After an agonisingly long wait, here is the latest chapter of Scarlet Wind for you all to enjoy.
And of course, seeing as it's been such a long wait, I don't want to keep you from reading it too long but, before you begin to read, there is something important I must remind you.
No matter what, this story is a LuffyxNami story, though I admit, it is going to be an eventual LuffyxNami story…
You see, I've also been wanting to add in more conflict into my writing. Let's face it, the only thing stopping Luffy and Nami getting together in this story so far is confusion, indecision and my own need for torturing others with 'will they? won't they?' plots (I'm one evil person but you probably all knew that).
So, I thought to myself, how do I create more conflict and tension? And the answer came to me…
What did I think up?
Well…you'll see…
Chapter 3: Polarity Act 2
It's Tuesday. The time is just around four o'clock. After leaving school, I walk home with Nami, seeing as we were both heading in the same direction. She and Robin had finished a lot of their project because today Nami is being taken out to dinner.
No, I don't mean she's got a date or anything like that. It's just that Bellemere has been going out with some guy for the last two months and, to be honest, it seems they're getting pretty serious about it. In fact, her date actually wants to get to meet his new daughters. I really like it that Bellemere's new boyfriend is already considering Nojiko and Nami as family. He must be one awesome guy and he seems to really be in love with Bellemere.
To be honest though, I haven't ever met him. Bellemere and I don't talk much when I'm out of the costume and when I am, we usually talk about crimes, cases and such. We hardly mention our relationships (or in my case, lack of).
Once again, I probably won't meet him tonight. I've got other 'business' I need to take care of. As we pass by Nami's house, she stops and looks back at me with a hopeful smile.
"Good luck…" she says.
"I'll need it…" I respond bitterly, pretending to grab the 'good luck' she had offered out of the air. Nami shakes her head and watches sadly as I walk away. It doesn't take long before she's out of sight. I sigh loudly.
I'm on my own…
Around ten minutes and six streets later, I find myself standing in front of the last place I want to be. The front of the house is pretty average to be honest, just a bland pale white colour with a pair of windows on the second floor and a single window next to the door. It seems to be dark inside the house and for a minute, I wonder if I've stumbled across a haunted house.
I wish, but no. I knew where this was. With a sigh, I gently step along the path to the front door, gently pushing the rusty old gate out of the way to allow me entry. The path towards the house is nicely kept and the stones seem to be filed down correctly. The only problem is the garden out front which resembles nothing more than a rough patch of soil.
Hesitantly, I step forwards. Each step my sense of dread increases, whilst the door slowly creeps towards me in return. I wish it would take an eternity to get to the door but, unfortunately, I'm soon standing right in front of it. With a loud sigh, I reach my fist up and grasp the lion faced knocker. After a pause to get my breath back, I finally knock on the door.
Inside, I can hear a rummaging noise and frantic feet moving towards the door. As I see a blurred face appear in the small window on the door, I take in a large shaky breath. The door slowly opens, revealing a teenage girl with long black hair.
Her school uniform has been traded for a light pink T-shirt with a white skull and crossbones on the front. She is still wearing the usual black skirt she wore to school today and that small smile of hers is also being worn on her lips.
"…Hello Luffy…" she said happily, his rosy cheeks becoming even redder when she laid eyes on me. I did not greet her in return.
"…Can we get this over with?" I grunt. Hancock's smile disappears quite quickly and she gives a small sad nod before opening the door wider so I could go inside.
I sigh.
"Welcome to the lions den Luffy" I think to myself as I take a small hesitant step inside.
I've never been in Hancock's bedroom before and I don't plan to come here ever again if I could help it. The house, strangely enough, isn't as nice as I thought it would be. The wall paper on the landing wall is crumbling and the colour itself is a dull shade of brown. Hancock's door is the cleanest thing on the landing, being almost completely white except for the small name plate that hung on the door, that being a bright red.
She opens her bedroom door as we approach and ushers me inside. Reluctantly, I enter with gritted teeth. The second I step inside, I feel like I've been hit by a large seizure of colours. It's as if Hancock had plucked a rainbow from the sky and thrown it around her room. Everything had a bright colour to it, from the bright red bed sheets to the green carpet to the cobalt blue wallpaper. It's as if the colours themselves are trying to attack me. Luckily, the shock quickly wears off as Hancock follows me in, closing the door behind us.
If I hear her lock the door, I'm bolting it through the window…
But, to my surprise, Hancock didn't do anything like that and, instead, she strolled confidently towards her nearby desk. I remain stationary, watching the room around me. Above Hancock's desk, which has a large computer screen that appears to double as a TV screen, there is a small shelf full of cuddly toys. Everything from rabbits to bears is there and I can't help but feel un-nerved at seeing Hancock having cuddly toys.
Shouldn't they all have no heads or something like evil like that? This is getting weirder by the second.
I slowly drop down onto Hancock's bed, glancing around a little more.
"…Luffy…" the small voice surprised me and I looked over to see Hancock smiling softly at me. I glare at her in return.
"What?" I bark at her. Hancock takes my anger in her stride and gently pats the absent chair next to her with a hopeful grin. My glare shifts to the chair. So that will be my torture for the next few minutes…having to sit next to Hancock…
"Come on...I won't bite…" she muttered quietly.
"…Are you sure about that?" I growl at her in reply. Hancock's expression quickly changes from an optimistic smile to a depressed frown. Once more, as she does this, I feel the odd twinge in the pit of my stomach as she does this. I sigh loudly and reluctantly stand up and walk over to the vacant seat, dropping my bag on Hancock's bed as I leave.
I didn't know why I was playing along with Hancock's game but all that really matters is that I AM playing her game.
With a sigh, I dropped down onto the chair and looked away from Hancock. I swear I could hear the dark haired woman sigh as I did so, but I chose to ignore it.
"…So…" Hancock mutters, starting up the computer "where do you want to start?"
