Chapter 3: A Song of Bonds and Memories - II

Note:-

System inner voice ["speaking"]

Ash inner speech "speaking"

The Night of the Song

The night was filled with the lively energy of Shanks' crew as they gathered around a roaring campfire on their ship. The smell of food and the sound of clinking mugs filled the air. Laughter and playful shouts echoed across the deck as the crew basked in the warmth of the night, celebrating another successful day at sea.

Ash was leaning against the mast, as a quiet observer. His presence had become more comfortable over the past few days, and although he hadn't fully opened up to the crew yet, he felt a growing bond with them. He had made a point of keeping a low profile, but Uta's infectious energy had made it difficult to remain a mere observer for long.

It was then that Uta stood up, her voice ringing out over the sounds of the crew. "Hey, everybody! Ash's going to sing for us tonight!"

The announcement came with an excited cheer from the crew. Lucky Roo grinned wide, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Ash! What are you going to sing for us? I bet it's gonna be great!"

Even Shanks, sitting comfortably with a mug in his hand, raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into a smirk. "This should be interesting, Ash. What do you have for us?"

Ash hesitated. He hadn't planned for this. Singing was something he enjoyed when he is alone, and now, with everyone staring at him, the pressure seemed overwhelming. But the worst part? He didn't even have an original song to perform.

["It's fine, Ash. Just go with it. The crew will love anything you do. You don't need to be perfect. Just sing what you feel and it doesn't have to be original."] Celeste's voice offered reassurance, and Ashen closed his eyes for a moment, taking in a deep breath.

The song that came to mind was one from his past life—a song that had always resonated with him, one that he felt perfectly captured his unspoken feelings for Daphne. But it wasn't his song. It was someone else's composition. Ash couldn't help but feel guilty, even though he knew no one here would recognize it.

["You won't be caught, Ash. It's a modern-world song. No one here will know."] Celeste's voice again offered comfort, gently pushing his hesitation aside.

With a reluctant nod, Ash stood and made his way to the center of the crew. The guitars were passed around, and Uta took her place beside him, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

"I'm ready," Ashen muttered, his voice barely audible to the crew.

The crew cheered in response; the excitement palpable in the air.

[Flashback]

The gentle sway of the ship's deck had become familiar to Ash over the past few days, and as the sun began to set on another evening at sea, he found himself once again alone by the bow of the ship. The crew was in high spirits, as always, and he had grown closer to them with each passing day. But there was one person who seemed particularly insistent on getting him involved—Uta.

She was a whirlwind, full of energy and curiosity, always teasing him with that impish smile of hers. It had been a few days since the rescue, and Ash had slowly begun to feel like he might actually belong here, even if he still carried the weight of his hidden past.

One evening, just before sunset, Uta approached him with a sly grin, her hands tucked behind her back as she rocked on her heels.

"Hey, Ash," she began, her tone light but brimming with confidence. "I know what you've been up to."

Ash glanced at her, brow furrowing. "What are you talking about?"

Uta's grin widened as she leaned closer. "Oh, don't play dumb. I've seen you late at night, sneaking off with that guitar. I heard you play, too. And sing. You're not half bad, you know."

Ash froze for a moment, his secret unexpectedly out in the open. "You… heard that?" he asked, scratching the back of his neck.

"Of course!" Uta beamed. "You didn't exactly make it hard to find you, strumming away under the stars. Seriously, Ash, Why are you hiding it from everyone?"

"I'm not hiding it," Ashen said defensively. "I just… enjoy playing by myself sometimes."

"Well, not anymore!" Uta declared, grabbing his hand and pulling him away from the railing. "You've got to perform for the crew. Trust me, they'll love it. You've got that whole broody, mysterious vibe going for you. Just imagine their faces when they hear you sing!"

Ash hesitated, the weight of her request settling on him. It wasn't that he minded singing—he actually loved it. There was something freeing about letting the music carry him away, even if it was just for a little while. But performing in front of an audience? That was something else entirely.

Uta must have sensed his hesitation because she softened her grip and offered him a gentler smile. "Come on, Ash. Just one song. For me? I promise it'll be worth it."

Ash sighed, realizing there was no arguing with her. "Alright," he relented, his lips curling into a small smile. "I'll sing. But not tonight. How about when we reach closer to Windmill Village?"

Uta blinked in surprise but then grinned triumphantly. "Deal! Just don't think you can back out. A promise is a promise."

She dashed off to spread the news, leaving Ashen alone once more. He glanced down at his guitar, a mix of excitement and nerves bubbling within him.

