Task Name: Aquatic Danger: The Path to Baterilla's Center
Tier: 1
NPC or PC: PC
Location: Baterilla Island
Crew, Team, or Personal: Personal
Description: After defeating the group of marines that were hunting him down, the young pirate continues his journey to the island's lake. The real challenge is finding his way there to begin with. He will have to mark various areas to return to town when he leaves after finding the Devil Fruit he was look for, of course.
Enemy Details: No Enemies
Boss: N/A

With each step after the other, Malik could feel he is growing closer to the island's lake he had heard so much about. While he traversed through the maze-like forest, which seemed to serve to misplace his sense of direction, the adolescent pirate wonders how is victory over the marine ensign would affect his reputation known throughout the South Blue. He can only assume that his bounty would increased. If he was fortunate, it was raise into the millions. He hasn't been a pirate for half a year and already he was becoming well-known. He would be lying, if he said that he wasn't happy about these turn-of-events. He mustn't become too excited or overconfident in the matter. There were far more pirates with bounties much higher than his. While he has yet to gain knowledge about them, he was certain there were numerous known faces throughout the world. All of which are more famous than he was. In addition, this increase in bounty would just make him an even larger threat to the World Government. If he were to acquire the Sand-Sand Fruit now, he would surely be targeted by the more powerful opponents, so to speak. With a power that makes someone one's body construct out of a natural force, it was basically near impossible to harm them without their elemental weakness. Physical attacks such as punches, sword slashes, and gun shots would all pass right through them. The idea of being made of sand sounded so amazing to the boy. He already had multiple ideas on how to use this power in battle. It would certainly make it much more difficult for his opponents to hit him while, at the same, it would be much easier for him to defeat them more quickly. Another Logia could basically give him the challenge ordinary human beings would to each other when taking part in a battle. Without knowing the elemental weakness of these people with these types of powers, defeating them would prove rather difficult as any attempt at harming them would fail, unless one possesses seastone, which can temporarily make anyone that has eaten a Devil Fruit vulnerable.

"Hmm, where should I go now? The young fighter simply stated in his mind, puzzled as to where he should go next. With how the large trees were aligned, all he could do now was walk in a straight pathway. He truly hoped that this road will split into different direction, so he could travel further into the forest and, hopefully, grow closer to the lake where the Devil Fruit is present at. To his relief, Malik could see up ahead that the path he was on has split into three ways. Now the question remains before he arrives at the center of the crossroad. He has to figure out which path should he take to advance in his journey. Between the two paths on his left, he saw a towering tree. It was the same sight on his right. It was at the very moment that the teenage boy had an idea. Finding one's way around this large bustling forest was highly difficult. So, when he comes to a stopping point of sorts, he will mark an area with a defined symbol, which will make it much more easier to navigate he way in an out of this region of the island. It was a miracle he could find his way around at all. He thanks The Lord for giving him the sense of direction to make his way through. It would certainly have been great trouble, if he had gotten himself lost. As he thought of what to use to mark where he has been in the forest, he remembered the knife he picked up from one of the cultist of Tri-Shadow he had previously defeated while he still staying in the Briss Kingdom. He could still picture the citizens talking of a mysterious hero that had saved them. The very memory made him smiled, knowing that the people were safe and won't have to deal with anymore evil beings for a time. When he had finally reached the center of the crossroad, Malik reached into his left pocket with his corresponding hand and immediately began to search for the weapon his had. It wasn't for much of fighting with as it was to help with daily uses. The young boy let out a small innocent smile as he pulled out the knife with ease.

With the tiny weapon in hand, he altered the direction of his gaze to see where he would go as well as where he would mark where he had been. Careful not to accidentally cut himself, Malik crossed his arms and looked straight, wondering on the path he should take now. Any road could lead to the lake or to a dead-end with the addition of more danger that was guaranteed to ruin more of his clothes. The young pirate took a deep breath and exhaled to better calm himself. This was also to help here think and decide on which direction to take to further his progress into the forest, which will help him to the lake. He then, looked up and uncrossed his arms. He turned his gaze towards the path on his far left, deciding to take this road as a finality. He began to walk up towards the large tree that stood in between this pathway along with the one in the middle, which lead to a mysterious location unknown to the teenager. When Malik was close enough to the object, he immediately began to carve a symbol onto it's trunk. He thought well on what he should use to mark the area he has previously been at. This same symbol lead to the idea of what his crew's pirate flag should be. Since he was going to gain the power to create, control, and transform into limitless amounts of sand, he decided on a mark that related to both Arabic culture and sand itself. When he was finished, he stepped back to see how his work had turned out. It was a sun with a triangle inside the incomplete circle it made. The sun represented the intense heat that followed when within the desert. It also meant as a sort of enlightenment when gazing at the light of day in the sky, as a symbol of faith. The triangle represented sands that served as the main part of such the desert and was reminiscence of a pyramid. The young boy nodded, satisfied with his own work and couldn't wait to put this on a flag as his Jolly Roger.

