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Chapter Text

Name: [Y/N] [L/N]
Age: 18
Gender: Female
Pronouns: She/They
Species: Dragon/?
Magic Colour: [f/c]

Weapon(s): 
Double-edged Axe:
Essence- black axe, with numerous [f/c] jewels across it. has the family insignia across it-two dragons in the shape of yin and yang
One sword:
Eternal- dark blue blade, with a black hilt and black jewels

Likes: Meat, Affection
Dislikes: Turtles, Water

Occupation: Pirate Captain (at least, will be soon)
Other name(s): Endless
Power(s): Summons axe at will, monstrous strength (in and out of dragon form), can turn into a full dragon, control over (blue) fire, light, darkness, shouts "obey", or anything else in a commanding voice and golden chains wrap around the enemy and force them to bow down on the floor...?

Height: 5'9
Appearance: (your appearance), with twisting, white horns which glow with dark purple, fire-like magic which comes off like wisps of smoke, [f/c] wings and a [f/c] tail. Has numerous scars across entire body, with some being noticeable burn marks. Wears a tear-shaped necklace. Usually wears a dark blue waistcoat, with a white shirt underneath, trousers and boots. Sometimes, she tends to wear a blue (battle) kimono with pink lotus across it with a pair of sandals and shorts underneath.

Full dragon appearance: [f/c] scales/body, with [e/c] eyes, twisted, white horns, large, bat-like wings. Has a long tail, and numerous scars/burns across body. Horns glow with a dark purple, fire-like magic and her tail is the exact same.
Body Type: Chubby, with a big chest, rolls and curves. 

Other info: Once got into a fist fight with a turtle for 'numerous' reasons. Very protective over Luffy, and isn't afraid to show him more affection and give him kisses. On occasion, you have explained the difference between platonic and romantic relationships to him. You are already well-known for destroying a Marine fleet without mercy, and are known for being calm, but a little serious. 

Chapter Text

The skies were bright blue, with wispy, white clouds trailing across the sky overhead as the boat trailed across the sea, the waves lightly hitting against the sides of the ship. Seagulls squawked from up above, pounding their wings together and twirling through the air currents. A single barrel floated across the water, bobbing up and down a little as two men on the ship cast their eyes downwards. The ship itself was one of wealth, where guests danced in the main room dressed in intricate, bright clothing.

"Not again..." The bigger man murmurs to himself as he misses the barrel. Finally, after a couple of more throws, the hook tears into the barrel, leaving only small marks as they start to drag it out of the water. Two of the men wrap their hands around the rope and start to pull it up, more and more, despite acknowledging how heavy it was. "Must be filled with booze then! It's all ours now!" Unknown to them, a Pirate ship hides behind a small island as it sails, soon sailing past it so the sailor above sees it.

His eyes widen in fear, and words refuse to escape from the back of his throat for a moment. Sweat trails down his face, rolling down his skin and hitting the deck below. Despite the hotness which clings to his skin, the cold sweat soon breaks him from his stupor. The ship itself is pink, and their pirate flag is a skull and cross bones with a heart against the side of its skull as it slants to the side whilst the front of the ship has a white swan with a yellow beak and their sails have a single heart across each one. "Ship off the starboard stern! There's a pirate flag on its mast! It's a pirate ship! Enemy raid! Enemy raid!"

Soon enough, the pirate ship sets off its cannons, dust and smoke mixing together to hide the side of the ship as cannon balls hurtle towards the ship, before pounding into the sea, three large up streams of water were thrown up on either side of the ship. From the force of the attacks, the ship is sent to its side. The Pirate ship continues its attack, unaware of what may take place on the very vessel. A cannon ball flies towards the middle mast and it breaks off into fragments onto the deck. The forgotten barrel rolls down the stairs, knocking against each step as it does so before rolling more down a corridor, slamming against a door and twirled around until it stopped.

A pink-haired boy, named Coby, enters through the kitchen. He mutters to himself, his head turning from side-to-side to focus on each detail. One of the tables was resting against its side, with a pot on its side spilling its contents. The larger table has two large knives and a meat cleaver, with plates stacked, and fish displayed on one plate. "There's no one in here, right? What a relief..." He turns his head towards the barrels stacked in the corner, and starts to step towards the large barrel. "That's a rather large barrel..." The boy starts to roll it towards the door, as three men appear.

"Hey, coward! Are you hidin' out in a place like this again?!"
He puts up his hands in fear, as sweat coated his cheeks. "N-No! I thought I'd haul this big barrel of alcohol over..."
They all chuckle. "We'll lighten it for ya!"
"I was just feelin' thirsty!"

"You can't! Alvida-sama will kill us if she finds out!"
The one with a curled, blue tattoo across his eye grins. "Then you just need to keep yer mouth shut! Right, Coby?" One of the men lifts up the barrel, and thuds it down so it now settles the right way up.
"Thing's pretty heavy!" He cracks his knuckles and smirks. "I'll bust it right open!" As he's about to throw his fist into it, Luffy springs from the barrel with two of his fists outstretched and knocks one of the pirates in the jaw and he falls backwards. The boy has a grin across his face, whilst everyone else has their mouths wide in surprise.

"I slept great!"
"Only because you were wrapped around my tail, Lu," You say, placing your hands on either side of the barrel to force yourself to stand. The two men, and well, boy, stare at you weirdly. The attire you wear (the waistcoat and other items) are not expected from someone who just came from a barrel. For now, you didn't appear to have your wings and tail- a simple spell to make sure they didn't get in the way- but your horns twisted from your head. Your head slowly turns towards the collapsed man on the floor, and even Luffy now notices.

"Who're you guys?"
"No, who are you?!" Luffy climbs from the barrel, seemingly nonchalant. "That guy's gonna catch a cold if he sleeps there, y'know." He places out his hand with a wide smile, and you take it, interlocking his fingers with yours as he helps you climb from the barrel, his other hand wrapped around your waist securely.
"You did that!" One of the pirates unsheathes a knife and places it in front of Luffy, alarmingly close to his face. "Are you toyin' with us even when you know we're pirates?!" This was beginning to get on your last nerve.

Luffy yawns, and turns towards Coby, who has his mouth wide, and sweat rolling down his face. "Man, I'm hungry! You got any food?" Due to ignoring the two pirates, they raise their blades above their heads, before you smash your fists into their faces, sending them through the walls of the ship. Coby kneels down, his hands pressed against his eyes to stop himself from seeing anything.
"I'd prefer it if you didn't attack my first mate when his back is turned," Not that it made sense to make a comment, since the two men had collapsed, likely knocked out by the strength of the blows.

"Aw, I wanted to do that, [Y/N]!"
"Next time, Luffy," You smile a little before both of you turn around to face Coby who looks up at you in awe. "What the...What just happened?"
"What's with them?" Luffy asked, not quite hearing Coby's question. They were pirates, as they had said themselves. Whether they were apart of a strong Pirate crew was another question, and: why were they here? How many?

You must have zoned out for Luffy took you by the hand and started to lead you through the doors until you reached the room where the food was being stored. It didn't take long for the rubber boy to indulge himself. You crossed your arms against your chest and leaned back against one of the boxes, a smile curving around your face. "Food! Food! Food! Yes! Food!"
"Actually, they might not find us in here!" He turned towards Luffy, eyebrows furrowing as he watched Luffy eating the ruby red apples in the crate. "M-My name is Coby. You're [Y/N] and Luffy-san, right? That was incredible just now! How did you do that?!"

"These things are great!" Luffy continued to eat his apples, not hearing the young boy's question. "Is this a pirate ship?"
"No, it's a passenger ship that's being raided by Alvida-sama."
"Do you know if there are any boats onboard?" You ask, stuffing your hands into your pockets and heads towards Luffy before sitting cross-legged beside him. "We did not exactly come prepared for this journey."

"I-I think so..." Coby rose his head, his eyes trailing over your features. His cheeks flushed bright red as he couldn't help but stare in awe: your eyes were so bright and hopeful, and you looked just like an angel in the light. At least, what light there was. He hadn't seen such beauty in his life. Somehow, there was a regal aspect to your beauty, your glow and he couldn't help but stare, watch each movement your eyes made or how they crinkled when you smiled.
"[N/N], try this!" Luffy grabbed hold of one of the apples and held it in front of you, his cheeks stuffed with apples and with a wide smile across his face. You shook your head in amusement, before tilting your head forward and took a bite.

As you started to bite down on the chunk stuffed between your cheeks, the sweet juices trickled down your lips, rolling down your cheek and falling down onto the floor below. It was sweet along your tongue, and the pleasant taste infiltrated your senses- it was no wonder Luffy liked them so much. A single, green drop rolled down your face and Luffy watched. Before you could wipe it away with your finger, Luffy leaned forward and pressed a kiss to your cheek, licking away the drop with his tongue. Whilst he was unbothered, and continued to indulge himself, your face blushed bright red and you turned towards him in confusion. Coby's mouth gaped open.

"I could have done that, Lu," You wipe your cheek with your hand, your face flushing a darker shade whilst Luffy just laughed at your embarrassment. He wasn't embarrassed, and this wasn't exactly the first time you two kissed. More often than not, it was on the lips, or just one to the neck and such. Still, the fact he did it in front of someone else was just a little embarrassing. If you two were alone, you wouldn't even react. You knew he didn't mean it in a platonic way, either.

You must have drifted off into your thoughts, as you heard Coby speak. "In exchange for my life, I've been forced to be a chore boy."
"Man, you're dumb and stupid!" Luffy replied.
"You're brutally honest..." Coby looks down at the floor.
"If you don't like it, then run away!"

He started to shake his head from side-to-side. "I-I can't! No way! No way! Just the thought of Alvida-sama finding me frightens me and makes me weak in the knees--"
Luffy starts to laugh again. "Oh, you're a wimp, too? Man, I hate you!" You pinch his cheek harshly and he starts to whine, comically crying. You place your other hand on your hip, your eyes narrowed at Luffy. "O-Ow! [N/N]!"

"There is nothing wrong with being a little afraid," You turn your head towards him, and your chest twists uncomfortably at the look of his pout across his face. Reluctantly, you let him go and wrapped your arm around his shoulder, pressing him against your side. "The thing is, Coby, regardless of whether we are afraid or not, we can't allow it to dictate our life. Or, how would we live our lives if we can only be afraid?" Somehow your kind words, and smile was enough to calm his erratic heartbeat. His cheeks darkened. Luffy rubbed his cheek against yours, gleefully smiling as he nuzzled his head into the crook of your neck.

"If only I had the courage to drift the ocean in a barrel. There's actually something I want to do, too...Umm...what compelled you to set out onto the sea, Luffy-san and [Y/N]?"
"I seek to become the Queen of the Pirates, and Luffy here is my first mate!" You grinned.
Coby pales, his face dripping with sweat. "Q-Q-Queen of the Pirates?!"

"Yes."
"Are you serious?!"
"Yes."

"Wait, you're pirates, [Y/N] and Luffy-san?!"
"Yes."
"What about your crew?!"
"Luffy is the only member of my crew so far." Coby froze where he sat. Luffy waved his hand over his eyes, blinking his eyes at him in confusion. You and Luffy exchanged looks, and he suddenly shakily stood up.

"Q-Q-Queen of the Pirates is a title given to the person who obtains everything in the world! That means seeking the great treasure of wealth, fame and power..." You nod, snorting as Luffy buries himself into your neck. Coby dramatically outstretches his arms. "...the One Piece!"
"Yes. I feel we may continue this for a while. So, I wanted to say, I have my reasons to adventure across the sea and even get the One Piece. If I have a dream, why not do my best to make sure it comes true? And not just leave it as a second thought? Long forgotten? You have your own dreams you want to fulfil, right?" Coby nodded. "Then, go for it. The only one stopping you from making it happen is yourself. I will die fighting, if possible." 

Coby's cheeks flush a little more and his eyes twinkle. Your voice has a seriousness, but kindness lacing it. It was as though you truly wanted everyone to grasp at their dreams and make it come true, as though you didn't see it as something impossible to accomplish, but simply something with added steps. Was that what it meant to be a Captain? To see and fulfil the dreams in others? To be there for a kind word? To never give up? And, to treat their crew with kindness and respect they deserved? A regal air was wrapped around you, from the way you spoke, to the way you presented yourself. It was almost magical how gorgeous you were, and how powerful, even from a simple glance alone, he could tell you were.

Luffy helped you to stand, and you both headed towards the door, stopping short as Coby started to speak. "No! I'll do it! If I'm gonna be a chore boy for the rest of my life, then I'll break out of here and catch even Alvida-sama-- no, Alvida!" The ceiling above them started to crumble, sending wood and dust everywhere, completely concealing the figure within. Luffy protectively extended his arm in front of you. "You're gonna team up with them to catch who?! Huh, Coby?!" There she was, Alvida, holding her metal, spiked club on her shoulder. The poor boy starts to shake at the fierce glare of the woman, as sweat rolls down his face and he holds up his hands in an effort to protect himself.

Behind Luffy's head, swords start to slice through the walls. You both look towards Alvida, who glares at you. "You don't seem to be Zoro, the pirate hunter."
"Zoro?"
"He's a bounty hunter, Lu." 
"Coby!" Coby jumps again at the mention of his name. "Who's the most beautiful of all on these seas?!"
"O-Of course that would be--"

Luffy points at Alvida, whilst he has his other hand around your waist. "Who's this big chunky lady?" Everyone's mouths gape open in shock, but you couldn't help the snort from erupting from the back of your throat. He truly had a way with timing. Everyone was completely silent.
"Chunky?"
"Not good..."

Alvida seethed, "You runt!" She raised her club into the air, slamming it down but you and Luffy dodge in time. Instead of deciding to fight the woman, Luffy grabs hold of Coby and jumps into the air, and lands on the deck above. The pirates swing their swords towards the young pirate, who perfectly dodges. A pirate, as Luffy is turned away, holds a sword with both hands and swings downwards. That is until you grab his head, harshly gripping it so the pirate wraps his hand around his head as the pain rose. You throw him towards the other pirate and it knocks them over. "That wasn't very fair, now was it?"

More pirates appear out of nowhere and started to chase after Luffy. His arm starts to stretch as his hand wraps around one of the masts, which causes his arm to stretch more and more until he flies backwards and knocks into them, causing them to fly everywhere. Coby's mouth gapes open. "L-Luffy-san...What are you?"
Luffy grabs hold of the side of his mouth and pulls. "Who? Me? I'm a rubber person!" Alvida stood tall behind Coby, but no one seemed to notice.
"A rubber person? You can't be serious!" When he does notice, he hides himself behind Luffy.

"You've eaten a Devil's Fruit, haven't you?"
"Yeah! The Gum-Gum Fruit!"
"I see! I'd heard the rumours, but I guess they really do exist! You also seem pretty skilled. You a bounty hunter?"
"I'm a pirate!"
"A pirate?! Just the two of you?"
"I'll find more people soon enough."
"Then that means you and me are enemies, huh?"

"Let's get out of here!" 
"Why?" Luffy asked as you and Alvida glared through each other's eyes. 
"You saw how powerful her club is!" Your hands slide onto your waist. "In these waters, she's the most--" Luffy simply stared back at him, waiting for him to finish what he was saying. He was likely having a moment. 
"I'm the most what?!"
"T-T-The..." Sweat rolled down his face. "The most ugly, cragged old hag ever!" A shadow cast over Alvida's eyes, a deep frown spreading across her lips. Anger was starting to build more and more at the simple comment. She gripped her club so harshly in her hand her knuckles were starting to whiten. 

Luffy burst into a fit of laughter, throwing his head back as his hands were resting against his waist.

"What did you say?!"
"I...I'm going to join the navy! And then I'm gonna beat up pirates!"
"Do you even know what you're saying?!"
"I do! I'm gonna do what I want to do! I'm gonna...I'm gonna join the navy...and catch your lousy arse!" 
Alvida raised her club above her once again. "You damn pipsqueak!"

As Coby screamed, and tears rolled down his face, you clench your fist against your side and take a single step forward. As the club comes down, Luffy allows it to smack the top of his head as he is not affected by it, nodding towards you to do what you must. You throw your fist towards her stomach, your eyes hardening and narrowed, and the blow sends her hurtling towards the skies, and only her crew are left to watch, with their mouths gaping open, as she disappears into the distance.

Coby's mouth is wide open, as sweat rolls down his face. You cross your arms against your chest, tilting your head towards the rest of Alvida's crew. "Give Coby a small boat, if you will. He's going to join the navy, so you better not intervene." A dark aura started to lick at the air around you, and Alvida's men took a step back in fear. Just then, several fires around the ship cause water to throw up into the air. Luffy wraps his arm around you, bringing you against his chest. "Oh, perfect timing! You should go see 'em! But, we're pirates so we're out of here." He wraps his arms around your waist before picking you up bridle style, and jumps into the boat along with Coby.

The boat lands on the sea, throwing up water into the air. As they do so, you manage to catch the eyes of the woman on the other boat, and a sense of a bond beginning to form starts to emerge. How peculiar.

A little later...

By now, the boat has swept across the sea a considerable distance, as the sun from above shines on them all, causing the water to sparkle. "Looks like we managed to get away...Whew, that was fun!"
A smile spreads across your face. You withhold the urge to laugh at his amusement. "Say, do you know where Zoro is?"
"I heard he's being held at a navy base."
"Looks like we have our third member," You lean back and fall onto your back, stroking your hand across your face. Perhaps tiredness had overtaken you more than you would like to admit. It clung to how you moved, and the way you spoke. "If he agrees, of course."

"Are you sure about that, [Y/N]? He's as terrifying as a demon!"
"Oh well. We can't judge by that alone..." Slowly, you started to doze off. Your eyes closed. Luffy watched you as you started to sleep with a smile across his face, his cheeks blushing a little. Coby looked between the two of you.
"Luffy-san, are you and [Y/N] a couple?"
"Nope," Luffy popped the 'p'. "I like her, though."
"Why not say that?"

"...Dunno." Coby looked at him in confusion, unsure what to say.

This was going to be a long journey.

Chapter Text

The small boat bobbed across the blue waves, slowly moving across the seas. The skies were a bright blue hue with only a few clouds across the sky, leaving trails of white vapour as they went by. Thankfully, they hadn't seen any other pirate ships as they neared their destination. The sun shines from above, causing the water to glisten and sparkle, mirroring the clouds above.

Luffy sits at the front of the boat and throws up his arms into the air, whilst you lay down across the boat, with one hand resting against your forehead. "What great weather!" He beams, his excitement causing a smile to spread across your lips.
Coby smiles, holding a fishing pole in his hands. "If we keep going this way, we should see the navy base island soon!"
Luffy turns towards him, throwing down his arms to rest them on his thighs. "Wow, Coby! You're amazing! We're actually gonna reach our destination?" A yawn erupts from your lips. Your hand across your head falls and lands on the floor. With both hands pressed on either side of yourself, you force yourself to sit up.

The silence (excluding the conversation, of course) was a pleasant one. Your eyes flutter closed, your hand strokes across your cheek, resting underneath your chin. No loud noises, no people in sight. People were terrifying, and judgemental no less. Being a dragon travelling the seas was not unheard of, but rare. Dragons tended to stay in their own country due to the war centuries prior. Dragon scales, horns, eyes and anything else humans and the like were able to obtain from a dragon, were sold for a lot of money. It became common, fast, to hunt dragons. Your horns were unique due to your heritage. Only your royal line had horns shaped, and coloured like these with dark-fire like magic coming off like trails of smoke. It was easier for other dragons to realise your social class, and often, you had rings, jewels and gold wrapped around your horns, neck, wrists, fingers and ankles. It was tradition.

Which is why you had placed them on before you laid down: around your ankles were small, gold chains and bracelets wrapped around your ankles adorned with sapphires and fire opals. Your fingers had multiple rings with sapphires, or emeralds, with gold chains leading to each ring, and wrapped around them. Around your neck, except for the tear-shaped necklace, were numerous golden necklaces and around your wrists were golden bracelets adorned with curved details in the shape of flames, with small, finely cut dire opals. Your horns had several rings, with gold chains leading to each one, as a few chains fell down on either side of your horns. Each ring had either a sapphire, a fire opal or an emerald.

"Being able to have the skills to navigate across the sea is a common skill for sailors," You say, one of your eyes opening. "It's good we have such a capable sailor onboard."
Coby's cheeks blossomed brightly, and he scratched his cheek nervously. "I-It's nothing! R-Really!" Luffy puffed out his cheeks in a pout. "What about me, [N/N]?!"
"As much as I adore you, dearest, you aren't the best with directions," He sticks out his tongue in response and you just chuckle. Coby looks between the two of you in amusement. "You have other good qualities, but knowing directions just isn't one of your talents."
He crosses his arms against his chest and turns around to face the sea. You aren't offended by his blatant childishness. It was adorable.

"So, uh..." Coby wrapped his hands around his knees, nervously staring at you. He jumped a little as you turned your head to face him, but his cheeks darkened as you smiled, revealing your sharp fangs. "How long have you two known each other? How did you end up travelling together?"

You open both eyes and purse your lips. "Well, we have known each other since we were fairly young. I usually visited him in his town when my family were busy. I always dreamed of becoming Queen of the Pirates, and Luffy just wanted to travel across the sea." You turn your head back towards Luffy, who is no longer pouting. It's obvious he's listening in by the way he keeps turning his head a little, or his ears twitch at the sound of his name. "His positivity helped me through a lot. He's loyal, and it's one good reason to be my first mate, wouldn't you agree?"

"You two seem very fond of each other...hopefully, I'll have a relationship like that one day..." You chuckle in amusement, and Luffy's cheeks flush a little. He grips hold of his vest, clenching his hand. His heart beats faster at the compliment, and his smile widens. It was true he had never truly understood romantic and platonic relationships, but, he knew, at least know, he thought of you romantically. You made his chest feel lighter. Still, there was still much he needed to learn. Coby's expression suddenly turns serious. "I can't believe the famous pirate hunter, Roronoa Zoro, is being kept prisoner there...The man who's chopped up bounties like a bloodthirsty beast...People say he's a demon in human form!"

Soon enough, they came upon the island. At the very top of the island, were two bases with stairs leading up to windows. Houses were dotted all across the island, with some small areas where trees grew. The boat soon docked beside the island and everyone jumped out. You place your hands on your hips, eyes sparkling in awe at the new island in view. Luffy's smile grew and he raised his arm in the air. "We made it! The navy base city!" On closer inspection, the base for the Marines had 'Marine' written in black paint, with light blue patterns across the exterior. Above, were cannons and flags. 

Luffy soon headed off down the street so both you and Coby were forced to follow. You all passed by the shops selling different fruits and vegetables, and everything else. You stuff your hands into your pockets, raising your head to look up at the base above. A few people stopped to stare and gape at your height. Dragons did come in different shapes and sizes (when in 'human' form, and dragon form), but, your family were known for their height. In a few years time, you would become even taller. Coby gently poked at your side. You tilt your head towards him. "I really don't think you should ask him to join you!"
"We can't judge people based on rumours, Coby," You start to walk beside Luffy. "He could be a good person!"
"He's been caught because he's a bad guy!"

You simply smile in response. Not everyone detained by the Marines, or Government were bad people. Luffy picks up a pear and takes a bite out of it. He throws a coin towards the shop keeper and she catches it between her hands. "Do you know if Zoro's at the base?" Everyone suddenly jumps back in fear from the comment, stopping mid-action to turn towards Luffy. 
Coby cups his mouth with one hand. "It would seem the name "Zoro" is taboo here..."
"Let's check out the base anyway. Best to see for ourselves," You start to continue walking and both of them have to run to catch up. "And, if you want to be a marine, it would be nice to check it out.

"Y-Yes...But I'm not really ready yet..." Coby smiles. "Rumour has it a guy named Captain Morgan is at this base, and..." Everyone jumped back, again, just like when Luffy mentioned Zoro. Luffy held his stomach and started to cackle. "What a funny town!"
"It's strange...I understand Zoro, but why are they afraid of a navy captain's name? I suddenly feel uneasy about this..."
"You sure they didn't jump just for fun?"

You furrow your eyebrow, but make no comment. Their reactions were definitely strange. You all needed to find out more about this town, Zoro and Captain Morgan. Before long, they were before the massive, metal gates of the Marine base, with the same symbol on the middle of the gate. "Looks like we're here."
Tears started to build up in Coby's eyes. "This is the place! I'm finally here!" Coby sniffled, covering his eyes with his arm. You watch as Luffy starts to climb over the wall. "I guess this is where we part ways, Luffy-san, [Y/N]. It was only for a short time, but..."

Luffy's wrapped his arms around the wall as he tried to pull himself up whilst he kicked his legs in an effort to gather momentum. "Upsy-daisy!" You cross your arms against your chest and share a look with Coby. Yes, this was your first mate, childhood friend, and you had a sneaking suspicion he would cause a lot of problems in the future. 
"I'm not even surprised by this point," You step backwards a little, before speeding forward and jumped up onto the wall. You sat cross-legged beside Luffy, sticking out your tongue at him as he struggled to get up. "I wonder where he is..."
"[Y/N], I'm sure he wouldn't be out here. Wouldn't he be in a prison cell?"

You propped up your chin onto your hands, eyes scanning over the foundation before they landed on the man bound in front of the Marine base. "Found him." He was staring at the ground, with a shadow cast over his eyes. He was wearing a green bandana around his head and his clothes were dirtied, and he appeared beaten, and a little bloody. His arms and stomach was bound together with small knots. Coby joined them both on the wall, and his eyes widened in fear. A smirk spread across your lips. A bond, as strange as it sounded, was beginning to form. This was truly a chance encounter.

"I like the look of him already," You say. Coby's mouth gapes open at your comment, and Luffy starts laughing a little. Still, something bothered you about this. If he was captured, surely he would have been taken into a prison cell? It seemed as though he was being made as an example to everyone else, and a lingering sensation was telling you this could be leading to a public execution. "Let's go talk to him. Maybe we can even let him go!"
"[Y/N], I really don't think that's a good idea! There's no telling what'll happen if we let him loose! He might try to kill you, [Y/N]!"

"Don't worry about me! I can take care of myself!"
A rough, deep voice interrupted their conversation. They all look towards Zoro. "Hey, you guys. You're an eyesore." He wasn't exactly looking at us...but, fair enough. He lifted his head and his eyes narrowed through you all. "Get lost!"
Coby begins erratically throwing his hands in the air until he whispers something into your ear. "[Y/N]! There's no way you could survive with him on your crew!" You wave off his remark with a smile. A ladder landing against the wall, with a thud, quietened the young boy.

They all turned their heads towards the brown-haired girl climbing up the ladder. She shushed them, looked from side-to-side, then jumped down with rice balls in her hands. "Oh no! Stop her, [Y/N], Luffy-san! She'll be killed!" 
"Let us wait and see. I don't believe him to be this "demon" you speak of. He's formed a sort of barrier to not let anyone get too close."
Coby turned his aggressively towards you in shock. "How did you know that?! You only just saw him today!"
"[N/N] has a sorta power! She can see the true intentions of someone by a single glance! Cool, huh?!" You chuckle at Luffy's excitement.

