Chapter six: Don't let death spoil your appetite!
Sometimes he wondered how cold it had to get for him to discard those cheap yet comfortable sandals. Nami and Sanji always urged him to wear something warmer. Oh, how much he missed the nagging of the bossy navigator and violent cook.
He felt his golden locket between his fingers and rubbed his thumb across the engraved words. The locket was warm as if radiating all the love of his friends.
'Don't worry guys, I'll see you soon.'
He smiled softly while longingly watching falling snowflakes that were colored pink by sunset and put the jewel back behind his cloak.
He tried to wiggle his toes.
Yeah, as he thought, there's no way he'll be able to move them anytime soon.
They were totally numb from the extreme cold.
They just had to go from one winter island to another one, hadn't they?
But, oh well, he loves snow, so aside from his frozen feet, he couldn't really complain about anything.
The dazzling whiteness of the snow and its cold yet somehow calming texture reminded him of good old days, when he was still just a little naive kid running around on the mountain Corvo, not caring about a damn thing. All that existed were his brothers and meat. Nothing else mattered. Oh yeah, bandits, Makino and grandpa too. His most favorite things to do in winter would be cuddling for warmth late in the night, building snowmen, eating stolen vanilla ice cream despite the cold weather, and then suffering horrible brain freeze and morning snowball wars. Or just watching the snow fall down. Even that was enchanting to him.
He always liked the snow, but he really became fascinated by it only after listening to Sabo's story.
Sabo told him about how each snowflake represented a one deceased person's happy memory, how all were unique and perfect in their own way and yet fleeting and easily forgotten by us, the living. About how those who are left behind tend to ignore them and concentrate more on the pain from the loss. About how the dead send snow down to us, so that their precious memories don't fade from our minds, reminding us that there is still much more to experience and live for even without them and that they will always watch over us.
Luffy really loved the idea and wondered if he could make enough happy memories in his life, that he would be able to cover the whole sky in them once he was dead.
When Sabo was murderer or at least presumed, Luffy would always impatiently wait for winter. He would catch as many snowflakes as he could, just so he could recall all the things he went through with the young noble. It soothed his mind, and he could smile again, forgetting the painful stinging in his chest.
It went same after Ace's death. When he was training on Ruskania, due to its unpredictable weather, it was snowing quite regularly. And when it did, he would reminisce about their warm smiles, imagining their voice calling out to him and their hands ruffling his wild hair.
But as the time flew, he got more and more people to think about, and the snow had slowly lost its desired effect. Only fire could stop his grief.
He couldn't stop himself, it was the only thing that calmed him, he wouldn't stop doing it, even if it meant to burn holes into his wrists.
He quickly dismissed the urge to go buy another lighter and stepped into the tavern.
The clinking of glasses overflowing with atrociously strong alcohol, loud banter, and joyful laugh of drunks filled the place. A fat innkeeper was running all around the pub, trying to satisfy his guests and get as much money out of them as possible. The poor man was covered in sweat from all that exercise.
Luffy watched the singing drunkards with suppressed glee as he walked towards the table in a far left corner of the establishment, where others were already waiting for him.
"Now don't be so glum,
cheer and sing~!
All it takes is one glass of rum,
don't wait and drink~!"
"Here, take a swig of gin~!
Of that fine beverage~!
Then the party's gonna begin,
y'know our thirst's not average~!"
"Here's only alcohol, nothing else,
so go buy your cakes to totto land~!
Rum, vodka or gin is what here sells,
And their taste is of nothing bland~!"
"Quit your fuss~!
Taste the true freedom~!
C'mon drink with us,
in this freezing hole named Sorbet Kingdom~!"
The pungent alcoholic smell mixed well with the evocative savory aroma of freshly cooked meat. A sense of nostalgia hit Luffy as he slid into his seat. He beamed at his other three companions, who lowered their hoods as to hide their eyes from his contagious smile.
Although they stuck out like a sore thumb in their white cloaks in the cheerful pub, no one of the guests particularly cared about them and rather enjoyed the wild ride that the night was to become.
"I already ordered your favourite, Giggles" Marco smiled as he moved the plate across the table towards Luffy with deliciously juicy steak.
"Thanks! You're the best!" Luffy cheered as he took the first bite and was blown away by its rich flavour.
"Man, this is so good! I didn't have something so yummy for years!"
"That's great, Luff~" Koala chuckled and leaned her head on her palm as she fondly watched the rubbery glutton wolf down steak after steak.
*CRASH
A band of shady man barged into the bar, smashing the door in the process and so allowing the cold evening wind to enter the tavern.
