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 Posted: Thu Mar 21, 2019 12:31 am
sᴛʀ: 005 | sᴘᴅ: 020 | ᴅᴇғ: 050 | ᴘʀᴡ: 090 || ʜᴘ: 990 | ᴛsᴛᴀ: 600 | sᴘɪ: 090
XXX Silent once more, Astraea simply let her partner soak in her words and work through his emotions. Try as she might, she couldn't soothe away every pain Galand felt, and she'd offered him all that she could for the time being. As he looked up at her again and mentioned feeling lucky, she forced a smile and glanced away, looking as if she wanted to speak up about something. After a moment though, she simply sighed and seemed to drop whatever it was that had crossed her mind. "Yeah.." Standing up, she followed after them, seeing that Leona really had finished their arrangements. "Here you go, you two! I got you a room together of course. And I'll be right down the hall if you need me! The people who own this inn are going to serve breakfast bright and early, so make sure Astraea doesn't sleep in too much, okay?" Grinning, the redhead winked and heel turned, raising one arm as a farewell. "Goodnight!" Following Galand into their room, the mermaid was surprised by the sight. Immediately, there was a sweet scent in the air, and the woman took note of the fruit hanging from the tree literally growing through their room. It was beautiful, in an unconventional way, and a very unique way that these island dwellers seemed to use the natural habitat around them rather than taking it over completely. Even the ground beneath them was a layer of grass and wheat, flowers and vines spreading along the wall in beautiful designs.
Genuinely intrigued, Raea removed her shoes and lightly walked into the room to explore, touching the plants as she moved to the window. Opening it up, she looked out at the night sky and the stars, still silent as could be. Finally, she spoke up, turning to look at Galand. "Are you going to head to bed?" Even though it was night time now, that didn't necessarily mean her fiance was tired. Truthfully, the man never really seemed to feel the call to sleep unless he was literally on the brink of death. Thinking of that made her remember that their encounters on this island had almost resulted in her lover's death, and she abruptly turned back to the window, crossing her arms over her chest. It was easy now to get lost in the spiral of her negative emotions once more. Galand getting hurt, Kindle's appearance and strange relationship with the man, the hostility of the villagers, Cartel's changes, her overwhelming jealousy, knowing they still had to rescue Roma... It all threatened to boil over the more she sat and thought about it all, and she began to tremble slightly, gripping her arms with her nails digging into her skin now.
"I think.. I'm going to take a walk.." Even though sleep sounded wonderful at the moment, her head wasn't clear enough for it. She'd just toss and turn all night, especially being as ticked off as the was at the moment with the man she was supposed to lay beside. But he'd been going through his own issues, and she wasn't sure it was wise of her to suddenly start dumping her complaints on him when he was still in such a fragile state. Besides, maybe she was blowing things out of proportion? It was hard for her to tell, but she did know for sure that her stomach was in knots, and staying in here wasn't going to help. "I'll be back soon.." Forcing a smile, the woman suddenly turned and walked out of the room, giving a polite nod to the innkeeper as she passed. Outside again, Raea stopped and sighed, welcoming the cool breeze as she continued to walk down the path, making her way down and around until she could hear the sound of waves crashing nearby. A sense of relief overcame her, and she hurried on forward until she found herself at the shore, able to see the ocean.
Walking forward, she felt the cool sand sink beneath her toes, and walked until the cold water washed over her feet. Closing her eyes, she simply allowed herself to relax, soaking in the song of the sea orchestrated by the wind and water.
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Posted: Thu Mar 21, 2019 10:59 am
  sᴛʀ: 000 | sᴘᴅ: 250 | ᴅᴇғ: 000 | ᴘʀᴡ: 345 || ʜᴘ: 990 | ᴛsᴛᴀ: 600 | sᴘɪ: 178 [ At first he wasn’t sure of it, but slowly started to notice the strange behavior of Astraea ever since he had woken up in this place. She had seemed irritated, no, furious even. And even now as they talk, though she’s still trying to comfort the man, he can tell she’s offer game. Her usual cheerful self is riddle with a darkness he can’t yet understand. After they head in, and are given their key by Leona, he sends her off and heads to the room. Once there, he’s taken aback by the beauty of the room. It looks so exotic. Like the perfect mixture behind humanity’s work and nature combined as one. He takes a few moments to walk around and touch the plants and fruits seeping through various entrances, feelings almost entranced by the sweet smell lofting through the air. It’s enough to bring a smile to his face.
Surely if it’s here, even he could sleep soundly for once in his overactive life. Nodding to these thoughts, he starts to remove his shirt. Halfway through, however, he’s paused by Astraea’s words. “You’re heading back out, now?” Noticing the serious undertone beneath her voice, he can only sigh as he places his shirt to the side. Getting a bit more comfortable, he sits on the bed and watches as the mermaid start to leave. “Be careful, and, I love you.” he says, watching her go. Truth be told, Galand had full idea to go on and sleep right away after everything they had been through, and he can tell his body isn’t completely in tip-top shape either. But he wanted to do so with his lover by his side. With her in her current state, and being out of his sight, he can’t seem to get comfortable. So instead, he lays back with his arms behind his head, staring up at the nature theme ceiling above him.
Thoughts cross his mind, from Noella, to Cartel, to Roma, and finally Astraea. He doesn’t even know where the other members of the Doves could be right now, including his own sister. He sighs in aggravation before accepting the reality of his situation. Things, simply aren’t what they used to be. Time has come and gone, lives have been lost, bonds have been broken, and the world has mercilessly marched forward. “Maybe...it’s time we quit fooling ourselves here. No matter what we do, things can’t go back to being the way they were. We can’t...be a family anymore. If I’m going to move forward too, maybe it’s best I let go...and find a new family after all.” he says a bit under his breath to no one in particular. After hearing what happened with Roma, and this meeting with Cartel, such a result is the obvious solution. No matter how much he doesn’t want to accept it, that’s simply how things have become.
