#aokiji

She was covered in bruises, stitches and was clearly malnourished, yet she remained ever so beautiful with long frazzled (h/c) hair. Her (e/c) eyes held no light, as its once bright color dimmed.

"H-hello?"

She froze in her place, shaking in what seemed to be fear as she looked at you.

That was the day everything changed.

Your mother, who tried her best to not hate you but your father instead, was kind. It was hard on her to look at the product of an unwanted union, but whenever she looked at your curious eyes, she could not help but sob and remember that you had no fault in the matter.

Just a little girl unlucky to be born in such an evil family.

So, she acted like a real mother to you. Caring for you, and most of all, telling you stories of the world below the red mountains.

She was once a part of the Kuja Pirates, one that traveled many islands in her time as one of the envoys and guards of the Snake Princess.

Every night, you would sneak out to her room, listen to her stories and receive the warmth and care from your mother. It was so much warmer and full compared to the shallow and hollow love your father and grandparents gave you.

That's where your viewpoint started changing. As you grew older, you noticed many things. Like how the dining table would always have a feast, when your mother told of poor countries with nothing to eat at all. How your friends would hurt their slaves as of its nothing, when your mother, a slave as well, would cry herself to sleep due to both the physical and emotional pain the beatings give her.

It was those simple things that made you realize the truth: This place was not heaven, no, it was hell where devils live.

And you were one of them.

That night, you cried on your mother's lap, about how you wanted to do something, anything to get rid of this cruel system but as a teen, what are you supposed to do? You were so lost and so hopeless.

Until, your mother smiled and kissed your forehead.

"My sweet girl, I do not hope for you to act sooner. But, I will tell you this, you can do anything you set your heart on. No matter what anyone says, no matter how it feels hopeless, you can do it. And if this is what you want to do, then I believe that one day, you will achieve it."

And in that day, your dream was set.

AOKIJI

"Is it really necessary for me to be there? Just have some of the captains play bodyguard."

"It's the Fleet Admiral's orders, Sir."

The admiral let out a tired sigh, pulling his sleeping mask off to get his white coat. It was supposed to be his break and a nap has been tempting him since earlier that day.

But now, he was forced go play bodyguard for one of the Celestial Dragons. Though, he cannot exactly complain, can he? He was an admiral, supposedly the most loyal to the Celestial Dragons who are at the top of the marines.

It was gonna be one of those days was it? Being forced to swallow any notions of his morality for the sake of following justice.

But at this point, what even is true justice in the face of the leaders of the world?

He stood at the feet of the Red Line, waiting for the arrival of the elevator carrying the noble. Then, one of his fellow guards for the day spoke up.

"According to Sengoku-san, we will be Saint L/n Y/n's guards for the day. She will be traveling to Sabaody for the slave auction by Idel, sir."

"Right. Stand on guard."

"Yes, sir!"

The elevator from Mariejois landed on the ground, and just as expected, tons of entourages left, bowing their heads and knees as a figure stepped out.

The air became silent, even passerbys in the area stopped as graceful steps echoed in the vicinity. Garbed in the usual white ensemble and bubble helmet, you walked out the door, a blank look on your face.

Now, many talks spread about you, mainly calling you 'The Most Beautiful Jewel of Mariejois,' a title befitting of your beauty that many considered angelic.

Ironic, for many considered your kind as more devil-like than god-like.

And Kuzan won't lie, the talks were true. Your beauty had this youthful, almost innocent touch to it, a face someone can imagine having no sins.

Though, as a Celestial Dragon, he can only imagine that is farther from the truth.

And just like that, any illusion of your innocence vanished when three figures followed your own, their necks covered with a metal collar.

There was a man, who looked to be in his early thirties, his cheeks sunken as if he has not eaten in days. Beside him was a woman who looked like she was in her teens, she was beautiful though the bruises in her neck can only tell the masses that said beauty served the wrong people. And finally, a child who had the most beautiful blue scales, a fishman.

They all followed your dignified figure obediently, in fear that a single wrong move will take their lives. And suddenly, the awe people experienced by your beauty vanished, their eyes grazing sympathy at the three slaves that followed your tail.

"Admiral Aokiji? My father has always been extra."

You let out a sigh the moment your eyes found the man, who also bowed in your presence before standing up to greet you.

"Saint L/n-"

"Please, call me Saint Y/n. I am not my father."

"Right, my deepest apologies, Saint Y/n. But I am here to assist your visit to Sabaody, grant me the grace to protect you."

"Of course. I am grateful for your time and effort."

