A/N: Not one, but two chapters!
Zoro's P.o.v.
I searched for any marine ships or whatever kind of enemy that could try to follow us. Nothing was coming.
Good.
We did not need anything to follow us and it would be a hassle to run away from another group of morons. Overall it was quite… refreshing. Don't get me wrong, I like to fight, but only to test myself. It's my dream to be the number 1 swordsman in the world, but after Daz Bones I felt… quite satisfied, yet I'm worried that my hearing the breath of steel was a one-time thing. No… I will master it.
Right now we need to gather our bearings and figure out what to do next. On cue, I heard moaning and turn to the source… and sighed. All six of them were masked in depression as if someone died and they were looking in the direction of Alabasta.
Obviously they missed Vivi.
I do too, but what can we do? She made her choice and that window closed permanetly.. unless.
"Quit crying. Still won't accept that she's gone." I started. "I knew I should've dragged her aboard."
In the span of a second their moods changed to anger, offended at my remark.
"WHAT!" Chopper roared. "You barbarian!"
"Despicable." Cried Nami.
"Devil." spoke the cook.
"Testosterone Pickle." My eye twitched at Anya's remark for some reason. If she thinks of me as one, then I'll tell her she reminds me of an eggplant
"Three swords." Of course Luffy can't come up with one. Even with Usopp explaining it he just made it more stupid."
"Cry all you want, it's not going to bring her out."
I walked away while rubbing my head in frustration. I thought I heard the door open, but ignored it. Wait…
"Good, we're finally out in the ocean. You all accomplished something good."
I turned quickly and gripped my sword. It's her! That woman Miss All Sunday, Nico Robin. Standing before us like she was a guest instead of a stowaway. "YOU'RE HERE FOR REVENGE!"
"WHY ARE YOU HERE!" Nami creid out.
"A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN!" Of course the dumbass couldn't resist.
"ENEMY ON BOARD!" shouted Usopp
Anya leapt over and landed beside me, aiming her spear. "So the slut reveals herself! I KNEW YOU WERE THERE THE ENTIRE TIME!" She didn't, but she seems to dislike the woman on personal level.
In typical fashion she used her weird powers to knock our weapon away. Were those arms? Does she have the power to sprout arms.
"When did you board the ship?"
That woman walked over in a careless manner, mocking us. She made it known she did not see us as threats to her. The next thing she did was pull up a chair and sat down. "I was here the whole time, reading a book and taking a bath. Do these clothes belong to one of you women? I'll be using them."
"THOSE ARE MINE!" shouted Nami. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE!"
She glanced at my captain. "Monkey D. Luffy. Have you forgotten what you said to me?"
As the dumb cook grabbed Luffy to question what he did, the captain denied saying anything and did not remember what he did
"You better take responsibility…" She smiled at us in mischief way. "Let me join your crew."
"EEHHHHHHHH!"
"ARE YOU FOR REAL!" Anya pointed at her. "WHAT REASON!"
Then she explained. She was there when Luffy fought Crocodile. That croc left her for dead and Luffy managed to save her from the collapsing room. Also he inspired her to live and seek out what she wanted in her life, her dream… whatever that was. She blamed Luffy for her being alive and made it his responsibility.
"Hmm… when you put it that way… Okay you can join!"
"What?!" We shouted. Is he insane? What possibly reason was there to allow this woman to come aboard? He turned to us with that dopey… reassuring, carefree look on his face.
"Don't worry! She's not as bad as you all think."
I gave a groan at my captain. He can be too trusting at times, but… there's something about her I did not like. What is she hiding?
Anya's p.o.v.
It was later in the day when things started settling down. I was looking out toward the sea before turning my attention turned toward the woman sitting on a chair, reading a book. Nico Robin. Before Usopp started 'interrogating' her. She told us a few things. She came from a family of Archeologist… that much is true if Ohara was any consideration. She's been running for 20 years from the dogs of the military and she specialized in assassination. Hmm…. she saved Luffy's life. That's what bro told me and he must've returned the favor.
We're being carefree around her… I guess I can let it go, but… anybody who housed her, from what Master told me, was eventually captured while she was the survivor. At first Usopp, Nami, Zoro, and I were on guard. Luffy and Chopper loved her little cursed fruit powers and Sanji… is Sanji. Then she lowered our guard by giving Nami jewels, Usopp joining in the antics, and I was given the most adorable stuffed animal with big baby sad looking eyes. IT'S SOOOOOOOO CUTE!
I failed.
Oh well, Zoro relented, but I was on her. Me and Mr. Fluffy Wuffy Muffy will be watching her.
"Monkey D. Anya." Nico Robin interrupted my thoughts as she approached me. "Do you mind if I ask you a question?"
"Okay."
"Do you know the meaning of D?"
I rolled my eyes. "You're not the first person to ask me that and maybe not the last." I gazed at her nonchalantly. "No, I don't know."
"I see." She seemed disappointed. "Aren't you curious?"
"No," I shrugged. "It doesn't bother me… I was curious once, asked a relative and he didn't know. So I dropped it."
