A Piece of My Own

by Cheerfully Dark

Ever wonder what it's like to be reborn into the one-piece world as a member of a nearly extinct race, it's not fun I'll tell you that. I have nothing to do with the Straw Hats, nor do I plan to seek them out. My goal is simple, to fulfill a promise I made years ago, and anyone dumb enough to get in my way will be left as nothing more than charred remains.

1. Chapter 1

Disclaimer: I don't own one piece

(-)

Great sea: Paradise, Location: ?, 15 years ago

"MY ESTEEMED AUDIENCE ARE YOU ENTERTAINED!"

"WRAAAAHHHHHHHH!"

"That's what I like to hear. This fight is especially brutal and not to mention one-sided. Our very own crowd favorite 'Disaster Willy' is giving it his all just to keep himself in the fight. It's quite a shocker folks considering Willy is a veteran fighter in our esteemed playground, but his opponent just doesn't care seeing as they're mopping the floor with him! '"

"HAHAHA!"

'Shut up, Shut up, Shut up, Shut upppp.' These damn idiots, don't they think I know that my opponent is strong, stronger than any person I've faced in this torturous hell they call a playground. I was quite the accomplished pirate before being brought here, and I've defeated quite the number of opponents during that time. I knew I was never the strongest pirate. I wasn't even a captain, but I was aware that I was powerful, and my belief was further enhanced when I fought the opponents here.

They were strong of course, and I never escaped unscathed, but I always won and that was the only thing that mattered here winning. For if you lose…..

I don't want to think about it. All I know is that I need to win, but HOW? This damned freak keeps obstructing my every move, and a freak they were. Their entire body was covered in a black cloak hiding their Physique. They were around 9ft tall and sported two enormous midnight black wings, and what was really off was that the creep's entire backside is literally on fire, and yet they show no signs of discomfort. Finally, they wore a sinister-looking tragedy mask that you would usually see in a theater.

I've heard of this person. They don't really go by a name. I just remember that they entered the playground around 3 years ago, and they don't mess around. The absolute efficiency I've seen them fight with is disturbing like they're nothing more than a machine, but anyone who's been in their shoes could tell that they only wanted to survive, just like the rest of us. It shows in the way that they keep getting stronger. Being stagnant means death in this place after all.

Shit, they're coming again.

Raising my Halberd I spin it in a counter-clockwise motion in order to block what would have been a particularly nasty kick to my side if it had landed. Their fighting style is so disciplined, so strong, and so dangerous. They switch from attacking from the ground to using their unique composition to attack from the air right after. Continuously rotating and throwing me off my game completely or at least that's what I want them to think. Their moves are strong, and their movements quick, but they are linear, too uniform. It is otherwise easy to predict.

Blocking a swift jab aimed at my side. I grab a hold of their wrist and send them flying in the opposite direction. I used to throw literal giants so a slightly taller creature was of no issue, but I know that won't keep them at bay for very long and they will come right back in for another close combat session, but that's what I'm counting on. My breathing is labored and my injuries are serious. I know I only have one shot left. Seeing that they are charging for me once more I brace myself. They come straight towards me only to halt and change direction mid-flight in order to strike me from behind, but I already predicted that. Tensing my muscles I pull off a well-coordinated swing right when they're within my range.

"Huii"

Their gasp of surprise was music to my ears. They were caught and they knew it. The only thing they can do now is wait for their death. As my Halberd neared their head I was assured I won and so I smiled. However, it seems that my smile came far too soon because the next thing I knew my halberd shattered against their skull and they continued to charge as if they weren't even fazed and slammed both their fists in my solar plexus. Sending me crashing into the walls of the stadium.

"What a surprise folks, or is it? Our Willy was sent crashing to the other side of the stadium and his beloved halberd shattered beyond repair. I think we all know what is about to happen next. Playtime in the playground is OVER!"

"WRAAAH!"

