One Piece (SSW Backstory)

Chapter 20

Saphira's POV

It was a new year, and we didn't celebrate it. It just wouldn't have felt the same without Granny Lilo. So, here I was. In the tropical forest by a tree, shivering from the cold. It stopped snowing days ago, but the chill in the air hasn't passed yet. I believe that spring won't come until March. I puff out a white cloud into my hands to warm them up. I knew it was no use, but I still do it occasionaly to bring warmth back to my hands.

I sigh as another cold wind blow through the trees and make me shiver until my back started to cramp. I decided that I had enough of this pity party and stood up. I dust off my clothes and started walking in a random direction. As I walk and look around at the bleack colors of the forest around me, I thought about the past four years that we have lived on this island.

I skipped the memories of when we lived on the streets, and thought of all the memories we made with our found family. It felt wrong to think this, but if Charlie hadn't gotten injured, we might have never met Granny Lilo and the rest of her family. Right now, I can only wish that what happened never comes our way again. I don't think I can handle losing someone else.

"Hey!"

I turn around to search for the voice. Not far behind me, I see Angie running towards me. I wait for her where I stood. She was panting when she finally reached me, "Damn, why did you walk so far?" I raise a brow at her. I didn't even go out so far, she was just unfit. She wipes her brow as she looks at me, "Back home, Ralph and Leo are having a serious descussion, and they want you to be a part of it."

A million things went through my head of all the possible things they could be talking about. 'What if they are descussing on wether or not to kick us out?' I wouldn't blame them if that was their plan. It's already hard to get by withouth Granny Lilo's income sustaining us. She was the family bread winner after all. We tried to steal more to be able to buy food and neccecities for everyone, but even that has become quite a challenge to do.

I followed Angie back home. At home, by the dinner table, Ralph and Leo were going back and forth with an argument. They were practicaly shouting at each other. Angie and I slowly approach the table as I try to make heads and tails of what they are arguing about. Words of "Leaving" and "Making the right decision" was what I could make out before they noticed us. Leo sighed as Ralph rounded the table to stand directly in front of me.

"Saphira, we need your vote." I frown at the 'obvious' sub-text he gave me. Leo could only sigh again as he took it on himself to explain. "Ralph and Mikey believe we should leave the island." My frown only deepens. "Think about it, we can't make a living here. So, the best plan is to leave and go somewhere else." Ralph was quick to explain their reasons when he saw my frown. I looked around the room at all the faces that are watching me. Guess I was the last one to hear of this.

"Why do you need my vote? Is not everyone onboard with this idea?" Angie came forward to explain further, "Leo, Donny and I believe it's a bad idea and that we should stay here where we are familiar with everything. Silver and Winifred refused to vote without you here. So..." She looked at me nervously, "We need your votes to settle on who's idea to pick." I looked toward Charlie, he only nodded his head toward Ralph and Mikey to let me know on who's side he's on.

I look to my sisters, they didn't look quite happy about what's going on, but I knew they would go wherever I go. I looked to Ralph, "Where are you planning to go?" I quickly hold up a hand when I saw him starting to smile, "Hold on, I haven't decided yet. Just give me more details of your plan." He nodded his head in understanding, not at all upset about me making him wait.

"There is an island about a seven days voyage away. It's were the cargo ships go to make their delivery, so that means it must be a rich place. Far better than this dump. We asked Donny to get us the information." I almost snorted when he added that last part, as if mentioning that Donny got the info would convince me to join them. I turn to look at Leo next. The look he gave me let me know he already knew which way I'm going.