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Chapter 24

~Alli's POV~

Swallowing thickly and again wishing Megan could be here, not passed out in the kitchen. Not for the fact that she can explain this so much better than I could, but for the comfort she gave just standing by me. Averting my eyes to the floor fighting the sudden lump in my throat, hatred burned just under my skin and thinking of how to work around it, feeling a gentle hand on my shoulder offering comfort.

"The government has hurt many. Please share with us the pain it has caused you." Robin prompted softly. Nodding remembering that this wasn't just about me, my hatred for the government was for all the people that had been hurt.

"Witches as a whole are an old community much older than your world government, and were around even before the black years. No one knows how old witches really are some would even say that normal people are originally descendants of witches that lost their magic but that's viewed mostly as an old wives tale. Witches have always lived on a distinctly different path shall we say, always shared the same world but never mixing with normal people." Taking a breath then looking at Robin for reassurance to continue. I shouldn't have been surprised to find it.

"So when the world government was made they didn't understand witches and feared that witches could over throw the rule of the government. The government attacked the witches but most witches aren't warriors, as a general rule witches are peacefully people, some even absolutely refused to fight. To witches the attack from the government was completely random most witches had even thought that they were at peace with the non-magical people, so with no way to defend themselves witches pulled away, hidden away from the world." Another pause only this time I fought the anger at the thought that such a strong and prominent people where pushed back by idiots that where too stupid to understand.

"Granted it took a long time the witch community was strong and proud. Stronger witches refused to be pushed back into the shadows by weaker people but it wasn't enough. People of the government came in drove, hundreds to attack a single witch. We were simply out number with no hope of salvation." Stopping for a moment to let it soak in

"I'm sorry, even as archeologist I'm still surprised at how much damage can be done from just the incompetence of one man." Robin said squeezing my shoulder.

"If it happened so long ago why are you still so scared of letting others know you're a witch?" Nami asked as gently as she could my lips quirked in a cold smile.

"It seems long to you, but we didn't know that witches have fallen so far out of the common view we thought the hate was still there, rabid and very much alive. Children are told to never let anyone know, that the government will come to kill them if any knew. Children are taught to fear the government for their own safety that the world is cruel, the only place safe is in the shadows. You probably don't know this but there was a law made that if any worker of the government ever found a witch they were to kill them. It didn't matter if they were young, old, woman, or man. Witches were to be killed on sight, no questions asked." The heat of my anger seeped into my words but not at Nami. I knew that my eyes weren't focused on my surroundings but on an enemy I couldn't quite see.

"That's so cruel. Who could order the death of children?" Nami gasped it made me feel a little bit better to know that she understood my anger wasn't at her or any of them. That she stood by my side in the matter.

"I hate it; proud noble people are made to hide in shadows like rats. Children taught to almost fear what they should be so proud of. That they are part of a deep and rich history but instead, having to be ashamed and hide who they are from a cruel unforgiving world. I want to bring witches back into the light give them the place they deserve in the world. Let people be proud to say I'm a witch once more, I want to make the world a place that witches can live in peace and not have to hide away. I want to rip apart the government and bring them to their knees and leave nothing of the broken and flawed system, that won't even protect the people it was built for. I hate the government so much for breaking the spirit of what was a noble strong and proud community." I had shifted out of Robin's grip.

I felt the lick of a fire that rests on my shoulders having been subconsciously unleashed in my anger. My breath was ragged as I let the anger melt away, after it had finally being released, with a deep breath I shifted my shoulders putting out the fire. Feeling another hand on my shoulder I looked over to see Nami's determined face.

"Then that's what we will help you do, we'll help you reach your dream." Nami stated and five eyes met mine in a silent agreement my eyes drifted to the kitchen door. My eyes drifted to the kitchen door you really should be awake to see this because, this is what hope and true friendship looks like I thought.

Megan's pov

Jolting awake, sitting bolt upright temporarily confused about where I was. Oh god this only happened when I had a fit but why did I have a fit? Memories flooded my mind, oh wow, Alli really did it this time. I was going to kill her. Rubbing my hand over my face discovering that I had drooled well isn't that attractive.

