Here we are, Chapter 11! Who's ready to see Matatabi and Myukuru's high sea adventure? Also I forgot to ask a question of the chapter last chapter, so you get two this time. Question 1: What's your favorite Naruto or One Piece Opening, and Question 2: Who's your favorite non-Straw Hat good guy? My answers at the end. Let's get this show on the road.

Disclaimer: I own neither Naruto or One Piece

Ch 11: Calm and Cruel Seas

The salty wind whipped through Myukuru's hair as she stood at the bow of their modest ship as it cut through the waves of the New World. Toto Land lay far behind them now; Felix's swimming prowess and strength had made the journey out of Big Mom's territory a quick one.

"So this is the ocean," Matatabi said as she emerged from the ship's cabin.

"Finally settled on an outfit," Myukuru asked as she turned to face her companion. Among the various provision she had gathered for their escape was a number of outfits for her new teacher to choose from. She had proven to be a bit, difficult, to shop for. Not that the stoic Mink had outright said any of the clothing options were not to her taste, but her ears tended to twitch when she was presented with something she didn't like, a quirk Myukuru had discovered after her teacher reacted badly to some spicy curry.

Fully turned, Myukuru took in Matatabi's appearance. She had pulled back her hair into a ponytail, her bangs parted just over her left green eye. She had chosen the deep gray, short sleeved kimono held closed by a purple sash. Twin katanas rested upon her left hip, held in place by the sash. The kimono reached to just below her knees, revealing the pair of simple sandals she wore on her feet.

Myukuru whistled. "Well, can I pick out an outfit, or can I pick out an outfit?"

"I will take that as confirmation that I am not an eyesore," Matatabi said as she walked to join Myukuru.

"All the choices I gave you were good ones," Myukuru said with a pout, "You're just picky."

Matatabi shrugged, "Clothing is not something I have had to worry about until recently." She paused and regarded the open water. "I take it we were successful in leaving your mother's territory?"

Myukuru nodded, "Yep, nothing but smooth sailing. Right, Felix?"

The giant crocodile Homie raised his head out of the water and flashed a toothy smile up at them. "Smooth sailing is right, lass. Barely had to worry about anything, what with all of Mama's forces being focused on the VIPs coming in for the Tea Party."

"Are we certain we are not being followed," Matatabi said, frowning as she voiced her concerns, "Our escape seems, too easy."

"Heh-heh-heh," Felix laughed, his tail flicking back and forth in his mirth, "Were ya expecting some kind of fleet chasing us, cannons blazing? No lass, the only thing we had in our way were Territorial Sea Slugs and they're easy to avoid if ya know their habits. And the Tartes were never a problem, just need to know where to swim to keep out of their range."

Matatabi nodded, understanding how their egress from Toto Land went so smoothly. "Still," she mused, turning her head towards Myukuru, "I am surprised someone like your mother would leave an area at the edge of her domain so, under protected."

Myukuru shrugged, "There's not that much sea between the edge of Toto Land and the Clam Belt. You'd never be able to get a fleet through, not without risking some of them slipping into the Belt. And a smaller force would get blown out pretty quick."

Seeing the logic, Matatabi adopted a thoughtful pose, before she asked, "How long until we reach the Calm Belt?"

"It'll be a day or so before we reach the Belt," Felix responded, "I could get us there in faster if I pushed it, but I think I'd best save my strength for the crossing."

"Then we have some time on our hands," Matatabi said, drawing away from the bow to stand in the middle of the deck.

"What are thinking Mata-sensei," Myukuru asked.

"I think it is time for me to earn that title," she answered with a coy smile.

"Are you sure we should be doing this," Myukuru asked as she held her sword at a guard position.

Matatabi had drawn her own blades, the pair pointed down in her relaxed grip, "We have nowhere else to practice. If I am to be your teacher, we do need to train, do we not?"

"Yeah, I guess," Myukuru said, her tone still unsure, "I just don't want to fall overboard."

"Don't worry, lass," Felix piped in from below, "I'll catch ya if ya fall in."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence, Felix," Myukuru griped before she let out a sigh, "Alright Sensei, I'm ready."

"Then let us being."

