Welcome!

I started yet another story, but this time I am highly motivated and have 8 chapters ready for you all! I'm posting the first one to see what everyone's thoughts on it are, so please leave your thoughts as I enjoy reading and answering them!

Disclaimer: I don't own One Piece obviously. There are some minor characters I made however.

Please enjoy!

ps: The fanart is made by this artist: ezariaumiko on Deviantart! (Permission granted)

City of Lost Dreams

'' Long ago there was a young girl who lived to please her masters. If she would try to run away then a bomb placed in a chain of metal around her neck would explode.
She dreamed of her parents. She dreamed of a free life where she didn't have to work. She dreamed of a life where she wouldn't be punished in merciless ways whenever she left a dirty spot on the floor. The young girl also dreamed about the sea.
After a while she gave up. She saw no chance of being free. The mark of the Noble families that was branded on her back was the very proof of that. It showed she was no longer a human. She had no right to 'live' according the law.
A few years later however a man managed to break free from the Nobles. He freed all the slaves that were present at MarieJoa.
The girl, Koala, was one of them. An old man helped her and they escaped to another country.

When the man called Fisher Tiger showed up in that country with his friends the old man who took care of Koala, asked Fisher to take her back to her own village.
They showed him the mark that made her a slave and Fisher Tiger took her along with him. As soon as she set foot on his ship, he branded her with another mark. The mark of the sun.
It meant she was free, but Koala didn't understand that at first.

She was terrified.

What if they would do the same thing as the Celestial Dragons?

Would they punish her if she didn't mop the deck?

Koala pleaded. '' Please don't punish me! I'll do my work! So please don't punish me! '' She kept saying with a big smile on her face.
Another man sat a few feet away from her with his legs crossed. He introduced himself as Jinbei.

All Fisher's friends used to be slaves. He freed them too and they formed a crew. After seeing the girl they knew she was traumatized by the many years of enslavement.

Her hair was all tangled, her clothes dirty and that smile on her face never faded. She was used to pleasing her masters. She did everything she could to avoid their punishment.

A young girl.

A human girl.

How were they supposed to help her? Why did they feel obliged to help her?

Fisher Tiger decided however, they would bring her back to her village.

With that, Hachi, another comrade, took her apart and began to comb her hair. He made clothes for her and managed to change her entire look.

An innocent child.

That's what they saw.

Because of the kindness they showed, Koala couldn't help but cry. It was the first time she let out those tears since years.

She almost forgot what the word 'kindness' meant. She began to appreciate the Sun mark on her back.

Months passed and Koala grew to understand these men who were discriminated against because they weren't seen as humans just like her. She started to call Fisher Tiger 'Uncle' and helped out whenever she wanted. She didn't have to abide by the Nobles' rules any longer.

When they reached her village, Koala had to say goodbye.

Thanking them for their help and concern, Koala took her uncle's hand and he walked her back to her home.

Her parents and the other villagers stood at the entrance, waiting for her. Her mother took her in her arms and Koala never felt this happy before. She told them about her uncle Fisher Tiger and her parents smiled at her.

Waving at her uncle and thanking him for all he's done for her, Koala was glad she was finally able to say she was free. She was going to lead a free life and when she grew up, she'd visit Baltigo and see her other new family once more.

Fisher Tiger was on his way to his car when Marine Soldiers appeared form everywhere. They surrounded him and shot him to death.

Koala didn't see this, nor did she know about this.

Her parents and the villagers however.. They did. ''

12 years later:

I've never told this to anyone else before. You'll be the first one to know.

Let me be clear: This is not a diary. I don't like being melodramatic, so I'm really going to tell you what exactly happened.

First of all, the strange text in cursive about a little girl called Koala? That's a nightmare I've been having for years.

