| abstract | - Starfire: S-sakura? Y-you shouldn't worry about S-someone like me. T-these wounds A-are nothing. I-i thank you though. Sakura: Oh no, you've got it all wrong, Starfire. It's no longer my turn. Now Spike is the one who's fighting for you. Spike: Heh! That's right, keep making this more interesting for me... Spike: RAAAH!!! Chris: Grr...! Spike!! You OK?!! Sakura or I can jump in at any moment if you'd like!! Spike: Are you seriously going to continue babying me like that?! You think I'm not man enough to handle having my arms blown off?! Just let me handle things from here! You worry about the ship and the others on board it, got it?! Spike: And besides...! Isn't our pain pretty worthless when you compare it to someone else's?! Let's not forget that these Marines started this mess! We're going to see to it that it gets finished! Spike: Now that you know that I'm not going to buckle so easily, what's your next plan? Captain: So this is why he's called "Ancient Fighter..." He's using his Devil Fruit power now... MEN!! TAKE CARE!! THE PIRATES ARE BEGINNING TO UNLEASH THEIR FULL FURY!! Marine soldiers: YES SIR!!! Captain: CONTINUE THE ALL-OUT ASSAULT!!! MARKSMAN UNIT, AID THE ARTILLERY AND SWORDSMAN UNITS!!! Marksman Unit soldiers: YES SIR!!! Spike: Heh, seems I've spooked 'em now... Good, go all out. Just like you said. You're gonna need to... Sakura: See? Spike has this under control. As for your injuries, they are still injuries, are they not? These Marines attacked you, so that's plenty of reason for us to fight back. That's just our way. So please try to take it easy for now. If we require assistance, we shall let you know. Starfire: T-the only reason you all are in this jam is because of me. IF-if i wasn't such a hard-head this wouldn't eve have happened. I Blew up the Base. I'm The one that Started this and I Should be the one that's Fighting. Starfire: But it seems like N-now's not the time to be worried about if i can fight or not. Ugh I feel worst T-that other time i was shot by those damn things. M-maybe I'll S-sit this one out. I I'm sorry for causing your crew so much T-trouble. H-he was r-right g-getting even might be the E-end of me he he. Sakura: You think we haven't realized that you were the one who attacked the base? It doesn't matter who started this fight. The only thing that matters is escaping this place alive. Let the others fight for your sake. For now, my duty is to help you at all costs. We 're heading back to the ship so that Aphro and Karen can give you some rest. Please... Please be OK, Starfire. Marine Swordsman #1: Where do you think you're going, Dracule?!! Marine Swordsman #2: We have you beat! You can't fight us with the Demon Girl in your arms! Surrender! Sakura: Make me... Sakura: Aphro! Karen! We need your help again! Chris: We noticed... We were watching everything from here. Chris: Aphro and Karen, take care of Starfire. Aphro[worried]: U-Um... Yes sir! Karen: We'll do our best! Chris: Sakura... These guys hurt Starfire, which is why she's in this condition to begin with, right? Sakura: Yes, that's exactly what happened. ...What are you thinking, captain? Chris: These guys hurt our friend, and have come close to killing her. Rrrrgh...! Spike: Wha... What was that? Have I already lost too much blood...? But... Why did it happen just as Chris shouted...? Sakura: That ability... It's just like... Glory: Look!! Chris did it too!! He has the same Haki as Starfire!! Hanuman: Chris has same Haki?!! What going on?!! Glory: But none of us even taught Chris how to use Haki in the first place! So how could he even use Haoshoku Haki?! Sakura: It could be like what happened to me before. Back before you both taught me how to refine my control over my Haki. It just seems that Chris' Haki is finally starting to gradually open up over time. After all, didn't he use Haki in his fight with Pan? Rune: Oh, that's true! I remember that! Chris' body began to create a strange, white substance on parts of his body during the fight! I assume that must've been porcelain, given how his body is clay. But I'm still confused as to how Haki could allow a Logia Devil Fruit user to alter the substance of their body like that... It's so perplexing! Glory: I see then... So his Haki is slowly growing over time, but it only shows up in cases of extreme stress. Chris... You're more amazing than I first thought you were. Hanuman: He definitely deserve to be captain of crew. Chris has great potential. Sakura: Right... But we can't stand around in awe of Chris' new found talent any longer. We need to take care of Starfire, while we fight off the Marines. Aphro: Already on it, Ms. Sakura! Leave Ms. Starfire's safety to Ms. Karen and me! Karen[putting on a brave face]: Yeah! We'll keep her safe and sound! Wyatt: Good luck, you two. Don't let up for even a second! We still need to celebrate