#rcmancedawn

[ravarui]

@rcmancedawn continued from here

Running into no problems, while they made their preparations during their little alliance had been wishful thinking on his side. Of course the defeat of two emperors of the sea had led to more rookies getting cocky and overconfident, thinking they could achieve the same.

Yes, the alliance and their goal was important, but Shanks still had his other responsibilities and those included taking care of whoever thought it was a smart idea to stir up trouble on islands under his protection. Which was what lead to the current situation.

There was one good thing to this whole scenario however: It allowed them to get used to fighting at each others side. While Shanks trusted his crew blindly the same couldn't be said for his alliance partners. They had to learn to adapt to each others fighting style. The more attuned they would be, the better for them once they set their plan fully in motion.

Speaking of the alliance: Shanks had kept track of the youngest member during the fight. He had given Trafalgar his word to keep an eye on the young marine after all, with the other pirate away at the moment and on his own little quest.

The red-haired knew where Hibari was and from where she had lend her support as sniper. He had to admit that it had been hilarious to see their enemies reactions upon realizing their weapons were suddenly jammed by flowers. However his instincts were telling him that something was wrong, very wrong actually. And it didn't take long until his observation haki allowed him a glimpse into the future. A future that would lead to death if he didn't intervene now.

He reached the spot where Hibari was just in time to see the raised blade, ready to strike her down. There was no hesitation or mercy from his side as he brandished his own blade, felling the one who had been closest to the young commander, while the others crumbled under the burst of his haki that had been focused solely on them.

His expression turned from serious into concern as he sheathed gryphon and turned to look at Hibari, who was apologizing to him. The emperor lowered himself down onto one knee beside her, so he wasn't towering over her. "Don't be." She had no need to apologize in his opinion. "You alright? They didn't hurt you did they?"

[chillin-at-partys-bar]

Grand Line Chill

starter for { @rcmancedawn }

The ocean ebbed and flowed in a matter that some would call peaceful, but he would call it an ass.

It was almost mocking the young boy, his red hair sopping against his forehead. His clothes were sticking to his skin, the soaked threads icing in the wind - forcing his body temperature lower. The winter island was beautiful with its icicles shimmering like precious jewels, light reflected off snow-covered ground sparkling as though it were covered in rhinestones.

Despite said beauty, many less beautiful words were going through his mind as his frozen fingers struck flint against rock. His little firepit was as sad as it was pathetic: it had been hard finding anything that was dry enough to burn. But without a fire, he only had minutes until hypothermia set in. Then it would be over.

But it couldn't be over, not yet. He had just gotten a crew - a good one at that. Benn had sworn his loyalty. So did Yasopp. So did Lucky. They had been having so much fun together, the four of them, with partying and some treasure hunting and a lot of laughter. It almost made him completely forget about the hell that had been just a few years prior, the crushing sadness and fear that came after the Captain had been executed.

He had never been more alone in his entire life those first few days after the Captain died and Buggy yelled at him and he yelled at Buggy and they parted.

Now he was alone again, but he wasn't lonely. He had people he needed to get back to. All he needed to do was make sure he didn't die first.

The flint struck against the rock and a spark jumped to the little bit of kindling and the small, small fire began. Shit luck and a bad party stuck him lightly hungover and soaking wet on a winter island without his crew. Less shit luck got him flint and some kindling for a fire. All he had to do was wait. He'd be rescued. He wouldn't die here. Whoever was watching over him from above liked fucking with him too much.

[ikkaku-of-heart]

"On one hand, I totally believe that Mihawk doesn't have any biological kids because unlike most men at sea, he's capable of keeping it in his pants. Plus, it is pretty hard to imagine him with a baby."

A mischievous smirk crossed her face. "But it's not impossible. Guess we'll know for sure if the baby starts swinging a sword around and being an introverted, goth misanthrope."

[akagamiko]

“Mihawk's the what of who now?”

[l00nelyp0rty]

@rcmancedawn from x

"Yohoho! And I will always appreciate it! Any kind of humour is perfection Robin-san! And I love yours!"

Brook didn't have a problem with that, he knew the rest of the crew could be appalled by what they heard from a woman's mouth sometimes. But for the skeleton, it's just another shard of pranks and jokes. Thanks to her, he feels even freer in what he does. And he's glad to have such a person here.

"Would you like some tea? Or coffee?"

[seaoftales]

‘ it’s not as bad as you’re making it. ’ // Makino for Shanks!

"You're bleeding." Shanks pointed out as he gingerly pressed a clean cloth against the injury. According to Hongo, bleeding alone warranted concern, even with a small wound, and he'd rather be safe than sorry.

His crew had had a blast at 'Partys Bar', one that ended in several broken bottles and pieces of furniture, so indirectly, the red haired pirate felt responsible for said injury, and very directly responsible for the now demolished furniture.

"Sorry about this. They sometimes get carried away."

[aamaranthiine]

“Are you okay? You seemed lost in thought for a moment.” // from Makino perhaps?

