Coco: Hey, hey, guys~ Tis I! Coco~ And I am back with another chapter for this story. I know I've only been working on this one lately, but I promise, I haven't forgotten about my other stories. In fact, I should have a new Ayonic chapter soon. As for the others...well, you know me by now, I don't have set posting schedule and I never know when I'll get inspiration to write what. I just want to thank you all for being so patient with me XD
"Sanji, I do not understand why you thought these would be the proper clothes to cross a desert in," Wren said with a sigh as she looked down at her current outfit.
As she had feared, Sanji picked her out a dancer outfit just as he had done with Vivi and Nami. The top was basically cut like a bikini, so it showed off so much skin especially her back. Though thankfully she had a shawl that came with the outfit to cover that up. Her skirt was slightly different as it had wide slits in the side, so her legs were given little cover. She was very unhappy with it.
"Vivi said to get commoner clothes, and dancers are common, aren't they?" He asked with a large grin on his face.
Wren shook her head at him as she felt a headache start to form in the back of her cranium. She then looked to her shoulders, which were already turning pink. She's always had a sensitivity to the sun's rays. She burns too easily. She would have to hope that there was something on the ship she could use to cover up more of her skin without sticking out to the locals.
"You should have gotten clothes closer to what you boys are wearing." Wren said as she poked Sanji in the chest. "At this rate, all the women on this ship are going to end up with severe sunburns."
Havel hummed in agreement as he sat between the pair. He was dreading heading out into the desert himself. All his fur was going to make it unbearable.
"Don't worry, Wren-chan, I'll protect you and the other lovely ladies of the crew from the sun." Sanji promised. "I'm sure I can find some umbrellas."
Wren just gave him a look as in the background, Luffy was toasting to Ace joining their crew with Usopp and Chopper. Said man, who paused in drinking his own ale, frowned as he looked to the three.
"Wait, who said I was joining your crew?" Ace asked.
He went ignored as the three boys chugged down their drinks vigorously. Once they were done chugging, they made another toast. Ace frowned when seeing that he was being ignored.
"Oh, don't worry." Nami said with a grin. "You can't take anything they say serious when they get like this. They get a little goofy when they drink."
Ace snorted not all that surprised as he tipped his hat back on his head. He still wished his brother would listen to him though. Said little brother turned to look at him, after picking up some meat that Sanji had prepared earlier.
"Ace, you sure you don't want to join us?" Luffy asked over the meat in his mouth. "It'll be fun, I promise."
"I can't right now." Ace said. "I'm chasing someone. He's a pirate named Blackbeard."
Wren frowned as she thought back to what Ace had told her earlier about Thatch. Sanji noticed her expression, which caused his brows to knit together in confusion.
"Blackbeard?" Usopp asked.
"Wait, I've heard of him." Vivi said. "He's the one who attacked Drum Kingdom."
Ace frowned as he placed his foot on the barrel that he was sitting on to rest his arm on his knee.
"You see Blackbeard used to be a member of the Second Division of the Whitebeard Pirates." Ace explained. "He was one of my own men, but he committed the most unforgiveable sin a pirate could. He killed one of his fellow crewmates, and then he jumped ship. As commander of my division, it's my responsibility to take care of him."
Wren bit the corner of her lip hard to override the bubbling emotions with a small portion of pain. Now wasn't the time to let herself become upset.
"So, that's why you're after him," Usopp said.
"I came here because I heard Blackbeard was seen in Alabasta in a place called Yuba, so that's where I'm headed." Ace said.
He took another drink from his mug as Nami gave a hum and tapped her chin thoughtfully.
"Hey, that's our destination too, right?" Nami asked Vivi.
Vivi nodded her head then pulled out a map to show everyone what route they'd be taking.
"Exactly." Vivi said. "We just entered the Sandora River. We'll take it to Erumalu where we'll dock. Then we're proceed on foot until were reach Yuba here."
She pointed at Yuba on the map as some of the others were gathered around to look at the map.
"The leader of the rebel army is there." Vivi said. "That's where we're going."
