High Roll Arc Episode 2
The great gambling city and the
Songbird! Welcome to High Roll.
The next afternoon the city of High Roll came into view off the starboard bow. "There it is," Nami had berri signs in her eyes. "The hottest ticket in the Grand Line, the casino city High Roll!"
"Oh," the wind pulled the smoke from the tip of Sanji's cigarette overboard.
Robin had been here before. "There are many gambling houses, nightclubs and fine restaurants here. La Palacia is the best of the best."
"Is that where the high rollers hang out?" Nami was dieing to cheat her way to a fortune.
"Yes," Robin nodded. "It's the finest establishment in the city."
Nami rubbed her hands together. "So we get to dress up too ne?"
"A jacket and tie is required. Cook san will have no problems getting in."
Sanji hit his cigarette. "Of course not."
Up until now Luffy and Zoro had hung back quietly listening to their nakama at the rail. "Oi, I wanna go to that palace club too," Luffy interjected.
"Me too," Zoro chimed in.
Robin smiled. "We'll all go."
"Keh," Sanji grumbled with wonder. "You sure we should take a slob like Luffy to a nice place like that? We can dress him up but I'm not sure we can take him out."
The ladies laughed and Luffy frowned. "I can behave myself."
"You become a glutton the moment you smell food Luffy," Sanji pointed his cigarette at his captain and exhaled. "You're embarrassing."
Zoro stuck up for Luffy. "He doesn't have to eat like a pig. Luffy can restrain himself a little."
"You better Luffy," Nami smiled evilly at him. "If you get us kicked out of the fanciest casino in the Grand Line I'll never forgive you and…"
Nami looked scary. Zoro swallowed hard. "And?"
She thought she had Luffy scared. "It will cost you ten million berri, what I plan on winning at that casino got it Luffy?"
Luffy blinked. "Uh…"
Nami loves money. "Luffy can behave himself," Zoro insisted.
"What about you marimo?" Sanji frowned. "You're a caveman too."
"Eh? You got something to say love cook?"
"You two have no manners!"
"I'll behave!" Luffy stepped forward to stop Sanji and Zoro. All eyes went to the captain. "We'll all go to La Palacia."
Robin hated to say so, but "Chopper should guard the ship. There is a strict no pets policy."
Luffy nodded. "Okay then."
"I have some shopping to do," Sanji looked over at Nami. "You'll give me some money ne Nami swan?"
Nami ignored him. "I have some gambling to do!" She started away from the rail. "I have to go change into a really cute outfit and get some money together"
Sanji hurried after Nami. "Wait Nami sawn! I need money for groceries!"
Robin looked back at the island. "I was here before with Crocodile."
Zoro thought that was odd. "Oh? How so?"
"Crocodile had an eternal pose for this place, many of the richest and most dangerous men do. Then there are the ships that come here following their log pose. High Roll is a busy place brimming with wealth. Dark Alucard has made this island a gem in the Grand Line. It is where he flaunts his fortune and safely keeps his greatest treasures."
Robin has? Luffy shifted his eyes to Robin's. "Have you met Dark Alucard Robin?"
She smiled. "Yes I have. Dark and his entourage, the Lucky Seven. Crocodile was a guest at La Palacia. He had a suite." She turned a little to look at her captain. "What is it Luffy, why do you want to go there? Do you intend to meet with Alucard?"
"Did you meet a girl, a singer there named Cherry Candy?"
Singer. Robin could recall Cherry Candy; a quiet and obedient girl with a heavenly voice. She was one of Alucard's treasures, his bird. Wait a minute, she was about Luffy's age. "Yes, a few years ago. Do you know her captain?"
"Yes, do you?"
Robin straightened and faced Luffy. Zoro stepped in closer. Clearly the swordsman also knew something of the singer. "I talked with her only a little. Candy was very well behaved. I can't say that she liked Alucard, but she was quite fond of her big bodyguard, Bruno I believe it was. He was quite paternal with her if I remember correctly."
A bodyguard like a dad? The one Ace mentioned maybe. "She was alright. Ace said she was too but she…" Luffy frowned.
"I don't think she was particularly fond of High Roll. She seemed very interested in Crocodile's tales of sailing the Grand Line. She was quite interested in the sea."
"Candy chan and Luffy made a promise when they were kids to sail the Grand Line together," Zoro spoke up.
"Oh so that's why Candy was so interested in the Grand Line. She was looking for you ne captain?"
Luffy hoped so. "Ace did say she had heard of us, of me."
"I'm sure news of Alabaster and Enies Lobby has reached those in High Roll. Alucard stays well informed. I'm sure Candy chan knows what a hero her old friend has become ne Luffy?"
"Something is keeping Candy tied to High Roll, to that Dark Alucard guy. I want to know what it is."
Luffy and Candy ne? "Well then I guess we'll just have to find out." Robin went back to watching the island come closer. "We're in need of a musician anyway right captain? Ussop san's singing is quite horrible."