The young girl walks towards the bound bounty hunter and stops in front of him. Zoro stares at her, a little confused why she was so willing to go near him when he was bound and she knew the navy had arrested him. "What?" 
"You must be hungry! I made you some rice balls!" She started to remove the cloth from around the rice balls, ignoring the small glare he sent in her direction.
"Do you wanna get killed, pipsqueak? Scram!"

She didn't seem to be listening to him. "You haven't eaten anything this whole time." She outstretches the rice balls towards him with a smile across her face. "Here! This is my first time but I worked really hard to make them!"
Zoro was stunned. This little girl had been the first act of kindness since his arrival, and capture. "I ain't hungry!" Still, it was dangerous to even be interacting with the man. The Marines wouldn't take kindly to the little girl's kindness towards a bounty hunter. "You're an eyesore! Get the hell outta here!"

She frowns. "But..."
"I don't want 'em! Don't make me kick your arse!" The gate suddenly opened and three men stepped through, trudging along towards Zoro. You and Luffy exchange looks at the man inching closer: your eyes glowed [f/c] for just a split second: the man with blond-hair who was wearing purple, had an aura distinguishable from the rest. Arrogance and temper bled from his soul, blazing through his eyes, causing him to act this way or smirk as though no one could defy him. His stagger, the way he spoke and the look in his eyes was enough to glance into his soul and judge him.

Zoro turned his head towards the men, a frown spreading across his face. He was more worried for the little girl than he was for himself. "It's not nice to be a bully!" His chin and the shape of his head looked like a deformed mushroom. He smirked, stroking along his collar. "You seem surprisingly well, Roronoa Zoro..."
Luffy climbed up the wall and perched himself in your lap without a word. Even now Luffy was being very affectionate. "Now there's another weird guy!" He leaned back and rested his head against your chest. You smiled in amusement and adoration, raising your hand to stroke away the black hair blocking his vision. 
"Thank goodness! He must be with the navy! Now that girl will be safe!"

The weird-looking man stuffed his hands into his pockets. "Oh? Those are some tasty-looking rice balls." He yanks one out of the little girl's hand and took a bite out of it. He froze as the taste of sugar was an unpleasant taste on his tongue and ruined his taste buds. Sweat rolled down his cheeks. "Too damn sweet!" He clenched his fist and pointed it towards the little girl. "Those're full of sugar! You're supposed to use salt for rice balls!"

A sadness clouded over the young girl. "But I thought they might taste better sweet..." All of a sudden, he kicks the other rice ball out of her hand and starts stamping on with the bottom of his shoe, despite the girl's pleas to stop.
"H-How horrible!" The rice ball is now in a deformed lump on the floor, dirtied as crumbs littered the ground. Tears start to build in the little girl's eyes, and her eyebrows furrowed. Her tears started to roll down her cheeks. "And I worked so hard to make those..."

The weird man covers one of his hands with his eye whilst his other hand raises up a piece of paper. "Did you not read this notice? "Those who help criminals will be executed! Navy Captain Morgan"." She freezes. "Looks like even little brats know how scary my dad is!" Anger started to manifest in your chest and grow like an eager flame. Your eyes blaze [f/c], licking at your eyes and flickering off like specks of [f/c] embers.

You clenched your fist against your side, and your tail emerged, moving to-and-fro and your sharp fangs were starting to grow as your anger grew. 
"Dad?" Luffy questions. He tilts his head towards you, realising how your entire body shook with anger. He wraps his hand around your clenched fist, opening up your hand and threading his fingers through your own. Slowly, the warmth of Luffy, and the way he gently squeezed your hand calmed your erratic heartbeat. Well, both of them.
"Then that's Captain Morgan's son?!"

The man gestured with his thumb towards one of the marines with his arms behind his back. "You. Throw this kid out."
Sweat rolled down the Marine's face. "Sir?!"
"I said throw her over the wall! Or can you not follow my orders?! Don't make me tell my dad!"
The man shakes his head. "Y-Yes, sir! Right away!"
"Child endangerment wasn't something I expected from the Marines. But, maybe I should have," You tap Luffy's side for him to get up. He puffs out his cheeks into a pout but he obeyed, moving towards Coby a little more so you could stand.

The marine extends his arm towards the young girl. But, before he could, you grabbed hold of his wrist and forcefully gripped it. A pained gasp erupted from the Marine and he staggered backwards, holding his arm. You stood in front of the girl, your tail and arm in front of her in a protective stance as your eyes blazed with anger. Zoro's eyes widened in surprise whilst the little girl's eyes sparkled with a newfound awe. The weird-looking man recoiled in fear. Sweat rolled down his face. "Harming a little girl? I didn't expect such a thing from the Marines of all people. Exerting your power and influence to control an entire town...you truly are the lowest." You turn your head towards the little girl and smile spreads across your face. "I think it is best for you to run along now, little one. Best not to be caught up in what's about to happen." 

She smiles, bowing and running back towards the wall. Luffy helps her to get up along with Coby, and they jump down from the wall to talk.

"Y-You can't be here! Are you with him?" He pointed towards Zoro. "Don't make me tell my dad!" You don't say a word, but the glare in your eyes darkens. He gulps, stepping back a little. "You'll be executed for interfering with business! He sure is stubborn about staying alive!" He cackled.
"Yeah! I will live the full month."
"Well good luck with that," He turned around, and sends a glance in your direction. "If you free him, we'll execute you." With another cackle, he starts walking off with his hands stuffed in his pockets.
"Ten days left, you know!"
"Assuming you live that long!"

Silence befalls the two of you as you watch them walk into the distance towards the base. Soon, they become nothing more than silhouettes in the distance. The magic in your eyes flickered for just a moment before extinguishing in the air. Your hand slides onto your waist, a small smile spreading across your lips. The rings, chains and bracelets glisten in the light, twinkling and clinking as you moved. Zoro watches you with interest, his eyes trailing over your body. He was more intrigued by the fact a tail slammed against the ground, and, how long, twisting horns twisted from your head or how a smoke rose from your horns. Along with the numerous jewels, bright and expensive looking. Just who were you?

His cheeks flushed a little: the sun shone over your face, highlighting your beauty, and the way your waistcoat and trousers outlined your curves. There was a regal, yet enchanting air about you.

"Everyone seems to think you're a bad person. I don't quite believe them," You turn your head towards him, a kind smile spreading across your lips. Zoro's eyes widen and he stiffens. His face flushes a little darker but he maintains his façade. "Still, I won't force you to speak to me about it. I would be willing to free you, but, I have a feeling you don't want me to. Is there anything I can do before I leave?" He has to regain his composure and try to form together what you said. He took a moment to realise. 
He tries to speak, but his heart rate skyrockets and no words form. "If my friend was in this situation he would likely starve in a few days."
"I must have more spirit than him. I will live through this...I swear it!" You say nothing, but smile as you listen. He looks down at the ground all of a sudden. "Could you pick that up for me?"

Ah, he was referring to the ruined rice ball. 

"Sure."
"Not gonna question it?"
"It's not my place to do so," You crouch down and cup the rice ball into your hands. A few pieces of rice fall in-between the gaps, but most of it stays somewhat solid. Zoro opens his mouth and you carefully put the rice ball into his mouth. He starts to chew it, and swallows. As he does so, you pull up your sleeves and fold them down level underneath your shoulders. Your arms are quite muscular, and thick. Which startles Zoro- he stares at your muscular arms with a sudden intrigue. He makes his heart beat even faster if possible, and his face blossoms a darker shade of red. You grab hold of a light blue handkerchief with finely threaded dragons in the same positions as yin and yang made from golden thread.

"It was good. Thanks for the food." Sweat rolls down his face. He definitely didn't like it.
You step towards him with the handkerchief wrapped around your hand. "I'll be sure to tell her that. Do you mind if I wipe off the crumbs from your face?"
"...with a handkerchief like that? Just who are you exactly?" He didn't exactly disagree. Throwing the handkerchief into the air and catching it in your hand, you softly grab hold of his chin and tilt it to the side. You wipe at his cheeks, wiping off any specks of rice from his face, along with any dirt or blood. 
"I'll just wash it, no worries."
He tried to ignore the heat rising across his face. "I didn' expect someone like you to not care about such a thing."

"What do you mean?" You tilt his head the other way. 
"You have gold rings and bracelets...no one normal owns such things. They look...expensive." Your eyes flicker with magic for a split second. His soul was true, was one marking of a fine swordsman, and someone incredibly loyal. Yes, he would be nice to have on the crew.
"Well, I wouldn't say I am normal. As you can see by the horns and tail, I'm a dragon."
His eyes widen. "A dragon?! I thought they didn' exist!"

"A lot of people still believe that," You stuff your handkerchief back into your pocket. A smile spreads across your lips and you slide your hands onto your waist. "I'm going to tell the little girl. I'll be back!" 

There was something he could see in your eyes. A sense of strength, kindness, someone who would make their dreams come true no matter what.

"Maybe you would even be willing to join my crew."

They were all inside of Rika's mother's restaurant, sat down on one of the tables. Whilst you sat down and spoke to Rika who was standing to your right, Coby and Luffy were indulging themselves on the food laid out before them. "He said he enjoyed the rice ball you made," You propped up your hands and rested your chin on top of your hands, a smile spreading across your lips. 

Rika's smile widened, and she started to clap her hands together. It was nice to see her excitement.

Ririka, Rika's mother, stood at the bar, with her eyebrows furrowed- still with a smile present across her face along with her arms crossed against her chest. "I am sorry about Rika, but I am glad she's safe. Thank you. Zoro was arrested due to cutting down Helmeppo's wolf after it tried to attack Rika. He agreed, in our place, to have endure that treatment for a full month. It's been three weeks since then." Ririka softly stroked the side of her face as she thought about it.

"Helmeppo punches and kicks him whilst he's tied up!" Tears start to build up in the corner of her eyes. A frown spreads across your lips. You remove one of your hands from under your chin and pat Rika's head, carefully stroking her and wrapping your fingers around her curls. Luffy watches you silently as a hum emits from the back of your throat. A calm hum, one similar to a lullaby musters Rika's tears to disappear from the corners of her eyes. 
"Don't worry. I won't allow him to be hurt anymore." She manages a small smile.

All of a sudden, Helmeppo throws down his foot onto the table whilst wrapping his arm around the chair, throwing grapes into the air along with an apple which rolled across the table and fell onto the floor. Ririka jumped in surprise, clasping the front of her dress. "I'm hungry! Let us all eat for free!" The loud noise and irritating voice caused you all to turn to see what was going on. "Hey, bring me some booze! Quit dawdling! Hurry it up!"

An anger starts to build once again in your chest. Your soul calls out as a warning, bleeding away any logic there may have been. Your hand removes itself from Rika's head as you stand, getting up so violently your chair fell. Luffy caught it in time before it thudded against the ground, stuffing something else into his mouth. Coby opened his mouth to shout some urgency but nothing escaped. When your mind was made up, there was no use in trying to persuade your mind otherwise. Meddling was something you often did. Helping others with a sense of justice carving your actions with such a self-righteous attitude is all you knew.

Protecting those without strength, those without a voice, those who couldn't fight and those left to die...you fought for them.

To sacrifice yourself, to endure all the pain and suffering is something you didn't mind. As long as they will be safe.

Helmeppo rose a glass in front of himself as a purple liquid was poured into his glass. "I've been bored lately so I've decided to execute Zoro tomorrow. Look forward to it." Footsteps echoed behind the young man, slowly becoming closer-and-closer until they stopped behind him. He tilted his head to the side and his eyes immediately widened at the sight. His two men were no longer standing behind him but were off to the side shuddering where they stood, as one stroked along his wrist. Your eyes bore through his, an unwavering malevolence and anger in your eyes. You didn't even give him time to think before you clench your fist and slam it into the side of his face throwing him backwards and slammed into the wall. The glass containing the purple liquid would have fallen and spilled everywhere if it weren't for you catching it just in time.

Your fingers wrapped around the top of the glass, slowly placing it down onto the table. You traced the table for any sign of spilled liquid in sight but there didn't appear to be any. The girl from the boat had watched the entire thing. Her eyes trailed from the tipped over chair, to Helmeppo until they bore onto you. Her expression was one of interest as you rolled up your sleeves to reveal the muscular, toned arms beneath despite how delicately you patted down at the cloth and straightened it. How you stood so calmly and spoke so pleasantly despite everything.  

Helmeppo held his bruising cheek in his hand and tears started to form in the corners of his eyes. "W-What the hell're you doing?!"
"Beating some manners into that thick skull of yours," You remark, picking up the chair and sliding it underneath the table. You rest your arm underneath your chest and bow towards Ririka, who smiles gratefully. "I apologise for being so violent." She waves off your remark, and you now step towards Helmeppo. Luffy got up and walked towards you, patting your shoulder. 
"Y-You hit me! I'm Captain Morgan's son, you know!"

Your expression darkened. "So what?"
"I'm gonna tell my dad and he's gonna execute you!"
"Why don't you fight me? Unless all you can use is your father's name to do whatever you please?" You tilted your head towards Luffy and Coby. "I made up my mind. Zoro is going to join our crew."

Sweat rolled down his face as the heat of the sun burned down on his back, and threaded through his entire body. A shadow casts over him soon enough, and as he moves his head, he notices you standing there, along with Luffy on your right. "You again? You sure have lots of free time."
"I'm here to untie you, and if you would like, I would like you to join my crew."
"Say what?!"
"I am searching for people to join my pirate crew."

Zoro smirks in amusement. "Forget it! Me, stooping to a criminal's level?! Screw that!"
Luffy puts his hands on his hips and almost glares at the pirate hunter. "What's wrong with being a pirate?!" He takes an annoyed step forward. You hit your hand against his chest and push him back a little bit. 
"Pirates are despicable! As if I'd wanna be one!"
"Oh, come on! You're already known as an evil bounty hunter!"
"People can say whatever they want but I ain't done anything I regret." He smirks all of a sudden, an intense fire flickering in his eyes. There was something hidden in his eyes you could not quite place. "I will live through this and accomplish what I want!"

"Then, join us," You say, removing your hand from against Luffy's chest. "It might even help you get closer to your dream, whatever it may be. Besides that, I heard you use swords. Where are they?" Luffy looks between the two of you. Zoro's face flushes slightly at your smile, and the way your eyes crinkled with delight. An unusual emotion began to manifest in his chest at the way Zoro seemed to be looking at you. You didn't notice, but Luffy did.
"Yeah. But that stupid son took my stuff."
"I'll get it back for you!" Luffy smiles.
"What?!"

"If I get your sword, join [N/N]'s crew!" 
"You're really getting on my nerves!" You stroke your hand down your face aggressively and start to chuckle. Luffy runs off towards the building without a word. You remove your hand from over your face to watch as he runs off towards the gate, not the Marine base.
"Is he planning to bust into the base by himself?! You idiot! The base is in the other direction!" You start laughing again as Luffy outstretches his arms forward and is thrown forwards. "Gum-Gum Rocket!"

"W-Who the hell is that guy?"
"My first mate, and someone who ate a Devil Fruit. His entire body is made of rubber," You say, and step towards Zoro. "By the way, the son was planning on executing you tomorrow. He was never going to keep your promise." Zoro scowled, and his expression turned dark. He gritted his teeth as you started to undo his bindings around his arms and stomach. The front half of the statue of Captain Morgan suddenly came hurtling down and smashed into pieces on the ground. Coby suddenly appeared out of nowhere and started to help as well.

"Please escape, Zoro-san!"
"You'll both be killed for doing that, you know!"
You stick out your tongue as you focus on the task at hand. Coby says, "I can't stand to watch the navy like this anymore. I want to be an honourable marine!" You huff as it doesn't seem to loosen.
"[Y/N] got angry and punched him!" Zoro took a moment. He looked towards you in surprise. He hadn't expected you to be willing to do such a thing, but then again, you hand been nothing short of nice and appeared to care about his wellbeing.

"You did?" You didn't respond but you nodded. His eyes were baring into you, making you feel a little nervous as a blush spread across your cheeks.
"The navy is after [Y/N] now. I won't ask you to be a pirate, but please, help [Y/N] and Luffy-san! I think you're the only one who can save them both!" Both you and Luffy likely didn't need help, but it was a kind gesture regardless.

"End of the line!" Several Marine officers stood with guns pointed towards them, as Captain Morgan trudged forward, his arm, which was a large axe, rested against his shoulder. The man had blond hair, and the bottom of his jaw was made of metal; he wore a black, button-up shirt underneath his navy jacket. "For the crime of treachery against me. I'll now execute you three where you stand!" Tears started to roll down the young boy's face at the sight of the other Marines as sweat clung to his skin. He was silent. 

With one hand, you brushed off any dirt or speck of dust or the like from your clothing to stand in front of Coby. Without a word, you pulled up both of your sleeves just below your shoulders, revealing the deep, silver scars across your skin. Coby raised his head shakily to watch as you didn't seem affected: instead, you pursed your lips together, patting down your sleeves as neatly as possible until they were a straight line. If only you had a bow tie, or a tie, then your outfit would be perfection. Still, you had ran off as soon as possible. And with as much gold and cash as you could carry. Not your proudest moment.

"This is some interesting stuff you guys've pulled! Were you three and that straw hat kid plannin' a coup or something?!" The guns were still pointed towards them all, but most were focused on you. 
"I've always fought alone. Unlike arrogant bastards like you who use soldiers as cronies!" A snort erupts from you. You can't help it until a string of laughter erupts from the back of your throat, becoming louder and louder until you slammed your fist against your chest. Coby looked between you and Zoro with fear. Did you both want to die?

"Roronoa Zoro..." He removes his axe from his shoulder and puts it in front of himself, his other hand resting against it. "Don't you dare underestimate me! You may be strong, but before my authority, you're as good as scum!"
"At least he's being honest," You place your hand onto your waist, a sense of amusement flickering in your eyes as Morgan moved his attention towards you. He scoffed. His anger was rising the longer they spoke bad of his name. "And straw hat belongs to me. Quite the cutie, wouldn't you say? He likes getting into trouble. And if you're the head of authority here...well, you must be the scummiest man alive." Morgan grits his teeth.
Coby grabs hold of your other arm, shaking you desperately. "[Y/N]! Y-You can't just say things like that!" You snort. 

"Aim!" Luffy threw himself out of the window. "Fire!" As the bullets sped towards them, Luffy landed on the ground just in time with all three swords attached to his back. "Luffy-san!"
"Straw Hat?!" He outstretched his arms before himself and as the bullets made contact, they forced his body to stretch. Everyone's mouths gape open in fear. Sweat rolled down their faces as smoke flickered from the guns. Luffy grins and throws his arms up into the air so the bullets fly everywhere. "That doesn't work!" One of them misses Captain Morgan by a fraction. The rubber boy starts to cackle.

"Well done, Luff." He grins even more and steps towards you. He points to his face and his smile widens. You cross your arms against your chest, and furrow your eyebrow at him. "You can't expect a kiss each time you do something in a fight, Luff."
"Pleaasssseee, [N/N]?? I won't ask agaaaainnnn!" His whining was causing everyone to look at him in confusion. 
Your eyes narrow slightly. "Luffy." 
He started pouting but didn't say anything else. You had different tones, and this one was 'I am warning you. I will later, but don't ask any further.' He knew not to go too far with you involved. You didn't hit him, but you did snap a little bit and your temper was as sharp and venomous as a snake. 

Soon enough, Luffy grabbed hold of the swords from his back, trying to juggle them in his arms. "Isn't [N/N] cool? She's gonna be Queen of the Pirates!"
"Queen of the Pirates?! Do you even know what that means?!"
"Well, yes. I don't intend to let my dream die now!"
Coby's eyes sparkled in awe as he held up his fists. "I was shocked, too! But [Y/N] is serious! That's how she is! She intends to become the Queen of the Pirates and obtain this world's ultimate treasure...the One Piece!" You tilted your head towards them with a grin.

Luffy extends the swords out before him. "Here's your treasure! Which is yours? I couldn't tell, so I brought three of 'em."
"All three are mine. I use the Three-Sword Style."
Luffy takes a moment to think. Then, he grins. "You'll take 'em, right? If we fight together now, you'll be a government-defying villain! Would you prefer that, or being killed by the navy like this?" 
"What are you, the devil's son?! Well, whatever." He turns his head towards you. "I'll be your pirate, if I'm gonna die here instead!"
"Does this mean you're going to join the crew?" A mysterious smile spread across your lips and your tail swished, lightly tapping on the ground.

"Okay! Now untie these stupid ropes already!" You retracted one of your claws and stepped towards Zoro. Easily, you slashed through the ropes. He fell forward, surprised by the fact he was, in fact, freed. Your hands wrapped around his waist, lifting him up a little so you both were eye-level. Your hands brushed against his skin as his shirt rose up slightly. The air seemed to freeze as your warmth pressed against his sides, and how you managed to get him back onto his feet. You turned back around, removing your hands from around him to step in front of them all. You were oblivious to his flushed cheeks and the way he kept staring, as nothing was able to escape from his throat. 

"No matter who they are, everyone who opposes me gets executed! If guns won't work, then chop them to death!" Morgan raised his axe into the air and at his command, the men sped forward with swords in both hands. In a blink of an eye, Zoro gathered his swords into his hands and rested the other between his teeth- he knocked the Marines down and forced the swords from their hands. They fell on the floor at his feet. "Roronoa Zoro!"

Yours, Coby's, and Luffy's eyes sparkle in awe at the swordsman's skill. The clouds above trail across the skies, hiding the sun from shining down on those beneath its bright, hot rays. Your tail wagged from side-to-side in excitement, your eyes blazing with excitement and a newfound adoration. "You're so talented!" He didn't say anything, and he couldn't, but his cheeks darkened. "I haven't seen someone use three swords before!" 
"S-Stop looking at me like that! It's w-weird!" Coby's mouth gaped open. He couldn't believe his ears. The Roronoa Zoro stuttered. "I'll be a pirate, I promise you that. I'm officially a criminal, now that I've fought the navy. But I'll tell you this right now. I'm only going to fulfil my ambition!"

"Ambition?"
"To be the world's greatest swordsman! If I wind up having to give that up, you'd better accept responsibility and apologise to me!"
"The world's greatest swordsman? What a great ambition! Don't worry about that! I will make sure you are able to achieve such a thing! I would be proud to have such a valuable person on my crew!"
Zoro's smile widens. "You sure talk big. At this point, whether it's as a criminal or whatever else. I will spread my name throughout the world!"
"What are you laying around for?! Slaughter them this instant!"

"I would remain laid down if I were you." A sudden shudder ran down their spines. Tears comically ran down their faces as you walked between their fallen bodies, patting Zoro on the shoulder as you went, clenching your fists against your sides. Even Captain Morgan felt a cold sliver trail down his spine at the sight of your malevolent, dark aura and the terrifying glimmer in your eyes.

"This is a direct order! Everyone who showed weakness just now must now shoot themselves in the head! I have no need for weakling soldiers!"
"They are not for you to just use and discard!" You propped your fist back and threw it towards Morgan's stomach. He coughed up blood and staggered backwards in surprise. He fearfully looked you in the eyes. He coughed up more blood onto the floor. Smoke blew from your nostrils, and as you raised your head, your eyes flickered with a dangerous flame. "They are not pawns on your chessboard. They are human beings!"

Morgan throws off his navy jacket and puts out his axe before himself. "Rankless, low-status bums have no right whatsoever to defy me! I am Navy Captain "Axe-Hand" Morgan!"
"My name is [Y/N], this is hopefully our first and last meeting!" He swings his axe towards you but you dodge in time by jumping up. His attack causes a massive slash across the ground to form. You flip over so your heel points towards him; you throw yourself towards him, trying to smash your heel into the side of his head. Soon enough, your heel smashes into the side of his head, sending him flying backwards. You land perfectly on your tail, a smirk spreading across your face as he coughs up more blood. "They call me the Heart Crusher." 

He growls, and throws his axe towards you again. You dodge the attack, once again. "R-Runt!" You speed forward just as Morgan brings down his axe. "Die!" You jump up, forcing your body to turn to be able to slam your foot into the side of his face. Once again, he is sent hurling backwards and coughs up more blood. The dark red droplets roll down his chin and fall onto the ground beneath his feet. He staggers backwards.

"Kneel." It's almost like a whisper, faintly nipping at their ears. A dark magic spread across your tongue and dripped from your voice. It was nothing more than a shrill noise that not even a demon could hear it seemed too demonic, and ghostly. Gold chains suddenly tear from the ground and wrap around Morgan's arms, and legs, forcing him into a kneeling position. Your eyes flickered with magic, rising in the air and breaking off like a flame. Morgan struggled to look up to see the dark smirk across your lips. You tilt your head to the side, a dark, unsettling and emotionless chuckle erupting from your throat. "How does it feel? To be at someone's mercy?"

Everyone shuddered at your current demeanour. It was horrifying, almost. They couldn't quite believe it was you and that you would react like this. Well, Luffy was aware of this at least.

"Hold it, Horn Lady! Check this out!" You tilted your head towards him, a crack emitting from your neck. You stroked at the spot as a pain started to trail up your neck. Helmeppo was shaking as he held a gun to Coby's head. "If you value this guy's life, don't move! One move and I'll shoot!" Coby was shaking where he stood as sweat rolled down his face.
"What would you gain from killing a young boy? Coby has no part in this." Luffy cocked back his arm and swung his fist towards Helmeppo. "Give it up." Luffy's fist slammed the gun out of Helmeppo's hand. He gasped in pain and pressed his hand against his chest. He started to stroke it and looked at Luffy with a sense of anger. The gun twirled through the air and landed on the floor. "The thing is, I don't force people to be on my side. And, well done, Luffy!" He grinned in response.

Captain Morgan continued to struggle underneath the chains binding him. After more struggling, he manages to throw the chains off whilst you seem to be focused on something else. He raised his axe arm into the air and before he could throw it down, Zoro sped forward and slashed his swords through Morgan's stomach. He collapsed on the ground and his entire body didn't move. His eyes were a milky white. You look back with a smile across your lips. "Zoro."
His smirk widened. "My pleasure, Captain." You both stood in front of Morgan. Zoro sheathed his swords back into their sheaths, staring at the rest of the Marines who were confused by their Captain's defeat. 

"Unbelievable!"
"These guys are insane!"
Zoro's narrowed eyes bore through them all. "If anyone else still wants to catch us, come forward!" Luffy wrapped his arms around your waist and nuzzled his head into your back. His warmth was pleasant after the thrill of battle. You felt yourself in need to indulge yourself in his affection- it was not only him who seemed to need affection 24/7, but you as well. The Marines all share looks before throwing their weapons into the air.
 
"Hurray!"
"We're free!"
"Yahoo!"
"Morgan's reign is over!"

"Huh? Everyone's happy their captain's been beaten..." Luffy spoke.
"Everyone was just afraid of Morgan!" Zoro grits his teeth before he falls backwards. "What's wrong, Zoro?! Are you hurt?!"
"I'm...hungry..."
"It seems we are due for a feast to celebrate our success!"

