The City of Gold #148

As Cedric and Khalifa made their way toward the cliff's edge, anticipation filled the air. The sound of crashing waves grew louder with each step, echoing against the rugged terrain. A sense of intrigue enveloped them as they approached the peculiar sight before them.

There, perched precariously on the cliff's edge, stood the remains of a once-grand structure. It was a half-circular house, its other half seemingly lost to time and the relentless forces of nature. Wooden support beams, weathered by wind and saltwater, lined the sides of the house, providing stability to the remaining structure.

The facade of the house facing the sea was a clever disguise, expertly crafted from plywood and painted with vibrant colors. It transformed the fragmented ruins into an illusion of a magnificent castle with towers and fluttering banners. From a distance, it was as if a fairytale was transplanted into this rugged pirate haven.

As Cedric and Khalifa drew nearer, they could discern the intricate details that adorned the facade. Faux windows carved with whimsical designs dotted the surface, giving the illusion of an expansive interior. The play of light and shadow added depth to the artwork, casting enchanting patterns on the plywood walls.

The wooden support beams acted not only as a structural necessity but also as an extension of the illusion. They seamlessly integrated with the facade, resembling the pillars of a majestic castle entrance. Their weathered texture and worn appearance added a touch of authenticity to the overall design, making the half-circular house appear as a hidden gem amidst the untamed wilderness.

Khalifa raised an eyebrow as they approached the house, her curiosity piqued by the peculiar sight before them. She turned to Cedric, a quizzical expression on her face, and inquired, "Is this the interesting place you wanted to take me to?"

Cedric nodded, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "If the sight of this house alone isn't interesting enough for you, then maybe the story behind it will do..." he replied, his voice filled with intrigue.

With his words hanging in the air, Cedric stepped towards the weathered door of the house, his footsteps accompanied by the distant sound of crashing waves below.

As Cedric approached the door, he raised his hand and rapped on the wood, the sound echoing through the stillness of the surrounding cliffs. Khalifa watched with growing confusion as the door slowly swung open, revealing a hulking figure standing on the threshold.

Her eyes widened as she took in the sight before her. The man standing before Cedric possessed a powerful physique, his muscular frame adorned with a scruffy blonde beard and spiky blonde hair. Resting atop his head was a large chestnut, which added peculiarity to his appearance.

In an instant, Khalifa's gaze was drawn to the menacing sight of a flintlock pistol aimed directly at Cedric's face. The air grew tense, and she narrowed her eyes, prepared to act.

With authority in his voice, the man addressed Cedric, his words dripping with disdain, "Filthy pirates, there is no treasure for you here... be gone."

Smiling, Cedric raised his hands in a gesture of peace, his eyes shining with unwavering confidence. "We're not here for your gold, friend," he calmly reiterated, his voice laced with sincerity. "We just want to talk."

The man's face contorted with disbelief, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. "Nice try, thieving pirate," he retorted, his voice dripping with contempt. "I won't repeat myself. Get lost. Now."

Cedric let out a dramatic sigh, his eyes rolling with exasperation. Undeterred by the man's hostility, he swiftly moved, snatching the flintlock pistol from his grip with surprising speed. The man's eyes widened in shock as Cedric effortlessly disarmed him, holding the weapon in his hand.

In an audacious display, Cedric pointed the gun at the side of his own head, his finger poised on the trigger. Without hesitation, he pulled it, causing the bullet to ricochet harmlessly off his skull. The man watched in disbelief, his mouth agape, at Cedric's display.

"Like I said, we're not here for your gold," Cedric stated nonchalantly, a shrug playing at his shoulders. With a dismissive flick of his wrist, he returned the pistol to its owner, as if returning a borrowed item. "If I wanted to rob you, I would have just done it... no tricks needed."

Cedric paused, his grin widening with mischief dancing in his eyes. "It's not like you could stop me anyway," he added with a playful chuckle.

