Chapter 18: Chapter Eighteen
The light flickered in the fog, swinging to and fro to invisible wind. Nami gasped quietly, amazed at how much knowledge Mjolnir held. A hidden island, one that any pirates of the seas were yet to discover. The crew almost didn't believe the assassin, they had concluded their certain death by sinking after long minutes of not finding any indication of land. But here it was, the truth in Mjolnir's words right before them.
Luffy's mouth curved in a wide grin , as he blinked at the sight of the swaying lamp. Land at last, he thought, the distant whiff of meat filling his nostrils. His stomach quietly grumbled.
Zoro was silent, stealing a peek at the white ghost beside him. He felt like a fool for almost doubting their words. Thus far, Mjolnir has been nothing but trustworthy and truthful. That was why Usopp had thought that they should probably put more fate in the assassin.
Mjolnir allowed a proud smile on their lips, hands rested on slim waist." Well there you have it folks, welcome to Lantern Island."
Just then, as they reached closer to the swaying lamp, footsteps were heard. Then next came the floating lanterns being pushed to the air by dozens of people who had marched all the way to the port. The crew looked below, the lantern perched on a wooden stand on a wooden bridge that led to a small sea port. The bridge was occupied with curious people, who probably rushed to see who the newcomers were.
Nami giggled looking up into the sky, the lanterns floated above them in a flicker of beauty, lighting their path and surroundings. There were more lanterns being held by the people as they watched the ship curiously.
"Whoa." Usopp gasped blinking down at the occupants.
Sanji clicked his tongue, thrusting his hands in his pocket." Lantern island huhn," he chuckled." I understand the concept."
"It's beautiful." Nami revelled.
"Isn't it?" Mjolnir said proudly." They really value the creation of lanterns and what they both mean and are used for. Every night by this exact same time, the people would all gather here; just on that wooden bridge and release the lanterns to light the way."
" You seem awfully familiar with their customs?" Zoro asked in lieu to and answer, cocking a brow in question of Mjolnir's knowledge of a hidden place and it's people.
Mjolnir nodded." Of course I am! I used to live here."
" Eh?"Zoro blinked.
" Really?" Nami gasped.
" No way."Luffy laughed out loud.
Mjolnir laughed too, cheeks warming in the excitement of coming back home after years of departure. Rushing towards the edge of the deck, Mjolnir waved both hands grinning from side to side." Konbanwa mina. Tadaimaaaaaa."
"Mjolnir? Mjolnir!"
"It's Mjolnir"
"Mjolnir-san, Kanojo wa ie ni kaette kimashita"
"Nante kotoda, shinjirarenai. Sore wa hontōni kanojodesu "
"Mimi..... Isoide rīdā ni shirase ni itte kudasai. Ima sugu isoide kudasai!!"
There was great cheerful pandemonium over Mjolnir as they waved to each other, happy smiles on their faces.
"Mjolnir who are these people? "Nami asked in wonder staring straight at the assassin.
" Drop the anchor guys, and pull down your guard. "Mjolnir instructed turning to look at the crew with that same warm smile." We'll be alright here. "
Luffy shrugged and skipped over to the anchor like Mjolnir had instructed. He was much more free minded than his other crew mates. Mjolnir saved Zoro's life and nursed the nut headed swordmaster back to complete health, led them through a deadly fog to safety. That was enough for him to lay at least some trust in them. "Usopp, a little help here."
"Right.... coming?" Usopp muttered a little unconvinced. There was so much Mjolnir knew that they didn't. It irked them, it feared them and it begged the question. What else do they know?
After Luffy and Usopp had pushed the anchor into the water, Sanji pulled down the ships ladder allowing Mjolnir the honor to climb down first. Mjolnir was surrounded by the people the moment their leg touched the ground. The crew climbed after, and stood silently watching as Mjolnir was greeted with hugs and touches and kisses.
Sanji wasn't half surprised as he previously were, after all Mjolnir had guided them through the fog like it was their own backyard, the familiarity the White Ghost had with these people shouldn't have come as a shock. Mjolnir definitely wasn't just a visitor.
The people spoke in a language foreign to the Straw Hat's, but the dialect rolled off Mjolnir's tongue like smooth butter. The crew stood in absolute oblivion to what was going on, or what they were talking back.
"Mina...." Mjolnir finally said pointing over to the Straw Hat's with a smile. " Korera wa tomodachidesu. Kore wa Luffy," pointed to Luffy, who smiled widely and waved.
"Sanji-san." Mjolnir pointed to Sanji who placed his hand in his chest with a bow.
" Nami-san." NAMI smiled stiffly
"Usopp-san." Usopp blinked.
"Roronoa Zoro,"
The moment Mjolnir said his name everyone gasped staring at him in amazement. "Roronoa Zoro? Honto ni desu ka?" Someone said
"Soona!" A man bellowed
"Majika?" Another laughed
"Sugoidesu ne!!!! " Someone else squealed in excitement before the crowd burst into another pandemonium over him.
" Seems like your famous around these parts too? "Sanji canted towards his ear and whispered. Zoro fixed him with a silent and confused stare of his own, shrugging hopelessly.
