(Yeah, of you haven't noticed, my guys are WAY more powerful than most opponents in the world as of now. Arlong's dead, and those two guys from Croc's group are permanently paralyzed, so you can guess what's gonna happen to the others.)

(Zant)"Huh, it's been nearly a week now, and nothing's really happened. Guess that All-Sunday was telling the truth."

(Mawgona)"Still, we shouldn't let our guard down. We have no idea what other characters may rome about."

(Nix)"I'm just gonna say this here and now, I think that gal's got the hots for you, Cap. Just saying."

(Mawgona)"And just what made you come to that conclusion?"

(Nix)"Didn't you see the look in her eyes? I've only seen that look when someone's into another person. Trust me, I'm an expert at reading people through eyes alone!"

(Mawgona)"But why should I care? For all we know, she's probably setting up a trap for us when we get to Alabasta."

(Nix)"Hey, maybe she'll turn out to be a double agent and might even join our side, won't surprise me if she does!"

(Pepin)"Well putting that aside, I was wondering about what happened back at Whiskey Peak. I remember hearing that curly haired guy talking about some Monster in the form of man, what was he talking about?"

(Mawgona)"Well, I tend to get...heated in such a large fight."

(Pepin)"That was a little more than heated, most of them were hurt really bad."

(Mawgona)"I...I don't really want to talk about this."

(Zant)"Something wrong, man? I never seen you act like that before."

(Mawgona)"I'm fine, I'll be in my room for a bit, please don't bother me, ok?"

He went downstairs in a hurry, leaving everyone else in confusion.

(Nix)"....Hehehe..."

(Terry)"What?"

(Nix)"I know what he's gonna do in there..."

(Terry)"...You're sick, you got a sick mind."

(In Mawgona's Room)

(Mawgona)"What do I do now? If it starts to happen again, what am I supposed to say? Will they accept...THAT part about me? Will they...will they forgive you, Lokaal?"

(Many Years Ago)

Mawgona laid back in his little wooden boat gazing at the night sky, while trying to plan his new life as a Pirate.

(Mawgona)"Hm...well the first thing I think I'll need is a bigger ship, this thing can barely hold three people as it is. Then I'll need a few crew members with the skills needed to survive in that Grand Line place."

(Mawgona)"...I'm sure it'll be simple to find a few guys here, but I heard that this part of the world is a bit lacking. Well now that I've had some time alone, I wonder what's in this tiny chest?"

He opened the box, and to his surprise, there was no gold, no jewels, but a single fruit. It resembled a peach, but had a green stem, a purple hue, and little swirls all over. To satisfy his curiosity, he took a bit out if this "peach", but had a difficult time swallowing it due to its horrid taste.

(Mawgona)*Blegh!* "Must be rotten! It looks strange, almost like a work of art, but why would someone put a rotten piece of fruit in a chest anyway-"

Suddenly, he felt something in his body spike. It was like an adrenaline rush, but much more intense. His muscles grew slightly larger, and his hearing and vision seemed to increase. He could hear a seagull's call from miles away, and could see the exact details of a tall rock in the middle of the ocean.

(Mawgona)"Wh-What the hell is happening to me?! Could it be...that this peach did this?"

Then to top it all off, three dark imp-like creatures appeared on the other side of the boat in a black puff of smoke.

(Mawgona)"Whoa! Who are you guys!?"

(???)"Uh...I don't know? We were just, brought into existence so.../I think we came from that fruit you ate, but I don't know either."

(Mawgona)"Oh, then...would you like to join this crew I'm making?"

(Imp)"Uh, yeah sure. We don't know what that is, but it sounds fun, I guess?"

(Mawgona)"Huh, guess I can check one thing off the list! Now for a proper ship, then-"

(???)"Hello there, child."

The newly formed crew jumped in surprise. On a larger boat behind them was a tall man. His skin was unnaturally white, and his eyes seemed to peer straight into the very core of Mawgona's being. The man looked something like this, just without the extra eyes, torso mouth and tubes.

(Imp)"Who are you? Y-You here for a fight? Cause we'll k-kick your ass if so!"

That one imp reminded Mawgona of Terry, one of the first people he ever met, and the way that the second one acted made him think about Barry. But the last one didn't seem to be...all there, kinda like Harry.

(Omega)"You can call me Omega. If you're wondering, no, I have no intention of harming you, or taking all that loot you got. I was just sailing around, and noticed that you just ate a Devil Fruit."

(Mawgona)"Devil Fruit? That's what this is?"

