Chapter 9: The Party
Yugi barges into the room where Luffy is holding Alex and sees clumps of her black hair around them. Yugi runs to them, all three of them holding each other for a moment.
"Where's Kyuubi?" asks Yugi clearing his throat.
"I don't sense his presence here, but I felt his killing intent," replies Luffy his hands trembling around Alex.
"I hope he kills them all," hisses Alex grabbing Luffy's hands as she glares past Yugi.
"I don't care as long as he brings Naruto's body back to us," said Yugi resting his forehead against Alex's.
"The Demon King is unforgiving," said Luffy shaking his head. "Over the past 500 years I've seen what he's capable of."
"Cancel the party. We must grieve," said Yugi nodding over to Luffy.
"No!" shouts Alex letting go of Luffy's hands and standing over them. "I loved Naruto, truly I did, but we cannot have our enemies thinking we are weakened by this."
"Enemies, Alexandria! What enemies?" asks Yugi standing as well to glare at Alex.
"Rule one, Yugi," said Alex raising her chin to stare him down. "Anyone who isn't us is the enemy. Or have you forgotten, Yugi, about Sennen and those sheep?! And you," she turns to Luffy, "don't think I don't know about someone trying to take your territories, Pirate King!"
Luffy's eyes widen as Yugi looks away.
"They're not worth our time," said Yugi lowering his head.
"No, they're not," said Alex nodding, "but they will be an example as will Konoha of what happens when anyone messes with our family. "Rule three, Luffy, if you have a problem, cut it at the root before it becomes a weed."
Luffy looks down and nods.
"And don't worry, I'll keep my word. An eternal illusion I will cast upon your skeleton crewmate so that he may walk freely instead of hiding in the dark."
"Thank you," said Luffy glancing to the side where a skeleton stood remaining silent.
"I, too, must thank you," said the skeleton bowing at the waist.
"You're a friend of Luffy's, how can I not," said Alex shrugging.
"Though I must ask, can I see your panties?"
"To hell you can!" shouts Yugi throwing a pillow in his direction as Luffy laughs.
And just like that the tension vanishes.
Yugi closes the door to a room on the seventh floor after putting Alex to bed with the twins. He walks down the hall to an open door where Luffy is sitting behind a desk staring blankly at a laptop.
"Normally that is supposed to be on," said Yugi taking a seat in front of Luffy.
"Asheur waka'anani muraqab," said Luffy turning his attention to Yugi. (Trans: I feel like I'm being watched.)
"Hal'ant wathq?" asks Yugi glancing at the laptop. "Min khilal alkambiutir?" (Trans: Are you sure? Through the computer?)
"Kamira alwayb qayd altashghil," said Luffy standing up and motioning for Yugi to follow him. "How is the Queen?" (Trans: The webcam is on.)
"Asleep," said Yugi following Luffy to the living room.
"Did you tell her about the twins?" asks Luffy sitting on a black armchair.
"No, but I get the feeling she suspects," said Yugi shaking his head. "Alexandria was always quite clever, more clever than people gave her credit for."
"Rule thirty-four," said Luffy laughing.
"Force them to underestimate your strength by first playing weak," said Yugi taking a seat across from Luffy.
"It would be best to tell her," said Luffy leaning forward. "If she already suspects there's not point in hiding it."
"I'm not hiding it. I'm just not sure where to start," replies Yugi looking out the window. "In reincarnation you are not supposed to remember your past lives, but we do. Something always triggers the memories and not only that, but the abilities we had before. As we grow older those abilities awaken more. She was right, wasn't she? You're having problems with someone?"
"Don't worry, I'll handle it. Rule 38, always clean up your mess," said Luffy crossing his legs as he leans back.
"The path you're choosing to take . . . are you sure?" asks Yugi as they both stare into each other's eyes.
"Did you see something?"
"I see many possibilities. The future isn't set in stone, it continuously changes. . . . He's a good man," said Yugi looking away.
"I know," said Luffy his voice breaking as his dark eyes start to water. "But none of them would be able to survive in the world we live in, not as the humans they are now. We are the ones who will continue to rule in the shadows, no one else."
