Disclaimer: I do not own One Piece

General Warning: OOC

Book I: mālum

Hibiscus

01

A silent suffering, and intense;
Lord Byron, in "Prometheus" Stanza I

I.

Luffy just wanted to be free.

II.

In this life, he grew up in the East Blue, where seas were calm and skies azure. His parents were nonexistent and it had been an elderly man (this body's grandfather) who raised him.

Garp was a warrior, a silver knight in white armour. He possessed loyal qualities and a humble heart that didn't thirst to reign. Garp was strong and respected by many of the villagers. However, it was no secret that Garp was terrible at raising a child. If Luffy had been a normal mortal, he would've rebelled and probably had no manners of any type. Which to an extent already true, since he did have a rather blunt mouth. Luffy can count the number of times the lack of filter on his mouth led to punishment or execution. The world was truly a barbaric place.

Except Luffy wasn't a mundane and Garp was far from an ordinary man. He was an awe-inspiring marine, that's what they call knights these days, who reminded Luffy of valiant crusaders galloping across the old lands. Though things were a little bit different this time, instead of being worshipped, Luffy found out that majority viewed Marines as nothing more than dogs for the World Government. Dogs who sat by the door, ready for their beck and call.

Luffy held indifference towards the marines. He neither hated them or liked them. In spite of that, he knew that 'justice' swallowed his grandfather whole. Garp was often surrounded by work and it ate a considerable amount of his time. People like Garp, once they've placed loyalty, will stick to it till the very end. Luffy knew that the man had pledged his being to the code of 'justice'. It's an inspiring ambition, although Luffy has lived too many times to know that the 'justice' could be twisted in the vilest of ways.

Luffy didn't hate Garp, he's an honest man, with a pure heart. The notion made the child smile. Despite never wanting to be alone, Luffy could never take away a man's dream. Never. Dreams are important, they signified many things; journey, perseverance, accomplishment, the list is endless.

Dreams are what makes a man and Luffy will never have the heart to take that away.

He too had dreams, once upon a time. At the beginning, they were foolish, self-centered and paved ruins to those he formerly called friends. But as life passed on, Luffy became happy by just watching, cherishing the small moments. His soul is old and he is tired.

Luffy stared at Garp as he cooked in the kitchen. Garp had his back towards him, black hair fading into a dark grey. The image made the old soul subconsciously touch his own hair, reminding himself that it was a deep obsidian colour - not white or red or brown or blond. Garp cooked like a well-oiled machine and with te Carmine shirt rolled upwards, a vast amount of battle scars were displayed - a large contrast to Luffy's own supple flesh. Tilting his head, he looked at them once more, before looking at his own arms. In the comfort of home, he closed his eyes. Just for a little bit. And traced the phantom scars.

"Alright! Food's ready!"

There was also that grin of his, wide with crescent eyes, full of energy and able to defy anything and everything.

(He's seen those smiles before, carriers that don't fear death, spirits uncontainable, having the will of-)

Luffy smiled. No, a man with free spirit shouldn't be chained and kept in a cage. It's cruel and the heart of a man with a purpose is wild, especially those who were willing to get out of the house and take action. Luffy admired that, he liked how the man pursued his freedom as well as the freedom of others.

"Hey, Gramps? I'm proud of you."

Because Garp is a man to behold.

III.

As rain poured outside, they were tucked by the fireplace. A cocoon of protection enveloped them, the shelter of it all made Luffy momentarily forget about his past lives. He adored small moments like this, where he can return to childhood. Here, even if it's only for a short while, Luffy could play the part of a boy with innocence in his heart.

"Hey, Luffy."

"Hmm?"

"Are you sad that I'm not here often?"

"Of course I am," Garp tensed and slowly released the hug, "but you're a man with a free spirit Gramps, if someone tries to contain people like you then the cage will break. Doesn't matter if it's made by sweet words or seastone, if the cage is containing something bigger than it, it'll break. I'm your grandson, I'm not something that should hold you back you don't deserve that type of suffering, you have your own heart for that I'll understand. And even if you travel the seas, in the end, I know you'll come back and in the end, you know I'll be just fine. I'll always love you Gramps because we're family, no family gets left behind or forgotten."

Luffy grinned when Garp pulled him into a tighter embrace, "Tch. How'd you get so smart brat?"

"Ushishsishi didn't you know? Smartness runs in the family!"

"Ha! I guess it does brat, I guess it does."

"Luffy?"

"Yeah, Gramps?"

"I love you too."

The old soul smiled.

IV.

When Garp left, Luffy wanted to cry.

("Crying is not a weakness, it's a strength.")

Everything will be alright.

V.

The first time Sabo met him was by the market, at Grey Terminal. He was shrouded from view, waiting at the usual meeting spot to catch up with Ace. No one had noticed him so far and the only people present were the vendors setting up their stalls. Imagine his surprise when he saw a kid wearing an oversized marine shirt walking up to him. At first, he quickly dismissed the other's presence until the boy

Imagine his surprise when he saw a kid wearing an oversized marine shirt walking up to him. At first, he quickly dismissed the other's presence until the boy uttered the oddest of phrases.

