Chapter 12 - Just keep going
The town partied on through the night, even getting some of the freed slaves to join in the merriment. Others prefer to just rest and allow their wounds and tired bones to recover. Of our rag-tag group, it was Itzal, Arabella and Sherlock that partook in the festivities. It was Zarina and Francis that chose to sit this one out. Whether they realized it or not they were in the same boat.
The next day Francis was off somewhere in town, Zarina wasn't sure where he had disappeared to although she suspected he was quite preoccupied with his thoughts of the future and possibly still trying to understand what happened yesterday. Itzal and Arabella had disappeared for a while too. They were probably resting in some inn further in town. The whole group was given a place to rest that night which they were all grateful for, Zarina, in particular, was very grateful for some rest. Those fights the other day drained her both physically and mentally, a growing trend it seemed.
But at this moment Zarina stood within a short distance of the harbor, her eyes lay on the workers still dealing with the destroyed ships from the other day however her mind was elsewhere.
Zarina faced a numerous amount of choices for her future having made it to this island she could finally go free, she could begin her quest to find a place to hide away from the World Government, a place she would eventually grow to call home but that was the problem. Where could she go?
She took a slow deep breath as her mind finalized the challenges she'd have to face in her mind.
'The journey of a thousand steps begins with the choice to start in the first place…' She thought to herself, she'd have to begin somewhere and the more time she wasted the harder it could get for her.
While she was certainly concerned for her own future some thoughts that lingered in her mind were of Itzal and Rob. Specifically about what happened between them the other day.
"What goes through their heads," Zarina asked aloud, her finger tracing the hilt of her rapier, she knew she wouldn't get an answer just standing here. The only two who could answer that question were Itzal and Rob themselves and they sure as hell were going to answer that, not just for her own sake but Francis' as well.
Her thoughts and plans being so distracting she failed to notice an individual slowly sneak up behind her.
"Boo!" The person shouted, inches away from Zarinas' ear. The sudden scare nearly caused her to physically jump into the air but what she mainly did was flinch quite drastically, stumble forward away from the source of the fright and immediately reach for her rapier once she balanced herself from her little stumble forward.
However, she didn't draw her rapier once she realized who it was and what exactly was said to frighten her. Zarina may not have drawn her rapier but her irritation at the jumpscare was tempting her regardless but she controlled that urge, controlling her emotions like she always does.
On surface level at least.
"Miss Lovelace." Zarina almost growled out, she was almost glaring over her glasses but she took a deep breath instead of verbally abusing the other woman. Instead, she just brushed it off, letting it slide this time. She'd ask her not to do that to either herself or other people in the future.
Arabella, on the other hand, had the grin of a Cheshire cat, sticking out her tongue in a cheeky manner, her hands on her hips. Her pose and posture displayed nothing but sass from the helmswoman.
"Zzzaaaaarina!" She countered at hearing her name, she took note of the little hint of displeasure knowing instantaneously it was due to that little playful sneak attack. But to get back on track as to why she came over in the first place. "What are you doing over here all by your lonesome?" She'd spotted Zarina off to the side as she was strutting around town for something fun to do, after spotting Zarina she thought she'd hang around with her for a bit. The other day proved that Zarina and the bunch she ran with were interesting and exciting people, that's the kind of people Arabella always found fun to play with.
"So you noticed me hm?" Zarina stated, it appeared as a question but obviously didn't need an answer so she continued, "I've just been think about recent events and how they affect the future." Zarinas' neutral tone and more stoically calm demeanor returned.
"What's there to think about? It seems pretty obvious to me." Arabella responded, "Just keep runnin with the boys you have been."
"You make it sound so simple yet it's not." Zarina countered, both of them standing together side by side as they turned their view to the harbor. "If I'm honest, I had considered it."
This would be surprising to hear if she'd said that to any of the guys however since she has only just told this to Arabella the impact was lost. Arabella didn't know her very well or for very long either so she didn't fully understand Zarinas' side. She was naturally good at reading people's characters but Zarina was slightly more complex than she initially realized.
"Considering it means you that thought about it but ultimately decided against it, so why not?" Arabella questioned. It was true, the fact she had considered that option meant she wasn't going to go with that choice.
"Lingering doubts," Zarina responded somewhat vaguely at first, once she caught a glance of Arabella's slightly confused expression she decided to clarify it. "I have doubts about both myself and my future with them. It still seems so uncertain. To start I'm not sure where Francis will be going, from what I can immediately tell he isn't going with Itzal and Rob meaning if I'm going to stick with them it would be just those two."
