Episode 6
As the dark of midnight settles over Plum Island, Faye, Dani and Aiku emerge from their home cautiously, looking in all direction as they silently make their way down the forested path. Only a few light bags of items and supplies with them, Faye guards her children they make their way onto the crest of the beach. In the distance, Faye can see the large medical ship setting anchor just off the coast, with several smaller ships being lowered from the sides, filled to the brim with marines.
She pauses for a moment to gain a better perspective. Then she looks down the coastline, spotting the island's lighthouse in the distance.
She kneels down to Dani and places her hand on the back of his neck firmly. "Dani, I want you to take Aiku and go hide in the lighthouse, okay?"
Aiku jumps toward her. "Mommy, no!"
"But why? Where are you going?" Dani wonders anxiously.
Faye looks to the beach. "I'm going to try and distract them. If I can lead them away, we'll have plenty of time to escape."
"Mom, please, I don't think this is a good-"
Faye grips him tightly. "Dani, we don't have any time left! Take her and go. I will be there, I promise."
Dani looks into his mother's eyes. He knows the situation is desperate, but he can sense her trust. "...Okay, I will."
"Stay out of sight! Stay off the path and close to the tree line."
Aiku pulls Dani's shirt. "No!"
Faye leans toward Aiku and grabs her face. "I'll be there, don't worry!" She kisses her daughters forehead, then pushes Dani forward. "Now go-hurry!"
Dani nods and takes Aiku's hand. They run forward and disappear into the night. Faye watches them for a moment, quietly praying that this will not be the last time she sees them. When they are out of sight, she turns and runs toward the beach.
As the marines arrive on the shore line, they hop out of their boats and jog into the town. Each squad leader takes their group around to the first houses they see, waking the residents and showing them the picture of Aiku. Meanwhile, Fukitsu, who is personally overseeing the operation, makes his way directly to Faye's home.
When he arrives, he is surprised to see the door left ajar. He walks inside slowly and gazes around the room, noticing a few items strewn about, as if someone had packed and departed in a hurry. He motions to the soldiers behind him, who rush in and begin searching the home. Fukitsu returns to the front doorstep and looks out over the town.
Just then, Tydus comes running up the path accompanied by his friend. He stops in front of Fukitsu and studies his appearance. "Who are you?"
Fukitsu turns to them and place his hands behind his back. "I am Senior Chief Fukitsu. Have you either of you seen this girl?" He takes the photo of Aiku from his pocket and holds it in front of them.
Tydus immediately recognizes her. "That's Faye's daughter, Aiku."
"Correct. Do you know where she is?"
Tydus glances down the hill at the rest of the town. He can see several marines encircling homes and interrogating people. He turns back to Fukitsu. "What's going on here?!" He inquires.
"A basic search and rescue operation. She's a runaway." He responds coldly.
"Why? What's happening?"
Fukitsu looms closer to him. "I'm afraid that isn't your concern. Now, have you seen her?"
Tydus stares at him for a long moment, unaffected. "...No. I haven't."
Fukitsu examines his face, searching for any hint of a lie. Then he turns away and strides back down the forested path.
Tydus' friend comes beside him. "Why didn't you say anything?"
"Navy dogs. I never trusted them." He spits on the ground.
"But it sounds like she may be in trouble."
Tydus shakes his head. "She's not in trouble. Something else is going on."
"Do you think she'll be alright?"
Tydus smirks. "As long as Faye is with her, she'll be fine."
Moments later, Faye runs down the rocky crest of the beach and locates a nearby group of marines. She flags them down, calling them to her aide.
When she arrives in front of them, she catches her breath and attempts to act frantic. "Oh, thank goodness I found you!" She exclaims.
The marines come in front of her. "Are you alright, ma'am?" One asks.
"No! You're looking for my daughter, correct?"
"Are you her mother? Faye?"
"Yes, that's me!"
"Well then come with us, we'll lead you to-"
"No! Listen! I found her."
"You did?! Where is she?!"
"Last I saw, she was running that way down the beach, heading east with a group of men. Tell everyone you can!" She points in the opposite direction of the lighthouse. "Please, go, hurry!" She commands.
"Right away-come on!" The squad leader runs forward and waves his crew to follow. Faye stands still and watches them run up the beach. Then she turns and runs back in the direction of the lighthouse.
As the marines stomp through the sand, another officer steps onto the path behind them, observing Faye. It is the same officer who battled Chong earlier that day. He removes his sword from his back, then briskly begins to follow her footsteps.
When Aiku and Dani finally arrive at the base of the lighthouse, with small backpacks bouncing on their shoulders, they stop and gaze up at the structure, steadying their rapid heartbeats.
"We made it!" Dani remarks, relived.
Aiku looks to him. "Now what?"
Dani points to an iron stairwell on the side of the wall. "The stairs are right here. Let's get up to the very top!"
"Okay!"
