The young woman opened her eyes once she felt something walking on her. It was a seagull poking the ship to get something but once she moved, it flew away. Oriana got onto the beach looking for something to eat.
She entered a tropical island and started eating the fruits. While doing so she noticed really unique yet familiar creatures. The more she walked around the more she felt like she'd been there before. Oriana arrived at a house and realized it was her old house that she lived in with her special person.
Right behind the house, she found a grave, "Is that really you, mama?" she felt herself tearing up. She fell onto her knees. Oriana had never imagined coming back to this place. Her old home... yet here she was.
A wind pushed her closer to her mother's grave.
"I'm sorry for not coming back sooner," Oriana said as she sat down. "I'm sure you already know this, but I have inherited your powers. I can't believe you never told me about them. I feel so powerful, but I wish you were here to teach me how to use them. About our tribe, too" she tried to smile.
"Where are they? How can we transform? How can we control the element without the power of a devil's fruit? There are so many things I want to ask you but that's not possible anymore. Mama, why did you have to die and leave me? No matter how old you get, you will always need your mother" she hid her face in her hands with tears falling down.
Oriana hasn't cried like that for so long. She was so happy that there was no one around. "I'm sorry, I know you did what you had to do. So, I'll wait for the day we've finally reunited again. Things happened and I got separated from dad for about twelve years, but don't worry I'm on my way to see him now. Everyone else has been good and loved me very much too!"
She removed the tears from her puffy eyes. She went inside her old house. Everything was covered in dust, but everything was just as she remembered. Oriana went into her old room with a bed so small and her toys were even smaller.
It was hard to believe that at some point everything was the right size.
Oriana heard footsteps coming towards the house. She went out to see an old woman looking at her shocked, "Who are you?" Oriana glared at her, "Kat?" the old woman asked, "No," she kept her guard up, "Then it must be you Oriana. You've grown up so much!" she suddenly seemed so happy.
"How do you know my name?" Oriana was getting impatient, "I used to own the small shop you and your mother used to buy from" the granny explained, "Oh, right I might remember you," Oriana said hesitantly.
"Your father left the island yesterday I thought you went with him. What are you still doing here?" she asked. Oriana stopped, "You know my father?" she was pretty sure that it was a secret no one was supposed to know. "Your father is Whitebeard. It was a secret your mother trusted me with"
Oriana didn't detect any lies from her, "You said my father was on this island, yesterday?" she quickly remembered. "Yeah, I heard one of the pirates talking about how they were going to the neighbor island,"
That was the only thing Oriana needed to hear.
She climbed up the highest tree and looked around the horizon for another island. Oriana changed her eyes to red ones to get a much clear vision. There was an island in the distance, "That had to be it!" she muttered.
She turned her eyes to her old home, "I have to go, mama. I'm going back to dad!"
Oriana jumped from tree to tree before jumping into the ocean to surf toward the next island. She was so nervous, but she didn't let that stop her from continuing.
She could hardly contain her happiness as the island was getting closer and closer. How was she going to reintroduce herself to them? What if they weren't there? She shook her head. She had to at least check the island first.
Oriana got to the land. She went through the city which was awfully quiet and almost seemed deserted. The girl felt people's presence coming from inside their houses. It was really hard for her to understand what was going on.
When Oriana heard a group of men talking in the distance.
They were planning to defeat someone and that someone happened to be her father, "Whitebeard is on this island. It's our time to take his head!" a big man encouraged his crew. "Tonight, once they're drunk about to head back to their ship. That's our chance!" he continued.
Oriana had heard enough, "You guys cowards!" she said without hesitation. "Who said that?" the man asked. Everyone turned to her and they started laughing, "Go home, kid. This is not a place for you!"
She walked past the underling and went straight for the supposed leader before jumping up to kick him in the jaw. His men stared shocked at her not expecting her to be that strong. They got angry but hesitantly attack her.
Oriana smirked before beating them up.
