High Roll Arc Episode 3

He rules this Island! Dark Alucard!

Robin was able to convince Luffy to sleep on it and come morning she would tell him and the others everything Dealer Bruno had relayed to her. Over breakfast she did. She explained to her curious nakama that Candy had come to the Grand Line with Dealer Bruno, Jack Black, Roulette and their captain Dark Alucard. Luffy mentioned Snoot and Robin sighed sadly. Dark added Spade King to his crew in Whiskey Peak and following an eternal pose they headed for High Roll.

In those days the city was struggling to survive. The reigning governor was old and prone to feebleness. From within Pony Race and another of the Seven, Diceman worked to depose the old man. Dark Alucard stepped in and seized control of High Roll. A man of great wealth with many friends in high places, in no time the town prospered. Dark poured money into High Roll as if it were a limitless resource. He catered to the super rich personally and of course pirates like Crocodile. Sir Croc had sold Alucard some of Alabaster kingdoms oldest treasures.

The common man was beyond content with Dark's rule. Not only did the city flourish but soon nearly all hint of crime vanished from the streets. The citizens had no idea that those who broke the law were quickly executed and disposed of. High Roll was a busy place; malcontents were never missed around here. Only those in the self proclaimed governors employ had any idea what was really greasing the gears of High Roll; blood money and a lot of it.

Dark Alucard considered Candy one of his most prized possessions, the bird that sang sweet melodies for him. She was showcased nightly at his palace. He controlled her with fear and threats to the people. After Snoot was killed Roulette stepped in and took over Candy's training, but not music or table manners. It was the jealous woman's job to teach the girl to fight and she did. Alucard had to make sure his idol could defend herself from crazed fans and marauding pirates.

"Amongst the Lucky Seven there are devils fruit users, "Robin warned. "Bruno himself was forced into eating a fruit after Alucard took over High Roll. It was the only way Alucard would allow him to stay at Candy chan's side as her protector."

Sanji exhaled a cloud of smoke. "So that's how it is ne? Candy chan is a prisoner. Her friends too."

"I can see why she would be afraid to come with us," Nami sagged a little.

Luffy had finished his breakfast and was staring at his empty plate. "There has to be something we can do. We have to get Candy chan out of here."

"What about all the people that will die if we do ne?" Zoro scoffed. Cowards and weaklings used hostages and the swordsman wasn't afraid to fight a devils fruit user.

"We have to save them too. We can't let Dark Alucard just kill whoever he wants," Luffy replied.

"So," Zoro adjusted his swords. "We'll just overthrow his little organization ne?"

"We'll do what we have to." Luffy got up and stepped away from the table. "I think I'll go see Candy. She can explaine some things to me."

Zoro frowned. "See her now? You don't even know where she is."

"La Palacia," Luffy was pretty sure. He grabbed Ussop by his sleeve. "Come on lets go."

"Me?" Ussop looked up at Luffy. "Why me?"

"I need you to see in there and find Candy."

Ussop absent mindedly adjusted one of the lenses on his goggles as he got to his feet. Luffy needed a snipers eye to find his girlfriend in the castle. "Ah sou ka. Okay then, let's go."

"The rest of us will do some asking around town," Sanji puffed. "Find out if Dark or the Seven have some kind of weakness in their strategy. They can't control everyone right?"

Luffy nodded at Sanji. "Yosh! We'll meet back here for lunch."

Dark met with the Lucky Seven each morning at 9 am sharp, this morning was no different. Roulette went over the books and handed out their paychecks. King turned in ships manifests and Jack just had to bring up the fan boy from the club last night. Black Jack had seen his wanted poster in the lobby later that evening. "Mugiwara Luffy was after Cherry last night Dark san."

Alucard lifted his eyes to Bruno. "Luffy from Foosha Village? The pirate kid with the huge bounty on his head?" Interesting and unsettling. Candy had told Dark all about him too.

"It was of little consequence," Bruno kept a straight face. "I didn't let him bother Cherry sama."

Roulette adjusted one of her bracelets. Luffy was the name of the boy that Candy went on about sometimes. "Is he going to be a problem? Do you require some assistance guarding Candy from such a dangerous pirate ne Bruno?"

Bruno shook his head negative and Dark laughed. "So Mugiwara has finally come for his nakama has he? Tell me is Nico Robin with them?"

Race had checked out the noisy pirates sometime after Donetta spoke to them in the restaurant. "She is as is the pirate hunter Roranoa Zoro."

"A dangerous lot ne?" Diceman blew on his hot coffee. "They made quite a mess of Enies Lobby."

"I'm sure the marines would gladly pay the bounty on their heads," Trump Card smiled. "They're worth a fortune."

Alucard laughed again. Indeed they were. "King, you find out which of our government friends are closest to High Roll now. Jack, Diceman; you gentlemen go and extend an invitation to Mugiwara Luffy for me. I'm very interested to meet this pirate captain. Perhaps doing business with him would be more profitable then giving him the business." He laughed again and they laughed with him.

Luffy and Ussop made their way towards La Palacia and then the rubber man took them to the roof tops. Candy's tower was high above them, but Ussop could see onto her balcony and into her room with his scope. Someone was moving around in there. "I think it might be her in her room."

"Yosh!" Luffy stretched am arm back.

"Choto mate yo Luffy!" Ussop tried to stop him. "I haven't determined if she's alone."

It was too late, Luffy was going for it. His right hand shot forward and Luffy grabbed one of the golden bars on the balcony. "I'll be back!" He launched himself toward Candy's room leaving a distraught Ussop behind. Luffy squeezed through the bars and stood up outside of Candy's room. He heard music and headed inside.

