Coco: Hey, guys, it's me! Bringing you another chapter. There might be more typos in this chapter than others. I'm not the best proofreader to begin with and I didn't even do it this time. Didn't even attempt it. I started a new job, and I'm working 7pm to 7am and I've just been really tired lately as I try to adjust to this new schedule. It doesn't help that I'm also working part time at my old job to make some extra money.

It has made writing in general a lot harder. But I'm trying. I'll also being moving this upcoming weekend (at least I'm hoping to be) and it will be to a place without wifi/internet. And I'm not sure how long it'll take until I have the money to get some installed. I'm more concerned with getting a fridge and stove lol.

But I'll try my best to keep writing for you guys.

Also, I'm like way behind on the buzz that going around, but I heard this site might be shutting down. If so, I will be moving to Ao3, I believe it's called. But with what's going on, I'm not sure how long that'd take. But if that does happen, I'll keep my username and everything else under the same name to make it easier to find me, okay?

Now, let's get started!


As the group traveled through the Upper Yard, Wren frowned while sitting tensely on the ent's shoulder. She had her sword clutched tightly in hand as she paid close attention to their surroundings.

"Wren, something wrong?" Zoro asked then looked up curiously when the ground shook due to another explosion. "Oh, yeah, I almost forgot about all that noise."

He looked back to Wren as the woman's eye shifted slowly in different directions as if pinpointing the sources of the sound.

"A full-on fight has broken out," Wren said. "So many more voices have come to Upper Yard, and I bet there's more than what I am sensing. My haki doesn't cover as wide of an area as Enel. However, we seem far enough away to be safe for now."

Nami looked a bit worried when hearing this as she scooted closer to Robin for protection. The older woman didn't seem too concerned.

"Where are we going anyway?" Nami asked curiously. "Grandfather?"

She asked this of the ent, who had told the crew to call him grandfather if they wished as that was what humans had started calling him many years ago, as he kept walking through the forest.

"To the edge of Upper Yard," Grandfather replied. "Where physical proof of this island's true origins stands. The only reminder of its original home in the blue sea."

This quirked the crew's interest. Especially Robin and Wren who wanted to know more of this island's history. Wren was almost certain this place was once part of Jaya, but still wished to see physical evidence to prove her theory.

"When I lived on this island back before it came to the sky, it had no true name." Grandfather continued. "It was a very isolated island where a small village of people lived. The Shandia Tribe were kind people to us fae. Worshipping and respecting us like gods. They also acted as our protectors against outside forces. Protecting us and the land their held sacred."

Grandfather stepped over a large root as Wren looked forward to see what looked like an opening in the trees not too far away.

"They never allowed sailors to remain on the island." Grandfather told the pirates and Nimue. "Chasing them off as quickly as they arrived as they had all been greedy humans who wanted to steal and cause trouble for the island. However, one sailor and his crew proved to be different."

Nami listened carefully as Grandfather spoke with her eyes wide in wonder. All pirates interested to hear more as they finally reached the break in the trees. The pirates' eyes widened when seeing what stood before them at the edge of the floating island.

"That sailor's name…was Noland." Grandfather finished.

Wren, who had Havel on her shoulder, was quick to jump down from the ent's shoulder with Zoro and Robin doing the same. Nami followed by climbing down though her movement was frantic as she tried to reach the ground as quickly as possible. All of them taking in the familiar stone house in front of them. Or at least…what was left of it.

"I can't believe it." Nami said as she walked forward to place her hand on the building. "But this is definitely what we think it is, isn't it?"

She looked back at Wren for confirmation and the slightly older woman nodded as she too stepped forward.

"Look at it," Nami said. "It's almost unreal. But it's no fairytale. We've all seen what it belongs to. How'd it get all the way up here?"

"My only guess is the Knock-Up steam." Wren replied. "That current could have been strong enough to launch a giant mass of earth into the air. Wouldn't you agree?"

"It is highly possible." Robin agreed. "However, it's like Navigator-san said…it's unreal."

Wren nodded in agreement as she moved to the upper half of the building. Or rather the half-building as it's missing piece was still down below where it had been left all those years ago.

"Wren, you were right." Nami said. "This island used to be part of Jaya."

Though she had had her suspicions, Wren was still in awe that Upper Yard had once been part of Jaya. It made sense, but confirming it felt so surreal.

