Knux had taken the right and Ataru the left it only made since for Aloe to have the center. Subconsciously it wouldn’t go unnoticed that Knux let he come to the conclusion himself. As soon as Knux gave the green light Aloeus would swoop down as fast as he could and as low to the ground as possible, passing by his fighting crewmates, down the middle of the battle field straight towards the buildings door. Trusting that his comrades had things covered he didn’t check on their fights, he would focus on making his contribution. Someone’s fight had caused a body to fly his way. The body reeked of burnt flesh, but that didn’t narrow down who the man had unfortunately come across. Landing on the ground he saw more people rushing towards door.  Grabbing the corpse by its ankle he began to effortlessly its body. After a few rotations he let release causing it to fly through door pummeling into two oncoming assailants colliding with their chest causing them to fall. Aloe could hear the sound of many more shoes running towards door. Maybe they were blinded by rage or weren’t actually close with corpse but none one seemed to hesitate.

Touching the ground by the entrance dirt rose up and began to shape at the entrance forming blockade that would momentarily block people coming out. With mighty jump, assisted by his devil fruit he would make it above the roof just over door while flipping multiple times. Slamming his tail into the stone roof it would crack and give way causing large chunks of rock to rain down in area of six feet from the door. Some of the guards had considered a trap was coming and had backed away from the door. Others had tried for their way through were hit in the head by large stones causing them to knocked out, when they woke they would discover multiple fracture on their body. At this point Aloe was no longer held control over the earthen wall and anyone who would touch the floating could freely move it.

If Ataru and or Knux showed up he would say “I guess killing the old man would be the right call after all.” Laughing until he caught the scent of burnt bodies and looked back and saw the massacre. “You know there are some species of plants that only bloom after a disaster?” Aloeus nods and says “Don’t believe me? Look it up, but I would know…”

417

Techniques:

"All in due time" Knuckles said as his plasma cutter switched off and he placed it back onto his belt. Knuckles noticed once again Ru had to take all the fun out of things. Looks like Aloeus had some hidden power. He was able to control the earth? So he was one of these devil fruit users. He could now understand the pride he had in himself, after all not everyone who ate those fruits lived. It was either that, or he had some strange power from an object. Either way Knuckles was just glad to know what Aloeus could do. This would prove to be a useful skill set. Knuckles chuckled at the words of Ru to the low level thug. "So I try to not kill people, and you two are all about killing everyone today? I'll just be myself then." Me moved over to where the dwarf was to inspect his work. Making a building topple down was impressive, however it was still something he didn't agree with. Looking down to him Knuckles pointed to the building. "Bad dog! No! We don't break other people's thing!" He then started to laugh he was joking of course. He was sure Aloeus could use this very same power to fix and make stone buildings aswell. At least in theory within the walls of his mind. Knuckles was sure to make adjustments to his battle plans from here on out taking into account what he thought Aloeus could and couldn't do. Impressive though. Perhaps I should seek out of of these devil fruits then, if that's how you were able to do that of course. This isn't something every Dwarf could do right?" If it was he would of heard about it by now, or he hoped so. Knuckles turned to look at Ru. "Well, I suppose we finish hunting this other jackass down before dealing with that rich little prick in person. Ru, I got some good ideas for that heat dial of yours hahaha." He laughed but it wasn't a joke. Knuckles truly was already thinking about applying it to pain sensitive areas on the man's body. Bottom of the feet, under the eye lid, and of course genitalia. No one crossed the Falcons of Hell. After all, they weren't exactly good guys, Knuckles was a Terrorist as was Aloeus. That's how they were seen to the World government and those who followed it. As for Ru, he was a underworld broker, who was likely still labeled a terrorist for his short time in the Rev's.

