The Guardian

Chapter 6

A/N
Sorry this is so late y'all! I had some personal stuff going on and work. Plus that new Pokémon Legends of Arceus game came out...well it's had my attention lately.

Without further ado, a long awaited chapter! Enjoy!

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Lyra slept the rest of the stay there, regaining her lost energy and healing herself rapidly as a result. She was up and moving the day after they set sail.

The first thing she noticed was the flaps in some doors. One leading to the kitchen, mess hall, library and bath. They made her cat doors to get into the important places, Marco had a small little bell installed next to his door for her to ring when she wanted to come in. The kitchen now had a small little mice bin for her to dispose of her prey.

Next to Whitebeards chair was a small little bed, with a pillow and blanket. Her name stitched into the bright red blanket. Green eyes blinked at it in awe, they made her a bed.

She was so engrossed in seeing the new changes like the little stairs or ramp for her to climb on to get to the rail. Or the scratch post in the training room, she didn't notice the looks she was getting. The happy and soft looks sent her way by the crew as they watched her enjoy her new toys. She was a Whitebeard Pirate, she needed her own stuff.

As she was headed back to the deck, hands picked her up. Marco carefully held her close, a small smile on his face. "Having fun, yoi?" She meowed and nuzzled his cheek with her own.

Ace appeared to scratch her head, her purrs getting louder. "We have another surprise." His free hand came up and held something out. A small charm sat on his palm.

A red paw came out to touch it, it was a symbol. Eyes widened in realization. Not just any symbol but their symbol. Their mark. The mark of Whitebeard.

She let him clip it to her collar, right next to her name tag. It was light and jingled when she moved. But it was perfect.

Meowing to them, she nuzzled both their cheeks in happiness, purring contently. They laughed and scratched her, Marco carrying her to the deck where the commanders smiled at her new charm.

She wiggled from his grasp to rub her head on everyone's legs in thanks, before hopping up to sit and stare at Whitebeard. Lyra didn't know how to ask if it was okay, I mean she sailed with his rival for a bit. To let her join his crew.

But her worries died down as his finger landed on her head, as soft as ever. "Welcome to the family Lyra."

Ah family. What a strong word. One of ties so strong that they can't be broken no matter what. When was the last time someone declared her family?

The nice moment was ruined with a shout. "Red Force spotted on the starboard side." The deck burst into a rush of bodies as they scrambled to prepare for a docking.

Several looked tense, Lyra was curious. What's the Red Force? Another crew? Who? A friend or foe?

She sat patiently waiting next to Whitebeard as the other ship docked next to them and someone asked for permission before he boarded with Whitebeard agreement.

All eyes trained on the newcomer, red hair, one arm. Wait, red hair? Lyra stood up in shock, she knew that hair. And now that she thought about it, she knew that aura too.

SHANKS! A loud meow filled the air as the red tabby launched from Whitebeard's chair and down to the ground before taking off towards Shanks.

All eyes widened as the Captain merely knelt down and placed a hand on her head. The deck was so quiet they could hear the happy noises and purrs coming from their cat.