You all sat at one of the tables, as food and plates with only specks of food left after both Zoro and Luffy had eaten. Luffy continued to eat, whilst you held a glass of red wine in your hand. You held it carefully, and your gaze focused on the wall. The swordsman patted his stomach gleefully as numerous plates were stacked up in front of him. "I'm stuffed! I was definitely at my rope's end, having not eaten for three weeks." Everyone smiled at that, relief was clear in the air.

"Huh? You're finished already?" 
Zoro pointed at Luffy with a furrowed brow. "How the heck can you have a bigger appetite than me?!"
"It tastes good! Right, Coby?"
Coby turned his head towards Ririka. He nervously rubbed the back of his head as he smiled. "Thank you for treating me to food, too..."
"It's no problem! The town has been saved, after all!"

Rika trotted towards you and her eyes widened, glimmering. She took your free hand into her own, as her grin widened. "You really are amazing!"
"It's nothing, really..." You placed down your glass and looked away with an embarrassed blush across your cheeks. Such a reaction was based on a combination of modesty and the inability to accept compliments. An odd sensation beckoned at you far too fondly for your tastes; you looked away, the flush burning brighter across your face as you tail hit softly against the ground. It was due to your upbringing. You had your mother and father to blame for that.

Zoro looked towards the empty space below you at the table. "Hey, why aren't you eating?"
You turned back towards Zoro, and took your glass into your hand. "I'm not really that hungry. I'm used to eating very little, so don't worry about me," You say, swirling around the liquid in your cup. You brought it towards your lips and took a sip, unaware of the worried, shared glances between everyone. The conversation needed to be steered into a different direction- Zoro could sense, could feel the sadness in your eyes. It was something you didn't quite want to talk about. He may not be the best when it came to expressing emotions, or how he felt himself, but, he knew people well.

"So, how many others have you gathered besides me?" You tilted your head towards him, taking another sip. Alcohol didn't really effect you and it took a lot to get drunk or even slightly tipsy. "You said you were in the middle of gathering a crew. To be Queen of the Pirates, you must have a good number gathered." Slowly, you turn away from him again and throw back the rest of your drink. Then, you slam your head onto the table, causing everyone to jump.
"What type of reaction is that?!"

"Oh, [N/N] only has me and you on her crew!" 
He turned towards Luffy with a surprised look across his face. "Huh?! Then...We're gonna call just us three a pirate crew?!" You started to sigh against the table, your cheek squished against it. Your tail dramatically stopped moving. "What about a ship? Where's your pirate ship?" They could even see the dark lines emitting from you. 
"This is going to be...interesting."

A little later...

Luffy started to unravel the rope to free the ship from being docked. In an effort to make sure everyone thought Coby had merely been kidnapped- thus, enabling him to join the Marines- Luffy had started a fight. It ended in them both punching each other, but, at least Coby would be able to succeed in his dream. "Wouldn't be surprised if they saw through it."
"Coby'll handle the rest on his own now, I just know it."
"It was a nice way to leave, though."

You shook your head in amusement at the pair. A sudden shout coaxed you all to turn around: Coby, Ririka and Rika stood at the path leading up to the boats. Coby saluted. "Thank you! I'll never forget all you've done for me!"
Zoro smirked. "I've never heard of a pirate being thanked by a marine..." All of them jumped onto the boat and as they set off, Luffy waved his arms in the air with a beam across his face. "Bye!" You start to wave as well and smile at Rika as she mirrors your action and your eyes widen at surprise at the rest of the Marines joining them. They stood on either side of Coby and saluted. 

"See ya!"
"Let's meet again!" The blue mirrored the bright yellow sun above; it glimmered and shone as the boat tore through the waves. Clouds hovered above, trailing across the sky and leaving cloud trails. The sky itself was a bright blue, with bright yellow streaked across the sky. You sit at the front of the ship, your eyes watching as the boat tore through the waves.
"I'm going to be Queen of the Pirates...no matter what." It was quiet, seeming less than a whisper. But both Zoro and Luffy heard.
"You really seem obsessed about this Queen of the Pirates thing. Is there some sorta reason for it?"
"I have many. But my main one is more complicated than I would like to admit."
"I see..." The skies began to pinken as the sun started to descend.

"[N/N], you promised me a kiss!"
"...Is that all you've been thinking of the entire time?"
"Yep!" He didn't even seem to care about the odd look Zoro was sending him. Your tail wagged from side-to-side and your cheeks puffed out slightly. Your cheeks flushed at the thought. You didn't react when you two had been alone, since it was natural for you both, but...when it was in front of everyone else you felt nervous and shy to do any form of public display of affection. 

Luffy leaned towards you, a beam across his face. You grumble, you cheeks flushing darker as you can feel Zoro watching you both. Whether from amusement, or something else was another question. Luffy presses kiss against your lips, then gets up to have a look at the sea. It may have been short, but it felt comforting and warm in a sense. Both of their cheeks flushed dark red, but your tail hit against the boat as a smile crept up across your face. As you turned your head towards Zoro, he was furrowing his brow with his arms crossed against his chest. "Does that happen often?"
"Yes..."
"Are you two a couple or somethin'?"

"No, we're not. Just really close," You respond with a smile.
"My first impression was that you were a couple. I'm sure everyone else will think so. Friends don't typically do that sort of thin'."
"I guess, but we are friends. Close friends." He doesn't say anything else but he nods. Maybe deep down inside he was glad you two weren't a couple. Now, he just wondered what sorts of adventures you would lead him on.

Who could say?

Chapter Text

Travels across the sea, from your homeland, Wyvoria, were rare. Small journeys from Wyvoria to islands your father knew well, or merely remembered them, was meant as a treat for good behaviour on your part. Taking care of your ill older sibling was hard work as your father, Sosuke, was typically busy with his royal duties of being Emperor, and your mother, Fusae, seemed to want to ignore your existence, and only cared for her first born, Rei. Rei was the heir of Wyvoria's throne, whilst you were expected to marry into royalty yourself and bear children. That was seen as your only responsibility in life.

Despite being taught of your abilities (or magic) and being taught the way of a warrior by your father, you would not be expected to fight. After all, you were to be the face of a kingdom, to show kindness and to show a nurturing side as though you were the mother of an entire kingdom. To not show a shred of violence, or something warranting judgement on your part was important for your social standing.

The ship you were on was large in size, painted on with gold and silver, as different jewels and money from different places visited were kept down below in the ship. The flag of Wyvoria flew in the wind as the ship itself neared a new island. You stood at the side of the ship, your eyes trailing over the island a little in the distance, with your hands resting against the side. Your eyes were blank, with no essence of colour swirling within. Your expression was blank, without a sense of expression, nor did any thought cloud your mind. Your tail wrapped around your stomach, feeling your scales trace across your exposed flesh. You wore a simple jewelled bra top, with bottoms and sandals along with a golden, jewel choker wrapped around your neck.

The ship hit against the side of the dock, the crew on board ignoring the people swarming down below at such a colossal, golden specimen. After all, the front of the ship had the image of dual dragons wrapped around each other, representing yin and yang. Sosuke gently wrapped his hands around your shoulders, his [e/c] eyes glinting in the light and tracing over your small horns. He started to lead you down the plank leading along the pier. He stopped mid-step, with his hands still on his shoulders to stare at the red-haired man.

The man in question had a wide smile across his face, and smirked at Sosuke with amusement. One of his arms was missing, and the shirt itself folded over to hide his missing limb. "It's been a while, Sosuke. Surprised you're still alive, old man!"
Sosuke's eyes narrowed. "And you're missing an arm, Shanks. What is your point?" Sosuke bared his sharp fangs, as you stood there, feeling the pressure of his hands on your shoulders. Your eyes follow over Shanks, to the two children behind him, both with black hair. They both watched in awe at the crew with tails, horns and wings as they simply carried boxes without hesitance as though they weighed nothing despite them being a ton each in weight. Your gaze lingered on them, seeing their forms radiating excitement. The older boy turned his head a little and he caught your gaze. A smile spread across his face and he raised his hand, waving it in your direction.

You look away with an embarrassed blush across your cheeks at being caught.

"No need to be that way, we're still friends aren't we?"
"How did you lose that arm?" Shanks sweat dropped at his insistence regarding his arm. Shanks shook his head from side-to-side, his lips curling into an amused smile. Sosuke ignored him to instead softly stroke the top of your head, intertwining his fingers around your curls, as his other hand delicately traced over your horns. It amused him to see how small your horns were compared to his own, and how he couldn't wait, thinking upon it fondly, how they would likely become larger than his own.

Shanks watched, pursing his lips as he slid one of his hands onto his waist. His eyes shone dangerously. You nuzzled into any affection he gave, hitting your head against his hand, eyes remaining blank. "Who's that, Sosuke? What a cutie!" Sosuke huffed, narrowing his eyes in annoyance. "Hey, Luffy, Ace! Come meet these guys!" At the mention of the two boys, Sosuke wrapped his arms around you and brought you protectively against his chest. His eyes flashed dangerously, piercing through the pair as they ran forward and landed in front of you both. Sosuke's tail flickered in front of you protectively. You tilt your head up towards him, something on the edge of your tongue.

The man was incredibly protective towards you, especially when you spoke to those of the opposite sex.

"Sosuke, why that expression?"
"Get those vile boys away from my daughter!" Sosuke warned, as some of the crew, along with the royal advisor, Emi, swarmed around him. Emi had black hair brought back into two buns, as her blue eyes shone as brightly as ever. Along with being slightly narrowed, she had several black markings spreading out across her skin in curled markings and her purple horns curved from her head. She wore a robe with a pair of sandals.

"Father, get off me."
"Huh?" Everyone stared at you in confusion.
You tilted your head towards him, emitting a cracking sound as you did so. Your eyes narrowed through his. Sosuke gulped, sweat rolling down his face at the intensity you were showcasing. For someone so young, your gaze was as dark as ever: lost souls swam within your eyes, trying to free themselves and cause absolute oblivion and destruction. "You are acting like a child."

He started to pout, even letting out a whine as you shook off his hold. You stood forward, and bowed towards Shanks and the two boys. "It's a pleasure to meet you." You raised your head, ignoring the heat rising to your cheeks as all three of them watched you with intrigue. The boy without the straw hat grinned even wider. Ah, it was the one who caught you staring previous. "My name is [Y/N] [L/N]."

Shanks' eyes widened, and he turned his head towards Sosuke. "I still can't believe you have a kid." He didn't say anything, but he scowled at even the mention of such a thing. Shanks leaned down, and patted your head with his hand, softly stroking you a little. "Nice to meet you, the name's Shanks. These two behind me are," He turned his head towards the two boys He stood back up, taking a few steps towards Sosuke and stopped to stand beside him. Sosuke was just about to say something, likely to shout 'they better not get too near' before Emi whispered something into his ear. Emi took a few step backwards, crossing her arms against her chest as Sosuke simply huffed.

They started to play fight over who would introduce themselves first. Ace was pushed forward by Luffy, and he fell forward only stopping himself by forcing his heels into the dirt. He was inches from your face: your eyes met with his for a split second, his cheeks flushed a little from the way they sparkled and bled through his. His forehead barely grazed your own- you almost yelped in surprise, frozen in place. Your own cheeks dusted with a blush. Sosuke shouted several curses, taking a dangerous step forward, before Shanks started to laugh and extended his arm in front of the man to make sure he didn't move an inch.

"H-Hey..." He started, rubbing the back of his neck nervously. His voice was low, even a little shy by the way he spoke. He was entranced by your beauty, and it wasn't just him who was almost threatened by your presence. Beauty, power and strength is what you radiated. But, your eyes were his favourite. They made his heart melt, trancing him into a state of unconsciousness almost. Luffy started to laugh from behind him. Ace's face set aflame and he aggressively turned his head around, glaring at Luffy.
You shake off your nervousness. Talking had never been something you preferred, or even meeting new people, but, they didn't seem too bad.

"Hello. What is your name?" Best to be calm, and kind. Your eyes shone brilliantly, streaks of gold trickling and mixing with [e/c]. Ace turned back around. He fumbled with his hands, tracing over the lines of his palm to not look you in the eyes. His ears burned bright red. "Ace." Shanks started to laugh at Ace's sudden bashful nature. A small smile spreads across your lips. "It's nice to meet you, Ace. I'm [Y/N] but I guess you already know that."
Ace tilted his head to the side, trying to forget his previously flustered expression. "What ship is that?"
You followed his gaze. "My father's main ship. He uses it to travel across the seas, as it is his favourite vessel."

"What are you exactly?" A glimmer of amusement glinted in your eye. You crossed your arms against your chest, watching as Ace watched the dragons of different sizes (in their human-ish forms) carry off crates and settle them down against the pier. Sosuke often brought over various fruits, fish and edible crystals from Wyoveria unfounded elsewhere. He sold them to the island, and Shanks for little gold so they could sell it for full profit. They cost a hefty sum which helped the island prosper.

Still, a sudden uncontrollable streak of fear ran down your spine. This would be the last time to even think of such things, or even be happy. This trip was to highlight the good times, before your mother chose your suitors. In order for you to be married off, and...do what you were born to do. Continue the bloodline. That's all.

An unpleasant, unwanted circumstance. 

Imagine marrying off your child as though they were livestock.

"Dragons," Ace turns his head towards you, gaping. "Except, we are able to appear human. Not many others can."
Ace stopped for a moment, not saying a thing. His eyes narrowed through your own. He leaned forward (Sosuke was shouting in the distance, with Shanks laughing and stopping him) and your cheeks flushed a little darker. "You have such pretty eyes." Your blush reaches the tips of your eyes, burning darkly. Your eyes shine brighter, losing the dullness to be replaced with a new, crystal shine.

"...what?" The eyes your mother had described as vile, as second to her own purple ones, were being complimented. 
"I like the colour of your eyes. But, it isn't the only thing pretty about you~" He winked. Slowly, your entire face exploded with colour. You puffed out your cheeks, shaking your head from side-to-side. "Shut it!"

That may have been your first meeting, but it wasn't the last time.

Chapter Text

The small boat continued to bob across the open water, slicing through the blue waves and separating them on either side as it sailed forward. Surprisingly, the waves still remained a bright blue with only a few clouds in sight. Shades of orange and pink spread across the sky. Luffy was sat at the edge of the boat, resting his chin against the edge as his cheeks puffed out slightly. His stomach rumbled sounding much like a whale's mating call as it gurgled, announcing to the entire boat he required food. You laid down on your back along the boat with your arms underneath your head.

Your tail wrapped around your waist, hitting lightly against the boat. Your hand fanned against your face as the heat kissed at your skin. Sweat droplets rolled down your skin and fell onto the boat. Ideally, you weren't exactly wearing clothing suited for hot weather but it also had something to do with your reluctance to eat with everyone else. The hotness you felt was a combination of clothing, and the symptoms of your eating habits.

"I'm starving...When the hell're we gonna reach land?"
"Who knows. We're just going with the wind and waves...after all..." It seemed both Zoro and Luffy were bad with directions. Who knows what will happen with these two involved? Bad things were going to happen. It was a prediction which would likely come true.
"Not long now," You say, continuing to fan your face. "We need to just continue heading north." As a dragon, you could read an entire map and remember where each island, or destination was. Dragons tended to have a good memory. Your father had taught you much, from simple navigation to how to use weapons and your powers. But, it was still a question where he was. The simple 'why' question had an answer: your mother had become too much even for him, and he had left to find solace elsewhere. Despite the children he left behind.

"You don' look great, [Y/N]. What's up with you?" You turned your head towards Zoro who was staring at you, confused. You didn't pay it much mind what he said, as passive aggressive as it may of sounded. It sounded like he cared in his own way. There was still much to learn when it came to Zoro, but you could at least understand he cared about his new crew, and Captain, even if he sounded harsh. It was his way of showing he cared.

"I'm fine. Just a little warm." Zoro furrowed his eyebrow. He didn't quite believe it himself, but he huffed, looking away as your eyes pierced through his, daring him to comment further. Even Luffy stared at you for a moment, before he learned forward over the boat, staring off at the bright, blue waves. All off a sudden, Luffy's straw hat flew high into the air, drifting further and further through the air. You, Luffy and Zoro got up to watch as it trailed across the sky. But, Zoro managed to jump up and catch it in time before it flew away.

Luffy sat cross-legged on the boat, holding his hat with both hands. Zoro watched him for a moment, holding all three of his swords in his arms. "You're gonna drop it again if you space out. Isn't it important?"
Luffy uses both hands to press it back on his head, a wide smile spreading across his face. "Yeah. Thank you, Zoro!" It had been a gift from Shanks and to lose it would be to lose his greatest treasure. It was the same for Zoro: he wouldn't lose his greatest treasure, a gift from his dead friend. For you, it was the necklace around your neck. It was a gift from your siblings: it signified safe travels, and care on your journey. Even now they were thinking about you.

"Man...I'm hungry..." Zoro huffed to himself as he leaned back against the boat. You smiled, both you and Luffy looked up at the same time to see the massive bird flying overhead. "Let's eat it!"
Zoro looked back towards Luffy. "What? How?"
"Leave it to me!" Ah, that bad feeling was creeping in. Luffy throws his arms up towards the mast and wraps his hands around it before he throws his body upwards to launch himself towards the bird. But...

Zoro watches as Luffy's head is caught between the bird's beak. He flails around trying to get himself free.

"Moron! What the hell're you doing?!" Zoro started to row across the waves. You narrow your eyes, and after muttering a string of curses to yourself, your wings spring violently from your back. They slam against your back, and as you jump off of the boat, your wings slam together. The water beneath the boat violently threw a small tidal wave outwards; the boat rocked a little enough to make Zoro fall forward. His eyes widened as he watched your wings wrap around your body as you increased speed, and swirl through the air like a drill through the air.

A trail of sweat rolled down his face. "How did I manage to get with such weirdos?"

You continued to follow after Luffy and the bird until a town appeared underneath them. The bird opened its beak and Luffy fell down, his eyes wide onto the ground below, sending dirt and stone upwards as he landed. Your [e/c] eyes trail down to the ground below, blinking once to focus even more, almost zooming onto the heat signatures of those below. He sat down, wiping his hat as he whined.

He cracked his back a few times before he stood up with a smile across his face. You flew down towards the ground, your eyes narrowed. The pirates, and a familiar red-haired woman watched in surprise as you landed on your feet beside Luffy, one of your wings wrapped around the young boy to force him to press against your side as you glared. An aura of power and wrath bled through your eyes, and the way you presented yourself. Luffy, on the other hand, wasn't affected by your current demeanour. Instead, his smile widened and he smushed his cheek against yours. It wasn't helpful in trying to hold your terrifying glare.

"Wow, [N/N]! That was impressive!"
"Luffy, now is not the time for affection!"
"You're doing one of your scary faces! Ehehe!" You push him away with your hand, your blood-thirsty gaze wavering as Luffy's eyes, as wide and bright as they are, caught yours. In his eyes was nothing less of love and adoration and the way they glimmered made your cheeks set aflame. Just a simple look from this man seemed to break down any barriers you built.

"I'm starving..." Luffy started to whine. Your wings flap closed behind your back.
The red-haired woman suddenly walked up to them with her hands together. "B-Boss! You came to save me!"
Both of you turned to face the young woman. You crossed your arms against your chest. "Hm?" Then, she started to run off as the pirates glared in their direction. "Sorry, but they're all yours now!" She ran around the corner.

"Hey! The girl got away!"
"That's okay! Her boss is still here!"
"Ah! Tryin' to cover for your crony, huh?!" The three men clench their swords at their sides. You crossed your arms against your chest, furrowing your eyebrow at the men in question. They were easily swayed, to put it lightly. Luffy pressed his hands against his stomach. "Say, is there any place to eat around here?" Like always, Luffy does not quite understand the situation he is in.

"Quit screwin' around, kid!" The man said, as he raised his fist and slammed it into the side of Luffy's head sending his head back and for his hat to once again fly off into the air. You gape at the hat following the breeze. Luffy slammed his fist into the man's face, sending him hurtling backwards and he landed in a cloud of dust. Luffy caught his hat in his hand, and rested it against his face to hide his eyes as a shadow crept over his face. "Don't touch my treasure!"
"Bastard!" Both men shout, with sweat rolling down their faces, as they charged with their swords. But, your tail tore from your back and wrapped around one of them, coiling around the man like a snake. He was forced to drop his sword: his face started to turn blue, and more sweat rolled down his face.

The other man stopped, and froze. His eyes widened at the sight and he shakily turned his head in time to see your narrowed, terrifying eyes and the way you stood with crossed arms. He almost shrieked until you slammed your fist into his face and sent him hurtling backwards into one of the buildings. Chunks from the building started to fall off and scatter, followed by dust. The man, currently coiled in your tail, was starting to turn more blue if possible. In a quick movement, you smashed him into the ground, your eyes tracing over him with annoyance. His face was flattened against the ground, as blood poured from his nose and dotted the ground with red. Your tail uncoiled from around him to take a step back and tilt your head towards Luffy.

Luffy had a wide beam across his face with slightly flushed cheeks. "That was so cool, [N/N]! There's no beating you!"
"Wow! You're both so strong!" Both looked up to see the red-haired woman on the roof. She jumps down and lands on the roof below. "You beat people with sabres barehanded!"
"Now that I see your face more clearly, I can see you're the one who was stealing from that pirate ship. Nice to officially meet you." You slide one arm underneath your chest and bow, a kind smile spreading across your lips. The red-haired woman's face flushed a little and she was unable to say anything she seemed to spellbound. You stood back up straight. "My name is [Y/N] and this is Luffy."
"Yeah, I'm a thief who steals from pirates! The name's Nami! Hey, wanna team up with me?!" The young woman leaned over the barrier, a wide smile across her face.

The fact she found her way here was interesting in itself: this wasn't the first time they had 'met'. She likely had her fair share of navigational skills to be able to get here, and she likely had created enemies of those pirates. Ah, she was an interesting woman and a possible new member. Granted, if she wanted to be. Nami didn't appear to like pirates, and you couldn't blame her. Some pirates were terrible people (then again, it's expected, when pirates aren't exactly law-abiding.) But, not all pirates were the same.

"It would be nice to work with you, Nami. It would be nice if you became part of my crew, but I cannot insist otherwise. That would be ungentlemanly," You respond with a wide smile across your lips. Nami's cheeks flush darker at the honesty in your tone. She presses her hand against her chest, pleased by the lack of aggression or force in your tone in response to both her hatred of pirates, and reluctance to join your crew. Still, it was her decision. At least if you worked together it would bring you all closer to whatever goal everyone had.

Nami jumped down and ran over to them, placing one hand on her hip. "How about I treat you both to some food?" Luffy beamed at that and you couldn't help but love how cute he was. 

The three of them were inside a restaurant. Luffy wrapped his hands around the burger and swallowed it whole. His cheeks puffed out as he chewed and swallowed. You sat to his left, your chin propped up onto your hand to watch as he ate. He pressed his hands to his face in joy. "Yum! Do you live alone in this house?"
"I don't live in this town. Everyone here ran away because of Buggy." Buggy. You had heard that name before. Your father had mentioned him, and he was well known across the East Blue. He was the leader of the Buggy Pirates, and knew Shanks. Also, he had eaten a Devil Fruit so he was even more of a threat.

"That's why the town is deserted," You say to yourself more than to anyone else. Barely anyone had been in the two except for the pirates. It was likely Buggy's pirates: perhaps you could ask him if he had seen your father.
"Then you're a sneak thief," Luffy said.
"How rude! I'm a thief who only steals from pirates! Don't compare me to scumbag sneak thieves!" Well, pirates were thieves who stole from everyone else, and even other pirates. It made sense, in a way. Still, it was best to be on your guard. Nami would likely steal anyone blind.

"But a thief's a thief." You raise your hand and pinch Luffy's cheek. He yelps in surprise and strokes the side of his face where you had pinched him. His cheeks puff out as he pouts. "OW! What was that for, [N/N]?" Even Nami looks between you two in surprise.
You smile a little before sitting up straight. Your finger strokes along your sleeve. "You need to be a little more careful with what you say. We don't judge other people, Luffy." You turn towards Nami. "Stealing from pirates, huh?"
Nami nodded, before looking off to the side. "My goal is to earn 100 million Berries, no matter what it takes."

Luffy blinks a few times. "What do you need that much for?"
"It's a secret!" Nami turns around and scrunches the map in her hand. Luffy stuffs another burger into his mouth, this time taking a few massive bites instead of the full thing with his cheeks puffed out. "But with a map of the Grand Line, 100 million is a real possibility!" Nami tucks the map under her shirt.
"So, you're a navigator?"
"Yep!" Nami beams as she holds her fist up. "Much more skilled than your average navigator!"
Luffy smiled. "Oh, that's perfect! Do you wanna be out navigator?!" Nami slammed her hands against the table with a smile across her face.

"Nami, as much as I would love for you to be our navigator, we are pirates. And it's obvious you aren't fond of pirates..." You smile, before resting your back against the chair. Where was Zoro? It would be best to go looking for him. You slam down your hands against the table, scaring Luffy and Nami slightly. A smile spreads across your lips as you pull up your sleeves and fold them against your arms. Your silver scars blare in the light. "I have to go looking for our swordsman, so will you be ok here, Luff?" Luffy smiled and stood up just as Nami stepped towards the window. You watched Luffy with a furrowed brow as he wrapped his arms around your shoulders and nuzzled his head against your chest. A snort erupted from the back of your throat. He was trying to be 'sneaky' and get a kiss.

"Luff, are you trying to get a kiss or something? I am not going to be away for long," You say, lifting your hand to pat his head. "How about I give you one once we reunite?" Also, I would be embarrassed if I kissed him in front of Nami. Luffy removes his arms from around your waist with a pout across his face. It didn't take long before you waved to them both and left.

Nami stared outside, watching you as you left, as well as the two pirates who ran down the street. She needed to get rid of them somehow. She walked up behind Luffy and stopped. "Maybe I would consider joining your captain's crew if you agree to certain conditions!"
"Really?! I'll do anything!"
An almost devious smile spread across her lips. "I want you to come with me to see Buggy the pirate." In a blink of an eye, she wrapped the rope around his hands and body, binding him completely.
"Why am I tied up?"
"It's just a rope. Is there a problem?"
"Oh well! I was hoping to meet other pirates! Let's go!"

A little later...

Nami held the rope binding Luffy as they walked between Buggy's pirates. Everyone seemed to be smiling or just watched them in confusion- the three pirates from before pointed at them both. "She's the one who stole the chart!" Nami pushed Luffy and he fell forward, landing harshly against the ground onto his face. Nami took out the map and held it in her hand, and started to walk forwards. "I've captured the thief, Captain Buggy the Clown! Here's your chart back." The Clown in question gave an intimidating smirk, as his eyes bore onto Nami.

"I appreciate it. But why the change of heart?" Nami placed the map into his hand. There was a lingering feeling in her heart that this would be a mistake involving Luffy after witnessing your terrifying glare beforehand. Hopefully, you would only be mad at Buggy of all people.
She took a step back and smiled at him. "My boss and I had a fight! I'm fed up with him!" She took a few more steps back and placed her arms behind her back. "Please let me join your crew!"
Buggy's eyes narrow. The three men from before begin to shake and sweat rolls down their faces. "C-Captain Buggy is angry!"
"He's gonna use his Devil Fruit power!"
"Devil?" Luffy said to himself as his cheek was pressed against the ground.

