Wohoo, chapter five already! This is moving fast and I'm having so much fun writing it thanks to all of your great support :)
(Has anyone read the latest manga chapter? Holy heck! I wish Oda would give us two chapters a week lol the suspense is killing me)
Disclaimer: I don't own One Piece!
YXYXYXYXYXY
Chapter 5 – The right to call yourself friend
-Y-X-Y-X-Y-
Somewhere far off, a man stumbled and fell down, head bowed. He gasped for breath as if he'd run a marathon and grabbed his head, jerkily, clumsily. Suddenly, it all had come back to him, it was catapulted at him like a cannonball causing a huge explosion and ripping apart the fog in his mind. The haze cleared and he stuttered, trembling.
"Wha-what happened? I.. I remember?!"
He turned his head as another man approached him slowly on shaking legs. "Do you... I mean, do you know?" He asked in a whisper.
A sob was heard. "How could we forget him? How could we let someone take over our minds like that? Oh God, Len, we-"
"I know. I-I know..."
"Where are the others? We have to find them."
-Y-X-Y-X-Y-
Billy was walking through the city. It was a peaceful day and he remembered he had to buy some bread. Since that freaky eating monster had entered his house he had barely anything edible left. Scratch that, there was nothing left.
Speaking of which, Billy mused, what was the guy doing? He hoped he was okay, he hadn't seen Chakena in a while now so maybe the guy had settled down finally? Well, hopefully... Billy shrugged as he paid for the bread and some apples. The Strawhats had probably left already.
When he went back, he passed a few elder women who stood in a half circle, discussing the past days' newest events. He shook his head at their gossiping but his ears perked up when a boy with a strawhat was mentioned.
He halted abruptly. "Strawhat?"
One of the women looked up, regarding him with a disgusted look. "What, are you eavesdropping?"
"What happened to him?" Billy pressed, ignoring the woman.
"Well, we took him to the doctor. Apparently he is gone already. End of story." Another replied, shrugging. She turned back to the others. "But did you see his big, round eyes? He looked like a kid! I wonder if his parents abused him or something?"
A few giggled at that. "What are you talking about, Rosie? Don't be stupid, that guy was the famous pirate with the strawhat. I saw his wanted poster. He's worth a lot! Why did we let him escape?"
"Eeh, no way! A pirate? And we helped him! I hope the doctor is alright... what if he murdered him? I haven't seen him in a long time now!"
Billy gritted his teeth. Sheesh, women! "He was hurt? What happened?" He tried to ask as politely as possible, and the women turned back to him in annoyance.
"We told you to get lost, eavesdropping on our conversation is rude! And we don't know!" one screeched.
"Yeah, you better go home already!"
"Okay, I got it!" He muttered, lifting his hands in defense and backing away. "I'm leaving. Old hags."
He didn't hear the screams of protests behind him as he walked away, deep in thoughts. "That kid was hurt..." he talked to himself, rubbing his chin. Well, why should he be concerned- ah fuck this. Billy stomped back to his house angrily. If Luffy was still there, he would go and see the kid. Somehow, he was a nice boy, wasn't he? And maybe he was just too soft. Whatever. Who was he trying to fool? He was a bit concerned and checking up on him wouldn't hurt. Billy wanted to bring his groceries home first and was planning to head over to the town's doctor.
What he didn't expect though was that he'd find Luffy sooner.
The kid was lying in front of his door, looking beaten. Dried blood was everywhere on his skin and he seemed to be asleep. Billy stared for a bit before he finally came back to life.
"Oh damn! Kiddo, you okay? Hey wake up!" Luffy didn't really respond and Billy decided to drag him inside first. He washed him up and bandaged his wounds, and when he began to cook, Luffy arouse as if he had never been knocked out.
Billy didn't want to press him, but after they finished the meal he asked him what the heck happened. Luffy swallowed and looked at him with an expression that made Billy regret he even asked.
Luffy looked so pale and tired... and there was this look in his eyes that reminded Billy of himself after he lost his own crew.
"What did he do?" He asked gently, and watched how Luffy clenched his fists. All happiness over a meal was long forgotten, and a quiet, depressed Luffy appeared.
"It's just as you said... he is dangerous, that guy. He took all of their memories and even some of mine. He has total control of the situation... what can I do? I can't leave them with him but I cannot beat him...", Luffy stuttered. For the first time after those two years, the conviction he worked so hard for disappeared. He felt weak and helpless, like after the war, and it was destroying him.
