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Your Pov
Today started out at any other day before, my snake, Charzi awoke me and forced me up earlier than I wanted to. Reluctantly, the obliged her and got up to start my day. As soon as I was dressed for the day, bow in hand and my custom made blade on my hip, and Charzi wrapped around my waist, I made my way to sharpen the very dull spears of my sisters. On my way to there, I heard some screaming and a few of my sisters were running past me at full speed, with determination and an intent to kill on their beautiful faces.
“Y/n! A ship is approaching! We need to go!” Theodora yelled as she grabbed my hand, making me follow her.
I nodded at my best friend as she let go so I could ready my bow to fire at any enemies that dare tread on our island. Once the two of us, along with a hoard of our sisters made it to the island’s shore, we’re were greeted with a huge boat that had a dragons head as its mast. Chills ran down my spine at the realization of who’s ship this was; The Red Hair Pirates.
“That’s an emperor of the sea, Theodora!” I exclaimed in a hushed tone.
“I know, stay strong, even if we can’t win!” She replied as I noticed a slight shake in her always perfect bow stance.
Suddenly, the man in question walked up to us in a calm manner that suggested that he might not be here for a fight. He smiled as he scanned the crowd of us, bows ready, with an intent to kill. He looked almost happy to see us and to my utter dismay, he looked straight into my own eyes.
My breath caught in my throat as it seemed like he was studying me. A heat I’d only ever felt when I was sick rose to my cheeks at his intense gaze. Despite this sickly feeling, I stood firm and held his gaze too. However, my strength was futile as this man smiled at me. A smile that made my heart beat faster than it ever had before and I couldn’t help but smile too.
“What is the meaning of this intrusion Red Hair!” Hancock yelled as she walked in front of the crowd, her sisters behind her as her snake slithered protectively at her side.
“Your highness, I hope you can forgive me for trespassing on your beautiful island.” He spoke loud enough for us to hear.
“Leave before I order my warriors to annihilate you and your whole crew!” She shouted, as we all cheered for our empress.
“Forgive me, we would love to but our ship needs repairs. May we dock for a few weeks on your island? We will compensate you for your hospitality.” Shanks spoke in a hushed tone as he rested his hand on his sword casually as the empress stared at him silently.
“She isn’t really going to let this crew stay?” Theodora spoke worriedly
“I don’t know, he’s an emperor of the sea, he’s incredibly powerful.” I spoke as my eyes never left Shanks.
“I saw you smile at him.” She joked quietly
“I-I did not!” I said, feeling that heating sensation I felt just moments before.
“You did too! You know he’s a man though and they can’t be trusted.” Theodora spoke in an oddly serious tone that she rarely used.
“Doesn’t matter what I did.” I mumbled, rolling my eyes.
We went quiet for a while, and so did the rest of my sisters as we awaited the decision of the empress. They seemed to be speaking once again, though I couldn’t make out a single word they were saying. I only hoped they would come to a decision soon because I needed to get to my duties for the day.
“I have made my decision!” Our empress yelled. “These filthy men will stay on the far side of the island and none of my people will be permitted near them, unless told otherwise. They will leave in a week!” She added as she flicked her perfect hair behind her as she walked away from Shanks as though he was nothing but dirt on her shoes.
“I love you empress!!” All of my sisters yelled as she walked passed them, Theodora included.
However, I couldn’t seem to celebrate in any way as my gaze stupidly focused back on the man on the shore. I wish I was closer so that I could see how truly handsome he was. From afar, this man seemed to be oozing a confidence I’d only truly seen from a few if my sisters. I could sense how strong he was and for some reason I felt no fear. Just as I was about to reluctantly turn away from him, his gaze found mine again. Only this time I was the one to smile first.
———
Later that day…
News spread fast to the rest of my sisters on the island at an emperor of the seas arrival. We all tried to get back to the natural order of things, but with the looming presence of a group of men on our island, tensions were high, especially amongst the elders. However, my mind was too focused on my work as I sharpened the tenth blade of the day, making sure it was sharp enough to slice paper with a gentle swipe. I was so focused, that I nearly jumped when a commanding voice coming from the doorway alerted me.
“Y/n, you have orders from the empress!” One of my sisters known as Emelda said.
