Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in this story. This is just for fun and I hope you enjoy reading it.

Marimo Kids

By Angelwings Sorrow

They Meant Well

"I told you this was a bad idea!" a small voice panted.

"That's not what you said when we left the ship!" snapped his companion.

"Shut up Zuka and keep running!"

"I am! I am Aki!" What had started out as a simple gift buying trip had now ended up with a chase through the jungle as the two brothers were running for their lives.

"Over here! I see a place we can hide." The little blond grabbed his brother's hand and pull him into a hollow of a gigantic tree. Once inside they shove huge leaves and brush at the entrance to camouflage their hiding spot. They held their breath as the footsteps came closer and then passed them.

"Where did they go?!" one Pirate snapped.

"How could you have lost them they're Fucking Kids!" another yelled back.

"They're fast! But they can't have gone far! Spread out we have to find them before their parents do!" A third growled.

"I doubt they will think to look in the jungle we must be at least five kilometers in from the town. Those little shits can really run." The first Pirate panted trying to catch his breath. "Why are we doing this anyway?"

"Boss wants the Straw Hats! The easiest way to cripple them is with those brats. They are the youngest and should have been the easiest to snatch but you fucked it up!" yelled the second one.

"Shut up both of you! The Blackleg-Roronoa Brats are our targets and if you keep yapping they are going to get away and bring the wrath of their parents down on us. If we want to capture the Straw Hats we have be smart and get those kids! Now keep looking!" the third Pirate Ordered.

The boys waited until the sound of the footsteps fade to nothing and let out a breath of relief. They looked to each other in the dim light wondered how on earth were they going to get out of this mess without getting their family capture by these pirates. Both wished they could go back to this morning when they were all on the Sunny having a delicious breakfast that had been made by their Mother.

Flash Back*~*~*~*~*~*

"Good morning my handsome sons what would you both like for break fast this morning?" Their Mother had greeted them with a kiss to their foreheads.

"I'll have Waffles, please, Mommy!" Akihiko Smiled.

"Can I have eggs and fruit salad Mama?" Shizuka asked shyly.

"Of course sweetheart, go wash up. Shizuka tell your father and Uncle Luffy breakfast ready and Akihiko can inform your Aunts, I'll tell the rest of the crew on the intercom."

"Okay, Mommy!"

"Hai Mama." The boys scampered off out of the kitchen.

"Sanji you seem to be in a happy mood today." A voice came from across the Breakfast bar.

"Oh, I do? Well I hadn't noticed, Chopper. Nami-san said we'll be making landfall some time today. It's been awhile since our last island and I'm sure the kids are tired of being cooped up." The Chef shrugged as he made the boys' breakfast.

"That's true, but you have smiling since you got up today. I heard you whistling when I came in this morning. So what gives?" The little reindeer questioned.

"Fine if you must know it's my Birthday tomorrow. I'm going to make a feast so I can't wait to get to shore; I need to get some more meat and a few things for the cake. Zoro likes my Cinnamon cake, so I want make sure I get the right ingredients."

"If it's your birthday should you make your favorite cake?"

"I could but I like to see how happy he is when he eats his favorite sweet. So it's like gift to myself knowing that I made him smile." Sanji blushed as he began to place the food on the long dining room table.

"So if you're doing all this work does that mean we're having a party tomorrow?"

"Nope. You're the only one that I've told that it's my birthday. I don't like to make a huge fuss and you guys already went all out for me during the winter Holiday. This will be like a thank you for that as well. Now come sit down and server yourself, before our beloved captain comes in eats it all."

"Okay." Outside the kitchen window sat two little boys with wide eyed expressions.

"We got to do something Zuka." the little blond whispered.

"Like what?" the green haired boy asked.

"I donno. Mommy always made our birthday special. We were apart a long time but he always called and we had a party on the snail phone. Mommy needs a party." Aki clenched his fist in determination.

"Why don't we get Mama a present? He doesn't want a party he said so." Zuka shrugged.

"Fine, I guess so. Should we tell Daddy?"

"No, Papa has to stay with the ship. Let's go with Raiden and Mokoba."

"Okay first we ask Aunt Nami for some Berri I'll trade her my treasure." The little chef pulled a small green jewel from his pocket.

