Hello Friends! Guess who is finally out of school! ME! Yay! So I don't want to say that I will have more time to write now since that is apparently a huge jinx for me so I'll just say that we'll see! Also, obligatory shameless Beta request! I am looking for a beta for this story (for obvious reasons I struggle). So if you would be interested then feel free to PM me! :)
Also we have our very first set list for this chapter! In the future I will be putting the name and artist of the song(s) that Ari will be singing in the chapter in the top note and then the list of the other songs that she sings off camera at the end. Also I suck at poetry so the song lyrics in this chapter are provided courtesy of the lovely AnnaPantsu over on youtube! I will be using a lot of her covers through out this story and I imagine Ari's voice to be similar to Anna's and she is just awesome! So for this chapter our little Siren will be singing:
Le Festin - English Version, covered by AnnaPantsu (on youtube)
WARNINGS AT END OF CHAPTER
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
EAST BLUE
It was another peaceful day at sea. The four of us were hanging out on deck while Kotatsu was lying close to the door that led back into the ship. We had left MirrorBall island about a week ago and it had been mostly smooth sailing since. There was that one minor storm yesterday but it wasn't a problem for my crew.
Huh. MY crew. I like the sound of that. I can't believe it's already been over a month since I left home. I hope Luffy isn't too lonely with just the bandits around...
I was broken out of my thoughts when I heard Ari say,"You're sure that this place is friendly to pirates Skull?"
Oh yea, Skull said that there was a restaurant around here. I guess it's a boat?
"Yea the owner used to be a pirate actually! This place is also known for feeding anyone who's hungry so we'll be fine!" Skull said.
"Who cares? They have food so let's just go!" I said while walking up to them and throwing an arm around Ari's shoulders.
"Calm down we'll be there soon." Ari said.
"But not soon enough! Come on Air can't you just, you know, whoosh us there?" I said.
"'Whoosh'? What the hell are you talking about?"
"You know whoosh. Like you did back when we were leaving MirrorBall." I said while aggressively throwing my arm forward to demonstrate what I was talking about.
Ari sighed before saying, "Do you mean can I create a wave that will propel our ship in the direction of the restaurant faster than the wind is currently pushing it?"
"Exactly!"
"No. we're going fast enough as it is. You can wait a few more hours."
"But Ariiiiiiiiiiiii." I whined while hugging her tighter.
She's so soft and she smells good... Is that just a her thing or is that a girl thing? Ok maybe I shouldn't be hugging her...
"You are exhausting." She said before pushing me off and walking away.
"Come to think of it you guys never said why we had to whoosh away from that island in the first place." Skull said from where he was standing next to me.
Whoops, totally did not forget about him. I didn't! Ari just distracted me...
"Oh right. Ace burned down a Marine base and they didn't like that." Deuce said.
Where did he come from? Was I seriously just not paying attention to anything just now?
Ari whipped around to look at us before shouting, "HE WHAT?"
"He burned down the base." Deuce said casually before starting to climb up to the crows nest.
"WHY?"
"I didn't mean to burn it down but they had Kotatsu in a cage! I couldn't just leave him there and they wouldn't give him to me when I asked! So we got into a fight and fire kind of spreads." I said.
"Yea no shit. But Ace you know what this means right?" Ari said.
"We can't go back to that island?"
I mean ya I burned down the base but I don't think anyone was still in it when it went up so it shouldn't be THAT big of a deal...
"No darling. You attacked the Marines and you didn't kill them all. There were Marines still alive on the docks when we left."
"Obviously why would I kill them? I didn't want to fight them in the first place but they wouldn't let Kotatsu go."
I knew setting out that I would end up killing people but I'm not going to go out of my way to do so. Even if they are Marines...
"If you leave witnesses alive then they can come after you. You realize that you are going to get a bounty for this right?" She said.
Damn Air that is cold. Why would I slaughter an entire Marine base just to avoid getting a bounty? Wait, bounty?
"No way really? How much do you think it will be?" I said.
Ari just sighed and started rubbing her forehead before saying, "Probably a couple million. But most likely not more than mine."
"You have a bounty?"
Since when does she have a bounty?
"Yes I do. That's why I didn't want to draw attention to us when we were in port." She said.
"How much is yours?"
"50,000,000."
"HOLY SHIT WHAT DID YOU DO?"
How the hell does she have a bounty that high? She's younger than me!
She shrugged and said, "It's really not that impressive. Pretty much I just got my bounty from associating with people who had high bounties. I told you that I bounced around between a few crew before I ran into you."
50,000,000 isn't impressive where she's from. Geeze how strong must the people that she was with have been if she gets a bounty like that just through associating with them?
"Oh yea Whitebread right?" I asked.
"WhiteBEARD but yes they were one of them." She said.
"You sure it wasn't Whitebread? That sounds a lot cooler."
