Cнαρтєя тняєє
In case you were wondering...at all... Yes, I do know that joining Cipher Pol in any way is very counterproductive when you want to be free or care about freedom more than anything.
Do I care? Yes. A lot.
So what will I do about it? For now, until I get stronger and can double-cross these guys without dying a painfully excruciating death (dramatics please), I won't do anything. Because there's no way in any universe, this one nor mine, I could beat them in a fight, not to mention experience, size and height, or knowledge.
I mean, sure, I could probably beat them in things like information gathering, but they can't do much for disguises... Or I could try to fight them in a test of mental stability/strength, but as mentioned before,
I. Can't. Read. Them.
They have perfect poker faces! (I might be exaggerating..) So I'm royally screwed for life. Hell yeah. You can tell I'm sooo happy.
Buuuuut! I probably won't die because of Spandine's orders to the CP-9 agents after one specific training session. That was "Don't kill the kid. If she dies Spandam will look bad." It shows just how much he cares. A lot.
And- oh mah god- Did ThEy AsSumE mY gEnDer! So OfFeNsiVe! I'M HuRt! WaHh! I'm kidding, I'm kidding. Don't overreact. It's a joke. You might not get it. But it's a joke. Jeez. Sorry.
I probably would care more if I were staying here any longer but because I've been here for 4 months and 28 days and we were just told Spandine was retiring...
And they will try to kill me with exercise...again! So that's a plus! Another joke. I have some bad coping mechanisms. We're all different! ...Not really actually...
Plus, according to websites, and the anime, Spandam took over after Spandine retired! And when I met the bastard I made sure he liked me for the fact I fan his pride like a campfire about to burn out.
I know I joined Cipher Pol to ruin said panda-human-man-child but over the last few months, I learned a few things. Some useful and some...less useful...
I made a few mistakes that received certain...erm...punishments...so...
Oh well! You live you learn! Any benefits whatsoever from the things that happened? Not really, but kinda! Trauma? Of course! When is there not!? Stupid idea to come here? Yes! I should've just joined the goddamned Marine like Tsura told me, even like Senny-boy! It's all fine now though! Haha!... heh... I hate myself...
But to act is to be able to put a smile on your face at the worst times! I think... What's the dictionary definition? So that's what'll do! I can finally leave! I was told that I was going to start going on missions tomorrow! But that was yesterday... so I leave today. But I need to pack my stuff... It won't take that long... Hopefully... Alright, let's go!
I shoved all my belongings into a pillowcase. It works fine. Don't judge.
My stuff includes:
Four books, two for entertainment, one about Grand Line islands and the other about poisonous plants, the other two were about the history of the blues and human anatomy. Oh wait- I like all those subjects... So all for entertainment? I guess...
Then, after I shoved those in the pillowcase I am essentially stealing, I had a few disguises for other moments when I might need them to hide, and clothes I would wear when not trying to disguise. I also have extra women's clothing for another disguise AKA a random girl named Genna D Autumn...don't know how I got her character but she's a little insane...according to my brain at least... I got used to acting like a girl anyway. I also have makeup of course. Quite a bit of it too.
Those are all the larger stuff, the smaller objects consist of a toothbrush and toothpaste,
I don't care how unhygienic I was in my past life I'm gonna keep brushing my teeth every day instead of once a week,
a pen and journal for when I need to express my anger without throwing something across the room, or when I have an idea for something, anything really, and some lollipops for when I want something sweet.
Oh yeah! And a sewing kit because I wanted it. Don't ask. Also, anyone can sew, you just need patience, string, a needle, and fabric to actually sew.
The only things I didn't put in the pillowcase were my baby den den mushi for getting missions, because the poor thing deserves better, and my trombone because it...
Simply. Wouldn't. Fit.
The case has a handle anyway.
Think positive! You're still alive after 5 months in a world you could've died in when you got here!
Anyway. Yes. I do play an instrument. I used to do jazz at school with Hannah...before I died. And I didn't want my lips to get too weak to play so I asked for a trumpet because they're smaller, easier to carry, and I had a little experience with them... but I got a trombone instead. He didn't even know what instruments I was talking about. I didn't want to try to correct him. I had to teach myself everything.
So much air... oxygen...I trained so hard that even my lips are strong.
With books of course but it took quite a bit of time to find them in such a large library.
I'm not all that good though... I'll find a real teacher... I have a little over five years until the original timeline starts... I'm not quite sure what'll happen after that...I'm probably gonna avoid them to avoid attention...
