This is the rewritten version of my first story.

I own nothing except the plot and OC's.

Also, please note that the OC's are actually needed for plot purposes or I wouldn't have added them.

Childhood

The soft and dry wind of an unnamed Grand Line's island blew through the open window, filling the room with the sweet fragrance of blooming lilacs and ruffling a young woman's long black hair. She was sitting in the bed near the window, tightly pressing a newborn baby to her chest. Gol D. Lucy looked at baby, her baby, sleeping peacefully in her arms and smiled softly. "She's so cute.. Her name is Monkey D. Luffia."

The man standing next to the bed felt pride welling in his chest. Right at this moment he wasn't the Revolutionary Dragon, the Most Wanted Man in the World. He had just become a father! A father of the most adorable baby girl he had ever seen! Dragon nodded, unable to tear his eyes from his two most precious women in the world. "Yeah. Monkey D Luffy for a boy and Monkey D Luffia for a girl, just like we decided."

Lucy hugged Luffia loosely, and laughed lightly. "Luffia's adorable..!"

Dragon agreed, "Yes she is. She looks like you, why wouldn't she be?"

Lucy grinned cheekily. "Well, she has some attributes of you too, Dragon. Don't be upset!"

A small smile appeared on Dragon's face. "Very funny, Lucy." Noticing that his wife seemed to be tired and worn out, Dragon decided to leave. Placing a soft kiss on Lucy's and Luffia's cheeks he moved towards the door. "I'll leave you now. You need your rest." Lucy nodded tiredly, and then closed her eyes and fell asleep, arms protectively around her daughter.

Throughout the next couple of weeks, Dragon visited his wife and daughter regularly. Lucy's energy still hadn't returned, her body was still weak from childbirth. One commander, by the name Natsumi had been nursing her back to health and also helped look after the baby.

Lucy was in her's and Dragon's room which was quite large and decorated beautifully. A clear crystal chandelier hung in the middle of the white ceiling; next to the wooden double bed was a white cot that had been lined with a pale pink mattered and covers, and had few soft toys dangling on top. Luffia was sleeping silently in it, hugging close a blanket. A bookshelf sat in a corner of the room, filled with never ending books. Chest of drawers stood on the opposite corner, next to it was a tall wardrobe. Lucy smiled at her sleeping daughter and happily daydreamed about outfits that she could dress her in. She was silently interrupted by the click of the door, turning her head she saw Dragon walk towards her.

Smiling at his stressed and tired face, she raised an eyebrow. "Busy day?"

Dragon nodded before scrutinising her. "How are you? Are you feeling well? Is your- why are you grinning at me like that?"

Lucy laughed quietly, careful not to wake up the little baby. "It's so funny when you turn into your mother hen mode. I can't help but grin."

Dragon scowled playfully. "It's not me who complains about being tired."

Lucy grinned. "Of course it's not, it's written all over your face. You just don't like complaining aloud." Lucy grinned at his frown, he was so obviously wondering if he was that easy to read. "Anyways, I'm not that tired. Doc said that I'm recovering good. And Lu's a good baby, she doesn't wake up crying for no good reason in the middle of the night. Only when she's hungry or needs a nappy change. Though God is she always hungry. She's got our metabolisms, she won't stop drinking milk."

Dragon stared at her, "Your metabolism." He corrected.

Lucy looked at him with a disbelieving expression. "Uh, no. Our metabolisms. We both could eat the whole kitchens inside out, not just me. Don't even think about saying that, Dragon. You're just better at not being greedy."

Dragon sighed before he caught onto something she had said. "Aha you just indirectly said that you're greedy!" He smirked.

Lucy frowned. "What?! No I didn't! I said 'you're just better at not being greedy,". Oh maybe…" She blushed, "Whatever."

Dragon grinned. "You're quick to let that one go aren't you? If I had indirectly or directly said that about myself you'd tell me every time we conversed."

Lucy turned her back on him, and faced the cot again only to coo in surprise. Luffia was wide awake, sucking her thumb and a smile visible on her lips. "Aww your so cute Luffia!"

Dragon smiled as he too stared at her, before suddenly sniffing the air. "Has she…?" He asked trailing off.

Lucy burst out laughing. "She's smiling all innocent but she's got a dirty nappy hidden. Dragon it's your turn to change her nappy!"

"Wait, what? No, it isn't!"

As the two bickered on, Luffia blinked her innocent silver eyes, a smile on her lips as she continued sucking on her small thumb.

- Half a year later -

Months had flown by since Luffia had come into this world. She was now just over six months old. Luffia was wearing a simple pink dungarees and a soft white flower headband. She was in her own toy room, accompanied with two commanders. Lucy was training some new recruits, and Dragon was busy. One of the commander's was Natsumi. The other commander was male, his name, Keita. He had wavy brown hair and sharp cheekbones. Today was their turn to babysit.

