Chapter Twenty-five:
The Harsh Training:
With a grimace, the brunette groaned while discarding her daggers at a table when Marco informed her that weapons aren't allowed, she took her sweet time doing so and mumbling incoherent insults as she forecast her horrible fate.
The commander was watching her closely with his arms crossed over his tattooed chest and a frown marring his figure "You should be happy yoi, for you have one of the best fighters aboard the Moby training your sorry ass."
Upon hearing his words, May darkly glared at the void in front of her. The only bright side of this whole dilemma was that using devil fruits abilities weren't allowed as well otherwise she had a strong feeling he would have set her said sorry ass on fire, she turned facing him with an irritated expression "Don't you feel sore singing your own praises? Or is that your birdie side chirping?"
"I'm merely stating facts," he coolly countered while arrowing a glare of his own at the female. For a solid minute, they held each other's fierce stares until the blond unfastened his arms and heavily sighed "If you're ready then let's start yoi," he had no time to waste, alas at some point his abandoned paperwork has to be done though that can wait until after he taught the tomboy a lesson or two.
May rolled her eyes but didn't object after all she as well wants to be over and done with this ordeal, so the sooner they start the better "Wait for a second," she mumbled faintly while rolling up the sleeves of Marco's purple jacket "I'm sure you have all the time in the world to beat the shit out of me."
Marco picked up what she had grudgingly whispered under her breath, how he heard her was beyond the female "My pleasure yoi," he smugly smirked.
A thick vein throbbed at the brunette's temple and she could literally feel her blood boiling "COULDN'T YOU AT LEAST DENY IT!" She shouted throwing her arms in protest.
The blond scowled "And give you peace of mind?" he rhetorically quizzed then shook his head instantly answering "No way," which earned him a jumbled mess of grumbles, growls and insults "Now, now," he said cutting through the female's endless blabbing "We will work on your speed and evasion first yoi."
Impulsively, her brows knotted and fists slackened "Come again?" She uttered from pure confusion.
"You're so slow that a blinded Kung-fu Dugong could beat you in a wink," he hardly contained the smirk that threatened to broke into his figure.
'A blinded what?' Her mental question was written all over her face but then she shook her head to and fro 'No, no that's beside the point,' what matters was that he insulted her, May defiantly crossed her arms "I maybe slow but I'm still fast enough to wound you, jackass."
A flashback of their mini first combat briefly replayed in his head when the woman managed to injure him not just once but twice, sure they were meager scratches and he healed instantly, however, the concept is still there. He was impressive seeing that she balanced the scales between them by using her brain and not only counting on her muscles, but that was another thing she definitely doesn't need to know "Mere luck," he curtly responded with his usual indifferent expression.
"Eeep!" The brunette yelped from surprise when he launched an attack toward her without a single goddamn warning and she has barely succeeded on evading it.
"Only dodge yoi," He firmly commanded, his figure barred of any hint of amusement then he shot her a stern warning that sent chills up her spine "If you dare strike you won't like the results."
May gulped but didn't nod or voice her consent, she composed herself with determination shining in her eyes after all she should at least try "Thinking about it, wouldn't beating you be considered animal abuse?" A smirk broke into her figure when he groaned.
Thatch merrily hummed while preparing banana chocolate shake, he poured the ingredient in three cups of glass, added whipped cream and morsel of black chocolate on top of them "Finished," he grinned while ogling his dessert with satisfaction.
"Why three?" His little brother who apparently was bored to death then ended up barging into the chef's personal quarter and currently occupied one of his stools inquired with a raised brow "Usually you only make two," he stole a glance of the mouthwatering cups then swallowed thinking of their sugary luscious flavor, now he definitely does not like sweet things, he was a growing man and…Thatch smirked then invitingly pushed the rest of the chocolate's bites toward Haruta which he somewhat snatched midway, you see the cursed chef was plainly tempting him, with an annoyed huff he started stuffing his face.
The brunet chuckled at the sight of his brother's cute actions "One is for May," he uttered picking up the tray continent the glasses then put it in the fridge with a sigh "Marco will surely give her a hard time."
The teen couldn't decide if he should be sad for the female or happy that he finally got the blond of his back though he was certain his brother's hard training would be helpful to the brunette "How did you know she like chocolate?"