Sauntering my way through a long, memorized path to Spandine's office... It's a long way...I never go the short way...you can wonder why... I officially decided to stay in Paradise, more familiar and all that.
Then I knocked on his door, waited for the signal to open it, open it, and walk in.
A quick process that left me mentally exhausted. The stalling helped sorta.
The conversation I had with Spandine went something like this,
"I came to inform you of my leave," I told the chief.
"Hm. Alright." I don't know how to feel... He barely acknowledged my presence, not even looking up from his paperwork. He needs a goat like Sengoku.
"...ok... Could you please provide me with a mission...preferably in Paradise..." The last part was mumbled as quietly as a feather dancing in the wind.
"Sure. You'll be stationed in the South Blue for now. Find threats to the government. If you can kill them, good. If you can't, try. Go whenever possible. You may leave." So blunt. And didn't I say Paradise? Damn.
"Yes sir." I span on my heels, and speed walked away, not wanting to mess up my plans even more than they were.
What. Did you think I wouldn't plan half my premature life in my free time? It's not like I have any friends again.
But it all benefited me in the end.
FREEDOM!...kinda...
I was told that I was stationed in the South...I wonder if any other CP-5 agents are there...but he also said I could do it whenever I wanted... So to the middle of nowhere, I go!
If they find out, they could tell me I should've gone to the South Blue... Then they would...do who knows what to me...
Nevermind. I'll go check out any developments in the South. Damn...
I climbed a marine ship in hopes of leaving right away, quickly talking to the head marine to ask permission. He allowed it, of course. I could legally kill them if they get in the way of my missions... Does this count as a mission? Prolly not. I wouldn't try to anyway, if Imma kill, the first one is gonna be helpful at least.
So we sailed. And I explored the ship. And I got a room. And I might've puked from sea sickness, not being used to the rocking of the ship... Do not worry, I brushed my teeth after. And I ate food. And I practiced my hand-to-hand combat by punching a pole... It hurt... Yeeeaah... Not that eventful...
But when I actually explored the ship, people were staring, some even started shivering because they fear what I could do. Seriously though I'm a literal child!
At some point, after people started understanding I wouldn't hurt them, they started giving me looks. So naturally, I started thinking.
If you wanna fight, come at me and fight!
But me being the little pussy I am, didn't have the guts to speak my thoughts aloud.
We sailed for a day. And I never needed my room, because I stayed up all night and I got off the ship around 13.30 hours (1:30) at the next island. Which ended up being Water 7, of course.
I would've taken the sea train cuz it's cool but I couldn't wait another day for the train to return and to leave the island.
As I wandered through the bustling streets, I took my time to appreciate the island itself. Because it looked awesome, 'specially if you consider the fountain.
I'll make sure to come back in the future.
I could've changed in a public and open alley but I didn't wanna so I stacked boxes as a wall to hide myself. It would suck if someone knew all my disguises we're one person. And I don't wanna have anyone see me even half naked, thank you very much.
I was wearing most of my hair in a bun at the back of my head and the thinner strands of hair to make it appear straighter on the side and back, a blue short-sleeved turtleneck, brown pants that I rolled up, webbed socks and brown shoes, then, I proceeded to go to the nearest, cleanest public washroom to put red, non-prescription, contact lenses into my wonderful sight givers.
When I returned to the port I arrived at, there were no marine ships to politely ask for permission to stay on. As a civilian, of course. Nor were there merchant ships I could also ask for permission *cough*stow away*cough*sorry something must be stuck in my throat... to stay on going to the South Blue.
So I'm stuck on Water 7 until someone is going in the direction I needed to go. I'm too lazy to walk over to all the other docks. I'm not too lazy to do stupid things though.
...but maybe...just maybe...I could explore this island... And maybe find a place to sleep... Sleeping on the bare streets is not all that foreign to me... So I'm good!
I rotated 180 degrees to face the buildings once again and promptly marched at an even pace, getting some odd glances.
I wonder if Iceberg would let me climb the fountain. Can I climb the fountain?... There's only one way to find out... Will I die if I fall? Are the mechanics of One Piece going to let me live if I jump? I don't wanna be accused of death by suicide... again? Oh! I wonder what my epithet was!
Intrusive thoughts. They make me think I'm insane someti- ...all the time.
