Chapter 14: Back with the old yet new

Shay had been back, for about a week now and her father's allies were starting to visit, eager to meet her. The first one to sail up was a man with a spider on his forehead. He greeted the captain first and Shay found out that his name was Squard and he was the captain of the whirl spider pirates.

Point for creativity.

"Now, where's your daughter, pops. I want to meet her" Shayla walked over to him and kind of starred at his forehead, "is that spider real cause I hate spiders" she pointed at her own head, "Who are you, girl" he looked unimpressed, "that's my daughter, Shayla" Whitebeard introduced.

The spider captain was taking back by her age, "I always thought your daughter would be… older" it was like she disappointed with him. "Oi, old man. You don't have to talk over me. My face's right here" she said, a little pissed off. "I know, I just want to talk to your father" was he really going to treat her like a child?

"You don't have to talk to my father. If you have any questions, you can just ask me" she slowly walked closer to him, "Sorry kid, but I'll rather talk to a grown-up," he was greatly underestimating her.

Shayla smiled sweetly for a moment and then an angry expression came over her. Squard was caught off guard at her mood change and he suddenly found himself in the ocean with immense pain in his stomach.

Shay had quickly kicked him with her firepower, intentionally into the sea so he could cool off. Whitebeard laughed while the spider man's crewmate quickly jumped out to save their captain.

He came back and looked at her with more respect this time, "She certainly has inherited your strength, pops. She really is her father's daughter" she took it as a compliment while he stood up.

"I'm Squard and I'm happy to meet you, true daughter of Whitebeard" he bowed a little. "See, that's how you greet people and you can call me, Shayla" smiling at him. He came closer to her, "I'll let it slide this time, but be prepared for a fight next time you do that" the spider captain smiled.

Yep, he was finally treating her like an equal.

Shayla got hungry and decided it would be good to test Thatch's patients for people who steal food.

On her way to the kitchen, she almost collided with the man Rain bit after he insulting her. He had an angry look as she walked past him. Shay was used to men being threatened by her and her superior strength.

But what could she do - lose on purpose? That wasn't an option for her, ever. Shay would rather die than satisfy a man's pride to be strong and better than a girl. No way in hell, "Don't think it's over girl" he whispered, only for her to hear.

Ha, there was absolutely nothing he could do to her, "keep on dreaming, small fry" not even giving him a second to respond she went into the gallery before sneaked inside the kitchen like old times.

She opened the fridge and the entire thing was filled with lots of meat and all kinds of different food. She took a few pieces of each including some cake as dessert.

There were footsteps approaching and she quickly threw the food out the window, carefully. She wanted to jump too but there wasn't enough time and quickly closed the bull's eyes.

Shay turned around only to be greeted by the 4th division commander, "Shay, what are you doing here?" her present surprised him.

"I was thirsty and wanted something to drink" which was true, "I'll make you something delicious" he took out the ingredients, "so, Shay, I heard you like to worry the people here" trying to make conversation while waiting for her drink, "well, I was a kid and just about everything I did let to trouble" smirking as she remembered the good old times.

"I wanted to be able to protect myself with these powers and learn how to control them, but the crew was very protective. Yet despised their concern they still helped me master the elements," the memory would always be with her.

Plus she drew them.

Wait, did her father maybe keep her old books?

She had to ask him later, in the meantime, the cook finished her drink, "thank you, Thatch" before going for the door, "Anytime. I think I'll start making dinner" well that was her clue to leave faster.

He opened the fridge, only to see some food missing, "SHAY" was the last thing she heard as the door closed behind her.

Thatch was making quite the habit out of yelling her name for doing some 'trouble' and to her it was hilarious.

The girl ran over to the other side of the window and pick up the food before running over to the deck. Shayla looked back to see if he was there and didn't notice someone jumping onto the Moby.

She accidentally bumped into the person but caught herself before falling down. It took her a few seconds to gather the food that felled on the deck.

"You, what are you doing here" the man started, and she could feel his stare. Shay wanted to see who was talking to her, the man in front of her was none other than the knight of the sea Jinbei.

"No, what are you doing here" she repeated as she stood straight.

Shay could sense a certain cook was getting closer, "We can talk about that later but for now, please, sit down and let me offer you some of this food. You're a guest after all" she said nervously. Jinbei looked confused but sad down and right at that moment he did Thatch came out.

"Are you trying to starve us? Cause that's what will happen if you eat the food for over a thousand people" the cook was angry, "you're just being rude. I offered our guest something to eat" she said innocently.

"And how did you know he was coming," he said suspiciously, "I can feel the water's vibration" that was a lie.

