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Post by Lockdown on Jan 8, 2018 19:12:53 GMT
The buzz of the bar was muted, the people drinking quietly for the most part. It was dangerous these days to carouse and whoop it up, especially for anyone acknowledging themselves to be pirates. Loguetown was under Marine control now, had been ever since they'd executed Gold Hatcher here in the town square. But that danger didn't deter pirates from making the pilgramige here to see the spot where the man who had been King had died. Not only that, but the place was the best spot to resupply and repair their ships before heading to the Grand Line over the treacherous Reverse Mountain.
This particular place, The Pink Pearl, was one of the less-frequented bars by marines, meaning that the clientele tended to be those that were looking to keep their heads down. Outside the wind was beginning to pick up, scudding clouds casting long shadows as inclement weather began to move in. The island usually had very good sunny weather, but they were no Grand Line island where the seasons became fixed, so even they had to deal with the occasional storm...
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Apr 10, 2024 12:51:43 GMT
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Post by Robot on Jan 8, 2018 21:37:31 GMT
Rati sighed softly to herself, a delicate hand trailing along the rim of a water glass on the sill in front of her. The woman looked very out of place in this sort of establishment with the high fashion she carried herself in. If the Pink Pearl was the common place for people to lie low that was not at all her intention. The street had kept her attention more then the music, activity, and casual conversation of the bar. The cat-calls had been few in getting here, something she was much thankful for, and with the subdued mood in the room the attentions she might receive were the odd glance.
Where was he? He had said he would meet her here.
The glass rattled softly as she brought her forehead to rest against it, another long sigh fogging the glass as she folded her arms under her breasts and leaned against the window frame.
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Post by Nocturne on Jan 8, 2018 23:15:59 GMT
Dark brown eyes lit up brightly, darker brown hands waved around in the air, not too animatedly, but certainly not still either. Pearly white teeth gleamed in the lighting, as Io talked to an audience of two people near the counter of the bar. She wasn't too loud, she'd be an idiot to be shouting and laughing about in this bar, at this time, but she couldn't help but engage two of the regulars in idle chatter to pass the time, and make her forget about other things. Like the horrible taste of whatever the hell this drink was; one of the two guys, Marty, had gotten it for her. Sometimes it paid to be a woman of better than average looks. When it paid in horrible alcohol though, perhaps one should ask for a raise, or get a different gender. Either way, there were many things that Io didn't want to think about right now, but her past sure wasn't one of them. She wasn't going to open up to two strangers of course, talking about her lost homeland in Loguetown would lead to some corrupt marine trying to kill her and take her devil fruit for themselves. That said, if one was particularly intuitive, they might notice that, though Io's eyes were bright, they were a little foggy. As she chatted with Marty and Stan, the other guy, somewhat animatedly sharing stories of training newly caught Pokemon, she couldn't help but think of Callisto.
Now, Io loved Callisto, she was the apple of her eye, but Callisto always reminded her of her mother, who had given the warrior the Pokemon as a gift. These memories came to her a lot, but more when she was drinking. One might think she would want to avoid thinking about her burned homeland, being one of the few, or perhaps the only survivor, and they would be right. She didn't truly want to think about all the deaths and her mother's suicide, but she did want to think about the good times and the bad, which were more than half of her life. because those memories gave her the drive to wake up every morning. They made her remember who she was whenever she felt lost. It hurt, but it was a kind of hurt that she felt she needed, otherwise she might simply stop functioning, as she had when she actively tried to forget everything that had happened. Strange how the human mind can work sometimes. As a result of all this, Io drank a lot. Her drinking habit might have improved actually, since this is the first day of the week that she has gone drinking. Then again, today was Monday. The day of the week was another thing that Io didn't mind forgetting about.
Soon after Io finished talking about how devious Metis used to be until she learned her limits, Marty and Stan left. The pair always left early. Io had managed to discern that they weren't actually pirates or even very shady, they only hung out in this particular bar because they disliked the marines. Despite that though, they weren't willing to put themselves on their radar and so the two made sure to display healthy lifestyles most of the time.