Drifting in and out of consciousness, I can hear the roar of the crowd grow louder as I hear approaching footsteps. Despite myself, I couldn't help but let a few tears fall loose. It's not fair. What did I do to deserve this? All I ever wanted was to be free, but instead, the world mocked my dreams, marked me like an animal, took everything away from me, and made me fight for their sick experiments.

Chiu,chiu,chiu.

The unique sound of steps taken by creatures well above the regular height of a human draws closer until it becomes silent. Soon I feel a hand on my throat and I look up to my soon-to-be killer. I can't make out their expressions because of that evil mask of theirs, but I could make out their departing words. Words that shocked me to my core.

"I'm sorry."

The next thing I knew was darkness.

"Ah yes, life isn't fair at all."

(-)

Great sea: North blue, Location: Santorini Island, present time

On an island in a distant corner of the north blue. If one were to look they would see an impressive sight. A giant of a man with dark brown skin, short snow white hair a staggering 519 cm, and nearly 23 years old sitting on a secluded hill overlooking the great ocean. The man was wearing a simple long-sleeved plain black shirt with equally plain black pants. However, their most notable and obvious features would be the two giant black wings protruding from their back, as well as the comedy black and white face mask they adorn. They truly make for an intimidating sight if not for the fact that this very same man was arguing with a cow.

"Like it told you before you walking entree. I have no problem with you being here. You can lay down, rest, and relax all you want, you can make those ear-grating 'moos' as well, you can even let out your disgustingly pungent farts every occasion, but when you eat my apples, especially the green ones, then we have beef, pun intended because I want to insult you as much as possible."

Crunch, Crunch, Moooo.

"I see, so you've chosen death. That's fine by me, I'll grind your bones into silverware, use your hooves for dog treats, your skin for a new rug, and just eat the rest of you." If the cow could talk then I swear he would have said something along the lines of "go ahead then" this cow is both evil and intelligent, a frightening combination. It knows that despite my threats that I won't do anything to it, otherwise, I'll have to face an even greater evil, an evil it knows I can't win against.

"God I hate you." My only response was one last Crunch as it finished its (my) apple and walked away.

Sigh, I'm gonna kill that cow someday.

That cow belongs to the mayor of this island's daughter. I don't know who in their right mind would keep a cow as a pet, especially one that's probably (definitely) the spawn of Satan himself. But whatever, I'll deal with it another day.

I decided to sit down and rest on the edge of the cliff. While I wasn't physically tired, dealing with that cow is mentally exhausting and she makes me want to pluck all my feathers one by one.

Looking up at the sky I realize that the sun is about to set soon. This means tomorrow is my birthday. 23 years, tomorrow it'll be the 23rd year that I have been in this world. I wish I could say it has been a grand time, but if I'm being honest it was anything but.

If you ask a true fan anything about one piece they would tell you all about the wondrous Islands, the treacherous seas, the mind-blowing adventures, and the insanely powerful monsters both human and non-human alike that live in this crazy world, but they would also tell you about the insane cruelty of this world. There are many things that are wrong with this place like massive genocide, kidnapping of all shapes and sizes, illegal experimentation on living beings, racism, and enslavement.

Yes, it can be said that even though our esteemed author Oda made the protagonist be a happy loving loyal idiot who just wants to be free and never loses his smile, he was also realistic about how vicious humans can be in a super-powered human/non-human society. He showed the world the true colors of both man and monster and why even an anime as happy as 'one piece' can have a few dark spots.

And it would seem that I'm now a part of one of those spots as well.

Can you imagine it, being reborn in an anime world as one of not only a nearly extinct race but a race you barely know anything about? It sounds cool on paper, being reborn as a Lunarian, but I assure you it's anything but. I died the week chapter 1040 was released. Which was honestly a disappointment because it looked like Luffy was gonna unlock something really good in order to beat Kaido, but whatever.

I'm not really sure how I died and honestly it doesn't really matter. What does matter is that I was reborn in a world full of lies and betrayal. I remember in the manga some members of the beast pirates who saw the king's face said that the world government offered up 100 million beri for even a clue on where to find one. I honestly thought that was a joke. If you think about it seriously, what's so valuable about a race that the government would literally pay so much money for?

