Chapter 4: Aftermath of Aragonia: A New Age Begins!
Lucian woke up in bed. His eyes were heavy, and he closed them immediately after being exposed to sunlight. He turned his eyes towards the shade, opened them again, and saw his body covered in bandages. He felt pain everywhere his ribs hurt. He had a massive headache, and when he got up, his legs felt wobbly. But at least his senses were finally starting to return to normal.
He realized he was in an empty, broken-down shack.
The sunlight was creeping into the wooden door through the crevices. He found the strength to walk outside. The sun's warmth instantly hit him; it made him feel better. He looked around to recognize any of his surroundings. He was in the countryside, where farms and fields of plants stretched out far and wide.
He saw some survivors moving around materials and clothes. In the distance, he saw recognizable faces.
It was his family. They all survived.
To spare you all the gooey sentiment. They were all happy to see him alive. He was, too. After a lot of hugging and crying, Lucian`s parents were relieved, and he saw Amante; she gave him a huge hug as well.
Then he saw the old man accompany them.
He was grateful to him for saving his life, and his parents explained how indebted they were to the old man for saving their lives. They were to live in this small shack for now until their house in the village was rebuilt. Father`s bar was destroyed as well, but he just seemed happy to see his family okay.
He scanned the area, and he noticed that the countryside was usually beautiful, but he hadn`t visited it in a long time. He appreciated nature a lot. He took some time to self-reflect by himself near the trees, overseeing the mountainous terrain. All this time, Lucian asked questions in his head. Yet, he never got answers that annoyed him, but he knew he had to be patient.
He returned to the shack.
He asked where Mikasa and Ilir were staying. Surprisingly, Amante spoke up and took Lucian to the other side of the road.
Mikasa was still out of it, but Ilir was awake. He was sitting on the bed across from Mikasa, staring at the wall.
"Amante, thanks, but can we talk alone?" Lucian said.
She nodded and ran back to the adults.
Lucian took his time and sat on Mikasa`s bedend. Ilir and Lucian sat in silence until he broke the silence.
"Hey man, sorry for punching you," Ilir said.
Lucian rubbed his hands on his head. "No worries forgot about it already."
Again, they sat in silence, and Lucian realized the sun was going down. How long had he slept? He turned his attention towards Mikasa. She was still asleep. Her whole body was practically covered up in bandages, but Amante said she`d be fine. Ilir decided to break the silence again, this time in a very monotone voice.
"My dad died."
Lucian looked at him. Ilir seemed emotionless.
"I`m very sorry, man-."
Ilir cut him off. "Spare me the apologies. It`s not that I don`t appreciate it, but it is what it is."
Lucian didn`t respond, and he had no right to tell Ilir how he felt. But he did ask Ilir for his side of the story last night. Ilir seemed to be in more of a talking mood now, so he gave his version of his perspective.
He told Lucian that his father had confronted him about the book and was frantic about the situation. Ilir told Mr. Abrojo he was confused and that he knew nothing about the book. That`s when his father hit him. Ilir didn`t cry. Instead, he understood his father's distress, but it hurt him that his father didn`t trust him. Mr. Abrojo took him by the shoulders and explained that it was his punishment for opening the book and also a reminder that no one in this world would show him mercy.
He explained how the book was a curse, and the moment it was opened, it meant a death sentence.
Lucian noticed that Ilir seemed to be holding back more details, but he wouldn`t press the issue.
He began to catch on. The book was cursed, which might explain why Mr. Abrojo freaked out after all this time. Did the book have a connection to the Marines laying siege to Aragonia? He knew it did.
Ilir continued to explain when the genocide started. His father directed him and his mother to safety. Ilir spent the entire time warding off Marines from his mother until he ran into Rayleigh. He brought them back to the countryside.
"I`m just happy you and your mother are fine," Lucian said.
Ilir smiled. "Me too, but-."
Lucian stopped to think.
"Karas," Ilir asked.
Lucian forgot about his older brother. Ilir was about to tell him that the suited man killed him.
He felt the dreading news approach him.
"He disappeared, no body was found, at least that`s what everyone is saying," Ilir stated.
Lucian didn`t know whether to be sad or hopeful.
