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 Posted: Sun Sep 02, 2018 2:31 pm
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sᴛʀ: 000 | sᴘᴅ: 250 | ᴅᴇғ: 000 | ᴘʀᴡ: 345 || ʜᴘ: 990 | ᴛsᴛᴀ: 600 | sᴘɪ: 178
[ The b*****d. Galand’s brows furrow as he watches the thick pillar of clean shaven wood collide into the man. Despite the force of the throw, and despite the object being thrown, that b*****d stands there as prideful as ever. An attack meant to send him packing was reduced to mere splinters and sawdust, spread about wildly with no regard to friendly fire. Those furious golden eyes glare forth in surprise. To Galand, it had been a very long time since anyone has been able to body one of his blows. The shaken introspection of his mind leads him to ponder the possibility of this strange new threat only being made of pure steel. Metal. Flesh like iron, muscles only massing the durability. Like a great unbreachable wall. Which, by all accounts, begs the question… How did Ashlyn take him down the first time?
Militaristic boots crunche stone and wood beneath, reducing them into further particles of their once artistic bodies. One painfully heavy step after the next his body moves forward. Slow, but progressively steady. Rugged, but determined. With all of the distractions of the battle happening about the man, Galand is provided just enough time to make it before the clearing of one house in particular--the sixth one to be exact. All it takes it but a moment for him to lift one leg up, then drop it. Repeated with the other, then drop. After carefully thinking, the man lowers himself, placing his fingers firmly against the ground. His legs crouch forth, one a bit before the other. His jawline tightens while the rest of his mass braces itself dutifully. One single exhale escapes his lips before he pushes off, firing himself forth like a blur. His form shifts mid flight, placing a shoulder more prominently before the rest of himself. His target, the man. Sure, the guy may be durable, but so is Galand. Now the question falls down to, who is more so? ]
Traits: Primary Weapon: Sword x Rokushiki x Life Return | Perk: Master | Alliance: Pirate | Fruit: Quake
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Posted: Sun Sep 02, 2018 10:31 pm
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Morgana Laporte
XXX Clearly she was out of touch. The world had long been filled with monsters, but wasn't this too much? To think that there was not one but two people here strong enough to resist what she had done to them. It would have been interesting if it wasn't so damn annoying! "Mind your manners, you miscreant!" Honestly, how rude, knocking her away with such force! Having landed on her feet - as was to be expected - Morgana howled her angry words toward their current opponent, her fur pointedly fluffed up. A moment later the beam of wood that Galand had launched at the man hit him, a sense of satisfaction running through her at the sight. Ah, yes, this boy was growing on her! But of course, battles with monsters weren't so easily won; a lesson she knew quite well. Despite the fact that the woman had nearly strangled her to death, it wasn't a pleasant sight to see Ashlyn get the same treatment as the one Adonis had received just before, and with his attention on Galand she'd make her way over to where she'd fallen.
Looking the woman over, Morgana hopped onto Ashlyn's stomach, her little paws walking across her until she was sitting on her chest. "Up, up, dear." She was still breathing, wounded certainly, but the damage had not been fatal. Brushing dust and debris from her with her tail, the cat continued to bother Ashlyn until she got back on her feet. Hearing the warning given by the woman who controlled the bugs, Morgana brought both of her paws up, folding her ears down in a surprisingly human looking gesture. She waited a few moments until the screeching stopped, ears twitching as the uncomfortable echo of the high pitched screams echoed in her ears. What a highly unpleasant noise, though she could appreciate its effectiveness. Hopping off of Ashlyn's chest, Morgana was quick to scurry up one of the many trees in the surrounding forest, settling down on one of the lower branches. "You do not have to stay here if you wish. I will keep an eye on the boy." Considering she'd used her power on him, she couldn't help but feel responsible for the outcome of the fight. As it was, watching him move as fast as he did to collide into their opponent was a surprising sight, and it only made her all the more curious. If he wasn't bound as he was, if he wasn't so stubbornly prideful as to not ask to be released, would this even be a fight at all?
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Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2018 2:13 pm
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 ✘ Ashlyn "The Empress Of The Fallen" Winters | Location ✦ Minion Island, The Town, Streets | Company ✦ Galand, Morgana, Adonis, and Sagume ✘
╔══════════════════════╗
"And please just save me, if you can.
From my blasphemy in my wasteland.
How did I get here, and what went wrong.
Couldn't handle forgiveness, now I'm far beyond gone.
And I can hardly remember, the look of my own eyes.
How could I love this, my life so dishonest.
It made me compromise."
╚══════════════════════╝
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Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2018 6:34 pm
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Everything going on was just plain ridiculous. She wanted nothing to do with this nonsense at this point, get away to safety. The town hated her and feared her, even wanted her dead. As far as she knew so did this Galand fellow. And yet she still felt the need to help somehow. She looked to Ashlyn and Kitty as they mentioned not just leaving him behind as she sighed a bit, wanting to just bail right now. But she couldn't do much else as she looked between them and all the current situation. They didn't want to leave him behind with that other terrifying man as she just didn't understand what the ******** was going on still! She'd be reaming them for answers about this later if she could.
For now, Ashlyn seemed to run off, planning to just fire ship canons at these house throwing monsters as if it would work. But it wasn't like Sagume herself had a plan (other than telling the woman her actual name since she disliked being called 'girl'). She looked over to the men quickly as they went at it and she glanced back to the ship. There was certainly no way this would work right? The fighters kept moving about and they'd just dodge the cannonballs, or worse, destroy them on impact or even throw them back. Either way it was crazy. But she didn't know what else to even do at this point. So helpless and clueless, she merely tried to get closer to the ship, backing away from the combat as two fought one another. She still felt so out of place here...like a lost little extra that was in the way. Still unsure why she hadn't even just fled on her own yet, she was pulled from her moment of confusion by the sound of a canon firing.
"Ah! G-Galand move!" She shouted to him, only to be a bit started when so many more canons were then fired right afterwards. She glanced back, seeing them all flying towards the man and shifting impossibly off course to hit him. She looked over as the man did as expected at first, only t be overwhelmed afterwards by the followup attacks. But the real surprise was just how massive the explosion was! Snow was erupting and blasting away as the shock wave overcame even herself as she screamed out, flying back as she felt a strange sensation wash over her entire body as she curled up somewhat. After landing on the hard docks themselves, she panted out, shaking as she realized that the impact hadn't hurt much...or even at all. She blinked as she pushed herself to sit up, and she saw her entire hand was coated in black. She blinked, only to see the layer shift and then crawl away as counted hundreds, likely thousands of small beetles that had coated her skin crawled back into her clothing and into her body. They had protected her body from any harm on reflex with their high density carapaces as she noticed a few dead ones were on the ground around her as well from the outer layer having taken much of the damage. She was grateful sure, but the visual and thought of watching so many small insects crawling into her own body once more made her shudder and gag out, covering her mouth.
Oh how she despised this power she was cursed with. Every use made her sick to her stomach and the ones that worked without her command were worse. They moved and thought on their own..inside of her! It was disgusting to say the least as she shook her head quickly, shakily standing herself up as she looked over to the explosion site and then to the ship beside her. She didn't have much of a choice to make here it seemed. She'd already acted against the man and even if he had somehow survived that, it was unlikely he'd let her live once he realized what she did before if she went with him. Going to her own ship was through town on the far side of the island. And then there was the three she had helped somewhat. It seemed to be her only option as she sighed out, running up the plank to get onto the vessel as she looked for the woman named Ashlyn, unsure what Kitty or Galand were doing.
