A Promise Under the Sea

**Date Started:** December 27, 2020
**Date Completed:** Ongoing
**Users Involved:** User:Starving Skeleton, User:Arukana, User:BQD
**Setting:** Fishman Kingdom, New World, December 1579
**Characters Involved**:
* **Delian Alliance**: Ogre, Ghoul, Hannibal and Scipio
* **Fish-Man Island**: Salacia, Tiamat
* **Black Widow Pirates**: Raiko

## Return to the Seas

Many pirates looked forward to the New World. It represented growth, opportunity, adversity. Those that passed through Paradise and did not feel the need to settle, enjoyed the adventures, treasures, and riches that the New World would hopefully grant them.

Captain Sinker was such one person. A man that had caused a ruckus amongst Paradise, with a staggering bounty of 212,000,000. Yes, his bounty wasn't as high as many of the rookies of the many generations that came, Sinker's bounty was still impressive. And the fact that he had gotten to the New World along with his crew was a testament to his strength and wits.

"SINSINSINSINSIN! We're finally here, ye? The New World! Oi, bring out the mermaids, they deserve to see these sights!" Dark waters that reflected the skies, and with them the crescent moon's shine. It was awe-inspiring really. A beautiful sight, just what a man like Sinker needed, no, *deserved*. Especially after going through the trouble of capturing a group of mermaids during his escapades near Fish-Man Island. It was an opportunity he could take, especially given the fact that the defunct Titan Pirates no longer ruled over it. It had become a lawless land, perfect for pirates like Sinker to pray on others.

Then came out walking several men, carrying with them beautiful mermaids in chains. Slender bodies, fair skin, dazzling tails, hair, and eyes. They were second to no other race in beauty, that much was clear. Yet for all of their beauty, the mermaids seemed to lack the most attractive quality of all. Life.

"Look, lookie here how beautiful, aye?!" Sinker placed his gruff, calloused hands on one of the mermaids who flinched in response. He held her by the jaw, grabbing another mermaid by the head, and forced both of them to look directly at the moon. Their eyes reflected the moonshit, yet they carried no light of their own. The mermaids only trembled at Sinker's touch.

"Ye got nothin' to say?!" Suddenly, their eyes widened, mouth agape. Sinker's smile grew at their sudden reactions. "That's what we like to see...sinsinsinsin. Ye' all look pretty when yer smile! Me n' my boys like that. It'll be enjoyable later..." He licked his lips, saliva falling on the floor, yet the girls remained in pure shock.

Why was it that same crescent moon seemed closer?

"O-oh...not literally, yer look like robots now!" Sinker complained, even when they showed some sort of emotion, Sinker wanted more. He wanted them to act like what they were. His property. "What are ye so surprised about?!"

No longer did moonlight reflect on their eyes, a shadow covering it.

"Answer bitches!" His hand swatted forward intent on striking hard across the girls' cheeks.

*SCWHING*

The crescent moon appeared to reach the figure of Sinker himself, a moon that whistled through the wind, a moon that cut through both tissue and bone instantly.

"AHHHHHHHHH!" The man screamed, the sound of a sword being sheathed could be heard, blood spraying from the man's crescent-shaped wound. A light, almost unnoticeable tap on the ship's deck followed, and then a figure could be seen.

A kimono of black covered her appearance nearly from head to toe, only specks of white visible from part of her face. A mask covered everything but her eyes, and a large straw hat cast a shadow over her very figure. Black hair billowed in the wind, hand resting on the sheathe of her blade.

Sinker kept crying, falling to his knees as he noticed her figure. "D-don't just stand there, attack her!" And attack they did, nearly all at once, the men forgot any sort of responsibility, coming at the woman from nearly all angles.

"You rookie pirates are interesting..." Her sword escaped her sheathe once more, revealing its darkened blue hue, that of seastone. She swung it forward as the pirates approached, and for a moment it seemed as if she had just randomly slashed the air. Then all the pirates came towards her, and the environment seemed to screech in response. A wave traversed through the air, entering their bodies before they were all blown away.

The sword moved again with gentleness, cutting the cuffs that imprisoned the mermaids. The woman took a step forward. "You like to believe the world is at the palm of your hand for you to eat when really you're no more than insignificant pests." Sinker screamed in pain, in pure shock that all men had been defeated.

He turned his head, only now noticing the ship that approached their own. It was sizable, but more importantly, it was the flagship that interested him. A Jolly Roger reminiscent to a spider could be seen. That of a Black Widow Pirates.

"N-no...i-i-it can't be...this soon?!" The woman stepped towards him. "I-I'll join you! I-I promise, me and my men are useful, we'll join the Widows!"

"Tch," she stopped in front of him. "As if you'd be of use to anyone..." She towered over him, both mentally and physically, and Sinker could only look up in fear. In front of her stood one of the Huntsmen of the Black Widow Pirates, one whose presence and reputation did not exist outside of Wano.