They hastily make their way up the stairs and come to the glass tip of the stone lighthouse. As the light rotates, it shines on their figures, illuminating their bodies. Dani notices and quickly orders Aiku to stay low and out of sight.
Aiku clings to Dani. "Dani...I'm scared." She admits.
Dani comforts her gently. "It's okay, don't worry."
"When will mommy be here?"
"Not much longer now. Just sit here with me. Everything we be alright."
Soon after, Faye finally arrives at the base of the lighthouse. She jumps onto the stairs and runs to the very top. When she reaches the crown, she looks around anxiously, struggling to see anything in the darkness. But to her great relief, she sees her children safe, huddled together underneath the radiant light.
Aiku notices her first. "Mommy!" She yells and runs into her arms.
Faye kneels and grabs her as the light beam bursts behind them. "Stay quiet, Aiku!" She whispers, squeezing her tiny frame. "We must be as silent as we can."
Dani looks to her cautiously. "What should we do now, mom? We need to plan our next move as soon as we can. This is safe for now, but not for long."
Faye raises her head and looks into his eyes. "I know. Let's just stay here a little longer, then we can-"
"Here you are!" A voice rings out from behind her.
Faye quickly spins around. Standing at the top of the stairwell is the officer who had been following her. His sword is drawn and his face is menacing. Faye stands in front of her children, instinctively guarding them as they hide behind her frame.
"Quite a nice hiding spot you have here. Or, at least it was." He cackles. He brings his sword in front of him and points it at Faye. "Don't try anything stupid, woman. Come with me, and I can guarantee the safety of your children."
"You'll never touch them again." Faye growls, her face distorted with anger.
The officer smiles evilly. "Is that so? Let's see about that."
As he moves forward, his blade gleams in the rotating light, ready to strike. Dani and Aiku clutch their mother's coat, stricken with fear. But just as the tip of the officer's sword is about to touch Faye's chest, she abruptly thrusts her arm out, revealing a gun, and pointing it directly at the man's face.
Dani jumps forward. "Mom, no!" He yelps. Aiku gasps.
Faye holds them in place with her other arm. "Stay back! Both of you!"
The officer is stunned for a moment, but then regains his composure. "Is this your last ditch effort? Do you even know how to use it? What a desperate attempt." He laughs.
Faye retains her fierce face and cocks the hammer back, locking eyes with the crazed officer. "Last warning."
"Oh? Is it?" The officer quips.
Suddenly, he swings his blade upward, striking the pistol. Faye watches in horror as the gun is sliced clean in half, rendering it useless. It falls to the ground in front of her.
The officer smirks. "Sorry. Don't know my own strength."
Faye's expression shifts to terror, as she realizes there is nothing left she can do. She backs away and holds both her arms at her side, protecting her frightened children.
"Why are you doing this?!" She screams, her eyes welling with thick tears.
"The Navy's future is none of your concern!" The officer steps forward and brings the blade high over his head. "Now die!"
"NO!" Dani yells in desperation.
As his blade cuts down through the air, aimed directly at Faye, Dani suddenly rushes forward. As time slows around her, Faye watches as Dani jolts toward the officer and plants both of his hands on the man's stomach. With a loud grunt, Dani pushes the officer with all his might, sending him flying off the side, and tumbling down through the air.
"Dani!" Faye jumps forward and grabs him, holding him close.
Yet just as a hint of relief settles them, the officer lands hard on the rocks below, puncturing one of the grenades attached to his belt. With a loud crack and boom, the base of the lighthouse is split apart. The stone splinters and the lighthouse begins to topple, leaning toward the ocean as it slowly falls forward.
Faye grabs both her children and holds them tightly as Aiku screams. But as the lighthouse continues to fall, Faye realizes holding both of them will cause them all to fall as one.
She quickly pushes Dani and Aiku forward. "Grab on! Grab the railing!" She commands.
Dani and Aiku grasp the iron railing, but his sister's small hands are not enough to hold her weight. Dani reaches toward her with his other hand, grabbing her back and securing her in place. When the lighthouse impacts the ground, it lays horizontal along the cliff. Faye falls to the railing below, but catches herself, holding on with one hand. Thick broken glass falls onto her, slicing her face and arms. Blood drips into the dark sea below.
Back on the beach, Fukitsu and the other marines hear the loud crash echoing in the distance. They look toward the sound and notice the lighthouse falling onto the cliff, it's light flickering out in a cloud of dust.
"The lighthouse! Go!" Fukitsu orders his soldiers.
The marines turn and run toward the cliff, merging together as one large group as they pass through the town.
"Mom!" Dani calls to Faye desperately. "Just hold on! I'll climb down-" But when Dani removes his other hand from Aiku, she slips and almost loses her grip on the railing.
"No!" Faye calls out. "Don't let go of her!"
"I can get you!" Dani protests.
"Stay where you are! Don't let her watch this..."
Dani's face grows pale with the sudden realization that this is the last time he will see his mother. He is helpless. There is nothing he can do now.
