It had been several days since Akito joined the ship. He was slowly getting accustomed to the lively crew. He was having trouble understanding them, but the small tasks between them made it easier.
"Good morning, Akito, would you mind giving me another hand with my fishing lines?" Usopp asks, "The storm tangled them."
"Uh, sure." Akito wanders over to where Usopp is sitting. He takes a seat in front of him and pulls the fish lines to him; immediately working. Usopp sets his bag of tricks up on the table, beginning to go through it. Akito notices but tries to ignore the curiosity nawing at him. It's not your business, just do your work.
"Don't worry, these are for our enemies only." Usopp speaks, sensing Akito's nerves.
Akito looks up, peeking at the stuff that sprawled out on the table. A lot of the items were a bunch of little pellet looking things and a slingshot, "What are they?"
"They are my own handmade ammo for my slingshot. I'm the ship's sniper." Usopp explains.
"You don't use a gun???" He tilts his head, "Strange indeed."
"I prefer my way. The slingshot is something I've used for a very long time and I've adjusted it to deal with all kinds of enemies!" Usopp grins, proud, immediately diving into one of his exaggerated stories, "Like the time we caught sea monsters for supper!"
"You can't catch sea monsters."
"But we did! Luffy was very determined to have something to eat after we ran out of food." Usopp continues, "We've been through all kinds of things. So many places, all have their own story to tell!"
"What's your story?" Akito asks, his hands steady on the fishing lines.
"My story? Well, I'm glad you asked! It all started..."

"...then I became a part of the crew. When I joined we got our first, actual ship, the Going Merry. She carried us as far as she could go, actually she pushed herself beyond her limit until it was time to bury her among the sea." Usopp's tone softens as he speaks of this other ship.
"Wow, that sounds amazing. I didn't know ships had souls." Akito mumbles, his focus drifting a bit. The Red Maw comes back to mind. The ship was gargantuan compared to the Sunny. It had three masts instead of one. The hull was black but due to the blood that seeps through the deck, it was a horrible mix of paint and human fluid. The sails were pitch black and the flag they flew was tattered and worn over the years. And the smell was rancid; the Sunny smelled clean like people actually lived there. Their figurehead was of a woman with a tail. Akito wasn't sure if her face showed surprise or fear.
"...I don't think the Red Maw has a soul."
"Don't worry about them. The Thousand Sunny will always be here for you, you just have to trust her and her crew." Usopp smiles softly, continuing to dig through his bag and working on resupplying himself.
"Trust her?" Akito asks, the question more rhetorical than anything as he glances around the ship. Her bright colors made him feel a bit of warmth, like there's a beautiful soul guiding them through the oceans. He hums a bit and then focuses on his lines again, "I don't know. The Maw is so much bigger."
"Well I'll have you know size doesn't matter! And Sunny isn't just a little ship, she carries her own set of defenses." Usopp winks at him.
Akito shrugs his shoulders before continuing his work. He felt he had a lot to think about. So far everyone has shown him nothing but kindness. They never turned their nose up at him for being so less fortunate and it seems the crew each had their own scars.
"Do you have a plan for when you get to the next island?" Robin joins them at their table. There's a glint of curiosity in her eyes, "You're still welcome to travel with us."
Akito doesn't make eye contact, "I-I'm not really sure. I don't have a plan. Honestly, I didn't think I'd make it this far."
"Do you know which sea you're from? That would make tracking down your home much easier." She states.
Akito closes his eyes as he tries to think about where his home was. The steady pulse in his chest strains as if trying to remember hurts it, "No, I'm sorry, I can't recall. I was very young when we-...I, was taken." He looks back at his lines and then pushes them over to Usopp, "There you go, all done."
"Can you teach me how to do that? It always takes me so long." Usopp says.
"I can try???" Akito says, it sounds more like a question.
"When we get to the next island we might part ways, are you going to be okay on your own??" Robin continues.
Akito shifts his legs, gripping his hands lightly as they shake about the thought of being alone. If I am alone, what happens if the Maw finds me again? It'll just be torture all over. But how can I be sure that this crew would have my back in such a situation?? For all I know their word means nothing. If I'm captured again, I'll never find Youta.
