Luffy had insisted that we get something to eat, only to find that a meal had already been made by the bandits. After eating, Dadan pushed us into the bathroom and told us to get cleaned up.

I awkwardly fiddled with my bandages before sighing in frustration. I looked up to see the brothers all staring at me and I huffed, slightly annoyed and embarrassed.

"I'm going to need help..." I mumbled, just loud enough for all present to hear.

Sabo gave me an apologetic smile. "I'll help you," he then turned to Ace. "Make sure Luffy doesn't drown."

Ace said nothing in turn and dragged Luffy away to get washed. but gave one last glance to me, I was unable to tell the emotion that crossed his face.

"Thanks," I told Sabo and he shook his head.

"It's no problem, it's least we can do. You saved Luffy."

I nodded slowly and tried to take off the bandages again. When Sabo saw my trouble, he stepped forward.

"Here, let me do it."

I let him take off my bandages and ignored his worried looks at my back. He said nothing and I was thankful. I didn't want to talk about it.

He led me to the bath to get washed and picked up a soapy washcloth.

"Just wipe any excess blood, and don't scrub on to the wound. Just a quick wipe, to not irritate it." I instructed.

"Okay." Sabo worked slowly, carefully.

We were silent, but I could hear Luffy chattering away with Ace while he tried to clean himself. He didn't seem to like baths, but that made sense. He was a devil fruit user after all.

Sabo stopped. "Done." He told me and I slowly got up.

"Thanks," I mumbled, and he started to go forward to meet his brothers but stopped. He turned to face me, noticing I hadn't moved from my spot.

"Aren't you coming?" He asked me.

I shook my head. "No, I'm going to get more bandages." I turned around to leave, unaware of the extra pair of eyes on my back.

I went to Dogra first and asked him if someone could bandage me, he led me to Magra, who was the one to previously treat my wounds.

After that, I found my cloak and left the bandit hut. I told no one, as I was only going to be gone for an hour at most. I quickly made my way into town and to Lily's shop, it was roughly around 5:30...

When I entered, Lily was at the counter. Her emerald eyes fell on me.

"You're late." She said, crossing her arms.

"Sorry..." I mumbled, pulling my cloak more securely over me.

She sighed and motioned me over. "Don't worry, it's fine. Now come, your sword's ready," I came forward and was immediately awed. It was more finely made than I could have expected. The katana was roughly 60 cm, several markings adorned the blade but I was unable to identify what they meant. The hilt was black and had a red string attached to it.

"What's its name?" I whispered.

She smiled. "Levantine," then paused. "Be careful, a sword's name is to not be taken lightly."

I nodded and picked up the blade, admiring the sharp edges and craftsmanship. I then sheathed it, holding it with my left hand.

"Aren't you going to give a few practice swings." She inquired.

I shook my head. "I got injured, on my right shoulder. I don't wanna strain myself too much and give the wound a chance to heal." I explained.

Her forehead creased in worry. "Was that why you were late?" she asked, her eyes falling onto my shoulder.

I pulled my cloak further over me. "Yeah... but don't worry about it, I'm fine. And now that I have my sword, I can protect myself." I smiled assuringly. "Thank you, Lily."

She sighed and ruffled my hair, which I grumbled too.

"Just come and see me whenever you're around, and be careful!"

I grinned. "No promises."

"Brat," She chuckled. "Now get out of here, I've got a business to run." She made a shooing motion with her hand.

I went to the door, pausing to tuck the Levantine in my cloak. "Thank you, Lily"

"You thank me too much, it's really not a problem Lucas," her eyes landed on where I hid the sword. "I do not know what power the blade holds, you will have to find out yourself."

I nodded, saying nothing as I left her shop.

Unlike what I first planned, I didn't go back to Dadan's, instead, I found a small cave to camp out in. I watched as the sun fell, and the moon rose. I admired the stars, finding each one and remembering the stories they told until I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer.

I clutched Levantine, wondering what power it would hold before I drifted asleep.

—

When Sabo and his brothers finished bathing, they found out that Lucas had left. Ace hadn't said anything, unlike Luffy, who shared his disappointment. He couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed himself.

He couldn't help but remember what he saw while he was cleaning Lucas's back. He knew Ace saw it as well.

Lucas had many scars and not just any, but whip scars. Sabo had seen many slaves being whipped, and he knew what it looked like. Was Lucas a slave?

Something told him that wasn't it, that would make sense.

But then, who whipped him? And why?

—

Lucas knew what he was doing was dangerous, no one disobeyed an order from father. But as they say, 'curiosity killed the cat'."But satisfaction brought it back." Lucas murmured, making his way where he heard the scream.

He stopped at the door, it was his father's study. The door was cracked open just slightly, just enough for him to peer through.

What he saw made him gag. He covered his mouth to silence a gasp.

There, his father stood over a maid. Her eyes lifeless as blood pooled from her body. His eyes empty as he stared at her corpse, a dagger in hand.

Lucas knew the maid, not personally, but he liked her. She was kind, talented, and always had the best stories to tell. She saved him countless times from boredom.

