1-4: A Name
konamikode
Cooking Harder
Chapter 1: A New Ship, a New Crew
Part 4: A Name
---
Claws swiftly unleashed
Cuts quicker than the sheathed blade
Without sound or movement
…
No, no… that's still above my level.
'Deceptively sweet
He readies a silent pounce
To cut wheat from string-'
Not training stealth attacks…
A musical meow
The string falls to the base earth
As the cat walks by
"Decent for iaijutsu…"
'The eyes become round
Focused firmly on target
The prey has been caught'
... I should write this stuff down…
With claws and teeth bared
I guard right left and center
Nine Blade Asura
"Hmm…"
The fearless mouse rides
Bundled in fur and red cloak
Attain inner peace
Wait. What?
"Meow!"
"S-squeak!"
"...what in the world?"
-
Straw Hat Log 96: Zoro creating a series of training haikus based on a series of epiphanies after watching Smokey for a few days.
-
Smokey
"Mew!" I sit patiently on my haunches and look up with wide, pleading eyes at my human who glares down with a frown.
'An extra portion if you would my good human! I am afterall, still a growing young cat! Nothing suspicious about my request, hmhmhmmm!'
"Again Smokey? You know you're going to get fat at this rate." Sanji laments with a soft sigh. Even so, he reluctantly scratches the back of his head and artfully plops another scoop of rich chicken and liver pâté into my bowl topped with a small garnish of shredded lettuce. "Don't bother whining for snacks later, you hear?"
"Mrow."
'Of course, of course. Now I'll just be on my way out of the mess room my food giver! I'll be very busy today as well so it is with sadness that I will not be able to join you all for my other meals my fellow crew!'
It's with a careful grip on the lip of my plastic plate that I make my way out of the mess and down stairs towards the hold. My little guests need to eat and I will not be seen as an unreliable host!
"He's been acting a little strange hasn't he Sanji? Usually he eats his meals with us."
"I'm not sure Nami-san. Cats sometimes do this when they have kittens, but, well I'm sure someone would have noticed if Smokey turned out to be a girl with a new litter."
"But what if he did have kittens!"
"Don't be an idiot captain. That's impossible."
"Pff. Whatever, I don't have anything to do this morning so I'm gonna follow Smokey around!"
Unfortunately with my mind focused on more immediate matters, I never notice my remarkably sneaky captain quietly skulk behind me and down into the cargo hold until it is too late for me to do anything about it.
-
"Greetings my guest! I have arrived with your morning meal!" It is with an extravagant flair and skip in my step that I set down the bowl and bow courteously to the shuffling little bundle of fur and fabric tucked away in a small crate filled with straw.
From within the den the head of She Who Dreams unburrows itself and pops out to flick her whiskers inquisitively. As usual, her eyes widen at the simple fare I bring her and she quietly snuffles at her unseen younglings with a quick message. With the children reassured, the little mouse dexterously climbs out of the crate and down onto the wooden floor with a clumsy curtsey.
"G-good morning milord! I-is this really okay? Even one meal a day would be asking for too much when you already give us everything we could ever ask for…" Again she simpers, unable to comprehend that the sustenance I bring is no great platter of decadence.
My heart stings just as much as it has everyday at the reminder that this young mother who has unjustly been forced to live a miserable existence.
That I can only give this much… it is shameful to me as your lord my lady.
"Nonsense! I'll not have it be said that I am an ungenerous lord! Please, if you need anything else at all do let me know." I shake off the bitter emotions raging for release and instead blink affectionately at her. "Now, be at ease young lady and let us eat before our meal becomes cold."
"Y-yes milord." The girl mumbles shyly with a pretty flush brightening her slowly filling cheeks. It warms me to see that the formerly gaunt young mouse is quickly growing to a healthy weight. For a few moments longer, I allow my hooded gaze to fall upon her slight form, chuckling to myself when I catch her unsubtly glancing my way on occasion-
The part of the deck I'm currently sitting on becomes slightly cold-
… Ah. That was a platonic eye kiss my dearest Merry! Just a simple greeting between a lord and his peasant! My love is only for you My Ship! I am only being polite!
The ghostly sensation of an irritated finger flicking at my nose forces nearly forces me back on my haunches. Instead I shake my head with a soft sigh and pad forward to begin partaking in Sanji's delicious cooking.
I do not move nor paw away She Who Dreams when she surreptitiously scoots closer to me as we eat. That would be quite rude. And it is chilly this far below deck. It is only prudent that I provide for my charge with the majestic fluffiness of my glorious coat!
"How do your children fare this day? If you require more bedding for your nest I would be more than happy to fetch something more substantial for you and your mischief to warm yourselves in." In the absence of a topic of conversation, I of course veer towards the continued health of the young mother's children. As their liege it is my duty to ensure that they grow strong!
I am most certainly not retreading the same avenue of conversation because I am worried or anything!
She Who Dreams giggles quietly before flushing and looking away in admonishment. "They are growing quickly and will soon be able to see the world milord, but please! Trouble yourself no further! I do not say this only to appease you, but I do not believe there is anything in the world that could compare to the shed fur of your marvelous coat! I'm afraid that my daughters will grow to become spoiled if there existed such a thing!" She replies, glancing up at my eyes momentarily before looking away with a small, playful smile.
Her eyes twinkle prettily in the moments that she allows herself to shine through. Like the soft rays of the moon on a cloudy night gracing my lordly self with shy glimpses of beauty-
Erk.
