Cactus Island [Route One]

[Big Guns]

An island with several cactus-shaped mountains, with the visible "spikes" on the top being tombstones marked by bounty hunters who have slain pirates crossing this way. This is one of the first islands reached in the Grand Line, and the first island in the first route.

[Big Guns]

The sky was eclipsed, thunder flashed with a blinding streak, the tides cascaded in a sporadic stream. As such was the chaotic and capricious weather of the Grand Line, where many ships that entered, never journeyed out in one piece, if they were to journey out at all, most didn't.

In the distance crossing over the horizon, was a giant galleon-sized ship, making its way through the roaring tides with the acrid, nearly impossible weather conditions. A black and gold lined ship with a Chimera embellished the bow were its notable features. While many large galleon ships were usually backed with a fleet of ships for back-up, this one was completely stand-alone. On the mast was a Jolly Roger, swords crossed underneath a single skull with daunting red pupils.

Standing on the front deck was a petite young woman, wearing a traditional cheongsam underneath a black, white lined captain's coat. She stared at the approaching island with an empty look, her red eyes completely void, yet focused. She stood peculiarly still, while the lot of her crew were manning the sails, steering through the deranged weather, running around getting everything straight and organized to prepare for a smooth landing once reaching the island's docks. Yet she stood completely still, as still as a statue, from afar she might be mistaken as one. She didn't blink, she didn't even appear to breathe.

The Black Moira Pirates were finally beginning their journey into the Grand Line, the place where every pirate dreamed to explore and conquer, with a whole new world awaiting them after the first Paradise. Lillith was ecstatic and completely motivated, and she was also prepared.. A member of the small, 15-man crew of the Black Moira Pirates approached her, a man that easily towered over her twice.

"We're prepared to arrive, captain. Oh, and Donny as thrown overboard after our tenure began in the Grand Line!"

Lillith blinked, as if reality began coursing through her senses once again, somewhat abruptly she looked over with a diminutive nod. "Oh? Well, that's a shame. How did that happen?"

"He was vomiting over the deck in the ocean."

"Oh, Donny. What a feeble loss. Idiots like him are easy to come by, we can replace him!" though her body and mannerisms were small, she had a big mouth at times, but only with her crew. Outside, she appeared as a socially awkward young girl (woman) not yet out of her social shell, constantly staying in her comfort zone with her crew. In reality, she was, according to her crew, terrifyingly inspiring. "And you've set up the raid?" The man nodded with an ingenious smile. "Then let's go."

[Mason]

Rekisu lazily sat along the ship's rails, his hands behind his head, eyes closed, and drowsily catching the sun's rays. His bandanna rippled in the wind, the serene waves casting a perfect melody that both rocked the boat like a crib and sung a casual tone to compliment in the laziness.

Rekisu's right eye slowly opened, peering at Lillith as she talked with a crew member. He sat up gradually, stretching and smacking his gums together, as if just having woken up from a long nap. He peered to the horizon, noting their location. He got up, stretched once more, and then looked at the two pirates.

"Eh, eh.." Rekisu said, itching the back of his head. "Anything interesting happen while I was resting?" he asked, walking towards them casually. He seemed to have a gentle, yet firm atmosphere about him. He was fairly well built, and was much taller than Lilly. His bandanna never left his head, and a scar lining his bare chest was completely visible, no intent to keep it hidden.

[Big Guns]

The taller crewmate smirked as Rekisu walked up. "Finally awake, jackoff?" he joked, laughing incoherently at his own canny use of words. Another walked next to the first crewmate, withdrawing a flask of rum, he offered it to the others.

"Oi, to our safe sail into the Grand Line! We made it guys!!" the enthusiastic crewmate proclaimed with a vigorous shout. Most of the crew called in unison, toasting to a flask of rum, their arms waved victoriously into the air. It was true, they had made the main departure, getting safely through Reverse Mountain, traveling the stream with no casualties or injuries, no major external damages to the ship. They had done exceptional well, for a rookie crew.

