Coco: So, this is it. Chapter four and the end of the Magus Island Arc in this new version of my One Piece story.
Something that I meant to talk about earlier is the title of this story. It's different than it has been in any variation of Wren's story. Usually, I always tried to use the word monster in the past variations of this story. This is because Wren originally was human with a devil fruit that gave her the ability to conjure monsters.
A lot has changed since then, and no longer is Wren a devil fruit user but a different race all together in the One Piece universe. And while this fact changed a variation ago, I still kept monster in the title. Mostly as a symbol to the darkness/hatred Wren carries around with her. However, I decided to make a change this time to include the word heart in the title as the heart places a significant role in this story.
Corazon/Rosinante plays a big role in Wren's life. And when he died, Wren worked hard to gain his seat in the Donquixote Family. The Heart Seat. Wren is also allied with/the sworn sister of Trafalgar Law the Captain of the Heart Pirates. The 'heart' is also a concept a bit foreign to the neighbors as they don't grasp emotions-especially human emotions-that well. The heart is a mystery to them, but it plays an important role in the lives of halflings who if they lose their heart, they lose themselves. So, as you can guess the 'heart' will be referenced a lot in this story as Wren tries to understand her own and how unafraid she has to be of it after growing up to fear it after she had seen what happened to Cain after he lost his.
Anyway, I just wanted to give an explanation on why the title was different this time around. I'm not sure if anyone really took notice or wanted to know the reason why, but I thought I'd explain anyway XD
But moving on from that, let's begin the chapter!
Havel's nose curled up as he sniffed the blackened, sebaceous plant on the desk in Vladimir's bedroom. Said doctor was also studying the plant, which he had placed in a glass container. His guests were silently watching from the bed where Nami was sleeping peacefully for a change.
"And you're saying most of the garden is in this state?" Vladimir questioned as he turned towards Nana.
The silkie nodded her head with a look of concern. Vladimir's brow furrowed as he reached forward with tweezers to hold it still as he took a scalpel to cut into it. Black ooze leaked from the plant with a noxious odor coming off it.
"I wonder what happened to the garden." Usopp said. "The crops were in good condition this morning. Wren even used her magic to help the plants that were wilting or damaged."
Havel and Vladimir exchanged glances when hearing this. The latter's expression turning even grimmer. Havel sighed.
"It's happening again," Havel said.
"What? What's happening again?" Vivi questioned, sounding concerned.
Havel didn't reply at first as he glanced at the pirates who he had been introduced to earlier. He studied them for a moment before looking away.
"The Island is being poisoned." Havel said. "It happened once before. A long, long time ago when even I was still young. Darkness fell over the island, and everything began to die. Nothing was spared. Not plant or animal or neighbor. It was because of this darkness that the mages fled and relocated in the Four Blues."
Usopp gulped wondering what could have caused such death and destruction. It was hard to even picture this place that was so lush and full of life like Havel is describing. Vivi's concern grew.
"What caused it the first time?" Vivi asked.
"…There were a lot of events that led to the first plague that fell over the island." Vladimir said. "However, at the very core of it all…it was hatred that poisoned this place."
Havel looked away to gaze out the window as the rain continued to fall from the sky.
"Hatred?" Vivi and Usopp repeated.
"Yes," Vladimir said with a nod. "Those who carry magic—especially those who fall under natural magic like mages and the neighbors—can greatly affect the environment and those around them just by their mere presences. That is why we must always be mindful of each other and ourselves. Our magic can also be greatly affected by our moods. For example, if someone from our community is carrying around a lot of hatred or darkness in their hearts for a long period of time, it can seep out and affect the environment. Even if they don't realize it or mean to they'll begin at attract more darkness to them, which will lead to the sickness growing. The cultivation of these negativities can easily kill an entire ecosystem if something isn't done in time."
Vivi turned pale when hearing this. She couldn't even fathom carrying around that kind of power. It almost sounded like a curse more than anything else.
"How awful." Vivi said. "Do you think the same thing is happening again?"
"We know it is." Havel said. "And we know who's the cause behind it as well."
Vladimir's hands clenched into fists as his eyes fell on a picture of him, Wren, and Aibell. It was taken the day after Wren's birth. Aibell was holding the giggling infant in her arms as Vladimir was making faces down at his precious daughter. How he wished things could go back to then…the simpler, happier times.
"It's Wren." Vladimir said, shocking both Vivi and Usopp. "My girl…she was exposed at such a young age to the darkest parts this world has to offer and ever since she's never been the same."
"…What…what do you mean?" Usopp asked.
