Hanley

by NibelungVelocity

Amano Hanley wasn't quite normal, true, but she was sure she had never done anything to deserve near death and a strange adventure in another world. Begins ten years before Luffy leaves Fuusha Village. New chapter: Grand Line.

4. Monkey D Luffy

This chapter did not want to get written. And then when I started writing, it really didn't want to stop. I'm already way behind schedule as it is, and my job is killing me. Arg, why must I work to eat??

Anyway, I got some reviews! Awesome! I'd like to thank Spellcaster Hikaru and nothing new in this world for their reviews and support. I'm happy the two of you are enjoying this exercise in madness. I'm especially thankful that you found Hanley's reaction to be realistic. Basically, I just sat down one day and thought to myself, "if I were suddenly and inexplicably transported into another dimension, how would I react...after the freak out and denial?" That was one thing I never quite got—the OCs, largely, really do seem happy to be there. Which is okay but I guess that wears on my suspension of disbelief? Eh, I dunno. I'm sucker for these kind of fics anyway.

Here's the next monster chapter (and I really mean it).

Warnings: Slight description of gore, but I don't think it's too awful.

Hanley

Chapter Three: Monkey D. Luffy, Future King of the Pirates?

**********

Makino

Makino had lived in Fuschia Village her entire life, as have her parents, their parents, their parents, and so on until the family tree went no further. It was a close, tight-knit community, the sort where everyone knew everyone else's business and the only form of excitement was when the local drunk got a little rowdy on the streets late at night.

Or when Monkey D. Garp happened to come back to town. You could see that man coming from a mile away and he made sure you knew it.

As for Makino herself, she was the only child of wealthy landowners; they specialized in grain production, and the giant windmill that originally gave the village its name was still in operation to this day on the family property. Makino always had a head for business, her father made sure of that much while he was alive, and being the only heir to the main family line had its advantages as well as its expectations. However, she had never gotten the urge to pick up where her father left off, nor to find a husband and settle down, which was unusual considering her age (and looks, she was willing to admit). She could never imagine herself playing that role, preferring to pour all of her time and effort into her tiny little tavern. She had purchased the building from the former proprietor's son when the man passed away, and was quick to move in and put on her personal touch, despite her family's objections.

Her aunt still wasn't speaking to her.

Makino worked her hands raw creating a place where people could meet and talk freely. It was her treasure, so much so that she had never once regretted her decision. Perhaps one day she may want to settle down, but as far as she was concerned, Luffy and Ace were the closest she was going to get to having kids, which sat perfectly well with her.

At least until the pirates came.

They appeared out of nowhere one night, low on supplies and looking as if they were coming straight off the battlefield. The were not well-received, the village having suffered a pirate attack just three months prior. The mayor was all set to send them right back on their way until the captain, a red haired man with scarred face, fell on his knees and begged the villagers to allow his crew to stay for a few days, at the very least.

It surprised her so much she found herself agreeing to open her bar to them before she knew what she was doing.

Makino gave the captain (who had passed out at that point) the single guest room upstairs and transformed the bar into a makeshift hospital with the help of several villagers. The few days turned into a week and a half, and most of that time was spent nursing the captain himself. Once the men were back on their feet, their gratitude was even more surprising. After all, who had heard of pirates being thankful? Not only thankful, but staying on for a year, sharing their wealth and providing protection.

The moment Shanks regained consciousness and spoke to her, Makino began to doubt herself. She vividly remembered that first conversation, and sometimes she felt like a silly little girl for constantly going over every word that was said. Makino had never wanted much in life, but when she watched them have fun and party, she couldn't help but wonder if she really was content staying in Fuschia.

She was one of the first ones in town to hear the shouts from the harbor, signaling that Shanks and his crew have returned from their recent trip. She desperately wanted to go see them, but she wasn't quite finished with opening the bar and it would only be a matter of time before they descended. No doubt they had run out of rum again. Luffy had already run ahead to the docks, and Makino hoped he wouldn't cause any trouble.

Wishful thinking, but hope springs eternal.

She had just finished wiping down the tables and unsealing a keg when the door to her bar burst open, Shanks at the front of the crowd with Luffy on his arm. Makino smiled when she saw him, warm and vibrant as usual, but her attention was quickly drawn to her young charge—specifically, the blood that was staining his shirt.

