Chapter 14: Midnight Illusions.
Dislaimer: Don't own anything here except the Oc's
[Open Sea, Going Merry, General POV]
''I see'' Sanji began with his cigarette in him mouth. ''I've done something worth praising, but i still have yet to show my true abilities. It's all right now, your sleeping knight has awakened and i will make it my duty to ensure your safety'' He assured the sailing Princess.
''Damn...!'' Usopp sighed. ''I'm glad i was asleep!'' The liar shouted when Daxter told him what happened in Whiskey Peak.
''Nami-San, are you jealous?'' Sanji grinned at her.
''Not in the least. I already have my own bodyguard'' Nami said nonchalantly and stood beside Ezekiel who was sitting crosslegged with the others, furiously glaring at the scroll with the weird scribbles. ''Uhm... what are you doing Ezek-Kun?''
Snapping out of his stare off with the paper he looked at Nami with his Sharingas seemingly active. ''I'm trying to recreate the Illusion i just made few minutes ago at the weird lady'' That seemed to get the crews attention on him. ''But for the life of it! It doesn't work!'' And pouted at her, making her giggle at his antics.
''I'm sure you'll get it done'' She reassured him, which made him give his own grin. ''But whats with the paper there?''
He looked down on it and gave another pout. ''Its supposed to tell me if theres any Chakra leaking from my eyes. So far its a bust''
Sanji walked up to him and looked at the weird scribbles on the scroll. ''Looks like some rolled paper and ink to me''
Ezekiel scowled at him. ''That stuff there could one day save your lives, so a little respect here or do you want to be my guinea pig?''
It was either he underestimates him or wants to act tough around the girls. ''Sure, how bad can it be?'' Shrugging Ezekiel stood up and stared into his eye with the Sharingan. The deck was silent when they observed the staring duo, one was indifferent while the other was straining to consertrate on something.
''Magen: Narakumi no Jutsu (Demonic Illusion: Death Mirage Jutsu)'' Was the whisper that came from the magicians mouth.
Suddenly there was leafs circling around them, but was only seen by Sanji who looked around in confusion. ''What the h...'' He was about to continue when his heart pounded in fear. His whole nakamas were sprawled around the deck, bloodied and beaten. The cook was hyperventilating when a loud 'Smack!' was heard and the world turned normal, with him lying on the deck. Looking around he saw the worried expression of his healthy nakamas and Ezekiel with his arm outstreched.
''Any second and you would've lost it, Ero-Cook'' Was the blunt reply.
Apparently Sanji didn't take that lightly. ''You! What the hell was that!'' And grabbed Ezekiel by the collar.
''Oi! Get your hands off me! You asked for it didn't you'' Ezekiel was breathing slightly hard and his eyeslids were twitching.
''What did you do, Vane-San?'' Vivi asked him, but was answered by Sanji.
''I'll tell you what he did. The second he said something about demons, illusion and deaths i started to see leaves surrounding us and the next thing i knew you guys were all dead!'' The deck was silent and the focus was back on Ezekiel who supported himself from the railing.
''It was an Illusion, a fucking Genjutsu and a damn weak one! It wasn't even real yet you fell on it!'' After composing himself and de-activating the Sharingans he continued. ''The purpose of is to reveal the fear that dwells in your heart and that was what you just saw'' Rubbing his eyes he sat on the rail and looked at Vivi. ''You have something on your heart, care to share that with us?''
She looked towards the deck in sadness. ''I wonder, is it really alright for me to be aboard your ship? I don't want to be a burden'' Vivi solemnly said to the crew.
''What are you talking about? Thanks to you and him...'' She pointed at Ezekiel rubbing his eyes. ''We're all marked for death. If you didn't want to be a burden, you two shouldn't stick your noses on other peoples businesses'' And began poking Vivis forehead.
''I'm sorry'' Came the weak reply.
Turning to Luffy she adressed him. ''Right, Luffy?'' But went to deaf ears as the captain and the first mate shouted that they want food.
''I don't think he cares...'' Vivi said with a sweatdrop.
''In any case, we know our next stop. Little Garden, eh?'' Sanji announced.
''Should we really go there?''
''Don't be such a wuss... Little Garden, sounds like a place for little girls with tea party'' Scoffed Daxter as he was fixing something on the deck.
''Who cares? Let's go, crew!'' The captain shouted in the air.
[Few Hours Later, Ezekiel's POV]
I just finished my small spar with Zoro, but this time without the help of the clones. The guys improved and i learned some cool tricks with the tanto i bought from Logue Town. Though Zoro was in advantage with the longer katana versus the shorter sword, though i was still trying to figure out the battlelust from the tanto. Shrugging, i went to the gallery to see my inventory of weapons i still have with me.
*Knock* *Knock* *Knock*
''Shut up! Can't you guys be a little quieter!'' Nami shouted at the guys outside the gallery where Usopp was kicking. ''Sheesh! Sorry about that. You were saying?'' Looking over her shoulder i saw she and Vivi were drawing a map or sort. Squinting my eyes to see if i can decipher anything about it.
