Two years later….
"You are still using too much force when you strike," Aurélie adjusted her hold on the hilt of her katana. "Remember, feminine nature is not about brute strength," she diverts Marya's attack.
Jumping back, they circle each other, looking for an opening. Aurélie leaps, "How about this, then?" Marya leaps as well, spinning. Red streams from the edge of her blade. Steele connects, screeching as the blades clash, and her Haki flows into Aurélie's katana. Aurélie's eyes widen when her katana slides from her grip. Both land on their feet, facing each other. Marya smirks as Aurélie's katana flips through the air. Reaching her hand out, she catches it.
"Whoa, ho, ho!" Master Gaius claps, "very impressive!"
Aurélie scowls, "You have been holding back."
"Don't be annoyed," Marya walks her blade to her. Grinning, "I have waited two years to see that look on your face."
Aurélie snatches the hilt from her. " How long have you been able to control your feminine nature?" She sheathes her blade.
Marya shrugs, "for a while now." Glancing at Master Gaius, "I had some additional tutoring sessions." Aurélien tsks as she walks away.
"Marya," she turns to Riggs, panting in the doorway. "Come on, we got to go. Everyone will be waiting."
"Go on, kid." Master Gaius puffs his pipe. "You earned it."
Bowing, "Thank you, Master Gaius." She rushes out with Riggs.
"How did it go?"
"As expected," Marya grins. "You should have seen the look on her face."
Riggs chuckles, "I wish I could have been there."
"Are we the last ones?"
"No," Riggs shakes his head, "Emmet went to get Bianca from the lab."
"Oh jeez," Marya rolls her eyes, "she will probably be covered in oil from that project she has been working on. This could take a minute."
She and Bianca arrive at their dorm room at the same time. They giggle when they inspect each other, Bianca in her oil-covered overalls and Marya in her training ghee. "We, like, don't have a lot of time."
"Race you to the shower!" Marya jets across the threshold.
Bianca is right on her heels, "No fair! You are, like, way faster than me with all that running you do!"
Everyone is waiting when they arrive at the dock. "You look so cute!" Natalie calls out in greeting.
Running, Marya waves, "Thanks, so do you! Sorry, we took so long."
"It's okay," Jax opens the door to the submarine, "but let's hurry so we can go!" Everyone files in. Jax and Marya sit at the helm. "Ready?"
Marya nods, "Bloom Island, here we come!" Submerged, they jet away from the island.
A map appears on the monitor. Jax presses several buttons, "Coordinates are set." A light blinks on the map. Marya nods, checking the gauge, then turns a dial. When she pushes a blinking green button, the submarine is surrounded by a bubble and disappears. A few minutes later, it reappears. "Coordinates confirmed."
Grinning, Marya looks over her shoulder. " Attention, all passengers. We have arrived and will be docking at Bloom Island in ten minutes." The space fills with the hum of excitement.
Natalie squeals, "I thought this day would never come! Now that finals are over, we can focus on our specialties."
"Exams were like, so brutal," Bianca finger combs her hair. "I mean, like, between final projects and the written portion, I didn't sleep for like a month."
"Um," Celeste clears her throat, "sorry you had to work so hard."
Charlie adjusted his glasses, "I did not mind the experience. I found the challenge quite thrilling."
Zola points a finger in the air, "I conquer!"
"Well, I am glad it is over," Emmet leans back with his hands folded behind his head. "I cannot wait for some karaoke!"
Riggs jets his hand in the air, "I vote we eat first!"
"So, like," Bianca inspects her nails, "how does it work for guardians?"
Jax turns the steering wheel, "We have to pass the written portion of our exams, but we also have to have written recommendations from our mentors and master."
"Whoa," Bianca glances up, "that's, like, a lot."
"Just think," Marya glances back. This may be the last time we can all get together like this. Once we pass, we will all be going in different directions." Everyone is somber for a moment. "So, let's make the best of it!"
"Oh," Jax interjects, "and we are doing karaoke first."
"But why?" Riggs whines.
Natalie pats him on the shoulder with a consoling hand, "There will be food there, too."
Crossing his arms, Riggs pouts, "Fine!"
They started at a lively karaoke bar, where they rented a private room and took turns belting out their favorite tunes. The room was filled with cheers, playful teasing, and off-key harmonies as they danced and sang, their energy infectious. Even the shyest among them couldn't resist joining in, and by the end, their voices were hoarse but their spirits high.
Next, they hit the shopping district, weaving through bustling streets lined with colorful stores. They split into smaller groups, some browsing trendy clothing boutiques while others explored quirky gadget shops and souvenir stalls. Gifts were bought, selfies were taken, and the occasional fashion debate broke out, but it was all in good fun. The friends regrouped to show off their purchases, laughing at the ridiculous hats and accessories they'd picked up on a whim.
As the afternoon sun warmed the island, they made their way to a row of food stalls, where the air was rich with the scent of sizzling skewers, sweet pastries, and savory snacks. They sampled everything, passing dishes around and arguing over which stall had the best takoyaki. The joy of sharing food brought them even closer, their bond strengthened by the simple pleasure of a good meal.
Finally, they ended the day at a cozy pet shop, where they spent hours cooing over the adorable animals. Puppies wagged their tails, kittens batted at fingers through the glass, and even the exotic birds seemed to chirp in greeting. They took turns holding the smaller animals, their faces lighting up with pure delight. The shop owner, amused by their enthusiasm, let them stay a little longer, and the friends left with smiles on their faces and a shared dream of one-day owning pets of their own.
