loves denied.

Pov Agatha.

-She sat on the upper balcony of the Baratie. The spirited fight with Deuce had reached its breaking point. Tears welled in her eyes, and her heart was filled with rage.

-Why? Why does everything I love leave? My mother, my father, my comrades... - Agatha thought.

-Don't worry; I'm sure when Axel returns, we'll bring Deuce back, - Ussop said.

-Do you trust Axel so much? - Agatha asked.

-Yes, I do. He was the first person to trust me. I'm weak, cowardly, and afraid of danger. I can't fight like Axel does; I can't go beyond. I'm just an ordinary person. But under Axel's guidance, I've felt better. I've shot more, and I've lived many adventures that I only dreamed of from afar. So, Agatha, don't trust me; trust Axel. He won't let me down. He's a smart guy, - Ussop said with melancholy.

-Shut up. We'll wait for Axel. Only if he proves himself can I believe in his words, - Agatha said.

-Agatha, my sunny prince is here, - Sanji said, coming from afar and dancing ballet.

-Chef Zeff says it's my turn to teach you, my beautiful queen. You'll learn all about Sanji's cuts. I prepared chocolate ice cream for you to forget that silly masked fish head, - the blond with curly eyebrows said.

-My sweet cook, I'm sure there's no better teacher than you, - Agatha said, receiving the ice cream.

-Hehehe, - Sanji chuckled.

-My beautiful sunshine, let's go to the kitchen, - Sanji said, drops of blood escaping from his nose due to Agatha's caresses.

-I don't understand how you put up with that guy, - Ussop said.

-Secrets, - Agatha said, the white chef's outfit snugly fitting her body.

The kitchen of the Baratie was incredible, a massive, impulsive gathering of wills working tirelessly. Each fulfilled their functions without complaining, preparing the best dishes Agatha had ever tasted. The culinary quality of the pervert and old Zeff was admirable. Each pursued elegance and divine flavor in their food.

A day passed, and nothing. Axel didn't arrive. The next day, he still didn't come. On the third day, he appeared with Kuro and another girl with black hair and a sword at her hip, previously used by Axel. He looked as confident as ever, that idiotic grin never out of the ordinary. There wasn't a day that Agatha didn't feel like crushing that stupid smile of Axel's. She questioned internally, seeing him so overconfident.

-Agatha, your captain has arrived, - Zeff said.

-I know; I saw him from the window, - Agatha said.

-Is there a problem? - Zeff asked.

-No, nothing, - Agatha replied. Now was the time for Axel to prove whether the friendship he preached was true.

She could only feel Zeff's penetrating gaze. Though he didn't show it, this old man was very astute. He seemed to know people's thoughts without them saying a word.

-Axel, you look good, - Agatha said. - Apparently, you brought new company—a woman. I like it; the crew needed a feminine charm for some time. What's your name? - Agatha asked the bespectacled brunette.

-T-tashigi, - she said nervously.

Her strong point wasn't talking, Agatha thought. Maybe she's good with swords.

She could sense Ussop hadn't slept much these days after Deuce's departure.

-Axel, everything has been terrible. Deuce left; now he's a wanted man. He mentioned leaving the crew and that someday he'll help us. It's terrible, Axel. I tried to stop him, but he was so angry. I disappointed you. Deuce wanted to be with us, but I wasn't capable enough to lead as you entrusted me. I'm sorry, - Ussop said, crying.

Agatha could only laugh inwardly; Ussop was preaching total trust and then started crying.

-Why cry for that loser Deuce? - Agatha almost spat.

-Don't blame yourself; he's a coward. He wasn't even able to apologize. Let him go to hell, Axel; we don't need him, - Agatha said. She already knew what would happen; Axel wouldn't risk joining someone with a bounty. It's the law of life. The benefits are everlasting.

-Where did he go? - Axel asked.

-In my estimation, he was heading to the nearest island, departed southeast, - Zeff said.

-The closest to that is the Animal Islands, the Coconami Islands, and beyond that is the Kingdom of Trees, - Axel said.

