[OPitP] One Piece in the Playground: IC Thread

[Mindfreak]

Admiral Preppa - The Midas Estate
As they follow the butler, she'll try to grasp Nigel's wrist so tightly it's painful.
She'll then try to bring him closer.
"You ruin a single thing here and I'll gut you like a fish, got me?"
She then lets go and continues following the butlerS

[DiscipleofBob]

The Midas Estate

Bartholomew shows the trio up to the estate manor: a huge golden mansion so large even a giant could fit comfortably aside. It put even marine headquarters to shame, and this was just the residence of one man. If one managed to get lost in those hallways, they might die of thirst or starvation before they could get out. "Right this way please. I believe this is the first time you've graced us with your presence, Admiral. Forgive me if I am telling you something you already know, but I feel compelled to remind you that, while you are our honored guest, rank and status are null and void here on Midas Island. I only mention this because some of the Vice-Admirals staying here as well have taken this to heart. While they may report to you anywhere else in the world, here they may forget their military rank and position." Bartholomew holds ridiculously ornate, hand-carved door open for the trio, leading them inside. The hallways are adorned with various artworks, jewels, and other masterpieces, but are otherwise devoid of life. He leads them inside a candlelit ballroom where the manor's other guests are. Over a dozen large tables fill the room, eight of which were currently occupied by their own crew. Five of which were Vice-Admirals and their subordinates and, just as Bartholomew warned, they acknowledged the Admiral's presence, but only as a rival in the competitions ahead. No one saluted or stood at attention. Three of the tables had different sorts of people, occupied by members of the Tenryubito from different families, surrounded by their collar-wearing slaves. In the center of the room were several large pits where certain people practiced their fighting skills against each other. "Please, sit at any empty table you wish. Master Midas will be with you all shortly. If there is any way I can serve you, please do not hesitate to call upon me."

Near the Docks of The Pride

"Heart rate lowering... Blood pressure returning to normal... Anxiety subsiding..." Felicia took a deep breath. "I think I'm better now. I'm sorry, Captain. It was just a bit of shock. I should be fine now."

[AnimeKid]

Admiral Preppa - The Midas Estate
As they follow the butler, she'll try to grasp Nigel's wrist so tightly it's painful.
She'll then try to bring him closer.
"You ruin a single thing here and I'll gut you like a fish, got me?"
She then lets go and continues following the butler.

Nigel smiles as she does so. her grip is painful. Nigel prided himself upon his body and how he had managed to condition it. For a man who was like a walking juggernaut to feel pain, what a woman. Taking the pain in stride he whispers in her ear, "Don't worry my lady. I will be sure not to become intoxicated if they have drink here. I know how to behave myself when I need to. Besides, it would be rude to embarrass the beautiful woman who was thoughtful enough to bring me here."
When they reach the interior room Nigel tenses for a moment from all of the Marine's in there but soon relaxes. After all Preppa had been pleasant enough hadn't she? Then...he sees the fighting pits. His eyes becoming wide and flaming he turns to Preppa with a puppy dog look on his face looking back between her and the pits. It doesn't really suit a man of his size but it is effective, plus he is making it rather obvious what he is asking permission for.

[Mindfreak]

Admiral Preppa - The Midas Estate
Admiral Preppa still salutes to the Vice-Admirals.
Not out of habit, not to screw with their minds, but because she's an Admiral of the Marines through and through. Not saluting would have been saying that she was unworthy of being an Admiral in her opinion.
She then caught Nigel's look.
"Fine, go fight in one of those pits. Arelene, you're with me." shesaid as she sat down at an empty table.

[KerfuffleMach2]

Vice Admiral Arlene

Arlene follows Prepos's lead, saluting as well. And she does it for much the same reasons.

She nods to Prepos's request, and also looks around the room, taking in everything. She keeps her hands behind her back instead of on her swords.

Captain Talina

Talina smiles. That's fine. As long as you don't do it when we get into the Trial of Heart.

