It has been a week. Nothing more,nothing less. What was rather surprising was how calm the day was, there were a few clouds which passed every now and then but all in all it was a rather lax day. I could finally rest outside in the sunlight and read with nothing but peace!
"I'M NOT GOING TO WEAR THE STUPID UNIFORM!" Ah, truly a lax day, with nothing but just Valdis and Aokiji having a civil discussion like mature individuals. I suppose what is the curious matter is why I'm able to relax in the sun so tranquilly, not to mention out on the surface when I'm traveling with an conceited Celestial Dragon. Well, I suppose this story will be a good way to pass time, and besides Aokiji's and Valdis' arguments are becoming rather dull.
"I'm not asking you to wear the uniform, just follow the rules!" Aokiji called out, the sound of cargo being constantly knocked off balance was native to the ship thanks to them. Aokiji could simply just captured Valdis you're probably thinking, and you're right, he has. It's just that Valdis still won't sit still no matter what, and Aokiji doesn't want to risk freezing the ship.
Anyways, what happened in Fish-man Island? Oh, well it's not that exciting if I'm honest, but I'll try to describe it as best as I can.
It was seven days ago as you would imagine, and the Celestial Dragon had been discharged from the hospital in the island. I wasn't around to protect him from threats since I was... protecting him. Sounds stupid. right? Well, Valdis was certainly tenacious, she didn't stop at her attempts to try and attack him, I didn't meander around with the responsibility this time and I honestly did prevent any harm befalling him! Valdis did prove to be no problem, which may sound a bit arrogant but she is still just a child who just happens to know Fish-man Karate and I'm an Admiral-trained Ensign, I didn't act stupidly this time, I know it's petty of me, but I'm blaming the last fight on the concussion!
After we had escorted the Celestial Dragon to the port... I suppose I wasn't so surprised to find out that there were two ships instead of one. It turned out the Celestial Dragon had no issues with Valdis,and that was because he wasn't conscious when she tried to kill him for the first time The issue was with me, the person who was actually trying to protect him this time. I suppose he didn't like when I so politely stepped on him.
Aokiji had to lie and say that I was essential to nursing him to back to top condition, since anything else would most likely get me exiled from the marines.
Valdis had no qualms with having a separate ship and neither did I, since we weren't exactly fans of the Celestial Dragon ourselves, Aokiji however didn't trust the two of us on a ship alone and was concerned that we might steal the ship and sail off somewhere! What a paranoid admiral, right? I was planning on doing that, but the second Aokiji would notice he would freeze the ship and we'd be forced to board the stupid ship. Yet he still didn't enjoy the idea that the two mavericks were alone on a ship with crew who would most likely listen.
Oh, I'm forgetting something important! Otohime joined us,true to the series, she joined the Celestial Dragon in heading up to the surface to obtain the Hope of Fishman Island, I tried to convince her to join our ship, which we refer to as the Cool Ship, but she insisted on joining the snobby brat. Now that I think about it; I did agree to being a civil rights activist for her but I did... nothing. I did have plans, and they were foiled because Valdis had plans of which I had to foil to ensure that the Celestial Dragon didn't die. I wonder if this had any impact...
"Oi, Megumi, make sure she doesn't run off!" Aokiji spoke, I looked towards Valdis who had broken down the door, she decided to hide behind me, I suppose this is where my peaceful day ends, isn't it?
"I've got her. Who's this Megumi?" I looked towards Aokiji, he had a rather confused expression and pointed in my direction. "...You do remember I'm called Maris, right?"
"It's the nickname that the Marines have decided to call you. I figured since you call me by mine constantly I might as well call you by yours." Aokiji explained, Valdis rested her elbow on top of my shoulder and smirked at me.
"Megumi(Grace)? What's so graceful about her?" Valdis may not notice it because she is only a child, but her words felt like she was insulting me.
"Oh, they just decided to call her Megumi Kokina(Grace be noble) because of how polite she appears to be." Aokiji waved at us after he finished his sentence, the silence both of us possessed made it clear that the conversation was over.
"Megumi Kokina?" Valdis began giggling childishly, I of course decided to act like the mature adult I am and accepted my title earnestly. "I'VE NEVER HEARD SUCH AN UNFIT NICKNAME!"
Yes, I must be a mature adult, which is why I didn't argue with Valdis and just directly punished her with a punch in the head. Decisiveness is an important quality nowadays!
