Izo was going to throttle his brothers by the time he got to me, since he only had about half an hour to dress me, but I made it easier by getting the pants, shoes, and shirt on before Vista helped slip on the jacket at least. We tried to make it easier on the male who was about to have a panic attack from how much pressure was there. Everyone left by the time he began fixing up my last-minute things and once he pulled back with relief, he adjusted himself. I was impressed that he went for a flowy gown and worked so well while wearing it. I helped him with the necklace he wanted on as he put earrings in.
"Izo?" I questioned the name as we moved down the hall, him practically dragging me, but I stopped us near the hall that led to the party. The body turned, looking to about scold me that we would be late and I stood up with a straight posture as my hand was out. "Do you want to be escorted by a dashing prince?" I smiled with humor as he always claimed I was one and this look was there of surprise before a big smile showed. Hands moved to fix up his hair, though it looked fine, and soon a gloved hand was on mine as he smiled.
"Of course!" I chuckled as I soon shifted to offer my arm and he had one hand around my bicep whilst the other was resting over my forearm.
We went around the corner, Atmos seeing us immediately and moved to inform whoever inside as it didn't take us long to reach the doors. People were around chattering, noticing different royal colors from different kingdoms, and I led Izo towards Whitebeard who was grinning with a soft chuckle as I noticed his shoulders moving. Some people stopped seeing me as not many people outside of the castle knew of me and were surprised. People muttered of Izo being beautiful as always, used to his ways of being different, coming to an understanding once knowing the family.
"Now that all my boys have arrived, Izo fashionably late as always." A chortle left me as we moved to the side and Izo let his head go up for humor purposes. Most chuckled on the joke and action before we stood next to Whitebeard as Izo slightly led me to the spot. "We hope everyone enjoys their time with us for the evening and wanting to thank everyone who could make it to such an occasion. So many birthdays in a large family is hard to keep up, so as always, do not feel too bad, I forget most of the time as well." People chuckled at the joke as our king soon moved to show a bow and all the princes, including me, bowed along with him. "Please, enjoy the evening!" People clapped out as we rose from our bows and the orchestra began to softly play.
"I think you saved me, Izo. I wasn't sure what to do, yoi." A chuckle left him as I mentioned that with a look to him and soon a hand was patting to my shoulder.
"I see your dream has come true, Izo! Having a dashing prince to lead you! Guararara!" Whitebeard was standing there with a proud smile as Izo flicked his fan out to soon flutter to his face.
"And he offered as well, my night has already been made!" We all lightly laughed as a hand tightened lightly on my arm. "Could I at least squeeze a dance from you?"
"I don't know much about dancing, I apologize." I mentioned since I didn't know any formal dances, making him pout lightly before humming out with the fan closing to tap at my chin with a smile.
"But you learn quickly, come on. I'll return him shortly, Pops." The king merely laughed to that as I was pulled along to the dance floor where people were doing a dance. "Just listen to me and you will do fine." Izo commented as we were to the edge of the other dancers, showing me places for my hands and gave an explanation that I vaguely understood.
Confidence was all over his face as he smiled and soon we began moving slowly at first to let me get the hang of things. Izo was right, I picked up quickly and we began moving around more when the song picked up and I was taking the lead whilst he had us swaying a little. A big smile was on him as I was happy to make his night and people stared, women envious and men scoffing at the way I presented myself. I always made sure to be stoic, but show fondness to people I hold dearly and I would do the same for any of the others.
It reminded me of the times with my mother, when she would playfully dance with me whilst playing out a tune. She would show a bigger smile when I would play out the melody more and then she would sing words to go with what I played out. We would dance in our small house after rolling up the futon or dance out by the small garden we had. Our lives were perfect, even though we were on the poor side since the village wasn't too much as we were known to be gypsies. It never bothered any of us though and we lived peacefully. Dancing was a big part of our lives, the village doing a big festivity on almost every couple of nights. We didn't have a banquet or sorts, but we would dress in beautiful fabrics we had set away for when we danced to the rhythm of the drums and chords from women's throats.
It was a time to be alive.
When the song was coming to an end, the tempo showing of it, I let Izo twirl before effortlessly grasping his hand to dip him back. A bright look was on him as the song ended and I had him straightened back up. That beaming look showed as he chuckled whilst pulling me to the side so the next song started up for others. The hand pulled me as I was to the side with him and arms found around my body.
"Thank you so much, Marco!" A smile found me, happy to know I could help make his night even better.
"Of course, Izo. You also brought me some very unforgettable memories." I mentioned whilst he pulled back to put hands to my face and gave a smile. "Now, you should go dance with Thatch for being such a stiff earlier." This laugh left him as he soon covered his mouth with his fan and I chuckled.
"It's like you read my mind! I'm off!" I bowed my head with a slight incline of my body and he did a lean as if to curtsy in a lazy manner as did I. We both chortled in amusement about what Thatch was about to face and I watched him walk off before moving to Whitebeard who was talking to someone. It surprised me to see women looking on with interest towards me and this nervous flutter was in me, never thinking anything along those lines. I wasn't interested in anyone in that matter, I don't think so anyways.
"There you are, Marco." The king mentioned as I approached with a stoic appearance and the man he was talking to excused himself. Whitebeard merely patted my shoulder as I was next to him with a smile soon showing on my face.
"Izo is off to torture Thatch, yoi." A laugh rumbled from him as someone came by to offer drinks that we grabbed and I took sips from it. Wine is an acquired taste, and unlike Vista, I did not care for it much.
"He always finds a way to embarrass his brother, especially for later."
"Later?" I asked out and he soon chuckled whilst grimacing to the wine a little and I knew it was because he liked rum better.
"Yes, it's more of a way to just be us, no formals." Surprise found me on hearing that before nodding in understanding and I felt a little anticipated for later. "You are quite popular." I looked to him with a raised eyebrow of questioning of whatever he could mean. "I don't think you want to know of all the proposal offered from the minute you walked in and how they grew seeing you dancing with Izo." A snort left me at the comment and soon he chuckled whilst patting my back. "I merely told them it's like with any of my boys, if he's interested, he'll let me know." I smiled to that, liking he wasn't the type to force anyone in a relationship, not that I found any women of interest so far anyways.
The evening seemed to fly by as most began to leave after so much going on. Many women flirted with me to the point, that on occasion, I would excuse myself to find refuge with one of the sons or Whitebeard himself. So many people made me nervous, which I handled well enough, but infatuated women about drooling on you was very different. I was practically peeling them off me that's how much they wanted to cling to me and I tried to be nice.
Izo almost bit one's head off for cornering me with her bosom about to fall out against me, it was a bit disturbing. When the dark-haired tailor showed a menacing look whilst muttering certain things in her direction, she paled and quickly made away. Namur even playfully distracted some so I could sneak away and then Thatch was there to flirt to some as I disappeared. The king found it mostly amusing when I would go find him for comfort and was only soon dragged off for some reason.
I was exhausted by the time I was told I could go change with Izo, since they figured he was the best choice to get any remaining women away. He was a good choice, the glare was affective, and I enjoyed that we were away from that area. Once we made it to his room, he had taken my formal clothing, piling it to the side for now and said he would get other clothes for me. They were a lot more comfortable, letting me keep the sash and golden belt from my formal attire. The white shirt is short sleeved, being button up so I could have it open and the sash and belt were around my abdomen, beneath the shirt. A pair of black capris were on me as he gave me some sandals that wound up my calves and I very much liked them.
When he dressed, I waited though it didn't take long, and noticed him in some lose clothing. I was a bit surprised at the cloth lingering over his head and he was having trouble with part of it. Without thought, I moved over to him to fix the fabric to settle correctly before fixing the one around his waist with the chiming sounding out from the coins along the edge. Finishing the area and moving the band on his forearm to his bicep, I moved back to view surprised brown eyes before he was turning to the mirror.
"Oh, that looks so much better." He commented whilst shaking his hips and jingled, making me smile.
"Don't move your upper body when you do it to get the full effect of just the chimes coming from there." The comment left me and eyes found before moving to his desk.
"Have you met gypsies before?"
"My village was just that." The remark had him pause and turned to face me in surprise with lips moving before closing.
Questioning was there as I knew he had been wanting to ask when because only a few remained, but after my village had been attacked, they began to go more into the woods to be out of sight. He soon grasped to some things before bringing them over. I took the tasseled band with bells underneath and put it around under my knee whilst I put the presented scarf, that chimed when moved, around my neck to tuck it properly as it partially hung over shoulders. When I moved hands away, one grabbed each to place bracelets to my wrists and then held them as he grinned before beginning to drag me out.
"Then help me fix Namur and Haruta, since not many take to my idea." A chuckle left me as we moved along the halls to the courtyard where I could smell a fire burning. Memories flourished back more vividly seeing the princes all moving around, Curiel playing out with panpipes as Fossa, Jozu, and Atmos were beating on some drums. "Namur! Haruta! Come here!" Izo hollered as the boys were clapping and soon saw us with big grins. Others noticed with wide smiles and the two younger boys approached. When they asked, what was up, I moved to fix Haruta first with what was needed before Namur. "Now everything is perfect!"