"So, what that means is a few hundred years back the island split in half and one side of it rose into the sky." Zoro concluded.

Wren hummed in reply as she looked out at the white clouds before them. It was a beautiful sight, but it was more than that. It was amazing. Noland hadn't been lying. The missing piece of the island Noland had been looking for…it actually existed. Just not in the deep waters of below, but here up in the clouds. Where it had been lost for the last 400 years.

"Tell me, Grandfather," Wren spoke up. "You said the Shandians had been protecting something sacred back then…was it a city…a city of gold?"

The others looked to the ent, who had sat down with Nimue to watch the pirate's reaction, for confirmation.

"Yes," Grandfather replied. "The sacred City of Shandia is here in Upper Yard. However, it's exactly location is unknown to even me. I apologize."

"No, you have nothing to apologize for." Wren said as she looked back out at the clouds. "Just knowing it is here is enough."

Nami seemed to feel the same way as she gave a cheer and praised God for giving them such a gift. As Zoro and Robin gave the navigator blank stares, Wren stiffened and placed her hand on her sword. The sound of voices becoming even louder and angrier.

"We shouldn't linger here for long." Wren said. "The fighting is growing and becoming more chaotic. I do not feel it in the best interest of Chopper or the Merry that they be left alone for much longer. I would hate to come back to a hurt crewmate and a damaged ship."

"Yeah, you're right." Zoro said. "We better get back before anything bad happens."


"It would appear that we are too late." Wren said looking at the damage the ship took.

Zoro frowned because it would seem like it. Beside them, Nami was calling for Chopper, but the young doctor wouldn't answer.

"Who do you suppose done this?" He asked.

"One of those priests maybe." Wren said. "Whoever it was, we'll deal with them later. We have Chopper to worry about. Havel, stay here."

Havel, who jumped from her shoulder, didn't have to be told twice as he did not want to pass over that cloudy water. He moved to stand with Nimue as Wren used the air around her to propel herself over to the ship. She touched down to take a look around. It seemed someone had caused some fires to the ship. There were even scorch marks around the mast. However, due to there not being piles of ash and the fact that the mast seemed to be ripped from the rest of the ship, Wren would take a guess that Chopper threw it into the water to prevent it from burning. Speaking of Chopper…

"There you are." Wren said when seeing Chopper sitting by the ruined mast. "Chopper, are you alright?"

Chopper turned with his wide, watery eyes landing on Wren. He sniffled before launching himself at the woman.

"Wren, there you are!" He said as he grabbed a hold of her legs. "We were all so worried about you!"

Wren looked down at the doctor softly before picking his furry form up into her arms. She moved to the side of the ship, so the others could see she had Chopper.

"He's injured but I've got him." Wren called to them.

Nami sighed in relief because she was starting to think that they had lost Chopper there for a second.

"Chopper, I'm sorry we were gone so long!" Nami called out to him. "Please, just tell us everything that happened, okay?!"

Chopper just whimpered as he held on tighter to Wren. His form shaking as he cried. Wren tightened her hold on the poor thing as her face hardened in anger. Whoever has caused such pain and distress to their kind doctor was going to pay. Even if she had to get her own hands dirty to do so. Wren then blinked and looked up when she sensed familiar voices. She smiled slightly.

"It would appear that we're all together again," She said.

Chopper, who wiped some tears from his eyes, looked up at her in confusion. However, his ears then twitched when picking up a certain captain's voice.

"Gomu-Gomu no…Gatling Gun!" Luffy's familiar voice shouted as fists rained down from above to knock out the circling shy sharks.

The others gasped and looked on as Luffy appeared with Sanji and Usopp while riding a small boat with a crow figure head. Their landing was rough and sent water over all three of them, but Luffy didn't seem to mind as he laughed.

"We found it!" Luffy shouted as he pointed towards the ship and the alter. "There's the alter with the Going Merry sitting right on top! And hey…isn't that Wren?"

Sanji's head whipped around so fast Usopp thought it might spin, but the cook didn't seem to care or maybe not notice as his eyes searched for one person. When seeing Wren, he nearly cried. He heard Luffy and Usopp call out to the others on shore, but his eyes remained on her. Feeling relief when seeing her unharmed and smiling that breathtaking smile of hers.

"Wren! My darling!" Sanji called out as he stood and waved his arms around. "I am so happy to see you! Sorry to keep you waiting! But I beat the Ordeal of Love to get here!"