The singing and cheers stopped. Every boozer there sobered up suddenly and slowly started creeping towards the exit, fear evident in their wide eyes.
When the place emptied out, only the men, shaking innkeeper, and Luffy's group were left.
"Hooo~? What's up with those guys?" said the man in front of the group.
'That's probably the leader' Koala thought, but ignored the men anyway.
"It looks like some kind of creepy cult came to our city, Jarod-san."
Carrot tightened her grip on the glass of Apple-carrot juice, but kept her mouth shut.
'They don't know who are they dealing with. They better shut up, or I will tear them apart for disturbing our fun time.'
" Hmm~? Then let's go say hi to them!" Jarod exclaimed as his lips broke into sinister smile that promised nothing good.
He walked over to their table and slapped his right hand down on the scratched wood.
"So, you're new here?" he said almost friendly, but his question was met only with cold silence.
"You must be travelers! Welcome to our humble city. Ooh, what do we have here?!" he smirked as he grabbed Luffy's drink and gulped the whole glass down.
"Haaa, same as I remember... Oi Grimm!" he shouted at the scared innkeeper as he rubbed off residual alcohol around his mouth.
"Y-yes sir? How ca-ca-caan I help you" the fat man stuttered out while wiping clean the glasses at the counter.
"Who served this alcohol? I want to thank them."
Grimm paled slightly and gestured to the trembling woman right next to him. The woman looked like she was about to cry, but still mustered up her courage and went over to the leader of the group.
"Hmm no wonder it tasted like it tasted if it was served by such a babe." Jarod leered at her and in one swift motion pulled out a gun and pointed it at her head.
"So yeah, thanks for ruining my evening, babe. It tasted shitty as always!" he laughed evilly.
The group of cloaked people didn't even flinch, even though everyone of them were biting down hard on their lower lip, they didn't move a muscle.
No they can't do anything yet, not until the group openly tries to assault them. They can't out themselves, not yet.
It was hardest for Luffy. Normally he would be already throwing punches left and right, but he learned from his previous experiences. Things don't always goes his way, even though he want them to. He can't risk everything for one woman... Or can he?
Jarod pulled the trigger, but before the bullets could hit the woman's forhead, Luffy threw a knife into the bullets trajectory and the projectile collied with it instead.
"Sorry, but we're eating here and death would only spoil our appetite-yoi." Marco smiled fakely kindly, but inwards was screaming all kinds of profanities ať the disgusting man.
"Oh, my bad. Excuse my rude behavioir." Jarod grinned and took a chicken leg right from Luffy's plate.
"Hmm. Spicyyy. At least food is good here." the man said as he ate. "Oh look at ya, you look like a cute one! Let's see what is hiding behind that hood!"
The group at the table froze as Jarod lifted his hand to tear down Koala's hood, but was stopped by three loud slaps to forehead.
"He's dead-yoi."
"How stupid is he?"
"He's gonna whoop his ass likeeee right now."
The man paused.
"What the fuck are you talking ab-" Jarod snapped at them in confusion, but wasn't able to finish his question because of haki-infused fist crushing his jaw and sending him across the room, slamming into the wall with a loud crash.
"I don't care if you take my alcohol, pour it on me and laugh, but If you take my meat and try to touch even a strand of hair on my friends, I will kick your ass!" Luffy yelled and in one move ate the remaining meat.
"Jarod-saaan!" the men screamed in terror and ran to help their leader out of the debris.
"Aaagggh, geff tffem!" Jarod barked at his lackies, who frowned and ran onto still sitting group.
Luffy and others stood up, already readying themselves for a quick battle.
*THUMP
"Stop it ya idiots!" a woman with a pink hair yelled as she kicked the men back to the damaged wall.
"Bo-boss!"
"I respect men that can defend their meal. I like this fellow, let them be and bring me my dinner, bastards!"
"A-aye!" men stood up and went to the kitchen to yell at the cook to prepare the food.
"I think we found her" Carrot whispered to Koala.
Not even five minutes later a five trays of food were taken out of the kitchen. The woman smirked hungrily and immediately started devouring meal after meal.
"Yeah, by the way she's eating there's no mistake it's her." Koala gasped at the speed the food was disappearing from the plates.
'Holy cow, her speed can rival that of Luffy's'
"Hey, will you help us?" Luffy blurted out and confidently strided towards the female glutton.
"Hrrmm *burp mmm?! You dare to interupt my meal?! Tsk, fuck off kid, or I'll tell my men to finish their job!" Jewerly Bonney scoffed at the determined idiot before her and went back to stuffing her mouth with pizza.
"As if they could beat us... But hey what about eating contest then? You win, we let you be and the whole meal will be on me, or I win and you'll help us." Luffy laughed and offered his hand to her.