"If you do discover it by chance would you tell me or the whole world?"
"If it is that important then I'll tell you. I don't care if the world knows."
"… even if it may be life changing."
"If it would change the way the government ran things then yes, I will tell the world."
She seemed amused by my answer and said we could talk again. Of course we can talk again, we're on the same ship. I still have to be weary around her. Who knows when she will abandon us. If that happens I can still kick the crap out of whoever stands in our way. I sighed and gazed outward at the sea. In the midst of gazing, three people appeared in my mind. One was my master, the second was that girl I saved before ending up on the crew and the last… was someone I met when I was 15. Master Sakura and I stopped by an island for her own personal business.
-flashback-
-3rd pov—
A pink haired woman patted the purple haired girl on the head. Anya at the time had her hair in pigtails and donned a handkerchief around her neck. She wore a purple tank top and black shorts. Upon being patted the girl pouted and turned away with an annoyed look.
"Don't do that."
"I know, but that's just me showing affection." She looked at the town and her eyes lit up. "Brat, do whatever you want here and make sure not to get into too much trouble."
"You're getting drunk again aren't you?"
"I'm going to visit a friend."
"Getting a drink buddy and then passed out drunk like an old lady?"
The older woman over hit her head with the 'Fist of Discipline', knocking the young girl flat on the ground. The girl looked dizzy before hearing the footsteps of her master moving past her. She watched the older woman walk off with a wave.
"See you in a week."
Anya rubbed the back of her head with a groan and picked herself up. Despite the hard punches, the woman was holding back unlike her grandpa. She looked around the town, noticing significant about it. "What can I do now?" She mumbled.
Sakura had given her money that should last her a week, but wondered if she should stay in a hotel or camp out in the woods. During the decision process her stomach started growling, giving her the incentive that food was inevitable.
The lavender haired girl chomped on her burger while holding another bag containing two other burgers. She savored each bite, moaning in delight. Anya had to admit the atmosphere felt more welcoming than Goa Kingdom, yet felt the same as Fuushia Village. She missed, Luffy, Makino, the mayor and the others, but she would see them again after she getting stronger. They would see her happy smile as opposed to the depression she acquired.
"Take it back!" She perked up at the distress cry. In front of her, she came across a scene between three people. There were two men who looked to be twin brothers arguing with a girl with brown skin. The men had matching brown pants but one of them had a blue muscle shirt and the other had a black muscle shirt. Both men had mustaches that were twirled at the end. Each wore hats that matched their shirts.
The girl had black hair with seven braids. She wore a white shirt, a black vest, and blue shorts. She donned a pair of knee high red boots. Her eyes yellow eyes glaring at the men.
"No." The one in the blue colored shirt spoke. "I meant what I said. You don't have the ability to be one of us."
"Correct." The one in the black spoke. "The beard brothers only recruit the best in town and train them. You simply aren't it."
"All I wanted was to be trained so I can become a marine!"
"You're not strong enough. Men and women join the marines, but you simple aren't bred for the conditions they have." Spoke blue pants.
"Correct!" the other said. "You will fall apart and come back here a shell of your former self. You will regret trying."
"Give up your dream of being a vice admiral. You'll never get there."
"Correct!"
The girl lowered her head and turned away from them. Anya frowned at the expression she gave, she looked ready to cry, yet her eyes told a different story. Determination.
"I'll show you!" She ran away from them, past Anya and the crowd. The purple haired teen saw her expression and felt pity, but she felt it was best to leave her alone and not try to make the situation worse.
"Hmm… eggplant." called one of them.
Anya growled and tightened her fist, squeezing the burger bag. She glared dangerously at the men, who realized she overheard one of them.
"Apologize Raul!" spoke the blue pants man.
"It's her hair… " He chuckled. "Sorry Paul, I was hungry and her hair reminded me of eggplants.
"I hate eggplant." She said as she walked toward them and gulped down the rest of the burgers, smashed or otherwise."
"That's un-lady like."
"So? I was raised a different way so excuse my un-lady like ways."
"How would you like to join the Beard brothers Patrol."
"No, I'll only be here for a week."
"Too bad, you look like you can handle yourself." Spoke Paul
"I know…" She said bluntly. "What about that girl?"
"Ruki…" They spoke in unison. There was annoyance and grief coming from their mouths.
"Yeah… why not her?"
"Because someone like that will shame our patrol," Raul looked down the path the girl ran. "We don't need someone with her character in our patrol."
Her eyes narrowed, an image of Ace manifested in her mine. Was it because that girl was related to someone infamous? "Why?"
"As we said, her character… and her background." Raul turned around. "See you later lass."
"It's Anya."
"Right, if you change your mind then report to the Beard Patrol Headquarters."
"Not changing my mind." Anya said as they turned around to leave. The purple haired female wondered what exactly Ruki did or her family did to them to decline her. She must not be really good at fighting. A sigh escaped from her person, figuring this wasn't worth getting into. She continued her walk around town while admiring everything around until she heard voices. One of them sounded familiar.
