Unseen, Unheard
Chapter 2: No Need to Worry
Chopper's Perspective
I always thought of Sanji as a role model. He is a doctor of food practically. He heals with a field that tastes so yummy! Whenever a patient requires rest, he can create an array of comfort foods to satisfy them. It's so cool the way he dances through the kitchen, enjoying every minute of a profession he loves. I like looking up to him. He has a wise word to say every once and a while, and his heart is always with his nakama. I feel safe around Sanji because he reminds me that he has my back. It's comforting, especially since I'm not the best fighter in the crew. It's hard to be afraid when he's guarding your weak points as you defend his.
Sanji has his nice moments where his attitude is spectacular. He would bring smiles to everyone's face with his grin and quick wits. But like every human, he has a scary side, especially when he tries to kick everyone's head in as a result. I don't blame him; especially when he does it due to the lack of food. I would do the same if someone took my medicine. Despite the flaws that are present in everyone, Sanji is a good role model. He portrays courage and bravery. He establishes and upholds honor, respect, and somewhat discipline. I think it's funny. Zoro and Sanji always bicker with one another, eager to pick a fight. In reality, they share similar traits. I don't think they see it yet. I know Zoro sees something though as we retreat back to the Thousand Sunny. I will never know what exactly but I can't focus on that now. The ship is appearing on the horizon and I have to get Sanji medical attention as fast as possible.
"Super! You're back already!" Franky notices our silhottes approaching.
He connects his over-sized arms together in order to show his signature star. Normally, I would be awed by his cool robot form. I can't be right now. Doctor mode has been activated. Sanji saves us every day by providing us healthy food, rationing it out and making tough decisions when the time calls. The very least I can do is save him!
Franky's arms drop in confusion as we get closer. Luffy stretches out his arms, latching onto the railing before he launches himself into the side of the mast. Using the ability of momentum, he then reaches out to Zoro. Zoro grips his hand tightly, keeping Sanji close as they are thrown through the air. My heart drops to my stomach in terror. What if Sanji gets hurt worse? My heart lifts, only a little, when Zoro's back slams into the deck. He is still clutching Sanji, taking all of the impact to prevent further damage. Luffy grabs onto my hat, lifting me from the ground. Instinctively, I cling to my hat to keep it from escaping my grasp. The air whizzes by me, buzzing in my ears a high pitch squeal. I fall rapidly, the deck rushing up to meet me. I'm going too fast! A body crashes into the deck before me, breaking my fall entirely as I bounce of their back. Usopp raises his head, nose crooked and teeth missing.
"Ow…" He groans, hiding his face back in the grass.
"Ah! I'm sorry Usopp!" I apologize, scrambling to flip him over.
"'S okay…" He mummers.
My arms are shaking against his skin, resonating through my whole body. Am I ready for this?
"Zoro, get Sanji to the infirmary! Someone look after Usopp!" I order as I take off to the infirmary.
I turn my head to see Zoro watching me, not daring to move a muscle.
"Follow me and don't lose sight!" He nods a single time, his footsteps thundering after mine as we burst into the infirmary.
First order of business, stop the bleeding. With Sanji's extremely rare blood type, if he loses too much there is no way to replace it. We were extradornarily lucky at Fishman Island. I would hate to press our luck now. Zoro places Sanji on the bed, pulling away only slightly.
"Out!" I command, a bit harsher than attended. I need room to work. I have to save Sanji.
A bit hesitantly, Zoro leaves. I push a step stool over to the bed, climbing the steps with gauzes in hand. I begin fast placing them on as many wounds as I can, but there's too many! I can't apply pressure to all of them! Panicking, I hop off the stool in hopes I can find something to assist me. No such luck. Scurrying back over, I'm surprised to find arms blossoming from the bed covers, holding the gauzes down with the proper pressure. I look back. Robin is waiting on the other side of the door, observing through the window with her arms crossed. I nod to her and she smiles back.
