A/n: Hey guys! I'm baaack at it with another chapter! Review and tell me what ya think!
-Ryan Marshall
xX~OP~Xx...
Luffy opened his eyes to the familiar ceiling of the infirmary on Shank's ship and tried to lift himself up, but his body wasn't listening to him. As his gaze shifted to the right, he was met with the sleeping form of Shanks in one chair, and his first mate, whose eyes were covered by his folded hands in a chair right beside him.
"B-Benn? Are you okay?" The boy asked in a small voice, small enough to snap said man's head in the voice's direction.
"Luffy! What do you mean 'Am I okay?' Speak for yourself! You scared the whole crew with that stunt you pulled! You are very lucky the doctor came soon enough. With a wound that deep, we really could've lost you. Myself and Shanks especially have been worried sick!"
Luffy drew back a bit, startled and confused by the amount of concern they all showed him. He wasn't sure what the right response should be, but he couldn't help the tears that streamed down his face, "I-I- I'm really sorry! I never meant anything bad, I just wanted Shanks to see how tough I am! I wasn't gonna actually do anything! Ijustcouldn'tseeallofasuddenandthenmyhandslippedand!And!"
Benn wasn't used to dealing with kids in general, so he began to panic at the sight of the fresh tears, but by the end of the rambling, he decided to end the boy's misery and ruffled Luffy's hair.
"It's okay, as long as you don't worry us like that again," the older man said with a smile.
"That's not something that can happen. We'll always be worried about our little Anchor."
"How long have you been up Cap'n?" The first mate asked, seating himself back down.
"Long enough. Doesn't matter, what matters is that everyone's okay. Luffy, could you tell me a bit more about what happened?" The redhead asked with a somewhat serious expression.
Suddenly shy, the boy nodded slowly and retold what he could remember, with each word, Shanks grew more worried.
Not knowing why something this bad happened, the feeling of knowing so little and being in the dark terrified him. His mind was forced to draw it's own conclusions, all of which were not good. For all he knew, Luffy could be dying of some disease.
"That must be what he did! That explains it!" Benn stood up and began pacing back and forth, only unnerving Shanks the more.
"Benn if you know something spill," the redhead said, stopping the man in his tracks, while trying not to get too hopeful.
"Well, at the bar there was a sketchy man who mumbled something to himself around the same time Luffy lost and regained his vision, I believe he's responsible…"
Shanks became relieved that Luffy's blindness probably wasn't something caused by the boy himself; he remained cautious, but was pissed that someone would dare do that to his so- to Luffy, in front of him!
In an eerily calm tone, Shanks asked if the man had any features that stood out, so they could find and kill them. The latter part being left unsaid.
"Well Cap'n, that's where we may have a problem… I got a good look at his face, and he had a birthmark of the sun…"
The color drained from the captain's face as he grit his teeth and broke the chair's armrest, cursing it all.
Meanwhile, Luffy was completely lost, he could tell that Benn and Shanks were very upset by this 'sun mark', but had no idea why. Interrupting as smoothly as he could, he asked Benn who seemed calm enough to answer.
"Um, Benn? I don't know what happened, but I'm sorry if I did anything wrong. I know you guys are mad right now, but is the sun mark bad?"
Benn sat on Luffy's bedside and calmly stroked the confused boy's hair.
"Luffy, you don't need to apologize, you're not why we're a bit mad right now, it's just… Oh! Do you remember what I taught you about the gods not too long ago?"
"Hmm… oh yeah, wasn't it something like, 'the gods were here since the beginning of time-' or actually I think they made time too, well whatever, 'a bit after the 900 year gap in history' a representative for the gods, Hermes, told the humans about them, their existence, and a few of the things they've done like sending devil fruits down to Earth.' A bunch of boring stuff happened and some humans met one of the gods, and they made an agreement because the humans of the time were practically challenging the gods and their abilities. To put them in their place, the gods declared that no human is allowed to interfere with the gods or their business, or else said person will face their wrath. Well something like that…"
Benn chuckled for a moment, "I'm surprised you remembered all that Luffy, I gotta be more careful from now on and stop underestimating you."
Luffy gave a smug grin in Shank's direction as if saying, 'see? Told ya so'.
"Well I didn't go into all the details then, but another thing we know about the gods is that they are divided up into clans, and have a birthmark somewhere on them, proving by blood, which clan they're in. Hold on." The first mate left the room for a minute, only to return with a thick book titled, Mount Olympus.
Since Shanks at some point stole his closer seat on the bed, Benn had to sit a bit further back, but he refused to make his disappointment evident. Opening the book to a certain page, the man let Luffy observe the novel and flip the pages while he explained.
"So these are all pictures of the different clan marks, the one your looking at looks kind of like a clock, that's because it's Chronos's -the god of time- clan birthmark. Keep in mind, not every god is in a clan, there can be as few as two people in a clan, but only descendants of that clan's head will receive such a mark at birth."
