Mythical Beast Chapter 1: Part 1, an one piece fanfic

A/N:: So here we are with another WhitebeardMarco fic~! It will be posted in two parts!

Rated M for darker themes, mistreatment, and smut (that is labeled).

Enjoy!

Mythical Beast

It was depressing being caged for your life, nowhere to run or even hide. A birdcage that barely fit your size in and mainly had to stay roost in your dirty nest. If I couldn't regenerate, then I would be sick from being in my own filth and not being able to bathe properly. The chains on my feet were bad enough, causing chaffing all the time. I would heal and then be rubbed raw all over again when the cuffs came back on. The chains stopped the regeneration process, but they were smart enough to at least take them off occasionally so I could heal from anything.

Like infections from my living conditions.

The man was quite cruel, holding a grotesque grin when he would come to visit me. I was like an attraction personally for him and would let me 'fly' on a short chain that he found amusing to yank me to the ground. That's usually how I get injured and could not do much about it. I had been trapped like this for most of my life, captured at an early age by the man before this and watch this man grow from a small infant into a man as well. I had been older than him, but that didn't matter. I never changed to my human form anymore once taken in and didn't want to so they could forget my appearance, which this man has yet to see. On occasion, he would try to beat me to get it out, but merely stopped to let me heal and give me a chance. I never changed, though, and it aggravated him. Not only that, but he tries to get me to use my miracle tears, but I refuse.

"Heal up, birdie. You need to be presentable." A low coo left me at hearing such words coming from the large male whose round belly probably made it where he couldn't see his own stick legs. Light was brighter than the normal candle light in the room, but it didn't bring me any relief as I haven't seen the sun in a long time.

I let myself heal, needing to anyways as he had me on a temporary pile of blankets and someone walked over with a bucket. The ice-cold water made squawk out in protest as it had been dumped on me and I flapped my wings in distaste. That's all I did with a glare to the man who bellowed in amusement of my reaction, knowing I wouldn't do anything. I was stuck in a room with them, knowing it wouldn't be a good idea to try and fight it. I was weak enough as it is from mistreatment and knew my limitations.

"You think this is a good plan, Teach?" The round man turned as he was acquiring fresh hay, surprising me that he was cleaning it out before the two-month mark like usual.

"Of course, if we get him off our backs for a bit then we just retaliate once all set." The chain was grasped as I noticed the one who poured water on me start pushing at my chest as I let him have a leg. I could glare all I want, but knew not to do anything. "Burgess, put them both on him." Teach spoke out as I noticed the one spoken to soon had this weird thing in his hands.

My neck was grasped, making me coo in threat of being so rough before the contraption was shoved onto my beak roughly. Wings began to flail as I tried to pull away from him, not liking it at all on me. It was latched finally as he released me and it had me shaking my head with low coos as I could open my beak, but not as much as before.

"There, so you can still eat, but can't change! Pahahahaha!" Burgess laughed out in amusement as the chain on my leg was taken off and I could tell he was right. The type of muzzle was of the same stone that makes me feel weaker and blocks my power. Then there was a small cuff he used to put on my leg, but higher up and I cooed at the restraining feeling that could be tolerated mostly.

"Plus, can't have you talking." The dark-haired man was grinning wickedly as I watched him move to point to the cage. "Get in." A low coo left me as I soon moved to shake a bit more water from me and then moved to the cage. I got in whilst my talons were appreciating the crunching of new hay and I settled into the nest, picking at certain pieces of straw to fix the space. "All we have to do is let this be a distraction for a while and then we can just get back what is ours." I eyed the two men who were laughing in humor and my cage was shifted to be resting onto a wagon that had been brought in.

They were discussing things as they secured my cage and soon moved a fabric over me. It made me coo lowly as I knew it would merely get hot under here, even with the clean water basin to the side attached to it. Luckily the water would not come out as it was made for my beak to slip in and drink from it. When my powers were blocked like this, I had to eat, drink, and sleep like anything else. Usually with my powers, I don't necessarily need it if I couldn't get to it.

Hollering was heard and I knew we were going on a trip to a neighboring kingdom and it seems it was one that Teach did not care for, but needed off his back. They were going to offer me as a gift of truce, a false one I might add, and it made me merely accept it. I couldn't do anything and just let myself rest for the trip as the sunlight only barely dimmed inside. How much I missed seeing the sun, the places he took me to fly were in buildings and I hadn't seen the sun in a long while.

It was interesting hearing new surroundings, this town had sounded so lively, but now whispered lowly in fear. I could not see, but I could hear it all and knew they feared the people walking through. Teach was a cruel ruler, but I could tell he was trying to be peaceful on the encounter. The cart moved at a leisure pace, but still did not delay as I heard guards shouting to open the gates. The sound of heavy doors was heard and we had slowed a little before moving again smoothly, the occasional pebble rocking it.

The heat under the tapestry made me coo low as I didn't care for such matter, but dealt with it. More people were shouting and moving before we came to a stop. There was a tense atmosphere as I could hear shushed voices and footsteps, one heavier than the others.

"What have you brought, Teach?" The voice sounded out deep and I heard a low chortle from the cruel man near my wagon.

"Greetings, Whitebeard! I merely wanted to present the offering as we have sent the papers to be on neutral terms with your kingdom." A noise was heard, a couple of scoffs barely audible, but made me chortle lightly.

"An offering as well for the neutral terms? I guess we can see what it is to help my consideration." This Whitebeard responded with a firm tone and I could feel the power within his voice alone. Without looking to see who he was, I could sense his strength and devotion to his standing. He sounded like a fit ruler over a kingdom and I started to noticed the fabric shifting to unlatched from the wagon. Sunlight was peeking in brighter and I let my eyes adjust before it was swiftly removed. The sun rays were bright as I lowly cooed out in distaste with eyes closing.

"I bring the mythical beast, of course." Teach commented as I soon opened my eyes with my head tilted and viewed the people to the side of the wagon a bit of a distance. People stared in shock at such a sight, even the king as I found him quickly as being the one with royal robes hanging onto his shoulders. Blonde hair was long past his shoulders under a black bandana and I was impressed on how he looked as I thought.

"A Phoenix? How did you acquire one?" Whitebeard inquired as he gazed to me with a bit of concern there and I wondered if I looked worse for wear than I thought.

"We were lucky to find him." A scoff left me as I faced away with my beak to the air and this grunt left Teach at my defiance. Though, the laugh had me glance to the broad man showing a white moustache on his face.

"Feisty boy." The comment was made in good humor and I cooed lowly as I liked that. "Very well, we reviewed your terms and wanted your views on our counter offer."

"We accept them." Teach responded as I had ignored his slight glare in my direction and noticed as he moved to the cage. "We recommend to keep him under close eye, it would be a shame if he flew off after an agreement."

"We will keep that in mind. We bid you a safe journey, awaiting the final papers." Whitebeard responded as I noticed a few of his guards approaching my wagon and Teach moved away with his men.

"We will return them in just a short few days." Teach responded as he began leaving and my wagon was shifted to the castle as I viewed the ruler in contemplation. A prince and, maybe, princess were standing by him, I assume by the way they are dressed different. It was along those lines as I was stopped next to the man who grinned to me with a chuckle, though unlike Teach, he seemed to have this calming aura around him.

"Let's get you something to eat." The man mentioned as I bristled my feathers a little to show of my agreeance and he chuckled. "Let Thatch know of our new member and to be appropriate with the food choices."

"Sure thing, Pops!" A male with short brown hair mentioned with a holler and blue eyes gleaming as he began to run off.

"Haruta! No running in the castle!" Who I thought was a female, is a male in very nice garments and was scowling. The scold being unheard from the other and he let out an exasperated sigh.

"Izo, my son, could you help to make a suitable spot in my room?" The dark-haired male with a fan fluttering stray strands had looked and gave a smile.

"Of course, I should be done by the time you come by." The words came out as he began to move in and we followed, doors closing to block off the sun though it did shine in through windows very noticeably to keep the area lit, but not blinding. I noticed the guards stand to the side as Whitebeard leaned down. A hand was working on the cage as he soon opened it.

"That cage is by far too small for you, my boy." This look was to him with my neck shifting to notice hands out and I saw no bad intentions stirring from him. I would know from experience over the years of being presented to many people.

Legs shifted as I soon moved to carefully step into his hands before cooing as I sat on his hands. I was bigger than his hands, showing how mature of a bird I was and felt pride that I was the size I am even with the treatment I have undergone. Being a mythical bird has shown many people that I am a special case in size, larger than a full-grown turkey. Wings shifted as I shook myself a bit as I felt better being out of the small confining space, he wouldn't know how much this meant. The body shifted as he situated me carefully to his arm as he had a free hand and I nestled into his hold. A low coo left me as he strokes fingers to pet along my chest.

"Now for some food."

We had food, more of his sons present as he seriously introduced them all to me; finding out that he had eleven sons in total. I found it amusing, making a couple of the princes' comment of my intelligence on being able to understand them. If only they knew. After eating the meal, trying not to make it obvious of my annoyance of the muzzle that restricted me a little, he had totted me to his room. Comments left him of how he would show me where I could rest and I about dreaded another cage.

To my surprise, that man earlier named Izo was in the room with a prideful smile and presented his work. I was amazed to see the pile of blankets to be shaped into a type of nest and he had mentioned that it should be easy to move them around. The male didn't seem too knowledgeable on birds, but knew of the more common things. Whitebeard had nudged me a little and I soon let myself flutter over in a type of soar to land on the edging and soon began shifting around it. The space was large in the corner of the room near a window that had a type of seating area, the sunlight was so nice to be able to view, being in such a dark room for a long time.