"You don't say." Ace commented. "Do you mind if I tag along?"
No one gave any objects. Not even Wren, which had Ace looking at her curiously. She seemed to have a thoughtful look on her face as she turned to face Vivi.
"Actually, Vivi, I wished to speak with you about that," Wren said gaining the girl's attention. "During my search for any useful intel, I was told by several people that is highly unlikely that the rebels are still in Yuba."
Vivi's eyes widened at the information. That wasn't good at all. Her whole plan hinged on getting to the rebel army to stop the rebellion before it started.
"Even if they haven't left already, it is very possible they'll be gone by the time we reach them," Wren continued. "We also have no way of telling where they are at this moment if not in Yuba. Which means, heading there is very likely a waste of time."
Vivi's hands clenched into fists. She knew Wren could be right. If they go to Yuba and the rebel army isn't there…they would have wasted days of time for nothing. But…
"We…we might get there in time," Vivi said. "We have to speak with their leader. He'll listen to me and we can stop the rebellion if we reach them in time."
Wren sighed though she had suspected such an answer from Vivi. Though she was a bit disappointed.
"That is a very big 'if', Vivi." Wren said. "I understand you wish to stop the fighting before it happens, but that might not be possible. However, if we cut the head off the snake, not as many people will have to suffer than compared to how many will if we waste time trying to catch up to an army whose location, we are unsure of."
"Taking down Crocodile first won't stop the rebellion," Vivi said firmly. "We need to get to Yuba and deal with the rebels first thing and then Crocodile."
Wren said nothing in reply, but Vivi could practically see the disappointment on the older girl's face. It had the princess looking away.
"If that is what you wish to do then so be it," Wren said with a shrug.
'Though don't expect me to be with you,' She added silently.
Some of the tension on the ship lessened at Wren's words as the older woman turned away from Vivi.
"Nami-san, Vivi-chan, Wren-chwan~" Sanji called out sweetly as he did this weird little dance. "I'll follow you anywhere. Just tell me where to go."
"Hopefully it's off of a cliff." Zoro said.
"What'd you say, Zoro?!" Sanji demanded.
Before a fight could break out, Nami told them to cool it, which Sanji instantly obeyed as he grinned goofily.
"Well, looks like you'll be with us for a little while, Ace." Nami said.
"Haha, we're all really happy to have you aboard." Usopp added.
The others—besides, Wren—gather around with their mugs in hand, and as they raised a toast, Wren just silently watched with an unreadable expression on her face.
As they sailed towards their next destination, Wren was sitting at a small table that Sanji had brought out to her earlier, and it had some tea set out on it. She was drinking the tea with the soothing taste of Earl Grey touching her taste buds. Not far from her, Zoro was weightlifting, and Chopper was enjoying the breeze created by Zoro swinging the heavy weights like one of his swords.
Sanji, who was preparing the lunches, Usopp, and Luffy were in the galley with Ace. Vivi was coming up from the woman's quarters, and Nami was at the front of the ship. Beside Wren, Karoo was laying curled up with Havel curled up on top of him. As she continued drinking her tea, she absently pet Karoo's feathery form. Karo seemed to like the attention as he placed his head in her lap, which had her giving him a soft smile. She petted his head as Vivi joined Nami at the front of the ship.
"Nami, if you don't mind, I'd like to stop the ship here." Vivi said. "It will just be for a moment."
"Stop?" Nami asked. "What for?"
Vivi turned to look down at Karoo who was dozing off as Wren was petting him.
"I have a very important mission for Karoo." Vivi explained.
"Karoo?" Nami asked.
When hearing his name, the Ultra Spotbill Duck lifted his head off Wren's lap to look up at Vivi. He blinked wondering what he was needed for. Wren took note of the folded paper in Vivi's hands, and took a guess that Karoo would be taking a letter to Vivi's father or someone else of importance. A few minutes later, the ship was docked, with almost everyone going on shore to bid Karoo farewell. Wren, who was sitting on the railing, remained on the ship with Havel, Ace, and Zoro as she watched Vivi speak with Karoo.
