Disclaimer: I don't own One Piece.

..

It was a very sad tale about a one person. Ren and Kidd were listening to the real Maria's story about what happened that started twelve years ago.

The horde of bandits that had docked yesterday at the coast of Moonlight Spark burned, raided and pillaged the town. They massacred some of the locals, kidnapped women, and killed innocent elders and children.

While Kidd mentally thought of his fair share of villainous acts but it's very far from those. He had just slaughter those who had guts to laugh and mock at his dreams of finding One Piece or maybe even more. But that doesn't make him any better also.

When the bandits run havoc at town, the seventeen years old Maria was there. She was alone in their house. She hid from one of the cabinets when some of the ruffians came. Three bulky vicious men invaded their home. She was so worried because her twelve year old brother Mario was playing somewhere outside with his bestfriend Carlos. But she chose to hide herself, she knew it would be a suicide once she stepped out in her hiding place. Mar must be at the mountains again wandering around there as he always did with Car. She hoped he wouldn't come to the town.

The bandits stole whatever they found at their home. She could hear obnoxious laughters outside. Several breaking of glass and furniture resounded. She was shivering, wishing that they wouldn't open her hiding spot. Maybe if only one bandit, she could handle it but winning a fight against three grown up savage adults was impossible.

To her slight relief, the said bandits looked about to leave. But a shouting familiar voice of a twelve year old boy was heard.

"ONEE-CHAN! ARE YOU OKAY?" There was a sound of a door being slammed. She could see through the small hole of the cabinet that her brother with Carlos had arrived startling the bandits.

"OH MY GOD! MAR" she thought panicking inwardly.

"Bandits!" Car's eyes widened.

"Where is my sister? You bastards!" He was very anxious. Where is his sister? Their house was in a horrible mess. The town was in chaos. What did these bandits did to his precious sister?

"Ohoho, such loud mouth brats!" One of the said bandits brusquely said.

"Kill them!" He ordered his other companions while the latter complied grinning viciously at the two innocent about to be killed little boys.

The two were shivering. The thugs approaching them were holding guns and daggers. Mario was frozen at where he was standing. Carlos immediately grabbed his friend's arm as he was about to drag him to run for their lives. It was dangerous to stay but Mar had stiffened. "MAR LET'S GO!"

"NO, onee-chan, where's onee-chan. What did they do to my sister?" Mar's voice cracked

"Brat, scared to death that you keep on calling your bitch onee-chan repeatedly?" The bandits were a few feet away hideously chortling. "Don't worry she might be in hell now but you will see her soon"

"MAR! Move!" Carlos' eyes widened in fear for his friend.

One of the bandits readied his dagger to stab the kid but a teenage girl suddenly emerged from the nearby cabinet at the corner.

"DON'T YOU DARE HURT MY BROTHER!" Maria instantly hugged her beloved little brother protectively. They were taken aback.

"Onee-chan!" the boy cried.

"Mar-kun, are you okay?" the girl was almost weeping.

"Maria-san" Car was a bit relieved that his friend wasn't stabbed but they were still in danger.

"Whoahh, no one said that the brat's onee-chan was this hot." It was said by one of the bandits.

"Yeah, I want her" another thug lecherously stated grinning missing most of his tooth. "Lucky!"

"Let's take her" the bandit forcefully gripped Maria's wrist causing her to yelp in pain but she had managed to hit him in the shin as he tumbled down not expecting the blow.

"Boys, let's go!" Maria grabbed her brother and Carlos attempting to escape but the thugs were fast. One of them clutched his arm around Maria's neck as the two others settled on the little boys.

"Where do you think you're going bitch huh?" He licked her exposed shoulder from behind.

"DON'T TOUCH MY SISTER!" Mar thrashed at the thug's hold but only to be smacked in response. He was down instantly. The thug positioned to stab him again. But instead of the boy, the girl received the blow.

It was in a blink of an eye. Maria jumped blocking the knife that was about to be jabbed at her brother. The boy was shocked, her sister's left eye was pierced. The girl yelped in pain holding her bloody eye.

"ONEE-CHAN/ MARIA-SAN!" They both shouted at the same time. They immediately went to her.

"Ah, Ah~ that's what you get from standing in the way bitch, your face was ruined now. What a turn off." The bastard spoke nonchalantly.

"Tch, let's go men, we're just wasting our time here." The bandits headed at the exit but they were confronted by the local elite guards of the island.