Shopping for ships provisions and Nami's gambling took priority when they hit town. They mostly went separate ways but Zoro stayed with Luffy so he wouldn't get lost. High Roll was huge, one of the biggest cities on the Grand Line and also one of the most beautiful. Grand fountains and sculptures in beautiful parks on every other block in the city. The fronts of the casinos and hotels were art themselves. Every building was a beautiful tower of modern engineering. The king's palace sat at the head of this glowing kingdom, La Palacia. Zoro and Luffy just had to stroll by.
It was easily the size of the old witch's castle back on Drum Island and far better crafted. High Roll was a summer island and far richer materials were used in Palacia's construction. An enormous courtyard and gardens behind the high iron fence separated the castle from the rest of the city. Luffy asked an old man about the place and the citizen just had to brag. Inside La Palacia were the casino, the restaurant, the bar and a number of suites. The master of High Roll Dark Alucard lived there. Most of the Lucky Seven kept a suite there. The star of High Role Cherry Candy also resided in a suite at La Palacia. The old fart was even kind enough to point out Candy's room.
Luffy lifted his eyes to the east tower following the old man's pointing finger. Candy's suite was nearly at the top of the tower. The windows were barred with glittering gold. The room had a balcony and that too was caged in gold. The old guy thought it was kind of Master Dark to protect Cherry in such a splendid way. Nothing and no one would ever hurt dear sweet Cherry with Dark around.
They shuffled back to the ship listening in on the local's conversations. They were nearly to the docks when Luffy broke the silence. "I know her room is up pretty high and the bars are probably there for her safety, but it sure looks like a jail cell to me."
"A bird in a golden cage. Sounds like Dark has tight control of your girlfriend Luffy."
"She's not my girlfriend." It was an automatic response; years of Ace's teasing had made Luffy defensive. "I have to see her. I have to find out what's really going on with Candy."
"High Roll is pretty nice. La Palacia is fancy digs. Maybe Candy really does like it here."
Candy sneered the word, every single time cah-SEEno. "Her life was stolen away from her because of Reggie's drinking and gambling. She hated it. Candy can't want to be here. It's not like her at all."
Zoro caught sight of Ussop carrying a heavy looking box back to the ship ahead of them. He started Ussop's way to help. "I guess you'll just have to ask her tonight."
After a little arguing and threatening on Nami's part Sanji relented and let his less classy friends borrow nice jackets and ties to wear to La Palacia. Nami thought the guys cleaned up pretty good; it should be fine as long as none of them said something stupid or gorged themselves at the dinner table. She reminded them all before they left the ship that it would cost them dearly if they got her thrown out of the most fabulous money machine on the island. Robin took the arm cook san offered her; Nami opted for letting Ussop escort her. Ussop polished up best, especially when he slicked his hair back into a ponytail. Nami straightened his tie and off they went.
Trying not to grit her teeth as she smiled Nami paid the steep cover charge and their party was escorted to a fine table in the club. From here they could see the stage. Percussionists beat out a Latin rhythm beneath dim orange lights. They sat down and were lost in the sea of black suits and shimmering evening gowns. "Classy!" Nami couldn't help herself.
Ussop looked at his table setting. "Sure are an awful lot of forks."
Robin giggled. "Just start from the outside and work your way in"
Sanji picked up the wine list and gave it a glance. "Very nice." He couldn't wait to see the menu.
"Don't get greedy and spend too much," Nami addressed the guys. "I want to have a ton of cash to gamble with. I need it in a place like this."
"These are some of the best wines in the world Nami swan" Sanji passed Nami the wine list. "They start at eight hundred a bottle."
The waiter appeared just in time, Nami couldn't look cheap in front of the help. I'll get you for this Sanji. "You're the chef," her grin was evil. "I'll trust you to chose the right wine to go with what everyone is having Sanji kun"
Garcon fell into his spiel about tonight's specials as he passed out menus. Sanji and Zoro were up for that, Luffy and Ussop ordered the dinner with the most meat, the ladies went for sushi. Sanji ordered the wine accordingly and the waiter set off. Nami grumbled, "Keh this meal is going to cost me a fortune!"
"I thought you wanted to come here Nami," Ussop blinked at her.
"Robin and I should have come alone!"
"You're such a cheap bitch Nami," Zoro mumbled.
Sanji leaned closer to Zoro. "What did you say marimo?"
"Don't you two idiots start. Just sit down and shut up." Nami's glare was all powerful. They settled and then the wine arrived. By the time she finished her first glass dinner was served. They were half way through a delicious meal when the lighting on the stage changed. The band picked up an eerie jazzy beat and the singer appeared in the spotlight. All eyes went to her the moment she started to sing.