"Luffy!" she cried in alarm as she rushed up to him. There was a large, ugly gash on his left cheek, just under the eye. It was already stitched closed, but Makino carefully examined his face regardless.

"I'm sorry, Makino. It's my fault he went so far," Shanks said, bowing apologetically before promptly popping Luffy on the head, "although this idiot was being just as stupid."

Luffy grumbled, "Sorry..."

Oh dear, and they had barely gotten into town.

The men were bowing their heads respectfully as they passed by her to the tables, leaving Shanks and Ishamon to handle the situation. She gave Ben a nod when he motioned to the keg that was sitting on the bar where she left it.

"You're alright?" Makino asked when she turned back. Luffy nodded.

"I'm okay, I'm a man! The knife wasn't even that big!"

"A knife--??"

"Oh, please..." a young voice muttered from behind Shanks. Makino blinked and leaned to the side to get a better view.

A young girl stared at her before flushing, "Oh, er, you heard that?"

"Hanley..." Ishamon sighed.

"I didn't think she'd hear it! Not with those guys being so loud!"

Shanks laughed and ruffled the girl's hair, earning himself a grumpy look.

"Makino, I'd like for you to meet Amano Hanley. We picked her up a couple of days ago, and, well, I was hoping you would--"

"Picked her up?? How come she could ride on your ship??" Luffy interrupted, indignant.
Hanley's eyes narrowed and she gave a slight sneer, "I didn't have a choice, idiot. Besides, I wouldn't be so stupid as to stab myself in the face--"

"Hanley," Ishamon repeated, more firmly this time.

"I—alright." The girl huffed and crossed her arms.

"I was hoping," Shanks continued cheerfully, ignoring the minor squabble beside him, "that you would take her in. She doesn't have anywhere else to go, and it's too dangerous for her to sail with us. I know this is short notice, but..." He gave her a sheepish smile, and Makino had a hard task of not instantly agreeing and looking foolish.

She was certain that Luffy was perfectly alright, so she stood and stepped closer. She gave Hanley an encouraging nod.

"Come here so I can look you over, hm?"

Hanley hesitated, but slowly moved forward, giving her the look over as well. She wasn't as tall as Makino, only coming up to her shoulders, and she looked healthy, at least. There weren't many circumstances that would force Shanks to pick up a girl and take her with them, and none of them were very pleasant to think about. Makino's eyes took in the wild black hair and obviously borrowed clothing. Hanley wasn't being outright hostile, but she made it no secret that she didn't want to be there.

Makino smiled brightly at her.

"I know just what you need. Those silly boys don't know a thing about women. Come on, I'll find you some proper clothing and set up a bath." The way Hanley's green eyes lit up at the word "bath" told Makino all she needed to know.

Shanks laughed, "I'll leave it in your capable hands, Makino!"

"Watch Luffy for me," she called back as she led Hanley upstairs.

"Hopefully better than last time," Hanley muttered.

"Yes, well, they have an odd relationship."

Hanley glanced at her before nodding, "Yeah, I saw. Um, it's nice to meet you, Makino-san."

"And it's nice to meet you as well."

She led the girl up the stairs and down a short hallway. There were three doors near the end, two leading to the bedrooms and one heading up to the attic. Makino opened one and gently ushered Hanley inside. The guest room consisted of a small, simple bed with a baby blue comforter and white headboard; a nightstand with lamp; and a white wardrobe tucked into the corner to provide the largest amount of open space. It was very clean and well kept, however, with cream colored walls and a shiny wooden floor.

"I live above the bar, my room is right there," Makino said as she pointed to the opposite door, "It seems that this guest room will be yours—we have our own baths, you'll be happy to hear--"

"Wait, you're really going to take me in?" Hanley asked incredulously.

"Well, yes. As a favor to Shanks, and you do need somewhere to go. Really, I don't mind you staying here. You'll have to borrow some clothes for the time being as I don't have the money to buy a wardrobe right now, but I'm sure some of the villagers wouldn't mind donating some old garments." Makino opened the wardrobe and removed a plain, red shirt and black shorts. She motioned Hanley over and held them up to make sure they would fit. Ace wouldn't mind her using them, and they were the same height anyway. The colors were certainly better than the faded blue and gray Hanley was currently sporting, in any case.

