The Masked Warrior of Sarabanto, Part 6

=== Chapter 11:   Kokuyōseki Rokku === Sarabanto, sometime during the night.

''Mayor Griffin finds Clancy wandering down the main street towards the port, and calls out to him. The engineer pauses, and then turns around with a small smile, resting on his cane.''

Clancy: Griffin. This is an unexpected pleasure.

Griffin: I learned what I needed to know, Clancy. I know the threat to this town.

Clancy: Surely there is little to be known about it? Pirates are pirates, after all. If you grant me permission to take proper defensive measures, I should be able to deal with them effectively.

Griffin: Spare me the pretence. What are you really after?

Clancy: I'm sorry?

Griffin: You made demands you knew we couldn’t meet, and then pretended to defend us from your own attacks. Why? What is it that you would destroy this whole town to find?

Clancy half smiles, and then shrugs.

Clancy: You tell me. What would an engineer desire above all else?

Griffin: I suppose it doesn't matter. Leave the town, Clancy. And take your mercenaries with you.

Clancy: Or?

Griffin: What?

Clancy: This town is still threatened. You need my protection.

Griffin: I said spare me the pretence. Rokku is the only true protector we have, and he would be enough-

<p class="MsoNormal">''He trails off as Clancy wordlessly pulls a mask with a pointed nose out of his pocket and holds it up for inspection. Griffin stares at it, and says nothing''

<p class="MsoNormal">Clancy: Such a shame. We never caught the ones responsible. No doubt the pirates will be holding him hostage.

<p class="MsoNormal">Griffin: You did this. You're behind it all.

<p class="MsoNormal">''Calncy tilts his head and puts the mask away. He smiles with some amusement, but the expression lacks warmth, instead showing a hard edge of calculating confidence.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Clancy: Then you really have problems, don't you? After all, that would mean that up until now the only thing really keeping you and your town safe is a vigilante who is now defeated. I’d say you’re rather defenceless without me. You understand your position, don’t you?

<p class="MsoNormal">Clancy takes a step closer to Griffin and stares hard at him

<p class="MsoNormal">Clancy: If I am the villain here, I'd have no more reason to hold back if you stood in my way. Not when I could just take my objective by force. Nothing is stopping me. Nothing at all.

<p class="MsoNormal">Griffin: Damn you..

<p class="MsoNormal">He steps back from the mayor and turns away

<p class="MsoNormal">Clancy: Of course, if you don’t make any wild accusations I could just as easily continue as things are. With the loss of Rokku the threat to the town is greater, but I am certain with some adjustments to my plan I could ensure the safety of all of the townspeople at least. After all, nobody gains anything from pointless bloodshed.

<p class="MsoNormal">''Clancy walks off down the street without looking back. Griffin glares after him with his fists clenched, but says nothing.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Clancy: Consider what your priorities are, mr mayor. I’m sure we can reach an agreement.

<p class="MsoNormal">The next morning

<p class="MsoNormal">''Clancy had somehow managed to get word out that he had an important announcement, and many townspeople have gathered in front of the town hall in order to hear what he has to say. Clancy himself is standing on a box at the front, facing his gathering audience, flanked by four of his defenders. A handful of people, such as Robin and Corvus, are missing, and The Obsidian pirates and the few other visitors to the island are entirely absent, but there are enough people present that the message will be heard by the whole town soon enough. Clancy pauses while people gather, and then begins to speak in a loud and clear voice.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Clancy: I will not waste time avoiding the truth. Disaster has occurred, and the threat to this town is now far greater than it was. At some time during the previous evening, the vigilante Rokku was defeated by the pirates, and apparently captured.

<p class="MsoNormal">''He takes out the mask and holds it up. Gasps and murmurs sweep through the crowd and everyone shifts uncertainly. Clancy continues speaking for a while, but eventually falls silent and allows them to discuss among themselves.''

<p class="MsoNormal">''Unbeknownst to the islanders, Mayor Griffin watches from the shadows of an alleyway, staying out of sight of the public, trembling with frustration and anger. And unbeknownst to everyone, even him, Kat is watching from a sloped roof overlooking the street. By keeping low down at the crest of the roof, Kat can see everything that is going on while remaining out of view herself.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Kat: He’s lying, of course. He must be the one who did it.

<p class="MsoNormal">Caspian: And we know that! So why is he getting away with it?

<p class="MsoNormal">The doctor, newly turned pirate, is next to Kat, also ducked down on all fours to get the same view.

<p class="MsoNormal">Caspian: I mean, Griff is respected, right? If he called Clancy out-

<p class="MsoNormal">Kat: Clancy still has his mercenaries and could attack any time. Griffin wants to say something, but he can’t without putting his citizens at risk. They haven’t even found out he’s safe yet.

<p class="MsoNormal">Dimitri: Seems to be quite simple, to me.

<p class="MsoNormal">''They both turn to the captain, who is sitting up on the sheltered side of the roof, leaning on the chimney. He has rolled up his sleeve, flipped his right hand open to reveal the internal weaponry, and pulled out a sliding compartment near his elbow to check through the ammunition. Kat, who hadn’t known about his weaponry at all, stares at his arm, surprised and slightly unsettled.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Dimitri: Clancy is only a threat because of his defenders. So if I just beat them all up, that solves everything, right?

<p class="MsoNormal">''Finishing his check of the various bullets and explosive shells, he slides the chamber shut again, flips his hand back into place with a flick of his arm, and clenches his fist several times as he speaks. Kat is clearly curious about the weapon, but doesn’t ask.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Kat: He has Corvus as well... He keeps saying captured, right? If we just charge in and attack then he might…

<p class="MsoNormal">''She trails off without finishing. Caspian turns to her. His expression softens slightly, then becomes thoughtful, before becoming somewhat excited and hopeful. He looks back at the captain''

<p class="MsoNormal">Caspian: You could really handle the entire of Clancy’s force if he attacks?

<p class="MsoNormal">The reply comes not from Dimitri, but from the window beneath, which Byrn is now leaning out of

<p class="MsoNormal">Byrn: Just one person would be a stretch, but with all of us here?

<p class="MsoNormal">His eyes narrow slightly, and though his face is covered Caspian finds he can imagine a terrifying smile under his scarf.

<p class="MsoNormal">Byrn: It’ll be easy.

<p class="MsoNormal">Caspian’s expression becomes determined and focussed.

<p class="MsoNormal">Caspian: Then I have a plan. We’re going to need firepower. A lot of it. And chaos.

<p class="MsoNormal">Dimitri’s smile is smaller than the one Caspian imagined Byrn having, and not as immediately intimidating, but it has the same effect.

<p class="MsoNormal">Dimitri: Firepower and chaos, huh? I can do that.

<p class="MsoNormal">Not long later

<p class="MsoNormal">Clancy has managed to calm the crowd down enough to continue talking, though they are still muttering among themselves

<p class="MsoNormal"> 

<p class="MsoNormal"> 

<p class="MsoNormal">Clancy: As you are no doubt aware, the loss of Rokku makes it much harder to hold off the pirates. He has been a huge obstacle to the attackers until now. It may be necessary to reconsider how best to protect the people of this town, and ensure they remain unharmed in the coming events. I for one-

<p class="MsoNormal">Somebody small  pushes to the front of the crowd with the help of two similarly sized friends

<p class="MsoNormal">Finch: Exccuuuuuuse me Mr Quincy!

<p class="MsoNormal">Clancy: *flinches* Clancy. It’s Clancy. Do you have a question?