(Omega)"Yes, I heard that they all taste rotten, but they grant the user a number of special abilities, although they can no longer swim. That one is known as the Zai-Zai Fruit, which is hardly recognized by anyone, and is considered the rarest of all."

(Mawgona)"And...I just ate it."

(Omega)"So know you have its power, and a whole damn lot of it! In fact, I actually have a this little school of sorts for Devil Fruit Users and other unique people, I could help you use that new ability."

(Mawgona)"That would be nice, I guess."

(Omega)"Then follow me, it's not too far from here."

After a few minutes, they landed on a decently sized island. It was full of tall mountains, teaming with animal life, and was basically an ideal place to live. There were also a number of villages scattered around, which were all under the protection of Omega. In the middle of the island, there was a five story dojo, with various training dummies and wooden variations of swords.

(Omega)"Welcome to my dojo! Here, I plan to help hundreds of people with Devil Fruits who don't know their way in life yet. I also train people in the use of Haki."

(Mawgona)"Haki? What's that?"

(Omega)"It's basically the energy in all living things. I have a knack for seeing the potential in people, and I can tell you have what it takes. But back to what Haki is, it can be divided in three categories: Armament, Observation, and Conquest, that one's a bit difficult to learn."

(Mawgona)"This is a bit much to take all in. I never knew that any of this existed."

(Omega)"Just wait till you see the rest of the world, there's people and places out there that seems impossible."

(???)"Oh, you're already back, Omega?"

A young man came outside of the building. He seemed to be the same age as Mawgona, but of course had normal skin.

(Omega)"Oh right, Mawgona, this is Toki, my other student. He's been here for a good two years now, he may not have a Devil Fruit, but he's a damn good prodigy at Armament Haki!"

(Mawgona)"I see, is there anyone else here?"

(Toki)"Nah, it's just been me so far. But there's this huge group of Mountain Bandits west from here, they keep trying to get all the valuable stuff we got stored up in the building."

(Art, money, weapons...food.)

(Toki)"But let's not talk about those losers, I'm excited to see what a Devil Fruit User can really do!"

(Omega)"Right, time for you to learn the ways of the Zai-Zai Fruit!"

And so for the next few years, this "Omega" taught Mawgona how to control his new ability, mostly through an ancient book written by the previous user. If you are unaware, whenever the current host of a Devil Fruit dies, the power leaves and possesses the nearest fruit.

Starting off, Mawgona learned how to conjure up this strange metal which can resist intense heat, repel electricity, and negate rust. He could also mold this alloy into fully functional pistols, and create decent blades. The strangest part was that with enough concentration, he could turn specific parts of his body into this metal, allowing him to regenerate if badly injured.

The easier part to learn was to summon those imps, which the book calls, Shadow Pirates.

All Mawgona had to do was just think of how many he wanted to make, and they would just pop into the world. He made about 20, then named the first three after the guys who took him in. They aren't very strong alone, but they're able to combine into a large, muscular version at will.

And lastly, Mawgona was taught a special fighting style. When the Zai-Zai Fruit enhanced his senses, his sight was altered to the point where he could see these little red dots on a creature's body if he concentrated hard enough, and with this fighting style, he could strike these pressure points in order to make a living body do a variety of things against their will, or just destroy itself.

Anyway, the relationship (No homo) between Mawgona and Toki was as good as any duo in other worlds. (Like, Batman and Robin or some shit.) They were rivals, despite one of them has a powerful Devil Fruit. Toki's Armament Haki was practically invincible, which helped Mawgona develop his special techniques like the Zai-Zai Piston, or Zai-Zai Gatling Gun. The way they got together so well, and so quickly, you'd mistake them for brothers.

(I can't put everything that happened into words, we'll be here all day! I'll have other chapters with these two later on.)

One day, Omega had to leave the island for classified business arrangements, and left the two students in charge of protecting the dojo.

The Mountain Bandits we've mentioned earlier are known as the Fang Clan, a large group of at least 200 who've destroyed all the villages in their territory, and have made Omega's place of residence their prime objective. Many have fallen to the strange man's hands, but the just keep coming back for more.

While he was away, Omega told them to do whatever was necessary...even if they had to kill them.

(Omega's Island: Afternoon)

(Mawgona)*Using Zai-Zai Scope* "...Damn, they're back again."

(Toki)"Man, they just won't quit!"

(Mawgona)"Looks like they got the whole pack this time. If we really want to be left alone, then we'll have to take them all out for good."

(Toki)"There's only two of us, you sure we can handle it?"

(Terry)"Hey! What's this 'two' nonsense?!"