Putting away his gun, the man let out a resigned sigh, his initial hostility tempered by Cedric's unexpected display. "Your words aren't exactly reassuring, but fair enough," he grumbled, his tone still laced with caution. Relaxing his stance, he extended a calloused hand. "Name's Mont Blanc Cricket, formerly a pirate, now a treasure hunter."

Cedric returned the handshake firmly, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Cedric Strode, formerly a marine soldier, now a pirate captain," he introduced himself, emphasizing both the words "Pirate" and "Marine" with pride. He then turned towards Khalifa, gesturing towards her. "And this is my friend, Khalifa."

Cricket's weary expression softened as he acknowledged Cedric's brief introduction. "Pleasure to meet you, I suppose," he said with a nod. "Now, what brings you to me, pirates?"

Cedric's grin widened as he leaned against the doorframe, his curiosity piqued. "Well, I've heard some peculiar tales about this place," he admitted, his voice filled with intrigue. "Rumors about treasure falling out of the sky and an island in the clouds... I came here to ask you about these tales..."

Cricket's face betrayed a mixture of surprise and amusement. "Then you've come to the right place." He motioned for Cedric and Khalifa to enter the half-circular house, a sense of weariness evident in his gestures. "It's going to be a long story,"

But if you're interested in the legends and secrets of Jaya, I suppose I can share what I know."

...

Cedric and Khalifa found themselves seated inside the half-circular house, the air filled with a mix of nostalgia and anticipation. The room was adorned with various trinkets and artifacts, a testament to Cricket's treasure-hunting endeavors.

Cedric settled comfortably in his seat, a glass of rum in hand, relishing the taste of the strong spirit. Khalifa, on the other hand, remained vigilant, her senses heightened by years of training and caution as a former CP9 agent. She politely declined Cricket's offer of a drink, her gaze darting around the room, assessing potential exits and threats.

Cricket, unaffected by their choices, leaned back in his chair, his eyes gleaming with a spark of excitement. He cleared his throat, drawing their attention. "So, let's start with Mont Blanc Noland," he began, his voice filled with reverence and curiosity. "Have you ever heard of him?"

Cedric's eyes sparkled with recognition as he took another sip of his drink. "Ah, Mont Blanc Noland, huh?" he mused, a touch of amusement in his tone. "His name is known far and wide in North Blue. Supposedly he was an explorer or something..."

Khalifa shook her head, her expression indicating her lack of knowledge on the subject. The world of fairy tales and legends was not her area of expertise.

Cricket nodded understandingly, his gaze shifting between Cedric and Khalifa. "Well, let me tell you, Mont Blanc Noland was no mere myth or fairy tale," he revealed, his voice carrying a weight of conviction. "He was a real person, a true explorer who sailed the Grand Line and set foot on Jaya Island centuries ago."

"And I am his descendant," Cricket said, his expression blank and expression even, showing no emotions. He leaned forward, his eyes locked with Cedric and Khalifa's, as he delved into the tale of his ancestor, Mont Blanc Noland.

Cricket painted a vivid picture of Noland's arrival on Jaya Island in ancient times, his adventurous spirit leading him to the hidden treasures of the city of gold, Shandora. He described the awe-inspiring beauty of the golden structures, the intricate carvings, and the magnificent wealth Noland beheld.

Cricket recounted how Noland sailed back to his home in North Blue, eager to share his findings with his king. He explained the excitement and anticipation that filled the hearts of Noland's people, eager to see the wonders of Shandora for themselves.

However, Cricket's expression turned somber as he continued his story. "But when Noland and his king returned to Jaya, they found that the city of gold had vanished," he said, his voice tinged with regret. "It was as if Shandora had sunk beneath the ocean waves, leaving no trace behind."

Cricket's remained calm as he recounted the tragedy that befell his ancestor. "Noland, branded a fibber, was executed for his supposed falsehoods. His name forever tainted, and he became known as Noland the Liar..."