"So you're awake good. I wasn't sure how long you would sleep," the all too familiar voice came from behind me, but there was a cold edge I wasn't use to. Glancing over my shoulder before fully turning, Sanji leaned on the counter cleaning his knifes he held an air of indifference like he didn't give a damn if I was here or not, but there was an edge to stance and a jerk in the way his hands moved over the knifes that showed his discomfort, his hurt.

Damn did he look sexy at it, I mentally slapped myself this was not the time to think like that for a moment I met Sanji's eyes, his sapphire blue eyes held so much pain. I broke the gaze first I should have expected it even without counting the fact that I'm a witch how can you love someone that's different and has lied to you. I should have known that he would hate me when he found out.

"I'm sorry," it was all I could think of, I didn't' deserve to have his forgiveness and he had every right to hate me. I moved to stand Sanji wouldn't want me in his kitchen. I could only hope this wouldn't make it to uncomfortable to live on the same boat.

"Don't apologize. I don't want it I want an explanation, and you aren't leaving this kitchen till I get one. I locked the door." Sanji growled I stopped standing awkwardly in the middle of the room shoulders slumped forwards, eyes on the ground.

"Sorry," mumbling again unsure of what else I could say, what else he would want.

"No don't say that and don't look so, so like that," Sanji struggled with his thoughts his voice softer now the harshness fading I raised my eyes some but didn't meet his eyes.

"Like what? Like a traitor! A lair! A fool! How should I not look?" questioning pulling into myself more, it was always like this. I could never look how others though I should, maybe a man would love if I could just look right.

"Truthfully, weak and damaged and pathetic it's not you Megan-Chan that's not the woman I know. The woman I know is strong, confidant, radiant, and full of life I want you to be who you are not who you might think I want you to be." Sanki described. Swallowing thickly that can't be what he saw he just didn't want to feel guilty for anything.

"But what if this is the real me what if I am weak and pathetic? I'm not strong. I'm not anything." Muttering dropping my eyes back to the floor I heard Sanji slam his knife on the counter and make a groan of frustration. I flinched but didn't move, knowing it would be pointless to try and go anywhere.

"No it's not; I've seen how you are when you think it's just your sister or you think you're alone. You're a very caring person and also the most beautiful and strong person I have ever met. There is some hurt but it's not you. You're also very distracting. This isn't what I wanted to talk about." Sanji said hearing the thud of his shoes as he comes closer to me.

"I'm sorry," knowing he didn't want to hear it, so if I just kept saying it maybe he would get tired and leave me alone so I could hurt in peace.

"Stop that I mean it. I don't want to hear you say that again. You have no reason to be sorry; I just want to know why?" Sanji's voice was very quiet and so close to me, it betrayed all of his pain. He lifted his right hand to my face coaxing me to look at him. His left hand was between my shoulder blades urging me to stand straighter, neither hand was controlling or forceful just gently and hopeful, I swallowed passed the lump in my throat. I wasn't use to this I didn't know how to react if he wasn't going to demand things.

"Why what? Why I'm a witch it's kind of a natural thing I'm sure Alli's out there explaining it to the rest of the crew if you'd like to listen?" I asked back trying to avoid any really answers. His face was close to mine and it was very hard to ignore those sapphire eyes. Watching me searching for his answers in my eyes if he couldn't get them from my mouth, it also did nothing to hide the pain he felt.

"No, why didn't you tell me? I wouldn't have said anything to the others. Did you not trust me enough to not say anything, or am I just not that important to you to share something like that?" His voice quieted with each work if I wasn't so stunned to could have pretended not hear the last questions his shoulders dropped slumping slightly which was a lot for Sanji the pain of his eyes spread and leaked into every part of him. Putting my hand over his unconsciously drawing closer to his face I could see the tears that prickled at the corners of his eyes.

"No Sanji it wasn't anything about you. I trust you more than anyone I have in a long time. More than I have anyone that's not Alli, it just I couldn't tell you," trying to explain the reason why but from the hurt look that stayed in Sanji's eyes, I wasn't doing a very good job. damn it how did Alli make this look so easy.