The song was Goodnight Moon, Ussop had heard it before but it hadn't sounded like this. The singer before him now had a sultry sexy voice and the body to match. She looked like a star in her glittering gown and diamonds. Her long hair was curled gold all around her. Even from a distance Ussop could see the blue green eyes that held the diners closest to her in rapt fascination. He had never seen fuller redder lips either. She was beautiful. He peeked at Sanji. The cook had hearts in his eyes. Ussop noticed that Luffy had stopped eating. He was fixed on the singer too. "Oi," he whispered teasingly to Nami. "I think Luffy fell in love."
"I know I have" Sanji was fixated on the beauty in the spotlight.
Luffy didn't hear them. All he heard was Candy singing to him. His heart skipped a beat and Luffy lost his breath. Candy chan…that's Candy! Ace had warned him that he shouldn't expect Candy to be the same, but this was… Her eye popping midnight blue dress was cut low too low! in the front, Luffy could see boob. Candy was hell and gone from being flat chested anymore. Her dress hugged her tiny waist and shapely hips. A slit in the dress ran high up her thigh showing off long legs and more jewelry on her ankles. Her hair was done up all fancy and she was wearing make up. The lips her voice passed were Incredible. Luffy was being washed away by her song. "Cherry Candy."
Zoro dragged his eyes off the pretty gal and looked at Luffy. His captain looked stupefied. "Luffy?"
Luffy swallowed hard. "That's her. That's Candy."
"Cherry Candy is the star of La Palacia," Robin sipped her wine. Her captain looked stunned, like had never seen her like this before. "Has it been a while since you've seen her captain?"
The song was winding down. Luffy was lost in Candy's voice. "Yes."
"Eh?" Sanji was getting even more excited. "You know that beautiful woman whose singing is like sex for your ears?" Her spotlight went out and she vanished before Sanji could look at her again.
With Candy out of his sight Luffy blinked back to reality as the band finished the song. Holy shit… Candy. The audience applauded and Luffy got to his feet. I have to see her right now. He stepped away from the table and started for the stage.
"What does he think he's doing?" Nami frowned.
"Going backstage to talk to Candy," Zoro gulped more wine.
Sanji and Nami scrambled to their feet. "I'll get him," Sanji started after Luffy.
Nami swat Ussop on the shoulder. "You too! Don't let them make a scene in here."
"Right," Ussop hurried after his friends.
She sat down and frowned at Zoro. "Luffy's chasing that singer? Is he a fan or something?"
Zoro shook his head. "She's his girlfriend."
"Eh?" Nami startled and Robin blinked. "That dish is Luffy's girlfriend? Get real."
The swordsman chuckled and repeated what their captain had told him about Cherry Candy.
With his heart in his throat Luffy hurried behind the stage. "Candy! Oi Candy chan!"
Bruno sighed annoyed and hustled Candy along. "Keep moving Cherry sama, just another excited fan. Jack will take care of him."
Candy was being whisked away with her back up singers. "I guess." She tried for a peek behind her, security was already moving in. Candy saw Black Jack at the head of the hall to meet the intruder. For just the briefest moment Candy thought she saw…. A straw hat? No it couldn't be….
"Candy chan it's me Luffy!"
"Monkey face?" Candy tried to turn around. It couldn't be could it!? Bruno quickly ushered her and her flock into a room and out of the hall.
"You're loud pal," Black Jack stepped up to greet Cherry's fan boy. "People are trying to eat you know."
"I have to see Candy! She knows me, we're friends."
"That's what they all say." Jack cracked his knuckles.
Luffy frowned at the suit. "You don't understand. Candy and I are nakama from Foosha Village in East Blue." Sanji came up behind him and Luffy straightened.
"Is there a problem here?" Sanji was sure Nami was going to get mad. It looked like Luffy was starting shit with security. Ussop arrived a second later.
"Cherry doesn't see fans or friends. No one sees Cherry." Jack started toward the loud kid in the straw hat. "Return to your seats or I'll have to expel you from La Palacia gentlemen."
Ussop grabbed Luffy's arm. "Come on. Let's go finish our meal."
"Let's not do anything to make Nami angry," Sanji joined in.
"I have to see Candy," Luffy protested.
Sanji leaned in closer to his captain. "Not here and not like this you aint. Use your damn head Luffy."
Fighting his way to her was a bad idea in this crowded place. "Keh!" Luffy turned pissed and headed back to the table. His friends followed. Luffy returned to his seat trying to figure out just how he was going to get to Candy without causing a big fuss. Shit godamn hell fuck!
"So Candy was your sweetie ne Luffy?" Nami teased the moment Luffy sat back down.
He ignored Nami and looked at Robin. "Crocodile had a suite here. Does that mean you know your way around this place?"
"A little," Robin nodded.
"Do you know how to get up to Candy's room?"
"Oi oi!" Sanji pointed a fresh cigarette at Luffy. "I aint letting you go sneaking up to that lovely's bedroom; unless you take me too."
Robin sighed. "I don't know the code for the elevator on the upper floors. Her room is at the top of the east tower."
"There has to be a way, fire stairs or something." Luffy was so lost in thought he didn't notice the back up singer approach him from behind. She tapped him on the shoulder and he jumped. Luffy spun around and looked at the woman. "You…you were with Candy."
