Phheewwww that last chapter was tough. It's going to be smooth sailing for a good while now.
Now what?
What do you mean now what? Yumi's going with the pirates and have fun.
Uh-huh so no more fighting?
What is with you and fighting? Not for a little bit so just be patient. Anywhoza I don't own One Piece. Enjoy my lovelies!
A Final Farewell
It took almost two days for Yumi to recover from the injury inflicted by the sea stone and during that time, her and Chopper have become fast friends. It was a little odd seeing a talking, blue nosed reindeer be the ships doctor, but she doesn't have much of a right to call herself normal. After all, she's a superhuman with the ability of a quasar. She's just as strange as him.
"What kind of medicinal plants do you have at your home?"
"Well, a lot you won't find down here. I have some books from Engel Fort that you're more than welcomed to read."
Chopper got all wide eyed. "Really?!"
"Of course. You're a doctor and I'm a scientist. I don't mind sharing with you."
"Oh like that's going to make me happy you stupid jerk."
"Seems like you're doing better."
Yumi looked over as Robin walked in, holding a tray. "Nico-san. I'm fine thank you. What is that?"
"Sanji-san wanted me to bring this to you. You must be hungry after not eating for a couple of days," she said, setting the tray on Yumi's lap before siting in a free chair. "I over heard you saying you had some books from Engel Fort. Do you think I can read them too?"
"Be my guest. You're a historian right?"
"Archeologist actually, but close enough. I have vaguely read about Engel Fort. There isn't much and I would like to know more."
"Yesh, by arl meens." Yumi swallowed the chunk of food down and paused from a moment. "You know about what happened right? About how Engel Fort and the Lazurite family doesn't exist anymore."
"Yes I do."
"What do you mean doesn't exist anymore?" Chopper asked.
"It's a long story. If you'll excuse me, there's someone I have to say good by to. I'll meet you at the harbor when I'm done."
She quickly finished the food and stood from the bed, slipping on her boots and fur rimmed vest before heading outside. The wind had died down for the time being and it was snowing, not that it bothers Yumi. Not that much anyway. Since she is a quasar human, her body is able to produce it's own heat source no matter what the temperature may be. It could be several degrees below 0 and it wouldn't bother her.
When Yumi reached the back indoor garden, she headed straight towards the right where a hall of marble pillars lead to a single door at the end. She pushed it aside and traveled down another hall, this one dark and musty. Along the sides were stone coffins of past honorable knights that had fallen. She walked all the way to the back where a set of stairs lay, leading to a different chamber down below. The pale light from the open clear glass roof shone through, giving the marble room a faint glow. Before her stood a statue of the first king carved from marble. To the right were the former kings and queens of the palace and to the left were the scholars and high priests. Yumi went to the left and stood before a small dark grey tombstone where Ryutsuki's name was carved in.
"Hello sensei. I'm afraid to tell you that this is the last time I'll be able to talk to you. I'm going to be leaving with a group of pirates that I have offered my services to. You would have liked them."
As stupid as it seemed, talking with Ryutsuki's grave always feel at ease, like he was listening, but unable to respond. Sometimes Juhan would join her, but Yumi spends most of her time down here alone. Through the years, Ryutsuki was more than just a teacher. Almost like a father. She could barely remember her own father or much of her home for that matter. Just one single unpleasant memory that haunts her at night.
"I wish you could be with-"
"Dammit! What the hell is with this place?!"
Yumi flinched and whipped around, seeing the green haired swordsman. "W-what are you doing down here?"
"Huh?" The swordsman looked over, meeting her gaze. He looked just as surprised to see someone down here. "Oh it's you. What're doing down here?"
"I just asked that."
"You did?"
"Yes I did. What are you doing down here?"
"I wanted to go for a walk and I ended up here. This place is like a fricking maze."
"You got lost?"
"Hell no!"
The knight groaned slightly, raising her hands in apology. "Alright alright, I'm sorry."
Zoro looked past her, seeing the wall of coffins. "What the hell is this place anyways? And what's with all the graves?"
"This?" Yumi turned back towards her sensei's grave. "It's where all the greatest of this country are buried. My sensei included."
"Sorry to hear."
"There's no need for you to apologize."
The swordsman stepped next to her, noticing she barely reached to his chin. He thought back on the match they had a few days ago. Even if it never officially ended, the outcome may not be certain. She was a tough fighter, being able to fend him off. She's probably just as strong as him if not maybe a little bit stronger. And the sword she fought with. For someone of her size, it was a strange choice. Yet she handled it with ease, like him with one of his katanas. Then there is the fact she has the title of being the strongest on this island which can partially contribute to why she is so strong, but the way she fought seemed odd.
"Where'd you learn to fight like that?"
"Hmm? Oh my sensei Ryutsuki isn't a native of this island either. He comes from an island in the New World where the have very strong swordsmen and where honor means everything. I can't tell you how many times he'd hit me when I fell asleep during his lectures. Even still, he was family and taught me how to use a blade."
"You're pretty damn good."
"Thank you. But I hate fighting. I really do."
Zoro glanced down at her noticing her expression changed. It was blank, her bright eyes staring off into space. It was strange to hear her say that. She's the strongest on this island, is the Head Commander, and has a Logia type Devil Fruit, but she hates fighting? Then it hit him. She was holding back in their match. But then what about in the courtyard of the now demolished base? That wasn't the same person he had dueled. Her expression had changed completely.
"It pretty pathetic doesn't it? I'm a knight, a swordsman with a pretty strong Devil Fruit yet I hate fighting. I don't see the point. All it does is bring pain and loss. But I...I became the strongest so I can protect the ones I care about."
"What's wrong with that?"
"One might say that a swordsman who doesn't use his sword doesn't deserve to have it."
"That's bullshit. You've got your own reasons. Don't listen to what others say."
"Says the man who can't walk without getting lost."
"Tch shut up."
"But you're right. You sound just like Ryutsuki. He told me that a sword that protects is just as strong as a sword that destroys." She looked up at him and gave him a curt nod. "I suppose we should go. Come on and stay close. No need to have you getting lost."
"I told you to shut up, brat. I don't get lost."
Yumi shook her head and walked towards the stairwell, stopping for a moment and turned back. Ryutsuki's grave looked so lonely in the pale light. It saddened her knowing she was leaving this place behind for good. It may not have been her birth country, but this is where she found some friends and made fond memories. She was going to miss this place.
"Goodbye."
I'm so happy! Almost to the double digits!
Is Yumi bipolar?
What? Oh not really I guess. I kinda based her after Jekyll and Hyde. Thought it be a cool story to have my O.C. struggle with a darker side.
Uuuhhh-hhhuuhhhh
o.0 Be nice. Thanks for the support and such :) btw Ryuken means 'dragon fist'
