Fanfic Friday #2: The Watchers
Apologies that this one came out late.... I’m going to try and do better in the future, promise!
Alright, so what did Curtis and I review this week? The escape from Loguetown, Luffy vs Smoker (and Buggy, sorta- he was there but not a huge focus), Zoro vs Tashigi, and the introduction of Dragon. We also have that sick new intro from Gold Roger himself (and of course, my fanfic need not adhere to current canon, er... the canon that we have already reviewed)
And of course, Dragon is the most interesting out of those, so let's focus on him (with certain restrictions. I certainly know more about Dragon than I let on in the podcast episode, and in retrospect, the narrative I spin here hits awfully close to the truth in certain regards, but I’m a man of my word and this is what I came up with on a deadline). Curtis speculated there was something weird about those marks on the side of his face, and he interfered for *some reason* before Smoker could defeat Luffy, shortly after Luffy was saved from death
So I'm thinking... some sort of religion or ideological faction. The people in this group would wear the cloaks, have matching tattoos, take on code names like "Dragon" and "Wolf" and "Black Smoke." Also they have a band that's pretty metal.
Why would Luffy, a pirate, interest a group of religious people? (Let's call them... the Watchers, for reason I'll get into in a sec) Because lightning struck the very execution platform Luffy was on just before he was about to be beheaded. So Dragon believes Luffy was "chosen."
This also ties in to the question Curtis asked that one time, "What's fate got to do with anything?" Maybe that's where Luffy's scar came from- some other brush with death. Maybe Luffy's the luckiest guy alive, and part of that luck means accidentally winning over this faction
Why are they called the Watchers? Well, because Dragon's timing was just too darn convenient for me. Either Oda knows what he's doing and did this on purpose (*cough cough* this is the correct answer), or this was sloppy writing and my fanfic can fix it.
So the idea is that the Watchers send their members to different islands. Places of historical importance, places from which lots of rumors originate, places of cultural significance and scientific or philosophical advancement.
And they're there to ensure the "natural" course of history continues on its way. Because what are the marines at this point in the story? Corrupt, incompetent, power hungry, and greedy (see Axe hand Morgan, Fullbody, and Nezumi as examples)
So the actions of the marines must further this corruption. So the watchers are enemies of the marines who believe in divine intervention, and Loguetown, being the birthplace of Gold Roger is under their watch
Now, what would this mean for the future of the series? It would mean Luffy would probably receive help from them in the future, given that they see him as chosen by divinity. But if Smoker really is that determined to capture Luffy... maybe he'll uncover their organization
Which, I guess, are the Watchers a secret group or are they well known? Hmm. Maybe the group as a whole is secret, but Dragon isn't very good at concealing himself. I like that. This is my fanfic and I make up the rules.
So anyways, Smoker gets stronger by facing these enemies (the same way Luffy gets stronger from each opponent he topples), which means that by the time he shows up again, he'll be even tougher and Luffy won't have the aid of these mysterious forces.
meanwhile BECAUSE FANFICTION and BECAUSE ANIME, maybe the Watchers could help Luffy and co get stronger in some way, so when the time comes the Straw Hat pirates won't have to rely on a mysterious man who quotes the former King of the Pirates. maybe like a sick sword for Zoro, or a more effective weapon for Usopp, or maybe just.... like a gun for Nami! Luffy could get a sort of sensei character who tries to teach him some awesome new punching techniques but here's the part where humor kicks in....
Luffy says no. Luffy is completely uncaring about this Watcher agenda, and they seem to want to distract him from his true quest. And also maybe the sensei type character annoys him, or maybe Luffy is so sure in his own strength, why would he need to rely on this other guy?
But, being as how this is a series that relies a lot on humor and stubborn personalities, the sensei shows up on ocassion anyways. Luffy would be all "butt out, I can handle this!" While this other guy was cracking their knuckles and getting ready to fight.
(a bit like this famous scene, actually. Darn I’m just recycling ideas left and right)
And it turns out Luffy does sort of learn from this new ally without meaning to. Just from fighting side by side they begin to develop trust and Luffy sees minor ways to hit harder and such, and maybe he even begrudginly allows this new ally to help the next time Smoker pops up
That about wraps up all the thoughts I had on this Friday evening- I really hope it wasn't completely awful to read. I'll spend a little more time at the drawing board for next week and come up with something even more spectacular. This has been another Fanfiction Friday. Hopefully next week I’ll do something a little more original