Okay, I bitched around last chapter a lot! Sorry, I was in a bad mood. Thanks to AFrenchPasserby for reminding me that patience is important ;) And thanks for all your kind reviews, now I feel double-bad xD
As a thanks, here's a quick update and I hope I can keep up the pace! :) Well, this chapter was re-written twice, and what can I say.. I'm still not entirely happy with how it turned out. I'm meh about this. Maybe I will go back and change a bit, I don't know yet.
Disclaimer: I don't own One Piece.
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Chapter 3 – I lost
Noises of Chakena and the others had long vanished, but the ex-captain didn't move much. He was pondering about his situation, and the only thing he wanted to know was: What should I do? They were so strong together, but this was entirely new. Through all their adventures and fights, trust had never been much of a question save for that Usopp-Robin incident with CP9, but that was different.
Luffy never had to question their loyalty towards him and they knew of his quirks and went along with it all the time. He hardly had to talk to them directly, they knew him so well that it was obvious what he'd planned for the next fight. It's not like this sort of bond could be built this easily but they had managed it well and it only grew stronger over the years. Losing this so suddenly when you thought you had come out stronger after two years just made it worse.
Soon night turned in, and when the darkness washed over him, Luffy finally got up. He had his own darkness in form of emotions to deal with and hardly bothered with his complaining stomach wound or the nagging feeling of hunger.
He was so angry and sad and frustrated it made him want to throw up, but his stomach was empty. As he marched through the forest, he grabbed a few fruits he thought were edible and nibbled at them half-heartily. After a short walk, he found a small river and knelt down. Splashing his face with the clear icy cold water felt refreshing and helped him calm a bit.
He leaned back against a tree and breathed in deeply; once, twice. It was a trick Rayleigh had taught him because he was always acting on impulse and too hasty. This wasn't some stupid little fight with marines, his friends were involved and in danger. He was the only one who could get them out of this mess, now wasn't the time to get depressed over it. It would only make Chakena happy if he knew of his sorrow, Luffy was sure.
He hissed as he thought of the jerk. "I will definitely kick his ass! He's not gonna get away!" Luffy said to no one in particular. His frustration slowly turned into fighting spirit.
He was gonna save his nakama.
Luffy looked up at the moon and wondered when the first tavern would open or if there were any restaurants in the town. If he wanted to win round 2, he was gonna need some meat, and he needed it now. And maybe some bandages for his stomach wound that kept on throbbing madly.
'Zoro'... Luffy's face fell when he touched the place where his friend's sword had exited. How could Chakena turn Zoro into such a low man! Luffy was boiling with anger, a picture of the swordsman and his other friends swimming before his inner eyes.
'Don't get hung up about it now!', he reminded himself strictly. It was no use, what happened couldn't be changed now. But he could change his and their future! With that thought in mind, he got up and made his way back through the forest in search for the town.
Morning rose and the sun pleased everyone with its glory. The townspeople were hard working like any other day, and it took a while before someone noticed the worn-out looking young man with the strawhat who dragged himself through the streets.
A man stopped and turned his worried face towards Luffy. "Are you okay? You look kinda pale- is that blood?!"
Luffy rose tired eyes at him, tongue hanging out of his mouth. "H-hungry...feed me...", he pleaded before he suddenly collapsed. The other man jumped forward to catch him and lifted him up bridal-style.
"Woah, there pal! Hey, you with me?" He tried but got no response. He looked around helplessly, feeling uneasy with a hurt stranger in his arms. Soon people began to gather, fussing and gossiping, but in the end they brought him to the town's doctor.
When Luffy awoke, it was to the smell of food and he couldn't help but think it smelled nice, but not as good as Sanji's. He shoved the thought aside and opened his eyes, sitting up slowly. Okay, he was definitely not where he'd expected to be. White everywhere, everything in this room seemed painted white, a small window... wait a minute, had he collapsed?
"Aw crap, I was just too hungry and got lost in that forest...", he said more to himself, but the doctor heard him and stepped into the room.
"Good morning. Or rather, midday." the old man told him. He sounded friendly, and Luffy decided he liked him. Even more so since he spotted a plate with food in his hands.
"Hiya there! You saved me, right? Thanks a lot, ossan! Is that for me?" Luffy said, and didn't wait for an answer as he grabbed the plate with an extended arm.