"You're a bluejay," he said firmly.

Sabo blinked, "I'm sorry, what?"

The little boy with Stygian hair and clandestine eyes stared at him with a certain intensity that demanded attention. He couldn't be older than Sabo, in fact, a few years younger. Yet the air around him said otherwise and he spoke volumes just by appearance, seemingly taunting the world, telling everyone else that he knew something important that they didn't. It unnerved Sabo to see someone who looked so young withholding such foreshadowed knowledge.

Right there and then, time stopped.

Not literally but enough to make him pause.

"You're a bluejay," the boy continued,"You are lost, like a confined bird mimicking others, forgetting its own identity. Don't let that happen to you because you have great potential power. There is clarity in your mind, faithfulness in your heart and determination in your will," he smiled, a large smile that vaguely reminded him of a certain freckled boy, "You have wings, although slightly ruffled, but you have wings. All you need to do is fly bluejay."

"By the way, that's a cool hat you've got there."

The statement was enough to break Sabo out of his stupor, "Um thanks. So, uh, are you supposed to be one of those fortune teller types of people?"

"What? No. Why'd you think that?"

The older boy shrugged and twisted his nose perplexingly, "The Bluejay thing, not every day I get compared to a bird."

"Not bird."

He raised an eyebrow, "Pardon?"

And there goes that look again, the one where Sabo will surely come to hate if he sees the boy again in the future.

"Mušen," Sabo felt his brows rise. Contrary to what some people believe, the world actually had many languages, that was until a law, made by some high and mighty guy, enforced everyone to speak the same language. Usually, it was only nobles or royals that retained the knowledge of lost languages. Sabo knew some, not fluently of course since he was taught by his tutor but that too had been a rare subject to dwell on.

The boy glanced at him again, "Don't forget that okay?"

Sabo stifled a nod, "Alright."

"Good!" the boy grinned, "Well I better get going or else Mamakino will get worried. Shishishishi, see you around bluejay!"

"My names Sabo!"

It wasn't until Ace arrived did Sabo realise he never got the boy's name.

VI.

Makino enjoyed the market.

She understood why others don't of course, the odours from fresh fish often pierced one's nose while dirt and substances got stuck against another's feet. Despite all the cons she still enjoyed walking in Grey Terminal's market, those who resided in the Goa Kingdom tended to avoid it, hearing rumours of armless men and legless children. But not Makino, never Makino, she was enraptured by those type people, the different ones, those who held stories (pain, anger, happiness); the elderly lady by the side, with her wrinkled hands that held onto fruits, the children with their smudged faces giggling as they ran, seagulls singing and ocean rising.

Everything's alive.

When Luffy told her he wanted to go to the markets with her, she couldn't help the warmth blooming in her chest.

Luffy is a special child. She knew the moment Garp brought him into the village with his delicate skin and feathered hair, Makino fell in love with Luffy. Due Garp had to leave more often due to his duties, she made it her obligation to take care of him like a mother would a child. Makino watched as he grew older with that luminous smile of his, undimmed even as he bid farewell to his grandfather.

Though she will admit that Luffy held secrets, secrets far too heavy for a boy his age. Because there were times when she saw him gazing at both ocean and sky, with sloped shoulder and clouded eyes. It wasn't an expression that belonged to a child, she had seen it on Garp's face when he refused to talk about past battles. Trauma, Woop Slap would say as the silently listened to Garp's whimpered sleep. Trauma. It was so sad, to see a strong man crumble.

It's also sad to see childhood wrenched away.

VII.

Luffy sighed, twirling the paintbrush in his hands.

Black burgeoned the right side of the canvas, creating a melancholic ambience. He hued the background and cast a soft shade of Gainsboro, which allowed the branches to strike its viewers. Unrealistic compared to the other artworks he had seen in the past because this one was painted by an unsettled mind. But it had a conceptual beauty and if Luffy were any other person he would be enraptured by it's haunting.

He looked outside and sighed again.

The boy remembered vines that dug into the lush soil, it's bark held a rich vividness a contrast to the muted grass. It's imagery only completed with a group of boys munching on golden apples, accompanied by chimed laughter and distant names. After that, everything would abruptly stop. The faces faded with every passing second as the leaves turned nothing more than a wistful ghost.

No matter how many times he wanted to know or try to forget, nothing worked. The painting was implanted into his mind and even then, it was only a haze. He tried painting, sculpting, carving, any type of media, yet it never sent the message he wanted nor trigger anything. Haunting. That was just it. No matter how many times his soul travelled, it'll never let him go.

"Luffy?"

"Ah!" he looked up and saw Makino behind the counter with a bowl of fresh fruit, he grinned, "Hiya Mamakino! What do you have there?"

"I should be asking you that," she teased, leaning forward she tried to get a better view of the painting. Immediately, Luffy felt blood rushing to his cheeks as he tried to hide the painting behind his person, "What did you make there?"