Dani's breath chokes with fear. "M-m-m...Mom..."
"Listen to me!" Faye cries, her bloody grip starting to slip. "Run! Take her far away from here. Protect her. Build your own life. And live!"
Faye's trembling hand finally loses it's strength. Dani watches in horror as his mother falls through the air and vanishes into the blackness of the sea far below.
"MOTHER!" Dani screams in anguish. Aiku begins to weep.
With his own grip weakening, and Aiku barely hanging on, he realizes that now he must do everything he can to protect what remains. He lifts himself closer to the bar and throws his arm over the side, steadying his balance.
"Can you hold on, Aiku?!" He asks.
"Mommy! Mommy!" Aiku sobs.
"Just hang on, Aiku!" Dani pulls himself onto the railing and turns toward his sister. Just before she loses her grip, he grabs her arm and pulls her over the railing. "Come on!" As Aiku cries out in pain, he lifts her onto his back and runs as fast as he can down the side of the lighthouse. When he reaches the middle, he leaps off the side and on to the cliff. Glancing behind him, he can see the marines jogging down the path, coming closer to them with each step.
As panic sets in, Dani holds Aiku in place firmly and begins to make his way down the jagged rocks to the sea below, hopping and bounding from boulder to boulder. Finally, he reaches coastline and stops to examine his surroundings.
He turns his head to Aiku. "Aiku, are you okay? Can you walk?" Aiku doesn't respond, she only continues to cry uncontrollably. "I know this hurts, Aiku. But you have to keep as quiet as you can. Bury your head in my back, alright?" She forces her face between his shoulder blades and weeps.
Just then, Dani spots a large piece of driftwood between two rocks. He runs over to it and kicks the misshapen log, dislodging it and sending it flying into the water. He wades into the sea and grabs onto the side.
"Hold on tight, okay?" He orders Aiku. Aiku wraps her arms tightly around his neck.
Dani lays his chest on the log and pushes off from the rocks, sending them floating into the dark sea, with only the dim light of the moon to guide them.
"Just hang on! We'll reach one of the islands soon." He assures, kicking the water with all his might. He maneuvers them around a large rock at the corner of the island, and out of sight.
When Fukitsu and the marines arrive at the toppled lighthouse, they search the surrounding area with lanterns, while Fukitsu comes to the edge of the cliff. He looks out over the ocean, but it is too dark to see anything beyond the coastline. He turns back to his soldiers and walks through the rubble of the blast area.
"Looks like a grenade went off, sir." One of the squad leaders remarks.
"Much more than that happened here." Fukitsu grumbles.
"Your orders?"
Fukitsu thinks, stroking is beard. "Keep searching. They must be around this island somewhere. No rest or food until daybreak."
As the sun rises the following morning, Dani and Aiku continue to drift through the calm sea, clinging to the log. Although Dani's strength is starting to fade, he continues to kick his feet, leading them closer to one of the neighboring islands. He breaths heavily, exhausted and anguished from the night's events. Aiku sleeps peacefully on his back, with Dani reaching a hand behind him from time to time to keep her from falling.
Several more hours pass before they finally reach Blueberry Island, a small trading port north of Plum Island, home to friendly townspeople and free of Navy forces. As Dani drifts closer to the shoreline, nearly unconscious from fatigue, a few fisherman notice him.
"Hey-what's that?!" One of them calls out.
A few people run down to the shoreline and quickly drag the log out of the water, carefully lifting Aiku from Dani's back and placing her in the arms of a local woman. Another man grabs Dani and rests him on the sandy shore.
"My god! What happened to them?" The woman wonders, cradling Aiku.
Dani rolls on his side. "Ship...shipwrecked." He murmurs.
"Did you hear that? A shipwreck!" One of the men hollers.
Another man kneels beside Dani and grabs his shoulder. "Don't try to move, son. Stay still. You're alright now." He turns to his friends. "Hurry, get the medic down here!"
Later that evening, Dani and Aiku lay side by side in separate beds, housed at the local inn near the center of the small town. A local doctor examines Dani while some of the townspeople who rescued them look on, patiently waiting by the doorway. The doctor places some supplies back in his bag and walks toward the door.
"How are they, doctor?" One of the women inquires.
The doctor sighs. "Well, the girl is fine. She is well rested now. But the boy is still extremely fatigued. They should be waking soon. When they do, they'll need some good food, and some good company."
One of the men smiles. "Don't worry. We can definitely take care of that."
"Good. Well, I'm off. Call me if you need anything else." The doctor leaves the room with a reassuring expression.
One of the women turns to her friend. "How about we go make some fresh dishes."
The man agrees. "Yeah! Anyone will wake up for some of our famous fish chowder!"
Some time later, the food is prepared and brought into their room by a friendly man and his wife. Two steaming hot bowls of seafood chowder are placed on a small table near the front of the room. Sure enough, Dani and Aiku begin to sniff the air and stir to life.