"But why I don't understand? If you trust me so much why couldn't you say something, this is very important to you if you had just said something we could have talked it out. I could have helped you explain it to the rest of the crew." Sanji asked as much as it had hurt him, I could see that he wanted to understand.

"Because you don't just tell the person you care about something that can get you killed! Something that could make them hate you! How do you even approach a person with something like that 'oh yeah sorry but I'm a witch please don't hand me over to the government to have 'em kill me' that is what was ingrained in you as a child when you're a witch. To tell even people your trust will make them hate you and I couldn't take that. You know what I couldn't stand even more Sanji, the thought of you hating me. The actuality of you hating me would have been worse than death that's why I couldn't ever tell you. I cared far too much to lose you!" I had started off screaming but it had ended in broken sobs racking my body.

My mind plead not to be this venerable in front of Sanji, my breath froze solid and unmovable in my throat as I felt strong arms wrap around me from behind pulling me into his chest. Solid muscle of stability and assurance trying to protect me from the demons in my head he wasn't supposed to do that he was suppose to give up and walk away from me in disgust.

"I will never hate you. There is nothing in the world you can do to change that, ever." Sanji soothing voice, it was velvety and reassuring. Damn, crying twice in one day what were these people doing to me. Turning in his arms burying my face in the comfort his chest provided. Clutching his shirt in my hands, I was sure that by the time I had calmed down again the shirt would be too wrinkled to be repaired.

That was only a minor thought as I pour all my hurt out, finally convinced Sanji could hold the weight of my pain without breaking. Sanji stood holding me, gently swaying and murmuring comforts. Willing to wait as long as it took for me to stop hurting, the tears stopped before I could gather myself again only quiet hiccups broken the silence now.

"I don't like seeing you hurt so much Megan-chan." His velvet voice whispered into my hair. He had raised a hand to run through dark mess.

"I'm sorry," I spoke into his chest. I wasn't sure what for anymore but it felt like the right thing to say.

"Shh…don't be it's alright your special to me Megan-chan. I might be very affectionate to the other women, spoiling them in foods and words. That's only because they are women they deserve the attention, as all women do, but I don't buy gifts for just anyone. Only for the women I really care about," Sanji continued dropping his hand to play with the bracelet that I hadn't taken off since Sanji had given it to me, "I probably wouldn't sacrifice my hand for Nami or Robin either."

Bringing his hand up to my face, I traced the barely healed skin with my fingers.

"Thank you I guess," whispering back unsure of what to do or what to say. Staying right here in Sanji's arms listening to his heartbeat and his words sounded like a really good idea. My head shook as a laugh vibrated in his chest. Moving my head to look up at him and give him a mock glare. One thing that was apparent in the hold was that even though I wasn't short, Sanji still had a height advantage.

"I care about you Megan-Chan a lot more than I should if you were just a friend, or if you were only my nakama," the words were soft and meant as comfort out of Sanji's mouth. His hands were on my face and his was much close then it had been before. I could hear what he was trying to say in the undertone, and as much as my body begged to give into what he was offering. I couldn't, my heart wasn't ready for the hurt that could follow.

"No, I'm sorry. I care about you too Sanji but, I can't not right now at least," turning my head away from him, his hands gave no resistance as I moved away slightly. Seeing the flash of hurt in Sanji's eyes but he understood without me having to explain more.

"That's fine I wasn't expecting much. I just want you to know, but you said 'right now' so that gives me hope." Sanji smiled it was playful and showed me that even though I had turned him down thins were better now. Pulling away more so I could wipe my eyes Sanji lead me to the table and I sat next to him. Both of us to afraid to touch but didn't want to be too far away either.

With a glance I could see that the front of Sanji's shirt had been soaked, with no need to hide my magic I didn't see why I couldn't help him with that. Calling my magic to help me reach out to the water in Sanji's shirt raising my hand in the air I pulled for the water. Sanji watched in amazement as droplet left his shirt and gathered in a ball in my hand when all the water was gathered I sent it to the sink to let it drain away. It hadn't been much but I felt better to do the small act then to leave it.

"So I guess that kind of stuff is going to become normal now. Well it will be useful at least I think." Sanji laughed a week ago I might have snapped at him that it wasn't for his amusement but I could see that Sanji was trying to be causal and understanding, even if he didn't really understand much.

