Author's Note:
Boy, a lot happens in this chapter. I almost wonder if I rushed it a little bit. Particularly between Zoro and Addy. Regardless this is the end of Whiplash. Meaning we are finally getting to Alabasta. As always please review and let me know what you think.
"Now what?" Vivi asked trying to pace back and forth as much as the chain would allow. Which basically ended with her walking in place. "Wait here for them?"
"Not a bad idea," Merry pointed out. "They are bound to return eventually."
"We can't," Addy replied pinching the bridge of her nose. "Baroque Works thinks we're dead."
"And?" Vivi replied stopping her pacing. "Why does that matter?
"Because when Captain and the others run into Mr. 6 and Miss Mother's Day, what do you think they are going to tell Captain?"
"That we…" Vivi stopped as she realized where Addy was going with this.
"That we jumped off a cliff. You told me yourself how they are coping with everything. If they actually think for even a moment that we died, or even worse killed ourselves, it would crush them." She let out a sigh and dropped her hand. There was even a worse scenario. They think she killed herself and took Vivi with her. Addy couldn't bare them thinking that for even a moment. "I can't do that to them. I've already caused them enough pain. I've done enough of that lately." She owed them too much to do that to them. Her crewmates…her nakama… she couldn't do that to them.
Vivi steeled herself. Looking at Addy straight in the eyes and nodded. "They what do you suggest we do?"
"Follow the trail of carnage that Captain and the others left. They aren't exactly subtle."
"You think that we would have heard something about it in town though."
Addy shrugged. "Not if they headed straight for the castle. They got here a day ago. While they may have already made it there's a greater chance, the got delayed by something."
"But where could they be? This island is huge." Vivi had a point. They could probably search for days and not find them. Just as Addy was about to resign herself to the fact that they would probably have to stay on Merry a massive explosion roared out of the nearby town. Astrid could see it from Merry. Plumes of smoke wafting into the sky. Listening carefully there was a smaller series of explosions and the distant sounds of fighting. Vivi and her glanced at each other before running back towards town. In the extremely unlikely event that it wasn't Captain and the others, it would at least give them a place to start.
At the speed, they were moving it didn't take them long to reach the town. The distance feeling much shorter than it did previously. To Addy's surprise, the townspeople weren't running out of town but rather into. Apparently, something was going on in the city center.
Weaving back through the multitude of city streets Addy and Vivi reached their destination. Turned out what was happening was a massive street brawl between the Straw Hats, the town guards and Baroque Works. While Luffy was trying and failing to take out Mr. 6, Miss Mother's Day was wreaking havoc among everyone. Taking out guards left and right. Zoro was trying to make his way towards her but was caught up in his own battle. Addy couldn't even see Nami, Sanji or Usopp.
"Liar!" Luffy shouted at the top of his voice launching another series of punches. Mr. 6 disappeared in a puff of smoke only to reappear a few feet away.
"It's true," Miss Mother's Day replied stopping her rampage temporarily. "Jumped right off the cliff. No chance they are alive now." Oh boy, they were going to be surprised. Just as Addy was about to launch herself at her Vivi pulled her back. Pulling her attention towards Chopper who was being overwhelmed by the wolves. None of the others were anywhere near. Switching her stances Astrid and Vivi launched themselves at the wolves. Both of them unfurling their weapons.
Unlike before their bodies moved as one. Not getting in each other's way.
"Lautan Pakem," Addy called out wrapping one of the wolves up in her whip. Focusing on the jaw to prevent the snapping of teeth. Even through the thick fur, it cut deep. Blood dripping on the ground. Still the wolf growled. Thrashing around. Trying to break her grip. It did not succeed. "Kembali." With that one down it only took a few quick lashes to send the others scurrying off. Glancing at Chopper behind them he was caught up fighting the Baroque Work goons. Who soon also turned their attention to Vivi and Addy. Not a moment that they finished with the wolves they were attacked. Dodge, pivot, weave. The two of them working in tandem amidst the chaos. Among the clashing of swords and the smell of gunfire. Matching each other's movement. Though they were far from being the dream team. It didn't take long to become overwhelming.
"We need to find Nami," Vivi shouted holding up the handcuffs.
"No time," Addy huffed locking her sights on Miss Mother's Day who was charging towards Usopp. "There is someone we need to take care of first."
