She was,

Her

*Den-den mushi ringing*

**Purrut purrut purrut** kacha!

Oh, says Dragon who just woke up.

Dragon-san you have been summoned at HQ. There's a mission to escort a celestial dragon. It says it's a top secret, says the voice on the next line.

Understood, Dragon responded. *kacha!*

Sighs!

Monkey D. Dragon, who's a 35 years old unmarried man. Dedicated to his work, he's a Marine Vice Admiral and has done notable accomplishments on his job.

Dragon then got up from bed and began preparing himself to go to their HQ. He's currently in one of their bases in Holy Land Marie Geois.

At HQ.

Dragon bows his head as soon as he entered the Admiral's office.

"Oh here you are", says Admiral Kong. Thank you Dragon-san for coming right away.

I know this is just an escort job, but we'll be escorting a celestial dragon from up. Said they'll be meeting someone on North Blue. I chose you since I know you're familiar with that place. Is this okay?, Admiral Kong said looking at Dragon as he sips his favorite chamomile tea.

"Ah", Dragon agreed.

Hahaha, you're so stiff you can't get a wife with that Dragon! exclaimed Admiral Kong, laughing.

Dragon just bows to him and left.

The next morning.

Dragon assembled 30 people to board and help him in the ship.

Admiral Kong called him last night, says the one he'll escort will be on port at 8am, but it's past 8.

He just then decided to help on carrying their provisions, he starts frowning. He hates being late and so hates it when someone's not on time.

"Are you perhaps Monkey D. Dragon?", says a person who tapped his back.

Dragon then turned his head and saw a lady. Wearing a black dress with white flower print. Her nails painted in white, has long black hair and a slim body. Beautiful eyes but oddly sad and a white complexion.

"Well", he thought to himself looking at her clothes, this might be the celestial dragon but where are her personal escorts? Hmmmmm.

"Ah"he said to respond. You really can't expect Dragon to be someone polite, well he is with Admiral Kong, but.

The lady then smiled lightly and bowed. "I'm Rosa Donquixote" says the lady.

"Ehhhhhh", exclaims the marine, they were surprised that a celestial dragon bows to Dragon.

Dragon then bows to her too. He doesn't care really, he just wants to get this over with and get to the next mission.

Where are your personal escorts maam?, asked Dragon.

They will be boarding a different ship, she responds smiling as she looked at him.

Dragon was surprised on how this celestial dragon was treating him. He thought she's really odd and she might be annoying in the long run and he can't be rude about it. Also, he met a lot celestial dragons already, and non of them were like her. She's too giddy and informal.

The ship left its port at 10 am.

Dragon, is at the lowest deck with the marines operating the ship, the captain then gave him a letter from Admiral Kong containing his escort mission in details.

The letter contains the Lady celestial dragon's information and where exactly will she go in North Blue.

Rosa Donquixote, 28.

She will meet her fiancé, a celestial dragon currently in Flevance, North Blue. She must arrive within 20 days.

"Hmmm, understood", says Dragon.

"I'll be in the upper deck, ping me on whatever on denden mushi" Dragon commands.

"Aye Vice Admiral Dragon-san", marines in unison.

Dragon then walked up the stairs to the upper deck.

Dragon-san, says Rosa Donquixote as she waves at him.

"Dammit", Dragon sighed to himself.

"What is it maam"? he says politely.

Wh-when d-did you join th-the marines? Rosa asks stuttering, as she puts her 2 hands to cover her face.

This is Dragon's face right now --->   -_-

I was 17 when I joined, Dragon answers.

He thought maybe her parents were strict, she might not have friends, she might just be a maid and the real celestial dragon was on the other ship which her personal guards have boarded.

Rosa uncovered her face and put it on her cheeks, her eyes were wide. Oh someone like you has been young? Were you strong? How did you become one? Do you have friends? Have you met samurais? she asks him innocently - giddily.

He was dumbfounded, she's not a celestial dragon! - or maybe she is. After all they're all prideful and rude.

"Ah, answers Dragon. He chose to be oblivious.

Well then, enjoy your time here maam, we'll make sure we will arrive on time.  He bowed and starts walking away.

Rosa then ran to him and clutched his hand. Dragon-san, have I offended you with my question? I apologize I was raised in a poor environment, Rosa said, bowing.

Dragon, being caught off guard turned his head to her and asked, are you the celestial dragon that I'm escorting?

Yes, I am. I'm just... she was looking at her surroundings like she's cautious.

I'm sorry, says her as she runs away from him.

Dragon, was left standing there and confused, but him being a professional chose to not be curious and just focus on his task.

He then proceed to the upper deck and starts monitoring his people.

--> Act II