Candy was almost done with morning aerobics when a voice startled her from behind. "Sugee sugee! This is a really nice place Candy chan!"

She spun around and saw Luffy gawking at her big open room. "Luffy?! How the hell did you get in here?!" Candy reached over and flicked off her tape. "You can't be here are you crazy! I can't have a guy in my room!"

"Ora?" Luffy quit taking in her girly room and looked at Candy. His eyebrows went up at the sight of Candy in her tight work out leotard. So it wasn't just my imagination. Candy has grown into a woman. "Uhh…"

"What are you doing here?" she stomped his way. "Are you trying to get us killed baka!"

"I came to see you. I wanna talk to you Candy chan."

Candy blew out a frustrated sigh. "You shouldn't be in my room Luffy!"

He shrugged his shoulders. "Aren't your friends allowed to come and visit you?"

"Not men! Not in my room! Jeez, you want Alucard to kill you?"

No boys allowed ne? "That reminds me Candy chan; I never did ask if you have a boyfriend."

She hit her stupid friend in the head. "Of course not baka! Why the hell would I?"

Her smack didn't hurt much and Luffy chuckled. "Well you are pretty Candy chan."

For a moment she was caught off guard. Luffy thinks I'm… she shook her head. "Aho! Alucard would never allow something like that. Bruno wouldn't stand for it! You're just as slow as ever monkey face."

His smile never faltered. Dark was protecting Candy from everything, especially guys her own age. "Well I guess that's good. At least there won't be any teary goodbyes when we sail away from here." Luffy chuckled again. Deep down he was glad she didn't have a sweetie; his heart told him Candy really belonged with him.

Candy went for her towel and wiped the sweat from her brow. "I already told you Luffy, I aint going nowhere with you. I can't! And you shouldn't be in here! This is a woman's room!"

"It's your room Candy chan."

Her friend was as dense as ever. "A man doesn't go sneaking into a woman's room baka!"

"Oh? Why not?"

"It's perverted!" Candy hit him in the head once more for good measure.

That punch did hurt just a little. "Wait a minute Candy," Luffy rubbed his aching crown. "I didn't come here to get freaky with you."

Yes, he was her friend and yes, Luffy was simple but that last bit was too much for her sheltered sense of decency to handle. "Deme Luffy, you creep!"

Uh oh! From the looks of things his dear Candy chan was about to beat the crap out of him. Luffy backpedaled dodging punches and kicks like he had never seen her pull off before. Wow, she's gotten really good! "Yamero Candy! I didn't come here to fight either!" He had no choice, if Luffy wanted to talk to her first he was going to have to take her down. It was like that when Candy chan got really pissed off about something. The floors were marble too hard and the couch was one of those fancy girly lounger things too small. With no other option left to him Luffy did what he had to do. He met her charge and grabbed her by the wrists. Before she could struggle too much he jumped back pulling Candy with him.

Luffy slammed her down on her bed. He added insult to injury holding her down with his rubber body. "Deme!" she hissed up at him. For the first time in her young adult life a man was on top of her in her room in her bed! "You've become quite a fiend Luffy!"

The last time Luffy had wrestled Candy down she hadn't been nearly as soft. Luffy raised up on his arms a little so he wasn't squishing her chest between them. Her sea green eyes glared at him and Candy's cheeks were the color of roses. "Calm down Candy chan. I just want to talk to you."

"Oh? Is this how you talk to all the girls' ne Luffy?" She didn't want to use it on him, she didn't want to hurt Luffy but she saw no other way to get him off. She summoned the strength in her bracelets glad she never took them off. "Come Edelbrock!"

Candy's hands trembled in his grip. Quick as a flash she regained control of her right hand and slapped him across the face. Luffy's head rocked to the side and for a moment he was too stunned to move. That hit wasn't normal, not a normal hit and not the kind of smack Candy had ever given him before. She called something, but before that she said… Luffy caught onto her implications and frowned down at her. "Oi! Don't you get the wrong idea here Candy chan! I'm not some menacing pervert that goes around attacking women!"

She would just have to hit him again. "Sure you're not. That's why were wrestling in my bed ne? Idol slap!" Candy's right hand broke free as she pushed herself to sit up.

He wasn't as careless this time and Luffy regained control of her hands before she could hit him. He found now the source of the power she called on, it was in her bracelets. The stone in the center of each emit a faint gold light. So did the rings attached to them on a silver chain. "Ne, what's this?"

"Let go!" She struggled against the jerk in her lap. "Get offa me!" Candy tried again to throw him off.

Luffy didn't want to throw her around, didn't want her to think he was a pervert, didn't want to hurt her but it looks like I'm going to have to do all of those things today ne? It made him kind of mad and his frown deepened. "Knock it off Candy!" he was only as rough as he had to be yanking her arms behind her back still it was enough to hurt her and Candy cried out. "Damnit stop fighting me!"

Candy had lost this battle but not the war. She hung her head and tried to catch her breath. She remained still for a minute and Luffy's hold on her slowly relaxed. "Why did you come here?"

"I want to talk to you about Dark Alucard and the Lucky Seven."

She cut her eyes up to the man that was once the boy her heart loved most. "You gonna rob the place? Fight the Seven? Steal Alucard's treasures?"

"No," Luffy shook his head. "Just you."

"Stop it already Luffy. I told you I'm not going with you!"

He brought his face closer to hers and squeezed her arms a little. "Yes you are! It's an order!"

They were eye to eye. ""You can't order me around Luffy!"

