Zoro was the first to speak up. “Yeah. We do. Maybe start with why the hell we were just attacked for no reason?” he said with a scowl on his face.
“You can’t talk to her like that, moss head! She’s literally an angel~” Sanji snapped at the swordsman.
“Can it, shitty-cook! She’s got a lot of explaining to do. And so do you, Trafalgar,” Zoro said, looking at Law with narrowed eyes.
While the two were going at it, Rena glanced around at everyone, trying to get a read on the room. Everyone just looked confused and some slightly scared. It wouldn’t be the first time she had to explain everything, but usually, she led with the explanation. Also, Odysseus usually didn’t show up; he always sent his little lackeys. This was only the second time she had actually seen him face to face.
Her eyes trailed down to the file and papers that were scattered on the deck. She slowly walked over to them and crouched down to pick them up. As she was slowly gathering the pieces, she noticed someone crouched in front of her, but she didn’t look up. She just kept picking up the pieces of ‘her life.’
“Are you okay, Rena?” asked the one crouched in front of her.
“Yeah… Just picking up the literal pieces of my life. Nothing like seeing your entire existence in the palm of… your… hands…” she trailed off as she finally looked up at who was crouched in front of her.
“Um, Versa… Why can I see you again?!” Rena asked, slightly panicked, falling backwards onto her rear.
“Wait! If I can see you…” Rena turned to see everyone’s jaws on the floor, except Law.
“G-G-Ghost!!!” Usopp, Chopper, and Nami all said in unison, their faces pale with fear.
“Don’t worry, I’m not a ghost. This is just a projection of my soul,” Versa said towards the trembling crew members, then she turned towards Rena. “We’re still bonded, and my essence is hidden… this time.”
“Oh, right.” Rena’s face went dark. “Are you going to explain to me why you unbonded with me? Because I’m pretty positive that’s why HE FOUND US. Seriously! If he would have captured you this would all be for nothing!”
“It was so you could get your memories back. I had the doctor remove my soul temporarily so my presence wasn’t blocking you. It was necessary!” Versa defended herself. “And as for how I’m projecting my astral form, it kind of just happened. I think it’s possible because of the soul split we did.”
Rena stayed silent as she stood up, packing the papers in the file and tucking it under her arm. “Hmp.”
“Are you mad at me?” Versa questioned, her voice softening.
Rena looked at her. “I’m not sure, honestly. But—”
“Ahem,” Rena was cut off by Zoro.
Rena and Versa turned and realized they were still being gawked at by the pirates.
“Oh. Right,” Rena cleared her throat. “So everyone, this is Versa, Guardian of Realms, and I’m Rena, the human she bonded with to hide from the crazy madman you had the unfortunate pleasure of meeting.”
Everyone just stared with blank confusion.
“Let me try something. I can show you all my memories so you can better understand the situation. Would you all be alright with that?” Versa suggested.
“And just how do you plan on doing that?” Zoro snapped, his skepticism evident.
Versa looked at her hands. “Well, the way I did it with the doctor, I just placed my hand on his head and directly showed him my memories. But to do it with such a large crowd… Let’s see.” She held up her hands towards the Straw Hats, closed her eyes, and sent out a pulse. It wasn’t strong, but it was able to send a wave of information into the minds of everyone.
They saw the trial, how Rena and Versa met, and how Rena arrived in their world. She didn’t show them as much as she showed the doctor, but she thought it was enough to satisfy their questions. They all seemed to relax slightly after knowing who the two strangers on their ship really were, but they were still a bit cautious. Especially Zoro.
“Whoaaa, Rena. You’re super cool!! Want to join my crew?!” Luffy said with stars in his eyes.
Zoro bonked him on the head. “You can’t keep inviting every cool person we meet to be part of the crew.”
“Ow! I’m not, but she’s totally badass!” Luffy said, rubbing his head.
Rena started to giggle at Luffy’s antics before her stomach betrayed her and let out a monstrous growl. “Oh. That’s embarrassing,” she blushed in embarrassment.
“Sanji! Cook some meat! We’re having a party!” Luffy jumped up and down.
“Anything for Miss Rena-chwaan~~” The cook wiggled into the kitchen to start preparing.
Law strolled up to Rena, pointing at her. “You. Come with me,” he said coldly. Rena blankly stared at the bossy doctor. He’s oddly demanding, isn’t he? she thought to herself as she followed him into the infirmary. “Sit,” he said, pointing to the bed.
“Geez, demanding much?” Rena asked as she sat on the bed, feeling like she was a toddler about to get scolded.
Law pointed to her stomach. “You’re bleeding,” he stated simply.
Rena looked down, realizing there was blood starting to seep through her clothes. “Shit. I completely forgot.”
“I told you to take it easy, and what did you do? You went diving into the sea,” Law scolded as he undid the bandages and started to treat her wound again.
“But you were drowning. You know, for being a Pirate Captain, having sea water as your weakness is kind of ironic,” Rena giggled.
Law frowned. “Yes. It’s really funny. Now be quiet so I can fix this.”
“I thought you said you weren’t going to patch me up again?” Rena chuckled.
Law paused, then smirked. “You’re right, I did. Treat it yourself then.” He shrugged as he stopped treating her wound and turned to walk away.
“No! Wait! I’m sorry. I’ll be quiet,” Rena said softly.
The doctor smirked, then turned back around and finished treating her wound and wrapping it in bandages again.
“Thanks again, Doc. Really. I’m not sure what would have happened if you didn’t help us.”
Law was cleaning up the mess as he turned around to look at Rena. He smirked. “Yeah, but how do you intend to repay me?”
Rena’s eyes went wide, and she looked up to meet his. “Oh… um… I’ll figure something out,” she nervously chuckled.
Law was about to respond, but there was a knock at the door. It was Nami. As she walked in, Law took this as his moment to leave, heading out to the party. He could use a drink.
“Food is ready. I’m sure you’re hungry, Rena.”
“I’m starving! I’ll be right out,” Rena said as she hopped off the bed. She walked to the desk and picked up her things, carrying the bag out with her.
“What are you doing with all of that?” Nami asked.
“Well, I figured you all would have questions and maybe want to see something from my world, or well, another world. Not necessarily mine,” Rena said, lost in thought. “Come on, let’s go.” Rena smiled softly, following Nami out to the deck.
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