"Well said, Pirate King," said Yugi nodding. "But be absolutely sure, Luffy. I know you learned manipulation from the Demon King and the Boy King, but let me give you some advice. . .when the time comes don't be afraid to open up, talking can clear up many things."
Luffy scrunches up his face then nods.
"It's hard, I know, after everything you've been through, it's not easy. Remember, Luffy, you're not alone. . .you have us," said Yugi getting up and placing a hand on Luffy's shoulder. "And you still have Brook."
Luffy chuckles and stands up. "He's the only one who has stayed with me for the past 500 years."
"When you meet them again, ask it of us and we will grant it," said Yugi resting his hand on his hip.
"In the end it will be their choice," said Luffy walking over to the window.
They were both silent for a moment before Yugi sighs.
"Is everything ready for tonight?" asks Yugi staring out at the sunrise.
"Yes," replies Luffy turning his head slightly to Yugi. "Everything is set. Go get some rest, King of Games."
"I should be saying that to you," said Yugi walking out of the room. "Oh, another thing," he turns to Luffy just outside the door, "choose somewhere else for this shipment. We don't want it getting in the wrong hands."
Luffy pulls out his phone and makes a call.
When Alex wakes up it's already the afternoon. She rubs her eyes before frantically looking around to see the twins nowhere in sight.
"They're here," said Yugi walking in with the twins in his arms. He places them on the bed and watches as they try to crawl to Alex.
Alex lifts her hands as she calls the twins to her, her face flushed as she smiles at them. Yugi watches her and chuckles, shaking his head.
"What is it?" asks Alex putting her hands down, but still keeping an eye on the twins progress.
"Nothing. I just find it amazing how you can love a child that didn't come from your womb," said Yugi sitting behind her.
"Children are born to be loved," said Alex leaning back against Yugi. She grabs his hands and places it on her still flat belly, "And soon we will have another to add to our family."
"You mean—"
Alex nods, turning her head slightly to Yugi. Yugi hugs her and laughs.
"Wear something pretty tonight, my Queen," said Yugi letting her go to lean back. "Soon you won't be able to wear those pretty little dresses we both love and I want to show off my beautiful Queen."
Alex hums, "In that case, I have something for you to wear tonight," she said smirking.
"Why do I get the feeling you have something planned?" asks Yugi laying on his side as he rests his head on his knuckles.
Alex smiles before she gets up and pulls Yugi up with her. "You're going to have to keep the twins with you. I have to get started on that illusion for Luffy," she said starting to lightly push Yugi towards the door.
"Alright, alright, no need to push," said Yugi grabbing the twins.
Alex stops and opens the door for him.
"How long?" asks Yugi stepping out, but stopping short just outside the door.
"It might take a few days, but for now I'll cast a glamour," said Alex staring straight in Yugi's amethyst eyes. "The illusion I'm thinking of will require a lot of power and concentration. The problem is that even if in theory it should work, it might not."
Alex starts mumbling to herself as she closes the door.
Yugi looks down at the boys; Heba had fallen asleep while Atemu was reaching for the door. "I guess Mommy will be busy for a few hours," he said walking away.
It was at sunset when Alex sighs, messaging the bridge of her nose, she gives a wary glance at the books surrounding her on the floor before she looks out the window. She frowns before she gets off the floor, stretching.
A knock on the door catches her attention.
"Come in," she says as all the books around her snap shut just before the door opens.
"A young girl of about eleven years of age with shoulder length black hair, blue eyes, and a slight tan enters the room carrying a black plastic cover and lays it on the bed.
"What is your name?" asks Alex as the girl backs away and lowers her head.
The girl was wearing a simple purple dress with no sleeves so Alex could clearly see some healing bruises on the girls arms and legs.
"Robin," she says in a low voice.
"A pretty name," said Alex using her hand to lift Robin's head up to her, "but such a sad little girl. You don't have to worry about ever being hurt again on the feeling of starvation, the Pirate King will take care of you."
Robin's eyes start to tear up as she bites her lip.
"Shouldn't you be getting ready?" asks Luffy from the doorway.
Robin quickly rubs her eyes and runs out of the room.
