I know it would seem like an overreaction to go into a full-blown panic attack; however, I had little to no control over my emotions. At least the incident on the boat had passed, and now we were dining at the little tavern. Uta and Luffy, seemingly bickering, got along well and ran off to who knows where.
"Makino, another drink, please!" Yasopp called out warmly, his voice echoing over the lively chatter of the bar, as he leaned back in his chair, enjoying the atmosphere.
"Me too!" Beckman chimed in, raising his empty mug, prompting a few others at the table to join in the chorus of requests for another round. The air was thick with laughter and camaraderie, the kind that only a day spent sailing the open seas could foster.
Suddenly, Shanks burst out, "Is he the kid?" His question cut through the jovial noise like a knife; however, it seemed like I was the only one bothered by it, as the rest remained as cheerful and rambunctious, causing me to choke on the juice I had just taken a sip of.
"!!!!" My eyes widened in shock as I spluttered, tears welling up from the force of my coughing fit. I shot Shanks an incredulous glare, my heart racing as I processed what he had just said.
"My bad, sweetheart! Didn't mean to scare you," Shanks said with an exaggerated shrug, his hands raised in a playful gesture of mock surrender, a teasing grin stretching across his face. The sheer joy in his laughter was carefree and infectious, making it nearly impossible to remain upset. "Guessing by that reaction, I take it it's true." His eyes sparkled with mischief, catching the soft light and glinting like mischievous stars, and I couldn't help but roll my eyes in response, even as my heart gradually settled back into a calmer rhythm. "I guess things are going to be interesting from now on," he chuckled, his voice rich with amusement. I felt a mild temptation to curse him for his relentless teasing. Shaking my head at the thought, I returned to sipping my juice, the cool liquid a small comfort as I sank deeper into my exhaustion, the day's weariness enveloping me like a heavy blanket.
…
Uta soon returned, her vibrant energy radiating like the sun as she joined the ever-enthusiastic Luffy. The two exuded an electric charm, embodying a spirited and playful rivalry that ignited a thrilling atmosphere around them. I couldn't help but notice the flicker of Uta's father complex flaring up as she deftly fended off Luffy's playful attempts to cling to Shanks, who stood nearby, arms crossed and wearing a bemused smile, the corners of his mouth twitching with amusement.
Our attention was quickly drawn to an impromptu eating competition set up for the two brats, leading to a bubble of tension, competitiveness, and excitement. The air was thick with anticipation as Uta and Luffy prepared to square off. I burst into laughter at the sight of Luffy, ever the gullible optimist, as he fell into a cleverly laid trap. He had been tricked into downing Uta's share of juice, only to be met with an unexpectedly powerful punt from the designated grazing animal, adding a surreal twist to the chaotic scene. It was a moment of pure hilarity that sent the entire group into fits of laughter, the sound echoing joyfully around us.
My own laughter echoed loudly, a deep, hearty sound that erupted from my core. It took hold of me so intensely that I felt a sharp pang in my gut, and before I realized it, I was utterly drained of energy. When I finally managed to catch my breath, a warm smile lingered on my face, a testament to the joy and camaraderie that filled the air.
The night sky was a breathtaking tapestry, adorned with countless stars that twinkled like scattered jewels against the dark velvet of the universe. It was a brilliantly clear night, the air crisp and still, making each distant pinprick of light easily discernible. I recalled the fond memory of how Snake would, with his vast knowledge, have passionately described the constellations to me — their mythologies and the way they guided sailors and adventurers through uncharted waters. During that time, the ever-so-timid hulk of a man, Gab, would listen intently, his eyes wide with awe as he absorbed every word.
As I stood there beneath this celestial canopy, I felt a sense of wonder wash over me. Having learned about these stars and their significance added a thrilling dimension to my journey in this chaotic world. Despite my memories of a past life being fragmented and elusive, I have the feeling that the heavens I gazed upon now were more vibrant and alive than those I had once known. The clarity of these stars felt like a fresh start, a beacon of hope guiding me through the darkness of forgotten memories.
I felt exhausted, even after meeting Luffy. I would find myself staring at Shanks' dominant arm; the unease haunted me like a phantom; it was this nervous twitch in the back of my head that would flare, causing me to zone out while staring at Shanks. Shanks appeared utterly unfazed at the upcoming future, wearing a bright smile that radiated cheerfulness. His carefree demeanor was infectious, as if he carried the weight of the world with ease. Mischief sparkled in his eyes, hinting at countless playful schemes and adventures waiting to unfold, laughing without a care in the world, as if the possibility of losing an arm wasn't something to worry about. Was losing an arm truly essential to inspire Luffy? As I glanced around the dimly lit room, I couldn't shake the weight of the question. It was well past midnight, and I felt a pang of guilt watching Makino doze off on one of the old wooden chairs behind the counter. Her gentle breathing contrasted sharply with the chaotic scene surrounding her, where the rest of the crew lay sprawled in a disorganized heap—some on the floor, a few draped awkwardly over tables, and others piled haphazardly on top of each other like a tangled mess of limbs.
I fought the urge to laugh at the sight, yet I was taken aback by the gross spectacle of giant snot bubbles that some of the men were expelling: inflating and deflating with each snore. It was a bizarre mix of comedy and mortification. Uta and Luffy had long since been tucked in, likely dreaming of grand adventures, while I remained wide awake despite the exhaustion that tugged at my limbs like an anchor.
The room felt heavy with an unsettling silence, and an inexplicable sense of foreboding gnawed at my mind. It was as if the shadows had a life of their own, whispering warnings that something sinister lay just out of reach. I couldn't shake the feeling that if I surrendered to sleep, I would unwittingly invite trouble. So I sat there, caught in a web of weariness and vigilance, wondering if I was the only one with darkness lurking.