"What crew would call themselves the Whitebread pirates?"
"I don't know one that's really into bread?"
"You know what? Yea I sailed with the Whitebread pirates let's go with that." She said with a small chuckle.
Why is she so adorable when she laughs like that? Oh no I can feel the blush coming back! Ok ok just don't look at her!
I was in the middle of trying to stop myself from blushing over my first mate when Deuce decided to save me. "Hey guys we should furl the sails we are getting pretty close now." He called down from his spot up in the crows nest.
Thank you!
"Yay! Air come help me with the mainsail." I said before jogging over to the rigging that led up to it.
"Um ok." Ari said before she started climbing up the rigging nearest to her.
Where is she going?
"Air you know that that's the foresail right?"
"Huh? Are you sure?" She called back.
"Yes, I am. The mainsail is the big one."
"Isn't it the one in front?"
"No, that's the foresail. You know the one that is FORWARD on the ship?" I said.
Does she seriously not know even the most basic things about sailing? I've been at sea for barely over a month and even I know the difference between the sails.
I heard Deuce and Skull laughing before Ari yelled at them, "Don't laugh at me! I'm doing my best!"
"Aren't you supposed to be some super experienced pirate who's sailed all over the world?" Skull yelled back.
"Yea and she was bragging about how many great pirates she's trained under too!" Deuce added.
"Firstly, shut up! Secondly, my lack of naval knowledge is directly proportional to my strength in hand to hand combat so if you two assholes wanna keep making fun of me then why don't you come over here and say it to my fist!" Ari shouted up at them while all three of us kept laughing.
We FINALLY made it to the boat restaurant thing and the only thing that stopped me from just sprinting inside was Ari glaring daggers at me while telling me that we wouldn't be doing a dine and dash.
I don't get why she is so against it. We're pirates! And it's a great way to get some exercise after a good meal...
"Welcome to the Baraite! Table for four?" The perky host asked us as we walked in.
"Um, five actually." I said.
"Ace you are not bringing that cat into the restaurant." Ari said without even looking at me.
"Of course I am! Kotatsu is an important member of the crew!"
"He is still a cat!" Ari said before turning to glare at me "Look around, this is a classy place. I'm not even sure that you should be let in here let alone Kotatsu!"
"What is that supposed to mean? I have manners!" I said.
Makino didn't just teach me how to talk proper but also how to eat like a fancy fuck. I can fit in here! Just like Kotatsu can!
"We literally just got done discussing the fact that you BURNED DOWN A MARINE BASE and you want to try and tell me that you have manners?" She said.
"You killed a shopkeeper in cold blood!"
"I told him that I would kill him unless he cooperated. He chose death. So that's on him."
How does that make it okay? She still killed the dude! I gave the Marines a fighting chance and didn't even kill that many...
"If I could just interject real quick before I incriminate myself further." The host chimed in.
"What?" Ari and I snapped at the same time.
"Right, well I'm afraid that animals are not allowed in the dining room. But we would be more than happy to prepare a meal for you to take to your pet." He said.
"But he isn't a pet!" I shouted back.
"But he is an animal. That would be lovely, thank you." Ari said.
We had been taken to a table that was basically shoved in a corner, huh guess they don't want the pirates front and center. But why bother letting us in if they are embarrassed to have us here. Ugh, rich people annoy me…
The waiter had come up to our table and was asking us what we wanted to drink while prattling on about some prissy wines when Ari interrupted him.
"So I heard a little rumor that the owner of this fine establishment used to be a pirate. Is there any truth to that?" She asked.
"Um, I don't really know if I can answer that. I'm just a waiter." He replied looking more than a bit enamored with her.
Why is he staring at her like that? Yea she's pretty but he doesn't know her he shouldn't even be talking to her! Why is he STILL staring at her?
"Of course. But you must have heard something? An epithet maybe?" She said to him.
"Um, his name is Zeff if that helps?" He said.
"Not Red Leg Zeff?"
"Maybe? I'm sorry I don't know more"
"No please, you have been quite helpful."
"Right, well I'll be right back with some waters for the table." He said before starting to walk away.
Ari stopped him before he got too far away by saying, "Actually! Do you think that it would be possible for me to have a word with the owner?"
That seemed to snap him out of his staring as he paled slightly before saying, "He's really busy so I don't know."
"Surely he could spare just a moment of his time?" Ari said while fluttering her eyelashes and smiling at him.
Why is she looking at him like that? Is she interested in that little dweeb? Is that what girls like her are into? But he's so weak and annoying...
"I'll ask." He said.
WHY IS HE STILL HERE?
"Thank you." Ari said.
"Care to share with the rest of us?" Deuce asked once Ari stopped smirking at the waiter who was running away.
"We'll see." She said.
"Whatever let's just let Ari be super cryptic over there I need food." I said while trying to hide my annoyance.