455/400

Seeing that both of teammates were fine in their current situations Ataru would land back down among them. Listening to Aloeus and Knuckles talk about their situations Ataru would respond when they were done.Looking around the landscape he could see the destruction they had caused. He wasn't aware of Aloeus' power but it wasn't something that completely surprised him. He was definately clever enough to get his hands on something like a devil fruit. The real trick is seeing if that's all he relies on. "Hmm, I'd like to grow a flower like that sometime. It sounds like a plant that can really appreciate beauty."He'd chuckle at the thought of a plant like that, while responding to Knuckles in a more serious tone. "I haven't killed anyone, today we still have uses for certain people. So no one should take it upon themselves in any way  shape or fashion until we discuss that at a later date. For now I'm taking up in a bead and breakfast, I'm sure Iwagawa will find me in that time. I sent him a message so we'll see how how he responds we also have to get ready to deal with this bandit in the forest. Captain what time will you want us to meet and where?" After he finished speaking he'd let the conversation play out. After answering any short questions Ataru would look away from them  extinguishing his swords heat dial and take off with his jet dial on his other boot using it to reach max speed.

He already knew where he was staying and just in case there were more of Iwagawa's men nearby they would see him as becoming invisible. Ataru liked the feel of the wind when he was moving this fast. Not to mention the feeling of his heart, and eventually the runner's high. It was a particular feeling that helped ease the emotions of the battlefield away. Where Ataru was going was just outside the main city a small tree that had just stopped growing housed a 3 story bed and breakfast. Ataru had purchased a room prior to his engagement. He didn't plan this kind of large betrayal, but it was nice to have a shower at a time like this. He would strip all of his gear in the room and put it in one of the small chairs. He had the windows closed and curtains drawn. In the bathroom he had nothing but his sword and a towel for when he was done. After his shower, he would get dressed in everything but his coat wearing both his gauntlets and boots. Once it was dark in the sky Ataru would signal comms between Aloeus and Knuckles.

"Debriefing now that everyone is a little more relaxed, once you're ready comm in and say one thing we need to improve. I'll go last, since I started the call." Ataru would wait and listen to all of their responses. It was important to randomly do this in a personal way, also he was slightly bored. The book he was currently reading had a way of making his voices pop out at just the right time.

WC: 524/400

Items Used:

When it was all over he would be met by his teammates coming from their respective direction simultaneously. Aloeus would chuckle at Knux’s statement “He says he tried not kill with a blow torch on their arm? What can I say some people deserve death?” Aloeus would shrug off what had just happen. He didn’t think that his attack had killed anyone. Knux was the doctor after all, it wasn’t like he was rushing to administer aide. Not looking the least bit amused Aloeus curtly replied “Dammit you heartless Tin Man I’m no one’s pet!” Something had to be done about Knux shit sense of humor. “It isn’t even badly damaged. Devil Fruit, what do those have to do with anything. I show a little bit of usefulness and you think I’m cheating. Of course dwarfs can do something as simple as putting a hole in roof.” To Aloe this was elementary knowledge and it was very insulting that Knux would be impressed over something so trivial. He would ignore the fact that he couldn’t actually jump the height of the building, even though he could jump far higher than humans, naturally, and the fact they were standing in front of a screen a earthen wall he had put up. The breeze carried the floating earth with it as it passed, but it still there. “I’m sure you could punch a hole in a wall, maybe I should encase my body in tin too.” Even though Knux had made his comments in sincerity he his comments would be met with sarcasm. Little did Aloe know that one day he would be encasing his body in metal, just not in the way Knux did.

“You know Ataru, I could certainly find some plants like that for you and help you keep it alive, without burning down the ship. Looking back to Knux, Aloe comments “See you’re the only one killing,” pausing he sheepishly states “at least intentionally.”

Things had ended rather suddenly since the client had betrayed them they were at a holding point until they figured out what was next.  It seemed they had free time. So Aloeus had went off to study the fauna. The tree grew bigger here, the fresh air and under development it all made sure of that. What was the environmental impact of the snakes and would this wood be suitable for building something, other than tree houses? These are the questions that Aloe sought answer to. The sun had gone down and he was leaving the forest before he heard from his team mates.  It was Ataru who had called to debrief. “Hola?,” Aloeus would answer. One thing they needed to improve on Ataru would ask. Aloeus wasn’t sure why why he was being asked so a question, unused to grading someone’s performance, that he didn’t see them perform. “Well there is one among us whose jokes are rather shit. But what’s the point of this. I don’t feel like therapy.” Aloeus breathing had became rather labored he had become involved in laborious task. In the moon lights the dwarf had taken to throw rock against in trees and hitting branches against trunks all in hopes up stirring up group of snakes.

