Life aboard the Windsweep was a challenge to Keibe at first. The Ragingworld pirates were a rowdy bunch to put it bluntly. The deck of the ship was designed like a fighting ring, and contests of strength were common for the crew to take part in. Ollin allowed Keibe to not take parts in their raids, which he was grateful for.
It was a week into his time with them that Keibe saw Ollin step into the fighting ring for the first time, a deck hand facing off against him.
Keibe was confused about what was happening, as Ollin removed his large cloak and tossed it to a crew member. Every circled around and watched and cheered.
“Ollin, it has been a year to the day since I lost to you and became a member of your crew.” The deckhand said loudly for all to hear. “As such, our agreement is now officially finished. I challenge you yet again to battle, should I defeat you I claim your bounty.”
Ollin smiled, drawing his sword. “A year huh? Feels like just yesterday, very well, then my condition stays the same, one year of service for your lose.”
“Let us go!” The deckhand said, charging Ollin.
Keibe looked to the side, spotting Ollins right hand man, a large man with a set of small wings on his back, Jirahs.
“What are they doing?” Keibe asked.
Jirahs smiled a toothy smile that was almost covered by his overwhelming mustache. He fixed the beret on the top of his head before replying. “They fighting, it is our way.” Jirahs said in his strange accent. Apparently he was from an island in the sky, which was as strange to Keibe as the thought of an underwater island was for the rest of the crew. “We all were brought into Ollin’s crew due to losing to him, punishment for loose is a years service.”
“So no one on this crew is actually loyal to him?” Keibe asked.
“No, no friend.” Jirahs said with a wave of his hand. He was very expressive with his large body. “We may serve him due to a lose, but we still are loyal to him, and would never betray. Infact, most here would not fight him again, if not for the fact Ollin loves it.”
“He loves fighting his own men?” Keibe asked.
“He loves those that seek strength, those who believe they are stronger than him are encouraged to fight him. It is simple thing.” Jirahs said.
Keibe turned back, but the deckhand was already beaten.
“Another year!” The cheer rang out from the crew joyously.
“A full year.” Ollin said, standing over his crewmember, who laid slumped against the wall of the ring. “That deserves a celebration aye? Jirahs, bring out the good booze!”
“On it captain!” Jirahs said, heading below deck.
Ollin made time every night to train with Keibe. The two worked to trade techniques, Keibe teaching the fundamentals of Fishman karate, and Ollin teaching the basis of a power known as Haki.
“You pick it up quickly.” Ollin said. “Mostly Armament Haki, but that alone is something. Maybe it has to do with that story of foxes.” He scratched at his chin. “Oh, come with me.”
Ollin led Keibe deep into the WindSweep, to the locked room. He was told not to enter without the captain's permission, no one spoke about what was inside it, but he knew it was important. Based on how the ship was laid out, the room had to be quite large, at least two floors tall. Ollin inserted the key and pushed open the door while Keibe held a lantern into the darkness.
Inside was a solitary object. A large red square cube with strange carvings engraved onto it. Keibe felt a wave of majesty emanate from the stone, an almost otherworldly presence.
“A poneglyph.” Keibe said, his voice dry.
“You know about the one of fishman island then.” Ollin said as he entered, placing a hand to the stone. “King Neptune keeps that one hidden, and it was one of the reasons I went there.”
“The one on FIshman island isn't like this thought.” Keibe said in disbelief.
“Thats correct.” Ollin said. “These red stones are known as Road Poneglyphs. There are four of them, they have directions that can be used to identity a singular island.”
“But wouldn't three be enough?” Keibe asked.
“Based on nautical laws of triangulation, yes.” Ollin said. “Yet from what we think there is something much different about these. I dont know just yet though.”
Keibe felt his mouth go dry as he asked. “Where do they lead.”
Ollin turned, a small smirk on his face. “Raftail, the home of the One Piece, Gol D Rogers fabled treasure.”
One of the keys to the One Piece sat here, hidden in the ship of Ollin ‘Blackblade’, this revelation hit Keibe hard.
A few weeks later a storm was brewing, and had been following their ship for a few days. Ollin knew something was up and docked the ship on a remote island. He got everyone off and they stood facing the storm, as a ship sailed out from its dark clouds.
“Well, what a pest.” Ollin said, rolling his neck.
“That flag, it looks like a tiger, Jirahs, who is that?” Keibe asked.
“That would be Baihin the ‘White Tiger’.” Jirahs said, pulling out the oversized double sided ax from his back. Not only did it have the double sided blade you would find on many battle axes, but the other end of the metal rod also held its own version of the ax head. Keibe had witnessed the power of that ax first hand during a raid and did not want to ever be on the receiving end.
