Disclaimer: One Piece (c) Eiichiro Oda
Chapter 2 is up, Enjoy~!
Chapter 2: Wait, 'Friend' is a Verb?
"Friend – Verb (Used with Object)
1. Rare. To befriend.
2. To add (a person) to one's contacts on Social Media."
— Etymology Dictionary
Chapter Summary:
"You need more friends," his other self declared, again.
"Koala and Hack aren't here–"
His other self doesn't listen. "You're going to friend someone."
A pause."...Is that even grammatically correct?"
"Of course it is!" His tone implies like it's common sense, but cheerful too, "To our Devil Fruit it is."
Sabo, Chief of Staff, realizes that his other half is peculiar.
He's no psychologist or therapist at all. He'd rather taste another devil fruit than seek help from one—they don't deal multiple personalities when time travel plus a Devil Fruit happens—as he's dead certain any advice won't suffice. And yet, he has identified things that make him contemplate if his other personality was once a part of him. Sabo knows and has read before that the cause root of multiple personalities being created is usually through childhood trauma but at times the things that his other self refers to don't make sense to him.
Like the terms he's heard often from his other self such as Java, Python, PHP, and so many weird other 'Scripting Languages'.
It's just… culturally foreign for his mind.
Alien even?
Even for the Grandline it's… out-of-this-world?
But then Sabo remembers that Time Travel is supposed to be impossible by all means, and he's here; alive.
The fact that his other half acts as if he knows more than Sabo, is both perplexing and head-scratching in one. To him, all he knows is that his other self was a result of a personality split during the time travel process as a defensive mechanism for his brain to ensure his survival. The Chief of Staff is eternally grateful for his presence (Always there- Present- His balm to the soul during his usual anxiety attacks- Doesn't judge when he's so weak, so tired, needs to rest-, can't even function- ) that Sabo tends to disregard in further asking questions or is terrified to press information in fear that the other would disappear and leave.
Sabo shudders at the idea of how he now truly understands what it's like for Luffy about his fear, Autophobia.
Breathe.
Stop it.
Don't overthink, don't overthink, don't overthink, don't overthink, don't overthink–
You're going to trigger the fruit ability to se–
SEARCHING KEYWORD: AUTOPHOBIA
DEFINITION: THE FEAR OF BEING LEFT ALONE OR ISOLATED.
The Chief of Staff's heart feels like it's been plunged in a frigid lake during a blizzard.
~( Sabo? )~ his other self pokes very gently at him in his mind, his presence apparent, reassuring. ~( I'm not going anywhere, you know. Good-mornin', by the way. )~
Sabo gulps as he both of his hands are still gripping tensely at the bed sheets as he's still lying down on his bed that morning. He forces to calm himself despite the fact the powerlessness of his mind is outlined (spelled out word-for-word, fuck it) by his Devil Fruit powers out in the open. It's one of the cons of the Data Fruit, what they focus on it too intently is something they'll both know. Logias despite being hard to master are far less complex than the fruit he has now that needs controlled precision. He waits in dreadful anticipation if his other self will comment negatively on that uncontrolled reflex search.
No words were said.
Just a presence as if they were sitting with each other, back-to-back.
This is his present. It's not some sick dream that he's going to wake up from and find that Dragon isn't there, the other revolutionaries slaughtered, his brothers are six feet under soil or water, everyone's dead, dead, dead, dead, dead-
Warmth now spreads over his mind and this time it's like a comforting engulfed hug. His other self is a silent guardian; unwavering. Even when Sabo clings to him far too hard for comfort.
Breathe.
You can get up.
Get up.
Get up, Sabo.
Goddamn it, MOVE.
Ace and Luffy wouldn't want to see you like this!
Sabo sits up on his bed breathing hard. He's drenched in sweat caused by his panic attack and wraps his arms around himself to get a sense of self that he's there. That air he breathes is his reality. He's here to change things. He will change things. He's started to make changes.
He sends an appreciative enormous wave of gratitude to his other self even if the despair and fear are there too. Thank you. Thank you, for just being there. Thank you, for not judging me at my weakest; because the Chief loathes with his entire being for being this hopeless.
.
.
It's after an indefinite period of time that he takes his other self's invitation to ignore his misuse of the Dēta Dēta no Mi's powers.
.
.
~( Morning, Other Me. )~ Sabo finally replies back, this time thought more coherent, his voice doesn't croak weakly like previous panic attacks. He internally lets go of the figurative hug now that he's thinking clearly.
~( Breakfast seems in order; Miss Melody is already going to and fro in the kitchen. )~ the other said, taking note with their Observation Haki about their favorite chef on base.