536

There was far too much sarcasticness for Knuckles to even try any further. As the team parted ways for the night Knuckles was asked when and where they should met. "Here in ten hours should work. We can find this Randy guy after that." Knuckles would head back to town and find a nice cheap motel to stay in for the night, it wasn't costly, just a bed and a bathroom. Walking over to the sunk he splashed water onto his face and played back what happened today. He tried to play by Aloeus rules and it seemed he got no where. It was likely he wouldn't find that level of friendship with him as he had with Ru. Knuckles stripped from his suit and ran cold water over his body, watching as the water went down the drain. After a nice long shower he dried off and laid in bed. Shutting his eyes he was trying to calculate good combos, and design some type of blueprint in his mind for injecting drug into one's self without using hands. While he was building the schematic within the walls of his mind he was interrupted by an incoming call. Allowing it to come through he heard Ru's voice followed by Aloeus. "Solid feed back Aloeus, perhaps you fail to release the importances of telling a crew member where they need to prove in battle. Like for instance, Controlling one's power so they don't kill be by accident. Or level a building the top of a building without knowing what was in it. " Knuckles emerald green hues popped open as he placed his hands behind his head and crossed his right leg over his left. He was waiting for a response. He hoped it wasn't a bull shit one from Aloeus either. After listening to all the feedback if any came through Knuckles would end the call with a message. "Let's get some sleep so we can be ready for whatever this randy guy brings." Knuckles powered his com down and let his body fall to rest. Upon morning Knuckles would wake and put his suit back on. He had better night sleeps but for the beli he paid it wasn't a bad bed. Knuckles would head out going back to where he had left his team yesterday. He had arrived about half an hour early and waited in the treetops for them to arrive. It was also likely he'd be the last to show.



432/400

Listening to their answers Ataru was a little dissapointed in Aloeus, he didn't seem to understand the power of debriefing. Knuckles was quick to deliver a serious tone, while Ataru would say something to Aloeus as well "Knuckles hits an important driving point, not only that debriefing allows something that we often forget about. Perspective we all saw different parts of the battlefield today, together we draw one picture that gives as complete of a perspective as we can imagine. If we truly mean to become a force to reckon with on the seas this is one of those starts. When I die I want to make sure I don't regret any of my decision making that lead to that point." Listening to the rest of the conversation Ataru would go to bed afterwards. He would make sure to let the others know when he was turning in. He let the voices and the ambient noise fade away, the darkness of his dreams were a great relieve to Ataru.

He woke in the morning, needing to use the bathroom. It's pretty much how every morning of Ataru's started, he would do his morning hygiene ritual while getting ready. There was still time before he had to meet with the rest of the crew. Eating breakfast that had been brought up to him Ataru got dressed. He didn't wear a coat today, not with how humid it had been yesterday. It's important to get use to the climate right? He would tell himself as he finished his morning routine, putting his food on the plate and stacking it at the table near the door. He made his bed and was off to the arranged meeting place on his way out he noticed a new letter near his knapsack. Reading it he realized it must of been from their current employer. After reading it a second time he smiled, it seemed that he had received Ataru's message there wouldn't be any future problems. Well there would be one, when I have to decide how to make sure you can't escape.He would be happy to deliver the news to his captain when he saw him later though. Tucking the letter into his pants Ataru walked out to the arranged meeting place. The jungle's beauty was still appealing to him even after a little time in this paradise. The weather was something to be desired but it was reality there always had to be a problem with something right? After arriving at the designated spot 20 minutes early Ataru would sit down under a tree with good shade from the sun. He'd have his right hand resting on his blade while scanning the area around him. He knew that someone would show up eventually he secretly wondered who it would be first. Hmm if there was a fourth member maybe I'd be able to take bets.

