Manachii

"A patient as stubborn as stone..." Caspian murmured, securing fresh gauze with practiced knots. His hands trembled slightly not from exertion, but the ghostly weight of an oath broken. Never again, he had sworn. Yet here he was, bending cosmic threads to mend flesh.

Truth lingered unspoken between them: a full healing would take moments, not weeks, if Caspian embraced his birthright. But some oaths cut deeper than claws.

Three days had passed since the forest's violent poetry entwined their fates. Now, as twilight painted the cabin in amethyst hues, Matthew studied his caretaker over a bowl of stew a clumsy concoction of roots and herbs, yet offered with such earnest care it might as well have been ambrosia.

"My thanks..." Matthew said, setting aside the emptied dish.

"I-I'm relieved it suited your palate. Cooking for others is... new to me." A lie-the stew bordered on bland, but Matthew devoured it like ambrosia. "I-It's just broth. And I nearly spilled it all when-"

"-When the floorboards conspired against you? Yes, I recall." Matthew's chuckle was warm, his earlier suspicion eroded by days spent observing Caspian's guileless nature, a soul who apologized to startled mice and tripped over his own shadow. Caspian's innocence was both endearing and alarming similar to a lamb navigating a world of wolves. The brunet noted how compliments turned the boy into a stammering specter, how a single praise sent him careening into shelves of dried herbs. Memory preserved the comedy of their first night, Caspian's scarlet face, the avalanche of glass vials, the hissed curses as he swept shards by moonlight.

Clumsiness clung to the boy like a second shadow, yet his hands steadied when healing. A paradox Matthew found endearing.

"Caspian?" Matthew's voice softened, pulling the youth from his reverie. Golden eyes lifted, wary yet trusting. "You asked why I came here..."

The healer nodded, fingers tightening around the first-aid box.

"A Guild mission..." Matthew said. At Caspian's blank look, he added. "You know of the Guilds, yes? Blades and shields of the Empire?"

Caspian's nod was hesitant. Guilds are legionnaires of law, mercenaries cloaked in legitimacy. Assassins-for-hire draped in bureaucratic silk. The thought chilled him.

"I serve the Comet Guild." Matthew continued, pride warming his tone. "We track threats. Months past, rumors spoke of a winged beast haunting these woods. My task was its pursuit."

Caspian froze. A bead of cold sweat traced his temple.

"Yet the creature vanished, without trace." Matthew concluded, watching the boy's shoulders sag in relief. "No trace remains. The mission... adjourned..."

The unspoken truth hung between them, a secret too poorly veiled. Caspian's transparency amused Matthew. The boy might as well etch his thoughts in skyfire.

"Will you... depart once healed?" Caspian asked, clutching the medical kit like a talisman.

"Without delay. My kin awaits." Affection softened Matthew's features. "The Guild is family. Not by blood, but by choice. Our master says bonds forge stronger than lineage."

Caspian leaned forward, enthralled despite himself. Tales unfolded of a mischievous eight-year-old named Rory, of twin elites moving as mirrored souls, of rankings shrouded in Guild secrecy.

"Newcomers, Veterans, Elites..." Matthew explained, noting Caspian's furrowed brow. "Ranks forged through trials. You'd thrive among healers, you know."

The kit clattered to the floor. Caspian stumbled backward, a clumsy cascade of collisions. Shattered herb jars glittered like cursed ice across the planks.

"Steady!" Matthew lurched upright, only to gasp as stitches pulled taut.

"I'll-I'll manage..." Caspian lied, scarlet-cheeked as he scooped glass shards. "Stay abed, please."

Matthew sank back, equal parts amused and chastened. Silence pooled between them, thick with unspoken thoughts. Caspian's mind churned visions of crowded Guild halls, judging stares dissecting his alien eyes and snow-strange hair. Yet Matthew's stories whispered temptation, belonging.

Night draped the cottage when Caspian finally spoke. "The Guild... Do they accept anyone?"

"Through trials. Applications." Matthew studied him. "Why?"

"No reason." Caspian turned away, but not before Matthew glimpsed the longing in his eyes, the look of one who'd forgotten how to hope. The weight of his own exile. The Guild offered belonging, but at what cost?

Alone later, he gazed at the stars through his cottage window. Isolation had been his shield. Now, Matthew's stories whispered of a life beyond survival one he craved but feared to grasp. This forest refuge was no home, merely a hiding place. But courage, like healing, could not be rushed.

Caspian's mind churned for days. Matthew's offer lingered a lifeline to purpose, yet tangled in doubts. Anxiety coiled tighter each time he imagined failure.

'What if I fail?' His mind spiraled. 'What if my hands falter? My knowledge proves hollow? What if I freeze before a suffering patient... Useless, exposed?'

He was a stranger to crowds, to eyes that dissected his every flaw. Matthew noticed, of course. The man read his tremors like pages in a well-thumbed tome.

His nerves betrayed him again. A ceramic bowl slipped from his grasp, shattering like his fragile resolve.

"By the Constellations-!" Matthew jolted upright, combat instincts flaring. Crimson eyes scanned for threats before softening at the sight of Caspian crouched amidst shards. "You...alright?"

"I-I'm fine..." Caspian lied, avoiding his gaze. "I'm...sorry. Always...this..."

Matthew sighed. The boy's every emotion played across his face like an unfurled scroll. "Meira...she was like you once..." he began, voice low. Caspian stilled. "A quiet storm of doubts. Her brother tried to soothe her, but words alone couldn't calm the tempest.."

Caspian's fingers paused over broken pottery.

"So I listened..." Matthew continued. "Not to fix, but to hear. When she emptied her fears, I gave her this. 'A burden shared is a mountain halved'..."

Silence hung, fragile as the bowl's remnants.

"Talk, Caspian..." Matthew urged gently. "Even shadows fade beneath moonlight."

Matthew's smile gentled, crimson eyes softening like embers banked to a comforting glow. Caspian wavered under that gaze, steady, patient, safe. A brother's aura, unshakable as an ancient stone.

"I... I've been considering..."

Caspian's voice frayed at the edges, hands clasped tight to still their trembling. He met Matthew's eyes, resolve hardening. "Your offer. Does it... still stand?"

A heartbeat's pause.

"You're joining us?..." Matthew's composure cracked, excitement sparking beneath feigned calm. "That's what's haunted you these days?..."

Caspian nodded, gaze dropping. "But I'm...not worthy. If a life slipped through my hands... If my clumsiness..." His throat closed, the unspoken failure choking him.

Matthew leaned forward, voice a balm. "The Guild thrives on broken edges. Granny Jayr...She'll see your heart, not your stumbles. Under her wing, you'll flourish."

Caspian's mind conjured the woman from Matthew's tales. Wrinkles etched by decades of laughter, hands steady as bedrock. A healer who mended souls as deftly as flesh.

"Doubt is the first stitch in courage..." Matthew murmured. "And family? We carry each other's fears..."

"Caspian..."

The name fell like a hammer on anvil. Matthew's crimson gaze sharpened, not with anger, but the searing focus of a hawk sighting prey. Caspian froze, marrow chilled by that primal intensity.

Before fear could curdle into flight, Matthew reached for his cloak. Fingers delved into shadowed folds, withdrawing a fist-sized orb cradled in his palm.

The brooch.

Encased in wrought silver, the glass orb pulsed with captive fire, its molten core swirling in hues of sunset and blood. Caspian remembered it dimmed to ash-gray the night Matthew lay dying, its light guttering like a star in collapse. Now it pulsed, alive, a captured inferno.