"Right." Vivi and her charged towards Miss Mother's Day. Their weapons a whirl around them as they parted their way forward. Addy taking care of those farther away while Vivi nailed those who managed to come in close. A perfect balance. Allowing them to close in on Miss Mother's Day.
"Lautan ombak remuk," Astrid called out wrapping her whip around Miss Mother's Day. Preventing her from raising her shield. The two of them slamming into her at full force. Allowing Vivi to rip her to shreds up close. Astrid pulled them to the side as they landed. Sending Miss Mother's Day spiraling into a nearby wall.
"Surprised?" Addy asked as she watched Miss Mother's Day stand up and wipe the blood away from her mouth.
"How?!" she sputtered glaring at the two of them. "How?! You two hate each other."
"We had a heart to heart." Addy shot a smile at Vivi who raised an eyebrow and shook her head fondly at her. The two of them stepped towards Miss Mother's Day. "Which is why I'm giving you this choice. Tell your men to lay down their arms and leave this island."
Mother's Day gave her a wry smile. "And if I don't?"
"You don't want to know what happens if you don't."
"Enlighten me."
Addy let out a short laugh. Walking up to Miss Mother's Day slowly. She had other plans, however. Charging directly at Addy. Lowering her body as if intending to headbutt her. Dodging slightly out of the way. Vivi doing the same in turn but in the opposite direction. Moving so that the chain of the handcuffs wrapped around her neck. Though that didn't stop her. Dragging both Vivi and Addy several meters until Astrid smashed the hilt of her whip into the back of her neck. Sending her tumbling to the ground. Taking Addy and Vivi with her. All three of them groaning.
"How is she not out yet?" Vivi grimaced standing up. Addy doing the same. Somewhat bruised from the ordeal. Along with Miss Mother's Day sadly.
"I want to ask the same thing," Miss Mother's Day hissed. Blood was dripping down her and she was breathing heavily. Unfortunately, Vivi was as well. Not that Addy blamed her. They had been pushed rather hard lately.
"Think you can hold on a bit longer?" Addy asked tightening her grip on her whip.
"Absolutely," Vivi replied glaring at Miss Mother's Day.
The woman let out a howl of laughter. "You two really think you can defeat me? You may think that your newfound comradery will be enough but I assure you that-"
Vivi went up and punched Miss Mother's Day in the face. She was surprisingly violent. Unfortunately, that did little more than annoy her. Her attention fully focused on Vivi. Grabbing Vivi's arm and twisting it. Addy could hear Vivi whimper in pain. The woman was strong enough to break bone. But it gave Addy the exact opportunity she needed. Using Vivi as an anchor point, Addy lept up, jumping over Vivi's shoulder. Swinging herself at Miss Mother's Day and sinking her whip's blade deep into Miss Monday's chest. Vivi coming up straight behind her with two more slashes to the chest. Addy pulling her blade just before Miss Mother's Day fell. Blood seeping down her wounds. She would not be getting back up from that.
Addy and Vivi turned to each other. Panting hard. Leaning against each other for support. It was only then that Addy realized that the rest of the battle was over as well. Dust settling on the ground as the town guards cleaned up whoever was left.
"That was far harder than I expected," Addy huffed. "That woman would not go down."
"Aleast it's over," Vivi replied. "Let's find Nami and get these off." She shook their wrists still attached together. They didn't have to search to far. Nami was running up to them. Probably to hug Vivi and chastise Addy. Addy braced herself. Expecting Nami to start yelling at her. Not prepared for Nami to hug her so tightly it felt like she could crack her ribs. Almost knocking her off her feet.
"You're alive," she mumbled into Addy's shoulder. Addy resting her free hand on her back.
"You really think they could take me out?" She looked over to see Mr. 6 in a pile of rubble. Looks like Captain finally got him. Chopped and Sanji also ran up and embraced her. Chopped hugging her leg while Sanji rested on her other shoulder. Both of them sobbing. She glanced at Vivi begging her to intervene. She shook her head and chuckled. Addy supposed she did deserve this. "I'm not sure how insulted I should feel."
"You jumped off a cliff," Captain stated adjusting his straw hat as he walked up to her. Followed closely by Zoro who was looking a little leery. It was less of a question and more of a statement.
"We did. Only way to get away from them. Jumped straight off a cliff and straight into a river," Vivi added in resting her hand on Addy's back. "If it wasn't for Addy's quick thinking neither of us would be here."
