriously, his armors. He dressed the dark one, with the beautiful crescent moon helmet, and put Kurosenko on his belt.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“What do you think you are doing, Date?” Charles stood and shouted at him “What do you plan to do with this sword?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“I’m not sure yet… but it won’t end well.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">Tinean heard steps coming closer and the sound of his men’s voices. A sword was drawn.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Leave her!” Date simply shouted.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">Tinean turned around to see his men fighting with his sister’s kidnapper. At last they were trying to.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Tinean! Valen, I love her!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">The other marine raised his eyebrows and walked towards him, taking his own enormous sword.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“And what children know about love? Leave him to me… I don’t care about the orders of Vladimir… My sister is far more important than that.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">How much Valen wished to scream something to her brother while the men took her to the ship. She never could face her brother, however.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">Tinean ran towards the RedClaw. Kurosenko could block the blow, and them both kept staring at each other’s face from behind the blades.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“She has the right to decide for herself.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Not after our parents died… I know how the world works and I won’t let the same happen to her!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">Tinean bit his tongue and spit the blood onto Date’s eyes. He was blinded for only one instant, but one fundamental instant. Tinean pushed the blade, sending his opponent behind and spun. When the RedClaw was realizing Kromell was behind him, the later had a blade descending to the former’s head.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Stop!” the duel was going to be decided if it wasn’t Charles’ order “If you do that, Rear Admiral Kromell, you’re going to disrespect Vladimir.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">Tinean nodded and sheathed the sword.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“He’s right; I owe Vladimir this time… You better thank him, RedClaw.” Date even tried a last effort, but Tinean dodged easily. He then whispered: “We’ll finish this some other time, bastard.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">When Tinean went away, Date stood up. He did not sheath the sword, however.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“I saved your life, Date…” Charles started.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Shut up… I’m really trying to contain my anger to Vladimir, so shut up…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Vladimir did you a favor… you should be…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">Kurosenko’s dark blade touched his neck.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“I should be thanking him, you would say?” Times like that made a red flame to burn inside Date’s eyes. “Shut up, Charles… I’m really containing myself!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">Once again, during a meeting, Vladimir RedClaw heard men screaming outside his throne room. He had called for guards that time, however, so he heard when the swords and guns were taken.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">The next instant, his door was heavily opened, and along with it, three men rolled through it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Vlad!” Date shouted and entered carrying the last man “Why did you do that?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Leave us, please…” he said to the two men that reported to him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“No! Say it now: why did you do that?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">The two men, plus the three laid on the floor, weren’t sure about what to do.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Fine.” Vladimir rose from his newly repaired throne and walked towards the younger brother. “I will speak, but before I must know: did you know about her brother?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“I knew what she wanted to told me, I knew there was someone doing something to her, but she did not tell who.” Date, far shorter than Vladimir, had to stare him looking up, no less intimidating, however.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“It was her brother, she ran away from him, so when I discovered, I was forced to tell him. What would I do if my beloved brother went away from me?” he spoke with a smile in his face.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">Date didn’t answer. Instead, he grinned. With that sentence, Vladimir was indirectly saying: “Don’t ever face me again.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“What’s so funny?” Vladimir asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“The funny is: you wanted me to obey you, but you caused the moment I’ll disobey you more…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“I’d love to see you try…” he then whispered “All the men Shane Geddoe left, all his fortune and all his property… Tinean Kromell took it all to himself. Some are even calling him Geddoe’s successor. Could you stand against that? It would be suicide.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Believe me: I would die for her!” Date spoke each word with emphasis, spitting at Vladimir’s face each syllable. Next, he held strongly Vladimir’s throat, to then raise him and press him to the ground immediately. “I would, Vladimir…” Date left his brother on the ground and exited the throne room.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">Meanwhile, the five subordinates were still inside the room.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Get out… Get out!” Vladimir shouted without leaving the ground “And tell Charles I ordered all his men to stop Date RedClaw!” <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt;border:none;mso-border-bottom-alt: double windowtext 2.25pt;padding:0cm;mso-padding-alt:0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US"> <p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center;tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">Date was received by all the men his brother possessed, which meant a lot. He slowly took Kurosenko out of its sheath and walked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“I wouldn’t bother, master Date.