Buggy bursts out laughing in a sort of loud cackle. "Fed up, huh? You're a flashily amusing girl! I like you! You can join my crew!" As scary and strong as Buggy was, he also was a bit of an idiot. It was a little obvious Nami was going to double-cross him. She didn't like pirates. Nami just smiles. In just a split second, Luffy was thrown into a stone cage with a lock. The top of the stone was plated a little with gold.
"Why am I in a cage?" A good question really. Luffy had a good point. Buggy cackled once again. "I feel great today!" Buggy faced Nami. "Girl! What name do you go by?"

"Nami!"
Buggy turns around to face the stone cage. "Alright! Let's hold a welcome party for Nami here!" He threw his arms up into the air. "Celebrate flashily!" Everyone started to cheer at the clown's announcement.

Everyone started to celebrate in their own, weird ways, whilst Nami sat in front of Buggy. He held a glass filled with alcohol in one hand with meat in the other. His smile was as wide as ever. "What's wrong?! This party's in your honour! Eat up!" He downed the drink in his hand.
"Yes! Thank you!" Whilst this was happening, Luffy's arm stretched from the cage, his hand inching towards the meat resting against the table. Sweat rolled down his face as his cheek smushed against one of the iron bars. He gritted his teeth as he tried to reach it. Just as he was about to reach it, his arm snapped back and he was sent against the cage painfully.

Everyone was having fun. As strange as they were. That was before Buggy shouted, "Men! Prepare a Special Buggy Ball!" Everyone threw their arms into the air in excitement and cheered. A massive cannon was wheeled to be pointed towards the town's buildings. One of Buggy's men held a massive, dark red ball in his arms with Buggy's insignia before putting it inside of the cannon. "All set, sir!" Nami watched on with her eyebrows furrowed- a sudden feeling in her chest twisted all her emotions together. Fear, was all she felt.

"Light it." At his command, one of the men- wearing a striped hat, without a shirt, and striped trousers- lit the cannon. The end of it blazed bright orange and the smell of sulphur and iron tainted the air.  The cannon flashed before the cannon ball was sent hurtling towards the buildings, sending stone and debris everywhere. It smashed through a full row of buildings and completely obliterated them. The only thing left was rubble and remnants of where the houses used to be. Nami gaped at the destruction.

"Flashy! With Buggy Balls and Devil Fruit powers, I can conquer the Grand Line!" He turns his head towards Nami with his arms crossed against his chest. "Right, Nami?"

"Y-Yes! Of course!"

"Eh?!" Everyone turns towards Luffy. "[N/N] is gonna be the one to rule the Grand Line!"

"What?" Buggy thundered. He was slowly, but surely, losing his temper.

"[N/N] is gonna be Queen of the Pirates!"

Well, that would surely piss everyone off.

After some disagreement, the cannon was pointed at Luffy and Nami was given the matches to set the cannon alight and end Luffy's life. Buggy threw his hands up into the air, with a big smile across his face. "Alright! Light it flashily!" Everyone chanted 'Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire!' as Nami took a step forward and nestled the matches against her chest. Sweat rolled down her face. But, Luffy simply watched her. He could tell she didn't want to do it. "Nami! Don't wimp out on me now!" Nami started to shake, with one of her hands clenched against her side.

"Your hands are shaking!"

At least, one of the other Buggy Pirates stole the matches, flicking it up against the side as it lit a orange and yellow flame. He neared the rope of the cannon with the match but before it made contact, Nami took off a staff from her thigh and slammed it down against his head. He fell down face first. Nami frowned and cursed to herself of her mistake. Buggy clenched his fist and clenched his teeth. "Nami! What is the meaning of this?!"
Nami bowed whilst holding the staff in her hands. "I'm sorry!"
"What?! Apologizing won't fix things!"

"Huh? Now you're saving me?"
"Don't be stupid! I only did it because of the situation!" Nami tried to defend. "I just didn't want to wind up like these inhuman pirates!"
"Oh, the situation!"
"Pirates took the life of a person dear to me! As if I'd ever be one!"
"Oh, so that's why...Huh?" Luffy suddenly shouted as he realised the fuse leading inside of the cannon was very much lit. It sizzled and continued to rise. Even after that display, the cannon was still lit.

A few of the pirates rushed Nami with swords in their hands. She held the staff in her hands and nearly slammed it into the pirates before they jumped up in time. One of them slashed his sword downwards against Nami's staff. They all slashed their swords in her direction before she let go of the staff and fell back. She got up and started to run towards the cannon.

"This is quite the situation. I've only been gone for ten minutes, Luff. What the hell is going on?" You shouted from beside the cannon, your eyes trailing over it. Your sleeves were rolled up to reveal your deep, silver scars. Your arms were crossed against your chest whilst your horns created a regal aura around yourself from the bright, golden jewels, and your tail wrapped around your waist. A dragon's eyes blaze with the coloured magic they were born with, and yours were the same. Magic is what bleed's from one's soul. After all, magic made up some of your soul. Your head tilts towards the cage holding Luffy and your smile widens. "Trapped, I see."

Nami stops to stare at you in slight confusion, and even Buggy's Pirates are bewildered. Buggy's eyes narrowed on you.

Before anyone could say anything, or react, you threw your leg upwards and slammed it down against the cannon, shattering it upon impact. Shattered pieces of metal were thrown into the air as dark smoke emitted from the small fragments. Everyone's mouths gaped open at the remnants of the cannon. Buggy, on the other hand, started to clench his teeth as his eyes narrowed at the mess. Without a word, you headed towards Luffy in the cage and leaned against it. Luffy beamed up at you with joy. "[N/N]! I knew you would come in time!"

"And you somehow managed to get in trouble with other pirates," You sigh, ignoring the pirates starting to run towards you with swords. "Maybe, I should leave you in this cage." A mischievous smile spread across your lips as your chest pressed against the side of the cage, and your arm wrapped around the cage so most of your weight was pressing against it.

Luffy puffed out his cheeks in a pout. "That's so mean!" You simply snort and before the three pirates could slash at you with their blades, Zoro knocked his blades against their faces, causing them to collapse onto the ground. You had found Zoro beforehand, along with the boat. But, after the destruction of the houses you chose to go on ahead to make sure Luffy and Nami were ok. At least you had managed to save Luffy from his fate: still, perhaps you shouldn't have left Luffy with a stranger. You tilt your head upwards to stare at Zoro. Even if it was only his back, you could tell how fit he was beneath his shirt. Your cheeks flushed a little at the thought. It wasn't time, currently, to be attracted to anyone. But...Zoro was very attractive.

No, no! Now was not the time.

"Zoro! Thank you for saving me," You smile as you remove yourself from the cage to walk up beside Zoro. His eyes narrowed through yours for a split second before turning to the side, likely to hide his flushed cheeks. He definitely wasn't used to feeling this way, whatever it is. His chest twisted in his chest, and threaded through his entire body. It made his heart beat faster and made his skin feel hot to touch. He had only known you for a few days and he was already feeling this way. You seemed to have that way with people.

"Who are you?!" Buggy demanded. Nami snuck behind you both.
You slid your hands onto your hips and smiled, winking at Nami. Her face flushed red as you turned your head back towards Buggy. "My name is [Y/N] [L/N], and I believe you just tried to kill my first mate."
Buggy stopped for a moment. That name was familiar. It was a name he had not said in a long time, but had heard fairly recently. You even looked a little familiar: the horns just added to his own confusion. "Why does that sound familiar?" He said as he placed his hands on his hips.

"I actually wanted to meet you to ask about my father, Sosuke [L/N]."
"SOSUKE?!" He shouted, his eyes nearly bulging out of his sockets. You furrow your eyebrows in confusion, and share looks with Zoro before looking back at the clown. "Yes, Sosuke is my father. You knew him, didn't you?"
Buggy manages to regain his composure, albeit with wide eyes. "You could say that." Well, after hearing his outburst it was clear he knew him.
"You wouldn't know where he is, would you?"

"No. No one knows where he is. He disappeared years ago," Buggy mentioned to himself more than anything else but you managed to catch it. Even Buggy, one of Sosuke's closest friends, didn't know where the man was. Figures. You didn't have time to even be asking around too much, or wasting time doing anything. You needed to find Sosuke and that was a fact. You hadn't even told Luffy why you had decided to start your adventure when you were eighteen. After all, you hadn't even told Luffy the real reason, even if he knew your mother was so strict. Actually, you weren't sure if Luffy knew.

The reason behind you searching for Sosuke seemed selfish in hindsight. At least, according to you. You saw it as selfish. You didn't like being selfish, it wasn't who you were. You put others before your own- at least, the reason would be good for everyone in your Empire as well. You and your mother made an agreement that if you managed to find Sosuke before around six months ended, you didn't have to marry the person she chose. Sosuke had led the Kingdom well into a life of prosperity. He had led it into a peaceful era, keeping each Kingdom and Empire at peace with each other. But when he left, your mother took over and led the Empire until your older brother would take the throne. She was a monster, and ruthless to the people and those who opposed her.

You couldn't allow her to reign any longer. If it meant putting your freedom on the line, so be it. Sosuke was someone of peace and your mother opposed that. Your Empire would die, and be led into war.

Was it selfish?

"Thank you. Even so, I do not like the fact you tried to kill my first mate and tried to kill a guest on my crew," You spoke, your eyes narrowing through Buggy's as you crossed your arms against your chest. "Unless you wish to let us leave. Maybe I will ignore the fact you tried to kill my first mate, if you let us leave." Buggy let out a cackle and it ran out. Soon enough, everyone else started to laugh as well.
You, on the other hand, maintained your glare. A darkness started to manifest around you, bleeding around your entire body, darkening as the laughter rang through your mind. The ground beneath your feet started to crack, your temper slowly rising. Luffy started to laugh along with them. The sound of Luffy's laughter stopped Buggy- the older man glared at the rubber boy in confusion. "What are you laughing at?"

"[N/N] is scary when she's angry!" Buggy stopped glaring at Luffy to furrow his eyebrows. His head tilted towards you and he immediately froze. He recognised that look in your eyes as your father shared the same, angry expression. Zoro muttered, "Guess we will have to fight after all."

 Whether anyone liked it or not, you and Zoro would have to fight Buggy. How annoying. The older man unsheathed his dagger from his pocket.

"Are you not going to help me, [N/N]?!" Luffy shouted from the cage with puffed out cheeks. You rose your hand and trailed it down over your face in annoyance- your tail swished violently against the ground. Zoro snorted as he unsheathed his swords. "Call it punishment."
"For what?!"
"Getting in trouble. As much as I adore you, this is probably for the best. You attract problems like a magnet." Luffy didn't say anything else but he did start to pout.

This was going to be fun.

Chapter Text

Y/N: If you bite it and you die, it’s poisonous. If it bites you and you die, it’s venomous.
Luffy: What if it bites me and it dies!?
Zoro: Then you’re poisonous. Jesus Christ, Luffy, learn to listen.
Nami: What if it bites itself and I die?
Sanji: That’s voodoo.
Usopp: What if it bites me and someone else dies?
Luffy: That’s correlation, not causation.
Nami: What if we bite each other, and neither of us die?
Sanji: That’s kinky.
Y/N: Oh my God.

Luffy: Here’s a fun Christmas idea. We hang mistletoe, but instead of kissing, you have to FIGHT whoever else is under it.
Y/N: Luffy no.
Zoro: Mistlefoe.
Y/N: Please stop encouraging them.

*Y/N's helping Luffy out after they get injured, while the others are watching*
Zoro: How does Luffy look?
Nami: A little better than you, actually.

Y/N: Is stabbing someone immoral?
Luffy: Not if they consent to it.
Zoro: Depends who you’re stabbing.
Nami: YES?!?

Y/N: Let’s watch Sharkboy and Lavagirl.
Zoro: Okay.
Y/N: And make out during the scary parts.
Zoro: Th-
Zoro: The scary parts.
Zoro: Of Sharkboy and Lavagirl.

Luffy: Are we really going to let N/N keep Zoro?
Nami: We kept Sanji.

Y/N: So uhhh... my question is: my friend keeps on going into the pantry and grabbing handfuls of fettuccine... uncooked...
Nami: I would hope they're not grabbing handfuls of cooked fettuccine!
Sanji: In your pantry!
Y/N: Yeah... and eating them raw, and they keep calling them 'chips'. ... How do I make them stop?
Nami: Is your friend here?
Y/N, motioning to Luffy: Yeah.
Nami, to Luffy: You're a monster! Words MEAN things! >:(
Zoro: Does anybody remember- I haven't been to Olive Garden in many moons- but they DO have a like- fettuccine bottle that you can just- grab em out of and chew-
Zoro: HOLD ON. WAS THIS A PRANK YOU GUYS PULLED ON ME WHEN WE WENT TO OLIVE GARDEN AS KIDS?!
Zoro: NO, STOP. EVERYBODY SHUT UP. DO THEY GIVE YOU RAW FETTUCCINE TO CHEW ON IN THE LOBBY OF THE OLIVE GARDEN
Everyone else: No.
Zoro, to Nami and Sanji: YOU FUCKIN BASTARDS
Nami: YAAAAAAAAY!
Sanji: THE PRESTIGE!

Y/N: Dammit, Luffy!
Luffy: What?! It wasn’t me!
Y/N: Sorry, force of habit. Dammit, Zoro!
Zoro: Not me either.
Y/N: Oh...Then who set the house on fire?
Nami: *whistles*

Y/N: Dumbest scar stories, go!
Luffy: I burned my tongue once drinking tea.
Zoro: I dropped a hair dryer on my leg once and burned it.
Nami: I have a piece of graphite in my leg for accidentally stabbing myself with a pencil in the first grade.
Sanji: I was taking a cup of noodles out of the microwave and spilled it on my hand and I got a really bad burn.
Usopp:
Usopp: I have emotional scars.

*The squad right before Y/N and Luffy's wedding*
Sosuke: Well I have to go, I have a wedding to attend.
Zoro: Wait... Oh! I have a wedding to attend too!
Nami: Oh, I have a wedding to attend as well
Sanji: I THINK WE ALL HAVE WEDDINGS TO ATTEND
Usopp, panicked: I THINK I HAVE A WEDDING TO OFFICIATE

Y/N: Are you sure this is the right direction?
Luffy: Certainly, I'm as sure as I am honest!
Zoro: In that case, we're definitely lost.

Chapter Text

Silence befell them all for a moment as you crossed your arms against your chest, your tail trailing across the ground as you watched. Zoro placed one of his swords and rested it between his teeth as Buggy took out two knives and twirled them around in a circle. Buggy's crew cheered all around them in an almost circle as the fight was going to begin. "Give me all you've got, pirate hunter, 'cause I'm about to get a look at your blood!!!"
"You asked for it!" In the blink of an eye, as he unsheathed his other swords, he sped forward and Buggy was sliced into different body parts and fell on the ground, rolling a little to the side before stopping. It was unusual how easy it was for Buggy, a pirate so prideful and known for his strength, to be beaten so easily.

No, no. It couldn't quite be this easy, could it? The fact his crew were quietly laughing to themselves, or how the makeup staining their faces didn't twist into frowns at the 'defeat' at their fallen Captain. Something was amiss. Confusion washed over you for a moment: Zoro stared down at the body sliced into numerous pieces. "Hmph! That was almost disappointing!" Buggy's crew continued to laugh, finding this amusing. Luffy shouted, causing you to look back, "Hey Zoro! [N/N]! Get me outta here!"
"Just a moment..."

Your eyes narrowed onto Buggy's crew, who threw back their heads in laughter. Upon feeling your glare on them, they stopped for a moment. They froze, feeling fear trail down their spines as sweat started to build up across their faces. They were too calm: your eyes flashed towards Buggy's body and you took a few steps forward, ignoring Luffy calling from within the cage, or Nami's worried glances. In a sudden flash, you rushed forward and ran in front of Zoro, stopping the blade with just your fingers. The swordsman turned around and his eyes widened, sweat building up around his forehead, trailing down his face as he realised he could have been stabbed. A smirk spread across your lips as the blade dug further against your finger, trying to apply pressure: a single drop of blood rolled down your finger.

His crew stared in bewilderment and shock. "A Devil Fruit? Interesting. Makes sense why your crew showed apparent hysteria at your supposed demise," As you said that, Buggy's body started to replicate itself, becoming one once again. He held several knives between his fingers with a frown across his face as his hand flew back towards him and slotted back into place. "Good to see you're alive."

"Yes, I ate a Devil Fruit. You can slice and dice me, but you can't kill me! I'm a chop-chop man!" One of the most...interesting statements he had said so far. A snort erupted from you.

You tapped Zoro on the chest as you looked up at him. A dark blush spread across Zoro's cheeks as he stared at your smile, watching your bright, sparkling eyes. "Are you ok, Zoro?" He could get lost in your eyes. He managed, his cheeks darkening a little more at your close proximity. He gulps, his words catching in his throat. "Yeah...I'm fine. How did you...?"
"Not everything is always as it seems. It's best to imagine a larger picture. It is a little strange they would laugh at the death of their Captain, after all."
"His body is back together again!" Nami shouted as sweat built up across her face and started to trail down her cheeks. "I thought stories about the Devil Fruit were just myths!"

"I can't believe you saw through it!" He gritted his teeth as he flashed his daggers as he twisted them around his fingers. His eyes narrowed at his crew, who hastily took a few steps back as sweat drenched them completely. Fear overtook them: they started to shake where they stood. "It's your fault!"

As his attention was on his crew, you raised your hand and gently grabbed hold of Zoro's face, forcing him to lower his head a little. "Grab hold of Luffy's cage and get out of here, I'll deal with him." The feel of your fingers grasping his face, slowly, and tenderly stroking his jaw almost, send a trail of shivers through his entire body. His cheeks darkened even more, and he couldn't help but want to indulge himself further.
"You sure?" He managed, somehow without stuttering. He had focused so much on mastering his sword skills he hadn't experienced much physical affection.

"Yours and Luffy's safety is important right now," You say, gently smiling up at him with a tender look in your eyes. "I can deal with a clown, and his entire circus." A snort erupted from the green-haired man. He sheathed his swords and before anyone could react, Zoro ran towards Luffy's cage before he heaved it up and rested it onto his shoulder and jumped off the building to land onto a lower roof below. Buggy growled in annoyance whilst you simply slipped your hands onto your waist, eyes narrowed through his own dangerously, your tail sweeping across the ground. Whilst you stayed in the same spot, Buggy turned towards his crew who stood idle, awaiting orders. Had he even realised you were still there? 

"Listen up, crew! We've stolen tons of booty, and our name brings terror to all who hear it! So we gonna let four little losers make fools of us!?" One of the said losers was still standing there in the same spot. It was humorous if anything. 
"No sir!!"
"I can't hear you!!"
"NO SIR!!"

"All right, pipe down!" Buggy said, outstretching his arms before himself as he spoke to his crew members with an authoritative voice. "It's time to show our enemies how terrifying we can be! Bring out the 'Wild Animal Show!'" You snort before nearly bursting into a fit of laughter, covering your mouth quickly with your hand. It definitely was like a circus, the more you thought about it. The sound of your stifled laughter, which didn't fit with the tense atmosphere, made everyone freeze.

"Huh." Buggy stopped, freezing before he slowly turned his head towards you, followed by the rest of his crew. "...You're still here?"
"Yes." Buggy crossed his arms against his chest, furrowing his eyebrows in confusion. In a way, you did remind him a lot of his old friend. More than you could ever imagine- it wasn't a bad thing exactly, it just saddened him slightly. He had not seen Sosuke in many years. Your gentle eyes, your smile, and the way you even stood reminded him of Sosuke. The man was a gentle soul, albeit overprotective when it came to his children so it was no wonder Buggy did not know about you until now.

Their relationship had been complicated. It had been ever since they first met. Himself, Shanks and Sosuke had been friends since they were children, but...his own relationship with Sosuke had been stronger. There had always been romantic feelings left unspoken, but they both felt the same way. Even so, he had duties as the first born child of his family. Duties to marry and have children for the kingdom he led. Never had he wanted the same for you as he was forced into doing. When you met him once again, eventually, he wanted, needed your forgiveness for his selfishness. For allowing this to continue and for his wife to reign, despite knowing how unjust and merciless she truly was. 

For him to leave, to leave you to deal with her first hand. To be neglected and emotionally abused...he had a lot to answer for. And, he would.

"You remind me too much of that bastard," Buggy admitted. His cheeks flushed a little at the thought of the draconic man in question, his face flashing across his mind, causing his entire face to darken even more. His crew exchange looks, furrowing their eyebrows in confusion and even sharing a look with you, who blankly stared back. "That doesn't mean I will let you get away with making a fool of us!" That's when his crew finally stood in more offensive positions as you calmly cracked your neck to the side, awaiting for them to attack. It didn't take long before several of them charged with their weapons held tightly in their hands, faces twisted into expressions of anger.

A small smile spread across your face as you ran forward, eyes glaring brightly. Their blades attempt to slice at you but you manage to dodge out of the way: you raise your leg into the air and slam it against the back of one of their head's, sending them hurtling off the building. One of his men raised his blade, forcefully throwing it down in an attempt to slice at your neck. But, you turn your head to the side and catch it between your teeth. A slight burning sensation ran through your mouth as the blade was caught between your teeth: the metal was cold to touch, while the droplets of blood dripped between your teeth. You applied pressure as more cracks started to form along the metal until it shattered between your teeth. A few gasped in surprise.

Your fist clenched at your side and another crew member ran forward before you threw your fist into the side of their face, sending them flying past Buggy, only missing him by an inch. They rolled across the ground, coughing up blood. You jumped back a few steps, eyes slightly narrowed as you focused on Buggy. A single droplet of blood rolled down your lips, likely from one of the sword shards embedding itself into your gums. Your tongue licked away the blood droplet as you maintained eye contact with Buggy- sweat rolled down the clown's face. He clenched his fists, taking a few steps back.

"Oh~ do I sense fear?" It's almost mocking. Deliberately dark and calculated-it's what the air festered with when you were near. Despite being a kind person, someone who fought for others as they could not do so themselves, you had a dark side. It would always be part of you for years to come. It made things entertaining. Eyes glowing with magic, trailing off and extinguishing in the air, you threw out your hands to extend your claws. "Let's have some fun!"

In town, Luffy was face-to-face with Mohji, the lion tamer. A few buildings had been destroyed and pieces from the cage were scattered across the ground. A lone dog, named Chou-Chou, growled in front of the "Pet Food" building. A place left behind by its late owner, one it needed to protect no matter what. Even as the massive lion slammed Chou-Chou with its paw, causing it to go hurtling across the ground painfully. There were slash marks across its face, bleeding and staining its fur a pinkish red. The lion took on step forward: soon, Chou-Chou charged forward and sank its teeth into the lion's leg.

Once again, the lion knocks Chou-Chou so the canine harshly lands against the wall, dripping with blood which stained the canine's fur a pinkish red. But, it kept getting back up to face the feline.  It needed to. This shop was its greatest treasure. But, in just a matter of seconds, the building was set on fire. The ferocious flames grew and grew even more, waving from side-to-side as black smoke rose from the embers. Spits of flame crackled from the embers, landing on the stone below, just in front of Chou-Chou, who desperately cried for help. In both sadness and desperation.

After all, it was all that was left of its beloved master. 

Mohji and his lion marched through town, gleefully proud of themselves before Luffy threw down his feet, standing in front of them. Sweat rolled down Mohji's face, as a shadow appeared across it. "You!! Didn't I just deal with you? You should be dead!"
Luffy smiled as he crossed his arms against his chest. "It takes more than just a little kick to kill me! I'm a rubber man!"

Mohji smirked smugly. "Rubber man? You've got the devil's own luck, boy. But that hit must have scrambled your brains...You'd have to be crazy...To tangle with me again! Richie, bite his head off!" As he jumped off of Richie, the lion, Richie opened up his jaws wide, pouncing forward towards Luffy. 
"It takes more than that lion..." Luffy's arms start to twist around each other in a twister formation. "To kill me!" 
Mohji's mouth gapes open as more sweat rolls down his face in shock. "What're you doing to your arms!? How can you--!?"

Luffy's hand land on either side of Richie's face, causing the feline to twist around continuously until he slammed him down into the ground, causing fragments to be thrown upwards as the lion became embedded in the ground. Tears comically started to roll down Mohji's face at the sight. "What are you, you freak?!"
"A long time ago, I ate the fruit of the Gum-Gum tree!!"
"The Gum-Gum tree? You ate the Devil's Fruit, like Captain Buggy!?" He wrung his hands in the air defensively as he started to panic more. "Okay, okay! I'll give you all the gold you want! J-Just let me apologise and go! Alive!"

A shadow cast over Luffy's expression. "It's too late for apologies...They won't bring that dog's treasure back!" He grits his teeth, his eyes narrowing in anger. "That's why I came...to clobber you!" He threw his arm forward, wrapping his hand around Mohji's collar and pulls him forward as he wrenches his fist back. He throws it into Mohji's face, strong enough to send him onto his back as blood spurts from his nose and rolls down his lips. Chou-Chou remains sitting in front of its master's old building but it has now been reduced to ash. Life is not always fair.

"[N/N]?" It came as more of a question than a statement. Still, it was welcoming all the same. It had been a few months since you had seen each other last. During that time, you were still seventeen, but now? You were eighteen. You stood on the pier, arms crossed against your chest with your tail wrapped around your waist as your gold and jewelled jewellery glimmered in the light.

Luffy stood there, his smile widening by the second. Before you could properly react, he throws his arms around your neck, and nuzzles his head into the crook of your neck as you simply laugh at his excitement. You are thrown back a little as you wrap your arms around his waist. "Calm down, Luffy! It's been a while, hasn't it?"
He removes his head from the crook of your neck to look up at you, love and adoration shining in his eyes. "Yeah! It's been so long! Where have you been?!" He whines.

He puffs out his cheeks into a pout, his familiar straw hat rests on his head. One hand removes itself from his waist to affectionately stroking his cheek, before wrapping your hand around his cheek. "My apologies, Luff. I have been busy. But, I think it's time for us to begin our adventure across the sea. Wouldn't you agree?"
His eyes widened and his smile grew even more. "Really?!" You nod. "Hehehe! Great!"

"I can't wait...first mate." 
His eyes glimmered even more.

It would be a while yet until Luffy found out why you wanted to begin the adventure so soon. But, he was still happy. For the time being.

Chapter Text

Boodle, the Mayor of Port Town, along with Nami, stepped towards Luffy who was sitting cross-legged on the floor, with his hands wrapped around his legs. He watched as Nami stepped towards him, eyes scanning her in slight confusion. Of course, they had an argument relating to how he was a pirate and how even the thought of pirates angered Nami. It was understandable, as it was clear she had lost someone very dear to her heart due to the misdeeds of pirates. The clouds slowly drifted across the light blue skies, trails of cloud soon left behind.