Io now sat on her own. "I'll have another of what I just had," the warrior ordered at the counter. Once she had been served, she took a sip. Her face twisted slightly. Still horrible. At least it was cheap. 'I need to find myself another ship...' Io mused to herself. 'If I want to get stronger, I need stronger opponents. I can only find those on the Grand Line.' Nursing her drink, Io silently reaffirmed her resolve to achieve her goals.
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Apr 11, 2019 17:55:58 GMT
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Post by sleepytenor on Jan 9, 2018 1:50:01 GMT
C.C. stared blankly at his empty glass, a little unsure of himself. This was not one of his usual spots. Considering the overall mood and atmosphere of the place, maybe it wasn't such a good idea to play here. On the other hand, maybe a little music is just what these folks need to brings smiles to those gloomy faces.
C.C. picked up his violin and walked over to an empty spot near the back where the acoustics were best. He moved quickly and fluidly, making sure that he caught the attention of as many patrons as he could on his way. After a quick tuning, he began to play. His music had a strong bounce and enough flair to hopefully get people in the mood to dance. As he played he scanned the room looking for new pirate faces that might take him with them.
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Post by Zephias on Jan 9, 2018 1:55:02 GMT
Aikan was sat at the far end of the counter, not really seeing the need to occupy a table if he was by himself. Although he did carry his own wano-style liqueur jug (finding the sake for it was hard, so it wasn't quite a sake jug), he was instead sipping what looked like a whiskey sour. Every once in a while he turned to polishing one of the many knives that hung from his pack.
Loguetown was not Aikan's favorite place, no. It was too grey, not enough trees and too many buildings. There were also far too many pirates looking for a drink and a fight who decided that picking a fight with the short fishman was the best way to spend the afternoon. Somehow, the fact that he wasn't tall meant that everyone ignored the muscles, the knives (even if he didn't use them to fight) and the sharp teeth, then instantly labeled him a poor harmless schmuck. They realized their mistake shortly after, though.
Although The Pink Pearl didn't resemble his restaurant at all, it still made Aikan a little nostalgic. Here he was, throwing a comfortable life away to chase a legend for practically no reason except wanderlust and a desire to etch his name in history. It was a pretty foolish choice, all things considered.
Ah well, he wasn't about to chicken out. He'd have to find himself a ship capable of braving the Grand Line and the New World, but for a cook that really wasn't the biggest issue. Without a cook, crews died of scurvy and plenty other diseases.
The search could wait until he finished his drink, though. No use wasting liquor.
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Post by Vazad on Jan 9, 2018 8:17:35 GMT
Raúl found himself standing in front of an establishment he’d never been in before, for most cities that wouldn’t be that strange but he’d spent several years in this city while he’d been in the Marines and they’d had enough wild nights to see most of the places in Logue Town. Contemplating the pink-hued clamshell sign with the titular pearl in the center he saw the edges of peeling paint and the little spots of weather damage. So, the place wasn’t new either. While he hadn’t been to this particular seedy establishment he remembered raiding places like this while under Pierce. Lots of angry or suppressed faces and the flash of knives, Raúl silently sent a prayer off to his ancestors that no one here remembered the kid with the weird mask. He doubted that he would be so lucky, but that’s what a good drubbing was for.
With a dull creak, the heavy door swung open as Raúl shouldered his way through. His massive bulk mostly obscuring the dull light from the street outside. A jaunty tune met him as he crossed the threshold. Letting the door swing shut with a thud behind him Raúl made his way to the counter at the back of the bar, shouting to the barkeep to get him something strong. Jingling the loose change in his pockets he amended it to something cheap. Cheap and strong. A loud “Gwhahaha!” burst out of his mouth before he really thought about where he was. He’d really have to remember that he didn’t have an entire organization here to back him up, or at least an entire island that had known him as a child.
