This is the first chapter release of my One Piece Fanfiction One Piece: The Unholy War (A Warped Verse Story). I plan to release 1 free chapter a month around the first of the month. If you want to read them at a quicker rate you can become a Patron on my Patreon. patreon.com/TheWorldForger
Anyway, I hope you all enjoy the first chapter of this latest passion project of mine.
Chapter 1
Enter: Vice Admiral Aura D. Lilia
Garp, his men, and even the cool headed Admiral Aokiji stared out in shock in the direction that the Straw Hat pirates flew away on their ship even after almost a minute had passed. They couldn't help themselves. Even though most of them had seen many incredible sights in their careers as navy men, seeing a ship fly off in such a way. It was awe inspiring.
"BAHAHAHAHA!" Garp laughed spiritedly, breaking the silence. "That's my grandson for you! Always full of surprises, that boy is!"
"Luffy-san!" Koby shouted proudly. "You are amazing!"
"Damn It!" Helmeppo cried. "I don't want to admit it, but that was really cool."
"Heh," Aokiji chuckled. "They aren't a dull group, I'll give them that."
The other members of Garp's command also exclaimed their opinions on the Straw Hats grand escape. Some commented on how they'd never seen a ship fly since the days Shiki the Golden Lion was still active. Others said how Straw Hat Luffy really was the vice admiral's grandson.
"But is this really okay?" Aokiji asked. "Sengoku won't be happy that you let your grandkid escape."
"What does he expect?" Garp demanded. "I tried to catch the kid. What does he want me to do? Throw this ship to chase after him? I'm awesome, but even I can't... unless..."
The Vice Admiral appeared to be thinking up a crazy stunt as he stared thoughtfully at his fist and then the sea.
"Don't, sir," Bogart, Garp's right hand, said. "You couldn't accurately find the Straw Hat's ship and we'd just end up lost at sea for who knows how long."
"Guess you're right," he sighed, sounding a little disappointed. Then he shrugged, brushing it off. "Oh, well. Let's head back!"
At his word, his subordinates went to their stations to fulfill their roles on the ship to return to headquarters. Aokiji, of course, didn't leave the lounge chair he was napping on. Garp moved to return to his cabin, but before that he turned his attention to the people of Water 7. They were all still in awe of the sight of Luffy's ship flying off into the distance. Can't say he blamed them. Garp scanned the crowd for a certain man. He found the infamous mayor of the water city, Iceberg, the apprentice of Tom, the legendary shipwright who built the ship of his old foe, Gold Roger.
Iceberg noticed Garp's gaze and they locked eyes.
'Thanks for taking care of my grandson.' his eyes said, shooting him a look of respect and gratitude, surprising Iceberg, who understood. He wasn't there when Garp had raided the place the Straw Hats, which he probably owned as mayor, and he revealed himself as Luffy's grandfather, but the man probably heard about it later. Although, he probably didn't know the nature of their relationship, and considering he just tried to arrest Luffy, he was likely very confused by Garp. Even so, Iceberg returned a respectful nod back at him.
Garp walked back to his cabin. He was hardly happy that Luffy had defied his wishes and became a pirate, but he had kept track of his exploits since beginning his pirate journey. He had done a lot in that little time, including liberating a certain island in the East Blue, defeating Crocodile in Alabasta, as well his most recent stunt at Enies Lobby. He wished he had done all that as a Marine, but he couldn't help but be proud of what he's accomplished so far and he looked forward to what he would do in the future.
He entered his cabin and immediately went for his desk where his personal transponder snail was. The sentient snail was designed to look like him with a gray beard and little navy uniform. He dialed a certain number, praying that he didn't actually piss her off, because the woman he was calling was a scary lady.
The snail rang several times before someone answered.
"Hello?" The voice on the other end was a distinctly young girl's voice. Not who Garp was looking for. "This is Private June speaking. To whom am I speaking to?"
"This is Vice Admiral Garp," he said formally. "I need to speak with your Vice Admiral."
June made a surprised sound. Clearly, she wasn't expecting to be speaking with the Navy's Hero. "U-Uh, the Vice Admiral?! You... You want to speak with Vice Admiral Lilia?!"
"That's what I said, didn't I?"
"I-I'll go see if she is available."
Garp heard her scurry away excitedly. He waited for a couple minutes before a different woman's voice came on.
"Garp, what do you want?"
"Hey, Lilia! How's it going?!" Garp asked excitedly.
"How's it going...? Is that really what you called to ask?"
"Just catching up with my daughter-in-law. Is that so wrong?"
"Maybe. I doubt that's the only reason you called, though. What's up?"
"I thought you should know I just saw off Luffy."
Lilia made a small sound.
The woman was Aura D. Lilia. Officially she was a Vice Admiral, but she made everyone call her captain. She thought it was a cooler title. She led the Demon Unit, one of the strongest and most feared navy units on the sea. They called her the She-Demon, the most terrifying woman on the sea.
She was also Luffy's mother, and his son Dragon's wife.
"Did you now?" She inquired. "Where?"
"Water 7."
"Water 7, huh...? And how was he? I had heard what he did at Enies Lobby. Was he hurt?"
"He was fine. He was even sleep eating when I saw him."
"Meaning he pushed himself hard enough to have been out for several days and missed meals."
"I suppose that's what happened. Anyway, where are you right now?"
"Alabasta."
"Alabasta? Why there?"
"You're kidding, right?" She asked, sounding incredulous. "After what Crocodile pulled, the countries a mess, so they sent us to help defend their borders from pirates and invaders."
"Oh, I guess they would need some help."
"You forgot everything about it, didn't you? Including that it was Luffy who beat Crocodile?"
"Wasn't it Smoker who took him down?" Garp joked.
"It's also him that repeatedly denies that and tells anyone who will listen that it was Luffy... the kid sure is making it quickly through the Grand Line. He's almost arrived at Sabaody."
"It appears so."
"...He's due for some tragedy soon," Lilia said in a knowing tone. The Grand Line was not easy. She doubted her son's journey was filled with challenges and hardships. Her blood chilled after hearing about his confrontation with Crocodile. Even if he did end up winning, it surely wasn't a painless victory. Not to mention everything he's done since, including Enies Lobby. She had to fight the urge to drop everything and find him on multiple occasions. In the end, no matter how much he struggled, those were still victories. He had yet to face the utter defeat that would make or break him.
"Maybe," was all Garp said.
"He is-no doubt-at the top of the world right now. I always drilled into him, no matter how many successes you get, a single loss can destroy you."
"I remember that. You were playing a childrens board game."
"It was still sound advice... I probably shouldn't step in to help him, right?"
"...I can't tell you what to do. Especially not you. You are more than just his mother."
"Perhaps, that's true. But it doesn't mean being his mother is not the most important thing to me."
"Speaking of... I told Luffy about his father."
"...I see. And?"
"He was surprised."
"I bet. But that isn't what I was talking about."
"What?"
"How many others were around when you told one the biggest secrets in our family, Garp?"
Garp flinched. Lilia knew her father-in-law well enough to know how unserious and careless he could be. A trait not inherited by his son, but doubly so by his grandson.
"...His whole crew, all of my guys, plus an old lady, her granddaughter, some strange blue cat rabbit thing the girl had as a pet, and two scantily clad girls with weird hair."
Lilia was silent for a moment. "...Wow. For the better part of seventeen years we kept that secret and you blow it-where was this?"
"Some house in Water 7 owned by the mayor."
"Ah. You blow it all in some random place in Water 7 for the whole world to hear. Gotta say, classic us."
"What can I say? I figured he'd have introduced himself when he saw him off at Loguetown."
"If you thought that, then you clearly don't know your son as well as I do."
The Dragon she knew was a stoic man who kept his cards to his chest. She imagined that it was enough for him to just see Luffy off when he learned what he'd been doing. What was he thinking, Lilia wondered, when he laid eyes on their son for the first time in more than fifteen years. Was he taken back by how much time had gone by? Or did he not worry about that kind of thing and just take in the kind of person he had become?
Both were pretty plausible for that guy.
"...It was probably past time for the secret to come out, anyway," she decided. "The children aren't kids anymore. They are all old enough to know the truth. How'd he react?"
"He was surprised, like I said."
