Hey, all my faithful readers! Here it is! The next Chapter!*

Disclaimer: I do not own One Piece or any of its characters however, Rosalie is my OC.

Here you go! Please enjoy it

Chapter 11

Everything on the island seemed to turn back to normal. The names of the places were restored and none of them were related to the previous ruler's title. The island was more cheerful and this time, it wasn't fake.

After Elrad was defeated, he was arrested as well as the rest of the pirates that turned back to normal. Most of the pirates had high bounties that the navy couldn't catch and now they had them in their custody.

Rosalie knew that the navy would take credit for what happened but it didn't matter to her. If her crew was safe and there weren't creepy people surrounding or threatening them, it didn't matter. After all, the navy always covered up their stories.

"Rosa-san, are you alright?" A small voice asked behind Rosalie and she snapped out of her thoughts. Rosalie glanced back at Bepo who gave her a blank look, his eyes looking at her in concern. She had been trapped in her thoughts for a while after their conversation.

"Oh, yeah! Sorry about that. I was just thinking how everything seems much better," Rosalie replied and glanced at the shops in the marketing place. The people were all smiling and laughing, enjoying the summer day.

"I agree, but we should probably be going. Didn't the ruler say that he wanted to see us?" Bepo asked and Rosalie nodded. She knew that the crew didn't want to go see the male since they were pirates… Pirates weren't usually the heroes in stories.

Rosalie was sure that Law would've ignored the invite and already left the island, not caring much about the situation. However, it would only be fair to be thanked by the ruler. They did help restore everything. It wasn't like they were going to receive gratitude from the Navy.

On the contrary.

"Say, Bepo, where are the others? Shouldn't they also join us? I mean, it was you guys who managed to infiltrate Elrad's operation," Rosalie pointed out as they wandered through the streets, on their way towards the castle.

"They're probably on their way. I'm not sure. They were still busy buying tools for Ruby the last time I heard of them," Bepo replied and Rosalie grunted. She snickered, knowing very well that they were going to be kept busy for a while with Ruby's tools.

Rosalie's hand brushed her side, the empty spot of her sword leaving a feeling of ache in her chest. She was quite upset because of the loss. She always enjoyed fighting with that sword and it was something that she received from the Navy.

It was still part of her good past memories. She managed to bring in more than the average amount of criminals and took down devil fruit users much easier. Then again, it was part of history now. Maybe it was better this way. She had her mother's dagger now.

Speaking of which… Rosalie touched the hilt of her dagger, wondering why it was silent. She had thought that it would respond to Bepo's touch but it remained quiet. She was relieved that nothing happened and could only hope that it would stay that way.

Rosalie whistled loudly when they arrived at the castle, the building being much bigger than she anticipated from the outside. It was beautifully lined with gold, the walls a brilliant white and the roof had a grey shade. There were about a handful of towers, each having more than enough windows.

"Why does it feel bigger from the outside than the inside?" Rosalie wondered aloud and Bepo chuckled at her statement. "What? It really didn't feel like this size!" She tried to defend herself but let out a sigh, knowing that her argument wasn't valid.

"Rosa-chan!"

The two turned to see the trio of Shachi, Penguin and Ruby run towards them with a few of the crew behind them including Jambarl. They were just in time. Rosalie gave them a welcoming smile and waved at them.

"What the hell is with this big ass castle!? It wasn't this big when we were inside, was it?!" Ruby pointed at the large building as she exclaimed. "But then again, maybe we were too busy with trying to escape than observing?" Ruby shrugged and Rosalie nodded in agreement.

"Geez, you two are sure oblivious… Do you know how many times we got lost inside that place? It's big inside and outside. Women." Shachi yelped when he received a hard knock from both the two females and held the bump on his head.

"I'm sorry!"

Penguin, Jambarl and Bepo sweat dropped while the rest of the crew laughed at the amusing scene. Shachi tried to cower away from them but it was no use, he had already dug his grave by insulting them and now he had to pay the price.

"Um, excuse me." A throat was cleared and everyone's eyes settled onto a palace guard that came into their view. Ruby and Rosalie let Shachi go, resulting the male to fall onto the floor. The guard paled slightly but was quick to erase the bullying from his thoughts.

"His Highness is ready for you now. Please follow me."

The pirates did as they were told and followed the guard, no words being exchanged. The male wore silver armour, his hair hidden beneath a silver helmet that had white feathers stuck out from the top. He had a heavy sword by his side and a pistol on the opposite side of his hip.

They entered after the large double doors of the palace was opened for them, the other guards giving them disapproving looks. It wasn't surprising though. They were pirates. There was no need to beat around the bush.

Their pride was probably destroyed since they were saved by a group of pirates. It would've been better if the navy really did help them out but their image was ruined. It wouldn't be a shock if the ruler excused them from the island.