Maybe, just maybe, Eden’s Dove really did die that day. They truly did lose everything. Their pasts, and their futures together. Galand grits his teeth and swings his legs off the side of the bed to sit up. His looks down to his hands with furious eyes, leaping back and forth between rage and acceptance. Until finally he just gets down onto the floor and begins working out. Best way to vent, aside from breaking something, is to work out and tire himself out. At least, that’s the best alternative for the current Galand. ]
Traits: Primary Weapon: Sword x Rokushiki x Life Return | Perk: Master | Alliance: Pirate | Fruit: Quake
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Posted: Thu Mar 21, 2019 12:10 pm
sᴛʀ: 005 | sᴘᴅ: 020 | ᴅᴇғ: 050 | ᴘʀᴡ: 090 || ʜᴘ: 990 | ᴛsᴛᴀ: 600 | sᴘɪ: 090
XXX It was unclear just how long Astraea was out there, but after a while she finally decided it was time to head back inside. As quietly as possible, she re-entered the room she and Galand were staying in, surprised when she found that he was still awake. "Oh! You're still up? I thought you'd be asleep by now?" With a slight smile, she moved to sit on the edge of the bed, sitting in awkward silence for a couple moments. "Is something bothering you?" It was hard to tell if he was working out because he was trying to burn off stress or because.... he was Galand. "If you're not too tired.. Maybe we can talk?" Sighing, she anxiously ran her fingers through her hair, not quite sure where to start. "This island has just been one thing after another, and there's a lot weighing on me right now.. But I'll try to start at the beginning.. When we went into that cave for the villagers and we got separated you.. You used that stupid technique! Even though you know what it does to you! And under ground, too?! It seemed you didn't even have a plan to get out or take care of yourself, so.. So how can you promise me that you aren't going to leave my side and then go and do that?!"
Even though she was worked up, she did her best to keep her voice down so as to not disturb everything else. "I wasn't even the one who rescued you! That woman clinging to your arm all night did! She said she's your fiance from... From back in Wano.." Anxiously, she wrung her hands and let out a frustrated breath. "A-And when we got back to the village, I had to ask for help and they threatened to kill you! If they didn't like the result they got when they were testing you - whatever they hell that means - they were going to kill you! They were going to drive a spike through your head! But they finally decided our lives were worth something and treated you and took us to Cartel who didn't even remember us! And then you.. You woke up naked with these cute, bunny maids in the room a-and you let that woman Kindle help and dress you even though I was right there! You didn't even ask for me!" Now that she was getting it all out, she still wasn't sure if her anger and concerns were misplaced or unreasonable. "She held onto you and called you darling all night, and that... Didn't bother you? At all? Is it wrong that I feel so jealous? Wouldn't you be upset if the situation was flipped?!"
Looking down at Galand again, she bit her lip. "I don't... I don't doubt your love for me, but... You promised not to leave me alone and had no problem with almost dying anyway.. And I know that.. That you don't like to talk about your past in Wano, and I've always respected that, but.. But don't you think I deserved to know about you having a fiance?!"
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Posted: Thu Mar 21, 2019 4:09 pm
sᴛʀ: 000 | sᴘᴅ: 250 | ᴅᴇғ: 000 | ᴘʀᴡ: 345 || ʜᴘ: 990 | ᴛsᴛᴀ: 600 | sᴘɪ: 178 [ Truthfully, from being lost in his thoughts and mindlessly working out as he was, Galand completely lost track of time. For him, it didn’t seem as if even a moment had passed due to how deeply he was thinking. Be it the future of his current party, and those whom are presently lost, he had done more thinking than he has in a very long time. So it completely takes him by surprise when Astraea returns to the room. “One thousand and eight… one thousand and… huh? Raea? ...That was quick.” he says aloud, thinking to himself that maybe she just needed to use the restroom or something. Girls are weird and don’t openly admit things like that, from his experience. After she comes in and sits on the bed, due to the extremely oppressive awkwardness flowing through the room now, he just gets back to his sit-up sets. And once more his mind starts to drift about the future.
It’s only when he’s addressed down he snap back into reality, yet never stopping his exercise. “Me? ...Well, to be honest, there is a lot on my mind but… I’m more worried about you.” So far be it from him to deny the woman when she suggests that they needed to talk. Though, from the way she says it, Galand feels nothing good coming from her following words. But in the end he winds up nodding in agreement to the suggestion, letting the mermaid speak her peace. Whoops. Astraea utterly unloads, quite literally, everything she had nagging on her mind. From more minor inconveniences, to issues she had regarding Galand himself, to the headaches that came from this island’s various trials and tribulations.
She pours her heart out, leaving nothing out, which ultimately winds down to Galand’s expression going more tense. But at the mention of Kindle and her being his fiance from Wano, he stops his sit-ups altogether. “O-Oi. Hold- ...Raea, wait a-... I can’t address anything if you-...” In the end, he just gives up. By now he’s already turned himself to her, adjusting himself so that he’s seated with one legged bent up as an arm-rest. After the woman finally finishes her bombardment, Galand silently looks her in the eyes for some time. After confirming her being finished, and having had a moment to process everything, he lets out a sigh, lowering his gaze to look straight ahead.
“I have no excuse for my actions in the cavern, nor do I have anything reasonable to tell you about the maids, or that woman. To tell you the truth, I still don’t understand why they were in the woman with me, or where my clothes went. I woke up, and there I was. There they were. The last I recall, I was fighting ants, and then in the next I’m buck naked in some treehouse with rabbit people everywhere.” He shakes his head a bit and goes to stand up, taking hold of one of the complimentary towers placed on a desk.