He turned on his feet and began walking on the road on his far left. When he makes it to his next stopping point, he will carve out that same symbol which not only represented the desert and the faithfulness towards The Lord, but also himself as a powerful person. Everyone was powerful, they just had to look deep inside themselves and find it. Every man and woman was also intelligent to begin with. This is why one has the ability to learn. Of course, that is what he believe. As a fellow Christian, Malik is a strong believer in God and through that belief he has gained a strong, optimistic insight on existence around him. To him, their was no such thing as no hope, there was always a reason to look up. Wherever tragedy takes place, happiness ensues as long as one has faith for without faith, you cannot live happy, only suffer. That was part of his perception, his reality. He simply look forward as their was no where else to look. He hoped he was going in the right direction. He certainly didn't want to be lost in this seemingly endless landscape of vegetation. If he could fly, he could simply go over these trees. While he thought of easier ways to navigate through this troublesome part of Baterilla, Malik immediately spotted what appeared to be another crossroad. This time, it split into two ways. One path on his right and one path on his left. The young pirate was definitely right when he decided to carve out a symbol on each stop he made. He was also happy with the type of mark he chose to place on each tree he found himself face to face with. It reminded him of God, faith, and his powers, which reminded him of the promise his made to a friend of his. That was to gain the power within the Devil Fruit he had been looking for. He wants to honor both a deceased relative of his that he loved very much and his friend's grandfather, who was revered as a famous pirate.

When Malik finally made it to the large tree that stood between the two pathways, he stopped in front of it. It was to, again, decide on which direction he should within. He knows that, if he chooses wrong, he will be meet with a dead-end or be walking around in circles. If he chooses right, he will end up getting that much closer towards the object of his entire search. Before choosing a road, Malik proceeded with using the small knife in his left hand to carve out his symbol. A representative sun with a triangle inside. When he was finished with his work, he took a significant amount of steps back and altered the direction his gaze towards each road in front of. He was trying to figure out, which way would provide the best route and guide him further into the forest and eventually make to the island's center. He was going have to go with faith on this decision. He put his right hand to his chest, closed his eyes, and prayed to The Lord in order for his Great Father to show him the way as well as explaining his good intention when he acquire the Devil Fruit. With God answering him through the fact that his mind was now made up, Malik turned towards the path on his right. He felt certain on where he should go now. He turned on his feet and immediate began progressing on this road. He had no need to worry now. He had asked The Lord for guidance, so, if he was being lead into the right direction by his creator, he will follow. However, when he meets a dead-end, he will consider it a test to see how he can make it out of this crowded forest. The Lord will at times, test one's faith in him. Malik knows he always has a good reason to. Usually to show how much he loves them and how he expresses that same love. This emotion reflects the Spirit of God himself. Whatever the reason for testing their faith, one should always believe in the Lord and assure themselves that he is leading them in the right direction for without faith, one cannot find happiness.

"Thank you Lord for giving me the guidance and power to decide on which way I should good. Know that for whenever you should test me for my faith, I will stand firm and endure for your love, for you test those out of your everlasting love for them." The young pirate said to Lord God, thanking and praising him for helping him on his journey through the forest. He then, had a thought cross the inner recesses of his mind. If he saw any signs that he was growing closer to the lake, he will follow them. Sense it was a body of water he was locating he would have to travel at the islands center, if he could find it. It can only suspect that it left small trails of liquids that lead to the source, rivers. Such natural occurring formations would prove beneficial. He could follow them towards the lake, which they originate from. If he happens to tumble upon a river and will have little trouble deciphering where the center of Baterilla is. To his happiness and relief, Malik looked to his left side and noticed a small river of sorts. He let a small small cross his lips, knowing he was not walking in circles, but was going the right way. He inwardly thanked The Lord for guiding him to the desired location he had been search for with all of his concentration and patience. He was fortunate that he did run into any further dangers while he progressed towards the lake. This included marines vicious animals, natural hazards, etc. With each step Malik took into the woods, he began to noticed areas on the ground in which water began to flow into the grass, making the terrain look more, like a wetland. With the power contain within the Devil Fruit he searches for and the type of environment, the intelligent young teenager can only surmised that the elemental weakness to an embodiment of sand was water. He wonders, if there was a way to counteract this when his enemies discover and pitted it against him.