Matatabi surged forward, right handed blade swinging in an arc down at her opponent. Myukuru brought her blade to bare, her long reach proving a great advantage as she deflected the Mink's first strike, before maneuvering to block Matatabi's second blade's raising sweep.

Matatabi kept up her assault, sending a flurry of blows towards her pupil. Her swords flashed in the morning sun; strikes from above, below and head on growing faster as she felt out her student's skill.

'Her defensive style is certainly different,' she thought as Myukuru deflected a twin downward strike, drawing back before launching a series of forward thrusts, 'But she has not taken any initiative to attack. Is she afraid to strike at me? Or is this the limit of her training?'

Matatabi had studied the nature of the Dawn's Ray style that Myukuru favored in the week long wait to leave Toto Land. The style focused on parrying an opponent's attacks to force them into an opening. While as written the style was purely defensive, Matatabi could see how it could be adapted into something more.

'Myukuru has not taken the style above what was printed in that guide. She said she had been training herself and I can see that now. On its own the style has promise, but she has more potential than the style allows. I believe it is time to end this training session.'

Matatabi flashed forward, faster than she had been before. Wave after wave of blows rained down upon Myukuru, the long armed girl barely blocking or deflecting each strike. Then Matatabi swung her left handed blade in a high arc, aimed for Myukuru's head.

The periwinkle haired woman brought her sword to block the strike, catching the attack near the center of her sword. She gasped as the blow proved to be stronger than she had anticipated knocking her sword back, leaving her wide open.

Myukuru flinched as Matatabi's right sword flashed over her shoulder, signaling that their spar was over.

"Guess we're done, huh," Myukuru said through gasping breathes. Matatabi withdrew her swords, her face pensive.

"Something wrong, Mata-sensei," Myukuru asked, her tone nervous, "I know I'm not that great, but you're the first person I've ever faced so I was a little nervous and..."

"You preformed admirably, Myukuru," Matatabi interrupted, "however, I think we need to address your fighting style."

"What do you mean," Myukuru said defensively, "You said it was impressive before."

"I still hold that belief," Matatabi said, her tone gentle, "but after seeing it used in combat, I feel it is not the best style for you."

"So I'm going to have to start over then," Myukuru said with a sigh.

"Not at all," Matatabi reassured her student, "The Dawn's Ray is a suitable form for you to use. I just feel that in some way, it is not allowing you to reach your full potential."

Myukuru perked up a bit at that statement.

"OK," she said, "What am I doing wrong?"

"Wrong is not the word I would us," Matatabi said as she lowered herself to sit upon the deck, motioning for Myukuru to follow suit, "But I believe that core of the style does not mesh well with you as a person."

"What does that mean," Myukuru asked, tilting her head as she processed what Matatabi had said.

"At no point during our spar did you attack me," Matatabi reported, "I know your style focuses on the defense, blocking and deflecting before exploiting an opening. But you made no move to even attempt to create an opening. If I was an enemy intent on killing you, even if I could not break your defense, I could simply fight to wear you down. Defense means nothing if you have no way to win."

"You make it sound like I couldn't keep with you."

"And yet I was able to overwhelm you with speed," Matatabi countered, drawing a blush from Myukuru, "Fighting with a purely defensive style of swordplay is worthless if an opponent is faster or stronger than you. But I believe we can adapt the Dawn's Ray to become a fighting style with a greater offensive potential."

Myukuru nodded. She had never thought of the weakness of her chosen swordplay style, but Matatabi's reasoning was solid. She affixed her gaze to her teacher, eyes burning with determination.

"So where do we start, Sensei?"

The sun was nearing the horizon off the port side of the ship as Myukuru lay upon the wooden deck, her chest rising and falling in time with her ragged breath.

'Jeez, Mata-sensei's a slave-driver. I never knew my arms could hurt this much.'

The pair had spent the day refining Myukuru's swordplay, dropping the over reliance on defensive maneuvers and playing to her strengths.

That's why her arms were on fire. Matatabi had her run through every stance and sequence she had learned of Dawn's Ray, making notes of how she moved when preforming them. From there, Matatabi had her focus on moves that revolved around sharp, precise movements of the upper part of the blade.

'I see your style keeping the focus on swift, controlled strikes to position an enemy's blade where you want it. Just now it will be a far more aggressive style, taking the initiative rather than waiting for an opponent to strike.'