After wiping his face well, he slowly lowers the towel, staring into it coldly. “And even if you ask about some fiance from Wano, I know nothing about that. The only people I ever had contact with was those from the head family. I was...sheltered. As the next heir to the Drace lineage, I wasn’t permitted contact with outsiders, less it corrupt my so called noble blood. The only women I ever knew were my mother, my sisters, and the maids. So, if you’re saying that woman from before wasn’t simply one Cartel’s hired hands, then I know just about as much as you do--maybe even less, since you’ve had extended contact with her.” He grits his teeth, thinking about everything now. Thinking how he had contact with someone from back then, and didn’t even realize it. And if, as she says, she IS his supposed fiance, then that means she must be of the same blood. One of the branch families, maybe? If he was the heir, then there surely was a girl chosen to be his bride. But...everyone died. Every last member...right?
Thinking deeply about this, a vain of pain rushes alongside his right side, as his curse starts to act up. Rather, it’s more like it’s reacting to something. He falters for a moment before grabbing his face with his right hand, using the left to grip the top of the desk as a crutch. “Listen...Astraea… I’m not perfect. I’m a complete screw up. I get that. I failed to protect my friends, those important to me, our home, or you. I’m not smart like Leona or Cartel. And I’m not strong like Roma. I’m a failure through and through, but you still choose to stick around despite it all. Even on this island, I’ve done more stupid things than I care to remember. But, I’m trying to improve. Goddammit, I’m doing my best! ...And even still, I’ll likely mess up more in the future. So I’m not gonna make excuses for my part in your pain. All I can do is apologize, and make sure I don’t make the same mistakes again in the future.” Between his panting, and his speech, he starts to feel a bit dizzy. So having said his piece, Galand starts to head for the door. “I’m gonna...go shower.” And unless stopped, he’d do just that. ]
Traits: Primary Weapon: Sword x Rokushiki x Life Return | Perk: Master | Alliance: Pirate | Fruit: Quake
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Posted: Thu Mar 21, 2019 6:04 pm
sᴛʀ: 005 | sᴘᴅ: 020 | ᴅᴇғ: 050 | ᴘʀᴡ: 090 || ʜᴘ: 990 | ᴛsᴛᴀ: 600 | sᴘɪ: 090
XXX The poor woman hadn’t realized that she’d been so pent up with negative emotions throughout this trip, and though she hadn’t meant to dump everything on Galand all at once, it just came flooding out. Despite his protests that she slow down or stop, that seemed impossible now, and it wasn’t until she was completely done that her partner was able to finally respond. And she didn’t know exactly what she was expecting from him, but she’d been hoping he might provide her a bit more comfort. Maybe she was just being selfish though, especially considering her words seemed to have bothered him for one reason or another. At the very least, getting all of her worries off her chest had helped somewhat, but it was clear all of the events had left her exhausted. Watching him silently, her interest peaked as he began to speak about Wano a little, since there was very little she knew about his time and past in the country. It certainly sounded lonely though, being cut off from others just because he’d been born a certain way and happened to be part of a specific family. Surely this was one of the reasons he’d been so reserved when they had first met, on top of the fact that he was worried any expression of emotion might cause him to lose control of his powers.
”Oh, well... Her name is Kindle... She wants you to go with her. She doesn’t think that I’m.. That I’m doing a good job taking care of you.” Looking defeated, her shoulders slumped and she cast her gaze down as she mumbled her next words. ”And I think she’s right...” Maybe if it was her by his side instead, he wouldn’t be in the shape he currently was in. Still wallowing in her self pity, she flinched when she heard Galand raise his voice, forcing herself to raise her head to look at him, shaking her head a little. ”I don’t think you’re a failure.. You can’t possibly shoulder everything.. I.. I just wanted.. Sorry.. I shouldn’t be sitting here whining..” Forcing a weak smile she looked away again, thinking over his words for a moment, knitting her eyebrows together. ”But you didn’t actually apol-... Nevermind..” Realizing that he was panting, she looked up with concern on her face, studying him for a moment in silence before he suddenly turned, mentioning he was going to take a shower.
A couple heartbeats passed as the woman contemplated whether to go after him or letting him be. In the end, her worry for her fiancé outweighed anything else, and she stood abruptly, crossing the space between them quickly. ”Wait..” Behind him, she wrapped her arms around him, laying the side of her face against his back. ”Can I come with you? You seem a little unsteady..” When she’d gotten permission, she moved to his side, sliding her arm down so that she could hold his hand, though she still seemed reluctant to look at him as if she were guilty or ashamed. Even though she appeared to be hesitant in her interactions, she did hop into the shower with him, letting the warm water wash away some of her worries. And although she remained standing, it didn’t take long before her body began to sway slightly as well, until she was leaning against the shower wall, dozing off slightly.
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Posted: Thu Mar 21, 2019 7:21 pm
sᴛʀ: 000 | sᴘᴅ: 250 | ᴅᴇғ: 000 | ᴘʀᴡ: 345 || ʜᴘ: 990 | ᴛsᴛᴀ: 600 | sᴘɪ: 178 [ Once again everything had culminated strangely. This time into an awkward heap of a situation between the pair, as per usual. Despite their short talk, so much emotion has been spilled out, and as usual Galand has to walk away to cool his head. Astraea certainly tried her best to get her feelings across, and the man did indeed hear them. The problem is him having no knowledge on how to soothe her hurt. Another trait of the failure he is, certainly. With a heavy heart, knowing how much the woman must despise him right now, he heads out of the room a bit worse for wear. He had only made it a bit down the hallway before her finds himself being embraced by his lover from behind. The warmth of her touch, and the softness of her voice…
He nearly melts, both from love and shame. Shame that he consistently seems to bring this gentle soul suffering, yet his love for her is simply to powerful for him to even considering leaving her behind. “...Yeah. You can come.” is all he says as he and Astraea head to the showers. Within the chambers of the beautiful room, designed as equally with nature in mind as the bedrooms, a soft alluring fragrance wafts about the bath. Mixed with the aroma of whatever cleaning agent the hosts use, it gives such a peaceful scent, loosening up the muscles, and making one feel comfortable. The pair had cleaned themselves in silence for some times until Astraea gets a bit too comfortable, and starts dozing off despite standing. Galand notices this and faintly chuckles to himself before padding over to the woman and wrapping an arm around her.
