Author's Note: Hey everyone! I'm so, so sorry that this update took so long *hides in a corner*. My new work schedule combined with writer's block really slowed me down...but anyway, thank ya'll for your patience and sweet reviews, they gave me the motivation I needed to finally get it done :) I hope ya'll enjoy the chapter (and had a Happy Halloween)!

To redninjan21: Haha yeah, poor Whitebeard...he just wants more children to dote upon XD (and yes, he probably will have a whole new wardrobe by then lol)

To livinganime14: I do make you wait a lot, and that's my bad *chuckles awkwardly*. But hopefully it was worth the wait! :) Enjoy the update!

To yuno18815359: Yep, the fated meeting between Luffy and Hancock is upon us!

To Shiho-Akemi: XD

To Guest: So sorry for the wait, but here's the update for you! :)

To avaxenakis: Here's the new chapter! I hope you enjoy it!

WARNINGS:

- Oblivious/innocent Luffy

- Nakedness

- Luffy does a lot of falling (literally)

- Dresses and frills

As Luffy jogged through the vast forests of Louloùdi, he quickly discovered that the wood was much denser than it appeared. The deeper he went, the easier it was to lose track of his landmark.

He huffed and scrunched up his nose when a large droplet of water landed on his face. He'd been traveling for hours now and it was difficult to tell how much progress he'd made towards his destination. Even so, Luffy didn't want to stop just yet, not when time wasn't on his side.

Pulling his hood further over his face, Luffy continued to make his way through the forest, jumping over logs and swinging himself over creeks when they crossed his path. Eventually, he came across an opening in the dense foliage that led out into a clearing that looked to be devoid of grass or…anything green, actually.

'What happened here?' The boy mused, slowing to a walk as he made his way through the strange, rocky clearing. Luffy yelped when steam shot up out of the ground, singing his hand with its heat. Upon closer inspection, there were lots of holes in the ground that spit up scalding hot water…were they…geysers?

A grin swiftly formed on Luffy's face and he skipped through the geyser field, making up a game that involved dodging the water sprays as they emerged from the ground. When he reached the center of the clearing, he stumbled, causing his bow to swing around to the front of his body. Grumbling, Luffy adjusted it and glanced up, pleased to see that his destination was much closer than before.

Just a little further and then-

Suddenly, the ground directly beneath Luffy groaned and shook, sending him to his knees. His eyes widened when he realized what he was standing on but he had no time to react. It was all he could do to brace himself before the water erupted underneath his feet, sending the plot of land he was on flying into the air.

Luffy held on for dear life and clutched at the remaining earth (a surprisingly strong boulder) as he sailed through the air. When he and the rock reached the peak of their arc in the sky, Luffy made a sound of awe.

The view was truly incredible.

He could see everything.

Luffy's awe quickly died out when he felt his body begin to plummet towards the ground.

Letting out an indignant scream, he tried to look for something, anything that could break his fall. His frantic thoughts were interrupted when the rock brushed against the very top of a tree, sending him forward a few meters…and off a cliff.

He had little time to think as he continued to fall, vaguely recognizing that there was a body of water below him. Luffy hit the water hard but managed to position his body in such a way that none of his bones would be broken from the impact. Thankfully, it was deep enough to accommodate the height of his fall.

He inhaled sharply when he broke the surface, immediately attaching himself to the nearest piece of wood he could find. Luffy took a few seconds to catch his breath before he took in his surroundings. He was in a river of some kind, one that ran in a valley made of tall cliffs.

'I should get back to land.' Luffy thought as he focused on treading water, idly eyeing the nearest shore. When he finally looked down at himself, he realized something very important.

First, his bow had been broken from the force of the fall and was currently floating away. Second, his bag had become dislodged and was also floating downstream.

"Oi, stop! Come back!" Luffy exclaimed, frantically paddling after his belongings. He didn't particularly care about the bow, but the bag held all of his important survival tools, clothing, and the whistle. He couldn't afford to lose that!

As he reached out to try and grab it, his bag was jerked forward, followed swiftly by Luffy's body. He readjusted himself on the floating debris and focused on what was ahead of him, eyes widening in shock. He'd been so engrossed in catching the bag, he hadn't realized they were headed straight for rough water.

