Caught in A Bit Of Trouble

Eloia's thoughts of the past are interrupted as she senses an imminent danger closing in on her.

Reacting on instinct, she swiftly tilts her head back, narrowly evading the sharp tip of a needle that grazes her chin, leaving a minor scratch.

A barrage of needles follows, but Eloia's reflexes serve her well as she instinctively dodges out of harms way. She scans her surroundings, searching for the source of the attack, her senses heightened and alert.

A voice breaks the silence from behind her.

"Big punch!"

Startled, Eloia whirls around to face the origin of the voice, only to find a fist rapidly expanding in size and hurtling towards her with tremendous force. The blow connects, propelling her backward and smashing her through the statue. The fountain shatters into fragments as she crashes into the unforgiving ground.

With a dawning realization, Eloia gazes upwards, catching sight of another impending strike hurtling down towards her. The assailant has grown in size, assuming a gigantic form, and their colossal body crashes down upon her with an earth-shattering impact, causing the ground to buckle and cave in under the brute force.

Eloia finds herself trapped under the weight of the debris, her body aching and her mind racing to assess the situation. As the dust begins to settle, she summons her remaining strength, determined to rise and face the challenge ahead.

Amidst the wreckage, a figure emerges from the distance, approaching with sinister laughter. It is a girl dressed in a marine uniform, her short brown hair cascading to the ends of her ears. Her eyes bear a haunting red hue and a sunken look, accentuated by a malevolent smile directed at Eloia. In her fingers, she holds a pin, similar to the ones that had squeezed past her earlier.

The other figure, that had crashed into Eloia regains his composure, dusting himself off before striding towards the girl. He looms over her, possessing a large, sturdy frame and a face that seems strangely youthful. Nonchalantly, he retrieves a piece of gum from his pocket and begins chewing it.

"Well, sister Catherine, looks like we've caught ourselves the resilient little pest," he chuckles, his voice tinged with amusement.

Catherine approaches Eloia's immobilized form on the ground, exuding an air of authority. Eloia realizes her body is paralyzed, unable to move or defend herself against this menacing duo.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't Hellhound Eli... or should I say Eloia?" Catherine taunts, her words laced with a mix of curiosity and malice.

Catherine kneels down, her gaze filled with antagonism as she taunts Eloia. The weight of her words sinks in as she reveals the true nature of the needle she had sent flying towards Eloia—a venomous substance collected from the most treacherous parts of the Grand Line. It becomes evident that Captain Jack had instructed them to make an example out of Eloia, ensuring that no one in this place dares to challenge the new order that has taken hold.

With a sly smile, Catherine raises her arm, glancing at the watch on her wrist.

"It should be any moment now."

Nausea grips Eloia as the venom takes effect, her surroundings blurring and fading into darkness. Overwhelmed by the poison, she loses consciousness.

Catherine's cheerful smile remains intact as she remarks, "I only needed a single graze to seal her fate. Now, the Boss will be pleased."

Her satisfaction is short-lived as men in suits emerge from the shadows, their purpose clear.

"Take her away. Captain Jack still has plans for her," they command, as Eloia's motionless form is seized and prepared for transport.