While I wait for the blood flow to stop, I can reset his legs. Scooting the stool down further, I examine his legs critically. Both were complete fractures. Extremely painful and hard to heal. Knowing Sanji, he won't want to sit in bed all day in order for them to heal. I'll have to insert rods and pins. But with my body trembling like it is, I don't think I can sew up a wound let alone do that. I've never seen Sanji so hurt before. It sickens my stomach to see a nakama injured.
I begin the gruesome task of resetting Sanji's legs. He thrashes with pain, jarring his legs further as he struggles to escape the agony. I can't use painkillers. Not in this state. He could fall asleep and never wake up again. I turn back to Robin, about to voice my need for help. Her curt nod informs me she understands as more hands sprout to hold our cook to the bed sheets. I go back to work.
Snap! Sanji's back arches off the bed; he releases a silent scream. Grabbing a nearby splint, I secure it to his leg tightly before completing the process on his other leg. By now his blood is starting to dry up. Left untreated it could lead to infections. I wave my hand to Robin; the hands holding the gauzes vanish with a pop and a shower of flower petals. Peeling them off one at a time, slowly as to not irritate the wound, I inspect the damage inflicted there. Robin's devil fruit assists me in removing the remnants of his shirt. His gashes are worse than I thought. Shoving the blood soaked gauzes into a trashcan, I search nearby for cotton swaps. Dipping them in a concoction of my own creation, I press a swab to his cut. His struggling worsens as he begins to shake the bed in an attempt to escape. Robin's arms clutch him tighter.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry." I repeat consecutively to the point that I can't tell whether or not I'm still saying it.
Once the wounds are clean and infection free, I gather up some bandages. It's hard, wrapping up such a lithe body like Sanji's. Even though he's slim, there are just so many cuts. I make sure each white strip is on tight to stop future bleeding. I would stitch him up but my own body is betraying me. I don't trust my own hands to seal his wounds shut.
Robin's hands disappear when Sanji's shaking subsides. Touching his forehead, I sigh in relief. We narrowly missed a fever that could have killed him. We aren't out of the danger zone yet. He can still be affected by outside forces. For the time being though, he'll be okay. Sitting my stool aside, I frown at the state of my supplies; disheveled and all over the place. Picking up the mess, I notice an absence of extra bandages. I had used them all. We need to get more. They will have to be changed by at least tomorrow. Lifting up Sanji's shirt, I look at the severed material sadly.
Sanji has expressed his fondness for this shirt. He told me stories about the man who sent it and the sentimental value it has. The orange is distorted with blood and is being held together by a single strip of cloth. It is impossible to mend. Along with vest, it's a lost cause. Maybe I can buy him a new shirt. If I can convince Nami that is.
I watch him as he takes slow, even breaths. My own trembling begins to dissipate. I exit the infirmary. Luffy crashes into me the moment I do, raising me off the ground like I'm sort of doll.
"Oi Chopper! How's Sanji?!" He shakes me, rattling my brain inside my head.
Before I can respond, he shakes me harder, making me lose my grip on Sanji's possession. It falls to the ground as I try to get Luffy to stop. I am feeling nauseous the more my body is practically being jerked around. A hand appears on Luffy's back, slapping his head before I throw up.
"I think Chopper-san has had enough excitement today. Please refrain from shaking our brilliant doctor. I would hate for him to forget everything." Robin adds darkly but my heart swells with admiration.
"Shut up, ya bastard!" I giggle, waving my arms to the side as I grin, "Saying stuff like that doesn't make me feel good!"
"Sure looks like it." Usopp states, his nose and teeth miracously mended.
"So how's the shit cook?" Zoro asks, leaning against the mast. I snap back into Doctor Chopper Mode.
"For the time being, I've done all I can. But we are not out of the danger zone yet." I inform them as Luffy sits me back on the ground. He sits down, planting his elbow to his knee and his fist to his cheek.
"Yosh! Chopper will save Sanji." Luffy nods determinately.
It feels good, knowing he trust me. But that feeling is fleeting because the next thing Luffy does is clutch his stomach, "But can you give him special healing pills? I'm hungry!"
"Baka! There's no such thing!" I scowl.
