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Chapter Text

Powerful and skilled
Trusted and loved
Brilliant and compassionate

These words once used to describe Victoria Zaprin, but now she's at the end of her life.

Not ready to move on there is still so much out there in this grand universe. But the universe is both kind and cruel.

~your old body is unfit for this world so we will give you a new one, you best treat it well.~

Next that Victoria knew she was no longer in an aged body and was instead much younger and no longer human.

She was a ralts,
And she was alone.

------- Two weeks later --------
pov changed to Victoria's

I was a traveler -trainer- as a human and knew how to survive in the wilds, although I don't have my old travel companions anymore.

{I miss them} , shaking my head I continue to work in the small den I made in a tree, I can grieve later.

I was a ralts a newly hatched one at that, no one to train with nor no partner to train me. I'll have to train alone and that's hard when in a body you don't recognize.

The island has a few beasts not Pokemon, they don't seem as intelligent nor {aware? awake?} Spirit-ful and my lack of attacks makes it hard to obtain food.

I felt bad at the idea I needed to steal a life to live myself but when a boar like beast attacked me for no reason but hate, {unnecessary territorial, I wasn't a boar nor male}, the desire to not kill past.

{I wouldn't kill for anything other than food if I could help it.}

A few growls lower it's hitting power and my Disarming Voice weakened it but he would not stop till I got a sharp rock in the boars head. After that I made myself an ax from its tusks. Tusk-kin saved my life more than once already with aid in hunting and fighting though he will not last long.

In my two weeks {my rebirth} here I found I was on an island not inhabited by humans. I know there are humans out there because of some bones I found alongside a broken ship.

Unfortunately the ship wasn't repairable in my state nor a suitable shelter with the large holes, nothing of value not even a book, food long gone to the scavengers. Best I could do was set a small grave marker to the unknown lost crew.

Till I was stronger I would need to train and hunt. The fruit was too high to grab at my small size and my psychic abilities were too new to use properly.

Loneliness doesn't help my training my lack of companionship and a partner mean I can't properly gain strength. I have to rely on Tusk-kin till the boar tusk ax broke.

Being a Ralts both sucks and doesn't, I can tell what my opponent feels but it's hard to say if the lack of emotion from the beasts is my skills or how they are. Across the waters I can't feel anything but it might be my lack of range. It is hard to get a good feel for anything when the only things I can pick up are the most basic of desires. If only I could read aura instead of emotions.

Another day I survived and the sun sets down as I mark another day and cover up my one Ralts den.

------- the next morning ------

After I woke up I started to look for something to eat I felt something new.
{Annoyance?? Cheerful??}

I needed to see so I went to the beach and hid in the bushes wishing I knew teleport to get into the trees but I saw it. A boat with something sheep like {not a wooloo or a mereep}, and four humans.
{Excitement, fear, annoyance, curiosity?}

Humans at last humans!

"But what if there're any monsters this island probably has at least one"
"Then I'll just be at it up"
"Luffy you can't just fight everything we come across"

Humans that have probably never seen a Pokemon before....shit.

Chapter Text

Four humans one scared, one annoyed, one confident, and one really excited.

"Wahoo!" Excited yelled, "Come on guys."

"Luffy this island is known to be uninhibited so don't expect to find anything but wild animals." Annoyed called out.

"Whatever I'm taking a walk," Confident said, walking away from the group. "Besides not like anything here can kill us"

"R-Right you do that and I'll watch the ship." Scared masked badly.

I decided to keep my distance for now. Excited might be friendly but 4 at once be too much after alone for so long.

I moved carefully not noticing the rabbit beast that was behind me spooking it. The yell from Scared on the ship spooked me and I moved fast as not floating could carry me as laughing from Excited traveled the island.

Breathing hard when I got to the safety next to my den tree I didn't pay attention to the curiosity feeling that was soon behind me.

"The hell is that?"

"Ral!" I grab Tusk-kin and turn to face the green haired Confident human. "Ralts ralts ral" {don't sneak up like that}, I might have forgotten can no longer speak human.

The stare down didn't last long as I felt Confident emotions change from surprise to battle ready {hostile emotions, run} and I noticed he had 3 swords at his side. I wasn't ready to face a strategic opponent, not without something more than cute growls and tiny roars.

I needed to get away, I needed to get somewhere safe. Focus on a place and get there. If I can get behind him yes that will work. Knowing there's an escape route behind the confident swordman and so I used a double team catching him off guard with fakes.

"What the...?!" He drew a sword ready to attack the ones that circle him but I was already in position to get away breaking my focus and leaving him behind.

I felt something that was interested following me I needed to keep running but unfortunately ralts feet aren't for running fast and I ended up tripping trying to increase my speed. A very strong curse word would be very appropriate right now.

I heard something land in front of me, was it in the trees? I dropped Tusk-kin so I can't defend myself with it. Looking up wondering why I don't Sense the swordman behind I see a teenager with a strawhat and a scar under his eye with the biggest grin and feelings that seem like confuse curiosity.

"Hey this island isn't supposed to have anyone on it why is a kid here?"
"Ral?"{kid?}" Ralts ralts" {I'm not a human child}
"Shishishi you talk funny"

Note to self learn telepathy or learn how to speak human ASAP, Till then I'll have to find other ways of communicating. I can't help but wonder if Chibi, my starter had the same problems at first.

" Oh I did see a shipwreck maybe you were on the ship"
"Ral"{no}, crossing my arms in a X that once done I located my ax and checked over it, seeing nothing out of place placed on end on the ground and began to lean in a relaxed position.

"Guess that means you got here a different way? Do you know how?" Hand to his hat so he could keep his eyes on me.
{If I did know I would tell you, but you wouldn't understand} a shrug is the best body language answer I can give at this time.

He asks many strange questions but he figured out I wasn't human even if I acted and was body shaped like one. He seemed a bit like a wild child one of the types that would run into the woods often to get out of school and house work. I could understand that, if his home was strict or wasn't up to raising a child.

Before long a red headed teenage women showed up asking Luffy, the strawhat wearing young man, where he's been saying something about the animals acting weird. {what the beasts most be called} as for them acting weird they been like this when I started fighting back. I hope it wasn't because of my arrival disturbing the food chain.

I recall in my old life I ran away as soon as I turned ten when my parents refused to let me be a trainer or to travel. They wanted me to be in banking like my father (I was their eldest it was tradition). I had my Pokemon along my side, but these people seem all to be young adults with no one but each other.

Why do I feel the need to help them is it Pokemon instinct? Is this why Pokemon are always there for humans?

"Ralts ral ts ralts ral" {you need to return to your sheep boat before dark} charades was not my best game but darn it I can't communicate with this language barrier.

"Huh what is that thing!" yelled Nami, the Rude Redhead, in surprise like I wasn't standing there when she showed up.
"Oh that Rats all they can say is Rats" Luffy replied, Rats better not stay my nickname.

I noticed the angry hunger of a boar approach.
"Ralts" I used Disarming Voice on the tusked beast as it charged at me as I was the smallest most likely, And side dodged as my vocal attack mess with it's ears.

I heard the humans cry out but I pay most attention to the enemy in front of me making sure they wouldn't turn to the humans I used a double team to both surround the beast holding my ax in defense.

I could still hear the humans but only trusted them enough not to attack me back while I battled off the wild pig. It wasn't a long battle the boar broke though one of my fakes to run off, they might be getting smarter. I let my other fakes fade as I only relaxed enough to save energy.

"Sooooo coooool", "what did it even do?"
The humans were safe for now, and I didn't have to steal a life today i believe i got stronger again as well maybe I can finally....

There in that tree full of limes... focus and bring one down....yes I did it! I learned confusion.

Luffy was very impressed with my skills and asked another question that made me drop my hard earned treat.

"You Want to join my pirate crew?"

Pirates? No he is too young, too nice, to be ruthless. He emotions are not lying though.

Before I could comprehend the meaning of his words Nami punched him on the top of his head. "Don't just ask a random kid that weird powers or not"

"Ralts ral ralts"{I'm no kid even if I'm still young} but even if I have another life's experience this one that's not my old world I'm not that much older than a newborn but Pokemon grow fast in the right conditions. This is making my brain hurt.