Back to Present:

The Red Force was alive with celebration. Laughter and music filled the air as the crew reveled in the warmth of the evening. Ash sat off to the side, guitar in hand, his thoughts momentarily drifting as he adjusted to the new, friendly atmosphere of the crew. Uta, as usual, was never far from him, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Hey, Ash!" Uta called with a grin, grabbing everyone's attention. "Time to fulfill your promise! You're singing tonight!"

The crew gathered around, excited and expectant. Shanks, leaning casually against the railing, gave him an encouraging nod.

Ash hesitated for a moment, his fingers lightly strumming the guitar. He had always loved singing and playing, but never in front of so many. Still, his promise to Uta lingered in his mind. His gaze met hers, and in that moment, he knew he had to go through with it. Taking a deep breath, he began to play the familiar chords, his voice following.

As Ash strummed the guitar, the warmth of the evening and the soft, flickering lights of the campfire wrapped around him. He had come a long way from the quiet, lonely days of the past. Now, with the crew of the Red-Haired Pirates surrounding him, the atmosphere felt different—livelier, more real. His hands moved effortlessly over the strings as the tune he'd picked began to spill into the night.

The soft strumming echoed through the air, and with a steady breath, Ash began singing. It wasn't an original song, but it felt personal to him, as though the words were his own, though he couldn't claim them.

[Authors Note:-

Hi everyone! I want some advice about song lyrics I am sharing/writing in this chapter from you all, because I want to make sure I'm being respectful of the creator's/composer's work. This song name is "Lightning" was composed by [Henry Gallagher], and it's not my own creation. This is my 1st time writing a book so, While I'm excited to share it, I understand that sharing full lyrics might not be the best, and I want to make sure I'm not overstepping copyright guidelines. If you feel that the full lyrics should be taken down or if there's a better way to share it, I'm open to your advice. Let me know what you think!"]

"Lightning"

I saw her from a distance

Out in the corner of my eye

Her hair is shiny and bright

She's the prettiest girl I've ever seen around

I saw her from a distance

She made me wanna smile

Her face is cute and it's beautiful

And she's the only girl that stands out in the crowd

I hope you'll notice me sometime

I hope you'll be with me, be mine

You're everything, you're my sunshine

Oh, oh, oh

'Cause I've been struck by lightning, lightning

And it's frightening, frightening

I don't ever think I'll be the same again

You're my princess, my girl

You're my interest, my world

You mean everything, everything to me

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

The words, simple yet profound, echoed in the cool night air. Uta stood still, her heart racing as Ash sang. His voice, raw and unpolished, resonated with something deeper — a hidden emotion that tugged at her heart.

I saw her from a distance

I wanna tell her how I feel

Her eyes are beautiful and sparkling

And giving me a shock of electricity

I saw her from a distance

She has pretty brown eyes

She is so amazing

It's true

I hope you'll notice me sometime

I hope you'll be with me, be mine

You're everything, you're my sunshine

Oh, oh, oh

'Cause I've been struck by lightning, lightning

And it's frightening, frightening

I don't ever think, I'll be the same again

You're my princess, my girl

You're my interest, my world

You mean everything, everything to me

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

The crew, caught up in the emotional charge of the song, watched in silence. Even Shanks, who usually kept his carefree demeanor, seemed moved by the raw honesty in Ash's voice.

Ash closed his eyes for a moment, feeling the music more than thinking about it. His fingers moved with ease over the strings, and his voice grew stronger as he sang the next verse.

And if you'll notice me

You can make my heart go crazy

I want you desperately, be my baby

And when you smile at me

You can make my heart start racing

And it's clear to see

You're so amazing!

The words struck a chord within Uta, and her eyes softened. She could see that the song wasn't just a performance—it was a message. For a moment, she thought Ash might be singing for her, his feelings hidden in the notes.

I hope you'll notice me sometime

I hope you'll be with me, be mine

You're everything, you're my sunshine

Oh, oh, oh

I hope you'll soon be my baby

I hope you'll be my little lady

'Cause you've been driving me crazy

Oh, oh, oh

'Cause I've been struck by lightning, lightning

And it's frightening, frightening

I don't ever think I'll be the same

'Cause I've been struck by lightning, lightning

And it's frightening, frightening

I don't ever think I'll be the same again

You're my princess, my girl

You're my interest, my world

You mean everything, everything to me

Lightning, lightning

And it's frightening, frightening

I don't ever think, I'll be the same again

You're my princess, my girl

You're my interest, my world

You mean everything, everything to me

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

You mean everything, everything to me

The crew's eyes widened as they processed the raw emotion in Ash's voice. Some of them exchanged glances, feeling the weight of the words.

Ash's voice carried on through the night, his eyes still closed as if lost in the song. The final verses rang out clearly, his feelings laid bare for all to hear.