Wren chuckled shaking her head in amusement at the cook as Luffy and Usopp looked at the blonde in confusion. The boys docked the ship near the alter, and Sanji quickly ran up the steps towards Wren. Said woman, who put Chopper down, jumped down from the ship and onto the alter. She then gasped when Sanji placed his hands on her waist to pick her up and spin her around. He looked up at her gleefully as she placed her hands on his shoulders to keep herself straight.

"I can't express how happy I am to see you, my dear." Sanji said as he placed her on her feet. "Please, don't worry me like that again."

He said this earnestly as he stared into her gaze. Wren felt a sliver of guilt for causing him worry.

"I apologize." Wren said as the others made their way to the alter. "I didn't mean to cause any distress."

Sanji just smiled at her kind-heartedness before growling when Luffy snatched her right up.

"Wren, you're not dead!" Luffy cheered. "Have you been having fun?! What kind of adventure have you been having?! Find anything tasty to eat?"

Wren chuckled at Luffy's questioning as the young captain looked at her with wide expecting eyes.

"It's been interesting." Wren replied. "That is for certain. I even made a few new friends."

She gestured to Nimue, Puffy, and Grandfather Ent as they waited patiently by the shore. Luffy gasped at the sight of Grandfather as he released Wren to get a better look. The girl then turned to Usopp when he stepped up looking sheepish.

"Sorry for causing you all that trouble." Usopp said. "I should have listened and not dive into the water."

"I am just glad you are alright." Wren told Usopp. "Besides, there's no reason to apologize. We're all here and safe."

Usopp nodded feeling a bit better. He then went to check on the ship along with the others. Sanji remained by her side while reaching out to place a hand on her shoulder, which had her looking up at him.

"Nothing terrible happened while we were separated, I hope." He said looking concerned.

"No," Wren replied. "Though my eyes have been open to a few things…there are things I must work on before we can leave this place. And knowing our crew, things will soon become too complicated for me to take that time I need. I know we were all just reunited, but I might have to go away for a bit longer."

Sanji's brows furrowed in worry as he wondered just what Wren had in mind. And why she would have to leave them. He then followed his gaze to where that tree man and woman stood.

"And those are the ones who can help me," Wren murmured.


Wren looked around to the small clearing in the trees that she was brought to. After telling the others of her plans to leave with Nimue for the night and dealing with some protesting from said others, Wren left with the older woman. Havel—and Puff—was left behind to catch up with the others and compare experiences. And anything he learns, will be shared with Wren via their connection. So, she wouldn't really be missing anything. Now, she could focus on rediscovering herself. Of reconnecting to the girl that she had once been. The one who loved magic and loved being herself.

"This place should work well for us," Nimue said as she looked around the clearing. "We're far from the fighting and with these cloaks none of those able to use mantra will be able to sense us. We shouldn't be disturbed here."

Wren nodded in reply as she sat her bag and sword down against one the large tree roots. Grandfather, who tagged along with the two mages, sat down out of the way to watch and help if needed. Nimue sat on the ground crisscrossed while motioning for Wren to do the same. The young girl copied Nimue while placing her hands in her lap after she sat.

"How long this will take will depend on you." Nimue told Wren. "It will depend on how much you hold onto whatever is stopping you from connecting with your true self. You must let go of those burdens…those fears or you will never be able to become the mage you have always had the potential to be. Do you understand?"

Wren nodded her head though knew this wouldn't be easy. She had thought herself over her past trauma, but really, she had been in denial. She still let it control her to this day. Allowing the pain, she had felt back then to scare her from embracing and loving her heritage. She was afraid even now. Though she could never admit this out loud. Though that was the problem, wasn't it?

"Now, take a deep breath…close your eyes…and allow yourself to take in the nature around you." Nimue instructed. "Feel its familiar warm. Feel its strength."

Wren did as she was told. Taking in a deep breath and closing her eyes. Trying to tune in to the nature around her. It took a few moments, but soon she felt like she had been opened to a new world. She could feel the sun through the trees and it felt even warm. So familiar like she was rediscovering an old friend. The gentle breeze against her face and the feel of the earth beneath her, brought on old emotions she had not felt for a long time.

A feeling of togetherness…of peace. A feeling of connection to the world and those who lived in it. Fae and mages were a community. They were neighbors. And like the nature around them, they were all connected in a cycle of helping each other…of nurturing. However, before that feeling could solidify, something dark reared its head.