Luffy thankfully filled her in with what we managed to communicate. "But they're alone here and didn't wash up with the shipwreck, and they can't talk like us so why not at least bring them along till the next island? That gives them time to also know if they want to stay." He didn't mention my non human nature? Was he forgetting it or hiding it?

Nami had a bunch of conflicting emotions just now heartache, anger, empathy, a longing of something lost. It's almost too much.
And Luffy's might be something simple on the surface but he has deeper emotions I'm not skilled enough to dive into.

Nami gives a sigh, "Fine but only because leaving a kid alone on this island is worse than being with us."

Luffy gives a cheer and honestly he is right, the next humans I meet might not be as nice and I want to be with someone to talk to that can talk as well... Talking to Tusk-kin will not end well for me in the long run.

I'll join for now.

Chapter Text

I didn't have anything important in my makeshift den, the only thing important is my Ax so I followed the two unlikely pirates.

I moved too slowly and my psychic abilities still needed work, so I floated up and clung to the red shirt of Luffy who was surprised for a second but just gave me a big grin and allowed me to piggy back. I'm glad I made a makeshift strap for my back for Tusk-kin.

Nami was curious the whole time on our way to wherever our small group was heading. Luffy was talking about the crew two other names being Zoro and Usopp who I assume is the confident swordman and the fearful one that stayed at the boat.

Luffy was the captain, Nami was the navigator , Zoro and Usopp seem to have no set role(what kind of role is swordman and liar?), and over all everyone took turns of everything else. Seems like everyone had well rounded skills for the current numbers.

If I stayed I would need to consider what moves be best for this crew. But I'm not sure if I can easily relearn moves myself or if I'm limited in what moves I can learn due to lack of egg moves and tms. So at this time I need to focus on what I can recall for Ralts move pool, what my ability is and testing limits of my psychic powers. ....I'm going to need a journal.

It didn't take long as the island wasn't huge probably only big enough for a small fishing village or maybe a getaway vacation home. But we made it back to their ship the Going Merry as Luffy was talking about how they got it when they helped a friend of Usopp's.

"Ralts ral ralts" {I'm sure saving lives counts more than helping.}
"Hey Usopp we're back you up there?" Nami called up to the deck.
"Uh I mean hey no worries I'm just fine no terrible monsters attack the Merry....gaaah Luffy there's a monster on your back" a long nosed human that I almost mistaken as a Nuzleaf , whose name I now know as Usopp, yelled out.

I probably should take offense but a monster is closer than a human to what I am. Things calmed down quickly, seems Nami and Usopp are easily caught off guard. Zoro was still missing apparently lost somehow, but it didn't take long for him to make it back.

We stared at one another for a bit but nothing came out of it an unspoken mutual agreement of 'don't attack me, I don't attack you'.

I didn't notice before but a good amount of the limes the trees grew were gathered which would be good for later. But now it was time to say goodbye to the island of my rebirth. I watched it disappear as we set sail, from the crows nest, with the same bittersweetness of leaving a home you would only miss in passing but this time I had no one to be attached to.

-------- 2 hours later ----------

Zoro was looking at me as I sat on a box facing the crew of four. I got into a small scrap with Zoro and no blood was drawn but I did try punching him in the face first. He was stronger than most humans I met in my past life, even counting the karate guys.

What I did was float enough to grab a rope on the mast while he was next to it and while he glared at me I swung my body then my fist. And the small fight started. And I'm Not going to tell why I did it.

I think I might battle him again sometime. It was fun.

"So what? We're babysitting till we get somewhere that will take the brat off our hands?" Zoro sounded annoyed but I think my willingness to fight had softened his shell.

"Yes and you shouldn't punch kids," Nami said trying to come to my aid.
"They hit me first!" He says pointing to his nose that I punched before.
"Ral ral ral"
"See they're laughing at me" now pointing at me and I'm very much ready to try again right now.

"You said they had weird powers you sure it wasn't a devil fruit?" Usopp decided to jump in.
" It was more than one weird power so unless this is a psychic kid with a duplicate fruit I doubt it" Nami explained to the longed nose human.

Luffy at least tried to get more to my height and eye level by squatting, instead of just standing there like I wasn't trying to be higher on this box.

"So rats you ate a weird fruit right? Funny swirls, bad taste?" Luffy asked me.
"Ralts ral ralts" {no I didn't nor have I seen something like it} Crossed my arms into a X while shaking my head.
"Well that settles it not a devil fruit just a weird kid" Luffy says like it makes sense.
Nami unfortunately can't let things be and punched him yelling "Nothing's settled at all!" Luffy taking the hit well as a Snorlax or ghost type.

In my Pokemon language I spoke the longest I have around these people. { I'm not sure how to explain myself to any of you like this I can't write your language nor can I speak like a human so until I learn telepathy your not going to understand what I'm even saying.}

The three morons looked at me and I almost swear I could see confusion birds around their heads. All I did was throw my arms out in a 'See!' Motion.

Luffy, being the smartest one on the boat currently in my opinion, laughed.

Even after Nami got me something to write on no one understood but at least I can draw pictures though I'm not good at it it's better than Luffy's (I seen his attempt Jolly Roger). Took some doing but I did get a journal to write everything I needed to keep in mind and to keep track of some events that might be important later.

It's going to be a long hard journey this life but I'll get though, Zaprin's have gone through weirder.

If only I knew how weird it was going to be.

Chapter Text

In a language in odd letters
Journal of Victoria Zaprin

------ entry 1 ------

So I learned a few things after the first 24 hours on this crew.

1. Luffy ate some cursed fruit and his body is now made of rubber and can stretch.
2. Luffy can't swim due to the cursed fruit.
3. I can't pick a soggy human out of the water with my psychic powers. Or the curse is stronger than me currently.
4 Zoro is a fantastic swimmer and works out a lot.
5. No one can cook!!
6. Nami doesn't share treasure.
7. Usopp is a pathological liar and would be a great story teller if it wasn't for his need to fill his ego.

Did I mention no one can cook? By that I mean nothing more than the most basic of soups or sandwiches. Because that's a big problem out on the water. The longer it is the worst it be.

I don't want to know what a waterlog boot tastes like, I managed to go one lifetime without finding out the taste of questionable things.

I know how to cook from my old life but in this body currently I'll be better off as a kitchen helper. And giving introductions is a no go.

I'm also glad I wasn't reborn as a slowpoke or my poor tail would be sacrificed to Luffy's appetite by now.

I went way off track. Where was I?

Oh Right!

8. Luffy Found Cannon Balls! That was fun. And Usopp is apparently great at long range targets note to self help him find good high places.

I felt angry and fear and vengeance approaching. I tried to warn everyone but a stranger jumped on board yelling at us for killing his friend.

Only he wasn't dead yet and had scurvy....I heard of it but never seen it before today. I'm terrified of going long without fruit now.

Zoro also knows them. A friendship born of hobby/work.

But now that leads to us heading to a sea restaurant with the two friends of Zoro. And hopefully getting a cook for the crew, Thank Arcues.

If I am to survive in this world where killing is commonplace I must be willing to participate.
I don't want to and will hold back, but If I hesitate I could see an early grave. Before it was against the beast in the wild where they followed their own law I didn't know.

On these seas can I willingly take a life to defend my own? Or can I get away with holding back like a Tyranitar in an official tournament.

I Don't want to die again so soon.
-------End of Entry-----

I didn't hide my book pre say just placed it among a small pile of my things I found around the ship. The random items including a plain marble found in the storage, and for some reason a gemstone with the normal type symbol. It wasn't seen as valuable to Nami thankfully but I wasn't sure if this has any power or not. But it's a reminder of home so I want to keep it.

------- skills as of the latest Entry-----
Growl
Double team
Disarming Voice
Confusion

(Can I use more then 4 moves?)

Floating for 5 seconds at one foot off the ground
Higher gives less float time.
Currently only usable to get a piggy back or to climb up. Not good for travel/following yet.

