A/N: Thanks to the reviewers: caedwards, bl0gmOnKeY78, & Taichi L. Yagami. This was one of my personal favorite chapters but it's not going to go the way you think and I say that with a grain of salt; As always enjoy the reading.
A lone figure leisurely walked through a desolate terrain speaking unto itself. The being had not talked to anyone or anything in centuries, only having itself. The moment it waited for had finally arrived after an endless time of waiting patiently. The flowing white hair blew with the light breeze illuminating the white eyes the figure held on it's destination.
The figure gently set what it was carrying in it's arms onto the ground after reaching the reddish glowing tree. The light from the tree's red leaves lit up the darkness around them for miles, acting like a beacon in the desolate land.
It hovered up toward the leaves searching for what it traveled for. "After Adam and Eve ate from the tree of knowledge, God began to fear them. He knew that if they also ate the fruit from the tree of life they would become immortal; they would become gods like him." The being grabbed a red swirly-patterned fruit dangling from the leaves, disconnecting it from the vines that held it in place.
"So he banished his creations from Eden sending them into a world of pain, sorrow, and death. Mankind has waited a long time for this moment."
The figure settled on its knees over what it carried beneath the tree. It cracked the bottom of the fruit open letting the juices leak out.
"Live, Monkey D. Luffy."
"NNNNNU-U-U-H-H." Luffy groaned as his scarred burnt body began to recover instantaneously. All the damage done by the two gods became reversed in mere seconds; only his old scars he received during his ventures on earth remained.
Luffy let in a deep inhale of breath letting oxygen flow into his diaphragm before exhaling loudly and coughing roughly vomiting vile from his stomach.
After a few moments of coughing he examined his unfamiliar surroundings. "Where the hell am I?" He questioned looking around eventually catching the gaze of the being's glowing white eyes. "Who the hell are you?"
"One question at a time mortal I'm sure you have many and I will answer most, but first let me ask you a question... when you perished, what did you see?" It asked rising to it's feet to glare down at the man who rested in a sitting position.
"I-I don't remember..." he said slightly louder than a whisper, his bare body shivered without clothes.
"Try."
Luffy glared at the ground for a moment trying to piece together what he remembered after being consumed by Elyon and Satan's blast, nothing came to mind.
"There was nothing...nothing at all...I shouldn't be here..." he spoke shivering even more from the chills in his body from being resurrected. He figured once he died it would be for good, it somehow didn't feel right being brought back after experiencing that moment of death. But he didn't complain either, he had purpose once again.
"I brought you back for a reason." The being spoke returning his unscathed clothes to his bare body.
Luffy glanced at his usual clothes before turning his attention to the being that continued staring right through him. He stood to his feet slowly trying to regain his shaky balance.
"Alright, now tell me, who are you?" He asked returning it's stare. This mysterious being that brought him back was unlike anything he encountered before. Far different from the gods he fought with earlier. The figure's body appeared translucent, the stars and cosmos around them reflected off it's body.
"Do you know me?" The figure asked much to the irritation of the high councilor.
"No, now why don't you cut the crap and tell me who you are!" He yelled impatiently.
"I have many faces, you have known me as the goddess of destruction." She said transforming into a serpent-humanoid creature with a third eye on it's forehead.
"As the keeper of the Greenworld." He said as the body contorted to that of a broadly built man with leaves covering his tall body and heavy antlers standing at the top of his head. "I am the creator of the universe and the destroyer of worlds."
Luffy took a few steps closer to the cosmic being examining it with curiosity. Nothing could've prepared him for what he was witnessing and he thought he'd seen everything life had to offer.
"I was named Mother Gaia or Mother of Creation, and in your world I walked in human form at one point in time going by the name Christ, Jesus." She said transforming into a tall woman covered with tattoos covering the majority of her body.
"You were him? The man in the book that the Celestial Dragons praised." Luffy spoke connecting the dots in his head.
The being returned to its translucent form once again before answering. "Yes, I walked among the world of humans teaching love and tolerance in a cruel world. However mankind corrupted my message and condemned me to die. The twelve apostles were my heavenly warrior disciples that followed me above God."
Luffy stayed in silence not sure how to respond to the answers he received from this being. He had a thousand questions but supposed he could only ask a few.
"So you created God and Satan? They bow down to you?" He inquired stepping closer to the being.
"My children," it's voice held a certain fondness for a moment before continuing, "do not bow to me, they call me mother. But I am beyond male and female. There is no greater power than me..."
"Its just those two, if you're supposedly the most powerful being in existence how could you only have them?" He asked stepping closer to Mother.
Mother gestured Luffy to follow her out from underneath the tree and beneath the endless stars that decorated the atmosphere.
"I have an endless number of children," she spoke, "too many to count in your language; they are assigned to worlds to create at their desires. However, the two among your world are locked in an eternal struggle willing to destroy what one creates in meaningless childish squabbling."
Luffy took a slight step back at the hint of anger in her otherworldly voice.
"Will they ever stop?" He inquired regaining his composure.
