A Pirate's Heart Chapter 17

Chapter 17: The Underground Entrance and Nikko's Plan

~Rhythm~

"How did I lose both Robin-chan and Nami-san?!" Sanji cried, pulling a handkerchief between his teeth. "Rhythm-dono! I'll protect you from the shitty bastard! Oh and Witch too."
"Um thanks." I said. We were back at the Going Merry, sun now replaced by the moon. The high tide lapped the small ship gently as Sanji cried, Zoro napped, and I tried tuning out Sanji's moans with Lady Gaga. Her music really isn't suiting the mood. And no one here was taking this all too seriously.
"Guys! Guys!" Nikko came stumbling onto the ship, out of breath and twigs caught in her hair.
"Nikko-chan!" Sanji said, stemming the flow of his tears and instantly snapping back into . . . non pervy Sanji mode.
"Usopp was taken too!" she said.
"Any other gems of wisdom, Captain Obvious?" I said. I'm starting to get a migraine with all this island shit.
She threw a glare at me.
"So that makes Nami, Robin, Luffy, Chopper, and now Usopp." Zoro yawned.
"Who would've thought? So pretty much we're the ugliest and weakest? I mean, I'm not ugly." Screw the strength, this was a low blow on my self-esteem.
No you're not Rhythm-dwono! <3" Sanji started.
"Shut up, Sanji."
"'Kay! <3"
"I guess he's going by whoever they can catch." Nikko said.
"So we're the strongest?"  Zoro said.
"I think it's just random. But I have news! Before Usopp was taken, we found a secret passage that may or may not lead to his hideout. It does look like people have been there recently."
"Ooh! Secret passage you say?" That cheered me up.
"Yeah. And I have a plan."
~~

Much to Sanji's dismay, we were once again split into groups.
"I shall protect you, Rhythm-dwono!" he yelled.
"No Sanji I need your legs and cooking." Nikko said.
"Wait, I get leftovers again?"  I argued.
(AN: I can't help putting them together. This is the last time, I swear.)
"Che," Zoro muttered.
"Not until tomorrow. Get some rest and then we'll head out." Nikko said.
"Who put you in charge?" I grumbled, "Shouldn't it be the first mate? But since he's a useless ball of moss and alcohol-"
"I couldn't agree with you more, Rhythm-dwono <3" Sanji said happily.
"Oi, oi!" Zoro said, starting to sound annoyed.
"And the cook can't help but fawn over me, I guess I'll be in charge! Now get to bed, you bastards before I kick you over board!"
Nikko just shook her head.
"I'll take first watch," Sanji said, climbing up the crow's nest. Zoro climbed down the men's quarters to get some shut eye, while Nikko and I stole Nami's bed in the women's quarter.
"Hey Nikko, what happened to your family?" I asked softly. I sat on the bed brushing my long hair into a pony tail.
"My. . . family?" she asked.
"Yeah. You know, your mommy and daddy and maybe even brother and sister," I said. I pulled my legs under me and faced her, fixing the large Fullmetal Alchemist T-shirt on my shoulders.
"Oh," she looked down and fidgeted at the hem of the shirt I loaned her. It had a cute little monster on it holding a plate of cookies and it said "come to the dark side, we have cookies". "My mom died when I was three, and my dad worked in the fields, picking those flowers for the dresses. But he makes good money, since those dresses are important for our culture. He was taken with the other men in out village, I don't know where. But when Witch landed here, he said he had plans for the men. And my sister is a dancer. The best on the island. The king himself requests her often to dance for parties and stuff. But she was also taken. I don't know where, but Witch also had plans for our dancers."
The entire time she spoke, she didn't look at me once. "I've been training all my life to become a proud dancer, and at sixteen, I'll officially become one just like my sister. And mother! My mom was so~ pretty!  And was even more amazing than my sister! But, I don't want to be a dancer; I want to have my own shop on Main Street. But as a girl, it's almost law for me to become a dancer."
I smiled, "Is it really that hard to just one day open a shop? You don't need anyone to tell you what to do.  When I was a kid, my grandpa always insisted that both Luffy and I became Marines. Hell, look at us know! Screw what they want, it's what you want!"
"But it's what my mother would have wanted." She whispered. I softened.
"Is it really? Would your own mother truly want you to do something you weren't happy with?" I said.
"No."
"Then no. Put down some money, and when you're old enough, open a shop." I shrugged.
"You make it sound easy." She said.
"Then what kind of shop?" I asked.
"A bookstore."
I nodded. "Then collect book, get donators, and when you have enough money and donations, open your cute little shop on Main Street. I can see it now, 'Nikko's  Story Board'. How's that for a name? And have a cute little sitting areas with a fireplace where people can read, and a 'No shirt, no shoes, no service signs' so people walk in with no pants on! Wow that is a good idea."
She laughed. "You make everything easy."
"Duh. Because I'm awesome."
We laughed. Her young face was more innocent behind that serious mask she hid behind 24/7. More child-like and more . . . her age.
After that we chattered about different books we've read, suggesting new ones and debating old ones. Her favorite was also "The Princess Bride". Go figure.
She fell asleep quickly after that, nestled in my arms and head relaxed on my chest. Her small hand clasped my own as her innocent mind drifted off to join Queen Mab in Fairytale Land (AN: omg Romeo and Juliet reference!).
I looked up at the wooden ceiling of the Going Merry as she rocked us and the remaining Straw Hats to sleep, whispering to us that everything will be alright.
But I couldn't help but start to worry. I know Luffy can take care of himself, but what would he do if he lost his crew? Even I wouldn't be able to confer him. Each and every member of the Straw Hat Pirates were hand-picked by Luffy, and without even just one of them, the crew would never be the same.
I sighed and gently pulled Nikko closer. I like hugs. Hugs are nice.
That was my last thought before I drifted off to sleep.