I don't like this place as much as I thought I would...
Ok never mind annoying wait staff aside this food is AMAZING! This is by far the best food I've ever had. Man we need to get one of these chefs to join the crew…
The four of us had been talking and eating when a tall blonde man with a braided mustache came up to us and started talking to Ari.
Why is everyone in this damn place so obsessed with my first mate? But at least this guy doesn't look like he is already in love with her...
"What are you doing here brat? Should you be off causing havoc in the New World?" He said.
"Oh Zeff! That was years ago! We don't need to bring that up here. But speaking of here, this is a lovely little restaurant you have! We just happened upon this place but I'm glad that we did! I heard that your ship sank but nothing after that. I'm glad that you're doing well." Ari said with a huge smile on her face.
Does she just know everyone? Who even is this dude? I guess he used to be a pirate? But that still doesn't really explain how they know each other...
"Hmph. Cut the bullshit Siren. What are you doing here?" He said.
"Straight to the point as always huh? I finally decided to try out being a rookie and I figured that the East would be a good place to start. What with its tendency for creating strong pirates and all."
"You mean people stupid to sail with you?"
"Excuse me? Who you callin stupid old man?" I said to him.
But they just continued on as if I hadn't said anything. Ari said, "My, you make it sound like I have no good qualities at all. You really can't name one good thing about me?"
"Don't push it brat." Zeff said.
"Alright alright, no need to get testy. I think we both know what my best trait is anyways." She said.
"You know what, I'll make you an offer. Some broad from a nearby island was supposed to come sing for the evening. Rich people needing their entertainment and all that. But she's a no-show so I'm left with a band and no voice to go with it. You take her place and I won't tell your little crew here all the shit you've done."
"What makes you think I care about what they know?"
"You care about image."
"Fair. But throw in comping our meal and I'll consider it."
"Consider it my ass I'm shocked you haven't stormed the stage already. We both know how much you love attention."
"Rude, but also true. So do we have a deal my dear Red Leg?"
"Fine." Zeff said before walking away.
"Do you just know everyone?" I asked Ari once she turned back to the rest of us.
"Only people worth knowing and I don't even know him that well. I only met him a handful of times a couple of years back. Besides, I just got us free dinner." She said.
"Who even is he? He looks like just a random old dude." I said
"He was a pirate of some renown a couple of years back. But last I heard his ship sank 3 years ago and no one had seen him since. Apparently he went straight. But he was never all that important in the grand scheme of things." She said.
"Ya very interesting but, can you even sing? You never have before." Deuce asked.
"Well maybe that is because none of you never asked me to. But for your information yes, I can sing. As you are about to find out." Ari said before standing and heading toward the door.
"Where you goin?" I called after her.
"You think I'm going to perform dressed like this? No, I'm going to go put on an outfit that is almost as classy as my voice." She said before walking out.
After about half an hour later Ari finally strolled back into the dining room. When I saw her I had to do a double take because I almost didn't recognize her. Up until now she had either been in extremely worn out clothes or plain jeans. But now she was wearing a plain black dress that was very, um, kind, to her figure.
Damn has she always looked that good? I mean those jeans she always wears are mildly criminal but fuck that dress is something else entirely…
I cleared my throat and looked pointedly down at the table while hoping that my face wasn't looking like a tomato right now. I looked back up at her when I heard her starting talking. She was standing on a small raised platform across the dining room from us with a few musicians behind her.
"Good evening. I would say welcome to the Baratie but I think you were all here before me so that would be a bit pointless." She paused while the other people around us chuckled. "Also I am sorry to say that I am not the one who was scheduled to have the honor of performing for all of you lovely people tonight, but plans change. I just hope that I can make a satisfactory substitute. Anyways enough of me talking, please enjoy the set that we have prepared for you this evening." She said before nodding to the band and starting to sing.
The dreams of young lovers are like a good wine,
Surprised by the richness and sorrows they'll find.
Longing for something sweet,
Come sweep me off my feet.
Hoping for some change,
To take me away
For nothing in life comes free.
Oh, hope is a dish far too quickly consumed
Pipe dreams on a plate
I'm simply run through
All alone, sitting still,
A table for two
Bitterness plagues me,
But what am I to do?
For nothing in life comes free.
You'll see
Never they'll tell me
It's written in the stars;
I'll never get that far
I'll spread my wings and fly far from here
Reaching for my best
Then finally, my heart will be at rest
The party's about to begin
So, grab all of the glasses
And bottles you can
Dress up the table,
And cheers to the end.
Of the sorrows, the sadness,
All the strife we've endured
A new day is coming,
Those wishes been heard,
Oh, sit down and enjoy what's served.
A new day is coming
My wish has been heard
So sit down and enjoy what's served.
Um. What just happened?