"Who knows? Neither can defeat the other, they are all powerful and immortal. There can be no victory. I allow all my children to make their destiny. I have given them all the guidance I can, but I fear they are beyond hope— Out of all my children, they are my most bitter disappointment, what one created the other destroyed." Mother said turning to face the mortal who continued to stare at her with a bewildered look.
"You said there were other children and you mentioned other worlds—"
"Where to begin... there is far to much to tell and so little time, I'll explain in a way you can comprehend." She said extending her arms out. "Welcome to Earth Prime or as my children call it, Eden—before there was thought, there was this place."
"This place is desolate, why is this the primary earth?" He asked scratching his head in confusion. The place held no life outside the tree and reminded him of a barren wasteland.
"That is one thing I do not know mortal, however—" she held up her palm as miniature holographic earths surrounded the pair. "With free will each decision a mortal makes, they literally create a world; history branches in two, creating one earth where they made the choice and a second where they didn't—that's the secret to the universe you know... Billions of people creating billions of choices creating infinite earths, some so similar you could spend your mortal life searching for any distinction; other so radically different, they defy comprehension—"
"And all the branches originate here." Luffy stated finishing her thought.
She smiled at his understanding of her over explained analysis. "Precisely, every version of reality balances precariously on this singular earth."
Luffy looked interested at the mini holographic earths trying to place one on his hand.
"Try this one." She said as one floated into his palm from above.
"This is a version of reality where you became Pirate King and fulfilled every desire you held dear while keeping everyone you loved safe. Your crew grew to an old age together and raised families. I think you would be amused to see your grandchildren." Mother said with a hint of a smile playing at her features.
Luffy examined the small orb for a moment wondering what his life would've been like if those ambitions came to pass. He would've loved to see that perfect world come to fruition, but at the moment it all sounded like a fairytale—a charlatan of a reality. He soon crushed it in his hand remembering his failures and childish dreams of being the freest man among the seas; his duty at the moment as the leader of the free world gave him everything but freedom.
"Then there is this one." Mother spoke sending another globe in front of his face.
"In this world you and your two brothers joined the Navy at an early age becoming the three youngest admirals in history. Eradicating every pirate and the Revolutionary Army in the name of true justice."
Luffy snorted at the prospect of that ever happening. It felt sickening picturing him, Ace, and Sabo joining the Marines and fighting for those scumbags; he was glad he eliminated them in his world.
"There are many worlds where you sought a different path to obtain your goals. In some you joined the Whitebeard Pirates, Red-Haired Pirates and even replaced your former crew with the supernovas from your generation of pirates—your spirit is certainly one of a kind."
Luffy smirked hearing the last one. Despite his love for his former crew. He wondered how he would've faired if he was the captain of a crew full of supernovas.
Mother held a specific mini globe in her hand smiling at it fondly. "I admire this one however; you and your straw hat family sailing the seas not a care in the world—living each day happily." She let the orb go as it floated into the air with the rest. Swiftly pulling a nearby one before showing it to the high councilor.
"This, is your world." Mother said bringing another sphere toward him. "Despite being a tyrant, you have done well in making the world safe."
A dark look came upon his face hearing Mother's words. "I'm not a tyrant," He growled, "I protect my world not rule it."
"Some do not see it that way; the old you wouldn't see it that way." She exclaimed before pulling more spheres toward him.
"However this is bigger than you, then a single life; Here," she spoke pointing to a globe, "you and your crew are poor, slaves."
"And here your parents never met so you were never born."
"Here, the world ended in nuclear war."
"In this one no fish was ever brave enough to crawl up on land and humans never evolved making it a fishmen world and so on—Ad Infinitum."
Suddenly it clicked in Luffy's head why Elyon claimed his creations were mistakes and less than nothing. They were not mutually exclusive to him nor perfected because of their free will—he saw it as an illusion, claiming all they did was bring chaos. However Luffy knew better, he brought peace to his world ended the major conflicts that effected his home throughout history. Elyon had the demeanor of a pouty child despite being the true God. He whined because he wasn't special among his Mother's children and not favored over his brother.
Mother didn't need to read his thoughts to know what he was thinking, "like the worm that eats it's own tail, my sons are trapped in a cycle of endless destruction."
"And you need me to stop them. Why not just do it yourself?"
"Despite my bitter feelings, I could never destroy my children." Mother stated leaving it at that.
"One last question. If this place is somehow destroyed, what would happen?" Luffy asked trying to no avail to read the expressionless being.
She brought a larger than normal globe into her palm which he assumed was the primary earth. Mother crushed it in her fist causing all the other globes to vanish into nothingness. "Then all reality will cease to exist."
Luffy stood still not believing the words he was forced to accept from the being. In the short time he spent with her he gathered three things, Mother was: Omnipresent (the state of being widespread and constantly encountered.) Omniscience (the state of knowing everything) and finally Omnipotent (having unlimited power.) He didn't know how he could defeat the two brothers but he somewhat trusted Mother; he didn't really have a choice.
"Before we go, you will need this." She said waving a hand over him.
A comforting warmth surrounded his body as a power unlike anything he'd ever felt surged through his veins.
"Use your powers." Mother commanded.