"Mine too." The tiny swordsman pulled a blue jewel from his pocket. They had found them on the last adventure and their parents told them to keep it as their first treasure.

"Let's get Mommy the best present ever.

End Flash ~*~*~*~*~*~*

"What should we do now? We're too far from The Market and Raiden and Mokoba were taken by those bad guys." Aki whimpered.

"No they were fighting so I think they got away." Zuka reassured his brother. "We got to get out of here it's getting dark."

"And still get Mommy a Present!"

"Later! If we get caught then, no Happy Birthday for Mama!"

"Hey I think I heard something!" One of the Pirates called.

"Me too, over here!" another yelled. The twins held each other tightly as the pirates ran by again. Once the foot steps were gone the boys could breathe again.

"What are we gonna do, Zuka? I'm scared." Akihiko clung to brother.

"Me too. We'll think of something. Papa said we'll be okay cause, I got you and you got me." Shizuka held his twin close and hope their father's would find them soon.

XxXxXxXxXx

"Damn, those Pirates!" Mokoba panted wiping his forehead.

"They came out of nowhere. Aki-Kun! Zuka-Kun! You can come out now!" Raiden looked around for the chibis.

"Raiden three of attacking pirates aren't here!"

"Mokoba I can't find the Twins!" Panic started to really set in now.

"I'll call my Mom and Dad." Mokoba took out the small Transponder Snail. "Calling Mom and Dad this is Mokoba! Please it's an emergency!"

"Mokuba-kun this is Mom what's the matter?" Robin's voice floated out of the snail.

"Raiden and I had brought the twins to the Market Place when we were attacked by Pirates. They were after Aki and Zuka. Raiden and I defeated seven out of ten pirates. Three of them escaped and I think they are chasing after the Twins."

"Stay where you are Nami and I will be there soon with help."

"Okay mom, see you soon." The black haired teen put away the snail and turned to his silver haired companion. "Let's tie these guys up while we wait."

"Yeah, alright." Raiden agreed and both boys began to round up the unconscious pirates. "Hey Moko, do these guys look weird to you? I mean I know there are a lot of pirates in the New World that look weird but these guys are Clowns."

"I know what you mean. Maybe your dad or mom will know who they work for. They said something once about a clown pirate but that was a long time ago." It didn't take them long to tie up their attackers or their family to meet up with them.

"Raiden! Oh My little Rain Cloud! I was so worried are you alright?" Nami scooped her son up into her arms nearly smothering him with her chest.

"I'm fine Mom."

"Nami you can let him breathe now." Luffy said slowly prying the boy from her grip.

"Yo Mokoba what happen you boys alright?" Franky asked as he watch Robin fuss over their son.

"We're fine dad just a few bumps and bruises. The twins wanted to go shopping so we brought them ashore to the market; we had only been here about half an hour when these guys tried to jump us. There were ten guys total. We started to fight them off and Raiden yelled for Aki and Zuka to hide. We didn't see that three of the pirates went after them until fight was over and we took a head count. We don't know where they are or if they got caught. I'm really sorry Dad, I messed up." The teen explain fighting back his tears. He never wanted to disappoint his parents they had done some much for him.

"You didn't mess up son; you did your best. Ten adults against two kids is a lot to take on. I'm proud of you and don't you dare think different." Franky reassured his distraught son.

"Your Father's right Mokoba." Sanji came up and placed a reassuring hand on the boys shoulder. "You did well but you were out numbered. That being said they knew who you all were and you were being targeted. The only way to go after Akihiko and Shizuka was to over power you both. Did they say anything during the fight?"

"No, not really, they just shouted that their orders were to capture the youngest Straw Hats Brats."

"Yeah and they all look circus clowns." Added Raiden.

"Clowns?!" Nami shouted and march over to the tied up thugs. "He's right and there's only one bastard who has a crew full of clowns."

"Buggy!" Luffy growled.

"I thought we took care of him at Rouge town." Zoro huffed in disgust.

"No, he made it to the grand line and was there when I broke into Impel Down. He seemed ok at the time, not that I would trust him past the point of his greed for treasure. He's an idiot so why would he resort to kidnapping?" Luffy scratched him head.

"Captain-san did you not hear? During the crews' two year separation Captain Buggy the clown gathered a large following and was granted title of one of the Seven War Lords." Robin supplied.

