38~ Snowy Reunion

Mira

We traveled up the wide stream to find a place to dock. No where seemed stable enough for us to land safely. I bit my lip as I scanned the shoreline for a good place. We must have gone halfway up before Vivi spoke.

"Look there!" I followed where Vivi was pointing. "It's a small waterfall of melted snow. We may be able to stop around here."

"So," Zoro looked over his shoulder to us. "Who's going doctor hunting? No, I think people hunting comes first," He corrected himself.

"I'm going!" Luffy was the first to speak.

"Me too!" Of course Sanji would go.

"Okay! Have fun!" Usopp, you chicken.

"I'll go, too." I pulled my coat tighter around me. "Someone's gotta help keep these guys in check."

"Stop right there, pirates!" A voice cut off my next words. I looked up to see people along the edge of the shoreline, pointing various weapons at us.

"I found people."

"Not now, Mira..." Usopp whispered to me. I quickly pulled my hood up to cover my ears.

We looked around and observed the villagers watching us. They didn't back down one bit as they glared at us. Guess this place isn't pirate friendly.

A guy in a thick green coat with armored sleeves and a matching green and white swirled hat walked closer to us. "Attention, pirates! Leave this place at once! This instant!"

"We came to find a doctor!"  Luffy spoke up.

"We have a sick person on board!" Vivi added.

"We won't fall for that trick, filthy pirates!" One of the villagers snapped.

"Please, she's really ill!" I tried to reason with them. "She's had a really bad fever for the past three days and it won't go down!"

"This is our island!" My words fell on deaf ears. "We won't let any pirates land here!"

"Raise anchor and leave here! Or else we'll blow your whole ship up!"

"They really hate our guts," Sanji said as he lit his cigarette. "And we've only just met."

"Don't talk back!" He shot at Sanji's feet.

"They're shooting at us!" He jumped out of the way.

"You didn't just do that!" Sanji growled at the man who fired the gun. "You bastard!"

"Stop, Sanji-kun!" Vivi ran in front of him and held him in place. There was another shot. I watched, wide eyed, as Vivi began to fall. No... did he just...

Seemingly in slow motion, I turned and snarled at the man, katana ready. "You bastard!"

"VIVI!" Was the last thing I heard before I started seeing red. Something grabbed my arm tightly. I turned and quickly snapped out of my blind rage. Zoro stared hard at me, shaking his head. I got the message and rushed over to Vivi to make sure she was okay.

But I wasn't the only one who was sent into a fury. "Why you!"

"Take aim!"

Luffy charged. "No! Stop!" Despite being shot, Vivi got up and wrapped her arms tightly around Luffy. "Fighting won't help anything! I'm fine! It only grazed my arm!"

I watched the villagers closely, waiting for them to move. I'd freeze time and take their weapons. That should help us, right?

"We won't land here!" Vivi got to her knees and stared at the guy in the green coat who first addressed us. "But could we please ask for a doctor! Our friend is suffering from a grave illness! Please help us! We beg you!"

I slowly put my blade away and got down beside her, begging on our knees. "We promise as soon as she's better, we'll leave!"

"Vivi! Mira!" Luffy gasped.

"You're not fit to be captain, Luffy." She suddenly said beside me. "Not everything can be fixed by acting recklessly! If you start a fight here, what will happen to Nami-san?"

He stared at us for a few seconds longer before he faced the crowd. "Yeah. I'm sorry. I was wrong. Please call a doctor! Please help our friend!" He got down on his knees as well.

A eerie silence filled the air. What's going to happen? Will they call a doctor? Will they send us away? Will they shoot at us some more? I tensed my muscles, anticipating what could happen next.

Finally, the one who first addressed us spoke. "I'll show you to the village."

I grinned and slowly stood. "Thank you."

"Follow me." He turned and began to walk off.

"See?" Vivi turned to Luffy. "They understood."

"Yeah," He stared at her in admiration. "You're amazing!"

We gathered our little party and followed the villagers back to their town. It was snowing softly and what was already on the ground came up to our ankles.

"I must warn you," We looked up to face the man in green. "The only doctor we have is a witch."

"A witch?" We asked, confused.

"You gotta be kidding me. This place doesn't make any sense." Sanji said from behind us. I looked past Usopp, and Luffy to see Sanji carrying Nami on his back. Her arms were draped over his shoulders. He used one of the villagers swords to keep her from falling off. Her bright orange and yellow snow jacket really stands out.

