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Author's note at the end of the chapter!

"Who would have thought?" Yasopp uttered, the beer between his lips. A satisfied sigh left his lips, his tone filled with mishchief, "Beautiful and talented!"

Benn's lips curved into a smirk, chiming into the conversation. "Don't forget healing hands as well."

Seeing everyone compliment her mother, Aisha raised her little glass in the air. "Mommy is super cool!"

Everyone cheered while raising their glass of beer in the air Rue felt her face grow hot at all the attention she received.

As they sat down at an open bar, the crew enjoyed the festivities as they drank away into the night. Aisha had orange juice, but to feel included it was poured into a smaller beer glass, which Rue found cute. She smiled as she watched her daughter enjoy herself.

Another song was played by the musician; the tempo slower than the usual upbeat nature, a romantic tune. The crowd began to form again. However, Rue noticed there were couples, going up to dance.

The Red-Haired Pirates watched from the sidelines all seated at an open bar. While their drinks were being served, amusement surrounded the atmosphere as many suitors came; all of them attempting to ask the silver-haired woman for a dance. Rue rejected every last one of them with the same answer.

She was a married woman with a child.

For many it worked, however, unfortunately, not every man could take the hint. This not only annoyed Hanabi as she watched this happened, but if she stepped in, Yue was certain heads would go flying.

While the redhead drank his beer, suddenly, he was tugged to the side, drops of beer slipping from his glass.

Rue linked her arm with Shanks while she pressed her cheeks against his. She gave the numerous suitors a smile, her acting in motion. In a soft tone like a whisper, she uttered, "I'm really sorry, gentlemen, but my husband wouldn't appreciate it if I danced with someone else."

Shanks almost choked while the crew laughed harder at Rue's unexpected plan. Yasopp and Lucky Roux frantically slamming their palms on the table as they threw their heads back, howling like wolves. While other crew members had mischievous grins spread on their faces.

"When's the wedding captain?" Benn voiced, his words added more fuel to the fire while the Yasopp chuckled at his captain

Shanks payed his men no mind, pulling the silver-haired woman closer to him.

Rue froze as his arm wrapped around her waist pulling her close to his chest. Rue didn't dare look up, the scent of booze filling her nose. Her suitors noticed the taller male.

Though his lips spread into a smile, the men felt the coldness emitted through it. "My wife already said no." They flinched from the harshness of Shanks's tone. "Didn't anyone tell you when a lady says no, she means it."

His aura was enough to scare them off. Rue sighed in relief as the small crowd of men deteriorated and left from her sight.

As she was about to pull away, Shanks tightened his grip on her waist. Lifting her gaze, Rue met Shanks's eyes dancing with amusement. A teasing smile on his face, "I'm your husband now?"

Rue felt her face grew as hot as a sauna as she quickly created distance between them. "S-sorry, I-I just wanted them to leave." She fidgeted, placing with her fingers as embarrassment engulfed as Shanks chuckled deeply.

"So you used me to get them away from you," Shanks placed a hand on his heart, fake hurt at her words. " I can't believe you."

The crew and Rue's friends watched from the sidelines. Benn chuckled watching the silver-haired woman trying to explain herself. Yue was smiling from ear to ear seeing their interaction while Hanabi was the least excited, her face as soured like a prune.

"You know," Shanks gave her a teasing smile, "I wouldn't mind if we did become a couple."

Rue gave him a fixed look, almost pitiful. She gripped her dress, as she set her sights elsewhere. Though it was a mumble, Shanks still picked up her words, "You don't know that."

Shanks kept quiet, not saying another word after that as he pondered.

As the melody went on, Rue sat the same table as the red head. He observed as she kept her eyes of the couples dancing to beat of the song. Her gaze became fixed, almost melancholic. The only light in her eyes reflected by lanterns above.

Taking the opportunity, in the midst of it all, Shanks leaned in closer. "Do you like dancing?"

Rue jumped at their close proximity, his voice tickling her ear. She created a little distance, "I suppose I'm fond of it."

