Chapter 34

"Hand over Chopper. You're fitter to fight than me." Amaya joked around, extending her good arm to the swordsman that raised an eyebrow at her, eyeing the Griffin carefully.

"You sure that thing won't bite our heads off?" Zoro asked, ignoring the laughs that his captain let out whenever Yoru would playfully push him with its beak.

"He's just an innocent and harmless ball of fur and feathers. How can you be so scared of it?" She sat up on the Griffin's back, caressing the top of its head, feeling the smooth feathers.

"It's weird that a weapon is actually an animal."

"Griffin." She corrected and gently placed Chopper on her lap when Zoro handed the doctor to her, next to Asa, her new weapon and friend that was in shape of a flintlock.

"You can rest, you know? We can take care of the rest." The swordsman stated, keeping his eyes focused on the path ahead but paying close attention to the raven haired woman on the Griffin.

"And let you get lost easily? No way!" She almost shrieked the last sentence out, surprising the green haired man. "Besides… I need to get Shinji back." Her hand reached for the string that was around her good shoulder, the one that held the satchel where Shinji's head was.

"He's here?" Luffy asked, still absent-minded towards the situation at hand.

"…Yes…" The answer came out delayed and dragged, something that triggered the captain's serious side. His dark orbs focused on the gentle touch the assassin had over the satchel, curiosity and dread clouding his features.

"Amaya, what is in there?" His voice was calm but very monotonous, almost mechanical. She swallowed dryly before gesturing him to approach the bag and look for himself. His dark eyes seemed to lose life as he saw the content of it, colour draining from his face completely. "That guy back there was the one responsible?" She nodded silently and the captain sighed heavily. "I see…"

"I want Shinji to have a proper burial… With all his body parts put together…" Amaya seemed to struggle when she spoke those words. If it wasn't for Zoro's hand that squeezed her knee gently, she wouldn't have found the strength to speak out or even carry out the task. If it hadn't been for the Straw Hats' presence, she knew for sure that she wouldn't have been able to defeat Samuru back there. "Captain…" She bit her bottom lip, making it bleed, as she tried to fight back the sorrow and pain that was slowly starting to surface. "I'm sorry…"

"For what?" He asked, the normal look he always had returning to his features at a steady pace.

"I… I killed him. I killed a man that trained me and raised me to become who I am today…" The Straw Hats don't kill and look at what you've done! Out of grief she had done a desperate measure and ripped out Samuru's heart with her bare hands. Despite she'd cleaned her bloodied hand, Amaya could still feel them a bit sticky from the red liquid that had tainted her pale skin. "I let vengeance cloud my mind and… let my instincts take control." Her jaws were clenched so strongly that it actually hurt but not as much as the storm that was raging in her heart, seeming to tear away everything in her. "And now… He's dead and…" Tears began to fall down her cheeks, onto Chopper's fuzzy face that was beginning to wake up.

"Amaya…?" The doctor called out, looking into the assassin's blue eyes that were being flooded with tears.

"And Shinji is…" She choked out on her own words, covering her face with her good hand in an attempt to hide herself away from the pirates. "He's all torn apart! Just… just like my parents were… and I…" Her hand trailed to her chest, clutching at hit harshly in a failed attempt to ease the pain that she was feeling. "I can't bring myself to hate Samuru. After everything he's done… I can't bring myself to despise him. Not even a little bit."

"You don't have to hate him." Luffy's voice came out clear as water as he placed a gentle hand on top of her head, making her look at him. "Instead, replace those bad memories with good ones with your friend, Shinji." The smile on his face grew wider, turning into his signature one that went from one ear to the other. "There's no need for you to apologize to me or anyone here. I'm not going to kick you out just because of what you did to someone that hurt you."

"What happened to your arm!?" The reindeer shouted out, holding Zoro's bloodied t-shirt so that he could have a good look at her incredibly wounded arm.

"Oh yeah, I almost forgot." Her expression was a bit more cheerful with the sudden break in the heavy atmosphere that had been hovering over them a few moments ago. "You're still shirtless, hot stuff." Her blue eyes turned to look at Zoro that looked away from her with a faint blush tainting his cheeks.

