Mace's Journey

Chapter 3

Trouble with the Marines

We'll be seeing some action here, just starting the beginning first before fighting started.

Thank you for the favorites, follows and reviews. This is my first original idea.

Misaki (Guest): Thank you. I'm happy you like both of these. Girl Falls Into One Piece is one of my first prides as it is my first serious story. That one is going to be fixed up and edited. When that gets done, I'll start new chapters for it again. But this I will continue recently.

431101134: Well, first off, I'm glad you like it. Also, you don't need to read the first one to read this. I think I explain it in here to understand without having to read it. I could see how that would be confusing of her gender as I wrote this in mind of people knowing her from my other story. Mace really doesn't care about stuff like that.

It was a couple of days later and we didn't arrive at an island yet. Because we had the barrels in the dingy, it was a tight fit. I would need a bigger boat with our next crew mate. Me and River were laying on opposite sides. My feet were near his head and his near mine, but with some space from each other.

River told me it would be about another day until we arrived. I remembered how happy that got me. I was used to running around in the forests or even in the modern places of the future, I'm not used to being stationary. Though our barrels were almost done.

River was shocked at how much I ate.

In his words on the first time eating with me, "Who the hell eats 10 apples at one time?!"

I shrugged. "I'm hungry."

"We're gonna starve before we get to the island!"

I fixed him with a look. "Then get us there faster so we can get more food."

"Are you insane?! It doesn't work that way!"

The memory of that made me grin. He gets so angry sometimes. Reminded me a little of Ace and his temper. At least River doesn't hit me.

I was bored and I'm pretty sure River knew that by now. If my sighing and saying that I was, was any indication. I looked out, but could only see the vast sea surrounding us on all sides.

I put my head back down and closed my eyes, letting out a deep sigh. Both of us were lying down. A couple of moments later I let out another sigh, the sound filled with boredom. Adding a third and four sigh, just as loud.

River snapped. "Mace! I know you're bored, I am too, but we still have a day left. Stop that."

I frowned. "You don't sound bored."

"That's because I have patience. You don't."

I shrugged in agreement a moment later. It was quiet and I could feel the sun shining on my face. If not for the fruit and water, it reminded me of when I first got here, before Shanks saved me. I let out another sigh.

I heard River groan. "Mace, if you don't stop, I'm gonna flip you overboard!"

I squawked, more amused than mad or annoyed. "You can't do that! I'm your Captain!"

He asked calmly. "Can you swim?"

I nodded immediately. "Yeah." Having Luffy as a brother forced you to learn even if I didn't know how.

"Then I don't seeing anything wrong with it."

I let out the laugh that I was holding back. "Okay, okay. Fine."

I was trying to annoy him, I blame Ace being amusing when he would get pissed off. I admit it, sometimes I would do things to annoy him on purpose.

/ / / /

Finally, we landed and I jumped out of the boat, half my feet on the sand and half in the ocean. River let out a sigh. "You couldn't wait?"

I stretched my arms, shaking my boots a little when I walked more on the sand. "Nope. C'mon, smile a little. Our first island as a crew."

He smiled slightly. "Okay, fine."

I smiled back, walking with River toward the island. The beach was deserted, not as in ghost town, but 'nobody was around' type of thing.

We walked into town and I looked up to see the sun setting and lights strung above us. Further ahead, I could see some booths filled with different things.

River walked forward. "Wow, is this some festival?"

I shrugged, looking at some of the unique food in some of the stalls. "I think so. Hey, River, look at this food, doesn't look like anything I've seen before."

River frowned as he got close to the one stall's I was looking at. "That does look weird."

"That's because it's goat meat."

Me and River both jumped. It was an old lady with long white hair and a round body, she also wore a lot of shawls, maybe around four of them. River cringed. "Really?"

I felt my lips twitch into a smile, the old me would've reacted the same way. But now I was curious to see how it tasted. "I never had goat before."

River muttered. "I would hope not."

I stopped my laugh and looked at the old lady. "How much?"

River asked me. "You're going to get some?"

I grinned back. "Sure. I've tried crocodile, tiger, deer, bear, what's a goat?"

River muttered to himself and I laughed him off. The old lady laughed with a rasp. "I'll let you try a piece for free."

I brightened. "Thank you, old lady."

I almost grimaced when that came out of my mouth. I didn't really know her name, so that's what came out. River seemed to think the same thing. He slapped me over the head. He hissed. "Mace! You can't talk to people like that!"

I turned to him. "I don't know her name!"

He threw up his arms. "Then ask!" He turned to the old lady. "I'm sorry, ma'am."

