Chapter Five – Settling In.
I'm back~. Here we are finally Luffy is going to be spending some time with the Whitebeard pirates. Gosh, I'm so excited that I'm practically buzzing. The mischief and chaos will be starting from now. (Evil Laughter). Though any ideas for future mischief is still welcomed.
As Thatch ranted on his vengeance, Luffy had snuck past easily. He had dragged the bag down some stairs, through a corridor and into the first room he chose by naming the doors by food. He ended up choosing Pork and hid in the room. How nobody saw or heard him, well… nobody will ever know.
Luffy ripped the meat apart like paper with his teeth, devouring all of it at an impossible pace. Though who could blame him, it wasn't like he was well fed by that bad man, giving constant scraps, he hated the times the would starve h… Shaking his head Luffy pushed back the horrid memories. Determined not to let it get him down his focused back onto the task at hand. Or more specifically in his hands. It a few minutes before the bag of food had been completely eaten up, not even leaving the bones since he could use his dragon's teeth to make quick work of them. Luffy patted his blown up belly looking completely content and rolled onto his back without a care in the world.
It was nice as he listened to the various sounds. To the side, there's a porthole, but it was completely dark as the was underwater. He watched the multicoloured fish swim by, quietly.
Suddenly he sat up when a pair of thumbing reached his ears, drawing closer. Scrambling Luffy spun around but the room was completely filled with barrels. Choosing to hide in one, he moves to one. Opening a barrel his actions are halted when he saw that it was filled with water. He was in a water store! No way was Luffy able to hide in any of the barrels, with his devil fruit he'd no doubt drown. Shutting the lid, he surveys any last possible places.
'There!' In the corner was another stack of barrels however just behind it, he spotted something. There was a rotten hole in the flooring. As the footsteps closed in, he ran to it. Luffy was sure that it was big enough for a bear cub to crawl through, so deemed it good enough for himself. Silently he descended below the boards until he was completely swallowed by the darkness. Listening he knew the humans were above, though their voices muffled. There was a thump and a scrap, assuming that they had just plucked a barrel and was now dragging it away. Luffy waited for the men to disappear before moving once more. It was five minutes 'til the sounds started fading to nothing. Luffy released his breath he didn't realize he was holding. Being below his eyes had adjusted to the darkness, so when shuffling around he spots an opening, curious to explore Luffy inched forward. For a man, it would be impossible to move through but Luffy with his small body it was easy, especially with his devil fruit abilities. His rubber body squeezing through the tight spaces and rounding the beams was no trouble. Finally, he reached the end and found that it didn't lead out instead there was a boxed space. Moving to the centre, he noted the space was large enough to fit his body and more. Though it was still dark, it had a small glow as light slipped between the boards above. But importantly, there were no hatches and it was extremely filthy, so the area had never been used. Even if it was dusty, Luffy deemed it to be cosy and warm. Yawning he allowed his body to transform into his natural form, however not to his full size.
It was obvious that Luffy had forgotten that he was wearing clothes as he was now laying in said torn clothing. The shorts had completely split from the sudden change in size whereas the shirt was torn at the sleeves and collar but stretching around his scaly body. Luffy whined at the results knowing that he'll be needing to find more clothes.
For now, he curled up and laid his head down. And for the first time, the sound of chains didn't accompany the rocking of the ship, peacefully lulling him to sleep.
A cold room, a hot coal pit and looming figures with Cheshire cat smiles. He felt something heavy pin him down onto his front and chains rattle as his limbs panicked. He cried as the men's dark laughter drew closer. He regretted looking over his shoulder, standing there one of the shadows held high a glowing iron pole before striking down. Luffy had screamed 'til his throat was raw, but the pain would stop.
The images became erratic changing to worse and worse images each time.
'Boom!' Luffy opened his eyes instantly and nearly jumped up but knocked his head on the wood above. Luffy rubbed abused spot though it didn't actually hurt, more out of habit. His vision was blurry due to the welled up tears so it was to tell where was. But the scent the of sea salt and Adams wood relaxed him it wasn't much but at least there wasn't the familiar smell of blood and rusty iron. At least he wasn't there.
'Boom' another rumble shook the ship, back and forth. Placing his head on the wall Luffy heard further violent splashing and rumbles outside. It was all accompanied by the hollers of the crew and creaking of the vessel. The situation wasn't unfamiliar to Luffy, he had been in multiple sea storms before though in his opinion this seemed to be rougher than all the others. Luffy hated it, he hated its loud voice as if roaring at him. His dislike grew even more when his so called owner had found this out and would chain him outside in the rain. Lucky the lightning had never hit his chain, he heard many times that it hurt like crazy. Even Ace refused to fly during storms, warning Luffy that was dangerous.