"Hush, my subordinates. I have something to say, okay?~" Lillith spoke up with an eerie smile, deathly chill and harmonious. The others on the crew immediately shut up, out of respect and admiration for their captain. The others stopped in their tracks what they were doing, turning for their captain, who was to begin her announcement. She placed her hands behind her back, looking adequately dainty, turning to her crew on the deck.

"Don't get excited yet boys. Getting through Reverse Mountain was only a miniscule achievement compared to the entirety of the vast world that awaits us in the Grand Line, a world either of us can comprehend in our wildest dreams. We're arriving on the first island in our journey. Only the absolutely resolved will be allowed to advance with my crew. Therefore, I will pluck out the rotten seeds myself. For the spineless cravens who wish to accept their fate that these harsh tides will bestow upon them, step forward, and leap the deck." she smiled sweetly, yet delivered with an authoritative tongue. The crew members all stood tall, with one gulping, quickly regaining his composure as his captain eyed his way. The captain smiled enthusiastically. "Good." she turned, gesturing with her head. "Everyone, take your stations, we should be approaching the docks in about three minutes! Be on the lookout for any enemy platoons."

Though it may not seem so, Lillith Erin was the captain of the Black Moira Pirates with a bounty of 90,000,000 beri already. She didn't rule out of fear or intimidation, or out of friendship and trust, she ruled from admiration. Most of her crew admired her and found her adorable, but knew if she was mad, she had the full potential to raise mortal hell and savagery, which is why when she spoke, that was the law, as was with most crews. Her first mate, Rekisu Omoikira, was actually often mistaken as the captain of the crew by outsiders, due to his harsh appearance and composure, with a bounty actually higher than their captain's with a staggering 120,000,000 beri, for being mistaken as the captain, since Lillith was hard to trace.

Lillith turned to Rekisu, "You'll be in charge of leading our crew into the Grand Line. Only I can trust you with this." she spoke, simply as that. "Stay on guard. I have a feeling things are going to get realllly ugly~" she giggled.

[Mason]

It wasn't often that the crew members disrespected Lillith -- in fact, they never disrespected her. Ever. They all knew better than to do that. With her adorable outlook on their adventures, a firm leader position and a powerful composure to suit her captain's honour, Lillith was one to be respected by all, no matter who looked at her. Her enemies, if any, respected her fighting style and usually found no match in combating her. She was, in her own respect, a perfect captain. Although the blame for many of the things they did usually traced to Rekisu, he didn't mind. In fact, he'd rather keep Lillith safer than him, seeing that he valued her life more than his. They had been best friends for.. well, for a while now. They were heartbroken to part from each other back when they were little, yet when they reconnected it was as if they hadn't left each other's side at all.

Everything was so casual and fun between them, they always seemed to take advantage of the opportunities thrown at them, whether it be finding treasure, adventure or love (just kidding, that'd be super awkward). It didn't matter what it was, the two always found the best in life and made the rewards given even bigger. It wasn't unusual to see the two laughing in a situation that usually doesn't call for it, yet they can also be completely serious and into it when needed. The two were best friends, if you were to ever give an example. They rarely fought, and if they did, they always repaired the troubles instantly with a good ol' pat on the back, or a gentle smile and warm apology.

Rekisu was, in a way, blessed to have Lillith as his friend as captain. As she gave the speech to her crew, Rekisu remained tall, looking at his captain with glowing eyes and a composure that was unmatched among the crew's members. He nodded when she was finished, and he nodded towards the rest of the crew as they gathered to their individual duties and stations. Rekisu was about to go sit down again when his name was suddenly called.

He turned toward Lillith with a goofy smile. "Don't worry Lils, I got this." he said, bowing to her and then winking as he regained his full stance. He walked to the head of the ship, looking at the water and the incoming isle. He chuckled warmly. "What a cute little island. I may not sleep through this one." Rekisu said, jokingly. He actually never really slept when they were exploring, only when on the ship and travelling in relaxing waters. He was only lazy when acceptable, or so the crew said. He was responsible, but preferred the slow rock of the boat to the rough rock of battle. It didn't matter though, he was good at doing both.