He'd trained with Rayleigh to prevent something like this from happening again, hadn't he? So was it all for naught? Was he really no good after all? He only managed to drag his friends into another huge mess; he couldn't protect them when it really mattered. It was like an impact dial had exploded its power right into his face. Luffy felt pathetic.
Billy knocked him over the head. "Kid, don't let this rule you."
"Ow!" Luffy rubbed his abused head and glared up at Billy.
"You have to get them back. What the hell are you moping around for? You want to save them, don't you?" Billy said, unfazed by the glare.
Luffy crossed his arms and frowned heavily. "I know that even without you telling me! And of course I want to save them, this stupid asshole could never be the captain! But how can I beat him?! He just keeps on making me forget everything and I can't prevent that from happening unless I hurt myself. If he wants, he can tell the others to fight and I won't fight my nakama!" He spat out the last part venomously and strongly.
Billy listened intently, and when the other had finished he shook his head. "Luffy, trust me I know how you feel, and it totally sucks. But you have to figure out how to beat him. You know, your crew would be disappointed in you if you left them now."
Luffy's breath stopped at that. The words seeped into his mind like poison, but Billy wasn't aware of that. The man's eyes were hard and he clenched his fists, sorrow from days long ago welling up as he thought back.
"I've been through that, too... If you give up now, you'll betray them, not the other way around. You just ditch them and drown in your own misery here, won't you? That's pitiful! Don't- don't become like me!" Billy inhaled deeply, trying to suppress the tears that gathered in his eyes. "Let me tell you one thing, pal: You'll regret it forever if you let them go now! How the hell can you become Pirate King?!"
My crew... disappointed... regret... Ace...
"We'll live without regrets!"
"If it's you, you'll definitely become the next Pirate King. You're my little brother after all."
Luffy stared at Billy as pictures filled his mind. Pictures full of colors, pink, blue, orange, black, green, yellow, violet, red, everything. There were images filled to the brink with nothing but laughter, smiles everywhere and life; so much warmth. There was also unimaginable pain and sorrow and lots of tears, but those times were precious too, because it was when they found each other and learned how to live with their pain.
It was overwhelming Luffy with so many emotions. It was a tidal wave of memories, pushing him back and sending him down through a journey of the past.
"Are you the son of the devil? Alright, I'm gonna join your crew!"
"I have 8,000 men following me! I'm CAPTAIN USOPP!"
"Luffy... help me...!"
"Luffy, don't jump around like that! And stop stretching, it'll upset the wounds!"
"Luffy-san! I've pledged my life to you, yohoho!"
"Robin! Let's go home together!"
"SUPER, Luffy-bro!"
"This isn't a children's game we're playing! If you let him join again without his sincere apology, then I'll be the next one to leave!"
"Luffy, stop! That's exactly what they want! Let's just get out of here!"
"EEEH, you mean it was a lie? No way!"
"Brace yourself, Shiki... we are the main force!"
"Shouldn't I be the one pissed off, bro? Heh, you're a funny guy."
"We know him... that whale..!"
"Wait Luffy, let me cook him first!"
"You gave them the treasure?! Those were a huge amount of money, how could you!"
"Can I see your panties?"
"Luffy! Let's go fishing!"
"It's time to find out if that woman is our enemy or our friend."
"Alright, I'm gonna be your shipwright!"
"He stole my shadow..."
"Robin chose to sacrifice herself for us!"
"I don't need to cut off my legs, because now there's someone else fighting for us."
"Luffy, let's go to Elbaf one day!"
"Jimbei! That guy took my friends. I'm going! If you want to stop me, go ahead and try!"
"You becoming the Pirate King and me finding the All Blue... that's both crazy dreams. You'll need a cook for such a journey. Can I.. come with you?"
"I.. I'm so happy! Yes, I will join! Uwaah, I'm so glad to be alive!"
"Luuuffy... did you just eat one of my tangerines?"
"I WANNA LIVE! TAKE ME TO THE SEA WITH YOU!"
"Can you hear me, Luffy? I'm sorry for making you worry... if I failed to become the best swordsman, you'd be in a dilemma, right? So... I swear I'm never gonna lose again! GOT A PROBLEM WITH THAT, PIRATE KING?!"
