"So, he really is dead." Stede Jr. would say as he stood over his son, Stede Jr, as his body was outstretched in a coffin. The funeral wasn't going to be lavish at all, as his body will be burned here. As that was the request of the boy. Tears streamed down his face, as that wasn't the only coffin within this room. More people, related to them both, were in coffins. His fists were clenched as he stood over his Son. If only he had made the boy follow a different path. Made him become a Marine like him, then maybe he would be alive. Maybe he would've become a Vice Admiral instead of a Shichibukai. He would whip away his tears as covered the floor. This goliath of a Man was at his most vulnerable, but also at the angriest he has ever been. He would walk to each and everyone, as he could believe this. If he didn't run away like a coward they'd be alive, as he would have protected them. He was nothing but scum for leaving because of his failures and this should've have been his wake up call.

There would be a knock at the door, "Come in." Stede would say without turning his attention away from the coffin. He would though stop his tears as this knocking was a symbol that it was time. A group would walk into the room. So, as they entered Stede would begin to place a strange looking flower in each coffin, and mumble his goodbyes. As if he tried to speak any louder he'd yell out in sorrow. He was not to outlive his Family, especially not his Son. Yes, Stede did have a few bastards out there but they weren't by the Women he loved. They weren't the Kids that he stayed, at least for a while, to take care of. But, this is his fault for leaving for twenty years.

"Sir, it is time. Everything is set in place." One of them would say as the group would put the tops on the coffins and bring them out, one by one. After the last one Stede would follow. And they all would head outside near the docks, a small ship prepared for them. This is how Stede Sr. wanted their funeral. And the turnout was something else, as many have heard about Stede in the past. As his reputation and recognition was just a bit higher than his Son. Honestly, it looked as if everyone that was on the base watched as the ship was pushed out and it began to sail away. Stede stood there and watched before taking off into the sky, seemingly vanishing. The funeral took place at night and the candle light ship with the coffins illuminated the ship as it sailed away. They were fifty meters away. This was the distance that he was given for his request. Once it had reach that distance he could send them off the way he wanted without harming anyone around.


"I shall send those that I cared the most for to the heavenly gates. And I am sorry that I wasn't able to be there to save you all." Stede would say as he would begin to emit a large amount of energy. And the sky began to glow red, as the Red Sprite was going to cremate his family and let their ashes become one with the ocean.  He would clap his hand thunderously and a bird comprised of pure electricity would form, its appearance at first being red but turned to white with a purple outline. He had purposely changed it to this color as his Wife, and Daughters, loved it. With tears in his eyes he would send the magnificent bird downward at the ship. And a large explosion would occur once the Bird made contact with the ship, illuminating the entire area.

Afterwards he would zip back to the dock, "I greatly appreciate you allowing me to honor my Family in this way. You didn't have to do this with me being retired."

"No problem. But, let us talk in my office Stede." The Man covered with medals would say. Just from his appearance alone you could tell he was a very important man here on the base. The two would head back to his office, whilst everyone would well go back to doing whatever it was they were doing. The time of day was close to midnight and the cloudy skies covered the moon, making it seem like it had been consumed. How long it'd take these geezers to make it to the office was close to forty-five minutes.

"I usually don't have people your size here, so I won't ask you to sit in front of my desk. The couch should be a bit comfortable though, but you'd be the only one to fit on it. Maybe though...the couch should just sit on you. Hehehe" The Man was joking, and trying to break the ice a bit. He knew that Stede was overflowing with different emotions. This Man was bad at jokes though.

Stede would sit down on the couch, and look over at the Man who sat behind the desk. "You haven't gotten better at your jokes, Hachi. I mean Vice Admiral Hachi."

"No need for all that. Hachi is just fine Stede." Hachi would say as he didn't want to be called by his title. "I am truly sorry for you lose Stede. I talked to your son a few times. Even though he was a warlord he seemed better than the others. And the World Government has sent something to his children and wife."

"Bah, he was a dumbass. He should've just been a marine...but that is my fault. I shouldn't have left." Stede would pause for a moment and turn his attention to the floor. "If only...." Stede would shake his head though, as he couldn't finish talking.

