Disclaimer: I do not own Inyasha, One Piece or How to Train Your Dragon. All characters and their affiliations are owned by their respective creators. I am not making money off of this work of fiction. The characters Rock and Rain do belong to me.

A Family of Outlaws

Chapter Eight: Dragon Riders

Nami, Usopp, Chopper and Brook immediately began to panic. "Maybe we should leave," Nami suggested. "If they're unfriendly then who knows what will happen."

"Even if they want a fight we have two dragons here that can accomodate them," Sanji said.

"Shadow and I don't fight," Kagome said. "I've never been one for flight combat and Shadow's acid glands had been severely damaged to the point they no longer work. Her only advantage is being able to conceal herself. If those are dragons coming this way the chances are that they're friendly. There are no dragons here besides the one that live on New Berk."

"We met a few dragons on Punk Hazard," Luffy said. "The others told me they put up a hard fight. Plus, Momo here is a dragon zoan type devil fruit eater. Those could also be devil fruit eaters."

"We should leave Straw Hatter," Law said. "We'll split up for now and meet up again. I'll take Ceasar and Jora with me."

"We're not splitting up," Luffy declared. "It's better to fight as a large group. Besides, now that we're friends you have to stick around."

"I've never agreed to being friends," Law snapped. "I've already told you that we're allies and not friends."

Luffy didn't hear Law as he was cleaning out his ear and walking towards Rain. She and Darkess were staring at the approaching figures closely. She finally pulled out her binoculars to get a better look.

"Listen to me Straw Hatter," Law seethed.

"I don't have to," Luffy childishly said. "I say that we're all friends and that's it. We're not splitting up."

"I've already told you Law," Robin said. "Once he's made up his mind then there's no changing it. You might as well accept that he's made you his friend. He won't let you split off from us either. Besides, won't it be faster and easier to achieve our goal if both our crews stick close to each other?"

Law glared at all of the Straw Hats just smiling at him. If he had known that they would be this stubborn he would have tried allying himself to one of the other rookie captains from two years ago. As it was, he had no choice except to give in.

"It doesn't matter anyway," Rain put in. "Those are friendlies coming in. You don't have to rush to split up."

"How do you know those are allies?" Law asked.

"Not allies," Rain looked to him. "Family." She then turned her attention to Kagome. "One dragon is a Stormcutter, three guesses who that is and the first two don't count. The second is a Monstrous Nightmare. Only three riders have made friends with one. The two vikings wouldn't come all the way out here."

Kagome's face broke out into a huge grin. She immediately wrapped her arms around Luffy. "It's so exciting," she cried. "Luffy, you get to meet at least your uncle!"

"His what now?" Nami asked. "You mean that there's more in Luffy's family? Just how many of you are there?"

Rain went back to looking through her binoculars and stiffened. She hastily put the device away and put up her hands. "Slow down Swift!" she cried. Her action drew the attention of everyone. She let out a giant 'oof' as a blue and green blur slammed into her stomach. She stumbled back and fell.

Darkess was quick to join in the dog pile. Rain couldn't stop herself from laughing. She finally managed to roll into a sitting up position. In her arms, snuggling up to her, was a small dragon. "For those of you that don't know," Rain started. "This is Swift, he's a Terrible Terror and also a close companion of mine and Darkess'. He travels with us where ever we go."

"He's so small," Chopper said. "At least compared to Darkess and Shadow, is he a baby?"

"His is one of the smaller breeds of dragons that you'll find," Rain said. She was in her dragon lecture mode. "Swift is actually a fully grown adult."

"Sorry about that Rain," a male voice called. "We couldn't stop him from rushing ahead." By now the other two dragons were landing in the clearing.

"That's alright," Rain said with a smile. "I'm used to it by now."

The man that spoke jumped down and helped an elderly lady climb off of his dragon. Kagome rushed to them, she had a hold of Luffy's hand. "Mom, Souta, I'm so happy to see you guys." She let go of Luffy long enough to hug each of them. "Luffy, meet your grandmother and your Uncle Souta."