"So this Francis guy is in the same situation as you then?" She questioned, not really needing an answer. Zarinas' explanation thus far was enough. "Figures, you two seemed very similar. I get a similar vibe from both of you, hell if you two looked more alike people would mistake you as siblings I bet."
While Zarina didn't respond physically in her head she quickly assessed the statement, it actually rang true in some areas.
"I can't argue with that, we're in similar situations. We both can't go back and we have nowhere to go forward." Admitted Zarina.
"Have you asked him about it? What he plans to do?" Arabella questioned. It was odd how she was the one attempting to guide her but hey, it felt good to help her. "Maybe he has something in mind that might inspire you."
"A thought for another time but back to what I was saying, if I were to go with Itzal I'm not sure I can make it. I can't do the things they do, I can't fight like they do, I can't survive any obstacle that gets in their way like they can." To her credit she was right, she couldn't fight the same battles they could. The hardships those two faced would certainly be the end of her.
"Then don't, do what you can do girl!" Arabella rather loudly argued, slightly surprising Zairina by the sudden loud upbeat tone. She was loud enough to catch the momentary attention of some of the townsfolk nearby. "You don't gotta fight the battles they do, fight your own battles! Did you see what you did yesterday? You fought off slavers for peat sake! Sure they were tough for you but when they got too tough for you who helped you out? The rest of us that were there! You just got to do the best you can, when you reach your limit, pass on the torch to one of the boys and they'll get you there the rest of the way."
That was quite the confident and logical speech Arabella just gave without fully realizing it. Her cheery outlook and positive nature just made the answer seem obvious to her so why couldn't she give some of that positive reinforcement to Zarina?
"Look," Arabella continued, this time she was no longer shouting, "I haven't known those guys very long, especially the redhead since all I got to see from him was his own blood, but that Itzal guy seems like a naturally nice guy. I'm sure he'd be the type of guy that would welcome almost anyone with a decent character and you would be just fine with them."
"He wouldn't leave me behind would he…" Zarina half stated half questioned. There a brief and peaceful moment of silence between the two. "Miss Lovelace," Zarina began causing Arabella to fully turn to face her, "Thanks for the advice."
Arabella just smiled cheerily at her, "Any time sister!" She said as she gave her quite the powerful pat on the back. Ouch.
Itzal continued to wander the streets of the town, Sherlock perched on his shoulder. After waking up this morning after last night's festivities Itzal decided he wanted to check out the town some more, yesterday had been hectic and busy so he was sure there were things and places he'd missed.
Itzal found quite a few places like a small library and a so-called cursed store. Itzal examined quite a few books during his time in that library, mainly supernatural and adventure novels and books but hey, he was learning a few things from them. The cursed store, however, was filled with oddities such as objects related to witchcraft, voodoo and black magic.
While intrigued by such things Itzal wasn't one to mess with the supernatural and things of that freaky nature so he took a quick look around to get an idea of the type of these found there then swiftly retreated outside again.
The store he had just left had offered Itzal and Sherlock some free fruit, which both the man and the monkey were grateful for. Itzal munched on an apple whilst the monkey chewed away at a banana, as expected.
Just before Itzal continued onto another store he was approached by the woman from before, the who owned the restaurant, Aki.
"Hey there!" Itzal began with a small wave of the hand that held his apple. He paused once he saw her expression, it seemed she had something to say to him.
"Yes, hello," She quickly began, a small pause allowing herself to catch her breath. "I went to find you as soon as I could. Your injured friend is wake and waiting for you at the inn." She sounded somewhat worried judging by her tone, "He's refusing to rest any longer, he was going to just get up and leave if I hadn't told him to wait there while I fetch you instead." She explained, "Lucius went to look for your other friends to inform them as well." Aki swiftly added on at the end.
Judging by her expression and tone she was rather concerned for the young man, she clearly didn't want him to push himself and reopen that wound because that would be certain death if a wound like that opened again.
"So he's ready to go is he," Itzal stated more than asked, at that moment he smiled. "That's great! So we can send off soon!"
Wait, what?!
Aki was stunned, "You're… you aren't going to try and stop him?" She asked incredulously. How could he say such a thing?
"Nope," Itzal shrugged with a smile, "Besides I'm sure he isn't one to wait around and do nothing. He'll probably just say something like he'll rest on the ship or the next island." he argued, not many people understood Robs mentally but after witnessing what his first mate had done yesterday Itzal figured him out in that single moment. He was sure the others would want answers for his actions so he'd have to attempt to explain the situation.
Aki still didn't fully comprehend why Itzal was out with his friend possibly injuring himself if he happened to strain his body too much.
She tilted her head at Itzal giving him an analyzing gaze, "Young man, I just can't seem to understand you."
