Image above is my own, it's a little drawing of Faythe when she joins the straw-hats, just to give you an idea of what she looks like!
✨Enjoy✨
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Leaping from branch to branch, tree to tree, she landed on a platform at surrounded the islands largest tree, also accompanied by Doctor Hui's house that she and he lived in over the past years. The jungle vines swung with the autumn's breeze. The wind sweeping the girl- Lady's scarlet hair. She opened her arms, welcoming the wind flowing past her, ruffling her feathers in the process. The chained bracelet that hung from her pants, dangled around as she shifted it her spot.
"Faythe!"
Looking down, Faythe could see her guardian's figure, almost seemingly a dot from how up she was.
"I'm visiting the street market! I was wonderin' if you wanted to come with!" He called, holding a cloak in his arms. The man that raised her had gotten more older by the years that passed. His strong form that she watched countless times, grew feeble and hunched over, carrying himself with just a cane.
"If I go.. Can we buy some candy!?" Faythe called back.
After a few minutes of silence she nodded his approval which sent the girl jumping off the towering branch in excitement. Kicking off, sent her spiraling in the air, twisting her arms out like she could fly, feathers sprouted from her arms, covering her body fully, her legs twisted into sharp talons. Fully transformed, she dove straight down, feathers trailing behind her in the air. The chained bracelet held tightly around her Parrot form's neck.
Almost reaching the ground, she instantly spread out her wings from her sides. The wind wind holding her made her almost shoot back right up. She always loved seeing her wings all the way spread out, it sent waves of happiness down her body, as if she was showing off her colored feathers to the world.
Landing on the doctor's shoulder, she did a little squeak and they made they're way out of the mazed jungle. She perched herself on his shoulder because it would be more comfortable for her and the old man, seeming as he didn't have any back problems.
Now walking down the road into town, Faythe could see the many buildings and shops that decorated the streets. It always amazed her how things could be so peaceful, must've been Doctor Hui's doing when she was younger.
Over the years, Faythe had took it upon herself to learn how to fight, hunt and train her Devil-Fruit. Dr. Hui helped something but only when it came to self defense, he was a retired Marine. Though he wasn't one of the bad ones that clung to their titles, he was a good man that only went after the bad pirates that caused ruckus around the island. It wasn't that bad growing up, though she couldn't shake off the weird looks she got from some townspeople, but having Dr. Hui by me, helped clear some of their doubts.
"Faythe, once we enter the shop, you can pick out which candy you want, let's meet back at the center fountain, okay..?" He chuckled to himself as he propped me off his shoulder onto the ground. I twirled around and the feathers were gone. The clothes I wore before were back on my body just as it should be. We kept walking til we saw a shop with a sign that was shaped as a little candy bar.
"Remember, center fountain." He repeated again wearily.
"Yes, I got it already! Hurry up you old fool!" She laughed at his father instinct that clicked ever sense she was taken in. Watching the old man shuffle away with his cane, she turned to enter the store.
Entering the store, first thing she noticed was the ravishing smell of the different fondants and chocolate. Though she wasn't really interested in chocolates much due to her Devil Fruit, she was more interested in the nut flavored cookies or cakes. She walked around, scanning the cases that showcased the delicious treats. Turning to the person in charge of the shop, "Excuse me.."
"Yes, how may I help you?"
"Do you have any cotton candy?"
"Why yes of course! Is that all your getting, Ma'am?"
"Uhh add some nut bars!" Faythe added hurriedly looking around. Her feathers twitching in excitement, as she watched the store clerk pour the sweets into the bag. Her feathers hidden under her long sleeved crop top.
"Here you go, ma'am! Have a nice day and come again!"
"Will do!" She called back as she opened the entrance door with a chime of the bells that rung.
Walking out the store, she instantly whipped her hand inside and grabbed some of the nutted bars.
"So good!~" The lady exclaimed as she crunched down of the savory delectable.
Scanning the area around her, she saw more marines around the market than usual. It wasn't odd to see a few of them in the market but not this much. The marines were all armed and loaded with guns and swords. She didn't like the looks they gave, especially when they sneered to the townsfolk, it irked her a bit in fact.