“What does our empress command of me?” I replied as I stood from my station.
“She requests that you spy on our…guests and report back on any suspicious activity from them. Your observation haki is very strong, so you among a few others are tasked with this.” Emelda commanded, giving me a small smile.
“Then I shall do as requested.” I replied, giving her a small bow.
“Good, you and the others are to leave in one hour.” Emelda said. Before I could reply, she walked out of the hut.
An hour later, I met up with the others at the edge of the village. There was a very familiar face there and a face I’d only see in passing. I smiled wildly at the sight of Theodora, who smiled back with the same energy. I then nodded at the other woman.
“I’ve seen you around, but we’ve never fully been introduced, I’m y/n.” I spoke as I took in her fighting gear. She was dressed in a maroon outfit, with knives strapped to her waist.
“Zelda, nice to meet you. You’re one of the ones who sharpens our blades.” She remarked.
“Yeah, that’s me. What’s your job?” I asked
“I mostly hunt and help build things.” She shrugged. “I also fight… but we all do that.” She added sounding rather shy.
“Good to meet ya! I’m Theodora.” Theodora introduced.
“Pleasure!” Zelda replied as her snake and Charzi exchanged snake-like pleasantries.
“Now, let’s go spy on some men, shall we. Our empress is expecting news by tomorrow morning.” Theodora spoke, sounding serious.
“Let’s go make sure they are doing anything that would harm this island.” I replied trying to sound tough. However, my mind was racing with the idea that I could get another glimpse of him.
———
Once the three of us were about twenty meters out, we all slowed our movements and began moving towards the ship with perfect stealth, using the trees to block ourselves. As we moved closer, we heard boisterous laughter coming from the shore, along with music from a stringed instrument. The smell meat and ale hung in the air, making my nose curl.
Theodora with Zumi, her snake, wrapped around her waist and Zelda with hers were both in other trees fairly far from my own position. However, still close enough that any of us could signal if we were caught watching them.
I peered closer, using my observation haki to see and hear what the crew of men were up to. As I watched, I noticed that their captain was missing. Instantly, I felt my skin crawl at the thought of him wandering around the island, trying to get a peek at one of us while his crew weren’t looking, however, that thought was squashed just as soon as it had entered my mind as a sudden tap to my shoulder made me jump.
“Well hey there, I know you!” A familiar voice greeted beside me.
“Fuck!” I yelled, losing my bearing on the branch I was on and began falling towards the jungle floor. Charzi somehow lost her grip on me and began to fall too. “Charzi!” I yelled, grabbing her at the last second.
However, before I made it there, I felt an arm wrap around my waist and drag me back to the spot I was previously in. My eyes widened at the sight of the very captain I was looking for just moments ago. Charzi found her way from my hand onto a nearby branch, eyes fixed and fangs out on the man currently holding my body.
“Well get there pretty lady.” Shanks complimented, giving me a smirk.
I stared at him, taking in his face. His vibrant red eyes shone with an intensity that I’d only seen from the fiercest warrior, however, there was a softness in them that instantly melted any sort of fear I once had. His maroon colored hair framed his face perfectly, giving him a youthful look. And the stubble on his face that I knew I should hate, only intrigued me. I’d only seen men a few times in my life, especially when I was with the other Kuja pirates, but out of all of the ones I’d ever seen, he was by far the most handsome. My heart started beating faster than it ever had before, heat rose to my cheeks making me feel sick, and the feel of my body so close to his brought such heat to my soul that I knew I’d never be cold again.
“Hey, are you okay there. You’re looking a bit sick!” Shanks spoke sounding slightly worried.
“He’s worried about me.” I thought, smiling slightly at him.
“I-I’m fine.” I replied as I all of the sudden felt incredibly shy for the first time in my life.
“Good, you know it’s not every day I get to have such a lovely lady in my arms.” He cooed as he leaned closer to my steaming face.
“I-I” I stammered fully forgetting how to speak words at this point.
“Hey! Get you hands off of her!” I heard Theodora yell as she ran towards us.
“Back off scum!” Zelda roared as she too made her way to the tree.
“Whoah, whoah there ladies! I’m just helping your friend here!” Shanks defended, his beautiful eyes still looking into mine. “What’s your name?” He asked seemingly forgetting about the very strong warriors making their way to him and Charzi hissing at him.