Sabo sighed, at least his morbid thoughts are gone, for now. ~( Food sounds good. )~
There's an awkward silence when neither he or his other half are making a move to take their body out of the bed. Honestly, Sabo respects his other self immensely for never taking control over his body as if it doesn't belong to him anymore by force. It's always with his consent or when he needs to recuperate his weakened mind when his other self does. 'You value Freedom above all else, silly. I'm not that heartless,' his other self said one time. It's been two months that they have this mutual symbiotic relationship as their younger personality has slept, that Sabo feels guilty that it felt as if he's hasn't been treating his other self as a person.
'Other Me' is hardly a name for one to be treated as a person. He takes the topic of having a name as a distraction to the actual elephant in the room.
~( Hey, Other Me? )~
The other shuffles in his mind as he blinked but responded, ~( Hmm? )~
~( I've been wondering, )~ Sabo started on a new topic, ~( do you have a name? )~ He's read in some psychology journals in the previous timeline that people who had multiple personalities would sometimes find those personalities to have their own names.
He doesn't expect to feel the emotions leaking, but Sabo feels it. Loss, Sadness, Longing, but it then forms into acceptance, responsibility, compassion, and lastly, warmth.
~( No, to your question. Maybe I had one; I don't remember. )~ his other self said lightly, reminding the Chief the feeling of hearth and home, ~( But that's fine. We're here now. You're here now. It's enough. )~
Sabo's eyes blur with water when he knows that those words are sincere. With their current situation, it's hard not to feel the rawness of their words if either is intentionally wanting the other to get the message. His other self is far too kind that sometimes Sabo feels he doesn't deserve the help. His other self deserves more. He feels like he'll throw all the support his other self out to the sea if at least the guy can't be called by a given name.
He bites his lip, ~( I think you need a name. I- I can't keep calling you, Other Me. )~ Sabo truly doesn't want to. To have a name is important; it's the same thing as stating someone exists. Even if this is his other half.
There's a pause of thought before it drops. ~( What brought this on? )~ It's a question, and yet, no accusation.
~( Well, you've always been with me since we've been back in time. )~ Sabo explained, trying to weasel out from saying it blatantly (he wants to pay back his other self somehow) without raising alarms. ~( It doesn't feel fair. It's like you don't exist other than you're there to be a shadow. You're there, but you're not free? )~
~( Hmm. )~ his other half muttered as in thought. There's no rejection, but oppositely, he hasn't said yes.
Sabo waits patiently until he couldn't (a measly 5 minutes of heavy silence later) and hesitantly pokes, ~( Well?)~
~( On one condition. )~ his other self is surprisingly being a lot more assertive than usual. ~( You need more friends. )~
~( But Cyrus- )~
His other self repeats his declaration, which soon leads to the phrasing of 'friending' someone (which Sabo doesn't think that it's supposed to be used as a verb). Once he had 'friended' a person, or two, then he'll be willing to say yes to Sabo's request. At first, Sabo feels afraid of the unpredictability of the timeline if he goes over this in his mind. However, he then reasons with himself that the timeline may have changed altogether anyway when he ate a Devil Fruit at Crocus's place. Reluctantly, he agrees to the deal (read: got fussed over until he gave up), if only it meant that this was his way of saying thank you to the very person that's been here with him all this time.
He'll make sure that his other self gets a name, even if it's the last thing he'll do.
.
.
.
What a morning.
If he had control over their body (Sabo's), as 'Other Me' (his host calls him), he would have been pinching his nose to try and wave off the stress. He's only all too glad that he has better control over the fruit than Sabo does. More importantly, he's capable of keeping his own thoughts and memories to himself. Knowing about what he's signed up for is by no means the same as experiencing it on hand; because holy crap, Sabo's NOT supposed to have autophobia at all. If anything that weakness was what Luffy was most afraid of.
Uh, that was true before the timeline of the One Piece world fucked up, and spat out what's left of said world in shreds.
Ugh.
That Random Omnipotent Being had better pay up on that oath that they agreed on when he signed up for this. It was ROB's blunder–
He stops himself from over-ranting and exhales a long breath of exasperation.
There are other ways he can use his energy when what's done is done.
Moving on.
Even though he knows that his current partner is shattered, it honestly upsets him when every time Sabo has his breakdowns. It's mentally exhausting at times, but it doesn't mean he's going to let his host know what he thinks (Sabo doesn't need comments or questions). While the thought of Sabo being deathly skittish at the idea of him (his other self) abandoning him is enough nightmare fuel on its own, he'll be professional as possible in keeping a lid on his own emotions as to not upsetting the already panicked Chief of Staff.
Additionally, he has a promise to keep with their youngest personality (in private without the Chief knowing) and that little kid is asleep. The kid won't wake up until he's fully healed from the trauma. And even then, the poor tyke isn't quite whole either.
.
.
.
"I can sleep to heal most of the damage… but I need Ace and Luffy to be fully healed," the little boy that was their younger self smiled softly, despite sporting the cracks on his soul. He knows at this moment he can't meet his brothers. "So until then, can you take care of the Other Older Me? He's… mourning."
