Chapter 7 - A New Face


The sun began to rise upon the horizon, light poured forth across the sea causing it to shimmer in the early stages of the dawn. A beautiful sight to see.

Our ragtag team of pioneers and pirates had all rested, ever so slightly, from the island they had just escaped a mere few minutes beforehand. Itzal stood at the helm of the ship, sailing in the direction Francis had told them to head, his little monkey friend was simply rolling around by his feet having a great time just tumbling about. Something Itzal was amused by watching the antics of their little partner. However, Itzal really wanted to explore this huge ship though but he had to first make sure they'd made it away safely first. He had all the time in the world to explore it later once they made it to their destination but until then he'd focus on the task at hand.

Francis was stood only a few feet away, analysing the map as closely as possible, he'd seen this map many times but this time he seemed to analysis it for another reason, from a different mind set. One he didn't do see when he was stuck on that island, he was deep in thought about future plans.

Zarina sat by the railing of the ship closer to the bow, back against the railing, head down, breathing slowly and rather calmly. She was obviously still a bit shook up by what she had just done, her nerves must be getting to her and she was rather exhausted, she had never had to do something that her entire life. She held out for much longer than she thought she would both physically and emotionally during that whole endeavour.

Rob had ventured off to back of the ship to keep watch for a bit to make sure they weren't being tailed, he'd move off once he was certain they'd put enough distance between them and the island so that they couldn't be easily followed. That and he was thinking about what had transpired on the island, he had a question or two he'd like answered at some stage but for now it was fine. He was eventually going to have to change his shirt seeing as his was currently shredded but for now he just kept watch with a humored smirk on his face.

A silence had descended on the ship for a bit, a pleasant one at the very least.

Zarina finally stood up, slowly, and made her way toward Itzal, Francis and the ships cabin. She was tired, covered in filth and stressed as hell, as she neared Itzal and Francis they both turned to her.

"You okay Zarina?" Itzal spoke up as he watched her climb the steps up to them.

"Tired, sweaty and could you a place to gather my thoughts in peace." She rapidly fired off her response, she walked passed them to the door leading to the cabins and the steps inside leading further into the ship. "I'm going to get some rest if I can."

"Take as much time as you need! Francis said we have awhile before we get to the next island anyway." Itzal, cheerfully, replied, Francis nodded as well to confirm what Itzal had said. Although Itzal sounded so positive he was still concerned about Zarina of course but he'd let her take care of herself unless she asked for help.

She nodded to both Itzal and Francis, "I'll see you both after I've rested and changed."

However before she left Itzal quickly spoke up, turning over his shoulder to see her before she walked through the cabin door, "Hey Zarina," which caught her attention, "what do you call a group of apes?" Zarina and Francis just gave him a puzzled look, where did that come from?

Regardless of the out of the blue question Zarina answered, "It's called a shrewdness of apes in old times or a more modern way of phrasing it is a pack or colony of apes but it can also depend on the region they're found it as to what locals might refer to them as."

Itzal nodded, "Alright, thanks. That's good to know."

Zarina and Francis just gave him one more weird look before just moving on from the conversation.

With that she opened the door and disappeared into the cabin for some much need recovery.


As soon as the door closed Zarina leaned her back against it and tilted her head back till she could feel the door. She continued to take deep breaths in an effort to rid herself of this awful nervous feeling in her gut. Her mind was a mess right now, racing with consequences of their actions. She imagined herself being hunted for the rest of her life for this, just to know one of the many possibilities.

She held one hand to her beating heart while the other held tight to her rapier. What was she going to do? Where would she hide? Could she hide? Because running wasn't an option seeing as she was caught so quickly while trying to flee.

'Out of the frying pan and into the fire.' Zarina pessimistically thought to herself, she went from being sent to prison to being tracked, hunted and killed for her actions. There was no doubt in her mind that people would come for her given what she knows and now what she has done to upset the World Government.

Rest would help clear her worried mind and allow her to come up with a solution to this. She'd try again tomorrow.


Itzal and Francis returned to manning the ship and scanning over the map. After a brief moment of silence after the odd exchange Francis piped up, "You know you're going to need a bigger crew than just two guys." Francis advised Itzal, "Actually you two could clearly take care of yourselves." He added on with a bit of humor, referring to Itzal and Rob. After seeing some of the destruction they could do they'd be alright on their own if they really wanted to be.