"You children might not know this, but even with the humans' justice system things such a slavery still exists." Havel answered. "In fact, it's very popular the farther in the Grand Line you go. And at the auctions, the rarer the slave the more beli they fetch. Misce—Wren—is something very rare. Something hardly seen in the world—even amongst our own kind—and because of that she was ripped from her home and sold into slavery."
Usopp and Vivi's eyes widened when hearing this. Vivi even gasped while covering her mouth with her hands. Vladimir clenched his eyes shut remembering that day so clearly as if it had just happened. He remembers the remains of their once happy home…destroyed and crushing him as he watched helplessly as his wife and daughter were taken away. He remembers screaming for them until his throat bled and he lost his voice. And he remembers waking up in his cousin's house and being told it hadn't been some horrible dream and that his wife and daughter really were lost to him.
"To this very day, I still don't know what all she endured when at the mercy of those slavers," Vladimir said with his voice barely a whisper. "What I do know is that pieces of my little girl died during that time in her life. And ever since, she's been holding onto it all. Letting it fester and grow. She claims she needs it…that she can't let it go. But if she holds onto it, she's at risk of destroying anything and everything good that she still has in her life."
Wren frowned at the Lady of the Lake, who wore a gentle smile, as she tilted her head.
"Open my heart? Let go of my hatred?" Wren repeated. "With all due respect, why would I do such things?"
The Lady of the Lake looked softly at Wren who placed her right hand over her heart.
"It's ironic." Wren said with a wry chuckle. "I took on the mantel of the Heart for the Donquixote Family…but my own heart has been locked away for so long. I keep it this way, so I won't fall victim to the cruelness of this world ever again."
It wasn't just humans…all races could be cruel. All were capable of inflicting pain and suffering onto others. She has seen it almost her entire life. When she was younger, she used to hold out hope that the world wasn't as bad as she was used to it being. However, that hope died some time ago. And the more she sees and the more she experiences, the larger the dark pit in her heart grows.
'Why would I open my heart?' Wren silently wondered. 'While I have grown used to pain, it doesn't mean I want to feel more. Keeping it closed off…it's better this way.'
As if hearing her thoughts, the Lady of the Lake sighed and shook her head at the younger female.
"Your heart is more open than you think," the Lady informed Wren. "If it wasn't, you wouldn't have taken in so many strays and you wouldn't call a human your brother."
Wren's hand clenched into a fist as it remained resting against her chest. Law's face flashed within her mind as did the faces of those she calls her allies.
"You have given a place to belong to those who have nowhere to go." The Lady continued. "You've given hope to those who had lost all hope. You have given purpose and reason to live to those who have given up on life. Can you not do the same for yourself?"
Wren didn't reply as the Lady floated around her in a loop once. She then reached out to place her hand on Wren's shoulder, so the wine red-haired girl would look at her.
"You claim not to care for others because caring leaves you open to the chance of being hurt by them…this is true. There is always the chance that those around us can inflict pain." The Lady said. "But despite your claims and the fact you've been hurt more than once by people you thought were your comrades, you still care. However, if you continue as you are now, you will lose the heart you have left. When that happens, you will truly be lost."
Wren's hand dropped to her side with it unclenching its fist as she bit her lip.
"What does it matter if I am lost?" She questioned. "As long as those I care about live and accomplish their goals and he pays for everything he's done, nothing else matters. I don't care what happens to me."
"It isn't just you who will cease to exist if you continue down this path." The Lady warned her.
Before Wren could ask her what she meant, the Lady of the Lake reached out to place her finger against Wren's forehead. Wren gasped as images started to fill her mind. Images of blood, death, and destruction.
"You will reach your goal in the end even if you don't heed my warnings." The Lady spoke as the images continued to flood Wren's mind. "However, will all those loses be worth that small victory, Misce?"
The images stopped as abruptly as they started leaving Wren gasping for air as if she had just run a marathon. She clutched the fabric of her shirt as the image of Law laying broken and bleeding before her seared into her brain.
"And it isn't just the people who will be affected," the Lady continued.
The Lady of the Lake waved her hand with images being reflected in the water. Wren's eyes widened when she saw the plants in her father's garden withered and blacked. Even the soil had blackened markings that looked like veins spread throughout the soil. There was another image of the path she and those pirates had been walking and along the trail most of the foliage was in the same state as Vladimir's garden.
"I…I was the cause of that?" Wren whispered.
"Yes." The Lady of the Lake replied. "This is only the beginning. If you continue to walk down this path, things will only become worse. Soon any magic you cast, will only due harm. After that your mere presence will spread illness and possibly death."
Wren looked down unable to meet the Lady's gaze. She had no idea she was causing such damage. She knew how the emotions of the neighbors and mages affected the world about them. And she knew as half fae and half mage that her influence was stronger, but she thought she was doing a good job keeping her emotions under control. Though she supposed keeping them bottled up and actually handling them were two different things.
