Coco: Hey, guys, it's been a while. Sorry for the wait. I wasn't sure how I wanted to end this little intro arc leading up to Wren "joining" the crew, but I like how things have worked themselves out. By next chapter we'll be getting into some canon, so look forward to that, okay?~

By the way to answer a question asked by a guest reviewer, I actually have tried to do an Inuyasha story before, but I never feel like it goes well. I love Inuyasha. In fact, it was the very first anime I ever watched growing up and got me started on anime. One Piece being another big anime in my childhood. And both of these animes seem to give me so much trouble when I'm trying to write for them. I just never feel like I write them well enough. However, that being said, I'm actually working on a Inuyasha story at the moment. Well, it's more like a Inuyasha/Kimetsu no Yaiba crossover but only takes place in the Inuyasha universe. I think how it's going so far, but it'll probably be some time before I try to post it. Like I said, Inuyasha has always caused me trouble when I try to write for it.

As for Yu Yu Hakusho...I've never heard of it...sorry XD I might look into it though.

But that's for another day. Shall we get started on the chapter?


"So, Zoro was taken to Cain's lair." Vladimir said once Havel explained the situation.

Havel, who was sitting at the end of Nami's bed, nodded his head. Vivi and Usopp exchanged a worried glance. Things weren't looking good at all. Luffy was standing a few feet away with a frown on his face as he stared out the window.

"Who's this Cain guy?" Usopp asked. "I thought you and Wren were the only mages on the island."

Vladimir sighed as he leaned back in his seat with his fingers laced together in his lap.

"I don't think Cain could be considered a mage any longer." Vladimir said. "Like Wren, Cain had one parent who was a mage and the other parent was a fae. He was a strong mage and the pride of our community. He was a bit reclusive and his people skills weren't the best, but he was a master of his craft. People would travel from all around to just hear his counsel or receive his services. But that all changed when he lost himself to despair."

At Vladimir's ominous tone, Usopp gulped wondering what happened to make such a person turn into this beast Havel described.

"What happened?" Vivi asked.

"He lost his heart." Vladimir said.

He looked to an old painting over the fireplace mantel on the other side of the room. The others followed his gaze to the painting. The painting showed a woman who held a slight resemblance to Wren. Her hair, which matched both Wren and Vladimir's locks was pulled back in an elegant bun with a few loose strands falling around her neck and face. Her eyes were a gentle turquoise color and almost resembled two gems. She was holding a small child in her arms who had the same hair but red eyes. Eyes that Wren had as well.

"Magier B. Starling." Vladimir said as he gestured to the painting. "A late relative of mine. She had moved back to our homeland some time ago to live here with Cain after they married. They wanted to bring the mages back here to our homeland someday, but Starling had always suffered from frailty and she passed before that dream could become a reality. Cain did not take her death well and once she was gone; he lost his heart thus what made him human and his fae side ran ramped."

Vivi put her hand over her mouth as her eyes widened. She remembers how heartbroken her father had been when her mother passed. She had never seen the king so lost and for some time some didn't think he would recover from his broken heart.

"How do you know all this?" Usopp asked. "If Starling passed away and Cain is as far gone as you say, how did you learn of what happened?"

"His children, who had to flee from their own rampaging father, returned to Era and told the story." Vladimir said. "It's been passed down through our family…a warning that children of human and fae are not safe. That we shouldn't allow ourselves have such children because whether they are yours or not if they lose their hearts, they'll attack and kill you no matter who you are. And a rampaging halfling is ten times more dangerous than any fae. But as you can guess…I didn't take the warning to heart."

Vladimir's eyes shifted over to a different painting as he spoke that showed him standing behind a chair. Sitting in the chair was a beautiful woman with long white hair and red eyes. Eyes that matched the little girl she held in her arms.

"Is that Wren's mother?" Vivi asked.

Vladimir nodded his head as he continued to gaze at the painting of the once very happy and once very whole family.

"She's very beautiful." Vivi commented.