"Ashlyn...? Ashlyn!?" She called out to her with no results at first before finally finding her passed out below deck wit a sudden gasp. She ran over, kneeling down as she quickly checked for a pulse and breath to make sure she was still alive. Once confirmed, she'd let out a heavy sigh of relief before struggling a bit to help move her. She wasn't heavy but the girl wan't exactly all that strong as she had to get Ashlyn over her left shoulder, huffing as she dragged her to the first room she could find, laying her down onto the bed and laying her out properly, even covering her up as she looked about. She had no sign of Kitty nor Galand yet as she checked the girl's forehead. It was warm, but she wasn't entirely sure if that was illness or just from adrenaline and having been so worked up just now. "Where are they...?" She mused softly as she decided to prepare a cool, wet washcloth regardless for the girl, wringing it out before setting it gently upon her forehead, under her thick bangs. Taking a seat then, she sighed out a bit more heavily as she looked up at the ceiling. "Just what the hell have I gotten caught up in...?"
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Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2018 6:28 pm
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sᴛʀ: 005 | sᴘᴅ: 020 | ᴅᴇғ: 050 | ᴘʀᴡ: 090 || ʜᴘ: 990 | ᴛsᴛᴀ: 600 | sᴘɪ: 090
XXX Cold. Astraea had never been fond of the islands that seemed to be kept in eternal winter, and had always wondered how the residents managed not to get sick of the snowy weather all year long. Perhaps it was easier for humans and minkmen to manage, but she'd checked herself off as a lost cause a long time ago. Nevertheless, disdain for the surrounding terrain would not stop her from answering the call to justice. Upon docking, the Marine trudged her way through the snow until she reached the small village, dismayed to find the area stained with blood and the carcasses of bugs. Those who had placed the call for help had already explained the situation, but it was still a strange sight to take in. That, coupled with the destruction of the surrounding buildings was reason enough for the tense silence that clung to the village, as if the whole island was holding its breath. After introducing herself and offering her condolences for those who had lost her lives, Astraea had the whole situation recounted to her by quite the angry individual who explained that some one winged woman had suddenly sent swarms of ravenous bugs to run them down. And then, as if that hadn't been bad enough, someone else had shown up and started some other altercation that had caused even more damage.
"Luckily, Galand was here to help fight, and he said he was ganna punish that creature, but I won't be satisfied until I see her head on a stake." Frowning, the woman tilted her head slightly, both at the name and at the way this man perceived justice. "Can you describe these two to me?" This bug controller - whether she was a Devil Fruit user or some crazed scientist with a ******** up experiment - was not someone Astraea recognized in the slightest, but the description of Galand matched to a tee.Just her luck. Sighing, she shook her head, raising one hand to her forehead to rub her temples. "I'll call for more assistance here to aid you all in the rebuilding process. In the future, please be weary of using that man's name. He's a wanted criminal, and there are certain Marines who do not take kindly to civilians who harbor them." Offering a faint look of surprise, the man shrugged. "He's always been good to us. I just wanted to ensure our village got what's fair when it comes to that monster's punishment." Stuffing her freezing hands into her pockets, she'd nod, offering one last thing to the man before continuing on. "I can't bring her head on a stake, but I can ensure you that she'll... They'll be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."
One call for assistance and a hike through the icy hills later, Raea stood before her estranged fiance's ship once again. Not much time had passed since their last encounter, but it was clear from the calm way she approached and welcomed herself aboard that she did not carry anywhere near the amount of anguish and fury she had before. That had been built up from years of suffering, and now that it had been released she was left with little more than confusion. There were a lot of questions that Galand needed to answer, and now that fate had kicked her to his doorstep once more she was going to get them. It was fortunate for her to find the man in question alone on the ship's deck, relaxing against the mast, and she did her best not to shiver from the chilling breeze that blew by as she closed the distance between them. And for this exact reason - along with the fact that he was absolutely stunning - it was completely bewildering to find him with his shirt off, skin glistening in the weak light of the sun. Pursing her lips slightly, Astraea stopped in front of her, tilting her head up and to the left, purposefully staring away from him because doing otherwise was very distracting. How was she supposed to be serious and angry and official if she was just going to oggle him like some lovestruck newlywed?!
Taking a deep breath, she centered herself, suddenly unclipping the sword at her side and sitting down across from him, her sheathed blade across her lap. Beautiful or not, this wasn't going to change the memories she had of all the horrible things he'd done, even if she was starting to doubt her own mind. "I heard you are currently in possession of one of the individuals who caused harm to the villagers on this island. I'll be taking her in. And you as well." Memories of the past aside, she had seen with her own eyes the destruction he had caused on Cactus Island, and there was no excuse for that. "I'll give you both a chance to come with me peacefully. But before that..." Once more her eyes scanned his body, for the first time noticing the myriad of scars that marred his skin. "We match." The surprised statement wasn't one that she'd meant to say out loud, but it was true. Hell, if she were being honest, he had more scars that she did at this point, and that was quite the feat. Even his face bore marks, a detail she hadn't picked up in her blind rage. The knowledge made her chest tighten with a sadness that she couldn't explain, even though she should have been relishing the idea of his suffering.
"Tell me what happened to you. Tell me... your truth." More than anything, that's all Astraea wanted. Something was wrong, that much she was aware of. But what was it? Where could she find the answers she so desperately desired? As her gaze shifted to the familiar bottle and cup at Galand's side, she frowned, eyeing him with a deadpanned expression, leaning forward to slide them both to her side instead. "..Is this how you hydrate yourself now? Keep it up and you're really going to freeze out here. You're just making my job easier." Gruff as her words were, they were quiet, and despite her scolding she reached for the bottle to pour herself a cup, wincing slightly at the burning sensation in her chest as the alcohol went down.
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Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2018 9:10 pm
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sᴛʀ: 000 | sᴘᴅ: 250 | ᴅᴇғ: 000 | ᴘʀᴡ: 345 || ʜᴘ: 990 | ᴛsᴛᴀ: 600 | sᴘɪ: 178
[ How long had it been since he last had a chance to properly rest? In truth, it had only been a few days, but for Galand it feels like a lifetime. After having dragged himself back to the ship and having Ashlyn properly tended to, he once more found himself slumped against the mast of the vessel. His frame shirtless and lightly bandaged here or there due to his battle with that troublesome b*****d of a brother. Despite it having taken place some odd days ago, he still occasionally feels tinges of pain here or there. With the injuries, and Morgana’s accursed powers working against him, he’s been having one hell of a time living the day to day. To a degree where even eating or brushing his teeth is a right pain in the hams. The only thing that has managed to keep him otherwise sane is the soft touch of the winter snow paddling upon his bare flesh, the cold breeze that comes with it, and the sake sliding down his throat. After knocking back another cup, his lips part to release a visible sigh.
The scarred man watches as his breath takes to the atmosphere and fades just as mysteriously as it had come. Now he remains facing the sky emptily. “It always comes to this, doesn’t it…? How many more members of my family will I have to watch die for enough to be enough? Even now, am I still not strong enough to change things…?” as he asks himself this, his free hand balls into a fist and with one powerful slam a resounding thud can be heard. The blow rocks the boat rather carelessly before the vessel settles back down into a still. Everything that has been happening to him, for Galand, is a result of his lack in power. Ashlyn has been injured yet again, he couldn’t bring himself to kill the bug girl, both GoGo and Goldi has gone off to do their own thing, and now the people who saved his life those years ago were injured and killed. Each time he’s right there. So close, but always just too far to change anything.
The disharmony settling in his chest burns furiously, forcing a grim overcast to shade his eyes. It’s as if he’s been up for days, seldom ever sleeping. A tired man who just wants to bloody rest. In truth, he even fails to notice the approaching woman boarding his ship. Mayhaps it is due to him being so used to her presence that he instinctively didn’t question it, or mayhaps he is simply just that out of it. But right before him, right now, stands the one cure to all of his suffering. Slowly does he raise his head, tired eyes taking in each and every single detail. He can’t help but to do this. Galand doesn’t even blink as he emptily reach the woman’s face. He tries, he tries so damn hard, but alas, a smile never appears. Instead, he can only offer the woman’s arrival with a greeting she’d likely know all too well.