Shanks almost frowned, his slight furrowing. Even a simple like or dislike question, she still wouldn't give him a straight answer. He wondered the reason for her to be so guarded.

Meanwhile, Rue kept her eyes on the many dancing couples. They swayed gently throughout the tiles of the grounds. Her gaze on a particular couple, soon, replaced them with an image of herself and a certain someone.

A man, she couldn't forget even if she tried.

Her mind painted an image of them, dancing together under a cheery blossom tree. Their gazes on each other, as if the world became mute. As long as they had each other's trust, each other's love nothing in the world could separate them.

Absentmindedly, her mouth opened a whisper escaping her lips. "We used to dance." The captain's ears perked up at her words, "We danced a lot back then."

Shanks picked up the sadness within her tone. The way she gripped her dress, the way her eyes glossed for a moment before she shut them immediately.

Thinking about it now, Rue was a single mother. He wondered what fool would leave a woman alone with a child, to raise and to care for without any support. Any man would feel lucky to have her as his wife.

Shanks noted to himself if he ever met this idiot of a man he would punch them to space.

Meanwhile, Rue took deep breaths, calming herself. She shook her head, attempting to cease the resurfacing memories. She hasn't forgotten the task she had planned, she needed to secure an alliance with him. It was essential to her future plans, she needed him.

She faced him, a small smile in her lips. Her hands placed gracefully one on top the other on her lap, regal air surrounded her. "Would like to play a game?"

Shanks blinked while the crew members noticed the change in the atmosphere. And right on cue, Rue stood and left for the bar. As she spoke to the owner, they witnessed a bottle of alcohol on the counter, given to the pretty woman. Soon, she called for Yue for extra help. Seconds later, both women waltzed back, Rue had a bottle of alcohol while Yue had three small glass in her in each hand.

Everyone watched as Rue sat down, while Yue poured the liquid in each glass. They all raised a brow as one out of the three glasses were left out.

Once again, Rue gave him a smile, her eyes held a glint in them. "The game is called Truth or Drink."  She gestured her hand to the three small glasses, placing the empty glass upward."It's simple, we ask as many questions as we want. Each glass represents the amount of lives we have. We can only skip a question we don't want to answer once. When you do, you place your glass downward. Other questions we refuse to answer, we must take a shot."

Everyone listened, watching her every move as she spoke. Shanks witnessed the glint in her eyes brighten.

"To win, you must preserve as many lives as you can. The winner gets to wish a request along with a bonus question that their opponent must answer." Rue finished with a closed-eyed smile.

The crew looked to their captain who leaned backwards on his chair, his gaze fixed on the woman. Benn gave Rue a quizzical gaze, wondering what she wanted to gain from this.

Shanks became deep in thought. Although everything sounded simple, yet somehow something told him that he needed to check something first. Taking the bottle in hand, he checked its contents, a grin curved his lips. "This one's pretty strong."

The captain passed the bottle to his first mate, Benn smirked as he passed the bottle around for the rest of the crew. "A shot of these will get you drunk in seconds."

Yasopp whistled looking at the bottle, observing the contents. It was higher in alcohol, way higher than what they usually got.

Hongo slightly narrowed his eyes at the bottle in his hand. The amount of alcohol would be too much, especially for a patient that was recovering. What in the world was Rue thinking?

Meanwhile, Yue gave Hanabi a worried glance, while the woman in question lips slightly lifted into a smirk. Yue hoped for the captain and her mistress to grow closer, yet she wouldn't have expected this turn of events.

However, Rue didn't expect Shanks to counter. "How do I know what comes out of your mouth is true?" The air dimmed and became as sharp as a blade. Though Shanks was smiling, his tone challenged the kindness within his eyes. It was deep with authority. "You could be lying."

Shanks may not know the mysterious woman, but he detected one thing, she was cryptic. The way she answer was cryptic, her answer were never straight forward. It would leave one with more questions than answers.