"Karoo, I need you to go to Alabarna Palace, and deliver this letter to my father." Vivi explained as Karoo quacked softly. "It contains everything uncovered by Igaram and myself. The details of Crocodile's nefarious plans for the country are in here. Also, it lets him know that I've returned to Alabasta safe and sound in the company of brave friends willing to help us in our struggle. Well then, can you do this for me, Karoo?"
Karoo gave a quack of confirmation as he saluted Vivi using one of his wings. She smiled at her childhood friend as he looked at her in determination. She then put the letter away in the green cloak that went around Karoo's duck body.
"Now, be careful to conserve your water, kay?" Vivi asked as she stood.
The others gave a few parting words before Karoo zoomed off. However, he didn't get far before stopping to take a few sips of water. He zoomed off again with dust kicking up behind him.
"I said conserve not consume!" Vivi shouted after him.
She then watched him disappear while hoping that he'd be alright on his own. As the others remained still to watch Karoo leave, Wren let out a sigh as she looked up at the sky.
"Well, I did know that Crocodile was here in Alabasta." Ace said as he turned away from the scene. "But him trying to steal a kingdom? That sounds like a bad joke. Cause why would a pirate drop anchor in one spot and settle down? Crocodile trying to assert the throne of Alabasta doesn't make sense."
Zoro looked at Ace closely wondering what exactly he was trying to say. Was he implying that Crocodile was here for other reasons? Wren then got down from the railing as the others were climbing on board with Luffy declaring it was time to set sail.
"It might not make sense to you." Wren said. "Or any pirate really. However, there's great advantages for Crocodile if he does take over Alabasta. Besides, he wouldn't be the first Shichibukai to drop anchor and take over a territory. Or even rule a kingdom."
"You mean like Doflamingo," Ace said. "Your former captain."
Wren frowned at the mention of the man. Though she did nod her head in reply.
"Yes, Doffy and even Pirate Empress Boa Hancock rule over their own personal kingdoms." Wren said. "My point is that it's not so farfetched to believe that Crocodile is trying to take the throne of Alabasta for himself. Though I can tell you believe something else is going on here, Ace. And you wouldn't be wrong. After all, pirates a greedy. They always want more."
"Meaning Crocodile is after something else than just the throne," Ace said.
Wren nodded her head as she started walking away to join the others on the deck below. Ace followed after as Zoro watched the both of them leave.
'Another motive, huh?' Zoro thought. 'Wren did say she wasn't here because Crocodile wanted the throne. She even said that didn't interest her…so she's here for this 'other motive'…is that it?'
Zoro wasn't sure what it was or what Wren was keeping so close to the chest. But it had to be something big if she was so concerned with stopping Crocodile before he obtained whatever it was.
Wren stood on deck with a cloak around her to keep her skin covered up from the sun. She had her bag over her shoulder, and her sword holster over her cloak, so that she could reach her sword easier. This wouldn't be the first time she's had to travel through dangerous and unknown territory, which meant she knew the be prepared for anything.
"Havel, this is going to be a long trek," She said to the feline. "You might want to use a different mode of transportation."
Havel, who understood what she meant, nodded his head before jumping into Wren's shadow where he sunk in and disappeared.
"Whoa, how did he do that, Wren?" Chopper asked curiously as he knelt down to poke her shadow.
Wren's lips turned up a bit at his curiosity as Chopper peered closely into her shadow as if the look for Havel.
"When a fae and a mage make a contract with the fae becoming the mage's familiar, they are basically one in the same." Wren said. "If I was to get hurt, Havel would be harmed and vice versa. Also, as part of our connection the familiar kind hide themselves within their mage's 'soul' so to speak. And a shadow is meant to be a reflection of a person's soul."
"You won't even let me hug you, but you're fine with connecting your soul to someone else?" Ace asked with a teasing pout.
Wren scoffed at his question as she turned away from the tall ravenette who was shrugging on a long, thin robe to protect himself from the sun. She looked as if she might retort, but Luffy who excitedly jumped between Wren and Ace distracted her.