They can handle the trouble they will undoubtedly cause.

Itzal chuckled, "Yeah, we're going to need a few more before we hit the Grandline." He pondered for a moment, "Maybe a Helmsman or a Doctor would be nice." A helmsman would certainly help navigate through the dangerous waters. Besides, Itzal knew he wasn't good at sailing, he was good enough to keep a ship straight but better leave that sort of thing to the professionals and a doctor is just something you need. Injury was expected, apart of the life of a pirate Itzal supposed. He'd have to fight whether he wanted to or not sometimes and it would help to have a doctor to patch up the serious wounds.

Francis decided to continue his questioning, he wanted to know more about other people's plans for the future, he himself didn't have any plans, he never thought he'd get off that island before being shipped off as a disposable grunt to who knows where. "Heading to the Grandline? Why there?"

The ship gently rocked on the soft waves of the sea, the early sun had risen to a point on the horizon. Giving light to the world and completely banishing the traces of the night.

"It's where I have to go." he began vaguely, "I have a dream Francis, a dream to top all dreams, it will take a journey across the world to fulfill that dream and I need to get to the Grandline to begin that journey." His smile grew bigger, "Ever since I was young I had dreamed of freedom, to be free of where I was trapped and held. I wanted nothing less to be the freest man in the world. And the Pirate King is that title and to become Pirate King, you need the One Piece."

Francis was rendered speechless. It was so similar to how he felt being trapped on that island. But Itzal felt that same feeling just thousands of times stronger.

He was going to try and become the Pirate King of all things by finding the single greatest treasure to have been conserved. The most powerful man to have ever lived, that is what the Pirate King represents, the One piece being the key to that title. That was a ludicrous dream, unachievable. Countless people have tried and died for that even attempting that and yet here was Itzal, going to do the same as many before him.

Itzal was going to chase that dream, Francis could feel the spirit in his words, his actions and his attitude.

Itzal was going to become Pirate King by finding the One Piece or die trying.

"You know how impossible that is right? There is no way in hell anyone will ever become Pirate King." He didn't mean to sound so negative but he'd heard stories of the Pirate King and what they had to do, it was truly immense.

Itzal just waved it off with a grin, "It'll stay impossible if nobody tries."

Again, Francis didn't have a counter to that. He was right after all, what could he say to that? A simple but completely true argument.

Francis glanced at his map, looking at all the destinations scattered across it and than looked back to Itzal. He was somewhat envious of him, Itzal had a destination, motivation and a goal set in mind, despite how insane it was it was still something to dedicate your life to.

Francis didn't have any of that. His family would be angered and upset by his desertion of the marines, he couldn't go back to them because they were a family of marines themselves. He was more than likely a wanted man now, his own family was his enemy. He has nothing, no money, no family, no goal, no destination, no nothing. Francis had never thought he'd make it to freedom but once he got it he had no idea what to do.

"What about you? Any dream you want to fulfill? A life's ambition?" Itzal asked, it was a fair question since Francis had been asking the same of him.

Francis momentarily froze, "No," He mulled over his thoughts, "I don't." A simple and somewhat disheartening answer.

Itzal wasn't having it, "Come on!" His sudden volume and spirit startled Francis, he was very lively. "You have to have some kind of inner desire, some sort of passion. Even if you don't dream during the day you dream at night so tell me what your dream is! Because everyone has one no matter how big or how small." For someone Francis had just met he was far more straightforward and genuinely nice it was actually a surprise to him.

Francis gave a vacant stare out to the sea ahead, his breathing soft. He search both in mind and soul, trying to come up with an answer. Francis didn't really have a dream right away, maybe he wouldn't have one at all but like Itzal said, he won't unless he tries. Vaguely similar to what Itzal had said.

Itzal just went back to watch the direction the ship was heading, he would wait and let Francis answer of his on will. Someone's dream or passion isn't something you just rush, you find it, want it, help it grow and than go after it, and finally achieve it.

A peaceful silence swept over the ship once again. A silence that lasted more than an hour, Itzal just focused on the ship. Well mostly, his little monkey partner was distracting as it jumped and rolled about, scurrying up and down his arms and legs. Quite literally monkey business. Francis just remained silent as he gazed out to sea, he was so far gone the map almost slipped from his grasp more than once.