“Hey… Angelfish.”
his words, his head begins to fall once again, returning to the sake set before himself. He listened to her. Nothing more than listened. From her questioning of him harboring a criminal, to her commenting that they match. Words that makes his hands twitch from the memories of why he has the scars to begin with. After his sake set it removed from before him, and act that forces him to sigh, Galand stares at the source of his weakness. The one whom he loves most in the world. The one who should be dead. “Why are you pretending like you don’t know what happened, Astraea…? After what was done to everyone…” As he says this, he pauses and thinks back to what she said to him back at the ruins of Cactus Island. “Or maybe you...really don’t know?” he says, looking to her eyes for any visual confirmation. With an audible thud, he places his head against the mast and sets his cup down down to one side of himself. His other hand rests limply to the side, as if he’s simply too exhausted to care any further than this.
"After we all left Roma back at Elysium, Y’shtola and I decided it’d be a good time to take a break, and go back to see our parents for once in a while. When we got there, the islanders, and Marines were hoisting their beaten bodies into a cross. We were forced to watch as they slung their stones and glass, all while setting fire to them.” As he speaks, it’s as if the man isn’t there at all. Like the story is a pain to explain. As if he’s trying very hard to hold back emotions he’s been able to keep suppressed so far. He continues to explain Y’shtola’s sacrifice, and how she ordered him to save the others. It was as if she knew. As if she anticipated that betrayal from the World Government. And her instincts were right. “I had gone back to Elysium, but Roma and Cartel were already fighting. Bloodied and wounded, and with how badly Roma had already been hurt...they barely held their own. I was able to save them, and leave them at a nearby island to recuperate…”
As he continues, the restraint on his emotions grow thinner and thinner. He knows what comes next may very well have Astraea end his life on the spot, but he’s been holding this story in for so long, and finally, he can talk to another member about it. “I wanted to save Celty next. And I was so close to helping her… but when I arrived at her island, I was cut off short by a platoon of soldiers… and Leona. I pleaded with her to let me by. To just let me save our comrade, but she just wouldn’t...MOVE. And then, she pulled out her weapon against me. Leona...she… And so, we fought. I tried to hold back. I wanted to knock her out and escape, but she pressed and pressed, until I was left with no choice. And so, I killed her.” One of his hands shakily grips his face as his eyes furiously stares to the clouds above. They’d do so until he’s forced to clench them shut to prevent any tears from forming. The trauma obviously still lingering to this day.
“She… Leona, she THANKED me! As if she had wanted that from the start! As if… And after that, everything went black. I couldn’t think anymore. I just...remember feeling so angry. There were so many screams. So much blood. And when I came to, I was in a cell.”
From there he explains his two years of torture, and ultimately, what happened to everyone in their attempts to break him. From Roma and the others, to Evelyn, to Astraea. Everyone he loved and or held dear was executed right before him. It was after that where Y’shtola broke him free after the prison was set ablaze. And he found himself here, on this very island. “And so, I guess you can understand why I question how you’re here. I saw you beheaded with my own eyes. I still remember the indescribable emotions pouring from my soul as I screamed out. I thought, maybe it’s just a ghost. Maybe I’m finally losing my mind… but, no matter how I spin it… you’re here.” He reaches out slowly, as if trying to take her hand. Despite the consequences of this, he wants to know. He HAS to know. Is this a fake, or not. ]
Traits: Primary Weapon: Sword x Rokushiki x Life Return | Perk: Master | Alliance: Pirate | Fruit: Quake
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Posted: Sat Oct 13, 2018 1:02 pm
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sᴛʀ: 005 | sᴘᴅ: 020 | ᴅᴇғ: 050 | ᴘʀᴡ: 090 || ʜᴘ: 990 | ᴛsᴛᴀ: 600 | sᴘɪ: 090
XXX It burned, as it always did, when Astraea continued drinking from the sake cup she'd confiscated from the man across from her. Even now she derived little pleasure from the alcohol, though she had to admit she did feel just a touch warmer now, but it was going to take a hell of a lot more to put her in a state where she could actually be relaxed. Hearing the old, playful nickname Galand used to refer to her, the woman winced, an unmistakable flash of pain and anger in her eyes before she averted her gaze back to the gourd of sake, pouring herself another cup. It felt cruel to stir up memories of past happiness like that when they were in the midst of such a tense, agonizing situation. Perhaps that had been his intent in the first place. Looking back up at him though, that seemed hard to believe. There was no smugness to his face, no aura haughtiness. Rather, the man looked exhausted - far more than Raea had even seen him appear. So tired, in fact, that when she forced herself to look into those familiar golden eyes, they seemed empty.
Such a sight stirred a tightness in her chest, the idea of her partner pushing himself to his absolutely limits yet again not sitting well with her. "You just.. Never know when to quit, do you?" Even if they were supposed to be enemies, it didn't make her happy in the slightest to witness him in the state he was currently in. To his question she'd furrow her brows and shake her head, a frown on her face. "I'd never be so cruel as to pretend over something like this.. I'd like to believe that.. That you wouldn't be either.." It was clear even without them explaining their full stories to each other that they didn't match up, and there was the faintest bit of hope deep within her that perhaps Galand truly had never harmed her or the members of Eden's Dove. Maybe, just maybe, something much bigger than the both of them was orchestrating this horror story.
At the very least, Astraea was getting his truth. The Marine watched him closely as if scrutinizing him to try to gauge if any of his story was a lie. But she'd been by his side long enough to know his tells, and whether or not this was the absolute truth of the world, Galand believed what he said completely. Pulling her knees to her chest, the woman turned her gaze to the crystal clear alcohol in her cup, looking at her wavering reflection as the man continued his tale. Biting her lip, she closed her eyes and tried desperately to make sense of his words, because she could not recall any memories of what he was describing. No, wait. She did remember that they had all split up for some reason. Back on Cactus Island, she'd thought the reasoning behind them going their separate ways had been for a mission, but according to Galand, that was not the case. And Roma had been injured. Those memories were almost crystal clear to the woman, her hand twitching as she berated herself once more on her inability to protect her comrade - the only worth she'd ever contributed to the group. "It should have been me." Mumbling her own words softly, she opened her eyes, looking to the man across from her, her confusion apparent.
"Who.. Who hurt Roma like that? I can't.. Every time I think about what happened there I can remember what happened to her, but I can't.. I don't know who did it. When I try to recall all the details.. it's.." Astraea winced, unexpectedly reminded of the sensation of excruciating, searing heat, one hand clutching the fabric over her chest as her breath caught in her throat. "..Painful." The word came out as more of a whimper than she'd wanted it to, and she drew in a deep breath, opening her eyes and straightening herself as if to try to regain her lost composure. As to what he had said about his parents... The woman had to look away again, horrified by the idea that he wasn't lying to her, and that they kind, loving couple she'd gotten to know really were gone. On one hand, she wanted to believe that he wouldn't lie about something that serious, and that he wouldn't have left Cactus Island in its current state if his family was still alive and living there. On the other, she still had a very distinct memory of him running her through with his blade, something she would have otherwise considered impossible.
Opening her mouth, she tried to speak, but no words seemed to come out. Honestly, there was nothing she could say to that. When he moved on to talk about others, Astraea stiffened, jolting so hard that the sake cup fell from her hands, clinging loudly against the wooden deck, spilling the alcohol between the pair. "Who..?" She could feel herself panicking, her heart thundering in her chest, a high pitching ringing in her ears. Wide eyes, guilty and mortified searched Galand's face for an answer desperately, her body trembling for reasons other than the frigid air that blew through the island. Unbeknownst to her, when the woman blinked next, tears spilled over and down her cheeks. "Who's.. Celty?" It was a name she didn't recognize at all, so there was no way she'd been a member of Eden's Dove. And yet, Galand was talking about her as if she was supposed to know who this person was. Not just that, but now it seemed the reason her partner had killed Leona was because she had opposed him? Opposed.. them? If she was to believe this, then she had to accept that not only had Leona turned against their group, but the whole World Government - the organization they had devoted themselves to - was out to get them?