"That's the plan, Mini-Me," he had said while patting the kid on the head calming him, "When you come back, he'll smile more often, yeah?"
Everything is anything but fine, but they'll see it through. All of them will.
"Okay!" the youngest chirped. He then leaned his head to the side, "Ne, are you older than Sad Me?"
"Yeah."
"Then please take care of him for me, Big Brother!" he grinned before he's gone off to sleep deeply in their mind. "I'm counting on you!"
The kid fades away with a one-tooth missing smile, waving back to the eldest trusting that things will turn out for the best.
.
.
.
Not even completely existing fully back then yet and he's been called the elder sibling.
He's got a lot of things to do to meet those expectations.
At times, being the other personality, he acts a buffer/shield. Other times, he's a guardian (navigator) that's nudging Sabo in a direction so he's not completely lost. He's the stable one here and he'll keep that way until Sabo can truly stand up on his own.
If he ever does, a traitorous part of his mind reminds him.
No bad thoughts.
Focus on the thoughts of pulling a Tony Stark.
If you can't protect it, you sure as hell damn well avenge it!
Or was that the Avengers?
It's effing cliché, childish even, but that is the point. He has that suuuper long wishlist somewhere deeply hidden in an Auxiliary Memory (Secondary Memory) of his fruit abilities on what satanist ways he's going to brutally torture and eventually murder Marshall D. Teach. Even Akainu's next in line; with particular Celestial Dragons (Saint Jalmack the #1 priority) and Blackbeard's core crew members not far behind (Jesus Burgess). It's his motivation, that constant aim he's making his bullseye matter in the One Piece world, and an answer to ROB's mistake on what has happened in that timeline Sabo comes from.
He'll tell Sabo about his future plans when he's ready and more stable than in the present. Call it fate or ROB interference, but their Devil Fruit is so much more than just for information gathering and keeping their minds sane. In the meantime, he'll keep building up the base codes in the background of their mind to prepare for what's to come and he'll teach Sabo on how they work.
At the same time, unfortunately, he can't do much when it's Sabo that needs to step forward and lead the way. In earnest, the guy needs the all that help he can get to change the timeline. Furthermore, one of the ways he's encouraged the younger man (in a body of a boy) was that he needed more people to tether him to the ground and keep him level-headed.
When he heard the Chief of Staff asking him whether he had a name or not, it brought back the nostalgia what was his first life on Earth. Both the good and bad. Regardless, he's made peace with it. The fact that Sabo insists he should have a name is proof the younger man has a bleeding heart, but a really good heart all the same.
However, as much as he's thankful for Sabo to want him to have a name back, he's not fooled by the Chief's ruse.
It's a diversion tactic.
Well, it's not like Sabo knows he's not really different from the Chief in many ways despite coming from another universe entirely. Working in the intelligence and security community for years can attest to that. Sneaking and snooping around isn't so different. The only real difference was that his focus was in cybersecurity and Sabo actually frees nations from the World Government.
As Sabo's other self, he's aware with all the Revolutionaries that Sabo knows personally in both timelines being absent it's affecting him negatively no matter how much he (Sabo) denies it. Of course, it rears its ugly head in the morning with a panic attack which literally spelled out his problem. He may have initiated the change of topic about breakfast, but it was the Chief that maneuvered the conversation in another direction not-so-subtly. It's at times like this that he now remembers how the creator of One Piece portrayed Sabo could be extremely stubborn when he wants to be (such as his stint in Dressrosa).
So, yeah.
He's not sorry at all about the laid out a condition that Sabo needs to fulfill in exchange of him having a name in return.
Cyrus' presence is a blessing for both him and Sabo. Nevertheless, he's an intelligence officer that sees action outside HQ and Sabo hasn't even entered his teens to help on the field. Obviously, that leaves both of them with too much time to think (which is pretty bad considering their fruit abilities can do it infinitely faster than the normal person) and that can go to some really dark places. It doesn't help that Koala and Hack haven't arrived yet. He gets it when Oda only has a small core of close friends for Sabo in what he knows is the story of the Manga, however, he's willing to take the risk of changing things up if Sabo's already fragile sanity is at stake.
Fine. He'll take a page from Luffy and nudge Sabo to get a core crew of sorts to add to the number of important people which includes Koala and Hack. They both did proclaim to Dragon that they'd change the world after all.
Besides, 'Friending' the unlikeliest people is the Deus Ex Machina of superpowers if done correctly.
It's time to test if that theory is true.
.
.
.
Sabo hasn't made it to the mess hall area when his Observation Haki picks up a lot of activity at their base. He curses the fact that he's distracted that morning that he doesn't notice. To his dismay, there's no sign of Dragon, Ivankov, Inazuma, Kuma, Cyrus, or even Koala and Hack among the groups of people who he senses has arrived at the dock area of Baltigo. The 10-year-old boy starts to remember that this event did happen in the past.
