Actually.

Since this topic is gonna be a mess and my own argument has potential holes in it and I can see Laos point.

I will justly Recuse myself from this topic good day sirs ignore my entire Post pretty much.

(So i will be posting as if Nat never entered, malik has been shot, and Lao has entered, let's get this topic on the road  )

The two shots fired in quick succession of one another aiming for both of the pirates knees would connect just as easy as the first three had. The pirate would indeed be unable to walk let alone finish the fight which wasn't much of a fight at all by Davern's standards. His cold demeanor dissipated as he glanced over at the ensign whom was a few feet away from the soon to be collapsed pirate. Condolences were momentarily felt for this lost comrade but then his attention was shifted back to the pirate. Given the amount of gunshot wounds blood loss was inevitable but death wasn't necessarily ensured unless he were to remain without medical attention.  All in all the Marine Lieutenant Davern had thus far succeed in his current mission of protecting the strange fruit which lay roughly fifteen meters from his current position beyond the now or soon to be incapacitated pirate and on the ground oh so casually.

It was quiet the gunshot which had previously echoed had generated a stir in nature, birds scattering, a few more sounds coming from the lake but then seconds after, all sounds ended as if the world around Davern and the marine had ceased to exist. Up until the Marine Lieutenant would hear the scraping of feet lightly on the ground, only because it was so damn quiet. He'd look back casually to where the sound was generated from and would see an older man standing easily over six feet with blood stained hands. Davern knew not the affiliation of this older gentleman however whatever faction he belonged too if any it definitely wasn't the marines since Davern was not quite familiar with the man in the slightest.

All he knew was it was his job to protect the fruit that stood before him albeit fifteen meters away, so as the man would start to speak the Marine Lieutenant would seemingly disappear to those who couldn't track his speeds and move towards the fruit which was his duty to protect, he had no intentions of consuming the accursed fruit as he knew all to well about what devil fruits could do to a man and had no intentions of having those abilities bestowed upon him despite how strong he could become. He was a man of justice, his only intention to bring evil do-ers to justice like the pirate that lay on the floor previously in front of Davern. Davern would have traveled the fifteen meters distance in at the most a couple seconds being certain not to let the body of the pirate get in his away completely avoiding it during his travel to the fruit.

Upon clearing of the distance between him and the fruit he'd swiftly scoop the fruit up with his free hand when within distance of the fruit. He'd look back at where he saw the man last behind him, if he hadn't moved, he'd be twenty five meters away, immediately upon picking up the fruit and if the old man was still talking would allow the man to finish before saying

"Oh this fruit, this belongs to the marines, what is your business with it?"

His body facing front but his head still looking back at the man behind him twenty five meters back. However should the man had made any sudden movements that Davern deemed hostile or made any advances Davern would still have made advances for the fruit but would say nothing and react accordingly to the situation.

Stamina:

The young brave warrior of a pirate sat on the ground with his injured knees after he had been shot. He tried his utmost effort to dodge such attacks, but in the end, he supposed he wasn't fast enough to evade the speed of a moving bullet. He had to guess that he should have known of this outcome. However, he chose not to. All that he could think about was his friend and their family. All he he had on his mind was to honor what Zatania had desired for a while now. Ever since her grandfather died, the power he had had finally resurfaced. Now that he was her, so close to the fruit, it slips out of his hands. All because he wasn't prepared or even strong enough to evade the gunshots the marine lieutenant had blasted at him. At this moment, he can not even stand. Not while he had gunshot wounds in his knees. He will definitely need help getting the bullets out of his body. He was certain he wasn't going to die. He was a strong-willed child and the wounds weren't that serious to begin with. He was thankful he could survive this pain. He was not going down that easily. He was going to come back alive to Zatania no matter what. Even if he didn't acquired the Sand-Sand Fruit, like she hoped, it would seem that coming back to here alive would be better. Seeing a close friend of her dead when he would willing risk his life for her sake along with the will his great and uncle and her grandfather left behind will most likely haunt her for the rest of her life. It was something that of the traumatic sense. He couldn't do that to her. Even if he was willing to die, it wouldn't sit well with him in the afterlife, knowing full-well would it would do to her when she would find out on what happened to him. Hearing that one of your friends had died while knowing you had something to do will it was overwhelming. The pain of losing someone you care for, the agony of realizing that part of it was your fault, it could prove devastating. That is why he cannot die, he had to live, even if it meant being sent back to jail again. Wherever they hid that Devil Fruit, he will most surely find it. It will be highly difficult, but he was a stubborn child, never knowing when to give up.

