Lucy's room within the confines of Amazon Lily's palace was both her haven and her cage. Surrounded by the faces of the Straw Hat crew on wanted posters, and maps detailing the vast expanse of the Grand Line and New World, her surroundings whispered of adventures not taken. Central to this sanctuary was an open logbook, flanked by a detailed sea chart—each entry, a narrative of the voyages undertaken by her father and his crew, serving as both inspiration and a harsh reminder of the life she was recently denied.
Perched on the edge of her bed, Lucy's fingers danced across the chart, tracing the paths once sailed by her father. His tales were more than mere bedtime stories; they were promises of freedom she longed to experience. "The person with the most freedom on the sea is the Pirate King," her father would declare.
As she mulled over his words, the walls of her chamber seemed to close in around her, a tangible representation of her confinement. On Amazon Lily, she was royalty—a princess bound by expectations and the protective gaze of her family.
With a resolve settling over her, Lucy snapped the logbook shut. The longing for freedom, a trait inherited from her father, refused to be quieted by stone walls and royal duties. It was time for a challenge to the constraints placed upon her since that horrible incident almost 3 years prior, which had her nearly taken as a trophy by forces coveting the Pirate King's daughter.
Stepping into the grand hallway, Lucy's steps were swift, her determination clear in her stride. As she navigated the familiar corridors towards her aunts, her guardians and advisors while her mother was traveling, the transition from surprise to concern on their faces did not go unnoticed. They sensed the brewing storm within their niece and braced themselves.
"Aunt Sonia! Aunt Mari! Where is Mother?" She demanded, her words resonating with a mixture of urgency and impatience.
Sonia, keeping a calm demeanor, attempted to soothe her niece. "Lucy, dear, please, what has you so troubled?" She inquired, her expression softening as she took a step towards Lucy, hoping to bridge the gap her words alone could not.
Lucy came to a halt in front of them, her posture rigid, the embodiment of defiance. "It's been weeks since anyone's seen Mother, let alone heard from her. She promised she'd return in time for my birthday," Lucy's voice cracked under the strain of her emotions. "Here I am, once again solely shouldering the responsibilities of the island when it should be her. I didn't ask for this!"
Mari stepped forward, her hand reaching out to gently rest on Lucy's shoulder, a silent offer of comfort. "Lucy, your mother was called away on urgent matters. You know the weight of her responsibilities; she is not only your mother, but the Empress and guardian to all on Amazon Lily," Mari explained, trying to offer some perspective.
"That's just it, isn't it? Her 'duties' always take precedence. What about me? Her own daughter is like an afterthought next to her obligations," Lucy shot back, her voice heavy with the pain of feeling neglected.
A glance passed between Sonia and Mari, filled with concern. Sonia addressed Lucy with warmth, "Lucy, your mother's love for you is endless, you know that. Leading Amazon Lily is a monumental task, but she has faith in you, entrusting you with her duties, knowing well that you're more than capable especially with our guidance."
The resolve in Lucy's eyes wavered, her frustration mingling with a deep-seated yearning for freedom. "I understand she trusts me, but I don't want this life, bound by ceremonies and councils. I want to be out on the sea, I want to be a part of the adventures that lie beyond these shores. Dad's world is out there. Has he sent any word about coming?" Lucy inquired, hope flickering in her eyes.
Her aunts shared a nervous yet sad look before turning their attention back to the young princess in front of them. "Your spirit mirrors your father's, but remember this island is also your home," Mari paused, weighing her next words carefully, as to not worry her niece. "As for your father, we haven't received any messages from him, I'm afraid."
A moment of silence hung in the air as Lucy pondered her aunt's words. She looked up, her eyes determined yet filled with a sense of longing. "You both know I've been training, learning everything I can about navigation, combat, and survival at sea. I'm not just dreaming… I'm preparing. When I turn 17, I will leave this island, even if I have to join Dad to do so."
It was clear; Lucy didn't see herself merely as the princess confined to Amazon Lily but as Monkey D. Lucy, destined to carve her own path, much like her father.
