He had never anticipated anything like this. When the barrel had washed ashore, Gaimon had expected preserved food, fresh water, ship maintenance equipment, maybe even weaponry. But not… a woman. She had long Blonde hair, and was stuck in the barrel which was labeled 'Caution'. She appeared to have passed out, and Gaimon began panicking. He couldn't give anyone medical care in his state! What was he supposed to do?
All of sudden, the woman woke up. She began coughing and spluttering out sea water. Gaimon stood by her, unsure of what he should do. The woman groaned, and rolled her barrel so she was lying down, looking up at the sky. Gaimon waddled over to her side, and saw her eyes begin to focus. She was looking at him. Her eyes widened, and she smiled.
"Hi there," she murmurred. "Could you help me up?"
It had been so long since Gaimon had last spoken that he could only nod curtly before waddling to one end of her barrel, and pushing her upright. The woman grunted and flailed until she was finally standing. She turned around and breathlessly pushed a strand of hair from her face.
"Thank you so much," she said, clasping her hands and leaning forward in what seemed to be an awkward bow. "My name is Sarfunkel. And you are?"
"G-Gaimon," he stuttered, puasing to look at her. She was really very pretty.
"Huh. I never thought I'd meet another one," Sarfunkel remarked, looking Gaimon up and down.
"Another what?" Gaimon asked.
"Another Box Elf! Isn't that what you are?"
"Er.. is just the result of an accident from a few years ago."
"Oh." Sarfunkel said. She seemed slightly sad, and Gaimon felt terrible instantly.
"Well, I guess you could call me that though," he said hurriedly, "if it makes you feel better."
Sarfunkel shook her head."It doesn't really matter."
"Oh.. Ok then," Gaimon mumbled. "Um.. I was just about to have lunch. Would you like to join me?"
"Oh! That would be nice!" Sarfunkel exclaimed, clapping her hands together.
"Alright! Follow me!"
Over lunch, Gaimon learned that Sarfunkel had lost her Box Elf family at a young age and was now travelling the world trying to find them.
"It really is exhausting work," Sarfunkel complained, "I've been a stowaway on so many ships that I don't even know where I am anywhere. By the way, does this island even have a name?"
"Oh yes!" Gaimon exclaimed, always happy to discuss his precious pets. "This is the Island of Rare Animals. I'm the guardian of all these creatures."
A pig-lion strolled up to Gaimon, and began squeal-growling.
"Yes, yes," Gaimon said, pouring the animal a bowl of stew to satiate it.
"He's so cute!" Sarfunkel giggled.
"Not so cute when he's hunting…" Gaimon confessed. "It gets rather bloody."
Sarfunkel shrugged. "We all have to eat. Just 'cuz he's hungry doesn't make him any less adorable."
Gaimon liked this woman very much. She understood the animals just like he did.
"Do you mind if I stay here for a few days before heading out again?" Sarfunkel asked, petting the pig-lion.
"Not at all!" Gaimon said, glad for the company. "Take your time."
A.N.: It's a rather fluffy, cheesy tidbit, but hey, fluff isn't bad all the time. This one is based off of the Chapter 620 cover. I wonder how many of you get the music reference…^_^ Reviews, Favourites, Subscriptions, Reader Birthdays, and Requests are welcomed and much appreciated. I'll see you on the 7th for Bellamy and Kaku!