Author's note:

Updated: This story was originally called Tides Come In. I have decided that instead of posting individual stories I am going to bring it all together into one large saga. So far this contains the original story Tides Come In as well as the first chapter of Empty Minds, Empty Boxes.

Original: I have had this idea for a story for a long time now. This is a very heavy OC story. It is going to be mostly from her perspective. Its starts basically right after the Straw Hats recruit Usopp and will continue until Luffy becomes Pirate King. It is based on the anime and later a lot of the lines will be taken directly from the episode. It will build up to a Zoro/OC so if for whatever reason you cannot stand OC pairings than this is most likely not for you. As always review, let me know what I need to improve on.

This is the remastered version. All that has been changed from the original is grammar.

I do not own One Piece.

In the middle of East Blue rests an island with only one village. While there were many islands with only one village, this one was different. Surround by perfectly blue seas that somehow always remain calm, it never experienced anything more than the mildest of weather. The beaches glittered with golden sands, blowing palm trees that let out the faint smell of coconuts and dates, and the village parked just off the shore to avoid the high tide, nestled in the sand like everything else was all the perfect picture of serenity. Surrounded by high cliffs the island is only reachable through a stretch of beach with a small dock for ships. Yet there was only one village, scraping the edge of what could be called a town. With wooden buildings, cobbled streets, and for the most part friendly people, it was like your average village in East Blue. It was only when you looked closer that the problems stood out. The people though smiling also looked like they had seen better days. The beach was littered with shipwrecks, some old some new and all of them raided for all their value. Some were only frames left, ready to dissolve in the ocean.

There are worse things than being stuck in a village in the weakest sea in the world but for Adamaris, known as Addy to most people, it feels like absolute dread. Right now she would give anything to be out on the sea but without a crew, she was dead in the water. She signed swirling her glass around completely lost in her own thoughts.

"The right person has got to be in the Grand Line. It's my only chance now," she mumbled to herself. "Finding a crew dumb enough to go to the Grand Line is a challenge itself, finding a crew in East Blue, forget it. My best chance would be to head either for South or North and try to find someone there to take me. Though that means going over the Red Line which is almost impossible. And passage to the Grand Line is expensive. Pirates won't take anyone and no one else will go. If I access the family funds, then She will find me. Lucky I ended up here. Got to love traders and the odd stops that they make." She drained her glass and signaled to the barkeep for another.

Paisley was the owner of the only inn and therefore also the only tavern in the village. With her bright red hair and freckles, she stood out in a crowd. Always dressed in something green and with an impish smile, Paisley gave the feeling that if you messed with her you would regret it. The tavern potion was large enough to hold at least two dozen people, though it rarely got that full. Tables were strewn about in no particular pattern, looking like they were cobbled together from driftwood. Behind the bar were the various bottles and brews, shelves recently full due to the supply ship coming in. Signs from the various shipwrecked ships lined the walls. Paisley was a bit of a collector.

"I will probably end up taking the next ship out of here than ditch them before they make me pay for the ride. Dishonest I know but I don't have much of a choice." Addy groaned burying her head in her hands. She was on the side of being just tipsy enough to almost be drunk which for her was a rarity. Around this time she was usually completely plastered. "Drunk, drunk is good."

"Whatever you say, Addy, need another?" Paisley asked. She had gotten used to Addy drunken ramblings. Once she got tipsy, Addy would just start speaking whatever came to her head.

"I thought I had been here long enough for you to know my answer already," she replied another glass already being poured for her. "How much do I owe you?"

"Not a single beli, I thought you have been here long enough to figure that out."

"Please, I do feel bad for drinking until I basically pass out each night."

"You saved my kid, you could drink the entire stock and I would still serve you the next day. Plus right now you're the only one that is keeping most of us in business." Bandits had been plaguing the island, robbing it for all that its worth, which wasn't much. Rumors of treasure brought them here and they apparently won't leave until they find it, making the lives of the people miserable in the meantime. At least until Addy came along.

"Any potential customers?" Paisley asked.

"Not unless a bunch of morons decide to show up randomly. The merchant is leaving in like a week or so. Closest job as far as I know."

"MEAT," someone screamed as they ran through the door. Everyone in the tavern turned towards the intruder, prepared for the bandits. Wearing a straw hat, red vest, and short blue pants, he sat down and looked like he was about to start eating the table. They were new; the bandits would have invaded. A guy with a really long nose and really black, poofy hair chased after him and sat down with a huff. What caught everyone's attention, however, the next person who walked in. Pirate Hunter Roronoa Zoro.

"Guess people weren't actually lying when they said he carried three katana," Addy whispered.

"I would not mind seeing at least one of his swords in action," Paisley whispered back.

"Agreed," though Addy was suspicious, he was not someone to be messed with at least as far as the rumors said. Not that she put much stock into them, but it pays to be careful and looks can be deceiving. The last person to come in was a girl with bright orange hair and she looked pissed.

