Coco: Hey, guys, sorry for taking so long to update. I haven't given up on this story, I promise. I'm trying to work more on the stories, I've been neglecting lately. I know I've mostly been working on my BnHA works, but I'm trying to get back to the others. Hope you enjoy. The next chapter should end this introduction arc of Wren's and we'll get back into the canon. I hope you're ready :)


As the smell of rain returned to the air over Magus Island, a dark figure sat on top a rock. This figure was humanoid in shape and wore dark robes. It had a cowl over its head. On it's back were long, insect-like back wings and in its hand a staff that had bells on the end. The creature glared forward at nothing in particular before the sound of its name caught its attention.

"Spriggan! Hey, Spriggan!"

Spriggan turned to the one calling it to see one of the nymphs leaning around its tree to look at him.

"They've finally entered the forest." She told the Dark Fairy. "Misce and the pirates."

Spriggan's glare hardened as he stood onto his bare feet before jumping down onto the soft ground beneath him. His hand clenched the staff in his hand even tighter.

"What is that halfling doing?" He hissed. "Bringing humans into this forest. I curse the day humans came to this island. I will never forgive them for what they have done to us."

He then took off into the air leaving the tree nymph behind. She watched him go while letting out a small sigh. This island was once a place humans and Fae could gather together. A place named after what the harmonious union of the two races made together. However, that was a long time ago, and now Magus Island just remained as a reminder that Fae and humans could never truly live in harmony.


"Magus?" Vivi repeated as she sat next to Vladimir who was still looking over Nami.

After the others had departed to go collect supplies for the journey, Vivi and Usopp had been given permission to join Vladimir and Brise as they took care of their sick crewmate. As the man worked, the three humans conversed with Vladimir telling the pirates more about this island.

"That's right." Vladimir said. "That's the name of this place. It was once known worldwide as the birthplace of the mages. Many, many centuries ago humans shipwrecked on this island. Near death they were taken in by the Fae who lived here. Soon the two races grew to live in harmony and after many years and many generations later, the humans started to develop magical abilities from being exposed so long to the natural magic that surround the Fae. That's how the first mages came to be."

Usopp awed in wonder as he had heard about mages and fairies during his childhood, but he never thought they could actually be real.

"So, is this island the home of the Fae as well?" Usopp asked.

"Not exactly," Vladimir said with a shake of his head. "Fae can be found all around the world. However, in certain places, like places with an abundance of nature and mostly untouched by man, you'll find there to be more of them. The Fae—or neighbors—here don't hide themselves much from humans as they are a rare occurrence here and bring something new and interesting to the neighbors' everyday lives. Neighbors who live in more human populated areas are more likely to hide themselves or blend in to those around them."

Usopp felt a grin pull across his face. That meant there could very well be Fae on his very own home island. To think he could have been living amongst them all this time without realizing it.

"Though there is a place where the Neighbors gather." Vladimir went on. "This island is recognized as the Kingdom of the Fae where King Oberon rules over with his wife Tatiana. Also, after what happened 400 years back, you'll find the mage population that left this island behind spread out to four separate islands. One residing in each of the Four Blues."

"What happened 400 years ago?" Vivi asked concerned.

It must have been something major for an entire population of people to abandon their home.

"The exact details are unknown," Vladimir said. "Though if I had to guess, humans were involved. There's a reason why most of the neighbors hide from humans and why many humans today only see the Fae as old fairytales. The two races have always had a hard time living in harmony—with the mages being one of the few exceptions. But usually when the two races meet, conflict follows. It was this very conflict that led to the war breaking out in mine and Wren's home island in the North Blue. It was also this conflict that began Wren's distaste for the human race."

At his last statement, Vivi and Usopp exchanged a glance. Vivi had thought Wren seemed wary of them being here. She thought it was because of the fact the Straw Hats were pirates, but maybe she had been wrong.

"So, Wren is a mage like you, right?" Usopp asked. "Did humans treat her badly because of this?"

Vladimir sighed as he paused in his treatment of Nami, which had Brise dropping his lock of hair to rest on his shoulder.