"Are these okay for now?"

"They are, thanks," Hanley murmured, looking embarrassed. Makino only gave her kind smile.

"We'll have you fixed up in no time. Look at what those men put you in. The least they could have done was match the shirt with the pants." She could tell that Hanley was starting to warm up to her, if only due to the fact they were both female. At this point, it was important that Makino build on any common ground that they had, especially, if Hanley was going to be staying on for an indeterminate amount of time.

"Er, I just wanted to know, you have shampoo, right?"

'It's pretty clear why she asked,' Makino thought as looked over the girl's hair, wincing slightly. It looked very dry and clumsily cut—Makino wanted to scratch her own scalp just looking at it.

"I also have some conditioner that works very well, I'll set those out for you too. Let me start the bath."

The bathroom was pretty small, somewhat bigger than a closet, with just enough room for a bathtub, sink, toilet, and medicine cabinet. A single window looked out over the main thoroughfare, but it was much too small to invade anyone's privacy. Makino started in surprise when Hanley rushed past her and nearly collapsed before the tub. She eagerly ran her hands along the edge, practically looking euphoric.

"Thank you. It's so beautiful, Makino-san, I can barely believe it! A genuine bathroom! There wasn't anything decent like this on the ship—the one bath they had was communal! Which is fine if you're a guy, but I couldn't bring myself to do anything more than wash up. Bless you and your family, Makino-san!" the girl gushed as she practically hugged the rim of the tub.

Makino laughed and held up her hands before the girl started worshiping her, "I understand, Hanley. I'll show you how to work the tub, okay? Then you're more than welcome to settle in."

Hanley nodded before rubbing her neck awkwardly.

"Makino-san?"
"Yes?"

"I, well, this is very nice, but...I...hell, about earlier? I was just--"

"Don't worry, I can see you've had a trying time," Makino said as she walked into the guest bath and started running the water. "And Luffy can certainly be a handful, so I understand."

"Still, I shouldn't have said anything. My mouth gets away from me sometimes. Um, is he your son?"

"My goodness, do I look that old?" Makino teased.

Hanley blinked. "No, but he is only, what, five?"
"Seven. And, well, I'm not his biological mother, but I do feel responsible for him. He also has a brother."

"Really, two of them. You must be pleased," Hanley replied sarcastically before snapping her mouth shut. The girl gave a small grimace as Makino laughed and shook her head.

"He's not like Luffy, don't worry. He's out training right now, actually. He should be returning soon."

"Oh, so he's older?"

"Yes, ten."

"Ten? And he's out on some training journey?"

"He is very talented."

"He's the same age I am and he's off meditating in the mountains? I can't believe I've ended up in a place like this," groaned Hanley.

It became silent for a bit as they were waiting for the tub to fill. Makino checked under the sink for a wash basin and extra towels for Hanley to use. She usually didn't bother keeping this bathroom stocked, only bringing in extra materials whenever Luffy or Ace needed them; luckily, she did have the bare necessities. Makino began to make a mental list of things to purchase immediately for Hanley, toothbrush and toothpaste being near the top. Hm, and she should also figure out what to do whenever Luffy needed to spend the night. Judging from the way Hanley glared at Luffy earlier, it wouldn't be a good idea to have them share a room.

Then Hanley spoke once more. "I was wondering, is Shanks your boyfriend?"

Makino turned red and sputtered, suddenly finding the bathtub extremely interesting.

"That certainly came out of nowhere! What makes you say that?"

Hanley shrugged, "I was just wondering. It seemed like there was something."

"Ha ha, no, we aren't, really. We're just very good friends. Shanks needed the help and this is the right thing to do."

"Oh?"
"Yes. Anyway, he's a pirate, it's not as if he would stay around."

"Mm, I guess so."

"Yes..." Makino quickly turned off the water and handed Hanley the wash basin. "The soap is right there, and I'll be back shortly with the shampoo and conditioner."

"Thanks."