As the barkeep poured him a glass he thought about this city, not only his history here but the deeper history it represented. The first thing he’d done was walk over to the old plaza where Hatcher had bit it. He’d walked past the place hundreds of time when he was under Pierce but it had never really meant something to him before. Now it represented everything. How many poor saps had he seen lose there heads up there? How many people who were just looking for some freedom? As he mulled over the suddenly dark turn his thoughts had taken he looked around the bar. Plenty of people he would expect in a place like this, Pirates and people just looking to have a quiet drink somewhere they wouldn’t be bothered. There were definitely a few that stuck out but you always got that with places with Pirates, most of them were looking to make a name for themselves.
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Post by Robot on Jan 9, 2018 14:35:13 GMT
Behind her, a violin struck up a jaunty tune to which she was familiar and it stirred her from the emotional doldrums in which the woman had found herself. Even if she didn't see her brother today, there would be time with family later. Rati's dainty feet slid from her sandals and she gracefully made her way to the center of the bar, twirling and gyrating. Bright fabrics and glittering stones caught the light as she let herself get swept up in the moment. What a lovely song it was, and she was free to do with this moment as she pleased. There was nothing more she could ask for then a partner for the moment.
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Post by Nocturne on Jan 9, 2018 18:43:41 GMT
Io perked up, having been drawn out of her thoughts by the sound of music. It didn't take long at all to spot some blonde guy who looked to be around her age, playing the violin. Io was a little incredulous for a moment, wondering who would play loud music in the Pink Pearl of all places. For a moment she questioned whether people here were really looking to keep their heads down and avoid the marines, but then she realized this person was most likely an outlier.
Then a woman got up and started dancing to the middle of the bar. 'Damn she's good,' Io thought. 'Well, if someone's causing a ruckus already, it can't really get worse can it?' Getting up from her seat, Io completely ignored the idea that staying out of this was likely to be safer when the marines arrived. A calm smile grew on her face as she took off her jacket and started the moves of a traditional dance from her homeland, moving ever nearer. As warrior-like as her people were, they loved all of the arts, many warriors even based their fighting-styles around them. One member of the council, Empyrean Deimos was a supreme musician and his favoured instrument was the zither. The violin that was being played here produced a noticeably different sound, but it was close enough that her dance would still work. Io's arms moved rhythmically to the music, her legs were more grounded, but there was definite movement there as well. She gave a challenging look to the other dancing woman and then sunk into her own dance.
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Post by Zephias on Jan 10, 2018 3:04:57 GMT
Aikan turned towards the sound of the unexpected, but not unwelcome music. Of all the things he'd expect to hear inside a sort-of-seedy bar in Loguetown, a violin sure wasn't it. He briefly thought about pulling out his tambourine but decided against it, since it would certainly clash with the sound of most (if not all) bow-played string instruments.
Then two of the girls at the bar stood up on their own and started dancing to the music and Aikan decided the small group was probably a better place to be than the counter downing crappy cocktails. They seemed to be having fun, at least.
He made his way over, pulled a chair and sat down.
"Sharks don't dance. Otherwise I'd join you two" he said. "The music's very welcome, though"
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Apr 10, 2024 12:51:43 GMT
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Post by Robot on Jan 10, 2018 3:15:02 GMT
Rati offered the fishman a small smile but didn't falter in her steps, feinting and brushing against Io as the pair seemed intent on establishing a lead. The girl's hands found her partner's again and again, adding the stamp of her bare heels to the cadence they were drumming out to the bouncing tune. Every little contact of the brightly dressed dancer was lascivious and playful, exciting the senses and promising more to come. Her eyes rarely left Io's. "You value your footing," She teased, eyes sparkling. "Much can be done with a lighter step."
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Apr 11, 2019 17:55:58 GMT
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Post by sleepytenor on Jan 10, 2018 4:29:12 GMT
As C.C. scanned the crowd he noticed not one, but two young women begin to dance. The first was graceful and completely fluid. She almost seemed as out of place in this establishment as he felt. The second was more powerful and ritualistic. She was fierce. Like maybe a little bit scary. Well that's more like it! At least someone here knows how to have fun.
Enjoying his own music making and the dancing happening right in front of him, C.C. nearly stopped playing so that he could dance too. But then he realized that there wouldn't be any music to dance to if he did. He had a good feeling about tonight. He couldn't quite place it, but he knew that something was going to happen and his luck was about to change. He couldn't help but to smile with a big goofy grin. Amidst this colorful crowd were people dancing and gathering around him as he played.