"Was he mad? That we never told him before?"
"No, not really."
Lilia thought as much. Luffy never really showed interest in who his father was. He never even asked. It made it easy for her, since she didn't have to lie, but she was also sort of disappointed at his lack of interest. She didn't want Dragon to have no meaning to their children, nor could the excuse he had made his choice make her content.
"I figured. So, did anything else happen?"
"Uh... Sengoku made me go try to capture Luffy."
"Garp..."
"H-Hey, it was Sengoku's fault!"
"...We are not becoming the family that arrests each other, unless it becomes necessary!"
"I gave the kid a chance!"
She scoffed. "Oh, really? And what pray tell is a chance by your standards?"
"I didn't let my men help. I took care of hunting Luffy and his crew myself. I just threw cannon balls at him."
"That's the same as trying to kill him!"
"He escaped."
"He did?" If Garp was even halfway serious in trying to capture him, Luffy and his crew shouldn't have been able to get away so easily. "How'd he do that?"
"He got a new ship with some special features."
"New ship, huh?" With the release of the latest bounties for the Straw Hat pirates, she was now aware of every name that was supposed to be on her son's crew. Several in particular surprised her. "The shipwright who built his new ship, do you know his name?"
"I dunno. Should I care?"
"Useless..." Lilia should've known that her father-in-law wouldn't pay attention to his grandson's friends. "Oh, well. I'll see for myself when I go see him."
"You're planning on going to him?"
"Of course. You've seen him. Dragon's seen him. You bet your ass his mother is going to go see his face! And I'll actually make it a good visit."
Somehow, Garp didn't think it'd go that simply. A part of him pitied Luffy's crew. They had no idea who was coming for them."Well, good luck. See you later, Vice Admiral Lilia."
"Yeah, see you later, Vice Admiral Garp."
...
They both clicked off. On the shores of Alabasta, Aura D. Lilia sat in her office cabin in her navy ship. She contemplated many things. Her son, Luffy. Her husband, Dragon. Her daughters . The past, and also the future.
For a while now, she's felt it in the air. To borrow her husband's style of speech, she could feel the "winds of change" blowing. With the events of Enies Lobby, as well other world level events, things were stimulated. The world was preparing to move forward.
Forwards to what exactly, nobody could know.
"...Thinking about it gives me a headache," she murmured, standing up and stretching her body. She was a tall, beautiful woman. She had long black hair that fell to her back and skin several shades lighter compared to her son. She wore the classic high ranking navy jacket over a black suit. "Might as well screw."
Having made an important decision, Lilia took the wanted posters and newspaper off her desk. She left her cabin and went outside to the main deck of her navy ship. As expected of a desert country like Alabasta, it was hot and sunny even on the shore. Her entire unit was onboard at the moment either doing their jobs or shirking them.
The unit Vice Admiral Aura D. Lilia commanded had a special nickname in the ranks of the navy. They were the Demon Unit. They were undoubtedly the strongest and most feared unit in the Marines. Any pirate or lawbreaker in the know would rather take their chances with a single Admiral than challenge them. Those who did always lived to regret it.
And she who commanded these terrifying men and women was called the She-Demon. The most terrifying person in the navy who even the admirals didn't want to cross.
"Lilia-neesan!" A woman shouted excitedly the moment Lilia stepped out. She had leapt down from the roof of the cabin, as if waiting for her to come out. She had her arms out spread preparing to give the woman a hug and then some. Lilia smoothly sidestepped to avoid her would-be assailant and the woman crashed into the floorboards. The other crew members looked at the woman with mild looks of amusement, pity, or indifference.
This had happened before. Hell, it had already happened twice before this morning alone.
The woman who had tried to assault Lilia was Krasa Jillian, one of her subordinates. Years ago she had saved the young woman as a teenager from thugs who were harassing her. It was no big thing to Lilia, but to Jillian it was everything and that day she had fallen in love with her and became obsessed, much to Lilia's dry annoyance.
Although, she was impressed by how hard the woman had worked since meeting her. When she first met Jillian, she was essentially an ordinary girl, albeit hardened and toughened up growing up as an orphan in a rather rough town and working to provide for her little sister. Now she was strong enough to be easily accepted into her rather exclusive division. Only the toughest, strongest, and, honestly, craziest Marines could join her unit. And Jillian had worked hard to win her place and had become as capable as any of her subordinates.
"...Quick as always, Neesan..." The woman groaned as she laid sprawled on her front at Lilia's feet.
"And you're as sneaky as always, Jillian," she said as she casually stepped over her obsessive underling.
"Onee-chan..." June, Jillian's little sister, looked at her older sibling with embarrassment and exasperation. She was a fresh faced girl who was the same age as her twin son and daughter, Luffy and Lucillia. The young girl had also been inspired by Lilia and worked hard to earn Lilia's approval. She wasn't as strong as the rest of her subordinates-she was likely weaker than an average soldier-but her guts made Lilia give her a chance. "You can't keep try to sneak hugs from the Vice-Admiral like that. You're gonna get killed."
"Don't fret, June-chan," Ellie patted the young girl on her head. She was a pretty woman, who despite her unseasoned looks, was actually one of the most senior members of her division. "Your sister's antics is part of our daily entertainment."
"That doesn't make me feel better," the girl said dryly.
"I'm not your entertainment," Jillian snapped, picking herself off the floor and glared at Ellie. "You boring looking woman."
Ellie was what some might call a "classically lovely woman". She had chestnut brown and charming storm grey eyes. Years of diligent and hard training had kept her looking fit, young, and beautiful. In contrast, the Krasa sisters were both silver haired, blue eyed beauties. Certainly, some might say between them and Ellie, the sisters looked more interesting to the average viewer.
"Feh!" Ellie scoffed. "Only a weak woman would try to insult another by calling her beauty "boring". Ultimately, if you want to hurt me, you'll have to do so the old fashion way, Jillian-chan."
She stood in a provocative stance, her body language saying, "Come at me."
Jillian narrowed her eyes at the woman dangerously. In a blur, she disappeared from where she was and in an instant closed the distance between them appearing midair and about to roundhouse kick Ellie. At such speed and at such an angle, anyone else would be powerless to avoid a painful blow.
Ellie, however, was not just anyone.
With a dancer's grace and a warrior's instinct, she easily stepped away from the path of Jillian's kick, not unlike how Lilia had avoided her hug earlier. Although, this time Jillian landed on her feet.
With a determined look, she spun on her heels and continued her attack. Aggressively, she tried to land a blow on Ellie, but no matter how hard she tried, no matter what combos she utilized, Ellie dodged everything cleanly and calmly.
"This is bad," June whispered. She had already stepped away from the two women to not get caught up in their fight. The other navy officers had not tried to intervene and looked at them with bemusement.
Lilia had also observed the fight with mild interest. She didn't mind it too much when her people fought so long as it didn't get too serious. Besides, it had been a month since they had come to Alabasta to help defend the country and there had been no challenging opponents to deal with. They were a unit that could go toe to toe with the Emperors and their crews if need be. It was natural that pirates that linger on this side of the Grand Line would be too weak. So little fights like this helped to keep her crew's skills from rusting.
More than that, she was sure that Ellie had the self control needed to not hurt Jillian.
It wasn't as though Jillian was weak. In fact, she was likely equal to most Navy captains, however Ellie was clearly the better fighter. She had been in the Demon Unit longer and was far more experienced and gained strength and power equivalent to that.
She worked harder than most and became her fifth demon out of her Six Demons. The Demonic Six.
"...Quit dodging!" Jillian screamed after Ellie had seamlessly evaded another blow. The silver haired woman was now panting heavily and was sweating from her efforts. On the other hand, Ellie hadn't broken a sweat. She hadn't even tried to hit her yet.
"No one is just going to listen to you just because you scream, you know?" Ellie said. She was not a cocky woman. She didn't look down on Jillian. If anything, she very much wanted her and others like her to progress and grow stronger. The normal people that so often got crushed in this world of monsters and giants. "Give up yet?"
"Never!" That's what she shouted, but even she had to admit she had no chance at this point. Still, she didn't want to give up without even getting hit. So, she decided to cross a line. "You act so tough... but everyone knows the only reason you, Ridge, Oscar, and even that little monster girl have the positions you do is because they are no longer here."
