Chapter 27: Lethal weapon
<span style="font-weight:400">Rick was back to the royal pce. He brought Vivi to her father who took her in his arms shedding tears of relief.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Thank you”.
<span style="font-weight:400">Rick just nodded.
<span style="font-weight:400">Cobra brought Vivi to her room, put her in bed and watched over her all night.
<span style="font-weight:400">As he watched the king leave, Rick addressed Aokiji.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Uncle, We… I need to talk to you”
<span style="font-weight:400">Aokiji served them both tea.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Come and sit. Let me hear what you want to say.”
<span style="font-weight:400">He did, drank his cup and one go.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Uncle… I...I .”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Calm down. Take a deep breath.
<span style="font-weight:400">He followed the advice he was given. Once. Twice. Then thrice. And finally spoke.
<span style="font-weight:400">“I did something bad. So disgusting and… and I don’t remember doing any of it.
<span style="font-weight:400">He was staring at his empty cup. He couldn’t even look up at all.
<span style="font-weight:400">And he started talking…
<span style="font-weight:400">~~~~~
<span style="font-weight:400">There was only silence between the two. For a long time.
<span style="font-weight:400">The sun was rising and its first rays were shining through the ss of the window, illuminating bit by bit, as time passed, the room.
<span style="font-weight:400">Aokiji wasn’t quite sure what to say. He wasn’t quite sure what to think either.
<span style="font-weight:400">What Rick told him over the night was worrying him.
<span style="font-weight:400">For what happened was very disturbing.
<span style="font-weight:400">The strangest thing was, he didn’t remember it. He knew it was him since there were no one else who could. But memories of it? He had absolutely none.
<span style="font-weight:400">“We need to talk, and I mean talk not report; about it to Sengoku. The Doc too.
<span style="font-weight:400">“The doc? Which one?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Rick in the marines corpses there is only one person called Doc. It is the doctor that’s always patching you up.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Really?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“It’s an unofficial title. But he earned it, he’s the best in all the marine. Still has a breath in you? Your chance of living is above 80%. He is also a specialist of the mind. Marines are always fighting, trauma is bound to happen, one way or another. Sadly only a handful of people have the courage to go to him.
<span style="font-weight:400">“He’s that scary?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“He’s not Rick. What people are scared of, is to relive and confront what scared them.”
<span style="font-weight:400">He finally raised his head for the first time since Aokiji invited him to take a seat.
<span style="font-weight:400">‘Did Aokiji…’
<span style="font-weight:400">“Yes, I did. I was a bit older than you when it happened. I was on a very dangerous mission and only I survived. It was Garp that brought me, forcefully I may ad, to the Doc. The survivor’s guilt he called it. It was not easy, especially at first. The first step was the biggest hurdle, it always is. With time, the obstacles became smaller and smaller, and I kept getting better and better.
<span style="font-weight:400">Silence took ce again.
<span style="font-weight:400">After a few moments Rick spoke up
<span style="font-weight:400">“Uncle, Do you think the Doc will see me?
<span style="font-weight:400">Aokiji smiled.
<span style="font-weight:400">“I’m sure he would.”
<span style="font-weight:400">~~~~~
<span style="font-weight:400">Aokiji reported to Sengoku about the mission. He didn’t say anything about Rick, this was a conversation that needed to happen face to face with Rick present.
<span style="font-weight:400">Princess Vivi woke up, she did remember she was attacked by two guards but somehow looking at her father she thought it best to not ask anything about it. She could always get the answers from Pell or Chaka.
<span style="font-weight:400">She went out every day, escorted by Igaram, to see Rick work.
<span style="font-weight:400">At his demand Aokiji temporarily relieved him of his duties, until the day they would depart for the Reverie. Rick then asked the owner of the tavern to be on the day shift, so Vivi could visit him.
<span style="font-weight:400">He refused, and by the evening received two important guests from the royal guard.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Princess Vivi, would like it very much if your employee Rick Wald could be on the day shift from now on.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Who was he to refuse basta’s greatest jewel? Besides, he was a father himself, and never could say no to his daughters, even now that they were married and with children.
<span style="font-weight:400">So Vivi spent her time with Rick when she didn’t have any sses or leading the Suna Suna n, a little group made of children around her age.
<span style="font-weight:400">She was his little taster. Every new non-alcoholic drink he created, she tried, some were good, some were bad, some were aplete no-no…
<span style="font-weight:400">The alcoholic ones? Vivi threatened Igaram to make him drink them. Igaram yed her game as a children’s threat didn’t mean anything to him. Besides it was only once a week Rick did such drinks and it was only soft alcohol. He appreciated the mindfulness of the young marine.
<span style="font-weight:400">Unlike the virgin cocktails he made for the princess, his, tasted all good.
<span style="font-weight:400">‘I wonder why? I know many alcoholic beverages but never heard or tasted the ones he made.’
<span style="font-weight:400">Rick was actually mixing alcoholic drinks from his past world(s).