"Sorry I yelled at you!"
"Huh?" A beam suddenly spread across his face at remembering when she had shouted at him before. He stood up, wiping off dirt from his legs. "That's okay. I know you lost someone to pirates. I understand, not that I want to hear the details or anything." Nami simply smiles in response. All of a sudden, the Mayor threw up his hands in annoyance and anger, screaming loudly to himself. "I CAN'T STAND IT NO MORE!!! I can't stand any more of their cruel bullying! Not after the way Chou-Chou and this kid fought back bravely! What kind of Mayor stands back and watches his own be destroyed!?"
"Mayor, please! Calm down!" Nami tried to soothe, putting up her hands desperately.

"Sometimes, a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do! Isn't that right, sonny?"
"That's right! You said it, old man!!" Boodle's long speech on the development of the town was soon interrupted as a cannon ball hurtled through the air and smashed into Boodle's house, shattering it completely on impact. Wooden boards flew everywhere along with fragments of glass. The power of the strike sent them flying backwards. "NNGH! My house! It's ruined!"
Luffy's eyes widened at the mess of a house, as sweat rolled down his face. "HEY! Zoro was sleeping in there!" As the smoke cleared, it revealed Zoro with his hand wrapped around his face, with his swords at his side. He coughed, and stood up.

You were rushing around the corner and had only just managed to see the blast as it happened, and as Boodle ran off in the opposite direction. Confusion settled over you as you stopped in front of the three, as Zoro wrapped the black bandana around his head. "I see none of you are harmed. I'm glad, I wouldn't want any of you to be harmed." Nami's face flushed a little bit, as did Zoro's. The young thief looked off to the side with her hands on her hips and Luffy threw his arms over you, nuzzling his head into the crook of your neck. A soft smile spreads across your lips. You raise your hand and pat his head, threading your fingers through his black locks. Zoro watches on with jealously, but the way this feeling twisted in his chest was just a mere hindrance. "I believe it's time we end Buggy's reign here once and for all."

With Boodle, he was arguing with Buggy- who was standing on top of the building he occupied with his crew. The mayor shouted down from below, the veins across his forehead pumping violently as sweat rolled down his face. Buggy's unattached hand wrapped around Boodle's throat as tightly as possible and he coughed up blood as the hand forced him to rise. A smirk spread across Buggy's face, a malicious gleam shone in his eyes. "You dare to order me down there!? Do you know who you're talking to? Answer me! What's my name!?"
"Nn...nngh!"

"Soon, I shall rule the Grand Line!! And all the glittering treasure will be mine!! All the treasure in the world! I'll have it all, nobody else!!" A cannon was pointed at the gasping mayor, with a cannon ball within waiting to be fired. This reminded the clown of his first 'adventure' with Sosuke- they had encountered a ship of pirates who pointed cannons at them. Sosuke, being the overprotective (over Buggy) child, had thrown himself in the way of Buggy and swatted the cannon ball back with his tail. Of course, he immediately fell in love- no, 'admired' his...strength. 

For Buggy and Sosuke, the pair were opposites. One wished for destruction, while the other wanted peace. Yin and yang is what they seemed to be- which is why they got on so well. At least, used to. Buggy would be lying if he said he didn't miss Sosuke more than Shanks. He desperately wanted to see his old friend again. He could see Sosuke in you. His determination, his power, his kindness. You were alike more than he thought. But, now was not the time for him to think back to a time he preferred. Now that he thought about it a little more, maybe he had met you in the past, but, his memories of Sosuke had been numbed out to save his own feelings. Buggy did not want to recognise Sosuke had married someone and had children, after all. Love is quite something. "You're not worth the effort!" He turned his head away as his grip tightened around Boodle's throat. 

At least, he could feel the life draining from Boodle for a moment before someone forcefully tore his hand from around the mayor's throat: Buggy turned back around in confusion. His eyes widened upon the sight of you carefully placing Boodle down on the ground as blood gurgled in the back of his throat and dripped down his lips. "You!" His hand flew back towards him and he attached it back onto his arm. You fold your arms against your chest. "I'm back. Good to see you again, Buggy."
"I don't believe it! You three must enjoy pain...but this time you won't escape me!"

Boodle slowly started to stand as he placed his hand on his knee. He shakily stood up and picked up his weapon into his hand. "You young whipper-snappers...you're outsiders...not your fight! This is my battle! It's my town and I'll protect it! So don't interfere!" He was filled with an excitable spirit until, in the blink of an eye, Luffy grabbed hold of Boodle's head and smashed his head against the wall. Blood poured down his head and his lips as he collapsed on the ground-everyone stared in a mixture of confusion and surprise. Sweat rolled down Nami's face at the sight.

"...Luffy," You begin, your voice cold as it deepened slightly. Nami felt coldness run down her spine and almost shrieked, rubbing her hands along her arms as you tilted your head towards Luffy. Your eyes were narrowed slightly. "You didn't have to knock him out like that. He is the mayor of this town, you should treat him with respect." As you began to scold Luffy (while he puffed out his cheeks in defiance), Zoro and Nami exchanged looks.
"He does have a point. He would have gotten himself killed, it's better he's left unconscious." This time, you crossed your arms against your chest and glared into Zoro's eyes: your relenting annoyance causing your nose to flare and your tail to slam aggressively against the ground sent a shiver down Zoro's spine. He could feel the sweat building up and rolling down his cheeks. Maybe he shouldn't have said anything, now your attention was on him.

"There would have been easier ways of knocking him out, Zoro,"  His name leaving your lips was something he desired, but also feared. Bitter sweetness dripped from your tone and as alluring, and velvety it sounded- playing on his heartstrings a little, and causing his heart to melt- the glare made his knees want to buckle and submit to your terrifying demeanour. You were terrifying. "We can have this discussion later when we do not have more stifling matters to deal with." Zoro simply nodded, gulping which caused Nami to let out a snort. 
Luffy stood before the building and shouted, "HEY YOU!!! BIG NOSE!!!" Everyone gasped, and watched in horror at Luffy. Those who ever called Buggy 'big nose', never lived.

"Oh dear..." 

11 Years Ago...

"Sosuke."
"Buggy." Sosuke smiled gently at the clown captain before him while Buggy stared off into the distance with his arms crossed against his chest and a dark blush flushed across his face. "Do I not get a hug from my old friend?"
"No." Buggy and Sosuke (while you were on another table with the Royal Advisor and a few knights) sat at a table together in a bar. It was situated in a rather docile, desolate town. Not many pirates often found this place as it was hidden on the edge between the Grand Line and the East Blue.

Buggy's crew had been left on the ship, likely to not embarrass Buggy in front of Sosuke-but all the Emperor was thinking currently was how cute the clown was.  Sosuke crossed his arms against his chest, a smirk spreading across his face. "What's wrong with you, old friend? You seem a little upset today."
"I am not," Buggy huffed. He definitely was. "Why did you even want to meet? It's been a year since we saw each other. You don't care-"
"-Buggy, I never said I didn't care about you. But life has been busy for me: the Empire has been of immense priority. But it does not mean I have not thought about you the entire time."

A sad smile spread across Sosuke's face as he leaned to the side to catch a glance towards you. You were eating and listening to the conversation patiently, moving your spoon around your bowl. None of it had disappeared from the bowl quite yet:  the Royal Advisor looked from you to Sosuke, worry across her face. It had been this way for a while. It began to happen more occasionally when Sosuke was too busy to see you- but there must be something else he was missing. Everyone could see it, but were too afraid to ask. "My son is ill, and my daughter has become distant. You remember, [Y/N], don't you?" He had first met you when you were only a baby- he remembered it well, as it was the first time he realised how much in love with Sosuke he was.

"She was small," Buggy said aloud. He was remembering it well: you small horns which were slowly growing from the top of your head and a small tail which curled around your body, sleeping and snuggling into Sosuke's chest. Even back then, you favoured Sosuke. You were small for a dragon, at least one of such royal blood. The [L/N] were usually large dragons, and were a lot taller than the average dragon within their civilisation. The [L/N] were those who manifested many legends due to their heritage, their draconic blood. "Is that her behind us?"
"Yes. Like you, she scolds me when I do something wrong."
A smirk suddenly spread across Buggy's face. He placed his arms down on either side of the table so he could stare into Sosuke's eyes. "Then, she is a smart kid!"

But, as their eyes met, Buggy felt his heart almost jump out of his throat. His cheeks darkened a little at the fond, caring gaze Sosuke allowed him. There was a sultry sense to the warmth in his eyes and the smirk across his lips: he rested his chin on top of his palm as his other hand neared Buggy's. "She is. Far more than I am, at least. She has learned much of our history already and she reads the more complex volumes not even I can decipher. But...I'm afraid."
Buggy frowned, his eyebrows furrowing in confusion. Sosuke was one of the bravest, non-fearing man he had ever known. Him? Afraid? What an outlandish thought.

"You, Sosuke [L/N]...afraid?"
"Her mother intends to marry her off fairly young. She teaches her things such as: etiquette, our history, and how...to look after her husband. I don't agree with it. She's a child, she should enjoy her childhood. And she barely eats unless I coax her."
"Do you think that's due to...?" He didn't even want to say his wife's name. It felt like poison rolling between his teeth. Sosuke was too good for her.
"Yes, I blame my wife," Sosuke's eyes narrow in anger. "She's done something to make her this way...I won't forgive her."

He had never seen such anger in his eyes before, and he didn't want to see it again.

"Kill him!! Give 'im the Buggy Ball!!!" As he shouted that, the cannon was readied and the cannon was pointed at Luffy, while the pirate simply stood there, hands on either side of him as he prepared himself. You took a step back, a sigh erupting from your throat. He was troublesome. Luffy took a deep breath before his stomach enlarged into a ball and as the cannon ball made contact, it was stopped in its war path. He propelled it forwards with his stomach and the building Buggy and his crew resided in shattered upon impact.

"It's the same with you," You muse gently to yourself as you throw your arm over his shoulders and bring his head to rest against your shoulder. With your free hand, you pull at his cheek while he simply laughs and a blush covers his cheeks. "Your plans need working on, Lu."
Zoro sighs, gliding his hand across his face. "You could have at least told us what you were planning..."
"It evens the odds a little! Let's get 'em!"
"Always the same with you.."
"...WHAT ARE YOU!?" Nami demanded as she kneeled on the floor.

The falling rubble caused smoke to emerge and throw up shards of glass and wood. While Buggy's crew collapsed, finding the attack too much, only four figures remained.

Cabaji, Buggy, Mohji and his lion. 

This would be quite the battle.

Chapter Text

A man stood holding Richie by his mane, using him as a shield from the blast. It seemed a little barbaric to use an animal, a pet as a shield. But this man didn't even seem to care. You watch as a man with black hair, long hair covering his left eye whole the other side of his black locks was short and had white stripes. The right side of his face was more noticeable, despite his mouth being covered by his black-and-white chequered scarf and his stomach bound by bandages. He turned to Buggy. "Cap'n, this is the worst disgrace we've suffered since you formed our crew..."
"I'm so mad, I can't even speak..."

Mohji slowly rose from the rubble, cracking his back in pain as he slowly stood. "Unh...Where am I...What the hell happened!?" He looked around at the broken houses and finally at his crew standing. The chequered man still held Richie by his man but turned to stare at the animal tamer with slight surprise. "Mohji...you're still alive?"
Mohji gritted his teeth at the sight of Richie being manhandled. "Cabaji! What're you doing to Richie!?"
"The kitty?" Cabaji dropped him effortlessly, watching as Richie landed against the ground in a puff of dust. "I was using him as a shield. Didn't want to soil my raiment." The scene was awfully comedic.

It didn't take long for Buggy himself to throw Mohji towards the group (the animal tamer had failed to mention he knew of Luffy's Devil Fruit abilities.) Mohji flew forwards and Luffy, while shouting "Outta my way, fuzzy!" kicked Mohji in the face full force, sending him flying. Cabaji unsheathes his sword from his sheathe, throwing himself onto a unicycle and begins to cycle towards them with his sword pointed. Just before the blade pierces Luffy through the head, Zoro clashes his own sword with Cabaji's, stopping him in his tracks. "If it's a sword duel you want, I'm your man!"
Cabaji's eyes narrowed. "Roronoa Zoro, as one swordsman to another...it will be an honour to cut you down."

"I shall leave him to you, Zoro." Zoro nods in response.

After a few attacks are deflected with their blades, Cabaji pulls down his scarf and fire blows from his mouth, hitting Zoro in the face. ""The Breath of Death!"" The heat fans and licks at his skin, causing him to stagger back from the sudden attack of flame. Zoro was thrown back a little in surprise and due to being caught off guard, Cabaji managed to raise his heel and kick Zoro in the side. The swordsman was caught off guard by the attack, gasping a little. He heaved, his breath becoming dense. His breathing was heavier than it was prier, but it did not stop him from getting back onto his two feet once again. "It's ok if you need a break, Zoro," You say softly, your tail flickering from side-to-side. The sun kissed at your skin, highlighting your features more. The aura you exhibited was already regal, with a sense of justice in your eyes. Right now, you seemed like a leader evaluating their comrades closely, identifying any weakness and managing the problem themselves. To make sure they did not overexert themselves.

"Do I seem weak to you, Captain?" Zoro responds, managing to knock Cabaji in the face with the hilt of his blade. Cabaji fell backwards off his unicycle, spluttering in pain. He coughed up a few droplets of blood, watching as the dark red drops landed in small puddles below. Nami watches the fight with wide eyes, sweat trailing down her face at the fight while Luffy grinned widely. "Of course not," You smile, crossing your arms against your chest. "I'm just worried encase you-" Before you could fully react, Zoro tore open his side with his blade, splattering dark red blood everywhere. It soaked the tip of his blade: blood dripped down his blade, along with his side which was now soaked with blood.

Everyone had different reactions to seeing this action. Cabaji shrieked in surprise, sweat dripping down his skin while Nami clasped her face with her hands, gasping. Buggy stared blankly at the scene. Although, it did remind him of a certain someone. Your sudden appearance had stirred fond memories within Buggy of Sosuke, more than he would like to admit. He was still madly in love with the man, as stupid as it likely was. Sosuke was a King, was married with two children and Buggy was a Pirate Captain. 

?? Years Ago... [when they were children]

As the other pirates watched, a younger Shanks and Buggy gripped each other's collars as they glared into each other's eyes. These two tended to argue often so this was not a surprise. Young Sosuke leaned against the ship, his arms crossed against his chest as he watched them both with amusement sparkling in his eyes. His tail wagged from side-to-side, his eyes watching Buggy, his horns curled around his head and his wings were folded against his back. The young dragon wore a crop top without sleeves, with golden jewellery with different jewels adorning his neck. Around his horns were rings, while his wrists wore bangles, as did his feet, along with ankle jewellery adorned with sapphires. He wore loose fitting trousers and his belly button even had a piercing, along with his ears which had small, curled earrings on each ear, along with gold studs. His skin was covered in numerous tattoos, one of a dragon across his back, and a pair of wings along his shoulder to show he was the heir to the throne.

An older pirate smirked and turned his head towards Sosuke. "Not wantin' to join in, Sosuke? You're more mature than those two." Sosuke smiles and nods, chuckling to himself. Watching his two friends fight was humorous in itself, but what they they fought about was even funnier. "It's the north pole!"
"No, the south pole!!"
Sosuke asked, his cheeks burning as he watched Buggy and Sosuke get scolded (he was mostly watching Buggy, however), "What were they even arguing about?"
"About which pole is colder."

Sosuke crossed his arms against his chest, his tail wagging excitedly. "Well, the south pole is actually colder due to the strength of the winds blowing around the-" He stopped explaining, excitedly as he caught the raised eyebrow of the older pirate. Sosuke nervously looked away and played with his hands: his tail stopped wagging. "Sorry, did I go on again? I'm sorry for being a know-it-all." Buggy stopped arguing with one of the other pirates to turn towards Sosuke. His eyes widened slightly and he began walking towards them, anger evident in his eyes. Call him overprotective, he wouldn't care.

"Hey! Are you bullying Sosuke?!" He stepped in front of Sosuke, glaring at the pirate with his arms crossed against his chest. His eyes narrowed, while Sosuke stared at Buggy, almost lovestruck. His heart beat faster against his chest; his tail began to wag excitedly again, his cheeks burned. "'Course not, Buggy." He soon left, feeling sweat roll down his face. A grin spread across Buggy's face as he felt proud of himself. "Hahaha! Told him straight." 
"You didn't have to. I was being a know-it-all," Sosuke smiled, interlocking his hands together and pressing them against his stomach. Buggy turned, placing his hands on his hips, smiling. 

"A know-it-all, huh?" He grinned wider, leaning closer to Sosuke. Sosuke's face darkened even more and he giggled nervously to himself. Buggy took hold of his hand and started to drag him towards the railing of the ship, so they both sat down and looked over the side at the waves. "When are you going back to your empire?"
Sosuke sighed, crossing his arms against his chest as he stared at the waves. "In a few months." The sky was adorned with pinks and oranges swirling brightly across the sky as white, fluffy clouds slowly began to stretch across the sky, leaving trails of vapour. Buggy's hand crept closer to Sosuke's. Sosuke stared at the waves hitting gently against the sides of the ship. Buggy intertwined his fingers with Sosuke's, squeezing his hand. Sosuke slowly turned his head, smiling softly at his tenderness.

"Will you miss me?"
Buggy looked away, his cheeks puffed out slightly as his face burned. "No." Sosuke chuckles. Buggy's heart beat faster against his chest upon hearing the softness of Sosuke's tone or the jingle of his jewellery. It meant he knew Sosuke was near, that he was there for him. Sosuke was always his source of comfort. "Maybe."
"So, that's a yes?"  Buggy huffs. Sosuke grinned, resting his head against Buggy's shoulder, squeezing his hand again. Buggy jumped a little at the sudden warmth but he didn't turn away from it. Instead, he rested his head on top of Sosuke's, his cheeks burning a bright red. 

"Better not forget me."
"How could I forget someone like you?" Sosuke pressed a kiss against his cheek, chuckling at the clown's flustered expression. Despite how flustered he was, he didn't move. He just stared off into the distance with a flustered expression, his cheeks puffed out into a pout. "I'll always come visit you, you know. Be sure to send me letters, as I will be sure to send you some." Buggy nods. He couldn't bring himself to respond. Sosuke was going back to his home country in order to learn more of his duties- this small journey he had taken with Buggy and Shanks was to learn more of the world itself. It was a common action that the heir to the throne would take: exploring the world and learning, before returning.

It just reminded Buggy he wouldn't see Sosuke for a while, and he hated that. He adored him. He...loved him.

"What were you even being a know-it-all about?" Buggy asked, peering up at Sosuke, almost getting lost in his eyes. Sosuke smiled softly, using his other hand to caress his cheek affectionately. "About whether the south or the north pole is colder. You were wrong." Buggy huffs, causing Sosuke to chuckle. "The south pole is colder due to the strength of the winds blowing around the poles." Sosuke explained excitedly, unaware of the lovestruck gaze across Buggy's face. His eyes were bright, almost heart-shaped as he listened to Sosuke rant. His free hand gripped his shirt and twisted it in his hand, feeling his heart beat faster against his chest. Buggy could listen to Sosuke rant for hours.

"Sorry, I'm going off on a tangent again."
"Don't stop." Sosuke smiles at him softly. They both enjoyed the sight of the sunset in the distance.

You stared at Zoro's wound along his side, blankly. Nothing registered across your face for a moment. Zoro breathed in and out, sweat rolling down his face at the burning pain in his side. "My goal is to be the world's greatest swordsman..." Maybe the point of Zoro injuring himself was to prove his skill, without a wound or not. That he could defeat Cabaji while still injured.
Cabaji stared at him in confusion, his eyes narrowing slightly. "What're you talking about...?" Zoro placed his sword back between his teeth, his eyes narrowing and focusing on Cabaji. "Is that enough of a handicap for you? Now I'll show you some real swordplay."
Luffy watched with a beaming smile, his eyes almost sparkling brightly in awe. "Wow, Zoro's cool!!"

The two swordsman stop opposite each other holding their blades. Zoro's dripped with blood, leaving the only noise, as quiet as it was, for all to hear. Nami watched them, her hand pressed against her eye as sweat rolled down her face. "I'm feeling faint just watching this." She turned her head to glance at you and her eyes widened at the fear in your eyes, along with the lack of emotion shown otherwise as you blankly watched them. This reminded you of some horrible memories. Nami placed her hand on your shoulder, causing you to jump. Your eyes widened, and you turned around, blinking. A small smile spread across your lips, attempting some comfort but it didn't reach your eyes. Nami opened her mouth to say something but she couldn't say anything. You asked, sweetly, "What is it, Nami?"

Nami turned and pointed to a small shack behind her. "That shack behind the ruins of the tavern...that's where they keep their treasure and Buggy's probably got the map of the Grand Line." She smiles at you, noticing the way you rested your hands against your stomach. "I'll get their treasure and make my escape. I've got to do it now, while they're all knocked out..." There's something else she wants to say, and she hesitates for a moment. The look in your eyes scares her slightly. Maybe she would have said this to Luffy without an ounce of regret but when she stared at you more closely, she could see the darkness festering in your eyes, feeding at your fears. You had witnessed so much, and Nami could see that. 

"Well, good luck," You smile. "I don't expect anything less from the best thief who steals from pirates." A genuine smile spreads across your lips as you excitedly clasp your hands together. Nami watches you, her eyes widening, cheeks darkening. Something about your smile is so endearing. Something about it made her want to treasure it and that your smile was too valuable to lose. Nami finally managed, feeling something stir in her chest, "Good luck." She grins, before running in the opposite direction between a few untouched houses. Cabaji continued to ride on his unicycle as he threw some kamikaze tops towards Zoro. They flew through the air towards the swordsman, zig-zagging in different directions. While Zoro deflected them with his swords, Cabaji jumped up on his unicycle with his sword pointed down. Luffy looked up, his mouth wide. "Wow! He's way up there!"

Buggy outstretched his arm towards Zoro after a moment of contemplation. He couldn't have thoughts of Sosuke clouding his judgement. As the captain, he needed to interfere, to make sure his crew were alright. But, he couldn't help but take a few sneaky glances at you as his chest beat a little faster. With what? He had no idea. It was the same feeling he experienced when he had seen you as a baby. So small, so cute as you coiled into a ball and nuzzled against Sosuke's chest. To see you grown up, planning to lead your own pirate crew? It left a bittersweet taste in his mouth. 

He wished, from the bottom of his heart, he could have helped you grow in some way. That he had interfered in your life. But, that's just wishful thinking.

Buggy bit his lip, a growl erupting from him as his hand gripped his arm. He shuddered a little, sweat building up around his forehead as it slowly dripped down his face. His personal feelings were getting in the way. You turn, eyes catching Buggy's. Your eyes piercing through his causes him to shudder and freeze where he stands, a dangerous look in your eyes reminding him of the beast he had fought. As kind and excitable as you were, there was also a lingering anger, a depth to your gaze not everyone could understand. Of the betrayal, the anger, the heartbreak. Of the wounds you had mentally and physically sustained of the years you had been within your home country.

"Do not interfere, Buggy. It is not our fight," You say, maintaining eye contact with Buggy. "Believe in Cabaji as I believe in Zoro." You were about to say something else before your stomach began to rumble. You blinked, staring blankly down at your stomach. Even Luffy stopped watching the fight to stare at your stomach, which even prompts the rubber pirate of poking your belly, his eyes widening slightly. "Wow! Your stomach made a funny noise!"
"Stop poking my stomach, Lu." You send him a tiny glare. Buggy blankly watched the scene before him, slowly crossing his arms against his chest as he watched you playfully slap Luffy's hand away as he poked your stomach.

"I will bite off your fingers," You warn, poking Luffy back in the stomach. Luffy pokes back despite the threat. He grins, in fact. He just doesn't see it as a threat and Buggy is made victim to witnessing you two poke each other in the stomach as though this is a common event. He isn't even focused on Cabaji and Zoro's fight anymore.

The clown pirate captain furrowed his eyebrows, his stare trailing downwards to stare at your stomach as it let out a slightly louder rumble. "When did you last eat?" Buggy asked. You blinked, then blankly stared at him. Rather comically, you turned your head and pointed at the sea. "Oh, wow. It's the sea. Never seen the sea before."
"HEY! DON'T JUST IGNORE ME!" Buggy shouted. The shouting? Very much like Buggy. The worry in his tone? Surprising. "WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU ATE?!"
"NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS!"

While you and Buggy were 'bonding', Cabaji finally falls with his blade pointed towards Zoro who manages to dodge out of the way before metal meets flesh. Zoro breathes in and out deeply, sweat rolling down his face as he stared at the ground and kneeled on two knees. "I've had enough...I'm tired..."
Cabaji mockingly laughs, combing his hair back with his hand. "You're tired? Heh heh heh...What's wrong? Anemic? So you've finally given up! Well, I'm not surprised...It's amazing you can still stand in your condition!" Zoro, in the blink of an eye, kicks him from behind and sends him flying across the ground. Cabaji looks up in surprise. "Ungh...!!!"

Zoro glares at him with narrowed eyes, veins popping on the side of his head. Sweat rolled down his neck. "You've got it wrong. What I'm tired of...are your stupid circus tricks!!!" 
Cabaji finally stands up, and runs forward with his sword. "Very well! No more tricks! I'll finish you now...with my real swordsmanship!!!" Zoro held all his swords, one still between his teeth. Those left standing watched as Zoro sped forward shouting the phrase "Onigiri" and slashed Cabaji in different slashes, causing blood to spurt from his wounds. Buggy's eyes widened at the sight, gritting his teeth. "CABAJI!"

"Ggh...! How could these common thieves have beaten us? We're the Buggy Pirate Gang-the scourge of the seas!! How could things have gone this far...?" With a last grunt of pain, Cabaji collapsed to the ground in a cloud of dust. Zoro huffed, breathing out deeply as he took off his bandana. "We're not common thieves...we're pirates." Sweat rolled down his body and he finally collapsed against the ground. "[Y/N]...I'm going to sleep now."
A smile spread across your face as your tail wagged excitedly from side-to-side. "You did well, Zoro. Rest, I'll take it from here." As Zoro soon succumb to slumber after a marvellous fight against Cabaji, you and Luffy were left standing in front of Buggy, who was currently fighting with his own mind.

More memories had left him speechless.

?? Years Ago...[Both 19 years old]

"Buggy!~" The sing-song voice of Sosuke was soon registered, causing Buggy to turn around with his arms crossed against his chest. His eyes widened at the sight of Sosuke and he had to force himself to look away so he didn't see his dark blush. He spluttered in surprise, covering the bottom half of his face. Sosuke had his entire chest out, revealing his  muscles as his jewellery hung low and jingled against his chest. He was wearing a pair of bangles around his wrists, along with trousers as a bag was attached to his back (despite his royal attendants, he wanted to do it himself) along with a baby carrier made of silk. A small pair of horns pressed against Sosuke's chest, as tiny hands pressed against him.

"Why aren't you looking at me?" Sosuke purred in his ear, causing Buggy to jump forward. He spluttered, pointing his finger accusingly at Sosuke who had a smirk across his face. Buggy's eyes trailed over his body, looking him up and down for longer than necessary but his eyes couldn't remove themselves from staring at Sosuke's chest. But, the tiny hands pressing against Sosuke's chest in an attempt for attention caused his eyes to widen. Buggy points at his chest. Well, the baby. 
"What's that?" He demands. 