"Doodles, nothing really," he whistled trying to deflect the topic, "So what did you get? Is it food?"

Luffy grinned, thoroughly excited. Food is a luxury, those who has it sometimes takes them for granted. (A starving child amongst a famine. A sailor in a barren sea. A mother in a depression. A prisoner in a cage). He liked the tender meat beneath his teeth, nectarine sliding down his chin, the crunches of vegetables and the warmth of bread. Food is essential to life, a provider for the soul and good food is induced with sincerity and love.

Makino hummed, "I'm planning to make grilled peaches and cream, does that sound good to you?"

"Yeah, um do you need any help?" he asked.

"It's okay, why don't you go back to your painting Luffy, what is it by the way?"

"It's supposed to be a tree," he frowned, "But I can't get it perfect."

"Perfect?"

"I just," Luffy didn't know how to continue his sentence. When he had been younger, perfection appeased him out of all things. Symmetry mattered, in the eyes of all things holy, perfection should only be presented. He remembered people (brothers?) that teased him how obsessive he was by the mere subject. And then, perfection bitterly fuelled his anger and rage, the reason for his downfall. Now, after years of waking up as a human, he had been able to see the perfection in flaws. Yet there was still a part of that demanded the best. Explaining it to Makino who had always been mortal, no matter how kind she was, would never understand.

So deep in thought, he hardly saw Makino pull out another paper. He blinked, watching her mix warms colour together, she gently took his hands, a silent permission answered with a subtle nod.

His hands were now covered in a pretty array of yellows, oranges and red. She placed it on the paper, before letting go. Two handprints were bright against stark white. Makino grinned, "There. Now, what do you see Luffy?"

"Hands?"

"Try again."

"Colourful hands?"

Makino's grinned turned into a soft smile, her arms bringing him to her lap, "I see fire and a pair of wings. I see two leaves dancing in the wind. Soul mates searching for each other. And the palms of a child who will change this world. To me, this small piece of artwork is already perfect, no amount of beli or jewels could ever buy it. This is probably one of the most perfect things that I'll always hold dear to. You see Luffy, perfection is simply a matter of perception," she kissed his forehead, "What do you see?"

"A flower," in blood stained hands.

He quickly laughed, the irony making his heart clench. A flower, out of all things. The first word he blurted out was a flower, a bane in his previous existence. It happened on an afternoon, fields of flowers trekked down the hillside. A single stone at the very top, marble white and shining under the sky. It was plain and nameless, in front of it, from time to time, sat a body that Luffy remembered all too well. He continued to laugh, trying to keep the strain away, hiding the bitterness that tried to crawl up his throat. The saccharine smell of flowers invaded his senses.

He laid his head on her breast, clutching the stained clothes. She (Makino, he reminded himself) embraced him back, a warmth spreading in his chest. No words were exchanged and he didn't dare look up, to see if Makino realised his scorn. Knowing her, she probably picked up the sadness but knew not to pursue. Luffy inhaled deeply, the aroma of flowers briefly replaced with the scent of wheat and bread, and a light musk of alcohol. He sought comfort for it, hugging her tightly, hoping it'll stay forever. The old soul stuck in this youthful body cherished the moment. But of course like any other story, be it sad or happy, all things must come to an end. The blanket of arms left him, only a lingering of protection remained as soft lips touched his forehead.

"The stoves waiting for those peaches," a soft caress, "I'll come back to tell you when it's ready. Clean yourself up okay?"

"Ushishishi! Sure Mamakino!"

Luffy watched as she headed for the kitchen, the image of a pale skinned woman with straight hair flickered to dark locks akin to the sea at midnight. He grabbed the paint tube, putting different colours on his fingertips, before smashing them down hard on his original peace. An undesignated fury made it's way to his actions, and then the Gainsboro tree was no more. Only a myriad of colours sliding down the page early similar to tears, dripping down onto the floor. He frowned, tasting tears on his tongue and the wetness on his cheeks. He remembered a beautiful floral dress and a neatly wrapped bouquet, all stained with sanguine red.

That night, the peaches tasted like sand and his senses were overwhelmed by imaginary flowers.

VIII.

Foosha Village knew of the feathered hair boy who left a trail of colours behind him.

Garp's brat, they'd call him, possessing that cursed smile.

He leapt above crates, jumped up any gate and swivelled from every corner. His nimble fingers caught hanging fruits, while his feet climbed higher and higher. No matter how many times they tried to stop his mischief, the boy was an unstoppable force, incredibly hard to be dealt with. Rascal, they'd murmur, shaking their head. He was such a rascal, an imp almost. Yet, despite that, elders felt youthfulness just by watching him. Children gazed at the boy with longing eyes and sailors grinned, knowing that nothing could contain this free willed child. Foosha's residents had to grudgingly admit that they enjoyed hearing his laughter chiming down the street, they were happy that his eyes shone like no other and they mesmerised the sight of him dancing with no limitations.