"This girl whoever she is, is showing me great hospitality" the Fishman helped, "Alright, just this once, but I don't want to see it again. If you want something to eat, you either ask me or wait for the next meal" the commander stated.

"That sounds fair" she simply answered and then Thatch was gone. Shay turned to her guest and smiled, "thanks for the help" he laughed with her, "you're welcome. But why are you here" Jinbei finally asked, as she ate her food.

"Oh, Jinbei. I see you have met Shayla," Marco joined the conversation, "Yeah, but why's a marine here on this ship."

The first mate looked like he was questioning his sanity and the girl started to laugh, "I'm not a marine I'm the daughter of Whitebeard" which startled the shichibukai. "WHAAAT!" his eyes nearly popped out of his head.

All the reactions to her identity were extremely funny but it could get old really quick. "wait, why did you think she was a marine, yoi" Marco was still confused, "because, I met him in Navy HQ" the girl simply stated.

"You met him where!?" yep, he was still protective of her. Shayla sighed, "when I first set sail from East Blue, I didn't know how to navigate my way through the ocean let alone the Grand Line. So, I sneaked aboard a lot of marine ships to get here and at some point, they stopped at HQ, where we met."

She didn't see it as a big deal, "but what are a shichibukai doing on this ship" this time it was her turn. "I'm indebted to Mr. pops after he protected Fishman Island, so I visit him from time to time. Of course, the government or the marines doesn't know it". Jinbei really was admirable, and Shay was starting to like him.

While eating she forgot someone, "where's Rain" she asked, "who?" they both asked, "my fox" Shay clarified. "I haven't seen her" she hadn't either and she stood up, trying to call her but still no response.

Shay took off her shoes and tramped the deck getting everybody's attention. she did it again before going in the direction of the rooms. She could feel someone but not who it was and tramped again, "RAIN" she screamed before running to the cabins.

The scream shocked many people, and they followed her. Shay kicked one of the doors open and saw Rain on the floor bleeding and the man from before standing over her.

He couldn't do anything to her instead he beat her partner. The very thought made her furious and the girl punched her fire at him. Shay didn't put too much power into it, or she might hit the fox.

Because of her clouded mind, she missed and hit the wall next to him. Shay had to relax and get ready for a new attack.

Then Shay just thought that this would be the time to show them her new bending move. She took a deep breath before moving her arms in circles creating the needed energy.

After a few seconds, she pointed at him with her index and middle fingers and shot lightning at him. The man screamed in pain as he got electrocuted and fell to the floor shaking a little but still alive.

The ones behind her stood there amazed that their youngest member was so strong and talented.

Shayla was too focused on her partner and ran to her side, "Rain, hold on I'm going to help you now" the girl stretched her arm and bent water over the fox's body.

She could see some of her wounds were looking a little better, but it wasn't as good as she'd hoped. Shayla threw the seawater out again and collected something fresh from the open window.

It didn't get better, but she refused to give up. She tried again and again until a hand touched her shoulder, "Shay".

Shay looked over to see Marco, "No, I'm not giving up. We've been together for a long time", the older pirate pushed her lightly to the side, "I meant move aside. I might help her with my powers, yoi".

"Oh right, sorry" she took a step back while the first division commander called out his flames to healing her. A few minutes passed as Rain opens her eyes and Shayla was quickly next to her, "Shh, beautiful, it's going to be alright" she whispered while hugged her head.

When he was done Marco pulled out the fire and started patting her, "This fur is so soft, yoi" the first mate praised. The fox stood up as she went over to her savior and licked his face,

"it's rare she'd opens up to anybody. She must really be grateful to you" the girl smiled happily to see her with new people. Marco just laughed and held her, "Don't mention it, Rain".

-x-

For the next couple of days, her little fox was following Marco all the time. She was barely spending any time with Shay and it irritated her a bit.

The teenager was on her way to the gallery to eat dinner, but before she could take any Thatch came over to her with a big bowl of food, "Here's some food for you and your partner. Now where is the little creature" he asked while looking around.

"She's probably with Marco. I'm starting to think that she likes him more than me" Shay pouted. The cook just laughed, "are you jealous, Shay" he sat down next to her.

Shayla started to eat her meat and after a few bites, "No, I'm not. We've been together for a long time and it just feels weird not being around her" she said it more to herself than him.

"Rain is just grateful to him. I'm sure she'll come back to you soon" he assured her, "it's been days now and she even sleeps next to him" still not believing it. "Well, damn" Thatch didn't know what to say, and apparently, he didn't need to.

Marco came in while caring for her partner and laid her next to Shay, "Here, take your fox, Shay. She's been following me like a lost puppy and it's driving me crazy" the first mate quickly left again.

