Disclaimer: I do not own One Piece or any of its characters.

Scroll One: The Decision

"I saw it one quiet night in the sacred lake. Such a magnificent sight, although I prayed that the majesties would not notice my presence. It was satisfying just to catch a glimpse of our benevolent protectors once before I died. Hopefully, my discovery will bring luck for the rest of my life."

~Seung Taek, villager

A state of peace and calm laid over the land as the moon made its way to its position in the dark canopy. It was full tonight, showing its entire circumference for all to see its splendor. Taking its time, the natural satellite traveled slowly between the numerous crystals that shone in the blackness. On its path, the moon passed by an immense lake, hidden in the middle the dense forest that was nourished by its waters. The glasslike surface acted as a mirror for the moon; a reflection of the form allowed a different perspective for any who cared to look.

The immense forest surrounding the peaceful lake stretched on for miles, the shadowy tops of darkened foliage swaying slightly in the wind. The lush vegetation was a sign of plentiful rainfall; no part of the land seemed to lack the life-giving liquid. In the shelters provided by the natural environment, diurnal creatures remained silent as they settled down for the night, while the few that claim the darkness for their activities began to leave their holes.

When the moon reached its zenith, the image on the surface became distorted by tiny ripples that grew into large waves; before long, the water of the lake was boiling fiercely as it gave way for the being responsible for the disturbance. Clear drops of liquid ascended into the air as the body broke into the open, the force of its appearance sending half of its length so high up that its head towered above the gigantic trees. However, it stopped short and fell back into the water with a splash that caused more water to surge.

It felt good to be out in the air after being restrained under the depths of the confined lake. The wind cooled the wet, silver-green scales as the creature glided around the lake. At the sound of its companion, it opened its eyes, revealing two black slits in emerald orbs.

Another creature of the same type came from the lake, although it made less of a scene than the first. It was a gray color, the gloss of its aging scales not as strong as the creature that swam idly within the boundary of the lake. Watching the other dawdle, it let out a hiss as impatience took over.

Cease your loitering and bring yourself over here.

The snake-like beast looked lazily at the one that gave the command before it grudgingly obeyed. Stopping a few feet away, it raised its head out of the water and fixed its green eyes on the steel jewels of its elder.

I see you're irritated today. Are you still angry about my decision?

I cannot say that I am delighted; however none of my reasoning can get through your thick skull, so there is no use arguing. No, I am more concerned about your survival once you leave the safety of this location.

A slap from the green tail caused more chaos to ensue on the surface of the lake, representing the creature's aggravation. What do you mean 'safety'? Sure we're protected in this place, but we're also constrained, imprisoned in this damn hole. How did you ever trade the vast oceans for this ripoff?

Your response proves that you are still lacking in years. This, my young friend, is a very stable environment; as long as we allow the rains to fall on the land, the villagers provide an abundant amount of tribute. The small size dispels the interests of many other creatures, so we do not need to fear adversaries. Compared to the unpredictable life in the open, most would prefer the comfort of what you call a 'ripoff'.

Are you done with your ramblings? Because I'm sick of listening to them. Sure, we have protection and stability, but what good are they when you're craving for something more? Maybe I want to find an adversary; at least I wouldn't be bored from seeing the same rock bed every time I want to swim.

You remind me of myself during my youth, feisty and aggressive. But be warned, for those that you wish may not always bring you happiness.

Well, I want to experience the freedom myself before I make that decision.

I see. Where do you plan on going when you leave this lake? Perhaps you want to head for the ocean in order to satisfy your curiosity?

The silver-green serpent dived into the waters and circled carefully around its older friend to contemplate how he would reply. Lithely moving through the lake, it turned its mind to find an answer that would express his true intentions to the prudent elder. Once the thought was found, it broke through the surface once more and tried to stretch as much of its body as it could of the water. The placid water smoothly ran down its back, passing through the space between its scales, while it gazed into the above.

You wanna know something? It's not just this lake that I'm tired of seeing; it's water in general. Yeah, the ocean is big, but how do I know that the land isn't bigger? If there are more opponents waiting for me out of the water, then I want to leave even more.

So you are a dreamer now? What you desire is far beyond what normal Imoogi would ever hope to achieve. We may be vulnerable in the ocean, but we have our element to cover us in case we are in desperate need of assistance. Going into the land would mean further exposure to difficulties, young one, with less chance of survival.

Alright then, elder. So how about this? Forget both land and water; I want to be able to soar through the clouds and touch the sky.

The gray creature shook its head with disapproval. I see that you have already crossed the border of a dreamer and into the territory of the fool. Why do you wish for so much freedom?

The younger creature's mouth curved into a sly smile while its gem-like eyes shone a glaring green in the dark. It's not just the freedom, elder. An Imoogi that gets that far in its life will probably be powerful, right? Well, that's exactly what I wish; to transcend beyond the average rank of a mere Imoogi. No, I want to become a celestial dragon and increase my power beyond measure.