When white flags arrived on shore, it was a signal of destruction. The two kin would streamline the streets, leaving only dust in their wake. They'd relocate to the mountains sometimes, bringing a bloody beast on their backs, heaved upon shoulders. The whole town would stare in awe and celebrate. Men in white uniforms drinking and singing, children playing games of tag and Garp telling boisterous stories. Only some, would notice a cherubim boy snuggling against Makino's yellow skirt, expression content and lips pulled into a happy smile. And only the wise saw his marred gaze, too foreign to be stuck in such a young body. Despite it, no one uttered a word, solemn with understanding and attention focused on the party surrounding them.

As the sails opened and campfire died down, Garp left the island. While his boy soldiered on, shoulders wide and head up high. It was a leader bidding goodbye to his treasured knight, and then, everything returned to a norm. The villagers couldn't deny that the boy was their cheerful sunshine. Taking care of wounded animals, helping the elderly cross the road -although, he did break some carts in return. And often played the big, bad monster for the other children. He was a loud, rambunctious child in which everyone loved. What mattered most, was the fact that he made everyone laugh, with true joy.

So when black flags descended their village, everyone knew to protect their angel.

IX.

Unknown to most, fate always played with destiny.

The minute Shanks Le Roux stepped onto the sand, he ordered his crew to search for supplies and a tavern for booze.

Meanwhile, he walked towards a large cove. Enjoying the cloudless blue skies and soft waves crashing against rocks. He rarely ever went to the East Blue, not after his former Captain died. The sea was much too calm here and his blood thirsted for adventure, to feel that exhilarating moment that made adrenaline pump. Of course, sometimes a holiday was needed and a couple of his crewmates originated from this part of the world so why not? As long as there were good booze and music, it didn't matter where he was.

From his short hours here, Foosha Village didn't seem so bad. He gained the occasional stinky eye but no one had called the Marines on them. It reminded Shanks how worlds different it could be from one island in the Four Blues to that of the Grandline. They weren't used to pirates and still had an air of naiveness. But Shanks knew not to underestimate them, his hands trailed the fresh scars, Shanks knew not to underestimate anyone.

Taking a sip of his ever-present sake, he softly hummed a familiar tune. Sand digging between his toes and under nails. Shanks didn't know how long he had been walking but by the time the sky matched his hair, he decided to go back towards his crew.

Halfway there, he met his captain. No, Shanks rubbed his eyes, it was a boy who eerily resembled his captain. Right down to the hibiscus in his hands. Legs outstretched, meeting the tides. The only things missing was a pretty blonde and that signature moustache. He wondered whatever happened to their child, and if he's been hiding in plain sight. The boy's hair tumbled across his features, hiding that glimpse of a smile.

"Say Old Man, you're not gonna stand there forever are you?"

"You got me there brat," Shanks debated whether to sit next to the boy or watch from afar, choosing the latter, he sipped the sake, "And a wise man once said that everything must come to an end.

"A wise man he is," the boy admitted, "Even the Almighty has Death waiting at his doorstep," he tilted his head upwards. It revealed round eyes weighed down with a burden, "Did She await for you when that foolish man clawed your eyes?"

Instinctively, Shanks traced his scars, the ghostly pain still present. After encountering numerous of things, Shanks couldn't imagine the possibility of how the boy knew. He looked at Shanks with an expression that he just knew. Not in a shifty, clairvoyant way but as if long ago, they had shared secrets. Nevertheless, this scar was an insult to his pride, only a handful had known. And without a doubt, if any of Roger's old crew found out, they'd laugh and knock him over.

"Yeah, it hurt. A lot," Shanks drained the last bit of sake and sat down next to him.

He sighed, "Although Death didn't come knocking at my door, ha! Nah, it's too soon for that. Too many places to see, too many people to meet. Can't let it weigh me down, ya know? Sometimes you just have to suck it up and enjoy the rest of life, that's a pirate's life for me!"

"A pirate? Pillage and plunder?"

Shanks grinned, "An adventurer."

The boy's ancient persona was quickly replaced with something younger and it made Shank's heart lighter at the sight. A childish curiosity overwhelmed the boy's expression, "Gramps don't like pirates much, said they're bad people. He wants me to be a Marine, and I respect him and love him, but honestly? I wouldn't want to be held back by people who think they can dictate the world when they are ignorant of the larger scheme. I don't understand how people can foolishly be blind and waste their time in such insignificant things."

Throwing his head back, Shanks roared, "Dahahaha! You sure don't hold back, do ya brat? Why do you think I became a pirate? It's not cause I wanna pillage and plunder—I'd rather avoid those things. No, to be a pirate is to live without rules. Freedom. I wouldn't exchange it for anything in this world," he paused, seeing the boy's disgruntled look, "Not that easy for you aye?"

"Not that easy at all."

"So what's got you so anchored?"

He shrugged, "Life."

"When life gives you lemons, you gotta make some lemonade," Shanks sang.