"Hmhmhmm! Well, yes. I suppose my coat is quite luxurious- ah, ahem, it is good that they are nearly ready to begin their lessons of the world!" I laugh, rubbing a self important paw against my fluffed chest fur proudly before a worrying thought makes itself known. "My scent is not causing them any undue stress is it? I myself remember growing concerned when the scent of a strange creature I could not yet see entered into my den…"
"You need not worry milord, I have not yet seen them sleep so deeply as they do once they grew used to your scent and bundled themselves within your shed furs…" The little mouse says, balanced on her hind legs and nibbling on a fresh shred of salad.
A thoughtful look crosses her gaze, mixed with uncertainty and a small hint of fear.
Of rejection? "My lady?'
"They grow curious milord. My daughters wish to see the owner of the new scent who brings them warmth." She mumbles between soft crunches of crisp green giving away to ivory teeth and pink tongue. "W-would you like to seem them milord? It is early yet but…"
… they would?
"You would trust me with such a thing? I do not mean to be rude, but I am a cat-" I try to explain my reluctance but the she-mouse is having none of it, the spirited little thing.
"Our lord and caregiver. Please be at ease milord, you are both kind and wonderful. I would be more than happy to introduce my family to you once we are finished with our meal." The quiet, but forceful little mouse interrupts my racing thoughts and quiets the turmoil within my heart with a bashful smile.
For nearly all animals, we males are forbidden from interacting with newborn children. At least until they are of age to leave the den under the guardianship of their family. For this girl to allow me, a… Cat to see them before they have even opened their eyes...
"... my lady…" I do not know what to say.
She Who Dreams giggles in response to my current lack of speech "Heehee, your heart is very big milord. Your earnestness is most, ah… endearing if you would pardon my gumption."
My tail twitches in annoyance and I look away lest I fall for the hidden trap that I am sure is lying in wait beneath the shimmering mirth and fondness of my commoner's eyes. Yet I cannot deny that her girlish titters are more than enough to banish my irritation. Rather than respond verbally, I quickly lean over and affectionately, but warningly groom her side with my rough tongue.
She Who dreams nearly rolls over onto her side, but quickly composes herself and hides her muzzle behind her impromptu fan of salad mirthfully. "Hee~ oh my complicated young lord, I can see why the lady Merry is so enamored with…"
"W-with…" Her eyes grow wide, voice trailing off into a high pitched squeak…?
"Young lady? Is something wron-" A familiar shadow looms over the both of us-
"So this is where you've been hiding lately huh?"
"!" My fur fluffs and I flip around in the air to land with my back arched in a defensive position as I look up with wide, terrified eyes at the human who has managed to sneak up on…
On…
Oh. Oh cucumbers.
M-my captain! This isn't! It's not-
A rough hand reaches down to rest itself in front of my nose and I take a cautious sniff. "Easy there Smokey. You're not in trouble." Captain Luffy speaks and lightly pats my head fondly when I pull back in acceptance-
Ah?
"Hi there. I'm Luffy! Are you a friend of Smoke's?" The young human King grins and crouches down to present a single finger palm up to the frozen little mouse who still clutches a piece of shaking lettuce in her claws.
"S-s-s-s-s-squeak!" 'Hawwwbwawwaawawab'
"Shishishi! You're so tiny and cute!" My captain chuckles loudly, bringing his finger forward to gently poke the insensate mouse who promptly tumbles onto her back, either playing dead or too shocked to run for cover.
Is that all you have to say!? You just caught me feeding a mouse of all things, my captain!
The she-mouse quickly recovers herself and scrambles to hide herself beneath my forelegs as I sit my haunches down in dumbfounded wonder. After a few long moments of consideration, she tremblingly walks forward to peek around my right forelimb to gaze up cautiously at the much larger creature who is a giant even to me. "S-squeak?"
'H-hello…?' She asks quietly, but with growing curiosity as the human in front of her doesn't immediately start screaming and try to murder her.
Smile somehow growing wider, Luffy places his face between his palms and tilts his head, obviously taking his time to appreciate the beauty of the young mouse who has so captured his attention. "Heee, well if Smokey doesn't have a problem with you, that means you're not making any trouble… sooo…"
"Welcome aboard!" Greets my liege lord with contently closed eyes and a mirthful expression.
She Who Dreams nearly collapses against my leg and makes a noise of soft wondering confusion. I myself am having difficulty in not slumping over in relief.
Almost as an afterthought he scrunches up his face while looking around and brightens. "You can stop sneaking around now too Smokes. Go ahead and introduce your friend to the crew and if they have a problem with it, well, they should just trust you more!"
'G-guh! Captain Luffy! You cannot simply say something so moving out of the blue!' I mewl, placing my paw upon my tenderly beating heart.
Please! You must give a man time to prepare for such a passionate declaration of friendship!
"... was this what you were worried about a few days ago? Aw heck Smokey, you're a Straw Hat too! That means you know your job better than anyone so if the little mouse is your friend, then you gotta have a reason right?" He shakes his head and scritches my chin with hooded eyes full of affection. "We all know you're a good boy, so don't worry so much about what we think."
"Trust us to trust you, kay?" So says the man whom Sanji had chosen to follow, affectionately bringing his nose forward to bump with mine.
