It's bedtime for Belle and Hanako, but the two little pirates don't seem keen on going to bed. Just what will it take to get the tykes tired?

One Piece belongs to Oda

Blizzard, Belle and Hanako belong to XfangheartX


It was a quiet evening in the Grand Line, and while it was only nine in the evening and most of the crew were still up, it was unfortunately time for the two youngest members of the crew to go to bed…even if neither felt like it. Those two of course were Monkey D. Belle (age four) and Roronoa Hanako (age nine) and both little pirates were still wide awake and hardly in the mood to go to sleep.

"Come on, Dad~! Can't we stay up a little longer~?" Hanako moaned to his father, Zoro.

"Please, Daddy~?" Belle also whined to her dad, Luffy. Both Fathers simply shook their heads.

"Not a chance, you two. You're lucky you got to stay up this late anyway. Now say good night to the others and get yourselves to bed." Luffy said.

"But that's not fair~! How come you all get to stay up late?" Hanako asked.

"We're grownups. You're kids. There's a difference." Zoro answered. Both children just pouted back, their arms folded.

"Come on, don't give us that look. You two need your rest. If you don't go to bed, then no story." Luffy scolded slightly.

"That's even less fair!" Belle protested. But as the two children and their Fathers continued to argue, they were soon approached by the rest of the crew.

"What's all the commotion?" Sanji asked.

"Oh, just these two don't want to go to bed. Again." Luffy sighed.

"Come on kids, you know the rules." Nami said, her hands on her hips. "Bedtime's at nine, so say goodnight and get ready."

"But bedtime sucks! There's nothing good about it." Hanako huffed.

"Nothing good about it? Don't be silly. Going to sleep at the end of the day is great." Chopper said. "And it's very good for your health." He added.

"It's funny really, how Moss-head Jr is just as lazy as his old man and yet he doesn't want to go to bed when he's told. Talk about irony." Sanji smirked.

"What did you say, dartboard?!" Hanako barked.

"Oh you heard what I said, sport." Sanji grinned back teasingly at his nephew.

"Okay, okay. Enough goofing around." Usopp spoke up as he made his made his way to the front of the group. "Tell you what, kids. If you get yourselves to bed, I'll give you one of my special stories." He proposed.

"Nice try, Uncle Usopp. What makes it so special? You're probably just gonna tell us another adventure that we've heard before." Hanako assumed.

"It's special…cause I've never even told the crew about it." Usopp explained.

"Yeah right. We know all about your tall tales, Uncle Usopp. You're gonna have to do better than that." Belle smiled, smugly. Usopp rubbed his chin as he thought, before clapping his hands.

"Okay, why don't we play a game before bed? Ever heard of truth or dare?"

"Mm-hmm." The two children nodded.

"Okay. I dare you…to change into your pyjamas." Usopp dared. Belle and Hanako both looked at each other, before smirking.

"Alright, Uncle Usopp. We'll go to bed, but you'll have to catch us first!" Belle laughed before the two little pirates dashed off, taking the rest of the crew by surprise.

"Hey get back here, you two!" Luffy called, before sighing. "Damn, they're such a handful sometimes."

"Don't worry, Luffy, I'll handle those two little rug rats." Usopp said.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah. Besides, you and Nami have watch tonight, so I'll take care of Belle and Hanako. Although I may need some help, so Zoro and Blizzard, you're with me." Usopp said.

"You got it, Usopp." Zoro said.

"Lead the way, Usopp." Blizzard added, before the trio began their pursuit of the two kids.

"You really think they can handle those two? They're SUPER sneaky for little kids." Franky said.

"Well they are born of some of the greatest pirates in the world. It's only natural that they're sneaky. But don't worry, Usopp, Zoro and Blizzard will be able to get those two to bed or my name's Starling…and it isn't." Robin said.

"She's right. If anyone can catch those rapscallions, it's those three." Brook agreed.

XXX

"Ooookay, now just where are those two hiding?" Usopp said as he, Zoro and Blizzard searched the ship for Belle and Hanako. As of now, they were currently in the soldier dock system and had checked channels one, four and two. But as they were about to leave, Blizzard's ears twitched when he heard the faint sound of a cough, coming from channel three. The wolf-dog smirked before he began to head towards the entrance to the channel, gaining Usopp and Zoro's attention in the process.