"Come dance, Marco!" Haruta and Namur had my hands as Izo followed behind us and we found ourselves by the fire. My eyes viewed the flames and I took in the air, thinking back to all the times when the village would want to do this for no reason at all. The chiming from the other three made me smile as I soon let my legs move on their own to the beat and we were soon all moving in a dance, laughter coming out as others joined. My hands clapped out with Thatch who grinned as we grasped hands to do a circle around and I was letting my other hand shake out to the rhythm.
I've never felt so much alive.
"Quiet, you stupid bird…" Thatch groaned as he was supporting his head on his forearms now as I chuckled whilst viewing him at the table.
"You should have toned your drinking down." Vista commented whilst sipping water and I took my drink to swallow from it.
"It was worth it…" The cook mentioned with his head moving to find me with a grin. "Marco was having a great time." I smiled to that as I took some more sips before shifting to rub his back in empathy.
"You didn't need to drink with me, I can never get drunk, yoi." A whistle was out as Fossa was chuckling with his hand rubbing to his chin.
"That must suck, never to experience something like that?"
"Unless I have that stone, then I can, but I'd rather not suffer in the morning." I answered towards the man who watched as Thatch groaned with hands moving to rub his thundering head.
"Point taken." This chuckle left me as Fossa agreed and went back to eating, something he made simply since Thatch was not up for any of that. No one else was awake, except Curiel and Jozu since I saw them earlier going to go exercise.
"Maybe you should go lay down for a while longer, Thatch? Drink some more water and take a cup with you." I mentioned out as he groaned some more and I soon started helping him up. "Come on." Hands were moving him as he used me as a crutch and I grabbed his full glass, wanting to scold him for not drinking any yet, but held back. We moved down the hall with Vista trailing behind for the whole staying in a pair thing, probably figuring I was going to check on Whitebeard, and we found his room. I noticed that the housekeepers would have fun with the display and I got him on his bed.
"You're such a good mommy, birdie." A chortle left me at the words before getting him sat up to drink some water. Once he drank half, I got his shoes off that were simple to get and he got in the sheets.
"I'll scold you later, brat." I mentioned, making him laugh out before groaning with a hand rubbing to his head. "Now get some rest, Vista will be here if you need him. Though I should get Bay, yoi." A horrified look was to me as I chuckled and he hit to me lightly.
"You wouldn't…"
"Sleep." The reply left me as I moved the glass to his night stand and started out of the room with a nod to Vista who sat comfortably with a book and drink.
Guards followed me as I moved to my bedroom, thinking on checking on Whitebeard since he didn't want up when I was. It didn't surprise me too much; the king did drink quite a bit as well. I found the room, guards viewing me and I knew rumors had begun to get worst, especially from last night when I avoided women to be by the man more. Of course, some of the guards didn't care that I was that close for other reasons, probably thinking I was plotting something, but I mostly ignored them.
Getting into the room, I noticed the lump in the bed and soon moved around the bed to my side. Legs found the bed as I crawled along the mattress and soon moved under the blankets. Heat found me immediately as a hand grasped my thigh and was pulling me over. A chuckle left me as I was pulled against the man, noticing him taking to doing that since he told me to stay in the room. It must be his way of showing reassurance that he wanted me here and I always cooed in appreciation.
The morning is calm, but I knew shortly it would be a bit hectic mess again. Plans were made for troops since it seems suspicious activity was seen along the Eastern border with Teach's territory. It didn't settle with me that this man was trying to harm people I held so dearly to me now and it was bad enough that most had a feeling that Teach had something to do with my behavior to most things. Being here I have built myself back up to be better in shape, especially since Bay told me to go outside. So, I would fly or help with some of the princes with training, and it did refresh me.
"What's got you festering so early?" A low coo left me at the question and he chuckled whilst I noticed he had been awake for a minute. My body was resting against him with hands resting against his chest and my head resting to his bicep. The arm around my waist shifted to pull me close as he rumbled in laughter and I huffed lightly at the trembles.
"I'm just enjoying the morning." I mentioned with a hand swatting to his chin so he could stop shaking the bed with his laughter. He calmed down with his head shifting to let lips kiss to my forehead and I felt heat flush my cheeks as I began cooing.
"It was so good to see you that happy last night… did it remind you of your village?" The question came out lightly, knowing he was treading dangerous waters and I let out a small sigh before smiling.
"Yes, all good memories…" I mentioned whilst shifting as I soon looked up to him. "We never had a big banquet, never being able to do such a thing, but we would dance the night away. A big bonfire, drums with panpipes playing out. My mother showed me how to move at certain angles to get certain chimes from different attire placed around your body, yoi." I spoke fondly as I was gazing to my fingers that shift along his collarbone and I was smiling. "Women would sing out, sometimes no words, just showing a hymn that went with everything. We never danced formally, just letting our bodies move to the beat to hear the chiming go along with it." My eyes closed as I could almost heard it my own ears again. "I'm happy to know I was able to relive that with my family here…" The whisper left me as I soon gazed to Whitebeard as he was smiling to me with a pride in his eyes.
"We are going to give you so many good memories that it will be hard to keep track." A chuckle left me at hearing that before I shifted hands to find the back of his neck and I moved to press a cheek against his.
"Thanks, Pops…" Arms held me securely as he put a hand to my head to hold me there as I enjoyed the warmth filling me to the brim.
"If you all don't stop!" Izo snapped to a couple guards as I had been rounding a corner and noticed them all three stare to me, though Izo was still looking disgruntled. "If I hear anymore nonsense, then I will personally kick you all out for a week!" The prince shouted up to the guards who about fell over in fear and soon ran off with apologies. I raised an eyebrow to Izo as he was calming his breaths with a hand fanning to his face and he curled a finger at me. The sudden need to follow it was there, knowing the male would just drag me by the ear when irate.
"What's wrong, Izo?" I asked out in curiosity and he was taking in some breaths.
"This gossip is ridiculous!" He about fumed again and was soon grasping my shoulders to shake me with a light growl. "I should throttle them!"
"It's just gossip, yoi. I thought you loved it?"
"Not on what they are saying! It's rude!" Confusion left me as he soon swatted to a shoulder aggressively. "I know you have overheard it, but don't worry. I already know the truth of it all!"
"Truth of what?"
"Of Pops and you staying in the same room, of course." My head tilted as I gazed to him, almost asking if this was something to angry over.
"Because I'm adjusted in there? I mean, he told me that I didn't have to leave the room if I didn't want to and told me to stay." Brown eyes gaze to me whilst holding me still as he leaned a bit to the side as he viewed me.
"Wait a minute…" The words came out in a slight mumble as he viewed to me directly as I looked to him in confusion and he looked surprised. "No way, he hasn't done anything yet?"
"…Um, done what?"
"Gah! I told him like weeks ago!" Izo moved his hands to his own face in a feign horror as he shifted to move and turned to walk off before stopping. "Ugh, I ran off my stupid guards…" I chuckled at that, though I was still clueless on what was going on. Turning, I motioned my guards to follow Izo and they gave an uncertain look.
"I will be fine, follow Izo." They merely listened to my words as the prince smiled to me. "Try not to bother him too much, Izo. Pops is working on some things that need to be done."
"Oh, I am going to give a stern lecture!" A chortle left me at that before he gave a hard stare to me. "You better think about those rumors and let them fester in that brain of yours!" Before I could question, he left and I soon moved to go towards the courtyard, expecting to see someone training there.
After a bout with Blenheim and Haruta, I moved towards the bedroom, getting new guards with me. The words Izo mentioned did have me think about the rumors of the castle and sadly I festered on them a bit when taking a break from training. I knew of the whole bedroom situation, thinking I was taking advance of the situation or trying to plot something, but then there was the other one. People assumed that maybe something had formed between Whitebeard and me in a more intimate light. Of course, I never thought along those lines, but Izo had planted that piece in me to let it fester more.
The king did make me feel at home, everyone did, and I found solace in him on being able to be there and tell him anything. A feeling stirred in me at the thoughts of possibly being a bit more intimate with the man and it caused the stirring to feel like hot oil dribbling through me to my stomach. My village had never been prone to deriving towards societal norms, so it wasn't odd for me to think two males were okay, but the outside world is different. It believes in the woman and man factor and I tried to keep my train of thought there, making me wonder if that's why I never realized the festering in me.
Whitebeard was special to me, more than the others, and it was evident by the words heard that he may as well. Maybe that's why after he told me to stay in the room, he began to show more affection towards me as a sign that he cared more deeply, but wouldn't push the matter on me. The thoughts even brought a calm to me, seeing to be closer and I wondered when I had exactly started to feel this way.
