A girl stood in the middle of the plaza in front of the execution stand, where Gold Roger, the King of Pirates had once been executed. A soft wind blew making her grab onto the white hat with pink flowers in front of it.
She wears a white spaghetti strap sundress that reaches down to her knees. She tightens her grip on the pink purse hanging from her shoulder. Her brown eyes trace every metal piece up to the wooden stand. She could practically imagine the blood stain left by the Pirate King.
This is the spot where a crowd of people gathered to watch the birth of the Pirate era. The words of the Pirate King sent almost every woman and man out to set sail in search for the greatest treasure. Along with the treasure some person will find to earn the title, Pirate King.
She peeks over her shoulder to see a man wearing a black top hat with a set of goggles on it. She turns around to greet him with a soft smile.
He takes hold of her hand and places a gentle kiss on the back of it.
"It's good to see you, Red." The man grins back at her.
The girl rolls her eyes.
"Little Boss, when in public, we both agreed to call each other by our names." The girl takes back her hand.
She leans her head to the side eyeing a nearby cafe. She did her best not to drool at the sweets displayed in the window. Not having much patience, she hooks her arm around his.
"Come on, Sabo. I heard they opened this Cafe last week. Their strawberry shortcakes are to die for." The girl squeals in delight.
"Energetic, as always, but remember, this is a meeting." Sabo said, even though he was eyeing the sweets as well.
"Yeah, yeah let's go eat some sweets." She dismisses him with a nod.
Sora POV
It has been a couple of days since I left Cocoyashi Village. Today I finally anchored in Loguetown. The first thing I did, of course, was order my men to make preparations for our journey back to the Grand Line, since it is my duty as an Admiral.
Pfff, yeah right, I ran for the hills at the sight of the town of the beginning and the end. I put on pretty clothes as I changed to my adult form. Little Boss did say he wanted to talk to me. This is the spot he always meets me, in front of the execution stand. Once I spotted him, we went to a nearby Cafe.
I sat on a wooden chair enjoying my banana sundae. Today was warm enough to relax and enjoy ice cream. I look over to see Sabo staring at the execution stand with a thoughtful expression.
"So, what is this meeting about?" I break the silence.
He leans his head down on his elbow.
"It's about Luffy's parental heritage." He answers, eyeing his tea.
I take another bite of my ice cream. I guess Big Boss is worried about his son's safety. It must still sting not being able to see his son grow up. Only watching from a distance, praying for his safety.
I hadn't realized it, but now that Luffy is a pirate and making his way to the Grand Line, the truth about his father will most likely be revealed. Knowing him, he won't care much about it, but that kind of information will make the World Government take action.
Images of my nightmare replay in my mind. It is a possibility that I might get called out to hunt him for being Monkey D. Dragon's son. Luffy sailing as a pirate has already somewhat gotten the attention of the World Government.
"Don't worry, the World Government doesn't suspect him of being his kid." I finally responded.
I hadn't realized my hands were in fists. I grab a spoonful of ice cream wanting nothing more than to lock up the memories I made on this sea. The laughs and smiles, the good and bad times, I don't think I can lock them all up. Yet, I must.
"For now, yes, but later on in the future it might get out." Sabo says, worriedly.
"Then, I'm relieved, because he has two strong Onii-chans to cover his back." I smile at him.
He doesn't return it.
"He also has you, Sora."
I look down at the bowl of melting ice cream. My hat shadows my eyes, exposing nothing.
"Sabo, I won't leave them and I refuse to take on any sort of action that will put my sisters' lives in jeopardy." I place my hands on my lap grabbing a fistful of my dress
That's right. This is the decision I made. My hands are stained in blood, they're dripping with it. I can't forget, I might fear the demons roaming in that hell, but I am one of them. I became one of them during those ten years.
"You said Fate unlocked Ace's memories and she's offering an alliance with you." He summarized in a thoughtful tone.
I nodded my head, not trusting myself to be able to speak.
"Why not ally yourself with her?" He presses. "This might be your ticket out of this situation."