While it had only been a few hours, Myukuru felt like she had improved her skill more than she had in the last few months. Her nose twitched as a pleasing scent was carried over the wind. She struggled into a seated position as Matatabi emerged from the cabin, two bowls of stew in her hands.

The feline Mink walked over to her student and offered a bowl with a smile, "I hope I prepared this correctly."

"After what you just put me through," Myukuru said, taking the bowl, "I'd eat raw shrimp wrapped in seaweed."

She dug into the stew, mouth watering as the seasoned beef, potatoes and carrots graced her tongue with their wonderful flavors.

"Mmmm, so good," she mumbled as she downed a second mouthful, "I thought you didn't know how to cook."

"I spent the last week doing a lot of reading," Matatabi said coolly, eating a small spoonful of stew herself, "Histories and geography were not the only thing I read."

"Well it's a good thing you did," Myukuru said, "I don't know if I could cook anything with my arms feeling like jelly. They haven't felt this bad since the last time I sparred against Amande."

"Amande," Matatabi asked, "One of your sisters?"

"Yeah, second eldest," Myukuru said, her tone melancholic, "Best swordsman in the family without a Devil Fruit. I figured that fighting her was the best way to get better. Boy that was a mistake."

"Lost that badly," Matatabi asked.

"Amande's called "The Demon Lady", she's sadistic when it comes to combat. She just kept knocking me back, letting me hurt myself," Myukuru recalled as she ran a hand through her hair, "It's kind of why I pull my all into learning Dawn's Ray. I thought I wasn't suited for an aggressive style so I went for the defensive."

"You are more than suited for an aggressive form of swordplay," Matatabi reassured her.

"Thanks," Myukuru said, finishing off her bowl, "Boy that hit the spot."

A comfortable silence passed between them, broken only by Felix's swimming below the ship. Before long night had fallen and the pair simply sat and watched the inky black sky.

Suddenly, Myukuru snorted in laughter.

"Something funny," Matatabi asked.

"Just remembering something from when I was younger. Its nothing."

"Please, I would like to hear it," Matatabi pleaded, "I have told you everything about my former life. Fair's fair."

"You have not told me hundreds of years worth of things," Myukuru retorted.

"I was known to sleep for decades, so that passed some time. But the only real important events took place in the last century."

"If you really want to know I'll tell you, but it's stupid."

Matatabi gave her a 'go on' hand gesture.

Myukuru let out a dramatic sigh, but smiled as she reminisced, "When I was like nine, I'd sometimes sit on the roof and watch the stars imagining I was on some grand adventure. Every star was an island my crew would sail to."

"Sounds like you always wanted to go on an adventure," Matatabi said softly.

"Yeah, I guess that's why I kept coming up with plans to leave like Lola did. I was kind of jealous that she got to have her own adventure, and I was stuck failing to live up to the Charlotte name." She leveled a glace at Matatabi, "At least until someone gave me the kick in the rear I needed."

"Happy to help," the Mink responded, tipping her head in mock salute, "So, what do you want to do on your grand adventure?"

"Our adventure, Sensei," Myukuru said with a grin, "You're not getting rid of me that easy. Well we're going to be looking for your people, so we'll need to find someone to sail under."

"Oh, not going to be a captain then?"

Myukuru shrugged. "I've seen the work the Ministers have to do to run their islands. I figure it'll be the same kind of work for a ship captain, and I don't think I'm cut out for that kind of work."

"Fair enough," Matatabi said.

"So yeah, we find a crew, and hit the open seas."

"Speakin' of open seas," Felix's deep voice rang from below, "I suggest you two get some shut eye. We'll hit the Calm Belt in the mornin'. Best you two be bright eyed and bushy tailed."

"I think I prefer my tails smooth, thank you Felix," Matatabi said as she stood.

Myukuru snorted out a laugh, "Good one. I guess it's time to turn in. Got an early meeting with the Sea Kings we don't want to miss. Night Felix, Sensei."

"Night, lasses," Felix said before dropping lower into the water.

"Goodnight, Felix. Rest well," Matatabi said as she followed Myukuru into the cabin.

