As the storm continues to rage around them, Tereza does her best to press forward, managing to keep flying despite the extreme winds.
While holding tightly onto Benezia, Alex can't help but become increasingly aware of her presence pressed against him.
As he keeps his arms wrapped around her for stability, that awareness only grows stronger. He even notices her faint scent—something soft and vaguely sweet, reminding him of the cherry liqueur he drank yesterday.
Closing his eyes, Alex forces himself to calm down, refusing to embarrass himself just like that. He acts like nothing is happening, focusing instead on the flight.
It takes a few hours before the wind finally calms, and Benezia, without a word, shifts back to her own seat.
Tereza continues flying—steadily and silently—even through the night, until a small lighthouse eventually comes into view below, easily recognizable despite their current altitude.
"That should be Shift Station," Alex notes. "Only Kokoro the mermaid, her granddaughter, and that weird pet of theirs are stationed there. She used to be the conductor for the Sea Train. That means Water 7 is really close. Should we take a break?"
"I can go on!" Tereza shouts back. "Let's finish this."
"We should press forward," Benezia suggests, agreeing with Tereza.
"No, let's take a small break," Alex decides. "It's dark, and a little rest won't hurt anyone. At most, we lose a few minutes, I think it's worth checking out different places."
Tereza, listening to Alex's suggestions, descends rapidly toward the station—an artificial flat island, small and isolated, with a single house and lighthouse. Two raised platforms stretch out on either side, connected by a tall bridge that allows the Sea Train to pass underneath.
She lands directly in front of the house, and once Alex and Benezia dismount, she transforms back into her human form.
Alex's eyes immediately scan the area. He notices the steel rails just under the water, glinting faintly beneath the few lamps scattered around the structure, as well as the shimmering moonlight.
I'm excited to finally witness the Sea Train in action. Hopefully, I'll be able to see it in Water 7.
As the group takes in the view, a chubby, blonde-haired woman descends from the lighthouse. She approaches them with confident steps, carrying a wine bottle in one hand.
Kokoro... and as expected, she's drinking.
"Nagagagaggaga! What a fun ability—you don't see many people traveling by air. That's rare. What a useful skill... no, I should say a useful fruit, right sister?" she remarks cheerfully. "Might I ask what brings you here?"
"Just for fun, Ma'am," Alex replies smoothly. "Life's been hectic. I thought it might be nice to check out Shift Station. Don't worry—we'll leave quietly when the sun comes up."
"Nagagagaga," Kokoro chuckles. "I expected worse from you people. You are even polite. Aren't you the ones stirring up trouble all across the Grand Line? You are famous! I also recognize the cute spider on top of your head, she is really different than what the paper says."
Princess Jewel might be cute, but she is also majestic!
"What do you mean?" Alex asks innocently.
Without answering, Kokoro pulls out a folded newspaper and casually hands it over to him.
"Butcher Ends Bellamy Pirates," Alex reads aloud.
He skims the rest, his eyes blinking as he comprehends what he is reading.
"After robbing and killing his way through Alubarna and Nanohana, the wanted Pirate, known as the Butcher—accompanied by the mysterious yet cruel Benezia, also known as the Night Demon and their abhorrent Demon Spider pet—has now set his eyes on the pirates of Paradise. He has recently taken out the self-proclaimed Big-Time Rookie Bellamy, also known as the Hyena, and his crew on Jaya, taking over Mock Town in the process..."
Abhorrent?! Princess Jewel is not abhorrent! She is also not a demon! Blasphemy! Slander! Princess Jewel will sue!
"What the fuck is this?!" Alex yells in outrage, ignoring Jewel as he sees the miniature version of freshly printed bounties, featuring the group. "How is this already printed?! Wait... These bounties are new! The numbers changed!"
"Butcher—Alex Kerber: 80 Million Belly"
"Night Demon—Benezia: 77 Million Belly"
"Demon Spider—Jewel (Pet): 65 Million Belly"
Princess Jewel is worth far more. What an insult! Outrageous!
Alex, as usual, ignores Jewel's silliness and keeps on reading.
"There's a rumor going around that the Butcher is forming a new pirate crew. He was last seen with two unknown women—one of them with a peculiar hairstyle consisting of five top knots and bright green hair. She appears harmless, but is nonetheless wanted for aiding a known criminal, cooking for the dangerous crew of vile pirates. The second woman is a dangerous devil fruit user whom the Butcher has supposedly tamed and enslaved, using her as a personal mount as he travels the Grand Line by air."
"Cook—???: 500,000 Belly"
"Giant Bat—Tereza (Mount): 30 Million Belly"
"Excuse me, mount!?" Tereza shouts, full of outrage. "Well... I guess it's true, but couldn't they at least recognize my magic? They could have called me a mysterious vampire or a witch—but a mount?! That's just insulting!"
"I hope Menchi isn't running into trouble," Alex mutters. "Even if she can't be killed, she can be imprisoned or at least ignored or hindered. That's going to make it tough for her to keep trading and growing her cooking skills. We might as well summon her once we reach Water 7."
