A/N.: Here's the biggest chapter I've written for the story so far, as a thanks for all those amazing reviews I received! I was in high spirits while typing it up, so here you go! :)
Disclaimer: I don't own One Piece.
YXYXYXYXYXYXYXYXYX
Chapter 8 - When he decided to put a stop at this madness
"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage." (Lao Tzu)
Maybe it was just out of reflex, but the moment the faint splashing sound reached his ears, Zoro opened his eye and shot up. He blinked, his eye slowly adjusting to the darkness as he rubbed the back of his head. What was that? Had he just been dreaming? Zoro frowned and got up quickly, having a bad feeling in his gut. Suddenly, a loud scream echoed across the deck and Zoro realized with horror that it belonged to the person who was supposed to be with Luffy right now. 'Brook!'
Zoro didn't waste another second as he raced upstairs in mild panic, his legs faster than his tired brain that still tried to fully comprehend the meaning of this. He reached the deck with a pounding heart and immediately spotted Brook leaning over the railing.
"Brook! What the hell happened?" Zoro voiced out his thoughts. Mentioned person shot around and even though the skeleton didn't have a skin, Zoro could tell Brook was incredibly relieved to see him.
"Z-Zoro-san!" He stutttered, "Luffy-san just fell into the ocean! I-",
Zoro quickly cut him off. "Save that for later!" And with one mighty leap, the swordsman followed his captain into the darkness below. He was trained enough in this situation to know what he needed to do and let his instincts take over.
"What's going on?" Nami demanded, eyes wide in fear as she climbed down the ladder to the crow's nest. She had fallen asleep while being on watch and Brook's scream had ripped her from her sleep, though she didn't admit that out loud.
Brook wanted to reply but suddenly, the rest of the crew appeared, still half-asleep but alerted by his scream.
"Brook?" Usopp asked.
Chopper blinked worriedly, his eyes darting around. "What's wrong? Where.. where's Luffy?"
Nami lifted her hands to stop their questioning, allowing the musician to take a few deep breathes to calm himself. How should he put this? "Luffy-san... he... he fell into the water... Zoro-san immediately sprang after him. I'm so so sorry, everyone." He got down onto his knees and bowed to them. The others were shocked to hear that.
"What?!" Nami screeched, searching the pitch black water for any sign of Zoro or Luffy. "Why on earth didn't you stop Luffy?!"
"I-I... I'm sorry." Brook repeated brokenly, not daring to look his crew mates into the eyes. He felt deeply ashamed and didn't even have an excuse. What happened was simply because he didn't do anything to prevent him. He was unworthy of being one of Luffy's nakama if he couldn't even protect Luffy from himself.
Sanji was fuming. "You shithead! How could you let this happen?! We counted on you to watch over him, you shitty skeleton!"
Brook flinched, but didn't answer. He knew he was to blame and it wasn't a surprise the others reacted so strongly. Chopper was panicking as he wanted to run after their two crew mates, but Usopp quickly stopped him. "You can't even swim, Chopper!" he reminded him not all too gently.
"B-but Usopp!" Chopper wanted to break free of Usopp's grip, but it was all in vain. Any further arguing was suddenly stopped when they heard a familiar splutter and they all looked over the railing.
"Zoro!" They shouted in unison and as they spotted an unconscious Luffy in his arms, they gasped.
"Somebody, get a rope! We need to pull them up!" Usopp yelled and Franky sprang into action. Together, they got Zoro and their captain out of the freezing waters. Zoro stumbled on deck and quickly lay Luffy on the grassy deck, making room for Chopper.
"Holy crap...", Sanji muttered. Luffy looked already dead, and it scared the others to no end. He didn't even breathe, as Nami noted with worry evident on her features. "Luffy!" She whispered, wanting to help but there was nothing for her to do. "No...".
"Shit, I wasted too much time!" Zoro cursed and ran a hand through his wet hair. A soft towel hit his head and Zoro turned around to see Robin with a two more towels in her arms. He rubbed himself dry and wrung out his dripping wet t-shirt. "How is he, Chopper?"