Sonia's voice carried a mixture of understanding and caution. "We admire your passion, but venturing from Amazon Lily has consequences you must be ready to face."
Lucy's expression softened slightly, but her resolve remained. "I know the consequences, but I need to follow my own path, beyond being 'the Princess' or 'The Empress's daughter'. I want to live as me, Lucy, not as a title or a role."
Mari gently interjected, "We're not asking you to abandon your dreams, Lucy. We only hope you'll consider the balance between your desires and your duties. Your mother, she... she made similar choices, and they weren't without their consequences. And remember, your true lineage as Luffy's daughter must remain concealed for your safety. We can't risk you being targeted and taken again."
Lucy's eyes held a distant look, reflecting the battles raging within her heart – the pull of duty versus the call of the unknown. "It should no longer matter who my parents are. For those who know me as the daughter of 'The Pirate Empress: Boa Hancock' it already makes me a target. People already see me as a trophy, a prize to be won. I want to be known for my own deeds, not just my lineage."
Acknowledging Lucy's feelings, Sonia added, "Discuss this with your mother upon her return. She, more than anyone, will understand."
Lucy took a deep breath, the weight of the conversation settling on her shoulders. "I'll talk to her, but I've made up my mind."
Mari smiled faintly. "You are your parents' daughter, through and through. Brave, headstrong, and fiercely independent. Just promise us you'll think this through, all the way."
"I promise," Lucy spoke as she turned to make her way back to her room. Over her shoulder, she called out, "If Mother arrives, could you tell her where I am?"
Mari, looking concerned, replied, "You don't want to greet her when she arrives?"
Lucy paused in her steps, her back still towards her aunts. With a nonchalant shrug, she said, "Does it really matter? Our time together is always cut short, her attention is always pulled away. Maybe if I'm absent, she might actually take notice." Her voice trailed off, the last words barely a whisper, betraying her deep-seated belief about her mother's perception of her.
Sonia let out a soft sigh. "We'll let her know you're in your room." They watched as Lucy disappeared into her quarters. Turning to Mari, Sonia's expression was filled with sadness. "She's convinced herself she's alone, that our sister doesn't care for her, despite the truth being the opposite."
Mari nodded slowly. "Should we give big sis a heads-up before she speaks with Lucy?" she asked, her brow furrowed in concern.
Sonia shrugged, a sense of uncertainty in her gesture. "Perhaps. We'll see how our sister wants to handle this. However, I don't think she'll be in a pleasant mood, I wonder if her sickness will return if—"
Mari shook her head as if stop Sonia from even speaking the possibilities into existence. "Our sister would not want us to think that way."
~~~
Days earlier, aboard the Thousand Sunny, the atmosphere was grave, a stark contrast to the usual cheerfulness. Hancock stood amidst the Straw Hat Crew, her expression solemn as she listened to a intercepted Marine transmission. The news was dire – Luffy, her beloved husband, had been captured by the Marines. Worse still, the call revealed that Luffy was not just imprisoned; he was being tortured, with plans to execute him becoming an all-too-real possibility.
The room fell into a suffocating silence, broken only by Robin's cautious yet urgent voice. "Immediate action is essential. Should the world learn of Luffy's execution plans…"
Hancock's response cut through the gloom with the sharpness of a sword. "We cannot — and will not — allow it to reach that point," she asserted. "Luffy's rescue is our upmost priority. We'll put an end to their plans before they can even consider finalizing them."
As her words resonated, a chill descended with Zoro's somber speculation. "There's a chance the transmission was a decoy, meant to lure us into a trap. For all we know, Luffy could be—"
Robin reacted swiftly, her usually composed gaze sharpening as she directed it at Zoro. In a silent gesture, a hand, manifested through her ability, sprouted onto Zoro's shoulder, promptly silencing him by covering his mouth. This silent interjection, coupled with her stern look, conveyed a clear message—a warning to measure his words more carefully, particularly with their captain's wife among them.
Hancock, however, remained focused, her gaze steely. "No," she stated firmly, cutting through the brief discord. "We cannot afford to dwell on possibilities that will weaken our resolve. My husband is strong, and we must remain strong for him. We need to plan and not ponder on what-ifs."