"Not exactly," Vladimir said. "Wren…is a special case, and it's because of her uniqueness that the humans had come for her that day. The day Era had been left in ruin."


Wren hurried through the forest in search of the missing swordsman as the coat she wore billowed behind her. She paused long enough to search the area by stretching out her senses before moving on when not sensing him.

"Where could he be?" Wren thought out loud after taking another moment to pause.

It has only been minutes since his sudden disappearance, but he didn't seem to be anywhere near the path they had been on. Not even Spriggan should have been able to move him so far so quickly.

"Wren, did you find him?!" Luffy asked as he boy, who had been trying to keep up, landed next to her from where he had sprung himself forward.

Wren sent the boy a look as she had told him to go with Havel back to the house where his friends were. She couldn't be worried about protecting one rookie pirate while looking for another.

"I told you not to follow me," Wren said. "Now, where are the other two?"

Other two meaning Havel and Sanji as if Luffy was here, she doubted the other two listened either. Said two soon came into view as Sanji skidded to a stop next to Luffy with Havel poking out of the basket on the blonde's shoulder.

"We're here," Havel said. "My apologies. I tried to show them back, but they didn't wish to listen to me, Misce."

Wren sighed as she pinched the bridge of her nose. This wasn't how she wanted to spend her day. She should have already been sailing towards Alabasta. Not trying to care for humans.

"I told you both to go back for your own safety," Wren said as she circled around the two men. "Humans are not meant to be here. I should have never brought you in here."

She was about to say something else when she sensed something heading their way and fast. She pushed the boys behind her while pulling out her sword to quickly block the staff swung in their direction. The two weapons collided together with the owner of the staff practically snarling at Wren. The one who held the staff was none other than Spriggan. His dark eyes bore into Wren with hot fury as he bared his teeth at her.

"You dare bring humans into this forest, Misce?!" He roared.

Wren didn't reply as she only frowned. If Spriggan was here confronting her that meant Zoro was most likely…with Greylock. Or at the very least in the old Fae's sights. She'd much rather things be the other way around…for his sake.


"Where did the others go?" Zoro wondered as he looked around at his surroundings. "Did they get lost?"

He sighed wondering how they could get so easily turned around. There was a clear path to follow. Zoro then stiffened when he felt a presence nearby. He whirled around hand gripping the hilt of his Wado Ichimonji. Though he lost some of his defensive stance when seeing those aerials from earlier.

"It's one of the pirates on their own," One said to the others with a tilt of its head.

"The poor thing must be lost." The one in the middle said.

She looked at Zoro sympathetically as she said this, and Zoro felt his face warm and his jaw clench in annoyance.

"Did you get separated from Misce?" Another asked Zoro. "She won't be pleased that you're out here on your own."

"We can lead you back to her." The first one said with a sweet smile. "She most likely isn't far."

Zoro frowned wondering if he could trust these aerials. Wren did warn them that the Fae liked to play their tricks. They could just lead him farther away from everyone.

"We promise to behave." The first aerial said when seeing Zoro's reluctance. "Misce would be very unhappy with us if we allowed anything to happen to you pirates."

"Oh, would she now?" A voice asked behind Zoro.

Zoro stiffened with his eyes widening as he hadn't even sensed anyone get close to him. He turned quickly with the aerials gasping in fright while ducking behind the swordsman. Though they did peek over his shoulders to look up at the one who had joined their conversation. Zoro's hand tightened once more on his sword at the looming figure looking down at him. It was hard to tell just what he was looking at as the figure was wearing a long gray cloak pulled over them. The only thing truly visible where their glowing white eyes from underneath the hood and their ashen gray hands gripping the cane they carried.

"Greylock." The aerials whimpered as they gripped the back of Zoro's shirt.

This being—Greylock—tilted his head as he studied Zoro closely, which didn't set well with the swordsman.

"Misce doesn't like humans." Greylock said while pointing to Zoro. "And this is most definitely a human. Why would she care what happens to him, hmm? Don't tell me the halfling is going soft."

'Halfling?' Zoro thought. 'Does he mean Wren?'

