A/N: So when I began my One Piece story I went in pretty much blind. I didn't really know what the hell was happening and just kinda winged it. But now that I've watched it a bit more time, and thanks to some knowledge from CocoGirlRevised(Go check her out ;D) I know a lot more than I did. And boy - was Kestrel's involvement a jumbled mess. Thankfully I've gotten it all figured out and have more desirable results thanks to it. Since we were only a couple of chapters in I didn't feel the ned to announce the rewrite, or make some big deal out of it.

Overall I'm very happy with Kestrel's story now and look forward to writing it. I'm very into One Piece at the moment. So, that's what I'll be focusing for the most part.

Oh. And stop asking about Sacred Light. Yes, it's being worked on. Yes, it's taking a while. I'm not going to publish it half-assed just because people want me to. No one in their right mind wants to read a sloppy story.

Red Hawk

"Life is either a daring adventure of nothing at all."

Summary: Kestrel has grown up in the shadow of her relatives and is determined to make herself a name in the world. She wants to be someone that everyone knows; someone people respect, and fear. She's aware that the journey won't be easy, especially with Luffy as her Captain, and an annoying swordsman constantly making her life hell, and one of the most dysfunctional crews she's ever come across. But Kestrel knows that one day she'll look back on these days, and have no regrets for the adventure that was on the sea isn't always grand...but she wouldn't trade it for all the treasure in the world.

Warning: This story contains explicit language, violence, death, gore, and mentions of sexual content. If that doesn't suite your cup of tea, then I suggest you look elsewhere.

Wealth, fame, power. The man who had acquired everything in the world, the Pirate King, Gold Rodger. The finals words that were said at his execution sent the people to the seas.

"You want my treasure? You can have it! I left everything I gathered together in one place. Now you just have to find it!"

These words lured men to the grand line, pursuing dreams greater than they ever dared to imagine. This is the time known as...

The Great Pirate Era.

Dear Gods, what am I doing with my life? Buying sissy little diaries, and embarking on some crazy adventure with my even crazier best friend/sworn brother. Could it be that I'm just as crazy? - no. What am I talking about?! Luffy's practically the king of craziness! But I didn't buy this stupid thing to vent about Luffy; there's not enough paper in the world for that. The reason I bought this dumb book is because, well, it's pretty obvious, I mean - look! I don't know why I bought this stupid thing, ok?! Maybe it has to do with that stupid feeling I get whenever I pick this dumb, little leather book up, as if the possibility of someone knowing about our adventures excites me, or something. Or maybe I keep it so even if we die(which is a HUGE possibility with Luffy as Captain), that they'll look back in this dumb boo and know that we lived a live full of adventure and excitement; a life without any regret.

Shit. There I go getting all sentimental. Mom always said that once you got me talking there was no shutting me up. Gods above, I miss her...great. There I go again. How 'bout I start from the beginning, yeah?

For as long as I can remember Luffy has had the dream of becoming King of The Pirates; I've always been there to support him, even if I think his dram is completely crazy and going to get us killed - but mine is no better. Though a rookie, I gotta admit that Luffy has great potential to become something in this world - something more than someone's shadow. Honestly, I didn't understand his dream all that much when I was a kid; neither did I understand the promise he made, not as much as I do now. In my mind he was just throwing his life away, and chasing after the impossible. Man, I'm such a hypocrite. But even to this day Luffy has stayed true to his dram.

I wasn't surprised at all that I was one of the first people to be asked to join him on his quest to become Pirate King. There was no way I could say no to him. That would like punching the worlds dumbest, and cutest puppy in the face; you just can't do it. Well, unless you're some kind of sick that is. And so that how I joined Luffy, taking the role of the crews weapon smith. I've always had a thing for weapons, so the job sounded perfect for me, though I could have easily become First Mate. So now my days are set, sailing alongside my brother as he takes on the world to accomplish his dream. Of course I have a dream of my own, ya know!