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Post by Nocturne on Jan 10, 2018 6:48:00 GMT
Similarly to Rati, Io flashed the fishman a grin. The warrior priestess was enjoying the dance very much. She was getting increasingly competitive and her dance became all the more vibrant for it. Unfortunately, though Rati had intended for her movements to be lavicious, Io wasn't quite responding in kind. Her touch was surprisingly soft and gentle, there was a wistful feeling to it. It was likely hard for anyone else to recognize, but Rati herself might notice that as Io danced, she wasn't quite 'in the moment' as people normally would be. There was not only a ritualistic aspect to her dance, but there was also something of an unintentional mourning air around her, which Rati's playfulness couldn't quite breach.
As the brightly dressed young woman looked into Io's eyes, she would realize that from time to time, the warrior's gaze would go somewhat cloudy. Her eyes were still bright, she was clearly enjoying herself, but sometimes she seemed a million miles away, rather than here in this bar. That said, Rati's teasing words pulled Io back into the present. She couldn't help but laugh out loud and give Rati a friendly smile. "Fiery movements are nice, but a more grounded approach is just as expressive. Don't you feel like it adds to yours and yours adds to mine? My dance isn't meant to be danced alone."
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Post by Vazad on Jan 10, 2018 10:25:52 GMT
With a clink, Raúl tossed what he owed the Bartender onto the counter. Making sure to include what little tip he could with the pocket change he had on him. He took a look at the tepid, slightly opaque drink that had been laid before him. He didn't see anything dead floating in it so it was good enough for him. Looking over at the center of the room he saw a pair of women dancing and a Fishman onlooker drawing a chair up to watch. This was the sort of thing he liked to see in a pub, people enjoying themselves. After a while of enjoying some song and dance all, he'd want to finish off the night was a good bar fight. But that'd come later, once most of the patrons were so drunk they'd be throwing punches the wrong way.
Taking a large swig of his beverage he stood up and walked over to get himself a chair too. Dragging it nearer to the group he sat down with a slight creak. Another loud "Gwahahaha!" burst from his mouth as he began slapping his knee and tapping his foot in time to the music. Taking a drink every once in a while. Raúl had missed this, he'd moped in that empty house far too long. Being free, traveling and meeting new people. That was the way life should be. Not moldering in a shack, feeding on grudges and memories while doing nothing about them. Shaking himself out of those thoughts he turned toward the Fishman.
"You know, it's not that you're good at it. The fun is trying it."
Chugging the rest of the drink he stood up and set the glass on the chair. Moving to an empty area where he wouldn't be in the way of the girls he began to dance. Badly. But he put his heart and soul into it.
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Post by Robot on Jan 10, 2018 13:41:50 GMT
Rati's frenetic movements slowed to match Io's, much of her flair and added flourish remained, fingers trailing along the other woman's forearms until she gently took Io's hands in hers. Their step still hadn't fallen into sync, but it wasn't as vastly different as it had been anymore. She squeezed her partner's hands fondly, not letting those wistful, fleeting motions part them. "They are both lovely dances," She agreed. "and nothing with so much spirit should be kept to the self or left to wither alone." Her voice was very soft and comforting, her playful expression serene now. "I would love to learn your steps sometime. I am Rati Shudra."
uO6KliAr4d6+3 Sparkle Sparkle Charm Doki Doki Uguu4d6+3
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Post by Nocturne on Jan 10, 2018 14:57:01 GMT
Io realized she had affected the mood with what she said, but she didn't feel particularly embarrassed. She had spoken from the heart, as she did most of the time, and it seemed like her dance partner didn't particularly mind, judging by her hold on Io's hands. The warrior priestess' expression remained friendly, though more calm than before. "I'd be happy to teach you, if you'll let me learn yours in turn. I'm Io." As much as it pained her, Io had gotten somewhat used to not giving out her surname. She could never be sure that people didn't know about the Yami Yami no Mi and her homeland, or that mentions of her surname would get to some marine or pirate looking for the devil fruit.
