Title: Miss You
Genre: Angst
Summary: Izo goes to visit some old friends.
On an unnamed island in Paradise, there was a path leading to the top of a hill. The hill itself was magnificent and very large. From the top, one could view the entire island.
It was up this hill that Izo now trekked, carefully making his way up the steep incline. It had rained on the island recently, the ground slushy and muddy and ruining Izo's nice shoes. Nevertheless, he walked on until he reached the top. In his arms were two bouquets of white and orange flowers, along with a bottle of the finest of sakes.
When he reached the top of the hill, he paused for a moment to view the path he had recently climbed. He could see in all directions, even down to the shore where he had left his small boat. Far away on the horizon was a large ship, a ship that he had just departed from earlier that morning. He smiled to himself and turned around.
Bowing first to show respect, he placed the two bouquets and the sake at the base of the two objects in front of him. He crossed his legs and sat down in front of them, sitting straight and not speaking a word.
Finally, he said, "Sorry I haven't been up here lately. We've been pretty busy."
He was met with silence, but he didn't stop. "You both look well," he commented. "Well, you know, same as the last time I was here."
He looked at the larger of the two. "We're all doing fine," he assured it. "We got caught up over in the New World, which is why I didn't come earlier."
More silence. "Marco's a fine captain," he noted. "He knows what he's doing when it comes to leading others. He said he wished he could've come, but he didn't want to leave the crew." He explained further by adding, "Some Marines attacked us a couple days ago. A few of the weaker members got injured. He wanted to stay to make sure they were doing alright. He promises to come when he can, though.
"He's got a big heart, that one," Izo murmured quietly. "He still has us go to help any of the islands that still fly our flag when they need us. He'll do anything for them. It's a miracle he hasn't gone insane yet. I know I couldn't do it. Lead the crew, I mean. He's just a natural born leader.
The object didn't react. "I wonder if it's Aerie who's been keeping him sane for all this time," he mused. "She's training the younger members and organizing what's left of the Divisions. Without her, I wonder if he could make it through the day." He chuckled. "Of course, they still argue like an old married couple, so not a lot has changed."
He sighed contentedly. "I think she's thrown away the mask and cape for good this time. Says in the end, she thought it did more harm than good. She didn't want to hide anymore, either, I think."
Izo turned to the smaller object. "Your little brother's doing well," he said. He pulled out a newspaper clipping featuring a picture of a raven-haired young man, grinning at the camera without a care in the world. "You might not believe it, but he did it. Found the One Piece and became King of the Pirates. He and his crew are on their way here now to see you."
Nothing. "Put the world in a spin. Not a lot of people though he could actually do it. But he did, so that's that." He paused, then pulled out another clipping in excitement. "Oh, I almost forgot! The Government's in shambles right now. Seems the Revolutionaries finally succeeded. Though, it hasn't stopped those still loyal to the Government trying to get rid of Dragon and returning everything it the way it was. He came to the ship a while back. Thanked us for helping you and your brother out during the War. His wife came, too, so she and Aerie had the chance to catch up for a bit.
"Your grandfather visited as well. Thanked us for watching out for your irresponsible ass for so long." Izo laughed. "He was disappointed to have missed Dragon though. Hasn't seen him in a while apparently. Go figure."
Not a sound came from either of the objects. But then again, they had been silenced long ago. They had stopped responding to Izo and the others for a while, but that didn't stop him from talking. He sat in silence for another long minute before quietly adding, "We miss you, you know. Both of you." After another long moment, he stood up and walked back down the path he had traveled, leaving behind the giant white memorials dedicated to Edward Newgate and Portgas D. Ace.
XxFire-PhoenixxX: Maybe later ;)
Savage Kill: Thanks!
Yeah, I know...I'm a horrible person. But this one's been rambling around in my head for a while now, and I was just able to write it this morning. Favorite! Follow! Review! (Please!)
~Batman