Whining Luffy curled in on himself, his tail wrapping tightly as if to protect him. He blocked out the storms cries, squeezing both eyes hoping it would end soon.
It didn't, continuing on for hours but eventually, the darkness was able to take Luffy. Sheltering him from any more nightmares, allowing him to settle.
(Later on)
Awaking once, Luffy was greeted by his warm, little space. It was different for the little dragon that he needed to think back to the prior day's events, along with his where bouts. Snorting Luffy flopped back down, knowing that no guard was going to disturb him. And he enjoying the peace. Rolling about in his little den. On the other hand, the surface was hard, rough and scratched uncomfortably against his scales. Even along his reptilian body a couple of scratches had appeared. Glaring down Luffy claws at the wood a little, the last time he had a proper bed was with his brothers, which they made themselves though he would mainly sleep on his actual brothers than their bed. Thought of a soft bed was nice and if this was to be his hideout then it needed to be more comfortable. He nodded to himself before crawling away. Climbing out from beneath the boards, he shook his body and stretched out like a cat. Multiple pops race up his sore body and relieving the cramped muscles.
Luffy left the water store room and casually walked back down the corridor from yesterday. He peeked behind each door, finding a sail room, cable room and more rooms filled with barrels. One room was even dedicated to sake, Luffy reclosing the door instantly due to the strong order overwhelming his nose. The finally he climbed the steep stairs leading to the deck, that came through the other day. Reaching the top, he inspects the outside before slithering up the last steps. There was no life to be seen, the upper deck was bare with the exception of puddles scattered about. It was still quite dark with a few sun rays seeping over. It was most likely too early so the crew would still be sleeping, exhausted from the thunderstorm. Smiling at this, Luffy leaped across the decking and jumped playfully into the pools of water. He ran in every direction, excited to be … raising his head his eyes sparkled excitedly, admiring the chair that was seated in the midst of the ship.
'It's huge!' Luffy climbed the tall armrest 'til he sat at the top. The blue chair was worn but soft as he kneads the material with his feet. To the side, he spots something. He morphs back to his child form, then moves to the seat and plops himself down. Now sitting in a large imprint of someone, dipping low in the seat.
'A giant must sit here! That's so~ cool!' Luffy comparing his tiny form to the imprint. Though he stared forward for a second. 'Why is it here? The view's boring. Don't they want to see the sea?' Luffy quirked his head with a simple expression. His head started to strain so he fell backward, comfortably laying on his back. The chair was cosy he could lay there for hours watching the cloud float… Luffy blinked once then twice. Suddenly he shot up no taking his eyes off it. He bounced off the furniture and scuffled to the port side of the Moby's railing. Pushing his head between the posts and glancing up, then down at the rushing waves that crashed upon the hull. He stared at the water questionably, then his face strikes into recognition. Finally becoming aware that they were no longer underwater instead, they were on the surface. The thought excited Luffy that he wanted to get a better view. Turning completely around he bounded towards the decks centre until he was at the foot of the main mast. Luffy crouched down and swings his arm back.
'Gumo gumo no …' the arm stretched out impossibly high and grabbed above the main royal causing Luffy to catapult himself amongst the white sails. Only to have Luffy smack face first into the mast's top and cling onto it. But the pain quickly ebbed away at the sight of the sky kissing ocean for as far as anyone could possibly see.
It was a wonder familiar welcoming sight, the air glowing orange as the sun rose from its watery blanket and glittered on the sea. It was beautiful, staring out as the wind whispered across his skin and sweeping through his raven locks. Of course, it would be even better sharing this moment.
'Ace~, Sabo~.' There was nothing at first so he repeated the thought once again there was silence. But then Luffy felt a budding warmth from the bond, though one being faster than the other. 'Ne. Sabo, look. It's just like back in East blue.' He smiled lovingly, never taking his eyes off the view, reminiscing with his happy memories. Just then the second presence was full awakening. And Luffy giggled, Ace was always the slower one in the mornings. Thinking back to multiple times when Sabo would ask Luffy to wake him up, only for Ace to scold them, saying there were better ways to wake him than have Luffy bounce on him.