The bedroom was in sight as I figured I would take a small nap before dinner and noticed guards by the door, Izo must have already left since Whitebeard's usual ones were there. They looked to me in question as I soon opened the door, it took them time to adjust to me just opening the door when I felt like it. Papers rustled a bit as I closed the door and soon moved to my nest to flop onto it.
"A good training session?" A chuckle was there as I cooed out whilst shifting more comfortably, not wanting to get the bed dirty from my exercise.
"I hope Izo wasn't too much of a bother, he looked to be on a roll." I commented and he rumbled lightly before shifting in his chair as I heard it creak.
"He scolded me." A chortle left me at hearing that before a shift was heard and soon the bed creaked from him sitting. "Come here a minute, Marco." This protest left me as I rolled to view him with a grimace of having to move and he chuckled. The hand patted the bed and I rolled out of my nest before getting up with a sigh. I rubbed my neck as I moved over to him to soon sit on the bed next to him. "I wanted to apologize for the castle gossip being so bad."
"I'm not bothered, yoi. It only bothers me when they think I'm taking advantage of the situation." A hum left him in annoyance on hearing that before I shifted to rest against his side. "Gypsies are open minded and hearted people, so most things we hear we take from their perception to understand." An arm was around my back as he gripped my hip and he shifted a little.
"Aye, the family was a bit like this when we got Izo… They did not understand why he loved to dress as a woman, but my sons and me supported him to the point no one bats an eye now." A smile was on me at that before shifting a leg up to have the foot against my thigh.
"We didn't have formal things, so our clothes were very gender neutral in our eyes. No one thought different on clothes or hair, it was whatever you wish to appear you just did it." This chuckle left him as he soon shifted a bit and I looked up to him. "We don't classify gender, love, or lifestyle. You do what you feel is right, whether it's to love someone of the same gender or to dress more vividly to the opposite gender. Those are trivial things to the divine eye; we focus more on the heart, yoi." A hand cupped my cheek as I stared to him seriously and he smiled to that before I cooed at the feel of fingers finding my neck.
"Marco, even from a dark place, you are a light…" Surprise was through me on hearing those words before he shifted and lips were to mine. A hum left me as I pressed back and he rumbled whilst the hand kept me to him. He pulled a bit away to gaze to me with gleaming eyes and I shifted legs over one of his as I smiled.
"Izo made me fester…" This chuckle left him as he soon shifted us back and I protested about being dirty. Laughter left him as I soon huffed out whilst sitting up on my knees and I let out a squeak of surprise when I was pulled to a chest. "O-Oi!" The complaint left me as he laughed whilst I swatted to his shoulder, trying to get better situated with his gripping hands. "Come on, Pops!" I complained whilst finally getting legs to straddle him as he sat up with hands finding my cheeks and was kissing me again.
A groan left me at the sudden approach and I gripped to his shirt whilst sliding lips along his. His hands moved to my waist as he pulled me closer as I pressed up with fingers going through blonde strands resting along his shoulders. The knock on the door startled me lightly as I soon pulled away to look to the side in contemplation. Whitebeard chuckled whilst keeping me in place as he spoke out.
"What is it?"
"A courier, your Majesty!" The words had us knowing what exactly to expect since no one had been sent out yet and I shifted to be on the bed next to him. A sigh left me in thought on what could happen and I soon crossed legs on the bed whilst Whitebeard was placing a hand behind my back.
"Let him in!" The tone came out firmly, strong, and I enjoyed it since the man himself knew when to be serious. Seeing the door open, the courier ran in with light pants and soon saluted to the king. "What is it, my boy?" Worry was there as the courier must have come straight here from how out of breath he was and the way clothes clung to him and dark brown curly hair was damp under the bandana that was on him.
"Raftel was attacked, Sir!" The raised voice showed and I felt myself clenching in the chest with a swallow and I soon looked to Whitebeard who was rubbing his chin. The place was a day away when riding a horse at full speed and that was because of the road you had to take.
"Did you inform the General?"
"He did." Shanks moved into the room as Benn followed behind with a towel on his head, seeming that he was grabbed from a bath. "We don't know the condition of our soldiers or what is going on. I will be sending troops accompanied by a couple commanders, but I can only estimate on how many without knowing everything." The room was intense as I noticed the guards by the door listening in and knew that they would all know sooner or later.
"We wouldn't have time for a battle report and they won't send anyone for progress since they need every man." The courier explained as he seemed to be very knowledgeable about that subject and Whitebeard sighed out.
"I will go check." The words left me in a serious tone and had everyone look to me. "It would take me only half a day to get there and back. I don't have to abide by the land and can stay in the air." I crossed my arms with an indifferent look and Shanks was looking to me in approval.
"That would quicken time and give us an advantage on what the situation is looking like." Benn added in with inquiry and he moved hands to squeeze at the towel to dry hair. "We will prepare our estimate and then wait for news to go from there." I looked to Whitebeard as he was frowning with a look of worry before sighing out deeply with a nod.
"It would be the best route for this situation, we will start to prepare ourselves. Shanks, Benn, get to it and I will pick my two boys who were going to head out soon anyways." Everyone nodded as he stood up with a hand patting to a shoulder of the courier. "Good work, Usopp. Go get something to eat and relax." A nod left the brunette as he soon left the room and I moved to grab my sandals that Izo let me keep. The General and advisor left whilst Whitebeard sighed out deeply and I stood to him with a look.
"I'll be back soon, yoi."
"You know of where Raftel is?"
"Yes, I have viewed maps of Grand Line and when Teach started to meddle along the border, I made sure to memorize it." I mentioned out whilst he moved to his desk and was rummaging through papers and then a drawer before he had out a necklace.
"Most are aware of the phoenix being with us, but this is to be sure." I viewed as he put the necklace on me whilst holding it up to show the talisman. "You bare our insignia, but if you need to land or speak with them, this will show you as a courier for us. Almost like a second precautionary step." The metal coolly found my chest as we moved to the bay window where I moved onto with a crouch. "You should have no problems. Be safe, Marco." I faced him one last time, letting him kiss me as I soon shifted to transform. Talons shifted to the sill as I soon pushed off and began flapping into the sky with a call leaving me.
It was bad when I made it to the village and let myself land whilst shifting to human form. The village was abandoned and I grimaced at the sight and smell of bodies that had been burned and how heavily death reeked in the air. I decided to check the area for anybody still alive and carefully moved around to buildings. On the way to here I was to the side, so when I found no one in the village, I moved towards where they could have gone.
I walked in case enemies were still nearby and I didn't want to attract them to the area any survivors may be at. Feet trailed around in search and I hoped most survived, though the body count had me about throwing up whilst remembering back to my own village. It was awful to see and I knew it couldn't always be prevented on certain things, but seeing innocent people dead from the altercation always made me sad.
Noises were heard of a whimper and laughter, making me move quickly as I soon noticed through trees some men in dark armor cackling to whatever was in front of them. I carefully approached as three men in dark armor were there and I hid to a tree to view them.
"This is your last chance, come be my little honey!" One of the armored men hooted and this whimper from a woman was heard.
"N-No! Please, not my daughter!" An older woman spoke out in a broken cry as I noticed the body shifting by the man on the left and the one in the middle was leaning towards the daughter I presumed. The one on the right merely had arms crossed and viewed in amusement.
Anger flared through me as I soon moved to them, grasping the sword from the man in the middle and using it to stab the man on the left in the neck. Startled hollers were out as I soon cut through the middleman. A sword slashed at my shoulder as the man on the right had drawn his weapon, but noticing my flames heal it had him cry out in fear. My body moved as I cut him down to loudly thump to the ground and I stood straighter whilst gazing around to be sure of my surroundings.
"Was that all?" I asked out with eyes finding the two women who were hugging to each other.
"Y-yes!" A breath left me with a light coo as I calmed down and stabbed the sword into the dirt. I moved to them to crouch and view to them in worry.
"Did anyone else make it away, yoi?" Grimaces were showing as the daughter, looking to be a young adult, moved to nuzzle into her mother's throat.
"… No… the soldiers and villagers left were taken by them and most villagers that ran didn't make it to the borders. They were going to take us hostage as well." A breath left me as I rubbed to my mouth and closed eyes for a minute. I shifted to stand and was deciphering on how to get us all away from here and I contemplated on my choices.
"I need to get you both to safety…" I mentioned out in thought before shifting to rummage the dead enemy soldiers and was removing belts. "Since my talons can be sharp, I will grasp these belts and you both hang onto them with you having legs around the other as precaution." The words left me in explanation and they seemed to nod as the daughter was looking as well with hands rubbing away tears. "If it was only one of you I would carry you on my back, but to safely do both, this is my only option." They nodded as I soon gave them the belt so they could grasp to it, the daughter moving to wrap legs around her mother. "I cannot speak in my phoenix form, so if you feel like you a slipping, just notify me immediately and we will land to adjust." The mother nodded as the daughter finally adjusted. "Let me know when you are ready to take off, I know you might have to adjust grips before we go, yoi." Another nod was shown again before I shifted and transformed right next to them.