I moved blankets around and situated my space, noticing the other two view with smiles of amusement of me settling in. They were discussing some matters as I sat with a low coo in contentment of my space being so much larger. Izo began moving towards me with a reassuring gaze and I merely gave him a look of stoicism. Hands moved to carefully hold my head up as he shifted the contraption.

"This looks uncomfortable." The comment left him as he soon looked to Whitebeard who approached with a look to it and hummed.

"I should have removed this before he ate," a couple fingers rubbed the top of my head with a frown to me, "I apologize for that." Surprise was on me for apologizing and soon I heard the clicking noises. The contraption slide off as Izo looked to it in distaste and I felt the emotions swirling in me. At least one of the contraptions was off me now.

"Oh, I'm sorry, did that hurt?" I noticed tears were falling from my eyes as I cooed lowly. One hand still under my beak, I rubbed in appreciation and I saw this look on them both.

"How long have you been held for?" Whitebeard whispered as he must have noticed my sudden flare in relief of knowing these people were good. I knew it and let eyes close as tears continued to spill from my eyes and I let the soft coos leave me. Movement was made as I felt a body there and a hand began petting along my back as I shifted to rest my head to the shoulder whilst my beak found blonde locks. "You are safe here."

Please don't ever let me return to that place again.

"Gaaah! That hurt!" A huff left me as a man with an auburn pompadour had grasped to his forehead with an annoyed look.

"You deserved it, Thatch." A soft chortle left me hearing Vista remark that from his spot on a lounging chair with a book in hand.

"Stupid bird…" I pecked his hand protecting the spot I just got him and this whine left him as he pulled away in protest. An amused coo left me at his reaction and he moved to flop on the cushion next to me with a grin. "Mah, I thought phoenixes were fiery or something?" This look was to him as I watched him and then cooed lowly whilst looking away. A noise left him in questioning and soon an arm was over my back. "Something stopping you, fluffy?" I pecked his head for good measure, making him cry out in surprise whilst standing up away from me and then the door opened to show Izo who gave a frown.

"Thatch, stop pestering him already."

"How do you know it's a male? Huh?" At the question, Izo looked to me as I peered to him and this hum was there.

"Pops started saying he and, well, he hasn't protested." A soft coo left in agreeance and that made Vista chuckle in amusement as he rested his book.

"To answer your question, Thatch, he may not feel comfortable with using his flames around us." The reply came out with a finger twirling part of his moustache as he viewed his brother. I didn't make any noises as it was partially true, besides the contraption on me. I had contemplated on letting them know of it too, but I decided to wait a little longer to make sure I could put my trust in them. Though maybe it would be best so I could be able to fend myself if necessary, not that I felt the need really.

"Boo, boo! Boring!" Thatch complained whilst pouting to me and this chortle left me in amusement. A look was there in curiosity as he leaned a little towards me and hummed out. "So you understand our talk perfectly?" I tilted my head and was entertained, making him realize and complain lightly. "That's not fair, we can't understand you at all!" A low coo left me as I shifted with my head pointed to the side and towards the cushion next to me. "Ah? Sit next to you?" A low coo left me as he soon shifted to sit and I chortled.

"I think the bird just got you on that one, Thatch." Vista chuckled as I noticed the stunning realization on the male next to me.

"Y-You stupid flaming chicken!" Tilting my head had him protecting his head and I chortled in amusement before shifting to stand and moving with eyes watching him. I moved over to carefully walk onto his thighs and settle in his lap with a low coo as I gazed to him. "Ah! Look, Izo! He likes me!" Arms were around me as he pets through my feathers along my back and was chuckling in joy.

"It seems so, you two get along well enough." Izo was smiling as I let the auburn male hug me with little praises.

"Imma make you the best fish dish for dinner, yes I am~!" Thatch was rubbing down my chest now with strokes and I cooed in agreeance of that sounding good. It was different hearing such good things from people and being able to roam free without any problems, though it did hurt to walk long with that band on my leg.

Time passed, some of the other princes spending time to greet me, but not crowd as I wondered the castle in a slow pace along the halls. Some workers and guards were there and stared in confusion, being told by another person on me being here. I think what got most of them is my tail feathers, golden rings were making three rows down along in a sway as I moved. They were like feathers, adjusting to me not having powers and showed to be more along the lines of a type of decorative piece to my body, matching the golden feathers along the top of my head and down my neck in a cascade and the few scattered feathers being golden within my wings. Around my eyes showed to be dark blue rings to go with the dark blue tinting along some feathers, but not as noticeable.

The castle was very peaceful, though very rowdy with the family who were a very big part of each other's life. It was nice seeing such things and basking in the sun on the window seat whenever I wanted. If anything, windows were open all the time, but I merely sat on the sill to soak in the sun before roaming more. I didn't feel tethered down, but I did feel a pull to stay in such a good environment. Lingering around for a week, I began to realize how much I very much appreciate the family.

Especially today…

"I expected you to take a chance already." Whitebeard mentioned as he totted me on his arm to find the courtyard and I cooed at feeling the small breeze and he soon shifted me on the grass. "It can't be healthy not to let yourself fly." My eyes viewed him as he backed away some as I rested in my spot and he frowned with concern. "Are you injured?" A huff left me as I stood up and soon spread wings out wide before pushing off the ground to flap to the sky.

It was like I was flying up towards the sun and I spiraled in the sky taking in the freedom of no chain on my leg to hold me back in such a small room. I lingered around the castle as I flew around, noticing towards a tower that had Haruta and Namur grinning with cheers. Hands were erratically waving in greeting as I let out a call towards them, making them look even more excited as I circled the tower before dipping away. Feeling the air under my feathers and being able to soar around, I was feeling appreciative towards this family more and more by the minute.

They feed me, gave me a place to rest comfortably, and by no means pressured me to stay. Any given moment I could have flown away, but I already knew that my instinct thought them to be good people and wanted to be sure of it. So much freedom, I haven't felt this good in a while and couldn't help to call out whilst soaring through the air and found a long stretched pond with a fountain at the end. Izo, Vista, Blenheim, and Jozu were resting near it as I came dipping down with talons skimming the water before taking back off into the air. I couldn't help but notice their grins seeming happy that I was.

They wanted me to be happy and free, who could ask for more?

"What is it?" Whitebeard asked out as I sat on his bed with a look as I was standing between his calves. I moved my head and shifted to tap at his thigh. "My leg?" He asked and I soon shifted my talon at him. "Oh, your leg?" A nod left me as I cooed out before tapping his thigh along it like a band and then tapped my talon to the blanket. "…Something on your leg?" This coo left me in agreeance as I shifted my head in a nod and he smiled, but looked confused. "Let me see." Hands lifted me to soon get me settled to my side and was grasping to my talon. "When did you get this?" The question showed not remembering seeing such a thing before and then began shifting things around with pulls to it. "Let's go see, Izo. My son is very good at lock picking."

My body was lifted as he held me comfortably against him and I cooed out as we moved off his bed where he had been reading. Feet moved to the door as I shifted to rest my head against his shoulder to be comfortable. Fingers stroked my chest as we moved through the castle, some of the sons running by in greeting or to let him know of going to bed. We made it to Izo's room, knocking on it, and was followed by a muffled 'come in'.

"Izo, my boy," Whitebeard began as we entered to see the dark-haired male with a tape measure wrapped around the bun in his hair and pins between lips.

"Hm?"

"I need your lock picking skills." I noticed confused brown orbs snap in our direction and soon moved to put pins into a plush shaped like a muffin with the other assortment of pins there.

"What for?" I was moved to the bed, fabrics moved as I was laid on my side again. "Oh? When did that get there?"

"He probably still had it, not really thinking of it until recently." Whitebeard commented as I felt movement and some small clicking noises.

"This won't take much." A click was there and it was loosened automatically whilst shifting it away. "It chaffed him a little." This finger lined the sensitive skin and I cooed out before shifting to soon be sitting comfortably. Feeling it gone put so much relief through me as I resisted the urge to heal whilst in their presence for now.

"Thank you, son." The king commented with a grin as he patted Izo's shoulder a bit and soon began scooping me back up.

"No problem." The son responded and went back to work as we began to leave, but he made a noise. "Oh! We are going to clean the nest out, so new blankets will be provided as the others are cleaned and dried. A rotation really." A coo of appreciation left me at the thought of getting my nest clean even though I didn't get them dirty like that cage.

"I think he appreciates it, Izo." A chuckle left the two as I cooed again and we began leaving the room. We moved down the hall again, hearing some noises of people doing last minute things before bed and we found the room again. Whitebeard first placed me into my nest so I could get myself comfortable, pulling a blanket over my back to bring me warmth. "Goodnight, my boy." A hand pets along the top of my head and I cooed in return as I felt myself feeling at home.

Life progressed as it was for the next month, I healed my leg at a slow pace since Izo kept checking in worry. He was happy to see it healed well enough and their doctor, Bay, checked me over still on occasion to make sure my nutrient levels were supporting me properly. Now that I had my powers back, I didn't have to worry about food as much, but I still joined them. They even made me my own perch next to Whitebeard and I enjoyed the family interactions very much. It made me nervous to even reveal that I can change to my human form, which is something even I haven't seen in years.