Laughing, he ruffled the boy's head, earning a pout. Looking up, he laid down on the sand, uncaring of its brittle texture, "I agree with you, life is a pain in the ass. Sometimes though, if you mourn too much in the past and dwell on the future, you'll forget about the present. That's how you're holding yourself back Anchor, you haven't learned how to let go. Sure we have some chains, but being free isn't just learning how to cast them off. It's also to live in a way that supports the freedom of others. Plus living in freedom is technically saying 'fuck you' to the world—er, don't tell your mother I said that."

Anchor, Shanks decided to refer him, plopped down next to him, "You're a funny guy."

"Dahahaha! I get that a lot."

"You're also a hawk."

He raised a brow, Shanks wasn't commonly referred to that animal in comparison to a familiar friend. The red devil, yes, even tomato when he was younger, but never 'hawk'. Anchor grinned, shifting so they laid side by side.

"You're a hawk," he repeated earnestly, "You represent humanity, a messenger to those who are allies and opposes you. Red tipped wings holds no bounds as you soar to the sky—unreachable and free. You're a hawk," Anchor repeated again as if trying to convince himself, "You're not a pretty white dove with tinted feathers. You're a risk taker, an achiever, nothing can hold you back because," Anchor leant forward, their nose almost touching, "You're free."

Shanks smiled, "A hawk? That doesn't sound so bad I guess. If I'm a hawk, then what're you?"

"Dunno, I do like food, though," he hummed, "Say, how do you like peaches?"

"Umm. They're sweet and okay?" Shanks was never picky with fruits, he grew up surrounded by a whole tropical variety.

The boy gave a critical eye, "Good, cause apples are way better than peaches. But Mamakino loves peaches and I love her, so it's a stalemate. And we have some baked peaches and I'm pretty sure we have apple cider somewhere."

"Hey there Anchor, are you inviting me on a date?"

Picking his nose, the boy grinned, "Ushishishi, that's if you don't mind Mamakino over our shoulder."

X.

As the boy walked, all Shanks saw was a King's shadows.

XI.

Luffy introduced Makino to Hawk, as he decided to call him, was like introducing earth to the wind.

Makino was maternal, set in stone like a defying mountain unable to move. She was strong, stern and her caverns offered home while her arms granted protection. Makino was fierce to defend all things she considered her treasures, like a trunk buried underneath goldens sands. When angered, her relentlessness showed no bounds, attacking whoever came her way; a furious quakes of earth and swaying of trees. The moment Shanks stepped into their cavern all motion halted. Makino's sharp gaze trailed to the tall man next to him, unimpressed while the other customers were drawn into submission, fear lingering. Her hands grabbed a nearby knife, sharp as a gemstone, continued to discreetly cut the vegetables as she stared down at his Hawk.

Shanks, whose shoulders were hunched and lazed back, a calm wind anticipating what would happen next. Because if Makino is Mother Earth, Shanks is the wind constantly present, ready to attack when needed and drift when lost. He was untouchable to all, a force to be reckoned with and something Mother Earth would truly hate. While she is rooted to the core of everything, unable to move, he is not. A spiritual child ready to make mischief and create havoc. And judging by the way Makino tightened the grip of her knife, she was not happy by the lazy smirk Shanks had plastered on his face. He saw the other customers shift their way outside as both of them walked over to the bar.

"And who might this be?"

Luffy hid a wince when he saw the disapproval before smiling, trying to lift up the atmosphere, "He's my Hawk."

"Your Hawk?"

"Shishishi, yep!"

He has laid claim, they were now in his circle of protection and Luffy will do anything to protect nakama.

Makino however, was not very happy with that as her lips were drawn upwards into a strained line, "I see. What was your name again?"

"I never said," Hawk answered effortlessly. "Please do," she insisted.

"It's- "

"CAPTAIN!"

And in came a flurry of birds to their flock leader. Sweat matted their feature, skin sticky from the sea wind and around their arms were coconuts. Cheeks ruddy from running and smiles brimming with joy.

Luffy felt a painful ache as he was reminded of similar scenes of previous lives. Luffy saw a family, brothers, sisters, lovers. No matter which life he experienced, family was foremost the most important thing. And here, it seemed that Shanks found family precious too. Said man grinned at their boisterous entrance, and with great laughter, he leapt and greeted his companions.

There was a swirl of red (such a passionate shade) hair, "Hey Anchor! Come meet my crew!"

"Everyone this is Anchor, Anchor we're the Red Hair Pirates!"

From the dark hair man who was a silent mouse, standing by a dark corner, to the man who was laughing happily like a walrus. No, they are not all birds but Luffy had a feeling that they were tighter than a flock. There was something special about them that pulled her attention.

Nakama.

Luffy grinned, he liked what he saw.

Makino however, was still iffy about them. Moments after, she brought out bottles of sake, banging them onto the table, distrust still tainting her pretty features. With a hand on her hip she got straight to the point, no dwaddling around as her lips were pulled into a marred frown,

"Never got yer name," her brogue Goa accent was thickening by the minute. And that was certainly not a good sign.

"Mamakino right?"

"Only Luffy calls me that," she gritted, "You can address me as Miss Makino."

"Well Miss Makino," he added teasingly,

"I'm Shanks Le Roux."