"Oh, damn! So you are a devil fruit user? That surprised me!" The doctor answered, a tad paler than before. He smiled at him awkwardly.
"So where am I? Is this your house?" Luffy asked. "Seconds, please!"
The old man blinked. "Uh, that's right, someone found you collapsed on the street so they brought you to me. I'm the town's only doctor, and I have to say you have a nasty wound there. What happened to you?"
Luffy avoided his glance. "Well, I got in some sort of fight. Anyways, I need more meat, that's gonna help me heal!"
"Eh, okay. I'll get you something. Geez, youngsters these days...", he muttered and stalked out of the room, only to return seconds later with more food. Luffy's eyes sparkled and he swallowed it whole. It wasn't much but it was better than bananas from the forest, and Luffy was in a hurry either way.
"Not so fast, you'll upset the wound!" The doctor warned him but he got ignored. "Who are you, boy? You are not from here, right?"
"No, I landed here yesterday with my crew." Luffy replied and jumped out of bed, wincing of the slight pain in his abdomen. He searched for his hat that lay atop the nightstand and put it on.
"Your crew? And lay down again, the stitches won't hold if you move around too much!"
"Yep, my crew! And now, I gotta kick someone's butt! Thanks a lot for the meal, ossan, but I really gotta go now. I've wasted too much time already! See ya." Luffy said, handed him the empty plates quickly and rushed out of the door, away from the doctor's grasp.
"H-hold it! You need to stay in bed! Wait, boy!" The doctor shouted after him in confusion. Never had he seen a patient with so much energy after such a wound! He only hoped the kid wouldn't really start a fight with someone. Who was that guy, anyway? Storming out like a whirlwind after he looked about to die only two hours before!
The doctor sighed and shook his head. "What was that?"
Meanwhile, everyone in town whirled around in surprise, watching the weird boy storm through the streets like a flash, filled to the brink with energy and only one goal before his eyes: To get his crew back.
They had to wait much too long already. Luffy still was hungry but this had to wait. Saving them was his first priority now, and he dashed towards the harbor as fast as his legs would carry him. No looking back, even though some people called out to him not to rush like this.
Soon, the strawhat boy reached the harbor. His wound protested weakly but he ignored it. His face was set in determination, he was ready to take that Chakani guy or whatever his name was on.
"Good. Now I only have to follow the beach until I get to Sunny." Luffy concluded in a moment of brightness and inhaled deeply. Then, he was off again, speeding up and only ran, ran, ran.
"CHAKENAAA!" He screamed as the fury built up to the point he couldn't hold it in anymore. He was all fired up and pissed off to no end.
At the same time, the crew and their 'captain' didn't have a clue about Luffy's furiousness. They were oblivious to the danger and just continued their daily routines. Strangely enough, they all hadn't slept well that night but couldn't quite put their finger on their uneasiness. A slight headache was the next thing they all shared in common save for Chakena who felt great.
Robin, who was on lookout, spotted a quickly moving shadow not too far off the ship. He halted suddenly, staring up with such conviction Robin frowned. An enemy that was so sure of himself was never a good sign. Besides, she remembered that face. He was the same kid from yesterday. Weird. Did he want to battle again?
She sprouted hands at her friends' sides, warning the crew about a guy nearby, looking like he wanted a fight.
Chakena sighed as if an annoying kid interrupted him and lazily got up. The others followed him out, quickly gathering on deck to take a look. The whole crew was ready to defend the ship.
Luffy stood before Sunny, glaring up at Chakena who leaned at the rail as if highly amused. "It's you again, eh?"
The black haired- boy clenched his fists and with one giant leap he landed on the deck. "Yes! I've come to kick you off my ship."
The others frowned at him. "What the- is he for real?" Franky spluttered, lifting his sunglasses.
"Who is he?" Chopper wondered aloud. "He's really persistent!"
"Hell yes I am! As if I would abandon you!" Luffy told him in a strong voice.
"Shit, he again?" Sanji cursed. Zoro only stared at Luffy with his stoic expression, before he finally said,
"He's really looking for a fight, isn't he? Still coming back after getting hurt like that... he's got a strong will. Heh, sounds interesting."
"You can have him, I'm not in the mood to fight." Chakena waved his hand. Zoro frowned at that, wondering why his captain was acting so weird. As far as he could remember, Chakena never avoided a fight like this. It's what he loved to do. It was strange but Zoro decided to drop it for now. This had time for later.