"Why because I wont kill everyone that doesn't follow my orders?"

"I won't leave those people!" her stomach was starting to hurt. Just the thought of leaving, the very idea of wanting even for a moment for Luffy to grab her up and take her away... Her eye twitched as she fought the tears.

Luffy lowered his voice. "I won't leave them to die either Candy, but I'm not leaving High Roll without you."

"Why wont you just go away?" it was too much to hold in and the first miserable tears fell.

He had seen her cry when they were kids, she didn't like to do it then and it looked as though she still hated it. The sight of it in his child's eye had broken his heart, now as a man it did the same. "You're my nakama Candy." Luffy let go of her wrists and wrapped his arms around her. Luffy hugged his sniffling friend to him.

At first she startled, but as soon as Luffy's arms were around her she hid her teary eyes against his shirt. "Luffy…"

She settled against him and he smiled. Even if she was sad it was good to hold his Candy chan again. "I've missed you." Ten years had changed them both, but some things were still the same. Candy's body was softer and much more fun to hug now I wonder if she'll still let me put my head on her chest while she sings to me but she smelled just like Luffy remembered. He inhaled deeply sniffing at her ponytail. "Cherry flavored sweet tarts and sweat."

Candy stopped crying and looked up at Luffy. "Eh?"

Luffy smiled down at her. "Cherry sweet tarts and sweat. That's what you've always smelled like."

Sweet tarts and sweat? Her eyebrows twitched into a tight frown. Sweat?! "Baka! What the hell kind of a thing is that to say to a girl who is crying?!"

He swallowed hard and blinked at her. She seemed offended. "Uhh… I don't know?"

She couldn't help but laugh at him. Luffy was a big dummy with no manners after all. "You're a hopeless idiot."

"But you're not crying anymore are you Candy chan? See? It's just like when we were pirates on Hell Ship." His smile was huge and Luffy giggled. "See Candy, you need me."

I do. Candy sighed. "Alright Luffy. I'll tell you what I know but before I do that…"

"Yes?" he leaned in to hear her better.

"Idol slap!" Candy smacked Luffy in the face again and he wobbled. She threw him off and he hit the floor with an oomph! You couldn't hurt a rubber man much with punches and kicks but it did soothe the nerves. Candy sprang after Luffy and stomped on him about a hundred times. "You don't come into a woman's bed chamber! You don't tell them they smell like sweat either!"

Luffy guarded his own jewels and took Candy's whooping. He supposed he had it coming. It was ten years over due. Laughing he begged for reprieve. "Oww Candy! Stop it hurts! No more!"

Black Jack and Diceman headed down to the pier. The Strawhat's ship was all the way down on dock 19. "Suppose anyone will be there?" Diceman wondered.

"I hope somebody is. I don't feel like running all over High Roll looking for that monkey kid."

Diceman grinned. "Monkey D Luffy. He's Cherry bird's old pal from East Blue aint he? She gets excited about that guy."

"She better not get too excited," Jack frowned. "Dark san will kill that guy if he puts a hand on her."

"Bruno too if he doesn't do his job ne?"

"Bruno," Jack grumbled thinking about what King said to him earlier. "He better do his job. He better keep that pirate away from Candy."

He spotted the Strawhat's Jolly Roger. "There's their ship. Let's hope somebody's home."

Sanji and Robin had already gone off to gather some information; Zoro was lost in the city. Chopper was guarding the ship today until noon. He was amidships when he noticed two men in suits standing on the starboard rail. Tentatively he started their way. "Oi, who are you, what do you want?"

Diceman blinked. "Is that a blue nose reindeer?"

Chopper heard that and transformed into his larger more menacing form. "Who the hell did you say has a blue nose!?"

Jack frowned at the creature he assumed was Tony Tony Chopper. "A zoan type."

"Eh?" Chopper turned to the other suit. "Who are you guys?"

"I'm Black Jack and this gentleman is Diceman. We work for governor Dark Alucard."

Nami hadn't left the ship yet but she was about to when she heard voices outside. She stepped out with the pieces of her weapon in her hand. "Oi Chopper, what's going on here ne?"

He had an eye for beauty and weapons. The red head that came out of the aft castle was holding something questionable between her fingers. "We've come to extend an invitation to Monkey D Luffy and his crew. Dark Alucard would like you to be his guests at La Palacia tonight for dinner and drinks," Jack said and bowed slightly to her.

Alucard?! Nami stayed composed. "Oh is that so?"

"Our boss has many friendly relations with pirates and marines," Diceman put a hint of warning in his tone. "Dinner is at eight. Do try not to be late."

Chopper straightened. It sounded like a challenge to him. Dark wants to find out what he's up against if we fight for Candy chan!

"Understood," Nami held her ground. "Eight o clock at La Palacia. We'll be there."

"Nami?" Chopper turned to her.

"See you then." Jack Black nodded at Diceman and the two disappeared over the side of the ship.

Chopper returned to his comfortable form and stepped toward Nami. "Nami, why did you do that? It was clearly a challenge!"

"Its dinner and drinks tonight," Nami replied with a frown. "The fight will come later but for tonight; it will give us a chance to see the faces of our enemies. We have to go."

He sagged some. "Sou, I guess you're right Nami."

Nami tucked her rods into the big purse over her shoulder. "I'll go find the others and tell them what's going on. Stay on your toes Chopper."