She just laughed. "Don't worry 'bout it! I'm Estelle. Everyone calls me Este. Here, try some."

I shrugged, but River shook his head. "No, thank you."

I took a thin piece of meat and a piece of bread. I ate it with raised eyebrows as I swallowed. "Wow, this tastes great. Hey, River, we have to get some later."

He nodded, looking around. "Aye. Captain."

The lady said. "You're pirates, then?"

I grinned proudly. "Yes."

River answered at the same time. "No."

I rolled my eyes. "River…"

"What? We have a little boat; do you want trouble?"

I shrugged. "I wouldn't mind it. I can take them, oh uh, can you fight?"

He snorted. "You ask me that now?"

I stared at him. "It doesn't matter to me, but I was curious." I mean, he's my navigator, I didn't need him to fight. I'd protect him no matter what.

He grinned. "I can, you'll see. Just not now."

Este looked amused. "Well, see you around."

I waved and River did too. As we walked, on either side of us were stalls with clothes, weapons, more shoes and other stuff. Me and River looked at the different stalls and things.

River looked interested. "That's a nice vest."

I grinned at him. "You want to go shopping?"

He snorted. "I'm good."

About 20 feet ahead, 10 men were dressed in blue and white uniforms, a man with them with black slicked back hair, a white coat hanging in his shoulders and white clothing. He seemed like a leader or something like that.

"The Marines are here?"

I was curious. I blinked at him. "Those are the Marines?"

He stared. "You don't know who the Marines are?"

I shrugged, looking back at him. "Nope." Especially since I was very isolated, the only Marine I knew was Gramps. I walked forward, only to be stopped.

River grabbed my arm. "What are you doing?"

I said slowly. "Walking forward."

He rolled his eyes hard. "You know what I mean, smartass. What did we just talk about?"

I laughed at him. "River, I don't have a bounty. They don't know me."

He flushed in embarrassment which made me laugh. He sent me a glare. "Shut up, don't tell them you're a pirate either."

I raised my hands. "Fine, fine."

"WHAT THE HELL DID YOU SAY TO ME?!"

I tensed, my right hand going to my left side. River tensed next to me too. It was that Marine leader. He was red faced and pissed.

"I'm a Marine Lieutenant Jordon Vajer and I will not be treated with disrespect."

I frowned deeply. I might've not met any Marines in this world, but I know his type. River was frowning next to me.

The stall owned cowered. "I'm sorry, sir. I don't have what you wish."

"Who'd you give it to?"

"I-I-I don't know. A-a costumer before you."

The Marine in charge puffed himself up. His lackey's look awkward, holding their rifles tensely. A hushed crowd surrounded them, not saying anything, but looking frightened themselves. It reminded of Higuma, how he believed he was stronger than Shanks and his crew and how he hurt Luffy. Also, he was abusing his power. I face my face darken.

I kept a grin on my face, walking forward. River followed me, hissing. "Mace, come here!"

I kept on walking forward. "Hey!"

River was at my side, I wasn't too far away from the Marines. The citizens were just watching in shock. I could tell none of them would of thought of doing this. The guy turned around, all red faced with veins pulsing. I didn't think he was used to people standing up to him.

The 10 Marines around him were tenser than before (I could easily see that from here) and clutching their rifles tighter than before.

The Lieutenant snapped. "Who the hell are you?"

River said quietly to me. "Mace, don't."

I said lowly. "Sorry." I know he didn't want me to be involved, but…

I grinned sharply. "I'm a pirate."

I heard River smack his forehead, I fought the smile tugging at my lips, too annoyed right now to be amused.

The Lieutenant in front of me laughed mockingly. "You? A pirate? I've never seen your face before."

I nodded in agreement. "That makes sense, I just started last week."

Though I really did want a bounty and for it be bigger than Ace's when he first got his. He smirked. "It's unfortunate for you, then."

I frowned. "Why?"

"You won't even get your name out there before you die."

I laughed at his arrogance. "Looking at you, that's not something I'm worried about."

River snorted. "You aren't subtle at all."

I turned to him. "Why should I? Beating around the bush would just confuse him."

He shrugged. "I suppose you're right."

As expected, the Lieutenant reddened in rage. "And who the hell are you?!" His glare was pointed at River.

I wiggled my eyebrows at River. "The floor's yours."

He sent me a tired look. "I think I sort of hate you." I just grinned, barely paying the head Marine any mind. River looked at the Lieutenant, saying in the driest voice possible. "Yes, I'm a pirate."

The Lieutenant scowled. "Fine, prepare to be arrested."

I scowled back, saying to River. "He's underestimating us."

River smirked. "I think so. You want to prove him wrong?"