Maybe Karas was still alive.
But could he have beaten the suited man? He thought realistically, no. The suited man had an aura so heavy and evil that he couldn`t see a possibility of Karas winning, but he prayed he was wrong. Lucian then explained his side of the story.
Ilir sat upwards not interrupting and listening to his story. When he got up to the part of the suited man, Ilir`s eyes widened. Lucian caught on to Ilir's facial expressions.
"What do you know about the suited man?" Lucian asked Ilir.
Ilir looked frightened. "Father was right, the whole time".
Lucian was confused. Ilir knew something about this mysterious figure.
"I overheard Father talking to his colleagues about a Holy Knight once, but I never understood what it meant," Ilir continued.
A Holy Knight.
He heard Karas call the suited man that, looking back on his education, that term was never mentioned in school.
"I assume it`s a secret since it got Father so riled up. But still, they have to have some connection to the World Government," Ilir continued.
Ilir's tone remained the same, but Lucian knew he was suffering.
"Let`s ask the old man, Rayleigh," Lucian said.
Ilir finally smiled. They both ran to Lucian`s shack, where they found Rayleigh standing outside smoking a cigarette.
"Mr. Rayleigh," Ilir said.
The old man turned his head and greeted them with a smile. Rayleigh motioned for the boys to step inside. Rayleigh then sat on the reclined chair and began to explain what he knew.
"I`ll let you know this. The Holy Knights being here means something very important is occurring, and I am trying to figure that out as well."
Ilir looked offended by that question as if that was something he didn`t already know.
"So the World Government why would they do this, I overheard that suited man. Who was he, old man?" Lucian asked.
The old man sighed, "All the citizens of Aragonia believe it`s a pirate invasion. But don`t be swayed by the public narrative; that is what they want you to think. For the suited man. I have no clue his name."
"Wait, what? How was it a pirate invasion? I saw Marine banners," Lucian said.
Rayleigh responded, "You`ll learn that it is easy to manipulate the narrative. I have no doubt in my mind this was all a pre-planned ploy."
"That makes no sense; you're telling me our people believed this was a pirate invasion," Ilir asked.
Rayleigh nodded, "That is the agenda being pushed out now; trust me, the Marines did this. They just pretended to come in and save the day."
Lucian and Ilir exchanged looks. His anger reached a new high that he couldn`t even fathom. This made more sense, but he still had another question that he`d hoped Rayleigh could answer.
"Why didn`t they kill everyone," Lucian asked.
Ilir looked at his friend. "That`s a dark thought."
"You`re both full of questions, I don`t know. But everything is calculated for a reason. They don`t make mistakes when it comes to murder," Rayleigh replied.
"And you came out of nowhere," Ilir said.
Rayleigh laughed. "Is that what you think? Look closer."
Lucian and Ilir both examined the old man and exchanged curious looks. They had no idea who this man was, yet he seemed to be pretty useful. They discussed possibilities, but they genuinely had no clue. Were they supposed to know him? Ilir finally caved in.
"We give up. Hey, who are you exactly?" Ilir pressingly asked.
"My name is Silvers Rayleigh. A pleasure to meet you," the old man said, reaching his hand.
But both boys couldn`t believe their ears. They looked at each other, astonished and stupid, not realizing who was sitting right in front of them.
"Wait a minute, are you the Dark King Silvers Rayleigh, first mate of the Roger Pirates?" Ilir squealed.
Lucian then realized that a living legend was standing in front of him.
First mate to King of the Pirates, Dark King Silvers Rayleigh.
Lucian and Ilir jumped into excitement, bombarding the old man with questions. He had to calm them down so as not to draw attention.
"Yes, kid, I am or, say, was the former first mate of the Roger Pirates, but those days are behind me."
"What are you doing here? '' Lucian intriguingly asked.
"I heard the call two weeks ago, but regardless, I am happier to run into you boys. You made my trip more than worthwhile."
"You heard what call," Ilir said.
"The calling of the book, of course, holds a mysterious power that only those with powerful Haki can detect its presence," Rayleigh said.
Lucian remembered what the suited man said. He told Mr. Abrojo that he should've sensed the call with his Haki, but it weakened over time.
