Chapter 10
AN- Sorry for the long wait! I updated my other story with a SUPER long chapter. I only just got round to starting this after fighting off a bunch of sickness. (CURSE YOU SWEET AND SOUR CHICKEN! You delicious yet nauseating fast food... FAST FOOD! FALL IN TERROR TO MY LUFFY STYLE INSULTS!)
Disclaimer: Do I own One Piece... Well what do you think?
I woke up feeling like a mummy. I was wrapped in a multitude of bandages and felt like I had been the dance stage for a group of black teenage street dancers. GEEZ! My head hurts, my chest hurts, my arms hurt, my legs hurt, my ego hurts! I can deal with the pain but MY EGO! How dare that damn cat nick my phone! I could have KO-ed Kuro in a single turn if I had my demons! Instead I end up injured and annoyed all because a queer cosplayer in too short clothes decided to be a little bastard and steal my phone!
I would so kill him if I wasn't sure that Zoro did... that cat had his swords too... Zoro will probably feel my pain!
I noticed I was in a well furnished room, in a comfy bed. A window to the left overlooked a beautiful garden. It appears I am in Kaya's house. I was in one of her extensive spare rooms.
On a mahogany table to the left my phone sat untouched. UUHHHHHH! After that cat got his hands on it I am sure that I will give it a proper clean. I would feel all violated just holding the damn thing! Zoro probably washed his swords a few times in the sea just in case. I do not have that luxury. Phone + Water = BAD! I would have to hope a wet cloth would be enough.
If not I would swear to give up demon summoning and take the role as the crews useless character! HA! I am fully prepared to steal Nami and Usopp's position if I must!
I reached over to pick it up. My arm was still in a cast so all I did was shove it onto the floor. I reached down to pick it up. I was weaker than I thought and fell onto the floor. At least I would be near my precious phone... the impact shoved it a few metres away, just out of reach.
I cried anime style tears. I attempted to grab it. I crawled over and finally I reached it!
…...
My hand was bandaged and I could not pick it up... I was sure this was divine punishment from a god of some sort. Maybe my feeling the other day that the fourth wall had been breached was not so ridiculous. If this was a fanfiction, which it WASN'T, this would make perfect sense.
Then again, because I am not retarded I shall instead believe Murphy's Law: If something bad can happen, it usually will. I then advanced it to the rule of fanfiction- anything and everything, no matter how cruel or stupid or fourth wall breaking it is, can happen at any given time.
I should count myself lucky I was not naked with a girl in my room.
"Good morning Nath!" Said Nami cheerfully as she walked in. She looked at me... I looked at me... My clothes were nowhere in sight.
"..."
"..."
"God hates me doesn't he?"
"... PERVERT!"
"HOW CAN I BE THE PERVERT? YOU WALKED IN ON ME!"
"SO? This is indecent exposure! You owe me 100 million berries!"
"NO! You owe me 100 million berries! You peeped on me so you can pay!"
"YOU CAN'T DO THIS! This is what I am supposed to do!"
"As the saying goes... tough shit! I'll call it quits if you owe me a favour."
"What sort of favour?"
I debated for a moment. Most OC's would do something perverted at this time. Then again as "The Survivor" such things were above me.
"Not telling!" I decided. "You can owe me something later."
"HELL NO! I'LL PAY THE 100 BERRIES!"
"I SAID ONE MILLION BERRIES!"
"GAAAGGHHH! You noticed!"
This went on for a while. We debated favours and cash amounts and in the end we agreed on her giving me 1 million and her owing me one non perverted favour. Seemed fair.
"Oh yeah!" Said Nami finally. "You were out for a day! Kaya says she has something to show us!"
"... There's something I'd rather not show you as well... please leave."
"What? Why?"
"... Two words... still... naked."
"...YYAAAAAHHHHHH!" Nami ran out the room. Aaaahhh! Making anime girls do embarrassing things is fun!
Things did not change though. I was still lying face down, naked, on the floor and I could still not pick up my damn phone! I lied here for a good half hour based on my internal clock.
Kaya walked in. "Oh dear! I am so sorry! Nami neglected to inform you were up. Here!"
She helped lift me onto the bed. She left the room for a minute before coming back with clothes.
She was blushing.
"Relax," I told her. "I guess you were the one who patched me up so I assume you have seen me... you know... already naked." I stated calmly.
"Uuummmmmm!" Kaya was still a deep red colour. Bloody Nora! I would not let this turn into a harem story! No pairing me up this early, thank you very much! I was happy to stay single and I would continue to do so for the near future. No chance I would EVEN think of being paired up with such a minor character! I have standards you know!