<p class="MsoNormal">Finch: Sorta! See, I heard from a friend of mine just now, that you’re the bad guy behind it all!

<p class="MsoNormal">The people nearest to the front groan at what appears to be a clearly false rumour, and Clancy, despite being momentarily off balance, also smiles with amusement

<p class="MsoNormal">Clancy: What? Who told you that?

<p class="MsoNormal">Robin: I did.

<p class="MsoNormal">''The boy is standing near the back of the group, but his voice carries clearly. More people are listening now, and there’s less amusement. Robin is well known as Dr Albert’s assistant, and that gives them pause for thought. Clancy briefly sees the mayor looking confused and alarmed in his hiding place behind the crowd, and realizes with some confusion he isn’t involved in the sudden rumour at all.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Clancy: Well, I suppose I should assure you all-

<p class="MsoNormal">???: Kyyyyyyeeeeee!!!! I’m right here! Arrrrrhahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!

<p class="MsoNormal">''Everyone turns and looks up at the sudden shout. Somebody is almost dancing on the rooftops above them. Not all of the townspeople had seen the black cloaked figure in the long nosed mask before, and none of them had in the light of day, but all of them immediately recognise Rokku.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Rokku: Did you think I’d really be caught so easily, Clancy?! I’m the invincible warrior!

<p class="MsoNormal">''Clancy falls silent mid sentence, then opens his mouth again to speak, and then shuts it as words fail him. The crowd is starting to rumble again. Clancy’s guards start raising weapons. At Clancy’s signal, the closest two turn and run off into an alley. Rokku turns runs along the roofs after them, leaping across the streets below. The townspeople, left to figure out what they had just seen, slowly realizes exactly what is happening.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Magpie: Clancy tried to capture Rokku?

<p class="MsoNormal">Cathcart: Then he really is the one responsible. Why else would he want to do that?

<p class="MsoNormal">''Clancy sighs and snaps his fingers. While the gesture passes unnoticed to the crowd, the loud answering shout does not. Everyone turns to look down the street, where a group of about  a dozen people are gathering. Some of them are wearing ragged jumbled outfits that make them look vaguely like pirates, some are wearing uniform and are obviously Clancy’s mercenaries. All of them are brandishing weapons and are clearly working together. At the front, an obvious leader brandishes a pair of swords.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Mercenary Leader: You know our orders. Run them out of town! Chaaaaaaaarge!

<p class="MsoNormal">''They group begins to rush towards the civilians, the leader at their head. They make it halfway before something streaks out of an alleyway and explodes, knocking the leader flying into a wall. The charge falters slightly as two people rush out of the alleyway, one immediately flipping and kicking down the unfortunate fighter nearest the front of the group.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Byrn: 5000 Beri.

<p class="MsoNormal">Marley: What?

<p class="MsoNormal">Byrn: ….Nothing.

<p class="MsoNormal">''The moment’s hesitation passes, and then Marley rushes forwards while Byrn starts throwing compressed air bombs from his gauntlet. The attackers are caught off guard by the exploding translucent orbs, and the dreadlocked  swordsman diving straight through their ranks wielding an equally ghostly looking pair of blades is unexpected and disorientating enough to throw the group into complete disarray, giving the upper hand, unexpectedly, to the heavily outnumbered pirates.''

<p class="MsoNormal">''Unnoticed in the sudden confusion, Clancy lifts his cane up onto his shoulder and walks briskly down a side street towards the port. Nobody challenges him.''

<p class="MsoNormal">''Marley and Byrn have now ended up back to back, the scattered mercenaries all around them. The remainder of the mercenary force is wielding melee weapons, and so have a hard time even getting close to the pair before Byrn hits them, and the ones that do are quickly repelled by Marley.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Marley: I expected it to be tougher than this.

<p class="MsoNormal">Byrn: Stay on guard! More will be coming.

<p class="MsoNormal">Marley: Got it.

<p class="MsoNormal">''On a nearby rooftop Kat follows the two guards that Clancy had sent running. They had already passed several groups of mercenaries and sent them to join the attack, but Kat had ignored that, trusting the other fighters to handle them. The guards pause at a junction below, and Kat does the same above, creeping behind a chimney to stay out of sight. The cloaked and masked figure of Rokku drops down next to her.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Rokku: They don’t see us?

<p class="MsoNormal">Kat: We’ve been out of view for a while. Rokku’s laugh is different, by the way. You got it wrong.

<p class="MsoNormal">Caspian briefly takes the mask off.

<p class="MsoNormal">Caspian: You were the one who asked me to do that part.

<p class="MsoNormal">Kat: shhh.

<p class="MsoNormal">''Caspian falls silent and puts the mask back on as the mercenaries turn to each other. One, carrying a gun, starts to talk''

<p class="MsoNormal">Gunman: I thought we’d dealt with that guy, Jikio.

<p class="MsoNormal">The other, carrying a sword slung across his back, lights a cigarette before replying

<p class="MsoNormal">Jikio: Seems not. But we have our orders. I’ll go get to the reserve fighters. You check on the warehouse and see what happened to let him loose.

<p class="MsoNormal">Gunman: Yeah, I got it. Those guards must have been drunk or asleep.

<p class="MsoNormal">They split up, the swordsman, Jikio heading for the port, and the gunman running into town

<p class="MsoNormal">Kat: It worked. He’ll lead us straight to Corvus!

<p class="MsoNormal">''In a side street between the port and the town centre, one of the waves of mercenaries Jikio had alerted is rushing towards the town centre by a different route, townspeople fleeing ahead of them. Their leader, a spear wielding mercenary in a pirate costume, is rushing forwards hurriedly.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Spearman: Don’t let your guard down! He could come after us at any second. You know how fast Rokku is!

<p class="MsoNormal">''While his caution was not unjustified, he was worried about the wrong thing. Rokku does not appear on the rooftops in any capacity. Instead, just as they get close to their goal they hear a loud bang, like a large gun going off, and look up to find a large dark figure arcing through the air towards them.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Spearman: Wait. What is that?!

<p class="MsoNormal">Dimitri: Blast punch!

<p class="MsoNormal">''There is a second loud explosion, and the captain suddenly plunges down out of the sky, right fist first, smashing into the ground in the middle of the group with such force that mercenaries are blown in all directions by the impact. Several regain their balance, but as they do Dimitri also straightens up and backhands one away before they can even attack. He raises his right arm to deflect a sword stroke, and kicks away the wielder, and then turns to aim his left fist at a fighter further away who is trying to aim a pistol''

<p class="MsoNormal">Dimitri: Spring gun!

<p class="MsoNormal">''His fist, propelled by a suddenly uncoiling spring, catches the would-be gunslinger in the chest and knocks them straight through a glass shopfront. Another sword wielder uses the distraction in order to get inside Dimitri’s arms to slash at his chest, but is surprised to discover a large number of holes opening up in it of their own accord as the pirate turns his attention to his assailant''

<p class="MsoNormal">Dimitri: Aaannd… Counter barrage!

<p class="MsoNormal">''The swordsman flips head over heels, an expression of shock on his face, as a barrage of boxing gloves erupt out of the holes in the pirate’s chest, pummelling him with considerable force. More fighters step around him as he crashes to the ground and rush towards the captain, who opens his arm cannon up with a quick flip of his wrist.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Dimitri: Who’s next? Keep them coming!