Her reaction got a small chuckle from Itzal while Sherlock chirped away happily on his shoulder, "I got that a lot while I was younger." His words had a hidden meaning to them that obviously went over Akis' head but the surface level statement made it loud and clear. "So he's still at the inn he was yesterday?" He asked to confirm.
Aki nodded, "He's waiting for you specifically, I believe he wanted to leave when you were ready but I think he might have also wanted a word with you himself."
"Alright! Let's get going then!" Itzal moved over to Aki as they both began to walk back to the inn Rob was waiting for them in. He had his fill of exploring the town and with the celebrations last he had plenty of fun. Itzal had actually spent a bit of time learning the culture of this island but it was about time to leave now.
Aki walked alongside Itzal, Sherlock still on his shoulder, every few steps she gave him a curious side glance. Her thoughts were of this man's mind, what kind of man was he to have such an outlook?
However, she remained silent and their trip back to Itzals' first mate.
Francis stood off on his own along a small trail that followed the curve of a hill, buried in his own thoughts. He stood perfectly upright, hands behind his back, feet wide enough to be stable. You could see his marine upbringing through his body language but that's beside the point.
Francis was mulling over his bewildered thoughts of what he saw from Itzal and Rob, more specifically Itzal. Itzal truly surprised him yesterday by his reaction at seeing his first mate in such a poor state, from what Francis had seen of Itzal it didn't fully make sense. Itzal seemed to be kind, open and honest about everything yet when Rob showed up he showed concern for only a moment before going to a more neutral state, he didn't say a word about why he did it. Itzal hadn't been open with them as to what happened between them. Itzal was brutally honest and yet he seemed to ignore the issue. Why?! Francis rather enjoyed his time with Itzal and the others thus, sure his rational mind clashed with Itzals ambitious one but that was interesting to Francis, to see how different they can be.
'Itzal, you're more complicated than you seem on the surface.' Francis thought to himself, humming while he did for a moment, 'I guess I shouldn't judge a book by its cover, there is far more to you then a kind soul and a big dreamer.'
His thoughts were interrupted however as a voice called out to him. "Francis right?" The voice said in a smooth, neutral tone.
Francis turned his head to where the voice came from to see Lucius approaching him. Francis gave him a nod of the head as both a greeting and to confirm his name was Francis.
"Good, glad to know my memory is still in one piece." Lucius joked as he stood next to the young man. "It's good I managed to actually find one of his friends, I came to tell you your friend is awake and he's attempting to leave."
Francis turned to him with a slightly disbelieving expression on his face, "Rob's trying to leave? While as wounded as he is?" Francis asked, however, he continued on without letting Lucius answer. "What is wrong with him?!" Frustration leaked through his words.
Lucius just watched Francis for a moment, "Don't blame yourself lad, there is nothing you can do about those kinds of men."
Francis turned to face Lucius, "What do you mean?"
Lucius placed a hand on his shoulder for a moment before releasing him and crossing his own arms, "This might sound odd but I've heard of that kind of man." He began, tilting his head back slightly, "I have no personal experience with anyone like him before but I've heard stories from my own parents. I heard about what happened, about how this Itzal fellow reacted and how Rob did as well."
"Anything would help to understand those two and what happened," Francis stated hoping he would continue.
"You want to understand why neither of them cared about what happened? To me, it seems like they are committed to something. Willing to go through hell like your friend went through, to them life isn't worth it by itself. They are willing to sacrifice what they have for what they believe despite the pain they might face." Lucius attempted to explain, while he didn't know if it helped the young man or not he hoped it did.
Little did Lucius know it actually helped more than he realized, Francis' thoughts immediately went back to his time on the ship with Itzal. The conversation, or rather speech Itzal had given him about the dreams of man, the ambitions of the people. While it didn't fit together at this moment you could see it was linked, it was a puzzle to understand Itzal and Rob but he had another piece to it. He'd made progress.
"Thanks," Francis replied simply.
Lucius smiled, "Hope I helped. Come on," He gestured with his arm to the town, "We need to find your other friends and inform them of the young man's situation." He laughed nervously to himself though, "Although I'm not sure where they might be."
Francis did, however, "I believe I saw Arabella near the docks earlier. I was busy with my thoughts so I didn't approach her but she appeared to be hanging around that area with a bored expression on her face." Needlessly noting she was bored.
"Then let's go." With that, they both took off to look for Zarina and Arabella. Francis was rather quiet on the way back, the puzzle in his head took shape but had yet to be complete and he knew who could help him get the final pieces.
Itzal, Sherlock and Aki arrived at the inn Rob had been recovering in, they passed through the inn lobby toward the room Rob had been stitched back together in.
