To the Next Place

"Do you have a plan where we should be going?" Francis approached Seth with a question. It had been a few days since they met and Francis had joined the crew, but all they had been doing all this time was only sailing.

"I am not sure but studying this map, it seems like I should reach the Pitaya Village sometime today."

"So, you can read maps, huh?" asked Francis, seeing Seth trying to study the map which the former captain left on his table.

"I can't say I can read it. But judging from the direction, the ship was initially moving to and the correcting it with the compass, we should be on the same track. Don't you remember that small island we passed by yesterday? From that, I can say we would arrive in this town next."

"O-Oh, so it's the Pitaya village. Do you know they are named as such because of a strangely shaped fruit grown there?"

Majority of the fruits in One Piece world were similar to that of Earth, so this pitaya should be the famous dragon fruit found on Earth. And yeah, it is also uniquely shaped.

"It is said that the fruit was brought from the Grand Line and was very popular in the East Blue. So, they started cultivating it here. But the plan failed because of the differences in climate and soil. But in the Pitaya village, the crop was a success and now, it is the only place in the East Blue where you can find the fruit."

Seth remembered the last time he ate the fruit, that was when he was still on Earth. He was a fruit-lover and liked eating different kinds of fruit and pitaya was one of his favourites. Hearing that the fruit was still available in this world, Seth was happy and kind of looking forward to eating it.

"Putting that aside" Francis words turned grim "Are you sure we are pirates?"

Asked a strange question, Seth looked puzzled "What do you mean by that?"

"Yeah, sure we have a ship but we are missing two important things. The name of the crew and the Jolly Roger."

Now that he thinks about it, Francis is correct. Just having a ship isn't enough. They need a grand name and a matching Jolly Roger.

"Also, the Pitaya village is a common stop for pirates. We should recruit some underlings there."

"Hmm. Underlings? We don't need them" Seth clearly refused the idea and started thinking about a decent name for the crew. (Since, my power belongs to Owl. Then Owl pirates? Nah, sounds too laidback.)

"Are you crazy? Sure you're strong. But there is strength in numbers. Otherwise we will be trampled upon by larger crews."

"That won't happen. What I plan to build is a small crew of elites who are ready to risk everything for the other. Total companionship."

Francis looked at Seth as if he had lost his mind. That was simply ridiculous.

"I don't think that would work."

"Oh yes, it will" Seth smiled thinking about the Straw Hats who were able to journey across the Grand Line, challenging the toughest ordeals and risking their lives for their nakama.

(That is my dream crew.)

(Speaking about Straw Hats, I wonder how is Luffy doing. He should have left for his journey. Most likely he has even met with Zoro. I just don't know when we will meet again. 'Let's meet on the Grand Line', huh?)

Seth smiled looking at the horizon beyond the window.

"What are you smiling for? It is creepy."

"Oh, nothing. Remembered an old acquaintance."

"Anyway, I don't think that is the right choice. Us two, can't risk it. We have the resources, better recruit some pirates and we are good."

Seth knew there was no use explaining him. Only he knew that it was possible.

"I am the captain and I want my crew to be like that."

Francis went silent, "As you wish" he thought, walking out of the cabin. It was not like he was against the idea, just that it didn't seem credible to him. He had some experience as a pirate and that is why, he knew pirate life is ruthless.

"Friends, he says" he spoke to himself. It is a great dream to sail with friends who you can leave your backs to. But, he feared that there will be enemies who will come to take advantage of their fewer numbers.

"Still if it is true, then it would be nice." somewhere in his heart, he also desired it turns true.

-:- Scene Change -:-

Do appearances matter?

Many thinkers may proclaim and preach that how one looks doesn't matter for what really matters is who they really are.

There is a well known proverb we all must have read in our early school days.

Beauty is only skin deep.

Pleasant appearance is not a mirror to one's character. So, we should all look at other's character rather than just outward beauty.

But it is irony that despite all these teachings people still judge others based on their looks.

And what if someone is not a regular human? Someone who looks starkly different with strange skin, physique and colour?

The persecution is at a level unbearable to anyone.

A man sat beside a pond dipping his legs inside. The touch of the cool water sends a strange feeling through his body, echoing at the genetic levels.

Water has always soothed him. Relaxed him like no other thing in the world.

And it was the very reason why this melancholic life he has to lead, all alone.