<p class="MsoNormal">''By this time Clancy’s mercenaries, some disguised as pirates, others clearly nothing of the sort, are almost all part of the attack. They rush in large groups through the streets, chasing back the townspeople, and sowing chaos on the orders of their superiors. In the main street near the town centre, Marley and Byrn prepare to meet any that come their way. Even they might have had trouble fighting all of them, but fortunately, there is plenty to contend with in the attacker’s path already, and most never get that far.''

<p class="MsoNormal">'' Robin has managed to sneak away and take control of his Rokku puppets, and harasses many of the mercenaries with barrages of arrows. Those that manage to take shelter in the narrower alleyways find their advance halted by extremely dense forests of thorns blocking many of the routes through town. The less fortunate ones find such oddities as exploding pine cones, incendiary berries and gigantic leaves that function more like catapults. One group even tried to burn their way through the hedges, only for an unexpected explosion to trigger an avalanche of giant tumbleweeds. Several of them manage to evade the worst of it by clinging to the brass piping in the alley, only to find another large hedge behind the first one''

<p class="MsoNormal">Mercenary: Where did all this stuff come from?!

<p class="MsoNormal">There is a distant shout above them as somebody rushes across the rooftops

<p class="MsoNormal">Livingstone: Wooooohahaa! Piraaacy!

<p class="MsoNormal">''Something crashes into the wall next to one of the mercenaries and immediately explodes into pieces. And then several more somethings appear with a thud in the wall next to the other mercenaries. The Leader looks at them. They look like very thick twigs from some unusual plant. It’s only when one of them thuds into the wall next to him that he recognises the feathery leaves at one end as fletching.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Mercenary: Arrows? That size?

<p class="MsoNormal">''He looks up. Livingstone looks down on them, and levels his tree branch, now fully carved and strung into a large longbow. The Mercenary stares with some bemusement at the bizarre figure.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Livingstone: You might want to retreat!

<p class="MsoNormal">''The mercenary almost starts to laugh at the threat, then stops as it occurs to him that, nonthreatening as the bowman appears, he does have very long limbs, and for the bow to be proportional to him it itself must be very long and broad. Which in turn means a lot of firing power. And he had just shot with very good aim. His gaze slides to the arrow next to him, which he suddenly realizes has literally lodged in a brick wall from the impact. It’s still quivering slightly. He looks back up to Livingstone, who has already notched another arrow.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Mercenary: Ohhhhh dear.

<p class="MsoNormal">Meanwhile, two streets away, Jessica pauses in the shadow of an alley entrance, hearing a few mercenaries running towards her position.

<p class="MsoNormal">Jessica: Let’s see.. element of surprise, and then what?

<p class="MsoNormal">''She rummages in her pockets. Kat had offered her a spare crossbow, but with a lower rate of fire it seems less useful in this situation. Instead, she pulls out a flash bomb and a smoke bomb that Byrn had given her. As the mercenaries get closer she suddenly throws both out into the open, and then charges out as soon as they go off, using the smoke as cover. She turns all her fingers into gilded claws, and tries to make her animated hair fold into snake heads. She isn’t quite happy with the result, but by this time two hammer wielding mercenaries are in view, so she just screams at them and rushes forwards, brandishing her claws.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Jessica: Flee mortals!

<p class="MsoNormal">''Both mercenaries stop dead for a second. Jessica questions the wisdom of trying to scare professional mercenaries, but there is no time to hesitate. And then the mercenaries drop their weapons and turn tail.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Fighter: Gorgon!

<p class="MsoNormal">Henchman: Her eyes! I nearly saw her eyes!

<p class="MsoNormal">Fighter: Don’t look back!

<p class="MsoNormal">Jessica hesitates, not expecting that result, and then shrugs

<p class="MsoNormal">Jessica: Well, works for me.

<p class="MsoNormal">Jikio: Hey.

<p class="MsoNormal">''The smoke clears fully, revealing one last mercenary. He has a nearly used up cigarette in his mouth, and has a sword slung across his back.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Jikio: Guess the guys I’m working with are idiots, huh? Not sure what weird power you’re using, but that sure as hell ain’t a gorgon. I ain’t stoned. And whatever it is you do have, I’m Clancy’s strongest fighter! You’re no match for me!

<p class="MsoNormal">''He spits out his burnt out cigarette and approaches. He ignores his sword in favour of picking up one of the abandoned hammers, and Jessica hurriedly grabs the other one with her hair and pulls it back to her.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Jessica: We’ll see!

<p class="MsoNormal"> <p class="MsoNormal"> <p class="MsoNormal"> <p class="MsoNormal"> <p class="MsoNormal">Formerly abandoned warehouse, edge of town.

<p class="MsoNormal">''The warehouse had been implemented by Clancy’s men as a store space for weapons and troops they wanted to keep away from the port. There weren’t that many of either left in the warehouse, however. Instead there are stacks of empty crates, a pulley and hoist system with even more barrels and boxes suspended from it, a disgruntled swordsman in a cage, his swords, and a pair of equally disgruntled guards who are staying well away from the cage after several near injuries. The gunman who had accompanied Clancy comes rushing in.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Gunman: What have you two idiots been doing?!

<p class="MsoNormal">Guard: Huh?

<p class="MsoNormal">Gunman: Boss told you to keep an eye on that guy and not let him out. So how is it that he’s now messing us around again in broad daylight-

<p class="MsoNormal">He suddenly notices Corvus in the cage on the far side of the warehouse.

<p class="MsoNormal">Corvus: Having trouble?

<p class="MsoNormal">Guard: He’s not been going anywhere. Are you drunk, Kohan?

<p class="MsoNormal">The gunman blinks and starts angrily

<p class="MsoNormal">Kohan: Now what are you trying to say? You know that I never-

<p class="MsoNormal">Second Guard: Wait!

<p class="MsoNormal">The shout was unnecessary, as both of them suddenly fall silent anyway as realization strikes.

<p class="MsoNormal">Kohan: He’s not out?

<p class="MsoNormal">Guard: Nope.

<p class="MsoNormal">Kohan: Then who-

<p class="MsoNormal">Kat: Hello?

<p class="MsoNormal">''They both turn around. The girl, slouching slightly, is standing in the doorway of the warehouse, trying not to look at them directly.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Kat: There’s fighting everywhere, I’m sacred, and I don’t know where to go. Are you the defenders?

<p class="MsoNormal">Corvus: Katrina!

<p class="MsoNormal">The three mercenaries hesitate, then take a step forwards towards her.

<p class="MsoNormal">Kohan: Girl, you should just run along now.

<p class="MsoNormal">Kat: Can you help me?

<p class="MsoNormal">''There is a slightly awkward pause, in which the mercenaries are clearly torn between needing to be threatening, and not wanting to threaten a young girl. Unseen by them, Caspian, still disguised as Rokku, slips into the warehouse and hides in the shadows of one of the crates. He looks at the cage, where Corvus is watching the events in the entranceway unfold, and then at the three guards with the keys, and then at the pair of swords leaning against a crate on the other side of the room. There’s no obvious way to get across to any of his objectives without being seen''

<p class="MsoNormal">Caspian: Well. I got this far. Guess it’s time to use that.

<p class="MsoNormal">''He crouches in the shadow of a crate larger than he is, and gives it an experimental shove. It rocks slightly. Caspian flexes his fingers''

<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:right">Gally: Those who eat devil fruit sacrifice their ability to swim, but in exchange gain supernatural powers that defy all explanation'

<p class="MsoNormal">Caspian: Ok. Let’s do this

<p class="MsoNormal">His hand starts to glow slightly, and small yellow sparks begin to rise off it.