Makino quickly left the bathroom, trying to get her flush under control. Funny girl, thinking that there was something between her and Shanks!

It was so absurd...

**********

Amano Hanley

Hanley wasted no time stripping and punting her clothes into the corner. Perhaps she should be more grateful, but she had been dying, dying, to take a proper bath for days. She immediately sat on the low stool and picked up the wash cloth.

She couldn't wait until Makino-san came back with the shampoo and conditioner.

Hanley scrubbed and scrubbed until she was certain every speck of dirt was lifted. She hadn't felt comfortable enough to take a bath on the Red Dawn, and the feeling of cleanliness made her spirits lift.

"Hanley? Here's the shampoo," Makino said when she returned. She placed them on the sink, "I'm going to have to go downstairs and manage the bar. Call if you need anything."

"I will, thank you." Makino probably did have to leave. In the short time they were gone, the bar started to become steadily louder as the pirates started to relax and get some alcohol into their system. If she concentrated, she was sure she could hear Shanks yelling at Luffy about something.

Weird relationship indeed.

Hanley wasted no time in picking up the shampoo and dumping it on her hair. She hoped it wouldn't be a lost cause—she knew she already had to cut more of it due to damage alone.

Now that she wasn't on a cramped ship, Hanley had time to sit back and think. The past week felt oddly surreal, almost like she was a moment from waking up, but she just never managed to get there.

Hanley rinsed out her hair a second time and put in the conditioner.

She was here, she was really here and far away from everything she knew and loved—completely and totally cut off. This place had its similarities, but Hanley simply couldn't ignore the otherness that surrounded her, that seemed to pervade the very air she breathed.

'I wonder if this is how Alice felt, she didn't seem to be having any fun either.'

And that's what it came down to. Maybe Natsuhiko could have gleaned some enjoyment out of this, but she certainly couldn't. What was so wonderful about her situation? Thankfully, whatever Ishamon did to her ribs and ankle worked, because the pain was now but a distant memory. It was one less thing to deal with, after all. Hanley looked around, taking in the unfamiliar walls and floors.

The bathroom was smaller for one thing, the tub being half the size of the one at home and not as deep. The floor of the bathroom at home was also tiled instead of wooden. She thought about her room, which wasn't really much but it was just down the hall from her grandparents, and she knew she was welcome whenever she needed them (even if she didn't dare take them up on that as they would probably be doing weird, mushy stuff at the worst time).

'What time is it now? I wonder what they're doing...Grandma should be doing laundry right about now if the sun was out. Grandpa isn't allowed near the washer anymore, so he's probably folding or something. He's better at that than she is. I would be playing, I think, or swimming in practice. My friends would be there, too, but Hitomi-chan would probably be goofing off. She was always incapable of paying attention--'

"I miss them," she whispered, placing a hand on her forehead. She wanted to go to her school again, go to the beach with Eriko-sempai and Hitomi, argue with Natsuhiko, moon over Daisuke-sensei, or, just sit at home with her grandparents, eating and being together like they always were.

'I don't want to be here,' Hanley thought, tears filling her eyes, 'I'm so tired of crying I can barely stand it. How am I supposed to accept never seeing them again? Where do I go from here? What sort of life am I supposed to live, now? I want my grandparents! I want to help Grandpa with his model ships—I even miss Grandma teasing me. I miss everyone!'

Hanley curled into herself until her forehead rested on her knees. The feelings of loneliness and homesickness threatened to overwhelm her.

"I want to go home."

*

Hanley tried her best not to look depressed when she finally came downstairs. It was only a matter of time before Shanks and his crew left as well, leaving her behind and moving on to greater things. What was she going to do here? Ishamon was the first to spot her, and motioned her over to their table.

"Hanley! You look a lot better."

'Damn, how'd I look before?'

"Thanks, Ishamon-sensei," Hanley said, smiling as she slid onto the chair he saved for her. Still, something on her face must have shown, because he gave a small frown and leaned closer.

"Is everything--"

"A toast to, er, Luffy's courage! And for our voyage!!" Yasopp cried, looking a little tipsy as he swung his tankard around. Hanley rolled her eyes. They were only making the situation worse by actively encouraging the kid! He fucking stabbed himself the face, who knows what else he'd pull! Besides, no sane person wanted to be a pirate.