"What is this place, anyway?" He asked to a villager beside him.

"This island does not have a name yet." The guy who I'm guessing in the village leader said.

"A nameless island?" Vivi asked from beside me. "Does that really happen?"

Just as he was about to respond, Usopp cried out in fear. "A bear!" I glanced up to see a pure white bear walking towards us. He carried a pick ax over his shoulder.

"Everyone! Play dead!" He fell into the snow.

"A hiking bear," the leader said calmly. "They're no threat. Don't forget to bow. It's great hiking manners." So I bowed my head to the hiking bear as it passed us. It bowed back. I glanced back to see Usopp still in the snow. His face was beat red from embarrassment.

Soon, we came across the cute little village the leader was talking about. "This is our village, Big Horn."

"There are weird animals here." Luffy stated as he glanced around with Usopp.

"That's a snow country for ya!" He agreed.

I let my eyes wander and tuned the two out. They can be so weird sometimes.

A movement different from everything else made me stop. My eyes zeroed in on something in the distance. I... I know that hair...

Most of her hair was tucked into a hood, the rest spilled out in front. She adjusted a bag on her back and walked out of sight.

"Mira?" A voice asked and I was brought back to reality. I glanced around to everyone. They watched me closely.

I shook my head to myself and stared after the woman. "You guys go on ahead... I gotta check something out."

"Mira-"

"I'll be back soon." I cut Sanji off and went after the woman. "Just get Nami a doctor and make her feel better!"

I rounded a corner and watched the woman from a distance. She looks so familiar... I narrowed my eyes a bit as I silently followed behind her from a fair distance away. My feet made no sound as we walked out of the town.

I adjusted my winter coat and made sure my hood was in place. Just how far are we going? I stopped and hid behind a tree as she was turning around. Surely she doesn't know I'm following her. There's no way she could know.

I peeked around from my hiding spot to see the woman walking off once more. I lightened my footsteps even more as I followed. I have to know why she looks familiar. I want to know who she is.

Most importantly, I want to see where she's going.

Way far outside the town and deep into the snowy forest, we came across a small cottage. I hid once more and the woman turned. I counted to thirty before I snuck a glance. She had just shut the door to the cottage. I froze time and quickly and silently headed for a window. I reanimated time as I ducked below the window.

I extended my hearing.

"Were you followed?" A very familiar male voice asked.

"No," I heard the woman kick off her shoes. "I was completely alone heading home. No one even saw me leave." That's where she's wrong. I smirked to myself.

"Did you see her?" The man asked. Who?

"Yes," I heard the couch as someone sat in it. "I watched the ship sail in and stuck around to watch her get off. There is a chance she could end up finding us. What if she doesn't, though?"

"She will," The man assured her. "She will feel the pull and it will lead her to us." What are they talking about? Did they see us pull in? I believe we were the only ship that docked on this island.

Oh my god I think they're talking about us. I clenched my fists, but stayed hidden. I don't want to draw attention to myself. I need to stay out of sight and figure out who these people are and find out why they seem so familiar.

The woman suddenly sighed.

"What's the matter?" I heard the couch dip once more as the man spoke. "What's on your mind?"

"What do you think?" The woman snorted. "Our daughter is sailing the ocean with pirates and now she has a bounty. She's saving a princess and her kingdom from your worst enemy you've ever faced. I'm worried that the next time she dies, I can't bring her back. There's only so much I can do from here! I felt helpless as we watched her get encased in wax!"

No way... it can't be...

"Kira, it's going to be alright." The man spoke softly. I felt my whole body freeze up. "She's going to be just fine. She has our genes running through her and that'll keep her going."

"Josten, you don't understand!" I held back a gasp as the woman stood. "Just because she's our daughter, it doesn't mean she's immune to life and its hardships! She's going to face foes even more powerful and deadly than Crocodile! My powers are failing! I can't keep her safe forever!"

I can't believe it... I covered my mouth to hold back a sob. My parents... I found them... I finally found them!

Anger swirled inside me. I found them, and now I can yell at them, demand to know why they left me at such a young age to defend myself. I finally get to know why they turned the whole island against me and made up that stupid rumor about me!

I stood as my father began to speak again. "Kira, just calm down. Your powers aren't failing. There are just some things out of your control that you can't stop. We always thought she would end up doing this alone, but now she has a crew to help her! They can do this together! Everything will be just fine."

I stopped at the door and took a deep breath. This is it. No turning back.