Matthew's fingers traced the orb's surface, its imprisoned flames writhing like a caged star. "An Affinity Stone..." He intoned, voice stripped of its earlier warmth. A general addressing war's grim truth. "Every guild member bears one. It mirrors the soul's hue... and the nature of its power."

Caspian's throat tightened. "What does that...have to do with me?"

The older man's gaze pinned him, relentless. "It binds to our lifeforce. Fades only when we..."

His jaw flexed. "...fall. Mine dimmed to ash that night in the forest."

Golden eyes widened, understanding dawning like a struck match.

"You reignited this..." Matthew pressed, grip firm on Caspian's shoulder. "Your hands didn't just mend flesh, they defied fate's ledger."

His gaze softened, embers cooling to hearth-light. "Doubt your clumsiness, your nerves, even the stars themselves but never your worth. A healer's power lies not in perfection...but in the will to fight for a pulse..."

The orb's glow swelled, as if kindled by the words.

Matthew reclined against the bed's carved headrest, the Affinity Stone's glow painting amber shadows across his face. "Membership demands more than healing...." He said, tone edged with pragmatism. "Six months of martial tutelage, blades, evasion, survival. Even healers learn to wield steel here."

Caspian's fingers twitched at the thought. Combat training? The Guildmaster's foresight chilled him. A world where healers marched armed into chaos. Yet in that dread flickered promise, no helplessness, no dependence.

"Your Guildmaster...prepares for every storm..." Caspian murmured, admiration threading uneath the unease.

Matthew nodded. "To protect others, you must first stand unbroken."

Caspian closed his eyes. Saw his trembling hands steadying. Saw corridors thrumming with voices, eyes dissecting his snow-pale hair, his golden reptilian pupils. Then, Granny Jayr's rumored smile, warm as a hearth.

Silence pooled between them, thick with the weight of crossroads. Caspian closed his eyes, watching his old life dissolve. The isolated cottage, the herb-scented solitude. When he spoke, his voice trembled, yet carried embers of resolve.

"I... wish to join. The Healers' Division." Golden eyes met crimson, unyielding. "Payment means nothing. Only...Sanctuary. Let the Guild shield me, and I'll devote my hands to its cause."

Matthew's smile bloomed, fierce and proud. His hand closed over the Affinity Stone, its flames roaring sudden and bright. A vow etched in wildfire.

"Welcome home, little brother."

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All of them being men wearing a white uniform vest and white caps. Your half concious self immediately panicked, overthinking of multiple possibilities the moment your gaze saw that almost every single one of them were armed.

You were lying on a wooden floor, in your pajamas, having no clue of what was going on. The last thing, you remembered was cramming up for 2 days straight for your upcoming exams, before passing out, the moment you took a break.

And somehow...You sat there, having a mental breakdown with a group of unindentified individuals, thinking that you were somehow kidnapped.

"What's the hell is all commotions is about...?"

A burly old man who wore a white suit, an animal hat and a huge coat like cape came through the crowd. He look like he had just woken up from a nap with how annoyed he was.

"Huh...? Who is this little girl...?"

You blinked. You know this man, and somehow you couldn't help but raise a finger on where you have seen him before..

But you soon got your answer when two smaller figures pushed through the crowds.

'No way...'

Pink hair, that noticeable scar underneat a green floral bandana and dark purple glasses. A long haired blonde man besides him. The same pink haired man knelt infront of you with an concerned look on his face.

You would have commented that it was a good cosplay but there was no way they were not real.

"Are you okay, miss...?"

Those gentle tone of pure concern, no cosplay could never replicate one of the characters you personally know and love.

You were in One Piece.

More importantly infront of the eyes of the marines.

"...Huh...?!"

Even if the marines were literary the noble good guys/heroes in the eyes of the people, they were still one of the major antagonists of the whole franchise.

So you were honestly freaking out, that you couldn't help but become feral every time one of those marine npcs tried to approach you. You knew they meant well and was only trying to make you feel at ease around them, but you couldn't help it.

You were watching the series on the pirates' perspectives and that gave you a bad impression of them.

After the whole fiasco, seeing that they were more of the threat to you than you were to them, they began treating you as if you were a delicated flower. As you were terrified, confused and unarmed, the definition of a prey under the watchful gaze of predators.

And with how their sense of justice is, it almost seems unfair for you. In their eyes, you're mostly an innocent civilian. Suspicious but purely innocent in a way.

And for the most part, you somehow understood their behavior. You were in the world where men would literary fawn over any beautiful women that they would let her trample over them. You can't help but question once in a while, how ridiculous and stupid that logic is.

And you are a woman, you couldn't help but wonder how good looking you were in their eyes for even allowing you to do what you want in their ship.

"Which Island are you from?"

"Not here..."

"North, South, East, or West blue? Where from there?"

"No where..."

Garp was mostly laid-back around you. Although he asked a few questions regarding where you lived since he was hoping to drop you off at the nearest habitable Island they see.

But there was something that made him stop, so he decided to just let you be.

You were mostly honest with him, although you decide against on telling him that you were from another world where his was nothing but fictional.

Besides, he could always knock you out with a single punch if you turned out to be a threat.

And truth to be told, you have nowhere else to go. So he took pity on that.

Because you were a helpless woman who have no where else to go, his men literary went on strike when they heard that he was about to throw you off on an island, like how he did with his grandsons

What he didn't know was, as a student who has zero sleep and tends to over think over the most simplest things, you already thought ahead and made plans on what you have to do if you want to last long.

After reading a few isekai manga and transmigration korean manhwas in your little spare time, you decided to use the knowledge of the plot and wikipedia that you have already memorized by heart.

So far, the marines are the safest options to be with if you want to survive.

Even if they keep getting their ass kicked by the worst generations and pirates who has more than hundred million bounties.

But even so, they were still trained professionals, its either that or die trying to adapt.

And out of all the marines in Garp's ship, Koby was the safest option.

You followed him around like a lost child and he was happy to help you to adjust on the ship.

And since, Koby is a literal sweetheart, He doesn't mind you constantly being around him. Infact, he found it flattering how you trust him out of everyone on the ship.

And where Koby is, there is also Helmeppo. He was suspicious of you at first but gradually warmed up to you.

And now you have an older brother figure who is also your bodyguard, throwing glares at any unwanted attention thay his fellow marines constantly throw.

"It's gonna storm soon, better to be prepare..."

"Ah...Theres gonna be a pirate ship in that horizon...Shouldn't you go after them...?"

".....Someone will fall on that stairs soon...."

As days passed, somehow, you noticed how you were able to predict things before it could happen.

Was it a somehow gift from the god who sent you into this world? Anyways, you took that to your advantage and now you're pretty more useful than before.

And since then, almost every single soldier on board had been constantly asking you on predicting the weather or even their own luck.

Koby would fret on overworking yourself seeing how dark your eyebags had become.

"Are you getting enough sleep? Do you need to visit the infirmatory..?

"Koby, I'm fine. This is a normal thing I often do back home..."

"Not sleeping is normal?! You could kill yourself at this rate....!"

Eventually he put his foot down, scolding anyone who even tried to ask you to use your new ability...

Eventually words gotten really quick, or maybe the marines reported back to the headquarters since even Sengoku is made aware of your existence.

Your ability is quite useful, so he inlisted you as a cadet in the navy much to your distain.

But hey, you managed to convince Garp to go easy on you, since you would never even survive his training.

And you learned it the hard way. Your body is otherworldly, and is a bit different from the body of steel that these characters have. You would never survive being tossed to the mountains...

Because well....It's Garp.

Koby had taken over your training. Teaching you combat in the most gentle ways he could do. One in a while, Helmeppo would join you two and pointing out the wrongs, helping you out with correcting the techniques they use.