It wasn't until I saw king fight seriously. The power to control and ignite flames from one's body without a devil fruit is extremely valuable. Not only that but along with extreme durability as well as their amazing speed and I can see why they would like one on their side.

However, it can be argued that there are other races with abilities that can rival the Lunarians so why don't they try to recruit them as well?

An example of this would be the fishmen or the minks. Both of these races possess abilities that can rival devil fruits as well. The Fishmen have the ability to control and manipulate water as well as increase their strength when they're submerged in water and considering that this world is around 80 percent water that's pretty formidable. Then there are the minks, just like the Fishman they are born superior to humans and also possess a unique ability which is to produce electric shocks that can cause electrical burns and paralysis.

Both these races are very powerful, but they have their own reasons why they aren't being hunted down like my kind is. For one they're not nearly extinct. The world government knows where they dwell and can get to them whenever they like, and two they share no resemblance to being human. That's right I said it, and I said it because it's true. Humans, the world government especially, are extremely racist. They only want their own kind among their ranks and giants are only allowed to fight for the world government because they're basically human just bigger. The same can be said about me. I'm basically human as well, just take away the wings and no one will know.

But that didn't mean they wanted me to be on their side. Oh no, I was too valuable a resource to be used in such a way. The THINGS those baStaRds did To me are UnForgivable.

I will never ever forgive The-

Bonk!

What, did someone hit me on my head? Looking down at my perpetrator I look to find a small seemingly frail old lady.

"Oh, it's you, grandma Maggie. Why did you hit me with a ladle? My voice is light, airy, and not to mention jolly. I need it to be, can't have people worry about me. Never again ."

"Tch, don't speak to me like you're a virgin that just got some. Anyone that felt that murderous intent you just emitted would try to get as far away from you as possible or try to put a bullet in between the eyes of that mask you cherish so much."

"Haha, how many times have I told you to not be so crude. You're an old lady, you need to speak properly lest you set a bad example for the children."

"Shut up, you flaming crow. Like I would ever have any shitty brats in my corner, so I don't even have to watch what I say. Got that you damn brat."

"Haha, Yes, yes. Whatever you say." This pleasant old lady whose entire body can fit in the palm of my hand is the village mayor. She's crude, she's brash, she's terribly obnoxious, and… and she's probably the only person I can trust in this world.

"Tch, damn lighters on the fritz again, and I just bought a new one. Hey walking matchstick, light this up for me." She complained as she rudely shoved a cigar in my direction.

"Haha, be careful you know your about the size of my finger I might accidentally set you on fire."

"You can try, but just know that if you do, then you'll have not only the living hunting you down, but the dead as well. NAHAHA."

Yup, she's a rude one alright, but she's done so much for me. Igniting a finger, I produce a small flame just enough for her to light her cigarette. Although it's been nearly 23 years I can't get used to the fact that I can control actual flames. It still makes me giddy every time I see it.

Taking a puff of the cigar she lets out a long exhale before gazing off to the sea. We sit and bask in the silence while we listen to the sound of the ocean.

It wasn't long before our peaceful silence was broken though.

"So you're leaving tomorrow huh." I knew this would happen. She may act tough, but she can be surprisingly sentimental."

"Yup, I'm gonna go out to the sea and chase my dreams. I'm gonna gather a crew, get a beautiful ship and sail the seas, and have so many adventures."

"You've been on this island for 3 years, what made you decide you want to sail at 23 and to be a pirate no less? I'm not an idiot, I'm well aware that there are both good and bad pirates, just as there are good and bad marines, but you do realize that once you become a pirate the marines will definitely target you." This old lady, she's worried about me and I appreciate it, but she can't change my mind.

"Haha, I appreciate your concern, I really do. However, I already made a promise to someone else that I would live freely, and as much as I love this village minus that cow, I can't fulfill my promise here."

Yes, when I first came into this world being a pirate was the farthest thing on my mind, I would have loved to just live quietly in this boring little village, but I'm a different person now and I have things I must do.

