Disclaimer: I don't own One Piece!
Summary: She was a mage that ate a fruit when she was 10. She lost her faith in humanity when she was 6, but due to meeting Monkey D. Luffy it was restored and she was forever loyal to him. He saw her in a bar on some island. He had heard rumors of her while she worked with the group known simply as the Thirteen, so he thought it would be a good idea to get her to join his crew. Funnily enough he didn't expect her ties to her adoptive family and just who was protective of her.
Summary will be reworked, but that's it for now. Here's the chapter. Please Review!(I also want to inform people that this is not a crossover of any kind. If it becomes one, I will tell you, but it is not one. I may use some information from here in my other stories, but it will not be considered a crossover. Thank you.)
Chapter Fourteen: Veral island and meeting Kaileara's Master
I leaned against the railing as we slowly drew closer to Veral. Kiyo and Yukina were in their larger forms. Kiyo in her six tailed form while Yukina in her horse sized form. The door opened and I felt Law's energy signature come closer. I spoke without taking my eyes off of the approaching island, "We're almost there. If you have any questions, ask me now."
His energy stiffened slightly before he said, "Do not order me around."
I rolled my eyes, "Do you have any questions for me?"
"What items can we acquire here?" I hum softly.
"The usual and magical items such as fortune telling cards," I answer with a slight smirk, "And a few other miscellaneous items,"
I felt his annoyance over the lack of informations and snicker silently. He glared at my back before asking, "Which bars are good and where can we stay?"
"Sila's bar and grill is a good one," I answer with a slight smile over the memory of it, "The other good bar is Harken's. I think the best inn is marks,"
"You think?" He asked causing me to sigh.
"I mostly stayed in the Hunt. It's a building that houses all the mages on the island unless they have a place to stay," I answer as I turned slightly.
"Will you be staying with us or not?" He asked causing me to nod, "I see then what will you be doing?"
"I'll be meeting with a few acquaintances and few informants before helping you guys out with finding good supplies," I answer with a slight shrug, "I need to find out if they have any important information,"
"What kind of information?" Law asked as he moved to where I was standing.
"Either the movements of the bastard Lux Marian," I answer while moving slightly, "The state of my Nakama, the movements of the Marines, anything that's worth stealing, and the like," I frown softly as I looked towards the island, "I'm also going to be looking for information on someone I've been looking for,"
"Who?" He asked causing me to sigh and pull out a bounty poster before handing it to him, "Yukagishi Isis. The Ether's princess. Wanted for a bounty of over 500,000,000 beli," He handed me the poster back, "Why are you looking for her?"
"She is Nakama," I answer softly, "She was taken from us and I'm looking for the person that took her,"
"You're planning on getting revenge," He stated causing me to nod, "Do you plan on continuing that search while traveling with your brother?"
"Of course," I look back at the island as we slowly drew closer, "I will never give up on finding Isis,"
"Even if she's dead?" He asked causing me to stiffen and swing around to glare at him, "There is a chance your friend could be dead,"
"Isis isn't dead," I spat out as I reach into my pocket and pull a ghostly pink crystal from within, "If she was, this crystal would have shattered and vanished the moment she did,"
"What exactly is that?" I snort at the question and return the crystal to my pocket.
"A Ether heart crystal," I answer as I withdrew my hand, "A special crystal made out of the ether element. So long as the person that made it lives, it will survive. It's a way for the council to keep track of which mages are alive or dead,"
"Interesting," He gained a calculative look in his eye, "Can you make one?"
"It's not hard. It's actually the first spell most mages learn," I felt a small blush rise on my cheeks at that statement, "I however am not like most mages,"
"What spell did you learn?" He asked causing me to cough nervously, "It could have killed you, couldn't it?"
"It should have," I confirm while rubbing at my right arm, "If it wasn't for the spirits liking me, I would have died,"
"The constructions you make is..." He trailed off and I nodded, "Just how taxing is the spell?"
"Taxing enough you should only learn it after you turn 33," I answer with a sheepish smile.
"Is that when your magic settles?" I shook my head, "When does your magic settle?"
"It never truly settles unless you are a particularly weak mage," I return my gaze to the island, "Do you have any information you want? Like on any person, marine routs, and the like?"
"Do you have any information on Joker?" I hum at the name.
"Yes, but the information I have on hand is old," I mentally pull out the books I have on the subject, "I think I have about 3 books filled with information on him,"
"Books?" He muttered causing me to smile.
"I tend to be very organized when it comes to ferreting out information," Kiyo snort and I rolled my eyes at her, "I've been called a packrat because of the amount of books I keep on everyone I've ever gathered information about. Joker has three, but I should be getting some new information on him today,"
"Why?" I hum at the question and shrug.