She had been lost in thought. Scarcely had even a sip of her rum, which is still held loosely in one hand. The distant expression on her face - lips flat and eyes glazed over - sharpens into awareness when someone speaks to her.

"Pardon?" A moment for her brain to process things properly, "Oh, sorry, I was just thinking about the last time I was here. It has changed a whole lot since then." Thea sets her untouched drink down and puts on a more affable smile, "I wander off for so long its last call, is it?" An errant joke.

[poneglph]

The girl freezes, a wave of dread washing over her with the presence that had appeared behind her. It couldn't be... She turns slowly, only to have her fear confirmed when her gaze falls upon the figure of the much taller man who towered over her - the so-called 'God'. She stumbles backwards, eyes widening. "I-It's you—!" // Conis for Enel-

how strange ... he was quite certain that he had killed this one. smote her where she stood ; but she's still here , all this time later. && without those troublesome friends of hers. god observes the girl without expression , the way one may take notice of an ant upon their sleeve. bō shifts in his hand && is planted firmly on the ground , free hand lifting to rest on his hip.

❛ you're that girl , aren't you. ❜ it isn't a question.

[king-and-his-consorts]

Just a tag dump

[draconxs]

What kind of love are you?

Love as a Flaw

Cowering, your love hides in the dark. In shadows and under cover of night, your love runs from corner to corner, afraid to linger, afraid to be caught. Afraid, afraid, afraid of everything. When you fall in love, it is with alarm bells ringing. Your love is a mistake, a flaw in the code, a purchase you don’t remember making and desperately want to return. You didn’t ask for this. You didn’t want this. It’s a problem–– your problem ––and you would do anything to pass it off, burn it away, scoop it out of you with bare hands, or carved out with hooked knives before it can destroy you. Get it out, just get it out now. You don’t care who you hurt in the process, only that you can’t afford to be hurt first. Being loved by you is to be loved by a figment of the imagination. It is to be loved in halves, or not at all.

tagged by: @waxgentleman (smooches u <3)

tagging: @sillygum @onepiecc (Seiki maybe) @medicus-mortem @kaizokugaris @theallblue @ladyxamalthea @rcmancedawn (Whitey!) if anyone tagged has already done this then there is no need to do it again

[ravarui]

@rcmancedawn continuation from here

The knowledge alone was already powerful, especially for a pirate like him. And if he were with lesser morals he would use the fact that she was more or less stuck on his ship due to their alliance to his advantage. It wasn't every day one found out about the fleet admirals daughter. He knew that many others would do exactly that. But he had never been like that. Never would be.

Her question prompts him to give a light chuckle, followed by the shaking of his head and a crooked smile. "Nah. You're not your old man. Wouldn't be fair to judge you, based on his actions." Like the marines had done with Ace. He hadn't forgotten that. They had damned him for being Rogers son, as if the kid had chosen that fate.

He props his chin up on his hand, still observing her and her reaction. "Don't worry. No one else heard what you said." They had been mostly out of it as well, to drunk to listen or even care. "Well, except Beck, but he wont say anything either and neither will I." He paused for a moment. "Does the rear admiral know the truth?"

[chillin-at-partys-bar]

plotted starter with {@rcmancedawn}

The port was one of those with a reputation. Well, two reputations. There was the one that seemed to be the general narrative of this place: it was great for tourists, it was great for travelers, and there was plenty of fun to be had down the rows of shops and restaurants and bars.

Then there was the reputation he had heard under the flashiness and welcoming facade the port portrayed. The reputation that those with a bit more ill will knew. This was a place great for tourists - people who weren't expecting to run into trouble. Who weren't watching their pockets as easily. Who would be walking home drunk at the end of the night. Who might be out with more money than one could imagine.

For Shanks, there was a third reason for being here. And he was coming from it, with a bag full of his winnings from some good ol' fashioned mahjong. They were people he had met along the way, a bit seedy but also good for a few games. As long as one left while winning and still a bit sober. But now with his gains and clear mind, it was about time to join the rest of his crew at the bar.

But in this alley he was heading down, he noticed a scene - some of the troublesome folks and a woman. He slowed his movements, honing his attention on the scene should it be one to step in on.

[ikkaku-of-heart]

@rcmancedawn asked: “You read too many stories.” // Whitey (I hope this works!) Inbox Call

"You're probably not wrong," Ikkaku agreed, staring off at the horizon. "It's easy to get bored during long voyages, and the Tang's library isn't just medical journals and comic books. We've got a few fairy tales and other stuff. Collections of stories from across the North Blue. And that's not even counting my own book collection." Those books were admittedly less innocent than the fairy tales she referred to, but they did indeed sometimes put imaginary scenarios of powerful lady pirates conquering the seas with a wink and a smile.

Turning towards the other woman, Ikkaku regarded Whitey Bay with an admiring smile. There were few female captains on the high seas, so naturally one like her would make headlines. Especially since she was connected to Whitebeard himself. "Still, can you blame me for wondering if any of your stories are true? Or at least hoping they are, if slightly exaggerated. We need more badass ladies out here. The men can't get all the glory, can they? Someone needs to show them how it's done."