"Looks like Blizzard found 'em." The latter grinned as they followed the wolf-dog into the channel to find the shark submerge and for a split second, they noticed a pair of tawny brown eyes peak out of the hatch before quickly disappearing back into the submarine. Zoro smiled and shook his head, but as he began to walk towards the sub, Usopp suddenly held him back.

"Wait, if it's locked, then they'll never come out. They may be little kids, but they're not stupid." He said.

"He's got a point there." Blizzard agreed in thought.

"So then how do you propose we get them to come out?" Zoro asked. Usopp smiled and tapped the side of his nose before he raised his hands in a shrug.

"Oh well, I guess there's no way they'll come out from there. That's really quite a shame, cause I was planning on giving them a little treat for almost being able to hide from us." at the mention of 'treat' the hatch opened a crack as Belle and Hanako peered out. Realising what Usopp was up to, Zoro and Blizzard pretended not to notice the children.

"You're right, Usopp. That is too bad. After all, you do happen to have their favourites with you right now. What were they again? Oh yeah! A large fruity lollipop and a red velvet cupcake." And low and behold, Usopp reached into his bag and pulled out a multi coloured lollipop and a round, spongy cupcake with red icing.

"But, since they ran off, I can't give them to them, and I'm not that hungry. Guess I'll just leave them here. With no one around." Usopp improvised. Knowing his niece and nephew were watching (their mouths beginning to water at the sight of their favourite treats) he carefully set the cupcake and lollipop down in front of the shark submerge before he, Zoro and Blizzard slowly walked out of the channel and shut the door. Moments later, the hatch of the submarine opened and Belle and Hanako slowly crept out, before climbing down and creeping over to the treats.

"Hanako, are you sure it's safe?" Belle asked.

"Don't worry, they don't know we're here, let's just grab the treats and get back in submarine. You're not just gonna turn down your favourite snack, are you?" Belle shook her head. "Then come one, before they come back." But as Belle and Hanako picked up the treats and began to move back towards their hiding place, they didn't hear the door of the channel slowly open again to reveal Usopp, Zoro and Blizzard, all wearing evil grins.

"GOTCHA!" In a flash Zoro picked up Hanako and slung him over his shoulder, while Blizzard picked up Belle in his teeth by the back of her shirt. Usopp meanwhile managed to catch the cake and lolly which Belle and Hanako had dropped.

"YOU TRICKED US!" Belle and Hanako yelled and they tried to wrestle out of Zoro and Blizzard's grip.

"That's right. I knew you couldn't resist your favourites." Usopp grinned as he held up the treats.

"That's just mean, Uncle Usopp. Luring us out with our favourite snacks and then not letting us have them." Belle huffed.

"I never said you couldn't have them." Usopp said. "If you two go get changed, I'll let you have the treats." A big smile immediately spread across the children's faces, as they reached out to take the treats, but Usopp pulled away quickly. "Promise?"

"We promise." They both said, their heads bowed, causing Usopp to smile.

"Then let's go." Usopp said as he handed Hanako the lollipop and Belle the cupcake, as the two little pirates joyfully wolfed them down before sprinting off to their room, leaving Usopp, Zoro and Blizzard alone.

"Well that worked a treat. No pun intended." Zoro said.

"Hmm-hmm, yeah. Gets 'em every time." Usopp chuckled. "But anyway, let's head back to the bar. They'll have to meet us there."

"For some reason, I can't help thinking those two aren't beat yet." Blizzard thought.

XXX

As Usopp, Zoro and Blizzard arrived back at the aquarium bar, they found the rest of the crew waiting for them.

"So did you find them?" Luffy asked.

"Yeah, we found 'em. They'll be here shortly." Zoro said.

"So how'd you catch them?" Nami asked.

"I lured them out with their favourite treats. Then I gave them to them and they went off to get changed." Usopp said.

"You…gave them treats?" Nami asked.

"Yep."

"Sorry, I don't think I was clear enough. I'll say it again. You gave them treats?" Nami repeated.

"What's the big deal? They won't get a stomach-ache." Zoro said.

"No they won't get a stomach-ache, but they will get-"

"PIKACHUUUUUU~!" a high pitched voice suddenly sounded, making the crew jump before Belle and Hanako came charging into the aquarium bar, dressed in their Pikachu pyjamas, and began chasing each other in circles, giggling like monkeys.

