One Piece: Sorrow's Cold Embrace (SSW Backstory)

Chapter 22

Ralph's POV

It was time to set our plan in motion. The five day journey to our new home felt like it took forever. But now, we're here and my nerves felt like they were on fire. I wanted to pull my hair out for not asking Donny to come up with a more saver plan. I couldn't be mad at him, I knew he tried his best to find a better plan, but our options were limited. Even so, that didn't stop my emotions from overflowing.

I was irritated and nervous at the same time. I felt like punching something to let off steam. It didn't help that the day before our arival, that Saphira fought with me about not letting Mikey be the distraction. Did she think I want to push my brother into danger? Mikey was the fastest among us. If anyone can do this job efficiently and can still get away, it's Mikey. But, just like her, I was worried too and kept asking him if he was really up for this. To which, with growing annoyance, he said he was fine.

"Are you sure you can do this, Mikey? It's not that I'm doubting you, it's just-" Mikey groaned as he roughly scratched his hair in agitation. "Can you stop! I'm fine, I can do this!" I sigh for the umptious time as I try to rub the growing headache away. "I know, I know..." I tense as I feel a hand rest on my shoulder. I look to find a frowning Saphira, "I know you're getting tired of hearing me say this, but let me do it." I shook off her hand as I turn to glare at her, "You're right, I am tired of hearing you talk. So, do me a favour and shut up!"

I almost felt guilty when she flinched back from my shout. I grab her shoulders and pull her close enough so no one else could hear us. "Look, I know your worried for Mikey, I am too. But, he is our best option." She opened and closed her mouth as she tries to think of what to say. I wanted to snicker and tell her she looked like a fish while doing that. She sighs in defeat, "If shit hits the fan and they catch Mikey, I'm telling you right now, I am going to go batshit crazy on these people." And she said it with a straight face.

I roll my eyes as I let go of her shoulders to roughle her hair, to which she was unpleased about. "Yeah, and I'll be right there with you, raising hell." She pushed my hand off her and gave me a soft glare. We give each other a nod of understanding, knowing we both would do crazy things to protect the people we love and care about. I would never say this to her or anyone else, but I'd even do the same for her and her family.

We got ready. Saphira was giving Mikey a talk through, to which he looks annoyed about but kept listening to her, and I help the rest gather our things. I made sure that everyone had a weapon in hand, even little Winifred, as we stood at the entrance to the hull. Or, more like the exit. Mikey gave us a nod before gripping the handle of the door. He was going to dash out there and catch the crews attention, to which they would give chase and hopefully leave the ship. Once the deck is clear, that would be our chance to get off the ship.

Mikey took a deep breath in and held it for a second, before blowing it out slowly. My heart raced as I watch him. I bet everyone's on edge, just like me. I just hope that this was worth it. Mikey pushed down on the door handle and was about to run out when a sudden alarm went off. We all frozed in place as we watch through the small gap Mikey left in the door, as everyone on deck rushed around. They were shouting about something.

Saphira gasped right next to me, and it almost gave me a heart attack. "Pirate attack." She whispered in horror as things have changed drastically. I pick up Winifred and put her on my back. I give my bag to Saphira, to which she frowned at in confusion. I take her hand in mine with a tight grip. I look behind me, "Charlie take Silver's hand. Mikey, on three, push open that door and we all make a run for it." Saphira tugged on my hand to catch my attention, "But, the pirates-"

"We'll use them as our destraction." I watch as her eyes lit up with realization. I readjust my hold on Winifred as I turn back to the door. Mikey gave me a nod as he got ready to run. "On three. One. Two." Canon fire went off and shook the ship. Winifred yelped and wrapped her arms tighter around my neck. "Three!" Mikey pushed open the door and took the lead. I was right on his heels as I drag Saphira behind me. Once I was pass the stairs and run on deck, I only chance a glance at the chaos before refocusing on where we are going.