"Wait.. wait.." Her words sounded far away and strained, as if she were crying. Bringing her hands up, she gripped the sides of her head, squeezing her eyes shut and pressing her forehead to her knees. Astraea felt nauseous and light headed, vaguely aware that her breathing was far too rapid and that if she didn't bring herself under control she was going to pass out. "Stop.." The word sounded watery in her throat, and despite her protest, she listened to the rest of his explanation, long and horrifying as it was. When he finished, the woman was silent for a long time after, minus the occasional sniffling sounds she did not even realize were coming from her. Even though she couldn't explain it, gut instinct told her that everything Galand had said to her was correct. That in some terrifying way, she recognized the events he was describing as real. But then why couldn't she remember the things he remembered? How could their memories be faked?
Still curled into herself, Astraea felt some of the tension of her muscles relax as something warm enveloped one of her hands. Slowly, she fought to get a hold of herself, moving her other hand to her face to wipe away tears she was only now noticing had been shed. She remained still a while longer, until her breathing slowed and her heart no longer seemed it would leap from her chest. "..Maybe your story is the truth.. Maybe mine is.. Maybe somehow.. they're both true.. or maybe none of this is real.." The idea of that bubbled forth a single nervous, hysteric laugh as the Marine shuddered, desperately clutching what she now knew was Galand's hand tightly despite herself. At the very least she could sympathize with his feelings of thinking himself crazy, and it would be a lie to claim that being able to feel that the man across from her was real and with her didn't bring her comfort.
Finally she lifted her head, begrudgingly pulling her hand away even though that was the last thing she wanted to do. "You said this all happened because we didn't follow orders.. What were you talking about?" When she met his gaze again she looked worn out and sad, no trace of that self-righteous anger from before. "Are you really.. going to break this world? Repeat the devastation you caused on Cactus Island? I.. I want to believe what you've told me. But these actions that you're taking.. What you're doing right now.. This.. This isn't.." One more, Astraea's voice wavered, but she had to know. The man she loved wanted to be a beacon of hope, and she wouldn't let the person across from her make a mockery of his name. ".. my Starlight."
More than anything, she wanted a sign that this was still her Galand, no matter what it was they had gone through. Her tired, blue gaze bore into his once more, tears gathering in her eyes again.
"Galand Drace. What is it that you want to be?"
There was but a single correct answer.
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Posted: Sat Oct 20, 2018 1:13 pm
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sᴛʀ: 000 | sᴘᴅ: 250 | ᴅᴇғ: 000 | ᴘʀᴡ: 345 || ʜᴘ: 990 | ᴛsᴛᴀ: 600 | sᴘɪ: 178
[ There it was, once again, the troubling thing she does when she feels responsible for something. Galand silently listens to Astraea as she goes on about how it should have been her taking the blow instead of Roma. Except, that situation wasn’t something she could have foreseen coming. No one could have. That’s what made it hurt all the more. “I told you time and time again. It wasn’t your fault… That b*****d, after betraying us like that…” he stops himself, letting out a heavy breath as he refuses to let the rage resurface. Not now. He just can’t deal with it presently. His body goes back slump and he continues on, only to have the woman before him ask that dreadfully cruel question. “What do you mean ‘WHO’?” he asks, looking up with frustration and shock. Did she truly forget? Or no, that isn’t something one can so easily forget.
Even after years have passed on, there is absolutely no way any member of the Doves could possibly forget that day. Galand’s doubt in this person’s identity hits an all time high now, but, he also can’t deny the feeling he’s getting from her. Only one person ever made him feel this way. “Dist. Do you remember that name, Astraea? Among all else, there is no way you’d forget that monster. Forget what he did to us!” he barks out in an elevated tone. He wouldn’t accept her amnesia in this case. He can’t. He single handedly got their group dismantled as a traitor to their ranks. To their family. He was the sole cause of their downfall, and Astraea sits there acting as if she simply forgot?! But, he goes on. And just like before, she seems to have forgotten Celty as well. Wait, Celty…? He...definitely said the name, as if it were habit. Natural. But… Galand sits there confused, looking at the palm of his hand, trying to fixate a face to the name, but...
He winces after a sudden headache pains his head for but a few moment, and then fades. It’s like a blockade. Something fighting to stop him from remembering. But once more, he continues. His only choice is to put that aside for now. In the end, Astraea is left mentally battered and jumbled up. Just as he once was. But somehow she manages to drag up a few more questions for him. To which he replies honestly. “You don’t remember? The World Government had been watching us intently after we started questioning their more...cruel tasks. After after a point, they must have decided we were digging too deep, and wanted to dispose of us. But, I never thought they’d actually act on it. We were their trump cards. I figured we would have had enough time to prepare while they got replacements for us ready, but then Dist… That man’s foolish betrayal gave them their wedge they needed to bring us down.” he pauses and thinks, trying to put pieces together, but there are so many blanks in his memory.
“We made the mistake of splitting up, and in that moment…” Well, Astraea would get it from there. One by one, each member fell. Trapped by a ruse concocted by the military. Abusing their weaknesses and families to force them apart further. They knew that it’d be a struggle, but as long as Eden’s Dove was not together in one place, they could be brought low. Galand grabs hold of his face, glaring fiercely through the parting between his fingers. “Roma warned us. BEGGED us to stay together. To stay with her at base, and get through our troubles as a family. She was the one most hurt, physically and mentally. And we left her. We selfishly walked out and left her alone…!” His anger starts to jumpstart, but through rushed pants and snarls, his managed to reign it back. But just barely. He’s just so gosh darn angry with himself. She needed them right then and there the most, but in the end, it amounted to nothing. Because they couldn’t see it. Everyone was blinded by their own troubles.
Eventually, he’s presented with another question. One more Astraea-like. Slowly but surely he lifts his head to that his tired eyes can meet hers. “To be honest… I’m not sure the light even resides within this ruined body anymore. Haha… I can… I can barely even recognize myself. After all the anger. All the violence. All the betrayals… I’d sooner be called a monster. But, I…” he starts lifting up both hands this time, taking a moment to look at them. Their scarred, rough visage reminds him of all the hardships he’s been through alone up until now, and what he’s been fighting for in the first place. Where his road will end up. “...I still want to save them. The people don’t deserve to have those demons lumbering above their heads, terrorizing anyone that doesn’t agree with their perverted dark sense of justice. I once believed in their path. I thought we were doing good for the world, but in the end…” He shakes his head in disappointment.