"If you won't do it for yourself then do it for those you care for at the least." The Lady beseeched. "Not only that, but you are also a child of nature, and I know how much it must hurt to know your presence alone has caused harm to this island. But more so than any of that…Do you truly wish to wind up like Cain?"
The Lady waved her hand once again causing the water to ripple once more and reveal the form of Cain. Wren watched as Cain, who had made it outside his cave, slung Zoro through the air. The swordsman crashed into a tree with some blood leaving between his lips as the air was forced out of him. Cain roared at the swordsman before charging forward. His long claws went towards Zoro who barely managed to roll out of the way of the attack. Though he wasn't completely successful as his leg had been slashed.
"He…he isn't fighting back." Wren whispered as she watched the rookie pirate curse and look down at his leg.
"No, he isn't." The Lady agreed. "Nor are the other two."
Two more images appeared on either side of the one showing Zoro and Cain to reveal Luffy and Sanji. Luffy was currently dealing with Sable who had grown into a monstrous form. The boy was bouncing around trying to avoid the angry dark neighbor who was roaring in anger at him. A bit of blood was running down the young boy's face and there were smaller scratches along his body. On the other hand, Sable did not have a single mark. Things were similar in Sanji's situation as the blonde was currently fleeing the centaur who were running him down and shooting arrows. The blonde had a rather deep wound in his side where one of the arrows must have nicked him. But his adversaries were wound free.
"What…what is going on?" Wren asked.
"Greylock is currently running a little experiment as he always does when something new comes to our little island." The Lady answered. "He knows you asked the pirates not to fight our neighbors. That you asked that they not harm anyone on this island. He wishes to see how far they'll go to respect your wishes. I believe he's also hoping to see what you will do if one of them fights back. However, he miscalculated because these pirates will die without even throwing a single attack if they are not saved."
Wren let the Lady's words sink in. The old being in front of her was famous for knowing all. All that has happened…all that is currently happening and all that will happen. Even if the future changes, she knows all the possibilities of that future. So, if she says they'll die before they give in to the thought of attacking, Wren knew her words are true.
"Why would they do this?" Wren said. "They do not know me. They owe me nothing. It's my father who helped their crewmate, not me. All I have done is follow his wishes. I even showed them hostility."
"They are certainly an interesting bunch," The Lady said with a laugh. "However, you've met pirates like them before, haven't you? So, are you really all that confused by their behavior?"
Wren frowned at the mention of said pirates as she looked away from Luffy and his crewmates who were struggling to survive without fighting back.
"There are still good people in this world." The Lady said. "More than you think and it is these pirates who will help remind you of that, Misce. They are the answer. You must let them in and in doing so you will achieve your goals and gain so much more in the process."
"I know nothing of them," Wren pointed out. "You expect me to trust them so easily? What makes them so special?"
She cannot deny that she is impressed with the character the three in front of her have shown. However, that doesn't mean she can just accept these strangers into her life. Especially not in the permanent sense that the Lady of the Lake is suggesting.
"I am not telling you to trust them so easily, Misce." The Lady assured her. "I know that will take time. As for what makes them so special…you will have to find that out in time…if you do so decide to stay with them. So, tell me…what will you do?"
Wren didn't reply at first as she looked back at the struggling rookies. She then sighed as she dropped her hand to her side…her decision made.
"Cut it out already!" Luffy shouted at Sable. "I told you I won't fight you!"
He then stretched out his arm behind the Spriggan to snag a branch behind his large form. Luffy swung around the neighbor who had taken a swing at him. Sable roared in anger as he whirled around to fight Luffy. However, before he could strike, Wren appeared between the pair. Sable's fist stopped inches away from the young woman.
"Wren/Misce!" Luffy and Sable exclaimed in unison.
Sable took a step away from Wren and Luffy while shrinking down to his normal size. He turned away from Wren with a frown on his face as he tried to pull his cloak tighter around him. The piece of clothing had ripped when he had grown large sagged down away from his form. It exposed his arms and partially his back, which had large, deep scars as if something had been carved into or off his back.
"That's enough, Sable." Wren told the Spriggan. "These pirates mean no harm. They only wish to gather supplies, and they do not wish to remain here any longer than necessary."
Sable scoffed as he managed to fix his cloak enough that it hid the scars on his back.
"You truly believe that, Misce?" He questioned. "You know as well as I how greedy humans are! They take more than what they need with no care on those it may affect! Do not tell me you have forgotten the very suffering thrown onto you by the humans! You cannot trust them!"