“Easy does it, Angelfish. You’ve...been through quite the ordeal today. It’s about time for you to sleep for a change.” His words are gentle, enough so that she can hear him--assuming she hasn’t already passed out. After getting dressed, Galand offers her his back, and slowly moves towards the bedroom. Along the way he passes a couple of rabbit eared maids who tend to the inn. Seeing the lovers head back from the bath causes them to blush and giggle, clearly getting the wrong idea. But, it’s okay. Galand just smiles it off, feeling a tad more light than before. And, regardless of whether Astraea is even still awake or not, he’d speak with her. He has to. “Hey, Raea. You know...about what you said earlier. I realize I’m not the brightest guy. Even though you warn me every single time, here I am, doing it again. Shouldering every problem we come across on my own. I can do it! I have to do it! If I handle things, it’ll save everyone else some trouble! I’ll lead the charge! ...Pretty silly, right? Haha…” He keeps on heading towards the room, greeting those he passes with a head nod while talking to his lover about his own shortcomings and flaws. All the things he realizes about himself, he wants to one day fix.
“I’ve been nothing but trouble for you, and even with today, I’ve caused you so much stress and pain. And now, even my past is catching up with me. But, despite it all… I want you to know that… I’m sorry. I’m sorry for everything. For betraying your trust, and being a fool. And, I love you. For enduring as you have. No matter who or what shows up from now on, know that my eyes only see you. My heart has already chosen the woman of my dreams. Old fiance or not, you’re my one and only Angelfish.” Finally, they make it to the room, and he’d adjust to comfortably get Astraea into the bed gently. After tucking her in, he’d remain on his knees at the bedside, watching the woman rest before kissing her on the forehead, and getting himself into the bed. “Don’t you worry, Angelfish. I promise… I’ll make this right.” ]
Traits: Primary Weapon: Sword x Rokushiki x Life Return | Perk: Master | Alliance: Pirate | Fruit: Quake
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Posted: Fri Mar 22, 2019 12:52 am
sᴛʀ: 005 | sᴘᴅ: 020 | ᴅᴇғ: 050 | ᴘʀᴡ: 090 || ʜᴘ: 990 | ᴛsᴛᴀ: 600 | sᴘɪ: 090
XXX "Hm..?" The woman blinked away some of her sleep as she felt the familiar embrace of Galand's arm around her, but she was quick to doze back off as soon as she'd hopped on his back. Contently nuzzling the side of her face against his neck, Raea smiled slightly as they exited the bathroom, looking forward to a full night of sleep with her future husband be. Every so often she'd tune back into the world around her as she heard Galand's voice, but she seemed far too tired to reply to anything he was saying - even if it was something as simple as a chuckle. Instead, she simply listened, and for once she listened to his words objectively as they were. In a more lucid state, she'd disagree with him immediately, telling him that he wasn't trouble for her, and that he'd been nothing but good to her, but she simply couldn't muster up the energy. Tomorrow she'd make sure to tell him, but tonight all she could do was listen. Listen and smile a little more when he reiterated his love for her. That was never in doubt - she'd told him that herself - but it was still nice to hear repeated. Especially with the day she'd had!
To know that no matter what that Galand was committed to staying with her soothed her soul and shook the final tension free from her body. The bed sheets draped around her were warm and soft, and the room had that wonderful smell of fruit and freshness and comfort. It wasn't long after her lover kissed her forehead and laid beside her that the woman curled up against him happily and fell into a deep sleep. And there she'd stay, damn near unmovable until the poor man had to wake her up for breakfast. She'd moaned and groaned all through the process, begging for more time to sleep until her fiance was finally able to pester her into getting up to get food with him. "Oh, wow.. Okay, okay, I'm glad you got me up for this!" They had been directed to a beautiful dining area where the rising sun filtered through sea glass and plant leaves, and there was a wonderful smell of baked goods and roasting veggies in the air. It wasn't long before the woman could feel herself salivating, and she sat down next to her partner as a bright eyed young man approached them. "G'morning! I hope the two of you slept well! We've made some carrot cake with walnuts in it, we can make some omelets, cook up some veggies! What sounds best for you?" It all sounded so good that Raea didn't even know where to start! "Er.. I'd love to try some of the carrot cake? And maybe some fruit you all grow here?"
After taking down Galand's order the bunny man hopped on off, and Astraea turned to her partner. "Cartel didn't seem as though he was in a hurry for us to leave, so.. How about we spend the day gathering supplies for our journey back? We can explore the island while we do it?"
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Posted: Thu Apr 04, 2019 5:39 pm
sᴛʀ: 000 | sᴘᴅ: 250 | ᴅᴇғ: 000 | ᴘʀᴡ: 345 || ʜᴘ: 990 | ᴛsᴛᴀ: 600 | sᴘɪ: 178 [ Everything was going well. Actually, a bit TOO well, considering how much he screwed up earlier on the island. But in the end it looks as though Astraea is willing to forgive the man enough to allow him to sleep by her side. He remains next to her, fingers interwoven with hers, until the mermaid drifts off to sleep. As he hazily stares at the blonde, he offers her a warm smile. Although she likely wouldn’t see it. Even his eye, covered in the curse as it was, seems to have a passive look about it at this time and place. And so knowing Astraea is comfortably by his side, Galand too slowly drifts off to sleep. As per usual, he winds up waking before his lover, and moves along to do his usual morning workout routine to get the blood flowing. And right after finishing, he begins the ever arduous task of trying to get Raea out of bed. He struggles for some time until finally she relents and gets up for breakfast. Though he does have to more or less guide to, and make sure she doesn’t just rush back to bed.