"What will you do, boy? There are vast places you'll have to sail. Is it a criminal you're after now? Is it a problem you're shouldering, young Axel?" Zeff asked.

-We'll leave for our comrade. I hope Agatha has had enough training to do honor to your ship, - Axel said, surprising Agatha, so they're going after Deuce.

-Boy, she's been trained in numerous activities; she'll have to polish her basic skills for kitchen development, but she's learned a lot. It just takes developing those skills through continuous work. Those encyclopedias you got are extensive and good. I don't know where you got them, but in all my travels, I haven't seen such, - old Zeff said.

-It's good; I hope you've copied them because we won't be here for long, - Axel commented.

Agatha adjusted her suit; it was time to leave. Sanji was on the balcony, smoking a cigarette. -So, my sunny Agatha, you're leaving, - Sanji said.

-It seems we're going after that fool Deuce, - Agatha said.

-Take care; you'll always be welcome at the Baratie, - Sanji said.

She got lost in her thoughts. Are they going after Deuce? Sure, he's strong, intelligent, calm, and funny. If she were to leave, they would surely let her. She only ate a devil fruit, but she hasn't improved; her staff development hasn't progressed, and she practiced a lot. She just needed to polish her devil fruit skills. But what else is she?

The following comments were muddled, and she didn't pay attention to anything until she went to the ship and searched for the kitchen. She would practice with baked potatoes, a garlic sauce with milk cream, and some lemon fish.

-What are you doing here? If you have something to say, say it, - Agatha said.

-I'm hungry, - Axel replied.

-Haaa... I have some baked potatoes. The food will be ready in 15 minutes. Eat and call the others, - Agatha said.

-I like potatoes, - Axel said.

-Yes. -

-We'll find him; I'm sure he's in the Kingdom of Fosstres, - Axel said.

-It doesn't matter, - Agatha replied.

The arrival at the Kingdom of Fosstres was a void in her heart. Deuce would be in the neighborhoods where he could find work.

-Excuse me, do you know where the city hospital is? - she asked the shopkeeper.

-Oh, yes, miss. It's on the main street near the royal palace, - the shopkeeper said again.

She searched the hospital and found no traces of Deuce. She strolled through the restaurants, praising the fruit salads and mangoes. Such delicious food. Maybe she should prepare some salads like this, she thought.

She found him, dressed as a waiter in a shop serving spaghetti, without his mask. God, he was so cute, with his navy blue hair and black eyes.

-Agatha! What are you doing here? - Deuce said.

-I'm walking, don't flatter yourself. I want a plate of spaghetti with sweet sauce and pineapple with lime, - Agatha said.

Deuce was taken aback and didn't take the list. - I... Agatha. - he whispered.

-Waiter, my order. Can't you hear, or are you always deaf when someone is talking to you? - Agatha said, with a louder tone. The tables began to watch them with curious eyes.

-No, give me a second. - Deuce said, not fully understanding the situation.

He ate two dishes, paid, and left without looking back. He even walked slower than usual, but he never came for her, never called her. He entered the ship and went straight to his room.

It was big enough for two people. Now, he shared it with the new swordsman. His bed was indeed very comfortable, the wardrobe spacious, and Axel fulfilled almost all his whims. Why did she feel so lonely?

I'm going to cook. I prepared that wine sauce the pervert taught me. I hope this time the cooking turns out right. My cooking technique has improved; now I can chop, slice, dice, and not miss.

I hear Ussop's laughter; apparently, someone is in high spirits. Only time will tell what they will do on this island. If Deuce runs from his post, it's because he's a coward.

The next day, she also went to the restaurant and searched for Deuce among the waiters. She waited for an hour until she saw him enter around noon. He didn't even look at her, ordered his food, and left. The next one did the same, and she couldn't bear it any longer. Does he think he can ignore her? Tomorrow is the last chance; she won't wait another day.

Her plans were disrupted by Axel's words.

-Have you found him, Agatha? - Axel asked.

