-Vall-
Vall stepped down the gangplank, the calm belt letting the ship avoid rocking even this close to port. He inhaled deeply, his excitement peeking as he took in the sight of the Marine New World headquarters, IronForge. The man made island was a long term project that Fleet Admiral Hepestus had personally overseen. Now it stands stall, a city built in a large mountain like design, even though it was just a city all the way through.
“Move it.” The voice said, shoving Vall forward.
Vall steadied himself then turned to his pusher, Riosont. The man stood well over six feet tall, towering over Vall who stood just under five eleven. His long navy blue hair draped over one eye, the other looking just as uninterested as usual. At his hip was his saber that he had acquired with his marine allowance back in the South Blue.
“You going to gawk all day Vall?” Riosont said, his tone full of annoyance.
“Sorry sorry.” Vall said, stepping off the plank to make room for the other Marines to off load. He rubbed the back of his head, and spotted his large round clown-like nose out of the corner of his eye. People made fun of Vall for that aspect of himself, Clown boy was the big one he heard a lot. He couldn't help it, he was born that way. His parents both had it so it made sense he would inherit it himself. Of course, ever since Vall became a Major.
Riosont began to walk past Vall, who quickly rushed to keep up with him. “So what you think? You think we going to serve with Admiral Akatora?”
“Id prefer serving Admiral Shirowashi.” Riosont said.
Vall knew about Riosont’s affection for the Admiral, Adam S Nash. he learned the saber to match the Admirals signature style. Ever since they joined the marines Vall heard about the great things Akatora had achieved. Of course, Vall loved hearing it, but he was more interested in the other Marines. Rear Admiral Tarly and Rear Admiral Mustards battle against the pirate crew ‘The Jumping Lemurs’ was a big favorite of his. He would be honored to serve with one of them. Riosont had a goal ever since he joined two years ago, become a Major as fast as possible and come to the New World to serve. Who would have thought these two noobs would reach Major at the same time.
Vall hesitated. He knew he was only a Major thanks to his Devil fruit power. They had been trying to become stronger ever since the Paramount war two years ago. Vall just so happened to eat the Ball-Ball fruit, something Riosont probably would have done if Vall hadnt spotted it first. Thanks to that power he had saved his base that he served at from a group of new pirates almost single handedly. It was the fruit, not him though.
“Major Riosont and Vall?” A voice called out. The two turned to see a man with a black straight jacket over his shoulders and atop his Rear Admiral Jacket. Rear Admiral Crow had deep bags below his eyes, apparently something he didn't have two years ago. Vall had heard about how Crow had become extremely distraught after the Umbra Pirate attack on the Ironbase two years prior. No one knows exactly what happened, but ever since Jericho V Brau had defeated Crow he has never been the same.
The Umbra Pirates. Vall turned to Riosont reading that annoyed expression. Riosont had come from Laststop, which Vall knew had been burned almost to the ground by the Umbra’s. Riosont never said for sure that it was because of them that he joined the Marines, but it was clear.
“Sir.” Vall and Riosont said, standing stiff.
Crow looked over the two with his tired eyes. “You are to report to section 7E in 0100 hours.” Crow pointed towards a nearby building. “You may leave your things in the barracks for the night, you will be shipping out tomorrow.”
“Sir!” Riosont said, standing tall. “We are to head out already? We have just arrived?”
“Your superior will explain.” Crow said, waving a hand and beginning to walk off. “Dismissed.”
“Sir!” The two said, saluting again before dropping the stiffness.
“Guess we already got our roles.” Vall said with a smile.
“Were shipping out.” Riosont said, looking up towards the top of the base, where the higher ups were stationed. “That seems irregular to do so quickly.”
Vall thought the same thing, but it meant he would get to begin serving justice quickly. He had been told that he would be given proper training at Ironforge, but perhaps his Captain would be the one to train him while out at sea?
An hour later the two stood at section 7E, near the south eastern port. They watched as everyone with a Captian status walked passed, waiting for their captain to arrive. Ships were preparing to set off, or unloaded, behind them.
“Who you think it is?” Vall asked. “Maybe Captain Grease?”
“I hope not.” Riosont said, gripping the handle of his saber. “Grease is a brawler, good for you, bad for me. I need a strong swordsman to train me, I was hoping to train with Admiral Akatora before shipping out.”
“Well maybe you'll get something just as good.” Vall said with a smile.
Riosont glared at Vall with his one showing eye, that deep purple iris staring deep into Vall’s soul.
“Major!” A voice called out. Vall and Riosont straightened quickly, facing their captain. Vall and Riosont were not prepared for who showed up.
Rear Admiral Clive Finch, Hero of the Juxtapose Melee.
-Clive-
“What do you make of this Rear Admiral?” Fleet Admiral Hephestus asked Clive earlier that day. He pushed out a news paper towards Clive.
