Chapter One
Night Before The Dawn
(Author's Note: What if Uta got to grow up with Luffy? What if there was another brother? What if Luffy picked up more nakama? I'll attempt to answer these questions and more. This story will feature an OC that helps cause some of these changes. They will seem to be a bit op at first, but I'll keep them occupied until Luffy catches up.
One Piece is massive, so parts of the original story that are largely unchanged I will be skimming over for the sake of brevity.
Also I do not own One Piece, all the credit is due to Oda & his associates. If anyone says otherwise I'll have them sent to Impel Down!
I hope you enjoy a story about Luffy having an expanded Nakama. )
Our parents Our story begins on a World Government ship sailing across the night sea. Unbeknownst to the agents aboard, they were already in the cross hairs of the Red Hair Pirates. Who's Who, a top tier CP agent, was personally guarding a small box. Further below deck a CP agent in training was locked up in the brig. On his shirtless back were still wounds from fifty lashings. His stomach grumbled for food that he had been deprived of for nearly a week now. In a nearby cell, a girl with red and white hair was quietly sobbing. She had sea stone cuffs on.
A world government agent approached the brig and gave the boy some water, letting him sip just enough to stay alive. Despite being just a boy, the prisoner towered over the other agent. "I thought CP9 was more harsh on insubordination?" Another agent asked.
"Usually that's the case… but even I can guess why they'd value a Wotan. A hybrid between a giant and a Fishman? Very useful weapon. If only it minded better." The agent that had given the water said and whipped the Wotan again.
"Leave him alone!" The girl cried. She then winced as the agent rattled her cell before striking one of her knees with the same whip.
"I am not an it. My name is Gawain!" The Wotan cried out, inspired by her and wanting to get their attention away from her. If looks could kill, his jade eyes were trying to do their best to do so as they glared at the agent.
The agent got an evil smirk. "Who's Who gave me the mission of breaking you… by the end of this voyage we'll make you a proper killing machine. One that doesn't talk back." The agent said sinisterly and cracked the whip again. However both agents paled hearing muffled gunshots from above. "What in the blazes?" The agent asked but was then crushed by falling debris from above. The girl let out a shriek. His blood leaked towards the chained Wotan. The other agent went for his gun but paled even worse hearing chains being cut. The Wotan stood, being even taller now. His purple skin tone was made almost black in appearance due to the shadows in the cell, adding to his intimidation.
"Blood is mostly water." He said quietly as he struck a pose of Fishman karate. He thrust his finger forward that was dripping with crimson blood. "Blood bullet." The shot of blood broke the lock on his cell and then continued and hit the agent, knocking him out. "My apologies." Gawain said as he stepped over the agent. His massive webbed hands with raw strength ripped open the door on the girl's cage. "Come with me?" Gawain asked. The girl nodded. The Wotan moved a little and a long raccoon tail appeared behind him.
"Ooh fluffy." The girl said softly as the tail wrapped around her gently. She also held onto it. "Let's hurry and get to the deck to see what's up." She said. His tail fluffed up even more to conceal her.
"Can we get some food first?" Gawain whined as he began climbing up.
"Uhh you sound like this boy I know." The girl said. She then heard his stomach rumble loudly and felt a little guilty. "If we find some on the way then maybe. My name is Uta by the way Gawain. Thanks for freeing me. But I hope you have a plan once we reach the deck." She said.
"Indeed. Even in this state I could swim for at least a hundred miles, but hopefully we'll find land or a whale before then." Gawain said. "And as for your cuffs I think I can pick them eventually." He added.
"How would whales help us?" Uta asked confused as Gawain reached the deck.
"I'm part island whale Fishman. Though whales aren't fish, and they get mighty angry when you call them fish." Gawain explained as he took in his surroundings.
Above deck it was absolute chaos as the pirates plundered the ship. A chest a CP agent was trying to protect got blown apart. Fruit tumbled out onto the deck just as Gawain got to the top. His eyes lit up seeing food as two fruits bounced towards him. He ignored the demands of other agents to keep his slimy hands off them and popped one of them into his mouth. It tasted horrible, but it was still food. He reached for the other one. This time the pirates also yelled for him not to do it, but their pleas fell on deaf ears as he popped it in his mouth. Everyone paled and a few popped their eyes out in disbelief. There was an audible gulp as Gawain swallowed. "Yuck." Gawain mumbled. Uta froze however, hearing familiar voices.
Lucky Roo appeared behind him and began hitting him in the back. "Spit those out kid, you're going to blow up!" He yelled.
"Wha???" Gawain coughed as his eyes bulged. He grabbed his stomach in pain.
"Aah he's going to blow up!" Some agents cried and ducked for cover. One CP agent that was a Panther zoan user contained his fear took the opportunity to pick up one of the other fruits on the deck.
There was a loud sound of someone farting.
"Excuse me." Gawain said a little embarrassed. Everyone else just gawked at him, some falling over.
Uta's face turned green.