"I want to fight the captain." Luffy stated, cracking his knuckles.
"Phew." Usopp said.
Chakena rose his eyebrows. "Oh? Well, if you insist. Fine by me."
Robin rose both eyebrows, watching in interest. The kid was something else, she could feel it. Besides, he was a 'D'. "He's really bold, isn't he?"
Sanji half-smiled. "He knows what he wants, that's for sure. But he's got a lot of nerve to come here again. I wonder who exactly he is and what his reason is for fighting. And if he's a pirate, then where's his crew?"
Brook cocked his head. "Search me, I'd like to know that, too."
"Geez, why is that guy here again?" Nami complained. "Now I can't continue my sunbathing...",
"That's right, but we have an interesting little battle to watch. That ain't bad now, right?" Zoro smirked but Nami only shrugged. She wasn't really interested but it couldn't be helped.
"Uwaah, why does this have to happen...? I just wanted to land at a peaceful island for once...", Usopp murmured. No one replied as the fight began.
Chakena didn't move until Luffy approached, and he only dodged the fiery attacks Luffy suddenly threw at him. Luffy started a Gomu Gomu no Gatling attack, and all the hits missed. The Gomu Gomu no whip was useless as well, the only thing he managed to do was startling his ex-crew effectively .
It ticked the black-haired boy off. Why was this guy so damn fast? He guessed Chakena might have haki to be able to dodge so well. Okay, fine by him, he was only using 30 percent of his own power right now anyway. Chakena might be able to hold up with him now, but this would change.
"This will be over right away." The black-haired boy jumped back and outstretched his arm. "Gear 2! Jet Pistol!" Chakena's smirk dropped instantly. The punch was so fast he couldn't avoid it and it hit him squarely in the jaw. With a gasp he flew back, with some of the crew shouting his name.
"What in the world is he?! Devil fruit eater?" Usopp stammered in surprise. He had never heard of anyone like him.
"He-he's so fast!" Nami gaped at Luffy. "How did he do that? I didn't see anything!"
"Me too, that guy's not half bad." Franky agreed. Brook hummed.
"That really surprised me. I didn't see the punch either. And is that steam around him?"
"What is wrong with you, captain?" Zoro teased. Inwardly, though, he was worried. He got a bad feeling about this.
Chopper only watched in anxiousness. That looked like a broken nose...
Chakena ignored the crew and got up, wiping his bloody nose. Now he was outright pissed. It had been a long time since someone hit him, and in the face, too. When he looked around, the strawhat guy was nowhere to be found and he cursed under his breath.
"He disappeared?" Chakena muttered, not liking his sudden disadvantage.
Zoro had managed to follow Luffy's movements and spotted him soon behind Chakena. He didn't want to interfere, but Zoro sensed the stranger was physically stronger than his captain and if this would continue, Chakena would be done for. Still, he kept his mouth shut.
Luckily for Chakena, the little doctor was worried as well and spotted Luffy right behind his captain.
Strange, Chopper thought, strange that my captain is suddenly so weak. Something about this was definitely wrong, if only it wouldn't feel so unsettling! He was concerned, and when Luffy was about to attack again, Chopper called out to Chakena and warned him.
Luffy threw another fast punch but this time Chakena jumped aside, thanks to the reindeer.
"Should I help you?" Sanji asked, half worried, half amused. He had noticed, too. Their captain wasn't his usual self and didn't really seem to be strong enough to defend himself. Maybe they had all underestimated the stranger.
Chakena looked like a cat driven in a corner, but his composure slowly returned. Heh, the crew still stood behind him, supporting him. That was a good sign. There was no reason for him to feel panicked, he could still use his power on the strawhat boy.
At the same time, Luffy's eyes squeezed dangerously, and he hissed. His friends looked like they were ready to charge in. "Fine, I don't have to touch you anyway!" Luffy growled and only got a smirk as a response. Then Chakena chuckled as dangerous vibes began to fill the air around Luffy and he got in a certain stance, and Chakena could guess what was about to happen now.
"Well, we can do something about that. Monkey D. Luffy: Memories of Haoshoku Haki: Forgotten. Kenbunshoku Haki: Forgotten. Busoushoku Haki: Forgotten."