"But I'm scared of losing her, Josten." I froze, my anger quickly dying. "I believe you and what you say, but what if I'm not quick enough? What if I'm not watching her and she gets seriously hurt? I don't think I could live with myself if she got hurt on my watch."

She... they care about me? I bit my lip as my hand shook, hovering over the doorknob.

"It's alright." My father said soothingly. "You don't have to worry about a thing. Why don't we check on her now? Let's see how her and her friends are doing."

"Alright."

Here it goes. "That's strange... it shows she's right-" I pushed open the door, cutting off her words.

My breath hitched in my throat as I stared at my parents. They look as if they hardly aged in twelve years. My mother still had her soft brown hair that tumbled in waves down her back. Her bright eyes stared at me, her mouth opened in shock.

I glanced to my father. His sandy blond hair was a bit longer and less spiked than I remembered, but it still looked the same. I stare into his rich topaz eyes, finally realizing what Alrong had meant by my eyes being the same.

I focused back on my parents as they slowly relaxed. A grin spread across my mother's lips. "Mira."

I held a hand up. "Don't come any closer." Hurt flashed across her eyes. "I want answers. All of my questions must be answered truthfully and completely. Leave no details out. If I feel as if you're lying to me or not telling me everything, I will leave this place, and I will never forgive you for what you did. I will cut you guys completely from my life and I will never come looking for you ever again."

My parents shared a glance and nodded. "What would you like to know?" My father asked.

I clenched my shaking fists, unable to contain my anger any longer. "Why did you leave me, a four year old girl, alone on an island for my entire life!?"

My father sighed. "Mira, we just want you to know that we did this for you."

"Don't give me that bullshit!" I snapped and my mother gasped. "There is literally no reason for someone's parents to abandon their daughter at such a young age! There is no excuse!"

"There is!" My father growled. Yes, growled. I thought I only did that. "Morgan was getting too suspicious."

"Suspicious of what?!" I shook with pure rage. "What the hell does that even mean!? I can't even believe this! What the hell are you?!"

"I'm trying to make the world a better place!" It was silent in the cottage for a few moments.

"The world is full of evil people," He continued after a while. "It's my job to snuff out the evil and make the world a better place. I've been doing it since I was a child. I, too, was abandoned by my parents to find my place in the world. When I found my parents, they told me what has been going on in our family for generations."

"So..." I thought for a second. "You're a type of vigilante?"

He blinked slowly. "I guess that's an easy explanation for what we do."

I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, totally. But how do I even know you're telling the truth?"

He stared at me for a few second before he walked off into another room. He came back a few moments later with a stack of papers in his hands.

"These are all the pirates I have killed in the last thirty-five years." Hesitantly, I took the papers and read through the names. Red X's were painted over the pictures and his signature was in the bottom corners. There must be close to a hundred Wanted posters here.

"The last ten years have been difficult for me." I met his eyes again. "I'm getting older and I can't keep up with the new pirate age. This is when the family business passes on to you."

"Hold up," I held a hand up. "I have a huge question. How the hell are you alive?"

My mom chuckled. "That's all me. I've been keeping him alive."

"How??"

She grinned and looked away. "Mira, I'm a Witch."

I blinked a couple times. What? So, there's supposedly two witches on this island? Or is she the only one?

I shook my head. "You're insane." I turned to leave.

"Wait!" I gasped as the door was slammed shut. "Don't go!" My body turned on its own. I was soon facing my parents again, my eyes wide with shock.

"I... I don't... how did you...?" I stuttered as I pointed to the door.

"I told you," She lowered her arms. "I'm a Witch. I can do many extraordinary things. I just shut the door and kept you from leaving all without even touching you."

I blinked twice, still not understanding what just happened.

"Kira, I think you broke her." My father said in a scolding tone. "I thought we would agree to take things slow so she wouldn't freak out."

She sighed. "I know, I'm sorry. I panicked. I thought she was going to leave us. There's so much we still need to tell her."

I quickly shook my head to clear it. "Okay, so you're a Witch, and you're a vigilante. Am I getting this right?"

My father shrugged. "Almost. Have you ever wondered how you got your animal traits?"

I thought for a second then shook my head. "Nah, not really. I just liked the thought of being different than a normal child. That is, until I was cast aside and treated like shit."

"Language!" My mother snapped.

I narrowed my eyes at her. "And who are you to try and tell me what to do? As far as I know, you left me with the intent to never raise me. You have no right to tell me how to speak or how to act." She slowly looked away from my hard gaze.