The woman smiles as they observe the children coming to life again. "See? Told you."
Dani and Aiku both sit up in bed, rubbing their eyes and staggering as they feel their tired muscles straining. "...What's going on? Where are we?" Aiku asks quietly.
The woman comes to her side and places a hand on her back. "This is Blueberry Island, my dear. You and your friend washed ashore together. You're safe now."
"My friend?" Aiku wonders. She looks to Dani. "Oh, that's my brother-Dani."
"Oh, I see! And what's your name?"
"I'm Aiku."
Dani leans toward the woman. "Thank you so much for your help. I greatly appreciate it."
The man comes next to his bed. "Of course, no worries. You two looked like you had been through hell."
Dani's head droops as he remembers the events. "You have no idea..."
"What happened to you?"
"Well-" Aiku starts to speak.
"A shipwreck." Dani quickly interrupts. Aiku looks to him with a odd expression. But as Dani stares back at her, she quickly understands his desire to distract them.
"A shipwreck?" The man repeats. "But I didn't see any large vessels anywhere near here."
"It was a smaller ship. Just me and my sister were aboard."
The woman turns to Dani. "What ever were you doing out on the ocean all alone?"
"Exploring. It was foolish, I know. And I apologize for all the trouble." He bows his head.
The man grabs his shoulder and forces him upright again. "That's okay, don't you worry about a thing. What's done is done. You're safe now, that's all that matters." He then turns and takes the bowls of soup from the table, placing them in front of both children. "Here, we made these for you. You must be starving."
They watch in delight as Dani and Aiku gasp with excitement, quickly gobbling down the delicious seafood chowder before they can say another word.
The man chuckles. "Look at that. My famous chowder strikes again!"
Dani and Aiku finish the last bits of fish, then thrust their bowls forward at the same time. "Any more?!" They say in unison.
The man laughs and grabs the bowls. "Of course! Have as much as you like!" He fills their bowls again and hands them over. Both begin to slurp it down vigorously.
The woman comes beside Dani as he eats. "The next thing we need to do is call your parents. Do you have a number we can dial?"
Aiku's spoon falls into the soup as she is stricken with shock, recalling the vivid memories of her mother falling from the cliff.
Dani notices and hastily develops an answer. "We...we'll call them. Right after we eat, okay? Please don't trouble yourselves anymore." He forces a smile.
The woman studies Aiku's expression for a moment, then looks back to Dani. "...Alright, if you say so. There's a transponder snail right over there when you need it." She gestures to the corner of the room.
Dani nods. "Thank you."
The man begins to make his way out of the room. The woman follows. "We'll leave you two alone now. Just call if you need anything else."
"Thanks."
Aiku places her bowl down in front of her and begins to weep again. Dani jumps out of bed and sits beside her, embracing his sister and rubbing her back gently. "Aiku, I know this is hard. I...I wish I knew what to say."
"You don't have to say anything. I know what happened." Aiku sobs. She lifts her head and looks to him. "Is she...is she really gone?"
Dani pauses to find the right words. Then he looks into her eyes and smiles softly. "Of course not. She's right here." He places his hand over Aiku's heart. "She'll always be right here. Remember when she told us that?"
Aiku nods once. "Yeah. She said if she ever left us, no matter what, she'd always be with us." She holds Dani's hand.
"That's right. I know this is difficult to understand. But we'll get through this together, okay? I'll always be here for you."
Aiku smiles at him through flowing tears. "I know."
Then Dani thinks of something. "Hey, you still have her watch, right? That's a wonderful memento."
Aiku drops her head, her face contorting with sadness again. "No..." She murmurs.
"What? Where is it?"
"That man took it." She whimpers.
"What man?"
"The man who was in charge of the medical ship. He name was Fukitsu."
"He took it from you?"
Aiku holds her face, as tears fall onto her sheets. "I begged him not to. But he grabbed it and I never saw it again."
Dani gazes out the window, a fire of resolve glowing in his eyes. He looks to Aiku again and holds her shoulders tightly. "Aiku, listen to me." She looks to him, sniffling. "I will get that watch back for you. I promise I will. I don't care how long it takes. I'll return it to you."
Aiku's tears begin to fade, replaced by a hopeful smile. She buries her face in his chest and wraps her arms around him. "Thank you." She whispers. She folds herself into her brother's embrace, remaining quiet for some time. Then he hears her trembling voice again. "...Dani?"
"What is it?"
Her expression grows serious. "I need to tell you something else..."
On the outskirts of the island, some of the townspeople watch as small ship finishes mooring at one of the outer docks. Three men step off the boat onto the wooden platform and begin to stride forward confidently. It doesn't take long for the people to notice their white uniforms reflecting in the moonlight. Marines have arrived.
As the siblings sit together in their room, under the twinkling stars of Blueberry Island, a feeling of uneasiness rushes over Dani.