"Indeed. Water 7 is more accepting of pirates," Benezia agrees. "It's also famous for its ingredients and food, she will most likely be annoyingly excited."
"Nagagagaga. You're a fun bunch!" Kokoro says, laughing as she sways with the half-empty bottle in her hand. "I like you! Water 7's a great place. I'm sure you'll feel right at home—just don't go scheming against poor Iceburg. The guy really doesn't deserve it."
"Excuse me, what's your name?" Alex asks, feigning ignorance as he smiles at her.
"Kokoro," she replies proudly.
Alex can't help but stare at her, but does his best not to look disgusted.
In all honesty, she's got one of the ugliest faces I've ever seen. Aside from that, she is a nice and fun woman... I guess.
"Well, Lady Kokoro," Alex says, "we might not be innocent... or even all that honorable, but we're not the caricature monsters this paper makes us out to be. Yes, we've killed—but always in life-or-death battles against people who more than deserved it. We've never targeted innocent civilians, and we don't go around robbing and killing just anyone. You're free to believe what you want, but like I said, there's no danger for you. We'll be gone by sunrise, that much I promise you."
"I know," Kokoro says with a knowing smile, gently petting Jewel. "This little Princess here isn't some man-eating demon spider. What a joke."
❤️ This Peasant is smart! She has correctly identified Princess Jewel as a Princess! A feat most worthy of praise!
"She is... grateful," Alex says, fighting off the urge to sigh.
"I can see it in her beautiful eyes. Why don't you come inside?" Kokoro offers warmly. "I've got another bottle ready—this one's just about empty." She tips the bottle up and drains the last of it in a single gulp. "Nagagagaga! That hit the spot!"
"Well, if you're offering, why not?" Alex replies, shrugging as he steps toward the door.
Benezia and Tereza exchange a doubtful look, but they follow after him without complaint.
Inside, Kokoro sets her lamp down on the center table, casting long shadows across the dim room, before disappearing into the back. She returns a moment later, holding two unopened wine bottles and several enormous glasses—clearly not designed for wine.
Without hesitation, she sets everything down in front of them.
Benezia takes one look at the bottles and immediately raises a hand. "I'd prefer tea," she says before the wine can even touch her glass.
"Same here," Tereza adds, clearly amused by the setup.
"Boring!" Kokoro exclaims. "How about you, Butcher? You can handle your liquor, right?"
"Nope. I'm a weak drinker," Alex admits without hesitation. "I like sweet stuff and girly drinks... but... I guess it doesn't hurt to try. Give me a glass then."
"Nagagagaga. At least you can admit your faults—that takes guts too!" Kokoro laughs, thoroughly entertained, as she pours nearly half a liter of wine into his absurdly large glass.
She then disappears into the back again, only to return with a small steaming pot of tea, which she sets in front of Benezia and Tereza with a grin.
The group sits down together, dim light flickering around them.
Alex sips at the wine as the warmth spreads through his chest. The house is dark and quiet, yet strangely comforting.
Kokoro launches into one of her rants, rambling about the decline of the Sea Train, cursing out the government, and tossing insults at various Marine officers.
To his own surprise, Alex finds himself enjoying her stories—asking questions, laughing along, and listening intently as the conversation rolls on.
Meanwhile, Tereza and Benezia look completely bored. Benezia casually extends her hand toward Alex's head, gesturing silently for Jewel to climb onto her palm.
Jewel, who's just as disinterested, complies and climbs up Benezia's arm, though she keeps eyeing her with narrowed eyes, full of suspicion.
Tereza, on the other hand, is simply enjoying herself, calmly sipping her tea while basking in the quiet, peaceful atmosphere.
They are not expecting much, but I think this hidden mermaid might have a story to tell us—maybe she can give us a hint or something.
Alex sighs, "Sorry about that, Lady Kokoro. These people just don't know how to socialize properly. I guess the mount is excused... since she worked hard getting us here."
"Nagagagaga, it's fine! I'm just an old woman rambling away. However, may I ask you one question? You don't have to answer if you don't want to," Kokoro asks, her tone suddenly turning a touch more serious.
"What are you planning to do in Water 7?" she finally says, staring into Alex's eyes with a hint of nostalgia
"Shopping, relaxing, and recovering from our injuries," Alex replies honestly, "but we're also planning to hunt pirates—focusing on the ones with serious crimes and high bounties. That's all."
"You're not exactly on friendly terms with the Marines, are you?" she presses further.
Now Alex laughs, "Obviously not. If we were, we wouldn't have bounties on our heads. Though I gotta say—I'm mostly innocent. It's a tragic story, really... this nickname is a cruel joke that keeps haunting me, totally unjustified as well—"
Interrupting him with her now sharp gaze, Kokoro now begins to plead, "You can say no, but if you don't have anything urgent going on... you could consider doing an old woman a small favor. Call it repayment for the tea and wine," Kokoro says, her expression growing solemn. "I trust you."
[Secret Quest Offered
Mission: Protect Iceburg from any source of danger.
Reward: ???
Time Limit: ???
Failure: —]
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