A/N: Thanks for the support everyone! *blows kisses*

OK…this chapter…this chapter is going to have some…slight innuendo in it. You have been warned.

It has not been confirmed in the manga if Law can in fact use Kenbunshoku Haki, but for the sake of the story, he has the ability.

Chapter 21: Usopp's Tall Tales and a Spirit's Promise

**Countdown: Two Months, 16 days left**

Sanji dutifully rose before the sun to prepare a delicious breakfast for the ladies, along with the men (because they would be hungry too, the shitty bastards) and he made sure to prepare large portions for both Luffy and Sokka (especially Luffy) and made a mental note to buy some more portions of meat and a variety of other vegetables that they would need. Cooking breakfast for the likes of Zoro, Law and Aang was fairly easy, as Zoro pretty much ate whatever was prepared to go with his sake (but he always had some sort of critique about Sanji's food) Law was happy with the simple things like fish and rice balls, and Aang was content with whatever vegetables that Sanji made for him. Aang was one of the few vegetarians that Sanji actually liked, simply because he stated 'I don't eat meat; I believe all life is sacred,' and had left it at that. He didn't chastise any of his friends for their love of meat, although Luffy questioned Aang about this and had been quite sure Aang was sick or at least had something wrong with him. Who didn't love meat?

Aang would just laugh at Luffy's questions and he attempted to explain the traditions surrounding his culture, but it only left Luffy saying, "Well, what's the point of animals if they're not meant to be eaten?"

"That means they're pets, then." Aang motioned to Momo.

Luffy seemed to consider this bit of information, and nodded. "Well, I can understand not eating Momo. He's a friend, so you can't eat him. That's why I didn't eat the animals back on the island I trained on…" He seemed almost disappointed with himself for missing out.

Aang sensed that there was some sort of story here, and decided to ask Luffy about it later.

At the breakfast table, the Water Tribe siblings were overjoyed at the umeboshi that Sanji had prepared, while Aang made a face at it that showed how much he detested the stuff.

"It tastes just like dried sea prunes!" Katara was elated. Quite obviously, she was reminded of home, and took another dried ume and popped it into her mouth, enjoying every bite. Sokka had taken small handfuls and was eating them, obviously enjoying them just as much as his sister, if not more so.

"I'm so glad you like them, Katara-chan" Sanji said with a loving smile. "At least somebody here enjoys the hard work and fine art that goes into properly preparing umeboshi." He then glanced at Law, and frowned in disapproval. "Unlike some people,"

Law returned the glare, along with an obscene gesture.

"Oi, don't insult the cook," Sanji scolded. "I am the one who prepares your food, after all."

Sanji of course, would die before he ever ruined any food in any way; it was an insult to a chef to waste food.

Aang patted Law's shoulder in a comforting manner. "It's okay, Law," he added with a knowing look. "I don't like that umeboshi stuff either."

"Aw, you two are bonding! How sweet!" Katara smiled at the two with a mock affectionate look.

Law was obviously uncomfortable with their comments and looked annoyed, and he was about to say something when Toph who was sitting on his other side punched him in the arm. He placed a hand where she had hit him. She was surprisingly strong for a girl her age and size.

"What was that for?" he questioned.

"It's how I show affection," Toph shrugged with a smile. "You're like one of us now, Doc Morbid. Get used to it."

"Yeah, you kind of just get sucked in," Zuko said, a knowing look on his face.

"This, you should know, is the best kind of sucking of all." Sokka smiled, and gave a thumbs-up to Law.

Law sighed at how he was being treated by these five fellow passengers, especially by the fact that they were kids. Not many in his crew were willing to treat Law in this friendly and casual manner, with the exceptions of Bepo, Penguin, and Shachi, as they had been with Law from the beginning, and they knew what they could get away with. At least the five of them weren't like Luffy, who tended to cling to Law at certain times, say certain things, annoyed him by pelting him with questions about playing games…the list could go on and on. And in all honesty, they weren't too bad to have around for company.

The Pirates and their allies finished breakfast, and set about getting ready for the day, and hoped that they would make it to an island as quickly as possible.

Aang and Katara worked together to help speed up the Sunny's course for a few hours, in order to save time and cola. They both thought that it was a rather strange thing to help fuel a ship, but of course the shipwright was a rather eccentric guy himself, so it wasn't really a thing that one could question in the first place. The pair worked together with Aang airbending the sails for about an hour or two, then Katara would step up and waterbend for a few hours, before they switched off again.

They went on like this for a few more hours before Nami told them to stop and take a break. The two sat close to each other and talked in whispers, with Aang looking rather silly in his attempts to be charming, but Katara genuinely seemed flattered and she blushed and giggled at whatever Aang was saying.

