Promise of a Princess and a Pirate
Hello everyone and welcome to the latest chapter of the Servant Who Will Rule the Seas! We got a special chapter this time around as our heroes wrap up their battle against the enemy pirates! And there's a le-AHEM! Little surprise near the end, though I will state upfront that it's an area I'm not as well-practiced in, so just a heads-up. Also, redfang19 is still looking for some writers to do a collab work involving a One Piece x Yu-Gi-Oh GX crossover, so drop a message for him if that's something you'd be interested in. And don't forget to check out my book, Plains Riders, on Amazon Kindle and Kindle Unlimited! Lastly, to answer fellow reader, TheKike's, question I could attempt a crusader character in Konosuba if I can get the tone right, which is a whole discussion on its own. Now then, that should be the last bit of business, so on to the story!
The Island of Foodvalten
Basil Hawkins had a bad feeling, or rather, a sudden sense of dread suddenly spread through his being as he just managed to evade Zoro's 108 lb. Phoenix technique, which shredded his straw sword in the process. 'The odds don't seem to be improving here,' he thought as he regrew the strands of his sword and reformed its blade. The First Mate of the Straw Hat Pirates had been steadily pushing him back and forcing him to evade more and more of his attacks with each successful hit. The Fortune Teller now only had three voodoo dolls left out of his original ten to rely on and then he'd start feeling the pain for real.
Things weren't going any better for his crew who were now either on the run or had been knocked to the other side of the beach, clearly unable to fight any longer. The real kicker, though, was the sudden sight of a large shape flying right over their heads. Hawkins recognized the man immediately as Jesus Burgess, the Titanic Captain and the one who'd made a deal with them to fight on the island in the first place. Even with the brief glimpse he got from the man flying by, the Voodoo Pirate could tell he'd been beaten and would be in no shape to continue fighting after he landed.
"Captain," called his first mate, the cat-headed Faust, "the me-an was Burgess!"
"Yes, I noticed," replied Hawkins as he deflected another few blows from Zoro while backpedaling before leaping away to get some distance between them. When the Swordsman attempted to close the gap, Basil Hawkins stopped him by holding up his hand. "A moment, if you will. It seems the fates may be shifting again."
"I coulda told ya that," replied Zoro, "but sure, go ahead and peek at those cards of yours." Naturally he still kept his eyes on Hawkins as the Fortune Teller drew a few cards from his tarot deck. If it was possible for a man who usually had an impassive face to frown, Basil was definitely pulling it off now.
"Interesting," he said before returning the cards to his deck, "Faust, sound the retreat. Our fortunes are not looking up quite as well as before."
"Aye captain," said the Cat Mink before pulling out a wand of sorts and motioning with it. A flare went up into the air then as the rest of the Hawkins Pirates took it as the signal to retreat.
"Running away with your tail between your legs now," taunted Zoro as the other Straw Hats approached.
"Burgess promised us a bonus in the form of your bounties," replied Hawkins, "but fate clearly has other plans for all of us. At the moment, it would be in our better interests to retrieve our benefactor than to continue in a losing battle. In the meantime, I'd recommend tracking down your captain. Though he appears to have been victorious, there is no telling what sort of state he might be in." The Blond Pirate turned to leave then with the rest of his crew following, or in some cases limping, behind him.
"Hey! We're not done here!" Exclaimed Zoro as he moved to intercept the Fortune Teller, only to be stopped by hands sprouting up from the ground.
"I know you won't like me saying this but he's right," said Nico Robin before retracting the hands down into the ground, "our captain and Princess Komane is our priority. Given the state they're in, I doubt we'll need to worry about another fight with them on the way out."
"Fine," huffed Zoro as he sheathed his swords, "but you'll have to lead the way. This whole island looks like a maze."
"Maybe for your massive lack of direction," quipped Sanji, "anyone who was paying attention could easily tell where Luffy went."
"Then why don't you take the lead and show us where he is, shitty cook!" Zoro shot back.