This brought the three of you closer than before. Now, everyone expects you to be either with one of them if they seek you out.

But most of the time, you were with Koby. And if he was busy, you would be with Helmeppo, either asking for pointers or even fooling around.

But if they weren't available......you were with Garp. He learned to tone down his training with you after he literary sent you to the infirmatory with a single punch.

And you didn't heal up completely until a month later. Putting your training on stand by.

Again, his men literary forgot that he's their vice admiral with how they literary ganged up on them for breaking your fragile bones like that.

Until Garp's ship sailed to Water 7, you immediately knew what was up...

Koby and Helmeppo were really confused. You were literally just dying from training a few minutes ago. But as soon as they mentioned going to Water 7, it was as if you came back from the dead.

"Is there something wrong, (Name)-san...?"

"You wouldn't understand, Koby..."

You fawned over Luffy and Zoro as soon as you saw them... They both look amazing in person...! Minus the fact that you could literally smell their body odors from miles away.

Sometimes, you wonder why the women of their crew managed to survive smelling their scents all the time.

At least Koby and Helmeppo bathes often. They knew how important personal hygiene is anyways.

Yet somehow, you can't help but feel that you betrayed both Koby and Helmeppo, given that the blonde was giving you a look of disbelief and betrayal, seeing how you literally cheered the pirates over them.

The betrayal...! You're not his little sibling anymore!

Although, Koby was happy that he was able to introduce you to his friend. He can't help but feel that you were much more of a fan than he ever was.

Especially Zoro. You just won't stop staring at him. Especially ok those hard muscles of his.

But at that moment, a thought came into his mind. At this point, you know a lot more about everyone than they know about you. It made him feel guilty that he barely knew anything about your likes or dislikes.

So he made more effort to get to know you better.

You have a vast knowledge of the sea, much to the marines' surprise. Koby couldn't help but smile, seeing the way your eyes sparkled as you rambled on about ocean life. The ecosystem of the water around them and the life in it.

Although you couldn't read the world's letters, he was happy enough to teach you read and write. Giving him an opportunity to get close to you more.

And once in a while, Koby found himself, having to spend his night shifts with you, reading you books of the Grand line's marine biology. Watching your every reaction.

The way you have a huge smile on your face and how you turn to him with an excited look, showing a page of something you liked and wanted to share with him.

And without having to reveal that much to him, you would talk about your old life back home before your sudden transmigration. How you were simply struggling to meet ends, studying hard for exams. Getting a degree, although you doubt that will happen now that you were here.

Koby understood now. Why do you look on the verge of passing out when you first came onboard the Vice Admiral's ship. How you were frantic about not being able to take the exams anymore and how he had to calm you down.

Compared to those days, you look more alive and vibrant as the months pass by. You were more closed off but now, you were willing to share this much about yourself.

"(Name)-san...Do you like spending time with us...?"

"Ofcourse...! You guys literally took me in when I needed it the most. I like being here with you..."

Your comment made his heart thump louder than usual. There was relief and joy when he heard your words and something he couldn't understand.

He shook his head, deciding to ignore the odd yet pleasant sensation in his stomach for now.

He really likes spending time with you, too. He likes how you really paid a lot of attention and never once tried to make him uncomfortable.

And you managed to worm yourself into Helmeppo's good side too. It was as if you knew what to say around them.

You can't tell them that you basically watched the whole series, read the manga and even binge read the entire one piece wikipedia though.

Until the report of the upcoming war came. Koby noticed how your demeanour suddenly changed.

You were more anxious than usual. You even lack sleep, as if you reverted back to the time, you first suddenly appeared on the ship.

You were muttering and mumbling more than usual, always lost in deep thoughts.

"...I'm....running out of time....."

".....I...should make a difference....but given how I still lack the skills...."

"Can I......save.....him....?"

You asked Garp himself to finally train you again, much to everyone's surprise. There was a look of determination on your face. You were on a personal mission anyways.

Garp thought that you were finally growing some backbone so he didn't think that much of it. You were now a marine. You can take on a little training.

Little means hell. But Garp is clearly slightly holding back due to your body not being used nor exposed to this kind of torture.

You know that you were literally speed running but you were running out of time.

It was about the time of his capture now. And soon enough, you'll be entering the war that will determine the next course of action of the entire world.

And during the evening, Koby would be the one mentoring you. He was more gentle and less brutal than Garp was, at the same time, he often pointed out the mistakes you did in the day.

"Stay close to us, (Name)-san! Helmeppo-san and I can't protect you if you're out of our sights..!"

"No wait...! I can take care of myself...!

"What are you talking about?! We're in a warzone...! We have to stay together...!"

The Summit war was far worse than it was in the anime. There was blood and debris everywhere. Everyone was dying from left and right.

Seeing the man that drove many fans to tears in the center platforms to be executed, surrounded by the top dogs of the Navy, gave you a reality check.

You can't change anything. You can't speed run through it all. It was an event that was truly unavoidable.

You were no main character like those isekai stories you were all so familiar about. You don't have any special skills to be anything special enough to bend the plot that Oda-sensei created.

Koby and Helmeppo were still far stronger than you, yet they were completely at the mercy of the war. All they could do was shield you from the overwhelming gales of power between the pirates and the Navy higher ups.

You couldn't do anything. You froze when a pirate came, raising their sword to end you. It was different experiencing it in real life.

Helmeppo saved you. Given that Koby was out of it, he was the one making sure that the two of you were still alive.

It was...really different...You finally had a taste of reality. Transmigration wasn't something to be treated with excitement of leaving the world you grew up with for a world you always dreamt of going. It wasn't all sunshine and rainbows than what most people would expect.

Gathering your wits, you decided to focus. Ace's death was inevitable. No matter how much you wanted to avoid it. This was reality.

"Koby...!"

Koby was experiencing his awakened observation Haki for the first time. And you knew how hard it is for him, hearing the dying thoughts of each marines and pirates alike in the war. The voices that overlap one after another before eventually fading.

You provided support for him at this time, attempting to silence his hearing by cradling his head as close to you as possible even though you knew it was useless. Atleast, all you can do now was provide comfort for him.

Tears threaten to fall from your eyes, this was your new reality. All you can do was watch from the sidelines how truly cruel it really was in the world you only saw in the anime and manga series.

You were not the main character, so you couldn't make any difference. You can only watch as the soon to be Fleet Admiral plunged his overwhelming devil fruit power to an unsuspecting Luffy before Ace took the heat.

You couldn't change anything at all. So what was the point of being here in the first place?

"....That's...what you been feeling all this time, (Name)-san..?"

You froze. Before glancing down to see Koby staring at you with tears streaming down from his eyes.

He read your thoughts accidentally. Using the Haki he recently just awakened.

A lone figure picked his way through the crystalline labyrinth of the forest, where trees glimmered like fractured amethyst under the argent moon. His hair, a cascade of wind-tousled white as snow, bore faint cerulean hues where moonlight kissed its strands. Tattered boots, caked in iridescent moss, sank into the damp earth, The hem of his ash-gray coat fluttered like a ghost's sigh as he pressed onward, golden eyes scanning the labyrinth of prismatic trunks.

'The Evernight Bloom… It must be near...'

Legend has spoken of a flower born of midnight's breath, a flower of myth that unfurled its four opalescent petals only beneath the dominion of midnight, Evernight Bloom. Tonight was the sole convergence of celestial phases required for the bloom's awakening, a truth etched into his bones after weeks of meticulous study.

The young man navigated treacherous slopes slick with dew, his balance faltering more than once. Yet he pressed onward, drawn by the determination of obtaining the knowledge and curiosity he seeks, until at last, he stumbled upon his quarry; a glade bathed in celestial radiance, where countless blooms swayed like a constellation fallen on land.