"He's one of the people I consider a threat and is of personal interest to me," I glance towards Law, "He might be the one holding Isis or have ties to the one holding Isis,"
"Do you know who he really is?" I snort upon hearing that question.
"It was the first thing I found out," I answer with a slight roll of my eyes, "I always make sure to figure out what someones name really is before I go looking for more information,"
"When can I have those books?" I hum softly and shrug.
"By the end of our time on this island," He glared at me for that, "I want to get all the information I can before I do that. I don't do halfs when it comes to finding information. It's bad business after all,"
"Do you just give information to anyone that asks?" I snort at that question.
"That would be stupid," I felt insulted at the thought of me doing that, "I'm too smart to do that. It comes down to payment and if I actually like them," I smirk at him, "You are getting that information for free this time since you did save my ass from Lux Marian," I turn slightly to look at the docks as we close in on the island, "'Sides you're cool, so I don't mind. Next time you'll have to pay for the information you want,"
"How much will it cost me?" I hum and shrug.
"Depends on what information," I hop onto the railing, "Get ready because we're here."
I could feel his glare on my back, but ignore it as my magic moved sharply under my skin. The other members of the crew come up to secure the ship when we dock. I watched as they all worked since I didn't know what I could do to help. Law sent everyone off to do some job and jumped onto the dock. I almost grin as I passed many staring faces and waved to a few that greeted me. Law caught up with me as I walked towards the Hunt and asked, "Where are you going?"
"To check in with the mages here and go see my old master," I answer as I wave to another group of people.
"You seem to be popular here," He commented as a group of girls walked up and the leader pressed a kiss to my cheek before running off, "Really popular,"
"I happened to run missions here and there when I was bored," I shrug as I waved to another group, "I also spent a lot of time fixing up people's broken things. I also spent time running around and talking to people in order to have an alibi for when I pulled pranks," I almost smirk at the next part, "I also spent a lot of time in either the bars or the whore house,"
We pass a group of giggling girls and I pause when I spotted one of my informants among them. She nodded to me and waved her group away while giving Law a confused look as she made her way over to me. She hooked an arm around my shoulder and asked, "Who's this?"
"Trafalgar Law," I answer with a slight smirk as she grew slightly pale, "He helped me out and I'm on his crew until my Pup of a younger brother manages to enter the Grandline," I turn my head to look at Law, "Law this is Ashferd Echo. One of my cousin's that doesn't spend a lot of time on the islands our family lives on. She's also one of the best damn informants I got,"
"A pleasure Ms. Echo," Law said while eyeing her warily causing her to snicker.
"Same Trafalgar," She looked at me with amusement dancing in her white and blue eyes, "So cousin, what's the story between the two of you?"
"Old friend," I answered causing her eyebrows to scrunch together in surprise.
"Lover?" She asked causing me to stop in my tracks.
My mind stilled to a halt and all I could do was stare at my cousin. Law had frozen in his tracks as well and both of us stared at her in shock. After a few moments, I regained myself and growled, "Not on your life Echo. He may be hot, but hell no!"
"But you said old friend," She tried to protest only for me to shake my head vigorously.
"Yes old friend as in one of my first friends," I stress the last two words, "I could never see him that way. The only time old friend means that is when it's female and Andy,"
"Oh..." She blushed and it complimented her red with matalic copper tipped hair well, "Sorry,"
I shook my head and we continue to walk, "It's fine, but where's your partner?"
"Currently in Valkyrie's office," She answered with a sigh, "Traveling here beat his ass,"
I shook my head in sympathy, "The curse our wolves deal with."
"What do you mean?" Law asked as he caught up with us, "What curse?"
"Most of our wolves can't go on long journeys and will be sick if they do," I answer as Yukina butted her head against my back, "Yukina is special due to having the blood of the first wolf in her veins and having eaten a devil fruit,"
"First wolf?" Law echoed causing Echo to nod.
"Yup," She grinned at the thought of telling the story, "The First Wolf is the title awarded to the wild wolf, Romulus. He was the one that first bound himself to a human, our ancestor Kiya the beastal angel,"
"How do you bond with your wolves?" Law asked causing Echo to shake her head.
"Not telling. Clan secret," She looked at me, "You heading in to see Valkyrie?"
"Yeah," I look to see that we were in front of the pristine building known as the hunt, "You going to check on Brut?"
"Yup," She looked at Law, "You taking him with you?"
I hum before looking at Law, "Do you wanna come with me?"
"Yes," He replied causing me to nod and Echo to giggle.
She gave a fake pout, "Damn I wanted to play with you. Ah well," She turned and hugged me before heading inside, "I'll find ya later and give you what I've found since we last saw each other."
