"Holy shit, they charge this much for a simple fucking cup of tea?!" Kouhei says reading a menu just handed to him by a vaguely attractive waitress. It was a slightly cloudy day on this random island, somewhere in the south blue. It was a small island, with modern architecture and technology, mostly a rest place for the nearby Marine HQ of the South Blue. Kou loved this island only because the people were so rich and pretentious, so he could tease them endlessly. World Nobles sometimes made appearances, which was actually a big vise. He didn't like the idea of "bowing his head" everytime an asshole Noble decided to walk his way. The sooner he can afford his own island, the better. Being such a popular place, everything had to be way more expensive since it was considered "high quality". This was another vise that Kouhei hated, but put up with.

Today was a good day though. On this day, Kouhei and his First mate decided to go on a little tea date. First off let me explain that this date was in no way romantic, it was strictly two crew members enjoying each other's company. Second, Antoinette Iris Madder, or Iris as Kou would call her, was 13 years old. 13. That's 13 years in prison if you try anything stupid. Kouhei ain't with the bullshit, he enjoys a functioning butthole. Most people would ask "Kouhei why do you have a 13 year old first mate?" And he would respond "Because she can carry around a big ass axe and flex any of you idiots." Which was true, Iris was kinda a beast at a young age, thus why she was accepted into the Marines in the first place. Though she was far too innocent to actually enjoy battle like her ill-mannered Captain.

Scanning over this stupid menu gave Kou somewhat of a headache. The prices were wayyyy too much for simple things like "coffee, tea, brownies". He was hungry, but he also didn't want to pay half his paycheck for a fucking sandwich. "Look here... you guys need to give me some sort of military discount or something, because I shouldn't be paying all this money for fucking finger foods. We defend your lives from pirates and other savages and y'all have us out here paying half a check for a single brownie? Nooooo wayyyy. Get in that kitchen and tell the manager we need 80 percent off our meals or I'm raising hell, and you better not spit in anything because I'll taste it and whoop ever ass in here!" Kouhei says with an unusually angered tone and face. He looks back towards his first mate and smiles.

"Sorry Iris-chan, these people are insane though. How dare they charge all this money for a small amount of food and drinks. We're out there everyday saving the world, and these jerks are trying to rip us off! Naw. I cannot accept that. Order anything though it's on me, as per usual."

The colorful language that had spilled forth from Kouhei's mouth was almost enough to make her chuckle. His complaint on the prices were amusing to her because they both knew what they were getting into upon arrival. " I don't know why this is such a surprised to you. We are preparing to dine in a establishment where these prices are nothing but pocket change to the residents on the island. But I do agree with you, for us who risk our very lives for so very little, one would think these people would show how grateful they were with at least a discount. " flipping the pages of the menu nonchalantly her crimson gaze grew heavy with slight concern at the rising price of each dish and drink. Even for her, growing up would never see this much money spent on such small portions of food. Shaking her head the young ebony haired female closed the menu, her finger going into a slight tapping drum upon the hardcover of the menu.

Lifting her crimson gaze up from the disappointment she found herself meeting with brown hued orbs. Many men, many marines in general saw potential in her but they also saw a little girl and didn't give her nearly half the respect that Kouhei did. She was forever in his debt for taking her under his wing and making her his first mate, a position most would never make without a bond of some sort to the captain. This was the only man she could fully place her trust in and for her he was like the big brother she never had and always wanted. " Ah no need to apologize. I understand the injustice done to us and my feelings on the matter reflect yours like a mirror. But let's try to refrain from harming these people my Captain. As far as what I would like, I suppose I could go for the grilled Salmon, steamed vegetables lightly salted please, white rice with a cup of chilled jasmine tea. Ah! And to cure this aching sweet tooth a chocolate mousse. Please and thank you. "

Closing the menu she pushed it towards the waitress, smiling sweetly and thanking her before placing her attention back to her Captain. Looking at him he was indeed a handsome man but she didn't care for his smoking habit,  though his scent was now a familiar thing to her and she found it comforting. The man's ruby locks are what she found most enjoyable to look at as it fell in a messy heap that framed his face well, truth be told if she were a tad older and interested in men he would be her first choice as far as that goes.