Akita pulled Luffy into a hug before he could do anything. "Look how you've grown," she gushed. She then pushed Luffy back and looked him up and down. She zeroed in on the scar on his chest. "Exactly what have you been up to young man?"

"Mom," Kagome put in. "I've already gotten after him for being reckless. He doesn't need to get a lecture from you as well."

Souta pulled Luffy away from Akita and led him to the other side of Inferno. "Don't worry about them squirt," he said.

"Squirt?" Luffy asked.

"Of course," Souta grinned. "You're my nephew and along with that comes certain privileges. Among them is the right to give you nicknames."

Rain smiled at the small family reunion as she passed them. She went up to the Stormcutter and his rider. "It's good to see you again Cloud Jumper," she patted his nose. She then looked up to the armored person on his back. "It's also good to see you again Grandma. How is Dad and Rock?"

Valka swung down with an ease that showed years of experience. She pulled off her helmet and pulled Rain into a hug. "They're doing well," she said. "Your father wanted to come himself, but he's still helping Rock establish the village and get comfortable with his position as the chief."

"He worries too much," Rain said. "As you can see, Darkess and I are just fine. Kagome and Shadow are also in one piece."

Back with the other members of the Straw Hat crew, Sabo approached Nami. "I was wondering if you had a transponder snail that I could use," he said. "Koala, Hack and I need to make a report."

"Of course," Nami said. She then pointed to the Sunny. "There's one in the lounge on board Sunny. You'll have some privacty that way."

"Thank you very much," Sabo bowed. He then headed for the ship, his two comrades following.

Inside of the lounge it was easy to find the transponder snail that Nami had talked about. Sabo picked up the receiver and put in the number that would connect him directly to Dragon.

The transponder rung four times before it was picked up. There was no anwer, there wouldn't be if Dragon didn't know for sure who was calling. "This is Sabo, Koala and Hack reporting," Sabo started.

"How did things go?" Dragon's voice was heard.

"Much better then anticipated," Sabo said. The pleasure in his voice passed through to the other end of the line. "I accomplished the goal of securing the devil fruit from the Don Quixote family. In order to protect it from them trying to retake it I ate the Flare-Flare fruit and gained it's powers. Luffy is safe, he fought Doflomingo and had some back up from a woman by the name of Rain."

"I've not heard of her," Dragon commented. "Is she a new member of Luffy's crew?"

"Not that I know of," Sabo answered. He then developed the biggest grin he could. "She's actually the traveling companion to one Monkey-Higarashi Kagome."

There was complete silence on the other line. After a minute Dragon finally spoke again. "Is she there with you now?"

"Kagome isn't with me right now," Sabo said. "But I have been traveling with her and Luffy. Right now she's introducing him to other members of her family. I believe one is her mother and the other her brother."

"Are their names Souta and Akita?"

"That's correct."

"Don't disturb them for the moment. Where are all of you right now?"

"We're on the island of Zou," Sabo answered. "I'm not sure how long we'll be here though."

"Where do you plan to go next?"

"Kagome has declared to all of them that they will let me bring her and Luffy to you. We'll be on our way to Headquarters shortly."

"Very good," Dragon sounded relieved. "Sabo, don't tell them of this conversation."

"Sir?"

"I find myself in a playful mood. I will see you all soon." Before Sabo could respond the connection was lost and the line went dead.

"Should we be worried?" Koala asked. "I didn't think that Leader had a playful mood."

"Did you think that he had a family?"

"Not really."

"Our leader is just full of surprises. We'll let him have his fun. We'll just tell everyone that we couldn't get through."

"Do you think that they'll believe you?" Hack asked. "We have been in here for a while."

"So we tried to call several times," Sabo shrugged. "I don't see anything wrong with that." The three then made their way out to rejoin the others.