"I'm dying." She mumbled. The Red Hair pirates all hesitated not believing their ears nor eyes. Gawain got all the way up into the deck feeling strange and very weak because of the sea stone cuffs that were still on Uta.
The fighting began to resume, except suddenly the Red Hair Pirates began fighting like devils. Th CP agent that had picked up the fruit found himself in a bad position. Getting desperate he chose to eat the other fruit as Gawain had survived. "Are you insane?" Yassop asked as the agent as he bit into the fruit. The agent laughed as he stepped forward and swallowed. However his eyes rolled back into his head and he fell to his knees. He clutched his chest and coughed up some blood. His chest then exploded out as his heart burst. Gawain paled considerably from the gory scene and then passed out. As did Uta. Beckmann attempted to free her from the Wotan's tail but it curled tighter. Beckmann sighed a little.
"Shanks would want me to rescue you as well anyways I suppose." He said noticing the clear signs of torture on Gawain's body. He brought Gawain and Uta back aboard their ship the Red Force. Their captain Shanks looked at him a bit skeptically as Lucky Roo came back with a small chest with their biggest prize inside it.
"Promise to feed and water him Ben?" Shanks asked with a stupid grin. Beckmann sighed.
"Yes I'll watch over him, but the kid ate two devil fruits and lived. I thought it'd be worth investigating." Beckmann said. "But not as important as what's trapped in his tail." He added.
His captain's eyes widened. Shanks pulled down his straw hat some as streams of tears appeared. "I thought I felt her… but she's always in my dreams." He mumbled. Shanks let out just a little conquer's haki onto the tail. The hair fluffed up and then the muscles relaxed. Shanks gently caught his daughter.
"He needs to be treated though. Looks like he's been through a lot." Yassop said softly as he helped Ben move the boy below deck. Shanks then noticed the bloody stripes on the Wotan's back. His Haki flared up in anger some.
"He was protecting her?" Shanks asked as he moved to hold Uta with one arm. Yassop gulped and nodded. Shanks pulled out his sword. With a mere swipe of his sword the burning remains of the World Government Ship was cut completely in two by the short time it took him to sheath his sword again. He then began following his first mate Ben so Uta could get medical treatment too. Shanks moved his hand over her cuffs and caused them to unlock with just a little concentration.
Some time later on the East Blue, Gawain finally woke up. He felt bindings around his body, someone had bandaged up the wounds on his back. He tried to fake being unconscious still to get his bearings. He could tell he was still on a ship, though the way the waves bounced off it felt different than most navy ships. The sound of the crew's voices above removed any doubt. He was on a pirate ship. He tensed a little but calmed, realizing the safety of the sea was just a few walls of wood away. His mind raced to Uta, but he figured once in the sea he might be able to sink the ship and find her. Just before he sprang into action a voice halted his actions.
"You know, it's not a good idea for an anchor like yourself to dive into the sea. Even if you're part Fish-man you'll still sink like an anchor. Sure you'd be able to breathe down there but I'd bet you'd get pretty bored. And hungry too." Shanks said. At the mention of food Gawain's stomach let out a loud growl. "Are you still going to pretend to be asleep despite that noisy belly and me saving you from sinking like a rock? But if you really do want to dive into the sea, please go above deck to do it. No need to put a giant hole in my ship." Shanks laughed.
Gawain sat up startled. "Can you divine the future like Shyarly? How'd you know my plan?" Gawain asked in confusion. Ben chuckled softly.
"Ehh not quite. It's just an extension of my Haki that lets me do that. But now that you're up can you answer some questions. I'll have someone bring you up a big meal too." Shanks said and motioned for one of his crew. "So let's start simple. What's your name kid?" Shanks asked.
"You… you actually care what my name is?" Gawain asked. Shanks nodded.
"Unless you'd rather me keep calling you kid or anchor." Shanks laughed.
"It's Gawain." He said softly, still unsure of this red haired pirate wearing a straw hat. "Solomon Gawain."
"Ah nice to meet you. And how old are you Gawain?" Shanks asked.
He thought a bit before answering.
"Almost twenty I guess but in human years I'm more like ten." Gawain said.
"Ahh so you age just a little faster than giants do. Good thing I guess. You'd have a hard time fitting on our ship if you were fully grown." Shanks laughed.
"Wait you've met giants?" Gawain asked as his green eyes lit up in awe. Shanks nodded.
"Some of my oldest friends are giants." He laughed. "So by your reaction you haven't met giants? Were you separated from your family? Shanks asked.
Gawain nodded. "My grandfathers were captains but they went missing before my parents were born. After I was born my mom and dad set sail to try and find out what became of them while I stayed with my grand mothers and my sister. A bad illness took both of my grandmas though." Gawain said softly as a giant dish of food was brought in.
"Do you mind answering more questions as you eat?" Shanks asked.
Gawain shook his head. "Just one second." He said and lifted up the huge dish that was really just a giant sake dish Shanks used. Gawain's mouth opened incredibly wide and he swallowed all the food in one gulp and then let out a burp. "Sorry, excuse me and thanks for the food." He said very politely.