The entire restaurant sat in a stunned silence once she finished the last verse before erupting into applause.
She did say that she was going to be the greatest musician in the world but I didn't think she meant that. But damn with a voice like that why doesn't she sing everything that she says? And wait she's a member of MY crew. Holy shit this is gonna be awesome! Why doesn't she sing more often?
Deuce interrupted my thoughts by leaning over to me and whispering, "Did you know she could sing like that?"
"No I did not." I said.
Skull paused his furious applause to say, "Seriously? You guys didn't know? Why do you think she is called The Siren? Her strength in a fight is only rivaled by her singing voice or so I've heard. I've always wanted to hear her sing."
"I thought it was just because of her devil fruit." Deuce said.
"That's part of it but she really is just like the sirens of legend."
After Ari finished her performance we left the restaurant and continued on our way. Night had fallen and I was standing out on deck by myself when Skull came out to talk to me.
"Hey Captain, we're gonna have a drink do you want to join us?" He asked.
"Sure sounds fun." I said before walking with him into the galley.
When we got down there I saw Deuce sitting at the center table with a few mugs and bottles scattered around. Kotatsu was also asleep under the table.
Poor little guy is just so shy and skittish...
"Hey Ace, Ari isn't with you?" Deuce asked.
I shook my head and said, "No she said she was tired so I think she went to bed already."
"And you didn't join her?" He said with a snort.
"What? No! Why would I?"
What is he talking about? Why would I go to bed with Ari? Why would she WANT me to go to bed with her...
"You've obviously got the hots for her." He said.
"No I don't! Shut up!"
"Oh really? So we didn't see you staring at her like a lovesick little puppy the whole time she was singing?" Skull said from where he had taken a seat next to Deuce and already gotten started drinking.
"Guess not, guess we also didn't see her constantly glancing at him either." Deuce replied.
"Well damn. I thought we were gonna have us a cute little pirate romance goin on. Oh well." Skull said.
"Guys knock it off! You can't make fun of me like this I'm the captain!" I said.
"What so you don't want to know that the incredible hot pirate bard is into you?" Deuce said.
"If she was actually into me then sure. But she isn't." I said.
Obviously. There is just no way that she is interested in me like THAT.
"Why wouldn't she be? You're a strong kid and you've got a good head on your shoulders. And you aren't too unfortunate looking." Skull said.
"Yea but she's Ari. She already has a crazy bounty and she's super strong and gorgeous and- and she can sing really well and she's smart. Why would she be interested in me? I'm just, me."
Right. She's my friend and that's good enough. It has to be...
"Oh you youngins and your woes of the heart." Skull said.
"Why are you talking like an old man all of a sudden. Fuck have you really had that much to drink already?" Deuce said while grabbing Skull's mug away from him.
Skull made a swipe for it while shouting, "I'm 30 years old thank you very much! I can hold my liquor just as well as my wisdom!"
Deuce and I both started laughing our asses off at that. While still laughing I went over to the table and poured myself a drink.
After we had been drinking for a little while Deuce, who was the most sober still, brought up a topic of actual relevance.
"I've been meaning to ask Captain, are we gonna stay in the East much longer or are we heading for the Grand Line soon?" He asked.
"Depends, I want to head there as soon as possible but Ari doesn't think that we're ready yet. What do you guys think?" I said while shaking my head in an attempt to clear the slight haze that had formed.
"Eh, how bad can it be? We're a strong couple of guys, we can handle it." Deuce said.
"We are close to the entrance to the Grand Line so it wouldn't take too long to get there if we wanted to go now." Skull said.
"Right, but we should probably stock up on a few more things before we head there. Are there any islands on the way?" I asked.
"There's Logue Town." Skull offered.
"NOPE! Not goin there. Next."
"You sure? Logue Town is the place every pirate in the East Blue has to go before heading to the Grand Line."
"Yea it's the place of the beginning and the end. Even I know how important of a place it is and I don't have even half the pirate hard on that this one does." Deuce said while motioning to Skull.
"I have my reasons. We don't go to Logue Town. I don't care how far out of the way we have to go to avoid it. We don't go there." I said suddenly feeling a lot more sober.
"Alright, I'll have to look at a map but I'm sure that there is something else nearby." Skull said.
"Great. Now that that's settled you guys want another round?" I asked while grabbing the nearest bottle.
"Hell yea!"
Notes:
WARNINGS: No warnings apply
Full Set List:
-Le Festin, AnnaPantsu (english)
-It's Over Isn't It, AnnaPantsu (2019)
-La Vie En Rose, AnnaPantsu (english)
-Maybe This Time, Brooke Falls
-Beyond The Sea, Brooke Falls
All of these songs are on youtube.
So what did you guys think? I had a lot of fun writing from Ace's perspective for this chapter :) Anyways, as always feel free to let me know what you think! I hope you enjoyed it!