He held onto the knife in his left hand in case he stumbled upon more stopping points. He walked next to the small river on the path he traversed, hoping it will lead him to the island's center. He noticed up ahead that the road he was walking on ended up bending in the right direction. At this stop point was yet another tree. The young pirate was glad that he had thought up a way for him to navigate his way back to the portion of the island where his friend lives. If he didn't, he would've been stuck here for days longer, probably up to weeks. When he was close enough to the tree he had previously spotted, he halted his walking and started to immediately carve out his symbol on the trunk. If anyone should happen to come upon the areas Malik has been at, they will know of his presence on this island. When the young pirate was finished, he turned to his right and started to progressively walk even deeper into the forest. He felt as if he was growing closer to the object of his goal, his mission, his promise. He was not going to lose. He was fighting for someone, who have come to mean much to him. He was also striving to honor and inherit the will of Zatania's grandfather and his great uncle. They did have this power before him. Through the course of this current adventure this quest was apart of, Malik grew more in experience, knowledge, and strength when combating against the enemies that showed themselves before him, human or not. Whatever came his way, he will not run or cower. He will not show fear in the most ridiculous of manner for, if he did, he would be dishonoring both his family and the memories of his friend's grandfather and his great uncle. It will not only stop there, but he would probably be a disgrace as a warrior. He will not allow such things to happen. Even, if it means being beaten into the ground, he will do so with honor.As he took one step further after the other, Malik began to notice more rivers appearing in front of him. This caused him to let out a small smile of happiness.

"Good, I'm growing closer to the Sand-Sand Fruit. With a power to become and control endless amounts of sand. I am not too surprised it's natural opposite has a role played in it's hidden spot. A large body of water is a good counter-measure towards the dryness of sand." The young diligent teenager thought, now understand why the Devil Fruit he had been searching for was dwelling within an island as wet as where he was. Rivers flowed pass him, increasing in number as he walked further and further into the vegetative region of this island. Soon, the number on both of his sides began to dwindle and he could see more into the forest he was traveling on foot in. The rivers steadily merge into each other until they surrounded the solid road he was walking on. At this point in his progress, the trees seemed to be popping out of the water that surrounded their roots. It began to look more like a tropical terrain. It gave the boy a more soothing vibe, made him feel more at peace with nature. There were many things he loved about humanity. There was no reason to hate what was beautiful, what was more good than bad. One such example is the many people that took care of and watched over nature. Another is wanted to help others, the problem is, many of us don't know how to or when as the slightest mistake can cause great trouble. One thing that made Malik happy that he is what he is was the fact that what man's purpose was. That realization was soon put to the back of his head as he focused more on where he was going. Looking at the ground, he felt like he was walking through a pond of sorts. He wonders what awaits him up ahead. Like he said before, whatever danger presented itself in front of him, opposed him, he will not back down, he will not show fear. He will fight for those he cared for. His feelings were part of his strength.

As he walked deeper into the environment that surrounded him, the trees that were fruitful began to decrease in number with each step he took. They wee then, replaced by the deep water that covered the grasslands on each side of the road. He was certain it appear more like a tropical jungle than a simple forest at the moment. He was beginning to feel like as if he was already in the lake to begin with. While he continued his voyage on solid land, Malik soon spotted another split in the road he traveled on. However, this time, it was divided into four pathways. This would prove slightly higher in difficulty for the young pirate as there were more directions that could be traveled within, but only one would lead to the lake he searches for. Judging from how the background was changing, the teenager can only say he was undoubtedly getting closer to where he needed to go. He can see from the large amounts of water simply laying around in between the gaps of the pathways as well as on each side of the road he tread on. On his far left, the young pirate could see a large tree that reach high above him, towering over his own height. It grow even bigger as he closed the distance between himself and the center of the crossroad when it was sitting next to. When he was close enough, he quickly started to carve out another symbol he had left at a few stops already. When he finished, he will shortly have to thinking on which path to take. He can always ask The Lord for his guidance again. He knows very well not to test him, but he can do anything and everything all at the same time. He never gets tired and he can help out his children as much as he wants. He is perfect, truly perfect. A being unmatched by any and all now and forever. Not only that, but he was proud to be one of his children. Learning on what being human really was made Malik swell with joy. The Way of the Lord certain opened up his eyes.

