Coco: I apologize beforehand for all the typos. Also, I'd just like to say that I will be restarting my Raelin side story. I know I've only done like three chapters, but I already don't like where it is going, so I'm going to tweak it a bit. And probably redesign a few of my other characters.
Something else I would like to bring up is that I'm still doing the SBS corner. I would like to get some questions from all of you, so I can answer them XD I plan to have the SBS corner after my this filler arc I created, which will end in like the next chapter or the one after that. So please, send in those questions XD
One more thing since I can't remember if I brought it up, I'm not big on the anime fillers, so I'm not going to do a lot of them, but out of the three short fillers that happen between the Alabasta and Sky Island arcs, I've decided to do the Ruluka Island arc. That way there's a space for Theodosia to get more acquainted with the crew before their big adventure on Sky Island.
Okay, thank you for your time XD Now here's the chapter :D
It was silent for a moment as Wren slightly narrowed her eyes when Theodosia mentioned some woman.
"Her?" Nami asked. "Her who?"
She had no idea who this person was, but how Theodosia said the decision would be left to her and how Wren reacted, Nami guessed she was of some kind of importance.
"Madame Vadoma." Nicu said. "She is our fortune-teller."
Zoro snorted since he didn't believe in fortune-tellers, and he couldn't believe these people were going to leave it up to some psychic phony to decide the fate of two of their own.
"I know it may sound silly, Zoro-san." Wren said while not even turning back to look at the swordsman. "And there are many fakes out in the world. However, I can assure you that Madame Vadoma hasn't been wrong with her predictions thus far. If they are waiting for her to decide things must be serious."
Nicu nodded while hoping Wren had some way to help them, so he wouldn't have to lose one of his sisters.
"This is something I must think about." Wren said as she started walking. "You will give me every detail on the way to your camp, but once we are there we will pretend nothing was said. The celebration will go on because I do not want to bring anymore stress onto your people. Afterwards, I will discuss the situation with Clopin-san. Is that understood, Theodosia?"
"Yes, Wren-sama." Theodosia said as she bowed her head to Wren.
The monkey, who had returned to her master's shoulder, even mirrored Theodosia's head bow. Theodosia then followed after Wren with Nicu close by. As the others followed, Sanji was impressed with how easily Wren fell into the role of leader. She didn't hesitate. She spoke clearly, and gave no one the room for argument.
"Now who is the groom that has been chosen?" Wren asked as they walked.
Theodosia bit her lip while looking an all new kind of nervous, which had Wren dreading what Theodosia's will be. She sorely hoped it wasn't one of Big Mom's older sons. Most of them were outright cruel. Though a lot of them were already married off, so perhaps there was no worry for that. Though the younger ones weren't dolls either from what the rumors are.
"…Charlotte…Sorbet." Theodosia said.
Wren noticeably stiffened as she turned to look at Theodosia with a questioning look. As if she needed Theodosia to confirm what she had just said. Theodosia nodded her head, which had Wren frowning.
"What's wrong, Wren?" Luffy asked as he jogged up to Wren's side. "Is there something wrong with this guy?"
Sanji knew something had to be up with this guy if his name had Wren looking nervous. Wren was a calm and collected person, so to see her get slightly ruffled by the mention of someone had the crew on edge.
"Is he some kind of scary man?" Usopp whimpered feeling frightened.
Why did they have to come to an island that was already in so much trouble? Why couldn't they go to a nice island where nothing ever happened?
"Well, calling him a man would only be half correct." Wren said. "Let me tell you something that is common knowledge in the second half of the Grand Line, Big Mom isn't one to discriminate against the other races of this world. She has many children that are of a mixed race. Sorbet is no exception. In fact, his other half is of an ancient race that has faded into legend in many parts of the world."
Nami, Usopp, and Chopper gulped as they huddled together out of fear from what Wren was saying.
"So what is he?" Zoro asked. "Some kind of monster?"
Wren gave a humorless chuckle as she glanced at the swordsman whose brow was quirked.