I stare down at my hands feeling the urge to snap at him for being an idiot. I've explained it to him countless times, but Little Boss is as stubborn as a mule.
"Sabo, Hotaru has a weak body and the only one that has ever helped her is Dr. Vegapunk. The medicine he makes for her is what's keeping her alive. There is also the fact that Lightning is missing right now." I answer.
I want to return to the Grand Line, my little sister might be dying at this moment and I'm eating ice cream. Plus, no matter how hard I try, I can't find her with my powers as Chronos. It's frustrating not knowing. This must be how normal people feel when they can't see the future. I don't like it!
"Don't worry, from what I've seen, Hikaru is very strong." Sabo reassures me.
I look up at him and see his grin.
Yeah, my sister has too strong a will to die. I turn my attention back to my ice cream, not minding one bit, to see it had completely melt. I take a spoonful of it enjoying the pieces of the banana.
"So, did my little brother mature?" Sabo asks in a teasing voice.
"Not one bit."
Still the same rubber brain worrying about his nakama. I take another bite of my ice cream tasting the bits of pineapple. I turn my gaze to the execution stand imagining Luffy on it, smiling that carefree smile. Will I be the Marine Admiral standing in the way of his dream?
"Did he recognize you?" Sabo asks me before stealing a bite of my ice cream.
I let it slide, after all, he's paying the tab.
"Nope, but he did ask me to join his crew." I reply in an amused tone.
"He probably fell for you at first sight, again."
My face went up in flames at his words. Impossible, that idiot wouldn't even know what love is. Heck, I bet my right arm he thinks marriage is the name of a dish. Luffy might be a master in fighting, but when it comes to emotions, his head is full of air.
"Don't be ridiculous Sabo." I puff my cheeks in annoyance.
"I wouldn't be surprised if he did get feelings for you. As kids he would attach himself to you by the hip. No matter how much you beat him up, telling him you would never be friends with a crybaby. He still kept following you around."
True, I was always the winner in every fight. My fights with Ace and Sabo always ended in ties but with Luffy it was too easy. Not to mention Mama had Zero and Luna train me. They were bad at holding back and, at the end of the day, I would come back home with all kinds of bruises. I smile fondly at the memories.
"Well, he did sort of get a boost up, but I doubt he can beat me." I lean against my chair stretching my arms in front of me.
"I bet I can kick your ass."
"Dream on, Goldilocks."
We glance at each other and burst into laughter. This is what I needed, a reminder that I'm not alone. Little Boss and Big Boss are just a call away if things get too hard for me.
"Sora, have you thought of the possibility of Fate unlocking Luffy's memories?" Sabo asked me in firm but gentle tone.
The spoon slipped from my hands and landed on the ground. I pick it up with shaky hands only to drop it again. I bite my bottom lip hard, you idiot! I berate myself, of course, Fate will be capable of doing that. Ace will gladly help her with it.
"I-I didn't think about it." I stutter.
I put the spoon on the bowl and place it on the side of the table losing my appetite. I have to get back to the Grand Line. I have to find Hikaru and get Fate to back off.
"Would it be bad for him to remember?" He questions, softly.
"Of course it would be bad!" I snap.
I clasp my hands together in front of me. Luffy's the only one that can get in my way. All he has to do is give me his sunshine generating grin.
Golden cat-like eyes blaze through my mind. I can't repeat the same mistake twice. I have to fight him if it comes to it. I will fight him with all I've got, for my sisters.
"You're right," He agrees. "Forget I said anything."
"You're just trying to help out."
He places enough money on the table to cover the tab. He stands up from his chair and offers me his arm. I smile at him and hook my arm around his.
"So, how are things with Koala?" I smile mischievously.
At once, Sabo stiffens up and pretends to be interested on the displayed birdhouses. The pink blush tinting his cheeks doesn't go unnoticed.
"Oh, you know." He says, nonchalantly.
I narrow my eyes at him. Someone's got it bad.
"Know what?" I repeat.
He starts to walk faster forgetting I'm still holding on to his arm.