"I will never forget what happened." Wren said. "Nor do I believe I will ever forgive those who have harmed us. However, these pirates…they seem different. Luffy could have fought back at any time, but he didn't because I asked him and his comrades not to harm any neighbors. He allowed himself to be hurt just to follow my request."
She gestured to the injured Luffy who was adjusting his straw hat to sit straight on his head. Sable frowned looking at the boy who was smiling now as he faced Wren.
"Wren, I'm glad you're okay!" Luffy said. "Did that water lady let you go?"
"Yes," Wren replied. "I apologize for the trouble. Greylock likes to play games with anyone new who comes here. Usually, the Lady of the Lake and Havel can stop him before he takes things too far. However, this was a special case. I hope you aren't too injured."
When Luffy assured her that he was fine, Sable moved away from the pair of them. His movement had Wren turning her gaze back to him.
"You truly believe you can trust these humans…?" Sable inquired.
Wren didn't answer at first as she sighed and moved her hand to brush her fingers against her covered eye.
"I'm not sure if I'll ever completely trust anyone again." Wren answered honestly. "However, I truly believe these pirates mean no harm to us. So, please, allow us to pass, Sable."
Sable looked between both Luffy and Wren for a long moment before he took a step back.
"Do whatever you wish, Misce." Sable told her. "However, tell your father that the next time he decides to allow humans on this island that we won't be as forgiving."
Sable then disappeared into the trees above where glowing yellow eyes could be seen. They soon vanished as well. Wren's shoulders sagged. She then turned to Luffy.
"We should move on." Wren told Luffy. "Sanji is safe. The Centaurs stopped their attacks the moment the Lady of the Lake appeared. She sent him back to my father's home."
"Whatever Zoro?" Luffy questioned.
"We're going to get him now." Wren assured the straw-hatted boy.
Luffy nodded his head as he studied Wren for a moment. Something seemed different about the young woman than before.
"Wren…did something happen?" Luffy asked oddly serious. "Are you okay?"
Wren didn't answer as she placed her hand on Luffy's shoulder as a wind picked up around them. In a split second, they were gone.
Zoro let out a grunt of pain as he was slung against another tree by the beast. He slid down the tree to hit the ground. He panted as he stared up at the raging beast. Things weren't going well at all. He closed his right eye as some blood ran into it as he forced himself to his feet.
"Human is going to die if he doesn't fight back." One of those little men said as they were watching from the cave entrance. "Human needs to fight Cain."
Zoro stubbornly set his jaw as he looked around Cain to see he was getting closer to the edge of a steep hill. If he could just get by Cain one more time, he'd roll himself down the hill and put enough distance between them to make a run for it. He didn't like running away from a fight, but this wasn't one of those times to fight back.
"Why don't you fight, Human?" One of them called out. "You can't want to die, or do you?"
"Shut up," Zoro said. "I'm not dying here."
He then rolled out of the way when the beast roared and took another swipe at him. He ducked underneath the beast to try and make for the edge of the hill once more. However, just as he was about to reach it, he was hit in the side again. He hit the ground and just as the beast was about to follow through, a shape blurred between Zoro and it. The beast came to a stop with its claws inches away into cutting through the newcomer. Zoro's eyes widened when seeing it was Wren.
"Zoro! Hey, Zoro, are you okay?" Luffy asked as he appeared as well. "Wow, you look pretty beat up."
Zoro's brow twitched at Luffy's comment but didn't reply or make any sudden movements. Cain stopped for now, but that wasn't a guarantee. Wren glanced over her shoulder towards Zoro to see how badly he was wounded. This had her visible eye narrowing slightly.
"Misce!" the little men cheered at the sight of Wren. "Misce is here!"
They scampered towards the young woman to stand closer around her legs. One even climbed up onto her shoulder.
"You two need to move back." Wren ordered the two pirates.
Zoro frowned at her tone but did stand up to move away from Wren and the neighbors. He glanced back to watch as the beast slowly lowered its claws. Wren looked up at the beast with her stern expression turning soft. Cain stared down at her with red eyes that matched her own.
"…S…Starling…" It murmured as it crouched over to lower its head towards Wren. "Star…ling…"
Wren reached out to place her hand on Cain's muzzle. It relaxed underneath her touch.
"I'm sorry, Cain." Wren said softly. "But I'm not her."
She then leaned her head forward to rest it against the side of Cain's muzzle. She stroked the dark fur around his neck.
"I can't imagine the pain you go through every day." Wren murmured. "And I'm sorry you were used like this for Greylock. But it's over now. You can return to resting and dreaming of her."