"I suppose you could call him that." Wren said. "His other half certainly is that of a monster. You see, Charlotte Sorbet is half Drake."
While the guys seemed confused as did Nami, Robin actually stiffened while looking surprise.
"A Drake?" Robin asked stepping forward. "As in from the old legends of dragons?"
"Dragons?!" The crew exclaimed in shock.
They then looked to Wren for confirmation, and when she nodded her head, Usopp felt like fainting.
"Drakes are the highest order of dragons." Wren said. "The ones with so much power they can take on the forms of humans."
Mouths fell agape in shock when those words left Wren's mouth. It was hard to believe such creatures existed.
"B-but if dragons were even real to begin with, they went extinct a long time ago, right?" Nami asked as she stepped up.
"Some breeds have died out, but dragons are still alive in this world." Wren said. "Some have detached themselves from the lives of humans while others like the Drakes live amongst humans unknown. Though most of the dragons left in the world live on Avalon Island, which is the homeland of Raelin."
Wren also heard read of a breed of dragon known as the Millennia Dragons that migrate to different places, but always return to a place known as Lost Island, which supposedly lies within the East Blue. She wasn't sure how true that was. She had just read that information in a book about dragons that she found in the vast library that Raelin's country's king has in his castle.
"Raelin grew up with dragons?" Luffy asked with his eyes sparkling. "I wanna go to Avalon Island! Nami, take us there!"
"As if!" Nami shouted.
As the two argued over going to Avalon Island, the others kept their attention on Wren.
"So this guy has the power of a dragon without eating a devil fruit." Zoro stated.
"That's correct." Wren said. "Just imagine if he decided to consume a devil fruit. Of course, he has enough power as it is without one. Even if I went all out, he would squash me without even having to use half of his power."
Nami, Usopp, and Chopper squealed in fright while huddling together once more as Sanji and Zoro looked slightly surprised since they know Wren is strong even if they haven't seen her use her full strength yet.
"This is why things must be handled delicately." Wren said. "I don't have the power to take on a Yonko's subordinate let alone an actual Yonko, so we can't risk angering Big Mom. This crew is far from handling the wrath of a Yonko. I won't put everyone on this island or on this crew at risk."
Nicu and that monkey on Theodosia's shoulder bother slumped seeming upset by Wren's declaration.
"Are you saying there's nothing you can do?" Nicu asked looking completely devastated.
Wren reached out to give the young lad's shoulder a consoling squeeze, which already seemed like answer enough.
"I will not say that until I know all the details and have spoken to your father and the council." Wren said. "However, I will not lie to you, Nicu-san. Things are very bleak at this moment. You should make peace with the thought of one of your sisters having to marry Charlotte Sorbet, and moving away to the New World."
Nicu hung his head not believing any of this as Wren walked away with the others following. Theodosia looked at her brother knowing this all had to be hard on him, but they had to think of their people's welfare first. It is one of the burdens of being the children of the leader of their people. One day he will lead their people, and she prays he never has to face the same hard decisions that their father has had to make. As Nicu slowly started following after the group, Sanji moved alongside Wren to walk with her.
"Is there really nothing you can do?" He asked.
"I will do whatever is necessary to ensure the gypsy people are not annihilated." Wren said. "Unfortunately, allowing the marriage ceremony to be completed is actually the best option they have now. At least until I am strong enough to do anything else for them."
Sanji frowned slightly wondering why Wren always seemed to be the one who had to do the heavy work. It seemed she always put herself in danger first, or something else along those lines.
"It might take me some time, but if I cannot help them now, I will not leave them to the hands of Big Mom." Wren said in a hushed tone, so the others wouldn't hear. "She treats her blood family with love and adoration, but anyone who isn't tied to her by blood is expendable in her eyes. Even her in-laws. While Theodosia's people could be safe for some time, sooner or later Big Mom won't need them anymore, so whether they live or die won't be her concern. In fact, it wouldn't hurt her feelings one bit to order their execution if they so much as put a toe out of line."