"Oh? Sabo?" As he turns around at the voice, it's Melody, one of his favorite chefs in Baltigo HQ walking from the docks to the main building of Headquarters.
"Melody, where's everyone?" Sabo asked as if he's just a normal kid, not with Observation Haki that even adults would be jealous of.
"Everyone's helping at the docks," the chef pointed towards where some of the ships were moored. "There's no training for you and the rest of the other children today. Some of the other Revolutionaries from the other bases are here with refugees. We're setting up a soup kitchen at the docks this morning. Go ahead without me, I need to get some tools from the kitchen. If you want to eat, join up with everyone there, okay?"
Sabo politely nods back. "Thanks, Melody!" he waves and heads towards the docks.
His insides churn though. The Chief of Staff had been looking forward to venting out his frustrations today during training through boulders or via katas and meditation. Nonetheless, with that opportunity gone, he decided that maybe he should focus on what he wanted to do in the first place. He had a task of befriending someone so his other self can finally have his own name.
To someone who's been through hell and back, the Chief of Staff finds difficulty in reconnecting with peers his physical age. He's polite and friendly enough towards others. On the contrary, it's the other children at headquarters that don't approach him for whatever reason they have. He doesn't really blame them, not when his left eye and most parts of his left side of his head looks burnt. Due to his injuries back then, he's been forced to cut his hair till his head is bald. He has yet to regrow his hair until it was capable of covering the burnt skin over his eye and some parts of his head where hair used to be like in the previous timeline.
Although physical appearance does make a difference, Sabo also somewhat chalks it up to maturity. For Sabo who's lead the Army can be childish at times, he can't put himself in the position to be too carefree when he has a timeline to change. There are too many things at stake. Somehow, that's the same with his other self too. Even to Sabo his other self is more mature, giving an impression as if he were older. Well, apart from when he swears; forget sailors, he bets that his other self can give pirates a run for their money too or even their coffers.
Then, there's also the part where both Sabo and his other personality learn far too quickly thanks to their Data fruit. At this point, all the classes he has on theory are with the adults. The only reason that he's still with children when he's physically training is because of his age and stamina his body has. Sabo has a feeling that won't last soon, not when he and his other self are now experimenting and developing Armament Haki.
Sabo stops running to halt when he digests all of that information in.
He hadn't realized.
If his other self wasn't so firm of the idea, Sabo wouldn't have comprehended their situation.
The reason why they're close friends of Cyrus in the first place was because his other self took that first step on befriending the man.
~( Sabo? Why the sudden stop? )~ said his other self, concerned.
For the first time that day, Sabo doesn't feel hopeless anymore. ~( I think I understand why you're asking me to 'friend' someone. )~ The other part of him was silent as if he were giving the Chief time to reply. ~( You want me to look past the sadness; I've been forgetting about making important connections along the way, right? )~
~( Yeah. We promised Dragon that we'd change the world, remember? )~ his other self added, happiness in his voice as if he were smiling. ~( You had me worried for these last few days. )~
~( I feel better now, I suppose. )~ the Chief conceded, feeling gratitude that warms his heart that his other half cares for him so much. He's far too glad that this time he has managed to avoid apologizing to his other half. Sabo hates saying sorry as much as his other half does, it makes him feel pathetic when he knows that their circumstances aren't entirely their fault.
All right, back to the mission of befriending someone.
~( Do you have any ideas on who we should try to 'friend' when we get there? )~ he asked his other self. Any information on the preferences of his other self would help too.
A pause. ~( Try diversifying. )~ his other self suggested.
A raised brow in return. ~( In what way specifically? )~ The Chief of Staff then felt a mischievous vibe from his other personality.
~( We're following the example of our little brother, Luffy. We want Nakama. )~ Other Me recommended sagely. ( We'll take into account how that person's strengths and weaknesses would factor in with the friends we already have and are waiting for. They gotta feel right. If the first attempt fails when they don't want to be friends with us, annoy them or catch their interest until they give up. )~
Sabo figuratively tripped. ~( What?! )~ If he was walking/running, he may as well fell flat on his face.
But he then recognizes that the last advice actually worked with Cyrus; the 'getting the interest' part. As of the 'annoying' is Luffy defined.
~( Now that I think about it, it makes sense somehow? )~ the Chief points out not exactly certain but understood it works for some reason. He remembered at one meeting he was told by all of the Strawhat Crew members on how they joined Luffy. The only one who didn't reject Luffy's initial offer to join the crew was Brook, their musician.
~( Right! )~ his other agreed brightly. ~( If it makes you feel more motivated, I'll think of a name you can call me later while I'm at it for your trouble. )~
~( You have ideas for that already? )~ Sabo quipped, delighted that his other self wants to have a name.
