Author's Note: So, this story has been in my bank for a while, and I finally decided to post it! I'm super excited to share this with everyone since this story is gonna be a super fun (and hopefully interesting) AU. For those who have read my other stories, you know of my love of One Piece AU's. I'm going to go ahead and post Chapter 2 as well since it's done and give you a general idea of what to expect from this likely long, multi-chap story :)
Blackout (the title will make sense later I PROMISE) will focus mainly on fluffy nakamaship between Luffy and his friends, specifically Zoro, while attending a high school for the magically gifted. Naturally, there will be lots of action and adventure as the story gets longer. No romance with the exception of some background relationships and simple crushes (maybe some stuff if you squint). The different worlds and stuff will be explained in detail later on.
GENERAL WARNINGS:
- Magic High School AU
- FLUFF/HUMOR
- Will get kinda dark later...
- Just the right amount of angst/drama (I mean...high school...am I right?)
- Bullying
- Lots of magical creatures (including some of my own creations)
I hope you all enjoy it as much as I do, and reviews are always welcome!
Luffy was seven years old when he discovered that magical creatures exist.
He'd been walking home from school like he normally did, ratty blue backpack swinging against his legs. Since his grandfather worked all the time and they lived relatively close to his school, Luffy would walk to and from school every day. Some of the other kids made fun of him for it, but he didn't mind.
After all, it was like an adventure!
That particular day, Luffy decided to cut through the park and enjoy the nice Spring weather. One of his favorite spots was a large willow tree that overlooked a crystal clear river. The water level was higher than normal after all the rain they'd had, so it ran swifter and more ferocious than it usually did.
Still, Luffy was determined to climb up into the massive willow's branches and enjoy the cool breeze before going home to the small house he shared with Gramps and his two older brothers. He loved his family, but their home was so cramped. Sometimes, Luffy needed to get away and just…explore.
Gently setting his backpack down on the ground next to the tree, he began to climb. The willow wasn't all that tall and had big branches that extended over the rushing river. Only slipping a few times, Luffy pulled his small body up onto a branch and broke out into a wide smile.
The view was awesome! He could see across the park and even into town on the other side! So engrossed in the scenery, Luffy unconsciously scooted out to the edge of the branch, right over the river.
A few seconds later, the branch cracked beneath his weight and Luffy tumbled through the air. He didn't even have time to scream before he was in the frigid, turbulent water. Flailing his arms and legs, Luffy tried to swim unsuccessfully. Though he was normally a strong swimmer, the current pulled him under and smashed him against nearby rocks.
Just as his vision began to blur, something grabbed him and pulled his drenched body out of the rapids. Coughing wetly, Luffy carefully opened his eyes and tried to find whoever had saved him. Though his vision was blurry (and he was pretty sure blood was dripping down his back) he noticed it was…dark, even though the sun should still be up.
Another thing he noticed was that whoever had saved him was still holding him up in the air by his shirt.
Finally able to focus, Luffy lifted his head and examined his savior.
Weirdly enough, the person who'd saved him…wasn't a person at all. It was a bear, a large black bear that currently held Luffy in its teeth. Somewhat amazed (and not one to sense danger at all), he just gaped up at the creature and reached out to touch the soft fur.
Before he could nuzzle the bear any further, it put him down and plopped back onto its hindlegs to loom over him.
"That was dangerous, you know." It informed him smoothly, "Little cubs should be with their mothers, not in trees." Luffy, still dripping wet, was in awe of the bear who'd saved him and was now speaking to him like a person.
"Wow…you're a bear." He whispered, "…and you can talk…"
"Actually, I'm an Ursa, little cub." The bear corrected, "Lucky for you that I decided to pass through Lumina on my way back home…though it certainly is bright isn't it? Quite annoying." Luffy wasn't sure the beast was talking about, but looking around, it was like the sunlight wasn't reaching them in the shadow of the willow.
"You don't like the sun?"
"Let's just say…your nights appeal to my kind much more." The bear explained, glancing to his left out into the lit park, before returning his piercing gaze to Luffy, "Is your home nearby, cub?"
Luffy nodded.