I laughed, he was getting in the mood to fight. "Sure, I got the Lieutenant."

River nodded. "I got the guards."

During all the talking, the villagers were backed up and moving out of the way, even the vendor that the Lieutenant screamed at. I think he was the first one to move off. So, the road was clear except for us pirates and those Marines.

Out of nowhere, River pulled out a baseball bat with a silver color. I was awed for a moment. "Woah, where'd that come from?"

River chuckled. "It's attached to my back."

I grinned back. "Cool."

"STOP IGNORING ME!"

River and I said. "If that's what you want!"

I dived toward the Lieutenant who also came forward and River ran toward the soldiers behind the head Marine.

/ / /

River POV

I glanced at my new captain, who ran toward the Lieutenant with confidence, her sword (which I noticed when she came in the bar) in her right hand.

I couldn't help, but shake my head at the mess she got me in, but I understood her reasoning and even respected it. I just wished she wouldn't start fights on our first island.

I raised my bat over my head and clocked the first one over the head, watching him crumble to the floor. I ducked low at the attack to my face and smirked when two soldiers attacked each other with their swords, knocking each other out.

Three down, seven to go.

I swung the bat over my head quickly at almost lightning speed and hit four in the ribs and faces, knocking out three and winding the fourth.

3 ½ left, I guess.

I was grabbed from behind, two of them on my arms and the other one pulling out a simple sword. I struggled and shifted my side to the right as a sword went to stab me in the stomach. I couldn't dodge the sword fully, and the edge of it sliced my side. I winced, feeling a burning pain where the wound was.

I could feel the blood seeping down from my side and groaned quietly.

"River!"

Mace ducked under a sword aimed at her head, staring at me with wide eyes. Her blue eyes then narrowed, her bangs covering them. She shifted unconsciously away from the Lieutenant next blow. I could tell she was pissed from her expression and the tightness of her jaw.

That reaction itself caused me to feel anger and shame. She was pissed and she barely knew me at all, just from being wounded. She would help me if I asked for it. That made me not want to, she trusted me. I don't if it was just manly pride or something else, but I had to do this.

I spat blood out of my mouth. "Almost done, Captain."

The Lieutenant snarled. "Pay attention, Sea Rat!"

Her looked smoothed out and her lips quirked up into a grin. "Sure, have at it."

She swung her sword in an arc, forcing the Lieutenant to back up.

I gripped my bat loosely in my hand and then threw it up high in the air. Their grips loosened on me and I decked one in the face hard, swung a knee in the others lower chest, ducking as the third tried sliced me. I then caught my bat, knocking the other three out with a hard and fast swing.

The adrenaline seemed to leave me and I stumbled, pressing my hand against my side with hard pressure. I winced at the new pain the action caused me. All and all, it wasn't a bad fight. I grinned to myself, moving to the side lines and sitting down. I looked up to see Mace still fighting.

Might as well watch my Captain fight. See what she's got. She does have faith in me after all…

Mace POV (Beginning of fight)

I pulled my sword out, facing the Lieutenant head on, trusting River to handle himself. The Marine Lieutenant smirked. "You think you've got what it takes to kill me, pirate?"

I frowned at him, flexing my hand on the grip of my sword. "I'm not lookin' to kill you, kick you ass, sure, but not kill you."

He scoffed. "That's not gonna happen either." He pulled out a sword of his own, a crass ordinary looking sword you could find in any sword shop, the type that would be cheap in a barrel with a bunch of others. It shocked me, a guy this arrogant would normally have a better sword. I shrugged, figuring he would need some strength to gain his rank.

He came at me, I easily blocked his strike, sliding my sword from his and striking forward. My eyes widened as a shock of pain traveled from my wrist to up my arm and all the way to my shoulder. I tightened my grip on the sword, knowing my knuckles had to be white.

He laughed at me, undoing a couple of buttons on the middle of his white shirt. Being closer I saw he wore white suit pants, a white shirt and jacket, his coat was what I guessed to be a Marine Coat over that. I know Gramps has one.

There was some weird silver armor covering his chest and from how his legs looked, I think the same could be said for them. He bared his teeth. "You can't break through my armor. It's custom made."

I snorted. "That's what you think." I darted forward and we traded sword strikes back and forth. He didn't cut me, but the flat of his sword did get me on the side.

Seeing that it was not working and every time I hit his chest or side, it just jarred my arm, I came up with a new plan. I sheathed my sword, shifted to the right and punched him hard in the chest.

My eyes widened and I stumbled back in pain with a sharp cry. "Ow!"

He laughed. "You idiot! If your sword doesn't hurt me, who says your fist will?!"