At the end of the day, they found themselves at a barbeque restaurant. Everyone was chatting in the booth while Jax and Riggs dueled over a piece of beef. The atmosphere turned tense as a group of rowdy marines burst in, their boisterous laughter and loud voices immediately drawing attention. Dressed in their crisp white uniforms, they seemed more interested in causing a scene than following protocol. They slammed their fists on the tables, demanding the best cuts of meat and the most potent drinks, their orders shouted rather than requested.
The wait staff, though clearly flustered, tried to maintain their composure, rushing to fulfill the marines' increasingly unreasonable demands. "More sauce! Faster service! And keep the drinks coming!" one marine barked, his face red from alcohol and arrogance. Another leaned back in his chair, boots propped up on the table, while his companions jeered at the staff, making crude jokes and laughing at their own audacity.
Patrons nearby exchanged uneasy glances, some choosing to leave rather than endure the marines' behavior. The restaurant's owner, a stout man with a nervous smile, tried to placate the group, offering complimentary dishes in hopes of calming them down. But the marines only grew louder, their sense of entitlement on full display.
It was a scene of chaos and disrespect, the marines' rowdy behavior a stark contrast to the discipline they were supposed to embody. The wait staff, though clearly overwhelmed, continued to serve with quiet dignity, hoping the storm would pass without further incident.
The Marine's attention turned in the direction of Marya and her friends when they burst out in laughter. Slamming a mug of beer, "Who is making all that ruckus?"
"It's just some kids, sir," a waitress replies. "They should be leaving soon."
Another glares in their direction, "What's so funny over there?" He stands, walking to their booth. Crossing his arms, he towers over the end of the table, looking down at them.
With a raised eyebrow, Natalie asks, "Can we help you?"
"I just came over to see what was so entertaining."
The guardians share knowing glances as Charlie straightens his glasses and replies, "Well if you must know. Our companions…"
"I am not interested in what you have to say, four eyes." Turning his attention to Marya, "Those eyes look oddly familiar." Placing a hand on the table, he leans down. " Do you want to tell me why those eyes look so familiar to me?" Marya glares back, and he smirks. "I like that look on you."
"Um," Celeste bites her lip, "we are sorry for bothering you. We can go…"
"Go!" he interrupts. "Go where?" Throwing his hands out, "The party is just getting started!" Turning his attention back to Marya, "Tell me, girl. Where did you get a sword like that?"
Marya is about to respond when Natalie scoots out from the booth, "Wow! I am so full! I think it is time for us to go." They all follow her lead, doing their best to move past him.
When Marya attempts to step by, he grabs her arm. Whispering in her ear, "I think you and I should…."
Reflex takes over, and Marya grips his wrist. Shifting her foot, she throws him over her shoulder. Coughing when he hits the ground, the other marines jump to their feet. Her friends freeze with panicked expressions. The marines start to move in their direction, reaching out to subdue them. Marya's heart begins to race, her blood heats, and her breath catches. Red fills her vision, "Leave them alone!" A gust of powerful aura is sent from her, and all but three marines are left standing.
"Whoa," Riggs gasps, "no way."
"What are you doing?" Marya scolds. "We've got to go!" She hurries past, holding the door for their escape. Running from the shop, the three marines that were left standing start chasing them. "To the dock!"
"Hey, you," Tashigi calls out as her men pass her.
Looking over her shoulder, Marya curses as a dark-haired woman with a sword joins the chase. "Keep going," she tells her friends, "I will meet you at the dock."
Jax glances at her, "What are you?" But she was already gone.
With her blade drawn, she lunges towards the Marines. She is about to swing when an all-too-familiar black blade blocks her. Shifting her eyes up, she grins when her golden eyes meet his. Her posture relaxes when he smiles back. "Father," they sheath their blades, "it is good to see you."
Mihawk lifts a section of her hair, letting it fall through his fingers. "You changed your hair."
"I did," her cheeks become flush, "do you like it?"
With a soft tone, he replies, "You look like your mother."
"I do?" she beams, making him smile. "Oh," her head snaps, "I have something for you." His brow creases as she rummages through her saddlebag purse. "Here it is," she hands him a small picture. "I found this in mom's things. I had copies made and wanted you to have one." Taking it from her, his eyes bulge.
"You there," Tucking the picture away, Mihawk glares over his shoulder at Tashigi. "Hawkeye, do you know her?" Buckled over, panting, she braces her hands on her knees. "You! Did you do that back there?"
"Yes, Master Chief," one of the other panting marines interjects, "that's her. She took all of them out."
"Amazing!" Turning her attention to Marya, "You should join the navy!" Marya blinked in response. "That sword," she adjusted her glasses, "I have never seen anything like it."
"Oh," Marya chuckles, "that's because it was custom-made. It is the only one of its kind."
"Does it have a name?"
"Oh, yes: Eternal Night."
"You should come with us. You could go far in the Navy." Mihawk glares murderously at Tashigi as she rambles on with his daughter.
"Oh," Marya twirls her hair, "but I don't think that will be possible. I have to go now; I am actually very late. It was nice to meet you." She spins on her heels, sharing a telling glance with her father.
Watching her round the corner, "Who was that girl?" Tashigi looks to Mihwak.
With a rigid posture and dark tone, Mihawk turns, "Let's go."
When Marya arrives at the dock, Riggs jumps up and down, waving for her to hurry. "That was so crazy! What happened?"
Marya blows by him, jumping into the submarine. "You aren't going to believe this, but I ran into my dad."
"No way!" They strap into their seats.
"All clear to depart?" Jax announces.
Marya inspects a few gages, "all clear."
"Away we go!"