Like, get a crew, a nice sized crew, kinda like Luffy where we were all one big happy family. WHO WILL BURN THE WORLD AND ANYONE WHO CROSSES US TOGETHER. Yeah, like a family.

Bonk!

"When will you stop doing that?" She hit me with her ladle again! I know it is a regular occurrence and it doesn't really hurt, but I wished she would stop that.

"You were letting out your intent too much. Honestly, you're a good person, but you can't deny you have your issues, I just hope your future crewmates will be able to deal with you."

"Haha, I admit it's a bit of a problem, but I can't help, but get lost in thought every now and then." It is not my fault, this is just my personality. I suppose you can call it my quirk.

"Anyway, to answer your second question grandma, tomorrow is the anniversary of the death of the pirate King. The 20th anniversary to be exact. This is it, the dawn of a new age." I'm not stupid, I know Luffy didn't set out to sail on the exact day of the pirate kings death, but I'm not him. I'm not assisted by a plot that will carry me along the seas. I have been planning this voyage for years now and I know what I'm going to do, and I already know who's going to be my first recruit. I'm not bashing or looking down on Luffy, trust me I love the guy, but I have my own way of doing things just like he has his.

Luffy made it to the grand line in a matter of weeks. I need more than that before I sail there, it's called the 'the ships graveyard' for a reason, that term doesn't just imply that only the ships died. "A new age you say. Well, I can certainly tell that the times are changing and you're telling me you want to be a part of this change."

My only answer is to nod

" Well I won't stop you, just do me a favor and not be like the rest of those scumbag pirates. If you're gonna rob people, be a man and rob from your enemies not from the innocent."

"Don't worry I have my own definition of a pirate."

Once again silence ensues..

"Don't die, you shitty crow."

I say nothing, I can't guarantee my life, and I don't want to make a shaky promise, but I fully have every intention of surviving.

(-)

CONGRATULATIONS!

"The hell is this? Why are you guys in my backyard!" After my conversation with grandma Maggie I decided to head back to my residence and make sure all my things are in order for my departure. So imagine my surprise when I find practically the whole village in my backup yard. I live in solitude away from the village. So I couldn't fathom why I came home to a group of nearly 300 people screaming congratulations.

"What do you think we're doing here? We're here to wish you good luck on your voyage." That guy's name was Santo, a village carpenter.

"Yup, although I can't imagine why we're cheering for a soon-to-be wanted man, your family, a member of our small but humble village." Rioto our village chef said.

"Yup, so just enjoy the part darling, it doesn't matter whether you call yourself a pirate or a devil you are still a part of Santorini Island and even if the world will be against you, will always be on your side. Missy the flower shop owner said"

"Haha, you guys are really funny. I can't believe you threw a farewell party for me. You're literally congratulating someone who's about to become a pirate." It's absurd but I guess that goes to show that there are as many good people in the world as there are bad.

"Yup, but you seem to be mistaken, we're not congratulating on becoming a pirate, but on you finally being able to achieve your dreams." Ririka the daughter of grandma Maggie said.

"You guys are honestly too much. Well, then enough with all this talking let's get to partying!"

"YEAH!"

"I know these people are just random nobody's to some people, but to me, they are one of my few shards of happiness in this world, and If I have my way, I'm gonna amass an entire island of happiness.

Haha, you better watch out world because I'm gonna rock you very being.

My name is Atlas, no last name, and this is the start of my very own piece.

(-)

So I've never really written fanfiction before, but I'm an avid reader. My favorite type of fanfic is actually SI/SI OC's fanfics. Whether they were human or animal, I always thought it was fun to see what a person from our world would do in an anime universe. Would they be cowardly or brave? Would they be malevolent or benevolent? It always interested me what choices they would make so im gonna try my hand at it as well. This is honestly for my benefit because the idea has been floating around in my head forever now and I doubt anyone will make one(at least for a while) so I wanna give it a shot. If everything goes right then this could be a fun and entertaining story. Hope you all enjoy it because I know I'm going to.