Off you go you pesky pl

Off you go you pesky plot bunnies!

I do not own Nasuverse, One Piece or any other movie/book/game/comic book/song/series that might be mentioned here. I just own these couple of words that i wrote.

Warning: Some swearing there and there.

Sabo

part 2

At a certain point Scathach was bound to run into people that would not work with her. In those cases, she had to knock the people out, as quickly as she could. The problem was that straining her muscles constantly like she was right now was not that good. Especially if one takes into consideration that the last time she got a somewhat proper sleep was the time that Ace tied her up. And that was at least thirty six hours ago, since then she had been sneaking around, hiding in not so pleasant places, running through both the city of nobles and the large forest and then back into the Terminal.

At some point, she was bound to slip.

Scathach lost her footing and instead of the person's head, she hit his shoulder. Instead of falling down like rock on a bottom of a lake, the man howled like some wounded animal.

"You little bitch!"

"Love you too!"

The second hit hit it's mark. But the problem now was the second guy. The pipe was knocked out of her hands. Scathach did not have time to register the pain and she was forced to duck and roll to the side, the place where she once stood was pierced by a very sharp looking blade.

She needs a weapon. Like yesterday.

Damn you spear, now you would be really handy. The man pulled his weapon from the ground while Scathach straightened herself. With a battle cry, he attacked, or at least that was his plan. For reason's unknown to the girl, the guy was tossed against the small shack's walls with so much force that the wood cracked and let the man create an another entrance. Scathach felt the force and was forced to her knees so she wouldn't fly away as well.

Now the problem is: How can she get back to her feet?

The problem became even more dire as a person appeared in the doorway.

"Am I right to assume that It was you who took care of this guy?"

"Yes. You are." The words were spoken slowly, making Scathach imagine an older man under that dirty and tattered cloak. The color itself was so unrecognizable, Scathach would bow to the person who would be able to guess the original one. The only real distinct feature she could see was a tattoo on the left side of his face and even that was barely visible due to the darkness inside the shack.

"Is what you speak true?"

"Oh, I wish It was a lie. But considering how rotten those so called 'Nobles' are and all the other hints, it is unlikely."

"You are a child, do you realize what you speak of?"

What is wrong with this one? Normally these people freak out, grab their heads, Scathach has to glare at them or make them shut up in some other way. Some people break down and cry, some ridicule her and want to see proof before they abandon their small houses. This one acts as if she were talking about weather.

"I have the misfortune of being born into this 'better class'." Her feet started listening. Good. Can they move? Slowly she got to her feet. The main question now is: What is this man going to do with her? He is either way too good at controlling his emotions or he knows about the fire. Scathach hopes that it is the first case.

The other would mean that she is royally and infinitely screwed. After all, this man did not even have to touch the guy to send him flying. To make things even worse, he felt dangerous. More dangerous than Bluejam ever was. But from where would such a man came from? During her stay, Scathach never sensed anyone like this. And this island is not exactly the most popular tourist spot. "Considering that my own parents tried to kill me, I really hope that the same rot is not inside me."

"When was the last time you slept? You are all beaten up."

"Does this mean that you are not here to sell me to the pirates?"

He did not answer. Whatever. She leaned down and picked up her pipe.

"I don't know if you are a local or not... but I advise you to leave. Things... are going to get messy."

"I see. Thank you for the warning. If I may, what is your name?"

She snorted. "You really are not a local. I am Scathach."

That was certainly an interesting meeting. Those were her thoughts as she passed by him, she really wasn't expecting to feel a weight on her head. The man placed his hand on her head.

"Rest Scathach. You deserve it."

And the world turned black.

Scatty was right. The Nobles were really going to erase this place.

And why? For some screwed up ideal, a belief. Do these people have no common sense? Are they even human?

Ace and Luffy looked into the wooden box, one of the many they were meat to carry. It took some while to get rid of their guard, they distracted him by throwing some gold coins around. Ace wasn't happy with wasting their money like this, the money that was mean for their ship one day... but considering what Scatty said, it was a little price to be paid.