Grabbing with confusion
small items - limit untested on amount and time
Tusk-kin - lift time is 6 seconds and slow, not useful for battle yet needs more practice
Humans - no lift time can hold them but break free if they move only useful for keeping someone from sinking in the water

Moves trying to learn on own
Safeguard
Swift
Taunt
Rest

Unsure how they work will test from best line ideas at 1st, may need a target to practice on if I learn at least one of these four I can attempt higher powered attacks later.

teleport practice untested will attempt soon.

Weapon usage
Ax best for movement and momentum to block and dodge. Attacking not great need practice.

Wonder if I can charge up my weapon with psychic energy. Either it works or the weapon blows up, will attempt when we get practice weapons.

------- end of curtain list -----

Chapter Text

The jump from no human emotions to three to now six is almost overwhelming especially when I have no one to really focus on. I did try but the only ones that aren't anxiety inducing are Luffy and Zoro.

Luffy is fun but I'm unable to keep up right now and he's a ball of energy. Like a Voltorb in a thunderstorm always moving needing to move and unleash that energy or they might explode.

Zoro has a strict routine, 1. Training 2. Resting or 3. Pretending to sleep while on lookout.
Yes there is a difference, it's in his emotions/mood. I'm sure he let me join if we knew one another better.

I stayed in the crows nest to get away. I might not be part of the Hatenna line but I now understand why they avoid people and attack when overwhelmed. I can deal with this I just need some adjustment time.

No one understands my words and writing so I can't explain how I can sense how People feel. Most of them still see me as a strange kid that's lost. It's nice of them but I'm an old woman reborn as a young non human creature, a pokemon, so it's weird.

Luffy seems to at least get I'm not human but it is really hard to tell when he treats me just like his crew/friends. Nakama that's the word he used. He's always happy and cheerful like a young Grookey climbing over everything and sometimes everyone.

Zoro bottles his emotions sometimes unless it's anger and I want to talk to him about the grieving sadness I felt coming from he one time when he woke up. He's trying not to get attached to me I think.

Nami also hiding stuff acting like she doesn't want to be with the crew when she's actually happy in reality, and also has longing then bitterness to something far away. She is trying to figure out where to drop me off while keeping their course.

Usopp can't stop lying about stories of his exploits. I'm sure at this point that's some coping mechanism for his loneliness or Autophobia maybe. I will not stop him but if he starts overwriting the true events with his own I'll step in. Otherwise he's smart he just needs to focus all that brain power on other things.

I'm not becoming this crews therapist. I'm already dealing with my own stuff going on.

I almost got yelled at one looking around the maps Nami made I was just trying to piece together how this world looks only to find out no true world map exists yet. I didn't rip anything but I understand that frustration of having someone mess with something you care about without permission. I'll need to find an apology gift but till then I'm staying away from everyone's things.

Zoro's friends are bounty hunters. They looked at me weird at first but the only emotions they seem to feel about me are confused and concerned.

Well honestly those two emotions explain how everyone feels towards me to some degree. At least until I get better with emotion senses.

-----some time later ------

There's a funny looking restaurant/ship. Might be fun to look around and see if anyone dropped anything not too big a deal to lose. Healing items seem to be rare or non-existent to basic methods. I need to learn more about this world somehow.

I continue watching from the crows nest because I need help getting down. I trust Luffy or Zoro to catch me with out falling or dropping me. Just a matter of getting their attention.

And then the worst thing I felt ever happened.....

BAD INTENTIONS HOSTILE RUN RUN RUN.

I didn't pay attention to the conversation only on the actions of the man on the ship next to ours. He must have ordered an attack because a cannon was fired. I focused on the wrong opponent. The Merry was spared but Luffy did damage to the restaurant.

Those feelings ...I don't like that man or the ones that he's with.
I sensed something weak mixed in, rage and hunger like a beast caged and forgotten.

"Hey kid we heading inside you coming?"
"Ralts ral"{stay there}
"Huh hey wait ooof.... don't just jump like that moron if you're going to be doing that every time you shouldn't be up there."
"Ral" {nah} I stuck out my tongue. so I acted childish sometimes if I acted my age I wouldn't be a menace.

Zoro let me piggy back on him because I didn't want to float around strangers. He seemed to understand I was being discreet. The smells in the restaurant were amazing and I wasn't overwhelmed with everyone if I focused on Zoro calmness. Though the more powerful emotions still could be picked up.

I saw the jerk that attacked us get his butt kicked both literally and figuratively. The man who did the butt kicking his emotions were insulted and angry hostile but calmed down fairly quickly. All that rage focused more on the one that insulted him. Once his revenge of a lost meal satisfied the waiter went into a more natural state.

I'm learning a lot on what I can feel and how the emotions are focused. Love for example the waiter, named Sanji, felt quickly i would call it a crush if he wasn't so flirty to Nami. Is it because of the age group or is it all women? Ugh I'm not a fan of picking that up. I gave up on romantic love when my husband died before my only child was born. Not to mention age. At least I'm not the focus of Sanji affection Nami is.

Come to find out Luffy got stuck as a bust boy to help pay off damages and he wasn't happy for once since I met him. Nothing could be done, unfortunately he's terrible at this line of work. No wonder he's a pirate when he just does whatever he wants to.

Looking over the menu I realized nothing here was like back in Kanto, my home region in my world, nor anywhere else I traveled. And I wasn't sure how I could order and I didn't understand this written language yet.

My mind has been all over the place today like everything that's happened the past few weeks is finally getting to me now that I'm no longer alone.

--------- pov changed Zoro -----

Brat isn't exactly like any other kid he's seen before even when growing up. Trying to use an ax big as themselves made from things found on the mini island. Staring at everyone like trying to understand something only they see or hear. Apparently smarter than most kids their age as well. Or what can be assumed their age Zoro doesn't think they are a 5 year old like Nami says, too clever.

Running from Zoro the first moment they saw they couldn't win would be considered cowardly. But from Brats size and unfamiliar Battle stance and lack of skill with their weapon of choice, not to mention the boars he saw that acted aggressive. He can't blame a child for fleeing at someone with a real weapon. A real threat.
While cowardly not stupid.

Children in the dojo used wooden swords for learning and practice and duals. Zoro himself didn't use any real ones till that duel, the one he set his life's goal on after. This child most likely picked one up because of needs. Would they set down the weapon once safe or will it be stained with more than animal blood.

He will think more about it later, for now.

" Hey what do you have for kids anyway."
"What, you have a small stomach mosshead?"
"No but this Brat seems to be having trouble understanding what you serve. Ow hey don't smack me." Brat was still a brat.
"...Right well we have the...” weird brow continued talking to Brat who waited and said that one word they can when they heard something it liked.

He was only telling it like it was. That and Zoro could tell they're trying to not draw attention for some reason. Probably because the odd powers. Not like they could do much but he saw Brat attempts at practice meaning that they could do better. A lot of types of people would kill for power, weird ones or not.

And While annoyed with being horsey to Brat he will begrudgingly let them, not like Nami or Usopp can handle the weight. And he doesn't want to have to pick them up all the time. Not that the kid will stay long, only till the next island that can take in a lone child.

Eventually everyone is eating. When a starving guy bursts in demanding food only to get knocked around. It wasn't too eventful and these things happened. Brat seemed upset but Zoro couldn't tell if it was from the pirate, the dead Marine guy the pirate shot, or beat down followed by the hungry pirate getting thrown out, or everything.

Brat didn't throw a tantrum like most brats do, and their hair always covered their eyes. But Zoro could tell from what way they stopped and their head was facing at the door.

"Ralts...ral ralts...ra Ralts Ralts..."

Their words didn't make sense but this event was probably an eye opener to the kid. It wasn't a nice world it was brutal that could take anyone weak or strong.

Chapter Text

POV Back to Victoria

That man .... Hunger-worries-dread-fear, so much coming from him. I was both scared for myself and this man. So many turn their back on him. But he stole a life but he was trapped and hungry.

If this is how they treat another human being...how would they treat a human shaped creature with power.

I was broken out of my spiral when Luffy showed up at last how long was I out of it? He wasn't happy we were eating without him I couldn't blame him, food service and customer service both were a nightmare.

....oh that's just gross and childish. This is a fancy restaurant and the crew is acting like it's a school cafeteria. But I can't help but give a chuckle at Luffy bringing his misfortune on himself.

Okay I will admit I can be immature too.