$Nami$

The boys were gone, leaving Robin and I in a wing of the castle with the rest of the woman. More masked guards stood around, making sure nothing broke out and kept us in check. I already tried seducing one of them, but they're like those British soldiers; still and emotionless.
"You're not dancers," a voice said behind us.
Robin and I turned to face one of the dancers. But not just any one; the one with the golden braided hair. She had an air of strength and power to her, like she was the leader in this whole thing.
"Well yeah. We're pirates." I said.
The dancer frowned, "You are stupid. Why would you land on this island in the first place?"
"We wanted a vacation and it looked nice. When we found out about what happened, we decided to help." Robin interjected.
"Thank you, but no. And would you mind telling me who told you?" the dancer asked.
"A little girl." I said. "Now why don't you tell me what the hell Witch wants with this island. You should know, right?"
She nodded. "That plan of his. He's boasted about how proud he is of it. Here, sit down and I'll tell you all about it." She indicated to the plushy couch. This entire room was just filled with mirrors, couches, tables, and beds with a single large bathroom. It's nice, just not a place I'd like to consider living.
"By the way, what's your name?" Robin asked, sitting down and crossing her knees, smoothing out her long skirt in the process.
"My name's Tsukiakari. Please, sit. I'll tell you everything."

`Sanji`
I was gnawing at the cigarette in my mouth, a bit nervous at this plan Nikko had. She had her hands tied behind her back, like a prisoner.
"Just keep cool, Sanji. Rhythm would be fine. She can take care of herself." Nikko said, smiling comfortingly.
"How'd you-?" I asked.
"Woman's intuition." She said.
And woman's intuition is pretty damn scary sometimes.
"The plan will work. I swear." She said.
We approached the castle, getting closer to danger with each step we took. The pearly walls of the palace was over ridden with vines, as though locking away whatever lies within.
"Would you mind telling me why you knew Witch and all the prisoners were there the entire time, yet you didn't bother to point us there? It would have made this whole incident a lot easier." I puffed a cloud of smoke out with an annoyed hiss.
"The king's right hand man ate the Baria-Baria no Mi. he can create any type of barrier anywhere. And since the princess is the most beautiful being in the world (after Boa Hancock, though), lots of bandits, thieves, and slave traders have tried on more than one occasion to kidnap her. So the guy put an invisible barrier around the castle, so that no one, not even Tomoni's citizens, would be able to find it. Usopp and I found it yesterday along with that path, so it must not be good for the king. No matter what, Dragone has always had that thing up. Things must be bad there." Nikko explained.
"Well that makes since." I said.
We reached the gates. Tall, wrought iron that spiraled towards the heavens. On either side stood a guard, each with a masquerade type mask on.
"Oi! I caught the last Tomonian! Let me enter and hand her over to Witch for a reward," I snarled, pushing Nikko roughly forward.
They just stood there, not even looking at us.
"Oi! I have Nikko Blisstens! Let me in so I can gather a reward!" I repeated louder.
Nothing.
"Fucking British-like zombies." I grumbled.
I probably said a code word, because they started moving. They looked over, weapons at hand and pointed them at us.
"Oi, oi! I'm just delivering this brat! Juts cough up some money or you won't get the Tomonian!" I said.
They came over to stand on either side of us, no words spoken as the gates opened. Inside, they marched us through the front and into the palace.