Aki paused at the door but Itzal didn't and just sort of barged in, not that anyone cared especially Rob of all people.
Itzal and Aki found Rob sitting on the bed, he looked up to the door when they'd entered. The first thing people would notice was how Rob wore his new shirt. He wore a new yellow short-sleeved shirt, unbuttoned revealing the bandages that covered his torso. You could see faint traces of blood on the bandages were Robs' wound was. He still wore his attire from the other day meaning his trousers, boots, gloves, and hat remained the same.
"So you're ready to go?" Itzal asked walking up to Rob.
He smirked at his comrade, "That I am but I wanted to talk to you for a second if you don't mind."
Itzal just smiled back at his first mate, "Not a problem at all! Fire away." Sherlock also chirped away happily, scampering up and down Itzals arm.
Before Rob began Aki spoke up, "I'll leave you to it then, I'll go to inform your other friends of your current state." Aki saw that this was a conversation between these two young men so she was going to give them privacy for their discussion.
"Thanks, Aki but if you find them would you tell them to meet us at the harbor, I'm sure this won't take long," Itzal replied with a smile while Rob stood just behind him with a smirk of his own.
Aki looked at the two for a moment and gave her own small smile before departing the room in search of Itzals comrades.
Itzals' attention turned back to his first mate, "You doing okay?" He asked, oddly cheerful despite the question.
"Alive and kicking," Rob responded, his smirk only grew as he began to speak again, "So, I just wanted to say thanks for yesterday. It's good to know there is someone who understands what we do and the life we chose to live." His comment was rather vague to anyone else besides the two involved, others would be confused by it.
Itzal chuckled at his statement, "Yeah, I understand ya. You know the others are going to want answers though, especially about your injuries." Itzal pointed out.
His first mate just shrugged it off, however, "I'm sure they will. I'll figure something out." He gave Itzal a playful jab at his shoulder, the one without Sherlock on it of course. "They'll probably want something from you too, I'd bet money on it after how you were so nonchalant about yesterday."
Itzal rubbed the back of his rather sheepishly, "Maybe, I probably shouldn't have been so sudden in my change in attitude." But he quickly defended himself, "But that's exactly what you wanted to be fair. I got your message loud and clear."
Rob laughed at his friend, "Yeah well that's your problem." The first mate began to walk toward the door but paused as he stood off to Itzals, side. "One other thing," He placed a hand on his captain's free shoulder, "After everything that's happened I just wanted to say I'm with you till the end, Itzal."
Itzal responded by placing a hand on his first mates' shoulder as well, "I'll be counting on you from here on out, alright?"
They both removed their hands from one another's shoulders, Rob placing his hands into his pockets while Itzals arms hung by his side. The vice-captain smiled, "Understood, captain."
They both smirked before turning to leave, Itzal smirked at being called captain while Rob smirked at his reaction.
"Alright then, let's go set sail!" Itzal exclaimed as they walked out of the room. Rob just gave a small nod while Sherlock did a little flip. They were off!
Aki patrolled the streets of her small town, searching for her island saviors to inform them of their friend. She didn't have any lead as to where they could possibly be so she searched the main street. Unfortunately, she hadn't found them but she swiftly moved to the harbor in search of them.
Her eyes finally rested upon two women standing together, she recognized as Zarina and Arabella. While she may not have found the entire group with Francis at least she found the two young ladies of the group. Aki moved briskly across toward them both.
"Hello you two," She opened the conversation with while also gaining their attention. "Glad I found you both."
"Hello to you as well."
"Sup!"
Zarina and Arabella replied respectively to the greeting but it was Zarina that continued the conversation before Arabella could.
"You were looking for us?" Zarina questioned, her hand resting peacefully on her rapier gently rubbing with her thumb in a calm fashion. Arabella simply threw her hands up and behind her head in a casual manner.
Aki tilted her head, "Indeed I was, I wanted to tell you your friend is awake and on his way here." She informed them both which got two different yet similar reactions.
Zarinas' was a subtle surprise that turned into a concerned look before finally resting on a disbelieving and frustrated sigh with a mumble of, "idiot".
Arabella, on the other hand, whistled loudly, "Woah, that's impressive to hear he's back up already but damn is he stupid to get up after a wound like that." Arabella was both impressed and completely understood only an idiot would run about with a wound that wasn't fully stitched together.
Aki observed both their reactions, they both seemed reasonable but she certainly wouldn't call what the young red-haired man was doing impressive.
"Have either of you any idea of where the young man, Francis, would be? I haven't been able to find him." Before either Zarina or Arabella could speak they were interrupted by a familiar voice.