The teenager discovered Ruki with two of other girls. The two girls didn't seem friendly from her glance. The tone of their voices gave Anya of the impression that they were haughty and quite spoiled. Not wanting to bother them she kept walking
"What is your problem?" Ruki growled.
"You run around here pretending to be a great warrior, but you don't have the skills to back it up." The first girl with blonde haired sneered.
"All you do is live in that rundown orphanage your family used to run… oh… no one lives there now." The girl with red hair spoke with amusement. "Except you."
"Shut up!"
"Hush." The blonde glared at her friend, but then gazed at Ruki. "Ruki, just accept you exist for a mediocre life and joining the marines will only shame them."
"What are you looking at?" The red head glared at Anya
The spear user blinked before waving them away apologetically. "Sorry, it won't happen again."
"Are you new here?" The blonde spoke and then pointed at Ruki. "This girl will bring nothing, but misfortune, so it's best you steer clear of her.
"Why?" Anya asked. "What reason is she a shame?"
"You don't know."
"Why? Is there some legend?" The purple haired crossed her arms. "Because I'm bored… you know what forget it and run along. I don't care." She immediately left them.
"Wait!"
Anya whipped around to see Ruki standing before her. "Yeah?"
"You can fight can you?"
"Yep."
"Can you train me?"
"No, not interested." Anya turned to walk away. She halted when she heard the annoying shrilled laughter of the hens behind her.
"Even that girl turned you down. Face it sweetie you'll never be strong. You are only a girl, girls don't need to get dirty."
"That's right."
"On second thought!" Anya whipped around, grabbed Ruki by the arm and dragged her away. Ruki gave off a surprised look as she was dragged away. "WE'RE GOING TO TRAIN!"
"Really?" She sounded excited.
"Yep!"
Anya dragged the girl around corner before releasing her group. "Alright, bye." She gave a friendly wave
"Wait! I thought you were going to train me?"
"Nah," Anya shrugged "I just wanted to get them to shut up about what a girl needs to do… that and they smell like crap."
"It's perfume."
"Yuck, smells strong and fresh mud in the sunshine." Anya gagged
"What?" The girl looked a bit horrified. "Ho-."
"Don't ask," Anya started walking away. "Come on."
"I thought you weren't going to train me?"
"Are you going to keep following me around?"
A nod from the girl made Anya sigh. Looks like she had no choice. She might as well teach self-defense. "I'll teach you something."
"Really? What kind of technique? Does it involved using a spear?"
"No, but I will teach you kicks. Let's go find a deserted place to practice."
-later-
The duo stood out in an open field where Anya stabbed her spear into the ground. She turned to the girl and placed her hands on her hips. "For some reason or another I am going to make you skilled enough to last more than you can now." Anya gave her a good look. "You are kind of weak."
"That hurt." Ruki moaned
"First." She ignored her response and went into a fighting stance. "Give me a good front kick. LIKE THIS!" The giperformed the kick. She nodded and repeated. Anya frowned at that. It was slow and lacking power.
"You need to add speed to the power. Imagine you are hitting a block of wood on fire. Snap!" I kicked again, faster, this time. "You don't want your foot to burn off!"
"Hyah!"
"Again!"
"Hyah!"
"8 more times! Then do it with the other leg."
The training finished off with Ruki lying on the ground panting. Anya made her practice kicking, punching, using a staff made from a piece of wood, push ups, situps, and running around the field 3 times.
Anya sat next to the black girl and gave her a look. "Why do you want to join the marines? Did a pirate burn your house and that's why you seek justice?
"Pft, not always pirates," She scoffed at her. "The marines get recognition and I want to be better than some nobody."
"I think you can do that by leaving here and never coming back."
"… I'm afraid."
"… You are weak."
"HEY!" Ruki sat up looking livid and pointed at Anya. "I'm trying! I'm trying my hardest."
"Well try harder!" Anya got up. "I need a place to stay for tonight. What about that orphanage?"
Ruki narrowed her eyes. "Why do you want to go there? So you can laugh?"
"I'll be staying on this island for a week. I need some place to crash while you can point me to places that have food I can afford?" She gave a smile. "I'll train you during that time."
Ruki stared at the girl for a long minute, then conceded. "Alright, just don't laugh."
-At the orphanage-
"Woah, reminds me of my old house. A little rundown, but some paint might do the trick?"
Before the girls was an old run down orphanage that looked to be abandoned for years. The paint was running off and a few windows were broken.
Ruki gave Anya a peculiar look. "You don't seem to be bothered by this."
"I used to live with a bunch of people in this shack, before I left to train."
"Your family?"
"Well… yeah… other than my brother the rest of them I could call family." Her mind drifted to the past where images of Luffy, Ace, Sabo, and the bandits flashed in her mind. Sabo's image stayed longer, making her smile waiver. "They were my family and I promised myself to get stronger." She then formed a smile. "So where can I sleep?"
"There are beds upstairs."
