A new kind of Adventure
They had been pirates traveling on the seas for around ten years already. Roger and his crew had travelled to Grand Line, through they hadn't yet adventured on the other side of Red Line, in the second part of the greatest of the five seas. But right now it wasn't in grand Line that the Pirates were, but in South Blue, yes the Captain, namely Gol D. Roger had decided on a whim, as usual, that they should visit the four other seas before going back to Grand Line. So that's what they were doing now, they already had done North Blue and West Blue, and would finish with East Blue since it was the captain and half of the rest of the crew's home.
Anyway right now the Roger Pirates were sailing on the, for the time being, calm waters of this part of South Blue. Being on a normal sea was a nice change though, no sudden change in temperatures, no risks of getting completely lost without a normal compas, in any case no more than what was expected in navigation. Through Roger had to admit it was a little boring, it lacked on the adventurous side.
After two weeks of only the sea in the horizons, an island came into view, just at the right time because the supplies on board were begining to run low and they had to get new ones for the up coming trip to East Blue.
- Ok, guys ! We anchor here ! Said Roger sporting his usual big grin.
- Through we should anchor outside of the town for the time being, the town is rather big so it's possible that there is a Marine Base here. Said Rayleigh beside his Captain while looking at the Island through binoculars.
- Well I wouldn't be against a run in with the Marines, I could use some exercise. Roger said, his grin widening.
- I'm sure you could, we wouldn't want you to become soft now, would we ? Rayleigh smirked. But we have to buy new supplies for the ship, it would be better to do that before causing any trouble in the town. After investigating if we see there aren't any Marines we can dock in the harbour to get the supplies on board.
- You're right, I had completely forgot about the supplies. Bwahahahaha ! That's why I need you partner. Grinned Roger clapping his first mate on the shoulder before laughing again. You heard him ! He called next at his crew.
According to the map the island name was Baterilla. It was certainly a beautiful island, the scenery was probably the best they had seen of all the islands of South Blue that they had visited. The fact that it was toward the beginning of Summer helped too, field of flowers could be seen even from far on the sea.
The Rogers Pirates anchored on a secluded beach on another side of the island than the town. Roger had sent some of his crew in town, while himself and Rayleigh went exploring a little too. Finaly they arrived at the top of a cliff surplombing the island, they could see the town from where they were and the blue sea spread infinitely in the horizon.
- I can't wait to go back to Grand Line ! Said Roger.
- You're the one who wanted to travel the other four seas first. Rayleigh raised an eyebrow at him.
- Well if I want to be a great Pirate I have to know all the seas. Bwahahahaha ! Do you think we'll meet this idiot Shiki again, he already picked two fight with us in Grand Line ?
- Perhaps, we won the fights after all.
- Next time I'll send him flying so far he won't be able to bother us for a while ! Roger said throwing a light, light for him, punch against the trunk of the big tree planted behind them on the cliff..
The trunk shuddered under his fist, through it stayed standing tall. Someone else hadn't had the same chance though because the two pirates heard a yelp before a little figure fell of a branch of the tree landing on the soft grass without much damage fortunately.
It was a little girl, who probably wasn't even ten years old yet, her dress was as blue as the sea and her strawberry blond hair reached her shoulders in waves. Her back tourned to them she got up muttering a ouch. Seemingly remembering the two men behind her she quickly went to hid on the other side of the thick tree, peering at them with big amber eyes and a face full of freckles.
- Well, hello there. Said Rayleigh.
- Hi. She shyly answered.
- Don't worry we won't do anything to you. Rayleigh smiled trying to reassure her.
- Are you Pirates ?
- That's right ! Grinned Roger crossing his arms on his chest proudly.
- Mom said that pirates are bad people.
- Can't say it's not true. Bwahahaha !
Rayleigh sweatdropped wondering briefly if his captain was trying to send the girl crying and screaming pirates.
- Well we're not bad pirates. He told her.
She seemed to believe him because after observing them an instant she stepped out of behind the tree.
- I'm Rouge.
- I'm Gol D. Roger and that's my partner, Silvers Rayleigh, you can call him Ray !
- Rayleigh is fine. Said man corrected. So why were you climbing a tree alone outside the town ?
- Why are you guys Pirates ? She asked instead of replying.
- Because we love aventures ! Said Roger, his usual grin still placarded on his face.
- Me too. Rouge smiled.
- Bwahahahaha !
Even Rayleigh the usually serious one cracked a smile at that.
- Did you have many adventures ? Rouge asked curiously peering up at the face of Roger shadowed by his straw hat.
- Of course ! Plenty of fights too, but I always win. I'm strong.
- Really ?
- Really !
- You really aren't bad people so I believe you. Rouge smiled.
The two adults men exchanged a smile.
- I have to go home or mom will worry. Bye bye Misters Pirates ! She waved at them before turning and runing down the path leading to the town.
Roger and Rayleigh went back to the ship too, where the men sent to town told them that no Marines where there, which was good news since they could stay for a while this way.
It was two day later that they finaly raised anchor and set sail on the blue sea, while the sun shined over their head.
Here the first part of a two-shot. I hope you enjoy it.
It takes place around forty years or so before Luffy story line.