"Are you serious?" Thatch quizzed with a tone dripping of disbelief "Women adore chocolate," he exclaimed aloud before moving the dirty dishes to the sink.
Haruta rolled his eyes "Yes, yes," sometimes he forgets he is talking to a professional skirt chaser, he picked a small rounded piece of chocolate then throw it in air and caught it with his mouth then repeated the motion "I should be thankful to May though," he whispered under his breath, if it wasn't for the woman he wouldn't have tasted banana chocolate shake for yet another two months or more.
The chef darted toward him with a dizzying speed that the teen almost choked in a morsel of chocolate, he wondered how the hell did Thatch heard what he mumbled "I'm not a meanie like Marco," the brunet protested with a pout while his hands still cleaning the dishes nonstop "All you had to do was ask."
The youngest deadpanned 'that is the problem, idiot,' he was fed up with his brothers treating him like a small kid so he thought that maybe if he replaced sweets, milk and juice with sake and booze they'd stop fussing and cooing over him but the chef was clearly hindering his plane.
Thatch amusedly hummed while ignoring Haruta's dark glares and glowers, the teen would be their youngest little brother even if he didn't like it, try to change it or even grow a beard for all they care.
A peaceful silence befell the duo as the chef wiped the counter clean and his brother ate his treat "Could you check on May for me?" The chef broke the stillness when the teen finished eating, he added after Haruta eagerly nodded "Bring her here with you and when you're at it inform Jozu that I have made a cup of milkshake for him too," he heaved a deep sigh with a tired look taking over his figure "Almost twenty years of brotherhood and I still can't believe Jozu has a sweet tooth," it's just didn't add up with his stoic image.
"Eight years of brotherhood and I still can't believe he drinks the thing with a strict face," the two looked at each other meaningfully then burst out laughing. After the teen regulated his breathing and wiped the starry tears off the corners of his shiny eyes, he jumped off the stool "See ya later then," he beamed brightly at his brother like the ball of the sunshine he is then stormed off.
Thatch fondly smiled then shook his head and mumbled "You have no idea Haruta," true Jozu has a sweet tooth but he didn't start drinking milkshake and eating chocolate until Haruta joined, it was all so the teen won't feel left out or awkward when the pirates drown alcohol while he had his sweet drink. He helped so much with his silent support, though even after Haru shared their booze the diamond commander has no idea how to stop and by now the innocent toast with his youngest brother is more of a ritual.
May leaned backward barely dodging yet another punch and giving her little to no time to even breathe properly, the blond swiftly arrowed a roundhouse kick at her. She docked, an arbitrary curse slipping from her lips when his leg flow above her head with an audible whoosh.
She had no idea what got him so mad...Okay, maybe she did poke fun at him a little and ignored his orders completely but that was no reason to drag their fight for more than three hours and a half, in this time interval the brunette succeed on landing couple of attacks, eight or less which she thought was pathetic and aims for more, however, even for someone who was used to combat she was clearly hitting her limits.
Once Marco's leg touched the ground preparing for another attack, the female placed a hand on the floor then pushed with all of her might sending a reverse kick at the blond who had barely dodged her unforeseen strike if his frail groan was anything to go by, and then she flipped backward creating distance between them.
May stood breathing heavily through her dry parted lips, her hair was damp and annoyingly sticking to her sweaty forehead but that wasn't concerning the same as the state of her stiff body, her muscles hurt like hell from both, beating and moving nonstop 'And he,' she gritted her teeth watching him with rage and a slight envy…Even his breathing was still steady, the only sign of him working out was few small droplets of sweat sliding his bare chest.
"Giving up?" He asked calmly with his dull expression veiling his surprise that she still has the stamina to pull such a move.
She pushed her bangs backward and growled glaring daggers at him, Marco noticed the twitches of his eyebrow most likely from annoyance "You wish," her answer was nothing but gruff then she dashed toward him with her fist balled while yelling a battle cry.
She was awfully persistent and Marco came to admire her willpower, no matter how fast or hard he attacked she just stood after falling without barking a single complaint, he truly came to like the fierce fire burning inside her silver shining orbs. However the brunette was reckless beyond imagination, they both knew it was a lost battle for her but she still pushed forward despite her aching muscles and tight lungs.