It had been a miracle Zoro found his captain. He had barely seen anything and just followed his instinct as he searched for Luffy in a sea surrounded by darkness. Luckily he had been fast enough and managed to grab onto Luffy's t-shirt almost immediately. He quickly pulled him up; it was an old well-trained act to save Luffy from drowing. It had happened too many times already, but right now it was actually much more frightening than usually. He just hoped it wasn't too late.
Chopper took his time to reply as he was busy performing CPR on Luffy. The crew could only watch anxiously, silently praying everything would be alright. Brook didn't dare come any closer, but watched in fright as his entire body shook.
In a rare moment of needy body contact, Nami's trembling hand grabbed Robin's. The older woman was quite surprised about this, it was the first time Nami was showing something like affection after such a long time again, and Robin was pleased about this even though the circumstances were terrible. She replied by gently but firmly squeezing Nami's hand, trying to offer some form of comfort. But her eyes never left the still form of her captain.
After what seemed like an eternity, Chopper leaned back, completely out of breath, as the water spluttered from Luffy's blue lips. He coughed weakly, desperately trying to get rid of the water and getting oxygen into his burning lungs at the same time. The crew who stood in a circle around Luffy save for Brook, all released a deep breath they didn't realize they were holding.
Nami's legs felt weak and she sank to the ground, tightly gripping the grass. "Thank god...", she murmured tiredly, trying hard not to cry in relief.
Chopper wiped his face, mixing sweat with tears. He didn't know what to say at the moment, he was just too happy Luffy was still alive. He had been close to give up because Luffy's heart had stopped again, but he would never let his captain down if there was even the slightest chance of him being alive.
Zoro watched, his blank face back. Had he just been a second later... who knows if they had ever found Luffy. Seeing Luffy alive and taking gasps of air greedily lifted a huge weight off his heart.
The others felt similar. Brook couldn't describe how happy he was Luffy was okay for now. He didn't know what he would have done if his captain had actually drowned. It was a horrible idea and the skeleton was feeling guilty for letting Luffy escape in the first place. The others were right when they were angry at him for being so careless as to get lost in thoughts. How could he? Brook gritted his teeth, having the sudden urge to kick himself.
"Guys, step aside." Chopper suddenly piped up, still somewhat shaken but a determined face wearing, "we have to get him inside."
Usopp sighed deeply, having the feeling he got to hear those words too often these last days. Last time Luffy had managed to get past their eyes had been horribly close, but this time it had been even worse. But the sniper knew that even though it was hard for everyone, Brook was off the worst and he couldn't blame him after all. The sniper had been thinking about it for a long time. It was no good. They way things were right now was no good. And blaming one crew member for something he certainly never purposely did just seemed wrong. In the end, it wouldn't change their situation and only added to the misery. Brook felt horrible as it was already. So instead of shouting out his slight anger Usopp pushed it to the back of his head, just trying to remind himself that Luffy was fine for now.
Sanji however shot one last glare into Brook's direction as he muttered, "We'll talk about this later."
Brook stiffened noticeably. Sanji then carried Luffy back to the infirmary were Chopper could continue the treatment. Most of them remained outside, lost in thoughts. Brook was still staring at the place were Luffy had been mere seconds before as Franky spoke up.
"Seriously, Brook-bro... I'm seriously pissed right now."
Brook tensed and he slowly looked up to be met by an angry face. "I know. I cannot express my deep regret for this matter. I'm really ashamed. I shouldn't have let my thoughts wander like that."
Franky was far from satisfied. He was frustrated, and blaming Brook seemed like the right way to get rid of that feeling. There was nothing else he could do after all.
"Damn, bro, that was a pretty uncool stunt you just pulled. It's only thanks to Zoro-bro that our captain isn't dead, you know! Luffy nearly drowned because of you!"
"My deepest apologies...", Brook murmured, barely audible. The shipwright was right, Brook realized, he nearly killed their captain.
Zoro didn't even look their way as his name was mentioned. He didn't turn around as he made his way back to the kitchen to get a bottle of sake. He was too lost in his own thoughts to care about what the others were talking about. The others barely noticed he was gone.