After Candy beat Luffy up a little they sat on the floor in her room in front of the open balcony doors talking and catching the sea breeze. Candy told him everything she could about Dark Alucard and the Lucky Seven. There were indeed devils fruit users among them and they all excelled at martial arts. Within the group of seven were Spade King, a former marine and devils fruit user. He was Dark's number one man. Sir Croc himself had given King the Sand Sand Fruit to eat shortly after they arrived in High Roll. Jack Black had eaten the Puddle Puddle fruit and could turn himself into water. Pony Race had eaten the zoan type and could call on the powers of a wild mustang. Her beloved old man Dealer Bruno had also eaten a fruit. He could turn anything he touched into stone.

Roulette, Candy chan's sensei and Alucard's squeeze fought with bracelets like Candy did only Roulette's were much more powerful and Kai came with anklets as well. The power of the wind god Kai resided in Roulette's weapons. Diceman was the swordsman of the Seven. He used a short sword and a katana mostly but he could throw a kunai with deadly accuracy as well. The last and newest member of the Seven, Trump Card, Candy had never seen fight or even practice, but he did pack some heat under his jacket. Card was a real in the shadows kind of guy.

At the top of the malicious chain was Dark Alucard. Candy didn't know what the hell fruit he had eaten, but his powers were scary. He could move fast, strike hard and suck the life right out of an opponent. Candy had seen it once. It was terrifying.

Before Alucard laid claim to High Roll the peaceful people of the city worked to govern themselves well and were making great progress. Most of the original officials were killed in the first attack, but a few survived still. There were those that questioned Dark and the Lucky Seven in the city too, mostly people who had friends and loved ones turn up missing.

Luffy turned his face into the breeze and let it knock his hat back. Candy had explained things to him in a way he could easily understand just like math. Luffy took a deep breath of fresh air. So we'll have to take out all of those bad guys so Candy can come with us. "Yosh."

"Do you see why I don't want you to fight these people Luffy? They're dangerous."

The workout and the wind had messed up Candy's hair. Long blond strands hung in her eyes. "We're pretty dangerous too Candy chan."

Candy sighed and stood up. Luffy was a hopeless idiot. "Don't go getting all macho on my account," she grumbled. "I aint askin you to save me. I don't need saving. I need you to go away."

"I think you need saving. I think High Roll needs saving. It's no good when bad guys are in charge."

"Like it really matters in a city like this?"

Luffy got to his feet and stood before his scowling friend. "Sure it does. Dark and the Seven prosper better then everyone else. They kill; take hostages and gods know what else. I can't leave a bunch of villains like that in charge. My nakama won't stand for it either."

"Luffy," she warned.

"There are people here in High Roll that can take over and do a better job right?"

She thought of Elton, a survivor and bit of an anti Dark activist. He was slated to die should Candy run away. "Well, yeah I guess."

"Yosh! We'll take out the bad guys and let the good guys have their city back."

For a long moment Candy just stared at him. Luffy had always had a strong sense of justice and pride. He always oversimplified things. He always leaped before he looked. He hasn't changed a bit. No, that wasn't quite true. He's finally taller then me. Candy had to look up into Luffy's eyes. Luffy is…monkey face is a man now. "Luffy you don't understand…"

"When the bad guys are done and you have a choice," Luffy reached over and took one of Candy's hands in his own. "You'll come with me Candy chan. We'll sail the Grand Line together. We will live our dream just like we promised."

Su…Sugee! For just a moment Luffy looked like the hero in one of the old serials chapter plays Elton played sometimes down at The Broken Barrel. The wind tossed his hair and Luffy gently squeezed her hand in his. Candy looked down at their hands to hide her warming cheeks. Snap out of it! It's just Luffy!

He wasn't going to let Candy run away or hide her feelings from him. He knew she wanted to go with him. His free hand went to her chin and Luffy tipped her face up to his as he spoke. "I'm not leaving here without you, got it?" He blinked surprised at the color in Candy's cheeks. Uh oh did I get her mad again?

"Idol slap!" Candy knocked Luffy's hand away from her face and retrieved her other. "I'll do whatever the hell I damn well please monkey face, and you!" she pointed a finger at him. "You shouldn't touch women so familiarly."

Luffy chuckled. "But I don't Candy chan."

"Yeah sure ya don't," she grumbled.

"No really I swear. It's just you. I guess I just must be used to touching you or something. Remember when we used to wrestle in the mud? That was sugee! We probably can't do that now though since you grew boobies and all."

"Idol slap! Idol slap! Idol slap!" She smacked Luffy up a little dizzying him for a moment. "Deme Luffy you creep! You don't say things like that either!"

From his beaten stupor Luffy apologized, "Gomen Candy chan…."

Candy sighed frustrated. Hopeless idiot! And he's going to save High Roll? "Keh, alright monkey face I'll tell you something else. If you really want to know about what to do for High Roll go back to The Broken Barrel and talk to Elton san. John Elton is the piano player but he was also on High Roll's ruling counsel when Alucard took over this city. Elton was spared so he could teach me informal piano. He'll be there after five."

That was some pretty good information coming from someone who didn't want to be rescued. Luffy grinned. "John Elton ne? Is he the one that would take over managing High Roll?"

She lifted her nose in the air and turned away from Luffy. "I guess. I'm no good with politics Luffy."

Luffy was sure he and his nakama had the strength to take Dark and the Lucky Seven, and now Candy handed him the next governor of High Roll. "Yosh! See? I knew you wanted to come with us Candy!" he moved to hug her again and Candy put up a hand to stop him.

"I told you what you wanted; now you have to go. It's too risky for you to stay here. If Roulette found you in my room she'd have our guts for guarders!"