As the pair step into the dining area, a powerfully yummy smell overtakes the air. Something of the likes Galand has never smelled before. It’s all he can do to keep from salivating. “It smells great in here!” he offers in response to his partner’s remark. When they finally get to the point of ordering their meals, the man finds himself perplexed. His head tilts from side to side as he reads the names and ingredients of the dishes. Eyes squinted and mind focused, he turns the menu every which way, unable to choose. “Uh… which one of these is meat?” he asks in confusion. The waitress giggles and turns the menu rightside up for him and doing a slight bow of apology. “Forgive me dear customer, but we do not serve meat here. We do, however, have fish? Maybe that would be to your liking?” Galand almost seems dejected at the revelation of no meat, but the moment the nice young lady brings up fish his face almost glows. He nods in agreement with her suggestion, pointing out of soup and salad to go with it.
The woman takes their orders properly and bows happily before quickly making her way back to the kitchen. Galand sits in his chair, excited almost like a child waiting on dessert until familiar voices ring out. “Wah! Yellow and Red Bunny Rangers found!” then another “Rangers found!” Two children rush in, running around Astraea and Galand in circles before sitting at a table next to them. It’s Cartel’s children. And following behind them are the two maids from the residence who helped Galand get back in working order. The walk up and bow in greeting before sitting with the children, getting them to settle down. “Sorry about the noise so early in the morning, haha. These two are bundles of pure energy y’see!” the more foregoing of the two speaks up. She props an arm on top of the table before resting her chin atop it, giving the pair a warm carefree smile.
“So yeah, sorry about yesterday and all. We didn’t mean to cause trouble between you love birds, honest!” she says, almost happily as if it were water under the bridge already. The more reserved one waves her hands at her friend, trying to get her to show some tact. She winds up getting up to bow in apology again before taking a seat. “Um… After everything calmed down, and we had time to talk… we realized how wrong it was of us. We should have properly explained… A-Also! We didn’t come here to pester you!” But before she can keep going, the kids start banging their utensils on the table happily in impatience. “We want food! We want food! Yum yum food! Gimme my food!” Once again the reserved one apologizes for the noise while the easy going one grabs her stomach and laughs it up, having a blast.
“Really though! These two always come here for breakfast, cause the food here in delicious! Even compared to actual restaurants! I can vouch for that! It’s lucky we got to meet you! And since we are here anyways, why don’t we start over! I’m Kita! And the shy one is Luma! I got the personality, and she got the looks! So we make the perfect match!” ]
Traits: Primary Weapon: Sword x Rokushiki x Life Return | Perk: Master | Alliance: Pirate | Fruit: Quake
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Posted: Thu Apr 04, 2019 7:00 pm
sᴛʀ: 005 | sᴘᴅ: 020 | ᴅᴇғ: 050 | ᴘʀᴡ: 090 || ʜᴘ: 990 | ᴛsᴛᴀ: 600 | sᴘɪ: 090
XXX Seeing the waitress turn Galand's menu right side up, Astraea can't help but laugh quietly, amused by his goofy actions and dish preference. That was her Galand, alright. Hearing the option for a meat alternative though, she scrunched up her face slightly in dissatisfaction. "Traitor.." She whispered the word to her partner, who seemed to take delight in the option of eating fish, but she poked her tongue out at him a moment later to show she was merely playing. Her own diet tended to avoid meat, although she did occasionally enjoy certain dishes, but she drew a hard line at fish. They were just... It was a little too close to home, wasn't it?! Wasn't a mermaid eating fish close to cannibalism or something?! Although it likely wasn't that extreme, the thought had always made her uncomfortable enough to completely avoid it, but she couldn't truly fault others for enjoying it. Yawning, the woman stretched her arms over her head, arching her back slightly as she did her best to shake off the last bits of drowsiness that clung to her. Without missing a beat, a waiter stopped by their table, coffee pot in hand. "Tired, miss? Coffee?"
Embarrassed that her expression of sleepiness had not gone unnoticed, Raea's cheeks flushed slightly and she nodded. "Oh, um.. Yes, please, thank you!" Taking the cup gratefully, she took a sip, looking surprised at the taste. "Oh, this is good! It tastes like coconut!" Excitedly, she held the mug out toward Galand to try, if he was so inclined. Upon hearing two familiar voices, the woman smiled and turned her attention to the children, watching them with a growing grin as they ran around their table several times before finally settling down. "Adorable..." She whispered the word quietly, so that likely only Galand would hear her. "Good morning, Felty. Good morning, Roco. How're you two doing? And who are the Bunny Rangers? I want to hear all about them!" Leaning forward in her seat, she beamed warmly at the two, but her expression faltered when she realized she recognized the two maids that had followed after them, and she nervously cast her expression down at the table.
Hearing them apologize though, Raea looks up in shock. Really, it was her in the wrong! Shaking her head for a moment, the blonde folded her hands together on the table, anxiously twiddling her fingers every so often. "Oh, no, please.. I mean, I'm grateful for the sentiment of your apology, but you two did nothing wrong. I'm.. ashamed of how I acted. If Cartel trusts you enough to work for him and to care for his children, then there's no doubt in my mind that you're good people." She offered the pair a weak, sheepish smile and continued. "I let my own insecurities and jealousy influence my behavior. I acted completely inappropriately, and I said horrible things. I'm truly very sorry." Standing up, she bowed to the two maids. "Thank you for taking such good care of my fiance when he was injured." Although she still didn't know exactly what they'd been doing, she felt as though she could trust the two. After all, Cartel did, and he was a far smarter person than she was!