"Zoro mo sutēji 4 no kuyunta doku o ikinobita" Mjolnir added with a mischievous smile at the end.
The crowd gasped again moving towards Zoro with outstretched hands. It made Zoro react, to this unknown environment and unusual people he gripped the hilt of his white sword and half unsheathed it to ward as a warning. The people took the hint, jerking back with an uncertain fear dancing in their eyes.
"Ochistuite iru, Mina." Mjolnir called out as if to pacify them striding over to Zoro and placing their hands on his. "Zoro, no, calm down. They're good people, my people. You can trust them."
"Last I remembered, trust is something that is earned." He countered.
"Then trust me." Mjolnir said looking straight into his eyes. Zoro was lost, lost in those unusual icy blue eyes. He trusted Mjolnir, so much that it frightened him. After all the assassin saved his life, but he knew that that was nearly enough to call a truce over a pirate bounty hunter." Or have I not also earned your trust Roronoa Zoro?"
Zoro's lips parted as if to say something, but a light tug on his haramaki brought his attention down to an adorable dark brown haired girl staring up at him with wide starry eyes.
A chuckle escaped Mjolnir." Looks like you've gotten yourself a child admirer. "
" And it also seems to me that you haven't changed a bit, Mjolnir. "
At the sound of that voice Mjolnir's head came whipping into the direction, a great grin on her face. There stood a woman, dark long hair framing her heart shaped face, and cascading down her waist in long, thick curls. The black kimono she wore fluttered in the breeze, having a dark sheen under the influence of the lanterns lights.
"Yuki!" Mjolnir squealed, running over to the woman and throwing their self into her arms. The woman, Yuki, carried Mjolnir quite easily, twirling them in the air. "Oh, my, goodness, you've haven't also changed a bit."
"Of course, I haven't." Yuki flicked Mjolnir on the forehead, eyes roaming down their body with an approving look. " I see your style hasn't changed either."
"It does change, from time to time. Depending on how I'm feeling at the time but why are we talking about clothes –Yuki– it's been decades since I last saw you. "
" Decades is a bit of a stretch darling, but yes. It has been too long. " Yuki laughed." We have a lot to catch up on, mother is waiting for us. She wants to see you. "
" Still fast on delivering information I see. "
Yuki shrugged, her eyes drifting towards the Straw Hat's who still stood in absolute silence and confusion. Yuki could almost feel bad for them. When her eyes drifted to Zoro, she leaned closer to Mjolnir's ear and whispered." He really is Roronoa Zoro? "
Mjolnir hummed, staring at him too." Yes. "
" And he survived a last stage Kuyuntha poison? " Yuki added in profound awe.
Mjolnir nodded." Amazing isn't it. "
"Come on, to the great hall. She's waiting." Yuki announced, taking Mjolnir's hand and leading them away.
"Huhn? Wait-" Sanji begun but was pulled by the people after Yuki and Mjolnir. Sanji made a last minute grab for Luffy as to not lose him in the crowd of people swarming the narrow dock. The child that had tugged on Zoro took his large hands in her tiny ones and pulled him through. They kept moving, away from the dock and into the town of neatly rowed houses light with dozens of lanterns. The street had lamp stands at every corner, and over the streets hung lanterns on red ropes. No one had enough time to appreciate the view as they were dragged towards a huge building with carvings and shrines.
The hall was well lit, people stood at each sides leaving the narrow walk way in the middle free. It lead to a short stairs leading to two hand carved thrones. The crew was pushed towards the walkway and the crowd separated to the sides leaving them to stand before the thrones. Before them over the stairs, Mjolnir was tightly hugging a woman, in resemblance to Yuki, both in appearance and looks.
"It has been too long love," the woman cackled looking at the pirates." And you brought famous visitors with you, I heard and I now see. "
" They had no where else to go. "Mjolnir spoke up.
" Love, it's fine, I'm just glad you're back." The woman patted Mjolnir's hair gently before moving forward to address them properly." Greetings, Straw Hat Pirates. I am Yor, leader of lantern island and I welcome you to our humble abode. "
" Thank you, it is deeply appreciated." Nami spoke up on behalf of the crew. She could never trust Luffy to say anything proper or useful. After all they were in the midst of someone of importance." Uh..... your highness."
"O-ho?" Yor chucked into her palm, shaking her head." Your highness? Now that title I'm not applying. I'm no queen, please call me Yor. After all any friend of Mjolnir is a friend of mine."
" Um...thank you?" Nami said unsure of how to act before her.
" Now I know that you have many questions, I too have some of my own, but all will be answered in time. "She said." But for now, you must be tired. Someone will take you to the hot springs for a wash, while we attend to your ship. We can have dinner together, then you'll get your explanation. "
The crew wanted and explanation now. Food could wait, bathing could wait. The curiosity was killing them. Food could wait, but now for Luffy... His stomach grumbled.
" Will there be meat. " Luffy asked raising his hand, blinking innocently.
**********
Yes I used Japanese as a foreign language since one piece isn't based on Japan or Japanese characters itself. It only felt right. See u soon, then.
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Kuro_Joo99
Kuro_Joo99 Sorry for the late update. My phone went kaput so I had to buy a new one. tha is for keeping up with my tardiness, love authorsan
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