Nami frowned but made no attempt to stop Franky. Right now, all she wanted to do was hitting Brook. Hitting him hard, because he had the task to keep Luffy safe, but failed miserably. She didn't understand it. Everyone just prayed Luffy would finally become better, and then Brook came and did the reverse. It was beyond Nami how the skeleton hadn't interfered when Luffy had walked so close to the railing.
Usopp bit his lip. Franky was somewhat right, but those were harsh words. The sniper threw a brief glance into the cyborg's direction but he quickly looked away again. He had hardly witnessed Franky being so furious. It was silent anger, but it came off Franky in bad vibes. Usopp looked away.
"You think saying sorry would cut it? There's no friggin' way it will be okay only after that. You-",
"Now is not the time for such pointless talk, Franky." Robin said as calm as she could, but inwardly she was exploding with anger. Of course it had been irresponsible of the skeleton, and even after they all had put their trust and Luffy's life into his hands. But telling him such cruel words so boldly was the wrong way of dealing with the situation. Besides, Robin couldn't stand watching Brook right now. He looked so broken and he was obviously still in shock.
Franky stopped talking and shot a brief glare towards Robin before he 'tched'. A long and tensed silence followed. Robin and Franky looked ready to attack each other, which was freaking Usopp out because since when had the archaeologist reacted in such a way before? But then, no one of them was acting in-character so maybe he shouldn't be so surprised.
Franky finally broke the silence with an annoyed growl. "Whatever, I'm outta here." He grumbled in anger as he disappeared under deck.
A collective silence was ruling after that, each of them once again busy with their own thoughts. What was left to say, anyway? Usopp silently thanked Robin for having enough courage to stop the mad cyborg. Another argument was the last thing he could take right now.
Nami sighed and frowned at the others, knowing Robin was right but finding in still hard just to swallow her anger. Still, talking back when Robin was in such a mood would only cause harm, and she was too tired for that.
"Go back to bed, guys. Chopper will take care of Luffy." Standing around and worrying wouldn't help anything, either. No one disagreed and soon, the deck was empty again.
For the rest of the night no one got any sleep. Everyone of them was completely wiped out.
The thought alone that Luffy was still dying... they could hardly comprehend what that actually meant. It was just too much for them to lose another important person. To lose Luffy, the person who saved them all, the reason why they could still fight for their dreams. They've all reached their limits and couldn't go on. Maybe they have all broken down in a dead end; this was the point where they couldn't stand up anymore. No matter what had happened before; regardless of how strong they had become – they felt like they just couldn't continue.
The Strawhats were just about to go through their darkest times. They'd thought nothing could bring them down, no one would be able to take away another one of their loved persons. That this whole disaster came unexpected made it only worse. They felt like they got stabbed in the back by fate itself. It was as if life was laughing at them, asking how the heck they could think that now they'd be happy to the end of their days? That there was never going to be something horrible and downright ugly as death again? How could they be this ignorant?
But then, the human body's quite remarkable when it came to taking blows that should be beyond repair. Somehow, even those deadly wounds would heal. Someday, even the deepest scars would fade. If you wanted them to, that is.
-Y-X-Y-X-Y-X-
The next day, Chopper announced Luffy had pulled through the night and was stable again. Somehow. Chopper couldn't understand how Luffy's body could still fight off the sickness so well. After such an experience he should be perceivably weakened, but, as weird as it may sounded, the reindeer had found that Luffy's condition had neither worsened nor improved. But the doctor's greatest fear was that at some point Luffy would suffer multiple organ failure. As strong as he had proven himself up until now, no human body could fight off something like that for long. Chopper pushed that thoughts away to focus on keeping Luffy stable for now – until he knew a safe way to cure his sickness. He would not let him down like the others did.
Chopper yawned, his eyes nearly falling shut. He was past exhaustion already but he was too stubborn to rest any longer than a couple of hours. He didn't completely blame Brook for what happened, but the reindeer felt even more need to stay close to Luffy after that incident.
Though, as Robin promised Chopper she would spread her eye above Luffy's bed and continue to watch over him, the reindeer reluctantly left the infirmary. He hadn't eaten or drunk anything in hours and the archaeologist decided the doctor should keep them company in the kitchen.