And now she was dead.

He took several steps back. And ran.

—

I woke up with a start, drenched in sweat, my breathing labored.

'Dammit, why can't I just forget' I clutched Levantine. 'It's all in the past.'

Wiping the sweat from my face, I stared outside the cave. It was only Dawn, so the air was cool which did me wonders. I took a deep breath, readying myself for the new day. I stood up slowly, my stomach growled and I felt gross.

'I need a bath.' With that thought, I left the cave to find a river I could wash it and hopefully find a meal. Fortunately, it didn't take long.

I put my cloak and sword on the dry ground, and carefully folded my clothes to lay them on a rock.

I waded in the water despite the freezing cold. I splashed my face, sighing in relief. Though that relief quickly disappeared when I noticed a new threat, an alligator to be specific.

I quickly got out of the water and reached for Levantine, unsheathing the blade.

"Levantine," I whispered. "Let's see what you can do." I slashed at the gator, making blood pour into the river and wash away.

I whistled. 'A fine blade indeed.'

—

An hour later I was dressed, had a fire going, and was happily eating.

'I finally got my sword!' Honestly, I doubted anything could ruin my mood right now.

"Lucas!"

'Dammit, Luffy's here.' I quickly finished eating my fill before he could take any from me.

"Meat!" Rubbery arms reached for the rest the gator and I sighed, slightly amused.

"Luffy! You don't just take people's food." Sabo reprimanded, causing Luffy to freeze. His eyes flickered over to me, his mouth stuffed.

I chuckled. "It's not a problem, eat as much as you would like."

Ace huffed, his arms crossed. "That's all of it," he mumbled.

I smiled but said nothing.

"Where did you go yesterday?" Sabo asked, his eyes landing on my sword.

"To get me a weapon," I picked up Levantine, leaving the sheathing on but showing it off proudly.

Luffy's eyes sparkled. "Woah!" He reached for the sword but I swatted his hand away. "I wanna see it!" He whined.

"No. It's a blade, I'm not giving you a blade."

There was no way would I do that, he'd probably cut himself somehow. Then his brothers would kill me.

"He's right, Luffy. Plus, he gave you meat." Sabo reminded him.

"Oh, right! Thanks, Lucas!" He beamed at me.

I gave a half shrug. "Your welcome, Luffy."

—

~4-day time skip~

—

In the last 4 days, the brothers (or at least Sabo and Luffy) included me in their daily activities. Which was hunting, sparring, going to the Grey Terminal, and even into town.

Luffy actually did get better at using his fruit, though mostly it was just his aim. He was actually hitting at his target, so everyone had to put at least some effort into dodging any punches during sparring sessions.

I was currently stronger than Luffy, but not quite as strong as Sabo or Ace. Sure, I won my fair share of matches but in terms of strength, they would defiantly beat me. Of course, I also had Levantine (although I left it sheathed) to help me out.

Ace always hated when I won, but always boasted that he had more wins than me. I frankly didn't care.

Sabo was fun to talk to, we would often talk while Luffy and Ace fought. He had told me of his dream to write a book about his travels, and I, in turn, told him I was aspiring to be a doctor. We often talked about books we had read, and other things that both Ace and Luffy had no interest in.

Ace was slowly warming up to me, his glares less and less frequent. In fact, he would even talk to me, although not without his brothers. I knew that I would have to be the one to approach him.

I wasn't looking forward to that... plus, how would I even begin?

Which led me to Sabo, perhaps he could help.

So while Ace and Luffy were sparring, I took the chance to ask him.

—

Ace and Luffy fought in front of us although a good distance away. Both I and Sabo observed them. "Can I ask you something?" I asked, playing with the hem of my shirt nervously.

Sabo inclined his head, prompting me to speak.

"I- I mean... uh," I gulped, it was now or never. "I want to get closer to Ace as friends... he's really closed off, and I don't know how to even approach him. So I thought..." I trailed off.

Sabo blinked at me, biting his lip before letting out a sigh. "You want help." He clarified and I nodded. "Alright, I'll help you."

My face lit up, and I beamed at him. "Thank you!"

His lips curved upward. "But first, we are going to need a plan."

New chapter! More of Lucas's past, and we finally get his sword.

Sabo and Lucas are getting close. Probably cause Sabo is glad to have someone to talk to about knowledgeable things :D

Quick question. What should be Sabo's plan? I have some ideas but I would like to hear what you all think.

My dad finally fixed the wifi, I can actually get things done easier and faster!

Reviews:

Fundoshi Daikeru- Omg, so sorry for not replying. I only now got your comment, but things like that shouldn't be a problem anymore. Thanks so much for the advise, I really need it and it helps a lot. I've tried to develop my character in these last 2 chapters, and we will see more in the very near future. The sword will hopefully be more descriptive in the future, along with plenty of other stuff. Thanks again :D

Saffron Gales- Here is Lily! and more.

Vongola10- I'm glad you enjoyed!

Push23- Thank you~