Then suddenly, Sinker fainted, falling on the deck with a loud thud. Eyeing his figure, Reiko instead moved her eyes to the mermaids. "You're all free now."

The mermaids only looked at her in fear. They knew of the Black Widow Pirates. A Yonko crew, and as they had been shown before Yonko screamed trouble.

Raiko sighed. This always happened when she left Wano. "I will not hurt you. You're free to do as you wish now, I'm sorry you had to spend even a single second with that man...I apologize for being late." Raiko bowed, the mermaids only looking at her with shock.

"If you'd like to go back home, feel free to come with me. I'll be going to Fishman Island either way." Raiko commented.

Alarmed, the mermaids whispered amongst themselves before one spoke, sweat falling down her temple. "W-we'll be fine on our own, thanks!" Before all three of them jumped into the water, disappearing under ripples.

Raiko sighed a second time. Why was it so hard? The Widows hadn't even gotten to Fishman Island, and already, their reputation seemed to precede them, seemed to precede Raiko. "Koyuki expects me to bring that island under her reign..." Raiko's expression hardened underneath her mask. "Failure is not an option."

## The First Book

"Are you heading home?" Ogre asked. He sat at the edge of Sabaody with his legs crossed. Men in cloaks, armors and with weapons attached worked with vibrant smiles. Laughter and joy piercing the skies above as they continued to restock, bringing supplies to their ship. They were now docked a satellite of Sabaody. Ogre and his crew were able to hide here after paying a hefty fee. It seemed like everyone was after Ogre's coffer. But it helped as their new friend needed a bit of space in the water below. Either way, they were all happy that they survived yesterday's chaos.

"After what happened yesterday...I need to go home and make sure our waters are protected." Salacia said. Her light hair spread out in the water beneath her body. "For the first time in decades, my home is unprotected by pirates."

"Is that why you went searching after your pirate friend?" Ogre tilted his head. "Why not enjoy the freedom? Why ruin it? Pirates are selfish. They only want what's best for themselves."

"I know that...." Salacia said. Eyes lowering and a lowered voice. "But in this world...sometimes you have to align yourself with a devil you know to protect your loved ones from the devil you don't." Ogre felt the pain in her voice. "You wouldn't understand...."

"No...I do. It's why we're going to create a new World Government! One that's built on comprehension, mutual respect, and tolerance!" Ogre exclaimed. "That's why we're going to the New World."

"A n-new world government?!" Salacia repeated. "Do you know how crazy that sounds?! That's going to be impossible!"

"How is it impossible?"

"What do you mean how?! A ***new*** world government?!"

"Well...I mean there's already a World Government. But that one is broken. Why can't we create a new one?"

"B-because it's a world government. You need a world to agree to being i-in a government." Salacia stumbled over her own words.

"So all I have to do is to get countries to work together, right?" Ogre asked innocently. "That's too hard. People like to be understood. No matter the race, there's more good people than there is bad. OH! I have an idea! Stay here."

Ogre got up and ran to his ship. Jumping onto the deck from the ground before disappearing into his cabin. He searched the room before pulling out a rolled piece of paper from beneath his pillow. He then emerged from his quarters and returned to Salacia. Sitting down, he handed her the rolled up scroll.

"Whats this?" Salacia asked. She rose a bit from the water to keep it from getting wet. Sitting on the ground next to Ogre. He looked down at her mermaid tail still in awe. Yet he was more shocked that this girl sat taller than him. He watched her unroll it.

"Its a constitution!" Ogre exclaimed. "A list of promises and principles for our new World Government." He smiled and looked up. "Ita Thomas writes that the strongest forces are where people work together for either good or evil. I mean aren't the Yonko just a bunch of people working at their own aligning goals?" He asked. "And the current World Government just consist of countries that support the Celestial Dragons. So I decided that there should be a World Government filled with people working together towards shared prosperity"

"Ogre," Salacia started. "what does this one say...after abolish slavery."

"Hm...yeah I wrote that one last night after you told me about your home...No country should have to choose piracy for safety. That's why everyone in this new World Government will work together to protect any island under in this alliance."

Salacia smiled. She rolled up the paper and gave it back to Ogre. "Do you think people will actually agree to that? I mean it sounds...wonderful. But how do you even plan to hold counsel with the people in charge of those decisions? You're just a bunch of mercenaries. Like there's so much more to politics...You have to deal with counsels. Greedy people. Power hungry kings. There's murder. Deceit. Betrayal-"

"We're not mercenaries." Ogre interrupted. Gaze following floating clouds above. "We're revolutionaries."

"R-revolutionaries? But the revolutionary army was disbanded.

But Ogre didn't answer. Instead he reached into the blue cloth he wore around his waist and retrieved a red book. It was bound in a thin velvet skin with golden words sewn onto it ***Rights of Man by Ita Thomas***.

