6. I'm back! What is that thing?
The weather can be a bitch sometimes.
I'm no Nami of course, but I could easily tell that I will run into a little rain soon. I hoped it won't be that big, because I didn't think my boat could take waves bigger than the ones surrounding it now.
It happened just as I predicted, but I didn't expect consequences such as the one I'm stuck with now. For God's sake, I'm just two days away from Usopp! Why did it happen now? I didn't got anything during my training in the ice cold water, man!
Suddenly I sneezed and had to pull out some tissues for my nose.
I caught a cold in the rain.
"Goddamnit..." I rubbed my nose with melancholy as I sat in the back of my boat. My voice was weird too. I didn't need this now... Oh well.
The best cure to any illness is to go to sleep. With that wonderful idea, a foggy mind and a burning forehead I did exactly just that.
It was a terrible idea.
I didn't know how much time I slept, but I was sure I've lost the way I was supposed to go. When I woke up, my condition was much worse. I had a runny nose, and the burning - fever, I started to suspect - on my forehead didn't go away at all. I felt weak in my bones and muscles too. And I was still on the sea.
Well, not anymore!
I saw an island and immediately started to turn its way. It wasn't Usopp's island of course, but better than nothing. I needed land below my feet and a bed. Quickly. Maybe if it got worse, a doctor...
Let's just save that thought for really bad, fatal emergencies. I'd rather sleep again for a few hours.
As I tied my boat with slow movements to the tree stumps in the harbour, a man came up to me. At first sight, he was maybe in his forties, with a few gray hairs. Judging by his clothes he was a fishermen from the town I noticed not too long ago.
"You need help, kid? I saw you from afar, you don't look okay to me..." I could detect his worried tone, but my mind was slow and started to play games with me. I didn't like that. Oh, I think I'm getting dizzy. Just one more rope and I'm done...
"Help... weak, sick..." I whispered as I tried to get up from my seat, but couldn't move that much. The picture started to blur before my eyes...
The man got the message and with a determined face helped me up from the ground. He put one of my hands around his neck and on his shoulder so we could move easier.
"Don't worry, kid, I got you..."
And with that sentence, I closed my eyes and the last drop of my strength left my body.
The man's name was Oliver. I blacked out when he found me, but he quickly got me to his home and put me in bed. He mentioned that he called a doctor too just to be sure I will be alright with sleep and rest. It was just a regular cold. I was very thankful to him and his wife for their help. I would probably be still there in the harbour if Oliver hadn't found me when I arrived.
Turns out I didn't know where I was. I lost my map somewhere on the way here when I decided that sleeping in a boat on the wide sea is a good idea.
The island was called Ruby, or something like that. I didn't remember it from the anime or the manga, so I assumed that it just wasn't important in the story.
My fever went down when the next morning came, and I felt much better than before. I instantly got out of bed, stretched my arms, legs and neck and started searching for the man who brought me here. I found him in the kitchen with his wife - Maria, if I remember correctly.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, was some really nice smelling coffee on the table. My eyes were glued to the cups, the sugar and the black miracle.
I want that.
"Good morning, darling," the kind brunette smiled at me, stopping in the middle of her breakfast. "Are you better? Did you sleep well?"
I turned towards her - with great self-control - and replied.
"Yeah, thank you. I hope I wasn't too much trouble for you," I scratched my cheeks while I smiled apologetically. Maria stood up and started pulling me towards the table. Oliver was still munching on some biscuits put on an oval plate.
Yes! Here I come, my best friend! Caffeine!
"Anything you would want?" the woman asked me kindly.
"Ah, no, you don't have to-"
"But I want to, dear! You were sick hours ago! I can still hear it in your voice!" she scolded me while putting a bunch of food on a plate. Wait, was that whole thing for me? "Coffee?" she asked, and in that very moment, I swear I saw wings behind her back. Angel, that you?
"Yes, please," I beamed at the angelic woman and I sat down next to Oliver.
We had breakfast, I had my morning coffee, everyone was happy. I asked the fisherman if he knew, where Gecko Island was. I lost my map on the see, so he offered me a new one. He had a few more, so he wouldn't really miss it much.
How the heck did I get this far away from Usopp?
Syrup village was six days away from here. Just... how?
You know, I don't even wanna know.
Maria really liked to cook, that much I was able to pick up from the delicious food she made, so I decided to give the family a few spices and ingredients I got from the Baratie when I left as a 'thank you' gift. She appreciated it and hugged my soul out of my body. Man, what's with this island? It's full of positive energy and smiles.
I said goodbye to Oliver and Maria after the doctor gave me the thumbs up. As I was walking towards the harbour, I saw something small moving around my little dinghy. It looked like an animal.
