Time's Up
~ a few days later~
In the process of ignoring the Heart Pirates, and their ominous captain, Aiko decided to study the book she had picked up on the previous island they had last docked at for supplies. The writing on the pages was of very, and I mean very, small print...the thickness, of the whole tome seemed like a lifetime of work. She sighed, as she only had gotten though maybe the first six chapters. So far...nothing. Nothing that she didn't really already know.
In retrospect, she knew everything that recently happened, was bound to happen, and yet...some of herself was kind of glad about it. If she were to go out and do the things she wanted to accomplish, without careful thinking, she'd be in a world of hurt. Not like acting like a vagabond, was something she hadn't done already...
Though betraying her old friend, was not on her list, she would be dammed...literally, if she didn't do anything, and everything she could to get what she wanted. This was no different for her, in any part of her life. Dammit if she had to put her personal peace on hold, she would do it.
~off far away...well not too far~
'I would never regret, nor will I ever turn back. I cannot say what the rest of them are planning, but, this has to be the safest way to create a new world...and start...no give everyone, who dared follow, my possibly foolish pursuit, for a better chance...'
A small single passage, written on one of the small scraps of old, extremely faded, script and papers, littered the Venetian-styled, desk. A few more clues towards the, 'ace-in-the-hole'.
Heavy fingers rapped across the scattered fragments, he had managed to salvage, and put together. Why? He really had no idea himself, except for the fact that, 'knowledge was power', especially in this day and age. Age old history, was disintegrating, and probably going to turn into dust, since none of this was exactly, well preserved.
The dark, shadowed, man slowly leaned back into his, thick velveteen chair, crossing his legs, and lacing his fingers in front of him. It pissed him off slightly, that he went out of his way to find this information. Information, that didn't get him much further into lending a hand. No, just doing his job. But regardless, the impending destruction of their, 'holy land', Though for the most part it was quite fortunate, that the World Governments', best genius, and scientist, had probably borrowed, many of those ancient secrets...from those god forsaken...inbreds.
He glanced over at his Den Den Mushi, with slight disdain, impatience. It slept, soundly, across his desk. He grimaced, slightly...as if wanting to receive, her surrender.
Maybe in some sort of deceptively, and very much warped, perception of the Heart Pirate captain- he'd actually be somewhat attractive- even with those coal-black bags under his eyes. Realizing her thoughts, she pinched herself, for thinking such a ludicrous thing. Dare say, she must have been consumed wholly, by the behemoth, causing a swirling amount of anxiety tumbling in her gut. It made her want to something more...well, interesting. Certainly, if such damming thoughts were starting to form vivid paintings of imagination, she definitely needed to get some real fresh air. Soon.
On a very rare tour of his own ship, a trip he had done for the second time that day. The dark captain went on a walk of pure boredom. Whilst doing so, something intriguing, caught his eyes. The click of his boots', heels, on the hard steel of his ship, however did not startle or alert what he found. All the more while, the oddly bewildered - even though he wouldn't show it on his face- devil himself, stood in the doorway, and watched her musing and mumbling quietly to herself. Her lap was weighed down by am unfamiliar, and certainly not one of his, books. Slight amusement was the only thing on his face, of seeing the hard-headed woman. The woman who previously stated that she, did not, want to go to their, godforsaken, boiler room. Nevertheless, he continued watching, knowing all too well that she was as aware of his presence, as much as he was of hers. He himself knew enough about Haki, but not as much as she clearly knew. Unlike her, but he knew enough to be aware of the, dangerous, and chillingly wonderful power, it was known to provide. Especially coupled with Devil Fruit abilities- or even against them.
Cracking a small smile on the corner of her mouth, before acknowledging her, 'captain', slowly, she turned her head towards him, and nodded; smirk still very much present, on her face. Heavy tome, in hand, now closed. An expression, he admired very much himself. Her frosty eyes, met his almost pewter in the dim light, ones. If someone saw the intensity of the stare, it almost looked like a storm about to break loose. Not really caring too much about whatever energy did flow between them during their encounter, she tore her newly lethargic expression away, closing her eyes as if trying to recollect herself.