"I have something I need to tell you..." Aiku repeats, her tone more severe.
Dani pulls Aiku away from him and looks her in the eyes. "What is it? What's wrong?"
Aiku hesitates for a moment, shyly redirecting her gaze. "I...I'm not sure if I can-"
"Aiku, you can tell me anything. You know that." She looks to him hopefully. "We need to share everything, especially now."
Aiku nods slowly, finding her words. "The Marines. They made me do something else while I was there."
Great concern contorts Dani's face. "What happened?"
Aiku's words catch in her throat, but she decides to spit them out as quickly as she can. "...They fed me a devil fruit."
Dani drops his hands and backs away from her involuntarily, filling with shock once again. "A devil fruit?" He whispers. Aiku nods. "Are you certain that's what it was?"
"Yes. They told me what they were going to do."
"But why-I don't understand."
"Me neither. The man who stole my watch mentioned something about wanting to do it immediately. He couldn't wait. So they made me eat it." She drops her head in shame.
Dani thinks for a moment. "Are you alright? How do you feel?"
Aiku shrugs sadly. "I feel fine. Nothing has happened."
"Did they tell you what kind it was?"
Aiku shakes her head. "No. I have no idea."
Dani leans closer to her again and grabs her shoulder. "I understand. This is just another thing we'll have to figure out together, okay?"
Aiku looks to him with watery eyes. "Am I going to be alright? Will I get sick?"
"No! Of course not. It just means that you'll have new, special abilities, that's all." Dani tries to reassure her, but he can tell she is still upset. "Hey, you remember Chongy ate one too, right?" Aiku nods. "He got a really cool power. I'm sure he'll come to enjoy it eventually."
A bit of hope rushes back into Aiku. "Really?"
Dani smiles. "Yeah. So you might have something cool too."
Aiku perks up. "Like flying?!"
Dani chuckles. "Well, I don't think it will be that extreme. We'll just have to wait and see."
Aiku nods, satisfied for now. "Okay."
"It doesn't mean I forgive them. But what's done is done. Nothing to do except deal with it. For now, I think we should try and get some more sleep. We can-"
Dani is suddenly interrupted by their bedroom door swinging open. He looks to the doorway, filling with new horror as he realizes three marines are standing before them. Aiku screams and grabs her brother, hiding her face from the sight. Dani wraps his arms around Aiku to protect her, his face full of rage.
"What are you doing here?!" Dani yells to them.
Two of the marines step forward, unveiling pistols from their long white coats. One stays by the door, keeping his face covered with a deep hood. "Are you Dani and Aiku?" One of the marines inquires.
"No." Dani snaps, hoping the simple diversion might throw them off.
The other marine steps forward. "Stop playing games. We know who you are."
"You are to come with us immediately."
"And if we don't?" Dani asks.
"We have orders to kill you on sight. Just you." The marine points to Dani.
Dani grips Aiku tighter, his eyes narrowing with fearful anger. "You won't take her." He snarls.
The marine sighs and aims his gun at Dani. "Fine. As you wish."
Dani closes his eyes and holds his sister, ready for the final moment to arrive. But to his great surprise, as soon as the marine cocks the gun, both sailors are abruptly knocked to the ground. Dani looks to the doorway and sees the hooded marine standing over them, a double bladed staff in his hands. He had used it to knock both of them out cold.
As the hooded marine makes his way over to them, Dani freezes in fear instinctively. "What do you want? Who are you?"
When the marine comes in front of Dani and Aiku, he draws his hood back, revealing a young face. "A friend." He replies gently.
Dani studies him for a moment, but then immediately recognizes a very familiar face. "Bara!" He calls out in amazement.
Bara smiles. "Hello, Dani."
"What are you doing here?" He asks. Aiku lifts her face from Dani's chest to look.
"My job. Well, I was doing my job."
Dani looks to Aiku. "Aiku, it's Bara! Remember him? He left to join the Navy a few years ago."
Bara bends forward. "Hi, Aiku! You certainly have grown quite a bit!"
Aiku looks between Bara and Dani. "T-thank you..."
Bara steps back. "Sorry, I'm sure the uniform is scarring her."
Dani jumps off the bed and stands in front of him. They give each other a hasty embrace. "But what are you doing here? I thought I was dead for sure."
"Me too, that's why I came."
Dani pulls Bara away and steps back. "I don't understand."
"I was on the medical ship that took Aiku. That was my crew."
"I see..." Dani rubs his chin.
"But when I heard about what was about to happen to Plum Island, I just couldn't serve anymore."
Dani shakes his head. "Bara, that's crazy. You'll be court martialed."
Bara smirks. "Not if I leave."
Dani is stunned by this. "You're jumping ship?"
"After this whole ordeal? Of course."
"That's a dangerous, sudden decision. Are you sure?"
Bara nods. "Absolutely. Nothing sudden about it. Truth be told, I had been considering it for a while. I was-" Just then Bara hears voices in the hallway. He looks toward the door, then back at Dani. "We should continue this conversation elsewhere. We need to go."
