Merry Christmas!

As my own christmas present to you all I give you the second chapter of Warrior. Sadly I have come to realize that updates on this story will be really slow as I overestimated how much time I would have this year to write. Junior year school work is insane and I regret taking so many AP courses.

Anways I got positive reviews on my first chapter so I am happy to say that this story will continiue, but please if anyone has any feedback feel free to review. Your support keeps me going.

The crew gathered around the lighthouse at the foot of the reverse mountain, smiling she listened in awe to Usopp's stories about the Grand Line.

"I can't believe you've never heard of the Grand Line!" Nami had exclaimed exasperatedly when Miki had quietly asked her where they were.

Nami had called over Usopp and set him loose, occasionally correcting him when he went off topic with tales of his heroic deeds. She sat quietly nodding and smiling at every ludicrous tale about this ocean.

Miki concluded the Grand line was more akin to the spirit world than the home she'd left behind. Filled with impossibility and wonder she couldn't help the rush of excitement that bubbled up as Usopp described sea kings and powerful pirates that roamed these seas.

Eventually, Usopp was called away to repair the broken Merry, cursing and muttering under his breath about straw-hatted idiots as he went.

Standing up from her rock seat she patted at her dress to shake off any dirt. Looking up she caught sight of Sanji. He had been incredibly excited with the fish he'd obtained in Loguetown and was currently engrossed with preparing the monstrous creature. It was nice seeing Sanji like this, focused on his work eyes alit with childlike excitement and anticipation, instead of the usual infatuation.

Wandering over to get a better look she stared at the fish. It was a large creature with a trunk like feature on it's face and tusks poking out from its mouth.

"Miki-tan!" she startled looking up to see Sanji smiling at her brightly, "Can I help you?"

"Oh, I was just wondering if you wanted some help." She said quietly flustered at being caught staring.

"Oh no, I couldn't ask such a beautiful sea creature like you to sully your hands for this," Sanji floundered, but his words made her pause.

"Really Sanji, It's no trouble," She tried to argue only to have Sanji shake his head. The clear dismissal made a familiar anger rise up in the back of her throat.

"Don't worry about a thing Miki-tan, I'll call you over when I've finished cooking."

She scowled at his turned back stomping away to sit on the edge of the coast dangling her feet above the water. She knew the chef meant no harm, but she couldn't help but feel offended by his sexist belief that women were weak, she'd spent far too much putting up with that in her old world. Was it wrong of her to assume it'd be any different here?

Wincing she recalled her words on the ship. She couldn't believe she'd just outright shouted to the world her ambitions. Her dream of becoming a waterbending master was one she'd suppressed since the first day that she'd received healing lessons instead of combat ones. She had contented herself with secret secondhand combat lessons from her brother. She startled and laughed out loud as she came to a sudden realization.

She didn't have to practice in secret anymore, no one here would tell her to stop or punish her for disobeying tradition. A sense of guilt welled inside at the thought of her mother's disappointment, but she ignored it. Reaching into her bag for the waterbending scroll she unrolled it, fingers tracing over the painted images with reverent awe. Placing the scroll down on a nearby rock she stared at it intently.

"The single water whip." She read out loud eyes moving from image to image, it looked simple enough. Positioning her feet in a wide stance, Miki concentrated muscle memory drawing water out of the ocean in a continuous stream.

Letting her arms flow through the motions she bit her lip as she readied herself to lash the water out in a strike.

"Oh my god!"

Caught off guard her control slipped, the water that was coiled for attack backlashed striking her in the forehead. With a yelp, she released the water bringing her hands to her stinging forehead. The whip fell to the land with a splash.

Hissing in pain, she looked over at Usopp who was staring at her with a gaping mouth and bugged out eyes.

"Y..y..you!"

Years of instinctual response had her shrinking away from Usopp hands held up placatingly.

"I..I'm sorry... I didn't mean to.." she stuttered as Usopp continued to stare at her in shock.

"You made the water move!" He shouted.

She winced at his outcry glancing back at the rest of the crew who thankfully seemed distracted with the two weirdos they'd found in the Whale's stomach.

Usopp stared at her, "Are you a devil fruit eater?" He blurted out.

She frowned, "A what?" She asked Usopp.

"You mean you didn't eat a weird looking fruit or something?" Usopp's voice had risen in pitch until it was almost shrill.

She shook her head confused by the question, "Not that I can recall."