—FLASHBACK—

Wren wailed in despair as she sat on the shoreline of her home. Everything was being painted red by fire before her as many of her neighbors and loved ones ran for their lives. Screaming and crying as the vile humans pillaged. Killing who got in their way and taking whoever, they want.

"Momma! Daddy!" Wren cried as her cut and bleeding hands clutched the ripped fabric of her dress. "Daddy, it hurts…it hurts…"

She continued to cry before a dark shadowed loomed over her, which caused her to gasp. She looked back with her eyes widening when seeing three of those humans standing behind her.

"There you are." The one in the middle spoke as he grinned a crooked, cruel smile. "Just the little freak we were looking for. We were promised quite a bit for you. Now come along before things get worse for you."

He reached for Wren who shrieked in fright. The scream traveled at high pitches through the air, which caused the humans to cry out in pain and clutch their ears. Taking that time, Wren ran for it. Not knowing where she was going, but not caring as long as it was away from those mean humans. However, she didn't get far before she was scooped up by the back of her dress. She went to scream again, but a muzzle was slapped over her mouth before she could. The iron studs in the metal burned and caused her to cry. Though the cries only came out as muffled sobs.

"So, this is the monster that man warned me about." The man said as he turned Wren towards him. "I wasn't expecting you to be so tiny and frail."

Wren looked at the man who seemed to be in charge of these humans. He had a cold look in his eyes as he looked at her as if she was some kind of thing and not a little girl. He then turned towards his men while tossing Wren to them. The middle caught her in a tighter hold with his hand going around her neck. Depriving her of enough oxygen.

"Take her to the ship." The man ordered. "Once we're done taking a few more of these freaks, we'll leave. After all, lingering around here when the island is under her protection isn't smart."

The men nodded before starting to take Wren away. The girl tried to struggle, but the lack of oxygen was making her vision go black. She looked to the side catching sight of her mother who was trying to help her father who was trapped under what was left of their home. However, both her parents soon spotted her as she was being taken away. She couldn't hear them, but it seemed as if they were screaming her name as her mother got to her feet to chase after Wren. However, she was soon trapped within a net of iron. Wren's father continued screaming for her and her mother, but there was no use. And the last thing Wren remembered before blacking out was one thought.

'What did we do…to deserve this?'

—END OF FLASHBACK—

Wren gasped violently as her body shook and her eyes snapped open. The connections she had been starting to feel snapped like a thin thread. Wren's body continued to shudder as if she was in pain as Nimue looked softly at the girl.

"You associate our community and your connection to it with pain." Nimue said. "This is why you have trouble accepting who you are and where you come from. If you cannot let go of that pain, you will never find peace."

Wren frowned as her hands clenched her knees tightly. Trying to ground herself to what was in front of her and not that terrible memory.

"You must accept what happened has happened." Nimue continued. "There is no changing what has already been done…what has already passed…tell me, of your time on the slavers ship."

Wren looked up from where she had been staring at her lap. Her lone eye clouded with pain and dare she admit fear. The very thought of having to relive those memories made her sick. When seeing her reluctance, Nimue sighed.

"It's going to be difficult." Nimue said truthfully. "It's going to hurt, but if you can overcome it…you will be all the stronger for it. You're already half of the way there. Otherwise, you wouldn't be before me today…a strong young woman. A woman capable of allowing others into her heart. A woman who has fought and become stronger to get where she is."

Wren didn't reply at first as she straightened up her posture and placed her hands back in her lap in a more relaxed position.

"It is hard accepting pain, Misce." Grandfather pipped up. "To let it in. However, pain and loss are part of life. There is no avoiding it. And while it might hurt for a while, you can grow and learn from such experiences to make yourself stronger if you allow it."

Wren sighed knowing both were right. However, she spent such a long time pushing away those memories. Trying to pretend they didn't accept her anymore and using them to justify her hate and distrust of humans. Using them to shield her heart, which in the end wasn't the right call. She was making herself the very monster Doflamingo wanted her to be and acting in ways no better than those slavers. And for selfish reasons. And at the time it felt justified to do so. Using her past losses and pain as a shield against the truth…that she was only ruining herself and losing more of what made her…her.