“The Tianti Heavenly Battle?” Clive questioned, picking up the paper to look at the image. Apparently the new queen was a young child. “Seems like it was an interesting turn around. Came down to the wire.”
“Look at her vassals.” Hephestus said.
Clive scanned the picture, how he hadnt noticed before was the biggest surprise. “That is Jaquar Red Fist!”
“Apparently several Umbra’s had taken part in that tournament. Jericho and Emma served on the Rat team, while Cherry fought alongside Renshu.”
“Shouldn't his warlord status be taken away then?” Clive asked.
“No, if they worked together it could be assumed they were a part of the same crew for that time.” Hephestus explained. “Besides, Tainti representatives are allowed to call on anyone as a Vassal, and when they are they receive diplomatic immunity during the period. Two battles ago slaves and jailed convicts were used by different members of the Clans.”
“So did you show me this to tell me that they are back?” Clive asked.
“Yes, unlike before I am willing to allow you to hunt them.” Hepthesus explained. “However, I need you for some more important assignments. I did not want you to think I was keeping you out of the loop, if an opportunity presents itself I will give you the order myself to capture them. For now however I have other tasks for you.”
“What tasks would that be?” Clive asked.
“I am forming a crew whose tasks will be to travel across the Grandline and solve specific issues across the sea. I would like you to be the lead of that crew.”
Clive felt his eyes widen. “Sir, I would be honored.”
Hephaestus smiled. “Good results may allow for promotions, I figured you would be interested in that.”
Promotion, Vice Admiral and perhaps Admiral at some point. “What will this new crew be?”
“We are calling it project Fireflies,” Hephaestus said.
“And what exactly will the duties entail?” Clive asked.
“Exploration and looking into things across the sea for the Navy.” Hephaestus explained. “Your first assignment will be on Waltry Island. Report to G23 once you arrive.”
“Sir.” Clive said with a salute. He turned and left the office, his right hand man standing beside him. Commander Ata trailed behind Clive, his signature red scarf along with the oversized hat with his Chokuto sitting on his back.
“How did things go?” Ata asked, his expression almost hidden by the hat and scarf.
“Seems we got our new assignment. We'll be shipping out soon.” Clive said, looking over the file he was given from Hephestus before he left.
The two traveled over to the residential area that those of commander rank gained, as well as any marines families when they were stationed at Ironforge.
“Big bro look!” Hana yelled out as the two approached, she spun to show her new bag. “Mr Starstruck helped me pick it out.”
“Hana, its Vice Admiral Starstruck.” Ata corrected, kneeling down to look at his sister on her level. “You gotta show them respect.”
Hana pursed her lips. “He said I dont gotta call him by his title.”
“It's still polite to do so.” Ata said, ruffling his sister's hair. She wore the uniform of the Marine general academy.
Hana turned to Clive, then fished something out of her bag. “I got this for you Mr Rear Admiral Clive Finch.” Hana said in a mocking tone to her brother. She held out a water lily of a bright orange color for Clive to take. He hadn't seen much plant life like flowers here, then again Hana had a tendency to find these exotic lilies.
“Thank you Hana.” Clive said, stretching his bandaged wrapped hands to grab the flowers.
“Ill give you more when we go out to sea next!” Hana said with a gleam in her eyes.
Ata and Clive exchanged looks. “You won't be joining us.” Ata said. “I've talked to Captain Paris, she will watch over you while we are away.”
“You cant be serious!” Hana said. “Ata, you said we would stick together remember?”
“Yes but we are going into dangerous territory. Besides, you have to catch up on your school work, you were behind the other students.” Ata explained.
Hana pouted. Clive excused himself, letting the two talk things over privately. Once Hana threw her fit and finally relaxed they left to meet their new crew. Major Riosont and Vall stood at the ready, the two new combatants they were expected to train.
Riosont had that arrogant look to him that Clive knew he had when he first joined the marines, while Vall had that wide eyed optimism. It reminded him of Matsuno. Vall has short hair, following the tradition of marines, but why was his nose so round? It looked like a ball. Maybe it was a result of his devil fruit?
“At ease.” Clive said, the two men dropping their pose. “I am Rear Admiral Finch, this is Commander Ata, you two will be serving on our crews, your duties are to learn about leadership as well as train with us. Riosont I understand you are a sword user, Ata here will train you, Vall I will teach you what I can.”
Vall beamed at Clive proudly, Riosont seemed content.
“Now.” Clive continued. “The Marines don't have enough manpower for you all to sit around and train, so you will be learning on the fly. We have our assignment, and we will be heading out right away.”
“Yes sir.” The two said in unison.
“Welcome to the Fireflies.” Clive said with a smile, walking past the two to climb up the gangplank. The two rushed to gather their things and follow him aboard the ship. Thus began their journeys. Unaware of what was to come.