Hachi would stand up and head a door that was close to the back of the office, and he would open it and head in. A few seconds later slung over his shoulder he would have a man sized jug and in his free hand he would have two large cups. He would then place the jug in front of the two couches, and place a sake cup next to it, while leaving one in his hand.

"Oooh, seems like you want to brighten me up. You brought out the foreign spirits. " Stede would say as he would grab the jug and fill Hachi's cup, before he would do the same to his. If he was at home he would drink right from the jug, but he would control himself. The two would begin to drink more and more. There wouldn't be anymore serious talks ut jokes and them talking about the past. This was Hachi trying to make Stede, his old comrade, feel a bit better before he tried to talk about something else. As Hachi wanted something from Stede that he now would be inappropriate to ask, but he had to. He knew what type of warrior Stede was. As the Man, Stede, had been a Marine since he was sixteen. Starting off at the lowest, just like him, and moving up in the ranks. But, during a incident against a Yonko Stede retired.

Skills:

Everything would end that night with both Men collapsing from the spirits. But, at the break of dawn they would awake. And without a hangover, which they were lucky for. They would leave the office a mess though and take their meeting someplace else, the training grounds. It was early but fresh recruits were here training.

"A incident happened here a few weeks back." Hachi would say as he watched the Marines in the room train. They didn't pay any mind to him as they were more focused on what they were doing. Hachi was fine with that as he didn't want to interrupt them.

"Like what?" Stede would ask turning his head to look at Hachi. The whole mood of Hachi seemed to change.

"A Rear Admiral was killed." Hachi would say and Stede would feel uneasy. He never thought something like that would happen here, ever.

"How could something like that happened?" Stede would ask.

"I won't go into detail, but it was the fault of us. Due to our ignorance of other dangers we let a Weasel sneak in. No, not a Weasel....a...a." Hachi held back rage as he wanted to call that Man a Monster, even though he was worse than that. If only he was there he could've stopped it.

"Relax Hachi, I understand. But why are you showing me this?" Stede would say so that Hachi would continue to speak.

"I show you this to let you know....Marines even with hardship don't, nor should, give up. Everyday I see these Men in here, as they were the ones there that day. That no matter what if they don't give up they will still be able to change things. I even spoke with a few telling them to use this as motivation to become stronger. " Hachi would say. As that is also what he has been doing, and something he will continue to do.

Stede wouldn't say anything as he listened to Hachi, as he knew what he was trying to do. He wanted him to enlist again. Stede was tempted but, he just didn't know. He just wasn't sure about himself anymore. "Did anyone else get hurt?" Stede would ask.

"Yes. He didn't leave the Base after that but went and hid himself in the civilian district. The Admiral, at that time, attacked him while also killing a Woman who I think was a hostage. She was burned to almost nothing. The Admiral though failed in taking out the criminal and used some strange ability that cause many people on the base to act strange. And from further investigation was the reason he was able to escape. Since then though that Admiral no longer is with us." Hachi would say answer his question and also explaining a bit more of the situation.

"Then how many Admirals are left?" Stede would ask.

"One, but we are currently in the process of gaining two more. But, it will take some time." Hachi would say.

He was going to say something again, but someone would interrupt them. Turning their head at what he said Hachi would be the only one to recognize him. Quickly he would turn around and yell at the top of his lungs. "MARINES! FALL IN!" And almost instantly all those within the room would get into formation behind Hachi and Stede. Though, this wasn't a High ranking Marine he was a Celestial Dragon. They were extremely fickle beings and anyone in this room could be killed by this man, and no one would be able to stop him. Maybe Stede but that'd make him a criminal and Marineford would be put a war zone if he clashed with a Celestial Dragon, as the Celestial Dragon would have the backing of everyone here. As everyone got into formation the Celestial Dragon would speak once more presenting a gift to Stede, which was strange. Stede had a good reputation but after what happened twenty years ago it wasn't even half what it used to be. 'Maybe the Celestial Dragon is going to try and make him his Bodyguard...no, what he said earlier makes he seem as if he wants Stede to rejoin the Marines. But, what is his angle.' Hachi was confused and nervous about this entire thing. But, Stede stood there calm, even bowing to show respect once he realized he was a  Celestial Dragon.