[AnimeKid]

Nigel

His eyes light up and he is ecstatic. Giving Preppa a brief bone crushing hug he heads off to the pits. Getting to the edge he braces his feet and jumps into the the pit. When he lands multiple cracks show up in the ground from the fact that gravity is currently 2.5x heavier on him. He then straightens up and grins madly as he says, "Alright then! Who wants to take on Nigel Zeromus, Man of the Sea?!"

[Mina Kobold]

Benjamin DuChêne

At the sign-up for the tournament, a young pirate is reading a list of rules, seemingly eager to test his skill, until...

"No Devie powers? But-Oh hey! I can join this!"

The wide-eyed youngster, stranded on the island as his temporary captain had gotten quite a debt on loans from Midas, skips up to the sign-up itself.

"One for Trial of Devils! Sounds like an excellent challenge!"

The attendant might get a agging feeling that the cheery, innocently courageous kid is doomed.

Then again, maybe he actully have a monstrous and terrifying Devil Fruit power?

[DiscipleofBob]

Registration

"Name, Affiliation, and Devil Fruit Type please."

Near the Docks of the Pride

"Don't worry, Captain, I'll be fine," it took a few moments for the double take, "Wait, Trial? We? You don't mean you want me to compete, do you?" she said suddenly nervous again.

The Midas Estate

When Nigel issues his challenge, the others are hesitant. Not out of cowardice, but everyone from the Vice-Admirals to the Tenryubito are sizing him up. It was a high-stakes poker battle: everyone trying to figure the others' cards while keeping theirs secret. They all wanted to know what the newcomer could do, but no one wanted to volunteer any of their "hidden cards."

The first of the Tenryubito was Wilhelm Kaiser. Even among the Tenryubito the Kaiser family was known as ruthless. Tyrants to all under their command, stories of them torturing their slaves, servants, and even Marine soldiers sent to guard them were wide and far. Most of the people surrounding Wilhelm concealed themselves under spiked brown and black uniforms, their faces covered by gas masks, most of which also had the trademark collars of slaves. There was one feminine gas mask figure clad in black leather, uncollared. Wilhelm himself wore no gas mask, his thick, pointed moustache and sharp features visible under his spiked helmet. Two of his bodyguards stood out, not just because of their lack of gas masks, but because they stood about a foot taller than everyone in the room. One black-suited gorilla-esque figure sported giant iron bars on his knuckles and his jaw replaced by a thick iron plate. The other, while equally large, wore some filthy leather outfit strapped onto him. The latter grinned rather insanely, his eyes misshapen and part of his head was covered in stitches. When he smiled, he revealed his misaligned, misshapen teeth resembling more monster than man.

The second of the Tenryubito was much friendlier in comparison, even though that didn't say much. Nicholas Holy was a larger man with a thick white beard and a white coat. A younger girl was with him clad in similar attire, probably his daughter. His slaves wore no uniforms other than the trademark collars, but otherwise looked surprisingly well-fed and taken care of for their position in life. Notable figures among that lot included a man in green, leafy clothing with a feathered cap and a bow and quiver, a man with a giant, drill-like lance, a tattooed man with boxing gloves, and what looked like a court jester, though even the latter remained silent. Sitting behind him was what appeared to be a feminine figure in a magenta shaul, no doubt one of Nicholas's trump cards he planned on saving for one of the Trials.

The third and final of the Tenryubito was less-known than the other two families: Maxwell Charletan. Maxwell himself was clad in a bright plaid suit that was tacky no matter how expensive it was, with slick-backed hair and oily features. Among his servants which weren't nearly as well-dressed (some were still clad in the burlap sacks they were sold in at the auction house) were a bikini-clad woman with a snake draped around her shoulders, a dark-suited man with sunglasses and a set of several samurai swords at his waist, a man in elaborate spiked armor not unlike a football player, and a mousy little girl with baggy clothing and thick glasses.

Before anyone could take Nigel up on his offer, the butler suddenly returned. "Esteemed Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for your patience. May I present to you your host, the President of the Gold Corporation, Goldoro Midas."