"Alli and I will use magic more often now yes, if that's what you're asking. It is a part of who we are and really it's hard not use our magic for things," I said leaning back against the table and stretching my legs out, "I'm sure Alli's out there explaining everything about magic if you want to go listen."

It was an offer of a way out so he could have time to lick his wounds and reorganize his feelings without having to feel that he was abandoning me.

"No, I think can get the basics pretty well unlike the Marimo the demonstrations where very informing. Your magic lets you control the elements for your sister it's fire and for you water. With the way your sister fights, which isn't fully human, I'm assuming that there is all so an animal element to your magic as well. Am I right?" Sanji relaxes as well lighting a cigarette before putting his elbows on the table.

Stretching out those impossibly long legs he crossed one foot over the other then taped my ankle with his foot. The simple normal action helped to calm me and relax small piece of me that was still worried, he made it very obvious that he wasn't going anywhere soon.

"It's pretty close actually. If you want a more detailed explanation I can give one." Offering this not minding just sitting here and talking with Sanji even if I couldn't bring myself to be more than friends yet talking with him always made me feel better.

"Nah, I don't need to know much more then what you control and how you use it. I leave some of the more complicated things to others like Robin and Nami. If it's that important I'm sure you'll tell us." Sanji shrugged exhaling a stream of smoke. I was shocked for a moment at how much trust he was putting in me, for all he knew I could destroy the boat at any moment but then I laughed at myself it wasn't like Sanji to be suspicious of a woman.

"Well for my magic it's as you saw water. I also have a dragon for my animal magic it's unusual but nothing about me is normal." Scoffing looking at the ceiling I felt Sanji's fingers play with a strip of my hair.

"I like things that aren't normal makes them more interesting. Your hair is very beautiful too has anyone ever told you that." Sanji stated only half paying attention.

"Now you're just trying to flatter me." I shot back amused by him, but Sanji shook his head watching as my hair fell through his fingers.

"No I mean it your hair is very beautiful its one of the first things that caught my eyes about you." Sanji defended now watching my face and eyes. I was blushing.

"No, no one has ever really complemented how I look and actually meant it. Well besides Alli but she's my sister it doesn't quite count." Answering, the only one that got close to complimenting me had then used it to destroy me, watching again the ceiling not able to keep Sanji's stare.

"Shame there loss, though I don't know why someone wouldn't appreciate the beauty that is right in front of them." Sanji continued playing with my hair and the extra attention was making me slightly uneasy.

"Sanji you don't have to,"

"You had someone abuse you didn't you?" Sanji shot before I could say anything to redirect the conversation.

"What? I um," stumbling this was almost equal to having to reveal my magic.

"I'm sorry that was out of line and uncalled for, you don't have to answer if it makes you uncomfortable. It's just some of the things you do and say around me are odd, but it's none of my business. So never mind, your water magic that's how you clean my hand right. I had Chopper look at it when we got back and it was much cleaner than it should have been for normal water." Sanji backtracked and gave me an out. I could see in his eyes that he really did want to know but wouldn't push.

"Um yeah, I used the water to pull out all of the dirt and whatever else in the wound. Water is a cleansing magic so it wasn't that hard." Taking the easy way out my previous relationship was something I still had a hard time with, even talking to Alli.

"Then I guess the bracelet I got suits you well doesn't it. Funny how some things work out," Sanji gave a small laugh looking out the window at the sunset, "well those idiots out there we call crewmates are probably starving. Want to help me with dinner?" he didn't wait for an answer.

He got up and walked to the fridge cooking, yes, that's what I needed right now to sooth the fraying nerves. A part of me said that things were going to be fine.

Authors Note: It's amazing through hell of life and fighting with disobedient plot bunnies, some how I keep coming out with chapters. Its as much for my faithful readers as it is for myself, all though I probably wouldn't still be writing if I didn't know there was people waiting for the next chapter. So thank you all and please leave reviews. One of my most faithful readers is SNMoonlit without her this story would not look any where close to as good as it does. The next chapter will be on the 23rd so till then bye.