Rue expression remained as docile as a dove. Her smile revealing nothing, no trickery. "You're absolutely right." This made the Red-Haired Pirates expression morph into confusion. Her eyes landed on Hanabi, "Land me one of your blades."

Hanabi did as she was ordered. Unsheathing it, she handed her blade to her mistress. It was long and by the glint of it under the lanterns, it was sharp. Shanks gave Rue and weary look unsure of her motives.

Then Rue's gaze landed on Yue. "Yue, would you take Aisha somewhere else for all good 5 minutes, please." By the looks of it, Yue understood that Rue didn't want her child to be apart of whatever was about to happen. Though the child pouted and protested, Rue told her to leave with her friend, Yue, for a moment.

And of course, the child proceeded to try protest, but relented once she was promised some food.

Now,they all watched closely in Rue's next move. Hanabi furrowed her brows in worry, wondering what was on her mind.

Seconds later, crimson filled their nostril, everyone's eyes widened shocked at the outcome. Hanabi's mouth hanged open at the unexpected turn of events as she immediately went to Rue's side.

Rue had slashed the blade directly on her forearm.

With tone that could rival the roar of a lion,"What are you doing!" Shanks' expression hardened as he took her hand in his, inspecting the injury. The gash wasn't deep, but blood oozed out of it rapidly. However, in a flash, a blue light appeared, engulfing her injuring. Then, like a mist, slowly disappeared as if it was never there.

No one expression changed as they lifted their gaze to a calm and collected Rue. As she gently took away her hand, she looked to the astonished Benn. "May I borrow your lighter?"

The light in his cigar of his cigar dimmed, clouds of smoke escaping from it as Benn's quizzical expression settled upon her. Looking at his captain for confirmation which he received with a nod, the first mate took out his silver lighter, small guns embroidered on it.

With curious and cautious gaze, they witnessed her dose the edges of the blade with the lighter. The blade's edge brought a bright light, the intensity of the heat alone would melt anything in its path. As they kept their eyes on her, they noticed the small beads of sweat began to form on Rue's forehead. She squeezed her eyes shut, biting her lips harshly; she prepared herself for the impact as she took deep breaths.

Before anyone can protest, with precision and quickness, she slashed her forearm once more. She whimpered, as she slightly shook from the pulsing of the pain in her forearm.

Though he was angered by her recklessness, with a gentle grip, Shanks took her hand in his. As she lifted her gaze to his, Rue almost flinched at the furry within them. The lights of the lanterns felt darker than usual, embodying her with less warmth.

For the longest time, in years, this was the first time Rue had somehow regretted her action.

"Why?" Rue flinched at the deep, almost animalistic growl from the depts of Shanks'throat. "Why would you do this?"

Rue seethed as the injury burned, she sucked her teeth as the blue light appeared once again. She whimpered in pain, as the wound began to close itself. She sucked a breath, her gaze shifted to the ground for a moment to inhale. Soon she lifted her gaze to Shanks, this time his expression softened, her hand still in his.

"Why?" He repeated, his tone as cool as the whisper in the night. The light from the lanterns above, reflected in his eyes.

Though still shaken from the pain, Rue gently attempted to take away her hands from his grasp, but Shanks kept a tight grip. Rue matched the expression in his gaze, a small, but tired smile, "for you to trust me."

The crew, Hanabi and Shanks felt like something had slapped them in the face. All this to gain his trust? They couldn't believe their ears.

As Shanks gently released her hand, Rue displayed her previously injured forearm. "I have shared my weakness with all of you.  As you have all witnessed, I can heal others as well as myself."

Hanabi released shaky breath. Wondering when had she missed this part of her mistress, since when did her mistress display such abilities.

While placing her forearm down, Rue sat back on her seat. Her silver lashes created a hood . "However, the extent of my injury does count. Depending on the severity of the injury, it takes longer to heal."

Everyone absorbed every word, not missing a beat of it. None spoke as they listened intently. Rue continued her speech, her gaze back on Shanks whose expression became blank. "Fire is my greatest weakness. Depending on the intensity of the flames, slows down my healing. The deeper the cut, the slower the healing. If the flames are intense, it will scar regardless of natural healing."