"Usopp what's taking so long?" Sanji's angry voice called out from where he stood, "Stop lollygagging, you're preventing Miki-tan from eating."

She froze, the paralyzing feeling of panic took over as Sanji began to stride over angrily towards Usopp, who pointed the finger at her. Suddenly the blonde was replaced with a scowling women who's face promised a coming storm, she tensed fighting back the urge to bolt. As quick as it appeared the woman faded and she relaxed at the intrigued expression on Sani's face instead of boiling fury.

"She's a devil fruit eater." Sanji froze at the words, turning to look at her in shock.

She scowled, "No I'm not, I'm a water bender!"

"A what?" another voice asked.

Miki groaned internally as Nami wandered over eyebrows arched in question followed closely by Zoro, Luffy, the two weirdos, and Crocus the old man who lived in Laboon's stomach.

"A waterbender," She explained, "you know someone with the ability to move and bend water."

Nami's eyes widened, "You what?!"

Miki sighed, "You know what, I'll just show you."

Repeating her actions from earlier she widened her stance and concentrated, bending out water in a small stream.

She gritted her teeth as she attempted to pull in more and more water into the loop around her hands. It grew to be about as thick as her arm before she had to relent to exhaustion. She fed the water in a graceful swirl back into the ocean.

Miki grinned at her accomplishment she turned excitedly back towards the strawhats.

"Eh, Miko that's so cool!" Luffy jumped forwards immediately after she'd finished her demonstration his eyes shining with stars. She took a hesitant step back.

The rest of the crew's reactions were less accepting. Most of them just stood there in varying degrees of shock.

"Girl where did you get that power?"

The gruff voice of Crocus asked his wide eyes gave away his shock.

"I was born with it." She answered honestly. The blue haired girl behind the crew made a sound akin to a dying turtle seal, and her partner's mouth was open in shock. "My father was a waterbender, and I inherited the ability from him."

"Oi, Milo make the water fly again!" Luffy commanded looking at her excitedly.

"Ah maybe later Luffy," She smiled, hyperaware of the stares from everyone else.

"Northern water tribe." She turned towards Sanji who looked thoughtful after his statement, "You said you were from the Northern water tribe, Miki-tan?"

Crocus looked pensive, and Nami's eyes lit up with understanding as Miki nodded in reply to Sanji's question.

"Does that mean, where you live, everyone can do that?" Nami asked.

"Not everyone," Miki shook her head, "The population is split around 1/2 nonbenders and 1/2 waterbenders."

The crew fell silent, Luffy oblivious to the mood latched onto her arm.

"What else can you do Mimi? Can you spit poison, control fire?" He bounced up and down excitedly.

She giggled a little at his enthusiastic reaction, "No, I'm just a water bender, and even then my skills are limited to healing and small bending jobs."

"That's impossible!" the man wearing a flimsy crown screamed, "She's a monster," he pointed accusingly at her, "not even devil fruits give you power over the ocean!"

Miki's eyes widened at the knowledge, she'd assumed in a world seemingly as crazy as this one that water bending would be commonplace. Was it true that no one here in a world with rubber men and whales the size of islands could bend water?

"Oh…" she murmured quietly, besides her Luffy frowned at her sudden mood change.

"What's wrong Miki?" He asked tilting his head cutely in question.

Miki smiled slightly at the adorable gesture, "I'm sorry, I just assumed that there were other benders in a place like this."

Crocus stepped forward at that eyes hardened with an unreadable emotion, "I don't know where you're from girl, but I've traveled all along the Grandline, and I've never met anyone with power like yours." Crocus continued, "You best be careful with how you use that skill, The ability to control the sea has untold benefits and strengths, but reveal it to the wrong person, and you'll be hunted down for your power."

She winced at that an overwhelming ache settled in her chest. Just when she'd thought she was free to bend as she pleased the privilege had been ripped away. Again...

"I'm sorry I won't do it again." She bowed her head in apology.

It was silent for a minute.

"That's stupid!"

Luffy looked at her blankly, "You shouldn't stop using your powers if you don't want to."

Miki wanted to chuckle at the irony in his statement, wanted to blurt out that it wouldn't be the first time, but instead, she just shrugged in a begrudging pseudo-agreement.

"I guess, anyways what's the plan for now?" She asked in an attempt to change the subject, she stared at the two whale hunters who flinched, "Are we really giving them a ride home?"

"Yup!" Luffy grinned widely.

Nami growled turning her rage-filled eyes on to her captain, "We would be if some idiot hadn't managed to smash our log pose!"