Stede didn't know who this man was at all, only that he was a Celestial Dragon right away. But, he would show the proper respect once he knew. It wasn't like he cared for the Celestial Dragon's in anyway, he felt they were to entitled. But he knew what power they held and that if he went against them, he'd be on the bad end. Especially in a place like this. Though, this Celestial Dragon must have wanted something else. As he would present Stede a gift, that he wouldn't open. "You are too kind." Stede would say as he would grab the chest with one hand, unknowing showing his superior. he tried not to break the chest, but he would leave marks from his finger on it. He'd place it right next to him.

"If I am to speak freely." Stede would pause as he wanted reassurance that he could speak his mind. A simple nod, wave, or the words 'yes' would suffice. If he was given the go ahead to speak to the Celestial Dragon he'd speak once again. "Death befalls us all, it is unavoidable. But, may I ask what it is this gift is for? And do think we could have our talk within Vice Admiral Hachi's office? I think talking with you there would be a better place than here around all these sweating Marines." Stede would say wanting to take this to a better place. A Celestial Dragon shouldn't have to discuss his business here. Stede wasn't nervous just cautious of what he said and acted.

ooc: Going to just skip the room.


So the Celestial Dragon wanted to help Stede get out of a bad mood. Stede didn't understand but would accept it. And he thought about it the entire time they traveled up to, almost, the top of the building. And then they'd come to the office of Vice Admiral Hachi. Hachi would sit at his Desk and Stede would stand behind it. Leaving the two couches for Anubis and his men. After arriving to the room he did request, via Den Den mushi, for drinks and also food to be brought. As he wanted to make sure the Celestial Dragon was comfortable.

"Sorry, but I will be right back." Stede would say as he would leave the room.

Hachi would wait til Stede would leave the room and then he would speak. He would speak a lot to not only let the Celestial Dragon know what was going on but to explain the past of Stede.  "I want to apologize if I am talking out of place. But, can you help me with getting Stede back into the Marines as a Vice Admiral? I understand what you said earlier may be a hint at you helping one of us advance, or maybe a joke. But I wish to ask you this not as a favor of me, but of the World Government. As I was told to try and recruit him. As reports have come in that the Revolutionaries have been trying to get into contact with him.

I don't know if you know this but twenty years ago, he was a Admiral. But, he lost a lot of his men due to going up against the Yonko Taisen Yamamoto. Only a handful of us survived that clash, but it broke Stede. And he soon resigned. We've been keeping tabs on him as it seems his children are 'trouble'. He had kept himself in the Calm Belt, training. And from the reports he can be seen as someone with more Power than some of the Yonko.

And with the previous Admirals dying. We need suitable replacements. We though can't put him in the Admiral spots, that is why we go to Vice Admirals. And allow him to rise in the ranks, as we know he will. As he doesn't like being second fiddle.

And finally there is a campaign that we want him to join to get his reputation back up. I'm sorry that I am saying a lot but he can arrive at any moment, and I want to lay everything out on the table to you. And if you wish to have anymore information please look at these. " Hachi would then take out a stack of paper, which was the file of Stede. It held everything about him, even his time when he was away from the Marines. Why they wanted Stede back was because of the Devil Fruit and skill he had, it was all because of the Marines. He was trained to be the best and him leaving was something they wanted to not go to waste anymore, with his Son dying.  

Stede would return and he would be met with a insult he couldn't just ignore. Hachi would let the Celestial Dragon do it his way, as long as he helped, but this was dangerous. Stede wasn't someone you could just call weak. Though, he has put himself in a exile after retiring not one day did he go by without training. Well, besides the days he got shit faced or did things with strange Women. Other than that he ate and trained. Even spending his time on the most, naturally, dangerous Island within the Calm belt. No one could do what he did, other than maybe the boy that owned it. But, he always stayed away from Stede so he wasn't shit. Back in the day people feared his very name. He wasn't known as the Red Sprite, that something being literally Rajin. People saw him nothing short of a God on the battlefield. And it only went downhill when he lost to that Yonko.