Cain only let out a rumbling noise as it continued to let Wren stroke its muzzle. Luffy and Zoro watched from a few feet away. The latter was a bit surprised considering Cain was just attacking and going berserk only moments before. He then watched as Cain slowly moved back away from Wren. He stared at Wren a bit longer before leaning in, so to place the end of his muzzle against the young woman's forehead. After a few moments of silence, he finally turned away and lumbered back into the cave.
"He should return to his slumber soon enough." Wren spoke to the tiny men. "I know it is a hard job, but will you continue to look after him?"
Wren looked down at the small neighbors known as knockers as they blinked up at her.
"Yes, yes," one said.
"Look after him, we will." Said a second Knocker.
"Keep him safe." Said a third. "After all, he is precious. Precious to us."
"Yes, he is." Wren agreed.
She then saw to any minor injuries the knockers had suffered before gently shooing them back into the cave. Once they were gone, she turned her attention onto Zoro.
"You look awful." She commented casually.
Zoro frowned with his brow twitching in annoyance again at her blunt commentary. He then grunted as he wobbled on his feet. He hit the ground as the adrenaline left his body.
"Ah, Zoro!" Luffy exclaimed in worry.
"We should hurry to get him back for treatment." Wren said. "It would seem as if this hunt for supplies is a failure."
Though perhaps something else was gained at the end of this little fiasco. Something Wren hadn't expected to be gained when she set out with these pirates earlier today.
"Are things really over?" Luffy questioned as he picked Zoro off the ground.
"Yes." Wren assured. "I'm sure Greylock collected enough data to cure his curiosity for now. Besides, now that the Lady of the Lake isn't helping in his games, she will keep him in line. Now, let's go."
Sanji groaned as a bright light woke him from his slumber. He doesn't even remember going to sleep. The last thing he remembered was dodging another volley of arrows when he was sucked right into a puddle. As he remembered why he was running to escape in the first place, he gasped and shot up in bed.
"Wren-chan!" He shouted remembering she was still missing.
"There's no need to shout. I'm right here."
Sanji's head snapped to the side to see Wren was wrapping a bandage around Luffy's arm. Sanji blinked then looked around to see he was back in Vladimir's home. He looked down when feeling a twinge in his side to see his torso was wrapped in bandages.
"I treated your injuries." Wren said. "I am not a doctor by any means, but they weren't too severe, so it was a simple task. Father would have helped; however, he is helping your crewmates settle Nami onto your ship."
"Nami-san is okay to travel now?" Sanji questioned looking relieved.
Wren nodded her head then moved over to the dresser where some articles of clothing sat. She picked them up and moved to Sanji first. She handed his shirt and jacket to him, and he saw they were mended and freshly washed. She moved to Zoro, who was also wrapped in fresh bandages, next as Sanji finally took note of the swordsman who was lying on a cot beside him. The greenette yawned as if he had just woken up before taking his cleaned shirt. When noticing that it was clean, he smirked.
"This is a lot of hospitality for someone who doesn't like humans." He commented as he looked back at Wren.
"I apologize for how I've acted towards you and your crew." Wren said to him and the other two. "I haven't trusted people for some time…However, you did me a service today by not harming the neighbors, which is why I insisted on seeing to your injuries."
Zoro didn't comment as he pulled his shirt on over his head. His injuries twinged a bit in protest, but he noted most of the pain was gone. Wren moved away to clean up the supplies she had used.
"Thanks, Wren." Luffy said with a large grin. "You and your pops have really helped us out."
Wren only hummed in reply as she continued her task. Sanji tilted his head at the woman while noticing something seemed different about her. She seemed…tired.
'No,' he thought. 'That isn't the right word.'
But he couldn't think of how else to describe how she was acting.
"Your friends should be waiting for you." Wren said as she kept her eyes on her task. "You should go. Nami needs to see this Dr. Kureha my father mentioned as soon as possible."
Zoro silently nodded before he got up from the cot he had been laying on. He grabbed his swords, which were propped up against the wall next to the cot. He put them back where they belonged against his hip. Sanji and Luffy weren't as quick to move.
"What are you two waiting for?" Zoro questioned. "We need to go, remember?"
Sanji frowned because he knew that. Nami needed them to find that doctor who would hopefully have the means to cure her condition. However, he felt pained by the idea of leaving Wren behind when she was obviously hurting. He wouldn't feel right leaving behind a lady in need.
"…Wren…join my crew…" Luffy said as he stared at the wine-color-haired girl.
Wren turned to give the boy an incredulously look as she was putting away the supplies she cleaned and picked up.
"You wish for me to join your crew?" Wren questioned. "Why?"
"Because we're friends." Luffy said with a big grin. "Besides, before Mage Pops went with the others to put Nami on the ship, he said you're going to Alabasta. We're going there too! So, you should join us."