He turned and nodded toward Lillith. "Ok, Lils, I'm up for anything. You know I'll always be here for the crew."

[Big Guns]

Lillith peered over the deck, the rain finally beginning to settle as they neared the island, where the staggering tides were finally beginning to relax, the crew began chanting in an influx of sophistication. They had finally arrived on Cactus Island, and were well within its territory. The weather was softened down, skies still dark over the intensive storm, which would likely pass after the next hour, at most, not like anyone could accurately predict the weather in the Grand Line, not even cream of the crop navigators had a shot.

The ship was approaching the docks, finally stopping at the shore. With Rekisu guiding the crew into the island, Lillith's only job was to ensure the entire safety and navigation of her crew into the island, where she would be walking side by side next to her childhood friend and First Mate. Where most of the other crewmates were excited, ecstatic, eagerly awaiting what adventures lie ahead, Lillith was quiet. She was observing every aspect of the island, finding the top of Cactus Island dotted with an assortment of 'spikes', which were all but natural up close. She glowered ahead, immediately suspicious, yet not acting upon it yet. Although somewhat naive, she was extremely cautious and perceptive, with Rekisu serving as her forefront and main eventer, she only stepped in if the time beckoned forth. Lillith nodded forward casually, the crew stepping forward. They had arrived at Cactus Island, inside of Whiskey Peak, the main town. Lillith stepped first next to Rekisu, walking down the ramp.

"Yo cap'n Lilly, how long we gonna be stationed on this island?" one crewmate asked, a rough looking man about Rekisu's side and build with a cybernetic arm, a half cyborg with a gallon of rum strapped to his back.

"Until the log pose sets, Klaine," Lillith replied simply, walking forward. "Who knows how long that could take? Until then, we'd better raise as much hell as we can on this island." she said with a calm, sadistic tongue, her red pupils shrinking, for a brief moment, her viscous personality was shed into light. "We can probably replace Donny with an idiot on this island, too!"

As the Pirates walked further, a large crowd began to gather for them, cheering and celebrating for the arrival of the pirates. The cyborg, Klaine, instantly leaped up, unintentionally clomping Rekisu with his full body weight. The crew, and especially Lillith, remained composed.

"Aha~! Pirates! Gratz on making it through the Grand Line!" one of the crowd members delightfully called, waving his hands with a great frolic in the air.

A short man, hardly taller than Lillith, walked with a slump in his steps, wearing a top hat with a formal suit, and a gold tooth. He rubbed his gloves hands together. "You must be a rookie crew. Always a welcome to see Pirates take this route." He looked up with a seemingly trustworthy grin at Rekisu. "And you, you are the captain of this crew, yes?" he asked, completely overlooking Lillith's captain robe. Most simply overlooked her as virtually everyone in her crew was taller than her. "Well, for the honor of your crew, we will rejoice for you, and throw you a feast!" the cheers resonated in the background, with the majority of the Black Moira pirates in a frenzied lust, they raved and ranted and shouted, instantly declaring they be led the way of the feast. Lillith, her hands behind her back, merely observed from Rekisu's side. She merely glanced up at Rekisu, checking his reaction. Whatever arousing suspicion she had, she knew this island was strange, something was completely off about this whole scenario as well. How would Rekisu react, and what was he thinking?

[Mason]

Rekisu simply opened his mouth to talk when the islanders assumed he was captain, but caught Lillith's look before he could say anything. He knew she was shy, and could tell she was thinking about something, but he couldn't exactly place what it was, so he simply nodded. "Sounds like a good time, then." he said coolly, rubbing the back of his head as he nodded at the islanders. He gave a rash glance at Lilly, giving her that look of 'here we go again'.