Luffy's carefree laughter filled the air and Miki smiled at the boy's seemingly endless joy.

"Here Nami," She walked over towards her bag and dug through it before pulling out the desired object. She handed the log pose she'd bought in Loguetown to Nami.

"The store owner recommended it when I was buying supplies," she explained at Nami's questioning look.

"Thank you!" Nami cried, "At least one other person here has common sense," She sobbed dramatically onto Miki's arm.

Miki patted the other girls head consolingly, smiling to hide the rolling storm of emotions beneath her skin.

-o-

"Spirits!" Miki cursed as the weather shifted once again.

The sudden wind and thunder clouds had her tightening her grip on the rope trying her best to follow Nami's directions in the chaos. It was amazing that Zoro remained asleep during this horrible weather.

Glancing to her left, she saw Usopp blinking his eyes furiously against the water as he tried to secure the sails. A sudden jerk of the ship had him knocked off balance, and Miki quickly dropped the rope she held. Throwing her arms out she froze a small section of ice onto Usopps foot to prevent him from toppling over the rail.

He flailed his arms for a moment, catching his balance he glanced at his foot and up at Miki recognition in his eyes.

"Thanks, Miki!" She gave him a small smile as she grabbed back on to her rope

Again the weather changed, this time the familiar chill of snow made Miki grin in delight. Her fur parka had been discarded in her room along with most of her heavier clothes, but even only wearing black underclothes and her dress, she barely felt the cold.

If only her parents could see her now, she chuckled, they'd be scandalized that she allowed herself to dress so casually in public.

The weather began to settle, and they pulled in closer to Whiskey Peak. Taken aback by the massive rock formations she turned towards Usopp.

"What are those?" she whispered.

Usopp shrugged, "they look like giant cacti."

When they landed, she found herself dragged into a raucous party. Sitting down awkwardly beside Zoro she glanced warily over their hosts. They looked rough and tough and wild, compared to the small contained community at the North Pole.

"Relax a little would you." Zoro grunted pausing a moment in his drinking, "You're making me nervous with how tense you are."

She smiled apologetically, "Sorry, I'm just not used to this kind of…" Miki trailed off with a vague gesture at the rest of the room.

Zoro snorted, "Figures you were some sort of sheltered rich kid."

Miki felt a little hurt by the derisive tone but found that she couldn't argue with what he'd said. Nodding absentmindedly she tried to force her shoulders to relax.

While Zoro might not have the brains of Sanji or Nami she could tell that he had instincts that rivaled warriors like Master Paku. She glanced back up at the stoic swordsman, his approval no matter how grudging and reluctant meant a lot to her.

"Hello, miss, would you care to join me for a dance?" Miki looked up to see a smiling townsman who held out a hand to her invitingly. He was dressed like most of the other's townspeople and had a ruggedly charming grin that was undeniably handsome. His hair was the color of the sand on the beach and was style in a messy sort of wave.

"Ah no thank you." She smiled delicately keeping her expression gentle, "I'm feeling a little tired today, I think I'm going to turn in early."

Bowing her head in apology, she made to leave the party only to be stopped by a hand on her arm she turned to see the straw hat captain slingshot toward her direction.

"Aww come on Miki you can't go to sleep now," Luffy pouted. Miki gave him a reserved smile, "I'm sorry Luffy, I just don't really feel like partying," she answered quietly knowing that if the other man indeed insisted she'd probably end up staying, it wasn't in her nature to argue.

"Why, are you sick?" Luffy drew close to her crossing the line of acceptable closeness between friends.

She shook her head flushing a little, she knew the boy meant no harm, but she was unused to men acting so forward, "N..No just a little tired."

"Well then you have to stay Miki, here have some meat!" The boy's other arm stretched out retracting back with a large chunk of meat in hand. And his grin seemed to widen until it was almost blinding to look at.

Miki smiled at the captain, genuinely grateful for his attempts, but she knew better than to cave in. "Thank you, Luffy, but I really should go to sleep."

She walked toward the back set of stairs that led to their quarters, sparing one last wistful glance at the partygoers. For a moment Miki imagined what'd it'd be like to laugh and dance with the others but she shook that thought out of her head. Turning back she climbed up the stairs.

-o-

"Wow, that was so cool!" Miki cheered rushing up to congratulate the older bender.

"You're bound to pass your exams with moves like that!"

