Damn Cold Night-Chp3

CHAPTER 3: JOURNEY

Zoro stood at the deck gazing at the vast sea, letting the wind blow at his face. The sea was really wide, not knowing where it will end. Seagulls were about in the sky and there a few fish jumping in and out of the deep blue sea. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky. Seems like there will be good weather ahead. He breathed in deep, taking in the sea air. He turned around and observed the rest of the crew.
Nami was busy navigating and watching her compass to see if they were on the right track. She was always on the look-out, and always busy. Well, not always really. She usually was relaxed, sitting near the deck reading newspaper or drinking soda made by Sanji or probably in her room sketching maps. It’s just that now that they were facing the greatest life-threatening adventure of all, she had to be on her toes all the time. She’s the one that will not risk her crew’s life for her own benefits and mostly the brains of the outfit. No point doubting her.

Usopp was sitting at another corner mixing and matching chemicals. Probably for his new catapult bullets. He was also screwing a few nuts and building more gadgets for both him and Nami’s use. Nami trusted his expertise on remodeling and modifying her staff, and he was really good at it. Besides being the artist and inventor, he was also the handyman of the group, fixing and mending any wrecks or holes of the boat itself. Zoro was amazed at Luffy’s sixth sense in choosing his crew members.

Sanji was plucking a basketful of limes from Nami’s orchard. No doubt Sanji was coming up with a new recipe to cook for the whole crew. He was the most essential crew member of all, because he’s the only one who could keep everyone in a full stomach and in full strength. His meals were getting tastier day by day, obviously because he wanted to keep the often hungry Luffy happy. Zoro could see that. His meals still taste nice now. It seemed that Luffy’s death hadn’t deteriorated his cooking one bit. It just got even better.

Chopper was checking his kit again and stuffing in the new equipment and medicine he bought from Logue Island. He was another one of Luffy’s best choice of crew. Although he’s a walking, talking reindeer, he’s one of the finest doctors Luffy had ever come across. The other doctors they’ve met were either old or have their obligations to their own village, but Chopper was different. It wasn’t easy, but they were now in good terms with the anti-human Chopper, thanks again to the fun-loving, carefree Luffy.

Thinking back, it was Luffy all along that changed their lives for the better. If it weren’t for Luffy, he would’ve died in the hands of Captain Mogan; Nami would’ve still remain a slave to Arlong; Usopp would’ve become one of Crow’s victims; Sanji would’ve ended up dead fighting Don Click; and Chopper would’ve remained an anti-human freak. Luffy’s existence had done everyone good. He was glad that he and Sanji’s love for Luffy did not go to waste. He brought them more than just good memories. It was also something more that only he and Sanji share the same sentiments exactly. Zoro thanked the gods for bringing Luffy into their lives but also blamed the gods a little for taking him away from them so soon.

Zoro went up to the orchard and plucked one lime out of the bush. He peeled the lime and ate it. Sanji saw him and said, “Hey! You’re not supposed to eat before lunch! It’ll spoil your appetite!”

“Like I care,” Zoro grinned and pluck a few more limes before leaving the orchard. He was about to sit comfortably near the deck and enjoy the limes when he felt a sharp twine of pain in his stomach. It was as if his stomach were tying itself up into a dozen knots. He clutched his stomach and groaned silently. Chopper noticed and said, “Zoro, you OK?”

“Yeah, I’m fine,” Zoro said weakly. “I just got an upset stomach, that’s all.”

“You want some pills? I got some from the Logue Island…”

“No! No pills! I’m fine…just need to lie down and rest, that’s all, don’t you bother about me,” Zoro groaned as he lay down on the floor to sleep. Sleep is a remedy for all pains, Zoro always said.

“I told you, Sanji! You shouldn’t order that fish curry soup!” Chopper scolded at Sanji, who was out of sight between the orchards. “Spicy seafood is not healthy! And beer doesn’t go well with it either!”
“Land ahoy!” Usopp called out from above. Everyone except Zoro and Sanji looked. At a distance, there was an island which was completely bare of trees. Tall heavy buildings took its place.

“Wow! A high-tech land! Now that’s what I call class!” Usopp the gadget freak exclaimed in awe.
“Should we land?” Chopper asked Nami the navigator.

“I suppose so. I’ve never seen this island before; I must have a map of this. We might get more information about the Marine Force if we’re lucky,” Nami replied as she checked her compass.

“Then we’ll set foot here for the moment!” Usopp said enthusiastically as he slid down to steer the boat.

Behind the orchard, unknown to the rest of the Going Merry crew, Sanji was crouching on the floor, clutching his throbbing stomach really hard and clasping his mouth tight with his other hand, stopping himself from yelling in pain. Yet he was unable to stop his tears from flowing out like rain.