Wren frowned when hearing this because she had no idea her father had even spoken to Luffy before leaving the house.
"He said that, did he?" Wren commented. "Well, he isn't wrong. I am heading to Alabasta soon."
"Great, so let's travel together!" Luffy said with his grin widening. "Join my crew!"
"Not interested," Wren said bluntly.
Luffy nearly fell off the cot he was sitting on in shock at her blunt refusal before righting himself.
"Huh, why?!" He shouted.
"Because I have my own goals to accomplish, and I cannot allow myself to be distracted from them." Wren replied honestly. "I don't have time to join a crew of rookie pirates on their little adventure."
Luffy puffed his cheeks out at her. Looking very much like a pouting child. Wren shook her head at his pout. He then huffed.
"Well, I refuse your refusal!" Luffy declared. "You're joining my crew!"
Wren looked to Zoro and Sanji with her expression asking if Luffy was being for real. When they both nodded with solemn expressions, she sighed.
'This boy is something else,' Wren thought.
In all honesty, she knew she was being stubborn. She knew what she had to do to change her dark future, but taking the first step to do so was harder than one might think.
'What makes this boy so special?' She had to wonder as she stared at Luffy who was waiting for her answer—one that he could agree with. 'How could one person make such a difference in my fate? Or maybe it isn't just him…'
Her eyes flickered back to Zoro and Sanji momentarily. The Lady of the Lake made it sound as if the entire crew would have some kind of hand in changing her fate for the better.
'They're so green,' Wren thought. 'Fresh on the Grand Line and with no clue of how brutal this sea can really be. Being on their crew sounds more like putting chains around my limbs than freeing me from the walls I put up myself around my heart.'
But she knew she needed to trust the Lady and her wisdom. She just found it hard to say the words.
'Sure, why not? I will join your crew…' Wren thought. 'Sound be easy to say, but the words don't want to leave my throat.'
Her entire being protested the idea of boarding their ship. Not only would it cause her trouble along the way—for that she was certain—but these unsuspecting pirates would be exposing themselves to so much danger just by allowing her amongst them.
'Though sailing with them would keep me moving to different places and make it harder for Doflamingo and the family to keep track of my movements,' Wren thought. 'And staying with these rookies means not drawing attention to my comrades who would undoubtedly give me a place to stay with them if asked. I can't draw Doflamingo's attention anywhere near them. If I think of it as using these rookies as decoys or even simply as a ride through the Grand Line, it makes the thought of joining them sit better in my head.'
Though that thought did cause a sense of guilt to flutter in her chest. She felt like some kind of monster throwing young, defenseless chicks to a snake. Wren mentally groaned. She was putting too much thought into all of this. It was starting to give her a migraine. Deciding to use a compromise of sorts, Wren turned her attention back to Luffy.
"I will make you a deal, Luffy." Wren finally spoke.
Luffy perked up at her words as he looked at her curiously. She had his attention at least.
"I will go with you to take Nami to Dr. Kureha and then to Alabasta." Wren said. "If only just to ensure you don't put a wrench into my own plans. If by the end of this journey, you can prove that being part of your crew doesn't ruin my own goals, I'll join your crew."
Luffy's entire face lit up and he wasn't the only one as Sanji looked positively elated as well.
"You've got a deal!" Luffy said then stretched his arm out to hold his hand out to Wren. "Here! Shake on it!"
Wren shook her head at the enthusiastic boy as she took his hand and gave it a firm shake.
"Okay, now that you have that out of the way, let's go." Zoro said.
"Right!" Luffy said as he jumped to his feet. "We need to get Nami to the doctor on the next island! Let's go, Wren, Sanji!"
Luffy ran out of the room with Zoro right behind him though walking at a slower pace. Sanji turned to Wren as he slipped his shirt and jacket while leaving them unfastened.
"I'm elated to have you aboard, Wren-chan." Sanji said. "Shall we?"
He offered his arm to her and Wren hesitated a moment before placing her hand in the crook of his arm. He beamed at her as he led her from the room.
'I hope I don't come to regret this decision.' Wren thought.
Wren stood beside her father on the shore as the Straw Hats were preparing to leave.
"So, you decided to go with them then?" Vladimir questioned.
Wren nodded her head silently as she kept her eyes facing forward. Even though she wasn't looking at him, Vladimir smiled.
"I'm happy to hear it," Vladimir said. "It brings my heart ease knowing you won't be alone out there on the ocean."
Wren continued to keep silent though she was listening to her father's words.
"These pirates…they're good people." Vladimir continued. "You're in good hands. Even if you don't realize that just yet."