With Hancock's words, a renewed sense of purpose coursed through the crew. Strategies were swiftly debated, with the collective decision to muster the Straw Hat Grand Fleet and any available allies for a rescue operation.
As the meeting adjourned, the Straw Hats and soon their allies began their preparations in earnest. The urgency of their mission was clear, but so was their resolve. They were not just fighting for their captain; they were fighting for a friend, a loved one, and the very spirit that had always driven them forward.
~~~
Back on Amazon Lily, Hancock sought solitude in the aftermath of her return. Secluded within her room in the palace, she grappled with the grim reality that awaited her conversation with Lucy—a revelation that could upend the fragile peace of their world.
Lucy's patience had worn thin, her feelings of abandonment intensifying with each passing hour of silence from her mother. With her faithful companions, Zephyra and Patches, in tow, Lucy's frustration reached its boiling point. She stormed into Hancock's chambers, her heart heavy with accusations. "Mother! You've been back for what seems like hours without a word." Her voice, laced with anger and hurt, filled the room. "You've confined me to this island, yet you can't even face me?" Her anger was palpable as she moved to stand in front of Hancock, "I refuse to stay caged here any longer. I'm leaving when I turn 17, whether you approve or not."
Hancock, staring almost through Lucy, tears staining her cheeks, presented a rare and heart-wrenching sight. The usually confident Empress was visibly shaken, her loyal snake, Salome, by her side, offering silent support.
The sight of her mother in such a vulnerable state softened Lucy's anger, giving way to concern. "Mom? What's wrong? What happened?" she asked, her tone shifting from accusatory to worried.
Hancock, struggling to compose herself, faced her daughter. After a few moments of fighting through her tears, Hancock took a deep, steadying breath. "The Marines have your father. They're… they plan to execute him." Her voice broke, conveying the depth of her fear and despair.
The revelation hit Lucy like a physical blow, her previous anger dissipating, leaving a cold dread in its wake. "Is that why you disappeared for so long? Why didn't you take me with you?! We should be there, fighting beside his crew!" Her voice cracked, filled with betrayal and urgency.
Hancock, her voice barely audible, explained, "I left you here to protect you, and to confirm these reports. Your father's title has made him a target, and if they learned of you… I couldn't risk it, not after those vile men found out who you were and took you from us. I can't go through that again."
After a few quiet moments, Hancock looked up to see her daughter trying to process the news. Hancock rose, enveloping Lucy in a warm and safe embrace. "We must be strong for him, Lucy. I promise, I will do everything in my power to save your father."
Lucy buried her face in her mother's shoulder. "I can't lose either of you. Please don't leave me, Mom." Lucy pleaded, her voice trembling with the thought of facing the world without either of her parents.
Hancock stroked Lucy's hair gently, offering a solace that felt all too fleeting. "I have to go my love, but please understand, my decision to leave is also to protect you."
Lucy pulled back slightly, looking into her mother's eyes as she finally let her tears fall down her face. "But I refuse to stay here without you. I want to go with you. I'm tired of being alone."
Hancock cupped Lucy's face in her hands, wiping away her tears. "You're never alone, Lucy. You have your aunts, Zephyra, Patches, and all of Amazon Lily."
The resolve in Hancock's words was clear, but so was the pain of separation. "I'll be back as soon as I can... With your father."
Lucy paused for a few moments, grappling with the enormity of the situation, before she nodded slowly, her sobs subsiding into quiet sniffles. "Okay, Mom, but please be careful."
Hancock pulled Lucy into another tight hug. "I will, my darling, and remember, no matter what happens, your father and I love you more than anything in this world."
As they held each other, the challenges before them loomed large. "Can I stay in here tonight, Mom? I don't think I'll be able to sleep."
Hancock nodded, her arms tightening around Lucy as she spoke, "Of course."
As night deepened, Lucy felt herself relax in her mother's embrace. For now, they had each other, and in the face of an uncertain future, that was enough to hold onto hope.