That sounded troublesome. Luffy didn't want Candy in trouble and he didn't want to fight in her nice girly room. "Alright Candy I'll go, but I want to see you later."

"I have to sing tonight. After that I'll probably head over to the Barrel."

"That Bruno guy gonna let me near you?"

"I'll take care of Bruno."

Luffy smiled. "Yosh! Let's have some fun together later Candy!"

She laughed at him a little. "Yeah okay Luffy."

He pushed past her hand and gave Candy a big hug. "I'll see you later Candy chan."

Candy rolled her eyes and hugged Luffy back. "Get out of here monkey face. Get back to your nakama. I'll see you tonight."

Luffy collected Ussop from the rooftop. The sniper was annoyed. "You left me on that roof for over an hour; baka Luffy! Just what the hell were you doing alone in Candy chan's room with her for an hour ne you hormone?"

"She told me stuff, lots of stuff."

Ussop didn't think that was the whole story. Luffy still had faint handprints on his face. "Oh? Then why did she beat you up?"

"I told her she smelled like sweat and that we couldn't wrestle anymore cuz she has boobs now."

His jaw dropped. "Wha?! You said something like that to Candy chan?!"

The captain shrugged his shoulders. "Why not, it's true. Candy always smells like cherry sweet tarts and sweat, she always has since we were kids."

"That's when you were kids baka! You aint kids no more!" Ussop was aghast.

"Yeah I know, we grew up. That's why I said we can't wrestle around like we used to. I could end up with big boobies in my face or I could pop a woody or something. Wouldn't that be embarrassing?" Ussop almost fell over and Luffy burst into laughter. "Ussop! You're too easy to tease!"

"Luffy! Ussop!" Sanji's voice called from further up the street. Nami and Zoro jogged along side him. Sanji was waving them over.

"Oi mina!" He started dragging Ussop their way. "Let's go Ussop."

They regrouped back in the galley aboard ship to exchange information. Nami told them all about the invitation to dinner and Luffy was glad to accept. He wanted to meet the bastard that held his Candy chan prisoner. It took Luffy quite a while to spill out all of the things Candy had told him about their enemies and about this city. Robin and Sanji had scoped out the locals and asked some questions around town. They decided as a group to meet Alucard for dinner and then head over to The Broken Barrel and talk to John Elton about a change of governor.

"Stay sharp everyone," Zoro advised as they readied to go to La Palacia for 'dinner and drinks' with Dark Alucard and more then likely, the Lucky Seven.

Candy's first set ended around seven thirty just like usual. Alucard was waiting for her backstage though tonight which was uncommon so early in the evening. "Alucard sama," Candy forced a smile. "Did you see the show?"

"Of course I did Candy chan!" Alucard went to her grinning. He loomed over her. "Such divine talent and you look lovely tonight." He took her face in his hand. "I've invited some friends to dinner. I'd like you at my side when I dine with my guests Candy chan."

She repressed a shudder like she always did when Alucard put a hand on her. Ever since Snoot… "Hai Alucard teichou!" she beamed. "I am always happy to serve you."

He grinned like a shark. "Of course you are my pretty little bird."

The Strawhat pirates were greeted by Roulette and she escorted the lot of them upstairs to Alucard's private dining room. The table was huge; it could easily seat an entire crew. Near the end sat five more of the Lucky Seven. Roulette introduced all present; only Trump Card was missing and it made Luffy wonder. As captain he introduced his nakama and they sat to enjoy some wine while they waited for Dark Alucard. They didn't have to wait long.

Alucard came in with his songbird on his arm. "Welcome, Mugiwara pirates."

Candy almost froze up walking into such a scene. Luffy and his friends were having drinks with the Seven. Oh shit no! She let Alucard lead her to their seats on shaking legs. Her eyes met Luffy's for a moment; she saw the quiet anger there. Luffy!

"I present governor Dark Alucard of High Roll," King did the honors.

Dark grinned. "Yes yes," he chuckled as he and Candy sat at the head of the table. "Of course you already know the lovely Cherry Candy, don't you Monkey D Luffy?"

Luffy swallowed his fury. Alucard was sporting Candy like a piece of jewelry. "I know Candy."

"The two of you were friends when you were children in East Blue ne Luffy san?"

"Yes we were."

"How interesting it must be to see Candy again after all of these years." He smiled at Candy and picked up the glass of wine King poured for him. "It's been what? Ten years?"

Candy was speechless beside her jailer. Luffy reached for his drink. "Yes, ten years."

Alucard smiled as he put a glass of wine in Candy's hand. He smiled at his songbird. "She really has grown into a beautiful woman don't you think Mugiwara Luffy?"

Luffy's leg started to shake beneath the table. He smiled at the huge man. I'm gonna kill you. "Candy is the flower I always suspected she would be."

"Candy chan's singing is sugee," Sanji tried. Seated beside his captain he felt Luffy's twitching.

"Thank you," Candy said and sipped her wine. It settled like lead in her stomach. She tried not to look at Luffy.

"I've made Candy a star," Alucard pressed a bit. He laughed and took her chin in his hand. "Everyone in the Grand Line wants my Candy chan don't you think so Mugiwara?"
Get your godamn hands off her! Luffy chuckled trying to hide his disgust. "Sure I do."

He leveled his eyes on Strawhat. "You want her too don't you monkey face?" Luffy and Candy both startled. Alucard laughed and sipped his drink.

So… "Yeah I do," Luffy answered and laughed himself.

Nami was starting to sweat. What the hell is this?! She faked a smile. "Are you offering us Candy chan?" she clapped her hands together and feigned happiness.