"Courage is worthless if you don't have the strength to back it up."
"What the hell is wrong with me?! I couldn't even save one friend!"
"Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Sanji, Chopper, Robin, Franky, Brook! I still got my nakama! I wanna see them now! I MISS THEM!"
Luffy felt slightly torn up. All those moments were precious and he knew them as if it happened yesterday. Their journey through the world, all their adventures... storming through the Grand Line like a hurricane, meeting people and new friends; it was all so important. They've been together for so long now and they learned to take care of each other and it felt like a family. Luffy bit his lip.
He could remember everything even though they all forgot. They sailed off, they were gone, but-
-He was still there, and he could still remember. As long as he had those memories, he could save them. They needed him now, and maybe he needed them even more. He wanted them back; he wanted his friends. No one would take them from him. This was enough to help him back onto his feet and he cursed himself for giving up too soon.
"Billy." Determined eyes met confused ones. "You're right. There is a way to beat him, I'm sure."
"What?"
Luffy leaned back, and something in the air around him seemed to change. "Tell me everything you know about Chakena. "
Billy looked stunned for a second before he grinned. That kid had some courage and it was nice to see the fire in his eyes again. "Alright."
Luffy listened intently, and for once didn't interrupt. Inwardly, Billy couldn't believe how different the boy was suddenly. He went from happy-go-lucky to depressed to dead set on saving his friends. Such a change in a really short time... Billy smiled. He may didn't look like a threatening figure, or that strong, but at that moment Luffy was really inspiring. If only he could have acted that way, too, back then... if only Billy had believed in his crew a little more, and in himself.
But what's gone couldn't be returned, and he should have come to terms with that a long time ago. So instead of letting the tears fall again, Billy sucked it up and focused on supporting Luffy instead. That's the least he could do after failing his own crew.
"I've been doing some research the first two years." Billy said, "I was still hoping to be able to return to my crew then."
Luffy said nothing.
"Anyways," Billy said quickly, "I found out Chakena's power is limited. Or rather, there is a drawback. I don't know if it is useful, though. He has to remember all the names of the persons he manipulated. If he forgets a name, the person will automatically be free of their 'connection' and remember everything."
Luffy cocked his head to the side. "That sounds annoying for him. Does he have to learn the names each day?"
Billy nodded. "It sounds ridiculous, but he recites them every night. I don't know how many there are, but I guess it's a lot so he wrote it down. From what I managed to find out, he has some sort of list with names."
"He does? So my crew's names are on it as well now?"
"Probably, though he would still remember them after the list's destroyed since your names are really famous. In short, if you manage to destroy that list, everyone who has been unlucky enough to encounter Chakena and his power will remember what they were forced to forget. That is, unless he still manages to remember the name."
Luffy didn't look too happy about that. There was something in his eyes that made Billy shudder. "I don't care. I only want my crew back."
Billy hadn't expected such harsh words from the boy and found himself unable to reply for a moment. Not that he couldn't understand it, but he had hoped for something else there, a different answer and not such coldness coming from the boy. Billy scratched his head. Well, he did have a really tough day, or rather the past two days must have sucked for him. Still, if Luffy could destroy it, then maybe his old crew would remember finally.. if they were still alive.
"Ossan, listen. I'm not gonna do what you weren't able to do. My fight is my own, and your fight is yours. If you want your crew back, then get up and fight. You told me not to lose faith in myself and how disappointed my friends would be, but what about you? I bet your crew is really suffering, even more than you." Luffy said with arms crossed. "I'm gonna save my friends, and if you want to do the same, then go find that stupid list yourself!"
Billy felt like someone knocked him in the stomach. He gasped like a fish out of water before his tongue finally worked again. That kid had just turned around the whole situation and threw it at him. "You.. I can't! He'll kill me! It's easy for you to say, but I am old and weak! I haven't fought in years and I have failed to beat him so many times! What's the difference now?!"
Luffy smiled determinedly. "I'm with you, and I will kick his ass! If you get the list, then you can destroy it. Only if you sail out and search for your crew, you have the right to call yourself their friend!"
Billy turned away, hands shaking. That guy was right. He had lost the right to be their friend a long time ago. It wasn't them who pushed him away, but him who didn't get up and follow. He did exactly what he told Luffy not to do, because it sucked to fail your family. How dare he hide away and rot in shame, not doing anything to return to their side? Maybe this one was his one and only chance to do the right thing and correct his mistake.
