Chapter 9: Secrets and mistakes
She's remembering everything. But, as soon as she remembers, she forgets again. This is going to be more difficult than we thought. Blue eyes said.
"No it won't. She'll have to remember something painful, or someone will say something and then she will run away from that useless crew. They won't be able to protect her and then...we will strike." Green eyes replied. He stood, the black cape he was wearing swirling away from him with a whisper of silk and velvet. He moved towards a small table and lifted a crystal ball. Inside the ball was a small silver star. Every now and again the star would flash two different colours or the colours would flash at the same time, dividing the star down the middle. At the moment the star was a calm purple. It was raging green mere moments ago and his heart had leapt as he remembered the fire in that girl's heart. Lying next to the crystal ball was a small misty puddle of what looked like silver blood. It shimmered in the slight light and then turned into a picture frame, almost like a circular mirror. It showed Mystery pacing back and forth in her room.
Mystery. The name suits her. Blue eyes sighed. Green eyes widened and then narrowed.
"Saccharine Peril is way better. It suits her better. Hmm, sweet danger. I love it." green eyes said and then shuddered, "Mystery is such a goody goody"
Because she is trying to repent for past crimes possibly? We should be like that. We've killed enough people. Blue eyes said. Green eyes laughed.
"You are an idiot Affable. You pay too much stock into being nice to people. It is all rather boring." Green eyes responded.
But it got us where we are today. Without me you would have been locked up in a madhouse years ago Odium. Affable replied to green eyes. These two men are combined, destined to put up with each other for the rest of their lives. One was good, the other was evil, but, when they combined they became a mix.
Affable was able to do small evils like steal, lie, insult. Odium was the one who had to be watched, although being mixed with Affable had caused him to be more merciful and be able to perform small courtesies like letting someone live if they told him what he wanted to know, or not kicking dogs when he walked down the street. The kicking the dogs thing had been a really bad habit.
"Yes yes yes, we are grateful for you Affable. Blah blah blah." Odium responded and then stuck a needle sharp fingernail into the silvery mess. It swirled and went back to a shimmering puddle and Odium's finger withdrew. "Problem is, you're too nice though. You let me take over our body. You shouldn't have done that."
Yes, but I can just as easily take it back, but I don't see any need to right now. You aren't doing anything that I object to, except complain about how droll Mystery is.
"Oh shut up. You're getting on my nerves again"
Takes one to know one.
"Okay. Let's just review our plan so we can maintain what little sanity we have left. Ok"
Fine.
Odium growled and then pulled out his paper and unrolled it.
Mystery didn't sleep at all that night and the next day the effects of it showed. But, she couldn't sleep, for if she slept then that evil side would come out and kill someone. She knew it would.
But, if memories were gold she'd be a very poor girl, which she was, as she had nothing to go on except screams, evil laughter and flashes of blood and colours. Sanji and Chopper had both asked what was wrong, but she had smiled and said nothing. As she leaned against the rails, she looked down at the water. Her reflection peered back up at her, a bemused expression placed firmly on the mirror image's face. Mystery sighed as she gazed at the ripples. So she had a cursed fruit power and couldn't swim.
What a ridiculous notion, but, it made sense and she didn't really want to test it out again. She let her eyes un-focus and watched the waves slap against the side of the ship. Staring at her reflection with a dreamy expression. Suddenly the reflection was laughing at her, blood red hair and green eyes twisted as the mouth stretched wide, laughing. Mystery gasped and stepped back. She ran a hand through her hair and noted it was still green. This day just kept getting worse.
"Are you absolutely sure Sanji?" a voice asked behind her. She turned and saw Sanji and Nami together. Mercifully, Mystery was hidden by the tangerine bushes and the two didn't know she was there.
"Positive. They were together next to the mast and close. Real close. Luffy was blushing as he went past me back to the cabins and Zolo glared at me like you wouldn't believe." Sanji responded. Mystery's eyes widened. She hadn't been on this ship long, but she did know that if Zolo got wind that Sanji had found out about his feelings for Luffy, then he would instantly blame her.