Lucian and Ilir looked at each other, confused.
What was Haki?
"You both have the look in your eyes, a look that I cannot flat-out ignore. I have traveled the Grand Line and back countless times, and at this time, I feel as if I was fated to find you. Yes, it all makes sense now that that day is clearer to me. It was you, boy," Rayleigh pointed at Lucian.
"You both want to take action and do something meaningful with your lives. Now is your only opportunity to do so. Lucian and Ilir!" Rayleigh yelled.
Lucian stood in shock. He quite honestly had no idea what Rayleigh was rambling on about, but he knew it was important. Rayleigh took a sip out of his bottle and continued to speak.
"Lucian, I will be leaving soon. You can either come with me or stay, though I`d prefer you come," Rayleigh said.
Lucian felt so excited. Was he really being offered to be trained by one of the greatest pirates ever?
This was the opportunity of a lifetime he could not decline. He needed to avenge Aragonia.
"Yes, yes, yes. I accept," Lucian yelled.
"Me too," Ilir yelled.
Rayleigh laughed. "Ilir, sorry, but I got better plans for you."
Ilir looked disappointed. "Hey kid, you and Ryko, I`m sending you two to the land of Wano. There, you will meet an old friend of mine who will take care of you. Ilir, I promise you they are going to draw out your full potential," Rayleigh began explaining to Ilir.
"Why are you helping us, old man? You just met us," Ilir said.
Rayleigh laughed again. "You`ll see soon. I don`t want to ruin the surprise yet. It`ll all make sense one day, but for now, both of you go to sleep."
"And as a side note, never mention this conversation to anyone and the events of yesterday. Never mention it to anyone, promise me both of you," he stated.
Ilir and Lucian nodded in agreement and promised the old man to keep their mouths shut.
As if Lucian would ever want to talk about this nightmare ever again.
Rayleigh left the boys to their excitement, but the foul undertone of the events that had just occurred remained, so their excitement didn`t last long.
Lucian entered his shack. He had just woken up from his slumber an hour ago, and he had no desire to sleep again.
He then left the shack and walked out to see the stars. The weather was warm and slightly humid but he appreciated that. It was nice. He lay on the grass and started to stargaze. The night sky was full of stars and it was breathtaking, he was excited to train with old man Rayleigh. But he didn`t know if his parents would approve after the events of yesterday. He hoped they wouldn`t worry about him, leaving home to explore the world. He always wanted to do that.
The suited man stayed on his mind. Hopefully, Karas was still alive. He felt bad for him. He didn`t deserve that. Nobody did. But Karas always reminded him of the cruelty of the world. Aragonia was usually a safe place. Now, it wasn`t.
He laughed, which was weird.
He saw his friends get murdered. People he loved. Was it all hitting him now?
Why was it so funny, death?
Probably his way of processing trauma. He ran past his friend Jax. He was shot dead. They used to play football after school. His other friend, Mari, helped Lucian pass math last year when she let Lucian cheat off her paper. She was beheaded. Then he saw Nitro die. They all called him that because he was the fastest kid in school, he was lynched. Lastly, he saw Kedra the class clown, he had the worst death, he was dismembered limb by limb and nailed to the building. So much more blood and death plagued his mind.
He hated them, but the suited man said the celestial dragons sent their regards.
He needed to find out what a celestial dragon was, so he should`ve asked Rayleigh.
He had no power; what could he do? This was his country and his people, and he couldn`t help anyone as he ran past dying people. Sure, he wasn`t friendly and didn`t like a lot of people. He messed around and pulled pranks all the time. Regardless, that doesn`t matter. They all deserved to die. The worst part is that the World Government is going to cover them up. No one will know their crimes. That angered him beyond belief. He wouldn`t let them do that.
He vowed then and there that one day, he`ll expose the lies of the World Government. That was his new goal. Before he knew it, he fell asleep under the glowing night sky.
Mikasa woke him up from the grass. The first order of business is a hug. Mikasa wouldn`t let go as she expressed her gratitude for him saving her.
"Hey, you`re ok," Lucian said, rubbing his eyes to adjust to the bright sun.