She went up to the leader who lay weakly on the ground. Oriana grabbed a piece of his hair to make him look at her, "You can't even defeat me, how do you expect to beat Whitebeard?" she shook her head in disappointment.
Oriana let his head fall to the ground and looked at their map with a mark of where Whitebeard's ship was supposed to be docked. She took the entire thing and followed it to a place that outlooked the sea, "Okay, the Moby Dick should be around… here?" She looked from side to side for any sign of the ship, but it wasn't there.
"I can't believe I trusted some idiot's map!" she was frustrated. Oriana wandered along the shore to look for the ship, slowly suspecting that the old lady might have lied to her. Her hope was slowly fading away but quickly recovered from it once she saw a huge ship in the distance.
She walked closer and saw a group disembarking the ship wearing her father's mark. Oriana searched for any signs of her father, but so far there were a lot of members only. That was until she heard big heavy footsteps along with a clinging sound from something metallic.
Soon, a much bigger figure appeared from the crowd and Oriana recognized him immediately. She felt her vision getting blurry as well as her legs getting weaker. The girl held herself up by a tree, "Dad" she whispered.
The captain stopped for a moment turning in her direction, "Do you feel my presence, dad?" she questioned but a second later two men went straight for Whitebeard.
Her father didn't bother fighting and just continued entering a building while the crew outside fought them. Oriana grinned proudly as she wiped her tears away, "Dad, I'm coming now"
She took a deep breath ready to finally meet her father again. There were a lot of people gathering around the bar, drinking. The girl found some clothes in a nearby shop along with a pair of shoes and sunglasses. She had to make sure she looked presentable in front of her pirate crew.
Oriana kept her head down as she forced her way into the building. There were more people inside which made it even harder to locate her father, especially with everyone towering over her like giants.
It was getting really crowded and there were a lot of drunk people. Someone bumped into her, "Oh, I'm sorry I didn't see you down there" someone said half drunk. "Doesn't matter. Where can I find your captain?" she asked.
"Pops? He's having an important meeting!" the man laughed. Oriana just rolled her eyes in annoyance and continued her search. "Hey, wait! I can't let such a young girl wander around in a place like this" he grabbed her arm.
"I'm more than capable of taking care of myself. Now, let go of my arm!" she glared at him. "I don't mind helping you" he was about to grab her other arm but she used her powers to blow him away.
That got everyone's attention, "Oi, aren't you too young to be here?" someone started, "Yeah, you should get out of here kid" another man added. Oriana just looked at them for a second and turned around to blend into the crowd, "After her!"
Everyone's eyes were suddenly on her and there were people surrounding her, "We don't have to do this" a tall man said with a weird style, "I agree. You just have to let me see your captain" she answered. "Why do you want to meet him?!"
"It's between me and him" she smirked before running and jumping over them. Oriana landed on her hands and kicked them away with a strong wind. She didn't want to hurt her future crewmate, not more than necessary anyways.
There was someone else trying to cut her with a sword, but the girl kicked the metal in two. They were shocked by that, and the girl kick them away from her. She felt someone stronger coming towards her, and she barely had time to dodge it.
When a guy with a scar over his left eye joined the fight. He smirked at her, "Hello there. You are causing quite the chaos girl," Oriana noticed his swords, "It's an interesting choice of weapon. Those almost look like knives." she grinned too.
"Thanks, they're pretty cool to have as a chef-" "Oi, commander Thatch, it's not the time for this!" others complained. "Oh, right. I got carried away" the man Thatch explained. While they were talking, Oriana had been walking towards the back to find the captain.
"Oi, you can't just leave in the middle of a fight!" Thatch yelled, "I don't have time to fight you commander, but I will if you choose to attack me!" she said, "I was looking forward to seeing your moves!" he answered excitedly.
"Then I guess we'll fight then" Oriana took her position. The two charged at each other, Oriana's foot clashed with Thatch's swords and they both slid back. "Not bad, girl" he smirked, "Right back at you commander" hers easily rivaled his.
