Marlo went to sleep after getting patched up from his first mission, his swords were beside his bed as he slept. He thought to himself “This bed feels a lot better than the ones that they give at the prison, well that should go without saying.” Marlo said as he drifted off into a slumber
In his sleep he dreamt of something again, this time it was some landscape...grass plains maybe? Again Marlo woke up to being shaked this time by the guy who helped him escape prison. “Oi, we need you to wake up and get dressed, you will be meeting someone very soon.” He said walking out of the room. Marlo was getting ready and taking his swords when he noticed that they were somewhere different, where could they be though? Upon exiting his dorm he would be met with the captain that would give him instructions to head to a specific location on “Karate Island”. This was Marlo’s first time hearing of this island, but was a little eager to see who he would be meeting. Hopefully this person was strong in battle, he needed someone who could guide him through tough times. Finally leaving the ship he began to walk until he seen grass plains, “This reminds me of something.” He said as he kept walking to a tree. This is when he seen a figure, a man to be exact, the man had smoke floating out of his mouth from a burnt rolled up paper known as a cigarette. “Are you the one I was supposed to meet with.” Marlo said holding his hand out awaiting a firm shake.

It was rather unusual for Elise to receive a letter, so when a mysterious courier arrived at the dojo and refused to hand over the message until he saw her in person... Elise knew that there was something odd about it. The young woman had informed the residents of the dojo that she would be out for a few hours, and fortunately none considered it necessary to ask questions, as long as she returned in time for training.

Of course she had kept on her dojo outfit, in the end it allowed her to blend with the martial artists more easily, in the end people were less likely to her when she didn't have that obvious air of an outsider around her.

The letter didn't explain much, aside from the fact she was summoned to a nearby plain that aside from one tree at its highest elevation had little to be considered noteworthy. In fact she was surprised the letter had summoned her to this location. Certainly, it was close to impossible to approach the spot without being noticed, but at the same time seclusion wasn't that perfect either.

After a light jog Elise arrived at the tree, noticing that shortly before her arrival at the aforementioned tree, and a mysterious stranger who seemed to be waiting for something, another person had arrived moments earlier. The younger male of the duo seemingly was addressing the other man, and judging from his words was also summoned here.

How peculiar... It was rare for someone to know her, or take interest in her per-say. Not only way she an outsider, but she rarely mingled with anyone aside from her fellow members of the Ryuujin no Budo. Those who knew her must had been involved with her aunt what meant... A cursory glance at the older male easily told her he was not a member of her aunt's crew. Having been with them for thirteen years made that rather easy to notice. That meant there was only one remaining possibility left. This stranger was a member of the same organization as her aunt. Those individuals who fought for a new dawn upon the world, to create a revolution that would wipe out the corrupted and vile World Government.

"I apologize in the delay of my arrival. It took some effort to decline all the spar requests from other dojo students on my way here. However, you clearly aren't my 'handler' nor one of her subordinates so I assume that you're one of her acquaintances?"

Of course she didn't want to reveal her aunt's identity that quickly, since she was still slightly suspicious about this entire meeting. Who was this man who seemingly possessed knowledge about her name, and possibly even her identity? All those questions were more than enough to give her the right to be suspicious!

Providing the younger of the duo a greeting in the form of a polite nod of her head she turned her gaze back at the man she had been addressing, hoping to obtain some form of answers.

Cedric was sitting outside of one of the tea houses of Karate Island with a hot cup of black tea when he was approached by a courier. The courier was somewhat reluctant to hand off the letter to him, probably because of Cedric's unusual fishman appearance. After receiving the message, the courier quickly left to get onto whatever other business that they had. It appeared Cedric's presence was being requested at another location on the island. Cedric quickly finished his cup of tea before rising from his chair and pocketing the message. Cedric pulled his grey cloak from the back of his chair and put it on. He wore it open over top a dark yellow, sleeveless, martial arts top with dark red trim. With a dark grey set of pants cutting off at his shins. All tied off at his waist with an orange sash. And today on his head he wore a faded blue bandana.