I want to become something of a legend in this damn world. I'm sick of walking in other people's shadows. I have a name and this world is going to know it - one day! I'm going to become that's feared and respected and when people hear my name they'll bow down in respect! Alright. Maybe that's taking it too far. But I'm still going to become a badass pirate! Mark my words.

It's what I'm destined to do; it's my dream.

But that dreams seems so very far away at the moment. Neither Luffy or I have any sense of direction, so we're always getting lost, and ending up in some bizarre predicament.

Like being swallowed by a whirlpool, having our boat destroyed, and taking shelter inside of a dingy barrel to escape, so that my idiotic brother wouldn't sink to the bottom of the ocean like a dumb rock.

A rocky start, for an incredible adventure to be had.

God fucking dam it! This is such complete bullshit! How the hell do we even get into these situations?!

Kestrel groaned as the rough ocean waves crashed against the barrel that she, and her brother and Captain were stowed away in, tossing them around like a couple of rag-dolls in the limited bit of space. Kestrel had lost track of how many splinters she had picked out of her skin, and could no longer ignore the throbbing pain from the lump on her head that she had gotten from being thrown around the barrel. Kestrel didn't believe things could get any worse. But of course, they did.

What the hell is happening? Kestrel held her breath as she peaked out of one of the holes scattered through the barrel. Though her sight was limited, she could see that the barrel they were in was being plucked out of the ocean, and taken aboard a ship of some kind. Kestrel could heard the raspy sound of men as they spoke; she wasn't able to hear what they were saying over the wind. It didn't help that her head was throbbing and making it harder to focus, either.

Kestrel sighed quietly and leaned back. Her golden eyes glared at the sleeping face of her comrade; Monkey D. Luffy. Kestrel narrowed her eyes at him. This is your fault, idiot! If it weren't for the tight space she probably would of hit him with her fist, of love. Kestrel scowled and tucked her fist under her chin as she watched the raven-haired boy sleep peacefully, one hand folded over his chest, and the other securing the straw hat on top of his messy head.

Kestrel glared disdainfully at the hat. After a minute she turned her head to the side, sighing once more. My back is killing me. how long have we been stuck in this stupid things - what the hell have we gotten ourselves into?

Kestrel let out a small, tired groan as the metal of her sword began to dig into her already stiff back; her pistols digging into her thighs weren't helping, either.

Her eyes twitched as the barrel was roughly tipped onto it's side, and then rolled along the ground. Kestrel had to wonder if it was too late to turn back around and go home. Dadan probably missed her...

Hah! They were probably still celebrating that they were finally gone.

Kestrel had fallen asleep at sone point only to be awoken to the sound of people talking. She stirred inside of the barrel and lazily cracked her golden eyes open at Luffy, who was still asleep. Go figure. Kestrel shook her head and pressed her ear to the barrel as she listened to the people chat among themselves.

"Well is it isn't our favorite coward!" One of the voices speak; gruffly. Definitely male.

Kestrel frowned and stroked the pistols attached to the holsters on her thighs. It was more than like that these people were pirates and wouldn't hesitate to attack them. With Luffy out cold, she needed to be ready for anything.

"You trying to hide in here and duck out on all the action again?" The voice continued, tauntingly.

"W-What?! N-n-no way! I-I was just trying to haul this big barrel of beer over to you guys!" A new voice piped up. Small and squeaky, and definitely younger.

Kestrel suppressed a laugh. They thought there was beer in the barrel, eh? Well then! Weren't those son'sa bitches in for a surprise!

The man from earlier chuckled. "Why don't you let us have a look?"

"I was just starting to get thirsty." A newcomer said.

"You can't! Lady Alvida would kill us if she ever found out!" The boy protested.

Kestrel frowned and her eyebrows furrowed. Lady Alvida? The name had a familiar ring to it, and definitely sounded like the name of a pirate. Maybe she had seen her wanted poster somewhere?

"She won't if you keep ya trap shut," another man warned. "Right, boy?"

"Y-yeah! Right...he..he...ok..."