"Are you monkey face?" Donetta asked the guy in the straw hat.
Luffy gasped. "Yeah, yeah that's me! I'm monkey face! Did Candy send you?"
So he's the guy. Donetta smiled. "Meet me in front of Bottingtons in an hour. I'll take you to see Cherry sama. Don't be late." Donetta hurried away before someone saw her talking to the rowdy kid.
"See, there ya go Luffy," Zoro smiled pleased. "She wants to see you too."
"I'm going with you," Sanji's response was immediate. He just had to see the singing beauty again. "Candy chwan allow me to introduce myself"
"Maybe we shouldn't butt in on Luffy and his girlfriend" Nami was amused.
Ussop chuckled. "She is hot stuff Luffy."
Luffy's cheeks were warm. His buddies all wore a lecherous grin. "You guys think Candy chan is..?" He shook his head. "Never mind. You can all come with me to meet Candy if you want."
"I wouldn't miss it," Zoro toasted.
An hour later Donetta met the pirates in front of Bottingtons. She introduced herself and kindly offered, "Please come with me."
"You're a friend of Candy's?" Luffy was hopeful.
"Yes. I've been singing with Candy for almost six years now." Donetta chuckled. "My has she flowered. Half the men on the island are in love with Cherry san. You're her friend from East Blue, the up and coming pirate Strawhat Luffy ne? You've made a name for yourself; Cherry san has your wanted poster in her scrapbook."
Donetta winked at him and Luffy smiled. "She does?"
"She sho' do sugar. I've seen the one of the two of ya when you were just littl'ns. Such an adorable pair of children."
"She has a picture of us?"
"Mmmhmm. She's told me about you monkey face. I rekon you're her most favorite person. Must have been a bit of a start for ya to see Cherry san all grown up ne? Your big brother was tripping over his own tongue." She shrieked laughter and smacked Luffy on the shoulder. The pirate laughed with her. Donetta thought Luffy was every bit as cute as Ace had been. She thought Cherry san would have a bit of a start seeing her handsome friend and his entourage.
They seemed to be headed back toward the water. "So where are we going?" Ussop asked the islander woman leading them.
"The Broken Barrel. Some hicks might call it a club. It's where the band parties with some of the locals. The only place Cherry san can sneak off too. Bruno lets her come out with us."
"That's Candy's bodyguard right?" Zoro wanted to be sure.
"Ayup. Cherry san is Dealer Bruno's top assignment. He's the seventh of the Lucky Seven. He's been looking after Cherry since their days back in East Blue. They came to the Grand Line together. He's been a right good daddy to Cherry."
A good dad; Candy really needed that. "He's protected her all these years."
"Ayup. Bruno don't let no one lay an impure hand on Cherry."
"He keeps the fan boys away from Candy," Zoro deduced.
"Ayup." Donetta turned into the alley and a moment later she could here the music coming from the Barrel. It sounded like Son was really pounding the keys hard tonight. The stomping cheering and clapping grew louder as they neared the door. Donetta lead the Strawhat pirates into a typical Friday night at the Broken Barrel.
Musicians gathered in one corner, a bald guy with a cigar hanging out of his mouth hammered a lively tune from the worn looking piano. The drummers were surrounded by clapping fan girls. The rest of the back up singers crowded around a tall man watching the stage. The hastily constructed stage was even worse then the makeshift bar in this old boat house. It's like Hell Ship here. The stage was the center of it all and Cherry Candy was on it. She was doing some sort of crazy tap dance with a guy in a top hat. The crowd loved it and Candy was laughing.
He was relived to see Candy chan become more like her old self between the casino and hear. She had brushed the poof out of her hair. It hung in a long familiar braid down her back. She ditched the diamonds and the evening gown for a pair of shorts and a tank top. A wave of nostalgia washed over him. There's my Candy. Luffy started toward the stage. The minute their tap battle was over Luffy raised his hand in the crowd. "Oi! Cherry Candy! Oi I'm over here!"
She saw a flailing hand and the top of a straw hat. "Luffy!" She jumped off the stage and started for her long lost friend.
Luffy made a run for her putting his arms out to her. "Candy!" A second later he was on his ass. Luffy had run right into something. "Nani?" He looked up and there was the big man.
"Bruno no!" Candy hurried to her guardian. "It's alright. This is," Candy looked down at Luffy. He looked up at her quizzically and she laughed. "Luffy!" she bent over a little and offered him a hand up.
With Candy bent over like this Luffy could see down her shirt. He tried not to look. He was sure the big guy was Dealer Bruno and Bruno would kill him. Luffy chuckled and took Candy's hand. "Long time no see Candy chan," he greeted as she pulled him to his feet. They stood looking at each other grinning like fools for a minute and then they burst into laughter. Luffy threw an arm around Candy's shoulder and hugged her to him. Candy squeezed him back. "I missed you."