"-sugar rush~." Nami groaned as she held her palm against her face.

"Oh, dammit! Why didn't I think of that?! I'm such an idiot!" Usopp roared as he banged his head on the wall in frustration.

"THUNDERBOLT!" Hanako shouted as he pretended to shoot lighting out of his hands.

"IRON TAIL!" Belle laughed, swinging her lightning bolt tail back and forth.

"Now what do we do? They're SUPER wired." Franky moaned with his hand against his forehead.

"I'll go make them some warm milk. That oughta calm them down." Sanji said as he went off to the kitchen, while Robin managed to get a hold of Belle and Hanako with her extra hands.

"Hey put us down, Aunt Robin~. We're not done playing~." Belle said.

"Yeah, come on, Mum~." Hanako whined as well.

"I don't think so. You two have had enough fun for one day." Robin said. "Now after you've had your milk, we want you to go to bed." She said softly.

"But we're not sleepy~!" Belle and Hanako complained.

"Oh you'll be sleepy soon enough." Sanji said as he returned with two warm glasses of milk. "Drink up."

"Thanks, Uncle Sanji." Belle and Hanako said before they both gulped down the warm soothing milk, letting out a satisfied sigh when they'd finished. The crew chuckled at the little white moustaches left on their faces by the milk.

"Feel better?" Luffy asked.

"We're still not sleepy, Daddy." Belle said.

"Well at least come and get your teeth brushed." Nami said as she stood up and led them to the bathroom.

"Do you want me to brush your teeth for you?" Nami asked Belle.

"I can brush my teeth all by myself, Mummy." Belle pouted as she took her toothbrush from Nami before squirting the toothpaste onto it and began to brush her teeth, but she still ended up getting a fair amount of the minty foam around her mouth, making both Belle and Hanako laugh.

"OH NO SHE'S GOT RABIES~!" Hanako laughed as he put on a frightened face.

"Cut it out, moss head!" Belle huffed, her face bright red, as she spat out the toothpaste and wiped her mouth.

"Ok-ok, let's just go back so you can say goodnight to the others." Nami said as they made their way back to the aquarium bar.

"Alright you two. Say goodnight and then off to bed." Zoro said.

"But we're still not sleepy, Dad." Hanako said.

"Tell us a story, Uncle Usopp." Belle suddenly said as she ran over to the sniper and hugged his leg.

"Yeah, tell us a story, Uncle Usopp." Hanako repeated.

"Please~?" they both said, putting on their cutest faces. Usopp looked at the rest of the crew who were all smiling.

"Yeah, go on Usopp. I think we could all use a story." Luffy said. The sniper smiled back before patting the couch. Getting his message, Belle and Hanako climbed onto the couch and curled up on either side of him.

"Okay then. Once upon a time, on a faraway island, a young princess, by the name of Chihiro lived with her family in a great castle. Despite the fact her family loved her very much and that she was allowed to visit the townspeople, Chihiro couldn't help but feel that something was missing in her life. Something she needed to make her whole. And then, one day, the answer to her question came…even though she didn't realise it at first. While she was taking a walk on the shore, she found a young man named Agito washed ashore among the remains of a boat, along with his faithful dog, Dust. Concerned for their safety, she took the boy and the dog back to her home with her and nursed them back to health." As the crew listened intently to Usopp's story, Belle couldn't help finding Chihiro and Agito somewhat familiar.

"When Agito awoke, he found himself staring into the deep brown eyes of the woman who'd saved him." Usopp continued. "When Chihiro asked him who he was and where he came from, he found it hard to speak, over how beautiful the princess was. Eventually he managed to tell her his name and that in fact, he was pirate who'd nearly drowned in a storm. Upon hearing this, Chihiro became frightened over his identity and tried to run from him, believing all pirates to be heartless murderers. But before she got too far away, Agito explained that he wasn't evil and to allow him to explain himself. Though unconvinced, Chihiro decided to let him speak. It turned out that Agito had gone out to sea with Dust to gather a crew and go on many adventures. This seemed to change Chirhiro's view on him and she seemed rather surprised over how full of life the boy and his dog were. For fear that her parents may execute him if they found out what he was; she decided to keep silent about Agito being a pirate. For the next few weeks, Agito and Dust lived with Chihiro and her family, who decided to let them stay with them. And as time went by, the princess and pirate grew closer and closer together. Agito in particular had fallen in love with Chihiro, but he was too afraid to confess to her for fear that she'd reject him for not being of royalty, but little did he know that Chirhiro actually felt the same way, but was also afraid to confess because she feared her parents would be ashamed for her abandoning her ways as a princess. But one day a villager came to the palace with a bounty poster. It turns out that the poster had Agito's face on it. His cover had been blown."