Luffia looked up at Keita with her large eyes from where she was laying on the carpeted floor, and motioned to a toy that was out of her reach. Keita grinned at her. "You want the toy?"

Next to him, Natsumi sighed. "Just give her the toy, Keita. Don't make her cry like last time you babysitted."

Keita frowned at her. "Oi that wasn't my fault! Lu's just a little too sensitive. Isn't that right, Lu?" He asked Luffia, turning his attention back towards her.

"Ah!" She gurgled.

Keita gave his fellow commander a pointed look. "See, she understands!"

Picking up the toy and dangling it victoriously just above the reach of her small hands, Keita smirked. "Come on! Say, toy!"

"Ah-aah… Goo.." Luffia replied, her eyebrows slowly knitting together in a frown as she stared at the toy above her.

Natsumi nudged Keita. "Give it to her. She's got her frown on, she may burst out into tears any second now!"

Keita pouted but gave in and gently placed the small toy in her her small hands. "Fine, but next time for sure I'll force a word out of you Luffia!"

Luffia gurgled happily as she rattled the light toy, ignoring Keita completely. Natsumi laughed, her purple eyes twinkling. "Haha, you got ignored by a baby!"

Keita mock-scowled, but it quickly disappeared when the door of the room opened and Lucy entered, a bitten piece of meat in her hands. Her eyes brightened when she saw Luffy, and she ran up to her. Luffia dropped her toy and smiled. "Ah, m-m… m-ea! Meak!"

Lucy's mouth widened in shock, and she turned to the commanders, who looked just as shocked as her. Keita suddenly smirked. "It seems like Luffia has inherited your love of meat, Lucy-san."

"Mine and Dragon's love of meat." She quickly corrected before she turned back to Luffia, and picked her up, settling her comfortably on her hip. "What is this, Lu-Lu?" She asked showing her the piece of meat.

Luffia stared at the meat, a look of seriousness expressed on her face, which Natsumi laughed at. "M-meat.."

Lucy squealed in happiness, and twirled her silver-eyed girl around. "Aww you said your first word!"

Natsumi went closer to the excited mother, and smiled. "So, Luffia. Can you say anything else?" She questioned softly, as Lucy looked down at Luffia in a questioning manner. Keita appeared behind the trio all of a sudden, his quickness startling them. "Say toy? Now we know you can speak, so say toy."

Luffia stared at them, before stubbornly repeating. "Meeat." She stretched out the word as if proving a point.

Lucy laughed. "You want this meat?" She grinned while waving the piece of meat in her free hand.

Luffia clapped happily. "Meat!"

Lucy giggled as she ripped of a small piece of meat and placed it in her daughter's mouth. Luffia slowly chewed it and swallowed it. "Meat." She said again.

Lucy raised an eyebrow "No." She said, rolling her eyes at Luffia's petulant expression. "Nope." Luffia's bottom lip poked out and tears started forming in her eyes. "Oh you're such a drama queen." Luffia sniffled. "Yes you'll get more meat." Luffia's pout formed into a smile and she clapped happily.

Natsumi giggled as Keita smirked behind them, "You've got to admit, she played you good." Lucy kicked Keita's leg and smirked when he yelped in pain. She turned her attention back to Luffia.

"Ow that hurt."

Natsumi smacked him lightly, "Don't be such a baby Keita."

Keita glared back at her, before looking back at Lucy and Luffia.

Lucy frowned playfully at her, "First say please, then you'll get it."

"Meeat." Was the reply, as Luffia's eyes followed the meat on the bone.

"Say please."

"Meat."

There was a few sniffles. "Meat."

"..Please?"

A tear fell down Luffia's cheek. "M-meat."

Lucy hurriedly placed some meat in her mouth. "Happy now?" Lucy sighed. "She's so stubborn!" She complained, as she placed a little bit more in her mouth.

Keita grinned. "Well that's just like you and Dragon-san, then."

Natsumi nodded. "Yep, all three of you are just really stubborn and strong willed."

Lucy pouted. "I'm not that bad!"

The two commanders just smirked at each other, knowing exactly how stubborn Lucy could be whenever she wanted something.

Lucy groaned at their faces. "Ok, I am a little stubborn." Looking at their disbelieving expressions, she let out, "Fine, I can be very stubborn whenever I want to."

Keita and Natsumi burst out into laughter.

Luffia grinned at her mother, meat stuck between her tiny teeth, no traces of tears.

Lucy sighed. "I lost against a 6 month old."

Natsumi patted her back comfortingly while trying to hold back a laugh. "It's okay Lucy-san, it's all over when Luffia brings out her puppy eyes."

"Is that meant to make me feel better?" Lucy asked while pouting.