Shanks just blinked for a moment and shook his head. "Do you know what happened to your parents?" Shanks asked. Gawain shook his head looking down. "Do you know what kind of Fishman ancestory you have?" He asked.
"Island Whale… I do also have a little mink in me." Gawain said and moved his long hair some. Two raccoon ears popped out of his silver hair. "And this isn't paint." He said and pointed to the black stripe that went around his jade green eyes. Gawain looked away, expecting to be made fun of.
"Woah, that's pretty cool." Shanks said.
"You don't think I'm a monster?" Gawain asked? Shanks laughed.
"Kid you're the least monstrous person on this ship." Shanks said. Gawain smiled happily.
"Gee you guys are so much nicer than those Cipher Pol jerks." Gawain said.
"Why were you on their ship?" Shanks asked.
"Well it was supposed to be a training mission, but they mostly just beat me." Gawain said quietly.
"They were training you to be a member of Cipher Pol?" He asked. Gawain nodded.
"I tried to go find my parents on my own but I got caught by those jerk faces. I didn't learn much on the ship, but I do know two of the six powers well enough to barely use them." Gawain said. "Shave and Finger pistol. I can also use Moonwalk but it only helps me jump higher so far. I can't fly like the others yet." He added. Shanks nodded. Gawain started to say something else but hesitated.
"You have a question for me?" Shanks asked. Gawain nodded uncertain just how much he could trust the pirate.
"There… there was a girl in my tail." Gawain said finally.
Shanks smiled. "An odd collection of words. She's okay. She's extremely angry at me right now, but daughters can be like that." He sighed.
"Daughter!" Gawain yelped. Shanks nodded.
"Land Ho!" Yassop shouted from somewhere above.
"Mind if you show us what you can do? We can also see what your Devil fruit abilities are. Wouldn't want you to accidentally destroy the ship would we?" Shanks asked.
"Devil fruits?" Gawain asked confused.
"Yep you ate two of them before passing out. Yet you didn't explode." Ben said.
"And now we're curious." Shanks added.
"Yes please help me figure it out." Gawain said. His raccoon ears twitched hearing a familiar voice along with running steps. The door to the medical cabin swung open as Uta rushed in followed by the doctor of the ship, Hongo.
"Sorry boss, she's quicker than she looks." Hongo apologized as Uta jumped onto Gawain, hugging his side and then glaring at Shanks. Gawain smiled and very gently hugged her back.
"It's alright Hongo, the moment he woke up I knew he was harmless." Shanks said.
"Unlike all of you." Uta said coldly. Gawain sweat dropped from the tension in the room.
"So uhh what about that island?" He asked nervously.
A short time later the Red Haired Pirates lowered anchor at a small deserted island. Gawain used shave and then a powerful jump amplified by moonwalk to land on the island first. Flowers began to spring up in the sand around him. Shanks leaped off the ship and landed behind him. "I assume that's not normal?" Shanks asked
"Definitely new." Gawain said as he walked around in a circle creating a path of green and flowers. "Can Uta come ashore so I can show her?" Gawain asked.
"Once I have a handle on your abilities. Typically impacting the environment like you're doing indicates that you're a logia. But I know a sure fire way to test it." Shanks said with a concerning grin as he pulled out his sword. Uta was watching from the ship with puffed up cheeks, still clearly angry about something.
"Uhh what are you planning to do?" Gawain asked sweating.
Shanks closed his eyes in concentration. "Oh I see, now that's an interesting power." He said.
"What do you see?" Gawain asked confused.
"You'll see." Shanks laughed and vanished in a rush of wind, appearing behind Gawain. Shanks sheathed his sword just as Gawain's left arm fell to the ground after having been cut clean off. Gawain looked down dumbly at his severed arm. The rest of the red hair pirates aside from Beckmann screamed out in horror as they had made their way to shore. Gawain's eyes then bulged out in terror as his brain finally processed what had happened. Uta covered her mouth in shock.
"What the hell did you do!" Gawain screamed out panicking. He ran around in a circle waving his arms like a mad man as greenery erupted from the ground around him. He also didn't notice his shadow changing shape or that the others had seemingly gotten shorter. Uta went from shock to confusion as she tilted her head and then smiling for the first time in a long time. Shanks got in his way and stopped Gawain with an invisible force.
"Your arm looks fine to me." Shanks said smiling.
"Are you kidding look at it…" Gawain's voice trailed off as he still had his left arm, though now it was covered in silver fur. Shanks laughed again.
"Got you all." Shanks declared proudly. Most of the crew fell over. Ben just sighed at the antics of his captain. Uta giggled softly. "Logia type devil fruits are impervious to most forms of attacks. Usually they just pass through them harmlessly. However your logia appears to be a solid state, so you just regrow like a plant. As for the fur, well take a look at this." Shanks said and took out his sword again. On the shiny blade Gawain could make out his reflection. His head was that of a lion with a silver mane. His eyes were slit like a goat's and he had two horns on his head. Looking down he saw that his feet were now hooves. A hiss from his own tail made him jump. His normally fluffy raccoon tail he usually kept hidden was now the body and head of a snake. Gawain yelped and fell on his bottom, earning more laughs from Shanks and Uta who had now gotten ashore.