"Looks like I lose again. It's the same with the ensign, Steele." He thought in the recesses of his own mind as he sat on the ground a total of fifteen meters away from his enemy. He inhaled slightly, then let out a small, inaudible sigh at the fact that he was defeated. It wasn't even much of a battle to begin with as all the man did was shoot him with a gun, not even lifting a muscle to throw a punch other than to pull the trigger of his weapon that was within his left hand. It was slightly irritating that it was all the marine used to stop the boy. He wanted this battle to be a fair fight. Of course, when it came to some pirates, he knew there was little to no chance at fairness while in battle. As such, the lieutenant probably suspected that the boy would try any tactics of the same category. He wasn't a cheater or evil in the slightest. He didn't even killed anyone of the soldiers. He simply knocked everyone of them out and guided them to a safe place. This soldier obviously didn't see the boy that way from his own perspective. It was obvious he considered the teen just as much dangerous as the pirates. While he was a deadly foe when up close, hr refrains from causing unwanted injury and tries to show mercy where it is due. It was seem his opponent believes in a philosophy that marines were bringers of justice while pirates were bringers of pain and suffering. It seemed, like an appropriate ideal to live by and from where the man was aiming his gun, he had seemed to be showing mercy of his own kind. The fact that he was alive was proof enough. Unfortunately, it was going to be a little while before he can walk again as well as stand. The pain will quickly subside when the bullets are removed fro his system. At this very moment, while currently immobilized due to his wounds he had suffered earlier, Malik noticed another man behind the marine lieutenant. This adult seemed elderly, but from a closer inspection, if he could try, he could see power within the eyes of this person. He wonders what someone such as him was doing here to begin with. From the attire he was wearing, it was obvious he wasn't with the marines, which is quite thankful of. He knows within his soul that he is not at the level to challenge two lieutenant by himself, especially if they have guns. A battle such as that would be over before it began a long time ago. He confident, but not arrogant.

"This man, I wonder who he is. He is not a marine. Is he a pirate. I have never seen someone, like him before. Whoever this man was, it would seem the situation has had a turn of events." The young fighter thought, wanting to know more about the mysterious figure, who stood behind the marine lieutenant. The boy noticed that the elderly man began to speak. As he did, the lieutenant began to move at blindly speeds. It was similar to Malik's own speed as he was a prodigy in martial arts and could move faster than ordinary human beings, so of course he could see where the man was going in the first place. Where he was going was towards the Devil Fruit he worked so hard to get. It easily sat fifteen meters away, which didn't seemed to be a problem as the teenager witnessed the soldier easily close the distance between him and the aforementioned object. It only took the lieutenant a few seconds just to get to where he was now. The child also noticed that the man was able to avoid his injured body, easily moving around him in a flash. The boy had to admit, that was impressive speed he had just saw. It is either equal to or greater than compared to his own. That certain aspect of the marine' prowess in battle would certainly made his battle with him up close much more difficult. Though, considering the difficulty of dodging speeding bullets, it would be relatively easier to dodge and survive physical blows from the soldier hands and feet. He could easily fight with broken bones, bruises, and fractured ribs, but gunshots are a completely different story. The teen saw the lieutenant easily grabbed the Sand-Sand Fruit and held it firmly within his hand. He wished he could walk, but unfortunately, his wounds made it highly agonizing to try. He could barely stand, but he could at least try and manage to stand up. He has enhanced strength, so he should be able to stand, even with seriously injured legs, but only for so long. He can still feel the stinging sensation deep within his kneecaps. He needed a doctor and he needed one now. He was starting to get annoyed by this nagging pain deep within his flesh. Knowing he can hardly stop the marine the way he was now, Malik quickly turned his gaze towards the elderly man before him a good distance away. Looking at his hands, he could see that they were stained with blood. He wonders what had happened to put them into such a condition. He can only expect it to be "bloody". The adolescent warrior chose to close listened from where he sat as he heard the figure ask about who had claimed the Devil Fruit with the lieutenant replying that it now belongs to the Government. The marine then, went on to ask what was the man's business for being here and why he was curious about the Devil Fruit as well.