"That's what you worry about!?" Chopper shouted out once more, hurrying to search his small blue backpack for anything he could use to clean the wound.

"Oh, by the way Amaya," Luffy called out, turning her attention back to her captain. "Zoro wouldn't answer me but, what were you two doing last night? You were constantly shouting."

Her laughter echoed through the stone hallway, a sound of pure joy and happiness.

A sound of relief.

It was all over.

No more Night Blades.

No more fear of being hunted down.

And now she had the duty to explain the very confusing metaphor of the birds and the bees to Monkey D. Luffy.

….

The Straw Hat Pirates were at the forest clearing where the graves of Amaya's parents rested, solemnly paying their respects to the newly buried Shinji that was next to the other two old ones.

It was a foggy day, the mist hiding away the vibrant red colours of the many flowers that surrounded the clearing.

Amaya was standing alone in front of the grave, Atsuko a few steps behind, next to Bjorn and further behind were the pirates that stood silently, waiting for their crewmate.

The assassin had her entire arm bandaged, her wounds completely stitched up. Bruises marred her face and neck, disappearing under her clothing.

Her two weapons were resting on her belt, Yoru's chain dancing ever so lightly around her while Asa gave her that warm, comforting sensation.

"May the night take you in its dark embrace…" The assassin mumbled before she turned her back to the grave, saying a silent farewell to the dead and greeting the living with a smile. Her blue eyes were closed when she faced the people that were behind her. "Let's go have a drink." The moment she opened her eyes, they welled up in tears but she refused to let them fall: they all had peaceful smiles on their lips but the one that caught her eye was the one of her captain. Luffy had a reassuring smile towards her, silently promising her that everything would be alright and, somehow, she knew that.

As long as she was with them, she would be fine.

Amaya approached the group, Nami casting an arm over her shoulders on her right side and Atsuko joining her on the left side, the two nagging constantly about everything and nothing. The rest of the group was close behind them, peacefully chatting away: Luffy talked about food and Zoro about saké; Sanji asking Bjorn about his cooking skills and Chopper shyly conversing with Robin while Usopp tried to ease him. Their journey to the tavern was made in an atmosphere of calm and ease as if nothing bad had ever happened before.

Amaya had lost a brother and friend but she felt no pain or heavy sensation in her chest. Instead, she felt relaxed and thankful that he would no longer have to deal with any other tragedy in that world. He could rest easily and watch over her from above or wherever he was now.

The moment they entered the tavern, the group was greeted with a gloomy atmosphere once more.

With a heavy sigh, the raven haired assassin clapped her hands together, the sound capturing the attention of the villagers that had gathered in the tavern in order to wait for her arrival.

"What are you doing with those dark looks!?" Her voice was lively, brilliant, and so colourful even after what she had gone through. "Let's rejoice because we have another day to live!" She placed her hands on her hips, a demanding and almost motherly look of her face. "Besides, I don't want any sad faces on my birthday."

"IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY!?" The pirates shouted in surprise, earning a nervous chuckle from the woman that shrugged.

"Hey, old man! Get all the food ready! I'm hungry!" Luffy shouted, his contagious energy touching everyone in the building.

"Amaya-swan is growing more and more beautiful!" Sanji sang out before seriousness took over his perverted expression. "Show me the kitchen, old man. I must make the best food for Amaya-swan." Bjorn nodded under his request and quickly directed him to the kitchen.

"Make sure to make plenty of sweets, Sanji-kun!" Amaya sang out, waving at the blond cook that nodded happily.

"How old?" It was Zoro's voice and the tone he had made her laugh. He sounded… worried?

"What's wrong, Zoro-kun?" She teased, hugging him around his waist, resting her body against his side.

"Can't I know how old you are?"

"Has anyone ever told you that it is rude to ask a woman for her age?" She chanted lightly, rubbing her nose against his neck and, once she backed off a bit to look at him, she chuckled, seeing the swordsman with a raised eyebrow and an unamused look. "I'm 21, Zoro-kun."

"Heh!?" His voice was calm but there was some shock in it.