Strutting right passed them, she slipped her hand into their coat pockets and took out a bag. A heavy one at that. One that jiggles at the sound of fresh belis that one gets when they get paid. She swiftly hid the bag that she 'borrowed' from the young man that is currently a naive marine in training, apparently, if he didnt even notice her presence when she stole the bag of money.
She smiled to herself as she walked down the market, her bag of candy in her arms, whistling to a tune that she grew up listening to. Thanks to Dr. Hui's fabulous raising skills.
Turning around a corner, she was too busy whistling to herself and looking up at the sky, wondering if she could try new tricks while flying, that she didn't notice a orange haired woman bump into her.
Whack!
"Ow!"
"Nami-chan!!? Are you okay!?"
"Geez.. Look forward while walking, woman."
"Oi! Watch how you talk to girls!"
"What was that?! Curly brows??"
"You heard me, moss head!"
"Guys... We shouldn't fight like this, There are too many marines around..!"
"HAHAHAHA! You guys are funny!"
Looking up from her spot, she looked at the strange group in front of her. There was exactly four males and one female. The one she bumped into was the female, orange-short hair, skinny beyond reason, who she guessed was Nami. The two arguing, were lean and tall, one with green hair, swords hanging down his waist, three to be exact. The other shouting male, was a blonde, his bangs almost covering one of his eyes, though that didn't stop from showing his very curly brows. While they kept arguing, the rational looking one that tried to calm them down, wore a cap on his head, his round lips, along with his long nose stuck out the most. His black hair kept messy or curly, she didnt know, it just looked puffy to her. The last one, who was laughing earlier, was now grinning at the scene. His eyes caught mine and he paused to look at me as well, his straw hat tilting as he just stared. he also had black hair, but it was short like the first two, unlike the curly haired one, his hair was reaching to his shoulders. Under his staring eyes was a scar that looked to be stitched up.
"Feathers?"
Snapping out of my mind's strange daze, that kept my eyes locked on the straw hat's, I looked toward the orange haired girl, Nami, as she held up yellow feathers that shifted to the color blue. My body stiffened at the feathers. Now that i looked around, the colorful feathers that belonged to me obviously, were scattered everywhere as if a pillow filled with feathers exploded. I scanned the female's confused face. Nothing seemed to indicate that she suspected her of the feathers, though it didn't stop her from gripping her wrist, that held the bracelet.
"Crap.." Faythe muttered under her breathe.
She suddenly came to a realization that her bag of candy was no longer in her arms of safety, but in the hands of the blonde guy with curly brows. he walked over to her and reached his hand out to help her up. She of course took it, no longer wanting to sit on the dirty ground.
"I'm assuming this is yours?" He did a charming grin. That smile could make plenty of woman faint, though not me. My only love has been the candy, in that store, down the road.
"Why yes it is..!" Faythe said smiling in thanks. She swiftly turned to Nami and bowed her head, "I'm sorry for bumping into you! I'm in a hurry, Ill cya around if you guys stick around long enough!" At that she quickly waved to them before running along. Quickly grabbing some nut candy along the way. Once she saw no one was going to notice, she pivoted her foot to propel herself forward, twirling into the feathered form. The bag of candy clenched in her grip. The bracelet dangling down her neck. She swiftly flew around people, like a snake slithering, curling around the tall grass in silence. As soon as she saw the fountain she promised to meet up at with the old man, she flapped her wings harder to reach the meetup spot.
"Old man! Where are you?" Faythe called out, not seeing Dr. Hui at all in the crowd. She noticed there was this large crowd surrounding someone. It must have been another fight, maybe some of the town boys got into a fight. Who knows, it wasn't her place to do anything anyways. It wasn't her business, as it didn't have anything to do with her. Walking past the crowd, she kept scanning the area for the man who raised her.
"Oi, You old man, get up! You don't need this terrible looking cane right?"
Something pulled her back, something rooted her to the ground. The voice that spoke wasn't only familiar, but it sounded like the exact man that happened to try to steal her bracelet, to cash in a few bucks. It wasn't only that, but the words he said made her stop walking. In this village there aren't many elders whatsoever, but there aren't any who own a cane that looks ugly. The cane that she gave Dr. Hui was made out of the wood from the tree there house is standing on. Though her carving wasn't as pretty as she hoped, he still smiled and treasured it dearly.