A grunt breezed past Kestrel's plump lips as the barred was tipped right-side-up. She honestly wouldn't be surprised if she developed some nasty case of motion sickness or claustrophobia when all was said and done.

"This suckers heavy!" one of the men complained.

Kestel's eye twitched as her fingers grazed her pistol. Did he just call her fat? No. That's not the case. Those idiots still believe this barrel is full of beer. But that didn't make her want to kill him any less.

"Hold on boys. I'll open it the old fashioned way!" The first man said over the sound of knuckles cracking.

Going to bust his way in the? Typical man. Kestrel though while rolling her eyes.

Kestrel's attention was taken from the pirates as movement caught her attention. She couldn't keep the smirk off her face as her Captain finally awakened from him slumber. Kestrel tucked herself back against the barrel as Luffy stretched his rubbery body high; busting his way through the lid of the barrel, and accidentally socking a burly, dark-skinned man in the face as a grin stretched over his face.

"I SLEEP SOOOO GREAT!" Luffy roared to the heavens. He was completely oblivious to everything going on around him.

Kestrel grinned as she too stood and stretched her achy body. She blissfully moaned as her bones popped, finally relieving some of the tension she felt from before. She turned to Luffy with her arms lazily pressed behind her head.

"Always the the flashy entrance, aye Cap'n?" Kestrel grinned. "But let's never do that again, yeah? I got enough aches to last me a damn lifetime!"

Luffy ignored Kestrel in favor of staring at the unconscious man on the floor. He blinked slowly. "Huh? Who's that? And who the hell are you guys?" Luffy addressed the other two pirates who were looking at them with slacked jaws.

"Who the hell are you?!" The pirates yelled back.

Luddy ignored their question. "Your friend will catch a cold sleeping like that." He told them in warning.

"You're the one who knocked him out!"

Kestrel snorted and eye the pirates with a frown. "You guys don't look like much. It's a shame. It's been a while since I have a good fight."

"Hold up!" One of the men yelled while pressing the blade of his sword to Luffy's neck. "Are you messing with us because you know we're pirates?! Huh?!"

The man went unheard as Luffy crouched in front of a pink-haired boy with round glasses. "I'm starving. You got any food?"

"Hey - I'm talking to you!" The man boomed.

The two pirates raised their swords together and swung them down at Luffy, who still had his back to them. In a flash Kestrel was between the men and Luffy with her dual pistols pointed to their heads. The bronze and gold glimmered in the light; her gold eyes stared steely at them.

"You even think about touching a single hair on his head and you die, understand?" She glared, brushing her gloved hands against the triggers.

The men froze with sweat trickling down their face. Luffy finally decided to take notice of them. "What is wrong with you two?" He questioned them.

"W-Who are you?!"

"Me?" Luffy grinned and cross his arms over his chest. "My names Monkey D. Luffy - hi!" Luffy laughed making Kestrel grinned.

Kestrel decided to introduce herself as well. "And my name Kestrel! Remember that name because sooner or later, the whole world is going to know it!"

The men screamed and fled from the room with their tails tucked between their legs, and their unconscious friend dragging behind them. They were probably off to tell their Captain; Kestrel wasn't bothered. They didn't seem like the most threatening crew. She was more than sure that she and Luffy could handle them.

The pink-haired boy stared at the two of them in shock. The first one was a boy with black hair, wearing a red vest and blue shorts, and he had a straw hat.

The girl on the other hand...

She looked to be about five-foot-four; give or take. Her skin was a pale shade of brown, and her hawk-like eyes a sharp golden color. Her red hair was long and messy, falling to her upper back. It seemed like she tried to keep it contained with a dark red headband, though it didn't do much as her hair just messily fell over it. He couldn't help but stare at the scar that curved over her face, though when she sent a glare his way he quickly looked away. It took him a moment to look back at her. He could see that she had piercings as well; three silver clips in her left ear, and then two gold in her right. Figure wise, she appeared to be scrawny; but he could definitely make out the muscle definition on her, and the curves hidden beneath her clothes - though they weren't very pronounced.