"How did a Moron Like that get a War lord title? I bet my treasure that this is some petty revenge for what we did three years ago." Nami Ranted.

"You might Nami-swan but we can't take this threat too lightly. We need to find the twins and make sure they're safe. Zoro and I can track them with the life paper; getting them back is our first priority." Sanji lit a cigarette with a determined expression.

"Right, Boys I want you to head back to the ship, we're going to take it from here." Luffy ruffed Raiden's Hair.

"But Dad…"

"No 'buts', Captain's orders. You guys did well for your first solo battle, now it's time for the grown ups to get in on the fun. Go back to the Sunny and have Chopper look at you just so your mom doesn't worry." Luffy hugged his son ignoring his wife's glare.

"Okay dad." Raiden was still shy of physical displays of affection but he loved it from his parents.

"Off with both of you now, Captain-san is right we'll be home soon." Robin hugged Mokoba and gave him a kiss on the cheek before sending him off to the sunny.

Once the boys gone and heading back to the Sunny, Luffy turn to the crew with an angered expression. "Usopp you and Nami scouted where their ship is, Robin, Franky look in town for any sign of where Buggy might be hiding. Brook and I will help search for the chibis."

"You got it!"

"SUPER!"

"Well said Capatin-san."

"Yo-ho-ho!"

"You can count on Captain Usopp!"

"Hn."

"Let's Go!"

XxXxXxXxXx

"Hey Zuka?"

"What Aki?"

"You Train with Daddy right?"

"Yeah, why?' The green haired boy looked at his brother not liking where this was going.

"Look up there! There's a hole. We can get out and those bad guys won't see us." The Little blond beamed.

"How?"

"Can you lift weights like Daddy?"

"Hn."

"What kind?"

"Heavy ones." Shizuka shrugged no seeing what these questions had anything to do with their escape.

"Can you lift me?"

"Maybe, why?"

"You gotta throw me up there."

"I donno, that's really high."

"You hafta try! Please Zuka!" Aki pleaded.

"Fine, but how do I get up there? I can't throw me up there."

"I'll throw some plant string down to you."

"Kay, put your foot in my hands. I saw Papa and Mama do this once." Shizuka interlocked his fingers and waited for his brother to step on them.

"Okay now what?" Aki placed his hands on the strong tiny shoulders and his foot in his brother's hands.

"Up, you, GO!" Shizuka tossed his brother as hard as he could up in the confined hollow space. He watched Aki fly up and try to reach the opening but fall about a foot short. But his brother was quick to grab at plants growing within the tree. Aki managed to pull and climb his way up to the opening.

"I made it!"

"Find String!" Shizuka shouted back wanting to be out of the stupid tree. It didn't take long before a large vine was thrown down to him. He quickly scampered up the side of hallow of the tree and crawled out the opening.

"Zuka, look." Aki pointed out to the horizon. "It's the Sunny!"

"Yeah and there are the pirates." Zuka pointed below them. The Pirates had not given up they keep passing by their hiding spot.

"They are annoying. I want to go back to the Sunny."

"Me too but we gotta ditch the pirates." The brothers sat on the tree branch and tried to think of how to deal with the funny looking pirates.

"I think I know what to do. Help me get more of the tree string!"

XxXxXxXxXx

"How hard is it to find two brats?! Buggy wants them now!" The first pirate Shouted.

"It's not my fault! They're fast!" The second defended.

"Shut up both of you! Find them or The Captain will have all of our heads."

"No, way stupid heads!" shouted a tiny voice and suddenly the third pirate had been knocked to the ground with the wind knocked out of him.

"Where did the brat come from?"

"Where did he go?" both pirates looked around wildly. The twins smirked at their hunters now turned pray. Akihiko's idea had been perfect. They tied the vines to together and then to themselves. Akihiko was the first to swing down and kick both of his feet into one of the pirates before using the remaining momentum to run back up the tree. Shizuka was skeptical at first but he anchored his brother's rope so he wouldn't get hurt, and he was smiling when the plan worked.

"Your turn Zuka." Aki grabbed his brother's vine and pulled tight to anchor it to the branch.

"Hn" Shizuka dove of the limb and pulled his Bokken from his belt and using all his strength swung it hard at the heads of the two remaining pirates. The pirates went flying face down into the ground and knocked out for the count. "Aki! You can let go now!"