"This hat is starting to get itchy." Kouhei says, taking it off and adjusting it. His "Marine" hat was different from the usual blue and white cap, his was black and white, with the word "Marine" being white. Really the cap was the only thing about him that showed he was a marine. He had on an all black t-shirt with white pants and black gymshoes. His lack of color wasn't necessarily his style, just the most comfortable he felt in at the moment. Cigarette smoke laced his clothing with that stale smell, one that his body spray can't really mask. Thankfully, gum can hide the smell of his cancer sticks, otherwise he'd have to talk with his hand over his mouth. Kouhei chews quietly as to not annoy Iris, scanning the room as he waits for her to make an order.  

"I don't know why this is such a surprised to you. We are preparing to dine in a establishment where these prices are nothing but pocket change to the residents on the island. But I do agree with you, for us who risk our very lives for so very little, one would think these people would show how grateful they were with at least a discount."

"I know right?! These people have all this money and instead of helping us out, they choose to be selfish. Like I know one of these rich people can pay for our meal at least or something... I have a government wage like... I'm barely making ends meet!"

Iris and Kouhei's relationship was one of interest. She was both like his younger sister, yet partner in crime. On one hand he was teaching her many things about the world and the military, but on the other hand she kept him safe when he leaves himself exposed towards harm. Kouhei learns just as much from Iris and vise versa, since he himself isn't all that much older than her.

"Ah no need to apologize. I understand the injustice done to us and my feelings on the matter reflect yours like a mirror. But let's try to refrain from harming these people my Captain. As far as what I would like, I suppose I could go for the grilled Salmon, steamed vegetables lightly salted please, white rice with a cup of chilled jasmine tea. Ah! And to cure this aching sweet tooth a chocolate mousse. Please and thank you. "

He looks at the menu one final time before handing it back to the woman and ordering.

"I'll take a lemonade and a burger I guess... this is the weirdest coffee shop I just want to state this. Like... who has burgers in a- just..." he shakes his head and looks away, confused yet hungry. He notices the other patrons are all wearing expensive looking clothing, just giggling away to useless conversations. So much peace they have, while just last week Kouhei had to arrest a man who was forced to become a pirate to feed his family. Such is the way of the world.

"Iris are you happy being a Marine?" Kouhei asks, looking her in the eyes. "Do you think we're doing a good job? Because a lot of the island I've visited hate us, they curse our names. We're constantly protecting a corrupt government and even more corrupt..." he stops and gets closer so he can whisper "World Nobles. Those people are insane, I've witnessed first hand the cruelty they can inflict on others for no reason other than boredom. How can we stand for this and call ourselves the heroes?!" he asks, curious about her answer.

With their orders taken and the two alone Antoinette could focus all of her attention on Kouhei, or more so than she already was.  With a nod of her head to show her agreement on his statements she began to take note of the patrons. They wore clothes that she was sure would cost most people an arm and a leg and. Antoinette understood fashion but the beli people would spend on the clothes these people wore were just plain unreasonable. As the young girl thought these things she noticed her captain had removed his hat. It pleased her that he didn't conform to the clothing restrictions placed on marines and for the most part neither did she. The only reason she got away with wearing what she wanted in the ranks was because she didn't give a damn about the punishment she would receive, that or its because her captain was protecting her ass on that front.