"This is a copy of the book of my favorite author." Ogre said. "I've already read it but I came here because I knew they were selling his newest book here. The World Government outlawed any production of anything he writes."

"A book is illegal?"

"A lot of books are illegal. People always think that the best way to change the world is by might. But...the best way to destroy an enemy is by making them a companion. And the best way to do that is through the sharing of ideals. Comprehension. Conversation. Just like us, Salacia." Ogre chuckled. "Books are the best way to do that."

Salacia didn't respond. Instead she looked at its cover and rubbed its skin.

"You go ahead and read it but I'm going to need that book back. It's an originally signed copy." Ogre reached over and showed her the signature on its first page. Above it was chapter 1, *Freedom At Birth.*

"W-wait when will you want it back?" Salacia asked. "And how do you know we're going to even see each other again."

"Well I'm going to go to the New World through Gotthard Tunnel since getting our ship coating would be too suspicious." Ogre groaned thinking of the extra cost. He started tapping his chin. "But that book will be my promise that we'll meet again."

"Okay.

"The Black Widow Pirates have started moving recently." Scipio said to the small counsel, including Ogre who stood at the end of their massive table. They were aboard Theseus, the Army of Sparta's main ship. Each stood over the massive map that was laid out in its entirety. "Scouts off of Chinmon's coast reported seeing their jolly roger."

"Makes sense." Hannibal continued. "Still...A note sent directly from a Bathory isn't something we can ignore. Even among Celestial Dragons, Bathory are legendary for their influence."

"So we're a lapdop?" Scipio asked. "They send us an order and we just go out fetching?"

"No you old crone. But Fishman Island has recently fallen out of Titan control. If they're sending us there before the World Government gets there then its only right we check it out."

"The Black Widows are moving." Ghoul looked out the window and into the vast blackness of the ocean's deep. From beyond the bubble which coated Theseus, they saw two others ships sailing under the Army of Sparta. "The perfect time to test Majiatsuka and Prodence's loyalty."

"Don't forget Ghoul...They're only loyal to the Delian Alliance. Their only obligation is to countries that sign the Delian Constitution." Ogre said while rubbing his chin. "The Army of Sparta's purpose is to get countries to join it."

"That's right young master Ghoul." Hannibal continued. "Its in their best interest to support our army because more countries in our alliance means greater resources for them. But its up to them entirely. Their priority is to each other first."

Scipio sipped a cup of tea. "Still expansion has been favorable. We've seen an increase in manpower from Majiatsuka, Prodence and Chinmon mainly."

"I only worry about the Black Widow Pirates. Master Ogre..." Hannibal said. "The Reaper Pirates. Hound Pirates. Holiday Pirates. Hunting Pirates. None have stood against the Black Widow Pirates. That's how fearsome its captain is...Daddy Long Legs. The only Yonko who remains from the previous generation and is closest to becoming pirate king."

"If she wants an island, all the other crews know better than to stand against her ship."

Ogre was lost in thought. His eyes fixated forward without even an ounce of emotion. Silence surrounded the room. Thick enough to choke everyone in attendance. "If Leg reaches the end of the grand line, wouldn't she be Pirate Queen?" Ogre asked.

"ARE YOU NOT PAYING ATTENTION TO WHAT THEY'RE SAYING YOU OVERGROWN MUSCLE!?" Ghoul screamed.

"MASTER OGRE PLEASE FOCUS ON THE MATTER HAND!" Hannibal joined in.

"IF SHE IDENTIFIES AS KING WHO ARE WE TO JUDGE HER?!" Scipio answered with his own question.

"THAT'S NOT HOW ANY OF THIS WORKS. YOU CAN'T IDENTIFY WHETHE OR NOT YOU ARE A KING OR QUEEN."

"SAYS WHO???" Scipio crossed his arms.

"The two of you hush before I throw you overboard!" Ghoul ordered. Which both of the geezers did with their arms crossed.

"Oh...I'm not worried about her movement." He spoke without worry. A voice confident as if their warnings were just slight annoyances. "She's the only Yonko yet she's only moving such a small fleet. The other pirates know better than to cross her of course. But that's because they're pirates. Pirates attacking pirates will weaken their resources...which makes it easier for other crews to take over. Especially considering the fact its a Yonko crew. Gaining her ire will certainly mean destruction."

"True." Scipio said. "But what differentiates them from us? Our kingdoms are still valuable and vulnerable to her."

"Eventually they will be. However we have two factors working in our favor. Barring the fact our kingdoms are going to fight for one another, the Delian Alliance is primarily in the beginning of the New World. Meaning there's a heavy World Government presence."

"So we're going to ask *them* for help?" Ghoul said viciously.