"You're a pirate."

"Yes," he answered.

"What do you want with Luffy," straight to the point, "Touch a strand of his hair and you won't be able to feel pleasure anymore."

Luffy huffed, ready to defend Shanks, "Mamakino," he whined, "I already told you, he's my Hawk just as you are my Mother."

The expression he received from her was heart wrenching, turmoil of emotions flashed through but Luffy didn't care, because Makino needed to know how important she was to him. Some things were thicker than blood and Luffy didn't care about blood, never did (lie). It was the bonds that mattered, nothing could ever overcome that. And the bond he formed with Makino was something that could never break that. Mothers are important, over the years he had many, all of them truly deserving that title. And Makino, sweet Makino with her maternal smile and kind eyes was one of them.

Luffy walked over and enveloped Makino with his wings, "I love you."

There was no need for explanation, the three simple words will do. And it was a perfect scene, joyful music in the background, and he can vaguely hear his hawk, Shanks, cheering. Everyone was so happy and to see the genuine smile on Makino's face made it better. This moment was theirs, no amount of loud noise could disrupt it.

"I only do this because I care about you Luffy."

"I know, and there's nothing wrong with that."

"Luffy?"

"Hm?"

"I love you too."

XII.

Luffy has always been in love.

Though neither withholding his heart or soul, freedom fuelled the essence of why he was who he is today. Despite being his downfall, Luffy could never hate it, due to the very fact that he believed everything should be free, no shackles and chains should withhold one being's will. Like a human deprived of water, Luffy needed freedom to live, it gave hope and happiness. The feeling of wind seeping through his pores, of sunlight giving warmth and security. Birds singing above humans fishes dancing below. No current had the capability to restrain his goal. Anyone who got in the way will simply be pushed aside. To be free is Luffy's dream, more than anything else and Freedom is his flame burning inside.

Thus, his current predicament.

Legs stretched far and wide, he ran across the wooden floor, swaying side to side as the ship move. Red Force, is a beauty to behold, made from the darkest trees and mast hung above, Luffy could feel her power beneath his bones. She hummed in happiness as he ran through the hollow halls, the old pirate's tune creating a shadow of what once was. He held her hand, not minding the stares as he twirled with the invisible entity. Their hair swished from every movement while the edge of their clothes caught wind of salt. She tugged his hand, pointing at the bird's nest up ahead. With a happy grin, Luffy followed her, hands gripping the rope as he made his way. Trudging, his finger felt numb as splinters dug through, just as his mind did when the others called out to him.

How long has it been? How long has it been since he felt this free? Chains untouched and wings unbound. When he (the king in gold and the man in rags) reached the very top, a joyous laugh escaped. Luffy lifted his legs and stretched out his arms. Without an utter sound, he tilted his body and wrenched himself backwards. Perhaps, in another life, his wings would've unfurled. But here, right now, it was merely a thrush of air, head first towards the ground.

Luffy laughed through it all.

As he descended, a pair of arms caught him.

"You sure know how to scare a man anchor."

He blinked, once, twice, and then, "Let's do it again!"

Because never in all the lives had he have someone to catch his fall.

Shanks was aesthetically pleasing, more on the rugged side, but pleasing nonetheless. Luffy (no, it was the tortured soul inside of him) was strangely comfortable. The man was certainly attractive in his own right and the fact that he caught Luffy ignited a spark wilted over centuries. He was reminded of the lovers and spacious and traitors. He was reminded of the fluttering feeling in his stomach and the warm engulfing light that settles in one's chest. It was indescribable almost, and right now, Luffy felt all in once.

It seems, that, he is quite enraptured with this red haired hawk.

He was no enigma, only a steadfast slate. Somehow, Luffy found it entrancing. Simplicity at it's fullest wasn't hard to find in this world, but simplicity at it's truest, is misconception in the easiest form. Humans, people, often had layers underneath layers that so intricate and malformed you might not recognise what you finally see. Luffy was one of those. But people like Shanks, who were honest and carried a passionate will, they are resolute and untameable, having only their desires in mind. It was often to people like this did Luffy fell in love with. And despite ending in tragedy, it was in Luffy's impulsive nature did it allow his heart to beat in excitement, anticipation. Something he had so rarely felt in a while now. Underneath his skin, Luffy's blood burned.

"Hey, what's with that look?"

Luffy blinked, realising that he probably had a dazed look plastered on his face. Huffing a laugh, he tightened his grip around Shanks's neck, "Don't you ever let me crash down when I fall alright?"

"What's gotten you all sentimental?" Shanks tried to keep his voice light, though Luffy knew he had caught on with the never ending layers, "This is unlike you Anchor."

"You've only known me for a few months," he dead panned.

"True, but it feels like I've known you for more," Shanks had a distant gaze and Luffy had a moment of déjà vu. The magic was cut short when Shanks swiftly settled Luffy onto the ground.

"Doesn't matter," it does, "Makino's looking for you. Don't want to upset her now."

"No," Luffy suddenly felt hollow, "Wouldn't want to upset mother."