Dani is confused. "Go? Go where?"
"Off this island."
"Off the island?" Dani repeats.
Bara steps toward him with a serious expression. "I'm asking you to trust me. We need to go."
Dani ponders the new situation, but quickly determines this may be the right action to take. He nods confidently. "Right. Let's go."
Moments later, Bara leads Dani and Aiku out of their bedroom and into the hallway. Avoiding any townspeople who may be wandering through the inn, they make their way onto the street, then briskly walk back toward the docks. When they arrive in front of the small marine boat, Bara guides them onboard, then jumps in himself. They untie the ship and slowly make their way out into the bay.
As they sail under the moonlight, Dani wraps a large wool blanket around Aiku. "Is that warm enough?" He asks.
Aiku smiles at him. "Yes, thank you."
"Okay. Try to get a little sleep now."
Aiku nods, then carefully lays herself down on the boat's thin bench.
Dani turns toward Bara and sits down on the edge of the boat. "Thank you, Bara. I'm in your debt, my friend."
Bara smiles. "Don't mention it. I'm not going to let my friends be treated this way."
"You were always independent. It surprised us all when you left to join the Navy." Dani crosses his arms and looks out over the ocean.
"Me too." Bara admits, adjusting the rudder. "But I think I just wanted to escape."
Dani agrees. "Growing up on a tiny island can have that affect on you."
"Exactly. I knew I couldn't be a pirate, so that was the next best thing."
"So what happened?" Dani wonders.
Bara thinks, recalling his recent memories. "Well, things just became too corrupt. I didn't know the Navy acted this way. This event on Plum Island wasn't the first. Their darkness runs deep."
"That makes sense."
"After a while I just couldn't take it anymore. I was about to leave long before this, but when I heard about this operation on my home island, I decided to stay and see what was going on for myself. And then when Faye..." His voice trails as he remembers the tragic event. Dani drops his face to the floor. "Dani, I'm so sorry." He places his hand on Dani's shoulder gently.
Dani looks to him with a weak smile. "I'm sorry you had to see it, too." He gazes at Aiku, who is now peacefully sleeping. "We have shed our tears. Now it's time to do something about it." He states.
Bara grins. "Hey, I did do something about it, right?"
Dani nods. "You did. And I'm grateful. Truly." Then Dani thinks of their next destination. "So where are we heading now?"
Bara gestures to the horizon. "To another neighboring island. We have to keep moving. From now on it's vital that you change locations frequently. Fukitsu is sending detachments to all the islands within a 10 mile radius. And after that the search will only keep expanding."
Dani is confused by this. "But that's something I don't understand. Why is he so set on capturing Aiku? You'd think she committed a war crime."
Bara sits beside him. "You don't know Fukitsu, do you?" Dani shakes his head. "Fukitsu is not a traditional marine. He's a former bounty hunter who now works exclusively for the Navy."
"I've never heard of something like that."
"It's something new the Navy implemented not long ago. Sort of a neo-Navy. They sought out dedicated, skilled hunters who value their sense of justice, offering them positions of power and steady pay instead of collecting random criminals."
"So they hunt for rank instead of money?"
Bara nods. "Exactly. With each bounty collected, they rise higher, until they have as much control and authority as some of the Vice Admirals."
"But what does Aiku have to do with all of this?"
Bara gathers his thoughts. "Aiku had been selected for a new program overseen by Fukitsu. In this program, they take children who have a specific lineage factors and feed them powerful devil fruits. As they grow in captivity, they are brainwashed, groomed and trained to use them to their highest advantage, producing super soldiers which can be utilized as enforcers-at least that's how I understood it."
"That's horrifying."
Bara nods solemnly. "They call them Drakens. And Fukitsu was selected to oversee everything. The Navy's plan was to build a brand new arm of the fleet with these former bounty hunters. An incredibly powerful special operations force. Aiku was the very first selection. After searching for years, he finally found her. And now, he's not going to let her go."
"Now I understand. So this is all about his reputation and advancement."
"Precisely. Not only is this his chance to prove himself, but Aiku was fed the most powerful and valuable fruit they have. She's irreplaceable, and a fugitive."
"Unbelievable..." Dani breaths. "What was this fruit anyway?" He inquires.
"She didn't tell you?" Dani shakes his head. "It's the alch-alch fruit. Alchemy."
Dani sits forward in surprise. "Alchemy? I didn't know such a fruit existed."
"You'd be surprised how many different varieties there are."
Dani looks to Aiku and falls deep into thought.
By early sunrise the next day, Bara's boat arrives at the next island. He maneuvers the vessel into the dock, as Dani hops out to help him moor the lines. After the boat is tied, Dani grabs a still sleeping Aiku and a carries her down the platform and into the town.
"Which island is this?" Dani asks.
"This is Cloudberry Island."