"Ace... I don't like this."

The older brother did not answer and instead quickly closed the box. The inside was full of black powder, several large bottles of some liquid. And the enire box was soaked with something as well. How could Ace not mention it? At all? Shouldn't the situation be so dire, he would blame Luffy for making his IQ go down. It was really not hard to imagine that.

"Hey! You brats! Get back to work!"

Ace quickly stopped Luffy from making something stupid. Again. And then pulled him to side, he could only hope that Sabo and Scatty were fine.

The guard gave them a look, snorted and said something under his nose.

"Luffy, once I give you signal, run for the forest. Understand?"

Luffy nodded, even though he looked like he was about to cry.

"Damn you brat, man up. It will be fine."

"Something wrong brats?!" The kids shuddered when hearing their guard again, they turned around and nodded.

The couple steps seemed like forever as they followed the pirate. Just a few more and they will be near the trees.

After that, run like hell.

Of course, nothing went as planned.

"Catch the brats! They opened one of the crates!"

Ace swore. Luffy became so frightened that he froze.

"Run, Luffy! Run!"

Just like few days back, they were beaten and restrained. It wouldn't take long before their boss comes around. The two brothers were thrown into one of the old shacks.

While Luffy was trying not to cry, Ace prayed that Scathach was doing better than them. When evening came, Bluejam pulled them out roughly and began to inquire about their treasure.

There is some hope for them.

When Scathach woke up, to her surprise, she found herself, not in the Gray Terminal, but in the woods. On a sturdy branch of a large tree, covered by some fabric. She swore.

Funny, when she met Luffy for the first time, she punched him for picking his nose. What she just said was far more... rude. Times changed, she grew up.

And if she will stay here, she won't know were is that boy she punched back then. The smell of smoke could be sensed in the air. "Luffy!" She really can't make this a habit, waking up in unknown places often is not something to be proud of.

It did not take long to get back to their tree house, but even after calling the names of her brothers, there was no response, the place was empty, just as they left it that morning. After a few more words worthy of a drunken sailor, she started running back.

Scathach had every reason to stop in her tracks once she saw the giant flames. They were giant, it almost seemed as if they were licking the night sky itself. She saw this scene before. In her dreams. But how?

Scathach dashed into the pandemonium, shouting the names of her brothers, hoping that they would answer. "Ace! Luffy!" At least Sabo is safe, protected by the city walls.

Bluejam did not let them go once they told him about their treasure. At this moment, Ace could only grit his teeth and continue doing what he could. Right now, it was trying to get himself and Luffy free, using a sharp piece of a broken glass in his hand.

"It's hot! It's hot! It's hot!"

"I know Luffy! Shut up!"

"It's hoooot!"

The rope let go, Luffy was silenced. For an about a second. Then he resumed.

"I will leave you behind if you don't stop complaining!"

"I... It's not hot!"

Even with their arms and legs free, there was... just no way out. Not one they could find.

"I can't breathe!... No, I can..."

"Shut up! It will be alright. I am here with you."

Then... a familiar figure appeared before them. And behind that figure, stood others. Bluejam looked really desperate. Like Scatty predicted, he was not allowed inside the city walls.

He is going to kill them.

After inhaling so much hot air, Scathach's lungs and everything around it felt as if they was on fire. She almost wished she could forget the feeling. Almost.

She spotted Ace and Sabo. The two were not in a favorable position. At all. Luffy on the ground, Ace restrained, men all around them, grinning like some demons from hell. The flames around were very helpful with that impression.

And the burning debris separating her from them?

Out of nowhere, a hand shot towards her, before she could react, she found her face in the hot ground. Once more. Some small part of her brain hoped that this will not become a habit. "Hey! Look what I found! You are that little bitch!"

The hand grabbed her hair and pulled it, forcing Scathach on her knees.