He was the first to get off the boat, followed by 'his' crew, peering at each one of them as they all gave him casual glances, grinning at his new authority. "What can I say, I look great as a leader." he said to one of his crew mates that passed by him.

Making sure to stay with them, he walked along beside Lillith and examined the island.

"I don't know exactly what you're thinking, but I can tell it's not good." Rekisu whispered to her, making sure no one else could hear.

[Big Guns]

Lillith looked forward, shaking her head. "It's nothing to concern yourself over. Do as I've told you, Rekisu." she firmly ordered, walking ahead of Rekisu, following her crew, and where the islanders were taking them for a 'celebration'. Whatever it was, Lillith was suspicious of the hospitality. As a pirate captain for a few years now, she at least had the experience to know, pirates are often frowned upon, she assumed islands on the Grand Line were no exceptions. Most of her crew was less than oblivious.

The islanders led the Black Moira Pirates to the bar. Each member of the crew took a seat, a large canteen of sake was served at the bar, an ample assortment of platters mostly bestowed with meat.

"It is our honor to welcome you to Whiskey Peak!" the man with the top hat enthusiastically said. "Here it is, the party, in your honor! Enjoy, rejoice, celebrate, my new friends! Oh, we're all going to be such great friends!!" his top hat flew into the air from his jumping bean antics, as he lifted his hands into the air vigorously. "Let the party begin!"

The crew wasted no time, they gave a war-cry forth, as they began their immediate feast. Klaine, the cyborg and shipwright of the crew, began out-drank at the bar over eight people with a game of sake, even winning some bets. The large member from before began sprinting around on a high, bulldozing people, even his own crewmates, through the floor, starting a few uproars. The food on the platters were gone almost instantly, overworking the chefs to no tomorrow, their bellies began popping out like a hot balloon, one of which came dangerously close to popping after taking a headbutt to the center of the belly by Klaine, using his special style of drunken fist, going off in a drunken, incoherent rage.

Through it all, Lillith sat in the back, her arms rested in her lap. Her gaze was petrifying, as she was approached several times by many onlookers, all of whom received a cold shoulder (and at one point a double open-handed chop to the temples). No one else dared approach her that night, not even her crewmates, save possibly Rekisu, who never felt any reverence in approaching his childhood friend, even when she herself showed him her heinous, cruel temperaments.

Lillith looked outside of the window, taking notice the torrential downpour which began to overwhelm the island. She sighed, simply waiting for the incongruous party to pass. Even while sitting still she began to assess the situation. She just had a feeling something was going to happen, she didn't know what, but she felt it in the pit of her gut. By Rekisu's actions earlier, he hadn't sensed what Lillith did, and god knows what he was doing in this party..

[Mason]

"CHUG! CHUG! CHUG!"

The cheers and chants of the people around Rekisu were loud, obnoxious and playful. Crewmembers and strangers alike gathered around to watch Rekisu down a good litre of ale in a few straight gulps. As he finished, she wiped his mouth and let out a satisfying burp. The cheers rocked the bar, and after said event, everyone returned to drinking and talking. Rekisu got up, seemingly unaffected by the amount of alcohol he just consumed. Walking casually over to Lillith, he sat down next to her, his hand stretching over and resting on her shoulder. He had been drinking, but didn't seem to be drunk, not even a little affected by it. It was strange, but it was as if he were sober.

"Now," Rekisu started, eyeing his childhood best friend. "Tell me what's bothering you. I know you're not a fan of wild things like these, but I never see you sitting out, looking as if you're pondering life's many mysteries." Rekisu said, flashing a handsome, shining smile. He looked around the bar at their various drunken crew members and strangers encouraging them to drink more, eat up and enjoy themselves.

"I wont lie and say I don't feel uncomfortable with this. It's a little strange they were so warm with us. From what I've experienced, people aren't big fans of pirates." Rekisu explained, eyeing various figures who kept glancing over at them. "So go ahead and tell me what's bugging you. If you're not comfortable, we can ski-daddle."