He moved from her face to the ink scribbled about her body. He could see the words "FALCON KESS" tattooed on her knuckles. And that she had some kind off odd crest tattooed over her left collarbone; something like a mountain. From the way her tank top drooped, he could just barely see another tattoo on her right side, but he didn't dare stare too long.

Her outfit was a loose fitting white tank top that tucked into a pair of tan aviator pants. A bomber jacket was tied tightly around her waist, and a pair of dirty, distressed, brown boots fit her feet. A brass compass dangled from her neck, forged into a makeshift necklace. He noticed she was also wearing a brown utility belt that seemed to be stuffed to the brim as it hung limply from her waist. Brown leather gloves adorned her hands; holes had been cut out for her fingers. Lastly, were the leather holsters strapped to her thighs where she kept her dual brass pistols. If he would have looked down at her boots once more, he would have seen the set of combat boots strapped to them.

"S-So...what just happened?" The boy asked completely dumbfounded.

"Stop staring at me." Kestrel hissed which made him look away quickly.

"You got me." Luffy shrugged.

"What kind of pirates run away from a fight? There's no honor in that!" Kestrel scowled and cocked her hip out. "I got the itch to beat the shit our of something!" Kestrel glanced at the pink-haired boy who flinched, making her smirk.

The boy quickly shook away his nervousness when he remembered the pirates who ran away from them. "Ah! Quick! You two have got to run! If those guys come back here with their buddies they'll kill you on the spot!"

"So?" Kestrel blinked.

"I don't care about that; I'm hungry!" Luffy announced with a grin on his face.

"How can you just blow this off like that?!"

Kestrel sighed. Her headache was coming back in full bloom. "Kid, you're seriously annoying!" she growled. "What the hell are you doing here anyway? You in pirate training boot camp, or something? Ya stick out like a sore thumb."

"This is not time for joking!" He yelled. She wasn't joking. "There are hundreds of pirates up on deck and their waiting for the chance to kill anything!"

"Oh, yeah?" Kestrel grinned adjusted the sword on her back. "Bring it on then."

Kestrel sat on top of one of the many crates that were crammed together in the food storage room. Her sword was placed safely in her lap, allowing her to lean back against the wall comfortably. She was munching away on an apple as Luffy began his second crate; the boy was a bottomless pit - not that she was any better. Kestrel finished her apple and tossed the core into the growing pile beside her; Luffy tossed her another one, she nodded her thanks and began to chew at it.

"Uh hey, my names Coby," Pinkie said. "You're Luffy, is that right? And you're Kestrel? That was pretty neat when you jumped out of that barrel, and when you drew you guns back there.."

Luffy held up an apple and with a mouth full of food said: "There are awesome!" and then went back to stuff his face. "So, are we on a pirate ship, or what?"

"No. It's a passenger ship that's being raided by pirates under the command of Lady Alvida."

"Lady Alvida?" Kestrel hummed in thought and tossed her finished apple into the pile. "The name kinda sounds familiar; but I can't place a face."

"And who cares anyway?" Luffy asked. "What I want to know is if there are any boats on board!"

"I think there a few." Coby said.

"Great, 'cause ours got sucked into some big whirlpool." Luffy replied in a nonchalant manner.

Coby gasped. "That one outside?! No way! No one could have survived that!"

"Yeah! I gotta say it was a big surprise." Luffy laughed.

Kestrel idly tossed the apple she had replaced up and down a couple of times before taking a big bite out of it. Her face scrunched at the taste. Soure. She glared at the apple and spit it out, tossing what was left of the apple to Luffy, who happily gobbled it down.

"That whirlpool is the reason we ended up on this dump of a ship." Kestrel said. "Hey, Pinkie, are you one of the pirates, or one of the passengers?"

Coby frowned and looked down at the ground with sad eyes. "It was on a fateful day long ago..." he began and Kestrel internally groaned. Great. She asked one question and he goes into his life story.