"Mrrf-? *gulp now that sounds like a fun. You sure you are up to it? There's no way you'll beat me and the whole meal will be really pricey. Are you just cocky bastard or a true eater like me?" Bonney taunted strawhat with mischievous smirk.
"Well, let's find out" he smirked too.
"Haha that's the attitude I like, you are on pipsqueak!" she sniggered and shook his hand in agreement.
"Do you see that?! They are still going at it!"
" How long is it now? Two hours?! "
"Is this even humanly possible?"
"I know our boss can eat, but that guy is not half bad either, maybe even better!"
"The cooks can't keep up with their insane tempo."
The men questioned the bizarre situation before them.
"Go, boss!" some cheered, already accustomed the strange sight of two captains stuffing their bellies with all kinds of junk food.
"Oh, oh, look look... Oh no... It looks like this the last one... The chocolate cake"
Two cooks brought out two gigantic chocolate cakes that threateningly towered over both eaters.
But they didn't let themselves get overwhelmed. Both of their eyes lit up with determination as they took their first bite.
"I forgot to say that this is 90% chocolate so it's really... Heavy on stomach." the chef tried to stiffle his giggles.
Gluttons turned green and tried hard not to heave out all they ate in last two hours.
"Come on, Giggles! You can do it! Don't tell me you're already full!" Marco encouraged his little black hole of a boss.
"Yeah! Don't tell me you forgot about that one time you ate those five sea kings entirely alone!" Koala chimed in with her cheers.
"Go Lu! Goo!" Carrot yelled with her thumbs up.
That seemed to make Luffy miraculously hungry as he started eating again with a scowl on his face.
"Blegh, it's so bitter *burp"
"I ain't going down that easily pipsqeak!" Bonney shouted at her rival and followed his example.
"And we have our winner! The mysterious monster eater - - - - ehm what's your name again?" the main chef exclaimed as he threw questioning look to the hooded man.
"Doesn't matter, just call him Mephisto." Koala giggled and high-fived Carrot.
"Yahoo! I am *BURP the winner! " Luffy cheered as he flomped down with his bulged out stomach.
"Tsk, okay your the real deal buddy. But next time the victory is mine!" Bonney grinned as she straightened her green hat.
Luffy jumped up, already thin again as if he didn't just eat meal that could feed the small village and smiled at the future captain.
"I am so glad to finally find my rival. It was my pleasure, Mephisto... How omnious name. .. Nah, pipsqueak suits you better. "Bonney sniggered as they clamped their hands together.
"You take words right out of my mouth Bonnie! Wait! A pipsqueak?! " Luffy bellowed.
"Now that's a start of weird rivarly right there-yoi" Marco remarked with a lazy smile.
"Meh, I saw weirder." Koala dissmised him with a sweet giggle.
"How the hell did he do that!" shocked men and cooks exclaimed
"Ah that's normal." Carrot answered while taking her last bite of carrot pie.
"Normal?!"
"Aaaanyway, you'll help us now right?!" Luffy gushed in excitement.
"Yea, yeah sure, this glutton never goes back on her word." Bonney smirked as she patted her stuffed belly. "So what do you want from me? I don't remember having anything of worth."
"Let's go take this to another location... It's kinda touchy subject."
"Fine by me. Lead the way folks."
"Do you think he'll wake up soon?"
"He should any minute now."
...
Corazon's eyes fluttered open. Cold wind brushed against his cheeks like whiskers of a cuddly little kitten. He felt his hand grab something cold and... Icy... Snow? Was he still on Swallow island? His mind was a surging perplexity.
"Wha-..."
He sat up abruptly, but a sharp pain went through his shoulder. He staggered, but before he could fall back to freezing ground, strong arms caught him.
"Ouch,.. Where...huh?" he mumbled and looked at the stranger's face.
"Whoa, whoa who the frick are you?!" he yelled in surprise as he backed away from the unknown man that helped him.
Despite the pain level rising, he shuffled more into the shadows of the alley. Then he finally noticed other people around him.
One, two... six people in total. Two of them were playing cards at the back, ignoring others.
If they're enemies, then he has zero chance of escape. At least in these circumstances. He's cornered, outnumbered and hurt. What a lovely day this is.
"Easy there Cora-san, you're still severly injured"
"...injured? Oh. You... Are the people that saved me. Thank you, but.. Who are you?" he asked and tension in his shoulders lessened a little."You aren't Doffy's companions are you..." he whispered, still suspicious of the new faces.
"No no no, we are not Rosinante-san, we... How should we begin even?" Vivi tried to reassure him but instead became even more flustered than him.
