"They're strange."
"Who?"
"The villagers. They almost seem happy that I extort them, now."
Brynlee snorted. "They're not, trust me. But you've saved Nojiko's life, and you've ensured the other marines wouldn't get them in trouble with the corps. Past grievances aside, technically, you've basically done a lot more good for them than the marines ever did."
Arlong fell silent, obviously trying to make sense of the situation. He was attempting to rationalize through the tinted lenses of trauma and racism, however, so of course he wouldn't find any satisfying answer.
"… hey, you wanna go get some really good food?"
"Ah?"
"I know a good restaurant not too far from the island."
"No."
"I'll pay."
"Well, you could have started with that."
With Arlong swimming and Brynlee flying, it definitely didn't take them long to reach the Baratie. They climbed aboard from the back so no guests could see them arrive and, once certain Brynlee's wings were properly hidden, they entered. There was a bit of tension as the guests around noticed the menacing-looking Fishman, but no one said anything, and they were escorted to a table further back.
Once they gave their order, Arlong leaned back in his seat, eyes narrowed.
"So? What's the play here, girl?"
"Nothing much. I just wanted you to see how the average civilian would react if you didn't act like an outright menace from the get-go."
People in the East Blue were sheltered, for the most part. As the weakest sea, it rarely hosted anything more than regular, plainly human civilians. So just like they knew of Devil Fruits, they knew of Fishmen, but associated them to myths and the likes. As such, they also lacked a lot of the prejudices instilled by the World Government. They were intimidated by Arlong's unusual appearance alone, surely, but most were either curious or simply ignored them.
No disdain. No hate. No conflict.
Just a bunch of people appreciating good food together.
"Brynlee! You came back!"
"Sanji!" she greeted, smiling broadly. "Back in the kitchens, I see."
"You know it! And here, as promised – on the house."
He placed a smoothie before her. It looked different from the one he'd made her the last time, but she had a feeling it would be just as delicious.
"Thank you! Also, this is my… let's say friend, Arlong! Arlong, this is Sanji."
Sanji looked up at Arlong. Arlong stared down at him, eyes narrowed.
"… have you ever seen a mermaid?" Sanji then asked, almost reverently. "I mean, you're a Fishman, right? So you must have met a mermaid before! Are they as pretty as—ow!"
"What did I say about harassing customers?" scolded Owner Zeff. She then spared a glance for Arlong. "Never thought I'd see you step foot in my restaurant, Captain Arlong."
"Never thought I'd ever meet the infamous 'Red-Leg Zeff'," he replied evenly. "Though I never figured you to be the motherly type, quite frankly…"
"Ah! He ain't mine – haven't got any of my good looks, for sure – but he might as well be," she huffed, roughly ruffling Sanji's hair. "Anyways, glad you're here – there's this recipe I've been itching to try, but I'll definitely need a Fishman's expertise for it. Of course, it'll be on the house."
"Recipe…?"
"I've got an old cookbook with some original recipes straight from Fishman Island – I need to know if my skills can match a local's standards."
"Well, if I ain't paying for it…"
So the food came, and Sanji hung out for a while longer, and Brynlee suddenly came to realize something important: things were changing from how they were meant to be. Not only because of her involvement, no, there was something else going on somewhere in the background, but she could figure that out later. Things were changing, and she was now wondering if maybe she could change them for the better—
[SUBQUEST]
Heart Sight
Everyone wants something, but how can you give it to them?
Give Arlong a means to an end.
Reward: One (1) FEAT
ACCEPT/REFUSE
Curious, Brynlee accepted it, only for a now familiar "WARNING" window to appear.
[WARNING]
Failure to complete the SUBQUEST Heart Sight will have the following consequences:
Eradication of Cocoyashi
[CHARACTER] Lucky D. Brynlee's death
ACCEPT/REFUSE
Ooooookay those are pretty intense stakes… But, hey, I've betted against worse odds!
Without further hesitation, Brynlee accepted the quest.
Hello hello, welcome back from your holidays, everyone! I'll try and post a little more often from here on out. Also, an immense "thank you" to those who offered ideas so far, I'll definitely try and incorporate them! Thank you to everyone who favorited, followed, and reviewed as well! Your support for this silly story is infinitely appreciated!
Also, a little side note for those concerned: SHORT. CHAPTERS. INTENDED. If anyone comments again about how short the chapters are, I'll virtually slap them, seriously. I KNOW THEY'RE SHORT! THAT'S THE WHOLE POINT! Some chapters will be a little longer because cutting them in half for the sake of it wouldn't sit well with me, but two-three pages is pretty much the average length for every chapter. Either take it or leave it!
Anyway, that's the last time I'll address this issue, because it's starting to seriously annoy me.
Ahem.
WELL. I'll try and post again in a few days, so stay tuned! Later~