"Not ask." Ogre said calmly. "Right now we the Delian Alliance are just a bunch of kingdoms and islands working together. They don't know who we are what our purpose is. Even that annoying Birdman investigated Mystoria off of rumors and a hunch." He pulled up his cup of tea and sipped it. "Hell, I'm sure I'm the only person they know of."

"Still...that doesn't answer the question-"

"The Black Widow Pirates are one of the most famous crews in the world." Hannibal interrupted. "They lose the power to move freely at the beginning in the New World."

"Moving too close to Fishman Island, which is right beneath Mary Geoise will draw attention from the marines. Meaning battle becomes imminent unless they're extremely careful."

"They're not some no-name crew. Any of the other crews you mentioned might warrant bigger concern. But the Black Widow Pirates cannot launch a full-scale invasion of our countries without sparking another World War." Ogre said. He pulled away and looked out the window.

"Ah." Hannibal breathed out. "Hopefully this'll be a quick trip."

"It should be...but I also have a friend who has something of mine."

## A Sister's Duty

Salacia sat at the edge of her bed. Eyes scanning over a velvet skinned book. She caressed it lovingly before putting it back on her desk. She'd read that book countless times as the years past. It kept her sane when the *king* grounded her for sneaking out last time. Sure she was almost sold to a Celestial Dragon but Salacia would've fought her way to freedom. She concocted a whole plan anyway. If not for that stubborn overgrown muscle. Salacia rolled her eyes. But ended up smiling gently. "I kept it safe for you, Ogre." She floated upward and placed it in a bubble case.

Salacia made her way through her room's door. Swimming down the halls with elegance. Despite her massive size, the blue tailed mermaid swam as if made of seaweed. She waved to guards and smiled at the citizens of her kingdom. But, despite the peacefulness of Ryugu Palace, Salacia made sure her trident remained ready on her back. As one of her father's daughters, it was her duty to protect Fish-Man Island.

**Knock. Knock.**

Salacia opened her sister's door despite knocking. "Tiatiaaaaaaa!" She screamed. "Want to come get rainbow cream in the city with your big sister?"

"I don't want shitty ice cream! I want to learn how to fight, not sit in his damn room like a princess!" A loud, unladylike voice answered as the sound of objects knocked over could be heard from outside the door. "GRRRRRAAAAAHHHHH! This is such shit!"

Salacia tilted her head and slightly checked in. "But Tiatia you know we're not allowed to teach you how to fight." She said lovingly. "Mom and Dad would execute me if they saw me training you. And besides, I just got off punishment for the last time I got caught. I can't risk being grounded again."

She swam fully into Tiamat's room. Bending over to lovingly hug her sister despite the height difference. "And besides you're just too cuuuuuuuute to figgggggghhhhtttttt."

"I am not cute! I'm a goddamn kickass bitch meant to beat up anyone who tries to mess with our home!" Tiamat declared loudly before shoving her older sister off of her. Grumbling, she swam over to her bed and promptly flopped onto it with an annoyed expression on her face. "Why the hell won't they let me fight?! Is it because dad can't pump out any boys? That's his own fault!"

Salacia swam after Tiamat and sat next to Tiamat. She placed her hands on her tail and sighed. "I know...it's hard Tiamat. But you want to protect the kingdom right? There are many ways to do so. And the truth is...yours is the most important." She looked at her sister lovingly. "Sometimes we have to make a sacrifice for the continuation of our prosperity. Ever since the last pirate king's passing, we've encountered endless battles. We need to remain strong. Even if it means shaving a bit off of our happiness."

"Tch, that old bullshit..." Tiamat scowled, having heard this exact same speech numerous times and it simply made her angrier with each time. Her hand clenched tightly into a fist as the sound of her knuckles crackling echoed through the room and she looked at her sister with a fierce glare. "And when will that end, huh? How long will it be until our happiness is completely taken from us and we are just husk moving around? That type of shit..."

Salacia sighed. She wasn't upset at her sister. She couldn't be. In a lot of ways Tiamat was right. Father forcing her to remain a damsel in distress is no different than pirates forcing him to pay their fees. Salacia stood up and took a deep breath. What she prepared to offer could get her in a lot of trouble after all. "Listen, I can't say I disagree with you. But as a princess...I'm forced to follow dad's orders..."

She looked away. "However....if we go somewhere he can't find us he *won't* know if I teach you little something." She said teasingly.

Tiamat blinked at her sister's statement before a grin broke out on her face, her eyes shining with happiness at what her sister was hinting at. "You really mean it?! You aren't' messing with me?"

"Of course I mean it." Salacia said. "Our mother taught me how to fight. It only makes sense your big sister teaches you. I rather you be prepared to defend the throne in case of an emergency." She went to the window and opened it. "Follow me." And with a jump the beautiful princess started swimming to Sea Forest.