~ Rain stared at the way that Kagome was smothering Luffy. She closed her eyes, she had to stop her thoughts from straying. Valka had noticed the way she looked and knew immediately what was wrong. She put her hand on Rain's shoulder to draw her attention. "When was the last time that you and Darkess had been given any real challenge?"

"Not since before we left New Berk," Rain answered.

"Then it's time for a refresher course," Valka urged. "The two of you better get in the sky quick. Cloud Jumper and I will only give you so long to get a safe distance from everyone." She then swung onto Cloud Jumper's back and the two were into the sky.

Rain could only stand there for a second. The sound of Darkess chattering excitedly broke her out of it. Her dragon had the saddle facing her and she was dancing on her feet, ready to go. Rain had a huge grin on her face as she put her helmet on and leapt onto Darkess' back. The two bolted up into the sky and started to head out to sea. Cloud Jumper and Valka already way ahead of the two of them.

~ "Did anyone else see the look on Rain's face?" Nami asked.

"I have seen it a time or two," Robin said. "She hides it very well, but I do believe she's jealous."

"Jealous of what?" Usopp asked.

"Luffy of course," Robin answered. "Here he is, newly united with his mother. Despite her being very strict, the two seem to be very happy. Rain knows that she will never have that same opportunity with her own mother."

"Why can't she?" Sanji asked.

"You can't let Rain know that Kagome told us about her past," Robin warned. Once she got nods from all of those that hadn't heard the story the first time, including a newly returned Bepo, she continued. "Rain's mother died trying to protect her when she was an infant."

Sanji instantly started sniffling. "It's so tragic," he cried. "I must go to her and comfort her in her time of dispair." He was silenced by Nami elbowing him on the top of the head.

~ "Where are they going?" Luffy asked. He had noticed the dragon with four wings leaving, only to be followed soon after by Rain and Darkess.

"No where we want to be," Akita said. She and coming came around to join Souta and Luffy. "Most likely Valka and Cloud Jumper are going to test Rain and Darkess on their skills. It's not a match that we want to get involved with."

"Of course we want to be involved," Luffy cheered. "It's fun to ride with Rain and Darkess."

"Has Rain let you ride Darkess alone?" Souta asked.

Luffy folded his hands across his chest. "She did offer once," Luffy admitted. He had a serious look on his face. "I think that it was yesterday. It's more fun to ride with Rain though."

Souta and Akita shared a look. The two then looked to Kagome. She had stars in her eyes. The two backed up a step, knowing what Kagome was thinking. "Then you shouldn't waste any time," Kagome said suddenly. "Souta, take Luffy up there and join them. You and Inferno could use the practice too. You need all the fighting skills you can get."

"I have plenty of skills," Souta argued. "And getting more everyday. Two of my kids took after their mother, you know. Do you have any idea how many fights I have to break up everyday?"

"Just get up there," Kagome ordered.

Having seen this side of his sister before, Souta rushed onto Inferno. "Let's go squirt," he said. "We need to catch up before they really start sparring in the air." Luffy was quick to jump up behind Souta and they were in the sky.

"So are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Akita asked Kagome once they were out of earshot.

"I'm thinking that I might actually gain Rain as a daughter," Kagome grinned.

"That's what I thought."

~ Rain and Darkess were using the clouds as an obstacle course to warm up once Cloud Jumper and Valka decided to start the match. As the excitement and anticipation grew the two got more daring in their maneuvers. When the two leveled out, Darkess felt a weight on her back being added. She looked up to see Luffy behind Rain with a grin.

"When is the party starting?" he asked.

"What are you doing here?" Rain asked. "You should be spending time with your family."

Luffy lost his grin and stared right into Rain's eyes seriously. The action caused Rain to freeze, she wasn't used to this side of Luffy being directed towards her. "You don't want me here?" Luffy asked. He still held Rain's gaze with his own.

"I didn't say that," Rain managed. "I only meant that family is important."

"You're important."