''Basically, i was saying that even though there are no islands in the area, some coral reefs are quite large, so there is still a danger of striking the hull'' Vivi explained something to Nami. I shrugged and walked up to Sanji, i decided to first apologize about the earlier.
''Hey'' He turned to me lazily from the dinner he was preparing. ''Sorry what happened back then. I still can't control it perfectly and it cost me dearly, so no hard feelings? I promise next time to use it against ememies'' And offered my hand as a sign of apology.
He looked at me as if i lost my mind, but let go and shook my hand. ''Just restrain yourself a bit. I've heard you went ballistic in Whiskey Peak'' I scratched the back of my head and laughed nervously. Looking at the food he was preparing and the nice smell of those cakes made for the girls i rolled my eyes. ''What?'' Sanji seemed to notice the expression.
''No cakes for us?''
''These are for the ladies''
I raised my eyebrow at that and shrugged. First i thought about using the Henge, but it would render the apology we just made useless. Walking to my huge scroll of my necessities i took a used sketch book, pencils and a used book. Sitting opposite of the girls who just received their dessert i started writing about our late adventures and sometimes draw scenes about it. Of course someone has to do these to preserve some memories, so i took it as my responsibility.
''What are you doing Vane-San?'' Vivi asked me after some minutes of silence, except Usopps and Daxters muching from another plate Sanji made. At first i didn't register that my lastname was said, because people tend to use my firstname. Though i did acknowledge her and started to blink.
''Oh, me?'' She gave a nod, which i returned it with a smile. ''Just call me Ezekiel and what i'm doing is a log about our journey from where i joined the crew and forward. If you want, you can read it in a moment. I'll just add something new to it'' And gave me another nod.
''Since when did you start doing those?'' This time it was Nami who asked me, also enjoying the small cake.
I looked down back to the scketch i was drawing about the island welcoming us and gave a sad smile. ''You tend to get lonely at nights, so i occupy myself with these'' I could feel that they were going to ask me more, when there was a huge 'Crash' from the deck. Scurrying over there we saw it was Luffy who broke the pedal from the water-drawing machine that was going to pump water for the shower Nami was going to use.
''Damn, that scared me. This thing's dangerous!'' We heard the rubberman exclaim.
''What is? What happened?'' Nami asked.
''Ahh! Luffy!'' Usopp shouted and pointed at the broken pedal. ''How did you break that!''
''I was just trying to get the water to go faster'' It seems that the captain went too fast with the machine that it burned the belt from it. Though he did earn a punch from Nami in the back of his head from the wreck he caused.
''It's because of your stupid strenght. Honestly...''
''You do know you could've asked me to just pop a clone to do that?'' She stopped what she was doing and looked away in embarrasement i guessed.
''Can it not be fixed?''
''Yeah, we have to stop and get some spare parts'' Usopp answered Vivi.
''Either way, i won't be asking this guy any more favors'' She side glared at the oblivious Luffy and turned to me. ''Ezek-Kun, can you help Usopp here get the other water-drawing machine and get me some water?'' I gave her a lazy glance from the rail and shrugged. Summoning a clone, i told it to help the sharpshooter and to get the water ready for Nami. After that i went back to my usual writing and drawing, while tuning down Luffys and Usopps bickering.
There seemed to be some kind of newspaper bird in the yardarm, which Nami gave it money to receive a newspaper.
''Why does the morning newspaper always come during afternoon break?'' Nami said while reading the paper.
''It can't be helped. We're sailing the Grand Line, remember? We should be thankful to get any information at all''
''You're right about that'' I looked up from my writing and saw Nami looking at the paper wide-eyed.
''Is there something intresting in there?'' I asked our navigator, who shook her head rapidly. Thinking it wasn't anything important and probably has to do with the weather i let it go. After that it was Luffy spotting Cody the Coward marine in the newspaper. ''Finished!'' I stood up and streched. ''It is done'' Offering my written book to Vivi i said. ''If you want to know more about our past adventures, its all written there. Though from the point i was sleeping i used Daxter as a narrator about the happening with the giant whale.
''Thank you'' She gave me one of those sweet smiles which i returned it. ''Can i ask you a guestion?'' I looked at her with a raised brow and went back to sit down, while giving her a nod. ''Are you also a Devil Fruit-user like Luffy?''
''I knew she was going to ask that sooner or later'' The time went as we talked about my Chakra-abilities and the like. There were also more guestions from the crew like the Karasu Bunshin (Crow Clone). It was actually Itachi's Jutsu, where i thought it was the coolest thing ever and tried to recreate it. I didn't even know that it was already night where everyone slowly went to sleep. Deciding to clean the ship once in a while, but this time without the help of the clones to pass the time.