I shook my head and looked up at the building that had been my home for six months. The white stone of the building had more splashes of color all over the place than it did since I had been there. The 8 floors of the building were still there on the outside, but knowing some people the floors could be destroyed on the inside. The large gold painted doors gleamed in the light and I rolled my eyes as Law asked, "Are those golden doors?"
"Gold painted," I shook my head head at the very thought, "The midget's that run this place wanted it that color for some bizarre reason,"
"Midgets?" He eyed me causing me to glare at him.
"I am not a midget," Kiyo nipped my ear, "Right we should get going,"
I opened the doors and walked inside. Law followed close behind me as we walked into the entrance hall of the guild. Large portraits of various scenes stood out over head with banners declaring the current masters house sigils. I spotted the Ashferd clan's sigil among them. It was kind of hard not to due to how diffrent it was from the other banners. A howling wolf in silver with the four main symbols of the moon over it's head in brilliant white, a lunar flower tree at it's back in brown and white, a wolf black pup curled up at the howling wolfs side, and a swirling blue/green wave in the background of it all.
Law P.O.V
I watched Kaileara stare at one of the banners overhead. It was diffrent from the others being comprised of more colors, but also from the fact it seemed to radiate a presence that demanded. It was surprising that a piece of cloth could invoke a feeling, but considering the fact it was separated from the others cemented the feeling. It took a lot of me to tear my eyes away from it and look around. The room was rather large with windows sitting on either side of the door to provide light. Torches and odd glowing balls of light helped to make the room seem brighter. Like the outside, the room was made of white stone and covered in splotches of color. A few cracks dotted the various areas with a few weapons sticking out of them. Tendrils of smoke curled from braziers on either side of the two staircases that sat on either side of the large desk in front of us. The woman sitting at the desk seemed rather plain compared to the bright splashes of color that seemed to be the theme of the island. Her hair was a dull brown while her eyes were a muddy green. She wore a brown robe with a peach outline and seemed to be staring at Kaileara in surprise. The only thing interesting about her was the beautiful bird sitting on a wooden perch next to the desk. It looked like a swan with soothing blue, green, purple, and black feathers. It's eyes were a rather beautiful jade color that stared at me. It trilled softly and a sense of peace seemed to settle over me as Kaileara shook her head. Kiyo patted Kaileara's back with a tail as Yukina leaned heavily against her. Kaileara looked towards the front and smiled at the woman. The woman stood up with a bright smile on her face and cried out, "Kaileara!"
"Grace," She greeted the woman softly and moved forward, "And Hera. It has been too long since we last saw each other,"
Kaileara's entire body language seemed to change. She seemed to relax, yet also tensed. Her voice while soft held the undertint of a growl. Her skin seemed to glow slightly, yet the woman didn't seem to notice as she hopped over the desk and embraced Kaileara. Kaileara seemed to stiffen before wrapping her arms around the woman. She grimaced slightly before moving away causing the woman to pout as the bird trilled softly again. Kiyo spoke up, "Grace we need to check in until the log pose sets in two days."
"Of course," The woman bobbed her head and went back behind her desk, "How has your journey been?"
"Fine," Kaileara said stiffly, "Is Master Valkyrie in her office?"
"Yes," The woman answered causing Kaileara to nod and turn to me.
"Let's go," She grabbed my hand and tugged me towards the stairs, "See you around Grace,"
We headed up the right hand stairs and Kaileara was silent as we walked. I spoke as we ascended another two flights of stairs, "Who was that?"
"Hiro Grace," Kaileara answered with a growling undertone, "Someone I am not a fan of,"
"Why?" I ask as we moved down a long hallway with windows on one side.
"She is a stalker of mine that I would rather avoid like the plague," Kaileara grimaced, "I went out with her once and that was the worst mistake I could make,"
"What was that bird?" I ask while trying not to laugh.
"Please don't laugh and the bird is a phoenix by the name of Hera," Kaileara seemed to smile slightly, "Hera is way too cool to be Grace's familiar, but alas she is stuck,"
"Why's that?" I ask as we turned a corner, "And how much longer?"
"Not too much longer," Kaileara seemed to pause before looking at Kiyo, "Mind explaining that one? I'm still not too sure on it,"
Kiyo nodded and turned towards me on Kaileara's shoulders, "Familiar's once summoned by our master and bound to them cannot leave our master's. It is impossible for us to do so without dying. We cannot betray their secrets either for fear of dying if we do. The only time we can give secrets is if our master allows it," She looked at me carefully as if to gauge my reaction, "Hera and Grace fit each other perfectly in the beginning, but since then it has changed. Phoenix's are beings of pureness, drive, and selflessness. Grace has turned into a selfish woman hell bent on using every way possible to gain more magic and status."
"Why did she set her eyes on Kaileara?" Kaileara stiffened at that before shaking her head.