His body struggles to stand as he uses the mast as a crutch. The weight from Morgana’s curse, and his exhaustion has rendered him nothing more than a zombie at this point. But he manages to slowly make his way to the center of the deck where he stands silent for a few seconds. Then, after the passing of a cool breeze, he raises a hand up, as if trying to grab hold of the sun. “I haven’t given up on my dream. Not one bit. I’ll still make this world a safer one, with all of my soul. Only difference now is I got one more enemy to bring down, in order to make that dream a reality. I’ll be a beacon of hope, that all can look up to, and know there is a future. No matter how dark or light I shine.” so he declares before lowering his arm. So he turns back around slowly, looking to the love of his life. “That’s why I can’t let you arrest me here. Me, or the girl. She has suffered until this day, and I mean to show her hope.” He finishes, looking as though he hopes this doesn’t go south. ]
Traits: Primary Weapon: Sword x Rokushiki x Life Return | Perk: Master | Alliance: Pirate | Fruit: Quake
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Posted: Sat Oct 20, 2018 8:13 pm
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sᴛʀ: 005 | sᴘᴅ: 020 | ᴅᴇғ: 050 | ᴘʀᴡ: 090 || ʜᴘ: 990 | ᴛsᴛᴀ: 600 | sᴘɪ: 090
XXX Dist? Now that the name had been spoken out loud, Astraea did recognize it. At the very least, she understood the way her stomach churned and her fist clenched to be an indication that she did know this man, even if he was a strange, frustrating blur in her memories. "Leona's partner.." The woman mumbled the words softly, eyebrows knitting together, closing her eyes as she tried to remember what he looked like. What his voice sounded like. What he'd done to them. Once more, to believe Galand in this instance was to give in to the idea that one of the member's of Eden's Dove had turned on them, and such an idea was more painful than she wished to recall. "Ah.. Now I understand.." The woman brought one hand to her chest, gripping at the fabric over her heart as the man across from her snapped at her for forgetting what had been done. "I don't want to remember.." She gave the same short, broken laugh as before, hanging her head in shame. "Because it's going to hurt.. It's going to break and I.. I can't.. I.." She was laughing again, miserably, wiping at her face with the backs of her hands. "I'm scared.. How pathetic.."
How could a soldier be so easily reduced to a shell of herself with nothing more than mere memories? Even though she sought the truth, now that she was so close to obtaining it she was terrified of taking that leap into the unknown. Resting her head against her knees, she looked to Galand with a tired expression, listening to him continue to answer her questions. "Cruel tasks.. that I can't remember.." She smiled weakly, but there was no hint of joy in her gaze, and it was clearly one that came from self ridiculing. When he started to speak of Roma though, the Marine sat up once more. This she suddenly could recall. Them splitting up and Roma begging for them to stay with her, to stay as a group. Now that the picture was clear, a dawning look of horror settled over her expression. "I couldn't stand to look at her any longer!" Wrapping her arms around herself, Astraea bit her lip and shook her head. "Every time I saw at her, all I could see was my mistake! It was my fault she looked like that!" Squeezing her eyes shut, she felt the heat of fresh tears wash over her cheeks. "I couldn't stay there.. I.. I took Ran because he didn't have anywhere else to go.." The woman's voice broke, the way she cried making it more and more difficult to understand her words as she continued. "Roma didn't have anywhere else to go either! I'm such an idiot!" What kind of a friend was she, abandoning the woman she was closest to when she was hurt and scared. When she'd needed her most.
"Roma, I.. I should have.." Succumbing to a fit of sobs, Astraea buried her face in her hands. When she felt like she was out of tears to shed, she once more rested her head on her knees, sniffling and looking across the deck of the ship, eyes unfocused. "If that's true then don't you think... If I had stayed maybe this wouldn't have happened.. Cause I could have convinced you, right? I could have convinced you to stay.. And then everyone else might have stayed, too.." Could she have stopped this tragedy from playing out? If she had been able to overcome her guilt? If she had been able to do her job and protect Roma in the first place? Numb, she was silent a while longer, watching the snowflakes fall and land gracefully upon her jacket. Galand's voice brought her out of her haze, and she lifted her head once more, though it suddenly felt like an arduous task. At his words, Astraea felt her heart sink, true despair in her gaze. She'd told him once that it was the job of the other members of Eden's Dove - herself included - to ensure his light didn't burn out. Yet here he was, far more of a fallen star than the starlight she was used to. As he continued though, she allowed herself just the tiniest bit of hope. If he still had the desires he always had, if his heart still yearned for the same dream, then he wasn't yet too far gone.
Watching him stand, her gaze followed him to the center of the deck, turning herself around so she could listen to him. Slowly she'd stand as well, sniffling and wiping at her face one last time, drawing in a deep breath and exhaling to center herself. "If you haven't given up on your dream, then what the hell are you doing on a pirate ship?" Confused and tired as she wash, she couldn't let the injustice of his actions slide. "If you really are Galand.. my Galand.. then there's no way I can let you keep walking this path. So I'll put you back on track, even if I have to drag you to it."
Clearly her offer to come along with her peacefully had been declined. So be it. Reattaching her weapon to her side, the woman suddenly bolted forward, sliding behind him and leaping up. She wrapped her legs around his waist, and slid her hand around and across his neck, pulling him into a choke hold. Gripping her bicep to secure her hold as much as possible, she used her other hand to hold the back of his head, pulling her arm up and back to cut off his air supply. "Don't make this harder than it has to be!"
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Posted: Sun Oct 21, 2018 7:41 am
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sᴛʀ: 000 | sᴘᴅ: 250 | ᴅᴇғ: 000 | ᴘʀᴡ: 345 || ʜᴘ: 990 | ᴛsᴛᴀ: 600 | sᴘɪ: 178
[ That confirmed it. From the way she speaks, her voice, her motions, the purity of her heart, to the very tears streaming down her face. This is Astraea. Though she doesn’t remember everything, there is no way he’d ever be able to forget these things. Just watching her suffer like this proves to be too much of a strain on the man, but for now he’d endure it. He know full well how much she cares for and loves the other members. There is no way she could truly forget, and by the way she responds to his words, he can at least understand one thing. Something is wrong with the two of them. Something unnatural. Astraea’s body...it reacts. It knows, but it doesn’t remember. Same for Galand. There are things that trigger a reaction, but he just can’t remember why. As if… “You weren’t the only one that stepped away. We all understood her circumstances, and we still chose to leave. We...left her. I still don’t know if I was truly able to save her and Cartel that day, but I did help them escape. And even now, I thought everyone was dead. No, I’m sure I saw it with my own two eyes, yet...here you are. So, maybe there is a chance she still lives. Maybe… we can still apologize.” He replies, working to chip away the woman’s self doubt. Something he often had to do back in the day.
Astraea was, and likely still is a powerful woman. Tougher than most by far, and could take far more abuse than the others. But she would always ball up in ridicule if anything ever happened to the other members. Blaming herself as if she wish she were the one to have taken the damage instead of them. Galand...never liked that, but on the same coin he loved her for it. That’s why the least he can do is support her through it. She’d always recover. Their exchange continues, and Astraea winds up questioning his company this time around. “These people are all rough around the edges. In many cases, they have been hurt, endured horrible pasts, and have come to despise the world because of it. Either by the hands of the World Government, or things I couldn’t even begin to understand.” he starts, thinking of everyone, and the involvement of Ashlyn’s family now.
“However, because of this they have grown stronger. And can grow even stronger still. They have the capacity for unspeakable evils, or good. But the fact of the matter is, they are strong.” As he continues, he clenches his fists, giving the woman a confident yet tired smile. A shell of what it once looked it.
“What I need right now is power. I can’t return to the Marines after what happened. I’m not even sure how you managed to go back. WHY they let you back in. But for me, it’s impossible. And so, I need these guys by my side. I won’t...make the same mistake again. Thinking I can handle things on my own.” With that, Astraea should have an understanding of his resolve. And clearly so, since she too has come to a resolution of her own. The moment she attaches her weapon back to her side, a sigh leaves Galand’s mouth. He knows where this is going. Rather, he always knew. And how couldn’t he? After all, she is the woman he chose to spend his life with. He readies him, but finds it nearly impossible to react to her sudden burst of speed. Though he can more or less see it, he can’t get his body to properly move. Morgana’s curse again, damn it all. With a labored breath he can essentially only wait as she grapples herself onto him, working to remove his air supply.
He grunts at the sudden shut down of his air circulation. This is a tactic he’s seen far too many times to count. No matter how dire a situation, this woman would always take the first step into battle, so that the others wouldn’t need to. A banner of justice, brilliance, and strength. She had trained herself to a terrifying point to begin with, an act that would put most people to shame. But to add onto that, she’s a fishwoman. A denizen of the deep, who are naturally far physically superior to humans. Being the vanguard of Eden’s Dove, there isn’t a single member who’d question her ability to take the front. That was his partner. That, was Astraea Tethys. And right now, the monster of a woman is directing her ire to Galand.