"...I'm still thinking."
"Well you have a couple of days left to think about it." Robin informs him.
"Already??"
"Weeks can go by pretty fast in a new environment." Robin replies.
"It feels like I have only been here for a few days. Like just yesterday I left the Maw." Akito glances at the sky, the sun warming his back.
"While you think, would you mind helping me organize my new books?" Robin asks.
"Sure," Akito looks at Usopp to make sure he doesn't need help with anything else.
"Thank you for your help!" Usopp smiles, waving them off.
Robin stands and gracefully leads the way to the library. Akito followed her, silently thinking about their offer.
He is briefly pulling out of his thoughts while Robin shows him her new pile of books. He kneels down to pick up a couple of them, "You have a wide variety of reading material." He takes notice of the medical books that span all the way to history books to just regular books for enjoyment.
"A wide variety of knowledge is always good to have." Robin smiles warmly as she puts away a book, "If you ever have a hard time sleeping, maybe you could give these books a try. Give you something to occupy your busy mind."
Akito listened as he separated the books into three different piles, "Is that why you read?"
"I come from a background where reading to grow your knowledge was the norm. That you could make your own opinions about certain topics if you did the proper research." She explains, there's a hint of fondness in her voice that covers the sound of sadness.
"My own opinions..."
"You do not always have to believe what others are telling you. A frail belief like that is how to get yourself into a lot of trouble." Robin turns from the shelf and starts to take the books from Akito's piles, "Besides a frail belief also makes people indecisive in tense moments, which could end in injury or death."
Akito looks at her as she speaks before looking down at his lap. Her words feel like they are specifically talking about him. Growing up on a slave ship meant that he had grown to believe whatever the captain would say like it was law. He had watched very opinionated people die because they would fight back against being a slave on the ship. Akito had always watched them with confusion. They had chosen defiance against the captain; not caring that it would end their lives. That they would rather be dead than chained. Akito's view had been obscured by growing up on that ship. He had always thought those people were ridiculous and stupid for choosing death; looking back now, he realizes that he was the fool. Death had been an option, but he never got that luxury. If he died then, what would happen to Youta?
Youta, I'm coming, I promise.
Akito's hand makes its way to his chest, slightly gripping his shirt at where the bond sits. It's warm again.
There is a soft knock upon the doorway to the library, Brook smiles warmly, "Lunch is ready. Better hurry before Luffy finds out."
"We'll be right there." Robin nods, placing the final book in its place.
"Before Luffy-?" Akito stands slowly.
"We try to give everyone a fighting chance before Luffy eats everything on the ship. There is just no way of satisfying his appetite." Robin winks at Akito as they follow Brook back out into the deck to head up to the scullery. He glances into the distance. There's a small speck. The island is not too much further away from us. I need to make a decision, but I'm having so much trouble. A ship would be easier to track down Youta, but if they find out that I'm different, what's stopping them from turning into everyone else???
"Akito, are you alright?" Brook's voice is soft. It gently caresses his mind, carefully pulling him from his thoughts without startling him.
"...just...thinking..." He turns away from seeing the island in the distance and following Brook towards everyone else.
"May I ask what is on your mind? I could possibly give you some advice." Brook hums, the tune from the first night.
"I don't know." His voice is hushed, he starts to hide himself back into his shell again. Brook pauses and then gestures for Akito to wait on the deck. Akito watches as Brook joins the others but then returns a few minutes later with their dinner. He takes it over to the makeshift table on the deck, "You seem like you could use a little bit of peace."
Akito watches him. His kindness is all I have seen from him. He is always checking in on me. Always bringing me tea or cracking a small joke. He makes me feel warm. He makes me feel certain of myself. Akito shuffles his way over to Brook and sits down next to him; the mouthwatering food makes him feel a bit of belonging.
"Akito, may I ask you a question?" Brook says.
"Sure." Akito nibbles at the prepared fish dish that was hinted with some of Nami's oranges.
"Are you a fishman?"
Akito pauses in his movements, his eyes trail up to look at the skeleton; hints of surprise and fear evident.