Brook laughs heartily, confusing me. Why is he laughing? I look at him questioningly.
"I can't believe I was worried," He explains, "You were caring for him so there's no reason to yohohoho!"
"Yeah, I was thinking the same," Franky pushes his glasses up, "But we have a super doctor!"
"Agreed." Robin nods.
"No reason to worry." Zoro plops down, closing his eye as a smile creeps onto his face.
"Defiantly." Nami agrees.
"That's why we picked you to join our crew!" Luffy shouts, but is hit by Nami.
"That's a lie!" Eep! Scary Nami!
"If I recall you wanted him because he was a transforming reindeer." Usopp points out.
"I personally think he would have made good jerky." Zoro comments coolly, yawning quietly as he settles against the deck comfortably.
A shiver runs up my spine as I manage to squeak, "Hey!"
Zoro laughs, contagiously infecting everyone else with fits of giggles as my face heats up. I don't want to be made into a meal! Surely Sanji wouldn't do that!
"Oi. I'm just teasing," He looks at me, "Good work Chopper."
"S-shut up ya bastard!"
Luffy pats the top of my head, momentarily blinding me with my own hat.
"We're proud of you Chopper. You've improved." He says simply, a grin rapidly appearing across his face.
I appreciate my nakama more than words can describe. I'm glad Luffy has an unbreakable will. Without it, he couldn't have gotten me to join. I'm happy I eventually did. It has changed my whole world into such a positive outcome. I wouldn't want to live any other way than a pirate doctor. I know Hiluluk is proud of me. Doctorine too, just maybe.
I smile.
Despite everything that has happened, I smile. There is reason to. There is no point in mopping around, distracting ourselves with pity. Sanji wouldn't want that. He would want us to keep going; that he would catch up. I know Sanji can do it. I idolize him after all.
"I guess we need to get something to eat." Nami declares.
"And booze…" Zoro interrupts, receiving a glare from Nami.
"Usopp, Franky and I will get some." She continues. I glance at the shirt, lifting up its tattered form.
"Oi, Nami," She looks at me. I hold up Sanji's shirt, "Can we get Sanji a new shirt? Oh and some bandages too?" I ask sweetly.
She smiles back at me, "Well of course Chopper," Her smile turns dark, nearly beating out Robin's, "For 100,000 berries."
I nearly face plant. Can't she have mercy?!
"Nami, I think we can make an exception. After all, Sanji-san does so much for us." Robin takes the shirt from my grasp.
"I guess you're right. Come on boys, you get to be my pack mules. We'll be back!"
"B-but N-Nami…I have no-stepping-on-deadly island disease." I nearly laugh. Usopp hasn't grown out of that.
"Let me go too." Luffy begs.
"No!" Everyone states simultaneously, except for Robin and Zoro, "You'll eat all the food!" He groans, lying against the deck; he doesn't continue to complain, knowing they are right.
"Bye!" Nami waves, leaving the ship alongside Franky and Usopp; Usopp is testing each step as though as the next one might explode. I feel exhausted as I rest against the railing. I'll take a little nap and check on Sanji in an hour.
The growling of my stomach awakens me to a blackened night. It feels like forever since I've eaten. Is Nami back yet? I stretch, sitting up as I sniff. The air smells heavily of rain. A storm is approaching. Hoping up, I scurry to the kitchen. The light is on. I make my way inside. Everyone is pulling out plates, filling them to the brim with food from miscellaneous containers. Luffy goes around, grabbing the entire container and sits it on his plate. Usopp is following behind him, unloading each one he picks up. It takes a while for Luffy to catch on. I snatch up the nearest thing, cramming it into my mouth before I bother to even identify it. A burst of flavor floods my mouth but it's nothing like Sanji's cooking. Oh ya! Sanji!
"Did you get him a shirt?" I ask hopefully, looking at Nami. She looks back, not returning my happiness. Did she not…? She produces a shirt before I can finish the thought.
"I did."
It isn't nearly the same as Sanji's other one but it greatly resembles it. The only difference is the orange is more of a bloody orange now, but all in all it is the same.