"I'm currently reading, can you not be so much of a nuisance?" I mumbled out, she did lay on the ground for a while, I had around five minutes of peace before she got up again and decided to pester me again.
"Whatcha' reading?" She peered over my shoulder and looked at the book I currently held in my hands, I did allow her to read it; it might do her some good. "Haki? It sounds like some sort of weapon."
"It's not just a weapon! It's a power which is dormant in all creatures! It is not much different from the things that humans can naturally sense!" I felt like a smart ass, seeing as how I'm quite knowledgeable on the subject! "There is nothing it cannot do!"
Valdis glared at me with suspicious eyes, it was rather unsettling... actually it was more condescending as if she didn't believe anything I said.
"I didn't realize you were in a cult for it; it says right there, the thing has the power to sense presences, use life force and to overpower enemies. It's not like some sort of almighty power." Actually... she makes a fair point, I sound like a cultist. Not only that, but I suppose I've realized that now I'm using Haki as sort of a go to for all my explanations, the Domain, the reason I was transported into Luffy's body to begin with... Valdis is right when she says it's not an almighty force. To be frank, I'm rather surprised that she was interested in a book to begin with.
Although what that does bring up is more questions... again. What actually created the Domain and how exactly did I end up in Luffy's body?
If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
"Chiaka, Megumi. You're both needed." I was going to think of a witty response to Valdis, but Aokiji interrupted us from the doorway of his quarters, I got off my butt and made my way inside, while Valdis skipped like a juvenile; I don't know what I expect from a child.
"What are we needed for?" Aokiji pointed towards two seats in front of him, we sat down and he handed me a folder filled with various documents containing marine objectives.
"I talked to Sengoku about Valdis' exoneration, it took him a while to decide, but he agreed under certain conditions." Aokiji explained, me and Valdis examined the documents we were shown, all of which contained rather abnormal missions.
"We have to complete all these missions?" They were rather difficult if I had to say so myself... there was only one which was rather neutral.
"No, only two, I'm sure you've noticed that they're not missions we'd give to Ensigns at all. However, Sengoku had agreed to it only because he was confident you were strong enough and Chiaka was rather strong herself." Valdis picked out one particular document, it was surprisingly easy considering missions such as gathering intelligence about the affairs of Kurigana Island.
"Is this even a mission? Discuss treaty and position with Boa Hancock of Amazon Lily?" Valdis mumbled out, it was unspoken, but I'm sure that was going to be one of the two missions we're going to do. "Who is that? And why is this mission here?"
"You don't know Boa Hancock? Actually, I would be amazed if you did." I began explaining to Valdis. "She's one of the Shichibukai of the Marines, she is referred to as the Pirate Empress and is considered to be the most attractive woman of the entire world. The mission is in the folder because Hancock is rather deviant, she refuses to listen to the Marines when they ask for her and she never attends the meetings, plus her island; Amazon Lily, is located in the calm belt which is naturally guarded by a lot of Sea Kings. It's rather difficult to get there."
Both Valdis and Aokiji glared at me when I described her, I suppose the amount of information I gave was creepy.
"Our ship is lined with Seastone, so there won't be much issues heading there." Aokiji informed us. "I guess that will be the first mission, what about the next one?"
"We could go for either attacking these revolutionaries' ships and gather information or... investigate a shipwright named Tom?" Valdis suggested a few more missions, it was clear what her bias was. But then again, she does want to attack revolutionary ships and in turn I would be attacking my own father...
"The Tom thing could be taken care of by the Gorosei, and anything else here would bore Valdis to death. So... that leaves the Revolutionary ships." I explained, Aokiji nodded and Valdis had a cheeky smile plastered onto her face. I guess I've never met the fellow, so what is really the point if I attack some of his people? I'm a marine and it's my job!
"What are the revolutionaries anyway? Never heard of them." Valdis gandered her eyes over to me for an explanation.
"They're a group of people and are essentially an independent militia which seeks to tear down the world government and all it stands for." I did give her a fairly basic description, but it was enough for her to go on.
"So it's decided; you'll meet with Boa Hancock and discuss the treaty and position the Marines have with her and you'll also hunt down the ships of the revolutionaries and gather information about their plans." Aokiji clarified. It's rather a surprise to see the marines taking action against him already, the World Government haven't even discussed the threat he poses to them. Well, he is a special case; that might explain it.