Itzal sensed an approaching figure and turned to look over his right shoulder but was quickly drawn back to Francis.

"Chishiki no kuni." Francis blurted out, Itzal turned back to Francis with a raise eyebrow.

"What?" A fair question, there was no way Itzal would know what that was.

"The Land of Knowledge." Francis began his explanation, "It's a legend passed down for generations for years. It's mainly marines that hear of the legend or even speak of it." Francis turned to Itzal, you could see the shift in his body language. Francis was somewhat more lively when speaking about this, which got a small unnoticeable grin from Itzal.

"When I was a kid I'd heard the legend from other recruits and the like. It is said to be an old World Government facility built somewhere remote in the New World. A place where all secrets are kept, it was told that only the highest most important individuals know of its existence but rumors always spread." Francis gave a small light hearted laugh, a small genuine smile stuck to his face.

"When the great war took place, the powers at the time all fell one after another, this facility was lost to time with them. Inside, there is said to be a vault that contains the worlds most valued resource." Francis paused, perhaps to add suspense, "A Grand Library. A library said to contain the world's greatest knowledge… and its darkest secrets."

Francis laughed, "I suppose that would be my dream. To find that place, Chishiki no kuni. It's funny, I always was a nosy kid growing up, always wanting to know about people, I never liked people hiding in the shadows. I suppose that's why I love navigation as well. There is no where in this world that can hide from me, it's the curiosity and the danger that attracts me to secrets and forbidden places."

Itzal was silent, that really did sound like an amazing place to go. It would mean you'd have to search high and low for all clues throughout the world just to find this place. Incredible to think of such a place.

"Than chase it." Itzal finally spoke up, his expression dead serious.

Francis went silent and leaned his head back to stare at the brightening sky above, the clouds sailing past so silently, peacefully. "I can't." He sighed, "I'm not that adventurous for a journey like that. Besides, I have to go into hiding for awhile because I'm sure as hell that I'm a wanted man now. So until things calm down I'm just going to have to stay put on an island somewhere."

Francis' expression changed, you could see that passion drain from him the more he talked about giving it up. Itzal just watched his movements, studied his facial expressions. Itzal may be a bit naive to how the world might work but he knew people well enough. Francis would need time to clear his head.

"Go rest, it was one hell of a day wasn't it?" Itzal chirped up suddenly and rather happily, getting a small grin from Francis. Itzal wouldn't let the mood dampen would he?

Francis, however, was going to protest. "I'm fine, besides I still need to navigate you to Tear island, we don't want to overshoot it and sail by." He tried to argue, a fair point.

Itzal countered him, "Just go rest for an hour or so. We all need some rest, we'll take shifts manning the ship. I'll take the first ship and Rob will take the second. We'll grab you for the third shift, that sound good?"

"Alright, fine but I want to check in every now and then to make sure our heading is still the same, so wake me every now alright?" When he got a nod from Itzal he relented and moved over to the cabin door.

"And I never thanked you for your help back there." He gave Itzal a grateful smile, "Thank you."

"Any time!" Itzal replied happily, his little monkey friend jumped up and down almost if trying mimicking Itzals response. Francis nodded once more before disappearing into the cabin and than below deck for some rest.

Itzal turned back to the bow of the ship, keeping the heading Francis had given previously.

"You heard all that?" Itzal said as if to nobody, but it wasn't a nobody as he sensed someone there the whole time. Knowing he was, obviously, found out Rob stepped around from the side of the cabin and walked over to Itzal.

"What can I say? I didn't want to disturb that conversation and I was interested myself." He sat on the railing besides the helm of the ship and leaned back and used one of his arms to support himself on the railing. "Hell of a speech there Itzal, must say I'm impressed." Rob poked a bit of fun at it but his tone of voice meant he was genuine about it, it really was a good small speech to hear.

Itzal just chuckled, "Yeah," He smiled sheepishly, "I just thought I'd make something to help Francis out there. I mainly just said things I'd learned as a kid from people at the monastery."

"Nothing wrong with that." Rob shrugged it off, "So are we actually going to wake him in an hour?" Rob asked but he kind of already knew that was a small white lie.

