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Luffy was hard at work on another errand, sent on his way by his sandman who gave him the task to get more salamanders for their ingredient stock. This wasn't new, or uncommon even, but that didn't stop the little dark haired child from being confused. He had been walking through the woods since the early morning, and now the sun was high in the sky, beaming down on him viciously.
“Stupid salamanders, where are you!?” He yelled out, and when he got no response he pouted in defeat. Sandman had told him they would just be in the pond behind their house, but he had been walking for hours and he saw no pond! Though now that he thought about it, did he go behind the house, or did he just run out the front door? He blinked a few times, and then promptly tossed those thoughts out of his head. It was definitely the lizard's fault.
He waddled a little further in, pulling his cloak closer as he did so. He will find the salamanders! He knew he would! Though he couldn't help it if he didn't find a single one, how could he when he was just one kid!?
For years Luffy had begged his sandman for siblings, or even just friends that he could play with. It was lonely being the only kid around, and an adult wizard didn't really provide the same company that a child could get from someone their own age. The one problem though was that there were no magical kids anywhere they moved to. Most live within magic only communities, or just plain unwilling to interact with someone like Crocodile; Luffy had no idea why that was though.
He put a little skip into his step, humming to himself as he found new joy in picking up random rocks, and putting them in his pocket. He loved his rocks, and was proud of the collection he had hoarded over the years! Though stupid Sandman would throw them out if he saw them, and Luffy didn't understand why! They were obviously his rocks, and how the man had no clue about it frustrated him to no end!
Then, in the corner of his eye, he saw it; a beautiful sparkling stone that was shining in the sunlight. He almost didn't see it, passing right by as the light had not yet peeked from behind the clouds. His little eyes sparkling in joy as he slowly lifted it into his hands, taking in its beautiful opal like coloration with awe, and soon his wild imagination made him realize something that he saw as fact. He gasped aloud, and then held his new treasure up towards the sky so colorful light could shine all over his face.
“It's a fairy stone!” Luffy had heard of these before, mostly from his lessons from Sandman, but never had he seen on in real life before!
Legend states that if one of magic can find a fairy stone then they are granted one wish from the fairies! Many wizards, and witches would search for years only to come up empty handed. Many just hoped to catch a glimpse of one, and Luffy was no different. Of course, there was probably more to the story, but the young child didn't remember every little detail.
“Ok fairy stone! I wish for siblings, no, brothers! Oo, big brothers actually, but not too big! That way they can play together, protect me, and we can be best friends forever!” He put all his hope into the one little stone, holding it close to his heart now as he wished with all his might. Yet, nothing happened, and when he opened his eyes he was still all alone. He pouted when he noticed, tears pricking in his eyes as his loneliness returned in full force. “STUPID STONE! I JUST WANT BRO-!” He didn't get to finish his thought, as he yelped out in pain when something hard collided with his head, and the confused boy was left cradling his poor sore noggin.
“SHUT UP! You're too loud, and in our territory! Get out of here!” Luffy paused what he was doing, absolutely puzzled as he stared around for the source of the mystery voice. Who was that? He didn't see anyone else here, and he would have known if he was followed.
“Um, are you a fairy?” It was the only explanation he could come too, but he was left confused once again when the same angry voice yelled out in retaliation.
“No, you dumbass! Look up!” Look up? Luffy was slightly skeptical at first, remembering the time a young water nymph had played a prank on him and Sandman had to save him from drowning. Yet he looked up anyway, wearing an annoyed glare as he did so, and he ended up gasping in shock at what he saw.
There, high in the trees, were two boys staring down at him. Luffy could see their clothes were covered in holes, and their skin was caked with dirt from the treehouse they were staring down from, but he didn't mind whatsoever.
“Wow! How did you get up there!?” The little child was jumping up, and down, staring up at the mystery kids who seemed less than enthused by his presence. The boy with dark curls just growled to himself, and then threw another rock at Luffy.
“None of your business amish boy!” Amish? Luffy didn't really know what that meant, tilting his head to the side as he looked over his own attire. Cloak, vest, and worn lace up boots were just what he normally wore; was it really that weird?
“Amish? I don't know what that means, but does it stop me from being your friend?” Honestly it was the only thing he cared about, practically begging at this point to not be left behind by the only boys his age he had met in so long. The blonde boy then leaned in a little more, intrigue, and curiosity evident on his features.