our victory here when this is all over! Chris: Grrrrrrrrrr!!!!!! Captain: Just what are they...? Seriously... They're neither man, nor monster. So what the hell could they be...? Have we foolishly gone and gotten ourselves in over our heads? Maybe... Maybe I should try to call for backup... Yeah, if this next attack fails, that's what I'll do! They may think a mass amount of soldiers are no sweat, but they'll be begging for mercy once I and a few of my higher ups start to get serious! Cavalry Unit!! Cavalry Unit soldiers: Yes sir?!! Captain: Stay on standby!! Once the pirate captain gets himself involved, I want you to intercept him immediately!! Fight like your lives depended on it!! Cavalry Unit soldiers: SIR!! YES SIR!! Spike: Mighty Saw!!! Starfire mumbling: C-can't die... Not when... they are fighting for.... My sake... Need to... Keep fighting.. For their sake... Sword: DON'T YOU DARE DIE ON ME GIRL. NOT AFTER EVERYTHING THAT'S HAPPENED YOU BETTER KEEP FIGHTING GIRL. Starfire mumbling: D-don't worry... I'm a F-fighter thick and thin... I won't let... These wounds... Kill me off... You was right... Though i should be... More careful next.. Time.. Karen: No!! She's getting worse!! [voice becomes shaky] Wha... What're we gonna do...? Karen: A... Aphro...? Aphro: ... Karen. If you're going to be our crew's nurse, then you need to control your emotions. Karen: B-But what does that h-have to do with this? Aphro: What do you think would happen to Ms. Starfire if I gave into my feelings, and broke down on the spot? Karen: Uh... Um... ... Aphro: As a doctor, I must always face the undeniable truth that when it comes to situations like these, that I will have someone else's precious, irreplaceable life in my hands. That alone can drive most people mad... But for us doctors, we must be level-headed. Otherwise, we will know longer have clarity in what we seek to do... Aphro: For instance, if it weren't for my diligence, I would never have figured out that we must simply continue doing what we have been for a while now. Karen: And... That is...? Aphro: Fetch me some water, we'll use it to clean her wounds. We'll also need anti-biotics, in order to ward off any unwanted germs in her body. Because of her damaged state, her immune system might not be able to respond fast enough to prevent disease. After that, we'll insert more blood for the transfusion, as that will prevent Ms. Starfire from dieing of blood loss. And then finally, we'll re-bandage the wounds, to further protect against infection, and to give Ms. Starfire the necessary time to heal. You got all that? Karen[mumbling]: Aphro...! Aphro: I said, did you get all that? Karen: Mm-hm! Water, anti-biotics, additional blood samples, and bandages! Aphro: Good, very good. Now please get going. Karen: Yes, Dr. Aphro. Aphro[thinking]: Hang in there, Ms. Starfire...! You're way too persistent to roll over and die like this! Just hold on for a little bit longer...! Spike: Huge Whip!! Glory: At this rate, we'll be here forever! We need to find a way to ditch the Marines while we wait for the Log Pose to reset. Because if we continue fighting them like this... Glory: ...We might not be able to stand back up afterward. Or worse... Hanuman: Glory right. We need to end fight quickly. That, or escape. Wyatt: But how?! It's not like the Marines will just let us go! Timber: Then I'll step in and fight them! If I tag team with Spike, then maybe- Sakura: No, Timber. That will just add more fuel to the fire. Timber: But I wanna do something to help! Glory: Sakura's right, Timber. If any of us start fighting now, that'll just cause more issues. We need to try another approach. Timber: ...Fine. You guys win, I won't fight. Hanuman: But if we not do that, then what we do? Chris: ... Rune: We could try to sail the ship to the other side of the island. It's not the best move, as the Marines will already know our position and simply give chase; but it would buy us some time until the Log Pose resets. Until then, we'd have to keep up a strong defense. Lawrence[in hybrid form]: But it's not like the Marines will just let us go. Once they see us take off, they're going to send a ship of their own after us. Chris: ... Glory: Great, so we're back at square one again? Wyatt: Watch out!! Glory: Nice going, Wyatt. Thanks for having my back there. Wyatt: No problem. Though I might need to stay on guard now. There'll probably be more where he came from... Timber: Rrgh! Those damn Marines, going around touching and boarding my precious ship without permission! Chris: ... Chris: Oi, Spike!! Spike: What is it? You still trying to give me crap? Chris: We've had enough of this! Come back to the ship! You're too injured! Spike: Says who...? Urgh! Rune: Chris, what are you planning? Glory: Is this another one of your spur-of-the-moment decisions? Chris: Just watch, you'll see... Captain: BE ON ALERT, MEN!! JOLLY D. CHRIS IS MAKING HIS MOVE!! Marine soldiers: AYE SIR!! Lawrence: What's that baka doing?! Spike: What are you doing here, Chris? Are you going to join in the fight? Chris: No. I'm taking your place for you. Spike: What?! Chris: Go back to the ship and get some rest. Also, be sure to deliver an important message for me. Got that? Spike: ... Fine... Spike: Just be sure to give 'em hell for me, alright captain? Spike: Now then, what's that message you wanted to give me...? Starfire thinking: If they can all get away. No they need to get away. If anything happens. Sword: Calm down girl. Your in no shape to worry about others. As strange that you are worrying over them. Starfire: A-aphro... Y-your crew... S-should be.... W-worrired about... G-getting away... N-not about... M-me... Starfire: T-there's a... W-way to... G-get away.... W-without anyone... G-getting hurt.. Y-you just... N-need to... H-hand someone... O-over... Karen: Huh...? Starfire's awake? [sighs out of relief] I'm so glad she's going to be OK at this rate... So then, what did she just say, Aphro? Aphro: Karen... You see... Karen: Huh...? Aphro: Ms. Starfire, I... Aphro: Ms. Starfire, I cannot allow you to do that for us. Karen: Do... What? Aphro: I may not appear like it most of the time, but I'm still as sharp as ever. I know you intend to hand yourself over to the Marines, all in order to protect us. Karen: WHAT?! Karen: N-... No...! We... We can't...!! Aphro: Precisely... Not only as a medical professional, but as a human being in my entirety, I simply wouldn't be able to live with myself if I allowed you to go through with such an insane plan. Not only that, but I'd never be able to look my friends in the eyes ever again, if I went behind their backs and let you do this. And then of course, who's to say the Marines won't be satisfied with just you? Karen: A-Aphro... Aphro: Now don't get us wrong, Ms. Starfire. We're not suicidal, nor do we not care about your feelings toward us. It's just... We're in a position where we can help, and whenever a nakama needs our help, we will fight tooth and nail to do what we can to lend that nakama of ours, our assistance. We'd do anything for a loved one, for that's what it means to be a member of this pirate crew. I hope you can understand this... Aphro: Karen, we mustn't waste any more precious time. Give me the anti-biotics and blood, and go and pick up the bandages. Once done, hand them to me and bring me some more warm water. Karen: Yes Dr.! Karen: The ship's moving?! But why? Have the Marines already been defeated? Aphro: But why weren't we warned of this? What are they doing out there? Captain: WHAT...?! What kind of nonsense is THIS?! Glory: Wait, turn back!! Spike, what are you doing?! We have to raise the sails and turn around!! Spike: No Glory! Glory: Huh?! B-... But why?! Wyatt: Did you get hit on the head during your fight, Spike?! Why are we sailing AWAY from the Marines?! Spike: Chris overheard your plan earlier, so he decided to put a twist on it. As his first mate, I had to obey him. Hanuman: The...! The plan?! Rune: Right...! We had said something earlier about going to the other side of the island and trying to outwait the Marines! Chris must've been listening the whole time... Timber: But Chris is...!! Timber: ...Still on the beach!! Captain: Men!! Stay on guard!! The enemy is up to something!! Artillery Unit!! Open fire at the pirates' ship!! Artillery Unit soldiers: AYE SIR!! Chris: ... Chris: Your fight's with me, not the ship... Captain: Grrrrrrr!!! Damn that Jolly clay freak!! He's stalling us!! Chris: While we're here, I guess I should showcase my art to you all. I hope you'll like my show... Especially since your Captain there, looks a little stressed out. He could use a laugh or two right now... Artillery Unit soldier: D-Damn him...! He ate one of those Devil Fruits! Chris: That's why I'm called "Clay Man Chris"... Captain: NO MORE WAITING!! WE HAVE TO BREAK THROUGH HIS DEFENSES AND FOLLOW THE POSITION OF THAT SHIP!! IT CAN'T GET FAR, THAT MUCH WE KNOW!! Assorted Marine soldiers: AYE SIR!! Chris: You'd be surprised, what my crew is capable of, when I need them the most. But for now, they need me, and I'd hate to disappoint them... Wyatt: THAT WAS HIS BIG PLAN?!! Spike[nodding]: Yep... He said it in those exact words too... Sakura: This is a foolish move, even for Chris! I demand that we sail back immediately! Spike: What kind of crew would we be if we disobeyed our captain...? Rune: But there's a time for loyalty and a time for reason! Now is a time for reason! Spike: Well you must be on the wrong ship, lady! This ship of ours has nothing but unreasonable people on it. And i'm living proof of that. Wyatt: Spike, you're so heartless!! Hanuman: Wyatt, settle down... Wyatt: NO!! [begins to tear up] Chris wouldn't leave us behind like