"... okay."
Luffy nodded, satisfied. "Yosh. Then it's decided. This time, we won't lose."
Billy grinned wearily but the boy's conviction was infectious. "No, we won't." How did he do it? How did he put so much willpower into his words and actions after such a defeat? He came back crawling a few hours before and now look at him, all fired up again. Billy could only be amazed by this attitude.
"What about blocking your ears?" Luffy suddenly threw in, looking at Billy curiously. "If I don't hear him, I won't forget, right?"
Billy shook his head sadly. "God knows how many times I've tried that. It doesn't work. I put earplugs in and was really deaf to the world once, but somehow his power got to me."
"Shit. That guy's got a really annoying power."
"He is easily underestimated, and maybe that's his biggest advantage."
They sat in silence for a bit, until Billy began speaking again. He told Luffy of that dreadful night, when Chakena just appeared seemingly out of nowhere but just as bold and arrogant as these days. He took the memories of each of his crew members and turned them against him in an instant. Talking about it hurt but Billy kept on speaking. This was important, and if he oversaw something, Luffy may find it now.
"The last one was my closest friend." Billy said and it was barely above a whisper. "Tobi appeared after Len attacked me and defended me against Chakena. That guy obviously hadn't thought there was another one he'd overseen, but he wasted no time. I don't know, it all happened so fast!"
Billy paused shortly, and inhaled to continue. "I was so happy I had some backup and that there was still someone who could remember me, and Chakena was so surprised.. I thought we could turn the tables. But Chakena is clever, he avoided our attacks and slammed his hand into Tobi's face. And then he spoke those words.. 'Tobi, memories of your captain Billy: Forgotten!' And the next thing I knew was how Tobi began to fight me instead. That's when I knew I lost."
Luffy listened intently, carefully, a serious expression on his face. Billy decided briefly that it didn't suit him at all.
"It was really horrible."
Luffy stared at his hat on the table, an unreadable expression upon his face. "I know. He did the same to us. He randomly appeared out of nowhere and just touched us, it was weird."
"So, he touched everyone of you as well?" Billy muttered, frowning. Luffy shot up from his seat as it dawned upon him.
"That's right! He has to touch before he can make the memories disappear, doesn't he?" Luffy declared triumphantly.
Billy's eyes flickered to him briefly and he shrugged. "Well, it seems so." It wasn't too surprising. "But knowing that before hand would have helped more. Now it's too late, he already got his spell on you."
Luffy's shoulders slumped slightly and he fell back into his chair. "I guess.." He drew circles on the table, seemingly bored and unhappy. Sheesh, he hated thinking and planning! That wasn't his style at all, he was more for just barging in and fight, but that tactic had failed two times. Robin would be a great help now... damn. If only he could fight him head on without his stupid powers that got in the way! If only he hadn't let Chakena touch him-
Luffy stopped, looking up with big eyes. What if...? He looked at his hand as if seeing it for the first time and gasped loudly. Then he suddenly slammed it down on the table, effectively startling Billy.
"I know it!" Luffy yelled.
"Huh? What?" the other man hadn't caught up.
Luffy grabbed Billy's shoulders, expression lighting up. "I got an idea! I know how to beat him!"
"What?! You do?! That's impossible! I've spent five years trying to figure out how!"
Luffy half-smiled, stepping back. "I'm not sure if it workds. If I tell you, you'd probably try to stop me. So I'll just tell you afterwards!"
"Luffy! You don't plan on going back now? You're all hurt! He'll smash you! Don't misunderstand, I didn't mean for you to barge in like last time! Wait until those wounds are healed!" Billy tried to reason. "At least tell me what you're planning! If it doesn't work you'll die!"
Luffy had enough of that babbling. "I won't let that happen! You don't give up so easily if you really treasure your friends!" he declared loudly and turned on his heels, hand on his hat. He stared ahead determinedly, something dangerous flaring up in his eyes.
"I'm gonna save them, just watch!"
Billy only stared after him, frozen and left behind. He couldn't shake the feeling of dread rising inside him.