Not only that, I began to remember what Teach had said and I was growing a little restless with myself for not mentioning something sooner. My state of restlessness did not go unnoticed as some of the princes inquired if I was alright. I merely ignored the question and would just face away or walk away from wherever I was. That had most concerned and soon it was becoming more prominent that I mention something. A guard named Squard was up to something, thinking I couldn't understand him as he talked to someone else in a shadowed area outside of the castle. I had been perched on the window sill looking down and watching the two talk, but stayed unnoticeable enough.

That man did not have good plans as they were all to help Teach get men in the castle and infiltrate from the inside. It caused a festering through me as I soon decided I needed to talk with Whitebeard that night. I know it would be sudden and I would merely suggest to keep an eye.

Well, until that night came along…

The king's sons were all playing around in the court yard, liking me showing a bit of playfulness with them. They seemed to like me as I made sure to give company to each of them and make somewhat compliments. By gesturing to certain things, like for a battle I would tap their weapon and give a high coo. It made them laugh in joy and everyone would comment on me complimenting their battle. I liked that I could show things without words and they did like to tot me around, not that I minded too much.

Now, I was resting in Whitebeard's lap and watched Thatch running around with Haruta as Namur was complaining out. Izo was stewing by Vista, Rakuyou, and Curiel from the prank pulled on him. I was also not spared from those pranks, but he mostly knew my pecks hurt more so they did it only on occasions.

"My family has grown so much, even to the guards…" A hand was stroking my back, racking through feathers and I cooed. "I am the luckiest man in the word to have such a trusting family who protects one another." That had me gaze out and notice as some guards were in the mess of things, including Squard as he chattered with Atmos and Blenheim.

Maybe it wouldn't work trying to tell Whitebeard that he was plotting something. I was a stranger to them still and I still hadn't shown I had a human form. They thought of me as an intelligent mythical bird that understands them and most likely along the lines of a pet. It doesn't bother me, but it just made me take a moment to dedicate myself on protecting the family.

I can't let anyone die…

Izo liked having company, even in the form of a bird as I sat in a small makeshift nest of scraps on an end table he had found in one of the abandoned rooms in the castle. The man would talk about everything as I basked under the sun since he placed my perch by the window. It was a nice change to be able to just make myself comfortable and listen to them each. They seemed to appreciate it, even with the ones who didn't talk much; including; Jozu, Curiel, and Atmos.

"I told Haruta to try it on for like two minutes and he was about freaking!" The male was moving the tape measure around his bun as he went to his desk for the muffin pin cushion. This cooing left me to let him know I was paying attention and he just took it as he wanted. "It is frustrating, it's not like I want to wrangle him down in clothing! Even Blenheim doesn't move as much as he does!" A soft chortle left me in imaging Blenheim being stabbed with pins on purpose to stand still and Izo seemed to be seeing my train of thought. "You should watch sometime; they are such whiny babies!"

I cooed in agreeance on that one as he was working with an arm soon moving out of a sleeve, letting it dangle as he tried a finer detail. The yukata he wore, a casual type of wear, could get in the way with its big sleeves and I soon noticed a tattoo on his right pectoral. A thought was in me in questioning, as it had to do with the kingdom, the crescent dipping on the crest symbolizing Whitebeard. It was a little while, deciding to wait until he was out of concentration, before I voiced up in questioning. Brown orbs found me to inquire and I shifted a little before tapping the part of the nest before me.

"Want me to come over there?" A coo of agreeance left me with a nod as he soon moved over. Once he stopped before me, I shifted a little before pointing to his chest with my beak. Eyes moved before noticing the general area and he showed a very proud smile before placing his hand over it. "This?" A nod left me as I cooed in question and he chuckled lightly before moving to the seat next to my nest so he could view out the window, leaning against the arch of the space. "It's our family crest, most of the family have taken it on their bodies." Izo began with the hand still there and was showing a fond smile as eyes found me pulling away from outside. "It's a choice, but we accepted it with no doubt in our hearts. Pops is the best ruler and father we could ever ask for."

A soft coo left me in agreeance and that made him chuckle with a hand petting along my head and down my neck. The atmosphere was calm as I enjoyed seeing them so truly believing in their king, unlike what I have witnessed. Complete fear and terror of a ruler is not the best method. Whitebeard does not do that; he treats everyone on equal grounds until you have given him a reason not to trust you. I could feel the stirring in me to still tell the man what I had overheard, but didn't want to be dismissed.

This noise left me as I shifted to tap the mark and gave a head tilt. "Oh, who does our tattoos?" A nod left me as I gave curious eyes and he grin to that before continuing to pet me. "Rakuyou is the one to do it, he's very good at it." This nod left me and soon placed my head to the extended hand. Izo pet me with eyes closed and we enjoyed the breeze flowing through, lavender lingering through it.

"Where you going?" Jozu inquired as I was walking down the hall and stopped to gaze up at him with a low coo. My head shifted with chest out and he chuckled lightly in understanding. "A snack? I'm sure Thatch would love the company since Namur and Haruta are busy in a village over." A noise left me in contentment as I continued to the kitchen and he moved on by me with a grin.

Talons clicked along the stone floor as I soon found the door and noticed the door closed for once. I moved to soon flap up and used feet to open the noob and pushed it open a bit. An annoyed coo left me as I pushed in and was making my way in, not seeing the auburn-haired male yet and moved around the counter. Feet were sprawled on the ground and I felt panic flourish through me at the sight.

Blood on the ground as the wound was showing a knife in his back and I quickly moved over with wings flapping to get on his back as I could barely see him breathing. My beak grasped the weapon and pulled it out and moved to put it to the side. Quickly shifting, gripping on his back with talons, I tilted my head to let tears well up. Blinking caused tears to soon drip down to the wound and I made sure to get directly in spot. Steam showed as they began healing the wound and I moved to add a couple extra more. There was burning tingles along my back in the spot that was like his, as if I was taking it myself, but I knew it would scar like his and soon disappear in a few days. Luckily it didn't show in my phoenix form.

"Damn bird!" A screech left me as I felt the sword through my body and wailed wings around in protest. The man quickly seemed to move away as I got a glimpse of him before stumbling over onto the ground on my side. A screech of pain was there as the impact shifted the weapon in me. I couldn't heal with the weapon in me and noticed it was a special kind.

"Thatch!" The holler came out in crisis and I noticed brown orbs staring in surprise as my legs kicked out with another wail leaving me. "Oh gods! Someone help! GET BAY! SOMEONE! JUST HELP!" Izo was practically screaming as he was by us both soothing me with a hand to my head, making me stop moving with heavy breaths as I trembled, and the other hand was to Thatch's back in curiosity on the spot. Brown orbs flickered to me in questioning as I heard people busting through the door. "You healed him?" My head was resting in his hand with a low pained coo as I had a hard time breathing.

"What happened?!" It sounded like Blenheim with his booming voice and Izo was crying with a hand carefully petting me.

"Y-you healed Thatch!" Another bigger hand was on me as I felt the weapon grasped. "Wait, Atmos!"

"Phoenixes are supposed to be able to heal or rise from their ashes, it's one or the other. The weapon could be preventing him." The calm tone came out as it was pulled out and I let out a broken squawk.

"Get them both to the infirmary!" I surprised most there as I soon flared in blue flames with a low coo of relief of being able to heal my wounds. The exhaustion was still there as I rested to Izo who braved the fire, finding out it didn't harm him. Arms carefully held me to his body as he was trembling with a head against my neck as I rested mine to his.

After reaching the infirmary, Bay checked us both over. Starting with Thatch, she seemed surprised before checking over me as everyone waited outside of the room. She practically kicked them out, not wanting so many people, and as she checked me over, a smile was there.

"You healed him, didn't you?" A nod left me as I viewed to the woman who gave comforting strokes along my neck as she had just finished cleaning me as best as she could. "Thank you…" The whisper was there as she showed how much she appreciated it with those strokes and soon pulled away. "Let me get them all in here." A coo left me as I shifted, but legs gave out and she looked to me before chuckling. "Alright, alright…" Hands lifted me as she moved me over to Thatch's bed where he rest and I nestled next to him with my head resting to his chest to relax.

Bay seemed content with that as she began for the door to invite them back into the room. Everyone moved into the room calmly, probably noticed Bay's relieved atmosphere, and were looking over with small smiles. It was evident they were still worried and everyone was in whilst Whitebeard moved closest to the bed to brush Thatch's hair back, a bandage there as he seemed to be knocked over the head as well, before petting my head. Everyone stayed quiet as Bay moved to the other side of the bed to face them all and was behind me, so I couldn't view her anymore.

"Thatch is completely fine, though he will still be weak from the blood loss, since he wasn't completely restored on that factor. Plus, a bit of a concussion from being smacked to his temple. It seems our phoenix had time to heal him before he was attacked, I presume from what Izo told me. There is no sign of the wound dealt on the phoenix and he merely needs rest from exhaustion of using his ability. Plus, I assume, it wasn't a pleasant feeling so it had to of caused stress to him." Most nodded in understanding and were relieved as I soon shifted a little with eyes closing. Seeing them all understand and be reassured was enough and I let myself slip into sleep feeling the chest rise and fall beneath my head.

After Thatch woke up the following day during the afternoon, it became somewhat lively as he wanted to move, but Bay refused. The man also proceeded to show affection for saving him and we were waiting for Whitebeard to come by. It seemed the auburn-haired man remembered who had attacked him and when he asked me, I had nodded in agreeance on the it being the same person. Hands would especially rub near the area where the sword had pierced me, Bay mentioning it to him as he wanted to know why I looked tired as well, and it made me coo in reassurance that I was fine. That would make him chuckle with fingers brushing roughly, but I chortled in appreciation of it.