(No. Wouldn't want to upset Father.)

A finger flicked his forehead, making him stumble back and hold the red mark, "Hey! What's that for?"

"Don't like that look on you kid," Shanks chuckled, "Say you know what, I'll come along for the booze. That and your clumsy ass. Hey, Benn! Make sure the docks are cleaned once I get back! We're gonna do some fishin' aye?"

"Aye, Captain!" Yelled the first mate, "Bring back some booze!"

"Hahahahaha! I hold that to us'!"

Luffy tilted his head, "Fishing?"

The physically older man nodded, "Rumour has it that there's a big fish circling one part of the island. One the reason why foreign ships don't come here too often. We were lucky, used the opposite route, though a bit tricky with the coral."

"How'd you get through?"

"Our rudders retractable, we have a mechanism built in Water 7 to make it stay a float," he explained as they made their way to Makino's bar.

"Water 7?" The words were foreign to Luffy's lips.

"An island in the Grandline, mostly made up of water though. Nice place to go to, maybe you can go there one day, we got many of Red Force's material there, the best in the first part they say. The rest we knicked and picked in the second part."

His speech flee from his mouth, "You mean Afeursia and Haimirich."

"What."

"The first is called Afeursia, Old World, after Empress Eursia and the second, New World, is called Haimirich after King Americh. A star crossed romance, quiet a tragedy it was," Luffy shifted when he saw Shanks puzzled expression.

They had been two very powerful people, born and bred from two sides of the world, separated by a barrier. As all tales, their love story was never meant to be, there was no war or animosity, but due to laws given, their seas were meant to be separated for all reasons. One day, however, by fate's chance, Princess Eursia and Duke Americh, met in that cursed place. Americh who had never seen a flower so exotic fell in love, yet Eursia remained stubborn. They constantly visited each other yet never proclaimed their lives because sometimes, words were not needed to express the deepest of emotions. It wasn't till an outbreak of war happened did they have to fight each, and fight they did. For eight days and nine night.

On the ninth, it finally ended all that's left was an array of dead souls. The Princess and Duke, now Empress and King, met for the very last time, their eyes closed, last blood dropped and finally laid to sleep in each other's embrace. Their battle had shifted earth and sky, the barrier which was fought over was now buried deep within the sea, only a small line now indicated what once was. In their honour, what was left of the two seas named the first part and the second in their remembrance, in hopes to never be forgotten. And in the end, they were finally reunited, and would still be in the next life.

Luffy would know because he—

"There's no thing as that from what I can remember."

His heart shattered.

"What-what do you mean?" He swallowed harshly, "You're lying! It's been known that for centuries!"

Shanks was lying because Luffy knew.

The red haired man shook his head, "The first part is known as Paradise while the second part is well, you're right, the New World. Where'd you learn this from anyways?"

He was lying because Luffy knew.

"Though I'm interested now, I've never heard it like that. It sounds a bit like Ancient, that's hard to find-hey anchor are you alright?"

Luffy knew.

He ferociously wiped his trees and didn't say another word.

"You're lying."

Luffy knew because once upon a time, he was Eursia.

"You're a liar!"

Without another word, he ran.

Leaving behind the creaks of the Red Force and Shanks's grim expression.

-x-x-x-

After that, Luffy strayed clear from Shanks.

The attraction was still there, but Luffy will never be close to one who spits ignorance at his history. Eursia's history. They were faded but still present, of a time where people wore gold and danced with twinkling bells. He had been adventurous and thirsting for more, thus her fated meeting with Americh. One sided at first, but they found comfort in each other. It was love at it's truest form. Their stories became legends passed down amongst generations.

And here Shanks was saying they did not exist.

That their love was not real.

No.

Luffy can still feel Americh's touches and her companions' laughter. She still felt the sword and blades and smell the oozing blood. It was real, no doubt about it, Luffy can remember every single one of his past lives and Eursia had been a recent one, truly making an impact. He loved (loves) Americh, his kind smiles and feathered caresses. It was real.

(Of the painter and the carpenter, to the knight and the savage, to the maid and the princess).

They are all real.

With an aching soul and broken heart, Luffy hid himself with the sands and waves. The tiny gravels going in between his toes as the wind flew by. He had spent the rest of the day here, and surprisingly, it had been Benn to pick him up.

"I heard you called Captain a liar," the man said lighting a smoke, "That's true since we're pirates but I think there's more to it than that. What's got you so distressed Luffy?"

"She's a beautiful ship," Luffy blurted, not wanting to tread back to painful memories.

"Pardon?"

"Red Force, she sings to me," he played with the seams of his shirt whilst pulling his body closer to himself, "She told me of your adventures with the wind and the waters. Now imagine her being shot down and left for good. Because that's exactly what Shanks did."

Benn stared at him, not with disbelief but rather, silence, as if studying a new piece of art, "I'd be angry, very angry."

"Exactly. Red Force would say so too, that's how I felt."