"Hai! I'll give it to him!" I snatch it up happily, running to the infirmary with new found joy.
Sanji is going to like it, I just know it! Pushing the door open, I greet him with a heart-felt hello and a sudden pause. The new shirt slips from my hands as my mouth opens, not obeying my command to speak. My heart beats speratically in my chest as the wind whisks papers up. The window is shattered, the fragments spread across the floor like my supplies; it is completely trashed, with vials smashed and pills split. A black figure leans over Sanji, incasing him in the darkness of his own body. The ashen sky outside provides no light, preventing me from seeing the person's face. They turn towards me and just stare, before clambering off of Sanji, slashing a gigantic 'XIII' into the wall with one of my scalpels. The person flees from the scene of the crime via window.
It is only now I can scream.
The others react to my call of distress, entering the infirmary in a matter of seconds. The shirt lays abandoned on the floor as everyone rushes to Sanji's side. But for some reason, I can't hear their voices, their movements. Everything is utterly silent. Luffy's shaking is rougher than before, somehow restoring my hearing in the process.
"Chopper! Chopper! Sanji's not breathing!"
My heart nearly stops, sudden thoughts racing by faster than I can blink. Sanji gone. Sanji dead; never to be seen again. A world without him would be a dark and dangerous one. He is practically the physician of food; the idol that lends me strength in the darkest day. I don't hesitate a second longer. It's a long and tedious process, reviving is. Once a heart stops, it's a one a million chance to get it working again. The odds are against me. But when are they ever in my favor? I work furiously to revive Sanji, trying every single method I learned from Doctorine.
Sanji is strong, Sanji is strong.
Sanji can make it dammit! A powerful press to his chest allows oxygen to explode back into his system, returning his blood flow back to normal as he takes a big gulp of air. I feel myself go limp; the adrenaline pouring from my system is leaving me feeling drained. I feel Luffy grab onto me and last thing I hear before I disappear into the pestering darkness is him as he speaks to the others.
"See. Nothing to worry about. Chopper will always pull through for us. Always."
Nami's Perspective
The food I managed to obtain (for a discount of course) wasn't that great. Sanji-kun's cooking is better and on top of that his labor is free. Since I have to purchase only small amounts of things and Luffy can fish the rest, it's an overall good deal. Along with watching Zoro scrambling to get money, I'm living a pretty easy life; easier than it was, at least. Luffy owes me at least 100,000 berries from the jacket he still hasn't replaced. Think I would forget? No way!
Munching on a piece of bread, I read a newspaper. I had dropped it over an hour ago in sheer panic. Everyone had heard Chopper's screams. For a split second, I thought Sanji-kun was really dead, making all thoughts of money cease. I even prayed silently to give up our wealth in order for him to come back. I could never favor money over my nakama even if it seems I would do otherwise. They have sacrificed themselves time and time again for me.
Chopper passed out shortly after reviving Sanji. Thank goodness it was then, not earlier. Usopp was close to having a stroke as a result, making him retire to the boy's room with Franky, Luffy, and Chopper. Sanji-kun is resting. We assume he'll be okay for now. We still moved him to the safety of the kitchen though. It's scary, thinking someone is out to get your nakama. I flip to the next page. The door to my bedroom opens. I half expect it to be Sanji, apologizing for being out of commission, but that isn't the case. The person at my door is Brook. He strides in, using only a few steps since he is so tall.
"Um…is something wrong Brook?" It so odd seeing him here so late at night. I haven't been able to sleep. Is he the same?
"Nami-san, may I see your panties?"
My eye twitches; my fists crumble up the edges of the newspaper as I attempt to control a sudden spark of anger that is ignited. Is he serious! I swear I'm on a ship full of idiots. Only Robin is sensible. I feel like kicking Brook's head in. Why that baka- My inner rant is cut short when Brook laughs.
"Ah, I had to Nami-san," Brook explains, "Wouldn't be the same without it."
I'm still pissed but I hold my tongue that is prone to lashing out, "So what do you really want?"