Itzal again smiled sheepishly, "Give him a bit longer, yeah?" His answer got a smirk from Rob.

"On your orders." Rob just dropped the subject like that. "And don't worry, when I take the helm you can explore the ship. I have a feeling you want to check her out? She is a fine ship after all."

"Yep." Was his simple answer.

"So what do you think the next island will hold for us?" Deciding to throw out a random topic, wondering what Rob might know or have insight about.

Again, Rob shrugged, "Don't know, from what I've heard it's a nice place Tear island. Friendly locals, welcoming and such. Some say it is so nice and friendly there people usually stay. Mostly depends on what day you arrive apparently." Now the last part was kind of vague, what did he mean by what day you arrive?

"What do you mean what day you arrive? What does that have to do with anything?" Itzal continued to question. An odd statement.

"I've heard rumors that the place is notorious for pirates to raid. A raiding hot spot, nearly nobody there is a fighter and there is no marine presence in the blue seas so they're on their own and on their own they don't stand a chance against any sort of pirate attack." Rob explained, "But those are just rumors, there has been no calls for help or messages to other islands for assistance. I was actually going to be heading there after I completed one more job, get some money and find a ship to ship hop there. I was going to check it out for myself and see if it was true."

Itzal furrowed his brow, would nobody actually care to go and check on the folks of that island "How would a rumor like that spread without there being a small scrap of truth? Surely someone would have checked by now if that were true right?"

"You're right, I heard that some people from other islands have gone to check but they send back letters to their home islands claiming it's fine but they don't return home themselves." That was strange, people go out of their way to check on the sake of another island but don't return to their own friends and families?

"We could check our current stoke, resupply and check the ship for anything it might need for the journey ahead." Rob said, changing the conversation. No use worrying over possibilities that might never even happen right?

"Besides," Rob smirked, "You're going to need to name the ship." This caused Itzal to smile along with Rob. "You'll need a name for the ship and a flag to call our own. So get that creativity going. I don't want to sail around on a nameless ship, its bad luck not to."

"I'll get right on that!" Itzal joked, time to really start this journey. He had a ship and crewmates, well Itzal considered them all crewmates, and a name for the crew. His journey has almost begun. When he reaches the redline and enters the Grandline, than his journey truly begins. Itzal could barely contain his excitement it was written all over his face.


The sailing for the rest of the day had been rather uneventful, although they were lucky considering the winds were with them this day. Rob had mentioned the fact that following the winds direction wasn't always the best as most people follow the path of least resistance so if the marines were to give chase they would use the wind to track them. He only mentioned it just so Itzal could learn about that tidbit of information, after Itzal and Rob took the first few shifts, not bothering to wake Francis right away when he asked. However, he got himself up several hours later rather annoyed. He first gave the two fools a good spiel before checking their current heading. It was off, if only just so Francis took the helm and readjusted their heading. Zarina had finally joined them by the helm after her much needed rest. She seemed much better than she had been before so that was a relief to them all. She mostly remained silently, only asking for information on the island, she knew enough of the island herself from reports and files about it but Robs information proved both new and surprising to her as she'd never heard about the rumors Rob mentioned. The other topic of discussion was how much longer until they reached the island and what exactly they should do until than. The first thing to pop up was food and it wasn't by asking but the rumbling of more than of few stomachs, which got a laugh from Rob and Itzal as well as an embarrassed expression from Zarina and a sheepish look from Francis.

"So it looks like we're all hungry, so any ideas on what we should cook?" Rob asked after he'd calmed down, "If any of us can actually cook without burning down the ship." He added with a bit of humor. Odd how burning down the ship your sailing on was funny to Rob.

"I can cook but only the basics." Francis volunteered, "Mostly basic survival rations but food is food. We can get actual good food on the island but until then I'll get us something."

"Alright! If you need any help ask!" Itzal said as he was about to move to take hold of the helm but was intercepted by Rob who took hold of the helm instead.

He smirked, "I got it Itzal, besides, you want to explore the ship right?" rob replanted the idea in his head. Itzal gave him a good strong pat on the back. Francis and Zarina recoiled slightly, if that had been a normal human that took the hit that would have hurt.

Itzal smiled and turned to the cabin, his little monkey scurried up his leg and arm and came to rest on his left shoulder, chirping happily to itself. "I'll see yous in a bit than."