Luffy yelped when he was thrown about in the water, rapids showing no mercy to his already aching body. In the chaos of it all, he couldn't help but think about how this had happened before…but then, Kuma had been there to save him.

This time, he was alone.

Just as that thought left his mind, Luffy saw his bag disappear from view.

Like it had fallen over an edge.

Luffy attempted to swim against the current, but it was no use. Seconds later, he followed his bag over the waterfall, screeching as he fell. This drop, thankfully, wasn't quite as far as the previous one, but he didn't have enough time to adjust his body. He hit the water below awkwardly and grit his teeth when pain lanced up his leg.

He gasped for air when he surfaced and coughed wetly.

Luffy blinked water from his eyes and looked around for his trusty piece of debris (knowing he wouldn't be able to hold himself up for long with how his ankle felt). Instead of a fallen tree limb or something similar, he was met with a surprising sight.

Not far from him…was a woman.

She was older than him and had long black hair that was currently slicked back, revealing a broad forehead. Also of interest were the burgundy scales that covered her body in patches. What skin was exposed was pale as snow and blended in with the thin fog around her.

The creature (because that's definitely what she was) stared at him in shock, dark eyes wide. She was easily taller than him, that much he could tell even if he could only see her from the waist up. Luffy blinked and grinned tiredly at the stranger.

"Oh, hi! Sorry…did I…scare you?" His statement was interrupted by deep breathes, his body exhausted from the many falls he'd just endured. The woman scowled at him and bared her teeth, fangs sharp like a snake's, as she rose up out of the water.

Luffy's eyes followed her closely as her naked torso emerged from the water, revealing a snake-like tail instead of legs.

"You dare look upon me!" The creature hissed, bringing the end of her tail out of the water and slapping it violently, "Surely you know the rules, skýmnos!"

"Uhhh…it was an accident?" Luffy answered, seriously starting to lose his strength. He needed to get ground underneath his feet, and soon. The snake-woman growled and her tail shot forward, wrapping around his waist in a crushing grip.

He yelped when his body was taken from the water and brought up to the creature's chest. The woman continued to growl at him before suddenly stopping, her eyes narrowing as she looked him over.

"You…you are male?"

Luffy huffed, wincing when the tail constricted even further and he was brought closer. What was it with creatures and crushing his ribs!? Suddenly, he was staring into the lady's eyes, her clawed fingers forcing him to look at her. The creature's scowl deepened the more she looked him over.

"…and these dressingssss…a ranger?" Some of her S's were drawn out as she spoke and a forked tongue flitted in and out of her mouth, brushing his wet cheek. Luffy wasn't sure how to respond so he tapped into his mana sight, taking a look at the snake-woman's mana. It was a deep-pink color that fluctuated around her body like a flame.

It was then that Luffy realized what kind of creature was currently holding him.

A lamia.

A Kuja.

At this realization, Luffy flashed the woman his brightest grin.

"Hi, I'm Luffy! It's nice to meet you!"

Boa Hancock considered herself to be a warrior of the highest caliber. She had fought in many battles over the years and earned the title "Snake Princess" at a young age, which officially crowned her Empress of Amazon Lily. Ever since her coronation, the Kuja ad Valera had seen great prosperity, though that tended to fluctuate whenever their sister tribe won the rights of dominance, but right now, she was in charge and wouldn't have it any other way.

Their last challenger had fallen short, forcing the Valera to acquiesce to her leadership for the next five moon cycles.

Naturally, in her time as empress, they'd seen many battles both with neighboring tribes and other invaders. Her warriors always enjoyed a good fight, especially when choice male specimens were captured. Thanks to recent battles, many Kuja were pregnant and would add their offspring to their community.

It was considered a great honor to have your daughter join the elite squadrons of the Empress.

Hancock, unlike most of her tribe, had never expressed interest in having children, or a mate for that matter. It did not appeal to her and brought up bad memories from when she was young. Males were savage, cruel creatures that lacked all grace and flexibility both at home and in battle.

Thankfully, it was physically impossible for lamia to bear sons and male Valera weren't exactly known for their…prowess. Yes, living in a world mostly devoid of men was ideal.

"Hi, I'm Luffy! It's nice to meet you!"

