The Copyist (One Piece & OC)

Chapter 38: Goodbye, Old Friends

The ship then took to the sky, flying outside of the battle fleet's range.

Usopp readied an attack of his own. "Don't underestimate what she's been through! The Merry flew 10,000 meters high in the sky! Special Attack! Super Smoke Star!" He launched the projectile to land in front of the fleet, creating a large smokescreen and hiding us from view.

***Mini Time Skip Brought to You by a Ama's Plane Flying Away***

I was up in the crow's nest as we were slowly trugging along the ocean's current back to Water Seven. After everything that went down, I needed some alone time. I laid down on my back with my legs dangling off the side, watching the sky and the clouds that passed by.

I failed.

Not only did my plane get taken from me again by the marines, but this time I couldn't bring her back. I had to slice her up myself, destroying the living legacy of my island, my family in the process. Talk about pathetic.

I wish I could have at least said goodbye. I wonder...did planes also have spirits if they were loved like Merry?

"Hey, Merry?" I speak out. "Did you ever meet the spirit of my plane? Was she happy? Is she upset that I failed her?" The breeze left. "She must've been, huh?"

"I see a ship headed towards us!" I hear Luffy exclaim from the deck below.

I guess it's time to get out of my head and rejoin the rest. I stall for another second before begrudgingly sitting up and climbing down the rope ladder.

The large ship headed our direction had 'Galley-La Company' written largely on one of the many sails. It was a beautifully made ship, then again you couldn't expect anything less from those crafters.

As the ship neared, the commentary of all the people on the ship became more apparent. Many were impressed by the Straw Hat's survival, especially since they left mid-storm to storm enemy territory.

"Ahoy! Ice pops!" Luffy calls out to the still injured mayor.

Our celebration didn't last long, as Merry split in half. Her head was nearly drinking the sea water as she was now bending over due to the damage.

"Hey, what's going on?! What happened all of a sudden?!" One of the passengers on the other ship shouted.

"All of a sudden? Isn't this just natural?" Sanji suggested.

"Huh?" Luffy looked at him in question.

"It was declared that Merry could no longer sail." The chef explained.

Luffy ran over to Merry's head, calling out to the other ship. "Pops! This is bad! Merry is in trouble! Please do something! You guys...This is good timing! You guys're all shipwrights, right?! I'm begging you! Please do something. She's our friend who has been traveling with us all this time! And just a bit ago she saved us!" He begged with hope.

I closed my eyes. This was hard to watch, knowing the outcome already.

"Then let her..." his voice was heard amongst the small waves. "Rest now. I've already done everything I could. I'm watching a miracle right now." He states. "A miracle of a ship that has long passed its limits. I've been a shipwright for many years, but I've never seen a pirate ship this incredible. It's lived a splendid life."

"Okay," Luffy's voice of acceptance could be heard. I opened my eyes to see that his expression matched his tone.

We all left the ship, headed for a long boat that was provided for us by Galley-La. We stayed on it as we prepared to send Merry off on her next adventure.