"That day, I stepped out onto a small fishing boat on the outskirts of town to catch my dinner," Coby began. "It turned out that boat actually belonged to a pirate ship! That was two years ago. In exchange for them letting me live, I'm forced to live the life of a cabin boy."

"You're pretty stupid, you know that?" Both Luffy and Kestrel said.

"Jeez, thanks for you honesty." Coby mumbled.

"If you hate it here so much leave." Kestrel said to him. "The only one holding you back is yourself."

"Are you kidding?! I can't do that! No way! Not a chance! Nu-uh! Not a chance! Just the thought of Alvida finding me scares me so bad that I want to throw up!"

"You're a moron!" Luffy laughed giddily. "Hahaha! I hate people like you!"

"And a coward." She deadpanned.

Tears streamed down Coby's face at the insults being thrown his way.

Do they have to be so blunt?

"Yeah, you're right. If I actually had the courage I could drift alone in a barrel, and be rid of these pirates. I actually have my own dreams! Someday, I'd like to live out all of them..." Coby smiled softly. "So, what about you guys? What was it that first got you to set sail on these seas?"

"Well I'm gonna be King of The Pirates!" Luffy declared proudly.

"And I'm going to be a pirate of legendary status!" Kestrel grinned.

"The King?!" Coby choked. "Are you serious?! B-But that would mean that you're pirates too!"

"Yeah!" Luffy said giddily. "Kess is all I have so far; but I'm looking for more." Luffy shrugged and went back to eating apples.

"King of The Pirates is a title given to someone who has attained everything this world has to offer! You're talking about seeking the one treasure of great wealth, fame, and power! The treasure that you're seeking is the One Piece!"

"Yeah!" Luffy cheered.

"Pirates from all over the world are looking for that treasure, you know!"

"Yeah, so?" Kestrel raised a brow at him.

"No-no-no! No way! It's impossible! There's no way you two could reach the pinnacle of this great pirate age; there's no way! There's too many people out there who are meaner and better!"

Kestrel scoffed.

What's he getting all worked up for? Pretty big words coming from a run of the mill cabin boy. No one has the right to tell us what is and isn't possible! That's for us to decided, and us only. I'm not going to take the advice of some scrawny little twerp!

Kestrel was more than pleased when Luffy bonked him on the head.

"Ow! Why did you hit me?" Coby whined, rubbing his sore head.

"Because I felt like it." "Because you're annoying."

"Oh well," Coby bitterly laughed. "I'm used to that stuff. My ship mates smack me around a lot."

"It's not about if we can," Luffy said. "I'm doing this because I want to. I decided long ago that I'm going to become King of the Pirates," Luffy looked at Kestrel who was smiling at him. "And Kess's dream is to become a Legendary Pirate! If we have to die doing that, then we die." Luffy stood up and plopped his hat back on his head. "Alright! Now that my bellies full it's time to go get us a brand new boat! They might even give us one if we ask nice enough; maybe they're generous people?"

"Generous pirates?" Kestrel deadpanned. Kestrel grabbed her sword from her lap and placed it back on her back. She made sure it was loose enough so she could

"You never know. They could be nice."

"Nice pirates?" Kestrel snorted. "Get real."

"If I put my mind to it - if I'm prepared to die for it - could I do something like that?"

Luffy and Kestrel looked back at Coby.

"Like what?" They asked.

"Do you think...do you think I could ever join the Marines?"

"The Marines? Kestrel frowned. "Why the hell would you want to do that?" Kestrel has a very...unpleasant view of Marines, for the most part. She didn't like how corrupt they were, and how they acted as if they were heroes of the world.

"Yes!" Coby suddenly shouted. "Catching bad guys is the only thing I've ever wanted to do! It's been my dream since I was a child!" You're not a child? "Do you think I could do it?!"

"How should I know that?" Luffy laughed.

"I guess, but why the hell would you want to?" Kestrel cocked a brow.