"Present." A simple word but the voice gave it away. Zarina and Arabella glanced across the way to where the voice had come from while Aki had to fully turn around. They saw it was both Francis and Lucius that were approaching.
Aki smiled at seeing her husband arrive, "So you found the missing piece did you?" Aki and Lucius gracefully moved to stand beside one another.
Lucius grinned as Francis stepped closer to his two comrades, "I did indeed, it seems you beat us to find the two young ladies." His statement only got a happy hum from Aki as they both faced the trio. "I assume they already know of the situation?"
"They do, however," Aki glanced toward Francis, "Both Itzal and your friend are on their way here as we speak I'm sure." The surprise on Francis' and Lucius' faces made it clear they didn't realize the injured redhead was up and moving again and ready to leave.
'He's completely insane.' Francis couldn't help think after hearing that news, the man could have been killed, was barely patched up, in need of a real doctor to stitch him up and decides to fuck the wound, get up and set sail.
"So this is where we see them off is it?" Francis asked, his question mostly directed as Zarina. He knew that Zarina and himself had stated that this was where they were going to part ways. Itzal had gotten them both out of a pinch, saved them for a faith they didn't want and now were free to go where they wanted.
Zarina didn't say anything at the question, instead choosing to let it hang in the air. Perhaps she didn't want to answer it but regardless no answer came.
"Speak of the devil," Arabella muttered to the group as the man himself showed up with his first mate and his monkey companion.
Itzal, Rob and Sherlock had arrived on the scene. Each of them without a care in the world.
The group shifted to allow Itzal and Rob to join in however as they joined the group they failed to see the gathering of people at the harbor take full notice of them. While none of them said anything they smiled gratefully at the group.
"How's everybody doing?" Itzal asked cheerily, Rob remained silent for the moment but he just kept a casual smile on his face as he watched the group.
"Recovered." Francis answered him before glancing over at the bandages on Robs' torso, "Most of us anyway."
While it was clear what he was referring to neither Itzal or Rob said anything about it.
"Ah! That's good!" Itzals' attention focused in on Arabella first. "Thanks again for helping yesterday."
Arabella just shrugged with a playful smirk on her face, "No problem! It was a fun time." She responded, "But Itzal, I wanted to ask you something. I'd like to repay the favor further, you helped uncover what was going on here so I'd like to help you get to the Grandline." Arabella explained.
"You don't owe us anything." Itzal attempted to argue but was quickly shut down by Arabella.
"Nonsense! Besides, I'll be heading that way myself so I'd be glad to help get you there as well. I'm a top tier helmswoman after all, I'll make sure you get there in one piece."
Itzal blinked at her for a moment before turning to his first mate, possibly wanting a second opinion on the suggestion. Having Arabella on the crew would be a tremendous help, she claimed to be a fantastic helmswoman while also being one hell of a fighter.
Rob just shrugged, however, "Your call."
Itzals' eyes shifted back to Arabella before he fully turned to face her with a smile, "It'll be great to have you aboard!" Itzal stated rather energetically.
Arabella smirked at his words, "I'm sure ya won't regret it!"
Itzals' attention then shifted to Aki and Lucius, "Thanks for giving us a place to stay last night, the festivities were great." He gave them a small bow in gratitude. "And for helping my friend." Gesturing toward his first mate who gave them both a nod of his in appreciation.
"Of course dear, it was the very least we could for those who saved our small island," Aki responded for both herself and her husband. To be honest that would have gone for the whole town as well.
Finally, Itzals' attention befell Zarina and Francis, "So what are you two going to do?" He asked, his tone being somewhat deflated. It was clear to some that he didn't really want either of them to go, he'd grown attached to having them around even if their time together was short but he knew they had their own wishes and desires, he'd rather see them both follow the path they choose to walk.
A brief silence came from both Francis and Zarina, honestly, they weren't sure what to tell him. They'd planned to part ways here but that was it at the moment. Luckily for both of them, they were interrupted by a woman. It was one of the people who had helped tend to Robs' wounds, by the looks of it she seemed to have a message for them judging by the fact she had shouted over to them whilst she ran in their direction.
As she reached them, slightly out of breath, she spoke to Itzal and the group. "You guys should get outta here," She began, still a bit shaky, "A damaged marine ship was sighted on the other side of the island. If you want to run, now would be the time!" The woman informed the group.
The group as a whole had varying reactions to hearing this.
Rob was the first to respond to the news, "About time." Was all he said, a bit too nonchalantly for some.
Francis and Zarina seemed to be the most troubled by this, "They must have sent people after us." Francis guessed, 'I doubt they'd let us go without a fight after all.'