He takes a few steps back after having both his air and balance snatched from him in the blink of an eye, but he wouldn’t yield. Not by a long shot. “I...diot! Y-You… You know… that...you shouldn’t...grapple me!” he manages to fight out in pants, gripping the arm wrapped around his throat like a vicegrip. In that moment, a large white sphere would encircle both his hands, and the mermaid’s arm. He doesn’t want to, and likely he’ll take damage from this too, but it’s the only way to free himself. “LET...GO!” he coughs out, preparing to break her arm if need be. ]
Traits: Primary Weapon: Sword x Rokushiki x Life Return | Perk: Master | Alliance: Pirate | Fruit: Quake
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Posted: Sun Oct 21, 2018 11:45 am
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sᴛʀ: 005 | sᴘᴅ: 020 | ᴅᴇғ: 050 | ᴘʀᴡ: 090 || ʜᴘ: 990 | ᴛsᴛᴀ: 600 | sᴘɪ: 090
XXX Listening to the words Galand spoke to her only further confirmed to Astraea that this truly was the man she loved. Tricks could only go so far, and the way he was behaving now was consistent with how he'd always treated her. Even exhausted and confused himself, he was trying to comfort her, and she wanted nothing more than to rush to his side and pull him into her embrace. For now, she'd set aside her doubts as to this man's true identity - hell, she was even content to cast away the memory of his supposed betrayal since clearly neither of them were in their right minds. In his eyes, she was supposed to be dead after all. The woman managed a small nod at the idea of finding Roma again and apologizing to her, though the guilt still gnawed in the pit of her stomach. If Galand's story was true, there was a strong possibility her old friend was dead or worse. And if that were the case, she wasn't sure she would ever feel as if she deserved forgiveness. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath and let it out slowly, nodding once more. "..Thanks." She couldn't help it. It was just natural to thank him when he'd worked to comfort her yet again.
Opening her eyes, she met his gaze once more, frowning as he spoke about the company that he kept. While she understood there were many in this world who lead horrible, pain filled lives, she couldn't find it in herself to excuse the actions she had seen this group, this crew cause. "You.. You always have to jump to the extremes, don't you?" How frustrating! Why couldn't he - just once - not tip the scale so harshly to one side?! She knew why, of course. It was just how he was, and she couldn't deny that she loved him for it, even if she despised the path it had lead him to. "Even if you couldn't be a Marine any longer that doesn't mean you had to be a pirate, Galand!" The people he'd joined up with seemed to be the very epitome of the types that Eden's Dove had spent years fighting against. "You could have found a middle ground! You didn't have to smear your name through the dirt! You didn't have to stain your hands like this!" While she was happy he wasn't alone and trying to solve all of his problems by himself like he used to, a part of her almost wished that he was. Maybe running solo would have been more preferable over the company that he currently kept.
By no means had Raea expected her take down to be easy. Even as tired as the man seemed, she knew well just how long he could push himself to continue on. It was a similarity that they shared, and one they equally admired and hated. She knew Galand had never enjoyed watching her get hurt, even if her body was more physically resilient in that way, and she'd always been so concerned over his stubbornness to keep fighting even when he should have been far beyond exhaustion. But she'd told him herself when she'd confessed her love to him. Even though it was frustrating, she loved that part of him too. The unyielding, unbreaking drive he had to accomplish his goals.
Right now though, it was just a pain!
"Stop struggling! Why do you always have to do things the hard way?!" Astraea didn't want to hurt him, not truly, but if he kept fighting back then she'd have no choice. She couldn't let him carry on as he was now. "This is for your own good!" The pair played tug of war with the grip she had around his neck, and the woman had every intention of keeping her hold on him until she saw the familiar sphere encircle his hands and her arm. Eyes widening, she released the grip she had around his neck, biting down into his shoulder until she tasted blood and could pull her arm free from his hand. Tightening her legs around his waist, she bent backwards, placing her palms flat against the deck of the slip. With a grunt, she threw her weight back, attempting to vault the man up and over her, releasing her hold on his waist to try to fling him away from her. This was a task that proved to be quite difficult considering he was far heavier than she was expecting. Her small flip completed, she took a moment to gasp for air, her breath billowing small white clouds around her.
"If you won't yield, then I won't hold back either!" The woman took up a more defensive position, still except for one hand that looked as if it were beckoning for something. Said something came to her side a few moments later, a frigid torrent of water encircling her before it shot forward toward Galand, attempting to envelope him in a globe to once more cut off his air supply.
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Posted: Sun Oct 21, 2018 4:53 pm
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sᴛʀ: 000 | sᴘᴅ: 250 | ᴅᴇғ: 000 | ᴘʀᴡ: 345 || ʜᴘ: 990 | ᴛsᴛᴀ: 600 | sᴘɪ: 178
[ In the end, his planned worked. He was able to force the Marine to release his throat, giving him time to cough out and gasp for air between a strained glare. She had released him from above, but not below. Still, she was smart. She gave him no time to register this. A sudden shock of pain jolts up from his shoulder as she bites down onto it. Deeply enough to draw blood even. He roars out in pain looking at her from his peripheral. That look in her eyes… that horrible look. She’s serious here. “Damn you! I said get OF-” Right as he meant to finish his demand, he suddenly finds himself facing the sky in confusion. “Eh?” Bam. He’s slammed down onto the deck board with a resounding thud. Beneath him the floor panels crack and lift, signifying his indention into the floor. After one painful groan Galand manages to flip himself onto his stomach, and struggle to lift his body from the wreckage point.
“Raea…” he starts while slowly looking up.
It’s clear to tell he’s rather pissed off presently, considering this brutal treatment by his lover. It’s as if she truly considers him to be an enemy right now. Something to be brought down so the world at large can know peace. As if HE is the cause of everything. After the tinges of shaky eyesight and blurriness fade, he notices water formulating about the woman’s form as she prepares to launch it at him. His eyes widen is shock as he reignites his right fist with a hypocenter, cocking the arm back, and subsequently thrusting it forth. The air cracks like glass between the two, causing the island and sea about the immediate area to shake and quake. The resulting shockwave would clash with Astraea’s aquatic assault, likely stopping her attempts. Immediately Galand’s arm drops back down as he uses it as another crutch to hold himself up.
His eyes fiercly glare at the woman before him, his throat still gasping and choking from just moment ago of event constricted. “ASTRAEA… You…! Are you trying to… kill me?! Is this..what it seriously comes down to?!” he roars out while struggling to stand himself back up. His form is clearly weakened and lacking most energy. His body droops, arms hung before his like laundry, and sweat streaming down the side of his face. He realizes that this is not a good situation to be in. Enough so that he’s not left with much choice. “I told you…! I can’t get arrested here, and I sure as hell can’t die! Even after explaining everything to you… I thought you’d be on my side. But it looks like…” he begins, grabbing hold of the katana resting at his waist, sheath and all, before holding it over his shoulder.
“...you’re still just a puppet for that fake banner of justice!”