Bruno loudly cleared his throat and Candy took an embarrassed step back. "It's good to see you Luffy. Let's have a drink." She peeked at Bruno. "That alright with you old fart?"
He frowned at his ward. "Whatever brat." Candy smiled and led Luffy away. Like any good dad he waited ten minutes and then followed.
Candy dragged Luffy to the bar and waved two fingers at Smokey. Excitedly she turned back to Luffy. Seeing him made her really happy. "I heard about Alabaster. Sir Crocodile used to come here, but you already know that don't you Luffy? Nico Robin is your nakama. I heard about Enies Lobby too. My god Luffy you have kicked so much ASS!"
He laughed at her excitement. "I have some pretty awesome nakama. You're going to love them."
Luffy had quite an exciting crew. "Are they hear? Can I meet them?"
"Of course you can meet them Candy. They'll be your new shipmates. You're coming with us."
Candy fell silent for a moment. Smokey delivered their beers. She picked hers up and drank thinking of a way to answer him. "Nonsense Luffy. I couldn't get along with a bunch of toughs like you guys."
"I did my part. I'm a pirate captain, I have an incredible ship and amazing nakama but I still don't have a musician. That's your part Candy. I came to High Roll to get you."
She laughed and gulped some beer. "What makes you think I'd run off with a scoundrel like you ne?" She shoved Luffy a little. "Introduce me to your nakama monkey face. I'm just dieing to meet them all."
His Candy was smiling, laughing and playing around. For a minute it was just like the old days. Candy was always good at changing the subject. Just like then Luffy couldn't say no to Candy. He picked up his beer and offered her his arm. I'll win you over then Candy. "Let's go find them."
The rest of the crew had found themselves a drink and a good spot to take in the show. The Broken Barrel was a bit rowdy tonight. Luffy led Candy to his nakama. "Oi you guys. I want you to meet my friend Candy chan!"
Sanji leapt to the forefront with hearts in his eyes. "Allow me to introduce myself Candy chan I am Sanji kun your number one fan" He took her hands. "How adorable you are. You've changed out of your elegant evening wear to blend in with the common man but Oh! Candy chan you still sparkle like a diamond"
Zoro noticed the big guy lurking give Sanji the hard eyeball. The swordsman shoved Sanji away. "Back off love cook. Don't make the natives restless."
Candy was eye to eye with the infamous, "Roranoa Zoro."
"Nice to meet you Candy chan. Luffy's told me all about you."
She shook the pirate hunters hand and Luffy steered Candy toward the rest of his crew. "This is our navigator Nami, our sniper Ussop and our historian Nico Robin."
Robin stepped past a blushing Ussop. "Cherry Candy, it has been a while. Do you remember me?"
Candy did. "Of course I do Robin," she offered the woman her hand and smiled. "You're keeping much better company these days I see."
Nodding she shook Candy's hand. "Indeed. Your leash looks a little longer these days ne Candy chan?" It had been a few years since Robin had seen her but Candy was all grown up. Keeping her a total prisoner must be difficult for Dark.
"He knows I come here, but I've got Bruno with me all the time. You haven't come here to see him have you?" Dark Alucard and Sir Crocodile had been pals.
"No," Robin fixed her eyes on Candy's. "Our captain has come to High Roll for you Candy chan." She let her eyes say what her lips couldn't in a place where even the walls had ears, You don't have to be afraid Candy chan, Luffy can save anyone!
Nami stepped into the women's circle sizing Candy up a bit. "Sou! You're Luffy's girlfriend ne? I never would have thought a cute girl like you and a geek like him but eh, oh well. I'm Nami." She took Candy's hand and shook it.
Luffy's wha? She must have misheard her. "Cherry Candy. Nice to meet you Nami."
Sanji stood back watching the females gather. He fished in his pocket for a cigarette hoping Nami wouldn't turn this new woman mean right away. He cut his eyes over to his captain as he lit up a fresh smoke. He was grinning stupidly at the women. "Oi, Luffy."
Luffy blinked Sanji's way. "Ora?"
Baka. Sanji rolled his eyes. "It's nothing."
For over two hours there was drinking and celebrating. Candy danced with Nami and Ussop, both picked up the simpler vaudeville moves easily. They regaled her with tales of high adventures on the Grand Line. Candy even sang a few of Luffy's favorite songs for him. A great time was had by all. Candy really liked all of Luffy's nakama and they liked her too. It was getting late when Ussop just had to ask, "So you're coming with us right Candy chan? You're going to be our ships musician?"
"That's right," Luffy said with a smile before Candy could respond.
She could sense Bruno's familiar presence behind her. "Luffy," Candy laughed nervously.
Nami was up for another woman on board. "Oh? You're coming with us?"
Behind Candy Bruno cleared his throat. He hated to do it to her; it looked like she was enjoying these people, but that straw hat kid… "Cherry sama. It's time for you to be getting back to the palace. Please say your farewells."