"Didn't your parent ever teach you, that it's not polite to stare, Mister Law?"
"I am free to do what I please. Though it seems you finally got yourself settled, Miss Aiko."
"Not really." She sighed with a slightly worn tone, tucking her book under her arm, as she noticed him glance at the thick piece of literature. "This is really the only thing keeping me sane right now. Not like you care much, since you're already 'mad'."
" I see."
"I am not someone who enjoys the company of 'men', who act like children. I am getting too old for this shit."
"Oh? and how old are you?"
"Older than you, Trafalgar...Law." She smiled, omitting a dark secret his name holds. The pause in between his name, made him from, but he decided to let it slide, for now. She really would never have any use for that kind of information.
She let her reply hang in the air, and walked straight past the man in front of her to get into a change of new clothes, and maybe something to drink. No defintely something to drink. And away from him- especially. Maybe some hot tea. She needed something to help her concentrate. She wanted to find the secrets, find the writing between the lines of what her great grandfather was talking about. Her dad used to say that her grandfather, never wrote something for no reason, but her was a man who never wanted someone to only see what was in front of them. The room itself may have been a temperature she was used too, but there was nothing like the pungent taste dark roasted, leaves, or beans on her, scurvy-free, taste buds. Roger forbid, she ever come down with and under abundance of Vitamin C, in her system. She shivered at the very thought, bringing the heated ceramic to her chapped lips.
"Whatcha reading, lady?"
Oh...now it was the, Shachi-boy. It had been awhile since their last encounter...alone. Except that the last time they were alone together, she proceeded to beat the living shit out of him for what had happeded on the last island. But that was days ago. On the plus side, he wasn't a huge pervert, unlike some of the men on the ship. Well, like any other ship she had been on in the past. Regardless, he showed no harm, unless provoked violently, mostly by unwanted visitors, rival pirate crew, or the dammed Marines.
She was, like at first, still refusing to get close, or friendly with the crew, but in the kids defense, he was a sweetheart, and nice even though he didn't like her that much. Annoying, and belligerent at times, but nice. With the same look on her face as when she had passed by Law earlier, she motioned for him to grab a seat at the table where she was sitting.
"It's a book written by my, great grandfather." Finally answering his question.
"'A Rare, And Frightful Conundrum'?"
Aiko let out a small sigh, as read the title aloud. There didn't seem, at least from what she had gotten through with reading, anything that was, "Rare, or Frightful', much less riviting than she had hoped it would be. But she recalled her father enjoying it a lot when she was younger. Though it had a few, passages, yet not much detail towards what her great grandfather was mentioning in his writing. She had only read one book by him before, and it was exciting, but not for research sake, just adventurous stories. But this book...kept mentioning an island, and something about the one who started the whole World Government. With at least that, she hoped, know she knew the farther she got into the heavy thing, the better and better, it would be. I mean...they had to be. It was her dads, dads, for Rogers sake.
"My father used to have one just like it in his library. Not many were ever published, beacuse of how hard it is to make them, and how much my homeland like sharing with the outside world...or lack of it, really. However, the one my dad has is, the original, handwritten copy."
Shachi leaned back in his chair, observing between the book and the woman behind it. Smiling, he decided to ask the girl a few questions. She was an enigma, and no one really knew, or heard anything about where she was from, so if she was dangerous, they wouldnt know about it. But from everything he observed from the sidelines, she was just a harmless, traveling person, who wanted to see her family. And if, said woman, was to be in close quarter, especially close to their captain, and crew, the should at least know something about their strange visitor.
