AN: Hello my dearest readers! Haha, I can't really believe I've made it this far! (Though I don't think the story is materializing enough for the main plot… hahaha, ugh… I need heavenly guidance…) But anyways, I'll keep at it! I am no quitter, 'coz that's just… ya'know… lame…
BTW, THANKS FOR THE FAVS, FOLLOWS AND REVIEWS! It really uplifts my heart that someone out there actually appreciates what my extremely long daydreams had made… (though most of 'em aren't written yet…)
Anyways, I now present to you, Chappie 10… which is a piece of my deranged imagination! ;)
Any opinions? I'll try to reply on the next chap..
CHAPTER 10
"Chip! Pull it, now!" I shouted as I continued to glare at the Phoenix on our tails.
"Girlie! Why don't you just stop and let's get this over with, yoi!" The pirate shouted as he flew by the roofs, which my superior immediately made an intensified glare at. I sighed. Well, I'd understand if it was just because he hated the pirate for who he was but, I think it was because of my freakin' act. I sighed again. I really doubt he could keep his cool until we get the hell outta here. I'll just hafta explain later…
Then I realized that we were travelling by the alleys in between large buildings, which I believed (and I hoped) were freakin' shortcuts. I didn't have the time to ask the doctor if he was sure of our path because suddenly, there was a sound of metal clashing with another metal. It was the vehicle changing its form. I anticipated… and waited… Weapons should come out, now that the lever was pulled. Now, you may be wondering how I knew of these things. Well, the answer is: this vehicle's creator is none other than…
The Witch.
"Okiku, what're these?" A little girl asked as she held on large papers which seemed to be blueprints of something complicated. Since she was not yet intellectually advanced about them, she inquired, her innocent eyes speculating the grown-up lady, busy arranging her cards.
"Hmm? Ahh. Those are designs for powerful machines that are supposed to help fight the bad guys. But now that more and stronger designs are now created, they were left out. I plan on making them."
"Eehh? Then why's that? Why don't you just get the new designs? They're better, right, Okiku?" The child questioned once more, now looking up to her companion, who just stood up by her side. The little girl's height just passed by the lady's thigh as the said lady rested her hand on the child's head gently.
"Well, these designs are kind of special to me, you know. I made it together with someone… important…" The lady stated solemnly, speculating the papers on hand.
"Someone important? Who was it, Okiku?"
The lady paused then tugged the little girl's hair roughly, "Someone you haven't met yet. And I thought I said that you should at least call me 'Okiku-nee' didn't I, Lucy-chan?"
I shook my head, clearing my mind of memories. Though I'm sure I'll be digging into them later, now that I knew that something was going on with Okiku staying in this Island. But for the time being, I shouldn't let anything distract me. Ironically, I was suddenly distracted by a large gun-looking thing which popped out at the end of the vehicle, complete with the scopes on. I grimaced when its handle to rotate it (as it was attached at the vehicle), as well as its scopes and stand were designed with skulls. Gothic maniac spotted. Figures.
"What is this, chore girl?" Smoker asked, also grimacing at the odd design despite the cool appearance of the vehicle minutes ago.
"Later. For now, I'd like to use it to hit the FREAKIN' PIRATE for once." I answered quietly, yet in a furious tone. The marine then gave me a look, in which the tiniest sign of sympathy can be traced. But since we're talking about Smoker here, I bet it meant: I know that you must do this as a revenge for the entire trauma you just experienced… Okay, I'll let you do what you want…
At least, Smoker's… uhm… naiveness… had some uses. But nonetheless, the marine stayed behind me.
"Doc! Keep going no matter what, okay?" I shouted, then positioned myself by the scope, aiming it at the flying pirate following us. The moment Marco saw the weapon aimed at him, he just smirked. I bet it meant: You know that'll not gonna work against me, Girlie…
Ooooh, I know that right.
Knowing his ability, I immediately shifted my aim to the nearby buildings beside us. I may not hit him with bullets but at least I can block him out of our way by destroying and clouding his path. Taking advantage of the narrow alleys, plus the various turns the doctor was making, there's a high possibility that we'd lose the pirate.