Thatch was my second favorite, right after Whitebeard.

"Good to see you both looking better! Guararara!" The king walked in with a rumbling laugh as Thatch greeted the man with a chirp of joy. "A minute, Bay?" The woman nodded in understanding before making her way out of the room.

"I was feeling hungry anyways. No leaving the bed, Thatch!" A finger pointed to the man next to me who groaned with a whine. We all knew he would follow the woman's order as she would drag him back by the hair if he dared. She could be scary.

The door closed as Whitebeard pulled up a chair and peered to us with a serious frown. "What is it, son?"

"I know who attacked me." Thatch mentioned with a serious look and the perplexity showed on the king as he nodded for him to continue. "It was Squard, Pops." This surprised look was there and Whitebeard leaned back with a deep stressed sigh leaving him.

"Why would he…?" The question made me fester as I held back my change, being nervous, and I cooed out.

"He attacked him too." Thatch pet my head as I nodded with feathers fluffed out to signify my annoyance on it.

"I see…" A hum left Whitebeard as he was contemplating over everything and the feeling swirled more. "I don't understand what is going on with him." This low noise left me as I noticed Whitebeard soon move to stand with a nod. "I need to go inform the others." I moved to stand and weakly walked over to him, Thatch helping once noticing it. Hands moved to lift me up into an arm as I settled properly. "Izo has been worried the most…"

"Did he…?"

"Yes…" Thatch looked upset on that fact and looked to me with a deeper frown.

"Even when the phoenix…?"

"Yes…" Whitebeard responded quietly as the auburn-haired male soon nodded in understanding, the two were like twins practically inseparable, and I was carried out of the room.

Izo wasn't hard to find as most lingered in one study so they could hear news. Bay seemed to have not gone there so we could discuss quietly. Whitebeard informed his children quickly before sending off Izo and Vista to the infirmary first. He then went to his bedroom, probably to write everything down he has heard whilst a letter to his two sons out right now. I knew this was a good time to finally change to speak with him. Once reaching the room and he closed the door with a sigh, I tugged on his shirt roughly and he looked to me. My head faced his bed as I nodded towards it and he merely went to it. Setting me down, I moved weakly to gather his blanket and seen him go to his desk.

The man sat down, making the chair creak as he shuffled papers around with a deep sigh. "To think Squard would do that…" The comment came out as I situated on the bed and soon let myself change into a human form. He still hadn't noticed yet and I lowed cooed to test my vocals before speaking.

"I know why." Hearing my voice caught him off guard as I adjusted the blanket to rest over a shoulder being able to see one leg exposed midthigh down and both arms as hands rest in my lap. One shoulder was exposed as well, along with it being adjusted so you couldn't see part of my back where the scar is at for the moment, and I let eyes watch him carefully as he turned to face me. Surprise showed through grey eyes and I stared to him indifferently, feeling the fester in my chest of being nervous.

"You can change into a human?" The question was out as he soon stood up and I tensed whilst holding the blanket to my chest as I gave him an uncertain look. Hands were out as he noticed my action and I let out a low coo as he stayed in his spot near the side of the bed, but enough room that I felt okay with.

"Yes, but it's been a while." I mentioned as my voice was showing to be hoarse and usually clothes can transform with me, but the last time I did was when I was much younger.

"Why are you showing me now?" The eyes only showed curiosity and I relaxed a little in my spot as I tilted my head at him.

"Because I trust you." Those words were enough to show a gleam in his eyes as he smiled to me reassuringly and I felt a breath leave me seeing his posture being more welcoming.

"Tell me on what you know." A stiff nod left me as I shifted a little before moving a hand to pat on the bed so he could come over to sit on the edge. He stayed at a distance for the moment and I messed with the blanket a little before viewing him seriously.

"I overheard him talking to a man in a hood a while ago, yoi. Heard bits and pieces of what was said, along the lines of gold and a position among ranks." A disappointed look was there, most likely for Squard, and I swallowed with a soft cough as I realized that speaking was majorly different from my usual noises made. "If I remember correctly, it has something to do with Teach." The name made grey eyes harden as he viewed me in question on wanting to know more. "Before I was brought here, Teach talked of being on good terms while he builds up his forces." A guilt was through me as I looked to him and this sigh left him in understanding on what the other ruler had been plotting.

"You are telling me this now?" The words were a bit strained, probably thinking I could have done this sooner, maybe prevented the incident and I nervously shifted.

"I didn't want to be sent back…" I whispered with fingers gripping the blankets whilst pulling them close to my chest. My legs shifted as I curled a little in my spot and looked to him nervously as I noticed surprise.

"I wouldn't have sent you back."

"You wouldn't have given me back, yoi? Not thinking for a second I could had been a part of the enemy trying to lead you into a trap?" The questions left me and this strain was there with a frown before sighing out.

"I could still think the same, but I don't… I know you are not using me in any way." The hand shifted towards me and this flinch left me as I watched him carefully. He paused before carefully rubbing knuckles to my cheek and drew a low cooing from me. "How long were you there?" Hearing the soft question, I viewed to grey eyes and tilted my head whilst cringing.

"I lost track…" The pained words left me as I did forget how many years it had been. "All I remember is being a boy and taken from my mother's arms." I spoke softly as I closed eyes and soaked in the feeling stirring in me. The body shifting had me quickly move away before I felt that I was grabbed and pulled over in an embrace with blankets pulled around me more.

"I will never let that happen to you." The voice was firm, but I could hear the worry lining his voice as he cradled my head, fingers finding blonde strands as my hair was always like my golden feathers. Starting at the middle of the top of my head and then went down along the back in a strip and were now long strands to the middle of my back from not changing in a long while. "What is your name, my boy?" My hands carefully found him as I gripped his shirt and pressed into him with a low whine leaving me.

"Marco." The name was almost foreign to me, no one using it for the longest time. I was known mostly as the phoenix or beast unless it was a taunt or sometimes just for jokes, being okay with how Thatch did it with Haruta and Izo joining along to show it in a good way.

"You are a part of this family and in our protection. Remember that, Marco." A stuttering breath left me as I felt tears welling up and gripped to him desperately with a sob breaking free raggedly.

"Th-thank you…" The words left me as I broke down against him whilst he soothed me with a hand to my head and the other rubbing my back.

"How do you know this all, Pops?" Vista asked out in confusion on how Whitebeard knew such information after just a night.

The king had decided last night I needed to calm down and made sure to rest in my human form a little longer with clothes way too big for me. It was nice to have him there and even mentioned I could call him Pops like everyone else. Before I went to sleep, I changed to my phoenix form, but still rested against the man for comfort on his bed. I felt even closer to the man than I did before and made sure to show my appreciation for it.

"Marco told me." A coo left me from his lap as I was in my phoenix form, he knew I was more comfortably this way.

"Who's Marco?" This noise left me in frustration as I cooed out with a look to Jozu.

"The phoenix?" Curiel questioned from my response and I let out a sing song sound come out in a type of praise whilst fluttering feathers.

"Wait, he told you?" Izo asked with confusion, everyone showing it and I kept myself indifferent on the matter.

"Yes, told me. Marco does not care to show in his human form." A sputter came out from Thatch as he voiced the shock for them all.

"You can change?!" This chortle left me as I viewed them all and fingers began to run through my feathers. Whitebeard began to chuckle in amusement and was soon shifting in spot as I was soon moved to my perch at the table. Some of the brothers began complaining that Thatch needed to calm down since he was hardly allowed to the meeting by Bay.

"I have witnessed it myself, but I insist you do not pressure him into doing so. If Marco wants to—he will." Most agreed with curiosity flaring through them on wanting to know what I looked like.

"So," Izo began to get back on track as he cleared his throat lightly. "The contraption on his beak and leg were to keep him from transforming or use his power?"

"Yes, that is what he told me. A special stone it carries, along with that weapon used on him, which he appreciates you Atmos for taking it out so quickly." The man nodded with a smile to me and the coo left me in agreeance.

"Of course." A chuckle left Atmos as a hum left Jozu in questioning.

"Why did he tell us just now?" Eyes were to me as I kept myself stoic and let Whitebeard answer.

"He wasn't too sure on what he was hearing was of important value, especially in the beginning with certain circumstances involved." The way he said the word had most nodding in understanding that it was not a matter to be pushed and that they should trust in their father's decision. "We know our suspicions were correct then, Teach wasn't going to stay neutral. It seems that it was good of us to keep up on everything and the border lining his territory."

"It's just hard to believe he reached our own guards…" Blenheim commented and I knew this all would have to be briefed to Haruta and Namur once returning. Whitebeard held back a lot of information when sending out a courier to the two boys.

"We still don't know who this man was; being able to get inside castle grounds, but no doubt he worked for Teach, so we will need to keep on our toes." Nods of agreement were there and they began in on some other things. Most pertaining to certain ways of alarm and where for some of the boys to go next.

Haruta and Namur had been panicked when returning a few days later and was informed of everything. They had nearly choked me in love and care for saving Thatch. Plus, Thatch was tackled in tight grips at the thought of losing their brother. We didn't mention that I had been injured, keeping that out of the story for now since they had already been panicked about Thatch. After they calmed and were briefed on everything, they stared to me in curiosity whenever they could. It stressed me a little as they were practically following me for two days and I had pecked them hard a few times.

Whitebeard had first thought amusing and soon scolded them for persisting after he told them not to. I mostly rested in my phoenix form, not changing back yet, and soon returned to the room after receiving a paper for Whitebeard from Izo; something about a certain celebration in a couple months. The male had approached earlier saying to come by for it before bed, so I agreed since the king was busy with organization with his general who I was advised not to meet for being very overbearing, more than Thatch.