After the mayhem that they left behind, and initally caused, on the last island, they had copious amounts of food, supplies, and a few million beli. No one could deny - not even Aiko- , that it was an impressive haul. A very beneficial pillage, with low casualties. After that, the crew started to actually come around to the strange woman, they were geeting comfotable. especially since she was excellent at getting information. A woman with a presence almost as ominous, as their captains. The veil of mystery that seem to shroud the older woman.
"So...you're from the, New World?"
'So he's just going to drill me? Alright.'
"Yes."
"What're you doing so far away, in the First Half?"
"The New World, is dangerous, for a delicate flower like myself." She joked, lightly tracing, old, scars along her arm.
Shachi smiled, once again, at her unusual friendliness today. Not really believing her previous claim.
"What was it about your home island, that made you want to leave so bad? I mean, you seem really accustomed to this style of life. I-i mean, no offense, but you just dont seem like the average kind of person I would meet it some random town.. Captain has a pretty, blatant, reputation, and you didn't seem all that put off by him. At all."
"Well, I guess I just don't really agree with our formal customs, that's all. I traveled, quite a bit, when I was younger, so I felt like I wanted to see more of the world. There are so many places I've never been. Like the South Blue, for instance. Not many of 'us', get to travel. But the ones that do, are so lucky, and wouldnt change it for the world. That's why I ...left. I'm...I guess, one of the lucky ones. You know?"
"I see. Well, a lot of us here are happy, if not lucky, or greatful, to be here. CAptain is a great guy, whether or not you, think so. Sometimes, I know, he can be a fucking prick, but none of us would be able to live the life we do, if it wasn't for him. Nor would we be able to enjoy it. I'd rather be fighting for my life, and the lives of my comrades, than living such a boring, monotonus life like most people I meet. Living happy, and free, than being tied down. I didnt really like you at first, but I think I'm starting to...at least a little bit. Enough to call you a good acquaintance. So...what I'm trying say is, that I am sorry for anything Ive done that, probably pissed you off. I can't consider you nakama, but I can call you an acquaintance."
Aikos' eyes bloomed with surprise at the young mans, words. Coupled with a gentle smile, she thanked him- making his cheeks flare up with a rosy colour- much to her surprise.
"When are we scheduled to land?"
"A few hours. Maybe around, eight, or so. But the current seems to be on our side, so...six or seven at the earliest."
She grinned at his, hopeful, words.
'I see... Well, i guess it's time for me to pack up.' Aiko told herself, all the while, smiling.
"You seemed relieved, lady."
She caught herself smiling outwardly, and decided against hiding it from the boy.
"...just want to get some fresh air, you know? I don't spend most of my time on ships, or in your case, submarines, quite often. Which, is probably some rediculous amount of leagues under the sea, right now. Hahaha!"
If she had been talking to their captain, she mightn't...no, most definitely, not, let her smile slip, but she could tell, this young one wouldn't expect anything. Since he had no real idea what her initial plans were, nor the deal she had made with their captain.
And for some series off bizarre, reasons, her grin made him feel, slightly, more at ease. Why? He couldn't put a finger on it. And for her it made it go twice as easy, to go on with what she was about to do. Treason? Fuck them. Sure they helped, but she was only really in this for herself. As selfish at it sounds, that how shit had to be. That's how the world works. And if she must, she most definitely would. Resources, are exactly that. Resources. Something, expendable, to be used until you can get what you need, or want. That's what the Heart Pirates were to her. Nothing more than an expendable resource.
"Phew! I really don't remember, accumulating so many things. Maybe I've been traveling longer than I thought?"
The only thing she remembered was purchasing a few warm clothes, by force from the oh-so-lovely, Mister Law,, and the two things she bought of her own free will. Then Next was Kensei Island; and Island that was famous for its horticulture...or at least that what she remembered reading a few years ago. Undoubtedly, she wouldnt need to make any further purchases, except maybe food, and lodging. Hell, she may even would go so far, as to steal some of the Beli, she helped them take from Aron, and the base. And if she could recall correctly, the log pose set, incredibly fast here, so escape wouldn't be that hard, but hiding? If Law were to come after her, she just might be shit out of luck.