~~~
Lucy stirred from her restless sleep, the first rays of sunlight filtering through the curtains and casting a soft glow across the room. The other side of the bed was empty, the sheets cold, indicating that Hancock had been gone for some time. Confusion and a twinge of irritation battled within Lucy as she sat up, the events of the previous night crashing back into her consciousness.
Dragging herself out of bed, Lucy's thoughts were a whirlwind of worry for her father and uncertainty about her mother's whereabouts. After hastily getting ready, she knew her mother would have to be at the docks, her heart heavy with the fear of what might come next.
To her surprise, upon reaching the palace's main hall, she found Hancock waiting for her, an unreadable expression on her face. Lucy's steps faltered, her prepared reproaches dying on her lips. The sight of her mother, composed yet undoubtedly carrying the weight of the world, reminded Lucy of the depth of her love and respect for her.
Hancock gestured for Lucy to sit with her. "I wanted to speak with you before heading to the ship," she stated, her voice steady. "I've heard you have some things you want to discuss with me. I assume it's regarding what you were telling me last night."
Lucy squared her shoulders, meeting her mother's gaze with a determination that mirrored the Pirate Empress's own when faced with adversity. "Mom," she started, her voice steadier than she felt, "I'm not just asking to fight at your side because I want to be close to Dad, or because I'm seeking adventure. I want to go with you because I know I can help."
She took a moment to gather her thoughts, then continued, "You, Aunt Sonia, and Aunt Mari have trained me, not just in combat, but in strategy and survival."
Lucy leaned forward, her passion for the subject evident in her voice. "I've also spent countless hours with the logs and charts in the palace library, studying every known pirate and Marine, their powers, their tactics. I understand the risks, and I know the opponents we might face."
She paused, allowing her words to sink in before adding, "I'm not the same little girl who would run around the palace dreaming of adventures. I'm not the same naïve teen who allowed herself to be captured by those horrible men. I've grown, and I've prepared myself for this. Not just for any journey, but specifically to be able to stand by your side in situations exactly like this."
Seeing the hesitation in her mother's eyes, Lucy pressed on, her voice filled with a blend of desperation and earnestness. "I know the dangers, Mom, but how can I stand by and do nothing when Dad's life is at stake? How can I call myself his daughter if I'm not willing to fight for him, for us?"
Lucy reached across, taking Hancock's hands in hers, squeezing gently. "Let me come with you. Let me prove that I'm more than just a princess whose parents need to constantly protect her. I want to fight for my family."
Her plea hung in the air, a testament to her maturity and the depth of her resolve. Lucy held her mother's gaze, willing her to see the sincerity in her eyes. She wasn't just asking to be included; she was asking to contribute, to use everything she had learned for the cause that mattered most to her.
But Hancock surprised her. "Lucy, I made up my mind last night," she said, causing Lucy to become a little nervous with anticipation. "You can come, but it won't be an adventure. It's going to be dangerous, and you must follow my every step."
Lucy felt a wave of emotions – relief, joy, and the sobering realization of the seriousness of their mission. "Thank you, Mom. I promise, I'll do exactly as you say," she replied, her determination renewed, even as the weight of the situation settled heavily on her shoulders.
The decision made, Hancock outlined the plan to Lucy, emphasizing the risks and the importance of discretion and obedience. As Lucy listened, the romantic notions of adventure she had harbored were replaced by a solemn understanding of the stakes involved.
As they left the palace for the docks, where the Perfume Yuda was now ready, the island of Amazon Lily seemed to hold its breath, aware of the gravity of the mission its Empress and young Princess were about to undertake.
~~~
A few days had passed since Hancock agreed to let Lucy accompany her, and now, under the veil of night, the Perfume Yuda approached a secluded cove that served as the prearranged rendezvous point with the Straw Hat Pirates. The Thousand Sunny, distinguishable even in the dim light, lay anchored, its crew ready and waiting in the shadows. The encounter was subdued, the usual exuberance dimmed by the gravity of their mission.