XZoroX
"Why am I always stuck with you? I mean, right know I'd rather have Sanji with me. And come on! It's too early! Nine o'clock? What the hell man I need twelve hours of sleep and that sir was defiantly not twelve hours." Rhythm complained.
"Would you please just stop it already?" I yelled.
"No. I was, but now I'm not," she crossed her arms and stuck her tongue out, crescent moon earing swinging madly.
I sighed. She's just too childish.
She walked on ahead, sliding her 50 mm headphones on and started bobbing her head to the music. I swear I could almost hear the hard bass from where I was.
I opened my mouth to tell her to turn it down, and then shut it again like a goldfish. I was momentarily distracted.
Her hair swung just below her waist, a slight bounce to its inky black locks and spikey tips. The sunlight caught the pitch black hair and revealed the violet sheen it possessed, a bit like her eyes. Black at first but depending on the light is a deep violet. Her hair swished to the side, momentarily revealing the branch of the tree on her shoulder blade. The dark ink was in sharp contrast to her smooth skin and white vest. She had tied her fedora to the purple strip of fabric that usually hangs around her hip, proving its usefulness. And because of that, her bangs flopped across her vision and over her head, the small locks of hair that stood straight out of the side of her head swayed slightly to her steps, hips swinging and fingers moving up her leg like they were a keyboard.
I shook my head, clearing my thoughts of her.
I looked up again, only to see those fine hips swinging like a pendulum.
Dammit! What the hell's wrong with me? Was there something in the sake I drank this morning?
I grinded me teeth together and rested my hand on my swords for comfort.  I closed my eyes and pinched the bridge of my nose, sighing to clear my mind. But damn! I couldn't!
Did the cook mix my food with hers this morning, having slipped some weird potion into the bacon? No, he wouldn't do that. Or would he?
I looked up, examining  my hand to see if my vision was  doing weird things to me
Rhythm laughed. I looked up and saw her walking backwards again, that awkward smile on her face as she laughed.
"Dude, you look constipated!"  She laughed.
That did it. A weird pang hit my chest, flooding my body with warmth at the sight of her smile, that I was the cause of her smile. It made me want to see her do it again and again. That same goofy smile as she looked up at me from her short height and for me to caress her soft cheek with those three tiny up-side-down triangles. To lean down and brush my li-
"Oi, Zoro. You gotta weird look on your face. You look like a Wrackspurt got you," she chuckled, "Oh that was a terrible Harry Potter reference."
"Wra- what?" I asked. My face felt a bit warm under her gaze. Or maybe it was just the sun beating down on us through the canopy.
She waved away my question, "If you read the books, you'll know. Or at least see the movies. Either or. I just started the sixth book so I dunno how it ends."
"And what makes you think I'll read them?" I asked.
She shrugged, turning back around so she walk the right way again, "I dunno. Sit on you while I read it to you." Then in an annoying baby voice, "I'll make swure you wead aaaallll sweven bwooks!"
"Don't do that. Ever again," I said shaking my head, trying to get the image of her on top of me out of my head.
"Pft fine. I guess I won't."
I rolled my eyes. Nothing was said after that as we trekked through the forest with the vague directions to the secret entrance Nikko gave us.
"Ok tree with boner, check. Almost there Riceball!" Rhythm called. " And then the side-ways purple and blue  zcho no kinei. A . . . left at them and you'll face a wall-" she cut off as she disappeared behind a tree.
"FOUND IT, LEFTOVERS!" She hollered.
"I'm coming!" I jogged to where she stood. There, she faced a large cliff face, where a curtain of not-so-suspicious leaves and moss shielded an opening. She pulled them aside to reveal a long dark corridor, lit by pale blue torches.
"Ooh! And adventure! It's calling me!" she stifled a giggle and stepped inside first, followed by me.
The whole place just emanated an aura of creepiness, with the cobwebs and water oozing from the cracks in the smooth stone walls. Small animal bones littered the floor, some with flesh still clinging to it.
"This is awesome! I could move in down here and invite Usopp for tea!" she smiled, head swiveling around and taking in everything from the eerie blue torches to the smallest cracks on the walls and floor.
"Does anything scare you?" I asked.
"Does anything scare you?" she shot back, a bone crunching under her foot.
"Why would I? Fear's a trick of the mind."
"You're scared. You're just to 'macho' to admit it," she said smugly.