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Oda?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">The bodyguard in black, already carrying his short sword, appeared on his right just before the officers drew their weapons.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“They didn’t even bother to look for my body when I jumped in the sea to escape…” he was wearing a new hat, still black and held it on his head as he moved forward. “I took the freedom to prepare a boat for you the moment I saw them departing with Miss Valen, with a whole crew.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“I’d ask more, but I have business to solve… Thanks, Oda.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Don’t bother, master Date.” He smiled his characteristic smile and ran to the officers waiting.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">Date turned left, an alternative way to the port, and departed. On the sea, he looked back to see Oda beating all the men who came after him, killing none. Date felt ashamed, as he would not spare any.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">Along with the dawn, Date RedClaw came to Beria. His welcome committee consisted in seven men, all armed with swords. No guns, as Tinean didn’t want to make unnecessary noise so early in the morning.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“So Vlad warned them, huh?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">Date stepped outside the boat and took out Kurosenko. He dressed once more the full dark armor, and carried both swords.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">But he only moved after the men.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">When the first one approached, Date didn’t wait to rush and cut his throat spinning. The second was already preparing a descendant attack close to him, but then the dark sword was painted in red again when he was pierced.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">With the dark blade still in the man’s chest, a third man came running. His only mistake was to shout while doing it. Date spun and hit him with the sheathed second sword in the face, breaking one tooth or two. He hit again, breaking the opponent’s nose and taking him to the ground. One more ran to him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">Date jumped back, dodging the opponent’s blow, and held the dark sword, kicking the body where it rested to regain control of it. With both swords in hand, now the mercenary attacker was helped by the man with broken teeth and one more assailant. Date walked back without any emotion in his face, dodging all the attacks addressed at him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">Then, when the three men rushed at the same time, he jumped. The jump was high enough so he fell behind the three.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Nitoryuu…” although the sun hadn’t risen totally, the two men that had yet not rushed saw both swords, and RedClaw’s eyes, to glow red “…Dance of the Twin Red Dragons.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">In less than a second, the two men that watched saw his companions to get totally covered in blood. They couldn’t see, however, the blows of the Rear Admiral’s swords.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">They screamed and ran away. It didn’t matter if he was still there, how could they fight someone so powerful?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">The man who had run firstly heard his companion to scream in pain when Kurosenko was thrown at him. Date let him escape.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Where are Tinean and his sister?” a wrathful Date RedClaw asked, his dark armor practically red by that time.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“They… they…” the officer agonized in pain and fear.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“I’ll ask again…” Date looked him as a demon would “where are they?” and the voice sounded like it had come from hell.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Gaeria… In Geddoe’s mansion…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“I’ll let you live for that.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Master Kromell! Master Kromell!” the survivor called.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“What is it?” Tinean asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“He… he killed the other six… he’s coming here…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“What? How could he? Call all the men to guard this house! Don’t let him enter! Do anything necessary!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">Valen could hear it all. She was being kept in her room, waiting for punishment. Since their parents died, when they were children, Tinean developed some kind of protective instinct towards her, an instinct that edged obsession. It wasn’t his fault; she always said he just didn’t want to her to get hurt like her parents did, although he took it too far away: he didn’t let her to have friends, he chose the men she could get involved and, the worst part, he punished her for violating his rules. It wasn’t strange to think that Valen fled along with Date and Oda that day. Date… although Valen wanted to smile knowing that he was coming for her, she didn’t want him to hurt her brother.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">Iris flowers did bloom better during a rain.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">Date, both swords shining red, walked slowly towards the mansion’s entrance. At least a dozen of men waited for him. Covered in blood, staring coldly like a demon, emanating a demonic glow from his demonic blue eyes, his dark (or red) armor made he look like a god of war.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Attack!” one shouted and all rushed forward.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">Date dodge one, two, three, ten attacks aiming at his body. He dodged one last attack spinning and slashed one’s back. He heard a gun being aimed and pierced through the same man’s back, using it as a shield and blocking the bullet.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">He left the sword at the man’s back and held Kurosenko with both hands.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Ittoryu…” he ran and destroyed the gun with a blow. Next, he turned, where the rest of the attackers ran towards him. “…Cloudy Weather - Donten!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">He jumped over all the men and attacked with the dark sword as much as he could. Piercing attacks, slashes… his hands were only silver flashes due to the speed of his attacks.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Call reinforcements!” One shouted and Tinean Kromell knew he had picked a fight with the wrong man.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">Date RedClaw took a sword from the ground and pointed it at the crescent number of men that appeared.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“I don’t want to prolong this massacre, Tinean! Appear and we settle this!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">There was no answer.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Very well…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">He jumped forward and both swords formed a cross between one assailant’s neck. He pierced the body with a sword, using it as a shield to the incoming wave of bullets and ran, still using the body as a shield.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Ittoryu…” he dropped the body along with the sword and held Kurosenko alone. Before the line of gunman, consisting in five, could reload, he appeared before them and…