Zoro yawned, after waking up from one of his routine morning naps, and stared suspiciously out at the ocean. He was sure he could feel the Siren's presence, but it seemed to fade out more than he could actually sense anything. Perhaps it was nothing. Not fully trusting Luffy's sense when it came to a situation like this, and he definitely did not want to go to that Ero-cook, so that left Law.

Law was currently staring out at the ocean; in same direction that Zoro thought he could sense something.

"You sense it too?" Zoro questioned.

Law nodded. "She's following us…"

Law was about to add another thought, when a woman's hand unexpectedly reached out of the water and slapped the hull of the Sunny, with a resounding *whump!*

Both swordsmen drew their swords ready for the attack.

"The Siren's back!" Zoro alerted the crew.

"No way…" Katara mumbled as she shook her head and brought a hand to her head. Another headache was coming.

The same pillar of water rose from the ocean, and the Siren climbed out, and eyed Zoro and Law with a strange sort of fiery determination in her eyes. She then turned her attention specifically to Luffy, and ran at him whilst yelling, "You!"

"Hmm? Me?" Luffy questioned, as if he was trying to figure out what the Siren was saying.

She stopped, her face barely an inch from Luffy's, with that same fiery look in her eyes. Her voice contained no lilt as she spoke, "You hit me. You hit me."

"And you deserved it too, Kappa." Luffy insisted. "You were trying to attack my nakama."

Since she had not made real moves to attack anyone, everyone just kept their distance, but ready to counter-attack if need be.

"My name is Kapri," the Siren corrected, and she straightened her position so that she stood with an air of regality and poise, continued. "No one, I say, I say, no one, has ever struck me, not even have they dared to. Do you treat all women with such brutality?"

"Umm…" Luffy considered her words. "Only when they hurt my friends,"

"Oh…" a strange blush started to show itself on Kapri's grayish-peach skin. Her eyes became half-lidded, and she leaned in close to Luffy, a seductive smile was on her face. "I like it when men play rough. Not ever, no, not ever, has a man, much less a Human man, been so rough with me on his own accord. And, you can call me Kappa, or whatever you like. I don't mind, no, no, don't mind at all."

She ran a long finger along Luffy's chin, her smile showed just how pleased she was. Her attention then turned to Zoro, but she did not approach him. She only shortened the distance between them by taking a few steps, and she pointed at the swordsman, and a smile graced her lips, "So tell me, do tell, do you not hold back against women either? You cut my cheek with that strange power, and I tell, tell the truth when I say I found it quite elating."

The others who were listening to her talk glanced at each other in growing awkwardness and discomfort.

"Huh?" Zoro started. He flinched in surprise when Kapri collapsed into a ball of water and shot towards him appeared right in front of him. She leaned herself up against him, and whispered, "I have heard that you are master of three swords, but tell, tell me…are you a master of your fourth sword as well?"

Her hand trailed down towards his crotch, and Zoro suddenly went wide-eyed.

"What are you talking about?! What are you doing?!" Zoro jerked away from her, feeling quite embarrassed and unsure of how to respond to her. She giggled and blushed at his reaction, obviously quite pleased with herself.

Her attention now went to Law, and she looked at him and batted her eyes. "Why don't you love me?" she asked in a whisper, although her question sounded curious, wasn't an accusation.

"Why would I love you?" Law questioned, his eyes narrowed.

"Oh!" Kapri spun rather dramatically and collapsed to her knees. "He rejected me!"

Instead of anger, Kapri continued to blush, her cheeks looking all the more red, and she stood once again, and questioned the Dark Doctor, "So, am I not your type?" She rapidly closed the distance between them, and even though she whispered, all that were present could hear her. "What, I ask, what is your type then? Because I would be more than willing to change myself for you if it meant your future happiness, much, much happiness; for all that matters is your joy, and it would bring me much delight to see you satisfied. I could fulfill whatever role that you lay out for me."

Law looked uncomfortable, and he glanced around as if looking for a way out. It only made things worse when Kapri continued, "I've also been told, although I do not, do not know if it is true, that when a man carries a sword, the size of it and his swordsmanship represents the size of his physical self and skill with a woman. I would love to find out if that rumor is true or not."

Law had no time to react, as now Kapri drifted towards Sanji, who looked at her dumbly. Before she could utter a word, Sanji suddenly turned to stone again; a foolish grin was on his face. "Can you hear me through that spell?" Kapri questioned, and she ran a finger along his cheek.