"Okay!" She proceeded to leave
"Wait!" Anya stopped herself and turned around to face the girl. "Why the hell am I doing this! I barely know you and I'm letting some strange girl with a spear in my home."
"Okay, see you!" she turned around to leave, but Ruki gaped at her reaction. Realizing a losing opportunity, she grabbed Anya's arm.
"Wait."
"Come oooon." The spear user groaned and gave sour look. "Either kick me out or invite me. All you're doing is throwing out mixed signals."
"I just… "
"I won't laugh at your misfortune; otherwise I'd be mocking my own. If I told you a few stories of my childhood you would understand."
"You just have this thing about you that made me want trust you. I don't like it. I don't want to be tricked."
"And have me go out and tell everyone you have a crappy life?" Anya grasped Ruki's shoulder. "Nope!" She gave a wide smile. "I promise to never laugh at your misfortune. In fact I'll kick anybody that says you're not worthy."
"... do you want to hear ho-."
"You don't have to." Anya shrugged. "It's not my place to pry into your personal life, despite us being friends or not."
"We just met."
"So do I stay or go?"
"…. Alright." Ruki sighed. "You can stay, even if it's just a week."
Anya smiled, then entered the orphanage while Ruki looked on. She sighed with frustration before following after he while thinking. "Am I going to regret this?"
Anya plopped on the bed. "This feels soft."
"Are you kidding?" Ruki sighed and sat down. "That's lumpy."
"So? It's softer than what I'm used to. Master makes me sleep on her floor. Says it builds character, I think she's just being an ass."
"She probably is one. Who is your master?"
"She's… I'm not supposed to tell."
"She's a pirate?"
"Nah, otherwise we wouldn't be staying her for a week." She then went to sleep, shocking the black girl by how fast it occurred. She then shook her head and sighed.
"Hmm…
-2 hours later-
Ruki sat at a desk in a large room located in the orphanage. Anya woke up 40 minutes ago and decided to check the rest of the orphanage. Left alone, Ruki found herself in the study looking at a picture of herself as a young girl with an older man. She glared at it hard before tossing the picture across the wall.
"Screw you old man."
Then Anya's head poked through the doorway. "Hey, what was that?"
"Throwing away useless garbage."
The violet girl blinked and looked around before gazing at the picture with broken glass around it. She walked over and picked up the picture to view it.
"This your dad?"
"Yes."
"He dead?"
"You're blunt."
"Sorry," Anya rubbed the back of her head. "I have no idea who mine is so I can assume he's dead or he abandoned me. That's okay."
"He abandoned me to get away from the shame."
Anya stared at the girl with pity, but she shook her head. "I'm sorry about that…"
"People judge to harshly." Ruki gazed the girl. "My father was a contractor, who knew how to build and design buildings." She sighed. "Everybody loved him. He was always met the people who hired him to design buildings for their liking. Until…" Ruki gazed downward. "A building he designed and built had a flaw." She got up, walked over and took the picture. "That man knew about the flaw beforehand, but since he wanted to save face he didn't tell anybody about it and left it as it is. No maintenance or second guessing. Nothing. He just left it as it is. When the building crumbled everybody started blaming him for it, but he jumped ship and left. He abandoned mom and I so we were left with the blame." She crumpled up the photo. "That was 4 years ago, mom died of an illness 2 years ago and I'm left with this orphanage. This was the first thing he designed and made. So now I inherited this and his shame.
"So people see you as the same as your father. They think you will lie about a flaw and leave when a problem arises?"
"Or leave when there is difficulty in my life. All I did was live! ALL I DID WAS BREATHE! ALL I DID WAS EXIST! It's not fair that I'm treated like this because my father made a bumbling decision. That's why I need to leave this place and never return."
Anya frowned, viewing this girl with a better understanding. "It's not your fault."
"Are you taking pity on me?"
"No." Anya said as she turned to leave. "I will help you learn as much as you can, how's that compensation for letting me stay here."
"Didn't we agree?"
"Now it's final." The spear wielder winked. "So let's do something to get your mind off the nonsense." Anya's eyes started to twinkle. "This place needs to be clean so help me with that mold in the basement. Do you have anything cleaning supplies?"
"Yes, but we need to get something extra."
"Then we clean up some and then train some more! YA! LET'S DESTROY THOSE DUST BUNNES!"
Ruki chuckled nervously as she was dragged from the room. 'What an odd girl.' She thought.
-2 hour later-
"Come on only 30 more."
Outside Anya had Ruki do pushups… while the former sat on her.
"Erg…. You made it easy when you did it… you are heavier than me, that's not possible when you're look thin."
The purple haired girl huffed. "Well excuse me if I'm not tiny. I eat to live and be strong."
"You're not like the average person."
"I'm better than average! HUP!"
-later-
It was later in the evening when Anya stood outside a bar, waiting for Ruki with the food. The evening scene had a different feeling than it was in the daytime. Quiet but there were some people walking about. Drunks walking around, couples spending the evening together and other misfits running about.
"Lavender girl."
