The Captain cringed as they ripped through her raven locks. An eye closing as she pulled away from the hot combs that grazed past her face. Six pairs of hands worked rapidly to the specifications of the captain preparing her for the grand entrance. If she had learned anything upon the seas it was to make her first impression loud and unforgettable. Bravo D. Rocks was willing to play an entire life’s bet on one moment.
Hours later she knelt in front of a mirror as her hair was pulled up and pinned into place with golden hair pins now silky straight. Carefully, the woman leaned forward to pick the cherry rose lipstick pallet from the floor carefully lining her lips the same as they had done her eyes now shadowed in deep reds. Red hues glared from under those long black lashes and bravo could not help but smile anticipating her moment of glory.
She wasn’t so much focused on creating a name as she was the reaction given when the old ship pulled into the port. She burst into laughter at the thought of fear upon their faces. The women around her worked rapidly to lay layers of silk pinning them into place carefully before repeating with the fifth layer of kimono. It was to signify her status as self designated royalty and a style she felt complimented her personality.
When they finished the door swung open and a small girl rushed in with spoken riddles bringing a growl from Xebec. Rouge hues shifted to meet the other in scolding before the words left her lips.
“Captain, The invitation was located and we are in route to the pirate festival. I do caution you in bringing THIS ship into port. There will be many who despise these sails and jolly roger and they may take their vengeance out on you alone. I worry for a twenty year old ship that was set…”
Before the woman could finish Bravo had hurled a brush at her popping her in the forehead before the fool could finish her statement.
.ೃ࿐“Don’t you ever doubt my fathers ship! FUCK THEM AND THEIR OPINION’S and so long as you are in my presence don’t you ever, ever, doubt my capabilities so long as you call me your Captain. No need to threaten me with a good time either, you already stuck gold!”.ೃ࿐
Bravo explained as the woman rubbed her now bruised forehead in silence. The sweet smile to follow such a soft spoken voice fell back into place as bravo resumed her preparations. Though the words were spoken she held no offense because what they were going to do was going to bring a lot of attention. Her end game was to try and shake the world and capture all the shiny treasures that fell out. In order to advance and become notorious she would have to give up their best advantage.
.ೃ࿐“I intend to find Roger, I have some grievances to address so we simply must go. Don’t you understand? There is no better way to make our presence known than to appear at a festival uninvited!”.ೃ࿐
Bowing the other approached in silence to simply hand her the invitation to the festival quickly scurrying away much to the Captains delight. She preferred it this way. Fear and worry could move even the meekest of men and women. She desired to see the raw power promised to her by the crew in every waking day. They had sworn to avenge the name that had suddenly fallen to the grievances of others. Such a petty thing!
They were pirates and the world was ran by the cruel hand dealt by the sea. Whoever assumed that their adventures would be fair was a fool deserving of death by her hand. Bravo didn’t really care of the things of the past and had no intentions of ruling anything at all. She just wanted to swim in the glory but wasn’t concerned enough to chase the last island. Instead she would address what was before her and the fact they didn’t know she existed was even more nerve racking and infuriating. Her father had not claimed her in any sense probably for her protection.
As nightfall fell, the Captain made her way down the old halls listening to the creaking of wood under her feet. Her laughter echoing out as layers of pinks, purples, and reds trailed behind her. The sandals she wore she was careful not to make a sound with as she stepped her hips swaying with each carefully placed step. Through etiquettes, Bravo was taught to move in grace as if floating. Her heart pounded as they inched closer to their destination. She knew this could go one of two ways and even if things did get a bit rough she’d surprise them by showing them that a feared ghost ship could also fly and fight with a vengeance. She had secrets to revel and was determined to keep the name alive if only for her own purpose. When the doors pulled open she glided past with stoic features. The image of the festival and ships reflected from her red pupils and Bravo found herself holding her breath.
The lights reflected into the heavens in invitation and the celebration could be heard even from far out. It was then suggested that they take a moment to gather their nerves with drinks before going ashore. Bravo could not help but nod in agreement her vices sounding rather lovely at the moment, for even she was nervous in the least. Bravo calmly waited for a red pillow to be placed on deck and let out a nervous sigh before quickly clamping her mouth shut to withhold any stupid comments.
Kneeling slowly she let out a much needed breath reaching out with freshly manicured hands to grip the sake bowl. Moments later she set casually an elegant bared leg propped in front of her as she lifted the bowl bringing it back only to lick her lips in approval.