"Enough," said Nami, "you can argue about directions all you want 'after' we find Luffy, so let's get going."
At About the Same Time: Burgess's Hidden Prison
"Luffy, are you alright," asked Komane as she felt some of the heat in her chest finally dissipating. Her body still felt rather hot but it was no longer at the point where it was hard for her to move. Funnily enough, it seemed their situation was somewhat reversed as Luffy released his fourth gear form and sank to the ground.
"Oh I'm beat," he said while leaning back on his hands, "guess that form is way more taxing than I thought, everything feels sore now. What about you, Komane, he didn't hurt you, did he?"
"I got a little roughed up on the journey and he forced me to take some strange pills," replied the Princess, "but otherwise I'm okay. No, more than okay because you're here!" She practically leapt and wrapped her arms around Luffy.
"Hey, easy," grunted the Straw Hat Captain, "still a little sore. Though your body does feel nice. Also, are your, uh, bags bigger than before?" Komane looked down, noticing for the first time that her figure had indeed been altered. She'd been alright before but now her body seemed downright alluring, especially her breasts.
"I suppose I have had a few subtle changes because of those pills," surmised the Lulusian Princess as she loosened her grip on Luffy and began examining herself, "and yes these do seem a tiny bit bigger than before."
"A tiny bit," Luffy almost laughed, "the last time I saw bags that big was on a mermaid woman named Shyarly! And she was taller than Brook!"
"Oh, and do you like it when they're this size," teased Komane as she pulled Luffy into her bosom, "if so that's good, because I haven't the slightest idea whether or not this is ever going to wear off."
"Works for me," mumbled Luffy before managing to pull his face away to speak more clearly, "not that you needed the improvement or anything." 'Why did I say that,' he thought suddenly.
"That's very nice of you to say," replied Komane as she blushed and looked away for a moment. Her good mood was suddenly tempered, however, when she recalled their current situation. "Listen Luffy, I'm sorry about all of this."
"'Sorry'," repeated Luffy, "what in the world do you think you've got to be sorry about?"
"You had to put yourself in danger because of me," she said, "I'm happy beyond words that you came to my rescue but you almost got killed."
"Nah, that Burger guy was tough but I've had way harder fights than him," assured Luffy, "besides, if I'm being honest it was worth it to get to see you again." Komane couldn't help the tears of joy that came to her eyes upon hearing such a declaration.
"You know I released you from my service as a butler," she said, trying to keep herself under control, "you don't have to pretend to be nice to me anymore."
"Who's pretendin'," said Luffy, "I really am happy to see you and more than happy that you're safe. You should know I intend to keep my word, too. When I become king of the pirates, I'm putting Lulusia Kingdom under my protection."
"You're really not pretending," said Komane as she leaned in close, "I'm glad to hear you say that, because there's no way I could pretend right now, either." She pressed her lips to Luffy's then, the Straw Hat Captain's eyes widening at the amazing feeling that was now coursing through his veins. The Princess spoke again when they finally separated for air. "It may seem hard to believe, but I really mean it when I say this: I've fallen for you, O king of the pirates."
"Wow," spoke Luffy simply, "I honestly don't know what to say. Usually when Hancock says stuff like this I don't feel anything, but just now."
"I know, I feel it too," said Komane as she kissed the Pirate Captain yet again. This time he returned the affection, wrapping his arms around her waist as they sat there, lost in the feeling of each other's lips. The two of them easily lost track of time, not really caring if only a couple minutes had passed or a couple of hours. It was likely two days could've passed and they wouldn't have noticed.
When the pair finally separated, though, it still seemed too soon. "I suppose we should get going," said Komane as she and the Straw Hat Pirate got to their feet, "your crew is probably wondering where you're at, right now."
"They know I can handle myself," replied Luffy with a grin, "but they still worry about me. By the way, I hate to ask but could you help me walk for a bit? Still feeling a little drained from that new form."
