The sleek, dark vessel known as The Umbra cut through the bright blue waters of the Grand Line like a shadow gliding over a sunlit canvas. The ship was a reflection of its master—elegant, swift, and dangerous. Its dark hull shimmered in the light, hinting at enchantments worked into the very wood, and the crescent-shaped sails billowed under the steady wind. At the helm, Admiral Selene "The Moonblade" stood with her arms folded, her amber eyes scanning the horizon as they neared the bustling port of Alabasta.
Behind her, her subordinates bustled about the deck, working with precision but at ease. It was clear from the way they moved that they were more than just soldiers—they were a family, forged in the fires of battle and nurtured under Selene's protective leadership. A sense of purpose and camaraderie filled the air, as it always did aboard the Umbra.
Selene wore her signature marine uniform, customized with black and navy tones, her long dark hair fluttering slightly in the wind. At her hips, her twin pistols, Orion and Lyra, rested comfortably, their engraved crescent moons glinting in the light. Her high-heeled boots made soft taps as she paced slowly along the deck, her mind half on the supplies they were about to collect, half on the curious bit of information she'd overheard earlier.
Whispers of a Rising Star
Selene had heard an interesting rumor during the journey—Smoker, a promising young Navy officer, was in Alabasta.
It wasn't unusual for her to hear about talented soldiers—news traveled quickly through the Marine ranks. But what piqued Selene's interest was that Smoker wasn't stationed in this part of the world, nor was there any major Marine operation underway in Alabasta. Why was he here? And why wasn't it in an official capacity?
Selene, curious as always, found herself pondering the possibilities. She leaned against the rail, a small, mischievous smile playing at her lips. Perhaps this young officer was worth meeting. She loved uncovering the stories behind people, especially those who seemed to act outside the norm—just like her.
Arrival in Alabasta's Port
The Umbra slid gracefully into Alabasta's bustling port, its arrival turning heads. The sight of a Marine ship as sleek and foreboding as the Umbra wasn't common, and whispers began to spread through the dock workers and merchants. Yet Selene's reputation preceded her—many recognized her ship and knew that the Admiral of Shadows was not to be trifled with.
As her crew began unloading, Selene's second-in-command, Lieutenant Ren, approached her. Ren was a sharp-eyed young woman with a scar across her cheek, a talented navigator and one of Selene's most trusted officers.
"Admiral," Ren said, saluting with a slight grin, "the supplies are being arranged as planned. Shouldn't take more than an hour."
Selene gave a slight nod, her eyes still scanning the city beyond the harbor. "Good. Keep the men sharp, but let them stretch their legs. Alabasta's safe enough—for now."
Ren gave her a knowing look. "You're curious about Smoker, aren't you?"
Selene chuckled softly, her gaze never wavering. "You know me too well, Ren. I've heard the young soldier's made quite a name for himself. And he's not here by accident."
Ren smirked. "What do you think he's up to?"
"That," Selene said, pushing off from the railing, "is what I intend to find out."
Into the Streets of Alabasta
Leaving her crew to handle the supplies, Selene stepped off the Umbra with the fluid grace of a dancer. The streets of Nanohana, Alabasta's port city, were alive with merchants haggling, children running through the stalls, and the scent of spices thick in the air. Selene moved through the crowds effortlessly, her long coat flowing behind her, her presence drawing the occasional glance but never lingering attention. She was used to being noticed—and ignored when she wanted.
As she wandered toward the market, her sharp senses on high alert, she picked up faint murmurs. Talk of pirates and unusual naval activity. It didn't take long before she heard the name she was looking for.
"Did you hear? Captain Smoker's in town. Brought that huge warship of his—no idea why, though. Looked like he was in a foul mood."
Selene smiled to herself. "A warship, hmm?"
An Unexpected Encounter
As she turned a corner, a streak of white smoke drifted through the alley just ahead of her. Selene's sharp eyes narrowed in recognition—the signature of Smoker's Devil Fruit. The trail led toward a quiet plaza at the edge of the market, far from the noise and bustle of the main streets.
With a silent step, Selene followed the trail, her curiosity deepening. Why was Smoker here alone? If he had brought a warship, why weren't there more Marines patrolling the city? Something about this didn't sit right with her.
As she entered the plaza, she saw him—Captain Smoker, sitting on a bench with his characteristic scowl, a pair of cigars clenched between his teeth. His white Marine coat draped lazily over his shoulders, and his trademark jitte—a weapon tipped with sea-prism stone—rested beside him.
Selene tilted her head slightly, observing him for a moment before stepping forward. The sound of her heeled boots tapping on the stone echoed in the quiet plaza, drawing Smoker's attention.
He glanced up, his sharp gray eyes narrowing slightly as he took in her appearance. "Admiral Selene." His voice was gravelly but respectful.
"Captain Smoker." Selene's voice was smooth and calm, laced with curiosity. She stopped a few steps away, folding her arms. "What brings you to Alabasta? I wasn't expecting to find a rising star like you in these waters."
Smoker exhaled a cloud of smoke, his gaze steady but guarded. "That's none of your concern, Admiral."
Selene smiled, amused by his bluntness. "Oh, but I do love a good mystery."
A Meeting of Opposites
For a moment, the two Marines stood in quiet tension—the young, brash Smoker and the mysterious, playful Selene. She could see that Smoker wasn't the type to engage in idle conversation, but that only intrigued her more. There was a reason he was here, and Selene intended to find out what it was.
With a graceful motion, Selene took a step closer, her eyes gleaming with playful intent. "Whatever business you're attending to, Captain, I hope you're not planning to get yourself into trouble. You see..." She gave him a sly smile. "I have a habit of keeping young Marines out of danger."
Smoker grunted, clearly unimpressed. "I'm not some rookie who needs babysitting."
"Of course not." Selene's smile didn't falter. "But if you need a hand, consider me curious enough to help."
Smoker stared at her for a moment, weighing her words, then exhaled another puff of smoke. "I don't need help."
Selene gave a light chuckle, turning as if to leave. "Suit yourself, Captain. But if you change your mind..." She glanced back over her shoulder, her eyes gleaming with playful mischief. "You'll know where to find me."
With that, she disappeared into the streets, her mind already working through the puzzle of what Smoker might be doing here—and how she could get involved.
As Selene made her way back toward the market, the feeling in the air shifted. Something was happening in Alabasta, something important. And Selene had a sense that Smoker's presence was only the beginning of a much larger story.
With a flick of her coat, Selene returned to the Umbra, her sharp mind already planning her next move. She loved a good mystery—and she had a feeling this one was about to get very interesting.
~end..

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Twilight's End A New Dawn
FanfictionThe World Government has fallen. Imu, the tyrant behind the shadows, is dead. But freedom comes at a cost-and with the old world gone, the balance between order and chaos is teetering on the edge. In the aftermath of a shattered throne, Selene, a fo...