Pirate Quest Ch. 1

Royal Tension

Aquarius, the grand kingdom by the sea, was having one if it's peaceful days, and by that, I mean only a few of the nobles were out to harass the general public. Most people were either hiding or trying to look busy to the nobles who came out to 'check' on the people to see if they were meeting the daily status quo. The local tavern keeper, however, was now in a pickle as the Captain of the Guard, a pompous man known as Prince Charming, was grilling him.

"One last time, my friend," Charming said, crossing his arms with a smirk. "Where is the rest of your stock?"

"Look, I'm telling ya, I ain't got nothing else!" the tavern keeper, Moe Szyslak, snapped in an irritated fashion as he spoke with the Captain.

"Really now?" Charming said with a raised eyebrow, before snapping his fingers. "Gentlemen!"

Two muscular figures, a human and a Kremling, came into the tavern, in response. They were members of the guard, Klubba and Hun, and were the right hand thugs of Charming.

Without a word, they began searching the bar, flipping over tables and breaking bottles, before heading towards the back.

"HEY! I should charge ya for the mess!" Moe snarled, trying to keep his terror down as he backed into a corner

"Now, now." Charming said. "Let's not get hasty."

Hun and Klubba came back, Klubba holding a barrel of wine.

"The little freak ain't lying." Hun said. "Nothing here but nothing!"

"So, a waste of time?" asked Charming

"Except these barrels of wine." Klubba said as he punched the barrel open and drank right from it. He looked at it, and then said. "Hmmmm, bit sour. The rest of the barrels are probably bad too! We should confiscate themr to protect the citizens."

"Excellent idea!" Charming nodded and Klubba began to gather more barrels up.

"WAIT!" Moe cried in panic. "Not my wine! It's all I have left! If you take-"

Without even turning, Hun backhanded Moe, sending him flying across the room and into some tables. Moe looked up wearily at the angered Hun. "You really wanna try me, little guy!? That was just a love tap compared to what I can really do!" he snarled.

Charming held up his hand. "Save it, Hun. Gather up the barrels instead." He ordered. Hun nodded and went to help, as Charming turned to the wounded Moe. "my apologizes," he said in an insincere tone. "But I cannot allow you to poison the good citizens of the kingdom with tainted wine. So, we'll be happy to help out by taking it off your hands!" Charming laughed as he and his men left with the barrels.

"OK." Moe said to himself as he lay on the ground. "I stuck here in tremendous pain, and some high up snobs just stole my valuable wine." He said calmly. "I don't know how to respond to that abuse." He began to cry pathetically.
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Nearby citizens watched in shock as Charming and his men approached their personal carriage, bringing the barrels along with them.

"What's that you have there?"

Charming turned to see his lieutenant, Monkey D. Luffy, standing nearby, his arms crossed.

Charming smiled. "Why, lieutenant, merely some barrels containing poor wine we had to relinquish." He replied cheerfully.

"…I see." Luffy said, trying to keep his anger down.

Charming grinned as he placed a hand on Luffy's shoulder. "Come now, Luffy. You must understand that rats like Moe have to be put it their place from time to time, even if the methods are harsh! Otherwise we'd have total anarchy, which is the last thing the queen wants. That's part of nobility. Until you learn that, you can never take my place as Captain."

Charming jumped into the carriage with the others. "Come now, Luffy. Have some fun and join us!"

Luffy sighed and climbed in, as two Great Jaggi at the head of the carriage began to pull it away. Luffy knew Charming didn’t care much for the well being of the citizens: he was in it for the power and privilege, taking great joy in bullying the people.
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Linhua watched the exchange from the doctor's office with horror. "This is sad." She said to herself. "I wish I could do something…but I'm just so…"

"Don't blame yourself. " A kind voice spoke and Linhua turned to see her mentor, Litchi Faye Ling, next to her. "Many people wish they could do something, but those who have tried in the past… didn't last long." She said sadly.

"Yes… I remember." Linhua shivered at the memory of the fate of the rebels.

Litchi sighed. "This kingdom was once peaceful until… she came into power." She said under her breath.

Linhua sighed. "Maybe…we need to get our minds off those things. Here, let me make you some tea."

The two smiled as they headed back in, although their hearts remained heavy.
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"Problem, sir?" Klubba asked with a smile as he fingered his club.

"It's nothing, soldier." Luffy said as he stared out the window, where he could get a view of the kingdom.

The buildings all over were pale blue, to keep with the sea theme, built mostly out of stone or wood. Surrounding most of the city was a massive wall, designed to keep wild creature and intruders out. The only place not blocked by it was the seaside, which was always busy, which ships going in and out, to travel, ship goods about, or take out other invaders.

"Nothing at all…" Luffy repeated.

"Shiftless bastards!!” He thought to himself. “How did the kingdom come to this? This is all her fault!"