"I'd be happy too," said Komane as she helped steady the Pirate Captain before beginning the walk back towards the beach, "it's the least I can do after you came to save me and everything."
"Any time," said Luffy, his goofy smile still plastered on his face, "which reminds me, you haven't met the rest of the crew yet. Feel free to tell them 'thank you' too."
"I most certainly will," said Komane with an amused smile, "it'll be interesting to meet the people who follow Straw Hat Luffy." And she wasn't disappointed when they finally did come upon the rest of the Straw Hat Crew. The group quickly went through their explanation about being held up by the Hawkins pirates before introducing themselves to Komane. The Princess honestly couldn't keep the smile off her face as they did so.
Such a strange collection of individuals with two ordinary but very talented people, two more ordinary but extremely strong people, a historian with the ability to make limbs come out of anywhere, a cyborg, a shape-changing talking reindeer, and a talking/singing skeleton. Every last one of them owed something to Luffy and he owed something to them. Komane knew they'd bonded over countless adventures, but seeing them now she truly understood just how deep their friendship was. And even if they argued a bit on the way back and got on each other's nerves with their antics, the Lulusian Royal could tell this tightknit group was going to be adventuring together for a long time.
And it was that thought that finally brought her mood down a bit. 'Yes, they'll all be adventuring together for a long time,' she mused to herself. Luffy had told her he'd been a pirate for close to if not three years now. He'd been on countless adventures yet there was no telling how close he was to obtaining One Piece. Komane had no doubts now that he could do it, but it was a matter of how long something like that would take?
She couldn't, and most certainly wouldn't, try to stop him from leaving again. But a new question arose in her mind: would he ever come back? Naturally the idea occurred to her in short order that she could just runaway and join his crew, leaving all of her royal duties behind. The problem with that was she lacked the strength of even the weakest of the Straw Hats and though she wasn't crazy about her royal duties, she now worried what Luffy would think of someone who'd so casually abandon their responsibilities to their people?
'I really have changed a bit,' she realized, 'Before I wouldn't have hardly given a second thought as to whether or not the kingdom would be alright without me.' As much as it pained her to admit it, she couldn't offer anything to the crew at this time except her royal authority, and after seeing what just their captain was capable of, she doubted they'd need it. So instead she set her mind to figuring out what she should do when it was time for Luffy to leave again.
The Next Day: The Island of Lulusia Kingdom
The trip back was uneventful, by Straw Hat standards, which meant it was surprisingly entertaining for the as of yet, uninitiated Princess. Zoro and Sanji's bickering would spring from seemingly out of nowhere and before anyone knew it the two would be jumping up and down in all manner of crazy ways trying to hit each other. Komane was a little frightened of their disputes at first until Nami assured her that this was a perfectly normal occurrence. Next, the ship's doctor and one might say resident mascot, Chopper, amazed her with his medical knowledge as he checked over her and the rest of the crew.
She'd heard a little bit about how the Hawkins pirates had taken Foodvalten over after the Brown beard Pirates invaded it. The Princess shouldn't have been surprised that the Straw Hat crew bested him but the man admittedly had a bounty that was equal to that of Roronoa Zoro, putting him among one of the more dangerous pirates in the world. Fortunately, the inhabitants of the island they'd just left seemed to be doing alright under the Hawkins Pirates, all things considered, which was why they hadn't thought to go after them as soon as Komane had been rescued. The Princess had even brought up the issue with Nami and she'd assured her the Hawkins Pirates weren't any kind of serious problem at the moment.
The ship's archeologist, Nico Robin, also affirmed there was no problem and proceeded to have a lovely chat with the Princess about the history of the Lulusian Kingdom. After that, and when they'd made it well into open water, Franky saw fit to give her a tour of their admittedly fantastic ship and its many features. Naturally he puffed up with pride when the Princess mentioned that no shipwright in her kingdom would be able to produce a vessel quite like this. Evening time came after that, and the ship's musician, Brook, conjured up a lively tune on his violin while Sanji created an amazing feast.