"Wha-"
"Sorry, pirate… but I got an appointment to make…"
Then I went on a rampage. I fired at the nearby establishments, aiming for the ones close to the pirate with the highest possibility to block his path. But the Phoenix was persistent. He easily evaded the crumbling debris, keeping up with our speed- no. We even slowed down as we hardly evaded the pirate's counterattacks. He was using the falling debris as artillery. Tsk.
It's useless.
"Chore girl, it's futile." The captain plainly said as he shoved me further in. He glared at the pirate and was about to attack but I held him.
"No! Hold it! You can't!" I exclaimed through the gushing wind, "Look over there." I briefly pointed at the seas to show him the situation. We could barely see it from where we were but we could still catch a glimpse of the wave making its way over Water Seven. It had already started. The Aqua Laguna. "We can't have you fight over here now. Especially for a devil fruit user, it's fatal."
"So are you saying that for non-devil fruit users, it's not?" He glared, this time, at me. And for a second there, he made me remember that he is my superior. But I guess my persistence won over.
"No. But what I am saying is if we want everyone here to live, then everyone must keep moving forward. And the fastest way to get everyone moving is… through… this… vehicle?" My stern voice faded as the vehicle we were riding slowed down, and finally came to a halt. As if in a farce, all three looked at the old doctor who answered timidly…
"Uhh… Out of gas?"
I'm gonna cry now…
"H-he's coming!" Chip exclaimed, and true, I saw him flying towards us.
"Chore girl, go ahead. I'll hold him." Smoker said getting out of the vehicle, positioning himself in a fighting stance.
"But I-" I tried to reason but he cut me.
"This is an order Chore girl Lucy…" He said sternly, "I'll meet you there, now go!"
Hearing this tone of the captain only meant that it was FINAL. I remembered once, I really wanted to ride his motor bike, but he said no. But I was stubborn 'coz I really think that it was so cool. So one night, I was gonna at least test ride it, but it won't work. Thinking that something's broken, I dismantled the damn thing… only to be caught red-handed. I later knew that the freakin' vehicle only runs through his devil fruit ability.
And that's when I had the longest duty in my life… and learned of the captain's nature.
Not wanting to argue nor waste any more time (and be glared at further) I, together with Chip and the doctor, went out of the vehicle and started to run (there's really no other idea on my mind at the moment). And as expected, the old man could hardly keep up with us youngsters…
"Tsk. We won't make it like this! Isn't there some form of transportation?" I asked to no one in particular, as I knelt down and gestured to the doctor that I'd carry him over. When he jumped into my back, he wasn't heavy at all, but still, it wasn't helping me run faster.
"I just remembered, nee-chan! I think it's over here!" Chip exclaimed to me as he turned to one alley which I think where I left him earlier. Oh right! Chip then took a peek then happily exclaimed at me, "The Yagara bull we used earlier! It's still right here!"
My face then lit up and then I scurried over there to actually find the mode of transportation. It'll be a big help. I quickly put the old man down and gestured the two to ride the thing. How about the captain? Tsk. I thought as I began to untie the boat's ropes. It was then that I saw a creature, which was also tied (or stuck?) just a few feet ahead. Then I realized… That was the "run-away" bull I just "half-paid" for earlier!
I walked into it to see how it was doing, and as suspected, its rope got stuck on something. It then looked at me with a pleading expression. I bet it meant: I-I'm so sorry for earlier! Please, just save me! I promise I'll take you anywhere!
Honestly, it's kinda fun reading expressions/emotions… human or not…
"I'll let you go, but you must follow me from here on out. Okay?" I told the animal as if it could understand me, "Don't worry, I'll make sure we'll be all right…" I emphasized each tone, at first threatening yet making it reassuring at the latter part… The animal then positioned its saddle near me, as if it was gesturing me to ride it…
Maybe I could work this one out…
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"Tch. Where the hell is that pineapple head?" Thatch asked exasperatedly to no one in particular as he sat by the railings of their ship, the Moby Dick. The said ship was situated in an inhabited area just blocks away from where his captain was confined at. Even though the ship was huge, it wasn't obvious to passers-by as it was hovered by a pretty large cave, not to say with the thick vegetation on top and around the area. "And I really hope the captain's on the way now. I can already see the wave coming this way." He added, too busy contemplating about his nakama and the upcoming disaster, that he didn't notice a companion lean by the railings beside him.