The ship docked and the hulking figure began to step off the ship. He understood the name now, for Baihin was more than just a man, he was an animal. White fur streaked with black stripes covered his body.
“What is that?” Keibe asked.
“A Mink.” Jirahs said. “Be quiet for now, that is an Emperor like Ollin.”
At Baihin’s side was a tall man who was, by human standards, handsome. Chiseled chin, alluring features, sharp eyes, high cheekbones, he took the features of the models from the magazine that specific members of the crew hid below their bunk. He walked with hands in pocket with a confident expression as if he was on a stroll.
The other side of Baihin was decorated by a short girl with long brown hair tied into two tails that ran around the front of her chest. Short was the best way to put her, even amongst normal people she probably only stood a little over five feet. She carried a bow over her shoulder with a quiver full of feathered arrows.
“Baihin.” Ollin said, leaning against his sword that he dug into the sand. “Fancy seeing you here.”
“Where is it.” Baihin said, his voice rumbling Keibe to his core. This was the first time he felt such fear, it seemed as if Baihan grew several feet in that moment.
Ollin tilted his head. “Where is what?” he said causally.
“The Poneglyph, I know you have one.” Baihin said.
“Oh, and why would I tell you that?” Ollin said, standing straight up. Just like that the two now stood at the same massive height, both towers on this island, towers that could destroy the world.
“You cannot read it, I know that.” Baihin said.
“And you can?” Ollin responded.
Baihin’s eyes shifted to the handsome man at his side.
“Erlang ‘Third eye’ is that right?” Ollin asked, eyeing the man. “I wonder, where is Christoff?”
“Most of my crew is doing work, I brought only the necessary.” Baihin said.
Ollin turned toward the girl. “And who might this gentleman be?”
A man! Keibe could not hide his surprised as he turned to face what he once believed was a girl. His face was so soft, the only thing that indicated a man was the angry eyes.
“Name is Haruka.” The man said. “Remember it.” He said it so sternly to Ollin that Keibe felt a wave of shock.
Ollin simply smiled then returned his look to Baihin. “Guess there is only one way to decide this.”
“I guess so.” Baihin said.
It was faster than a normal eye could process. The two emperors attacked each other, Baihin’s claws, Ollin’s sword attacked the other. Yet they did not meet. Instead the air between them suddenly burst apart, shattering into bolts of lighting around them. The sea churned violently at the clash, a gust of wind as strong as a tornado suddenly roared, pushed everyone but the two emperors back no matter how hard they tried. Several members of both crews went flying back, foam forming in their mouths. Keibe held firm to the sand below his feet, but was pushed back more and more. Jirahs was in a similar boat, trying to keep his position.The storm clouds overhead were dispersed in an instant, not even a speck of cloud remained.
Suddenly, it stopped, the two pulled back their weapons and faced each other, waiting for the next attack.
“You should surrender now.” Baihin said, beginning to circle Ollin, who matched him. “You know the phase of the moon does not limit me.”
“That may be so, but you still follow the laws of the sea.” Ollin said, holding his sword firmly. “You suffer the weakness of all devil fruit users, and because of that I shall defeat you.”
“Men, get them.” Ollin and Baihin shouted.
Keibe felt it, that sense of joy. That feeling of a battle about to begin, the thrill of fighting a stronger opponent. This was what was on the surface? People with these power? He had to learn, he had to.
The battle broke out around Keibe. Jirahs standing near him.
“Good on ya friend.” Jirahs said, swinging his ax overhead. “Most fall to a clash of Conquerors Haki, you have strong will.” He pounded his chest with a free hand after that. “Be proud, and fight well. When this over, we drink!”
Keibe threw himself into the melee, he did not know the names of these men, but he fought them tooth and nail. Jirahs took on the one they called Erlang, who still had his hands in his pockets. The man simply dodged any attack directed his way, and attacked with a series of jumps and kicks. Yet Jirahs did not give an inch. He matched Erlang blow for blow, neither landing a clear hit.
Meanwhile the two emperors fought tooth and nail, Baihin had transformed in some way and battled Ollin. Keibe never managed to get a good look at the battle, but could feel its effects the whole while. Each time they clashed a wave swept over the other fighters, the world shook, and the sea became violent. The last became a tool to Keibe, he had learned of Devil Fruit users weakness and used the sea water to his advantage.
“Curling Tendril!” Keibe shouted, moving into his stance. He twisted his body and angled his hands, instructing the water to do the same. It wrapped itself around a devil fruit user and sent them flying into the sea. His ability was beyond useful, and he earned praise from the crew. Whenever a devil fruit user would arrive he would be directed towards them, working to stop their fruits abilities with the curse placed upon them by the sea.