Hancock flicked her tongue in annoyance at the male who'd somehow fallen directly into her cleansing pool. At first, she'd mistaken him for a hatchling who'd been caught trying to catch a glimpse of her beauty (it happened occasionally) but when she took a closer look, Hancock quickly realized that this was no female and certainly not a Kuja.

Unlike some in her tribe, Hancock had met humans in the past and held them in great contempt. They were weak, dishonorable, and enjoyed toying with the lives of those 'lesser' than themselves. This particular man, or boy as his stature indicated, was relatively short, thin, and had wild raven hair, most of which was currently plastered to his forehead.

Strangely enough, the human hadn't reacted like most (or all) males did when they saw her. Usually, they'd throw themselves at her feet or attempt to touch her tail…occasionally beg to be her slave.

Hancock simply had that effect on men.

This one however, despite looking upon her nakedness, didn't seem fazed at all. He just smiled tiredly at her, eyes never once dropping to her exposed chest.

"I do not care who you are, human." Hancock hissed, pushing down her confusion and replacing it with anger, "Any who look upon my form without permission, especially men, must die." The kid's mouth dropped open.

"What!? Why? Like I said, it was an accident-" The human cut himself off when he began to struggle, groaning quietly in pain. Hancock's eyes flitted downward for a brief second, enough to confirm that he'd injured his left leg somehow. Stupid human.

Their flimsy bodies were not made for long drops.

Hancock hissed and brought the boy's now struggling body closer to her face, grabbing his jaw tightly so he couldn't look away while her magic churned in her belly. Her Gorgon Magic was both her greatest strength and most important secret. Only her sisters and a select few others knew how she came to own its power.

Hancock had not earned it by slaying a Gorgon…no…it had been forced upon her.

Like her sisters' magic had been.

It was the main reason no one could ever look upon her naked, for if they did, they would see the shameful mark upon her back.

Thankfully, so long as she didn't turn around, the human would remain ignorant of its existence.

"Die, lost in the lust of your own thoughts." Hancock whispered, eyes turning red. Her magic was, ironically, perfect for her as it fed off the internal lust all beings felt. Hancock's beautiful body brought out the darkest desires of everyone who laid eyes on her, and it had never failed.

All who felt evil or lustful desires towards her would turn to stone.

Hancock allowed her magic to consume the boy who stared into her eyes with his own dark ones, blinking slowly as her spell dissipated. The lamia blinked right back in confusion once she realized that nothing happened.

"W-What?" She whispered, immediately trying again, this time bringing the human in closer.

"Uh…" The boy put in from where he was practically pressed against her bosom, "Was something supposed to happen?"

"T-This is impossible…" Hancock continued, biting the inside of her cheek in her shock, "Surely you desire me, having seen me like this!" The kid tilted his head.

"Desire? I don't know what you're talking about lady."

Hancock's jaw dropped. Perhaps this human was too young to have such thoughts…or-or something!

Inwardly, she found herself slightly offended by the mere thought that someone didn't find her attractive.

Shocked and frustrated, Hancock pulled the kid flush to her naked chest, certain that would get a rise out of him. The human simply looked up, his face resting comfortably between her breasts.

"You sure like to hug, shishishi!" The boy chirped, smiling brightly. Hancock chewed on the inside of her cheek, taken aback by the sheer innocence staring up at her. This was ridiculous! No man could possibly be so innocent!

"Sister, what are you doing!?" A voice exclaimed, startling Hancock out of her thoughts and causing her to toss the human behind her in surprise (an instinctive attempt to save face after being caught pressing a man to her naked chest). Ignoring the yelp and splash that sounded behind her for the moment, Hancock turned to face her sisters.

Both of her younger sisters were significantly larger than she was, which wasn't an abnormal occurrence among lamia. Sometimes, when hatchlings grew into their tails, they did not stop for many years. Sandersonia was graceful and deadly on the battlefield, her long green hair blending in with the trees and complementing her olive tail. Marigold, on the other hand, was broader than Sonia with wild red hair that would dance among the flames of her magic, casting shadows on her yellow tail.

"Sonia, Mari." Hancock greeted, taking in their wide eyes and brandished weapons.

