"Now," Crocodile said pointing his hook out towards the three. "Which one shall I kill first? Tell me, for it shall be I to redeem you of your sins!"
"W-What is he talking about?" Vivi asked seeing Zoro back her up more.
Zoro said not a word as he stood protectively in front of the Princess. She heard the light growls coming from his throat and knew he was getting defensive and possibly ready to fight. The Princess looked at the Demon Lord Crocodile and could tell; by the way he was holding himself, that he too was preparing to fight.
She had heard very much of these Demon Lords, but had all but thought they were myths or legends. Before today she would have denied their existence, but now . . . there was no denying these high demons an existence when one was clearly standing before her wishing to terminate her.
"If you shall not choose, then I shall for you Roronoa," Crocodile said with a smile as he raised his golden hook to signal for something.
Vivi gasped upon hearing a 'clicking' sound come from behind them. They turned to see a trap door swing open. The door was large and Vivi wondered just why the size existed of such . . . but once she heard a growl come from the black depths and a large green claw pierce forth she knew why.
"No!" she gasped, backing up into Zoro. "T-That's a . . . Bananawana! I thought those were supposed to be extinct!"
"You'd be surprised what demons keep for pets," Zoro grunted as he quickly took action, wrapping his arm around the Princess and dodging the swift swing of its tail.
Zoro skidded to a halt on the other side of the room, and once he placed the trembling Princess down was when he heard Crocodile's annoying laugh.
"Ah, ah, ah, ah!" Crocodile laughed, amused with how much Zoro was trying to protect the humans. "You amuse me so Roronoa . . . I thought you weren't one to play games?"
"I'm not, but it looks like you are!" bit Zoro.
"I don't like them either actually," he said looking quite bored at the swordsman. "It is you who are playing games and not giving up those weak humans."
"It is my duty to protect them!" he said motioning protectively over them.
"No, it is your duty to be with us," Crocodile corrected. "Where you got that idea I'll never know, now hurry up and release the humans so we can be done with them and cleanse your sins."
Zoro didn't move one bit, signaling he wasn't giving the two up.
"So be it," Crocodile sighed out boringly. "The Bananawanas won't hurt you, but they will those humans in your possession—let's see how long you can keep up protecting the both of them."
"GASP! Look out!!" Vivi cried seeing yet another come down upon them with its powerful jaws.
Zoro grunted as he took the two of them and dodged. Just as he had though Vivi screamed again seeing another come up behind them. Zoro growled to himself knowing Crocodile was right—there was no way he could protect them both—especially if he couldn't use his swords.
We need to get out of this place! He thought as he looked around trying to find another way out.
Crocodile smirked seeing him trying to look for another way out. There was no such place except the ones the Bananawanas were blocking. He'd have to cut through them if he wanted out, and in order to do so he'd have to put the D. down and take up his katanas, once he did though was when he'd strike.
Zoro looked at Crocodile's smug face and knew what he was thinking. He knew he wanted him to put Luffy down and draw out his blades—he was waiting for that moment. Zoro looked down at Luffy who still seemed unconscious in his arms—he was totally defenseless if he were to put him down.
"That's right Roronoa," Crocodile said with a chuckle and smirk. "In order to get past my pets you're going to need to put the boy down—please do it so I can eradicate him!"
Zoro held onto him tighter now. There was no way he could do such a thing! He'd never forgive himself if he let the boy die. There was no way he'd let this boy see his mother prematurely!
"I see," Crocodile said with a nod, seeing Zoro hold onto the boy closer. "Then since you have decided to protect him more, I shall get rid of the Princess."
He then turned to the Princes and instantly vaporized into sand and shot towards her. Vivi didn't have to time scream once Crocodile was upon her. Just as his hook came down upon her and Vivi had closed her eyes to brace her death a loud 'CLINK!' came to her ears.
"Oh—so you've managed to draw out a blade," Crocodile said as he turned to Zoro, who had drawn Wado out of its sheath and held it with one straining arm to block Crocodile's death strike—Luffy still held tightly in his other arm. "My—that looks tiring."
Zoro let out a grunt seeing Crocodile use no means of strain upon the pressure he applied on his blade. As Crocodile let up and backed away was when he inwardly sighed. Zoro knew he could easily fight this Demon Lord—if he hadn't these two to protect, but Crocodile was much older than him as he stated before and so with those years came experience and he knew it was to be much more difficult than fighting a normal warrior.
"Why don't you just stop this useless quarrel?" Crocodile asked with a sigh, letting his arms swing to his side. "This is getting troublesome. I don't see why you don't want your sins purified—you should you know."
"I told you I am willing to bare them!" Zoro growled out.
"You don't mean it though," Crocodile said with a smirk. "Surely you can't—you know the rules well out of anyone of us here. You have to be sinless."
"It is my life!" Zoro spat remembering her giving him that idea—so long ago.
"You've been with the humans too long," Crocodile sneered. "They've tainted you."
Zoro only looked at Crocodile with unchanging eyes. Crocodile knew he was serious and was going to keep protecting the two. It was time to take action and stop him from doing so.
"Very well—have it your way," Crocodile said, making Zoro wonder what his next move was
Then—before Zoro knew it, Crocodile had snuck his sand under the Bananawana before them and instantly shot it towards the swordsman. What caught Zoro off guard was thinking it was aimed towards one of the two he protected, but when in reality it was aimed towards him. Zoro gave out an 'ugh!' as the sand roughly hit him in the chest, knocking him back into the trap door—making him drop his katana and Luffy.