"Certainly not, I couldn't do that!" Alucard sipped his wine. "Candy is all mine." He slipped an arm around her shoulders and smiled evilly at Monkey D Luffy. "I was thinking of marrying her in a few years, when she's fully flowered into womanhood."

Roulette sneered, Candy startled and lost her breath, and Luffy had enough. He stood slamming his hand down on the table. "Like I would ever allow that shit to happen! Get your godamn hands off of Candy chan!"

The Lucky Seven present got to their feet ready to defend their boss and his treasure. "My my," Alucard taunted moving away from Candy and leaning over the table looking at Luffy. "You seem pretty jealous Mugiwara. Could it be that you're in love with my sweet Cherry Candy?"

His nakama were ready to rumble, Luffy felt it. "Keh! She just happens to be my nakama."

"Candy chan is my nakama Luffy; I brought her to the Grand Line not you."

Alucard wants to marry me?! Every shudder she ever repressed came to the surface and Candy shook. "Alucard teichou, please…"

Dark ignored her. "It would cost you dearly to take my lovely songbird away Mugiwara. Perhaps more then you have."

Luffy grinned devilishly. "I don't have anything." He plopped into his seat. "But I do have a promise to keep to Candy chan. She and I are going to sail the Grand Line together."

His songbird cringed as he laughed again. "Foolish man, you made promises when you were children. Candy is no child anymore, she's a woman and she belongs to me. But…"

"But?" Luffy was ready to beat the crap out of this arrogant bastard.

"Everything is for sale, for a price." He sipped his wine and put his arm around Candy again. Alucard hugged her to him. "But this one is very, very expensive. A girl like Cherry Candy could cost you your life; the lives of your nakama Monkey D Luffy." He had the straw hat kid unnerved, he could see it.

The pirate captain's smile didn't falter. "If you're asking me if we'll fight for Candy to the death," he adjusted his hat and faced Alucard. "The answer is yes."

"It must be love." Alucard smiled and turned to Candy. "Do you love him too baby?"

Candy could hear Luffy gnashing his teeth together. "Alucard teichou…" She cut her eyes over to her pissed off friend and then back to her master. "Luffy is… my best friend."

"Ah, but do you love him more then you love me? Would you rather belong to Mugiwara Luffy then to me? Would you rather be tied to a listless pirate or to me; the king of your country?"

Luffy could take no more. Candy was a pawn, a toy that Alucard liked to flaunt and bargain with. She didn't mention Alucard's wedding plans for her; clearly she didn't know. Candy was shocked too. "That's enough. Don't you scare Candy chan like that."

His eyes went back to Luffy. "Candy," his hand wrapped around her throat and Alucard pulled her up against him. "This belongs to me Mugiwara. If you want your Candy chan Luffy then it will cost you five hundred million berri or the lives of all your nakama."

"Nani yo!?" Nami stammered.

Candy was choking. Luffy got to his feet, so did his crew. "Knock it off!"

"She's the shining gem of my collection you know Luffy."

"Let her go bastard!" Sanji bellowed indignant. "That's no way to treat a lady!"

Dark chuckled standing to meet the pirates still holding Candy against him. Clearly there would be no bargaining with these pirates, just as he suspected. "You want this?" he addressed the other captain. "Is that why you've come to my town? To rescue the beautiful Cherry Candy?' Alucard smiled and kissed Candy's cheek.

"That's enough!" Luffy growled through clenched teeth. "If you want me to fight you for Cherry Candy I'm right here, but first let her go!"

Candy was humiliated, destroyed. Probably his intention all along. "Luffy, no!"

"Protective of your little boyfriend ne Candy chan?" Alucard gloated. "I knew you would be." With a quick flick of his wrist he sent Candy flying back into the wall. "No one captures my treasure pirate! And no one leaves me except in death!"

"Candy chan!" Nami squealed. She faced Dark. "You bastard! She's still a girl you know!"

Alucard laughed again. "Daijoubu, Daijoubu. Candy chan is pretty tough. I made her that way. I insisted ne Roulette baby?"

Roulette adjusted her bracelets. "Hai," she answered angrily. Marry the whelp? You better be kidding you son of a bitch!

"Don't you ever hurt Candy in front of me," Luffy responded seriously. His dear one was a crumpled heap on the floor gasping for air. "I'll fucking kill you!"

Candy flopped to her hands and knees feeling weak. Alucard has stolen some of her energy when he was choking her. That technique… "Stop… Luffy…" she tried.

"Hurt? My dear Candy chan? Don't be ridiculous. I love Candy chan with all of my heart." Alucard smiled crazily at Monkey D Luffy. "Don't you, pirate?!"

The Lucky Seven stood against the Strawhat pirates as the wine in their glasses swirled from the shake of the table when Luffy grabbed hold. "Candy chan is my heart," Luffy countered. "She always has been. I gave it to her long ago!"

"Then we will make a deal Monkey D Luffy," Alucard was pleased with his reaction. He loves her. Perfect. "I will give you your hearts desire, the idol of High Roll, Cherry Candy. In return…"

Yosh! Luffy didn't wait for him to finish. He extended an arm to Candy meaning to grab her. Dark quickly grabbed him and showed his power. "Nani?!" Luffy felt his strength ebbing away.

Alucard suckled on Luffy's life force, his energy and the boy shuddered. "You must want her pretty bad ne, Monkey D Luffy?"

Luffy drew his tingling arm back. There was defiantly something scary about Dark Alucard. "Deme!"