Sighing i took out the mop and the bucket in the deck and started to clean. This time i wanted to sing instead of hum and yes, it will be another Sinatra. ''Strangers in The Night, sounds good this time''
It took me about 2 hours to clean the ship, but it could've taken less if i hadn't slowed down a notch or two. Looking up i saw the moon illuminating our ship, it felt nice so i went to my usual spot in the yardarm and just stared at it. Hearing small footsteps i looked down and chuckled, it was Nami again in the middle of the night.
Staring back at the moon, it didn't take too long for Nami to climb her way to the yardarm. Sitting next to me she gave me a smile and also looked at the moon. ''I see you've cleaned the place''
''Yeah... i'm kinda bored here, thought i'd make some chores around here'' I was silent for a moment before looking at her. ''So, what are you doing here this late? I guessed you all were asleep... again?''
She looked down and i felt i screwed something up, but as soon as it came she looked back at me with a sincere smile. ''You must be lonely, so i wanted to keep you company''
Well now i'm surprised, she cut down her sleep just for me? ''She also acts differently without the others being around'' I thought to myself. ''Are you sure? You'll be tired the next day and we need you to be fully awake to navigate through Grand Line'' It seems i made a point there, so i continued. ''Look thats sweet and all, which i appreciate of course'' i was waving my hands in front of me as ease her.
She was saddened what i said. ''I guess your right'' I was about to say something comforting. ''But that doesn't mean i'll stop giving you company now and then'' Inwardly sighing seeing that i didn't do something to upset the girl i smiled and gave her a glare.
''Not if i have something to say about it''
Apparently, she took our little argument as a challenge. ''And what is it that your going to do? I'm scared'' She rolled her eyes and the voice was filled with sarcasm and playfulness. I kept my glare fixed at her, but it was in vain since i couldn't keep it up too long and grinned a mischievous grin. ''Could you stop that? I know you have something in mind and i don't want to be part of it'' That though went to deaf ears as i grabbed her under the legs and held he once again in bridal style. ''Ezek-Kun'' She said with a slow yet dangerous voice. ''You have three seconds to set me back or else''
Now she began to count, but wasn't fast enough to start it when i already jumped from the yardarm with a small yelp that came from Nami. As we landed on the deck, she surprisingly didn't squirm and just looked at me with an unreadable expression. ''Uhm... sorry?'' I was beginning to worry if i broke her, i don't know how women work.
Imagine my surprise when she grinned one of those stupid grins Luffy throws here and there. ''Again! That was fun!''
''What the..? Are you okay?'' I was beginning to worry about that, she's usually not this enthusiatic about those things.
''I said again'' And gave me a glare when i wasn't responsive, but nonetheless fulfilled her request. I had fun jumping down and walking up the mast with Nami holding onto my neck. She smelled a lot like tangerine than anything and i though it was sweet. I was broken form my thoughts by something wet on my cheek and saw it was Nami giving me a kiss. ''You can let go of me now, Ezek-Kun''
Complying her wish, i set her down and looked away with my face heated. I heard her giggle and she tapped my cheek where she kissed me where she corrected my gaze back to her. ''Thanks... i meant the company'' I quickly changed it lest i'll sound ungrateful from her effort of staying up. Looking at her i saw her pout at me.
''I thought youd thank me from the kiss'' I saw her blush at her statement.
''Yes... no, umh.. i meant yes, but..'' I was cut off by her giggling at my slight stutter and walked closer to me, where she fixed my scarf.
''Your easier to fool than i thought, guess i could have my fun with you after all'' There was a moment of silence where she still averted her eyes from me and continued fixing my scarf on my neck. ''I'll go to sleep now, but i want you to atleast try to get some sleep, okay?'' I gave her a nod and saw she had something more to say. ''And... i had fun tonight.. thank you''
''No... it was me whose supposed to thank you''
''And i already said it'' She fixed me with a glare that she has made her point.
I sighed at her, but kept my smile. ''Has anyone told you that your too stubborn for your own good?'' I inquired her and was answered by a fit of giggle followed closely by a cute yawn. Grabbing her by the shoulder and turning her around, i escorted her back to her cabin. ''Its time for you to get that beauty sleep of yours''
She turned back towards me and smiled with a blush. Taking a small yet fast steps on her part, she gave me a peck on the same cheek and vanished behind the door of her cabin. I could tell she was leaning against the door and i just chuckled. ''Good night'' I don't know if it was my imagination, but i could've swear that she said something about 'Handsome idiots with insomnias'. Smiling i went to Luffys spot, all the while grinning and thinking about the moment i shared with the Straw Hat navigator.
It seems someone knows Genjutsus, albeit weak ones since the Sharingan isn't fully developed, but it will grow stronger against stronger enemies. Hope you like that mushy scene i made... let me know how the fics going, since i had dozens of good reviews.
I don't know how people take it about the pairings, but this is something i'm comfortable with. The ottsels job is more like a friend/explanator about the Jutsus to others and stuff, but he will also make a debut somewhere along the story. I also bet some of my readers are surprised about two chapters released at the same time, though those will come rarely. I guess.
But now its back to MW3, so if there's going to be lateness about the fic, blame it to my PS3.
Over and Out!