"Well, I suppose the stories about the Calm Belt was true," Matatabi said as she peered through a spyglass. Her magnified vision let her clearly see where the over head clouds just abruptly ended over a stretch of eerily clam ocean. "I do not see any of those Sea Kings though."

"They'll be lurking under the surface," Felix grumbled as he adjusted the roped that tied him to their ship. "Hopefully they'll be too busy fightin' each other to notice us."

Myukuru drew up to Matatabi as the Mink folded the spyglass away.

"Everything's secure and the sails furled," she reported, "Felix, your ropes good?"

"I'm as ready as I'll ever be," the crocodile Homie responded.

"Well then," Matatabi said, "I suppose we should get moving."

"You heard her Felix,"Myukuru shouted, "Let's go!"

"Aye aye," came the gruff reply before the ship lurched forward.

Felix swam, cutting through the water like a knife. On deck, Myukuru and Matatabi held onto the ship's railing as they picked up speed, the Calm Belt drawing ever closer. Before long, the choppy waters turned smooth and the clouds overhead vanished. They had reached the Calm Belt.

For a while the only sounds were their ship speeding along the still waters. Perhaps they could slip across without incident. Then came the horrible roaring. A great creature rose from the port, large and serpentine. It's flat eyes tracked their movements for a moment, before it turned to pursue them.

"Oh no ya don't, ya overgrown sea snake," Felix growled as he picked up speed, turning away from the Sea King. More bellows broke the air as more Sea Kings emerged from the depths. Some kept the serpent-like features of the first, while others were aquatic parodies of other creatures.

Felix pressed forward even as the sea monsters moved into their path. 'I don't think they even know we're here,' he thought as one dog looking sea beast drew close, it's focus on the first Sea King. The two monsters clashed, sending waves crashing all around.

Felix weaved through the disturbed seas, mindful of the numerous Sea Kings drawing ever closer. 'They've smelled blood in the water now. Somethin' tells me that first one's some kind of outsider. I don't think they care about us.'

No sooner hadthat thought passed through his head did Felix spot an approaching Sea King, it's eyes keyed on them. It swam straight for them, it's great maw opened wide to eat them for breakfast.

'Not on my watch!'

Felix poured on the speed, hoping he could repeat his miracle swim. The Sea King kept up the chase, drawing ever closer. Ahead, more Sea Kings broke the surface, no doubt disturbed by all the commotion. Felix adjusted course, hoping to get the Sea Kings to fight each other instead of trying to eat them.

His gamble payed off as the new Sea Kings took offense to the interloper. The seas soon became chaotic as the Sea Kings did battle; sea spray and blood flowing freely. Among this death battle, Felix bobbed and weaved between the dueling masters of the sea, his eyes tracking between the various Sea Kings and the nearing horizon, where clouds butted up against the dead sky.

Seeing an opening in the battle, Felix pressed forward, hoping to pass though the gap into unoccupied waters. Above, a Sea King let out a pained cry as one of its fellows bit into it's neck, spraying a fountain of blood into the sea.

The great creature flailed as it toppled over, its spike tipped tail whipping through the air. It crashed down right where Felix had pulled the ship. He banked to the right, skirting the fallen beast even as it continued to thrash. The other Sea Kings began to converge, ready to feed on the fallen.

Felix had no choice but to swim right over the dying Sea King. He kicked his legs and tail, drawing on all his power to speed over this last obstacle before they reached the North Blue. He sped over the nearly dead monster, it's flailing growing weaker as its blood colored the water.

'Almost there, just a little mor…'

Pain ripped though his thoughts as the dying Sea King had struck one last blow with its spiked tail.

'Got me side,' He thought as he eyes began to grow blurry, he couldn't tell if it was from blood loss or exhaustion. 'I've got to keep going. Got to get Miss Myukuru and Matatabi to the North… Blue.'

He grit his teeth and kicked and kicked, regaining the speed he lost. Thankfully the Sea Kings had a full meal to devour so they were no longer a threat. Soon, the sunny sky was lost behind clouds and the sea moved in its normal, undulating fashion.

Felix took a ragged breath, adrenaline fading now that they were safe. His body felt heavy and his eyes began to grow dark.

Above him, Myukuru pulled herself of the deck, her face a bit green. "Mata-sensei, you OK?"

"I have been better," the Mink answered between pants, her body braced against the railing.

