A Pirate's Journey - Chapter 7: Pain Never Goes Away and Death is Never An Escape!
Last time in APJ, Archie and Vinnie reunited after the marine prospect gave into his own desires. Once it was clear that Vinnie was coming with Archie, they started formulating a plan to acquire a boat for their initial departure. Without enough money to buy anything more than a dinghy, the two discussed their options before being confronted by Officer Drapeau. The officer in charge of the harbor where they wished to buy some transportation. Relieving them of his attitude after Drapeau realized he was talking with the son of the fierce Marine Captain from Byrjun, Vinnie hoped to use this to his advantage. Going for a walk, the Marine Captain's son attempts to convince the officer that they were both marine recruits looking for a ship. Meanwhile, the wanted Roda Kira was about to take his leave before being ambushed by the Bounty Brothers who wished to collect his hefty bounty for themselves before any marines arrive. During the fight, the bounty hunters were counting on their outnumbering advantage. That was until Bubbles inserted himself into the fight by sinking his teeth into Voova's neck while he was attempting to catch Roda by surprise. This intervention led to Bubbles being punted by the heartless hunter across the shore. Unleashing a sleeping demon within Roda, the bounty hunters were defeated with ease. Rushing over to his furry friend, a very rare emotional breakdown seeps through him with the idea that Bubbles is near death. However, it turned out Bubbles was okay once he started licking Roda's face. A moment of joy couldn't be shared though because just as Roda lowered his guard... the other surviving bounty hunter struck him down with some throwing knives... What will be the fate of the swordsman?
Byrjun Harbor, North Blue
"We will need a ship to sail to Hula Island with, sir." Vinnie demands with an exhausting believable tone.
It was an exceedingly difficult task to lie for Vinnie, he isn't used to the idea of sweet talking his way into manipulating someone... but he knows it is necessary in order to get his captain a boat worth sailing from these docks. Archie sitting perched over a wooden post on the dock... finally catches on to what Vinnie is trying to do. He wants to assist him in the persuasion but Vinnie already gave him his word on doing this successfully. So there he is, sitting patiently as he gazes over the horizon of the ocean while Vinnie walks with Officer Drapeau slowly across the boardwalk.
Following the demand, Vinnie gulps as Drapeau clenches his chin with his right hand in a gesture of contemplation. It is key to persuade this man if Archie and Vinnie are to get a great headstart on their journey. This fact can't be expressed more than in the anxiety Vinnie tries hard not to show through his sweating skin. The officer finds Vinnie's demand unusual in comparison to what he knows. Drapeau informs Vinnie of this in order to get a fuller explanation, he doesn't want to just hand a boat to someone unless he knows it's going to be used for proper intentions.
"I thought your father was coming into this harbor here in Byrjun to retrieve you? That is what I was told over the COMM the other day." Drapeau inquires, wanting to see what Vinnie's explanation will be in hopes he won't have to get suspicious over this request.
It isn't surprising that Drapeau knows this information, he is the highest ranking officer on this harbor. Considering what he knows, Vinnie has to stay persistent in more lies in order to keep Archie and him both from getting in any trouble. Aware that he is far too invested into this convincing to stop now, the son of the Marine Captain insists that there is a change of plans.
"That's what the original plan was until I got briefed earlier by my father himself, sir. According to him, they encountered some pirates and had to station at Hula for a little longer than expected. In order to quicken my recruitment, he wants me to rendezvous with him at the island." Vinnie informs Drapeau as he positions himself into a soldier's pose, managing to muster enough courage to lie straight to the authority's face with only a single drop of sweat loosening up on the side of his forehead.
Drapeau can see the seriousness in Vinnie's actions and statement, his unmoving pose persuades the officer into believing that he is telling the truth. But instead of getting Drapeau's approval... Vinnie just receives the man's open dislike for his father, all he has to say in response is a comment about how Captain Elias will do everything that is easier for him. On the other hand, Archie finds it impressive how his buddy could come up with something like that on the spot.
"Makes sense. Captain Elias Ron Vach will only do things if they are convenient for him. Even if one those things costs me a boat for about two or more days. No offense, of course Vinnie." Drapeau responds, not with an answer to Vinnie's demands but a complaint about his dad.
That is not the answer Vinnie is hoping for even if he may agree with Drapeau concerning the comments made about his father. His concerns lie with the boat and escaping with it off of the island before unexpected visitors make their way there. It would be the most inconvenient thing to happen right now if his dad docked into port. He isn't even sure he can stand up to his old man if he was to confront his son and his questionable actions. Captain Elias Ron Vach hates pirates more than everything else, his head is so far deep up the government's ass it would be impossible to pull it out. Just the knowledge that he was acquainted with a pirate would infuriate his father enough to hunt down Archie to the ends of the earth. All of this consumes Vinnie with fear as he desperately reminds Drapeau of his demand.
"Yeah, yeah... Can you set us up with a boat?"