It wasn't a long trip. For they were the fastest swimmers in all the sea. Especially Salacia who was said to make laps around her siblings. Salacia Tiamat to an open space. Bright from the massive roots above. She could tell, through her mind's eye, that the two of them were alone besides regular wildlife.

"I came here a lot when I was your age. It's where I would bring guards to fight me." Salacia's eyes curiously looked away when she spoke before returning back to Tiamat. "ANYWAY. I want you to come at me. I'm going to teach you how to defend yourself and your kingdoms."

Tiamat rolled her shoulders, cracking her neck and knuckles as excitement began to bubble up within her stomach before spreading throughout her body. It had been so long since she had been engaged in combat that Tiamat had slowly began to think she dreamt it all up. "Are you sure? What if I come at you too hard, sis?"

But before her sister could finish her sentence, Salacia was already in front of Tiamat with her fist flying forward. A powerful punch meant to send the little one a bit back. "When in a fight, hesitation will lead to death. I know this is practice but it is here that life-saving habits are made."

Tiamat's eyes widened before her grin turned savage as she reeled her head back before thrusting forward in a burst of explosive speed, causing her forehead to collide with her sister's fist. Immediately, a pulse of water exploded around them as coral and nearby sea-life was pushed back from the sudden clash. "Fair enough, Salacia. No more talking!" Clenching her hand tightly into a fist, the youngest princess launched a punch upward towards her sister's jaw for a textbook uppercut.

Salacia jerked backwards to avoid the uppercut. *What the hell?!* She thought to herself. But a large smile grew on her face. The idea of her sister possessing this much talent made it better. *Someone's been practicing.* Salacia threw her hand out in an attempt to grab Tiamat's wrist. Where she would twist her around into a slam.

Feeling the tight grip around her wrist, Tiamat only had a moment to register what was about to happen before her vision blurred and her body suddenly move at a rapid pace until she felt her back impact against the seafloor, causing the ground to crack underneath the sheer weight and force behind the slam. "Shit, that stings!" Tiamat complained, wincing before slamming her tail against the ground and bringing it up towards Salacia. As her tail soared, the water swiftly followed behind her as it formed into a rapidly swirling vortex.

"**Tidal Fin!"** Tiamat declared, bringing her tail down as the mass gathering of water with the intention of pushing her sister back.

"Merman Combat!" Salacia cursed. Her body being blown back by the swirling blast. She quickly crossed her arm to withstand the force but felt her very own back slam against a nearby tree. "Gah!" She murmured. Yet as the dust clouds rose, Salacia could be heard offering praise. "My little sister you've never made me prouder!" She roared. Salacia swam at Tiamat once more. Her hand filled with a whirlpool of water. Small enough to hide in her grasp yet still powerful.

"Be aware of your surroundings." Salacia warned from the dust cloud. "You struck up a dust cloud and now you can't see." She said it before Tiamat before dashing behind her. Aiming her strike at her sister's back.

**Whirlpool Palm!**

"Then I'll keep searching until I find ya!" Tiamat shouted gleefully, turning her head slightly to search for her sister. Her ears perked upon hearing the declaration of Salacia's technique, looking behind her to see the strike aimed for her back. With a twist of her fin, she faced her incoming sister and spread her arms out wide before closing them in just as fast, causing to waves of water to follow her movements and collide to form a shield.

"**Great Barrier Reef!**" She screamed as Salacia's palm impacted into the attack, causing a brief clash until the watery defense couldn't hold out any longer and simply collapsed underneath the strength of the Whirlpool Palm. Tiamat winced in pain upon feeling the pressured burst of water slam into her stomach, feeling a deep stinging sensation as she was pushed back into a rock formation. "Damn, if I didn't make that barrier in time, I'd probably be out of it..."

Salacia slowly floated to Tiamat with a impressed smile. "Smart. You've learned to keep your senses about you and trained your reaction time." She complimented. "Makes me wonder whose training you behind our backs. Still, you need to always be aware of your surroundings. Refrain from obscuring your vision until you've trained your Haki." Salacia warned.

"Now! Its your turn to go on the attack. I want to see how you handle yourself against an opponent stronger than you."

Tiamat spat out a glob of saliva before grinning once more. "Alright, let me show you how much I've been training then." Without wasting a moment, she pulled herself out of the crumbling rock formation before exploding forward in a burst of breakneck speed as a trail of bubbles followed behind her. As she neared Salacia, her trajectory shifted as she swam around her sister rapidly until a whirlpool began to take shape, being meant to prevent Salacia from moving about.

"My **Naruto Whirlpool** isn't bad huh, sis!" Tiamat asked, her toothy grin beaming with pride from her hard work and creativity. Suddenly, she darted above the manmade vortex and held her arm high into the air as she clawed at the nearby water, kneading it into the shape of an orb. "That's not all thought! Take this!" Winding her arm back before thrusting it downward, Tiamat watched with glee at the sight of the orb exploding into a myriad of buzzsaw-shaped projectiles and raced towards the whirlpool, intending on them move with the flow of the vortex and slice Salacia.