Candy got up and stepped away from the table. "It was nice to meet you all. I do hope to see you again before you leave High Roll. Goodnight." She flashed them a smile and then Bruno was rushing her away from them.
It happened so fast too fast. "Wait, Candy!" Luffy got to his feet and started after them.
Robin got up as well. "I think I'll go help the captain with this. Don't mind us any. Please enjoy your drinks." If nothing else she could run a little interference with Bruno.
Bruno and Candy had gone out the back door on the sea side. "I'm sorry but it is almost two in the morning," Bruno felt like the bad guy. Monkey D Luffy was someone Candy had always talked about.
Luffy… She wanted to turn around and run back inside, back to
The back door banged open. "Mate yo Candy!" Luffy came out screaming.
The big guy startled and instinctively put himself between his ward and danger. Candy peeked from around him. "Luffy?"
He started towards her. "What's with that hope to see you before you leave crap ne Candy? Its already decided you're coming with us."
"That's enough kid," Bruno's feet slid into a fighting stance. Behind Strawhat the door opened again and another pirate came out, Nico Robin.
"Stop it old man!" Candy put herself between Bruno and the pirates coming their way. Candy frowned at Luffy. "And you, just what are you saying?"
Luffy was almost to her. "Did you forget we made a promise Candy?"
She wasn't the only one who flinched, Bruno did too. Our dreams. Of course she remembered. Candy and monkey face on the Ferris wheel. Live them for both of us. She turned on Luffy. "Stop it Luffy, that's enough."
No, it was not. Candy was trying to walk away from him like she did to Ace. "What do you mean stop it? Are you running away from me Candy?"
Bruno straightened and Robin came up behind Luffy. She looked down at Candy, the poor girl looked stressed. "Why not just hear Luffy out ne Candy chan." The old friends stared each other down. "Bruno san, it's been a while. Perhaps we could have a conversation on our own."
He wasn't sure what this woman wanted from him, but he didn't think Strawhat was going to grab Candy and run. He took a few tentative steps away from his ward. "I'll give you a minute to deal with this," he mumbled to her under his breath. "This way Nico Robin."
Robin followed Bruno back over toward the back door. "Thank you Bruno san, I think they really need to talk."
Luffy and Candy wandered a little closer to the beach. The sea breeze lifted her braid. "Luffy," it pained her to say it so she spoke the words to the dark sea. "I'm not going with you. I'm staying here in High Roll."
The glitter in her hair caught the moonlight. "Why? Why won't you come with me Candy?"
"Take a look around, High Roll is sugee don't you think?"
"I have an amazing ship, the strongest in the Grand Line."
Candy forced a smile. "I'm such a celebrity here Luffy, I'm quite spoiled."
"My nakama, they're a lot of fun and they're strong. They like you, you liked them too."
"I couldn't possibly fit in with…"
He wasn't going to hear weak excuses. He stepped in front of her. "Yamero! I've done my part Candy, you do yours! We have a promise!"
"That was ten years ago Luffy! We aren't those children anymore." Stop it Luffy….
"I don't give a damn. We made a promise. We're nakama."
She shook her head. "I'm not going with you Luffy, I can't."
There was the word he had been waiting for can't. "Oh why not? You love living in a golden cage on top of a casino that much?"
Her eye twitched involuntarily at the word. "Keh I don't think so shit head."
Luffy cracked a smile. That was a little more like his Candy. "So you hate it here?"
"So what if I do? The world is an imperfect place. You can't always have it your way."
"Don't you get it Candy chan? I've come to take you with me. We're going to sail the most fun part of the Grand Line together ne?"
"I can't."
"Tell me why."
Cherry Candy left Foosha village with Archie the Shake. He made her sleep on the floor and he got drunk a lot. She wasn't with him long; he was a gambler like her father. He lost Candy to a pirate in a hand of poker. She became part of the crew of the Cayuga and went to work in the kitchen. Her room was a niche in the pantry. At night when her chores were done Candy would sneak up on deck. She liked to look over the rail at the water and sing to the stars.
It was on one of her nocturnal visits topside she met Dealer Bruno. He had seen the kid come up for air a few times before. She had a dangerous habit of hanging over the rail. "Oi, you stupid kid! Don't hang over the rail like that!"
Candy jumped and looked to see who had yelled at her. He was huge. "Uhh…gomen. I just wanted to see how fast we were going."
"Were going fast enough for a little squirt like you to go overboard."
"Oh. So Foosha Village is really far away now isn't it?"
"Yeah is that where yer from kid?" The girl nodded gloomily. "What? Don't tell me your missing your mommy?" he wondered what this kid was doing here working a pirate kitchen so young.
"My mom is dead. She died when I was five. I don't miss her anymore but I miss Luffy."
"Luffy?"
Candy smiled at the pirate. "He's my nakama."
Bruno stood back with Nico Robin watching Strawhat and Candy. "That boy, Candy won't go with him. She won't leave High Roll with you of her own accord and if you try to kidnap her you will have to answer to the Lucky Seven and Dark Alucard."
