Everything seamed heavy,my body didn't want to move,darkness was the only thing I could see.I couldn't tell where I was or what was happening.Then a bright light appeared and suddenly I was in front of a bar called Dead Man's Tavern. I have no idea how I got here but I may as well find anwsers,so I entered the bar.
It was well lit,and surprisingly busy,even when the world is in chaos people always find a reason to drink.I walked around all the drunkerds and got to the counter where I saw the bar tender.Now i've been in a bar before so this is nothing new,now i've never had alcohol mind you,I just found it a great place to gather intel.
I sat on one of the bar stoles and waved at the bartender,it was odd,he stared right at me but didn't seem to notice me,at this point I called out to him.Now the bar was loud but not loud enough where he wouldn't be able to hear me.But Even so he still didn't acknowledge my presence.It honestly kind of freaked me out and pissed me off.Is he ignoring me?
Then I got a sudden cold sensation,like something was passing through me,and that feeling didn't leave.Then a loud voice rang out,right in my ear.
"Hey Benny get me something cold to drink!"
He was so loud he scared me and I fell out of my chair on the ground,and I went to yell at him,but then horror struck me,that's why it sounded like he was right next to my ears,because he was! He was sitting in the seat I had just been sitting in.What's going on here, Curiosity struck me and I reached out to touch him only to find it was true.I passed right through him,it shocked me so bad I ran around the bar running to people but no one saw me,and someone even walked right through me.
I was breathing heavily,I was scared no one can see me what am I supposed to do!And then it occurred to me I haven't heard Coarpse in awhile,what is happening?
At that moment I heard the sound of the door opening,and it all clicked together.Standing in the doorway was the princess of the hybrid kingdom,who I know is supposed to be dead.My dead mother was standing right in front of me,and even walked through me.I felt tears prick the corners of my eyes,i'm in the past.I don't know how I got here but I knew for a fact now,that,that was where I was.
I watched my mom walk towards the man who was sitting in the seat I was.He wore a cloak and seamed to be trying to hide his identity,which worked because even when he looked in my direction his face was covered by the shadow of his hood.
"Rouge,how nice of you to join me!"The man laughed out,my mother stood in front of him with a concerned expression. "What is it you want,you never just ask to hang out like this ." When she said his name it just turned into static.So for some reason I can't know this guys name?
"Oh come on Rouge what wrong with having a little fun once in awhile,come on drinks on me!"She sat in the stool next to him and accepted the drink.They talked a little back and forth nothing worth noting that was until he brought something up.
"I heard King Garp had enough of his son and locked him away in his room."The man stated dramaticly,he's talking about my dad?
"How could someone do that to there own child!?"Trust me mom it's not just his child he'd do that to……
"I don't have a clue,hey I have an idea! Why don't you go sneak him out,you've been in his castle before since the Kings met up sometimes."He seemed a little pushy with the subject.
"I want to help him,but that's risky,it could put the kings at odds with each other,I don't think that's a good idea…."
"Suit yourself,he'll probably be dead by next week though,you know Garp is a man of no mercy."What is he trying to do here,I don't understand! I watched my mother bite her lip,and then looked forward with a new sense of determination,and walked out the door.
After she left the bar went quiet,to quiet,then everyone started laughing,they looked like they were having a party.
"You got her to do what you wanted with no issues,she's so stupid!" A fat man said laughing out,I went to punch him but only went through him and landed harshly on the ground.
"Do you think those two will fall in love,if they do then they are both retarded."I was seething in my own anger,but I knew there was nothing I could do,i'm in the past this has already happened.Then the hooded man finally spoke and I was very curious as to what he was going to say.
"Let's throw a party and celebrate men,nineteen years from now the Kings will fall."The cloaked figure shouted,I was pissed how dare he trick my mother,what does he gain from this.Then slowly everything started fading out the only thing I could see was him,and at that moment he was facing away from me,that was until he slowly started turning until I could just see the light of his eyes and a creepy smile.Then he said one last thing.
"Soon…….."And just like that he disappeared,and everything went dark again.
I felt myself almost launch out of a bed,I was in a cold sweat,I looked around the room,and it looked like a medical ward.
"Luffy you're awake!"I heard Tashigi cry out next to me.
"Uhhh…..yeah,what happened head is killing me!"
"You saw into the past,that's not something you can do and expect to not get a headache.I couldn't even talk to you." That explains why I couldn't hear him.
"Well we were training,and when it was Kumas turn to spar with you,you started screaming and clutching your head yelling for 'him' to stop,who ever 'him' is,then you fell to the ground and well….. you opened both eyes and they started glowing with the hands of a clock……"CRAP,what do I do now,do I say that happens sometimes with one of my abilities,no way she'd buy that.
"Also why would I stop when you're suffering is so entertaining haha." Your sick.
"Please be honest with me Luffy,did…..did you see another timeline….,it's not unheard of people being able to see into time without it being part of their abilities."This shocked me,that's possible!Well if it is then that's what i'm sticking to!
"Yeah……I did…"She looked at me with a sad expression.
"We had someone here a long time ago that could see through time, she ended up losing her sanity and……"She drifted off.