Luffy felt a sharp pain in his head and he halted, clenching his teeth. It was gone as fast as it had come, and even though Luffy forgot he sensed something seemed off. He looked at himself, trying to figure out what was missing, but it was in vain. It was completely gone, that piece of the puzzle. Luffy narrowed his eyes.
"Crap! You deleted another memory, didn't you? I'll make you stop doing that shit!"
"So what if I did? It's not like you'll miss it."
"Bastard!" Luffy didn't know what he'd forgotten, but it didn't matter. He could still smash that guy's face in with what he could remember. He didn't waste another second and shot forward with a battle cry.
"Monkey D. Luffy... memories of walking: Forgotten." Chakena said, and Luffy suddenly stumbled and fell down.
"Eh...? What happened? I can't move forward!" Luffy got up on shaky legs but when he was about to make a first step, his leg gave out and he crashed to the deck again.
"You bastard, what did you do?!" Luffy spat out, panting. He didn't understand it, but somehow he couldn't remember how he ever moved. Did he crawl all the time? No way, right? It seemed impossible! How was everyone able to do it?
The rest of the crew could only watch in amazement as Luffy was sort of robbing around but couldn't walk anymore. The concerned glances from before had vanished.
„Wha- what happened to him?" This was truly the first time Usopp could remember he saw his captain in an actual fight. They all knew Chakena was a devil fruit user, but they had no idea of his powers. Now that he thought about it, it had never really mattered what fruit he'd eaten, but why? Why had it never been important to them? How could they not be curious?
Whenever he thought about their adventures, there was a sort of haziness around Chakena, like a shadow or something, but he could clearly see his face. Still, how had he fought? Much to his annoyance the sniper had no idea how the captain had beaten Gecko Moria, even though he had watched the whole fight. To say it was unnerving was the understatement of the century.
When he looked at the rest of the crew, he saw his own expression of surprise mirrored on his friends' faces. Apparently, they didn't have any idea of Chakena's powers either. That only added to his suspiciousness.
"He isn't getting up again...? What did Chakena-bro do?" Franky murmured in amazement. Nami and Chopper watched with mouth agape. Zoro and Sanji frowned but didn't say anything.
"Apparently he forgot how to walk." Robin stated.
Brook would have blinked if he could. "He forgot?"
Luffy looked up at them. "He did the same to you!" he shouted. "He's erasing memories! That's why you can't remember me!"
"What are you talking about? He's our captain, he's the one who saved me and my village! How could you know anything about us?!" Nami yelled back, suddenly enraged. How dare a stranger state that her captain were tricking her? What did he know?
"Because I'm your captain." Luffy simply told her, still on all fours. "Nami, I am the one who beat that fishface Arlong! That clown over there wasn't even there! He's just playing with your minds! Look at me, I can't get up and don't even remember why!"
Robin lifted one brow at that. Obviously, he had forgotten about walking indeed, and the way he put it made a lot of sense. If what that guy said was true, then... She glanced at Chakena. No, no way.
She remembered it clearly; the day when Chakena told her to live. She'd never forget something like that, and she'd bet her life on it that it had been her captain who saved her. Not this scrawny guy. He had shouted at her to live, and promised with obsidian eyes that he would save her and give her a home. Then... well, what happened then? Robin's frown deepened. Somehow, he had pushed them all down to the train.. it seemed quite strange, but that's what happened, right?
Meanwhile, Nami was having her own doubts. She only stared at Luffy, clearly torn between denying and believing. It had been Chakena back then... she'd witnessed it! Everyone had seen it. It was impossible for something like memory-erasing to exist. But why did he know of Arlong? She'd not mentioned his name. How come she wanted to believe that guy rather than Chakena?
Nami couldn't quite put a finger on it, but there was something about him... there was something about Monkey D Luffy that attracted her to him, like he was a magnet.
"Please, you have to believe me. Guys!" Luffy tried again, hoping he could reach them finally. At least they were listening, and obviously they were having some inner conflict right now. Sanji seemed awfully nervous and couldn't stop chewing on his cigarette, while the rest of them were just staring at him, unable to decide whom to believe. This guy seemed so trustworthy, how could that be? He was a total stranger!
Chakena seemed to sense the crew's dismay as well. He glared, unpleased with the development of the situation. Never had any crew troubled him so much like these guys. The crew seemed too unsure for his liking. 'Darn it, they do have a strong bond.' The glare melted from his face, and a fake shocked expression formed instead.