Raul and Paul came walking down the street while holding bags of flour. The lavender girl looked at them with a neutral expression and waved.
"It's Anya."
"Are you enjoying your time here?" spoke Raul
"Yeah, I like the nighttime air, a lot better being out in the sea and the forest."
Paul nodded. "Good, make sure you see the magic show later."
"Okay."
"Also, we have heard you are staying with Ruki."
Anya snorted. "I don't care what you guys think, I won't be here long."
"We're not condemning you with the girl. It's just many here see her as some kind of… hmmm… Negative Nancy with what her father did."
Anya lowered her head. "A father abandoning his family instead of manning up is someone who's not worthy of being a father."
Raul nodded at her "That did happen."
"You sound like you are experienced with that." Said Paul.
Anya shrugged. "I was raised by my grandpa and some friends of his. I have no idea what happened to my parents. Either they're dead or abandoned or whatever. It doesn't bother what happened, I got over it."
"You stopped wondering."
"I'm embracing the future by staying in the present." She winked and gave a grin. "So I'm forging my own path."
"Then Ruki has found a good friend."
"You sound like you care."
Both men shared a look. "We do care, we just don't want her to be hinged on this town nor do we want her to face the dangers that marines face. Too many pirates are bloodthirsty and we worry that she'll never climb the ladder."
"I think she will." Anya picked her ear. "She just needs someone to train her in the basics and then she'll develop her own style from there." She flicked the ear wax out. "So there."
"If you think so then help her. Maybe someday she'll be famous in the marines or elsewhere."
"She could be a bounty hunter for all you know."
"That too."
Ruki exited the bar with a bag of food and drinks. She spotted the brothers and gave a scowl. "Hello."
"Hello." The brothers said in unison as they walked off
Ruki watched them go before turning back to the lavender girl. "What did they want?"
"How you are doing." She grinned and grasped the girl's shoulder. "Turn that frown upside down. We got fun times ahead."
Ruki's frown remained until forming a small smile. "Alright."
-next day-
The group found themselves in the woods.
"DID YOU HAVE TO WAKE ME UP THIS EARLY?!" shouted the black girl as she ran.
"I'M PASSING DOWN FROM TEACHER TO STUDENT!" Anya ran with her. "Besides if you want to work with the marines you might wake up this early to do so."
"TYING THIS MEAT TO ME WHILE BEING CHASED BY THAT BEAR!"
A big brown bear was chasing after them, bearing its fangs at them as drool escaped from its face while eying the girls with a desire to consume.
"Part of the training!"
"YOU'RE INSANE!"
-scene-
The bear was shown knocked out with several lumps on its head. Ruki took deep breaths as Anya walked back from taking out the bear.
"That ends that."
"Never again."
"It won't. Want to get some breakfast?"
Ruki took several deep breaths and glared at the girl. "Fine."
-later-
"You're still with her?" spoke a familiar voice.
Anya and Ruki were about to walk in a store until the two haughty girls from before came to confront them. With them were 2 other boys. The two boys look conceited and felt superior before them.
The boy with black hair crossed his arms and smirked. "So there is someone with Ruki… she's pretty… a little flat."
The violet girl's eyebrow twitched. "Flat?"
The boy with orange hair walked up Anya and leaned forward. "Why are you with her? You could hang with us?"
Anya frowned. "Pervert!"
"What?" He scowled. "You can't talk to me like th-."
Anya smacked the guy. "No means no! KYAA!" she smacked him again and sent him flying away, shocking everyone before them.
"What did you do?" shouted one of the girls. "Are you some kind of monster?"
"Yep." She smiled. "So please walk away and don't bother us again."
"Freak!" The girls and the boy shouted as they picked up their friend and ran away.
"Not like I heard that before." She muttered before shrugging. "So ready?"
"I think I enjoyed that, but you'll probably get in trouble."
"Maybe, but who cares!"
-Evening-
"What's your brother like?"
Anya looked up from mopping the floor. "What's he like?" She crossed her arms and closed her eyes in deep thought. "We're twins, fraternal. He has black hair, eyes a bit narrow. He's simple minded, gullible, and cheerful. He can never tell a lie. He can be an idiot at times, but you can rely upon him where it counts." Anya looked up. "He sees the world differently. He'll consider you a friend when he makes his mind. As his sister it's his duty to keep me safe… I think he feels bad that he couldn't do that and may blame himself for me leaving."
"Why would he?"
"It's not his fault, I told him that before I left."
"What happened?"
"I watched… someone close to me murdered in gruesome way. The bad thing was no one bothered to help arrest the killer."
"That's awful! How come no one arrested him"
"The person was someone high in authority and... all that boy did was sail on the wrong side of the ship… but he did have a black flag, maybe thought he was a pirate… he was only 8."
"But he's a child."
"The world is cruel Ruki." She sighed. "I have nightmares every now and then." She gazed at Ruki. "I couldn't stay in a country that didn't care about the less fortunate. So when I turned 13 my master took me with her to train." Her eyes narrowed. "There are shades everywhere… don't have a one track mind, okay?"