Itzal went off into the cabin, to venture down into the depths of the ship. Francis followed him into the cabin but would veered off toward the kitchen and dining area.

Rob just turned back to the sea ahead of them, however, he noticed Zarina hadn't moved yet. She just stood looking out to the open ocean, her hand on her rapier, gently rubbing the hilt with her thumb, almost in a sentimental manner, her other hand rested in her pocket. Now Zarina seemed to be more the quiet member of a group, listening over speaking, chiming in when she had something of value to add so her being quiet wasn't odd but it was more the far gone expression she had. Usually she kept a neutral expression, one that gave nothing away, she'd be excellent at poker but right now you could almost read her like a book.

Her expression simply read, reminiscing of the past.

"You'll be fine." said Rob, he could have sworn she jumped slightly before she glanced his way. She had clearly been caught off guard so she shifted on the spot, she didn't like being caught like that.

"You seem confident about that, how would you know? Are you psychic?" Her tone came off very snarky, perhaps more so than intended.

Rob just gave a small chuckle, "Call it a gut feeling." He said rather cryptically, what the kind of response was that?

Zarina decided to humor this small discussion, "How accurate is that gut of yours?"

"Well, it has never failed me when I need it."

Zarina turned her body to fully face Rob and huffed to herself, "It's not you it will fail." She countered, however his response surprised her.

"I know, my gut tells me you'll be alright, so I know you'll be alright." The somewhat cocky smirk on his face said, 'Check, your turn.', which she didn't like.

"Well, you never know, your gut might fail you this time if it's banking on me being alright. Besides, it all depends on what this island throws at me, I'll have to figure out where I'll go from here." Maybe a bit too much to admit to, she basically said, I have no confidence in my ability to survive all this.

Time for the checkmate, "From what myself and Itzal saw back on that island, you did just fine. Outsmarted and out fought nearly every man there. If you can do that you can survive just fine."

With that Rob stopped his argument, to him that was checkmate. Zarina on the other hand wanted nothing more than to cut down that argument with logic and reason as to why he was wrong but she was starting to understand Rob as a character.

She knew by now it was useless to try and pierce that thick skull of his, so , much to her disdain, she'd drop the argument and find peace inside the cabin in the dining area. She'd take what peace she could find aboard this ship, she had a feeling this ship might not have many peaceful moments in the future.

Now if the crew were lucky they'd reach Tear island in the space of an hour or two. The wind giving them a significant boost to their speed, without that wind they'd be arriving at night again but now, with the progress they've made, they would be there by late evening. So until then they'd spend the time getting something to eat.

After an hour Francis had called them all for dinner. Now it wasn't exactly great, most of the food, which consisted of steaks, fish and what little fresh veg Francis could find, was above tasteless, some of the food was rather dry too but it was eatable so not much you can say there.

Before all that though, Rob joined them, he had disappeared into the crew quarters in search of a new shirt since his was shredded. All he found was a deep blue casual dress shirt, suited him just fine. He'd prefer a red, white or black one but blue works too.

Itzal had returned, but as soon he did his monkey buddy darted for a food bowl full of peanuts near Zarina, she shifted away from it before slowly digging into her food, concerned about something or other, maybe fleas or something?

Itzal took a seat but before he had tried any of the food he started off telling the rest of the crew about everything he found down below. Exploring the two sleeping quarters of the ship, finding the ammunition supplies for both firearms and cannons. Surprisingly the ship wasn't too heavily armed, it only had a total of six cannons which was small for a ship of this size. The supply room was mostly empty, had enough food for about three more days but they'd probably not last that long since they were mostly left out to rotten. The ship came with a limited amount of repair planks and tools but that all could be fixed by resupplying at the harbor.

After Itzals little explanation they all dug into the food, wasn't the nicest but it was filling. The way a marine would cook, filling over taste. During the whole thing Francis would step out to the helm to make sure the ship was still following the best heading, adjusting it slightly when needed.

When they finished since Francis had done the cooking Rob decided he'd take care of the mess, leaving Itzal, Francis, Zarina and Itzals, yet to be named, monkey buddy exited the cabin to helm, Itzal took the helm Francis and Zarina stepping off to either side of him.