"Did she kill herself?"May as well not sugar coat it,i'm a kid but i'm not stupid.
"Debatable."
"Y-yes,she did,it was a sad day for everyone we all loved her,but seeing through time messed with her head and she lost grip on reality.And now i won't let the same time happen twice,Luffy will you make a promise to me?"I looked at her wearily.
"Please promise me that no matter what happens that you stay positive no matter the situation,and please stand up for yourself don't let these visions rule over you!And lastly,that no matter the circumstances that you will never give into insanity!Promimse me at least that! I can tell you're a good kid,and that you've been through a lot but please don't let that weigh you down like it did her!" I could tell she was pleading with me,and honestly that's a hard promise to make,unlike the other lady I have a lot more issues then seeing through time.But the promise I made to my father helped me remain sane,so maybe this will too.
"Don't make a promise you can't keep." Your just saying that because you don't want me to keep it.
"Ok Tashigi I promise."She seemed pleased with my answer.
"Thank you Luffy."She smiled sweetly and I decided then and there that I liked seeing her smile,her smile reminded me of mom.
"Well now that you've woken up let's go harass the boys!"
Two weeks later
"You've gotten stronger Luffy,your swordsmens ship has improved!"Tashigi said as our swords clashed."Ok,it's time to take five.We sat down on a nearby bench,and talked about some of the books in the library,she was more into hero's and such,not really my thing,but to each there own.Then Smoker bust through the door and ran at us,which at this point I got a bit used to it.
"He's childish."
"What's up hun."I also learned that Tashigi and Smoker were dating, which I think that they make a cute couple.I also found out that they both ended up killing each other's parents to save the others life,which was sad,but that's the way our world works anymore. Kill….. or be killed,which is stupid,I refuse to kill anyone.
"Tch."
"We are going on another supply run,and we're also going to try and get information while we're out."Smoker shouted obviously exited.
"That's awesome honey,when will we be leaving!"
"Here in about an hour."
I may not like our world but at the same time I feel like I need out of the base sometimes.At times I feel trapped and the feeling almost reminds me of my time at Gōmon Shisetsu,which i'd rather just forget…..
"You can't forget that,it's left a permanent mark on your psyche,even I can't edit it." Well that sucks.
"Hey I know i'm still learning the ropes but…… could I perhaps go with you guys this time,I want out of the base……."Smoker and Tashigi looked at be for a moment with grim expressions.
"I don't know Luffy,you do remember what happened two weeks ago right?"Tashigi asked.
"That was funny." No it wasn't!
"Well yeah but i've gotten stronger and I hate being coped up in one place for to long……"
"Luffy that guy could have done awful things to you,I just think it's to soon….."Even Smoker who was normally so chipper was sounding serious for once.
"Please,I promise I won't stray from the group and i'll help as much as I can,just please don't keep me here!"They looked at each other and then back to me.
"We'll talk to the others about it but no promises."And with that they left me alone.
"You know they aren't going to let you go right,they are going to keep you here forever,and you will never truly be free." Coarpse whispered in my mind,which I Blantly ignored him.Then about ten minutes later the whole group came in and stood in front of me,and Smoker started talking.
"We have all agreed for you to come with us on three conditions. One you aren't allowed to go anywhere alone,two you are to do exactly as we say,and three if a fight breaks out you are to stay away from it and not get involved do you understand!"Smoker looked so serious,which was something I didn't really like seeing on him,I prefer his carefree nature.
"Yes sir,i'll follow your conditions,thank you so much for letting me come with you!"Everyone smiled at me,and then Marco spoke up.
"Ok everyone go get your things together we met at the entrance in thirty minutes."And with that we all scattered around and got everything ready.
I didn't have anything I needed to do so I just waited by the entrance.I mean with my abilities I already have everything I need. About twenty minutes past and I saw Kuma and Inazuma walk towards the entrance.
"Hey Luffy you ready!"
"Yup,i'm always ready,I keep all of my equipment on me at all times."I said while waving.
We talked for a few minutes until the rest of the group came by. They where all wearing the same apocalyptic outfits that I first met them in.Smoker had a fur coat with the chest open and knee high boots.Tashigi similar to Smoker but her coat was closed.Then Inazuma wore a red and black fur coat that was closed all the way down to his feet.Kuma just wore the same thing as always,spotted pants,a hat and a long sleeve shirt with our simble on the front. Marco wore a red open shirt with a sash and basic black jeans. And I wore the same thing as I always wear.
"Ok is everyone ready?!"Smoker said to the group,to which we all nodded,and then everyone got into the elevator.I was so excited to get out of the base for a bit I was practically bouncing up and down on my feet.Tashigi noticed and giggled at my antics.Then the elevator opened and we all got out.
The outside world hasn't changed much,in fact it didn't change at all.I stuck to the group like I was told and we gathered supplies. Such as books,food,water,meds,clothes,cleaning supplies,TP,and other necessities.And after about two hours of that we went to gather intel.We walked around for a bit looking for the right place,and we stopped infront of a small bar the was surrounded by other bars.