Her attire was something most raised eyebrows about. Antoinette grew up in a lavished lifestyle before her family went missing. She wore dresses and skirts with frills like some of the females that dined here. Nowadays though her color choices have darkened and she has found herself attracted to the " Gothic lolita " styles clothing. Today reflected her taste as she donned a red and black dress that fell just above her knees, the dress itself looked intricate with ribbons and frills here and there but not so much to distract the dress itself. Her legs were covered with dark stockings and she wore red boots. Most of her skin covered with slivers shown mostly at her upper thighs, neck, and upper arms. Her dark locks fell in its usual style with a large black and red bow atop her head. Some would call her cute, adorable, sweet and that's exactly what she wanted to be seen as. Unsuspecting she was still classified as a killer and most people shat there pants when they saw her wield a axe twice her size. It entertained her more than anything too seen those surprised reactions.

"Iris are you happy being a Marine?" Do you think we're doing a good job? Because a lot of the island I've visited hate us, they curse our names. We're constantly protecting a corrupt government and even more corrupt.. World Nobles. Those people are insane, I've witnessed first hand the cruelty they can inflict on others for no reason other than boredom. How can we stand for this and call ourselves the heroes?!"

A passive smile continue to play on the young girl's face. Her crimson eyes looking deeply into her Captain's. She would have never thought to answer a question like that and in her short years of living she could only be naive... If she didn't know what he was talking about. Corrupt can't even describe the horrors she has seen, the horrors her father was made to commit for those same nobles because he was a marine. She saw things, things that would keep her up at night but being hardened by events those same things put her to sleep. She could remember vividly one memory that would haunt her to this day. She had to be eight years old when her father was on duty she was with him. The nobles he was protecting gave him an order, one that even as she stood there she was made to watch so she could understand the full extent of the things she might have to do as a Marine. These nobles had many slaves but one was extremely beautiful, she was also a mermaid. Her father was ordered to slice off the poor girl's scales because the nobles wanted too see if there were legs and feet underneath it all. Her screams brought the nobles laughter and her blood sent them into a frenzy. At the end they were disappointed to see that there were no legs just blood and muscle. The mermaid however didn't die from the ordeal but it sent her body into shock and this wasn't even the worst part. Once those nobles were satisfied  with there answer they threw the girl into a pit with no water and had her eaten alive by pigs. This act pulled her from shock and when she awoke one of the nobles were so bold as to have her beheaded just so he could skull fuck her while the pigs were allowed to continue to devour her body. Yes, she knew how deprived those people she served were and as an answer formed in her mind she found herself picking carefully what she let from her mouth.

" Captain, my Captain. We are pawns. We are not heroes... Nor villains... We move according to the rules and the only time we are allowed to move outside of those rules are when we are given an order by those who move our piece. We are called many things by many people. To some we are good, to others we are bad. We each have our reasons as to why we joined the marines and when we are allowed freedoms to use that title we do so as we see fit, but at the end of the day we all have to answer to someone.. Some of us more than others. To answer your first question, I'm not happy being a marine, I've become one because of certain circumstances. But I do my job willingly because in the end it furthers the goals I must achieve.. Though being a marine is not all bad, I met you didn't I?."

As she finished her last sentence she could see the waitress approaching their table. The woman was taller than she with blond hair and violet eyes. She was easy on the eyes and moved with a hypnotic switch. It was clear she was interested in Kouhei as she placed the orders down she gave him a quick wink and slyly dropped a napkin in his lap. Antoinette couldn't help but notice the lack discretion in the woman's actions and felt a twinge of disrespect. There was at this point many ways to approach a situation like this but Antoinette was a very civilized young woman. " Excuse me miss? I couldn't help but notice that another table is seeking you out, it would be best to see to them.. We are good here thank you. " Her voice was light yet stern and the waitress obviously knowing what it mean to have people like these waiting quickly took off. Smirking mischievously, Antoinette took a sip of her tea, savoring its flavor.