this! Even now, he'd fight his way to us, even if it meant costing him his life! And you're just going to sit there and pretend like Chris might not actually die in that mess over there?! Spike: ...! Wyatt: Hghg...! [begins to cry] WHAT KIND OF FIRST MATE ARE YOU?!! Glory: Wyatt!! Wyatt: Huh...? Glory: Y-You've said enough...! So just... JUST SHUT UP, OK?!! Wyatt: G-... Glory... I... Spike: ... Spike: As first mate, it's my duty to act as temporary leader of this ship while our captain's away. As such... Spike: Timber, while Karen's busy with Aphro, I want you to steer The Jolly Holiday! Timber: Huh...? Me? Spike: You're our shipwright, so you would know how to respond to your own ship more so than anyone else here. Use that to your advantage and guide us away from here. Timber: And if I refuse...? Spike: Then I'll forcibly banish you from this crew for good. The Jolly Pirates except Chris and Spike: ...!! Spike: We don't need any rebels on our ship. Not right now, at least... So if you're going to go against Chris' orders, then I'll have to kick you out of this crew myself. And I'm not afraid to get rough if I have to... The choice is yours. Timber: F-... Fine then... You leave me no choice anyway... Rune: Timber, are you really going to...? Timber: Like I said, I have no choice... Spike: Good... Now then, I want the rest of you to know that the same punishment applies to anyone here who even dares to speak out against Chris' orders. Got that? Wyatt[melancholic]: Yeah... We got it... Crystal clear... Spike[thinking angrily]: You baka!!! Why'd you have to go and be so damned hard-headed?!!! We could've worked this out if you had talked it out with us first!! D-Dam... Damn you, Chris...!! You better be OK, Fart Boy!!! Otherwise...!! I'll come over there and kick your ass...!!! Starfire: Y-you win... F-for now... B-but when... I-i've rested... E-enough... Starfire: I will Go back and I will Make sure he Will survive. They Will pay if they so much as Try to hurt Your crew mate. She might not be able to move at the moment. But she was not going to let this crew lose it's captain. She could tell they was different and Starfire was starting to understand what Nakama means. Most of the world may see her as a demon. But not only did they help her. But they also didn't freak out when her wings came out.She smiled with that thought as her consciousness started to fade again. While Karen was busy with her job, Aphro felt surprised by what Starfire had told him. Not all too surprising, given that Aphro was among one of the many crew members aboard the ship who was unable to use Kenbunshoku Haki; meaning that he had no idea that Chris, let alone ANYONE, had left the ship just now. He looked back into Starfire's eyes with profound bewilderment. If it weren't for what Starfire had just said, he would've asked about her eyes. But now was not the time for petty questions. Aphro: Huh? What are you saying?! Who will survive?! Hurt who?! Hello?! Ms. Starfire! Try to wake up! Who do you wish to protect?! Can you hear me?! Aphro: ... Karen!! How are you doing?! Did you get everything yet?! We need to keep a steady blood flow going or things will take a turn for the dire!! Karen: Everything's set, Dr.! I have everything you wanted! Karen: Um, Dr. Aphro...? Did you get all that? Aphro: Huh?! Oh, yes. Thank you, Karen. Now let us get to work. Karen[nodding]: Yes, Dr.! Various Marines: RAAAAAAAHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!! Chris: HYAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!!!!!!!!!!! Chris: CLAY CLAY ARMORY!! [sounds of whips cracking and swords colliding] CLAY CLAY SHIELD!! [an explosion goes off, creating a cloud of smoke and ash] CLAY CLAY SWAMP!! CLAY CLAY SHREDDER!! [Marines begin yelling out of pain as various debris can be heard and seen being smashed to bits. More gunfire is then heard afterward] Spike[thinking]: Chris... Why...? Why do you think you're the only one who should risk his life? Can't you let us rely on our own strength? Just this once...? Who knows... Maybe this was for the best... But...! Still!! Spike[thinking]: Grrr!!!! IF THOSE MARINES HURT HIM, I SWEAR...!!! I...!!! I'LL NEVER BE ABLE TO FORGIVE MYSELF!!! ... Damn you...!! Chris...! Glory: GUYS!! I NEED SOME HELP HERE!! I THINK SPIKE NEEDS TO HEAD TO THE INFIRMARY!! Wyatt: Can't we just handle one problem at a time?!! Damn it, Spike!! Why are you so pig-headed?!! Hanuman: Hanuman on it. Hanuman bring him to Aphro and Karen. You all take it easy. Timber: Chris... Please make it back to us in one piece. We need you right now... Spike's finally passed out, and Starfire's still injured... We're in an ultra bad situation now... Meanwhile in the infirmary somewhere deep inside Starfire stirs. She once again has that feeling. Since she has a feeling whats going to happen she doesn't fight the feeling. It seems like