They were surprised to see such things and I carefully gripped the belt to begin lifting them. It only took a couple adjustments, the mother voicing it out before they were ready to go. My wings flapped us higher to begin traveling back to the kingdom, figuring they would be safer in the heart than anywhere else. Plus, I needed to report into Whitebeard right away.
We only had to land once through the trip and as we approached the castle grounds, a screech left me to notify them as I came over the wall. I noticed troops outside sitting in wait before snapping their heads when I screeched again. Jozu and Haruta were outside with the General. They were surprised by my cargo and I carefully moved to have Jozu help them down and I landed to the ground whilst changing.
"The town was destroyed." The words left me immediately to Shanks, seeing the shock there, and the advisor shifted.
"Tell me what you saw."
"They seemed to merely destroy the village and from the numbers not adding up and the mother's statement, they took very little villagers and soldiers as hostages." Steps were heard as I noticed Bay moving quickly past to the mother and daughter and then Whitebeard was by us. "They were the only two left around and I killed three enemy soldiers as their intentions were to force upon the daughter, yoi." The king stayed silent as Benn kept with the questions.
"Could you give me an idea if we will expect a ransom?"
"If you do, then I doubt the soldiers are still alive. He would do it in mockery, but I still wouldn't give up hope since he does rarely take his time. The man is very impatient and no doubt will be picking for information and to have a very twisted time." I mentioned, not wanting to be too blunt with my words, but didn't want to sugar coat anything.
"Should I ask either women about what happened?" Benn continued as they all tried not to show that irritation on how Teach could be such a cruel individual.
"If you want to know of the village, the mother would be best to ask such things. She's strong and would be willing to help, but try without the daughter near… Seeing such a thing, even at her age, is too much to understand and handle." The advisor nodded whilst I noticed Bay have a couple nurses take the two women to the room, noticing they must be the apprentices she was supposed to get soon. I assume she requested them sooner since the events occurring.
The doctor walked over with a harsh tug to my shirt to check over my shoulder since blood was along the cut mark, but just barely. A look was to me before putting it back and making her way to the infirmary. I noticed Shanks move as he looked to Whitebeard for his thoughts.
"Send troops to the village near there and we might have to tighten up on the others' bordering. He is starting to mean business."
"Right away." Shanks mentioned as he went to go relay orders and the advisor viewed me in questioning.
"I would like it if you could help us more, Marco."
"Of course, yoi." The response came back as Benn soon smiled and began moving to the General to help with orders.
"You did good, my boy." A hand patted my head as I viewed to the king who was grinning with a low chuckle and soon began pushing my back. "Go eat and then come to the war room. Benn should have mostly everything ready for what he has planned."
"I'll be there shortly." A smile showed as I soon moved into the castle to begin my way to the kitchen.
Benn had everything planned for me as I soon became an official messenger, starting out with flying along the villages to hand out a letter so they were aware of recent events and what would occur. Then once I finished with that, he had me fly along the border to scout the area from a bird's eye view. It took me a while to do everything and keep tabs on everyone whilst reporting back to inform of everything before sending out more letters. Plus, I recently flew a message to a border city to mention of how the King would not be able to meet for a while.
The ruler for that kingdom had been unsure of me, but understood with the mark on my chest and talisman. I stayed in my phoenix form so he didn't panic or anything before taking his response back. Everything I did was mostly in my phoenix form unless it was something that needed to be discussed further. I didn't mind it all too much since I could help and stretch my wings under the sun and moon. This recent return, Benn told me to go relax and take a bath for the night, so I went to the room.
"Welcome home, Marco. Are you able to stop in for a minute?" The question asked out as Whitebeard was at his desk viewing over reports after Benn reviewed them with suggestions tacked on.
Most of my returns were a short visit in to him so I could have some time, if the boys didn't hog me that time around. Everyone wanted a moment with me and I made sure to divide my time as much as I could in the recent month. Though, most sons were taking their commander position right now and were at different villages or camps. When I would spend time with Whitebeard, we enjoyed each other's company and let hands linger along each other. It was crazy how much I could miss someone who was still with me and able to get to easily.
"Tonight I'm off, I guess you could say." I mention as I moved to put my satchel to the side by my nest and began tugging off my shirt. A breath left me as I took in the atmosphere, hearing crickets from the window, and then he shifted.
"Oh? Then let me get a bath for you." A chuckle left me seeing as the King was making me a bath, but before I could protest, he gave me a look. This chortle found me again as he moved to his bathroom to begin the water in his large tub. Once I got my sandals and pants off, I moved to the bathroom whilst tugging the tie out of my hair to unbraid my hair.
"Not too much, I would just waste it since the tub is so large." The comment left me and soon noticed a hand towards me as he rested in the tub.
A heat flushed my cheeks as he chuckled before I cooed in embarrassment and began tugging on my underwear. My feet moved to carefully get in the tub as he shut the water off and I loved the feel of the hot water finding my muscles. Shifting, I rested my back to his chest as hands found mine with fingers entwining together and lips pressed to my head. This low cooing left me as I closed eyes to relax, feeling those lips continue to press to the side of my head.
"We appreciate everything you do, Marco…" The words came out softly as I soon hummed and moved my head back to the side a bit so I could view up at him.
"I'm glad I can be helpful, yoi." A chuckle left him as he let go one of my hands to tilt my chin more to let lips press to mine softly. I shifted to have my free hand come up to hook behind his neck so I press for more of the kiss.
Smut Warning!
It felt like a fever went through me as his hand moved along my chest and I gasped out against his mouth. This chuckle left him, making me coo lowly as I didn't find it funny with a pout as my face was flushed. The hand rested to my ribs as he gazed to me full of love and I smiled in return.
"Marco, I don't want to get the bath dirty." A snort left me at hearing such words and soon shifted to be on knees as I put arms on his shoulders whilst viewing to him with a smile.
"Pervert, I'm trying to get clean." This laugh left him as hands moved along my hips and down to grip my butt cheeks, making me groan as the heat flared through my abdomen.
"I'm not stopping you." My breath hitched as he shifted a hand with fingers gripping and daring close to a certain area. I trembled at the feel and squirmed lightly as I pressed to him with arms around his neck. "Though I don't mind redrawing a bath." A moan left me as his other hand began to palm at my half-erect member and it was responding quickly as I spiked with pleasure.
"A-Aaahh, mnn!" I squeezed eyes shut as I felt the hand shift along my length as he grasped it firmly. "W-Wait, Pops… It's cramp…" I complained whilst trying to wiggle a bit away from the invading hands.
A chuckle left him as he pulled them away before shifting to soon have me pulling back. Lips pressed to mine and I groaned whilst he was soon starting to stand and I moved with him. We were both in the bedroom, hands quickly lifting me up by thighs to push me back to the bed. I complained about the sheets as he shifted for something before his rumbles of amusement stopped to kiss me.
A moan left me as I felt something slick rubbing to my entrance and soon gripped at his back as he began pressing the digit in. This had me arching with eyes closed as I gasped out at the sensation spiking through my veins and lips kissed to my neck. Labored breaths left me as I squirmed with my hips, my powers being a great help with taking the pain away and adjusting as he slipped another finger into me.
"P-Pops…" I moaned as he didn't even have to move them and he chuckled whilst looking down to me. My eyes found him as I was already trembling with need for more and he kissed to my lips with hands shifting my legs.
"Your powers are useful in this retrospect, but next time I will thoroughly have you." A groan left me at hearing those words before I jerked lightly at the feel of a larger intrusion into my body. Small whimpers left me as I dug nails to his back and arched as I gasped for breath. Groans left him as he pressed his mouth to my throat to kiss in comfort as he slowly shifted in. My powers helped with letting that pain in my lower back dull before it was gone as he stopped. A groan left me as he settled for a moment, making me feel the fullness, and soon hands rubbed lovingly along my sides.
"O-oh," the tone left me as he began rocking in me and it caused shivers of pleasure to find me. Lips kissed to my cheek as he soon shifted for a hand to grip around my back side to my shoulder and he pressed my leg out.
A gasp left me as he slid back before thrusting into me. That caused a frenzy in me as I cried out in pleasure and was gripping to him in surprise of the noise I let out. A chuckle left him as he began to pick up his pace whilst I moaned lowly and I tried to be quieter since I knew the guards had heard me.
"Aaahhh, haaa~!" Lips trembled as he rocked in me and I enjoyed every motion with my other leg finding his back as I began to meet against him. I relished in our rhythm as I listened to the breaths leaving him and how our skin sounded when moving against each other. Whitebeard groaned as I gripped to his hair, the bandana falling off his head as I let lips find his. We kissed with lips moving against each other before I felt the pressure and the sudden pulse of blinding pleasure was there. "Mnnhaaa!" I cried out against his lips as he soon shifted with his head nuzzling into my neck and I moved a hand to press to my mouth.