The other's voice turned playful. ~( Hmm. I was thinking… Sabotage! )~ he declares, voice as if forming a Cheshire Cat grin. ~( Get it? You know, it doesn't sound too different. Plus, that way, I can't spell or call my name without yours! )~
Hell NO!
~( NO. No way! No cringe-worthy puns, please, Other Me! I don't think I can handle it for the rest of my life! )~ Sabo melodramatically griped at the suggestion as he wanted his other self's name to be permanent.
~( Jiahahaha~! I'm just messing with ya! )~ Other Me cackled replying to Sabo's pout (the Chief feebly protests he doesn't pout), giving his other images of a person rolling on the floor with laughter.
Internally, the other half has plotted the day he'll introduce Sabo to emoji and emoticons. He's already coded hundreds, a few thousand more are in the making with Sabo being none the wiser. That'll be fun. Memes were next on his introduction wishlist.
~( Other Me, not now. )~ Sabo warned, waving a metaphorical finger back in refusal. ~( I'm serious! I just want a name you're happy with and it makes You, You. )~
His other half a few seconds later recovered. ~( Duly noted, Sabo. No 'Sabo puns'. )~
The Chief groaned at his other's antics.
~(So, shall we? )~ his other finally nudges back to what Sabo wanted to do in the first place.
The now boy sighed shaking his head. Regardless, the familiar bickering is something he welcomes about his other self even if his other half is annoying at times. ~( We should. )~
~( Lead the way. )~
Sabo starts heading towards in the docks, thoughtful. ~( You think Luffy will be proud about us finding Nakama? )~
~( Damn proud! I bet he'll give us an Adorkable Sunny Grin that you're happy too! )~ Other Me concurred as if smiling ear to ear.
This time it's Sabo who's laughing out in the open that it gets the attention of some people who pass by but he doesn't care.
~( Where are you getting these words? First, it's 'Friending', now Adorkable? Really? )~ Like the scripting languages, plus now with the weird compound words. His other self is weird that way.
~( It's a portmanteau of Adorable and Dork, very Luffy. )~ he clarified calmly but says it with the tone of a proud elder sibling.
Sabo chuckles back. ~( That, I can agree with. )~
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.
.
Triangular ears drooped when that morning is quiet. Too quiet. Yet, Meo just can't bring himself to be calm when he wakes up far too early with nightmares of losing his old-time human friend to the Celestial Dragons. The Cat Mink both curses and loves his loyal friend who's gone the extra mile to protect him from getting into slavery. He's a refugee now, still uncertain what he truly wants to do.
The Revolutionaries have been nothing but kind to him. Like him, they've given everyone food, shelter, and even time to sort out their thoughts. Some join immediately, others have decided to leave to go home or disappear, and the very few left are indecisive on where to go. Meo falls into the last group, who's far from Zou in the New World and without anyone for him to tether as a place to belong.
At least that's what he thought for the first day. For the last few days, he's been thinking about whether to join an Army that consists of mainly of humans. Despite the RA are tolerant of different races in their ranks, Meo has noted most have given him a wide berth, with an exception of one boy.
"Morning, Meo!"
His ears twitch up and Meo thanks whatever deity up there he's been blessed with some company. He waves the boy with goggles around his neck over not saying anything. Sabo has been nothing but a welcome presence to Meo here at headquarters.
"Good morning, Sabo," he greets the child as he comes over to their table in the empty mess hall.
Sabo frowns. "We're both up early, huh?"
They both have their own nightmares, was left unsaid.
Meo solemnly nods.
The boy doesn't falter. "Stay here, I'll grab something from the kitchen, Melody is there anyway."
A few minutes later, Sabo comes back with a tray of cookies and two mugs of warm milk. The taste of the cookies is decent, not as tasty as how he would cook them himself in the past, however, Meo thanks Sabo for the gesture. He's a coward for avoiding a kitchen of all things (what professional sane cook did?) but when the worst memories are too near, Meo just can't help it. It doesn't mean he feels guiltless either, his best friend—former he corrects since they're dead—would have been ashamed of him for not getting back to cooking meals for others.
Wanting to get away from unpleasant thoughts, the cat Mink's eyes observe Sabo the amnesiac who's focused on making an interface construct of what appears to be formulas thanks to his Devil Fruit powers. A boy, Meo somewhat considers in a position like himself. Their meeting isn't really something he considers special. It's a meeting of individuals who don't quite fit in.
Meo reminiscences those few days ago arriving during dawn at the RA Headquarters docks distraught over the death of his only friend and lost in who to mingle with. At first, Meo had thought he averted any sort of conversation or interaction by sitting at the very edge of one of the tables where the soup kitchen is set up. However, once the tables were starting to fill up, his table for four is probably the only one that has a place to sit left.