“Y/n.” I whispered, looking away from him.
“So you’re the one that was looking at me earlier.” He asked.
“Yes, can you l-let me go?” I questioned. However, I slightly regretted asking to be away from him. His warmth filled spaces within me that I ever knew were so cold.
“Sure thing.” He replied, letting go of my body.
“How did you find me.” I asked, finding it very hard to look him in his eyes.
“I was already in this area and sensed you three coming. Don’t be discouraged though, you hid yourself well.” Shanks replied, resting against another branch. I could feel his gaze on my face, making my heart race far too fast.
“Really? T-thank you.” I whispered, placing my hands on my too hot face.
“Get away from her!” Theodora yelled, pulling her sword free and placing it next to his exposed neck as she stood on the branch above him.
“Woah, there!” Shanks replied as he lifted his hand in surrender. “I wasn’t going to hurt her!” He added, looking me in my eyes. I swore my face was quite literally on fire.
“What did you do to her! She looks sick!” Zelda screamed, seemingly horrified at my current state.
“I didn’t do anything. All I did was speak to her!” Shanks defended, giving me an apologetic look.
“Y/n,” Theodora yelled, making her way to me. “Y/n, you’re burning up! Did he infect you with his man sickness!!” She cried out, feeling my forehead.
“N-no! I feel fine mostly, just hot…” I whispered, looking past my friends towards the unbelievably handsome man behind her.
“We need to get her home!” Zelda spoke as she too made it to where I stood.
“Do you need any help?” Shanks asked, sounding slightly worried.
“Ahhh, he’s worried for me!” I internally screeched. “Why should I care about that! He’s a man!” I scolded to myself.
“I-“ I stammered
“No she doesn’t! Get away from her!” Theodora spoke, blocking herself from Shanks.
“We need to get home, he’s clearly gotten y/n sick!” Zelda whispered, gaze still on Shanks.
“I haven’t gotten any one sick!” Shanks replied, looking slightly annoyed.
“Oh, I hope he didn’t annoyed with me!” I screeched internally. Charzi gave me a strange look as she wrapped herself tighter against my body.
“We need to go! We can report to the empress with the information we have. We just need to pray it’s enough to satisfy her!” Theodora spoke in a hushed voice.
“Please, if there is anything me or my crew can do for y/n…” Shanks speaks as my mind goes numb with a strange desire for the man I can now barely see.
Neither Zelda or Theodora replied to Shanks’s plea. Instead they both put my arms around their shoulder and just like that, we were gone. My mind still muddy from the new emotions I was feeling. Though, one feeling I knew for certain, was that Shanks was a man that I knew would be nothing but trouble, and there was nothing I could do about that.
———
Shanks Pov
After my strange encounter with the women of this island, I decided the best course of action was to drown myself in top quality booze. I sat on the beach next to Ben and Lucky Roux. The three of us naturally drank and ate ourselves half to death. My thoughts about those women were nearly off my mind… nearly.
“Hey captain! Where did you go on your little outing!” Lucky Roux asked as he was mid bite.
“Just looking around this island a little is all.” I replied shrugging my shoulders.
“You were gone for quite a bit you know!” He teased, taking another massive bite of his drumstick.
“Yeah, I guess so.” I said, my thoughts drifting to the women I met in the woods. Especially the one who that I held in my arms.
Y/n was her name, a pretty one at that. She was lovely, though I suppose that what I should expect from this island. Y/n seemed to look sick after being with me for only a short while. I could only hope I didn’t actually give her anything, especially since me and the crew just had our monthly check up with Hongo.
“Something bothering you?” Ben whispered suddenly as he looked out into the sea.
“Nothing really, I think I got someone sick.” I muttered, taking a massive swig of the bottle of booze in my hand.
“Huh?” Ben quirked and eyebrow at my response.
“There was this girl, watching our ship from the jungle. The same one I saw when we first landed here.” I replied, smiling at the recent memory.
“You mean the woman you were eye fucking from the shore?” Ben laughed
“Yeah yeah, anyway she was on a brach and slipped when I announced myself, caught her just in time.” I announced, feeling proud of myself slightly.