He then took a step back when Greylock moved forward. Zoro wished to draw his sword, but held off as he waited to see what Greylock would do.

"Though Misce has always been an interesting subject," Greylock said. "So much more entertaining to study than the average mortal. I wonder what she would do if something happened to one of her new human pets. Tell me, swordsman, shall we play a little game?"

"What are you going on about?" Zoro asked gruffly.

Though Zoro could not see his face, he got the distinct impression Greylock was smiling. And not a particularly nice smile. Behind him, the aerials exchanged a look. They needed to find Wren before anything too drastic happens. No human has ever survived one of Greylock's games. If they didn't hurry, Zoro might not be leaving the island with his friends. Not alive anyway.

"Go!" Levant whispered to Mistral. "You're the fastest."

Mistral nodded then took off to go and find Wren, but she was snatched up by Greylock. Levant and the other aerial gasped in fear for their friend as Mistral whimpered.

"Now, now, not so fast," Greylock said. "I can't have you ruining the fun just yet. Misce will be involved eventually, but right now she is unneeded for the game to come. Besides, she's playing with the Dark Fairy right now. Best not to interrupt."

"I don't know what the hell you're talking about, old man, but I'm not playing any games," Zoro said.

Greylock blinked at Zoro's words as the swordsman took a defensive stance. Though he still didn't draw his weapon.

'They aren't malicious beings, which is why I ask that you don't bring harm to them. Even if you find yourself in trouble, don't harm the neighbors. They aren't looking to hurt you intentionally.' Wren's words played through Zoro's head.

That's all she has asked of the pirates since their arrival here. She and her father have helped them and are even carrying for the bedridden Nami. Zoro isn't the most gracious of person, but he knows he and his crewmates owe these people for everything they've done to help the crew.

"I think you are mistaken," Greylock said as he raised his hand. "The game has already begun, and there is no going back now."

He then snapped his fingers with Zoro's vision going completely black. He fell to the ground unconscious, which had the aerials fretting over him as he laid on the ground.

"This should make for an interesting afternoon," Greylock said as he looked down at the unconscious swordsman. "It has been a long time since I have been able to study you humans. I hope you don't disappoint."


Wren pushed back Spriggan who landed a few feet away from her and the two pirates behind her. Wren lowered her sword.

"Spriggan, I do not wish to fight," Wren said. "The pirates are merely here for supplies then they will be on their way."

Spriggan scoffed in disbelief as he cracked the staff on the ground, which caused the bells on it to jingle.

"You truly believe that, Misce?" He asked. "You know as well as I how greedy humans are! They take more than what they need with no care on those it may affect! Do not tell me you have forgotten the very suffering thrown onto you by the humans! But perhaps it is your filthy half human blood that causes you to sympathize with them!"

"You bastard, what did you say about the lovely Wren?!" Sanji snapped as he stepped forward to stand beside Wren. "Wren-chan is not filthy in any way! Take it back before I shove my foot down your throat!"

Havel sweat-dropped at the chef's threats as he jumped from Sanji's basket to Luffy's shoulders. He didn't want to get caught up in whatever fight Sanji had planned. He was just hanging around for something to do. He wasn't interested in fighting his fellow Fae.

"I'd like to see you try, human," Spriggan hissed.

"Ehh, what was that, you shitty bastard?!" Sanji demanded.

Sanji looked like he was about to charge forward, but Wren put her arm out in front of the blonde, which brought Sanji to a pause. Though he really wanted to rearrange the Dark Fairy's face with his shoes. For a while, the two opposing sides just stared at each other as Wren wondered how to get out of this without a fight.

"Hey, hey, fairy!" Luffy called out breaking the tense silence. "Have you seen Zoro? He looks like this!"

Luffy, who had somehow found time and the supplies needed to draw his friend, held up a very crude drawing of something that looked more like an octopus than the missing swordsman. Wren and Havel both sweat-dropped as they wondered just what they were looking at.

"I never seen such a creature in my entire life!" Spriggan spat. "But that human swordsman entered Greylock's territory some time ago."