According to him it was a pretty regular portion but when Luffy was involved a small feast was usually required. Usopp also amused her with more tales of the Straw Hats adventures, though even Komane could tell he was making up a few of the parts involving him. And by the time she went to sleep that night, the Lulusian Princess was worn out but happy. 'So this is the crew he leads,' she thought with a contented sigh, 'I don't think I've met a bigger group of dreamers in my life.'
Once again, though, came the sobering thought that she would have to bid farewell to the Straw Hat crew sooner rather than later. So she resumed her thoughts from earlier, trying to figure out what would be appropriate for a send-off. It would be late into the night when she finally came up with something. And it would be a plan she employed the moment they came within sight of the island kingdom.
"Dock the ship there," said Komane as she stood next to Franky, "that's a private area for the royal family and VIPs. You won't have to worry about a docking fee there."
"You sure they're not gonna shoot us on sight the moment we get in range," asked the Cyborg as he guided the vessel to the indicated location.
"Let me worry about that," said Komane as she picked up the Sunny's transponder snail, "this is Komane, Daughter of King Seki and Princess of Lulusia. I am currently onboard this vessel and neither it, nor its crew are to be harmed under any circumstances during the duration of their visit."
"P-Princess!" Exclaimed the familiar voice of Burt, "you're really back! Straw Hat Luffy did it!"
"Yes he did, Burt," affirmed the Lulusian Princess, "and what are you doing on the dock's radio line?"
"It's punishment for letting that pirate take you," replied the Royal Guard, "Dugan's here too."
"He got you both on comm duty for what happened," said Komane with a sigh, "don't worry, I'll talk to father and try to get your positions back. I'm sure he'll understand the difficulty you faced against one of the Ten Titanic captains of Blackbeard."
"It would be best if you spoke to him as soon as possible," said Burt, "King Seki has been worried sick ever since we got word to him. The Marines from the nearby base were even mobilized to go look for you."
"And their efforts are most appreciated," said Komane, "they'll be happy to know they can return now. When they do, though, I want you to tell them that Straw Hat Luffy and his crew are not to be harmed or pursued. How would it look if this kingdom punished the ones who helped the royal family?"
"You won't have to worry about that," said Burt, "I've already got the message ready to send along with another one to the castle. The rest of the royal guard should be here to escort you and the Straw Hats to the castle in no time."
"Thank you, Burt," said Komane, "and be sure to bring your appetite tonight. I imagine there'll be a celebration."
A Short Time Later: The Royal Throne Room in Lulusia Castle
As promised, the royal guard showed up to escort them to the castle along with her father, who'd naturally come personally to see that she was alright. Komane made sure to emphasize just how much he owed the Straw Hats for her safe return and that they should be rewarded. King Seki was somewhat skeptical at first but she refused to budge unless he treated Luffy and his crew with hospitality. Given that he was happy to see her safe return the King was more forthcoming about such things and had them all driven to the castle.
Now they stood in the throne room with Seki on his throne and Komane on his right-hand side. "Monkey D. Luffy," he proclaimed loudly, "while the world may call you 'pirate' and 'criminal' you stand before me today as something else entirely. You stand here alongside your crew as my daughter's savior and for that I am eternally grateful!"
"Hey don't worry about it," assured the Straw Hat Captain, "I'd help her out anytime, ya know."
"Indeed," said Seki, "that is why it is my decree that you and your crew shall be welcome in Lulusia Kingdom. Our port is yours and should you find yourself in need of refuge in these parts, do not hesitate to call upon us. It is the least we can do to repay the debt we owe you. And if I recall correctly, you also enjoyed our island's cuisine?"
"If you mean food, then yeah," replied Luffy, "you guys really know how to churn that stuff out, and now that Sanji's here you can make even better stuff!"
"Guess that means I've just been volunteered to help out in the kitchen," said the Chef with a sigh, "but what the heck, it might be a good chance to learn about this kingdom's cuisine."