The flirty waiter is back focused on Nami again it's almost embarrassing to watch let alone feel the awkwardness of everyone as well.

And another person showed up does Luffy just draw in people?

I take it that's the head chef, emotionally constipated and harsh way of speaking , but can tell he cares, makes me think of a bird pushing a chick out of the nest to fly. Though Sanji is a stubborn chick not wanting to leave the nest yet.

Zeff and sanji, unique names.

Wait they said about becoming pirates? Of what crew? did Luffy somehow turn his punishment into a recruitment opportunity? Clever rubber man. Too bad the chef and sous chef are both morons about talking feelings out. Guess we are not getting a cook here after all. They're getting into a fight. Dangerously close to our table.

OH Shoot!

CRASH!

I think I learned teleport? I'm not sure how I both dodged and grabbed my food at the same time. Sanji was thrown into the table and I think that triggered a fight or flight reaction. Great! Next question, do I still know one of my other moves or did I forget something? I need a moment of calm to try.

And that flirtyness is back, ugh I need to learn to mentally block that kind of stuff. I'm not aro/ace but romcom isn't something I enjoy.
At least Nami can enjoy the attention, And take advantage. Poor guy, Nami could ruin his life.

"You guys have to pay including your kid." Sanji deadpanned
"Ral? Ralts Ralts ral ral?" {Huh kids don't eat for free?}
"Hey what you mean my kid"yelled zoro, wait what
"They have green hair like yours even with the strange red headband anyone could tell" Sanji continued
"Huh I never noticed but you do look alike" Nami added, what do they mean
"No way don't tell me this is your long lost child" Usopp said next.
"Ralts Ralts ral????" {excuse me????}. The absurdity and surprise got me good.

"Ralralralralralralralralral" and their faces, I should be mortified but I can't stop laughing. I wasn't paying attention but I feel confusion and concerned and surprised.

I'm laughing so hard I think I'm floating...oh I am, oh crap, OW. Gravity came back.

"See Zoro can't float things so rats can't be his." Luffy the smart one again. I gave him a thumbs up as I lie face down on the floor.

The sound of something hitting rubber tells me Luffy was hit, "You're not here to just sit around" and the sound of dragging with Luffy's voice and emotions leaving.

I finally look up and see that the 3 crew mates watching Luffy get dragged away. I wish I was able to communicate properly once again.

------a few days later------

Nami is happy and content in her room (probably from the free food), Usopp is doing something with his weapon of choice, and Zoro is patiently waiting and keeping a eye out. And Luffy is still stuck as a bust boy

The misidentifying of me as Zoro's child or sibling was cleared up within a few hours.

And With enough charades got them to not call me Zoro2 or Ax Zoro and got a temporary nickname of Floaty thanks to Nami and by Articuno's Ice I hate it more than Rats or Brat but I'm stuck with it.

I found that I did learn teleport and 'forgotten' growl, somehow maybe from a strong need but I don't know how to trigger it intentionally. Or what decided what I 'forgot'. I can still feel the move in my memory but my body can't access it.

Need more practice.... And a training dummy.

For now I need to list moves I knew and know. The more moves I learn the harder they will be to keep track of. Using my journal for now I guess.

I'll need a proper way to list everything I learned so I can relearn or remember it later.... probably? I'm not sure how I can but there has to be a way without a move tutor or whatever palda uses.

And I also found that my psychic powers can be uncontrollable when I'm in a state of high emotion. Laughing gets me to make things around my size or smaller float along my self.
Again Zapdos Lightning I hate my nickname.

One of them tried moving my "headband"(my horns) and that triggered a strong confusion attack. They just thought my headwear was another thing I safeguarded. I did notice Zoro starring at me though maybe he knows now?

A pokemon among humans that don't understand can be a scary thing. Not understanding is how outcasting happens.

It's how the hasui zorua died out as well. Fear and lack of understanding.

I'm not sure if the crew wants me to stay. They were asking around to see if anyone recognizes me. When some weirdo tried saying yes but his emotions were bad bad bad and I hid behind Zoro till weirdo back away and left. Don't think they will be asking around anymore.

Luffy wasn't trying to find my non-existent family at least, though it's hard to tell what he's thinking most of the time.

Did I even want to stay with them? They're the 1st people I met here but that doesn't mean I have to stay. But I don't want to be alone anymore. I can think more about this when I have more of a choice.

In the meantime I have been learning as much as I can to adapt to this world, learning the written language was a must along with different parts of a ship and how they moved.

So much of this planet is water, And I'm no water type.

Written Language might be hard without assistance but luckily with a stolen menu and Zoro understanding my, quote beginner unquote, reading level his help in learning words wasn't hard.

At least he wasn't trying to get me to say stuff like Nami. She meant well but it was frustrating at times. Though after a while everyone was helping me learn new words and I have a basic alphabet cheat sheet to use now.

Ships unfortunately weren't going to be easy due to my small body and lack of muscle so I was practicing with string and psychic powers to learn knots, nothing compacted but by the third morning I could tie a shoe with my mind. I tripped johnny by accident by tying his shoes together when I was trying to do both shoes at once.

I spent the rest of the day hiding and wondering if there's anyone else out there like me. Am I going to be alone in this world or will I find another pokemon?

Chapter Text

Day 4 of Luffy's day job

Everyone is getting antsy and stir crazy.

I need to see more than boats with random people and I'm getting tired of practicing any skill I can.
I need a vacation or something exciting to happen.

I have never been one for seasickness riding on my pokemon, But endless days on sea I'm starting to feel some effects so I'm hoping for solid ground soon.

Boredom also makes me wish I was to keep myself occupied with some other than the same routine for one more day.

Wake up, get food, watch the different humans, get tired of the smugness from most of them, get tired of mr. flirts falling for every woman, practice my confusion attack on water and random fish, practice my ax movements.
Add naps and random interactions with the crew .

Sigh

Luffy better not be stuck here a whole year, though it's nice to see how loyal everyone is to him despite only knowing him a short time.

I think what I hate most is this lonely feeling, I don't feel like I'm really part of this group with the cursed language barrier. As a trainer it was never a concern even in my last years because even if I didn't understand them I could still take care of them. Here I'm in the opposite position.

I understand everyone but they have a hard time understanding me.

Zoro's voice gets my attention before I spiral more into my thoughts, "Hey Brat, me and Usopp are heading inside, want to come with?"
"Ralts" I teleport onto his shoulder for a piggy back. Usopp jumped in surprise and Zoro barely reacts other than a small adjustment so I don't slip off.
"I forgot you started doing that, still wondering how." Usopp mildly complained.
"However Brat is doing it it's probably a sign that whatever powers they have are getting stronger." Zoro says.
"Ral ral"{so so} a new move doesn't always mean more strength depending on how much effort is put into training.

I wasn't in any battles to learn teleport or confusion so it's hard to say if I'm getting any stronger without a real test. Would need to spar or stumble into a fight.

I give a bored sigh as we walk though the restaurant again to a table. Both young men give a grunt in agreement. Usoop goes into one of his stories, something about a beast with a splinter going on a rampage.

We hear something at the front of the main dining area. And I feel everyone around,( fearfearfear, angeranger, betrayal, and one big confident smugness that reminds me too much of a team boss or admin) its happening so fast I have a headache. Outside (hunger fear mixed together too far to identify more than basic survival emotions) I don't try to focus on that.

I hold on to Zoro to ground myself as I experience a psyducks morning. Too much at once but luckily as the number calm down or turn into surprise/shock it's easier to handle.

I start getting back into what's going on as Luffy getting into an argument about his dream. I feel the annoyance of the admin, so I look to see who is acting like a big Magikarp about to evolve.

Well then, looks like we have a fight coming up and here I am without tusk-kin(I should follow Zoro's lead and keep my weapon on me). Luffy has a happy confident feeling (like a challenger at a gym), Mr gold armor (and diamond knuckles) is annoyed and smug
(I don't even have to feel, I know that look from every rocket grunt and admin I battled). And some shoulder guns?! Over kill much?

I haven't seen Luffy do any fighting yet but my pokemon instinct says he's powerful. (A good leader, one that wouldn't pick a losing battle.)