Ruki nodded and watched as the girl continued cleaning the floor. Ruki never bothered ask anymore question. If there was something painful it was better not to dig up memories that were painful to her unless she wanted to. Anya seemed to walk without care sometimes, but this side made her wonder how much of the underside did she see.
Then Anya falling asleep cleaning brought her out of her thoughts.
"ARE YOU SLEEPING!?"
-Morning-
"TA DAA!" Anya smacked the stove. "Look all clean."
"Woah, you fixed it."
Responding to the question, Anya laughed her head off as if it was the funniest thing in the world. "Oh no, no way. I just cleaned it inside and out. This thing is good as gone, I hated looking at the dirty thing."
Ruki chuckled. "That's what you said about the bedroom, the closet, the basement, the office, the school room."
"All that dust and dirty, dirty, things." She stuck her tongue out. "Yuck, I lived with some people who let their house go dirty and I cleaned it all… while my brothers went out and did dumb things."
"Brothers? I thought."
"Two of them were adopted, the other is my twin." She stuck her finger in the ear. "One's dead and the other went on a journey by now. My twin is back at home."
"Oh… a journey."
"Call it a self-discovery journey. He might be famous one day… I don't know. So come on let's go run around town."
Ruki sighed, but gave in and followed after her.
They found themselves at a clothing store looking at the... expensive inventory. Ruki looked at a particular white dress. "Have you thought about getting married?"
"What's that?"
"Are you serious?"
"No… I found that out last year when master told me it wasn't food"
"…"
"…"
"…"
"I'm serious."
"Wow…"
"Master told me it was girl's best day, but the sound of being tied down and doing nothing doesn't fit me. I want to explore."
"What do you think about the dresses?"
"They're…. okay."
"Someday I can afford one and be more beautiful. Then maybe somebody would court me and then we would walk down the aisle."
"…Courting is like dating right?"
"Yes."
Ruki didn't notice Anya displaying a relieved look. The violet girl looked at all the dresses and then back at Ruki and then at the dresses. "Do you think they would let us try them on?"
"No…"
"… Want to sneak in tonight and try them on."
"You're crazy!" Ruki stared. "We would be in trouble."
"You look like you want to be mushy mushy with those dresses, including that white one." She shrugged. "If you don't want to then we don't have to."
"Good." Ruki walked forward. "I want to something that doesn't get us into any trouble." Suddenly Ruki stopped. "Hey! I know!"
-At an art gallery-
Anya stared at a painting with interest. She tilted her head to the right and to the left and then to left. "So... what's this supposed to represent."
The picture was a black canvas filled with yellow painted stars. At the bottom cornet of the art piece was person holding a heart up toward the stars.
"To me." Ruki started. "This is supposed to the represent love. Despite the world being a darken place, there are still those that will share their heart others with the same light."
The purple haired girl narrowed her eyes. "Really?" She frowned as she leaned forward. She leaned back and tilted her head. "The lights of the sky are our friends."
"It speaks to you that way huh?" Ruki smiled.
"I guess."
"I think that's sweet."
Anya gagged. "Oh come on." She whined at Ruki's laughter. Anya looked around the art gallery until a piece caught her eye. She sped over and stared at the painting of a ballerina dancing across the sky. "Wow… amazing!"
"Out of the ones here you like that one?" inquired the black girl
"Yeah, she looks so free, without care, no worries, nothing to hold her back. It's just her and the sky."
Ruki nodded.
"Someday I want to dance in the sky."
"That's impossible."
"I'll make it possible." Anya formed a grin. "You like dancing right?"
"It's okay."
"Okay?" Anya grasped the girl's arm. "Dancing has rhythm, dancing shows one desire to be free, to be expressive. It reveals you inner you. It's another form of combat." She smiled. "Alright, you and are going to dance."
"But what can that do?"
"With the right footwork you can dodge when your opponent tries to hit you." Anya blinked. "But we can do that stuff later."
"You want to look at more paintings?"
"You like them, so I'll stay with you and maybe you can become a marine that paints pictures."
"Woah, I want to be a marine first, let's figure the art aspect later."
Anya giggled and two continued to observe more of the gallery until they left the building. The two girls walked down the street until they heard a commotion coming from down the street. They saw people running from the danger in frantic paces. Anya narrowed her as she grabbed Ruki's hand thinking she too would run away.
"Anya."
"Wait, let me see if you can handle this guy."
"What? Now?"
"It'll be a test, trust me."
As they walked closer, they got a good look at the cause of the danger. Rwo men, one was short, the other was tall. The tall man was armed with a sword while the other with a club. The shortest of the two smiled devilishly while showing a few missing teeth in his smile while the tall man looked composed. He gazed at the shorter man.
"It's a good thing the boss was distracted by those two idiots. They should be done for by now."
"Heh, I bet they're crying in pain."
Anya blinked and then smiled. "We can take them. They're a part of Captain Al Boo's crew. These two are the sword and club duo. Robin and Wayne. The wanted papers say they are formidable, but they can be a test for you to gain battle experience.