The closer she got towards Mariejois, or Fishman Island, as a back up course...the more unpleasant faces she might come at the situation in that light... No. Whether emotions were surfacing or not, fear was the last thing on her mind. How many of her old comrades had probably died, in that world shaking war? Probably enough; too many to count. She could get a clean break, and running from pirates, was the very least of her problems. And it's not like, Akainu would get off his high horse to actually come looking for her himself. He would probably send, 'him', to come looking for her. And he, wasnt any less, brutal. Maybe more. REgardless, the situation wouls probably go smoother than she could imagine at the moment.
~a day and a few hours later~
'What a beautiful place.'
Flowers. Everywhere they looked, while the clearest, purest, water came raining down through the falls- over the giant mountain tops. In almost every direction. Kensei's beauty glittered everywhere around them, almost greater than the smiles and joyful sounds of conversation, around them. The island loved foreigners, travelers, pirates, Marines. What the fuck they were so happy, and inviting about, who knows? But no cared. At least the two who had just docked there, didn't think so. The pride and joy was their horticulture, and pristine water supply. There was nothing really had to worry about.
"Waiting?"
The overtly large woman smiled, through, pipe tobacco stained, yellowish-brown, teeth. She gestured towards the entrance to the foyer, of the east wing of the inn.
Reciprocating, said smile, Aiko nodded and picked up her small day bag, slinging it over her shoulder. If it was Law, she might be screwed, but the way the owner looked at her, it probably wasn't. No matter how much the people on the island, didnt mind pirates, they were still slightly wary of their prescense. At least from what she experienced at the docks- with the Heart Pirate crews' arrival.
When she entered the east wing, it wasn't very fancy, but it was definitely lavish. Lavish in that there were plants, flowers, and bamboo everywhere. Chrysanthemums, poppy, and lotus variety. Bamboo lined the porch-balcony of the foyer, and there were a few small waterfalls connected to even smaller ponds with small baby, koi fish, happily swimming within its contents. Among all the foliage, there were chairs, tables and the like. A venetian chaise lounge chair on the far left side with a small table near it. A pair of white wicker chairs, seperated by a large round table, and an ashtray on each side, next to both respecting seats. And on the far side, obscured by large fern in clay pots, obscuring the figure seated on one of the loveseats, adjacent from each other- separated, via, coffee table.
The expectant figure neither turned, nor bothered to acknowledge what he sensed coming towards him. But what from she could see, as he became close, and more visible in her line of sight, he had a very incredulous pewter suit adorning his shoulders. Cipher Pol? Nah. Not that nice. Coifed hair, elegantly smoking on a cigar. Expensive cigar. Like Akainu would love to smoke. She didnt need to use Haki to assume who it was; her new situation did not feel compromised, nor threatening, at all. Ahead, she waltzed.
A soft creak, screamed from the old seat beneath her under her body weight. Accompanied by a curious smile...a smile that faded horribly with each passing second she was in front of him.
"Finally, found you. You're a hard woman to track down."
His words chilled her spine, but what really startled her was the fact she could sense another man, watching. Listening in, on their conversation start.
"It can't be. Are you...?!"
A large, heavily calloused, rough hand covered her mouth; silencing her struggle. So she just ended up sitting there. Her temeper, boiling, causing the man in front of her to sneer at the action that had just taken place.
"I told you not to be so fucking rough." The man said, dropping almost every ounce of his gentlemanly, composure in front of her. Slightly.
"whatever, I just don't like dragging shit out, and waiting. We finally have her, and its been five years of searching the seas. i am not letting her go. Haruto." the man replied, snarkily, voice thick, live syrup and held with the utmost confidence.
She knew who they were, but they looked so much more...ravaged. Mature. And if it wasn't for their eyes, comical banter, and partnership. she couldnt have been able to recognize them without Haki. Even though she had used it on the hand of the man who had grabbed her face. Bastard.