"M-mrow!" A single, manly tear beads itself at the corner of my eye that I dare not rub away. It is the mark of a true lord to let his emotion run free to those whom have earned that honor.
'Captain! I… I cannot even begin to describe the fluttering emotion that is running through my unworthy heart! To believe in my selfish desire without question, but unflinching trust… I… My Captain… yes. To keep our guests hidden when they have done no wrong… I am such a fool. I will bring my charges into the light and hold our heads high! To have feared that the crew would denounce me… I still have much to learn o wise king.'
Truly, I have been moved this day. Yet it is not only myself who shall be blessed with a reaffirmation of a human's kindness.
For She Who Dreams… this will perhaps be the first time she has ever received the kind of friendship that only a human companion can provide.
"You're a little dirty though… well, hop in! I'll give you a nice bath and get you cleaned up in no time!" His beaming grin ever present, my captain looks around for a moment before lighting up and brings down his namesake hat to the ground so that the formerly trembling young mouse can be carried.
"...squeak…" The little mouse takes a tentative hop forward, but is unable to follow through as though she is being held back by a great burden.
'... Your grace, I am honored to be welcomed aboard your ship… and to be bathed by a human, that is a story that I have only heard wondrous tales of. But… I…'
"Ah? What's wrong? It's okay, you don't need to be scared. There's nothing in the sea that you need to worry about!" My captain states, softly running a hand along my back. "After all, we got Smokey here looking after us!"
"Mew!" I sit up on my hind legs proudly, fluffing out my chest fur to preen at the implicit belief that the young human has in my abilities!
'C-Captain Luffy! Yes, of course! As long as you are under my protection, nothing will ever do you harm my lady!'
The young girl bites her lip, quivering because she is undoubtedly moved by my declaration! "Ch-chu…"
'I… y-yes… I know milord and… I trust you too.' She Who Dreams whispers softly and places down her unfinished salad.
With deft, forceful movements, she slowly moves towards her den and it dawns on me that she is guiding both my Captain and I towards her nest.
Fur deflating, I find that my near to bursting pride has been completely replaced by a jittery nervousness. My moment of hesitation costs me however, and I find myself being carried forth with nothing to say but a petulant mewl of excited discontent.
"Mm? Where you going little mousey? What is it?" The King of our crew has no such weakness and instead walks forward, taking me up into his arms with a huff. "Jeez. How much bigger are you going to get Smokey?"
Captain I am not ready! Please give me a moment to compose myself-
"Chu!" Our little guide squeaks proudly atop a small uncovered bundle of fur and fabric. With a motherly gentleness, she quietly nudges the small, curled up balls of fluff who are even now sniffing at the air in curiosity.
'My daughters your grace, milord. I… would not presume to ask you to bless them, but...'
I am out of my Captain's arms before I am consciously aware of my actions. I land softly upon the deck, gazing over the lid of the box with hooded eyes at the young mother sitting proudly next to her children. A long, relaxing purr echoes from my throat, drawing in all and quieting the nonsensical words of the young mice.
'They are beautiful my dear. I would be more than happy to extend upon them both my blessing and my protection.'
A breath, a moment.
'I am Lord Smoking, Ship's Cat of the Princess Going Merry. It is by my right and will that these youths who were birthed upon My Ship are bestowed the blessings of the sea and the protections that vow entails.
By the East and West will this one grow strong.
By the North and South will this one be swift of mind.
By the World Serpent will this one find fortune upon the seas.
By my Might shall you be kept safe.
So it shall be.'
This blessing do I repeat four times. Once for each girl whom I finish with a soft bump of my nose against theirs much to their fussing.
"Oooooooh… wow." My Captain who has been so respectfully silent whilst I blessed the children of She Who Dreams chooses to make his own awe known. "Can I?"
'Please, your grace. You honor this lowly peasant with your sovereign kindness.' So speaks the young mother who softly nudges the large hand forward.
Never have I seen my Captain move so delicately, but unlike myself every action he takes is filled with a surety so full of control that I am sure that had I not known better, his hands would not be capable of hurt of any kind.
The foolish fishman had thought himself my Captain's better. He was not.
Luffy softly places his hand down onto the bedding and waits. He doesn't move to pick up the fuzzy pups, instead waiting for them to grow used to his scent and crawl into his hand themselves.
My Captain doesn't move his hand, instead he comes closer to the box with gleaming eyes full of wonder, his grin growing wider in curious awe. "Waaah… so tiny… it's no big deal though! I'll just be really careful!"
'Your grace? What do you mean…?' She Who Dreams is rendered speechless when my Captain uses his other hand to bring down his straw hat into the crate, his offer from earlier echoing in her mind.
"Well, what are you waiting for? My hat is safe, promise!"
-
She Who Dreams
The towel that I am currently rolling around in is soft. Next to me my daughters are inquisitively moving to and fro from the white cloth beneath them, but never straying too far.
"Stay close to me my dears. You may play as is proper, but only under my vicinity, understood?" Lord Smoking speaks with a relaxing rolling of his throat.
Beneath his chin and between his lounging forelegs do my daughters frolick. Rubbing themselves into the towel, each other, and our ever fluffy lord's coat in an effort to cover themselves in familiar scents. They are not yet able to speak properly, but they chitter back anyway at the deep baritone of the owner of the fuzzy-warm thing-things.
