FindersKeepers (Dracule Mihawk x OC)

Farewell

|2 Weeks Later on Astera's Island|

Perched atop the mountain, Mihawk crouches to assemble the components of an Eternal Log Pose before rising to his full height. He surveys Astera's island from this elevated perspective, taking in its entirety. To the west, the sea caresses the shore with rhythmic waves. In the north, the hills hum softly under the caress of a cool breeze. His gaze then settles on Astera, who sits in tranquility perched on the flatlands that lie between the western beach and the southern marshes, attending to the graves of those who met their end on her shores. Since his unexpected arrival, he's observed her daily ritual at dusk, where she silently communes with the departed, offering them company in their eternal rest.

Turning his attention from her, Mihawk's eyes drift to a more ominous part of the island to the east. There, a vast fissure mars the landscape, a evidence to a violent past. The earth around it is charred, trees are decimated, and a wide expanse lies barren, a desolation that has persisted for nearly a quarter-century. Astera's stories have revealed that a guardian resides on the island, a protector who, long ago, faced two demons that rose from the depths, claiming her mother's life and maiming Astera with a scar. In a fierce response, the guardian obliterated these threats, reshaping part of the island in the process.

Gradually, Astera granted Mihawk unrestricted access to her island, no longer shadowing his every move with her vigilant presence. Jinx, however, was not as accommodating. Mihawk turns to confront the large cat stationed behind him, which scrutinizes his every action with a distrustful gaze. He locks eyes with the feline that has been persistently trailing him for more than two weeks.

"You are aware that she cannot remain here." He tells the cat, "There is nothing on this island possessing the power to do that... except for her." He gestures to the scarred earth in the east.

Jinx responds with a grumble and an unamused glare, clearly displeased with Mihawk's suggestion. Her narrowed eyes serve as a silent warning that he is venturing into dangerous territory.

"The world is shrinking, cat. Astera cannot remain hidden here for much longer before the outside world drifts to her shores, much like I did." He walks past Jinx patting her on the head, "It would be best for her to depart now, while there is someone available to assist her in navigating through it."

Jinx wrinkles her nose and lowers her head to her paw, brushing off Mihawk's touch. She then rises and tails him closely, keeping her vigilant gaze fixed on him.

|The Flatlamd Graves|

Astera tends to the graves, and among them, one marker stands out distinctly from the rest. It looms like a sentinel over the field, a large stone etched with exquisite craftsmanship. The grave of her mother frequently captures her focus. She commonly converses with the unyielding stone, harboring a faint hope that one day it might respond. Yet, after 25 years, it remains silent, never having spoken a word.

'Time is almost up'

Astera's mind drifts back to the day on the patio 2 weeks ago...

....

Mihawk led the way out of the stairwell, pushing open the trellis with Astera in tow. Upon reaching their destination near the cliff wall, he took a seat and gestured for Astera to join him. With a curious glance, she obliged and settled into her usual squat beside him, her gaze fixed on him as he began to unwrap the wine bottle. Pausing, Mihawk realized he lacked a corkscrew, a moment that Astera found amusing. A chuckle escaped her at the sight of such a formidable figure thwarted by a mere bottle cap. Earning a slight glare from Mihawk, he knew well the reason for her amusement. Nonetheless, she offered a playful smile in response, then deftly used her thumb claw to remove the cork from the bottle with ease.