He knows they've only known these young pirates a short time, but he could tell. They had kind hearts. Even the gruff swordsman who reminded him of Wren a bit.
"I took the liberality of moving your things onto the ship." Vladimir informed Wren. "Or rather Usopp was kind enough to place them there for me. I also packed some fever reducing medicine and other things that you can use for Nami until you can get her to Dr. Kureha."
"I figured as much." Wren, who had gone into her bedroom earlier to see it near completely cleaned out, deadpanned.
Tallulah, who was on Vladimir's shoulder, giggled behind her hands when seeing Wren's expression. Havel, who had been sitting on the man's lap, jumped down to move in front of Wren.
"I will be going as well." Havel said as he stared up at Wren. "The Lady of the Lake has already assured me that she will keep an eye on Cain, so that I may keep an eye on you, Misce. I've learned after the many years of watching over your family that none of you can stay out of trouble. Besides, it is long past due that you take a familiar."
Wren frowned. She never thought about taking a familiar. Familiars were meant for mages, so to give more power to perform more powerful spells and to have protection. As part fae, Wren never saw the need of having a familiar. However, she saw no point in arguing with the cat-sithe.
"Do as you please." Wren said. "It isn't as if I could stop you even if I wished to."
The feline purred satisfied before he jumped onto Wren's shoulders where he made himself comfortable.
"Wren-san, it's time to go!" Vivi called out.
Wren sighed then finally moved her gaze to her father who was already smiling at her.
"I don't know when or if I will be back." Wren said straightforwardly. "I know I haven't been the easiest to deal with…and I'm sorry for being such a troublesome daughter…but I lo…I appreciate everything you've done for me, Father."
"I love you too, my little bird." Vladimir said as he reached out his hand.
Wren leaned down and allowed him to cup her cheek and guide her forehead against his own.
"Wherever you go…whatever happens that fact will never change." Vladimir promised her. "Now, try to stay safe. I'm not as young as I used to be, so I don't need the stress, you know."
Wren pulled back and actually let out a snort at her father's jest. She told him goodbye then picked up the small bag at her feet of things her father hadn't thought to pack. She threw it over her shoulder and started walking towards the ship. However, she paused when sensing several voices coming from the inland. Her gaze widened when several neighbors came out from the tree line.
"Misce!" Mistral called out. "Goodbye, little bird!"
The other Aerials called out farewells as well as they flew around Wren's head.
"We will miss you!" Levant added.
She then flew down to place a kiss on Wren's cheek before moving away to rejoin her sisters. Other neighbors waved at Wren and wished her well on her journey as the young halfling watched them in shock. She hadn't been expecting such a farewell. She felt a small swell in her chest.
"And you like to act as if no one likes you." Havel harrumphed in her ear. "It seems to me that you are quite loved."
"I don't believe I asked for your opinion," Wren huffed.
Havel purred in amusement at her retort and because she turned her head away from him, so to dab at her eye. The pair then blinked when a piece of wood was thrown to Wren's feet. It was a dark wood—nearly black—and looked as if it had been broken off something else as it was splintered at one end. The undamaged half had a bird with ruby red jewel eyes carved into it. Wren looked up from where it was thrown.
Her gaze locked on Sable who was sitting up on the branches of a tree. He had an unreadable expression on his face as Wren knelt to pick up the broken wood. She turned it over in her hands carefully.
"I know what this is." Havel murmured as he stared intently at the object.
"You should recognize it, cat-sithe." Sable said. "It once belonged to the Horned Mage…Cain. It had once been part of his wand. I found it some time ago and have kept it since. I no longer have any need for it…so take it with you. Perhaps you'll find more need for it than I ever did."
He then disappeared into a black mist just when Wren was about to ask him why he was giving it to her. She stared for a moment where he disappeared as her hands clenched onto the broken wand in her hands.
"It may be broken but I'm sure if you find a Mage Artificer that you can have it fixed." Vladimir told Wren. "After all, you've been in need of a wand for some time considering you missed getting one when you came of age."
Wren didn't comment as she silently put away the wand remains into her bag. Not wanting to delay any longer she turned to face her father and neighbors one last time. She clasped her hands in front of her before bowing to them.
"Thank you all for all you've done for me." Wren told them sincerely.
The neighbors started calling out more goodbyes as Wren stood straight and turned to walk away. She walked towards the Going Merry where her new traveling companions were calling out their own goodbyes.
"Later, Mage Pops!" Luffy said. "Thanks for everything!"
"Take care, Vladimir-san!" Vivi added.
"And you guys do the same, Tallulah, Nana!" Usopp called.
Nana, who stood behind Vladimir, smiled and waved at the young pirates as Wren boarded the ship.