"Yes, she was." Vladimir said. "Sadly, the day I lost Wren to the raid…I lost Aibell as well. I found Wren…my wife, however, was not recoverable. Though I suppose part of Wren is still lost as well…"

Vladimir then shook his head to return to the task at hand, which was finish Nami's treatment, so she could travel with her friends.

"You needn't worry for your friend." Vladimir told the pirates as he returned to work. "Wren will bring Zoro back. I am certain of that."


Zoro let out a shout of pain as he was slung against the wall by the beast in the cave. He slid down the wall to hit the ground. He panted as he stared up at the raging beast. Things weren't going well at all. He closed his eye as some blood ran into it as he forced himself to his feet.

"Swordsman, you need to fight back." Levant said. "At this rate you will be killed."

Zoro stubbornly set his jaw as he looked around the beast to see he was getting closer to the entrance to the cave. If he could just get by the monster one more time, he'd be scot-free. He didn't like running away from a fight, but this wasn't one of those times to fight back.

"Why don't you fight?" Mistral, who was still on his shoulder, asked. "You can't want to die."

"Shut up," Zoro said. "I'm not dying here."

He then rolled out of the way when the beast roared and took another swipe at him. He ducked underneath the beast to try and make for the exit once more. However, just as he was about to hit the exit, he was hit in the side again. He hit the ground and just as the beast was about to follow through, a shape blurred between Zoro and it. The beast came to a stop with its claws inches away into cutting through the newcomer. Zoro's eyes widened when seeing it was Wren.

"Hey, moss head, are you dead yet?" Sanji called from the mouth of the cave.

Zoro's brow twitched at Sanji's question, but didn't reply or make any sudden movements. The beast stopped for now, but that wasn't a guarantee. Wren glanced over her shoulder towards Zoro to see how he was wounded. This had her visible eye narrowing slightly.

"Misce!" The Aerials cheered at the sight of Wren. "We're saved!"

Mistral, who hugged Zoro's cheek in relief, felt like crying while glad things were finally over.

"Leave." Wren ordered.

Zoro frowned at her tone, but did stand up to leave the cave with the Aerials going with him. He glanced back to watch as the beast slowly lowered its claws. Wren looked up at the beast with her stern expression turning soft. The beast stared down at her with its red eyes that matched her own.

"…S…Starling…" It murmured as it crouched over to lower its head towards Wren. "Star…ling…"

Wren reached out to place her hand on the beast's muzzle. It relaxed underneath her touch.

"Hello, Cain." Wren greeted the creature. "I see you still miss her."

The beast only let out a rumbling noise as it continued to let Wren stroke its muzzle. Sanji and Zoro watched from the mouth of the cave. The latter was a bit surprised considering the beast was just attacking and going berserk only moments before.

"It is time to go back to sleep." Wren said as she reached into the small pouch at her side to pull out a powder. "Dream pleasant dreams and rest."

She blew the powder into the beast's face and while it resisted at first, it soon slumped to the ground. It started breathing heavily before falling into a slumber. Wren stood by its side for a few more moments while stroking its fur. She then sighed knowing she needed to be going before Greylock decided to try and wake Cain again. She left the cave to join the two men. She glanced at Zoro.

"You look awful." She commented casually.

Zoro frowned with his brow twitching in annoyance. The twitching only grew when Sanji started snickering.

"Yeah, couldn't even protect yourself, moss head?" Sanji asked. "Talk about pathetic."

"Listen here, shit cook!" Zoro snapped as he grabbed the front of Sanji's suit. "I didn't fight back because she asked us not too!"

He pointed towards Wren whose eyes actually widened a bit in surprise at this piece of information.

'He allowed himself to be hurt, so not to bring harm to Cain…because I asked him not to?' Wren wondered.

"Besides, I'm not so low I'd fight something already wounded and in pain." Zoro added after he shoved the annoyed Sanji away.

Wren's eye widened even more as her hands clenched into fists at her side and shook from how tightly she clenched them.

'…These people are different…' Vladimir's words rang through her mind.

Wren snapped out of her thoughts when Zoro turned towards her while holding out the hurt Mistral.