His mind gradually drifted away, thinking back to what happened then. 'Ace, Sabo, from now on I'll live my life freely. Just as promised.' He solemnly smiled towards the scenery. Meanwhile, the bond tingled, his brothers reminding that they'll be doing it together. A hand gently clasps the marks, yeah they'd be alright, they together and are free. It had been a long time since he felt this but that's what he felt, free.
'Squawk!' Interrupting the chilled morning, a white bird signaled their presence, fly towards the ship. It was unusual bird compared to the rest. Being the roughly the same size as Luffy, it wore a hat and had a bag and something else strapped around to their body. Drawing closer Luffy recognized as one of those News Coo's that would give those papers when one of the adults in Foosha Village brought one. Though Luffy couldn't read so Makino would read pieces to him and when moving to the mountains, well… Sabo took over that. While reminding Luffy it was a good way to gather information, but Luffy was more interested in hearing about exciting stories on pirates than that. Reminiscing, he followed the animal.
When the feathered creature swooped down, Luffy instantly ducked behind the mast, becoming conscious of the sudden pirate that the bird landed next to.
'Did he see me?' He held his position for a second before peering over the side. He was aware that the stranger was facing away as he tried to exchange with the News Coo. Using the opportunity, Luffy quietly drew out his claws and descended along mast on the opposing side of the pirate. So not to be seen. When touching the bottom, he's faced with a familiar door to the galley. Checking that the other was still distracted, Luffy between the door. Upon entering the room, he dived under the tables.
A sweet aroma filled the room as well as the scent of a man. Weaving under the tables Luffy checks his company. It was the puffy redhead he'd followed yesterday, gliding around the kitchen side. 'Uh, what was his name?' Coming up blank, he nicknamed the man 'Beaver hair' because by Luffy's logic his hair was round and puffy looking like a beaver, not to mention it stuck out like one's tail so 'Beaver hair' it was. Watching Beaver Hair, he assumed him to be a cook. Luffy's jaw hung as the other cracked eggs, chopping and mixing various bowls, creating tempting smells that Luffy just wanted to bolt over. But he held his place waiting for his moment to possibly snatch some more food. Even some bacon!
Not long after, the previous pirate from the deck entered. Luffy stilled, eyes following the sandaled feet as they headed for him. When they seated themselves nearby, Luffy froze hoping the other won't feel how close he was. After he was sure that it safe, Luffy turned away. But something had him pause. Glancing to the long limbs that reeked something other than human. The smell was curious. Crawling dangerously close Luffy sniffed. He couldn't understand what it was, he never smelt anything thing like it. The closest thing he could compare it to was ash. he pulled back when the legs sudden adjusted themselves. However, Luffy wondering about the owner of the scent, leaned slowly between the legs 'til he saw the strangers face. If the man looked down right now Luffy would certainly be seen. Observing the man Luffy recognized him to be Beaver Head's friend. But being the one that was following them Luffy wasn't able to get a good look at the man 'til now. The man carried this tired expression, his eyes drooping low though it made the man look mature unlike the other occupant in the room. Another standing feature was his hair. 'Why does he have bananas on his head? But it doesn't look tasty. The thought of food suddenly caused his stomach to groan. Luffy blushed and jerked back from the man, at the noise. Next hugs his midsection as to quieten it.
"Marc, if you want seconds you can ask. After all, how could you resist wanting more of my cooking."
"That wasn't me." The statement had caused everything to go silent.
(Marco)
It was early morning when Marco stepped from his room and out onto the deck. He yawned, walking down the stairs to the rails. It like any other morning he thought, looking around he see's the amount of water on deck the storm had left. It wouldn't be too good to leave it as it was so he so puts a reminder away to have a division clear it later.
'Who's that?" He raised an eyebrow, looking upward. Upon the main mast sat a figure. Marco wasn't able to pick out any features as they were so high up. …
"Squawk!" Marco turned as the News Coo flew towards him and landed on the Moby's railing… The bird gave another caw, so he walks over to it. Reaching into his pant pocket and picked out some loose Beli. Slotting it into the money box strapped to the creature, he then pulled out a newspaper from its satchel. The News Coo bows in gratitude and once again took off to the skies.
Looking up once more, Marco found that the person had vanished, leaving an empty space. There wasn't anyone climbing down the rigging even. Did he imagine it? Rubbing his head, he passed it off that he was still drowsy from sleep.
'Some coffee would be nice.' Marco stepped up the stairs and opened the galley door. Stepping into the room he is greeted by the smell of breakfast. He already knows that it was Thatch in the kitchen, doing his usual routine of preparing the food before the ship started to wake.