"Then I recommend you return there. Unfortunately, my spell to keep the light at bay will not last forever and I must return to my territory."
At that, Luffy scrambled to his feet, almost tripping over himself.
"You're leaving? But…" The bear smiled softly as it fell down on all fours again.
"Fear not, little one, you are in no more danger."
"I know…" Luffy pouted, "but we just became friends and now you're leaving…"
"Friends?" The bear asked, tilting its head in confusion. Luffy nodded and trotted up to the creature so he was right in front of its nose.
"Yeah, friends! My names Luffy! What's yours, Mister Bear?"
"I am Kuma." It replied with a flick of its ears, "Does the exchange of names mean friendship here in Lumina?"
"Shishishi, I guess!" Luffy chirped, reaching forward to hug Kuma around the neck, "Thanks for saving me…"
After exchanging names (and playing around with the bear's paws for a few minutes), Kuma left through a portal of darkness that seemingly appeared out of nowhere. Luffy was sad, but also amazed at the feat of magic he'd just witnessed (because what else could it be!).
He'd immediately rushed home and told his two brothers, Ace and Sabo, about his new friend. At first, they didn't listen and immediately worked to bandage his head and get him cleaned up, much to Luffy's annoyance. But once he was no longer bleeding, and his brothers had bundled him up in his tiny bed, they listened to his story. Though they didn't believe him at first, a few years later, it was a different story.
After all, it was hard to ignore the existence of magical creatures when you accidently summon a massive, lava-sweating salamander into your living room. Naturally, the three brothers were shocked (Luffy more amazed really), especially since they had no idea how it'd gotten there.
At the ages of twelve, Ace and Sabo managed to summon something from beyond their world, without any instruction! This was a pretty big deal, at least according to Gramps, and they were lucky the creature wasn't terribly aggressive…just naturally destructive. Once the salamander was removed and their house rescued from the fire, some people in suits showed up with Gramps and talked secretly with Ace and Sabo, only instructing Luffy that he was not allowed to speak of the incident TO ANYONE.
Honestly disappointed considering he was the one who discovered the cool creatures a few years before, Luffy pouted for a long time…like…three days. Even after relentless questioning, his brothers wouldn't talk to him and eventually, life went back to normal. Or, as normal as it could be after everything they'd experienced.
Ace and Sabo moved away for high school to attend some elite boarding school, which was cool, but left Luffy alone in their tiny house. They came back occasionally, always whispering behind his back and hiding their textbooks. It was weird.
That is, until his sixteenth birthday…
"Lu, wake up!"
Said boy groaned at the loud voice and snuffled further into his pillow. It was too early to get up…
"Aww…come on, Lu…" A softer voice encouraged, running a hand through his scruffy bed head, "We made you a birthday breakfast…with bacon and sausage." At that, Luffy opened his eyes and yawned widely, leaning into Sabo's hand.
"Meat?" Ace laughed from where he stood behind Sabo.
"You bet, nothing but the best!"
Pushing himself up into a sitting position, Luffy stretched and whined like a cat. As he bent and cracked his joints, Ace threw his curtains open, nearly blinding him.
"Ace…no…" He complained, wiping sleep from his eyes, "Why're you guys so…awake today?" His big brothers had come to visit for his birthday, as they did every year since leaving for high school (a continuing tradition even though they now had jobs…whatever those were), but something was different…they were both a little too peppy. Especially Ace. He hated mornings.
"It's just a special day!" Ace explained, exchanging a happy glance with Sabo who pulled Luffy out of bed.
"That's right, little brother, so let's go eat!"
Never one to turn down food, Luffy allowed himself to be dragged behind his big brothers into the kitchen. The small room was bathed in the warm light of the morning sun, illuminating the sizzling pan and piled high plates. His too big night shirt slipped off his shoulder as Ace picked him up and placed him on one of their three bar stools.
Luffy shivered, immediately wanting his blanket. The kitchen was chilly, and his summer pajamas didn't really do much to keep him warm. Thankfully, Sabo noticed and quickly retrieved a blanket from the living room to throw over his shoulders.
"Ne, where's Gramps?" Luffy asked as Ace placed a platter of pancakes, bacon, and sausage in front of him. For once, the old man was home and working at the local military base instead of overseas.