"That's your crew, a small bunch, aren't they?" mr armor mocks.
"That's not all, I have two more!" Luffy says back. "Hey don't count me with you!" Sanji yells.

"Don't joke with me my fleet of fifty ships was decimated" mr armor shouts

That many? Did they try braving a storm or face something that can literally turn the tides?

The man who was called Don king or something in the sense soon left as I thought about what force he angered.

That force, as Gin describes was a man with hawk-like eyes, Zeff said the name of that man, was Dracule Mihawk. Zoro's emotions spiked so he must be familiar with that name?

"Mihawk....that's the man I was looking for" Zoro says.

I never thought about asking the Crew about their goals as Luffy would always say his, it has me thinking about my own but as a back burner type of thought.

But then the conversation moved on to how dangerous the grand line is. Luffy is looking forward to it and I can't blame him. Danger doesn't turn my family around easily just means extra preparation is needed.

Ah I remember when my child did her first dangerous action, trying to fly with a laundry basket and a bunch of bird Pokemon that hatched the season before. Thank goodness my Dragonite knew extreme speed. Otherwise more might have broken more than the basket.

NOT THE TIME, we have a fight coming I'm under prepared and need all my focus so I don't get taken out or get white out. (never fun stumbling to the nearest place to heal, dizzy with worry, dropping stuff, backtracking, trying not to get attacked myself, I hated that feeling of vulnerability)

I haven't had to worry about that for the longest time but now, with my body currently weak, I do.

Usopp wanted to run but I'm not leaving these Chefs here to die and neither is Luffy. This isn't a fight to run from. I will defend these people with all I can.

And as we get ready to fight Team Don, their giant ship....is cut in half.

Chapter Text

The ship was cut in half.
The giant was cut in half.
The. Giant. Ship. Was. Cut. In. Half!
Just two half falling any stinking into the sea. Just what in Mew Green Jungles happened???

Ok stop freaking out I'll find out soon but holy
Tauros pies that's both awesome and terrifying.

It didn't take long for someone to point out a small boat with one man on it. A big o Cross on the back of the boat (I wonder if they have different meanings between worlds) and a man who looks like they would enjoy raising ghost or dark types.

I wasn't sure if I was terrified or excited or if it was the mixed emotions around me. Big crowd, lots happening and easy to get caught up in it all.

Apparently that's Mihawk and he followed Team Don to finish the job..... because he's bored and they woke him up. Scary but respectable. Don't wake up a sleeping Snorelax unless you want a fight, that was a lesson I learned in my youth.

Too bad for Team Don this Snorlax could sweep when wasn't sleeping.

Oh Zoro wants his title as strongest swordsman makes sense. Unfortunately that's a long road away if you need to cut ships.

{Wait shoot Zoro! Don't challenge him you dumb...! Welp now he's down there picking a losing battle. Moron Punk. I've known you for almost a fortnight and I can tell the gap with that one move.}
I was saying all that despite no one understanding me but I felt better saying it.

Let's hope Mihawk finds the challenge enduring and doesn't just kill him outright.

Luffy and Usopp are next to me still at least no one else is jumping into the one v one area where the sudden duel is taking place.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

No surprise to how the fight went. Well one surprise was Mihawk breaking two thirds of zoro's blades but Zoro's lost not so much. Thank Azelf that Mihawk was impressed with Zoro's willpower.

I might be Kantoan but I respect all the legends.

Anyway,
Luffy shot over to Mihawk (looks so strange to see a human body move like that) and I teleported to the boat where Zoro friends were pulling him onto. So much blood, so much blood, last time I saw this much was on rumble when....no no no don't die Zoro.

"It's too early for you to die, I am Dracule Mihawk,learn about yourself, learn about the world no matter how long it takes I'll hold the seat of the strongest and wait for you!"Mihawk said with the voice of a professional with a lot more words to basically say 'It is only you to will bet me one day'.

I focused on everyone I can feel, Luffy's rage cooling off, worry and panic from Usopp, Jonny and Yoshis voices reflect how they felt already and Zoro's self disappointment turning into determination.

Zoro gave a pledge to Luffy. That pledge moved something in me something deep in my instincts as a Ralts, as a one day Gardevoir, whatever it was I have no name for only that I understood that it's important.

Unfortunately the mood was broken by two things, Don Goldbutt being himself , and Nami ship napping the Merry (how did I miss that? Because I was focused on Zoro and everything was chaotic around me). What a mess, at least Mihawk was leaving now.

But now I had a problem.

I looked between the captain and the injured swordsman. Two pokemon instincts making themselves known, stay with the leader or protect the hurting teammate (crewmate/ packmate?? Something along those lines.)

Luffy thankfully helped out my inner dilemma.
"Hey Usopp, Rats, go get Nami! I can take this guy on!"

{Trust the leader.} My instincts say, and I do trust Luffy. Soon after everyone else headed to find out what Nami was doing. I would be more concerned but Zoro needs help so that comes first.

Hope we find a doctor or I'm going to need life dew or heal pulse very soon.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After a while Yosaku knew where we were going and hopped off to swim back to the Braitea to let Luffy know. Something about fisher men?

But we had time to get to Nami and I was boooored. Guess I have no choice but to unpack everything that happened. Flopping on my back I started to think.

First off I got overwhelmed way too easily from a ship of negative emotions, granted they were on death's door, but I can't just get stuck like that, that's a novice trainers mistake and I'm more then a veteran trainer.
I also couldn't feel others' emotions before but whatever.

Second, when did I see Luffy as a leader in a pokemon's sense? Does that make me part of the crew... though I guess I have been part of it since they found me. Does that make any of the crew my partner? How does it work with multiple humans? Is it everyone or just Luffy? Ugh I'm not a professor, and it would be great to ask anyone about this.
Which leads to...

Third, communication would be great so why can't I use telepathy yet?!? I thought it was because there was no need 85% of the time but if it's this hard no wonder I only heard about it in stories.

I'm missing a lot of things right now, my home, my weapon, my small space of stuff.

Usopp's voice interrupted my thoughts thankfully "uh Jonny where did you get that?"

Jonny replied "Oh this was on your ship actually with a small clutter of stuff I was hoping you could tell me about it like if you know how much it goes for"

What was he talking about? A look from where I was laying down made me float to my feet to yell at him in pokemon. { "That's mine to jerk give it back!"} He has my Normal Stone! Thief! Unfortunately all he could hear was different versions of ralts I could swear and they wouldn't know. I'm close to doing so.

Usopp thankfully saved me the trouble of attacking him. "Hey you shouldn't just pick stuff off a ship without asking not like Kiddo has a proper junk drawer yet"

