'Tresspassing. You are Trespassing!' A big black and brown dog growled, taking a step closer and showing off his brown teeth.
Really, is territory all animals care about?
'Yes, I suppose I am. Sorry about that, I guess I'll just be going now-' I said back, fully intending on turning tail and running anywhere but there.
'Stop!' Another dog said, slightly smaller the first and (Great!) a black lab. 'We should teach this one a lesson. We are top dogs here, not this one. He smells of human.' The Lab snarled in (I think?) disgust.
I was beyond confused, did they want me here or want me to leave? There were six of them and one of me, so they made the rules. Or so I thought.
'Yes,' The first agreed, 'Kneel to us Human's dog! Then leave.'
They wanted me to kneel. To show submission and belittle myself just to fuel their ego. Really, we think we're better than dogs?
I, of course, didn't know what he meant at the time, so I was the smart one to asked 'You want me to do what?'
It was the wrong thing to say.
They snarled as one, feeding off each other's emotions in pack mentality. I guess the animal kingdom isn't used to repeating itself because the biggest dog jumped at me, grabbing my shoulder in his jaws.
Oh boy did it hurt! It was like someone took a beartrap to my arm and pulled, ripping it every which way.
Not only did it make the whole situation a lot simpler, but it made me angry.
I bit back, catching him on the base of his neck, earning a small whimper from the dog.
We stood that way for a minute, eye to eye and snarl to snarl before he let go and jumped back, me doing the same.
It was like we had each other in the hair hold and said "Three, two, one, LET GO!" And tried something different.
He made the first move again, taking a couple steps back before jumping at me, going for a pounce. I moved and copied the action, but he didn't get out of the way quick enough and I pushed him over rather easily, hitting him full force in the side and used his momentum against him.
He was knocked off balance and sprawled on his side. Wasting no time, I bit again, this time at his throat.
I guess a well fed, strong, and younger dog beats a skinny, dumb, and ugly dog every time. I have to admit though, he put up a good fight and I had no clue what I was doing.
'Stop! You win, I lost. I kneel.' The big dog automatically said as I growled.
I let him go, and he stayed on the ground.
It was only then that I remembered the five other dogs.
'What, you just leave your buddy to fight? I thought you were a pack.' I couldn't help but comment.
The sentence seemed to confuse the dogs, like I was questioning an unspoken rule.
'You challenged him. He was boss, and you challenged him. You won, so you are boss now.' They responded, laying their ears against their heads and lowering their eyes.
Complex indeed. All I did was stumble upon them, got confused, and pushed the dog over and suddenly I was a successful rebellion? Dog rules were weird, but at least they followed the one piece theme.
'Umm… no. You aren't going to attack me, right?" I asked, giving them all a wary look. I was pretty sure that if I could take the big one down, I might have been able to take on the smaller two, but the others would cause an issue.
Amazingly, they were telling the truth.
'I don't want to attack boss.' The brown and black dog whimpered from the ground.
I huffed at them, then went to leave like I said I would. I wasn't interested in leading or bossing anybody, that wasn't in the plan. Dog world or not, I was human at heart and I needed to get back to the ASL brothers. What if his dad saw him despite my efforts?
But, there was still the problem of me being lost. Hopelessly lost.
You know how guys are supposed to instinctively know their way around? That switch must have been off still, because I just wound up back at the dogs, brown and black still on the ground.
'Boss!' The black lab said excitedly, bounding over to where I was and… gross… licking my face.
I recoiled and growled at him, so he backed off.
I followed that pattern many times, but still ended up back in that little section by the same stupid dogs who barked excitedly at me every time.
Finally, I gave up on myself and buried my head in my paws in frustration. I was sore, tired, dirty, confused, and annoyed with myself beyond all comprehension.
I needed ice cream… or sleep.
It was night by then, and I figured these guys wouldn't attack me anymore, so I stayed with the lab, defeated big dog, two white and grey huskies, a mutt black dog, and a brown one. Apparently, dogs like to sleep in a pile and use each other as pillows.
