Without You, The Beginning of Magic {Magical AU}

Chapter 1: Life (Part 1)

I yelped and giggled as my brother Ace caught me. "Gottcha!" I started laughing as he tickled me, "Ace! Stop it! Stop it!" My other best friends, Luffy and Sabo joined in, "Tickle the birthday girl!" I started screaming with laughter as they tickled me. I swipe my hand and they run off as a wave of mana comes forth from my hand, "I said stop you brats!" They started running from me as I began moving faster, "Come back here!" I bumped and fell down as I turned the corner.

I rubbed my nose and looked up, but giggled more as my Uncle Shanks picked me up. He groaned playfully "How's my adorable little niece doing?" I hugged him, but pouted, "I'm five now! I'm a big girl!" He laughed, "A big girl, huh?" I giggled as he ruffled my hair, "Come on, let's go open the gift I got you!" I nodded excitedly, "Ok!" He began carrying me off as I looked behind us, "Grandpa! Grandma!" They walked up and followed, "Hey Iris." I smiled at them, but continued hugging Shanks, "What did you get me?!" They laughed as we walked into a big room.

I blinked surprised as Garp, Aunt Makino, Ace, Luffy, and Sabo were surrounding the large dining room table, "Happy fifth birthday Iris!" I blinked surprised before giggling, "Thank you!" Shanks walked me over to the chair and in front of me a large cake with some type of red fruit. "Wow!~ What're those?!" Shanks sat down, "A boy discovered those. He called them Strawberry Irises, or strawberries for short. Apparently they're really good!" I reached over to grab one, but Shanks took my hand, "Let us sing happy birthday first." I pouted, but nodded as Shakky stroked my hair as everyone sang happy birthday and Garp lit the candles.

I blew on them. I wish that everyone I love can always be as happy as I am now. Luffy asked as he sat next to me, "Whatcha wish for?" I giggled and tisked him, "If you tell what you wish for, it won't come true!" Luffy pouted, "I wanna know!" I laughed, "Nope!~ You'll know if it becomes true when we get older!" He stood up and pointed to his chest, "I'm a big boy now!" I laughed as I held out my hand, "No! You're only four! You're not even old enough to be all your fingers." He yelled, "Am too!" I got up and yelled "Are not!"

Rayleigh, Shanks, and Garp burst out laughing as Luffy and I started bickering, but stopped as Makino crossed her arms, "If you don't stop bickering you get no cake!" We sat properly and looked up wide eyed, "I want some of my cake Aunt Makino!" She ruffled my hair, "Of course! You're the birthday girl! Let's do cake then presents!" I giggled and nodded, "Ok!" Shanks started handing me presents as we ate. Sabo, Ace, and Luffy got me a black scarf. Uncle Shanks got me a coloring book, some colored pencils and markers, while Aunt Makino a large fluffy bunny stuffed animal that was twice my size. 

Shakky got me a sketch book and a book on drawing. Rayleigh got me some books on different kinds of magic. Garp got me a magical wooden training sword that changes sizes and weight based on my next level. I hugged them and wore the scarf, "Thank you guys! I've been wanting to try drawing and start training with Grandpa Rayleigh!" Shanks helped carry everything to my room, but I kept the scarf on as I continued playing with Ace, Sabo, and Luffy until it was time for everyone to leave. 

Garp took Sabo and Luffy home earlier, while Shakky and Rayleigh left to go home. Shanks and Makino had stuff to attend to after everyone left, so it was just Ace and I. Ace held my hand and walked me to my room. "Hey Ace... Why did daddy not come back again?" Ace helped me to my couch in my room next to the hearth, "Don't worry about him Iri! I'm enough for you! Uncle and auntie are here, so you don't need that guy!" He sat with me and waited for Makino.

I looked down, "Still... It would be nice... To see daddy at least on my birthday... Since mommy died..." Ace stroked my hair, "... Do you want me to read you that story?" I looked up and nodded excitedly, "Yeah you always tell it the best!" I laid my head on his lap and he began telling me the story of a hero saving a princess from the demon king. Apparently this world has two saviors. A healer and a battle mage or a fighter. The two people are prodigies and are always at the top of the Magic Academy. It's not always because of the demon king though. The saviors were there to help when needed, otherwise they were free to adventure or do as they wished. 

Our family is a duke family, meaning Ace is the prince and I am a princess. The king, Sengoku, or as I call him Uncle Sen, has no children. Since we were born and his wife passed away a while ago, we are the heir apparent. Rayleigh and Shakky aren't really my grandparents. They run a pub in town that Uncle Shanks and Makino like going to. Shanks and Makino take care of us in my mom's stead. She died giving birth to me. I met daddy when I was younger, but I don't remember him. Ace is barely older, just by a year, but he hates daddy for making me cry and leaving us.

I looked up sleepily as Makino walked in and helped me get ready for bed while Ace headed to his room. After getting dressed in a silk pink nightgown Makino moved the bunny to my bed and stroked my hair and sang to me until I faded to sleep. She kissed my forehead, "Good night birthday girl."