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This was far from an ideal situation, completely avoidable too, and both parties involved were understandably pissed. Shanks, and Buggy both were now lamenting their bad decision. Neither willing to talk about what had just happened, or admit they were in the wrong.
"You just had to try and bottle the water!" Shanks had begun to tap his foot impatiently, and the glare on his face was very uncharacteristic of the redhead. Normally he went through life with a smile on his face, and without a care in the world. Yet this was a rare occurrence, no smile in sight.
"Hey! I was thinking ahead! If you didn't try and grab the bottle from my hand then none of this would have happened!" The pair continued to yell at one another. Neither willing to give up, or even show a little leniency as they screamed at an insane volume. Though, no one else seemed to care.
The pair would occasionally get a small smile, or a laugh as the result of their arguing, but no one said a word. No one told them to shut up, or angrily put a stop to their bickering. It was far from normal, and only made sense to those on the outside. Especially since the only thing their fellow pirates could hear was the babbling, and cooing of two young babies.
Not too long ago the Roger pirates had made a quick stop on a new island. The men stretch their legs, and allow themselves to give into the excitement beginning to bubble within their stomachs at the mere thought of exploring the uncharted territory. It was hard to not just run into the woods right then and there! Especially since their captain had already gotten a head start, and definitely didn't care how the two youngest members had wandered off as well.
"Hey! Hey Buggy! Whatcha doing?" Shanks didn't plan to follow the other boy around, but after watching him sneak around he wanted in! Mischief was something that seemed to come naturally to the child, always searching for trouble, and sometimes enjoying the outcome. Though if he had to choose one thing to do it would be messing with his blue haired friend.
"Leave me alone!" Buggy just yelled at him, hoping to scare away the boy, but failing miserably. This was normal behavior for the pair. They were never seen without the other, and this could be bad or good counting on which boy you asked.
Like any day they would explore a new island Buggy had one thing on the brain, treasure. He wanted more than anything to be the first to find a mountain of treasure, and become the wealthiest man alive! Though, for a child, this was easier said than done. His imagination would run wild with each new island, only to be crushed when none of his "well thought out" plans came to fruition. Of course, these plans were nothing more than just finding treasure, but they were enough for the child. Plus, he had the perfect scapegoat for each time he failed. A certain redhead known as Shanks.
"Stop following me already you brat! All you do is get on my nerves!" And ruin all his plans, but he didn't wish to bring this up in fear of the redhead learning of his newest endeavors. Of course, this wasn't the case. It didn't matter what he said, as Shanks would find a way to get himself involved.
"What if I'm just going the same way?" He spoke with a cheeky smirk on his face, obviously reveling in how angry he was making the blue haired boy. "I just so happen to be going to the same place, so how about we go together?" It was an obvious ploy to hang out with the other boy, but Shanks didn't mind that. He liked it! To him, it made things easier when it came to trying to make friends. Shoot your shot, and hope it hits! That's what Shanks believed.
Buggy just growled, but didn't pay the other boy anymore mind. Obviously realizing that no matter what he did the redhead would follow him around anyway, and he didn't want to waste precious breath on him. He could just ditch him the second he saw any treasure anyway.
The two had continued like this for a while. Pushing past dense foliage in their quiet search for treasure, but to their disappointment nothing like that was in sight. No shimmering gold, or shining jewels to catch their gaze; nothing but trees. At least, until they just so happened to come across it.
It was an accident (unless you asked Buggy, then it was on purpose), Shanks didn't see when the other boy had stopped walking, and had rammed himself into his back which sent the boy flying forward. Red nose filling the clearing with a loud honking noise as he landed face first on the plush grass.
"Hey! Watch where you're going!" His anger was enough to shake the treetops, and cause a flock of birds to fly away, yet didn't bother Shanks in the slightest. His attention was solely focused on one thing, and with his jaw dropped he piqued the interest of his blue haired companion. He blinked a few times, trying to clear out the confusion that was running through his mind, and then slowly shifted his gaze to where the redhead was staring. Only to lose his voice from pure shock at what he saw.
