(UNDER A REWRITE) THEY KNOW FEAR AGAIN.
There's the smell of something burning and setting her lungs ablaze, the taste of sea salt, and the cold water splashing against her skin. Drowning into the blue sea. It overwhelmed and swallowed her whole and...
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CHAPTER NINE, i hear your sound
A WHISPER brushed against her ear. Irrational thoughts sprouted into Jie's mind, whether it was Zoro's pale complexion or the thought of Sanji saying how she's been holding back everything. Everything that's happened so far. Her life before she left for that fishing boat and the seas set for the pirate crew.
"Jie, I want you to leave Baratie and hide," Zeff spoke with concern, his hardened gaze remaining on the trio sat in the restaurant. The rest of kitchen staff frantically pulled together to meet Arlong's demands last minute. Anything he wanted, just to not set him off anymore. "Those fish men are dangerous. I don't want you around them."
Jie shook her head, unable to hide the cold sweat forming on her skin. "It's not right to leave everyone here to fend for themselves. I wanna help protect Baratie."
On the ship, Sanji stayed to help take care of the rest of the crew for meals while Zoro recovered in the bed. But it meant one of their best fighters was busy and away. All of the times Sanji kicked out rowdy, unruly pirates were all done with his swift kicks and fighting skills. Their best fighter wouldn't know unless someone informed him.
"Alright...but don't do anything rash." Zeff sighed.
"We should tell Sanji what's going on. It doesn't feel right without him." Jie said, hearing the plates and metal utensils rattle as Arlong slammed his fist down on the table. His anger thickened the air in the room and every single customer dining there could feel it. The large steak he scarfed down wasn't enough to satisfy him—Luffy was the one he wanted.
"Stronger, faster, hungrier!" Arlong stuck his nose towards the older man on another table. A low, guttural growl left his lips. He'd listed all of the things fish men were better at than humans were. In his mind, he didn't want all of them to see fish men as below. His presence was overwhelmingly imposing and Jie shivered at the thought of what he could do if he found Luffy.
"Wouldn't you agree?"
Unable to bear any more of Arlong's wrath, Jie pushed through the kitchen doors. All eyes on the floor immediately turned to the girl joining them, unsure if the sight of her face was going to save them or not. Before she could say anything, the doors to the restaurant slammed open, causing her to gasp before glancing up to see Luffy and two people following right behind him.
"Which one of you is Arlong?"
Arlong looked up at the new voice. "Who is asking?"
"I'm Monkey D. Luffy. I hear you're looking for me."