"The beginning is usually a good place…" I reply, fiddling with the pen on the desk. I can tell Hancock is frowning at me but I shook it off.
"Luffy…" Hancock's voice is quiet and nervous "we…we need to work together to do this…"
"…Yeah…" I reluctantly agree, turning to face Hancock "…let's…try getting a list of renewable energy sources together to start off… if you want to of course" when I'd asked Usopp about how he and Kaya were going to start working on the homework, he suggested that that was the best way to do things, so I might as well check it out.
"…O-o-okay then" Hancock replies a small smile appearing on her face. For some reason I'm not quite sure of, I actually smile back at her. As she turns to the computer screen though, I look away, a hand rising to my face. Seriously? What was wrong with me? I'm acting REALLY weird around Hancock today.
As Hancock's fingers type relentlessly on the keyboard, I decide to look around on her desk for something to occupy my time with. After all, she is technically doing all the work and I've never been good with computers. I was basically just here because I needed help doing my homework. If I could have done it on my own, I never would have bothered coming here...then again, this wasn't so bad.
It had been five minutes and Hancock hadn't tried to chain me to the bed yet…and, as much as I hate to admit it, it didn't hurt having to sit next to her…well, much anyway. There is weird tingle in my chest that wasn't there before she arrived. Is it getting hotter in here or something?
Ignoring the mystery feelings that were suddenly toying with me, I glance around the room once more. I need something to distract me from the current situation…
Suddenly, an object on Hancock's desk caught my eye. As I notice it, I stretch out my hand to grab it in both hands.
"Hey…is this a picture of us from last year?" I ask, clutching the small light blue picture frame. I could hear Hancock's fingers stop and her hot breath tickles my ear as she talks over my shoulder.
"Oh yeah, it is…" she says, tracing a finger along the edge of it "I forgot I had this…" she admits, somewhat shamefully. I wasn't sure whether she was telling the truth or not, seeing as though the picture itself looked in perfect condition. It was as if it was brand new. Nostalgia seemed to flow from the picture though, as if it truly was as old as she claimed. The photograph itself made my lips curl upwards into a smile as I looked at it. Everything seemed so simple back then.
It is the class photo and because of that, there were three levels in order to fit everyone in the class on the picture. First, there are the smaller students sitting on the floor, whilst the medium sized students sit above them on benches and the taller students sit above all of them on an elevated row of benches. In the centre, as always, there's me.
I glance over towards the hand mirror Hancock had on the table beside her make up kit.
I hadn't changed much had I?
I mean, I looked almost exactly the same on the picture. I even had the same goofy look on my face as I had my arms looped around Nami and Zoro's shoulders, pulling them closer towards my position. Both the green haired man and the orange haired woman are smiling at the camera, though Zoro's expression looks slightly shocked as well, with one of his eyes closed tightly shut. Nami's bright grin has always been a rare sight to see but a part of me is glad it had been captured and immortalised on this photo.
Beside Nami, there is Sanji, who looks like he needs a smoke desperately. His fingers appear to be drumming along the bench impatiently.
Sitting on the other side of Zoro, Yosaku and Johnny are laughing together, giving thumbs up and peace signs to the camera.
Sitting in front of me on the floor is Usopp, who's grinning as he glances at Kaya, who is resting her head on his shoulder with a wide smile.
Next to Kaya and below Sanji is Vivi, who's waving at the camera shyly.
Chopper is sitting next to Usopp and he's got a toothy grin on his face as well. If I'm right, that was the first year he was with us and now, he's like a part of the family.
Above me, on the row behind, is Hancock, who's smiling as well, her arms hugging my neck.
Next to her on either side are Sandersonia and Marigold, who were also smiling at the camera from either side. On the outer seats, Ran and Daisy are smirking as well.
Everyone looks so happy.
"This brings back memories" I mutter, smiling fondly at the image in the frame. Surprisingly, I hear Hancock's joyful laughter in agreement and once more, I can feel her looking over my shoulder once more.
"Yeah…things were good back then" she says with a disappointed sigh. I turn to look at her just as her eyes widen "hey, do you remember that time Johnny and Yosaku brought that stray cat into class?"
"Who could forget?" I question back with a chuckle "It climbed up onto Zoro's head and had a snooze there. It was hilarious when he woke up and noticed it…then I think you tried to kick it out a window"
"It got in my way" Hancock replies sheepishly, turning away from me with a blush. For some reason I wasn't actually quite sure of, I start laughing at the shy expression on her face and then give her a playful nudge.
"You missed though and tripped Beckman up, remember?" I ask with another laugh.
"It was an accident…" Hancock mutters an excuse, folding her arms with a pout "it got stuck in detention for a week…you were there too though, right?"
"I'd set off a stink bomb" I remind her with pride "it was the perfect prank…right up until I got caught…"
"That would be a major problem…" Hancock agreed with a small giggle "but detention was actually a lot of fun. It was just you and me, remember?"
"Yeah, it was pretty fun" I admit, scratching my cheeks with a small laugh. Honestly, it WAS fun though. Hanging out with Hancock was kinda cool, even if it was in detention. I mean, she was always really nice to me. She used to give me some of her lunch when she wasn't hungry and if ever I needed a favour, she'd help me in a heart beat.
She really was a nice per-
WHAT THE HELL AM I THINKING!
Did I just forget about everything she'd done?
She is a selfish manipulative bully and she had hurt Nami for no reason!
Why am I thinking like this?
Quickly, I look away from her, the weird squirming in my chest getting me quite irritated. Hancock must have noticed this as a few seconds later, she leaned a little closer to me.
"What's wrong?" she asks.
"Nothing" I reply in a monotone voice "can you just get back to getting that research stuff for us?" Hancock, however, did not have any intention of doing as I requested. Instead, she sighed and scooted her chair closer towards me. In response to this, I shuffled away from her.
"Luffy, look, if this is because you're still holding onto…what I did to Nami...I'm sorry" she began hesitantly.