I'm fixing to charge him some major berries if he doesn't high tail it out of here soon. Folding up the crumbled newspaper as neatly as possible, I look at him. For the first few heartbeats, he simply stands there before he decides to speak.
"Is Sanji-san really going to be alright?" Why would he ask that? He sounded so confident when he said there is nothing to worry about. Was he only raising everyone's spirits despite where he stands?
"I don't know." I sigh.
I've never seen Sanji-kun so…broken. Sure there are plenty of times I've seen him hurt but not to this extent. This…this is almost too much. It's worse than when he was electrocuted by Enel multiple times being the hero. Why is he so suicidal? He's an idiot sometimes…how can he help me if he's dead? Where's the reason behind that? If Sanji-kun was to die, I don't know what we would do. That would be a major blow to us physically and emotionally. Brook produces the shirt I had bought Sanji hours ago and places it on my bed. Chopper must have misplaced it.
"I am worried that he will not make it…" Brook's voice trails off.
Something clicks.
"And since he doesn't have your devil fruit, he can't come back." I finish.
Brook nods sadly. The atmosphere grows uncomfortable as no one says anything further. Brook shifts from one foot to the other, trying to come up with something before it becomes too awkward. I allow my mind to wonder off, thinking about all the different amounts of berries people have owed me over the years. It's not a topic of conversation, but it keeps me occupied. He notices the headlines on the newspaper.
"Is something going on in the town?" He asks, tilting his head a little.
"Hm?" I see the headline he is fixated on.
They Strike Again. Pirate Effected. How did I miss that? Oh right, I was thinking about Sanji-kun. This might contain some important information though. Good thing he pointed it out. Quickly scanning through the article, I read off a key point to Brook.
"The Numbers are at it again, now targeting pirates who recently docked. No word yet if there latest victim has lived, but considering there track record this is highly unlikely."
"So they are running track?"
"No. It means that due to their history Sanji-kun…should be dead. That attack on him has happened in the town before."
A crack of thunder shatters the atmosphere. My room is illuminated by a fork of lightning as the process repeats.
"Should we tell Luffy-san?"
"Yeah, but if my clothes get wet everyone owes me some berries!"
I snatch my jacket, slipping it on as Brook and I brave the outside. The wind lashes furiously at us, the rain pelting us with similar anger. My hair! It's now hanging limply in my face, chilling me alongside the elements. Brook clings to his hat, laughing comically like he thought it was funny to be nearly swept away. I shove the newspaper in my jacket to keep the ink from running like the rain. Sometimes I hate the New World! Luckily, Brook and I make it to the boys' room. My hair is standing up, frizzing at the contact of dry air. Dammit. It looked so nice too. I sigh. You can never trust the predictability of the New World. I thought this storm would strike tomorrow. I've been so distracted that I haven't bothered to check. Dripping water on the Sunny-go floor, I step over the bodies of the others until I stumble upon Luffy.
"Luffy!" Grabbing his shoulder, I shake him.
I freeze when I hear a yawn and a katana sliding from its sheath.
"No!" Brook shrieks, collapsing to the ground behind me.
I stiffen at the sound. Shaking, I turn around; ready to run for the exit. I notice a gleam of a sword, a thunking of boots as the perpetrator comes closer. Was it Sanji's attacker? My voice catches in my throat as my fight or flight instinct seems to malfunction. Brook makes no noise to indicate he is okay. A boom of thunder has me cowering against the floor.
"Leave me alone!" I shriek, looking around for a weapon. I don't have enough time. He's right there!
The lights flicker on, exposing Zoro, a snickering Usopp, and Brook who had face planted. I glance down as Luffy and Franky burst into laughter, having seen the entire ordeal.
"I can't believe that worked!" Zoro sheaths his sword.
"I believe I have broken a bone. I only have bones to break after all!" Brook states lamely.
"You should have seen your face," Usopp cowers against the wall, mocking me, "Leave me alone!"
"That was super awesome."
"You seemed actually scared." Luffy grins.