it takes forever but soon Starfire is outside her body in Spirit Form. Being Spirit Star really didn't shock her much. She sees Aprho and Karen working on getting her stable. She wonder if she had enough feelings towards them that they would be able to see/hear her. She looks at all the damage she had done to herself and sigh. Spirit Starfire: Damn i look like i been to hell and back a few times. Well in a way i was. Ha damn this is a pain. Spirit Starfire: Well since I'm like this might as well be some use. Karen: Huh...? Oi, Dr, Aphro. Did you hear something just now? Aphro: What are you getting at? Karen: It's just that I thought I heard someone talking just now. Aphro: I thought I did too, but I wrote it off as a stress-induced hallucination. Now if you don't mind, Ms. Starfire here comes first. Karen[nodding]: Agreed! Spirit Starfire: One your lucky i being nice or you would have some water on your head. Two your not Hallucination cause that's when you see things that are not there. And since you heard some of what i was saying never mind. I'm boring myself just talking like those damn quacks. And third since you two are kind enough to deal with my body thanks by the way. I'm gonna go take a look around to see what kind of people you are. Karen: OK, that time, I KNOW I heard something! Sounded a bit like Starfire too. Something about... Water... Someone's head... Quacks... A body... And some people... Aphro: I know, I heard it again too. I still believe we're just a little stressed out at the moment, but it sounded like Ms. Starfire nonetheless. Aphro: Seems this little lady's just full of surprises... Karen: Yeah... Aphro: Spike, why must you cause so many problems? Hanuman: Spike unconscious. He need help. You busy? Karen: Well, kind of... Aphro: Just lay the baka on the bed next to Ms. Starfire. These two seem strong-willed, so i'm sure we can find a way to support them both. Hanuman: How is Starfire? Karen: She's faring OK for the time being. Though we're trying to, uh... What's that term again, Dr. Aphro? Aphro: We're trying to keep her condition regulated. If we can do that, then her body will naturally heal just fine on its own. Hanuman: That good. When she feels better, Hanuman will make soup for Starfire. Must build up strength. Aphro: That's all fine and dandy, Hanuman, but it won't be completely necessary. We have IV bags for that, when push comes to shove. Hanuman: OK then, but if Starfire look hungry at all, then Hanuman make food for her! Aphro: Fair enough. Now we must return to our work. Aphro: Karen, can you look after Ms. Starfire for me while I prepare Spike for medical treatment? It'd be of major help to me. Karen: M... Me?! By myself?! Aphro: It'll be no different than what we were doing before. Just keep a careful eye on her condition, and if she looks uncomfortable, just apply a bit more dopamine to her system. Everything else should run along smoothly without me. Karen: O... OK. And what will you be doing? Aphro: What we've been doing for a while now. Spike is suffering from roughly the same wounds as Ms. Starfire, so he shouldn't be too difficult to heal. Karen: Oh, alright then. I'll... I'll do my best, Dr. Aphro! Aphro: Good... Aphro[thinking]: Though trying your best may not be enough in such a situation. It's live or die in the world of a doctor. Win or lose. And if there's one thing you must always aim for, it's victory. So don't just do your best, Karen. SUCCEED in keeping Ms. Starfire safe. Glory: So? How are they? Hanuman: Starfire doing good. She no longer in immediate danger. Aphro getting started with Spike. He be alright soon too. Glory: Well, that's good to hear at least... Rune: How's Karen faring? Is she doing well in assisting Aphro? Hanuman: Karen doing fine too. She looks really professional. Rune: I'm relieved. Seems my little sister's growing up somewhat. Sakura: So that just leaves getting to our next destination, and awaiting news from Chris. I pray he's doing OK. Wyatt: W-W-Why so neg-gative?!! Wyatt: S-Starfire and Sp-pike are going to be OK!! A-And w-we'll escape the M-Marines!! A-And Ch-Ch-Chris will c-come back s-soon!! Y-You'll s-see!! Lawrence[in hybrid form]: Says the guy who's shaking like a leaf. Seems you're the most worried out of all of us. Wyatt: SH-SHUT UP!! A-AM NOT!! I'M J-JUST OVERC-COME WITH J-JOY!! EV-VERYTH-THING'S GOING TO B-BE ALRIGHT-T!! Y-YOU'LL S-SEE!! Rune: You said that already, Wyatt. Wyatt: W-W-WELL IT'S T-TRUE!! Timber: Oi, guys! Looks like we're going to reach our destination soon! Get ready to make landfall! Glory: Got'cha! Wyatt: At the risk of sounding redundant... This sucks... Rune: Indeed it does. Spirit Starfire: Well I found the study lets see if there's a log book around here somewhere. Spirit Starfire: I wonder if Baka is related to Chris or someone else. Well if i get a chance later I'll ask him. Spirit