"He's out." Ace explained, helping himself to a piece of bacon before Luffy could stop him, "Should be back soon though."
Shrugging, Luffy began eating his birthday breakfast, something his brothers hadn't done for him in years. Why was this one so special? He hadn't heard of any plans to celebrate…not that Gramps was all that reliable. Still a bit confused, he eyed his big brothers, mouth full of delicious bacon.
None of them were related by blood, but they were brothers, nonetheless. Gramps, Monkey D Garp, had adopted Ace and Sabo at a young age out of foster care and they'd immediately bonded with Luffy, his grandson. Because of Ace and Luffy's dark hair and similar looks, they were often mistaken as blood siblings.
Sabo just confused people (especially when they joked around and said he was Ace's twin).
Looking up from his food, Luffy stopped at the sight of his two brothers watching him closely, heads resting on their chins.
"Okay, somethings going on."
"You…could say that, yeah." Ace admitted with a wink, "Just wait till Gramps get back." Huffing, Luffy turned back to his breakfast, content to munch on the strips of bacon and imagine what his gift could be.
His family always got him one present for his birthday, often a special snack or food of some kind.
'Maybe they're gonna take me to that new buffet in town.' He mused, drooling a little at the thought.
Not long after Luffy finished the massive breakfast, the front door opened and slammed shut, rattling the whole house. Gramps was home.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" The massive man bellowed, scooping Luffy up into a tight hug.
"Erm…thanks?" He managed, even more confused by the fact that Gramps was showing him affection in a somewhat normal way. Last year, when he'd turned fifteen, the geezer had made him climb the local telephone tower to retrieve his present at the top (for training, or something like that…a lot of work for some new sandals).
Needless to say, the local police hadn't been pleased.
After being released from Gramps' hug, Luffy was quickly ushered into the living room and sat on the couch. While Ace and Sabo plunked down on either side of him, Gramps pulled up a chair and sat across from them. Before he could say anything, his grandfather placed something on the table between them.
Leaning forward, Luffy examined the covered object. It was a sphere of some kind…
"Is…this my present?" He asked, looking up at his beaming brothers, who nodded.
"Something like that." Sabo replied, reaching over to lift the fabric off the sphere. It was clear and pretty…but…did it do anything? He wasn't really into decorative stuff.
"Luffy." Gramps said, a serious look on his face, "If all goes well today, this will be your first step towards a new future. One you will finally be able to share with your brothers and myself."
"Ah, enough of the formalities!" Ace explained, picking up the small sphere and handing it to Luffy, "Just hold it like this, Lu. Close your whole hand around it…"
The sphere was light and cool in his hand and distorted his vision when he looked through it which was cool…he supposed. Just before he spoke up again to voice his confusion, the ball began to glow.
It wasn't a harsh light, but rather a warm glow that made him smile.
"Wow…it's so pretty-"
"HELL YEAH!" Ace yelled, leaping off the couch and making Luffy yelp in surprise, "I knew it!"
"Congratulations, Luffy!" Sabo added, hugging him tight.
"Uh…did I do something?" He questioned, pulling away from his brothers and looking down at the orb. Chuckling, his grandfather took the sphere back, wrapping it tightly in the protective cloth.
"Yes, you did. That was a test, Luffy, one to determine if you were blessed with mana like your brothers and myself."
"Mana? Like in video games?"
"It means you've got magic capability, Lu." Ace put in, ruffling his hair, "You can become a summoner, like Sabo and I!" Luffy's eyes widened at the thought. He was magical?
"So, I'm like a wizard!?"
"Well-" Gramps interrupted Sabo by clearing his throat.
"Passing the test means you're eligible to attend the same high school Ace and Sabo did: Reverie Academy. There you'll learn all about mana, summoning, and the like. You'll be starting in a month, during the summer. I've already completed your transfer paperwork."
"Summer school…?" Luffy whined, suddenly a lot less excited about being magical. Ace laughed and slapped him on the back.
"Don't worry, Lu, you'll have a blast! But for now, Sabo and I have got some things to talk to you about…stuff we've been dying to tell you for years."