"They're really taking their time leisurely, don'cha think? Zehahaha." A dark, plump man stated in a low tone beside Thatch, "The wave might catch us up soon."
Not really surprised by the new presence, Thatch only made a glimpse at the other and sighed in agreement, "Yeah, I know. But it's Pops we're talking about here, I'm sure he's on his way." He added as he jumped down and turned away from the other, "I'll just gonna position the ship by the outer skirts with the others to ready us for the impact. You keep an eye out for the captain and the others. We don't really wanna get stuck in the cave later, don't you think, Teach?"
The other then just nodded but he stopped on his tracks as he noticed something different from the commander, "Hm? What's that?" Teach questioned pointing at the blue bag strapped on the body of the other. The 4th division commander, remembering such an article, immediately removed it from his body, already irritated by the hindrance.
"Uh, this? It's someone else's. A marine's actually, I believe. Could you hold it for a sec, or at least get it in the cabin? I'll just fetch it later. I don't really know what's in it, but I bet it's something important..." The commander said as he handed the item to the black-haired pirate. Well, maybe not important, it's just that it came from the weird, cute girl and all, and maybe it's important for her… Sigh, why was I intrigued by that fortune teller-ish woman again?
"…Something important, eh?" Teach then stated curiously, more to himself than his companion. The commander then was supposed to walk away until he noticed someone going in their direction. Their captain finally came, together with Izou, Haruta and the dog, Stefan. There were also other pirates following, but Marco was nowhere to be seen. Tch. Curious as to what had happened, knowing about the marines and seeing the absence of Marco, Thatch then immediately went to the others, leaving Teach alone in the deck. The plump pirate stared at the blue bag which affected the pirate's interest strangely. Without anything else to do at the moment, he started to look upon the contents at will. He shoved each item aside as to check its every nook and suddenly stopped. His eyes widened as his hands twitched a little, gaping at whatever item he unexpectedly held. He was surprised when he saw something… interesting… But maybe, "something interesting" was an understatement...
"Something important, eh? Zehahahaha… Really important indeed…" He quietly said in a menacing tone as he held a single piece of paper which piqued his interest, his eyes never leaving the words he read over and over again…
The whereabouts of Yami-Yami no Mi…
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"Alright, you two. We've got no time to spare. Listen to what I have to say." Lucy seriously said as she put up an expression which transcends the line between courage and anxiety. "I've got a plan…" The two then returned the serious stares to the marine chore girl, anticipating each commanding word. "And it's…"
"Plan D!" Lucy exclaimed happily and made a weird pose, her Yagara bull startled by the sudden outburst.
The two then smacked the chore girl, hard.
"Quit beating around the bush, nee-chan!" Chip exclaimed, immediately followed by their old companion, "You just said that there's no time to spare! And what's with that expression, you stupid girl!"
"Oww! Sorry! Geez…" She whined, caressing her aching head, but nonetheless returned to her usual self the next moment, "Uhh… Okay. Now that we luckily have some ride, not to say two at this moment, we should help Captain Smoker to make it by the top."
"How do we do that?" Chip simply questioned, a little anxious of the girl's idea…
"Well, actually, D in Plan D stands for…" The girl replied sternly and paused, then continued, "…decoy. You do everything to fetch the captain then we'll split. I'll find a way to lose the-"
"But nee-" Chip started to protest, but this time, Lucy didn't allow it.
"Do you want to save the captain, or not!" The chore girl exclaimed, louder than intended, in the same manner that Smoker had ordered her earlier. There better be no buts… It's final… and ugh…
Did I just act as if I had PMS?