Natsumi let out a giggle, 'Lucy-san acts like the same age as Luffia.'

Keita picked up the happy child. "If it makes you feel better Lucy-san, then I'll let you know that Dragon-san would lose against Luffia too."

Lucy's depression vanished in an instant, replaced with childlike glee. "That did make me feel better." Then she stood up and took Luffia from Keita, "See you later!" She said as she quickly left the room.

Natsumi let out a sigh, "Her mood changes so quickly, it gives me whiplash."

"Well, seems like the little princess has inherited that gene."

Natsumi giggled, "Yeah definitely."

Lucy hastened to her husband's office, Luffia smiling on her hip. Lucy opened a door and calmly walked into the office like she hadn't just been running. Dragon looked up and rolled his eyes at his lover's calm demeanor. "You can stop the act, Lucy. I could hear your hurried footsteps as soon as you entered the corridor."

Lucy flushed sheepishly, Luffia waving at Dragon upon noticing him, "You're meant to pretend you didn't."

Dragon stared at her, "Right.." He stood up and took Luffia away from her. "What's the hurry?" He questioned as he wiped meat of Luffia's cheek.

Lucy brightened. "Aha!" She looked at Luffia, "Say it Lu-Lu!"

Luffia grinned but remained quiet. Dragon stared at his wife, "Say what? She hasn't started talking, has she?"

Lucy sighed impatiently at her mini look alike. "Come on Lu, say it!"

Dragon stared at Luffia curiously, but she remained silent. She glanced between both adults before opening her mouth.

Lucy squealed, "She's gonna say it."

Lucy grinned and "Blergh," was the sound that came out of her mouth.

But not the only thing that came out of her, Dragon glared at both his wife and daughter before staring at his vomit covered arm. "Lucy…"

Lucy winced and she quickly grabbed Luffia back. Luffia grinned as vomit dribbled down her chin and onto her clothes. Lucy found Dragon's expression of disgust hilarious and before she could stop it she started laughing. "Oh gosh I'm sorry, but you look absolutely hilarious right now."

Dragon shuddered as he felt the wetness sink into his clothes and onto his skin. "I'm going to shower and change." He informed the two as he headed towards the door and left the room but not before giving his wife another light glare.

Lucy giggled helplessly as he left the room, holding his arm in front of him, then glanced at Luffia. "Let's get you cleaned up then."

As Dragon left the corridor he heard a loud voice call out "Meat. Meeat!"

That's what Lucy wanted to show him then.

'Not really a surprise that Luffia's first word was 'meat'.' He thought as his frown was replaced with a soft smile

- 5 months later -

Luffia laughed happily as a redheaded female tickled her. "Top it!" she shouted as giggles escaped her open mouth.

Fiery hair was messily flying around the older woman as the female commander tickled her charge. Rei grinned at how Luffia slaughtered her words, and she let go of the ten months old girl and let her regain her breath. "Had fun, Lu?"

Luffia smiled, "Yep!" As she climbed to her legs and leaned against a chair. Then she turned her head, eyes focusing on the other Commander in the room and grinned at him. "Tak-shi!"

The male commander looked up from the book he was reading, "Yes Luffia?"

"Pick up?" She asked sweetly.

'Tak-shi' nodded, he was his usual unemotional self as he put his book down on a nearby table and held his hands out waiting for Luffia to drop to her knees and crawl to him.

Luffia on the other hand had a different idea. She was standing against a chair and with a stubborn, determined expression, she let go of the chair and took a shaky step forward. Sitting next to her, Rei gasped in shock nearly bursting with surprise whilst 'Tak-shi' merely raised an eyebrow approvingly. Luffia grinned and took another. Rei grinned, "You can walk, Lu! Look Takeshi, we're the first ones to see Lu take her first steps!"

"Me wak!" Luffia boasted happily.

Takeshi stared at Rei as if she was an idiot. "What difference does it make?"

Rei fell in a slump, "Way to kill the mood, Takeshi."

Luffia was about to take another step, when the door burst open startling Luffia and making her fall on her butt with a small thud.

Lucy stepped into the room with a large grin which slowly faded as she took in the mood of the room. Rei was slouched depressingly against the leg of a chair, Takeshi was calmly sitting on another whilst staring at Luffia. Lucy's grin reappeared when she spotted her daughter's grinning face. "Hey, Lu-Lu!"

Luffia giggled, "Mama!" Lucy walked to her side, a spring in her steps, and picked her up.

Rei suddenly brightened, Lucy would be excited to know this unlike a certain someone. "Lucy-san! Guess what?"

Lucy looked at her. "Hm, what?" She asked distractedly as she combed through Luffia's hair with her fingers.

"Lu took her first steps!"

