~Red Dawn~
3
Shanks carefully checked on his sleeping crew after single handedly dragging them all back to the sleeping quarters on the ship.
Nothing was physically wrong with them…
They didn't seem to be in any pain…
Just knocked out cold in very deep slumber…
I'm glad everyone is all right…
He thought to himself.
But why are they like this?
What happened?
And How long will they stay like this…
His mind overflowed with questions and concerns…
Memories replaying the scene and flooding back over the mysterious woman he saw on the island…
The woman who calls herself Camille…
I've gotta find her…
He thought to himself.
I have to talk to her…
And get some answers!
Even with night falling it left the surrounding area bathed in red.
Shanks wandered the field in search for the mysterious woman…
He thought maybe she had some form of a home or shelter she stayed in at night and thought it might be easier to talk with her over a pint–
Or maybe tea or coffee or something.
Something peaceful and non-threatening.
After all he wasn't out to hurt anyone–
His friends were fine physically and not in any form of pain.
They just seemed to be sleeping rather peacefully.
He just didn't get the why or how–
She could at least answer that much peacefully right?
As long as he remained peaceful himself…
Though when he went to search–
He found her in the same spot.
So he didn't really have to travel far at all.
All right then…
This is…
Easier…
…I guess?
He thought to himself and took in a breath before preparing to make his way to greet her–
"Your Haki…is quite powerful." she said to him.
"Huh? My Haki?"
Her voice came so suddenly that it actually startled him when she spoke to him without even having to turn his way–
Meaning she must have clearly sensed him beforehand.
"Haki…that's a power that flows through all living things, right?" he said to her, "Usually derived from Spiritual Energy and Ambition…"
"That's correct." she said to him, "And yours is very strong…" she chuckled.
"Oh yeah?" he laughed lightly, "How can you tell that?"
"Simple really." she responds, "I can feel it. That…and you're still standing even in the presence of my own Haki."
"I see…Haki huh…?" he hummed, "So Haki…your haki? Is that what happened to my crew?"
"That's correct." said Camille, "You see, My Haki actually flows through the red flowers that envelop this island– when they were plucked, some of my energy seeped out into them and rendered them unconscious." she explained, "Don't worry though. They'll be fine." she chuckled, "No harm will come to them…they're just resting…chances are it affected them so easily due to pre-existing exertion beforehand…I'm not out to harm you all by any means…unless I must."
"I see…that's a relief." said Shanks as he sat down within the flowers near by, though keeping a safe respectable distance of course.
She said she's not out to harm him…
But she was still a stranger and a mystery all the same.
However–
In this case he is the invader.
So it's only fair that he too remain peaceful as a visitor.
"I'm glad to hear that…it had me worried." he smiled, "...I guess it would sort of serve us right though– we did barge in and start plucking your flowers without permission, sorry about that." he said to her, "...but I promise we're not here to cause harm or anything." he explained, "We're not out to hurt anyone either."
"I figured as much." she chuckled, "I sensed no malicious intent at your landing here…" she hummed, "That is to say that doesn't mean you couldn't do so if you so wished…with Haki like yours."
Shanks chuckled softly.
"I come in peace…and I'll remain peaceful…if you could promise me the same– we can put the situation with my crew behind us and just leave them to rest, because you're not wrong…we've been sailing a while so we're all pretty tired."
Camille smiled warmly and nodded.
"Very well. As long as you're not here to harm this island, then I have no reason to perceive your presence as a threat."
"Then it's a promise." he grinned, "Though…if you wouldn't mind answering a few questions for me while I wait…I'd feel a lot better." said Shanks.
"Well…I suppose I could do my best for that." said Camille, "I'm not entirely sure just how helpful I'll be though."
"No worries…I'm sure you'll have plenty of knowledge to share." he hummed, "Tell me something…Camille, was it?"
"Yes?"
"This island…is it really Red Dawn?"
"Red Dawn…" Camille repeated the name softly, "The Crimson Island…The Island Of Blood…it has many names I hear." she said softly, "But yes…that would be correct. This is the very island you speak of."
Shank's eyes widened with glee as his grin curved up.
"I can't believe it…" said Shanks, "I actually found it~" he laughed and tossed himself back into the flowers. He gazed up at the crimson sky and his eyes shone brightly with a light that only came to one who knew the feeling of proving a legend real–
"So then–" he quickly sat back up, red petals dancing around him.
…he had a child-like sense to him.
It was endearing…
And Camille found it rather cute…she couldn't help but smile in return of his infectious grin–
"These flowers then–" he went on, "Do they really live up to what the stories say?" he asked, "Can they grant eternal life!?"
Camille's eyes faltered for a bit and she fell silent once more, shifting her gaze away for the moment.
"In a way…yes…" she said softly, "...But probably not in the way you may be thinking…"
"Huh?" Shanks blinked curiously, but Camille didn't press on for any further explanation for him.
"...What they do have that reigns true…" she states, "...Is healing properties." she knelt down and carefully touched the petals, "The nectar of these flowers can create a powerful medicine to cure near any ailment." she explained, "...And…they can save a life." she smiled warmly…
Though there seemed to be a sadness behind it.
"...Does that answer your question, Captain?"
"Oh…please…just call me Shanks." he chuckled, "And yeah…I'd say that does." he smiled.
"Say…Camille?"
"Yes?"
"My crew and I are pretty exhausted…I think some R would do us some good." he states, "I don't suppose you would mind…if we stayed here for a little while?" he asked, "Just to rest. I promise we'll stay out of your business…and, if you'd grant us permission, we'd really like to study these specimens…and maybe make a few vials of this wonder medicine to have– incase of emergencies."
Camille chuckled softly.
"I don't really see the problem in that." she said to him, "As you can see there are plenty of flowers here as long as your are resourceful."
"Of course." said Shanks, "Like I said, we didn't come here to rampage or anything like that…really…we just wanted to see if it was real!"
She laughed softly.
"If there's anything I can help with…I'll be glad to do so."
"Yeah? Thanks!" Shanks grinned, "You seem to know a lot about these flowers so that actually means a lot. I bet we could really use your expertise."
The two shared a chuckle and sat warmly together in a comfortable silence.
Considering he hadn't really seen a village or any sign of other residency on the island except for Camille…
He had a feeling that maybe she was lonely…
And actually appreciated the company.
She had power behind her, however, she didn't seem to show any interest in using it unless she felt threatened…
So Shanks could respect that.
Still though…
He couldn't help but feel a silent weight of sadness and lonliness from her…
He felt it best not to press on it though.
At least for now…
To Be Continued