"She is still your mother." I turned my gaze to my father. "You shouldn't disrespect her."

I snorted and crossed my arms. "Please, don't make me laugh. None of this would have even happened if you had stayed. Or better yet, taken me with you, instead of tossing me aside and treating me like garbage!"

"We couldn't do that!" My father held the side of his head and took a deep breath. "Morgan was getting too suspicious of us. He was starting to catch on that I was the vigilante. The Marines don't like when their job is done for them, so they snuff out the threat."

He met my gaze again. "By making up that rumor and leaving you at the island, it turned his focus from us to you, and we were able to escape. If we took you with us, a world wide hunt would have ensued. If we stayed, all three of us would have died in less than a year."

"How do you know this?" I asked as I turned my head slightly.

"We heard Morgan speaking to HQ." My mother replied. "He was going to investigate our family and have people following our every move. We knew we had to leave, and since your fathers line of work insists that the child be left to fend for themselves, it was the perfect opportunity. Just please know I never wanted to go along with it. I was scared you wouldn't make it."

"Well, I did." I held my arms out beside me a bit. "I'm alive and possibly scarred for the rest of my life, physically and mentally. I've been whipped, tortured, and nearly starved to death because of what you guys did and said. The island hated me and believed everything you said. I wasn't safe to go anywhere. I lived off rats and trash! Marines were always watching me and if I went out of line, I was hit and abused! I was never allowed to participate in anything the island was doing! I had to sneak around to even find a place to sleep! You have no idea what I even went through and I will never forgive you guys for what you did to me!" I was panting hard after my rant.

My parents just stared sadly at me, my mother tucked under my fathers arms.

"We know everything," My mother said after a while of silence. "I've been watching you every day." She ducked out of my fathers arms and headed for the hall. She returned a few moments later and held up a very shiny, clear ball.

"It broke my heart every day to see what we had done to you," She waved her hand over the ball. Soon, I could see the very same scene we were in. I glanced around, trying to figure out how she was doing this.

"With my magic, I can see anything I want in real time." She explained. "I watched you grow, and watched you suffer." As she spoke, the image in the ball shivered and showed everything I had endured. "I watched your birthdays, your several failed attempts to leave the island, and every abuse you ever went through."

My body was starting to ache from the painful memories. I looked away. "But," I met her gaze again. "I saw some amazing things. I saw when you met Zoro and Luffy. I watched you leave the island. I've watched all of your battles and victories. I remember watching them and thinking how you'd be amazing at taking over your fathers line of work. As much as I despise it, there must be someone in the world to make it safe again."

The last image of my crew and I smiling faded away before the ball turned back to clear. "So, this whole time..."

"Yes." I didn't even see her move. "This whole time, we never stopped caring about you. We always watched over you and watched you grow stronger as a person. We made sure you were okay and that I healed your wounds and-"

"Wait, what?!" I shouted, cutting her off. "You mean my Neko blood doesn't have special healing properties!? What the hell!!"

My mother shook her head. "No, you have normal blood. You've never had the ability to heal yourself. I've always been the one to treat you. Though, I can never treat headaches..."

"So, when I died..."

My father nodded. "That was your mother who brought you back to life. She's done it for me several times now. All she does is grab a potion for the ailment, and poof, you're healed."

"Well, it doesn't work quite like that..." She muttered. "But your father has a general idea of what goes on. He's usually passed out from blood loss or dead if he bled out or was severely injured or poisoned."

I stared down into my hands. "All this time... I thought I could heal myself... I even offered to mix my blood to help a sick comrade, hoping it would heal her... All this time, it was you." I met my mother's gaze once more.

"I need to sit down..." I was guided to the couch and carefully sat down. My father helped me out of my coat and hung it up. Soon, both my parents were sitting on either side of me, an arm around my shoulders.

"This is so hard to believe," I whispered aloud. "I don't have healing properties, my mother's a Witch, my fathers a vigilante, and now I have to take over the family business of taking down evil pirates."

"I'm not just a vigilante," My father said suddenly.

"Let me guess," I turned to face him. "You're also the Tooth Fairy." My mother choked back her laughter as my father stared, not blinking.

He looked around me. "I have no idea where she's gotten this mouth of hers. She definitely has an odd sense of humor, too."

"I had to laugh off my problems somehow." I leaned into the couch and crossed my arms. "It's not like I had parents to help me through all this."