"Are we safe here?"
"For now. This is about 20 miles away from Plum. We'll be safe for a few days at least."
"Sounds good."
Soon after, they arrive at another inn and check themselves in. When they come inside their room, Bara changes out of his marine uniform to avoid anymore unwanted attention. Dani lays Aiku on the bed, as Bara cautiously looks out the window, ever observant of their surroundings.
Bara comes beside Dani, placing a dark cloak over his body. "I'm going to have a quick look around. We can't be too complacent anymore."
Dani nods. "Alright. I think I'll go into town and try to find something to eat for the night."
"Just be careful. Keep your head on a swivel. Try to be observant of every person you see."
"I will."
"And here, take this." Bara hands him a small pouch filled with a wad of cash. "Stole it from the pursers officer before I left. Buy whatever you need." He smiles.
Dani returns his smile and pats his arm. "Thank you, Bara. For everything."
Bara gives an affirmative nod, then turns and walks out of the room.
Dani looks to Aiku, who is yawning as she sits up in bed. "Still tired?"
Aiku rubs her eyes. "Yeah. A little."
"A hard bench isn't a good place to sleep. Why don't you keep napping, and when you wake up I'll be back with some good food, okay?"
Aiku grins. "Okay." She lays down in her bed and quickly falls asleep again.
Dani smiles as he pulls a thick blanket over her. He tucks her in, then turns to walk out of the door.
When he arrives in town, he discovers a more bustling area than he had imagined. Although Cloudberry Island was very small, it had many frequent visitors, being located directly on the border of the Grand Line. As Dani wanders through the crowds, he is careful not to raise his face to any potentially suspicious eyes. He keeps his head lowered as he searches through various food stands and vendors.
After selecting a few meats, vegetables and fruits from some of the sellers, he stops in front of a bizarre shop that seems to be selling an array of different items. Rare coins, old statues, incense and spices from all over the sea, and even some odd fruits kept in a separate decorative basket. As he looks through the items, a few catch his curious eyes, but one stands out among all the rest.
As his eyes come to the end of the seller's table, he spots something very odd, and very familiar. A light blue fruit with distinctive swirl marks. His head tilts to the side as he studies it. "It can't be..." He murmurs to himself. He reaches his hand out and picks up the fruit, holding it carefully between his fingers, examining it as if it were some rare mineral.
The vendor steps forward, noticing Dani holding the item. "Ah, you found it!"
Dani looks to him. "Is this...?"
"Yep! It's devil fruit! Real thing too. I swear. A lot of people don't believe me, they think I sell fake items here for some reason. But I assure you, I don't. That's the real thing!" He points to it.
Dani runs his thumb over the fruit's leathery surface. "What kind is it?"
The vendor shakes his head. "That's the one thing I don't know, unfortunately. Probably why no one wants it. Not many people are interested anyway, I suppose..."
"Been having trouble trying to sell it?"
"I'll say. It's been sitting there for weeks now. I thought it was going to rot!"
Dani thinks for a long moment, rolling it across his fingers. "Well. You just found yourself a buyer."
The vendor's eyes light up. "Really?! Oh wow, that would be great son, thank you!"
Dani removes the money pouch from his belt. "I don't have much left after I got all these groceries, but..."
The vendor waves his hands. "No matter. Just give me what you have left and we'll call it even."
Dani smiles. "Deal."
Some time later, Dani returns to their room at the inn. Bara sits by the window as Aiku sleeps, still gazing out over the town, keeping a close eye on the docks. Dani places his food bag down on the table and begins removing the contents.
Bara looks to him. "Find anything good?"
Dani grins happily. "Oh yeah! Lot's of good stuff. I was surprised how busy it was. Lots of stuff for sale."
Bara agrees. "It's because of the island's location. It's right on the border of the Grand Line, so adventurers and pirates all come here-sometimes by the hundreds."
As Dani removes the last of his contents from the bag, the only item left at the bottom is the blue devil fruit. He stops himself and looks to Bara. "Would you...would you excuse me for one minute, Bara? I need to talk with Aiku."
Bara nods. "Of course. I'll take this food down stairs and have it prepared. I'll be back when it's ready."
"Thank you."
Bara grabs the food from the table, then walks out the door and makes his way downstairs to the kitchen area.
Dani takes his bag, the devil fruit rolling at the bottom, and comes beside Aiku's bed. As Aiku stirs to life again, he sits on the end of her bed and waits for her to wake up.
Aiku rolls to her side, then sits up to greet him. "You're back."
Dani smiles. "I'm back. You hungry?"
Aiku nods happily. "Very!"
"Good. Bara is downstairs now having the food prepared. He'll be back up in just a minute. Then we can have a nice feast, alright?"
Aiku smiles. "Okay!"
Dani takes a deep breath as he carefully reaches into the bag, grasping the fruit. "...And, I found something else interesting down there."
Aiku perks up and slides closer to him. "What is it?"