He swiftly avoided her shower of punches with ease then when he thought it was enough he blocked her hand with his forearm and shoved it away and evidently clenched his fingers before sending a blow toward her, a blow he was certain she could easily dodge. However to Marco's utter shock, the idiot didn't budge an inch, instead, she stood firm on her spot and sent a punch his way in chorus with his own.
In a matter of second their fists connected.
Hers collided with his face and his with her stomach but of course with distinct forces. Marco watched with horrorstruck expression and his mouth agape as the female skimmed backward, her arms enclosed around her stomach and her feet making a high-pitched screech as if brakes being released.
Thankfully she succeeded on stopping before crashing into the wall behind her but then she fell powerlessly to her knees, her brows were knotted, eyes tightly closed and her teeth gawking on her lower lips.
When May opened her orbs the world swayed under her and she saw two copies of the blond annoyingly shifting thus she growled lowering her head, the sweat that pooled at her forehead slid down and dripped of the tip of her nose.
Marco's blood froze in his veins and his face considerably paled, everything happened so fast that his mind didn't register what precisely occurred, only that he in a way or another end up hurting her. Now, he did attack her throughout their training nevertheless he didn't use even half of his strength but this time he thought…No, he was certain she would fucking evade his punch that's why he didn't mull much over it, he was careless.
However, before the blonde reacts, the female let loose of a broken up mocking laugh while shakily pushing herself up. It comes out as an awkward noises and Marco blinked several times not quite understanding what was so funny about this damned situation "Don't look at me like that," the brunette hissed each and every word as her body swayed twice before steadying then she scoffed "Your punch wasn't even that hard," she balled her fists and sluggishly took a defensive stance then shouted with a glower: "Bring it on jackass!"
The commander's blue eyes widened. He knew she was lying from the evident quivering movement of her hands and legs, her difficult heavy panting and the tiredly lidded eyes.
His feature softened and a ghost of a smile traced his lips which went utterly unnoticed by the female. He as hell admired her determination and braveness, many lack those but she was facing him with a stern confident expression that screamed 'I can!' and he now has no doubts that she will try winning this match until she passes out. Somehow Marco could clearly see what drew his father's attention to her, however…
"You…" He eerily breathed while holding his left arm and with a shadow veiling his eyes he slowly clenched his fingers until a thick vein appeared on his fist which he arrowed directly and intentionally at her airhead "IDIOT!" he screamed at the now crouching woman who clasped both hands at her vaporific red swelling "What were you thinking yoi? To Kill yourself and drag my ass with you ha?" She nearly gave him a heart attack but now that his worry over her subsided, he could only imagine what would've happened to him if she had any internal injury.
May pouted, a tear dangling from her eye "Hardly," she said in a hushed tone while rubbing her throbbing head "I still want to live until I see the world without you," and that earned her another punch to the head and a second swell atop the first.
"You're irresponsible yoi," He sternly chided "You knew it's a lost battle from the very beginning and yet you attacked like there is no tomorrow, if it was the real deal you would've been dead by now," May grumbled a protest but he glared at her cutting her off "Who knows what the future has in store for you? But whatever it is, some battles must not be fought and you should be smart enough to avoid those," she has no idea what their massive world is hiding, devil fruits was just a small part of it, she was clueless and reckless and that was nothing but a dangerous combination for her own safety and because of that Marco was furious.
The female opened her mouth to interject but he gave her no chance "Don't say a shit! It's no longer about you alone," upon hearing his severe words her eyes widened and she closed her parted lips, she couldn't quite place why his words made her so sad, maybe because she forget that she was weak and those pirates would protect her with their lives or it's because the blond didn't care about her but about his brothers who would be dragged in her messes, maybe both and either way she couldn't stop her hurt from showing all over her face.
The blond placed his hands behind his back and stifled a sigh as his anger abated "You are dismissed," he mumbled.
May stood and gulped soaking her dry throat "Okay," she said nodding then started limping her way toward the exit.
"Aren't you forgetting something yoi?" He softly asked causing the female to stop on her track.
