Chapter 13: Back to her family

It had been a long journey and at last, she had arrived on the same island as her crew. Shay wanted to make a good impression. So, brought herself some new clothes, showered, and took a long nap. She even gave Rain a bath and today was finally the day.

Shayla was now 16 years old. She was wearing an off-shoulder long-sleeved white dress with a long black ribbon tightened multiple times around her waist. The girl let her beautiful long curly hair loose down her back, yet some strings were framing her face perfectly.

She used her old bandana as a headband covering some of the top part of her head. Silver earrings, black boots, and round sunglasses completed her look. You might ask how did she get money to buy this and she might have stolen some of it. Might, as in... we'll never know.

It may have been her choice to stay on the Dawn island with Luffy. But she couldn't help but feel a little guilty for being gone so long. Her father was looking for her all those years, yet she was having fun on the other side of the world. Well, it wasn't all fun.

Would her father ever forgive her for being so selfish and for hurting him so much? He probably would and that would only make her feel more guilty. That why she loved him so much, he was the best.

The ship was on the east side of the island and she put her sunglasses on. After 17 years she was finally about to reunite with them again. The girl couldn't stop smiling and her fox looked at her confused as if she didn't know why. but the girl has told her, many times in fact.

When Shay got closer, she noticed that the pirates were stocking their ship, most likely leaving soon. She had to hurry up or they would set sail without her.

Shayla just walked straight to the ship with Rain by her side. She saw that the pirates were looking at her confused and she noticed a lot of faces she didn't recognize. Well, it has been almost two decades.

The ship was still connected to the dock and she was about to climb it when, "hey girlie, you can't just come onboard our ship" a man bearing her father's mark said to her.

"It's alright I'm here to speak with-" she started but another man interrupted her, "No. Don't you know who we are? We don't have time to waste on a wannabe pirate girl wh-" Rain bit his leg and Shay punch him in the face, "Learn some respect underling".

The rest of the men outside came attacking and for Shay, it wasn't even a challenge. It first became a hit of it when a commander joined the fight. He wasn't that much older than her currently and she had heard about him.

His name's Haruta and he's the 12th commander, 'quite impressive' she thought. The girl smirked before running towards him and his sword clashing with her foot, he looked shocked for a few seconds before smirking himself.

After a few minutes, she realized that it was a waste of time, especially when her father was right up there, "Not bad, but I have to go now" she said before slamming her fist to the ground making everybody fall back quite far. She used this chance and ran up to the ship with her partner right behind her.

Finally onboard her home, but she didn't have any time to enjoy it. Not with a small army blocking her way to the throne-chair.

Honestly, where were the people that she knew back then so she didn't have to fight?

"You are causing quite the chaos, girl," a man with pompadour said, "are you going to stand in my way too, commander?" she sighed and made herself ready as the man did the same.

The two charged against each other but blue and golden flames landed and stood between them, "Wait, Thatch, don't fight her" a familiar blond said, "No! She's strong and I know you just want to fight her yourself, Marco".

But Marco didn't listen anymore, he was too busy locking eyes with his long-lost friend when a big smile appeared on both their faces, "I see you've grown-up, but why do you somehow still look like a teenager, yoi" the older pirate teased, "Shut up you almost look old" she fired back.

Shay took her sunglasses off and showed them her powerful green-eyes. Most felt like they have been lost in them and it was her new secret power. Wink 😉

Shay couldn't hold herself back anymore and jumped Marco. He was surprised for a moment but caught her right at the last second. She held her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist before hugging Shay back to spinning her around. Her smile couldn't be brighter, and he's certainly couldn't either.

Happy tears appeared on her face and suddenly Marco lost his footing and they both ended up on the floor. Shayla was still holding on to him laughing a little, "I've missed you, yoi," he whispered to her and kissed her temple. She had missed him too and held him tighter.

The rest of the crew stood there dumbfounded, not believing their first mate actually knew this girl. He didn't just know her; they could see in his eyes that he loves her deeply, but what they didn't know was that the feeling was mutual.

Who was she?

After a few minutes, Shay went off him and Marco stood up. He offered her his hand and she gladly accepted. The first commander might have used a little too much power because she almost fell forward, but he caught her again.

Shayla looked up to thank him but got too caught up in his mesmerizing blue eyes, "are you okay, yoi?" Marco asked, and the girl just nodded still staring at him. Maybe it was more correct that they're staring at each other.

Until someone interrupted them, "Marco, who is she" the man, Thatch questioned.