WC: 482/400

Aloeus cut off the line not even bother respond to the comments made. He knew exactly what he had done and was in full control of the situation. Only small piece of roof had fallen, he had seen skylights bigger than that hole. When you fight on egg shells things broke. The truth of the matter in his own way he had given feedback even if Knux didn’t realize or didn’t care. Aloeus had brought Knux’s plasma cutter. The Capitan would bring up killing often enough like it was a struggle but then he would use a weapon that was pretty much always lethal. Aloe would never propose going into combat with a dull blade. If the conversation had of gone differently Aloe might of told him to except the weapons you carry and use them to best of your ability. Some people die in battle you can’t account for everything. This advice would be for Knux but it would also be about Aloe. If he were to hold back cause of what may or not happen as a result then he would never accomplish anything.  The thought of having to reduce his self to appease others made him feel sick to his stomach causing him to lose spirit in what he was doing.

The snakes he had stirred up just didn’t seem that important anymore. Flying above their reach, above building, and most tree Aloe looked to the moon and yelled out in frustration. That night Aloe wouldn’t rent out some space that was larger than he needed, nor would he crash in someone’s house. Instead Aloe decided camp outside making shelter out plants. Should a snake attempt to harm him in the night they would have to swallow up the shelter, giving him time to defend himself. Aloe had woken up early enough that there was no rush to get to the meeting yet not enough time to fish unfortunately so he walked to the meeting and stole breakfast on the way. Deciding he would eat on way he carried food in one hand and full sized tea cup in the other.  When Aloe had arrived Ataru was already there, sitting under a tree. Aloe had taken last bite food but he was still sipping from the tea cup that was quickly cooling off. “Hey, it isn’t too hot for you is it?” Aloeus commented loud enough to I am here too. Just like that he was back to himself or maybe it was just pretend. With both hands he raised the cup to his mouth and gulped down as much as he could before putting down a half full cup.

443

It seemed everyone was here, he climb down from the tree landing about 10 meters away from Ru. Now that all parties were here it was time to enter the Jungle and find this Randy fella. Knuckles had done some thinking while he had awaited his crew to get there. Everyone seemed chipper and on the up and up. The obviously had some Kinks to work out with working with each other. Knuckles walked over to Ru and took a seat near him. Have a good rest?" He asked the both of them, waiting for their response. It was about time to get moving, so Knuckles would reach his feet and stretch a little before that went into the Jungle. "Does anyone have anything to add before the mission starts?" If they did Knuckles would hear them out and then add something if he needed to, if not Knuckles would stand up and offer Ru a hand if he was still sitting. "Okay, who wants to run point today?" If no one volunteered then Knuckles would take it. He has the best chance of surviving any time of heavy assault. Ru had the speed to dodge it, and Aloues had the stealth to bypass it completely. But if there were to be a bomb of something under the ground that would go off Knuckles could likely handle it depending on the power of the bomb. If they were all set Knuckles would start to head into the Jungle, the terrain was becoming more vegetation, insects flying around. THings he had never even thought of seeing before were here and flying about. Knuckles wanted to study some of the things he was seeing here, of course he would though it was who he is. The trees seemed to be wider and taller in this area, perhaps they were heading into more native of an area where outsiders didn't go much. Still, a thug trying to take over parts of the city from the outskirts was a bit of pushing things. What was his goal really? "So this guy is just living off the land for how long? Then hears of a power gap and tries to fill it, yet has no real resources to do so besides whatever they get within the city. I don't think this guy thought his pan through well enough, whats your take Aloeus?"


411/400

As Ataru was laying under his tree he'd smile at Aloeus as he came up commenting on the heat. "Seems like every island has some extreme climate, I just want to find an island with a nice temperature and wildlife that doesn't want to end my existence. That doesn't seem very possible on this island but I'm glad the Captain likes its raw beauty. The danger of it doesn't seem to be my cup of tea though." When Knuckles appeared he would talk, and after listening to him and possibly Aloeus he'd take Knuckles hand. When they were standing he'd ask if there were any more additions needed to the plan. Ataru didn't have any so once it was decided who'd be on point they'd start walking through the jungle. The scenery was the same, and Ataru wasn't sure what they'd be looking for. If this man truly had set up an outpost outside the city there was no real way of telling which tree he'd have his hideout stored away in. It could even be in one of the many caves that lied on the hill/mountains of the jungle. Either way one thing was for certain there was a high chance they'd be assaulted by these men

Ataru was still on his guard even though he was traveling just behind Knuckles, enough that there was distance in case of an area of effect attack like a bomb. Still close enough that he could rush to his aid if needed, Ataru's glances into the jungle weren't to gleaming.Man I wonder how long it took this guy to learn the routes to steal from people. I'd get lost in a place like this so easily, must not get chased often.They continued to walk down the road, it was an empty day as well. So far Ataru had not spotted one vehicle on the road whether this was intentional by Iwagawa or just a slow day it only increased their chance of activity.