Broken hisses came from the listener; its forked tongue flicked in and out as it continued its version of laugher. You never fail to amuse me, young one. An Imoogi is supposed to be a calm protector of the land, a provider of water to promote growth. Yet, here you are, rejecting everything and hungry for strength that is unnecessary.

Don't ridicule me, elder. I give you my respect, but I will not allow my dream to be mocked by any other being.

Please accept my apologies, friend; I did not mean any harm. However, the path you choose will be an extremely perilous one to follow. It will take many years, with a possibility of failure higher than success. The creature saw the determination of the young Imoogi that glared back. It paused before continuing. I see that you still wish to go. Let me warn you once again; you will face numerous challenges if you are to find what you desire.

I am willing to sacrifice anything for my desire.

Are you willing to dedicate yourself to a thousand years worth of strenuous training? It hummed in approval as its friend started to hesitate. Not as simple to as it appears, is it young one?

…Will it seriously take a thousand years of my life to become a dragon?

It is not just time you will lose. If you undergo the test, you will have to face an unimaginable pain for every day of those thousand years. Only if you endure until the end will you be transformed into the being of your expectations. Although I must tell you, I have witnessed the loss of many Imoogi who had the same dream as yourself. Very few pass this test, so many have discarded their dreams and remained content with what they already possess.

The silver-green creature plunged back into the depths of the lake; the only signs of its presence were the disappearing ripples that stretched out to the shore. Letting out a sigh, the older serpent looked at the full moon that was already approaching the end of its journey. Soon, they would have to submerge under the water once more in order to avoid human eyes. Not that they despised the lesser beings, but it would become complicated if they revealed themselves for too long. Without warning, the other burst out from the water, so close to its friend that their broad snouts almost touched. Its emerald eyes shone with a ferocity that was aimed at the older creature.

You know another method, don't you elder? Your knowledge is so extensive that I wouldn't be surprised if you have heard about a different path. It saw that the other refused to yield and let out a menacing hiss. If you don't tell me, I will have to force you into submission.

Steel eyes flashed dangerously as anger flared inside the gray Imoogi, breaking its normally cool control. The younger serpent twisted its body away from the other, narrowly avoiding a vicious bite around its middle.

You are two thousand years too young to be threatening me. I may be well near my time, but I can leave more than a few fang marks on your body.

They locked eyes, each trying to dominate the other with its baleful glare. Even the water seemed to tense under the pressure of the intense ki, the spiritual energy, of the Imoogi. It was some time before the older relinquished its hold on the other's eyes, its body slipping slowly into the lake.

I am unsure whether I will ever understand you, young one. Yes, I do have knowledge of a separate approach, but I cannot say whether it is easier or not. Stopping short of immersing completely, the Imoogi lifted its weary, ashen eyes. You have heard of the Yeoiju, have you not?

You mean the "gift from the heavens"? The crystallized jewel said to give its wielder omnipotence and unlimited power?

So you were actually able to insert some knowledge into that empty head of yours.

Don't you dare start. Why did you ask about the Yeoiju? I thought it was just a myth that was invented by the humans.

Says the Imoogi that wants to become a yong; I believed that you would at least be more open to legends, since you seem intent on chasing after one.

Just get to the point, elder.

You must learn to be patient if you are to fulfill your wish.

The silver-green Imoogi knew that its friend was eluding its demands, but once it came to this point, there was nothing else it could do. Also lowering its body into the water, the serpent came to the same level as the other, its eyes taking on humility. All right, you win. I'm sorry that I lost my temper, and I'm sorry that I threatened you. It's just that I want to get out of here so bad; you probably don't even understand the extent of this feeling.

I accept your confession, young one, but I will still tell you that you must keep your anger in check. If you act irrationally, you may lose the small chance you have in achieving your goal.

I understand, elder.

The tip of its snout dipped into the water as it nodded its head in approval. Loosening its ki, the elder Imoogi continued in a lighter atmosphere. The Yeoiju is just as you say; it is a gift from the heavens. Every five hundred years, the king sends down a tiny number of the mythical jewels to earth.

In the form of a human girl, right?

If you want to believe it, go ahead.

So I need to get one of them?

You are very perceptive. There is a rumor that declares that if an Imoogi acquires such a rare treasure, it will be transformed into a full-fledged yong, a dragon. Of course, there is little evidence of this occasion, and most of us do not bother ourselves with speculation. But there are a couple youths, those that are as ambitious as you, which go after the treasure.

Just how many of these Yeoiju are released down here?

Do not get your hopes up too high; only a very small amount is sent down. I would not be surprised if it took you a decade to even locate the ki, let alone claim the Yeoiju for yourself. As I have said, there are other strong Imoogi that search for the same power.

An arrogant air surrounded the silver-green creature, its eyes shining with pride. Then I'll just defeat every one of them and take the Yeoiju for myself.

Do you have absolute confidence in your abilities?

You know the answer, elder, so why do you even ask?

How do you expect to get the Yeoiju from its container?

The Imoogi tried to comprehend what its friend was alluding to. Can't I just eat her?

Do not underestimate humans, young one, or the heavens. Do you think either will let such an act go unpunished?