It wasn't unlike Ace Sabo and Luffy…
I missed them, but I knew they would be ok for one night… it was me I should have been worried about.
I should start with Garp. Monkey D Garp is a marine Vise- Admiral who is well respected and knows a lot of people high up. He was a mentor to many marines, and I am sure he knew what he was doing.
One thing I didn't understand however, was what on God's green earth he was doing in the middle of the grey Terminal with a shit ton of marines with chains, ropes, cages, and the scariest dogs this side of the grand line?!
I know now of course he was called in by the local authorities to help with their 'Stray Dog' problem while he was visiting his grand sons. There is a whole network of Dogs in their branch and they were looking to add new recruits, so I guess gathering strays no one wants was mutually beneficial. Sure, they couldn't take all of them, but it was faster than only raising puppies I figure...
Of course they would leave this out of the Anime! Here I thought they had no idea he was there and was raising the boys in secret, but I guess being a well known Marine has its downsides.
Where was I? Oh, right. I was rudely awakened with barks from my annoying Lab 'friend' and the others echoed his with their own.
I was still half asleep, so I looked around like 'huh?' as boatloads of men and women dressed in white shirts and hats surrounded us with bored faces, speaking in Japanese. Again, with my sad vocabulary, I only pick up that they wanted to "Get Dog!"
I was wide awake. Wide wide wide awake with the new need for a counselor as Garp himself jumped at us with a howl of laughter.
So there we were. Six dogs not yet awake surrounded by noname marines and Garp, in a dirty and very large junk yard.
My thoughts? 'Oh shit'
Needless to say, I was scared to death.
To compare, Garp was like a Chemistry test you didn't know you had that day.
My first impulse was to hightail it outta there, but the human part of me knew that would be useless.
So I did what any good dog does. Wagged my tail and barked.
This confused a couple marines as they probably expected what the others were doing, growling and trying to fight.
No, I wouldn't fight Garp. Nuh uh, no way.
I sat patiently as a marine let down his guard and tried summoning me by patting his knee.
I acted like it was the most exciting thing in the world and bounded up to him, tongue lolling out the side of my mouth as I ran to him... And past him.
It was brilliant, mom.
I successfully fooled him! Ha!
I raced through a pipe and was well on my way to freedom... When I made my fatal mistake. Taking a miscalculated leap, I knocked over the one person I really didn't want to mess with.
Garp.
He let it out a barely audible "Oof!" And we tumbled to the ground.
I could barely utter a groan, before I flailed to my feet.
Garp wasn't about to let a dog escape... For whatever reason, I still don't quite get why HE was doing such a mundane task. Maybe he wanted to?
Well, he was GOOD.
He must have sprung up from the ground and cannonballed onto me, paying me back ten fold. His weight nearly crushed me to death, but just as I began to see the light, a rope was tightened around my neck and a muzzle was on my snout.
I was caught, but really really unhappy.
Hey, at least I kicked Garp's ass... Kinda...
I tugged on it, hating the feeling. But, I knew I wouldn't get out.
Garp's constant laughter didn't help. In fact, it only made it worse.
He kneeled next to me, pulling my rope to make me come face to face with him as he said something. Something about a dog, I would guess.
He pat (more like crushed) the top of my head and handed me to a marine.
After each guy had a dog, we began a long walk back.
We headed out of the grey Terminal and toward town.
I couldn't help but sulk and wonder why I never tried that way.
I was standing by the ever present black lab (gross) and an unleashed marine dog.
He was white and was built like a polar bear. I think he was a bear to be honest, and boy was he a talker.
'New dog. I am Marco. I have many jobs, you will listen to me.' He said. Maybe not in that order, but that about sums up Marco.
He was well fed, trained, and obedient to any guy in white.
All in all... a tool.
'Where are we going?' I asked.
Marco seemed to process what I said for a bit, maybe debating on whether or not to tell me... No. He was just processing it. Not too bright of a dog.