"ZORO!!" Vivi gasped as she looked down into the black pit, hearing nothing but him hitting the bottom with a loud 'thud!'
Vivi bit her bottom lip and curled her hands into fists upon hearing the Demon Lord's laugh. She turned back to see his amused face. Once his laughing fit was over he smirked and looked at her and then at the unconscious D. on the floor.
"Well that went better than expected," Crocodile said. "I can't believe how attached he's grown to you."
"What are you talking about Crocodile?!" Vivi growled. "Why are you speaking about Roronoa-san like that?!"
"Wouldn't you like to know little Princess," Crocodile said with a laugh. "Sorry, I'm afraid it's for demon ears only."
"Demon ears only?" Vivi wondered just what he meant by that.
"Hhh, I have wasted plenty of time," Crocodile said as he raised his hook once more. "Now will you please cease to exist already?"
Once his hook came down a gator came charging right at them. Vivi gasped and was about ready to turn and try to grab Luffy and run for it, but was cut from her train of thoughts as the boy in thought stood up and stopped the gator with his bare hands. Vivi's eyes widened in shock and jaw dropped to the floor—what—what was going on here?!
"What is it now?" Crocodile groaned seeing the thing had stopped its rampage.
He came to look around its large hide, wondering if Zoro had already gotten out of the pit and came to their rescue. He stopped dead in his tracks with wide eyes upon seeing the savior—and indeed he was NOT Roronoa, but the D.!
"No!" he gasped upon feeling that strong aura coming off the teen.
With a loud yell Luffy flipped the Bananawana onto its back behind them. Vivi sitting next to where he stood could only cover her mouth in shock and awe at his sheer might. She looked into his eyes and saw the faint glow of his determination—never before had she seen a warrior like this—and Luffy was no warrior!
"Vivi," Luffy's deep voice came, catching the girl's attention.
"Lu-Luffy-kun?" she gasped, looking at his back.
"Stay back," he said, ever keeping his eyes on the surprised Demon Lord before them.
"H-Hai," she said with a nod as she scooted back against the wall and waited.
"So—you think you can beat me—do you D.?!" Crocodile growled, feeling the raw power emitting off the boy who glared at him with dangerous eyes. "Let's see you try!"
At that Crocodile shot his hook down and created a sand blade shooting it right towards Luffy. Luffy only simply stood to the right and let it pass him. Crocodile growled at his arrogance. Just who did he think he was?! Fighting a Demon Lord like this?!
It's because of that blood he drank! Crocodile inwardly cursed, knowing exactly why Luffy's body was reacting like this. Da-- that Asura! He's matured that boy's powers too fast! He should NOT be at this level at his age!
"Hm, this brings back old memories," came Robin in between the two, just examining Luffy. "You're a strong one Monkey-san."
"You!" growled Crocodile looking at her. "You knew another D. before haven't you!"
"Actually—I have," she said turning to her partner. "He was actually a close friend of mine."
Crocodile growled. He was getting tired of all the demons around him turning traitor, saying they liked humans or worse—Ds. He let his temper get the best of him as he came upon his partner and gutted her through. She gasped out in surprise at this sudden action—Luffy's features even softened upon seeing this betrayal.
"You—you traitor!" Crocodile spat as he took his hook out of her chest and let her fall to the ground in shock. "I guess I have nothing else to expect from a half demon! Disgusting!"
"He—he just killed his own partner!" Vivi gasped seeing this wicked demon deed.
Crocodile smirked upon straightening and looked at the two humans. He laughed a little at their shocked expressions as he said—
"A traitor will be a traitor—you would do the same."
"You're SICK Crocodile!" spat Vivi.
"I grow weary of your meaningless insults," he said with a sigh as he turned to Luffy. "Now—where were we—D.?"
"You . . . you TEME!" spat Luffy, his fists shaking. "She was your comrade."
"Yes, but still a traitor," Crocodile said. "There is no such place for them in our demon ranks."
"Then da-- the demons all to he--!!" spat Luffy, his eyes red with anger and rage.
"Heh, too late," Crocodile said as he charged the boy.
Luffy growled as he charged. Crocodile smirked knowing he had the upper hand. After all he was a Sand Demon—no one could touch him—even if they tried.
The two quickly clasped—a wave of force shooting past them and towards the room, making it quake and crumble. Crocodile growled to him and repressed his shock with anger. How could this boy hit him directly?! It must be that da--ed power of his!
Luffy cried out as he shot his fist back and then forward again to collide it with Crocodile's solid chest. Crocodile grunted in pain—feeling his insides begin to burn. That was no ordinary punch; he had struck him with something else.
"Gah!" Crocodile groaned as he backed up and heaved, holding his wounded chest.
He felt warm liquid begin to run down his lips and instantly touched his fingers to it to see what it was. He gasped in shock seeing it was his own blood. He hadn't seen such a thing in decades! How could this be possible?!
He quickly looked at the young boy who stood tall before him, ready to continue the fight. He had no idea what he was doing! What power he had over his race! Crocodile looked into the boy's eyes and then noticed something—they were slightly glazed over.
Crocodile growled seeing this as a sign the boy was not all together there! In fact, he was still unconscious! How could this be?! What kind of Will did he possess to allow him to fight even when his mind was resting?!
The fool probably believes this to be a dream! Crocodile inwardly growled. No matter, you can still die in your dreams!
"DIE!!" shouted Crocodile as he shot his sand at the boy.
Luffy cried out and instantly the sand fell around him, motionless. Crocodile backed up slightly with a growl. How can this be happening?! Surely he's fought da--ed human priests before and they had put up quite a fight, but never before had he fought a D. . . . much less a young one whose powers were still developing! Just who was this boy?!