Shayla and Thatch looked at each other for a moment when they both burst into laughter, "Hahahaha, I guess there was nothing to worry about. You have her back now" it made her smile while patting the soft fur, "yeah" smiling fondly at him.

-x-

After the meal Shay went over to the captain with a big plate of food, "here dad, I brought you something to eat" giving it to him with a smile, "no, I'm not hungry" he said while drinking sake.

Shay looked at her father emotionlessly, "Dad, you need to eat something. Alcohol alone isn't good for you" her eyes left no room for arguments. Whitebeard sighed and took the plate, "thank you, treasure".

"How's your little fox doing" the two haven't really talked about the incident mainly because she wasn't sure what to do when the man finally woke up. "She's much better, thankfully", she answered.

The girl smiled at him before sitting down by his legs, "I visited mama's grave" that got her father's attention, "When?" She looked up to the sky, "a day before I met up with you. I've never actually thought of going back, it more of an accident."

"I've been there a few times throughout the years hoping you would be there too" Whitebeard smiled at her and before drinking his sake, "dad, can I have some, too," she asked.

He looked at her not knowing if he should give it to her or not. This was some strong stuff, "I've tasted it before" she smiled assuring.

In the end, he gave it to her, and she took a big slug, "yep, it still tastes disgusting, I don't know how you can drink that" she almost spat it out.

"Gurarararara, you're still 100 years too early to drink my kind of booze" Whitebeard laughed, "By the way, dad. Do you still have my old drawings book?" praying that he had, "Of course I do. They're my daughter dream" he declared proudly.

"I'll get them for you" the captain was about to stand up, "you can show me after you're done eating," she held on to his leg.

It might have taken a while, but Whitebeard was finally done, "I'm doing this because I love you" she said calmly, "I know, and thank you for that" he kissed her at the top of her head.

"Now, come with me" her father led her to his room and they both sat down on the bed. Whitebeard opened his desk and gave her a familiar book, "this belongs to you, Shayla".

The girl hasn't seen this for so long, it was her first sketchbook before leaving her home. She opened it and saw the island of Sheba. Everything looked great but she was a much better drawer now.

She kept looking until she saw a drawing of her mother. Her green eyes were shining, and she looked so beautiful. Shay clearly remembers this day; it was a week before the attack. When everything was peaceful and boring.

Yep, boring compared to her current life as a pirate onboard the world's strongest man's ship. "Do you have the other one too?" she hoped he did, "yes, here" he took it out too.

The girl kept looking through it with her father right beside her. They laughed at the memory and the good old times, "for me it wasn't that long ago" remembering her predicament.

Father and daughter enjoyed their time together and with every drawing, there was a fun memory along with it.

Until her eyes landed on a certain samurai that she haven't seen around. It was like his bright smile made everything alright. She missed him and wondered where he and his family were now, probably in Wano to rule over it all.

"Dad, can we visit Oden in Wano soon. I want to see what kind of Shogun turned out to be" she smiled at the thought, "Shayla, about-" but his daughter interrupted him.

"I bet he's making trouble for everyone as he walks around Wano freely with no desire to rule the country, to begin with" she laughed.

"Shayla," Whitebeard said firmly. That made her stop and looked at him with worry. Did something happen to Oden?

"Oden isn't ruling over Wano because he isn't alive anymore. He's dead" the captain said with hurt in his voice as he looked at his youngest child.

Shay sat there in shock and it was like her heart was breaking into thousands of pieces. How could this happen, who was strong enough to kill him? "How did it happen," she asked in a low voice looked at her father.

"I don't really know the details, but he was executed by the shogun and Kaido" and at that moment tears started gathering in her eyes before she cried into her father's lap.

Whitebeard hugged his daughter and tried to comfort her as much as possible. He hated seen her like this, but she deserved to know the truth and not being kept in the dark.

She deserved to grief like they had and then move past it. The captain was sure it'd only make her stronger. "Do you remember the day we met him? He demanded that we'd take him with us" her father tried.

Shayla cried and nodded, "He tried to teach you how to use a sword but…" Whitebeard smiled a little, "it went terrible and I hated using them" she continued as she had a small smile on her face.

Her tears were starting to stop, and she looked at her father, "I want to get stronger, dad. So, I don't have to lose anyone else" using her little sunshine's words. She'd had lost a few people through the years and it never got any easier.

She could understand why the crew hasn't sort to killed them and to avenge their fallen Nakama. Because she knew revenge meant a full invasion of Wano to defeat Kaido and his crew, which would probably result in a devastating outcome to the people of the country.