If I could relate the piece of work Marco is to someone back home I'd have to say he was the… Never mind. Insert your own.
Finally, he gave me a good sniff. This caused several things to happen.
Marco sniffed me, I recoiled in disgust, the marine with my leash let out a grunt as I knocked into his leg, causing him to trip, and the ASL brothers chose that moment to swoop in a save me.
Crazy timing, huh?
The boys with their pipes emerged with a battle cry from the surrounding junk and charged at our group.
I was so happy to see them, I think my tail wagged.
Garp wasn't as happy as I was.
He growled and waved his men away, who obeyed.
Lucky my guy dropped my leash, eh?
I scurried past the old captain and rejoined my guys, thanking the lord Sabo was alright. They seemed to have a discussion with Garp, Luffy gave me a hug around my neck and giving him a stubborn frown.
Without understanding the language, I picked up that I was the subject of discussion. Garp would look down at me sometimes, but he mostly yelled at the boys with gestures and sometimes spitting all over us.
After a bit, he said something that made the three freeze and unable to respond. I was suddenly uncertain.
It made sense I suppose. Garp scared, threatened, and made them wet themselves at the mere mention of his name. It was taking a lot of guts from them to stand up to him like this… I appreciated it. I don't mean to be mushy… But I really did.
I also really wanted to know what they were saying. Maybe then I could argue too, in my own doggish way.
Eventually, Ace surprised me and said something that made the old man pause, then nod.
I wonder what Ace said then, but it must have been sincere because we left with his hand resting on my back gently.
I was proud of them. At their age, I would have run and hid from the scary old captain.
The four of us made our way through the jungle, taking a path I hadn't traveled before.
I didn't care much where we were going, I was just happy to be away from dog kind and Marco. Already, I hated him.
I felt invincible. With the boys, I could do anything.. Or close to it anyway.
Besides, me being with them saved Sabo from the Celestial Dragon. That was still the plan.
But something was off. They weren't acting like they did when they won, all smiles and confident grins.
They were solem.
After a long pause, Ace spoke up again. He said something to the other two that made Luffy shake his head and hug me again. Sabo responded with an angry tone, and raised his voice at Ace, something he rarely did.
I expected the boy to punch him or yell just as loud, but he didn't. Instead he repeated whatever he had said and… pat my head.
He NEVER did that.
He hated me, remember?
Any feeling of invincibility was cured right then and there. I realized that Ace hadn't won the fight with Garp… He had bought more time.
I whined, and let my tail droop. It seemed to mirror my mood quite nicely.
This made the three look at me in concern. Like for the first time, they thought I knew what was going on.
I didn't, but I understood more than a common dog would.
"Bandit." Luffy finally said, muffled into my coat.
I was suddenly confused. He had spoken english…?
"Bandit?" Sabo echoed, kneeling by his younger brother and looking at me quizzically.
The raven haired boy nodded and said more accompanying it.
It was the first time anyone had named me. Well, in this world.
This was the day I got it… And I won't forget it. I still don't know where it came from… Luffy seemed to pull it out of thin air. But then again, didn't he do that with everything?
As we resumed our trek through the jungle, I let Luffy hang on me. Where I would normally shove him off forcefully, he was allowed just this once.
Maybe it was my nerves or the fact that he was kinda crying, but I let him stay.
What? I'm a softie when it comes to little kids… shut up Mom.
There was a reason I had never been down this particular trail, as the boys never deemed it necessary to introduce me to their bandit guardians. As we got closer, I recognized the shorter guy and a few of the others look at us with disdain, and me with interest. Especially when I was introduced.
They laughed and the mood began to lighten.
The bandits gathered around outside, setting up barrels and old crates as chairs as they talked with the boys and Luffy enthusiastically responded.
The leader of the gang came out of the house as well, and must have asked if I could do tricks because Sabo smirked and called me over.