Uta, her usual playful energy replaced with something more thoughtful, stepped forward, her gaze fixed on Ash. 

As the last note of the song lingered in the air, a hush fell over the crew. For a moment, there was nothing but the sound of the wind and the soft crackle of the fire. Then, all at once, they erupted in cheers and applause, celebrating Ash's unexpected performance.

"Who knew you could sing like that, Ash?" Shanks grinned, clapping him on the back. "That was impressive! I didn't know we had such a talent aboard!"

The rest of the crew followed suit, congratulating Ash, some joking, some teasing, all in high spirits. "Looks like you've got a girl in mind, huh?" Benn Beckman teased with a smirk. "Is that what this is all about?"

The crew laughed, and Uta joined in, her eyes glinting with playful mischief. "You've been keeping secrets from us, Ash! Who's the lucky girl?" Her voice was light, but there was a flicker of curiosity in her gaze.

Ash's heart sank at their teasing. He hadn't expected it to go this far, but now that the words were out there, he felt a lump form in his throat. "She… she's not in this world," he murmured quietly, his gaze dropping to the ground.

The crew fell silent, sensing something deeper in Ash's words. Shanks, always perceptive, tilted his head. "Not in this world?" He exchanged a glance with the others, and there was an unspoken understanding. They assumed the worst, that Ash was referring to a girl who had passed away.

"You mean she's... gone?" Uta asked gently, her teasing smile replaced by something softer, more understanding. She had grown close to Ash in the past few days, and though she didn't know the full truth, she could sense the weight of his words.

Ash looked up, his expression distant, but he nodded. "Yeah," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "She's gone. She was everything to me."

The crew, ever supportive, gave him the space he needed. Benn Beckman placed a hand on his shoulder, his tone serious. "Don't worry, Ash. You're with us now. We've got your back."

Uta's eyes softened as she watched Ash, her heart aching for him. Despite her teasing, she understood now that this song—this moment—was more than just a performance. It was a way for him to keep the memory of someone special alive.

[System Update: Relationship Meter for Uta: 75% - Crush]

[System Update: Crew Bond: Maxed]

[Quest Completion: Bond with the Crew - 100%]

[Reward: Skill Unlock - "Basic Swordsmanship."]

As the crew gathered around Ash, congratulating him and offering words of support, the atmosphere was warm, and for a brief moment, Ash felt like he had a place where he truly belonged. Though the pain of loss still lingered, it was softened by the camaraderie he shared with these pirates, who had unknowingly filled the void left by his past.

The sounds of the party slowly faded as Ash walked away from the crew. The night was still alive with laughter, but his thoughts were heavy. He had been able to feel the warmth of the crew's support during his performance, but now, standing on his own, he couldn't help but feel that emptiness again. His heart ached as he thought about her.

"Daphne…" He whispered the name softly into the night, his gaze fixed on the stars. His mind was filled with thoughts of her, but this world was so different from the one he knew, and she wasn't here. It wasn't easy to shake that feeling.

He leaned against the railing of the ship, feeling the cool breeze against his face. He was used to this sense of longing, but it never got any easier. Even with everything that had happened, even with the crew around him, the loneliness still lingered.

["Ash, you're not alone. You've made new bonds here, new friends. Uta, Shanks, the crew—they all care about you."] Celeste's voice echoed softly in his mind, her words a gentle reminder.

He let out a breath, trying to steady himself. "I know, but..." he hesitated. "It's just... hard sometimes. They don't know. They can't know. How could I explain something like this?"

["You don't need to explain everything right now. Just let them in slowly. They see you, Ash. That's enough for now."]

Ash closed his eyes, feeling the warmth of her words. He could hear the distant sounds of the crew continuing to enjoy themselves. The party was still going strong, but he found no joy in it right now. His thoughts were elsewhere.

It wasn't long before he felt the presence of someone approaching. He opened his eyes and turned to find Uta walking toward him, a concerned expression on her face.

"Hey, Ash," she said softly, her usual cheerful demeanor slightly dimmed by the worry in her voice. "You okay? You kind of disappeared there."

Ash gave her a faint smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just needed a minute."

Uta didn't buy it. She stood beside him, her gaze following the same path his eyes had taken before. There was a quiet moment between them, the sound of the waves lapping against the ship filling the silence.

Uta's curiosity seemed to intensify as she watched Ash's distant expression. Finally, after a long moment of silence, she couldn't hold back anymore. Finally, Uta spoke, her voice a little more hesitant than usual.

"Who is she?" Uta asked softly, her voice laced with both curiosity and something else she couldn't quite place.

