Capítulo 186: To the Clouds #186
Standing shoulder to shoulder with Kieran and Nico Robin, Cedric rapped his knuckles against the weathered door of Montblanc Cricket's dwelling, perched atop the cliff like a sentinel.
As the trio awaited a response, Robin and Kieran exchanged puzzled glances at the whimsical sight before them—a facade of a cardboard castle that adorned the exterior of the house. The decorative touch seemed to encapsulate the eccentricity of the man who lived within.
Moments later, the door creaked open, revealing Cricket's grizzled countenance framed by the doorway. The lines etched into his weather-beaten face hinted at a life filled with adventure and contemplation.
"You're back," he greeted with a terse nod, his gravelly voice carrying an undertone of acknowledgment. His eyes shifted to Cedric, his gaze holding a level of scrutiny that bespoke years of cautious observation. "Are you ready to head to the sky island?"
Kieran's curiosity was piqued by Cricket's words, and his eyebrow arched in a silent question. However, he maintained his silence, allowing the conversation to unfold naturally.
But as his attention shifted to Robin, he couldn't help but notice her composed demeanor, unaffected by the mention of the sky island. Shooting Cedric a bemused look, Kieran's unspoken inquiry hung in the air, wondering how the newcomer seemed privy to information that he himself lacked.
Cedric's response came with his signature grin, a nonchalant air about him as he ignored Kieran's scrutiny. "As ready as we'll ever be," he replied, his tone lighthearted.
Cricket's satisfaction was evident in the nod he offered, a subtle approval of Cedric's response. "Good. Come on in," he invited, gesturing for Cedric to step inside. With that, he turned and re-entered the dwelling, leaving the door ajar for his guests to follow.
As the group settled into the cozy confines of Cricket's dwelling, the room seemed to exude an air of eager anticipation, each occupant aware that they stood at the threshold of a remarkable journey.
Cricket took the lead in breaking the silence. "Now then," he began, his voice a blend of conviction and excitement, "I've been thinking about a method to reach the sky island since you left, and the best way is to utilize—"
However, before Cricket could unveil his musings, Cedric's hand was raised in a gesture that commanded attention. He interjected, effectively cutting Cricket off midway through his sentence. "I already have a way to get us into the sky island," he declared confidently.
Confusion etched its way across Cricket's features, his brows furrowing as he regarded Cedric. "Isn't that why you came here?" he inquired, his voice tinged with a note of puzzlement.
Cedric's response was accompanied by a dismissive shake of his head. "No. I came to let you know you'd be welcome if you wanted to tag along if you want," he explained, his words carrying a tinge of understanding.
A bitter smile crept onto Cricket's lips, an expression that seemed to resonate with a lifetime's worth of experiences. "I have no interest in the city of gold beyond the fact of its existence," he admitted, his tone firm. "Simply knowing whether it exists or not is enough for me..."
Cedric's shrug conveyed his acceptance of Cricket's stance. "A shame, but suit yourself," he replied casually, his gaze unwavering. A pause followed, and then Cedric's voice returned, laced with a hint of challenge. "Still, how would you be sure the city of gold exists if you don't see it with your own eyes?"
Cricket's smile held a touch of amusement, as though Cedric's question had unearthed a familiar debate. "In Noland's story," he began, his voice reflective, "the city of gold had a golden bell that emitted a distinct, resonant ring. I'll know it exists if I hear it..."
Cedric's grin widened in response, an understanding gleam in his eyes. "Fine by me," he acquiesced with a hint of mischief. "I'll give it a good knock when I find it."
Yet, as the conversation circled back to the practicalities of their impending journey, Cricket's curiosity remained unquenched. With a curiosity that mirrored his lifelong pursuit of knowledge, he inquired, "Still... I'm curious. How do you intend to reach the sky island?"