Luffy gave a huge grin, "I'm tough, right?? I wanna become a pirate!!"

...How telling.

Shanks scoffed. "You? A pirate? Luffy, you do know why we call you 'anchor,' don't you?"

"You call the kid, 'anchor'?" Hanley sputtered.

"Can't be helped, Hanley! The boy can't swim a single stroke. He'd probably drown in a kiddy pool--"

"That doesn't matter!" Luffy yelled indignantly, "If I never fall overboard, then it'll be fine! And I'm a strong fighter!"

'He can't swim and he wants to get on a boat? Where are his parents?'

He was really trying her patience. Something about Luffy just annoyed her—it wasn't anything that stood out too much. Shanks and his crew could be just as loud as he was on an individual basis, if not more so. Yeah, the boy was stupid, but he was also seven, and certainly not much worse than Natsuhiko.

But Luffy bothered her for some reason. It was probably his obsession with becoming a pirate. Hanley looked him over. Luffy didn't look like much at all. He was probably only thinking about how cool it was. She still wasn't certain, but surely this wasn't what Shanks meant when he was talking about it being a "man's romance."

Luffy didn't know what it meant to be pirate either, but he was still diving in head first. It just seemed silly to her. Where the hell did he get that baseless confidence?

Shanks sighed and scratched his head, "Ah, I guess it's my fault, letting it get this far."

Hanley gave a small frown and waved her hand to get Luffy's attention.

"You can fight, too? Makino-san said your brother was out training."
Luffy's eyes positively lit up, "Ace? Yeah, he's great! But I'm going to be better than him!"

'Ace? Who the hell names their kid Ace? I guess the same people that can name their son Luffy with a straight face,' Hanley thought in amusement. Then again, her name wasn't something to be happy over, either.

"Are you now?" Ishamon asked, smiling at his exuberance.

"Yup! I've been training, too. My punch is as strong as a pistol!" He stood and threw a sloppy hay-maker. Hanley's eyebrows raised.
"Oh, really? A toy pistol, maybe."

"Are you doubting me??" Luffy shouted at her.

"What do you know??" Hanley snapped in reply.

"Ha ha, I see Hanley is being mean as usual!" Yasopp said cheerfully as he gave her head a pat.

Hanley pouted a bit, "I'm not that mean. He's being silly."

"Nonsense! Being a pirate is really great! We always have fun, don't we boys?" Yasopp held up his tankard and the crew gave a roar in reply, some even dancing in a line. Hanley couldn't help but snicker at the ridiculous scene. She even saw Makino smiling at them from behind the bar.

Luffy, naturally, looked star struck.

Shanks groaned and gave his men a look, "Look at you. You're giving him all the wrong ideas."

"Is our Captain Shanks actually saying such a thing? You surprise me! Weren't you just waxing poetic about the glory of free will under the Jolly Roger?" Ishamon spoke up, idly wiping his lenses. Shanks winced when Luffy nearly tackled him in glee.

"Did you really say stuff like that?? You really can be cool!!"

"I'm always cool, kid. But you're missing the point, idiot," Shanks sighed and lightly flicked Luffy in the temple, "you're too young."

Luffy grunted, "You let Hanpy ride on your ship."

"Hanley, you fool! And they're leaving me behind," she gave Shanks the fiercest glare she could muster, "aren't you, Shanks?"

Shanks held up his hands, "Hey now..."

"I see our captain continues to demonstrate his skill in dealing with children," Ben called from the next table over.

"Watch out, Captain, she has plenty of bottles to choose from!" another crewman heckled. Hanley blushed and grumbled.

"Bludgeon someone once and you're branded for life, honestly."

Ishamon chuckled and passed her his plate, "Here, have something to eat."

"Thanks," she muttered and speared the chicken with a fork. She was getting a little hungry. She hadn't eaten since early this morning. Ishamon must have saved it for her.

He would be leaving too, with everyone else. The thought made her more depressed than she figured possible, considering they haven't known each other all that long.

"Come on, Captain. Don't rain on the boy's parade. Why not take him on a single voyage?" asked a lad from the bar. Several other crew members voiced their agreement.