The smile refuses to leave my face for the lord is quite taken with his newly introduced charges. He is a natural paternal group figure when he is not busy worrying about this and that. He is firm, but playful, protective, but not too overbearing.
A gentle lord is the Cat named Smoking.
As for myself, I preen shyly under the careful ministrations of the giant human king. A soft heat that has nothing to do with my recent bathing in the impossibly warm water smoldering in my tiny chest.
I have never been called cute. Not by another mouse much less a human. And his grace is most kind.
Even when my family and I leave this ship, I will forever remember our time here. The opportunity we've been given I shall forevermore keep close to my heart. But not so close that it is only I who will partake in the warmth of the mercy given.
I vow that I will help others in need in return for the blessings received...
My thoughts are placed elsewhere as the great human king speaks to himself while continuing to dry my fur. So… soft it is now. "Mm… you need a name. I can't just keep call you 'you' you know? See? Just saying that's confusing as heck!" Clean-
Huh!?
"Y-your grace!? I-I-I-I a-am b-b-b-b-b-b-ut a lowly f-field mouse! You cannot- a Name..." I sputter and shake myself rapidly to get any residual water off of my coat!
The big human laughs to himself at the action. As if what he's doing isn't… just…
Giving a Name to a mouse or rat just isn't done!
The will of the world slides off of the young human's shoulders as if it isn't even there.
"How does Hopper sound? It's cute right?"
"... I…" His smile, so full of innocence and unmistakeable power. I cannot find the words needed to express myself!
Nor can I find any reason to. I can only swallow and watch with disbelief as this young man fills my chest with righteous conviction. As if everything he says is a law above the laws of the sea.
"… it is a cute name."
"Shishishi! Oh right, you need something to wear so people know that you're not a wild mouse. Here!" Looking to and fro, his grace scrunches his face before smiling and ripping off a long strip of his vest before bringing it down to carefully around my neck.
"Your Grace… I…" I can only quietly grasp the coarse red fabric with a disbelieving paw.
It itches. It's rough. It's still damp from the water that has splashed onto the smiling young human boy.
But it is warm. It's warm in a way that even the delicious food my lord provides cannot compare.
Without thought, without intent, the clawed digits of my single forelimb reaches forward to make contact with the calloused, tanned flesh of a finger gently finishing the loose knot just under my chin.
I want to know.
I have to know.
Can a being so full of benevolence such as yourself exist? Is this just another fantasy that will vanish like the fetid smog of a sewer reaching the open air?
Are you real?
Is this just a dream?
"Shishishi!" A thumb pleasantly caresses between the fur of my snout and forehead in return. "You like it? Sorry if it's a little ratty, I'll have Nami sew you up something that fits better."
I have been Named. I have been given a Vestment. I have been Uplifted.
I…
…
I am no longer She Who Dreams.
I am...
"I will warm them myself Captain! The sun is shining especially magnificently today and even though they cannot yet see, I will not have the younglings live in fear of the glorious light! My Lady Hopper, if I may have the pleasure of you and your children's company?" A cheshire grin plasters itself upon the fuzzy chin of my… fellow noble.
"M-milord Smoking-" I try to say something. Anything really.
The almost too big cat isn't having any of my protests however.
"Ah-ah! It is 'My Lord' to you now! We must begin your education on the matters of nobility posthaste! Come children, into my scarf you go! There is no safer place for you than the fur of my neck and chest!" Lord Smoking nudges my daughters into the folds of his scarf, ensuring they are inside the small carrying 'pouch' within before turning to the human who- "My Captain! We leave now to introduce Your Mouse to the rest of the crew! Come Lady Hopper!"
"W-wait, yeep!" I squeal as Lord Smoking trots over to me and easily picks me up by the edge of my new cloth, flipping me to ride upon his furry head. "Lord Smoking!"
"Allons y!"
"You guys have fun! I'll see you guys at lunch! Oh, and I'll make sure Sanji knows to make a little extra!"
-
Zoro
"... what in the world?"
"Squeak…?" The little red cape wearing mouse rears up on her hind legs from the top of Smokey's head.
'H-hello Sir Zoro. I am Lady Hopper of… uh… I do not yet have a title. B-but if you would accept my offering of fealty mighty knight?'
"Ah… yeah, thanks." I say with a perplexed look and pinch the outstretched raisin from the little claws of the tiny mouse riding on top of a cat like it's a perfectly normal thing to do.
When I notice the little mouse still waiting patiently, I snort in realization and pick up an extra saucer and pour a single drop of sake into it. "Never heard of a Ship's Mouse before, but this is what you want right?"
"Mrroow." The fuzzy feline near four feet in length raises an insistent paw and taps the sheath of Wado Ichimonji twice before placing down the small sack of peanuts in his mouth.
'And I as well good sir? I too would wish to partake in the grog.'
"Right right, when a Ship Cat brings an offering to a crew mate, it is only wise to return the favor. I know my stories you damned furball." I grumble, placing the first saucer down and picking up another for the cat.
With all due solemnity between crewmates, I down the burning liquid in one go as the two animals bend down to lap up the liquid in their respective containers.
The day is quiet after that as I continue to brush words to paper, the cat and mouse paying suspicious attention to my writings. Eventually I come to a profound epiphany after witnessing four infant mice come tumbling out of Smokey's scarf into his already waiting forearms.
"A mouse cat and man
Sake shared between we three
Life will find a way"
"...Mrow..."
"...Chu..."