I would write down what exactly he said… but then I would have to pretend I could write in japanese and let's face it, I can barely write english.
Let's see… At that time I knew 'sit' and 'stay'. Those were easy. 'Jump', 'roll over', attack that guy', 'take her purse', 'Distract', and 'make a scene', were slightly harder and more impressive to the bandits.
He would say the command, and I was in the mood for something familiar, so I would do it for their entertainment.
But when one of the bandits tried to say a particular command, I would look at him like 'hell no' and people found that funny.
Me being a dog was one thing, acting like a labrador people pleaser is a complete and utter no. I would only take commands from the ASL brothers. Anyone else could go to Hell.
I think what was said with Garp was ignored by Sabo and Luffy, as they talked and laughed with the grown ups. Ace on the other hand, remained troubled. He put some distance between himself and the gathered party, and looked deep in thought.
When I was released from my tricks, I had to check on the moody guy.
He surprised me yet again by letting me sit in the grass next to him.
We sat in silence, watching the bandits tease Luffy and laugh at his reaction. Sabo gave us a sideways look, but quickly went to save the younger brother from trying to balance a knife on his nose.
"...Waiting...Garp." Ace said, or at least what I understood.
"We… Give… you… protect… don't want to." He quickly wiped a tear away and hugged his knees closer to himself. He still refused to look my way, but it was fine.
Guys don't like to cry. Especially not in front of other guys, but I guess what happened with his 'Grandfather' really shook him up.
I had to let him know that it was ok. That whatever was about to happen wasn't his fault and I didn't blame him, and I actually meant it.
I raised my paw and put it on his shoulder. It was kind of awkward and totally not dog like, but I wasn't about to put my head in his lap.
Now THAT would be weird.
He was startled for a moment, looking at me like I was crazy, then he smiled sadly and said, "Thanks." Like he knew what I was saying.
The Marine chose that moment to make his appearance, stepping out of the jungle like he owned the place… which he actually might…
The previously festive mood quickly turned guarded as the Bandits began to disperse, not wanting to be near their blackmailer.
"Dog, come." He said with so much authority I was tempted to do just that. But I would not.
"Dog, Come. Now." He ordered, louder and scarier.
"Bandit won't listen... You." Ace responded in my stead.
I nodded, agreeing with that sentence... Or at least most of it.
Garp said something about time, Ace said no, and I finally understood.
The noble had probably called in favors with the marines. That's why they were rounding up dogs, that's why Garp went personally, and that's why I was in this situation.
When Garp found me, and the boys rushed to my defense, he must have struck a deal with them.
He wouldn't turn me in, but I would have to go away in order to keep up appearances with the island.
That's why Luffy called me Bandit. My situation was like theirs... Crappy and full of blackmail.
It was either I stayed and eventually fall to the mercy of Sabo's dad, not only ending with my death but probably exposing Sabo and undoing my work.
Or go with Garp.
I put that together in the time it took for Garp to storm forward toward his grandson, angry and red faced.
Luffy looked at the face of a demon and stuck out his tongue.
Damn he's brave.
The boys, at this point, were huddled around me. Luffy was, once again, hugging my neck and saying things to Garp through my coat. Ace was positioned in front of us, blocking Garp's path, and Sabo stood on my other side.
I knew what had to be done, even if they didn't.
I interrupted them with a bark, calling attention to myself. The gravity of what I was about to do decided to set in at that moment. I would be lying if I said I wasn't having second thoughts. I really wanted to stay with Luffy, Ace, and Sabo. I knew where Cannon would eventually go, but that wasn't the main point. With all the fun I had, getting to know them, hunting, 'playing', and even the trouble we got ourselves in…
I didn't want to give it up.
I could have just played it off as a random dog bark, maybe pretend I had seen a squirrel or something… While Garp would believe it, the others wouldn't. I was the watchdog, remember? I never barked without reason.
In seconds, all eyes were on me.