"LUFFY," she screamed before conking the straw hat kid on the head.

"OW, Nami, that hurt." The table dissolved into bickering as Paisley who was probably the first to recover from the guests wandered over and asked what they wanted. Addy kept one eye on them, in case they were trouble. She drained her glass and poured herself another, Paisley was kind enough to leave the bottle.

There were only a few people in here. Besides Addy, there was the old fisherman whose name changed every time Addy talked to him. The group playing cards in the corner and the merchant of the week who was trying to sell stuff that no one really wanted. Hadley, Paisley's daughter was running around somewhere as well. Cute kid but always getting underfoot.

After they ordered what seemed like every kind of meat and hard liquor possible, much to the chagrin of Nami who managed to look both angry and amused, Paisley left to go tell the cook. Hadley decided to come out from her hiding spot, which Addy still hasn't figured out and question the new people.

"Who are you guys?" she asked in her endearing tone. She was the sweetest kid basically a clone of her mother. Hoping they weren't the violent type of people. Addy prepared to jump in case of the worst but the straw hat guy… Luffy just laughed.

"We're pirates," he laughed grabbing the food that Paisley was just putting down. Man he could eat. Thank the stars the cook was fast. "That's Nami, Usopp, and Zoro." Pointing to each of them in turn, in between shoving food in his mouth. "And I am Luffy."

"Wow, where are you guys going…"

"To the Grand Line." Huh, that was interesting, Addy thought. They were heading the same direction that she was. Perhaps it would be worth something to travel with them. At least until she got to the Grand Line. "I am going to be King of the Pirates." And that idea just died… Addy chocked on her drink. She covered up with a cough though she could feel Zoro glance at her.

There was no way that spindly punk was going to be King of the Pirates, she thought. He would die way before he reached Raftel. Ocean, before he even made it to the Grand Line.

"Really because that is where Addy is from. She has been looking for a way to go home," Hadley stated. Time for an exit strategy. Skipping the glass, Addy just drained the bottle before Hadley finished her story about how Addy rescued her from the hands of the bandits. Addy did not like attention at all. Makes it harder to hide from certain people. She figured she would disappear until the pirates decided to leave the bar then come back and sneak into her room. Work things out in the morning after the hangover. She was about to get up when she felt a hand clamp down on her shoulder. She turned and cursed her luck.

"Oi, where do you think you're going Sweetie?" a rough voice said. "We never paid you back for what you did to our mates this morning." Dagmar and his cronies were here. You would think after the last several times he would learn not to fight Addy. Well, fight in the loosest sense, in order to fight you have to actually manage to hit your opponent. With all the talk of the Grand Line and Pirate King Addy had been distracted and completely missed them coming in. The drinking did not help either which was probably the major reason she missed them coming in entirely. All eyes were on her now. She was hoping to pass the defeat of bandits off as a children's lie but it looked like it would not be the case. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Zoro reaching for his swords and Luffy pulling his arm back as if to punch someone, which would be insane considering the distance between him and the bandits. She laughed. If they think they can take these guys on before she can finish them off they have another thing coming.

She stepped on Dagmar's foot before elbowing him in the stomach sending him to the ground. Sensing two of his henchmen come at her from behind, she quickly rotated to face them. A large crack echoed in the room as she sent the two guys flying with large gashes in their chest. Her whip in hand now she wrapped up one of the goons arms and sent him crashing into his mates, now lying in a heap on the floor. A few more quick strikes ensured that they would not get up again.

The whip made out of some sort of black leather, shined in the light and was about as long as two of her. Ducking a sword slash before coiling her whip around the attacker's legs also sent him into the growing pile. The two guys left standing looked at her nervously. She cracked her whip in the air and they flinched, backing away from her as much as possible. Flicking her whip she wrapped up one guy and spinning him like a top while smashing the hilt into the other guy's head before he could blink.

"You think you guys would learn by now," she said. "What is this the 20th time now? You seriously have to pick up some new moves or something. This is embarrassing for everyone." She wrapped her whip in a coil and placed it on her right hip. "At least I improved my time. Got it down from a minute to 50 seconds. Well until next time guys." She could feel the pirate's eyes on her, two in shock, one in surprise and slight admiration and one in excitement. The rest of the patrons had returned to what they were doing, this was becoming a nightly event. Another reason she needed to leave. Soon enough they would start sending out the stronger guys, the ones that she couldn't take down on her own. Well while she was drunk that is.

As she walked outside there was a warm breeze blowing. She turned towards the beach heading down a path well worn by footprints. The stars were out tonight, the moon bright. Out here it was quieter; most of the people were home getting ready to sleep. She was surprised to hear footsteps, turning to look for the source of the sound and almost ran into Luffy who was standing right behind her. Wearing possibly the biggest grin, he pointed at her chest.

"You will be our new nakama." She stood there trying to connect her brain to her mouth.

"What? Why?" she replied.

"Because you're cool." If that was the only explanation needed.

