Falaise

The Opportunist's Entrance.

And now: Shanks' entrance.

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For a man he had not seen in five years, Buggy found that Shanks had not changed much. He had a stubble on his chin and under his nose, and contrary to him, Shanks had not let his hair grow. He was slightly taller, more muscular, his skin just as tanned as when he was younger.

The only thing different, except for his less boyish face due to the passing of years, was the scar on his left eye. It looked fully healed, and not too deep, his eye seemingly still working from what Buggy could see.

Shanks' eyes settled on Buggy, and the Duke couldn't suppress a shudder as he looked back at him. A smile spread on Shanks' lips, and Buggy had the urge to take a step back. It looked nothing like the smiles Shanks made when they were together in England. It looked fake, as if it lacked actual joy.

Suddenly Buggy remembered that he probably wasn't the only one affected by the sight of the other man. He wanted to take a look at Mihawk, see how he fared, but he also didn't want to draw attention to his lover. He was probably already shaken enough to see Shanks again, Buggy did not need to give the red-hair a reason to look at him more than necessary. Unconsciously, he lightly pulled the reins to get between Mihawk and the other man.

Despite the large number of men on the battlefield, the meadow was mostly silent ever since the appearance of the new troop. Though knowing that this probably was a heartfelt moment between the two former apprentices, Teach decided to break the stillness.

Perched on his horse, Blackbeard's commanders parted to let him pass as he boisterously gestured to the area where Shanks and Buggy stood relatively close. 'Ah! The reunion of the two brothers, finally together after years apart! What a poignant scene we're given to see!' He exclaimed theatrically, his tone derisive.

'How nice of you to join us, Red-hair! Right when the fun was actually starting!' His eyes turned sharp, his tone more serious. 'We now have a common enemy.' he added, and a shiver went down Buggy's spine.

The Duke was growing confident in his troops' ability to get the upper hand over Teach's army, and with enough fuelled anger, they would have a chance to take down Shanks'. But both at the same time, after a full morning of fighting? It wouldn't be possible.

However, the Duke of Aquitaine did not seem to share Teach's sentiment. There wasn't even a fake smile on his face as he answered, foregoing any pretence of being potential allies.

'It is bad taste, even for you, to believe that you and I could join forces after you left me with this little gift last time.' Shanks said, pointing towards the scar on his face, looking as displeased as he could.

Sensing the shift in Shanks' demeanour and trying to shake it off, Teach countered 'I did not take you for a revengeful man, Red-Hair.'

Shanks answered without missing a beat. 'I usually am not, but I made an exception with you. You deserve the pain I seek to inflict upon you.'

Blackbeard only seemed to realise now that Shanks was serious, and that he was on his own now. He made a face and turned towards his commanders. He gave a few orders, and suddenly his soldiers started moving again, trying to surround Shanks' army, though it was quite an ambitious plan.

But Teach's army was composed mostly of mercenaries who had been promised the earth should they bring success to Blackbeard. There were also foolish men who believed in Teach's right to become the King of England, and then people in his court, loyal servants, not good fighters, but certainly ready to die for Teach.