Coco: Hello, everyone! It's me! Coco~ Here with the rewritten version of Monster Within because my brain is just never satisfied with what I've got going and must always try to hyper fixate on what I don't like, so I feel the need to improve.

I'm sorry that I'm like this...Hopefully this will be the last time that I rewrite Wren's story. I put so much freaking detail into this (and I still am) that my brain better be satisfied. I've written lore for Wren's home island and the families that live there. I have gone into more detail about the community that Wren grew up in and I hoping to keep incorporating it throughout the story. I felt like Wren's story was getting a bit buried in the canon that is One Piece and while I don't want to make it where Wren outshines everyone and everything, I don't want her to be buried either or to go off her story too much...if that makes sense. In all honesty, I do like this version a lot more than the last (which I will be leaving up because I've learned that most of you don't like it when I take down the previous versions of any of my stories) and I'm having a lot of fun rewriting the characters in a way that I believe fits the story better.

I hope you enjoy it to, and as an apology for putting you guys through this again, I am posting the entire first rewritten arc (all four chapters) of this story tonight. The chapters are longer, and I like to believe better rewritten than before.

So, without further ado, let's get begin the chapter, shall we?

It was a stormy, dreary night on Magus Island. The trees swayed in the rough winds as rain pelted everything beneath the dark, thunderous clouds. Lightning streaked across the sky casting a brief, illuminating light over the island, which revealed a quaint homestead nestled in between the trees. It sat on top a hill with a winding, stone path leading up to it from the shore.

A stone fence that stood about three feet tall wrapped around the entire property with a white gate with an archway opening to a dirt path that led up to the small cottage. The cottage was painted pale yellow with white framed windows and a matching white door and trims. There was a white barn at the back of the property and there were gardens with fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs in the front right corner.

Within the charming home, the warm glow of candles could be seen as the owner of the cottage saw to his guest. The owner of the home seemed to be in his mid to late forties and had wine-red hair with silver streaks scattered through his thick locks. He wore a white doctor's coat and simple black slacks and a dress shirt under the coat. He sat in a wheelchair beside his guest's bed as he was looking to her wounds.

"Arm, please," he said holding out his right hand while the other held bandages.

The woman silently held out her arm, which had a few nasty gashes that he had recently sewn up. The woman he was treating had long hair with the same wine-red color as his own. It reached almost down to the middle of her back in thick, curls with her bangs sweeping to the left side of her face. She had a black eyepatch that was embroidered with golden thread over her left eye with her visible right eye being crimson in color. Her skin was pale in complexion, which also matched the fair skin of the man beside her.

This pair was Magier B. Vladimir and his daughter Wren. The latter of the two had just gone through quite the ordeal and was having to seek medical treatment from the prior.

"As long as you don't cause your injuries any stress, you should only have to worry about minimum scarring," Vladimir told her as he worked.

Wren, who didn't reply, was stewing in her thoughts as she allowed her father to bandage her injuries.

'How could I have let this happen?' she was mentally berating herself. 'All those years of hard work down the drain…'

Her thoughts turned darker as she glanced at the gold, handheld mirror at her bedside. The memory of speaking through said mirror to her partner in this long game of hers was still fresh in her mind.

—FLASHBACK—

"I had a feeling this might happen," he said as he frowned. "You trusted too many people with our plans."

Wren held back a frown of her own as she took in the unhappy image of Trafalgar Law, Captain of the Heart Pirates. In the public eye, Trafalgar Law was an upstart pirate who was quickly gaining infamy as he and his crew sailed the Grand Line. However, to Wren he was a friend—he was family—someone who she has known for most of her life.

"No one from my organization outed me to Doflamingo," Wren said in defense to her people. "Besides, do you really think I could have gained as much as we have over the years without help? Moreover, only the top-ranking members of my organization know the true meaning behind my plans."

Their need and want for vengeance against their shared adversary wasn't enough to beat the man. He was untouchable if the two only relied on themselves to defeat him.

"Yeah, but all that was lost, wasn't it?" Law retorted.

Wren bit the inside of her cheek harshly to force herself to keep her expression neutral. She knew she messed up. She knew she grew too laxed. She allowed herself to think she was untouchable and that she was doing enough to keep up appearances and stay in the good graces of Doflamingo. However, these last few days really opened her eyes.