<span style="font-weight:400">He did change their names though.
<span style="font-weight:400">King Cobra came back on his decision to not bring Vivi to the Reverie, to her pure delight.
<span style="font-weight:400">Despite the kidnappers’ group demise, he was still worried to leave her .
<span style="font-weight:400">Since his ship would be escorted by a Vice-admiral and the best tracker in paradise he felt he could take her on the journey.
<span style="font-weight:400">Pell and Chaka had reported to him his actions in the mountains.
<span style="font-weight:400">It didn’t matter to him. Rick fought for her when he didn’t even know her; went searching for her the moment he heard of her disappearance; brought her home safe and sound and made sure the people after her would never do so again.
<span style="font-weight:400">That was enough for him to give Rick his total trust for anything concerning Vivi’s well being. No matter how vicious or cruel might he be.
<span style="font-weight:400">After hearing his daughter speaking of her fun time at the tavern every day she went, and the additional reports for Igaram, Cobra grew curious and wanted to try the drinks the captain of his guard was talking about in quiteudatory words.
<span style="font-weight:400">For some reason he could exin, he didn’t want Vivi to know, so he visited one of her Suna Suna n’s days.
<span style="font-weight:400">Chaka and Pell went with him, they could not let the king unprotected, they were adamant about it and would not budge even if he ordered them. He did get one concession though. They would go incognito.
<span style="font-weight:400">The basta nights was not very crowded at this time of the day, it was still a bit early for lunch…
<span style="font-weight:400">“Hello! Wee to the basta night sirs. What can I do for you?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Rick recognized his customers, they were not THAT incognito and beside, best tracker of the marines. Remember?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Hello young man! For long I have heard of the delicious drinks you made. From both my daughter and Igaram. My friends will have the same.”
<span style="font-weight:400">““ Your maj ...””
<span style="font-weight:400">Before they could finish saying the most taboo word to use when royalty is in disguise, Cobra red unhappily at them.
<span style="font-weight:400">“One drink, and we go home.”
<span style="font-weight:400">They sighed and just nodded.
<span style="font-weight:400">He then turned to Rick.
<span style="font-weight:400">“I want your best drink please!”
<span style="font-weight:400">“With alcohol or without, sir?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Cobra pondered a moment.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Both! I like alcohol, but I want to know what my daughter is enjoying too.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Very well, sir.”
<span style="font-weight:400">He mixed three drinks and served his three patrons.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Here sirs, please enjoy yourselves”.
<span style="font-weight:400">They did!
<span style="font-weight:400">“That’s terrific! The best drink I ever had”.
<span style="font-weight:400">“It’s strong! “.
<span style="font-weight:400">“But at the same time it has the right amount of sweetness”.
<span style="font-weight:400">“That’s because there is a bit of apple juice in it , I’ll give you the recipe since you like it so much.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Thank you! What is called?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“From where I came from, its official name is Cobra Kaiser, the King of Cobras, but it is moremonly known as Cobra Kai. Fitting isn’t it?” he said with a smile.
<span style="font-weight:400">Cobra was dumbfounded with his jaw hanging low.
<span style="font-weight:400">Chaka and Pell contained aug. Badly.
<span style="font-weight:400">“ Yes it is!” said the king with a smile and with pride.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Now the non-alcoholic one!”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Then please eat that. The Cobra Kai is strong so it dulles the tongue a bit. This fruit takes the dullness away.”
<span style="font-weight:400">They took and ate the portion of the fruit he gave them.
<span style="font-weight:400">Rick bagan to mix three new drinks.
<span style="font-weight:400">“This one, is a creation of mine. I made it when I saw there wasn’t any drink dedicated to women. Perfect when ady is pregnant. Of course since it’s non-alcoholic, anyone from children to adults, both men and women can drink it. I’d like to think that maybe one day it would make History”.
<span style="font-weight:400">Rick ended the mix, and served them once again.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Here, sirs. Please enjoy yourselves”.
<span style="font-weight:400">They drank again, but this time they didn’t say anything.
<span style="font-weight:400">They couldn’t. They couldn''t find the words to describe what this drink made them feel.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Sweet, soothing and at the same time energizing, making you feel like you were floating, right?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Yes!”
<span style="font-weight:400">“That’s amazing!”
<span style="font-weight:400">“You put into words what I felt.” said Cobra.
<span style="font-weight:400">They drank again and finished their ss.
<span style="font-weight:400">“That’s so… What is called?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“I called it: Vivid Dream, sir”.
<span style="font-weight:400">The three patrons just looked at him in silence.
<span style="font-weight:400">Cobra smiled and spoke up.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Quite fitting name too.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“I had hoped so, sir” said Rick with a smile.
<span style="font-weight:400">Cobra couldn’t tell the first time, but he did the second, this drink was made with Vivi’s favorite fruit.
<span style="font-weight:400">‘ Made a drink for women? Bullshit! This young man created it with my daughter in mind and even used her name when naming it. What a rascal.’