The gentleman in front of her turned his attention away from his counterpart, back towards Aiko. He didn't dare remove his glasses, at least not right now. Not like he needed to. He knew she had the gift of Haki, or the proper training, so to speak. She knew everything that they were going to do. Their plans. He was shocked intially to find out she had the Chishiki Chishiki no Mi, power on her side, but at the same time, she wouldnt have any second guessing when they did find her. So luck seemed to be on their side, for now.
"...you two are assholes. You know that? What do you want?"
Haruto rarely smiled, but this time was a special occasion. Her soft tone, yet sharp as it was, made him crack the smallest of smiles. It had been twenty years? No...maybe more. At least since they had spoken to her. Sine the three of them were always together. They used to be inseparable. But what stupid, childish, memories.
"Come now, don't be an idiot. I know what you are doing, We both do."
Haruto shot the man behind her a small glare, before turning his attention back to her.
"Look...maybe you do. but I don't really..."
"It's in your best opinion. What're you going to do, huh? Travel with those stupid pirates, in hopes that they might bring you home?"
Haruto was smart. Tactical, nothing short of intelligent. Even as a small child, he wowed her, and her father with his intellect. Even with his mediocre upbringing. Everything from diary entries, periodicals, newspapers, and rare books found in her fathers library. He was born to be a detective. With a photographic memory, and the love of bettering his own intelligence, it was no surprise that he became someone who could be regarded so highly.
"You can't seriously think we are going to let you run away again. Seriously, how long do you intend to keep this up?"
"...frankly, that's none of your business. Besides, I don't like being forced to do anything. You can try to sweet talk me into it, but in the end it's still my decision, whether or not I want to leave with you, or those drunkards."
"Stop acting so stupid. If you really think you can do that all by yourself, you're sorely mistaken. Ever since the War, security has been amplified, almost ten-fold."
"I am well aware about what happens when the outside world becomes unstable. Years may have passed, but I sure as hell haven't forgotten."
Haruto sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, before giving his partner the order.
"Kasmir, go up to her room. Grab all of her belongings."
Rage started to boil within her. Her usually relaxed hands, were now balled into shaky fists.
"You can't just...!"
"I'd like to think we can. And we will. I have no doubt if we use force, you'll come nice and quiet."
After not saying so much as a word for quite some time, Kasmir finally spoke up. And hell did he have a rumbling set of baritone pipes.
"YOU ARE BEING ARRESTED. Idiot."
Time had indeed come- that fact alone she couldn't deny. Not one bit. But on her behalf, it was better them, than that 'someone'.
Aiko shifted in her seat, before asking a question she had been dying to know the answer to, for far too long.
"How's my father?"
Haruto opened his mouth, then shut it again, reevaluating his next words.
"He has seen better days. His health is alright, but he has aged, quite a bit, due to worry, and stress. Nevertheless, he was the one who sent us here. He misses you a great deal, even if you have shamed him."
"You've been watching, and searching for me for sometime. I can sense your relief, Haruto. But why the fuck did you wait so long? Why? If you knew where I was, and almost everything I was doing, then why the fuck?"
He paused, a dark look came over his face.
"Let's talk about this later. Somewhere more private. I am not the type of person who discusses classified matters, in a public area. It's not safe here, and you are luck we found you first."
The corners of her lip twitched, and a small smirk appeared across her previously angered face.
"Knowing you- you must know quite a bit, if you're going through such god awful lengths to get me home."
He smiled back, before lifting himself off the velour seat.
"I am aware of a few things, but I'm sure you'll have plenty more to tell me." Leaving his sentence there, he turned to Kasmir once more, nodding for the go-ahead on the restraints, before turning his attention back to Aiko.