The air chilled. The mood on the Demon Unit's ship changed. Ellie's eyes widened in shock at Jillian's words.
"...You're no Matilda."
Snap.
Ellie couldn't help herself. In the back of her head, she knew that this was a cheap taunt, but the moment she said one of their names, she only saw black. Moving faster than Jillian could react, she got into her perfect striking range, and threw a punch straight at her face. Jillian braced herself for a blow that was completely capable of breakin even the strongest and burliest of men's faces. However, right before contact, a slender hand interject and caught Ellie's fist before it could hit Jillian.
"Huh?" Jillian yelped in confusion.
Ellie didn't make a sound. She looked disappointed in herself.
"I believe that's enough, you two," Rem Nagika said, still griping Ellie's clenched fist. She was definitely not there a moment ago. At Ellie's speed, it would've been almost impossible for anybody to stop her in that instant, yet she, the third demon, moved from the far end of the ship to stop her from seriously injuring Jillian. "Don't you agree?"
"Yes, maim," Ellie said stiffly, unclenching her fist after Nagika had released it. "Sorry, Jillian. That was too far."
"...No," Jillian said softly, averting her eyes. She felt embarrassed now. She'd rather have gotten hit, then deal with awkwardness. "I crossed a line. I'm sorry."
"I'm your senior. I should be better." She said, skiing her head.
"And I apologize to everyone else," Jillian said, addressing the whole ship. "...I shouldn't have said all of that. Especially not about you three, Ellie, Oscar, and Ridge.
The crew gave various dismissive shrugs and gestures to express that there were no hard feelings. They weren't okay with what she had said, but since she apologized, there was no reason to hold a grudge. As for Oscar, the fourth demon, and Ridge, the sixth demon, they looked rather unoffended after being accused of not deserving their current positions.
"It's whatever," Oscar said. He was a tall, muscular man with dark skin and an afro that was his most prominent feature.
"I can't say you're wrong about me," Ridge said. He was easily the largest or second largest of the whole Demon unit. A mountain of a man with a shaved head and a large hammer strapped to his back.
"I guess I should also apologize to Yuki, too," Jillian murmured. The "little monster girl" Jillian had also insulted was not currently on the ship. She, along with four others, were actually in the capital city of Alabasta, Alubarna. The castle, to be specific.
"You should," Nagika said. "But honestly she isn't going to care about it. That's enough, isn't it, Lili-chan?"
Nagika addressed their vice admiral. In the entire unit-no, the entire Navy-she was the only one who would dare to address the She-Demon as 'Lili-chan". This was because they were each other's oldest friend. They had known each other longer than any one in the Demon Unit. She was the one best suited to controlling her if she went too far (or rather, she's the only one who'd dare). Naturally, she knew everything about Lilia. Her children (she was their godmother), and her husband, Dragon.
"Honestly, Nagi-chan, I wasn't looking or expecting an apology," Lilia said. She was looking down on the scen with quiet interest, much like a playful queen. Or maybe a mother happy with her family's maturity. "Also, I don't really mind what Jillian had said. What I do mind, is mistake of both parties. Jillian."
"Y-Yes, Nee-san?!" The siliver haired zealot stood in perfect attention at Lilia's address.
"After concluding that you're physical abilities and fighting skills weren't enought to overpower Ellie, you decided to challenge her mentally by provoking her. Is that correct?"
"...Erm, honestly, I just wanted to get her to be serious."
"I see. Either way, it was a sound tactic. You succeeded in baiting her, but the flaw was that you didn't prepare for a counter attack. Ellie had left herself vulnerable in that instant. You could have saved yourself and turned the table on her had you taken advantage of the opportunity. Well, the difference in skills may have made that impossible, too. In any case, if you are going to taunt an opponent, be prepared. Do not just use it as an empty insult. Understood?"
"Yes, Nee-san!" Jillian exclaimed with hearts in her eyes, getting dry and exasperated looks from her fellow officers as well as her sister.
"And Ellie."
"Yes, maim."
Ellie met her vice admiral's gaze unflinchingly. For a moment, they were silent.
"What Jillian said was hard, but you've heard worse in the past, and will likely hear worse in the future. Losing your head over one insult is not acceptable. You're strong. Incredibly strong. You worked hard to become so, but it means nothing if you lose your cool and someone takes advantage. Like you said, you're better than that."
"Yes, maim." She nodded.
"...Matilda wouldn't care if she was insulted, you know?"
Ellie-and the other members of the Demon Unit-looked at the vice admiral in surprise.
"The same can be said for Saizel, Haku, Redgie, Haga, and the others we lost over two years ago. None of them would let a few mean words get under their skin, but if any of you allowed that to happen and got you hurt or worse, I know they'd be disappointed. And then a couple of them would laugh at you."
That earned a few laughs from her crew, despite the seriousness of her one.
"The wounds from that battle, that defeat, over two years ago are still fresh for me. I know it's the same for all of you, too. Trust me, one day we'll get our payback on those bastards, but until then, keep your heads clear and your minds centered. You all got that?"
"YEAAAHHH!" The entire ship cheered passionately. Their leader's words reignited an already burning fire inside them. Even the most stoic reserved of them couldn't help but shout with pride. Jillian's cheers were the most spirited as she chanted declarations of love for her vice admiral. As for Ellie, Oscar, and Ridge, the three of them looked resolutely into the sky, patiently awaiting the day when they could truly take the baton that was passed onto them when their irreplaceable comrades were taken from them.
"Nagi-chan, Rizen," Lilia said after the cheering subsided. "I want to speak with you both in private."
Nagika and her husband Rizen, who was the second demon and also the strongest man on the ship, followed Lilia off the ship and onto the Alabasta docks. They moved at inhuman speeds, so the dock workers were startled by their sudden appearance, but then greeted the three of them in a friendly manner. After spending a month defending their borders, the Demon Unit had become very popular with the people of Alabasta. That was probably why they had been specifically sent to this country after Crocodile had ruined it. It was the World Government's attempt at appeasing a large nation's people and making them forget what one of their sanctioned pirates did to their country.
Lilia didn't particularly like that her unit was being used for such a manipulative purpose, but Alabasta did need help, and this nation had meaning to her. And not just due to the fact Luffy protected it.
"That was quite the passionate speech," Nagika said in an unmoved tone. She didn't wear the standard navy uniform. Instead, she opted to wear a white and red kimono matching the style of shrine maidens. Her slender, thin frame might've made one assume she was rather fragile and weak, but given how she had stopped Ellie from striking Jillian with her fist, she was clearly stronger than her build suggested. "With a few words, you shifted the mood entirely."
"I was just speaking honestly," Lilia said. She knew that her brief speech on the ship had excited her people. If that excitement had made them forget what Jillian had said, and any hard feeling that might've lingered in some of their hearts, then that was a bonus.
"What did she say?" Rien asked cluelessly, despite having been present. Azure Rizen was the second demon of the DDemon Unit's Demonic Six. He was the strongest man on the ship, and also the Navy undisputed strongest swordsman. Not to mention he was a handsome man with thick arms that were capable of incredible destruction with his precious sword, which was of similar size and shape to Dracule Mihawk's famous blade. As a warrior and swordsman, he was almost perfect. If he had any particular flaw, it was his memory. Or lack thereof. The man had a horrible memory, which was ironic, considering his wife Nagika had perfect recall.
"It's nothing," Lilia sighed. She was used to her friend's horrid memory. Long before she had become a marine, she, Nagika, and Rizen had travelled the sea together. Just the three of them. At least for a while, then things happened that led to their current places in life. But that was a story for another time. "I was just thinking that I actually like those guys. I love them actually. They're family to me."
"What brought that on?" Nagika asked, surprised by Lilia's sentiment. She was not surprised by her feelings for the Demon Unit, but she was wondering why she was speaking so frankly.
"Check this out." Lilia pulled out the wanted posters and newspaper she had inside her jacket and showed it to them. "Guess who's bounty just went up?"
"Luffy." A smile formed on Nagika's face, which had been virtually expressionless up to that point. The woman in priestess attire usually kept a cool expression, but when it came to her godchildren, she showed her softer side. "I was already aware of this, you know? Wait, are you...?"