Cedric had come to the island to do a little training. He was hoping he might find some other Fishman martial arts practitioners there, but it seemed he was on his own. So he had been doing some training on his own trying to develop some techniques he wasn't quite completely confident with using quite yet. He figured he might be able to take a break to see what this business with the letter was about. He headed towards the specified area mentioned in the letter, lumbering through the town at his six foot seven height. He was curious what it was someone might want with him. He had a couple ideas, more negative than positive, but as a fishman, it was generally a good idea to keep his wits about him.

It took him a little bit to get out to the specified area, but he managed to make it to a grassy plain area. The plain was very clear outside of a lone tree out in the vast green, where appeared the be a small gathering of other people. Cedric started walking out towards the tree and other people, and in short time joined the others that were already there. Two males and a female were gathered about the tree. The female appeared to be a martial arts practitioner as well, while the other two looked to be sword wielders. "One of you is the sender of the message?" Cedric asked. "What's the business of this" He paused, looking around at the others. "gathering?" He asked.

Marlo noticing someone appearing from the distance concentrated his vision, it was a female who had a muscular build to her. He could tell she was a martial artist, all the muscles were developed needed for combat plus, her dojo uniform was still on which was an obvious give away. Once she nodded her head he did the same to show respect as a fighter, next to come was a fishman that also looked to be very adept in martial arts. Marlo began to wonder how well he would fail against each one of these fighters, but he knew for sure he wasn’t ready to take on the man smoking the cigarette. Once the fishman got close enough for us to comfortably hear him, Marlo was silent seeing as though the questions weren’t for him nor did he know. He looked back at the man that has now flicked his cigarette and began to speak. After giving his speech he understood that he should introduce himself. “I’m Marlo and I am a Nitoryuu specialist, I would be happy to spar any of you as long as I can gain from it. Do not get me wrong, we are comrades and I will happily put my life on the line for each and everyone one of you here, but I must know that you have something that is worth living for.” Marlo said all of this with a completely straight face not scared of embarrassment or anything of that nature, he knew he had to repay the revolutionary army for what they did for him and his dad. "Oh, and as you can tell, my answer is yes."

Despite Lucas his speech Elise was not one to give her response as quickly as the young swordsman called Marlo did. Her eyebrows furrowed into a frown, a clear look of consideration in her eyes. Margaret rarely spoke about the Revolutionists and their goal, in the end she was even secretive about them. The only thing she did mention was that their desire to bring a new dawn, a revolution would align with Elise's own desires. However, Lucas was declaring that he wanted to create the strongest faction within this organization, an 'army' as he described it. The term didn't sit well with Elise. He was making it sound like he was doing a recruitment speech, but instead of looking for partners and companions he was searching for subordinates.

Was this how every Revolutionist was? No, she doubted it. Her aunt was one, and her subordinates were more like family rather than disposable pawns. It seemed that after Marlo finished speaking that she decided to speak, and while her eyes sharpened into a look of determination her voice clearly carried itself with confidence.

"My name is Elise. Although I appreciate Marlo's sentiments I'm not going to blindly follow someone because they ask me to. Although you carry yourself with the confidence of a trained warrior, you have yet to provide me with any reason why I should follow you. My only reason for being here is because the Revolution we all seek aligns with the desire I hold: the destruction of the corrupted and vile World Government and those wicked and cruel followers of their dogma."

She paused for a moment, her gaze shifting from Lucas to Marlo and the Fishman that had arrived after her, and soon resumed her response.

"Nevertheless, as long as your actions don't oppose the 'dawn' that I desire you can expect my aid. As a companion, but not as a servant..."

Her eyes narrowed briefly at the last word, recalling how she had sworn that she would never let such chains bind her again. She might had been someone who supported the revolutionists their goals, but she wasn't going to become one of their mindless rank and file members who simply nodded their head and blindly obeyed any order. Being a lapdog was something the Marines already had going for them.

"I guess that means I'll pick the hidden third choice: Maybe."

No, the scion of the Drachenberg wasn't going to become someone's servant! Perhaps a companion might had been a choice she could accept, but to her Lucas his wording made it sound like he was searching for subordinates rather than companions.

"Perhaps I shall take you up on that offer for a spar someday Marlo, it would be interesting to test the strength of the Dragon's grip against that of a swordsman."

With a brief smile emerging on her lips she finally turned her focus back onto Lucas, waiting to see if he had anything else left to say.