Shanks's eyes never left hers. Slowly, Rue's expression became solemn, she gripped her dress, the pain still fresh. "The second cut, I healed it by force. Depending by the severity of the injury, forced healing becomes painful for me."

They all waited for the final blow, awaited for the real reason why she did what she did.

"Red-Haired Shanks," Rue uttered, her tone soft as a whistling breeze. "All this is to tell you that everything I will say is nothing, but the truth and the truth only. No tricks whatsoever." Her gaze never wavered from his blank expression. "So, are you willing to play the game and lay everything on the line at this very moment?"

Hanabi's pupils shook as she stared at her mistress, comprehending the situation. When it comes to something Rue wanted, she will find a way to get it, no matter how far she will have to go. However, she wondered what her mistress wanted to gain from all of this.

Shanks's eyes hid under the shadow, not even the glow of the lanterns above could put it out with its gleam. His crew waited for his reply, the air somehow became thick. Her words were a clear challenge, a challenge to lay every secret on the table, bare and naked for his crew to bear witness.

However, this was an opportunity for him. She will reveal what he wanted, to willing open her Pandora's box. He had wanted to get to know her, to know what she was hiding.

And most importantly, why she hid it.

He was certain she knew this, yet he still couldn't comprehend.

"You know..." He began a thoughtful look in his eyes. Shanks knew she was guarded, very guarded at that. However, he hoped he would somehow reach her."We could talk, you don't have to go down this road."

Rue's expression didn't change, her smile remained the same frozen and solid.

As if she had practiced it long ago. His resolve only became certain.

He wanted to reach her.

Shanks's gaze never moved away from her form. He observed her every move at his next words, "We're friends after all." He watched her grew rigid, "Friends help each other out."

"And they're the first ones to betray you," Rue answered without missing a beat. He noticed her eyes dimmed, the beautiful ocean blues, now, as dirty as the mud touched my water.

The crew became quiet, a ping could drop and still wouldn't disturb the pregnant silence.
A gust of sadness washed over Hanabi, biting her lips at her mistress words.

No one could counter as her words were true, friends would always be the first people to betray you.

From that moment, Shanks understood what he had to do.

For what felt like forever, to their surprise, a grin spread on Shanks features, "Ladies first." He may not understand her motive, but if plying the game was the only way, then he would play along for now.

Benn smirked, huffing air from his cigar. Clouds of smoke flowed in the air as amusement reflected in his eyes. Knowing his captain accepted the challenge met that their business was on the line. Of course, his captain would be reckless, yet somehow he was looking forward to the results.

Hongo's brows furrowed for a moment. Tu shouldn't be drinking since she was still recovering. Not knowing the contents of the poison was one thing, but wanting to add a possible fuel to it, didn't sit right with him.

But it wasn't like he could stop her, her resolve was strong and there was no changing her mind.

Without missing a beat Rue began her line of questioning. Her tone serious, not a hint of "Red-Haired Shanks, like any other pirate you search for the One Piece." She noticed his eyes never left hers, "Tell me, why do you seek the One Piece?"

The crew switched their gazes from Rue to their captain. All of them had their goals in the business of pirating, of course, many wanted the One Piece for power, recognition, the list was endless. However, many times Shanks would always surprise them. The curious gleam of their never left as they waited for their captain to answer.

With a simple tap on the wooden table with his hands, Shanks gave her a closed eyed smile, taking the empty glass and flipping it downward. With his usual playful tone, the captain leaned back, "Skip."

Shanks-2

Rue-3

His crew became perplexed, eyes-widened while their jaws dropped as they exclaimed, "What?!"

As promised, Yue came back with Aisha at her side while she carried a bag food in her hands. Her eyes darted between Shanks and Rue, wondering what had occurred. Yasopp quickly filled her in on the events. Hongo had to catch her as the woman almost fainted at the news. Meanwhile, Aisha happily consumed her skewered sets of meat.

"What's going on?" Yue whispered to a perplexed Hanabi.