"Umm no… I don't think so," She muttered but apparently he didn't hear her. He just grabbed her arm and started dragging her back inside, with a surprising amount of strength for someone so scrawny.

Next thing she knew she was seated in a chair looking at the others with various expressions, mostly amused.

"She is our new nakama," he stated before continuing to eat by the shovel full. "That's Nami…."

"Yeah, I caught who all of you were earlier…" she said. "Look I don't know if you know who I am…"

"Addy right?" Nami asked. She nodded, no point in lying now. "Apparently you are from the Grand Line."

"Yes, and before you ask no, I don't know how to get there. This is my first time out of the Grand Line."

Nami narrowed her eyes. "Damn I was hoping you would. Wait… can't you enter the same way you came out?"

Addy laughed, "Absolutely no chance unless you want to end up dead at the bottom of Ocean." She thought about the massive current that brought her here. Royally screwed would not begin to cover what would happen to anyone who was not a skilled helmsman if they should enter the current.

Nami huffed. "Do you at least know your way around the Grand Line?" She sounded like she was trying to bargain with Addy, or trying to recruit her. Either way, it's not going to work.

"I am no navigator of course but I can guide the ship through Ocean if need be," Addy said.

"You're a helmsman?"

"Mate I am most likely the best helmsman you will ever meet."

"Great!" Luffy said. "The Pirate King needs the best crew." Addy rolled her eyes. Zoro glared at her like she had offended him deeply while Nami looked suspicious. Usopp just seemed nervous and kept glancing around like someone was going to come out an attack them. With the other patrons tossing the bandits out, Addy doubted that would happen.

"I don't know… how good of a helmsman can you be." Nami asked.

"You'll see how good I am once I get your ship past the currents surrounding the island."

"What?"

"You saw coming in how the shore is mostly rocky with large cliffs and that there was only this tiny stretch of beach where you could dock."

They all nodded.

"Well due to the nature of the currents surrounding this island, one can't actually leave the way they came, otherwise you will end up smashed against the rocks."

"Your joking…" Nami replied dubiously.

"Actually it is quite well known, I am surprised you don't know about it."

"Wait," Usopp asked. "So why do these buildings have names on them? Or the bar?" He pointed towards the bar, where the name Titanic, though faded was clearly legible.

"All the buildings here are made out of shipwrecks," Addy replied. They all stared at her.

"All of…" Ussop suddenly looked terrified though he started covering it up with an elaborate story about a shipwreck, treasure, and three ducks. They all ignored him except for Luffy who seemed absolutely fascinated.

"Ask anyone around here," Addy stated. "Now, of course, I will be willing to guide your ship out for a nominal fee…"

"Out of the question." Nami slammed her fist on the table making everything rattle. "There is no way I am going to fall for this."

"Nami," Usopp said interrupting his own story or perhaps he finished, Addy wasn't paying much attention to anything. "Think about this. How else are we supposed to get off the island?" Nami hesitated slightly but still looked unsure.

"Don't believe me then. Talk to the townsfolk. Start with Paisley, she is the one who owns this place." She pointed to Paisley who just shook her head fondly at her. "I will be around the village if you change your mind." Addy got up and headed for the stairs. Forget the beach, bed is where she was headed. She could feel a headache rising and needed sleep.

"Oi, where are you going?" Luffy called as if he was surprised. Maybe she wasn't the only one who wasn't paying attention.

"Um, Luffy, I don't think she will be joining us," Usopp said.

"Yes, she will…"

She left before she could hear the rest of the conversation. Paisley looked at her worried. She smiled and signaled that she was going to bed. Climbing up the stair to where the rooms were, avoiding the creaks in the wood, she went to her room at the end of the hall.

The room was large, enough to fit several people. With a queen-sized bed and its own toilet, it was perhaps the nicest room in the inn. Made out of some of the nicer wood, there was a window looking over to the sea. Addy stared watching the waves for a little while before drawing in the pretty blue curtains.

She took off her blue tunic and rolled down her stockings. Grabbing a pair of shorts she slipped those on, along with a grey cami. Placing her whip on the bedside table, within easy reach, she opened the curtains letting the moonlight flow in and lied down in bed on top of the covers. Normally she would prefer sleeping outside but she already got asked enough questions from the villagers. Don't want to draw anymore suspicion.

Taking the necklace that she normally kept hidden under her clothes, she held it up in the moonlight. It was a simple thing, a white seashell-shaped like a fan. Addy opened it up, revealing it to be a locket. There was only one picture though there was room for two. The picture was of two smiling girls. One was streamlined, though clearly fit, with long black hair, pale skin, and ocean green eyes, looking bright. Addy smiled as she looked at herself. It felt like it had been forever, though the picture was only a year old. The other was darker, slightly shorter, and more muscular with brown hair and eyes that looked like chocolate. They were standing on a ship, Ocean behind them and their arms around each other. Addy traced her finger over the dark skin girl tears forming in her eyes.

"I promise Riley. I will make it happen. Even if it costs me everything."