Both of them quickly got on their feet ready for another clash but blue flames flew in between them, "Okay, that's enough, Thatch!" A man had his back to her, but his blond hair seemed so familiar. "Don't ruin our fun, Marco!" Thatch complained.
Oriana's eyes widen, "Marco?" she knew it's been a long time, but he looked so grown up now. "It's been so long, little one, or maybe I should find you another nickname now" Marco smiled brightly. "I haven't heard that name in years. It's nice to hear it sometimes" she felt herself getting emotional.
"Wait, you two know each other?" Thatch asked in the background but before Oriana could answer Marco pulled her into a hug, "I've missed you, Oriana" he whispered into her ears. The girl relaxed into his arms like she used to, "I can't believe I'm really back".
Marco faced her for a moment with an eyebrow raised, "Oh, and I missed you too" she grinned and pulled in again.
The people around them looked dumbfounded, hardly believing their first mate knew this girl.
Who was she?
"Marco, is-" Oriana looked down, "Yes, he's here" he confirmed, and she held him closer. The first commander knew she was on the edge, "Chin up, little one. I don't know why you seem so nervous; Pops is going to be so happy, just like the rest of us!" Marco assured.
"But,-" she started "No buts. Let me take you to pops" Marco put his hand around her shoulder and let her towards the back, "What if dad doesn't want me back?" she carefully asked, "That's not possible. Your disappearance had a big effect on him. There's no way he won't be happy to see you!"
Oriana didn't know what to say and just nodded. Deeply hoping he was right.
The one Oriana just fought stood in front of the two, "You can't just leave without telling us who she is, Marco!" Thatch complained and the rest of the men around her let out a similar protest but before anyone could say or explain anything a clinking sound came from behind the group.
The pirates made space for someone with big heavy footsteps and as soon as she saw who that was, Oriana kneel down in front of the captain. "I'm sorry for letting you believe I was dead all those years. I'm sorry for my recklessness that got me away from you!"
No one said a thing.
She didn't dare to look at her father's face, "I'll understand if you don't want me back, but please, forgive me, dad-" she felt someone embracing her, "-dy" she managed to finish. "Welcome back, treasure" she heard her father's voice sound emotional.
"How can you welcome me back so quickly even after everything!" Oriana pulled back to see her father's face and noticed how much older he looked. "I was never angry with you. I was worried but knew you'd make your way back to me one day" he spoke so softly.
Oriana's green eyes stared into Whitebeard's and saw nothing but sincerity. She felt her vision getting blurry as threw her arms around her father, "I've waited so long for this. I have seen and gone through so much, dad" she whisper so only he could hear it.
The entire bar could do nothing but stare at the revelation.
They had heard stories of their pops' daughter. When the earlier crewmates spoke about her it was always with fondness, yet at the end of their stories, they were told that there was an accident and just assumed she died. It was so surreal to see her here with them.
"Y-you're the true d-daughter of Whitebeard?" Thatch asked still in shock. Oriana slowly let go wiping her tears away, "It's been so long since I've heard that. Anyways, yeah," she smiled.
"What happened to you? Where have you been in all those years?" the same commander questioned, "Oi, Thatch-" Marco hissed, "It's alright, I guess everyone would be curious" she scratched her hair not sure how to explain everything.
"No need for that now, there is plenty of time for that later. Come, treasure, you must be tired" Whitebeard let her outside and the two went in the direction of the ship, "Dad, I have so much to tell you, and something unbelievable even happened," she said.
Whitebeard put his hand on her head, "I can't wait to hear about it, treasure!" he grinned.
The father and daughter spent the night talking about the years they were apart. Oriana ended up sleeping in her father's care.
-x-
The next morning was quickly upon them, Oriana got up with her eyes barely opened, "Good morning, treasure. Did you sleep well?" her father's warming voice asked. "I'm so glad that I'm really back, that it wasn't a dream" she smiled so brightly.
Whitebeard sat on the side of the bed. Oriana moved closer to him and put her head on his lap, "Dad, there's one thing I want to know… is there still some breakfast left" she said in all seriousness. Her father started laughing, "Thatch is going to make you something"
Oriana giggled, "You're the best!" she cuddled closer to him.