It happens during a Sleep Paralysis. Do you know what that is? No? I'll explain it then. It happens during the time your body is waking up. There are times when something goes wrong in the connection between your brains and muscles. Your mind is waking up while your muscles are still 'asleep'. When you enter a Sleep Paralysis you will literally be paralyzed. You kind of wake up. At least, you think you're awake, because you start to panic. Anyone would after you find out your body won't move no matter how hard you try. So the fear you feel at that moment is as real as fear can be. That's no fun, believe me. I've got SP's frequently. Some people see dead bodies or hear a voice. Other people even see a 'demon' strangling them.

To me, it happens differently. A man is sitting on my bed next to me. I can't see him, I only hear him. He has a deep voice and reads the story about me from when I was little. That's what scares me so much. It's not the paralyzed thing that scares me, I got used to that. It's the fact I have to hear my past over and over again every time I enter an SP. I can't call out to anyone. My mouth feels thick and literally shut off and my body won't move. Knowing no one will be able to help me… That's just.. Yeah, you get my point right?

You know what else makes an SP so terrifying? It looks too damn real. You feel the fear, you can't move and then there's this man telling you a story about yourself from your past.

That's what I'm so scared of. So naturally, I don't like going to sleep.

Uncle Jinbei tried to give me all kinds of tea, milk, a dream catcher and other stuff to make sure I have a calm night.

But it doesn't work.. Somehow this SP happens once a week or once in two weeks, depending on how stressed I am.

Oh, never mind the diary thing. I guess it's pretty melodramatic after all huh? So to move on to a more positive subject, let me tell you about myself and uncle Jinbei.

As you know already, I'm Koala! It's nice to meet you.

I am 23 years old and I'm attending my final year in college. I'm studying history and need to come up with a project for my final exams.

I have orange hair that barely reaches my shoulders. I've got blue eyes, I often smile for some odd reason and love wearing pink clothes.

Oh, don't get me wrong. I'm not the typical 'IT-girl' that loves wearing make-up and does manicures every other day. Nah, I only wear mascara and my nails.. yeah.. let's skip that.

My uncle Jinbei, as you may know, is late uncle Tiger's best friend. He's been my caretaker for the past ten years because I kind of ran away from home.. I'd like to explain that, but I promised to talk about positive stuff right?

Well, uncle is a peaceful man who was never lucky with finding a good job. He settled with sailing daily to catch fish and sell it on the black market. It's not much, but he's happy. That counts too I guess. I have a weekend job myself. I work in a book store in the city Baltigo which makes me happy too because of all the books I get to read for free.

Seriously, if you don't have much money but you are a bookworm then yeah.. a job in a book store could come in handy.

It's just the two of us at home. He doesn't have a wife nor children. He sees me as his own daughter however.. and that's okay. We're family and Jinbei is a great 'dad' even though I got used to call him: Uncle instead..

So this is a small introduction about the two of us and you're probably thinking: But what is it she wants to tell us?

Well, I actually just wanted to tell you my story. Is that okay with you? It would be great if you would keep this tab open and read on, because someone who listens to my full story.. that would make me feel good I guess.

And maybe, just maybe, you'll find hidden messages in this story. Messages about life and the way we see it.

Ah well! Feel free to close the tab or scroll on to read the story. Be my guest!

Koala:

Koala closed her notebook. Why did she write that down? Authors all over the internet warned people to be careful when writing about themselves. The chance to get melodramatic was high. She just experienced it herself and cringed already when re-reading the beginning of the first chapter.

It was all true though.. Even the dream. Maybe that's why she didn't like the story. Taking a deep breath and throwing the notebook in her backpack she muttered a curse.

Five minutes to go, she thought. Then another school day was over and Koala would have to do the groceries for dinner.

Her teacher, miss Nico, was explaining what was known about the time before the World Government took over. As expected, little was known and a lot was covered up.

