Hello friends! Sorry this one took a little while to get out! And sadly that will probably be a trend for the rest of this month since I'm back in school now. But I'm back on break at the beginning of July so hopefully the updates will pick up then. But if this is the last chapter of June (it shouldn't be but idk how much work this class is going to have) then just gimme till July and I should be back at it :)
Also! I'm sure that you will notice that this chapter includes the use of COMAS! I may be a third year in a writing intensive program of study but does that mean that I know how to use comas? Nope it sure doesn't. But you know who does? My lovely new beta! The awesome Wyrdfyre has agreed to help me out! So they have looked over this chapter and have made it better than I ever could! They have also gone over chapter 3 which has been updated. We will probably not being going over the already posted chapters until this story is finished. But hey the upcoming chapters should be better so that is cause for celebration!
Set list:
Beautiful Thing by Grace Vanderwall
Warnings at end of chapter
"Ace!" I screamed as I watched him get hit in the back of the head with a pole.
I immediately jumped off the ship and started running towards the mob of bounty hunters. The second I started sprinting towards the mad as they closed in on Ace's lifeless body. Without breaking my stride I closed my eyes and let my haki and fruit take over. I threw myself into a front flip and grabbed the blood inside the men closest to me. As my body continued it's graceful arc through the air I ripped the blood out of their bodies and used it as a spear to impale the leader, effectively killing the bulk of the bounty hunters. I opened my eyes to see the few men left alive running away and Ace was clumsily climbing to his feet. I walked over to him and he stumbled.
Well at least he isn't dead. But fuck that was close!
I stood in front of him while he mumbled "What the hell just happened?" While holding his head in his hands.
I crossed my arms over my chest and cocked a hip before saying, "You got your cherry popped is what happened."
He looked around as he swayed on his feet and said, "Huh? Why's everything spinning? Wait- why's everyone dead?"
"Well you decided to take a nap so I took care of it."
I told you not to rely too much on your fruit you idiot! Just a few months in and I already have to clean up after him. UGH!
Ace nodded a bit before stumbling over to the side of the docks and throwing up. I sighed before walking over and helping him to stumble back to the ship.
Once we arrived, Ace passed out again and was having a hard time staying awake after he regained consciousness. Deuce looked him over and found that while he had a concussion, he should be fine in a few days.
So a day later, Ace and I were sitting on the deck and he seemed fine.
I will never understand the anatomy of some people I swear. But he isn't trying to train or anything so he'll be fine.
"Huh, so this is seastone?" Ace asked while looking over the staff that the bounty hunter had used to knock him out. "I didn't think it would be so…"
"Effective? Dangerous? Painful?" I offered.
"Strong. I thought it would be looser? More like sand I guess. But this is harder than steel. What's with this stuff?"
I shrugged.
"Seastone is one of if not the strongest materials in the world. It's basically indestructible."
"And how common is this stuff?" He asked.
"Depends on the area. But from here on out, you should expect pretty much every enemy we face to have some form of sea stone weapon."
Not that everyone will of course but he doesn't need to know that…
Then again if he thinks that they do then maybe he will actually think before he jumps into situations...
"Is there any way to defend against it?"
"Haki is one." I said crossing my arms and leaning back against the railing.
"How do you get that?" He asked.
"Pretty much you just have to wait until it awakens on it's own. Sorry I never had any trouble awakening mine."
"When did you get yours?"
"I don't remember exactly but I was probably around 3. But remember, I ate my fruit when I was really young. So the only way that my mother could take care of me as an infant was to use haki, since it makes it possible to grab logias. Because of that I was pretty much constantly exposed to armament haki, which gave me an edge in awakening it I suppose."
Because feeding devil fruits to babies is such a good idea. But hey, at least I got a leg up in combat because of it...
"So then I need to be around someone who uses haki?" He asked looking up at me.
"I can beat the shit out of you if you want to see if that works? In my experience you can't force it. It has to occur on it's own."
And I wouldn't mind reminding you why fighting like a dumbass is a bad idea.
Ace smirked as if he got what I was getting at and asked, "How common is this stuff?"
"Again it depends on the sea. In the New World, pretty much everyone is a master of at least one of the three forms. But here in Paradise it's more of a crap shoot." I said with another shrug.
"Three types?"
"Right, armament, observation, and conqueror's."
"Conqueror's what's that?"
Fucking bullshit is what it is.