Keibe had made the mistake of diving too deep into Baihins side, and found himself surrounded. He changed stances, his strongest attack was his only chance of coming out unharmed.
“Krakens grasp!”
Water surrounded him, then formed tentacles that he could control. He shot out tendril after tendril at those that tried to fight him, all while breathing perfectly fine thanks to his fishman gills.
The battle went on for three days and ended with a stalemate. Both Baihin and Ollin would have kept going if not for their crews' behest. After the second day both crews had just settled down and watched their captains duke it out, all while chatting and drinking and eating.
The year came to an end, and Keibe had his bag packed on one of Ollin’s islands that he claimed as his territory.
“I will have a few of the guys take you back.” Ollin said, gripping Keibe’s hand firmly. “You are always welcome back, Keibe The Kraken.”
The name had been given to him after the battle with Baihin’s crew.
“Thank you, Captain.” Keibe said. “Though I will be just fine on my own, the sea is my ally.”
Ollin smiled warmly at his friend. “Should you ever decide to return, I will give you a ship and crew of your own, till then, I trust you will enforce my claim on Fishman island.”
“Of course.” Keibe said. His words to Jirahs and the others were short, all patting him and wishing him luck. They did not like to see him go, but he had somewhere to be.
He slept on islands as he traveled back, preferring the open air after a year of it. He was close to home when he decided to stop for one last night's rest. The island was small and made of palm trees, deserted.
The impact came so suddenly that all Keibe could do was gasp for breath. His body rolled across the sand, hitting his spine on a rock. His vision spun. He focused his vision on his attacker though. The man wore a pair of smart glasses and had wavy hair. He held up his right hand and waved it.
“Well that was quite productive.” The man said in a condescending tone.
Keibe got to his feet and moved into stance. “Who are you!” Keibe yelled out.
The man smiled, then the world shifted, twisting, then it all went black.
He awoke to a man in a wet suit standing over him beyond a set of iron bars. He wore a blue cape over one shoulder, he had deep blue eyes.
Keibe tired to resist but realized his body was chained so tight it was hard to breath, let alone move.
“Now now, calm yourself.” The man said. “Don't want to break the merchandise, do we?”
“Who are you!” Keibe shouted. “What do you want!”
The man smiled. “You may call me, Arranis.” The name sent a shiver up Keibe’s spine. The slaver pirate, the one pirate that Ollin hated more than any other. The warlord of the sea. “You should be grateful, I don't often greet my products personally.”
“I am no product!” Keibe yelled out. “I am Keibe the Kraken! Member of the Ragingworld Pirates!”
Keibe spotted the spectacled man in the shadows in that instant, then felt something hit him in the stomach, releasing all air in his lungs and making him spit up blood.
“Now Now Lero, don't want to kill him.” Arranis said smugly.
“I apologize.” Lero said with a bow. “I just hate the way he speaks as if he is your equal.”
“Yes, though his statement is quite fun wouldnt you say?” Arranis said. “Oh well, sell him, no one can attest for his existence now can they?”
“I saw no sign of the Ragingworld pirates.” Lero said.
“Ollin will kill you when he finds out!” Keibe shouted.
Arranis turned his back to Keibe, then turned his profile to Keibe. “If” Was all he said before stepping away.
It was several days before he felt the ship they were on rise, probably over the red line. After that he was escorted out of the ship, held tightly by the chains. He couldn't use his haki, he couldn't get a moment to focus, he felt so weak.
Bubbles rose into the air, large mangrove trees stood high into the sky. Keibe recognized the island in an instant, the Sabaoody Archipelago. The roots of these trees reached down to his home, he was so close, so close.
And yet, he could do nothing, and just like that he became a slave. The brand of the celestial dragon was worse than any other. His saving grace was the fact he was allowed to keep his necklace, his last reminder of Arial.
She would wait for him, he had to escape, he had to. She waited, he had to get out.
And so, he resisted. He went threw owner after owner. They said fishman were too valuable to just kill, and just sold him person after person, until finally he landed on the ship.
They were being transported to somewhere in the New world, a fighting arena from what he was told. He was shoved into a dark cell upon arrival. He tried to fight back, as they had no chains on him, but it did nothing. They knew that if he ran he would be caught, his brand would make him obvious that he was property of the celestial dragons.
A growl caught Keibe’s attention, and he spun facing it. In the shadows of the ship sat a figure bound in chains. It was a mink, a panda one by the looks. He stared angrily at Keibe, and growled like a wild beast.