The man who stepped out wore a golden suit so bright even the dim candlelight reflected off him as he glowed like a beacon in the room. Each finger was adorned with several rings of precious gems. His smile flashed equally bright as he spoke. "Welcome and thank you all for once again attending our annual celebration. This festival isn't just to celebrate another successful year for the Gold Corporation, it's also to honor you, the loyal patrons who've made all this possible. Some of you have come to these tournaments for several years now, but for others it's your first time at these games. For those who are new, Bartholomew will explain about the certain advantage that our VIP guests will have over the competition. Either way, let us all drink to the spirit of competition and capitalism." Midas held up a golden goblet for the toast. "May the truly greatest of us succeed. Bartholomew, if you would."

"Yes, sir," the butler bowed to his master, "For those of you waiting for a sneak peak for the prizes of this year's competition, we will have a display for our VIP guests later tonight. In the meantime, I've handed out a list of potential prizes for each of you..." Indeed, somehow when no one was looking, menu-style lists were placed in front of each VIP guest. "Now, as VIP guests, you are afforded a certain opportunity to get ahead of the competition. For those of you who are new, I shall explain. If you will direct your attention to the rear curtain." At the back of the room, a curtain covering the wall to reveal seven vaguely lit silhouettes. "A recurring feature of our tournaments: the Seven Specialists of Midas Island. Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Topaz, Amethyst, Pearl, and Diamond. We've hired seven elite operatives from various backgrounds to possibly act as your assassins. For the price of one billion belli, as provided by you or sponsors, you may hire one of these individuals to sabotage another contestant's entry in any of the competitions. While I assure you they are all skilled and competent, for clarity's sake I must inform you that this is a gamble, not a guarantee, for there are plenty of skilled contestants for all of the trials. If they fail to sabotage their target, then I'm afraid that is simply a lost gamble on your part. If you wish to hire any of our Specialists, then simply fill out a form at any point in time during the tournament and have the payment ready, and I will collect both and dispatch the Specialist on your behalf. I assure you, all such transactions are completely confidential. Not even the Specialist will know who hired them."

[KerfuffleMach2]

Captain Talina

The captain smiles again. Felicia, it's a team event. I need at least one person with me. So, I picked you.

Don't worry, it'll be fun.

Vice Admiral Arlene

Arlene's eyes narrow a little.

Sabotage? Really? Wow...it surprises me how low some people will go to win.

[AnimeKid]

Nigel

The pirate captain has a frown on his face at the presentation. It had interrupted the fun. Plus it was rather scummy. 'How unmanly! If you want to win at something then challenge someone to it. If you lose you get stronger. I shall show these people the true way of Manliness!'

Outside remembering his promise to Preppa Nigel just narrows his eyes and turns his head to show his disapproval.

[Mindfreak]

Admiral Preppa - The Midas Estate
Admiral Preppa immediately throws away her prize phamphlet thing.
She wasn't about to learn anything that someone else couldn't. She didn't believe in cheating.
"Arlene, you're not purchasing an assassin."

[KerfuffleMach2]

Vice Admiral Arlene

Arlene turns her gaze to Preppa. Her face remains expressionless, but the Admiral should be able to pick up on the slight disbelief in her eyes.

Not to question your judgement, ma'am, but did you really believe I would even consider doing such a thing? I'd almost take offense to that.

Anyways, we should keep on guard from now on. There's a chance that we may become targets of these assassins.

[happyturtle]

(Disciple, can you edit the title in the OP to include the [Tag] at the start of the title? Thanks! )

[DiscipleofBob]

The Pride

"Y-you want me to compete? In a team-based contest? I don't honestly think I'd be much help," she replies modestly. "Isn't there someone else? Maybe Hualin here. Or Valeria, or Lynette, or Roger-hime," she lists off her other pets. "Or maybe that talking kitty from ealier?"

The Midas Estate

The other Vice-Admirals and Tenryubito start perusing over the list of possible prizes and scanning out the competition, trying to decide where best to place their money. Against each other, or against some of the other contestants not present?

When the butler is finished with his explanation, he makes a stop by Admiral Preppa's table, wearing his usual calm smile. "Admiral. Shall I arrange a guest room for you, or have you made other arrangements?"