"It's an extremely rare form of haki that can't be learned. You are either born with it or you aren't. So I wouldn't bother worrying about it. Besides, even if you do have it, I don't, so I can't help you train it."
He nodded and asked, "Ok, so what about observation?"
Why so many questions all of a sudden? I want to work on my song already!
Instead of whining like a child I said, "That would've also helped you to not get your skull cracked like an egg. Basically it gives you enhanced senses. Ever wonder how I always know where people are?"
"So that's how you do that? I thought you just had really good intuition."
"Well I do have that as well. But it was mostly my haki. My observation isn't as good as my armament, but I'm still better than pretty much any person you can find sailing around Paradise." I said flipping my hair over my shoulder.
"Careful Air, you're sounding a little arrogant there."
"Oh please, given how long and how hard I've trained, I think I've earned the right to be a bit arrogant."
Ace smirked and shook his head before saying, "Ok, ok. So how do you get that? Or is that another 'it'll happen when it happens' kind of deal?"
"Pretty much. Only advice I can give there is to go through a really stressful event? That's how I got mine."
"Right. Ok, well, my head was already killing me and this info dump hasn't really helped at all. I'm going to go take a nap."
"You asked."
"Yea I know but I'm just exhausted all of a sudden." Ace said before falling backwards onto the deck. I leaned over to check on him and he was snoring lightly.
Well that can't be good. But he's just asleep so I'm sure he's fine.
So I shrugged, sat down near him, and pulled out my guitar.
I was working on the melody for Going, Going Gone when I heard Mihar call out from the crows nest, "Marines off the Starboard bow!"
My head snapped up and I got up to go look. I saw a Marine galleon heading towards us but I couldn't see any identifiable traits on the ship.
Who is that? Since the ship is customized then it probably isn't anyone above the rank of Lieutenant.
"Should we attack or wait for them?" Ace asked, suddenly standing next to me.
"Oh good you're awake. It would probably be best to be proactive, but it's up to you." I said.
"Right. Hey Skull, Kotatsu, Deuce - whoever's closest to the wheel bring us around. I don't want to let them get the drop on us. But don't fire first! We don't need to attack them unless they attack us!"
"Did you just tell the cat to take the wheel?"
"Maybe." He said quietly while blushing and rubbing his neck. "My head still kind of hurts."
We were watching the Marine ship grow closer to us as we slowly maneuvered out of it's way when I heard a voice yell at us.
"ADMI!"
No way, was that?
"GET OUT OF THE WAY! I'M COMING OVER!" The voice yelled again.
It can't be.
"Sera?" I yelled back as a person jumped from the Marine ship.
When they landed I saw that it was a young woman in a standard female Marine officer's uniform, justice coat and everything. When I saw her shoulder length blonde hair and huge smile I squealed, "SERA!" And ran to hug her.
She hugged me back just as tightly while joining me in squealing happily.
"Oh my gosh it's been so long! I missed you!" I said.
"I know! But look at you! You look great! Did you do something different to your hair?"
"I finally found the right gradient of blue if that is what you mean. But me? You are looking damn sexy in that uniform! When did you get promoted to lieutenant?" I asked.
"After I got back to HQ from the North." She said waving her hand before hugging me again, "Ugh I did miss you little sis."
I hugged her back.
"I missed you too."
"Uh Ari, do you want to tell us what's going on here?" Ace asked.
I pulled back from Sera to see the guys all standing there, weapons drawn. I quickly said, "Guys this is my sister Seraphina. Don't worry she isn't here to arrest us."
"Hi! I already know all of your names!" She said with a wave.
"Dude! Is that your way of flexing your intel on us?" I asked.
"I mean no, but also yes, but also no. Come on Admi! You're my baby sister I have to keep tabs on who you are dealing with!"
Oh she did not just play that card!
"You're only 2 weeks older than me!"
"But that still means I have 2 weeks more life time experience than you!"
"Bullshit!" I shouted before rolling my eyes and saying. "But whatever we can argue about that later you need to come see the rest of the ship! It's so cute!" As I started pulling her towards the door leading down into the ship.
"This is a MARINE ship! I know what it looks like! But good call taking a 5th rate. They're such nice ships." She said looking up at the rigging.
"Right? Like, I don't know why they aren't used more. Everyone has to have massive galleons these days."
"It's the fucking admirals! They keep saying that 'bigger ships means more intimidation' but um, Hello! Speed is helpful too!"