"Enough Vivi," Addy responded turning to look at her. "You kept us alive just as much as I did." Her crew pulled off of her and all of them looked between the two of them as if they couldn't believe what they were hearing.
"I wouldn't say that."
Addy chuckled slightly. Noting the shocked looks that she was receiving from the crew. Even Zoro couldn't hide the surprise and the relief emanating from his body. Addy turned her focus to him. Lifting her wrist up. The ribbon still tied tightly between them. "You mind freeing us?"
Before Vivi could protest Zoro brought out his sword. A few quick slashes later the handcuffs were in pieces on the ground. Both of them rubbing their now free wrists. Rubbed raw from the chaffing.
"Thank Ocean," Addy stated turning back to Vivi. "Honestly if I was handcuffed to you any longer I might have gone insane."
"No offense but I probably would have as well."
Usopp raised an eyebrow at them. "The two of you were handcuffed together and you didn't kill each other?
Addy and Vivi looked at each other and laughed. Their little journey together would just be between the two of them.
"Oh we had our moments," Addy answered. Usopp looked like he was about to ask for an explanation when they were interrupted by the mayor. The same man who was overseeing the dancing earlier.
"You saved us!" he exclaimed embracing all of them. Starting with Luffy who hugged him back while the rest of them were baffled. "We shall have a feast in your honor!" That got Luffy excited. Nothing could stop him from a good feast and soon they were all caught up in the whirlwind of the celebration. Set up in the same town square that they were in earlier. Food and booze appearing from seemingly out of nowhere with what felt like every single townsperson thanking them. Baroque Works had been holding their island hostage and now they were finally free. Sure they had to rebuild but that was a commonplace occurrence.
The Straw Hats embraced the celebration as usual. Addy standing back from the crowd and off to the side. Leaning against the wall of one of the more intact buildings. Enjoying being alone amidst the crowd. She needed it. After being attached to Vivi for what felt like forever she definitely needed it. It helped that Vivi mentioned that Addy needed some alone time. Though she still felt her crew occasionally glance at her. Particularly Zoro. Addy sighed. She had no idea what to say to him.
"Care for a glass of champagne?" one of the townspeople asked her holding out a glass for her.
Addy's natural instinct was to reach out and grab it. Drain it down in one gulp. Instead, she shook her head.
"No thanks. I don't drink."
"You sure?" the man asked. He was good looking Addy had to admit but there was something sleezy about him. She wasn't sure if it was the clothes which made him look like the business manager of some company that abuses tax loopholes or his hair which was slicked back with so much gel Addy was pretty sure it would catch on fire.
"I am absolutely sure that I don't drink."
He gave her a smile that sent her skin crawling. Placing a hand on her whip in case she needed to teach this man a lesson.
"You won't know until you try it." He held it closer to her face. Just as she was about to smash the hilt of her whip into his face Zoro grabbed his arm. Plucking the glass out of his hand and pouring it on the ground.
"She said that she doesn't drink," he growled. The man swallowed a lump in his throat. "I suggest you listen to her." The man took off before Astrid could blink.
"Thanks," she said taking her hand off her whip. "Saved me the trouble of dealing with him."
Zoro cocked his head towards her. "Finally decided you had something to live for?"
Addy looked at him surprised. But maybe she shouldn't be. She never really talked about it after all. Instinctively pulling her locket out. "I always had something to live for. My promise to Riley." It was Zoro's turn to be surprised. Leaning closer into her. She let out a sigh. This was hard but not as hard as she thought it would be. "Riley's dream was simple. Document the journey across the Grand Line through photographs. However, she didn't want a simple pleasure cruise. Instead, she only wanted to sail with the captain who would become the King of the Pirates. A captain who would be an even greater King than Rogers was. I promised her that we would find the right captain and sail with them until the end of the line." She glanced at Luffy who was devouring the buffet laid out. "I knew he was the right captain as soon as he returned my necklace to me. I didn't want to die before fulfilling my promise to her." She let out a wry laugh. "It's what kept me going for so long. Why I didn't take my own life." She looked at the spilled booze on the ground. Now soaked up by the soil. "But I wasn't strong enough to keep on living without her. Despite how much I may have wanted to."
She looked back up at Zoro again. Not sure what to expect. He gave her a look of absolute understanding and also relief. Like a weight was lifted off of his shoulders. Whatever answer he was looking for she apparently had it. He stepped closer to her. Resting his forehead against hers.