He stepped forward to catch their attention. " What are you talking about, guys? Don't you believe me?! What's wrong with you all?! Zoro, Nami! You know I'd never betray you!"
This seemed to shake them a little bit out of their stupor. Flashbacks of Shabaody Archipelago played before their inner eyes. They thought of the two years of hard separation, the loneliness... and made a decision. They promised to fight for their captain and support him as best as possible, and they wouldn't pull back now that some random jerk popped up and messed with them.
Zoro pulled out his swords. "Are you pissing your pants already, captain? There's no one who'd ever betray you, not after such a long time. We know you."
Chopper's eyes hardened, "We are nakama." And everyone agreed, glaring at Luffy once again.
"You nearly got me there, asshole." Nami growled. Luffy swallowed hard. Every word his friends said was like poison because they were talking to the wrong person. His chance slipped away, through his fingers like water. They were beyond his reach already. Chakena was a talented talker and he'd looked through them quickly. He managed to catch them at their weakest point. But Luffy was stubborn, and he growled, clenching his fists.
"Okay, then I'll have to prove it to you! Watch me!" Luffy decided and jumped up. This time, much to everyone's shock, he managed to stand on his feet again and got ready to throw a punch. It didn't matter if he couldn't walk, his fist would reach Chakena either way. He was a rubber man after all, and that just came in really handy.
Obviously, Chakena had thought along those lines as well. Even if he wasn't physically strong, Chakena was clever and that shouldn't be underestimated. He raised his arms again before Luffy could react.
"Oh no, you won't. Still thinking of opposing me? Well, it's fun this way, too. Monkey D Luffy... memories of your devil fruit: Forgotten."
"NO!" But it was too late. The moment the shout left his lips, Luffy gasped and fell down again. "Wha-what... what have you done?!" His arms were shaking. He felt as if he'd just lost something really, really important but had no idea what was missing. Images of Shanks danced before his eyes, and it felt like someone had hit him in the stomach. All the wind got knocked out of him and he panted hard even though no one had touched him.
Chakena stepped closer. He bent down to Luffy, whispering so that only he could hear him. "You see? I could play with you all day if I wanted to, but it gets boring after a while. Though, it might be interesting to watch your reaction when I delete your memories of your ambition. Plus, that way I can destroy your entire pirate career." A huge smirk formed on Chakena's lips.
"Jerk!" Luffy sent glares into his direction but that didn't intimidate Chakena one bit. "I dare you...!"
"Tch. Stop me if you can." With that said, Chakena stepped back and lifted his arms again. "Monkey D. Luffy! Memories of your dream: Forgotten!"
Luffy clenched his eyes shut and squeezed his stomach wound as hard as he could. Almost immediately, the stitches ripped up. "Auuugh!" He screamed, blood dripping on the wooden deck.
Chakena's smirk was wiped off his lips. "Eh?"
Even though Luffy was in pain, he was glad. It had stopped his memories from vanishing and he could still remember the day he met Shanks crystal clear. It had worked, he'd managed to stop it! Luffy's whole body was trembling. "I-I won't forget my dream EVER!" He shouted, and Chakena actually flinched back but regained his composure quickly.
His dream was the motor of his journey, the fuel to his adventures and desire to be free. It was the reason he met his friends, and that alone was enough to fill Luffy with everything he needed. If Shanks hadn't been there, his life would have been so different, so colorless. Only thanks to him he was able to set a goal for himself and fight for it, and it was making him happy.
It's what he loved to do, charging forward in excitement and never backing down, like he was not backing down to Chakena now. Like he wasn't going to let him take his nakama. It was all part of his adventure – all some sort of test, Luffy thought - and Luffy would live through it and look back to it one day and think, 'I surpassed it, one step closer to my dream, and I got stronger.' Luffy was going to make sure this would happen.
At the same time, the crew could only watch. Zoro looked up at the sail, and then back at Luffy. He felt like the 'dream' of this guy somehow had to do with the strawhat on the pirate skull, and the strawhat he was wearing around his neck; it was one like they were all one. Zoro quickly shook his head. He wasn't sure who was messing with his head right now, but something was definitely wrong with this situation. He'd pledged to follow his captain Chakena everywhere, but now he began to waver again. The swordsman had no idea where it had come from, this strong current that pulled him closer to the strawhat boy.