He did so igniting his Dragon form. The once cerulean and black flames were now white and gold. His black appendages turned white along with his eyes, the iris in his eyes turned white as snow. His wings became angel-like arching higher on his shoulders.
"What is this power?" Luffy asked staring at the white/gold flames surrounding his forearms.
"I've given you the powers of an immortal god, in order to face my children. You will banish them from this existence." She spoke opening a spacial rift.
With renewed confidence Luffy jogged into the portal ready to take on the brothers that ended his life, seeking to take vengeance.
—
"It seems you needed my help after all." Lucifer beamed toward his brother.
Elyon sneered, "I didn't need you, if anything you gave him a fighting chance by allowing his alliance into Paradise. You do realize you killed your nephews."
"Don't act high and mighty on me Elyon, you never cared for your disappointing offsprings." He snapped summoning red energy around his fists.
"That's one thing I can't argue with you. Before our fight, we should take care of Paradise. Then we can truly battle for the rightful ruler of the realms—winner take all dear brother." God spoke with a challenging grin.
With a nod of approval the pair made their way to the portal leading to the heart of Paradise.
A loud boom appeared in front of the portal sending the brothers back from their intended destination.
Out of the spacial rift High Councilor Luffy and Mother appeared guarding the entrance into Paradise.
"Mother," Elyon spoke still in shock at the presence of the all powerful being, "w-what are you doing here?"
The devil wasted no time charging Luffy with his fist raised ready to disintegrate the mortal. The high councilor simply rose his hand consuming the demon in white/gold flames.
Elyon appeared in front of Luffy aiming his attack for his face. Unlike before he could easily read the God's once unpredictable movements. Luffy snatched Elyon's fist cracking the bone in his hand before sending him flying toward his brother.
"Lanza del Infernio!" The flaming white and gold lance appeared in his hands basking the barren land in a magnificent light. He snatched the spear aiming directly toward the pair.
Just as Lucifer grasped his brother's shoulder to help himself up. He barley had time to widen his eyes as a glowing spear stopped just before his nose before detonating.
A ferocious wind blew past Luffy and Mother as the land erupted from the explosion, reshaping itself due to the force of attack.
The two gods limped with burned scars and bruises toward the pair. Luffy prepped another lance before Mother halted his movements—she didn't want to witness her sons suffer anymore.
She snapped her fingers as a blue energy encased the brothers trapping them within.
Luffy expanded his feathery wings glided over to the brothers witnessing something truly unexpected. The pair were turned into toddlers—it amused the high councilor.
"Why babies?" Luffy asked glancing toward Mother as the twins squirmed trying helplessly to escape their imprisonment.
"The forms are fitting for their behavior and demeanor." Mother answer earning a slight grin from Luffy, it was the closest he'd get her to being humorous.
Luffy turned his attention to the brothers with a smirk. "What was the plan? A thousand years of war? I took it all away from you! That's what's funny. It's all just a big joke and I just delivered the punch line." Luffy let out his signature toothy grin and laugh.
"How did you do this?! You're just a mortal! You're NOTHING!" Lucifer yelled in his toddler form. It took all of Luffy's willpower not to burst out laughing as tears threatened to form at his eyes.
"He's what I made him." Mother interjected sharply catching their attention. "Monkey D. Luffy has earned this power through his death and suffering. He has proved himself worthy. The brothers' eyes widened seeing the god form of their adversary—he truly transcended from being a gifted human.
"You! You BITCH!" Satan yelled trying to no avail to punch his way out of the entrapment.
"You can't do this! He's a man! I made mankind in this world, not you! He's MINE!" Elyon screamed at Mother letting his fury show.
"I DO WHAT I WILL!" Mother shouted putting the gods in their place. Luffy could only watch the scene with amazement seeing the fear the powerful beings held for the destroyer of worlds.
Mother turned her attention toward the high councilor causing him to shift on his feet; her translucent body, glowing eyes, and unlimited power still somewhat unnerved him.
"You may banish them, I bestow that power upon you." She spoke as a wave of energy passed through his body.
"There's something you could do first, turn these scumbags into their original forms, they're a disgrace to the human race looking like that." Luffy said wanting them to return to their god forms.
"As you wish but be careful high councilor, If I restore their bodies I restore everything else. As you know their appetite for destruction is beyond anything you could imagine." Mother said stretching her arm toward the brothers.
"This won't take long, I just want my payback." Luffy said igniting his hands in white flames.
"Ah yes that's so much better!" Lucifer smirked seeing his original form return.
"Now Luffy you will see the power and the glory." Elyon taunted surrounding his body with blue energy.
Luffy brought his hands together forming another golden and white lance twirling it between his fingers. The standoff mirrored the one before he was betrayed and killed.
"Pointless. No matter the false power you gain it won't be enough to kill me!" Elyon yelled. The brothers shifted together sending a combined blast of energy toward the high councilor.
On cue he jammed the spear into the energy blast as it crackled from the force and velocity of the attack. With a loud grunt he swiped the blast of energy with his lance toward the sky sending it far away, deep into the endless void of the universe.
Luffy closed his eyes for a moment before opening them dashing toward the brothers in a flash. He placed his hands on the middle of their chests forcing them back a few meters.