Hun smiled. "Oh, cheer up! Look on the bright side.' He said as they reached the palace gates, while two Skrall guards let them in. "You don't have to be training potential recruits!"

Luffy just looked at the beautiful castle, and boy what a castle it was. It was white and blue in color, constructed of marble and granite, and stained with elaborate glass portraits, which, if viewed from the inside, gave off a dazzling array of color.

"Not only that," added Charming. "You don't have to deal with those noble girls who wish to be in our ranks."

As he said this, the carriage stopped in front of the training grounds. The sound of battle could be heard.

"Speaking of which…" Klubba said as they all departed the vehicle. "Sounds like Nightmare’s busy today."

(Music: Battle Theme, Chrono Trigger)

Sure enough, a large figure, covered in azure armor, was battling three young girls: Saya Otonashi, Noel Vermillion, and Tsubaki Yayoi. One of his arms was heavily mutated, hideous and unnatural, and beneath his helmet, eyes that glowed a hellish red.

The Nightmare indeed.
Nightmare kept his stance while glaring at the girls. "Is that really all you have?" he asked in a mocking tone.

Saya glared, then leapt into the air with her katana. "HI-YAAAAH!" she howled as she plunged down on Nightmare, who blocked it quickly with his Devil Arm.

Saya saw the chance. "Now, Tsubaki!" she called.

Tsubaki charged, her blade Izayoi drawn. "Your wide open!" she said to Nightmare. Nightmare growled, as he grabbed Saya, and swung her at Tsubaki, knocking them both out of the way.

"TAKE THIS!" Noel's voice rang out as a burst from Bolverk hit Nightmare in the chest. After a brief stagger, Nightmare charged and bashed his shoulder against Noel, knocking her to the ground and disarming her. "AH!"

"You're done, fool!" Nightmare snarled as he raised his sword.

"Get away from her, Ni-!" Tsubaki charged at Nightmare, but he turned and cut her across the torso. She stumbled to the ground, wounded, but not fatal.

But the distraction was enough to allow Saya to leap on his back and stab her blade in his shoulder. "If you like to play rough," she said. "Then it's fair if we do so as well!"

Nightmare suddenly backhanded her hard, knocking her to the ground, stunned. He drew out he sword and glared at her. "My shoulder? Please, that is no fatal spot at all." His eyes narrowed. "You lack the killing intent necessary to be a warrior." He approached her, the blade ready. "Now you shall now the price for your foolish mercy!"

Noel and Tsubaki could only watch in horror as Nightmare prepared to stab Saya with the katana…

(End Music)

…When a dagger flew in and knocked the blade away. Nightmare turned to the intruder. "Ah, Hagi, it seems you are protective of your bride… as always." He hissed.

Hagi, gripping his cello in one hand, smirked. "Not only that, but it's harsh to kill trainees during mere training exercises." He said.

Nightmare laughed. "Bah! These girls are not worthy of being called that. They try so hard to act as fighters that they forget that are mere princesses who don't know anything about combat!"

"That's not true at all!" A young woman, Boa Hancock, came in the yard, her face angry. "I saw the vast potential they all had, and I believe that they can become great warriors! You're just a bully to them."

"Careful, wench!" Nightmare warned. "Lest you wish to have your tongue removed."

It was then that an irritated Luffy entered the yard and stood between Nightmare and Boa. "Enough, Nightmare! I order you, as your superior, to stand down!" As he spoke Charming, Hun, and Klubba raised their eyebrows in amusement.

Nightmare smirked. "Ah, the rubber boy; a mere specialist in hand-to-hand combat. You stand against me even without armor." He gripped his sword. "You think you're a match for me?"

"Is that a challenge?" Luffy asked darkly.

"Luffy, come on." Boa said with concern. "Don't get too rough."

Nightmare just smiled and sheathed his sword. "No, you’re not worth my time or effort. Perhaps someone else can entertain me." He said as Charming and the guards joined him as he walked away. "Farewell, 'sir'…"

Once they were all gone, Boa and Hagi helped their friends up.

"You all right, Saya?" Hagi asked in concern.

"Ugh, yeah!" groaned Saya, holding her shoulder.

Luffy sighed. "Why did I join this stupid guard? I should’ve remained a pirate. I had more honor there than here." He lamented.

"Oh, Luffy." Boa smiled. "You shouldn't be too bitter. You have great leadership potential, unlike that preening peacock. Besides, it would be hard to hunt you down as a pirate."

Luffy smiled. "Heh, that's really nice of ya, Boa."

Before any further discussion could happen, Gresh, a Glatorian, approached them. While he was a member of the guard, he lacked the sheer cruelty of the others, and had high concepts of honor and chivalry. As such, the Skrall militia thought little of him.