She wanted, almost, to smile as she felt the thick kairoseki clamp shut against her wrist and neck. The beginning of an end? Or maybe the end of the beginning. She didn't know. But at least she was...safe, for the time being. The restraints made her tired, and her body heavy, but she was lucky she had been forcibly trained with this god awful metal, otherwise she'd be being dragged across the cobblestone streets. Though it's probably not like it would really matter at this point.
People. the nice townspeople were staring. Hard. Sheesh. She knew she was a prisoner, but was it that gawk able? Probably. But still.
In the corner of her eye, she recognized a familiar white tuft, and a small crowd of pirates. The ones she had to run away from, and yet...it didn't seem like Law was going to chase after her, for whatever reason. Though in her peripheral, she could have sworn she saw their crazy captain. Blatantly staring, and almost as if he was laughing to himself as he watched her be drug away. She wanted to do one of two things: 1. blast the fucker with a wave of haoshoku haki so strong she could make him pass out for days, or the latter, and just flip his ass off.
She of course ended up choosing the latter. Which in turn only made him smile much more.
Shachi turned his head, noticing his captain was giving off and odd aura- obviously observing something, out of the ordinary, or at the very least, interesting.
Which in turn, it was. Aiko. Their, 'crewmate', being dragged along the towns' walkways, by two large men, and shackled. Neck, as well as her wrist. He knew she had Devil Fruit powers, and yet, who were they and why were they taking such precaution? Because of her? How well did they know her? Were they bounty hunters? No, not that he could tell.
"What a troublemaker."
Shachi turned, and looked at his captain.
"I see. But what do you mean sir?"
"You see it too. There's more than meets the eye, Mister Shachi."
"Captain?"
He paused, before answering his befuddled friend.
"I knew she had something to hide. Skeletons in the closet, so to speak."
"I still don't really understand. Was she lying to us the whole time?"
"Maybe. But I don't think so. She is too smart, and cunning for that kind of childish mischief. Although, I wouldn't put something along those lines past her. She is a lot more deeply rooted in the world, as well as it's affairs. That doesn't exclude the world government, Marines, or her homeland security."
"So she is a liar?"
"You still don't get it, do you? She would, and probably could, kill you, and maybe myself, in a heartbeat. Though I wouldn't let her, nor would I let myself be killed. The fact of the matter is, she is from the New World, and that alone, makes me want to have her. Keep her, locked away forever."
"So...what's your plan of action, sir?"
"Nothing, yet. But there will be a time, when we shall all meet again. I know that is certain."
"Even though she abandoned the crew, disobeyed your orders, you still let her go. Free?"
"There is a time and a place for everything, Shachi. In time, you too, will learn that."
Shachi almost cringed under his breath, but the unrelenting confidence of his captain told him otherwise. But for some reason, unknown to himself at the moment, he believed him. Every word his captain said. Strange, because it's not like he never did before, but because it was something, and someone they knew nothing about. But seeing as how his captain had such an interest in the runaway, she must be valuable, to some point.
"Do You know them? They're talking about you."
She smiled.
"So...what business do you have with them. oh wait, those are the scumbags you were traveling with, aren't they?'
No answer from her end, only provoking his answer.
"I see, Milady. On a happier note, you probably will never have to deal with them again."
She snickered under her breath, coinciding with a tiny smirk.
"You so sure about that? If you think so, you're an idiot. "
A crowded growl came from the depths of his throat.
"Don't make a fool of us: especially, myself. He, on the other hand, probably wont give two shits about it."
"Regardless, i don't care what you, nor, Kassi-san think. Especially not you, Haru-chan."
"Don't talk to me like i'm a child."
"Still younger than me."
Kasmir, for once, decided to step in. With words and not force.
"Woman, you're acting like we are children again. Shut the fuck up, and come quietly. It's less of a hassle that way. Please."
She had never heard him act so sincere, but she decided not to ignore his rarely spoken words of comfort.
"You never really change, do you?"
He kept the blush from creeping up his cheeks from embarrassment. A soldier never shows emotion. Especially a professional one.