"We thought you died. I... I thought you died."
She closed her eyes softly. Taking him in. Before opening her eyes again.
"I know. I can't apologize enough. I never wanted you to even think." She may not have the words but the intentions were there. He understood her. He always had.
"Addy.. what we.. what we were doing?" He swallowed a lump in his throat. "Was it just a distraction?"
This time her breath stuttered for different reasons. Maybe not everything was lost.
"Zoro it was never a distraction. A way to relax maybe but never a distraction." She felt him heat up as she lifted a hand to his face. "What we had was special. Something I never had with anyone else." It was like something shifted between the two of them. The air significantly warmer. Her heart beating hard in her chest. There was no doubt about it. She had fallen for him. And there was no coming back. "Something that I would like for us to continue. Zoro would you-"
"Addy!" Usopp called out killing the moment. The two of them turned to glare at him. Usopp had no idea how close he came to being a dead man. "Come over here! We have a bet going on. Vivi claims that you can dance."
Addy rolled her eyes rethinking her plan to kill her. "And you want me to prove it?" He nodded and she let out a sigh. Breaking off from Zoro.
"Apparently I have to dance now," she grumbled. Zoro looking somewhat amused. "You say a word and you'll be dancing too."
Knowing that wasn't an idle threat Zoro didn't say a word as Addy moved to join the others. As soon as she got anywhere near the dance floor Vivi grabbed her hands and pulled her into a waltz.
"And here I thought that you had enough of me," Addy jested earning a laugh from Vivi.
"I just wanted to dance," Vivi replied.
"And you're telling me Sanji can't dance?"
"I don't know. Maybe you should find out." She let out of her and Addy soon found herself caught up in a tango with Sanji.
"Addy sweet," he murmured gently kissing her hand before they got started. She had to admit. Sanji was probably the best dancer she had ever come across. Pose perfect. Hands in the correct place. Addy honestly was having a little trouble keeping up with him. She caught cheers from the crowd as they danced. Keeping her focused on what was around her. Maybe that was the point. Catching a glance of Zoro who was busy sulking. Beer in hand. She would get back to him later. But for now, just enjoying the feel of dancing. It had been far too long.
Addy didn't know how long she kept dancing for but neither her nor Sanji wanted to stop. It was only after the sun had set and the music slowly died that they came to a stop. Most of the crowd dispersing and Addy knew. It was time for them to set sail.
They were mostly quiet as they boarded Merry. Well, as quiet as the Straw Hats could be. Meaning that it was absolute chaos. The true quiet came as most of them headed to bed. Leaving Addy to stare out at the Ocean under the stars. It was during this moment that Addy remembered similar nights, similar parties. She clutched at the banister as it poured over her. Doctorine was right. Everything would come back to her. The fog had been lifted. Only problem was that she had no idea what to do about it. Or maybe she did.
"Captain," she said softly turning around. He had stayed on deck as if expecting this. "I…" A million thoughts went through her mind. I need you. I need to forget. I'm sorry. Help. It hurts. It hurts so much. Please. "Remember." That was enough. He gave her a smile and started walking to her. Only to be stopped by Zoro.
"Let me handle this," he stated softly. Luffy glanced at Addy and she nodded. He gave them both a smile and walked off. Heading down below. Addy always had a feeling he knew more than what he was letting on. This only proved it as he left Zoro and her on deck. Wind softly blowing through her hair. Waves gently rocking Merry back and forth. She had been unusually quiet. Probably to give Addy time to readjust herself to the crew.
The only sounds she could hear were that of the sea and of the creaking floorboards as Zoro walked closer to her. It was only when he got close that Addy surged forward. Tangling a hand in his hair and resting a hand on his waist.
"I have missed you," she stated letting those words sit with him for a moment before staring deep into his eyes. "I don't know about you but I want to catch up on everything that we've missed."
"Yes," he rumbled picking her up and carrying her to the crows nest. Before Addy wished that everything would go back to the way it was before the revelation but now she realized that this. This was better. The feel, the taste, the smell of Zoro was all dialed up and she realized that the alcohol robbed her of more than she realized. What would she do to get all that back? Because being with Zoro uninhibited was one of the greatest feelings of all. Stripping off clothes and feeling his bare skin pressed against hers. But they took their time. Savoring each other. As lovers would. She knew right then and there that she never wanted to be with anyone else. That she wanted to date him. Kiss him silly. Now how to tell him that.