The brunette took a deep breath but it did nothing to her increasing anger, she turned glaring at him then spat "Thanks for the fucking painful lesson, jerk," the commander wasn't satisfied by her messed up way of showing gratitude but, guess what, it was something so he let it go. Once May reached the door she added with a small voice: "See you tomorrow," then left.
Marco heaved a deep sigh "What a woman!" despite the fact that she was clearly driving him nut by her uncontrolled actions he doesn't hate her, heck for some reason he even feels drawn to her.
Haruta paced back and forth in front of the training quarter, he sporadically shivered and gulped whenever he heard what sound like a punch or kick. He was certain May would be fine but he couldn't help worry of her reactions to Marco's harsh characteristic, he wondered if she would give up or maybe end up hating the blond…
His movement came to a soundless halt when the door cracked open and he speedily turned his head to see the emerging person just to be greeted by the brunette, Haru noted that she looked like hell. They shared long blank stare before May broke the silence "Hey sunshine," she chirped with a heartfelt beam adorning her figure.
The young commander flushed from embarrassment then snapped at her "Don't call me that!" The female chuckled while straightening which didn't go unnoticed by Haru, then she tried to move normally so she wouldn't worry the kid just to end up hissing from pain "Are you okay?" He quizzed with a tone dripping of genuine concern while peering at her.
The female nodded several times "Yeah, totally," she emphasized vocally which did nothing to ease his mind thus she heaved a sigh and put her best reassuring smile in her pretty wrecked state "Just a little…shaken, I guess," The teen grinned despite himself "Though it's nothing a nap cannot fix."
Haruta leaned closer to her while placing his hand on the side of his mouth "His so scary for a bird," he said with a hushed voice, May opened her mouth to answer only to be interrupted by a loud deep growl.
"I suggest we get out of here quickly," she hurriedly said instead of spouting some sick joke that would most likely be the cause she would be dragged inside the quarter once again.
The young commander nodded in agreement then stepped next to the brunette "Here," he uttered holding her arm and gently placing it over his shoulder "Lean on me," at first she looked at him with a puzzled expression but then she started laughing "What's so funny?" His question was posed with a mixture of confusion and irritation.
It was only yesterday that she helped to move the sleeping teen to his quarter and here he was helping her back for the exact same reason "Nothing at all," she said dismissing the subject with a wave of her vacant hand.
May didn't know where they were heading until they neared Thatch's quarter and she instinctively relaxed at the realization, their trip was quick thanks to Haruta's aid and before long she found herself occupying a stool next to the teen and a beaming Thatch behind the counter who offered them cake and milkshake…The brunette couldn't restrain the smile that slowly crept into her face for being treated like a little girl and for once allowing herself to be spoiled rather than bitching about it.
Haruta and Thatch chatted away, moving from subject to another while May hummed and nodded not really listening to a word they said, they were aware she was spacing out but let her sort her jumbled thoughts.
Not long the young commander excused himself, claiming that he has work to do "I've no time to chill out with you mates," he said with a tone bare of amusement that May snorted at, the teen was more mature than the majority of the pirates and he just didn't realize yet that there was hardly any psychological adults aboard the Moby who would treat him like one.
The chef rolled his eyes as if Haruta's words meant to offend him "Writing reports ain't fun anyway," he taunted which earned him a hard glare from his little brother while the female barely restrained her laughter seeing that Thatch has just proved her point.
"As if talking to you is any better," the teen snapped before leaving with hurried firm stomps.
May shook her head "That was uncalled for," she chided softly sipping the last gulp of her milkshake.
The brunet childishly crossed his arms over his chest and shrugged twice while pushing his lower lip in a full pout though he oddly didn't answer and the female didn't push it, rather she put the empty glass on the counter and closed her eyes with a feeble smile crowning her lips.
Not a moment later, strong big hands gently placed over her cheeks. May wasn't surprised nor shied away from him since the action was so typical of Thatch and she has no doubt that if it wasn't for the counter separating them, he would've hugged her or something.
His touch was cold against her drained skin and his thumb soothingly caressed her cheek but the peace of the dreamy flash instantly broke when she spoke: "What would you do if your father or one of your brothers died because of me?" She tried to hold her calm relaxed expression however her quivering lips gave her feelings away. Would they kick her off their ship? Blame her for what her weakness caused? Yes, it was the worst scenario she could think of but still a possibility with her current weak state.