“Alright, captain!” Lucky cheered
“Classic knight in shining armor.” Ben joked
“Nah.” I said. “She started burning up, and her friends were pissed. Telling me that I got her sick with my “man sickness”. I know I ain’t sick!” I grumbled
“Maybe she’s just fallen for ya captain!” Lucky spoke, reaching for his fifth helping of chicken.
“Maybe…” I trailed.
———
Your Pov
“Dammit, y/n your temperature has gone up.” Zelda spoke as she touched my forehead. “Charzi, Luisa bring me some more cool towels please. Both snakes have her a quick nod before they slithered out of the door.
“I, mmm, I’m o-okay.” I huffed, finding it incredibly hard to breathe. My chest stung so much that I thought my heart would stop.
“You’re not!” She snapped
“I’m going to tell the empress! This man must be punished for what he did!” Theodora suggested.
“D-don’t!” I whined, trying my best to get up and stop my friend.
“No, I don’t care if he’s an emperor of the sea! He got you sick and he needs to pay for what he’s done!” Theodora bit back
“I’ll go with you! The empress might listen if there is more than one witness!” Zelda explained.
“Sisters please.” I pleated, feeling so hot that my body felt as though it was being boiled.
However, my plea fell short as my sisters had already left. I laid there in my cot feeling utterly hopeless. My body was too weak to get up and my mind was in so many places at once that it felt nearly impossible to concentrate. I didn’t wish to believe that Shanks could have gotten me sick, I didn’t want any animosity between the empress and him. I remember when the empress herself got sick when that strange monkey boy was here. She too, was too sick to move, which was strange for such a strong woman.
“Shit, am I love sick? I just met the man.” I questioned out loud, hoping none of my sisters nearby heard. “He is handsome.” I thought to myself as I stared up at the ceiling for far too long.
“Ahhhh!” I cried out as an intense stinging pain erupted in my chest.
“Hey! You okay?” A familiar voice called out. I turned my head to see who it was and my eyes widened with shock.
“S-shanks!” I cried out. “Why the hell are you here?! The empress will not let this slide!” I said, trying my best to get up.
“Stay put! I came because I was worried I got you sick. And I came to apologize!” Shanks replied, pushing my weak body back into the cot.
“I- I appreciate that, but men aren’t allowed on this part of the island. The fact that- ahh!” My chest convulsed.
“Shit, where is your nearest doctor.” He asked, clearly worried.
“He cares!” I stupidly gushed in my head.
“Y/n…y/n!” Shanks yelled, only my mind went blank and everything faded and the last thing I saw was the handsome sight of Shanks.
Hours later…
I jolted from a dreamless sleep, my hair sticking to my damp skin. There was a fraction of light still in the sky that I could see from my bedside cot. The intense heat I felt all over my body seemed to die down a little, giving me relief. Charzi was still asleep on her bed, dreaming about whatever it was snakes dreamed about. I decided not to wake her, knowing she too had a very stressful day.
I then realized that my throat was incredibly dry and sore. I looked around for anything to quench my thirst, but found nothing close. Reluctantly, I got up from my cot and walked outside.
Instantly, a welcoming cool breeze hit my face causing me to smile. I allowed myself to soak up the feeling before I made my way to the nearby water station. Once there, I filled up a bucket that was nearby and took greedy gulps.
“You seem better.” A feminine voice spoke from behind me, causing me to drop my water bucket in surprise.
“E-empress Handcock!” I squeezed, instantly bowing my head in respect.
“I’ve heard all about your illness, y/n.” She spoke casually. “And I know what caused it, walk with me.” She added
“Yes Empress!” I replied, following her steps as her snake slithered right next to her.
We walked in silence for a time, I decided it was best not to speak unless she spoke first, in case I accidentally invoked her wrath. She’s an incredibly beautiful woman, one I admire greatly. But, she’s not someone who you mess with or forget who she is. A few of my sisters have already faced her wrath because of it.
Finally, we made our way into an open field surrounded my deep jungle. The light was nearly gone, except for a sliver on the horizon was was bright enough that I could still see the empress.
“Do you remember when Luffy came to the island, and how much trouble he was after we had just returned from our voyage?” She asked suddenly
“Yes, I was one of your warriors that caught him and caged him.” I replied, remembering the events form a few years ago.