"Yeah, thanks for saving me," Mikasa said.
"Do you remember anything?" Lucian asked.
Mikasa took a moment to think. "I remember giving Uncle the book back. He was crying and hugged me, apologizing for acting out. Then he ran somewhere. That`s all I remember."
So Mikasa did give Mr. Abrojo the book back, so is that why the suited man targets Mr. Abrojo? Because whoever held possession of the book would face the wrath of that monster.
"Mikasa, do you still have the copies?" Lucian asked.
She nodded. "Yes, but we can`t let anyone know. Those copies are the only thing we have left to discover the truth".
Lucian grabbed Mikasa`s arms and squeezed them. "Pinky, promise me now that you will not utter a word of them unless it`s to Ilir or me, understood."
Mikasa nodded in agreement. They interlocked pinkies, and the promise was sealed.
Ilir ran over to them, looking angry. "Guys, there are ships inbound to the port; the navy is here," he yelled.
Before they knew it, Ilir was running, so that meant that all three of them ran to the town to stop him from doing anything stupid. When they arrived at the entrance of the town, they saw a surprising sight. Marines helping injured and sick people. Offering them food and water. There were over 100 marines, all helping people. And at the port stood three men. They looked like they were high-ranking officials; another was a man dressed in extravagant clothing with a weird bubble on his head.
The hypocrisy sickened him to his core; the same people who murdered his people were now playing hero. He wanted to vomit.
Mikasa excitedly said. "Wow, look, guys, the Marines came to the rescue."
Ilir immediately got angry. "Shut up, Mikasa, you dont know a damn thing."
Mikasa and Lucian turned to Ilir shocked. Lucian understood Ilir's pain, but he didn`t appreciate him yelling at Mikasa. She was knocked out cold, and she didn`t know the truth.
"Hey Ilir, Mikasa doesn`t know, so don`t take it out on her," Lucian retaliated angrily.
Mikasa stood there confused.
Ilir took a moment and then he apologized. Ilir then explained last night's events to Mikasa, how the Marines brutally murdered Mr. Abrojo and their people and used the cover-up ploy of a Pirate invasion to hide their secrets.
Mikasa started to sob and then started apologizing. Ilir looked emotionless, but he walked over to Mikasa and hugged her. Lucian smiled.
But Ilir also had other plans.
"I`m going down there." Before Lucian could respond, Ilir already started running down the hill. Lucian and Mikasa followed, but he couldn`t let Ilir do something stupid.
Once they arrived, the crowd started to accumulate. The men and the funny-looking bubble guy stepped out to the podium. Lucian took Mikasa`s hand and ran through to catch up to Ilir. He started bumping people through the crowd, which started to annoy them. The chatter of people was deafening, but he eventually caught up to Ilir.
"Dude, what the hell?" Lucian said.
Ilir didn`t respond. The bubble man then stepped up. At first glance, he looked pretentious and fat. He looked as if he had all the privileges of the world handed to him on a silver platter. He then moved up and, with his hands, began to shush the crowd to prepare for his speech. Lucian didn`t let go of Mikasa`s hand and she moved in close to him and put her arm around his waist. Ilir kept his hand on his sword. He hoped Ilir wouldn`t do something stupid. But then the man began to talk.
"Hello, citizens of Aragonia. My name is Saint Fitzgerald, and as you know, I am here to help you. The World Government feels the pain of the Aragonian citizens and offers its deepest condolences on the wretched pirate attack that occurred yesterday."
The bubble man continued to mutter, but a conversation in the crowd caught Ilir and Lucian`s attention. To their right, a couple was speaking to each other.
"That`s a celestial dragon, the nobles of the world. He's from Marie Jois".
Once Ilir heard that, he swore he saw his eyes turn red. Lucian cupped his shoulder and locked eyes, but no words were exchanged.
But they both understood that at that moment, despite the anger and the betrayal, they couldn`t act. Ilir calmed down. They both returned their attention to the celestial dragon that ordered the genocide of their country.
Keeping their anger in check was very tough.