"You are not superior to me!" Crocodile growled out in rage as he charged the boy.
Luffy gave off a battle cry as he charged as well. The two clashed once more, but this time Luffy managed to punch him square in the jaw. Crocodile grunted and fell back against the wall looking at the boy in shock.
"Who are you?!" he gasped, holding his wounded body—the burning only increasing the closer Luffy came towards him.
"Monkey D. Luffy!" Luffy said as he bent backwards and then forwards, throwing punches at him that looked as if they were too far to hit—but soon Crocodile cried out in pain, feeling the energy from the boy surge from his air punches and travel all the way towards his body—burning him all over.
The burning grew hotter and hotter until Crocodile felt his body cave in through the wall. Darkness was soon met with him and he saw no more. Luffy stood there for a moment, just looking at the bloodied Demon Lord.
"Luffy-kun!" Vivi gasped as she got up and came to him, upon her way though she saw Luffy fall over on his face. "LUFFY!!"
Vivi ran over to him and bent down to him. She watched as Luffy got up on his hands and knees—his limbs shaking everywhere. She placed a gentle hand on his back upon hearing him begin to hack.
She watched helplessly, not knowing what to do as Luffy lurched forward and continued coughing before blood began to come out. She gasped seeing this and was now greatly concerned for his well-being.
"Luffy-kun!" she gasped seeing the blood seep out of his mouth. "Are you alright?!"
Luffy couldn't answer though. He continued to cough it up until he could cough up no more. Vivi watched as Luffy's shaky hand came to his mouth and touched the blood to look at it. She couldn't tell what he was thinking as he continued to cough and gasp for air.
"This—" Luffy managed to say, his voice even shaking. "Isn't mine."
Vivi gasped not knowing how he had known such a thing. She then watched him bang his head onto the floor and shake in pain. He cried out as if he was still in pain and Vivi wondered just what was happening inside his body.
"Luffy," she gasped, wishing she could do something—anything!
She watched as he slowly turned his head towards the unmoving figure of the half demon—Nico Robin. Vivi watched as Luffy now attempted to stand, but quickly fell to the ground.
"Luffy careful!" she said touching his shaking shoulders. "You need to stay still."
"Take me to her!" he gasped out, shaking off the wave of pain he felt and looked at the Princess. "Take me to her!!"
Vivi understood what he meant and so nodded. She helped him up and walked over towards the half demon. She easily set Luffy on his knees before her. Vivi watched as Luffy struggled through the pain to even come and touch the woman.
"No!" came her dying gasps as she turned to look at the boy and Princess. "Stay away from me!"
She's still alive! Vivi gasped in surprise, but saw she didn't have much time left.
Luffy gasped before he held his breath and quickly touched Robin's wound—ignoring her plea. He felt his consciousness swaying in an out and so he shook his head and closed his eyes for a minute before looking back down at Robin. Then, placing both hands on her he applied pressure.
Robin gasped in slight pain, but it soon vanished once she felt a burning come from her wound. It wasn't a bad burning either—this burning was more of a healing—as if her insides were repairing themselves. She gasped as she looked at the boy who looked about ready to pass out for a good long time. She saw him hanging in there to at least help her.
Robin gasped once more as she looked down at her chest to see the wound gone—it was as if it never happened. She then looked at the boy who quickly fell forward onto her—gone from reality now. She sat up and took his head in her lap to only become shocked to see a smile on his face. She trembled slightly wondering just who this boy was!
All jumped upon feeling the room quake. They looked around wondering what was causing this. The two women turned towards the pit to see someone climbing out of it.
"Da-- pests!" the swordsman growled as he stood up and sheathed his katanas.
Zoro quickly looked at the two women who stared at him. He instantly noticed an unconscious Luffy in the half demon's lap. He took a step forward to come to them, but halted upon seeing the motionless form of Crocodile—his very body forced through the wall.
His eyes widened in amazement. Never before had he seen a Demon Lord in such a bad shape—beaten! He looked at the two conscious women with wondering eyes. They both just looked down at Luffy and it was then he realized who had done it.
I might have known, He said to himself as he walked up to them and peered down at Luffy. Kuso! What have I done?!
The room shook once more. Vivi gasped and looked around wondering what was to become of the place. Robin only closed her eyes and smiled.
"Roronoa-san—did you cut the supporting beams?" she asked.
"You might say I have," Zoro said with a nod. "I never liked this place anyways."
"I'd have to agree," she said with a giggle as she moved Luffy's bangs out of his face and only smiled. "He's a good lad."
At that she stood up and placed her hat upon her head. She turned to leave and nodded at them.
"Good day to you," She said with a smile as she disappeared into the darkness.
"Where did she—?" started Vivi.
"Who knows," Zoro said with a sigh as he bent down and tossed Luffy on his shoulders. "We'd better get out of here."
"Hai!" she said with a firm nod.
And so the three made it out just in time before the whole building caved in upon itself. They stopped and watched the house crumble into, what seemed like, a bottomless pit. Vivi stood amazed, wondering just how they managed to escape the wrath of a Demon Lord.
As the two watched this though an unknown being, who lay hidden in the vegetation, quickly left the scene and returned to where his master be. He fled back as quickly as he could to tell him of the horrible news.
Once he arrived towards the large cave he entered it. He quickly entered the main room where everyone was talking and laughing, enjoying the others company. Everyone looked at him as he fell on his face before the head demon.