As Luffy flipped from page to page, his excitement grew. Having a clan seemed so cool! The marks that left an impression were: the black skull for Hades, god of death as the head, the three water wave lines, with Poseidon as it's head, the crescent moon for Artemis, and the sword & shield crossing each other as Ares's clan.
Shanks was glad that Luffy seemed to be feeling better already, but it didn't change the fear that a god from one of the clans was after Anchor…
As Luffy flipped over to the mark of Apollo's clan, he froze for a minute, "Benn, was this the mark you saw?"
Verifying the mark to his memory, he was now certain, a god of the sun clan tried to harm Luffy. Shanks and Luffy waited for Benn's response, only to find out his suspicion was right.
"So that means the guy you saw trying to blind -well, most likely kill- me was a god? They really do hate me.." the boy tried to joke, but all present knew what he said was only the truth.
"Luffy…" Shanks couldn't take it anymore, and pulled Luffy into a long hug; hoping that he could somehow relay all of his feelings of protection, love and concern to the frail boy who was dealt the worst cards before he was born.
"It's fine, I'm strong! Yeah! I'm still alive, so that means it's not impossible to outsmart these 'gods'... but one thing's been bugging me since I've seen this sun image.."
"What is it Anchor?" The captain said, slowly letting go and giving the boy some room to speak freely.
"Well, I actually have seen this mark before, I just didn't really realize, but I have the same mark on my left hip. What do you think that means?"
The two older mens' eyes widened and the room was silent for a long time. Shanks swallowed hard before calmly asking, "Luffy, could you let Benn and I see the mark?"
The boy raised an eyebrow, but complied with the request. The revelation only confirmed that was indeed the same mark.
"Luffy, do you know who who your parents are?" Benn had to ask.
It was Luffy's turn to go silent, before this point, he only had the pirates, villagers and grandpa. He didn't even think to consider he could have parents, he just kind of thought most people grew up like him.
The question never once came up when he was with Jii-chan, so he just assumed it didn't matter, but now… Everything he knew seemed so cloudy. If he was assuming right, he was part god, and the ones that are trying to kill him, are none other than his own family.
"No, Jii-chan's told me nothing…"
The boy's eyes were shadowed by his hair, so the two men couldn't tell exactly how he was feeling at the moment, but it wasn't positive. Shanks sighed, and lightly pushed the injured boy back against his pillow.
"No matter who you may be related to, or who may be after you, that doesn't change the fact that I will always care about you Anchor, and will always be there for you."
"That makes two of us, you're our precious nakama, there's no way we'd abandon you because of something stupid like blood ties," Benn agreed.
In a previous lesson, Benn or maybe it was Shanks told him about 'nakamas'. The strong bond they shared, they were family regardless of where they came from; family who had each other's backs.
Luffy was somewhat envious of the strong bond they had, as far as he knew, Makino and Garp were the closest things he had to 'family'; other than that, he was pretty much on his own.
Just being considered as someone's nakama was already an honor, but the idea that Benn and Shanks could consider someone like him their nakama made him the happiest person on the planet.
"Really?" Luffy timidly asked.
"Really," Shanks fondly responded.
"Really really?" Luffy confirmed with more confidence.
"Really really, now get some more sleep, when you wake up, I'll give you some chocolate as a 'get well' gift." The boy looked between the two men he admired and gave a blinding smile before snuggling into the covers.
The two pirates didn't comment on each other's growing blush as they left the room.
...xX~OP~Xx...
A week later, a healthy Luffy was happily eating a bar of milk chocolate, while listening to Makino scold Shanks over his health. As he looked between the two, he couldn't help but notice how good they look together.
If he had to pick two people, he'd have to say that Shanks and Makino were probably the closest thing he had to a mother and father, the idea made him quickly shake his head with a small blush.
Before he knew it, he already chewed through the bar, but was still a bit hungry, looking around for more sweets, he stumbled upon a small chest, just sitting there unattended.
Treasure? Pirates love treasure, and finders keepers, so I guess it's mine now!
Discreetly pulling the chest over to himself, Luffy clicked open the box only to find a crimson colored mango. The lean boy's eyes widened at the glistening fruit, and just like Eve, temptation set in, and it was too hard to resist. The forbidden fruit would be a double edged sword that'd change his life forever.
"Ew this tastes gross! Makino said to finish all your food, but this must be an exception… I feel weird."
A boisterous laugh interrupted all partying in the bar as a tall man with a goatee and his comrades followed behind. Walking straight over to Red hair and Makino, all eyes were on him and his next move.
"I'm Higuma, you probably recognize me from my bounty poster, Higuma the mountain Bandit, worth 8,000,000 Beri!"
"Sorry, I've never heard of you," Makino responded without any malicious intent.
The bandit sweatdropped, before shaking it off as if the comment was never said. "Well, my men and I want some alcohol at this… establishment."
"Oh! I'm sorry, we've just run out!"
"Huh?! Then what the hell are all these low lives around me drinking? Water?"