"Unfortunately." Zarina agreed, however that was on the surface. Deep down this might not be as bad as it sounds, her thoughts pieced together what she was going to do next. She assumed Francis was doing the same. 'However, why is the ship damaged?' She thought, noting that small detail.
Arabella was more curious than anything else, "They're after you lot? What did you lot do before ya got here?"
Itzal hummed for a second, "Welp! Looks like we're leaving now then."
Rob didn't argue with him, he was the captain after all. Arabella wasn't going to argue either, she wanted to get to the Grandline as soon as possible, leaving now only allows them to get there sooner in her mind.
Aki, Lucius, and the town woman looked between each member of the group, they were surprisingly calm. To be fair they could understand why Zarina and Francis were as calm as they were since they didn't seem like pirates or the type to have a bounty but the other three were definitely on some kind of watch list, had a bounty or were going to get one.
The townsfolk that had gathered around the harbor had overheard the mention of marines, while none of them had any reason to fear the marines but they knew some of their saviors might.
"Let's set sail!" Itzal stated, his happy go lucky attitude still as strong as ever. His statement got an Ay from Rob and an Alrighty from Arabella.
Zarina chimed in next though, "Itzal, can I ask a favor?"
Itzal turned to face her, "Of course!"
She straightened her posture and cleared her throat, "Can I accompany you to the next island. I fear that with marines being on this island that I'll be caught if I stay. Therefore I'd ask you to take me to the next island so I can depart on my way." Zarina explained her case in a clear tone and manner.
"You're always welcome aboard Zarina!" Itzal countered immediately, "I'm glad to have you around for a little longer." He admitted. A small fond smile briefly formed on Zarinas' lips at hearing that but she quickly continued.
"Thank you kindly." She responded, grateful she could keep going to get to a safer place.
That was four out of five members counted for, that left Francis.
Francis wasn't sure what he wanted to do but there was one thing for certain he wanted to know. Francis turned his entire body to Itzal. "Itzal," He began, gaining not only Itzals attention but everyone elses in the group, "Please, explain to me what happened between you and Rob yesterday. Help me understand why you didn't seem to care about Rob's injuries. Why Rob didn't care for those injuries." Francis asked, his tone serious while at the same time all most begging in nature, "Explain to me why you both acted the way you did."
The whole group went silent at the sudden questioning, Aki and Lucius, in particular, didn't know what to do. Zarina and Arabella, on the other hand, were actually curious themselves for different reasons, Zarina wanting to understand the mindset they seemingly shared and Arabella just wanted to hear their crazy excuse.
Everyone perked up to try and listen closely to what Itzal had to say.
Itzal paused for a moment, he scratched his chin in thought. Sherlock leaped from his shoulder and landed on Robs' right shoulder. Rob stepped back to allow more spotlight to be left on Itzal. He obviously didn't need to hear Itzals answer, the question involved him too. Besides, he already knew.
"Put it simply, it's choice." Itzal began, his answer not completely satisfying the group, however, he wasn't done yet. His tone and volume got louder every so often. "You don't understand the choices we made because you don't fully understand the path we chose to walk. The path leading to our individual ambitions!" Itzals' gaze turned to the sky for a brief moment, "My ambition is to become the Pirate King! To find the One Piece! To achieve a level of freedom nobody else has! An ambition that many would call me foolish or crazy for. And Rob is the very same with his own ambition! To challenge the strongest the world has to offer, to overcome them and become one of the strongest men alive! You wonder why we didn't care for the injuries? It's because we know what our paths hold in store for us! Do you think we don't understand what we're aiming for? Our paths lead to our success or our death! We know death lay ahead and we accept it, we know the costs of our ambitions and we are willing to pay for it, we know how difficult it will be but we shall go anyway! We know we shall face death and we shall fight it! We didn't care for those injuries because we knew they weren't going to stop us! Rob accepts the injuries he took but will go on regardless! I am the same! What obstacles come my way I shall fight it head-on until I pass it! For that is what it takes, that to achieve an impossible ambition we must accept and deal with everything that comes our way until the day we achieve that ambition! We must be fearless in the pursuit of what sets our very souls on fire! What would you do if you weren't afraid? Everything that others fear to try! The obstacles that we find on our path are testing us to see if what we believe in is worth fighting for! It all comes down to the fact we accept the struggles we face, we shall face them, fight them and overcome them!" Itzal exclaimed, he could feel his heart pump, his mind racing, and his blood flowing just from simply speaking of his ambition and his determination to achieve it.
The group was stunned into silence, not one of them having a word to say to his speech, not because they couldn't understand his words but because they couldn't deny or argue it. It was true, you had to accept the risks along your path to the top.