I dodged and rolled away from his boot, which tried to hit me in the face. I sprung back up, my sword back in my hand.

I heard a gasp of sharp pain and I recognized the voice as River. As I fought, I recognized the sound of him fighting the Marines. I looked over and saw River being held by two Marines, the third stabbing him in the side.

I ducked under the sword attack by the Lieutenant, the blow aimed for my head. I yelled. "River!"

I couldn't help, but feeling angry as I saw them hold River, my Nakama, in place and cowardly stab him. I clenched my jaw tightly so hard my teeth hurt. I knew I must have looked pissed off.

River's eyes were squinted in pain. He then looked at me and I moved away from a attack from the Lieutenant. It was only instinct at that point. River spit out blood. "Almost done, Captain."

The Lieutenant growled, flashing his teeth. "Pay attention, Sea Rat!"

I calmed down, loosening the grip on my jaw. I gave him a grin. "Sure, have at it."

I swung my sword in an arc at him, forcing the Lieutenant to back up. I did notice one thing, he was slowing down. I had no doubt it was because of the armor. I moved out of the way of the slow strike easily, remembering his armor around his chest, I then struck forward, stabbing at his shoulder.

I grinned when I realized it worked and I could see the sword come out on the other side. I grimaced a little, pulling it out with a sound. It was different killing animals for food.

He pulled back, clutching his shoulder. "Wha-how?!"

I smirked. "It's simple. You have too much motion of your shoulders to be able to have armor there."

Any sluggishness from before was doubled with the weight of his armor and now blood loss, which was staining his white clothes red.

I slashed at the back of his knee when he turned and as he crouched on his good leg in pain, I stuck the pointed tip of my sword into the dirt and punched him hard in the face, breaking his nose and flipping him until he landed hard on his stomach, knocked out with his head on the ground.

I stretched my side, his sword flat got me good in the side. I sheathed my sword, reminding myself to clean the blood off when we got on the boat.

I looked over at River, to see blood seeping out of his side, his hand pressed against the wound. I crouched next to him. "You okay?"

He sighed. "I'm okay"

I sent him a look. "Really?"

He chuckled. "…or I will be."

Suddenly, the people around us cheered, looking grateful. The guy who was being harassed, ran over to us. "D-do you need anything?"

I grinned at him, cheerful. "Not really, do you have a' doctor?"

He nodded quickly. "Sure, sure. Come along. Really, thank you!"

I waved a hand. "Don't thank us. It was fun."

River scoffed. "Sure it was."

I pulled him up to his feet with his spare hand not holding his side. "C'mon."

We followed the guy to a hut like place with a wooden door that had a couple of cracks on it. "Mace, I'm fine."

I just said. "Doctor."

He groaned as we went inside. "Mace- "

I sung out. "Doctor!"

He threw his hands up. "Fine!" He then groaned. "Ow!"

I smirked, he pulled off his shirt and the doctor stitched him up. While he did that, he asked. "Are you hurt, miss?"

I blinked at the formal title. "Mace is fine and no, I'm not."

I waved. "I'll see you outside."

About 20 minutes later, River came out. I asked. "You good?"

He nodded, his hand hovering over his side. "Yeah, the doctor on the next island will need to take them out."

I nodded. "Sure. Let's grab some supplies before we leave."

We walked with me to their food stores. We got more water, fruit and dried meat for the next trip. I even got some of that goat meat from that lady. I carried it all, ignoring River's offer to help.

My side still pulled a little, I knew it was just a bruise. I mean, Ace's punches hurt worse than that.

As we got on the boat. I dumped the water in the water barrel and put the food with the fruit.

River groaned as he sat down. "We need a new boat."

I nodded in agreement. "You're right. We'll try to get one on the next island, which means we need more crew members. I don't know how many people it takes to man a ship, but I know it's more than two."

River nodded in agreement, studying a map and telling me what direction to push our boat. "It really depends on what type of boat you get and what size. Do you have money for one?" He already knew the answer to that.

"Nope."

He sighed, running his finger down a line on the map. "I should've guessed that. How are you gonna get one?" He peered at the compass, but I guess we were going the right way, because he nodded toward the map, closing it and putting it away. "We should be there in four days if the weather is good."

I grinned at that and then answered his question honestly. "I don't know, I guess I'll just wing it."

He snapped. "No way is that going to work!"

I snorted at him, leaning back and putting my hands behind my head. "I guess we'll have to see."

He rolled his eyes, shrugging on a t-shirt that was loose. "Fine, wake me up if something happens. Mace, hello-who sleeps that quickly!"

I barely heard that as I fell asleep.

/ / /

Well, there it is. I hope you like it.