He looked over the situation. "What happened here?" he asked.

Noel, bandaging Tsubaki, looked up. "Nightmare is what happened." She responded.

Gresh groaned. "Yeah, should’ve known judging by the looks of the place. So glad he's not lieutenant." He turned to Luffy. "If he had your rank, he'd be unstoppable."

Luffy sighed, "I remember the past, when peace and honor were highly regarded. But now the Queen and her entourage have changed all that. I traveled all around the city, and the people are too afraid to stand up after the past events."

"NO!" Tsubaki cried. She tried to sit up while Noel tended to her wounds. "There has to be a way! So many of our loved ones are suffering because of this! My parents, Noel's parents…"

The memories came back to the group. Noel's and Tsubaki's parents were also members of the royal court. But when the Queen became more of a tyrant, they spoke against her and asked her to stop. She listened, and ‘rewarded’ their bravery by tossing them out of the city. They were left to their fate behind the wall, at the mercy of whatever creatures they came across.

"We just need to think about this," Gresh continued. "And get more on our side."
--------------
Inside the castle, a similar situation was taking place.

(Music, Opera Triangle, Solatorobo)

A high-ranked noble, Palutena, had gathered some of the other maidens of the castle, Schala, Ciel, Rapunzel, Mia, and Elh, into a private room, It seemed to be a mere lesson in etiquette, but they, in fact, were meting to discuss other things.

"Ok, girls,' Palutena began. "You remember why you’re here?" she asked.

"To learn our lessons and have your famous tea?" Schala asked slyly.

Palutena laughed. "Yes, that's what we tell those sycophants." Then she looked serious. "But you know, of course, we're here to discuss the recent happenings around here."

Ciel spoke up. "Yes, I know." She said as she sipped her tea. "I managed to gather various amounts of info on the Queen and her scandals."

"Just like a skilled secretary." Palutena complemented.

Ciel smiled as she continued. "The Queen currently wishes to divert the attention of the public away from her actions via a new subject."

"Which is…?" Rapunzel asked.

"Pirates."

"Pirates? That's a new one." Schala said sarcastically.

"But what do they have to do with anything?" Elh asked.

"In the Queen's eyes, the pirates represent chaos and disorder. They would make a great scapegoat for any problems. As such, she wishes to eliminate them to improve her own public image to the other kingdoms."

"In that case," Mia spoke in. "They would come here and strike deals for protection from them, thus spreading her influence."

"That was a pretty quick observation, Mia." Palutena smiled. "You really are smart."

Mia blushed. "Thank you, Lady Palutena. It's means a lot to hear that from you."

"Oh, come on now." Palutena said. " You both pretty and smart. Sometime I'm surprised you decided to become a priestess."

"Someone has to keep the people enlightened and hopeful, compared to the religious leader, Simon Wales." Mia said as she pulled out some paper.

"Wales? He's never any good!" growled Schala.

"Which brings me to this." Mia responded. "As you know, Wales brainwashes people to believe whatever abomination our scientists, Relius, Mutran, and Merveille, create in their labs is justified." She shuddered. "It still sickens me what Relius did to his own wife!"

Palutena nodded. The three scientists were the greatest and brightest minds known in the kingdom. However, Relius had a complete lack of empathy and compassion, and Mutran was a sadist. Merveille, on the other hand, was just distant.

"Anyways, recently during Wales 'sermon', he mentioned something about a 'Day of Reckoning', which would supposedly change the world." Mia continued. "He says only those faithful the Queen shall be spared."

"So basically," Ciel said. "Wales is trying to win more people over."

"Yes, he is, as always." Mia said. "Yet he seems more intense than before. It’s almost as if…he believes it himself."

Palutena thought for a moment. Father Simon Wales, as she knew, was the head of the Queen's church. A fanatical zealot, he was devoted to the Queen and no one else. Many people followed him, and often they found themselves drawn in simply by his charisma. Mia disliked this; she believed religion should serve to help people with their lives, not serve ones own interests.

Schala looked up. "These two agendas…The Queen is plotting both of them, but what do they have in common?"

Before any further discussion could be made, a frantic, young male voice could be heard outside. "Miss Gothel, I'm sorry, but Lady Palutena has instructed me not to let anyone interrupt her lessons and- HEY! NOT THE WING!!!"

The door burst open and Mother Gothel, an aide to the Queen, stormed in her usual mood: foul, crabby, and unpleasant. Palutena's bodyguard, Pit, came stumbling in, clutching his wing.

Gothel glared at Palutena. "Lady Palutena! I wish to know what you are doing behind these doors!" she growled.

Palutena smiled slyly "Oh, what do you mean? Just as it is your job to teach these young girls academics, it's my job to teach them in etiquette. I was doing such a good job until you burst in quite rudely right past my angel."