"You will be going down. This stupid game of yours won't last forever, I'll put an end to this!" Luffy growled and wiped blood from his mouth.
"My, my, that's impressive. So you are gonna hurt yourself every time my power gets to you? Well, that way I don't even have to do that much, you'll just beat you yourself." He snickered, liking the idea already. What Luffy didn't know was that when Chakena closed his eyes suddenly, he forced a few images into the crew's minds, but to the Strawhat boy it looked like he was only thinking.
'I'll make sure they don't even think about listening to your desperate attempts, Strawhat boy. You cannot bring them back, my power's overwhelming.' Chakena thought to himself evilly.
The crew suddenly flinched but Luffy failed to notice this, eyes stubbornly set on Chakena. Nami blinked, then the softness and confusion in her eyes vanished, her mind set. All doubts from before were wiped aside, pushed into the back of her head and labeled as 'not relevant'.
The weird guy wasn't important anymore, all she could see was the newspaper and Chakena, bandaged up and hinting a silent, respectful bow as he pressed a hat against his chest. He looked strong on the outside, but the crew knew and had known it for the past two years: He was suffering a lot, and they hadn't been there. This would never happen again, they'd always protect him from now on. That's what they swore and that's why they trained, hardly for themselves but for him. This was important now, and nothing else.
Chakena's eyes opened again and he smiled, satisfied as he saw the cold expressions of the previously confused crew. "But honestly, Strawhat Luffy, you are boring me out of my mind. And look at all that mess you've made! Franky, that bastard smeared all his blood on your beautiful ship."
The shipwright glanced at the drops of blood on the wooden planks. "Well, I don't know what we are exactly waiting for, but I'm voting for kicking that punk off our ship already."
Luffy blanched. "No, wait!" He was sure they were starting to come back! Why were they acting so cold again? "He's just tricking you!"
"True, he's blabbering nonsense all the time. I mean, what does he even want?" Usopp asked.
"Maybe he's a bounty hunter, or even worse a marine spy." Nami suggested.
"Marine spy? He's a pirate, a pirate! He's a monster, look at his bounty!" Usopp screeched. "Anyways, he doesn't belong here. It's creepy that he's stalking us."
Chakena smirked. "Exactly."
"Sanji-kun, it's late already. Could you just-", Nami began but Sanji was faster.
"Of course, Nami-san!" The cook then glared at Luffy. "You stupid jerk, how dare you try to turn us against our captain? We've been through so much, don't believe some random stranger would be able to tear us apart! " The cook glared.
Luffy's expression darkened when he heard that. Oh the irony. "That's exactly what happened. He's the stranger that's tearing us apart, but you don't even realize."
Sanji halted suddenly, blinking down on Luffy. "Huh?" He didn't know why, but he got the feeling Luffy was telling the truth. The way he looked at him... he knew those eyes, this voice, this face... and Sanji couldn't turn away. It seemed oddly familiar and cleared up his mind for a split second.
"Crap cook, if you don't get rid of this bastard soon, then I'll cut him. And I don't care if I make a mess on the planks, that guy needs a beating." Zoro said impatiently, getting the cook's attention.
Sanji snapped out of it immediately, growling. "Alright, alright gorilla man, don't be hasty."
Luffy's eyes widened. "Sanji, wait-!" But it was too late; he kicked Luffy in the face, sending him against the railing.
"Ouch...," Luffy rubbed his head as he slowly sat up.
"Sheesh, what a blockhead you are. I told ya, Strawhat, it's useless. You are gone. You've never been part of their lives." Chakena informed him casually. "I believe it's time to leave us alone now before it's too late. My crew and I don't want to keep up with an annoying outsider."
"Shut up you damn jerk!" Luffy demanded, anger boiling up inside him like magma that threatened to come out any second. "Leave my friends out of this!"
"Heh, you want to fight? Sanji-kun, Brook-san, why don't you give him what he wants?"
Luffy's eyes widened. "They- Agh! Sanji, stop!" Avoiding another kick, Luffy did a back flip and landed behind Franky, panting. "Don't use them, asshole!"
Franky shot around and Luffy managed to dodge the punch quickly by ducking. "Damn it!" Franky cursed.
Luffy growled at Chakena, all his anger and frustration readable at his face. "There's only one way, right?" With that said, he charged (jumped) full speed at him, and Chakena flinched back two steps.
