The Man Above

4 - Captain Butler

Beast Series 1.03

I am simply one hell of a butler~

~~~~~

"So that manservant wanker is in all actuality a fearsome pirate captain who is supposed to be dead? I knew he was a total prat and something wasn't right about him, but this seems a bit far-fetched."

Usopp and Luffy explained to them all what was going on, and Aster couldn't help but feel a bit miffed. It went against her very nature to even think about raising a hand against those she served, but here this man was plotting his lady's murder. It was despicable.

"The villagers wouldn't believe me and one of them shot me. So I'm going to prove myself the liar. Tomorrow, they'll wake up, and their lives won't be any different because I am going to stop those pirates if it's the last thing I do."

"That'd be more impressive if your knees weren't shaking." Zoro spoke up dryly, prompting the young man to punch his legs in an attempt to stop the trembling.

"So what ya want us to do?" Luffy piped up from the other side of the fire, picking his nose. Usopp froze at the implication and began to tear up.

"You guys are going to help me?"

"Sure, we can't get a boat if this Kaya chick is dead."

"I refuse to let you act more honorably than me."

"I want to loot these pirates for all their worth."

"We cannot duel if you're dead."

"THOSE ARE TERRIBLE REASONS!"

~~~~~

"When exactly are these pirates supposed to get here?"

"Kuro and the hypno-guy said sunrise on the beach!"

"Maybe they slept in?"

"LIKE THAT WOULD HAPPEN!"

"You all are getting exceedingly irritating and loud. I would appreciate if you stop talking so I can listen." The bitter tone from the knight had them all freezing and looking to her in confusion. She tilted her head then looked at Usopp. "Are you sure this is the only accessible path to the village?"

His eyes went wide with realization.

"The north shore! I didn't think of that! I mean, this I where they had their meeting so just assumed-"

"Stop talking and start moving!" Usopp took off at an impressive pace while everyone wheeled about to go after him. Unfortunately, the oil slick spread by Usopp caused Nami to slip and she grabbed onto the nearest thing to use as an anchor and keep herself out of the oil.

"You witch!" Zoro growled, trying but failing to find purchase on the oil and get back up the hill he had slipped down. Nami simply winked and took off in the direction both Luffy and Usopp had disappeared in. Aster sighed and shook her head.

"Aster! Can you get some rope?" Zoro pleaded and the knight shook her head again, this time in denial.

"That'll take too long. Please wait a moment." She jogged up to the tree line and quickly found two firm, pointed sticks to use. Nearing the edge of the slick, she tightened her grip on the two sticks and dug them into the sand to slow her descent.

"Now we're both stuck down here. Great." Zoro scowled at the knight, prompting her to roll her eyes. She turned her back to him and looked at him over her shoulder.

"Hop on my back."

"What?! No!"

"It's the only way to get to the battle on time."