"Are you ready for bed, Marco?" A muffled coo left me as I pushed the door closed with my butt and soon moved to the bed.

Grey eyes watched me as I soon stopped by the bed and flapped wings to get up on the blanket that he was under whilst reviewing some paperwork. A hand was out as I soon put the paper to it and released it. Hands began to open it to review and I soon shifted along the bed, pushing things aside. A chuckle left him as I moved the blanket, showing that he was in underwear (long john pants) and I rested against him with my chest to his stomach with a low cooing. Watching him view the paper, I felt relaxed and soon let myself change into human form whilst keeping my spot against him, blanket covering from waist down, with another coo.

"So the clothes stay?" The question came out as I was still in the shirt he had given to me the time prior and I had arms resting around him with eyes viewing him still.

"Yes, they hadn't before since last time I had been human was when I was a boy." I mentioned as I soon closed eyes with a low breath leaving me as the atmosphere brought so much relief through me.

"I'll have Izo get different sizes for you to try and then we can get you some more clothes." A hand was rubbing to my back as I heard his heart beating in his chest. I was close to his face on the way I laid and I made sure to situate so I wasn't going to bother him in any way. "Do you know your full name?"

"We didn't have surnames in my village, yoi."

"What is your village?" A silence found us for a minute and I soon gripped to him.

"Summerset." The body tensed under me as he had to of known right off the back on the name given.

"I apologize for bringing that up." I shook my head whilst breathing in with a calming to take over.

"You didn't know, people were told that everyone had been killed…"

It was true, too, that my village called Summerset had been ransacked. No one survived except me from the terrible man named Marshall D Tiberius. He viewed me as entertainment and enslaved me, tearing me away from my mother's arms, though she was already dead. I couldn't heal all her wounds, even with all my tears it still wasn't enough. Many years I had hated myself for not being able to, but as I grew older I had realized it was impossible with all the injuries.

"You were taken by the previous ruler of Mannford*?" The question came out softly as I heard papers flutter and legs shifted with hands resting to my back comfortingly.

"Yes." The answer left me as I could hear his sigh and a hand moved to brush through my blonde strands. A knock was to the door and panicked me a little, but the reassuring press to my back had me wait a moment.

"Who is it?"

"It's just me, Pops." The sound of the woman's voice had me shift somewhat before a hand was moving to cup my face.

"At least let Bay check your body over." A thumb was rubbing to my cheek and showed worry. This grimace was on me as I tried to shift some more before letting out a breath. My body pressed back against him, feeling the safest in the spot and let myself trust in the man. A sigh of relief left him at my way of showing it was fine and kept my eyes on the door. "Come in, daughter!" The door opened as she entered whilst closing the door and as she looked in our direction, surprise showed with raised eyebrows.

"You haven't been getting enough sun." A rumble left Whitebeard at her automatic words as she approached with eyes looking to me with a frown. "I'm being serious, I knew you looked pale in your phoenix form, though you seem to be improving while here, but you need more than I thought. Even if it's in your phoenix form you need to go out every day for at least two hours total a couple times a day." Some relief was there that she wasn't being so straining on the whole fact that I was different and she smiled reassuringly.

"What is it you needed, Bay?" A throat cleared as she handed a file and was soon moving with a hand out in asking towards me. While Whitebeard reviewed, she moved to be partially on the bed with a hand moving my face a bit to check me over, not forcing me from my spot. She knew I felt safe here and it was good enough for her if she could check me over somewhat.

"I'm going to feel along your spine, okay?" She asked out first and I nodded to her as she continued her work with fingers lining. A low cooing left me at the feel as she seemed to begin rubbing and that made her smile. "So you make the sounds in human form?" A flush was to my cheeks at the mention of such a thing, earning a chuckle beneath my ear and I complained lightly, breathless words being silent, whilst turning my head away with a grip to Whitebeard who continued with Bay.

"Thank you, my daughter. It's good to know Thatch is completely up to healthy standards again." Feminine hands were brushing through my hair as I noticed that she began to braid my hair.

"Of course, we are so lucky to have someone a part of the family who can help us with such an important trait." A light coo left me in appreciation and she chuckled out. "I see that you are too nervous to speak with me still, but I am glad you let me see you. When you are ready, please come by so I can do a proper examination."

This nod left me in understanding as she continued with my hair to do the French braid, reminding me of when my mother used to do the same. The only exception was that my hair was shorter than it is now. I grew my hair out because I loved spending time with her, taking a relaxing moment to enjoy the serenity of us together. Imagining my mother with gorgeous blonde hair always in a beautiful braid along the side of her hair made me want the same. Most boys got the same treatment, common for a gypsy village, so it didn't even bother me when flowers or garland decorated within the locks to match her for the day. My mother was all I had and we spent as much time together as we could; which included me helping her around the home and working as hard as I could for us.

It always made my day seeing bright sea blue eyes glimmering to me in joy and love for me. Pale lips showed a big smile, complimenting me on being a hard worker and having my father's blessing of skin that was easy to show a tan with. She would tell me of stories where my father and her would joke around on how she was jealous that he could tan so easily, but she burned with her delicate skin. It made her happy to be able to see my father in me, saying I had his jaw and his stout attitude whilst knowing already that I would show a beaming grin like he did. I always complained that I looked like her more since my father had dark hair and dark eyes, but she merely chuckled. Everyone said I looked just like my mother and said I had the standing like my father since everyone was close knitted together.

"Shh, Marco, it's okay…" I hadn't realized tears were rolling down my cheeks until Whitebeard spoke with a hand cupping my face to rub a thumb along the cheek, catching the tears. My body was trembling lightly as I kept gripped to him and noticed my hair resting to my back.

I missed my mother so much…

I wasn't given a chance to avoid the General in time, it was a mere fluke that I let it happen. Whitebeard was in his room and I had been getting comfortable with changing into my human form whilst moving around to get the weird sensation away. Little pen-prickles along my legs when I walked the first couple times and the king had chuckled a few times when I would nap in my nest like a human. He made sure no one saw me or warned me in advance and I had appreciated it greatly.

This time, though, I had been sitting with him with a comfortable spot next to his chair, pillow beneath me. Clothes fit better, finding a set among the ones Izo had given over, and I had knees up as I had a head resting back against Whitebeard's thigh. Every now and then, he would pet along my head and then get back to what he was doing. Whitebeard had suddenly moved and was in the process of saying something when the door slammed open.

"Good afternoon, Whitebeard!" Panic had gone through me seeing the man bust in and was followed by another who held a look of annoyance. "Ah, who is this?" I quickly transformed back to my phoenix form with feathers fluffed out in threat. Surprise showed as I lowly cooed whilst shifting under the chair to seek safety away from the new people in the room.

"Brat, I told you to knock before entering a room." Whitebeard shifted before he was facing them, legs moved in my view, but enough to let me get a vague view of one of the individuals.

"I apologize, your Majesty. It's hard to keep reigns on him."

"Hey, birdie!" A screech left me in surprise as the red-haired man was laying on the ground next to me and on reflex I pecked him hard on the forehead. This pained cry left him as he rolled around and I fluttered around in the tight space in my panic. The chair had soon moved to have Whitebeard pick me up and his robe was soon wrapped around my body as I was nestled in the fabric.

"Shanks, stop being a nuisance." I heard the other male speak out as he was holding a rolled-up parchment, smacking the man on the ground who was whining out.

"He's cool looking though, Benny! Not many people can change into a mythical being!" A whine left Shanks, the other male muttering something about 'it's Benn', and I kept a watch on him before Whitebeard moved to settle me on his bed in his robe still.

"Leave him alone, Akagami. What are you here for?" The king asked out as he moved to his desk to fix his chair back and Benn moved with the parchment out.

"I am to hand over the reports from a recent borderline patrol, it seemed important so I wanted to bring it right away." The man with dark hair spoke out as I flickered eyes to watch the redhead who was at the edge of the bed with curious eyes to me.

A low coo left me as I shifted my body before fluffing out my chest in defiance. This chuckle left him as he seemed amused by my display and I stared to him with threat. Hands were resting on the bed as he eyed me as much as he could with a grin and I could tell he was just like some of the sons. Though he is most likely strong, he shows to be carefree and a bit childish; somewhat surprising me with that band on his arm signifying him being the General.

"This is serious, we need to get Atmos and Blenheim to the area to observe." Hearing Whitebeard's words had me look over in curiosity and slight worry that Teach may be trying something sooner than later. The ruler of Mannford didn't have much patience, just like his father, and I knew that by personal experience.

A hand was stroking along my chest and I carefully eyed the redhead who looked brave, but cautious. Noticing his intention of merely doing the action, I let out a small cooing as I relaxed my feathers. The grin showed as he situated a little, but stayed a distance and continued to stroke the feathers. I let him continue as it made me feel a bit more relaxed and comfortable towards the man. Plus, I knew anything else would result in the man getting smacked around by this Benn who glanced over a few times in checking. Whitebeard merely chuckled as they talked about some things pertaining to safety of villagers and soldiers being more on guard.

"You would make as a great messenger…" Shanks commented lightly in thought, probably thinking about my ability to change and I merely viewed him. A scoff left me as all I could think is this bright blue bird in the sky would stand out too much.

"Shanks," Whitebeard began—using the name on a calmer tone instead of a scold—as he moved to view to the man before me and their eyes met. "I would like it if you don't mention about what Marco looks like. He's not comfortable with being human around a lot of people right now."