Before Rain could call him out on that statement Cloud Jumper swooped in. The match had started and there was no time to have a conversation. Darkess dove down into a free fall. The speed of the action made Luffy put his arms around Rain's waist. Rain was glad for the helmet, it hid her blush.

Valka had noticed the instant that Rain had gained a passenger. She was about to call off the match when Souta and Inferno came up alongside them. "He wants to be with her," Souta informed. "Even if they were to be in a fight, he wants to fly with them."

Souta's unspoken words didn't pass Valka. She caught the hidden meaning. Now it was her and Cloud Jumper's mission to distract Rain and possibly give them a chance to get closer. The two dove for the attack. It would be best to take them by surprise. Sudden actions often made people grab the nearest thing or person. Valka smiled when she caught sight of Luffy holding onto Rain tightly as they dove. Now if only she could get him to lean in closer, her job would be done for the day.

Luffy cheered the entire time that they fought and dodged in a mock battle. Darkess had gone faster then she had with him on her before. An attack from behind caused the two riders to duck down to avoid it. This, of course, meant that Luffy was now leaning over top of Rain. Valka had accomplished her goal. Souta could only watch and be amazed at the conniving ways of women. He was glad his wife wasn't here to help. Chances would be she would just lock the two in a room.

~ After a while the three dragons landed. Kagome went up to Valka and Souta. "How did it go?" she asked in a whisper.

"How you women get away with things I'll never know," Souta said.

"It went like a charm," Valka praised. "There seemed to be a moment when it looked like Rain would fight it, but that's when I started the match. She had no time to change Luffy's mind."

"Perfect," Kagome praised. "Now, we just need a few more moments, added incentives, situations that neither can escape from."

"I honestly don't think that boy of yours will try to run from Rain," Valka said. "Rain on the other hand... You know how Rock is. Every last one of the boys his or Rain's age are afraid for their lives. He doesn't let anyone near his baby sister, at least not before they beat him in a dragon race. So Rain has no experience in dealing with men. If Luffy keeps up the pressure then it won't be long before Rain is bringing him back to New Berk to meet her father and brother. You should prepare him for that."

"He'll be ready," Kagome vowed. "You just make sure that those two know that there's a possibility of romance while she's out from under their noses."

"I don't think I will," Valka disagreed. "What if it has the opposite effect of what you want? Rock will come charging in, declaring that it's unsafe for his little sister and that she needs to come home."

"Good point," Kagome conceded. "Well, how about at least convincing them that not every conflict can be resolved with a dragon race?"

"I'll try my best," Valka said. "I won't make any promises though."

~ The Straw Hat crew watched as the dragons landed after their spar. Nami grinned at the sight of Luffy holding onto Rain, even though there was no need once they started to come in. She nudged Robin who was next to her. A silent conversation passed between the two women. Of all the men that was in their group, Luffy was easily one of the more desirable among them. In terms of chivalry Sanji beat all of them, even though he was a bit of a pervert. Luffy was good natured and just all around a good guy. Though Usopp was a good guy he was still a habitual liar, besides he still had a thing for the rich girl back at his home island. Brook was dead, he was out of the running. Franky was just weird in both of their opinions. Then finally there was Zoro. The two women were sure that he would forever remain a loner.

Nami and Robin turned to face Sanji when he started to growl. He took two steps towards Luffy, only to find himself tripping. A pair of hands grew out of the ground and held his feet in place. Sanji soon found himself kissing the dirt.

Nami leaned over Sanji, a look of malice on her face. "You will leave him alone," she ordered. "Luffy has done a lot for all of us. It's time that we did something for him in return. Even if it's so little as to stay out of his way."

"But Nami-swan..."

"I would imagine that it would be difficult to cook without your precious knives," Robin commented.

"You wouldn't touch something as sacred as a chef's knife set," Sanji challenged. He was only hoping that Robin was bluffing. He didn't have a lot of hope though, knowing Robin.

"Would you care to test that theory?"