"Not all of it," Wren said. "…however, a lot was lost, yes. This was most certainly a step back…I take full responsibility for my carelessness. I'm sorry."

Law's image shifted in the reflection of the mirror. A look of discomfort fell across his tired face. For a moment neither one of them spoke.

"How bad are your injuries?" Law finally broke the silence.

Wren blinked at the change of subject before a small smile appeared on her face.

"They certainly aren't pleasant," she said honestly. "However, I'll live."

She then winced when Vladimir placed some salve over some of the injuries on her leg. Noticing her moment of discomfort, Law's frown deepened. Seeing his look, Wren chuckled.

"It's alright," she assured him. "I'll take a few days to rest before moving on with my project. The one I had been working on before Doflamingo's new pet managed to expose me to the family. I won't let this set back derail me from my work."

A pet she would be skinning alive once she got her hands on them. She doesn't know where Doflamingo got his hands on his new plaything as they were a rare creature, but they certainly made things harder for Wren.

"And just what was this project?" Law questioned.

"Nothing too serious," Wren said flippantly. "It's been a long-standing project that Doflamingo had assigned to me. It has to do with an associate of his. Sir Crocodile of the Shichibukai."

When hearing the man's name, Law gave Wren a dark look that told her that she better explain.

"He had me place one of the officers under my order within Crocodile's organization." Wren continued. "Apparently, the man is on the trail of some kind of catastrophic weapon while simultaneously trying to take over Alabasta. Doflamingo merely wanted that put to a stop is all. He said getting his hands on the weapon would be a bonus, but it was more so ensuring Crocodile didn't obtain said weapon thus disrupting the balance of power."

She said this all in a tone that made it sound as if the task wasn't that big of an issue. However, Crocodile was still an Shichibukai with an organization of strong fighters at his disposal. While Wren might have stood at chance with Doflamingo and his resources backing her up, she was now at a disadvantage.

"Don't tell me you're planning to do all this alone?" Law inquired. "Not only would you be going against Crocodile and his organization, but you'd also have to deal with that officer of Doflamingo's as well, right?"

"I won't exactly be alone." Wren assured Law. "As I said, I didn't lose everything when I was found out. Having allies that I can call my own has its perks, you know?"

Law didn't comment as his eyes studied Wren. It was obvious the woman was tired and in pain though she tried to keep expression and tone neutral so not to worry him.

"Just get some rest," Law said. "We'll talk more later."

—END OF FLASHBACK—

Wren came out of her thoughts as her father finished wrapping up the last of her wounds. She thanked her father who has become her private doctor of sorts since she found him on this island a few years ago. The two had been separated for some time until a twist of fate had brought them back together. It hadn't exactly been the reunion Vladimir had wanted considering how much time has changed them, but he was happy with any time he got with Wren. Though he wished her visits weren't so bloody as he hated to see her injured. Speaking of injuries…

"Do you really plan to go to Alabasta soon?" He asked. "Your injuries are rather serious, you know."

"I will be fine soon enough." Wren replied. "Now, as for your question, yes, I will be leaving soon. By tomorrow morning, in fact. As long as the storm clears up that is."

She looked out the window as she said this where said storm could be seen happening outside. Thunder rolled through the air as well with lightening lighting the sky again and again.

"I thought you told Law-kun you would be resting a few days," Vladimir grumbled as he was putting away his supplies.

Wren sighed looking at her father as he was pensively cleaning up the tools, he used to stitch her up.

"It will be a few days." Wren retorted. "A few rest-filled days on a boat that's sailing its way to Alabasta."

She couldn't dawdle here as the last report she received from the Donquixote spy was that the top agents were expected to arrive in Alabasta soon. That could only mean Crocodile was preparing for his final assault. If she was going to act, she needed to do so quickly.

"And these allies of yours…you will be calling them to help, yes?" Vladimir inquired.

Wren didn't reply right away as she debated whether to lie to her father or not. Deciding to take the honest route, she sighed.

"Even if I did call them, it'd be too short notice for them to give any real support," Wren said. "The only one close enough to Alabasta to act cannot take the risk of being seen with me as that would jeopardize her current position. Besides, they might all think I'm dead at this point…I'll need to remedy that."

She hasn't had the chance to speak to her allies since the incident. After all, getting here in one piece had been a hard enough task on its own.