-I don't know what you're talking about. If you want something to eat, shut up, and don't ask stupid questions. - Agatha told him.

-Agatha, where is he? - he asked again.

-Who? I don't know what you're talking about. Did you get hit on the head during your battle? - she said indignantly. Let him look for him if he wants him so much.

-You can tell him tomorrow that I need him. I'm in trouble and need backup. Tomorrow, Deuce might be the only one who can get us out of trouble. - Axel said.

-What are you talking about? - she asked.

-Tomorrow, there might be a dangerous fight, someone with a troublesome Devil Fruit ability. Only Deuce can fight against that guy. - Axel explained.

-What's happening? - she asked.

-Simon's pirates are happening. - Axel said.

-Haven't they been defeated? - she asked.

-Not yet. The Captain is missing, the most dangerous of all. He ate a Logia Devil Fruit; this enemy can become a paper man. I can't defeat him. Come on, Agatha, send him my message. - Axel said.

-How do you know he'll come? And you didn't mention that Logia Devil Fruits are the rarest in the world. Why are there more Devil Fruits? - Agatha questioned.

-He is part of the crew; he'll come. - Axel replied.

-There's something you're not telling me. - she whispered while looking at the open door. - Something is unsettling in the air. - Agatha said.

-I feel like we're being watched; there might be a trap in the air. - Axel whispered again.

-A trap, -

-Yes. - he whispered.

-Alright, tomorrow I'll go for the good-for-nothing, Deuce. I don't want to see you anymore. - Agatha said, almost dismissively, but deep down, she wanted to see him again.

She raised her hands apologetically and fled. A trap, it's Kuro! He's been acting strange. That guy Simon is very powerful. Damn Axel, he knows I'm going to talk to Deuce now.

Never had a journey felt so long and short at the same time; there she was, getting ready to start another day of work.

-Are you going to keep ignoring me? - Agatha said.

-What are you talking about? You told me not to bother you. - Deuce said, confused.

-There he is, so clueless. - Agatha thought.

-I never said that; now you're making up imaginary things. I thought you were more mature than that. - Agatha said.

-HA! - Deuce shouted. - What do you want from me? -

-Nothing. I came to tell you that Axel needs you. His next battle is more difficult, and Kuro might betray him. - Agatha said.

-I knew he would betray him, but he's too confident about everything. Where is he? Do we have to go quickly? - Deuce said.

-If it's for him, you'll go, but if it were me, you'd leave me abandoned. - Agatha said.

-What are you saying? Where is Axel? - Deuce asked again.

There he is; I'm not important to anyone. Her tears escaped her eyes. He came three days in a row, but only when Axel sends a message and is willing to break his exile.

-Why are you crying, Agatha? - Deuce asked, concerned.

-Because you're an idiot. You left me alone, Deuce. Remember that night in the storm; you're a liar. - Blue Queen yelled, with teary eyes and thick tears falling.

Deuce hugged her tightly.

-Honey, I'm sorry, - he responded.

-Don't hug me, stupid. Everything you say is a lie. - Agatha said, crying harder.

-I'm sorry; I didn't think, I never think, not when I ran away from home without knowing anything about this world, not when I hit the noble who recognized me, not when I ran away from you without giving any explanation... - he said sadly.

-Do you think I can trust you now? Your apologies are just empty words from a liar who runs away when he promises many beautiful things. - Agatha said, leaning her head on Deuce's chest.

-Do I even matter to you? - she asked.

-Yes, a lot. You're my life companion. - He responded without hesitation, only to receive another blow.

Agatha's heart swelled like a balloon.

-I haven't forgiven you, but Axel is in trouble. - Agatha said, trying to deny Deuce's words.

-Come on, we have a pirate captain to save. - Deuce said.

His charming smile melted her once again, and he grabbed her hand. -- We'll see, -- Agatha said. They both ran, and Agatha could only smile.

They stopped at the entrance, and Axel's signal was there, a little note talking about caution.

-We have to act calmly and wait for the conspiracy to reveal itself. - Deuce said.

Agatha only nodded, with renewed confidence.

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