Nanartiq grinned in response, "Thanks, Miki!" The other bender bent a tentacle to give her a sweeping bow, which made her break out into giggles.

In response, she bent out a much tinier tentacle and jerkily made it copy Nanartiq's.

The older boy laughed and reached out a hand to ruffle her hair pulling on the braid in its tight crown. She scowled letting the tentacle drop, so it splashed onto the older boy's boots.

Nanartiq yelped as the cold water soaked his feet.

"You little... you'll pay for that!"

Miki let out a delighted shriek as she ran away from the tentacle that chased her seeking to gain retribution for its bender. The training plaza was filled with laughter, and Miki yelped as she tripped on a stray chip of ice catching herself with her mitten covered hands.

"Miki!" The angry call made her freeze, and behind her Nanartiq made a startled noise dropping the water tentacle with a splash.

"Mother," she looked at the angry woman who strode across the ice and snow.

"What do you think you're doing?!" The woman scowled, and Miki flinched at her mother's fury, "Get up this instant, this is no way for a lady to behave."

Scrambling to get up Miki avoided looking up, her cheeks burning with shame.

"And you!" Her mother whirled towards Nanartiq who took a frightened step back, "You dare to attack a lady of the court!"

"Mother stop!" Miki tried to intervene grabbing onto the woman before she could advance on her friend, "He wasn't hurting me, we were just playing."

She flinched as ice-cold eyes turned to look at her with derision the familiar urge to cave to her mother's demands welled up inside her, but she held her ground. Miki couldn't let Nanartiq be punished for her mistake.

"He was just showing me his bending and I…"

"Which he never should have done in the first place." Her mother cut her off voice cold as the ice that surrounded them.

Nanartiq bowed his head, "I'm sorry lady Aput, it won't happen again."

Her mother looked down on the boy, "I should hope not, it is best that you do not forget your place." Miki wanted to scream and cry as her friend cowed under the woman's scornful gaze and biting words, but she stayed silent.

"Come Miki." She dropped her head with submission under her mother's furious glare. She spared one last glance at Nanartiq who avoided her eyes. Walking away from the training field a solitary tear fell into the snow. The first of many that would mourn the friendship that her mother had ended that day.

-o-

Miki woke to the sound of explosions in the distance.

For a terrifying moment, she thought that they were under attack, that the fire nation had finally decided to destroy the water tribe stronghold of the north.

Then the memories of the past week settled in. Miki was no longer in the North Pole. She was in a foreign land sailing with a crew of pirates.

Making her way down the stairs with gentle steps she looked across the room. It was easy enough to spot the familiar sleeping forms of Usopp and Sanji, but there was no sign of Zoro, Nami or Luffy.

Bending down she nudged Sanji gently, serving to make the other man mumble in his sleep and roll over. He looked like a child who refused to wake up from his nap. Giggling at the sight, Miki pushed a little harder.

Another explosion sounded off in the distance, and she turned her attention to Usopp. Neither of the two pirates woke with her nudges, and she began to worry that something was seriously wrong. What if the others got into trouble…

She bit her lip looking out the bar window to see what looked like a fierce battle raging in the distance. Mind made up she made a silent apology to the two sleeping on the floor checking around to see if anyone else was around before bending out water from a nearby cup and dropping the liquid on their heads.

"Agh!" Usopp shrieked flailing his arms beside him, Sanji lashed out with a kick that had her skidding back sharply.

She wheezed in pain at the force of the kick clutching her side. It felt like fire had burst across her ribcage and she struggled to take in a breath.

"Miki-tan!" Sanji called out in horror as he realized who'd he had attacked, "I'm so sorry my sea flower did I hurt you?" He rushed forward hands steadying her heaving shoulders.

She blinked at the nickname, "Ah no Sanji, its fine."

He looked ready to argue eyes glancing over her with a concerned look, but thankfully Usopp interrupted, "What'd you do that for," He gestured aghast to the water that dripped out of his locks.

"I'm sorry, about that but you wouldn't wake, and I believe something is wrong." Miki said bowing her head in quick apology before pointing out the window. Right on cue, another explosion lit the night sky.

Usopp let out a tiny squeak, and Sanji's eyes focused sharpening with attention.

"Those idiot ruffians probably dragged poor Nami-san into trouble."

Miki raised an eyebrow at the blonde's grumbling, but nevertheless stood back and let the other man lead the way out of the bar.

As they exited the blonde stopped in realization "Miki-tan," she looked up as he turned to look at her, "You should head back to the ship, it'll be safer for you."

