Lo and behold! I present to you, Silvers Rayleigh! He is a badass character! Don't you think? And I read that he was married to Shakki! AHHHH! So cute!
Beta'd by MerryAnchor16
Good day and enjoy reading!
Disclaimer: One Piece is not mine
Chapter 5
Silvers Rayleigh
Everything seemed to move in slow motion as Hachi fell to the floor. Stellar's body stilled and a familiar emotion boiled inside of her waiting to spread like wildfire. She barely acknowledged Chopper dashing over and rolling Hachi on his back, pulling medical supplies from his tiny blue bag. Luffy turned, nothing but fury on his face and anger in his eyes. Zoro drew two katanas, the blades glinting off the lights. Charlos panicked and turned the gun on the swordsman in response. Zoro growled and if he was scared, he didn't show it.
Stellar, on the other hand, was itching to pierce the world noble's chest that she was starting to release small glasses of crystals on her palm. Stellar took a step forward, unaware that the action itself caused the atmosphere to become unbearably suffocating. Her deadly aura caused the others to stop whatever they are doing, their natural instincts screaming for them to run, to leave despite fear overtaking their bodies. Everyone held their breath as the woman with pearl eyes slowly raised her hand—
"He'll be alright!" Chopper chirped as he wrapped swathes of bandages around the merman's chest. Stellar paused after hearing what the doctor said. She let her crystal shatter in the air, her shoulders drooped as she released a breath of relief. 'Thank the heavens.'
Guilt immediately washed over her when she noticed the people still present in the room cried, and fell on the floor, heaving as if they were chased. Some were tensed and shaking while some stood frozen not knowing what to do.
Luffy nodded, seemingly oblivious. "I'm still gonna kick this guy's ass."
Suddenly, the ground trembled as a large wave of power blew out. Charlos dropped the gun, slumping to the ground as he collapsed, unconscious.
"My, what a mess you've made of the place..." Footsteps resounded on the stage behind and a thing smile appeared to Stellar's lips when she heard the voice she knew so well, "I'm very impressed."
Stellar's breath shook, rubbing a hand on her cheek to regain her composure. "Calm down," she whispered to herself before turning to meet the eyes of the person she was looking for from the very beginning. She smiled, though a bit forced but still grateful for her old friend's presence.
Silvers Rayleigh returned the grin, the scar over his right eye crinkling. His white hair was brushed back from his face and his glasses reflected the stage lights, "Stellar, it's been a long time. Perhaps a little too long..."
"I've been... busy," She explained and tucked a hair behind her ear. Yes, busy. Busy running away, afraid of being caught, desperate to be alive.
Rayleigh nodded, fully understanding. "I'm sure you have," He turned to the pirates, "If you're after the money here I'm afraid you won't find any- I've already taken it."
"Who's the old man?" Luffy asked, jerking his thumb in the direction of Silvers. The crew shrugged. The old man chuckled, "I am Silvers Rayleigh. Former Roger pirate and First Mate to the Pirate King."
Every single person in the room became silent.
"WHAT?!"
Luffy nodded, "Monkey D. Luffy, and I'm gonna be the next Pirate King!"
"I'm sure you are," Rayleigh said, amused and turned to Stellar once more, "Now I believe you wished to speak to me?"
"Yes," Stellar confirmed, her voice turning serious. "It's difficult to look for you when you are trying to sell yourself."
"Well you know me, always fashionably late. Plus, there was some money laying around that had my name on it."
"I'm pretty sure it wasn't your money at all." Stellar smiled knowingly.
"You know me far too well," Silvers said dryly, then frowned, "Oh Hachi, where did you get such a wound?!"
Stellar turned and let out a sigh of relief as she saw her friend on his feet. He was being supported up by Sanji and Pappug was sitting on the merman's shoulder. Hachi tried to talk but it looked too painful.
"No, it's okay. No need to explain," The white-haired pirate assured him.
He resumed the conversation with Stellar when a figure stepped out from one of the exits. Leather boots clunked on the floor as a tall man with crazily spiked, blood red hair made his presence known. A heavy fur coat clung to his broad shoulders and he smiled with crimson lips, "So you managed it by yourselves then. Maybe I should give you more credit, Strawhat Luffy."
Beside her, Stellar noticed Rayleigh narrow his eyes, "Eustass. What do you want?"
"To help a fellow Captain out," Eustass' dark eyes locked on Luffy, "Marines are headed this way. Word is they're gonna send an admiral to kick your asses," He turned back to Silvers, "What did you think I was going to do?"
"No one knows when it comes to you, Eustass Kid."
Stellar felt the unpleasant aura emanating from the redheaded pirate. He felt dangerous, untrustworthy. She kept her eyes on him.
"Eustass-ya, what a pleasant surprise."
Eustass visibly tensed, his face stunned for a moment before his painted lips curled in a coy smile, "The same to you, Trafalgar."
The Captain of the Heart pirates seemed to materialise out of thin air. He was leaning against the wall, arms crossed and head down. Next to him, in a large vivid orange boiler suit stood a large, big eyed polar bear, Trafalgar's Nodachi resting in its big paws. Trafalgar's lips twitched slightly, "So, where are Captain Eustass Kid's famous pirate crew?" His tone was mocking, and his voice echoed around the room. The Strawhats were watching intensely as were Silvers and Keimi. Stellar regarded the Captain nervously. Much like Eustass, something about this man made the hairs on the back of her neck prickle in discomfort. She felt the familiar sensation of power, like a warm wave, wash down her right arm but she kept it restrained- she'd only use it if he tried something funny.