Ash's heart tightened as he looked down at the ground, thinking about the girl who had meant so much to him. With a sigh, he finally spoke, his voice tinged with a mix of nostalgia and sadness. "Her name was Daphne."

Uta tilted her head, sensing the weight in his words. "Daphne?" she repeated, as if trying to make sense of the name. She noticed how his voice softened when he spoke of her, and it made something stir inside her. "What was she like?"

Ash's expression grew distant, his eyes momentarily glazing over as memories of her flooded his mind. "She was... kind, strong, and always knew how to make me laugh. She had this way of making everything feel okay, even when things seemed impossible." He paused, a small smile tugging at his lips as he remembered. "She had this bright smile that could light up any room, and her eyes—" he stopped himself, a lump forming in his throat. "She was the kind of person you could always count on, no matter what."

Uta's heart seemed to race in her chest as she listened. There was a vulnerability in Ash's words that she hadn't heard before. She could tell he was deeply affected by this woman, and something in her own chest tightened as she imagined how much he must have cared for her.

Uta noticed the tenderness in his voice, and her heart skipped a beat. There was a sincerity there, one that made her wonder what this Daphne had meant to him. She tried to hide the stirring feeling in her chest. "So... she's not here?" Uta asked, almost as if she already knew the answer.

Ash let out a long breath, his voice quieter now. "No... She's not here in this world anymore, but I promised myself that I'd live the most adventurous life I could for both of us. I promised I'd build a family of my own—a big, chaotic one, with love and laughter. I'd make sure to never forget about her."

Uta didn't know why, but hearing that stirred something inside her. She couldn't explain it, but it almost felt like a mix of admiration and a strange feeling of jealousy. She had no right to feel that way, but she couldn't help herself. For a moment, she felt as if she might never quite understand the bond Ash shared with Daphne.

Uta's attention lingered on Ash, noticing how immersed he was in his thoughts. For her, the moment felt different. Her gaze softened as she reflected on what he'd said about his past, and a small shift occurred within her. She felt a connection growing between them, something deeper than simple friendship.

Uta's Relationship Meter: 75% → Developing Feelings (85%)

[System Notification: Quest Completed – Gain Uta's Trust]

[Reward: Special Ability - "Voice Resonance."]

Ash didn't realize the significance of the moment, lost in his memories of Daphne. But Uta's heart, now racing with newfound feelings, had begun to shift towards something more than just a crush. It was clear to her, though not yet to Ash, that he was becoming a part of her life, and her own emotions were growing stronger.

As Ash spoke to her, his mind still haunted by the girl he could never fully forget, Uta quietly absorbed the weight of his words. The relationship meter, which had hovered at 75% before the song, now pushed further forward. Her feelings for him had deepened. Yet, Ash was too absorbed in his internal struggles to notice the change.

Ships Cabin:

As he sat on the edge of his bed, his mind wandered back to his conversation with Uta. Her curiosity about Daphne had stirred something deep within him. He hadn't realized how much he was still holding onto; how much he still missed her. He could almost hear her voice in his head, scolding him gently.

He thought about how she used to tell him, "Don't waste time, Ash. Life moves on. Don't let the past tie you down." And even now, despite everything, he knew those words were true. He could feel the bonds he was creating in this world, the new friendships and adventures waiting ahead of him. Daphne's memory would always be a part of him, but he couldn't let it define him anymore.

Celeste's soft voice echoed in his mind. ["I know it's hard to move forward, Ash. But you've already made so much progress. You've begun to forge bonds here—real ones. It's okay to cherish Daphne, but it's also okay to embrace the future you're building. Don't let her memory stop you from living this new life."]

Her words gave him strength. He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. This world had given him a second chance, and he wasn't going to waste it. He would live fully, build a future, and protect the people around him. Daphne's memory would always stay with him, but he couldn't let it be the only thing that defined him anymore.

The soft sounds of the ship creaking in the night brought him back to the present, grounding him. He made a silent promise to himself. He would make the most of this second chance, not only for himself but for the family and friends he would build here.

Ash lay back on the bed, letting the comforting rhythm of the ship's movement lull him to sleep. He was ready to embrace the adventures ahead, knowing he wasn't alone.

To Be Continued…

Hey everyone! I'm always looking for ways to make this story even better, and I'd love to hear your ideas. What powers do you think should be available in Ash's store? Maybe you have some cool concepts for abilities, weapons, or items that could make the adventure even more exciting!

Feel free to drop your suggestions in the comments, and if there's anything specific you'd love to see in future chapters, let me know! I might even integrate your ideas into the story.

Also, don't forget to give some Power Stones if you're enjoying the journey! Your support means the world. 😊