Some people are born legends. Others, through acts of infamy or valor, become legends. And some, rise above legends, to become something else entirely. However the legend comes to be, they all have a beginning and an end.

This particular legend, begins in a small town in the East Blue. A town whos magistrate has become rife with tyranny and oppression.

Three young men, by fate or chance, enter this wretched city.

Will they be the town's salvation, or will they be its damnation?

For good or evil, one thing is certain. The tale of Alexander D. Wolfwood and the Straw Hat Pirates, has only just begun.

"This is all your fault," Alexander muttered to his partner. They were currently tied to poles shaped like a cross, in the middle of a marine base courtyard. Large walls adorned them on all sides, with the base itself to their left. It was large and imposing, much like its captain is said to be.

"Shut up," Zoro said back. He was pissed and hungry and didn't want any lip from his partner. "You're the one who punched him."

That was true. Alexander couldn't help but think back. The whole thing started when the two were trying to get a bite to eat.

"Man this food is good," I smiled in content. It had been a while since we had eaten food this good, and I was going to savor every bite. Zoro grunted in agreement, but that was all I got. It was feeding time after all.

Just as we were finishing our meal, a large, brown wolf barged in the restaurant and started eating someone's food, scaring nearly everyone in the bar. Rika, a cute little girl with brown hair tied in pig tails and big wide innocent eyes, wasn't so intimidated. She immediately began swatting at the wolf with a broom, telling it to go away.

That's when the bastard Helmeppo showed up. "Do you have a problem with my pet little girl?" he questioned from the doorway, looking far too smug. He stood about 5'6" and was dressed in an expensive dark purple suit with pink cuffs and a pink collar. His blonde hair appeared greasy, and looked to be in a bowl cut style, except without any bangs. His face was angular, with well-groomed eyebrows, and beady black eyes. The most distinguishable feature about him was his chin, which looked like two golf balls side by side.

Soon after he entered, his pet wolf attacked the little girl. It snarled and lunged, causing her to instinctively fall backwards and guard herself, getting her green and purple dress all dirty. But before the wolf could reach her, it was stopped by a stool that Zoro casually kicked at it. The wolf went flying, landing near the doorway, never to rise again.

"Awww man. I wanted to do that"

My voice caused Helmeppo to turn to us, anger written all over his face. He began yelling, asking us who we were, sword pointed in our direction in a pathetic attempt at intimidation. We pretty much ignored him and continued with our meal. It was more interesting anyway.

After a moment of staring, he seemed to realize who we were. "Y-you can't be. Roronoa Zoro… and Alexander D. Wolfwood?" he stuttered out, approaching cautiously with his sword still pointed at us.

"So what?" answered Zoro, just as annoyed as I was at the guy. He didn't seem to take the hint, as he continued ranting, "Why the hell are pirate hunters bothering the marines!?"

"Why are marines attacking defenseless little girls?" I responded, taking a bite of food. Before I could even swallow, Helmeppo swung his sword at me.

I kicked myself back, his sword hitting the counter and missing me completely. Not wanting to give him another chance to attack, I kicked his sword upward, where it lodged into the ceiling. Helmeppo gasped in surprise before he was sent crashing onto the floor, courtesy of a light punch from yours truly.

Helmeppo soon found himself at sword point, staring at Zoro's rather pissed off face. He was more annoyed then me at having our meal interrupted. Poor Helmeppo looked ready to wet himself.

"You're annoying," Zoro told him. Helmeppo though, starting chuckling, which confused me. Most people don't chuckle at a pissed off Zoro. "You don't seem to understand. If my father finds out about this, those people will be executed." I turned to see the girl and her mother huddling in fear. This pissed me off even more. The only ones who should be this afraid of marines are weak pirates and bandits.

Helmeppo began dragging himself up, arrogant smirk still in place, "You wouldn't want that to happen, so why don't we make a deal? You two can go to jail instead of them. Let's see… One month! If you can both survive, I'll even let you go to. How about it? It's a good deal." He almost seemed hopeful that we would accept. Probably so we wouldn't hurt him again.