-x-

It's been a couple of days since the news and Shay was training hard out at the open deck. She had to get stronger and her emotions only made her bending more powerful. It was like her fire wanted to be let out so, she ended up roaring breathing fire in the process.

It surprised her and it was actually fun. She felt a little like a dragon and switched between the elements. Well, it was hard to breathe stone and she had to drink something before doing it with water.

Shay would have to do a lot of practice before mixing the elements together which she was determined to do.

The teenager was so happy with her power, it was the greatest gift she could ever get, 'Thanks again, mama'.

Now that she was on a ship, elements were limited by one – earth. She either had to walk around with a piece of rock or fight without it. The same could be said about water too when she was on land.

There was someplace without a drip of water.

What would she do then? Shay had no such problem with air, fire, and lightning. They could be generated from her body, but the two others couldn't. Well, to her it didn't really matter. If she could use most of them, why complain.

Whitebeard was watching her proudly. She did not only have full control over her element flawlessly, but she moved in the sink with them too. Shayla was light on her feet yet strong in her stand.

The captain was right; she had the potential to become one of the strongest on the ship if she wasn't already. Surely not too far into the future, he could see the great thing happening to her - a hundred percent.

As her father, he could see she had an even bigger desire to be free. Shay wanted to sail and see the world, not to be bound by responsibilities. That was one of the reasons he hasn't asked her to take Oden's place as the second division commander.

Shayla hasn't been back for that long and would she even want to do it. She doesn't seem like the type to lead a division of people, especially consider knowing who the former commander was.

Shayla was climbing the mast with her bare hands since it was part of her training. When she reached the top, she sat at the very top of one of the booms, enjoyed the view.

Everything was so much more clear to her from up there and she saw some birds flying past her. Shay closed her eyes breathing in the smell of seawater and noticed that something was walking close to her or rather someone.

The girl smiled at Marco as he sat down next to her, "aren't you worried that you'll fall down, yoi" he joked, "no, not with the elements on my side" she stretched her arms out in front of the older pirate face and shot a gentle wind at him.

The first commander chucked, and he did the same thing to her with his fire. It certainly felt magical and she took his hand slowly feeling his flames. Marco didn't do anything and just looked at her curiously while she lit her hand too.

Shayla placed her hand on top of his and the two colors mixed between them into this gorgeous purple color. Her hand slowly closed the already small distance and when their hands touched both flames went out.

Shay suddenly felt her heart skip a beat and looked up only to see Marco looking at her too. He smiled fondly at her and her cheeks felt warmer. She wanted to look away but couldn't from those deep ocean blue eyes.

This man had always had a special place in her heart. He was the first one to welcome her on board after their captain and show her the world from a higher ankle, literally. Shay had always seen Marco as a big brother figure but now somehow, something has changed.

He was no longer this strong admirable fierce crewma- actually he was still all of that and so much more. But he first and foremost the first division commander, her father's right-hand man and the second in command.

That's why she had to show him the respect he deserved.

Most of the time. She wasn't just going to stop making fun of them including him too and Shayla doubt Marco would want it any other way.

It was in her nature and she loved to laugh and mess with people at any chance she got.

Her attention went somewhere else when a news coo landed between them. She wasn't sure if she should be mad or glad, well, it depended on the news. Shayla took one as Marco paid for it, "Is there anything interesting in it?" he questioned as he leaned closer to her.

"So far, nothing," she said as she is looking through the pages. There was nothing worth mentioning until she suddenly saw something unbelievable and gasped, "what is it, yoi" the first mate was trying to read the title next to her.

His eyes widen in shock because the newspaper was announcing the rise of the fourth emperor: Chief of the Red-haired pirates - Red-haired Shanks.

The girl sat there in disbelieve and didn't realize she was falling forward until Marco caught her arm.

Shay quickly overcame her shock before she smirked, 'That's right, Shanks, rise to the top. It'll just make surpassing you and kicking your ass like old times so much more satisfying'.

Her determination was only growing and she needed to grow stronger fast. The last time she fought someone much stronger was Rayleigh, he somehow broke her stone armor like it was made out of glass.

What did he call it, "Hike, no, hake, no" she was deep in her thoughts, "You mean haki?" Marco suggested and Shay almost forgot he was still there.

"Yeah, What's Hake," she asked, "It's Haki, and it a power that manifests your spiritual power into something like attacks" Shayla had stars in her eyes and that explains what Silvers Rayleigh did.

"Can you teach it to me, please" she begged with her adorable green-eyes that she knew was his weakness, "you don't have to look at me like that, pops already asked me to teach you. So, we'll start tomorrow, yoi" he said smirking.

Shay knew she could count on them, they really were the best