Straightening up, she returned to her seat, still looking a bit anxious, but happy to see that they seemed willing to let her try again. "It's nice to officially meet you, Kita. Luma. I'm Astraea." She let Galand introduce himself, then laughed a little at the comment Kita made about their characteristics. "It's nice to have a partner that balances you out, isn't it?" Still hearing the children chanting, she raised an eyebrow slightly, tilting her head a little. "Feltyyy. Rocoo. I know you're excited, but you have to be patient. I know your parents have taught you how to be polite! Be good, and I'll reward you!" Looking back to the two maids, she'd smile. "It seems like we'll be here at least another day, so are there any places on this island you feel we should visit? What about you two?" Again, she turned her attention to the kids. "Where is your favorite place to go around here?"
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Posted: Thu Oct 03, 2019 9:06 pm
sᴛʀ: 000 | sᴘᴅ: 250 | ᴅᴇғ: 000 | ᴘʀᴡ: 345 || ʜᴘ: 990 | ᴛsᴛᴀ: 600 | sᴘɪ: 178 [ No matter how you shake it, we were without a doubt careless. The signs had always been there, and had any of our other more skeptical allies been around, maybe they would have seen it coming. It’s just, no matter how certain I was of the truth, I couldn’t help but want to believe. I needed to believe. For both my sanity, and my faith. A brutal mistake. While I happily marched forward, contained in my satisfied bubble of peace and delusion, I failed to notice Leona’s actions. We had arrived at the docks again. I could see the ship right there. We were so damned close. If things had gone well...just a few selfish steps more, and we’d be sailing off to another island...together. I planned to give my usual callout before setting sail, as was tradition, you know? But before my voice could get out, I hear a terrible groan behind me. A groan I had heard all too many times before. Pain.
I turn to look over my shoulder only to find Astraea slumping over onto the sand. As I properly turned myself around a sharp pain shoots up my abdomen. I’m stuck, paused in place, careful not to make any wrong movements. I know this pain all too much. Sweat starts building as I slowly lower my gaze. I...cannot begin to describe the horror before me. It’s akin to a nightmare. No, something far worse. A reality I had hoped was long behind me. Astraea stands in a crouched state, jamming a knife clear into me. Her eyes are filled with such disgust, such...hatred. As if she had been planning this all along. As if she had desired this from the start. A blood curdling anticipation. She’s enjoying this. “...An...l...fish?” In my confusion, it’s all I can vocally express before blood pools from my lips, sending me slumping forward. The situation is simply too much to bear, and I can feel the tears welling up.
No matter how strange the situation, I could only wallow in my own suffering. Had I done something wrong? Maybe she finally deemed me too great a danger? Or...maybe she truly couldn’t forgive the actions I had done over those years. As the sound of a flare fizzles into the sky, I try to move my body, but it refuses to listen. But I have to stand. Even if she hands me over, I just… let me explain! If I can at least hear her out, then I…! Yet, deep inside of me, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. Astraea wouldn’t do something so brash. Something so cold hearted like this just doesn’t suit her. And she…! That’s right, what she said to me that time.
“I think it’s alright for us to be happy together.. And as long as we have each other, we can fix things. So.. I promise I won’t leave your side. And you promise you won’t leave mine, okay?”
Yes, that’s what she said, isn’t it?! All the time that I’ve known her, she’s never lied to me. Not to hurt me at the very least! As the thoughts course my mind, a boiling anger begins to well up within my chest. I can feel the entirely of my body heating up from the frustration and embarrassment of doubting the woman of my life. I was forced to relive that terrible emotion not once, but twice in my life. I drag my face against the sand to turn my head, and stare up at the imposter--this MONSTER. “I don’t know who you are, or what. But once I get up, I’m going to break you into pieces. Mark my words.” I swear such an oath as painful as it is to speak. The sound of voice begins growing in the distance. Rowdy ones at that. Likely, it’s the fools summoned by the flare from just now. Fast bastards. But for us, for Raea and I, numbers mean little.
They made three mistakes here. First, they had the audacity to steal the face of Leona. Second, they hurt my wife. And third, something made them think it was a good idea to fight Astraea and I by the ocean. Once we get up, these goons are dead. You especially, you goddamn faker. ]
Traits: Primary Weapon: Sword x Rokushiki x Life Return | Perk: Master | Alliance: Pirate | Fruit: Quake
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Posted: Thu Oct 03, 2019 10:33 pm
sᴛʀ: 005 | sᴘᴅ: 020 | ᴅᴇғ: 050 | ᴘʀᴡ: 090 || ʜᴘ: 990 | ᴛsᴛᴀ: 600 | sᴘɪ: 090
XXX Oh, poor, dumb doves. So sweet, and fragile, and battered by the storm that they did not realize they had fluttered right into the lion's maw. Now they lay bleeding at her feet, and she had to say she'd played her part perfectly! Dearie was sure to be impressed when she looked back on the scene. But she knew just the finishing touches! She was well aware that the smart choice was to just lop off their heads then and there, but her leader did have a flare for the dramatic, and well, she was simply an actor on her stage. "You there! Yes, you, you big lug! Help me out over here, these two meat heads are heavy." And with the help of her newly recruited assistance, the woman went about the quite arduous task of stringing the two up on a stake, back to back. It was best that lovers died together, right? At some point Galand spoke to her, and she smiled sweetly at him, no longer wearing a mask, her true face revealed. "Aw, but you aren't going to get up, you see?"
Stepping back, she closed one eye, pretending to frame the two with her fingers in a square, as if she had a camera and was about to hit record. Surely at least to Galand it would seem familiar. She had, after all, drawn inspiration from the deaths of his parents all those years ago. Wasn't it poetry? That the life and death cycle continued? That they struggled, and struggled, and still all met their ends being consumed by ravenous flames? She had goosebumps, dammit! All she had to do was capture the finale.