Grateful? Kuzan was rendered confused at the statement, and it seemed you too, were rendered shocked and confused by your words. The cold and unbothered expression on your face vanishing for a second before it went back up again.

"I mean- Good, as is your duty. You better continue your loyalty, admiral."

"Of course."

What was that? Never had he heard a Celestial Dragon mention the word grateful, much less towards those who are not of their kind.

The admiral did not have enough time to even think about anything before you continued walking to the marine ship you were set to be sailing in.

"Me and my slaves will reside inside. I do not want even a single person inside other than us, you hear?"

"Of course, your highest excellency!"

And with that, you vanished inside the cabin, leaving the marines and your guards alone outside to guard the vessel.

"Saint Y/n values her privacy the most. Only the slaves are allowed to be in her space as an outlet of her emotions."

One of the guards told the marines who only nodded, shivering at the thought of what acts can be happening inside to the poor slaves, masking their fear in unpracticed apathy.

Kuzan did not blink, merely looking out at the sea as if he did not hear anything at all. In this line of work, the ones who do not adapt lose.

And Kuzan had plenty of practice to adapt.

Sabaody was beautiful, almost fairytale like in its nature. Bubbles rose and popped everywhere, giving a rare ambience one can only experience in said island.

Though, such a scene can only do so much to hide the reality that happened in the island.

With pirates, marines and Celestial Dragons alike finding the place convenient due to its placement, different people with different manners scatter the place, making it comparable to a minefield.

The moment you arrived in the place, everyone turned silent, all bowing down on the ground like dominos.

It was as expected whenever any Celestial Dragons visited the place, but moreso because of you. Due to your epithet, many assumed that the World Nobles all favour you dearly, whether romantically or platonically.

After all, in all the years, when has one single person ever get the collective adoration of those pompous and narcissistic nobles?

So, if the tip of your garb was so much as dirtied, it would not be surprising if some noble decided to order the extinction of their whole city.

Your entourage followed you as you entered a nearby clothing store, confusing everyone a bit. Why is a noble, one who is considered a goddess among humans, entering a mere shop with probably the cheapest clothing.

Aokiji remained outside, peeking in the store's glass to make sure everything was alright. And, to his surprise, you brought your slaves inside as well, confusing the man.

Never had he seen a Celestial Dragon that attached to his or her slaves. But maybe you were a cheapskate or something, wanting to enjoy the millions of berries you probably spent to the fullest.

Until suddenly, you vanished. He was distracted for a bit, and you and the slaves were gone.

Though, he was not too worried. So, he just said he will check inside to the marines and the guards to not alert any of them and checked the stalls.

The store owner was shaking in the cashier, biting her lip when the admiral approached her.

"Miss, have you seen Saint Y/n? She was just here."

"Umm...N-no, sir. I'm afraid I haven't. M-maybe she's in some of the dressing rooms-"

"Alright, then."

He sighed, not even close to believing the words of the lady, especially when he can see from there the open backdoor of the store, leading to the more secluded and forest-filled part of the island.

Not even listening to the insistence of the owner about how the door was for staffs only, he left the store through the back door.

There was no way he will lose his job and position over something so stupid like a runaway Celestial Dragon. Then again, he has never encountered a case like this before.

Why the hell will someone like you, a spoiled noble with the most superior of blood, run away from her life filled with nothing but luxury?

Well, if you were running away that is.

"Maybe, she just wanted some fresh air, I guess. Oh right, they have fresh air in their suits already. Hmm, or maybe her slaves managed to kidnap her or something, seeing as we weren't looking. Though, seeing their conditions, that is also impossible."

Kuzan yawned, looking around the area for any clue or idea on where you might have ran off. Until, he heard whispers from north of the forest.

Not feeling like this is something worth worrying too much about, he just jogged his way through the mossy nature and found an old shack, probably abandoned a few years ago.

And there, on the foot of the door's staircase was you, helping the fishman child into a clean shirt that was from the clothing store while the child cried softly.

But it did not look like it was out of fear, no, he was smiling and laughing while tears fell out of his young eyes as you smiled at the boy, wiping away his tears with your ungloved hands.

"It's okay, it's okay. Here, turn around for me, dear. I still have to unlock your collar."

"U-umhm!"

The kid blubbered, letting you pat his hair before unlocking the collar around his neck. Behind you, were the other two, the teenage woman and the middle aged man who were now also free from their own shackles, each crying with tears of joy.

Aokiji stood there. Stunned.

Was this real? Or is it a dream from one of his naps?