"*Active shape transformation.*" Salacia thought to herself as she watched the orbs transform into sharp saws. She was also unable to move due to her sister's whirlpool which also impressed her. "Its amazing!" Salacia roared. She started her own counter spin. Using her massive body to command the water in its entirely. The size difference in the sisters meant Salacia could command more and at greater volume. Creating a vortex which rushed in the opposite direction. Stealing power from Tiamat's attack and sending forth a blast of raging water at the little mermaid. It also served to protect her from Tiamat's blades.

"*Of course, she counters it but I counter her bullshit with my own!*" Tiamat raised her hand high before bringing it down with the might of not only her unnatural strength but the sea pressure around her as the water swirled around her fist, spinning in tandem with the motion of her attack. In a matter of seconds, her fist was completely covered by a whirlpool before it collided with the blast of raging water sent towards her. "**Whirlpool Fist!**" A variation of the Whirlpool Palm, Tiamat's attack slammed into the wave before the two canceled each other out.

Not bothering to pause or wait for Salacia to speak her mind, Tiamat swam forth at breakneck speed before twisting her body mid-flight in order to slam her tail into her sister's stomach and send her into the nearby rock formation.

Salacia blocked the strike...barely. Her body sent soring into the rocks with incredible force. Enough to carve her deep inside of it. She pushed herself out and immediately dashed back at her younger sister. This time unleashing a barrage of punches. Some stronger than the last while others were simple jabs meant to put Tiamat into a reaction. A wide grin was on Salacia's mouth.

"*Our other sisters are just as strong as me if not stronger. But they fight out of duty.*" She said to herself. "*Not you...my dearest sister. You fight because you're a warrior. You want to become strong not just to protect the kingdom. No, you love to fight!*"

Tiamat's body moved on pure instinct as she acted in accordance to the bait set by Salacia, working to deflect the simple jabs and leaving herself open to the stronger punches. Her teeth clenched tightly upon feeling the strikes impact her body with intense power and precision, knowing she couldn't keep allowing herself to be pelted with these attacks any longer. At the sight of next punch coming towards, Tiamat raised her arm before jerking her body to the side as she watched Salacia's arm hit the empty space where she had once been.

Acting swiftly, she brought her arm down with the intention of locking her sister's arm in place and unleashing a hook with her other arm at Salacia's stomach.

Salacia froze. Her arm being pulled forward leaving her body open to Tiamat's punch. She'd seen this move before. From a friend from a distant land. The hero who saved her when Salacia foolishly got herself captured. "How did you-" She started. Suddenly cut off by Tiamat's devastating blow. She quickly shook her head. Snapping back to the present.

"Nice one." Salacia complimented. She raised her free arm and threw her own cross at Tiamat's face. "But always be prepared for a counter attack!"

"Don't worry!" Tiamat replied, having already figured out a way to utilize this situation to her advantage. As Salacia's fist rushed towards her face, the delinquent mermaid utilized her smaller size in order to swiftly duck underneath the devastating punch, noticing the burst of water which exploded from the missed strike. With a toothy grin, Tiamat pushed with her tail against the water to shove herself into her sister and tackle her towards the ground below.

The two sisters fell to the ocean's ground. Salacia grabbing onto Tiamat's arms and pushing her to the side. Her arms moving swiftly to tickle her little sister on the floor. Her fingers worming against Tiamat's hips, stomach and underarms. A devious visage of an ancient sea witch! But her heart was filled with warmth and laughter. She loved her sister. That's right. No matter the whispers of the Ryugu Kingdom, Tiamat is her sister. Black and white hair both floating about.

Tiamat was initially confused by the actions of her sister, feeling her finger briefly graze against her hips before they began to rapidly dangle across her skin. Within a matter of seconds, the battle-hungry princess found herself victim to the unexpected tickling attack as her body withered and laughter escaped her mouth. "HAHAHAHHAHAHA!" Tears began to form in the youngest princess's eyes as she tried to back away from Salacia but found herself unable to do so.

"HAHAHA-SACALIA!-AHAHAHHA!" Tiamat cried out with tears streaking down her face. "STOP IT-AHAHAHAHAHA-OR I'LL-HAHAHAHA-SHOVE YOUR HEAD IN A CORAL REEF!" She threatened, lacking in intimidation due to her constant laughter.

"Hard to sound dangerous when you can't stop laughing!" Salacia roared. Her fingers working meticulously to reach every spot on her ticklish sister. "Now's the most important lesson, knowing when to surrender!" She continued tickling Tiamat, waiting for the two words which mattered most in their little sparring session.