"What did you say to her?" asks Luffy walking into the room.
"I suspect something she hasn't heard in a long time," said Alex turning to the plastic cover and unzipping it.
Luffy stands before her and looks down at the bed. "I don't know whether to think you amusing or cruel," he said taking the dress out of the plastic cover and holding it up to her. "It seems different from the portrait."
"The original is elsewhere, this is the modernized version of it," said Alex grabbing the dress and placing it on the bed. "Did you get yours?"
"Yes, as did Yugi," said Luffy turning his back to her when she reaches behind her to unzip her current dress.
"Good to hear, but we both know that's not why you're here," said Alex as her dress falls to the ground to reveal a matching black bra and panty set. "Have you started wondering why you had some talents you never had before and now they're gone? Or perhaps you already guessed it."
"Why make it so easy?" asks Luffy turning his head slightly to her.
"Five hundred years. You've been waiting for them to be reincarnated for five hundred years. Centuries ago I cast the spell so that you may know when they were reborn. I might be a bitch, but I'm not that much of a bitch," said Alex rolling her eyes. "Though I must ask once those talents went away did you figure it out yourself or did Brook help you?"
"I had Brook's help."
Alex hums then turns to the bed. "Go get ready, Luffy. We have a long night ahead of us."
Luffy walks out closing the door behind him and leans against it. He sees Robin peeking out from her bedroom door at him from the corner of his eyes. He gets off the door and walks over to Robin.
"Do you think you can take care of two one year olds for us, at least for a little while?" asks Luffy kneeling down in front of her.
Robin nods not making eye contact.
Luffy stands and knocks on Yugi's door.
"Come in."
"I can never tell whether she is merciful or cruel," said Luffy stepping into the room.
"Perhaps both. There is a reason she was chosen to rule us all," said Yugi turning to Luffy.
"I see you're already ready," said Luffy looking up and down at Yugi.
"White is normally not my style," said Yugi looking down at himself.
Yugi had on white pants, a blue and gold belt, a black dress shirt with gold buttons with the top four buttons undone, a white dress jacket and to top it off was a golden falcon usekh, its wings going around his neck.
"Looks good on you," said Luffy nodding.
"It feels weird," said Yugi placing a hand on the falcon Usekh. "She has me dressed almost like a Pharaoh."
"Not almost. She HAS you dressed up as a Pharaoh," said Luffy looking over at the bed to see more jewelry.
"Either way, even 3000 years ago, I've never worn this type of jewelry," said Yugi reaching over for the golden earrings and walking over to the mirror. "My husband never gave me such gifts, but. . ." Yugi touches the earrings made of solid gold shaped like a rearing cobra, "but the Pharaoh loved to give me gifts."
Luffy's head snaps to Yugi. "Did your husband know?"
"No," replies Yugi looking down.
"I didn't know you had it in you."
"I didn't either," said Yugi glancing at Luffy in the mirror behind him. "Go get ready, Luffy. It's not only my enemies we have to face."
Luffy walks out, goes into the room across the hall, and shakes his head when he sees a black plastic cover on the bed.
The music is booming when they all decide to make their entrance. The first to appear was Edward with Alphonse on his arm both wearing the same outfit.
They had on gold dress shirts, white pants with a gold and blue belt, a white dress shirt that was only buttoned in the middle. Edward wore a turquoise scarab beetle while Alphonse had a turquoise scarab beetle buckle and Usekh.
After them was Alexandria and on either side of her was Yugi and Luffy. Luffy wore white shorts with a black belt, a red dress shirt, and a white dress jacket buttoned in the middle by one button. He word a simple red beaded necklace and a pair of golden sunglasses.
Alexandria had on a white dress, the top part is a sweetheart shaped corset with a golden ankh in the middle while the lower part is an asymmetric skirt, long at the back and short in the front. Upon her head was a golden diadem, ankh earrings, and white knee high boots.
The music stops and everyone turns to the stairs. All five of them look out at the crowd and with their heads held high they descend. The crowd moves back, giving them room to walk towards the stage where the stage had been cleared and now six thrones were there.