"Luffy!"

"Damn brats!"

Bluejam held a weapon, crazed expression on his face. He really was betrayed, just like she expected. "Beg for mercy you bitch! Or is watching the death of those little bastarrs more pleasant? Huh?!"

I do not have time for you. Scathach began to struggle, hoping to access that amazing strength she had shown sometimes. The shiny-shiny lines as Luffy called it. How the hell is she supposed to do that?! She bit, she kicked, but all she archived was an another kick to her belly.

"Luffy!" Ace's blood curdling scream made her stop. Bluejam stood above Luffy, pointing a weapon at him.

No.

Luffy is going to die.

No, not yet. He has to become the Pirate King! He cannot die yet! Ace screamed more, Luffy wailed and pirates were laughing. And she made a decision. By some miracle, she found the man's knife, swiftly she took it from his clothes, somewhere behind her and stabbed him somewhere. The pirate screamed with surprise and pain but did not let go. Instead, he started cursing.

Fuck this.

Spinning the knife one more time, she used it again, this time a bit differently. With a thud, pirate fell onto his but, if he wasn't injured he would likely dumbly stare at his hand. Full of hair that was no longer attached to the girl. The knife passed through her hair with ease, like a hot knife through butter. Almost. Scathach herself did not fall, instead ignoring the fact that she just got a haircut, she started sprinting towards her brothers. But no matter how she looked at the situation, she couldn't find the right path. She is not damn going to make it in time.

"Good bye brat!"

She must save Luffy.

The question was how?

Would you be willing to kill?

For her brothers? For those that always stood next to her and made her life as spiciy as possible while laughing all the way? That is a dumb question.

Always.

I see.

The appearance of her shiny-shiny lines was a bit late, in fact, she wouldn't even make in time to them with them. She body was too small, undeveloped. But there was one thing she could do. Throw something. Just like last time, two spears appeared in her mind, one was chosen and the one appeared in her hands. This spear might be used in close combat... but it was originally a throwing spear. And she is damn going to use it. Like some mad animal, it began to eat the power flowing through her, stretching and roaring.

The ground flew from under her feet as she stopped, red aura of death surrounding the spear. The beast was awake, not to only show it it's target.

The beast saw Bluejam. For a second froze and then roared, demanding his life.

"Gae..."

"Luffy!"

"...Bolg!"

Two things happened at the same time. Something washed over the surroundings, like an another bears roaring, not bloodthirsty one however. Everyone, save Bluejam froze, sensing the aura of something. The spear in Scathach's hand seemed to melt into energy, then it extended, shot forwards, zigzagged for a few meters before shooting towards the pirate leader. The man was dead. Scathach did not exactly know why, but she knew that no matter what, he would not live to see an another day.

Just as the men fainted and hit the ground, the red spear pierced the man's body. It was a good thing that Luffy's eyes were covered, or else the last thing he would have seen was the man's shocked and confused expression before Scathach spun the weapon in her hand, making him leave the solid ground and pulling him into the air, away from her brothers. Like a bug on a stick.

The spear returned to normal, back to it's dormant state, leaving him to fly through the air and then fall somewhere into the flames.

All men lied down on the ground, due to the unknown aura that appeared just a moment ago... Buejam was dying somewhere in the flames. Luffy and Ace are safe.

Thank god.

And she fainted.

There were voice, there was the sound of sea and the place was moving.

At first, she thought that she is on that ship, with Shanks and his crew. Perhaps all that happened was one strange dream, she will wake up, tackle the annoying guy to the ground and demand her clothes once more. Or was it that she burned to ashes in that flame and now she is in some spiritual realm?

She might even wake up in Britain again. That would suck. A lot.

...

For some reason, Scathach just couldn't identify herself with the whiny brat that punched Luffy across the door when they first met.

Wait a second... if she is dead or dreaming, then why does everything hurt? She is alive, isn't she?