That got Lucy's attention. "Wait, what? Really?" At Rei's eager nod, she then frowned depressingly as Takeshi looked on with a confused expression. Wasn't a mother supposed to be happy when a child starts walking?

Lucy glared at him playfully. "You and Dragon are so easy to read, Takeshi."

"Tak-shi! Tak-shi!" Luffia imitated like a parrot.

Lucy continued on, ignoring the interruption, "I'm not upset that she's started walking but I'm sad that I never got to see her first step. I wasn't even there when she first crawled." She told them, a gloomy aura surrounding her.

Rei laughed as she stood up and stretched her back, bones popping noisily. "Yes, yes Lucy-san we understand. Anyway why don't you put Lu on the floor so she can walk some more."

Luffia squealed as she was let down from Lucy's hands and placed on her own feet. Lucy hovered around her, scared she'd fall. Luffia grinned and shakily stepped forward towards her mother, whilst Lucy took a step back. Luffia laughed in happiness, as she unsteadily walked further.

Next to them, Rei whistled in approval, "Lu-chan's a little fast learner, ain't she Takeshi?"

"Hn."

Rei rolled her eyes, before noticing someone at the door. "Hey, Dragon-san!" Next to her, Takeshi straightened.

Lucy turned to look at her husband, and grinned at him, "Dragon! Look at Lu!"

Dragon nodded at her as he stepped into the room, "She's started walking then." He beckoned Luffia closer. "Come, Luffia."

Luffia giggled as she wobbled closer to Dragon, before suddenly falling on her bottom.

Rei raised an eyebrow, as Lucy picked up the teary toddler. "Why'd she suddenly fall on her butt?"

"She's never walked before, so her legs are tired." Takeshi monotonously informed her.

Lucy hugged Luffia closer to her as she walked out of the room, dragging Dragon with her. "We'll be putting Lu-Lu to rest!"

Rei let out a laugh. "Aaand there they go!"

Takeshi ignored her, picked up his book and carried on reading.

- A year and a half later -

"Can you tell me about Uncle Roger?" Two and a half year old Luffia asked one night in bed, Dragon had gone on a mission and wouldn't be back for another few days, so Luffia was sleeping in her Mama's bed.

Lucy nodded. "What do you want to know about him, Lu?"

"What was he like?" She asked.

"Roger was a kind, jolly man. He loved his crew and cared about them more than anything."

"Crew?" Luffia echoed.

"Yep, he was a pirate. Pirate King, in fact."

"He was king of the pirates?"

"Mhm, some people respected him. Some despised him. But his crew loved him and that's what mattered to him."

"What does despise mean?"

"Hate. It means that some people hated him. And some still do."

"What does being pirate king mean?"

Lucy thought about it for a few seconds before replying. "Well, some people say that it's all about being the king of the seas and ruling the seas and such. However to my brother, it was being the freest man alive."

"Oh. What was Uncle Roger's crew like?"

"They were all nice, kind and funny. Today, pirates are all mean and hurt people for fun, but Roger's crew and some other pirates sailed the seas for freedom and adventure." Lucy sighed. "Roger's crew were a weird bunch. But they all cared for each other. The perverted first mate was annoying." Lucy glared at nothing in particular. "But he was loyal. He also wore glasses and had a funny beard. He's still alive."

"Why do you seem annoyed when talking about the first mate?" Luffia asked innocently.

Lucy huffed. "Cause he's an annoying pervert," is all Lucy said about him. "There were also the cabin boys." She told Luffia, changing the subject. "Two of them. One was a redhead wore a straw hat my brother had given him. He also always wanted to drink alcohol, but wasn't ever allowed to, too young is what that doctor had said. 'Gonna die before he even reaches adulthood.'" Lucy mimicked, "I'd always secretly pass him some whenever I'd go, made him owe me loads of favours." Lucy looked over at Luffia wondering if she was still awake, and was a little surprised to see Luffia staring at her, hanging onto her every word, Lucy smiled softly. "The other cabin boy was a bluehead clown."

"Bluehead clown?" Luffia echoed.

Lucy nodded, "Your uncle drew in the weirdest, but yes, a natural blue head with a natural red clown nose. He was a scaredy cat."

Luffia giggled and Lucy ruffled her hair.

"There was also the doctor I was talking about, he was a temporary crew member towards the end of their journey but I know that all of them thought of him as part of the crew. He's still alive, and he was a strict weirdo. If you ever see him you'll notice him. He's a flower."

"What? He's a flower?"

"Well not quite, but you'll understand if you ever see him."

There was silence for a few minutes while Lucy reminisced on past memories and Luffia thought about her decision.

Luffia finally laughed, "Shishishi!"

"Hm?"

"I've decided! I'm gonna be the next pirate king! And I'm gonna become the freest person alive!" Luffia stated, and gave a bright wide grin.