Each throne was side by side and they all looked the same. All six of them were made of gold and on its center was a falcon its wings spread upward and in the middle of those wings was the image of the sun.
Luffy goes to the center throne and turns to Yugi without breaking eye contact as he extends his arm, palm up to the throne.
Yugi stares at Luffy and nods. Yugi tightens his hold on Alex's arm slightly before they both walk to Luffy. He sits Alex on the throne to the right of him then sits on the throne Luffy indicated.
Edward takes the throne on Yugi's right while Alphonse takes the throne next to Ed. Luffy moves and takes the throne on Alex's right leaving only one empty throne next to him.
Yugi raises his hand and motions for them to continue. The music starts up and people start dancing again.
"What was that about?" asks Anzu glaring over at the stage.
"It was a King offering his throne to a fellow King. He basically announced that he trusts Yugi. . .and his Queen," replies Yami watching as Alex leans over to talk to Luffy.
Luffy leans more towards her revealing a scar under his left eye.
A young man next to Yami gasps loud enough to gain his attention. "Luffy?"
Yami turns to him to see a muscular guy with curly black hair, childish freckles, and dark eyes.
"You know him?" asks an older voice next to the young man who Yami could not see.
He nods,"He's my little brother."
"The one you and Sabo have been looking for all these years? Monkey D. Luffy is your younger brother?"
The man nods again.
"And you didn't recognize his name when Pops mentioned him in the meeting, yoi."
"I wasn't paying attention," he said shrugging.
The other sighs as a hand reaches up to muss his own pineapple shaped blonde hair. "Still looks like he did well for himself, Ace, after all he's sitting on a solid gold throne with two powerful families and the King of Games, yoi."
"What are you talking about?" asks Ace frowning and glaring at Alex who was laughing at something Luffy said.
"Don't you watch the news, yoi?"
Ace lifts an eyebrow. "Are you going to tell me?"
The man sighs again. "Motou Yugi is the King of Games, then his recently crowned Queen, Alexandria Thanatos is the CEO and owner of the Thanatos Research Corporation, rumored to have illegal dealings in the underworld, yoi. Finally, the Elric brothers, Edwards Elric is considered a prodigy amongst prodigies, his younger brother not far behind when it comes to computers, robotics, and engineering. There are rumors that both are in an incestuous relationship, yoi."
"Then there's Luffy, the rumored Pirate King," said Ace lifting his left eyebrow. "The one Pops wants to challenge."
"Go call Sabo. I'm sure he's going to want to see his brother too, yoi," said the man.
"Thanks, Marco," said Ace walking off cell phone in hand.
Marco shakes his head and walks off closer to where the thrones were.
Yami watches them for a moment then finally turns his attention to Alex who stopped talking to Luffy and starts whispering in Yugi's ear.
"The Pirate King?" asks Jou glancing over at Luffy who was looking out at the crowd.
"I heard rumors about him," said Ryou staring at the empty throne. "He supposedly rules over all the Pirates and smuggles goods to other countries, illegal goods."
"What is aibou doing with a guy like that?" asks Yami more to himself then to the others.
Yugi rests his head on his fist, Alex and Luffy lean back and cross their legs while Ed and Al lean forward as they look in Yami's direction.
"Ah, the little princeling," said Ed his golden eyes narrowing.
"Behave, brother, he's Yugi's problem," said Al watching as well.
"Some things don't change," said Ed glancing at Anzu.
"Ah, but things that don't change are quite boring," said Al.
"I'm checking my vital signs
Drawing my battle lines
Going to war again
Feeling the rhythm inside of my chest
All I need is just a pen
I know I was born for this
I know I was born for this."
"Some interesting people just came in," said Ed glancing at the door.
"Don't care for the critics
My words are like physics
A force that they can't stop
They just don't get it, I think they forget
I'm not done till I'm on top
I know I was born for this
I know I was born for this"
They all look at the entrance and frown when they see uniformed men.
"They look like Marines," said Al watching as a group of people seemed to be looking around.
"I believe, I believe
We can write our story
We can be an army"
"Grandpa," said Luffy placing his straw hat on his head as he peeks out with one eye at the taller man with grey hair and a scar under his left eye.