"I will tell them everything. All the secrets that I've kept secret. I wanted to give you both a heads up before I do."
"...Are you sure?"
"What secrets?" Rizen asked, getting irritated looks from the two women.
"That I have kids," Lilia said, annoyed. "And also about Dragon."
"That's a secret?" The forgetful swordmaster said, as his wife gaped in surprise at her best friend.
"You're going to tell them about Dragon?!"
"Yes," she said with a serious face.
"But why now? Does it have to do with Luffy?"
"I spoke to Garp earlier. He met Luffy at Water 7. He told him about Dragon. That he's his father, and also the leader of the Revolutionary Army. In front of his whole pirate crew, and all of his navy subordinates, as well as some random citizens." She added with a bittersweet smirk.
Nagika was wordless for several moments before saying, "That makes. Sounds like something he'd do. So, what did Luffy say?"
"Unsurprisingly, Dragon didn't say anything to Luffy when he was at Loguetown with him. In fact, it sounds like Luffy wasn't even aware that Drago was there, back then. And Luffy himself was pretty relaxed about the whole thing. I guess that's fine, but I do wonder what would have happened if they had met...?"
When she had heard that Dragon was at Loguetown at the same time as Luffy, many thoughts came to mind. Not least of which was what if they met face to face? Would he sense his connection to Dragon? Doubtful. This wasn't a fairy tale. However, Luffy might've at least felt something. He was sensitive, in that way. Although, she knew Dragon wasn't going to introduce himself to Luffy. He was a patient guy (annoyingly so). Taking a peek at one his children following their path would be the only allowance he would indulge himself in.
"Dragon, huh?" Rizen said thoughtfully. At the mention of that man, his clueless expression shifted to a pensive one. He and Dragon had a complex relationship, to say the least. Again, that is a story for another time. "No, I don't imagine he'd introduce himself to Luffy just yet."
"You get him," Lilia said teasingly.
"In my own way," he shrugged.
"So, Luffy now knows Dragon is his father," Nagika said.
"Along with his whole crew, all of Garp's men, and some Water 7 civilians, which include an old lady, her grandkid and pet, and a pair of strange-looking women with weird hair."
"...Right." Nagika pinched the bridge of her nose to relieve an oncoming headache. She should really be used to this family's antics, but every once in a while, they really know to throw her. "So you want to tell everyone that you have kids, including a pirate son, and that their father is the world's most wanted man? That's what you want to do?"
"Yes."
"Care to explain why? Having kids is one thing, but that bit might cause chaos."
"...Now that Luffy knows, it's only a matter of time before it becomes public. The kid isn't exactly good at lying, you know?"
Nagika giggled, despite herself. "No, he really isn't."
"Besides... It's been a long time since he left. A lot has happened, and you can feel it in the air, in the sea. A new wave is coming. The kids are grown enough. There's no reason to hide anymore. Besides..." She glanced back at her ship where here Demon Unit was. It was inaccurate to call them a second family. At this point, they were either her third or fourth family. Maybe fifth. "I don't want them learning such important things about me second hand. But I do know that once I reveal everything, it will affect you two as well, so if you two would rather I hold off on telling them, I will."
Nagika and Rizen shared a look.
"You only seem to show consideration when it is obvious I won't complain," Nagika said. "Obviously, I won't stop you from doing anything. If you want to come clean about everything, I won't object. I don't imagine those guy's feelings for you would change. Jillian, however, will probably want to murder Dragon when she hears about everything."
"That would not be good. Dragon isn't exactly gentle with women."
"Lilia," Rizen said. "No matter what you decide, I will always follow you. I decided a long time ago that fighting as your kite would be my path."
"You mean knight. You said you'd be my knight."
"Be it defending a desert kingdom from an alligator, or invading a courthouse, I will always have your back."
"Those were Luffy's adventurers-sort of-but, thanks, Rizen. Nagi-chan. You both mean so much to me. I owe you both more than I can say. With Dragon gone, I don't think I could have raised my kids without you. You both are the best godparents a mother could ask for."
Nagika blushed in the face of Lilia's gratitude. "Jeez, Lili-chan. Sappy, much? There's no need to lay it on so thick. We love Luffy and the girls so much, so we were of course happy to help them in any way we could. Right, Rizen?"
"Help with what?" He asked, already forgetting everything, earning a look of exasperation from his spouse.
"I'll go retrieve Yuki and the others from the palace," Lilia said, getting into a runner's stance. In an instant, a pair of jet black, devil-like wings sprouted from her back. The dock workers who witnessed this yelped in fear and awe. They had already seen Lilia's transformations several times in the month that the Demon Unit had been stationed at Alabasta, but it still startled them just the same. She leaped upwards, her large, powerful wings carrying her upwards into Alabasta's blue sky.
As she soared above Alubarna, she allowed herself to observe the city and its people. It was very lively this time of day. There were children playing on the streets. Merchants and vendors selling their wares to customers. There was also much construction going on after the battle with Baroque Works and the civil war. What really caught her eye was a mother purchasing kabobs and water for her and her son to eat.
This city had really bounced back after Crocodile was driven out. She could recall the struggle she saw when she and her unit first came to Alabasta. Crocodile had done significant damage to this country's people. They all had struggled to rebuild. She understood very well that just because you've saved a country, does not mean you have restored it.
However, it does create indescribable hope. She saw that, too, in Alabasta's people. She took no small amount of pride in the fact it was Luffy who gave them that hope.
She arrived at the palace and flew over the palace gates. The guards saw her, but didn't try to stop her. Lilia had repeatedly ignored the gates whenever she came to the castle. Eventually, the guards gave up trying to make her come properly.
She descended down onto the palace's courtyard.
"Vice-Admiral!" A loud, pompous voice shouted at her. It was Igaram. The head of royal security. "I have told you a thousand times to not fly over the palace gates and to enter properly."
Lilia looked unrepentant. "Hello, Igaram. I really don't have the patience for formality. Anyway, I'm just here to retrieve the kids who I left here."
Igaram shot her an irritated look but didn't press the issue. He knew very well that this woman was an irreverent person. "...Your Privates' are with Princess Vivi. And as for your Rear Admiral, she is still flying with Pell."
"Is that so? I didn't see them up there. They must be pretty far. Oh, well. They'll be back soon. In any case, I need to speak with Cobra."
Like a bull, he puffed out hot air from his nostrils. "Vice Admiral Lilia! You can not refer to our king so casually!"
"Yeah, yeah," she said dismissively as she walked past him. "He's in the throne room, right?"
She ignored Igaram as he shouted at her for her insolent and casual behavior. She moved coolly to the throne room without a care as if she owned the palace. It almost seemed like she did when the guards in charge of guarding the king's throne room made no effort to stop her from entering, much to Igaram's chagrin.
Lilia entered the large and grand hall and saw Cobra speaking with an official looking person. From what she could hear, they were discussing the state of things in the more remote parts of Alabasta's desert. It pleased her to hear that the quality of life for those who lived farther away from the capital had improved greatly since Crocodile's defeat and her unit coming to help defend the country.
Also inside the throne room was one of the king's personal guards, Chaka.
"Ah, Vice Admiral Lilia," Cobra said after finishing his discussion with his official. "What can I do for you? Everything is fine, I hope."
"Hey, Cobra," Lilia said informally, making both Igaram and Chaka gape at her for her lack of decorum. "Everything is fine. I would like your daughter to meet with us here."
"I see. I shall summon her."
"Please do. Also, make sure my subordinates that I loaned to you stay outside. This is just something I want to discuss with you and her."
Cobra looked curiously at her. He wondered what was on her mind, but knew she would reveal it soon. "As you wish. Chaka, please retrieve my daughter."
"Yes, Sire," the warrior said respectfully before leaving to go get the princess.
"I caught some of what you were discussing with your official, Cobra," she said casually as they waited. "Sounds like things are going well for the country."
"Yes," the king said with a happy smile. "There is still much that needs to be corrected, but Alabasta is truly moving in a positive direction. It's all thanks to you and your people, Vice Admiral."
"We haven't done much. It's you , your daughter, and this people's resilience that are helping this country heal. Besides, all we've done is defend your borders from pirates. The one who really saved this country is the one who beat Crocodile, right?"