It's then and there he first sees Sabo (a kid with healing burn wounds on his head and over his left eye) with a tray attempting to find a seat with the others being full. When he approaches a table of people aged from tweens to teenagers, Meo is internally angry at their treatment of the boy. The Mink is well aware there are actually seating space left at one edge of a table until it's filled in by another child out of pettiness and dislike. In fact, that particular disfavor seems to be the general opinion of the other younglings at the very same long table.
So when the boy approaches his table, Meo doesn't have the heart to deny him a seat, even if he's uncomfortable with human interaction barring his deceased friend. Again, it's in that instance the Cat Mink observes that Sabo was smart and emphatically tolerant for his age. It's both unnerving and appreciative at the same time.
"Can you watch over my seat for me, please?" Sabo had asked as he carefully puts his tray opposite the Cat Mink. "I'll be back."
Before Meo can even refuse, the boy runs off back to the chef, requested another tray, and brings it back to their table for him.
Words couldn't describe the kindness Meo had felt at that small gesture. In his depressed state, Meo noticed he hadn't even thought of breakfast since he'd been too busy avoiding everyone. Guilt gnaws on his insides.
"I'm Sabo," he introduced himself with a small smile sitting down. "It's alright to not apologize."
The Cat Mink nodded silently in thanks and ate still dubious of sharing his name. All the same, before Sabo can put food in his mouth, a large wide shadow looms over where they are sitting. Both boy and Mink turn and blink at the large person holding a tray.
Said person is a turquoise whale shark Fish-Man with red eyes standing at 2.9 meters (or 9.5 ft ). He's wearing a long-sleeved brown shirt that exposes his chest, black pants, sash, and gloves.
To a normal child, the combined size and height alone might have been enough to scare them. Being a large Fish-Man with said details including exposed fangs and red eyes to boot would have sent most running screaming. Sabo again breaks the norm, fearless and even patient for his age.
"Hello, do you need a place to sit?" he blond child asked.
Both Mink and Fish-Man are actually shocked that it's the kid that's offering.
"Hmm. There's not enough space on the bench if we sit like this," Sabo ignored the two speechless adults pointing out the bench wouldn't fit for both him and the Fish-Man. He doesn't hesitate to lift his tray and sit beside the Cat Mink. "There! Now you can have breakfast with us!"
This time whale shark Fish-Man barks with laughter but sits down on the bench taking up all the space. "You're a brave kid!"
The boy shrugs like it's common sense, "It's only polite."
But the boy's actions are abnormal, both Fish-Man and Mink thinks separately in their private thoughts. Interracial relationships have always been rocky—unless if one disregards the ones formed on famous pirate crews like the Roger Pirates or headed by the Yonko—especially between humans and Fish-Men. Most people don't even see both races past their more animal-like features.
"Ho?" the Fish-Man shows his sharp teeth grinning. "How come you're not scared of us?"
Meo scowls at the Fish-Man on why he's suddenly being dragged into this conversation.
"Should I be afraid?" Sabo asked cordially. "You haven't given me a reason to be afraid of. And just because you both look unique, who am I to judge about appearances?"
The Cat Mink is reminded heavily of his recently deceased friend. Someone was cutting a barrel of non-existent onions. Nonetheless, here was another human who couldn't care less about the differences in race. While this is the Revolutionary Army, he doesn't expect someone so young to understand.
Meanwhile, the Fish-Man is struck silent when he really looks at Sabo for the first time on the state of his injuries. His eyes shift to the younger humans who seem to be avoiding any sort of eye contact from where they sit and he has to admit what the child in front of him has said is true. He wonders if this child is an example of a human that their queen, Otohime, preaches about the day where humans and Fish-Men along with Mermen can coexist.
"You're interesting, little one," the larger of the three chuckled. "My name is Jabin."
The kid greets just as warmly. "I'm Sabo!"
"Meo."
Both boy and Fish-Man face their most quiet member of the table in surprise.
"Um… that's my name," the Mink mumbles quietly back.
Both of them nod approvingly and get back to eating. Their table is silent, but there's no animosity between them. And that was how their friendship had started.
WHAM!
Both him and Sabo spluttered broken out of their own thoughts back to the present when a huge tray of assorted foods is slammed in front of them.
"You two, are thinking too much," Jabin, their now resident Whale shark Fish-Man huffed. "Do both of you know it's breakfast already?"
Sabo has the decency to actually look ashamed, "We sort of... lost track of time?"
Meo gives the boy a deadpanned look. That is an understatement of a lifetime for somewhat who's a black hole when it comes to food.
"Eat," Jabin ordered, quite aware of what may have caused the two to be up at ungodly hours.
While the whale shark Fish-Man is a deep sleeper, this way of being for them is the only way he can make it up to them. He's not worried about Sabo despite the child does have a nightmare here and there, his eyes are relatively normal. Meo, on the other hand, has black rings under his eyes that appear extremely unhealthy.