"Morning Marc," His brother greeted with his energetic smile. Marco wondered how the man had so much energy in the morning, not to mention for the rest of the day. Marco gave a brief nod in response.
"Coffee Please, Thatch." Marco requested, moving further into the room and seating himself down at his usual table. It wasn't long 'til said coffee was placed in front of him, along with a warm plate of breakfast. "Another long day ahead?" Thatch returned back to his preparations.
"Just one of those mornings," he rubbed between his eyes. After eating his food, he leaned back onto his chair with coffee in hand. As soon as he folded out the newspaper, all attention drawn in by the headlines. 'Rookie Brothers Attack Celestial Dragons!'
'So there are still idiots out there willing to stand up to those bastards.' Leaning over he reads the article with interest.
'Fire Fist Ace and Mad Hatter Sabo cause riot at auction house situated at Dock one on Sabaody Archipelago. The first attack happened during the auction by the rookie brothers, who assaulted two Celestial Dragons and released a Cyclops – which was to be sold at auction- that ate the remaining occupants of the room including the royal nobles.'
Then the rest continued talking how hard the marines fought to save the nobles also that all slaves had run and that there were rewards for anyone who captures them. Marco felt slightly sorry, thinking to the poor slaves that were now on the run for the rest of their lives. There was little information on the new pirates even how they escaped. Just that due to the amount of fire and loose Cyclops, the two captains were able to run.
'They're definitely not allowing the public know how they let someone assault a Celestial much less get away with it,' Marco thought. He turned a page and revealed two wanted posters. Spreading them out Marco observed them both, they displayed two men and from Marco guess they were quite young as the faces stared back at him. The first with black hair, and freckles. He gave off a devilish smile while… 'Was that fire on him? A devil fruit?' Marco glanced thinks back to the article. 'Guess that's how he got the nickname Fire Fist.' Looking to the other poster boy fitted his own nickname as well. The pirate being nicknamed as 'Mad Hatter' by how well dressed and held himself. The blonde teen was bowing his top hat with eyes smiling evilly to the camera. Unlike the other, he presented a mature feel about him. Honestly, the two didn't look like brothers the only similarity the two shared was the dark look as if someone was being greeted by hell. Those eyes were deep and held so much hatred. Marco quirks his eyebrows at this.
'How much hatred can someone hold?' Just the thought of these two rookies coming to the new world brought Marco to sigh. Hopefully, they won't be stupid enough to assault any of Pops' territories.
"What's up, Marc?" Thatch calls over from his station.
"Just thinking about troubling youngsters and most likely be causing us more stress in the future." Marco slumped back on his chair.
"Keep talking like that you'll start turning into an old geezer." Thatch snickered.
"By the way, Doma will be dropping by next week."
"Doma, be nice to see how that guy's been. Heard that he got into a bar fight then, one with a vice admiral. Can't wait to here what happened this time."
"They're going to stay a few days, that'll be enough to exchange your stories. Though I'd advise you to not aggravate his companion this time."
"Not my fault if the ape can't take a joke. Seriously he nearly killed me." Thatch whined, remembering his last encounter with the mammal.
"For shooting you he had every right. Being hammered and telling it monkey jokes, probably isn't a good idea. Honestly, none of yours ever are." Marco smirked at his brother.
"Come on, my jokes are genius. Especially the hungry monkey story."
Suddenly a rumble interrupts the two's conversation. Assuming what it was Thatch grins at his brother. "Marc, if you want seconds you can ask. After all, how could you resist wanting more of my cooking." Marco gave his idiot brother a stern look.
"It wasn't me." His words silenced the room. The sound had been close but no else was suppose to be in the room but the two commanders. Surveying the room confirmed that, no one had just entered. Even so, the noise had been closer than any of the entrances. His attention then focused onto all the tables surrounding them, especially at the one he was sitting at. Not making sudden movement Marco started to slip from his chair, lowering himself.
Then entrance swung open presenting a sudden presence. "Morning you two." Entering was a character dressed in a pink kimono, a red garment with black spots wrapping their midsection. As well as having the hair and pale complexion that complete the look of a Japanese doll.
"Hey, Izo."
"Morning." The two greeted the sixteenth commander, who joined them.
"Marco, what are you doing down there?" The man looked at him questionably, seating himself down.