"Ok everyone we're going to split up into groups,and meet back here in an hour,"Smoker started" Tashigi you're with me we'll take Drunken Taven and Maria's brothal, Kuma and Inazuma you two will take Blunos Bar and Holiday Exquisite.And Marco and Luffy you guys will take Animals get way bar and Dead man's Tavern."Dead Man's Tavern,that sounds familiar,where have I heard that name before.As I was lost in thought I didn't notice Marco was right in front of me.
"Come on kid let's go."
At first I didn't hear him since I wasn't paying attention,then I felt him grab my wrist and start dragging me to the first bar.I snapped out of my thoughts,and looked at Marco as he was dragging me with his back turned.
"Marco you can let go now."At first he didn't do anything,but a few moments later he let me go when we were in front of the door of Animals Get Away Bar.We entered and it was no real surprise that it was busy.About thirty people were in here,I kept my face covered with my hood down, as to not be recognized,Marco just walked right in like he owned the place.He walked up and talked to the drunks who didn't give a lot of intel.Eventually Marco decided this bar didn't have any valuable information and we left and headed towards Dean Man's Tavern.
When we arrived I realized why the name was so familiar,it was the same bar a saw when I saw the past.This is where that guy tricked my mom,and if i'm right he's a regular due to him knowing the bartenders name. So it's entirely possible he's here.
We walked in and it looked the same as it did seventeen years ago,The bartender was the same,but I didn't see the same people as I did in the past,at least that's a good sign.Marco did the same thing as he did in the last bar,and just as it seemed he was about to give up until someone walked in the bar with a group behind him. He had white hair and three scars going across his left eye.But when I saw this guy the first thing I noticed was his gaze,it was cold and analyzing, and they landed right on Marco.
"Marco long time no see friend!"The man shouted across the bar. I was standing next to Marco and decided to watch Marco for any strange reactions.Marco looked at the man who was smiling and waving at him.
"Hi Soul it's been awhile."Marco greeted the man as he and his group approached us.As he got closer I felt my stomach drop,I don't know why but I wanted far away from this man.But I stayed put due to the promise I made to not wonder off alone while out of the base.Instead I just kept an eye on him.
"Let me guess the Revs are out for intel again."He was closer now and his voice was a lot more distinguishable,That's when it clicked,this is the man who tricked my mom for some reason,I remembered his voice.That's why I was uneasy around him.I still don't know his intentions but whatever they are I have a bad feeling about it.
"Yeah,Smoker said we needed more intel on Garp got anything for us?"Marco asked quietly as to not draw attention to ourselves.
"Luffy get away from him.NOW!"Shut up Coarpse.
"I may have some for you,men you guys stay in here I have some business to take care of."Soul spoke to Marco then his group of …….friends…..? He then beckoned us out the bar.Once outside Soul looked at both of us.
"By the way I forgot to ask,who the kid is he yours,I can't really tell with all the face coverings."Soul questioned Marco.
"Oh right,Soul this is Luffy,and no he's not my kid,he our newest member of the army, Luffy this is Soul he's….. well….."Marco scratched the back of his head trying to figure out how to explain Soul.
"Haha,i'm the guy the Revs like to get information from due to my abilities of observation and…. persuasion."I did not like the way he said persuasion,it was as if he was implying something.
"He is."Shut up.
"Anyway I was in the North sector last week and heard a few men talking about Garps right hand being in town,she's going around asking citizens if they saw anyone with unusual powers.Sounds a bit suspicious to me."Soul went on."Also Garp seems to have gotten a new stock of weapons,much better then what his men were using before,they even have nukes."
"What are nukes?"I asked genuinely curious.
"Nukes are even more powerful bombs and leave Nuclear radiation where it blew up,and that radiation kills people.Nukes can wipe an entire island off the map."Marco explained,and Soul looked at me curiously.
"How do you not know this stuff,this I comon knowledge in the world nowadays?"Soul asked me.
"Don't answer him!"
"Well,let's just say I haven't been out much…."
"Ah ok,"He then turned to Marco,"anyway Marco you know information isn't free,now I want something in return."Soul looked serious apart from his eailer playful demeanor.
"Ask away."Marco replied.
"This is a more private,just between you and me so can you find somewhere for the kid to stay out of our conversation." Soul stated sweetly.
" I'm right here you know!"I shouted obviously a bit offended he'd talk about me when i'm right in front of him.
"No offense kid this is just….adult stuff,and Marco knows going against my wishes doesn't normally end well."Marco paled.
"Yeah i'm aware,Luffy could you go back into the bar and try to gather more information."It wasn't a question,it was a silent demand.
"But Smoker said I had to be with someone in the group at all times!"I was little mad,he couldn't even contact the group and dump me off on one of them.
"Kid i'd recommend you don't raise your voice to high,you never know if someone is listening."His expression…..it horrified me. I wanted to scream and run,he looked like he wanted to kill me.
"O-ok,i'll go in-inside."I was stumbling on my words,but turned around and walked towards the bar.
"Don't worry Luffy I contacted one of my men that you're heading inside,and for him to take care of you."Soul quietly yelled out to me.Him saying that didn't help me at all it just made me mad, I can take care of myself thank you very much.