"Whitebeard-sama!!" he gasped, getting everyone's attention.
"Hm, what is it?" asked the large Demon Emperor.
"I have just returned from Crocodile-sama's place!" he exclaimed.
"Yeah, and what of the Sand Demon?" Whitebeard asked with a scoff, Ace who sat beside him paid close attention to the demon grunt.
"HE'S BEEN DEFEATED!!" he exclaimed, shocking the whole room.
"Who?!" Whitebeard asked, leaning forward. "Was it Roronoa?"
"No!" the demon said shaking his head. "It was Ace's brother!!"
"Ace's BROTHER?!!" everyone gasped, and turned to Ace.
Ace's jaw hung open, his eyes as wide as saucers. He looked at all the onlookers and showed he was just as confused, and shocked as they were.
"How can this be?!" Whitebeard asked in shock. "He is but a lad! With his powers still maturing!"
"They must have been forced to mature faster," Marco said pondering this. "That's the only explanation I have with him defeating Crocodile."
"You're absolutely right my son," Whitebeard said with a growl. "But there's only one way to do so . . ."
All looked confused at their father demon. They saw him bite his bottom lip and shake in anger. He let out a deep-throated growl as he spat—
"Da-- him!"
"No!" Ace gasped to himself as he covered his mouth knowing what had happened to Luffy, his heart going out to him knowing of how much pain he must be in now.
"So Crocodile-san—one of the seven Demon Lords have been defeated," Lucci said as Kaku informed him of this.
"It seems so," Kaku said with a smile. "That boy seems to have been underestimated."
"It seems so," Lucci said placing his fist on his cheek, just pondering his thoughts.
The whole team waited for their captain's order as they sat around the campfire. Ready to go if need be. Lucci then began to eye each one of them and came to the horned man. He closed his eyes and said—
"Blueno-san go take out the boy and return to us when the job is finished. This game of chase is getting tiring."
"Hai, Lucci-sama," he said with a bow as he turned and opened mid air, walked into it, and disappeared.
"Do you think he can do it?" Kaku asked, looking at the pale dark-haired man.
"He'd better," Lucci said. "How hard can it be to take out a single boy?"
"But this boy is the son of Garp-sama," Kaku said. "Not only that, but he's a D. as well."
"What a wrenched family," Lucci let out a small growl. "We don't need them as the Emperor says. They are not our saviors."
"If you say so," Kaku said holding out his arms with a shrug. "But it's been that way for centuries. They are a sacred family."
"If they were so sacred," Lucci said getting up. "Then the Royal Army wouldn't be sending us to kill the last remaining heir."
"Hhh, yeah—I guess you're right," Kaku said with a sigh and shrug. "Though I did hear he has a brother—Ace-san I believe."
"He's as good as dead," Lucci said with a scoff. "He was taken by demons a long time ago—he's been branded already, no doubt."
"They'll probably do the same to Luffy-san," Califa spoke up. "If they do reach the Whitebeard Bandits."
"It will probably be easier to take him once that has happened," Kaku said.
"We don't want to take him," Lucci informed, eyeing his team. "We want to kill him—understood?"
"Hai," they all said in agreement and nods.
"My KAMI! What did you do to him you da-- swordsman?!!" gasped Sanji as he ran up and quickly snatched Luffy out of the swordsman's arms.
"Luffy!" gasped Usopp as he ran to his friend that looked in the worst shape he's ever been in his life.
"Tony-kun!" Vivi gasped, coming up to him. "Hurry and tend to him!"
"R-Right," Chopper said with a nod as he took out his tools and came up to the unconscious boy. "May I ask what happened?"
Vivi bit her lip, wondering if she should tell. She turned to Zoro whose gaze seemed to be on Luffy as the young doctor examined him. She decided to remain quiet and let him speak if he must.
"He fought with a Demon Lord," Zoro said as he slowly blinked and looked at the doctor.
"WHAT?!!" gasped Sanji and Usopp in unison. "How is he still living?!"
"Simple," Zoro said coming closer to them. "He beat him."
Usopp fainted then; unable to believe his best friend had defeated such a high-ranking demon. Sanji just stared down in amazement at the young lad. Soon a small smile crept to his lips.
"Heh, I knew this kid was different," he said trying to see just how this boy did it—but looking at him you could hardly tell.
"Hai," Zoro said with a small nod.
"What is this?" asked Chopper as he touched the blood surrounding Luffy's mouth.
He eyed it closely before jumping back with a scream.
"AH!" he screamed with wide eyes. "It's demon blood!!"
"How can you tell?" Sanji asked, looking at the child doctor.
"My mother taught me the difference," Chopper said with a small nod, trying to wipe the blood off his hand. "Unlike most doctors I can tell the difference."
"Yeah, like how?" asked Sanji, not noticing how close of attention Zoro was paying.
"The smell's different," Chopper said. "As well as the coloring—it's got a purple tint to it, unlike ours."
"I see," Sanji said looking down at the boy in his arms. "He must have beat Crocodile up real bad then—if it got in his mouth."
"Must have," Nami said with a laugh.
Zoro only came towards a tree, sat his katanas down and sat against to rest. He closed his eyes and ignored the wondering eyes the Princess was giving him. He didn't feel like answering any type of questions she had right now—or any time as a matter of fact.
It wasn't long before nightfall came. Sanji had dinner started; just in case the young lad woke up he made sure he cooked quite a bit. Usopp was sitting near Luffy by the fire, just keeping him company. Chopper was finishing on tending to Vivi, saying she only had some scratches and bumps. Vivi thanked him and continued to feed Caru.