A serene smile graced Cedric's features in response to Cricket's query. "You'll find out soon enough," he replied, his tone carrying a playful note that hinted at secrets about to be revealed. With a fluid motion, he rose from his seat, a gesture that signified a shift in focus. "We'll head out once Baby Five and Duval bring the ship," he continued, his words resonating with a sense of purpose.
Navigating the room with a natural grace, Cedric moved towards the windows that framed the scene beyond. His gaze, a mix of fondness and pride, found its way to the sea that stretched out before them. Through the framed aperture, the sails of the Golden Ape came into view, their canvas surfaces billowing gracefully in response to the ever-present breeze beyond the cliffs.
"And they're already here."
...
Gathered at the commanding quarter deck, Cedric projected an air of authority as he addressed the crew that had assembled before him. His voice, rich with a mixture of anticipation and secrecy, resonated through the open air. "Now then," he began, pausing briefly to heighten the sense of intrigue, "you've all been wondering about our next destination, and it's time to reveal it." His eyes, alive with a spark of amusement, scanned the gathered faces, reading their reactions.
Among them stood Kieran and Robin, a duo privy to the secret, their expressions remained composed, revealing nothing of the forthcoming revelation. On the other hand, Den, Baby Five, and Duval portrayed a mix of eagerness and curiosity, their features alive with a mixture of expectation and impatience.
Among them, it was Duval who could no longer contain his enthusiasm.
He erupted with impulsive enthusiasm, his voice carrying a distinct tone of urgency. "Come on, captain! Just spit it out already!"
His sentiment was swiftly echoed by the spirited agreement of Baby Five, her voice dancing on the edge of protest. "That's right! Quit teasing!"
Even Chuchun, the ship's avian companion, joined in with a chorus of curious chirps, adding his own unique voice to the anticipation that filled the air. Amidst the enthusiastic outbursts, Den wore a knowing smile, seemingly content to observe the unfolding scene with a mixture of amusement and patience.
Cedric's grin, a reflection of his enjoyment in teasing his crewmates, remained fixed as he responded to their impatience. "A little teasing never killed anyone, did it?" His tone held a playful note, fully aware of the growing frustration among his crew.
He observed the less-than-pleased expressions etched on the faces of Baby Five and Duval, whose patience seemed to be wearing thin. Fully savoring the moment, he allowed the suspense to linger a touch longer before relenting. "But I've teased you long enough," he declared, his voice a harmonious blend of warmth and revelation.
"To make a long story short, we're going up!" His final words were accompanied by a dramatic pointing gesture, directing the gaze of his crew towards the expansive expanse of sky that stretched above them.
For Duval and Baby Five, the meaning of Cedric's words was not immediately clear, a mixture of confusion and curiosity evident in their exchanged glances. Den, in his own right, stood puzzled, his background from the underwater world of Fishman Island rendering Cedric's declaration about going "up" a concept beyond his immediate grasp.
Going above the sea level was as far "up" as he could imagine.
Duval's brows furrowed in a mix of confusion and anticipation, his eyes narrowing as he grappled with Cedric's cryptic response. "Up? What is there besides the clouds?" His voice held a mix of skepticism and curiosity, the question echoing the thoughts of his fellow crewmates.
Cedric's grin widened, revealing a glint of mischief dancing in his eyes. "Exactly." Before more questions could be fired, Cedric initiated his transformation, his form shifting in a mesmerizing display of power. With a fluidity that defied the bounds of normalcy, his body melded into his hybrid heavenly ape state.
As if following his lead, the atmosphere around them began to shift. In a mesmerizing display, orange-tinted clouds formed and coiled around the ship's sturdy hull, creating an otherworldly veil that seemed to connect the vessel with the sky itself.
Then, an unexpected tremor surged through the ship, jostling its occupants as the vessel seemed to awaken to a new kind of voyage. With a steady, almost majestic motion, the ship began to rise.
Cedric's words broke through the wonderment, his voice commanding attention even as it carried a childlike enthusiasm. "We're going to the clouds!"
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