Zoro seemed to think about it. I knew what his answer would be. The same as mine. "One month? Easy." I smirked as he dropped his sword, point first into the floor. "Geez, you're such a pain the ass," I sighed dramatically, holding my wrists out for them to cuff me.

Soon after, we were herded out, the little girl crying the whole time. I gave her one last confident smirk, before being led around the corner going out of sight.

Alexander was snapped out of his memory by Zoro's voice, "Hey you guys. You're bothering me. Get lost." Alexander looked towards the wall to see that there were two people staring down at them. A kid with pink hair and glasses, and an older guy with a straw hat, a goofy smile, and a scar under his left eye.

The pink haired one seemed to freak out at Zoro's voice, causing Alexander to smirk. Before he could comment, however, another body appeared on the wall. This one was much younger and of a different gender. It was the little girl from the restaurant.

Rika made a shushing motion toward the two on the wall, before letting down a rope and climbing down. She landed with a soft thud, before running over to the two tied up. This caused the pink one to freak out again and start yelling at his friend to stop her.

She came to a stop before the two, giving them a heartwarming smile. This didn't seem to affect Zoro though, who made sure she knew it, "What are you doing here kid?" he asked her gruffly. This didn't deter her in the slightest. With her smile still in place she asked them a question, "Aren't you two hungry? I made you onigiri."

This didn't sway Zoro, "Get lost kid. If they catch you you're gonna get killed." Alexander let out a sigh. Zoro could be such an ass at times. He smiled at the girl, "Thank you Rika, but you really shouldn't be here." She just gave them another smile, "But you haven't eaten anything."

She then presented them with the onigiri, "It was my first time, but I put my whole heart into it." Her smile never wavered, but it did seem to become more proud. Zoro was slightly taken aback, but he started yelling again, "I'm not hungry, get lost!" This seemed to make Rika sad.

"But-" she started, only to be interrupted by Alexander, "Leave Rika. We don't want you here." He didn't want to be mean to her, but being nice would only endear her into staying.

Before they could say more to convince her to leave, Helmeppo appeared with a couple of marines. "No need to be so mean you two," he said, walking toward them with a spring in his step. The pink haired kid seemed to be relieved. Boy was he in for a surprise.

When he reached the group, he sneered down at the frightened girl, "Hey that looks tasty. Don't mind if I do," and with that, he snatched up one of the balls and popped it into his mouth. This seemed to give the little girl her courage back, "No! That's not for you!" She was ignored by Helmeppo, who continued to eat the onigiri. Both Zoro and Alexander's glare intensified.

His face soon turned green, and he began spitting it out, yelling about how nasty it was. He turned to the little girl, "What the hell! It's full of sugar! Onigiri needs salt, not sugar!" This seemed to make the girl even sadder than before. She put everything into it, and it turned out horrible.

"But I thought it would taste better sweet," she muttered, looking down at the remaining ball of onigiri in sadness. A ball that was swiftly swatted out of her hand by Helmeppo. Once it was on the ground he began stomping on it, causing Rika to cry out in distress.

When he was done, it looked more like a mud ball then a rice ball. Rika could only stare in dismay at all her hard work. Zoro and Alexander wanted nothing more than to gut him. A notion that was only increased by his next action

Helmeppo pulled out a sheet of paper, looking as if he really hated what he was saying. "Haven't you read this poster? Anyone who helps the criminals is to be executed immediately. Signed, Marine Captain Morgan." Rika froze in terror. Alexander started fighting against his bindings. There was no way in hell he was going to let them kill her.

"Tell me, do you know who my father is?" questioned Helmeppo in his snide tone. Rika could only stare at him, afraid.

Helmeppo then turned to the marine on his left, "You throw this brat out. I'm tired of looking at her." The marine in question didn't look thrilled. In fact he seemed shocked that he was being ordered to do so. His hesitation caused Helmeppo to get right in his face, "Are you disobeying me? I'll tell my father," he threatened. That seemed to snap him out of it.

He approached Rika, who recoiled in fear, "I'm really sorry about this," he whispered into her ear. She looked surprised for a second before he grabbed her and tossed her over the wall. Luckily he threw her right over the two observing, and the one with the straw hat jumped up and caught her before she could hit the ground. Alexander wondered if the marine threw her toward them on purpose, hoping they would catch her.