The celestial dragon kept his speech going. "And, of course, by the graciousness of the World Government and me, we will help return Aragonia to its rightful place and continue our relationship with you. We promise peace and prosperity will return to this glorious nation. We will protect you from pirates and those who dare to harm you, and we will make sure to rebuild Aragonia to its former glory."
The crowd roared and cheered. They began to chant his name. These people have been blinded, but no one would believe the words of a couple of children. Ilir turned away and started walking. Lucian and Mikasa followed. They kept following back until they reached a quiet area. Ilir sat down. He could tell he was fuming with anger.
"Words dont exist to explain the anger I feel, for them to walk into our home in which they just massacred and play all nice. All those sheep down there cheering, so fucking embarrassing look at what we`ve become".
Ilir put his head down, and Mikasa went over to comfort him.
"Guys, we need to leave now," Lucian said. They walked back to the countryside and met up with their families.
Lucian stayed with Mikasa as Ilir went home to cool off. Their families were having dinner, and Rayleigh was invited.
Of course, they would invite the man who saved them. Grown-up dinners were off-limits until you were of age, so Mikasa and Lucian sat together outside. Lucian then explained his current predicament: how he was to train with Rayleigh(if he`d let him) and how Ilir was off to train in Wano. He knew Mikasa would be sad, so he started explaining his soon-to-be adventure with the old man.
"Wow, just like that," she said
Lucian saw the sadness in her eyes. "Can I come with you?" she asked.
He wished she could, but it was too dangerous for her.
"No," Lucian replied.
She smiled, "I figured." Lucian wrapped his arm around her. "You`ll always be my best friend, now and forever," he said.
"And one day, when I make my crew, you`ll be on it," Lucian stated.
Mikasa jumped up excitedly. "Until then, I promise to become super, super smart so I can help you."
Lucian outreached his pinky, indicating he would keep his promise; she intertwined her pinky with his.
"When do you leave?" Mikasa asked.
"Soon, but don`t worry, I won`t leave without saying goodbye."
Lucian and Mikasa sat there exchanging jokes and looking forward to a somewhat bright future.
3 months later…
Well…
It had been three months since that day, and Lucian was getting ready to leave Aragonia for the first time.
Since then, the Marines have helped rebuild Aragonia, restored the trade routes, and ensured that people have jobs and that everything is going smoothly.
Ilir kept training with Sensi Ryko and limited himself to staying in the countryside only. He believed that if he went back to town, he`d 'flip out.'
Lucian and Mikasa have spent every day since then hanging out together, and it has been honestly amazing. They`d venture into town to find out information about anything but came up short. But the other times, they used to mess around and travel around doing their usual shenanigans.
Surprisingly, the old man convinced his parents that he was a suitable teacher to take a 10-year-old kid out on the most dangerous sea in the world. Great!
The old man is a miracle worker or a really good salesman.
Ilir's mom was hesitant to send him to Wano, but Ilir again convinced her he had to. He used his father`s death as an excuse, and it worked. Wow, the true power of pity. He realized that with each passing day, Mikasa seemed to get sadder and sadder, as if she knew that her friends were bound to leave.
But then the day came for Ilir to leave, and let me tell you, he was so excited. Mikasa cried and hugged Ilir a thousand times.
Ilir looked happy, though, "Finally right, bro," Ilir said as he walked up to him. "Next time you see me, I`ll be a proper samurai."
Lucian grinned. "I can`t wait then, my future first mate."
Yeah, he had already decided long ago that Ilir would be his right-hand man.
"Always, brother, always." Ilir gave him a giant hug.
He then walked with him to the port, and they discussed their future. In his own words, Ilir wanted there to be hot girls and cool samurai everywhere.
He saw Sensei Ryko on the ship. He bowed goodbye to the Sensei. He wasn`t kidding when he said Ilir was excited to leave home. Not because he hated it but because he knew Ilir's desire to get stronger and Aragonia was holding him back. He knew the land of Wano would unlock his potential. Rayleigh gave Ilir a pep-talk about the dangers of Wano, and Ilir seemed to understand.
Mikasa didn`t leave until she talked to Ilir, and then Lucian left them alone. By the time they were done, Mikasa was wiping away tears.
"Ready to sail!" yelled one of the helmsmen.