Lucifer laughed, "that a tickle?" He turned his attention to his brother who tried in vain to break off the white shelling that grew on his body rapidly. Elyon tore desperately at the hard white substance burying his body.
The devil couldn't move his legs as the hardened substance began to grow from every part of his body.
"You coward!" Elyon yelled at his mother. "How can you justify helping a mortal over your own blood, all that power and you can't deal with us yourself—you use a mortal to do your bidding, COWARD!"
Elyon watched his brother vanish being replaced by a 'Monogram of Constantine' cross. His eyes widened knowing where he and his brother were going, they would find no peace, solace, or freedom.
The white substance reached Elyon's neck earning a feral growl from the usual stoic God. "And YOU! HUMAN! You subject yourself to that thing?!
"You're referring to Mother?" Luffy questioned glancing back at the being hovering only feet behind away.
"You should know without her all existence would fall apart and she gave me the power to beat you—that's enough to get me through." Luffy spoke earning another growl from God.
His arm burst through the shelling as he snapped the substance trying to cover his head. "That's an argument only a loser would make! I created you! You don't have a right to—"
Luffy turned his head away as the substance consumed Elyon and a Constantine cross dropped on the ground in his place; it was finally over.
"It's over" Luffy smiled before feeling the god powers fade from his body. The white and gold flames evaporated into the air above him. He dropped onto a knee feeling his soreness return to him.
"You did well, high councilor. Now it's time to return you to your world." Mother spoke as he steadily rose to his feet.
"Alright I just need a few minutes to regroup with my alliance. Can you grant me that?" He asked earning a nod from Mother.
Without any hesitation he sprinted toward the portal leading back to Paradise.
—
Nami couldn't help glance every minute at the portal awaiting any activity from it.
The Regime Alliance gathered below the steps mingling with the citizens of Paradise still celebrating the New Gods defeat. His council huddled up in their own circle awaiting the arrival of the leader. Only Ace and Sabo remained by her side with Scarlett and Zeta standing not to far away.
Without warning Luffy emerged from the portal falling onto a knee disoriented from the trip.
"Luffy!" Nami shouted jumping into his open arms as he caught her swiftly. She cupped his cheeks peppering his face with kisses.
"Are you alright?" She asked placing a hand on his chest steadying him.
"Yeah I'm fine, are you happy to see—"
She cut him off abruptly stealing his lips to answer his question. He wrapped an arm around her waist pulling her to him.
"I get really worried when you run off on your own." She spoke softly resting her forehead on his.
He smiled warmly glancing at her. "It's alright I'm here now, and I'm never leaving you again, I promise." He spoke seeing her return his glance with a smile of her own.
They leaned in to kiss again when whistles and hollers broke them from their embrace. Ace and Sabo stood closest with smirks on their faces looking anywhere but them.
Nami blushed furiously realizing their reunion had become the center of attention. She buried her face into his chest trying to hide her wide smile and burning cheeks.
"Good to see you back brother, I hope everything went well." Sabo stated with a jovial expression. Ever since Mariejois he swore he'd never forgive himself after what happened to Luffy. Now seeing their reunion and her possible return he couldn't help feel happiness pour over him.
"So you won, I'm glad you're alright baby bro." Ace said with his usual smile throwing a thumbs up.
"Are you alright Nami? Did you accomplish what you had to?" He asked pulling back to look at her face that she continued to hide.
"Yes, Ace, Scarlett, and Zeta helped me along the way." She spoke with a smile recounting the group's venture into the New God's fortress freeing their captive slaves.
"Thats my Nami." Luffy stated proudly resting his chin atop her head. He loved how she found ways to help those in need regardless of her own internal struggles. It reminded him she was a survivor in her right and an equal to him rather than someone who needed saving and constant protection.
"You two did well; I'm glad I could help in some small way." Zeta said joining the group.
Scarlett pushed him out of the way draping her arms over Nami's shoulders. "Oh so this is your captain that you've been raving about for so long, I can see why you missed him he is quite handsome." She said with a chuckle.
"Knock it off!" She shouted back playfully at her friend.
Luffy's brows rose at the sight of Scarlett and her all too familiar appearance. "Hey wait a minute, are you related to Rebecca? The pink haired princess from Dressrosa?" He asked causing her eyes to widen.
"Yes that's my daughter!" Scarlett exclaimed excitedly with a smile.
"Oh shishi, I thought you looked familiar." Luffy chuckled seeing the woman's cheeks light up at the mention of her only daughter. "She's my friend and I hooked her up with my other friend Coby, even if they were already friends if that makes sense—huh?" He scratched his head seeing Scarlett on the ground with swirls in her eyes and drool leaking out her mouth. She incoherently said something about her baby girl and dating.
A Medic quickly rushed over to Scarlett calling for squad mates to assist her in reviving the unconscious woman.
"Luffy," Nami said with slight irritation, "why did you tell her that part?"
Luffy took a slight step back seeing her familiar expression. "What part? I uh... didn't know she'd react like that, I'm sorry." He gulped seeing her take a few steps toward him before sprinting after his retreating form.