Hancock, accompanied by her daughter, and their faithful snake companions, Zephyra and Salome, boarded the Thousand Sunny. Zoro, standing in for Luffy in his absence, greeted Hancock with a solemn nod. "We're all set," he stated, his serious demeanor never seeming to waver. Hancock returned the nod, her eyes reflecting a fierce determination as she assumed a position of leadership beside him.
Lucy looked around at the gathered Straw Hats, she tried to keep herself together as she looked at each of them. Robin, Olivia, and Kenji offered her reassuring smiles, silently affirming her role in this critical endeavor. Lucy felt a sense of belonging, understanding that she was an integral part of this family, united in a daring purpose.
As the hours passed, the tension among the crew grew. The sea seemed too calm; the silence too heavy. It was a stark reminder of the calm before a storm, both literal and metaphorical, that all sailors feared and respected.
The atmosphere was tense as they moved stealthily through the waters, every crewmate alert to the slightest change in the wind or wave. Lucy, standing at the front of the Sunny, allowed her thoughts to drift to strategies and what-ifs, her gaze locked on the path ahead.
Hancock, ever vigilant, scanned the horizon for any sign of the marine vessel. Her concern for Luffy was palpable, fueling her every command. Beside her and Zoro, Nami consulted navigational charts with a furrowed brow, every so often glancing up at the Empress and the Straw Hat First Mate, ready to follow their lead.
While Hancock, Nami, and Zoro were deeply engrossed in strategizing their route and discussing the tactical approach for the rescue mission, Lucy found herself grappling with a whirlwind of emotions. The weight of the situation, the uncertainty of their mission's outcome, began to manifest as a visible nervousness in her demeanor.
Noticing Lucy's unease, Robin approached her with a gentle grace that always seemed to calm her family. "Lucy, sweetheart, come here for a moment," Robin said, guiding her a little away from the planning group to a quieter part of the deck.
As they stood side by side, looking out over the ocean, Robin placed a reassuring arm around Lucy. "I know this is a lot to take in and it's okay to feel nervous," Robin began, her voice soft yet filled with an underlying strength. "But remember, you're not alone in this. We're all here with you, and together, we've faced challenges just as daunting as this one."
Lucy turned to look at Robin, her eyes reflecting the turmoil inside her. "What if we're too late?" she whispered, the fear of losing her father, the legendary King of the Pirates, pressing heavily on her heart.
Robin offered a warm, comforting smile, one that seemed to momentarily dispel the shadows of doubt. "Lucy, your father is one of the most resilient and cunning pirates the world has ever seen, and he has something that many do not – a family and crew who will move heaven and earth for him. Including his incredibly brave daughter."
Lucy couldn't help but smile, a flicker of hope reigniting within her. "You really think we can save him?"
"I believe we can. We have faced the impossible before and emerged victorious. This time will be no different," Robin assured her, her conviction unwavering.
Feeling a surge of courage from Robin's words, Lucy nodded, her determination renewed. "Thank you, Aunt Robin," she said with a small, grateful smile, acknowledging the familial bond that extended beyond blood.
Robin pulled Lucy into a gentle hug, a gesture filled with warmth and the same maternal affection she would show her own children. "We're a family, and we take care of each other, no matter what."
Their sweet interaction served as a poignant reminder of the deep connections that had formed among the Straw Hat crew and their allies, connections that would be their greatest strength in the trials to come.
As they ship neared the anticipated interception point, Usopp called down, his voice tense. "Ship sighted!" he announced, and immediately the crew sprang into action, each member moving with a purpose born of countless battles fought together.
Hancock stepped forward; her gaze fixed on the distant silhouette of the marine ship. "This is it," she said, her voice steady but filled with emotion. "For Luffy."
Lucy, feeling a mix of fear and determination, took her place beside her mother. Her training with her aunts, her studies of navigation and combat, all of it had led to this moment. She was ready to fight for her father, to prove herself as more than just the princess of Amazon Lily or the daughter of the King of the Pirates. She was Monkey D. Lucy, and today, she would help save her father.
~~~
A/N: I hope everyone enjoyed part 1 of this 3 part mini series! This mini series is one I have been working on for a while and I think I finally have everything worked out.
As always, let me know if you have any requests/suggestions for future chapters.