"However, I believe a spot of tea will be the first on my agenda," Wren said as she pushed the blanket off her. "And before you even start, don't waste your breath. I won't be deterred from my decision."

Vladimir sighed though said no more as he kept his back to his daughter. Wren felt a wave of guilt for worrying the man but pushed it to the side as she walked out of the room. She made it to the kitchen where she saw a tiny, humanoid creature leaned back in a bowel of water. The creature, who was taking a peaceful soak, had purplish-grey skin and dark blue hair that turned lighter at the ends. It hands gills around its neck and fin-like ears. Its feet almost looked more like flippers and its hands were webbed. It opened its eyes, which were blue with black sclera, to look at Wren.

"You're too hard on him, sweetling." The creature chided gently. "He only worries because he's your father."

It then giggled when seeing the annoyed expression Wren sent in its direction.

"I am aware of my relation to him, Tallulah." Wren replied to the water nymph as she stepped up to the counter.

Tallulah giggled again as she climbed out of the bowel of water. She then thanked Wren who handed her a washrag to dry the excess water off. As she went to drying herself, Wren went to grab what she needed to make a quick pot of tea. Once she had that, she'd get into contact with her allies to let them know she was alive and well and that it would be business as usual.

However, before she could begin boiling the water, a couple of winged creatures flew through the small opening in the kitchen window. Like the water nymph these small beings were humanoid in shape as well. However, their skin was pale—almost white—with a greenish hue and they had feathers along their feet, which were like the feet of a bird, and their arms. They also had wings sprouting from their backs and green-haired grew from their heads.

"Mistral, Levant, what's wrong?" Wren questioned when seeing the two aerials appeared winded as if they had hurried to get here.

Said aerials quickly turned to the sound of Wren's voice as if just noticing her presence. They then shook out their feathers as they hurried over to Wren.

"Misce, there's a ship docking on the shore!" Mistral informed her.

"It's flying a Jolly Roger!" Levant added. "It's pirates! Pirates have come to the island."

Wren didn't like the sound of that one bit. This island didn't get many visitors due to its reputation as people were known to go disappearing on this island. It makes most think twice about docking here unless they must. Even then they tend to stay on their ship. However, those who are brave even to venture in have only caused trouble.

"Pirates?" Wren's father asked as he wheeled down the ramp into the room. "Did you recognize the Jolly Roger?"

The aerials shook their heads. They then looked to Wren as the woman headed for the door. She grabbed one of the long coats from the coatrack. She drew it around herself tightly to not only guard herself against the weather, but keep her bandaged form covered, so these pirates didn't think they had a chance against just because she was injured. Being on her own already gave them incentive to attack. She didn't want to give them another reason.

"Wren, where are you going?" Her father asked as he watched her worriedly.

He already knew the answer, but he was hoping that he was wrong. Despite how unlikely he was.

"Isn't it obvious?" Wren replied. "I am going to deal with our guests."

"But your wounds," Her father protested.

Wren ignored his complaints as she looked to Tallulah and held out her hand. The little nymph seemed to understand the silent order as she hopped onto Wren's hand. Said woman moved Tallulah over to Vladimir.

"You're his familiar, Tallulah." Wren said. "Stay with him."

"Of course," Tallulah said as she moved to Vladimir's shoulder. "As if I would ever leave my little rose mage."

Said man frowned as he watched Wren leave the house. Mistral and Levant went out the window to follow her down to the shore. They flew alongside her as Wren rushed down the path through the trees and down to the beach. She jumped down the last of the path with her coat billowing behind her as she did. Her two feet touched down onto the sandy shore as she looked up at the small pirate vessel. The wind whipped around, and rain fell heavily as she sensed the people within the ship.

'Six people, one animal,' She realized. 'One human's voice sounds weak...maybe ill or injured.'

She then spotted a light from above and saw some of the crew was out on the deck. The first one to notice her was a tall, green-haired male who quickly grabbed the hilt of one of the swords at his waist.

"Who goes there?" He called out gaining his companions' attention. "Are you looking for trouble?"

They all gathered around seeing Wren standing on the shore. Mistral and Levant, who were still around, hung back in the safety of the trees, unseen.

"I should be asking you that," Wren said. "You did come to my island after all."

The man frowned though he couldn't argue with her. This was her home, and they did just show up in the dead of night in a ragging storm. He'd be wary too if he was her.

"It's a beautiful woman!" The blonde next to the swordsman cooed causing the man to shoot him a glare.