"Seriously!" I said, nodding in agreement as we walked into the ship.
Sera and I had just finished our tour of the ship and were sitting in my cabin when she said, "In all seriousness, you do look good, Admi. You look happy."
I nodded a bit and said, "I am. Well as happy as I can be, I suppose. But the guys are good people."
"That's good. But how did you even find them? You and that Ace guy founded the crew back in the East right? I thought you said you would never join a rookie crew?"
"I wasn't planning on forming a rookie crew, not really. But after you left, me and Law were talking and I told her about some rumors I had heard about another notorious pirate having a kid. Someone from his crew."
"No shit- really?" She asked.
"Yea, so I figured that, since I didn't have anywhere else to go, I might as well try and find someone that I would be able to relate to in some way. And I did. I wasn't planning on him being so…"
"So?"
I felt my cheeks reden as I said, "Cute?"
"Admi, do my eyes deceive me or do you have a crush on that boy?"
"Well, I mean, I probably should have a crush on my boyfriend."
"ARIADNE! I never thought I'd see the day!" She shouted while slapping my shoulder in excitement.
I pushed her away before saying, "Oh shut up! You have a boyfriend I could just as easily make fun of!"
"NO! I don't! We aren't even friends! Besides, he's a criminal! You know I can't be associated with wanted people- Family being the only exception of course…"
"Well, if you married him then he would be family. Just sayin." I said before bursting out laughing at Sera's expression.
She sputtered and shouted, "SHUT UP!" While she punched me in the arm and I laughed. "Ugh, you are such a little shit. But, I guess that's why I love you."
I tried to tone down my laughing as I leaned over to hug Sera again and she hugged me back.
Once things quieted down again I sat back and Sera hesitantly said, "But how is that going being in a relationship after… you know... "
"Him?" I supplied.
"I don't want to bring it up, but I worry about you."
"I know and I don't want to go into that right now. But so far things have been okay. Ace hasn't tried to take things any further than kissing. So for now, it's fine."
"That's good." She said.
"Yea and if that changes then I'll deal with it." I said with a sure nod.
Right. I can handle that. Besides, if things get too bad then I can always leave. It's not like they would care anyways. Not really...
"You know you can always come find me right? I may be a Marine but you're my sister first and foremost."
"I know, and thank you."
But we both know that I can't take that offer. I can't drag you down with me Sera…
Sera gave me a sad smile before looking around my cabin and spotting the guitar that Ace had gotten me. She picked it up before saying, "Ooh this sure is a pretty little instrument. Did your man get it for you?"
I groaned, rolling my eyes before saying, "Ugh he isn't my man. But yes as a matter a fact he did. Because he's sweet like that."
"Well it's pretty but not really your style. You're not much of a flowers person - you know?"
"I know but those are my flowers so they fit."
"Oh right that stupid Kuja thing right?" She asked.
"Yea,"
"Either way it still looks like a nice guitar. Which means you should sing-"
"No." I interrupted her.
"Oh come on Admi! Just sing my song!"
"No."
"Once? Please?" She begged.
"Why do you like that song so much? It is so awkward!"
"No it isn't! It's the song my precious baby sister wrote for me! So of course I love it!"
"Ugh fine!" I groaned.
I glared at Sera and took a breath before I started singing…
You think that you know my heart
And you probably do
So I'm always with you
I could stay with you for hours
In an empty room
And never get bored
Never have nothing to do
You're my other half
You're what makes me me
What makes me smile
When I fall down and can't get back, get back, get back up
On my feet
Without you here I am boring
Something inside you is triggering
It makes me myself
Makes me funny, you're a beautiful thing
We're a beautiful thing together
Even when the weather is low
You're a beautiful thing
We're a beautiful thing together
Even when the weather is low
We find the rainbow
Up in the sky
You'd say don't you cry, it's all gonna be alright
If we ever gone through a fight oh that would be bad
'Cause you know all of my secrets
But I know all of yours
We make hours turn into seconds together
The weight of the world feel like a feather
'Cause we're holding it right in our hands
You're my other half
You're what makes me me
What makes me smile
When I fall down and can't get back up, get back, get back up
On my feet
Without you here I am boring
Something inside you is triggering
It makes me myself
Makes me funny
You're a beautiful thing
We're a beautiful thing together
Even when the weather is low
You're a beautiful thing
We're a beautiful thing together
Even when the weather is low
You and me
Together, we'll forget what we have been told
We'll live in our own dream world
You and me, forever
We'll forget what we have been told
We will take on the whole world
Without you here I am boring
Something inside you is triggering
It makes me myself, it makes me funny
You're a beautiful thing
We're a beautiful thing together
Even when the weather is low
And that's a beautiful thing
I finished with one last cord before Sera threw her arms around me. She was tightly grabbing my head and squealing, "Thank you thank you thank you thank you!"