"I love you, Marco." The words had my eyes widen in surprise and smile out as I gripped to him with my arm that was still around him.
"I love you, too." It came out smoothly before I was panting after it being said. A chuckle rumbled from him before he began to snap hips in that spot that caused everything to heighten. I pressed my hand to my mouth as I cried out at the overwhelming pleasure spiking through my body. I gripped desperately to him as he kept a quick pace and I was arching with tears forming. It felt so good and soon my hand moved to grip at the sheets behind my head with cries leaving me of ecstasy. Grunts were in my ear as I rocked hips back against him as I felt my orgasm in reach. My eyes squeezed shut as I arched deeply with moans leaving me and tried to keep up with him, but it didn't matter shortly after.
"A-Aaaahhh~!" My body jerked as I came on us with my body arching, making it a bit hard for him to keep a quick pace, but he seemed to groan as I had legs around him in a tight grip and knew my body tensed. It didn't take too long for him to shortly follow as I was still gasping out breaths of sensitive nerves being hit. Once he slowed to a stop, he slouched a bit against me as we tried to calm our breathing.
"I'll clean you properly, guararara…!" I groaned as he pulled away and I looked to him with a low cooing.
"I'm definitely exhausted now…" I muttered in complaint, making him chuckle a bit louder before was shifting to help me. Standing up, feeling a bit wobbly from the high of my orgasm still there, I had a hand to my butt as I could feel the cum trying to escape and I didn't need it to drip on the floor.
"Come on, let's take a bath." I chortled as he had an arm around my back as we moved to the bathroom to actually take a bath this time.
End Smut
The following morning, I had gone for breakfast early and noticed it was the same guards from last night. They were flustered seeing me and it amused me seeing the two reluctantly follow. I merely moved along down the hall as the two guards stayed a distance, but I think they were merely flustered by what they heard and I chuckled. It wasn't a feeling of distaste, more along the lines of surprise and curiosity.
I approached the dining hall as Izo did with hair up in a messy bun and found me with a smile. A hand waved out from him lazily as I soon moved to open the door for him and I noticed him eye the guards. They stayed out of the room, probably to gossip with Izo's guards, and I closed the door. Izo looked curious as we sat next to each other and heard Thatch holler from the kitchen.
"I will bring you both out a plate momentarily!" A chuckle left me that he already knew we were in here and soon Izo was leaning against his arm rest with a look to me.
"Care to explain why your guards were practically undressing you?" Hearing those words, I snorted in surprise that I didn't think they were staring that deeply at me.
"Guards haven't changed out from last night, yoi." I indicated whilst shifting to cross a leg over, enjoying that I didn't have to wear my sandals in the home. Thatch came in while Izo festered over my words in contemplation, not as quick to catch on in the morning, and we got our food whilst Thatch sat down on the other side of me.
"No way!" The sudden words leaving Izo caused Thatch to jerk in a startled manner as I heard the chair scoot from it. "You both had a wild riot?!" Thatch choked next to me as I snorted before laughing out at the blunt words used and the cook next to me was whining.
"My ears! I don't want to know what our parents are doing!" Thatch complained and was shielding his ears from any further implications. I was surprised on what he said and knew that Whitebeard had mentioned it vaguely to his boys when they were home, but didn't know if they caught on. Then again, Thatch was calling me a type of mother from that time he had a hangover.
"Oh, hush, Thatch! It's perfectly fine to implicate on it! Be mature about it!"
"Says the one about to fly away with this gossip." I mentioned out as I began eating from my plate as Thatch was leaning to the far side of his chair with whines. A chuckle left Izo and I noticed him begin to eat as well.
"Don't worry, those guards are going to be nice to talk to." I rolled eyes hearing those words and Thatch swatted at my shoulder with a whine.
"Make him stop talking~!" A light laugh left me as I waved to Izo who pouted and I patted to the cook.
"Just feel lucky you are going to a different camp than him soon." This thought came across him as he made a noise, knowing he was lucky that Izo couldn't flourish with it all.
"I feel bad for Blenheim." I chortle to that as we all kept eating and soon Thatch was dragging me off to spend time in the courtyard, Izo going to pester those poor guards.
I had bid the family farewell again that afternoon as Benn lined up some things for me to report in at, though he had a curious look for one of the places mentioned. It was hard seeing Thatch and Izo look so disappointed as they even gave a pout when I told them I was going to leave shortly. They mentioned next time I am home that they would spend more time with me and I had agreed since I figured I would be back before they left.
"I'm serious, Marco!" Izo had warned as I was moving my satchel around and I merely smiled to them all, including Whitebeard.
"I promise I will be home shortly, yoi."
That had them bid me a goodbye as I took off towards a camp to the borders, a bit more north, to start out at. It would take me a little while to get there, but not too long and I enjoyed the sun's rays in my wings. The breeze carried me on occasion so I could ride along with it and I viewed along the ground whilst I thought of the family. I had noticed that even Curiel had looked impatient on how I wasn't home as much as I was, though he was out right now. Instead of me waiting on them, they waited on me, and though they were happy that I could help, they didn't like me gone so much. All of them didn't like that I was so close to a danger I had already been able to escape.
The camp was in sight as I soon landed along the edge and noticed men lingering by a fire pit. A few acknowledged me before going back to their conversation and I wondered if the other soldiers were getting some rest as I moved to the tent with the captain here. Usually one of the princes is a commander, but when they were needed other places, they had someone temporarily fill in the spot as a captain mostly, but they got the job done surprisingly well.
Finding the tent, I stopped before it with my throat lightly clearing, "Captain?" The question was perfectly clear sounding and I heard movement before a body fell through the flaps and I looked to the captain covered in blood. Eyes looked to the men by the fire, noticing that they were out of place.
It's a trap.
My body quickly shifted back from the sword that sliced in my direction and I quickly shifted to my phoenix form to fly away. A loud noise was heard before I let out screech from the pain flourishing through my leg and I was yanked back down to the ground harshly. Talons scrapped to the ground as I tried to shake off the arrow made of the special stone.
"There you are, my birdie." Panic filled me as I looked to see Teach grinning menacingly to me. A screech left me in defiance as I tried to flap away as I noticed the lean male next to him was holding the chain to it. "Now, now, I said I would be getting you back once we were more prepared." Another screech left me as I fought off the pulls and yanked as the arrow was painfully going back through. "Augur." The name soon had the man pull the chain a certain way and I landed to the ground harshly with a cry leaving me. Burgess was there to wrap the chain around my feet as I still tried to resist, but it was no use as I was at a disadvantage. "Let's get you home." Wings wailed out as I was picked up by my feet and I began pecking Burgess's leg. A yelp left him before he swung my body into the ground and I felt the air leave me as I could have sworn ribs cracked. "Don't kill him, Burgess." The scold came out as I felt trembles leaving me at the pain flourishing through me as wings hung out.
"He'll be fine." The man laughed out as they soon began dragging me off and all I could do is let my body clench as I was pulled away from my sanctuary.
"You tried to fly off more aggressively." Whimpers were leaving me as I tried to get up, but merely stumbled whilst falling to the ground. My wings throbbed in pain as I tried to ignore it all, but it was too painful. "I'm going to have to start from scratch with you." My talons moved to try and stand, but I merely slipped in my own blood. I laid there with heavy breaths as I wanted nothing more than to get away from this sick man.
He… He clipped at my wings…
They were a mess of blood and feathers as he just sheared whatever he wanted to with no care and I had screeched out the whole time trying to get away. It took all my willpower not to cry because I didn't want him to have that satisfaction. A hand grasped to my back as he began moving back to the cage and soon tossed me whilst locking it up.
"Now be good while I go check on my progress. You just wait until I bring that man's head to roll in front of you and then you will realize it's useless…" A laugh left him as he began out of the room and I could only whimper as I tried to shift wings that were sprawled out. Eyes squeezed shut as I let out sobs, tears dripping from me as I was in so much pain even with a single movement. It was bad enough that he shoved a piece of stone into my chest and I'm surprised it didn't pierce a lung.
P-Pops… I hope you know I am gone…
A screech left me as Teach prodded at me with his hand as he wanted to get the pain responding. I adjusted to my wings in the few days I could before he was back to mess with me again with beatings, but now it had been a week after that and he seemed to have a vendetta. Something pissed him off as he soon pulled me out of the cage and I tried to fight back with talons and striking my beak at him. Curses left him in distaste as scratches showed on his arms and he soon slammed me to the ground, Burgess pressing a knife into each wing. I cried out at the sudden wound inflicted and tried to claw at Teach, getting him snagged a few more times.
"Burgess!" The angered ruler shouted as I soon felt a clamp go around both legs and let it stay there.