Gothel scowled. "Your bravery and looks will only get you so far, Palutena. One day, it’ll catch up with you, especially with someone as close to the Queen as me!"

Rapunzel stood up. "Mother, if you just came to criticize, then I'd suggest you should leave."

Gothel frowned as the girls turned toward her in defense of Palutena. To them, Palutena was always so kind and motherly compared to the strict, praise-hungry Gothel.

Gothel often made no secret of her jealously of Palutena and her relationship with the others. She desired the praise for her own one day, but for now, she just gritted her teeth and stormed off, while Pit resumed his duty by the door.

When Gothel was gone, another female voice spoke next to him. "Little trouble with the advisor today?"

Pit turned to see Nojiko and her lover, Ventor, approach. Pit sighed. "Yeah, she's an awfully pushy type, I'll gave you that."

Ventor turned towards the door. "Miss Palutena speaking with the girls, right?"

Pit nodded. "Yeah, she is." Then whispered. "Discussing the recent going-on's about the kingdom."

Nojiko smirked. "I heard things too. Maybe big things are coming to the kingdom finally."

Ventor looked up. "Question is, for the better…or for the worst?"
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That evening…

Jin Kisaragi strode down the halls of castle, bored and frustrated.

Once again he found himself wandering aimlessly through the area, waiting for anything from the Queen.

He had never really been out into the city into town, not that he was even allowed to. He was, as the Naval Admiral, only allowed to go out to sea on missions.

He stared out a nearby window to collect his thought and look at the town.

He was always wondering what was beyond the borders, beyond the gate. Tsubaki just got worked up over it when it was mentioned, still distraught over her parents.

Jin sighed. He had sided with Neyla for his own reasons, but soon wondered if it was the best choice.

"Tsubaki” he thought. “Someday maybe I can-“

"WHY HELL-OOOOOOO, JINNY!!!!"

Jin nearly had a heart attack when the face of the court jester, Dimentio, came up right in his face. Granted he was sent straight to the floor from the instant jump scare.

"Damn it, Dimentio!" Jin growled. "Would you please stop doing that?"

"Ah, you mustn’t droop like a sun deprived flower!" grinned Dimentio. "You must bathe in the sunshine of joy and grow, Jinny!"

"…Please don't call me that." Sighed Jin, always finding the jester a little…unbalanced.

"Suit yourself, Jin." Dimentio said. "By the way, lemme tell ya a riddle to get your mind off the boring window."

"Fine." Jin grunted, not really pleased with Dimentio.

Dimentio smiled. "So, what goes on 4 legs, then two legs, then three as time goes on?" he asked.

"The Riddle of the Sphinx?" Jin asked incredulously. "How utterly predictable. The answer is a man, who crawls on all fours as a baby, walks on two legs as and adult, and then uses a cane in old age."

"Oh, so close, but no cigar!" chided Dimentio. "The answer is a baby all the time. After you get bored of it crawling on four, cut off its legs so it can walk on hands, then give a stick to crawl around with!"

Jin stared in shock. "By the Kaiju, you're sick!" he turned and stormed off, trying to ignore the crazed laughter of the jester.
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(Music: Villains of a Sort, Kingdom Hearts)

Neyla, Queen of Aquarius, stood on her private balcony, overlooking the city. An expression of cold disgust appeared upon her face.

The city was now hers, which meant nothing more could be taken from it. The other kingdoms – and their resources – wouldn’t fall so easily. It would take some…persuasion to change their minds. The scientists and Simon Wales would be helpful for that, while the other members of the entourage either helped her image, or disposed of any little bugs that dared question her rule.

The tigress' ear twitched when she sensed someone behind her. She turned and gave a dark smile. "Ah, it's you. I was wondering when you were coming to report."

Relius Clover stood there, his mask hiding all emotions as usual. "My Queen, I have some good news for you. Project Cardiac is going according to plan. The prototype is fully functional, and we plan to finish it soon. " He rubbed his chin. "However, we will need some DNA, perhaps from a powerful individual to finish."

"I'm sure we can find someone." Neyla said. "In other news, how is Deus?"

Relius frowned. "That, unfortunately, is going quite slowly. Some of the research seems to just vanish overnight."

Neyla eyes narrowed. "I see, then it seems some rats have yet to be exterminated."

Relius, behind his mask, raised an eyebrow. "Hmm, I guess there are some who are still too foolish or stupid enough to resist us." He mused.

Neyla turned away. "It no longer matters. They won't stand a chance." She straightened up. "Continue the research. Project Dues is to be finished soon if we are to change the world." She smiled. "After all, once the gods are in our hands, who could stop us?"

Relius bowed with a smile, and took his leave. Neyla stared out into the distance, and smiled cruelly.

Little did she know that hope was not far away, in an unexpected form.

(End Music)