"Shutup! I'm not asking for your opinions!"
Part 4: A Name
---
Claws swiftly unleashed
Cuts quicker than the sheathed blade
Without sound or movement
…
No, no… that's still above my level.
'Deceptively sweet
He readies a silent pounce
To cut wheat from string-'
Not training stealth attacks…
A musical meow
The string falls to the base earth
As the cat walks by
"Decent for iaijutsu…"
'The eyes become round
Focused firmly on target
The prey has been caught'
... I should write this stuff down…
With claws and teeth bared
I guard right left and center
Nine Blade Asura
"Hmm…"
The fearless mouse rides
Bundled in fur and red cloak
Attain inner peace
Wait. What?
"Meow!"
"S-squeak!"
"...what in the world?"
-
Straw Hat Log 96: Zoro creating a series of training haikus based on a series of epiphanies after watching Smokey for a few days.
-
Smokey
"Mew!" I sit patiently on my haunches and look up with wide, pleading eyes at my human who glares down with a frown.
'An extra portion if you would my good human! I am afterall, still a growing young cat! Nothing suspicious about my request, hmhmhmmm!'
"Again Smokey? You know you're going to get fat at this rate." Sanji laments with a soft sigh. Even so, he reluctantly scratches the back of his head and artfully plops another scoop of rich chicken and liver pâté into my bowl topped with a small garnish of shredded lettuce. "Don't bother whining for snacks later, you hear?"
"Mrow."
'Of course, of course. Now I'll just be on my way out of the mess room my food giver! I'll be very busy today as well so it is with sadness that I will not be able to join you all for my other meals my fellow crew!'
It's with a careful grip on the lip of my plastic plate that I make my way out of the mess and down stairs towards the hold. My little guests need to eat and I will not be seen as an unreliable host!
"He's been acting a little strange hasn't he Sanji? Usually he eats his meals with us."
"I'm not sure Nami-san. Cats sometimes do this when they have kittens, but, well I'm sure someone would have noticed if Smokey turned out to be a girl with a new litter."
"But what if he did have kittens!"
"Don't be an idiot captain. That's impossible."
"Pff. Whatever, I don't have anything to do this morning so I'm gonna follow Smokey around!"
Unfortunately with my mind focused on more immediate matters, I never notice my remarkably sneaky captain quietly skulk behind me and down into the cargo hold until it is too late for me to do anything about it.
-
"Greetings my guest! I have arrived with your morning meal!" It is with an extravagant flair and skip in my step that I set down the bowl and bow courteously to the shuffling little bundle of fur and fabric tucked away in a small crate filled with straw.
From within the den the head of She Who Dreams unburrows itself and pops out to flick her whiskers inquisitively. As usual, her eyes widen at the simple fare I bring her and she quietly snuffles at her unseen younglings with a quick message. With the children reassured, the little mouse dexterously climbs out of the crate and down onto the wooden floor with a clumsy curtsey.
"G-good morning milord! I-is this really okay? Even one meal a day would be asking for too much when you already give us everything we could ever ask for…" Again she simpers, unable to comprehend that the sustenance I bring is no great platter of decadence.
My heart stings just as much as it has everyday at the reminder that this young mother who has unjustly been forced to live a miserable existence.
That I can only give this much… it is shameful to me as your lord my lady.
"Nonsense! I'll not have it be said that I am an ungenerous lord! Please, if you need anything else at all do let me know." I shake off the bitter emotions raging for release and instead blink affectionately at her. "Now, be at ease young lady and let us eat before our meal becomes cold."
"Y-yes milord." The girl mumbles shyly with a pretty flush brightening her slowly filling cheeks. It warms me to see that the formerly gaunt young mouse is quickly growing to a healthy weight. For a few moments longer, I allow my hooded gaze to fall upon her slight form, chuckling to myself when I catch her unsubtly glancing my way on occasion-
The part of the deck I'm currently sitting on becomes slightly cold-
… Ah. That was a platonic eye kiss my dearest Merry! Just a simple greeting between a lord and his peasant! My love is only for you My Ship! I am only being polite!
The ghostly sensation of an irritated finger flicking at my nose forces nearly forces me back on my haunches. Instead I shake my head with a soft sigh and pad forward to begin partaking in Sanji's delicious cooking.
I do not move nor paw away She Who Dreams when she surreptitiously scoots closer to me as we eat. That would be quite rude. And it is chilly this far below deck. It is only prudent that I provide for my charge with the majestic fluffiness of my glorious coat!
"How do your children fare this day? If you require more bedding for your nest I would be more than happy to fetch something more substantial for you and your mischief to warm yourselves in." In the absence of a topic of conversation, I of course veer towards the continued health of the young mother's children. As their liege it is my duty to ensure that they grow strong!
I am most certainly not retreading the same avenue of conversation because I am worried or anything!
She Who Dreams giggles quietly before flushing and looking away in admonishment. "They are growing quickly and will soon be able to see the world milord, but please! Trouble yourself no further! I do not say this only to appease you, but I do not believe there is anything in the world that could compare to the shed fur of your marvelous coat! I'm afraid that my daughters will grow to become spoiled if there existed such a thing!" She replies, glancing up at my eyes momentarily before looking away with a small, playful smile.
Her eyes twinkle prettily in the moments that she allows herself to shine through. Like the soft rays of the moon on a cloudy night gracing my lordly self with shy glimpses of beauty-
Erk.