I let out a giggle and look around to see the town bustling. Thanks to Captain Smoker, pirates don't stop here as much anymore. I heard rumors about his devil fruit powers being powerful. Plus, he's a bit of a rebellious soldier, never following orders.
I bet that still doesn't stop pirates from sailing the seas searching for adventure. Many of them hold onto the hope of becoming the Pirate King.
"Big Boss is coming to Loguetown in the hopes of sneaking a peek of Luffy." Sabo says conversationally, as if we were talking about the weather.
I stop at a flower shop looking at the beautiful sunflowers.
"The rubber idiot should be making his way here." I inform him as I pick out a white rose. I pay the lady the belli for it.
I turn to Sabo and tuck it into a pocket of his coat. It suits him well.
"All I want is for him to at least survive Reverse Mountain." Sabo says, concerned.
"He has an incredible amount of good luck." I remind him.
He nods in agreement.
"How are you feeling about meeting with Ace?"
The question caught me off guard and if it weren't for the fact I was still holding on to his arm. I would have tripped over my own feet.
Shit! I forgot all about seeing him. Ace is going to skin me alive. Demanding to know why I erased his memories. Oh man, he might even beat me to a pulp. On second thought, I don't need to hurry back to the Grand Line. I can transfer to East Blue. I can make a living here.
"By your reaction, I'm guessing you forgot." Sabo chuckles.
"I'm going to die." I whimper.
Ace has never been a softy, the only affection he ever shows is by punching or kicking you. I'm dead meat.
"Who knows, maybe he's changed and will just hit you once." He says in a hopeful tone.
I turn to Sabo with hope in my eyes.
"You think so?"
"Maybe...Hopefully...Okay, just start praying."
"What kind of comforting words are those?!" I growl.
I might not even be alive to see Hikaru get married. But, who knows, Ace might have changed with only Luffy around. He must have become a totally forgiving guy.
Oh, wow, I can't even lie to myself.
Hikaru POV
I flinch at the sight of the sunlight pouring in from the window next to me. I sat up instantly regretting it as sharp pain travels down my spine. I curl up into a ball on my side letting the pain pass.
Shadow did get me badly. Damn it, I should have run the minute I felt her presence. I need to heighten my defenses. She broke my light saber as if it were a stick. I feel my red hair brush against my chin. It must have come loose from its braid during the fight.
Once the pain passes, I slowly sit up, getting a look around the room. There are two doors, one in front of me, and the other one next to me. Between them, stands a bookshelf absolutely full, there are even piles of them on the top and in front of it.
On the opposite stands a table covered with tubes and open books lying on top of each other. I notice different kinds of herbs crushed down to spices. I'm either in a witch doctor's house or a witch king. By the size of this room it, I must be in a mansion of some sort.
I look out the window to see snow falling lightly. It's been a long time since I've been on a winter island. Not that I hate snow, it just makes me feel colder. It's almost as if it's stealing the last bit of warmth kindling in my body.
"I see you're awake." I hear someone speak.
I turn my head to see a young beautiful girl with the face of an old witch. It seems, I was right, a witch doctor did treat me.
"Where am I?" I ask her.
She doesn't answer, instead she pushes me down into the bed tucking me in, it feels as if she were tying me to the bed.
"Kid, unless I see that you're in perfect condition, it'd be best to follow my instructions" The old prune scolds me before taking a swig from her bottle. "Now, you wanted to know the secret to my youth?"
No, I never questioned you about it.
"What is the name of this island?" I ask her.
I don't bother attempting to move, guessing she's more than capable of tying me down.
"This island doesn't have a name. It was removed when the King ran away with his tail between his legs, before a pirate attacked our island. The coward ran away and never came back." She seats, herself, on my bed.
"Now, you answer me this question, how the hell did you get this beat up?"
"I got in a fight with another soldier." I answer, simply.
The island where I fought Shadow has more of a tropical island atmosphere. I never saw any snow fall during my fight.