<p class="MsoNormal">''The guards had been trying to shoo away Kat relatively peacefully, but are finally losing patience with her. Kohan is practically at the point of levelling his rifle at her.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Kohan: Just scram kid!! Before there’s trouble!

<p class="MsoNormal">''At this point they realize that the girl doesn’t actually look that scared. In fact, she’s starting to smile at them.'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Kat: Too late.

<p class="MsoNormal">Caspian-as-Rokku: Hey!

<p class="MsoNormal">''The three guards all spin at once to see the apparent vigilante standing behind them. And next to him a huge, clearly unsteady, stack of oddly luminous yellow crates.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Kohan: What?

<p class="MsoNormal">Rokku: Arrrrhahaaaaaaaa!! Catch!

<p class="MsoNormal">''He shoves the bottom, normal crate, and the entire stack starts to lean over. All three of them look up in horror as its shadow falls on them, and then the crates themselves also fall with a deafening crash as they smash to pieces. Kohan dives to one side, but the two guards are buried under the debries and knocked unconscious.''

<p class="MsoNormal">After a few seconds, Kohan realizes he is relatively unharmed, and climbs back to his feet, snatching up his rifle from the floor.

<p class="MsoNormal">Kohan: Never seen that trick before. But it wasn’t enough. Now let’s see you dodge a bullet without any rooftops to hide on.

<p class="MsoNormal">''He turns to face Caspian, who is caught in the open without any cover to dive behind. In desperation He raises one hand, holding a marble, and the yellow sparks flicker across it again.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Rokku: Sculpt!

<p class="MsoNormal">''Kohan cocks his rifle. In the same instant a large orb, identical to the marble, only bigger and coloured yellow, appears in Caspian’s hand and he hurls it overarm at the gunman. It hits the gun just as Kohan is lowering it to point, and it jerks back, discharging harmlessly into the ceiling''

<p class="MsoNormal">Kohan: Damn it.

<p class="MsoNormal">''He starts to reload again, before a sudden creaking and rattling indicates that the last shot might not have been so harmless after all. He looks up.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Kohan: Oh.

<p class="MsoNormal">''And then a sling loaded with even more crates, cut loose from the ceiling pulley by the bullet, comes crashing down on him, and he is also left unconscious. Kat stares in shocked silence as the large copied marble roles back to Caspian’s feet, and he picks it up, equally shocked.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Caspian: I planned that.

<p class="MsoNormal">Kat: You ate one of the fruit?

<p class="MsoNormal">Caspian: A long time ago. Haven’t had much chance to use it, though.

<p class="MsoNormal">''The yellow copied crates flicker for a second and then disappear. Kat picks up a key from the unconscious guard, and then rushes towards the cage, where Corvus is still watching in surprise. As soon as the door his open, he climbs out, only for Kat to hug him, looking somewhat relieved.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Corvus: Katrina. What’s happening to this town?

<p class="MsoNormal">Kat: Clancy’s stopped pretending. Everything’s gone crazy, and the real pirates are fighting the fake ones. And winning.

<p class="MsoNormal">Corvus blinks in surprise

<p class="MsoNormal">Corvus: The pirates are helping us?

<p class="MsoNormal">Kat: I told you they might not be so bad.

<p class="MsoNormal">Caspian has already turned to leave as Corvus straightens up and retrieves his swords

<p class="MsoNormal">Corvus: Hey, kid. You really helped out there. But you aren’t Robin. So who are you?

<p class="MsoNormal">Caspian: Me?

<p class="MsoNormal">He pauses for a second to consider his answer, and then simply smiles and walks on

<p class="MsoNormal">Caspian: I’m just a pirate!

<p class="MsoNormal"> <p class="MsoNormal"> <p class="MsoNormal"> <p class="MsoNormal"> <p class="MsoNormal"> <p class="MsoNormal">Meanwhile, in the port

<p class="MsoNormal">''Clancy arrives at the port where his frigate is docked to find he had been anticipated. Dr Alberts is waiting in front of the heavily laden ship, and is clearly utterly furious.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Clancy: Ah. Dr Albert-Ross

<p class="MsoNormal">Albert: Clancy. I thought you would be coming here.

<p class="MsoNormal">Clancy pauses and leans on his cane

<p class="MsoNormal">Clancy: I must thank you for your work helping my forces. It was invaluable.

<p class="MsoNormal">Albert: I helped you because I thought you were protecting us. And all this time you were the ones attacking!

<p class="MsoNormal">After a moment’s silence, Clancy shrugs and nods

<p class="MsoNormal">Clancy: That is correct, yes.

<p class="MsoNormal">Albert: You didn’t really think I’d let you just cut your losses and run now? You’re not getting away that easily!

<p class="MsoNormal">Clancy: I’m not getting away at all, Doctor. Because I’m not running, or even trying to run.

<p class="MsoNormal">Albert: Huh?

<p class="MsoNormal">Clancy pulls back part of the head of his cane with his thumb, and there is a faint click as a mechanism locks into place.

<p class="MsoNormal">Clancy: This is simply my backup plan. Please excuse me.

<p class="MsoNormal">Alberts clenches his fist and takes a step forwards, but Clancy'' flips his cane up and points it directly at the doctor. He pulls a hidden trigger, and the concealed gun discharges with a sharp crack. Alberts suddenly topples with a bullet wound in his shoulder. Clancy calmly lowers his still smouldering cane and steps around him, continuing up to his ship.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Clancy: You are a doctor. You should be able to ensure your own recovery.

<p class="MsoNormal">''Climbing onto the deck of his ship, Clancy walks past the various cranes and hatches that cover it to the aftcastle, and climbs another staircase to the top where the ship’s wheel waits. He ignores the wheel, and pulls down on a small handle. Parts of the deck slide back, and more banks of controls rise up into position around him.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Clancy: It is a pity that it has to be this way. But I won't let my plan be derailed further by a minor annoyance such as this.

<p class="MsoNormal">''He pulls several of the revealed leavers down hard, and the entire ship starts to tremble as a mechanism deep within it rumbles to life. The plates of the main foredeck start to slide back one by one, and gears rise out of the space beneath. The cranes and turrets on the deck start to shift slowly sideways, and the entire vessel begins moving, not out to sea, but inwards, towards the harbour wall.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Clancy: This town has become a Gordian Knot. Now is the time to sever it.

<p class="MsoNormal"> <p class="MsoNormal">Meanwhile, back in the alleyways

<p class="MsoNormal">Jessica retreats as Jikio advances, swinging his hammer repeatedly

<p class="MsoNormal">Jikio: Hahah! Looks like you were all talk, girl!

<p class="MsoNormal">''Jessica tries her best to deflect the swipes with her own hammer, which she holds with both hands. It doesn’t work very well. Jikio is surprisingly strong, nearly knocking her off balance with every swing, and in the seconds immediately afterwards when he should be open, he happily resorts to kicks and punches to repel her. Jessica is left somewhat lacking in ways to attack, or even get close to the mercenary leader.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Jikio: And to think those guys just ran! Don’t you have anything? It doesn’t matter. I’m better than any of them.

<p class="MsoNormal">Jessica ignores the jibe, thinking furiously.