"What are you doing?!" Nami shouted, finally finding her voice. But she was ignored, and the Spirit only seemed to scoff at Nami, and she continued, "Have you hardened your heart to me, sir? Where have you acquired such a skill? I must admit, this is not, no not, the hardening I desire to see from you."

Sanji cracked, and spun around like a fool. "You are so cute!"

"Oh, you have great taste, yes, yes you do!" Kapri waved her hand, saying, "I am more beautiful than my sisters, and you are quite knowledgeable, and handsome, and you are a perfect fit for me!"

Her next comment then surprised those present. "How would you like to come with me? Come together with me, and be by my side in my palace? You would not be a servant, nay, nay, an equal to me. For rare is a man who so willingly loves, loves me, and comes to me of his own accord."

"YE –" Sanji was cut off as Nami hit him on the head.

"You aren't going anywhere with her!" she shouted angrily.

Shadows did not appear on Kapri's face this time, but she did look just as angry as last time. "Woman," the very word sounded as if it left a bitter taste in Kapri's mouth. "If he desires to leave this place and live with me, that is his own choice, and you do not have a say in the matter."

"I don't?!" Nami started, she looked ready to pummel Kapri, while the Spirit looked as if she couldn't care less about what Nami said or did. It was then Usopp stepped up, his legs were shaking, and he was feeling quite fearful, but a strange mix of logic, reasoning and concern had slightly overcome his fear. He recalled that this Spirit had been ready and willing to rip Toph's throat out for a few petty insults. What would she do to someone who was willing to stand up to her?

"E-excuse me…" a squeaky voice escaped out of Usopp's throat. Kapri turned to him, and a smile lit up on her face. "How do you resist me?"

"I-uh-I-what?" Usopp fumbled through his words.

"You wore charms and seals, and threw salt blessed by Priests, and no man, no man, has ever resisted me on such a great level before. Did you have some sort of secret training to resist the wonderful, wonderful wiles of a Siren's song?"

"…Yes!" Usopp blurted out without thinking. He put on an air of false bravado. "I trained high in the mountains to resist any woman's charms!"

"Really?" Chopper asked, his eyes wider than they usually were.

"Why, yes my dear Chopper!" Usopp continued. He then took a dramatic stance, and speaking in a voice as if he were in front of a large crowd, Usopp began to tell his tale. He started saying the most ridiculous of things, such as him being raised in a faraway village where he was blessed with the art of storytelling and then went on to learn the art of successfully sniping and wiping out hundreds of thousands of enemies, all the while collecting and gathering an army of over 9,000 men.

"Really?!" Chopper looked at Usopp with admiration and astonishment.

"Oh, my…" Kapri stared at Usopp in wonderment.

Usopp then continued his dramatic tale about Trafalgar Law, the man who could remove a person's still beating heart, and could keep them alive for however long he wished. Law made a face at Usopp as the tale got both darker and stranger, and left Kapri staring at him with impossibly wider eyes. Chopper spoke up from the background, "I didn't know that happened, you're amazing Law!"

Chopper was next, and his tale consisted of that about a Human whose experiment went wrong and he was trapped in a reindeer's body. This of course led Chopper to think about himself, and wonder how he didn't remember any of the things happening that Usopp had mentioned.

Zoro was a Demon who crawled his way out of Hell and was now on a quest to defeat the greatest swordsman in the World. After he did so, he would be free of his curse.

While Sanji may be a humble chef, he is a man of great and terrifying talent. Sanji spent two years training in Hell in order to become the best chef and to acquire the skills of finding the rumored Kingdom of All Blue.

Franky was once a normal man, but he had to resort to using machines to save his own life when a monster of iron that traveled across the oceans attempted to strike him down, for it lived in fear of him and him alone, for he knew its only weakness. After many years of training, Franky defeated the iron monster.

Brook was a musician who played a song for Death herself in order to regain his soul. She loved his music and agreed to return him to his body (but alas it had already rotted away and left nothing but dried bones and his afro). He had a condition in his contract that he must write music and performed it for crowds and suck away their life's energy for all eternity, or else he would play for one but Death herself, thus he became known as Soul King Brook.

Luffy is the legendary son of a Dragon, and is fighting his way through numerous challenges and enemies in order to find the greatest treasure in the World and find his freedom, as well as earn a name for himself that will be heard throughout the World. Throughout his travels, he has been amassing a crew and allies who will aid him in his quest.

Nami is a Witch who was blessed with the power of predicting and controlling the weather. She traveled all the way to the sky in order to acquire her powers, and learned all that she could. Her rage, greed, and her trickery have become well-known throughout the land. As Usopp continued to exaggerate, a few of his comments ended up earning him a few whacks from Nami).