Wren frowned because she had been afraid of that. There was no telling what Greylock was already doing or had planned for the swordsman. She then sighed.

"Spriggan, I do not wish to fight," Wren said. "Let us pass, so we may collect Roronoa Zoro and be on our way. I give you my word that the pirates will be gone before nightfall and they will leave without bringing harm to this forest or to the neighbors."

Spriggan looked doubtful of her words as he eyed the two pirates in utter distain.

"As you said, I have suffered from the acts of humans," Wren said. "Just as you have. We both know first hand how cruel they can be. However, we were both saved by humans as well."

Spriggan's mouth turned up in a snarl at her words, but could not deny them as they were true.

"I don't have much faith in the human race." Wren said. "I don't think I ever will, but these humans seem different."

She gestured to the two pirates behind her as they watched the interaction unfold before them. Luffy seemed confused as to what was going on, and while Sanji wasn't completely sure either, he understood enough to know that Wren trusting them enough to lead them into the forest for supplies was kind of a big deal.

"They are not like those who have harmed us or our people in the past." Wren continued. "Allow them today to prepare for their journey. I will keep watch over them, of course, and if I even think they might bring harm to a single Fae, I will handle them myself."

Spriggan's scowl became more profound though he relaxed his defensive stance. He then swept his staff to the side to point to the west of the island.

"Your companion lies in that direction." Spriggan told them. "Collect him and the supplies you need, so you can leave this island. I never wish to see you here again."

"Wow, thanks!" Luffy said grinning at Spriggan. "You're a nice guy."

Spriggan scoffed at Luffy's words as he studied the odd human. This one was definitely different, but Spriggan wasn't sure if it was because his heart was kind…or he was just…stupid.

"As for you, Misce, if you are wrong and cannot hold up to your promise, you and your father will no longer be welcomed here." Spriggan said. "We tolerate your presence here, but it will not continue like that if even a single Fae is harmed by these pirates. Even if that Fae is Greylock."

Wren bowed her head in gratitude to the older being before Spriggan took his leave. Honestly, she was surprised that he left without some kind of fight. Though despite his hatred of humans, Spriggan has always been a fair creature. He listens when it counts and takes into consideration what his fellow Fae need or want. Even if that Fae is only a halfling like herself. Wren then sighed.

"We should move on." Wren said. "I doubt you will listen and return to the house, so follow closely. Do not allow yourselves to lose sight of me. Especially once we enter Greylock's territory. If you do…I most likely won't find you in time."


Zoro groaned feeling himself being shaken and poked by tiny hands as multiple voices were calling out to him. His eyes slowly opened and the first thing he saw was Levant looking back at him.

"You're awake!" She exclaimed. "That's good! We need to get moving, human."

The other aerials buzzed in agreement as Zoro slowly managed to push himself up into a sitting position. He saw some of the aerials were gathered around Mistral. The aerial was holding her leg where Zoro saw blood and that some of the wing on her leg seemed to damaged.

"I'm sorry," Mistral said as she looked up at Zoro. "I tried to get away to get Misce, but I wasn't fast enough."

Her dark eyes glistened in tears and Zoro frowned as he looked away to take in their surroundings. It looked like they were in some kind of cave now. And pretty deep inside based on how dim and cool it was. Though thanks to some luminescent vines growing along the cave walls, Zoro would be able to walk around without worrying about running into anything.

"Hurry, human." Levant urged. "This is a danger place. The Beast hasn't noticed us yet but he will."

"Beast?" Zoro asked.

He then stiffened when he heard a growling noise from further within the cave. The aerials all squealed in fright before moving behind Zoro who had picked up Mistral to place on his shoulder.

"What was that?" Zoro asked as he placed his hand on his sword.

"The Beast." Mistral replied. "He was once like Misce. A halfling Fae and a mage, but then he lost his heart…"

She was going to say more, but was cut off as a looming figure approached with heavy footfalls. Zoro pushed Wado Ichimonji slightly from its sheath as his jaw tensed. The creature that appeared was at least three feet taller than Zoro and had large glowing red eyes. Its head looked like the skull of a wolf or something, but it had horns that looked as if it belonged to goat. The rest of its body was covered in thick black fur. The beast looked down at Zoro and the aerials while sniffing the air around them. It then let out a thunderous roar that shook even Zoro to his very core.