"Kay!" Shizuka dropped to the ground and untied the vine from his waist before using it to tie up the two Pirates.

"Why you little punk." A voice wheezed from behind the little swordsman.

"Mutton Shot!" a small cry came from above. The Pirate was sent flying over the green haired boy. Aki had managed to swing down and throwing all his weight into kick to the guy's head simulating their mother's fighting move. Although the pirate didn't fly off that far it was still impressive. Unfortunately with the momentum gone the blond haired boy we limping swinging near his twin. "Little help, please?"

"Hn." With a swing of his Bokken he cut the vine and let his brother fall free.

"Ow, that hurt."

"Come on gotta tie him up or he will chase us again."

"Fine." Aki huffed before getting up and helping his brother tie up the remaining pirate. Once they were done the dragged the guy next to the others then tied them all together. Hopefully that would hold them long enough to get away. They were just about to leave when they heard noises coming from the jungle around them. They had no time to run or hide. The tiny swordsman gripped his bokken tightly and prepared to fight. He noticed that his brother and had also taken a battle stance, what ever or whoever was coming they would be ready.

"AKIHIKO! SHIZUKA!" a familiar voice called out and two familiar faces burst through the trees.

"Mama!"

"Daddy!" the twins sagged in relief as they were gathered in their Parents arms.

"Are you both alright we were worried sick about you." Sanji began inspecting them over for injuries. There were a few scrapes and bruises mostly on their hands but other than that they were fine.

"We're fine Mommy we took out the bay guys just like you and Daddy." Aki smiled pointing out their win. Zoro set the boy down and inspected the tied up pirates. He could see foot prints on the face and chest of one and lumps to the back of the heads of the others.

"Hn. Good work you two. Where did you learn to tie these kinds of knots?"

"Aunt Nami has been showing us." Shizuka replied quietly.

"Well I believe you both have more than excelled in your lessons." Sanji praised. "Marimo call the other and tell them we found the kids. We can drag these bums back to the Sunny for questioning."

"Hn." Zoro replied Taking out the mini transponder snail out and calling the crew. Everyone was happy the boys were safe and agreed to meet back at the Sunny. Then the swordsman lifted the three prisoners up with one are and held Akihiko's hand with the other as they followed Sanji and Shizuka out of the Jungle.

XxXxXxXxXx

It had been a long day and the twins were put to bed right after dinner by Chopper. They had wanted to wait up until their parents returned but the reindeer told them that the crew might be gone all night. Shizuka sat up after he was sure his brother was asleep, he was upset that they hadn't gotten a gift for their Mom. Quietly he got out of bed and made his way to the crew's nest. He knew he shouldn't be here but he wanted to see the stars better. He remembered Starry Night how his Mother brought him and his brother up to the crow's nest and pointed out the North Star and told them tales from the North Blue. He had wished the night had never ended because they were finally together as a family.

"Hey Shizuka, what are you doing up so late?"

"Mama?" The tiny swordsman looked up to see his mother walking towards him. His suit was dirty and a bit torn with one of his pant legs was chard. The battle must have been intense for his Mama to use the fire -leg move.

"We just got home and I saw the light on." Sanji sat on the bench next to his Marimo son.

"I wanted to see the stars."

"Yes, the stars are beautiful but I don't think that's why you're up here late at night." The chef smiled as he pulled his son onto his lap for a cuddle.

"Can't sleep." Shizuka snuggled into the warmth of his mother's arms inhaling the scent of Spice and smoke. It was a scent he remembered as a baby and had missed these two years gone.

"Oh? Maybe the adventure you had today is keeping you up. I know your dad is the same way. The excitement keep you wake and your mind is all over the place."

"Donno, maybe."

"Hmm. Well can you tell me what you and your brother were doing off the ship today? You didn't tell me or your Dad that you were going shopping."

"Nothing," Shizuka said a little too quickly in Sanji's opinion. "Aki wanted to look around."

"I see. If that's it then why hide it? You're dad or I would have been happy to take you. Even if you just wanted to go with your cousins you still should tell us you are leaving the ship."

"Sorry, Mama." The mini Marimo muttered into his mother's stomach trying to hide from this conversation.