Robin was the secret daughter of a Devil, and she was born with the technique of reading a forbidden language, causing many to fear and despise her. When she was but a child, she sunk many battle ships which proved her threat to the World to be all-too-true. The Son of the Dragon saw her value and gave her a home. (Robin continued to have a charmed smile throughout the entirety of Usopp's tale about her).

Kin'emon was a samurai who found a Fox Demon and was the first to ever defeat it. As a prize, the Fox Demon gave Kin'emon the power to cut fire. Many have tried and failed to defeat the Fox Demon following Kin'emon, and it is said that the Fox and Kin'emon have become longtime friends.

One day, Kin'emon fell in love with a beautiful and mysterious woman and they had a son named Momonosuke. "You see, Kapri-san, Momonosuke here is actually a Dragon that can take on Human form!"

"Really?" questioned Kapri, and she glanced over at Momonosuke curiously. "May, oh, may I observe this transformation with my own eyes?"

"Why, yes!" insisted Usopp, and thinking fast he said, "but he requires the kiss of a beautiful woman in order to transform!"

"Oh, alright!" Kapri stood from where she sat, walked over to Momonosuke, and placed a Siren's kiss upon his forehead. Immediately, Momonosuke transformed into his dragon form, with heavy blush evident on his pink scaled cheeks.

"Oh, it is true!" Kapri marveled. "You are such a handsome Dragon of the East!"

She cooed and petted Momonosuke's head.

"Allow me to ask you something, Storyteller, may I?" Kapri turned her full attention back to Usopp.

"Y-yes?"

"Do you happen to be related to the Tribe of Tengu? Your features are nearly uncanny in their similarities."

Usopp made a choking wheezing sound, but quickly regained himself or at least hoped he did without causing Kapri to question anything. "W-why…YES!"

Usopp took up a confident stance once again, saying, "That's the only reason they accepted me in training at the village! My uh…great-great-great-great-great grandfather was of the Tengu…but he couldn't stay in the Human World for long! Because um…he had other duties in the Spirit World! Yes!"

Usopp hoped that Kapri would not notice the poor execution of that sentence, and he wondered just what she was thinking as she looked up at him. Her gaze went on to the rest of the crew, and she then suddenly broke out into a joyous song, her lilting voice was back, but it did not seem to be directed at anyone in particular, plus her strange speech pattern was gone.

"The Spirits of Fate guided the Kelpie Spirit Cyprus when he chose you as the Avatar's guides! You are no mere swashbuckling Pirates! There is no other explanation! I promise you, Storyteller, Son of Dragon and followers, Heart Stealer, and Fox Fire Samurai; that the tales of your great adventures will go down in the Tales of the Spirits, and they will live long after you have left this World and have gone on to the next! The children of children will sing of you, you will never be forgotten!"

Everyone stared at her, with Aang and his friends staring in shock at Usopp. He had just convinced a Spirit that their group was more than mere Pirates and a Samurai and his son. "Wow, he's good." Toph whispered from where she stood.

"Now, may I be the first to have the honor of assisting you in anything?"

"Oh!" Nami started, and she asked, "What about the other Spirits? Are there more coming?"

Nami would have continued asking her questions, except it was obvious that Kapri glanced at her and gave her a very poisonous glare. Obviously, if the men required any help, she would go above and beyond, but good luck to the women of the sea-faring vessel. Kapri quickly drew her attention away from Nami and was now focusing on Sanji who was offering Kapri some sort of cold drink and sweet treats.

Law couldn't help but roll his eyes at the Spirit, and he sighed. This Spirit had better be worth the irritating headaches she had been putting the crew through. "Excuse me, Siren-ya," Law started, and the Siren looked up at him with her unnaturally blue eyes.

"Could you tell us about the Spirits that we're going up against? If you're here, does that mean other Spirits are coming as well?"

"Oh, Heart Stealer!" Kapri smiled an unnatural smile, very politely wiped her mouth much like a well-cultured lady, and said, "The Kelpie Spirit that the Green Demon cut some time back was and still is quite angry. He has severed any and all ties between himself and the troublemaker that is Pukje. Pukje I have heard, (for I hear it all, and the gossip is quite entertaining) I have heard that he has friends who owe him favors, and he intends for them to pay him back in full. So surely you will be meeting his friends quite soon. The former-two-tailed Spirit Neko-Mi has also requested assistance from friends of hers as well (I am one of them, but do not mistake me for a friend; we merely benefit one another)."