He steadied himself against a quartz-veined boulder, fingertips grazing its frost-cold surface. However, a gasp tore from his lips as his boot slid treacherously. He landed hard on his knees, palm smearing crimson across a cluster of starlit petals.

"What in the…?"

He winced, palm pressing against cold mud, until his fingers recoiled, palm smeared with gore.

Blood...

'Fresh. But whose…?'

His pulse quickened. The forest's silence now felt predatory, the air thick with iron and rot. Instincts flared, eyes darting through the jewel-toned shadows. Only the forest's hushed symphony answered the rustle of leaves, the distant trill of unseen creatures.

Yet the crimson trail betrayed truth.

Rising slowly, he traced the smeared trail: droplets jeweled the roots, scarlet defiance against the moon-washed flora. Farther ahead, the undergrowth lay ravaged claw marks gouged into the gemstone bark, soil churned as though by some titanic struggle.

Follow...

'Injured. Dying. Close...'

Reason whispered of predators and prey, but his healer's soul dismissed it. A life teetered on oblivion’s edge. Therefore he rose, resolve hardening like tempered steel. The Evernight Blooms would wait. 

Caspian sprinted, branches lashing his cheeks. The scent of death loomed close led him first to a corpse a lycanthrope-like beast, its torso cleaved open from gullet to jaw. One limb severed, ichor still pooling beneath its bulk. Death's grip was recent; the killer could not be far. 

A second trail, fainter, guided him yards onward to a figure slumped against a quartz-laden trunk. A stranger, A young man, perhaps a few winters older, with chestnut hair matted with blood, a cloak shredded by claws, wounds weeping crimson. Alive, but barely.

"Dear heavens…" The white-haired youth breathed. He quickly shrugged off his cloak,  revealing a navy vest over a linen shirt, and bundling it beneath the stranger's head, and pressed trembling hands to the worst of the wounds. The man stirred faintly, a pained groan escaping cracked lips.

"Stay with me..." He whispered, though the stranger’s crimson eyes had already dimmed.

Resolve hardened in his throat. Ignoring the old scar's phantom ache along his wrists, he channeled the forbidden energy, a teal shimmer blossomed beneath his palms, knitting flesh like threads of liquid starlight. The stranger's breath eased, but the healing left his own limbs leaden, memories clawing at the edges of his mind.

Focus...

Without hesitation, He hauled the man upright, staggering under his weight, ignoring his own trembling limbs, Somewhere beyond the gemstone pines, a cottage awaited. Its shelves lined with dried herbs, its mortar stained by countless elixirs. His sanctuary but also his prison.

But tonight, it would be a refuge. For he was, above all else, a healer.

Consciousness returned in fractured hues. 

Crimson eyes flickered open, sharpening on an unfamiliar ceiling. A spartan room, herbs drying in bundles, tinctures in blown-glass vials, an open tome detailing the Evernight Bloom's alchemical uses. 

The stranger tensed. Bandages bound his torso; his garments, bloodstained and folded, lay nearby. Memories resurged the beast, the fight, the collapse. 

Who…?

He tensed, fingers flexing for absent steel. His wounds had been sutured with meticulous care too meticulous for a mere hermit. Ears twitched at approaching footsteps echoed beyond the door. He feigned stillness, muscles coiled.

A figure entered. Pale, hair like winter's first frost and eyes that glowed faintly, like molten suns bisected by serpentine slits. Unnatural.

"You're awake..." The boy breathed, clutching a tray of vials. His voice wavered, a doe sensing a wolf. "Your injuries, please do not strain yourself-"

"Who are you?..." The words came sharper than intended, honed by years of survival.

"My name is...Caspian." The name spilled like a plea. "I...I found you in the forest. The lycanthrope…"

The beast. The ambush. The mission. 

Memories crystallized. The stranger eased back, assessing. Caspian’s gaze held no guile, only the brittle fragility of one accustomed to flinching, one accustomed to being hunted. A hybrid, perhaps? Those serpentine pupils betrayed unnatural heritage.

Dangerous, his instinct whispered yet the boy’s aura radiated no malice, only the tremulous warmth of one who mends rather than breaks. Those hands had drawn him back from death’s precipice. 

"Why?.. " The older male rasped. "Why save me?"

Caspian's throat bobbed. "I...cannot ignore suffering. Even if it costs me." 

A silence, heavy as a tombstone. But then...

"Matthew. My name."

Relief softened Caspian's features. "Rest, Matthew. Please. Your wounds… They're severe. You must rest-"

"No." Matthew shoved upright, vision swimming. Duty howled in through his veins. "I cannot linger. There are… matters I must finish."

A hand pressed his shoulder lighter than a moth's wing, yet firm. . "Your wounds are dire…they require rest. A month, at least."

"Impossible..." Matthew countered, struggling upright. "My duty must-"

A gasp. A spellwoven hand pressed to his brow. Darkness swallowed him once more. 

A touch. A pulse of light.

Caspian’s palm glowed faintly, threads of cerulean weaving into Matthew’s skin. The world frayed at the edges. 

"Forgive me..." Caspian whispered, watching the teal glow fade from his palms.

Alone, Caspian stared at his trembling hands. The magic lingered is a curse dressed as a gift. A gift he loathed to wield, tainted, his kin had called it. Yet for this stranger, he'd risk its touch. 

He glanced at his journal, its pages brimming with botanical sketches. The Blooms could wait. 

'Soon.' He thought. 'Soon, I’ll mend what I’ve broken.'

For now, a mystery named Matthew demanded his care and perhaps, in time, his trust.

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"Please! Atleast tell me, Is Marguerite alright...? What about the other two? Sweet Pea and Aphelandra..? Are they alright.?"

"I'm sorry, (Name). But we can't disclose anything to you. All we can say is that the Gorgon sisters are battling that strange man as we speak..."

You sat there in the cell for what it felt like hours. You didn't know what had happened until you were finally allowed to be freed.

However, as soon as you left your cell, you found yourself face to face with one of the Gorgon sister, Boa Sandersonia towered over your form as she gestured you to follow her.

"(Name), Our older sister ordered for you to appear before her."

"May I ask the reason why?"

"You'll see when you get there."

You can see how hesistant her tone was as she refused to look at you in the eye. By her body language alone, you can tell how uneasy and nervous she was being. So to avoid making her uncomfortable, you decided to refrain from talking until you reached the snake princess' bed chambers.

"Oh! It's you!"

Luffy pointed his finger towards you as soon as you entered. His shock expression soon changed to excitement and relief, a grin appearing on his face.

"You're okay! I got worried when they took you away, glad to see that you're not hurt."

You gave him a gentle smile of acknowledgement before focusing your attention towards your empress who sat on her snake, Salome. She was staring directly at you, observing your interaction with the only man in the room.

"Come closer, the two of you..."

She commanded. Unlike Luffy, who approached her without any care, you cautiously took a step forward, expecting for a scolding, a punishment even.

Only for your eyes to widen in shock as she revealed her bare back on to the two of you.

"Snake Princess, but that's-! What about the curse..?!"

You immediately shielded your eyes. Hers and her sisters' backs are a sensitive subject that the whole island knew about. And here she was revealing it for you to see, was this your punishment? For you to turn to stone for disobeying her orders and allowing Luffy to live? Even going far to defending him back at the arena.

"I trust you, (Name). And it is about time you know the truth..."

There on her back, was a symbol dyed in red, circular center with four triangles resembling a claw. At that moment, you see how her shoulders trembled as you observe her mark.