The urgency in Vinnie's voice speaks volumes so much those hearing him could breathe it in. Because of this, Drapeau gets a little suspicious. However... it isn't enough for him to further question the boy in case he has to report to Captain Elias for not providing his son with a boat. Nodding his head, the officer tells Vinnie how long it will take for the preparations to be complete. Meanwhile, Archie approaches the two as they wrap up their talk.
"Sure thing, Vincent. It'll be ready for you in a few-" Drapeau replies before being interrupted by Archie.
"We already have everything we need. So we will just take it now, thanks." Archie insists as he signals for Drapeau to show them the way.
It's like as if Archie recalls what Vinnie said earlier about his father coming to get him this same day. Vinnie is about right on that assumption, his captain was keeping that in mind. But just as the officer gets even more suspicious over their persistence for a boat, a shockwave of sound... more specifically made by clanging steel resonates from the more vacant area of the docks. The place where Archie met the wanted swordsman known as Roda. This wave of sound grabs everyone's attention especially Archie's considering he was just down in that area not long ago having a drink.
"Did you guys hear that?" Archie asks with an overwhelming concern.
Vinnie and Drapeau blankly stare into the same direction Archie does, wondering what it is that is happening. The soon-to-be pirate captain knows exactly what that means and makes sure to deliver Vinnie a meaningful glance before heading towards the origin. Although as he starts to run, Vinnie grabs at his arm in order to stop him from doing whatever he is about to. He wants to remind his friend that he doesn't want to stall time unless his father comes.
"Archie, I don't think we should-" Vinnie attempts to remind his captain about why they're in a rush to depart before he receives another look from Archie that ends his sentence, this one full of resolve that cannot be persuaded by any means.
Seeing Archie in this hardened state intimidates him a little bit but it also assures him that whatever it is he is looking to get involved in must be worth their time before sailing. Vinnie never knew Archie to be the serious type but seeing him like this now helps him find his own determination. A determination to trustfully follow his captain to wherever he may go. Releasing his arm, Archie speeds across the docks with a serious expression etched on his face towards where the sound originated. Hearing another set of rowdy footsteps behind him, he peers around to discover Vinnie and the officer following along. Knowing Vinnie is indeed loyal to him already brings a warm smile to his pre-existing determined expression. Drapeau just wants to know what the hell is really going on.
"The Bounty Brothers must have finally got to him, huh?" Archie murmurs to himself as they traverse the docks in a hurry.
The Vacant Docks of Byrjun Harbor
Laying still on the pebble shore, the swordsman who is wanted for 32 million berries can feel a tugging on his existence as blood starts to drain from his body complimenting the fatigue he has also been suffering from. Able to smell the salt waters of the North Blue, Roda doesn't even want to try to unshackle this peace he seems to be at in this reflective moment. He can't feel the pain surging through his back nor can he hardly hear Bubbles bark in the background noise, everything just becomes a blur.
"Shouldn't I be in pain? Looks like I have suffered enough to no longer feel it and this numbness is soothing. Does this mean I'm dying? Why does it have to be to a bounty hunter? Tell me, God. If you're out there... is it my time?" Roda thinks deeply as he sinks further into his own demise.
Then there is a light ahead. One that has a white, pristine staircase leading up to it. Roda finds himself clean from injury in whatever world he is now in. Curious to know what the glimmer means, he takes a step up those stairs. In reality, this step is indicated by a coughing fit made by a semi-conscious Roda that ends with him spewing out a thick stream of viscous blood from his mouth. His dog hears this fit and starts to whine, hoping that this isn't the death of his best friend. Bubbles starts to burrow his paws into the pebbles surrounding Roda's head in an attempt to help him breathe as the footsteps of the man responsible inch closer. In whatever world Roda is now in, he cannot feel this cough. Instead, he can only hear Bubbles' whines as they echo throughout the foggy, white atmosphere that engulfs the entirety of where he stands. Glancing down at the stairs below his feet, drips of his blood are noticeable. Putting his right hand up to his mouth, Roda concludes it is from there the blood must be coming from.
"I really can't feel it. It's amazing... but what about Bubbles? Why can't he share this painless world with me?" Roda contemplates as he plays with the thick blood from his mouth that rubbed off on his hand.
A voice originates from the top of the staircase, someone appears to be standing there near a shapeless door that they lean against.
"You shouldn't be here, you know? But you are my little brother after all, why am I not totally surprised? Haha."
Roda's eyes widen to an unbelievable extent for an unbelievable sight. Looking up at the man on top of the staircase, his voice is not only very familiar but also the face that looks down on him. A lighter blue hair than his own, two long scars embedded into his face... Tears well up in Roda's dry eyes as he can barely speak in an overwhelming excitement.
"Tristan... How are you..." Roda barely mutters.
It is really him. Roda could not process what he is able to see. His older brother Tristan, who died years ago due to sickness... stands in perfect health above him. Unable to comprehend anything of this, all the swordsman wants to do is to give his bro a strong hug and never let go of it. Thinking this way, it happens to make him take another step which begins to concern Tristan. Another spurt of blood leaves Roda's mouth in reality that in turn, starts to make his skin look blue. Somehow... Tristan is able to know the stairs and Roda's deteriorating health are connected. So before Roda can even take another blind step, Tristan runs down to him and gives him the hug that he desired. After a blissful moment in which Roda's tears boil up again, his older brother releases the hug only to share with him a look of brotherly concern and care.