"We are the warriors, who learned to love the pain
We came from different places but have the same name
'Cause we were born for this
We are the broken ones, who chose to spark a flame
Watch as our fire rages, our hearts are never tame
'Cause we were, 'cause we were,
'Cause we were, cause we were born for this
We were born for this"
"Your grandpa?" asks Yugi staring straight at the man. "How about we play a little game?"
"I've struggled for years and
Though all of the tears
I've faced the doubts I hide
I never gave into my fears deep within
'Cause I heard my voice inside
I know I was born for this
I know I was born for this."
Luffy sighs and glances warily at Yugi. "What kind of game?"
"I will never lose my voice
If I cut out all the noise
I know, I was born for this
I know, I was born for this"
Yugi stays silent staring out at the dancing crowd.
"I believe, I believe
We can write our story
I believe, I believe
We can be an army"
"Don't worry nothing bad, Pirate King," said Yugi picking up his head from his hand.
"We are the warriors, who learned to love the pain
We come from different places but have the same name
'Cause we were, 'cause we were,
'Cause we were, 'cause we were born for this
We were born for this
We are the broken ones, who chose to spark a flame
Watch as our fire rages, our hearts are never tame
'Cause we were, 'cause we were,
'Cause we were, 'cause we were born for this
We were born for this"
"Just a little show."
"These words that I write are for someone like me
To know you're not alone
The moves that you make, yeah they come with mistakes
Don't ever lose your hope
Just know, you were born for this
Just know, you were born for this"
"A show?" asks Luffy frowning.
"We are the warriors, who learned to love the pain
We come from different places but have the same name
'Cause we were born for this
We are the broken ones, who chose to spark a flame
Watch as our fire rages, our hearts are never tame
'Cause we were, 'cause we were,
'Cause we were, 'cause we were born for this
We were born for this"
Luffy tenses as he notices a uniformed soldier walking up to his grandpa and points him out.
"We were born for this
We were born for this"
"Dance with my Queen," said Yugi holding out his hand to Alex who grabs it and stands.
A violin starts playing through the speakers starting Roundtable Rival by Lindsey Stirling.
Luffy stands and grabs the hand Yugi was handing him as he takes Alex to the dance floor. People move away when they realize who was joining them.
Alex picks up her dress slightly and moves her legs really fast, Luffy joining her and soon others join in too. Some laugh and start clapping as the music goes faster.
Alex lifts her hands in the air and spins, Luffy grabs her around her waist laughing.
"How very clever of you," said Ed next to Yugi. "You put him at the center of attention and kept that man away from him," Ed glances at the blond man who's hair is shaped like a pineapple.
Yugi glances at the man before his amethyst eyes shift to Ace who was watching Luffy with wide eyes.
"That's not who I'm worried about," said Yugi his lips thinning as he clenches his jaw and stares off into a darkened corner.
Ed glances in that direction as well then back at Alex and Luffy dancing. "Join in on the fun, King of Games, it is after all a party for you," said Ed standing up, extending a hand to Al who grabs it and both join the dance floor.
Yugi sighs then gets up to join Alex and Luffy.
Alex laughs as Luffy spins her only for Yugi to grab her. Luffy tilts his head at him about to let go of Alex, but Yugi places his hand over Luffy's keeping him there.
They stare at each other for a moment before Luffy shakes his head slightly, grabs Alex's hand, raises it to shoulder length as Yugi smiles and does the same on Alex's other side. They laugh as they move their feet fast and others join them.
Ed and Al join them their hands joining on either side of Yugi and Luffy, laughing. All the while they never noticed the ever watchful eyes on them.
Once the song ends they sit on their golden thrones still laughing. A blond head appears next to Luffy and whispers in his ear making Luffy frown as he nods.
Luffy stands up, "Something has come up," he said to Alex and Yugi.
"Do you need our help?" asks Yugi turning his attention from the crowd to Luffy.
"No, I can handle it myself," said Luffy glancing at Ed.
Ed's eyes narrow before he nods slightly.
Yugi waves his hand as he turns his attention back to the crowd.