Sosuke looks down, his eyes sparkling in realisation. "Oh! Right. This is my daughter [Y/N]." Buggy stepped closer, the idea of him having another child sent an unpleasant sensation along his spine. Buggy stared at the small dragon child: Sosuke picked you up from the baby carrier, cradling you in his arms so Buggy could get a better look. Your horns were tiny and round, small tufts of your [h/c] hair covered your eyes and your tail swished excitedly from side-to-side. Buggy leaned closer, his eyes widening as your eyes caught his own.

"Would you like to hold her? She becomes very fussy if people except myself hold her, but maybe it will be different." Buggy nods without a word, staring at you with interest. Sosuke carefully placed you into Buggy's arms, standing close as Buggy positioned you comfortably in his arms. His arms were tucked underneath you as he cradled you against his chest. He had only just met you but he felt a connection with you immediately. His chest twisted with a newfound emotion, making the world freeze as your tiny fingers reached up to poke his nose. When you eventually reached his nose, you poked it, a smile spreading across your face as a giggle erupted from your throat.

Oh, he was experiencing a fatherly connection. A familial love. Unconsciously, a smile spread across his face. In his eyes, you were the most beautiful thing he had ever seen.

Sosuke wrapped his arms around Buggy's waist, resting his head on his shoulder as he watched his two favourite people.

"She's tiny," Buggy remarked, stroking your face delicately with his finger. "Have you been feeding her enough?" After such a short amount of time with you, he had already become overprotective. He turned his head, giving Sosuke a small glare.
"Of course. She is quite small, but its said those who tend to be smaller in birth, according to our history, she will be a bigger dragon. I feel she will accomplish a lot, don't you agree?" Buggy nods.

You were perfect.

Chapter Text

??? Years Ago... [When they're 20 years old]

Sosuke's visits had become less frequent over the years due to the kingdom he had to run, so, they decided on a spot which was halfway between his kingdom and the East Blue. Of course, he usually told his royal council it was a needed trip in search of other resources (which it was, but it was also an excuse to see Buffy alongside his daughter.) It was a small, rural town named Blue Marlin. It was a infamous fishing town known for their rare fish (due to water currents.) Each café and restaurant had one fish related dish to incorporate for the bustling fisherman lifestyle. Buggy held you in his arms, cradling you against his chest. You were already a year old which also meant your horns had grown a little (you were still so tiny and he still could perfectly fit you in his arms. You were so squishable.) The clown pirate leaned against the wall of the café, his jacket off and wrapped around the back of his seat.

Sosuke stood before the counter, smiling at the worker. His jewellery jingled with each movement he took: his movements were exaggerated due to his excitement, due to the bright sparkle in his eyes. He took a glance towards Buggy, focused on the way he gently cradled you in his arms, his eyes focused on you as your small hands prodded at his face with an excited giggle. Sosuke felt himself melt at the sight of his two favourite people- you never liked being carried by anyone other than Sosuke so the amount of trust and love you must have for Buggy was amazing. He could see the excitement in your eyes whenever he spoke of Buggy by the way your tail wagged.

"Excuse me, sir?" The worker called, crossing his arms against his chest as he furrowed his eyebrow. Sosuke jumped, his entire face burned darkly as he swiftly turned around. He nervously laughed, scratching the back of his head as his eyes met with the worker who definitely didn't want to be here. "Are you going to order? Unless you're too busy staring. You two look cute by the way." A smile spread across his face: his name was Kaito, and he had a secret picture of his husband and himself stuffed into his pocket. Even he could see the obvious love they felt for each other.
Sosuke blushed even more, covering his ears which began to turn red. "Me? And..." Kaito motioned to Buggy. "We...aren't together."

Kaito tilted his head to the side in confusion, his eyes flicking between him and Buggy. "I can see it in both of your eyes. You love each other." Over the years of service, Kaito had seen plenty of couples not admit their feelings for each other until it was too late. Often, the other would ache for the other, or the other would die before they were able to admit their feelings. Love was a tricky business. Sosuke bit his lip, turning his head towards Buggy once again. His heart began to ache in his chest, clawing at his doubts and the feelings he had over the years. Sosuke's feelings, love, had grown stronger over the years and it would only grow stronger.

"I love him with every fibre of my being. But, I am in a marriage of convenience. An arranged marriage decided by my family when I was a baby. I love him, I really do." Kaito opened his mouth to say something, to ask why he would tell a stranger all of this information until he saw the tears running down Sosuke's cheeks. The dragon king's eyes sparkled with tears as they rolled down his face, marking his cheeks with reminders of woe. He sniffled, wiping away his tears with the back of his hand. "I am so sorry, I have shared way too much and unpacking all this on you is unfair. I apologise." Sosuke presses his hand against his chest and bows forward. 

"HEY! DID YOU UPSET HIM?!" Buggy shouted in his seat, slowly climbing onto the table. His eyes narrowed dangerously onto Kaito, his anger spiralling until you pressed your hands against his chest, bright, big [e/c] eyes looking up at him. Buggy looked down, and his expression immediately melted away as it was replaced with a smile. Kaito snorts as he crossed his arms against his chest. "Protective as well. He is a catch."
"He sure is." Sosuke smiles as he watches the scene before him.

"You're so tiny, I may have to spoil you," Buggy grins, stroking your cheek with his finger. A giggle erupted from the back of your throat, as he continued to playfully stroke your face. "Your horns are getting so big." He coos, seemingly forgetting about Kaito and Sosuke. He looks up and his face darkens. "What?!"
Kaito and Sosuke exchange looks, both smirking. "Oh, nothing. Just looking awfully cute."
"SHUT IT."

Perhaps the years of knowing Sosuke and of reminding himself of when you were a baby had left him sentimental. Which wasn't the best decision when he was facing you within the midst of the ruined town. He frowned, his teeth clenching. His personal feelings, and his feelings of being a Captain were interfering in his actions and thoughts. They delicately wrapped around his mind, tugging and tugging, but despite his thoughts going awry, he was left speechless. Buggy crossed his arms against his chest, sighing as he stood before you and Luffy. 

"You seem preoccupied, Buggy. Is something the matter?" You asked, worriedly. Regardless of whether he was an 'enemy' or not, you still cared about his wellbeing. He was a best friend of Sosuke, and, likely something deeper. Not that you knew that, yet. You cross your arms against your chest, eyes catching his for a moment before he looks away, grumbling to himself. 
He manages, glaring at the floor. "I will repeat myself: when did you last eat?"

"Well..." You cross your arms against your chest, trying to think of the last time you properly ate. It was harder to remember than you had thought: you ate very little nowadays, and you had become accustomed to being given very little. It had been the same since you were a child. Fusae, your mother, only loved your older brother, Akihiko. He was the first born and heir to the Wyvoria throne but very sick. It was unknown what his illness was, but, he was very ill. It only became worse over the years and while doctors suggested he may have died before his 21st birthday, he was still alive.

"I am not sure," You finally admit after a long pause. "Do not be concerned about me, there is no need. I can look after myself." Your eyes twinkle with an unknown emotion, telling of all you had gone through over the years. Buggy caught your gaze, his expression softening a little for a split second before it became a frown. "Now then, shall we? I believe everyone is expecting a fight between captains." A smile spreads across your lips as you press your hand against your chest, before bowing forward. Once you stood back up straight, your eyes caught with the clown captain's. A bond, a single thread seemed to tug for a moment as though a moment of realisation settled within them both.

"[N/N] is gonna be Queen of the Pirates! Isn't she cool?" Luffy grins from beside you, wrapping his arm around your shoulders and bringing you closer. He begins to nuzzle himself into the crook of your neck with his arms wrapped around your waist. An embarrassed blush covers your face as you look away slightly, playing with your folded over sleeves as you felt yourself melt into the floor. Someone else's opinion on what you chose to do, and why, had always made you question everything you did. So, believing someone would judge you so easily had become a overbearing fear. You bit your lip, staring down at the ground while continuing to fiddle with the sleeve of your shirt. Luffy furrowed his eyebrow, staring down at you in confusion.

"Queen of the Pirates, huh? Then, I guess we are aiming for the same thing, hm?" Buggy smirks, crossing his arms against his chest. Your eyes widen in surprise: you raise your head to catch Buggy's eyes. Your eyes begin to sparkle with excitement and admiration- you clapped your hands together while your tail wagged excitedly from side-to-side. A smile spread across your lips, bringing light to joy in your eyes at being seen as a worthy opponent. "You...you really consider me a serious opponent?" 
Buggy's face scrunched up in confusion. "Huh? Why the hell wouldn't I?!" He was in complete disbelief, confusion...He scratched between his eyes, letting out a deep exhale. 

Buggy knew you were a Princess, and likely was not completely aware of everything to do with the world, but, he never expected you to be this bad. You had no confidence in yourself, cared about others possibly a little too much and...a single thought still lingered on his mind: had you eaten? But there was also something else on his mind. Luffy reminded him a lot of Shanks.

Buggy unsheathed his knives, placing between his fingers as he considered them both. His eyes flickered to Luffy, scoffing. "You and your straw hat remind me of him when he was younger...that insolent dog with red hair!!!"
Luffy freezes, a trickle of sweat tolling down his face. "...Red hair?!" Luffy stays in his fighting stance as you watch both of them converse. "You talkin' about Shanks? You know Shanks!?"
"Buggy, Shanks and my father were best friends when they were children," You manage to say, smiling simply as Luffy slowly turns towards you. He stared at you in confusion, and you stared back. "Is something...wrong?"

"Why did you never tell me?!"
"...Probably because I only just remembered. Buggy, do you know where Shanks is?" The clown places his knives back into his pocket for a moment, before Buggy rubbed his chin with his hand, smirking at them both. "So you want to know where he is, eh? Well, maybe I know...Then again, maybe I don't."
Luffy stood with his hands clenched against his sides. "What are you talking about? Are you an idiot?"
"WATCH YOUR TONGUE, BOY!"

By the sounds of it, unless they decided to fight Buggy, they would not hear any information in regard to Shank's location.

A knife retracted from Buggy's shoe and the bottom half of his body completely removed itself: it began to swing around towards Luffy and you. You managed to dodge out of the way while Luffy jumped up. This caused Buggy to throw his blades towards Luffy so each blade flew towards him in the air but, Luffy extended his arm and wrapped it around the side of a building, flying backward. While Buggy seemed to be preoccupied with Luffy, you sped forward and punched Buggy in the stomach, sending him flying back. He manages to land back onto his feet, spitting up a little blood.

"Not bad," Buggy smirks, wiping away the blood trickling down his lips with the back of his hand. Buggy placed his hand in front of himself with his blades resting between his fingers: his hand breaks off from the rest of his body, flying towards Luffy. He manages to wrap his hands around Buggy's wrist, trying to pull the blades away from face until his hand retracts from his wrist. Luffy manages to fall back causing him to fly back into the rubble. One of the blades nicked his hat and tore a decent slash across his cheek. Blood gushed down his wound but that did not matter to him. He sat between the rubble, holding his hat in his hand, staring at it with gritted teeth. Luffy turned his head towards Buggy, sweat rolling down his face. "Darn you!"

"Whatsa matter? Baby got a boo boo?" Buggy smirked.
"That does it! You nicked my hat!" Luffy growled, gritting his teeth. To damage his treasure in any way made him angry. To destroy and disrespect something so important to him, the very treasure he promised to protect until he returned it to Shanks made him mad. "Luffy." A small smile spread across your lips as you cupped his face gently with both hands, forcing him to look into your eyes. "Calm down."
"But my treasure-"
"-Losing your temper will not help. We can sew it and it will be good as new. Ok?" A smile spreads across your lips as you stared into his eyes, sitting between his legs as his legs rested on either side of you.

"Right." He pouts, puffing out his cheeks a little. Still, he didn't hate the warmth you exhibited as you held his face or the gentle way you gazed into his eyes. It made his heart melt as though you had him wrapped around your finger. His face darkened, his pout staying. One of Buggy's hands flew towards the hat Luffy held in his hand, clenching the blades between his fingers. Your eyes narrowed for a moment as you felt something amiss: you turned around and pushed Luffy out of the way, raised your tail and slammed it against Buggy's hand. It sent Buggy's hand back to him, scattering the blades across the ground.

"Do not touch his treasure, Buggy," Your eyes darken, your tail trailing across the ground dangerously. Buggy grit his teeth, sweat building up around his face and trailing down his face. His attention was on you until he turned and noticed Nami holding a bag in both arms. He picked some blades from his pockets, placing them between his fingers, eyes narrowed on Nami. "Hands off my treasure!"
Nami blankly stared, sweat rolling down her face. "I've been found out!"
"You won't get the better of me, Nami! I'll cut you to pieces."

You stand in front of him, crossing your arms against your chest. "Do not even think about it. We do not have to fight anymore. Look around, the buildings are destroyed and your crew is beaten. There is no need for anymore mindless fighting or for anyone else to get hurt." Your tail trails across the ground as eyes narrowed. The aura you radiated was dangerous: power and darkness licked at your body as you crossed your arms against your chest, refusing to move. Luffy remained laid across the broken rubble, placing his hat back onto his head. Nami watched the exchange with the bag of treasure in her arms.

The fact is if it was anyone but you he would say no. But, he couldn't help himself. He didn't want to anger you for starters, and the idea of fighting you was not something he wanted to experience again. You were terrifying...along with the fact he adored you. Not that he would ever admit that.

"Fine." He scoffs, turning around on his heel. He turns back, a smirk spreading across his face. "Sosuke is likely where Shanks is. The bastard was close to that old dog as I, mistakenly, once was. Queen of the Pirates, huh?" He chuckles to himself, a gleam of amusement in his eyes. "Your old man was sure right."
"Huh?" You stare after him blankly, not expecting him to actually do as you said. He walked off into the distance while you watched him. But, now you knew one thing. Sosuke was likely with Shanks, his other best friend. It made sense. 

"Who are you?" Nami shouted, pointing her finger in your direction. You turn, pointing at yourself in confusion while your tail sadly wags from side-to-side, an almost pitiable expression across your face. Nami furrowed her eyebrows, guilt settling in the pit of her stomach. She strokes her hand down her face, sighing. "How did you manage to make Buggy leave so easily?"
"I have no idea. He...was an old friend of my father. Maybe he'd feel guilty?" You shrug your shoulders. Of course, you were unaware it was due to the fact the rather tsundere clown saw you as his daughter, and loved Sosuke. Not that you would find out quite yet.

"Nami, it would be a pleasure if you remain a guest on my ship. We will not force you to stay." You smile softly, pressing your hand against your chest before bowing. "But perhaps you can find fortune with us."
Nami grins and nods in agreement, cradling the bag full of treasure against her chest. "For the time being. You have to give Buggy credit--he had an eye for treasure. This is first-class booty. It's easily worth 10 million berries. Hey, all this treasure weighs a ton, so I divided it in two. You carry half, ok?" You nod, taking hold of one of the bags into your hand. 

Luffy got up off the ground and wrapped his arms around you, nuzzling his head into the crook of your neck. You pat his head, twirling his hair around your fingers as you smile warmly at him. "You did well. Your hat is alright, isn't it?" He grins, showing off his hat by twirling it around his finger. Before he could respond, one of the townsfolk took a step forward, followed by a few other people. "Hey, you guys. We're the citizens of this town. Did the pirates mutiny or something? C'mon, you, talk!"
Nami sighs in relief, smiling. "The townspeople? What a relief! Thought you might be more pirates." You gently place a strand of her hair behind her ear, smiling softly. Her eyes caught your own. Her breath hitched and everything seemed to freeze- her cheeks burned bright red as she stared into your [e/c] eyes.

Nami watched you as your hands, adorned with small scars, swept pieces of hair behind her ears. She took in each detail of your face, of the shining hope sparkling in your eyes, the scars adorning your skin, or how gentle you were despite the pain behind your actions. She could tell you treat everyone gently and kindly as you had not been treat the same for a long time. Your eyes light up in realisation as you realise you have been cupping her face the entire time while staring into her eyes. "Oh, I am sorry. I touched you without permission, forgive me." You removed your hands from around Nami's face to instead pick up Zoro bridal style.

Everything was calm until Luffy admitted to knocking out the Mayor. You and Nami exchanged looks before you bolted with Luffy close behind.

Nami turned her attention to the way you were carrying Zoro and her eyes widened. "WHY ARE YOU CARRYING HIM LIKE THAT!?"
"EVERYONE DESERVES TO BE TREAT LIKE A PRINCESS!" You shout back at Nami as you cradle Zoro against your chest while running. "Also, he deserves to rest. I do not want to wake him!" The three of you (well, four. But Zoro was still asleep, he even nuzzled his head against your chest), ran around corners, heading towards the port. While you had been running, you had 'accidentally' dropped the bag. Chouchou came out of her hiding place to stand in the way of the angry townspeople while barking at them. She was covered with bandages.

"Phew! That was close! Chouchou really saved our necks! Why are we in this mess anyway?"
"At least we did what was needed."
"True." They all stopped at a ship which was larger than yours. It had Buggy's emblem across the sails, while it had triangles painted over the sides of the ship. "I stole this from some stupid pirates." Three pirates emerged from their hiding places on the ship, who were the said pirates she had stolen the ship from.

"We've been waiting for you, girlie!!"
Sweat rolls down her face as she looks at them. "Y-You guys..."
"We knew you'd come back to the ship!"
"You haven't forgotten about us, have you?"

You stare at them blankly. "They seem friendly."
"Friends of yours?" Luffy manages.
"Not so much."
"Now, that's not nice. Our fates are intertwined. I see you brought some friends. Then they'll get the same treatment as you..." One of the pirates reached out to touch Zoro, but as you were about to, you grabbed hold of their wrist and clicked it to the side. A sickly sweet smile spread across your lips as you tilted your head to the side. "Do not wake him up." The pirates jumped back in fear. They jumped into the sea with tears rolling down their faces and began to speedily swim away, the terrifying expression on their minds.

Nami sweatdrops, feeling a silver of sweat roll down her face in fear. She turns her head towards you as your smile becomes genuine. "You're terrifying."
"I know." They all gather into the boat adorned with Buggy's mark. You carefully climbed into the boat, sitting down and making sure Zoro rests his head on your lap. Luffy watches with a pout across his face. He crossed his arms against his chest, leaning against the side of the boat while trying to seem as if he wasn't staring. Mayor Boodle ran quickly towards the port, stopping abruptly as sweat rolled down his face. He shouted, "Thank you! I won't forget it!" Tears rolled down his face as a wide smile spread across his face.
"You're welcome, Mayor!" You all waved as the ship slowly sailed across the ocean, towards your next adventure.

Zoro remained sleeping soundlessly, his head resting in your lap while you, despite having reservations upon pulling up the shirt of a sleeping man, desperately wanted to bandage him as soon as possible. He was still bleeding through his shirt- Nami and Luffy exchanged looks as you slowly pulled up his shirt, then your eyes stared back at him, then to his shirt again as you pulled it up. You managed to pull up his shirt enough to uncover the gash across his side: you slipped your hand into your pocket and brought out some bandages. With your hands, you carefully picked him up to rest his body against you while you bandaged around his stomach, and side. 

Nami snorts in amusement as you struggled to keep him upright. You puffed out your cheeks in a pout before you finally manage to settle his body back to resting in your lap. Somehow, he hadn't woken up once but continued to snore rather peacefully. "We cannot adventure onto the Grand Line with a boat like this. It is the most dangerous sea lane in the world," You rub your chin, staring off at the waves calmly hitting against the tiny boat you all resided within while you stroked Zoro's head. Nami listened to you silently, a look of surprise spreading across her face. She blinked. "Since we will have to survive against the most powerful pirates...Nami?" You turned your head to meet the navigator's eyes. Her eyes continue to stare through yours.

Nami blinked. Her cheeks flushed a little while scratching the back of her neck nervously after being caught staring. "Yes?"
"Is there a town near here? We need to require a proper vessel, after all," You smile at her sweetly, unaware of Nami's feelings and her erratic heartbeat. The young navigator managed to nod, pointing in the direction of the next town. Nami tended to flirt with both men and women but she was only attracted to women and AFAB people: she was a lesbian, and had known for a long time she was. She couldn't help her wandering eyes from staring at the way your waistcoat perfectly draped over your curves and chest, or the way your trousers truly showed off your butt and thighs which she had often took sneaky glances at. Nami's heartbeat was becoming more erratic the longer she stared: your rolled up sleeves showed off your scars and muscular arms.

And the cherry on top? The kindness and your overly gentlemanly nature was enough to make her swoon. Plus, a strong and muscular woman? God, she felt her heart melting.

The boat soon stopped along the sand, with the small village a little in the distance. Despite the amount of beach around, along with the forest area, the village itself was remarkably small. Unknown to our crew, people were watching them disembark from on top of the cliff. One who was around their age, wearing a pair of overalls, with a bag around his body and his most noticeable feature was his long nose. As Zoro stood off the boat, he stretched his arm above his head while you looked around excitedly with wide, sparkling eyes. "So what do you think is up with those guys?" Everyone looked up to stare at the people on top of the cliff.

The three children ran off back towards town, leaving the long-nosed sniper behind. He turned completely around, dropping down onto the same ground as the crew with sweat rolling down his face. His heart beat erratically against his chest, as fear began to take over completely. He crossed his arms against his chest, putting on his most confident smile as he spoke. "I am the notorious Captain Usopp!!! Feared pirate, and ruler of this village!!!" Everyone stared at him. "I have 80 million men poised to stop you. So you'd better think twice before you invade!"

"80 million, hm?" You smile sweetly, stepping towards Usopp. Calmly, you leaned forward, arms pressed against your back. Your tail swished across the ground while your face was inches from Usopp's (he could feel his cheeks heating up a little)- your head cracks to the side. "An island like this is too small to fit that many people."
"In other words: liar," Nami huffed, crossing her arms against her chest. Usopp holds his head in his hands and begins to sweat even more as his mouth opened wide in shock. He screeched out, "Darn! They both saw through me!"
Luffy wraps his arms around his stomach and laughs, a wide grin spread across his face. "Ha ha ha ha ha!! You're funny!!"

Usopp huffs, pointing to himself. "I'm a proud man! Which is why they call me 'proud Captain Usopp'!"

At the Village  Restaurant...

At a restaurant named 'Meshi', the crew were sitting around at the table inside, with Usopp at the head of the table beside you. Luffy sat behind you while Nami and Zoro sat opposite. "Really? You're looking for a crew?" You held a glass of wine carefully in your hand, smiling at Usopp as you spoke, swishing the red liquid around the clear glass. You manage a nod, raising up the glass to your lips and taking a sip, allowing the blood red liquid to trail down your throat. "Crewmen and a bigger ship?" Luffy had his hands around a piece of meat and ate it happily with his cheeks stuffed with meat. A smile spreads across your lips as you watch him eat, twisting pieces of his hair between your fingers. His head falls against your shoulder, allowing you more space to play with his hair. Usopp watches in slight confusion.

You turn back towards Usopp. "That's the idea."
"Wow! What a great adventure!" While you were happily talking with Usopp, Zoro had been watching you the entire time. He quietly observed you. You had barely touched anything. Maybe scraps of bread, but that's it. He raised his eyebrow, his worry settling in even if he didn't directly say it. He leaned over to Nami and whispered, "Have you noticed [Y/N] doesn't eat much?"

Nami blinked, cocking her head to the side to meet his eyes. This statement also made her curious. "Maybe we should keep an eye on her." Zoro nodded, then turned his attention back to the conversation. Usopp crossed his arms against his chest. "Well, you won't find galleons here in town...But there is a place you can go."
"Where?"
"That huge mansion that stands out like a sore thumb! That's where!" He raises his hand and places them down to rest against the table while he speaks. "The owner of the mansion is a young girl and she's bedridden." 

"Did she lose her parents not too long ago?" You ask gently, placing your glass full of wine down to completely play with Luffy's hair as he rested his head on your lap. Usopp nods, a grim expression spreading across his face. He sighs. "About a year ago...both the poor girl's parents got sick and died. They left her with a huge inheritance, a mansion and a dozen servants." He folds his arms behind his head and rests his back against his chair. "She's rich and lives in luxury but nobody's more unfortunate than her." To lose your parents is such a horrible thing to go through and you couldn't think to understand, but you knew how heart-breaking it must be.

Your tail swished across the ground while you stared at the wall, thoughts running through your mind before you made a decision. "The poor girl does not need a group of pirates bothering her when she has lost her parents. Let's just find a ship elsewhere, but, supplies are a need before we leave." A grin spreads across your face as you catch the attention of everyone, including Usopp who watches you with wide, sparkling eyes full of admiration. "Captain's orders." You wink, resting your chin on top of your open palms. Truly, you were sounding like a Captain.

Usopp claps his hands together. "By the way...you said you were looking for crewmen." 
"Yes, that's right."
Usopp points to himself. "I'm your man! I'll be your captain!"
"My apologies, but that position is held by myself." You smile, your eyes sparkling in amusement. "But, I do like you. You intrigue me." Usopp looks away, rubbing the back of his neck while a dark blush flushes across his cheeks. Everyone's hearts twist at the sight of you flustering Usopp- of course, no one exactly was aware of what it was. Nami knew she had a small crush on you, and Luffy knew he loved you, but Zoro thought he had just eaten or drank something bad.

The motion of your tail only now seems to catch Usopp's attention- he stares at it, sweat building up around his forehead and trailing down his face. "What...are you exactly?" You tilt your head to the side which causes Usopp to stare from your tail and horns. "Oh, I'm a dragon."
"Oh, a dragon?" It took him a moment to fully digest what he had heard. He turned towards you, his eyes wide and a terrified expression across his face. "A DRAGON?!!"
"Yes."
"Don't act so nonchalant!" 

Everyone laughed at the exchange. Usopp seemed like an interesting character.

Chapter Text

Sorry this is not a chapter but, we need a crew name. It can't be the "Straw Hats" as Luffy is no longer the Captain.

What should the name of your crew be? If you can't think of one, I will just come up with my own. I care about your opinions and ideas and wish to incorporate these into my fics. I love getting comments and your opinions.

Anyway!

Have a lovely day.

Your author,

Bee

Chapter Text

It was awfully joyous. Shank’s crew, including a few members who were merely old friends, sat or laid down between the trees as they drank to their heart's content. Alcoholic, overjoyed chatter was in the air. Shanks raised a bottle of sake to his mouth and took a massive gulp, placing the glass down so he could wipe away the liquid from rolling down his lips. He turned his head to face the man sitting behind him, who stared at the sky with sad eyes.

“What’s wrong, Sosuke? You don’t seem happy.”
“I’m not happy,” Sosuke sighed, combing his long, [h/c] locks behind his ear. “I had another nightmare. But, don’t allow me to ruin your good mood.”