"Why have you never told her that then?" I suddenly snap at her in reply, turning to face her with a glare "why haven't you ever gone up to her and said sorry? Sure it wouldn't heal everything you've done in an instant but it would be a start!" Instead of replying immediately, Hancock shies away from my gaze.
"…At first…it was because…I honestly didn't want to…" Hancock admits shamefully "I thought…I thought that she…was trying to take you away from me…"
"Take me away from you?" I ask, squinting at her words with confusion "What does that mean?" Instead of explaining, however, Hancock actually starts smiling.
"You've grown up a lot…but in the end, you're still my same dense Luffy, aren't you?"
"Your Luffy?" I question with a gaping mouth. Hancock gives a sigh, before she continues on, ignoring my question.
"But…now…well, it's just for reasons of personal pride…" she explains. I'm not sure whether she is lying or not about that reason and since I couldn't tell, I decide to try and think she's telling the truth.
"Reasons of pride? Why can't you just show some…some…" I drum my fingers on the desk for a moment, searching my mind for the word that alluded me.
"…Humility?" Hancock suggests. I nod turning to face her.
"Yeah! It's a stupid reason for not apologising!"
"I'm sorry"
"Don't tell me that, tell HER that!" I reply firmly.
"Luffy..." she begins but then immediately stops and shakes her head before starting to speak again "listen, my point is that…I've changed. I'm not the same person I once was. I can change, people do change"
"Oh yeah, like who?" I ask, turning away from Hancock and resting my head in the palm of my hand. To be honest, I know the question is kind of dumb but honestly, all I want is to get Hancock to shut up right now…
Every time she talks I'm starting to feel kind of weird…
"You"
Her reply stuns me and I jump in surprise, my hand slipping away from my face as I look over to her.
"…What?" I ask in shock.
"You've changed" Hancock states clearly.
"What are you talking about? I haven't changed?" I ask, feeling sweat pouring from my brow.
"There, you're doing it again" Hancock suddenly comments with a frown.
"What?" I bark at her.
"Lying to me" Hancock says sadly, moving backwards on her seat so she was farther away from me "the old Luffy…never used to lie…"
I am left quiet at that statement as Hancock continues to speak "you used to be so happy and so laidback. You were playful and, no offense, but you weren't exactly the smartest person in the world…"
"Yeah, I'm really touched you said that" I comment, rolling my eyes. Hancock picks up on this however and points at me.
"See! That's my point! You used to think sarcasm was a type of fish. Now, it's almost everything you say…"
I wanted to argue…
I wanted to plead and say I was the same old Luffy and that I haven't changed. That I'm still dumb and gullible but oh so much fun…but I can't.
I can't argue with Hancock…
Because she's right.
I have changed.
Not physically really but I'm definitely not the same as I was before Sabo died.
Maybe that was because Sabo died.
Maybe that was because I became Scarlet.
Or maybe it was just the Bluejam incident that fully rid me of my child-like innocence.
Whatever the case, I've changed. For better or worse, I'm not really sure…
"You've changed" Hancock continued "and I've changed too. I'm giving the new you a chance…so why won't you do the same?" Those words oddly cut deep into me. I find myself suddenly breathless to speak. Hancock was staring at me, her eyes intense and fiery, yet also oddly soft and gentle. It confused me but also entranced me.
"H-h-hancock…I…I…" I tried to speak but found the words refused to come. Suddenly, I hear a loud banging from downstairs. Both I and Hancock turn around in our seats and face the door as we hear the banging of someone running up the stairs.
"Sister!" someone shouted as Sandersonia barrelled through the door. She looked over at me for an instant, before turning over to face Hancock "we've got a problem"
"What do you mean?" Hancock asks.
"He's here" Sandersonia replies. Instantly, Hancock's face starts to pale.
"You mean…" she began but Sandersonia interrupted her.
"Yes…father's here…" This sudden chaos threw me off balance and I find myself completely silent as I just watched the two sisters's shouting at one another as Hancock stands up and begins to panic.
"But he just came on last Thursday, didn't he? Why is he coming in now?"
"I don't know!"
"Where's Nyon? Is she here? Tell me she's here!"
"She's not got home from work yet"
"Oh…this is…LUFFY!" Hancock suddenly turned round to look at me, her eyes full of worry. At that moment, I suddenly found my voice and glanced between the two sisters in bewilderment.
"What's going on?" I ask quietly. For some reason, my voice refuses to go any higher as if, for some reason, it dares not to.
"No time to explain! You need to get out of here!"
"Get out of here? Why?" I ask.
"No time" Hancock replies firmly, before looking over to Sandersonia "can we smuggle him out the back?"
"No, father would spot him when he's coming in the front…what should we do?"
"We'll have to hide him…" At Hancock's statement, I stand up.
"Hide me? Hide me from what?" I inquire, glancing between the two. This was all seeming pretty insane all of a sudden.
"Listen! Just get in here!" Hancock shouts, opening her closet door.
"Why?"
"Just trust me and get in there!" Hancock yells, reaching over and grabbing my hands. Before I can resist, Hancock pulls me hard over towards her and practically throws me into her closet. I land on a soft pile on clothes and immediately, try to sit up again, only for Hancock to gently push me back down "please Luffy…I don't want you to get hurt…just stay quiet"
"Hancock, what are you talking about? Why would I get hurt…" I shout in reply. Suddenly, however, there is a loud bang from downstairs. It sounds as if someone has roughly opened and then closed the front door.
My voice dies in mouth at the sound and before I can say another word, Hancock pushes me back down into the clothes and puts her finger to her lips. The message is obvious.
Stay quiet…
Then, she shuts the door as quickly and as quietly as she can. In that instant, I am bathed in complete darkness. I can't see anything. I can't hear anything. I'm essentially cut off from the world. I'm full of so many question. What was going on? Why did Hancock hide me in here?
And, more importantly, why was it a bad thing that their father was popping round for a visit?
