Late entry (Out of Contest)

[colordrifter.livejournal.com]

Title: Modifications
Prompt: not going as planned
Pairings/Characters: Usopp
Rating: G
Genre: Gen
Media: fic
Word Count: 300
Note: I actually wrote half of this entry for the prompt way back when, and I decided to finish it off today.

"Did you know that I was born in Syrup Village, just like you?"

The little five-year-old girl gazed back at the old man with adoring eyes, hanging onto his every word.

"Even as a young boy, I was famous for my bravery and charm. Kids followed me wherever I went; they wanted to be just like me." Exactly three of them, thought Usopp, but his granddaughter didn't need to know that.

"I was a great storyteller. My stories always came true, no matter how outrageous."

"Really?" Her eyes were as round as teacup saucers.

He grinned. That innocent and naive face reminded him of Chopper. "Of course! Just ask your Grandma Kaya! All my stories came to life, I swear!

The tiny girl was doubtful. "Swear on Sogeking's mask?"

"Yes, on Sogeking's mask."

Reassured, she commanded, "Continue!"

"I was the best sharpshooter this village had ever seen." And indeed, as unbelievable as it was, he had surpassed even Yasopp in the end. "But I had a bigger dream. I wanted to---"

"Become a pirate!" she shouted.

"Hmm, close enough. My dad was a prate, a very brave one, and I wanted to be just like him.

"I was going to be the Great Captain Usopp! With eight thousand men at my every beck and call, I'd be the brave warrior of the seas---"

"But you weren't, Grandpa!"

Usopp paused. "Weren't what?"

"You weren't the Great Captain Usopp with eight thousand men; you were Pirate King Luffy's sharpshooter! Grandma said so!" she said with a little frown, reproachful of this lie.

"You're right," admitted Usopp, smiling fondly at her and thinking of days and nakama long gone. "Things didn't quite go according to plan."

The life he lived was indescribably much better. He wouldn't have traded it for anything.

Comments

[printfogey.livejournal.com]

The life he lived was indescribably much better. He wouldn't have traded it for anything.

I'll say so! <333 Great interpretation of the prompt. Obviously Usopp would be the best Storytelling Grampa around.

[colordrifter.livejournal.com]

Hee, thanks! Usopp would be the greatest Storytelling Grandpa ever. The only problem would be trying to figure out whether or not he's lying when he says he did all those things he told you about... ;D