"Why is he here and why is he so interested in the Sand-Sand Fruit. Does he want to claim it for himself and eat. Does he know anything about a Devil Fruit. Once you eat one and gain the powers within said fruit, the person losing their ability to swim, becoming helpless when submerged in water. It is a very heavy bargain when most of the world is covered in water. At least we can think of clever solutions around complicated problems." The teen thought, quizzically thinking of the blood soaked-handed man was here and what are his motivations to begin with in the first place. He also wondered, if he had any knowledge of the Devil Fruit to begin with. It was simply a few innocent thoughts on wanting to know what has yet to be known of the boy. No one knows everything and no one can do everything. Each person can do All The Lord Says We Can Do. Multiple individuals rather focus on what they do best to fulfill their purpose on Earth before ascending to Heaven to live with Lord God within his Kingdom. Malik would simply like to know what the man was doing here, not for any specific reasons. There were a multitude of numerous possibilities on what could happen here with this adult as well as  plenty of reasons for why he was here. Now that he rethinks of the purposes, he was actually hoping he was not on the side of the marines or the Government. There were many reasons for why he could be here. Perhaps it was to claim the Devil Fruit for himself or to keep it out of the hands of the marines. It could be that he would simply want to known on whether or not on who has claim on the said object. Until the elderly adult announces his own reasons, all the boy could was wait. After all, all he could do was wait. He had two legs with both kneecaps shot by bullets. He will have to wait a good amount of time before he could move. He believes ten minute would suffice. If he was lucky, he could try and stand up now. In fact, he should at least try to do so. As he struggled to get on his feet, he felt agonizing searing pain within his legs. He hissed as a form of reaction. It would appear it was too soon to stand, so he simply sat back down and wait for any possible help or until he could stand properly on his own.

(You've had quite a while to respond, just gonna skip yeh)

The Marine Lieutenant had waited a few seconds to no response. The man appeared to have just shown up and froze. Perhaps he realized the situation he may have just put himself in or maybe he was a weirdo. Regardless Davern had no intentions of wasting time here. Now with the fruit secured his report back to Headquarters needed to be made promptly. He'd secure the fruit putting it on the inside pocket of his Marine jacket. It was a tight fit but the fruit did indeed fit inside securely. And the jacket being thick enough where one would hardly notice the indent of the fruit in the jacket. He was a burly man so the addition of a few inches couldn't do too much to have people noticing.

Davern would then walk toward the pirate whom had been shot a multitude of times and would proceed to pistol whip him twice in quick succession when he was close enough to do so. Should this action be completed the pirate would be knocked out as Davern would have ensured he put enough force behind his blow to knock the man out at least. Should the man be knocked out Davern would scoop him up with his free right hand and carry him over his shoulder. He had no one but two of the objectives, one could definitely mark this up as a win for the marines. With that Davern would jog towards the clearing efficiently exiting the area heading towards local Headquarters in town.

And just like that the pirate and the fruit that yielded the ability to make one a sand human would disappear into the bright sky. Davern however would not exit blindly he would be sure that he would keep his head on the swivel as he exited the clearing in the opposite direction of the new party. He knew it led into the forest/woods but knew the area fairly well and was willing to take that detour even with luggage if it meant avoiding a potentially dangerous individual.

[Exit]

[OOC: Interrupt future senior officer, be gentle bro.]

Spoiler:

Impressions can dictate fate. Finale was always looking to maximize on how he can truly craft the best impression. Imparting an impression on another individual was like creating life to Finale, and he was supremely uncomfortable with getting his life taken away in Briss potentially. Now that Finale had come to Baterilla, he wanted to put aside his past and join the marines. Joining the marines was a simple endeavor in itself, as many poor souls surely did so constantly to appease their lack of ideals available to them. Considering the world was awfully lacking in technological advances available to the public, it was hard for philosophies to advance. Finale didn't look down on those with simplistic ambitions, though. Simplicity was dangerous and effective in one's life. Finale himself had decided to finally focus himself and join the marines so he could expand his doctoral pursuits. Most importantly, he had found that his first impressions were lacking. The most supremely powerful first impression derives from those that can impart a piece of themselves on an individual and have it mix with their comrade. In a way, an introduction was always beneficial to both parties, as it puts them in a good light psychologically. Finale wasn't lazy though, and he knew that he had to work on his own capabilities to manufacture a glistening effect on others. Pure white, medium hair would be found on Finale for today, and it was brushed as calmly as he was. Some might argue white hair was unprofessional in some cultures, but in today's world with all sorts of eccentric colors of hair, it was illogical to reject the purity of white that naturally occurs. Along with the hair, a smooth contrast of dark cast eyes would adorn Finale's face. In all senses of the word, Finale was calm and relaxed. Some might say that trying to join the marines an individual should blend in or be casual. Instead, Finale looked down on those that would dare to disrespect the value of a kind impression on those watching them. Even if risking looking erratic after an introduction, the doctor would gladly throw away his professional outlook and appearance donned today if he deemed an individual not worthy of his initial respect.