"It wouldn't hurt," Lucky Roux added.

"Hm...okay then. Luffy can go if one of you stays behind," answered Shanks, leaning back in his chair, looking expectantly at them.

"...Well, nice knowing, you Luffy!" Lucky Roux was quick to turn and head back into the fray, despite his girth, his mates nodding in agreement.

"Village life ain't so bad, Luffy. You have dirt roads!"

"And corn! Delicious ears of corn!"

"And cows! Don't forget the cows!"

"You traitors!!" Luffy screamed as they left.

Hanley couldn't help but laugh at him, "Just get used to the idea, Luffy. You're only five."

"I'm seven! I can go!"

"When you can't even swim? Don't make me laugh! Well, don't make me laugh again."

"I'm strong!"
"Sure."

"I AM!"

"Hey now, calm down, Luffy. We know you aren't really a kid. Here, have a glass of milk, you'll feel better," Shanks said soothingly as he passed along a full glass. Luffy immediately beamed with happiness.

"Oh, thank you!"

"HA, a real pirate would never drink milk!" Shanks nearly killed himself laughing, easily shrugging off Luffy's ire. Ishamon rolled his eyes and nudged her.

"They're exactly alike, aren't they?"

Hanley blinked, "I don't see it."

"You will. Why do you think they're friends?"

"Because Shanks is weird and enjoys tormenting him?" Hanley replied innocently, giving Shanks another look.

Ben called Luffy over, and Hanley felt a little relieved. She hadn't known them for long, but she knew Ben was very reliable. Deprived of his target for the moment, Shanks headed up to the bar to speak with Makino.

"Shanks? When are you leaving the village?" Hanley called, pushing aside her food for the moment. She never did get a straight answer out of him. Shanks swiveled on the stool and leaned back against the bar, facing her.

"Hm, we've been here for about a year—I guess we'll do two or three more trips before heading off for good."

"Only two or three more?" Luffy asked as he hauled himself up onto the stool beside him. Makino set down a plate of food in front of him and he wasted no time digging in.

"Yeah, we've been here for too long. We'll be heading north after this run."

"Oh," Luffy murmured thoughtfully, nibbling on a piece of meat. Hanley gave a small sigh. She admitted that she was starting to feel sorry for the little guy. She really should try to be nicer to him, if only for Makino-san.

Luffy swallowed and gave Shanks a wide grin, "I'll learn to swim in that time!"

"Oh? If you say so. Who's going to teach you?" Shanks asked, seemingly unconcerned.

'Hm, there's something I can do.'

"I will," Hanley answered, "I'm pretty good. I can teach him in no time."

"Really? You can?" Ishamon asked.

"Yeah! My grandmother said I was a natural, and she used to be a champion swimmer way, way, way back when."

Ishamon looked amused, "That far back, hm?"

"I don't think they even had pools," Hanley said, nodding. "Anyway, I can show him how to do a simple stroke at least." She was pretty sure she could, anyway. She had never tried teaching before.

Well, to be honest, she tried once, but Hitomi-chan swore never to subject herself to her tender mercies ever again. It had something to do with her temper. Anyway, Hanley didn't understand the problem. She couldn't remember not knowing how to swim; it was something she truly enjoyed doing, and it came easily to her. This was a good opportunity for her to do something familiar and relaxing, at any rate. All she had to do was teach Luffy the doggy paddle and keep him from drowning, that couldn't be too difficult.

Ishamon seemed happy that she was trying to fit in, at any rate.

"I'm gonna become a pro before Shanks leaves!" Luffy proclaimed. Hopefully it wouldn't be too difficult.

Hanley coughed, "Sure, sure. Glad to see you so stupidly confident."

"Just watch!"

"Oh, I'll be watching, Luffy."

'This should be good.' After the week she just had she could use the hilarity. A sudden burning at her collarbone caused her to hiss and pull out her magatama from under her shirt. The damn thing was acting up again. Maybe she should seriously consider that something was wrong with it.