Shanks snorts, wrapping his arm around his shoulder. “How long have we known each other?” Shanks rested his head on the taller man’s shoulder, chuckling as Sosuke puffed out his cheeks a little to think. “Since we were children.”
“Which means, I know you more than you know yourself,” Shanks said as a matter-of-factly, ignoring the confused look Sosuke gave him. “So, tell me.”
“You are a nosy bastard. It’s one of your more annoying traits.” Sosuke scoffs, crossing his arms against his chest. “Just how I am a monster for leaving my children behind, along with leaving Buggy. How can I say I love them, yet…abandon them as though they are nothing?” The dragon king looks away, covering his face with both of his hands.

Tears began to pour down his eyes, trailing down his cheeks and leaving behind remainders of woe. Shanks sighs, keeping a small smile on his face as he stroked Sosuke’s back in tender strokes. He rested against Sosuke. “You had reason, good reason. Your children will understand one day, and Buggy loves you too much to hate you.” Sosuke blinks away the last of his tears to stare at Shanks in surprise. “You knew…we…?”
“It was obvious. Painfully, in fact,” Shanks chuckles, which manages to make Sosuke smile. Sosuke wipes away his tears from the corners of his eyes. “He hated anyone looking at you, or speaking to you the wrong way. He even got jealous when we hugged once.”

“That man has always been overprotective and jealous,” Sosuke smiled, wiping away the last few tears while he stared at the clear blue skies. Shanks laid back against the tree as he watched Sosuke. The dragon king was a lot more sensitive then he allowed himself to let on. He was a lot like you. “[Y/N] must be around eighteen now, right?” At the mention of you, Sosuke’s guilt began to cloud over. He clenched his fists at his stomach, letting out a sigh. “She is.” He unconsciously plays with the pendant around his neck. The coldness runs along his fingers as he plays with it, the string cutting against his neck.

A smile spreads across Shanks’ face. “She’s around that age to have numerous suitors, isn’t she?” Sosuke slowly tilted his head to the side, his eyes narrowing in an intense glare. Shanks burst out laughing, holding his stomach with one arm as he rolled over onto the floor. “I’m just stating a fact! Didn’t you say once it’s part of your culture to have multiple partners?” Sosuke huffed but he could admit Shanks was right. Part of Wyvoria’s culture depicted dragonkind having multiple partners for centuries, but it was not something everyone took part in. It was not for everyone, after all. “[Y/N] will find the right people.”

That was something, at least, Sosuke could agree on.

As a Captain, were you allowed to lament? To pick apart each thought running through your mind like picking silk from a needle so intricately? It wasn’t that easy sometimes. They came out of nowhere, when you least expected it. You could be happy one moment then upset the next. It was nothing new exactly. Some old thoughts which had developed and caused you immense self-hatred as you grew older had transformed, becoming worse as it cut into your self-esteem. It left you broken, barren of any hopeful thought. But, the sound of children laughing in the distance soon caused you to be free from those thoughts, for just a moment. Or how the adults spoke so pleasantly to each other.

The thoughts would still be there, but at least you could be happy for just a moment.

This was a small village, but everyone was happy. They were content with how everything was, and likely wouldn’t mind if it remained that way. A small smile spread across your face at the sight as you sat cross-legged in the grass near the restaurant. It was a lovely day today: a bright blue sky adorned with white clouds which moved slowly across the sky. “Cap, what you doin’ outside?” The sudden voice caused you to jump slightly. 

Your tail wrapped around your waist and you looked up to see Zoro. His arms were crossed against his chest as he looked down at you with a raised eyebrow. “Just enjoying the view. It’s nicer to be outside, rather than inside.” Zoro sat down beside you before laying down on his back, with his arms crossed behind his head. “Why didn’t you eat much?”
A look of surprise spread across your face. “I did.” That was not enough to refrain Zoro from narrowing his eyes: judgment crossed his expression at the lies clear in your tone and eyes- even if it was an attempt to ignore the issue the swordsman could see.

Zoro scoffs. “I’m sure you have your reasons, but a Captain needs to be at their best. They can’t fall behind.” You blink at him. While he was not the touchy-feely type of person, he still showed he cared in some way.
“Right,” You manage a smile, staring up at the sky. But, your mind was soon preoccupied by the thought of Usopp, the long-nosed guy who had a bad habit of lying. Had he run off somewhere? Possibly to the residence of the young girl. 

“That long-nosed guy has been telling the lonely girl from the mansion stories,” Zoro spoke from his position on the ground. His eyes were closed as he leaned back, propped up slightly. You smile, getting up and crawling over to him, leaning over him and bent over his body.
“Hopefully, this means she has a friend during these hard days. Would it be unkind to ask her for a ship?” Zoro opened his eyes and he froze to see you inches from his face, nearly entirely bent over his body. Your arms kept you upright, placed on either side of his hips.

His body rested between your thighs as he felt himself freeze. With each small movement he managed, he felt your thighs, and the warmth you radiated. Even the kind smile decorating your lips was enough to make his face heat up. “Did you hear me, Zoro?”
“What?” He stares blankly up at you as he tries to detour his thoughts away from how comfortable he felt. How your breasts pressed against his chest as you leaned forward, inches from his face. One of his legs raised upwards, resting comfortably between your thighs. "Should I ask her for a ship?”

“Yeah.” The man was not used to this. Was this normal? Probably not for other Captains, but…were you just overly affectionate? It definitely couldn’t be if he felt his own heart erratically beat against his chest. He could feel something. It was strong, the urge to kiss you. He needed to do something. Before you could say anything, he grabs both of your arms and pushes you onto your back before straddling you, placing his hands on either side of your head. A grunt erupts from you as you fall onto your back- you blink up at him in a daze, heat rising to your cheeks as you slowly register what just happened.

“I bet you would be a good sparring partner,” You smile up at him with sparkling eyes full of awe at his sudden movement, his body resting between your thighs. Zoro scoffs and gets up, holding out his hand for you to take. He helps you to stand, looking away to hide the blush across his cheeks. A little while later, the three Usopp pirates, you and your crew stand in front of the gates leading to the mansion. “Hey, you! Give us a ship!”

“Luffy, you can’t just…” You start, before he begins climbing over the gate. Your eyes widen and you try to grab at his jacket, your tail wrapping around your waist. He presses his hand against your cheek, pushing you back. “Luffy!”
“We need a ship, don’t we?!” Nami sighed, pressing her hand against her face while Zoro watched with crossed arms, appearing done with the pair and he was, slowly, regretting his actions to agree to be on your crew.

Both you and Luffy fight while climbing over the gate. “This is not the proper way-” You say as both of you tumble over the gate and land in a heap. Zoro and Nami just exchange looks, a mix between amusement and something else registering in their eyes as they silently watch you run after Luffy, before they decide to follow after themselves. Usopp tells his stories of the sea (which are complete lies) to Kaya as she leaned out the window, her eyes wide and sparkling with joy from each tale he spun. It brought light to the darkness when she was left alone, growing more ill and growing lonely when her parents left the world.

As Usopp turned his head, his eyes widened and his mouth gaped open at the sight of everyone standing in the front garden. Usopp gasps. “What’re you guys doing here?!”
Usopp’s crew points at you and Luffy. “We brought these guys with us!” Kaya leaned a little out of the window, her hands perched on the window frame. She asked, intrigued by the strangers in her garden, “Who are they?”
Luffy grinned wide. “You must be the mistress of this place!” Usopp wrapped his arm around Luffy, a grin spreading across his face. “Oh, they heard of my reputation from afar, and came to seek me out. They’re the newest members of my crew.”
A chuckle erupts from you, arms crossed against your chest. “That’s not true at all.” You turn to Kaya. You press your hand against your chest and bow forward with a smile. “My name is [Y/N], it’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Kaya.” You stand up straight once again, a brightness sparkling in your eyes. “If I may, I want to ask a favor.”

Kaya smiled at you while feeling her heartbeat seemed to quicken a little. “A favor? To ask of me?”
“Yes. You see, we are in need of a ship-” But, everyone froze as soon as they heard the deep voice of the butler walking towards them with angry, narrowed eyes. “You realize you’re trespassing?!” The man continued to stamp towards them, placing up his hand to silence Kaya. Everyone stares at him in confusion. You stare at him for a moment, eyes tracing over his face. From each raise of his eyebrow to his fluid movement of him raising his glasses onto the edge of his nose. “He seems familiar.”

10 Years Ago…

“I said, gentlemen, get off this ship,” Sosuke demanded, his tail dangerously moving from side-to-side along the ship, his eyes narrowed. Anger radiated from him: the tension in the air could be cut with a knife. The darkness behind his eyes, the power he embodied bled around him in warning. His arm was kept behind him, wrapped around you to keep you behind him.

Kuro smirked, raising up his glasses onto the bridge of his nose with his long “claws.” His crew laughed and jeered around the small vessel Sosuke had chosen for this voyage. It was supposed to be a short journey to gather some supplies until Kuro and his crew jumped on board. “Oh, but you have supplies on this ship, do you not?”
“None of your concern, Kuro. These are for my people. Leave, now.”
“No. Hand over the supplies or we kill everyone on this ship.” He smirks, his “claws” sparkling in the light. Sosuke gently pats your back, sending you a small smile before indicating to someone. You blink up at him, eyes wide as you are taken into the arms of one of the servants despite your complaints and attempts to free yourself. 

Sosuke throws off his jacket onto the ground, revealing his toned chest and muscles decorated with jewels and golden jewelry resting against his chest. “I will be your opponent, do not harm anyone on my ship. Have I made myself clear?”
Kuro smirks. “Sure thing, Your Highness.”
“What an annoyingly smug bastard you are,” Sosuke says, standing in front of Kuro. The pirate’s smirk fades from his face.

Kuro runs forward and slashes towards Sosuke: the dragon king brings up his arms into an ‘x’ shape, forcing his scales to form along his flesh, deflecting the blades. Kuro staggers backwards, cursing to himself. He orders a few of his men to attack: one of his men runs forward, his blades pointed towards Sosuke. Sosuke simply slapped away the blades, wiping away the blood dripping down his hand. He glares down at the swordsman, and grabs him by his collar before throwing him out of the ship with all his strength.The swordsman lands in the sea, causing a small splash.

Sosuke cracks his neck with a rather grotesque crack which causes a few people to flinch. He strokes his neck, his eyes glaring onto Kuro as a smirk spreads across his face. “Is that all? Get off my ship or I’ll be forced to do the same to you.”

He definitely rang a bell. Kuro, Captain of the Black Cat pirates.

Your eyes narrow for a moment on the butler Klahadore, an unsettling feeling beginning to settle in your chest.This man, or otherwise known as Kuro, had been rumored to have been executed by Morgan years ago. It was no surprise he was, in fact, alive. Silently, you grab hold of Zoro and Nami’s arms, pulling them back a little. Nami stares at you in confusion and Zoro nearly falls over. “What-”
“Hey-” Nami and Zoro are both pressed against your sides, squishing into you while your hands grip their arms.They are unable to move away from your grip (nor do they plan to) as they feel your warmth. 

“Listen to me,” The sudden seriousness to your tone causes them both to quieten. “Act naturally as I tell you something important.” When Kuro arches his eyebrow and looks over to you all, a kind smile spreads across your face while Nami smiles and Zoro appears nonchalant, with his arms crossed against his chest. Khladaore soon turns back towards Kaya and Usopp and your smile immediately fades.It’s rather impressive how fast you are able to paint a smile on your face in the blink of an eye to hide your true feelings. It was a gift you had managed to sustain since you were a small child, in a world full of cruelty and abandon. So, you smiled during those moments of darkness when your mind screamed otherwise.

“This man is dangerous, be wary.” Nami blinks in confusion, turning towards you. She opens her mouth to say something but you place up your hand. Zoro watches as Nami closes her mouth, deciding to remain silent for the time being. “I will tell you everything when I find evidence for my claim.” Nami smiles in response while Zoro nods.

Klahadore uses his fingers to push up his glasses. “Hmph. You’ve a gift for deceit.” Usopp blinked his eyes in confusion at the butler, his eyes widening slightly. “What!?”
“I’ve also heard stories of your father. You’re the son of a filthy pirate. I wouldn’t put anything past you. Stay away from mistress Kaya.”
Luffy’s mouth is wide in surprise. “Wow! His father’s a pirate?” Zoro simply stares while Nami frowns.

Sweat rolls down Usopp’s face, an angry frown across his face. “...A filthy pirate…?” He clenches his fists at his sides.
“You and mistress Kaya are from completely different worlds. Is it money you’re after? How much do you want?” Kaya’s eyes widened at Klahadore’s claims. Her hands wrap around the window ledge and her grip tightens. “You’ve gone too far, Klahadore! You owe Usopp an apology!!”
Klahadore turns to face Kaya, simply shrugging his shoulders. He didn’t seem affected by Kaya’s sudden outburst. “Mistress Kaya, why should I apologize to this trash? I’m only speaking the truth!” Kuro turns back towards Usopp, using his fingers to raise up his glasses onto the edge of his nose. 

The silence, which could be cut with a knife, is broken by your voice. “You speak rather familiar for a butler,” You say with a smirk. Everyone freezes at the edge in your tone of voice and how despite the sweetness lacing your tone, there was something deeper in essence. Klahadore’s eyes drift over to you. “It sounds awfully personal, the way you phrase it.”
“I am merely protective of Miss Kaya. After all, I have been with her family for years.”
“I’m sure you have.”

Klahadore simply smirks, shrugging his shoulders once again. He was incredibly arrogant and was not afraid to show it. “I’m not sure who you think you are to speak to me like that. I have asked you all nicely to leave.” You stand beside Usopp, raising your hand to squeeze his shoulder. His heartbeat slows down a little from the gentle squeeze. Nami watched as your tail swished across the ground in a rather hypnotic motion: Luffy glances towards you, eyes pleading for you to allow him to do something. But, you shook your head in response, simply giving a small smile in an effort to calm him.

Klahadore turns his attention back to Usopp as he realizes he can’t anger you. “But I do feel sorry for you…Your treasure-crazed idiot father did abandon you.”
Kaya shouted, appalled by his words, “Klahadore!!” Usopp clenches his fists at his sides, sweat rolling down his face as his eyes narrowed in anger. “Stop bad-mouthing my father!!”
A smirk widens across Klahadore’s face as he uses his fingers to raise his glasses onto the bridge of his nose. “What are you getting so worked up about? Why not just fabricate some of your outrageous lies about your father? Just say he’s really a merchant, or that he’s not your real father, or perhaps…”

Before Usopp can punch Klahadore in the face (as it would have been very much deserved), you catch his fist in your hand, wrapping your fingers around his formed fist. He struggles to get himself free as anger shines in his eyes and sweat rolls down his face. A calm, soft expression paints across your face: your smile is enough to calm Usopp for a moment as you share a glance. Under your breath, you mutter loud enough for Usopp to hear, “Do not do anything unnecessary. Do not show that his words affect you, or else you lose the game he is playing.” He breathes heavily and tries to calm himself down. His three “crew” members run over to him.

You turn to face Klahadore, your eyes narrowed in anger. “I admit, it was rude of us to trespass like this as we are not guests. But, Miss Kaya seems to like Usopp’s presence. Must you treat him so harshly if that’s the case? No matter one’s social standing, anyone can be your friend.” Nami blinks at you in surprise, while Zoro and Luffy simply watch. Klahadore scoffs, pushing up his glasses again. “You must be naive to think that way.”
“Well-”

Usopp walks in front of you to glare at Klahadore with clenched fists. His eyes settle on Klahadore with a glare. “I’m proud that my father is a pirate!!! I’m proud that he’s a brave warrior of the sea!!! You’re right, I do make up stories! But there’s one thing I’ll never lie about!” He points to himself as he continues his rant. “I’ll never lie about my pirate heritage!!” He bows his head down as sweat rolls down his face. “I’m the son of a pirate!!!” Usopp huffed and puffed as his fists were still clenched.

Klahadore scoffs. “A pirate, a ‘brave warrior of the sea’? That’s a deceitful way to twist the truth. Nonetheless, your behavior is indisputable proof of your ruffian heritage. Trying to punch a simple butler? I know you are only kind to Miss Kaya because you’re after her.”
Usopp freezes and stares at him, his mouth open. “What!? I--”
“I’m onto your scheme, you scalawag-” You stifle a laugh at the insult ‘scalawag’. It just sounded ridiculous. Nami sends you a look and you immediately freeze. You look away as you feel her eyes on your back. “You’re trash, like your pirate father!!!” 

Usopp grabs hold of his collar, his fist clenched and extended as though he was readying himself to punch Klahadore. “That’s enough!!!” But, Kaya pressed her palms against the ledge of the windowsill. “Stop, Usopp!!! Please, no violence!” Usopp hesitates to strike him, as deserved as it would be. Kaya presses her hand against her face, hiding the devastation and the sadness in her expression. “Klahadore’s not a bad person…He takes care of me! He only wants what’s best for me. He just…went too far…”

Klahadore slaps Usopp’s hand away, the look in his eyes unrecognizable. “Leave the grounds.” Everyone watches in silence while Usopp clenches his teeth in anger. “This is no place for a ruffian like you!! Never come near this estate again!!”
“Fine, have it your way…I’m leaving.” Usopp starts to walk away towards the gate. Tension builds in the air around them. “And I’m never coming back!”
“Captain…”
“Usopp…”

This caused Usopp’ss crew to start shouting. “Stupid smelly butt- ler!! The captain’s a great guy!!”
“Yeah, fool!”
“Dumbbell!”
“Knucklehead!!” Luffy joined in also. Not entirely surprising. Zoro has to wrap his arms around Luffy to stop him from starting a fight while Usopp’s crew just jeer around Nami.

“Luffy,” You say, voice deepening in warning. There was a hypnotic sense to your tone, while your eyes darkened ever so slightly, how your tail moved slowly from side-to-side. “That is enough.”
“But-”
“We are leaving, we are not welcome,” Something Zoro could appreciate for having a captain like yourself was how easily you could become serious in the blink of an eye. It was strange how well-spoken you were, but he didn’t hate it. It added to your attractiveness (which was something he could agree with Nami on.) A little while later, you all were walking down the path, away from the mansion.

Luffy’s face puffed out slightly in a pout with his arms crossed against his chest. He trailed behind, stopping a few times to stare at a small rock on the path. “Luffy~” You smile. Everyone stops to watch you as you lean closer to Luffy, your hands behind your back. His cheeks puffed out even more as he turned his head away. “Are you still upset with me?”
“Yes! You should have let me fight him!” He clenched his fists. 

“As much as he deserved his heart to be torn out of his chest,” You began, eyes flashing dangerously while a sickly sweet smile settled on your face. Everyone felt themselves shiver at the sudden coldness nipping at their skin. Sweat rolled down their faces at the dark aura manifesting around you. “It’s best we did not worsen things. I have a plan. Luffy?” You lean closer, looking down at him with a sweet smile. A blush darkens across Luffy’s face as he tries to maintain a pout but the sweetness of your expression melts him to the core. “I need you to do something. Talk to Usopp, find out more.”

“Can I have a kiss if I do?”
“You cannot ask for a kiss every time I give orders. I am your captain,” You stare at him, amusement in your eyes. He gives his cutest puppy eyes, pressing his hands together while leaning closer. Your cheeks puff out into a slight pout while everyone is forced to watch this weird PDA. They were mostly jealous. You leaned forward and planted a kiss on his cheek, poking his face.

He started to pout again but you ignored him to turn to Nami and Zoro. “Can I count on you two to act as nonchalant as possible?”
Zoro smirks. “Sure thing, Captain.” Nami nods.

Everyone walked off in different directions and soon enough you stood outside the mansion, a plan forming in your mind. The plan? Be sneaky.

Chapter Text

What people never expected was for you to be sneaky. To be a master at moving like a shadow, appearing in the blink of an eye. Well, lock picking, whether window or door- as ungentlemanly as it was to break into someone’s home-had always been a skill of yours. Right now, you need to know whether Klahadore was Kuro. If Kaya was in danger, being ungentlemanly was the least of your worries.

Where should you break in? Kaya’s room? No, you might wake her up. The front door? Too obvious. The kitchen? Perfect. You crept towards the window, sliding your hand into your pocket and grabbing out a pin: you slid the pin inside, jiggled with it a little and heard a click. A smile spread across your lips while your tail wagged excitedly. A giggle, deeper than you had intended, erupted from the back of your throat. When something seemed to catch in your throat, you coughed, causing a few [f/c] scales to erupt along your cheeks and forehead, in the shape of a round crown.

It didn’t take much for you to slip into the kitchen, being careful to dodge the pots piled in the sink. You looked around the door, eyes flickering over the front door to the stairs leading up towards the bedrooms. It was oddly quiet. No servants, no noise of chatter or chores being done. It was as though everything stood still, as if everything was being kept like it used to be.

The manor was very spacious, with different paintings kept on the walls. Eyes wide, mouth open in amazement, you kept walking up the staircase. Soon, you stepped into a room, kept neat with no imperfection in sight. From the scent alone, you decipher this was Khaladore’s room. The walls were blue, with a black carpet. A simple wooden desk was kept in the centre of the room, with a single bed off to the side.

 “I doubt he will keep secret documents in sight…” You whisper to yourself, stepping towards the drawers. You slide open the drawers and peak inside, face immediately burning from the sight of his underwear. You violently slam it closed, hands wrapped around the sides. “Well…let’s hope it is not in there.” It took a moment for you to fully recover. You had not seen men's underwear before, so it was quite a surprise. And seeing something so private? How ungentlemanly. 

Chapter Text

What people never expected was for you to be sneaky. To be a master at moving like a shadow, appearing in the blink of an eye. Well, lock picking, whether window or door- as ungentlemanly as it was to break into someone’s home-had always been a skill of yours. Right now, you need to know whether Klahadore was Kuro. If Kaya was in danger, being ungentlemanly was the least of your worries.

Where should you break in? Kaya’s room? No, you might disturb her. The front door? Too obvious. The kitchen? Perfect. You crept towards the window, sliding your hand into your pocket and grabbing out a pin: you slid the pin inside, jiggled with it a little and heard a click. A smile spread across your lips while your tail wagged excitedly. A giggle, deeper than you had intended, erupted from the back of your throat. When something seemed to catch in your throat, you coughed, causing a few [f/c] scales to erupt along your cheeks and forehead, in the shape of a round crown.

It didn’t take much for you to slip into the kitchen, being careful to dodge the pots piled in the sink. You looked around the door, eyes flickering over the front door to the stairs leading up towards the bedrooms. It was oddly quiet. No servants, no noise of chatter or chores being done. It was as though everything stood still, as if everything was being kept like it used to be.

The manor was very spacious, with different paintings kept on the walls. Eyes wide, mouth open in amazement, you kept walking up the staircase. Soon, you stepped into a room, kept neat with no imperfection in sight. From the scent alone, you decipher this was Khaladore’s room. The walls were blue, with a black carpet. A simple wooden desk was kept in the centre of the room, with a single bed off to the side.

 “I doubt he will keep secret documents in sight…” You whisper to yourself, stepping towards the drawers. You slide open the drawers and peak inside, face immediately burning from the sight of his underwear. You violently slam it closed, hands wrapped around the sides. “Well…let’s hope it is not in there.” It took a moment for you to fully recover. You had not seen men's underwear before, so it was quite a surprise. And seeing something so private? How ungentlemanly. 

After a few more drawers were opened and examined, you finally got to the last drawer at the bottom. You rustle through his mass of ties, slapping them away as you attempt to find anything suspicious. That is until your fingers graze over a button underneath: your eyebrows furrow as you press down on it with your fingers. With a click, a hidden compartment opens in his desk. “Smart.”

The desk is a simple wooden desk with a few drawers to keep papers inside. But, the most intriguing part was the hidden compartment which came out easily. You gently placed it down and collected the papers inside. Your eyes glided over the pages, narrowing slightly on the red writing and the words circled. What stuck out the most was the pages that described their plans to attack the village, kill Kaya and take her fortune.

I need to get these to everyone. 

Your mouth felt dry as you read and read, each word dripping with hatred over the family. He had killed her parents…what a despicable man. Anger twisted in your chest as you imagined how this would affect Kaya- she didn’t deserve this. The man she trusted the most, except Usopp, was planning to kill her. Twisted irony. Greed was a powerful thing, after all. Infectious, compelling: it was enough to murder. It bled and tore at anyone with morality.

Quickly, you folded the papers and stuffed them into your pocket, snapping the hidden compartment back into place. You bent over, your head level with the hidden drawer to make sure you heard the click as it returned to its original place. You quickly stepped out of the room after returning everything to its place, heading out into the hallway. It was so damn quiet.

“Miss [Y/N]?” You freeze. You turn, eyes widening as you see Kaya with a jacket wrapped around her shoulders. A kind smile spread across her face. “Did you come to see me?” You stuff the papers further into your pocket, greeting her with a wide smile.
“Oh, of course, Miss Kaya,” You pressed your hand against your chest, and bowed forward. “I wanted to see whether you were doing well, as events did not end on good terms.” Anyone deserved the courtesy of kindness and respect, if they had earned it.

Kaya nods, frowning a little as she plays with her hands. “I hope Usopp is alright…Klahadore is just protective.” Being in the middle of their arguments was bound to be stressful for a young woman as unwell as Kaya.
“I understand, you do not need to explain to me,” You say with soft eyes. You reach out and carefully take her hand into your own, stroking the top of her fingers with your thumb. “For now, let us just talk about other things.” From a simple look, Kaya seemed paler and her eyes were red raw from crying. 

Her pale cheeks were stained with tears. This young woman, with barely anyone left she was close with, had every right to be upset. It made your chest twist uncomfortably as your eyes trained on the tears staining her face. You understood her, in a way. You had been alone for a long time, despite living in a castle full of so many people. You were ignored, shamed, neglected. Only your brother paid attention to your existence, and once, you were your father’s world. Wherever he may be.

“Loneliness is a hard battle,” You remark sweetly, taking her hand carefully and leading her down the stairs and watching as she slowly stepped. A small smile spread across her lips. “But, it is worthwhile when you manage to subdue your foe.” Kaya stares into your eyes, noting in her mind the vulnerability in your eyes, but it soon passes. She felt her cheeks flush. The pair soon walked into the kitchen, leading her. You let go of her hand, for just the moment, to take hold of the chair on either side to pull it back. Kaya blushed a little, her eyes widening in surprise. “Oh! Thank you…you didn’t have to do that, Miss [Y/N]. I’m not anyone special.”

“You are, I promise. Everyone deserves the same treatment, and I intend to maintain my politeness.” Kaya sits down, her smile widening slightly as you push her up against the table.
“Even men?”
“Indeed,” You smile, turning around. “Would you mind if I made us tea?”
“I don’t mind at all, go ahead. I am unsure where everything is.”

While your back was turned, Kaya looked you up and down, intrigued by you: a woman with horns and a tail, with a soft smile, only a kind word and with a gentleman disposition. Even the gold and jewels around your horns and the rest of your body were intriguing. It was evident you were not from around here, or any other island she likely knew of. Would it be rude of her to ask?

“Where are you from?” Kaya asks, breaking the silence. She watched, chin resting on her upturned palm as you put the hot water on and grabbed the milk from the fridge. Your tail trails across the ground, slowly, as you remembered your homeland: Wyvoria. Every memory wasn’t tainted by what you had endured: Wyvoria was a hot climate encased mostly by mountains which stretched towards the heavens. Rice fields stretched out for miles along the tops of these mountains -- the soil was moist, and a perfect temperature to farm.