“Um, no? We can totally be friends!” The dark haired boy sent his friend a glare, leaning in so the blonde could whisper something into his ear, and then nodding in understanding after whatever they had just discussed. “Yeah, we can be your friends.” Despite the obvious red flags Luffy was happy, smiling, and fidgeting from pure excitement.
“Really!? Can I come up to your house then!?” He reached for the ladder, only to have it pulled up out of his grasp.
“N-No, we’ll just come down to you!” The blonde smiled, showing off a gap in his teeth that most kids that age had, and tried to seem as friendly as he could in order to not spook the young boy. They were like a pair of conniving foxes, and Luffy was now trapped in their claws.
The little boy didn't have to wait for long, both boys making their way down with ease, and soon they were standing face to face. Well, kind of, as the older boys were definitely a little taller than the seven year old. Luffy didn't care though, and now he was practically on cloud nine!
“Wow! You're actually real!” It was an odd thing to say, but he was scared that maybe this was all just some big illusion, and was relieved to see it was indeed not. The two boys just shared a look of confusion, and then shrugged it off.
“Yeah, sure. Anyway, got a house nearby? Preferably one with food.” The dark haired one spoke so nonchalantly, and held a look that could only be summed up as uncaring. Just staring down at Luffy as though he was an annoying ant.
“Yeah! I live in a small one, with a garden, and lots of cool stuff inside! I can show you the way!” He wanted to show them the potions he was working on all by himself, and the weird closet that sometimes spits their clothes out! All fun things he was excited to play around with! The older boys sent each other a look, almost like they were silently communicating with one another before each slowly nodding.
“Lead the way kid.” The blonde motioned him forward, making Luffy even happier than he already was. He squealed in joy, and ran off into the woods, turning around a few times to just make sure the older two were following.
Luffy was just so excited! He had brothers! He couldn't help but happily yell out, and jump up into the air as a surge of energy flowed through his veins. He was already making a huge list within his head of what he wanted to do with the pair, and he could hardly wait as he weaved through the trees.
“So, do you guys have names? I’m Luffy, Monkey D. Luffy!” He turned quickly on his heel, puffing out his chest as he looked at his new friends with eyes filled with pride. He saw this as the start to a beautiful friendship, but the other boys seemed to have a different purpose.
“I’m Sabo, and that's Ace.” The blonde spoke, keeping it simple as he motioned to the dark haired boy next to him. Both boys seemed completely unenthused, not really wanting to be there, or interacting with the younger child that was with them. Luffy though did not seem to notice any of this.
“It's nice to meet you! Wow, my new brother’s names are Ace and Sabo!” He loved their names, and he couldn't help but whisper them to himself as he processed what such a thing meant. Of course, neither boy seemed to think the same.
“We are not your brothers, don't just decide shit!” Ace marched forward, and knocked the little boy against the head with his pipe. His freckle faced burning with anger as he glared at Luffy, and a low growl escaped his lips as he slowly lost his patience. The little boy in question just began to tear up, obviously unhappy at the treatment he had received from the boy he saw as a brother.
“B-But, I wished for brothers, and the stone gave me you two.” He saw it as fate, and being a magical being he was not one to believe in coincidence.
“Wishes never come true, and stones are not magical!” Ace yelled out, exploding completely as he got into the seven year olds face. Sabo had even tried to reach out to him, hoping to calm him down, but getting his hand slapped away instead. Though as the explosion continued all three boy’s neglected to pay attention as a nearby bush began to rustle. “Look, we are just looking for a hot meal, and that's it! So don't pretend we’re all friends, got it!” Luffy now had tears streaming down his face, and this had gotten Sabo’s attention.
“Ace! Now he isn't going to help us!” The blonde grabbed his friend, pulling him back so he was forced to look him in the eye. Rage filled his blue irises as he scolded his friend, and as the fear of having to eat mushrooms for the fifth time that week sunk in he only grew angrier. Lost in his emotions he lacked to notice a bit of brown fur peeking through the foliage in the distance.
“It wasn't my idea to rely on some scrawny, and weird baby! Look at him, he’s a freak!” Luffy flinched, and began to cry to himself at the harsh words. He thought things would be better, that he would no longer be lonely, but now he was just sad; having to deal with the disappointment that was other people being foreign to the young kid.