My face burns with embarrassment. Getting to my feet, I notice a suspicious image on the door. It was Robin's eye, blinking slowly at me. Even she saw that! That was so embarrassing! But what else was I supposed to do? I thought I was legitimately getting attacked by a swordsman other than ours. I thought he got Brook and was coming for me. Bakas! They are going to pay!
"Everyone owes me one million berries!"
The boys, minus Chopper, raise their hands in defiance. With eyes wide and mouths gaping, they are the comic relief I need. I erupt with laughter, nearly forgetting my scared experience. They just look so funny. I can't stop laughing! Eventually, my giggles subside but it takes a while for such a thing to occur. I take a few deep breaths to restore the oxygen I had lost.
"So why are you really here?" Zoro questions, seriousness engaged as he places his sword with the other two. Franky lifts Brook up by his collar and sits him back down so his face is no longer planted in the floor. Chopper, dazed, awakens from his slumber.
"I found this." I pull the article from my jacket.
"Actually Nami-san I-"
"It talks about the attacks on Sanji." I raise it above my head, narrowly missing Luffy's grab attempt.
I see a sudden change in our captain. He is no longer childish, but has shifted into serious mode like Zoro. He waits patiently for me to elaborate; staring at the newspaper with a glare like it could make it burst into flames. An ear sprouts next to eye, signaling Robin is prepared to hear as well without having to tackle the outside weather. I begin to read to my nakama, my own emotions flowing away as the words tumble from my mouth.
"For most, this story is nothing new. The Numbers have chosen yet another victim. There really isn't a point to this article, aside from informing you that this recent attack was not on an innocent town folk like usual. The Numbers are at it again, now targeting pirates who recently docked. No word yet if there latest victim has lived yet but considering there track record this is highly unlikely. We believe that it was their chef. Interviewing a few residences that came in contact with him claimed he was a rather nice boy of a good stature and a gentleman through and through. Nothing was suspicious. Some even claimed that 'there is no way the man could be a pirate' and 'there has to be a mistake'. His body was recovered at the Numbers Inn by the rest of his crew. They ran him back to the ship, but have yet to set sail. The attack was believed to occur in the middle of night but we cannot call this a true fact. Naturally, no investigation will happen due to the nature of the crime and who is obviously involved. It is safe to assume that this will not be the last attack and despite whom they chose to eliminate; the danger has yet to evade us. They will be back. We all know why. This shadowy organization has no goal that is worth achieving. They just want the 'beauty of utter silence'. The Numbers are everywhere and anywhere at once. They are the melody to a sullen death march. They are the messengers of Death himself, doing his every whim and bidding. They are unseen and unheard."
So many thoughts tumble through my brain like a merry-go-round. Confusion filters in at the mention of unfamiliar terms like 'The Numbers'. What does that even mean? What in the world is truly going on at this island?
"So it's settled," Luffy speaks suddenly, his face being shadowed by the brim of his hat, "We are going to find these bastards and make them pay."
Everyone nods there head in mutual agreement.
There's no need to worry. Luffy and the rest of us will unravel the truth behind the attempted assassinations on Sanji-kun. And if it comes to it, they can protect me also. We will save the island and get some treasure out of the bargain. Everything will be alright. I sigh in relief, a sweet blissful sound. No need to stress over it. The only problem will be keeping Zoro from getting his green ass lost. Other than that, with Luffy's inhuman strength on our side, this will go by smoothly, and we'll be sailing for the next island before we know it.
They all still owe me one million berries.
So what do you think so far? Is it okay? I struggled quite a bit with Nami-san's character. She is a very interesting girl inside to say the least. Next chapter will feature the insight of Robin and someone else that hasn't been decided yet. People who review get a free virtual PS Vita! If you have any ideas for a One Piece 'what if' scenario, please don't be afraid to send me your idea! No idea is a dumb idea. Well I guess there are some pretty stupid ideas, but that doesn't mean yours has to be too!
Special thanks to my bestie friend who makes me feel proud of my writing. She has a Deviantart. I would tell you her name but I think that's illegal or something on Fanfiction. (Dunno for sure…think that's just for links)
-Soul Spirit-