"Your help would be appreciated," said Seki, "after all you know the crew's palate better than anyone, and we'll need the finest food tonight. For we are going to celebrate my daughter's safe return!"
That Evening: The Royal Ballroom
For a party that was thrown together rather quickly everything came out surprisingly well. Despite the Royal's insistence that it wasn't necessary the Straw Hats helped out with the preparations including cooking, arranging the ballroom, decorating and even helping with the music setup. In just a few hours the castle was ready to start accepting guests and many of them showed up surprisingly quickly, having heard the news of Komane's safe return. Several wealthy merchants and businessmen came bearing gifts to the throne and to the Straw Hats for their heroics along with the town's mayor and numerous civilians. Many wanted to get a glimpse of the infamous pirates and while the reactions certainly varied from person to person, most were quite surprised at the friendly, and in some cases wacky, behavior of some of the most wanted people in the world.
Chopper and Franky were a big hit with the children who were brought along as they carried them around on their back or shoulders. Nami and Robin, unsurprisingly, had to deal with a bit of ogling by the men, many of whom got knocked upside the head by their spouses or girlfriends. Adding to that entertainment was Sanji occasionally bursting forth from the kitchen to angrily chase away the wannabe suitors. Brook performed piece after magnificent musical piece, introducing music he'd heard from all over the world.
Usopp was busy trying to see how much food he could get back to the Sunny without drawing too much attention while Zoro got lost in the castle on the way back from the bathroom. He wouldn't find his way back to the ballroom for over an hour. As for Luffy, he was as glutinous as ever with several foot high stacks of food disappearing in the blink of an eye from the speed of his eating. Despite that, he would still be the highlight of the night as Komane approached him.
"It seems all the recent happenings haven't poisoned your appetite," noted the Princess, "and you seem quite well, physically speaking."
"Oh yeah," spoke the Straw Hat Captain with his mouth full, "a good meal is always great after a big fight, and Sanji's cooking with the ingredients from the castle is top notch. And thanks to Chopper I'm already feeling better."
"Then would you be willing to humor me for a bit," asked Komane, "there's something I'd like to do before the night is over."
"Sure but can I finish eating first," asked Luffy as he scarfed down another several morsels of food.
"Trust me, this won't take long and you might even enjoy it," said Komane as she held out her hand. Luffy shrugged and put his hand in hers before he was suddenly yanked out of his seat by the Princess's surprising strength. She pulled him to the dance floor where a few other people had paired up and started dancing earlier.
"Hey what's happening now," exclaimed the Pirate as Komane positioned his hands on her hip and arm.
"Just follow my lead," assured the Princess as she started the dance. Unsurprisingly Luffy fumbled around with his feet, but thanks to their rubber properties he never stayed tangled for long. And the Princess was again demonstrating her surprising strength by holding him up whenever he was about to fall over.
"I never knew you could move people around like this," admitted Luffy, "you've been holding out on me."
"I'm stronger than the average person, but you already saw that when I stomped on those bandits you beat up," replied Komane, "though it helps that I'm feeling really good right now."
"Can't blame ya," laughed Luffy as they skipped along from one section of the dance floor to the next, "I'm always in a good mood when my friends and I are hanging out."
"Indeed," said Komane, "and speaking of hanging out, there's something I'd like to do before you go."
"I probably won't be going until tomorrow," Luffy pointed out, "it's way too late to be shipping out now. And, I'd like to spend a little more time with you, if that's okay?"
"More than okay," said Komane with a happy smile as her heart fluttered, "let's head up to my room in a bit, just the two of us."
"Sure thing," said Luffy with his signature smile. Though something about it seemed a bit, different this time around.
A Few Minutes Later: Komane's Room
The moon was out and full tonight as its light spilled in through the windows. This made it possible to see even when Komane lowered the lighting a fair bit by drawing most of the curtains. "This is also a good time to talk about earlier," said the Princess, "you should know, when I kissed you it wasn't just in gratitude."