"Ouch."

"Yeah." I shrugged. "So, anyway, what are you? This has to be, what, the fourth time I've kept you from explaining yourself?"

"Right," he cleared his throat. "I'm a Wolf Shifter."

"Huh?" I squinted my eyes and held a hand out in confusion. "So, you ate a Devils Fruit and now you turn into a wolf, or..."

"No, I never ate the fruit. I've always been able to-"

"OH!" I exclaimed. "You went to an island and some god turned you into an animal, but mom was able to reverse to effect, but you are still able to turn into the wolf and-"

"Mira!" I snapped my mouth shut. "I don't know what you're talking about, but I never met a god who turned me into an animal. I've been able to shift into a Wolf my entire life. I was born with that ability. And since you're my daughter, some of the animal traits got passed down to you. But you can't shift, seeing how your mother is human with magic abilities. You only got the ears and tail."

"But why am I a Neko if you're a wolf?" I asked.

"Your grandfather could shift into a leopard." He said. "It changes every generation the gene is present. If you ever have kids, they might just have the ears and tail, or they'll be able to shift."

Just as he was about to say more, my ears twitches at a distant sound. My father turned his head the same time I did. "Avalanche." He said in a low voice. "Kira, make sure it's not Wapol. I'm not ready to face him again."

She stood as I spoke. "Wapol?" How did he find us?

"He used to be the king of this island." My father explained as the front door shut. "That is, until he up and left the island when a group of pirates attacked. He took his crew and abandoned every one here. He also forced all the doctors except for a select few to leave the island or be killed. People had to pay huge sums of money to get treated for anything. He lives on the tallest mountain here and it's nearly impossible to get to the top unless you know what way to go."

"Then how come you haven't tried to take him on?" I asked. "This island needs you! You're letting them down!"

"I've tried," he sighed heavily. "Mira, I'm getting too old for this. As I said, I can't keep up with all these new, young pirates who all seem to have a Devil Fruit ability. Hell, Wapol is almost my age, and he still kicked my ass! All because of his ability to eat whatever he wants and gain a power up from it! Just a few months ago before he left, he found our other cottage and drank one of your mother's potions. It may or may not have given him the permanent power of flight. I didn't stick around to find out."

"Damn..." I sighed as I placed a hand behind my neck. "Being a vigilante sounds tough."

"But I know you can do it." I met his stern gaze. "You have a wonderful group of friends who can help you. You won't be alone in this. They'll help you out. You'll be fine."

I nodded. "Yeah, I guess you're right."

"It's alright." We looked up as my mother stepped back in and shut the cold out. "It's just those damn rabbits again."

"...rabbits? You mean the tiny little balls of fluff that are cute and cuddly? They caused an avalanche?"

"Mira, they're not tiny creatures." My father said slowly. "They're huge, vicious creatures that stand about ten feet tall and can tear you limb from limb."

"It's always the quiet ones you gotta worry about..." I mumbled to myself. "Anyway, I still have questions."

"Ask away," My mother gestured for me to speak.

"Where have you guys been all this time?" I asked with a small sigh. "When am I supposed to take over the vigilante stuff? What else am I supposed to know about my family history? Why me?"

"I'll answer them in order." My father shifted in his place. "We've been traveling the world for years. We only settled on this place a year after fighting Kuradohl. It gave us a chance to relax and fight the smaller pirates that were on the path to becoming evil. It also made for a good place to wait for your return."

"As for the vigilante business," He licked his lips. "You've already started it."

"What?"

"Buggy, Krieg, Arlong, Kuradohl, even Navy Commander Nelson, were all on the path of evil for their own selfish gain. They've hurt innocent people and you and your crew have put a stop to their reign of terror." He placed a hand over one of mine. "With me telling them that you'd be after them for revenge, it set in stone what you would be doing in your life. You've already taken up the family business. With you being here today, it sealed your fate. I am now giving the business to you and your crew members."

"No way..." I slowly shook my head and stood. "We can't do that. We're already on a mission! The second Nami gets better, we're leaving and heading for Alabasta! We have to help her save her kingdom from-"

"Crocodile," My father growled his name and I stopped pacing. "I know all about that monster. I met up with him when he first started to set his influence in Alabasta. I tried to take him down, but his Devil Fruit ability is impossible to defeat. I nearly lost my life for good that day."

I gulped. "What does he do?"