"To be honest, I'm not too sure myself." Hanabi replied with a sigh.

Benn snickered as his lips lifted , typical Shanks.

Yasopp shook his head with a smile, "What in the world is the captain thinking?" He commented as Lucky Roux shrugged.

Their captain waved his hand dismissively, as he pouted, "Too much to explain." Shanks grinned as he leaned his head on his fist. "I guess it's my turn." Rue made no reaction, only responding with her usual smiles.

"That poison in your body," Shanks began his eyes never leaving hers as he observed her every move. "Mind telling me how that happened?"

The crew switched their attention to Rue, awaiting her answer. Hanabi leaned in closer to get a better hearing while sweat began to build on Yue's temple.

Rue blanked out for a moment. The lanterns above couldn't lit up the darkness in within them. Slowly, everyone watched as she reached for the empty glass, ready to flip it over.

However, her hand hovered, her fingers barely brushing against it. She retracted her hand, placing back on her lap. Shanks noticed the slight shaking of her hands as she attempted to play it off as she took deep breaths.

The sky split, loud explosions as colours danced in the horizon. The brightness lit up the skies, rivalling the lanterns. Many townspeople marvelled at the fireworks, Aisha tugged on Yue's dress, pointing to it with twinkling eyes.

Although the beauty of the fireworks served as entertainment for many, Rue drowned out every noise as her eyes were fixed to the ground.

Seeing her reluctance, Shanks's expression softened, "It's fine if you don't want to answer," Shanks said softly, his gaze as harmless as a deer.

Rue lifted her gaze to meet his. She knew while playing this game it would mean exposing herself in many ways. Her secrets out for them to see, for them to unravel and most likely judge her choices. However, that didn't mean she was expecting that question so soon.

Of course, it would bring unsettling memories.

She kept reminding herself that this was for the sake of her goal and shouldn't hesitate.

"What would you say," Rue began her eyes never leaving his, "if I told you I took the poison out my own volition."

Everyone except Yue's eyes widened, no one spoke a word. Hanabi darted her eyes to a guilty Yue, realizing her friend had known all along.

"You...drank the poison yourself..." Yasopp's playful tone vanished replaced with concern.

Shanks observed the blankness within her expression. Her gaze lifeless with a hint of despair, "Yes," she answered devoid of emotion.

The fireworks continued to glow in the skies. However, its flashing colours couldn't disintegrate the rising tension from the revelation. Though the crowd in town lessened as festivities diminished, the air grew thick with unease.

Though the crew didn't show it, a bubble of anger within them began to rise at the thought of their new friend suffering. However, her reaction told that it wasn't a memory she wanted to revisit.

In the midst of the small silence, Rue continued with her next question. "Beyond the One Piece,  what is it that truly drives you?"

Shanks hummed, leaning back on his chair. The thoughtful look in his eyes as his mind took in her words. Everyone remained quiet under the loud explosions of the skies. As it simmered down, the sparkles of purple and yellow hues slowly disappearing. Eyes remained on her, "My drive you say..."

The captain grinned, "To live without regret."

Rue's eyes widened sightly for a moment as his words resonated with her, triggering a cherished memory.

Brown eyes stared into hers deep in thought. As she sat in a green field of grass, watching the sunset with him. Soon, a wide grin spread across the man's face.

As his raven hair danced in the wind, he ruffled Rue's hair. His voice was as soft as the waves of the sea. "Honestly, there's so much out there that it's kind hard to stick to a single dream." He gazed as the light of the horizon began to slumber.

"But, if I had to choose," Rue giggled as he tickled her stomach. She squirmed, attempting to escape. He laughed along with her, "I want to live without regret."

Rue snapped back to the present. She bite her lips, swallowing the lump in her throat to prevent the oncoming flow of tears. The memories she shared of her brother.

To live without regret.

She felt undeserving of such a wish, bounded by a debt she could never repay. Regret was a chain on her neck, unable to enjoy luxury with it. Shaking her head, she needed to focus on the task at hand, though a tinge of jealously gnawed at her

"I see," Rue answered, gazing at her lap. Her hand gripped her crystal as she shut her eyes tightly. "I see..."

