#It appears I've managed to coincidentally write exactly 666 words

[melancholitas]

The phantom of the Polar Tang (also on AO3)

for @heart-pirates-week day 4, Ikkaku & night

It's a cozy, uneventful summer evening. Soft waves lap about the smooth yellow of cool steel; lulling the Polar Tang and its inhabitants into drowsiness after a languid day. Slow times like these, out in the open of the sheer endless blue of the ocean, will always be sacred opportunities. It takes quite some time to refill their air tanks, so what would be better than enjoy these times to the fullest? The Hearts are a cheerful bunch, after all. So while the air flows through the pipes, filling the metal core to the brim, the crew joins in, flooding their systems with a different type of fuel. Well, maybe not everyone. One might think nearly bathing in machine oil every day would do at least something for the skin, but it's actually quite the opposite. So Ikkaku, in dire need of some nurturing, decided to pamper herself a little. A well earned reward in between the chaos. This time around, she also got some company. With a content grin, she regards her work. Hakugan can clearly pull of some skincare! The smaller man really needs to take better care of his face, always wearing that signature mask of his. But after she's done with him, he'll surely radiate under that coverage. Ushering her companion out of the baths, Ikkaku retouches her own face and starts to head for the deck. Nothing beats some relaxing under the stars before bedtime, after all. But as soon as they make their way through the ladder system, a shrill shriek rips through the night. Nearly missing a step, she whips her head around, making Hakugan almost fall in the process. The rapid pulse makes their ears ring. "What in the world was that??!" she whispers. Hakugan only shrugs. "Beats me." Scanning their surroundings, neither of them can depict the source in the dim light. Straightening her back, Ikkaku continues on her way. Better not pay it any mind, stranger things happen on the Tang all the time. But as soon as they come across the main hatch, an ear-shattering wail sounds again.

"SHACHIII - - - - IT APPEARED AGAIN - - - - -"

Dumbfounded, the duo exchange a glance. What appeared?!!

"SHHH DON'T MOVE, BEPO!"

"NO HASTY MOVEMENTS! DON'T STARTLE THE GHOSTS!"

"Pengiiin, do you think they'll eat us??"

Ghosts?? Wait a minute. With their gel coated faces, looking down at her flowy white night gown and Hakugan's bathrobe, a small snicker escapes her lips. They do make a sight for sore eyes, indeed. Silently communicating, Ikkaku's eyes light up with a plan, her companion mirroring the mutual intent. Together, they sneak up upon the trio on silent heels, donning their best haunted impression they can muster while swallowing down their laughter.

"I can smell measly humans~"

"We've come to devour your sooouls~"

Biting down on their tongues, they're immediately rewarded with a reaction.

"KYAAAAA----"

"BEPO STAY WITH US"

With a thud, the polar bear falls to his knees, screaming his lungs out. Penguin and Shachi surely aren't proud of their own cry as they grip onto each other for dear life. Only as the two pranksters can't keep their joyous laughter in anymore, the inebriated men seem to catch on. Holding their racing hearts to regain their composure, they soon manage to breathlessly join in.

"Man, what the hell, it's just you two!"

"What's with you, scaring the living shit out of us like that!"

Bepo's tears ebb down as well.

"I for sure thought we were goners. I'm too young to die like that - - - "

Cackling, the woman just shakes her head. How endearing her crew mates can be, really! "Maybe that's your sign to join in on some nightly routines, guys! Otherwise the next ghastly faces you'll see is your own reflection in the mirror!" It's nights like this she's glad to have found such a lively home. Grateful to the core, all of them enjoy the rest of the night with playful banter. Engraving these memories into their hearts, true to their name.

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9