He sighed heavily and shook his head. "You know how Buggy can separate and keep any part of his body from getting hurt?" I nodded. "Well, Crocodile can turn any part of his body to sand to keep from getting hurt. And if he touches you, he can dehydrate your entire system and kill you."

"That's why I almost wasn't able to bring him back," My mother chimed in. "There was almost no blood or fluids in your fathers body to help the healing potion flow through him. Please, be careful when you face him, Mira."

I nodded. "I promise. I'll make sure to tell my crew the second I get the chance."

"Good," My father pulled me into a one armed embrace. "We love you some much, Mira."

That did it. Tears sprang to my eyes and flowed freely down my face. Two pairs of warm arms wrapped around me and held me close. I cried for I don't know how long.

I've missed them so much.

After I had let out my many years worth of tears, I pulled away and wiped my eyes. "You have no idea how long I've wanted to hear those words." We shared a smile and sat back down on the couch.

Another question popped into my head. "Say, since you see everything, did you happen to see when I nearly died from that Devil Fruit I bought?"

"Yes, why?" My mother asked.

"Well..." I huffed through my nose. "Why did I have that reaction?"

"It's simple really," My father said. "The Devil Fruit is actually highly toxic to us Shifters. We can't ingest it, or it'll kill us. You nearly gave your poor mother a heart attack when you ate it."

"Sorry..." I grinned sheepishly. "But I got it out of my system and you were able to heal me."

"Yes, but don't be doing that again!" I rolled my eyes at her. "I mean it! I don't want to see you eating strange fruits anymore and buying them in the shadows of alleys!"

"Whatever." I grinned, but it soon fell. "Can you explain my powers to me?"

It was quiet for a few moments. "Because you have the blood of a Witch in your genes, some of my powers have been given to you." She explained. "You can freeze time, and you can also see anyone in the present time, so long as you have either a crystal ball or a smooth, clear surface."

"So I can invade people's personal space?" I raised an eyebrow at her. "No thanks. I'd rather stick with just the time freezing. It's easier to understand."

"Fair enough." She nodded. "With the genes your father gave you, you have heightened smell, sight, and hearing. You also know you can grow and sharpen your nails into claws at any given second. All and all, I think you have a decent arsenal at your disposal."

"And destroying the world?" They grew silent and the air became thick with tension. "Is that a legit thing? Can I actually destroy the world?"

"...yes." I felt myself pale at her words. "While we did only use that as an excuse and a rumor to escape, it is true. Believe it or not, your powers are very unstable, given your family backgrounds. Shifters and Witches aren't exactly supposed to mix. Our powers and abilities clash and bounce off each other too much and create an unstable wavelength. We don't exactly know how you could destroy the world, but it could happen if you're not careful with how you use your powers."

I chuckled humorlessly to myself. "Well, damn. I guess it is true. I really can destroy the world if I put my mind to it. But you won't let that happen, right?"

She nodded. "I'll try my best."

I nodded slowly to myself. "Good. I've only just began exploring the world. I'd like to see all of it before I destroy it in a blaze of glory." That lightened the mood a bit and we were able to laugh a bit.

We must have spent hours just talking and telling tales of what we've been through through the years. I actually felt like I was part of a real family for once. I didn't want this moment to end. I felt... happy.

Yes, I'm happy with my crew and I love them, but I could never have these family moments with them. They're my friends and these are my parents. I'll probably never get this moment back.

It was soon getting late and dark outside. We turned in for the night. I laid awake for a while, thinking about what I was told. Everything is starting to make sense now. Now I know why all the other people we fought knew my father. He fought with them, lost, and swore I would avenge him once I took up the family business.

The next morning, my mother made us a breakfast. As we ate, she explained a bit more of my powers to me and how my emotions can play a big factor in how powerful they can become. I don't really have to worry about much; except my anger. If it spirals out of control, it could trigger the power needed for ending the world.

It's a lot to process and take in. I've been angry a few times, so why hasn't it triggered? Could it have possibly triggered when Vivi was shot? I voiced my question to my mother.

She shook her head. "While you were in a fit of rage, that was only a tenth of the anger needed to set the power free."

"Holy crap..." I whispered to myself. "So, I have to be even more angry than that to let that power explode out of control." She nodded and we fell silent. Just what could possibly make me that angry? What event could cause that?

After a while, my mother stood. "Before you go, I need to give you something. Wait here." She left the front room and disappeared somewhere. She came back a few moments later with three phials. One was filled with a dark blue, almost black liquid, another with a bright blue substance, and the third was a greenish color.