"Who do you think you are speaking to?" Stede would say, becoming blinded with his rage. He was not someone to test.

"Know your place Stede." Hachi said trying to calm Stede, as he saw his eyes. He knew what Stede as capable of and he just didn't want to have to fight him. As he'd need everyone currently on Marineford to do so.

Stede would cut his eyes at Hachi and then back at the Celestial Dragon, standing only a few feet from him. His haki pushed out after he first was insulted. If he needed to move out of the way of a danger he would, and he'd strike out in that same fashion. You could tell he wasn't in a good mood as you could see electricity begin to form around his right arm. But, it would vanish once Hachi would say something to him. "Why do you insult me, Celestial Dragon?"

Task Name:Call to Arms
Tier:1
NPC or PC:PC
Location:Varies Islands
Crew, Team, or Personal:
Description:It is your time to do our part. You are given free passage to the Island Abfall with your respective side. Marine or Revolunaries. Simple, but that all ends once you arrive to Abfall. As the War between the two sides have been going on for more than a couple months.
Enemy Details: N/A
Boss: No

"Oh?" Stede would seem to calm down, though that isn't the case. He has met many Celestial Dragon's in his life, but none stood up to him. Even with their status they forgot all about it when faced with him. That was how menacing Stede was when enraged. Maybe it was confidence in his skill or seer stupidity that this Celestial Dragon stood up to Stede. And from the looks of it he held a Devil Fruit, or maybe a strange ability, as smoke would begin to emit from him. And there was a strong heat coming from him as well. That though didn't faze Stede at all, nor anything he would do. He did speak truth when he said that actions spoke louder than words.

"Gray War? First that I am hearing of such a thing. Hachi what is the meaning of this? I know you would have information about this. Is it a campaign?" Stede would say as he kept his gaze at Anubis, not moving a inch.

"The Fleet Admiral has been assigned to basically snuff out the Revolutionary General, and previous Warlord, Rec Actimel.  The fighting has been taking place for around a month now. We haven't sent reinforcements yet, as we are still preparing them. If you go with the Celestial Dragon you'd be the first type of reinforcements. With you being allowed to hold the funerals here we wanted to ask you this favor." Hachi would stop as Stede would raise his hand for him to, as he heard enough.

"So this is why I was allowed to have those funerals here. Due to my nature I can't refuse, as I do owe you this Hachi. But being spoken to as if I haven't bled for the World Government is something I won't stand for. As that loaded question should've been left in your head. But I will stop talking about the matter, and show you who I am." Stede would say as he looked at the Celestial Dragon. His words were heavy and could be heard not only outside, but down a couple floors. Then there was a knock on the door.

"Come in." Hachi would say as he hoped it was someone, or something, that would get rid of the tension in the air. And there was as the food and drink he requested would begin to come in. Stede, being hungry, would calm down and set on the couch across from the one the Celestial Dragon got up from. He wasn't worried about Meji, as he could deal with the Baby with the sword.

With the space between the two couches a large table would be first brought in and place down. And then the bountiful and beautiful food would be brought in and place down. As well as tea, water, and alcohol. This feast was so lavish because they were serving a Celestial Dragon, and wished to give him the best. "So, that we have that settled. Let us talk for a few hours and head out in the morning, as looking at the clock it is already ten pm. Mr. Young, why do you even want to go to the Gray War? I've never known a Celestial Dragon to go into battle. " Stede would wait to grab anything, same with Hachi, as he wanted the Celestial Dragon to have the option to pick what he wanted first. Yes, there was enough for everyone but they wanted the Celestial Dragon to have the option to pick whatever first, same with his Men. Stede wouldn't accompany the Celestial Dragon to this War if he didn't break bread with him, eat with him and talk.

