There was a time where the seas were not free, and homes were built on water. The sea was perpetually calm, and in some places the algae was so thick you couldn't tell where the land ended and the sea began. Storms were made by humans. Two forces ruled this world: The World Government and The Dark Guilds. Both spread the word on the cruelty of the other, and were locked in a perpetual war.

But this story begins after the fall of the guilds, in the age of The World Government. Dark guilds still existed, hidden in the shadows of the world government's cities, and in the dark forests where the cruelest of the remaining spirits still had their moonlight revels. The Dark Guilds survived in places even the world government was afraid to go.

But this story is not about two forces trying to destroy each other. It's about people, turned against each other by time and fate.

"Captain Smoker!" A red headed girl ran up to the white haired captain, whipping out her staff so fast it was a blur. It connected with Smoker's chest, sending him hurtling into a marble pillar. The girl stood over him, arms crossed.

"Pathetic! I even shouted before I attacked!"

Smoker leapt to his feet, eye blackened, nose bleeding, and spitting mad.

"Damn it all Nami-"

The staff slammed up with enough power to send Smoker airborne before crashing into the pillar.

"Major Nami to you, Smoker." She practically hissed before turning on her heel and stalking away, knocking a few privates into the walls as she passed.

"I think she broke my jaw."

"Are you alright, Captain?"

Smoker looked up at the figure standing above him. The brown eyes, hat decorated with two round faces, the freckles, and hair the exact color and softness of raven feathers.

"No, not really Alice. Can you get the medic?"

First lieutenant Alice D. Portgas blushed and ran to get the medic.

Smoker realized his mistake.

"Oh SHIT! I called her Alice! For the first fucking time! Great, she's probably going to get herself reassigned. Before the fucking rumors start."

There was intense paranoia in the Marines about fraternization. Even calling someone of a lower rank by their first name could start rumors. Unless, of course, it was Nami. Nobody could accuse her of fraternization with an underling. She hated all her underlings.

"Captain? The medic is here."

Smoker looked up into Alice's calm brown eyes. Of course. Alice was nothing if not reliable.

"You look like hell, Smoker." Trafalgar Law crouched in front of Smoker, looking him up and down.

"You're fine. Just a nosebleed, but jeez, what she do, flash you?"

Smoker glared at Law. "Ha. Ha. Alice, next company fight, put me against HIM."

Alice smiled. "Are you sure, Sir? Losing to Captain Law would be humiliating."

"You're against me too, lieutenant?"

"My job is too keep you from getting killed, captain."

But Alice was smiling as she helped Smoker to his feet.