No wonder the kid stays by the Mink's side; he's worried but doesn't push.
Jabin decides he'll get to the bottom of Meo's problem.
.
.
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It's much later in the afternoon that Jabin gets the story out of Meo. It's when the Cat Mink knows that Sabo is asleep lightly snoring on the couch of the general library book on his head, probably sleeping off the hours he's missed sleep that morning. Meo sits on a chair beside the couch as Jabin sits on the floor as no furniture can support his bulky weight.
As someone who lives directly below the Redline at Fishman Island, it's not hard to sometimes hear the worst of what the World Nobles could do from Sabaody Archipelago. The things that they do, from slavery to even discriminating killing in public are considered the norm, despite by all means they shouldn't be. Meo is one of the many victims who is left behind with someone important to them that those Celestial Dragons had killed or taken away.
Even if Jabin will never understand that loss (and doesn't hope to experience it personally), Meo's situation makes him reflect on his current situation right now. Meo's a refugee, with the bad luck of being somewhere at the wrong time. Him? He's a confused Fish-Man who aided people releasing slaves free because to him at the time, he had snapped his tether of seeing more people suffer regardless they were Fish-Man or not.
Jabin admires the Sun Pirates for what they did and even knows a few of them personally. However, he doesn't like being labeled as a pirate, it reminds him of the scum that comes and kidnaps Fish-Man and Merfolk to earn money from the slave trade, despite the fact he knows there are honor-bound pirates such as Whitebeard. Sadly, the ratio between good pirates and bad ones lean towards unfavorable numbers.
As for his present position… Jabin knows he can't come back to the ranks of Neptune's army. He's loyal to his King, Queen, the royal family, and the people, but at the same time, he's disappointed at himself of being unable to take action for what's happening to his people who are taken away and don't come back. Even if he goes back to Fishman Island, all that's left is an empty promise of resolving a long debate of humans and Fishmen along with Humans co-existing with one another. Things are happening far too slow at a Den Den Mushi Snail's pace in his opinion.
"Jabin?" the Mink's question gets the Whale Shark Fish-man out of his thoughts.
"Yes?"
"I asked you if you're going to permanently stay here in the Revolutionaries or go elsewhere," Meo clarified his question again.
Jabin closes his red eyes for a moment in thought before he replied facing his friend, "I'm uncertain. It depends on when I can speak to the leader of the Revolutionaries himself."
Meo hesitated at the thought, "Is that even possible? I know this is the Headquarters of the Revolutionary Army, but as far as I'm concerned, the only people who directly work and talk with Dragon are the officers and Commanders."
"One of the officers by the name of Cyrus suggested I came along when I was rescuing the slaves," Jabin explained. He crossed his arms, "I know of him during my time as part of Neptune's army, but I'm surprised that he's here at all."
Jabin's more than astonished that most of the Revolutionaries don't know that a former Yonko Commander was working with them. Then again, the Fish-man knows because it's important to know all of Whitebeard's Commanders as King Neptune has a long-standing friendship with Edward Newgate. As for Cyrus, even though he's a known pirate, he doesn't have a large bounty (compared to the other commanders) thanks to the fact he worked from the shadows. On the contrary, Jabin isn't as foolish to think he's any weaker than the other Whitebeard Commanders.
Whitebeard is known to treat all his Commanders equally, so in terms of strength, one can't guess who's stronger based on chronological order of the Divisions. Although, that might not be the case in regards to Marco the Phoenix who is known to be labeled as Whitebeard's first mate and is the 1st Division Commander. As for the rest? Jabin's very confident the Crew under the Strongest Man in the world are still New World strong, especially the Commanders if fighting off pirates that want to challenge their Captain is a daily occurrence.
"Cyrus?" Meo leans his head, the name unfamiliar in his ears. His cat black ears twitch.
Jabin shrugs his shoulders. "I'm not surprised if you're not well acquainted with the name. Not to be rude, but I don't think I peg you as the type to keep up with the news on pirates, active or former."
Seriously, to Jabin, Meo tends to have a preference for clothes that are stylized like a noble than a commoner. The 2.1 m tall (or 6.9 ft) black and white Cat Mink may not have been wearing clothes made from expensive types of cloths, but in terms of design, he and Sabo get along that way. The Fish-Man doesn't really understand what's so fashionable wearing cravats or ascots for the human boy and Mink. To him, it's just a silly conventionalized tie that's too constricting when put on one's neck.
"No offense was taken," Meo motioned the Fish-Man not to worry about it. "Alex and I were traveling chefs. We were more focused on protecting ourselves and traveling the world in search of exotic recipes. I owe him for taking me in when I was lost with no way back to Zou. But now he's not here–"
"You're not sure either if you want to stay or not?"