"MARI!" among those guards who came, a dark blue-haired man immediately saw the bloody Maria.

The elite guards around ten of them immediately apprehended the bandits.

"Kyle!" Carlos called his brother who instantly crouched down beside them. "Mari, what happened to her?" The twenty year old man was Maria's lover. His heart sank at the sight of her.

Mario was trying to heal his sister's left eye but to his utter dismay it wasn't working. He was already crying.

The one that have the powers of healing couldn't be affected by it. A person who had healing abilities can't heal themselves. Maria and Mar both have these powers so their bodies were defiant in it. That was one of the ironies of having these abilities.

"Onee-chan!" His sister extended her bloody hand at him.

"Mar, I'm okay. It's just an eye" she was caressing her brother's face. "A pair of an eye or two couldn't measure up to your safety, I'm glad you're alright." Her voice was gentle as if not feeling the pain in her stabbed left eye.

"It's my fault!" He held her hand in between his palms. If he just stayed out of the town, if he just listened to Car when he told him to run, this wouldn't be happening. His sister was hiding on the cabinet before his arrival. The bandits was about to leave their house if he hadn't came barging in. His sister would be safe. But because of his stubbornness, she lost her left eye.

All happened because of him.

Six years had passed. Maria and Kyle were married. The big brother of Carlos, Kyle had loved her despite her disability. They lived on the mountainous side of the island. The two were happy. She was two months pregnant. But during that time the current "The Healer" passed away. And she was chosen to be the next one.

It was like a tragic movie. The chosen one wasn't allowed to have partner in life more of bearing a child.

Mario was already eighteen. He had the same appearance like his sister. The lad was thin and his long sky blue locks could passed him as a girl. He had soft voice but no so feminine and not so masculine either.

For all those years he wanted to redeem himself. His sister already had her own family, if she became the next chosen one, her life would end. He wanted to do something in return for all the sacrifice she had done to him

So he took her position as The Healer. Though she had strongly refused but still he insisted. Maria was not much exposed to the island. No one could tell if he pretended to be her except for those who were close to them.

For more than five years he became the island's most divine being.

He had dreamed to sail out on the sea someday. But the boy sealed it along with his true identity as boy. Mario posed as Lady Maria, "The Healer".

People have their own fair share of tragic experiences. Ren's heart felt like it was squeezed. She never thought Mar-san had something like that in her or in HIS past rather.

Kidd felt something synonymous to respect to the cross-dresser dude after hearing his story. Well, after this maybe the thought of having him as their doctor wasn't that bad. He had spunk in him.

..

People were panicking. The town was in total chaos. The Cyclops were all around. Some establishments were wrecked. The local guards were deployed but they didn't stand a chance to fight against them.

Mar would protect Moonlight Spark. He would do all his best in order for his people not to get harmed. Though he wasn't really that fond of becoming their leader, still he loved this island regardless.

A child was crying at the middle of the turmoil calling for her parents.

One of the monsters was approaching the child. But an arrow coming from Carlos' crossbow hit its flesh stopping its assault.

Mar immediately dashed to hold the little girl. "Are you okay?" The child nodded in return. Then a middle aged woman appeared.

"Lily!" the child leaped at his hold as she went to her mother. The latter hugged her child protectively as she turned to him. "Thank you. Lady Maria-sama"

The people turned their head to their direction. "It's Lady Maria!" Many hopeful voices called out to him. Their salvation had come.

He strode toward the direction of the King of the Cyclops. "Please stop this already. I'll give all you want just please don't ruin my island anymore." He was standing in front of the monsters bravely.

Some of the monsters ceased their rampage. The locals as well. They were all eyeing the confrontation.

Its attention focused of the person called him out. "Thou again little human. We have told you already that we want to speak to the chosen one, not some petty phony as you."

A phony? Lady Maria-sama?

Killer was pissed off. The chief had told him he would show him the way to the cliff where Kidd and Ren had fallen. But instead the masked man found himself as an audience to the happenings in the town. After arriving at the said town, Carlos told him he would soon show him the way after this. Killer had no choice and he was very irritated by that. But he understood him, the situation looked worst. He could just go there on his own. The two might be waiting for help. He couldn't stand doing nothing when they were in trouble. He knew his captain was tough but Kidd was slashed by the poisonous talons. He just hoped he would be okay. But his internal musings were cut off when the Cyclop clawed its sharp nails to The Healer.