Lucy smiled softly. "If that's what you want, Lu-Lu. But, Lu listen, if you ever sail out-"

"I will!"

"When you sail out," Lucy corrected, "then be careful. Get strong crewmates who have your back and you lot all trust each other. Alright?"

"Yes, Mama. Night, night."

"...Night."

It must have been an hour later when Lucy whispered into the dark. "And… don't do anything too stupid, Lu. Stay strong and safe."

- Nearly four years -

"OK, Luffia place your hand a little back. Yep just like that! And put your left foot a little forward. There we go! Now punch with all your might!"

Luffia nodded tensing her fist and punched the training doll with all her strength. Lucy stared at the deformed training doll and then burst out laughing. "That's my girl!" She crowed proudly.

Luffia stared at her mother, "That was good then?" She asked as she touched the small fist shaped in the plastic training doll.

"Good?" Lucy asked rhetorically, "That was fantastic!"

Luffia scratched the back of her head sheepishly. "I want meat!"

Lucy raised an eyebrow as she looked down at Luffia, displeased. "Hm? What did you forget to say?"

Luffia stared at her mother, eyes filled with confusion. "What are you talking about, Mama?" She asked before her eyes suddenly widened in realisation. "Oh! Please?"

Lucy let out a chuckle, ruffling Luffia's soft locks, "Even after all this time, you still can't say please properly. Guess I'll just have to keep reminding you. Right?"

"Uh-huh!"

Lucy left the training room and headed towards the dining room, Luffia following her like a tail. "So Luffia, if you're in a fight where would you hit your opponent and why?" As she turned left into a long corridor.

Luffia frowned. "Male or female?"

"Both."

Luffia nodded, "Well for a male I would kick him in the groin cause-"

"Well, I guess I know who I won't be getting in a fight with." A voice interrupted from the end of the corridor.

Luffia's eyes brightened at hearing the familiar voice, and she ran towards the tall figure and jumped in his awaiting arms. "Keita-san! You're back!"

Keita nodded while taking of his cape hood with his free arm. "That's right, princess. I just arrived, I was heading to Dragon-san's office." He nodded at Lucy and she smiled back at him.

Luffia pouted as she climbed his body and sat on his shoulders. "I'm no princess! I'm going to be king! The Pirate King!"

Keita looked up at her and stared for a few seconds before grinning and pinching her button nose. "Still just a midget princess in my eyes, princess."

"Not a midget or a princess! I'm gonna grow super tall, you'll see! Taller than Mama and Natsumi-san and Rei-san! I'm gonna be the tallest! And I'm not gonna be a pirate princess! I'm gonna be the pirate king, just like Uncle Roger!"

"Right, course you are." Keita agreed as he followed Lucy into the dining hall, abandoning his mission of reporting to the revolutionary leader.

Luffia blew a raspberry, but suddenly stiffened. Keita stared at her as she climbed of him. "What is it?"

Lucy rolled her eyes, knowing exactly what was up with her.

Luffia sniffed the air, "I…"

Keita went closer, curious as to what was up with her.

"I smell meat!" She cheered as she hurried to the food bar.

Keita sighed. "She's like a drug addict, but with meat."

Lucy chuckled. "She definitely is. I'm gonna go keep an eye on her, are you going to report to Dragon or eat?"

"I'm going to report. I'll see you soon." He told her as he walked out of the dining hall.

Lucy nodded at his back before turning back to find her daughter about to leave the bar with a heaping pile of meat. She quickly ran towards her and grabbed the plate.

"Mama!" Luffia complained, "I was gonna eat that."

"That's the problem." Lucy replied as she replaced some of the meat with vegetables and rice, and gave the plate back to Luffia.

Luffia glared at the vegetables, but shivered when she felt an evil pressure on her. She looked up slowly and saw her mother glaring at her with an evil smirk. "Eat or I'll take all the meat."

Luffia yelped and quickly ran to an empty table and started eating. Lucy giggled, it was so fun scaring her.

- A few days later -

Luffia stared enviously at her own hair as she stared at it through a mirror. "When are you going to teach me how to braid hair like you, Natsumi-san?"

"I am?" Natsumi asked, pretending to look confused.

"Natsuuumi-san!"

Natsumi chuckled. "Right, right. Maybe one day. I've already taught you how to do the simple braids, Luffia."

Luffia grinned. "Thanks for teaching me how to do simple braids, Natsumi-san!"

Natsumi dramatically gasped. "Huh! Where did the sudden manners come from?"

Luffia was about to scratch her head, but remembered the beautiful flower braid in it and scratched her cheek sheepishly instead. "Mama's been drilling it in my head. Anyway why did you randomly do nice hair on me Natsumi-san? And why am I wearing a dress? I hate them! I like my top and jeans!"