'Just what the hell is this thing?' He thought.


Wren paused in running as she felt a shudder pass through her entire being. Havel, who curled around Luffy's neck tensely, felt it as well and hissed at the uncomfortable feeling.

"Wren, what's wrong?" Sanji asked in concern when seeing Wren's entire face go pale.

Luffy, who was wondering what was going on to, pulled Havel into his arms as the cat was still growling in the back of his throat.

"It seems as if Greylock has involved the Beast." Havel growled.

Wren frowned as she placed her hand over her chest where her heart of clenching painfully.

"Beast?" Sanji asked.

"He was once a mage on this island." Havel explained. "One of the best. Though that was most likely due to his half-fae blood. Unlike the other mages who had gained magical abilities just be being near the Fae after so many generations, this man had been born of a union between a Fae and mage—much like our dear Misce."

He looked to Wren as he said this, and the boys' eyes widened slightly. Sanji figured Wren was a bit different. The way they Fae treated her. What the Spriggan had said to Wren about how she knew first hand how the humans treated their kind—not just his kind. But it was still a bit shocking to have it confirmed. Wren didn't comment. Though she did give Havel an annoyed look.

"However, a long time ago he lost something very important to him." Havel continued. "Some might have referred to this thing as his heart, and once it was gone, he lost all that made him half human and fell into darkness. Giving himself to his grieving emotions, he turned into the Beast and has lost all sense of who he formerly was. He no longer knows his name nor those he had once lived alongside peacefully all those years ago. He attacks without thought and creates havoc in his wake. And if Greylock is the one who woke him, I would say that's where the swordsman is. In the Beast's lair."

Wren's frowned deepened as another thunderous roar pierced through her very soul. The humans with her couldn't hear nor feel the sensation, but all the Fae in the area could and all of them feared what might happen next.

"Where is the Beast?" Luffy asked. "I'll clobber it before it can cause any trouble! I'm super strong!"

"You won't touch him," Wren practically growled coldly while turning her cold gaze on Luffy.

Both Luffy and Sanji were surprised by Wren's words and the glare she was sending them. Havel, however, just sighed as he expected as much from the girl. Wren then sighed to calm herself.

"Havel, take them back to my father and their friends." Wren told the cat sithe once more.

"I'm not leaving until we find Zoro!" Luffy said stubbornly.

Wren turned walking right up to Luffy who was practically pouting like a child.

"Greylock has already managed to successfully take a member of your crew," Wren said. "He most likely knows of the rest of your friends as well, and there is no one currently back at my father's home with enough power to fight off Greylock let alone defeat him. You also have a very sick crewmate there as well. Just a little too much jostling and she will die."

Wren said this bluntly with an edge of iciness in her voice as she looked Luffy right in the eye.

"Will you really be so stubborn to insist on following me and leave those waiting for us to return so vulnerable?" Wren continued. "You are their captain. You should be thinking smarter than this. They will need someone to look after them. So, I suggest you do as I request of you and return to the house to look after your crew. If you're as strong as you say you are, defending them against Greylock should be no problem for you."

Though she'd rather the boy not fight Greylock at all considering the warning Spriggan left. Luffy gave Wren an uncharacteristically serious look as he nodded his head.

"Fine." Luffy said. "But Sanji goes with you."

Wren wanted to protest, but when another sharp roar traveled by, she knew there was no time.

"Very well," Wren said. "Havel, I trust you to ensure his return to the house."

Havel nodded his head as Luffy turned towards Sanji who was lighting a cigarette.

"Sanji, make sure to bring Zoro and Wren back, okay?" Luffy told his crewmate.

Wren's brow quirked at her name being thrown in on Luffy's obvious order to Sanji. The blonde nodded his head as he let out a puff of smoke.

"Leave it to me, Captain," Sanji said.