'So, the game continues,' Wren thought as the others went to set the ship out to sea. 'This is an unexpected and forced move I'm having to make, but even so, I'm not ready to throw the towel yet…I suppose the next move is yours, Doffy.'
Coco: And that is the end of this four-chapter post. I hope you enjoyed. I hope the story wasn't too much of a change that you dislike it. If you have any comments or concerns or questions, please feel free to let me know in a review. Or even send me a PM if you feel more comfortable doing that.
Also, even though I am doing this rewrite, I won't be taking down the previous version of this story like I have done in the past. I did that once with my FT story and some people were upset because while they didn't hate the new version, they loved the previous version more. However, it won't be updated again. It will remain in the Skypeia Arc, but you'll be free to reread it if you wish.
Now, for this end of chapter thing that I've been doing (I really need to come up with a name for it), we'll be discussing Havel!
Havel
Age: Unknown (However, I will tell you he was born/came into existence/whatever fae do before the Void Century. What he remembers of that time is unknown as the neighbors don't tend to pay much attention to the happenings of what goes on in the human world)
D.O.B: April 15th (Though Havel only recalls being born sometime in the spring, this is his official birthday XD Not that he remembers that)
*He shares his birthday with Fossa of the Whitebeard Pirates
Home Island: Magus Island
Residence: Magus Island (currently) Era Island (had moved there with the Magier family before moving back to Magus Island with Cain and Starling)
Mage Partner(s): Magier B. Gabriel (formerly/died of old age many, many generations ago) Cain (formerly/contract null and void due to Cain's loss of self) Magier B. Wren
*He had served other members of the Magier Family as a familiar in between Gabriel and Cain (he had originally planned to partner with Starling as she was born to the Magier bloodline, but she had asked him to watch out for Cain, which makes Cain the only mage outside of the Magier bloodline that Havel has served). After Cain's transformation, however, Havel remained on Magus Island to keep watch over him even though their contract was terminated. Wren is the first he's became familiar of since then.
*Quick fun fact about Gabriel, who was Havel's first mage, he was the one in his family to do something in great service to the kingdom to earn the initial 'B' in his family name. Thus, changing his name from Magier Gabriel to Magier B. Gabriel and giving everyone in his family hence forth the 'B' initial in their name.
Havel's 'Breed': Havel is a cat-sithe, which is a type of fae who take on the form of a cat. They blend in very well with regular domesticated felines that you can sometimes find a cat-sithe living with a human family. However, if you are somewhat familiar with magic, you can spot a cat-sithe apart from a regular house cat due to the different aura they give off. The aura can sometimes be a bit off putting to some as this type of fae is quite cunning and unpredictable. They also have the nasty habit of stealing the souls of others from time to time.
If you want to be more specific about what kind of cat Havel looks like, I'd say he's a Maine Coon. A golden-furred, dark golden-brown stripped giant furball. He also has white on his paws and a white tuft of fur on his chest. His eyes are green. Some have even likened them to being like emeralds.
*While most neighbors tend to fall into an elemental category (i.e. Aerials are neighbors with the ability to control and manipulate air, The Lady of the Lake is a neighbor of water, salamanders are associated with fire, and knockers fall into the earth category), cat-sithe are different. It's hard to place what category a cat-sithe falls into. Some say they are associated with the earth. Some say they fit no category and aren't associated with any of the four major elements. It is hard to tell as cat-sithe are hard to read and are capable of a wide variety of skills. And the older the cat-sithe, the more tricks up their sleeves.
*Havel takes great pride in his appearance. His fur and his tail being his pride and joys. He hates getting dirty and heaven forbid anyone mess with his tail. He will go postal on them.
*Havel cannot swim, which is why he fears bodies of water. Being bathed or being rained on do not bother him, and if he's in the mood for it, he likes to curl up in a tree as it lightly rains as the smell rain and the sound of rain hitting the leaves is soothing and easily puts him to sleep.
*Havel like the Magier Family has a fondness for tea. He isn't terribly picky on what kind he drinks, but he does quite like teas that pair well with milk the best.
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And there you have it!~ The end of another chapter and the new beginning of Wren's story. I hope you enjoyed it just as much as I enjoyed working on it. I'm already getting started on the Drum Kingdom Arc, so hopefully you won't be waiting too long.
Speaking of rewrites, I have finally gotten around to my MHA story. To those of you who have been waiting on it, I am so, so sorry for the wait. I have been putting off the daunting task for some time, but I have gotten started.
Now, seeing as I haven't said this yet in the other chapters, I believe it's time as we are at the end of this post. So, without further ado~
Remember everyone that until we meet again keep being your wonderful, beautiful selves and stay safe out there! Until next time!