A few minutes later there was a knock on the door, "Come in" a familiar commander entered the room, "I got something for our newest member. Hi again, Oria-chan, here you go" Thatch smiled and gave her the plate of food, "Thank you," she sat up, took the food, and gulped it down.
"This is amazing, commander. Is there more?" she asked with an innocent smile. "You sure have a big appetite. I got more in the kitchen," he motioned for her to follow him. Oriana turned to Whitebeard for permission, and he nodded. The girl smiled and went after Thatch.
The two went outside through the deck and Oriana noticed the pirates around her, "Why are they staring at me?" she asked the commander, "Can't you blame them they are all excited to meet the lost daughter of Whitebeard. Don't worry they'll officially meet you at tonight's party" Thatch explained.
"Why is there a party tonight?" she asked, "We are having one in your honor after finally returning to us" he smiled, and Oriana couldn't stop one from emerging on her face. "I'm already looking forward to tonight then!"
They went into the kitchen and Oriana sat on the counter waiting for Thatch to serve her the food he promised, "It still looks the same," she commented. He gave her the food and while she was busy eating someone entered.
"You have certainly grown up, but you still look very young little one." Not many people knew that nickname and her smile widen when she saw, "Izo!" Oriana put the food aside to hug him, "You still look like yourself, even after so many years" she praised.
"You're too sweet. I have something for you" the samurai gave her some clothes for her to wear, "Thank you!" she said, and decided to change. She told the two to turn around before taking off her clothes and changing into new ones.
They fitted her perfectly.
As the day went by more and more people started to introduce themselves to her. Oriana didn't remember all their names but guessed it would come with time. She met a few of the commanders and their division members.
Soon it was time for the banquet, "Cheers to our new Nakama!" Thatch held his drink up. Oriana cleared her throat, "Sorry, cheers to the return of our long-lost Nakama!" he corrected himself. Everyone bumped their drinks together, "Cheers!"
Oriana slurped down her drink and started eating the food. She had missed being a pirate so much. The girl went over to the captain's chair to talk to him but stopped when she saw all the machines, "What is all of this, dad, are you dying?" she was about to have a panic attack.
"It's alright, Oriana-" Marco tried to explain but the captain took over.
"I'm getting old my treasure. It's part of life. It's alright" Whitebeard smiled but his daughter wasn't fully convinced, and he held her close to comfort her, "So much time was taken from us. Seventeen years is a long time. I'm sorry for not coming back sooner" she hugged her father's leg.
"You're here now and that's all that matters" Whitebeard replied. Oriana was so happy he said that.
"You still haven't told us what happened to you Oriana," one of the commanders asked. What was his name again, Haruta was it? Everyone started to gather all were curious as to what happened to her and wanted to hear her story.
Oriana nodded, "I fell onboard the ship one night seventeen years ago. I couldn't locate the ship and swam to the nearest island. And later found out that the island was in East Blue. I had no idea how I got there and how I could get back here. Then I saw Shanks who is a big-shot pirate now.
He told me that I'd been missing for the last twelve years but for me felt like a day. Can you guys believe that he had the audacity to get stronger than me while his 'dear friend' was missing and might even be dead" she tried so hard not to show she was joking.
Whitebeard, Marco, Izo, and Thatch burst out laughing, and soon the others followed.
"Anyways, he offered me a ride back, but I accepted a boy in the village begging me to stay. He along with two other boys became my brother and we've lived in a forest with mountain bandits ever since. Well, up until about a year ago" Oriana finished.
"That's why you look so young, yoi. It had only been 5 years for you while the rest of the world has been living those extra twelve years" Marco summarized. Oriana just nodded and looked at her father for his reaction.
Whitebeard was proud that one of his ideals was inherited by his daughter. The captain was angry that he didn't get the chance to see her grow up, but she had always been mature for her age. Yet, seeing the young woman she had become was so much better than his expectations.