Then…
Footsteps.
I can hear slow but harsh confident footsteps making their way up the stairs.
The door to Hancock's room swings open and I bite my lip.
"…Hancock, how are you?" an unfamiliar male voice calls. My keen ears detect that the man's speech is slightly slurred.
"…Hi…" I hear Hancock's timid tone "what are you doing here?"
"Can't a loving father just visit his daughters?" the voice asks. More sounds. Floorboards creak "so, how've you been?" Immediately, my eyebrow rises. Hancock wanted to me to hide from this guy? Sandersonia said it was their dad right? He seemed nice enough.
"…Alright I guess…" Hancock's voice replies nervously. Springs squeak. Footsteps stop right outside the closet. Despite my doubts, I stop breathing with my mouth and start doing it from nose.
"What's wrong?" the male voice questions "you seem a little nervous princess. Is something the matter?"
"…No…"
"Come on Princess, you can tell your old man anything" the man's voice says once more. His footsteps patter away from my hiding place. In those few moments before he walks away, however, breathing through my nose tells me an important fact I hadn't noticed before. Hancock's father stinks of beer. It seems to emit from him like an aura of some kind. From this fact, I manage to guess something else, especially when I pair up his odour with the slurred speech. Hancock's father is most likely drunk.
"I'm fine. Nothing's wrong" Hancock repeats firmly. The man gives a grunt of understanding "…w-what about you?" Hancock asks nervously.
"What do you mean? What about me?" the man's voice suddenly becomes louder, more defensive at the question.
"…W-w-well…no, no, it's nothing"
"What have I told you about lying to me!" Hancock's father suddenly snaps loudly "Now tell me what you mean!"
"Well…I wanted to know how you've been recently…" Hancock explains, her voice shaky and uneven.
"I'm alright…why should I be otherwise?" the man questions in a harsh tone.
"No reason…"
"Yeah…" the man replies with a laugh, his moodswing so sudden I almost get whiplash. Then everything suddenly falls quiet.
"What's that?"
The question fills me with dread and I shuffle a little in the closet, wondering what Hancock's father is talking about.
"What do you mean what's that?" Hancock asks in a nervous tone.
"That bag!" the voice shouts "That's not your bag…is someone here? Have you had someone come round here without my knowledge?" I'm about to swear before I clamp my right hand firmly over my mouth, ensuring my silence. I didn't want Hancock to get into any more trouble because of me.
"No, of course not! I didn't!" Hancock reaffirms as boldly as she can.
"You have haven't you? What have I told you about bringing your stupid friends home to MY house?" the male voice snarls angrily.
"…Dad…this house is Nyon's, remember? After you and Mum got…"
That was when I heard it. It was loud and fierce and it made my blood boil. It came suddenly into my ears and all other sounds faded into obscurity.
SLAP
"DON'T YOU EVER TALK TO ME LIKE THAT AGAIN YOU USELESS FUCKING BITCH"
It takes me a while to work out what had happened.
Then, like a bullet train, it hits me.
Hancock's father had just slapped her.
He had just hurt her.
HE HAD JUST SLAPPED HIS OWN DAUGHTER!
"Father, stop it!" another voice yells, this one no doubt coming from Marigold "there's no need for that"
Another slap sounded.
"MARI!" Sandersonia shrieks from behind her.
"THAT GOES FOR YOU TOO! DO NOT TALK BACK TO ME LIKE THAT! I AM YOUR FATHER! NOW WHERE IS THIS INTRUDER OF YOURS?" Hancock's father yells.
"I don't know what you're…" Hancock replies shakily, but the man cuts her off with a loud shout.
"DON'T YOU LIE TO ME!"
A third slap echoes out and I clench my fist. This wasn't right. I shouldn't be hiding, just waiting for Hancock's father to finish hurting them. I didn't care for my own safety anymore. Heck, I had freaking dealt with leopard men and giant armoured suits! One abusive bastard wasn't going to be so hard to take down. I shuffled in my place and then, suddenly, everyone outside became silent.
"They're in there, aren't they?" the voice asks. I can tell he's pointing towards the closet and despite the chill that runs down my spine, I suddenly find myself smiling. This is it. The moment he opens that door, I'm going to sock him one right in the jaw. The bastard deserves it for all the shit he's doing. What kind of monster would hurt their own daughter?
"No dad, they're not…" Hancock begins but once more, a loud slap echoes around the room and I find myself getting more and angrier. The second that man is outside and I can reach him in one foul swoop; I'm going to make him wish he was never born. No-one is going to hurt my friend!...wait…did I just call Hancock…
Oh for Oda sakes, did it really matter at this point?
Friend or not, Hancock was a human being (as far as I knew) and no matter how much I disliked her, I wasn't going to deny her help right now.
I didn't become a hero so I could choose who to save and right now, I was going to save her…
"Let's see then!" Hancock's father yells and with heavy steps, he strolls over towards the closet. I tighten my fist and then get ready to knock him out the second he opens the door. I watch the handle jiggle for a minute as Hancock's father places his hand on it…
Then…
Suddenly, there is a loud bang from downstairs. It sounds like the front door once again. The sound makes me freeze in place and I suddenly become rigid and immovable. Before Hancock's father opens the closet door, he takes a step back. Footsteps stamp up the stairs.
"YOU!" a gravelly voice suddenly shouts from where I can guess is the doorway.
"Nyon, I…" Hancock's father starts to say, when suddenly, there's a loud crack, as if someone just got hit by a cane. Hancock's father cries out in pain and I smile with satisfaction.
"GET OUT OF MY HOUSE!" the voice belonging to Nyon shouts
"Listen here you Hag, I…" the male voice starts but once more, there is a loud crack as he is once more hit with her walking stick.
"GET OUT OF MY HOUSE!"
"GET AWAY FROM MY GRAND-DAUGHTERS!"
"AND GO CRAWL BACK TO THAT HOLE YOU CAME FROM YOU MISERABLE BASTARD, BEFORE I CALL THE POLICE!"
