Three Days Later
The sea was calm. The Scarlett sailed smoothly,through the waves.
Noah leaned against the railing, staring ahead.
"How far are we from Dressrosa?" Noah asked.
Emma checked the log pose. She frowned.
"…I don't know."
Noah sighed.
An hour later.
Noah leaned over the railing. "Are we there yet?"
"No," Emma replied without looking up.
Noah groaned and dropped onto the deck.
Alice laughs.
"Is he always like this?"
"Yes," Emma and Amy said at the same time.
Amy walked out from the kitchen, carrying a tray. On it were slices of cake and a pot of tea.
She placed everything carefully on the table.
Noah's eyes lit up.
He rushed over and grabbed a plate. "Cake. Finally."
"Noah," Amy said calmly, "don't eat it all. It's for everyone."
"I know," Noah said quickly.
Noah ate one slice, then another and another.
Noah drank some tea, then reached for another slice of cake.
"If you eat that," Amy said. "I will rip your eyes out."
Noah froze.
Amy calmly placed another plate on the table, filled with cupcakes.
Noah cleared his throat, stood up, and walked away like nothing happened.
Alice laughed softly.
Noah walked toward Emma, then suddenly stopped.
He closed his eyes.
The air changed.
Noah slowly opened them.
"Ancient Haki: Will of the First King."
Power burst from his body.
The ship shook hard.
Emma turned and smacked him on the head. "Are you trying to kill us?!"
Noah rubbed his head. "Ow."
"Alice," Emma said, pointing.
Emma turned around.
Dozens of massive Sea Kings floated around the ship.
All unconscious.
"…Oh," Emma said.
"No need to thank me," Noah said with a smile.
He walked inside like nothing happened.
The girls stayed on deck, drinking tea and eating cake.
Alice looked toward the cabin. "…He scares me sometimes."
"He's all power and no sense," Amy said.
Alice shook her head. "I don't think so. I think he's smarter than all of us."
Emma looked at her. "Why do you think that?"
Alice smiled faintly. "Because he only acts like that around you two."
Emma thought for a moment, then nodded. "You might be right. When it matters… he's always calm."
They sat in silence for a bit.
Then Emma stood up. "I'll check ahead."
She climbed to the lookout and raised her scope.
After a moment, her eyes widened.
An island came into view.
She climbed back down.
"We'll reach Dressrosa in a few hours," Emma said.
Alice nodded. "I'll be in my room."
Alice returned to her room and closed the door.
A short while later, someone knocked.
"Come in," Alice said.
Noah stepped inside. "…Are you alright?"
Alice nodded. "I'm great."
Noah smiled. "Good."
He paused for a second. "I'm sorry. For everything."
Alice looked away. "It's okay."
"When we first met," Noah said, "you were always glaring at me. You were annoying."
Noah chuckled
Alice smiled. "I'm sorry about that."
Noah nodded. "It's fine."
He turned to leave. "Get some rest."
■■■■■■ A FEW HOUR LATER ■■■■■■
The Scarlett slowed as it neared the harbor.
Bright colors filled the view. Tall buildings painted pink, yellow, and blue rose along the coast. Long bridges crossed over canals.
"Wow…" Amy whispered.
Noah leaned on the railing. "So this is Dressrosa."
Emma checked her log post. " No doubt about it."
People moved along the docks. Merchants shouted prices. Children ran by laughing. Strange little figures. toy-sized people walked beside humans, waving and smiling.
Alice tilted her head. "Are those… toys?"
"Yeah," Emma said. "I heard about this place before. They say human like toys and human live together on Dressrosa."
Amy frowned slightly. "That's weird."
The ship docked. Noah drops the anchor. The crew stepped onto the stone pier.
The air smelled like bread, sugar, and flowers.
A band played nearby. Trumpets and drums echoed through the streets. Dancers spin in bright colored clothes.
Noah stretched his arms. "Alright. Let's look around. No trouble."
Emma gave him a look. "You say that every time."
"I mean it this time."
They walked into the city.
The streets were packed.
Toys walked around carrying baskets or cleaning windows. Some bowed politely when people passed.
Amy crouched down in front of a small toy soldier sweeping the road. "Hello."
The toy looked up and saluted. "Good day, miss!"
Amy smiled. "He's polite."
They walked into a large square. A fountain sparkled in the sunlight. Statues of dancers and warriors lined the edges. On a hill above it all, a white palace gleamed.
Alice stared up. "A royal palace."
"Alice, do you miss home?" Emma asked.
Alice shook her head. "No. Just… enjoying the view."
Noah stretched his arms. "Alright, let's explore some more."
Noah stomach growled.
Amy clapped her hands. " Let's get some food first!"
They found a small café near the square. Tables sat under red umbrellas.
Amy ordered pastries, fruit tarts, and tea. When the food arrived, Noah started to eat fast.
"Eat slowly," Amy said.
Noah took a bite of a tart. "Mmm… this is amazing."
Alice tasted one too. "It's really good."
Emma took a bit and smiled. "Delicious."
A toy waitress rolled over on small wheels, pouring tea. "Enjoy your stay!"
"Thank you," Emma said politely.
Noah watched the toy move along,humming.
"…They really act alive."
Alice leaned closer. "They're so lively."
Emma shrugged. "It's nice, isn't it?"
The crew laughed, passing around pastries and sipping tea.
After finishing their snack, the crew walked through Dressrosa's streets.
Noah paused to watch a child chase a toy dog. "This city… it's so full of life."
Emma nodded. "It really is. Streets like this… I could explore forever."
Alice wandered to a mirror stand where sparkling jewelry caught eyes. She tried on a hairpin.
Amy leaned over. "You look nice, Alice."
Alice gave a real smile. "Thanks."
Noah Walks up to the two. "You look gorgeous Alice."
Alice blushed.
Emma laughed.
The crew moved along, stopping at small shops and market stalls
The sun dipped low, turning the sky golden.
Noah and Alice sat on a bench while Emma and Amy stood.
"This city is amazing," Noah said.
Alice chuckles. "Yeah… we could spend a few days just walking around."
Emma checked the time. "We'll check into a hotel for the night soon. We have plenty of time to explore tomorrow."