“If he feeds us then I don't care!” Sabo’s scream echoed throughout the woods, filling the empty space with noise, and causing the animals that lived there to stir; especially the beast that had been lurking not too far away.
Without warning a bear had burst from a nearby bush, roaring, and slashing at the kids as they stood there in fear. It was almost like they were frozen, and then Sabo made the first move. He grabbed the young boy’s hand, and then sent a panicked look towards his friend.
“RUN!” With that the three were off, running through the woods with the bear on their heels, and with Luffy just being dragged along for the ride. He was slightly confused, wondering why they were running instead of fighting.
“Sabo? Why don't we just fight? I can fight it!” The blonde quickly sent a fearful, but determined look, and then tried to speed up his pace as he continued to run alongside Ace.
“Are you crazy!? You’ll die! I’m not letting some kid die in front of me!” Just to prove his point he tightened his grip on the younger boy’s wrist.
“Just let him go Sabo! We aren't his freaking parents!” Ace obviously felt different, but one glare from Sabo shut him up completely. Luffy didn't know why he didn't like him, but now he just wanted to befriend the boy even more than he already did.
“But I can fight the bear! I promise!” He dug his heels in, trying to stop the blonde from pulling him any longer, but his small frame was no help. He pouted in annoyance, deciding that he was now very annoyed at one of his new brothers, and soon he had gained an idea.
He closed his eyes, and allowed himself to tune out the world around him in favor of only focusing on his magic. There was magic everywhere in the world; running through the trees, flowers, and even the animals like a lifeline. As his Sandman had told him once; “magic is everywhere, there are just those who have more than others, and that's nothing to be proud or disgusted about.” He supposed his father figure just wanted him to grow up humble, but he had no idea exactly.
He was able to concentrate fully on a nearby branch, knowing exactly what he needed to do as his eyes flung open, and Luffy put his plan into action. First, he put on the breaks, stopping himself from moving any further, and therefore making Sabo stop as well.
“The hell are you doing!? The bear will kill you!” He knew it wouldn't kill him, and with newfound confidence he raised his hand. Luffy muttered a spell under his breath, and with that came screams from both Sabo and Ace.
“W-What the hell!? Why can't I move!?” Ace looked just like a statue, stuck mid run, and with his eyes shooting around in panic. He kept trying to move, but Luffy had kept him in place. He wanted his brother to see the cool thing he was going to do after all!
“W-Who the hell are you!? What are you doing to us!?” Sabo couldn't move as well, feet stuck to the ground like glue, and staring at Luffy as though he was a monster. The seven year old should have expected this type of reaction, but to him it was normal, and he couldn't help but be confused by the panicked look on his brother's faces.
“Did you forget my name? I’m Luffy!” He gave the older boy a pout, but he didn't have time to really scold him as the bear had inched closer, growling as it prepared an attack. Now this just annoyed the seven year old even more. “Go away! I wasn't talking to you!” He glared at the creature, and then angrily pointed towards its beastly form as the wind around him began to pick up. Then, with a loud thunderous bang, a gigantic branch high in the sky had blown up, tumbling down until it hit the bear square on the head. It roared in pain, and then fell down unconscious, leaving all three boys stunned in silence.
“What the hell…” Ace’s jaw had dropped to the ground, absolutely stunned as he tried to process what in the world just happened. Sabo was no different, except he couldn't find the words to say as he just stuttered, and stared at Luffy like he grew two heads. The little boy on the other hand was so excited, jumping back to face the older boys with a large smile, and sparkly little eyes.
“See! I told you I could beat up the bear! Now we don't have to run!” His happiness turned to confusion when he saw their faces though, but then a lightbulb seemed to light up in his head as realization dawned on him. “Oopsie! I’m sorry!” He clapped his hands, and the spell was broken on the two, allowing them to fall to the ground as their movement was restored.
“Holy shit I can move!” Ace flailed around a bit, relief washing over him as he stared at his hands, and feet as though they were the best things to ever see in the universe. He kisses his hands, smiling in relief before he jumps back up to his feet.
Sabo on the other hand was panicking, crawling away from the seven year old in fear of getting blown up as well, and moving so he could be near Ace as a form of protection. They always protected each other, and this was no different. Luffy just watched, confusion evident on his face before he laughed.