"You're sooo cute and fluffy!" Uta squealed and hugged Gawain's arm.
"You're supposed to be on the ship still." Shanks said. Uta puffed up her cheeks and stuck her tongue out at Shanks.
"I think you got three kids now captain." Lucky Roo chuckled. Shanks shook his head.
"Gawain is Ben's kid. I can't handle another brat." Shanks laughed. Uta huffed in annoyance. Beckmann just puffed out some smoke in response.
"Do I get a say in anything?" Gawain asked shyly. "Also what am I now?" He asked.
"You appear to be a chimera." Hongo, the crew's doctor and general encyclopedia of knowledge said. "It's a mythical creature composed of multiple animals." He further explained.
"I didn't know Zoan fruits could be mythological." Uta said.
"They're quite rare and often come with unique abilities. Determining your powers might be more difficult than I thought." Shanks said frowning a bit. He then got a crooked grin.
"Right best option would be some simulated combat. Ben, Hongo… you two are up. See what our friend here can do." Shanks said.
"But what if I accidentally hurt them?" Gawain asked. The crew merely laughed off his worries.
"Come with us kid." Hongo said and led him to the far side of the island with Ben. Shanks followed with Uta to watch.
"Do you usually fight with weapons?" Hongo asked him.
"Well for combat training I usually use a shield or a large long bow with small spears as arrows." Gawain said.
"I see, with your size you could probably use a pretty strong bow." Hongo said.
"Twenty minutes." Ben said.
"Huh?" Gawain asked.
"We'll give you twenty minutes to create yourself some weapons, then we fight." Ben said.
"But it takes almost a day to make a good long bow." Gawain said.
"For normal people yes but." Hongo said and pointed to the spreading greenery around Gawain's feet.
"Grow my own weapons? That sounds awesome." Gawain said and began trying to use his forest logia abilities to make a long bow. Hongo helped him some in making a kite shield and some spears.
Once Gawain was ready, Ben charged at him with the butt of his rifle. Ben was on him in the blink of an eye as Gawain barely managed to defend with his shield. Even with his bulk, the force of the hit made him slide backwards a few feet. Ben attacked again doing repeated strikes until the shield was destroyed. Gawain then used cloud walk and shave in combination to go for a headbutt. Ben jumped over him as Gawain hit a large tree instead, shattering it into pieces. Ben went in for another hit, giving Gawain little time to react. Almost on instinct he formed a new shield from his arm to take the hit. It's design was far less sturdy though and broke apart with the one hit. Ben jumped back and let out a puff of smoke from his cigarette, apparently somewhat impressed.
"Excellent creating objects on the fly is a great skill for logia users. Now try to hit him with a punch from where you're standing." Hongo said.
"My fish man karate isn't advanced enough for me to do that yet." He said. Hongo shook his head.
"Not what I'm asking. Throw a punch at him and trust that it will hit." Hongo said. Gawain scratched his head but nodded. He tried once, twice but on the third time his right arm became vines that extended to carry his punch towards Beckmann who easily parried it with his rifle into a small boulder. The boulder shattered into pieces from the punch. Gawain retracted his arm looking at in thought before pointing his fingers at Beckmann instead. Each finger became a vine that raced towards Ben. He dodged each one and tangled them up before rushing after Gawain to do another attack. Gawain jumped high into the air to avoid his attack and then used tempest kick to cut off his own tangled vines so his hand could return to normal. Then in rapid sequence began using his bow to shoot his blunted arrows down at Beckmann. Ben caught the first spear with his bare hands and then used it to block the others.
"What are you?" Gawain asked shocked as he continued falling towards him. Gawain formed a wooden club in his hand and tried to hit Beckmann with all his might as he fell on top of him. Ben tossed aside the spear and smirked slightly.
"A red hair pirate." He said as his rifle suddenly blackened and he used it to block the club. The club disintegrated and Gawain was thrown back and tumbled to a stop.
"Don't give up Gawain!" Uta called out. Gawain stood a little rattled and shook his head. He threw another punch towards Ben. Again Ben deflected the extended arm away. It crashed into another rock and busted it to pieces. Ben charged forward again. Gawain swung his bow creating a tempest kick with it. Ben blocked it with his rifle a little surprised. Gawain then retracted his right arm but with great effort. His hand had grown around the busted boulder and was now slamming it towards Ben. Ben bit down on his cigarette a little tighter and used his hand to stop the attack without even touching it. Gawain winced some and let go of the crushed rocks and returned his hand back to normal. Ben started to step forward but then hesitated. Coming out of the ground near him was a snake made of roots.
"Clever tactic, unfortunately I know about your tail." Ben said and looked to Shanks as Gawain pouted and made his tail turn back to normal, well normal for a chimera.