Then there was a moment of silence, until the doctor decided to speak again… "I ain't gonna say anything about your… plan. I don't even understand why we ran away from the other dudes…" The doctor explained while the chore squad only gave him questioning looks. "Ahem... Well, anyways, what I'm saying is you do what you have to do…" Then surprisingly, it was Chip who finished the sentence, his determination reaching the others… "…and so will we. We'll get Captain Smoker, nee-chan!"
Lucy nodded, a small smile on her lips…
~AFTER A FEW MINUTES OR SO~
After a little bit of explanation about positioning and routes, I separated ways from Chip and the doctor. I tied my Yagara Bull, the one without the boat, to some nearby alley, hidden from the enemy's eyes and looked at some other side where the other Yagara Bull with the boat, which the doctor and the kid were riding, was placed. I glanced at them to make sure they are ready, waiting for my signal.
All of us are now situated in some labyrinth in the city, each side and alley connected by some waterway, perfect for losing some pursuers. Not too far from me, I saw the fierce fight unveil as it destroyed each building which the pirate and the marine officer came across. And as much to my dismay, the battle wasn't going on our favour, not that I expected otherwise. Well, I'm not saying Smoker was weak, he's my superior after all. But truth to be told, I find the pirate commander much more… How do I say this… overwhelming? Not to say that I've come across many files about the said pirate, and when compared to the marine officer, I can only conclude that the Phoenix is much more experienced in battles… large battles…
I peeked from my hiding place to see that Smoker was already kneeling down, jutte on hand, panting heavily, cuts and bruises all over his body. But the same can be said to the pirate, who was resting by the railings at some floor of an establishment, though the damage Marco had taken was much… less, I mean almost none. Lucky guy and his devil fruit ability…
The two stopped for a moment, perhaps to catch their breaths. No one talked, they were just glaring each other down. But as much as I'd like to let them be, magically communicating with their eyes, I'm in a hurry. So I made my move. Taking advantage of the fact that the Phoenix was a little far away, I ran as fast as I could towards Smoker who only gaped at me. And when I was close enough…
"Chore girl ! What the-"
I kicked him away… and to the water he fell… Oops?
"Now!" I shouted, and just right on the mark, the Yagara Bull burst out from its hiding place, fetching our worn out and now wet captain, and immediately moved away, while I ran back to my own Yagara Bull.
My heart cheered for the feat we just showed but it wasn't the time to celebrate. With just a few minutes on our clock before the wave and the pirate already on my back, my hands were still full… Wait… The pirate's already on my back? I peeked on my back while running and truly, there he was, magnificently showing his beautiful blue flames to the world while going at full speed… towards me.
I immediately made a turn and thanked the odds that the Yagara Bull was still there, keeping its presumed promise to me. I untied its ropes and rode it in one swift move and went on my way, away from the pirate and Chip's group. I chose to go on narrow alleys but I still try to find my path to the center of the city while losing the pirate.
"Hey! Wait up, yoi!" I heard the pirate again, but it became muffled as I took a turn once again. And what can I say? The Yagara Bull's agility is really excellent that I can't believe it only lives to boringly carry people around for half the price. It should at least be used in races, or even in patrols or chasing criminals whatsoever.
After several moments of taking turns, encircling buildings, hiding under bridges and all other stuff at random, I finally lost him… while I was lost. I didn't notice that during the twist and turns, I came to that part of the city where almost all buildings were freakinly tall and the alleys were freakinly narrow that I couldn't tell anymore which way was which. Even the gushes of wind incredibly lessened as it couldn't travel freely through the thick walls of the establishments. Starting to panic, I tried a few times more, at least to find a place where I could pinpoint which way to go…
…but I believe that I just went deeper into the "cemented forest"…
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"Tch. She's too persistent for her own good, keepin' on slippin' every time… Tsk." I cursed for countless times already because after just a few moments of following Girlie, I lost her… again. But still, I had a good idea of where she was.