"Then I'm going to do it! I'm not going to get stuck here as a cabin boy for the rest of my life! I'll break out. Then, I'll turn right back around and catch Alvida myself!"

It was at that moment something crashed through the ceiling - something large, and round, and very, very, ugly.

"Who is that you plan on catching, Coby?" A female voice called. It was rapsy and gruff, and sounded like someone who smoked their whole life. "And you actually think this twig and this runt are going to help you? - well, answer me!"

Runt? Who the hell was she calling a runt?! Kestrel puffed out her chest and pointed dramatically at the woman. "Who the fuck are you calling a runt you - you oversized water buffalo!"

Kestrel was so pissed off that she didn't even notice Luffy jumping up on the deck of the boat with her in tow; until her feet were place on the ground, and they were surrounded by pirates.

"My guess is that you're Zoro the Pirate Hunter." Alvida smirked at Luffy.

Kestrel couldn't contain her laughter. Luffy? A pirate hunter? Hah! His life is dedicated to becoming the King of Pirates! Kestrel didn't think that Luffy was about to switch up jobs anytime soon. Though...they would make a shit ton of cash from it.

"Zoro?" Luffy repeated.

"Coby!" Alvida yelled. "Who is the most beautiful of all on these seas?"

Kestrel's eye twitched. "Is...is...she serious?"

"Well, I um...give me a sec, I-I know this."

Luffy pointed at Alvida with a confused face. "Hey Coby, who's the fat lady?"

All the pirates, Coby's, and Alvida's mouth dropped in shock. Kestrel cracked up laughing and had to hold onto her side or else she probably would have fallen over from how hard she was laughing!

"YOU RUUUUUUUNT!"

Alvida roared and pulled out a metal club from behind her back that she aimed at Luffy and Kestrel. Both jumped out of the way as she swung the weapon and missed; instead smashing a giant hole through the deck. Kestrel took a minute to admire the weapon. A beast like Alvida wasn't worthy of such an amazing tool!

Luffy jumped down in the hole created by Alvida and scooped up Coby, dropping him on the deck. One by one the pirates started to attacking him; but Luffy easily out ran them. Kestrel reached for the sword on her back and charged at a pirate who was sneaking up behind Luffy. She cut him off just as he raised his sword above his head and slashed her sword across his stomach. It wasn't a very deep cut; enough to make the Marine sink to his knees in howling pain. She then pulled one of her pistols from her holsters and aimed it at a pirate who decided to take her on. She counted down to three in her head and pulled the trigger, not even flinching as it tore through his shoulder. The pirate screamed in agony as he clutched his bleeding wound. His weapon clattered to the floor leaving him defenseless. Kestrel took this opportunity to run up on him and slam her boot into his face; smirking at the sickening crunch his nose made. She jumped back as blood began to gush from his nose and the pirate fell unconscious.

Kestrel looked back at the pirates with a wicked grin. "Who's next?"

The pirates back away from her fearfully. Kestrel chuckled and looked over at Luffy who was stretching himself across the boat; stunning every pirate on board. It must have been the first time they seen someone with Devil Fruit powers.

"Gum-Gum Rocket!"t

Kestrel ducked down as Luffy went soaring over her head. She knew to do it from past experiences. "Over-kill don'cha think, Cap'n?" She grinned cheekily as the pirates dropped to the ground like flies.

"L-Lufy w-what are you?" Coby asked in awe.

"Huh? Oh! I'm a rubber man!" Luffy grinned and stretched his mouth out.

"So you're...made of rubber?"

"So," Alvida glared. "You've eaten one of the Devil Fruits?"

"Yeah! I ate the Gum-Gum one!"

"Ah-ha. I've heard rumors they existed, but I never saw any evidence of them until today. You're more skilled than the average deck swabber. Are you a Bounty Hunter?"

"I'm a pirate!" Luffy said.

"Pirate? Ha! All by yourself on these waters?" Alvida laughed. She found the idea of a runt like Luffy being a pirate comical.