"What? Really? Why?" The curiosity showed and I shifted away from his hand with a look away as I wasn't indicating anything. "Ah, I see… something more personal. Then I will keep my lips closed on what he looks like." I noticed the redhead move to stand and gave a grin before he moved to the door with Benn who bowed.

"We will keep you up to date, your Majesty."

"Thank you, Benn." A nod was showing back from the man as they exited the room, Shanks bringing up a conversation with vigor as he found something humorous being cut off by the door. "I apologize, Marco." This hand began petting my head as I cooed lowly to the king who sat on the bed so he could grin to me. Giving it a minute longer, I soon changed to a human, laying along my stomach as the robe adjusted to my new size. A chuckle left him as he kept petting the top of my head as I had arms crossed on the bed and rested my chin to my forearms with a hum.

"At… At least it is out of the way if he does that on most occasions." I mentioned in a mutter and closed eyes as I enjoyed the attention. A thought crossed my mind as he continued and I thought back to how Bay and Shanks reacted, no major reaction that sent a bad feeling in me. Plus, that man named Benn didn't even stare to him or make a comment, just to leave me alone. They were either plainly shocked and surprised on my appearance or completely indifferent. "Maybe… maybe the others soon?" I whispered in questioning and the hand stopped before he was rumbling with joy.

"They would love that."

The first people to see me different were Atmos and Blenheim since they would be gone in a couple days and I was planning to soon. They were as I expected, indifferent, but still a bit surprised on what I looked like. I guess it's hard to picture what I would like to begin with and then the factor they don't know how old I am. Thatch and Haruta were jealous that I didn't show them first, Shanks had already rubbed it in their faces. So, Whitebeard didn't tell them about me showing their brothers who left.

It took a week after they left for me to soon brave it and I had woken up later in the morning. Whitebeard most likely in the throne room and I was in my human form as I moved around the room. I exercised my legs to feel more awake and then changed clothes after a small bath. They were a bit baggy on me, how I wanted them, the purple button up shirt and dark blue Capri like pants that went to just below the knees. I went barefoot, not seeing the point in shoes since I don't have a necessity for them.

Swallowing the lump in my throat, I soon shifted to the door and slowly opened it. The small squeak on the hinges almost sounding like an alarm to me since I was a bit nervous. Moving into the hall, I gaze in each direction to see no one and I soon pulled the door closed behind me. To pick a direction, I decided to just make the infirmary my destination since I could at least see Bay so she could see a bit of me.

My feet carried me along the carpet laid out in the middle of the hall and I viewed to paintings as I was at better height to appreciate the works. They seemed to show of different rulers, no one related it seems, and I paused to view most of them.

"I didn't know we had a visitor." The voice entered my ears as I soon turned to view Curiel and Vista who had seemed to be walking along the hall from the direction of the infirmary. "Oh, I recognize your eyes." Curiel commented as he viewed in slight surprise and Vista was contemplating. "Marco?" I swallowed before I let out a breath and nodded my head.

"Well it's good to see you feeling more at home." Vista smiled along with Curiel as the two gave welcoming looks and I smiled to that. "Are you headed for the infirmary to see Bay?"

"Yes." I answered short and they were smiling out whilst Curiel shifted a hand out.

"Do you want us to walk with you?" A bit of relief was there and I nodded with a smile with an appreciative look showing. They were on either side of me, Vista pointing to paintings with history starting to flourish from him. I liked hearing them all, though it took longer to get to the destination and I didn't mind that. During the short trip, Jozu had tagged along, a bit unaware of when since he is quite the silent giant. He merely nodded with a smile and followed along after I acknowledged him.

"Marco! It's good to see you!" Bay spoke out with a smile and pointed a finger to a bed. "Sit down, you all make sure I can move around properly."

"I'll be staying." Jozu spoke out deeply as he moved to find a chair and the other two were giving me smiles.

"We have to go do some things," Curiel began as he started out the door first.

"See you at lunch?" A nod left me when Vista asked that and they seemed happy about that before leaving.

Jozu was my quiet companion as Bay checked me over, being careful when I pulled away at certain things. She would be concerned, but didn't pry as I let her do other things. It wasn't that I hurt from anything internally wound wise, it was more along the lines of mental scarring. I had been beat on most occasions and being trapped in small spaces still make me nervous. It wasn't something I ever wanted anyone to know about, but I think Whitebeard and Bay had a general idea. The doctor showed that concern with a look as if knowing why I would react a certain way, but never voiced out.

"Like I said before, plenty of sun. Plus, you should go walk regularly. Though you retain muscle because of your powers, you are still a bit weaker. This is a lack of exercise and I insist you start working towards doing it on more occasions." Bay explained as she was writing up my record for my human form and was soon letting the ink dry as she came back over. "Any questions?" I viewed her as she was looking expectantly, showing she would handle anything at all and I shifted a little.

"Could you braid my hair?" The question was soft and this fond smile was on her as she moved around the bed.

"Of course." I noticed Jozu smiling as he kept to himself and watched Bay who rested on the bed behind me. Fingers ran through my hair to comb the strands that were still a little damp from my bath. I merely closed my eyes to let her do my hair, enjoying the silence and appreciated every minute of it. "There you go." She commented with movement as she got off the bed and I soon stood up, Jozu following.

"Thank you, Bay." I told her and that smile seem to grow as she waved a hand out.

"Anytime." We began leaving the room, Jozu beginning towards the dining hall and slightly paused to look to me in question. I merely moved after him, figuring I should get it over with on Thatch since he has been one of the most antsy ones besides Haruta and Namur, though Izo is close with that as well.

Jozu is always a nice companion, it's as if he knew when a person needed to just have someone to walk with them. A low coo left me in content as I viewed the area and was a bit surprised on how much taller Jozu is than me. I knew he was taller, not at Whitebeard seven foot, but he was maybe five inches from that. From what I gather, I was around five foot-eight and from hearing Izo complain, Thatch was about the same height as well as Curiel, from running into him earlier.

Speaking of Izo, I could hear his voice from the kitchen as he was complaining about a prank Thatch had done. The auburn-haired cook protested, being the only one and I looked to Jozu. A hand found my shoulder in reassurance to hold off either one who may want to grapple me to show their excitement. This breath left me as I soon moved to push the door open and Jozu was right behind me as we walked into the room, the two still arguing. We were in the room fully before Thatch was looking in shock as he saw us and Izo voiced out confusion.

"Don't think you are getting out of it!"

"M-Marco?!" The name had Izo snapping his head in our direction, looking painful, and they both stood in questioning. Nerves flustered in my body as they hadn't moved, not what I had been expecting from them, and soon I heard a throat clear from Jozu.

"Those clothes are big on you! I need to fit you as soon as possible!" Izo scolded me as the first one to snap out of his state and this snort left me at hearing those words. That is exactly what I expected from the male and soon Thatch was shifting with his body leaning.

"You still showed someone before me, I'm hurt~!" The whine came out in feign stress and that helped my body calm as he soon grinned. "So are you going to be like that for lunch? I can make you something different this time."

"Either is fine." Izo was surprised by my voice as he had hands to his cheeks and was soon moving over with a lean.

"That's it, I'm making you into a dashing prince with that voice!" A laugh busted from Thatch at his brother's words and I let a low chortle leave me in amusement. "What? I'm absolutely correct on his voice tone sounding perfect like the tales you hear, right Jozu?" The man merely shrugged not wanting to say yes or no and got a hand swatting to his crossed arms. "Yes, yes!"

"Jozu, could you switch the chair out for now?" Thatch asked as he gave me a look of questioning and I slowly nodded. A grin was flourishing along his face at my agreeance and soon Izo was in front of me with hands together.

"Fitting. Now." A snort left me as I soon moved with him to leave the kitchen and let him eagerly chat away about everything he had planned.

After measurements and promising something similar with what my clothes were now, liking the fabric, we went to lunch. The rest of them were as expected, Fossa laughing out in greeting of meeting my other half whilst Rakuyou was grinning with a joyful look from how I was making myself more comfortable. Haruta and Namur were held off by Jozu who held them by the shirts as they wailed to try and tackle me. Once everyone calmed down and we sat down, moving chairs as they let me have a side next to Whitebeard as he soon joined us. The king was surprised that I was in my human form and though my face stayed stoic like usual, he could tell I was relieved. The man laughed out as he sat down whilst patting my head and the lunch went on like usual.

No one expected for it to happen, making everyone on their toes, and running in a slight frenzy. It had been a quiet evening like usual, everyone got used to my human form after the first week and by the end of the second week, no one batted an eye. Everyone was accustomed to me and I was happy to be able to show myself more. Thatch still used his bird nicknames in humor and sometimes I would go in my phoenix form on occasion, especially to fly around. That or I changed to show ignorance to Thatch who was taunting and he would get frustrated when I ignored him that way. Everyone else found humor in it, knowing I meant well and would mess with him along with Namur and Haruta. Sometimes even Izo wasn't spared from it when he would suddenly want to size me and I changed forms to prevent it. That had many slurs of being a stubborn bird come out and I merely chortled at that. No, everything had been going great.

But then Whitebeard had been attacked.

No one had been with him as he was in the throne room with some guards, and the guards were dead by the time one of the brothers arrived. We all felt our stomachs sink and I quickly made my way to the man as he was in the infirmary. Bay let me in, most making a path as the doors closed behind me tightly, and I looked to see cloth blocking the wound from a heaving chest.