Cedric stood by, arms crossed, sturdy as a tree as the man who had been sitting against the tree stood up and orated his reason for gathering him and his other two there. The silver haired man continued on explaining that he'd been informed by some higher up revolutionaries of their presence on the island, and had been instructed to meet with them. This was something that Cedric hadn't been informed of when he'd given his intentions of coming to this island. Lucas, as the silver haired man had introduced himself, proposed that they join together to create a new faction of the revolution army.

Cedric listened as the white haired man, Marlo, voiced his status on the matter. He had acknowledged them all as able fighters, and offered to spar each of them so long as he gained from it. He had given a yes to joining up. Cedric wasn't to keen on taking up Marlo's offer to spar. He wasn't one for violence, even if it was for sport. He'd rather see each of their true faces in combat when it matters.
   
The woman was more cautious on the matter. Her eyes seemed to get more serious as she began to talk, she explained that she would need further evidence that this Lucas was someone who was worthy of the title leader, or at least for her. She said something about goals to destroy the World Government and their followers, which was a point that piqued his interest. She put herself down as a maybe. He felt a little more likemindedness with her and the points that she had made.

So then he guessed it was his turn. Cedric closed his eyes and took a deep breath before speaking up. "I am Cedric." He started. " I will have to say that I am in the same boat as miss Elise. While I am sure you are a fully capable soldier and leader. My trust will have to be earned." He said. "I hope you'll forgive my hesitation, but I know too well where lack of caution can lead someone of my kind." He said. He looked around at the rest of the group. "I am not saying no to your offer. I too have a motivation for toppling the World Government from its high horse position and putting to death it's sick and underhanded operations." He said clenching his fists. It was the reason he had decided to train for all those years " However I will need proof that you are someone worthy of my trust." He focused his attention on to Lucas. " So, besides our common goal, why should I lend you my trust?"

Marlo waited till everyone gave their speech of introduction and it seemed that the other two didn’t feel the same way that he did about joining the crew. Honestly he wondered what they would be able to do if they didn’t take this chance? how long would it take them to reach their goal if they don’t take this chance? All of these questions popped up into Marlo’s head as he tried to figure out a logical reasoning to why they would decline, was there really a reason not to want to join. Besides the fact that the man could have some sort of mysterious agenda. The chances of that being true was slim to none so Marlo had nothing to worry about and knew he had made the right decision, but he wondered if the other two were. It was a few more moments of internal struggle before Marlo heard the man begin to speak. After a few words being spoken he revealed that he had wings, Marlo did not know what this meant, but it was explained right after. “A skypean? Must be another race.” Marlo deduced in his head. It seemed that bit was for the fishman who thought he didn’t belong with us “humans” but one thing that he didn’t understand is once you’re in the revolutionary army there is no such thing as discrimination.

If this had worked the only other person he would have to get on the squad was the lady in the dojo gear. He stated that we were all essential parts to the crew and weren’t expendable by any means, this is the concern that the female had, which should have now been cleared up if she chose to believe his words. If all of this had worked out Marlo wondered what would be the next step that would be assigned to them as the gathering seemed to be pretty important. “Interesting.” Marlo said to himself thinking about all the possible ways he could train and the people he could spar with on the daily basis to get strength, it was pretty exciting to think about for Marlo. He knew not what words to say in order to help the man in getting these two on his side so he decided to keep his mouth shut and wait for their rebudle in the matter.

Cedric seemed to had voiced exactly the same concerns as herself. Trust was something that needed to be earned, and although words did have their use, she was one who believed a person's intentions were best shown through action. Cedric's concern about his identity as a Fishman made sense, especially with the tensions between humans and those of other species, but in the end the young woman understood his concern just as well as Lucas did. Speaking about Lucas, the revelation of his wings caused Elise's eyes to focus onto the wings for a moment, while she silently considered something.

"You do not have to concern yourself with your identity as someone from a different race Cedric."

She paused for a moment, her gaze sharpening as if she was gathering some form of determination when she finally continued speaking.

"Those who judge people by their origins or status are petty. It's their deeds and actions that judge their worth. Nevertheless, it also brings me back to my earlier point. Although I will lend you my aid Lucas, my trust shall have to be earned through actions and not words alone, no matter how noble they might sound."