When he entered the kitchen, he was immediately met by an ice cold silence that made him regret leaving the infirmary. He felt more lonely being with the others than being with Luffy. It hurt Chopper, but he didn't want to disappoint Robin, so he sat down beside her. She offered him a small, slightly forced smile, and Chopper smiled back wearily. Then it faded as quickly as it had come and the tension was nearly chocking him. The doctor looked around and noted everyone was only staring off into space, not really seeing each other. No laughter, no smiles, no talking, no friendship. Chopper felt like crying when he thought about how quick they had changed. What had become of them all?
His thoughts were interrupted as he suddenly realized how Franky was glaring daggers at their musician. Chopper shuddered. Hopefully he would not-
"Brook, what the hell were you doing?" Franky spat all of sudden, and Chopper instinctively shrunk a few inches. Another fight. He could feel how Robin tensed.
Brook looked up with a blank face as if he had already waited for that outburst. He didn't reply for a while but finally answered quietly.
"Everyone, I just want to apologize one more time. I know that it's my fault, and I am prepared for any punishment. I don't know what came over me, but I should have stopped Luffy-san. He wasn't in his right mind."
Sanji snorted, but there was no hint of humor in his voice. "Damn straight he wasn't. That's why you had to watch over him."
Franky however continued without considering what Brook had said. "How can we ever trust you again with something so important, huh? Do you even realize what could have happened if it weren't for Zoro?!" He knew he was repeating himself, but he was so in rage he didn't care.
"Franky-", Robin tried, but she was roughly cut off.
"Brook, I think it'd be for the best if you left the kitchen for now." Nami said. Her voice sounded strangely monotone.
Chopper couldn't believe what his ears had just picked up. His eyes widened. "Nami! Y-you cannot throw him out like that!" He blurted out without thinking. Nami coldly ignored him and stared at Brook as if she urged him to leave. The musician only nodded numbly.
However, Robin didn't want to let this go and quickly grabbed the skeleton's shoulder as he was about to get up. She pressed down gently. "Don't leave, Brook. We're nakama and we don't chase each other away like that. That's what Luffy taught us, right?"
The skeleton looked at Robin in a grateful, but tired way and slowly sat back down. He seemed torn between leaving and staying; he was unsure how to act around them.
"No, I agree with Nami-san on this part. I mean, who in this room isn't pissed at him?" Sanji said without facing them. He was busy preparing a meal but had overheard their conversation.
"But Sanji-",
"Chopper, don't get on my nerves right now! This isn't to offend Brook in any way, but it's for the best for now!" Sanji barked and Brook was about to stand up again. Maybe it would make the others feel better indeed if he weren't around.
Robin's face showed cold determination, and she stood up and slammed her hands onto the table to get the other's attention. It worked just fine and she stared at them with a hard glare. They were all silent. Never had Robin reacted in such a way. Even Brook froze in shock.
"Everyone, this has to stop. You treat each other like strangers! We are a team, and not enemies. Brook has already apologized many times, and I think he takes this all the worst. Luffy wanted to give Brook a place where he was comfortable. And while we're at it, think about how you treat our captain. They way you act around Luffy is horrible, and you are all too blind to realize how much you hurt him."
"Robin-san... what are you talking about...?" Brook asked carefully.
Sanji blinked, his boiling water seemingly forgotten. "H-hurt him? What? How?"
A new wave of uncontrollable emotions swapped over him. Franky knew he couldn't stop the tears in his eyes so he didn't even bother to wipe them away. "We... don't hurt him. Luffy-bro... he's dying. Our captain is dying. How could we ever do anything to him?!"
"That's what I want to know, too. Robin, I don't know what's come over you, but accusing us of som-", Nami began in a quiet but cold voice. Surprisingly, she was cut off by Chopper.
"Nami, please stop. Robin is right, guys... you're really changing into some strange, cold-acting people. You argue a lot lately." He admitted timidly, not meeting the others' faces. "I can't imagine what it feels like for Luffy to see us like this."
Nami opened her mouth as if to reply, but quickly closed it again, avoided looking into Chopper's eyes. She had no answer to that.