His free hand is held out so his side as its fingers are fashioned to that of a claw. A hypercenter surrounds it, this time with small black streaks of what appears to be haki sparking around it at random intervals. Galand lowers his center of gravity, keeping his furious eyes focused on his love, before lunging towards her with all the power his legs can presently muster. “IF YOU’RE GONNA STAND IN THE WAY OF MY DREAM, YOU’RE JUST ANOTHER EVIL TRYING TO CRUSH MY LIGHT! MY HOPE! SO I WILL KNOCK YOU DOWN, LIKE ALL THE OTHERS BEFORE YOU!” he voice booms as he proceeds, rampaging forth like a beast. ]
Traits: Primary Weapon: Sword x Rokushiki x Life Return | Perk: Master | Alliance: Pirate | Fruit: Quake
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Posted: Sun Oct 21, 2018 6:56 pm
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sᴛʀ: 005 | sᴘᴅ: 020 | ᴅᴇғ: 050 | ᴘʀᴡ: 090 || ʜᴘ: 990 | ᴛsᴛᴀ: 600 | sᴘɪ: 090
XXX There was no denying that fighting against Galand like this felt strange. Astraea had sparred with the man several times before and had fought by his side more times than she could count, but this is different. The anger in his gaze was a rare sight to be directed at her, and while she hated it, her resolve was already set. To her dismay though, he seemed far from conceding the battle, and she stumbled slightly as the boat rocked and shook, the two attacks cancelling each other out for the most part. "I'm not trying to kill you! You should know me better than that!" The few times she'd had to take someone's life had always been horrific incidents for her. Even if they were her enemies, Astraea had no desire to harm, let alone kill, anyone. But there was some evils in this world that could not be spared. Some situations in which death was the only way to save the people she loved. Steadying her stance again, she watched him struggle with a frown pursed upon her lips, her expression softening for a short time. "Just.. Stop. Please.. Stop and let yourself rest."
Watching Galand force himself ever forward like this, and knowing that she'd caused him pain was heartbreaking. The more he drew this out the less she wanted to go against him, but stopping him here was in his best interest. "And I told you I can't let you carry on like this!" Of course she understood that he couldn't be arrested. If his story was true then turning him over to the Marines was a death sentence. Still, it wasn't as if she could just let his actions go unpunished. He, along with the woman that had terrorized this island, needed to be brought to justice. If she couldn't put her selfish feelings aside to halt the actions of murderers, how could she consider herself righteous? "I am on your side! You just have to trust.." Her words faltered as Galand took hold of his katana and she took a step back, a momentary flicker of fear in her eyes. From all his years training his swordplay, the man was an absolute menace with the weapon he held. "It's not like I can let you keep going as you are!"
Watching the crackling swirl of black and white form in his hand, the woman tensed, bending her knees slightly, surprised by the intensity of his words as she unsheathed her sword. "ARE YOU GOING TO KILL ME, TOO?!" Such seemed to be the threat behind his words, but she wasn't sure if he was serious about putting her down or not. Regardless of his intentions, it certainly stung. "WHERE ON CACTUS ISLAND WAS YOUR LIGHT?! YOUR HOPE?! YOU MUST BE BLIND IF THAT'S WHAT YOU SAW THERE!" Had he been well rested and prepared, his attack would have been much more devastating. She'd gotten so used to his speed being overwhelming that seeing him move so slow was almost confusing. That didn't mean this wasn't going to hurt. As the man rushed forward at her she ducked down, thrusting her blade up into his arm until she'd ran the limb completely through. From there, she'd attempt to hop back up to her full height, trying to use the guard of her sword to push the man's arm back so that they'd both be in the proximity of the attack when it went off.
The sickening, familiar crack filled the air, and this time it was not just the sound of Galand's ability. Something was broken, she was sure, and for some time the world around her was blurry and spinning. Spitting up a mouthful of blood - she wasn't sure if it was hers or her fiance's - Astraea pulled herself from the indent she'd created on the ship's deck, shaking her head to try to clear her vision. With her sword gone, the woman fumbled for her Clima-Tact, standing up and nearly toppling over with how unsteady her gait was. The short staff at her side sparked with electricity, and the Marine stumbled toward her opponent when her sight finally focused. "Have you.. confused hope and light.. with death and destruction..?" From the tip of her weapon, small balls of varying colors shot up into the air, a large dark cloud forming over the ship, blocking out the murky sunshine they'd had before. Thunder rumbled above them, threatening the punishment to come. Faintly, the woman was aware of her pain, but until she had finished her task, such things didn't matter. "Is that your dream?!" Another wave of water crashed over the side, threatening to blast the man overboard if he didn't move.
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Posted: Sun Oct 21, 2018 7:51 pm
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sᴛʀ: 000 | sᴘᴅ: 250 | ᴅᴇғ: 000 | ᴘʀᴡ: 345 || ʜᴘ: 990 | ᴛsᴛᴀ: 600 | sᴘɪ: 178
[ Her words were true, even his heart understood such. But his mind, Galand’s flayed and distorted mind can’t bring himself to blindly follow the words. He’d be setting himself up for a death sentence. She just tried to rid him of his oxygen! Astraea, of all people, just tried to choke him out! His body sways and jerks as he fights to maintain stability. His eyes remain unfocused and hazy. Furious. Blinded by both rage and regret of betrayal once more. First Dist betrayed him, then Leona betrayed him, then GoGo and Goldi betrayed him, and now… now even Astraea has turned her fists to his life. But he won’t falter. He hasn’t so far, and he won’t now. The same words, from every one of those instances, is presently tearing through his mind in an endless harmonic of repetition. “Do not yield. SURVIVE.” And he would do everything in his power to match that. “I’ll rest when I’ve freed this sea from the hands of those monsters! I won’t let my body crumble, until I make them BLEED for what they’ve done!” so he responds to Astraea’s plea for him to rest.
His body labors forth, sweat raining upon the deck boards with each painfully heavy stomp. His bones audibly creak, clearly showing signs of exhaustion, slowly losing the ability to upkeep this trial-like behavior from the master of this body. It’s as if his very being is begging for him to drop and rest. If but for even a single moment! But the cruelty leaking from his eyes has veiled him from such trivialities. Only a senseless roar escapes his maw. Both matching his naked rage, and the pain crawling through every pore of his flesh. A sound no sane man should make. Astraea has likely seen this, this technique of his. Yet in the past it lacked the black streaks surrounding it. It didn’t look so...ominous. Even now, the words that leave his lips wouldn’t quite match would would have been said years ago. “Dragon…Bane: DOOMSDAY CLAW!” And yet, before he’s able to properly get the attack off, his arm is ran through by Astraea, who clearly saw through the movements. Not that he is moving fast enough to mask it.
He flinches hard, gritting his teeth with enough force to draw blood. He can only look down as the woman places herself into a foolish position. Once again, willing to take damage onto herself to bring the same harm to her enemy. A game of endurance, and likely one she can win as things stand. But blind rage means just that. Galand, out of anger, sets off the attack if it means he can get a blow off. The shockwave detonates upon both parties, sending sawdust and debris flying into the air. The man remains standing there, as if unfazed. But once the smoke begins to clear he breaks from the the plume with a weak step, almost inhuman in nature. Like a machine, breaking down. He stops with hung arms, one dreadfully leaking blood as the other just...sits there. Still gripping his sheathed katana, but incapable of moving any further. His weak and tired eyes stare up to the sky, threatening to close shut for a long time. Blood runs down his face and stomach. Far more than it should be.