I went closer, but as I reached my boat, the little creature noticed my presence and thought it was time for it to retreat. The problem was, I stood between it and its freedome. The creature then chose to hide behind the wooden walls of the boat.
I chuckled lightly and got in. I put down my belongings, looking for the cute little furball.
"I got you~"
There in my hands quivered the cutest little thing I saw in my entire lifetime. Its fur a light yellow with orange and red markings around its neck and black circles around his paws, two ears flattened on its head and... three? Three fluffy tails swinging back and forth...
Cute. So cute.
I looked into its deep black eyes when it stopped moving so much and we remained like that for a few seconds.
I'm gonna deny the high-pitched 'kyaaa' that left my throat. Forever.
"I'm gonna protect you with my life," I whispered to it and put it down to the wooden floor, so I could cut the ropes of the boat. The little creature realized that with that action, I cut its way back to the island too. A little bit too late though.
It ran to the side of the boat but couldn't jump because of its size. We were already departing from the land. And then it turned around.
"You got a nasty little look there," I smirked. I could tell how irritated it was because of me. There was no trace of the fear from when it noticed me the first time.
I'm pretty sure it was planning my death by clawing my eyes out in my sleep.
"Let's get to know each other a little better, 'kay?" I beamed at the little furball. It sat down with narrowed eyes. Aw, didn't it like me?
"First, let's see if you are a girl or a boy, sweetie..." I said as I lifted the surprised animal from the floor. Now let's take a look...
"Motherf-"
"Khhhh!"
I dropped it. We sat there, examining each other. Three bloody claw-marks were starting to appear on my left eyelid.
"...okay, fair. I would've done the same," I muttered, then a smirk appeared on my face. The little thing tilted her head to the side. "You're a tough little lady, aren't you? We will get along."
After several hours of promising her sweets and patting her head, the little furball finally gave up and sat down in my lap.
I named her Billie after she greatly expressed her disgust towards my first choice, Eyelashes. Oh well, it was worth a try.
"Heeey, Usopp! I'm home, Nii-saaan!" I shouted when I put my foot in the quiet, peaceful little village I started to call home when I got to this world. For a few seconds, nothing happened. Then, out of nowhere, a surprised looking Tamanegi made his way towards me and looked up at my face with happy wonder. His smile grew bigger with each passing second.
"Captain! Rea is hooome!" he shouted, and life began to start in the village. People came out of their houses to see me standing there and laughing at the antics of the other two boys who appeared at the words of Tamanegi. Everyone greeted me and came running towards me. I hugged each and every single one of them. Warmth started to take over my chest. Is this what feeling accepted by everone feels like? Because I don't want to let this feeling go ever again.
And then Usopp stood there on the sides, panting, with wide eyes, his slingshot in one of his arms. We needed exactly one second to run towards each other and jump in the other's arms.
"Rea! You're... really here! Is that a scar? Oh my god, you're home!" Usopp choked out and it was over for both of us.
Do we have to be crybabies this much? Yes, yes we do.
And it feels so good to let the happy tears flow and laugh and press my face into his shoulders.
Billie decided this moment to interrupt my improvised welcome party and hopped onto my head. Usopp and the three boys shrieked and backed away a few steps.
"Rea, what is that?" my brother pointed at my purring little hat. I lifted her up and put her in my arms, then turned towards the curious eyes of the villagers and my brother.
"Her name is Billie." Pause for effect. "Who want's to pet her?"
Billie meowed once and just like that, several waving hands were raised. Gaining trust and wooing everyone, huh? My little menace learns fast.
I'm so proud.
Then someone just HAD to say something.
"Rea, why is your voice so weird?"
I gained a few tick marks on my forehead.
"It was just a cold, dammit! I don't even know when will it be back to normal..."
After things calmed down, I settled in again and counted the days. We celebrated Usopp's birthday, I got home just before the big day. If I remember correctly, Luffy will begin his journey a month later. At least if my calculations are right. Until then, I have time for training and I can spend time with Usopp again. Maybe I will get to know Kaya better, I didn't meet her yet.
Life was back to normal, so to speak.
"Usopp, why is the kitchen wall burnt down?" I asked calmly. The long-nosed boy stood there with an innocent expression. His whistles filled the room. I gave him a look which promised pain and suffering. Billie sat on my head, enjoying the situation. I swear I could imagine a bowl full of popcorn in her cute little paws.
"I tried to replicate your recipes. Didn't really turn out the same."
A part of my heart swooned at the reply. Damn, I should be angry about the wall. Why can't I be?
"... I can see that."
"Rea! What the heck did you say to Kaya? Huh? Don't pretend you don't hear me! I know it was you who did something again!" Usopp came running towards the food place I worked in once again. His panic was noticeable from afar, so I knew something good happened. Well, at least good for me, if he is calling me out.
"What is it now? I'm working here, Nii-san."