There, in the center of a large clearing, was a glorious pond filled to the brim with sparkling blue water. A fountain coming from a mountainside pouring down into it, and creating mystical bubbles that looked straight out of a fantasy novel. It was jaw dropping, and both boys almost got lost in thought just watching it. At least until Buggy snapped out of his trance, and cata[ulted himself towards the gorgeous spring. Eyes sparkling as he took in the gorgeous sight in front of him.
“It's amazing…..IT'S AMAZING!” Right away he was seeing dollar signs! He could sell the sparkling liquid for millions, and he was sure people would buy it! All he had to do was claim it had some magical properties and it would fly off the shelves. He’ll be a millionaire in no time!
"Woah! That's so cool, we should tell the captain!" Buggy's excitement was then ruined, forcing him to glare at the redhead that had followed him all the way into the clearing. Crap, he forgot Shanks was here too. He didn't want to share with the other boy, and he especially didn't want to share with the entire Roger crew! This was his treasure, and he was going to reap all the benefits!
“Actually, how about we just keep this a secret between us. Um, like what friends do.” Obviously he did not believe the words he was spouting, but he didn't care as long as it got the job done. He knew that Shanks had always wished the two of them could be friends, or even brothers, but Buggy never could trust the guy. The only thing in the world he could rely on was himself, and treasure! Shanks just stared at him weird eyed, confused, and seeming to realize there was something a little off with the statement.
“Since when have you seen me as a friend? Last I checked you tolerated me at best.” Shanks was very skeptical, glaring at the blue haired tween as he awaited for an answer. He knew there was a deeper reason, and seeing how Buggy began to sweat from nerves at his statement.
“W-What!? No! Whatever do you mean!?” He laughed nervously, trying his best to sneak closer to the pond without Shank’s noticing. “You know! How about you just run back to the crew, and I can scope this out! That way no one has to get hurt.” He smiled, forcing it out to try and not seem suspicious. The young teen not giving anything away as he just stared at Buggy with a blank expression.
“Oh, ok! Yeah, I’ll leave it to you!” He seemed convinced, nodding in understanding like a bobble head before popping back up to his feet. “At least I know the secret spot will be safe with the great Buggy guarding it!” His sing-song voice trailed off as the young redhead marched away in a random direction, waving, and seeming to have forgotten about the mystical pond. At least, Buggy assumed he had forgotten.
“Hah! Sucker.” He chuckled to himself, running to the pond with newfound happiness, and instantly getting to work as he uncapped a glass jar. He was lucky to have it in his inventory, priding himself on always being prepared, and quickly got to work filling it up to the brim. Of course, he examined it at first, wondering if maybe it could be poisoned, or maybe even cursed. He hummed, and leaned in to get a better look. Hm, it seemed normal to him.
"Aha! I knew you would try and hog it all to yourself!" All of the sudden he felt something hard collide with his back, knocking him forward, and making the teen lose his balance. Then, the unthinkable happened, they both fell into the pond. Time stopped all around them as the feeling of water entering their lungs caused them both to panic, fear consuming them as they clawed, and fought against the water. No matter what Buggy did though he sank like a rock, flapping desperately against his prison as he stared hopelessly up at the shining light that was just out of his grasp. No, he didn't want to die!
As he began to lose air he looked towards Shanks, expecting to not see him there as he did not possess a devil fruit, but he was shocked to see him still next to him. The redhead desperately tried to swim to the surface only to stay in his place. It was weird, terrifying, but he didn't have time to think about it as soon a new problem arose; his body was struck with an unbearable pain. He tried to scream out, but quickly shut his mouth when a stream of water entered. Shit! He was really going to die! His body contorting, and stretching as he shook in pain. It was only when his vision began darkness began to crawl throughout his vision that things began to look up, a hand reaching in, and gripping the back of his shirt so it could pull him out with ease. His lungs burned the moment he began to cough up water, and take in fresh air.
“Breathe you two, that's right, get the water out.” They were safe, at least that's what they thought. They had calmed down of course now that their captain had saved them, but there was something still terribly wrong, and when another wave of pain hit them both they were once again consumed with fear.