Obviously, the man didn't need to be told twice.
From what I can hear, he immediately stands up and scrambles out of the room. From there, I could hear him running down the stairs. As he leaves, I fall back in my place, shaking slightly. I felt sick. I felt horrible. I…I should have helped…instead I just sat safely in here and let Hancock take a beating.
I couldn't do anything…
Just like with Sabo…
No. That's not true.
I COULD have done something for Hancock but I didn't.
I had just made a huge mistake.
I had failed to help someone because of confusion and cowardice and right now, it was weighing heavily on my conscience.
The instant I hear Hancock's father leaving, I instantly spring out of my hiding place, surprising Nyon. I ignore her, however, and race over to Hancock, who was sitting on the bed. Her cheeks were wet and one of them was red raw. She was almost crying but she held it in as I quickly shot over to her side. I feel so guilty as I sit beside Hancock and gently grab both of her shoulders to look her in the eye.
"Hancock! Are you okay?" I ask my face "I'm sorry! I…I…I was just…"
"It's okay Luffy" Hancock replies, before I have a chance to explain myself or before I can beg for her forgiveness "I'm…I'm just glad that you're okay…" My eyes widen at this and I find my hands suddenly shaking. She…she only cared about me? That oddly sweet sentiment actually made me smile.
"People change…"
"…You…you're Monkey D. Luffy, am I correct?" Nyon suddenly asks, distracting me from my thoughts.
"…Er…yeah, that's me…" I admit, turning to face her.
"Oh!" Nyon says, a small smile dawning on her face "well I must say Luffy it is a pleasure to finally meet you" my eyes widen in surprise at the statement.
"…I-it…It is?" I ask. Nyon laughs a little at the question.
"Yes, Hancock's told me a lot about you. She also told me you'd be here tonight working on that project of yours"
"S-s-she has?" I ask in surprise. Nyon nods and offers me her hand. Of course, I politely take it and shake her hand gently "well…it's nice to meet you too ma'am…although, I wish we hadn't really in this situation" suddenly all of these introductions seem annoyingly wrong. Nyon nods in understanding and then looks over my shoulder at her granddaughter.
"…Luffy…I'd hate to seem rude, but I think it'd be best if you go home now" Nyon states, her worrying gaze resting on Hancock, who's already being comforted by Marigold "This is…a rather personal family matter you see…"
"O-of course…" I reply nervously "Say no more. I understand completely…" After all, it did make sense. Hancock probably didn't feel like working after that…and I couldn't do this project without her. I scoop up my bag and then walk towards the door "I'll…I'll just see myself out…"
"But Luffy…" Hancock suddenly calls, looking distraught at my departure.
"I'll talk to you tomorrow" I told her, turning around and faking my best smile to reassure her "I wouldn't want you working after…after that…" For a moment, my voice crackles but I cough loudly and it goes back to normal "well…I…I guess I'll see you all later then"
"Goodbye" Sandersonia and Marigold call, seeming surprisingly friendly, despite my cowardice...
Their amiable nature made me feel sick.
I hated myself.
Without another word, I head down the stairs, giving a wave to both Nyon and the girls before opening the front door and stepping outside.
I'm met with a cold street as the wind sweeps up on me, embracing me in my shame, as if I need comforting from my disgrace. The dark clouds made rain seem inevitable but, despite the threat, the rain never came, as if it was giving me the courtesy of walking home without any more shame being place on my head.
Despite this kind act from the weather, however, I was still depressed. I had failed Hancock…I had been too slow. What if something had happened? What if I'd have just sat there? What if…
I suddenly gave up on my questions and began to walk.
I hate this feeling.
It's like I'm running away from my troubles.
Like I'm retreating in shame…but...Nyon was right.
As much as I wanted to help and make up for my stupid cowardice and oblivious nature, it was best that I left Hancock alone to recover. Comforting her would have been much difficult with me there, seeing as she was putting on a brave face, keeping all the sadness locked up in my presence.
I clench my fist angrily and look up at the sky.
I feel like screaming.
Maybe I should do that.
Maybe I should just let out my frustrations and my rage and all of the complex feelings in my head.
How I hate that…that MONSTER for attacking his own daughter for no good reason.
How I hate myself for breaking my promise to Sabo and listening to Hancock, abandoning her in her hour of need.
But most of all, I want to shout out about how I was feeling strange. How some mystery feeling had crept up on me and now, for some reason, I was feeling strange when I was around Hancock.
But, even though I wanted to, I just couldn't.
No rage would break free and howl into the night.
No sorrow would leave my lips in a wail.
Not even any hatred could cause me to roar at the heavens.
Because…I just feel empty.
I feel completely worthless.
Great job Superhero…
Usopp P.O.V
I couldn't get over just how large Kaya's house is.
It's gigantic.
After all, she lives in the richest neighbourhood in town. I could almost imagine the very streets being paved with gold…and here I am, standing around in my un-tucked white school shirt with my undone tie hanging loosely from my neck.
I feel so out of place. No wonder I'm getting such glares as I walk down the street. Each house on the row shines in the fading light, glistening like silver in the sunset. I give a small whistle of appreciation.
I admit, Kaya was living the dream. Her house stood out the most, at least to me it did. Where as all of the other houses along the side of the street look strangely perfect to an almost surreal extent, Kaya's house looks like it has people living in it. True, it is essentially just her and her two caretakers living together under one roof but it still looks a lot more like a home than all of the other ornaments decorating the sides of the road.
Whilst it is a big house, it isn't exactly a palace or a mansion either.
It's big; don't get me wrong, but Vivi's house still makes this place look like a one bedroom apartment. Then again, Vivi is the daughter of an important politician and whilst Kaya's parents were millionaires, they had passed away when she was little and Kaya had never been the kind of person to squander money.