"No one ever touches my treasures, unless I tell them they can." Alucard was energized on the young people's life force. He took two steps back and offered Candy a hand up. He peeked at Luffy over his shoulder. "If you want something that belongs to me then we'll deal for it."

Dealer Bruno straightened and headed toward Candy. "Please, allow me." He plucked Candy off the floor and the nervous girl clung to him tightly.

"Ah," Alucard smiled at his minion. "I'll leave her to you." He turned back to the pirates. "So Luffy, what will you do?"

The younger man returned Alucard's grin. "I guess I'll just have to take Candy."

"It's going to cost you Mugiwara. Cherry Candy, her body and soul is mine. If you want that then I want something from you."

"I refuse!" Luffy's hands were fists. "I won't give you anything! And I'm taking Candy away from you! Candy is…." He tried to stop it but it was inevitable. "Candy godamn belongs with me!"

"Humph, maybe. But for now, Candy belongs to me." His servant Bruno had hauled his distraught bird to her feet. "I won't let you have her for free."

Luffy was ready to attack when Nami stepped forward. "So you want a showdown do you, you piece of shit?" she fixed killer eyes on Alucard. Nobody treats a woman like that in my sight! "Luffy will kill you, you know. He is the man that will become Pirate King!"

Dark cut his eyes over to the insolent red head. "Faith in your nakama is your weakness."

"Faith in your power is yours!" she countered. Nami pointed a finger at Luffy. "Our captain said that Candy chan is our nakama. We won't leave here without her! Go Luffy!"

Everyone blinked at Nami. "Ora?" Luffy questioned.

Nami whirled on Luffy and reached to hit him. "Baka! Candy chan is your girlfriend isn't she?! Save her you dumbass!"

Robin brought her hands up ready to fight. Zoro's hands went to his swords and Ussop went for the slingshot in his back pocket.

"Stop it please!" Candy gasped still trying to catch her breath.

"Don't do it Luffy!" Bruno echoed against his better judgment. This man will… he'll take her!

"Kill him Luffy!" Nami cried pulling the pieces of her staff from her purse.

Alucard looked at the pirate captains twitching lip. "Try to take Candy by force and the Seven will crush you." He grinned contentedly as five of them put themselves between him and the pirates. "Will you die for your friend Mugiwara? Are you willing to die, to sacrifice your nakama for one woman? My woman," he teased. "Or shall we trade?"

Their captain answered for them all. "Candy chan is not a possession she's a person!" Candy… this time… I promise I will save you! Luffy fixed his eyes on Candy. "Come to me now Candy chan! I am your future!"

She took three shaking steps foreword before all hell broke loose. "Luffy…. Help me Luffy!"

The window to their right blew open. Bruno, Black Jack and Cherry Candy vanished out of it. "Candy chwan!" Sanji exclaimed seeing her abducted into the night.

"If you won't deal in High Roll," Alucard bellowed. "Then you die!" His team readied at his command. "Your cooperation is not an option! Kill them! Kill the Strawhat pirates and make my songbird lament their loss! Candy sings so much better when she's traumatized!"

Dark broke into fiendish rounds of laughter as everything went 19. "Candy!!!!" Luffy called out to her in the confusion of curtains flapping and Chopper transforming. Zoro's swords were drawn. "Candy!!!"

Bruno ran through the courtyard with her over one shoulder. Finally Candy summoned the breath to yell, "Stop it old fart! Put me down!"

Bruno did and Jack cringed. "Bastard! If you won't get Cherry away from Mugiwara then I will!"

The big man grabbed Black Jack's hands. "Don't make me kill you Jack. You and I both know Candy should be free, a free bird singing in the sky!"

"As if you could kill me you old fat fuck! Even the mightiest rock succumbs to water. "Let's go!"

Roulette, Diceman and Spade King held their ground against the pirates. Alucard laughed again. "You can't win Mugiwara; I suggest you surrender to my conditions now."

"Like hell we will," Zoro mumbled the response through the sword in his teeth.

Sanji towed the line for Zoro. "Our captain said no to you bastard. That means we fight!"

"You feebs will fight me for Candy?" Dark laughed just a little bit nervously. "Then die!" He left his henchmen to deal with the pirates and vanished through the wall.

Luffy and Sanji turned back to the open window. So did the Seven. "Let's go!"

The remaining fighters burst through the windows of La Palacia and High Roll became a battle ground. It was a fight to remember.

Luffy tried desperately to dissuade their pursuers to no avail. "Candy!!!!" he screamed searching for her in the dark.

Candy had her own problems to deal with. Bruno and Jack were about to kill each other. "Yamaera yo! I'll be good I swear it!" she screamed at them on her knees in the soft grass behind the palace. "Bruno old man! Jack sama please don't!"

It was too late. Bruno had outlived his usefulness. Jack thought he was the far better choice in Candy's bodyguard and set out to prove it. "Let's go Bruno!"

"Get off the ground now Candy!" Bruno warned and attacked Jack.

She leapt up onto a lamp post. "Stop it!"

Their duel in the alley was interrupted by Luffy and Sanji. The Seven had followed them down to the ground. "Candy!" Luffy cried out to her only once. "Don't die! I have so much more to ask you!"

"You won't get near Cherry sama again," Diceman said smiling. Roulette giggled behind him. "Oh? Who do you want honey?"

She lived for the challenge and already knew all about Monkey D Luffy's crew. "I'll take the blonde boy. He's supposed to be some kind of taijutsu expert."

"As you wish my lady," Jack obeyed jumping off the grass Bruno turned to stone. He reached for Candy and grabbed her by the hair. "I'll get Cherry bird out of here!"