"Just leave them here I can change myself."
"N-no! I-I insist! You can barely move let alone change!"
I sighed. "If you insist." She changed me quickly and efficiently. She would make a great doctor some day. I was dressed in a simple white shirt and some trousers. My jeans were shredded unfortunately. It was inevitable that I would have to change my clothes eventually.
"I assume my hoodie is torn as well." I stated simply.
"Actually, no. Nick told me how much that odd garment meant to you. I managed to get Merry to sew it up." I would have to thank Nick for telling her. It would be crap if I lost my hoodie. She left the room and returned again with my signature piece of clothing. The blood stains were removed and Merry had been careful when sewing it up. The stitching was distributed between white and blue to ensure the hoodie was unchanged.
"Nice job. I will say thanks later." Always best to remain polite. I managed to slip it on.
"So Doc, what's the diagnosis?"
"You had many serious injuries. Your arm muscles were torn in some locations and you suffered severe blood loss. Its a miracle you are even up right now."
"I suppose."
"You seem to heal faster than most. Not as fast as Luffy though."
So I have minimal healing eh? Suppose its like my MP. HP also seems to regenerate gradually. Should be useful in speeding up my recovery.
"Speaking of which, what has happened while I was out?"
Kaya sat in the seat next to me. "I was told what happened on the other side by Nami." She then explained how Jango had attacked using hypnotised super pirates.
"When they saw your fire balls they finished up quickly and rushed here. They were a bit late but were told what was happening by Nick. They all went to the town. Zoro was sent back to guard Kaya. Nick then finished the fight to gain back your strange equipment before Nami returned it to you."
"So that is what happened."
"Yes. I must humbly thank you." Kaya bowed slightly. "Thank you for defeating Kuro and protecting Syrup Village! The village owes you a great favour."
"Get up." I told her. "You bowing does not match your stereotype, besides, I was only completing the quest."
Kaya straightened up and giggled. "You speak a bit funny."
"That I do... that I do. Say, would you pass me my phone?"
"Sure." Kaya passed it to me.
"I will also need a cloth... god knows I need it!"
"Okay then... oh yes! The hostage from the other day wishes to speak to you."
Great just great! I have to talk to the woman I shot. Good thing I have the bandages on. I can play on the sympathy card.
XXXXXXXXXX
I was allowed up later using crutches. Kaya carried out her promise and I cleaned my phone for a few hours. While I did it I put some anime OST's on. It was a nice morning.
I also learnt that Kuro was currently locked up, kept unconscious in one of the houses which had been converted into a makeshift prison cell. Many of Kuro's crew had managed to escape on the ship. Kaya said it was up to me what I did concerning Kuro. I was the one who officially took him out.
I told Kaya. "You can turn him in and use the bounty for the village. Just make sure you tell the Marines that Nath the "Survivor" was the one to take him down... I want a damn fine reputation."
Early afternoon, after a small lunch prepared by Merry, meant I could go outside. According to the medical books available in this world, I should be fine to sail and to fight soon. By the time we get to Sanji's arc I should be in top condition again.
I asked around and found out the women lived in a small house at the edge of the village. I steeled myself to visiting her.
Her house was nice and simple, like so many houses in the village. When I knocked a small girl answered the door. She was about six and had a moe level of around 7.9 out of 10. she was amazingly adorable... I didn't like the feeling. She reminded me of that little girl on the farm where that not so mad farmer lived.
"Are you the one who saved mommy?" She asked innocently while peeping round the door to look at me.
"Wouldn't really call it saving... but yeah, I guess I am."
"Come in! Come in! Mommy will want to speak to you and thank you and hug you and marry you and cook fo-"
"What did you just say?"
"Nothing, nothing!"
She led me to a nice living room where a women sat on a comfy reclining seat. She was pretty, in the way that anime mum's are. Never really liked saw the appeal.
She had long tied back brown hair, calm brown eyes, nice chest, modest clothes choice and wore a smirk on her face as I entered the room. I noticed the bandaged wrapped round her.
"Elis~ would you leave Mommy and her friend alone for now?" She asked with a calm and soft voice.
"Sure!" She said happily before running off. "Close the door." She told me. I complied.
She motioned to the sofa opposite her. I sat down awkwardly.
I was preparing to do the expected sorry speech when she cut to the chase in an extremely direct way. Like that in a women or character. Very refreshing.
"I'm not going to ask you to apologise, nor will I ask for your reasoning as to why you did this." She motioned to her injury. Liking her bluntness I nodded for her to continue.