"Candy chan is quite well protected here."
"She's the one doing the protecting. It's why she won't leave with you. All of those people you met tonight in the pub; all of those musicians, the dancers and the people all tied to Candy, will die."
Robin startled a little. "They'll die? Why would they?"
"Alucard casts away useless items. Without Candy they are nothing to him, no longer useful."
"So he would just kill those people? That's disgusting."
Bruno sighed. "It's business."
"What about Candy chan? Is she happy living here under those conditions; leave and your friends will be killed?"
"Candy is a bird in a cage. All I can do is keep the cat from getting in."
Robin looked back at the two figures ahead in the gloom. They were probably having a similar conversation up there. "Keh!" Luffy what will you do? "It doesn't sound like its much fun working for Alucard," she tested.
"It's not. He's grown arrogant as have the other Lucky Seven. High Roll prospers but they prosper better then most."
"Haven't you considered taking Candy and her friends and leaving this place?"
"A hammer like me go back out to sea? I think not, besides I am only one of seven. I could not hold the others off; trying to escape would likely mean death to many if not all. If I die there will be no one there to protect Candy."
It was a damning situation. Dark Alucard was using the innocent to keep his bird caged and Bruno didn't want to leave her unprotected. "So that's how it is?"
Bruno ended up looking out for the wispy little brat from Foosha village. Cherry Candy was a friendly girl and she had no fear. She came from a broken family and her best friends were a couple of boys. Bruno would have thought she was a boy if not for her pretty hair and cute voice. He heard all about Hell Ship and the monkey boy that liked to use foul language. Luffy was rubber and his sugee! older brother Ace was fire. Their mom ran a pub and Candy would go there with the boys. She wasn't phased by pirates at all in fact she wanted to be one.
Though she was a total tom boy from growing up with weird boys there was one thing about Candy that was very girly, her singing voice. Her singing reminded him of the sister he lost during his own childhood. Perhaps that was really what endeared the little waif to Bruno's heart. Whatever it was, he looked out for the girl. Candy was fond of the old guy too. He would happily listen to her tales of adventure in the hidden places outside of Foosha Village.
The months passed slowly. Candy watched the sea every night. Her island, her village, her friends got farther and farther away. She wondered if Luffy missed her, he was simple minded and forgetful and would probably fail math without her. Her life on the Cayuga wasn't too terrible now that she had Bruno to talk too. He was nice most of the time. She came to think of the old man as her friend. Things changed again after six months at sea. Their ship was attacked by pirates.
Captain Dark Alucard set his sights on the Cayuga. They had the smaller ship out gunned and within a half an hour the Cayuga was floundering and nearly two thirds of her crew were already dead. Dark was gracious in victory. He offered those remaining alive the option of joining his crew and saving themselves from death at sea. Bruno hurried below decks. Water was already seeping into the lower levels. Soon this ship would sink.
Candy was a smart girl and hid when the fighting started. When the sea started to leak through the hull she ran for her room. The girl gathered up her meager possessions and slid her backpack on. Candy ran through the kitchen. The Cayuga was taking on water faster. The cannons stopped and Candy hurried to get topside. In the hall she ran into Bruno. "Old man! Is the ship sinking?!"
Bruno picked her up and tossed her over his shoulder. He ran back toward the stairs. "Come on brat, we have to get out of here now!" he took her topside and fell in line with his mates that were defecting to the pirate ship. Bruno set Candy beside him and held onto her wrist. He wasn't going to let her out of his sight or out of his reach. They shuffled aboard the Stargazer and were greeted by Dark Alucard personally.
Alucard saw a child come aboard with a big man. She was a little smidge of a girl but she had the most beautiful blue eyes. The captain went to greet them. "Oh, a kid ne? Is she yours?" he asked the big man holding the girl.
He straightened and tightened his grip on Candy. "No sir she aint mine but I have been lookin out for her. Kids can be reckless."
"Yes of course," Dark nodded and looked down at the child, an orphan no doubt. "And what is your name little girl?"
This guy has a smile that reminded her of a shark. He was kind of scary. "My name is Cherry Candy."
"How cute!" Dark pat the girl on top of her blond head. "Welcome Candy chan. From now on I'll look out for you too."
Candy went to work in the kitchen aboard the Stargazer and was bunked with the few other women that served aboard ship. She wasn't quite twelve when Captain Dark heard her sing. After that Candy no longer spent her time peeling potatoes. Dark kept her at his side to sing for him whenever he wanted. Of course Bruno remained by his ward's side.
In a port called Frisco three more were added to the crew, two men and a woman. Black Jack was a big guy with a crew cut. Snoot was a thin man with spectacles. Rolette was a shapely woman with long dark hair. Snoot was assigned to schooling Candy in both manners and music. Dark didn't want her growing up ignorant and he wanted her to be able to make the most of her talents. Snoot was good to Candy and he taught her well. Roulette and Jack stayed close to the captain. They proved to him time and again that they were his strongest nakama.