Wren ignored them both as her eyes took in the other members on the deck. Both were young men as well. One with a distinctive long nose, who was cowering behind the other boy with a scar under his eye and a straw hat upon his head. A straw hat that mirrored the Jolly Rodger on their sail. He must be the captain.

"What brings you here?" Wren asked. "Are the little pirates lost in the storm?"

Her words brought another frown from the swordsman. She controlled a smirk from pulling across her face as she realized something. These were rookie pirates. In other words, they weren't a threat to her with or without injuries.

"W-e had to d-ock when the st-or-m hit," The long-nose said as he leaned around the straw-hated boy.

Wren held back a scoff at the obvious answer. However, she didn't really have it in her to care about their current plight.

"Hey, lady, is there a doctor here?!" The straw-hatted boy asked. "Our friend is sick!"

Wren could already sense that. In fact, she'd say the unwell person in their ship was close to death based on how weak their voice was. Wren knew the person needed help, but she didn't need pirates on this island. It was these rookies' fault for sailing out to sea without a doctor. She was about to tell them as such when she sensed a presence behind her.

"Yes, I am a doctor."

The pirates and Wren all turned towards the tree line. There was Vladimir with Tallulah peeking out from underneath his raincoat, so only Wren could see her. She looked sheepishly at Wren when Wren narrowed her visible eye at the pair.

"Really, old man?!" The boy asked excitedly. "Can you look at our friend?"

"Yes, of course," Vladimir said with a kind smile. "Tell me, what are their symptoms?"

"Nami has a really high fever and Vivi said she also seems to have an infection." The boy said.

Vladimir nodded then looked to Wren, who sighed, but she did nod her head to her father. In a blink of an eye, she was on the ship, which had the green-haired man getting a defensive stance. She gave him an unimpressed look as she stepped down from the railing onto the deck.

"There's no reason to be alarmed," Vladimir said to sooth the glaring swordsman, "Wren will simply bring your friend to my house. Your friend needs to be handled with the utmost care and steadiness. Wren will be able to do this. Please, allow her to help."

"Sure, thanks, old man, lady!" The boy said as he grinned widely.

Wren said nothing in return as she wished her father had just left the pirates alone. The other inhabitants of the island weren't going to like this.

Wren watched from the doorway as Vladimir looked over the sick girl named Nami. Her crewmates were in the room as well and watching as Vladimir carefully accessed the girl's illness. Tallulah and the aerials were in hiding now though Wren could vaguely sense them in the house. They were most likely watching their guests closely out of curiosity. Neighbors were drawn to humans after all. Despite all the trouble humans bring.

"Yes, she's certainly in bad shape." Vladimir said as he finished checking Nami's breathing. "She's having trouble breathing and her fever is dangerously high. If it isn't brought down, permanent brain damage could be left even if she does get better."

"WHAT?!" Many of the pirates screamed in shock at the news.

"Are you saying Nami is going to die?!" The straw-hatted boy, Luffy, shouted.

"Nami-swan, please don't die!" Sanji sobbed as he bit into a handkerchief.

As Wren deadpanned at their reactions, Vladimir shushed the boys causing them to immediately shut up.

"It would appear the cause of the infection is a bug bite of sorts." Vladimir said. "From a bug I have never encountered in books or in my years as a physician, which means I am uncertain how to treat it. All I can do now is bring down her temperature until a more permanent solution can be found."

His words didn't comfort the rookie pirates who all looked at Nami, who was sleeping fitfully, in concern.

"Tell me, when did her symptoms start?" He asked.

The blue-haired girl, Vivi, looked to Vladimir from her spot at the end of Nami's bed.

"Not long after we left Little Garden." Vivi said.

Wren tilted her head at the mention of Little Garden. She's never been to that place, but she has heard humors of it. A place where the prehistoric was still very much alive.

"Little Garden, you say?" Vladimir hummed. "Well, that makes things a bit more complicated."

"What do you mean, old man?" Sanji asked as he stepped forward. "Is there something up?"

"Well, to be quite frank, yes." Vladimir said. "You see, Little Garden is an island that seems to be stuck in prehistoric times—never moving forward. The rest of the world has, however, which means the bug that exists on that island that bit your friend is most likely extinct everywhere else."

While Sanji and Vivi, who both paled, seemed to understand what Vladimir was saying their crewmates seemed confused.

