---
The Eclipse's Shadow cruised steadily through the Grand Line's unpredictable waters. The crew was relaxed but vigilant, their routines shaped by experience and necessity. Michael stood at the helm, his sharp eyes scanning the horizon.
"Ship spotted!" Amara called from the crow's nest. Her voice carried urgency. "Looks like a pirate vessel."
Michael adjusted the wheel, steering toward the distant sails. "Lia, prepare the weapons. Amara, keep an eye on them."
The ship grew closer, revealing a battered yet functional pirate vessel. The black flag of the crew was adorned with a crude emblem of crossed daggers. The pirates, noticing the approaching Eclipse's Shadow, began to scramble.
Michael smirked faintly. "They're trying to prepare for a fight. Let's show them they're out of their league."
---
The battle was over quickly. The pirates were no match for the combined precision of Michael's crew and the firepower of their ship. The Eclipse's Shadow rained controlled destruction, crippling the enemy's ship before they could mount an effective defense.
Michael and Amara led the boarding party, subduing the remaining pirates with ease. The enemy crew was tied up and left to await the marines. As the crew explored the ship, Lia called out from below deck.
"Michael! You need to see this."
---
Michael descended into the hold, his expression grim as he saw what Lia had found. A large cage sat in the corner, its bars reinforced with sea stone. Inside, a young mink girl with bunny-like features cowered, her wrists bound with cuffs of the same material.
Her long, white ears drooped as she glanced up, her vibrant green eyes filled with a mix of fear and defiance. Her clothes were torn, and her fur was matted, but her presence radiated strength despite her condition.
Michael knelt in front of the cage, his voice calm and steady. "It's okay. We're not here to hurt you."
The girl didn't respond immediately, her gaze flicking between Michael and Lia. Michael gestured for Lia to step back, giving the mink some space.
"My name is Michael," he said gently. "We took care of the pirates. You're safe now."
Her ears twitched as she processed his words. After a moment, she spoke, her voice soft but clear. "I... was their prisoner. They were going to sell me."
Michael's jaw tightened. The Grand Line was rife with cruelty, but slavery was a line he couldn't tolerate. "Not anymore," he said firmly. "We'll get you out of here."
---
Lia worked quickly to disable the locks, her deft hands making short work of the mechanism. Once the cage door was open, Michael carefully removed the sea stone cuffs, tossing them aside.
The mink girl staggered slightly as she stepped out of the cage, her movements hesitant. Michael steadied her, his touch light. "You're free now."
She looked up at him, her eyes shimmering with a mix of relief and exhaustion. "Thank you," she whispered.
---
Back on The Eclipse's Shadow, the crew gave her food and water, allowing her to rest in the shade of the deck. As she recovered, she shared her story.
"My name is Saria," she began, her voice gaining strength. "I'm from a place called Zou, deep in the New World. But I don't remember much of it—I was taken from there when I was a child."
Her ears drooped slightly as she continued. "I was brought to Paradise by slavers and sold to a merchant. I escaped years later and spent my life on the seas, trying to find my way back home. I ate the Wind-Wind Fruit during my travels. It gave me power... but it couldn't stop me from being captured again."
She clenched her fists, her expression turning fierce. "The pirates caught me when I fell into the sea during a storm. They chained me with sea stone, and I couldn't fight back."
Michael listened carefully, his keen eyes observing her every word and movement. He could see her resolve, the fire that still burned despite everything she'd endured.
"You're strong," he said simply. "Stronger than you realize."
Saria looked up at him, her ears perking slightly. "I've had to be."
Michael nodded. "What will you do now?"
Saria hesitated, her gaze shifting to the horizon. "I... don't know. I still want to find my home. But it's been so long. I don't even know if I'll recognize it."
Michael studied her for a moment, his expression thoughtful. "If you're looking for a home, you're welcome to join us. We're a crew of misfits too, and we could use someone with your strength and skills."
Saria's eyes widened, her ears twitching in surprise. "You'd let me join you? Just like that?"
Michael's smirk returned. "You've been through hell and survived. That tells me all I need to know."
Amara, leaning against the railing, nodded approvingly. "We could use someone who knows how to fight with their fists. Besides, anyone who can control the wind sounds useful."
Saria glanced at Lia, who smiled warmly. "We're stronger together. If you want to be part of this, we'll help you find your home when the time comes."
For the first time since they'd met her, Saria smiled—a small, tentative smile, but a smile nonetheless. "Then... I'll join you. Thank you."
---
The crew welcomed Saria as one of their own, helping her adjust to life aboard The Eclipse's Shadow. She quickly proved her worth, using her Wind-Wind Fruit abilities to enhance the ship's speed and maneuverability. Her combat skills were formidable, and Amara took to sparring with her regularly, both fighters pushing each other to new heights.
Michael watched as Saria settled into the crew, her guarded demeanor softening with each passing day. He saw the potential in her, not just as a fighter, but as a valuable member of their growing family.
The Grand Line was vast and unforgiving, but with every challenge they faced, their bond grew stronger. And with Saria now among them, The Eclipse's Shadow sailed on, its crew united in purpose and unshaken in their resolve.
---