The teacher however, managed to tell them lots of stories every single time. She was an archeologist, so Koala guessed it would only be obvious miss Nico knew a lot about the time before the WG came into existence.
The woman was only seven years older than Koala and had long raven colored hair which made the younger one a bit jealous. No one in her classes dared to say anything while she was talking and everyone always listened carefully to the teacher's stories. She knew how to make the class listen alright. Miss Nico kept her classes interesting by pulling you back into time. For Koala, it was the same sensation she had when reading books. She entered a different world. That was also the kind of author she wanted to be, but she still had a long way off before she would reach that stage.

The bell rang and miss Nico wished everyone a good evening. Grabbing her stuff together and stuffing them in her bag, Koala ran outside into the hallway.

When she was about to reach the door to get her bicycle, an announcement was made. The principal's deep voice was heard throughout the entire school.

'' Would mister Ace D. Portgas please report in the office, immediately thank you. ''

People around her started laughing and muttered things like: '' Someone is in trouble.. '' and '' That guy again? Isn't he always in trouble? ''

Koala couldn't blame them for thinking this. The principal hardly showed himself except for the times someone was in trouble indeed. This Ace guy got himself into trouble quite often it seemed..

Sighing, she opened the door and was met with the pleasant fresh air of the late summer. A small smile played around her lips as she started to search for her bicycle.

Sabo:

Sprinting towards the classroom after the principal made the announcement, Sabo got ready to scold the damned fool for getting himself into trouble once again.
He almost reached the door when a girl stopped him.

'' Sabo! Sabo! Wait! I wanted to ask if you have any plans this weekend. '' The girl had blond hair and looked as if she visited a beauty salon five minutes ago. He got this question a lot lately ever since some student found out he and Ace were sworn brothers. Sabo didn't get why and what was so attractive about him. He had wavy, almost curly blond hair that didn't reach his shoulders, a scar over his left eye and he always wore blouses with baggy pants. They weren't even jeans.. He didn't really care about his clothes, nor did he care what he looked like when he had to go to school. But somehow, people still treated him like some royalty… Everywhere he went they would try to get in contact with him. His sworn brothers always joked around about it, but he hated it. They didn't know him.. so why were they assuming things so easily?
Not wanting to insult the girl, because hell, he didn't even know her name, he politely refused the offer.

'' I suppose this is an invitation to spend a day together miss? I have to disappoint you however. I already made plans with my not so clever brothers. '' He bowed his head slightly while the girl looked startled. If she wasn't wearing so much make-up, her red face would have revealed her embarrassment for sure. He tried to make it look like a polite joke, but she definitely didn't like it, or did.. since her friends started giggling.

He moved on, leaving the girl with her giggly friends alone and entered the classroom.

His brother, Ace, was sitting on the teacher's desk and pleaded for a better grade.

'' C'mon Marco! This is unfair! You know we were busy repairing that motor cycle last night. '' The freckled man pouted. '' Even if you're my teacher, we're still family right? Right? ''

The man called Marco sat on the chair behind the desk. Sabo never really understood his haircut. The sides were bald and the blond hair on the top of his head made him look like a pineapple. For Ace, that was too important. He saw this as a golden chance to pull pranks on Marco.

The man eyed tired as always and sighed. '' Haven't you heard pops? He wants you in his office. You know he doesn't like it when you're late. ''

'' Don't ignore my question Marco! What if pops wants to see me because of the grade huh? I blame you! '' He looked stubbornly at the pineapple and before Marco could respond Sabo coughed.

'' Yo. '' He stated. Sabo was used seeing Ace like this. This was kind of a daily ritual..

'' Sabo! You tell him! Oh wait.. You weren't there yesterday when I had to repair the motorcycle.. '' With sunken shoulders he jumped off the desk and strolled towards the door. '' Never mind.. I'll just face my wrath.. ''

Ace has always been the kind of guy when he wanted something, he'd get it. So naturally, he didn't get what he wanted many times, because his dear family knew him too well. Sabo and Ace differed a lot in both looks and personality. While Ace was the more outgoing and careless type, Sabo was gentler and thoughtful. They both loved sarcasm however..