Tiamat continued to laugh, unable to do anything to deter her sister's actions. With each passing moment, her laughter echoed through the surrounding area as she gasped for breath. "HAHAHA! Okay, I give!" She cried out, pleading with tears streaking down her checks. "Just stop before I pee myself!"

Salacia retreated. Floating down besides Tiamat so that her massive body sat next to her sister. "So," Salacious started with a knowing smile. "it seems like Ryugu Kingdom's youngest princess and future Queen has been quite busy. Don't worry your secrets safe with me, you're actually stronger than I was when mother started training me." Her eyes looked away at the mention of the queen. Almost as if saying that word pained her.

Having taken a moment to regain her breath, Tiamat finally calmed down after being tickled and replied to her sister with a confident grin. "Hehehe, yeah. I've been working my ass off behind everyone's back." Sitting from her position of lying down, she continued. "It also helps that I've been watching you guys train and mimicking it whenever I can."

Salacia smiled. "That's good. Tiamat...I hate how much they baby you. For the first time, our kingdom has become strong enough to stand on its own two feet. We need all of our people capable." She sighed. "what do you want for your future?"

"What do I want for my future..." Tiamat repeated, blinking owlishly before her face scrunched in thought at the simple question. There was a lot of things she wanted to do: fight by her sisters' side, show her father that she was a strong woman, and protect her home with all of her might but that was simply what she desired now. She had been so focused on the present, she had forgotten about what she would do for the future. Would she help govern the kingdom, rising in the ranks of the military, or settle down and become a housewife?

"I...don't really know." She answered, closing her eyes with a sigh. "I've never really thought about it."

Salacia leaned back and rested her head on her arms. "A princess should always know what they want in the future. If you dont, the line between what you want and what our kingdom wants become blurry."

Salacia took a deep breath. It felt like she was reminding herself as much as she wanted to teach Tiamat. "But you're young. You have plenty of time."

"Maybe but it feels so short..." Tiamat said, looking up as the light peered down from the surface. Her red eyes stared on at the sight for a while before shaking her head. 'I'll figure it out eventually. No sense in bitching about it, ya know?"

## The Damage of Discrimination

"Princess Salacia!" A man screamed from behind the thick woods. It was a guard. Swimming masterfully along the underwater current to reach the two princess. "P-princess Sala-" He suddenly stopped. Eyes open wide in utter shock and disbelief. As if he couldn't believe what he was seeing. "PRINCESS TIAMAT! What are you doing out here?!"

Salacia immediately jumped up. "James!" She screamed in familiarity. Rushing at the guard with a sour scowl. "What are you doing here?!"

"I-I came to look for you. Two ships have landed and your father is requesting all his children to return to the palace immediately. There's been shocking development." James looked at Tiamat. "Your father will be very upset. And not to mention the queen!"

"That's why you're not going to say anything." Salacia said. She rubbed her chin in thought. "I mean I wonder how mad he'd be if he knew *why* you knew I'd be here." She chuckled. "Remember what we used to do behind that little tree over there? oh the fun we had. The fun you had with one of his daughters."

"Understood, Princess. I'll head back...see you at the palace." James bowed before dashing back into the forest's darkness. Salacia turned to Tiamat and smiled.

"Sorry sister...looks like our little fun day is ending. Let's head back before anyone notices you're gone."

"Yeah, you are right. Don't want dad to figure out and go on one of his rants about how I shouldn't be outside of the kingdom." Tiamat grumbled, stretching her arms and back to alleviate the soreness within her body from their battle. Letting out a sigh, she looked over at Salacia. "What do you think those two ships could be arriving?"

"Probably pirates trying their luck." Salacia joked. But two ships? Any pirate crew coming from the New World with two ships often caught the attention of the World Government. Something twisted in Salacia's stomach. Either way, Salacia grabbed her sister's hand and together they swam off.

Fishman Island.

Nothing like Ogre imagined. No...it was better. The lights. Colors. A vibrant island of unique creatures swimming to and from. Fishmen families going about their business. Hundreds of thousands of shops! Mermaids swam outside the island or floated on giant bubbles as they made their way around town. Excitement. It felt like a truly free island. One with a vast history of hardship now enjoying the fruits of their struggles. But more importantly, it reminded him of home.

Ogre followed the guards towards the famous Ryugu Palace. "I didn't think they'd bring us to the palace so easily." Ghoul whispered to Ogre.

"Well...Maybe you were right...Asking the guard for that girl wasn't the most conspicuous thing." Ogre responded.

"At least leaving them to watch over the army gives them a sense of safety."

"Hey! No talking." The lead guard ordered. His sharp spear shining in the island's artificial light. "Just because the king has demanded your presence doesn't mean we trust you filthy humans."

"Of course." Ogre said to his escorts. "Forgive us. We're just amazed is all. I only heard about this island's magnificence from an old friend."