Oh, this was not good. Nami was smiling like a maniac and Sanji looked about ready to jump in the air and click his heels together. Zolo chose that most inappropriate time to walk out of the cabins. Mystery leapt up and waved her hands at him, trying to send him back into the cabin. Zolo looked at her like she was an alien. Sanji and Nami turned towards him, looking like dragons that had just spotted lunch.
They were going to have a field day with this. Mystery bounded down and then pretended she had just exited from the girl's cabin. She wandered past Nami and Sanji with a slight smile and walked over to Zolo. Oh, this was going to be so disgusting. She liked Zolo, but not like that. But, she was bound by her own sense of honour to do whatever it took to save Zolo from those two sea creatures. Zolo was leaning against the mast, almost asleep when Mystery dropped down in front of him. She smiled and Zolo smiled back.
"Go along with me." Mystery muttered. Zolo tilted his head and then gave a muffled shout as she kissed him.
WHOA! Yucky! Ew ew ew ew. Luffy, think about Luffy. (a/n so out of character, but, anyway.) Zolo thought and then Mystery released him. She looked over to see Nami and Sanji's jaws just about touching the ground. She leaned in and let her head rest on Zolo's chest. Zolo looked about ready to faint.
Nami and Sanji looked at each other and then scuttled into the kitchen, obviously to talk about what had just happened. Mystery then wiped a hand across her mouth and stuck her tongue out.
"Yuck." she said. Zolo's head snapped up.
"Yuck?" he asked. Mystery nodded.
"Nami and Sanji were discussing something about you and Luffy and how close you were last night. I didn't want them to start annoying you or him about it cosit would wreck anything you two had accomplished...so I kissed you. I'm really sorry." Mystery said and bowed. Zolo sighed.
"You probably just saved me from a day of ridicule and annoying questions. Thanks." Zolo responded, "Although, that was a really bad kiss." Mystery let herself smile. Just as long as she didn't laugh, it was okay.
"Well, I didn't exactly expect you to like it, seeing as you like…someone else." Mystery said as Usopp walked past. Zolo nodded.
"Zolo likes someone! Is it Nami?" Usopp asked hearing Mystery. Zolo stiffened and his eyes narrowed. If the devil had seen Zolo right now, he would have run for the hills, holding his forked tail and screaming for his mummy.
Usopp was no exception.
He took one look at Zolo's face and ran and climbed up the mast to the crow's nest where he peeked out, his long nose quivering in fear.
"I take it you aren't particularly fond of Nami." Mystery said quietly. Zolo gave her the same look and Mystery quailed and Zolo's expression softened.
"Sorry. You don't know how much I hate her. I'll help her out, I'll rescue her, but, I will never ever, be caught dead liking her." Zolo said and crossed his arms. There was a shout and Zolo looked around to see Luffy holding a pile of meat in his arms and heading for the safety of the figurehead while Sanji chased him with a butcher's knife.
Luffy jumped over the rail and sat down on the ram's head, smiling smugly because he knew Sanji wouldn't come out on the thin rail to get him in case he fell off, because then the chef would have to dive in after him to save him. Then Sanji would have to fight with Zolo because he hated it when Sanji would knock Luffy into the water and then Sanji would be late to make Nami's afternoon snack. And Sanji hated being late.
"Fine you little meat thief. But don't expect to get anything to eat tonight." Sanji yelled. Ding! Point for Sanji. Luffy glanced at the meat in his arms and then back at Sanji's retreating back.
"Sanji! Here." Luffy said and jumped back onto the deck. He handed the meat back to Sanji who smiled smugly and walked back to the kitchen. Luffy's head bowed. Zolo laughed and Mystery put a hand over her mouth to try and hold her own laughter in. The captain of the ship was overshadowed by the chef simply because Luffy wanted to eat.