Moving to the bed, I quickly jumped up whilst changing into my phoenix form and landed on the man's stomach. My beak moved quickly to tug off cloths, Bay helping with that and wiping the area around the sternum as I began to shift. Tears welled before dripping down onto the wound and I was not liking that the king was passed out. I knew by just the looks of it, he had quite a bit of blood loss and I made sure to tilt side to side, eyes letting the fresh tears dribble down to the deep gash that steamed. The worry in me festering as most of my tears were real as I didn't want to lose him.

A great king to this kingdom, a great man to everyone he meets, and a great father to the boys on the other side of the door waiting for news. I wouldn't let anyone die and though it did exhaust me from using the healing, I kept on until it sealed completely. There was a scar in its wake showing how the slash was made from his collarbone and went along his sternum going to the left and just a bit under his right pectoral. The burning tingles were there on my body, thankful they couldn't see it as it twinges in pain from how bad it was and noticed the poison along with it, but I knew it would merely stay for a short while maybe a little longer than usual with that poison.

Legs shook as I soon let the last tear drop and they finally gave way as my body found the stomach I was perched on. I lowly cooed to show my exhaustion and Bay was already there with a blanket draping over my back. My head rested down on the man's chest as I felt myself slip into sleep feeling his chest move with his breathing.

"Thank you so much, Marco." Hands stroked through my feathers as Whitebeard had woken up a little time after I did and Bay had helped him sit up with pillows behind him. A low coo left me as I rested against him in my phoenix form and made sure to stay like that, still feeling weak. The last thing I needed was for them to see the outcome of my powers and probably how bad it looked with the effects of poison, but the doctor is persistent.

"Pops, please tell him to change so I can check him over thoroughly." Bay looked to me with dark cobalt eyes and I cooed at her in protest.

"He probably heals better in this form." Arms crossed over Bay's chest as she frowned to me and this breath left her slowly.

"Marco, change into your human form." I turned my head away whilst pressing closer in the lap I was in and I heard a hum under my head. "Then the passage is true? Since you are a regeneration phoenix, you heal and heal others, with a consequence for a short while." Nothing left me as I ignored the words and soon hands were lifting me as Whitebeard had me up to look to me with a concerned look.

"What is it, my boy?" A low coo left me as I let a talon move out towards him and didn't look at his face. "Marco…" The tone used had me grimace as I knew I wouldn't get out of it and I was a bit too tired to try and argue it. My body was shifted once I let out a coo whilst stopping my movements. I wiggled to get back in his lap, chest pressing to his stomach before changing to my human form. I gripped around his body, refusing to move and Bay was tugging to my shoulder.

"Let me check it."

"It will go away in some days." I gave a serious look and this sigh left her as she began jabbing a finger to my ribs.

"Even so, let me see it." A frown was on me as I gave her a look and she stood up straighter with arms crossed to sternly raise an eyebrow. A hand pet the top of my head as I had felt nervous on them knowing.

"We only care for you, Marco. Let us see it." This shaky breath left me as I looked up to Whitebeard who looked very worried on my wellbeing, not seeming to know what this consequence was, but had a general idea.

I didn't like that look, making me feel guilty, and soon I shifted to sit up whilst still between his legs. My body moved as legs went over one of his and I made sure I was sitting comfortably. My hands nervously held the shirt as I noticed Bay reach over before pausing. Letting out another breath, I pulled hands away so the clothing could rest properly and she began to unbutton the shirt a few buttons. Hands stopped as she noticed immediately and soon was moving to her desk in a rush.

"Bay?" Whitebeard questioned as I didn't move and didn't want him to see the mark.

"When you fully heal I am going to beat you into near death!" The doctor growled out as she came back over with a tray. Setting it down on the bed, hands quickly tugged on buttons and I kept a grimace. It looked bad, the same type of scar showing as a red angry mark but closed and around it showed veins showing green as skin was darkened to a black, blood red color from the poison. "I didn't even know poison was involved."

"Poison?" A hand found one of my mine as Whitebeard gripped it and the other hand found my back to rub. I could feel his worry gaze on me as I tried to ignore everything and Bay pressed a needle into my damaged skin. "When you heal another person," the king began as I could feel the antidote enter my skin, "you take on the damage?"

"Just part of it…" I whispered out as the hand held mine firmly and I gripped it with eyes closed. "Like with Thatch, I had a scar to match him for a couple days before it went away."

"That's why you were also still feeling weak?" A nod left me as I let Bay do her work as she administrated the antidote in two other areas. "How long for this?"

"With the antidote being applied by a third party, about five days."

"Before the antidote?"

"About ten, yoi." Opening my eyes, I noticed Bay frowning to that and I knew Whitebeard felt the same way on hearing that. The doctor finished whilst motioning to pull off my shirt and I shook my head. "I'm just going to stay in my phoenix form until I am healed." The words left me, making Bay slowly nod in understanding before she moved away to clean up her utensils and before I could change, I was moved. The hand in mine moved and I was dipped back along a lap as grey eyes from Whitebeard looked to my chest in worry. "I will heal, you could have died…" I reminded him as he looked guilty for having such a thing there and he grimaced with a sigh. Hands shifted me to sit up as he pulled me close to him with arms around my body and I rested with my head nuzzling into his neck.

"Thank you, Marco…" A hand rubbed my back as I curled against him and cooed lowly.

"It's still not enough for what you have done for me, Pops…" I commented whilst closing eyes to take in the soothing atmosphere and noticed his soft chuckle of letting the name slip out. My body festered and then I soon transformed to let myself sleep.

Whitebeard and Bay decided it was best to tell them I needed to be in my phoenix form to heal fully and it would take a little time from how much. They understood and mainly showed me affection as I rested in my nest mostly since I did feel exhausted. The king would tot me to meetings so I wouldn't be left out and even when Shanks and Benn joined us, they looked worried. Even when they had been briefed on that, they still held a look and I wondered if Whitebeard told them everything unlike his sons.

During the days where I healed, I would go into human form when requested by Whitebeard to reassure him. Though he still frowned when I merely laid along him in exhaustion and barely keep my lids open. Sleep helped to heal faster, so it only took four days thankfully with that antidotes help. Bay made sure to check on it every day to see if more needed to be applied before she would stroke through my feathers. She also came by when Whitebeard had to go tend to something for a moment and they didn't want me to be alone. No one was allowed on being alone and guards had tightened security more so you never walked alone or would check into the room on scheduled time to make sure everything was fine. Most of the time I laid on my side away from the door so they couldn't see my chest and didn't want it to get out about it to the boys.

They both decided to have me rest six days, to fully know I was fine and the wound gone from sight. Whitebeard was happy to see me back to my normal stamina and even the sons were happy to see me moving a bout in my human form. Most made sure to spend time with me since a week had been missed and were excited to hear me call the king 'Pops' as well. I was surprised seeing them act like when their brothers come back from a trip and it made me appreciate the closeness. They saw me as part of the family and made sure to show it in everywhere possible, even to get some advice though I wasn't the best person. I mostly listened and spoke to them on what I thought on the matter truthfully. It was evident they appreciated it all and I loved the feeling it brought me.

"Could you give me a tattoo, yoi?" Rakuyou stared in surprise as I approached him, a few days after I had healed, and was soon smiling.

"I would be honored." The man began moving into his room with a hand waving me in. "Come in, let me see what ink I have available right now." I closed the door as I followed the man into the room and he was soon bringing out a basket and searching through it. I nodded towards Jozu who sat in a chair quietly and gave a nod back with a smile. "Where do you want it?" Eyes found me as Rakuyou seemed to be contemplating on something.

"My chest." I commented with my hand patting to my diaphragm and he did a hand movement with a tilt of his head.

"How big?"

"Most likely here to here to show on my phoenix form properly." My hands lined out in estimate and he showed surprise before looking in his box.

"Do you want to do it now? I mean, I only have a dark blue ink…"

"That would be perfect, yoi." I commented whilst unbuttoning my shirt and was noticing him pulling out items before pointing to the day bed in the room. The shirt found a chair and I soon moved the contraption in my hand from my pocket and let fingers through the ring before gripping it. I soon sat down on the bed before moving myself to relax back onto the comfortable cushions and he had a chair next to me.

"Are you going to heal during this?" The question came out as he was readying a table next to him and I lifted my hand up to show him the stone bracelet.

"This will prevent it, once you are finished, my powers will heal it, but the ink will stay as it will know that it's host wants it." A nod of understanding was there and he began to situate whilst getting a regular quill to dip in the ink.

"I will make an outline before we begin."

Jozu was helpful by answering the door since I mentioned on it being a surprise and wanting to show Whitebeard first. They were a bit surprised that I was mostly quiet and didn't seem bothered by the needle work. I didn't feel too bad during it because I have felt much worse things done to me whilst I had the stone. Once he finished up, I had got up feeling the low throbbing of it as I moved to the mirror that he showed me earlier so I could check the outline.

A smile found me at seeing the dark blue ink as it showed their insignia. The cross with crescent curling upwards and I felt every piece of me loving it. My hand released the stone from my hand, letting it clatter the ground, and flames appeared tickling along the area, but didn't destroy the tattoo.

"That saves a lot of time for me since I don't have to explain the cleaning process." Rakuyou commented as he stood next to me with a look in the mirror and I soon turned my body to him with that smile still on me.

"Thank you." A proud smile found his face as he soon patted to my shoulder and chuckled.

"Of course! I'm happy to ink any family member who wants it!" That made me swell more with joy that they include me in the family and Jozu was there to view down to it.

"So even if you get injured there, it won't disappear?" The usually quiet brother asked out in curiosity and I nodded to him.

