A warning first. This drabble is very, I repeat, very silly. (embarrassed grimace) But when I saw the topic, the idea bit down hard and wouldn't let go. So to those who are willing to read the following crap anyway, you have my utmost gratitude and sincerest apologies. (smile)

The Fellowship
Topic: Exaggerated genre/writing style
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: None
Word Count: 483 (it's way over…but I can't cut it any further)
Note: I'm not sure if this fits the topic or not, or if I can write it properly, but it's meant to be in that somewhat archaic style of fantasy epics.

"Tis nothing but a hat." The thief observed.

"Nay, Nami. Tis the Straw Hat." Lord Shanks gestured to the object on the pedestal.

"The One Hat which would lead the bearer across the treacherous waters of the Grandline, through countless perils and unimaginable terrors." He swept his shrewd eyes across the group who sat in a circle around it, his voice low and ominous. "All the while, watched by the all-seeing eye of the Marines, relentlessly pursued by its dark forces."

"Yet, it shall lead the bearer to One Piece! The greatest treasure which would save our world if found."

"Ah…a treasure, you say." Nami spoke, a gleam in her eyes. "I see."

"And I suppose you think you're the one to find it." Usopp said. "No one trusts a thief!"

The archer had spoken mockingly, yet a twinkle in his eye betrayed he had meant it in jest.

But at his words, Sanji leapt to his feet in dismay. "Doth not speak to a lady thus!"

A low derisive snort came from the swordsman. "How typical of an elf." Zoro said in a sardonic drawl, his gaze fixed upon the blonde. "Smitten by the beauty of this world, they are piteously blind to her dangers."

"And what would an uncouth man such as yourself know of beauty." The elf turned on the swordsman, anger flashing in his ice blue eyes. His leg flexed, ready to deliver the fearsome kicks the elves were renowned for.

"Only that it is meant for fools like you and your kind." Zoro rose from his seat with a feral grin, his hand tight around the hilt of one of the swords by his side.

"My lords! Cease this at once! Tis folly to fight amongst allies!" Usopp cried in vain as the fight broke out.

"I will take it."

Swordsman and elf stopped, turning to look at the young boy who had until then been silent.

Luffy stood and took the hat reverently. "I will take it." He repeated as he stared at the hat, his dark hair shadowing his eyes. Then, he pulled the hat firmly over his head and looked up at them with a wide exuberant grin. "But I don't know the way!"

"Then you shall not go alone." Zoro smiled and knelt on one knee in front of the boy. "You shall have my swords."

"And you shall have my feet." Sanji stepped up beside him, unwilling to be outdone, ignoring the poisonous glare the swordsman shot in his direction.

"And my slingshot!" Usopp cut in before another fight could erupt.

"Then, I shall join as well." Nami sighed and stood lazily to join them with a smile. "For I'm sure none of you fine gentlemen have an inkling about navigation."

Lord Shanks nodded approvingly and smiled as he regarded them. "So be it!"

"You shall be The Fellowship of the Straw Hat!"

End note: Now, wasn't that just awful! (sigh) Yup, in case you haven't seen it, this is adapted from the "Council of Elrond" scene, out of the movie "Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring". Hmmm…I guess 'The One Ring' and 'One Piece' sort of sparked the idea off...my mind works in weird and not-so-wonderful ways…