He was mostly looking for scouts, it was unlikely that the bandits would keep their base so close to the road. It would also give the illusion of them having a stronger force when they could have reinforcements swarm from the jungle, it gave them the authenticity like they were natives. I wonder if that's the reason he hasn't been killed yet. I've never heard of him off the seas maybe he's a hometown bandit. Ataru would have to check when they entered his base. He might have more information on the cities of Hebi then Ataru had received from the locals. Or he might even know a good hideout or two its possible they moved locations to keep from discovery as well.

WC: 455/400

Aloe would listen to Ataru’s description of a perfect island it sounded like he would enjoy Aloe’s home island. The last thing that he wanted to do was go back there or any pacifistic place like it. “I never could live on island like that again, that would be hell for me.” It was then that Knux had arrived. He would take his seat and begin discussing the Randy mission.  When his teammates stood he would too. Not interested in leading he would look at Ataru to see if he wanted to take it on, but it didn’t appear that he did.

Aloeus had been out exploring the night before he hadn’t come by this location however. Hebi was expansive and the plant life only made it seem bigger. Unlike cities or grassland islands you couldn’t walk straight through or take fixed paths. Here you were completely at the mercy of nature. It was this aspect of Hebi that was also like home, at least outside of the town that had been carved out.

“Living in seclusion isn’t living in isolation. He believes taking Hebi for his own is his power therefore we have to treat him as someone capable of doing such.” [i] Its actually perfect you get to amass power in secret. Your enemies won’t know what you’re capable. [/i]  In an ominous tone he would add “Caution is needed those who live ‘out of the way’ tend to want protect their privacy.”
Aloeus would walk to right of Knux and 12ft away so that he could see as unobstructed as possible. He couldn’t help the feeling that this wasn’t enough. With all these trees it would make since if they had surveillance or traps. But maybe Aloeus was just too cautious. But better safe than sorry as the saying goes Aloeus would ask both his comrades.“Are you to able to travel through the trees? From down here we are easily spotted and ambushed. Views are also completely obstructed.” Aloeus had already touched the ground and would put his gloves on to assist his moving through tree even if the others weren’t able. Even if it was just him he could at least see more of what was coming and if the worse should happen at least one of them would be unharmed and free to help the others out. Aloe would walk to closest tree at the his right and jump as high as he could and grab a hold. Using he great strength relative to size he would continue launching himself up until he reached branches.

430

And so Knuckles took point heading wherever they were heading, he couldn't see how far they were going into the Jungle or what what be there. This was becoming a bit of a hassle. Not only did they not know where this man was they also didn't know this Jungle very well. Lucky for him he has a good idea. With the help of Aloe, but he wouldn't tell him that. Ru if you can you get in the trees too. It's time we draw an ambush on us, if they see only of of use and wearing something that looks like this they will think they have the upper hand. We can then use that stupid plan of theirs to turn it back on them and get the location out of them. Sound good?" Without really waiting for feedback Knuckles would keep walking forward changing his path only when a tree or obstacle was blocking his path.He hoped it wouldn't be long before they took the bait and attack him. Sure enough As Knuckles as planned, after only an hour or so walking like this he heard a ruffling with the leaves. Knuckles emerald hues gave a slight shine to them before his eye haki activated giving his added detection skills and allowing him to feel if an attack was coming. It wasn't a lot, but it was something. Knuckles decided to go ahead and act like he tripped and fell to the ground. Trying to look as easy as possible, it seemed to have worked as five sword wearing bandits came from out of the bushes surrounding him. Blades drawn they closed in on Knuckles. Fellas, come on you don't want to do this, right? We can work something out come on now... He was met by chuckles as they drew in for a closer inspection at what he was wearing seeing that it was made out of some high beli stuff they wanted it.