Luffy steps down the stage, towards the stairs with the blonde figure following him closely. At the corner of his eye, Luffy can see as his men keep others from getting too close to him.
When he enters the elevators he sees his grandpa coming up the stairs and with a smirk pushes the button to close the elevator doors.
'I feel bad for leaving Cabbage to deal with him,' thought Luffy as the elevator doors open to the basement.
Once he steps out he can sense the heaviness in the air getting thicker as he walks down the hall. Luffy sighs, opens a door, snaps his fingers and the lights turn on. His eyes widen when he sees red hair mixing with blonde on a slab in the middle of the basement.
Kyuubi lifts his head revealing bloodshot eyes before he goes back to sobbing over Naruto's body.
"You brought her home," said Luffy walking closer.
"I couldn't leave her there," said Kyuubi holding on tighter to Naruto.
Luffy glances at Kyuubi's bloodstained clothes then at Naruto's bloodied form. "Go clean up, Kyuubi. We'll make sure to clean her up for you and the others," said Luffy as Brook enters with some cloths and a basin.
"I don't want to leave her again," said Kyuubi hiding his face in her neck.
"You're not leaving her. She's with family. Go get cleaned up," said Luffy watching Kyuubi warily.
Brook stands next to Luffy who reaches for a wet cloth, wringing out the extra water before starting to wipe Naruto's face.
Kyuubi moves away and nods as he heads to the door.
"Bartolomeo, make sure he gets to his room alright," says Luffy not taking his eyes off of Naruto.
"Yes, Luffy-senpai," said Bartolomeo practically drooling before he stops himself and walks up to Kyuubi.
"I don't need a babysitter," growls out Kyuubi glaring at Luffy.
"I just want to make sure she doesn't see you like that," said Luffy sparing a glance at him.
Kyuubi snorts," Just get Naruto clean before the Dark Queen sees her," with that said Kyuubi walks out with Bartolomeo following him.
"Should we get a doctor?" asks Brook staring at all the dried blood.
"There's no point for that," said Luffy opening the now blood caked robe and pausing once he sees the swollen belly.
"Luffy-san?"
"I think you're right," replies Luffy his eyes suddenly snapping to the door.
The door bangs open with a big hulking figure blocking the doorway.
"You damn brat! How dare you ignore me!"
Brook places the basin on the slab and stands in front of Luffy who places his straw hat on his head blocking his eyes.
"Grandpa, please," says a blond entering the room and pausing once he catches a glimpse of Naruto's body.
"Hey, why did you guys-" says the raven entering with another blond his face getting serious when he also catches sight of the body. "Luffy, what did you do?" he takes a step towards Luffy.
"How dare you people barge in here," hisses out Luffy placing the bloodied cloth in the water.
"But Luffy, the body-" starts the blond with wavy hair.
"She's been through enough humiliation and when we finally bring her home you barge in here," said Luffy his entire body trembling.
"Luffy-san, calm down," says Brook turning to Luffy and placing a hand on his shoulder. "We have a duty to Kyuubi and to the Dark Queen."
Luffy unclenches his hands and nods, picking up the cloth again.
"Get them out," whispers Luffy trying to keep himself in control.
Brook nods, turns back to the others only to freeze when he catches sight of the dark haired male who had entered the room. He could practically sense the power beneath that pale skin and blue eyes.
The male stares at Brook before his eyes shift to Luffy and a small smile forms. "It's been a long time, Luffy."
Luffy snaps his head towards the voice, his eyes getting teary once he catches sight of who it is. He drops the cloth and runs to him, hugging him tightly. "Merlin, my brother. I've missed you."
They do not notice the glares Merlin gets when Luffy calls him 'brother' from Ace and the blond with the wavy locks.
Merlin laughs, "I've missed you too, dear brother."
"I never thought you were going to leave England," said Luffy moving back to take a good look at Merlin.
"I wasn't planning to, but then I got the call," said Merlin turning to Naruto's body. "Who brought her home?"
"Kyuubi."
"Figures. Lets clean her up before Alexandria comes to see her older sister," said Merlin his hand running through the blonde hair. "Get me more water, hot water," he says to Brook.