Nami sighed and just wondered how the group could go on like nothing had happened. She watched everyone and then her eyes fell on the still slumbering swordsman.
"Man—how did these guys come back from a Demon Lord without any serious injuries?" she asked herself.
"Maybe because they're that skilled," came the voice of a woman from behind her.
"AH!!" Nami screamed as she jolted around quickly and fell on her butt seeing the tall dark woman.
"WHO ARE YOU?!!" asked Usopp, his legs shaking and Chopper 'trying' to hide behind him.
"Another demon?!" gasped Sanji jumping forward, ready to attack.
Once the cook's eye met Robin's he instantly turned to mush. He gasped out with a smile as he twirled and sang—
"It's not a demon, but an angel~!"
"Hhh, really Sanji?" Nami groaned.
"Why have you been following us—Nico Robin?" Zoro asked from where he lay, opening his eyes.
"Simple," she said with a smile as she came up to him. "I want to join your little group."
Zoro looked at her with lazy eyes. She just smiled, waiting his approval. He sighed and closed his eyes once more as he said—
"As far as I know it's not my group—you're asking the wrong person."
"I see," she said with a smile. "Perhaps then it's Luffy-san's."
She turned and noticed he was still unconscious. She crossed her arms and tilted her head as she said—
"Oh dear—I'm afraid he won't answer at the moment. Then I'll ask everyone. What do you say? Let me join?"
"OF COURSE!!" Sanji exclaimed, raising his hand in approval.
"Are—are you sure Sanji-kun?" Usopp asked, his legs still shaking.
"Y-Yeah, she's a demon right?" asked Chopper.
"Half," she said pointing towards the two. "I don't bite if that's what you're afraid of."
"Hmm, I don't know," Nami said rubbing her chin. "Vivi-sama, what do you think?"
"Well," Vivi said bowing her head to gaze at her twiddling fingers. "She did help us back there—and Luffy seemed to like her so—"
"Then it's settled!" exclaimed Sanji. "She's officially a part of our ever-so-growing-group! Are you hungry my dear?"
"A little," she said with a nod as the cook seated her neatly on a log.
"Good, you can have Usopp's part," Sanji said with a smile.
"Oi!" complained Usopp. "Why not part of Luffy's? He's already got most of the portion!"
"Because he NEEDS it!" spat Sanji. "Now quite complaining! It is an HONOR to sacrifice your meal for a lady."
"Yeah—a demon," Usopp mumbled.
"HALF!" spat Sanji, trying to justify Robin in his mind.
Just as everyone finished their meal—all but Usopp that is, Luffy opened his eyes. Chopper nearly jumped out of his skin seeing him recover so fast.
"Luffy's awake!" he gasped. "How are you feeling?"
Luffy looked around at everyone. His eyes even met Robin, but they were quickly sidetracked as he smelt that delicious smell and his eyes fell upon dinner.
"Meeeaaaattt!" he drooled all over his face seeing the delectable dinner.
"I'll bet you're hungry," Sanji said with a smile. "Stay were you are, I'll serve it to you."
"YAY!!" cheered Luffy with a large grin as he quickly at up, but soon felt a little lightheaded and instantly fell back down with his hand on his forehead. "Whoa."
"Careful Luffy-san," Chopper said, pulling the covers back over the boy. "You're still recovering. You were in bad shape you know."
"Yeah, I can't believe you defeated that Demon Lord Crocodile!" Nami said with a smile as Sanji came up to Luffy and handed him a plate—which he instantly started to devour.
"Who?" Luffy asked with a blink looking at Nami—everyone was deadpanned.
"Her partner!" Vivi said pointing at Robin.
"AH!!" Luffy asked, jolting back, a piece of meat hanging from his mouth. "Who are you?!"
Again, everyone was deadpanned at his idiocy. They all looked at the idiot wondering just where on earth his mind had been for the past day.
"Luffy, you mean you don't remember a thing?!" asked Nami.
"Remember what?" Luffy asked, confused.
"We were captured by the Sand Demon Lord Crocodile remember?" asked Vivi.
"You know, the guy with the big golden hook?!" Usopp asked, doing an impression.
"AH!!" Luffy gasped, his memory jogged as he pulled down his kimono and looked at his belly to find nothing there. "Phew, for a minute there I thought I had gotten stabbed—heh, must have been my imagination."
"But it wasn't Luffy!" Vivi said, coming up to him. "You defeated Crocodile remember?"
"Wait," Luffy said shaking his head. "I do remember having a strange dream about this dumb demon but . . . IT WAS REAL?!?!?!?!!!"
"Hai," Robin said with a nod.
"AH! AND YOU'RE REAL TOO!!!" gasped Luffy pointing at the dark-haired woman.
"Oh now you notice," Usopp said, smacking him.
"Still fuzzy though," Luffy said scratching the back of his head. "Though I remember kicking his a-- clearly hee, hee, hee!"
"Well at least you remember something," Vivi said with a content smile.
Robin looked toward the swordsman who was now awake. She could tell he was wondering if Luffy remember more, but luckily he didn't. Once he realized it was all he remembered she watched him close his eyes and return to the land of dreams. What a day.
"I wonder what Whitebeard's gonna be like," Chopper said with a smile, as he marched up next to Usopp and Robin. "Do you think he's a demon?"
"Who knows," Usopp said. "I heard they were like demons, but not necessarily them."
"They might just be," Robin said with a small giggle as she watched the two boys tremble, of course she knew the truth about the so-called bandits.