Really, I find the female marine interesting, not to say all of her acts until now were really outrageous… and irrational. Also, there were several instances hinting that she had some skill, but still remained, just as her superior called her… a chore girl. But the only thing that had me chasing the marine now is none other than her motives. I just can't believe that she roamed around us as if it was normal. And sneaky as it was, it will not be unusual if she had some underhanded objectives, especially on Pop's condition. Tsk.
And I got to hand it to her, she really got me…
My thoughts were suddenly cut off when I saw her, pausing in the middle of crossed ways. Heh, looks like she's lost herself, huh? Noticing that she hadn't sensed my presence, I opted not to make myself known yet and only watched her from some roof of some building, changing back to my human form. The marine was taking her time into deciding which way to go, her face aggravated and nervous, panic apparent on her expressions.
Sigh.
The wave was getting larger as its distance from us was greatly decreasing every second. I turned to the girl who was still cracking her brain for her next move. Looking at her, I was torn between letting her be and let the wave catch up to her, or helping her out of the situation and taking care of our business later… She hasn't really done anything yet like a crime or something, right? Like I could say anything about that, I'm a freakin' pirate, yoi!
Sigh.
I guess I could help her out at the moment.
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Where was I? I mentally asked myself, together with a mental facepalm, for who knows how many fucking times already. "Ugh… Just a moment earlier, I went to the left first, then if it doesn't succeed, I'll try the others. But now that I'm back to square one, which way was left again?"
I turned for another 360 degrees again and forced myself to remember which was which, but to no avail. Maybe I should start marking the alleys., or climbing the buildings but what if the Phoenix's out there? And I just hope the wave's still afar. *Sob* I'm gonna die. *Sob* I'm gonna die this time… *Sob* Alone… *Sob* with no friends… *Sob* without a cool ride… *Sob* without pizza…
"Hey Girlie! You lost, yoi?"
Wha-? I turned my head to the source of the question which was up in some establishment, while I fought back my inexistent tears. As soon as I saw him, I let my instinct kick in and was gonna run away again as usual until he decided to speak again, staying on where he was anyways.
"You've gone there before, Girlie. Three times already, actually…" I heard him say this nonchalantly.
I paused… Well, yeah, there were certain WALLS I've seen a lot of times already… So, he was watching? I stopped whatever actions I was doing, faced the pirate and felt relief when he was still very far from me. He was in his human form, sitting by the roof, a nonchalant expression on his face…
"I ain't gonna go near you for a while… Sigh… Running and hiding every single time… You act like some teenage girl always hiding somewhere just because she can't handle seeing her crush on the first day of school, yoi…" He said tiringly. And I just have to blush on the comment. How on earth did he come up with the ridiculous comparison? I glared at him before I answered, "Well, what choice do I have? It was obvious that I'd die if I stayed with you a little longer, pirate! And could you stop the ridiculous analogy?"
"So are you saying that if I let you be in here, you'll survive?" He asked me, standing up from his seat, "Okay, I'll do just that. But just a note for you, I think the wave's a little closer than you think, yoi… Not that you can see it anyway." He added, a knowing smirk plastered on his face.
He's taunting me… He's scaring the shit out of me… And it's freakin' working!
"W-what are you getting at?" I asked nervously, fear piercing my guts open.
I saw him look at me first, his expression nonchalant once again, then spoke, "I'll help you out…" I only blinked on his statement, until he continued, "…on one condition."
Figures…
I didn't bother to reply, urging him to continue. "I'll lead you out of this maze and take you to a safe place, but after the disaster, the first person that you'll have to talk to is me."
"Eh? What if you-"
"We're just going to talk, yoi." He pressed then asked before I could protest further, "Deal?"
I sighed nervously… "Got it… It's a deal…"
Ugh… You've got to be kidding me…
(END OF CHAPPIE 10)
AN: Pardon me but I'll take this opportunity to take all strong emotions out of me now… Okay?
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WASD#^$& &#%SCHOOL*STARTS*AGAIN!#$^#&%&*UFIWU!
Whew, well… thanks for listening! ;) And BTW, thanks for those who reviewed last time, I greatly appreciated it guys! THANKS! ;)