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'How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.'
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The tears of the heaven pelted from the angry grey sky above like bullets. The deep sound of thunder traveled through the ears of the bustling pirates aboard the Red Force. The Red Haired Pirates were scattered throughout all parts of the swaying ship, attempting to gain control of the boat. The group of companions endeavored mightily to wrestle the turbulent waves of the salty ocean conveying them. Shouts of urgency were detectable from all locations but the intense overpowering sound of the thunderstorm masked their bawling.
A group of three adults had shut themselves in a room, the tension that filled the space was smothering. Despite the disarray taking place, the three appeared as if they were in a different location as their minds were focused a greater matter than the downpour.
"This is one of the worst storms the sea had ever gotten. Are you sure you can get back safely? Maybe you should wait," Shanks, the captain of the nosy ship, spoke, his voice laced with obvious concern. He ran a hand against his youthful face, the bags under his eyes were an affirmation for his nights spent awake caring for his newborn child and ill wife.
Another voice, clear yet stern, spoke and gained the red-heads attention.
"We must leave straightaway. We don't have time to spare. Cease your worry pirate, Elise and I will be peregrinating via gateway." the female words were curt and her distaste for the red head was evident in her voice and the way she called him 'pirate' like it was some disease, despite the cryptic woman being aware of his name.
A vicious wave slammed into the side of the large boat causing those on board to lose balance. The mysterious female clutched the nearest object in the bedroom for support. Her face scrunched up with exasperation due to the unpredictable ocean waves. The stormy ocean was a raging bull, and she didn't know what to expect.
The lights inside the spacious room flickered on and off, and by the end of the room laid another female. Elise's chest rose as she inhaled deeply. She would miss the salty smell of the ocean. She released a shaky breath before finally deciding that her body would grant her enough strength to rise. Elise's pained grunt gained Shanks regard as the woman swung her white blanket to the side. The cold air caressed her skin causing goosebumps to arise on her tanned arms. Her long flowing lavender colored hair cascaded down her back as she finally situated herself upwards.
"She's right, I... I-" Elise swallowed, her eyes fluttered shut as a wave of nausea halted her from completing her sentence. The red-haired pirate rushed to her side, supporting her fragile body.
"Come on, Elise, you can barely walk. You don't need to leave," Shanks whispered to Elise, trying to show her how foolish she was to leave in her current condition.
Elise ignored his words, fully aware that her departure was unavoidable. She used the bed frame to guide her upwards. With premature steps, she plodded in the direction of an ivory cradle by the rattling window. A baby with a messy set of red hair was lying in the crib. Its small mouth was parted in an endearing fashion and her chest rose and fell at a steady pace, the newborn slept soundly. How the baby was able to sleep peacefully through the storm will remain a mystery to even her mother.
"Such a heavy sleeper, like your father," Elise laughed dryly, gently picking up the infant and cradling the bundle of joy in her arms. Elise studied her baby, memorizing the curve of her nose and the faint freckles scattered on her chubby cheeks and the vibrant strands of red hair that grew from the infants head. Tears blurred Elise's vision at the thought of leaving her baby so young. It had only been a few months since she had given birth to her, yet, the baby had grown so much. Though, Elise wouldn't be there to see her child say her first word, walk or be able to converse with other mothers with children and boast about how well her child was doing with her studies. There were so many milestones and in a child's life as they grew older, and it ripped Elise's heart to pieces that she would not be there in person to see her child mature.
Elise caressed the baby's golden brown skin and pushed a strand of red hair from her forehead.
'But this is a sacrifice I am willing to make to keep you safe,' Elise thought unshakably.
"When you seek power most and your resolve is iron strong, is when this seal shall break. Until then, you will live your life as you wish."
A rune like symbol, glowing a golden yellow, appeared over the forehead of the child. A soft moan escaped the infant, as the rune symbol disappeared. Elise bit the bottom of her lip, attempting to keep her tears at bay. "Remember, my love for you is unconditional. You are my heart, my entire being. I promise we will meet again my dear Adelais," Elise lovingly whispered to her child, her heart breaking the longer she held her baby.
It seemed as though Shanks and the other female (who bore a similar resemblance to Elise) were in the midst of a conversation. However, it soon ended as Elise turned and walked towards Shanks with their child in her arms.
"Take care of our daughter Shanks, from the little things she does, I can already tell she's going to grow up and become as reckless as you are." Elise announced half serious, half humorous. Shanks chuckled shamelessly as he took the child from Elise's thin arms.