From what I know, I think it was her choice to come to public school instead of learning at home. She wanted the proper experience and she wanted to be able to make friends instead of being stuck in the house all day, learning from some stuffy old teacher. She kept how rich she was a secret too, so we only found out how loaded she was after a year of being friends with her.
Did that change anything between us?
Well, no, not really.
After all, we all got along with Vivi, so why should we change the way we saw Kaya?
Rich or poor, Kaya is a sweet and kind person. She's our friend and she always will be...
I can't deny that I'm getting slightly nervous as I start to approach the door.
On instinct, I look up at the building, admiring the architecture. The house has two levels and an attic. At least that's what I can tell from the outside. There's even a window looking out of the attic. I've got to admit, I'm impressed.
On either side of the front door, the living room and the dining room seems to bulge out from the rest of the house, as if the architects had extended those rooms at the last minute on their plans in hastily drawn scribbles, hoping to get everything to fit.
Then again, I didn't know anything about architecture so maybe that is how most buildings are. Finally, getting over my hesitation, I knock on the door and then wait patiently, tapping my foot on the floor.
After a brief pause, the door is opened by a very tall man dressed in a butler suit. His tie is slightly loose around his neck, similar to mine, and his collar is popped upwards, as if it were defying gravity.
On the sides of his black blazer jacket, there are some odd golden decorations that to the untrained eye…well, kind of look like poop…the oddest part about this man; however, are his shoes, which are striped grey and black, causing my eyes to go into a seizure at the mere sight of them. The green haired butler steps forward a little as he opens the door, takes one look down at me and then scowls.
"I'm sorry sir but we're not interested in buying anything today…" the butler says, closing the door on me.
"I'm not a salesman!" I quickly yell, stopping him from closing the door "I'm from Kaya's class, I'm Usopp"
"Usopp? Usopp, Usopp, Usopp?" the man lulls over my name on his tongue, his hand stroking his chin in thought "No, can't say Miss Kaya has ever mentioned you before" That comment leaves me disheartened though as the butler goes once more to close the door, I stick my foot in the way.
"We have a science homework to do together! Could you go get her please?" I ask kindly. The butler, however, isn't as keen to do that as I hoped he would be.
"Miss Kaya is far too busy to deal with the likes of street punks like you, now be gone with you…" the butler replys, putting more force on the door in an attempt to crush my foot. Suddenly, however, a voice calls from nearby.
"Klahadore! What's wrong? Is there someone at the door?" the moment the familiar voice hits my ears, I smile and start shouting.
"Merry! Merry, it's me Usopp!"
"Usopp?" Merry's voice asks, before he rounds the corner and gives a gasp of surprise "Well I'll be a Monkey's uncle, Usopp! What are you doing here? Not that I'm complaining or anything but this visit is most irregular!"
"I and Kaya are partners in this science project and she invited me round tonight so we could do some of it" I explain, pushing against the door Klahadore had slammed on my now aching foot.
"She did?" Merry questions and then, for a moment, he's silent before he lets out a gasp of realisation "oh yes! She did mention something about that whilst we were having breakfast! Klahadore, what are you waiting for? Let the poor man come inside! It looks like it's going to rain any second" Klahadore doesn't look too pleased at the prospect but never the less, stood aside to let me in.
"Thanks Klahadore…" I say with a smile, despite the way Klahadore glares back at me "so…where is the lady of the house?"
"She's up the stairs" Merry replies pointing to a grand winding staircase that leads to the top floor "go up to the second floor and up again to her bedroom. Will you be staying for dinner Master Usopp?"
"Well, I'd hate to be a bother…" I respond sheepishly, however, Merry shakes his head.
"Nonsense, we never get guests. It'll be a true chance for me to practice my culinary skills!" Merry announces happily "now, what should I make? A proper roast dinner? Maybe some pasta? Or perhaps I could just make us some chilli con carne! ~Oh~! The possibilities are just ENDLESS!" As Merry continues to speculate on what to cook, I wisely sneak away, disappearing upstairs.
"Usopp!" Kaya yells happily as she opens the door to her room. I wave in reply, ignoring how my cheeks heat up at the mere sight of the blonde haired beauty.
"Hey Kaya, do you want to get started?"
"Yeah, come in" she says with a warm smile, stepping aside to let me enter. As I enter the room, however, I am shocked by the first thing that catches my eye. Kaya's room is in the attic and that means she has a little less space for things…but miraculously, Kaya had made magnificent use of the space.
A small TV is situated at the far end of the room with two beanbags lying in front of it. Right next to where I had entered the room, there was a small desk which currently held Kaya's laptop. The shelves on the desk contained a mixed assortment of things, from CD's to DVDs to books. To my far right, I could see Kaya's bed set into the wall. To my surprise, I notice a small book on her bed and, without warning, I shoot towards it, grabbing it in both hands.
"You read Manga?" I ask in surprise, holding the Skip Beat volume firmly in both hands. Kaya blushes slightly at my question and starts fiddling with her fingers nervously.
"Well…yeah, I dabble a little…" she admits shyly. I can't hide the smile on my face as I look up at her.
Why was it that every new thing I learned about Kaya made me fall in love with her even more?
…wait…you weren't supposed to know that…it's a secret…
Pretend you didn't read that!
…
Oh, who am I kidding?
I've been in love with Kaya since the first time I met her. Don't get me wrong, I'm usually not so sappy that I believe in love at first sight but with Kaya, I'll make an exception. The moment she appeared into our lives on that fateful day of English, I felt something. I didn't know what it was of course but whatever it was, I liked it. It took a while before I realised exactly what the feeling was. It didn't take long before I finally realised what exactly I was feeling for Kaya and after that, things were simple. All I had to do was swallow some courage and ask her out on a date…
But…
But…
Well, I'm the world's biggest coward.
At times, I wish I was more like Luffy, bounding into situations regardless of the consequences or fearless like Zoro and Sanji…but I wasn't.