“C-Captain, h-help me.” Shanks muttered out, flinching in pain as he stared up at the older man with fear filled eyes. Buggy had never seen Shanks so scared in his life, and that was all he needed to become frightened himself. He tried to move closer to the man, seeking comfort, and for someone to tell him that he was going to be ok.
“I-I don't want to die! Pl-!” He was cut off when a wave of pain hit him, and he was forced to curl up into the fetal position as moving had become impossible. His breathing turned ragged, and soon he was beginning to black out.
“CROCUS! GET THE MED-” Neither boy was able to hear the rest, passing out from the agony they were experiencing, and falling into darkness. They were clueless to the world around them after that, and when they woke up they would be met with a surprise.
Well, to sum up the hell that had happened, the pair had found the fountain of youth, and had paid the price for trying to collect the forbidden water. It was still something completely surreal, and as the two sat across from each other they couldn't help but be angry, trying to pin the blame on something in order to give them some sort of closure.
“Why the hell did you tackle me anyway!? You could have just tapped my shoulder you dummy!” Buggy kicked his feet, the fact he couldn't move like he used to just added to the frustration he was already feeling.
“I was just trying to have some fun! If you weren't so greedy then we wouldn't be in this situation!” The redheaded baby leaned forward, wapping his friend against the head in a way to punish him for his outburst, and feeling a strange surge of satisfaction as he got his anger out.
The water had transformed them to babies; small, and unable to care for themselves as they were absolutely defenseless. Unable to walk, talk, or eat solid foods like they could in their teenage bodies. Other than their memories they were, in all sense, regular babies.
Buggy was left speechless, sitting there with his eyes wide in shock at the contact, and then without warning he began to tear up. Shanks had no idea what was happening at first, watching the interaction with an unamused expression.
“What's wrong with you?” He leaned forward, expecting Buggy to just jump back into his normal angry responses, and continue the fight. Instead, something shocking happened, he began to cry. No, not just crying, but screaming at the top of his lungs as he bawled without any restraints. Shanks had tried to talk sense into him, but all of his attempts had done virtually nothing.
“Hey! Don't hit each other!” The loud voice had caused Shanks to jump, shocking himself as a little bit of fear began to creep into his tiny body, and soon confusion had replaced the fear; it seemed his baby body could only feel one extreme emotion at a single time, and he hated it.
Rayleigh made his way over, plucking the little baby out of his jail cell, and holding him close so he could rock him. The man seemed annoyed, but it didn't last long as he began to shush the sad baby in his arms.
“You're ok, no need to cry.” Shanks honestly couldn't help but just watch like the man had grown two heads. The strict, and frightening co captain was actually cuddling a baby!? Shanks could barely believe it, and it seems the other crew members felt the same!
“Oh? Is mama Rayleigh going to make an appearance today?” The crew burst out into laughter, slapping their knees at the joke, and laughing louder when the man gave them an annoyed expression. Shanks couldn't laugh though, not when he was still stuck with weird feelings of confusion that he couldn't seem to shake, and he couldn't help but shiver when he saw the man’s glare.
“Someone has to make sure they stay alive, since Roger is set on them staying with us.” Shanks gasped, Roger wanted them still!? It was hard to explain why, but he feared the man would just drop them off at the next island, and then sail away like they never existed; learning otherwise made him feel a new emotion, happiness.
"Thank you captain! Thank you Rayleigh!" He couldn't help himself, he had to scream in joy, and let the world know he was happy! He got to stay on the ship, and that was all he could ever want! Of course it just sounded like babbling to the crew, and hidden from his gaze were the soft smiles of the men as they watched the baby kick his little feet in joy. It seemed even Rayleigh's ice cold heart melted, and with an easygoing huff he lifted the other baby into his arms.
"Quite talkative for being around a bunch of strangers." Now that had caught him off guard, making him stare up at the man with wide eyes as he processed what he had just said. Wait, did they think the pair had no memories? He sent a quick look to Buggy, watching as his face morphed to one of shock as well, and slowly he seemed to calm down from his random crying fit from before, seeming to share a similar thought with his friend as he gave Shanks a confused glance.
