Friends of a Friend

The three of them quiet down as they listen in on the TV screen.

"This is World News, with your favorite reporter, Big News Macy. Today, we have a special report from Shank's Island, known for its notorious criminals and pirates. The marines have established an execution tower on the island, where the highest bounties are scheduled for execution."

The camera zooms in on the lines of men and pirates, with Eloia being further in the view.

The two boys start panicking.

Cloud places his hand on his chin, as if pondering.

"Do you kids know where that place might be? It seems she may have gone farther than I thought."

The kids look at Cloud.

"Don't you understand what's going on? Eloia's going to die!!"

The other kid shifts his attention towards the first.

"Quiet, Ben! I told you she's not going to die! She's got this!"

"No! You be quiet, Dan! Look at her! She needs our help!"

Cloud stands idly by as they begin to argue again.

"Now that I think about it, you two seem quite alike. Are you twins?" Cloud leans in closer, amazed.

They both pause and stare at Cloud.

Ben whispers to Dan, "Yeah, I don't think this guy is going to be able to help us. He's a bit weird, don't you think?"

"Yeah," Dan whispers back. "Something's off about this one."

They both slowly begin to shuffle away from Cloud, and he follows.

Their pace speeds up, and they notice Cloud shuffling behind them, matching their pace each time.

"Oh, darn it! He's not going away anytime soon," Ben exclaims.

They both turn around, agitated.

"What exactly do you want with Eloia, anyway?" Dan asks.

Cloud scratches the back of his head.

"Well, I may want her to accompany me across the seas."

The twins look at each other in confusion.

"What do you mean, 'across the seas'?" They ask simultaneously.

"Whoa, that was cool! Do it again!" Cloud stares in amazement.

They both give him an annoyed expression.

"Just answer the darn question!" Ben shouts.

"Oh, right, the question. Well, I have a feeling that she needs me as much as I need her. I guess you can call it an intuitive nudge."

The twins sigh.

"What about you guys? How do you know Eloia?" Cloud's expression turns curious.

The twins look at each other before looking back at Cloud.

"Well, she's our hero! She saved our lives five years ago."

By the time Ben finishes speaking, the twins notice that Cloud had wandered off into the short distance and has begun examining a small lizard.

"Wow! They look so different from this view," Cloud says, close to the ground and leaning over the lizard.

"What the hell is up with this guy?" the twins shake their heads.

"Hey! Weirdo, are you going to help Eloia or not? She doesn't have much time, and it's not like we can do anything," exclaims Ben.

Cloud looks up.

"Of course, I want to help her! Just tell me where she is!"

"Okay, just follow us. We'll take you to her," says Ben before pausing.

"But... you have to promise us one thing."

"Sure, just say the word," Cloud responds.

"This may be asking for much and may sound cheesy, since it is Eloia we're speaking about.. but if you succeed in taking her with you on your journey across the sea.. can you please make her happy."

Ben looks down and becomes quiet, and then Dan speaks up.

"There's no one who deserves it more!"

Cloud chuckles.

"Okay! No problem! I'll do it."

The twins look up in excitement.

"Then let's go!" They shout.

Cloud grabs both of the boys as he transforms half of his body into wind, carrying them up into the sky.

"Okay, kiddos, just point me in the right direction! We'll be there in no time."

Ben starts to panic.

"AHH! LET ME DOWN!! YOU FREAK!!"

"Whoa, this is so cool! I didn't know you were a devil fruit user!" Dan looks around in amazement.

Ben begins to cry.

"I'm going to die... I'm going to die!!"

Dan points towards a figure in the distance.

"Hey, look! I think that's the news reporter balloon. We should be close! Just head towards that thingy!"

Cloud looks and sees a balloon in the distance.

"Huh, I guess you're right. Let's go!" He changes his direction towards the object.

As they make their way closer to the balloon, Dan speaks up, voicing his curiosity.

"Cloud, I was wondering, why do you want to take Eloia with you across the seas. What's the purpose? Why specifically are you traveling the seas? It's dangerous."

Cloud pauses for a moment, contemplating his answer.

"Well, my friend, I have a grand mission. I'm going to bring peace back to the four seas," Cloud explains, his voice filled with determination.

Ben, who had been crying, stops and looks up at Cloud, puzzled.

"Are you out of your mind? That's impossible! You sound like a crazy person!" Ben exclaims.

Cloud chuckles, unfazed by the skepticism.

"I know it sounds ambitious, but I can't bear to witness the suffering and agony that exists within this world any longer. I won't allow it to continue. I'm committed to making a change."

The twins fall into silence, reflecting on Cloud's words as they continue their journey. Suddenly,

Dan interrupts the silence with excitement in his voice.

"Hey, everyone, look! I think we've arrived!" Dan points eagerly towards their destination, capturing everyone's attention.

Despite the commotion, Ben's fear takes hold, and he voices his concerns.

"I'd like to look, but I'm afraid I'll pass out!" Ben cries, his anxiety evident.

Cloud looks down and notices the crowds of people gathered around the execution tower, their fate hanging in the balance.

"Listen, guys, if you want to help, once I drop you off, I need you to tell people to evacuate. Things are about to get dangerous," Cloud instructs, his voice filled with urgency.

Dan nods, fully understanding the gravity of the situation, while Ben continues to sob, his fear overwhelming him.

"Okay, hold on tight, everyone," Cloud declares with determination, ready to take action and face whatever challenges lie ahead.