"Yeah..." I know I haven't met the guy before, but he's still my dad isn't he? It doesn't really fit my nickname to just go: Hey dad! I'm the daughter you left in Foosha Village and I'm going to destroy these ships which belong to your subordinates. Love ya' lots! Although I probably wouldn't say love ya' lots.
"You sound unsure, want to switch one out?" Aokiji looked down at me, I'm very certain he's concerned for my well-being.
"Uh... nope! It's just a bit of cold feet! After all: the only other mission I've been on I've knocked the guy I was supposed to protect unconscious for a few weeks. But it will pass!" I had to lie, it wouldn't exactly be normal to tell him that the revolutionary leader is my father.
"You're lying." Valdis stuck her face in front of me, glaring intently with curiosity.
"Really? Why do you think such a thing?" I feel as though I'm walking into a trap.
"Because you knocked the guy you were supposed to protect unconscious for a few weeks and you didn't give a shit about it until now." Well, I'm sure I should have just seen that one coming. "What's bugging you?"
"Oh... you know... the possibility we could be eaten by Sea Kings, the giant animals on Amazon Lily which could beat us up, the Kuja attacking us and destroying us, my father being on the revolutionary ship, Aokiji taking a nap in Amazon Lily. A lot of things are worrying me." I'm making this too obvious, aren't I? Then again, if I they do fall for this then I'm sure I'll get away with it.
"Wait... why would your father be on a revolutionary ship?" Aokiji picked out the most blatant piece of information which concerned me.
"That's what you're focused on? How strong are the giant animals in Amazon Lily?" It's rather clear what priorities Valdis has.
"Oh... well he sort of is a revolutionary... something like their leader or similar." I figured that hiding it wasn't doing me any favors. "And the animals are pretty strong...it would actually do us a favor if Valdis trained there."
"Oh, so your father is Dragon?" Valdis and Aokiji had blank stares, I had no idea if they even cared about the fact that he was my father, although for Valdis; she is probably wondering how to beat up a giant ape. "That actually makes a lot of sense. So, do you want to pick a different mission?"
"I'm fine with it... I'm not going to hold back because he's my father or anything. Besides, what are the chances he's actually on the ship?" Aokiji shrugged at my response and Valdis was still unresponsive due to day-dreaming about giant apes. "Do we head back to Marineford first to discuss things with Sengoku first or do we begin immediately?"
"I'll inform Sengoku, which mission are you planning on first?" It was at that point Valdis had come to her senses, she must have heard that we were starting now.
"If the revolutionaries are nearby then perhaps we could go after them? If not then I suppose Amazon Lily would be a better choice." Aokiji looked through a few of his documents stacked on top of his desk, picking a singular one out and analyzing it thoroughly.
"They were last spotted heading towards Water 7." Aokiji explained. "So Amazon Lily it is."
"Okay, we should go--" I was planning on telling Valdis that we should prepare, but it appeared that she was already out of the room. "I'm going to go prepare, tell me when we arrive within Amazon Lily's range."
I headed for the doorway; with no actual plans to prepare since we were just going to argue about how the marines were going to listen to her since everyone saw her as beauty. Although I do have a sneaking suspicion that things will get out of hand.
"You and your father are quite similar." Aokiji commented, I did stop in my tracks, y'know to be polite. "You wish to challenge the World Government and what it stands for."
I guess he does pose a point, I might take after Dragon in the sense that I'm challenging the zenith of authority to change the world drastically. Except I didn't start a militia to actually fight against them and I subordinated myself to them.
"You're simplifying this heavily, Aokiji, that is the most vague way to describe it." It did feel as though I was insulting him, even if it wasn't intentional. "My father wishes to tear it down and rip it off because of its ideologies. If I were to remove the World Government then chaos would be set in stone, pirates everywhere would ravage streets and cause havoc. If it is at all possible, then changing the World Government would solve it. My father wishes to destroy them, I wish to reform them."
"That idea is as radical as your father."
"Well, you did say that we are similar, didn't you?" I did giggle slightly at how sudden this conversation occurred, I then continued on my way out of his quarters.
"Maris! Your golden stick broke!" Valdis shouted out, I hurried my pace as I stepped outside.
"I told you not to touch it!" I shouted back at her.