The pirates had begun to crowd around them, and coo, pulling silly faces as they tickled their chubby tummies to try and get a laugh out of them. The party ended though when the medbay’s door slammed open, revealing the intimidating form of their captain, and shaking the boat with his steps as he stomped out in anger.
“Roger! Get your ass back here! I’m not done examining you!” Crocus had run out after him, the man steaming with anger as he normally did when he had to deal with the captain, but the scene still was odd. It was odd to not see Roger smiling like he always did, the man glaring off into space as he messed with his mustache, and paced around the deck. He was nervous, but about what? His dark eyes then shifted to Rayleigh, and in turn, the pair of babies; his face instantly lit up with a smile.
“There's my little ones! Come here!” The man bellowed out, making both babies jump a little from the sheer noise, and the moment the man saw that he froze up in fear. “Oh, I'm sorry.” Everyone was shocked that he had lowered his voice, and with a gentleness uncharacteristic of the man he took Buggy into his giant arms. His rough features melted as he stared down at the tiny little baby, then with a happy snort he bounced him a little.
“Been a while since I held a little guy like you! I wonder how old you are? 2 months, 3 months? Either way you're a tiny little Buggy, yes you are!” Buggy just scrunched up his face, and Shanks could tell right then and there that he was annoyed at the baby talk. He couldn't blame him, he felt like he was going through hell too, and didn't like being treated like a normal baby.
“Roger! I told you I needed to examine you first, and then the babies! You stuck your hand in that water, and we need to figure out what it does as soon as we can!” So, it really was the captain who saved them. Shanks had thought for a few seconds that he imagined the whole affair, but now he felt happy to know how much the man cared.
“And I say you need to look over them first! Look at them, tiny things, and anything could kill them at this point! You gotta make sure they're healthy!” The captain thrust Buggy into the doctor’s arms, determination written all over his features, and seeming to refuse to stop until the doctor slowly took the baby into his own arms. Crocus just sighed, giving a straight face to the blue haired infant before seeming to relent.
“Fine, and bring him too.” He motioned towards Shanks, wanting the other baby to be brought within his office as well. That shouldnt be shocking, he had been in there several times, but he all of the sudden felt scared and soon he was burying his face into Rayleigh’s coat.
“It's alright, you’ll be ok.” The man rubbed his back, trying to calm him as they both made their way into the doctor’s office.
It was small, like always, with one bed, and a desk tucked into the corners of it. There were not many objects lying about, as the rocking of the ship would just toss it about, but it just added to the tidiness of the place.
“Alright, set the kid down over there.” Crocus just nonchalantly motioned towards the exam table, sighing to himself, and then moving so he could place Buggy down on his back. Both babies were dressed in large shirts, and dish rags that were wrapped around their bodies, it was annoying, but all they had to work with. Crocus undressing their makeshift clothes so he could get a look at them. “Way too skinny, and pale to be healthy.” As usual he had gotten right to work, examining their little bodies with a calculated glint in his eye.
“Hands off!” Buggy had regained his spark, kicking, and fidgeting as the man tried to poke at him. It was embarrassing, and humiliating to have someone manhandling them, and as time went on their hatred for their situation grew.
A weird sensation was starting to boil within Shanks, grumbling nonsensical words to himself as his body was taken over by the intense emotion. Was this anger? No, it couldn't be, he never felt this angry before to the point of it consuming him. Yet no matter what he did he couldn't shake away the feeling, and soon those emotions began to come out like how all babies emotions manifested themselves; crying.
He began to whimper, bringing almost everyone's attention to the little red haired baby as he did so, and before any of them could even make a move he began to cry. He hated himself for doing so, but once the water works began he couldn't stop it. He screamed, kicked his feet, and his eyes shit around the room pitifully as he searched for any type of comfort. He wasn't sure what exactly he wanted, but he couldn't shake away the deep feeling of loneliness that was seeping in his stomach. Then, a song filled the room.