Cobra's expression grew slightly cautious as he maintained his smile. "Yes, that is true. We are very grateful to Commodore Smoker and his men for defeating Crocodile."
"Don't tell him that. I saw him recently. He got mad and said he wasn't the one who beat Crocodile."
"...Is that so? He's a modest man, I see."
Obviously, it wouldn't be good for the recovering nation to deny the narrative that the government invented to cover up the truth in front of one of its high ranking navy Vice Admirals. They trusted her, but it wouldn't be in their best interest to be so nonconforming. You never knew who was listening.
As long as they knew the truth, they would be grateful to the right person. Besides, that kid almost certainly doesn't care who knows or doesn't know.
"Lilia-san!" Princess Vivi exclaimed happily as she entered the throne room. The young lady had grown incredibly fond of Lilia and her unit during the time they were stationed there. Likewise, Lilia felt the same. "What are you doing here at the palace?"
"Hello, Vivi-chan. Quick question. Who defeated Crocodile again?"
"Oh, it was Lu-" Cobra, Igaram, and Chakra shot warning looks at Vivi to tell her to not say that. "L-L... I mean it was Captain Smoker, obviously! Oh, no, he was promoted to Commodore, right? Oh, Lilia-san! Why do you keep asking me that? Hahaha..."
The men stared at their beloved princess dryly. She was a strong one, but not lacking in worrisome quirks. They just hoped Lilia could accept that, although it was clear at this point that she at least suspected the truth.
"Anyway, I wanted to let you all know in person that my unit and I will leave soon. Today, in all likelihood."
Vivi and the others eyes widened at the sudden news, however the king remained composed and looked understanding.
"I see. That does make sense. Our country's military has managed to stabilize thanks to you and your unit defending Alabasta. It is no longer as necessary for us to have aid from the Marines. A woman of your authority and capabilities must have many concerns. So, I shall thank you and not hold you back any longer."
"Thanks for your understanding, Cobra. You are a great king."
"Thank you. Although I know I'm not so great."
"...You're really leaving, Lilia-san?" Vivi asked sadly. "I guess that includes Ren, Shauna, Leoha, and Akina. Yuki-san, too, of course."
"Afraid so, Vivi. It's time."
"Yes, I suppose so. Thank you for all you've done for Alabasta. To be honest, I was afraid we would fail to recover after Crocodile nearly destroyed us. If you and your unit hadn't come here and fought off the pirates that tried to take advantage of our vulnerable defense, I'm not really sure what we would have done."
"You'd survive," she said confidently. "You'd do whatever you had to to protect your country. That is the sort of woman you've grown into. A princess who gives her all for her country. I'm proud of you, and I know Titi would be, too."
Red colored the young princess's cheeks "...Thank you."
This was not the first time Lilia met Vivi, nor was it her first time in Alabasta. Years ago, well before either Luffy or Vivi were born, Lilia had actually unintentionally saved the late queen of Alabasta. Although at the time, she wasn't the queen.
She was the daughter of a wealthy merchant that helped the struggling people who lived in the remote desert. Titi, very much her father's daughter, organized many relief efforts. She proved one day that she wasn't just a wealthy daughter who did charity, but also a brave woman as well.
Bandits had tried to pillage a nearly defenseless village that Titi offered aid to. With not enough strong men to protect the village, it would have led to tremendous loss of life if they resisted. In order to save the village, she offered herself to the bandits, saying that they could ransom her to her father, and that they'd make far more from ransoming her than pillaging a small village. And to make sure that they didn't try anything heinous like taking her and still raiding the village, she threatened that her loyal bodyguards would stay behind to fight to defend the village to the death and take down as many of the bandits as possible.
The bandit leader, despite being a cruel man, was at least practical. Titi's bodyguards looked strong, and probably could take out several of his men before getting killed. Men not so easily replaced. He chose to not complicate such a golden opportunity and accepted the woman's proposal.
After taking Titi, the bandits had a problem. Her father was close friends with Alabasta's king, and there was even a rumor that she was betrothed to Prince Cobra. The moment the royal family heard about Titi's kidnapping, they'd devote every resource to her rescue. Although the barren desert was vast and perilous, the king's army was effective at searching and rescue. They probably could find them eventually if they chose to hide in the desert.
So, they came up with a plan that some might call clever.
The bandits had a ship. They had one day planned to leave Alabasta and become pirates. Despite none of them being experienced sailors, they decided that they would hide out by using their ship to hide somewhere off the shore of Alabasta, but not too far so that they'd be able to collect the ransom.
It wasn't a completely bad plan. It was difficult to imagine desert bandits hiding on the sea. Although, they were neglecting the possibility of being attacked by sea kings and the like. Also, even if the entire army failed to consider that bandits may hide out in the sea, someone would eventually notice an out of place ship anchored just off the shore while Titi was kidnapped.
But regardless of the holes in their plan, they were simply unlucky.
Because she had seen them. Had identified them as pirates, despite their ship not having a sail with a Jolly Roger. Then she decided to take them out.
To call what happened that day a one sided massacre would be generous. It was more like an unholy disaster had been unleashed onto the bandits.
She descended onto their ship like a demon from hell.
Completely unprepared, the bandits scrambled to defend themselves, failing miserably. They were completely at the mercy of the seemingly invincible demonic woman. She hadn't killed any of them that day, but the state she had left them in made it hard to tell.
She hadn't even known Titi was on the ship until after she had to incapacitated all the bandits and herd her grunts below deck. She discovered her tied up and gagged in a brig.
Lilia recalled feeling quite awkward that day. She hadn't intended for that to be a rescue mission. She didn't have the patience at the time to deal with who she thought was a soft civilian girl who'd no doubt be horrified by what she did to the bandits. However, to her surprise, when she freed Titi and brought her outside, she wasn't afraid. She was definitely unnerved by the damage a single woman had done to ruthless bandits, but mostly she was grateful.
Lilia was surprised by her understanding, and when she heard the reason she was kidnapped, she laughed hysterically. It was perhaps the most she'd laughed in quite awhile. She was completely taken aback by the guts and nerve of this rich girl who dared use herself as a bargaining chip to protect a single village.
She'd never encountered a young lady of such privilege acting so foolishly brave.
After that, she returned Titi to Alabasta. She intended to part ways as soon as she returned her to her father, but the future queen of Alabasta had insisted she'd stay and let her and her father reward her for saving her with food and drink. Titi's father even offered her a huge monetary award.
Titi's rescue was a big enough deal that even the Alabasta royal family wanted to reward her, which was when she first met Cobra, who was a Prince at the time.
It was a very hectic affair. More than once she thought about flying away then and there. But she didn't. The reason being she was enjoying the festivities. Back then, it had been a while since let herself enjoy anything.
In a way, saving Titi back then helped light some of the darkness she had let overtake her.
"Anyway, Luffy's my son."
Lilia said that suddenly without warning. Vivi and the men in the throne room all looked wide eyed at her, struggling to process what she just said.
"...E-Excuse me?" Vivi said, confused. "What did you say?"
"Luffy-Monkey D. Luffy-is my son. My boy." She looked at them with a carefree, playful smile. "The pirate Straw Hat Luffy, who actually defeated Crocodile, is my child."
"WHAAATTT???!!!"
Vivi, Igaram, Chaka, and Cobra all stared incredulously at Lilia as they finally processed what Lilia had said.
"Y-You're Luffy's mother, Lilia-san?!" Vivi screamed. It was lucky that the throne room had thick walls otherwise the whole palace might have heard them.
"Is this a joke, Vice Admiral?!" Igaram demanded. "How can that boy be your son?!"
"The... traditional way?" She offered.
"Traditional?!"
"...Are you being serious, Lilia-san?" Vivi asked. "...You're really Luffy-san's mom?"
"Yes, I am. Don't believe me?"
Vivi stared at Lilia as if seeing her for the first time and noticing things she hadn't seen before. A look of quiet realization appeared on her face. The shadow of the young pirate that was so dear to her overlapped with the woman's face.
"...Oh, my. It's true. You really are Luffy's mother. I can't explain it, but I see it."
It wasn't that they looked very much alike. Lilia was over six feet tall with long, beautiful black hair. Her skin was several shades lighter than Luffy. Their dark eyes might've matched, though. What made Vivi finally believe her was their similar personalities and behavior.