Sanji's eyes widened not believing his ears. This Big Mom woman would really do that? To her own family?
"This is another reason why things must be taken care of delicately." Wren continued quietly. "What happens today will most likely lead to Esmeralda or Theodosia being married to Sorbet, and the gypsies obtaining Big Mom's protection. However, after the marriage, the clock will start ticking on how long they can remain one big happy family."
Wren sat amongst the celebration as music played, dancing was done, and people were feasting and laughing. Despite knowing all that is happening, she felt a small smile on her face as the gypsy people continued to celebrate her return. Though she didn't see it as much as a reason to celebrate. But she let them have their fun. Even her crewmates were enjoying themselves amongst the gypsies. Luffy was stuffing his face as usual, and even through Wren had tried to reprimand him earlier, he continued eating with poor manners. It was the dinner at the Alabasta Palace all over again.
Zoro was drinking all the booze he could get his hands on with more being brought to him. Usopp was entertaining a group with tales of his many grand adventures, and while Wren was certain the others could tell they were mostly lies, they all still laugh and applauded the young sniper. Nami was sitting with a group of gypsy women talking about their clothes, and how she could get some. It was nice seeing Nami acting like a typical teenage girl interested in fashion and interacting with girls her own age. Robin was actually sitting with one of the elders, and Wren believed they were talking about some of the history of the gypsy people.
Chopper was dancing with Samba around the fire with both having large grins on their faces. Then Sanji was dancing and unsurprisingly flirting with Esmeralda. Wren wouldn't admit it allowed, but she felt unhappy about how head-over-heels Sanji was acting around Esmeralda. Of course, he was like this often with women, but is seemed as if she didn't like it when his flirting went to women not within the crew, or closely attached to the crew like Vivi had been. She just brushed it off with her fellow female crewmates, but seeming him gushing over Esmeralda who was a very beautiful and mature woman had Wren bothered. Even she couldn't explain why.
"Are you enjoying yourself, Princess?" Clopin asked as he sat down beside her.
Wren gave the gypsy leader a polite smile while setting aside her wine glass to the table beside her as she put her discomfort at Sanji's antics at the back of her mind.
"Yes," Wren said smiling. "I always do enjoy the parties you throw, Clopin-san."
Clopin smiled glad to hear that. He then looked back towards the fire as the song changed up with Theodosia and Esmeralda going to the front of the fire in front of the crowd. The two were next to each other completely still before the music jumped in tempo, which got everyone's attention. The two sisters then started dancing with each other around the fire as some started to clap to the beat. As the two gave the crowd a grand show, Clopin smiled at his daughters though there was a sad nostalgic look in his gaze.
"It is sad knowing that after today that I won't be seeing either of my daughters for a long time." Clopin said.
Wren glanced at him as Clopin looked at her with the eyes of a tired old man.
"I already know Nicu told you about mine and the council's decision of gaining the Yonko Big Mom's protection in exchange for our land's riches and one of my daughter's hands in marriage." Clopin said. "The young lad confessed to me before the feast began. I cannot say I am angry with Nicu since I can understand his feelings."
Wren tilted her head in acknowledgement to Clopin's words as the man let out a sigh.
"You said both of your daughters, Clopin-san." Wren pointed out. "I thought Madame Vadoma was only choosing one to become a bride to one of the sons of the Charlotte family."
"She is, but I already know who will marry Charlotte Sorbet." Clopin said as he looked to Esmeralda.
Wren looked towards the eldest of Clopin's daughters as she and Theodosia joined hands to dance together, which brought out cheering from the crowd.
"And what makes you so certain?" Wren asked curiously.
"Because Theodosia's destiny was told to me a long time ago by the fortune-teller who proceeded Madame Vadoma." Clopin said. "Madame Kuri told me on the night of Theodosia's birth that her destiny was intertwined with that of a dark princess on the path of vengeance and a man who is on a journey to conquer the sea."