The monster called him a fake in front of the people followed by an abrupt attack. Mar had instantly stepped back to evade the strike but his clothes weren't spared. It was ripped showing his flat chest and a torso of a man.

The locals stared at her or a shocking him rather. The Lady Maria they had worshipped was a man and not a woman. The chosen one was always a female throughout the history but the person now they thought as their lordess was actually a male.

The creature had called him a phony a while ago.

Several murmurs were heard. The locals were confused. It flashed in their minds the thought that the Deities might be angered because The Healer was actually a fake.

He knew the sacrifice that his friend had done. Carlos hurried to Mar's side. He was worried. Now, the people knew his secret.

"The Healer was man?" a no-name local shouted.

Followed by a "He's a liar!"

"The Deities were in rage because he's a phony!"

"It's his entire fault my house was wrecked!"

Carlos was in fury. How could these people Mar desperately trying protect could say something like that. His friend had done everything to satisfy them. He couldn't take the accusations they were throwing at him. "YOU LOSERS, DON'T YOU SPOKE TO HIM LIKE THAT!"

He lightly tapped Carlos' shoulder as he shook his head. "Car, it's okay. Let them say what they want."

Before he could reply, a commanding voice of a certain captain was heard.

"Deities? Did I heard it right or did just someone called these stupid monsters a God or something?" The said monsters growled at the statement but didn't do a thing. Kidd strode forward to the scene.

"Kidd!" He glanced at his first mate signaling him to ask his questions later. Killer was very delighted he's okay.

All heads turned to the newcomers. There were three of them, Kidd, Ren and a familiar face. All eyes widened in shock.

"Onee-chan.." Mar couldn't believe what he was seeing. It was his sister Maria, the real chosen one. "Why are you here?"

She went to her brother's side. "Mar, I'm so sorry for everything." She gently caressed the bruised face of his. "I'm here to fix things."

The Cyclops seemed to recognize her. "I see that you are the real one." That was addressed at Maria.

"Yes, I'm The Healer and I presume you have something that you want from me." She stood bravely in front of the black creatures.

"Thy are right. We come here to spoke to you." It was spoken in an intimidating tone but she still stood firm.

"I'll grant what you wish, just please stop destroying this island."

"We agree but we have to go to somewhere else to speak our demand." Maria nodded in response.

There was a light shone. He immediately snapped. "Onee-chan!" Mar was afraid where these monsters would take his sister but the latter told him she's going to be okay and don't worry she will come back soon.

They faded along with the blinding light. Maria was nowhere to be seen as well as the Cyclops. But he believed in his sister, she would be back safe and sound.

The people were still confused. But they were definitely relieved that the creatures that attacked the island were gone.

Then she instantly crashed herself at him. "Mar-san" Ren hugged her friend tightly, nearly choking the shocked boy. She was weeping against him. "Your sister had told us everything and I'm really proud of you."

"Ren" there was tone of slight surprise at his voice. "I'm glad you're both okay." Mar glanced at the redhead. While the captain was pissed. So this would just end like this? He wanted to get even at those monsters which slashed him earlier but figures he wouldn't have some action this time.

Carlos was also surprise at the sudden turn of events but at least it looked like the town was safe. He ordered the people to scamper away as the guards would help the locals, tend those injured and fix the damages.

Two royal guards were approaching accompanying Elder Jiyo. The Healer's retainer. The old man was one of the few people who knew the secret but now it was exposed. The Councils of the Island wanted to see him.

"Mario-sama. The councils wished to see you at the sanctuary. They have heard what happened." Mar complied. He was prepared to any punishment he would receive for deceiving the island.

..

Carlos made the Kidd Pirates along with Ren to stay at the palace for the mean time. Maria had come back safe and sound. She told them that the Cyclops wouldn't attack the town anymore. She had granted their request. It was vague but the certain thing was it was some kinda related to power maintenance that had gone through generations between them and the chosen one. After her arrival she was also called by the council to clear things up.

The four of them was staying at the sleeping Wire's room.

"I never knew that he was a boy." The bemused Killer spoke catching the attention of the people in the room. They were waiting for the decision of the Councils.