"Is...is it alright for you to show it to us...? my empress, it is something you forbit anyone from discovering..."

You can see how it pained not only her but also Marigold and Sandersonia. Grandma Nyon encouraged to reveal the story, and after a few moments, you finally understood everything.

It was the mark of authority far more superior than of the Pirate Empress. The Celestial Dragon's mark, specifically the mark of slaves that belongs. Everything she experienced and the sufferings she has to endure with her sisters, she revealed it all to you and Luffy.

You stayed silent as Luffy was escorted out, him being invited to the banquet that was host whenever the Kuja Pirates return to the Island with a huge haul. You stayed behind as you felt like you shouldn't leave Hancock alone after everything that had been revealed.

"Has your view of me changer after finding out that I was a former slave...?"

"Can I really speak out my thoughts, Snake Princess? My most honest thoughts?"

You asked, revealing her secret doesn't mean that you should carelessly speak up. Boa Hancock is still the Empress of Amazon Lily, the ruler of the land you were born in.

"I will allow it."

"Then, I will reply with a No....No, I don't think any lesser of you, my empress. In fact, I think....that for to you endure such torment and rise above it is truly admirable. My respect for you just got deepened."

You spoke with true genuine in your tone. Yes, you were anguished with what you just heard. The sufferings of the people who look up upon brought pain in your heart.

"I think that...your past doesn't defy who you are. It just shows how truly strong you are."

For the first time in your life, in years of serving the Pirate Empress. This was the first time you ever saw her smile with tears in her eyes.

It was then night time when Hancock dismissed you from your duties, having kept you around for a longer conversation. You found out the truth about your mother, yet you only found yourself slightly upset. You don't really remember what she look like nor what her personality were when she was alive, however, you could still remember the warmth she emitted whenever both of you share a tender embrace as she on board the empress' ship.

Hancock's attitude around you seems to have slightly changed now. She was more vocal of what she feels and treats you better than she did before, asking for your opinions and outlook of the village. The conversation began changing to how managing the island whenever she was out.

"As you now know, my presence here is somehow a threat. I'm a pirate with a bounty so great, continue doing your duties as usual."

She was more comfortable with you now. Just by thinking about it, made you smile as you nodded at her orders. Eager to aid her with everything.

"Yes, my empress... You can always rely on me."

you immediately went back to the village where the banquet is being held. Now in a more casual clothing, you entered the room and immediately sense the tense atmosphere among the women present there.

The center of their attention was Luffy who was sitting, eating his heart out as dishes were served on his table.

"What's going on?"

"(Name) is it really okay for a man to be present on the homecoming banquet.?"

One of the warriors asked, a look of concern is visible on her face, glancing at Luffy with skeptism.

"The Snake Princess already favors him, therefore we will treat Luffy with hospitality."

Just as you said that, Luffy stood up on the table with a ladle and wok pan, demanding that the women should sing and dance since it is a banquet.

A small smile made way on to your lips, covering them as you let a small giggle of amusement.

In that instant, the atmosphere changed into a lively one with the women eventually joining in, copying Luffy as he danced and pranced around.

Lively to the point, they all got comfortable around him.

"Hey now. Everyone, that's enough."

You scolded, seeing how they all gotten too comfortable around him to the point they all have been reaching towards his rubbery skin.

"Hey!"

Soon you found yourself looking for Luffy as the women all went after him in hopes of touching his skin.

"There you are, Luffy..."

You found him crouching on a building roof. As soon as you said that, his long rubbery arms stretched and grabbed you by your waist towards him.

"Geez...What's the matter with you guys?!"

"I apologize on their behalf. It's just... we barely seen a man this close before..."

You gave him an apologetic smile. Seeing that, he soon let out a laugh as he told you that it was fine.

"I never really got to thank you for defending me in that arena earlier."

"I...just did what I thought was right...."

You told him, slightly ashamed on your actions yet you never regretted it. Yes, you felt guilty for disobeying the Snake Princess, but you couldn't find it in yourself to just allow them to kill Luffy when it wasn't his fault that he ended up stranded on your Island.

"Say Luffy...What does the outside world looks like...?"

You asked. Your curiosity resurfaced after many years of trying to supress it, was it because of Luffy being here? But after becoming Boa Hancock's closest aid, you devoted yourself to follow every command without questions. Your loyalty overcame the curiosity about the world outside of Amazon Lily.

"Are....the seas really that vast? Are there really more islands out there?"

Back then, Hancock barely spoke to you and you could only rely on either Sandersonia or Marigold to tell you all about what they had seen while traveling through the seas. Brief conversations that could never satisfy you. It was thirst of wanting something that you know you will never have.

After all you have a duty to serve and protect Amazon Lily as it's devoted warrior.

"I dunno. Our adventures are always been exciting that I never really cared how big the sea is. But I do know that the Grandline is huge! I can't wait to sail and see everything with my crew!"

Luffy told you about his recent adventures. From his entry to the grandline, meeting Laboon the huge whale, up to his battles on Thriller Bark.

"There are Islands in the sky?!"

"Yeah! I even beated up this guy with long earlobes!"

"Woah..!"

Luffy grinned as he stared at your sparkling eyes that was looking back at him with wonder and admiration. He was reminded of Chopper just by staring at you. He wanted to see his crew badly now.

"I'll sail through these seas and become the King of Pirates!"

"I'm sure that you'll be able to do it!"

You encouraged, getting all hyped up from just his words alone. Luffy's aura reminded you of the sun and its brightness. That's how you felt just being near him.

Warmth.

"You know, you could just get on board that pirate ship your Empress have. You'll see how big the grandline is, with your own eyes."

You faltered at his words, he seem to have noticed and started to frown.

"What's wrong?"

"I just....feel like I have a sense of duty to stay here. And the snake princess said it herself. I'm not ready to leave the Island just yet."

"Why? You're already strong..."

"I can't disobey the Snake Princess, Luffy..."

Why can't you disobey? Was it because obeying her was something that you already drilled into your mind at a young age...? Or is it because you can't make decisions for yourself without having someone tell you what to do.

You grew up never knew how to say 'No'. It was always you doing what you have been told without ever complaining whether the task is easy or difficult. Because you hated to disappoint not only your Empress but also your fellow warriors.

"I see..."

Luffy just looked at you as if he already knows what was going on, yet he didn't say anything. His eyes stared at your tense and slightly trembling form. He then went through his pockets and pulled out a chunk of meat that he managed to save right before he was chased after by the Kujas.

"I do what I wanna do, I'm captain of my ship. Not even my crew can stop me!....Well maybe Nami. She's scary like a demon."

He took a huge bite before looking back at you with a grin. Seeing bits of meat stuck on his teeth made you laugh slightly. Luffy is really is a silly man.

"It doesn't hurt not to listen all the time. You went to defend me even when you know that you'll be in trouble. You do what you think is right!"

Your words from earlier came back towards you. You couldn't help but grew fond of him, hearing his somehow meaningful words as he feasted on the meat was holding without a care in the world.

He doesn't even seems to realize the effect his words he had on you.

"Thank you, Luffy...."

You stood up from your place and immediately waved discreetedly towards Marguerite who spotted you right away.

"Hey...! What are you doing?!.... They might see me and chase me again...!"

"You need a place to hide, right? Don't worry, Marguerite knows what to do. She'll take you there."

When Luffy came back from Marineford, he was gravely injured. You could only watch from the distance as the men wearing white boiler suits docked at the far side of the Island.

The last time you saw him was when he left in a hurry to save his brother Ace from execution. Your Empress gave you a brief summary of what had happened and gave you temporary management of the warriors while her and her sisters sailed off.

