String of Fate (One Piece)

Chapter 39: Resolve of Gold Roger and the heart

Previously 

"Dreams and thoughts that you don't know?" Rosi mumbles back and he pulls out another cigarette and lights it. "I can't say for sure what is causing it or why you're having these dreams. But seeing that whenever you were around or had the devil fruit around you, maybe the fruit is triggering something." He comments making me nod my head.

"I see......I-" I cut myself off and shake my head. 'Eat the fruit? I don't even know if it will give me answers...' I think to myself and sigh again.

"Well let's train and maybe we'll find some answers to that issue of yours." Rosi says as a giant Bear pops out of the trees and stands in our path.

'That's right....I don't have time to stay idle and wonder about what those dreams are about. I need to get stronger. If anything to prevent that dream from coming true."

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Rizu POV 

(Flash Back continued)

In the end, I had consumed the devil fruit.  But to actually think that everything became clearer the moment I ate it.

"Arghh!"  I groan out as I clench my head as Rosi widens his eyes.  "What's happening?"  Rosi mumbles out as he comes to my side.  

The remaining devil fruit rolls on the ground beside Rosi.

My head pounds with pain as those same images, scenes, the TV, everything flashes through my mind.  But everything is much clearer, vivid.  I could hear words, it wasn't just images and the slightest sounds, I could understand what each person was saying.  It was as if I was watching a movie play, except this was....

This was my previous life.....I panted heavily as the images and visions slowed down.  "I......That... I'm..."  I couldn't even form a sentence and my vision was slightly blurry as I felt myself being shaken.  

"Rizu!  Hey!  Get a hold of yourself!"  I hear and turn towards this voice to see Rosi.  My eyes widen remembering the show 'One Piece'  that I had watched during my previous life.  I couldn't remember everything that I saw and watched but I for sure remember that this man in front of me shouldn't be alive.

"Rosi?"  I mumble out before I fall unconscious.  

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Flash back End

Since then those memories and scenes made sense.  I would often get caught up in my thoughts at night as my mind would wander through my memories and piece things together.  The scenes of the TV would replay in my mind every so often, sadly I could only remember parts and scenes are scattered in my memory.  Only some plots and characters remain in my memory.  But I think that over time they may come back slowly. 

Thinking back to ASL, even my time with Garp, Zephyr, Hina, Chase, Smoker, Drake, Dadan and many others who I've meet flash in my mind along with various memories that I made here.  I now chuckle lightly as I look up at the blue sky.    The wind blows my black hair, ruffling the leaves on the trees above.  A comfortable silence envelopes this area as Rosi and I sit in comfort.  

The smell of smoke flows around the area as Rosi lights another cigarette.  Simple images on the TV screen became real.  Those characters, those feelings, the adventure, everything is real.

A couple weeks ago, I had trouble coming to understand that I was really here in One Piece.  Or the fact that I was reborn.  Or the fact that I had changed something that fundamentally changed the story line with my existence.  But the major thing that bothered me, was my identity.  Who was I exactly.  Sure in my past life I was quiet and had a couple friends much like I do now.  I was weak, boring, and hardworking. in a sense, i was nothing special.  But now, I'm here surrounded by large animals, devil fruits, pirates, marines, a father with no love, friends and little brothers.  

In this world, I had become stronger. I had become someone. I made a change and that proof is Rosi.    

One thing that I could say now, is that I have a stronger goal, a resolve.  The questions I had are slowly being answered.  I was given a reason why I as born, a reason why I am alive, whether or not Oda may not want his story to change, along with many fans.  This is no longer just a story and a simple anime.  Everything, everyone is real. 

But I mustn't forget who I am in this world and who I came to be.  After all, I had lost my way many times, but I had truly became happy with Luffy, Sabo, Ace, and everyone I met.  I smile widely as a gush of wind ripples throughout the island. 

I stand up as I stretch and look towards Rosi where he tilts his head at me.  I give him a small smile before picking up my stuff and walking towards the clearing.  Before me is a cliff that oversees the wide ocean of the Grand Line along with the beach of this island.  

I smile and tuck strands of my hair behind my ear before taking my mask and looking at it.  "A dream....A goal...Everything that you ever want is before me out at sea.  Freedom, an adventure." The images of Loguetown and Gol D. Roger flash in my mind.  I close my eyes as I see images replaying in my mind from the show.  The very beginning of Gold Roger and his death. 

I haven't seen it of course.  But the anime/manga did.  Its still vivid in my memory.   

Behind me I hear Rosi walking up beside me.  "A nice view after training today."  he comments making me nod my head in agreement.  

"Indeed."  I say as I look out at this scene.  One that could never be seen in the anime or manga or to any readers.  I glance at Rosi and see him smiling at the sight along with me.  

"The Destiny of age."  I begin making Rosi look at me as I continue to stare at the ocean as the sun shines brightly glimmering, making the ocean sparkle. 

"The dreams of its people.  As long as people continue to pursue the meaning of freedom.  These things will never cease."  I continue on as I clench my hand and stab Ryushi and my other spear into its straps. 

"If you want it, you can have it.  GO look for it. I left all of it at that place."  I say out in a respectful way as I close my eyes remembering this scene on the TV.  

Before Rosi could even ask what that was about I answer.  "The words of Gol D. Roger.  The age of pirating had begun with his last words.  Pirates and many others left in search to find his treasure.  I believe that those words connect with every pirate that's out on the sea, regardless if they are searching for the One Piece."  I comment as I look up at the sky seeing clouds drift by. 

"A age that drives people with dreams.  The dreams and desire of freedom.  As long as we pursue our meaning of freedom then dreams will never cease.  Whether or not treasure is desirable. There are many hidden treasures out on the sea, treasures that come and go.  Ones that aren't just materialistic.  A different type of treasure that we all hold precious to our hearts."  I say as I look at Rosi looking at me with semi wide eyes with a look of confusion. 

I chuckle lightly.  "That's how I interpret his words.  Though I think if others heard this than I would become a laughing stock.  But Rosi, don't you have a treasure of your own that you want to protect?"  I ask looking in his eyes giving him a warm look. 

Rosi's eyes become slightly bigger as he takes in my words.  He chuckles lightly as he ruffles his own hair and blows smoke from his cigarette.  "Yeah I do....He's not something materialistic.  Someone that I had come to  like as a son maybe.  I want him to be free.  Free....More than ever before.  I want to protect that freedom, so he never loses it."  he tells me causing me to smile warmly at his confession. 

"All the more reason to work harder."  I comment with a grin and put my hand on his shoulder.  "Rosi we still have a couple more weeks here before we leave the island.  Then we'll be off on an adventure with our new strength, at least better than we were before."  I say as I take another look at the sparkling ocean.        

"Just wait Luffy, Ace, Sabo....Our freedom, our adventure, our life. It's just beginning!"  I say with joy as a wide grin etches it's way on my face before turning back towards the forest.       

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Hey guys, I wanted to apologize for the short chapter.  Since it is a short chapter there will be two updates!  This chapter will go along with Chapter 40, which is a continuation of Rizu's new found power and strong resolve!  Look forward to Chapter 40: "Onwards"!!!!