Her eyes widened "But.." she trailed of biting down the feeling of resentment and rebellion

Stupid Stupid she berated herself frowning, You know better than to disobey, you'll only get in his way.

"Of course Sanji," she acceded voice flat and calm like the sea before a storm, "I will await you and the rest of the crew at the Going Merry."

Sanji smiled gratefully, and she felt her calm expression waver, "Thank you Miki-tan!"

He whirled around on Usopp, "You go with her, if anything harms Miki-tan, I'll personally boot you into the ocean."

Usopp squeaked his consent and rushed to her side as Sanji turned around racing down an alley.

She watched him go, the sound of shoes hitting the ground echoed through the silent town. Turning she made her way towards the docks Usopp following behind her.

-o-

"Vivi you should eat something, it will do your country no good if you starve to death," The blue haired princess looked up at her words as she set down a plate filled with Sanji's cooking. Vivi had excused herself from dinner claiming that she was not hungry, but Miki could tell that Igaram's death had hit the princess hard. It had been a long time since the Northern water tribe had lost warriors, but deaths were not uncommon in the unforgiving cold of the arctic pole.

The princess nodded, "Oh thank you Traveler-san." She accepted the plate but made no move to eat the food.

"You can call me Miki." She took a seat beside the other girl, "I am unaccustomed to this place's customs of address, so I apologize for any liberties I take." She apologized with a polite bow of her head.

Vivi blinked at her, "Ah no it..it's fine."

The two fell into companionable silence, and Miki glanced once again back at the princess. Vivi reminded her of Princess Yue. Both of them were kindhearted and cared a great deal for their people, and both shared the look of a woman with the weight of the world on their shoulders. Miki had always liked Yue, the two had shared experience conforming to tradition, but while Miki had always struggled to meet societies expectations, Yue had excelled.

Vivi shifted where she sat wincing in pain.

"You're injured," Miki observed startling the other girl.

"Oh uh just a little scraped and bruised, Bushido-san is very strong." Vivi chuckled nervously, shivering at the memory. Miki felt sympathetic, Zoro was scary as an ally, she couldn't imagine what it'd be like to fight him as an enemy.

"If you'd like I could heal them for you?" At Vivi's questioning look she held up her hands, "I have training as a healer," Miki explained.

Miki watched as Vivi pondered her offer and when the other girl nodded her assent, she instantly shifted forwards.

"Let me see the injury."

Vivi flushed a little before reaching down to roll up her shirt revealing a dark looking bruise. Opening her water pouch Miki coated her hands in water placing it on the damaged skin she concentrated until her hands begin to emit a familiar blue glow.

Vivi gasped, embarrassment forgotten as Miki willed the body to heal.

"Healing is a branch of waterbending taught to females." Miki answered the silent question with a patient smile, "I've never been very good at it, but I can cover the basics."

The glow died out as the last of the bruise faded.

Miki felt a rush of satisfaction at her accomplishment, Vivi watched as she bent the water back into her pouch. Once finished Miki closed the top and Vivi let her shirt fall back into place.

"If you want I could also fix that shirt for you?" Miki pointed towards a tear in the top Vivi wore. Out of all the things Miki had been forced to learn sewing was probably the only thing she really enjoyed and fully comprehended.

Vivi remained silent, and Miki frowned, maybe she had pushed too hard. "I'm sorry I don't mean to be overbearing." She apologized standing up to leave the Princess alone.

"Why are you so nice to me?"

Miki turned to Vivi who looked confused and distraught.

"What do you mean?" She cocked her head in question.

"I mean why are all of you helping me!?" Vivi exclaimed, "You're putting all your lives at risk and you barely even know me." The princess made wide exasperated gestures with her arms. "I mean why…" the blue-haired girl trailed off looking down defeatedly at the floor.

"Well, I can't speak for the others." she said softly, "But I'm doing it because I think you're a good person." Vivi looked up at her words, and she held the other girl's imploring gaze.

Vivi was suffering, anyone who knew her situation could tell. Any princess that put the well being of their people before their own deserved the blessing of the spirits. Yue had been saved as a child by the spirit of the moon, but Vivi still suffered under the weight of her people's lives.

"Your people are lucky to have you, Princess Vivi, you are much stronger than you know." Miki said quietly before turning back to the door. She was already gone when Vivi started to cry.

Thanks for reading and Happy Holidays!

Y.H Night