A knock was heard at the door before it was opened harshly. Standing at the threshold of the door were the long time companions of Red-Haired Shanks. Benn Beckman, a strong looking man with light blue hair; Lucky Roo, a larger man wearing green striped shirt, and Yasopp, a tan man with dreadlocks. The trio were wet from the storm, their faces expose their clear worry and distress.
"You guys-!" Shanks eyes widened.
"Elise you're leaving?!" Lucky Roo asked urgently.
"How'd you find that out?" Shanks questioned as he quickly put the infant in its crib, then turning towards his best friends.
"Shanks, you can't keep shit from us. We're your closest friends, we'll find out eventually," Yasopp said as if it were a fact, which it was.
Shanks could understand their concern, and he agreed, he couldn't keep a secret from them three specially. But for them to come right now, when he only had a few more minutes with the woman he adored; the timing couldn't have been worse.
As Shanks racked his mind for an excuse or explanation, Elise calmly strolled to Shanks and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"My dear friends, it appears as though I need to return home, I have some things to clear up. Nothing to major though. Don't worry, I'll be back before you know it." Elise stated calmly, flashing them one of her award-winning smiles. If they knew the truth, what she said could have been considered as one of the biggest understatement of the century.
Shocked expressions appeared on the faces of Shanks crew-mates when they heard the word 'home' exit Elise's mouth, but they were quickly replaced with grins. They seemed pleased with her words.
It always amazed Shanks how Elise could make the most distressful person feel comfort. Her words and her smile could put anyone at ease.
"Really? God, I was real worried for a second. But if you say it's okay then I know it is," Lucky Roo expressed, "we have to get going though, this storm is causing us some trouble."
Benn Beckman nodded. "Have a safe trip Elise, we'll see you when you get back." He waved with a small grin before exiting with his crew-mates.
"You! Go help the others at the port!" Yasopp's yell could be heard from outside of Shanks bedroom. A sharp 'yes, sir!' came from one of the Cabin Boys.
A deep sigh left Shanks lips as he turned towards a corner of his bedroom.
"You can come out now," Shanks ushered the hiding woman out.
The mysterious woman from earlier emerged from the darkness, there was a stern look on her face as her attention was directed towards Elise. She was about to say something before Elise cut her to the chase.
"I know, I know, 'We have to leave immediately'," Elise quoted the woman with a roll of her eyes, her accent switching momentarily. "Open the gateway while I grab a few things." The mysterious woman gave a nod before doing as told.
Elise walked towards her dresser, grabbing a few articles of clothing.
"I would advise you to leave your human clothing here. Father would be curious as to were you got them and then the lie I," the woman stressed the 'I' part, "had to keep up with all these years, would be exposed."
Exasperated, Elise put back her 'human clothing' and walked towards her picture frames and valuables then put them in a brown bag she grabbed.
"Gateway: Opened." The woman clapped, satisfied. By the corner of the room a portal was made, a field looked to be on the other side. Grey clouds floating in front of a black sky could be seen above the field, telling the girls it was midnight where this field was located.
Elise approached Shanks. Although the male tried with every fiber in his body to keep it in, tears prickled the brim of his eyes.
"Shanks, you reckless, idiotic, fool." Elise began, crossing her arms with a sigh.
Shanks stared at Elise for a moment, bewildered. He thought that his last few moments with his wife would be a bit more sentimental, but seemed like no matter the situation, Elise would still be Elise.
"But!" Elise paused with a finger in front of his face. "Through all of these years that I've known you, I've grown to love your reckless, idiotic, and foolish behavior," Elise grinned, "I never saw myself marrying a guy like you, firstly, because you're a human, and secondly, were practically polar opposites. But I guess the saying opposites do attract is true in our case. You've made the years I've been here very fun. You made me come out of my comfort zone and experience things I would never have even thought of, and I thank you for that," Elise cupped her husbands face and stared at him with a loving gaze. "I love you so much, words could not even begin to explain," she whispered, "Take care of our little girl, okay?"
Shanks head fell and his hands formed fist as tears welled up in his eyes. God, he couldn't even imagine how much he would miss her presence everyday. It hurt physically to see her go. Elise let the tears flow freely down her tan cheeks.
"Till we meet again my love."
With the chilling thunderstorm and the appearance of the reflecting moon; Elise vanished.
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AUTHORS NOTE:
HI! My name is Sunny and this is the prologue to my One Piece Fic. I'm very new to this site and this is my first published fic on here, but I do have experience writing fan-fiction, lol. I don't have much to say but please feel free to comment. I want to improve my writing, which is the main reason I started writing Fics so please leave constructive criczim and all that jazz. Anyways, that really all I have to say. I hope y'all enjoy "RED".