Jonny apologized quickly, "Alright,alright sorry but what is it about anyway?"
Usopp was about to spin a tell before a tap on his leg and a glare had him tell the real story from his point of view.

~~~~~~~~~~~Flashback Usopp POV~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Strange Kid they found on that uninhabited island keeps looking at a strange rock, where they got it he doesn't know. But they way they looked at it like it had a secret to tell made him curious.

After a one way conversation Kiddo trusted him to look at it, and it definitely wasn't anything he ever saw before. He almost felt something, not to mention the strange symbol in the middle of it like it was placed by whatever made it. After he gave it back to the child The odd feeling went away.

He might not know anything really about it but but anyone would be a fool to believe nothing was special about that rock.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~Flashback end~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
POV Victoria

Usopp ended his Truthful version of the story and more or less that's how it went when I wasn't in my own head.

Jonny shook his head "Weird kid with weird powers and weird rocks, what's next weird pets?"

Ha! If only he knew.

Before long Zoro was finally awake and we finally came to the island along with spotting the Merry.

Soon we will find out what the heck Nami is up to.

Chapter Text

Time, Midday
Location, Conomi Islands
Team stats, Alone

How the heck did we get all split up within 10 minutes, no scratch that, 5 MINUTES. 5 stupid short minutes we get spotted, Ussop and Jonny no guts tie up Zoro, grab me and then flee the ship I didn't even see the curious Yet violent So-called fishman yet.

Then once on land we somehow get split up.
I found my way to the edge of town getting away from some fearsome angry rage vengeance feeling.

How that all happened within 5 to 10 mins I'm not sure. It doesn't matter anymore because now I need to find someone friendly or hide until I sense the crew, working on my range in the meantime.

Unfortunately most I sensed when I got on this island was fear or hostile. A small hint of hope but it was hard to say where. So relaxing next to a tree when I didn't feel anyone, I tried thinking of a plan to regroup.

I noticed an odd snail next to me it was bigger than a cutiefly but smaller than a shelmet.
It seemed to have a green and white shell and a light red body. Almost looks like toothpaste to be honest.
I gave it a pat because it doesn't seem like it bites and it seems to have more sprite than the boars I encountered when I first came to this world.

"Ralts."{Hello.}
The snail looked at me and I think it tilted its eyes, and then started to climb up my arm I let it till it was on my head.

Ral lts ralts{Well your friendly}

huh?
Did the snail just use telepathy?!
Ral lts ralts ra? {Can you hear me?}
< Ya I can, who can't hear your bilingual talk-thought it's weird>
Ral Ralts {Most only hear Ralts}
the snail goes quite< hey I'm going to try something my weird tame kin do>
"`Your kin? What do you.... Oh? What? How?`"

I just heard my voice (very child like in this form) and translated words come out of the snails mouth.

"`What are you`"

{Well that's handy but if it's just us you don't have to translate}

{Think we could work together? I need help talking to others and um what can I provide for you...?}
....
{Thanks, I'm Victoria what should I call you}

{Well how about Voice Box? Or Voice for short?}
<...Brain storm it later>
{Fair enough}

After talking some more about transpod snails and my abilities, feeling rested enough I started moving again, my new snail friend on my head and it wasn't long before I found the Merry. Teleporting on board to grab my ax and a small coin purse with a strap to carry my normal stone, not sure who it belongs to but I haven't felt right without a bag.

I then left the ship to look for someone going through some flood water crops. Soon felt something familiar, Luffy's excitement.

And then I saw why with a small boat nearly gliding through the air, crashing, and bulldozing through the fields. My snail friend and I both had sweatdrops I swear.

Moving quickly as I could mixing floating and a teleport to get closer to the crashed boat. Does this count for running a ground or a crash landing?

{Maybe not}

Still the Captain was here now and was someone safe I knew, a strange instinct I'm sure that's in all pokemon was telling me to get to him. I focused on him and did my longest distance teleport to get right in the middle of the group.

Everyone present did a surprise shout.
"Oh there's Rats."
"What's with the snail?"
"Think that's a Wild transponder snail."

{Let's wait till things are calm enough}

They were discussing something about missing friends when I felt someone approach in panic. It was Johnny. I would have pointed out if he wasn't screaming about Ussop being dead.

Saying Nami was the cause.
Luffy also is quick to anger when it comes to his friends I noticed.

Either Ussop's lies are that good and he can play dead or.... no I don't believe Nami has that in her.

Oh speaking of a Purloin. There she is.

She has a good poker face but her heart isn't into it. There's so much emotional pain {grief, fear, loneliness, loss, all connected and stacked} my eyes are watery, Shes doing everything she can to push away from whatever scares her this badly.{fear anger friendship, fear losing}

(I am actively ignoring Zoro and Sanji getting into a dude fight)

Luffy being his stubborn self, he's not tired he just doesn't want to leave Nami yet, says he doesn't care about the island but I don't think that's it. How confusing he can be sometimes.

It hurts even as she walks away leaving us be. I want to help her, when she was on the ship letting herself be free of that baggage I saw who she really wanted to be.

And soon as Nami leaves a new woman shows up. Nami's sister apparently, Nojiko.

I recalled my past life after running from home. I felt alone that first night till my Partner, Chibi the Pikachu, gave me comfort.
In a library on my long life of travel I read a book with one story that makes me realize what I'm feeling deep inside.

"Pokemon made a decision to be there for humans that need them."

It's not a new feeling I've always been helping those that needed a hand now and then. But this feeling has been strong and growing ever since I met this crew, And now it's strongest Right Now. Nami needs help in some form, And with my form as a Ralts, a Pokemon, a
Creature of Nature, Of Fairy and Psychic energy, I'm going to help her.

Luffy's voice snaps me out of it.

"Hey Rats you want to come with or you want to hear Nami's story."

{Huh what}

{Ah thanks} ral....{does it matter if I know or not but maybe knowing will help me know how to best help}

Ral Ralts Ral lts Ralts {ok voice you can translate.}
Unlike the first time I feel the connection. It isn't powerful but like a mental phone call getting picked up.

" `While I already decided to help Nami I need to know what is troubling her.` "

It was quiet for a moment before the crew yelled out "YOU CAN TALK?!?"

Chapter Text

"` Technically I could talk but no one understood me. But it's thanks to this snail I found who I'm calling Voice for now and some of my psychic abilities. In Luffy terms my mystery powers link with this snail and it helps me talk to everyone.`"

Luffy was the first to talk out of everyone starring like a bunch of Magikarp seeing a Fluffy fruit.
"Oh Mystery not devil fruit powers neat, glad you can talk now it must have been annoying saying that one word."

I let out a untranslated giggle at that well guess that makes sense laughter is a sound not a word
" ' Yes it was hard, but now I can speak my mind, I would explain more but I believe we have an issue at hand with Nami and Ussop` "

Ussop then spoke like he was here the whole time. "Huh what about me."
......

"`When did you get here?? `"
< Oh ya he showed up when you zoned out before when Nami sister was talking >
"` Darn it Voice give me more updates next time I get into a thought spiral!!! `"
< Alright alright don't make me yell at myself it's so weird >

Turning back to the very much alive long nosed man. "` Sorry about that I was zone out in thought before. Let's just move on. Nami's backstory? `"

Luffy was laughing till I mentioned Nami.
"Ah right ok see guys later I'm going to walk around."

"` Don't get into any fights without us! `"
"Hey don't drag us into one."
"` It's more to keep him from starting one before we are ready. `"

Nojiko who's been mainly silent just shakes her head" Well I guess if everyone is ready, ..."

And so Nojiko tells the story of Nami and herself becoming sisters after being taken in by a Marine woman named Bellemere.
Of money troubles and wanting more.
Of young dreams.
Of family angst and making up.
Of the fishmen invasion.
Of the day their mother was taken from them.
And of Nami's imprisonment and the deal she made to take back her home.

Arlong and his crew will face Zaprin family rage even if I'm the only member of my family here. Him or his crew are the targets but I can't act alone I look up to everyone here once the story is over.

Zoro of course is doing his random nap thing, so maybe he made up his mind on what to do before the story began.

"Do you know how hard it was for her to do this at the age of ten?" Nojiko asked hypothetically. It was easy for me because I was leaving a life I didn't want, I can't imagine going into a life I didn't want.

Sanji was yelling chivalrous stuff till Nojiko hit him telling us to basically butt out so Nami's plan doesn't fail.

"` So what? Nami is someone we care about are you telling us to abandon her and her loved ones because we are not from here? That doesn't sit right with me I'm not going to abandon anyone that needs help`"

