fierybluebird | [Voice] / Question for the masses

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[Voice] / Question for the masses

[Marco is chilling out on the roof of what used to be the Straw Hat house. He's not sure what it is anymore. They're all scattered, through different worlds, different times, lost and confused. Marco is too, really, if he's honest with himself. So, as he often does during such things, he surrounded himself with fellow birds. This, if anything, however, just created more juxtaposition of the very question he was trying to hide from. A bird, but not a bird. A friend, but not a friend. An ally? A guardian? Of who, of what? The changing of eras? What did it mean? What did it matter? He was a bird separated from his flock, and indeed, everyone in Luceti was to some degree or another. So sometime during twilight, he opens up the journal, still on the roof with a couple dozen birds, and poses a question to Luceti at large. A question? No, more like a dozen.]

What does it mean to be a monster?

My father once said a man's worth can only be measured by those he cherishes and who cherish him in return. He adopted a bunch of worthless pirates and gave us worth because we became his treasure, so he was ours.

None of us matched. During all that illusion crap, a lot of people got to understand, I suppose, what I've been lucky enough to have for decades. Family just for the sake of wanting to be. My family are all pirates. From my father, our captain, to every last brother. For that, there is rarely a soul in the world who doesn't hate us. We're outnumbered all over the world, between the world government, Kaidou, Big Mam, to slavers like Joker, or idiots we kicked out of the New World and sent packing like Crocodile.

Piracy is a fickle thing, eh? Everyone has some strong ideas of what it means. I don't care when other people call me a monster, or when I'm hated, because I'm always in the best of company. Two decades ago, I would have taken being called that with pride. My friends are all monsters, and being like them is a compliment. And while I know I'm nothing like Kaidou, or Joker, and Teach and Crocodile can go fuck themselves, they laugh at my father's idea of piracy as much as I scoff at theirs. They think piracy should be about power or money, or security, rather than the exact opposite. Two eras ago by my world's time, piracy was about freedom and camaraderie. Freedom from a judgmental society and their restrictions and rules. Freedom from things like blood lines or having someone else decide for you when you would grow up or how. And the only rule was to never hurt a fellow nakama.

I consider pirates who don't get that to be worthless fools, because their allies and friends aren't always their first priority, but even idiots like the Third Party have friends and people who share their ideals. Is it really just that I value my family over obfuscated ideals that makes me better than them? Or is just a style preference? That I'll kick an enemy in the face, but I'll never bother pretending to befriend someone to get close enough to stab them in the back. There are many who would say "whatever works," and I never really thought myself one to give a damn about morals. After all, I'm a monster, eh? But then perhaps, even I have lines I won't cross, and won't forgive.

Sorry, I suppose I've just been rambling. It's been on my mind, and you'd be amazed how much spending a week trying to get people to hear your voice makes you want to use it when you get it back. I'm Marco, and if you're a new feather, just give a little whistle, and I'll come flying if you're lost, eh.

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[Spock was there, sitting at a corner table.
To the outward observer, he looked as he always did... calm and collected with perfect posture. To someone who knew him, he was tense. So tense that he looked as though he was about to snap.]

[Brings him over the cup of hot chocolate and sits across.]

You know I still consider you one of my best friends here, right?

[Spock seems to start at Marco's approach...]

Then you must be unaware of what has transpired....

[Well he wasn't going to let Robin tell him all the details, jeez.]

[But you know, his imagination is now into unpleasant overdrive.]

[So much unpleasant overdrive.]

[Married... Even if it was just false memories... for something Marco wanted, was willing to fight for...]

[No no no.]

[He rubs his forehead.]

I'm not sure. I know...

That it was neither of your faults for thinking you were married.

[Argh.]

And if I hadn't kept getting caught as a peacock and stuck in a cage... well...

[He waves a hand. The past was the past. He would have probably clawed Spock silly if he'd been able to escape more at nights, but maybe it was just as well that he couldn't.]

[He grabs a seat warily and carefully sips his tea.]

Or is there more?