Ruki gulped as she stared at the men with a trepidation. It was always Raul and Paul who took care of the pirates, but with them being distracted it was up to her and Anya. The violet haired girl was strong, but she doubted her own strength. It was only 3 days; she felt her progress was not moving at the rate she wanted. Could she help Anya beat them or would her friend let her fight them while she remained on the sidelines?
"Hello!" Ruki cringed as the playful tone her friend was making. "You guys can stop what you're doing and go away."
The two men glared at them, making Ruki even more apprehensive "Brat! We are the Sword and Club brothers." The two men formed a bunch of goofy poses. "And we don't listen to children!"
"3 days we've been training so let's see how you can handle these guys. I'll take the tall one you handle shorty-kun."
"Oi!" The short man growled. "Are you making fun of me."
"Shorty-kun!" Anya called. "My friend thinks your compensating for something."
"WHAT!" both Ruki and the man shouted.
"Are you trying to get me killed?"
"Don't worry." She winked and gave a thumbs-up. "I believe in you."
"You brat!" The short man charged as did Anya, but the girl leapt over him and kicked the tall man in the head, sending him flying away. Anya frowned as she landed. "Wow... I'm not impressed." She said in a deadpanned tone.
"Bro!" The short man shouted and then turned back to Ruki. "Eye for an eye! I'll take you out first!" He raised his club and leapt toward her.
Ruki squeaked and brought up her staff as she blocked the blow, but the man reeled his club again and swung it, hitting the girl and knocking her down. Ruki grunted as she hit the ground hard, then rolled away before the man brought the club down to her last spot. She took her staff swung it at the man, hitting on the face. The man growled as he felt the pain.
"Wench! You will pay for that." He dashed forward and head-butted her. Knocking Ruki away. He brought up his club to hit her again.
"That's enough." Anya rushed past him while cutting him with her spear, she turned around delivered a thrust with polearm to the belly, knocking the air out of him. She looked back as the man collapsed on the ground. She smirked, then frowned as she saw Ruki sitting there with awe on her face.
"Those guys were weak. People say East Blue is the weakest of the blues." She reached out to grab the girl's hand. "You did good, so don't beat yourself up."
Ruki stared at the hand and looked away. "I didn't get to beat him… plus I was scared."
"Yeah, but you haven't been training everyday like I have. You're normal… more so than me…." A smile curled up on Anya's face. "I'm going to beat the basics in you before I leave so you can be stronger than when we first met."
"I won't get to your level?"
"Nah, I'm my own level." The spear wielder chuckled. "So come on."
Ruki stared at the hand, then back at her friend. The decision she would make here would change her life, moreso than now, could she give up or go forward? After a moment her decision was made. She immediately grabbed the lavender's hand.
"Of course."
-At a tavern-
"This a token of appreciation Ruki and E-… Anya."
The lavender haired teen felt the man was about call her eggplant, but let it slide. After putting down the brothers, the duo encounter Raul who informed them they took care of the rest of the pirates and was surprised to see the sword and club duo unconscious. After putting the pirates in jail, he and Paul took the girls out to eat, regardless of Ruki taking them out or not.
"Thanks, this is sweet." Ruki mumbled. "I thought."
"Ruki, despite what everyone else thinks we figured you were pursuing a career in the Marines for all the wrong reasons."
Ruki frowned. "I wanted to prove myself."
"Yes, but what if you climbed halfway and end up getting burned." Paul replied. "What if you wouldn't make the cut. What if you were not satisfied and quit."
"We didn't want you to prove yourself to everyone. You don't need the approval of everyone in this village, what you need to be is confidence and a friend."
"You found a friend, even if she will be here temporarily. Now the question is, do you have the confidence? I want you to think long and hard about this."
Ruki looked up and looked down as she contemplated whether she had confidence. During the fight she felt scared, worried. She wasn't sure she was up to the task. All she did was manage a hit and then the guy headbutted her to the ground like a wet rag. Then she looked at Anya staring at the empty plate like food would magically appear. Then the girl glanced her way and showed her a big smile. Would she be like her?
"Nah I'm on my own level."
'Maybe not on her level,' she thought. 'I could be in a level on my own. I don't have to be what people expect me to be. I can go at my own pace if I have help.'
"I'll let you know by the end of the week."
The brothers nodded as the food appeared. Anya smiled in delight and then her instincts were about to give in until she remembered a painful lesson from her master about eating when there is company present. She sighed and took a bun from the breadbasket... and took a large bite in an unlady like manner.
"You're unrefined Anya." giggled Ruki
"At least I didn't take it all. You should be thankful." She smiled widely.
-Night time-
The girls were on the roof of the orphanage as they were gazing out at the night sky, enjoying the cool air passing by while chowing on cookies.
"On a night like this, I was watching a full moon with my brother. It was before I left."
"Really?"
"Yeah… we promised we would see each other again when we're stronger."
"You're strong now."
"There are nastier guys out there that could blow me away. They always say East Blue is weakest of the Blues, but the Grand Line is much more treacherous."