"The banners you saw," Yukina murmured as she looked towards me, "The one Kai was staring at represented the Ashferd Clan. Kaileara is the master of the Lunar element and it's only right that her banner is up there,"
"A master?" I mutter causing Kaileara to nod.
"A master of one a totally new element," She answered with a sigh, "Sometimes I wish I were normal so I didn't have to deal with people like her,"
"You wouldn't be you if you were normal," I comment causing her to look at me in surprise, "I wouldn't have someone to teach me seals or to help me with my finances if you were normal. You would also be very boring,"
She grinned at me and surprised me by hugging me before moving away from me, "Let's go see my master!"
She moved forward and I stared after her before shaking my head. I swear she's going to give me a heart attack one of these days with her Bipolar attitude. I followed after her and found her knocking on a black door with skull markings on it. I gave it a raised eyebrow just as a feminine voice shouted, "I thought I told you bastards to leave me alone unless it was an emergency."
Kaileara turned slightly to smirk at me before shouting, "You bitchy old crone told me to see you immediately should I ever return. Don't yell at me when you damn well know it's me."
The door slammed open and a fist impacted Kaileara's stomach to send her flying into a wall. My eyes widen as a woman stomped out. Pale black hair with a matalic sheen at the end shifted in an unseen wind as black sparks danced along deathly pale skin. Pale green eyes with a jagged black center glared at Kaileara as she slowly detached herself from the wall with a grin. Blue and silver sparks danced around Kaileara's skin. A large bronze wolf walked out as Kiyo and Yukina walked over to greet it while acting as if this was usual. The woman snarled at Kaileara, "Brat what did I say about calling me that?"
"Told me not to, but it's hard since you're an old crone," She replied with a sharp toothed grin, "You deserve it for ordering me around,"
The woman growled and aimed a punch towards Kaileara's head. Kaileara blocked it and sent on of her own. I watched in shock as the two tore the hallway to shreds and only stopped when both were hit with lightning from the end of the hall. Both of them turned to stare at the old man glaring at them. He bellowed out, "Go outside if you're going to fuck around. Some of us are doing important research."
Both woman glared at the man and shouted, "Important research my ass! You're perving on the idiots outside!"
The man glared at the duo and growled, "Shut the hell up both of you."
He turned and walked into an open door before slamming it shut. Kaileara coughed lightly and shook her head. The woman chuckled and smiled, "You've gotten stronger brat."
"Same to you Master," Kaileara grinned at the woman from her place on the floor and stood up, "Miss me?"
"Not really with all of your experiments still prowling around," Kaileara laughed nervously at that, "Good job dealing with the marines. They ended up being replaced due to the severe amount of mental trauma they experienced,"
"Who'd they get replaced by?" Kaileara looked generally curious.
"Oh some branch," The woman, Valkyrie I believe, waved it off, "So who's this?" She jerked a thumb at me, "Did you-"
"Hell no!" Kaileara protested with a blush staining her cheeks, "Law is a friend of mine from back when I still lived with the bastard," She shook her head, "Why the hell does everyone assume that I'm going out with him,"
Valkyrie shook her head, "Considering the fact you're a shameless flirt, we're going to think that until proven otherwise," She turned and looked at me, "Though I have to admit he's hot."
Kaileara shook her head, "You're too old for him master," She looked at me and waved a hand at the woman, "Law this is my Master and Great Grandmother on my Grandfathers side, Ashferd D. Kiri Valkyrie. The master of death magic and head healer here at the hunt," She then turned to the woman, "Master this is my temporary captain and oldest friend, Trafalgar Law. The Surgeon of death and the captain of the Hearts Pirates."
Valkyrie turned towards me with a slight smirk, "Surgeon of Death huh? This will be interesting. Nice to meet you Mr. Trafalgar."
"A pleasure Ms. Valkyrie," The wolf at her side snorted.
"Kaileara actually brought someone polite," The wolf's voice was a deep brass, "How surprising,"
"Shut it Cain," Kaileara pouted at the wolf, "You suck,"
The wolf snorted before looking at Valkyrie, "I'm going to take a nap. Wake me when something interesting happens."
The wolf returned to the room he came from while Valkyrie chuckled. She turned to Kaileara before waving at the office, "Let's go inside and you can tell me all about what you've been doing."
She walked inside and Kaileara turned to me with a slight grin that promised trouble before walking inside. Kiyo and Yukina followed though the wolf stopped at the door and looked at me. She snorted and shook her head, "Trafalgar I can only warn you once, but do take it to heart. When two or more Ashferds are in the same place, you will want to be very careful or run away."
The wolf turned and walked into the room. I stared after her and wondered if I should have just went with Bepo, Shachi, and Penguin on their supply run. I squashed that feeling down and walked inside. It couldn't be too bad after all. It would only be two women gossiping.
End of chapter. Tell me what you think.