"Meow." Yes, Billie, thank you for adding that.
Usopp stopped running and was on his knees panting when I went out to see him. I quirked an eyebrow at his madly blushing face. Oho?
"I know you did something! Yesterday Kaya was all dreamy and lost in thoughts! The first thing she did when today I got there to cheer her up was..." My brother then shut up and looked away from me with a shy expression. Oh. OH! Is that...?
FUCKING FINALLY!
My teasing smile appeared on my face. My chuckles were the signs of my satisfaction.
"Did she finally confess to you and kiss you?"
Tomato, that you?
Usopp became redder than Luffy's shirt, started talking nonsense, then turned towards me again.
"I won't forget that..." he paused and scratched his cheeks. "But, thanks, I guess," he whispered while walking away with an embarrassed, faint little smile on his face.
I just made a ship sail.
The villagers were blessed by my heavenly fangirl-screams.
Piiman, Ninjin and Tamanegi were once again spying on me in the middle of my training. I put down the weights and stopped the warming up squats. Yeah, that moving bush isn't weird at all. Seriously, I have to teach them a little stealth.
"What is it, boys?" I asked kindly. Three surprised gasps came from the bush and the three finally showed themselves. They stared at me intensely and didn't say anything.
I started to get a little uncomfortable now. Is something weird on my body?
"Say, Rea," Ninjin spoke up with a serious tone. I listened closely and gave a nod for him to continue. "We saw how you beat up that newcomer in the bar when he tried to touch you."
Oh, good memories. Poor man chose the wrong girl to mess with. He left after the little incident.
"Yeah?"
The boys looked at each other and asked all at once:
"How are you so strong? How did you do it?"
I was dumbfounded, but a smirk quickly appeared on my lips. I closed my eyes for the dramatic effect. Billie sat on the side with unimpressed eyes.
"The secret... is killer thighs!" I shouted and pointed at my legs proudly. The boys admired my legs for a second, then got in their own stances.
They joined me for the rest of my training session.
"Rea?"
"Yeah, Usopp?" I asked my brother while I was finishing the last lines of my new drawing. I had to concentrate on the hands and the face, I always messed that shit up...
"Yeah, um, you know, you have those journals or books or whatever where you wrote down the "future", so you won't forget a single detail?"
"Uhum, what about them?"
"Well I'm on the first page. What the heck do you mean by 'evil buttler with bitchass striped shoes'-?
I jumped up from my seat.
"Give me that shit, I didn't tell you to read them! I tried to tell you once and you didn't listen, so suffer! MY notebooks, MY future knowledge!"
I got the notes back from my brother. We looked at the spilled ink on my favourite coffe-stained paper. The one with the drawing.
"...the hands are too small."
Oh, get here you little shit, I oughta-
"Rea-san, good morning!" Kaya waved at me from the door. When I noticed her, I instantly became happier and greeted her with a smile. My girl is so strong! Finally taking longer walks and visiting Usopp more often.
"Morning, Kaya!" I giggled. "Do you maybe want a table for two?" I asked while smirking, referring to the newly formed couple of the village. When I first teased her about it, she became shy and a blushing mess, just like his boyfriend. Now though she is lit up like a christmas tree. Shout out to the newly found confidence this girl has!
"Actually," she put her finger on her lips with a wink to shush me. "I wanted to ask for a little help for tonight. Usopp always tells me stories and surprises me with gifts, so I decided to take him on a date, but I need a little preparation for it. You in?"
My brother is the luckiest person in the entire world. And that's facts.
"Who do you take me for? Of course!"
"Usopp, give me back my morning coffee," a demonic voice whispered from the other room. Usopp feared for his life, but sacrifices had to be made to achieve what he wanted to. He spoke with a shaky voice.
"N-not... u-until you tell me why we are still waiting for setting sail! You said that a few days will pass and something important will happen! I want to know what!"
The sounds coming from the total black room suddenly stopped. Usopp's heart stopped aswell for a second.
Rea appeared out of nowhere before him, grabbing his arm. Usopp shrieked.
Two wide, tired eyes stared intensely in his very soul. This was a fight of wills and stubborness.
"You didn't want to believe me. Now suffer. And give... back... my mourning... COFFEE!"
The screams remained in the memories of every single villager, and they treasured them, thinking about them every single day.
That was why one never messed with a sleepy Rea.
Without coffee.
It felt as if the waves changed and the air moved all at once. My eyes widened and my breath was taken away. I stopped doing the chores in the bar and quickly ran to the calendar. The usual screams of 'pirates are coming!' filled the place, but I couldn't focus on anything else besides the date on the paper. May 30. Everything adds up.
He is coming, and the grin spreads across my face.
He is here. The man who sells the drawing paper to me every week.
...
Oh, and Luffy too.