The Secret of Me

Fixing the Bonds

Time ticked on ward.

Bonds grew stronger.

Hearts softer.

They called me there sister...

They were my brothers.

For the first time in for what I could call forever I felt secure, safe and happy all at the same time.

They taught me to fight, and I kept them in line. And by them I mean not allowing Ace to be mean to his youngest brother, and yes, I seemed to be found of his all ways present laughter and personality.

They even taught me the wonders of meat...

Something I was unfamiliar with, considering to get meat you must kill an animal, I stayed away from sport like that...

Then one evening Ace, Sabo and Luffy brought home vison for dinner.

I helped Dadan cook and prepare the meal, uneasy about the idea of eating a murdered animal.

Then as I watched the platter of steaming meat be set down, and the look everyone got in their eyes, I knew I was in for something wonderfully new.

I sat next the platter, dodging slabs of meat that was being tossed across the room and battled over.

Hesitantly, I lifted up a hunk of meat, barley clinging to the bone, tender, juices bubbling over the fat, a scent that made my mouth water.

I cautiously raised the perfect piece of meat to my lips, my teeth more than ready to rip a piece off, my taste buds more than ready to experiences the thing called meat,

WHAM

A flying boy sent the meat rocketing from my hand and my own being tumbling across the wooden floor.

I sit up, face covered in a shadow, an agitated smile on my lips, several veins popping and my eyes light up in a 'run-and-take-cover!' way.

I slowly turn to face Ace, now battling with Luffy over my piece of meat.

They catch my look and both freeze, mid position, in each of their hands one another's limbs, hair and the piece of meat.

The meat that now had a huge hunk missing.

Pieces fell from Ace's gawking mouth.

I slowly walk towards them, take the meat, set it gently on a plate then another 'wham!' sound echoed through the room, along with several more 'whams'.

And shouts of pain.

And threats of 'if-you-ever-touch-my-meat-you-will-meet-endless-suffering.'

I guess they taught me how to pack a punch after all....

In the end, I got my meat, and they got some meat, and bruises, and Dadan got a really messy-meaty room.

She was on the verge of hurting someone or as one could assume by her facial expressions.

For once, I didn't help. I offered. But I was ushered away, sent to the bath house with the three boys.

I sit in the corner, not understanding why my cheeks flushed red as the I worked the thin, rope like strings that laced up the front of my gown, ending with a bow at the collar.

I slid the dress from my being, the soft cotton fabric brushing against me in a fluttery motion, mesmerizing me for a moment, before I folded the dress and set in on a shelf, away from little hands and waters reach.

I don't understand why I'm so awkward in bath houses, considering it was something all normal people are used to this, bathing that is.

I knew I looked different.

Normal girls my age had budding breasts, I was flat as a bored, normal girl my age didn't have blue and green swirls running up and down their torso.

Then again, maybe it was just a reminder I wasn't from here. Or maybe other girls have these things too, I'm just.... late.... it's not like I'm often around girls anyway.

Those where just some things reminding me I didn't belong here.

Sometimes the voice rings in my head, reminding me to remember, or I feel different, as if this was slowly washing me away, this way of living, or the 'attacks' where I lose all my bearings, and fall into the realm of unconsciousness.

Maybe I was meant to be different.

But this difference always seems to end up harming me, instead of what I try to believe, and help me.

My thoughts then where interrupted by water, icy and cold, being thrown at my face.

Followed by laughter.

A smile creeped onto my lips as I said, "I would request for one of you to tell me who did that before you're all punished."

They all point at one another.

"I see." I say quietly my face shaded, two closed fists raising.

There were shouts, yells and clashes as I chased the three around the room leaving throbbing red knobs on their heads.

"I've told you countless times, I won't put up with stupidity. Someone has to keep you three in line and out of trouble!"

They all mumble apologizes.

I smile, as I dry my face, at least I have them.

They are comforting in their own odd ways.

And I love them for that...