Scatty wasn't is a bed, rather in a corner of some room, a thin cover making her somewhat warm. The place was filled with people, most were frightened, unable to sleep, burns all over their bodies, the worst was however covered by bandages. The smell of some herbs was mixing with the smell of salt. One day, she will start really hating waking up in unknown places.

"Hey look! Scatty is awake!"

"Huh?" It was some man... wait, she recognized him. One of the residents of Gray Terminal. Or past residents, the place wasn't exactly that human friendly right now. Correction: It was even less friendly than before, and that is something.

"I was so worried when I found you! Are you alright? Anything hurts? That is a stupid question... thank you for warning so many of us!"

More people rose from their makeshift beds, many smiled her way surrounded her to thank her. It made redness appear in her face.

"Step back, step back! You are making her nervous!"

They moved back but they were still smiling her way. The pleasant way, not the evil smile she was so fond of using.

"Where are we?"

"Were? Well... there is this ship, a man, it's owner helped to save us."

"Wait... are we still near the island?"

"Yeah, why? Oh, right. You have those kids... I thought that you might perhaps... want to leave?"

"Sorry, but not today."

Even though everything still hurt, she would better leave. She needs to check on them.

"Are you sure? Wait, perhaps you could make them come as well? I mean... there is bound to be a better place to live, right?"

Scathach shook her head. "Thank you for saving me, but I must go now."

"... if you were some other kid, I would be worried."

"Sweet reputation."

There wasn't really anything to take. Scathach paused when she realized that her head feels lighter but she dismissed it. Silently, she made her way out on the deck. As silently as possible. The people were sending her sad looks, unnerving her. Luckily, none called her name. The top of the ship was relatively empty. There were two people, one of them was... odd. Large, colorful like some clown. Was that a red and yellow swimsuit under the coat? Scathach just knew that Ace, Sabo and Luffy were alive. All, if not most of her stress was gone. That is why it was really hard not to laugh hysterically at the man's choice of clothing.

It would be really cool if her Mint bunny flew around and took her home but it shows up only when it wants to.

The sun was shining, promising a good day, the animals in the forest were lively as ever. Once the day will be over, she will laugh with all three in that hut.

"Sabo? What are you doing here? Screw that question. What happened to your face?!"

The boy halted and hastily turned around. "Scatty! I was so worried! What happened to your hair?!"

"..."

"..."

"Some accident with the guards."

"My hair kind of got in the way. Quick hair cut did the thing." Scatty smiled with embarrassment, while scratching the back of her head, but Sabo was still frowning. "You know, an injury is more serious than a hair cut. Hair will grow back, though I might keep it short so It won't get in the way."

"My face will also heal in time."

"So... what are you doing here?"

She looked around, they were close to the coast, in fact, just minutes away from their favorite spot from where they watched the sea often.

"You see, sightseeing?"

"Why would you be sightseeing? You live here!" Scathach shook her head and then gave him a pointed look. "What aren't you telling me?"

It was Sabo's turn to smile nervously. "I, I have decided to leave this island. I have sent a letter to you earlier."

"L-leave? You can't just... arg! Sabo, we are always here for you!"

"I know, I know... but I do not want to put you in danger, not anymore. And like that. How are Ace and Luffy?"

"Wait, don't change the topic, Sabo, we will always stand by your side and you know it."

He shook his head. "I have already decided. They will not let me be, no matter what. And I would never forgive myself if something were to happen to you."

"But..."

"I have decided."

Scathach bit her lip. He was right and that is what she did not like at all. There will be three of them left, the bond between them will not be broken by the distance but not having him around? She did not like it. And if she did not like it, Ace and Luffy will not like that either. "So, a pirate captain?" She asked, though she was looking down at her feet, not at him.

"Yeah! I will be a famous one. Scatty." Sabo placed his arms on her shoulder, making her look up as he was trying to cheer her up. "Do not be worried. I have found the closest island, I have a small ship ready to go, it will be able to make the journey."