Starfire: There's got to be some way. Lawrence[resting in his hybrid form]: Rune? Where are you heading off to? Rune: Oh, no wehere special. I just felt the need to grab a book to read, so I'm heading to my study. Lawrence: Funny, never thought you'd be the type to read in a situation like this. Then of course, you and your sister are still new to this crew. Rune: It's not like that. I just can't sit around and worry like the rest of you. If I at least read something, it'll take my mind off things and help take some of the stress off of me. You should try it sometime... Rune: Mm, strange. The air in here feels... Different. I'm probably too worked up at the moment. Rune: Hm? That's my logbook... But... Rune: Didn't I leave this laying face-up? It's spine was pointing to the west when I left it, but now it's pointing eastward... Am I mistaken, or have I finally lost my mind? Rune: Strange feelings, misplaced objects... I need to relax. Rune: Chris, we're almost there now. No less than a minute to go... Rune: He's so altruistic... To think he'd do so much just for someone he's befriended. There aren't many people i've met who are like that... Rune: You WILL return to us, Chris. After all, Starfire's your friend, just as she is ours now, isn't she? And you have the Will of D. guiding you. Only you can pull this off now. Spirit Starfire: Plan drive them mad. Simple yet affective. Just need to get someone to move my body so i can watch as they set up. If not then there's no way I'll be able to leave the ship and mess with those morons. So can't wait to get back to my body. Spirit Starfire: Rune was it? One what did you mean your chaptain is already my friend? Second what did you mean about Will of D? If you know anything could ya tell me cause I always thought the D to my real name meant Demon. Rune: ...!! What... What was that...? Sakura: What is it, Rune? Is something the matter? Rune: Oh, it was nothing. I thought I saw something nearby. Sorry for worrying you, Sakura. Sakura: ... Rune[thinking]: That presence... It's back again... And this time, I could hear someone saying the words "Rune," "friend," "Will of D.," and "demon." I wonder... Timber: Oi, Rune, where are you going? We finally reached our destination. Rune: Oh, I just want to finish my book, and felt that the light over near the stern of the ship was more appropriate. I hope you don't mind. Timber: Er, yeah, I guess that's ultra. Just be sure to hurry up with that book then. We need to stay alert for any invading Marines, and of course, to keep an eye out for Chris. Rune: You have my word. Rune: Now that we have some privacy... Rune[thinking]: Perhaps some Haki will shed some light on this mystery... Rune: ...Let's see if I can hear you more clearly with Haki. Now explain what you were saying earlier. You mentioned my name, and the Will of D., so you must know of me in some way or another, no? So with that in mind, I must ask, who exactly are you? Spirit Starfire: Well you and everyone else knows me as Starfire. However due to the fact of almost being killed the only way of me being able to rest is being. How should I put this. Kicked out of my body. I'm in my Spirit form which is not like being dead. I've been that too a few times however now's not the time to worry about it. Spirit Starfire: You said something about your captain being my friend and of Will of D. I don't get either one. How can someone just decide a strangers his friend without even getting to know the person. With the D, My real name has it in it but i figured it stood for Demon since I've been called it more times then i can count. Spirit Starfire: I will shed some light to what i mean. However you must not tell anyone what my real name is or say it. My real name is A-aura D. Soura. Rune: I see, thank you very much, So-I mean... Starfire. Glad to see my Haki plan worked out nicely. I may not be able to see you, but at least I can sense you more clearly now... Rune: As for my captain, who goes by the name of Jolly D. Chris, well... He's certainly an unusual one, that much I can say. I haven't met many people, at least, many pirates who behave like he does. He's like a child for most of the time. All he does is eat, sleep, play, and fight. Only on rare occasions, like now, have I seen him act more seriously. He seems... Quite different all of a sudden. Though I've only ever seen him act this way one other time, and that's when he fought Pan the Centaur, my old captain. He's... So much more mature and serious when he's like this. Rune: I assume he must've been lonely once in his lifetime, for him to be so attached to someone he's just met. He might have also experienced some sort of great loss too, though these are only educated guesses on my part. Loss, suffering, and loneliness can drive people to do such extreme actions, and so I'm sure that must be why Chris