.ೃ࿐"Hic!….pause…….Hic!“.ೃ࿐
The woman chirped quickly covering her mouth with a blush quickly glancing about to see if any would call her on being drunk. It was then her second in command lifted the red top layer of silk to tie in place over her Kimono signifying her status. Bravo had never been big on hats instead she often decorated herself in gold and jewels and at times often wore a crown.
This was her revenge to be had and she intended to lay out any who stood in her path with grace and precision. Alcohol actually amplified her capabilities and she was known for being fully capable when under the influence. A drunken sage if you will, when tested with the kiss of alcohol. Her family set about her on deck and enjoyed their drinks in in celebration of her order to raise their revised Jolly roger.
The new black sails danced in the night breeze as the original white rocks sails dangled behind them blowing gracefully in the wind. The only one to be tied into place was the darkened red sail of her late father.
The ghost ship like appearance had much to her amusement spooked most in whom she encountered. The colors of the wood were also darkened for elegance and appearance. The ship by her design was renamed the Grim Reaper only because the girl at the time could not come up with nothing better her crew had actually agreed to.
She understood the wind so well and was the first to hang some of her newest sails sideways to assist in speed and navigation. The idea was spawned when she under drunken influence was seeking ways to speed up their approach. The Black Widow Pirates were unheard of and much like her design was often purposely confused for her fathers sails.
When the moment came and she knew they were within range she then gave the order for the cannons to be exposed and all armory to be on standby. She hoped she wouldn’t need them but was certain of one thing and that was that pirate responses were often unpredictable.
.ೃ࿐"Don’t worry, This ship was salvaged and built strong I assure you she still has a bit of fight in her. She is supposed to appear as if she sails in the land of the dead let’s bring a chill to the festival. Its a wonderful effect and to be even more bold. Pull down the top sail and drop my father’s sail in front of mine to prove my resolve.”.ೃ࿐
As the order was given silence echoed out and the drunk princess turned quickly pulling her fan from her sash. Before her hand lifted to expand it her crew had disappeared to do exactly as she ordered. The whispers amused her so she gave no cares lifting her bowl to her lips to sip happily.
“She must have a death wish! She is certain to get us all killed.”
Bravo spat her drink out onto the wooden planks whirling about in a hiss to address the subject at hand.
.ೃ࿐“If you are so cowardly as to doubt my plans then you are free to leap into the sea before I rise.”.ೃ࿐
She said every word her voice smoothing out the serious tone decorating each word in promise. She gave no other comments as they dropped the sail satisficed in their resolve. Had she been her father the deck would probably be lined with the dead though none of the original Rocks pirates would have doubted. If anything they would have complained that the ship was not approaching fast enough.
This was about the treasures of the world and the thrill of installing a ghostly memory into the minds of others. Until now they were able to sail freely because none who survived were taken seriously in their claim of being attacked by the Rocks Pirates. It was the perfect cloak much like hiding in plain sight. Bravo cast no cares only because she had already seen the face of the world in her own transformation. Her will was built strong if only to protect her heart. A caged and locked away thing hidden behind greed and revenge.
She took her temper out on the world and her sails supposedly did not exist. Bravo would sink marine ships on sight to ensure none carried back a message of their true identity. She at the time needed the time to build and grow, to hone in on her haki and center the abilities of her fruit, Kūki kūki no Mi. The fan in her hand she used to direct attacks and control the element with ease compensating for range.
Bravo rose to her feet when the shore came close enough to view the Captain noting many of the sails she had seen in childhood. Sharp eyes glared out as the jolly roger she sought was not present. Softly cursing the Captain let out a disappointed sigh turning to face her crew shaking her head to tell them that Roger was not present upon the island.
Casting a quick shrug, the woman whirled back lifting the fan her thumb and index spreading the decorated fan out with a pop. The red ribbons dangling behind it danced in the breeze she kept circling them to slow their approach to almost a creep. Bravo sucked in a breath to take advantage of the mist that lingered over the seashore.
Slowly she lifted another arm to pull back her sleeve keeping her stoic posture black strands dancing about her as she prepared herself.
Bravo gave a long strike through the air drawing the mist on the wings of air to give them a bit of cover should she need to react quickly. As they sailed closer she quickly closed her fan tucking it within her sleeve alongside her other hand to patiently await their arrival.
She would watch their response to size up any and all opposition without a display of power. She believed that moving in silence was key in order to draw assumptions. She ordered her crew not to breath a word to add to the eerie approach. The creaking of the was ship able to be heard as they slowly pulled into port. The Fog slowly settled on board the ship and moved with them as they approached dispersing across the ground once they anchored.