Candy and Jack Black moved to the ground. He swept her into his arms and squeezed the struggling woman against him. A moment later Roranoa Zoro appeared. "Luffy, Sanji!"

Luffy was almost to Dealer Bruno when he halted in his tracks and gave the big man the hard eyeball. "I'm going to take Candy. I'm going to save her! I'm going to save High Roll so that Candy will come with me and be my nakama!"

"Luffy son," Bruno addressed him He stepped forward. Try not to kill him. He's Candy's favorite. "I think you should go." He turned back in the direction of his ward. "Run away! Take Candy to safety you fool!"

"No! Don't you dare hurt Luffy! Stop it!" Candy responded as the rest of Luffy's nakama appeared out of the gloom behind him. Struggling against Jack's tight hold she found her courage. Dark Alucard and all of High Roll was certainly listening but Candy ceased to care. "Luffy!" she reached for him. "Monkey face! Save me! Save High Roll!"

"Yosh!" Luffy pounded his hand into his fist. "Whose first you bastards! I'll kick your ASS!"

Jack laughed and shook his master's prize possession. "Try it you little shits!"

Candy was weary from Alucard's absorption technique but she could still fight. "Edelbrock!" She called out the power of her bracelets and grabbed hold of Jacks arm. "Super shock!" A jolt of electricity surged through Jack and he dropped her on her ass.

"Why you little!" he raised a hand to smack Cherry bird but his wrist was caught before he could strike her. Jack looked up at Spade King. "King…"

"It's over," King relayed as he took a stance in front of Candy. "They die tonight."

"Sou sou," Roulette agreed with a smile. "If they won't become part of the machine they only inhibit it. Kill them all!"

"No!!!" Candy screamed trying to get to her feet. "Run you guys!"

Luffy stood his ground in the moonlight of the courtyard of La Palacia as did his nakama. "Sorry Candy chan but we can't do that." He glared at the Seven that hovered around his girl. "You're coming with us! You belong to me and me alone!"

Dark Alucard returned to the empty dining room and went to the window to peek down. "So, it has begun. Yet another futile battle for Cherry Candy. You will lose Mugiwara. You know that don't you?" He went to the table and picked up his glass of wine. Dark breathed it in reviling in the bouquet. "Sweet… as Candy."

Whether they wanted it or not, war had come to the Strawhat pirates. Six of Dark Alucard's Lucky Seven stood against them. "Bruno!" Luffy screamed at Candy chan's guardian. "You better protect Candy you asshole! Gum gum no gatteling gun!" His attack dispersed the assembled Seven and his nakama. Luffy smiled at Candy once more. "Don't worry Candy chan. We will win!" With that Luffy disappeared into the glittering night.

"Luffy!" Candy found the strength in her feet and ran after him but he was gone. She turned and looked at Bruno, the only one left. "Stop it!"

"I can't."

Candy looked all around the dark and glittering city surrounding her. "Luffy!!!" No answer came. Candy regained herself and made a run for the pier, for the ships in the harbor for Luffy! Be there Luffy! "Luffy! Roranoa Zoro! Robin chan! Anybody, somebody!? Answer me!"

Roulette smiled as she faced the blonde man in the suit. "So, you're first?"

Sanji grit his teeth. "It goes against my code to hit a beautiful woman. Won't you just surrender?"

She laughed and adjusted her bracelets. "No fool. If you don't want to die by your code then prepare yourself! Come out Lord Kai!"

Zoro stood in the garden facing the one called Diceman. "I won't lose to any swordsman," he warned. "If you really want to fight I might have to kill you."

Diceman chuckled and drew his swords. "Then come!"

Spade King and Pony Race looked at the leftovers they cornered. Two women and the blue nosed reindeer. "Slim pickin's," Race sighed.

"Nico Robin," King addressed the woman. "You could be useful. Surrender now and join us. Dark sama will treat you well. He's generous to females."

Robin narrowed her eyes at the henchmen. "So I've seen. Sorry, but I must decline. I only take orders from my captain Mugiwara Luffy!"

"We were left out," Chopper sulked.

"Yeah I know," Nami added her gloom to his. "Hey you creeps! What about us?!"

Race smiled as he began to transform. "Like I said, slim pickin's!" the mustang charged the reindeer.

Bruno caught up to her and held Candy tightly even though she was putting up the struggle of her life. "Let me go godamnit old man! I have to go to Luffy!"

"No. Luffy will take it upon himself to face Dark sama. He is going to die Candy but you don't have to. Stay still."

Luffy? Oh god Luffy! "No! Let me go!"

"I can't."

"You have to damnit!"

"I cannot."

"Damn you old fart!" Candy kicked and slapped at her friend. "I … I love him! I can't let him die!"

With a sad sigh Bruno relented and set Candy free. "Go then you stupid brat."

She took off running and in the shadows Black Jack grit his teeth glaring at Bruno. "Now you've done it. It's over for you old man!"

As soon as he went out the window with his friends Ussop sought the high ground. He had only his simple slingshot with him, unlikely enough to stop devils fruit users. He had to get back to the ship and get a stronger weapon. "Yosh!" All was quiet in his immediate area and Ussop slipped out of the tree. "I'll get Kabuto and then this will be over quick!" he broke into a run for the docks.

Luffy had lost track of everyone; his nakama, the bad guys and even Candy chan. "Stay safe everyone," he whispered into the night as his eyes went back to the glittering palace. "Dark Alucard, Candy chan doesn't belong to you anymore. She's coming with me!" he ran back through the courtyard the way he had come. "I'm coming for you Alucard!"

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