"I've got an unopened bottle of beer right here, you can have it," Shanks said giving the bottle to Higuma with a slight smile.
The bandit smiled back, opening the bottle and suddenly dumping it's contents on the pirate. He and his comrades laughed at the sorry state of the captain, pointing fingers and joining in as they threw items at the man, only to get bored and leave. The bar was silent for a moment, then filled with a good kind of laughter.
"He got you good Cap'n!"
"Now ya reek of booze inside and out!"
"Geez, ya coulda scared him a little…"
Luffy couldn't believe his nakama were just brushing off their captain like that, he could be injured! He felt a little warm as he stood up, but that didn't matter, what did matter was that Shanks could need help. With just a step, he was right on Shanks lap.
The bar was once again silent as everyone stared in shock, Shanks, probably the most bewildered out of everyone continued to open and close his mouth like a fish out of water.
"Shanks, are you okay?! You're strong, so why didn't you fight back? Or protect yourself, even a little?"
Said man recomposed himself to reassure the child that he was fine, "It's just a couple scratches and wet clothes, it's nothin'. Ya know Luffy, something as small as getting a drink spilled on you isn't worth fighting over. If you fight over every little thing, you'll be no better than those bandits. On the other hand, I'm not saying don't fight. There are plenty of reasons to fight, like when someone hurts your nakama, but you'll know when the time is right."
Luffy sighed in relief as he sunk into Shank's lap, slightly pulling back at the strong scent of booze. Shanks just chuckled before suddenly turning serious.
"Luffy I appreciate your concern, but I have a question," the boy stared up innocently into Shank's eyes, awaiting the question. "How did you get from your seat back there straight to my lap so quickly?" And without me noticing?
"Huh, what are you talking about? I just walked over here. Were you not paying attention or something? Or maybe I was in ninja mode without even realizing it! Cool!"
"I don't think that's what ha-"
"Captain! The Devil fruit's got a bite in it!" Shouted Yasopp in a panic.
"What?! How could that be possi- … Don't tell me. Luffy? Did you happen to eat a red fruit that was in a mini chest?"
"Hm, oh yea, I did! Finders keepers! It tasted really bad, I'm sorry but I really couldn't finish that…"
At this point, the captain had too many emotions going through him and could only sigh at his carelessness. Thanks to him, not only did they lose a profitable item, but he also may've just ruined his precious Anchor's life.
"I'm the one who should be sorry Luffy, it's my fault for leaving a devil fruit right there in the open. I'm really sorry I don't know how I cou-"
"Oh, it was a devil fruit? That's cool then. So which fruit did I eat?!"
Does he really not understand the severity of this?
"Luffy do you not understand how serious this is? You won't be able to swim anymore! As far as people in the East blue know, these fruits are myths, you might be treated-"
Luffy's serious tone startled the captain as he said, "Shanks, Benn's taught me all about the fruits, it's my fault for not realizing what I stole. I know very well the benefits and misfortunes that can come with them. Besides," Luffy gave a small smile as he brushed back Shank's hair, "I was never really good at swimming. As for how people will treat me… Well it doesn't matter, I've got you guys and Makino! So what fruit powers do I have?"
Red hair was at a loss, there really was no winning against Luffy. Running his fingers through the boy's hair, Shanks rested his forehead against Luffy's and sighed.
"Your head's a bit warm, are you sick Anchor?"
Still keeping his forehead pressed against the elder, the onyx eyed boy lightly shook his head, "No, but I did feel a bit warm after I ate the fruit and walked over here."
Benn made his way over to the two and stood in front of them, "Luffy, since Shanks is a little slow I'll tell you. You ate the chi-chi no mi or blood-blood fruit, I read once that practically anything blood usually does for oneself internally, the blood-blood blood fruit can do outside the body more or less. I know you can also control your own blood and it's flow, and any other blood that's exited one's body, everything else, you'll have to figure out for yourself. It's an extremely rare find. Just like you," he said tickling the boy.
"Shishishi! Ah! Stop! I give! I give!" Catching his breath, he was able to fully process his new ability. "My power's pretty cool, huh? Oh! I get it! I probably sped up my blood flow which not only made me three times faster than normal, but increased my body temperature!"
Yasopp and Shanks both gave dumbfounded looks at the accurate knowledge, jaws reaching the floor. "What? I pay attention to what Benn teaches me!" Luffy said speeding up onto Benn's shoulders.
"I call that move my-ha... My-whoo… Don't worry, I'm just a little tired, but I think I'll call that move Sugar rush. Sure, what I ate wasn't sweet, but it's practically got the same effects as one, and I'm all outta fuel. I'll work on it, shishishi..." Benn pulled Luffy off his shoulders and onto his arm, effectively cradling him one handedly to sleep.
"Shanks, he doesn't blame you, so just learn from this and let it go… and take a bath!"
A/n: I honestly love when people adore Luffy in general, he's such a muffin. ugh. Well, till next time. Tell me ur thoughs.
-Ryan Sensei