The Guardian

Chapter 1

The Whitebeard Pirates were docked at a New World island to restock after a huge party. A few commanders were shopping in the town where they needed some things, coming across an unusual scene.

Second Division Commander Ace seated in the middle of the road with a red tabby cat curled in his lap. His orange hat resting on his back, a wide grin upon his face as he looked up at his friends.

"Ace what are you doing?" Thatch crouched down in front of him and looked at his lap where the cat was purring. "And where did you get it?" Bright green eyes peered up at him, crinkling its nose.

Ace just laughed and scratched the tabby under its chin, enticing a purr from it. "It's a cat, and a she. She actually found me, guess she's a stray." The others watched their youngest brother relax and look happy with the cat, bringing them all joy. "Can we keep her?"

"We can't take her. A ship is no place for a cat, yoi." Marco shook his head, lazily watching the group before turning to look around. "Now let's go, we have to set off soon."

The little tabby jumped off Ace's lap to waltz over to the first mate, rubbing her head on his legs with a purr. "Look Marco, she likes you!" Thatch was grinning wide, ready to tease him about it. "Come on, she'd make a great ship cat."

The First Division Commander was not swayed, staring half lidded down at the tabby sitting between his legs with her tail curled around his ankle. He looked up at Ace, joined by Thatch and surprisingly Izo as they watched him hopefully. Sighing, he just rubbed his nose, "Fine. But you're taking care of her. And only if Pops says it's okay."

Cheering, Thatch scooped up the cat into his chest with a grin. "Ah we should name her. Ace you found her so you name her." The purring Tabby watched them all with a lazy look, not caring what they called her. She had many names in her life, another story means another name.

Ace tapped his chin as he looked at the cat, reaching out to scratch her chin. "Hmm, how about..." He trailed off as his fingers found a small collar around her neck. Trailing it, he found a small tag. "Lyra?"

Lyra purred in contentment. He found the collar, how unusual. Ah well being called her real name would be helpful, it has been a long time since she heard it. "You like that? Lyra it is." She let Ace pick her up, cuddling into his chest. He was really, really warm which is wonderful. "Let's go ask Pops."

The group of commanders headed back to the ship, Thatch and Ace cooing over the little cat in the fire fist's arms. She purred and let them pet her, she hadn't had human interactions like this in a very long time. It's been even longer since she sailed on a ship.

They got several curious glances as they landed on the deck, pausing in their work to watch their youngest commander practically skip towards Whitebeard with a glowing smile.

"Pops! Can we keep her, please!"

Ace held up the red tabby in front of his face, channeling his inner Luffy to pull off the begging eyes. "Pleaseeeeee."

Everyone stopped to watch him beg for a cat, even though he already had a giant killer cat on board. It was unusual for him. Eyes widened as Thatch joined in on the begging.

"Come on Pops, she'll be a great addition. And look at how cute she is." Thatch scratched under her chin, making her purr. That was the spot. "Aww she could help keep the mice off the ship, and other rodents."

Lyra paused in her purring to glare at him. Is that all he thinks she's good for? Catching rodents? She was much more than that, how insulting, oh he's back to scratching. Forgiven.

Whitebeard watched the whole thing unfold, having seen several ship cats in his lifetime. And this one felt familiar, catching the glare sent at his son for his comment. He was interested in the little animal.

Feeling a pair of eyes on her, Lyra turned to gaze at the Captain. Ah crap. That's Whitebeard. How did she not recognize them all, ah it's been awhile since she saw him. Maybe he doesn't recognize her.

Seeing the look in his eyes had her sighing and jumping from the warm arms. He does remember. Trotting her way to him, she easily scaled the chair and made her way to settle on his lap.

GURARARARA. "Cheeky brat you are." A large finger gently scratched her head. "She can stay, but you two are responsible for her." Lyra let out a breath of relief, thank goodness. She needed a way off that island and fast.

Once the deck settled down and people went on their merry ways, it left Lyra alone with Whitebeard. Sensing his curiosity she tilted her head to look up at him.

"Hmm. I'm surprised you're still around. It's been almost 20 years since I last saw you. That's a long time in cat years, no?"

Huffing Lyra rolled her eyes and purposely turned her back to him. He just laughed, but kept petting her softly. This won't be so bad, Lyra thought to herself. Just not getting attached, she'll leave at the next island.