<span style="font-weight:400">“I’m sure my daughter will love it.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“I hope so, sir. Here’s the recipe.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Rick handed him the recipe for Vivid Dream, along with Cobra Kai’s. They were quite detailed.
<span style="font-weight:400">“My friends, time for us to go! Thank you Rick.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Be careful on your way home sirs.”
<span style="font-weight:400">They stood up from their seats and left.
<span style="font-weight:400">When Cobra was at the door, he stopped and turned around.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Rick, I think your Vivid Dream will really make it into History.” and left.
<span style="font-weight:400">~~~~~
<span style="font-weight:400">Back at the pce, they discussed their time at the tavern.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Really, what a rascal!”
<span style="font-weight:400">“That he is, your majesty.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“You have to admit, the names are fitting!”
<span style="font-weight:400">Cobra Kai would be known as “ The Beverage of the kings” while Vivid Dream, the national drink of the Kingdom of basta and renowned across the world.
<span style="font-weight:400">Many rumors circted about the origin of the names, especially for Vivid Dream. Every bastan knew in their heart the truth though. It was named in honor of the greatest queen they ever had, when she was just a little princess.
<span style="font-weight:400">~~~~~~
<span style="font-weight:400">They finally left for the Reverie (Vivi included).
<span style="font-weight:400">While the gathering was happening Rick and Aokiji had a private talk with Sengoku about what was not written in basta''s report.
<span style="font-weight:400">The Fleet admiral openly showed concern, both for the act that happened and Rick’s well being.
<span style="font-weight:400">He was in agreement when Rick told him that he would pay the Doc some visits.
<span style="font-weight:400">Their talk just ended when the door of the office burst open…
<span style="font-weight:400">And was sent flying across the room ending up stuck in the wall a few cm above Sengoku’s head.
<span style="font-weight:400">The three men’s faces paled.
<span style="font-weight:400">At the entrance of the room was Kaza with bloodshot eyes.
<span style="font-weight:400">Sengoku had a sadistic smile, one which said “Ha! Take that! That’s what you get for forcing this problem on me for the past four years’
<span style="font-weight:400">Or something like that.
<span style="font-weight:400">In less than a second Rick was restrained and dragged out of the office by a banshee muttering:
<span style="font-weight:400">“You’re 18 now, that means you’re legal!” and followed by a creepy “ hehehe”ugh.
<span style="font-weight:400">All Rick thought was:
<span style="font-weight:400">‘Well it was bound to happen sooner orter. At least she’s smoking hot”.
<span style="font-weight:400">He refused to admit it to anyone, himself included, but he did love Kaza in a certain way. He had no problem about what was about to happen.
<span style="font-weight:400">He grinned and made two thumbs up towards Aokiji and Sengoku, and disappeared at the angle of the corridor.
<span style="font-weight:400">“I’m never going to get him back for letting me deal with Kaza, am I?” said Sengoku.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Nope”.
<span style="font-weight:400">The Fleet admiral sighed, admitting his defeat to Rick for the first time since they knew each other.
<span style="font-weight:400">~~~~~
<span style="font-weight:400">The reverie was over and… Wait! Wait! Wait! Author, what is this?
<span style="font-weight:400">(Author’s note: What is what?)
<span style="font-weight:400">This! You can’t skip the snu-snu part with Kaza!
<span style="font-weight:400">(Author’s note: Sure I can. I just did. Besides do you see a [R-18] in the chapter’s title? No! So no snu-snu.)
<span style="font-weight:400">Nu-hu. You can’t! What would the readers think? They waited years for this moment!
<span style="font-weight:400">(Author’s note: … The story is a week old.)
<span style="font-weight:400">What about Kaza’s fans?! You can’t do that to them! You can’t hype them that much and then leave them blue balled!
<span style="font-weight:400">(Author’s note: THAT DEGENERATE HAS FANS?!)
<span style="font-weight:400">Sure she does! Kaza best waifu!
<span style="font-weight:400">(Author’s note: … Fine go ahead.)
<span style="font-weight:400">YEEEEESSSS!!
<span style="font-weight:400">*ahem*
<span style="font-weight:400">Kaza brought Rick to her room and ripped his clothes to shred! Before he could understand that he was now butt naked, she threw him on the bed and grabbed his big…
<span style="font-weight:400">(Author’s note: Still no [R-18] tag…)
<span style="font-weight:400">His big hands! She threw him on the bed and grabbed his big hands into hers.
<span style="font-weight:400">“I waited way too long for this.” she was dead serious.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Me too” he smiled.
<span style="font-weight:400">“I’m not letting you go. Not until I’m satisfied or you break”.
<span style="font-weight:400">‘I’m beginning to think I made a mistake’
<span style="font-weight:400">~~~~~~
<span style="font-weight:400">Three dayster.
<span style="font-weight:400">Rick was admitted in the infirmary for a dislocated hip.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Why am I too old for this shit?”mented the Doc...