"Bastard," muttered Zoro as Helmeppo laughed gleefully. Alexander kept silent, but his glare spoke a thousand words.

"Boy you two sure are stubborn. I can't believe you're still alive," commented Helmeppo casually, like nothing happened beforehand. It pissed off both captives. "Don't be so surprised. We'll survive the whole month," replied Zoro confidently. "Only ten days left," quipped Alexander. This only caused more laughing from Helmeppo. "If you live that long."

With that Helmeppo began walking off, laughing the whole time. The two marines followed quietly.

As soon as he was gone, Zoro and Alexander saw the straw hat kid staring at them with curiosity, no longer on the wall. Along with his straw hat, he was wearing a red button up vest, shorts that went just below his knees, and flip flops. He looked to be slightly shorter then Zoro and his arms looked stringy.

The straw hat kid took in their appearance just as they did his. Zoro had short, light green hair that almost looked like moss and angry black eyes. Three golden oblong earrings adorned his left ear. He was wearing a dirty white shirt, with dark green pants and black boots. A light green haramaki was situated around his waistline.

Alexander had fairly short black hair swept in an upward ark. His Dark violet eyes held the same anger as Zoro's. He had a white shirt with a deep V-neck, showing off his muscular chest, with a black vest over it. His black pants were baggy, allowing for easy movement and came to rest inside his black boots. He looked to be much taller than his companion.

"So you two are bad guys?" straw hat asked in his childish voice. The two weren't sure if he was trying to be funny or not, and either way, they weren't happy to see him. "Why are you here?" Zoro asked in annoyance. "Being humiliated like that… Are you two really strong?" he asked, ignoring Zoro and pissing him off in the process. Alexander cut off Zoro as he opened his mouth, "It takes true strength to know when to fight, and when not to." This caused straw hat to smile, having learned that lesson himself long ago.

He walked towards them, smile still on his face, "If it was me, I would have escaped in three days. Any longer and I'd starve." His tone was light and slightly teasing. Alexander thought it would piss Zoro off even more, but he only smirked in response. "I'm different from you. I'll survive, and show you all what I'm made of."

"Man what a stubborn guy," commented straw hat, before he turned and started walking away, only to be stopped by Zoro. "Wait!" Straw hat turned around. "That rice ball, do you mind?" he asked. Straw hat seemed surprised. "Are you sure you want to eat this? It's more of a dirt ball now."

"Shut up and give it to me," growled out Zoro. Alexander was having none of his selfishness. "I'm not letting you hog it all. I want half." His voice caused the other two to look at him. "What? She made them for both of us, so it's not fair if only Zoro gets some," he said, making Zoro smirk and straw hat laugh.

He separated the remains into halves and fed it to them, as per their request. The two forced the horrible remains down their throats, making them cough and sputter. "Thanks," Zoro muttered, "It was delicious."

"Best I ever had," stated Alexander. Straw hat just smiled at them before turning to leave.

"Wait!" yelled Alexander, making straw hat stop and turn around for the second time. "What's your name?" he asked. Straw hat seemed surprised. He pointed to himself in confusion, "Me?" he asked, before smiling ear to ear, "I'm Monkey D. Luffy."

Alexander stared at Zoro as he muttered about an evil woman in his sleep, and couldn't help but chuckle. He had a feeling that women would be the cause of much grief in Zoro's life.

He then began thinking about the kid that was there earlier; the kid with the initial of D; same as him. What did it mean? His thoughts on the subject were cut short when he saw Luffy land in the courtyard.

"You again," stated Alexander as Luffy got closer. This had the effect of waking Zoro as well, and he wasn't thrilled about it. "What the hell do you want?" Not thrilled at all.

"I'm going to untie you and make you my nakama," he answered Zoro's question. Both Alexander and Zoro looked shocked at his casual declaration. "What?" asked both Zoro and Alexander at the same time.

Luffy walked closer till he was only a few feet from them. "I'm looking for people to join my pirate crew, and I've decided that you're going to join," Luffy said like it was the most common thing in the world. Alexander looked at him confused while Zoro refused outright, stating he wouldn't be a bad guy.