Wren's brow quirked while certain Clopin was speaking of her and Luffy. It felt quite obviously actually.
"And there is one more Madame Kuri mentioned that would play the largest role of all in Theodosia's destiny." Clopin said. "A swordsman who will become her other half and keep her safe through her journey of accomplishing her dream."
"Madame Kuri was very specific when she spoke of Theodosia future, wasn't she?" Wren asked while casting a quick glance at a certain swordsman.
Clopin lightly chuckled as he continued to sit next to Wren at the edge of the festivities.
"I suppose so." Clopin said. "Madame Kuri said my youngest daughter was greatly touched by fate, and there were big plans for her in the future."
Wren hummed in acknowledgement to his words as the song finished with the two sisters' bowing.
"I haven't told anyone else of my thoughts." Clopin said as he looked to Wren. "But I am telling you, Princess, because I have one other favor to ask of you even though you have already done so much for us."
Wren looked to Clopin wondering what his favor could be. She was no fortune-teller, but she had a feeling that whatever he had to ask would upset more than one person.
"Once Madame Vadoma makes her judgement, there will be little time before Charlotte Sorbet arrives here for his bride." Clopin said. "I do not know if Big Mom will arrive with him at first, or if she will come later on, but there is something you can do that will at least ensure one of my daughters will not be oppressed like the rest of my people once my family and the Charlotte Family are tied."
"I'm listening." Wren said.
After the celebration died down, everything about the alliance with Big Mom was brought officially into light. There were some who protested the idea while others accepted the wisdom of their council. There were also some who looked to Wren to help, but she had told all of them exactly what she had told Nicu. While they were disappointed, none were upset with Wren. She has already done so much for them after all.
Now it was time for Madame Vadoma to make the bride selection though Wren didn't feel so on edge considering what Clopin told her in confidence. Most other people, however, were fairly on edge with nerves to hear what Madame Vadoma had to say except for Luffy who was still stuffing his face over by the food table. Wren wasn't even sure if he knew exactly what was going on here.
"So they'll really go along with whatever this woman says?" Zoro asked as they waited for Madame Vadoma to leave her tent to make it down to where everyone waited. "Even if she could be wrong?"
Zoro didn't put much stock into fortune-telling or anything similar, so he didn't understand why these people let this one woman decide their fate. She could be just really could at guessing, or see signs that lead her to a conclusion that becomes the truth every so often.
"Yes." Wren asked. "You might not believe in fortune-telling, Zoro-san, but these people do. And their fortune-tellers have never been wrong before. If Madame Vadoma seems intimate marriage or great sacrifice in either girl's fortunes that girl will be the one to marry Charlotte Sorbet."
Zoro frowned because he wouldn't let anyone tell him what his fates going to be. He'll decide his future and no one else.
"If this Madame Vadoma is so spot on most of time, I might ask her to read my fortune." Nami said then made a giggling noise. "I hope it's full of riches."
Wren chuckled though wasn't too surprised that Nami would say something like that.
"Well, I want mine full of adventure." Usopp said grinning. "I wonder if she'll be able to tell me how brave of a warrior of the sea I'll become."
He grinned already thinking about how many awesome adventures he'll have that Vadoma might be able to tell him about.
"Oh, I want might fortune read too!" Chopper said excited as he waved his arms.
Zoro rolled his eyes not believing they brought into all of this fortune-telling crap. Robin just chuckled in amusement at their words though made no real comment to the situation. She was content just sitting back and watching the festivities.
"I wonder if this Madame Vadoma could tell me my future." Sanji said while getting that love struck look on his face again. "I wonder what kind of cutie is destined for me~ Nami-swan? Robin-chwan? Wren-chwan?"
He looked each woman over with his eyes landing lastly but not at the least on Wren. Sanji could just picture him and Wren together and married with cute little daughters who look exactly like Wren at their sides.
"Perhaps you can ask Madame Vadoma your future after this, Sanji-san, Everyone." Wren said. "Though I highly doubt I will be in it."