"Captain, my Captain. We are pawns. We are not heroes... Nor villains... We move according to the rules and the only time we are allowed to move outside of those rules are when we are given an order by those who move our piece. We are called many things by many people. To some we are good, to others we are bad. We each have our reasons as to why we joined the marines and when we are allowed freedoms to use that title we do so as we see fit, but at the end of the day we all have to answer to someone.. Some of us more than others. To answer your first question, I'm not happy being a marine, I've become one because of certain circumstances. But I do my job willingly because in the end it furthers the goals I must achieve.. Though being a marine is not all bad, I met you didn't I?."

Kouhei places his elbows on the table and folds his hands together almost as if saying a prayer, then rest his nose in his knuckles. He was obviously deep in thought, not really paying attention to his surroundings anymore. She made a valid point, one that basically explained the problems he had with his profession and choices for a while. Truthfully the only reason the man joined the marines was to get out of going to jail, he was lucky enough to have family in the military to keep him away from that lifestyle. But now he was regretting not just spending time in the slammers, because at most he would have gotten a couple of months and community service, maybe weeks with good behavior. Being at the whim of someone or something you disagree with is enough to break a person, it takes away who you are and replaces it with a puppet. Kouhei hated these strings, and wished to snip them... but he couldn't. This was his job now and he had already invested so much time and effort into becoming good at it.

The waitress returns and tries to flirt, but Iris quickly shoos her off, with makes Kou chuckle a bit. While this waitress was indeed cute, there's no way he'd flirt with her in front of Iris, it would just be bad manners. Even though Iris wasn't his girlfriend, wife or lover, it's just rude to give another women attention whilst still in a woman's presence. Also he could tell Iris was a little protective of her captain, which was understandable considering their relationship. He sips his water and sets it down, then getting up.

"I'll be right back Iris, I'm taking a smoke break."

Kou says, then kissing the girl on the top of her head. Both hands are placed in his pocket as he strolls outside, looking for someplace chill to smoke. He finds a little bench not very far from the shop and pulls out a single cigarette. It's then lit, with the man inhaling and blowing out smoke. The thought of all the atrocities he may one day have to preform cannot be shook from his mind, causing him to place his elbows on his knees and put his face in his hands. Rubbing his eyes, he thinks about what it means to be a hero and if he can maintain his childlike dream of being one.

"... What should I do?" he ponders aloud. The cigarette's flaming end burns off a bit, with cinders hitting his shoe. He sees this and wipes off the ash, fixing himself in his seat and taking another puff.

She didn't know if her answer satisifed him but she could see it made some sort of impression. Watching him shift into a position that looked as if he was in deep thought, Antoinette began to eat her meal. It didn't take long before he responded to her, but the response wasn't to her answer it was to his own addiction. A light sigh escaped her lips as she felt a kiss on her head. " Very well.. " as stated before she didn't care for his smoking but she didn't stop him either. She wasn't one to berate or try to force people to stop what they did. She already told him how bad the deed was and all in all it was really up to him if he wanted to stop or not.

Now alone at her seat she continued to enjoy her meal. The question presented itself into her mins once more and lingered there for a moment. If she didn't need the Marines she wouldn't have become one. She thought of her sister and wondered why she still choose to become one herself after seeing the things she would be made to do. The thought of her missing family left a bad taste in her mouth and the meal lost all it's flavor. Even though the higher ups said that they were looking for them she knew better. They didn't want to look to them her whole family including her was expendable. She grew angry at the thought and her face shifted slightly where her smile no longer played on her lips.

The fact of the matter was Antoinette didn't know if her family was alive or not. She didn't know what her next move would be if she found out the latter. She was still a child and right now considered an orphan until her parents showed up. She wasn't completely alone in this world but the thought of her family nearly ripped her up so badly inside she was becoming desperate enough to throw her freedom away to join the marines so that she could look for them. In the Marines she had information and resources something she couldn't turn down in this search. She had to utilize everything given to her to hunt down those pirates. Lost in her thoughts she went back to sipping her cooled tea until her captain returned. She wanted to leave this island, there was far too much to do now.