"Stop running from me!" Nami shouted chasing after him with a raised fist.
"No! You're gonna hit me!"
"Your damn right I'm gonna hit you, look what you did to my friend!"
The council could only watch with amusement among their features seeing the high councilor return to his old self before he officially became their leader. They decided to give them privacy heading away from where the navigator chased her captain into a corner.
"Come on Nami, I didn't mean to do that." He laughed scratching the back of his head.
Nami let a soft sigh after cornering her captain. "Relax I'm not gonna hit you."
Luffy let out a relieved sigh throwing his hands behind his head. "What a relief, for a minute I thought I was gonna have to—"
The navigator didn't let him finish striking him over the head with a growl. "What the hell's a matter with you! You're not supposed to tell a mother that! You nearly gave her a heart attack." She said folding her arms and turning her back to him. She could hear a muffled sorry from his face being buried in the pavement.
A few moments later she felt his arms encircle her waist resting her back to his front. "You don't know how much I missed you, especially when you hit me when I do stuff like that, I miss everything about you." He said softly kissing her shoulder tenderly.
"Luffy." She said breathlessly slightly surprised by his display of affection of her missing presence in his life. She missed him just as much, and it made her feel whole knowing he felt the exact same way.
This moment reminded her of when she would join in on Usopp, Chopper, and Luffy's games of chase. They would all play together until Chopper and Usopp would slip silently away leaving only them on the deck. Eventually the pair would end up on the Sunny figurehead in the same position they were in now.
Nami would hold her arms out as Luffy stretched his to hold her near the edge of the figurehead letting the wind blow through her hair. She remembered the day like it was yesterday, and the words she spoke to him. The navigator told him when she was with him it felt like the closest thing to flying.
In this moment now the breeze blew through her hair once again reminding her she was reunited with her captain. It brought a genuine smile to her face as she turned around crushing Luffy in a tight embrace.
"I missed you so much too, I'm really happy your back. I can rest easy knowing your okay." She said kissing her captain once more.
While they had some private time alone Luffy took the time to tell Nami how he'd taken care of the crew. Luffy gave them what they wanted much earlier in life then they anticipated, making sure they gave up a life of Piracy and their business ventures successful.
"Wow I see, so you've helped them accomplish their dreams. It makes me really happy to hear that you took care of our family Luffy." Nami said with a fondness thinking of the former straw hat crew.
"Yeah they're all safe and happy which is what matters to me. Although they miss you greatly and I'm not around as often." He added a little glumly.
Nami glanced at his expression seeing he wasn't too proud of everything that happened knowing the crew would give up their successes to have her back with them and sailing the seas again.
She rested her head on his shoulder as they sat on the sat on the steps leading up to the tree in the center of Paradise.
"I know being the...high councilor..." she said furrowing her brows, it was strange to call Luffy that. It sounded like he was a singular authoritarian with a title like that—but she knew her Luffy wasn't that type of person. "Is tough because you don't have free time but the crew understands and accepts that because they love you and they're your family."
Luffy nuzzled into her hair wrapping her head tighter to his neck. "You really tell me what I need to hear, I've been really lost without you I—"
"Excuse me, I don't mean to interrupt but someone is here to see you both." Zeta said standing a few steps away.
"Can it wait?" Luffy asked not bothering to look at the new god but rather kept his navigator nestled to him.
"Unfortunately if it were anyone else I wouldn't have bothered you." He stated stepping aside to reveal his grandmother or as he referred to her, Mother.
"High councilor, Navigator." She addressed floating in front of the pair with Zeta close by her side.
"What the hell is that?!" Nami shouted pointing to the cosmic being in front of the pair. Her eyes nearly bulged out of her skull from the shock of Mother's appearance.
"This is the Mother of the Universe, better known as the destroyer of the worlds." Zeta explained.
Nami looked to Luffy for confirmation and he simply nodded as he helped her to stand with him.
"The High councilor knows of my power but I'll demonstrate my power to you girl." Mother spoke handing Nami a familiar item covered in ash.
She squinted at it before dusting the ash off squealing in joy recognizing her Clima Tact.
"Wow you're amazing!" She said toward Mother before extending the tact releasing an all too familiar cloud. Zeus appeared with his rainbow ball-cap and a small front unaware of his surroundings.
Nami let out a black ball from the tact causing him to eat it with a smile. He turned around with tears in eyes seeing his master alive and well.
"Oooh master Nami I didn't think I'd ever see you again, you're alive!" He wailed letting his happy tears fall while embracing the orangette.
"It's great to see you too my friend." She said softly, squeezing the cloud tightly to her.
"You did well high councilor," Mother spoke drawing his attention away from Nami's reunion with Zeus, " but its time to send you and your alliance home. Paradise must be kept pure, with mortals here it will remain unbalanced threatening its existence—there was good reason no humans have been here in its existence." She exclaimed with a neutral tone.
"Alright," Luffy nodded, "ready to go home Nami." He called with a smile earning one back from her.
"She cannot go with you I'm afraid." Mother said catching his attention.
Luffy figured he'd heard her wrong, she must've misspoke. "What did you say?" He asked glaring right at the being's bright eyes.