"What? Am I that old?" Amaya pouted at the swordsman that just poked her forehead.

"Older than me by two years, yes."

"Does that make you feel bad?" A smirk appeared on her lips but it quickly subsided as a surprised expression took over her features when he held her chin with his index finger.

"You just look very young." He almost seemed to purr the words out as he caressed her cheek with his tanned nose before brushing his lips against hers.

"Pedo." She whispered, making his eyebrow twitch and before he could reply he was kicked to the ground by none other than Sanji.

"What do you think you're doing, shitty moss head!?" The cook roared at the swordsman, holding two large plates on each hand. "Desecrating Amaya-swan's beautiful lips?"

"Go back to the kitchen, you shit cook!" Zoro growled, getting up from the floor and clashing his forehead against the blond man's one. They were making impressive force against one another and, all of the sudden, Zoro stepped aside making Sanji fall face-flat on the floor, making Amaya laugh loudly. "And you, I'm not a pedo."

"I know, I know." She waved her hand in the air before she caressed his shoulder tenderly. "I trust you are not a pedo."

"Trust me on anything."

"Will do, moss head."

"What was that, witch!?"

"Leave beautiful Amaya-swan alone, tea powder head!" Sanji shouted finally getting off from the floor, making the two men clash once more. Luffy's laughter reached her ears and she couldn't help but laugh alongside her captain and then with rest of the people that were in the tavern.

"Are they always fighting?" Atsuko asked as she passed by the two men, taking away the plates Sanji was holding and taking them to the table the pirates were sitting.

"It keeps things lively." Amaya stated, sitting next to her captain that instantly ate away the content of one of the plates. The pink haired woman raised an eyebrow in a silent question before she turned her pale green eyes to her younger sister that shrugged at her. "He doesn't get sick from eating too much too quickly."

"Lucky bastard." She commented earning a muffled chuckle from Amaya.

"If you want to eat you better hurry and defend what you have." Nami informed as she approached the table with more trays, followed by Bjorn that brought a couple more. "Luffy will eat everything far too quickly.

"So I've noticed. Who wants saké!?" Atsuko shouted, quickly gathering the attention of many people, one of them being Zoro that was holding a large mug towards the pink haired woman that laughed at his action.

"Come back, moss head! I'm not done with you!" Sanji roared at the swordsman that ignored him completely.

"Come on Sanji-kun." Amaya pushed him towards the kitchen, following him. "I'll help you cook."

"But it's your birthday Amaya-swan. You should be relaxing. Besides, your arm is wounded!"

"It's not that big of a deal." She moved her bandaged arm around, showing him that she was indeed fine. "I think Asa sped up the healing process when he licked my arm." With a chuckle she added. "Let me cook with you. It's a birthday gift you can give me." Her smile was big and honest as she caught her hair in a bun and picked up the apron, tying it around her waist. "Let's begin shall we?" She look at Sanji that motioned his head towards the kitchen door where Zoro was casually leaning against its frame. "Are you all of the sudden becoming friends?" She teased taking one step towards the door.

"Not really but the moss head likes you and I can't deny you of good moments with him. Go and return as soon as you're done." Sanji's voice was patient and kind as he turned his gaze to the pots and pans that were on the large stove.

"I knew, deep down, you had some appreciation towards Zoro." Amaya chuckled out, earning an honest smile from the blond cook.

"Don't tell him anything."

"My lips are sealed." With a wink and a smile, the woman rushed to the swordsman that had a smirk on his lips, on his right hand a mug of ale and his left one extended to her. She took it and pulled the swordsman into a kiss. "What is it, marimo?"

"I just wanted to share this saké with a certain witch." He raised the mug to the woman that gladly took it, quickly drinking away half of its content. "You're a sponge…"

"You love me." The answer she received was a grin and that was all she needed.

"What will happen to the Night Blades, now?" His sudden question caught her off guard, making her tense up upon hearing the name but quickly relaxing. "I mean… Some of them asked you to take over the group."

"They will disband most definitely." Amaya placed her hands on her hips, resting her weight on her right leg. "If you had asked me before if I wanted to lead them I would give you a quick 'yes' for an answer."

"Before what?"

