Chapter 22: I do not own the 600 something plus episodes of One Piece, and I never will, and I never want to, and I never could have come up with such a weird and wonderful idea, and I never would have been able to have such patience with it.
...and so the story continues. The Strawhats have left Rainbase and are journeying to the capital.
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Tashigi's Heart: Calm before the Storm.
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Night had come over the land like a shadow. The desert was as voiceless as a tomb. Not a sound could be heard for miles. The sky was empty of any promise of rain and as the sun went beyond the horizon a blue hue covered the sky before it fell into darkness. Looking out at this time almost deceived you into believing that it was a sea, rising up and falling down, up and down. And as if trying to raise my hopes, the full moon came up out of the sea of sand ready to light up the way for any enemy or ally on their way to Alubarna. The impression of loneliness that I felt so strongly in this land waned a bit as I saw this familiar friend.There was some hope left wasn't there? This was all as unreal as a dream.
I was sitting on an upturned bucket that had been used once for the well that was 10 metres away, but that thing had long since been dried up. Everything was so barren here. There was no dew, not a cloud in sight or a droplet of water to be found in this parched land. I feel like the desert. There hasn't been any rain in my life for some time now. Death is a constant. I have seen it far too much recently, and now there was going to be a war. And we have to go and help to prevent it. There wasn't any choice in the matter. Or maybe there was? I don't know. We weren't even meant to be here. What right did we have to interfere with this country's system of rule.I feel sick to the stomach.
What has happened down south quickly became common news, and most people were divided, even families. Do we really have any right to judge these people? Our job is simply to keep the peace, uphold the law, and defend the citizens of this country. But what now? How can we defend them, when they are fighting each other? What had Captain Smoker been talking to head quarters about? And what were we going to do? Come on Captain! What were you doing? And where were you? I need direction. I want an order.
As if he could read my mind he sent for me. And although I've seen him in a rush before nothing could prepare me for seeing him getting ready to depart on his bike as if he had totally disregarded everything that had happened today. He's leaving to go somewhere? Now?
"Hey Tashigi." 'Hey?' What sort of greeting is that at a time like this? The Captain continued, "I want to you to organized everyone and get them ready to leave for Alubarna." I waited... That was it?
"Me? Go to Alubarna?"All by myself? Where was he going? Is he not coming to?
No! Ask what's needs to be asked!
"Are we chasing after the Strawhat Pirates..." or getting involved in a war? "Or Reinforcing the Royal Army?"
"That's up to you. You'll have to decide what is more important to you when you get there." The war is obviously more important, but I/we can't get involved. The government has made it a declaration that we marines were not to get involved in internal affairs. What were we supposed to do?
"But, Sir I don't understand? What's going on?" Please at least give me something to go on. What are you keeping from me Smoker? Smoker stepped into/onto his bike. It would always get cold in the desert and at the speed Smoker likes to travel he would definitely feel it tonight.
He wasn't looking at me, but it was as if he had a new confidence in the impossible. I could almost feel a change come over him. "Rely on your sense of Justice." he said and pulled his gloves on over his hands. "Whatever happens, I'll accept responsibility." What do you mean by that? You are really leaving all the decision making to me? I'm not sure I ready to be leading these men out to death into this battle.
"Captain, Where are you going?" Is it necessary to leave right now? Right when we need you the most.
"I have to head out to sea, something unforeseen has come up." He adjusted the goggles on his head, and pulled them down into his face to cover his eyes. "Be on alert to receive communication from me at any time."
"Right." I answered. Everything that has been happening as of late is as unusual as a sailor on horseback. I have no idea what to expect next.
"I need you to keep a vigilant eye on this country and where it ends up." Really, Smoker you're just going to leave it at that? "Whether it falls or whether it survives, a dawn of a brand new and historic age is on the horizon."
His words sink in as the importance of them hit me like waves of a broken damn. He starts up his engine and zooms off into the desert, accelerating south down to the coastline as if he had no more time to waste. I felt like my worth and usefulness had dropped down even lower. Knowledge is power. And so far we weren't any better off than when we started.
So this is what happens at the dawn of new ages in history. A hollow emptiness spreads into peoples' lives and bitter accusations are thrown at neighbors and enemies alike from across street corners and over deserts.
"Sergeant Major!" I still am not sure what to do. Keep calm! Think clearly!
Your choices will have a massive effect on what might be achieved.
"Sergeant Major!" I am representing the Government and the Marines here. I haven't the right to kill any Alabastian citizens. Nor do I want to.
"Your orders?" I needed to give the orders they are still waiting.
"Yes," Make your decision Tashigi!
I know! We can not forcible take sides in this?
I take a deep breath, all the group leaders and squad lieutenants are here and they expect a good decision. "Our target is the Pirate, Strawhat Luffy and everyone who serves under him. All hands, fortify our equipment for travel! Make preparations to depart for Alubarna!"
That was it. It had been decided. We were supposed to protect these people from outlaws and cut-throats, not from themselves. And our duty was clear.
"Straw hat Luffy." Who are you really? And what were you doing chasing after Crocodile. I didn't like the way the Captain reacted to hearing his name mentioned. Something was going down that terrible and cruel. Why would a king of his own country shoot down men and women from one of his own cities. Something just didn't feel right. How can people say 'All's fair in love and war.' There wasn't nothing fare about any of this and it sickens me to know I'm in the dark. I know nothing.
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