"And what can you do? Fighting Arlong isn't something that can be done The Fishman pirates are too strong." The way she says it like she believes it. "Nami spent the last eight years doing this for us don't ruin it." She looks away and I can feel that swirl of emotion of someone watching a loved one go through rough times and unable to help.( Love , sorrow, helplessness.)

I can't really do anything. My body is still weak my attacks aren't powerful yet, best I could do is be a 5 min distraction(maybe shorter if I'm unlucky). As much as I want to help, but as I am, unless others do, I'm useless.

Nojiko soon left to go home,maybe Nami's is there maybe not. But it doesn't matter I can't do anything yet.
"`So we are just going to just leave things this way?`"

Zoro gives me hope with his answer. "That's for Luffy to decide he's the captain after all."
I was a bit quiet but Yes, and I seen Luffy be protective of his loved ones so far.
"`... You're right we need to wait for Luffy, or at the very least find him ourselves.`"

Unfortunately Sanji's next words reminded me of something. "Hey don't say that we are going to let a kid fight these guys too! They're way too young to take on a full grown fishman. Let alone be a pirate. Weird powers or not."

Right I'm a human child to them. Me behaving like a human didn't help much but how does a Ralts even behave otherwise? (I mean compared to a 6 year old)

"`I'm not human I'm a monster not of this world, and I want to tell Luffy the full story of this as well, I don't like repeating myself in short time periods. Just know I'm young and full of potential you have no clue about. Even if it's a small fry I will still help! And you can't stop me.`" {Unless it's Luffy that tells me that is but they don't need to know that}

I feel energy around me a kind of aura that pokemon of great strength had, even among their kin. But quickly as I feel it is gone like this isn't a proper place for it.

Ussop's panic voice was first to say something "Wait what you mean you're a monster?"

"`my 'head band' is horns you dummies! You couldn't tell when you tried getting them off? Or the fact I can lift stuff with my mind or the fact I don't speak or read your language not to mention I can do this`" Summoning a weakened Swift (a move I learned training just yesterday) to swirl around me in a non directional way to not hit anyone. "`I'm not human {not anymore} and yet I still want to be around to help so let me`"

< Great speech but I need a break >
{Alright}"`Voice is tired so I'll have to stop for now I'll talk more later. `" After that I feel Voice Disconnect.

Everyone was quiet and well not much happened. Other then Ussop and Sanji talking about their reasons to fight. Zoro being an undesignated first mate took charge and stopped the small bickering.

We soon went to find Luffy {the leader, the captain} no one stopped me from coming. In fact I floated behind them not going to piggy back unless we needed to run.

It wasn't long before we found him and Nami with the people of Cocoyashi getting ready for battle. As I learn later it's because Nami's savings got stolen by marines, thanks to Arlong betrayal, and that would mean Nami would be working for the Fishmen even longer.

Still we stood back to watch Luffy talk with Nami. I wanted to hug her, with all the hurt she has(to her heart and now her arm), but it's best to wait to see what Luffy does.

"Luffy, ...help me...."

He placed his hat, his treasure, on her head turns to the direction we waited and yells to the sky for all of us to hear,

"OF COURSE I WILL!!!"

As Luffy walks past us no more words are needed, and as one group Zoro, Ussop, Sanji, and me follow.

Right to the door of Along Park, base to Team Fishmen and their leader Arlong.

Chapter Text

Johnny and Yosaku are guarding the gate keeping the towns people out. Good we don't want them getting hurt in the middle of this.

I set a sleeping Voice on a rock outside the gate.

Luffy breaks the gate down revealing our enemies.

Ah so that's what a fishman looks like, they could be mistaken as odd pokemon, at first glance in all honesty, if I didn't hear about them beforehand. {Of course I grew up with pokemon so they might be insulted if I said that}

Captain Luffy locates which one is Arlong
And starts walking up to him, knocking some heads on the way, and then punches the main fishman right out of his throne-like chair into the wall. We got them all off guard with the first attack it's time to keep up the pressure.

The fishman jumped into action to attack but Sanji is faster, kicking them away before any damage was done.

Sanji yells at Luffy, "Don't hog all the fighting!",
Ussop is fearful yet brave to be here,"I don't mind if you guys hog everything."

An Octopus fishman starts yelling and pointing at Zoro, "It's the swordman"
There are more random fishmen I can't identify yet continuing to say stuff, "hey it's the long nose", "So Nami didn't kill him?", "Looks like Nami betrayed us after all."

Well so much for momentum. A small fishman that reminds me of a Remoraid (no Ussop caught a fish before, called a Remora)
hops off one of his friends.(Or brothers as they called one another.)
"Hehehehehe, more blood for the sea." Ok he's crazy I'm going to keep my eye on the little stabby guy.

Arlong is talking though"Pirates huh, so you're after Nami, but just what do you five inferior creatures do?" Blah blah blahs or whatever big ego headed speech bores me.

The octopus guy walks to the water. "You're not worth Arlong's time. He'll be more than enough for these guys." He then makes a weird call with his mouth. Almost trumpet like.

I feel something coming this way, it's big and here. The water shook as it rose. "Dinner time Momoo!." A Giant sea monster that had the head of a Miltank, the body size of a Gyarados, and covered with bruises with a big bump on its head. It's emotions were mainly hurt and pain, I could see the tears, poor thing I want to help it.

It started leaving before Arlong said something to it. Fear lots of fear. It turns back around to attack us, other Fishmen jumping in, but Luffy acts quickly.

I'm already getting some distance from him.

Sticking both feet into the ground with a sumo stomp and turning his body, leading up to grabbing the sea beast by the horns and spinning around. "Gum Gum...pinwheel!"

Knocking out enemies from all around and tossing the sea cow out to the water with the momentum he had. All around us fishmen lied about knocked out cold.

{Great work,Luffy.} I say in my pokemon language giving a thumbs up. A bit sad Voice was away from this battle, wish I could fight with them on my head. Maybe in the future.

Luffy is now telling Arlong he's going to beat him up. Sure now he does once all the fun is mainly gone. Everyone is worried about their safety and yes Luffy could have warned us ahead of time. But knowing him attacking the big Sea beast would cause field damage had possibly of friendly fire so to speak. This is Luffy, the man that acts on impulse. Even I know from my short time with him to stay away when he's doing stuff.

There's a few of the fishmen left though.
"How dare you hurt our brothers." Sirs this is a battle.
"It seems we now have to fight. " "It seems we need to teach the difference between our species." "Heehee make them bleed."

Oh looks like the short one didn't get hit.
The Fishman are speaking about battle plans nothing big and I'm bored. All I'm doing is watching everyone else and I haven't done anything but stand here.

Yawn.

"Hey don't just yawn at Us." Oh the Remora is attacking, finally I get to act, before anyone else can steal my spot I use confusion to lift him and slam him down face first. A Fun Giggle and I use Swift, the stars swirl around me before hitting my target. An elemental (Normal) burst from the attack impact knocks him into the water. I probably could have just thrown him but I haven't had a good battle to test myself. Taking my ax off the make-shift holder on my back, I take a battle stance and let out a Ralts battle cry.

Ah the quiet sound of surprise, even in this form, I'm still a menace that makes all grunts sweat.

Luffy's laugh kills the silence I brought. "Shishishi you didn't want to be left out either, Rats?"
"What the fu-" someone starts to say it's too low to know which group.
"Damn it Slabs." A Fishman said the one I threw was named Slabs then.

Octopus man is yelling about wanting to kill us.
Wait why is Luffy worried all of the sudden? "Hey guys, I'm kind of in trouble." Octopus guy is getting ready to do something some water spray attack or ink?

Yep that's ink! Teleport dodge. Luffy why didn't you move! {Luffy, move!} He's about to crush you with a piece of building bigger than himself!

"Guys I can't move, I'm stuck." Luffy you don't use that kind of attack without a back up! I need to learn reflect for these guys.

Smash!
An up kick from our new cook and breakthe thing into many pieces. Thanks for breaking the giant rock for Luffy, Sanji. The Manta Ray starts doing pre battle dialogue with Sanji. Darn now I hope Slabs up for round two.

Just as I was starting to help Ussop get Luffy out(I was going to break concrete where his feet were at), speak of the devil fish, Slabs comes back up.

"Damn brat," Slabs says getting out the water, "I'm not going to lose to a tiny human no matter what it was that you did!"
He tries to rush me again hmm block or sidestep. No one's behind me at this angle,
Take a step to the side, twisting my body, letting him past me. Having my ax move with me, I swing, hoping to get a side hit.

He moves out the way before I can do even chip damage, and he turns to face me glaringly.

I focus, to understand my opponent, {Why are you filled with hate? This isn't hate just to hate ,it's hate on top of grief. So this grief,....You lost someone and now take it out on the weak, how sickening.}

I can see the match ups getting set, Manta Ray vs Sanji, Hachi the octopus vs Zoro, Slabs the Remora vs me, Chu vs ussop, Luffy vs Arlong.

I don't think our battles will be easy, they are strong that's for sure, they can probably keep up with some of my old pokemon.