In the month that Lilia and the Demon Unit had been stationed at Alabasta, she and Vivi had spent some time together. She watched and protected Vivi during the times she snuck away from the palace in order to aid her people as they rebuilt after the Incident. During that time, Vivi had the opportunity to watch Lilia closely.
Lilia was strict, yet relaxed. Scary, yet fun. Two seconds after subduing a man trying to steal a woman's purse, Lilia had bought him a dozen kabobs from a stand and told him to go use the meat to feed his family or if he didn't have a family, to go share it with somebody.
Not everything she did made sense. She didn't always act like a person of her status should, which drove her right hand Nagika crazy, but her personality and character earned her the respect and love of her unit, and also Alabasta's people, too.
She was reputed to be terrifying-and she was-but she was also great.
"...I'm surprised I never made the connection. You and Luffy-san are so alike."
"I'll take that as a compliment," Lilia smirked.
"Princess," Igaram said. "You really believe her?"
"Yes, I do, Igaram. You know Luffy, too. Don't you think they're similar?"
He didn't know Luffy as well as Vivi. They hadn't traveled together, but he had a decent understanding of the boy's character, which was why he trusted him and his crew to escort his princess to Alabasta in the first place.
Igaram looked intently at Lilia. After a moment, he gasped in realization and stared in shock. "I see it!"
"...Not sure I like that face you're making."
"Well, I can't say I know Straw Hat Luffy as well as you two," Chaka said. "But I know his strength, and I can definitely believe that the She Demon could be the woman who birthed him."
"Chaka!" Vivi chided him for his crude words.
"Lilia," Cobra said. He had been silent for a while now. "Why are you telling us this?"
"No reason in particular," she shrugged. "It isn't a huge secret. I'm surprised I didn't say it earlier. You guys are crappy secret keepers. You kept tripping over your words and always letting it slip that he was the one who actually beat Crocodile. You especially, princess."
Vivi blushed with embarrassment.
"Anyway, I imagine the truth about Luffy and I, along with a few other family secrets, will become public knowledge very soon. So, I figured that it wouldn't hurt to tell you all about it before it gets out. Besides." Lilia put her hand on top of Vivi's head, caressing it gently. "Titi was a dear friend. I had always hoped to bring our kids together so that they could become friends. Of course, that never ended up happening. As reckless as I can be, taking babies and small children to the Grand Line is a line I won't cross."
The Grand Line's entrances were perilous. Be it through Reverse Mountain or the Calm Belt, there was no such thing as a safe way to get there. Even for Lilia, who had gone to and from the Grand Line countless times before, couldn't a hundred percent promise she could safely bring babies and children through the entrance of the strongest sea.
"I figured I would make time to get you kids together when Luffy and the others got a little older, but it never happened. I never imagined you two would meet on your own and he'd help save the kingdom."
"It was a lucky twist of fate," Vivi said fondly. "If I hadn't met Luffy, I don't think I'd have been able to do anything for Alabasta. And I still can't wrap my head around the fact that his mother is a marine. He never said anything about it."
"I'm not surprised. I imagine he never thought to mention it."
"That does sound like him."
"I'm glad it sounds like he's still the same as I remember him... it's been a few years since I last saw him."
Lilia hadn't seen Luffy or any of her children in two years. In the past, she always tried to split her time between her family and navy duties evenly. She would try to avoid not returning home longer than a year, but a certain tragedy had happened to her unit, and she was compelled to focus entirely on pursuing the ones responsible.
"I plan to find him soon."
"You're going to go see Luffy?" Vivi looked at her in surprise. It wasn't Luffy she was worried about, but after being with him and traveling together with the Straw Hats for so long, she understood his personality. It was unlikely he ever told the crew about his mother. And after a month of getting to know Lilia, she knew the woman would just casually descend onto the crew's ship without a care.
It was all too easy to imagine Nami, Usopp, and Chopper panicking at the sight of her, Zoro drawing his blades against her, and, because she was simply stunning, Sanji would fall head over heels in love with her. As for Nico Robin (AKA Miss All Sunday), she could imagine that woman remaining composed even in Lilia's presence. She couldn't really imagine how Luffy would react, though.
"As you may know, he and his crew were just at Water 7. If I don't waste time, I should be able to catch up with him in no time."
"I see..."
"Anyway, there's something I wanted to discuss with all of you before I leave."
Vivi, Cobra, and the royal circle looked at the navy vice admiral curiously, wondering what she wanted to talk about.
After completing the discussion, the throne room's doors were opened. Lilia, Vivi, and Chaka walked out. Cobra and Igaram still had things to discuss. Waiting outside the throne room were four young navy officers, three of whom were girls.
"Vice Admiral Lilia," Private Shauna saluted her superior. "How are you?"
"Hi, Aunt Lily," Ren, her twin brother, greeted her with less formality. Shauna hit him for his unprofessional attitude. "Ow! Why'd you hit me?!"
"I've told you a million times to call the Vice Admiral by her title. It's unprofessional to do otherwise!"
"What's it matter? Aunt Lily doesn't care. She is our aunt!"
Aura D. Ren and Shauna were Lilia's niece and nephew. They grew up looking up to her and enlisted in the navy to join the Demon Unit as soon as they came of age three years ago.
As far as twins went, they were true polar opposites. Shauna was the good girl. A rule follower, responsible, and self disciplined. In contrast, Ren was more laid back, relaxed, and sloppy. Shauna considered it her duty as his twin to make sure he stayed in line, meanwhile, Ren thought it his duty to make his sister lighten up.
Lilia thought they made a good pair. She also had twins. Luffy and his twin sister. Secretly, she sort of wished they were more like Ren and Shauna. Her son and daughter loved each other and got along really well, but they lived separate lives and followed separate dreams.
"Enough, you two," Lilia ordered. "I don't care how you address me in front of people who aren't important."
"Excuse me...?" Chaka said dryly. "We aren't important?"
"You know what I mean. Alabasta's royal family and their inner circle are friends, so there's no need to stand on ceremony with you guys."
"I think at least Igaram would like it if you respected formalities, though..."
"You think?"
"Master." The two other girls approached Lilia. They were Leoha and Akina, her second and third students she had decided to take on a couple years ago. Also, they were unaware of the fact she had children, Luffy included. Naturally, Ren and Shauna were aware of this, being her niece and nephew, but they did not know the fact that Dragon is their father.
"Is there a reason you're here by yourself?" Leoha asked. She was a pretty girl with dark pink hair. She was, to be frank, a juvenile delinquent. Which made sense given the fact she grew up in a gang in a rough city. She was a bit rough around the edges, but she had a good heart, and when Lilia first met her, she sensed the young girl had potential, so she decided to take her on as a second disciple.
Akina was her third disciple. She cute girl with short brown hair. As opposed to Leoha, she was an ernest, soft hearted but not soft young lady. Her proper appearance and polite personality did not hint to the fact that she had grown in a dense forest similar to where Luffy, Ace, and the other children had grown up in with her tribe. She might've looked unreliable in a fight, but her upbringing made her strong. Maybe not as strong as her children were, but Lilia saw her potential and desire to do good, so she chose her as a third disciple.
As for her first student...
"I'll tell you all when Yuki arrives. Which is now."
Lilia looked up at the sky. The others did the same. In that instance, the figures of two large birds came into view. One was a black hawk. The other was a brown falcon. The hawk was dress in a human girls clothes, and the falcon wore white robes.
The birds were both humans who had eaten a bird zoan devil fruit.
The black hawk descended down at the Alabasta palace like a bolt of black lightning. The falcon followed, trying to keep up. It was fast but not as fast as the hawk.
The hawk flew straight down towards the palace courtyard. If it kept going at that speed it would crash and experience deadly pain. At less than fifty feet from the ground, the large bird of prey's speed dropped dramatically. At ten feet, the birds body shrunk in an instant, its bird feature retracting into the body, revealing the black hawk as a beautiful young girl with black hair. The girl was falling head first towards the courtyard. She somersaulted mid air, landing on her feet with perfect form and grace.