How embarrassing. Luffy looked over at Zolo and grinned, pulling out a drumstick from his shirt and then walking over to the swordsman. Mystery smiled and went off to make sure Nami couldn't interfere with the two. Of course, Mystery forgot about the earlier kiss and walked straight into the kitchen with a smile. Nami instantly came over to her and guided her into a seat.
"Ah, Mystery. I have to talk to you." Nami said. Mystery smiled, not really knowing where Nami was going with this, but willing to listen all the same. "Well, Zolo isn't exactly the best choice"
"What?" Mystery replied.
"He doesn't like girls." Nami hinted. Mystery frowned.
"He doesn't like me?"
"No. He doesn't want to be with you."
"He…thinks I'm annoying?"
"Well, in the relationship yeah, I think so."
"Oh. I understand." Mystery said and a tear slipped out of her eye. She stood and walked out, Nami watching and thinking that maybe she had made a mistake saying something. Mystery walked down into the cabin and lay on her stomach on the bed. This day really was getting worse. Her eyes closed and she couldn't help falling asleep.
Silence. Sweet silence. Cold. So cold. Snow falling around her face as she walked. Her long blue jacket with the fur collar swayed silently as she walked, the crunch of the snow the only sound she could hear. This was an island she knew. Mystery's hands were stuffed deep in her pockets and her hair was free, resting on the back of her neck keeping her ears and back of her neck effectively warm. She looked up at the sky as a large black bird swooped down over her. She stepped back, watching it as it landed and then stared at her, a piece of paper in it's beak. She walked forward and took it. The bird took off again.
"Stupid bird." she muttered. She opened the letter and her eyes widened.
You are being watched. Run and you will die. You can't escape the island.
Mystery gasped and looked around wildly. Blades unsheathed themselves from her fingers and she shook her head, trying to make them go back. Saccharine was emerging. She would run. She would find whoever had sent this letter and then kill them. She couldn't allow that to happen. She grabbed her head and screamed as her hair changed and her eyes flickered. It was no use, Saccharine was coming out, whether she liked it or not. Screams, fever, hot liquid running over her hands and laughter again. Once again she awoke with blood on her hands and just a memory made of sound. Hot tears spilled down her face. Just like every other time. She was only 11. Not even a teenager.
Mystery was awoken from her terrible dream by the ship bumping into something. She shivered. But, this was her chance. If they had landed on an island then she could leave and the crew wouldn't be in danger any more. She sighed and got up. There was a thump and Zolo appeared. He walked in, a smile on his face.
"Hey." he said and then noticed the expression on her face. "What's wrong?" he asked. Mystery shook her head and managed a smile.
"Nothing." she replied but, pain and anger were welling up inside her and when she got angry, Saccharine appeared. Sure enough her fingers twitched and her head felt like it was about to split open.
"Zolo." She mumbled and then pushed past him and rushed out onto the deck. Luffy, Sanji (heart eyes), Nami, Usopp and Chopper were there. Mystery looked around with rapidly fading eyes and smiled as she realised they were on an island. She jumped over the side, scrambled down the ladder and then ran into the forest. Zolo came running out and looked around wildly.
"Where did she go?" he asked. Nami looked at him sadly.
"She went into the forest. Leave her alone." she said.
"What the hell are you talking about?" Zolo yelled about to jump over the edge of the ship.
"I told her you don't like her." Nami said angrily.
"Why the hell'd you do that!" Zolo almost screamed.
"Because she kissed you! I know you don't like girls." Nami responded hotly. Zolo was silent before he put a hand to his forehead.
"I never should have let her cover for me."
"Cover for you?" Nami asked lost.
"Yes. She kissed me because she was hiding a secret for me. That's the only reason. She doesn't like me that way either. God Nami, what have you done?" Zolo demanded and then walked back over to the orange haired woman.