<p class="MsoNormal">Jessica:'' What do I have? There has to be something I can do. Strength is his advantage. And skill. He knows how to use his weapons well enough to counter most attacks''

<p class="MsoNormal">She takes another step back, an idea finally taking form

<p class="MsoNormal">Jessica:'' But not an attack he can’t possibly predict. I need something he doesn’t know about. And I do have that.''

<p class="MsoNormal">''She suddenly avoids his next swing by taking a long jump back. Before he worked out what was happening she coils her hair around the hammer’s handle, and then pushes forwards, all but throwing it out of her hands and using the extra reach to try and catch him off guard. The hammer hits him in the chest, causing him to double up momentarily, but he immediately grabs it with one hand, and then with the other brings his own weapon crashing down on it. The handle splits, and the head drops to the floor.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Jikio: Nice try!

<p class="MsoNormal">''Jessica is already rushing forwards, using the apparent opening. With her hands now free, she activates her devil fruit power, revealing the claws again, and tries to swing with both hands.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Jessica: Rending nail-

<p class="MsoNormal">Jikio: Not so fast!

<p class="MsoNormal">''He ducks back again and tries to kick her. Jessica should have been far faster, and would have got her attack in first, but as before the claws seemingly drag on the air they are passing through, and slow down a little too much, costing her the advantage of her superior agility.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Jessica: Uh oh!

<p class="MsoNormal">''The kick hits her in the stomach, knocking the air out of her. She topples forwards''

<p class="MsoNormal">Jessica :What happened there?

<p class="MsoNormal">''Her claws land on the cobbles, and start to sink in slightly as she tries to push herself up. Jikio lifts his hammer and rests it on his shoulder.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Jikio: That all?

<p class="MsoNormal">Jessica stares at the claws, and, struck by a moment of inspiration, lifts up one of her hands

<p class="MsoNormal">Jessica: ''So that’s it. These aren’t claws at all.''

<p class="MsoNormal">''The cobbles the claws had lodged in have actually pulled up in long strands that trail from the golden nails. Jikio has paused to light himself another cigarette, smirking confidently before he raises his weapon again.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Jikio: Another surprise? Yes? No? Too late!

<p class="MsoNormal">Jessica: They’re sewing needles.

<p class="MsoNormal">''Jikio starts to bring his hammer down in an overhead strike, but Jessica rolls out of the way, the threads of stone trailing behind her. The hammer head hits the ground hard, and before Jikio can lift it again, she jumps back over it and jams the ends of the threads into the cobbles on the other side.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Jikio: What the-

<p class="MsoNormal">''He tries to lift the hammer up, but thin as they are, the threads are made of stone, and he can’t pull it loose. Jessica, meanwhile, vaults back to her feet and returns the kick, knocking him back away from the hammer.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Jessica: Now I know what I’m doing.

<p class="MsoNormal">''Her hair has already scooped up both halves of her own weapon, and pulls them back to her. She quickly drags her needle-claws through both the head and the handle, pulling out more threads of wood and iron which she hurriedly ties together. It’s a rather primitive repair, but she does not have time for better work, as Jikio has recovered and has now finally drawn his sword''

<p class="MsoNormal">Jikio: Alright! Now I’m serious! I’ll show you my best-

<p class="MsoNormal">''Jessica swings the repaired hammer against his sword, and both weapons shatter instantly. Jikio blinks in surprise at the broken blade.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Jikio: Oh. That’s not good.

<p class="MsoNormal">''He drops the useless hilt and pulls a pistol out of his belt. Using the moment of distraction, Jessica flips the hammer handle around in her hands, rushes forwards, and hits him over the head with it. He staggers drunkenly, and drops the gun, but looks about to recover, so she hits him again. This time he drops to his knees, and she hits him several more times until he passes out. Jessica quickly picks up the fallen pistol just in case. When she’s certain her attacker isn’t about to get back up, she lets out a long deep breath. Then she flexes her fingers a few times, turning them into needles and back.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Jessica: I can weave anything like thread. That’s my power.

<p class="MsoNormal">She smiles triumphantly.

<p class="MsoNormal">Jessica: I know my power! I finally know my power!

<p class="MsoNormal"> <p class="MsoNormal">Meanwhile, back in the main street.

<p class="MsoNormal">''Byrn and Marley break off form their battle as an ominous rumble is heard. A few moments later the source rumbles into view. With their numbers dwindling, and conventional tactics ineffective, the mercenary army has resorted to mobilizing Clancy’s excavating machines, which are now rumbling up the street towards the two pirates, shovel blades raised like mobile barriers. Half a dozen mercenaries can be seen clinging to the tops of the vehicles. As they get closer to the pirates, they try to aim rifles at their foes''

<p class="MsoNormal">Marley: Heads up bro!

<p class="MsoNormal">Byrn: Oh. Those are different.

<p class="MsoNormal">''Byrn aims his gauntlet and fires a bomb at the gunmen on top of one of the machines, but they duck behind the shovel blade at the front. Byrn’s second bomb splashes against the blade itself and dissipates harmlessly.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Marley: Huh? Has that thing stopped working again?

<p class="MsoNormal">Byrn: It’s working fine! But even exploding air is still air. I can’t break something like this with it. How about you?

<p class="MsoNormal">Marley: Might be tricky. But hey, it’s not like we particularly need a way to destroy steel right now.

<p class="MsoNormal">Byrn nods, and takes off his shades, glaring angrily at the approaching vehicles

<p class="MsoNormal">Byrn: I get it. We don’t need to take them out. We just need to get a clear shot in at the drivers.

<p class="MsoNormal"> <p class="MsoNormal">A clattering crashing sound booms across the town, sounding far too loud to be from just the fighting.

<p class="MsoNormal">In the vicinity of the town hall, the gathered residents looks around nervously at the sudden rumbling.

<p class="MsoNormal">???: What was that?

<p class="MsoNormal">??: It came from the port! What's happening over there?!

<p class="MsoNormal">In the backstreets Dimitri turns suddenly at the noise, steps over the mercenaries he has just beaten, and promptly sets off at a run towards the rumble.

<p class="MsoNormal">Dimitri: Clancy!

<p class="MsoNormal">''On the rooftops, Kat climbs over a chimney and looks towards the port. Something huge and unfamiliar is looming over it''

<p class="MsoNormal">Kat: What is that?

<p class="MsoNormal">In the port

<p class="MsoNormal">''Clancy's frigate is barely recognisable as a ship any more. With a large set of gear wheels under the rear half of it, the vessel has somehow crawled out of the water onto dry ground. The front half has lifted itself to point straight up, and the various turrets and cranes that covered the deck are clustered together at its edges and hang off the sides of the hull. The aftcastle, with Clancy's control deck at it's top, has been lifted off the lower back half of the ship, crawled up the mass of gearing lining the now vertical decks, and taken pride of place at the top of the structure. As the mechanism begins to settle, the gear-section figurehead reveals its true functionality, turning to slide into the aftcastle and lock it in place. Clancy adjusts the levers again, and the mobile fortress starts to grind forwards towards the town, gigantic plough blades lowering to protect the treads it crawls on. At his command, the canon turrets on one side revolve and strafe the nearest roofs with exploding shells.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Clancy: Magnificent! My masterpiece is working entirely as I envisioned! Now let us secure the real objective.. Onwards!

<p class="MsoNormal">the crane arms swing around, wrecking balls at their ends smashing through the buildings, widening the gap enough for the tower to crawl onto the main street, and start to move forwards.