"Oh no! Did he die?!" Belle gasped.

"Just listen, Belle." Usopp said, before continuing. "Before Agito or Chihiro had a chance to explain anything, the former, along with Dust were immediately arrested and locked in the deepest cell in the palace. The two pirates were kept in their prison for up to five days, awaiting their execution. All the while Chihiro felt her heart and her happiness shrivel form the pain of being separated from the first man she'd ever loved. But just when things couldn't seem to get any worse for the poor girl, the village fell under attack from an army of evil pirates. The guards of the palace fought as hard as they could, but the pirates were too powerful for them. But when all hope seemed lost, the king made a proposition to Agito and Dust: defeat the pirates and you'll earn your freedom. They accepted. As much as Chihiro pealed for him to not go and risk his life, Agito promised that he would never leave before he suddenly captured her lips with his own, confessing his love to her. As Agito and dust began to fight off the pirates, Chihiro was amazed by just how powerful the two of them were. It turns out that Agito had gained his bounty by defeating several, more powerful pirates on his journeys, but the difference was, that he'd only defeated them in order to help others, be it freeing a village form slavery, saving people who'd helped him and Dust out of scrapes, or just because he hated seeing scum take advantage of the weak and innocent. However, the fact that he'd defeated the pirates made him more powerful than them, and to the government, made him more dangerous, which was why they'd set a bounty on him, as confusing as it sounded to Chihiro."

"But that's like what happened to Daddy." Belle spoke up. "All Daddy and you guys did ever did was help people and yet the marines want you dead. It doesn't make sense."

"I know it doesn't, sweetheart." Luffy said. "But it doesn't matter cause because they'll never ever catch us or any of the other good pirates we know."

"Anyway," Usopp continued once again. "As Agito and Dust defeated the last of the pirates, they were then approached by the captain of the crew. A monstrous man who swore he wouldn't leave the island until both Agito and Dust's heads were in his hands. But what they didn't know was that the captain held the powers of a devil fruit. With that, his body began to change shape. He grew a thick coat of grey fur with black spots, and his teethe grew longer and sharper, while his eyes turned a bright gold."

"He ate a Zoan type, like Uncle Chopper." Hanako realised.

"That's right, the Cat-Cat fruit: Snow Leopard model. The vicious cat lashed out towards the two pirates in his hybrid form, managing to land a lucky hit on Agito and sending him rolling across the ground. But as the captain was about to attack Agito while he was down, the unthinkable happened. Dust leapt in front of his master and took the hit!"

"NO DUST!" Belle cried.

"As his loyal dog fell to the ground, Agito felt a great burst of anger and strength rise up from within him. He charged straight towards the captain, and with the speed of a bullet he landed a hard punch straight to the captain's jaw and sent him shooting backwards, but he wasn't done yet. He kept coming with punches and kicks sending the ferocious pirate further and further towards the pier before with all his strength, he grabbed him by his legs and swung him around like a lasso until finally flinging him far out to see where he was immediately swallowed by a Sea King."

"YAY!" Belle, Hanako and Chopper cheered.

"And he finally collapsed from exhaustion, the last thing he saw before passing out, was the face of Chihiro running to his side. After two days of being comatose, Agito awoke to find Dust, fully treated of his injuries lying asleep beside him. The pirate was overjoyed to see his best friend was still alive, but his joy only grew further when he saw Chihiro sleeping in a chair beside his bed. As she awoke to see her beloved alive and well she instantly tackled him in a hug and kissed him joyfully, both of them now fully aware of their love for each other. As promised, the King granted Agito and Dust their freedom, but Agito couldn't find it in his heart to leave Chihiro. Not only that, but Chihiro had finally realised that what she'd been missing in her life all along was someone to spend it with. And so it was that the two of them, along with Dust decided to set out together and have an adventure of their own and though Chihiro's family were sad to see her go, she promised to always come back and see them again. And even though this may have been the end of Chihiro's life as a princess, it was only just the beginning…of her life as a free, adventurous pirate. The end." The Star-hats applauded Usopp as he took a small bow.