"Those ungrateful little-Ow… What was that for?" Ruby shook her head at the males and they saw her frown at them. She then returned her attention in front of her. She also didn't appreciate the ungrateful treatment they were receiving but she couldn't blame them either.

It is what it is.

Rosalie was the first to enter the throne room, the other slowly following behind her, the battle memories and damage still fresh in their subconscious. The guard went ahead and bowed in front of the elder ruler, his strange purple eyes settling onto the group.

"Thank you for bringing them. You are excused," the King spoke coldly towards the guard and he grunted. He stood up and left without another word, the door behind them closing and Rosalie staring at the King.

She observed the male, knowing very well that he was conflicted with what needed to be done. It was unsettling for the both of them. She knew that they needed to leave this island and go their separate ways, but for the sake of them both she needed to do it quickly.

"Your Grace, I hope that you will restore everything back to the way it once was. We will depart as soon as possible and continue our journey. I understand that nothing needed to be said," Rosalie spoke up, the crew behind her not uttering a word.

"Yes, I shall make sure to improve the voids in my country. I didn't think that I'd ever have a pirate save us from our own down fall. You have my gratitude, Heart Pirates. I would appreciate your quick departure. I hope you have safe travels," the King spoke, his voice in a monotone.

"Also, it would be rude of me not to reward you. You may speak any wish that you want and I will grant it as long as it is in my power," He offered and Rosalie grunted. However, she knew that it wasn't necessary.

Despite that they were pirates, they currently had everything they needed. She would find her own way and travel with her own expenses. The crew had more than enough to come by just fine until they reached Zou.

"Great!" Shachi exclaimed and Rosalie's eyes widened. "We finally come to the reward talk. I was getting irritated by the rudeness of your Highness." Rosalie gaped at the male's words while the King's brows furrowed.

"Yeah, we save your ass and you treat us like dirt. Geez, sorry we helped," Penguin added and Rosalie wanted to bury herself. What were they doing? They were settling this peacefully and now these two idiots were ruining the peace!

"There is one thing that you can do for us, King Ungratefulness," Ruby joined in. "You see, we have a dear comrade who needs a ship, supplies and traveling money to reach her destination. That should be sufficient since she was the main reason your sitting comfortably on that chair."

Rosalie was dumbstruck.

She saw them smile at her, her heart dropping in her stomach and realization dawning over her. They knew she was leaving. She felt Bepo put a paw on her shoulder and glanced back at him, a small reassuring smile on his lips.

"Guys…" They all stood there, giving her enough motivation from behind. They were there for her and couldn't care less about their own problems. Rosalie felt her own heart clench tightly and bit her bottom lip.

"If that is your request, then I will have a ship ready for you as soon as possible. I will make sure that you have enough supplies to help you on your journey," the King replied and watched as the trio fist pumped each other.

"Thanks, your Highness!"

"Well, then I guess we should probably start packing and getting Rosa-chan's stuff on that ship. You guys better not break anything!" Penguin warned the crew who grunted in reply. Bepo gave a few other orders before they prepared to leave, Rosalie still surprised.

"I… I don't know what to say…"

Ruby turned towards Rosalie and gave her a wide grin. She pulled something out from her clothing and Rosalie's eyes widened. She took the wrapped cloth in her hand and quickly unwrapped it, her sword revealed inside.

"You don't have to say anything. We already made the arrangements. Just promise to come back to us, Rosalie. We're depending on you to bring back that other stubborn male too," Ruby stated, Rosalie still searching for words.

"Let's go, Rosa-san. We have to make sure that you have everything on the ship they're providing," Bepo gestured for Rosalie to join them as they exited the large hall and then the palace. She silently let her feet walk behind them, her mind in a whirl of confusion.

What did she do to deserve such a crew? They cared so deeply for her and accepted her selfishness naturally. They didn't try to talk her out of her decision. They didn't try to stop her. Instead, they made sure that she was going to travel safely.

She stopped in her tracks, her eyes hiding beneath her red bangs and her bottom lip tightly bitten. She was never alone. They were always there, ready to pick her up. They were always there to motivate her and give her a small push.

They were always her comrades.

"Everyone…" Rosalie's voice quivered slightly as she spoke up and they stopped to look back at her. "I… Thank you for going with my selfish decision. I couldn't ask for better comrades," She told them as tears cascaded down the side of her face.

"Huh? Rosa-san, why are you crying? I'm sorry!" Bepo exclaimed while the others panicked a bit. Rosalie never cried. If she cried then it meant something was wrong. Very wrong. Rosalie laughed lightly and wiped away her tears.

Mother, I really have the greatest people who stand behind me. I promise that I'll do my best not to disappoint them and come back safely with Law. Whether I have to conquer islands or curses.

"I had something in my eyes, sorry." Rosalie wiped away her tears and give them a wide grin. "Let's go!" Rosalie pulled them closer to her in an embrace. Bepo blushed while the other two men exclaimed in shock and Ruby laughed.

I'll come back to them, I swear.

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