"We're finally here." Luffy said with a large grin as the ship approached the shore.
Ace chuckled at his brother's antics as Wren walked forward when sensing something—or rather multiple somethings nearby. She narrowed her visible eye partially as she glanced down at the water. There were many "voices" coming from below. As she wondered what could below the water's surface, she heard Sanji kicking up a fuss, so she glanced back at the deck below.
"Ah, Nami-swan, what happened?!" Sanji asked. "Where's your dancer outfit?!"
Wren sighed while not all surprised that he was acting like this. She knew her talk with him earlier about the danger of the sun's harsh rays didn't get through his thick skull.
"Wah, you both as well!" Sanji exclaimed as he looked between Vivi and Wren. "Vivi-chan, Wren-chan, why are you wearing those things?"
Wren decided not to bother explaining again and left to Vivi who explained to Sanji that they couldn't walk around with their skin exposed, but it seemed as if Sanji wasn't taking that explanation okay since he was rolling around on the deck in depression. She also decided to ignore the voices as they seemed to be of animal origin and she sensed no real danger.
"Time to drop anchor." Zoro said.
"Right." Usopp said nodding.
He followed after Zoro to get the ship ready to be left here during their time away. Sanji, who managed to pick himself off the ground, made sure the bags were ready as everyone else grabbed their own things if they hadn't already. Well, almost everyone as Luffy seemed too busy shaking in excitement.
"Yuba here we come!" Luffy said cheerfully as he looked raring to go.
"I wonder if he will have to much energy halfway through our journey," Wren commented casually.
"Doubt it," Nami commented back as she frowned at Luffy. "Even monsters have to get tired every once and a while, right?"
"Well, I do grow weary from time to time, so I suppose you have a point," Wren said.
Nami's eyes widened slightly at Wren's words as the older woman's lips turned up in amusement towards her own joke. Ace chuckled as well as everyone was preparing to leave the ship. However, a shape suddenly jumped out of the water to land on the shore before the pirates could disembark. Wren blinked while seeing it was some type of dugong. There were many pieces of dugong in the ocean, but she's never run into the ones that are native to Alabasta. More dugongs appeared in the water, which gained the crew's attention.
"Turtles?" Zoro asked.
"No, I think they're seals." Luffy said.
"Kung Fu dugongs!" Vivi corrected.
One of them, who seemed to be the leader, started seemingly speaking to the crew, so Chopper started to translate.
"'If you wanna come to shore, you're going to have to beat me first! But I doubt that'll happen ya bunch of cowards,' he says." Chopper translated.
Wren couldn't help but think they were all awfully cute. Even if one of them was trying to pick a fight.
"Hah, no one calls me a coward and gets away with it," Usopp said as he stepped forward. "Here comes the pain."
Usopp jumped ship while not listening to Vivi who tried to warn him not to go. An action, which proved to be a mistake since he was taken out fairly easily.
"Kung Fu dugongs are really strong." Vivi finished her warning though it was too late.
Wren shook her head at the boy as Luffy, who also went to shore, gave a cheer of victory, which drew all eyes onto him.
"See? They're not too tough." Luffy said as he grinned.
"That's bad too!" Vivi yelled.
After Luffy defeated that one, the other dugongs stopped fighting to look at Luffy in awe. The one he punched even bowed to him.
"It's one of their rules." Vivi said. "If they lose a Kung Fu match, they become the winner's pupil."
"You don't say." Zoro commented casually.
And it seemed as if Luffy beat up more of them than his companions previously thought since all the dugongs were soon flocking towards him.
"They think you're their master now!" Vivi snapped.
Luffy didn't seem all that bothered by this development since he soon had all the dugongs practicing their punching. As the others sighed at this new development that would probably cause them some kind of trouble, Wren finally left the ship. The others soon followed after some grumbling, and once everyone was on land, Luffy gathered his new followers.
"Right, all set!" Luffy said. "Let's go to Yuba!"