No one seemed to notice her actions, as Shanks grinned before turning back around to the bar, "Oi, Makino--"

Whatever he was going to tell her was cut off by the swinging door being kicked open. It slammed loudly against the wall with a crash, nearly coming off its hinges. Hanley jumped up in surprise, only stopping when Ishamon grasped her arm.

"Hold, lass."

"Make way for Higuma, the Scourge of the Mountains!" a deep voice boomed from behind the figure posed in the door way.

'Are you kidding me? There are also bandits here??' She just got over her scare with Krieg, and now it seems she wasn't safe on land, either!

He was clearly the leader of the band, wearing clothes that were of a finer quality and having a large, jeweled necklace around his neck. He was tall with black hair styled loosely into a topknot, and he possessed a carefully trimmed goatee that only added to the sinister image. Higuma all but brandished his sword as he entered the now silent tavern, a sneer on his lips.

"I've never seen pirates before...I have to say I'm not very impressed. Such a sorry lot." He strolled up the bar, shoving Shanks aside and slamming a large, thick hand down on the bar top. Even from her position Hanley could see that his yellowed fingernails were long and filed into claws. Makino jumped back a bit while Luffy nearly choked on the odd looking fruit he was eating.

"Good day," she said, looking pale and wary. The man smiled, but it really didn't do anything for his face.

"We're mountain bandits. Oh, don't look so scared. Sell us ten barrels of grog and we'll only injure the bare minimum."

"Oh, only the bare minimum? How unexpectedly kind from a thug with bad hygiene," Hanley growled under her breath.
"Now is not the time," Ishamon murmured, briefly tightening his grip.

Hanley glanced around. Shanks's crew didn't so much as shift at the thinly veiled threat. Ishamon gave a soft, derisive snort as his left hand slowly inched toward his belt.

'Is he going to go all shinobi again? Surely these guys are no match for Shanks and his crew. Well, there's nothing to worry about, Shanks will definitely kick Higuma's ass.' Hanley nodded. 'Yes, there was no way Shanks would let anything happen. He'll toss these fools out in no time and we can get back to our business.'

Makino clasped her hands tightly before her and shook her head.

"I'm sorry, we don't have any liquor."

Higuma's eyes narrowed and his nails tapped against the bar-top, "How odd. And what exactly are these pirates drinking? Fruit juice?"

"I-It's true, sir, I just served the last bit of it."

Hanley tensed when Higuma drew himself up angrily. Makino took a small step back, bracing herself for an attack until Shanks held up a hand. Hanley sighed in relief—this was it, Higuma was going to get what he deserved.

"Hold, there. I feel guilty about me and my crew drinking all the grog here, sorry about that," He smiled and held up a bottle, "here, have this one on the house. It's unopened."

Apparently, what the bandit deserved was free alcohol.

"What the hell is he doing?" Hanley hissed. Where was that power from earlier? Why wasn't Shanks shanking him?

"Shush, he'll handle it," Ishamon murmured.

Higuma took the bottle and examined it. Everything was still for a few moments until he smashed the bottle on top of Shanks head. Unlike the incident before, this bottle was full, so Shanks was covered from head to toe in strong smelling alcohol. Luffy, who was on Shanks's other side, had to cover his head to protect himself from the flying glass.

Makino stifled a scream while Shanks's crew only watched silently. Hanley was just trying to make sense of it all. Surely they were going to help out their captain! Why weren't they doing anything? Why was Ben just sitting there, smoking his cigarette? She knew they could fight and fight well! Hanley looked up at Ishamon but he was also immovable.

Shanks, who really should have shown a bit of temper at that point, only sighed.

"What a waste. Look at this mess." Hanley gaped at him.

Higuma snorted and took out a rolled parchment from his belt, "Look at this, pirate. I'm a wanted man worth 8 million berries. I've killed 56 people, mainly pathetic chumps like you."

'Okay, someone can do something now! Anytime, guys, I don't know how many more bottles Shanks can take to the head.' Hanley thought nervously. Ishamon still had a firm grip on her, keeping her mostly out of sight. She had no doubt he was going to toss her under the table the second something happened—if only something would!

"If you were smart, pirate, you'd sail away so I never have to see you again."

Shanks stared at him before bending and beginning to pick up the broken glass.

"I apologize, Makino. I'll clean this up for you, okay? Do you have a rag I can borrow?"