Oriana could tell by his smile that he was alright with her decision.
"You finally made friends your own age, yoi" Marco patted her hair when she was about to take a bite of her food. Oriana turned her head and was about to slap his hand away, "Stop it, you!" but the blond moved his hand away.
She lost her balance and was about to fall forward but Marco caught her face in his hand. Everyone started laughing at her silly moment, "Great" she sighed her face still in Marco's hand. She raised her head and sat up probably without looking at his smug face, "Why do you have to be like that!" she pouted.
Which made Marco laugh even harder.
Later that night, Oriana sat on the head figure overlooking the sea, "What are you doing here at this hour" Izo came up to her. "I don't know where to sleep tonight. My old room isn't mine anymore, everything changed plus I don't want to bother dad" she said a little sad.
"What are you talking about? Pops always knew you would return one day. He refused anyone from touching it. As for the change I made it look less childish" he offered her a hand to take her to show her the room.
It was simply beautiful. There was a bigger bed with black silk sheets and a desk she could use to draw. There was a sofa and thick black currents, "I know you like to sleep in, and the sun disturbs you" Izo said.
"It's amazing, Izo. Thank you" she smiled brightly. The samurai left her to sleep as Oriana looked around but suddenly remembered that she didn't have any clothes to sleep in. She was about to ask Izo again but saw there was some on the bed.
He really was amazing.
-x-
The girl went down to get breakfast by noon. She sat on an empty table waiting patiently for the food. Soon, Thatch came over to her with a big plate of food, "Here you go, Oria-chan," he smiled. "Thank you, but Thatch, we are friends now. So, no need for chan" she smiled cutely.
"Alright, Oria-chan" he smirked, Oriana raised an eyebrow, "Seriously?" the man grinned, "I'm kidding, don't worry, Oria!" Thatch held his arms up in defense. The young woman smiled, "That's much better, Thatchie!" she bit her tongue playfully.
The commander chuckled and went back to the kitchen.
Oriana started eating the food when Marco and Izo sat by her, "I see you've gotten comfortable already" the samurai smiled, "And you still have your appetite, yoi" the blond grinned. "Why would I be shy around my family?" she wiped the food away from her mouth.
"Now tell me, where are the others?" Oriana asked, "Others?" the two looked confused, "Where are Vista, Jozu, Bay, Andre, and all the others?" she counted her fingers with each name. "Vista and Jozu will be back at some point later today. Whitey Bay and Andre along with some others started their own crews" Izo explained.
"So, we are enemies now?" she slowly realized, "No, they are still part of the crew but as allies instead, yoi. I'm sure they'll rush over here once they find out you're back" Marco grinned. "Great, because I won't forgive them if they aren't going to cry joyfully. I had barely forgiven you too for not shedding a single tear" she grinned.
"We are happy to see you haven't changed, yoi" both of them laughed. Oriana didn't know what that was supposed to mean but whatever. After a while, Oriana went outside to the rail, breathing in the fresh air that she missed so much.
She closed her eyes letting the wind go through her hair. Everything was perfect. Oriana heard heavy footsteps approaching her, "Enjoying yourself, treasure?" her father's voice asked as she turned to him, "I miss being a pirate, dad. I miss the sea!" she smiled brightly.
Whitebeard's eyes soften at seeing her like that, "You are free to sail the sea as wild as you want just bear my mark as you do so!" Oriana smirked, "Are you asking me to officially join the crew, dad?" Her father grinned, "You were already part of the crew, but my mark will go as a protection"
Oriana stepped closer to her father, grabbed his jacket, and looked up at him, "It's an honor, captain" she looked cutely at him. Whitebeard started laughing as his voice echoed through the deck of the ship making the other pirates turn to him wondering what they were talking about.
"SHIPS APPROACHING!" someone yelled from the crow's nest. Oriana quickly turned around to see two ships looking exactly like The Moby Dick slowly sailing towards her. She smiled excitedly, ready to see how big the crew have gotten.