Stede would release his haki as he would grab a entire tray of food and sit back down. He would then begin to eat, and he was messy. This wasn't his fault. He ate like he did when back in the Calm Belt, like a savage. But, he would remember where he was and grab some napkins and clean his face a bit. Hachi would also grab something and head back to his desk. He was just glad that those two didn't fight, as both seem to dangerous to fight here. And Hachi began to think about how powerless he'd really be in stopping either of them.

"No worries, water under the bridge. I see what want....but how do you plan to do that exactly? Isn't the Holy Land still under the grubby fingers of that Baby shark. Actually, let me take it back. He isn't a baby anymore. But my point still stands. How do you plan to take back your home? Also, who is this little child you have with you?" Stede would ask. He'd go back to eating devouring it all and placing the empty tray back on the table, and grab a entire bottle of alcohol. Stede wanted to talk. He wanted to talk a lot while he ate and drank. It might seem pointless but they should do this, to form a better bond. So that when they go to the Gray War Stede would come to the aid of the Celestial Dragon if need be, and vice versa. He hoped that the Celestial Dragon, Mr. Young, just spoke his mind instead of thinking of a proper response, that was fabricated. Stede just wanted to know more about this man. He also wanted Meji to speak more, as he was in the room and should speak.

Stede, though put himself in exile, kept up with all the current events. He knows about the young Yonko, the Red King, had taken a Marine Island and made himself an emperor. Also, about two brats killing some Warlords. Even when Hachi talked to him before, he knew what happened here. Not in that much detail but he knew of the criminal that was on Marineford not that long ago. Stede wasn't someone that was out of the loop as he wasn't just some brute. His mind was just as equal to his strength, and not many people knew that.  

Hachi remembers the time he spoke to Stede, and given such series of questions for hours. As Stede did that with anyone he was going to place where death could happen. As the Gray war was such a place, even with the Fleet Admiral there. They were going up against the revolutionaries who were known to give it their all. And will take advantage for any weakness that they would see. Stede knew this because he has fought a few Rev, mainly Generals, in his time. He never had the chance to go up against the top guy though, or his Father. But, that could change one day. Stede always wanted to fight those with great strength.  

Stede would shake his head when Mr. Young spoke. But, he would say anything till Meji spoke. "No, you shouldn't have that mindset. I was told a long time ago, that whoever holds the Holy Land rules the world. You be so young and the head of your Family your goal should be getting back the Holy Land, so that your Family gets edged into your history. Instead of some Grim type of person. I may be speaking out of place, as I don't know all that much. But, how the Celestial Dragons are on status isn't any different from other nobles. Only one person wants to be at the topic, and you should aim for that." Stede would tell Mr. Young. Trying to give him a few gems so that he can. He would though turn to Hachi who always was into such things, and kept track.

"He is right. At this moment the newest Gorosei Archon Morio has placed his son, Archeon at the head of the Celestial Dragons. He also has many different children, that also show they haven't fallen far from the tree. I'm also surprised he hasn't taken over your Family. By asking you to marry one of his children." Hachi would say.

"He offers his children? Hachi, explain all you know. And Mr. Young I hope this is fine to talk about around you. If you wish us to stop simply say so. " Stede would ask.

"He first did this at the Reverie years back. I was only assisting in guard duty but I heard his request to those present. Honestly, I don't what someone like him is planning but he is always gather more power. Recently he has even called for a large force of Marines to come and guard some Island in the Calm Belt." Hachi would say to them, filling them in.

"Mr. Young. what happened to your family? I assume they were killed like many other Celestial Dragons during the attack on the Holy Land. Or I may be wrong. But, also what happened or where were you during that time?" Stede would ask Mr. Young. He was getting personal and if Mr. Young wanted to ask some questions he'd answer. This was part of bonding for Stede, knowing who someone was. Knowing what that person has done during tragic events also helped him figure out their character. Everything within this room though would be kept between them. Stede would grab some more to eat, as there was a lot. Hachi though would be finished and would just drink tea for now. Stede was probably going to end up being the one to eat everything, but he would ask Meji. "Meji eat some! Small children like you need to eat more. And take some to those guards outside, I hear their stomachs growling."