"Oi, Luffy, where are you going?!" Sanji called seeing the young lad run off some ways.
"I'm thirsty!" he said with a smile. "I'm gonna go get some drink!"
"You hear a stream or something?" Sanji asked, placing his fists on his hips.
"Uh-huh!" Luffy said with a smile and nod as he continued his way.
"Just hurry then," Sanji said. "I doubt this marmino will wait for you!"
"Hai!" Luffy called out, as he made his way towards the stream he had heard not too long ago.
Luffy smiled upon seeing its sparkling water. He got on his knees and began to drink from it by pushing his lips towards the running water. As he had done this though he halted once someone called his name.
"Monkey D. Luffy."
"Huh?" Luffy stopped and turned around to find—no one?
Luffy scratched his head and blinked wondering what exactly was going on here and just who had called his name.
"Monkey D. Luffy."
"Na?" He said turning once more to find no one—once more.
Luffy mumbled to himself trying to contemplate just what this was. He sat there next to the stream and tried to think, but his brain began to hurt him so he halted his thoughts.
"Monkey D. Luffy," the voice said again.
"WHO THE HE-- ARE YOU?!!" shouted Luffy, getting quite annoyed to be toyed with.
Luffy then gasped upon seeing the very atmosphere OPEN! His eyes widened upon seeing a strange horned man, wearing all black, come through.
"AWESOME!!" Luffy gasped in admiration. "How'd you do that?!"
"That's our little secret," he said to him.
"Our?" Luffy asked with a blink.
"Cipher Pol 9," He said. "An assassination squad."
"You're assassins, really?" Luffy asked, tilting his head. "Who're you trying to assassin?"
"You," he said plainly.
"NANI?!?!!" he gasped, tearing at his hair. "NOT AGAIN!!"
"For the crimes you've committed in this kingdom, you are sentenced to death by the Emperor," Blueno said, his facial features remaining plain.
"For the last time I didn't do it!" Luffy said, trying to defend himself.
"We have over 100 witnesses that say you did it," Blueno said, raising a brow.
"I was POSSESSED!" Luffy said trying to spell it out for him.
"Possessed or not it was still you," the man said getting into a fighting stance. "Justice shall be served!"
At that he shot towards Luffy. Luffy gasped out in surprise and had no time to react to the attack, or even dodge. He was hit head on in the chest and knocked back some ways. Luckily he regained his footing quick and caught himself before he flew into a tree, or two.
"Whoa!" he gasped shaking off the impact like it was hardly anything. "That was close."
It seemed he had hardly felt the strike as he looked back and blinked in confusion seeing the assassin laying against a broken tree.
"Na—what happened to him?" Luffy asked himself, as he tilted his head.
"Da-- it!" Blueno cursed as he shook his head, not expecting him to counter like that.
As Blueno shook off the dizziness he looked at the teen and saw he wasn't even scratched! He inwardly gasped as his eyes widened. There was no way he should be still standing! What was he exactly?!
Blueno remembered striking the lad and then getting shocked by something that instantly sent him flying back like some force field surrounded the boy. Blueno stood up and examined him more closely. He narrowed his eyes and sure enough he saw ripples in the atmosphere—there was some sort of barrier around him!
What the he--? He thought to himself seeing this.
Blueno groaned to himself now realizing he should have studied up a little more about his opponent. He knew he was a D. He knew he would possibly have supernatural abilities, but he never imagined them to be this strong.
Blueno growled to himself as he attacked once more. Luffy gasped, but that time had managed to dodge with excellent speed, taking Blueno by surprise.
"Awesome!" Luffy admired himself as he looked at his body. "I'm faster!"
Blueno growled once more as he tried to hit the boy, who was clearly not paying attention. Luffy quickly held up his hands and blocked the attack. Blueno darted back, holding his hand—it felt like he had just hit a 5 ton wall!
What is with his outrageous abilities?! he tried to ponder to himself.
"Ha, ha, I get it!" Luffy said with a smile as he narrowed his eyes at Blueno. "I see what you're doing!"
"What?!" Blueno asked raising a brow. "How can you figure out my moves in such a short amount of time?"
"Dunno," Luffy said with a shrug as he bent down and placed his fist on the ground. "Just do."
Blueno soon felt the atmosphere thicken with the boy's essence. He could feel it pressing off of him and he could have sworn he saw smoke coming off the boy's very body! What was this? He even appeared to be a little red. Could it be due to his abilities?! What was this?!
The boy stood up and held his arm back. Blueno raised a brow wondering just what he was to do. It looked as if he was going to punch him—but it couldn't be for he was too far away to even touch him. He watched the boy inhale and just as his shot his fist forward as if to punch air some force flew right towards him, hitting his abdomen—tossing him back against a few trees.
"What the—?!" Blueno gasped, quickly getting up to see the boy, but found him gone.
Instantly the boy appeared to his side and punched him once more, but this time he felt his fist upon his face—the burning inside his skull could not go unnoticed. He groaned as the boy continued to press burning fists into his body. As he hit a tree he got up and looked at the boy, who seemed too superhuman to even BE human!
Blueno groaned at feeling the burning wounds. He touched his face and wondered why someone like him was hurting him so much. His eyes widened at the realization why, but it was too late. The boy charged him before he got his bearings together.
Blueno skidded a few ways back. Luffy tilted his head at this wondering why he hadn't flown farther. He then watched as the proclaimed assassin fell to his knees and then to his face on the dirt.
Luffy blinked a few times before coming up to the man and poking him—yep he was out. Luffy shrugged and wondered how come the guy had fallen so easily, but he quickly shrugged it off. It felt good to beat someone like that—not needing a protector was a good feeling.