Brook looks over to Luffy who nods.
"And get those people out of here," said Merlin rolling up his sleeves.
Brook starts pushing everyone out despite their protests. The door slams shut leaving Luffy and Merlin who starts to examine Naruto's body.
"I forgot you have medical knowledge," said Luffy watching Merlin.
"A thousand years worth," replies Merlin pressing gently on Naruto's stomach. "I thought you had some too."
"I dated a surgeon and the only thing he thought me was to cut," said Luffy looking away.
Merlin hums then frowns when he senses the sadness and bitterness rolling off of Luffy. "She was about two months pregnant. The ligature marks on her wrist and ankles suggest she was probably tied up for months, could be years since they look so old. I think he stopped once he broke her legs though even that feels like an old injury since the bones healed without being set right," said Merlin frowning more when he presses down on her thighs.
"What is it?"
"It seems like one leg was starting to heal correctly," said Merlin straightening himself as his eyes narrow.
Brook comes in with another basin of water, steam raising up as he places it next to Naruto's head. With some new cloths.
"I need to do an autopsy," said Merlin making eye contact with Luffy. "Go back upstairs, Luffy," he waves his hand over Luffy, his eyes flashing gold as the blood spots on Luffy disappear.
Luffy stares at Merlin for a moment then nods motioning for Brook to follow him.
"Is it okay to leave him there alone?" asks Brook as they reach the elevator.
"Do you really want to get in the King of Magic's way?" asks Luffy as the doors open.
"That was him?"
Luffy smiles over at Brook as the doors close.
In a back room, Alexandria stands in her underwear, her white dress far from the bloody green haired woman on the table.
"I have to say I admire your loyalty," said Alex putting her knife down on another table next to her which had various knives.
"It's times like these that I miss my brother, well, my sister now, you see, she had this ability to go into a person's head and get me all the information I needed," said Alex picking up a cleaver.
"I won't tell you anything!"
"Oh, you don't have to. I already know who you work for," said Alex fingering the cleaver as she smirks down at the woman. "This was for my own amusement, Monet. Oh, I hope you're your boss' favorite because he'll be getting quite a surprise."
Monet's eyes widen when she sees the way Alex stares at the cleaver before her expression goes blank.
"It's been fun," was all Alex said as she brings down the cleaver.
The head rolls on the floor as Alex puts the cleaver down on the table. She walks over to it, lifts it by the hair, and places it in a box lined with cloth filled with kitty litter. Alex places her hands over the box as she closes her eyes and whispers. The box disappears from sight when she opens her eyes and smirks.
"Teleportation and super strength. Not an ordinary witch, are you?" says a voice in the darkness.
Alex turns to the voice and narrows her eyes, but sees nothing.
"Who's there?" she asks picking up a dagger.
"I'm not your enemy," says the voice as green eyes appear in the darkness. "I simply came to help you with your problem."
"My, aren't you generous," said Alex putting the dagger down and crossing her arms, "but I don't have a problem."
"An eternal illusion is hard to do even for someone like you," says the voice as a figure appears wearing a cloak. "Have you thought about just returning the flesh back to the bones?"
Alex remains silent, but her eyes narrow at the figure.
"You did think about it."
Alex shrugs, "It briefly crossed my mind, but it is a very powerful spell and I do know my limits."
"I can give you the spell," says the figure stepping closer to Alex pulling the hood of the green cloak closer to her with one pale hand.
"And why would you give me such a spell?" asks Alex frowning.
"Because I know who and what you are?" says the girl, her head moving towards the headless corpse.
Alex's face goes blank before she sighs and uncrosses her arms. "What do you want in exchange for this spell?"
"I want your life story."
"My life story? That's all?"
The girl nods as long black hair falls out of the cloak.
Alex stares at her for a moment, blinking slowly before she nods. "You got yourself a deal."
Happy New Year! Consider this to be my New Years gift to everybody.
I hope to be able to get the next chapter out soon. This time I put the translation next to the sentence if this is better than putting it at the end tell me so so I can continue to do so. This time it is Arabic. If I got the translation wrong tell me so I can correct it.
Enjoy the New Year!