<p class="MsoNormal"> 

<p class="MsoNormal">''In Sparrow’s Nest, Robin jumps back from a periscope he was using to watch the port, just as a grating crunch indicates the destruction of the other end of it. He hurriedly closes his devil fruit-powered corridor just as debris starts to pour through it.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Robin: This is bad! This is really bad! I never thought he’d have something like that in reserve!

<p class="MsoNormal"> <p class="MsoNormal">Back on the main street

<p class="MsoNormal">Livingstone: Hey guys! I’m heeeere!

<p class="MsoNormal">''The cook rushes along one of the rooftops lining the street, repeatedly firing arrows down at the excavation machines. Some hit the vehicle and get stuck, many shatter or glance off, but a significant number, clearly by design, hit the caterpillar tracks, and immediately burst into thick tangles of vines and weeds. In the distance, the loud rumble from the port is still ongoing, getting closer. Muffled explosions can also be heard.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Byrn: Just what is going on over there anyway?

<p class="MsoNormal">Marley: Sounds big, whatever it is. But we can’t handle it right now, yeah?

<p class="MsoNormal">Byrn: Right. Our opponent is right in front of us.

<p class="MsoNormal">''The vehicles start to falter as Livingstone’s barrage starts to clog the tracks up a little too much for them to continue rolling. The archer slowly starts to focus more on the drivers of the vehicles. The chassis protects them from most of his shots, but some of the passengers are forced to abandon their transport, and the barrage does serve as a distraction for the real attack.''

<p class="MsoNormal">''As soon as the vehicles had slowed down enough, Marley had charged straight towards the nearest. By the time the gunners realize they have lost sight of the swordsman, he is in the shadow of the shovel blade, and they are no longer able to aim at him. Had they still been mobile, they could have tried to run him down, but the machine is almost stationary, having not managed to break free of the undergrowth. The driver brings a crane arm swinging down towards where he thinks Marley is, but it’s a clumsy blow. Marley simply steps out of the way of the claw-like digging head as it slams into the ground, and then steps back and grabs hold of the arm as it rises again, lodging a hooked sword into one of the joints as a handhold.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Driver: What?!

<p class="MsoNormal">Marley: Thanks for the lift!

<p class="MsoNormal">Before they had time to decide what to do, Marley pulls himself up and flips over the front shovel to land on top of the machine itself, right in the middle of the group of gun wielding mercenaries.

<p class="MsoNormal">Marley: Now I have room to fight!

<p class="MsoNormal">''The same can’t be said of his opponents, who had been predominantly carrying ranged weapons. A few manage to pull out swords or knives, but the majority are knocked from their post with a simple leg sweep from Marley. Straightening up, Marley resummons a mindsword and parries the first attacks from the remaining fighters. The narrow space on top of the machine is unsuited to sword fighting, but this is a disadvantage to all of the combatants, and Marley is far more used to adapting to unusual situations, having often created them for himself. One by one his foes topple as he knocks them off balance after a few seconds of drunken swinging. Once he has the vehicle to himself, he turns his attention to the controls, and after a moments confusion decides to simply smash them to pieces. Something he breaks starts to leak steam, and the machine slowly stops shaking and falls silent apart from a faint hiss. Marley waits until it goes quiet, and then cheers, punching the air triumphantly.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Marley: Alright! One down!

<p class="MsoNormal">''There is a faint cracking, splintering sound behind the rumbling of the other engine, and Marley looks around just in time to see the other excavator picking up speed as it rolls forwards again, smoke and sparks trailing from its tracks. Behind it, the scorched remains of Livingstone’s foliage slowly settle. Marley stops punching the air as he realizes the vehicle is getting away.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Marley: They burned themselves free?

<p class="MsoNormal">Livingstone: Byrrrrn! Look out!

<p class="MsoNormal">''The cook fires more arrows at the excavator, but can’t hit the driver inside the machine, and none of the bushes or plants he tries to jam in the tracks take hold. The vehicle continues to thunder forward, heading towards Byrn at speed.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Driver: Now we’ve got you! Try stopping this!

<p class="MsoNormal">''Byrn just stares flatly at the oncoming machine, without retreating. After a second, he flicks his gauntlet downwards, sending an air bomb hurtling into the ground ahead of him. Then he swings sideways, with a sharp snap. This bomb skims past the shovel blade and explodes against the brass piping lining one of the walls. Marley abandons the halted machine and runs to try and catch up to the still moving one.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Marley: Bro get out of there!

<p class="MsoNormal">The machine is still bearing down on Byrn, but the marksman barely flinches

<p class="MsoNormal">Byrn: I’m the one who’s got you.

<p class="MsoNormal">''And with that he whirls his arm around in a sharp circle and slings out one last bomb. This one spins through the air and rises sharply past the machine without hitting anything''

<p class="MsoNormal">Marley: What are ya doing?!

<p class="MsoNormal">Byrn: Just needed some practice before I took my shot.

<p class="MsoNormal">''The stray blast from the gauntlet is spinning just as fast, but has actually started to slow its assent. And then it starts to fall back, gaining speed in the opposite direction. The driver doesn’t even see it coming before it crashes into his control cabin and explodes with enough force to hurl his seat clean out of the framework. The excavator, left without any riders, swerves sideways into a wall before screeching to a halt just a few metres away from Byrn. Marley blinks in surprise at the feet.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Byrn: Bombs don’t need to travel in straight lines to be damaging.

<p class="MsoNormal">Marley: Hey- Warn me before you pull something like that out of nowhere, ok man? You had me worried.

<p class="MsoNormal">''There is another boom across the rooftops. The rumbling has got even louder.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Marley: Thaaat… still sounds like trouble.

<p class="MsoNormal">Byrn looks around, pauses, and then smiles to himself.

<p class="MsoNormal">Byrn: Actually… I don’t think we have anything to worry about.

<p class="MsoNormal">Marley: Huh?

<p class="MsoNormal">Byrn: The captain’s over that way.

<p class="MsoNormal"> 

<p class="MsoNormal">Port district

<p class="MsoNormal">Clancy looks up from the controls of his advancing war machine as he notices a dark figure standing on a roof in its path.

<p class="MsoNormal">Clancy: Oh. This is an unexpected surprise. Captain Marcellus! Come to witness my genius at work?

<p class="MsoNormal">''From Clancy’s point of view, the captain is standing, stoically, ahead of the machine, facing it in a clear wordless challenge. While Dimitri is indeed preparing to fight the behemoth, his actual reaction, on closer inspection, was anything but stoic. Tears are streaming down his face, and his eyes almost seem to glint with stars.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Dimitri: ''It’s so…. awesome!''

<p class="MsoNormal">As Clancy’s transformed frigate draws in range, Dimitri sighs and assumes a fighting stance, clearly reluctant to damage the machine.

<p class="MsoNormal">Dimitri: Shifting armoury!

<p class="MsoNormal">''His entire right arm transforms, becoming a much larger canon than the guns normally built into his arm, and he braces it against the ground. He fires repeatedly towards the plates on the front of the fortress. Explosions and flames burst across the armoured hull, but the subsequent damage is limited at best''

<p class="MsoNormal">Clancy: And just what was that supposed to achieve?

<p class="MsoNormal">''If Dimitri actually heard the comment over the deafening rumble of the machine moving forwards, he gave no sign of it. Clancy swings several of the cannons forwards and fires on the roof where Dimitri is standing. The pirate retreats several paces to avoid the explosions. Then he takes a few more steps back before charging and leaping off the roof, using his jump jets to launch him upwards towards the fortress. Mid flight, he readies one arm for an explosive-powered blast punch. However, he never reaches his target as Clancy simply brings one of the flailing wrecking ball arms swinging around to swat him out of the sky.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Dimitri: Ack!