(Mawgona)"Calm down, Terry. But yes, with the training we've received it should be a cake walk for you me and the Shadow Pirates."

Minutes later, dozens of men wearing animal fur and bone necklaces approached the building, wielding swords and iron claws. Then somewhere in the middle, their leader towered over them. He was much taller than the average Human, and had a big scar going down the middle of his face.

(Fang Clan Leader: Kiban)
(Bounty: 12,000,000 Beli)

(Kiban)"You two! Your master is a fool to leave his treasure and resources with such little protection! If you both walk away, then I'll consider sparing your lives!"

(Toki)"If you want it so badly, come and get it!"

(Mawgona)"As long as we breath, you won't take even a single step into Omega's home!"

(Kiban)"Have it your way! Attack, my sons!"

And just like that, the Fang Clan charged forward, some of them on all fours like a wild beast. Using Armament, Toki made his legs and arms turn black, so now his punches and kicks were like getting hit with a steel pipe. Mawgona used his Devil Fruit to morph his thumbs into katana blades and cut down whoever approached him, while the Shadow Pirates used their speed and teamwork to take down the smaller guys.

(Toki)"This'll be the last time we have to look at your faces! Il-"

(Mawgona)"Look out!"

Mawgona enlarged and extended his left arm and crushed a bandit who was about to stab Toki in the back.

(Toki)"Thanks, man!"

(Mawgona)"Don't mention it, but stay on guard!"

The SB Trip were surrounded by half a dozen bandits, who were twice the size of Mawgona.

(Large Fang Clan Member)"They're just little midgets, how hard can it be!?"

(Barry)"Just watch! Shadow Pirates: Amalgamate!"

All the imps phased into one being, then became the beefier giant that will reappear years later. (Shadow Pirates vs. Chew)
Using their newfound strength, they easily tore through the Giant wannabes. Then within the Shadow Pirate's consciousnes, they had a little celebration.

(Terry)"Hell yeah! As long as we're together, nothing can take us down!"

(Harry)"Yeah!"

Needless to say, the Fang Clan were getting their asses handed to them, which greatly displeased Kiban. With a faint glow around his body, a black hue took place of his original skin color.

(Kiban)"Hehehe, I too know Haki. Even with your best techniques, you won't be able to deal any damage to my body!"

(Toki)"We'll see about that!"

He ran over and delivered a flurry of punches and kicks to the bandit's chest, yet he didn't move even a centimeter from where he stood.

(Toki)"N-No way!"

(Kiban)"Didn't you just here me? My body is indestructible like this!"

(Mawgona)"Toki, stay back! He's to powerful to fight alone!"

But it was too late to change strategy, as Kiban grabbed Toki by legs and began to slam him against the trees and boulders like a sack of potatoes.

(Toki)"Argh! I-I think my should's broken!"

(Mawgona)"Toki!"

He tried to help his friend, but several bandits began to pile up onto him, pinning him to the ground.

(Mawgona)"Hey, get off of me!"

(Fang Clan Member)"Father, we got the other guy!"

(Kiban)"Great job, my sons! Now all that's left is to reduce them to a bloody stain on the dirt!"

(Shadow Pirate Giant)"Mawgona, I'll help you out!"

This however wasn't an option, as more and more bandits overwhelmed them.

(Shadow Pirate Giant)"There's too many of them! I can't get through!"

(Mawgona)"What am I gonna do!? Why can't I break free? If I don't do something quick, Toki and the others will be killed! I need more power, way more power! I...I!!!"

He stopped moving, as his body was completely covered by the Fang Clan. He could feel a strong, burning sensation in his heart, and before he could find out what it was, he went unconscious...

(Kiban)"Guess he suffocated from all the weight on his torso. Now, time to finish you o-....what the?"

He noticed a bright red glow from the pile of men, and as if there was an explosive underneath, they were all blown back with massive metallic spikes through their chest. The man standing where they were...wasn't Mawgona. He had the same outfit and skin tone as him, but his entire body was shaped differently, his hair was bigger, and his eyes...they were the strangest. They were huge, unblinking, pitch black, and had red rings in the middle.

(Maybe I'll start coloring these in one day.)

(Kiban)"Who the hell are you?!"

(???)"..."

(Kiban)"Won't talk? Then I'll just kill you too!"

He dropped Toki, then threw a massive boulder at the new opponent. But, to his surprise, the man effortlessly caught it with a single hand.

(Kiban)"Th-The hell?!"

(???)"...Weak. Very weak."