[Again; wild imagination in overdrive. Part of Marco wants to pretend it is all fine until he can make it fine, but no, better to face the possible realities immediately.]

[Spock swallowed.]

In our married state I kissed Robin several times. I realize that that entire scenario was out of our control...

...but I have committed a grievous offense against you and Robin. I am sorry.

[Spock looked sorry.]

[Marco actually relaxes considerably at that. Kissing he could live with quite easily.]

That's...

All right, eh?

Well, it's not that I wouldn't mind normally, but given the circumstances...

[He rubs the back of his neck.]

How do I say this?

We're pirates, eh. Robin is free to do as she pleases. My anger wouldn't be at you for that, just the one who caused her mind to act in a way she wouldn't normally choose.

But that is something that even if she hadn't been brainwashed, I could live with. Friends kiss friends sometimes. So please, don't worry, eh?

[Spock was silent as he stared at his cup of hot chocolate. He couldn't tell Marco...

How could he? How could he say that for the short while that Robin and him were married, he loved her? That having a family was... rather agreeable and that Robin made a wonderful wife and mother.

Spock was embarrassed.]

You... are too kind Marco. I do not deserve your friendship.

Are you...

Mah...

You're not still in love with her, are you? [Marco's paranoia finally breaks through.]

Not that... it would be your fault if you are. It would just be complicated. And I need to know. [Though he doesn't want to.]

I do not hold any romantic inclinations towards Robin, no. However, she is a dear friend of mine... as are you. That is a type of love, yes?

[Have an uncomfortable Vulcan talking about feelings.]

[Again, Marco relaxes even more almost instantly. All the tension just seems to seep out of him, and he grins.] Aye. And in that sense, I'm sure we love you too, eh?

But thanks.

Look, my early brothers and friends taught me one of the strongest lessons I hold dear that wasn't taught by my Pops, eh? With enough friendship and trust, you can get through anything. This included.

[This is a bit of a foreign concept to Spock.. and he tilts his head curiously.]

It is interesting. On Vulcan, such a transgression would have given you the right to have me outcast... or request a fight to the death wherein the dominant male would get Robin.

Granted.... that situation is very rare. Even humans are known to give in to jealousy and a friendship is forever spoiled as a result...

I am.... glad that you still consider me a friend. You would not be upset if I continue a friendship with Miss Robin?

I think if I challenged you like that Robin would have my balls.

[Like. Literally. Have you seen/heard what she did to Franky?]

[Leans into a hand.] It's not that I wasn't jealous.

And I still am, a little.

But it's a tricky situation. As a phoenix, and a pirate. [It all just weighs on his mind. Hence the post.]

But like I said. My wrath is directed at another.

Your friendship with Robin should never lessen because of me, just get stronger, eh?

And in any case, it's more Robin's choice, but aye. You're still very much my friend, Spock. [Offers a brofist.]

[Spock looks at the fist, then back up at Marco. Making a fist of his on, he lightly taps it against the other man's.

Curious practice... but Spock can't help but feel better for it.]

Thank you.

May I inquire as to how you and Miss Robin are doing?

Good.

But it's complicated.

Leanne went back home just before that brainwash thing, and even though some of Robin's nakama are here now, they don't remember her.

And apparently Nami hates pirates. Which I never knew. The more I try to help, the worse I seem to make it, yoi.

How are things with you and your captain?

I believe complicated is an adequate word to describe our situation as well.

[The Vulcan finally takes a sip of the hot chocolate.]

We are... working on it, I believe. It is difficult to say exactly.

[Yup, Spock doesn't have a clue as to what he's doing.]

Perhaps, given time, Robin's previous friends will become friends once again. From my own experience, it is very difficult to hate pirates like you or Robin.

[Nods his head at the first part and sips his own tea.]

Mah... I don't know about that. I was never good with the new kids in the crew either though, eh. Thatch and the others always got them to warm up before I could even talk to them, really.

Well.... at least she has you.

[Though really, Spock couldn't imagine what it would feel like if Kirk forgot who he was.]

Is she... okay?

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