“You remember how I hated him, and how much I challenged him?” She asked again looking at me with ferocity.
“Yes, I remember finding your actions just.” I spoke.
“Hmmm, turns out that he because someone I admire, someone that I love.” She spoke. She then grabbed her face as though she were sick herself. “Oh Luffy, how I love you.” Handcock moaned out making my nerves jolt.
“Empress, I knew you loved him and I knew you were sick around the time he was here, but I thought you got better.” I spoke slightly concerned.
“Silence! What I am telling you is that you fell for Shanks! You love him the same way that I love the man who is destined to become my husband!” She declared slightly moaning when she spoke the word, “husband”.
“I don’t love him! I just met the man!” I bit back, instantly cringing at my actions.
“You do! And you will not get any better unless you realize that you love that man!” Handcock snapped, forming her signature pose.
“How do I even do that! Ive never been in love!” I complained, feeling so intensely feverish again that I fell to the earth. My heart felt like it was beating in my ears and breathing became a challenge.
“You are! And he knows it! That foul man has a responsibility to help you. Though, I am incredibly angry that one of my warriors was cursed.” She spat
“What do you mean he knows it?” I questioned as my heart fluttered at the thought.
“We had a conversation after you passed out. Theodora and Zelda came to me with their concerns. Shanks knows the situation. The devil man even had the balls to laugh. Spoke about how he felt you were an attractive woman.” Handcock scoffed.
“He thinks I’m attractive!” I spoke internally, grabbing my chest and sighing at the thought of Shanks and I.
“What do I do now?” I whispered, my mind still thinking thinking of Shanks.
“You hav to embrace your heart or else this illness will kill you.” Handcock said seriously, making my eyes grow wide with shock.
“Kill me?” I whispered, feeling absolutely horrified.
“Go to him, speak with him. You must, for it would be tragic to lose you.” Handcock spoke solemnly
“Thank you Empress! I’m sorry, I promise that I didn’t mean for any of this to happen!” I said
“Go now and good luck.” Handcock spoke.
———
I raced back to my house in absolute darkness, save for the few lanterns to guide my path. I decided I needed to freshen up before meeting with Shanks. Once home, I took notice that Charzi was up and cleaning up our shared home. I immediately went up to her and hugged her tightly, her doing the same.
“I’m going to be okay.” I told her. Charzi nuzzled into my cheek in response.
Suddenly, a knock was heard on my door. I turned around as Charzi wrapped around my waist. I slowly opened the door and to my surprise the man of the hour stood there, small bouquet of wildflowers in hand.
“I’m glad you’re up.” Shanks greeted as he held out the bouquet for me.
“T-thank you.” I said softly. “No one has ever given me flowers before.” I added, giving him the best smile I could given that my body was still incredibly tired from the day.
“You’re very welcome. How are you feeling?” He questioned
“Better now, after speaking with the Empress. I heard she spoke with you too.” I said gesturing for him to come inside.
“She told me her story and how the women from this island can get this sickness and how dangerous it is for them.” He replied, sitting down in one of my extra chairs. “All I wanna say is that I’m sorry I’m the man you got this sickness from.” He admitted, giving me an expression I couldn’t read.
“Why would you say that?” I asked as Charzi started typing up once again.
“I’m not exactly relationship material…” he trailed off. “Not that I’m not interested in you!!!” He added
“Nether am I. Though…it warms my heart just knowing you’re interested in me!” I spoke, tears filling my tired eyes.
“Aww, don’t cry! Here.” Shanks cooed taking out a handkerchief. He then wiped my tears looking at me more softly than anyone ever had before.
“T-thank you.” I cried softly
“Anytime.” Shanks spoke, putting the handkerchief back in his pocket. “You know, you could come out to sea with me. I could use someone like you on my ship.” Shanks mumbled as his cheeks grew nearly as red as his hair.
“I’ll have to ask the empress about that, and I’m not sure how I feel being around so many men at one time.” I admitted, slightly loving the idea of being anywhere near Shanks.
“None of my men will mess with you, if they do they’d have to answer to me.” Shanks proudly boasted.
“Then perhaps I will…” I said, giving this handsome man my best smile.
Thank You So Much For Reading!