Aiko couldn't help but smile, once again. I was kind of nice, reminiscing. But what stood in front of her, made her less ecstatic. A galleon. Her father, or at least one of his. Scary, almost. Fear of it being too long. Fear of it being too soon. Fear of facing the truth, and she had a feeling once she could start reading the book again, things would become even more complicated. Not just for her, but for... no. She did not want to think about, that. Them.
"Hey, Where are you?"
"Can't you tell? I mean, you do have the card."
"I...don't want to. It might disappoint me. I'd rather hear it from the mouth of someone experiencing it."
The voice on the other end of the Den Den Mushi, sighed. Hard.
"It's not like I never said I wouldn't tell you, it's just..."
"Just what, exactly?"
"Don't worry. I can't get you involved. But I promise, it won't affect you, and I'll be safe."
Even through the chains, she managed to pull her neck father, and smile, closer to the receiver. She honestly missed this voice. So much. It was...comforting, to say the least.
"No. You allwill be safe. I am going somewhere for..awhile."
A rare, soft, smile graced his usually bored lips.
"I'm happy for you, Aiko. Are you safe?"
"Yes, I know. Thank you."
"Not just you be safe, you know."
"Yes. I promise, don't make them worry. I just wanted to check in...I know I have no real allegiance to you, or the crew, but you guys helped me, and are like family to me. I love and miss you all, so much. Please tell them all that, even though it might not mean much."
"It'll probably mean more than you think. We all love you, just like Pops, did. You know that."
"I know. Thank you..."
Her voice, or at leas the tone it took on, compared to her words during the conversation, irked him, just a bit.
"What's wrong, love?"
"I...I'm sorry, I don't have much time to talk."
"Oh? Why's that?
"Heh. I'm in trouble. Let's just put it that way."
"You can't be in that much trouble if you're allowed to make a call to someone who isn't related to you.."
"I know. But I'm...going home., as of right now. I'm sorry if i can't see you or the crew again."
"Don't be sorry, it's not you...well it kind of is."
"Shut up, stupid. I know, I just hope our paths cross again, Marco."
"They will. I'm sure of it. It might be sooner than you think."
Surprise hit her in the chest. What was he talking about? THey weren't going to meet her, nor rescue her. She knew that. Absolutely. But..
"You're not going to do something stupid are you?"
Ha.
"You're too naive, sometimes, you know that?"
"Fuck you. You know what I mean. But if it means anything, I know we will. i won't be free, but i might be able to talk with you for a bit; as well as the crew."
"I wish you would tell us everything. I mean it's not like we can actually help you, even though we are pirates, your island is too fucked up for anyone to really touch, much less want to. No offense."
"None taken."
"But if something does happen and you need my assistance, or Izou's, you know where to call."
His words, reassuring, made her smile and almost want to cry. It wasn't the best talk she ever had with the crew, or it's new commanding officer, but it would suffice.
"Thank you, so much. I have to go, especially if i want to call you again. You know, just to see how my friends are holding up."
"Of course."
The slight staleness, in his words, made her heart strings tug for a second. Sadly. Wincing in pain, she shrouded her feigning sadness, with a small smile. one he , nor whoever was listening, could ever see.
"Love you. Let's speak again soon, huh? "
"Always, my dear. Goodnight."
"Sweet dreams, Marco dear."
I as an author, may not be the best, am so very sorry for my late up date, but i hope of the length repents for it. I went train-hopping across america, and traveling. Hopefully going to Chile soon. I do not want it to put me in front of my work, yet I want to see the Americas. Especially the Mayan Pyramids. Don't know if will be successful, but I'm going to try. Anyway. I love all you readers, hope you have a happy life, and love my story. it does reflect some of my travels, and hopefully more. Please review! I know some of you were waiting for a, Marco, appearance, and here it is. The beginning of something beautiful. REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW! Thanks for your love and support!