"You should give your thanks to my subordinate." The hag muses, breaking my train of thought." He found you lying on the snow a breath away from death. When he brought you here, I thought you were already dead. No matter how hard I tried, I could not find your heartbeat. Yet, you were still breathing." Her old, perceptive eyes stare me down, demanding an answer.
A heartbeat, huh, it's been years since I felt my heart jump. Once a weapon loses every inch of humanity their heart stops beating. The Grand Master once told me it's the symbol of our difference from humans. Dr. Vegapunk has been testing us, searching for the answers to his questions.
One of them is, why do our hearts stop beating when the rest of our organs still work? Sora once told me, it might be because we can no longer show affection or any sort of emotion. We just feel our bloodlust and the urge to destroy everything.
I retain silence, refusing to answer her question. The truth will get her killed by the World Government. There is also the length of time I've been unconscious. I must make my way to Alabasta and meet Fate.
"Are you going to explain to me why you're still alive?" The old bat asks me.
I turn my silver grey eyes to her.
"I'm a demon." I answer.
The old dame stares at me with a look of disbelief before bursting into laughter.
"You're a strange one. You'll fit in just fine here." She stands, still chuckling.
I sit up watching her, trying to figure why her face is shriveled when the rest of her body doesn't have a single wrinkle. I quickly lay down, just in time, to dodge a butcher's knife.
"Hey, I warned you, don't get up. Your wounds might reopen with the slightest movement." She points another sharp knife at me.
I frown. This lady might not be an old witch, if she is already ready to kill me for sitting up. I close my eyes following her instruction. I hadn't realized how tired I was until I fall into a deep sleep.
I dreamt of my short time in the Kingdom of Rosalia. The days my sister smiled so carelessly, the smiles she gives me now are too painful to even see at times. I dreamt about our cottage in the middle of a flower field. Where we sang and danced the nights away.
I didn't sleep for long, as the reminder of Fate waiting for me in Alabasta rang through my head like a warning bell. I turn my head to the side amazed at the sight before me.
A small raccoon dog stands on a chair as he places his paws on my forehead. Could he be checking me for a fever?
"Your nose is blue." I mutter.
At the sound of my voice, he realizes I'm awake. He scrambles off the chair making it fall backwards. He quickly runs to the wall to hide himself. Except he's doing it wrong.
We stare at each other, neither of us making a sound. Could this be her familiar? Maybe I was wrong, this old witch might just really be an old witch. And witches eat kids! Wait, I'm a teenager and I'm too skinny to fill her tummy.
I slam my fist on my open palm, that might be the reason to her youthful body. But she needs to work on her face, it looks like a mask.
"Hey you!" The raccoon dog yells at me. "Why doesn't your heart beat?"
This again? This is getting annoying. I was about to sit up but remember the crone's warnings. Instead I turn my body to face him.
"Why do you want to know?" I ask.
His dark eyes stare me down and for some reason I smile at him.
"You're very cute." I tell him.
I expected him to growl at me or make some sort of commotion.
"Shut up! Hearing you say that doesn't make me happy at all! Calling me cute doesn't make me happy, jerk!" He giggles doing some sort of dance, his cheeks red.
You suck at hiding your emotions.
"As for your earlier question. I'm a demon." I sigh.
I pull the covers closer to me. All of a sudden I got a chill. These wounds must be taking up most of my energy.
"A demon?" The raccoon dog repeats, shocked.
"I don't have a heart beat because I have already died. But for some reason I'm still here." I mumble as the darkness envelopes me once more.
This time I don't dream, it's actually rare for me to dream. I like not dreaming, it means I don't have hope. The hope to be free from this hell. Chronos always fights harder than taking on more missions.
My sister hides her pain with a smile, telling me it will be alright. There is nothing I need to fear. I feel the cold touch of my guns against my fingertips. The first time I was put in the White room I hesitated in pulling the trigger. Then, the image of Chronos taking down her enemies with such ease made me pull it.
I kept telling myself I have to fight harder. I have to stain my hands even more. I need to kill more, follow every order the Grand Master has for me. After all, I am just a weapon, my only job is to pull the trigger.
