As the train car neared the cavern's entrance, the rhythmic clatter of the tracks mingled with the rising hum of their anticipation. Marya leaned forward, her keen eyes catching a faint glimmer in the distance. Partially obscured by darkness, a growing light lay just ahead. They exchanged urgent glances as shadows danced across their determined faces. Marya focused on the path, her fingers drumming a nervous rhythm. Both passengers could feel the weight of their mission pressing upon them. The rail car emerged from the tunnel into the cavern, the vast, open space filled with the echoes of their arrival.
Grasping their surroundings, Marya fixes on Sabo and says, "This is not the Navy base." Sabo curses as men stop, turning their attention toward the rail car. Panicked, Marya takes hold of Sabo's arm, misting them away.
"What is it," One of the men calls out.
Another inspects the empty car, "It's nothing. It is empty."
"It must have malfunctioned or something. Back to work."
Concealed by a mountain of containers, they scan the secluded cove as tranquil waters mirror stalactites like ancient chandeliers. With weathered timbers and towering masts, the ship bore battle scars, a barnacle-encrusted hull, and a fierce beast figurehead. Above, the rigging swayed with creaking ropes as a formidable black flag fluttered. The deck bustled with barrels and cannons as people moved about.
"Beast pirates," Sabo mutters. Marya raises a dubious eyebrow, and Sabo leans back. "They are connected with Kaido." Stroking his jaw, "What are they doing here?"
Marya replies flippantly, "It looks like they are loading their ship."
Sabo ignores her tone, "Yeah, but…"
"There is no need to be aggressive," they both snap to attention at the sound of Charlie's voice. "We are cooperating with your demands." Peaking from behind the corner, they watch as Koala, Charlie, and Avian, bound in chains, are escorted from the pirate ship.
"Okay," Marya whispers. "That is a problem." Not receiving a reply, she turns. Sabo is gone! Rattled, her head spins as she searches for him. She curses as he charges towards the prisoners.
"Sabo!" Koala calls out in relief.
With an indifferent side eye, Ozul Crow mutters, "Stationary." Koala gasps, shouting for Sabo when he becomes translucent, transforming into a one-dimensional whisper-thin figure. Sabo slams to a halt, crackling and waving in the subtle breeze.
Marya curses, "He is a power holder."
Koala grits her teeth. Glaring, she presses the heels of her palms together. Circling, "Fishman…." She coughs, collapsing when a hammer is thrust into her, sending her to the ground.
Waving a mocking finger, "Not, ah, ah!" Akako cocks her slender hip, slinging her oversized hammer to rest on her shoulder. "None of that now. The captain is waiting, and he has an important meeting. We can't be late."
Ozul holds the Onix crystal around his neck, lifting his head and opening his eyes. "The duality of harmony demands action." Drawing his katana from its sheath, it rings, announcing to all who hear its intentions. "Aetherius," he swings the long blade across his body, preparing to strike. "Calls for…"
Clank! He grunts, blocking the impact of Marya's thrust. His eyes pinched at her imposing force. He grips the hilt with his other hand to hold her back. "Solar…." Akako is airborne with her hammer in mid-swing when Marya pivots on the ball of her foot, hooking Ozul's aura. Spinning, she propels him into Akako, sending them both flying.
The clash of steel reverberated, and Ozul squinted with focus as he found his footing. Amid their deadly moment, a critical decision loomed. Should Marya risk an aggressive move to end it swiftly or escape with Sabo? The seconds stretched painfully. A single misstep could be fatal. She scrutinized Ozul's movements, searching for the slightest opening.
Pushing to his feet, Ozul wiped the trickle of blood from his lip. He feigned left and lunged right. Their blades clanged and echoed once more as they parried with follow-up strikes. Their eyes, now widened with determination, reflected a fierce resolve. In a breathtaking display of agility, Marya countered, forcing Ozul on the defensive. The fight was far from over, and a choice had to be made.
Ozul made a striking blow, throwing himself off balance when he sliced into vapor. His head swiveled, searching for his opponent. His jaw flexed when she and Sabo were nowhere to be found.
"What's the hold-up?" Amaru calls from the stairs. Seeing Akako sprawled out with swirls in her eyes, he asks, "What happened to her?"
Ozul sheathes Aetherius. Holding his Onyx crystal, "Duality will require recompense. It shall be granted."
Amaru sighs, "Yeah," holding the back of his neck, "Whatever you say." Pointing over his shoulder, "The meeting will be starting soon. You better get them up here."
Crashing into the grassy ground, Sabo coughs. "What the hell was that?" Marya scolds while looking down her nose with crossed arms.
Sabo rocks back on his heels, "We escaped," he jests.
Marya pinches the bridge of her nose, "What were you thinking?"
"Sorry," Sabo stands, smacking the dirt from his clothes. "I thought I could get to them."
Marya sighs, "It was surprising to see them there. At least, now, we know where they are." Hand on her hip, "How did they end up there? They were supposed to be scoping out the Navy base."
"I don't know," Sabo replies, "and that swordsman is a power holder. I didn't expect that."
"Yeah," Marya says, starting to walk. "Taking them on with just the two of us will be tough."
Sabo nods, "Right, we should get the others first," walking in step with her, "Then go back."
From the cliff's edge, they watched the navy base sprawled out below. With the rhythmic hum of drills, figures of silhouettes moved with purpose. "You are good with the plan, right?" Marya glimpses at Sabo.
"Yeah," he tightens the grip on his pipe. "Meet you at the rendezvous." Marya's head bobs as she becomes a blur of mist.
*****
She stood tall, her blond hair meticulously styled, not a strand out of place. Her piercing blue eyes, framed by perfectly arched brows, scanned each detail of the men's activities from her office window with unwavering focus. Impeccably dressed in tailored attire, she exuded an air of authority and precision. Her surroundings reflected her exacting standards—everything in its rightful place, pristine and orderly.
She averts her eyes when there is a knock at the door. "Enter."
"Mam," Kai stands at attention. "Reporting as ordered."
"Is Captain Evander with you?"
After an audible scurry of motion through the door, "Yes. Mam," Nuri panted.
With deliberate movement, each gesture measured and exact, she fixates her gaze on them. Her voice is calm yet commanding, leaving no room for error. "What is the status of the prisoners?"
Kai clasps his hands behind his back, "They have been medically treated and are ready for questioning, mam."
Standing behind her desk, she addresses Nuri in his disheveled state. Scoffing, she asks, "What is the status of the search?"
Nuri swallows, "We are still looking. I am confident progress will be made today."
She flares her nostrils and slams her fist. "That is unacceptable! Why must I suffer from your incompetence?" When the transponder snail rings, she glares, snatching the receiver. "Now?" she snaps. "Understood, I am on my way." She smashes the receiver. Face beat red, she growls, "I have another engagement that needs my immediate attention." She retrieves her white trench coat, "Make sure the other two perpetrators have been apprehended before my return." Stomping out, "I will question the prisoners when I get back!" The door slams.
Nuri's shoulders slump, "I'm doomed."
"Why were you late this time?" Kai asks.
Nuri scratches his head, nervously chuckling, "Batting practice ran a little over."
Kai lifts his glasses, "You must do a better job managing your time."
"I know," Nuri whines, "I am not good at it.
"She will not take anything less than perfection," Kai gets interrupted by blaring sirens. Cursing, "What now?"
A Marine bursts through the door. "Captains," he gasps. "The barrier alarm has gone off! We need your…"
"I swear," Kai snarls, "If it is those kids again." Turning to Nuri, "Come, let's take to the air."