"Before joining the Straw Hats." That statement created the most beautiful of smiles to appear on Zoro's face. "Now… I have no interest what so ever to lead those guys. Besides, Luffy wouldn't let me leave!" She let out a genuine laughter before resting her head on Zoro's shoulder. "I love that stubbornness our captain has."

"Yeah, me too." His chuckled made his chest skip, the sound vibrating through his body, lulling the woman gently. With a quick pat on his chest, Amaya took a step back, drinking away a bit more of saké. "Oi! Don't drink it all!"

"You said you brought it for me!" She cried out, crossing her arms over her chest.

"For the both of us, you witch!"

"Drink the rest and go get more just don't get too drunk." She winked at the swordsman and turned towards where Sanji was swiftly cooking. "I need to go cook. I'll join you guys later, alright?"

"Just one more thing." He whispered, grabbing her wrist, pulling her back to his embrace. His hand snaked to the back of her neck, tilting her head upward so that her lips would meet his in a searing and loving kiss. It held all the emotion he had been hiding away during the missing and the past two days: all the longing he felt towards her, the worry, the love he felt for her and it was perfect. When they broke the kiss, Amaya was left speechless, breathing slightly uneven as her blue eyes scouted his only to find all those emotions that had been shared in the kiss reflected in them. "I love you, Amaya."

"Have I ever told you I love the way you say my name?" Her voice came out breathless, their proximity warming their bodies further.

"So I've been told."

"I love you too, Zoro." She smiled tenderly before placing yet another long kiss on his lips.

"Go. I don't want that shit cook to shout at me again. It's annoying." He winked at the woman that chuckled and happily skipped away towards the large stove.

…

"Will you stop by once more and visit us?" Atsuko asked, handing Amaya her luggage that had a couple more outfits for her to use.

"It will take a while but just wait for me, alright sis?" The assassin assured, hugging her older sister tightly before rushing to the Going Merry where the Straw Hat Pirates were waiting for their crewmate.

"Please keep her safe! She can be very stupid once in a while."

"Oi…"

"Will do, Atsuko-swan! Wouldn't want anything to happen to sweet Amaya-chwan!" Sanji chanted out, earning a happy and tearful chuckle from the pink haired woman.

"Straw Hats! You are always welcome here!" Bjorn shouted out at them, receiving wide smiles as an answer before they waved at the tavern owner and Amaya's sister.

"We'll come visit again, old man! Don't worry!" Luffy cheerfully stated and with that the ship slowly started to sail away from the docks.

Above their heads came the sound of a familiar caw and, upon further inspection, the pirates saw Sky flying high above the ship.

"Goodbye Sky." Amaya whispered receiving another caw in response before the bird changed its course and turned back to the island. She took one last glance over the island that had been her home before she turned her attention back to the pirates. "So, where's the next adventure?"

A/N:

Chapter 34 done and we have officially come to an end! God I had so many problems with this fanfiction, starting with writer's block and ending in losing about three chapters because my USB flash drive decided to just give me the finger and stop working.

Amaya was a fun character to create and write about. I made so many sketches of her and I have them all filed up and guarded safely in my stash of precious drawings. She was inspired in some of my personality traits plus a more straight-forward type personality that was inspired from Rose Hathaway from the Vampire Academy series.

Atsuko was actually a request made from my closest friend and I am so happy that she asked me that. It was so much fun portraying her as the elder sister of Amaya.

The inspiration for Samuru and Kurai came actual from a single character that my mind created in a dream. Never had such a nightmare again and thank the gods I didn't. Wasn't happy at all.

I want to give a huge THANK YOU! For everyone that stayed with me until the end and enjoyed the adventure as much as I did. I am so happy for that. Thank you so much. None of this would've been possible without your support and making me want to continue to write.

Truly and sincerely, thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much.

This is the longest author's note I've ever written! My goodness what is wrong with me? XD I don't like writing them this long.

Once again, thank you and let's go to the same old chant:

I do not own One Piece! It belongs to SIR! Eiichiro Oda.

I only own Amaya, the Night Blades, Atsuko, Bjorn, Yoru, Asa and Sky.