They didn't stay in East Blue. Candy was on deck with Dark and Bruno as Reverse Mountain came into view. Dark clamped a hand down on her shoulder to keep her steady as the waves rocked the ship. Candy watched terrified but too excited to look away as the Stargazer lurched into the passage and then they were flying. The crew on deck was screaming and cheering. Seconds later they were sliding back to earth at incredible speed. Some of the fellows on deck went flying back into the aft castle. Her hands clenched into fists as they burst through the clouds.
"Look well Candy," Dark was giddy with excitement. "It's the Grand Line and it's just waiting for us! You'll be a star!" He laughed into the face of the dangers ahead.
They lost thirty four nakama on the way to High Roll to the perils of the Grand Line and the Stargazer was in bad need of a shipyard. Candy was aboard ship when the coup went down in town. Dark Alucard removed the existing government and took over the place. He was a man of incredible wealth and he poured it into High Roll. Within the course of a year he had made it a prosperous and growing city. Dark Alucard and the Lucky Seven reigned supreme.
Shortly after they took up residence in La Palacia Dark decided it was time to make his sweet Cherry Candy the idol of the Grand Line. After a few shows, Snoot became unsettled with Dark's intentions. At fourteen Candy was too young to exploited in such a way. A bit of an argument ensued and Snoot left upset. He collected his protégé and headed for the pier. He would just have to take Candy and leave. Snoot didn't get far though, not far at all.
The Lucky Seven and Dark personally stopped Snoot and the girl short in an alleyway. With a movement too quick for her eyes to see the captain was suddenly between them. Snoot grabbed at his bleeding throat and fell over bleeding all over the cobble stones. Candy's eyes widened with horror. Snoot was dieing. She rolled her big eyes up to Dark Alucard. He was glaring down at her with lunatic eyes. "No one ever leaves me Candy. Understand?"
Candy stared out at the dark sea. "Over time the music changed, my band changed but some things remained the same. He said he'd kill them all if I weren't around to make them useful. I'm pretty sure he'd rather see me dead then leave this island. Luffy, I can't go with you. I can't leave all of the people that have befriended me over the years here. I can't let them die like snoot did and I can't leave the old man alone with the Lucky Seven."
"That guy said he'd kill your friends?" Luffy frowned.
"He's done it before."
"Sounds to me like Dark Alucard needs his ass kicked. That's no way to treat your people."
She turned back to Luffy. "High Roll is what it is because of him and his money and his deals on the side. He knows every shady pirate there is. They pour money into this town. The people on the island work hard to farm and fish and trade enough to keep High Roll running smooth."
"Or what Dark will kill them?"
"The people love him. He resuscitated their dieing city and gave them all work to do, something to be proud of. He's their frigin hero."
"A man that would kill his own nakama is no hero." A man that would blackmail Candy was no hero either. His friend sighed and hung her head. "You keep saying you can't go with me but you want to don't you Candy?"
"It doesn't make a difference Luffy." Candy turned away.
"It does to me. I happen to care what you want Candy."
My monkey face. Of course I want to… "I have to go."
Luffy wasn't going to let Candy get away from him like this. No, not like this! Before she could take a step he grabbed her by the arms from behind. "Candy chan," he clenched his teeth and tried not to squeeze her arms. "I couldn't save you before."
She felt something like a knife in her heart. Luffy was sunshine superman, that guy was his favorite. "Shut up Luffy."
"I was too small and weak but it's not like that anymore Candy. I've grown into a strong man and I can fight for you! You are my nakama, you belong with me!"
Candy was impressed with the man her monkey face had become. He was indeed strong and brave, just as she knew he always would be. Dark Alucard was a terrible enemy to have though. Here in High Roll he had the Lucky Seven and at sea he had many allies. "I can't Luffy!" Candy tried to pull away and Luffy spun her to face him.
"The rest of the Grand Line is out there waiting for us Candy! You and me together!"
Bruno had seen Strawhat get grabby with Candy. He was to them fast and yoinked Candy out of the kids hands. "No touching Candy! I don't care who you are."
"Stop it, both of you!" Candy shoved away from the old man. Nico Robin was running their way. "I can't go with you Luffy!" the first tears of frustration stung her eyes. Candy turned and ran down the street, Bruno followed.
"Candy wait!" Luffy waved a hand and started after her. He tripped on something that grabbed his leg and he fell over.
Robin had stopped him. "Sorry captain but maybe it's better if you let Candy chan go tonight. It is quite late after all and I'm sure she's tired."
Luffy sat on his knees in the grit. "Did that big guy tell you what's going on here? Why Candy chan wont come with us?"
"Yes, Dealer Bruno told me a few interesting things about High Roll and Cherry Candy." Her captain looked up at her with wounded eyes and Robin tried to smile. She had watched Luffy and Candy closely all night. "Don't worry captain; there may be a way to save Candy chan yet."
17