Little did Itzal realize but his speech had gotten a lot louder than he had intended as all the townsfolk around were silent watching as this young man gave such a speech.
Of everyone who could have broken the silence, it was the other half that started this enigma. "Couldn't have said it better myself Itzal," Rob stated with an impressive smirk plastered on his face, he chuckled to himself. "You're far better at speeches than I ever could be." He added the little jab at himself.
Itzal smiled at his first mate before turning back to the rest of the group.
It was Arabella that spoke first, "Well, that's one well of speech you gave. Hell! It's got me pumped!" She admitted, "Let's set sail already! I'll be looking forward to seeing what other inspirational madness you create!" Arabella strolled up past Itzal over to Rob as the two waited for Itzal. She enjoyed that speech, it got the blood flowing for her and motivated her for her own ambition. To see others with such strong ambitions only made it fun.
"Quite the speech Itzal, I'll admit I'm pleasantly surprised and inspired by your words and to get a glimpse into your drive and motivation. If I didn't have the common sense to see the impossible I'd dare say you, and only you could be the next Pirate King. When we part ways on the next island I'll be satisfied to see in a newspaper one day in the future that you were crowned the Pirate King." While it might not have been worded in the nicest way it was still one hell of a compliment, especially one from as reasonable and logical as Zarina. For her to admit Itzal could achieve something that was logically impossible was nothing to laugh at. She moved passed Aki, Lucius, and Francis over to the rest of the group that were ready to head toward the ship, all that remained was Francis.
"Itzal," He began, having been the one to ask the question in the first place it was his response that mattered the most. "You're unbelievable. The first conversation we had aboard your ship sparked the ambition I had. It gave it a chance to breathe and survive," He turned to each member of the group, "But after hearing that speech, I can see that ambition spark back to life in my heart and mind. Maybe it's a good thing, maybe it's not. I'm fired up to go for it but now I have to get there." He smiled at Itzal as he walked up to him, "You sparked a passion that overrides my rational side, to chase a dream I thought I couldn't. I don't know if I will chase it but it's there. I have to put some real effort into my future now. You solved one problem I had but gave me another to deal with."
Itzal just chuckled at his friend, "Sorry for causing you trouble!" Was his somewhat cheeky response.
"Another question, mind taking me to the next island too? If I'm putting thought into my own future and ambition I'd rather do it in a safe place and not whilst I'm captured by some marines." Francis asked.
Itzal didn't even respond to Francis, instead just maintaining his smile and turning to face the group as a whole. "Let's move!"
The group all smiled and smirked at his words as they turned to head toward the ship followed by Aki and Lucius leaving the stunned woman who had come to warn them of the marines.
Lucius leaned over to his wife's ear, "They're young, crazy and foolish aren't they?"
Aki giggled quietly between them, "The only ones who achieve the impossible are the ones foolish or crazy enough to try." Aki briskly countered. Her words putting a soft, fond smile on their faces. The group headed in the direction of their ship.
As they moved off the townsfolk that remained all watched from afar as the group neared their ship, all of them smiling and inspired by what they'd just witnessed.
Itzal and his band of misfits reached the ship they'd docked in the harbor during their arrival. In a few minutes, they'd be setting off leaving this island behind.
"A solid and decent ship," Arabella spoke as she examined the ship, taking note of its size, shape, and sails. As a helmswoman, she took note of such things if she was going to manning the helm, at some point she'd want to give this ship a bit of a push to see how well the ship sails but he'd have to ask Itzal about that. "What's its name?" She added.
Zarina stood off with Francis, they felt that the question was directed at the crew that owned the ship or at the least the captain of the ship. Aki and Lucius stood further away, watching their interaction.
"Uh, to be honest, it doesn't have a name," Itzal stated, his first mate nods his head toward Arabella to confirm Itzals words.
"Woah! Hang on! I'm not getting on a ship that doesn't have a name. It's bad luck!" She explained, putting her hands on her hips.
"You've got to be kidding me…" Zarina muttered to herself, Francis did pick up on it but didn't vocally comment on it. Although he was in the same mindset as Zarina, who cares if the ship is unnamed?
"Oh really? Then nobody gets on the ship until we name it." Itzal buying into what Arabella said. It was clear Itzal believed that sort of superstition if he wasn't going to get on his own ship until it was named. "Any ideas?" He asked the others around him.
"I don't have the right to name a ship that doesn't belong to me."
"It's really not that big of a deal."
"I'm not naming it."
Arabella, Francis, and Zarina replied respectively. Goes to show their thoughts on the matter. Itzal turned to his first mate but he didn't really help either.
"Your ship." Was all he replied with, leaving Itzal to come up with something.