“Shishishi! You guys are weird! Now, come on, let's go to my house!” He then skipped past them, only turning to make sure they were following, and pouting when they remained still in their places. “You aren't frozen anymore so come on!” The pair then quickly did as told, following the boy much to Luffy’s happiness. The two were only doing so in fear of him, but the seven year old didn't know that.
As they walked the ten year olds began to talk with one another, fear, and curiosity beginning to overcome them as they tried to figure things out.
“It wasn't just me who saw that, right? The way a part of the branch exploded?” Sabo leaned in, whispering to Ace as he kept his eyes trained on the younger kid.
“Yeah, I saw it. The hell do you think he is? An alien?” The pair had read their fair share of comic books, so aliens and super villains were something they didn't see out of the realm of possibility. I mean, if a boy could do all that then maybe superpowers existed.
“The hell do we do now? Should we just run?” Sabo wanted to run, but he was afraid of what Luffy would do if they tried. Would he kill them if they tried to run?
“Even if we try he’ll just freeze us again! Look, we play along for now, and when we have a chance we sneak away.” For once Ace was the logical one, a serious expression on his face as he explained his plan, and he smiled when Sabo nodded in understanding. “Good, so just pretend as long as you can.” Luffy had somewhat taken notice, stopping long enough to wave them over with a large smile on his face.
“You guys are slow! Hurry up, my house is just over there!” He skipped off, leaving the other two in the dust before they both snapped back to reality, and when they ran around that corner they were in shock of what they saw.
There was the cabin that belonged to Crocodile, and Luffy. Not too small, but not too big as well, and filled with life as plants were growing all around it. The two boys could see the garden, and a miscellaneous amount of knick knacks that were spread around the porch.
“H-Hey, did you know anyone else was living out here?” Sabo just shook his head at Ace’s question, his brain thinking a mile a minute as he tried to figure out what in the world they had gotten themselves into. Without warning Luffy grabbed their hands, and pulled them inside the house as they were left frozen in shock.
“Sandman! Look, I found brothers!” The pair were met with an onslaught of different smells, noises, and sights as they were pulled into the lion's den. The room is filled with floating objects, and insanely bitter smells, with the center of it all being an adult man dressed in a similar looking cape as Luffy. He was holding a book, and at the sound of the seven year olds voice he closed the book, turning to stare at them with a confused gaze; his eyes though quickly went from puzzled to absolutely surprised when he took in the forms of Ace and Sabo.
“Luffy, where did you find these boys?” His tone was calm, and collected, but it was still terrifying to the two boys. Sabo gulped back his fear as he tried to keep his body from shaking, and Ace just found him weird for his strange attire.
“I made a wish on a fairy stone, and then I found my new brothers! This one is Ace, and this one is Sabo! Can we keep them, please!?” Little Luffy was now begging, eyes reminiscent of a puppy dog as he stared up at his father figure with hope, but the ten year olds did not feel that sentiment.
“Luffy! I told you not to mess with fae, but seeing as you were not kidnapped I assume it wasn't actually a fairy stone.” The man sighed in relief, the action causing all the floating objects to fall to the ground.
“Kidnapped?” The seven year old tilted his head, staring at the other two boys with a confused look before looking towards Crocodile again. The man just sighed.
“It seems you forgot the ending to the story I told you, those who mess with fae get kidnapped, or have their souls stolen. They are not creatures you want to make deals with.” Luffy gasped in shock, jumping back as his face paled, and his expression shifted to one of shame.
“O-Oh, I'm sorry Sandman.” The man just waved him off, cleaning up the fallen objects by hand as he did so.
“It's ok Luffy, now, where did you find your new friends? It isn't often you find children running around these woods.” He sent an all knowing smirk the boys way, causing them both to jump in shock, and stare at each other with fear filled eyes.
“They were living in a big house high up in the trees! I made a wish, and then Ace threw a rock at me! We ran from a big bear, I blew up a branch, and it went BOOM on its head! It was so cool!” He waved his arms as he told his story, trying to emphasize each word with little sound effects, and smiling wide despite the man’s annoyed expression.
“Luffy! You can't show magic to non magical folks, we've been over this!” The seven year old slinked away at that, realizing quickly he had screwed up, and deciding it would be best to keep quiet at this point. Crocodile on the other hand just sighed, rubbing his temples before he turned to the two children. “Anyway, why are two kids living in the woods with no parents? And before you say you have parents I know that's a lie.” The boy’s faces paled, looking at each other in a way that practically screamed their thoughts, and it had been obvious they saw the man as some type of mind reader. “I don't read minds, it's just written all over your face.” that seemed to only embarrass them more.