"...Yes. That is the problem," the Cat Mink said with hesitation in his voice. "I know I can fight, but joining an army? I don't think I can wrap my head on that one yet."
Jabin sighed. "I don't think you should make hasty decisions. You're still mourning over the loss of your friend."
"But I'm not sure what to do!" Meo said softly his voice trembling, his ears drooped mirroring his distress.
Jabin shook his head sternly but his voice was calm, "Meo, you still have to give yourself some time. If you make important decisions when you're like this you might make the wrong choice and regret it."
The Cat Mink doesn't reply back, he stands up and leaves the room.
"Meo!" the Fish-Man tries to call back his friend but it's no use.
It's at this time Sabo wakes up confused at Jabin's concerned face. "What's wrong?"
"I tried to help Meo," the Fish-Man said as if he's been sapped out of energy, "but at the same time, I may have pushed him too far."
"Then let's give him some space," Sabo agreed, even though he's heard everything they talked about rubbing his head.
His head is dizzyly buzzing with information. The future past Chief of the Revolutionary Army needs to get a better grip on his powers. Even if his body is capable of collecting information while he sleeps is beneficial (this time via hearing), he needs to talk to his other self on how to delegate it in a co-conscience manner. While some things are too private, he sympathizes with Meo as his situation isn't so different from the time traveler on what it means to be alone.
Knowing far too much sometimes has its drawbacks.
.
.
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The former noble boy heaves gulps of air as his trip to one section of the base is fruitless that night. Most of the Revolutionaries have taken the opportunity to rest with the exception of the night guards. He senses Jabin not too far away helping with the search, unfortunately, he hasn't been successful as his movements are still frantic.
Sabo seethes in frustration as he isn't able to find his Cat Mink friend.
Meo has been missing the whole day, and when he was absent during dinner, Sabo and Jabin make it their mission to find him and make sure he's okay. Sadly, they haven't heard, seen, or sensed Meo at all. The Chief of Staff is beyond worried; he's checked through the port that there's been no trip leaving headquarters that day and despite his small range in Observation Haki, it's as if the Cat Mink was gone.
Sabo shudders to think of his new friend to be counted as dead.
No way. Meo wouldn't dare. He's not–
~( Sabo, calm down. )~ his other half interrupted his chaotic thoughts. ~( You can't jump to conclusions like that. )~
Sabo's stressed, he's spreading his senses out as far as he can go, ~( But I can't find him with Observation Haki! Jabin has a wider range, and he can't find Meo either! )~
His other half poked him thoroughly. ~( I know, Sabo. But I've been digging through our memories, and I think the reason we haven't found him is that Meo's a Mink. Remember when Luffy told you about his visit to Zou? )~
'Of course', Sabo realizes what his other half was referencing to. He's seen the technique being used by his Mink Commander, Lindbergh, in the future past as well. ~( He's using that technique that hides him from Haki users. That still doesn't help us on where we can find him… )~
~( Maybe we could try our heat vision scan code we've been developing? All the Minks are warm-blooded– )~ but then the other stops abruptly.
The Chief is alerted at the sudden silence. ~( Other Me? )~
~( Sabo, )~ his other's voice gulped. ~( We need to find Meo yesterday. )~
His other self was panicking? ~( Why are you suddenly– )~
~( Look UP, Sabo! )~
The time traveler does. Goosebumps prickle up on his skin and cold anxiety washes over him as he knows why his other self is afraid. This wasn't happening.
No clouds.
A Full Moon.
Fuck.
Fuck.
Fuck!
Just at the corner edge of his eye, one part of Baltigo Headquarters explodes, lights up with crackling lightning, thunder, and a chilling tortured cry.
Meo triggered his Sulong Transformation.
Sabo's legs sprinted on their own towards where his friend was when everyone else flees for their lives.
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To Be Continued...
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Is it true that 'Friend' isn't a Verb?
It was considered a verb a long time ago, an archaic form of English. It wasn't considered a verb again until 2005 when Social Media became the norm. It's funny how technology culture makes it relevant again.
Notes on Sabo's injuries:
In my headcanon his injuries are on to his left side of his head as well (if Saint Jalmack's weapon fire spread is anything to go by in the anime/manga. The reason why we don't see it when Sabo's an adult is because hair has grown over it. I honestly think the anime/manga is censoring what the worst could happen to Sabo.
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AU Notes: If you've spotted that there are 3 personalities of Sabo in one body since the last chapter, give yourself a pat on the back! x) For the uninitiated, there's the younger Sabo, Chief Time Traveler Sabo, and lastly, 'Other Me' from our world. Special thanks to Umbra99, Akira D. Ryusuke, Eyilin, BlueAutumn12, and a guest for being the first ones to review this fic! Also, thank you to all the follows and favs from everyone else! I hope to continue this story a wild ride. x)
Let me know what your thoughts are for this chapter! ;) Thanks for reading!