He threw the rock behind himself, unintentionally plowing through 52 of the bandits that gave SPG a hard time. Several men readied their bows, and when they launched dozens of arrows, the mystery man caught some in between his fingers, then kicked the rest out of the sky.

(Fang Clan Member)"What is this guy?! He's different than the other one who disappeared!"

(???)"You guys are WAY out of your league. Hehehe...I'll kill you all in a few seconds!"

(Fang Clan Member)"What did you say!?"

They charged at the man, and the carnage began. Whoever this man was, he somehow had the exact same powers as the Zai-Zai Fruit. His arms turned into long blades, and he cut through the bandits like they were made of tissue paper. After he was in the middle of the men, the blades transformed into 6-barreled machine guns, and the bullets tore up everything they hit like a shotgun blast.

(Kiban)"Wh-What is happening?! My...my sons, there's almost nothing left of them!"

(???)"Don't worry about it, you'll see them all in Hell!"

He ran up and prepared his fist for a devastating attack.

(Kiban)"But no matter how strong you are, you won't put even a single dent in my body!"

(???)"URHSA! RAKAKAKAKAKAKAKAKAKAKAKAKA!!!"

With Haki infused fist, each punch went straight through Kiban's body until there was nothing left.

(Shadow Pirate Giant)"He...He did it!"

(Fang Clan Member)"He...H-He killed Father! Let's get out of here!"

(???)"Before you die, I'll let you know the name I put to my face. Call me...Lokaal!"

(Pronounced; Lāh-câll)
(Also, Mawgona's name in pronounced; Mâh-gō-nâh)

As his entire body turned metallic, hundreds of spikes shot out in all directions, stabbing the remaining bandits through the most vital areas. After it all went silent, Lokaal closed his eyes, then the craziest thing happened. He seemingly turned into Mawgona!

(Mawgona)"Ugh...what, what happened?"

(Barry)*Now diffused* "Mawgona! It was crazy, you turned into some 'Lokaal' guy, then you killed all these guys, then...oh no...Toki...?"

Leaning on a tree, Toki could hardly keep himself conscious. One if the needles had went through his chest, and blood just poured out if his wound.

(Mawgona)"T-TOKI!"

(Toki)"I...I-I don't think I'm gonna make it..."

(Mawgona)"D-Did I do this?! Toki, I'm sorry, I'm didn't do it on purpose, I swear it!"

(Toki)"L-Listen to me...don't blame yourself. It's not...your fault..."

(Mawgona)"How!? If it's not mine, who is it!?"

(Toki)"Pl-Please, just don't blame yourself...I don't think I would've done much in the world anyway, heh..."

(Mawgona)"Don't say that! I...I was gonna ask you to join my crew! We were gonna go on an adventure, find the One Piece even!"

(Toki)"Hey, it may be too late for me...but you still have time. G-Go out in the world...and be the best damn Pirate in the world! Alright!?"

(Mawgona)"...Y-Yeah! I will! For you, and the others!"

(Toki)"That's nice...goodbye, Mawgona. You were truly a great friend..."

And with that, Mawgona could actually feel Toki's soul leave his body, and go to the next world...

(Mawgona)"Goodbye...Toki..."

Days later, Mawgona had long since prepared Toki's burial, and when Omega came back, he too was upset at his student's death. In order to make sure that his death didn't go in vain, he continued his training until he felt like he was ready for anything the Grand Line had to throw at him.

After he got all the supplies he needed, he said goodbye to his teacher, and left of his metal ship, the Iron Maiden. And then...well, the rest is history.

(Back to the Present)

(Mawgona)"I just can't risk it. I'm sorry, but I just can't-"

(Zant)"THE F*CK?!"

Mawgona then heard the sound of Nami screaming, and gunfire. He ran back up to see her and Vivi on the floor, alive, but cut up in several places.

(Mawgona)"Who did this?!"

(???)"That would be me."

This man had a blade, but it wasn't covered in blood like the situation would make you think. But instead, several playing cards revolved around his hand, each with some blood on the corners. Mawgona also noticed that he had the Eternal Pose to Alabasta in his hand.

(Mawgona)"Give that back! We need it to get to Alabasta!"

He tried to grab him, the man jumped off the ship, and onto what is known as a "Paddle Board", but with a bunch of playing cards as a sail.

(Marcus)"The name's 'King of Cards' Marcus, and if you want this little trinket back, come find me on Viva-La-Vaego Island! I left a map in the red head's pocket, goodbye for now!"

And he sailed off with incredible speed despite the lack of wind.

(To be continued...)