"… I see."
"Ever heard of One Piece?"
"Gold Roger's treasure. Of course I know. Every pirate tries to go after it and fails."
"My brother wants to find it."
"He's looney… and you going to help him aren't you?"
"If he still wants to then yeah."
Ruki stared at the girl and then back at the moon. "We'll get strong… even if we might be on opposite sides."
"I'll be waiting for that day when I can fight you on equal ground." Anya giggled. "Don't go easy on me."
"I won't."
"Cool, tomorrow we train again."
-Last Day-
7 days were up and it was time for Anya to leave. Ruki stood in front of Anya and Sakura's boat as the two spear wielders were about to set sail. Ruki's first impression of Sakura was a strong woman with many unrefined qualities. She also reeked of alcohol as well, but Anya gave her praise… a little.
Now the two girls were standing on opposite sides. One on a ship and the other the dock. Both looked sad about leaving the other.
"This is goodbye for now Anya… don't die out there."
"I won't." Anya smirked. "Just remember your training and you'll do fine. Who knows maybe you'll run into a big shot Captain or Vice Admiral out here."
"I doubt that, I'll send in an application at some point."
"Cool." Anya frowned, she leapt forward and hugged the girl. Ruki returned the hug and shed a tear that felt as if it lasted a lifetime as it drizzled down her face.
"I'll miss you."
"Me too." Anya started crying. She then let go and turned away. "Until next time." She started wiping away her tears."
"Yes…" Ruki's tears continued pouring from her face. "U-until n-next time."
"Yep." She sniffed. "Take care."
"You too." Ruki coughed as she turned away. "Bye!" She shouted before running away from the port with tears down her eyes.
"Bye." Anya wiped them away and turned her head slightly with a smile. "Later."
-30 minutes later-
"Had fun?" Sakura asked as she sat on a chair while Anya stared in the direction of the town the left.
"Yeah."
"You feel better?
"No."
"Not in a missing a friend. I mean in a way of feeling better than you were before you see out to sea.
"Hmm?" Anya tilted her head. "I guess… yeah."
"Good enough to go back to Goa Kingdom?"
"I can't… not yet… or ever…
Sakura formed a warm smile "You didn't blow up at me when I mentioned it this time."
"Really?"
"Really… when do you think you'll see your brother?"
"When he's 17 I'll set out to see him again. What's the best place to go to get to the Grand Line."
"The town of beginnings. Loguetown. I might drop you off unless circumstances say otherwise." She crossed her legs. "So before you start turning heads we have get heads rolling." Anya rolled her eyes as Sakura laughed loudly.
-flashback ends-
She was right, yes I spent a year in dangerous island not many would go in East Blue. I was always angry and depressed. I was angry how the kingdom was run, how they celebrated a murderer, how they burned down a section of an island just appease that… no. I'm not going to just be angry. That's in the past, but I can't say what will happen if I see one Celestial Dragon. My motivation was to get stronger. I want to protect Ace, I want to protect my brother, I… wanted to protect Sabo. Now I want to protect the entire crew… yes even Nico Robin... if she doesn't betray us first.
-8 days later—
Robin's p.o.v.
I admit, they are the oddest pirate crew I had the pleasure of encountering. None of them behaved as menacing as any pirate I encounter. They all had a carefree lifestyle when out to sea. Most pirates I encountered had ill intent and I always had to keep my guard up. With these kids I let my guard down… slightly. I'm not warming myself to them nor am I taking any interest in establishing bonds with them.
Their captain is very simple-minded and carefree soul. His picture reflects him truthfully. His sister is almost the opposite. Feisty, determine, childish yet mature, and despises me for dressing like a slut or maybe because I'm bigger than her. Roronoa will either train all day or sleep all day in case some important comes up. He seems to be the type who will take a while for you to be trusted by him. Nami is a gold digger, but has her moments. I don't know how she beat Miss Doublefinger, but the fruit user was always overconfident. Usopp pretends to be brave, but lies to compensate for something. However, I have feeling he'll prove himself to be a capable pirate soon. Sanji is chef, a womanizer. I'm flattered by him, rarely is a man like him. Chopper is the doctor, cute, soft. He still a child, I wonder how he will fare in the sea, but his teamwork with Usopp against Mr 4 and Miss Merry Christmas has made me believe he'll do fine.
However, I am still curious about the meaning of D and being on a ship with two of them may help lead to what I seek. They might discover it on their voyage, but what they do with it is up to them. Although, I suspect they wouldn't care. Lancer might hold it with pride, but the Captain will just ignore it and keep moving on.
Who knows… this might be interesting.
-Jaya-
A woman with tanned skin and short green hair stared off in the ocean. She gave sigh, then looked down at the town below. She then looked at a particular man who was a bit overweight, but commanded power.
"Today fate is granting us a promise. What will it be?"
A/N: Sorry, it took too long. Life in general got in the way and writer's blocks. Plus this chapter was supposed to feature the crew, but it came to this.
Expect Ruki to return in the future.