I couldn't move my talons, but still tried with a screech before I noticed a prong with some sort of pattern of nothing special on it in Teach's hand. Surprise showed on me as I noticed the end showing to be a bright white and I soon panicked when he moved closer. Screeches left me as I tried to get him away and soon my whole body jolted with a cry leaving me. The searing hot pain on my chest had tears slip from my eyes before he pulled it back. Quivers left me as I was completely laid out with heavy breaths leaving me as I tried to get over my shock.
"I don't want to ever see this mark again." The sneer was there as I noticed him shift and I soon screeched whilst I could smell my burnt feathers and skin. Painful hacks left me when he pulled it away and I let my body tremble as I tried to ignore the pain searing through me. "You are going to wish that you stayed my bird soon enough." A shriek left me as the hot prong found my chest once more and I felt black spots in my vision as he soon pulled it away with a frustrated breath. "Throw him back in his cage after you douse him." The order came out as he soon left, tossing the prong somewhere as I heard it sizzle and clank against something.
Burgess took the knives out and soon shifted to get up to get something. I couldn't move, feeling the pain throbbing through my body and I soon cried out as the cool water splashed onto my body and I wailed lightly before my feet were grasped. He dragged me to my cage as he tossed me in, luckily landing feet to the dirty hay, but my chest pulsated in pain from the impact. The cage was closed as I whimpered with tears spilling from my eyes and began to wish for my nightmare to end.
I don't want to live through this anymore…
"Have you given in yet, birdie?" Teach asked out as I viewed him with tired eyes from my position on the stone floor and couldn't move my beak. After burning my chest, he came back in a couple days to muzzle my beak so I couldn't use it any longer for eating or offense. The muzzle hurt on me, but then again everything hurt on me. The switch he had snapped across my back hard and I jerked with a whimper. "Just admit you are mine and I will let you heal." I glared to him lightly as I shifted and puffed my chest as much as I could.
I'd rather die than betray Whitebeard.
A grimace was on him as if he knew what I was trying to say before shifting to lash at my back, causing more pain to wrack through my body as he continued brutally. Whimpers left me as he let out a shout of frustration and I could feel the switch break across my back and the blood was noticeable as it stung where he hit. A hand grabbed the band connecting my legs to lift me up and angrily threw me into the cage as I hit the bars hard and landed harshly on my chest to the dirty nest barely any straw to cushion my fall.
"I'll give you one last chance in a few days, damn bird!" The shout came out as he soon left the room with the door slamming shut and I let out a stuttering breath through my nose. Ragged breaths were there because I knew my ribs were in bad condition and how much stress to my body, I doubt that I would make it in a few days.
I'm so sorry, Izo, Thatch… I promised something that I never should have in the first place. It's like signing up for something bad to happen to you and here I am. Back in the clutches of Teach and I knew he wouldn't be lenient on me for baring Whitebeard's mark. That made him madder than anything else, besides my defiance, and I could merely whimper at the fact that I couldn't even have that to my end. It had been burned so badly that you would cringe at seeing how black my skin was and being tossed around always caused wounds to reopen.
Plus, right now I am a flightless bird… I couldn't rise any longer as I was bound and I couldn't even sing out. All I could do was lay on the hard cage bottom with small quivers and let myself just slowly let my breaths leave me. I hoped that I would die peacefully once finding the family and now I knew the world is too cruel.
Every bit of me prays that Teach just tosses my body out and not try to mock Whitebeard. The last thing I want is the family to see me how I was and I couldn't imagine the nightmares most would get if they saw me. I didn't want them to have a last memory of me like this, I hoped they would keep my appearance of last seeing me in their minds.
Don't come for me… it will be too late…
Breaths were shallow as I could not believe I made it to the day where Teach would finally end me. It was a little surprising that I made it until now and heard heavy movement around, thinking he was sending out some more troops to fight against people I tried to protect. A breath left me rigidly as it hurt to try to intake anything at all and I let eyes blink to get rid of the blurry sight as I viewed towards the candle flickering lowly whilst on my front side. It was the last light I would see and it reminded me of being in bed with Whitebeard.
Gazing to the warm flickering flame as a low rumble was behind me from the king snoring, but it wasn't too bad. It was always low unless he startled himself, which I would tease him for. I had gotten so used to him in a short amount of time since he showed so much reassurance and gave me the little pushes I needed. That flickering candle made me think of all the sons there who chattered to me, the more out-going being excited with telling me of their adventures, and the quieter ones also being a bit excited when telling a story, just not as animated as the louder ones.
Thatch's food always seeming to have a new flavor as I taste tested new dishes, Izo wanting some advice on fabrics or telling of ideas with some gossip, Jozu liking when he got to tot me in my phoenix form. Curiel loved to play tunes that I tweeted along with, Haruta excitedly wanted to dance with me, Namur wanting me to help with getting a certain writing down as he wasn't very much into it but loved to consider it occasionally. Atmos liked to train along with me, Vista had loved helping teach me different languages, Fossa liked to drink with me as he was one of the bigger drinkers, and Blenheim would play his drum more often as I would dance with one of the younger boys for some fun.
I couldn't have asked for better people to spend some of my life with.
Noises grew loud in the hall, but it was all muffled down before the door slammed open. I didn't move as I had been so used to Teach doing that and wondered if he finally came by to end everything. My body couldn't take any more of the damage and I heard feet shifting. The person stopped at my open cage and a hand touched along my back, making shiver with a whimper.
"Oh gods, Marco…" The voice surprised as I tried to move my neck to look, but it merely landed back down. "Let me get these off you." Hearing Jozu's voice was like hearing an angel and I felt fresh tears well up.
Fingers began working on my restraints, all being of special stone. Once he got my legs free, he got the one from my beak and carefully moved it away before it clattered to the ground. Confusion sounded from him as he checked my legs and along my neck carefully. I shifted a leg weakly as I tried to push myself to my side at least, but merely cooed lowly.
"Let out two coos if it's on your front side." I did as he mentioned and could feel hands trying to be gentle with me.
"Jozu?" Hearing Whitebeard's voice made me coo, but it was so hoarse that it barely made it out.
"I found Marco, Pops."
"You found Marco?" Thatch's voice sounded out and seemed excited, but soon there was some shifting.
"Don't, Thatch." Jozu firmly spoke out as he hadn't moved me yet, knowing it would probably hurt. A confused noise came out before I heard feet scrapping.
"Thatch, go help your brothers. We will bring Marco in a minute." A reluctant noise was made before I heard Thatch walking away and that's when Jozu began moving me. Whimpers left me with trembles as he got me flipped over and I noticed eyes widen. Hands gently laid me down and I could see him close his eyes for a minute.
"I don't want you to see this either, Pops." Feet had stopped moving as Jozu tried to stroke through my feathers along my side as I breath shallowly. A noise was heard before I noticed Whitebeard walk up to view to me and I let eyes flicker to him weakly to see the shock and anger there. This shaky breath left him as he controlled himself enough to pat Jozu. "Marco, is the other piece… is it embedded?" Two low coos left me as the last piece had been stabbed into my chest. "Is… is it in your chest?"
Jozu had yet looked to me as he tried not to let his emotions get the best of him, but it hurt hearing that crack when I let out two coos. A breath found him as he calmed and soon moved with a dagger in hand and looked apologetic to me as fingers lined sensitive skin. Small whimpers left me as he found certain spots, but he continued before he rubbed to the edge of it.
"That it?" I responded with two low coos and I was thankful that the light from the door was enough for him to see. "I'm going to be quick, okay?"
Whitebeard watched with worry as Jozu began to take it out, tiny twitches leaving me as I tried not to move. He mostly let the dagger find the piece, but it hurt sliding out as it was about an inch long. Once it was out, my body flourished in blue flames and I was letting out coughs, getting any blood remaining away from the inside of my body. Once it all calmed, blood still lingered on me as I had shifted to in a seating position. The only problem was of how extensive it was and I couldn't heal everything at once. I was exhausted with my wings and chest still throbbing in discomfort.
"Jozu, carry him out and don't let your brothers touch him." Hands carefully picked me up as I let out whimpers of my soreness and weakness from blood loss. Things can take a longer time to heal depending on damage and this was all at once it tried to heal so of course it sapped me of any stamina. Fabric was around me as I noticed Whitebeard using his robe to wrap me carefully and was settled in Jozu's hold.
"Be careful, Pops." The king left with a tense posture and I knew exactly what look he carried, a man with vengeances on his mind. Jozu carried me out of the room, letting me adjust to the light as I could hear fighting going on, but we walked away from it. When we stepped out of the building, Jozu blocked the rays at first to let my eyes adjust to it and I heard shouting.
"Jozu!" It sounded like Haruta calling out with a chirp of joy and asking if I was with him. The man carrying moved and soon moved sideways once getting closer.
"Don't touch him right now." A confused noise was heard and I let out a low coo as I faced the brunette. Eyes viewed me with a pout before he seemed to notice more and was surprised, but merely nodded. "Pops went to deal with Teach and I am to bring Marco back to safety." Another nod left him as I noticed troops waiting on standby and we moved deeper back in the lines to see Curiel complaining to Izo about something.