"Hmhmhmm! Well, yes. I suppose my coat is quite luxurious- ah, ahem, it is good that they are nearly ready to begin their lessons of the world!" I laugh, rubbing a self important paw against my fluffed chest fur proudly before a worrying thought makes itself known. "My scent is not causing them any undue stress is it? I myself remember growing concerned when the scent of a strange creature I could not yet see entered into my den…"
"You need not worry milord, I have not yet seen them sleep so deeply as they do once they grew used to your scent and bundled themselves within your shed furs…" The little mouse says, balanced on her hind legs and nibbling on a fresh shred of salad.
A thoughtful look crosses her gaze, mixed with uncertainty and a small hint of fear.
Of rejection? "My lady?'
"They grow curious milord. My daughters wish to see the owner of the new scent who brings them warmth." She mumbles between soft crunches of crisp green giving away to ivory teeth and pink tongue. "W-would you like to seem them milord? It is early yet but…"
… they would?
"You would trust me with such a thing? I do not mean to be rude, but I am a cat-" I try to explain my reluctance but the she-mouse is having none of it, the spirited little thing.
"Our lord and caregiver. Please be at ease milord, you are both kind and wonderful. I would be more than happy to introduce my family to you once we are finished with our meal." The quiet, but forceful little mouse interrupts my racing thoughts and quiets the turmoil within my heart with a bashful smile.
For nearly all animals, we males are forbidden from interacting with newborn children. At least until they are of age to leave the den under the guardianship of their family. For this girl to allow me, a… Cat to see them before they have even opened their eyes...
"... my lady…" I do not know what to say.
She Who Dreams giggles in response to my current lack of speech "Heehee, your heart is very big milord. Your earnestness is most, ah… endearing if you would pardon my gumption."
My tail twitches in annoyance and I look away lest I fall for the hidden trap that I am sure is lying in wait beneath the shimmering mirth and fondness of my commoner's eyes. Yet I cannot deny that her girlish titters are more than enough to banish my irritation. Rather than respond verbally, I quickly lean over and affectionately, but warningly groom her side with my rough tongue.
She Who dreams nearly rolls over onto her side, but quickly composes herself and hides her muzzle behind her impromptu fan of salad mirthfully. "Hee~ oh my complicated young lord, I can see why the lady Merry is so enamored with…"
"W-with…" Her eyes grow wide, voice trailing off into a high pitched squeak…?
"Young lady? Is something wron-" A familiar shadow looms over the both of us-
"So this is where you've been hiding lately huh?"
"!" My fur fluffs and I flip around in the air to land with my back arched in a defensive position as I look up with wide, terrified eyes at the human who has managed to sneak up on…
On…
Oh. Oh cucumbers.
M-my captain! This isn't! It's not-
A rough hand reaches down to rest itself in front of my nose and I take a cautious sniff. "Easy there Smokey. You're not in trouble." Captain Luffy speaks and lightly pats my head fondly when I pull back in acceptance-
Ah?
"Hi there. I'm Luffy! Are you a friend of Smoke's?" The young human King grins and crouches down to present a single finger palm up to the frozen little mouse who still clutches a piece of shaking lettuce in her claws.
"S-s-s-s-s-squeak!" 'Hawwwbwawwaawawab'
"Shishishi! You're so tiny and cute!" My captain chuckles loudly, bringing his finger forward to gently poke the insensate mouse who promptly tumbles onto her back, either playing dead or too shocked to run for cover.
Is that all you have to say!? You just caught me feeding a mouse of all things, my captain!
The she-mouse quickly recovers herself and scrambles to hide herself beneath my forelegs as I sit my haunches down in dumbfounded wonder. After a few long moments of consideration, she tremblingly walks forward to peek around my right forelimb to gaze up cautiously at the much larger creature who is a giant even to me. "S-squeak?"
'H-hello…?' She asks quietly, but with growing curiosity as the human in front of her doesn't immediately start screaming and try to murder her.
Smile somehow growing wider, Luffy places his face between his palms and tilts his head, obviously taking his time to appreciate the beauty of the young mouse who has so captured his attention. "Heee, well if Smokey doesn't have a problem with you, that means you're not making any trouble… sooo…"
"Welcome aboard!" Greets my liege lord with contently closed eyes and a mirthful expression.
She Who Dreams nearly collapses against my leg and makes a noise of soft wondering confusion. I myself am having difficulty in not slumping over in relief.
Almost as an afterthought he scrunches up his face while looking around and brightens. "You can stop sneaking around now too Smokes. Go ahead and introduce your friend to the crew and if they have a problem with it, well, they should just trust you more!"
'G-guh! Captain Luffy! You cannot simply say something so moving out of the blue!' I mewl, placing my paw upon my tenderly beating heart.
Please! You must give a man time to prepare for such a passionate declaration of friendship!
"... was this what you were worried about a few days ago? Aw heck Smokey, you're a Straw Hat too! That means you know your job better than anyone so if the little mouse is your friend, then you gotta have a reason right?" He shakes his head and scritches my chin with hooded eyes full of affection. "We all know you're a good boy, so don't worry so much about what we think."
"Trust us to trust you, kay?" So says the man whom Sanji had chosen to follow, affectionately bringing his nose forward to bump with mine.
"M-mrow!" A single, manly tear beads itself at the corner of my eye that I dare not rub away. It is the mark of a true lord to let his emotion run free to those whom have earned that honor.