"I did get that impression," said Luffy. The Princess smiled before sitting down on her bed and patting the spot next to her. The Straw Hat Pirate plopped down without hesitation, seeming suddenly very attentive. "I haven't gotten too many gratitude kisses but I've gotten enough to know when one is and isn't one."
"I'm surprised," said Komane, "from what you told me you go around saving princesses quite a lot."
"I do," said Luffy, "don't know how it keeps happening but we always seem to run into princesses in trouble. If I'm being honest, though, this one turned out a little differently."
"Oh, how so," asked Komane, genuinely curious, "I'm certain I'm not one of the only ones kidnapped just to lure you out."
"No it's not that," said Luffy, "I've been thinking about it for a while now, why I didn't just up and leave way sooner. Yeah I had that collar around my neck and everything but after I figured out how much strength I still had it really wasn't a problem."
"If you could've left any time, why didn't you," asked the Princess in genuine wonder.
"I just…wanted to see you happy," Luffy said, not sure if he was making sense, "I don't know why but for some reason you seemed awful sad on the inside. And now that you're happy, I'm feeling a lot better. But I also realized I want to keep seeing you happy."
"You…don't have to worry about me," Komane said, somewhat reluctantly, "thanks to you I've figured out how to be much happier with my life. And I wouldn't want to keep you from your dream of becoming the King of the Pirates. That's still your lifelong goal, isn't it?"
"It still is," said Luffy, "and we're getting close. I guess that's why, for the first time, I'm daring to think what I'll do after I become King of the Pirates."
"You'd be welcomed back here," assured Komane, "even when you become the most wanted man in the world I'll still make sure this is a safe place for you. A king should at least be able to visit a castle once in a while, after all."
"That's the thing," said the Straw Hat Captain, "I'd only want to come back if you're here. Don't get me wrong this place is great, but it wouldn't be the same without you."
"That's very touching of you to say," replied Komane as she put her hand over her heart, "I'd be willing to wait here for you. It's supposed to be my kingdom someday anyway and even if it wasn't I'd wait here the rest of my life for you."
"But you could join the crew," suggested Luffy, "I know you captured me and everything but like I told ya before some of the rest of the crew has done worse to me. We'd all love to have you." The Lulusian Princess couldn't help some of the tears that came to her eyes.
"Again, that's kind of you to say," replied the Royal Girl, "but I'm not like the rest of your crew. I haven't developed the skills it would take to survive the kind of journey you're going on. What you seek will drive you into conflict with the strongest beings in the world, a conflict I would be useless in. I know how much you care for those close to you and I don't want you to go through something like Ace's passing again if it can be avoided."
"But Komane," said Luffy as he put his hands on her shoulders, "you don't have to worry about that. Leave the fighting to me and the rest of the crew. We'll definitely keep you safe."
"I'm certain you would," said the Princess as she put her hands on both sides of Luffy's face, "but I have no intention of holding you back from your dream. Tomorrow I intend to start training myself to be a better fighter, a better ruler and a better person. That way, when you become king of the pirates, you can come back here and recruit someone worthy to join your crew."
"But you're already," the Pirate Captain started to say before Komane held up a finger to his lips.
"I know you'd like to think so, but the truth is I'm just not ready yet," she said, "and more importantly, I think we should clear the air between us before going any further. Monkey D. Luffy, answer me honestly and truthfully, what do I mean to you?"
"Hmm," grunted Luffy as he crossed his arms and seemed to be thinking deeply, "I've called the other princess's in the past friends and I want to call you a friend too, but, I just can't." Komane's head started to droop until the Straw Hat Pirate continued. "Because I can't remember ever being that worried when one of my other friends was in trouble. For some reason, the thought of you being hurt or lost or…worse, drove me crazy."
"'Crazy'," repeated Komane, "why would something happening to me drive you crazy?"