As it turns out, ever since the salamander incident, his brothers had been scouted as summoners, or people born with mana (magic energy of some kind) who could summon creatures from other worlds. They were both prodigies, able to summon high level beasts and spirits without even really trying! As such, they'd been getting instruction even before enrolling at Reverie Academy.
But, because of how secretive it all was, they weren't allowed to talk to Luffy about it until he passed the test himself.
"You've been doing cool magic stuff behind my back!?" Luffy pouted, slumping down on the couch, "But…I'm the one who told you about the magic bear, remember?"
"Yeah, we know, Lu." Sabo soothed, "But you never showed any signs of early development like we did, so we were forced to wait till now…sorry about that."
"What magic bear?" Gramps asked, making them all flinch. Oh right, they never told him about that…
"Nothing!" They all replied in unison before going back to their in depth conversation. Ace and Sabo talked with Luffy for hours, explaining why they'd had to move away and never let him in on what they were doing.
Honestly, it made a lot of sense, and with every explanation, Luffy grew more and more excited.
If he became a summoner like his brothers, he'd be able to make all sorts of new creature friends!
"These creatures aren't friends or even pets, Lu." Ace interrupted seriously, "They're powerful beings that could very well kill you if you're not careful. That's why Sabo and I joint summon every time…don't worry about it, they'll teach it to you in school."
"Indeed." Sabo continued, "I know it is all quite exciting to you right now, but it is important to exercise caution and get along with your ranger."
"Ranger?" Luffy asked, still in his pajamas even though it was now after lunch.
"Oh yeah, they're like our support." Ace explained, "Basically, summoners have a ton of mana, and rangers have like…none. They'll explain it all at the entrance ceremony." His freckled brother then scooped him up and tickled him, making Luffy squeal loudly.
"Who knows, maybe someday you can come work with us?"
Luffy was barely listening as they explained their job of banishing malicious or just plain lost creatures from our world, too excited to think clearly.
He was going to go to a magic high school! How awesome was that!
One month later, Luffy stood at the bus stop ready to head off to his new school. Gramps was working but Ace and Sabo both came to see him off.
"Lu, are you sure this is all you need?" Sabo asked, looking over his tattered backpack and one duffle bag.
"Yep!" He chirped, bouncing on his heels. Luffy'd never owned that much stuff to begin with so traveling (or in this case moving) was never really a hassle.
"And you have all of your toiletries? OH, what about coat? I know it's summer now but you never know-"
"Take a breath, Sabo." Ace interrupted, "He's going to be fine."
Luffy could barely keep still and kept shifting back and forth, tuning out his brother's discussion. Ace and Sabo hadn't explained much about mana or the school itself, saying he should figure it out for himself, which he didn't mind at all. He loved having adventures!
"There's your bus…" Sabo said while pulling Luffy in for a hug, "Study hard and be careful, okay Lu?"
"I will." He mumbled into his brother's chest before being swept into Ace's embrace.
"Call us anytime if you have questions or get into trouble." Luffy pouted at that.
"I'm not gonna get in trouble…"
"Yeah, yeah." Ace replied, rolling his eyes, "We'll see about that."
Stepping onto the bus, Luffy waved at his brothers and smiled widely. Ace and Sabo returned his wave until the bus started up and he had to take his seat. Settling in for the next few hours, Luffy rummaged in his bag for his headphones, one of his favorite possessions given to him by his brothers.
They were all black with jolly rogers on the pieces that went over his ears. The best part was that the jolly roger had a straw hat on it, which appealed to Luffy and just…made him happy for some reason. Slipping the headphones over his ears, he plugged the wire into his phone and started up his favorite, upbeat playlist.
The bus ride was uneventful and long, but Luffy wasn't tired. If anything, it allowed him time to think and look forward to arriving in Red Line, the city Reverie Academy resided in. Conveniently enough, the bus stop was only a few blocks from his new school.
Leaping out of the bus, Luffy quickly stored his headphones and gaped at the large city around him. Red Line was significantly larger than his hometown, and so full of people! Psyched up, Luffy grabbed his duffel bag and made sure the duct tape on his backpack was secure before jogging down the street.