"You'll need these on your travels." She said as she gave me the dark blue one first. "This one is to help cure and treat broken bones and internal bleeding. This bright blue treats and heals cuts, bruises, and external lacerations. And this one cures different toxins that have gotten into the body. It treats bites, like what Nami has, and ingestion of poisons and toxins. Since your friends are human, no more than three drops, and you have to make sure they puke it back up. These are very potent potions, and if they stay in the body for too long, it can kill them."

I took the phials and stuck them in my bag. "I promise to use them wisely."

She smiled. "That's all I can really ask for."

My father stood up suddenly and stretched. "Well, I think your friends have taken care of Wapol by now. We can all relax."

My eyes widened. "Wait, what!? He's here?! Why didn't you say anything! I could have gone after him!"

"Luffy already took care of that." I faced my mother as she held up the crystal ball. Luffy was holding his arms up in victory. "Everything is taken care of."

"Okay," I sat back down. "Though, I really must be going now. They're all probably worried about me and will be out looking for me soon."

"Please stay a bit longer," My father insisted. "It's been so long since we've seen you. We want to spend a bit more quality time with you."

"Right!" My mother quickly took the seat beside me again. "So how are you and your boyfriend, Zoro?"

Heat built across my cheeks as my father growled. "It's not what you think! I mean, sure! We've kissed, he did say he loved me. We had that fancy dinner... We kinda did become an official couple... He's doing good... He stayed at the ship to watch it."

My mother chuckled. "That's good to hear. He really seems to treat you well."

"Personally, I would prefer you don't get into a relationship with him." My father grumbled.

"That's just your inner father speaking." I rolled my eyes. "They don't want their little girls running off with some man. I'm fifteen years old. I can handle myself."

"Sixteen."

"Huh?"

"Your birthday was two weeks ago." He stated. "But you're still too young to have a boyfriend."

"Whatever." I rolled my eyes. "I'm practically an adult after everything I've been through in life. Besides, you can't tell me who I can and can't love."

"She's got you beat there." My father just grumbled at her and pouted.

My mother suddenly cut off and turned to the door. "They're here already?"

Huh? She stood just as someone knocked on the door. I peeked around her from the couch as she opened the door.

"Well, hello there." She greeted them warmly. "You must be Mira's friends. Come on in. You must be cold standing out in the dark." My smile brightened as my crew stepped in.

"How did you find me?" I asked as I got up to greet them.

"Zoro says he knew where you were." Vivi explained. "We were all certain he'd get us lost, though."

"Not cool..." he grumbled.

"Oooh," I watched Usopp as he glanced around the cottage. "This is a nice place! Nice and cozy with this fire."

"Is this really where your parents live?" Nami asked as she glanced around the small kitchen.

I shrugged. "Yeah, I guess. Oh! Introductions! Crew, these are my parents, Kira and Josten Hojosen. Mom and dad, my crew and friends, Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Sanji, and Vivi."

"A pleasure to meet you all." My mother smiled warmly at them. "It's nice to finally see the crew Mira has joined."

My father stood and got in Zoro's personal space. He glared, which in turn made Zoro very uncomfortable as he glared back. "Be nice to my baby girl."

"Huh?" But he didn't say another word as he turned from Zoro.

"So," we focused back in my mother. "Are you all ready to head back out on your adventures?"

I nodded. "Yeah, I just gotta grab my coat and-"

"Actually, Mira, we need to speak to you about something." I faced Luffy.

I chuckled awkwardly. "Why so serious, Luffy?"

"Because." He looked me dead in the eyes and said, "We don't need you as part of our crew anymore."

I swear my world just shattered. "W-What?"

"Yeah," I turned to face Usopp. "While I did have a lot of fun with you and joking around, I think it's time we part ways."

"You can't be serious." I stated firmly. "We're nakama! Friends until the end! You can't just leave me like this!"

"Yes, we can."

"Not you too, Sanji..."

"As much as it pains me to say it, it's time we parted ways. We'll go off on our own adventure and you can stay and catch up with your parents. You haven't seen them in over ten years."

Everyone nodded and agreed. The only one who was silent was Zoro. He just stared at me with his arms crossed.

"Zoro... please..."

He turned away from me and my heart broke. "Goodbye, Mira." They all turned and headed for the door.

No! Wait please! I tried to scream for them, but it was like I was frozen in place. Please! Please don't do this to me! Come back! Don't go!