"Your friend was hurt because of some guy in a cloak." Zoro said as Wren gently took Mistral into her hands.

Mistral whimpered looking up at Wren who was examining her hurt wing and leg. Wren carefully shifted Mistral into one hand, so to cover the injury with her other hand.

"I see." Wren said. "Thank you for looking out of her and the others."

Said other Aerials were clinging to Zoro as Wren spoke. The swordsmen looked annoyed by their clinginess, but kept his mouth shut. Something that had Wren smiling a barely noticeable smile. Wren then whispered something under her breath with a light appearing underneath the hand she had placed on Mistral's injury. Sanji and Zoro watched curiously. Though their eyes soon widened in surprise when Wren removed her hand to reveal Mistral's wounds were gone.

"You're fine now." Wren said. "Thank you for being so brave and watching over Zoro."

Mistral smiled as she stood up to test out her now healed leg. She felt no pain, which had her smile widening.

"Thank you, Misce!" Mistral thanked Wren.

She kissed the girl's cheek before she took off flying with the Aerials following as they laughed. Once they were gone, Wren turned towards Zoro.

"Thank you as well." Wren said. "You didn't bring any harm to the neighbors. I suppose I was too quick to judge you. I had been certain one of them would have been hurt by a human hand today."

"Tch, that was your mistake." Zoro said as he crossed his arms over his chest.

"Hey, moss head, don't be so rude to Wren-chan!" Sanji snapped.

As the two started arguing, Wren felt her lips turning up once more. Maybe these baby pirates weren't so bad.

"Oh, so it is true. You have a soft spot for these humans."

Wren stiffened and whirled around as did the boys. Zoro frowned with his hand clenching his Wado Ichimonji when seeing Greylock was back. Wren narrowed her visible eye at the old fairy.

"I didn't believe the little Aerials when they said you wanted these humans unharmed." Greylock said. "This is certainly an interesting development. The human-hating halfling taking a liking to humans…and pirates of all people."

"I do not hate all humans." Wren corrected Greylock. "I just don't trust them."

Greylock chuckled at her words as he floated down to touch his feet down onto the ground. He walked forward with Sanji taking a defensive step forward in concern for Wren. Wren didn't seem too worried, however.

"I cannot tell what is more interesting…you saving these humans or the human who didn't fight to protect his own life." Greylock said as he pointed towards Zoro who glared at him. "It is not as if the beast would have been missed. Really if the swordsman had killed him, Cain would be put out of his misery."

Wren's jaw clenched at Greylock's words, but controlled her reaction enough to stay put.

"This brings a lot to think over…" Greylock murmured to himself. "Yes, so much to think about…"

"Does this mean you're done with your little experiment for now?" Wren questioned.

Greylock tilted his head for a moment as he leaned in to study Wren closely. The girl didn't even flinch as she peered into his glowing eyes that seemed to look right through her. He then gave a hum.

"I suppose…" Greylock said. "I have a feeling these pirates won't fight back even if I try to throw them into danger. Not a lot to learn from if they allow themselves to be killed. Besides, as I said, you've given me much to think about, Misce."

He snapped his fingers a second later and disappeared without a trace. Once he was gone, Wren sighed.

"It's…it's really over?" Sanji asked. "Just like that?"

"As I told you, the neighbors do things based on their whims and whims are such fleeting feelings." Wren said. "Here one second…and gone the next. Now, I suppose we should better get back. Something I've learned from your captain is that he doesn't listen well and that he's impatient."

Zoro snorted at that since it definitely couldn't be denied. He's surprised Luffy wasn't here now causing trouble.

"I suppose I should just be glad he isn't the type to become suspicious and realize I had lied to him." Wren said as she started leading the way out of the forest.

"Lied to him?" Sanji asked. "What do you mean?"

"I said he needed to return to the house so to protect the rest of your friends from Greylock." Wren said. "That was a lie. Greylock wouldn't leave Zoro because that would mean not being able to see what would happen to him. He would miss the experiment he began. Besides, the neighbors with high magical abilities aren't allowed within the house. It's an old spell left behind by Cain. Now shall we get back? Zoro looks like he might collapse at any moment."