"Hand over the getup and we'll ugh, let you go, maybe.."they all began to cackle and laugh as if it was something he'd consider. Knuckles ran his hand through his hair before sticking the female swordsmen the bird. "Why don't you fuck off?" Angering the woman she and the other 5 swordsman's attacked one after the others, lucky for him, he perceived the attacks, backing handing the first sword strike away tanks to the toughness of his suit, as well as well his natural strength and toughness. As the other four attacks came in they slammed into his suit, but not before he had snapped the woman's wrist within the time it took them to do so.

470/400
Haki Stamina

135/150

As Aloeus explained the caution we should have while approaching the enemy. Then he suggested tree movement, Knuckles agreed and asked Ataru if we was capable of climbing a tree. He didn't even answer instead he activated his jet dial twice first when he reached the apex of his regular jump the second when gravity overtook the force of his jet dials propulsion. He reached the top of a tree, and looked around they were dense enough and close together that he shouldn't have to much of a problem navigating. He would have to move at a slower speed than his maximum he was going about 50 percent speed. The first jump was the scariest for Ataru he landed on the tree trunk and felt the vibration going throughout it. It groaned under the weight but it was holding his weight just fine, it was an odd feeling none the less. How high he was in the tree he could feel the wind bend the trees with it, to ignore the feeling Ataru would try to keep moving. Leaping from tree to tree Ataru would stop on occasion too observe the surroundings. While the main point of this plan would be to mark Knuckles as an easy target Ataru couldn't help but scout as they moved.

He saw the group coming on Knuckles, he decided to watch it play out taking position in a tree 3 meters away from where Knuckles and the group had come to a stand off. That's when he heard the voices a little bit further off. He went in direction of those voices sending one message to the comms before focusing his senses ahead."Possible enemy detachment, going to handle. Assume worse if not reported in 10 minutes."Arriving at the location of the voices Ataru saw a man wielding a large axe and two experienced looking swordsmen. It was obvious the Axe man was the leader of this small detachment, the way he stood his aura all of this and more marked him out. I'm in the mood for a challenge lets see what they can do.

Landing 5 meters in front of them with his sword drawn Ataru spoke "You're not worth the effort of surprise draw.. Waiting for them to draw their respective weapons Ataru would watch as they started to move to circle him.Bandits are so simpleminded, such a straightforward tactic. He would charge straight at the swordsman trying to move to his left, as he did both the axe man and other swordsmen rushed at Ataru trying to take advantage of his backside. His sword would meet with the swordsman, with not even a full slash Ataru's blade cracked the other mans. Knowing that this man's swordsmanship had much to be desired Ataru would point his first axe dial shot on the man's sword angled down. The mud and plant parts scattered in the air as Ataru moved to behind the man while kicking him into the Axeman and swordsman. He screamed as the Axeman mistook him for Ataru splitting his axe on his skull. Ataru watched the gruesome act as the air cleared the axemen started to pull his axe from the man's skull. In that second Ataru would use his axe dial's second charge at the other swordsman. He aimed so the cuts would be non lethal but that didn't mean the man wouldn't scream bloody murder. The Axeman looked angry at both Ataru's cleverness and his own stupidity as he charged straight at Ataru. Blocking his axe with his blade the man's surprise had barely left his face when Ataru dropped completely prone letting the rest of the man's momentum carry him and his axe forward. Ataru would slash both of the man's achilles tendons making sure he couldn't walk. He'd fall to the ground cursing at Ataru as he smiled at him. "I didn't kill any of you, you'll be pleased to know we'll need both of you for information. It'll be easier if you cooperate and if you get to a doctor soon you'll be able to walk in no time.". He'd walk over to the swordsman that had been cut and turn his heat dial of his blade on searing the wound shut. He had already passed out so his body convulsed and he woke up near the end but for the most part he seemed calm as Ataru swept his body of his weapons. Then he'd drag him and the axeman leaning their bodies on each other. He'd throw all their weapons out of their eyesight in a pile. Then after all of this he'd comm in to the rest of the team. "Got two for questioning, comm in if you need any help.

Ataru would look to a tree that he found suitably close. He would cut it straight down with his heat dial and then kick it in a direction away from his party and sit on the stump. "I promise if you try anything I'll take a limb or two."The saddest part was Ataru wasn't aware if he was bluffing or not.