Salacia lead Tiamat through the forest and back into the kingdom. Swimming at top speeds until they were able to pop back into her home's bubble. She dragged her sister from hallway to hallway until they reached her room...which was locked. "Fuck!" Salacia cursed.

"Dammit. We're too late. Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!" She tried to pull the door but to no avail. King Oceanus's guards locked it completely. Salacia looked at Tiamat and down the hallway. "Whatever's going on must be serious. Those two ships were covered with armed humans. But it didn't look like an invasion." Salacia rubbed her temples and groaned. "What the fuck is going on?"

Whispers filled the room as Ogre spoke. Army of Sparta? Delian Alliance? Arie?? He heard them repeat.

"Silence!" The king demanded with a tap of his mighty trident. "The man known as the Grand Uniter makes his way to our island with his miserable army." King Oceanus said while stroking his ancient beard. His body something that even made Ogre a little jealous. "However, how do we know you're not a part of the Yonko strategy? The pirates are crafty. We've managed to repel their influence so far. Perhaps they sent you to lower our guard?"

"You don't." Ogre answered. "But I'm not here to fight, King Oceanus. I was just sent here to speak with an Arie."

"How do you know that name, human?!" The King barked.

"I don't know why I was sent here...But I can't leave this island until I know it's safe. My friend lives here. And I'd never sleep again without knowing if she's happy." Ogre pleaded. The king was right. And in truth, made it impossible to openly counter his points. "We're not leaving. Arrest me and my men until we know everything is okay. We'll be there on standby if you need us in case something goes wrong

"O-Ogre..." Salacia whispered to herself. She floated behind a statue, watching the session with soft eyes.

"Jeez. Pops is being a hard ass per usual." Tiamat softly declared behind Salacia, looking at the situation with curious eyes. Taking in Ogre's appearance, it was obvious this man was a combatant of sorts and yet, he came with diplomacy in mind at the forefront. It certainly spoke a lot about his character. "This guy doesn't seem that bad, honestly. A bit too much muscle but that's never killed anyone..."

She paused for a moment, thinking over her words. "Wait..."

Salacia's eyes softened at Tiamat. "Aw does my little sister have a type?" She asked. However she quickly grabbed her into a headlock. Angrily whispering. "No wait you're too young to have a type. And he's off limits dammit. That's a friend of mine!"

Tiamat looked over at Salacia with an annoyed look on her face, having been in this exact conversation too many times to count with all of her sisters. "Don't be a dumbass, Salacia. I'm just admiring the guy's resolve is all. It's as simple as that." Tiamat paused, placing a finger on her chin in thought before continuing. "Besides he's not my type anyways."

Salacia was about to continue her scolding until she heard Ogre's proposition. She launched herself forward, her massive body swiftly darting through the ocean until it stood between Oceanus and the miniature bubbles. Her back to Ogre, she held her arms out as she addressed her father. "Father! This is the man who saved me! You can't arrest him."

"S-salacia!" Ogre stated shockingly. He hadn't seen her in years but what shocked him even more was what she'd said before. "F-father?!! Salacia y-you're a princess?!"

"Sorry Ogre. I couldn't tell you back then because I didn't know if I could trust you. But...I've been following your exploits and...And you were right. The key to saving this world is understanding."

"Salacia!" King Oceanus barked. "How dare you intrude!"

Queen Nammu's eyes lowered as she scowled at Salacia.

"I'm sorry father. But this man is the reason I'm still alive today."

Tiamat watched with widened eyes as her normally rule-abiding sister stood before their parents, defending this stranger with such passion. While her sister was willing to bend the rules in small doses, something like this was certainly out of character. "*Just who the hell is this guy?! Is he some kind of lover?*" The delinquent princess questioned, having recalled their words indicating they knew one another. "*Bah, who gives a shit! Sis needs my help!*" With her mind already made up, she swam forward and floated beside her sister with a fierce look in her eyes.

"Come on, pops! I don't know what's going on here but you can't get made at this coral reef-looking guy!" Tiamat shouted aloud, uncaring about the punishment which would follow suit. "Salacia knows how to read people and I believe in her!"

"Tiamat!!!" The queen roared louder than her husband. Commanding the water in the throne room to vibrate with naught but her angry voice. Her hair rising. Turning the beautiful goddess into an evil witch. "Salacia HOW DARE YOU BRING YOUR SISTER INTO HARM'S WAY?!"

"B-but-"

"SILENCE!" Nammu ordered. Salacia jumped in fear. She obeyed. Keeping her eyes to the floor.

"Hey! That's no way to talk to a princess." Ogre barked.

"That princess is a member of **my** family." Nammu retorted. "I'll speak to her however needed should she threaten the safety of the next queen."

"Then let me rephrase, don't talk to my friend like that!" Ogre grunted. "I came here to find someone. I don't care about the politics and there's no need to be so mean and hurtful."