"Luffy!" But the captain didn't listen. He growled dangerously before taking off. It looked ridiculous how the young man moved forwards by jumping but the other didn't feel like laughing. Billy dashed to the door and halted. Luffy was hopping with incredible speed, and it really looked like the kid knew what he was doing. Billy tried to swallow the lump in his throat. Maybe he should really just trust him. Luffy was the only one who could help them.
Billy gripped the door frame with shaking hands. "I'm gonna put this all in your hands. Just make sure to kick this guy's butt for good... and come back save."
I'm praying this nightmare will end.
"Oooi! Ossan! What are you doing? Hurry up, we gotta leave!" Luffy stopped and called out to him. Billy blinked, ripped out of his thoughts.
"What are you talking about?"
"You wanna see your friends again, don't you? Then come with me and help! I can't navigate!" Luffy replied as if he was proud of it.
Billy's eyes widened. "Wha- but- I-",
"Ossan, it's now or never. Don't fail them again." Luffy's cheery edge vanished and he glared up, freezing Billy to his spot. The older man's breath stopped before he frowned heavily, glaring back.
"You cheeky brat! You don't even have a boat!" Billy roared. "I guess it can't be helped, we have to take my old fishing boat then. Geez, a pirate who can't navigate..."
Luffy threw his head back and laughed heartily. "One more reason to get back to my friends!"
With that said, a sort of alliance between them was formed. An alliance to bring down Chakena.
"By the way, did you, by any chance, forget how to walk?"
Luffy blinked at him, oblivious to his funny moving style. "Forget how to what?"
Billy sighed. "Ah, forget it." 'That was a cheap one, Chakena you bastard.'
YXYXYXYXYXYX
The Sunny was already far off, somewhere in the middle of the ocean. It was a calm evening.
Chakena chuckled. He was on watch that night, and it proved to be really useful that everyone else was deeply asleep. He pulled out Sanji's lighter he had snatched earlier and lit it. Then, with a grin, he set fire to Nami's logbook. Chakena watched it burn until nothing was left of it save for ash.
His plan was moving forwards, forming a shape. He was on the road to success and who could stop him now? If some of them would remember, he would just make them forget. And if he thought they were annoying or exhausting, he could always ditch them and disappear. For now, though, he should be save. He hadn't been studying the newspaper and following their actions for nothing those past months. He had prepared well for this and it paid off. He was the captain of the Strawhat crew. With their backup, he could sail on as a real pirate and become famous in no time.
Chakena took the ash into his hands carefully and opened the window of the crow's nest. With sick satisfaction he watched as the wind blew it away into the night.
YXYXYXYXYXY
So the 'lists' mystery is solved lol. Next chapter, shit's about to go down I can promise that xD
You guys are so amazing... *cries* It's like an early Christmas present :D
Son of Whitebeard: Hey there :) Lol he's a creepy man xD
SilenceOfRain7: That's great to hear :D Thanks, that means a lot to me if you tell me that! I always try to write them in character but sometimes it's really difficult. So, thanks a lot :) I know, right? He sucks lol. I hope you liked this chapter as well, and thank you =)
Valeria Aurelia: Thanks so much for reviewing twice =3 Th-thanks, I'm so glad then :,D Let me throw that compliment right back at you, your comment made me so happy I could cry lol. No worries, his willpower surged up again! Thank you for these awesome reviews, you made me really happy :,) It's comments like those that really motivate me so much!
FlightWulf: Answer is on the way, as usual :) Thank you~ :,)
nani-onigiri: Aach dankeschöön :DD Jep er is ein riesen A(zensiert). Yay Strawhats fighting power! Haha me too, it's kinda sad to write.. but the tables will turn. Danke! :)
Kouru-Kage: It is! It would be cool if there was some devil fruit like this in the OP universe. Nicely said :) Hmm that's true, I admit I forgot about her (shame on me!) Maybe I'll put it in if you don't mind me stealing your idea :)
Ashlielle: I thought about that, too, but I guess breathing counts to the bodies' natural reflexes. Even a baby knows how to breathe by instinct, you don't need to learn it first :) Scary indeed, but also kinda interesting ^_^ Who knows what Oda will throw at us in the future...Wohoo, donut! Thanks a lot, and also thanks for the great comment! =D
lilly2011: I'm glad you are excited. Lol no way, stalker! :D I hope you didn't have to wait too long ;) Now I feel like crying in happiness, thank you! That was such a kind review T^T
~ until next time!
~Neko11