Nami's eyes widened as her heart nearly stopped hearing the words come from Mother's mouth. She promised herself they'd never be separated but here they were facing it once again.
"Your navigator cannot go back to earth with you." She repeated earning a disapproving grunt from Luffy.
Zeta stepped forward placing his hand on Luffy's shoulder preventing him from doing anything rash at the moment. "I know how you feel but you have to—"
Luffy didn't acknowledge the new god. He simply picked him up by his wrist and arm flinging over him over his shoulder sending Zeta crashing into the bottom steps.
"You think you're going to just say something like that and expect me to just let it happen. I failed once, I'm not letting anything separate us again—not even you destroyer of worlds." Luffy growled.
Zeta sat at the bottom of steps for a few moments observing the high councilor with a bewildered expression.
Before Luffy could step toward Mother Zeta shoulder rammed him into the large tree putting a halt to his hostile movements.
"Luffy!" Nami yelled seeing him crash into the tree. She rose her clima tact toward the new god as he raised his hand to stop her.
"Think rationally right now, I haven't lied to either of you so far—don't do this." He warned.
Nami couldn't deny that he spoke the truth, he'd betrayed his brothers to help them and had intended to reunite them since the beginning.
She lowered her weapon slightly not intending to attack. Zeta also lowered his guard as Luffy approached once again coming to stand next to Nami.
"I knew you were crazy, I didn't think you were stupid." Zeta remarked as Mother placed a hand on his shoulder telling him to step behind her.
"Do not take your anger out on him, he was merely carrying out my will. His purpose was to find Elyon's replacement as the almighty in Paradise." Mother said addressing the former straw hat pirates.
"I'm not doing it." Luffy stated refusing to cooperate with the god any longer for trying to seperate him from his family.
"Not you," mother said turning her attention to Nami, "you girl, you are chosen to be next ruler of Paradise."
Luffy's eyes widened as he turned his attention to a bewildered Nami.
"Me? Why me?" She asked confusion written on her features. It would've made sense if it were Scarlett or Zeta, she was still an outsider and hadn't been here nearly as long.
"I tasked Zeta with finding Paradise's replacement sometime ago. He's been following your journeys' since the beginning. Even after what happened in Mariejois he specifically requested Scarlett be your keeper after Alpha requested you be spied on when you first arrived from Purgatory." Mother explained still keeping a neutral tone.
The realization hit Nami about why Scarlett followed her around so much. Initially she was sent to spy but used that as a cover for her true purpose— a wave of relief washed over her knowing Scarlett had nothing but honest and true intentions from the beginning.
Mother continued on, "your intentions were nothing but noble throughout your time here. The only thing requested was to see your beloved captain again."
Luffy slightly smiled hearing that she asked about him during her time here, desperately wanting to see him like he did her— It brought him some solace.
"You also freed the slaves that were imprisoned over the years that my disgraceful grandchildren kept. From your acts in life and in this one, you've proven yourself worthy to become the next ruler of Paradise." Mother spoke as the pair remained speechless in front of her.
"This isn't right," Luffy said hiding his eyes with his bangs, "she belongs on earth, back with our family!"
Mother turned her attention to the irate high councilor. "This is not fate high councilor; She has her destiny ahead and you have yours, as the ruler of the free world."
"I won't let you." Luffy growled as his hands lit up with cerulean and black flames. "Take her away."
Before he could think of taking a step he felt a pair of arms firmly grasp him from behind stopping his movements. Nami buried her cheek into his back begging him to stop, she didn't want to see him die from the hands of Mother after coming so far.
"You should listen to her high councilor, I could wipe away your existence with a wave of my hand; you still intend to fight me after witnessing my power." Mother said challenging the mortal that dared to oppose her.
"I promised awhile ago I'd die for her, I'm willing to do that right here and now—I don't break my promises." He said through gritted teeth trying to step forward.
"Please stop Luffy." Nami sniffled causing his hands to lose their flames.
He turned to look at her as her face was hidden in his back. "But Nami, I cant let them take you... I can't." He argued.
"I know, I know." She said softly still clutching her body to his tightly.
"Nami I need you." Luffy said letting his arms fall to his sides. He could feel himself losing his strength with the thought of her not being with him after this.
Nami forced him to face her as she wrapped her arms tightly around him not wanting to let go.
"The best I can do is give you a few minutes before the separation. I am truly sorry." Mother said before teleporting away with Zeta.
"Its good to see you again Master Luffy." Zeus smiled approaching the man who rested on the navigator's shoulder.
"Im glad to see you Zeus, I missed you too." He said not breaking his embrace from Nami.
"Zeus can you give us a few minutes? I need privacy with Luffy." She said turning her attention to the cloud.
Zeus's cheeks reddened at her request. "Oh of course sis, I do hope to see you again master Luffy." He said floating toward the large ground down the road.
Nami shifted on her feet slightly feeling warm tears leak onto her shoulder. She could feel Luffy's body shaking from him trying unsuccessfully to hold the heavy sobs in. She wanted nothing more than to cry with him but she needed to stay strong for him; for all the times she cried for and toward him allowing him to see her emotionally vulnerable; She wanted to be the shoulder he could cry on when he was in need like he'd always been for her.