"Yeah that's good for now. I think he gets the basics of his logia at least." Shanks said. Gawain breathed a sigh of relief and collapsed on the ground exhausted. His hybrid form shifted back to his usual appearance. Uta ran over beside him to make sure he wasn't hurt. One of his hands was bruised some but otherwise he was fine. Ben came over and offered a hand to help him up. Though because of the height difference he really could only help Gawain sit up.
"You're even more powerful than the CP9 agents." Gawain said. "And you were clearly holding back even then." He added, wide eyed.
"At least you recognize it. Don't ever doubt there's always someone out there stronger than you." Ben said and waved bye as he walked away. Hongo tried to leave with him but was stopped by Shanks.
"He's leaned his logia some… but now you need to help him with his zoan some." Shanks said. "Have fun while we party." Shanks laughed following Beckmann. Hongo pouted some. He was sure this was punishment somehow for something. He went over to Gawain and Uta.
"Mythical Zoan fruits are pretty unique. You'll likely have to figure out any special abilities on your own. However we can at least get you able to change forms at will. I hope." Hongo explained. A few more hours of training later and Hongo returned to the ship. Following behind him was Uta riding on a gigantic silver beast. The Chimera's purple scaled snake tail was playing with Uta. She shooshed the tail and pointed at a straw hat. The silver haired chimera stalked towards Shanks. The snake tail stole his hat and placed it on Uta's head before letting out a loud roar to try and scare the drunken pirates. To Uta's dismay, Shanks only laughed. Though Yassop did jump and scream, earning a round of laughs. Gawain's goat head bleated in defeat. Shanks got his hat back from Uta.
"Can we go play on the island some more?" She asked.
"Keep her safe?" Shanks asked Gawain.
"We will." Three voices said in response. Uta laughed seeing Shanks get creeped out for a split second.
"Please I'll be the one keeping him safe." Uta giggled before pointing a direction for Gawain to go as they ran off into the dark.
"She seems happier." Ben said softly as he brought another drink to his captain.
"She isn't mad at him. I think she's forgiven all of you… but as for me…" his captain's voice trailed off.
"She'll come around again once we see Luffy. Besides, she knows we were just trying to protect her." Ben said. Shanks nodded, but still wasn't his normal happy self. A few hours later Shanks found Uta & Gawain still in his Chimera form asleep on the beach. A bed of greenery was slowly growing around them. Gawain was curled around Uta some as she slept on his thick silver mane. Shanks gently placed a blanket over her. When he turned around he found Gawain's snake tail staring at him in the eyes.
"Okay that's a little creepy." Shanks whispered. The snake head yawned in response. It's mouth opening too close to as wide as his height for his liking before it laid back down in a protective circle. Shanks watched them a few more minutes before leaving as he developed a new plan to keep his daughter and the world safe.
By noon the next day they were already at sea once again. Shanks tasked Hongo & Ben with teaching every little thing they could to Gawain about the knowledge needed to be a pirate. Gawain shadowed different crew mates to see what role he was best at or took the most interest in. After about one week on the ship his best skills were discovered to be carpentry and alchemy. Because of his logia fruit, he was also interested in botany. While he enjoyed learning from the crew, he happily greeted his cot each night because of the rigorous training he was going through. One night however he heard the distinct sound of crying. He followed the sound to a door near the captain's quarters he knew to be Uta's room. He knocked on it gently.
"Uta?" He asked softly. The crying stopped immediately but there was no response. He knocked again. "Uta are you okay?" He asked. His ears picked up the sound of light footsteps. The door creaked open slightly revealing part of Uta's face. She rubbed her eye sleepily and let out an exaggerated yawn.
"Yes Gawain?" She asked softly.
"I heard crying." Gawain said.
"I was asleep." She said softly. Gawain bit his lip, unsure to call her out on her lie or not.
"My ears are pretty good." He said raising his leather hat they had made for him. He flicked his raccoon ears some. Uta looked away from his emerald gaze. She began to shut the door but Gawain moved his foot to keep it open. "Uta? Maybe I can help?" He asked softly. The door swung open suddenly causing Gawain to nearly fall forward. A crying Uta fell into his leg. Gawain began panicking some, having not thought this far ahead. "Uhh I'm sure it'll be okay, do you want me to get the captain?" He asked and gently patted her head with one finger.
"No! He's the one I'm maddest at." Uta cried. Gawain scratched his head.
"What happened?" He asked and ducked as she pulled on his finger for him to follow her inside. She shut the door behind them and took a few deep breaths to try and calm down.
"There was this amazing island we sailed to where I could learn all about music. However with my devil fruit I accidentally awakened some terrible demon. It destroyed the island." Uta said shaking. Gawain sat down and continued listening. "I don't remember any of it, but the crew didn't want me to blame myself, so they took the blame for the destruction and let me believe that they left me and were evil. Even as I was in denial about this big mess one nasty government agent captured me… despite your best efforts." Uta added and forced a smile. "Thanks for trying." She said quietly.
"Based off what I heard they wanted to make you a weapon like they were doing to me. I didn't want that for you." Gawain said softly.
"But they tortured you because of me." Uta said softly. Gawain shrugged.