But she was already on the path of bettering herself, wasn't she? She wasn't cutting herself off from others any longer. She was letting them in…letting them feel and warm the darkness she still tried to cling to because it had become a familiar, comforting feeling. One she's afraid to let go of completely. They were right that what has been done can't be undone. However, she doesn't have to let it rule her life. She can accept it and use it to become stronger…to become better.

'But there are things I cannot let go,' Wren thought. 'Not yet…'

Doflamingo's smiling face popped into her mind. Along with a few other faces…faces of devils she has made deals with and used to get where she is today.

'Until he pays…until his empire crumbles and he is brought down, I cannot let everything go,' Wren thought with her face setting into an unreadable expression. 'However, I must let go of that part of me that he still controls. The part that fears embracing my heritage. It holds me back and if I continue to keep pushing forward with one hand tied behind my back, I will never complete my goal. And that cannot happen.'

That and she was tried of denying herself of that part of her life. Tired of fearing it. She wasn't human, so it was time to stop doing things the human way.

"I am ready," Wren said resolutely.

Nimue smiled and nodded her head as she motioned for Wren to tell her of her past. To help her get through it and accept it. She wasn't human, and it was time she truly remembered that. And accepted herself for who she was.


"Hmm, this is a fine wand," Nimue said as she looked over the black polished wand that Wren had fetched from the ship. "Though it will need to be modified. It isn't the proper size for a young adult. I can work on this and have it finished for you by the morning. A proper wand for a young mage."

She smiled at Wren, who has made a lot of practice, in the hours they have worked together. It was way after dark and late into the night. The two had returned to where the others had sat up camp to find them passed out with a bunch of cloud wolves. Wren had decided not to question what happen while they were away.

"Thank you," Wren thanked the older mage. "For more than just the wand…I feel lighter…as if a great burden has finally been lifted."

Nimue's smile widened as she was glad to hear it. The older mage nodded as she sat Wren's childhood wand in her lap.

"This is only the beginning." Nimue said. "Now that you are ready to learn, you have much to catch up on. I do not think that will happen here, however, and I cannot go with you when you and your crew leave this place. My time here is not up. There is still much to learn about and do."

Wren nodded in understanding. If she wanted to learn magic, she would have to find another source.

"The first mages learned from the fae around them." Nimue continued. "They will be your best guides in venture. Watch them, learn from them. Become the mage you have always been destined to be, Wren."

Nimue then stood with Puffy flying over to her mage's side to lay on her shoulder.

"I will return to my home to begin modifying your wand." Nimue said. "I will have it back by first light."

She was then gone in a wisp of wind. As if she had dematerialized to join the breezes that blew through Upper Yard. After she was gone, Wren reached out to Havel to run her fingers through his soft, golden fur. He purred in his sleep while subconsciously moved closer to snuggle into her side.

She smiled down at him before looking up to her sword, which was nestled withing the branches of Grandfather. Flowers and vines were growing around the weapon with green runes glowing on the blade. The ent wanted to give her a gift for her hard work. Much like the undines had back on Zenny's island.

'It's another step to becoming stronger,' Wren thought. 'But it's not just about strength. It's about becoming a better person…worthy of their trust and friendship.'

She looked to the Straw Hats with her smile growing ever so slightly. Luffy, Usopp, and Chopper were all nestled in the arms of Grandfather. Snoring away alongside the ent. All content and happy with their newest friend. Robin and Nami laid beside each other and slept. Nami slightly gravitating the older woman as if searching for warm or a sense of comfort. Something she does when Wren is around as well. Zoro was off by himself with his back to the tree and his swords resting on his shoulder. Ready to protect them at a moment's notice.

As for Sanji, he was leaning back against some roots. Looking as if he had tried to stay up and wait for her. He shifted a bit in his sleep and gave a slight shiver. Wren stood carefully while grabbing one of the blankets that had been brought from the ship. She moved over to Sanji and carefully as possible placed it over the cook. He shifted slightly up didn't wake as he instinctively snuggled into the warmth of the blanket. Once he was covered, Wren stood to her full height.

'Thank you…all of you,' Wren thought as she looked to the crew before looking up towards into the sky. 'And thank everyone else who has tried to love and support me. You all have my thanks…and my heart.'


Coco: And there you have it! Again, sorry for any typos. I'll try to go back and proofread later. I was just trying to get the chapter out as soon as possible for you guys. Since writing has been a lot harder lately as I mentioned before. But I hope you liked it all the same!

Now, as always, remember to stay safe and keep being your beautiful selves! Until next time!