I'm not brave or strong or fast and that meant that I can never fully muster up the courage to tell Kaya how I feel…
So, that's the situation I've walked into here.
Working on some science homework with the girl I love who's completely oblivious to my feelings.
My life officially sucks eggs…
"Usopp…Usopp?"
"Yeah?" I suddenly reply, snapping out of my daydream.
"I said, don't you think we should get started on the homework" Kaya says, picking up her laptop off the desk. As she bends down to reach, I look away from her, blushing slightly.
"Oh yeah, sure Kaya" I manage to mutter out.
"Well then, you're the tech whizz here" Kaya jokes, gently dropping the laptop on my knee as she sits beside me "do your stuff" as her fingers brush on my legs for a second, a jolt of electricity rushes through my body and I jump slightly. Luckily, Kaya doesn't notice. Quickly getting over my sudden shock, I steady the laptop before turning it on. The sooner we get working, the sooner I can distract myself.
"Right then, let's get to work" I say with a smile as the laptop boots up. Slowly, the quiet but steady humming of the computer grows as the device begins to power up. As usual, the awakening laptop greets Kaya and I with a loud rhythmical tune.
Ignoring this, I keep watching the screen, trying to ignore how close Kaya is sitting next to me. I can already feel myself getting more and more crimson as her arm gently brushes against mine.
The sight of what's on Kaya's desktop, however, is actually so surprising that I actually find myself distracted when it fully boots up. Instead of having the usual background of fields and blue skies, instead, there's just a picture out of the newspaper.
On the picture, there's a man in a red and black costume with a domino mask and a straw-hat perching on top of a lamp post. The picture, however, has been edited slightly and has been zoomed in, in order to get a closer view of the figure. There's no doubt who it is in the picture.
"…Why do you have Scarlet as the desktop background for your laptop?" I ask, turning to face Kaya nervously. Kaya laughs a little at the question and then smiles softly at the screen.
"Well…I guess you could say I'm a big fan" she explains with a giggle "I mean, you always hear about superheroes in comics or in movies right? Going around and saving the world but…to think we've actually got one here, in our city…well, it gives me goosebumps…I feel as if we've got a celebrity right on our doorstep" she explains. Despite her lips moving however, all I truly hear is a little nagging voice in the back of my head.
She's got a crush on a superhero.
She's in love with the Scarlet Wind.
What are you compared to him?
What chance do you have of comparing with a man like him?
"Usopp…are you okay?" Kaya's voice calls and once again, I quickly jolt out of my thoughts.
"Yeah, I'm fine" I say with a soft smile.
"Are you sure? You keep zoning out on me" Kaya inquires with a pout. As she does so, I feel my heart clench a little and then, I smile at her.
"I'm alright Kaya…now let's start this homework shall we?" I ask with a grin.
"Sure" Kaya chirps in reply. I swear her happiness almost makes me melt onto the floor but luckily, I shake off the nervous tingling sensation in my body and quickly start loading up the Internet to start working. Unfortunately, as I went on to search for types of renewable fuel, that quiet mocking voice of doubt continued calling in my mind.
You're no superhero…
I sigh loudly, trying to distract myself and focus on the article on the screen.
"Discovered by scientist's over a decade ago, the mysterious substance known as 'Pop-Green' has proved to be a unique and powerful source of energy. Though it is in the experimental stage, scientists believe that if we can fully unlock the potential of the Pop-Green chemical, we will have truly discovered a reliable form of Eco-friendly power. However, despite this fact, experts still believe that 'Pop-Green' is quite rare, meaning that all of these theories may merely be just speculation and rumour"
Luffy P.O.V
The walk home from Hancock's house is…quiet to say the least. Despite how much I tried, I couldn't shake the images from mind. I could picture it all now, the shouting from Hancock's father, the echoing thunder clap and finally, worst of all, Hancock on the verge of tears with a large red mark across her cheek. I growl, kicking at the pavement in rage. How could someone do that? ESPECIALLY TO THEIR OWN DAUGHTER? I spit onto the floor as a sign of disgust, more anger rising within me. However, the anger quickly subsides giving way for another emotion.
Sorrow and pity take centre stage.
Who was I to judge this situation? Hancock's father, from what I could guess, was influenced by alcohol. He had a short temper but before his rage burst through, he was still an ordinary human being. Maybe he'd had a bad life before hand. Maybe he'd been like Hancock, beat up by his parents and from them, he started to abuse his own children. That was how most of these things started right. Besides, I had already judged Hancock's actions. I had seen everything she'd done, not just to Nami but to everyone, as the actions of a bully and a heartless witch…
Now, it looks like they're the actions of a scared little girl, crying out for love and attention.
Love and attention that I'd denied her in favour of resentment.
Hadn't I already learned from what happened to Sabo that revenge and holding grudges didn't solve anything?
I'm so caught up in my dream world of questions that I almost walk straight past my house, but quickly stop myself and head towards the door. I didn't want to be Luffy anymore right now. I felt ashamed in a way. I had sat in the closet like a coward as he…THAT MONSTER did that to Hancock.
I…I wasn't fond of Hancock but no-one deserves to be treated like that. Scarlet would have helped Hancock and saved her from that fate…but Luffy was a coward…wait a minute, wasn't?
I stop in front of the door, my eyes wide with surprise.
What was with the past tense about me disliking Hancock? I mean...she made me laugh and I didn't exactly hate my time with her…but that doesn't mean she's made up for everything…does it?
Or…was I just taking pity on her? That wasn't right…but, maybe…
I groan angrily, clutching at my head.
I need some time to think about things. This was all way too much to handle.
I carefully unlock the door and then step inside, locking the door after me. I'm so out of it that I walk straight through the room, traipsing mud all over Makino's carpet. I didn't care however. I fling my bag in the front room and slowly head up the stairs.
It takes me until I get four steps up them, before I realise that something is wrong. For one, there's no sign of Makino…or Ace for that matter. Second, I could hear some quiet and depressing music floating into the landing from a nearby room. I sigh loudly hearing the noise.