Though Shanks noticed her change in demeanour, he decided that it was best to not bring it up. So far, she has shown nothing, but sad expressions. He wondered what she would look like if she displayed a real smile.

Wanting to lighten up the gloomy atmosphere, Shanks leaned forward a smile on his face. "Tell me, where did you learn how to play that guitar?"

Slowly, Rue raised her head, her brows furrowed in confusion. "Guitar?" He pointed to the instrument the musician had in hand. "Oh, the pipa."

Everyone watched her twiddle her thumbs. Soon, Rue lips tugged into a smile. A soothing energy radiated from her, "I learned to play from a friend, but I'm not as good as she is with the instrument."

The fondness of her smile tugged one on Shanks. He preferred this type of smile from her.

Rue continued, her voice as calm as the sea waves. Her mind refreshed by the memory, "I remember playing it for the first time." She giggled at the thought, "I was terrible at it, but thanks to my friend, Aurora, I can play way better than I used to. But it's just one song though."

Slowly, Rue's eyes blanked, realization slapping her like storm at the thought of her old friend, Aurora. She wondered about her condition, wondered if she was fairing well back on that island. Many thoughts going through her mind over her old friend.

"I hope she's doing ok," Shanks heard her whisper under her breath. Shaking her head, once again, Rue composed herself, yet for some reason her spirit was lifted, a relief on her shoulders. A sudden bubble of curiosity, "What made you want to become a pirate?"

Pirates all seemed the same to her. All striving for the One Piece without a second thought. The desire for fame, money and power was something any pirate wanted. Though she hasn't met many at sea, but the ones she unfortunately did encounter were only focused on it. Yet for some reason, Rue became curious on Shanks motives on the matter.

"Suddenly interested in me eh?" Shanks teased as he wiggled his eyebrows. Rue's face grew hot, while Shanks chuckled, "Well to put it simply, freedom."

Freedom...Another thing Rue had no luxury to.

An impossibility, something she could never obtain no matter what she did.

"Freedom," Rue repeated, the word foreign on her lips. The twinge of jealousy rose within her poking the surface. There was only two times in her life where she felt truly free, free to be herself.

And that was when her brother Kaien was alive.

And the other with the man she loved.

Yet her freedom died with both of them.

She almost laughed, her, a marine becoming jealous of a pirate. If her boss were to know these sentiments, he would have a fit.

How utterly hilarious.

A sudden hunger began to eat her away as she felt a painful jolt shot through her. Her form grew rigid, she gripped her crystal as sweat began to build at her temple. Her pupils shook at the thought of her transformation,why did it have to happened now? The signs had stopped and everything was fine all day!

Why now!

She hasn't noticed everyone's alarmed faces as Hanabi and Yue immediately rushing to her side with Aisha tagging along. Her daughter embraced her side, looking up at her in worry.

Shanks placed a hand on her shoulder, his worried gaze roaming her form that moaned in pain. He pursed his lips, "Let's stop, you're obviously not well."

Rue's heart thumped in her chest, giving up wasn't an option. She has come too far to just drop everything now. She took deep breaths, attempting to calm herself down.

"I'm ok," Rue pushed his hand away while attempting to stand up with support from Yue and Hanabi. Aisha stuck to her like glue, making sure her mother was doing alright. Hongo came to her aid, checking her condition.

"You shouldn't move around too much," Hongo's words were caught in his throat as well for everyone else. A pregnant silence travelled around as Rue swiftly grabbed the small glass of alcohol and took a shot.

Shanks-2

Rue-2

"You shouldn't be drinking at a time like this," Hongo scolded as everyone else blinked at her actions.

A burning sensation went down her throat. Her nose scrunched as the strong still lingered in the air. She felt her senses tingled her form. A bitter fruity mouthful of the strong drink. Alcohol was her least favourite drinks.