Both babies instantly stopped their fussing, sniffling up their tears, and turning to stare at the source of the calming noise. There, clapping his hands, and softly singing sea shanties, was Roger. The man was smiling ear to ear, and his eyes twinkling with a loving expression as he slowly approached the little red haired baby. Shanks wasn't sure why, but he was entranced by the man’s singing voice, and how he clapped to the beat. The baby gurgled something intelligible, and then leaned forward so the captain would hold him in his arms. The man cooing, and humming to him as he bounced the baby in his arms.
“It's gonna be ok little guy. I gotcha.” He held the baby closer, and the Shanks couldn't help but relax the moment he heard the man’s heartbeat. His little ear pressed against his large chest, and sighing happily as the lovely rhythmic sound filled his head. He loved it, and it turned into a lovely lullaby for him. “And you said I'm not good with kids, Rayleigh!” His makeshift pillow rumbled underneath his cheek, and Shanks threw all reserves out the window as he cuddled into the kind man.
“You're basically a giant kid, so it doesn't shock me.” Rayleigh’s voice was dull, and cut into the soft atmosphere like a knife, but Roger didn't seem to mind whatsoever.
“Bahaha! You're a funny man! You have to admit though, the pair are adorable.” Shanks then felt a pair of lips on the top of his head, and he leaned into the kiss with a happy coo. He had never felt so loved before in his life, being abandoned at such a young age and all, but now he could feel himself be filled up like a glass with affection. The captain always cared for them, but this was on a whole new level, and neither minded whatsoever.
“I wanna hug.” Buggy piped up from the corner, desperately reaching out to the man as he opened and closed his little hands. Shanks couldn't help but shoot a glare the other baby’s way, finding annoyance in having his nice moment ruined by Buggy.
“No! You stay there!” He angrily bit back at his friend, hoping to scare him off, and keep him away from the captain that he now claimed as his favorite caretaker. He didn't want to share, and instead wished to keep the man all to himself. Buggy began to tear up again, but was shushed when the loving captain scooped him into his arms.
“No need to cry baby Buggy, enough love to go around!” Roger laughed, and then leaned down to blow a raspberry on the baby’s tummy. A barrage of laughter filled the doctor's office, and it seemed everyone in the room melted at the lovely sound. Even Crocus had cracked a smile, forgetting his work before he snapped right out of the stupor he was in.
“Alright, you had your fun, but I need to check them out.” The older man reached out, quietly begging for the pair of babies that were happily nestled in the captain’s arms. Roger seemed a little hesitant at first, grimacing at the man as he internally debated the request, but he then slowly obliged.
To be honest Shanks was heartbroken to be stolen away from his source of warmth, but other than a few whimpers he didn't vocalize his anger; all to not make a fool of himself again. Both behaved for their check ups, and as they did so they listened in on the conversation that began between the captain and first mate.
“How far out are we to Baterilla?” Baterilla? Now that had caught Shank’s attention, and he was confused why they would go to Baterilla. They had been to the little tropical town in the South Blue before, but it never served as a good restocking area in the past. Now that he thought about it, why did they always go there?
“We’ll be there in a few hours. I’m sure you are very excited.” Rayleigh’s eye had this all knowing sparkle, seeming to have all the answers, but not enlightening anyone else in the room.
“Of course! There's only one person I trust to help me with our new babies after all!” He spoke so confidently, and matter of factly that it caught the pair off guard. A person? Buggy was a little peeved, obviously finding the idea of someone being a caretaker to him as insulting. While Shanks found it more confusing. Sadly, they couldn't ask any questions. All they got to do was sit, and be nice for the doctor listening to their little lungs.
“Look, I don't have to weigh Shanks too to know he's underweight.” The doctor sighed, looking over him with large sad eyes that screamed pity. Were they really both that bad off? “Shanks looks to be eight to nine months old, i’ll tell the cooks to make baby sized portions coming up so we can get his weight back up. Buggy will just need to have some vitamins added to his formula since he's too young for solids.” Buggy grumbled in response, a blush coating his cheeks as he did so. That wasn't fair, he wanted real food too!
Roger’s attention was dragged away when he heard the doctor, turning right back to the babies the moment he could, and cooing at them like a doting father would. He helped Shanks sit up, watching in delight when the baby sat up in ease without any need for help.