"... And where is... No nevermind... I can't trust you." Corazon looked away and tried to find an escape route if needed.
"You-gara mean Law-rnyan? You don't need worry, he is okay Nyan Nyan Nyan."
"Shh you big fluff ball, do you know how suspicious we look like now?!" Perona scolded the gigantic cat. Nekomamushi's ears went down and whined pitifuly at the harsh tone of ghost girl.
"Stop acting cute, dammit!"
"Rnyan?" Nekomamushi questiongly meowed with sparkling eyes and paws against his cheeks.
"... Umm okay I forgive you! But only because you're so adorable right now." Perona huffed, slumped against his warm smooth like velvet fur and started stroking it in circular motion.
*Purrrrrrrr
Corazon just watched incredulously the two strange beings cuddling before shaking his head.
" WHAT DID YOU DO TO LAW?!" he shouted and gripped his shoulder as to numb the pain.
"We didn't do anything!" Vivi defended them and was about to explain, but Law stopped her.
"Quiet! I'll take it from here Vivi-ya... Let me tell you a short story Cora-san..."
Corazon went silent. Well, if there is no escape, at least he can hear them out. He is a good listener after all.
"There was a boy with incurable disease that lost his entire family, friends... He didn't know where to go... Only thing he knew was that he hated everyone and everything and wanted a revenge... He wanted to kill as many people as possible. It didn't matter to him if they were innocent or not. He was just thirsty for blood... He seeked out a dangerous group and after many fails he eventually joined. But there was this one man that kicked him, beat him just to get him out of the group. The boy absolutely detested him, but one day he opened the boy's eyes with his bright smile, clumsy antics and kind heart... He risked his life for him... No.. He lost his life for him... The kid cried and mourned the death of a kind man for many years, but there was something else that his death gave to the kid... A goal... A goal that the man couldn't accomplish because of the boy... After many years of hard work, when he became a pirate captain with good crew and reputation, he started his plan. He really planned out everything, it was perfect...but he was still afraid, couldn't sleep...What if he failed? Was it all for nothing?... He met a fellow captain that stood out... He saved his life and after two years they became allies... And they did it... They took down the man the boy hated so much. His ally made it possible... He couldn't be more grateful for what he did... But then, things changed.. They bit off more than they could chew... From then on things went to shit... The boy lost his entire crew... And was left alone... The world just seemed so... Dark, meaningless.. He already succeeded so why not just... end it already? What's more there for him? He should've already been dead many years ago anyway... But his ally... No... His friend sought him out.. He too lost everything... And he offered him his hand... He was about to break, just like the boy... So he took his hand... So neither of them had to break... The group of survivors expanded by each second. Their only goal was to find a way to redo things... They found it and they are about to get back at those who made them suffer... They are about to protect their loved ones this time around and make their true destiny... They are going to decide for themselves... " Law mumbled and somehow couldn't look Corazon in the eye.
Corazon listened carefully and at the end his eyes were bulging out and jaw dropping down.
"Cora-san... Do you believe in time travel? " Law yelped out, already with watery eyes and sniffling. He pulled his hood down and smiled at the man that gave him another chance to live.
Corazon's eyes watered too. He opened his arms and came charging onto poor Law.
"Uff" Law sighed out as the man's body collied with his.
"So that's why you were calling me that." Corazon blurted out while shaking from excitement and pure joy.
Law put his arms around Corazon's torso and returned the hug.
"Hahahaaha." surgeon heartily laughed with true happiness for the first time in years... Only Rosinante and Luffy were able to instill this warm bursting feeling in his chest.
"I do too Cora-san."
"What?"
"That's the answer to your statement from before you closed the chest."
"Ah."
"You dont even know how much I wanted to say this one thing to you."
"Oh... Laaaaaaaaaaaaw" Corazon hugged the grumpy yet emotional surgeon again while crying comically.
"I became father today. Your mother would be so proud of you." Rosinante sniffled as he flicked away one stray tear from his eye.
"S-stop it Cora-san! And what mother?!" Law yelled with shark teeth at him while blushing so hard he could be mistaken for fire hydrant. A very tall one. But still fire hydrant.
"And stop squeezing me so much, you're still injured, you idiot." Law scolded him and slapped him across his head
"*sniff sniff I smell smoke rnyan."
"Ah. And here we go again. Cora-san you are on fire" Law deadpanned.
"Huh what are you sayi-holy shit I am on fire!"
Thoughts? I really appreciate your comments and thoughts on each chapter and it motivates mě to improve and write more and more. Thank you for giving chance this story and I'll see you again next time!
Kalon Thorn~