She was Yuki. Lilia's first disciple. She didn't wear the marines uniform, but instead wore a black long sleeve top and a pair of athletic blue jeans. Her beautiful black hair framed her beautiful face. She may have looked slender, but everyone knew how strong she was.
The falcon landed three seconds after she did, albeit with less showmanship. He merely descended in his full bird form, then turned into his human form once he landed. To be fair, he had only recently survived being engulfed by a bomb.
"You win again, Yuki," Pell said respectfully. "That makes the twenty eight times I've lost to you. Out of 28 races."
"You nearly had me this time," she said, smiling coolly. Towards the end of the Crocodile Incident, Pell had sacrificed himself by carrying away a bomb that was set up to blow up the city of Alubarna, which would have killed hundreds if not thousands. Vivi and the others thought he had been killed in the explosion, but miraculously, he survived. Probably due to his devil fruit. No one knew he had survived until weeks after Crocodile's defeat when he had suddenly returned to the palace, injured but alive and whole.
Still, he had a long road to recovery and he was not expected to return to active duty for sometime. Given Alabasta's state after the Incident, it was a huge struggle not to have their strongest warrior available. When Lilia had heard about after the Demon Unit arrived to aide Alabasta, she offered to lend the Alabasta royal family Yuki to help Pell with his physical therapy.
Yuki, despite being only eighteen years old, was one of Lilia's top subordinates and a member of her Six Demons. She was also the eater of the Bird Bird Fruit: Model Black Hawk. Lilia figured being trained by a fellow bird zoan would help expedite his recovery.
And she was right.
In the month Yuki had been put in charge of Pell's physical therapy, he had quickly healed in order to keep up with the girl's intense training. He thought he might be stronger now than he was before his injuries.
"I'd say you're basically ready to return to your normal duties," Yuki said. "Just remember not to overdo it."
"Thank you so much, Yuki-san," Pell said gratefully. He resisted the temptation to point out that training with her was probably more strenuous than anything being Alabasta's protector could cause. "I owe you everything. Because of you, I can still be of service to my country and her people."
"I didn't do much. All I did was work you out. You're the one who put in the effort, Pell-san."
"It only worked like this because it's you, Yuki-san. For that, I will always be grateful."
"Hey, you two," Lilia said, interrupting them.
Yuki stood at attention. "Master Lilia! I didn't notice you were here."
"You should have," Lilia admonished. "Anyway, nice flying Pell. You can hardly tell you survived being blown up."
"...Thank you, Vice Admiral," Pell said, lowering his head to her with a twisted smile. "What brings you to the palace? No trouble I hope."
"I suppose that depends on what you define as trouble. We're pulling out and leaving Alabasta. Today, most likely."
Yuki's eyes widened slightly at the sudden news before she nodded in understanding. "I see. We've been here for a month now, and Alabasta has stabilized with our help. Not to mention, Pell-san is in his best condition now, so he can return to duty, if he wishes. I guess it's time for us to move on."
"Pretty much," Lilia shrugged. "Sorry, Pell. I'll be taking back your personal trainer now."
"I'm thankful for the time we've had together. It's because of your pupil that I have not only recovered quickly, but also I've become stronger than I was before. Thank you for letting me be trained by such a talented soldier," Pell said earnestly. Yuki's face reddened from the compliment.
"No problem," Lilia said simply.
"It's disappointing to see you leave, though," admitted Alabasta's strongest warrior. "Your unit has proven to be most helpful in restoring the country."
"Alabasta isn't so weak that it can't help itself without aid from others," Princess Vivi said confidently as she approached them. Chaka and Lilia's young subordinates followed behind her. "We might need help from time, but we are definitely not helpless on our own. You agree, right? Pell? Chaka?"
Chaka grinned proudly. "Of course!"
Pell looked equally proud of his princess. "You're absolutely right, Princess Vivi."
"If we don't eventually start doing things for ourselves, then the ones who fought for us will be troubled," she said fiercely. She looked at Pell with a determined gaze. "And with Pell back to full strength, I know Alabasta can regain its former glory...still, I am very well aware this was only with Lilia-san and the Demon Unit's help. Especially, Yuki-san."
"I really didn't do anything-"
"Please don't tell me not to thank you," Vivi urged. She took Yuki's hand and held it. "I saw how Pell was struggling before you came here. I know I should just be grateful he survived what happened, but I'm greedy. I wanted him fully healed and healthy. So, I'm incredibly thankful for all you have done, Yuki-san!"
Yuki stared down at her feet, uncomfortable with Vivi's intense feelings. She glanced at her Master for an idea of what to do, but she simply sent her a look to follow through. Yuki just decided to speak honestly.
"...I don't think it's at all wrong to want someone precious to you to be whole and healed. If it's greedy, then everyone is greedy... so you're welcome, Princess Vivi.."
Vivi smiled even wider at her. "Thank you... my fellow princess."
"That's just what pirates call me..."
Yuki had a certain nickname that terrified pirates called her on the ocean. They called a princess. The terrifying Princess of Hell. The young lady marine who was the disciple of the frightening demon queen of the Navy, and who was herself a seemingly invincible girl.
They all moved to the palace's gate. The leader of the Demon Unit and her subordinates stood across from Alabasta's princess and the kingdom's top two warriors. They would be saying goodbye at the palace's entrance.
"Well, Vivi-chan," Lilia said. "We'll be parting ways here. Take care."
"Thank you, Lilia-san. For everything." And she meant everything. "Without you, Alabasta would not be here."
Lilia smirked. She understood exactly what she meant. "Don't overblow my actions. It was Smoker who saved this country from Crocodile... right?"
She curved her lips into a practiced smile. "You're right. I'm incredibly grateful to Smoker-san and his people."
The exchange made the twins laugh. Yuki giggled. Chaka also smiled, amused. Pell looked confused, as did Leoha and Akina, who exchanged curious looks. There was clearly an inside joke not everyone was aware of.
Lilia felt a little bad about making a joke out of Smoker. He was the last person who wanted to take credit for what Luffy did.
Lilia placed a hand atop Vivi's head, surprising her. "This country was saved because of your guts and courage, princess. No doubt, Titi's proud of you."
Vivi's face warmed. She lost her mother at an age where she was old enough to remember her, but too young to recall her easily. The closest thing she had to a maternal figure was Terracotta-Igaram's wife-but she never felt like she was with a mother, but when she was with Lilia, it did feel like that. It was embarrassing, especially considering she was Luffy's mother, but that was how she felt. "...I hope so."
Lilia stepped away. She wanted to let Vivi say goodbye to her five subordinates. She had ordered them to stay close to the palace in order to protect Vivi, but that was just a front. The truth was she saw that Vivi was missing the Straw Hats, so she thought some of her kids could keep her company. Of course, if she said it like that, Vivi would be embarrassed.
"Well," Vivi said, struggling to find the right words as she spoke to the five young marines. "I'll miss you guys. You've made things fun. I'd dare say you have become some of my very best friends. And I have quite a few."
"Hey," Leoha grinned. "It was fun for us, too. Not everyday you get to goof off in a fancy castle."
"What Leoha-senpai means," Akina said. "Is that we enjoyed getting to know you, Princess Vivi. You're incredible."
"Incredible seems like a stretch..."
"No, Private Aki is right," Shauna said. "You're amazing. The strength and struggle you've shown and endured for your country is inspiring. I only hope I can show just as much courage when the time calls for it."
"Oh, Shauna-san..."
"Princess Vivi," Ren said in a dramatic tone. He moved to step in front of Vivi in an instant. Gently, he took her right hand and held it. "Everyday, no, every second was a blessing I got to be with you. I wish it didn't have to end, but- OH!"
Shauna hit her twin over the head with her iron bo staff. The blow almost knocked him out
"Shauna! You jackass!" He shouted angrily at his twin.
"Don't flirt with the princess, you flirty pervert."
"Screw you!"
"Hahaha..." Vivi smiled awkwardly as she watched the twins bicker.Truthfully, she didn't really mind Ren's flirting. It reminded her of Sanji. And the way the twins constantly fought reminded her of how he and Zoro would fight. She wondered if Luffy made the same connection.
"Yuki-san," she said to one called Hell Princess. She hesitated, unsure of what to say to her. She spent most of her time here training Pell, so they spent much less time together than with the others. Even so, she liked the mysterious, strong, and kind girl. "Goodbye. And thanks again for all you've done for Pell and Alabasta."