"It's just," Brook pauses to choose his words, "I keep thinking about the night of the storm and there is just no plausible way that an average man could survive swimming in that storm while trying to save a fellow crew mate."
Akito swallows thickly. He isn't sure how to answer the skeleton. He feels that Brook has no malicious intent; just plain curiosity. He fiddles with his food. He isn't far off with his assumption. Should I just tell him? But he could reveal everything to the rest of the crew. They could just use me, just like the Maw.
"If you're worried about how everyone will react, you don't have to worry. No one cares about what you are. I mean take a look at me, I'm nothing but bones." Brook tries to reassure him.
"Could you give me a little more time? I want to believe you, but I'm just scared." Akito whispers.
"Absolutely." Brook decides to drop the conversation and he continues humming the tune.
Akito glances back up, "What song is that??"
"I am not too sure. It just came to me one night." Brook replies.
Akito goes back to his dinner; quietly absorbing the soft tune. One that was familiar, one that took him back to a time that he could barely remember.
"Hey, Akito!"
He looks over to see the robot, trying to recall his name. I think it starts with an F?? Fred, right??
"You think you could lend me a hand once you've finished?"
Akito looks at Brook; almost like asking for permission or maybe reassurance.
"That's alright, Franky is also boisterous but he means well." Brook smiles, "You might learn something about the Sunny." He picks up his cup and sips his tea.
Right, his name is Franky. I knew it started with an F. Akito turns back to the robot and smiles softly, "I'm almost done."
"Super! Just meet me downstairs when you're ready." And Franky walks below the deck.
Brook gives Akito a gentle touch to his hand, "I think you are doing quite well."
Akito's smile grows ever so slightly. These are the words I needed as a child. Brook seems to understand and he doesn't push me out of my comfort zone but he does encourage me to join the others in their little tasks. Tasks where I learn not only about them, but more about the ship or what they do for the crew. I wonder what Franky will be doing. Maybe he needs help cleaning something? Chopper says I still need to take it easy but I don't have to be so cautious anymore. My head injury has healed up but my side is still tender. Chopper said that it's probably due to the mistreatment. Akito quietly finishes his food and grabs the plate; offering to take Brook's back to the kitchen.
"-Safe?-" the voice questions for the third time. It seemed to have an edge to the tone. It made Akito feel a bit of nerves crawl around his body and he can't help but shiver in response. What is wrong? Is something happening to Youta?? Is he okay??
"-Safe??-" it questions again.
Akito stops, tilting his head slightly as he glares at the table. The steady pulse starts to beat irregularly in his chest.
"-S-safe??-"
"-Yes, I am safe, are you??-"
A freezing chill swarms over his body, drowning out any warmth. He starts to shiver violently, "-Youta, what's-?-"
There's a sting that claws his left shoulder. He bites his lip as the pain amplifies through his shoulder followed by a strange warmth that leaks out.
AAAAHHHHH!!!
He grips his shoulder, Keep it in, keep it in!! Don't show it!! Don't show the pain!!!
He closes his eyes, focusing on the bond, trying to block the pain from slipping through. It's harder than he remembers.
"Akito, everything okay?" Brook's voice breaks his concentration and the pain slips through.
Akito forces a smile, "Y-yup, just a little ache. Chopper told me s-something about it..."
"Oh, okay, then." Brook seems to accept his words and allows the young man to go on his way. Akito stiffly makes his way into the kitchen to set down the dirty dishes in the sink; questioning if he should even join Franky downstairs.
He grips his shoulder tightly, his breathing starts to become uneven as the pain through the bond starts to swallow his own clear emotions.
"-Youta, Y-Youta, please...-"
He closes his eyes, focusing hard to separate them.
"Akito, there you are! I thought you were coming...?"
The voice distracts his concentration and the pain wins over his weakened state of mind and he suddenly drops to the floor; losing consciousness.
"Akito!"
Then it's dark again.

How many times?
Akito lets out a small breath as he refuses to make eye contact with Chopper.
"Do you usually lose consciousness? Is this an odd occurrence??"
The reindeer was clearly trying to help him, obviously concerned about him, but Akito couldn't be bothered to answer his questions. It felt like his head was swimming. Every time someone spoke, it felt amplified. His chest felt numb; the bond had been guarded properly from Youta's side.
