Chapter 14: Quiet Talk

Having passed out not long after the fight, Zoro carried Hikaru the rest of the way back to fishmen's lodge. Opening the door the swordsman realized the gravity of what had happened. The villagers that were inside, even the crew, were all asleep on the floor. A quick scan of the room told him that the fight truly was nothing more than a distraction—Hikari was nowhere to be found.

With great care Zoro placed the red head on the floor and felt a rush of relief when Luffy sat up. Scratching his head the captain looked as confused as Zoro," What happened?"

Clutching her head Nami finally woke," Uhn..."

Seeing Zoro out of the corner of his eye Luffy was instantly distressed," You're bleeding!" Hikaru's still form also caught his eye." What happened Zoro?"

" I was gonna ask you the same question..."

" I'm pretty sure we didn't party that hard..." groaned the cook, getting to his feet, helping Nami up afterwords.

Hand over her mouth the navigator rushed to Hikaru's side," We have to stop her bleeding!"

" Where's Hikari?" Usopp questioned, startling everyone." She's not here! But she was sitting right there!"

Wanting to help as Nami stoppped the bleeding and bandaged Hikaru's wounds, Zoro turned to the others," While you guys were napping we took on another bunch bent on taking Hikaru and Hikari back to their village. It was a decoy and we fell for it—don't you guys remember anything?"

" There was this strange fog...that's when everyone started dropping like flies..." Sanji walked back in carrying a small dish of water." It was probably some kinda' sleeping gas."

" That explains that..."

" Hikari—ugh.." Cringing from the sudden movement and the pain it caused, Hikaru looked around the room. Her hopes were dashed after recieving a sorrowful look from the crew. As her hope died her determination grew stronger—there was no way that she'd lose her sister, Hikari was all she had left." Back...we're going to...get her back."

Nami urged her to remain still," You'll open your wounds again."

Knocking away her hand her hair covered her eyes, hiding them from everyone," Hikari is my sister...I won't lose her to whatever it is...they want with us. Even if that means I have to die...she's my treasure...without her there is no way my dream will come true."

Luffy grinned, inspite of the situation," They better watch out then! 'Cause we're gonna track them down until we get Hikari back."

Tears fresh in her eyes Hikaru nodded," Yes."

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A fisherman outside the village had given them a general direction that a ship had sailed in. The only other caravel, one that had shown up not long after they had arrived.

A sacrifice...must..be made...

The words that Hono'o spoke were still coursing through her mind as she washed off. Hikaru gazed at her reflection in the mirror—not only had her sister been kidnapped but she killed for the first time. Yuki's clouded over eyes were still haunting, she knew that she would have to eventually. Splashing water over her face she headed up the stairs to the deck. Noticing Nami standing by the mast Hikaru took a seat next to her.

" Nami...?"

The carrot top glimpsed over her shoulder," Yeah?"

" I need advice..."

Flopping down she had a cobfused expression," About what?"

A little unsure of herself Hikaru fiddled with her hands," I really like someone—"

" Zoro?"

" How'd you know?"

Laughing the other girl waved her hand," It's obvious to everyone but Luffy and Zoro, himself. You're wanting advice on how to go about telling how you feel, right? Just tell him, the longer you wait the more obsticles get in your way. At least...that's how I see it."

" Oh..." shifting she couldn't help but smile." Is there someone you like, Nami?"

Hugging up to her knees Nami gave a pleasant smile," Yeah...but he's as blind as Zoro is. The idiot."

" You mean...Luffy?" Questioned Hikaru with a big grin." You do spend a lot of time with him...I'm surprised her hasn't noticed by now!"

" That's the problem with some men..." grumbled the carrot top before they both burst out laughing.

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Yeah...made it obvious now! I really do think Nami and Luffy are cute together—not that I hold anything against Nami and Sanji. They're just as cute! Couldn't have her falling for him though...it would ruin my sequel story!

This chapter doesn't have much in it but...after writing that fight scene before my brain needed a rest. So I stuck mainly to dialogue for this one. Too much...DETAIL! (faints) The Fatal Frame 2 theme song is helpful though...for writing this story. Yay! Hey! If you guys know the names of any songs you think might help inspire me leave them in a review! I'd really appreciate it!

Chapter 15: Spring Souls! The caravel carrying Hikari is spotted porting at Haru Village! But a very dangerous man is already there awaiting the girls arrival! What's up with Hikari...she's like a completely different person...

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