Sabo had drawn him a detailed map, but he still managed to get lost a few times. Finally, after an hour and a half of wandering around, he arrived at his destination, and he realized why his blonde brother had drawn a little winky face next to the "X" on his map.
"Uh…is this it?" He whispered, looking over the waste disposal facility with a doubtful eye. It literally looked like a dump and nothing like what Ace and Sabo had described. But it did say MARIE-JOIS – REVERIE on the front window…
"You lost, brat?" A rough voice asked, drawing Luffy's attention. It was a short old man in overalls who seemingly appeared out of nowhere.
"I'm looking for Reverie Academy, is this it, Mister?"
"Got a pass?"
Luffy nodded and fished around in his bag to bring out the little card Gramps had given him after passing the glowy sphere test. Sabo had warned him not to lose it, or he wouldn't be allowed on campus.
Once he managed to find it, he passed the card over to the old man, who looked over it with an appraising eye.
"Hmmm…another of Garp's grandsons, huh?" Luffy laughed.
"Shishishi, yep! You know Gramps, Mister?"
"Sort of. Your brothers were a pain in my ass." The old man snorted, handing Luffy his pass back, "…always sneaking around and causing trouble."
Yep, that sounded familiar.
"C'mere, let's get this over with."
Luffy happily bounced after the old guy, looking around at the equipment inside the building with big eyes. Though it smelled and looked filthy, it also appeared fun and exciting! Did one of those doors lead to the actual campus or was it like a portal or something!?
OH, what if it was a slide! That…would be epic.
"So, Luffy was it?" The old asked while pulling levers and pressing buttons, "You gonna become a Sweeper like your brothers?" At first, the strange word confused him, but then he remembered his brother's explanation of their job.
"You mean when they go around and send magical creatures back to their worlds? I dunno, maybe." Luffy admitted, adjusting his backpack on his shoulders. It did sound interesting, but he didn't want to settle on a job when he hadn't even seen the campus yet. Who knows, maybe there would be a job where he could see Kuma again or travel to all the different worlds! That sounded more up his alley.
"They do more than that, brat." The old man muttered, cracking his back, "But it ain't in my job description to explain it. All right, you ready?"
"Ready for what?" He chirped, moving to stand where the old man indicated without hesitation.
"This here device is gonna teleport you to the Mesa where Marie-Jois and the Academy are located. It's basically a secluded space between all the worlds." The old guy explained while handing him a little bag, "First time travelers should take one of these, just in case."
"Wow, thanks," Luffy said, stuffing the bag in his duffel bag, "Mister…what was your name?"
"Mekao, it's a pleasure."
"Shishishi!"
The old man, Mekao, cut his laugh off by pulling the lever and dropping Luffy through the floor. Clutching his bag tightly, he gaped at the multitude of colors that began to form around him, spiraling around like a vortex. After a few seconds of falling, Luffy decided this was much better than a slide.
The whole process took about a minute and dumped Luffy onto a hard slab of concrete, face first. Sitting up, he laughed quietly to himself, hoping he would get to do that again sometime. Curious to look around, Luffy trotted out the only door in the room and pushed it open, revealing a bright landscape beyond his wildest dreams.
The drab building he emerged from was easily eclipsed by greenery and gorgeous buildings in the distance. The Mesa, as Mekao had called it, was huge and had everything from rolling hills where horses (and were those unicorns!?) roamed, to lush mountains. Looking to his left, Luffy could see other students, though they exited a sleek train car, attended by…were those butlers?
He assumed they were new as well since they all had suitcases.
Watching the other students, he deduced that he would need to cross the bridge over the river to reach the main campus. Barely able to contain himself, Luffy shut the door to the little shack he'd emerged from and moved to join the other students.
A few noticed his approach and purposefully moved away, lips curling up as they looked over his simple t-shirt, shorts, and sandals. It didn't really bother him though; he was used to stuck up people.
Just before he stepped onto the bridge, someone tried to trip him.
Luffy easily stepped over the leg and looked up at the large blonde whose limb was still stuck out. He was broad and muscular but had a stupid looking face.
"You know, it's dangerous to stick your leg out like that." Luffy informed the larger male, "Someone could fall."