"...Akito, I need something or I don't know how to assist you." Chopper whispers.
Their eyes meet briefly before Akito looks away again. He can't bring himself to speak.
Chopper steps away, not sure what to do about this situation. He was used to the crew being rough with each other and quite open about their own wounds, even Zoro; but Akito, he was a complete mystery. The young boy malnourished from the years he spent on the Red Maw. His body littered with old scars of mistreatment. He keeps quiet mostly and stays away from the crew. Chopper chalks that up to social awkwardness and anxiety but not wanting to discuss his health? Was it possible he was also mistreated by a doctor? By the time Chopper turned around to ask Akito another question, the boy was gone.
Worried for him, Chopper hurries out of the infirmary to locate him.

Akito sat upon the giant figurehead, staring out at the horizon before them; the dying sunlight stung his eyes, but he refused to look away. Youta, where could you possibly be? I wish there was a way to tell just how close I am to you. I'm so tired. It's been so long. Would you recognize me? Would I recognize you? Do you think Mama is searching for us? Uncle Marco? Did they give up? Should I give up??
The pulse in his chest shifts, uneasy at his last thought.
I'm so cold, Youta. It's so dark. I feel like I just can't reach you. That you are just forever out of my grasp. Akito rubs his arms, trying to soothe himself. The wind is chilly and nips at his thin body.
I just want to go home.
"Akito, would you like some supper??" Brook calls from the deck. Akito glances back at the skeleton and then turns back to the horizon. His stomach churns uncomfortably but he can't force himself to get up.
"-Eat.-" the voice whispers.
I'm not hungry. Akito closes his eyes.
There's a soft clink and Akito opens his eyes to see that Brook had brought the food up to him. The skeleton sits down nearby, "The sunset is quite lovely tonight."
Akito tries to bury his face into his knees. He didn't want to talk. It felt suffocating to even try. Brook seems to sense this and just works on his own food, offering a safe space for Akito to work through his thoughts.
"...Brook...?"
"Hm?"
Akito clenches his fists, the words jumble in his head and die on his tongue.
"You don't have to tell me, lad. I understand that something is weighing on you quite heavily." Brook's words make Akito's chest ache and his shoulders sag; it feels like the entire world is crushing him.
"I just want you to know that, in time, I hope you trust us enough to explain your burden. To let us help you. The world is vast, don't burden yourself to carry all of it." Brook continues softly.
Akito glances at the skeleton. Again, he was nothing but kind. Why? Why does he reach for me? Why not just let everything swallow me whole? Wouldn't that be better? Would Youta even be in this mess if I didn't exist?
The bond flares to life angrily, making Akito wince, gripping his chest.
"Are you alright?" Brook questions, "Should I fetch Chopper?"
"Please don't," Akito whispers, his voice shaky, "He can't help me."
Brook doesn't seem satisfied but doesn't make a move to call the doctor, "Are you certain?"
Akito doesn't reply, tears slipping down his face.
"Why don't we at least get you to bed? I'm sure rest would do you some good." Brook suggests.
Again, nothing.
It seems like Akito is trapped in his own head. Whatever is bothering him is a hefty price. Brook is careful to touch Akito's shoulder, watching sadly as the young man flinches; green eyes are still hollow.
"Let's get you to bed."
This time Akito sort of acknowledges Brook and stands on shaky legs.

Brook tuts a bit as he makes his way back to the upper deck, shaking his head. He catches sight of Luffy hanging out near the ship's railing. Brook had always believed that Luffy had a knack of getting even the most broken people to open up. The way he cared for everyone in equal footing. But, Akito troubled Brook, this young man was broken in so many ways and Luffy's cheerfulness seemed to just drive him further into his shell.
"There must be some way to reach him." Brook mutters to himself as he wanders along the deck, trying to piece together his very limited knowledge of the boy. He pauses as the melody from nights ago drifts across the sea. The haunting beauty was still there but the sorrow was different almost begging for the listener to remain. It tugged at Brook's heart, the melody was woven together with tender care.