It wasn't a noise that was well received in this house and only one of us had the musical taste to put on 'Crawling' by Linkin Park in his room. Without stopping, I continue my path up the stairs, walk straight past my room and fling Ace's door open. Sure enough, the freckled menace is lying on his bed, gazing at a photograph in his hand.
"Let me guess…" I mutter "she broke up with you again…what is this, like the sixty fifth time you've done this during the time you've been together?" Ace looks up from his picture. His eyes are completely dry and there's no redness to his cheeks. He's not been crying, no matter how broken he's trying to pretend he is.
"Luffy" he growls "sometimes, couples have to take little separation breaks…you know, to test their relationship"
"Yeah…that happens after about a year or so of dating NOT EVERY FREAKING WEEK!" I complain "honestly, you and Nojiko breaking up and getting back together is becoming an unwanted cycle in this family"
"True…" Ace murmurs in reply, before smiling "but the make-up sex is incredible…"
"I DON'T WANT TO HEAR ABOUT THAT!" I yell loudly, covering my ears with my hands. Ace starts laughing at me as I do this.
"Oh yeah, that's right my little cherry! You still haven't popped, have you?" I chose not to reply to that comment and I turn away from Ace "…so, how was your time at Hancock's?" I clench my fist at the question and bite my lip.
"I'm going out" I suddenly announce, throwing my school bag into my room. Of course, Ace stares at me in confusion.
"Going out? You just got in"
"Yeah, well I'm going out again" I retort angrily.
"Makino won't be happy, what should I tell her?"
"I'm at Nami's" I reply bitterly "Or I'm still at Hancock's, I don't know"
"…So which is it then?" Ace asks.
"YOU KNOW WHAT!" I suddenly snap, turning to Ace "Tell her the truth! Tell her I'm going out for some fresh air, to clear my head and I don't know when I'll be back, okay?"
"…Do you want to talk about it?"
"N-not really no…"
"Are you sure?
"Yeah"
"Well, I'll be here if you ever want to" Ace's support makes me smile and even though I want to keep the shame I felt to myself, I still turn to him and nod.
"…Thanks Ace…"
"No problem" Ace says with a smile "That's what brothers are here for. Be careful out there!"
"What are you my mother?" I ask with a laugh.
"No, but Makino's not here, so I'll have to take that job"
"Well Ace, you make a good mum"
"Why thank you…I think…was that a compliment?"
"Of course" I reply through a mocking grin, before closing his door and shut and then heading downstairs. When I get down, I go out the back and close the door behind me.
I'm not just going to walk around like some depressed cat all night, licking my wounds just so I can feel better.
I'm just a ball of rage and sadness right now.
Life moves on and I need to hit something.
Without a second thought, I stretch my arm up the back of the house, pulling me off the floor and towards the window to my room. Then, when I'm there, I casually swing open the window to allow me exit, tightly closing it again afterwards.
Luckily, Ace didn't seem to notice my secret entrance and so, without wasting any time, I open up my wardrobe and, from a secret compartment I had managed to make underneath my wardrobe's floor (I had kicked it a lot to break it so it's not really as complex to do as you think), I take out my Scarlet uniform.
In a matter of minutes, I remerge from the room, dressed in my good old red and black outfit. The final touch of a straw-hat on my head finally completes the picture and, with that, I shoot off a stretchy arm into the night and swing away, smiling happily as I did so.
I don't know why but I always like swinging through the city. The sheer adrenaline flowing through my body cancels out all of those negative thoughts that clouded my mind before hand and now, for the first time today, I can finally let my frustrations out on something…
All I need now is a robbery to foil and my day would just be complete…
? P.O.V
"YOU'LL NEVER GET AWAY WITH THIS!" the idiot guard shouts from the corner he is trapped to by long winding metallic wiring "YOU'LL…" before he could finish his rant, a cable suddenly flicks out of the wall behind him, slapping him in the face. I give an evil smile beneath grey ski mask but still ignore the cries of the man.
"You talk too much" I mutter "don't you know it's not nice to distract someone when he's tampering with your alarm" surprisingly, the guard laughed at my statement.
"Tampering with the warehouse alarm? This isn't some TV show where you clip a red wire and everything falls into place idiot! The silent alarm is going off in two minutes and there's nothing you can do to stop it"
"Stop it?" I suddenly ask, clipping a wire from the network. In reply to this, the warehouse came alive immediately and a loud metallic wail sounded out into the night "now why would I want to do that?"
"Y-you turned on the actual alarm?" the guard questions in confusion "why would you do that?" I giggle at the questions and then crouch down beside the guard, clutching his chin between my two hands.
"It's all part of the big picture my friend" I respond, licking my lips in satisfaction "you see, if you want to catch a mouse, you get some cheese and if you want to catch a dog, you need a bone…so what do you need if you want to catch a super hero?"
"THE ALARM?" the guard realises with wide eyes.
"No…" I chuckle and then, with a grin, I quickly flick both of my wrists to the right, twisting the guard's head painfully. A loud beautiful crack is heard and the man slumps down to one side, his head resting on his shoulder, whilst his body is resting on the wall behind him. I give a joyful smile and stand up, looking down at the corpse with a feeling of ecstasy flowing through my veins. Did he have a girlfriend? A wife? A kid? Family? Oh, I hoped so. It wasn't fun killing people who no-one missed.
"What you need…" I continue, answering the dead man's last question "is patience. Patience, noise and lots of dead bodies" I laugh manically before I slump down onto the chair nearby. I pull out a small sharp throwing star from my pocket and run my finger slowly along the edge. Soon, I'd get a chance to test this out.
Hurry up Scarlet, I'm waiting…
To be continued in Chapter 3: Polarity Act 3
Until then, I'm Shadowonthewall6 and no matter what you think after reading this chapter, I'm still a diehard LuNa fanatic :3
Please review. Positive criticism is welcome.