Sanji put his face back in the dirt. "Fine, have it your way. I'll let Luffy try to romance Rain." His head came back up to look at them. "However, should he fail then I'm free to try."

The two women looked at each other and then back down to Sanji. Robin released her hold on his feet. "It's an acceptable compromise," Nami said. "You have to wait for Rain to say the words that she isn't interested in Luffy in that way though."

"Fine, fine."

~ Darkess landed not too far behind Cloud Jumper and Inferno. Rain still had a tight grip on the saddle though. She was frozen in her seat due to Luffy still holding her around the waist. "That was fun," Luffy cheered.

Slowly, Luffy finally released Rain from his grip. Once he was off of the saddle Rain followed. Once she had taken off her helmet Luffy grabbed her hand. He started to lead her towards the Thousand Sunny. "You haven't seen the ship yet," he announced. "I'll give you a tour of the Sunny."

Nami and Robin followed after at a distance. They watched as Luffy showed Rain his favorite place to sit, the kitchen, lounge, bathing suite, women's sleeping quarters, the door to the men's quarters, the crow's nest and exercise room and finally the soldier docking system.

While Luffy was giving Rain the tour Sabo had everyone board their respective ships. It was time for them to start moving. There was no point in staying since the supplies had been gathered, everyone had reunited and there was still the worry of the Marines chasing them from Dressrosa.

Neither ship was large enough to carry all of the dragons though. A makeshift raft was made of trees cut down by Zoro and tied together by Franky. In the end it looked like an elegant barge. Inferno and Shadow were content to ride on the barge while Darkess and Cloud Jumper were on the Sunny.

When Luffy and Rain came up from the tour everyone was ready to set sail. "Everyone," Luffy took charge of the Sunny once Zoro told him they were ready. "Let's set sail. Sabo, you point us in the direction we need to go. We've got to bring my parents back together."

Sabo smirked as he turned to Franky at the helm. He handed him an Eternal Post. Franky studied it for a moment. "There's no label on this," he said.

"Of course there isn't," Sabo said. "We don't keep our base a secret by having posts that could be stolen with the name 'Revolutionary HQ' on it." Franky nodded in acceptance as the sails were unfurled. Usopp and Bortolomeo had that task once again. Zoro took up his job of pulling up the anchor. Sanji went into the kitchen, he was going to be busy with so many mouths to feed. Nami took over navigation as usual. Chopper went into his office and began taking inventory. Brook played an upbeat melody to mark the occasion. Robin gave Kagome, Akita, Valka and Souta a tour of the Sunny.

On shore Kin'emon, Momonosuke and Kanjuro waved to the two ships as they left. The three warriors from Wan had finally reached their destination. It took them several weeks to make it, but they were finally there. As the ships were leaving the cove Kin'emon realized something. "Swordsman!" he yelled out. "Give back our nations national treasure!"

"I don't think he heard you," Momonosuke said. The two adult males broke into tears over the loss of such an important relic.

~ Once they were out at sea and moving at full speed Luffy looked around the deck. Rain was making her way towards the look out tower. She was studying the structure and wondering if it could hold Darkess' weight on the roof. Luffy rushed to Rain and took a hold of her hand. "You've got to see this view," he said. Luffy then pulled Rain to the front of the ship.

The two climbed up onto the figurehead. Luffy sat down, still holding Rain's hand. He pulled down, indicating that Rain should sit with him. Once she was seated he still didn't release her hand.

Usopp was carrying a crate of soy sauce from the bay to the kitchen on Sanji's request when he noticed something odd. He saw Luffy sharing his seat on the figurehead with Rain. Usopp let out a scream as he dropped the crate. "What's wrong?" Robin came up. She was followed by Kagome and the others.

"The world is coming to an end," Usopp announced. He was pointing towards Luffy and Rain.

Robin looked and put a hand to her chin. "Isn't that cute?" she smiled.

"What's so important about that?" Souta asked.