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">All the guns were on the ground the next second. “…Crescent moon.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">Then the five bled all of a sudden. Date turned and pointed the sword at the rest of the men who were still there.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“I’m going there!” Tinean screamed. “Someone bring me my weapon and armor.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Wait, brother!” Valen called him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“What are you doing here?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“I want to go with Date! We love each other!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“What do you know about love?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">She looked downwards, tear falling through her cheek. Why couldn’t she face him at once?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Exactly…” he picked the long sword and walked to the entrance where Date waited.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Stop!” Tinean shouted, walking towards him “Stop this slaughtering… I’ll fight with you myself.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“It would be easier to let Valen come with me… I love her, and she loves me.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Sorry, RedClaw, but my sister is not going away with someone like you…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“She’s old enough, Tinean… You may not be ready, but she is…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">Tinean walked a few more steps and unsheathed his sword. His face seemed tired, and his short dark hair looked like as if it was messed up in a fight.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">He raised his hand, Date as well…

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Stop!” running towards them, Valen shouted “Stop! Brother, Date… stop!” She had tears in her eyes, so they stopped.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“I’m sorry, dear sister…” Tinean pointed the sword to the other swordsman “I can’t allow myself to lose you… not after… not after what happened to our father and mother… I’ll pursue you, Date RedClaw, or anyone else until the end of the world if my dear sister is taken away from me! Now, let’s not make this butchering to be in vain.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">Valen cried. And that was when the flower bloomed.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“No, Tinean!” she shouted at him, not looking down or crying, but with conviction and fury. “I do know what love is! I saw it the moment I left with Date and we… When I’m with him, it feels like my heart beats differently… That is love!” Tinean simply looked at him. Date smiled. “If someone doesn’t know what love is, it’s you… you used to, but the part of you that knew was killed during that day, along with our parents. I will be going with him and won’t see my brother and my future husband kill each other!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Maybe… maybe you’re right…” Tinean said without changing his stance “Maybe I unlearned how to love, but I don’t care, I have my principles and I’ll be following them. RedClaw, if you win, you’re going to be a pirate.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“For killing a corrupted rear admiral and a bunch of mercenaries that served him? I don’t think so.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">Valen cried, and, along with her tears, her brother also fell.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt;border:none;mso-border-bottom-alt: double windowtext 2.25pt;padding:0cm;mso-padding-alt:0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US"> <p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center;tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">The door to the throne room of Vice Admiral Vladimir RedClaw was opened strongly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Vlad…” Date RedClaw announced, still in the bloodstained armor. Vladimir rose from the throne in surprise. “Vlad, you better don’t do anything of the sort again. I didn’t hurt you because you’re family, but next time, I may forget this detail.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">And with that last sentence, war was declared. <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt;border:none;mso-border-bottom-alt: double windowtext 2.25pt;padding:0cm;mso-padding-alt:0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US"> <p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center;tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">Three blows was the necessary for the battle to end.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">Date pierced through Tinean’s chest and left his body to the ground.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“Valen…” he explained coming to his beloved crying “I never wanted to end that way…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“I know… It was his fault…” he saw a blur behind Date. “Date!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">Date turned the same instant. For his bad luck, Tinean’s sword was far long than any sowrd.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“My eye!” Date RedClaw agonized, touching the now inexistent right eye “My…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">“It seems I’m not strong enough… neither to take care of my sister nor to kill you, RedClaw… We’ll see each other in hell… One-eyed Demon!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">Tinean Kromell fell one last time. Neither of them knew at the current time being, but that sentence… it started a whole era.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:67.5pt">

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center;tab-stops:67.5pt">TO BE CONTINUED