"Sister, was that a-a-" Sandersonia stuttered, holding her spear out in front of her, "-why were you…?" Just before Hancock could respond, the human she'd haphazardly thrown surfaced, coughing out water.

It was then that she realized the boy had an unobstructed view of her back.

Hancock swiftly turned around and hugged herself, watching in horror as the human's head tilted to the side.

"Oi…was that…?"

"Sister, step back!" Marigold commanded, leaping so she was in front of her. Sonia wasn't far behind, wasting no time draping a cloak over Hancock's shoulders. The human swam back a bit when Mari's spear was held inches from his face.

"Why haven't you killed him yet?" Sonia whispered, bringing a frustrated hiss from Hancock's throat.

"I…I tried. For some reason, my magic has no effect on him." Her sisters turned to stare at her in shock before snarling at the human again.

"Then we shall run him through!" Marigold exclaimed, "He saw it…therefore, he cannot live."

"H-Hey, wait a second!" The boy tried, swimming backwards awkwardly, "I promise, we're on the same side! I just want to make a pact!"

"Ha, like we would allow a man to take our form!" Sonia snorted, drawing a huff from the human.

"Not you, the Valera!" The human clarified, barely able to keep himself floating, "Look…can we just t-talk about this?"

"No, we cannot!" Hancock snarled, gliding forward through the water so she was next to Marigold, "You have committed the unforgivable crime and cannot live to tell others about it." Her arms coiled tighter around her body, ashamed she'd allowed someone so insignificant see her greatest shame.

"…that thing on your back?"

Hancock stiffened at the boy's inquiry, making Mari and Sonia clump tighter around her.

"It…it looks like what Tesoro w-wore…" The human stated quietly, making Hancock's breath leave her lungs. That name…how did this boy know it!?

The name of the one who'd taken everything from her family.

"How do you know him!? Are you his follower!?" Hancock demanded, blood lust bubbling up inside her at the mere implication that the human was sent by her tormentor. The young one took a few greedy gasps before replying.

"…h-he's a jerk…I hate him…"

Hancock watched, still with shock as the boy slipped under the water, his strength finally abandoning him. He…hated him? Seconds later, her body moved on its own. Throwing off her cloak, the Empress dove into the pool and coiled her arms around the ranger's limp body.

She had to know what he knew.

When Luffy woke, his first thought was that he was cold. His body was covered by a rough blanket but the chilly air cut right to his skin, almost like he was naked. The boy blinked and groaned softly at the unfortunate headache he currently had. He attempted to bring a hand to his face, only to bring the other with it.

He focused his gaze on his hands and huffed at the rope coiled around them.

Figures. Apparently, he'd been captured…again.

'Does this count as being kidnapped?' Luffy considered as he sat up on the bed he'd been lying on, 'Ace and Sabo will be pissed when they find out…'

Luffy followed the tether connected to his wrists to the stone wall where an iron ring had been implanted. Based on the length, he wouldn't be able to get far from the bed. Swallowing to wet his dry throat, the boy took in his surroundings.

He was in what appeared to be a cave with bars blocking the main entrance. But, for a cave…cell…thing, it looked pretty homey, at least to Luffy. There was an elaborate rug that covered the dirt floor and shelves along the walls that held jars, candles, and what looked like bandages.

Luffy felt his stomach growl.

'Maybe one of those is food?'

"Ah!" A quiet sound broke the pleasant silence, drawing his attention to the bars of his cell. There, staring at him in wonder, was a lamia, though it wasn't the one he'd nearly fallen on. She had short blonde hair and a striking, green-striped tail.

The creature's eyes were wide as she watched him, leaning closer when he swung his legs over the edge of the bed.

"It's cold!" Luffy exclaimed, hugging himself. When the lamia's curious eyes went south, his followed. "Oh, I'm naked."

Though he wondered where his clothes were, he focused on the fact that his left leg had been bandaged. Luffy couldn't help but wonder why they'd bothered to treat him if he was a prisoner…maybe they were nice after all!

"You are ssssstrange, human." The lamia muttered, "I have never seen beings with sacks in such an uncomfortable place…is that what it means to be male?"

Luffy blinked, unsure what she meant, until she pointed directly between his legs.

"You don't know what these are?"

She shook her head.