Before the first commander could answer, big heavy footsteps caught their attention. The crew made space for their captain to pass and Shayla fell to the floor in tears, "I'm so sorry" she bowed her head. "It's too late to apologize girlie" the man she beat before stated. He didn't witness the previous scene.

"I'm sorry I've caused you such great pain by my disappearance. I'm sorry I let you think I was dead all those years and I'm sorry I didn't come b-" but Whitebeard had already embraced her, "Welcome back my treasure" his word melted into her heart and she hugged him back.

She might not have been at fault for those 12 years she was frozen in time, but the 4 years after that was her choice. Shay didn't regret staying with Luffy, yet she should have handled the situation better. Even though she didn't know how at the time or even now.

The Whitebeard Pirates had their jaw hitting the deck. They stared at their captain, rarely seeing this side of him. It only made them more curious about the girl.

Again, who was she?

Shayla was starting to get herself together, "Dad, I have so much to tell you. I saw and went through a lot in all those years," she muttered still not believing she was actually back. "I can't wait to hear about it, Shayla" the great pirate whispered back to her.

Marco smiled at the scene and told the crew to give the two a little space to talk. He guided them to the back of the deck when a certain man came, "Marco, what's going on," Izo asked as he came out from the cabins.

"Shayla is back" the blond responded, and the samurai looked over his shoulder to get a look at her. "Where has she been all these years", he smiled a little "we don't know yet, but we'll ask later, yoi, " Marco said and the two went over to the rest of the crew.

The father and daughter finally let each other go and Whitebeard looked at how much she'd grown, "you're just as beautiful as your mother and I bet you're at least just as strong" he teased her, "Who knows? I might be stronger" she joked back.

"Marco, it's time you tell us who this girl is" the fourth commander demanded impatiently, and Shay heard him. She looked at her father, "I'll tell you everything later" before she went over to them, "Let me tell them, Marco" she walked up next to him.

But before Shay could say anything, she felt a slight pain on her head, "where have you been all those years, little one or should we find you another nickname" Izo smiled with a fan in his hand and he just hit her with. It was just like the old times and she hugged him too, "I think a new nickname should do".

"That's all sweet and everything, but who are you?" another commander with a purple hat asked this time. Shayla let go of her friend and she stood before them like a leader to her people, "My name is Shayla and I'm the true daughter of Whitebeard" she smirked proudly.

They whispered among themselves and didn't know what she was talking about, "there's no true daughter or son. Something like that doesn't matter here" they laughed. It was like they were mocking her, and it pissed her off a little.

But then again, she couldn't wait to see their stupid faces shocked, "That's true, but I'm literally his biological daughter" smirking as they stopped.

The crew looked at their 1st and 16th commander and saw them smirking too, "everything she says is true" and the crew got silent, "WHAAAAAAAAT" they yelled at the same time. Yep, she was right, they all had funny faces.

"Alright, that's enough. Thatch get the food and drinks ready, we're going to party" the captain declared. The pompadour man and his division all went into the kitchen to prepare the feast.

-x-

After some time, the food was ready, and Shay ate like a hungry pig. She called Rain and the fox ran over to her, scaring some people in her way. "What an interesting animal you got there, Shay" the blond commented, "she isn't just an animal. She's my partner" patting her while giving her some meat.

"Shayla, tell us what happened the night you disappeared," Whitebeard asked in a fatherly voice. "I was sleeping next to Marco when I couldn't shake this feeling. It was like something bad was going to happen, which I guess it did. But, I couldn't sleep and was on my way to you, dad, when a strong wind threw me overboard" the pirates stayed quiet, listening to the story.

"I woke up in a small village in East Blue. I had no idea how I got there or for how long I've been gone. On my way out of the house, I met Shanks. He wasn't the same as I knew back then; he was an adult with his own crew. He told me I've been missing for 12 years but I haven't aged a day. I was still 11 years old.

Can you believe that idiot had the nerves to get stronger than me while I was still missing, and might even be dead?" Whitebeard, Thatch, Izo, and Marco laughed, they knew she was joking. But, those who didn't know thought she was serious.

"He offered me a ride back home, but I accepted a boy's begging wish for me to stay. I've been with him and his brother until about a year ago." she finished.

"What's so special about this boy, that made you stay for so long," Thatch asked curiously, "He was all alone with no friends nor family except his grandpa who was away most of the time. I realized that not everyone was as lucky as we are. Plus, he wants to become the Pirate King and reminded me of Roger."

Did her decision make her selfish? When she saw all her smiling crewmates, she knew it was the right thing to do.