/:/~***~/:/
"Luffy...!" We can't get involved with them!" Usopp exclaimed nervously, seeing the marines join in on the crowd. Before them lying on the ground, laid an man in his late elderly age. His cane kicked away from him. Usopp glanced at Luffy as he saw the boy stare dead in the back of the marine's head, the one who was mocking the old man and starting this whole ordeal.
"What do you want us to do then? We can't leave the old man like this..?!" Nami said worriedly as she saw the old man grip his side as if he broke some bones. Luffy was cracking his knuckles as he made his way through the crowd, Sanji and Zoro not stopping him, whatsoever. To Nami's disbelief, she watched as Luffy pulled his arm back in a motion to use his power.
"We have to stop him before he gets the marine's attention!" Usopp screamed out his nerves as he cried out in anxiety. There are too many marines here, especially with Luffy's bounty already up. Before they heard Luffy shout out his attack move, a trail of feathers littered the sky. Red, yellow and blue feathers danced around as they fell, a bird came flying in before the marine could do anything. The bird was bigger than most parrots, so they wouldn't really call it a normal parrot. The bird twirled around in a circular motion and their appeared a girl. The same girl that they bumped into around the corner.
"Did she just..?!" Nami held back a gasp.
"Yep." Zoro confirmed her slight shock.
"Wow~! A beautiful girl that can turn into a beautiful bird!" Sanji swooned around.
"Oi! Get it together!" Zoro barked at the blonde. resulting in them arguing once again.
Luffy stopped using his attack and just watched, much to the crew's surprise. Though they had this dreaded feeling, that something was gonna happen.
"I dare you, touch this man again, I'll rip out your eyes with my talons!" The girl threatened, she raised her foot out, feathers sprouted from the ankle up as sharp claws formed where the shoes were supposed to be. She pulled up her sleeves, revealing slight longer feathers, lined down her elbow, in a winged manner.
"That's useful.." Zoro mumbled watching the fight unfold.
The Marine that had been glaring at the girl, now looked down at her wrist that showed a really expensive bracelet. Suddenly he barked out a laugh, "It seems we meet again, little ally-rat!"
The girl stiffened, but gripped her hands together into fists, standing into a fighting position.
"Looks like you stayed on this island after being saved by this old man here, though he doesn't seem like much right now... Does he?" he grinned mockingly. This seemed to rile the girl up.
"Oh it seems that I must take his place, in beating your awful drunk ass, it seems you haven't got enough of it, since last time you fucken passed out!" She chirped, looking smug, hearing the onlookers start muffling their laughter.
"Why you-" Before he could do anything, she had already sprinted forward and raised her talong foot to his face, tough he had already pulled out his gun and shot his first bullet. she narrowly dodged it, the bullet piercing her ponytail, she gritted her teeth, as she dug her fist right into the marine's face. He stumbled back.
"That was for the old man!"
She raced forward again as the marine fumbled with his gun again and made an attempt to shoot her. She turned to the side and whipped around it, though it nicked her cheek as a scratch formed. She punched him again square in the nose this time.
"That! Was for trying to steal my treasure from back then! And boy does it feel great!" She snarled with a grin spreading across her face.
The marine in general, was sent flying backwards into his other marine friends. The girl stood up and dusted herself off, her feathers rustling at the fight from before. she looked to the marine people who were dragging the beaten up one away.
"Leave this island alone, or Ill beat your asses too as well!" She pointed to the now nose bleeding marine, who was now foaming in the mouth. The marines got the idea and scurried off, carrying the almost dead one. She walked towards the old man, while the crowd dispersed. The crew just stood there trying to process what had happened in front of them.
"So Cool!" Was all Luffy said, with his casual grin.
/;/~***~/;/
"Dr. Hui! Are you good?!" Faythe said worriedly, her hand placed on his shoulder to comfort him.
"Yes, yes, I'm fine.. it's only a gonna leave a nasty looking bruise is all.." The old man sighed. Though it was gonna leave a bruise, the lady was fine as long as it wasn't death worrying. He's at that age where anything could kill him.
As she looked around for his cane, she only came face to face with the straw hat boy, the one that just stared at her. The boy took a squat and held out the cane she was looking for. Though for some reason, she had this feeling that he was going to say something.
And she was correct.
"Be my parrot!" He said grinning like an idiot without a care in the world.
...
"Huh?"
/:/~***~/:/
Word Count:(2711)