Slab charges again, a reminder I can't look away from this battle, even to make sure my allies are ok.

Blocking his knife with my ax, I hold my ground. Throw his balance off or just push him back? I opted for a teleport followed by an ax swing but he dodged.

I'm unsure how long it went for endless blocking and dodging. I know others are fighting near me but right now this is my battle! I can't hold back against those that want to hurt me.

My nature is conflicting with my instincts.
{I don't want to die! But I don't want to kill either.}

{I want to be strong enough so I don't have to kill! }

"Stupid ax...it's in my WAY!" Next thing I know I'm flying back taking a tumble. Looking up I see in order, 1. My Normal Stone landed in front of me, 2.Broken pieces of Tusk-kin, 3. Slab walking to me, 4. Arlong holding Zoro in the air and rips off his bandages.

Something in me stops. Time around me slows as something in me seems to click.

The stone in front of me is glowing softly, so I put my hand on it and I feel crystal build around me. (I couldn't notice at the time but water was being sprayed in the air from Luffy, at the same time my Terastallization happened.)

I take a breath as I stand. I feel the Normal type energy flowing around my body. Letting out a battle cry I use a powered up Swift, aiming for any Hostile Fishman nearby I'm not sure how many I hit but I know Slabs is still up.

{How's that for a S.T.A.B. you knife swinging maniac?!}

Something is launching near us I teleport closer to the group of villagers (Nami's with them). Making sure they aren't behind me.

In my Tera form I do the universal "come at me" hand gesture. Slabs' of course does charge at me like he's an attacker class when he's better off being a supporter.

Tusk-kin broke... My weapon broke ... I look at the face of the Remora fishman, no wonder they have big heads about their strength... Average humans stand as much chance as facing a school of wishiwashi.

Strangely at this moment I think of everything that's happened to me these past few days since I met Luffy and his crew.

I don't want Zoro's dream to die with him, I don't want Luffy to lose anyone, I don't want Nami to think she's alone anymore, I want Ussop to come out of that shell of lies and turn into the man he wants to be, I want Sanji to see the gift of the seas, And I want to help all of them see those dreams and wishes become real!

I feel a new power in me...one I always was happy to bring out from my pokemon.

And I'm not a human anymore....I focus my powers using Swift giving him no chance to get away then teleport behind him while he's distracted. My Tera form gives Boost of power to my attack aiding me to use a move that's new to my move pool helping me attune to the Normal energy and bring out more power.

Return!

I hit a weak point.
It's not as powerful as it can be but it's enough to knock Slabs the Remora fishman out.

The Tera power fades and the normal Stone lands in my hands. I notice how tired I am and fall over. I'm not able to fight more without hurting myself but I Defeated my opponent and I trust everyone can defeat theirs.

I want to sleep but this is the best way to rest, till I can use that move, And still be in this battle. Or so till someone picked me up to get me into a safer area.

It wasn't long till stuff was getting thrown out the top floor of the building. Nami's emotions spiked so that had some meaning for her, too bad I'm not able to focus on what she feels other than relief.

Then a foot that had to be our Rubber Captain, breaks through the roof of the place and slams down destroying the whole building like a rampaging Tyranatar.

Luffy climbing out of the wreckage and yells "NAMI! YOU'RE MY FRIEND!"

Chapter Text

Nami was filled with relief and joy, in fact everyone of the villagers were feeling that way. I'm not 100% used to feeling so many at once yet but this time it's positive emotions.

I did get Voice back as soon as possible but I wasn't ready to talk yet.

And of course there was a celebration for the freedom of not just the village but the island (or islands, I'm not sure how far Team Fishman's influence had been.)

The party seems like it will be fun after I was done recovering from my fight, I might not have gotten hurt as much as some but I was still exhausted. Thankfully pokemon can heal fast if resting in the right places, Too bad no pokemon centers exist here or that would speed up my healing.

But still before I can join any fun I had a few things to take care of,
1. Morn the lost of my weapon, I didn't have it long but it served me well.
2. Check on the crew, everyone was injured in some way in that fight some more than others.
3. Talk to Luffy about me staying with the crew. I'm not one for staying in one place long without reason. {I'm alone my family isn't here, and there's no way to any of them.}

I Want to see more of this interesting world, between the Fishmen, Sea beast, the topography and endless water, not to mention the humans I became close to. I want to explore more of what this world has to show, the secrets hidden from human eyes, and the Creatures that live here.

I want to stay with these adventurous pirates that are willing to fight for a friend. And so I had things to do before then.

For Tusk-kin I did something normally done with bones for after meals. Setting the broken parts in the woods under a young tree, So the tusk pieces and wood would help give nutrition. Saying a quiet word of thanks for the weapons hard work and hope for this last task it could do. I leave in silence. It didn't matter if the ax had a spirit or not, it was good to respect everything used from nature for a while.

It didn't take long(it is part of an after meal clean up after all.) So I joined Sanji and Ussop waiting for Zoro.

For the crew, Luffy is eating his fill, Zoro is being looked at by an actual doctor being stitched back together.(Don't they have pain killers or is this punishment for continuing to fight?), Nami I heard was at a Grave. I'll go see her later, I don't need to bug her and her family yet. Sanji and Ussop seem to be relaxing at this time so I'll continue to rest.

The party thankfully continues for three days.

Zoro is mostly patched up and already enjoying the drinks and food. Sanji sat to talk with him. Ussop was singing. Luffy was eating, a lot, hopefully he feels full at the end. Nami I heard was getting a new tattoo to cover her old one, good for her cutting away her past. (She didn't have to stab it first though.)

And I was enjoying the atmosphere listening to the story people had to tell, from eavesdropping on couples talking about their now bright future(adorable young love), to a few folks getting loose lip and talking about rumors from around the East Blue( Some juice gossip but I'm taking it with a grain of salt), to young children playing together. (No younger than eight makes sense for the family charging and some of them must have been on the way or born just before Arlong and his man came.)

Once I talk to Luffy I'll be more than happy to tell my own story of lands full of wonderful Creatures, and brave humans that worked with them.

I heard Luffy was looking for one of the raw ham Melons, I managed to grab two hoping to bring him one.
I found him near a grave talking to Nami's pseudo dad.(not adopted but definitely cared for her like one)

I let them have their moment. It's sweet in a way, in my opinion. Luffy being Luffy didn't ruin it and made it more meaningful, At least to me, because Luffy being himself means everything is ok.

After Luffy left I followed till we were in a better spot to talk, it was only Luffy , me, and few party goers starting to go sleep. I stopped Luffy before he ran off to give him one of the raw ham melons.

Me and Voice planned this out ahead of time Voice, while not adventurous as me, didn't mind traveling.

" Hey thanks Rats I was afraid I missed them all." Luffy said mouth full of melon. At least I believe that's what he said.

{Ok Voice you ready?}
< Yep go for it>
Take a breath

"` Captain Luffy I wish to join your crew.` "

"Huh what do you mean?," He says after swallowing his food. "You're already part of it."

"` It was not official at the time I didn't get to say what I wanted to before and now I have a chance to. I want to tell you about myself, and skill set and what I wish to do.` "

"You don't have to do that, but I do want to hear your dream." He sits down to listen and learn. Giving that big smile of his.

"` Thanks, my name is {in the way you give names} is Zaprin Victoria, and I'm a monster from Far away called a Ralts. My dream is connected to my skills, and my kind are protective of those we are close with. I wish to grow stronger to protect those I care about. As strong as I possibly can grow.` "

"Shishishi. A cool mystery monster that can get stronger. Hey, do I call you Rats, Victoria, Or Zaprin?"

"` I much prefer Victoria but if it's a mouth full we can use a nickname instead, though I don't have one in particular in mind.`"

"Alright Victoria it is."

"` Thank you Luffy, or do you prefer Captain Luffy?`"

"Huh? Just Luffy, we're friends aren't we?"

"` We are, it's just my way of showing respect. {Even as friends, positions and ranks should be acknowledged.} Maybe I can do so next time we are about to fight someone? It will help me keep my head in the battle. `"

" Hmm well alright if it helps you fight someone strong speaking of which you were really cool fighting that small fish guy."

The conversation soon drifted off into one about stories of attack names and how he came up with them after I told him a few of mine. It didn't last long before we were both asleep along with the rest of the party goers and crew.

A big battle followed by three days of parties can sure wear out a pokemon. But I was happy to have found people to care about in this world and I'm sure our little crew would grow.