He paused for a moment, he thought back to something from his past in an attempt to name the ship but he came up with nothing good. Itzals' gaze shifted to the sky above and that's when it hit him. He turned to his ship.
"Day Strider. That will be its name." Itzal stated.
"I like it!"
"Creative."
"As expected from you."
"By your orders."
Arabella, Zarina, Francis, and Rob all replied. To be fair it was a good, strong name for a ship although it did make them curious as to why he chose that name. Someone would ask him about it later but for now, they needed to get off this island before a marine caught sight of them.
"Everybody on board!" Arabella exclaimed as she leaped onto and up the gangplank leading onto the Day Strider. She saw the helm of the ship, noting how well crafted it was. Moving over to it she rested her hand on it liking the feeling of it already. This was a good ship, no doubt about it!
Zarina just sighed, she found it hard to believe but she was willingly boarding this ship once again. Her mind was beginning to believe that this might become a common thing for her despite her best efforts.
Francis swiftly jogged up the plank, he knew he was going to be the one to chart their path to the next island so he was going to go grab a map and prepare while he had the chance.
Itzal, Rob and Sherlock were all that had yet to board now. Itzal spun his head in the direction of Aki and Lucius. "Thanks again forever!"
"Nonsense, it should us who is thanking you." Aki countered as she held onto her husband's hand, "You gave us our freedom today young man, that is something we can never truly repay."
Her words got a smile from the two remaining men standing before them but her next words confused Itzal.
"And don't worry about the supplies you ordered, they're already aboard your ship and are free of charge." Her tone still showing her gratitude. Itzal was confused however, what supplies? He never asked for any supplies. He turned to his first mate to see if he knew anything about but once Rob just looked away from him in a somewhat suspicious manner. He raised an eyebrow at his comrade but said nothing for the moment.
"Uhh, sure, thanks." Was all Itzal stated. But he quickly shook that off for now. "Take care!" he said as he and his first mate walked up the gangplank onto the Day Strider leaving Aki and Lucius on the harbor.
Once aboard Itzal noticed where everybody was, Arabella by the helm, Francis with a map and compass in hand near the helm. Zarina waiting by the railing at the top of the stairs. But they all waited for Itzal to reach them.
As he climbed the stairs past Zarina and approached Francis he spoke up, "I checked the map, the next island on the way to the Grandline is Loguetown. That's where we're heading correct?"
"Ay! That's the one!" Itzal responded, his response was heard loud and clear by Arabella as well.
"Alrighty, Loguetown it is!" Arabella exclaimed, spinning the wheel rapidly to turn the ship to face out to the open sea. "Open the mainsail!"
It was Rob who did that honor as he pulled on the rigging to release the mainsail, as it fell it caught wind suddenly, pulling the ship forward rather violently, everyone having to hold onto a railing of some kind not to fall over.
The ship was off!
Itzal, Francis, and Arabella all looked out to the sea, Francis glancing back to the compass as they were departing.
However, that's when Zarina noticed something, a small smile formed on her face as she looked back to the town. "Itzal, look." She said without taking her eyes off what she saw.
Everyone turned to Zarina and then to where she was facing. The sight that greeted them got a smile from everyone single person aboard, even a happy chirp from Sherlock too.
At the harbor stood a huge crowd of people all of them waving the crew off. A truly great thing to see the townspeople gathered like that. The crew took their chance to wave them off in their own way. From small and long waves to simply raising up their arm and giving it a shake.
But once that was over the crew turned back to the sea they faced. Their time on Tear island was done.
It was off to Loguetown.
A bit of a delay in this chapter, apologies but it was that time of year so I'm sure everyone was rather busy. I know it was for me anyway. I hope you all had a great start to the New Year and Merry Christmas to all of you who celebrate it.
Luckily though it's a long enough chapter, over 8000 words. This is the arc over, wrapped up, done, finished so we're onto the next and final island of the East Blue. After that, we're onto Reverse Mountain and the Grandline.
I do have a question though, I wanted to know if you would be interested in the small chapter between now and the next island. A small chapter just about the crew on the ship between then and now. Whether I make a small chapter or just add it to the chapter to the arrival chapter of the next island. Just wanted to know people's thoughts.
(Little note: I'll be making a small side project involving both my One Piece SYOC stories. It'll basically be short stories of characters from both stories, some of its canon, some of it not. But it will also contain spoilers and will allow me to write about characters such as other Supernovas, yet to be revealed crew and the world in general.)
I've rambled on long enough.
Disclaimer, I obviously don't own One Piece (For Shame). All OC' go to their respective owners and such.
AlcatrazDGold - Peace!