“N-No it isn't!” Ace’s face was bright red, and he placed his little hands on his hips as he yelled at the older man. It was common knowledge he didn't like adults, and his fear towards a magical wizard did not change that.
“It very much is, but that isn't the point. So, where are you living right now? I can bring you back before your guardians get worried.” The man had every intention to do just that, and had even prepared to change his clothes to look more modern just in case he had to go into town, but stopped when he heard what Sabo said.
“They don't care, we haven't been there in weeks, and they still haven't noticed.” Why the boy saw that as a normal thing to say he had no idea, and it had instantly changed everything the man felt towards the situation. Two boys running off to the woods, living in a rickety treehouse, and looking like they hadn't bathed in weeks, absolutely set off alarm bells in the man’s head; wanting more than anything to just give them a warm meal, and a bath.
“Are you telling me, an adult, that your guardians have been neglecting you?” He gave them both a stern look, watching as they squirmed under his gaze, but after a few seconds they had gained back their false confidence.
“What does it matter to you!? You're just some weird amish guy living in the woods, and blowing up bears!” The man scrunched up his face in confusion, wondering what in the world he was talking about.
“Blowing up bears?” Though he did not know what else to say, wanting to jump out and say he didn't want to leave a group of kids homeless, he felt that wouldn't go well with the pair. Maybe this was because he had grown up with a slew of adopted brothers, watching his father for years take in those who needed a place to call home, and maybe he just picked up on those same behaviors. When he saw Luffy walking around by himself he couldn't hold himself back, and this was no different. “Nevermind, how about I get you a warm meal, and a nice bed for the night. Then you can decide what you want to do tomorrow.” They both looked shocked at that, but deep down he could see that they were tempted to take up the offer.
“Why? You're not trying to trick us, right?” Sabo had a right to be suspicious, and Crocodile did not blame him for that whatsoever.
“Not at all, here, I'll even start up the meal now.” He snapped his fingers, and smirked as the children's faces changed to ones of pure fascination. Their large eyes watching as food, and utensils flew all around the room; beginning to cook for him at a breakneck pace that no human could accomplish. “I hope you like rabbit stew, it's what we have right now.” He whispered a spell, and set the stove ablaze which made gasps escape the young boy’s mouths.
“W-What are you?” Ace stepped back a little, wariness evident on his features, but deep down there was also a little bit of curiosity. Sabo seemed to follow him as well, standing by him in case the two needed to run.
“Me? I’m a wizard, and Luffy is my apprentice. We live a life not many magical folks would enjoy, but we’re a family. He sees you as a friend, so I will open my home to you if you wish.” The food had finished then, the delicious scent wafting through the air, and tempting the two hungry boys. Luffy noticed this and grabbed their hands, and with pure excitement tried to pull them towards the table.
“Yeah! We’re brothers now, so let's eat dinner together!” His happiness was contagious, and soon Crocodile was smiling as well.
“Don't suffocate them, they can sit down, and join us if they want.” A ladle then flew across the air, filling up a few bowls with steamy broth so the two could sit down and eat. The pair still stood back though, staring as though the two magical beings had grown two heads. Crocodile knew what he had to say though. “Oh right, the bread, almost forgot.” He motioned towards the bread box, and several fresh loafs flew out much to the joy of Luffy, and for the other two boys to flinch in hunger.
Honestly, Crocodile had expected them to leave, and he told himself he would not stop them if they did so, but much to his shock they moved closer. Sabo had taken a few steps first, cautiously sitting down at an empty chair, and his eyes widened in shock when he was instantly served a heaping portion of soup. One bite caused him to melt into a happy little child sized puddle.
“Have as much as you want, don't be shy.” Ace hesitated, watching his friend eat with a longing expression on his face. Then, after a few seconds, the ten year old caved. He moved closer, testing the waters before he jumped in, and then he sat along with the rest of them.
“I’m getting my food, and then leaving!” He tried to act tough, but it didn't phase the man whatsoever, and he instead just quickly got him his own bowl.
“Of course, completely understandable.” Little did Crocodile know they would not just be leaving the moment dinner was over, and soon he would be stuck with two new kids in his care.