Zoro looked at Luffy as he was crazy while also looking down at all the dugongs lined up behind him. Well, not all were lined up as Wren was holding one in her arms.
"Hey, wait a minute." Zoro said. "You're not bringing them with us?!"
"Luffy, you can't!" Nami said sternly
"They're water creatures, so they won't make it." Vivi tried to explain.
The dugongs all whined when hearing this as two of them hugged Luffy around his legs. The one in Wren's arms even whimpered, which caused Nami and Vivi's hearts to break. They turned away from the heartbreaking scene.
"It's going to break my heart to say no to them, but we can't let them come along," Nami said to Vivi.
They would definitely die on the trek. Not to mention the pirates barely had enough food and water for themselves. They couldn't support such a large group with what they had.
"I agree." Vivi said. "But how as we supposed to get them to stay?"
As the two conversed, Sanji moved over to Wren, who looked up at him, as she continued to hold onto her new friend.
"Wren-chan, I know you love animals, but the little guy can't come with us," Sanji told her kindly. "You wouldn't want to cause him har…"
Sanji trailed off with his eyes widening when Wren did the one thing that he never expected her to do, which was to pout. He stared at her in shock as she looked back up at him with a wide-eyed gaze and slightly jutted out lower lip.
'…so cute…' He thought before turning to the others to speak out loud. "Okay, listen up, this turtle-seal is coming with us because I don't want my beloved Wren-chan to be sad!"
The others—minus Luffy, who had his own army of dugongs, and Ace, who looked completely amused—looked at Sanji as if he was crazy. The blonde either didn't notice the looks or didn't care as he put his arm around Wren's shoulders. The woman merely blinked at his touch as he drew her close.
"Like hell!" Zoro snapped. "We barely have the water to take care of ourselves! How much do you think that thing would need in a desert to survive?! Not to mention how much food he'd need!"
"Doesn't matter since we'll just give him your portion," Sanji growled back. "If you die of dehydration or starvation, it'd be one less headache for me, Marimo."
The two looked ready to get in a fight, but before they could, Nami punched them both over the heads and told them to knock it off. She then turned to Wren to snap at her. However, she faltered when seeing the pleading look the dugong and Wren were giving her as the older woman held the little creature closer.
"I don't know what to do here," Nami said as she hung her head.
Vivi nodded in agreement as Ace stepped over to reach towards Wren's dugong. Said woman swatted his hand away with a look of warning that had his lips turning up.
"I know what to do!" Chopper piped up before he started sniffing their bags, which were laid out on the rocky shore.
"What are you doing?" Usopp and Sanji asked.
Chopper didn't answer at first before letting out happy gasp as he found what he was looking for. He opened the bag further before holding up a piece of meat on the bone.
"Here," He said holding it out to the dugongs. "You guys can have this, but only if stay here, okay?"
The little sea creatures didn't have to think about it long before they swarmed Chopper to try and get more food. Even Wren's new companion leaped from her arms to join his friends in getting food. Wren frowned once seeing she was completely forgotten about.
"Aw, it's okay, Wren-chwan," Sanji tried to comfort the woman. "You can cuddle me if it will make you feel better~"
Wren just blinked at the strange man before turning away with a light sigh leaving her lips.
"I believe I will pass on that offer," Wren said. "Besides, it isn't as if I'm upset. It would be illogical to bring one along with us, so it's only natural to leave them here."
Nami, Usopp, Vivi, and Zoro just sweat-dropped as they could easily seeing Wren's detected expression.
'…She's totally upset…' They all thought in unison.
Ace grinned at the whole thing. Though his grin widened even more as he watched Nami and Vivi try to console Wren who insisted she was fine. They really were some good people, and it seemed as if Wren liked them as well…even if she didn't realize it herself. Just seeing them interact made him feel less worried and gave him the peace of mind that even if he isn't around, Wren had good friends to watch her back.
Coco: And that's the end of this chapter. It seems as if there will be some conflict in the future between Wren and Vivi, but I'm sure they'll work things out peacefully...hopefully XD