"What's wrong with being a pirate?" Luffy asked with his head cocked to the side in a confused manner. "Pirates are scum, that's why," responded Zoro vehemently, glaring at Luffy. "Well the marines here aren't much better," stated Alexander, causing Zoro's glare to turn to him.

"What does it matter? You're called evil pirate hunters already," mentioned Luffy, returning Zoro's glare to him. Alexander was watching the exchange with interest. He didn't really care if he became a pirate, but he would only agree if Zoro did. They decided to help each other achieve their dreams, and he wasn't going to back out of it.

"That doesn't matter. I've never regretted anything, and I won't start now. We will survive, and achieve our goals. No matter what," Zoro ended his speech with a wild grin. Alexander chuckled in response. It made him believe they could really do it.

"But I've already decided that you guys are my nakama," Luffy stated with a big smile on his face. "You can't decide that yourself!" shouted Zoro in response while Alexander laughed. Luffy seemed to completely ignore him. "You use a sword right?" Luffy questioned. Yep, completely.

Zoro did calm down after that, "Yeah, but that bastard son has them." Luffy's grin got even wider at, almost like he devised some fiendish plan. "I'll go get it, and then you'll join me." So not fiendish, but certainly dastardly.

"Are you stupid are something!?" yelled Zoro, wondering how the situation turned into this. It seemed so simple before. Survive the month and go free. But now this kid's here, interrupting his simplicity.

"You'll need to find all three," said a voice next to Zoro, which made him turn to it in surprise. "What the hell are you doing?" asked Zoro. His friend turned to him with the most innocent look he could muster, "Just trying to help."

"Well stop helping!"

Luffy just laughed and ran off like a kid who found the candy store. Zoro stared at his retreating form, "He's really going to attack the base all by himself?" "Seems like it," responded Alexander, staring at his retreating form as well. But…

Can he really do it?

That thought was shattered when they realized he was going the wrong way. "Hey! You're going the wrong way!" they both yelled in disbelief. Luffy suddenly stopped and turned around, making them both sigh and close their eyes.

"Gomu Gomu no Rocket!"

They opened their eyes to see a pair of really long arms with Luffy at the end, flying past them. "W-What the hell is he?" questioned Zoro. Alexander was too shocked to answer, and just stared alongside his partner.

After flinging himself across the courtyard, Luffy came to a stop in front of the marine bases back entrance. Looking around, he seemed confused that he couldn't find anybody. "I could've sworn I heard people over here," he said to himself. He then looked up, hearing people chanting on the roof. "There you are."

"Gomu Gomu no Rocket!"

Luffy stretched his arm and grabbed the top of the roof, flinging himself upward. However he may have made a tiny miscalculation.

"Crap, too far!" he yelled before grabbing onto a piece of rope. Rope connected to a giant statue. A giant statue of Captain Morgan. A giant statue of Captain Morgan, that broke in half. Looks of horror graced the faces of every marine on the rooftop. Luffy just gave them a sheepish smile before uttering an apology. It would not be enough however.

"Capture him! I want to kill him myself!" shouted Morgan in his deep, gravelly voice. With everyone panicking, no one heard Helmeppo yelling he was the one who punched him. No one except Luffy that is.

"Hey it's you!" Luffy exclaimed joyfully, appearing out of nowhere and grabbing onto his shoulder. This caused Helmeppo to panic even more. "I've been looking for you. I need your help," and with that, Luffy began dragging poor Helmeppo away, deep into the bowels of the marine base.

"After them! Don't let him escape!" yelled out Morgan. Marines immediately began chasing after him. "Captain Morgan sir! There's someone in the courtyard!" yelled a random marine.

"What?"

"What the hell do you think you're doing kid?" asked Zoro in anger as that pink-haired kid from before showed up out of nowhere, and started untying the ropes. "We only have ten days left, don't interfere."

"Actually, you only have one day left. They're going to execute you tomorrow," mentions Coby as he continued trying to untie the ropes. Their eyes widen in shock. "What?" questions Zoro, not quite believing him.

"Helmeppo said so himself. He never intended to keep his promise," Coby continues. The captive's eyes turn from shock to anger. It didn't really surprise them all that much, considering who they were dealing with. "Luffy got mad and punched him. He's determined to save you guys."