"Yeah, Mar is a guy." Carlos answered. "He was the kindest and the coolest person I have encountered." He smiled. "He sacrificed his life for his sister. But you know what, he was clumsy and always got injured and because of it, I learn to become somewhat like a doctor because he couldn't heal himself. That was the irony of his ability." Carlos' brother was the husband of Maria. He was also somewhat guilty that his brother was one of the reasons that his best friend pretended to be The Healer. But regardless of that, Mar wanted his sister to be happy even the cost of it was his own in return.

"I totally understand you." Ren spoke. "I also think he is a great person. I hope everything will be okay."

"Yeah" Carlos turned to Kidd. "After this, take him with you Apple." The redhead glared at that nickname. "That guy had always wanted to sail out on the sea and I think he would be an advantage to your crew in addition."

"Tch, Bastard!" Kidd replied. "You don't need to tell me. I have already thought of that."

During their conversation the door opened. It was Mar and his sister. Accordingly, Maria took the position of becoming The Healer to his utter disagreement but she insisted it was the council's decision and she had always regretted when she placed all the responsibility to her brother while she lived her life freely.

"Mar, you're free now and I'm very grateful to have a brother like you. Thank you very much." She hugged her brother and the latter couldn't help but to sob. He missed his sister.

The council had also decided to punish him to be ban in the island for three years for posing as the chosen one. But maybe it's for the best. The boy would now be free to sail at ocean that he had always dreamed of.

Carlos was sad at the decision of the council. His friend didn't deserve to be punished. But he was also aware that it was for Mar's good, his bound was now broken.

After some minutes, the husband of Maria came along with a five year old girl. Elder Jiyo had strongly proposed to the Council to made amendments to the rule that she would be allowed to have her family that it won't affect her responsibility being The Healer. The council had debated for it but in the end they agreed given that the situation had come this far. Maybe granting her to have her own happiness couldn't be that much of a change in the structure.

They were happy that Maria would not be separated with her own family.

Kyle came and he deeply apologized and very thankful to his brother-in-law for all the sacrifices he had done for them.

And now Mar was free. He was told to come with the Kidd Pirates.

Kidd, Ren and Killer were watching the movie like scene in front of them. Ren felt warm inside, her friend was now liberated. The redhead was smirking, his crew had a new doctor. The massacre soldier was glad, his captain always got injuries but starting today he wouldn't be troubled by that anymore.

"Mario! Welcome to the Kidd Pirates."

..

Three days had passed. Things were going smooth. The town was almost restored after the incident. Kidd was idly strolling at the market. He was itching for some action. He didn't have some lately. He scoffed. He had this stupid dream about the freeloader woman in his ship. Well, he had only dreamed that they were kissing. HOLY CRAP! He's not some kind a teenage boy who had these stupid fantasies. Shit!

He was making an irritated look. He was standing in front of a small store. The frightened owner asked diffidently. "Um, sir do you.. want to buy something?" He turned his head to the voice. It was a clothing shop. "We have different kinds of garments in our store. Feel free to look around sir."

As he traveled his gaze, a sight of a red t-shirt with an imprint I Love History caught his attention. He remembered that the woman had somewhat said she was a History teacher. In his foolish dream also she was wearing a t-shirt that looked like that.

Is he becoming like an old seer or whatsoever crap?!

Arrrgh! Eustass "Captain" Kidd, the most feared rookie was troubled by a nonsense dream? The heck was that!

But he bought the t-shirt anyway.

Little did he know, Ren was also having the same troubling thoughts.

She was with Mar. Ren was helping him to pack his belongings. The log pose was already set, the Kidd Pirates would sail to the next island this day.

She had a dream last night that Eustass-san kissed her. What a disgrace! Dreaming of something lecherous in a time like this.

"Ne, Ren." Mar's voice sounds manly but still it could be passed as a woman's. "Are you okay? You're flushed."

She snapped at her insane thoughts when he called her. "Oh, I'm okay" she was embarrassed. "Don't mind me. So how are you feeling leaving this island?"

He smiled. "I'll miss the people, Car and Onee-chan but at the same time I'm excited to see the outside world."

She smiled at him. She was also the same. She wanted to explore what the world could offer. The adventures, the discoveries and challenges it has. "I'm happy for you but you see, Eustass-san maybe hot-tempered all the time but I assure you the Kidd Pirates aren't that bad. You'll surely enjoy being with them."

..

After five hours they were ready to sail. Mar's family and friends were at the coast. They were sending them goodbye. Maria hugged his brother tightly.

"I'll miss you onee-chan." He told his sister as he held her back.