After a few moments, he expels a large portion of the liquid from his mouth and lets to pool near his feet. He’s broken now. So weak he’s incapable of even hearing her questions. His knees begin to shake, while he watches clouds above slowly block out the sun. The light. Just like always, the damn Government is trying to steal it away. Every single damn time. He, desperately so, wants to hold up a hand and reach for the sun. Yet his arms refuse to move. His head lowers, and all he sees before him is the enemy. A single tears streams down his face as he thinks back to everything he had. Everything he lost. Everything he could have had. He wonders where he went wrong. What could he have changed. And then, he moves forward. Slowly, bloody step after bloody step, he advances. Galand, like this, can no longer distinguish who Astraea even is anymore. All that stands before him is a light. “I’ll...save… This time… I will… definitely… protect… So… let’s… go...home… Back to… Ely...si…” Step, step, and then another. Moments after the last, he can’t even sense the water set to strike him offboard. ]
Traits: Primary Weapon: Sword x Rokushiki x Life Return | Perk: Master | Alliance: Pirate | Fruit: Quake
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Posted: Mon Oct 22, 2018 1:29 pm
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sᴛʀ: 005 | sᴘᴅ: 020 | ᴅᴇғ: 050 | ᴘʀᴡ: 090 || ʜᴘ: 990 | ᴛsᴛᴀ: 600 | sᴘɪ: 090
XXX There was nobody who knew better than Astraea when Galand had reached his breaking point. She'd seen him in this state several times over their years together, and it was always a difficult thing to watch. The way he still forced his body to move despite the fact that it should have shut down a long time ago. His desperation to keep fighting - to survive, as he had put it - even though what he needed to do was rest. The woman was painfully aware that it was all he could do to keep his body upright, and still he lumbered forward toward her. If she hadn't known him so well, it would have been a terrifying sight indeed; an unyielding, blood spattered enemy who seemed impossible to knock down. Even despite their closeness, Astraea shivered, certain that it was not just the frigid air that chilled her. Compacting her Clima-Tact, the clouds above the ship began to dissipate, slowly allowing the faintest hint of warmth to return to the surrounding area. The woman matched Galand's steps, walking closer to him and lowering her hand to allow the wave of water about to crash into him to dispel uselessly around the deck, soaking into the wood beneath them.
Stopping in front of him, she slowly reached her hand up to his face, gently wiping his tears away before pulling him into her embrace. "I'll save this world. Everyone. And this time I will definitely protect you. So let's go home. Back to Elysium." She wrapped one of her arms around his back, the other one sliding up so that she could run her fingers gently through his hair. "Something like that, right?" Slowly lowering herself to the ground, she allowed him to remain collapsed against her, moving him into a position where he could lay down. "I understand.. Let's go home, Galand.." Clearly she had no intentions of turning him over to the Marines, and she understood that this would be seen as a betrayal of her duties if - and when - the Navy found out she wad aiding a criminal. But now that she was here with him again, she had no desire no leave his side. Not only because she didn't agree with his grand delusions, but because she loved him. She didn't want to leave him alone anymore.
There was still the issue of the girl who had caused the havoc on the island in the first place, but her first priority was making sure Galand didn't bleed out. Tearing at the fabric of her uniform, she pressed the cloth into the wound she had created on his arm, guilty now that her adrenaline was dying down. "I'm sorry, Starlight.." It felt like an unforgivable sin to turn her blade on him, and as much as she tried to justify her actions she hated herself for having done it. Wiping the blood from his face, she did her best to patch the man up to the best of her abilities, but she was no doctor. Now that things were quiet again, Astraea could feel the extend of her own injuries, fully aware of the pain in her side with every breath she took. It was a sensation she was used to, and she knew without needing anyone else's confirmation that she had broken ribs. Wincing, she moved her shoulder slightly, shaking her head and halting, hissing quietly in reaction to the feeling. It was likely dislocated, and while she could set it herself she really wasn't looking forward to it. There was an incessant pounding in her head, the annoying stings of pieces of wood lodged in her flesh, and it was so damn cold.
"Are you two quite done? You disturbed me from my nap." The annoyed voice was followed by the soft pitter patter of paws against the dampened deck, and Astraea found herself staring down at a cat. "Oh.. I'm sor-Eh?! Are you talking to me?!" Horrified, she stared down at Morgana who glared at her before promptly jumping on Galand's stomach. "Is it always this loud when you two are together? The both of you should beg for my forgiveness for the distress you have caused me!" Bewildered, Raea stared at the feline in stunned silence for a few moments, wondering if she'd lost more blood than she thought. "I.. I'm very sorry..? Oh gods, maybe I am the insane one.." What if Galand was the one acting normal, and it was actually her who'd lost her mind?! After all, she was hallucinating that a cat was talking to her! "While I do not doubt that you have a concussion, I would not go as far as to say you are insane. I am a Mink, this is just a form most do not take." Morganna settled herself comfortably on top of Galand, rolling over slightly and lashing her tail in frustration. "Curse this horrid weather!"
Turning her attention back to the woman, she scanned her with an unimpressed glare. "So you are Astraea. The boy told me that everything he was planning on doing was to fix everything and win you back. I do not suppose he expected this." Morgana turned her gaze to the unconscious Galand, hopping off of him and trotting away. "Do not move, I have something for you."
Still confused, Astraea sat obediently in place until someone else returned. Only this time it was not the talking cat, but a girl in a hooded cloak. Though she could not see her eyes, the voice she spoke in was the same. Dropping to her knees, she ruffled through her bag, pulling out various jars of things the Marine didn't recognize. For several minutes the women remained silent, with Morgana suturing, salving, and re-wrapping his wounds. After each of the dressings were completed, the woman painted a symbol that Astraea did not recognize in what appeared to be ash. "Oh. Come here, dear." Curious, Astraea tilted her head and scooted closer, leaning in a little. No sooner had she done that did Morgana thrust her palm against the woman's shoulder, popping it back into place. "AGH! Why?!" Rubbing her shoulder, she scooted back again, glaring at the doctor, who appeared to be smirking slightly. "I doubt you will accept anymore of my help. But you may use these to attend to your wounds later." In the space between the two, Morgana set bandages and a salve jar. "Now take the boy and go."
Sighing, Astraea shook her head, wearily looking to her Clima-Tact. "I was called here to help the citizens of this island. The woman who caused them pain is aboard this ship. I can't leave without her." Across from her, Morgana tapped her nails against the deck in what appeared to be impatience. "I will keep an eye on the girl to ensure she does not do further damage. The only other aboard this ship is another woman who is also injured. The ones called GoGo and Goldi have left. I have no desire to carry on with anything other than my naps, and I will force the other two to rest as well. Take him. Find the truth. And then you can make your decision." Frowning, Astraea gave the woman a weary look, still upset over how she'd popped her shoulder back into place. "Why would I trust your word? You're a pirate too, aren't you?" Ruffling through her bag again, Morgana slid what looked to be a seashell toward the Marine. "Yes, but I have a vested interest in you two leaving so that I may sleep."
Picking up the shell, Astraea recognized it to be similar to the one that had fallen out of her locker back at the Marine Headquarters. But upon activating it, the memories displayed were different. They weren't hers. They were Galand's. "Leona..." Her eyes welled up with tears, and she stopped the playback, unable to watch these at the moment. It was too overwhelming. And she couldn't deny that she wanted to leave, but it was difficult to turn a blind eye to a ship full of pirates. The person before her wasn't someone she could put her full trust in, but she couldn't deny that she was being helpful, and at the very least seemed to care about Galand. ".. Fine." She wasn't in a condition to take on three more people anyway. The woman made quick work of gathering the weapons that had been discarded during their fight, pocketing what Morgana had given her, and moving onto the arduous task of lifting Galand across her shoulders in a soldier's carry. Why was he so damn heavy?! Grunting, the woman managed to lift him, her legs trembling under his weight. After one last glance to the Minkwoman, she slowly made her way off the ship, heading back to the village with her partner.
Though the pair was a strange sight - and some of the citizens were certainly concerned about Galand's state - Raea assured them that he was fine and requested supplies from them. It took a while for her to work out the details with them, but in the end she'd secured a new ship for transportation and everything she needed for her travels. In the room below the deck, Astraea finally set her fiance down on a bed, taking care to tuck the blankets around him, sitting down beside him to catch her breath. More than anything at the moment, she wanted to crawl beneath the covers as well and fall asleep beside him, but someone had to sail. Hesitantly, she settled her hand on top of his, feeling guilty and selfish for taking comfort in his warmth when she'd caused him so much harm. After a long while, she finally stood up and returned to the deck, bundling up against the cold wind and settling her tired gaze on the sea stretched out before her as she sailed away.
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