Kaiser whispers something to one of his lackeys, the big gorilla-like man with the iron jaws, who nods and steps into the cage with Nigel Zeromus. "Boss wants to know if you da same Nigel Zeromus who signed up for da Devil Tourney."

[Mindfreak]

Admiral Preppa - The Midas Estate
Admiral Preppa tries to get close and interlace hands with Arlene, pressing their...assets together.
"I should have never doubted you, my dearest vice-admiral...and yes, we must stay on our guard."
She then will break away when the butler comes over.
"We have no place to stay, so a room would be excellent, yes."

[KerfuffleMach2]

The Pride

Talina will go to put an arm around the doctor's shoulders. Come on, Felicia. You gotta live a little! Take chances! Have adventure in your life!

Plus, I already made up my mind about it.

The Midas Estate

When Preppa brings her... assets...against Arlene, the Vice Admiral doesn't react much. In all honesty, she's become used to how her Admiral acts, and has learned that the easiest thing to do is just go with it.

Arlene nods in agreement with Preppa about the room. That'll be good. Easier to keep an eye out if we're together.

[AnimeKid]

Nigel

He looks at the gorilla-like man with a raised eyebrow. Yeah I am, why does you boss want to know?" He is honestly confused by why that would be a big deal. Then he remembers the assassins. He then grins widely. Both the fact that this person might have thought him threatening enough to have an assassin after him, and at the chance to fight one.

[DiscipleofBob]

The Pride

Felicia was on the verge of almost comedic tears again. Days like this were why she never wanted to leave the ship. "I-if you say so, captain, but I don't think I'd do anything but hold you back." Felicia speaks as she boards the pride along with the tiger, Hualin. As soon as she stepped on board, three pairs of predatory eyes locked onto her, and before long three shapes leapt out of the shadows at her. This was a sight all too familiar to the rest of the crew as the lion, Roger-hime, the panther, Valeria, and the cheetah, Lynette, all playfully pounced her seeking treats.

The Midas Estate

"Very well, Admiral, it shall be done. Please inform me whenever you wish to go to your room or leave the estate. I have strict orders from Master Midas to personally escort you to and from your quarters. If you would like any service provided or would like a tour of the mansion grounds, I'd be happy to oblige if I can."

The iron-jawed gorilla slams the iron bars on his knuckles together, "Da name's Lockjaw Jock. Boss says since I ain't fightin ya in any of da Tourneys, I get to pummel ya here till he sees what ya can do." Obviously this mook was not chosen for his subtlety.

[KerfuffleMach2]

The Pride

Talina laughs at the sight of Felicia being glomped by her pets. She'll go to pet whichever one is closer.

Ah, don't worry about it, Felicia. Just do your best with it.

[AnimeKid]

Nigel

For a moment Nigel just stands there with a look on his face. Then he grins widely as he jumps back a few feet and lands heavily. He stands up fully as he tosses his jacket behind him and his white shirt starts to strain a little from his flexing muscles. "HAHAHAHA! Alright then! You wanna brawl, then lets brawl buddy!" Nigels loud and boisterous voice rings throughout the room. Reaching behind him he takes his buster sword off of his back and holds it towards LockJaw with one hand. "Don't worry, I'll only use the back of the blade.
"

[Mindfreak]

Admiral Preppa - The Midas Estate
No reaction from Arlene?
That's no fun! This means she'll just have to try harder!
After all, she likes making people blush.
"Let's go check out our room now, eh Arlene?"
She'll try to wrap her arm protectively around Arlene's shoulders.
"We can figure out who gets first watch...and other things."

[DiscipleofBob]

The Pride

Despite being mauled by several large cats, Felicia seems perfectly fine and doesn't even spill the groceries. "All right, all right, mummy loves you too." Felicia manages to pick herself up, a feat with the maelstrom of fur around her, and gets out a bag of kitty treats and starts doling them out, the tiger also joining in at this point. "Is anyone else on the crew competing? Or are we not busy for the next couple of days?"