She clenched her fist and Eustass spoke again, "I could say the same to you, Law."
Trafalgar's head lifted but his grey eyes sailed past the redhead and locked on Stellar. Stellar's heart leapt, her cheeks slightly coloring, and she brought her arm in slightly in defense. The Captain smirked and looked down at her fist, a fine black eyebrow arching in a perfect curve, "Oh, my crew? They're around here somewhere I'm sure. Why? Are you worried something happened to yours?" He pulled his eyes slowly off Stellar whose heart was still thudding like crazy; she was surprised he hadn't heard it beating.
Eustass' face twisted into a snarl, "Are you suggesting my crew is weak?"
Trafalgar rubbed his left knuckles with his fingers, tracing over the inked letters that permanently printed 'DEATH' into his skin. He pulled an innocent face, "I never said such a thing, Eustass-ya."
"You bloody well suggested it, you bastard!" Kid barked.
Law raised his hands in mock surrender, "Okay, okay, you got me. Strawhat-ya," His gunmetal eyes flickered to Luffy who was watching the conversation with interest, "My crew will take care of the Marines."
"No! Mine will!" Eustass barked, glaring daggers at the Heart Captain. Trafalgar pretended not to notice though the giant polar bear growled threateningly.
"Are you sure, Eustass-ya? I mean, my crew are very prepared and ready to-"
"No, my crew-"
"OI!"
The two Captains looked up from their bickering to see Luffy staring down at them with his arms crossed, "Stop fighting," he commanded. Stellar and Nami smiled, relieved that someone had taken control of the situation.
Luffy pointed to himself defiantly, "My crew is better and we will fight the Marines!"
Nami facepalmed with a heavy sigh that was almost a growl. Stellar almost joined her when a cry split the air,
"Pirates inside the building! We know you're in there Strawhat Luffy, Trafalgar Law, Eustass Kid and Silvers Rayleigh!"
The voice caught the attention of all three arguing Captains and they all turned their heads simultaneously toward the open exit doors, "We demand that you release your captives and the Rosward Family then please come and surrender! An Admiral is on his way and we have you surrounded. Surrendering is your only option and we ask that you do so now!"
Silvers laughed dryly, "It seems I've attracted a little attention, eh? I'm awfully sorry about that."
Stellar on the other hand was panicking. The marines did not know she was present but it only gave her little comfort. Dealing with the marines, especially an admiral was what she badly needed to avoid at all cost. Trafalgar looked at her inquisitively and parted his lips, "What do we do?" He asked.
Eustass frowned, "They have us surrounded."
Trafalgar sighed, "Marines always say that. You shouldn't be so gullible, Eustass-ya."
"Nobody asked your opinion, you freak... And I'm not gullible."
Rayleigh rolled his eyes in Stellar's direction and Stellar nodded in agreement. All the Captains were like stubborn children. Everything was a competition to be better than the other. Stellar cleared her throat to get their attention, "Please stop fighting. We...we're not getting anywhere."
Everyone's eyes locked on her and she faltered in her speech, especially when two smoky grey eyes met hers, she could feel the heat starting to form on her porcelain cheeks, "Oh, um... Well what I mean is that we need... we need a plan of attack," She tried to look anywhere but at the Heart Captain. She could feel his piercing gaze on her, heavy and scrutinizing. His lips twitched slightly.
"So what you're saying is we should team up?" He asked, pushing himself away from the wall and walking slowly and deliberately to stand closer to Eustass and Luffy. The polar bear in the boiler suit trailed closely behind, clutching the Nodachi close. Law stared at her expectantly.
"Yes," Stellar said calmly.
Eustass narrowed his eyes, "Why should-"
"Well I agree with..." Law cut in and looked at Stellar, gestured at her with a tattooed hand.
"Stellar, Stellar Stefwill."
Law smirked, "Well I agree with Stellar-ya. We should work together."
"But-" Eustass started. Law glared at him,
"How about this: we will work together."
Eustass scowled but said no more. Luffy uncrossed his arms and his stern expression gave way for a big smile, "Yosh! I agree with Stellar too!"
Trafalgar's lips crawled into a half smile and he held out a hand into which the polar bear placed the Nodachi delicately. His tattooed fingers curled around the case and his eyes flashed dangerously, he looked at Stellar, "And what will you do, Stellar-ya?"
Stellar felt her cheeks reddening and cursed herself silently for being too shy, "I'm going to free the slaves." She whipped her head to Rayleigh, forcing herself to ignore the intense look of the Heart Captain. "We will talk later. If that is alright with you?"
Rayleigh shook his head at her kindness, "I always love talking with you so I will wait no matter how long it is."
"Forever a sweet talker, Ray." she teased. Just like the old times.
"Hey, Trafal-guy!"
Trafalgar tensed, "It's Trafalgar, Strawhat-ya."
"That's what I said Trafal-guy! Let's go! Yosh!" Luffy crowed, his voice loud enough to burst everyone's eardrums. Trafalgar hefted the Nodachi over his shoulder and mumbled something about idiocy and annoying strawhat wearing captains before prowling off, polar bear and a reluctant Eustass Kid in tow. Before he exited the building, he looked back over his shoulder and caught Stellar's eyes once more. The look he gave her sent a funny feeling through the pit of her stomach and she turned away.
Silvers frowned at her and she shrugged nonchalantly, slipping past him to get to the back of the stage where the slaves were being kept.
Ohoho~ Sexy creepy Law is what I live for! Woot woot! Thank you so much for the review! You all made my day!