'Captain! I… I cannot even begin to describe the fluttering emotion that is running through my unworthy heart! To believe in my selfish desire without question, but unflinching trust… I… My Captain… yes. To keep our guests hidden when they have done no wrong… I am such a fool. I will bring my charges into the light and hold our heads high! To have feared that the crew would denounce me… I still have much to learn o wise king.'
Truly, I have been moved this day. Yet it is not only myself who shall be blessed with a reaffirmation of a human's kindness.
For She Who Dreams… this will perhaps be the first time she has ever received the kind of friendship that only a human companion can provide.
"You're a little dirty though… well, hop in! I'll give you a nice bath and get you cleaned up in no time!" His beaming grin ever present, my captain looks around for a moment before lighting up and brings down his namesake hat to the ground so that the formerly trembling young mouse can be carried.
"...squeak…" The little mouse takes a tentative hop forward, but is unable to follow through as though she is being held back by a great burden.
'... Your grace, I am honored to be welcomed aboard your ship… and to be bathed by a human, that is a story that I have only heard wondrous tales of. But… I…'
"Ah? What's wrong? It's okay, you don't need to be scared. There's nothing in the sea that you need to worry about!" My captain states, softly running a hand along my back. "After all, we got Smokey here looking after us!"
"Mew!" I sit up on my hind legs proudly, fluffing out my chest fur to preen at the implicit belief that the young human has in my abilities!
'C-Captain Luffy! Yes, of course! As long as you are under my protection, nothing will ever do you harm my lady!'
The young girl bites her lip, quivering because she is undoubtedly moved by my declaration! "Ch-chu…"
'I… y-yes… I know milord and… I trust you too.' She Who Dreams whispers softly and places down her unfinished salad.
With deft, forceful movements, she slowly moves towards her den and it dawns on me that she is guiding both my Captain and I towards her nest.
Fur deflating, I find that my near to bursting pride has been completely replaced by a jittery nervousness. My moment of hesitation costs me however, and I find myself being carried forth with nothing to say but a petulant mewl of excited discontent.
"Mm? Where you going little mousey? What is it?" The King of our crew has no such weakness and instead walks forward, taking me up into his arms with a huff. "Jeez. How much bigger are you going to get Smokey?"
Captain I am not ready! Please give me a moment to compose myself-
"Chu!" Our little guide squeaks proudly atop a small uncovered bundle of fur and fabric. With a motherly gentleness, she quietly nudges the small, curled up balls of fluff who are even now sniffing at the air in curiosity.
'My daughters your grace, milord. I… would not presume to ask you to bless them, but...'
I am out of my Captain's arms before I am consciously aware of my actions. I land softly upon the deck, gazing over the lid of the box with hooded eyes at the young mother sitting proudly next to her children. A long, relaxing purr echoes from my throat, drawing in all and quieting the nonsensical words of the young mice.
'They are beautiful my dear. I would be more than happy to extend upon them both my blessing and my protection.'
A breath, a moment.
'I am Lord Smoking, Ship's Cat of the Princess Going Merry. It is by my right and will that these youths who were birthed upon My Ship are bestowed the blessings of the sea and the protections that vow entails.
By the East and West will this one grow strong.
By the North and South will this one be swift of mind.
By the World Serpent will this one find fortune upon the seas.
By my Might shall you be kept safe.
So it shall be.'
This blessing do I repeat four times. Once for each girl whom I finish with a soft bump of my nose against theirs much to their fussing.
"Oooooooh… wow." My Captain who has been so respectfully silent whilst I blessed the children of She Who Dreams chooses to make his own awe known. "Can I?"
'Please, your grace. You honor this lowly peasant with your sovereign kindness.' So speaks the young mother who softly nudges the large hand forward.
Never have I seen my Captain move so delicately, but unlike myself every action he takes is filled with a surety so full of control that I am sure that had I not known better, his hands would not be capable of hurt of any kind.
The foolish fishman had thought himself my Captain's better. He was not.
Luffy softly places his hand down onto the bedding and waits. He doesn't move to pick up the fuzzy pups, instead waiting for them to grow used to his scent and crawl into his hand themselves.
My Captain doesn't move his hand, instead he comes closer to the box with gleaming eyes full of wonder, his grin growing wider in curious awe. "Waaah… so tiny… it's no big deal though! I'll just be really careful!"
'Your grace? What do you mean…?' She Who Dreams is rendered speechless when my Captain uses his other hand to bring down his straw hat into the crate, his offer from earlier echoing in her mind.
"Well, what are you waiting for? My hat is safe, promise!"
-
She Who Dreams
The towel that I am currently rolling around in is soft. Next to me my daughters are inquisitively moving to and fro from the white cloth beneath them, but never straying too far.
"Stay close to me my dears. You may play as is proper, but only under my vicinity, understood?" Lord Smoking speaks with a relaxing rolling of his throat.
Beneath his chin and between his lounging forelegs do my daughters frolick. Rubbing themselves into the towel, each other, and our ever fluffy lord's coat in an effort to cover themselves in familiar scents. They are not yet able to speak properly, but they chitter back anyway at the deep baritone of the owner of the fuzzy-warm thing-things.
The smile refuses to leave my face for the lord is quite taken with his newly introduced charges. He is a natural paternal group figure when he is not busy worrying about this and that. He is firm, but playful, protective, but not too overbearing.