"(Name)...Keep watch over those men on the far side of the Island. Report back once Luffy regain conciousness...please..."

The Snake Princess looks very distraught, so you immediately agreed upon hearing her request. Not a command, but a request. You could never deny a request.

Two weeks. That was how long you kept watch. The warriors back at the village would often bring you meals. By following the rules with the exception of Luffy, you kept your distance from the men and hid on top of trees.

Eventually, Luffy woke up. You were happy and was about to report until you noticed something odd.

Luffy went on a rampage.

"Hey...Can you report this to the Snake Princess in my stead? Tell her that Luffy regained conciousness..."

You asked a fellow Kuja who happens to be nearby. From the distance you could hear distant shouting of intense agony and destruction.

"Luffy!"

You stood on top of a tree branch, watching in absolute shock, as Luffy destroys everything around him. Trees and boulders. Nothing was left untouched. You began to worry that he might reopen his wounds.

Fortunately, the blue fish-man managed to calm him down. But the sight of Luffy crying made you feel a sudden ache from within too. As if you could feel his pain. Luffy lost his brother, and it somehow hurt you too.

"It must have hurt so much....doesn't it...Luffy?"

You were hurting for him. You want him to show his usual sunshine smile like he always have. Crying is not something you want to see Luffy do yet you don't even know how to comfort him.

"I want to approach and say something but..."

You weren't naive. You know of the snake princess' illness and how much she needs Luffy if she wants to live long. So to spare your own feelings you decided at that moment, to stay away from him even after growing so fond of him. How much you wanted to be there for him now that he needed someone to lean on as he suffers.

"The....empress' happiness comes first..."

So now, you could only watch on a distance as your heart breaks from hearing his cries.

But how did it comes to this?

"Oi...Are you dead?"

A pair of curious eyes poked your form the moment you started to wake up. A somehow familiar face greets you. Tan skin with a noticable scar on the lower left side of his eye and a straw hat. Unlike him, His crew had a look of suspicion as they surround the two of you.

'No way....'

How come you found yourself staring face to face with the Strawhat pirates?!

"What...?"

You can only gawked in shock. There in flesh were Luffy, Sanji, Nami, Zoro, Usopp, Vivi and Chopper. All staring back at you with a mixed of bewilderment and cautiousness.

"Where....Am I...?"

"Hey....Are you okay?! Stop that! Your hurting yourself!"

You questioned yourself, slightly distraughted.

Sweet Chopper got worried seeing how tightly you started gripping your hair with both of your hands. Because of his natural caring nature as a doctor, he immediately approached and grab your hands to stop you from hurting yourself further.

"Nooo! I can't take my exams now!"

Seeing that Vivi and Karoo are with the crew, you concluded that you were transported during the Alabasta arc. With Chopper already being there, that means that they had already been to Drum Island and are now on their way to stop the war brewing in the sand nation.

The Strawhats were somehow nice enough to let you stay with them for a while, although deep down, you knew it was because of seeing you in your most pathetic state.

Well most likely since you're a woman and Sanji is the type of man that will never deny a damsel in distress.

But ofcourse, you didn't want to end up on any of their bad side, and since they allowed you to stay with them, you decided to atleast try to be useful to help around the ship.

Only to find out that you have zero experience in managing a ship. You can't tie knots nor lift heavy equipments, Chopper had to help you out when the Going Merry's cannon accidentally fell on you.

All you could do was learn by observing others do their tasks, respectively.

Zoro was far more suspicious along with Usopp who was wary of you, so you couldn't ask any of them for any pointers. Nami, tried to teach you how to stir the ship but you somehow managed to get off course, so she had to step in, not after yelling at you ofcourse.

As much as Chopper helped you out whenever you were struggling, he was a bit too afraid to actually talk to you. And you like Sanji, but you hate how he treats you like a delicate and fragile glass to the point that he never let you help out whenever he's nearby.

Luffy and Vivi were the only ones who are normal around you. Luffy being somehow curious with your mannerism and weird habits. You were slightly glad that he was still the Luffy you knew in the show.

"Where did you came from, (Name)?"

He would often ask the most random questions about you. And whenever you answer, you could feel the eyes of the crew lingers your form.

"Some where really far away..."

"But I doubt that I can return back..."

You answered honestly. It had been a few days since you got sent into this world and you still don't understand how you managed to get here. You knew that you don't belong here, and without the Strawhats, you would probably be dead by now.

The Grandline is indeed a terrifying place, so you have to do what you must if you want to survive in this world.

Luckily for you, you read a few isekai mangas along with those popular korean manhwas back in your world. So with your One Piece knowledge, you have a slightly advantage of knowing what will happen next. However, you kept silent of that, as you were still trying to figure out what you were suppose to do.

In the world of pirates, a sane person would ask the crew to drop them off to a nearby island, however you were far from sane.

You are in the One Piece universe, how can you miss all those major event, nor miss the opportunity to meet some of your favorite characters.

There were two options for you, To become a pirate or marine. You did considered trying to join the revolutionary army, but you didn't like people bossing you around as you go on missions.

As much as you want to see the adorable Captain Koby as a marine, you weren't that keen to get beatened up by pirates. What if you meet those famous characters of the series, you'll definitely die.

So your only option is to become a pirate, being already on board the Going Merry. Besides, you doubt Luffy will let you go now that he has taken an interest on you, not that you know what he saw on you anyways.

You stayed up a few nights, trying to recall the future events that might happen soon. You wrote them down on a notebook that Nami gave you, not before giving you an interest of paying her back. She was slightly suprised on how you just smiled and told her that you'll somehow find the berries for it.

And now, your habit of not sleeping came back. It's like your studying your notes for an upcoming quiz again. You wrote down everything you remembered regarding the current arc you were in right now.

But first, you have to earn the crew's trusts. So you made a lot of effort to get to know them.

Their personalities were still the same like how it is on the series. There was also somethings that weren't mentioned yet you were able to notice small details while being around them.

Whenever Luffy goes feral at the sight of meat, he would let out small growls when someone approached him. It became noticeable whenever he's really hungry.

You were never a threat, Zoro saw that. You were just a weird helpless woman who somehow just ended up in their ship. Surely he was cautious around you, but seeing how you trip on your own two feet made him rethink of his assumptions that you were a spy sent by baroque works.

"Please...! Teach me how to fight...!"

At your most desperate tone, you plead Zoro to train you. If you have to survive, then you need to learn how to fight.

"Worry not, Mademoiselle! For I shall be there to protect you from those filthy trolls that dares to lay a even a finger on your delicated skin...!"

Sanji straight up told you with hearts on his eyes as he fawn over you having him as your Prince charming on a white horse. You won't learn anything from him.

"Sorry, (Name). I'm not exactly an adept brawler like Sanji, Luffy or Zoro."

"Fighting is not really my expertise. Just ask the guys about it."

Nami and Usopp aren't really much of a fighter, so they wouldn't be able to help that much. And Luffy is out of the question.

"Fighting? Just throw hard punches like this! Oh wait, you can't stretch..."

As much as you like Luffy, his fighting style is a bit too reckless for your liking and you doubt that he can teach you without getting side tracked.

And you can't just ask Vivi, like Nami, she's more of a dictator rather than a fighter. Surely she can fight, but you doubt using whip like weapons is fit for you.

So Zoro was your last hope. Watching anime for as long as you can remember, swords is something you were familiar of and You always wanted to learn how to use a sword, and Zoro being a skilled swordsman could maybe teach you a thing or two to atleast defend yourself.

"If you're asking for my help, you must have a good reason. But why should I help you..?"