"Alright, where were you Luffy?" Nami asked seeing the bright grinning boy come back towards the waiting group.
"Defeating an assassin," he said plainly.
"Sure," Sanji scoffed as they began to continue their way.
"What I'm serious!" Luffy complained as he followed them.
"It's okay Luffy-san," Usopp said as he wrapped and his around his neck. "I once defeated 20 of 'em myself."
"You did?!" gasped Chopper in admiration.
"Yeah!" Exclaimed Usopp.
"Hhh," Luffy sighed out, wishing someone would believe him.
"Is this it?" Sanji asked as the group stood before the large cave entrance.
"Hai," Zoro said as he continued his way inside, the others following him.
"Oi Luffy, you'll get to see your brother," Usopp whispered.
Luffy didn't say a word though. He remained silent as they went in deeper into the cave. He was excited yes to see him in 10 years, but still he was curious about these Whitebeard bandits.
The group soon arrived at a large iron door with the Whitebeard brand on it. They stared at it for a moment and then began looking for handles to open it.
"I don't see any handles," Sanji said looking around.
"Yeah, what's the big deal?" Nami asked.
Zoro let out a sigh and then placed his hand upon the door. Once done it instantly began opening. All gazed at him in confusion before their eyes widened upon seeing the large room with its banquets of food, drink, lights, and lots and lots of people—who where—all bowing?
"Welcome Roronoa-sama!" they all said in unison, gaining some confusion from the group.
"Oi, what the he-- is this?" Sanji asked, taking a step closer to Zoro.
"Roronoa-san," came an older, more gruffer voice.
All turned to see a very LARGE man sitting in a chair on the other side of the room, the perfect view to everything. Judging by the stature of this man they all assumed it was none other than Whitebeard himself.
"I'm so glad you could make it to my humble home," he said holding out his arms.
"Whitebeard," Zoro said, inclining his head.
"That's Whitebeard?!" Luffy asked pointing towards him. "Where's his beard?!"
"Shut up!" Sanji said kicking him upside the head. "Heh, don't mind him Whitebeard-sama. He's young."
Whitebeard said nothing as he gazed at Luffy. Surely he was Ace's brother. He resembled him quite a bit—even had a slightly rude temper like him, though Ace had much better manners by far.
Just as the man was about to speak he heard a small commotion coming from the hall. He could hear his sons fighting and cursing. He turned, as well as everyone to see the other boys shouting at someone.
"NO, NO, NO!! ACE!! YOU CAN'T—!!!" but the sounds were cut up as a taller dark-haired youth ran into the room, finally shaking the lads on him off.
"Get—OFF ME!!" he demanded, shaking them off his arms and running out into the room to suddenly stop and see what he's been wanting to see again for a decade.
Luffy silently gasped and subconsciously took a step forward, as did his brother. Both stared at each other for a few seconds before the elder's lips turned into a smile as his arms outstretched in greetings.
"Luffy?!"
"ACE nii-san!!" Luffy exclaimed as he darted towards his brother and into his arms.
"LUFFY!!" Ace cried as he held him close, his nose rubbing in Luffy's raven locks. "My god I've missed you so much!!"
"I have too!" Luffy said, feeling tears prick at his eyes.
"Oh Luffy!" Ace exclaimed in happiness as he tightened his embrace on his brother, just so happy to see him once again.
"I thought I told you to keep him in his room!" Whitebeard said, scolding his other sons who looked down shamefully.
"Sorry," Marco said rubbing the back of his neck. "He busted down the door, and then used it as a shield to knock everyone else down."
"That's a 5 ton door!" spat Whitebeard. "PLUS you're demons!"
"Gomen!" Marco said bowing. "It's just . . . he really wanted to see his brother."
"Hmph, I can see that!" Whitebeard scoffed as he turned to the two showing their brotherly love to the world.
"So what are you doing here Luffy?" Ace asked as he wrapped his arm around his little brother's shoulders. "I don't get much news on the outside world."
"Well—" started Luffy as the two brothers went off conversing with one another.
Zoro watched them for a little while before he turned to Whitebeard and came up to the man. He stopped before him and stared at him for a moment before he said—
"I need to talk to you Whitebeard."
"As do I," Whitebeard said standing up and escorting the swordsman towards his chambers.
Once they were away from everyone else Whitebeard took his seat near his desk. He looked at the swordsman for a little while and decided it was best to let him speak first—in respect of course.
"I find it odd how there is a human in the midst of demons," Zoro said, referring to Ace.
Whitebeard let out a good hardy laugh before he looked at Zoro and said—
"And I find it odd how there is a demon in the midst of a human group."
Zoro remained silent at that. He didn't have to explain anything to this Demon Emperor. Whitebeard noticed this and so took the opportunity to speak.
"Would you mind telling my why you have tainted yourself with a sin?"
"Because I chose to," Zoro responded, he was tired of having to explain himself.
"It was a wrong thing to do," Whitebeard said shaking his head. "You should have just let the boy die."
"I couldn't," Zoro said glancing away.
"And why the he-- not?!" Whitebeard demanded, seemingly outraged. "He is nothing but a D.! You know how we despise them!"
"Hai, I do," Zoro said, his voice low as well as his eyes cast down.
"You are young to us, but still I know you know better," Whitebeard said. "Because of you his abilities have matured too fast! He could easily KILL you now! Do you want that?! Huh Asura?!"