"You're welcome," Yuki said, taking her hand. "But it's not goodbye. Goodbyes are for the dead, and we're both still alive. As long as we're both connected by the same sea and sky, we're still friends. This country is dead to my master, so it's dear to me. If you ever need anything from me, call me and I'll come flying... I think that's similar to what a certain someone we both know would say." She smiled awkwardly.
'Luffy-san...' Vivi realized. 'I see. She knows him, too.'
"Yeah, you're right! You're my friend just like them!"
Ren and Shauna laughed, while Chaka smiled fondly at his princess. Leoha and Akina, as well as Pell, looked confused, unsure of who they were talking about. Lilia looked amused as she observed the scene.
"Alright, you kids," Lilia shouted. "It's time to head out."
"Yes, maim!" The five young marines shouted. They all moved towards the top of the stairs.
"Shall we race back to the ship?" Lilia suggested, bringing out her black demonic wings. "Can all of you keep up with me?"
"Of course!" They all assured her, getting into various running stances.
"Well, Vivi-chan!" Lilia said, casting one last sideways glance towards the prince. "So long! Stay strong!"
"I will!"
With no more words left to say, the Vice Admiral and her five young subordinates took to the air.
"MOON BOUNCE!' Except for Yuki, the four young marines jumped forward, using the Six Powers technique that let the user jump onto the air. Yuki could also use it but since she could fly, she didn't need it.
Their aerial race caught the attention of the citizens of Alabasta, who looked upward with wonder as they passed them over head.
In less than a minute, Lilia arrived first at the ship, followed closely by Yuki, who was in her full hawk form. Ren and Shauna simultaneously arrived next, then Leoha right after. Akina arrived last, but she wouldn't feel bad about it. She decided a long time ago feeling sad for being wasn't going to make her stronger.
"We're back," Lilia announced. Not wasting a second she moved to the center of the ship. "Gather around, everyone. Like I said, I have something to tell all of you. And it's a doozy."
Her men looked at her with great interest. If their incredible Vice Admiral was looking at them that seriously, then what she had to say must be really important. Every single Demon Unit member circled around her. Rizen and Nagika looked on patient expression as they stood on the upper deck.
"The world's headed for a big change. And I know the causes. At least some of them. What I'm about to tell all of you is a secret that I've been keeping from all off you since the beginning. I won't blame anyone if they decide to wipe their hands of me once I tell you."
It was the early morning after the Straw Hat Pirates left Water 7 and escaped Garp, their captain's marine hero grandfather.
After their daring escape, the crew celebrated the many things that had happened after their adventure. Usopp and Robin returned to the crew. Franky joined as the long awaited shipwright. They got the Thousand Sunny. Not to mention, now every member of the crew had a bounty (except for Usopp, as Sniper King was the one who got the bounty).
After such an intense celebration, it wasn't surprising that most of the crew was sleeping the morning away. However...
"Nami?"
"Luffy?"
The captain and his navigator were both awake this morning. The two looked at each shocked to see the other awake.
"You're awake?" Luffy said.
"That's my line," she countered. "Why are you awake?"
It was rare to see their carefree captain up so early. It was normal for him to wake up by noon. Considering their celebration last night, she wouldn't have been surprised to see him up even later.
"I just woke up," he said simply. "What about you?"
"Someone has gotta keep watching. Besides, I'm always up this early."
"Why?" Luffy asked, as if he couldn't fathom why anyone would want to wake up with the sun.
"Someone's gotta keep watch. Besides, I like waking up early. It tends to be peaceful."
In the middle of the night, they had to be most on guard since any sort of sneak attack or freak storm was possible. Of course, that was the same case for most of the day. Only during the early morning period when the sun was rising, for whatever reason, did things feel calmest. Nami liked to enjoy those periods whenever she could.
"It is a nice view," Luffy agreed, moving to stand next to Nami the Sunny's rails. It was just after sunrise and they were facing east. The waters were calm, creating a serene and peaceful feeling. At that moment it was almost hard to believe that this was the Grand Line, the strongest sea where a freak storm could happen at any moment.
Alone with Luffy in such a scene with him right next to her, Nami suddenly felt very conscious of him. She turned her head towards him looking at the sea, and found herself thinking he looked very nice, despite him wearing his typical clothes.
"Hey, Nami," he said, surprising her and breaking her out of her thoughts.
"Y-Yeah?"
"I wanted to ask, are you okay with going to Fishman Island?"
"Huh?" She blinked, surprised he was bringing this up. "Why are you bringing that up?"
"When we learned we would be going to Fishman Island next, you looked stressed."
"You were thinking about me like that?"
"I know Arlong and his crew caused you a lot of pain."
That was true. That was so true. Calling the pain Arlong and his crew had caused her just "a lot" felt like a gross understatement. It was literal hell.
"We can't just skip it, obviously, but let me know if it's too much and we will leave as soon as-"
"Luffy."
"Yeah?"
SMACK!
Nami hit Luffy hard behind his head. There was enough force that his face hit the railing painfully.
"Ow!" Luffy cried. "Why'd you do that, Nami?!"
"Because you pissed me off," she said in an annoyed tone. "Don't underestimate your navigator, captain. I'm not as dense as you, so yeah, I'm pretty anxious about heading to Fishman Island, but I'm also not so weak that I'd blame an entire race for my worst days. That'd make me no better than Arlong."
Arlong hated all humans. While Nami never knew the specifics, she could tell that humans had hurt him in the past. But that hardly made him sympathetic to her. If anything, it made her want to be the exact opposite of him.
She would never blame all fishmen for what Arlong did to her.
She thought Bellemere would agree.
"So, don't worry about me. I'll do my job and get us to Fishman Island, no problem!"
She winked and gave a thumbs up. Luffy stared at her in admiration, then laughed.
"Okay! Sorry for doubting you, Nami."
"So long as you learned your lesson, it's fine. But thanks for thinking of me. Although, it's annoying that you only seem to do it in this situation. I mean, can't you consider my feelings when you're getting me in danger?"
"Huh? Why should I?"
"You just should!" She shouted angrily, making him laugh. She sighed. She observed this man-child, who she both respected and was exasperated by. Did he never feel anxious? Did he ever?
"What about you, Luffy? Are you feeling okay?"
"Sure. Why wouldn't I be?"
"Well, you just learned who your dad is. More than that you learned he's Dragon, the leader of the Revolutionary Army. Don't you feel anything from that?"
Luffy looked surprised at her inquiry. He was unsure how to respond.
"If you're indifferent, that's fine. But if you're feeling something, please talk to me if you want. I'll at least listen."
Unconditionally, she placed a hand on one of his. At her touch, Luffy felt a strange, physical reaction that he didn't understand.
"...I don't feel nothing," he said. "I just can't do anything about it right now."
Nami nodded in understanding.
"Well, isn't this a touching scene?"
Luffy and Nami jumped. Somebody had said something, but it wasn't any of the crew. Frantic, they scanned their surroundings, but no one else was on the outer ship, and not a single ship was in sight.
"I'm up here," the voice said in eerily casual. They craned their heads all the way up to the sky. More than 20 feet above the sea, a man was hovering in the air.
He was able to do this because he had angel like wings on his back that kept him in the air.
Seeing him, Luffy immediately knew he hated him, despite never meeting him.
"Who the hell are you?" Luffy demanded.
The man smiled down at them. It was a cold, inhuman smile lacking any kind of warmth.
"They say it's only polite to offer one's name before asking for another's, but since I already know you Monkey D. Luffy, I suppose that isn't necessary. You can call me Angel, for obvious reasons. I have come before you to make you an offer. I want to recruit you and your crew in completing my objective. The complete and utter destruction of Vice Admiral Aura D. Lilia, the She Demon."
"What?!" Luffy's face contorted with shock and rage at the name. The man called Angel paid it no mind.
"Or as you know her, your mother. Help me destroy her."
And that's where this ends, for now. Well did you all enjoy the first chapter. I know it was a lot, but I wanted to get this much in for the first chapter. Currently, there are 3 full chapters written on my patreon. If you want to continue, you can subscribe there. I hope to see you all soon.
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