Zoro was still wary of you, yet you can see that he was less hostile than he was when you first ended up at Going Merry's deck.

"Unlike any of you guys here, I'm the most vulnerable...! I'll die the moment the Navy or another pirate ship appears!"

Okay, you could have sworn that you sounded and look like another Usopp in his eyes.

"If you're serious about learning to fight, you'll have to prove your dedication. Show me you're worth the effort, and maybe, just maybe, I'll consider teaching you a thing or two."

Zoro was dead serious. But it also look like he's willing to teach you how to weild a sword if your resolve was strong enough.

"I'll do it! I want to learn how to defend myself. I can't rely on you guys all the time."

Seeing him suddenly grin, you knew you were about to experience hell.

Growing up, all you ever did was listen and obey those who ranks stronger than you. And that person was no other than Boa Hancock, the Empress of your island.

When your mother died unexpectedly, she took you under her watchful eyes. Being only a child at the time, you were unaware of how dangerous your surroundings were. Surrounded by the jungle and waters filled with sea kings, you will never survive.

The women were all like walking on eggshells around you. Your mother was a fearsome warrior that boarded the Kuja Pirates' ship. She was well respected by her peers and because of that, the rest treated you like a delicated flower that deserved to be sheltered.

You were a child without a maternal protection and guidance.

But after being graced by her benelovence, you grew to adore the snake princess and bow to serve her with everything you have. Hancock treated you like how she would treat anyone below her, yet in your child like mind, she was the only one who didn't see you as fragile as glass.

And to repay that, you went and learned the ways of the women in the island.

"Snake Princess, please allow me to serve your every needs! I won't hesistate to do all of them!"

"Snake Princess, I brought you your tea. Just like how you like it..."

"Please leave quietly. The Snake Princess is currently occupied and cannot see an audience."

"My empress, you seems to be slightly fatigued, should I draw a herb bath to soothe your mind and cleanse your body?"

"I'll be on guard by the door if you ever request anything, Snake Princess. I'll be happy to aid you with all of my capabilities...."

You learned and mastered observation haki at a young age as you often went and learned everything that should and shouldn't do around the Pirate Empress. After all, you felt like you owe your life to her.

But that's also when you finally saw through the mask she often wore. She has a deep fear somewhere in her heart that she tried so hard to hide, the same fear that her sisters share with her.

You kept silent about it as you thought it wasn't your place to ask. But after that, you began to see her in a different light.

Boa Hancock is much more valiantly elegant than what you previously thought. And you admire her strong demeanor in hopes that one day, you'll be like her too..

As a Kuja warrior, you strived and hone your skills in hopes of pleasing your Empress even more. You worked harder to be a better version of yourself. You became the best hunter of your tribe while fully adapting to your own snake weapon.

Hancock rarely talk to you, however, she kept you often at her side, doing her bidding.

"What is with that smile on your face?"

"I'm happy, Snake Princess. To be able to prove my worth by serving you, it's the greatest honor..."

Most women would cower under her cold gaze, but you on the other hand, was brave enough to stare back with much admiration, carrying and obeying with a gentle smile on your face. Pure genuine, you didn't fawn over her like how the rest did, nor threw yourself under her feet as she walk pass by.

Everything you do was all voluntary that she didn't even have to use her charms to force you to obey.

Eventually, your obedience lead to Hancock trusting you completely. Becoming her right hand woman, whom she could trust Amazon Lily with. She know that you will never betray her with how much dedicated you are on serving her.

You were too kind. Whenever she looks out on the window of the castle, she would often see you helping out your fellow women with a huge smile on your face. Every requests thrown at your direction, you immediately agreed on, as if rejection is not on your vocabulary.

She knew by then, that she chosen the right person to trust on.

The first time you actually met a man, was when Hancock commanded you to stay back on the island as she sails away with her sisters and the elite warriors of the tribe.

"Snake Princess, why do I have stay here? I am confident in my abilities that I won't be considered as a hinder.."

You pleaded, carefully observing her reactions if ever you annoyed her with your words. To be near Hancock, means that you have to be careful not to anger her to avoid loosing her favor on you.

"You are not ready to sail on the Perfume Yuda yet. So use that strength on keeping this island safe until I return..."

Being often near the snake princess, gave you privilage to lead your fellow warriors whenever she and her sisters are not around. They listen to your instructions carefully and proceed to do their respective chores dedicatedly.

As you were given the task of protecting the island by Hancock herself, you took the initiative of scouting the jungle along side three other woman named Marguerite, Sweet Pea and Aphelandra.

"While we're here, should we perhaps hunt a beast for today's lunch?"

You asked the trio, hoping to bring a good feast for the warriors who scouted the other areas of the island, but before anyone could respond, you all notice smoke coming from the far side of the jungle. Wordlessly, you gave the women a commanding look before running off to the source with them following behind.

And that's how you met the strange man now called Luffy.

You found him beatened and unconcious with mushroom growing on his body. Not knowing his identity before hand, your pity for the injured had allowed him to enter the village.

Allowing Belladona and the rest of the women to tend his wounds, you and Marguerite provided on sewing new clothes identical to his previous tattered ones.

Marguerite embroidered floral patterns on the vest and you sewed a new pair of clean shorts.

Until the elder, Nyon revealed his identity of being a man.

"So this is what a man look like....?"

Unlike the rest of the women who all got defensive on his sudden outburst, you on the other hand could only continue to stare with curiosity.

Because you could clearly see his intentions. He was annoyed with how the rest wanted to pull his balls of gold, how feminine his clothes were and how tense he was when weapons pointed at his direction.

Yet you can see the desperation on his eyes. His desperation to leave the island, and return to his friends, atleast from what you heard him shout.

"Wait, stop...!"

You told the women to cease all actions but it was then, their arrows rained towards his cell, forcing himself to break out.

"He is not a threat!"

"(Name) all men who enters this island must be eliminated. That is the rules given by our ancestors that is upholded for centuries!"

Kikyo scolded you. Reminding you of where your loyalty lies. If your Empress ever finds out that a man entered the island under your supervision, you knew that you'll be the one paying for the consequences.

You feared to see the disappointment, Hancock would send you once she finds out. Hate to have suddenly betrayed her trust of getting fooled by a man whom you allowed to enter in the island. And you hate to disappoint her.

But the women are willing to help you out by pretending that this had never happened. Once you capture the man and kill him, this will all be a forgotten event. Boa Hancock will never know that a man soiled her land with his filt....right?

So with a conflicted thought, you went with the rest to pursue the strawhat wearing man.

Somehow, you found yourself being held hostaged by the same man. At first, you and the other Kuja warriors were all chasing after him through out the village, when all of sudden, he turned around to face you.

Looking through the crowd of women, his eyes landed on to your guarded ones, stretching his arm, he immediately wrapped them around you before running off.

He kidnapped you, atleast that what you thought as he made his way out to the village with you in his arms.

"I need that paper back..."

He was after the paper you found on his tattered clothes. You stared at him warily as your snake slithered from your shoulders to your arm, forming into your weapon. You hoped that you wouldn't be using it against him but you can't avoid taking that risk.

You stared at his impatient form, silently observing his every move. You can tell that he has no intentions of fighting you either.

"You mean this....? What does it do...?"

Curiosity over took your judgement as you pulled out the paper to his field of vision. Seeing the absolute relief on his face made you lower your guard a little. What was the importance of a small piece of paper with a name written on it?

"My friends and I got separated, I need this paper to see them again."

"Who...are you anyways...?"

"I'm Monkey D. Luffy. I'm a pirate..!"

He spoke with a boyish grin on his face that you couldn't help but reprocate. He kept his distance seeing how you weren't comfortable being near a man....yet. He spoke fondly of his crew.