I reminded myself who I was doing this for, and looked at them. Sabo was using every ounce of brain power to reason with the older man… Figuring out ways to keep me here. I knew that was only wistful thinking now, I nudged his hand. Telling him it was ok.
Luffy was near tears… The little cry baby. I knew the other two would look out for him. They always did, and always would. I may have cheated and seen the Anime, but I knew he would be alright. I looked at his expectant face, and pushed him away from me with my snout, letting him hug me for a moment before pulling away fully.
I took a step toward Garp, coming even with Ace.
He wasn't looking at me, only trying to burn a hole into Garp. I really appreciated the kid in that moment. However high maintenance he was… I liked him. I barked at him again, forcing him to turn his head. Where he was burning a hole through Garp, he looked at me pleadingly. Begging me not to go and abandon him.
Man, I would miss these kids.
I never said a word to them, but I think I convinced them I was more than a dog because in this moment, they treated me as I should be treated. Like a human who could make his own decisions.
I nodded at Ace, dipping my head down and up, then faced Garp.
He was peering down at me quizzically. Probably trying to place my behavior into some category, but I knew he wouldn't be able to. I needed to let him know I wasn't going by choice… I didn't go to him because he told me to. I went because, whether I like it or not, he offered my best chance.
"Bandit…" Luffy said tearfully.
I didn't look back. Couldn't, or I'd break down and stay.
So, as the marine captain turned on his heel and said a sharp, "Come."
I followed.
We made it a bit down the road, when I finally did look back.
They were still watching me go. Maybe feeling betrayed or hurt… I needed to let them know that wasn't it at all.
So, I did what a dog might do.
I faced them, threw my head back, and howled.
Funny, I let the dog part of my brain take over for a second, and it has me howling like an idiot. But Mom, in that moment… It felt right.
And so, that's how I ended up with Monkey D. Garp, the name Bandit, and off that island. The trip there was extremely uneventful. Mostly Garp muttering to me or himself (Either way I couldn't understand it). I think the conversation centered around Ace and Luffy… but always ended with "Dog!"
I had mixed feelings about him. I just got out of an emotional situation, blamed him, thanked, and expressed my unhappiness all in one sigh. He continued talking until we exited the jungle, when he put his business face on.
That's something I would become familiar with really quick.
We made it to a beach, and guess who greeted me?
Yup. To make my bad day worse, I had to see Marco again. He must have been told to 'Scare all German Shepherds Shitless' because as soon as I was in sight, he charged toward me full force, fangs bared and snarling. It was like a bulldozer decided to grow legs and claws, then barrel toward me.
I was successfully scared shitless.
He chased me around the area, never letting me get too far away from the other people before nipping my hind quarters and sending me a different direction.
'New dog ran! I told you to stay! You will listen to me!' He barked until a marine told him to stop. It was the one I broke away from… well the party was all there, wasn't it?
'Boss! You're back! I knew you wouldn't leave me behind!' The black lab said excitedly, bounding up to me and… gross… licking my chin.
I stood in corrected shoes. Now the party was there.
'Stop! What are you doing, man?' I growled, wiping his drool off on my shoulder, still shrinking away from Marco.
He just panted happily next to me. Really really close to me. Like practically leaning on my side.
I really wanted a restraining order on these dogs. Is there something like that in the dog world?
"Dog... Your care... Be back." Garp said, giving me a pointed look before turning on his heel and going away.
I went to follow him, but a leash was around my neck before I could take two steps. The boys in white don't mess around, let me tell you.
So off we went, on the ship, below decks, and into a cage with Marco and the lab. We were in a smaller ship, so there weren't a lot of rooms and multiple decks. I don't know the layout too well, just that there are stairs that lead to a cargo hold and we were wedged in between the extra cannon balls and booze.
I think we were down there for about two days, being fed twice a day and let above deck once to do our… business. While privacy is my first option, when a man has to go he has to go.
It wouldn't have been so bad… Had I been alone.
With a freaking lab around, it felt like torture.
With Marco there, it was.