"Write to me, bro. Have fun". He hugged him one more time. Lucian stepped off the ship.
He and Mikasa stood there waving off until Lucian's ship was in the distance. Rayleigh was fixing Lucian`s ship, which was supposedly ready within a couple of days.
Funny how Rayleigh lied about needing a shipwright when he was a great one himself.
Lucian walked home; he had already missed Ilir. He sat down with his family. He discussed his goals for the future with his parents. He said Rayleigh saw potential in him, and he wanted Lucian to unlock it. His father was very supportive, and his mother was worried, but ultimately, they were on the same page. Amante sadly didn`t really understand, and he didn`t want her to worry, so why bother explaining? He just wanted her to be safe.
The next day, Rayleigh came by. "Hey, kid, we set sail tomorrow. Pack your things," Lucian replied. "So you're almost done with the ship?"
Rayleigh pointed to the sea. When Lucian saw the ship, he sailed it to the countryside. It was a small ship with a sail, big enough for a couple of people."
"Already done."
Lucian felt mixed emotions. He didn`t want to leave home, his family, and Mikasa, but he knew he had to. "So, old man, can we start training soon?"
Rayleigh sat down and opened his flask. "Patience, we will get started, but I`m telling you now, Lucian, it will only get harder from here." Lucian nodded. He knew it was, but he was ready. He went to sleep early that night as his mother packed his bag. He was nervous, very nervous.
Next day...
It was a beautiful sunny day, a perfect day to set sail.
He was set to sail before sunset, so he had a couple more hours left. Mikasa and his family never left his side. They had one large going-away lunch for Lucian to wish him success in the journey to come. Mikasa looked sad the whole time. He tried cheering her up, but she only gave him smiles, and he knew she was hurting. His mother was crying, and his father was praising him for finally becoming a man.
He said his goodbyes to Mikasa`s and Ilir`s families, and his family gave him hugs and kisses. He felt so sad to be leaving them, but this was the best way to protect them. He vowed to himself to become as strong as possible to protect those he loved. Mikasa started sulking. Lucian took Amante aside and explained to her that he was going away. She said she understood and was going to miss him. He coddled her and kissed her forehead.
"Be good to father and mother; take care of them," Lucian said.
Amante happily nodded. He hoped she understood what was happening.
Rayleigh then came by "Hey kid, ready to go". Lucian nodded. "Wait up for me, old man. I`ll be there soon."
Rayleigh said his goodbyes and thanked everybody for their hospitality. He then returned to the ship. Lucian pulled Mikasa aside, and she started to tear up.
"Hey, Mikasa, don`t cry." She began to sob. Lucian then pulled her into a hug and held her.
"Don`t die on me; please come back," she said.
"I promise you, I`d never break a pinky swear, you know that," he said.
"I really don`t want you to go, please. Is there any chance you can stay?".
Lucian pulled away and looked Mikasa in her watery eyes. "No, but think about it like this. By the time I come back, I`ll be a pirate, and I can show you the world. I swear it".
Mikasa sniffled. "I love you, stay safe," she said.
He gasped.
It was the way she said it that caught him off guard. It sounded like a confession of emotion and a last desperate hail mary to maybe keep him from leaving.
"I love you more," Lucian kissed Mikasa on the cheek and gave her one large hug. Mikasa wouldn`t pull away. He didn`t want to, either.
"I`ll write to you, "she said.
He gave her one last smile and turned to walk to his parents, giving them one last hug and promising to return. He hopped on the ship and saw the beautiful orange sunset begin to illuminate the sky. Rayleigh let go of the anchor and caught the wind of the sail.
"Ready for the adventure of a lifetime, kid."
Lucian never took his eyes off the port. Everyone was waving him goodbye.
"Hey, I`ll be back. Don`t miss me too much, guys," Lucian yelled out to the distance.
Father, Mother, Amante, stay safe. I`ll miss you.
Mikasa, I`ll be back, he promised.
Lucian waited until they disappeared into the horizon. He missed them all already. He turned to Rayleigh, who was manning the helm.
"Hey, old man, I`m ready to turn the world on its head."
Rayleigh smiled as they sailed into the sunset.