"Luffy..." She said softly holding his head to her chest. He didn't respond wrapping his arms tighter to her.
"Luffy please look at me." She tried to lift his head up but he was unrelenting not wanting her to see him weak like this.
"Luffy, why won't you look at me?" She asked placing a kiss on his forehead noticing his eyes were tightly shut.
"I-I'm afraid...y-you'll disappear and I'll never see you again..." he couldn't help letting out more sobs clutching her tighter.
Nami couldn't help letting out a few tears herself thinking about how his heart was breaking about their impending separation. She had to stay strong for him and remind him he would never lose his strength.
She softly hummed him a song that calmed him down when he woke up from his nightmares about his battles. It had been mainly his fights at The Paramount War, and losing Ace. He would wake up fearing to go back to sleep claiming he was a failure. So she would hold him to her chest humming and kissing him softly until he drifted to sleep— it was something she was going to miss greatly.
She could feel her rhythmic voice starting to calm him down but he still wouldn't look at her.
"Hey Luffy remember that song you taught me when Vivi left and l wouldn't talk to anyone. The one you learned in Foosha Village by the mountain bandits." She said earning a muffled reply from him as he kept himself buried in her neck.
"~The Islands in the south are warm—" she stopped when he didn't budge.
"I know you know the words." She teases with a smile. "Sing with me."
Luffy finally obliged looking into her eyes reminding her of the first time they'd locked gazes all those years ago.
"~The Islands in the south are warm, there heads are really hot and they're all idiots. The couple sang softly looking into one another's eyes. Nami giggles hearing him sing for the first time since that day, it was as beautiful as she remembered.
"~ The Islands in the north are cols, there heads shiver all around and they're all idiotsss!" They sang happily placing their foreheads on another.
"You never did teach me that third verse." She giggled.
"I could never remember it." He said honestly earning a content smile from her.
"I told you Luffy, you sing beautifully." She said with a grin. She was glad to bring some semblance of life back into him, she needed to his face one last time.
"Only for you." He stated wrapping his arms around her waist. "So, new ruler of Paradise huh? Didn't see that one comin." Luffy spoke stating the obvious but trying his best to stay positive for her sake. He knew it was just as hard for her as him; the last thing he wanted was to be selfish and make it about him—because it wasn't, it was about them.
"I would be lying if I told you I saw this coming when I first got here." She said leaning into his hold. They couldn't escape the reality their moment with each other were coming to end.
"Luffy, I know it's going to be the most difficult thing I've faced not having you. But since you'll be on earth, I need to not feel guilty anymore and to live your life. So if that means you move on and find someone else I-I... would understand." She said hesitating to finish her declaration. He could tell it really was one of the hardest things for her to say to him.
He placed his hand on her cheek as she leaned in his palm. "I'm never going to love someone else, ever. My heart stays here with you, its always been with you."
Tears threatened Nami's eyes as she roughly placed her lips on his enjoying their moment together. He gasped silently feeling her passion as she whispered his name while pressing heavy kisses to him.
"I'll never think about another man, because I've had the best one I could've found in life; you saved me from my nightmares killing my monster. Granted me my freedom, gave me a family and home, held unwavering trust in me from beginning till the end and gave me love that could last many lifetimes, all while keeping my smile—for that, my heart always belonged to you Monkey D. Luffy." She exclaimed excitedly throwing her arms around his neck continuing their passionate kisses.
Luffy melted into the moment remembering how Nami had been with him since the very beginning. Through the good times and bad—wether it was working in tandem on Skypiea relaxing after a major victory against Enel or a major loss after potentially losing Sanji to Big Mom when he left them stranded in Totto Land for awhile; She always stuck with him never abandoning his side. If he had to do it all over again he would choose her over any other woman regardless of beauty.
Nami wiped his dampened cheeks stained with tears using her thumbs before placing his straw hat back onto his head. She was more than happy to return the favor he'd given her when she needed strength, and now she returned it wholeheartedly. That moment he placed it on her head on Arlong Park had sparked everything—It was a beginning to their special bond. In that moment he gave her hope and strength in a hopeless situation becoming her first true friend in her entire life. If she could return just a fraction of that to him, it was all she needed to move forward.
"You're my strength as I am yours." Nami stated keeping her arms around his neck. "You'll never lose your strength Luffy, your the strongest man I know. I always be with you, here." Nami said placing a hand over his heart.
Hearing those words from other people didn't mean a whole lot. But after hearing it from Nami, it meant everything. Despite not being the same, he couldn't help smile widely at her words.
"I love you." He stated proudly softly cupping her face between his hands.
Nami's eyes widened slightly hearing his statement plain as day. Hearing those three words from him never got old and made her heart melt every single time.
"And I love you." She said inching closer to his lips once again.
The couple silently gasped for air attacking one another lips cherishing their crucial final moments with one another. As the seconds passed Nami began to worry about his departure.
"Don't leave." She said collapsing into his chest neck holding her palms on his abdomen.
Mother, Zeta, Scarlett, and Zeus appeared to the pair's side signaling the their time was up.
