Burning Hearts [SEQUEL INCLUDED]

Sequel Chapter 11

Aiko

I opened my eyes slowly, waking up to a ceiling that looked like strawberry biscuits and a bright light hanging from it. Are we still in Whole Cake Island? I sat up and noticed the mushroom hat and the straw hat on the chair next to me. I was about to call for Law but I almost forgot he died.

"Oh yeah. Law's dead. I forgot. No wonder his hat was here..." I said.

I took both hats and stared at them for a while. I gripped the hats tightly and wore Law's hat. It felt so nice. I placed Luffy's hat on top and sighed. It was a good thing the hats weren't falling off but I was still dazed. Uncle Law's actually dead. He's... not here anymore. He's above now, hanging out with Luffy, Mom, Dad and the others. I held onto the hats and almost smiled. Then, the door was opened and Ember entered. She approached me and giggled.

"Morning, my little baby brother boo. You're so damn cute~" Ember teased childishly, squeezing my cheeks as well.

"Fuck off. How's everyone else?" I asked.

"Everyone's exhausted. Zonji's making breakfast, Rosinante's asleep and Hana's chatting stuff with Charlotte's siblings. You?" Ember answered.

"Still processing the whole incident in mind but I should be alright. I mean, I did almost break like Luffy did at Marineford but I guess pain only lasts for a while," I replied.

"It won't hurt to tell. You're so close to Uncle Law than me and I know you'd give up on life as soon as Uncle Law is gone. It's my job to keep you sane now that he's not around anymore," Ember said.

I sighed and then, Ember embraced me. I hugged her back and both of us stayed like that for a few seconds. We then decided to talk for a while and then, Hana came in. They looked... panicked.

"What is it? Hana," I asked.

"Shimizu... They're gone."

"Gone?! What do you mean, gone?!"

Zonji passed us a transponder snail and it rang as soon as Ember held it. Ember looked at me and I nodded. She then picked up the call, nervous.

"Hello?"

ꕤ

Narrator

The four heard cackling from the snail. It sounded deep and raspy, similar to someone they'd know.

"Ember. Stupid Ember. Leaving your assassin all alone like that?"

Ember scowled and almost smashed the snail but Aiko stopped her.

"What do you want, Teach II?"

He laughed for a short while before sighing.

"Hatake D. Shimizu. Such a sad ending for them, really. After everything that's happened to them, now is their own demise. I hope their body never gets recovered from the depths of the ocean," He cursed before laughing cruelly.

Ember growled and barked profanities back at Teach II. Aiko told Zonji to cover Hana's ears and Zonji did. Hana was confused but Zonji nodded to reassure her. Aiko took the transponder snail away from Ember and talked to Teach II.

"Shimizu's not dead. They are not dead," Aiko said.

"Really, how would you know that? You couldn't even save your dearest uncle. You're one to talk, you bastard," Teach mocked.

Silence. Both sides had nothing to say until Teach II laughed.

"Well, all I know is they're off the radar to me. I can't say more about them but I hope you find their body. If they're still out there," Teach said before the line disconnected.

"Damn it!" Aiko said.

The four sat there, almost baffled and feeling like they're struck by pure misfortune. Shimizu didn't die. They know. Shimizu can't actually die, right? The group was left with the burning question that would smoke their minds.

ꕤ

Shimizu

As Teach placed the snail down, he looked at me. I looked back and then, he told his first mate, and others present in the office, to leave. We were left alone and Teach sighed.

"Why?"

I stared at Teach as he asked.

"Why fake your death and leave the crew? Listen, I'm only helping you out because you happened to be on my ship and I'd have to fight your former crew if I brought you back to them. They seriously have a huge vendetta against me since my father and your friends were mortal enemies. Still, I'm curious. Why'd you leave?" He asked.

I kept staring, thinking of my motive. As much as I don't trust the guy, he did help me out... I think he deserves to know. I sighed, looked at him and I said the most ridiculous answer.

"For the fun of watching from behind the scenes."

ꕤ

Teach II

"For the fun of watching from behind the scenes."

I stared at the assassin for a minute. Then, I burst out laughing. They blushed with embarrassment and then nudged my shoulder.

"What the hell you're laughing at, Teach?! You big meanie!" They said.

"Sorry, sorry. It's funny to actually hear that from you. I mean, I expected the answer but not in this way," I told them.

"Well, can I trouble you to do one last favor?" They asked.

"Sure, I guess -"

"Captain! Whitebeard Pirates are approaching us! We need to go now!"

I turned to Shimizu and they patted my shoulder.

"Don't worry. I'll hide somewhere. They wouldn't even notice me," They reassured.

I nodded and we walked out to the deck. It was total chaos. They went back into my office to hide while I told my crew to stand down and let them come. They were confused but they stood down, anyway.

The twins boarded my ship with furious looks on their faces. Ember grabbed me by the collar and scowled. Jesus, Ember's really scary sometimes.

"Where is Shimizu?!"

"Listen. I told you, they're off the radar. I heard it from a little birdie who is a marine so it might be a rumour. I swear on my Devil Fruit," I said, acting professionally.

They looked at me strangely, as if they knew I was lying to them. Soon, Ember let go and whispered something to Aiko. They both nodded and looked back at me.

"If you see them... inform us. I don't trust you yet but we're willing to change for the better. If you want, we can be acquaintances. That way, it isn't so tense if we were to meet again," Ember said.

I was skeptical but it's worth a try. I nodded and they alighted the ship. Once they were a distance away, I told Shimizu they could come out. There was no answer. I was confused so I walked to my office and Shimizu was unconscious on the floor.

"Shimizu! Hey, are you okay?! Hey, someone get the doctor now!"

ꕤ

[End]

A/N: I'm back, guys! Finals are finally OVER! Yay! Unfortunately, there's still one more paper I need to take. Still, I'm glad most of my exams are over.

Alright, I hope you're not sick of my story because it's about to get shitty af 😑