"They would have found another reason, at least I thought I could help you." He said. Uta brushed some more tears away and hugged him.
"You did." She said quietly and continued whimpering some as she buried her face in his shirt.
"So why are you still mad?" Gawain asked after a minute of silence.
"Because Shanks left without asking me." Uta whimpered. Gawain patted her back gently.
"Time can heal something like that." He said softly and then winced a little as she accidentally touched his back where one of his wounds were still healing from the whipping he had gotten over a week ago.
"Sorry so sorry!" Uta cried and began crying even harder. Gawain picked her up gently.
"Don't mind that, it's kinda tame compared to what you have been through." Gawain said. "And I know the crew would say the same, they just want what's best, even if something you did caused problems. They still love you more than their lives. You've got to see that, I'd give anything for a family like that."
Gawain said smiling as he gently hugged her before setting her back down.
"You think so?" Uta asked unsure as her tears had finally stopped flowing.
"I know so." Gawain laughed. Uta smiled a little.
"You could have that too then, a family here." Uta said softly. Gawain nodded and they continued talking for about an hour until Uta began nodding off. They hugged goodbye and Gawain quietly left her room.
"Enjoying time with the captain's daughter there lad?" Lucky Roo teasingly asked.
"He'll hang you by your toes if he catches you trying to steal a kiss." Another crew mate joined in.
Gawain's dark purple skin almost turned pink.
"No no." Gawain said shaking like a leaf.
"Oh so she's not good enough for you?" Hongo asked barely holding in his laughter.
"No I uhh." Gawain stuttered and pulled his hat over his face. He froze feeling Shanks behind him. Despite being twice his size, Gawain felt like the captain was the one that was looming over him.
"That's enough boys, you're about to cause our shy friend to explode." Shank's laughed. The rest of the crew quickly nodded and went back to their duties as Gawain realized the intimidation was for them and not him.
"Thanks captain." Gawain said as his skin tone slowly returned to normal. Shanks waved it off and bid Gawain a goodnight.
Early the next morning the crew was awakened by golden chords of a song rafting through the ship. Uta was standing on the bow watching the sunrise as she sang. She started her song over again once most of the crew had gathered behind her singing "Where the Wind Blows". There wasn't a dry eye on the deck, even Beckmann's eyes were watery as they listened to Uta singing again. Shanks lowered his straw hat some to hide the fountain of tears coming down his cheeks. Slowly the crew began to sing along. However a new voice soft as rain blended in. The crew slowly stopped singing as Uta's voice harmonized with the unknown voice. Uta too had noticed and skipped along following the source. She smiled happily seeing Gawain singing along as he fished, completely oblivious to the eyes now all on him.
Uta finished her song and hugged Gawain's leg from behind. "I didn't know you could sing so good too." She giggled.
"Huh… Ah… you heard me?" Gawain squeaked, his face turning pink again. The crew nodded.
"Sorry I'll sing more quiet." He said nervously.
Uta let go and stomped her foot. "No you were great. Take a bow with me!" She yelled as the crew applauded.
Gawain however was overwhelmed by the attention and fell backwards off the ship. The crew dropped their jaws. "Oops!" Gawain cried out as there was a loud splash followed by a smaller splash as a familiar straw hat appeared on Uta's head.
A blur of purple went by as Gawain was thrown back onto the ship. He used moon walk to make a softer landing. A drenched Shanks landed beside him. "You anchors sure are a lot of work." Shanks laughed and took his hat back from Uta. "Take the day off from training and have fun together." He added to Gawain.
"Ooh yay, let's do some more singing." Uta said grabbing Gawain's finger and leading him away. Once evening rolled around most of the crew gathered together for supper. After eating her fill, Uta sang another song for the crew as they finished eating. She tried to get Gawain to join her in her performance however he quickly declined, sweating bullets. She giggled. "Never say never, I'll get you up here soon." She said. Shanks sat down by Gawain after they had both finished eating. Shanks motioned for Gawain to follow him and led him above deck.
"How do you feel about heights?" Shanks asked and pointed to the crow's nest near the top of the Red Force. Gawain gulped.
"I'm not sure… but I think I'm about to find out. Aren't I?" Gawain asked. Shanks laughed and began climbing upwards.
"Don't worry, it'll hold our weight." Shanks said. Once at the top they gazed at the setting sun.
Shanks then smiled at Gawain. "Tell me Gawain, what motivates you? Wealth, fame power?" Shanks asked.
Gawain shook his head. "I'm not really sure." He said, gazing off into the distance. "Those things are nice but I can be happy without them." He said.
Shanks rubbed his chin in thought. "Let me phrase it differently then, what's your dream?" Shanks asked and smiled seeing a fire light in Gawain's eyes.
"Well my mom and dad told me stories about these great trees around the world. The greatest of them in the land of giants. I'd like to see them with my own eyes and know their mysteries. I also want to learn the secrets of devil fruits." Gawain said, almost bouncing in excitement.