As if to agree with her, Zoro slumped over against a tree with a snore leaving his lips. Sanji rolled his eyes. Leave it to that moss head to take a nap now of all places.


Zoro groaned as a bright light made him start to wake up from his slumber. He slowly sat up to see he was back in Vladimir's home.

"You're awake." Wren commented as she was washing her hands in a bowl of water. "Good."

Zoro blinked in confusion before looking down to see he was wrapped in fresh bandages.

"I treated your injuries." Wren said. "I am not a doctor by any means, but they were minor, so it was a simple task. Father would have done it, however, he is helping your crewmates settle Nami onto your ship."

"So, she's okay to travel now?" Zoro asked.

Wren nodded her head as she brought Zoro's shirt over to him. He noted it looked freshly washed as he took it. He smirked.

"This is a lot of hospitality for someone who doesn't like humans." He commented as he looked back at Wren. Said woman chuckled at his words.

"I apologize for how coolly I've acted towards you and your crew." Wren said. "I do not have many fond memories of the humans in my life. I've learned not to trust them. Though you and your friends seem to be good ones. That is why I wished to be the one to tend to your wounds. It was the least I can do for you not bringing harm to Cain and for caring for the Aerials."

Zoro didn't comment as he pulled his shirt on over his head. His injuries twinged a bit in protest, but he noted most of the pain was gone. Wren moved away to clean up the supplies she had used.

"Your friends should be waiting for you." Wren said as she kept her eyes on her task. "You should go. Nami needs to see this Dr. Kureha my father mentioned as soon as possible."

Zoro silently nodded before he got up from the bed he had been laying on. He grabbed his swords, which were propped up against the wall next to the bed. He put them back where they belonged against his hip. Just as he was about to leave the room, Havel came climbing through the window.

"Misce." Havel called to Wren who looked up. "Your presence is requested on the beach."

Wren sighed wondering what her father wanted of her now. Wren needed to clean up here then get going. She had her own things to see to and all this has delayed her.

"T…that cat is talking!" Zoro exclaimed pointing at Havel.

Havel gave the swordsman a blank look in reply to his outburst as Wren felt her lips turn up.

"Must we really go through this again?" Havel deadpanned.

Zoro only frowned in reply as he watched the feline pad over to Wren. He jumped onto the girl's shoulder and she scratched his chin in reply causing a purr. She then left the room with Zoro following behind her. The two walked in silence down to the beach with Zoro noticing a few eyes watching them as they went. Wren noticed them as well, but didn't comment since it only seemed a few curious fae. Just wanting to get their last glance at their visitors. When they arrived to the beach, Wren saw Vladimir standing next to Luffy with the two talking. The straw-hat boy had a big grin on his face as he nodded to what Vladimir was saying. Though Luffy soon forgot about Vladimir as soon as he spotted Wren and Zoro.

"Zoro, Wren!" He called waving to the two excitedly. "Come on, it's time to go!"

Wren frowned in confusion since she had no idea what Luffy meant that it was time to go. Maybe for him and his crew, but not for her. She still had packing to do. Though when she saw her father's look, she had a feeling she wasn't about to be happy in a few seconds.

"I told Luffy you would help him get to Drum Island." Vladimir said. "While Nami is sick, they will need a navigator."

"Then you can be our mage!" Luffy added. "Wren, join our crew!"

Wren looked at the boy as if he had a few screws loose, but Luffy either didn't notice her look or didn't care since his smile was unwavering.

"I must decline." Wren told Luffy. "I am not looking to join a pirate crew."

'…again…' She added silently.

Besides, she didn't see what there was to gain by joining this crew. They're rookies to begin with, so they probably won't last long on the water. Especially considering they didn't think far enough ahead to already have a doctor on their crew. That and Wren didn't need to add babysitting to her already large list.

"Huh? But your dad said you were planning to take on Crocodile." Luffy said causing Wren to stiffen. "We're doing that too, so join our crew!"