Even in the dark of the night, the festivities are in full swing. Stars fade in from the depths of the heavens once the sun dipped into the west. They shimmer above the brilliant lights joined by music, laughter, and shouts below. Pirates near and far came together to take part in the variety of events, each crew and pirate strive to make their presence known as among the strongest and most fierce. Though not everyone is a member of these crews. There are some who are bounty hunters invited to start trouble, or mercenaries invited as security without involving the marines. One mercenary is none other than Harmony Halcyon, also known as Harmony the Wingless. Though she is not fond of that title. A young woman makes her rounds, quietly watching the commotion surrounding her. Long, dark locks of hair flow around her as she continues her walk. Some frame her face adorned only with dark eyeliner and long, dark lashes. She was never the type to wear much makeup, especially while she is working. Her clothing conceals the scars carved into her tan skin from her back to her right arm. Evidence of a grisly tale of her past from the day where the Shandida woman lost her wings years ago.
She was lucky to be alive and kept her freedom.
No. No, there is no need to revisit such painful memories. There’s work to do.
Hand gun at her right hip, Harmony continues her patrol. Thankfully, she has no need to use it or the other weapons at her arsenal. Though the woman seems quiet and gentle, her silver eyes are aways more than enough to stop any trouble. They were always enough to intimidate the revelers to behave.
Her job seem simple, patrol that place, watch for any crime and put an end to it then and there. So far, so good. Silver eyes always keep watch for any subtle sign of distress. Ears open for any muttering of devious plots from theft to kidnapping. Her approach is usually swift and quiet, ensuring the people’s safety with little commotion.
Thing seems normal. Well, as normal as this event could be. Broke up a few drunken brawls. Thoughts of stopping for a break crosses her mind.
Yeah..A drink doesn’t sound bad right now.
It will help make the long night more bearable, but plans take a sudden turn as fog looms over the land. She stops in her tracks as her relaxed posture stiffens.
“What the?” Harmony stops in her tracks and she looks over her shoulder as the fog thickens.
Everyone quickly notices the change in atmosphere. Laughter dies and gasps and mutters of apprehension replace it. Crowds thicken near the docks as they see an ominous figure looms in.
“What the devil? That be ghosts on that ship?”
“No, it can’t be!” People watches in terror as there is no sign of life. Not a single soul on the mysterious pirate ship. Groups began to argue over who should be brave enough to get on the docks and check out the ship.
“Oi! Calm yerselves, men! We’re pirates here! Not scared wee kids!” One captain chides his crew that inch further back, too scared to face the newcomers. Though every pirate knows not to dare challenge a ghost ship. That is how foolish men become dead men.
Perhaps this is a dark sign. Yes, a curse has come upon the souls who dared come to this festival! That seems to make sense to many of the pirates, some quaking in their boots as the air became heaiver and colder. She ship creaks as it bobs on the water with light just barely burning through the thick fog.
“Then, who should go out there, then? Which of ye are brave enough?!” People go back and forth, most too scared to go near the ghost ship. Suddenly, everyone stops fighting and shoving their own forward when they heard hurried footsteps on wood. A figure darts from the crowd, racing towards the mysterious ship.
“Is she going where I think she’s going?”
“That’s a dead woman walking…”
People gawk in fear at the sight of one person breaking free from the drown. Sable boots hit the ground as she closes in on the ghost ship. Ghost or not, this could be a threat and she would be damned if she allowed the haunting to harm the people and disrupt the festivities. Harmony’s footsteps slow to a stop along the docks, standing before the massive ship. It seems absolutely silent and the haze cloaking the ship leaves her chilled to the bone. Silver eyes narrow as she looks over the strange vessel.
Something seems odd about it.
It’s doubtful that this would be an actual ghost ship. It just happens to show up during the festival, one that only allows invited guests. Harmony clears her throat, watching for any sign of life. She has a feeling this is a show, and that could be a sign of trouble. Then again, Harmony knew she would be dealing with that when she accepted the job.
This has to be a ruse, and if push comes to shove, she’s ready.
“All right. We know you’re here. If you’re invited to be here, then please come down and present your invitation.” Harmony pauses for a moment. Eyes narrow as she doesn’t hear anyone. Not a single soul. Hands cup around her mouth as she speaks louder. “Excuse me! If there is anyone on board, may you please come down so we may speak? I know you are in there!”
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