"Time to go." Mother stated catching their attention.
Nami buried her face in his chest as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "Hold me Luffy." She said softly refusing to look at him and not let her tears fall.
"Don't worry I'm not letting go of you Nami." Luffy whispered into her forehead resting his chin there. His arms wrapped around her waist tightly holding her to him.
"Nami, look at me." He spoke after a few moments of silence as he felt hot tears spill down his torso.
"If I do, I'm scared you'll disappear." She whispered softly into his neck.
"I'm right here." He said reassuring her. Luffy couldn't help notice how small she felt in his embrace, he wanted this to last forever but it would end soon.
Zeus and Scarlett began to let out tears witnessing the heartbreaking scene take place. The pink haired woman leaned on Zeta's shoulder seeking comfort knowing the hurt her friend was suffering through.
Mother wiped an unidentifiable wet substance from the corner of her eyes rubbing it between her thumb and index finger. She didn't understand this new emotion she was feeling watching the couple embrace one another for the last time. Humans were truly fascinating, perhaps she began to care after all after centuries of feeling no empathy for anything.
Luffy glanced over at his alliance to see light particles replacing where they once stood—The process was beginning.
Nami felt so comfortable she felt like falling asleep on his chest like she used to. The moment she became comfortable she noticed Luffy's feet fading away into the air.
"Luffy..." She said softer than a whisper glancing up in his eyes.
"I love you Nami." He repeated pulling her closer.
"I love you Luffy." She exclaimed as they shared a last kiss making sure to feel one another's passion.
Nami glanced down to see his legs were gone and he was fading away quicker than she anticipated.
"Luffy, I'll find you this time, I promise."
"I'll be waiting Nami." He said with a small smile feeling his torso start to fade. Nami felt the weight of his arms disappear from her body.
"Luffy..." She said glancing up at him again to see his wide signature smile he reserved for rare moments.
Luffy memorized the lines of her face as she looked upon his. In the last moment he felt her warm hands clutching his cheeks. He seen her gasp silently as the last remnants of him faded away from Paradise before everything turned to darkness.
—
Luffy woke up in a daze examining his surrounding feeling fresh snowflakes fall upon his face; they were back on the Island a few miles off the coast of the Drum Kingdom.
He stood up noticing his alliance slapping hands and cheering at their victory. The high councilor wanted no part of it. Even when he desperately sacrificed everything to get Nami back, his failures continued to haunt him; almost as if taunting him for his loss.
Luffy made his way over to a few trees in the distance leaning on them for support. The moments of their goodbye remained fresh in his mind. For the rest of his life he would relive the words and the passion they shared for one another with those precious moments.
In a flash he clutched his head hearing a loud buzzing and a sharp pain digging into his skull. The old him from his Pirating days that wanted to return wouldn't happen, his failure sparked his rage once more. The universe gave him high hopes only to crush them once again. He couldn't cope with the fact Nami been taken away from him a second time even after all he went through to redeem himself—he was back to square one.
The pain continued in his skull starting to disorient him. His high councilor personality he hid from his navigator threatened his psych; the monster that many feared returned stronger than before his departure. Knowing there was
no redemption out there left to seek, and that he would never find happiness drove him over the edge.
His his jaw clenched tightly as the pain started to subside. The residual pain made him chuckle and cry at the same time, an unfathomable combination. He wanted to cry for his loss of hope for another reunion and failure to bring Nami back. He wanted to laugh from his ironic failure and his unethical deeds being punished by allowing him to be unhappy for the rest of his life.
Still hunched over he began to laugh uncontrollably at his situation clutching his head from the residing pain as tears ran down his cheeks.
The alliance didn't presume anything was amiss except Sabo and Ace. They approached their brother unsure of what happened.
"Brother are you alright?" Ace asked with an arched brow unsure of Luffy's situation. In all the years he'd known his brother, the deadman had never seen him like this.
"Luffy, where's Nami?" Sabo asked placing a hand on his shoulder. His brother's attitude was starting to worry the hell out of him.
After a few seconds his laughing had stopped and he regained his bearings after the pain completely vanished.
"An all powerful being named her the ruler of Paradise, she's not here." He said not turning around to face his worried brothers.
"Luffy...I'm sorry." Sabo said reaching out to his brother again before Luffy's hand halted his movements.
"I'm fine don't worry about me, I've never been better." He said turning to face them finally.
The brothers eyes widened and their jaws nearly dropped seeing the bloody teardrops that stained his cheeks.
"Let's head back to the capital, we got one last peace of business to take care of to ensure this world's safety. Nothing's changed, we're going to perfect this world." Luffy stated stepping past his shocked brothers to meet up with the rest of the alliance.
Ace gave Sabo a worried look before following his brother's trail.
The emperor leaned against the tree not willing to accept what he just witnessed from his brother. Everything from his pained laugh, bloody tears, and cold calculating voice; Sabo couldn't help but wonder how much of the old Luffy remained.
He shook his worry from his thoughts before heading toward the alliance to celebrate their victory. It would be a nice twenty four hours to celebrate but back to business right after.
A/N: Two chapters left, as always thanks for the read.