“Oh, we’ll fatten them up! If there's one thing our cooks know then it's feeding hungry crew members!” He booped the baby’s nose, expression turning soft the moment he did so. It was odd, seeing the captain so soft, but it strangely fit him as well. “You're gonna be happy here, I'll make sure of that.” It was a kind sentiment, but at the same time both babies couldn't help but be shocked.
He scooped them both up again, against the cries of opposition from Crocus, and held them close with a large smile. He held a cheeky expression on his face before he burst out of the office, running from a barrage of screams from the pair left behind as he did so. The two children though couldn't stop laughing, and giggling as the man spun around the ship in joy. Once the laughter started Roger had picked up his pace, doing outrageous things to make them laugh, and smiling when he got a good reception from his young charges.
“Roger! You can't swing them around!” Rayleigh wore an expression of fear, gripping the doorknob as he watched the man play with the two children. He had even rushed forward to take Buggy away from the taller man in a desperate attempt to keep them safe. Roger just ended up becoming annoyed by such a thing.
“Come on now! Not like I was going to drop them!” His pout was childish, reminding Shanks of a petulant toddler. He reached to take Buggy back, but huffed in annoyance when he was moved out of his grasp.
“He’s around 3 months old, you have to support him more.” The first mate didn't give anything away on his face, staring at the man with unamused eyes in a quiet protest. Roger just sighed, and then finally caved as he slowly relaxed his body, gently reaching out to take the infant with the proper form this time. “Good, I can't be babysitting you all the time.” Rayleigh sighed, and relinquished the baby back to the awaiting captain, watching with a small smile as the captain instantly pulled the little boy close.
“Who said you had to do that? What type of captain would I be if I didn't care for my crew after all!?” The first mate looked as though he wanted to scold him again, but they were both interrupted when a crew member yelled out.
“We’re approaching Baterilla!” That was enough to change the atmosphere, both men now focusing on the shoreline that was now on the horizon. Shanks had tried to peek to get a look at it, but all he caught was the impressive lighthouse that the town was known for. He looked at Buggy, the other baby chewing on his hand as he wore a nervous expression, and Shanks wondered what he was thinking.
It didn't take long for them to dock, Roger rushing off the ship the moment he had a chance with the pair still cradled in his arms. He had a tight grip on them, showing he wouldn't drop them no matter what, and in turn hiding them so the world around them wouldn't see. All Shanks was able to pick up was flashes of grassy fields, and growing flowers before they all of the sudden approached a house that sat on top of a hill.
It was a tiny place, cozy for one person, and was surrounded by a field of roaming flowers. It was a gorgeous sight, but his wonder quickly turned to shock when he saw someone exit the house; a beautiful woman to be exact.
“What did I tell you about coming here?” She huffed in annoyance, crossing her arms over her chest as her strawberry blonde hair blew in the wind. They both thought she would attack the man, or their captain would just leave, instead Roger burst into happy laughter, running full force up the hill to where the woman stood. When they were face to face, Shanks noted how serene they both seemed.
“Not to make a scene, but I don't think that suits me.” She giggled at his words, and she gave a small smile; it was pretty, and framed her freckles perfectly.
“I suppose so, but if you're here then I guess there's something you need to tell me.” Tell her? So, they knew each other?? Buggy and Shanks moved so they could send one another confused glances, neither knowing what was going on.
“Yup! Just so happens to be these two!” He moved his arms, revealing the pair that he kept hidden, and the babies couldn't help but stare with scared glances as he did so. The woman on the other hand was at first confused, but she then seemed ecstatic as she carefully leaned down to meet their gaze.
“They're so cute, I didn't know you had any intention of adopting kids.” Roger, Gold Roger, of all people blushed at her words. Looking happier than he ever had as he smiled at the smaller woman.
“I didn't, and I can explain, but that's why I'm here. I can't do this alone, and I want you to come to the Oro Jackson with me, Rouge.” The woman, Rouge, seemed shocked by this, but she soon relaxed. She looked between the babies, and then to Roger before making up her mind.
“Well, how can I say no to such a proposition?”