The third time I wake up, it's nighttime. I shift to lean against my elbows. I do my best to stay quiet in the hopes the old prune wouldn't hear me. I feel something snuggle closer to me.
Next to me, curled up in a ball lay the raccoon dog. I wrap my arm around him and pull him closer pulling the covers up to his chin.
"Doctorine." He mumbles in his sleep.
I rest my head on the pillow staring at the door. Fate's words echo in my head.
"Blackbeard will be the cause of Chronos and Hotaru's death."
I make my hands into fists. I'll kill that bastard before he even gets the chance to kill them. Fate's vision won't come true, even if it costs me my life, I'll protect them.
Third POV
Fate stands her ground staring up at the strongest man in the world, Edward Newgate. She prayed no one could see her body shaking in fear. The very presence of this man made her soul tremble. For someone to bring a weapon to their knees by mere existence is extraordinary.
She cursed herself for being petite, she barely even reached Ace's height. Now she has to face the mighty Whitebeard.
She swallows her fears and speaks.
"I'm here to ask you for help." She flinches at how weak her voice sounds.
Whitebeard stares her down before taking a sip of sake from the biggest bowl Fate has ever seen.
She felt Ace brush his fingers against her very softly. His hand felt warm and whatever fear she had vanished. She stares at Whitebeard with determination.
"Please help me save Sora." She bows her head at him.
Fate never expected him to rumble with laughter.
"Why should I help such a weakling?" Whitebeard asks her.
She chews on her bottom lip. Her eyes were already tearing up.
"I-I can't save her on my own. That's why, please lend me your strength." Fate bites down on her lip trying to contain the tears.
Her hands form fists, she ignores the way they tremble.
"Why should I?"
The question caught her off guard. Didn't Yuka tell her, Whitebeard sees Sora as his granddaughter. Fate grows defiant. She never believed him to be this foolish enough to question aiding his own family.
"She's always taking in all kinds of pain. She never asks for help and the only time she did, Sora had to watch that person die right in front of her eyes. She's sacrificing herself all the time for everyone. Never complaining!" Fate looks up to him, challenging the pirate through teary eyes. "She sacrifices her freedom for you, Red-Haired Shanks and her sisters! The reason she got caught by the World Government is because they threatened to kill you!"
Fate wipes the tears with the back of her hand. Stop crying, tears won't fix anything.
"Even if you ask for my help, nothing will change. That girl knows very well what she is doing." Whitebeard states, calmly.
I know! Fate wanted to scream. I know she doesn't care about taking all the pain. She knows what they're capable of because they have been scarred plenty of times. They have decimated her on the inside.
"Then it's a good thing my brother is coming. " Ace spoke fondly as he stares at the poster of a pirate by the name Strawhat Luffy.
Fate gazes at the poster of a grinning boy.
"Monkey D. Luffy." Fate mutters under her breath.
"Pops, are you sure about staying put?" Marco asks his Captain.
Whitebeard looks down at his sake lost in thought. "If I move a single finger to free her. They won't hesitate to kill Hotaru."
Fate takes the poster from Ace's finger feeling an anger burning from the pit of her stomach.
"What's so special about some rookie pirate?" Fate whines.
If it weren't for the fact that the poster belonged to Ace, she might have ripped it to shreds. I don't care who he is. Sora-chan is my best friend. I got to her first and I'm her bestest friend in the whole entire world. So, take that you snotty brat!
~Somewhere in East Blue~
Luffy lets out a sneeze as a chill goes down his spine.
"Oi, Luffy put on a jacket, it's getting a bit chilly and we don't need you to get sick!" Nami yelled at him from the other side of the deck.
Luffy rubs a finger under his nose as he makes his way to the men's quarters.
~Back in the New World~
Fate returns the poster to Ace, making a vow. The minute she meets this rubber monkey, she will thoroughly investigate him.
A huge thank to everyone who has follow, review, and favorite this story THANK YOU!
and Thank you to my aibou ShadowWolf0101!
One more chapter and the Alabasta Arc starts! I'm so flipping excited ^^
Till next time!