Finale was ignorant and lacking in intrinsic knowledge concerning authority. Specifically, he felt he needed to know the basic rights of people. In the vast intelligently perceived miles long forest of Baterilla from the beginning, Finale felt he needed to wear a non-inhibitive in any way primarily dark grey sportcoat and pants that matched his environment. Mixed with his neutral colors, the doctor also wore a light colored oxford dress shirt and light grey shoes that blended in with his environment without blocking his ability to move perfectly. How did Finale have more rights than others? He pondered what rights meant, and how becoming a marine could give him an idea who should have rights. The doctor felt only once he understood basic concepts of humanity could he truly use others to his advantage. Actually, Finale also felt that he needed to understand what was right in communicating his desire to join the marines. Personally, he didn't understand the procedures of how marines went about their day, and he wanted to understand how they were above the normal citizens. The future marine felt he didn't want to go in blind into any marine base, and instead he wished to see if fate was correct in steering him towards the marines. Only normal people simply go to a base and ask if they could join the marines, Finale was more intent on seeing if he could encounter a high-ranking official to plead his case. Indeed, a special first impression was sought by Finale. Seeing the obvious landmark of a forest resided in Baterilla, Finale had long ago intended on finding a relatively alone marine to introduce himself to.

From the beginning of his journey near Davern hidden in the most efficient manner possible, Finale had cycled out all of his unnecessary thoughts. Normally, once an individual decides on something, they don't care about the rest of what they're doing and they only do what they naturally believe is most important to them anyway. Finale himself wasn't in too normal a situation though, as he did do some relatively mean things to the populace of Briss. Therefore, he'd come to the closest neighboring island Baterilla half-expecting to have a bounty through some mystical manner despite Finale taking all measures to prevent himself from getting a bounty. All of the needed self-defense precautions were taken by Finale that were deemed necessary to the situation, and his body movements were at their full potential ability for combat in case the marines didn't enjoy his presence. Any movements made by Finale's environment that he constantly checked with intimate silence would be met with analyzing, and all of the environmental reactions of his completely silenced actions would be rendered mute. Recently, Finale had finally completely conceptualized his Focus of One style, so he always made sure to have his perception of the environment and equally quiet combat stance active. Priority number 1 of Finale's had actually also been to use up 1 Trip Genius and 2 Expire Desire which he carried the full supplies of both for himself after he used his Ghost Spray skill. Once his preparations were set inward, with simultaneous precision Finale would also carry his gun armed with a bullet. Situated in his left hand, the doctor's loaded gun had no particular purpose as long as the marine he met fit his simple and pure agenda of joining the marines.

At this point, Davern would already be in the forest a good dozen meters from his own previously accomplished movements, as Finale didn't take it upon himself to immediately conjure any odd movements or suspicion of his existence. From a distance of a inches considering Davern was completely focused on some old character, Finale had instantly and at the same time of his spawning or quiet approach taken into account the circumstances of his environment. Naturally, Finale wasn't all-knowing or anything, so he only grasped the nastiness left uncovered by other individuals. Davern was obviously the marine that Finale had sought, but he was carrying a unique person that was bleeding direly. On instinct, Finale wished to gain an advantage out of this for his impression, but he clashed with his kind occupation of a doctor. Of course, he'd only doubt himself if he had the time to, as Finale knew he needed to act immediately. Davern's occupant seemed to be knocked out, but he wasn't knocked out in any particular way by one with a doctor occupation. Therefore, Malik would find himself waking up immediately after Davern had reached his watched location that Finale noted. As an immediate consequence of waking up from his undetermined timed nap, Malik would weigh more than Davern probably wished to carry as Malik simply being conscious would have his body decide to initiate more activity. Kindly, Finale wanted to relieve Davern of his need to seemingly get Malik to a doctor as soon as possible. Truly, there was no reason to risk Malik's life bringing him to a faraway marine base where he would surely not live to see with his wounds. Considering Finale wanted to join the marines as soon as possible and carried the lovely mark of a doctor, Davern would probably want to use Finale to get medical aid for the young man as soon as possible. Of course, hopefully Finale could help Davern as soon as possible, as he had no reason to believe Malik would wake up any time soon considering he began a mission to transport somebody he would believe to be unconscious. Alas, Malik would wake up in the most unsuspecting manner to Davern.
   