"Uh…" Marco glanced beneath the table, seeing only the legs of other seats. "Nothing," the blonde commented rising back up from the floor. Izo shrugged, satisfied with the answer. Though Marco looked to Thatch hoping he'd seen anything. Obviously not as Thatch gave him that clueless expression.
(Luffy)
Meanwhile in a room next door, Luffy huffed as he tried to calm his beating heart. 'Crap, they nearly caught me.' It was a miracle that saved him. Using the distraction to escape quickly, lucky he hadn't knocked anything as he snuck to the next door.
Looking up he's stunned, he had stepped into heaven because he was standing in the food storage room! So much food decorated the room, that Luffy didn't wait he bounded further into the tasty forest. Grabbing and eating anything he could reach and that was everything. The food was disappearing so fast, almost like magic. The show only stopped 'til he filled his black hole. Once finished he checked the porthole and door and found that most of the ship was awake, meaning that he was stuck. But this was Luffy and refused to stay still. Time passed 'til he spots a vent in the wall. Pulling off the screen, without faulting climbed through. Luffy was unable to see the end but kept on. Reaching the first exit, he observed through the screen. The room was dim, so he was unable to see clearly but made out roughly that it was a bedroom. Seeing there's no movement Luffy slowly crept out from the hiding spot. Getting a better look of the room, Luffy saw that it was a fine room painted with white walls and yellow trim and the furniture was simple but looked well crafted. As he continued to gradually explore the area, he eyes landed on a cloth. A giant white one hanging from a wall and looking at it an idea crossed Luffy. Suddenly wanting the item. When stepping towards it, the floor creaked into the silence. There was a loud snore, directing Luffy's attention to a bed. A bulky form laid on it, snoring that could be compared to an elephant's, though the man must have been bigger than one. Luffy assumed the man was sick cause of all the various tubes and machines he was attached to. But despite all the equipment, Luffy still sensed that this man was incredibly strong. Careful not to disturb the giant, Luffy kept low to the floor and reached for the cloth. Touching it was thick and worn yet pleasantly soft, just like the chair had been. When yanking it, he gave a silent gasp as the cloth fell, cloaking his form in white. Luffy shuffled under the fabric before finally popping his head out the edge.
He glanced once more, to the bed finding the man had rolled but was still asleep. Happy he hadn't awoken the human, Luffy carried the item, retreating to the vent with it dragging along behind him. His mission complete Luffy vanished into the walls.
(Marco)
Awhile later, Marco knocked on the cabin door, patiently waiting outside. He heard some shuffling before the door opened, watching his captain stepping out into the morning sun.
"Morning Pops," Marco smiled, stepping aside for him to pass. Pops casually walked by towards the captain chair. As Marco followed he observed his father, something was off. The man wasn't attached to his Iv's or pulling any along like he should do but that wasn't anything new. Though, Pops would get scolded by the doctor again. But wasn't it. Going through a checklist, it then slapped Marco in the face. So obvious.
"Pops, you not wearing your coat?"
"Yeah, it appears I missed placed it. Wasn't in my room." The comment surprised Marco, it wasn't like his father to lose his things, much less his coat as he always kept it on, hardly taking it off.
"I'll have some members search for it," Marco responded.
"Don't stress too much about it. It'll turn up eventually." Whitebeard lowers into his personal chair. However, settling down his hand brush over something. Lifting his hand slightly he notices a few tears in the armrest. "Seems that things keep on happening this morning," fingers feeling along the tears. "Son, we'll be needing to replace this chair."
"I'll add it to the list." Whitebeard nodded in appreciation.
Unbeknownst to the Whitebeard pirates, their new little passenger was settling down below them in his tiny den. Luffy snuggling into the captain's coat as his new nest.
AN: Oh Luffy, causing trouble on the first day. I wonder when he'll be caught. (Mischievious smile). I enjoyed writing this though I'm working on the next chapter which is so funny. Looking forward to revealing it. So as you can see I drew a picture for this chapter, Luffy sleeping on Whitebeard's coat. Adorable. I actually did this because I thought about how tiny Luffy really is compared to Whitebeard. There maybe more pictures to come. You can find it by going on, my profile and clicking the link 'DeviantArt'. Please review it on here.
Anyway, thank you so much for the reviews, especially the really long ones. I really appreciate you taking the time to write all the details and your opinions. When reading them it supports my reasons as to why I write. So keep it you wonderful One Piece fans.
Oh! And by the way, if you want to know what the 'Hungry Monkey' joke, google it. Honestly, I found it to be slightly clever.