- - -
She stood at the shore, already knee deep in the ocean waves, eyes closed with a peaceful smile on her lips. Astraea had always found solace in the sea, but this time it felt different. Truly serene, quiet, gentle. There was a strange sense of finality with it this time, as though for whatever reason once she dipped her head underneath, she would never be able to resurface. And yet, she was so tired, and the current persuaded her deeper and deeper until a firm hand gripped her arm and pulled her back, breaking the spell. "Ow! Ow! What?!" Irritated now, she looked around, her blood freezing when she saw Leona, who looked quite unhappy. Raea's heart skipped a beat, unable to process whether or not this woman was meant to be trusted. "You made a promise, you know! You can't just go disappearing! Especially right now, Galand needs you. Cartel, too. So for just a little longer you have to stay steadfast. You have to be their shield." Leona lifted a hand to wipe away tears Astraea had not even realized she had been crying. "But.. it hurts.. I just want.. I'm so tired, Leona.." She crumpted and buried her face against the other woman's shoulder, who gently patted her back.
"I know.. And I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This isn't something anyone should have to shoulder." Pulling away, she rested her fist against the woman's chest, where her heart would be. "One day, I promise you'll come back to a paradise like this where you can rest forever and never feel pain again. But it's not going to be today, Raea. I mean, look around. Your paradise isn't just you and me right?" Leona laughed and shrugged, smiling at Astraea. "No, your paradise is far, far from this island. So,even if it's rough, even if it hurts, for the ones that you love you have to go-"
Back.
If the island had been heaven, then surely this was hell. It was far, far too hot, and every breath felt as though the entire weight of the ocean was pressing against her chest. Her lips felt dry and cracked, her eyelids glue shut, limbs impossible to move. Whatever drug of choice the World Government was using, it was a damn effective one. And yet even if she couldn't move, she could feel. The painful sensation of fire licking at her feet, and familiar callused hands bound to her own. Galand. A gasp rewarded Astraea with little more than a lungful of smoke, and her eyes stung as she opened them, finally getting her bearings in the world that wouldn't stop spinning. It didn't matter how bad it hurt. They would have to pull her apart limb by limb and organ by organ if they ever wanted a chance at taking her down while she still stood as sentinnel over those she loved. Blood dripped from the woman's nose, and she bit her lip, waiting, boiling as the waves of the ocean drew back further and further and further still. By the time people noticed the massive, torrential waves, their dark depth flickering in firelight, it was far too late.
The ocean opened wide its jaw and swallowed them all whole.
All, it seemed, except the bound pair. Beams of highly pressurized water made quick work of shackles that held them, turning their would be grave into nothing but driftwood. Astraea fell forward, still numb, and exhausted, the voice and gurgles of the half drowned in her ears.
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Posted: Wed Oct 16, 2019 10:25 pm
sᴛʀ: 000 | sᴘᴅ: 250 | ᴅᴇғ: 000 | ᴘʀᴡ: 345 || ʜᴘ: 990 | ᴛsᴛᴀ: 600 | sᴘɪ: 178 [ This could be considered nothing short of irony. After all he had done, all the places he crushed, all the lives he had taken… An end like this would, in all respects, be fitting for one such as Galand. His scarred, muscular frame remains bound to that of his lovers smaller one. Sweat eagerly crawls down the entirety of his exposed flesh, throwing itself into the inferno just below the man’s feet. Every nerve in his body screams in agony at the rising heat, as it cooks like a spiked hog. And so it stands to reason that if he is feeling this much grievance from the fires below, Astraea just behind him must be having the worst of it. Her being a fishwoman makes this situation all the more pressing, but he also realizes she’s the only one capable of breaking them free of this mess. He’d believe in her, as he always has and forever will. Instead, his full focus remains locked onto the masquerading puppet making jest of their plight.
The man’s brows furrow in his boiling rancor, enough so that the pulsing veins amidst his forehead are all but visible. Both arms tremble as he restrains the urge to cause a quake here. Had he been alone, that would be a different story, but he wouldn’t risk harming his partner. Never. Yet, his restraint would not go unrewarded. Just as he had hoped, Astraea initiated her plan of counterattack, and with it rose great waves of salty ocean water. Slamming upon and devouring the entirety of the enemy forces. Their numbers were great, but they made the mistake of facing a fishwoman in her own territory--a mistake they won’t soon be repeating again. Even more so considering most of the fools were dragged and consumed down under, never to surface again. With the fire suppressed, and the coast relatively clear--save a few surviving stragglers, Galand tenses and pulls outward. After a few moments of rope digging into his flesh, and his anger spiking by each passing second, he finally break free of the pair’s confinement.