"Great story Usopp. I really liked that one." Luffy said.

"It was all about Mum and Dad, wasn't it?" Belle said.

"What, do you mean Belle? I met your Father in a whole different way. He fell right out of the sky in front of me, remember?" Nami said.

"I still feel like Agito and Chihiro remind me of you. You both met, and at first you didn't want anything to do with Daddy cause you hated pirates. But after you got to know, Daddy you fell in love with him, and he fell in love with you. And it was only after he saved your village that you knew he was the man you wanted to spend your life with." Belle said.

"Wow. That's a really good analysis, Belle. I bet you're going to be a great story teller, someday too." Usopp grinned as he ruffled her hair.

"Thanks, Uncle Usopp."

"So, are you two finally ready for bed?" Zoro asked.

"Well…can we have just one more thing? Then we'll definitely be ready, Dad." Hanako said.

"Well what else, could you need?" Sanji asked.

"Could you please sing us a song, Uncle Brook?" Hanako asked.

"Yohohoho! Why of I would, Hanako. Anything for my Niece and Nephew." Brook laughed before taking out his violin. "I think a nice soothing song is just the right thing to send you off to sleep." With that he then began to slowly play Bink's Sake on his violin, gently singing the lyrics.

"~Yohohoho yohohoho!
Yohohoho yohohoho!
Yohohoho yohohoho!
Yohohoho yohohoho~!

~Well deliver Bink's Sake
Oceans breeze shall guide the way
Sailing forth atop the waves
Across the briny deep~

~The evening sun is dancing high
Painting circles in the sky
As it sinks the song of birds
Ring out across the sea~!

~The hometown port is far behind
Out of sight but not of mind
Smiling wide our joyous song
Will boom toward the shore~

~Waves crash and they lose their hold
On sprays of silver and of gold
We pass this by upon our course
Toward the oceans end~!

~Well deliver Binks Sake
Causing trouble all the way
The pirate's life upon the sea
We've chosen one and all~

~When it's time to rest our heads
The seas our pillows and our beds
We proudly bear the skull and bones
Upon our flags and sails~!

~Raging in the far off sky
A violent tempest we can spy
Beat the drums our marry ship
Shall dance atop the waves~!

~Don't let fear control your head
Or you may find yourself dead
So hold your ground and come the morn
You'll greet the rising sun~

~Yohohoho yohohoho!
Yohohoho yohohoho!
Yohohoho yohohoho!
Yohohoho yohohoho~!

~Well deliver Bink's Sake
All along its merry way
Our journey shall take weeks and days
But never feel too long~

~Waving our goodbyes to friends
Whom well never see again
Don't despair for they'll be there
Forever in our dreams~!

~Well deliver Bink's Sake
Booming song shall clear the way
Adventure HO! Well go while singing
Songs about the sea~

One day well meet Davy Jones
And on that day well turn to bones
Until that day we'll wander in our
Never-Ending tale!

~Yohohoho yohohoho!
Yohohoho yohohoho!
Yohohoho yohohoho!
Yohohoho yohohoho~!

"

As Brook finished the last lyric and gently set down his violin, he patiently waited for a short applause, but when it didn't come and he turned his head, he chuckled warmly. The whole crew had fallen fast asleep from the skeleton's song. Belle and Hanako were still curled up on either side of Usopp who was snoring gently. Luffy had his arm wrapped around Nami who turn was resting her head on his chest. Zoro and Robin were likewise. Sanji was lying across one of the couches with his hands behind his head, while Franky had actually fallen asleep on the floor, and not too far off was Blizzard with his tail wrapped around a snoozing Chopper who was snuggled up to his big brother's side.

"Yohohohoho. It seems I helped more than just my Niece and Nephew doze off. I guess this means I'll be the one taking watch tonight." Brook smiled as he got up and made his way to the door of the bar, but not before taking a look back at his sleeping family. "Goodnight everyone. Pleasant dreams." He said before gently shutting the door behind bidding the rest of the Straw-hats a long peaceful sleep.

The End