"I'm not alone; I have Kess with me," Luffy pointed at her."And we're going to get a bigger crew. Maybe tomorrow, or next week... or something. I don't know. I need, maybe ten guys. Yeah, ten."

Alvida snorted at him. "Tell me, if we're both pirates, and we're not under the same flag; then that would make us enemies, am I right?" She grinned cruelly. Kestrel wanted nothing more than to smack the grin off her fat, ugly face.

Coby started to ramble again but then stopped. He turned and bravely faced Alvida with a heart full of determination.

"You're the most ugliest thing on the sea!" Coby yelled. Luffy and Kestrel immediately started cackling like hyenas at his insults towards his former Captain.

"What did you say?!" Alvida yelled through gritted teeth.

"I'm leaving and I'm going to join the Marines! And then I'm going to spend the rest of my life beating up dirty pirates like you!"

"Do you have any clue what you're saying to me right now?!"

"Of course I do!" he said. "And I'm going to do what I want and no one's going to stop me! And when I join the Marines, I'm going to join them! AND I'M GOING TO CATCH YOUR LOUSY ASS FIRST!"

"YOU'RE DEAD KID!"

"Well said!" Luffy said, protecting Coby from Alvida's club.

"You got some balls, kid!" Kestrel grinned and pointed the back of her gun at Alvida's fat head. "Move and die."

Luffy punched Alvida in the gut that was quickly followed by Kestrel kicking her in the chin; both attacks sending her flying into the ocean. Kestrel whistled as she landed in the water with a 'plop' that was followed by a large wave of water that rocked the boat. She was so busy watching Alvida return to her natural habitat, that she hadn't even noticed Luffy had grabbed hold of her hand and was dragging her away from the pirates who lay defeated.

As they were leaving the ship she spotted Alvida's discarded club and eagerly picked it up. It would make a fine addition to her collection, and serve as reminded of their win over Alvida.

"We actually managed to get away!" Coby said in total disbelief.

"Ah! What fun!" Luffy chuckled. "Hahahaha!"

Kestrel groaned and stretched her body out. "I'm just thankful to be out of that fucking barrel! It feels good to be able to stretch my muscles again, ya know?" she grinned at Luffy who shared her feelings. The boat they were using might now have been very big; but it was better than nothing.

"So, Luffy, Kestrel, if you're searching for the elusive One Piece, then you have to be headed for the Grand Line, right? You know, the people I've talked to call that place the Pirate Graveyard."

Kestrel frowned looking up to the sky. The Grand Line excited her, and made her nervous. She knew that without a doubt that they would be there, and they'd be waiting for her. No matter what it takes - she will surpass them one day.

"Right, and that's why I need an extra strong crew!" Luffy said. "You guys mentioned some Pirate Hunter. So, what's he like, Coby?"

"Oh you mean Zoro? The last I heard is that he's being held prisoner at some Marine base."

Luffy sighed. "Oh well, weakling huh?"

"No!" Coby yelled. "You're so wrong! He's as violent as a demon and three times as horrifying! Wait...why are you asking about him anyway?..."

Kestrel groaned already knowing what he was going to say.

"I figured if he's good enough I'd ask him to join our crew!"

"Luffy!" Kestrel sighed. "When are you ever going to learn that thing are never that simple - you fucking twit!"

End Note: And there you have it! Kestrel is back in business. I feel as though I should address something first, and that's the reason I made Kestrel the way I made her. I read many stories where when the female is lead, she's made to be cute, clumsy, adorable, and not very strong; always relying on someone to save her - I hate that. I like to read stories where if the character is female, she's strong, and she's not dainty - she's capable. So when I made Kestrel I wanted her to be the complete opposite of that. I'm not saying having characters like this is wrong; not at all. But the Straw Hats need a female crew member who can kick ass and hold her own, and so Kestrel was born!

I love my foul-mouthed child.

Oh, and One Piece is my favorite anime, officially. I love you Fairy Tail - but, yeah.

Also, fight scenes are hard.