"Ugh! Get off!" I said, trying to push her off of me before giving up and saying, "But I'm glad you liked it…"
"Of course I do!" She said with a huge smile on her face. But then she looked at the clock and her smile dimmed a bit. "But I should probably get going soon. I need to get back to HQ."
"Right, don't want to keep the old men waiting!" I said with a smirk.
"No of course not!" She said as we both stood up and left my cabin.
We had just walked back onto the deck when Sera said, "I don't get why you don't like that song. It's always been one of my favorites."
I rolled my eyes and said, "Because it's about you?"
"Not just that! I think it's one of your best!"
"Then you haven't heard any of my new stuff."
"I haven't seen you in months! But sing one of your new ones then." She said planting herself in front of me with her arms crossed.
"I haven't written much lately. I lost my journal and I haven't gotten a new one yet." I said with a shrug.
"OH! That reminds me! I'll be right back!" Sera said before running and jumping back over to her ship which was moored a little ways away.
I was left standing there in confusion for a few minutes until she jumped back. Once she landed she tossed what she was holding at me.
"My bag!" I shouted when I caught it. I immediately started digging through it to find a thick leather bound journal. I flipped through a couple of pages and sighed with relief when I saw that it wasn't water damaged. "Ok good it's not ruined. But where did you find this thing?"
"It was just floating in the calm belt. I have no idea how it got there."
"Huh, well good thing I bought a waterproof bag!"
"Yea but I don't think those things are supposed to last for weeks in the ocean."
"But it was the East Blue." I said with an eye roll.
Sera just nodded and said, "True. But that's the main reason I wanted to stop by. I knew that you would want that stuff."
"Mostly just my journal." I said as I kept digging through the bag. "The rest of this stuff is replaceable, mostly clothes and money. But thank you. I really appreciate you bringing it."
"'Course, anything for you." She said while giving me another hug. "But I have to go now."
"Right. It was great getting to see you!" I said.
"You too! I'll see you around Admi!" She said before jumping away.
I was watching her ship set the sails when Ace walked up to me.
"Well she seems like fun." He said.
"She is. She's always been the nice and happy one out of the two of us." I said with a small smile.
My sister is the best!
"What are you then?"
"I'm the scary one. Obviously."
Ace just laughed and said, "I don't know about scary, but you are definitely the prettiest out of the two of you."
"Are you saying that my sister isn't pretty?" I asked while raising one of my eyebrows.
Tread carefully Ace...
"Uh no? Just you're prettier?" He said, looking uncomfortable all of a sudden before I started laughing.
"It's fine. I don't agree, but thank you for the compliment."
He laughed awkwardly before saying. "So um, she calls you Admi is there a reason for that?"
Ugh that...
"Oh- you caught that did you?" I asked while rolling my eyes. "It's just a really stupid nickname from when we were kids that refuses to die."
"Wait didn't the bartender back on Kyuka call you that too?"
"Like I said. It refuses to die. So pretty much everyone who met me back when I was with the Marines calls me Admi. It was cute when I was little but now, not so much."
"Why do they call you that?"
I blushed slightly before saying, "Because I was an overachieving loudmouthed little kid. I used to run around when I was really little, like 6 saying that I was going to be an Admiral when I got older. So that paired with the fact that most people shortened my name to Adne back then led to them calling me Admi."
"Huh, so it's just short for admiral right?" He asked and I nodded. "Then it's probably because you are so short then, cause you'd be a short admiral."
Oh he did not just go there!
"Ex-excuse me? I'm not that short!" I said.
"You are to me!" He said while laughing.
"You're an inch taller than me!"
"Ya when you're in those massive heels."
I punched him in the arm before saying, "I'll have you know that these shoes are a critical part of my fighting style!" I then flipped my hair and walked off the deck with a huff as Ace kept laughing.
Warnings:
No chapter warnings apply
So how did you all like Sera? She is the only other truly original character in this fic and I'm so happy that I finally got to introduce her! Hopefully you guys enjoyed :) And thanks again for reading!