Thatch froze and his emerald eyes widened, he lowered his head as if her still sealed orbs were burning holes into his soul. It was a delicate subject and he prefer not thinking about that précis question nor the possibility of losing a loved one, seconds later then he sighed when he found no escape "I-I truly don't know," the chef's feature softened when he heard her swallow nervously "But if things come down to that, I'll gladly give up my own life to help you and I believe everyone else aboard the Moby thinks the same."
The female cracked her eyes open and confusedly tilted her head "Won't you do the same for us?" without hesitation she nodded and Thatch smiled "We're family thus it's normal for us to support and protect each other, savvy?"
"Still," May averted her gray orbs, embarrassed to go all pessimistic on Thatch, she was anxious because everything was new to her and she hoped the brown-haired man would be the right person to have this conversation with "It will be my fault."
The chef retreated his hands and pushed them into his pockets "Fear no blame dear," he reassured with a grin that fell when he leaned closer to the brunette invading her personal space with ease "What's more terrifying is the fact that your life is no longer centered on you," his orbs were oddly dark and voice chillingly low, May frowned remembering the same thing been said by the blond "If you happen to fell then expect one thousand six hundred and seventeen pirates following you to the pit of hell," he straightened and with his rare seeing serious expression added: "So make sure you don't."
May grinned nodding eagerly "Promise," she said, already feeling better. All she had to do is change her current state, it might take time and effort but officially joining the Whitebeard Pirates will be indeed worth it. If she had worked hard in her previous world then she would be working a little harder here, push a little further and held her head higher, after all, she chose to live and having a family, people to share her life with will be undeniably worth it.
Thatch chuckled at her enthusiastic response "Pinky promise?" he partially thrust his pinky finger at her face.
The brunette growled "Don't push your luck, idiot," she squawked shoving him away then cleared her throat "Anyway! Shouldn't you be in the kitchen preparing lunch?"
The chef frowned "I won't set foot there until they take care of the crabs!" He screeched.
"Eh?" Came her intelligent response, she looked at him as if he had grown a second head.
"Yuudai wants to make lunch out of them," he rubbed the back of his head then shrugged with a lopsided smirk "but I doubt he succeeded."
May's eyes bugged out of her skull "EH!" She shouted while swiftly standing and forcefully slamming both hands on the counter.
"W-What?!" The commander hesitantly mumbled, clearly failing to see what the big deal was, though his question left unanswered since the woman has already sprinted out of his quarter with the light's speed and a horrifying dark expression "Isn't too soon to kill one of my brothers?" He asked himself with a frown.
May kicked the mahogany door of the kitchen open with strength she didn't know she actually possessed. The room lapsed into total stillness at her vulgar barging in, she inhumanly growled while glaring daggers at the white-clothed men who were trying to catch the crab that somehow ran wild.
They all looked at her funnily, the red crustacean included until a cook standing far-off yelled triumphantly "AHA!" as he held her crab hostage between his hands.
The brunette's fury doubled when cheers rose from the crowd, they had apparently been chasing the crabs for hours and Akuma precisely gave them a hard time "Let him GO!" She ordered pressing on each word threateningly which did the trick seeing how the joyful movements of the group came to a complete soundless halt and they stared at her with confusion.
The addressed cook refused to comply and instead defiantly held her bemused gazes. She didn't blame the poor man for his denial since the red gashes all over him spoke volume of what he went through to seize the crab but she was at the summit of her anger thus all her glares promised nothing other than intense pain "Didn't you hear me?" She inquired with narrowed eyes and dangerously low tone which the cook notably shivered upon hearing it.
A loud clank pulled the female's attention, she torn her gazes from the frightened man to the source of the loud sound just to be greeted by the sight of Yuudai and, oh, how she loathed the bald man at that moment.
The chef held the metallic cover of a pot in one hand while a large spoon occupied the second, he utterly ignored the woman's vile glare as he slowly tasted his soup and hummed delightfully bobbing his head up and down before placing the top back covering the almost complete soup just then that he turned toward her "Get the hell out of here," he spat with his deep annoyed voice, seeing her only provoked memories of his messed up kitchen "Like ya see we ain't free to play with ya," he dismissingly marched toward the other pots checking on them.