I'm not afraid of humans; they're just a bunch of weaklings that can't even provide for themselves. The king, on the other hand, might be a problem, but he'll just have to get over it.

A foolish decision. If you act in such a manner, another Imoogi with better intentions will get to the Yeoiju first. Remember, young one, there is no benefit in selfishness and conceit.

Fine then. What is your suggestion, oh wise one?

The elder raised its body out of the water, now looking down at the other Imoogi. Oh ho, finally asking for another's opinion?

Don't push your luck.

…My advice is that you use discretion when you try to get a hold of the Yeoiju. Somehow, convince the human to help you, but do not force it against its will.

And how am I supposed to do that?

I have given you enough help, young friend. You must decide what to do from here on.

Some help you are. It followed the other's example raised itself out of the lake, the clear water flowing off the smooth scales as it straightened itself. So, what if I took a human form? Think I would have a better chance at "convincing" the human?

For once, the older serpent was unable to answer. The thought of a mythical creature altering its form was so absurd that none have even considered the idea. Why would you want to take the form of such fragile individuals?

The young companion gave a small smirk. I thought you said not to underestimate humans?

I did not mean for you to become one of them.

Its emerald eyes took a dangerous hue. Don't get me wrong, I'm not going to take the form permanently. I just want to use it long enough to get the jewel, and then I'm turning back. I want to become a dragon, not some weak human.

…You realize that Imoogi do not have enough ki to accomplish multiple transformations. The most you could do at your stage is morph into a human and back once, nothing more. It will also put an incredible stress on your body; if you yield to the pain, you will most likely stop halfway, and your body will disintegrate.

I'm willing to take that risk, elder. It was finished with the conversation, its mind already made up. Undulating, the Imoogi swam away from the other and towards the wide opening that led to a connected river. Before it dove for the exit, the silver-green serpent paused. It really was fun, even if it was cramped. Thanks for sharing this lake with me, friend.

I hope that fortune will accompany you in this arduous journey, young one. Good luck, and make sure you accomplish your dream.

Thanks for your encouragement. Maybe once I become a dragon, I'll come visit you in this damn lake. It did not say anything else. Forcing energy through its entire body, the Imoogi lunged towards the channel and immersed itself under the fierce current.

The elder watched as the disturbed waters became calm once more, its friend long gone with the flow of the river. Looking back into the sky, it saw that the moon had finished its trek and that the sun was slowly preparing for its own trip through the sky. A sigh was released from the Imoogi's mouth, perhaps from the regret of losing the only one that it could converse with. The remorse changed to amusement as it thought about the final statement made by the younger serpent.

You will visit this place again, young one? I am uncertain myself whether I will still exist when that time comes. No, you will most likely find an empty lake when you come again, or perhaps another will claim this place as its home.

Hissing to itself, the Imoogi slowly descended into the water, its steel eyes closing as it prepared for its slumber. As the last of its scales went under, the sun began to shine its rays, illuminating the surrounding forest with its brilliance. But the only evidence of the creatures' meeting was the disappearing ripples on the surface of the lake, serenity returning once again to the quiet lake.

In case there are people who are having trouble understanding some of the concepts, I will attempt to explain them.

An Imoogi is a creature of Korean folklore; it is supposed to be a long, serpent-like being that governs the rivers, seas, lakes, etc. Even though it is a mythical creature, the stories I have read categorized the Imoogi as a weak being that relies on the help of other supernatural beings when it faces an enemy. This being said, most of the stories claim that the Imoogi is a respectable existence that protects the people.

The Yeoiju, or Yuh Yi Joo (여의주), is a jewel that is similar to a "Cintamani" from Hindu and Buddhist legends, and is found inside a human girl. In one of the myths, when an Imoogi claims one as its own, it will transform into a dragon, one of Asian design, and become strong enough to be considered omnipotent. In another legend, an Imoogi must undergo a terrible test that lasts for about a thousand years, and only after it is over will the serpent become the dragon.

"Yong" is the Korean term for dragon.

Ki, also known as chi, is the life energy that exists in every living being by some, and inside nonliving things, such as earth and metal, by others. Some might refer to it as energy. In humans, this flow of energy runs inside the body, with sickness resulting from an imbalance. In times past, people were thought to control their ki in order to gain superhuman powers, like remarkable strength and speed. I have seen some depictions that claimed that, by harnessing the ki, people could jump to great heights, almost like they were flying.

As said before, all of this came from folklore; to me, there is no original that is the correct portrayal. Using the different information, I have made a story that would be based on some of these ideas, along with some of my own.

Hopefully, nobody will be offended because I chose to base my story on the legends, but I say this in case there is a person who cares. I do not own the myths, legends, stories, folklore, etc. that I plan on using in my story. Actually, I am not sure whether there is a true owner who could claim them as his or her own. Alas, it is not something that I should question, unless I want to go contemplate on unrecorded history to decide who came up with these ideas.

To those who actually read this spiel, thank you for your time.

All information was found in Wikipedia, a number of books that contained the Korean myths, and the knowledge from my parents.