"Interesting dreams, but you realize that to follow them you'll probably have to become a pirate right?" Shanks asked. Gawain nodded.
"Both of my grandfathers were pirates, I don't mind. I'll be a nice pirate like you all." Gawain said. Shanks smirked a little.
"My dream is to see the dawn of a new era. Uta is a part of that dream now once again thanks to you, so I will always be in your debt Gawain." Shanks said becoming far more serious than normal.
Gawain shook his hands quickly. "No I ah didn't do much of anything. You and your crew saved us." Gawain said.
"Never underestimate the power of an outstretched hand in a time of trouble." Shanks said and patted his arm. Gawain hesitantly nodded, uncertain if he understood the full meaning. "We will be arriving at Dawn Island soon. There you'll have to make a choice." Shanks said.
"What will be my options?" Gawain asked, tilting his head
Shanks pointed to his flag. "One choice is to join my crew. My crew and I can mold you into one of the most powerful pirates of this era, wealth, fame and power all at your fingertips. Plus you'll sail ever closer to your dream." He said. Gawain envisioned himself commanding his own crew wearing a cape, yeah definitely wearing a cape in his mind.
"And the other?" Gawain asked as he pulled himself out of his daydreaming.
"You could choose to go your own way. Sail out on your own, join the marines or just live out your life. Between your fruits and strength, very few in the East Blue or even the first half of the Grand Line could threaten you. Though you'd be more in danger of being taken by Cypher Pol again if you gain too much attention." Shanks said. Gawain gulped at the thought and shook his head.
"I didn't think you'd like that path much." He mumbled. Shanks laughed and pat his back.
"The last option is me being selfish." Shanks said and removed his hat.
"What do you mean?" Gawain asked.
"Uta already told you some of what happened as to why we left her behind?" Shanks asked. Gawain nodded and Shanks sighed softly. "I had hoped leaving her there would be enough to keep her safe but it wasn't so. She can't continue traveling with us or we'll have all the admirals trying to take her from us. However if she were to stay hidden on a quiet island here in the East Blue she might be presumed dead. She has a dear friend on Dawn Island. I know she can be happy there. But as for safe… that's where you and my selfish desire comes in. Would you…" Shanks was cut off as Gawain spoke up.
"I'll do it." Gawain said smiling.
"Just like that?" Shanks asked. Gawain laughed and nodded.
"Just like that." Gawain reaffirmed.
"And your dreams?" Shanks asked.
"Oh what's a decade or two in delay? Uta won't let me protect her forever." Gawain said.
"Hmm I'm not so sure. But point taken. Once she no longer needs you watching out for her, both of you can come find us and join our crew. Hopefully by then we will be strong enough to protect you and with the passage of time they might lose interest. Though it's not just her. There's a few others I'd like you to watch over on that island. One being her friend and the other the person I give this hat to." Shanks said as he spun it on his hand.
"Your hat?" Gawain asked.
Shanks nodded, a sad smile appearing on his lips as he looked at it. "It matters more to me than my very own pirate flag. Even the ship. It was given to me by a great man, and I hope to give it to one that will be even greater." Shanks said. "It's my greatest treasure, not including my friends." He added.
"That's a lot to put on my shoulders… are you sure I can do it?" Gawain asked. "Keep them safe that is." Gawain said. Shanks placed his hat back on his head and nodded.
"You kept Uta safe even after you passed out. You're a protector like me. Besides what I said before still holds up. You'll be without equal when it comes to power in the East Blue unless a vice admiral or higher from the marines shows up. Even if one did they shouldn't have any interest in a group of kids. I have full faith in you." Shanks smiled.
"Well in that case I do have three demands for me to do this." Gawain said.
"Oh?" Shanks asked raising an eyebrow. "You're becoming a confident fella aren't you, alright let's hear it." Shanks said curious.
"Not really." Gawain laughed nervously. "One you have to be upfront with Uta about all this, she won't like it but she deserves to know." Gawain said.
"Not a conversation I look forward to but you're right. Next?" Shanks asked.
"A devil fruit encyclopedia for me to study." Gawain said. Shanks nodded.
"Not the easiest things to come by, but we have one that you can have." Shanks said.
"And to make it up to Uta you let her be captain for a day." Gawain chuckled. Shanks paled.
"Make her captain for a day… she'll massacre me." Shanks whined.
"Chie (Kie) Mera Mera Mera." Gawain laughed loudly. Shanks sighed deeply.
"Alright alright fine ya cheeky bastard. But she'll be your captain too for a day too you realize?" Shanks laughed. Gawain gulped, wondering what Uta might order him to do. Shanks chuckled softly. "Also break time is over. Work on your moon walk on the way down." Shanks said.
"Huh?" Gawain asked. The next thing he knew he was falling from the crow's nest. Shanks was falling beside him, smiling crazily as he held onto his hat.
"I'd probably straighten up and start moon walking." Shanks instructed.