"What he's saying is that there likely isn't any medicine for the infection your crewmate has." Wren spoke up for the first time since they arrived at the house. "If the bug is instinct everywhere else, it is highly unlikely any doctor would carry a medicine to counter act the infection."

Once her words sunk in, the other three members of the rookie crew turned pale as well.

"Oh no, this is terrible!" Usopp said. "What are we going to do?"

No one spoke for a long moment with only the sound of Nami's labored breathing filling the room. The silence was broken by Vladimir, however, as he let out a thoughtful hum.

"There is one doctor I know who might have an antidote." He said getting the pirates to look at him with wide eyes that gleamed with hope. "But she doesn't reside on this island."

"Does she reside on an island close by?" Sanji asked.

"It is a neighboring winter island." Vladimir replied. "Not too far from here. The Log Pose you possess should latch onto it by late tomorrow. It gives me time to do what I can for your friend and you time to restock for your journey."

Wren inwardly frowned as she kept her expression neutral on the outside. She wished her father hadn't told them that. The idea of these rookies trampling through the forest put her in a foul mood. Having humans in the forest could put the neighbors at risk.

"You may rest here for the night." Vladimir continued. "There aren't any extra beds I can offer you, but I'm sure we can find enough extra blankets and pillows at least."

"Thank you so much, Vladimir-san." Vivi said as she bowed to the man. "You are very kind."

Vladimir waved off her thanks with a kind smile before turning to his daughter who frowned.

"Wren, please be dear and help our guests settle for the night." Vladimir said. "I will stay here with Nami-san to control her fever. I expect you to take good care of our visitors."

He gave her a meaningful look as he said this, which meant he wanted Wren to distract their guests, so he can use Tallulah to help him tend to Nami. Wren sighed though nodded her head in understanding. She gestured for the pirates to follow as Vladimir asked to be left alone with his patient to be able to treat her properly.

Vivi had been reluctant to move, but she soon did while gently ushering Sanji and Luffy out with Usopp's help. Zoro, who had been silently watching from the corner, moved out as well though he cast a look over his shoulder at Vladimir as the doctor was gently placing his hand on Nami's head. Soon all pirates—besides the one in the sickbed—were out of the room, leaving Wren and her father.

"You know they aren't going to be happy about this," Wren warned him.

"Yes, I know, but I'm a doctor." Vladimir said. "I cannot just ignore a sick person in need."

Wren shook her head as she watched how Vladimir looked at Nami in concern as if the girl was family. Though he was always like that with his patients. Treating all of them like he would if it was his own flesh and blood sick or injured.

"If you wanted to treat humans, you shouldn't have settled on this island." Wren told him. "You should have returned to Era or settled on an island with a human village."

Her words came off as cold, but Vladimir only chuckled in response. Seeming unbothered by her callous tone.

"But if I didn't make this place my home…I'd never get to see you," Vladimir pointed out. "Besides, I like it here. It's peaceful…and Era…Era holds too many dark memories for me to ever return there."

Wren, who didn't want to think about the memories he was speaking of, didn't comment as she turned away from the man to go show their guests where they could rest for the night. As she shut the door behind her, she moved down the steps where the pirates had already gone. When she reached the bottom, she saw Usopp and Luffy looking around at everything curiously. They were—or rather Luffy was—even nosy enough to go through cabinets and containers.

"The only space big enough to house all of you is the barn outside," Wren said with her voice bringing the two boys to a halt in their investigating. "It might not be ideal, but it'll be drier and warmer than sleeping in your ship at the moment."

"Yes, thank you," Vivi said smiling. "We appreciate all that you are doing for us."

Wren just silently rose a brow in reply as she looked at the girl in front of her. When Wren had first seen her on the ship, she could honestly say she was a bit surprised. To think the princess of Alabasta would be riding on a pirate ship. Of course, this is the same princess who infiltrated Crocodile's organization, which meant the girl was either very brave or very stupid. Wren just wondered if these pirates knew who they were carrying.

"Wren-chan, is it possible for me to stay with Nami-san at all before we leave?" Sanji asked approaching.

"You will have to ask my father once he's done with treatment." Wren said with a small shrug. "I am sure he won't mind one of you inside the room with her as long as you keep quiet. Now, let's get you settled in. There are blankets in the closet behind you. Once you grab what you need, you can follow me to the barn."