"You're weird! These are my family jewels!" The lamia gasped, eyes sparkling.

"Men hold jewels within their body!? O-Or perhaps it is a human thing…" The girl huffed before flashing him a fanged grin, "Will you take them off and ssssshow me?"

"WHAT, ARE YOU KIDDING!?" Luffy exclaimed, quickly moving to cover himself protectively, "DO YOU WANT ME TO DIE!?" The lamia simply blinked in confusion.

When the creature didn't respond (and didn't seem likely to try something), Luffy tugged on his restraints, testing their strength. He was disappointed to find that the iron ring didn't give at all.

"Ne, where am I, anyway?" Luffy asked, not remembering anything after being threatened at spear point by the large lamia, "What happened?"

"Hebìhime brought you here." The lamia explained, her tail swaying across the ground as she spoke, "I was instructed to care for your wounds and make sure you remained alive until she returned."

The blonde creature turned around and motioned to what was beyond the cell.

"This is our home, Amazon Lily."

Luffy's eyes widened at the scenery beyond the cave he was currently trapped in. It was beautiful, green, and lush, just like the rest of Louloùdi. His prison was located on some sort of large root, overlooking a village built on stop of what appeared to be a river…or perhaps a swamp. In the distance, he could see buildings made of clay and wooden walkways that connected trees together.

'So…this is where the Kuja ad Valera live…' Luffy thought, excitedly searching the walkways for a Valera, but seeing none.

"My name issss Marguerite." The lamia greeted, bowing slightly.

"I'm Luffy!" He responded, pulling the blanket closer around himself, "Ne, do you think I could have some clothes? I'm cold."

"We do not have much that would fit ssssomeone of your size, or a man…and I have been instructed not to return your armor to you…" Marguerite hummed, tail coming up into the air, "But perhaps I can find something to warm you."

Luffy nodded gratefully and pulled the blanket closer around him as he waited for the lamia to return. Hopefully she'd bring him something other than the simple chest covers the lamia wore.

Luffy gaped down at what he'd been given to wear. It was a simple, black dress that came down to just above his knees. The sleeves and neck area were too big for him and kept falling down his shoulders.

And, to make matters worse, the edges were lined with frilly, white trim that he did not particularly like.

"I thought you might want to hide your family jewelssss." Marguerite informed him as she fussed over the fabric, pulling it back up his shoulder when it slid off, "They are important, yesss?"

"Y-Yeah…" Luffy managed, feeling very uncomfortable and…exposed, "Umm…do you have anything else?"

"No…unless you'd prefer a kálymma?" Marguerite questioned, motioning to the thin strip of fabric covering her breasts, "Though…with how small yours are, I doubt it would stay up." Luffy sighed.

"Okay…er…could I at least have some underwear or something?"

A few minutes later, Luffy was feeling a little better now that he felt…contained. Thankfully, Marguerite had managed to find him some 'Valera undergarments' that would have to do. Unfortunately, according to Marguerite, the black-haired lady (Hebi-something) hadn't brought anything but him back to their village, so his bag was probably lost for good.

"So, when is Hebbimibea gonna come back?" Luffy questioned, earning a glare from Marguerite.

"That's Hebìhime, to you. She is our Empress and you shall address her with respect!" The lamia's fierce gaze softened and she looked out across the village, towards the place Luffy had identified as 'where the important people live'. It was essentially a massive tree with windows and buildings carved into it, some very elaborate. "She is strong, wonderful…utterly perfect really. It's a miracle you survived after seeing her Gorgon Eyes."

"Gorgon Eyes?" Luffy asked, tilting his head in confusion.

"Yesss, Hebìhime and her sisters slayed a Gorgon many years ago when it threatened our village and livelihood." Marguerite explained, "They faced the great beast and killed it, however, the Gorgon cursed them with her dying breath…now, her eyes are seared onto their backs, and anyone who looks upon them is turned to stone."

Luffy frowned at that. He didn't remember seeing any eyes on the lamia's back.

"I imagine that issss why she brought you back here." The young lamia continued, looking him over, "Your resistance to the curse means you must be something special."

The boy just shrugged at that and settled back onto the bed. Hopefully the snake-lady would return soon…he didn't have a lot of time to spare.