Shanks blinked as her face soured, her face in disgust. She turned to him a serious look on her face, "We aren't done yet, let's finish what we started." She gazed right into his eyes, "Let's not waste anymore time."

Her demeanour proved that no matter how much any protested, Rue would go against it. Seeing how determined she was, Shanks sighed sitting back down on his seat. "Alright."

Though Hanabi was reluctant, she gave Rue some space, allowing her to sit in front of Shanks. The red-head started with his question, "All of you seem to be from the same country. All three of you seem reluctant to go back as well."

Yue and Hanabi flinched at his words, this confirmed the truth of the matter.

"So tell me," Shanks eyed the woman in front of him. His gaze piercing through her, "What made you leave Jinovia in the first place?"

Rue's pupils dilated, her heart began to ram in her rib cage, ready to jump out. Her memories flashing through her mind like a picture, one after the other. Their faces appeared one at a time, moments shared with them.

The people she loved, the people she cherished and would always will. Her home a safe haven for her, soon, became a hell whole.

A hell whole that she had left behind all those years ago.

Without hesitation, Rue took the glass of alcohol and drank. She kept taking deep breaths to soothe herself.

Shanks-2
Rue-1

Shots of pain went through her crystal beaming rapidly. She clenched her forearms as she hugged her form. She kept repeating her mantra, attempting to steady her breaths.

She was out of time.

Immediately, Hongo wasted no time in checking up on her as well everyone else. Unfortunately for them, Rue created some distance, stepping away from them. Everyone's voice tuned out as if something rang in her ears.

Her brows furrowed deeper, her features scrunched in pain as the jolts became unbearable. She flinched and flick whatever was coming her way from her, her gaze fearful and troubled.

Rue witnessed a soft gaze from Shanks, yet his expression grew worried. Though everything was mute to her, she was able to read his lips.

I can help you.

Shanks gaze told her differently, almost making her choke; it begged her to let him in. No, he wanted her to let him in, even if it was just for this moment. Somehow, his presence brought reassurance, a feeling she hasn't felt in a long time.

His message became clear, he wanted to help her.

Rue's gaze travelled around the worried glances, her eyes landing on her daughter's teary face. The child clutched Yue's hand like a life line, making a sense of guilt bubble in her stomach.

She never wanted her child to see her like this.

Her eyes looked back to Shanks, through the hood of her lashes ,his gaze remained unwavering as kindness bloomed in them.

She wondered if that gaze would change once he knew her true form.

She buckled again, her crystal glowing aggressively, as her eyes began beaming. She gritted her teeth, biting her lips to halt a scream from the back of her throat.

In a painful, yet slow whisper, she uttered, "This isn't something you can help me with."

Before he could respond, she bolted, avoiding as many people from her path as much as she could. Everything became a muffled sounds, unable to distinguish anything in her way. She searched for anything, any place were she could hide herself away from onlookers.

The jolts increased every second, her groans of pain becoming more frequent.

Her eyes glowed a blue hue.

An unexpected hunger bubbling in her stomach, her teeth became sharper then a blade, razor and grew like roots.

Her nails became as white as snow, increased in longevity.

She reached the other side of the island, vacant and quiet as the stillness of the ocean. She dropped to her knees, her hands gripping the sands, clutching them like her last strand of hope.

Her pupils slimmed, like eyes of a predator looking for prey.

The silver-haired woman's body pulsed, her heart slammed in her chest, the rythme ringing in her ears.

Soon, a blue light enveloped her, her head raised to the heavens above as blood curling scream transformed into thundering roar that reached the heavens.

A passing breeze howled in sorrow into the nightly glow.

Hey everyone! So we are almost at 10K reads! I was thinking of doing a special Q/A, you all can ask your questions in the next chapter and I will answer the best way I can! Preferably about the series and less about me, LOL! But I don't mind (Kinda sorta, I do) if you ask questions about me!

Anyways thank you for picking this series up and giving it a read! I honestly trying to keep the One Piece characters the way the are as best as I can! Hopefully, I am doing a great job!

Until next time!