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The straw hats were chatting in a late afternoon, after beating someone's ass in an exciting fight. All the crew members were praising Luffy, reminding him how strong he had become and how proud they were of him, when a shadow climbed over the boat. Half of the crew had their eyes pop out in disbelief at the sight, forcing Luffy to turn around, confused.
- ''I have to agree! I'm a Proud big bro! You've gotten stronger!''
Was all that could be heard, as the figure jumped down the boat as fast as they had climbed up, embraced in flames that matched the color of the sunset. Even though Luffy wasn't fast enough to see the man's face, he would forever recognize his voice. His eyes widened as he jumped down, desperately, chasing after that blaze.
- ''Wait! I know you aren't real, but I need to ask you!! ...could forgive me??'' The boy shouted with a ton of emotions taking over his chest and throat, making his voice tremble. The blazing figure stopped at the entrance of a huge forest and turned around amused, hidden behind the green, huge trees that remained unbothered by the raging fire that surrounded the man, his face still couldn't be seen, protected by the fire. The cowboy smiled playfully, about to say something that would come entirely from the heart.
The sun set completely, hiding behind the mountains. The fire and the man both vanished as the sky plunged into the darkness of the night. Luffy blinked, on the verge of tears, sweating and panting, trying to understand what had happened, where he was, or what he was doing.
A kind palm rested on his shoulder, weird, he hadn't noticed anyone behind him.
- ''Luffy... you need to sleep, this is the first time I've ever seen you this drunk, let's go back''. Said Zoro with a sweet, sleepy voice, yawning, exhausted. Somehow, they two seemed to be the last ones awake even though they had all been partying moments ago. Zoro happened to be there just because he was on duty that night.
The beautiful trees and the forest in front of him turned out to be now dry and dead as if they had been that way for years. The light was gone. Luffy turned around and stared at the ship, far away at the shore, all the lights were turned off and the entire place was surrounded by calmness. When had he run that far? Confused and defeated, feeling his heart sink slowly inside him, he let the swordsman drag him back with the rest.
- ''I'm sorry I wasn't... enough...''. He muttered, making efforts to not break down in his friend's arms, although the swordsman wouldn't judge him, and he knew it. He felt tired, as if all those endless nights of nightmares, of having his brother die in front of him a million times, came crashing down on him again.
Until he reached the boat. Everyone had stayed outside, hugging each other to stay warm, Jinbei being used as a huge pillow (or a giant plushie, both could do). Robin had stayed awake, and the moment the two men showed up, she smiled gently at her captain and pulled him away from the swordsman's arms, to the very center of the hug, being received by the sleepy arms of everyone else like another plush to hug, only Zoro stayed away, just staring lovingly at the sight. Every sad thought faded away as a warm feeling overtook the captain's mind, he would never forgive himself for what happened back then, but he could at least give his all to keep his new family safe.
***
Brook sat down at the head of the sunny, singing the end of a beautiful, nostalgic melody. The magic hour had passed, but the skeleton smiled, glad he had the chance to meet such a fierce and passionate soul, one that would run to the edge of the dead realm without hesitation, the moment the tune started, just to see his brother again.
- ''Ace-san... Sorry I couldn't give you two more time, but rest assured, I made sure he heard that, and I'll make sure he hears everything else''