"And then?"

"Then I will figure stuff out."

"You have no plan at all, haven't you?"

"Eh..."

"Idiot." He did not. Typical. Even the smartest of the group had no brains at all from time ti time.

"Come ooon, give me some credit!"

She did not give him credit, but she did give him a hug. "Damn idiot, stay safe, or else Ace will have my skin for letting you go."

Scathach let go of him, gave him one last look before turning around, planing to leave.

"Wait! Wait Scatty!"

"Huh?"

"Your hair."

"What is with my hair? And why is your face all red?"

"K-keep it long! I... I think that It really suits you."

She stopped in her tracks, looked around and stared at the blond, completely confused. She even clocked her head, trying to figure out what the boy was thinking. Once he said that long hair suits, her, she touched the remains of her hair. Some of it ended in her palm. "If you think so..."

"So next time I will see you, It will be long again?"

"Yeah, sure."

"Well then.. eh... good bye!" Sabo turned around and ran. She had absolutely no idea what just happened but she still smiled as she wished him good luck one last time.

From far away, she watched as his boat set sail. Though unfortunately, the moment he set sail, an another boat appeared in distance, one several times bigger than his, one clearly belonging to some noble. Even from distance, Scathach could see the gold as it reflected the sunlight. Heck, that was even better than a noble's ship. The Tenryubito ship?

The world slowed down.

Sabo's ship exploded.

Then once more.

Than it sunk to the sea bottom.

Scathach's dreams became clear at that point. And this was just like in those dreams.

And just like that, Sabo was gone.

It seemed like everyone already knew when she came back. Luffy was crying, Ace was tied to a tree. This was not the evening she imagines.

This was not what she wanted. Ace will calm down... after a while. This was not their tree house, this was the bandit house. Scathach went to Luffy, hugged him, from corner of the room, watched the rest, restraining her own tears.

Now it was not the time to cry. She must take care of these two.

The following days were hard. Very hard.

Somehow, they pulled through.

Somehow.

This chapter is done! Sorry for being late, I have some important tests and I was too nervous to come up with anything. At least for this story. This marks the end if the childhood arc, there will be an interlude, I hope that only 1, where I will mash together the most important events of the time period between Sabo's death and Scatty joining the Straw hats.

Since I have had so many ideas what might happen, the interlude might be a bit longer. Depends on how many ideas I will use.

Oh lol... summer is here!

Omake: Not very subtle

Sneak away... sneak away...

"Who is there?!"

As she was moving away on all four, she froze, slowly she turned around. The man's large face looking at her. She couldn't help it. She really couldn't. She covered her mouth, but it wasn't enough to stop the laughter. And that is how she began rolling across the deck, laughing like a loon.

The man, thing, blinked one, twice, then he realized what is wrong. "Hey stop laughing!"

"B-b-but! Your face!"

"Vmy face is gorgeous-buru!"

Seeing the lips move, narrowed eyes with so much mascara there... she started laughing harder. The hood of the cloak fell down, revealing purple hair and a small crown, one that looked like it came from a toy store. That was too much for her. She did not even stop when a hand picked her by her clothes and ground disappeared from under her legs. "Vmy face is excellent!"

"Right! And I am a pink pixie, that sips tea every morning and eats pirates for dinner."

"Vyou are?"

"..."

"Hey, don't lie to vme-buru!"

More laughter. He believed her for a second! "Clown face!"

"Who are vyou calling a clown?!"

"You!"

"I am not!"

"You are!"

"Not!"

"Are!"

"Not!"

"Are!"

While the two were busy arguing, they failed to mentioned the onlookers, who really did not know what to think of the scene.

"Iva! Calm down! We do not need everyone to know that we are here."

Realizing that she should perhaps get away, one she man looked away (and let go of her at the same time), she quickly sneaked away.

That was such a good stress relief... even if her escape was not that subtle. The Clown-Face could be heard freaking out as she was nowhere to be seen.