Dani slowly removes the fruit from the bag and holds it in front of her. For a moment, Aiku is shocked and pushes away from him fearfully. "Is that...?"
Dani nods. "Yes. It's a devil fruit. One of the vendors was selling it."
"But I don't want that!" Aiku protests.
Dani grabs her shoulder and settles her. "No, don't worry, Aiku! This isn't for you." He examines the fruit again. "This is...for me."
Aiku gasps and jumps toward him. "Dani, no! You can't!"
Dani smiles warmly at her and takes her hand. "Yes. I can. And I will."
"But you don't know what will happen!"
Dani looks into her eyes. "Yes I do. When I take this fruit, we'll be equal again."
Aiku shakes her head and closes her eyes tightly. "I don't understand..."
Dani turns to her and places his hand under her chin. "Aiku, look at me." She raises her face to his again. "Remember when I told you that we're going to do everything together from now on? I made a promise to you, that I would never let you go through anything alone anymore. Any problems we may have, any issues we may face, any hardships we must endure-we do them together. Now, and forever."
Aiku begins to tear as she understands his sacrifice. "Dani...You don't have to do this." She whispers.
"I know. But I want to. For you. And for me."
A soft smiles appears on Aiku's face. "Thank you."
Dani nods assuredly. He takes one final look at the fruit, then places it in his mouth. He chews vigorously, quickly mashing it and forcing it down his throat. He briefly sits motionless, then begins to hack and cough. "Ugh-it's disgusting!"
Aiku is surprised for a moment, then she giggles. "I told you! It's gross!"
"Really gross!"
They share a hardy laugh as the midday sun shines bright overhead, the vivid blue sky illuminating the world in brilliant light, ushering in a brand new life and adventure for them both.
That same light now shines above Sky's fleet.
Below deck, the Straw Hats and the rest of his crew stand quietly next to his bed, listening intently as he finishes his grand tale, recounting the tragic events which led him to this point. Tydal and Tiff embrace in grief. Chong sits still in a corner. Bara leans against the wall, lost in thought. In front of Sky's bed, Robin stares at the floor. Nami covers her mouth in sadness. Sanji comforts her as her tears flow. Luffy and Zoro stand behind them, their faces turned to stone, respectfully observing.
"And on it went..." Sky continues, removing his mind from the visceral memories. "Bara, Aiku and I continued to travel from port to port, keeping ourselves hidden from most of the public. Over time, both Aiku and I slowly began to discover our powers, practicing them in remote areas of the Grand Line. Eventually, Bara discovered that months after the event, the World Government completely took over Plum Island, evicting all of it's residents and casting them out into the world so that they could continue to grow their facilities. By that time, we had acquired a ship, and invited as many as we could to sail with us while we searched for a new home. We traveled for years as a large fleet, until Aiku finally unlocked the full potential of her skill. Using our ships for material, and the knowledge of our master builders, she began to construct what you now see today. A Lighthouse Empire. A new city for the lost, in dedication to the woman who sacrificed all for us to live."
Robin takes a deep breath and raises her head. "What an incredible story..."
"So sad." Nami adds in a gruff whisper, wiping her tears. "I am truly sorry you had to experience so much."
Sky lifts his head and smiles at her. "It was an ordeal. But still we grew through it. Like a flower expanding through the rock, it only makes you stronger."
Sanji leans forward. "And what about Fukitsu? What happened to him?"
Sky pauses, then looks to him. "Although his failure to capture Aiku was obvious, the Navy decided to take another approach. Instead of punishing him, they made him stronger. They gave him the resources he needed to continue his hunt, understanding that his resolve was unwavering, and very strong. A few years after the event, the Black Sail Brigade was created. He was given the title of Warrant Officer, as well as the fleet of ships you see today. All of them recruited former bounty hunters. The most merciless, vicious dogs you could imagine. And leading the two iron arms of his fleet, successful Drakens."
"What Aiku was supposed to be." Sanji comments.
Dani nods. "Yes. She'd be standing there now, if we had not saved her."
The group remains silent for a long moment, letting the notions wash over them.
"...Now I understand." Zoro's voice rings out from behind the crew. He stands with his eye closed, thick arms crossed and deep in thought. "Your existence didn't make any sense to me until now. I was always curious as to why you lived your life like this. You fly a pirate flag, but you don't act like traditional pirates. You don't adventure, or explore, or plunder, or raid. You don't value treasure, or rush into battle, or willingly fight the with the Navy. You're not wanted criminals trying to make a name for yourself in the New World..." He opens his eye and stares at Dani. "You're fugitives, just trying to be free."
Dani nods once. "That's right."
"But then, why fly a pirate flag at all?" Robin wonders.
Dani looks at the Straw Hats stoically. "Because being a pirate isn't about bounties, or conquest, or battle." He smiles. "It's about being free."
At the back of the room, Luffy grins brightly and chuckles to himself.
End of Episode 6