Whitebeard was proud that at least one of his ideals had affected his daughter. She had always been mature for her age and he was angry that he didn't get to see her grown up. But seeing the woman she'd become was much better than any of his expectations.

"That's why you still look so young. It's only been 5 years for you while the rest of us have been living those extra 12 years." Izo summarized, "and that means you should have been 28 now instead of 16! How's that even possible!" the commander cook yelled.

"I don't know, and I've tried to figure it out in all those years ago, but nothing." Shay could see it somehow still bothered him

"Don't stress yourself about it too much. I stopped thinking about how or why it happened a long ago. I'll focus on living my life here and now. Besides my powers are proof of the impossible" she smiled making a small fire with her fingers.

Only a few knew what she meant by that. The others understood that she didn't want to talk about it anymore. Thankfully.

-x-

The pirates' feast continued even after and celebrated the return of the daughter of Whitebeard. The place was filled with laughter, food, and music. Everything was back to normal and it was perfect.

"CHEERS TO OUR NEW NAKAMA-" Shay cleared her throat, "Sorry. CHEERS TO THE RETURN OF A LONG LOST NAKAMA" the 14th commander declared and every pirate lifted their drink up from drinking it. "CHEERS" they all yelled. She had missed this so much and was happy to be here.

She went over to her father's chair to talk to him and saw all of the medical machines, "Dad, what is all of this, are you dying?" she was about to have a panic attack.

"Shayla. He's fine but..." Marco started, "I'm getting old, my treasure. It's affecting me, but don't let this fool you. I still have a lot of power in these old bones" Whitebeard laughed. Shayla wasn't fully convinced, and the captain took his daughter closer to himself to comfort her.

"17 years apart is a long time. So much time was taken from us. I'm sorry I didn't come back sooner" hugging her father's leg. "you're here now and that's all that matters," and she was so glad he said that.

It was getting late and Shay was sitting on the old whale figurehead. She really loves this spot, right at the front. "what are you doing out here" Izo sat next to her, "I don't know where I can sleep tonight. My old room isn't mine anymore. I saw everything changed" She said a little sad leaning on to Rain.

"What are you talking about. Pops always knew you would return one day. So, he refused anyone from touching it and I change a bit so it won't look so childish" he stood up and offered her his hand so he could show her.

The room was simply so beautiful. There was a bigger bed with black silk sheets and a disk she could use to draw. There were a sofa and thick black currents. "We know you love to sleep in, and the sun somehow disturbs you" Izo started.

"It's amazing, Izo. Thank you" and hugging him like old times. Even after 17 years he was still beautiful and he didn't look a day over 25, but she knew he was closer if not in his 40's.

Shayla look around the room and there were no clothes in the closet, and she didn't bring any PJ. She was about to ask Izo when she saw some on the bed, God, he was the best.

She had her silk bandana to wrap around her hair so the curls would stay and went to sleep cuddling her partner.

-x-

She woke up the next morning or maybe it was noon, she couldn't tell. It was the best night sleep she has gotten for a very long time. With this soft mattress and soft silk sheets, it felt like she was on a soft cloud. The entire room was dark just the way she liked it.

Rain, wasn't with her anymore. Shay wasn't sure how she'd opened the door to get out.

Shayla could get used to this and decided to get up. Her hair was still flawless, and she went to the bathroom to brush her teeth. Shay had changed her clothes to a t-shirt and shorts and she was feeling great. She saw the deck was full of busy pirates and went down to the gallery to eat breakfast.

"Hey, commander" Shay sat down next to the one she fought yesterday, "Hi. Your name is Shayla, right? I didn't know you were part of the family during our battle," he somehow sounded guilty, "Don't worry about it," she assured him. She had this feeling that he would become a great friend.

Shayla was filling herself with food, enjoying it very much, "Wow, for a girl you eat quite a lot" the funny hair guy said, Thatch, was it? "When you live with 2 bottomless pits you learn a few tricks" that really wasn't the reason. She used to eat a lot even before meeting them and just smiling while he sat down.

"Shay-chan I hear-" she interrupted, "Shayla or Shay is fine" Thatch smirked at her, "alright Shay. I heard you have this cool power" he sounded excited like a child. "Yeah, I can control the elements," she said without looking at him, "Can you show me" he laid his hand on her shoulder.

"Alright" Shay took his hand off of her shoulder and laid them both on the table. She smiled a little before bending some of her tea out of the cup and froze his hands to the surface. Then she went back to her food, "That's awesome. Can you unfreeze it too" he asked with stars in his eyes.