Their looks differed too. Ace had straight black hair that didn't reach his shoulders, freckles over his upper cheeks and nose and he spent many hours in the gym to train his body. Sabo however, was more of the type that would shut himself in his room to write stories and listen to music all day.

Sabo smiled apologetically at Marco who looked unimpressed at Ace.

Holding up a hand, he followed his brother.

'' Oi, you'll cover for me right? You always know how to talk to people. '' Ace muttered while they strolled through the hallways.

'' Because talking is so hard… '' Sabo answered sarcastically. He walked to another wing of the building, the teachers' offices.

Ace whispered back as they were supposed to stay quiet in this part. '' You know what I mean! That fancy language thingy of yours! Maybe pops will fall for that! ''

As they reached the principal's office, the principal was also Ace's adoptive father by the way, they knocked on the door and entered after a grumpy old voice said: '' Come in. ''

What Sabo saw however, explained everything. Their little brother, Sabo had two brothers, Luffy was sitting on a chair in front of the desk. He looked nervous and jumped when they entered. '' I swear! '' He ran towards them. '' I didn't do it on purpose! Uncle is angry with me Ace.. '' A small tear appeared in his eye and the boy moved from one foot to another uncomfortably.

'' Luffy… '' Ace and Sabo both responded a bit surprised and not so surprised because they could have expected this already.

'' He managed to eat the entire lunch in the cafeteria. '' The principal, Edward Newgate, sat behind his desk. He was an old man with gray hair and wrinkles all over his face. He looked like someone you shouldn't mess with. He had a strong-looking body and a moustache that was maybe one foot long.

This was Luffy's first day in college and he already messed up. '' It's food! Don't put it in such an obvious way! I can't help myself when there's food. '' The boy said with his round pleading eyes.

Crazily enough, Ace and Luffy looked a lot like each other. They had almost the same hairstyle and the same odd habits like falling asleep randomly, eating everything within reach and not caring about the rest of the world at all.

And yes. Sabo had these habits too ever since he lived with them.

'' Did you follow the smell, Lu? '' Sabo said.

The boy pouted and refused to answer.

Sighing, Ace took place on the chair and asked how much money the food cost.

'' Don't bother. Just keep an eye on your little brother Ace. '' Sir Newgate answered. '' I can't really give him detention either since this is college and not High School. I'll let you off just this once boy. Learn to behave yourself. ''

'' You heard him buddy. '' Ace said while looking at the nineteen year old boy.

Luffy pouted. '' I really couldn't help it.. ''

'' It will probably go on like this for a while, uncle. '' Sabo stated. Luffy would never understand why he couldn't eat food at times. It was his one big hobby no one could take away from him. '' He kind of has a hard time following rules. ''

'' Exactly! What Sabo said! '' The boy added.

One stern glare from the old man was enough to make them all fall quiet however.

Ace sighed. '' Pops, will you be with us when we have dinner? ''

'' I have to work late, so I'll eat with Marco later on. '' The step-dad continued after seeing Ace's pout. '' Why the long face? You'll stay with us during the weekend right? ''

Ever since Ace started college he lived with Luffy instead of his other family. His other family existed of many other brothers, well, adoptive brothers since Edward Newgate adopted them all.

'' Yeah, but I just hoped you'd eat with us tonight. You know, to get to know Sabo and Luffy some more. ''

Sabo was starting to get uncomfortable. He and Luffy didn't really know uncle Edward that well. He visited all his sons' homes from time to time. Today it was Ace's turn, but uncle Edward is a very busy man and no matter how much time he'd like to spend with them, some days were just impossible.

'' I know Ace and I'm sorry. I really am. I promise you, one day next week I will join you for dinner. '' He smiled a little and nodded at the other two brothers. '' Well then, school's over. What are you waiting for? Go enjoy your weekend brats. '' With that he stood up and left through a door behind his desk.