"Mar I'll miss you too, I hope you will be okay." Then after parting she turned to the black haired girl beside them.

"Ren-san right?" The girl nodded in affirmation. "Take care of my brother and have a safe trip." Maria took her hands in her palms as Ren smiled in response as if telling her not to worry about her brother and he will be alright.

Carlos said goodbye to his best friend, "Mar, we will be waiting for your return." He also told the red head captain not to be pissy all the time as Kidd glared at him in return.

They waved at the pirates shouting parting words.

In a matter of minutes the island of Moonlight Spark was already out of sight.

The almost forgotten other members of the Kidd Pirates were checking their new crewmate. Kidd was leaning at the railings watching his bemused crew flocking at the cross dresser. His both arms were sprawled on each side. He looked cool.

The weather was fair. No sign of storm coming.

Rod took Mar's hand as he brought it to his lips. "I heard you would be our new doctor. I never thought you'd be this beautiful."

"Tch! Another woman!" Jet scoffed bitterly.

"Hey, don't be rude to this lady." Rod reprimanded him and asked the confused Mar. "What might be the name of a gorgeous beauty like you." He was flirting with the newbie. Kidd found it funny.

Someone cleared her throat catching their attention. "He's a boy Rod and his name is actually Mario." Ren deadpanned. Rod, Jet and Heat were shocked except Wire who knew it all along. He was grateful he had healed him few days ago.

"EHHH?!"

"A BOY?"

"REALLY?"

He elbowed him in the side as he asked. "Hey, are you really a man? You look like a girl." Jet was harassing him.

"Yeah" the usual mischievous Mar was still new to this. "You can call me Mar, I prefer it instead of Mario."

Kidd was still looking at the scene or particularly to the giggling black haired girl. She was laughing at the crew.

Then out of a sudden she turned her head at his direction. She smiled at him as she began to walk towards him. Her long raven hair was swaying at the sea breeze. It was a refreshing sight to see. He mentally recalled the red shirt he bought for her this morning. She seemed to like wearing simple clothes like a t-shirt with a plain knee-length skirt. But he couldn't bring himself to give it to her. It would be out of his character though he was aware he had become already when she was around.

Then Killer spoke at the moment cutting his thoughts. "It's been bugging me a while." The masked man beside him positioned his thumb and index finger at the tip of his helmet as he asked curiously. "How did you two escape from the cliff before?"

The said two glanced at him. Kidd also wondered why but before he could say a word, Ren immediately blurted defensively a "Let's not talk about it anymore!" They stared at her a bit surprised as they raised an eyebrow at her sudden outburst. Is she hiding something?

"More importantly," she locked her eyes at Eustass. "How did you know that Mar is actually a male?" She diverted the topic but Killer was also curious. He never thought their new doctor was man when he had first saw him but his captain was aware of Mario being a man at their meeting three days ago.

Eustass Kidd knew he was a guy at first sight. When Mario had entered the room before, his eyes were locked on the freeloader woman. The cross dresser was eyeing her as if checking her out like a man would do when he had seen a beautiful girl. He mentally choked at the word beautiful. But yeah, that's why he was certain that he was a male.

Killer and Ren were staring at him intently waiting for his answer. But he couldn't just say the reason out loud. Damn, for all he know it was very lame.

"Instinct" that's what he chose to answer.

"That's all?" Her head was tilted at the side as she asked him. Even Killer wasn't convinced by that but he just let it slide anyway. Kidd couldn't be predicted sometimes.

But before Kidd could say anything again, Jet called out to him. "Captain!" The other Kidd pirates approached their side.

"Where would he stay? I think there is no spare room for him anymore." They were eying the newbie.

"He could share from one of us." Rod spoke.

"Yeah, he could stay in my room. The bed in there is good for two." All head turned to her. They were shocked. Ren in return just stared at them ignorantly.

"What?"

Kidd's non-existent eyebrow knitted. Is she that naïve? Even he was a cross dresser Mario was still a man. He had been checking her out before also. Idiot woman!

"I mean, Mar could stay in my room. You see, I'm not even part of the crew. Chief Carlos had told me that there's two to three island ahead before we reached another island that has transport heading outside the Grandline." Her voice suddenly dropped. She was happy when Carlos had told her about that place but at the same she was sad, she had grown to like them. Ren was definitely going to miss them when she went home. "I guess.." she paused as she locked her crimson eyes at Eustass.

"I'll be leaving soon."

-To be continued