Sanji! He was the first out the door.

Vivi! She followed soon after him. "It was fun traveling with you." She smiled back at me.

Nami, please!

Usopp!

Luffy, please reconsider!

Zoro...? He gave one last look at me over his shoulder before he stepped out and shut the door.

"I'm so sorry, Mira." My mother said softly.

No. This can't be right. This can't be happening! This isn't real! Guys! Come back!!

"I guess it wasn't meant to be."

My blood ran cold at his words. They're behind this. They want me to stay. My mother must have used her magic to make them say all that! And now they're gonna leave!

No! I can't allow this! Guys, please come back! Don't leave me! No! NO! NO! NOOO!!

I slowly opened my eyes and took in a shaky breath. Slowly, I turned around. My mother was frozen, holding her hand out as if reaching for me. My father was mid-stride coming right for me.

I looked down at my hands. I froze time again. I met their unseeing gazes once more. Now that I look closer, they seem to be following me. Just like Luffy has before.

Theory confirmed. Those who have eaten the Devil Fruit are still aware when time is frozen. My parents are aware, too, since they are my parents. Duh.

I quickly shook my head and headed for the door and grabbed my coat. I concentrated hard to keep time frozen as I shrugged my coat on and opened the door. "That was a dirty trick."

I shut the door and jogged after my crew. They hadn't gone very far. I carefully unfroze them and had them keep walking.

Nami groaned. "What the hell was that? I didn't feel in control of myself."

"I'll explain later." I said quickly. "We gotta get back to the ship before time reanimates!"

"Whoa..." Usopp whispered to himself. "We wanted to leave you behind... I would never agree to that!"

"Less talking, more running!" I shoved them forward and forced myself to keep time frozen. "The sooner we get to the ship, the faster I can explain! I hope you all got what you needed before you came to find me!"

"Oh, Mira! There's something I have to tell you-"

"It can wait, Luffy!" I cut him off. "Just move and you can tell me later."

"Okay, but-"

"No buts!" We ran in silence the rest of the way to the ship.

We climbed onto the ship and I reanimated time with a heavy sigh. "Alright, lets get a move on. Let's get out of this port! We have to go before my parents catch up with us!" We began to pull out of the port.

"Let's go, let's go!" I urged as I watched for any sign of them. "I don't want them to try and make me stay again and then you all-" I cut myself off at what I saw when I faced the ship again.

A small reindeer, probably no more than three feet tall, stood near the center mast. It's big eyes stared back at me, blinking twice. I spotted a cute blue nose and a pink bubble hat on top of its head. Two small holes were cut out to allow its antlers to poke out.

I slowly walked towards the reindeer and knelt down, tilting my head a bit. It slowly backed away as I stared harder at the reindeer.

Finally, I spoke. "Hi." The reindeer flinched and hid behind the center mast. Only... it was hiding backwards. It's entire body was in view and it was peeking out from under its arm.

"...I can still see you." It panicked and flipped itself around so it was behind the mast.

I grinned brightly at it. "You're so cute!!"

It's eyes widened a bit. "Oh stop it, you big dummy!" It said in a child-like voice as it came out and giggled. "Don't say things like that, you idiot!" Even though it was insulting me, it blushed and rubbed the back of its head, laughing.

I smiled to it. "But you are adorable! I've never seen a reindeer before! What's your name?"

"Eh? Oh! I'm Tony Tony Chopper, but you can call me Chopper." I shook his hoof.

"And how did my captain stumble across you?" I asked as I admired his hat and antlers.

"I helped heal Nami." He said as I messed with his hat. "Hey don't do that! Anyway, I'm a doctor!"

"Awesome!" I beamed at him and pulled him into an embrace. "You're so adorable and tiny and cute!"

"I thought I told you not to say those things, you stupid idiot!" He laughed and lightly pushed at me, but I could feel him hugging me back. "Don't make me blush!"

Someone cleared their throat. "I believe we have another matter at hand?"

I looked up. "Huh? Oh yeah! Escaping my parents!" I set Chopper down and headed for the back of the ship. The island was slowly fading away, but I could see the port. I borrowed Usopp's binoculars and zoomed in. I could make out my mother and father waving to me. I smiled softly and raised a hand back.

As much as they wanted me to stay with them, they also know I have a huge mission ahead of me.

We'll meet up again some day.

I turned back to the crew. "Alright. Now that all of that is settled, let's head to Alabasta!" The crew cheered in agreement as we sailed on.