Newbie's Skill

Sixty-Two

Stepping off the ship, my senses were immediately on alert. Dressossa . . . Doflamingo's island. This was where Ace's Devil Fruit lay in wait for its next holder. I glanced at the rest of the crew.

"Is everyone ready for this?" Sanji asked. I nodded, and so did Luffy.

"Okay. Franky, we'll need a getaway. Be back on the ship in at least two days. Keep the ship safe. Brook, you're with Franky. Usopp and Robin. You two are together. Zoro, Sanji, Nami, and Chopper. You guys stay together." Luffy glanced at me. "Ashlo and I will head to the arena." I nodded in agreement.

"Remember, guys," I spoke up. "Keep your heads down and stay out of trouble. This is Doflamingo's territory. He'll kill us all if he finds out Luffy is here. He'll hunt us all down. Stay alert." The crew nodded, and we all dispersed. Luffy and I took off for the arena.

"Are you okay, Ash?" Luffy asked as we were running.

I nodded, "Yes. Whatever happens, I will make damned sure you get Ace's Devil Fruit."

"Thank you for everything these past few years, Ashlo. You've been amazing to Ace, Whitebeard's crew, and my crew. So, I mean it...thank you." He gave me his signature goofy smile, and I smiled back.

"Hey. Don't get all sentimental on me now. I'm your brother, right? I'll always be your best friend." He nodded before his eyes turned determined as the arena grew closer.

"We're here." We slowed to a stop, looking up at the enormous building. "This is the arena."

"This looks much more intimidating in person," I mumbled as we slowly walked towards the entrance. We sat in, watching a fight before we returned to the entrance area to find where we would sign up to be in the tournament to win the Flame Flame Fruit. A man got us signed in and pointed us in the direction where the competitors stay. I stayed by Luffy's side the entire time. We both knew one wrong interaction could get us killed in here. "Where should we start?" I asked softly as we found a costume room. Luffy shrugged.

"Let's get disguises," he suggested, picking up a fake mustache, a helmet, and a red cape. I watched him put it on, and I couldn't hold in my chuckle.

"Looks good on you," I laughed.

"My name is Lucy," he grinned. I closed my eyes, shaking my head in disbelief.

"You're crazy, Big Bro," I sighed dramatically.

"Maybe," he laughed. I found a long black robe, and I slipped it on.

"Comfy," I said. Luffy nodded in approval. I also found a kitsune mask. I hadn't seen one of these in a while. I picked it up, examining it. It looked brand new. Maybe a mask would shield identities pretty easily. "My name will be Arlo, then."

"Lucy and Arlo. Sounds great!" Luffy grinned widely. I smiled in return, nodding my head.

"Are we making a plan, or are we just going to kick ass?"

"KICK ASS!"

"I figured as much," I laughed. An attendant stepped into the costume room.

"Round one starts in five minutes. Get into the arena," he ordered before leaving. I grit my teeth, but Luffy put a hand on my shoulder.

"We're doing this for Ace," he reminded me gently. I relaxed and nodded, following Luffy towards the fighting spot inside the arena. There were hundreds of spectators who were roaring with excitement. "Let's do this, Ashlo."

"Right," I agreed.