"Oh Shizuka I'm not mad just a bit worried. You are hiding things and it makes me sad."

"I don't want you sad! Aki and me wanted to make you happy for your birthday!" Sanji stiffen at his son's declaration. He didn't realize they knew it was his birthday.

"Oh Sweetie I am happy! You and your Brother are the greatest gifts that I could have ever received. I don't need anything other than you both happy and healthy." Blinking back the tears he hugged his son close silently thanking all the stars in the sky for giving him such loving and kind children.

"But you make our birthday special we want you to have a special day."

"It is special Shizuka because we're finally together as a family. I doesn't matter if I have a pile of presents or none at all as long as you, your brother and the crew are here I am the Happiest man alive." Taking the blanket off the bench he wrapped it around the sleepy child and began to hum. "Now I think it's time for all little swordsmans to go to sleep."

"Sing Mama?"

"Of Course. Now what should I sing, oh I know.

"You with the sad eyes
Don't be discouraged, oh I realize
It's hard to take courage
In a world full of people
You can lose sight of it all
The darkness inside you
Can make you feel so small" Sanji smiled as he noticed his Husband had enter the room.

"Show me a smile then
Don't be unhappy
Can't remember when
I last saw you laughing
This world makes you crazy
And you've taken all you can bear
Just call me up
'Cause I will always be there" Zoro sat next to Sanji and light stroked the baby soft hair of his son.

"And I see your true colors
Shining through
I see your true colors
And that's why I love you" Shizuka's eyes fought to stay awake but he felt so comfortable and Loved.

"So don't be afraid to let them show
Your true colors
True colors are beautiful
I see your true colors
Shining through (true colors)
I see your true colors
And that's why I love you
So don't be afraid to let them show
Your true colors
True colors are beautiful (they're beautiful)
Like a rainbow
Oh oh…"

"I see he had trouble sleeping too." Zoro Whispered seeing that their youngest son was finally asleep..

"Too?"

"Akihiko was awake when I checked on him. He was upset that their shopping trip was ruined. Turns out they sold their treasure to Nami for shopping money. They really wanted to buy you a birthday gift."

"They sold their treasure?" Sanji was slack jawed. He then smiled and held his son a bit tighter. "These two are really something else. They must have over heard me talking to Chopper about it being my birthday tomorrow. I'll have to buy back their gems tomorrow they can't lose their first treasure."

"They meant well, anyway, I already bought them back, after I got Akihiko back to sleep. Nami had them turned in to necklaces. She knew we'd come back for them even charged me extra for the jewelry, damn witch."

"Don't insult Nami-san, it was very thoughtful to turn them into jewelry."

"Whatever Curly-brow; here I got you something." The swordsman pulled something from his pocket and placed it in the chef's hand.

"When did you get this?" Opening his hand Sanji found a necklace of his own made of silver and titanium chain it was a locket with Pirate skull forged into the front one eye had a blue gem and a green in the other and in stead of crossed bones below the skull it was crossed swords. It was beautiful as it described his life perfectly. Inside the locket was a picture of them together holding their chibi sons in the snow nothing but smiles, happiness and love was radiating from the picture.

"Kids weren't the only ones to hear about your birthday this morning Chopper told everyone before we left for shore, while you were taking inventory. So I had Usopp take me to a jeweler they had this locket but I them alter it a bit and had them put in the gems to remind you of the boys."

"You're such a sentimental sap." Sanji swallowed back the emotions that were threatening to burst out. "Put in on me?"

"Hn." Taking the chain with both hands Zoro secured the necklace around the slender pale neck. Then he kissed those soft spice flavored lips. Out in the night the Island's bells began to ring as it was now the midnight hour. "Happy Birthday, Sanji."

"Thanks, I love you. This has been the best birthday of my life."

"Don't worry there will be many more to come as long as we're all together." The swordsman pulled his family into his arms just savoring the moment. To him this was the greatest treasure and he would fight like hell to keep them. For now he would sit here and enjoy what was the start of a perfect birthday for the man he loved most in the world.

The End

A/N: This little chapter was inspired by an old story I just recently reread and Sanji's birthday which is March 2. I posting this a bit early as I will be busy this weekend. The song is true colors. Not sure who the first to sing this song but I did see it in the trolls movies with my kids. Thanks for reading and keep reviewing.