"Ahh, I am so glad to be a human. The happiness one feels when you are with one's family and friends. This desire to helps others in need. The wanting of battle with a purpose. The yearning to live my dream. I know now that this is who I choose to be, lie others can choose their own path." The joyful teenager thought with a gentle smile color over his face. He knew that people were given a choice by God, the power to choose who they want to be, to follow their own path and live their purpose in the world before someday passing to the next. With so many good individuals in the world, it was hard to find any evil. However, it was still noticeably there. As long as evil is allowed to roam free in the world, many beings are in danger of falling to the darkness when it tugs at their hearts, blackening them into empty voids. As a result, they become demons in flesh and blood, those who have fallen to far and have their very spirits corrupted beyond the point were words would've reached them. To break through such darkened hearts, action is required. Justice takes many forms, physical and spiritually. Evil beings were one of the many factors that gave rise to his dream as a child. The dream to become a hero as well as the greatest living legend that exists. He wasn't aiming to be the Pirate King, but rather looked much higher. A person that will forever inspire many youths thousands of years to come. Encourage them to take a path of freedom and justice that will spread throughout the world all stemming from his name etched in history. This was his way of spread the Word of God, to bring peace one piece at a time. In the end, more lives will be saved and less individuals will find themselves dropped to the depths of Hell after death. His goals seemed pure, just. They seem to stem from his desire to help others, protect the innocent, and crush evil wherever it may show itself. He knows he has much to see in the world, but it hardly matters to him. He wants to see how big the world is, go on endless adventure, long before and after he faces death.

When Malik was finished carving out his mark that consisted of a sun with a triangle meant to represent a pyramid and desert inside it, he turned towards the crossroad consisting of four paths that could lead anywhere in the vegetative region of the island. He put the knife resting in his left hand in the pocket corresponding on the same side. He figured that he has grown close enough to the lake to know where he was going. All he has to now find the perfect route that leads to the center of Baterilla. He closed his eyes, clasped his hands together, and quietly prayed to Lord God. He has always believed in the King of All Kings ever since he was a boy. He brought everything into existence. He created all of existence and he was honored to be one of his offspring. From then on, he had let the Lord know of his overflowing love for him just as Lord God let Malik know how much he is loved by his Great Father. It made him so happy. Knowing he was never truly alone, he could talk to him whenever he needed. He prefers a good reason rather than to waste the Lord's time. As he prayed, he asked God for more guidance and the wisdom to settle the decision on choosing which way to go now, so he can finally make it at the end of this frustrating maze-like place. He admired the forest for it's changing beauty, but grew annoyed with the many twists and turns he had to take. However, Malik was very calm and level-headed. He never lets petty or trivial thing get the best of him. Even if he did get angry, he would only get mad so little and remain as such for a few moments. As he had predicted, the frustration quickly left his mind as the annoyance various pathways he traveled down didn't mattered to him. In fact, it was probably nature's way of getting the inexperienced lost. It was fortunate he had his Great Father on his side in this one and the next as long as he had faith in him and followed his Word.

"Hmm, there, thank you Lord for guiding me in the right direction again." Malik simply stated in a quiet tone, thanking his Lord and Great Father as he looked towards the path just after the one on the far left, which rested within the middle. He then, began to walk on that same road. Hopefully, he will have finally made it to where he wanted it to be in the first place. He simply took one step after the other as he tread on the soft soil that seemed to be imbued with the moisture that seemed to flow into the ground from the waters that surrounded it. It actually was comfortable even, if he can't directly feel it with his bare feet as they were protected by his grey shoes. As he traveled through the road he was on from the choice given to him out of the praying he gave the Lord, he noticed how the trees grew less in number. It wasn't long before he could see clearly in far distances and observe the terrain. By look to his right and left, Malik knew that he was getting close to the end and would soon be where he wanted to be. He was very glad to be at the of his long scenic walk. The only eventful highlight of this small trip was the environment that steadily changed with each step he took. He actually enjoyed it, seeing the beauty that lied within it. He sometime took time to see and respect the miracles of nature God brings Man. There were many people willing to protect it, more than there are others willing to destroy it. Like the good and just, Malik couldn't stand evil, especially the site of heinous crimes. Wherever he experience such atrocities, he will stand and fight, unleashing his wrath he has upon the wicked individuals, who were causing pain to the innocent. While he traversed further on the pathway he was taking, he noticed something quite impressive. A massively large body of water. It grew even more in size as Malik steadily approached it. When he stopped, he analyzed the place he has found himself in. He then, released a small smile of relief and joy. He had found the center of Baterilla, the lake.

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