"Felix, you did great," Myukuru said as she leaned down to address the crocodile. Her eyes widened in horror as she took the growing sea of red that surrounded her friend.

"FELIX!"

Her scream, full of pain and heartache, jolted Felix back to full awareness. He turned his head as far as he could to face his friend.

"Sorry, lass," he said, coughing up some blood, "Looks like this is as far a I can go."

"No," Myukuru cried, eyes unable to hold her tears back, "We can patch you up. Matatabi, help me pull Felix up. He's hurt."

Felix let out a little laugh, "I'd never fit up there lass. You need to cut my ropes so I won't slow ya down."

"NO," Myukuru sobbed, grabbing the ropes in desperation and tried in vain to pull Felix up. Matatabi drew up from behind and grabbed Myukuru, stilling her frantic arms.

"Sensei, let me go," she pleaded, "I need to save Felix. I need to save him."

She trashed in her teacher's arms, desperate to help Felix. But Matatabi held firm.

"Miss Myukuru," Felix's voice was softer now, "I'm happy to have met you, breathe of fresh air for these old bones. Don't lose yourself to sadness on my account. Keep movin' forward, follow yer dream. Have your grand adventure. I'll be watching.

"And Matatabi," he wheezed out, his body being to fall to the waves, "Keep her safe for me. Will ya?"

Matatabi nodded, "I will."

Felix smiled as he slipped into the sea. Myukuru let out a heartbreaking scream and fell to her knees, dragging Matatabi down with her. The Mink held her pupil as she cried, "I know it hurts," she whispered into her student's ear, "But you have to remember that we carry a piece of them with us, even when they are gone. They placed their dreams within us, so that we may carry them forward."

Myukuru's tears still fell as she shakily rose to her feet. She braced herself upon the railing and threw her head back.

"FELIX," she screamed, "I'll do it! I'll have my adventure, I'll help Mata-sensei find her family! And I'll become the best swordswoman I can be!"

And even though he had already fallen under the waves, she could have sworn she heard him say, "That's it lass, give 'em hell."

Two days later

Myukuru looked over the memorial she had carved for Felix, a simple carved tablet of wood planted onto a small cliff overlooking the sea. Matatabi had let her grieve while the Mink had taken command of their ship and set a course away from the Calm Belt. When she pulled herself together, she had produced a map of the North Blue and directed Matatabi to Pinaya Island, a small port popular with pirates.

And while the Mink swordswoman went about the town to see if a crew docked there would suit their needs, she had made her last gift for Felix.

"Figured you'd like looking over the water," she said, her voice tight with sadness, "We made it to an island and Mata-sensei's looking around for a crew for us to hitch up with. Don't worry, she'll look for someone who won't screw us over."

Myukuru sat for some time, just listening to the wind off the sea, lost in her memories. Soft footfalls grabbed her attention and she looked back to see Matatabi approaching.

"Good news," she asked, pushing herself to her feet.

"Yes," Matatabi reported, "I have found a captain who, according to the local barman, has been itching to sail into the Grand Line. Our funds may be what he needs to ready his ship for the voyage."

"And he checks out," Myukuru asked. On their way to Pinaya Island, they had discussed just what kind of crew they would be comfortable sailing with. Neither wanted to sail under someone who would needlessly order death. They may be pirates, but they wouldn't go about killing defenseless civilians.

"Yes," Matatabi said, producing a wanted poster "According to his wanted poster, he is known to target Marine ships and other pirates, which may be why his funds are not where he wants them."

Matatabi handed Myukuru the man's wanted poster. She scrutinized it for a moment before addressing her teacher.

"Well, why don't we pay a visit to this Captain Alday a visit. I've got a promise to keep."

And we've reached the end. Boy, that was probably the heaviest chapter I've ever written. Rest in peace, Felix. Also, Matatabi's attire is biased on Temari's 1st outfit in Shippuden.

As for my questions: I'd have to say One Piece Opening 6, the one for Enies Lobby, is my overall favorite. Always get hyped seeing Luffy bust out 2nd Gear. As for favorite non-Straw Hat, I'd have to go with Perona. She's fun and her interactions with Zoro during the timeskip are fun to think about.

I look forward to your comments. See ya later!