"I will," she said crossing her arms over her chest "With the crabs in tow," she could have seen the shocked expressions of the white-clothed men if I wasn't for her eyes glued to the back of their superior.
Yuudai darted toward her with dizzying speed, his impassive expression turned to a glare when he spotted no signs of her joking "Did you went barking, lass?" he hissed.
She nodded and the man pursed his lips "Aye and now I bite as well."
The chef walked to her and once his giant form towered over her petite one he asked with narrow brown eyes: "You want me to waste food?" His brothers worked hard to capture the crustaceans and even harder to restrain them after they broke off the metallic sink and here the silly woman ordering him to simply free them "I'm not discussing dinner with ya lass!" He snapped but when she didn't budge he leaned closer to her and murmured a full of fury: "Get lost."
The dark glower he gave her made men running on their heels with their tails between their legs but if the female in front of him felt any fear then she did well concealing it "Yes you are," she stepped closer to him while glaring her most darkest glare from down there "When you fetch our dinner out of someone's pants that is," she mentally smirked at the tentative look that took over the chef's face "I won't eat what has touched a man's...stuff," a frown marred her feature, technically talking about what Thatch has down there was very uncomfortable.
Few men snickered at the remembrance of what happened to their beloved brother Thatch while others shoot the crabs disdainful glances and many released the suddenly offending creatures like they burned "Is that's it?" Yuudai scoffed "Have Vista's words got into your little head Lady May?" He said with a tone dripping with sarcasm, well they do their best to provide their family the finest meals but that doesn't mean he approves of them acting like sloppy dumb royalty "No worries your highness, boiled water will do away with the bacteria," he waved his hand in a shooing gesture.
May was pretty astonished, first because she thought he didn't know her name and then there was the thing about bacteria "Wow," she uttered with amazement and a mocking smile "So you're more advanced than I thought."
The chef glared at her then sighed "Look, lass," he rubbed the bridge of his nose "Give it up. I won't take orders from ya," his words said with a quite yet final tone.
May turned her head then whispered under her breath with a hiss "Damn hairless bastard."
The man's eyes narrowed as his self-control crumbled, he took hold of a kitchen knife that was placed on top of the counter then sternly asked: "What did you say?"
"Heartless!" The brunette hastily corrected loudly "Heartless bastard."
Yuudai smugly smirked and his brothers snapped at him "That wasn't a compliment."
"Very well," the female breathed with a curt nod surprising the others occupant of the room, well he made it clear the bald chef won't comply thus there was no need to waste her time there. She walked toward the exit but before leaving she added without sparing the crowd a glance: "Wait for me. I'll come back."
The men traded confused gazes miserably failing to see for who her last words were addressed, though that didn't last long witnessing how the crabs instantly went brisk and started attacking the chefs with more resolve than before. The poor man who held Akuma captured didn't know what befell him, he only saw red dancing in front of him his as his cries of pain overpowered his brothers…May smiled while making her way toward the main deck. Yep, believe it or not, she actually liked that man's guts.
Her stride ended once she reached the throne-like of the captain "Whitebeard," May casually greeted.
"Brat," the giant breathed with a raised brow at her serious tone and expression.
The female straightened then licked her dry lips "I need your help," he was the only one who could stop the hellish chef from killing Akuma and his kin, she wouldn't regret asking for his help right?
Whitebeard narrowed his eyes then searchingly looked at her petite form, she has no apparent scars or injuries then concluded that the issue wasn't of high importance "Ain't free," he grumbled.
May gaped at him, her eyes bugging out of her skull. She expected many things but not his blunt refusal "Free? You're just sitting there the whole day long like the statue of liberty sucking alcohol," she snapped, her voice loud and veins started painfully throbbing at her temples. When the old man shrugged off and took a greedy sip of his red cup, realization struck her like lightning "Are you perhaps…sulking?" She hesitated.
May blinked when he ever childishly averted his eyes while grudgingly mumbling something about drinking the whole substance "What? I cannot possibly let a drop of sake get wasted," he huffed snatching the huge jar of sake beside his chair then tossed down half of it in attempt to remove the salty flavor itching within his throat, he cough twice before speaking with irritation "I believe standing there won't sort your mess whatever it is," he reminded her then rested his face on his hand while looking at the ocean "Now, off you go brat."