A gentle lord is the Cat named Smoking.
As for myself, I preen shyly under the careful ministrations of the giant human king. A soft heat that has nothing to do with my recent bathing in the impossibly warm water smoldering in my tiny chest.
I have never been called cute. Not by another mouse much less a human. And his grace is most kind.
Even when my family and I leave this ship, I will forever remember our time here. The opportunity we've been given I shall forevermore keep close to my heart. But not so close that it is only I who will partake in the warmth of the mercy given.
I vow that I will help others in need in return for the blessings received...
My thoughts are placed elsewhere as the great human king speaks to himself while continuing to dry my fur. So… soft it is now. "Mm… you need a name. I can't just keep call you 'you' you know? See? Just saying that's confusing as heck!" Clean-
Huh!?
"Y-your grace!? I-I-I-I a-am b-b-b-b-b-b-ut a lowly f-field mouse! You cannot- a Name..." I sputter and shake myself rapidly to get any residual water off of my coat!
The big human laughs to himself at the action. As if what he's doing isn't… just…
Giving a Name to a mouse or rat just isn't done!
The will of the world slides off of the young human's shoulders as if it isn't even there.
"How does Hopper sound? It's cute right?"
"... I…" His smile, so full of innocence and unmistakeable power. I cannot find the words needed to express myself!
Nor can I find any reason to. I can only swallow and watch with disbelief as this young man fills my chest with righteous conviction. As if everything he says is a law above the laws of the sea.
"… it is a cute name."
"Shishishi! Oh right, you need something to wear so people know that you're not a wild mouse. Here!" Looking to and fro, his grace scrunches his face before smiling and ripping off a long strip of his vest before bringing it down to carefully around my neck.
"Your Grace… I…" I can only quietly grasp the coarse red fabric with a disbelieving paw.
It itches. It's rough. It's still damp from the water that has splashed onto the smiling young human boy.
But it is warm. It's warm in a way that even the delicious food my lord provides cannot compare.
Without thought, without intent, the clawed digits of my single forelimb reaches forward to make contact with the calloused, tanned flesh of a finger gently finishing the loose knot just under my chin.
I want to know.
I have to know.
Can a being so full of benevolence such as yourself exist? Is this just another fantasy that will vanish like the fetid smog of a sewer reaching the open air?
Are you real?
Is this just a dream?
"Shishishi!" A thumb pleasantly caresses between the fur of my snout and forehead in return. "You like it? Sorry if it's a little ratty, I'll have Nami sew you up something that fits better."
I have been Named. I have been given a Vestment. I have been Uplifted.
I…
…
I am no longer She Who Dreams.
I am...
"I will warm them myself Captain! The sun is shining especially magnificently today and even though they cannot yet see, I will not have the younglings live in fear of the glorious light! My Lady Hopper, if I may have the pleasure of you and your children's company?" A cheshire grin plasters itself upon the fuzzy chin of my… fellow noble.
"M-milord Smoking-" I try to say something. Anything really.
The almost too big cat isn't having any of my protests however.
"Ah-ah! It is 'My Lord' to you now! We must begin your education on the matters of nobility posthaste! Come children, into my scarf you go! There is no safer place for you than the fur of my neck and chest!" Lord Smoking nudges my daughters into the folds of his scarf, ensuring they are inside the small carrying 'pouch' within before turning to the human who- "My Captain! We leave now to introduce Your Mouse to the rest of the crew! Come Lady Hopper!"
"W-wait, yeep!" I squeal as Lord Smoking trots over to me and easily picks me up by the edge of my new cloth, flipping me to ride upon his furry head. "Lord Smoking!"
"Allons y!"
"You guys have fun! I'll see you guys at lunch! Oh, and I'll make sure Sanji knows to make a little extra!"
-
Zoro
"... what in the world?"
"Squeak…?" The little red cape wearing mouse rears up on her hind legs from the top of Smokey's head.
'H-hello Sir Zoro. I am Lady Hopper of… uh… I do not yet have a title. B-but if you would accept my offering of fealty mighty knight?'
"Ah… yeah, thanks." I say with a perplexed look and pinch the outstretched raisin from the little claws of the tiny mouse riding on top of a cat like it's a perfectly normal thing to do.
When I notice the little mouse still waiting patiently, I snort in realization and pick up an extra saucer and pour a single drop of sake into it. "Never heard of a Ship's Mouse before, but this is what you want right?"
"Mrroow." The fuzzy feline near four feet in length raises an insistent paw and taps the sheath of Wado Ichimonji twice before placing down the small sack of peanuts in his mouth.
'And I as well good sir? I too would wish to partake in the grog.'
"Right right, when a Ship Cat brings an offering to a crew mate, it is only wise to return the favor. I know my stories you damned furball." I grumble, placing the first saucer down and picking up another for the cat.
With all due solemnity between crewmates, I down the burning liquid in one go as the two animals bend down to lap up the liquid in their respective containers.
The day is quiet after that as I continue to brush words to paper, the cat and mouse paying suspicious attention to my writings. Eventually I come to a profound epiphany after witnessing four infant mice come tumbling out of Smokey's scarf into his already waiting forearms.
"A mouse cat and man
Sake shared between we three
Life will find a way"
"...Mrow..."
"...Chu..."
"Shutup! I'm not asking for your opinions!"
:lol