Gawain waved his arms frantically trying to fly while his legs kicked at the air using moon walk to slow his descent. It began to work as Shanks fell faster than him to the ever approaching deck of the ship. Gawain realized he was still descending too fast and tried even harder as he flapped his arms more. Despite his speed of descent, Shanks landed as light as a feather on the deck. He looked up to see how Gawain was fairing and then gawked. Gawain was gliding around as his arms had turned into giant wing shaped leafs. Gawain clearly couldn't control himself as he spiraled out of control and rammed into the mast of the ship. He then fell the last fifteen or so feet to the deck with another thud.
"Gawain!" Uta cried out running to him. Gawain sat up completely uninjured. "Don't scare me like that." Uta pouted.
"Sorry." Gawain said and struggled some returning his arms to normal.
"Alright enough leisure time. Back to training." Shanks said. Gawain & Uta pouted a little but complied and went about their duties with the crew.
The next morning Shanks called Uta and Gawain into his cabin. "Are we in trouble?" Uta asked.
"Not at all… unless there's something you did?" Shanks asked, raising an eyebrow. Both kids shook their heads in innocence. "Good. Now I wanted to inform both of you that we'll be anchoring at Dawn Island within a week." He said.
Uta smile grew wider than Gawain had ever seen before. "Excited to see your friend?" He asked.
"Huh uhh no it's just a cool place. That kid that hangs around Shanks all the time is a total drag. So I keep him from annoying the boss. It's such a chore." Uta lied. Gawain chuckled as he could tell she was about to burst with excitement.
"We'll be staying there a while. But the two of you a lot longer." Shanks said softly and took off his hat.
"Huh?" Uta asked. "Why?"
"If you keep traveling with us, the World Government will find the truth behind Elegia. Not to mention as a pirate your dream of becoming a star would also be nearly impossible." Shanks said softly.
"I don't care about that, I want to be with you!" Uta cried rushing into his arms. He put his hat on her head and hugged her to his side.
"I want that too. More than anything. But we aren't strong enough to keep you safe yet. Not from who might come after you if they make the connections. However if you stay there with Luffy & Gawain I'm sure you'll be happy and safe. Give us ten years to grow. Then all three of you can come find us and join our crew." Shanks said.
"But Shanks, you promised Luffy!" She cried more.
"You promised Luffy that he'd get to go with us next time!" She cried.
"It's safer for everyone if you two lay low on Dawn Island. Then later once we're stronger you can join us again." Shanks promised. "Captain's orders." He added softly. Uta sniffled and eventually stopped crying.
"Will you visit often?" Uta asked.
"No… we won't be able to. However I'll leave a special den den mushi to let you call us and sing to us so that we can see each other. However only use your powers at that time okay? Unless it's a very serious emergency." Shanks said. Uta nodded.
"Wait you have a devil fruit too?" Gawain asked. Uta nodded.
"I can cause people who hear me sing fall asleep and take them into a dream world I can control. Kinda useful I guess but Shanks said from now on I can only use it around the crew and Luffy." She said quietly looking down.
"But when you three are alone you can use it to to visit us. Not often though, once a week at most." Shanks said. Uta and Gawain nodded. Shanks sighed softly. "Thanks for understanding captain." Shanks said to Uta as he pushed his hat down further on her head.
"Captain?" She asked pushing up the hat to see. Shanks nodded.
"Third part of a deal I made with Gawain. You get to be captain for a day… please be merciful." Shanks laughed.
"You didn't want to be captain instead?" She asked.
"Nah not my style, but I thought you'd enjoy it." Gawain said. Uta smiled and jumped up onto him hugging him.
"Thank you thank you thank you." She giggled happily and then turned towards Shanks with a wicked glare causing Shanks to shiver and sweat.
"But wait, what are you doing for Shanks?" She asked.
"Uhh promised to keep you safe?" Gawain said nervously. Uta puffed up her cheeks in annoyance.
"I'm the one keeping you safe, I'm the captain and a diva. Got it?" She asked.
"Yes captain!" Gawain saluted a little sarcastically. Uta giggled.
"Perfect loyalty. I shall name you as my First mate Mister Gawain."
"As you wish my captain." Gawain chuckled.
"First order of business, a sweet breakfast. Come cabin boy, prepare our breakfast." Uta giggled pointing at Shanks.
"I created a monster." Shanks mumbled.
"No a diva." Uta corrected.
"Is there a difference?" Shanks teased and stuck out his tongue.
"No back talking the captain cabin boy." Gawain threatened, intending to be playful but his size made it quite imposing.
"Yes sir Mister Gawain sir." Shanks saluted smartly before fetching their breakfast. What followed was one of the most difficult days for the Red Hair Pirates as they served the dastardly Captain Uta and her iron fisted first mate Sir Gawain. Be it storms of the Grand Line, armies of marines or even the Yonko themselves, nothing quite compared to the one day tyrannical rule of Captain Uta the Terrible according to Shanks, though the rest of the crew remembered it far more fondly.
Within a few more days Yassop cried out "Land Ho." as Dawn Island came into view.
(A/N: So the dawn breaks on a new story. Updates will probably be a month to two apart. I hope you enjoyed & thank you for reading!)