<p class="MsoNormal">''Dimitri is unable to dodge such a large attack in midair, and slams straight into the wrecking ball head on. Somehow, instead of falling, he manages to get a grip on the heavy ball, and hangs on, before trying to pull himself up.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Dimitri: That.. hurt.

<p class="MsoNormal">''Dimitri manages to jump from the crane arm to a gun turret attached to the main body of the fortress, and from there he uses the supports for several of the cranes to climb higher. He eventually reaches the very top of the framework of turrets. He is still a considerable distance below Clancy’s control deck, and between them is only the steep, slightly curved armour plating that had once been the front of the frigate. Now within earshot, Clancy looks down at Dimitri, and shouts again.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Clancy: I’m not entirely surprised that didn’t work. I could tell there was something unusual in your body, but I couldn’t identify it for certain until now. You are a cyborg, then?

<p class="MsoNormal">Dimitri had been mostly ignoring Clancy’s speech, focussing instead on searching for handholds to climb the rest of the distance, but he looks up in surprise at the sudden deduction.

<p class="MsoNormal">Dimitri: Huh? How did-

<p class="MsoNormal">Clancy: Your weight. It was apparent from your movements you were far heavier than somebody your size should be. In any event, it should now be clear to you that you can’t win here, even with your superhuman capabilities. I, personally, have no great wish to fight you either, and having real pirates in the area is a considerable advantage to my plan, especially now. So step aside and allow me to continue, and I will not act against you or your crew. We have little reason to fight each other.

<p class="MsoNormal">Dimitri: I’m not going to let you destroy this town!

<p class="MsoNormal">Clancy: Why not? It’s in my way, and there is so much more at stake than a few buildings. You are an engineer yourself, so surely you’ve worked it out. This is no ordinary town.

<p class="MsoNormal">Dimitri: What?!

<p class="MsoNormal">Clancy: Don’t you see it? The brass pipes everywhere! That's not normal is it? And then there’s the unusual road layouts, the canals. It’s the work of Daedalus Komori! Somewhere under this town is a miracle of engineering, just waiting for us to find it again! With something like that at stake, why shouldn’t I sweep aside the rubble these fools buried it under?!

<p class="MsoNormal">''But Dimitri has stopped listening again. Both his hands become copies of the shovel blades from Clancy’s excavators, and he rams them into the gap between two of the fortress’s armor plates. He pulls himself up on the handhold, finds his footing, and reaches higher.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Clancy: What are you doing?

<p class="MsoNormal">Dimitri: This stops now!

<p class="MsoNormal">''He flips himself over the top of the fortress, smashes straight through one of Clancy’s control decks, and pulls himself into the aftcastle. Clancy hesitates and raises his cane, but Dimitri punches him, sending him hurtling into the rail on the far side of the deck.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Clancy: Uhnk!

<p class="MsoNormal">Dimitri turns his attention to the remaining control leavers and the wheel, glancing between them all, and smashes his fist down on one of the panels in frustration

<p class="MsoNormal">Dimitri: Where are the breaks on this thing?!

<p class="MsoNormal">Clancy straightens up behind him, gasping for breath.

<p class="MsoNormal">Clancy: If you must know, they were on the console you just destroyed.

<p class="MsoNormal">Dimitri turns around sharply.

<p class="MsoNormal">Dimitri: What?! Stop this thing!

<p class="MsoNormal">Clancy: Weren’t you listening?! Your brutal approach has left us completely out of control! Nothing can stop it until it runs out of fuel now!

<p class="MsoNormal">Dimitri: Fine. I’ll stop it myself!

<p class="MsoNormal">Clancy: Enough nonsense! If you continue to stand in my way, I’ll simply crush you!

<p class="MsoNormal">''Clancy reverses his grip on his cane, holding it more like a sword, and steps forwards, swinging it at Dimitri. The pirates steps back, takes a surprisingly heavy hit, and then pulls out his collapsible staff to block the remaining strikes.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Clancy: Get away from my masterpiece! On guard!

<p class="MsoNormal">''Dimitri swats aside the cane and swings his staff around. Clancy quickly steps back to avoid the sweep''. The two trade several more blows, their weapons connecting, and Clancy staggers under the recoil.

<p class="MsoNormal">Dimitri: You can’t defeat me! I’m an armored mecha pirate!

<p class="MsoNormal">Clancy: I would not be so certain.

<p class="MsoNormal">''He suddenly lunges forwards, thrusting the cane point first. Dimitri sidesteps out of the way, noticing too late that he was not the intended target. The cane catches one of the levers on the control panel and the deck lurches suddenly, throwing him off balance.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Clancy: Power is your advantage. Knowledge of the battlefield is mine. And it’s all I need.

<p class="MsoNormal">''Clancy steps in and shoves Dimitri, sending him staggering, and then pulls down another lever. The entire platform tilts, and Dimitri topples backwards with an abrupt yell, crashing through the safety rail. He manages to grab a fixing on the edge of the deck, and clings on, hanging in space above the machine. Clancy stands above him, cane in hand.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Clancy: Heavy armor works against you when you don’t have a foothold.

<p class="MsoNormal">''He swings the cane around like a golf club, and smashes away the fixing Dimitri is hanging onto. The pirate falls away.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Clancy: Troublesome, but no major problem, captain Marcellus.

<p class="MsoNormal">''Below him, Dimitri rolls mid-flight, and then his entire body becomes an oversized hammer. Seconds later, he crashes through the plates at the base of the fortress, into the engine chamber above the large caterpillar tracks. There is the sound of gunfire, and then a plume of smoke rises up from inside the engine.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Clancy: What? What?!

<p class="MsoNormal">''A huge gear bursts through the bent cover of the engine, Dimitri clinging to it. The pirate jumps up again, and grabs hold of the vertical ship deck, pulling himself up the exposed mechanisms the frigate had used to transform. He smiles up at the furious engineer as he starts to climb again.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Dimitri: I told you! I’ll stop this thing myself!

<p class="MsoNormal">''The fortress lurches suddenly, and there is an ominous grinding noise. Then it finally starts to slow down, swaying slightly as its momentum fails. One of the tracks catches, and the machine gradually screeches to a halt.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Clancy: What have you done?

<p class="MsoNormal">''Dimitri climbs onto a ledge, and then spins both arms with an overly dramatic windmill gesture. They suddenly blur and become copies of the giant gears from the engine.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Dimitri: This side of the deck isn't as sturdy, is it?

<p class="MsoNormal">Clancy: Mimicry? His power is mimicry?

<p class="MsoNormal">''Dimitri’s giant gear arms embed themselves in the deck, and haul the pirate upwards with considerable speed. He passes out of Clancy’s view, into the shadow of the aftcastle and the crane arms, leaving bent axles and mangled machinery in his wake. Clancy looks down at the damage''

<p class="MsoNormal">Clancy: That really should not be possible. I planned for-

<p class="MsoNormal">''A juddering vibration throws him to his knees. From inside the mechanism there is a series of loud clangs and crashes, and what sounds like a dog barking in a metal box. Gears and broken springs rattle down the decks of the machine, and larger chunks start to break loose under their own weight.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Clancy: What in the hells is he-

<p class="MsoNormal">''The entire aftcastle lurches and slides slightly backwards away from its place at the summit. Part of the armor at the top of the machine drops loose, smoke rising up, and Dimitri climbs into view, his right arm now a spinning blur. Next to him, the former figurehead of the ship is exposed, and Clancy abruptly realizes that it is the last thing holding his control deck in place.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Clancy: Think before you act, pirate! Komori is the greatest architect in recorded history! Rediscovering one of his lost works would be -

<p class="MsoNormal">Dimitri: Drill blast punch!

