Desires of Men ~SEQUEL TO THE LIFE I LIVE~

The Unborn Child

As Shachi and Penguin walked the town, they heard frequent whispers between the townspeople about a 'mysterious seer with strange abilities.' They would only glance at each other and grin. It seemed their plan of making him known worked.

"I swear! Yesterday we went to the forest and the hen was right where he said it would be. He even propheciezed the net that held the bird in. It was amazing." A man told a woman in a heated conversation to their left.

"His name was Almondseed. Such a strange name though I'm sure the island of seers names their children strange things." A housewife nearby commented.

"I got to talk to the seer." A little boy said to a group of children. "He told me that he's slain eight dragons!" They all stared open-mouthed at the boy as he nodded smugly.

The two engineers quickly walked back towards the sub to report their progress.

~~~

"Captain, the plan worked. Albert is now known by the whole town as a seer!" Penguin said, watching Law take a long drink from his coffee. Setting it back on the table, he nodded.

"Good. Now, do not make contact with him again. I want to see where he takes it from here." They nodded their understanding and went to inspect the engine room. It was about time for their safety check.

Law watched them go, finishing off the last of his hot drink and bringing the mug to the kitchen. Inside, Casper gave him a nod in greeting and Law placed the mug in the sink.

"I've been holding off on sayin' this but..." Casper started, wiping the sweat from his forehead. "I might need a new kitchen assistant." Law looked up in surprise.

"Summer-ya is your assistant." The cook sighed.

"I know. Trust me when I say I don't want a replacement, but ever since she started helping me in the kitchen I've realized that I do need help." He placed the knife in his hand on the cutting board and leaned against the counter. "Since she's been gone it's becoming increasingly more difficult to get these meals finished."

"..." Law looked away, trying to ignore the pang of guilt and sorrow at the word 'replacement.' He had to keep reminding himself that he would rescue her, that she would return.

That she would come home.

"It would only be temporary." Casper promised, lowering his eyes in shame.

"I'll have someone assigned." Law said quietly, turning and leaving the kitchen quickly. Casper didn't blame him. The very thought of giving Summer's job to someone else was like admitting that she wouldn't be returning, that they were admitting defeat. They couldn't just do that...

~~~

"Hmm..." Albert furrowed his brows, holding the hand of a young woman who had come to him. "I see..." He traced the lines on her palm, slowly focusing on nothing in particular to give his eyes a faraway look. "I see great love in your future, but only after you go through trials and hardships."

The woman looked down, but still gave a little smile afterwards at the sound of her fortune. "Do you see anything else?"

He pondered a moment, as if still searching through the 'void' to see her future. "No, the way is cloudy. I see no more of your future."

The woman retracted her hand and she tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear. Her hands clasped in front of her in a shy gesture. Albert watched as she looked up into his own eyes with unshed tears. "Thank you. A thousand times, thank you."

"It is no burden, my dear. Now go live the rest of your life!" He gave her shoulder a small pat and sent her on her way. "Now, I'll take the next in line!"