The Pirates and their allies were becoming very thankful that a such a chatty, gossip-loving Spirit was now more than happy to share whatever she could (especially if the men asked it of her).

"The game has unspoken rules, you see (as all Spirits' games do) is that if a Spirit is betting you are not going to reach your destination, he or she has every right to carry out any and all actions that ensures them winning their side of the bet. Your goal is simply to reach an island within a certain amount of time, but that doesn't mean you are going to make it. But! You should know that I now wish for you to reach Ha Chi Island! And know that I may have overheard a few other Spirits whispering about how much they very much despise Pukje and Neko-Mi, along with some of their allies! So you could be receiving assistance from Spirits as well, as they also wish to ensure to win their bets."

"Wow," Sokka started. He had to admit he found it rather strange and hard to believe that a bunch of Spirits were sitting around taking bets on whether or not they could even complete this game. He had initially thought that all the Spirits had expected them to do was get from point A to point B, while they watched.

The men ended up being the ones to ask Kapri all of the questions, and having to repeat the questions the women asked, simply because Kapri absolutely refused to answer, much less acknowledge the women. They were able to get confirmations about their earlier suspicions about the Spirits being weaker in their World, and about how the Spirits were traveling as well.

"The reason Ha Chi is so important is because it houses enough Spiritual energy to transport a physical being from one realm to the other, and can carry more than just one person across." Kapri explained. "Think of it as being similar to stepping through a doorway! The Spirit World is the doorway, so it is easier for us to travel. If you were to use one of the other islands that are here, you would risk being torn to shreds and spread throughout the Spirit World. I certainly couldn't have that…"

She eyed Aang, Zuko, and Sokka specifically. They chuckled nervously and glanced at each other under her gaze.

"Oh, hey! Siren-baba," Luffy started, almost bouncing in his seat. "I'm wondering…do Spirits poop?"

"What kind of question is that?!" Katara balked at Luffy, wondering if he was being serious. (Oh, by the Spirits, he is).

Zuko made a face of slight disgust, while Sokka looked as if he was seriously wondering why he had never asked the question himself. Aang just stared wide-eyed at Luffy, and Toph laughed.

"Well, in truth I do not," Kapri replied without hesitation and before Sanji had a chance to object. "A beautiful lady such as I has no need for such disgusting things."

"Ohh…" Luffy looked as if he had all the answers he could have ever needed from the Spirit. "I see."

"I'm afraid I must be going now, I've overstayed although I've quite enjoyed it, to be sure." Kapri stood and walked over to the railing, sat on it and paused in a rather seductive manner. "Are you sure none of you men desire to come with me? My palace would welcome you, and my sisters would be ever so jealous! No man has ever had the opportunity that I'm offering! Eternal youth would be yours, and time would be paused while you are in my palace."

"No thanks!" Zuko said quickly while he grabbed Sanji's coat sleeve. He could tell that the chef was seriously considering the offer.

"Ah, such a pity…" Kapri shook her head, but she didn't seem to be insulted, but rather flattered and aroused by the rejection. A hint of blush was on her cheeks. "That only means I must work harder to gain your favor; after all, if a man requires hard work to gain his love and affection, then he is truly worth it."

The crew began to think Kapri was even stranger in how and what she was attracted to in the men. The Spirit obviously had very strange ideas in how to flirt with men and what it meant to be loved in return. She was about to dive into the water, when Sokka called out, "Wait!"

"Yes? Did you change your mind?"

"Uh…no. Would you mind keeping everything that we've talked about a secret?"

"You mean… not tell the other Spirits about all that you have asked of me?"

"Yeah, would you mind?"

"Oh! Our first forbidden secret!" Kapri looked very happy, and she narrowed her eyes in a seductive manner towards him. "A little secret or two between us is something I don't mind keeping. I will tell no one of our little affairs; that I promise you as well. Goodbye then."

And with that, Kapri left by summoning a pillar of water, she stepped into it but not before giving one last sultry wave to the men, and with that her presence disappeared completely.

"Well…that was interesting." Toph said. She smirked, "So guys, is there really a link between swordplay and sexual performance?"

Zoro strolled over and patted her head. "You'll find out when you're older."

More A/N: So Kapri is now on the side of the Pirates and the Avatar! I wanted there to be some awkwardness on Kapri's part because well, she has no idea how to actually talk to Human men or flirt, really. That's what happens when guys are automatically attracted to you.

Next time: Neko-Mi wonders what is taking Kapri so long to finish off the Pirates and the Avatar, because it should have been the easiest job in the World for someone like her, and Kapri is nowhere to be found leaving Neko-Mi to go on the hunt for her.