You then turned to the other two, smiling kindly.

"Remember what I told you on the ship? Run to the dock in the east, I have friends who are setting sail awaiting for you. Just tell them which island you want to be dropped off in and they will do so. Got it?"

Then, you reached for your pockets and gave each of them a bag of berries, before ushering them to run which they promptly did, thanking you for your kindness.

Then, you turned your attention back to the little boy whom you slowly guided somewhere else.

Aokiji, still curious, decided to not show himself to you just yet and stealthily followed you and the fishman's figure.

You were leading him out to a shore in the edge of the archipelago, patting the boy on the back in encouragement as he happily jumped in the water.

"Take care, dear. Go straight to your parents alright? I'm sure they will miss you."

"T-thank you! But wont you...get in trouble...?"

You only smiled and pulled out a gun before shooting the air three times. Which probably alerted a few people who were around a small radius of the area.

"There. All solved. They probably think I killed you three. Though, I certainly won't be jailed for such a 'crime.' Am I right?"

The boy nodded, though a bit somberly. It was true. No matter what crimes one may commit, as long as they were born a Celestial Dragon, they would be absolved of any punishment.

And well, you were using such privileges to achieve your goals.

After waving the boy goodbye who happily reciprocated before diving in the water, you started to turn around and head back to face the music when you stopped in your steps, eyes widening when you saw the Admiral himself, Aokiji standing there, his expression cool as ever.

"Aokiji..."

"Your highest excellency. I was tittering on the idea of what I saw was a mere dream or if it was truly reality. Though, seeing as to how I tried to pinch myself again and again and it hurted, then this must truly mean that I am not dreaming."

The once cold and heartless mask that he saw you wore immediately vanished, your (e/c) eyes held panic and worry, but most of all, they were warm. So warm that many may mistake you for a sheep if it was not for your white garb.

Your fingers fiddled with the fabric of your suit, clearly nervous and unsure of what to do and how to avoid any trouble for doing whar you just did. After all, you did not trust Aokiji. You just met the guy and seeing his position, you were sure that he will tattle on you the moment he returns to the Marine HQ.

"Look, I-"

"Oh, please you don't need to worry. I won't say anyone as long as you answer me this question: How long have you been doing this and why?"

Your eyes met his own, wide in uncertainty and confusion at the sudden question thrown.

"Ever since I can leave Mariejois alone without my family. And why...its because, its the right thing to do. And maybe, just maybe, even in my tiniest actions...a few can be happier in this cruel world, for even just a few moments."

Honesty, that was all that shone behind your eyes as you mentioned each and every word like it was a dream from a distant sky.

You were not in this for fame, for approval, or for forgiveness. You were in this for the world. For the people suffering to atleast feel happiness once in their lifetime, for the world to see the dawn once more.

It was a huge act for a humble wish. One that many would have never expected from a Celestial Dragon.

"At what cost though? At the expense of being known as the murderer for many citizens?"

"Please, Its nothing I cannot handle. My negligence has killed many people before in Mariejois...innocent slaves who deserved happiness but...I couldnt save in time. So, this is my penance. After all, negligence is murder as well, is it not, Admiral Aokiji?"

You smiled, one that hid grief behind it. It was clear that you saw some things up there, things you can never forget that will remain ever in your mind for years to come.

And worst of all? You had to hide it away in a mask that showed satisfaction and cruelty, when deep inside, your heart is crying and mourning.

He watched as you cut your leg, letting your own blood flow on the collars you took off from the slsves you freed to stage the murder. Sacrificing even your own blood and pain just for the sake of others' freedom. Before walking back to the store, with him towing behind you.

Your kind and warm eyes long gone as you threw the bloodied collar on the hands of a marine as you rolled your eyes coldly.

"Those slaves were useless, throw those things away. They make me puke. Good thing their bodies are wasting away in the ocean."

People cowered in fear, heads still bowing at your presence. The gunshots, the bloodied collars, they all knew what happened to those poor slaves that followed you and as you slowly walked to Idel's Slave Auction, all of them knew that many will soon follow the footsteps of those deceased.

Once out of earshot, many whispered under their breaths.

"Why did the Creator bless such a devil with a face so innocent?"

"Of course those nobles favor her, she's heartless and spoiled!"

"Most Beautiful Jewel of Mariejois my ass, she's a monster."

All of them shared the same sentiment, except for one Admiral whom, deep down, agreed with the nobles. You truly are the most beautiful jewel of Mariejois.

One that had the most beautiful and shining heart compared to those nobles with hearts of rocks.