chose to fight alone. Whatever trauma he may have experienced in the past, he refuses to go through again, and so he's going to risk everything, even possible imprisonment or death, just to save us. But... Rune: I don't quite understand why he goes so far for someone he's just met either... Who knows, maybe I already answered your question. Maybe his childish attitude, and longing for friends and companions to keep him company is what causes him to befriend total strangers. Sometimes, he's almost as innocent as a child... So I guess this is just his innocence showing up in the weirdest of places. ...Whatever the cause may be, all I can confidently say, is that he only calls people he likes his friends, so I guess he just decided that he approves of you. That, or he may have simply wanted to defend you against the Marines... I can't say for certain, but in some way, during our short time together, Chris has decided to consider you a friend. And so by association, you have become our friend as well. Rune: As for the Will of D.... To be honest, I'm still unsure of what it is... But... Rune: That's what makes the middle initial you share with Chris so interesting for me. You see, there's nothing more entertaining for me than to solve a good puzzle. And so, I'm going to be the one to find out what the Will of D. is all about. While I don't know much, what I can tell you is this: The D. does NOT stand for Demon. That much I've figured out. That, and everyone I've met with the Will of D. seems to be strong-willed, determined, and unnaturally lucky. And I have to say, for you to even be here would require all three characteristics, am I right? Rune: I'm sorry... You see, since I love to solve mysteries, it's my dream to uncover the truth behind the Will of D. I want to know why it is you people are so blessed with strong wills and determination, and why it is that despite not being of the same family, that you all carry this initial in your names. If I could solve the toughest mystery i've ever encountered in my life... Rune: Then I'll die with no regrets... This is something I've just got to do, for my own selfish reasons... Rune: I hope that answered your questions, and I apologize if I couldn't tell you much about the Will of D. To be honest, I'm just grasping at straws here, as there is still much I still don't understand in this world of ours. Spirit Starfire: Thank you Rune for your honest answers. Now to answer your question. Some of us strong willed people don't have enough sense to give up. That or we are to stubborn to. We fight for reasons most would think are insane. To give up in my opinion is to quit when life gets to tough. However to keep going even when the world has turned it's back. It takes more then guts to do so. Yes some would just give up but to me and others we see giving up as a wimps way out. Give all or die trying. That's what i believe. It was nice chatting with you Rune. However i feel like i will be returning to my body soon. Hope to give those morons hell for what they are doing to your captain. As i told your doc. If they harm Chris in any way I'll show them hell. Rune: To be so determined, you'd do what might be considered insane... Rune: That makes sense to me. Rune: Speaking of your body, it seems Aphro's given my sister a break. Aphro must still be inside the infirmary with you then, since I can't see him from here. I hope that doesn't creep you out. Rune: Aphro may seem odd, and true, his flirting can get annoying sometimes, but he's only worried about your health and safety. So when you eventually return to your body, tell him I said thanks for watching over Karen, and helping her become a good nurse. Rune: Anyway, I'm just rambling now. We should concentrate on getting you back to full health, once you've returned to your body. After that, well... Rune: We're all confident that Chris will come back, or at least, that's what we keep telling ourselves... Starfire... Rune: Thank you for being such a great friend. Rune: I'm sorry, but I must be going for now. I hope to see you again soon. Spirit Starfire: Now's not the time to worry about small words like that. Spirit Starfire Writing: Well Doc i got to say thanks for watching over my body while i was away. I won't be able to repect this later so here goes. You are one of the few that have heard me in this form. You should be proud since i don't trust people like doctors with ease. Another thing Rune wanted me to tell you she said thanks for watching over and helping her sister becoming a nurse or something like that. Well looks like I'm. Aphro: Ms. Starfire?! Are you conscious?! Aphro: Way to hang in there, Ms. Starfire. The others will be so relieved once you're back up on your own two feet. Until then, I'll be here to keep you and Spike company. Aphro: What the...?! I didn't write this...! But whoever did, knows