the hoof of the soaring dragon | ONE PIECE (discontinued)

Chapter 20 *

The sound of the click of his heels against the stone floor resounded through the corridors now empty. The sound stopped in front of the half-open door.

"So... Did you decide when you will be going?"

At first sight, nothing showed a sign of the recent presence of his disciples. The cabinets, that contained the few belongings that didn't fit on the boat, were closed leaving room only for the same monotonous view found throughout the castle.

"I'm not sure... but Daisuke asked us to be ready as soon as possible so maybe in within a week"

He locked the room and went to the second one, the silence of which seemed almost strange. The record player had stopped sharing his melody, giving way to the sound of the breeze that slid through the window that the young woman had probably forgotten to close.

"I talked to him, he seems to have a plan"

Alone, like a stain, stood the small table surrounded by the two chairs with golden details reflecting those of the ceiling. He approached the table to put an end to the torture of the little flame who tried to stay tough against the breeze.

"Yeah... We're supposed to pick up a more robust boat from another island. The trip to Zou is more dangerous than I thought."

When he went to close the window, he noticed the forgotten book on the window sill. He passed his finger over the cover mimicking the manners of its reader. He took it in hand only to, after a few seconds of reflection, replace it near the window. Although he knew that rare would be the occasions on which he would venture here, he wished to keep a memory of her presence. A memory to cling to while waiting to see again her beautiful smile illuminate the ballroom.

"He's right. Even if I'm satisfied with what I've taught you, it doesn't mean you're out of danger."

His hand slipped into the pocket of his jacket to pull out the piece of paper which was now his only indication of the young woman's well-being. He placed it on his palm and let it tremble towards its other half. Following the path indicated, the man raised his gaze on the horizon. He narrowed his eyes, knowing full well it was impossible to distinguish anything.

"I know, but we'll follow the directions you gave us. We should be okay"

His hand tightened on the piece of paper and he went to retrieve the keys of the room. He would have liked to accompany them, to ensure her safety. But was it really his place? His hand slipping through the silk of her hair, he had reminded her that she could always come back to him. Though those words left his mouth while searching selfishly in her expression, for any hint of hesitation.

"Promise me something: promise me to be careful and comeback safely"

With a last peek to her secret garden, Mihawk closed the double doors and inserted the respective key into the lock. He sighed and turned the key twice. He took a few steps back and placed the key in the pocket with the paper whose movements were slightly wavering.

"I promise"

With the white noise of the sea concealing her murmur, Akira removed her gaze from the small bubble of fog. It was this same feeling of loss that had taken hold of her when the swordsman had wrapped her in his arms as the one who forced her to keep an eye on the old castle.

It hadn't been a farewell yet she couldn't ignore the taste of lie on the tip of her tongue when she answered his request. Like a bad feeling that wanted to warn her concerning the path, the group had decided to take.