Burning Hearts [SEQUEL INCLUDED]

Sequel Chapter 3

Shimizu

I woke up in my bed, a blanket over my body. I was sweating so I took the blanket off me and got up. I opened the window, welcoming moonlight and cool air. I sighed as wind breezed by me and left the window open to ventilate the room. I then walked out of my room and saw everyone in their rooms. Some lights were switched on while some were switched off. I walked to the galley and saw Law and Curiel talking.

"Hey, sleepyhead. How're you?" Law asked.

"Falling apart," I answered jokingly.

Curiel frowned and stared at me. My eye cover was still on so he was staring at the cover. He kept staring and patted a spot next to him, signalling me to sit there. I approached the bench and sat on the spot.

"You alright?" He asked.

"Yeah," I answered.

I looked at the wall clock and it showed the time of... nevermind. I stared at the clock, waiting for the minute hand to move faster but it felt as if the second hand was moving slowly, mocking me for my guilt. I felt the memories gush through again, about to burst into tears while recalling them.

"Shimizu?"

Damn it, stop remembering that day. I clenched my chest at where my heart is and started breathing irregularly. No, no, no. Not right now.

"Shimizu."

Stop, stop, stop, stop... I was muttering in my mind, begging it to stop remembering them. My lungs got stuffy and my breathing's off beat. No, please. Just... stop...

"Shimizu!"

I flinched and looked at Law and Curiel, worried looks on their faces. I was about to get up when Curiel held my wrist and pulled me back down. I grunted and just as I was about to speak, Curiel hugged me.

"Don't resist, don't say anything. Just stay like this," Curiel instructed.

I just kept quiet and stayed still. Law watched as Curiel hugged me. A minute later, I felt tears in my eyes but I wasn't going to let them flow out so I blinked a few times so they wouldn't come out. Law noticed and then told me not to blink. I tried to hold back the tears but it didn't seem to work against a hug.

"All this while, you've always comforted others although you're the one who needs it more. Now, everything is alright so relax. Let go of the weight that holds you down," He whispered.

I can't. I just can't. The guilt always stay with me even after it already happened and I could relax. I just cried, hoping they don't notice my crocodile tears. Curiel kept hugging me and Law sat there, which seems a little creepy. After 5 minutes, we finally let go and as I stood up, Law stopped me.

"You think I'm stupid?" Law questioned.

He got up and told Curiel to make hot chocolate as he took me out of the galley. He then took my hand and brought me to my room. He closed the door and told me to sit somewhere. I sat on the bed and he sat beside me. It was quiet and I was unsure of how to start. Curiel came in with 2 cups of hot chocolate and left the room, telling us he was going to sleep. Law and I just sat on my bed, holding the cup of hot chocolate.

"So, what do you think of your journey? Was it as fun as last time?" Law asked.

"It was fun while it lasted. Although, I wished for the old days again," I answered.

"I agree. I remember Luffy was always an idiot for life. He'd get himself in trouble and then drags his crew in. After the trouble is settled, he'd get a big slap from Nami and her slaps are as scary as hell," Law recalled.

"In the end, they stuck together until they made it there. A peaceful ending to their story. Though, that's not true now after the idiot gave up his title and relived the tradition. I think it won't end. No, I don't think it will ever end," I added.

"Well, now everyone's going to buy that book someone wrote about him and search for clues when really, he just wants them to make their own adventure," Law said.

We sat on the bed, sipping our cups of not-so-hot hot chocolate. Then, Law asked something only I had the answer to.

"Shimizu."

"Yeah?"

"I've been asking the Straw Hats this and they all told me to ask you when it's time. It's been quite a while so I have to ask... What really happened at Marineford?"

I stopped sipping my hot chocolate and looked at Law who was waiting in anticipation.

"What do you mean? You already know Ace was saved and Blackbeard couldn't kill Whitebeard," I answered.

"No, I meant about what happened to Miharu at Marineford," Law asked further.

I trembled as I held the almost empty cup. Law was about to apologise to me but I stopped him and sighed softly.

"Since you asked, I guess I should tell you what happened."

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A/N: Burning Hearts is almost eligible for Wattys. Just maybe 17 to 18 more chapters and I can put this up for application. Pray this gets in 😬