Luffy's fist was only inches away when something hard suddenly punched him into the ribs. Chopper stood protectively in front of Chakena, glaring. With a surprised yell, Luffy flew to the side and his back crashed into the railing. Before he had time to get up, hands suddenly sprouted from the ground and held him firmly in place. Luffy looked up with wide eyes and the last thing he saw before being blown off the ship was his whole crew.
It was a picture that burned into his mind and would always haunt him.
Momentarily he was so overwhelmed and just shocked – even though he knew they were being manipulated – that he couldn't move and just stared.
They glared at him hatefully and venomously, and it hurt Luffy more than all the punches and attacks they sent raining down on him a second later.
Obviously they didn't care about the destroyed railing. When Luffy flew into the sand and the crew stood on board and watched him, suffering and wounded, he got some sort of terrible deja vú. His stomach clenched painfully. They beat him once again, and he wasn't able to save them again even though he had been close to reach them. He failed to defeat Chakena once more and allowed him to toy with his friends. This really proved him how much power Chakena had over them, and that it wasn't as easy as he'd thought to win this. Luffy had miscalculated the whole situation, and now it was too late.
Luffy knelt in the sand, panting and trembling as he stared back up at them. They looked as if they were relieved to got rid of an annoying fly, and Luffy realized they were happy indeed. Happy with the way things were right now, happy to sail under Chakena's flag, happy he was gone-
Luffy shook his head. 'No,' he thought while biting his lips painfully, 'Stop that!'
Chakena stepped in sight with a satisfied smirk playing on his lips. "If you come back one more time, we'll kill you, boy. We're pirates after all. Sa, guys, let's leave already. We've wasted far too much time with that jerk."
The crew turned to him, smiling. "Yes!"
Luffy couldn't reply. His tongue didn't move, and his hands shook uncontrollably. He didn't have the strength to get up and face them. It was just unbearable to look into their eyes and see nothing but hate in there. He couldn't fight his own friends, and Chakena would only keep on making him forget until there was nothing left to take. Could it get any worse? He was devastated as the ship turned and they didn't spare him one more glance.
They just didn't care. He knew! Luffy knew the moment Chakena took their memories that his friends weren't 'his' anymore; they were not the same people he used to know. Still, it was too much.
Luffy thought he'd been prepared when he went on board but he still didn't have the strength to fight back right now. Tears welled up, a choking sound was made. For the first time since Ace's death, he felt hopelessness creep into his mind and he was at a loss of what to do now. They were leaving him, this time for sure. He'd wasted his chance to get them back, and now they were leaving.
Luffy could only stare after the leaving ship, teeth gritting as he realized,
„I'm sorry, guys... I lost."
Luffy lowered his head and cried. Loudly, earnestly, and the tears just wouldn't stop.
YXYXYXYXYXYX
Not really much development there, I know... but I'll come to it soon.
Valeria Aurelia: My bad, this chapter wasn't any better D: Yeah, a lot will happen in-between, but I assure you there'll be a happy ending :)
nani-onigiri: Hehe, das hat mich grad überrascht, einen deutschen Kommentar zu kriegen, das kann ich dir sagen :D Danke dir, das freut mich so zu hören! Ich hoff, dir hat's auch dieses Mal gefallen :)
SniperKingSogeking0341: S-sorry~ T^T This was sad again.. but thanks for reviewing, it'll get better I promise :)
FlightWulf: Okay, first of all, thank you for this really, really awesome review. I was gaping at my screen when I saw the length of it! O-o but I love your review, I don't mind it long :D I'll answer it per PM since it would use up too much space here ;D
FindingNo one: Thank you! :D Indeed... I feel like they could have made this filler much more amazing. You're very much welcome, and thanks for your lovely review =3
AfrenchPasserby: I'm glad I could convince you! :D I hope this chapter was okay, too, I'm not too sure about it somehow O.o Yeah, you're right I really overreacted. So sorry. I was just kinda pissed off, and let's just say it's been a long day ;) Merci beaucoup, that really brought a smile to my face!
OnePieceDoesExist: Me too, I listened to lots of sad songs to get into the right mood xD Thank you, that's so kind of you :3
People you really made me soo happy there. I woke up and was excited to see so many left a comment :,) Thank you! Next chapter, the crew will start to notice how strange their 'captain' acts, how will Chakena cover that up? And Luffy will do what...? I got it all planned out hohoho :D
~Neko11