I struggled to get up because of my extra luggage, trying to keep them dry while swimming, with my precious den den mushi on top, and climbing the steep slopes with the trumpet case in my mouth, then proceeding to use the bottom of the concrete fountain like they're monkey bars at an elementary school playground...
Well... Anyw-ay... F-four hours later- Heh... I- hehe... Got to the top- I'm tearing up... Is this excitement? Nervousness? Both? I dunno. But I'm giddy when I get excited and I get talkative if someone is around. If no one is around...well...more intrusive thoughts.
For example: What does other people's blood taste like? But that is just an example. Though... I do wanna know... I think almost everyone has tasted their own blood, but I sometimes get this random wandering thought that makes me wanna commit slightly violent acts of cannibalism. Weird right!?
I stayed on the ledge of the large fountain for hours, watching people like I always used to do, giving me this oddly nostalgic feeling. It reminds me of my little corner on the roof of the school I used to go to, coincidentally, it's the same place that caused my death, so I'm slightly surprised I'm not scared of heights.
And I ran around it, did some gymnastics at the edge, and considered jumping.
Eventually, the Sun went down and the only light came from street lamps, late-nighters that wanna have fun at clubs or parties, drunkards, insomniacs that didn't know what to do because sleep is difficult sometimes, people who have office jobs doing extra paperwork and stars.
The only sounds came from their rushing water. If I was close enough, I could probably hear people shouting or laughing or crying or talking, etcetera.
But I had to leave eventually. So I did. Because I don't do good in boredom.
Walking the streets of Water 7 at night was scary. Making me on guard at all times; any and all sounds of the people made me nearly flinch if I didn't have practice keeping my composure.
Usually, I enjoy walking out at night, it gives me a semblance of freedom. But when I remember no one allows anyone to be alone in their times of sadness...giving pity. I feel as if I'm being watched...and I don't feel free...like a bird trapped in a cage, being stared at and prodded by all who pass.
I never really found a place to sleep while exploring earlier that same afternoon, so I'm stuck with another long night of staying awake ahead of me.
Or...I was prepared and completely awake (and soaking wet) to do it...before a voice came up over the loud splashing of the cool, wet, water dripping below my feet in the ally I happened to be walking in.
"Hey! Kid! Where are your parents?!" I heard from behind me. If I were me a few months ago, I would be scared shitless, but because of those five months, I grinned, then wiped away that grin to not seem weird when I turned around to face the guy who sounds so obviously drunk.
"I-I was going out f-for ice cream because my-my ship just docked... Bu-but I got lost..." I'm a pretty terrible actor. Not that bad of a liar though... However, to be safe I made sure to let out a whine...and stutters...and crying...
I feel like a real kid! Hehe. Wait did I just mentally laugh? What?
I exaggerated my oh-so-great lie by wailing and rubbing my eyes. It worked. Definitely planned that.
This is such a good coincidence! I would probably squeal in excitement if I had the energy. Or the lack of self-control. Or if he had actual battle experience and wasn't as drunk as he was.
The person in my new line of view was not a person I knew. Wearing a casual white shirt, blue pants, an open vest, and a hat, in his hand was a blue thingy...y'know what I'm talking about?
Drunk marine.
Also, there were two things wrong with his sentence.
One. I am not a kid...mentally.
Two. Who even calls out to random children with that look on your face? Creep.
Right. If you hadn't figured it out yet, I wanna gauge my skill on weaker people. Before I try to do something drastic.
While thinking, the dude continued walking towards me, unaware of my inner inquiry, "Hiehehye." He...was that at a laugh? "Guys! We've got a lost kid on our hands!"
Who is he even yelling to? I'm the only one around!...On that note, who am I thinking to!? I have no friends or anyone living in my brain! It's official. I'm going insane.
He ran closer.
Woah! Dude! We can have a conversation with you standing over there!
Then he grabbed my wrist and turned in the other direction, facing opposite to me, and ran. I almost dropped my pillowcase and trumpet and den den mushi and lighter I stuffed in my trumpet case... So...to sum it up... Everything.
Yet, I still made no effort to struggle.
Until we reached an alley and I felt the air change to one akin to something with at least two semi-good walls.
He kept running, and soon I was punching… for some reason… I didn't use too much force...but he dropped me. Asshole.
Even though marines are portrayed as saviours and upholders of justice, I couldn't bring myself to particularly like the dude.
Over time and shock of suddenly being dragged, my insistent act of wailing became a quiet sniffle.