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Post by Zephias on Jan 10, 2018 20:43:47 GMT
"I'd rather not look like I've had a couple swigs too many, which is the only thing dancing badly will get me. Once I learn how not to look like a flopping tuna, we can revisit that idea" said Aikan. He shrugged, then ignored the man's dance in favor of paying more attention to the conversation between the two women.
"Besides, I get enough crap from most people because of being a fishman and from fishmen because of my size. No need to add 'worst dancer this side of the Red Line' to the list of titles"
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Post by Vazad on Jan 10, 2018 23:41:38 GMT
"Gwahahaha, but once you've had those swigs it gets even better. Helps you not care enough to have some fun with it. And how're you going to learn to do something if you refuse to do it?" Shrugging Raúl continued dancing his heart out.
"The people who care about you being something you can't change and judging you for having some fun can go shove their head in a barrel. Plus, that's my title. Gwahahahaha!"
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Post by Lockdown on Jan 11, 2018 4:47:24 GMT
The music picks up, lightening the atmosphere of the bar. Some of the patrons begin tapping their glasses, stomping their feet, adding an earthy beat to the tones of the violin. A few of the servers get into the spirit, dancing between tables with their empty trays, and even the bartender is cracking a smile as he sways in time. Unfortunately the rising noise levels coupled with the increasingly foul weather outside means that the first inkling of what's about to happen anyone gets is when a massive boot kicks in the doors. Lightning flashes ominously, highlighting the Wingull emblems of Marine caps. A small squad of Marines files in, hands on their blades and pistols, led by a stern-faced Marine officer. The man pulls his pistol and fires it into the ceiling, the report cutting through the music like a bull charging through plate glass. He carefully lowers it, looking around with shadowed eyes. "All of you remain seated. Anyone that reaches for a weapon will be dealt with. This bar and its clientele are under suspicion of smuggling and black market dealing. We are here to dispense Justice. We will not be denied. Any that attempt to resist will be dealt with according to the demands of Justice." His words are measured and cold as he addresses the entire bar.
The patrol is small, maybe five men, the officer and their pokemon; but most of the patrons are looking rather nervous and twitchy. No one seems to know quite how to react to this sudden change in situation.
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Post by Vazad on Jan 11, 2018 7:10:54 GMT
As the door slams open Raúl jerks to a halt, his arms flailing in one final movement as he halts. Turning to look at the jerk who had barged in he noticed that it was a small group of marines. As he looked over the group alarms went off in his brain. That guy leading them, he seemed awfully familiar. Something he'd been told a while ago now. Maybe... Before he could mull over the thought any further the bastard pulled out a gun and shot the ceiling. He then proceeded to spew some trash about justice. That's when it clicked. Raúl clenched his fists tight, grinding his teeth slightly until the man finished his speech. At least this helped drive home exactly why Raúl had set out on this journey. As the man finished Raúl pointed at him and bellowed.
"You're Sly Malone aren't you? No one here's been doing anything but enjoying their evening, so why don't you just crawl back to Carne."
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Post by Nocturne on Jan 11, 2018 11:44:30 GMT
As the sound of the doors being slammed open broke through the music, Io immediately turned, prepared to fight. Her eyes were steely as she beheld the small party of marines, analyzing the leader's words. The word 'suspicion' was used, meaning they had no real evidence of any kind. In an ideal world, this would mean nothing was going to happen and everyone could get on with their lives, but this world was far from ideal and it wasn't uncommon for arrests and incarcerations to happen on the basis of some 'suspicion'. That said, there wasn't much Io could do right now, not inside of this bar. Fighting would implicate everyone, and likely cause the bar to be forcefully shut down, meaning one less safe space away from the marines in Loguetown.
Io didn't know this marine, and whether he was corrupt or legit, though considering the audible capital letter on the word 'Justice' it was most likely that the lines had already been blurred for this man. Since she didn't have enough information to act upon, Io decided to wait and see what happened, especially now that the marines had been challenged by the man she'd been mentally referring to as 'big guy'.
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