I rolled my eyes, "yeah right. What can scare me, a spider?"
"Knowing you, yes."
"I'm not Usopp or Chopper. And I think you're the real scared one here."
"Right." She picked up and arm bone, one too long to be any small animal and started whacking it against the wall. "Ew." She said, flicking off a bit of flesh.
"With the amount of bones here, something must live here. Like some sort of guard pet." I noted. I put my hand on Wado, "I'm eager to meet this 'pet'."
As we walked deeper into the passageway, the darkness between each torch got heavier, moisture seeping in through the walls as the floor sloped and rose unevenly. The bones got bigger, fresher, and more frequent in numbers.
"No wonder Usopp wanted any part in this, " Rhythm snorted," Wimp."
She hummed that tune again, the one she claimed as her song.
Suddenly, Rhythm hit a loose stone on the wall with the bone she held. The stone shook as though about to fall out and cause some sort of avalanche. We froze as they all jiggled and fell down. Jumping back, the rocks came down, all in small harmless stones to reveal an old wooden door with no doorknob.
Silence followed the last stones that echoes through the passage.
Then, "Zoro. Why'd you do that?"
I swiveled around to face her. "What!? You were the one who knocked them all down with that bone of yours!"
"I don't know what you're talking about." She rolled her eyes and smiled. "Jeez you're too serious sometimes." She stepped around the rocks and brushed her hand lightly against the door and then turned to face me.
"You need to lighten up. Jeez they're just some rocks. If the whole thing caved in we could get out, and I doubt you'd want to die in an avalanche." As the said this, the wooden door slid open, to reveal a rotting corpse, its clothes (that look to be a soldiers uniform) were ragged and hanging loosely off its skeletal frame. Thin hairs just barely held to its withering brown scalp as it grinned with empty eyes and yellowing teeth down on us. It fell forward, since the door supporting it disappeared. The corpse drape itself over Rhythm, head resting on her shoulder and arm wrapped around the other, like some sort of sleepy hug.
That hut her up. Face still smiling, but her eyes blank and face turning into the color of her vest as a look I thought I would never dream of seeing crossed her face.
Stiffly, she slowly turned her head to face the corpse; its head titled so what she saw was a face-full of leathery skin, gaping grin and blank dead eyes.
Eyes widen as she stopped breathing. Then she let rip a loud, ear piercing scream. She ran and writhered and twisted under the light form as her arms flailed, trying to pry the dead thing off of her.
"GETITOFFGETOFOFFGETOTOFFGETITOFF!" she screamed, twisting and arching her back as the corpse just grinned at her like he was having a swell time. As she passed me, I grabbed the collar of the corpse and threw it as far as I could behind us in this narrow, dank corridor.
She cried out and ran into me, burying her head into my chest and her hands balling up the fabric of my shirt. Stiffly, I wrapped my arms around her, unsure of what to do. This would have been nice, if Rhythm wasn't shaking in fear.
"Shitshitshitfuckingdamnfuckingshitshitshit . . ." she muttered, her lean form shaking from the sudden violation. I felt her fast heartbeat pounding frantically as her breathing came out in short, labored gasps.
"It's okay, it's gone so you don't have to worry," I soothed, "It's gonna be alright. I'm here for you." The last part came out wrong. I felt my cheeks blaze as her hands gripped me tighter. Damn she's surprisingly strong.
"Oi," I said after she calmed down.
"Yeah?" she asked, brushing her hair out of her eyes, face still pale and hands shaking slightly.
"What was that?"
"Well a dead body. A gross rotting one," she shuttered.
"No I mean the mental break down," I furrowed my brows.
She smiled sheepishly. "I have Necrophobia, fear of corpses."
"Any other mental problems I should be aware of before we move on? " I sighed. There is something seriously up with this girl's brain.
She was thoughtful for a second, her eyes rolling up as though to search her brain for the answer, her cobalt blue chipped fingernails tapped at her chin. "No. Just the Nercophobia and Narcolepsy."
I shook my head as I started down the passageway again. "Now I know what to get you for your birthday. Mr. Dead Bones over there."
"Hey you came up with a creative nickname! And you don't even know when my birthday is." She said.
"When's your birthday?" I asked.
"March 4th-Dammit!" she swore.
I laughed. How can one person be so insanely silly yet completely lovable?
No, I did not just think that.
"Tell anyone about what just happened and I will have your head on a plaque on my wall!" she threatened.