Zoro didn't reply as he watched everyone with a stoic face. He knew he'd hurt Luffy deeply when he told him they were okay. It had been a promise after all... and a promise meant more than his own life to Luffy. Zoro knew he'd committed a crime as bad as mutiny. But somehow, he just couldn't bring himself to go to Luffy and properly apologize to him. Maybe he was scared of meeting Luffy's disappointed face and thought he wouldn't accept his apology. And then? Then Luffy would die and would never forgive Zoro and Zoro would never be able to take his swords into his hands again, because he had shattered a promise.
But maybe it was because he was scared of facing Luffy. He was so damn fragile, and Zoro could barely stand watching him like this. He thought he would be able to quietly support him, but in the end, Zoro couldn't do it. All he did was cause Luffy pain, and Zoro just wished to be alone in a dark corner.
"You don't even realize this, do you? I've become a different person, too. Even Robin had begun to change. And it makes me angry to stand by and watch." Chopper said. "This is so wrong."
"Shup up, Chopper!" Sanji growled quickly. "I don't want to hear another fucking nonsense."
Nami nodded. "Just drop the crap." She glared at them all with something close to hatred in her eyes, and Chopper bit his lip as he backed away, quietly apologizing. They scared him. Robin looked at the ground and sat back down. She was so worn out. She felt like whatever she may say would not break through whatever barrier they built up around themselves. It would all be in vain... It was too late. How would this continue? Who would be strong enough to make them come back? To stop them from drowning in misery?
Robin put her face into her hands as if to admit defeat. 'I'm so sorry, Luffy.' She thought, 'I cannot bring them back.'
"I've had enough."
Robin blinked, turning her head. Sanji shot around, glaring daggers at the person who'd spoken.
"What is your goddamned problem?! Can't you just shut up?!"
Usopp stared back at the cook, completely unimpressed. Last time, he had behaved like a coward and didn't speak as he should have. Now, Usopp decided, it was time to get to them. He wouldn't back down now. If the others couldn't do it, then he would. To hell with his own self-pity and frustration! Determination pumped through his veins and he narrowed his eyes.
The others, safe for Robin, Chopper and Brook, spoke up all of sudden. They all talked at once, shouting at Usopp, telling him to shut up or stop this shit and trying to start an argument. Zoro just tried to block out all the noise as he glared at the others as if the whole room was his enemy.
Usopp continued to watch the madness as he slowly crossed his arms over his chest, face scrunching up in anger. The noise was increasing, Nami was beginning to yell at him and Usopp nearly exploded.
With one mighty roar of "Shut the fuck up!", he managed to get their attention. Once again, they were all silent. They hadn't been prepared for that.
"I want you to shut up, because you are all too dumb to listen to Chopper and Robin! You really have changed and don't even see it! You, Sanji, just stop acting like such an aggressive asshole! Zoro, stop staring and acting as if you don't give a fuck in the world, because I know you care! Nami, quit being so grouchy and angry at everyone! Franky, stop behaving like a gangster! What's happened to that stupid super of yours?!" he shouted at them, finally losing his patience. His friends looked at him as if he'd grown a head. Brook could only stare.
Franky clenched his fists. "What the hell?!"
Sanji's fists clenched. "Don't you dare yelling at Nami-san, you asshole!"
"Have you lost your mind, you damn idiot?!" Nami shouted back. Usopp growled under his breath.
"Listen, and listen well. I'm fed up with all of your stupid emo behavior! You have to face the truth already!" Franky stood up with an angry look upon his face but Robin spread two hands on his shoulders and clasped his mouth shut. She shot Usopp an encouraging glance, silently supporting him. Usopp nodded and stared at his friends for a long, long time.
„There will always be happy and sad times in life. Times when you wonder what you've done to deserve such great joy. Times when you break down and don't want to see the sun shine again, because it burns too much. But only those who learn to bear with these ups and downs, those who are able to seek happiness where most people wouldn't dare to search for it... those are the ones that we look up to. Only they are able to look back without regrets and say, I had a great time. That alone is worth all the hard work." Usopp's lips trembled as he spoke. It sounded silly and lame, but he had to say something to make them realize their behavior. He inhaled deeply.