"Our village is used to peace and calm. You and those pirates brought unneeded change, even if it was only for a small amount of time. I could blame you for this. That pirate clearly went so far because of his dislike for you." she bluntly stated.
"Understandable." I responded, a slight smile on my face. How I miss someone who was strong enough to argue with me. It was sometimes inconvenient being a recluse.
"Then again... you did save me and the village. You prevented my daughter Elsi from seeing what no child should ever see."
"What should I call you?"
"Miyako. Either way I can and will not judge you for your choice of actions. It was unexpected and it was effective. No, what bothers me was the attitude behind that gunshot."
"Elaborate further."
"You showed no remorse or regret at shooting an innocent woman. You did not even flinch when pulling the trigger."
"Is that a bad thing? It got the job done. A moment of indecisiveness and it would have been to late. Better to have a gun wound to the stomach than a claw to the neck."
"I agree. It was the right move. What was wrong is how you are able to stand shooting someone in that way without regret. If you continue down this path you will become that which you fought against today. A cold and merciless killer. You have good deep down. That as why you kept on fighting against Kuro despite you're injuries."
I smirked. She was being open with me, only fair I was open with her.
"Wrong there. While I was fighting to limit the damage inflicted to the village and its inhabitants, I had a different motive. My pride was on the line. I am not the perfect hero. I am not a dark misguided hero with deadly tactics but a wish to protect... no. If anything my role would be an anti-hero! I fight for what I want, when I want, regardless of consequences! I have never understood people... never have, never will. I can not be a villain and while I will ultimately try to do what I think is the right thing to do, I am still a selfish person... I am a pirate after all." I finished.
We both had a smirk. We had a lot in common, I felt. Normally she would be one of the random background characters, "Obscure Character A" at best, yet she seemed to have more character than that. It would be interesting to have someone as blunt as her back home... life would definitely be more bearable if I had someone to stand by me as the sheep flock to their boring everyday lives.
I did not romantically like her... god no! Don't even know her! At best I could call her an equal... someone I could talk openly to.
"Hmmmm! So that's what you think eh?" She sighed. "Why is it always the good catches who have no proper morales!"
"You coming onto me?" I asked jokingly, a rare occurrence. I usually only ever give off sarcastic comments.
She leaned forwards, revealing her ample chest seductively.
"Maybe..." She said calmly.
"Can't fault you for trying."I concluded.
"You could stay you know." She said finally. "Elsi's dad left us after she was born. She could do with a father and while you may not be the best candidate you are the best choice around."
My mouth hung open. A noble comment off her, then again, I am hardly ready to give up my adventures this early on. She was... acceptable. If I had to end up with someone, I could do worse.
I had my obligations to think about. I had my responsibility to the crew, my title and to who ever sent me that damn text I the first place. As such I stood up an made my way to the door. I gave the only answer I could give.
"No, three reasons. One- hello! Only 15! A little young for you eh? Second- I am not perfect Dam material... and three- the most important reason!" I paused for dramatic effect as I stood at the door. "I'm socially awkward!" I turned to leave.
"Wait!... kick some ass for me eh? Why, if I was a few years younger and had no kids... try not to screw up Nath! Come and find me when you're done exploring the Grand Line!"
I gave a mock salute. "Sure... Miyako... I might just do that! See ya!" I strolled out as fast and as epically as my crutches would allow.
XXXXXXXXXX
I ended up meeting Nick in the village. He was on his way to the restaurant. I decided to thank him about the hoodie.
"Hey... thanks for getting my hoodie fixed." And that was all. No more required.
"Right man! Anything for the captain!"
I sighed. "Not the captain, that idiot Straw Hat is!" I told him.
He shook his head then laughed. He started fiddling with one of his pistols.
"To me you will always be the numero uno, boss man! Luffy dudes cool an' all, but I'd follow you any time... if you told me we were splitting with em, I'd be sad but would follow you anyway!" He told me cheerfully. I sighed at his unwavering and undeserved loyalty. What an idiot! A total moron of a blacksmith... then again, he is my annoying moron of a blacksmith. Nice to know he thought so highly of me. To be expected of the leader of the party and all.
"Thanks... the others are waiting." I reminded. The two of us stumbled off for another hectic meal.
At the end of the meal Kaya came and found us.
"Here you are!" She said softly as she walked to our table. She was dressed in casual business attire.
"Is it okay for you to be out and about?" Questioned Nami.
"In the past year, my illness was due to my highly depressed state over my parents death. Usopp took so much effort to cheer me up..." She smiled. "I can't just remain that way any more!"