The engineer's grin turned more eager, and there might have been a few tiny stars in her eyes as she said, "So, seriously, you gotta tell me; did you really once take on an entire Marine warship by yourself? With one hand tied behind your back? Blindfolded?? My grandfather told me that story when I was a kid and I've always wanted to know if you're really that level of badass!"

[akagamiko]

🎲 // for Makino? 🥺

24. a sleepy kiss [ kissy prompt / @rcmancedawn ]

The sun hadn't risen yet. Pulling himself from a warm bed had been an endless struggle for Shanks most of his adult life. Properly rousing himself seemed to get harder with each passing year. Despite not sleeping a wink during the night, this bed was proving to be particularly difficult.

During his time in Foosha, Shanks had taken on Makino’s schedule as his own–as well as he could, anyway. He couldn’t wrap his head around how she managed to get so much done: working late evenings at her tavern and then wake up early enough to make sure Luffy was fed. That didn't count any of her own tasks.

The thought alone exhausted him and was enough to make him want to stay where he was beneath the covers, with her at his side.

He turned to his side, and in the slivers of moonlight that peaked through the window, he could see the outline of Makino, sleeping peacefully. His finger tips brushed tenderly against her cheek pushing away the few stray hairs that had fallen onto her face in the night, and fought the urge to fall back into bed beside her and take her into his arms.

A warm bed was hard enough to escape, but there had been a certain ease to walking away when sharing a bed with whoever he'd managed to pick up at some local bar for the night.

With Makino it had become the opposite. Evenings alone in Party's Bar had turned into sleepovers and then into breakfast together, Shanks often still in the clothes he'd worn the day before. He'd made her late to start her mornings more than once when his attempts at coaxing her back into the warmth of her bed proved successful.

She had taken him into waters deeper than he could swim and he'd been at sea long enough to know when he was in over his head.

It was why he'd suggested setting sail again. He and Makino were intertwined in more ways than one, and Shanks wasn't quite done with Foosha. A couple weeks at sea would be good for both of them. Makino deserved the life he couldn't give her. His leaving again would be a reminder for the both of them, surely. Space and time apart would give him time to remind himself why he couldn't stay.

But when she'd asked him to spend the night again before he left, he'd melted right into her palm.

He was as desperate for distance as he was for her company, each coming with its own kind of fear.

Shanks sat up and swung his feet over the side of the bed and stood, collecting his shirt and cape that were thrown atop her dresser. He'd wanted an early start out, before the sun, to make their departure a little quieter.

The wooden floor creaked beneath his feet as he gathered his things, knowing that he was trying to run from her. Leaving with no goodbyes would be easier for him.

He loved her.

The thought drew him closer when all he wanted to do was walk out her door. Love was a scary thing. And for someone like him it was dangerous.

So much for no goodbyes.

Shanks knelt beside her once he approached the side she slept on and pressed a kiss to her forehead. 

Her lashes fluttered at the sensation and she stirred. Their eyes met and Shanks smiled, unsure if she was fully awake. Her hand lifted to brush at his cheek. Shanks leaned into her touch and hated himself for it.

“Hey…” he said softly. “Headin’ out.”

She mumbled something so softly he couldn't make the words out and her hand fell to tangle into his cape. Her brow furrowed just slightly and she tugged at the fabric and his heart.

He leaned closer, pressing his lips against her, and it seemed to wake her enough to pull him in closer to return the kiss. They parted and she whispered “Safe travels,” against his lips before letting herself fall back into her pillows, a smile curving at her lips.

“I'll be back for you soon enough,” he said with a smile of his own, meaning every word without wanting to. He stood, taking his straw hat from the corner of the bed, and headed towards the door. The lights around the small port were out. Shanks spared a glance back towards the window where Makino slept, missing her already, and walked on.

[l00nelyp0rty]

From here [X] - @rcmancedawn !

"It's makes me happy that you know me! And also LOVELY! - to meet someone who lived with Luffy when he was a child. He used to talk about you sometimes. YOHOHOHO!"

After a moment, the taller skeleton lowered himself to her level. and quietly said to her ear.

"I also have a little question… Could I see your pants?"

[hyenaheeled]

what ghost haunts you?

[[insert icon here]]

the ghost of your bloodline

you were doomed from the start, weren’t you? born to bend yourself to the will of a bloodline that sneers at every effort you take towards betterment. you are stained by the hand of your father, your mother, perhaps a family member that looms over your weary shoulders. the first grave is the childhood home, after all. you can escape all you wish. your body can leave the home, the state, the country, but you will always be haunted by what raised you. when chelsea dingman wrote, “i have been trying to go home my entire life.” when graham greene wrote, “from childhood i had never believed in permanence, & yet i had longed for it.” when oscar wilde wrote, “a burnt child loves the fire."

tagged by: stole from @rcmancedawn

tagging: 🫵🫵