„Look at you. Look at what you've become. You are pathetic. You are a really, really pathetic bunch of kids. I don't see the Strawhat pirates anymore."
"Pathetic?!" Sanji grumbled with disbelieving eyes. Robin fixed him with a glare, silencing him.
„How can you be so selfish and allow yourself to give in to your depressions and self-sympathy?! Can't you see that Luffy needs us now? Do you really want him to remember us as a bunch of cold, broken strangers?! He has every reason to be proud of himself. He has saved us all, and given most of us a purpose to live on and smile, whatever may come. What makes you think you can throw all of his hard efforts away just because you feel like it? Who gave you permission to destroy everything Luffy devoted his life to?! Luffy has shared strong nakama around him, and not such weak and self-hatred people like you...," Usopp's strong resolve broke, tears running from his eyes. He sobbed and took a few deep breaths to calm himself.
The others couldn't help but stare at Usopp weakly. A thick silence hung in the air. "Usopp-san...," Brook muttered. "You...", he stopped abruptly, not able to continue. He was deeply touched by what his friend had said, and it reminded him of what his first captain once had told him with a cocky smile.
'Don't waste my life.'
He and Usopp were right. Luffy and his old captain both had worked hard to become strong and protect their crew, and who were the strawhats to throw all of Luffy's efforts away like garbage? Brook began to cry, silently apologizing to both of his captains for not being stronger.
"Usopp-bro...", Franky whispered, paling slightly. Were they really that ignorant? Did they hurt Luffy without noticing? He looked around and his glance stopped at the skeleton. Suddenly, Franky's lips felt really dry. Guiltily, he glanced to the floor. Brook was his friend, wasn't he? He was not the one to blame for their captain's sickness. None of them were.
What Usopp said reached them, it broke through that thick fog of sadness. Even Sanji who was about to hit him fell back on his butt in silent shock. He stared at his trembling hand, realizing he was about to hit another one of his friends again. Usopp was right – he'd turned into an aggressive freak. This wasn't him, not at all!
Usopp hiccuped and his hands shivered madly. He looked up at them – no, not them – he looked at his friends, his family because that's what they were. Tears streamed down his face and he gulped down his fear and distress one more time to whisper,
„Our captain used to be proud of us, you know."
That sentence was enough to pry open the shell around their hearts. It felt as if lighting had struck them, thrown by Luffy personally. That little speech had triggered something big deep inside them; there was a noticeably change in the air. The crew looked around as if they'd seen each other for the first time in their life. Zoro felt a huge lump in his throat and all color left his face. He felt miserable for pretending he didn't care. It was his own weakness that had driven him away from his friends.
Usopp continued to cry, all his sadness trapped in his tears. The strawhats could only think one thing as realization broke its way through affliction:
He's right.
Nami's eyes were wide and unseeing. She had no tears left to cry but she still had her hands to hug. She embraced Usopp and buried her head in the crook of his neck. It felt right. It was the right way to get rid of the helpless feelings. It felt right to share emotions with her friends. They all felt the same way, the same sadness and denial and frustration. They were all the same. How could they show anything like hate towards each other?
"Luffy thought it was his fault. He blamed himself again for not being strong enough. I feel horrible it took us so long to realize...", Robin said as tears rolled down her eyes. "I can't remember the last time I cried so much...", she added as a whisper. Sanji hid his face in his hand, but it was obvious he was weeping. Chopper began to openly cry now, hugging Robin's leg tightly. He was incredibly happy his friends came back to reality. Truth be told, he had already given up to get through to them.
Zoro watched Usopp and began to smile slightly. It seemed out of place, but it was a start and Zoro just couldn't help it. He was proud of Usopp for standing up to them in their darkest time. That had been quite brave, he had to admit. At the same time, he was grateful. Somehow, he felt refreshed and strong enough to get off his butt and stop moping. They couldn't continue to dishonor their captain like that!
Franky inhaled deeply, and as he released a horrible but familiar wail, he flung himself at Brook. "Oh Gaaawd! Bro, I'm so sorry!" Snot ran down his steely nose, but the musician didn't care as he hugged right back, crying just as much as Franky. "M-me too! Yohoho!" And together they clung to each other like little kids, comforting the other.