"That's kind of the point, dumbass." The blonde jeered, looming over him, "Jeez you're tiny…I'm surprised you didn't get crushed teleporting here, especially considering that piece of crap you arrived in."
"Nah, it was fun!" Luffy said with a smile, moving his hands up to the straps of his backpack, "You should try it sometime!"
"And mingle with the likes of you? No thanks."
Luffy huffed as the bully, who identified himself as Bellamy, continued to berate him. The guy was annoying and obviously spoiled. Shuffling in place, he looked longingly towards the buildings across the bridge, eager to finally see the Academy campus up close.
"Oi, you ignoring me?" Bellamy growled, grabbing Luffy by the collar of his shirt. Before he could respond, someone cleared their throat from behind them, making the blonde drop Luffy almost instantly.
"Y-You're-" Bellamy stuttered, backing away. The man who'd interrupted them had dark hair and kind eyes. "King Cobra…"
"I would expect someone of your standing to act properly, and not like an insecure child." The man chided, flanked by two interesting looking men and a girl around Luffy's age who peeked through the group to eye them with curiosity.
Bellamy clicked his tongue and retreated across the bridge, eyes full of anger and cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
"Are you all right, son?" The King asked while coming up to Luffy, "You'd think noble offspring would have more decorum than that…"
"I'm fine, thanks!" He chirped, smiling at the blue haired girl who came out from behind her father.
"This is my daughter, Vivi. She's starting out at the Academy just like you. Perhaps you can be friends?"
"F-Father…" She stuttered, suddenly flustered, "You're embarrassing me!"
Luffy laughed as the King tried to make nice with his daughter, who seemed like a very kind person. In other words, friend material, at least in his eyes. A few minutes later, Vivi said goodbye to her father and bodyguards, since apparently they weren't allowed to cross the bridge onto campus.
Vivi seemed nervous as she dragged her large suitcase along the cobblestone path.
"Luffy…right? You seem so calm, like you're not nervous at all."
"Shishishi, it's an adventure! Why would I be nervous?"
"Well, this is a tough program…" Vivi explained slowly, "and your mana level determines how you're treated, and even what classes you can take!" Luffy tilted his head.
"Mana level? Didn't we already pass that test?"
"Yes, but this will be more precise." The princess answered as she tried to haul her massive suitcase up onto the raised stone of the street. Luffy gladly lifted it for her. "It will say exactly how much mana you have, and if you even qualify as a summoner!"
"You can fail!?"
"Not exactly…but if you don't have enough mana, you'll be demoted to Ranger." Vivi said with a sigh, "I need to be a summoner, for my country and people."
Luffy hummed, trying to remember if Ace and Sabo mentioned anything about rangers, other than their low mana level.
"Is it really that bad?"
"It's…well…" Vivi continued as they entered the bustling campus, "Let's just say they aren't respected as much as summoners are."
Their conversation ended as they looked around in awe of the city-like campus. There were shops, restaurants, and even training grounds! They stopped spinning around as a voice called out to them.
"Oh, new students! Over here!" It was a skinny man who looked like he didn't spend enough time in the sun, "Names please."
They both gave their names and waited while the guy flipped through a large binder.
"Ah, Nefertari Vivi, your highness. Welcome to Reverie Academy! Your dorm is located to the right in the Royal Springs. Do you require any assistance with your things?"
"No, that's all right." Vivi replied before turning to Luffy, "I'll see you at the Entrance Ceremony?"
"Sure!" He replied, waving as the princess left to go check out her dorm room. The second Vivi was out of sight, the man's face turned a bit more…sour.
"Monkey D. Luffy…another commoner, how pleasant." The man muttered, scowling down at the paperwork, "Your dorm is to the left, in Quiet Creek. Now get lost!" Luffy shrugged, gathered his things, and made his way towards his dorm, or at least where he assumed it was.
The guy hadn't offered all that much guidance.
Thankfully, there were signs around that led him to a small building just on the outside of town. As the name insinuated, there was in fact a little creek. The dorm itself wasn't all that big and kind of run down, but Luffy liked it immediately.
It reminded him of home.