As the pirates did as they were instructed, Wren glanced out the window into the stormy night to see several glowing eyes looking back. News traveled fast. They've already come for a look, and she was certain at least one or two would come closer to investigate. If she doesn't watch the rookies closely tonight, one or possible more will go missing in the night. After all, the neighbors are whimsical, curious creatures. There's no telling what they might do with new people on the island.

'I hope you realize what kind of trouble you've brought, father,' Wren thought. 'Though whatever happens to these rookies, is no concern of mine. I will be leaving tomorrow. Whether they survive their stay or not.'

Wren led the pirates outside under the protection of the awning to the small barn. She slid open the door with a few of the animals rustling at their entrance. Though they didn't pay much more attention as Wren turned to look to their guests.

"This is where you can stay," she said gesturing them inside. "I apologize once more for not having more comfortable accommodations."

Luffy didn't seem to mind as he hurried inside to look around curiously. He laughed a bit at the sight of the animals. He even went over to Vladimir's cow—Lulabelle—to get a closer look. Lulabelle blinked at the boy and didn't seem to care that Luffy was pulling on her ears.

"You needn't apologize," Vivi said with a kind smile and shake of her head. "Thank you for your kindness."

She and Karoo—her large duck companion who had been waiting outside for them—then went inside with Usopp scurrying after her as more lightning and thunder rolled. Zoro followed, but not without shooting Wren a look. Obviously, she wasn't trusted. However, she'd say Zoro was smart to be wary. In fact, he seemed to be the only one amongst them smart enough not to trust her and her father as strangers. Of course, she doesn't trust them much either. Wren then looked to Sanji when the blonde took her hands into his own.

"As Vivi-chan said, my dear, we are grateful for your generosity." He said with a flirtatious smile.

Wren gave a polite, cool smile in return before removing her hands from Sanji's grip.

"Please, make yourselves comfortable," she said. "You will need plenty of rest if you plan to wake early tomorrow to gather supplies for your journey."

Sanji thanked Wren before going inside the barn. Wren watched the pirates begin to settle while aware that she wasn't the only one whose eyes were on them. Once they seemed comfortable, Wren went to shut the door but paused.

"I ask that none of you leave this barn." Wren requested. "Not without me to escort you. The island can be dangerous. Especially to strangers."

Her ominous words had Usopp gulping in fear as he drew his borrowed blanket closer around him. He didn't like the sound of that one bit.

"What do you mean?" Zoro asked.

"Most of the neighbors don't like outsiders or they're curiosity of something new can lead them to make...questionable decisions." Wren said. "Those who have come before you have disappeared, never to be seen again. It's a common occurrence here when visitors like yourselves manage to find our little island."

Usopp wasn't the only one looking a bit scared as Vivi huddled closer to Karoo. The duck looked equally as frightened as he looked around nervously.

"Neighbors?" Sanji inquired looking confused.

He didn't realize there were other inhabitants on this island. While it was dark and storming, Sanji hadn't noticed any other houses during their trek here to Wren and Vladimir's home.

"The other inhabitants of the island." Wren explained. "They will appear harmless to you. Though that is just to make it easier for them to lure you in. If you remain in here, I will be able to protect you. If you step outside, well, I highly doubt I will get to you in time. And they're quite possessive of what they deem as theirs, so the chance of me getting you back once they claim you is near zero."

Usopp was pale as a sheet by now as his shaking could practically be heard along with the chattering of his teeth.

"J-just w-what are th-ese ne-ighbors?" Usopp asked shakily.

"Hopefully you will not have to find out," Is all Wren said before she shut the door.

She turned out towards the tree line once more where the glowing eyes had come even closer to the point, she could make out the body shapes of the different fae who had come to snoop. Her own visible eye glowed in warning as a growl entered the air. Restless noises answered her back before the glowing eyes retreated from the edge of the trees. Wren's own eye returned to normal as the growling ceased.

"They will be back," Mistral said as she and Levant flew to Wren's side.

They flew around her in circles while throwing glances between where their fellow fae had disappeared and the pirates resting unaware in the barn.

"Of course, they will be," Wren agreed. "Until these pirates leave, they will be close by. I trust I don't have to worry about the two of you, Mistral, Levant."

She gave the two a stern look, and they giggled much like children do as they twirled gracefully around Wren in the air.