"Don't talk to Nami that way shit swordsman!" Sanji yelled in the shark teeth mode that was so often used between these two and mainly reserved for when Luffy did something wrong.
"Why Zolo?" Luffy asked butting in.
"Mystery has a little problem. You remember when you tried to make Mystery laugh Luffy? How her eyes glowed that weird green? Well, it goes beyond that. She turns into a whole different person! And, this person ain't exactly an angel. I think she changes when she's distressed in some form. Mystery is an angel, and Saccharine is the devil incarnate." Zolo explained to the group.
"Saccharine?" Usopp asked.
"That's what she calls herself when she's changed. Saccharine Peril. Sweet danger. She has red hair and green eyes and blades that come out of her fingers. She's scary. We fought last night and that was the first time I've seen her." Zolo said and then went back to the side of the ship.
"How could such a sweet be such a danger!" Sanji cried, his hands clasped under his chin and his eyes beating with gigantic hearts. Nami swung a fist around and knocked Sanji to the ground.
"I'm sorry Zolo. I didn't realise." Nami apologised as Sanji's foot twitched in the air beside her.
"Try thinking next time." Zolo said before he leaped off. Luffy ran after him.
"I'm coming too!" Luffy cried and jumped off. Nami sighed and then looked to Sanji.
"Go on and cook dinner." she said and Sanji jumped up.
"Yes my sweet! Anything for you!" and to the kitchen.
Mystery sat miserably beside a tree. She had actually been able to quell Saccharine this time, but the bitch was getting stronger. How? She didn't know but, every now and again she got the feeling that someone was watching her.
"Who's there?" she whispered. There was a rustling and a man approached her, his silvery hair glittering in the moonlight. He had beautiful, deep blue eyes and a handsomely tanned body that was covered by a black cape. The cape was obviously made of velvet from the way it reflected the moon. Mystery took a step back as he approached.
"Hello." He said with a smile, "My name is Affable." he said. He had a deep, honeyed voice and he seemed to be a beautiful soul even though his face seemed much like that of an eagle's. Mystery took another step back. "Ah, I see you are frightened. Do not be, I do not mean you harm." Mystery still didn't trust him, but she stopped moving backwards. Those eyes, so vivid. She knew them. From where.
"I'm…Mystery." she replied. Affable smiled.
"Yes. I know." he came toward her and wrapped an arm around her waist. He looked into her eyes. "Please, come quietly…or I will be forced to hurt you. I…am sorry." Affable said. Well, Mystery thought this was a little scary. She pushed at him but he was too strong. Suddenly Affable's head tilted back and his eyes changed to a poisonous green. "You will come with me, or I will make you." he hissed. Mystery was startled and she resisted, pulling back.
"Let me go Affable!" she screamed.
"Affable? I am not him, he is the sweet side, I am Odium. And I won't let you go." and he began to drag her away. Mystery screamed and kicked him and he grunted, letting her go to reach down and rub at his bruised shin.
He growled and grabbed at her neck but only succeeded in getting her blue neck tie. Mystery disappeared into the darkness. Odium hissed and dropped the scarf, stalking after her.
Zolo ran on, Luffy right beside him. That scream had sounded awfully like Mystery and Zolo was pretty sure it wasn't a happy scream. He crashed through the trees and heard Luffy grunt.
"You okay?" Zolo called, not looking back.
"Yeah…a stick scratched me." Luffy replied and they continued. He crashed through one last set of trees and came into a small clearing. He looked around. There was a smell here. A weird smell. Zolo walked forward.
"Zolo stop!" Luffy's voice said behind him. Zolo did as he was told and then Luffy darted forward and picked something up off the ground. He held it up. Mystery's scarf. That wasn't good.
"Something's happened." Luffy muttered as he looked around, that serious side of his coming into play.
"Yeah. Now let's find out what." Zolo replied and looked toward the other side of the clearing.
I started school again this week, and I am surprised that I will actually be able to work on this, but, if I finish it. Well...yay. Reviews please.
