So I obviously didn't get my way and didn't get to update over the weekend. Sorry about that. Here's the new chapter though! I hope you all like it. Chopper and Luffy may seem a little OOC here, sorry about that. I hope this chapter doesn't disappoint anyone too much though.
Okay, now I have a question for all of you. What should I do for Usopp and Robin? I can't seem to come up with any ideas for those two. I'd appreciate it if you guys would give me some suggestions.
Oh, two more questions. Should I extend the story so it isn't just the Strawhats but others they've met along the way, enemies and allies alike or no? Then, after I finish Usopp and Robin, should I go back and repeat some of the Strawhats? Do some of them twice or group a couple of them together or something?
Answers and feedback are greatly appreciated. Sorry for such a long author's note but I really had to ask these questions!
It had been snowing for awhile when the Strawhats docked at the new island. Brook, Usopp, Franky, and Chopper had had a wonderful time playing around on the snow that gathered on the deck while Sanji fixed warm drinks for the girls and Zoro trained in the men's quarters. Nami and Robin had been in their own room, quietly discussing the upcoming island and the dangers it may or may not pose. And Luffy? He sat on his special seat, wearing his usual garments, his shirt fluttering in the small breeze. He stared off at nothing with a deep-seated longing buried deep in his eyes.
Chopper was the first-and only-one to notice. He and the others had grown quite cold and had decided to go to the kitchen to beg Sanji for cups of hot chocolate and cola and perhaps a warm bowl of soup. This was when they realized that Luffy had not been with them but Brook, Usopp, and Franky had all figured he was with Zoro and thought it best to leave them in peace.
Chopper, however, remembered the small pact the eight of them had made in secret shortly after Luffy's incident with Sanji.
"You should have told me right away, Sanji! The wounds could have become infected!" Chopper screeched as he shut the infirmary door behind him as he exited, leaving Luffy to his sleep.
"Sorry Chopper. I just didn't know how to tell you all. Will he be alright?" Sanji replied, biting down softly on his cigarette.
"Physically, yes. Mentally? I'm not so sure. I can't imagine what it was like for Luffy and I'm scared. He's becoming a danger to himself when he's alone. I wish there was something we could do," Chopper murmured with a resigned sigh, fighting to keep his tears at bay.
"Perhaps there is, Doctor. What if one of us was with him at all times? He wouldn't be able to harm himself then," Robin suggested and Chopper paused for a moment.
"It could work. I don't know how we'll keep our eyes on him all day though," he answered and Nami spoke up.
"We could form a schedule. If we each watch him for six hours in a constant rotation, we should be fine. Two people could start taking watch together. And there doesn't have to be just one person watching him at all times, either. Just as long as everyone gets their six hours in and he's never alone, it'll be fine, right?"
"I believe so, Navigator. Is this okay with the rest of you?" Robin asked and everyone agreed before placing their hands on top of each other's and promising to fulfill this new duty to their best ability.
Chopper couldn't remember who's turn it was, all he was aware of was the fact that he could smell Luffy and he was alone. Turning quickly, he let his nose guide him to where Luffy sat and felt his heart stutter as he saw small tear tracks on his face.
"Luffy?" Chopper whispered quietly and he turned, a small nostalgic smile on his face. He didn't seem to be all there.
"Ace used to hate the snow. Said it was too cold. He used to hate it when I play in it and tease him for being a baby," Luffy whispered. Chopper felt tears prick at his own eyes as he figured out why his captain hadn't been playing with them like he usually did.
"Luffy…" Chopper started, unsure of how to continue. But he didn't have to. Luffy jumped down from his spot with a small blink, reacting to his nakama's sadness. He put himself back together and kneeled next to Chopper.
"I'm sorry I didn't play with you. Lets eat and then we can make some snowballs and thrown them at Zoro!" he exclaimed with a reassuring smile on his face. Chopper barely held back a sob. Here Luffy was, being reminded of the days of old in the most painful of ways, and he was comforting him. It should have been the other way around. But Chopper nodded and let Luffy pull him away before Luffy paused and gave a small whisper.
"I really do want to play with you guys, Chopper. I'm sorry I've been acting so weird. I just...It hurts, Chopper. It hurts so much and I don't know what to do," Luffy whispered and Chopper's hooves flew to his mouth before he launched himself into Luffy.
"Luffy...I'm so sorry!" he cried and latched himself around Luffy's neck, sobs wracking his small body for he knew that there was no medicine, no treatment, in the world for Luffy. He was a broken man who had watched someone he loved die in his arms and nothing could ever repair that.
It was this knowledge and Luffy's revelation that destroyed Chopper.