"Guys... I-I'm sorry." Sanji said quietly, still not looking at the others.
"Me... too." Nami agreed, slowly releasing Usopp with a small smile. "Thanks for reminding us, Mr. warrior of the sea." She added with a wink and Usopp looked at her, stunned.
"Uahaah! I'm sowwy! I'm not crying but I'm so sorry!"
"How could we act like such weaklings?!"
"Let's get over it already and pull ourselves together." Zoro decided. It felt good to use his voice again. It felt like he hadn't spoken to the crew for a long time.
Robin dried her eyes while chuckling. That was the crew she knew and loved so much. "Yes... we all know we've been complete idiots... now it's time to make it better."
Usopp blinked at the crew, tears still falling down soundlessly. He couldn't believe his words had reached them! They were back to normal, finally! A chocked sob sounded from his throat and he angrily rubbed his tears away. His voice had reached them. The cold attitude from everyone was gone. This was the beginning of something great, Usopp knew it.
Everyone looked up when Zoro moved to stand. Suddenly, he stood tall, no slumping shoulders, and he had the biggest smirk on his face. There were no void emotions glinting in his eye, but a strong will. Their old Zoro was back. Something in the air changed.
"We should go to Luffy. All of us."
-YXYXYXYXY-
Luffy blinked, completely stunned. He rubbed his eyes. Was he seeing things?
"Guys?" He asked, sounding insecure as he slowly sat up. His friends smiled warmly at him in return. "What's the matter?" Luffy was pretty confused. Why would they all turn up out of the blue like that?
"Luffy," Zoro spoke up, stepping forward. He considered his next words carefully before he spoke up. "We know we have disappointed you deeply, and we all apologize for behaving like complete morons. Just to let you know: We're proud of you. We won't let you down. Not now, and not ever."
Luffy gaped at them. "Zoro?" He felt his heart clench for a second. Zoro had returned. No not only him, everyone was there. His family was there with him.
"We were just reminded of something important. We forgot about it for a while, but that's in the past now. Luffy, I'm sorry for forgetting about your feelings. I promise to be there for you from now on." Nami said while smiling brightly.
Chopper nodded furiously. "I'll definitely find a cure for you! Just leave everything to me, Luffy!"
"Nami... Chopper...", Luffy murmured with wide eyes. Franky spoke up, his huge arm still hanging around Brook's slim shoulders.
"Ow! We know we have a super captain!"
"Luffy-san, I deeply regret what happened to you the other night." Brook swallowed but Franky nudged him with his arm. Brook then continued in a much brighter voice. "Though, whenever you feel down, just let me know and I'll play an uplifting tune for you, yohoho!"
"Tell us how you feel, Luffy. We're all here to listen to you now." Robin said in a gentle voice. Luffy stared at them in slight disbelief. Suddenly, he felt horrible for doubting his crew even for a second.
"Franky, Brook, Robin!" He said, feeling overwhelmed despite his exhaustion.
"You can count on us, captain. No matter what happens, we'll be strong for you." Sanji grinned. Luffy blinked before he returned the grin. He hadn't seen Sanji smile in a really long time and it made him feel at ease.
"Sanji!" Luffy said and his voice cracked at the end. All of sudden, he didn't feel like suffocating in that small room anymore. The more people there were, the bigger it looked. The sick captain could barely contain his joy.
Despite that, Luffy could feel the exhaustion creep into his bones like ice cold water and he shivered unintentionally.
"We won't be leaving your side." Usopp said firmly. Luffy looked at the long-nosed man. "Usopp...", the name came out in a whisper.
He wanted to reply that he won't be leaving their side, either, but he wasn't so sure about that. He hated lying, and not telling his nakama the truth was out of question, so that's why he decided to stay quiet. No one seemed to think much of it, and Luffy was relieved.
"Hey Luffy-san." Brook's voice reached Luffy again as he stepped beside his bed. "From now on, let's fight together."
Luffy was unable to say anything. The awful pain in his chest seemed to vanish for a moment, and the air around him felt lighter. He looked around and saw nothing but conviction. He could feel their smiles. Luffy's lips twitched upwards. Before, he had thought they really left him to die alone... a thought he couldn't stand. Obviously, he'd been stupid to believe his family would really abandon him.