"What's more important Roda... is that it isn't time for you to walk these stairs yet. No, definitely not yet." Tristan says with absolute honesty.
However, Roda is still curious about what the light up there means? Is it death? Heaven? Both? His older brother can see it in his eyes that he is sick of suffering from his loss, from running and hiding, from fighting...
"What is it like up there? Will I feel any pain?" Roda questions his older brother, ignoring what he just said.
This ignorance helps Tristan realize the situation... he will have to convince his little bro that the ascension of these stairs isn't the way to go for him right now. Looking Roda in the eyes, it starts to sadden him what his brother's life has become since his departure. Seeing tears fluster in his deceased brother's eyes, he becomes confused.
"Pain never really goes away, Roda... Maybe whatever is done to your body but never what is done to your heart. I'm very sorry this happened to you." Tristan replies painfully, leaving Roda even more saddened himself.
"No, that can't be true. There is no escape..." Roda mutters hopelessly as another tear streaks down his red cheeks.
Tristan doesn't want to hear him say that and he makes that very apparent when he shakes Roda in order to get him to look into his similarly colored eyes.
"Death is not an escape. Pain is what helps us remember, it reminds you that you are alive. Healing is just a way of coping with it, not getting rid of it. I mean why get rid of it if it means you will forever remember my passing and who I was when I was alive?" Tristan addresses Roda with a serious tone, in an attempt to help him understand why pain is so important and isn't something to run away from.
Once Tristan is done explaining, it hits Roda that he may be right. Up until this moment, all he has ever done is suppressed how he felt.. but that only made the pain ever more excruciating to bear. Maybe he could move on but it won't be easy. The tears on his face go dry and a small smile spreads across his face.
"You're right. I never want to forget what it was like to lose you. I missed you so much bro." Roda states sincerely as he reaches in for another hug that Tristan gladly accepts with a smile of his own.
"I miss you a lot too, you know that. Besides... why need me when you have Bubbles waiting? That pirate captain waiting?" Tristan questions what Roda's next move will be as he attempts to look into his heart for the answers.
The fact that Tristan knows about Archie intrigues him and he figures that he will ask how he knows about such a thing as he releases another hug.
"How do you-" Roda asks with Tristan already ready to give his answer.
Holding out his fist to the left side of Roda's chest where his heart is located, Tristan assures him that it is there where he lies without even needing to say a word. Taking all of this in, Roda hears more whining from Bubbles within the fog surrounding him. A concern washes over the swordsman as he looks around for the origin. Once he loosens his attention on Tristan, his older brother begins to ascend the staircase back up to the above. Before he can, Roda grabs at his arm with a bit of uncertainty still left.
"Before you go, I just wanted to know... what will happen if the pain is too much for me to bear again?" Roda questions him for the last time.
Turning around, Tristan digs his fist into Roda's skull as he delivers some hard affection which doesn't appear to be hurt but of course, he reacts appropriately anyways.
"Then I will show up to kick your ass if you make the mistake of walking up these stairs again, you hear me? Not until the time is right." Tristan assures his little brother that he won't allow to enter such a state again.
Roda chuckles in laughter as Tristan releases his fist and ascends up the staircase again. Reaching the top, the transparency of his ethereal form starts to show. Smiling down at Roda, the swordsman provides one back as they say their goodbyes for now.
"I love you, Roda. This is goodbye." Tristan states with utmost sincerity as he fades into the light.
Before he can fully dissipate, Roda replies in earnest so that his older brother hears it before passing on.
"I love you too, Tristan. Goodbye."
A silence creeps in once Roda's older brother Tristan disappears. However, it doesn't phase Roda who finds himself a new willpower and a whole new resolve. Turning to face the fog that drops off at the end of the staircase, he walks off of it.
Back to reality, things were far from the perfection of the other world as Bubbles attempts to hold off the impending threat that makes his way closer to Roda. Even with the rotting hope that Bubbles is left with in his owner dying in front of his eyes, he is still determined to protect him until the very end. A significant sign of loyalty is shown once the bounty hunter finally reaches a few feet away from Roda. Although the dog was weak from the previous attack that was inflicted upon him, he is still able to stand in the way of the man who wishes to hurt his owner.
"You know, Roda? I really was planning on taking you back to HQ alive, but after what you did to Voova... I'm just gonna have to take out your teeth and rip out your fingernails until you finally die a dishonorable death. For it is a swordsman's shame to have his back covered in wounds that will kill him, is it not?" The handsome bounty brother says patiently over Bubbles' aggressive barking... waiting to see if Roda has any life left in him.
But instead of waiting, the dog's barking gets the best of his patience. Taking his eyes off of Roda, he pulls out his longsword from the scabbard adjusted to his waist and points it at a courageous Bubbles who won't stand down.
"I had enough of you dog!" The bounty hunter screams as he is about swing his sword.
That is until Roda's eyes open and his body starts to moveā¦
TO BE CONTINUED ...