Natsumi raised an eyebrow, 'Lucy-san was right, she really doesn't know. So oblivious.' Aloud she said, "Is it wrong for me to do it, and to dress you up?" She asked making herself look upset.

Luffia shook her head hurriedly. "No, no not at all Natsumi-san!"

Natsumi grinned. "There's no problem then."

"I guess not." Luffia replied hesitantly.

"Come with me, I want to show you something." Natsumi said, holding out a hand to Luffia as she opened the door. Luffia grabbed her hand and they both left the room.

Natsumi led her to the closed dining hall. Luffia raised her hands and frantically moved away from the door. "Uh, Natsumi-san, thanks but I think I'm gonna go!" She exclaimed and turned around, and was about to run off.

Before she could, Natsumi grabbed her by her shoulder, "Why's that? You love food?" Natsumi asked with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes, already knowing why she didn't want to go in.

Luffia shivered, "Mama said not to go in the dining hall in any circumstances, and she gave her evil look." Luffia looked around as if to make sure no one was around and stepped closer to Natsumi. "Don't tell anyone I said this, but Mama's real scary."

"I'm what now?"

"Eep!" Luffia squealed, and turned around slowly to see the dining hall door open and her mother's head poking out. "Uh, I was just telling Natsumi-san how nice you are Mama."

Natsumi chuckled.

"I'm sure you were, sweetie." Lucy replied smiling. "But wow you look cute in a dress, just like a princess."

Luffia stiffened. "I'm not cute or a princess! I've told you, Mama! I'm gonna be king! And I'm strong and scary, not cute." Luffy made a disgusted face.

The door opened more, and Rei popped out. "No, you're not cute." Luffy brightened, glad someone was finally on her side. "You're adorable! Oh my gosh you look so sweet! Keita come and take a picture of her!"

Before Luffia could do anything there was a click, and Keita grinning holding a snail in his hand.

"Hey! Don't take a picture of me like this! Don't take pictures of me at all actually!" She complained frowning, her face scrunching up adorably.

Lucy walked out of the dining room and pinched her nose. "Like I said, so cute."

Luffia didn't reply instead looking inside the room. There were decorations everywhere, and a banner 'Happy Birthday' written across it. She looked at the commanders and her mother, "Huh? Whose birthday is it?"

Lucy laughed and walked back in the room, Natsumi and Luffia following her, "You're my cute idiot."

"Eh? I'm not an idiot!"

Lucy rolled her eyes, "Right, well then tell me whose birthday is it."

"That'll be easy, I just need to see who's wearing birthday clothes!" Luffia grinned, as she looked around and her eyes glanced at everyone in the dining hall, everybody was staring at her and not at a birthday person. Slowly her grin turned into a confused frown. She looked at her mother and Keita who were trying to hold in their laughter, and Rei who grinned at her. Suddenly she looked down at herself, she eyed her dress and fingered her braid thoughtfully. Her eyes widened in realisation, "Eh?! It's ME?!"

Rei, Lucy and Keita burst out laughing, whilst Natsumi let out a sigh but she was smiling too.

"Give the girl a medal." A sarcastic voice said from behind her.

Luffia turned around and grinned, "Kiyoshi-san! You're back too! The only commander missing is Takeshi-san, but he's most probably with Papa!" Luffia exclaimed, the sarcasm flying right over her oblivious head.

Kiyoshi snickered, "He's always with Dragon-san, stuck like gum on his shoe."

"I am not stuck to him like him, I actually help instead of bothering him with complaints." A monotone voice replied.

Luffia looked behind the two commanders and grinned, "Hey, Papa! Hey, Takeshi-san."

Dragon walked between Kiyoshi and Luffia, nodding at his daughter, "Hello, Luffia."

"Oh, I'm the one bothering Dragon-san? Really? Let's ask Dragon-san himself, you who sticks to him like a lost puppy or me who leaves him alone until mission time." Kiyoshi suggested, blue eyes flashing in anger.

"And when mission time comes, you won't keep your trap shut." Takeshi replied easily, walking past Kiyoshi, and passing a small gift into Luffia's hands. "Happy birthday Luffia." He congratulated.

Natsumi glanced between them and giggled, it was always so fun watching how Kiyoshi opened up Takeshi, something no other commander could do, with the rest Takeshi was a silent brooder.

Kiyoshi turned to Dragon, "Hey Dragon-san! Who annoys you more?"

Dragon turned his back on Kiyoshi, ignoring both bickering commanders, and walked to his wife.

"You're annoying Dragon-san right this moment, like per usual."

"You annoying basta-!"

Kiyoshi winced when Lucy suddenly pinched his arm. Hard. "Remember what I said about swearing in front of my daughter?"