"Yes, I can," the girl said as she finished her meal, "Then, do it," he said when she stood up. "Nope, see you" she gave him a playful smiled while walking away. "SHAY" and pirates laughing was the last thing she heard as the door closed behind her. She loved being here.

Shay went over to the rail, breathing in the fresh air. The smell of salty seawater and being surrounded by it is what she had missed so much. Her hair was flying around and she loved it, "I see you're enjoying yourself", she turned and saw her father.

"I missed being a pirate out in the wide free ocean, dad," letting her wind and water circle around them both. Whitebeard loved to see her smile, "you're free to do whatever you want, Shayla, and I want you to take my mark while you do so".

Shayla smiled warmly to her father, "are you asking me to join the crew, dad" teasingly biting her tongue, "you're already part of the crew. I'm asking you to bear my mark to show the rest of the world that you're apart of my family. If they go against you, they go against all of us" her father said confidently.

Shay felt pride, she was being treated like any other crewmember, "Of course I will dad… I mean captain" she cheered. You could hear his laughter throughout the entire deck.

Rain walked over to them with a rat in her mouth, "no, you're not supposed to eat that thing anymore" taking it from her. The fox was looking at her with sad adorable eyes and Shay sighed, "Alright, just this one, but you have to stop acting so cute" she gave it back to her partner.

"Gurarararara, this one is using your old trick on you. How does it feel to be on the other side of it" the captain said while patting the little creature, "it's not that funny, actually," she laughed.

-x-

Later that day, Shayla saw other ships that resembled the Moby Dick, "why do those ships look like the Moby" pointing to it, "because they are our ships too. The crew got too big and this ship wasn't enough anymore," a man with a purple hat told her.

"I'm Speed Jiru, the 14th division commander" greeting her, "I'm Shayla" she smiled at him before jumping up to the rail. She used her water bending to make the ships come over quicker, impressing everyone.

Onboard those ships were a lot of people that she didn't know, at least yet. But there was one man that she did recognize, "Vista" she yelled and jumped to the other ship, "who are you girl" she landed right before him, "it's only been 17 years since last I saw you. Don't tell you already forgot me" hinting a little clue,

"You don't even look 17 yet, sure that we've met?" she got mad and kicked him with fire, barely blocking it in time. Some of his men looked ready to attack her, for kicking their commander. Vista on the other hand was shocked and surprised, "Shayla, you're back!" and gave her a bear hug swinging her around too.

Shay saw Jozu from afar and he'd become an even bigger man. He went up to her, "It's good to have you back, Shay" and roughly messed up her hair, "Good to be back" she offered him a fist bump instead, and with his tough guys act her accepted with a smirk.

"I bet I can make a crack in your diamond form, now" she smiled arrogantly, "you're on, brat" he smirked even more. Jozu transformed most of his body used Devil's fruit while the girl stretched out.

"Ready when you are, old man," she smiled. If he was going to call her brat then, old man would be his nickname from now on. She even told him as a big guy came over from behind her, "Long time no see Shayla, zehahahah" he laughed like a maniac, "Who are you," she asked confused.

"Oi, oi come on now, don't you remember me or the day you got me in trouble with the chefs" and it suddenly clicked for her. "Teach, you still alive? You sure have gotten big and ugly. What happened with your teeth, is that because of all the pies you eat?" she teased but meant it.

"Zehahahah, you haven't changed a bit" Teach laughed, "Why would I change this amazing personality?" she looked at him like he was an idiot. "You're the worst troublemaker on board, but it would be boring around here if you did" and to her, it was a compliment.

"Thanks, Teach, how about we raid the kitchen for old time's sake" she laughed, and the crew looked at her like a crazy person, "No way, if you do that Thatch will kill you" someone hissed at her.

"Thatch? what happened to Noki?" Shay wondered, "He left 10 years ago to live a quiet and peaceful life" Teach informed, "And now the head chef is Thatch. The same man I froze to the table," she said and ran to the gallery.

Shay felt relieved to see the man was still there, but she almost laughed at his sad face when saw her, "Shay, get this off me now. My fingers are starting to turn blue" Thatch sounded desperate and she couldn't blame him. "Alright" she took her hand over his hands and turned the ice into tea again.

"I think, we should be friends" she was bending and playing around with her tea, "Why the sudden change," he asked curiously while he stretched his fingers out, "I found out that you were the head chef and I know it's better to be on your good side" she smiled innocently. "Smart girl" the cook smirked and patted her back.

'It's less likely you'll get mad at me when I raid the kitchen's fridge" she thought devilish. Shay was looking forward to it. She was sure it would be so much fun.