WC: 856/400

Items Used:

Even though his homeland had cites scaled for other of his size moving through tree were familiar. The tree branches were large enough that he was able to walk and jump on them out problem. It turns out that it was easier to walk then fly in the scenario. Looking down Aloe had a clear line of sight on anything that would approach. Alongside Ataru they could warn the captain of anything that was coming and or counter it themselves.  Aloe couldn’t help but notice the difficulty of that Ataru was having at least that he wasn’t, or couldn’t, move at his normal pace. Still he managed to keep up with Aloe. The tree’s size and forest density meant that no one was seeing far ahead and despite being high up it wasn’t too hard see the ground. Still Aloeus would use his goggles with only a light enhancement of his sight as not to develop tunnel vision. Even though their three man cell had moved to a three dimensional formation they had kept the same positions, Ataru trailing Knux, who was in the middle on the ground, and Aloeus at right flank.

After an hour walking the fun would begin with a rather clumsy trip but something wasn’t normal about it. They had been walking through the woods for awhile. At this point movement normally gets more precise unless one was distracted of fatigue. That didn’t seem to be the case even Aloe watching he wouldn’t find traces of the enemy until after they had revealed themselves. Knux on the other hand seemed to notice in advance. With the first set of enemies down Ataru had already taken off up ahead, by himself. “So much for any semblance on a plan,” Aloe would say to know one in particular since his com wasn’t active. Aloe would grin as idea came over. Ataru and Knux seemed to be doing fine and long as they were find and nearby Aloeus would have time engage his own strategy.

Going ahead Ataru every 5-15m he would set up various quick traps that his team mates wouldn’t engage unless they no longer walked the straightest path possible, in direction they had been heading. Just encase they should trigger the traps none were mean to be fatal just disorienting or provide strong whipping sting for those with no metal body. But there were two that Aloeus was really proud of 20m ahead he had found a pit (group) of snakes. He would rig a vine trip wire sling whomever disturbs it into the blending snakes.

Looking behind him in the general direction of his teammates he would reply to Ataru "Every thing is good here just don't change directions for about 30m from where Knux fucked and fell, nearly becoming a shish kabob. There are no holes in you, yet, right Knux?" After giving him a chance to respond he would say to them both "If you want to stay that way avoid my traps."


500

While Knuckles had the wrist of the woman the others seemed to draw back their attacks. It seemed unlikely that they wanted to fight with her life on the line. However they only withdrew the attacks to enter a new formation, they attacked from all four of his side, one even stabbed his sword through the woman to try and get through Knuckles. However, Knuckles activated his thrusters and soared 10 meters into the air dodging all the attempting to hit him. He had left the woman to die on her allies blade. Reaching for his plasma blade Knuckles activated it as the crimson blade came to life. Coming back down Knuckles control his fall angling his body to land behind the man who struck down the woman. Once he had touched down to the ground he slashed the man in the center of his body causing his top half to fold over to the right side and fall while the legs dropped to the knees then buckled. Letting his jet pack roar open once again he pushed the woman forward using her as a human shield for any incoming attacks as he slashed at the arms of the two to his sides. The one to his direct front would get caught by the woman and slammed into a tree crushing his ribs likely breaking a few. Knuckles stabbed his plasma beam into the chest of the woman and the man at the same time then pulled it out. Deactivating the plasma blade he walked over to where the other two men were. Looking at their sword on the ground he picked them up and twirled them around.

"You know, I'm a doctor. SO I could possibly save your life however... I would need some information for that. If not I know the best spots to hurt you with out killing you until I want.
And the blade i cut your hands off with, well I can make it small enough to remove only parts of you at a time. You won't bleed out either due to the heat of the blade. Sooo what do you say gentlemen?"

The two men sort of looked scared of death while looking at each other, they didn't seem to want to talk. Shrugging Knuckles moved both arms in a rowing manner catching the throats of both men as blood flew onto his boots of his white suit. "Oops, my hand slipped..." Dropping the blade he moved ahead to meet his crew. He let his eye Haki calm as there was no need for it.

427/400

Haki Stamina 125/150