Everyone smiled. Kaya continued. "I've caused you a lot of trouble. Thank you very much! I have prepared a little present for everyone! I hope that you would accept it open heartedly!"
I smirked. Either we were getting a ship or she had changed her mind and decided to give everyone a small goody bag before sending us on our way.
She led us to the beach, refusing to say anything no matter how much Nick pouted. The waiting paid off and we saw the magnificent ship which was the Going Merry in front of us.
"A caravel!" Called out Nami in joy.
I just said "Yay! A ship!"
"Is this really for us?" asked Luffy excitedly.
"Yes, please except it!" said Kaya happily.
Merry described it but I wasn't listening. I was staring at my new home for the next two years plus. It was not the largest sip but it was streamlined and had all the class a ship built for Kaya could have. The majority of the ship was made from brown wood while the railings and other sections were painted white. With two masts and the sails already billowing it looked very majestic. While I admit that the figure head could be a little more intimidating than a sheep, I felt it was fitting for a crew like ours.
Kaya was also very nice and had stocked the ship with everything it would need. Shame Kaya could not have possibly known how quick Luffy would end up going through the food supplies. I can't wait for Sanji to appear so he can cook for us. While I don't really have a varied diet, I could at least try his "amazing" food before requesting specifics.
|The sound of "YYYAAAAAYAAAAAYYYYYAAAA!" Alerted us to the fact that Usopp was rolling down the hill due to his oversized backpack. I face palmed at his antics.
"Here comes Usopp." I said gravely.
He shot down like a bullet, aimed straight at the ship. Luffy and Zoro casually used one foot each to stop him. The kick to the face stopped Usopp in his tracks.
"Th-th-thanks!" he said while in deep pain.
I prepared for Kaya's and Usopp's heart to heart. I sighed, rolled my eyes and put my headphones on. The upbeat music of One Piece would solve this. It would also give this a very "Piratey" feel to the true beginning of our adventure. I was tempted to play the 4Kids rap opening just to see how they react.
We all climbed onto the ship. I had Nick give me a subtle hand up.
Usopp yelled out that he would see us later. Time for us to officially recruit the coward.
"What're you talking about? Hurry up and get on!" Yelled Zoro with impatience.
"We;re already comrades." Stated Luffy bluntly.
"YEAH!" I added. "You may be the weakest thing since watered down booze but by god! You're our weaker than watered down booze weakling!" Yep. That should be reasonably motivating.
"I-I'm the captain!" yelled Usopp as he jumped up in the air in victory.
"Hate to break it to you!" I called out. "Dopey over there got the position first!" I pointed to said dopey.
"Hey man! I'm not the captain!" Protested Nick.
"Quiet Nick! You're not the dopey! You're the thicko!"
"YAY!"
"Is that any better?!" Interrupted Nami.
We all began crying an laughing, happy to be starting this adventure.
We pulled Usopp on board and unfolded the sails like Nami commanded. I myself, used to the study of appearing to be busy when you are actually not, managed to avoid the major work.
As we sailed we had a general air of happiness still. Despite my injuries I tried to keep busy, the mood was infectious.
Zoro opened up the barrels of ale and Luffy demanded a toast.
"TO OUR NEW SHIP AND NEW FRIEND!"
"CHEERS!" The six of us clashed our mugs together, even me. When the crew does something like that you have to take part in it. We all laughed (I grinned) and continued to celebrate.
Only while they thought of how much of an adventure they were going to try and find, I thought of all the crap we were going to get stuck in. Alabasta, Skypiea, CP9 and the Whitebeard War. While I grinned, I really thought deep down I was going ot make things easier for everyone. It went against everything I believed in, ignoring reality and throwing yourself into fiction, but I was actually starting to like them. With my knowledge I will do the opposite of what all the fanfics suggest you must do.
As the sun beat down on me and my nakama, I made a vow, a vow that I would change the future and create a better world for my crew to live in. That was my duty... as the First Mate of the Straw Hat Pirates!
AN- Hello all! Sorry for the long wait! I updated my other story as I said earlier and it really took a long time. I have now finished the Kuro arc. Next up is Sanji's. I will need to re-watch all the episodes so as to accurately write the scenes. This will take a long time so don't cross your fingers for a fast update. I am also getting into my other fanfic I am writing, so I will do another chapter of that one first before starting to write this one. (Loads of reviews will make me change my mind however)
Looking for a beta reader.
Thanks to all my regular reviewers can be inserted here. (You know who you are, your reviews continue to motivate me so please keep it up!)
Anyway, I am tired and have school tomorrow so it is time for me to sign out I think. Undying Soul out!