Sanji snapped out of his thoughts to look at Wren as she waited calmly in her seat for Madame Vadoma to arrive. He was about to ask her what she meant by her not being in his future, but suddenly the tent's flaps were pushed aside with who the pirates assumed was Madame Vadoma. She was a young woman looking to be about Wren's age if not slightly older. She had dark hair as most of the gypsies did with pale silvery eyes that seemed to look right through whatever they landed on. She wore bright clothing with a long red scarf draped around her like a mantel. As she took a few steps out of her tent, the scar slightly dragged across the ground.
"I will now peer into the futures of Esmeralda and Theodosia to see which of our two sisters will make the great sacrifice for our people." Vadoma said as she held up a set of tarot cards. "I will look to the cards of the tarot for guidance. Now I ask both Esmeralda and Theodosia to step forward, and no one else disturbs the reading."
Theodosia, who had been sitting at Wren's side, stood up without hesitation with a resignation on her face. As she moved forward with Esmeralda, who stepped away from Nicu and Clopin, right behind her, Samba moved onto Wren's shoulder with Wren patting the monkey's head. Both sisters stopped in front of Vadoma. Her assistant opened up the flap to the tent with the woman motioning Theodosia and Esmeralda inside the tent. They stepped in with Vadoma going after them. The assistant allowed the flaps to close while remaining outside as if to guard the tent.
"You mean, we can't see the reading?" Nami asked while lightly frowning.
She had wanted to see the reading to understand it, and to see how it is done. Now she couldn't do that.
"Tarot card reading must be done in a calm environment with little distractions that might influence the reading." Wren explained. "If everyone was around with their own energy and thoughts buzzing, it might affect how the reading comes out, which means it would come out wrong."
Zoro scoffed still not believing any of this, but he kept his mouth shut for the most part. If these people wanted to believe in such things, he'd let them.
"So now we have to wait?" Chopper asked as he blinked curiously.
"Yes." Wren said. "I only hope the reading is over before Big Mom's pirates arrive. Clopin-san informed me they were already on their way here a week ago, so they could arrive at any moment. I do not like the thought of being here when Sorbet-san arrives."
Wren has never met the man personally, and she never wished to. She's heard much about the young man. He wasn't malicious like some of his siblings, but he has been known to cause devastation on more than one occasion. He wiped out an entire kingdom on his own just because his mother happened to be upset with the kingdom for not having the sweets she wanted ready on time. There had been nothing left of the kingdom it had been burned to the ground or turned into rubble.
He was a dragon in human skin quite literally. Who knew exactly what kind of power he had at the tips of his fingers? A lot of things didn't make Wren nervous, but Big Mom and her children were some of those things. Wren never felt nervous about the marines not even all the way up to Sengoku. She never felt as if she needed to fear the World Government up to the Elders or the Tenryuubito. She didn't even fear the Shichibukai. Doflamingo not counting. She wasn't really afraid of him, but she knew what he was capable of, and knew to move cautiously when dealing with him.
She was never nervous around Whitebeard and his men, and if she had ever run into Red Haired Shanks, she probably would have invited herself onto his ship as well. But Big Mom and Kaido did make her slightly nervous. Kaido and Big Mom could kill Doflamingo on their own without having to use much of their power, and their subordinates were like the level of Shichibukai or stronger. In Sorbet's case, Wren was certain the man was much stronger than most of the Shichibukai.
Which is why she hopes to leave soon. The log pose sets quickly on this island, so they should be able to leave in another hour. However, the reading still needed to be done, and she had to go through with Clopin's plan because she gave the man her word. She never goes back on her word. But she didn't know how much time they hated. She doesn't like having so little time to work out a plan, but it wouldn't be the first time, so she will not disappoint. She will work something out no matter what. First she had to get her captain on board with her plan. Wren turned towards Luffy as the captain was still eating.
"Luffy-sama," Wren called out to him to get his attention. "How do you feel about causing a bit of trouble?"