Wren turned slowly to give her father a dark look. One that had Vladimir looking away unable to meet her gaze.

"He said that, did he?" Wren asked.

"Yeah!" Luffy said nodding. "Said something about you needed something Crocodile had. We'll help you get it once I kick his ass!"

Wren blinked wondering if this rookie really thought he stood a chance against a Shichibukai. She couldn't decide if Luffy was just that confident in his own strength or just that…stupid. She was banking on the latter. Or both, but there was definitely some stupidity in there.

"Nami needs someone to look after her until Kureha can take over." Vladimir said. "You may not be a doctor, but you can handle making sure she stays comfortable. You still owe me for your treatment after all, so you can at least do this for me."

Vladimir said this slyly with a grin appearing on his face when Wren flinched at the reminder of her 'debt' to Vladimir for patching her up.

"You do this and I'll considered the debt paid." Vladimir said.

"And by 'this' you mean…" Wren trailed off so for him to elaborate.

"Work with Luffy and his crew to handle Crocodile." Vladimir said. "I won't ask you to join his crew, but I will feel better knowing my precious daughter has someone looking after her when dealing with such a dangerous man."

Wren felt annoyance bubble up in her chest. Her father obviously had to realize that this crew was more of a liability to Wren than a help. If she had to worry about their safety, she wouldn't be able to focus on her mission, which means she'd be putting herself at risk. Also, she couldn't risk what was at stake by putting part of her mission in the hands of these rookies.

"You can't do it alone, Wren." Vladimir said. "You'll need allies."

'I have allies,' Wren thought.

Maybe not as many as she had once had, but there were still people loyal to her who wanted to bring Doflamingo down.

"Besides, if they're going to be there anyway, you might as well work with them." Vladimir pointed out.

Wren frowned supposing her father did have a point. And if the Straw Hats were running around doing as they pleased to take care of Crocodile, they might be more of a liability than if she was there to keep an eye on them. At least if she's with them, she can manage them a bit. She doesn't need them doing something that makes Crocodile close ranks, which would make her job harder. Wren sighed.

"Very well," Wren said. "I will travel with them…for now."

She added this when Luffy's face lit up. The smile soon dropped to be replaced with a pout.

"Good," Vladimir said grinning. "Your things are already on the ship. I even packed a few things I thought might come in handy."

"…of course, you did." Wren said. "Why am I not surprised?"

Brise, who was on Vladimir's shoulder, giggled behind her hands when seeing Wren's annoyed expression.

"I will be going as well." Havel said as he stood up on Wren's shoulders. "I'm a bit bored here and need a bit of entertainment. Besides, don't you think it's time you've chosen yourself a familiar, Misce?"

Wren frowned. She never thought about taking a familiar. Familiars were meant for mages, so to give more power to perform more powerful spells and to have protection. As part fae, Wren never saw the need of having a familiar. Seemed a bit pointless.

"Do as you please." Wren said. "It seems as if everyone else is already doing so…"

Luffy just laughed before he used his devil fruit abilities to sling shot onto the ship.

"Guys, Wren said she'd join the crew!" He shouted as he ran off to find the others.

"I said no such thing," Wren said as she pinched the bridge of her nose.

She then looked to Zoro when the man placed his hand on her shoulder to give it a squeeze.

"Welcome to the crew." Zoro said with a smirk before he walked off to climb on board the ship.

Wren sighed since these pirates were already proving they were going to be a headache. Wren glanced at her father once Zoro was out of earshot.

"You know you are dooming them to death by having them associate with me." Wren pointed out. "Seems a bit cruel of you, father."

Vladimir shook his head as he wheeled himself over to Wren's side, so to take her hand into his own.

"These people will be good for you, Wren." Vladimir said. "They are like a bright light. A light you need now more than ever."

Wren scoffed at that as she took her hand from her father's hold, so to drop it to her side.

"You still think I can be pulled from the darkness." Wren said. "That is a fool's hope. There is no redeeming me. No one can accomplish that. Especially not some rookie pirates…Goodbye, father."