She had finished her response, her gaze briefly wandering around the scenery. Perhaps she could at least over them the benefit of doubt. Turning back to the group she spoke once more, a brief smile lingering on her lips.

"Yet your efforts shall not go unnoticed. I'll trust you at least enough to offer you my full name: Elise V. Drachenberg."

To those who knew a bit of history the name would likely stir some reaction. In the end the Drachenberg held some renown to their name. A family who came from an island of the Grand-Line said to be protected by a mystical creature, to the point that they called them 'Children of the Dragon'. But even more known was the fact that the Drachenberg were among those who betrayed the Pirate King during the first Great Pirate War. However, those days only a handful of them were left, some secretly part of the Revolutionists, and others had disappeared like Elise did.

And then there was the Will of V. Some said those individuals were like a goddess of war, ensuring that those who earned the approval and aid of those individuals would find victory being always in their grasp. Of course some whispers also said about how those who had the Will of V were caused of turmoil and conflict. Avatars of violence who only brought strife and chaos. Would Elise become a blessing or a curse to Lucas' his ambitions?

"So tell me Lucas, what is your angle here? What would you wish to do with the power you could obtain from gathering like-minded individuals? To gather power usually has a purpose, and from what I been told the Revolution is not yet at hand, what makes me wonder why you'd seek the aid of others... Consider myself intrigued and possibly interested."

Cedric looked on towards Lucas as he made a comment about not trusting someone of the same mindset. He watched as Lucas removed his jacket, revealing wings on his back. The silver haired man then explained that he was also one who was not completely accepted by many of the human race. "Forgive me. The anonymous nature of the message gave me cause to exercise caution." Cedric said. He listened further as Lucas addressed Elise's concern of not being held as an equal. Lucas assured them that they would all be held in equal standing within the faction. Then he assured them that if they teamed up with him that he would have their backs. With Lucas' secret of his race laid bare, Cedric felt that Lucas' words held a little more stock with him now.

Then Elise spoke up once more, elaborating off of Lucas's point that they would each be respected no matter what race they were. She then voiced that she would join the faction, but would require evidence before fully lending her trust to them. In an effort to give them reason to trust her, she gave them her full name. Drachenberg, had been a name he had heard every now and then while he was training with Mairo and the other revolutionaries. He couldn't remember if that person had ever visited or not, but he remembered the name. "I'd heard mention of that name several times when I was training for the organization under my mentor." He said.

The displays that the others had given as to their commitment to forming this group, had persuaded him towards making his decision." With consideration." He started."I will also join on." He said. "Then I guess it's my turn." He said with a suddenly more sullen and serious tone, removing his grey cloak. "As a gesture towards gaining your trust." He said walking over towards the tree and placing the cloak on a branch. "I shall show you all this..." He said untying the knot, and letting his yellow top hang open. He pulled back the right side to reveal, amidst his red colored skin, the branded mark on his chest. " Though the original mark may be covered up. But this serves as my reminder for why I trained to be strong and why I fight our fight." He said.

Many in the revolution knew that this mark was one of the marks used to cover up the Hoof of the Soaring Dragon that the celestial dragons used to mark their slaves. This might make the reason for his earlier caution more clear. And the fact that he was baring this mark to them, should show them how serious he was on the matter. "I will likewise commit my strength and ability towards this team and cause." He said. Then he also was interested and waiting to hear what it was Lucas' plan was for this gathering of people into a team.

"Well then, I hope to see you all in the future. Hopefully stronger than you are now of course. As a team...no a faction we shall become strong, but for now I must take care of some things dealing with my missions. I will see you all later and nice meeting you all." marlo would begin to walk off and head back to his ship where he would walk into the captain's office. "So, did you know about this encounter or? I didn't think I would be leaving this ship so early, but I guess it's time to let the little bird fly huh?" Marlo looked at the captain. "Yes, we had you on a strict program, but you do have a few more missions with us before you leave so don't get to attached during those times. Plus, it's not like we will never see you again, you can visit whenever you have down time, of course it will be to do some training so be prepared. Usually around this time I would mention that you should be careful with your emotions and actions, but it seems like you have already came equipped with that stuff. As for now you should go rest, an important mission is coming up for you." The captain then signaled his leave and Marlo went to go reflect on the day as he usually did.