"I see," muttered Alexander, staring at the large marine base. Girlish screams could be heard ringing out from the base, and Alexander had to wonder what the kid was doing.

"Looks like we're stuck, huh partner?" said Alexander, making Zoro look at him. "If we don't want to die, we're going to have fight our way out, and fighting marines would make us criminals." Zoro realized he was right, but he didn't have to like it.

"I'm not asking you to become pirates," said Coby, bringing their attention back to him, "But please, help Luffy." Kind of hard to ignore such a heartfelt plea, and neither knew how to respond to it.

"Hold it right there!"

Luffy came to a stop before a very effeminate looking door with various flowers adorning a plaque that read, "My Room". Luffy walked inside without a care in the world.

"This is it right?" Luffy asked the barely conscious Helmeppo, still dragging him. The room looked like what you would expect a noble's daughter to have. A vanity dresser across the room held various creams and moisturizers with pink curtains falling on either side. Fine china was hung in various places along the walls, and a large pink chair was situated next to the large window.

And next to the chair were three swords. It took Luffy a minute to realize that that's what he was looking for.

"Huh? Three?" questioned Luffy as he approached them, Helmeppo unwillingly tagging along. He then remembered what Alexander said. That he'd have to find all three. "Well that was easy," smiled Luffy as he dropped Helmeppo on the ground, no longer needing him.

Deciding to take a look out the window, he saw that Coby was in the middle of the courtyard, next to Zoro and Alexander, surrounded by marines.

"Oh Crap!"

Captain Morgan stared at the three with contempt. A stare that made most men wet themselves. Standing over eight feet, he certainly was an intimidating sight. His famous "axe hand" rested on his shoulder, ready to be used in a moment's notice. Attached to his lower jaw was steel that formed around the jaw. Large square "teeth" were fashioned onto it, pointing upward; the marine logo on the front, displayed proudly. His hair was blonde and cut short, like most marine haircuts. His captain's coat lacked sleeves, showing off his rather large arms. He wore a black shirt underneath his coat, camo pants, and standard marine boots.

"Tell me something, pirate hunters. Were you planning on starting a riot with that straw hat guy?" asked Morgan. He was sure that was it. No man could defeat him by himself.

"I don't need someone fighting my battles for me!" yelled Zoro in anger. Ropes tightened against him as he lunged forward trying to get at Morgan.

"Damn right!" yelled out Alexander in equal anger.

"Don't underestimate me," Morgan said darkly, his one normal hand caressing his trademarked axe hand. His eyes seemed to gain even more hatred. "The skills you two possess are nothing compared to my might."

Alexander was getting sick of his attitude, "It's easy to say that while we're tied up, but how about you release us and fight like a man." Morgan glared but didn't take the bait.

"Men! Take aim!" the captain ordered. Every marine was quick to do so. No one wanted to earn his wrath.

Alexander, Zoro and Coby stared at the guns pointed at them, thoughts racing through their heads,

'Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck' -Alexander

'I can't die here!' -Zoro

'LUFFY!' -Coby

"Now men! Fire!" yelled out Morgan. Every marine pulled the trigger, and a hail of gunfire was sent hurdling toward them. They couldn't help but close their eyes in anticipation. This was it.

When no pain hit them they opened their eyes and saw Luffy standing there, arms held horizontally, taking the bullets. They couldn't help but cry out in surprise.

"You!" yelled Zoro

"Luffy!" yelled Coby and Alexander.

The marines were just as surprised. No one expected him to take bullets for people he barely knows. But what happened next surprised them even more. The spots where the bullets hit him was stretching! Time seemed frozen as everyone watched transfixed.

Luffy just had a smirk on his face as he sent the bullets flying in every direction. "That won't work!" he shouted joyfully, laughing the whole time. No one knew what to make of the situation. It just wasn't possible.

Zoro was the first to find his voice, and asked what everyone was thinking, "What the hell are you?"

Luffy turned his head to face Zoro, a light smile still on his face. "I told you, I'm Monkey D. Luffy."

"The man who will become King of the Pirates."