The Midas Estate Guest Room

When Preppa and Arlene are ready to go, Bartholomew appears out of nowhere as usual and guides them through the lavishly furnished hallways to their guest room. And by guest room, it was more of large apartment, with two suites, a common room, and a bathroom with a jacuzzi. Somehow, the room seem like it had been prepared to suit both of their personal tastes with the normal luxuries the two would appreciate, despite it only having been "made" not minutes before according to the butler.

The Midas Estate Ball Room

Lockjaw Jock threw one of his tree-trunk-sized arms at Nigel, his fist probably large enough to pick up the self-proclaimed 'Man of the Sea' and crush him one-handed.

[AnimeKid]

Nigel

When he is punched at Nigel brings his Buster sword around the flatside to block the blow. Instead of going flying like he should have the man skids back a few feet. Nigel mentally pats himself on the back for the 2.5x gravity on himself, increasing his weight. Nigel then exerts gravity behind himself, rocketing him forward at a fast pace as he tries to slam the back of his Buster Sword into his stomach.

[Mindfreak]

Admiral Preppa - The Midas Estate Guest Room
Preppa's face goes into shock as she sees the jacuzzi.
She then immediately removes her jacket, and rips her t-shirt and jeans off, revealing that she wears a bikini underneath instead of underwear.
She then slides into the jacuzzi.
"Arlene, I order you to get into this jacuzzi and relax with me right this second."

[KerfuffleMach2]

The Pride

Talina shrugs. I don't think anybody else is. But, even if they are, I want you with me on the team event.

The Midas Estate

Arlene sighs. Maybe later. I wanna take a look around first.

Unless Preppa stops her, Arlene will wander around their rooms, examining everything.

[DiscipleofBob]

The Pride

"Fiiine..." Felicia reluctantly whines. After all, Talina was the captain. "This is going to be middle school all over again."

The Midas Estate

Arlene finds her suite to suit her personal tastes, whatever that may mean. If she decides to step out into the hallway, she'll find the butler waiting patiently to escort her wherever she might want to go.

Meanwhile, in the ballroom...

Jock's other arm moves to catch the Buster Sword in a surprisingly efficient matter. He might've looked like nothing but big, dumb muscle, but the guy apparently knew how to fight pretty well. The sword makes a suprisingly loud clang when it hits Jock's hand, and the big lug is pushed back a few inches along the floor. "You're heavier than you look," he notes as his free arm swings around to try to knock Nigel away.

[AnimeKid]

Nigel

Nigel narrows his eyes as Lockjaw readies his arm for his swing. As Lockjaw swings his should note that his arm is moving slower, far slower than it should be. With Nigel slowing the arm down due to his gravity powers he takes the opportunity to get in an a powerful uppercut, not at Lockjaw's chin but at his throat and the five rings decorating his fist don't exactly make his punch any softer. He manages to get it in just before Lockjaw's arm catches him again, sending him skidding back as he retains his grasp on his blade.

[Mindfreak]

Admiral Preppa - The Midas Estate Guest Room
Preppa gives a sigh of happiness in the water.
"Don't keep me waiting, Arlene~"
She already knows that they'll share a bed.
How else will they watch for assassins?

[KerfuffleMach2]

The Pride

Talina grins and goes to pull Felicia into a one-armed hug. That's the spirit! It'll be fun!

Hey, we should go get some drinks.

The Midas Estate

Once she has thoroughly looked over everything twice, Arlene knows that she can't stall any longer. She sighs to herself, and Preppa will see the Vice Admiral walk into her room.

A few moments later, she steps back out. She's wearing the same sports bra, as well as a pair of tight shorts in the same shade of blue. She carries her swords, and lays them next to the jacuzzi before stepping in herself.

Ahhh...this does feel nice...

[Mindfreak]

Admiral Preppa - The Midas Estate
Admiral Preppa doesn't scoot all the way over to Arlene for once.
That's how good she found the jacuzzi to be.
"Yeah it does...I haven't been in a jacuzzi this nice ever..."
Her face shows that she's in heaven right now.