"Brook, are you okay?" Chopper wandered over noticing that his friend had just paused, gazing out at the vast ocean.
"Yes Chopper, I'm alright." His voice is quiet, "Just worried for our guest."
"I'm worried too. Something is wrong but he won't tell me. I can't help him and it's frustrating to see someone in so much pain." Chopper agrees.
"I think all we can do is just try to support him. Pushing for answers will only drive him away. He's frightened, but he also seems confused as if searching for something." Brook rubs his chin, "All we can do is wait and hope."
"It's a little strange," Chopper pauses.
"Strange?" Brook asks.
"Luffy's personality has always drawn people in. All walks of life, but Akito is different. Maybe we should focus on dealing with Akito calmly and gently. Robin might be able to help. Should we ask her?" Chopper taps his hooves together in thought.
"We could certainly try." Brook shrugs his shoulders, taking notice that the song has died off.
"I'll check on Akito."
"And I will speak with Robin."
The two split ways; Chopper heads downstairs and Brook wanders the ship looking for Robin.

"Robin, if I may speak with you?"
Robin glances up from her book, noticing Brook standing not too far away from her spot against the mast. She places her bookmark and closes it, "Of course, what's on your mind?"
"Chopper and I are worried about Akito. He doesn't want to reach out despite dealing with a lot. Luffy seems to scare him away..."
"You think a calmer nature might help ease him?" Robin asks when Brook pauses to gather his words.
"We aren't sure, but it's possible." Brook taps his cane lightly.
They watch as Akito wanders back up the stairs; Chopper not far behind him, gesturing towards the kitchen.
"He carries that look." Robin places her book aside, "It's a look I know too well. I think he is lost, unsure of what he could do to help himself, but too afraid to reach out." Robin stands, "I can't guarantee that just words will reach him. Sometimes actions speak louder and reach through the mess in one's mind."
"I understand." Brook nods.
They watch as Akito quietly makes his way out of the kitchen and towards the bow of the ship, staring at the island that was getting closer and closer. He would have to make a decision soon.
Stay with the Sunny or get off at the island and hope for the best.
The latter thought makes Brook nervous and a bit guilty. To leave such a young man all alone on an unfamiliar island just didn't sit well. He decides to go to Luffy, he feels that he needs to talk with the Captain.
Luffy wasn't hard to find.
His loud, boisterous aura was easy to follow as he was talking animatedly with Usopp.
Brook makes his way over, "Luffy?"
The two pause in conversation and Luffy's smile is dimmed just slightly by Brook's look, "Yeah??"
"I," Brook pauses as he thinks carefully, "I don't think we should leave Akito at the island by himself. He clearly needs help."
"Yeah, I've noticed that too." Usopp chimes in, "I've seen introverts but this is something bigger than that."
Luffy crosses his arms, leaning slightly sideways; something he does when he thinks about difficult decisions.
"Hm? You want to keep the kid?" Zoro overheard the conversation and wandered over, "What if he just brings trouble?"
"Why? You scared?" Sanji teases as he makes his way up to join the rest of the crew hanging out near the grove.
"I'm not scared, but I'm not a babysitter either." Zoro grumbles, glaring at the cook.
"So we should just abandon him?" Usopp asks.
"I didn't say that!" Zoro scoffs, "I'm just saying that what if we can't help him?"
"I did promise that we'd take him home." Luffy finally speaks up, "Whether or not he brings trouble sounds like an adventure!"
"Luffy, this is serious." Sanji rolls his eyes, not sure that Luffy even understood the gravity of the current situation. The Captain's mind was usually only occupied by meat and adventure.
"I know that." Luffy states, "Whatever comes our way, we can just fight it!"
The whole group collectively sighs but agrees with Luffy.
"How do we know he even wants our help?" Zoro asks, "Not every broken person is capable of healing."
"We should at least try, he deserves that much." Sanji is quick to reply, there's a look in his eyes. One that speaks of understanding, "We all know what it's like to suffer alone."
Sanji was right.
Every member of the crew had come from a difficult background; Luffy being the one to pull them altogether and show them that there was more out in the world.
The question was could they reach Akito or was he already too far gone?