<p class="MsoNormal">''With a sharp explosion, Dimitri’s arm punches straight through the wreckage, tearing out the figurehead section. Clancy, cut off mid sentence, does not even have time to curse before the entire aftcastle drops like a stone, ploughing straight through the remains of the mechanisms in the hull. It crashes down on top of the engine, and crushes what remains of the housing. The giant gears topple sideways, the caterpillar tracks crumple, and smoke and steam vents out in all directions.''

<p class="MsoNormal">''Amid the debris, Clancy slowly picks himself up and snatches up his cane. He has lost both his glasses and his hat, and the impact has left him badly winded and dizzy, but he still manages to pull himself to his feet, his face twisted in fury.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Clancy: Urrgh. I won’t forgive this insult, Marcellus!

<p class="MsoNormal">''A huge shadow falls over him. He looks up, and his eyes widen. Then, abruptly recovering his senses, he runs for cover as the entire fortress starts to topple over backwards.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Clancy: Oh no no nooooooooo!!

<p class="MsoNormal">''He dives into the street, just getting clear of the falling deck, only to be picked up and hurled into the rubble by the shockwave as it crashes down with the loudest boom yet. A huge plume of dust rises and mingles with the smoke and steam. Smaller bits of debris rattle down across the ruined street, and then silence falls.''

<p class="MsoNormal"> 

<p class="MsoNormal">The port, some time later.

<p class="MsoNormal">''After recovering from the exhausting fight against the mercenaries, Marley, Byrn, and Livingstone have returned to the Second Wind. At Caspian’s request, the three stop to retrieve a somewhat battered longboat from one of the port’s surviving boathouses, and are hauling it onto the ship. The doctor himself, still wearing Rokku’s long cloak, is fussing over Dimitri, who repeatedly insists he is fine.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Dimitri: Seriously, he hardly hit me-

<p class="MsoNormal">Caspian: You somehow got a frigate out of the harbor and part way into the town, and then smashed it to pieces, along with everything else in the immediate area. I can’t believe you’re not at least concussed after all that.

<p class="MsoNormal">Dimitri: I just need to sleep it off… wait. That boat. Is that the one you got from-

<p class="MsoNormal">Caspian: Yeah. I kept it. But that’s beside the point! How the heck are you even conscious after all that-

<p class="MsoNormal">''He is interrupted as a loud snore answers his question. Dimitri has promptly fallen asleep mid conversation. Caspian opens his mouth to shout something, and then stops himself, shrugs, and walks off.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Caspian: Well, works for him.

<p class="MsoNormal">Jessica climbs up onto the deck, putting away the pistol she had taken from Jikio

<p class="MsoNormal">Jessica: Me and Robin rounded up the remains of the mercenaries. We’ve locked them in a warehouse somewhere. Griffin and Corvus should be able to sort everything out now.

<p class="MsoNormal">Byrn: Then it’s probably time we left. I’d rather not get caught up in the effort to rebuild the port. Where to next?

<p class="MsoNormal">Jessica: From this island? I think-

<p class="MsoNormal">Caspian: Oh I know this one! Piper Flats is the next stop on this route.

<p class="MsoNormal">Byrn: Piper Flats?

<p class="MsoNormal">Caspian: It’s where I came from last. Not a lot to it except sand and a marine base, but it’s worth a quick stop. Besides, guy I know up there might be able to help you. He knows things.

<p class="MsoNormal">''Marley hauls on a lever in the deck, and the engine rumbles to life. The Second Wind slowly starts to move away from the port. ''

<p class="MsoNormal">Marley: Alright. Let’s get going-

<p class="MsoNormal">Kat: Leaving already?

<p class="MsoNormal">Marley: Huh?!

<p class="MsoNormal">''Everyone spins. Kat is perched on the railing at the side of their deck, seemingly oblivious to the harbor drifting away behind her.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Kat: I at least wanted to say thank you. You guys saved the whole town today.

<p class="MsoNormal">Caspian: Well… The port got pretty wrecked…

<p class="MsoNormal">Kat: They’ll rebuild it soon enough. Even Corvus is grateful. He said you wern’t so bad for pirates.

<p class="MsoNormal">Byrn: I’m starting to wonder if we’re even pirates at all, personally. We seem to be getting involved in a lot of stuff needlessly

<p class="MsoNormal">Marley: Hey, this was your idea in the first place

<p class="MsoNormal">Byrn: It’s still not exactly pirate.

<p class="MsoNormal">Kat: It doesn’t matter. Everyone saw what you did. You guys are practically heroes here. Anyway.. Good luck.

<p class="MsoNormal">''And with that, the girl stands up, and flips backwards off the deck of the ship. Looking over the side, the crew sees her swimming back to the shore, where Corvus and Robin are just visible waiting for her.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Byrn: What a strange girl.

<p class="MsoNormal">Jessica: It’s nice to feel appreciated though.

<p class="MsoNormal">''With that, the pirates wander off to different parts of the ship. At the railing Caspian, eyes wide, reaches into his pocket, pulls out the long nosed mask, and stares at it for a long while.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Caspian: Heroes, huh?

<p class="MsoNormal">''He laughs quietly as he puts the mask away again. Most of the pirates don’t notice, but Jessica is still nearby.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Jessica: What is it?

<p class="MsoNormal">Caspian smiles casually as he turns away from the railing.

<p class="MsoNormal">Caspian: I think I just lost three hundred Beri.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Meanwhile.

<p class="MsoNormal">Somewhere else on the grand line.

<p class="MsoNormal">''The Jack Rouge, the ship of the Crimson pirates, is rocked by gunfire and shouting as Zeroth Kelp retrieves his maces. Readying the weapons, he steps over the corpse in the middle of the room, and opens the door to the main deck''

<p class="MsoNormal">Monroe: Perkele!

<p class="MsoNormal">Kelp: What?

<p class="MsoNormal">''There is thick mist all around them, and he can just make out the other bodies littering the deck. His captain is standing in the middle, brandishing his swords angrily at something he can’t see''

<p class="MsoNormal">Monroe: Have at ye! I’ll keelhaul ye to Davey Jones ye scunner!

<p class="MsoNormal">Kelp raises his weapons again and quickly rushes out to the red-clad pirate.

<p class="MsoNormal">Kelp: Captain! Stokes is dead! The crew- What is going on?

<p class="MsoNormal">The captain calms down slightly, moving closer to Kelp, while still glaring off into the mist.

<p class="MsoNormal">Monroe: This… thing. From the sea… It’s killing us.

<p class="MsoNormal">''The two are almost back to back now. Kelp is certain he can see something moving in the mist, and stares at it.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Kelp: What’s out there? What is that?

<p class="MsoNormal">''Before Monroe can answer, Kelp sees a blue flash out of the corner of his eye and the captain suddenly hurtles off into the mist, his swords clattering away. An instant later something crashes into the first mate and slams him into the deck. Disarmed, he looks up to see a dark figure standing over him. It speaks with a distorted and metallic voice.''

<p class="MsoNormal">???: Do you have her? Where is the girl from Whisky Peak?!