of Ms. Rune and Karen! Could it have been a prank done by Hanuman, or one of the others...? No, Hanuman was the only one who came in here while we were treating Ms. Starfire's more serious injuries. And what's more, is we never saw him once make an attempt to write anything down. So... Who could've...? Aphro: Never mind that, Aphro. You need to focus and keep guard over your patients! A good doctor puts the health of others above everything else! Starfire: IT'S GREAT TO BE BACK IN MY BODY. Now time to have some more fun. Starfire: Ok Jolly dude you don't need to worry about your idiot captain. I'll show them all hell for hurting him. You rest and get back to your feet. Aphro: SO THE FOOL DECIDES TO JUST GO IT ALONE?!! WHAT DOES HE TAKE US FOR?!! WEAKLINGS?!! Sakura: That's how most of us felt as well. Karen[trying to force back worried tears]: B-But...! He's all alone! What if he gets hurt?! Or if he's lonely?! What if the Marines get him?! Glory: Well... Chris might act stupid, but... But he's still our strong, baka captain!! We can't give up on him just yet!! Aphro[solemnly]: That explains Spike's condition. I know he'd prefer to tough it out himself, but even he knows his own limits. He must've been trying to act as our reliable leader while Chris was gone... That imbecile. Glory: What'd you say, she-male?!! Aphro: I mean no offense, Ms. Glory! But it was stupid to prolong his pain in that state! Spike was clearly injured from the battle, and was losing plenty of blood! If he continued trying to play the role of acting captain while Chris is away, he might've...! Glory: I hear ya, Aphro... You don't need to say any more. Aphro: I'm... Terribly sorry, Ms. Glory. I didn't mean to bring up- Glory: I get it. Wyatt: YOU SUCK!! Wyatt: WHY EVEN DECIDE TO BECOME OUR FRIEND IF YOU'RE WILLING TO THROW YOUR LIFE AWAY LIKE A BAKA, AND LEAVE US ALL BEHIND?!! WHAT KIND OF FRIEND ARE YOU, CHRIS?!! Sakura: Leave him be. There's a time for words, and a time for silence. Wyatt needs to let this all out of his system. That's all. Lawrence[Hybrid Form]: Funny you'd say that, Sakura. Mostly since you've been expressionless since this whole thing got started, like usual. Aren't you at all upset? Sakura: ... Lawrence: I'm sorry, Sakura. Sakura: Just because I don't express myself as readily as the rest of you, doesn't mean i'm heartless. Chris has been a good captain, and a loving friend. I pray for his safe return. Wyatt: HE BETTER RETURN SAFELY, IF HE KNOWS WHAT'S GOOD FOR HIM!! Aphro: On that note, i'm going to check up on our patients. Please inform me of when Chris returns, and especially if he's OK or not. Karen: Should I go with you, Dr. Aphro? Aphro: I think I can manage on my own for now, Karen. Thank you, but I think it best for you to stay here and keep an eye out for Chris. Karen: O... OK. Rune: Aphro! Rune: Did you get that message I sent you? Aphro: "Message"...? Aphro: Wait, that was you, Ms. Rune?! But how?! Rune: I'll explain later, but let's just say Starfire is a helpful friend when you need her to come through for you. Aphro: Ms. "Starfire"...? Aphro[sighing]: Today has been such a weird day... Starfire: Well best not keep those morons waiting any longer. Though all this started cause of my recklessness. Starfire: I wonder? Starfire smirks: Well even though your a Doc your one i can somewhat say yo to without wanting to send you flying. Aphro: Ah!! Aren't you a sight for sore eyes!! Feeling better, I assume? Aphro: While I appreciate what I assume to be a compliment, I must ask... What do you think you're doing out of bed already?! And you're still bandaged! If you move around too much, you're going to re-open all of your wounds, and start bleeding again! Honestly...! Aphro: What is it with you people nowadays? It's as if you think your bodies are going to be fine no matter what you do to them! Doesn't ANYONE care for their own health anymore?! Aphro: Well, you're up now, so I guess there's nothing to do but await the inevitable. If your wounds start acting up, or if you get hurt, make sure you, or someone else gets you to me A.S.A.P. Until then, I have to check up on our first mate. Aphro: Take care of yourself, Ms. Starfire. Starfire: Doc you told me what most have told me. Now let me say something. There are times to rest and times to fight. It matters not how one body feels when there's a battle still going. No worries though Im healed better then ya think. Now i must go fight and see ya when the battles over with. Starfire: I know i can be reckless. Stupid and insane by charging in without a plan. That's how i work. But remember this. I'll show them hell if they think they can get away with hurting your captain. Starfire thinking: I might need to come back look around here again. However now is not the time to worry about a stupid stone.
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