"Oh, yeah, sorry Lucy-san... Can you let go of me now?" He asked as he glanced at her tight hold on his arm.

Lucy let go of him, and rolled her eyes at both arguing commanders. Luffia looked at both and then asked aloud, "Why do they always fight whenever they're together?"

Keita smirked. "Unresolved sexual tension."

"What's that?" Luffia asked innocently.

Keita gulped as he looked around and saw Lucy-san and Dragon-san glaring at him looking ready to kill him, and Takeshi and Kiyoshi who looked like they were both more than happy to murder him, and Rei who smirked at him. When Rei was smirking at him like that, he just knew he was going to be killed and she was not going to save him. No, she was looking forward to the show. "Uh, I mean they're not always on the best of terms, princess."

Luckily his 'princess' comment distracted Luffia. "Hey! I've already told you I'm not a princess! Princesses are damsels! Damsels are always in distress! That means they're weak. I'm strong so that means I'm no princess!"

Keita sweat dropped, "You've really thought about this whole princess thing haven't you? Well sorry to burst your bubble, princess but look at what you're wearing."

Luffia flushed when she noticed her red dress, she had totally forgotten about it. "Th-this isn't my fault, mama and Natsumi-san made me wear it." Luffia whined with a pout. "Anyway!" She exclaimed changing the subject, "Kiyoshi-san can I look through your tattoo book please?" Luffia asked politely.

Kiyoshi raised an eyebrow, "I've only been gone for half a year, where did her manners suddenly come from?"

Lucy grinned, "I've been teaching her."

Luffia gestured for Kiyoshi to lower his head and when he did Luffia whispered in his ear. He let out a chuckle, "I know kiddo. How do you think she keeps us all in check?"

Lucy narrowed her eyes at the two Luffia yelped but Kiyoshi just smirked at her. "We were just talking about great and strong you are, Lucy-san."

Lucy glanced over at Luffia and grinned at her daughter's evading eyes and extremely forced calmness, she rolled her eyes fondly. "Sure, whatever you say." She pretended not to notice Luffia's sigh of relief, she turned around and walked over to the biggest and emptiest table in the hall smiling at the revolutionaries as she walked by. The others followed her, and she grinned when she heard Kiyoshi and Luffia's conversation.

"You're a terrible liar, Luffia."

"Am not, don't make lies up Kiyoshi-san!"

"I am not lying, brat, and when I do at least I'm not a terrible one!"

"What?!"

"King's know how to lie, princesses don't!"

"Yes I do!"

Then Lucy heard Luffia step away.

And a few seconds later, "Hey, Keita-san can you teach me how to lie?"

Kiyoshi and Keita burst out laughing and Lucy could just imagine the half embarrassed half angry expression on her daughter's face. "Shut up baka Kiyoshi!"

Lucy turned around hiding her grin, "Right, that's enough. Luffia mind your language and sit down, the rest of you too."

Luffia pouted but sat down, settling Takeshi's wrapped gift in front of her, however her pout disappeared as soon as she saw what was on the table. "Soo much meat and food!" She drooled, hearts in her eyes.

Natsumi passed her a handkerchief, "Stop drooling everywhere Luffia."

Luffia wiped her mouth and quickly grabbed a plate and started filling her plate to the brim, everyone looked at her in amusement watching her freely choose her food. Which meant no vegetables.

Lucy laughed but let her do whatever she wanted. Birthdays only come once a year after all.

After dinner and cake, which was shaped like a pirate ship, something Luffia found totally amazing and cool, they had settled down in a room that had all of their presents in it. Luffia grinned when noticing them and now she was excitedly rocking on a chair waiting for her first present. Keita grabbed his present from the pile and passed it to her.

Luffia stared at the gift and then back at the commander. "Can I open it now?"

"Course you can, princess."

Luffia growled at the nickname, but let it go this time and opened her present instead. "Oooh! Thanks Keita-san!" She thanked, eyeing the blank leather journal.

"Your welcome, princess."

Luffia pouted, "Stop calling me that, Keita-baka."

Keita smirked and opened his mouth to reply, but was shoved aside by Rei and Natsumi, "Hey!"

Rei ignored him and passed her a small box; Natsumi doing the same. Luffia carefully opened the presents, and stared at them. "What's that?" She asked Rei.

Rei's green eyes twinkled, "That's a necklace, Lu. You put it around your neck. And there's matching studs."

"Really? It says my name on it, and it's heart shaped."

"Yep, cause I got the owner to engrave your name on it. Take a look at the back."

"Oh! It says Love, Rei on the back!"

"Yep, shall I put it on you?"

"Mhm, can you put the earrings on to?"

"Of course, princess."