"You guys... thank you." He only said, but his crew could see how much this meant to him. He smiled earnestly. That were his friends alright. Only they were able to step into the room all of sudden and swipe his doubt and fears away like it was an annoying fly. Every feelings of loneliness and misery were erased as if they had never been there before, and true happiness filled their space.
Nami refused to cry but couldn't help the single tear that escaped her eye as she took Luffy's clammy hand in a rare moment of affection and squeezed it.
"Stay with us, Luffy." She said and the strawhat captain tried hard to follow her instructions, but he could already feel the coldness claw at him and his eyes drifted close. Even though he desperately wanted to stay awake, he didn't stand a chance against the darkness. He was just too exhausted. He wanted to stay awake and talk to his friends, because he missed them so so much, and these past days had been the longest days he could remember.
Though, his body demanded sleep. But this time there was no pained expression on his face as his eyes shut close. He fell asleep with a smile on his face.
Luffy wasn't afraid of waking up, because he was sure he wouldn't be greeted by a depressed face again. He wouldn't have to listen to his friend's crying anymore. And most importantly, Luffy knew that no matter what the next day might bring, he would not have to face it alone, because his crew was right there in front of his eyes, guiding him through the pain towards the sun.
He felt light as if he could fly, and his last thought before falling asleep was that he didn't really need the stars above him. He had his own personal stars that only shone for him even if there were clouds and it was raining. Those eight stars would always be there, sharing their light with him.
Robin gently stroked Luffy's hot forehead as she watched him drift off.
The Strawhats knew the moment they spotted that happy look on Luffy's face that they had made the right decision to get up and cheer for Luffy. That was the only way, and they'd pull through until the end. All they needed was a push into the right direction, to get their motivation and fighting spirit back. Now Luffy could at least find the strength he desperately needed in his environment. They gave him a reason to continue his fight – and now it had become their fight.
No one dared to move as they watched their captain's sleeping face. A comfortable silence had settled in. All of sudden, Sanji turned around and grabbed the sniper's shoulder. Usopp looked up at the cook, a surprised look on his face.
Usopp opened his mouth, stuttering, "What-",
"Thanks, idiot." Sanji muttered and grinned cockily.
YXYXYXYXYXYXYXYXYX
*Collapses in exhaustion* Damn, this chapter was a challenge to write! XD
A yay for Usopp! Watch out, the strawhat crew is back, heehaw! *Ahem*
Thanks for your wonderful reviews! :D I swear I feel at least as happy as Luffy right now :,D *Hugs you all* I'm sorry if I repeat myself, but you guys are the best! I'm not crying, damn it!
LemondoughnutPXC: *Gulps and hides under desk* S-sorry! B-but he got saved, see? *Points upwards* No need to apologize, I'd probably feel the same if I were you! XD Thanks for your review and I hope you liked the turn of events :)
Kimonohi Tsuki: Thank you so much! :D I love your review, your English is good! I'm glad you like my story so far, and I hope you enjoyed this chapter as well. Take care! :)
Deadly in Pink: You'll see next chapter :)
Mugiwara N0 Luffy: Great Avatar, btw! I love badass Luffy *snickers*. Anyway, thanks a lot for your kind review, I'm really glad you like it! :,)
Guest: Thank you!
PinguSuperSquee: Your review made me smile so much. Thank you, I'm really glad you enjoy it so far =D Yeah, I got the feeling of too much depression too, so cheers for Usopp for putting a stop at it. The strong Strawhats have returned :D Thanks again!
nani: Hello again :D No problem, I really love your reviews, replying is the least I can do =) That's right, I wanted to show Luffy's side of thoughts, and not only how the crew is coping with the situation. Though, I hope I haven't rushed it too much in this chapter. Don't worry ;) Ha, wenn was kitschig ist, dann dieses Kapitel xD Ich hab mich wieder sehr über dein Review gefreut, danke, dass du dir die Zeit nimmst und so viel schreibst :)
Until chapter nine, which will be the climax ;)
~Neko11