With different eyes

Disastrous shopping trip

Lucia's POV

The place where we anchor is neither a village nor a town, but somehow in between. The people look at us suspiciously, but do nothing. "Is the island under Father's protection?" I ask, but Ace shakes his head. "It's one of the few islands that isn't under any protection," he explains. I nod and look around, where can I find a clothes shop here? Ace trots after me like a shadow and finally I find the one I am looking for. I hurry towards the shop and enter. There is everything from winter to summer clothes here. Perfect for stocking up. The only thing I can't really get to grips with is the prices, I have no idea whether it's a lot or a little. I park Ace by the changing rooms and start collecting a pile of clothes, from trousers to dresses, T-shirts and jumpers. In between I bring my loot to Ace, who uses his time for eye care, meaning he sleeps. Then I start trying on the clothes. I sort out a lot of things because they look too small or too big, but I still end up with a considerable haul. I quickly go to the underwear department and get the things I need. Then I see it: the perfect revenge for Ace and Marco. Grinning, I pack that too and go back to Ace. He is still snoring quietly. I quickly look at the clock. We've been here for an hour, so respect Ace, you really are a blessed sleeper. I quickly grab my loot and take it to the cashier, not wanting Ace to notice my surprise. After I have paid, I put on a pair of knee-length black trousers. I knot Ace's shirt so that it no longer reaches my knees, but the waistband of the trousers. I just can't bring myself to change the shirt or the boxer shorts, silly as they are. I come out of the changing room and stand in front of Ace with my bags. I could be nice now and wake him lovingly, but I'm more devil than angel. Grinning, I grab the chair and take another quick look around. There is no one in sight. I lean my full weight against it until it simply topples over. I stumble for a moment and the armchair topples over with a dull sound. Ace startles and looks around confused, not understanding why he is now on the floor. I laugh and say, "Good morning little flame!" He stands up and pats the dust off his clothes. "Little flame?" he asks, amused. "Well, that's self-explanatory!" I say, handing him the bags. "Oh yeah?" "Yep you're a flame and you have freckles. And they belittle everything, so: little flame!" I laugh. Ace looks at me doubtfully. "Don't look at me like I'm crazy!" I admonish with a laugh. We leave the shop while Ace smiles and says, "Aren't you?" I shake my head vehemently and say, "No I'm not crazy, your reality is just too boring for me!" Ace throws his head back and laughs out loud. "That explains my brother!" he says. That's right Luffy is such a calibre. I hear Ace stomach growl heartily and Ace freezes. Now it's my turn to laugh.

And what does Ace do? He hands the bags to some poor bastard in the crew with the order to take them to his cabin. Then he grabs my hand and heads unerringly for the next pub. Before we enter it, however, I tear my hand out of his and am looked at questioningly. "We'll go in separately! I've done enough running today!" Ace looks at me questioningly. "Did you bring money to pay?" He shakes his head and understanding, he grins broadly at me and enters the shop. I wait a few minutes before doing the same. Ace already has the first plates in front of him and begins to eat them. I shake my head and go to the counter to sit down. "What would you like?" asks a friendly-looking woman. "Good day, a water and something to eat that you can recommend!" I reply. She nods and puts a water down for me. "Passing through?" she asks and I see a shadow flit across her face. I blink and slowly say, "Yes." She gives me a friendly nod and I shrug it off as imagination. "Where are you from?" she then asks kindly again. I am critical, I don't know why. "From everywhere, the sea is my home!" I reply, I'm sure Ace would be proud of my answer. Again I see a shadow flit across her face. I rub my eyes, I'm just tired. She goes into the kitchen and gets me a plate with a really tasty looking steak and potato wedges. Now my stomach starts to growl too and I pounce on my steak. The woman brings Ace his next portions with a friendly smile. I guess she won't be so nice later! I giggle, somehow I do feel sorry for her. But Moby is harping, so she can get the outstanding amount from Marco, provided she dares. I rub my eyes, somehow I'm terribly tired. Ace doesn't look like he's going to stop eating anytime soon, so I rise and leave the money, plus a fat tip considering Ace's behaviour. I leave the shop and have to lean against the wall because my vision is blurring. What the hell is going on? I can't think straight anymore and want to get to Moby as fast as I can. It would have been smarter to enter the shop again, but as the saying goes, you're always smarter afterwards. I stagger away a little as I am suddenly pulled into a side alley. I wanted to call for Ace in my mind but I can't reach him. I see another ugly face with a scar across its right cheek, then the world goes dark for good.