Francis took out a spyglass from the inside of his jacket and explored the horizon. "Land!" He called out rather suddenly, pointing off every so slightly to the left of their current heading. The call of land drew Rob to the doorway to the cabins, joining the rest of the crew.

Itzal and Zarina squinted at the horizon, they could barely make out the shape on the horizon but it was definitely there.

Tear Island was in sight.

With the current winds they'd be there in only twenty minutes at max. At the sight of the island each of the group picked up and started moving about. Francis gathered the navigational equipment, maps and disappeared below deck to store them somewhere safe.

Zarina went down into the store rooms to gather some supplies and maybe find some kind of bag to carry somethings she might need when she strikes out on her own.

Rob just walked up to the helm and took it from Itzal as he took off up the ropes leading to the crowsnest. All Itzal wanted was a clear view, excitement once again mounting inside him.

By the time the rest of the crew had gathered atop the ship, it was within docking distance of the harbor. Zarina had appeared with a satchel bag, Francis with his own bad. Both bags had a bit of food in them and whatever else they thought they mind need. They didn't take too much because they technically considered it all Itzals possession. Both bags sat by the cabin door, ready to go when needed. Francis and Zarina stood side by side, both of them seemed tense but watched with some form of an anticipation. This was the island they'd go out on their own, try to find their way in the world.

Find somewhere to call home.

The ship slowed to a stop before they dropped anchor. The splash of the anchor was enough to put a smile on all their faces, they'd landed!

However before they could do anything a voice called out, "Hey! Is there someone I could speak to aboard this newly docked brig!"

Itzal walked across the sail mast and looked down to the wooden dock below. Right below Itzal stood a forty year old looking man. He appeared to be wearing a dock workers clothes. The sudden voice attracted the attention of the rest of the crew as Rob, Zarina and Francis all walked over to the railing to see what was going on.

"Ah! There!" The man laughed, "I'd like to inform you that you must stay aboard your ship for the night as we are in the process of unloading and unloading a fleet of ships and we won't be stopping any time soon with the shear amount of cargo we're shifting. We'd like to sincerely apologize for any delays or inconvenience."

At that statement you could see each of the crew deflate slightly, looks like they were staying aboard the ship for one more night. Itzal was the most disappointed by the fact he couldn't start exploring, his monkey partner mimicked him like a mirror. Rob was hoping to get out and stretch his legs but one more night wasn't too long a wait.

Zarina and Francis, although they were slightly disappointed they also appeared to be relieved. They had a bit more time to come up with plans before jumping ship and hoping for the best.

Rob just sat up on a railing and watched the dock and village from what he could see from here, he'd just relax here and sit through the night and keep watch. Zarina and Francis had retreated below deck to grab a bunk and prepare for departure tomorrow.

The dock worker headed off right after a small bow, Itzal kept his eyes on him as he walked further down the dock to the other ships that had all docked. From what Itzal could nearly all other ships were being unloaded. They were clearly trade ships of some kind judging by the shear amount of cargo.

At least a hundred people scurried about the dockland, shifting and unloading huge crates. Moving them between the ships and warehouse.

One individual however caught his eye, stood among them stood a, somewhat short, woman giving orders to all the workers. Itzal couldn't make out any details from this distance but what caught his eye was the giant ax she had strapped to her back. The damn thing was bigger than she was. That stuck out like a sore thumb.

Itzal gave one more glance over the whole situation before fixating on the woman again. Itzal turned from the scene with an odd feeling nagging at him, for now he couldn't do much about so he jumped from the mast, his monkey partner clinging to his shoulder, as he landed beside Rob.

"Looks like we're waiting." All Rob did was grin and tilt his hat toward Itzal.

"See ya in the morning!" and with that Itzal began his walk over to the cabin for a full night's rest.

Their adventure began tomorrow it seemed.


Chapter down, next one we're official onto the next adventure. Lets see what this island has in store for the rest of the crew. Lets see what interesting characters we meet on this island shall we?

Thanks again to everyone who has beta-read so far and to everyone who is willing to as well! I'm continually grateful for the support.

Another thank you to all of you who review my story, you're the best!

Disclaimer, I obviously don't own One Piece (For Shame). All OC' go to their respective owners and such.

AlcatrazDGold - Till the next chapter…