~Grace~

It's been a few months since the last time I got to cross blades with that redheaded fool. We've caught up to the Pirate King's ship a couple times, but since we weren't on land I had to settle for aiming canon balls at my enemy's stupid grinning face. It's not nearly as satisfying as it is when I face him head to head, but oh well. To be honest, I'd rather be stuck manning the canons than be in my current situation.

I almost forgot that my birthday is coming up. The only reason I remember is because Garp reminded me earlier. In fact, he didn't just remind me. He's making me take time off to celebrate it. It really shouldn't be so bad, seeing as how I'll get to see my best friend after more than a year away, but the thing is, I really hate the island I'm from. It's not exactly a bad place. I mean, it's pretty peaceful and all, but...I've never really gotten along with the people there. Hunting prates was definitely a better pass time than what I'd be put through later on.

Earlier today I tried to talk Garp into letting me stay on the job. "Nonsense, Grace! You've been working too hard. It's time you took a break!" he had said in response.

"But...But there are pirates out there! Pirates that need a lot of back-up to take down! Who knows, you guys could be a mess without me!" I insisted.

Garp had rolled his eyes. "Right right, then we promise we won't go after any big-league fugitives until after you get back then." he replied.

"But—" I tried to make an excuse one more time, but he wasn't having any of it.

"No buts! I order you to take a vacation!"

And that was that. I had no more say in the matter, and I stomped off the ship like a child throwing a tantrum. Under different circumstances I might have been more mature about all this, but that damned geezer took away my weapons on top of everything. Obviously he didn't want me working at all whatsoever, and made sure to tell that to my best friend. Now I feel like I have a babysitter. Damn you old man...

"Lighten up, Gracie..."

"But, Valeska...Pirates!" I feel like I'm on the verge of a meltdown. Three days on this island with no weapons and no work to do...I'm never gonna make it!

"Yeah, yeah...You hate pirates. I know. I get it." Valeska is about the same age as me, just a few months younger. However, in spite of my seniority, she's always been the more levelheaded one of our little duo. She rolls her dark brown eyes that match her dark brown hair. "But I haven't seen you all year! Take a break for me, won't you? I think you could use some rest anyway."

"I don't want rest. " I say stubbornly.

"Too bad, Gracie. You're stuck with me for the next three days whether you like it or not." the brunette replies.

I sigh and give up. Val is just about as stubborn as I am, if not more so. In all the years I've known her, it was rare thing for me to win an argument with the girl. I've learned not to fight her too often. It's too tiring, at least for me.

"Now come on. You're not gonna wear that uniform while you're hear okay? Let's go home so you can change." She doesn't wait for my approval. She just grabs my wrist and practically drags me to the house we used to share.

~Shanks~

Our ship stops at a quiet little island inhabited by a peaceful bunch of townsfolk. No one really seems to mind the fact that pirates are hanging around, so it should be easy enough to stock up on some supplies. However, despite the calm atmosphere, Rayleigh-san insists on babysitting Buggy and I. I guess I can't complain. We had to ditch the things we picked up the last couple of times in order to escape that persistent marine girl that was out to get us. A small smile forms as I recall our little adventures.

I hear Buggy trying to get Rayleigh-san give us another chance to go on our own.

"I know last time didn't work out too well, but we can handle it this time! There aren't any marines this time!"

"Yeah right. It was only one marine that was after you. And not even a decently ranked one. If you can't even handle that, then you'll just have to put up with supervision." our elder replies. I have to admit, it's a little degrading to have some of our freedom taken away.

"But you didn't see how scary she is! She's a devil!" Buggy states.

"C'mon, Buggy. We messed up; let's just deal with the consequences." I say. The sooner Rayleigh-san thinks we learned our lesson, the better. Besides, this punishment could have been a lot worse. It's a small price to pay for having a little fun. My friend sighs, and the two of us follow the captain's first mate into the town.

While Buggy and Rayleigh-san ask around for a shop that sells high quantities of sake, I start taking in our surroundings. This island doesn't have that many people, nor any notable landmarks. It doesn't appear to favor the protection of the world government, but it also doesn't seem like it's a pirate's turf. The people here seem accustomed to the repetitive routine of civilian life, and it doesn't look like anyone wants to change that. This place has got a pretty neutral vibe. It could be a nice place to relax if anyone is in need of a slower, less exciting pace of life. Personally, I think it's boring. It could use a little livening up if you ask me.

Suddenly I see something I definitely wasn't expecting to see. I absently slow to a stop, letting my companions travel on ahead of me as my gaze instantly locks onto my favorite marine. She's dressed in a purple tee shirt and black sweatpants with simple sandals. A pretty casual outfit. Her long white hair is down today. I guess she's off duty or something, seeing as how she's not in uniform.

She looks irritated, staring at a brunette who has a stern expression on her face. I wonder what's happening. I glance toward Rayleigh-san and Buggy. Neither of them seem to care that I'm getting distracted, so I decide to see if I can find out what's going on between these two girls. I take cover behind a cart filled with unloaded crates as I start eavesdropping.

"Grace, you know I'm not supposed to let you have any weapons." The brunette spoke as though she were tired of repeating herself.

"That old geezer will never know! C'mon, let me just get a knife or something..." the marine insisted. So her name is Grace! It would have been nice had she told me herself, but that's probably expecting too much. "Please?"

"No. I won't tell you again."

"Then I won't ask anymore. I'm getting something I can defend myself with whether you like it or not!" Grace replies. She turns around and stalks off in the opposite direction. I assume there's a weapons dealer in the area.

"Hold it!" The brunette hurries to get ahead of the marine and blocks her path. "Can't you forget about pirates for a few measly days? I'm pretty sure we won't be attacked any time soon." She continues speaking before Grace can reply. "And if we are, then feel free to fight them. But for now, let's just try and relax, shall we?"

The marine sighs. "This isn't over, Valeska..." she mutters.

"Yes it is."

"I'll get my way, one way or another."

"Not if I have anything to say about it.

Huh. By the looks of things, this 'Valeska' has quite a bit of influence over my marine's actions. It might do me some good to make friends with her, assuming she'd be able to keep a lid on Grace's explosive temper if I'm around. I watch as the brunette starts leading Grace down the street, their destination a mystery to me. The marine just happens to glance in my direction, and we end up meeting each others gaze. It's not my smartest idea, but I raise my hand and wave at her without even thinking. In hindsight, I realize it was a very stupid thing to do, given my current status in her mind.

A heartbeat goes by.

The next thing I know she's on my tail again, just like our last meetings. She doesn't have a weapon on her this time, but I run anyway, simply because I don't have anything on me to defend myself with. I think I know better than anyone that she has some real power hidden away in that body of hers. I chance a glance behind me just as she snatches a katana right off of someone's belt. I speed up, and thank whatever god that might be on my side today as I spot a stall that seems to be selling swords. I grab one as I pass it, promising I'd return it later.

I turn to face the marine with a grin. I know I'm gonna get chewed out later, but I might as well enjoy this while I can.