He inhaled and exhaled, "But she spoke to you? I must say I'm quite jealous, never have I heard her voice," there was no sarcasm, only genuine and true. "You sure are a special one, aren't you. Say you wouldn't know what," he trailed, choosing not to continue as if lost in his own thoughts.

"I see and hear things much more than you can comprehend," Luffy began, "Everything in this world has a colour, a song, a voice. Some are just left blind due to the ignorance of others. I called your Captain a liar because he does not see what the world truly is. He can't remember and that's bad."

"Not everyone can," Benn suddenly interjected, "And sometimes you have to accept that people have different perceptions. You'd might be more in depth than others, but that does not mean to say it's what other people see."

"I know," he choked, nearly a sob. Taking a deep breath in he tried again, "I know. I just, I just can't accept it. How can he not know about Eursia and Americh's tale, that is to say that he doesn't know about the sea and sky."

"I don't."

Luffy flicked his head toward him, "You don't?"

"No. Shanks doesn't know it, I don't, none of the crew does."

"Well, you're stupid."

"Offensive," he mocked glared, "But that doesn't mean that you can't teach us."

"It's a long story," he said glumly, before perking up, "Star-crossed lovers, who had to fight in the end."

"Oh? Is it a happy ending?"

Luffy rolled his eyes, not expecting this from Benn, "Stories with heroes usually lead to tragedies."

"True," he sighed, "Which is a shame really."

"Agreed," his breath hitched, "I just, I can't believe that so many years have passed that people doesn't remember, don't virtue the morals and pain that they, had to go through."

"Not many knows about the hardships of being a slave," Benn slouched down, towards his knees, "Today, most portrayals are in black and white. Only those who have experienced it sees the greys."

"You're right, it seems that things are different now," Luffy looked at the ocean, so great and vast, "The world has changed, the waves are a calm before the storm. Corals are forgotten and buried deep while they all await for that final ripple to shift things. I don't know if it's for the best or worst. We have been cursed with ignorance. And that, can cost you your freedom."

"Why do you think we're pirates?" The man retorted, "When that ripple becomes a tsunami, we'll be watching and ready. We ride with the wind. You have very interesting views about the world you know that?"

"Like you said," he grinned, "'different perspective'."

"You have an old soul," Benn said and Luffy wanted to laugh, that's one way to put it, falling from the heavens and chained upon the earth.

Instead he only gazed at the unchanging sky before smiling, "I'm just a free spirit."

"I guess it's really up to us whether or not we choose to be."

"Are you?"

"In a sense yes, but my loyalties will forever be with my Captain."

"Such devotion."

"It's called Nakama."

He grinned, "Shishishi I love that word!"

"Luffy?"

"Hm?"

"Smile, we hate seeing you sad."

(You have a beautiful smile. Use it.)

XIII.

The world has forgotten.

But that's okay, he'll make them remember days of old.

XIV.

Apologising is a sign of weakness. At the same time, it can show strength.

"I'm sorry."

When Luffy apologised, they were in the empty caverns of the bar. The doors creaked and ice melted within the juice that sat upon the cup. The sun's hot rays managed to thieve their way through the blinds. His words were soft yet resonated nonetheless.

Luffy hates apologising, but knew when it was needed. A good king will view their flaws just as a sinner would admit to repent their sins. He was once a man who had committed adultery, begging for his wife's forgiveness. He was once a prisoner sentenced to death, pleading that they had the wrong person. But all fell on deaf ears, he was beaten, slapped, punched and gutted. Except this time it was different, he was a boy and in front him was no judge, it was Shanks.

And like the sun, Shanks smiled, pulled him into a hug and said that nothing was to be forgiven. He asked, "Tell me of those legends that I do not know."

Without any restrictions, Luffy grinned.

He stole a story of the time where slaves were free men. When Queens danced with bears, an array of colourful fruits waiting for them. Samurais fighting Cowboys and princesses saving Knights. How Sea Kings could fly and fishes could breathe. When the world was one and held a unity. When the world was desperate due to long wars. And of a little boy, a peasant, a girl, a widow, a mother, a grandfather. Luffy made sure to tell all of their stories. The hardships and storms they had to go through to the moment of their last dying breath. From every scar to every laughter, every enemy to every friend. How fans cut through steel and silk shining in the light. A time where there was no government to dictate the world's perception. Once unsung and forgotten, has now been revealed.

Luffy cried in some parts, and before he knew it, the sky was setting. No longer was the cavern empty, now filled with men who held swords and guns on their body. To the travelling circus who came to town, children hid between mothers and peaked through to listen more. And Luffy laughed, because even though this was only a finger tip of what is to come, he is happy. That songs are being heard again.

.

.

.

.

.

"Don't cry kid, be happy."

.

.

mālum: Latin word for apple, it is similar to the how evil is written in Latin, which is 'mălum'.

hibiscus: this flower has many connotations. In North America, hibiscus means a 'perfect woman' while in Victorian times, it acknowledged a person's delicate beauty. In China, a hibiscus flower symbolises the fleeting and beauty of fame or personal glory. The hibiscus has five petals and when they all connect, it represents ultimate peace.