Zoro still remained silent, even though he was getting chewed out by this older demon who has seen many more live times than he has all put together. Whitebeard sneered and leaned back in his chair a bit continuing to stare at the swordsman.
"You know well of your destiny."
"Hai, I do," Zoro said, acting more like a scolded child than what he truly was to them.
"There is a prophecy proclaiming that a demon shall rise and bring forth the age of the demons! The humans will become our footstool and we shall reign supreme because of him! Roronoa . . . you are that demon and you know it!"
Again Zoro remained silent, for what reason none knew.
"You are descended from a sacred line of the Great Asura Himself! The very first demon who created all others in His image! Yet here you are, shaming His very name by choosing to mingle with humans!" Whitebeard spat the name of the race in disgust.
"Heh, well it seems you and I aren't as different," Zoro said with a smirk, looking at the older demon. "You seem to care for a human as well."
"He has nothing to do with you!" Whitebeard pointed, getting angry that Zoro would dare bring up his and Ace's relationship. "I am but a lesser demon compared to you, my King, but it is unacceptable for you to taint your line by being with a D.!"
"I know that," Zoro said casting his gaze away once again. "But he has done nothing wrong!"
"He has sinned just as much as you have," Whitebeard scoffed, looking down at the smaller and younger demon. "You have freely given him your life source—your blood, and he has freely drank like the glutton he is!"
"He is NOT a glutton!" protested Zoro, surprising Whitebeard by sticking up for the youngest D. "He is still unaware of his abilities."
"Not for long though," Whitebeard sneered. "Like his brother Ace he has shown to be quite powerful. I truly thought Ace would be when his abilities showed when he hit puberty, but then his little brother was showing the normal signs of gaining them when he reached adulthood. I was not going to mind him as much seeing how it was normal, but now that he has tasted your blood and forced his ability to mature quicker it will only continue to grow stronger until one day he KILLS YOU!!"
"Tch, he can try," Zoro said crossing his arms, doubting the D.
"I know for a fact he can, for in the prophecy it speaks about the Will of The Ds, yes and might I remind you about Ace's and Luffy's middle initial! . . . This certain family, it says that if a D. be present once the Demon Era is at hand, then you shall fail!" Whitebeard said crossing his arms. "I also have a feeling that if he should fight against you—you will not fight back."
"You don't know me," Zoro growled, tired of this demon telling him what he should do, or would.
"I know you more than you know," Whitebeard said. "I knew your father, and grandfather, and great grandfather, He-- I was present when your ancestor, the first Asura fell by that D.! I was just a young lad then, but I swore to never let that happen again!"
"Then you're doing one he-- of a job," Zoro grumbled, looking at the older demon and scowling. "My father was killed by the very father of the two Ds in our custody!"
"I am aware," Whitebeard said, remembering that cursed day. "But he had you, that was all that mattered—as long as there was an heir then the Demon Era could still be carried out."
"I am the last though," Zoro said looking at the demon. "After me there will be no more. My family is dying."
"So are the Ds," Whitebeard said with a nod.
"Not as much as mine," Zoro said shaking his head. "If I am to die then your wait has been in vain."
"You will NOT die!!" shouted Whitebeard slamming his fists onto the arms of his chair, cracking them. "I have waited for your birth for far TOO long! If this young D stays with you any longer then he may end up destroying you. But I tell you I shall kill him before that happens!"
"You will NOT lay a finger on him," Zoro demanded. "I warned Crocodile about this and now look what happened to him!"
"It is YOUR fault Crocodile was defeated!" Whitebeard pointed to him. "If you wouldn't have—Oh never mind! I shall finish the lad off myself!"
"You will not lay a hand on him!" Zoro said once again as he blocked Whitebeard's path towards the main room, a hand on his katanas.
"Then you must brand him!" Whitebeard said, looking down at Zoro.
Zoro said not a word. Whitebeard wondered why he had to be so arrogant about his own safety when he should!
"I have branded Ace just in case," Whitebeard said. "I continue to have him with me now because he is of no threat."
"Then why not release him back to his family after you have sealed him?" Zoro asked.
"Just in case I need to kill him," Whitebeard said. "I want you to do the same to his brother—he needs his Haki suppressed. With that kind of a spiritual power he can surely kill you, and stop you from fulfilling your destiny!"
"If he is destined to stop me then he will stop me," Zoro said quietly, willing to accept his fate.
"How DARE you speak like that!" Whitebeard growled really wishing he could lay a hand on him with no sin being done, this boy needed to learn respect for his race! "Have you no concern or care for you own race? Your own PEOPLE?! If you were to die we'd whither away as well!"
"It's destiny is it not?" Zoro asked, raising a brow.
"If it were not a sin to harm you then I would!" Whitebeard threatened. "Fine! If you shall not seal him then I shall!"
At that Whitebeard left to go fetch the young D. Zoro just stood there . . . not saying a word . . . not doing anything. How could he? When he was just a demon? The demon destined to raise hell and make sure the Ds don't stop him . . . at any cost.
Hot Shot's girl: Oh yeah, sorry, guys forgot to mention like in my other story . . . Well I made me first OP music vid, yays :D it's a parody though, 'cause I luv 'em. It's called 'One Piece Parody Vid'. Yep so just in case you'd like to see it go right ahead and enjoy :D I'm ABunchOfGirls on Youtube, also got other vids like Blood Red Megatron, Prelude Transformers and such :)
Hope you guys enjoyed 'cause this chp turned out a little longer than intended, lol. Wasn't gonna have Whitebeard in here, but I remember I promised so here you have it. Well--until next chp, bye :D