"It's a part of me now, yoi." They both liked that answer and I soon moved to grab my shirt.

"Pops is going to love it." Jozu commented as I slipped on my shirt and I was smiling at that as I began to button up, but left a couple buttons up top undone—not enough to show anything though.

"Let me know if he cries." Rakuyou remarked and I snorted with a soft chortle before turning to them both.

"Thanks again."

"Of course, Marco." The artist grinned with arms crossed as I began to leave the room and noticed the guards knock as the routine check in. "You may open it." Doors shifted after those words and I moved to show I was leaving and the guard stepped aside.

"Just the routine check." The guard remarked as I slipped through the doors and the two guards who walked with me waited so they could follow behind me.

I moved down the hall, letting out a low melody as I felt happy, and could hear chuckles behind me. It didn't make me turn, I could tell they found it amusing that I made my bird noises in human form. The bedroom where Whitebeard lingered had guards there and I knew he had returned for the evening. They knocked on the door seeing me approach and soon had it opened for me. A smile was on me as I stopped my song and nodded to the guard who soon closed the door once I was in the room.

"I haven't seen you all day, my boy." The king mentioned as he sat on his bed this time, probably wanting to be more relaxed than his desk. Plus, his robe looked to be thrown carelessly over said chair and I knew he hadn't been back too long.

"You have been at your throne mostly." I comment as I moved over to him with a light smile and soon climbed onto the bed. A rumbling chuckle left him as I shifted to move his papers to one side.

"True, is there something you need, Marco?" I eyed him with eyebrows shifting, but continued to shift where I was on my knees between his calves and I rested to sit on my legs.

"Close your eyes, yoi." That had him show curiosity with an eyebrow raised and I cooed lowly. He chuckled with a smile before doing so and I watched him carefully as I unbuttoned my shirt.

"I didn't realize you had more surprises, are you going to change into something else too?" I snort to the question, making him laugh lightly and I pulled my shirt off.

"No, it's even better than that, Pops." The head tilted as he furrowed eyebrows in confusion, but kept a smile. "Open them." Grey orbs showed and I waited with a nervous stir in me as he found it automatically and was showing surprise. Hands found my hips as he leaned forward to look more closely and then a hand moved to line along it.

"When did you get this done?" The confusion showed and I watched as he was grinning all the while.

"Today." Grey eyes found mine as he soon began shifting me to be on his lap, my legs straddling him so he could keep lining it with fingers. "It's healed and, even if wounded, won't disappear." The words left me in reassurance and he was soon chuckling with his head shifting to rest his forehead to my collarbone. Arms around my waist and I shifted to have arms around his head, blonde strands covering them partially, as I cooed lightly liking that he seemed so happy.

"You really do know how to surprise an old man." A chortle left me at hearing that and soon closed eyes as he held onto me.

The home became hectic with preparations as they still went through with the celebration of some of the sons' birthdays. They seem to combine them together on certain months of the year and included a list of who had one, even people from the guard or staff. With it getting closer to time, Izo was one of the most frantic ones as he was the one to do fittings, luckily spacing everything out, but needed to do the last ones before the event next week. Luckily, Atmos and Blenheim returned in time to get their adjustments done.

Everyone had been so happy to see the mark on my chest, walking around the home with my shirt unbutton. No one seemed to mind that and merely grinned my way as I showed it off mostly. They were surprised on seeing it in my phoenix form and would rub to it to see how it was like the mark is integrated with my feathers. It even showed when I buttoned up my shirt and they kind of thought it wouldn't but it did, which I was too not expecting. I've never had a tattoo done before so I was happy that it still showed in phoenix form, even when I had a shirt covering it.

"I save you for last because you don't move." Izo commented as I was standing with a nice outfit on, somewhat matching the others with different things here and there. The male was happy to do this for everyone, but I could tell it wore him down.

"If I am the last, will you be catching up on your sleep before then?" I asked as he was tying the blue sash around my waist, a golden belt over his shoulder. Brown eyes flickered up as he paused and he smiled to me.

"Yes, therefore I make sure I am finished about five days prior to get my sleep back." A nod left me at his answer as he continued his work whilst the belt was attached and he backed away with his head going side to side. This grin full of pride was there as he clapped hands together before waving one out to the side. "What do you think, Vista?" The man mentioned was the one to keep him company, still going with the whole precautions, and I noticed Vista look to me.

"Like a dashing prince." A snort left me as Izo began a happy dance whilst clapping hands more and I smiled at that.

"Just what I was aiming for!"

"I expected nothing less from you, Izo." Vista remarked as he went back to his book with a smile and to drink from his cup.

"Of course! I knew this would look absolutely stunning on him!" This chortle left me as Izo began moving back up to me whilst carefully removing garments and made sure to get everything placed to the side. "I want you to be in my room an hour prior to the celebration so I may dress you since you take the least amount of time."

"I will not be a minute late, yoi." A relieved looking grin was there as I soon helped shrug off the jacket before working on shirt buttons whilst he took the jacket to rest against a spot. My hands pulled off the shirt as I handed it over before working on the pants as Izo started on the shoes. That was the only thing I protested lightly, not liking the feel, but he said it would merely be for that time, so I agreed.

Once I was down to my underwear, I took my usual clothes to pull back on and let Izo get back to last minute adjustments so he could sleep. I moved over to Vista after I fixed my shirt, leaving it open and he smiled to me in knowing.

"I'll make sure he gets rest." A smile found me as I nodded before moving to the door and began to exit.

The guards to escort me were there as they had seemed to try and look a bit more professional as I came out. They followed as I walked down the hall and was heading back for the king's room. I noticed that lately rumors have flourished about me still staying in the room and I figured if he was there, I would address it. I know that we are to be together to watch over one another right now, but when that passes, will I need to go to my own room?

In a way, I didn't want to, finding comfort in Whitebeard's presence and knew I could fully relax there. Though I knew I couldn't be there forever and needed to let the other have his own space. He is the king after all and I felt maybe I was using his kindness too much. It unsettled me on the pulls I felt for what I should do in this case and noticed guards by the door, knowing the man had returned at some point.

When we approached, the door had opened and Whitebeard looked to be leaving. It made me frown a little, but I knew it had to be important since everyone had so much to do for the celebration. Even Thatch was going crazy as he had to get with some village bakers and cooks to help along with it, offering them pay of course. Any food left over would go to the village because none should be wasted, and they usually had their own celebration there.

"What is it, Marco?" I noticed he had stopped to view me and this had me quickly flicker emotions to show stoic.

"Nothing, Pops. Izo is happy to know I am not difficult." A chuckle left him as guards were waiting to the side of the hall and I felt a bit frustrated with them there. I get our safety, but I can't help it that I felt scrutinized. "I won't keep you long, I know everyone is busy, yoi." Grey eyes viewed me before he stepped to the side and pointed to his room.

"Come on, my boy. I have some time to spare." This look stopped my mouth from speaking as he gave a knowing gaze and I soon moved to the room. The guards shifted around to accommodate to being outside of the room and I went into the room. Moving to stand out of the way, Whitebeard shut the door behind him, setting some parchment down on a small table by the door. "Come sit." A low cooing left me as he moved to sit on his bed with a hand soon patting next to him. Eyes viewed me as I stood and tried to appear indifferent, which made him chuckle. "Marco, what has got you festering?"

I frowned to that before shifting lightly with feet moving on the ground whilst in spot before I shifted over to him so I could sit on the bed with legs crossing. I faced the room as I sat in my spot and hands were messing with my pants. A hand moved to rub along my back in a comforting gesture and I moved my hands to grip at ankles.

"I should probably end up getting my own room…" I remarked, keeping eyes to my hands as I didn't want to look at him right now, thinking my face would betray me. A deep breath left him as I felt my hip grasped and I was slid over to rest against his side.

"I see, the castle rumor?" A flush was to my cheeks when he says it out loud like that and I had legs curled up as I had arms around my thighs. "Marco, it's no one's concern on where you stay. I very much enjoy your company and would never ask you to just leave." My body shifted as I let out a frustrated noise and pressed against him, enjoying the warmth.

"I can't stay in here forever, yoi." The words left me with a frown as I hated my own words and then I noticed his other hand move. My legs were shifted as he soon lifted them so I was laying back on the bed, a protest leaving me at the sudden movement. Grey eyes looked down at me as he shifted to have a leg up and one hand began petting the top of my head.

"Marco, you are staying in here, okay?" The way he said it so firmly brought this relieved flutter in my chest and I felt cheeks heat in embarrassment. A chuckle left him as I shifted a little as he looked upon me and soon he began pulling me up. "Don't worry about such trivial matters." The words came out as he cupped my cheek with lips kissing to my forehead and soon moved to get up. "I'm going to go speak with Haruta and Curiel to see how they are." A huff left me as he soon moved to the door and I moved to cross legs with eyes on him. "When I get back, you better be cooing happily." This chortle left me at hearing those words and watched as he left the room.

They left the door cracked open, since no one else was with me and needed to make sure I was fine. Eyes were peering in with curiosity and I merely ignored it as I began to shift along the bed and find a book on the night stand on the other side, kind of claiming it. I mostly stay in the bed unless I felt like being in my nest, but I knew it had been an adaption since Whitebeard was used to me having my back resting along him. I always enjoyed the warmth he had whilst sleeping more deeply feeling safe.

I don't want it any other way…

*Mannford – I picked this because I thought it would sound a little weird calling a place Marineford *grins sheepishly* Not that it matters much, but it has been decided! XD