They had paused when one of the medics for the field moved to run over to us. It hurt seeing relieved looks change to worry and fear when seeing me. It was evident something happened since blood soaked my feathers and I was hardly that vibrant blue phoenix they were used to seeing. A low cooing left me as I noticed Jozu follow the medic who led us off to the side. Curiel was holding back Izo, though he held a grimace on his face trying to keep himself back as well.
"Set him down." The medic mentioned as Jozu moved inside the large tent I noticed to be a makeshift medic bay with others on beds. When Jozu began to set me down, panic flared through me as I shifted closer to him with a beak nipping to his hard armor on his chest. He seemed to notice and was straight up with arms firmly holding me with a look to the medic who frowned.
"I will hold him."
"It would be easier to examine hi—!"
"I will hold him." The firm tone was out as Jozu gave a look and the medic lightly flinched before nodding.
"Th-then come sit over here so if we need a bed." That had the gentle giant holding me move to do as said and I looked to the medic with uncertainty. I was used to Bay overlooking me and that at least Whitebeard was there with me.
At least Jozu understood and told the man to be very careful and to not startle me. Hands moved along my head before feeling along my neck and then I flinched when he touched over my chest. On instinct, I pecked his arms so he could jerk away and I whimpered when my feathers tried to puff out in threat and wings throbbed when they shifted wrong. Shifting was made and Jozu was adjusting the robe on me as I couldn't stop my trembles of trying to make the pain stop.
"Go worry of the other's. He can be checked over by Bay when we get back." The firm words made the medic frown with worry to me before nodding in understanding.
"At least stay in here so he is not prone to anything." Jozu agreed with him as he soon moved to go attend to someone else and I felt fingers carefully stroking along my head.
"It was too much for your powers, wasn't it?" The question had me coo lowly twice and he shifted me carefully in the bend of his arm where my chest was to his bicep and I rested my head to his shoulder comfortably. "Rest, I will let you know when Pops gets back." A low cooing left me in appreciation as I let eyes slip close and soon sleep had taken over.
Once Whitebeard could get away from everyone and checked on his injured men, he found us as Jozu had moved onto the other side of the medic bay to be sitting outside the tent. It got a bit crowded and he wanted me to stay relaxed as I still rested, but couldn't sleep any longer. Viewing the king, I had almost cried in relief to know that look he had showed he did what set out to do, plus hearing the talk of us winning the war was there. Whitebeard sat down, bandages showing on his body, then Jozu handed me over into different arms and I nuzzled to the man once in his gentle embrace.
Jozu had left to go calm his brothers who worried over me, though he was as well. Fingers carefully stroke my head and along my neck with a deep breath leaving him. A low cooing left me as I gazed up at him with tired eyes and he frowned to that.
"You're not fully healed…" The comment came out in knowing and I made a short noise with eyes on him. "The medic told me that he only made it to your chest before you retaliated." A cooing left me in protest of having a good reason and he smiled lightly before shifting the robes. "Change to your other form so I can see the extent, Marco." The words had me soon look away and he let out a deep breath before rubbing fingers along my neck. "Promise to at least do it for Bay." Low coos left me, showing to be hoarse using them for an extended use when before I cried out so much. "Let's get home, my boy." Tears welled up as I was looking to him as reassurance filled me and they slipped down as I cooed in relief of finally being in the arms of family and to be going home.
The princes had been worried when they still noticed me bundled up in the robe and merely greeted me with smiles. They were happy that they found me, but looked worried on why I wasn't just moving around since I had to of healed in their eyes. Jozu stayed vigilant on not voicing what he saw and mostly catered to me when Whitebeard could not. Everyone gathered that I was still injured, making me overhear Haruta panicking lightly on how I could still be injured when I was supposed to heal myself. That had most try to coax him because he was making Namur panic and even Izo and Thatch were stressing at the words. It was evident they all wanted to know, but Whitebeard and Jozu insisted that they leave it be for now. They didn't like that, but knew it was for the best right now and knew our doctor would care for me.
Bay was extremely worried by the time we got back, taking about two days to return to the castle. She had the same thoughts as the others about me healing and just being exhausted. Since it was healing myself, she figured it would just exhaust me and leave no consequence like when I heal other people. The woman had me resting on the bed, Jozu sitting next to the bed until Whitebeard could join us and she carefully examined me.
Even after two days, I was still sore and throbbing since I had a hard time sleeping as well. Sleep played a good factor for my healing since I am basically on a standby mode and it can focus on those things. My body was having trouble fully healing as it was exhausted from the burst of my powers and I had to wait until it passes before it would gather what was left to heal.
Bay waited after examining as best as she could in my phoenix form and Jozu stared in worry. It took a while to the point that Bay even checked over the prince who let her do as she pleased as she was being antsy. During the type of examination, Whitebeard had finally come in and the doctor shooed out the prince, meaning well. I watched the two as the door closed and eyes were to me as I let out a protest, making them sigh out.
"It's the best way." I grimaced at that answer as I knew he was right on what he says and they both patiently waited for me. It was conflicting as I soon tugged at the blanket to come around me more before transforming with a pained noise leaving me. My body had shifted to lay on my side as I whimpered out from having to transform and pulled the blanket to me. "Sshh, sshh…" Whitebeard was crouching by the bed with a hand petting along my head as I noticed Bay move in worry.
I stared to the king with a grimace of the throbbing in my being and he looked pained seeing me like this. Fingers lined carefully along my arm, making me flinch and a pained gasp left me from my movement. A deep breath left Bay as she carefully touched along my back and was doing it so I knew when she moved the shirt I had that was tattered from what happened to me. No doubt they followed an exact pattern of that switch used on me. Whitebeard shifted to grasp my hand that was shaking by my chest as I closed my eyes and grimaced. I let him shift it down to see the temporary scarring from the burns on my chest before returning my hand with a slight grip to it.
"Marco," Bay began carefully as she moved the blanket back on my body and rested her hand delicately to my head to stroke through my hair. "Your powers have an extent?" I breathed out as I was calming myself and kept eyes closed as I spoke.
"It was too much to handle at once…" My voice came out weakly and it caused them to wince. "I healed the important things and when I regain my strength, I will do the rest…" The words left me as I didn't want to see those pained faces of seeing me like this.
"Do you know how long it will take?"
"As long as I sleep and don't move, a few days before I can get most of the rest." I whispered out as I felt the grip in my hand and I opened eyes to see Whitebeard give a look of concern.
"Most?"
"It's… it's still a lot, yoi…" I replied sadly and he moved my hand to tilt it and shifted himself to come and kiss to it.
"It won't hurt to transform once you heal more?" A nod stiffly left me and then there was a wet cloth to my head.
"I know it's going to hurt, but let us clean and then you can go back. It's easier this way." Bay mentioned as she was carefully rubbing along to my neck and I let out a shuddering breath as I nodded. "Here, Pops, I need to cut his clothes off to prevent any unnecessary movements." Whitebeard nodded as he took the cloth to begin on the hand and arm he had, making me cringe as my arm throbbed, knowing there had to be type of marks in a scattered disarray from when he clipped my wings.
"P-Pops…" I spoke out as I watched him try to be careful with me and grey orbs flickered to my eyes. "Thanks for coming for me…" My eyes welled with tears as I spoke barely audible as I felt like I was going to cry and he cringed before leaning over to kiss at my forehead.
"Of course, Marco. We'll come save you as many times needed, let's just not try for more." He chuckled lightly and I smiled at that with a breathless laugh finding me.
I will strive to grow stronger as well.
BONUS
A year later…
"Marco, come check this out!" Hearing Thatch call out had me moving from my spot by a carriage full of what seemed to be mainly wheat and apples. We were attacked by some local rebel group whilst coming back from a post and they tried to portray as innocent travelling traders. It seemed they were carrying important cargo and when Haruta had tried to pipe in talk with them, they got jumpy and attacked on demand.
Their mistake.
"What is it?" I asked out as I noticed him by a carriage with something tall and a bit oval shaped. I noticed the prince peering a bit under the cover whilst crouching.
"You are not going to believe this." A low cooing was heard and surprise was through me at the threatening noise and could practically hear a voice.
"Get back! You filthy human!"
"Thatch, stop provoking him, yoi." I clarified before amber eyes found me in confusion before moving to pull the blanket away. It was as I thought, a bird cage and inside was something I didn't think belonged in existence anymore since I was heard to be the last of the phoenixes.
"Get away from me!"
Red feathers flared out in threat, but I could tell the stone was on him preventing his flames that I knew he had. Seeing a red phoenix was different and I have never seen myself in a third perspective, mirrors could only do so much. Dark eyes stared to me with a glare, but made sure to keep on the prince next to me.
"Thatch, go help Haruta." I mentioned with a lazy nod of my head and he showed a pout.