Finale himself didn't care too much about anybody but himself, so he didn't ponder the future more than the situation required. Moving to Davern as close and quietly as possible in the forest with thick covered plantlife, Finale found it would be most logical that he'd be within a few inches of Davern and his jogging destination that would be abruptly stopped by Malik waking up unbeknownst to him who wasn't a doctor. In addition, all movements made were naturally at Finale's full speed, and he took the time to work with his tunnel vision so he still had clear view of Davern and didn't do unnecessary prolonged or slow movements. Of course, it wouldn't be hard to catch up to Davern with his as slow as possible jog and extra weight, but Finale did have primal immediacy. Once Davern had been moving, Finale had noticed a devil fruit in his jacket as a jacket would obviously move with jogging. In addition, it wasn't hidden at an angle and Finale instantly recognized the oddity of a fruit being with a marine. After all, Finale had done a task learning about devil fruits from somebody. With Malik on him, Davern had the devil fruit on the opposite side and his movements would overall just be the most plain awkward. Long ago, Finale had decided to put his hand fully through the trigger of his gun and press down on it hard, pointing it towards Davern to show that he meant the least harm due to his lack of accuracy. Centerized, Finale would approach Davern fully an inch away at full speed making his presence known bowing down in the least outwardly hostile manner possible. Kindly and slowly, Finale gave his gun to Davern in a martial artist manner to show that he had no proficiency with the weapon.

"I'm a doctor and can help this boy! Actually, if there's anybody else hurt I can help them too. Test my knowledge quickly so this boy doesn't die for nothing. Everybody has something to give." Finale had spoken in a begging manner and in a low tone to show respect to somebody he had no impression of yet. Ignorant to the situation, Finale wouldn't talk if he didn't need to, but he indeed wanted to let the man before him know that he could help somehow. In fact, it might be said to be destiny that Finale would be in the marines. His name is Officer after all.

OOC: This topic's cancer. Lao Gee Inactive your FC sucks ass. Good for you though Tee, Malik ain't getting Mera Mera. I pressed deh button so I can shoot deh bullet mkay. I gave him deh gun in martial manner so dat means I hit him mkay mkay. I no get dispute as he no post for week and calling hits isn't vague manipulating mkaaaaay. 1 post isn't vague manipulating mkay.

Spoiler:

There Finale was, an inch away from Davern shooting a bullet into Malik and the marine. Obviously, logic would dictate dodging would be illogical for Davern. For whatever reason, Davern had no notice of Finale's existence until Finale talked, and Davern had heavy items all over him including his sword. Sure, Malik even blocked Davern's view at an angle tots. Malik had the opportunity to be given notice of the presence of Finale, but Finale was totally ignored and his own presence not noted. Not that Finale cared, as Malik being hit by a bullet wasn't a priority while Davern being mortally injured was. Splat, the devil fruit would be hit from an angle and Davern in an instantly lethal area per Finale's plot. Indeed, Davern's death was a priority for him not living up to the expectations of Finale. Simultaneously, Finale would eat the devil fruit's closest piece that flew near him. Unpredictable, it would be illogical if somebody consumed the devil fruit before Finale. Obviously, Finale would avoid all potential damage from his actions and he wouldn't be hurt. Additionally simultaneously with all of Finale's actions, Davern would get pistol whipped in a martial manner by Finale, and thus he'd die to blunt damage instantly through hitting some special vulnerable and cool doctor place. SWEET JUSTICE. Oh ya and Finale felt like going through the pathway of Malik to give the gun in a martial manner so Malik's dead too through getting ZOOM pistol whipped. In a way, it's not sweet justice anymore cuz Malik died to what he should have died to already, but at least Davern died to wut he hurt Malik with.

After Finale confirmed there were 2 corpses before him, he decided to drop his gun and bullets off in exchange for Davern's better equipment. In addition, Malik would be robbed fully because dead men give all the goodies. Just in case for some magical reason changes couldn't be made to his actions when he was constantly looking around, Finale would also snap the necks at full speed of his now dead enemies who knew his true nature. Fluidly continuing along only then would robbing take place. Once he was done with his justice, Finale decided that he still wanted to be in the marines. Surely, there was some cooler dude out there that would want to introduce Finale to justice. Personally, Finale found it a shame how he couldn't save somebody with his doctor skeelz, but he believed DEEPLY that fate determined slow ass posters don't get help. Of course, Finale's a busy ass man, so he wouldn't be thinking anything and all his actions would just speak for themselves if necessary. Moving at his full potential at all times, Finale decided he'd be leaving the shitstain area he'd resided in today. Hiding in the forest as best as possible and taking the most secret way out with his skillset and full speed, Finale made sure that he'd prevent people from detecting his peaceful removal from the area and adjusted his pace as necessary. In addition, he decided that he'd drop anything heavy if he needed to as he didn't want to compromise the speed of his support and secondary speed skill he was always using.

Exit SANDMAN BITCHES.