Luffia oohed and aahed for the next half and an hour, staring gleefully at all her presents. Takeshi had given her 6 training knives, Kiyoshi had given her a set of 14 colouring pencils, Natsumi, had gifted her with 3 beautiful hair ties. One red, another orange and the last blue. Lucy gave Luffia a (slightly big) charm bracelet that had a few charms on it, a cape, a sword and a tiara.

"Mama, it's meant to be a crown not a tiara!" She had complained when she noticed it.

Dragon smiled at her whilst Keita snickered, "Luffia, Kuma had left this with me the last time he visited. It's his present for you."

"Kuma-jii-san?" Luffia asked excitedly.

"Yes, your godfather had said he wouldn't be here for your birthday so he left it in advance."

"Oh! What is it?"

Dragon handed her a book. "Oh look Papa, it's more ways to win in a fight!"

Dragon nodded, "Very nice. My present is your tattoo. Me and Lucy have decided that you're allowed it if you want it." Luffia had wanted the revolutionary's tattoo since she had first seen it a couple years back. The tattoo was a black and red japanese dragon, and every revolutionary had one.

Luffia stared at him with starry eyes. "Really? Yay! I want it! Can Kiyoshi-san do it for me now?"

"If he's free and able to, then yes." Dragon answered.

Luffia turned to Kiyoshi and before she could ask anything, the silver haired commander nodded, "Follow me." He told her as he walked out of the room.

Luffia jumped of her chair and waved to the rest of the commanders and her parents and ran to follow Kiyoshi. "Bye guys!"

Natsumi smiled, "She's such a happy ball of energy."

Kiyoshi looked at her, impressed. She hadn't cried at all while he was doing the tattoo, only let loose a few whimpers, she seemed more distracted by his book of designs. He finished bandaging up the sore, raw tattoo and smiled at her. "You can handle pain pretty well, if I do say so. You're not such a princess after all."

Luffia grinned up at him. "Tell that to Keita!"

Kiyoshi patted her head, "Keita doesn't call you princess because you're weak, none of us do. We call you princess, more cause uh…" He trailed off.

Luffia stared curiously, waiting for him to finish.

"Well the nickname has grown on us, just like you have." He grinned at her.

"So it's not cause I'm weak?"

"Not at all. You're the daughter of our leader, Lu, and so when Keita started calling you princess it kind of stuck."

Luffia laughed, "Oh, if that's the only reason, then that's fine!"

Kiyoshi turned around and grabbed something from a shelf, and passed it to her, "Remember to put this cream on it in two days and don't sleep on that arm, also you're not allowed to bathe at all today or tomorrow. Oh and you can't train for the next week." He informed, then nodded to himself, "Yeah that's about it."

Luffia nodded slowly, "Uh, sure. Thanks Kiyoshi-san!" She grinned at him brightly.

Kiyoshi smiled back. "No problem."

- Three weeks -

Kiyoshi had left the island a couple of weeks ago on a solo mission. Keita and Natsumi had left a few days ago, and wouldn't be back for a month. And Dragon and Takeshi had left the day before, and should be back in a week. On the island the only Commander left was Rei, and there was also Lucy.

Now Luffia and Lucy were in Dragon's office, Lucy was looking through paperwork and Luffia was drawing on the floor. Lucy looked over the desk at her journal, "You enjoying yourself?"

"Yep! I really like this journal, the pages don't rip accidentally like my last book." Luffia lifted it up in the air.

Lucy stared at the drawing, she had always been impressed at how much of a good artist Luffia was. Today she had drawn Kiyoshi's tattoo room and had managed to draw as many details as possible. "Very nice, Lu-Lu." She complimented with a smile.

Luffia returned the smile, and returned to drawing. The door suddenly barged open and a fear-filled revolutionary ran straight to the desk Lucy was sitting on, "Lucy-san!"

Lucy stiffened, "What is it? Tell me immediately."

The man took a deep breath, "We have spotted over eight extremely large marine battle ships coming at us from all angles. There could be more! What do we do?!"

Lucy paled, "Eight battleships or more? Could it be…?" She punched the desk in front of her, making both her daughter and the man jump. "Crap!"

She stared at the revolutionary with the utmost seriousness, "Tell every revolutionary on the island to get prepared to fight! The marines are here to destroy us, while Dragon and our commanders are out!"

The man nodded, then ran out of the office. Lucy swore, "Dammit!" She grabbed a den den mushi and called.

Puru-puru-puru-puru-gatcha

"Yes?" The voice came from the snail.

"Dragon! There- There's been a buster call issued! Eight ships have been spotted surrounding the island! How long would it take for you to get back?!"

"Are you sure?"

"As I said eight or more extremely large battle ships! How long?"

"It'd take around seven hours for me to get back! Here's what you are to do, listen closely!" Dragon shouted through the snail.

Lucy took a deep breath, "I'm listening."

"Okay, now first…"