"Come on, birdbrain. Don't take all the fun!" A huff left me with a low cooing following as I glared and he waved hands out. "Aye, aye, going~!" Feet began clomping away and I looked to the phoenix stuck in the cage as it stared to me in curiosity.
"Where is the stone on you?" I asked out whilst pulling out a key ring I got from one of the rebels laying around. I had known it would be useful, mainly for their cargo, but they are even more handy to free the other.
"Who are you?"
I looked at the phoenix knowing that it must be a male from even the tone I could hear and I unlocked the cage. "I am Marco, warrior for King Whitebeard of Grand Line, or," the door was opened as I glanced to the side at the two boys talking animatedly. "As my sons like to call me, Mother and Wife of King Whitebeard." A smirk was on me to show my humor in it and he huffed in confusion before I notice he hadn't moved. "Are you injured, yoi?" The head tilted away as he eyed me before letting out a low cooing.
"M-My leg…"
"May I see?" The question had him sharpen his glare before letting out a breath and I slowly moved hands to him. Feathers were soft, unruly even under my touch as I lifted him up carefully and into my arms. Supporting him in one arm, I let my free hand feel the legs carefully, earning a sharp peck to my chest when finding the break. "I can heal this," I mentioned with an unfazed expression and he noticed blue flames lick along the spot he stabbed with his beak.
"You just…"
"Aye, will you come with me so I can heal you?" A look of defiance was there, a wild look never wanting to be tamed and he also held a look of wanting acceptance. "I will keep my sons at bay, but they are merely curious since you are a red phoenix instead of the usual blue they see." I smiled to show my words and he was confused, but slowly nodded.
"Will you protect me?"
The voice was soft, child-like, and I wondered how old he was. No doubt he was younger from how he reacted and the tone of his voice just seemed to show it, but I could always be wrong. My free hand moved to rub along his chest with a smile of reassurance.
"Of course, I protect everyone I hold close to me and now you are included." Confusion showed on my sudden decision and I began moving towards my horse. "Haruta!"
"Yeah?!" The questioning was out as I heard shifting behind me and I waved my free hand out.
"Help Thatch with getting the carts to a nearby village! They could use the extra food, yoi!" I remarked whilst finding my horse with a noise to get it to meet up with me. Holding to the reins, I put a foot up and soon shifted to get my body on top.
"What about you, fluffy?" An irritated coo left me lowly with a look to Thatch who was grinning.
"I'm taking him home, he's injured."
"How do you know if the bird is a he?"
"Are you seriously questioning that after he was chattering with it?!" Haruta asked in disbelief and the two began a spat, making me sigh out lightly.
"Just get the carts there!" I mentioned out in a firm tone and they both turned with grins.
"On it!"
"See you at home, Mother!" Eyes rolled at the labelling, finding it more amusing now than anything and began to ride off.
"It will take a couple hours to return to the castle, you may rest if you wish." A cooing was there as he put his head to my chest and I was a little surprised on the reaction. I knew he was staring up at me though, but I also could tell he was on the verge of passing out.
Returning to the castle, I was greeted by the guards and made sure to wake my passenger so he wasn't surprised. It seemed like he appreciated it as we rode in, people staring in surprise that the blue phoenix of Grand Line was carrying a red phoenix. A chortle of amusement left me as we found the front of the palace and I dismounted carefully. People were around, but I held a hand out to have them back off and they merely tended to my horse.
"Could you get the doors, please?" I questioned to some and they smiled before doing so. It wasn't necessary to ask, but I tried to in acknowledgement and being polite. "Thank you." I remarked as I entered through the doors and I heard hoots and hollers from the hall leading to the largest living space, figuring they were gathered to await our arrival. I turned off towards the infirmary and soon entered with a knock on it.
"Did you deserve the hit for coming into here?" Bay asked out automatically and I chuckled out, making her a little surprised as she turned to me. "I figured you were Tha—and you are holding a phoenix… Are Pops and you not telling me of something?" My eyes rolled and I heard the low chuckle leave the male in my arms. That made me snort out before shifting into the room after closing the door.
"Males cannot procreate, even for phoenixes, Bay. You know that, yoi." I mention with a look of humor and went to the bed to sit down. "No, he's got stone on him and I need to heal his leg."
"Bone?"
"Yes, but it's only one."
"Marco, you know I don't like you having the consequences of broken bones, even just one." The light scold was there and I gave her a look and she sighed out. "And time again you won't listen, why am I bothering?" A hand was to her head as she rubbed her temples and I chuckled.
"Let me find the stone." I was looking to the phoenix now and he peered away from Bay to me whilst shifting his head to point towards a talon, his broken one. A nod left me in understanding as I carefully laid him to his side and had the keys out. Trying different ones, I got it finally and handed it over to Bay so she could take it away. "I need you to stay like that so I can heal you, yoi." I remarked staying seated on the bed and he glanced with a nod before I let myself transform into my phoenix form.
The head was shifted with a look of surprise and I chortled before moving along to be closer. I lowered my head to let myself heal the leg, knowing his type of phoenix was for offense purposes. Once I noticed his leg go in place properly, mine throbbed and I shifted before sitting with a low coo. The other shifted up and was testing his talon as I heard a happy chirp and he lightly danced on it. A chortle left me in amusement as he soon looked to me.
"Did you take it?"
"I merely healed it, but the consequence of broken bones is the spot I healed you will hurt on me for the next couple of days." A look was there in distaste and he shifted next to me whilst making himself comfortable as he almost shimmered to me.
"I'm Ace!" A chirp left him with his name and this low coo left me in amusement whilst bumping his neck with my head.
"As you know, I am Marco." A few chirps left him as he seemed to be happy on being next to me, someone to relate to and the door opened.
"Marco!" A sing-song noise left me with feathers fluttering and I showed myself to be happy at seeing the man.
"Pops!" It came out along with my happy chirping and grey eyes found my companion with surprise.
"I don't remember impregnating you, my dear." This fluster was through me as I flapped a wing in annoyance and he rumbled with a laugh. A huff soon left me as I motioned my head away with a low cooing and he laughed some more. "So who is our new son?"
"Son?" Ace voiced with a low noise in confusion and I sighed out before letting myself shift to human form. Bay was over in a heartbeat to grab at my leg.
"Bay, I'm fine." A noise of being hurt left me as she flicked my forehead.
"You know broken bones are tricky with you."
"He was injured?" Whitebeard inquired as he approached and I put an arm over Ace so he could relax.
"This is Ace, and his leg was broken when I found him along with stone attached to him." The words left me before noticing flickering to the side of me and then a body was leaning into my back. Whitebeard was showing surprise as I knew the male changed to human form and I felt fingers gripping the back of my shirt as he stayed close.
"They were going to sell me." The tone really was that of a young male and I shifted so I view him properly. Unruly dark brown hair, with dark eyes staring up at me now and freckles splashed along cheeks; I was right on assuming he was young by just looking upon him.
"Then it's a good thing you were found, my boy!" A rumble was there as Whitebeard made the remark and he soon shifted closer, but carefully. Grey eyes met mine as I gave him a look and he chuckled a little before patting my head. "I can already tell, Marco, you've already claimed him as a son. Is he your baby now?" A heated flush was to my cheeks and I swiftly kicked out towards him, only making him laugh out as I cooed dangerously.
"Shut it…" I crossed arms with my head facing away and soon Bay was standing to the side and I noticed my leg bandaged.
"He shouldn't walk on it for the next two days." She mentioned whilst smiling to me and leaning to look at the other. "At least Ace showed his human form already, it took Marco a while to do so."
"I wasn't keen on it and you know that." I remark and she sighed out with a hand messing with her hair.
"I know, I know… you were just so pale and even being able to heal you looked malnourished." She complained and this huff left me as noticed the shifting behind my body.
"Thatch and Haruta should be here soon enough, yoi." I distracted away from the conversation I hated to hear most, not liking thinking of the past, even if the man is dead.
"Oh good, then they will be back for dinner." In just a couple steps, he was sitting on the bed and grasping the youth who complained out. "Come here, my boy! Guararara!"
Arms were holding onto Ace who was wailing and I snorted before the brunette wiggled enough to look to me in confusion. In a swift movement, I was in my phoenix form to nail my beak to a leg and Whitebeard let go in a startled manner. Red flared and Ace changed whilst tumbling next to me and I let out coos of scolding my lover. A sulk was there before he picked me up and was coddling me.
"You liked being held!" The remark didn't make me move because it was basically true, but I pecked to his chest a few times. "Fine, fine! I understand!" The rumble of humor was there as he held me with one hand and began stroking through my feathers along my chest.
A look of surprise was in his eyes and I soon glanced down to see Ace looking cautiously before tapping his beak to an arm. A chortle left me as he let Whitebeard scoop him up, not so erratically this time, and I saw the joy on the king's face. Ace seemed a bit bashful whilst shifting his head to rest along Whitebeard's chest and I joined him with a look.
Ace is going to be a great addition to our family.
Hope you enjoyed!