The brunette looked closer at his feature only to notice he was pouting, with all his glory and white hair he was childishly pouting, May clenched her fingers into fists "Act your age! Dammit," she yelled atop her lungs.
Whitebeard looked at her funnily like she had grown a second head "How?" He quizzed with a frown then snorted "I have never been this old before," at that the woman lost it, she flipped him the bird which his sons gasped at and he found overly amusing then she left stomping her way below deck "Good luck brat, Gurarara…" he shouted at her retreating back fueling her fury.
May gritted her teeth "Now what?" She winced covering her face with both hands, she could deal with the others with the crustacean's help but winning against Yuudai was out of the question. There was only one man beside Whitebeard who could solve her problem but asking was just discomforting and the chance that he would accept was near non-existing "But I gotta try," she mumbled walking faster toward the room of the first division's commander.
Not long she reached the blue door and shoved it open as usual "Marco I ne-…" her words cut short and her mouth solidified ajar mid-sentence at the sight of the naked blond standing at the threshold of his bathroom with a towel around his waist. May flushed three shades of red 'There is nothing to be so worked out over,' she hissed chiding herself mentally or so she thought.
Marco cleared his throat "I heard that yoi," he said with a roll of his eyes when she reddened even more "Haven't I warned about barging in?"
The female cast her gazes down at the suddenly interesting floor "I-I'll be outside," she mumbled then went out and closed the door behind her.
The blond threw his head back then heaved a deep sigh, he thought the woman would be avoiding him for the good part after his harsh treatment not storm in his room. He wore a dark green jacket and light blue pants quickly before peering outside and beckoning the brunette to come in "Spill it yoi," he said curtly before shooting his paperwork a disdainful look.
"Well, you see," she fidgeted avoiding making eye contact with the blond then took a deep breath before speaking hastily "I need your help."
Silent stretched between the two as Marco stared at her "That's…new," he cautiously said with a frown while wondering if it was some kind of sick joke or prank but the situation was interesting enough for him to gesture her to sit and like he foresaw she choose his bed, the blond stifled a sigh and collapsed at the wooden chair.
May heaved a sigh of relief when Marco showed he was willing to hear what she has to say then told him all about the crab that can understand her finishing with what Yuudai said. The blond was grinning smugly at the end of her speech "Now, why would I help?"
The female swallowed then lowered her head "Please Marco," she begged then chewed on her lip.
"You can be more productive yoi," Marco joked on a whim since if it was any of his brothers he would have said the exact same thing but he could see that it made the female flinch.
May gritted her teeth feeling humiliated "Forget it!" She yelled stirring up to her feet "I'll just have to use my fists," she stated before storming out of his quarter.
Without a second thought, Marco chased after her "Wait!" He said grasping her arm and forcing her to stop "How about I help you and exchange you obey all of my commands without questioning them?" Her eyes instinctively searched for his blue ones. Well, they both agreed that he was no fool to let this chance slip.
"Only for a month," she offered while her thoughts preoccupied with the crabs.
The commander sighed in defeat and dryly breathed "fine," even after his consent the woman kept standing in her spot looking at him with a blank expression "Lead the way," he whispered suddenly alerted by their proximity.
"Shouldn't that come after letting go of my hand smartass?" She tugged at her arm redirecting his attention to his hand that was stopping her.
Marco blinked then breathed a quite 'Oh' before retreating his hands to the safety of his pockets. Thankfully the female didn't comment and silently walked ahead of him. He winced once they neared the kitchen and heard the howls of pain blended with the deep, gruff voice of Yuudai "Get the nurses yoi," he calmly ordered the first pirate he saw in their way and that as the future unfolded was the right thing to do.
His brothers were injured, not deeply but enough to make them whine for the rest of the day and while the pirates fussed over their brothers, May was checking on the crabs that swarmed around her which the blond found funny. At first, the bald chef was reluctant to release the crustaceans but with little effort, Marco succeeded in convincing him.
The female turned to face the cook who grabbed hold of her crab earlier with a scowl marring her figure "Are you alright?" She inquired while her orbs were busy inspecting the small bleeding wounds on his face and arms.