"We will try to behave, sweet one." Levant said.

"Yes, yes, we will try." Mistral agreed with a nod. "But we make no promises!"

They then left giggling into the night leaving Wren alone with her thoughts as the storm raged on. The wind whipped around her hair and clothes as she continued to stare off into the forest.

'They don't truly mean any harm,' Wren thought to herself with an unreadable expression. 'Not most of them anyway…but I fear that one day that they will meet humans they won't be able to trick.'

She gave a sigh as before placed her hand against the side of the barn. Golden light trickled from her fingers to cover the barn in golden patterns of light before seeming to sink into the wood. If the pirates remained inside, they were safe. With that in mind, Wren turned to walk back into the cottage. She put her coat away by the door before ascending the stairs to the room where Vladimir was treating Nami.

Vladimir didn't look up at her arrival as he had one hand over Nami's forehead and the other over Nami's infection. Light glowed on his hands and behind him Tallulah held onto a lock of his hair as she glowed slightly as well. A familiar and mage working together as one to save a human of all things. Wren doesn't think she's seen something like this before in her lifetime.

Though that might be because mages interact less with humans than the neighbors do. The humans are such greedy and destructive beings. Wren doesn't see why her father is bothering to save one. Though she supposes not all humans are bad…Law's face came to mind along with the face of the man who saved her.

'Then there's…those idiots,' Wren thought with a mental sigh.

"Wren-chan, give us a smile!"

"Come on, Wren, one dance! I don't bite, promise!"

Wren shook her head to push those two fools' voices out of her head as thinking about them would only give her a headache.

"I take it you helped our guests settle for the night." Vladimir said while continuing his work and breaking Wren from her thoughts.

"Yes, and they are safe for now," Wren replied. "Though I will not be held responsible if one of them goes missing during their stay here nor will I go after one of them if that does happen."

If they couldn't follow basic instructions to stay where it is safe, it was on them and not her. Vladimir chuckled at her words. Wren's visible eye narrowed at Vladimir as she wondered what was so funny.

"Of course," Vladimir said with a nod though a grin remained on his face.

Wren sighed deciding not to even ask as she took one last look at the ill human—Nami. The girl did look to be in quite a bit of pain. Though Wren supposed that wasn't her problem.

"If you no longer need me, I will be retiring to my room for the night." Wren told her father.

"Just a request," Vladimir said. "I need you to take our guests to get supplies in the morning."

Wren didn't hide the displeasure from her face at this request. She had her own things to do tomorrow before she left for Alabasta. However, she knew letting those pirates loose on their own could be a threat to the neighbors. So far, they—or least most of them—haven't run into any humans they couldn't outsmart, but she wasn't sure if she wanted to take the chance.

"Please, Wren," Vladimir said as he looked away from Nami to her. "These pirates…they are good people. Help them."

Wren, who realized what her father was trying to do, narrowed her gaze at her father as she levelled her posture. Back straight and taunt.

"If you think helping some fledging pirates will somehow redeem me, or completely restore my faith in humanity, father, you are mistaken," Wren said coolly. "These pirates are not my concern. I help them as payment to you for looking after my injuries, nothing more."

Vladimir sighed though wasn't surprised by Wren's reaction to him asking her to help these pirates.

"Just please think about what I have asked," Vladimir said. "You have the ability to read people better than I. I'm sure if you would just look, you would see the same I do."

Wren's right brow just raised silently in reply with a look of skepticism clearly coloring her expression.

"I know you don't trust humans." Vladimir said. "But remember it was a human who saved you. And it is a human who you call your brother."

Wren didn't reply to her father's comment, but her expression said enough. However, he didn't press the issue as he smiled softly at her.

"Goodnight, little one." Vladimir said. "I love you."

"Goodnight," Wren returned.

She paused a moment looking as if she was debating whether to add more. In the end, she remained silent as she dipped her head towards her father. She then left the room and shut the door behind her with a soft click. Tallulah looked at her mage gently as the man let out a sigh.

"She still hates me," he said.

"She doesn't hate you," Tallulah denied with a shake of her head. "She's still in pain, Vladimir. It's been over a decade…but she hasn't allowed herself to heal."