"Well I know what Sanji would've said so I asked Robin instead," replied Luffy, "and she was right on the money. I'm pretty sure, I'm in love with you." Komane's heart felt like it wanted to leap out of her chest. He'd said it, he'd actually said!
"What a coincidence," said Komane as she pulled Luffy in and kissed him, "I love you too." The two crashed their lips together again, this time passionately and hungrily as their arms slid over each other's bodies. Despite their inexperience the two let their instincts guide them as Komane pulled off Luffy's shirt, feeling the muscles and scars on his body that told of his numerous exploits throughout the ocean. The Pirate wasn't idle with his hands either as he quickly pulled her out of her dress and top, leaving her in only her underwear which was also quickly removed as she pulled off Luffy's lower garments.
Skin pressed against skin then as they continued kissing passionately before the Pirate Captain stopped and moved downwards, kissing the Princess's neck and collarbone before stopping at her voluptuous breasts. Komane let out a loud moan as she felt her nipples being sucked on while she tangled her fingers in Luffy's hair. When the Straw Hat Pirate pulled away and looked her in the eye, she answered his unspoken question. "Please," she said with longing in her own eyes, "make a woman out of me."
A nod was all she received before feeling her Pirate Lover thrust into her folds as pain and pleasure overwhelmed her and made her cry out. Luffy looked at her with unsureness for a moment, but she immediately demanded that he continue, not wanting to waste even a moment. And continue he did as he worked up a rhythm that was slow at first but picked up in pace as he pounded her harder and faster. Yet even if it was somewhat painful Komane demanded that he not stop as the pleasure overrode even the pain.
"Komane," grunted Luffy as his thrusting continued, "Komane I love you!" The Princess didn't care if she was hearing things or not as she tried to form a response through the haze of pleasure making it harder and harder for her to think.
"I love you Luffy, I love you, I love you, I LOVE YOU!" Was all she managed to get out before it became too hard to even think with the pleasure overflowing in her body. The two of them lost complete track of time as they continued to make love until finally the room was filled with the sound of their climaxes. The two would collapse on the bed then, breathing heavily but sighing in contentment.
"Wow," said Luffy breathlessly, "I finally discovered something I like…better than food." Komane couldn't help but giggle at this.
"If you want more, you need only say so," she managed to say between breaths. Neither one of them would be seen until the morning of the next day.
The Next Day: Lulusian Docks
"You should have all you need to make it to Whole Cake Island and then some," said Komane as her guards finished loading the Sunny, "And do feel free to keep that outfit."
"Sure thing," said Luffy with a grin as he stood dressed in the clothes he got at the festival, "I might even put it in a special drawer for specific occasions."
"You don't need to go quite that far but I appreciate the thought," said the Princess, "and remember that should you ever need to head back this way, we'll welcome you with open arms."
"Don't worry," said Luffy as he gave her a quick kiss, "I intend to come back here, and as a king."
"And I'll be waiting," replied Komane with a smile, "however long it takes I know you'll become king of the pirates."
"Got that right," said the Straw Hat Captain as he gave her a thumbs up, "and don't worry, I don't intend to keep you waiting for too long."
"Just so long as you're careful," said the Lulusian Princess, "now go and fulfill your dream, Pirate King Luffy." The Straw Hat Captain couldn't keep the smile off of his face as they shared one last passionate kiss. He boarded the Thousand Sunny then and set off as he and his crew waved good bye. Komane herself stood there watching the horizon long after the ship had disappeared from view, and she would return many times to this same spot, waiting to see the familiar sight return until at last, it finally did.
And so the Princess is returned safely to her kingdom and the people have hailed our pirates as heroes! And hopefully the short lemon I dropped in there wasn't too amateurish, still practicing and all that. But I'll let you tell me how I did so comment and review about what you liked/disliked or if you've got any neat ideas for future chapters! And do check out my book, Plains Riders, on Amazon Kindle and Kindle Unlimited! Oh and before I forget, we do have another chapter to this story coming up, so stop in next time as we have a lovely little reunion! 'til then.