The buildings were of chinese architecture, made from ceramics or brick. The palace itself had other smaller buildings scattered around the residence, with paths leading to the gardens and even the koi pond in the south west section. Five bridges led to a small area in the middle which was usually a perfect spot for tea. It was often a spot preoccupied by the Empress.

“Wyvoria, it is far away from here,” You say carefully, placing a cup of tea in front of the young woman, smiling softly. Not many people knew of this domain as not many sought to even visit Wyvoria. It was high above the clouds since it rested on the mountains which almost perched in the sky. Due to air currents, it was no surprise only dragons visited and when there was a visitor, although rare, they were accommodated well. “I have travelled far past islands and the seas.” Dragons from Wyvoria could grow wings to fly in their ‘human’ forms, but, in their dragon forms, most still had wings. At least, most did except for the royal family as their appearances were much like Chinese dragons.

Kaya looks up at you in surprise, listening to you intently. “Wyvoria?”
“The empire of dragons,” You say simply, holding the cup up to your lips and taking a sip of the warm tea. The steam rose and hit against your cheeks. “It has been a while since I have been, but it is not time for me to return just yet.”
“Oh, why not?”
“I have a lot to do before I can return,” It was true. Finding your father was the first step to something even greater. “Finding my father, for one. He disappeared five years ago.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. Do you have any idea where he may be?” Kaya raises the cup to her lips and takes a sip, watching you with interest. As she places the cup back down, she starts circling around the cup with her finger. A small frown spreads across your face. The only information you knew, at the moment, was he was likely with Shanks. Otherwise, you had no idea why he had left. Well, it was likely to do with your mother.

“Not quite. I know he is with an old friend, at least.”

A brief silence overtook them as they finished off their tea. 

“So, Usopp wants to be a pirate like his father, does he?”
Kaya nods with a smile, running her finger around the rim of her cup. It had a simple design with flowers painted on. “He does.” Her eyes widened, raising her head suddenly as a thought crossed her mind. “Do you think…”
A playful smirk spreads across your lips. “Well, he does interest me. I would like to see him for who he is. Then, I will make my decision.”

The documents suddenly came to mind, and the importance of how they would impact Kaya, and everything she had known. You carefully took the documents from your pocket and placed it down on the table in front of her. “Read these, please.” She blinked, placing down her cup to give these documents her full attention. She picked them up and started to read through them. You watched her quietly as her eyes widened after each sentence, her thoughts unravelled. Her mind became confused, and unable to form a coherent sentence. Klahadore would never do this, would he? But…this was his handwriting. “I don’t want to upset you, Miss. Kaya. But, Klahadore’s intentions are not good.”
Kaya bites her lip as she rereads over them once again, her eyes watering with tears. She wipes them away with the back of her hand. “I need a little time.”
“It’s alright. I will be with my crew in the meantime.” You stand back up, sliding your chair back against the table. “It was lovely seeing you again, Miss. Kaya.” Clasping your hand against your chest, you bow forward.

Returning to the path after leaving the mansion, you slowly made your way along the fence cutting off the small clearing. The three children, or Usopp’s crew, along with your own crew, were stationed by the fence. You raised up your hand in greeting. “Hello-” 

“You were gone longer than you promised,” Nami said, placing her hands on her hips, a slight frown on her face.
“I was talking with Miss. Kaya. I was searching for evidence at the mansion.”
Nami’s frown loosened for a moment. She furrowed her eyebrow, looking you over as she searched for the ‘evidence’ you were implying you found. “Where is it?”

“I gave it to Miss. Kaya. You have my word, it implied Klahadore’s criminal background- wait, where’s Luffy?” The familiar straw hat was nowhere to be seen. He didn’t seem to be close, either. One of Usopp’s crew chirped up, “He didn’t return with Captain Usopp!” Like always, he was causing trouble. He likely attracted some unwanted attention from whoever was working alongside Klahadore. Before you go after your first mate, you need to give your crew instruction. 

You turn to Nami and Zoro, placing your hands on your hips with a smile. Nami rests her hand on her hip, waiting for you to speak (while also watching your tail wagging from side-to-side. Something which happened whenever you were happy or excited.) Zoro huffs a little, crossing his arms against his chest as heat rises to his face. The way you could switch between emotions so easily to whatever befits the situation makes you so much more attractive in his eyes. When you were serious and authoritative, however? It made you so much hotter (Nami could also agree. It was one of the only things they could agree on.) “I will go find Luffy. Can I depend on you all to find Usopp and find out what happened?”

“You can count on us,” Nami grins while Zoro nods in response. A smirk spreads across your face as your eyes look over Zoro’s flushed face. His eyes meet yours, causing his cheeks to flush darker. He huffs, looking away with a frown on his face. Oh, there was a need to tease him before you left.
“Can you deal without me, Zoro?” A smirk spreads across your face as soon as the swordsman’s face burns darker.
“Shut up,” He huffs before heading down the path, leaving everyone behind as he becomes more flustered. Nami does a salute, grinning as she runs off after the swordsman. 

The beach near the small village was calm with nothing suspicious in sight. The sand crunched beneath you as you continued to step along the beach, raising your hand up to stop the sun’s rays from blinding you. Your eyes squinted at the horrendous light burning from above and kissing at your skin; until you tripped over something. You rolled forward, falling over in a heap. “Fuck…” The object seemed to groan tiredly - you recognised that groan! It was Luffy. He tiredly opened his eyes as his hat was pulled down over his eyes to save himself from the sun.

“Luffy!” You wrap your arms around him, nuzzling into his neck as he slowly wakes up. He sleepily stares at you. “What happened?”
“Oh…I was…?” It takes him a moment to think before his eyes light up in realisation. “OH! Klahadore is working with this weird man who makes people do things with his…?” He stops, his eyes squinting as he tries to think of the word. You stare at him for a moment, tilting your head to the side. “He hypnotised you? But, Luff, why?”

“Klahadore is planning to kill Kaya and force her to write him into having her fortune and destroy the village!” Definitely enough evidence to suggest the man wasn’t up to anything good. “Oh, he was a pirate. Going by Karo? No, maybe Kiro?”
“Kuro?” His eyes light up at that and he laughs excitedly. “Oh, that’s it!” You looked up, but didn’t see the pirate ship a little to the distance, a little hidden behind a cliff with a waving, cat-skull-and-crossbones flag. 

“[Y/N], Luffy!” Everyone else, except for Usopp, were all now gathered in one place. After Luffy told them all exactly what he had told you, you all left the beach in search of the pirate-wannabe. After finding him, you all waited until night to talk about everything, after Usopp’s “crew” had gone. 

The moon lit up the cliffs and the sea hit against the sand. While Usopp was sitting on the ground, you were all still standing. Usopp sighs, resting his chin on top of his hand as he looks up at them. “It’s ‘cause I’m a liar. No one’ll believe me! I should’ve known!”
Nami sighs, placing her hands on her hips as she gives him a serious look. “But the facts are still the facts…pirates really are coming, aren’t they?”
“They’re coming, all right. But no one will believe me! They all think tomorrow will be just another peaceful day…”

He suddenly stands up, throwing his fist up as he gives a passionate proclamation while a sudden confidence flared in his eyes. “So it’s up to me to meet those pirates and fight them off!!! Then I’ll have a real tall tale to tell! I may be a liar…but this time my tale will come true!!” Usopp may not be aware of it, and it may take him time to recognise his own talents, but he was brave. To, despite his weaknesses, and the fact he was only a mortal man with no power to his name, only meant he was brave in wanting to protect his village, and the young woman who’s fond of him and his ‘tall tales.’

He collapses on the ground again, holding his injured arm. Trickles of blood poured down his arm as he gripped it as tightly as ever. “They can shoot me in the arm…and they can chase me with brooms, but this village is my home.” He hides his face in his hands, trying to ignore the tears in his eyes and the sniffle in the back of his throat. “I love this village!!! I’ve got to protect my neighbours!!! There’s not much time to plan…but I refuse to let everyone get murdered!!”

Zoro smiles a little, letting out a small sigh. “You’ve got a noble heart! You sent your crew away so you could face the danger alone.” Ah, so that’s how he was. He cared about everyone and would put his life on the line, if so be it. A smile spreads across your lips, a sudden excitement burning in your eyes at the thought of both fighting and finishing what your father didn’t. By sliding your nail underneath the buttons of your shirt, you rolled up your sleeves, showing off your slightly muscular, scarred arms. You placed them on your hips, smiling down at Usopp. “Good thing you have The Ryūjin Pirates* to help you,” Nami and Zoro both glance at your arms, sharing the same look of ‘goddamn, she’s hot.’ “You can count on us.”

Nami does an ‘ok’ sign with her fingers. “I’m telling you now, the treasure’s all mine!”

Usopp slowly raises his head, removing his hand from his face as tears pour down his face. His gaze settles on everyone, surprise evident in his expression. “Huh…? You guys…are willing to fight beside me? Why?”
You responded cheerfully with your hands on your hips. “It’s the right thing to do.” That gave Usopp some confidence at least; he smiles, his eyes sparkling with a newfound sense of confidence.

“You’re hopelessly outnumbered, right?”

“You look pretty scared.” Usopp frowns immediately, sweat trickling down his skin. That little bit of confidence was short lived by the pessimistic comments from your crewmates. The smile across your face disappears as you turn your head to glare at them both. Zoro looks away, huffing as heat burns his face while Luffy just looks back with the same ready expression. A huff erupts from you, as you turn to sharply glare at them both. “Give him some confidence!” You start to scold, jabbing your finger in Zoro and Luffy’s direction. “There is nothing wrong with being a little afraid! It’s entirely natural.”
Nami snorts, covering her smile behind her hand. “Pfft, imagine getting scolded like a child.” Zoro sends her a glare. “Shut it!”
Nami’s mischievous grin widened as she poked his chest with her finger, then shrugged. “It’s not me that upset Mommy [Y/N].” The swordsman’s face burst bright red and he started to step dangerously towards Nami, his hand inching towards unsheathing his blade. 

“Wait, [N/N] has kids?” Luffy stared in confusion between them both. He scratched the side of his head with his fingers, while Usopp stared blankly at them all. This was the crew that would help him fend off pirates? 

You tilted your head to the side, hand pressed against your cheek. “Hm, I didn’t realise I was a mother.”
Usopp threw his hands down dramatically. “SHOULDN’T YOU KNOW?” He pulls his hands down his face - the reality of the situation was fully sinking in. The stress that clawed at his heart forced it to beat faster - uncomfortable images of dead villagers who he had grown with appeared in his mind, along with the destruction of the village and Kaya’s unmoving body if Kuro had his way.

Usopp could not let Kuro succeed. 

Usopp places his hands on his hips after a momentary silence, letting out a breath he held. He couldn’t lose it. Not now. He then points to the pass between the cliffs which leads to the village. “They’ll attack from this beach. And this is the route to the village, they’ll have to come up this pass. Everywhere else, there’s just sheer cliffs.” He then folds his arms against his chest. “So if we can depend on this path, the village will be safe.”
“We can do this.”
“Easier said than done. We’ll have to fight like an army. What can you guys do?”

“I cut.”
“I breathe fire.”
“I stretch.”
“I steal.”
“I run and hide.”
Everyone shouted at the same time, glaring at Usopp, “YOU'VE GOTTA FIGHT!!”

After a bit of preparation, the path leading towards the village was doused with oil. The plan was when the Black Cat Pirates were slipping up and down the oil, everyone would attack. “You came up with a great plan.”
Usopp crossed his arms against his chest as he felt the heat rise to his face from the praise. “Naturally! When it comes to daring ideas and this slingshot -- I have absolute confidence!!!” The sun soon set across the horizon, rising above the waves and giving a natural morning glow to the sea, while white clouds continued to streak across the sky. It was time. 

But…the shouting which followed was not on the beach they were stationed on, but instead the beach to the north. Usopp held his head in his hands. “But the pirates had a meeting here…I just assumed…”

“Next instructions: get to the north beach!” You shout as your wings burst from your back (almost completely tearing up your waistcoat and shirt to make room), before you take off like everyone else and head for the northern beach. You stared down, your wings beating against your back as you flew as fast as possible; wind hit against your skin and wings as you beat them faster until you saw the Black Cat Pirates. You soon landed beside Usopp, facing the pirates as they slowly made their way up the path.

Everyone else would likely join both of you soon. Hopefully.

“Are you ready?” A smile spreads across your face as you tilt your head towards Usopp. His entire body shakes as he tries to contain his fear; sweat rolls down his face as he watches all the pirates gathered. “No?”
“That is understandable. But, you will be a hero, their hero,” You clenched your fist and raised it. “It is natural to be a little afraid. It is worse to give in when there is still a fight.”

He bites his lip. Drops of blood trail down his lips but he ignores it. Now was not the time to lose his composure. “Right.”

Chapter Text

It had been a long time since you had gone on an adventure with your father. After all, he had disappeared four years ago. For you, you mostly felt sadness, rather than resentment whenever you thought of him; there must be a reason why he disappeared. He would never have done that otherwise…right? But, you still snuck out sometimes to have small adventures of your own. It was worth it, even if you were punished by your mother in the end.

You still had secrets, even from your mother. Such as a place which was a hidden paradise. It was a place you and Ace often met, ever since you were both young. Flowers encircled a large waterfall - a gap between the rocks was the opening, hidden behind leaves - with rocks placed along the water’s edge. The waters were a light blue, tinted by the sun from above. A yawn erupts from the back of your throat while you dip your feet into the water. Ace crawled through the open gap between the rocks, rolling over when he eventually got onto the other side. He stands up with a smile, wiping off any excess dirt that clung to his slightly tanned skin. 

Ace starts to make his way past the massive flower bushes (such as roses, lilac, camellia etc), gently pushing them out the way until he finds you sitting in your favourite spot: the big rock by the waterfall. A flush colours his cheeks as he leans against one of the larger rocks, watching you with a lovestruck gaze. Multiple [f/c] scales ran along your legs and between, dotted just about anywhere like birthmarks; unaware of Ace’s presence, you masterfully unbuttoned your top two buttons, lightly fanning at the bare cleavage. Beads of sweat roll between your breasts and fall down. 

Ace coughs. It’s enough to catch your attention, immediately. You slowly tilted your head up, face burning at the sight of a slightly flustered Ace. You cover yourself, laughing nervously. “You said you were running late, so, I…”
“Yeah, I uh…I ran so I could see you,” He looks away, waiting until you button your shirt back up. He rubs the back of his neck. The words he wanted to say, to admit, refused to escape from him. He had joined Whitebeard’s crew, which was something he was proud of. But, there was something else he had been meaning to share - at least, more honestly. Both you and Ace were aware of the feelings you had for each other but you were not aware how deep Ace’s feelings were. Ace loved you. He would kill for you. He would do anything for you.

“You must be proud of yourself. Becoming part of Whitebeard’s crew,” Ace nods in agreement as you say that, plopping down beside you. He takes his hat off and places it down on your head, straightening it with his hand. A chuckle, a soft song and heaven to your ears, erupts from the back of his throat. It has always made your heart beat faster. His laughter transfixed you, made your skin burn as he kissed and nibbled, how he carefully made you feel loved with each intricate touch. Ace was a tease, but he was yours. You had his heart.

“It will be great. Adventuring across the sea!” He jumps up, throwing his hands into the air as he cheered. “Fighting! God…” He then turns around, placing his hands on his hips as a wide grin settled across his face. “But, I’ll miss you and Luffy most of all.”

“I will also miss you, Ace.” Your eyes meet with his, just letting everything else fade into nothingness. You placed his hat back onto his head, earning a small chuckle from him. He gently stroked your face, leaning forward and pressed a kiss against your forehead. Just you and him interlocking your fingers together before he pulls you up to stand; in one swift motion, he picks you up bridal style. His eyes narrow, a mischievous smile spreading across his face. “Ace…why is your expression so-?” Instead of answering, he starts twirling you around in a circle - giggles erupt from the back of your throat as you cling onto him, nuzzling into the crook of his neck as you try to hold on. “Ace!~”

"What? I’m not- oh fuck-” He trips forward over some upturned rock, causing you both to fall into the small lake. Ace has his hand protectively wrapped around your head while you press against him, submerged in the water. Both of you are completely soaked; your shirt clings to your body, revealing your black bra adorned with gold. Ace reverts his eyes, covering the bottom of his face: you poke his chest, before your eyes slowly fall down to your shirt. You cover yourself with your hands as sounds of embarrassment erupt from your throat. Heat kisses at your cheeks - Ace’s own blush burns the tips of his ears.

“We did always say we would try something new…before, I uh…would leave,” Ace still averts his eyes, tipping his hat forward to darken his gaze. “Not that we have to! I wouldn’ want you being uncomfortable.” The idea brought upon new possibilities: it would be the most “scandalous” thing you had done with someone. Skinny dipping was still something you had thought about doing. Ace was the one you trusted the most with that sort of thing. Still, if your mother found out (not that she would) she would be disgusted. A princess baring her skin to someone’s gaze, someone she was unmarried to? She’d have a heart attack.

Oh well, fuck her.

“It would be…interesting,” You admit after a short silence. He blinks a few times, his eyes sparkling with a sense of curiosity. You look away and bite your lip, ignoring the drops of blood trailing down your throat and infiltrating your senses with iron. “Sometimes, it is best to put yourself out of your comfort zone to learn new things-”
“Sunspot, you don’ have to,” He chuckles, gently stroking your face as he watches you fondly. He bends his head down a little, kissing your forehead again - it had always been a way to show your shared promise: that everything would be alright in the end. No matter what.

It took a little bit to think. The gush of the waterfall, or the droplets of the water landing on the lake below, allowed for a serene atmosphere. No one else knew of this private refuge so the thought of being “scandalous” for once and testing your own boundaries, sounded like something you wanted to try. “I want to. And, it is something new, is it not?”

“Are you sure?”
“Yes.” You smile up at him, patting his cheek.

With that, Ace stood up, placing his hat down gently on one of the larger stones. He winked, glancing at you over his shoulder. “Should I give you a strip tease?” Your face burns even more if possible. You give him a slight glare. “Stop~” But a laugh b ursts from you so suddenly when he grabs his shorts and slowly pulls them down, making sure to be as agonisingly slow as possible. “Ace!”

Kuro is nowhere in sight, as far as you could see. Using his lackeys to do his bidding, so he did not have to do anything, sounds like something a coward would do. Maybe when everyone was weakened, he’d step in. For now, only Django and the rest of the Black Cat Pirates spread across the beach, waiting idly by until they were given their next orders. It was probably time to start: your eyes narrowed for a moment, gliding over each individual pirate with a sense of irritation. The lowest of the low; it seemed hypocritical to judge them almost due to your own piracy, and your dream of becoming Queen of the Pirates.

But, to trick, kill and steal from an ill young woman? It was an unforgivable notion.

While you were in your own headspace, one of the pirates had been scavenging on your shared boat, picking up the massive bag full of money. Oh, no. Nami wouldn’t be happy if her precious berry were touched, and stolen. She stole it all fair and square. 

“I would not touch that, if I were you,” A sultry tone sang from the back of your throat; your eyes glowed dangerously as the crown of scales began to resurface across your skin. A dark temptation poisoned the air, unsettling those who hear it; there’s a sense of domination, thickening and crushing those who dare be in opposition. It would be short-lived and pointless. This was something the [L/N] family were capable of. Maintaining control through glares and words seeping with judgement, hoping for submission, when it would otherwise sound neutral, was one of their many abilities. The Black Cat Pirates stare in confusion, freezing as the air suddenly becomes heavy. “That is my comrade’s.”

“Why would we care?”
“I say we take it anyway!”
“Yeah!”

Usopp crouches down slightly to whisper into your ear. “Can we not just give them the bag if they promise to leave?” They were pirates, one bag full of money would not be enough to deter them for long. You raise an eyebrow, tilting your head to the side to glance at him. “It would not work, Usopp. They would likely come back regardless, and it does not belong to me. It is Nami’s and I would never steal it from her.” His face twists in an expression of confusion, his eyes still staring through yours. But, that’s what pirates do. For a pirate captain, she’s strange. But at the same time, I haven’t met someone like her. 

“If you would like, I could start,” Usopp blinks, turning to watch as you roll up your sleeves even more to show the deep scars running along your arms. “I cannot wait.” A smile settles on your lips, barely registered before you speed forward, disappearing in a cloud of smoke. The pirates looked around, as did Usopp, wondering where you had gone- that was until a tail slammed into the pirates and sent them flying into the sea. Water splashed upwards, sending droplets of water everywhere. “Here I am,” A deep voice emerged, a coax into something darker, as you appeared, eyes blazing. The glow from the sun kissed at your skin, leaving a luminous glow around your body. It was almost angelic, but the glare in your eyes, narrow and dark, was otherwise.

Nami suddenly hit Usopp over the head with her staff, landing beside him. He lets out a pained grunt, rubbing his head. Not exactly the worst amount of pain he’s endured, but it was painful all the same. Nami lets out a huff, glaring at the group of pirates and points. “The treasure on that ship is mine!! And I’m not giving up one berry of it! Hang on to it for me, because I’m coming for it!!” Then, she turns to Usopp, giving him an accusatory glare. “What’s the big idea?! Giving away my treasure!!” Usopp looks away guiltily for a moment, pretending a stone on the ground was much more interesting. It was better than getting scolded by Nami. Usopp even opens his mouth to speak before he’s interrupted by an excited voice amidst the chaos.

“Hello, Nami!!” You excitedly exclaim, waving at her while standing in the middle of defeated pirates strewn around. A sudden heat rushes over Nami’s face at your familiar voice: the fact you sound so happy to see her, your soothing voice in her mind (a constant problem), leaves her flustered. When was the last time someone had been so happy to see her? With genuine joy? Probably not since she was a young girl. If only this didn’t have to end a certain way - betrayal. 

“How come I don’t get a cheerful wave?” 

“Guess I’m the favourite,” Nami grins, sticking her tongue out at Usopp as he huffs dramatically. You stare, standing in the middle of the defeated pirates. Then, you wave excitedly. “Hello, Usopp!!” Usopp flushes bright red. He looks away, kicking a rock and pretending not to be flustered by it. The hypnotist, Jango, allowed his pendulum to continue moving from side-to-side, a scowl across his face as Nami appeared. But, Nami was preoccupied with something else. She looked around, holding her staff tightly in her hand while her eyebrows raised in confusion. “Hey, where’s Luffy?”
“Maybe he got lost…or scared.”

“Lost, I’d say,” You say from the other side of the beach. Zoro was also missing, by the looks of it. The pirates charged forward, leaving no more time for anyone to think; Usopp pulled back his slingshot, hurtling multiple metal spikes towards the pirates while Nami watched. Nami smiles, patting his shoulder. “You’re doing great! Keep it up! I’m going to take a breather.”
“But you haven’t done any fighting yet!” Nami simply grins. One of the pirates with messy locks and wore a pair of cat ears, held a stone hammer with both hands, tied together with a stick and a rubber band. He inched closer, moving slowly towards Usopp. He raised the stone hammer above his head. “You lubbers are in the way! But not for long!!” The pirate, with unusually tiger striped trousers, slams down the hammer. You let out a noise of surprise at the scene.

Usopp gasps, the sharp pain in the back of his head is enough to leave him speechless. It soon became a dull ache once he collapsed. But, vision began to blur as blood poured from the back of his head, rolling down his face. He could barely hear what anyone else was saying, until he looked up, noticing the pirates start to climb up the hill leading to the village. He desperately grasps the pirate’s leg, trying to pull him down. “Arg! Want some more?!” The stone hammer slams against his head again, and again. But, Usopp doesn’t let go. “Let go, curse ye!!!!”
“No! Never!! I’ll never let you pass!! My last tall tale will be a true one!! This will be another boring day for the village!!” Nami’s eyes widened in surprise and admiration. Usopp’s speech, while heartfelt, was short-lived as another Cat pirate readied his sword, readying to kill the sniper before Nami slammed her staff down, knocking him to the ground.

“Where is your captain, Jango?~” A sickly sweet tone echoed behind the hypnotist. He freezes, sweat rolling down his face as he slowly turns, his eyes wide with fear as he shakes: you gazed back, your head tilted to the side. Everything froze. Despite the sweetness in your tone, your expression was another story. Stony, cold. The eyes of a predator glare back, ready to pounce, to tear apart. “Where is he?” 

“H-Huh…but…”
“Making you do the dirty work, is he? Taking care of the village ,” You murmur darkly, your eyes lighting up in warning. “ You will regret bringing innocent people into your sick attempt at power.” Your tail, without taking your eyes off of him, knocks the pendulum from his hand: Jango looks away for a moment, gasping as it falls from his grasp. He tries to catch it, but it falls further down the hill out of his sight. "A pity." The hypnotist lets out a pained yelp as his throat is grabbed, tugging upwards as though he was a light ragdoll: he claws at your hands around his throat, his eyes wide and fearful. 
"Hey! [N/N]! Leave some fighting to us!" Luffy's voice, gleeful and loud, echoes from the top of the hill. He rolls up his short sleeves a little further, walking beside Zoro as they get closer. 

"You are late," You smile, still gripping Jango's throat despite his silent pleas. "As expected. Which direction did you even go? This is north, Luff." Luffy huffs, placing his hands on his hips while Zoro even glares. "You didn't tell me what was north!"
"My apologies, I was just excited to fight..." An embarrassed heat flushed across your face, your tail wagging slowly. You felt a little guilty not waiting for everyone to arrive but someone, except Usopp, needed to be here. Not even Luffy could be annoyed with you for long upon seeing the guilty look on your face. "How come you were late, Zoro?"
"Nami left me stranded in the quagmire!!" 
"That was an accident!!" It felt like this wouldn't be the last time they fought like siblings due to a simple disagreement (such as making the other fall down a hill covered in oil.)

While your focus had been on Zoro and Nami (who were still having their disagreement), Jango had somehow managed to free himself from your grip when your hand had loosened from around his neck. He breaks from your grip, rolling down the hill a little and manages to retrieve his pendulum. Jango smirks, moving it from side-to-side, his victim: Luffy. Luffy gets distracted by the pendulum, and before anyone could say anything, he soon falls asleep. He rolls down the hill and his head hits against the ship. "Luffy!"
"Luff!
"That idiot!"

The Black Cat ship, previously hidden behind the cliffs, moved out of its hiding place. The ship, with a black cat at the helm, breaks through the beach, then suddenly comes to a halt. Jango dramatically throws his arms up into the air, shouting, "Meowban Brothers!! Come on down!!" Brothers Siam and Butchie land on the beach, both wearing cat ears. What a pair.

Chapter Text

Hello, everyone. It is I, Bee, your wonderful author.

Or terrible author since I haven't updated in a while.

My internet/Wi-Fi where I live decided it didn't want to work for nearly a month,

so I haven't updated anything in a while.

 

But! I am in the process of making a Valentine's Day special for this fanfic 

and some others. Let's hope I don't forget.

 

With love,

Bee <3

 

P.S. Happy Valentine's Day,

from your favourite Valentine's Day hater.