Vladimir hummed in reply. He knew Tallulah had a point. His little girl was still in pain…and he knew she would continue to be the longer she allowed herself to be exposed to such filth and darkness. She wasn't allowing herself to heal. She was holding onto the pain…to her anger, so she can force herself forward with her plans even when they cause harm to others. She does it to keep the guilt at bay, and he worried for her soul the longer she kept up this game. Vladimir then sighed once more as he returned his attention to his patient.

"Let's continue," he said to Tallulah. "This girl needs our help. Let's see what we can do for her."

Tallulah nodded her head as she loyally remained at her mage's side. They worked long into the night even after the storm ceased and silence fell over the island. Even after their guests fell into slumber in the safety of the barn. They worked until only Wren remained awake as she was planning, gathering, and preparing, for her next move.

Coco: And that is the end of the first chapter of the new story. I hope you all liked it!

Now, I did this with the last story and thought I'd continue to do it, which is place character profiles at the end of the chapter to kind of give you guys some more insight into the characters. I'm even thinking of maybe putting in profiles/descriptions of places I might add or even like doing a little something explaining the different magic communities I plan to add later on in the story. Like, I said I went into a lot of detail this time. I have made graphs, guys XD

I also plan to answer questions you might have at the end of chapters. Kind of like my own SBS...So, if you do have any questions you'd like featured at the end of a chapter, feel free to message me or leave a review with your question.

Now, to start off, it'll be Wren's profile, which was posted in the last story. This is just an updated version.

Name: Magier B. Wren

Age: 19

D.O.B: October 8th

*She shares her birthday with Pierre, Doberman, and Hatcha

Origin: North Blue (Era Island)

Height: 166cm (5'5")

Race: Half-Fae/Half-Mage (human)

*Her fae half is of the Banshee Clan, which is why most of her attacks are scream-based. Like how one can cover their weapons with their own haki, Wren tends to use her Banshee abilities through her sword by coating it with her fae magic. Though as half mage, Wren has the ability to perform a wide range of magical abilities that Banshee alone could not perform.

Wren is not the only halfling in existence and while it is made to see like a rare occurrence, it isn't as rare as some think. Halflings just tend to pick the solitary life with as little interaction as possible with the outside world. Hence why it's rare to come across one. Wren being one of the few who choose to live alongside humans.

Affiliation(s): Donquixote Family/Pirates (former), Dressrosa (Former), Underworld (former...ish), Straw Hat Pirates (crew...unofficially for now), Heart Pirates (allies), the Viel

Weapon: Rapier

*Wren's rapier is made of steel with silver and leather used for the hilt and handguard. Wren is usually not seen carrying her sword as she stores it away in a separate space within her shadow. She doesn't like carrying holster for her weapon because it clashes with her outfits.

Family: Magier B. Starling-ancestor (deceased), Cain-ancestor, Magier B. Vladimir-father, Magier B. Aibell-mother (deceased), unnamed paternal aunt (lives away from Era), Bastion Nightingale-paternal aunt (lives in Era) Bastion Family (cousins on her second aunt's side), two unnamed male cousins and two unnamed female cousins (through her first aunt), Havel-familiar (cat-sithe)

*The women born into the Magier Family are typically named after a bird. More especially a type of songbird. The men are not. It's unknown if it's a family tradition or just a coincidence.

*The Magier Family has been around for many, many generations and shares relation to one of the first five families of mages.

Trivia: (just some little tidbits about Wren)

*Wren's favorite tea is Earl Grey.

*Her favorite color is black (but purple is a close second)

*Wren is also vegetarian. A lifestyle she picked up at an early age. She has thought about going vegan. However, her love for dairy prevents her from doing so.

*Wren has a soft spot for things that are cute to the point she sometimes lets her guard down and behaves how she normally wouldn't. Like getting distracted easily or wanting to horde the things she finds cute. If she isn't watched carefully, she'll accumulate a mob of cute animals when no one is looking.

*She has an 'allergy' to certain materials and has been known to break out if she wears cheap polyester or any other cheap cloth.

*Wren is not a morning person, but she can force herself to get up and do work if she must. However, her preferred wake up time is closer to ten or eleven as she tends to stay up late.

*Wren's family moved from the main family estate to a smaller cottage home on Era after Wren was born for unknown reasons. The estate was given to Vladimir's sister Nightingale, so the estate is now known as the Bastion Estate and not the Magier Estate.

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And that is the end of that, but not to worry, there are three more chapters to come before this update is over. I do hope you enjoy~