Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Corpse

People often say Franky was a very known scientist amongst the community. They also say the loss of his wife Robin changed him, for the worse. He stopped showing at public events, stopped teaching. Some rumors spreaded: the scientist hasn’t been able to do anything for weeks now, even forgetting about his own mail.

What they see doesn’t reflect reality. The scientist has, indeed, been sitting on his couch, alone, as decimated by the death of Robin. What they don’t though, is that even death can’t separate them apart.

*

Numbness

The scent of wood. And dirt. Some unfamiliar soreness and cold sweep inside her limbs as she regains consciousness. She can’t remember anything. Can’t feel her heartbeat, which, if she had one, would be skyrocketing at this mere mention. Could she be…? 

She finally chooses to open her eyes. Black. All around her. Where is she? Who is she? What happened? She starts moving her head to the sides. Brain fog is becoming thinner and thinner as her headache starts growing, as well as this inner voice calling for someone.

Franky.

*

Unknown

This is a new day in Chadintown as the fog captures the faint gleam of the sun. After a night in the local inn, he finally manages to get up. Travelling wasn’t restful, and he’s not planning on staying as his duties await him in the city north of here. 

Though he’d love to continue his journey, the inn-owner told him to at least stay for a day or two, as the fog makes it unbearable, even for the local lumberjack, to find their way. Some even got lost forever, she murmurs as she disappears back in the kitchen.

Chapter Text

Whine

As soon as dawn sets, Nami finished making breakfast. She chose to come down because it was no longer bearable. But the noise was gone. Vanished.

Thing is: she hasn’t slept at all. All she could hear was this unnerving whining and crying coming from outside the front door. That’s surely the wind, she tries to trick her mind. And Luffy’s snoring. Which isn't very reassuring, given that he is a very heavy sleeper.

Retrieving a book in her bag, she sighs as she starts studying, enjoying a few moments of calm before Luffy wakes up and devours everything.

*

Creak

Clarity goes through the windows of the cafeteria as the old radio is playing some cosy music, interrupted suddenly by a very unpleasant sound goes then, like a… squealing sound?, slightly covered by white noise, giving him goosebumps on his arms, even though he’s drinking hot coffee. He’s not sure, though his eyes did not deceive him.

Bloody fog, curses the receptionist as she waltzes in. Then she sees him, a glimpse of horror in her eyes before she collects herself.

Law couldn’t care less, as he finishes his cup, leaves it on the counter and leaves the inn to get some fresh air.

*

Stranger

He gets up with frustration. His jaw’s aching, and his hands are tingling. To ease his nerves, he gets downstairs, eats breakfast and heads outside before his roommate can object to anything.

Fresh air helps him be more socially acceptable. Or at least, he loves to think so.

He sees the inn’s front door open, and gazes upon this tall man. Said man acknowledges him and gets closer. Luffy tries not to fidget nor to freeze as a tattooed hand gives him a small piece of paper.

Quickly searching his surroundings, he smirks then leaves as if nothing happened.