Like how you often spoke about the Snake Princess.

"The Snake Princess rules this island, she's wary of outsiders like you, but once you see through the mask she often wore, you can see how caring she's really is...!"

"I see! You really like the boss of this place, huh..? She must be really nice then."

You didn't realized that you were talking rather eagerly like you knew him for years already until you hear his laughter. Feeling slightly embarrased that you lost your composure, you immediately went to defend yourself.

"D-don't get ahead of yourself, man! Just because I'm talking to you, doesn't mean I'll let you do what you want here... No men are allowed on this island!"

You were already getting attached to him, he doesn't seem to be a threat at all. You thought as you saved him from drowning after his attempt to make a raft.

And before you could even think about helping him escape, the defense warrior group finally found the two of you in which he decided to flee.

By the time, you caught up to him, you knew it was already too late. Hancock was already aware of his presence and had ordered for his capture after he crashed on her chambers when she was bathing.

"Where were you, (Name)?"

You couldn't face her, you could only stand behind her with her sister Marigold on your front.

"Forgive me, Snake Princess... I was out there trying to capture that man..."

Boa Hancock is a rather observative woman. She observes people who falls under her rules. She knows her worth and what she is capable of and use it for her advantage.

Imagine to her slight surprise, you weren't there to greet her return at the end of the red carpet. That was her first suspicion, you never failed to show up first whenever she returns to the Island after weeks on sea.

She got even more suspicious when every woman she came across to lied when she asked of your wherebouts. Their only replied was, you had to hunt down a troublesome monkey that involves the rest of the island's defense troupe.

So when this man appeared, she knew she has to demonstrate a taste of her power to all of the women on the island. You included. She is the Empress, and it is her duty to protect the women under her care. She ought to show an example of how truly vile men are.

You who were oblivious of how truly cruel the world is. Too kind and obedient for her liking yet she couldn't find the heart to tell you off. She wasn't blind to see the adoration on your face whenever she is nearby. Nor she was oblivious to how genuine your actions were. She can see the unwavering loyalty you shown for her.

However she wasn't expecting you to grow attached to Luffy.

She noticed how your behavior shifted to tense and discomfort seeing him fight in that arena.

"What is it, (Name)?"

"Nothing, my empress..."

She could applaud you keeping your emotions in check. However, she found herself staring at you in disbelief when your cool finally broke when Marguerite, Sweet Pea and Aphelandra step in, attempt to save Luffy.

"My apologies, but I was the one who brought him to the village. If anyone deserves to be punished, it should be me. Those three merely followed my orders."

"You know what happens to those who defy me, (Name). Why are you defending the guilty?"

Taking up the courage, you managed to look her directly in the eyes. Those cold and dull hues that holds deeper emotions within. With a deep breath, you gave her your usual smiles.

Your compassionate smile of purity.

"I was the one who allowed permission for him to enter the village, my empress. So I should be the one held accountable. Marguerite, Sweet Pea and Aphelandra did nothing wrong, so please allow me to take their punishment alone.

You pleaded them to be spared. Seeing how you are willing to take the risks of saving the girls including Luffy slightly wavered her resolved.

"....You disappointed me, (Name).."

But she is still the Empress, and she has to show her authority over the island. Knowing full well that her powers could not affect you in any way, she asked a few warriors to take you away. You who looked back at her with a dejected face.

The man wearing a strawhat look angry on your behalf. He fought bravely against her sisters, demanding to set you free as you were innocent from all of this.

"She did nothing wrong! She was only trying to save me!"

Hancock kept her composure as she watched the battle raged on. What was so special about this man that you were willingly to defend him.

You were just too kind that it slightly annoyed her. You should only reserve it to her and her people alone. Your kindness shouldn't be shown to filthy men who will only take advantage of you.

This was the first defiance you've ever done. Hancock gritted her teeth as memories flashed between her eyes, ransacking every single one, yet she didn't remember you showing any disobedience like this before.

Just when she was starting to treasure you.

Only when the battle was over, she finally understood. Luffy was kind in his own way. Is that why you defended him? Because you were aware that he was not like those men who once trespassed the island?

Luffy seems to know the secret she was so desperate of hiding, so does that means that you already know? What do you see in her now?

Only when she was finally alone in her room, was she began breaking down, silent tears fell down as she didn't want her sisters to hear. Having you by her side for years as her closest aide made her conflicted. She only kept you nearby was because of pity.

You losing your mother at such a young age. Your mother who was apart of her crew, died at sea because of her warrior pride to protect the rest. It was by guilt, your mother's death at her ship is what made her take you under her wing.

She watched you grow up into a formidable warrior serving her with nothing but pure genuine adoration. It was nothing like the lust thrown to her way by both genders whenever she was present.

It was a gaze of a child with innocent admiration. You look up to her as a person and not just someone with otherworldy beauty.

Which is why she didn't let you join her crew. Giving excuses that you weren't strong enough to travel the seas on her ship. She didn't want you to see how vicious and filthy this world truly is. Nor for people to take advantage of your kindness.

What will happen if you knew the truth? It was her selfishness that killed your mother. Her selfish orders is what caused your mother to loose her life. Will you still have the same look on your face if you ever find out her slave mark? Or are you already aware of it?

Knowing you for years, no. You would never look at her differently even after she told you her secret. But the truth? It was because of her that you grew up without your mother's tender love and care.

But even so, she gave in with her fears. Through out the years, even she tried hard to push you away with her cold atittude, you still managed to find a place in her heart.

You were patient with her. Serving her with a bright smile that herself couldn't help but grew fond of. You tolerate her bratty attitude and beauty even when she knew that didn't have any affect on you. Only you were the one who can see through her lies and stayed.

But Hancock is a selfish woman, she was drawn to your warmth that she decided to keep you close, Because she was selfish, she only wants to keep your kindness to herself.

Because being around you, she can be a regular person that people never fawn on. Not like a luxurious item that people wanted to have, but a person who has her own feelings and wants.

All she hope is that you would forgive her like how you always do.

Footfalls reverberated through the ash remains of a crumbling edifice, a once-proud bastion now reduced to charcoal and fractured stone. A cloaked figure drifted through the ruins of a building, An Establishment that was once brimming with life now nothing but a void of endless sorrow.

"Why...does time coil back upon its tail...?" His voice, covered by epochs of anguish, hung in the air like funeral smoke. "Again...and again…"

A scrap of crimson fabric fluttered against his boot. A knitted scarf, the threads frayed but still blazing with the stubborn hue of memory. He knelt, gloved fingers brushing the wool. Her scarf. It never once left her neck, worn like armor through all the hardship she had faced.

"When...does the wheel of Eternity cease turning?..."

The words carved through him. He was a relic of eras, no chronicle recorded, a wanderer bound to a path slick with the blood of repetitions.

'My time dwindle...'

He rose, cloak rippling as he extended a gauntlet hand. The ruins shuddered. Stones wept dust. A keening wind awoke, not of nature, but of his making. A dirge only he could conduct. 

"Fate's ledger is written in lies..." 

Above his palm, reality fissured. A vortex of devouring darkness yawned open a cosmic maw that drank light, sound, hope. The remnants of walls, of splintered furniture, of a child’s rusted music box, all spiraled into oblivion. 

"Cruelty...is not decree."

His lips twisted a smile sharp enough to flay stars. Without hesitation, he stepped into the abyss. The black hole collapsed behind him in a silent detonation, leaving only a scar in the air a wound that pulsed once before dissolving. 

"The curse dies with me." 

Somewhere, in the marrow of infinity, his resolve crystallized. 

"Soon."

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