"Come on! No need to cry! I'm a marine! Marines are good guys! " I think you can guess by now that whenever someone says something optimistic about Marines, it's probably a marine...or Koby this current day...but we like Koby...or people that trust the Marines... ANYWHO-
I got distracted.
The dude looked pissed. My act dropped. Similar to my few belongings that are much heavier than one might think for a child.
Everything after that went by fast. Too fast even, but he was constantly babbling about how I should be grateful, how I am just a stupid brat, and so on. I was kinda annoyed and, even though I don't normally use brute force, I punched his lights out.
Then I changed my clothes again lest he awakens and go after the annoying brat that went against the Marines.
Deciding to go for a calm and mature look, I chose to wear grey sweatpants, a black/gold striped undershirt, a button-up collared white shirt and a gold tie, and to top it all off, I had a white vest, oval purple-tinted sunglasses, a flower crown, and a pair of red boots. I do wanna know where the heck I got all these clothes from...and also why I had a flower crown...
I do really like the flower crown... I'mma makes it a trademark for all my disguises... I'll say we're all siblings or something of the sort... Actually, all the aliases are my siblings' names... Other than the one girl named Genna D. Autumn...
Who the heck is Autumn anyway! Seriously dude. It's so...random. Like a king mouse with a crown that accidentally committed murder and ate watermelon to hide it...random...
I proceeded to walk around. What else. Nothing to do remember.
I found a public washroom and walked into the women's side...cus it's much cleaner in my opinion...though sometimes they forget to properly throw away their dirty menstrual products... Yes, I know what that is, I went to school and they taught the same thing to everybody.
I set down my trumpet case, then my pillowcase on top pulled out my toothbrush and toothpaste and brushed my teeth. Sure, it's not ideal, it's unsanitary, but you do what is necessary to survive, and survival is all I need, but I set up a bed in one of the stalls, my pillowcase being my pillow and my trumpet as a bed.
Later that night, as I laid down to rest, I realized how...eventful my day had turned out... And even though it was mostly just a blur, I had fun! From the ship to the fountain and the fountain to now.
Do I want to stay for a while?...yeah...but I can't. Leaving should be my top priority for now.
I wonder what Hannah would do...
-0-0-
Mom! Don't! Stop! You promised!'
'Promises are meant to be broken.'
'But-'
'This is for your own good.'
-0-0-
"Gah!" I gasped out, having just awoken from a nightmare, nearly knocking my head on the toilet paper dispenser.
"Dammit. This stopped happening a while ago... So why are they back now?" I mumbled absently to none other than myself.
I got over my mother years ago. She would always tell me something, and it would always be a lie. Sometimes her "lies" would keep me awake at night with nightmares, giving me a terribly irregular sleep schedule.
But I got over it after she died... So why are my night terrors coming back to haunt me? Because of them? Probably.
Not in the correct state of mind, I grabbed all my stuff, ran to the front door, and sprinted to wherever my feet led me, painstakingly unaware of the women shouting at me, a 10 and-a-half year-old boy for being in there.
My feet led me all the way to dock 5 out of 7.
I wasted no time before stowing away in the food stalk of some people... merchants? Pirates? I heard were going to the South Blue, accompanied by the Marines, going through the calm belt... Not pirates.
Very convenient if you'd ask me. Totally a coincidence.
I don't know why I ran. I was scared and nervous, and I could leave of my own free will, so I guess the freedom was so...intriguing...that I couldn't resist the pull, so I fled. Like a kid.
I'm 17 for frick's sake I should be able to handle a nightmare! It's not fair! Whatever sent me here should've just made me my regular age and sent me to the cannon timeline! Dammit!
Maybe I should take a...vacation of sorts...clear my head and all that.
All things considered, the beginning of this adventure isn't that interesting... it never is for me.
As the ship departed, I couldn't help but feel a little regretful for leaving this island like that. But if...when I return I'll stay a little longer. Right?
If I manage to live long enough that is.
I'm sorry.
-0-0-
I'm sorry. I have no excuse. It's late. And I owe multiple chapters, but I don't have another to update today.
Don't worry, I won't stop, I have spent way too much time commited to this. So I won't stop. I'm just really late.
Please don't leave. Or do... No pressure... I understand people usually stop reading after 3 chapters but I'm trying.
It lacks detail in some places but I have no clue where...
The main character's name is still a mystery... I know what is gonna be of course! But you don't...
Thank you for reading.