Chapter 14: The festival

A few days have passed since Lami and Alex decided to sail together, they were currently sailing toward their next island.

" Lami I can see the island from here I hope it isn't too packed," said Alex with a hint of excitement and joy. Lami smiled back and asked, " So this is the island you wanted to go to? What's so special about it?".

" Yes that's the one, this island hosts the best festivals every year however I was always not allowed to go," replied Alex with shining eyes. " Sounds like we're in for a great time" said Lami with a smile feeling excited to experience a new culture.

As they arrived at the port they were greeted with the sounds of music, people laughing and colorful decorations all around written " Festival Week".

Alex couldn't contain her excitement as she pulled Lami in the crook of her arm and said, "Let's go and join the festival we can explore the island and try all the delicious and exotic food they have" exclaimed Alex with enthusiasm.

Lami smiled back and nodded in agreement as they went to explore the festival and all it had to offer. In the past few days that Lami had known Alex, she had come to realize that her love for food was unmatched as she almost finished all the food they had on the ship.

As they explored they went through food stall after food stall eating all kinds of delicious food from fried chicken to fresh seafood and traditional dishes of the island. The festival was not only about food as there were many activities present such as games and live performances.

" Lami! I got the tickets to go and see the last performance of the week later tonight it's supposed to be amazing," said Alex as she waved the tickets in the air showcasing them to Lami.

Lami smiled and said," That sound like a nice way to end the night, let's make sure to not miss it," excited to see what the performance was all about.

"Sadly, tomorrow is the last day of the festival however it's said to close with a bang as there will be a fighting competition," said Alex with a grin.

" I see so that's why you are this excited you want to participate," said Lami with a chuckle as she knew Alex's competitive nature all too well. " Of course I want to try it out who knows I might even win," replied Alex with a determined look.

Lami smiled knowing that Alex was always up for a challenge, " This is a good chance for me to see you in action and evaluate your strength," said Lami as they continued to walk around.

As time passed by and the night fell they made their way to the performance hall where they were amazed by the sight they saw. The performance included amazing dancers, acrobats and other musicians who are incredible in their own unique way.

One musician and performer stood out the most as she used her devil fruit powers to create a spectacular show that left the crowd in awe. Alex looked toward Lami and asked, " Is that the work of a devil fruit?" while pointing at the performer.

Lami nodded in response, " I believe so, if she participates in the fighting competition tomorrow she will definitely defeat you," said Lami with a serious tone.

Alex chuckled, " I wouldn't be so sure about that I have a few tricks up my sleeves," said Alex with a smirk on her face.

" You may have your tricks but how do you plan to beat someone you can't hit or even touch," Lami said confusing Alex for a moment.

" What do you mean by that?" asked Alex with a confused look. " What I'm saying is that I think she is logia or special paramecia devil fruit user making it impossible to engage in physical combat without using Haki," stated Lami as she observed the performer closely.

Alex's smile turned to a frown as she realized the challenge ahead of her but her spirit was not broken as she knew that if she sticks with Lami she could learn how to use Haki and become a strong opponent in future.

" Looks like I have a lot to learn but for now let's enjoy the show," said Alex as they both turned their attention to the live performance and continued to watch in awe. Lami nodded and said " Agreed let's enjoy the show for now" and they both settled in to watch.

At a certain island in the sea of the North Blue, a lady dressed in black walked into a room where a group of women who were wearing maid outfits was standing in an organized manner.

" Olivia-sama, how did your hunt go?" asked one of the women who was dressed in a maid outfit. Olivia looked toward the maid before replying, " Boring as always, the prey was too easy to catch," she said with a hint of disappointment in her voice.

" Well that's to be expected when you're the greatest assassin in the North Blue," said one of the maids. "That's true after all in the world of assassins Olivia-sama is called Ghost Lady as all her targets get killed without knowing who or what killed them," said another maid as she felt a shiver run down her spine.

Olivia smirked," Flattery won't get you anywhere, now spill it why are you all behaving so suspiciously? Also where the hell is my little sister?" asked Olivia in a sharp tone.

The maids took a step back intimidated by Olivia's tone before one spoke up, " Forgive us, Olivia-sama she left the island as soon as you left a few days ago," explained in a hesitant tone.

" That idiot! She left in such a busy week, where did she go?" asked Olivia now irritated more than she was before. The maids looked at each yet again before one of them spoke," The last we heard she left for the Festival Week hosted by one of our neighboring islands," said the maid still sounding hesitant.

" Bring my ship around I going to pick her up before she does something stupid again," ordered Olivia as she stormed out of the room.

The next day came and Lami and Alex woke up early to prepare for the last day of Festival Week. " Lami hurry up we need to go now or else we'll miss the morning events," shouted Alex as she was already dressed and waiting on the island while Lami was still on the ship.

Lami finished quickly and rushed toward Alex who couldn't wait to get going. " Alex can we start somewhere first before going to the fighting competition?" asked Lami with a hopeful look in her eyes.

" Sure where do you want to go first?" asked Alex with a smile. " Black market I want to go and buy information about a certain individual," said Lami as she started walking towards a shady alley.

Alex raised an eyebrow," What kind of individual are you looking for?" she asked with a hint of curiosity in her voice. " You'll see once we get there," replied Lami in a mysterious tone as they walked deeper into the shady alley.

They entered an underground place which was where every illegal activity was taking place. This was the black market and Lami knew that if she wanted information on her target this is the place to go.

They walked until they came up to a woman who looked like an assistant to the information dealer. Lami handed her a certain amount of money and whispered the name of her target which caused the woman's face to charge.

The woman brought back any information she had on the target, all the recent whereabouts and activities.

" It says here she was last seen sailing toward this island hours ago so where is she now?" Lami asked the woman as she went through the information.

The woman shrugged," We do not know her current location," she replied. " Well I don't blame you," Lami said with a smirk," After all you wouldn't know her whereabouts even if she was on this island, she truly is a ghost," added Lami as she turned and left with Alex.

As they walked back from the black market Lami couldn't shake off her disappointment as she couldn't find her target. " Better luck next time, Lami lets focus on the competition for now," said Alex trying to cheer her up.

" Right let's get you in that fighting competition and see if we can win more prizes," replied Lami as they walked toward the fighting arena Alex was filled with excitement and anticipation of what was to come.