His body lands onto the charred wood and sand with a resounding thud, but free is free. And it doesn’t take long for him to quickly register this face. Snarls escape between his grinding teeth as he slowly forces his body up. Blood runs down his backside from the never tended wound from just before, but it’s trivial when paired against his rage. Like a wild animal he glares at the woman who posed as Leona. She survived the wave. Of course she did. She so perfectly replicated Leona and her style… to a degree where no one could tell the difference. Whoever this is, they aren’t a pushover. But right now, such a thing doesn’t matter. Galand would have their head, just as he promised. Like a feral beast he lunges forth. ]
Traits: Primary Weapon: Sword x Rokushiki x Life Return | Perk: Master | Alliance: Pirate | Fruit: Quake
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Posted: Sun Oct 27, 2019 10:11 pm
sᴛʀ: 005 | sᴘᴅ: 020 | ᴅᴇғ: 050 | ᴘʀᴡ: 090 || ʜᴘ: 990 | ᴛsᴛᴀ: 600 | sᴘɪ: 090
XXX Well, damn. That's what she got for playing around for too long! Luckily, or unluckily depending on who was asking, she hadn't gotten swept away by the raging current and was just a bit waterlogged. Afterall, she could mimic a mermaid, and had been able to propel herself back to the shore. Pushing her hair out of her face the woman signed dramatically, looking to Galand as he approached her. "Eh? Why do you seem so upset? I just wanted to send you off like your beloved parents! And with your lover at your side! Whoops!" As he lunged, the way her body moved distorted weirdly; the way paper moves when wind manipulates it. She stood near, but just out of reach. "That was close! You could have hurt me, you know!" Twirling away, she suddenly shot her leg out, a powerful blade of wind slicing through the air at Galand. "That's rude! I even gave you more time with your old friend! A friend you killed, might I add!" The woman could fight, yes, but a long drawn out combat situation with the former leader of the Dove's was not her main plan. She could already see the way his rage cracked his self control, and she was doing everything she could to cut the remaining strings that held him back.
"Oh!" She took a moment to remove something from her clothes: a flare gun. Holding on hand over her ear, she lifted the gun in the air and pulled the trigger, sending the bright red flame sky high. "I thought it would be nice to introduce my friends to your friends!"
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Posted: Mon Oct 28, 2019 9:39 pm
sᴛʀ: 000 | sᴘᴅ: 250 | ᴅᴇғ: 000 | ᴘʀᴡ: 345 || ʜᴘ: 990 | ᴛsᴛᴀ: 600 | sᴘɪ: 178 [ In truth, it hadn’t been long since Galand was knee deep into his life as a pirate. He had spent countless days and many sleepless nights fighting. Fighting an enemy that would never stop coming. Like an endless ocean before his fists adversity tried to swallow him whole, and yet still he swung. Not to protect. Not to save. Not to avenge. No, in the time he spent on that vessel full of villains and low lives, the ex-leader of the Doves had produced a new meaning to strike forth; rage. Like a bottomless chasm, the hatred and anger that resided within his chest only remained dormant, waiting patiently for its chance to spring forth. And this woman…this person...she seems to know just how to remove the lid. So if he aim was to upset Galand, she just did a damn good job of it. The man’s expression distorts, and his pupils seem to shrink. His face furls like that of a mad beast, snarling and lashing out at prey.
He lunges towards the woman with sheer intention to kill. His right arm winds back like a machine, veins crawling up its length visible for all to see. His fist is locked and tight like stone, fingers pressed so deep in blood drips from the recesses. It’s coming. A white sphere covers the whole of his hand, massive and uncaring. It compresses itself inward, perfectly containing the limb in a neat globe. In mere moments he would hear that oh so satisfying snap of bones and torn ligaments. At least, that was supposed to be the case. Instead of his fist meeting the woman’s body, she seemingly bends herself away. In the brief instance of this exchange, Galand’s eyes widen. He knows this movement--that technique. It’s Kami-E. Which means this woman has experience with Rokushiki. If that is the case, then…s**t. Just as he expected, following the woman’s dodge, she quickly winds right into a high speed kick, sending a blade of air point blank at her pursuer.
Having expected this, Galand manages to just cross his arms before himself before being launched full force across the beach and right into the side of a large ship. He groans as he quickly tries to recover himself, but a terrible sensation runs up his arms. He shakily lifts them, notices a massive deep gash in both arms. The pain is astronomical, as expected of the fabled assassination techniques. But this alone would be enough to stop him. His fists clench as he fights off the hurt temporarily, and sifts his way through the ruble. Just in time to see the woman firing a flare into the air. “You…!” he snarls before gripping the side of the entry hole he made, and snatches off a large circular section from the poor vessel. And with one mighty leap, he lunges into the air, going into a spin before launching the massive section of flayed ship like a giant chakram. ]
Traits: Primary Weapon: Sword x Rokushiki x Life Return | Perk: Master | Alliance: Pirate | Fruit: Quake
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Posted: Sat Nov 23, 2019 6:13 pm
sᴛʀ: 005 | sᴘᴅ: 020 | ᴅᴇғ: 050 | ᴘʀᴡ: 090 || ʜᴘ: 990 | ᴛsᴛᴀ: 600 | sᴘɪ: 090
XXX Hook, line, and sinker. It was easy to see why the woman she worked for liked to play with these people; they were so easily riled up, so easily manipulated. It truly was like watching a soap opera, and she was just so thrilled to have a role in it all. It was clear as day that she'd managed to set Galand off, but still she knew she could do better. Make the man completely unhinged. It would only make her job so much easier. Though she had to admit to herself that she cared far less about sending the island into havoc than she did playing around with the former Dove. His emotions were so genuine, so raw! If he managed to land an attack on her faster than she could react, it would all be over. It was exhilerating! The woman stretched after putting the flare gun away, moreso to tick Galand off even further than to get any real benefit from shifting her muscles. "Hey, are you sure you should be focusing so much on me? I mean, you didn't even stop to check on your fiance..."
Turning back to look at him, she raised both of her eyebrows, genuinely surprised to see that he was snatching debris from the ship he had collided with and using that as a weapon. And not at an insignificant speed either! In fact, she didn't have time to harden her whole body against the attack with Tekkai, only managing to apply the armor like technique to her arms as the attack colliding with her. Dust and sand kicked up, obscuring the area immediately around her, and though the splinters of wood had badgered and cut her skin, she was very much still on her feet when everything settled. "You won't be able to beat me with silly things like that! Come on, let me see something good! Give me a show!" In fact.. The woman kicked out her leg again, once more, but this time repeatedly swished her foot through the air to create not a single wave of air, but multiple small ones. Like tiny bullets they sped toward her opponent as she laughed. "Dance for me!"
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