The pirates were taken aback by her sudden concern so they leaned closer to eavesdrop on the open conversation of the duo.
"I…" The man rubbed the back of his head while slowly and ever cautiously answered "Think so."
May smirked lopsidedly "Serves you right," Marco facepalmed and the crowd sweat dropped when she childishly taunted him then burst out laughing.
"Akuma," with a beam, the brunette called the hugest crab that slowly approached her taking her attention off the miserable cook. She peered at his stout form then grinned mischievously when she spotted small traces and scratches atop his exoskeleton "You have done well li'le one," she proudly praised and Akuma clattered his arms in acknowledgment.
The majority gaped at her for the crab was nowhere near little then Yuudai, who technically reached his limits, kicked whoever wasn't a cook out of his kitchen and what riled him up even more was the sight of the woman living the room with the hellish crabs in tow as she promised "Blood looks good on you guys, it shows off your tan skin," she commented with a smug grin.
The bald chef swiftly grabbed hold of a meat cleaver then threw it at the retreating female, it wasn't a lucky shot as expected and he was left gazing at the utensil buried in the wall with gritted teeth…and her loud unrestrained laughs didn't help.
When they reached the main deck the female raised a brow when the Akuma started clattering his seizure-like arms then she frowned "Are you sure?" She said interpreting the crab's message.
The crustacean glared at her then pinched her leg roughly but not enough to draw blood "Okay, okay," she yelled stepping away from it and Akuma released her with what the pirate thought a self-satisfied expression "If you want me to throw you overboard then be it," she mumbled rolling her eyes.
After witnessing the interaction between the two, whispers broke into the main deck. "Akuma?" A shipwright quizzed with a puzzled look that no one could blame him for, who would name his pet 'demon' anyway "For real?" He scoffed.
The shipwright jumped, he was startled when not only the man who he was talking with answered but a great number of his brothers all together shouted: "LEGIT!" Akuma was the devil himself summoned by the female.
The blond commander chuckled "That's for sure her spiritual animal yoi," from the grim look his brothers shot at him, that was no laughing matter. He cleared his throat and schooled his expression back to his usual bored one before watching May toss the crabs overboard one after the other until none other than Akuma was left.
The giant crab clattered his hands and the brunette's frown deepened "I don't wanna," she said crossing her arms, Akuma wasn't pleased and started attacking her with a slow pace in fear of hurting her "Can I keep him?" May asked Whitebeard while jumping backward in evasion.
The old man let loose of a booming laugh and a shadow befell his sons, their father was amused by her request which was a not very good sign. Just as the captain opened his mouth to answer Marco sprinted to actions, he ran toward the crab then kicked him with full force "You can," was his father's response but too bad the crustacean at that moment was no more than a shining star in the sky.
May's mouth fell agape while his brothers roared from joy and amusement "What have YOU DONE?" She shrieked squeezing his jacket with both hands.
Marco looked her dead in the eyes "We cannot afford to have another spawn of Satan aboard the Moby to pacify yoi," he scoffed then teased with a smug grin "You, my dear, are enough."
Hey guys, how're you doing? Sorry for the late update like I told you I had exams :))
So how was this chapter? Maybe because I'm so tired but I feel like I had messed up this one -_- so sorry if you agree.
AndurilofTolkein: Hey there! I'm trying my best to go slow on that part :3 Hope you liked this chapter, thank you for your nice review.
yaoi-freak2580: Lol poor Akuma wouldn't be in future chapter :'( Sorry for the late update and hope you enjoyed this chapter, thank you for your review
De-strange: Hey dear! It's been a month and I missed you my friend :( Well, first I know you'll miss Akuma but don't be sad eventually they will have a permanent pet/friend :)) Guess who?...I'm still patiently waiting to see your fanart, take your sweeeeet time with how the story is progressing we have enough time xD...I like to write about Thatch because he has a big heart and I guess he is the model of the best friend a girl could have :) The nurses? Yes, May will be their beloved sister but the question is how? That's a secret :p Hope you liked this chapter, and thank you so much for your nice long and enjoyable reviews -Stay splendid my mysterious dear friend- :D
Ciao next week because I no longer have uni or exams (Thank God) :D