"The captain never let's anyone sit on the figurehead besides himself," Robin explained. "He's very protective of it. For him to not only let Rain sit there, but to sit there with him means a lot." Kagome, Akita and Valka broke into smiles. All the women on board, minus Rain, now had a common goal to work towards.

~ A few hours later, Zoro was watching the horizon that they were sailing towards. Something caught his eye on the water, another ship was coming their way. He went over to the speaker system. "Ship dead ahead," he announced.

Everyone went into action preparing for the worse, except for Sabo, Koala and Hack. "You can all relax," Sabo said. "That ship is one of ours."

"How can you be so sure?" Nami asked.

Sabo had a pair of binoculars he was looking through. "They're flying the flag of the Revolutionaries," he announced. "They won't start a fight with us."

Luffy took Sabo at his word. If he said they weren't going to attack then they weren't. He took up his place on the figurehead again, hand still keeping a tight grip on Rain's.

In a short while the ship passed the two groups of pirates, only to turn around and sail alongside. Sabo and Hack tied lines from the ship to the Sunny, with Luffy's permission. Once the ships paces matched a ramp was spread across both of them.

A man in an olive green cloaked came across. His face was completely hidden. Kagome, however, held her breath in anticipation. Ever so slowly the hood came down to reveal Dragon. Before he could say anything, Kagome was in his arms, crying for joy. Luffy left his place on the figurehead to find out what was going on. Rain followed after him.

"I've missed you so much," Kagome was saying. "I'm so glad to finally have found you."

"I'm happy to see you as well," Dragon said. "I trust that you're uninjured."

"I'm fit as a fiddle," Kagome smiled. She leaned back and looked behind. Luffy was there, a confused look on his face. "Luffy, this is Dragon. He's the leader of the Revolutionary Army. More importantly, he's your father."

Luffy wasn't sure what to do. He only knew his grandfather as he grew up. His mother had a good excuse to be away, but he wasn't so sure that his father did. He was at a cross-roads.

Dragon, sensing his son's discomfort, decided to take the lead. "I'm proud to see you've come this far since Loguetown," he said. "I'm sorry that I haven't been there for you. I'm sure you'll agree with me when I say I wanted to make the world a better place for you and your mother. I've read the paper on your adventures. You're no stranger to how the Celestial Dragons treat people they see as lesser then themselves. I'm working to change all of that for you and your mother."

Luffy took in a deep breath and slowly let it out. The past was just that, past. Now he's met both of his parents and they were together. It didn't change his goal of becoming The King of the Pirates. It just meant that he now knew where he came from and why he had grown up the way he had. Luffy smiled and nodded his acceptance of his father.

"Why did you come out to meet us?" Kagome asked. "We were on our way to you."

"I came to save these kids," Dragon said. "I'm sure that you've been mothering them all."

"THANK YOU!" chourused from around the ship.

"Hey!" Kagome looked indignant as Dragon laughed.

Rain stood off to the side with Valka as they watched what was happening. "When were you planning to return to Berk?" she asked.

Valka looked at Rain out of the corner of her eye. "We had planned to see Kagome meet up with Dragon at his base," she said. "So far we've only met up with Dragon. I want to make sure that Kagome is settled in happily before leaving."

"I will be joining you," Rain said. "I was only given permission to help Kagome find her family. Now that they're together I'm sure Dad will be expecting me to return."

"He would understand if you didn't want to," Valka said.

"Why wouldn't I want to?"

Valka focused her attention on Luffy. "Perhaps you would want to stay for someone."

Rain followed Valka's gaze. "I don't know grandma," she said.

"Think about it," Valka said. "Don't rush in a decision like this. If you decide you want to stay then I will explain things back home. You're an adult and have the right to decide to do things for yourself. Don't base your decision on what others want you to do, base it on what you want to do. Don't think like the daughter of the chief, think like an independant woman."

"I'll think on it," Rain promised.

"That's all I ask."

Kudos to chibi-Clar for the idea of Dragon meeting up with Kagome.