Makino blinked and smiled weakly, "No, it's fine. I can get it..." She picked up a rag from the bar and began to circle around when Higuma whipped out his cutlass and smashed the open bottles and empty plates on the bar-top, sending the dishes and their contents crashing onto the floor.

'I don't believe it...he's really just going to let this guy walk all over him...'

Hanley stood there, stunned, barely aware of when Higuma and his cronies laughing as they left the tavern. Ishamon let go of her shoulder with a sigh, leaning back into his chair. How could Shanks just let that bastard treat him that way? Where was the brave captain that sent Krieg flying into the ocean? Hell, the man had a reputation for being powerful, but he lets some mountain thug do as he pleases in Makino-san's bar??

She was angry; she was very, very angry.

Hanley didn't even know why she was so upset. She barely knew him, but the entire situation just screamed of wrongness. Makino was immediately at Shanks's side, trying to clean him up as best she could.

"Are you alright? You're not hurt, are you?" she asked in concern. She took out a handkerchief from her pocket and carefully began to brush the glass off his shirt.

"I'm fine," Shanks said as he heaved himself up into a sitting position. He took off his hat and examined it.

Suddenly, the men burst into nearly hysterical laughter; Lucky Roux's was easily the loudest.

"He really got you good, Captain!"

"At least it was a grown man this time!! Ha ha ha!"

Why were they laughing? What was so damned amusing about this? Hanley felt her fists clench and she began to march up to the red-haired man, ready to let him have it. He could have been hurt! Makino-san could have been hurt! Hell, Luffy looked up to him, he really should try better than to--

"You think this is funny??" Luffy screamed. Hanley paused, slowing her march to a more sedate pace as she approached them. He was red faced and breathing heavily, looking as angry as Hanley felt, "He made you look like a weakling!! What sort of man are you?? You're a disgrace to all pirates!!"

"Luffy--" Makino began.

Hanley made her way to Luffy's side, "Makino-san, I hate to admit it, but the kid's right!"

Hanley may not have liked Luffy all that much, but she definitely agreed with him on this point. Both were glaring furiously at Shanks, nearly vibrating from anger.

"Why didn't you stand up for yourself??" Hanley demanded as the man began squeezing excess ale from his shirt.

"My, my, children can be so violent nowadays--"

"You should have kicked his ass!" Luffy interrupted.

"Our captain does know what he's doing, Hanley--" Ishamon began.
"Oh, really? If he did, that awful bear would have had to be carried out of here! Shanks should have--"

"Kicked his ass!"

"Yeah! Basically!"

"Violence isn't always the answer, you two," Shanks began as he began straightening up the mess that was made.

"You're supposed to be a pirate!" Luffy shouted, completely ignoring Shanks's statement. Hanley wasn't in the mood to listen to that tripe, either,

"At least you would have kept some of your pride. You should have broken his legs."

Luffy nodded vehemently, "Yeah!"

"Shattered his kneecaps!"

"Yeah!"
"Stomped on his neck!"

"Definitely coulda used a stompin'!"

"Go for the groin!"

"Yeah—huh, what?"

Ishamon coughed, "Hanley..."

"I don't care!"

"Maybe you should sit down--"
"Maybe Shanks should have ripped his junk off."

Luffy was staring at her in horror, but Hanley wouldn't be moved on this point. The pirates glanced at each other before Yasopp came forward.

"Hanley, there's something you don't understand. No man should do violence upon another man's groin." The crew agreed solemnly, their laughter abated in the face of hypothetical violence against one's manhood. Hanley scoffed and rolled her eyes.

Shanks cleared his throat, "Anyway, I just got a bit of grog on me, you two. That's no reason to kill a man."

"Who said anything about killing," Hanley snapped, "I just think that while you were down there on the floor, you should have kicked his balls across the room."

"Might as well kill him," Lucky Roux commented.

"No one would miss him and we'd all get a good laugh out of it." And why was Luffy staring at her like that?

"You'll understand when you're older, Luffy, Hanley," Shanks interrupted. What was there to understand? Why not use your strength when you have it? It's not like he's trying to keep up a secret identity—he's a damn pirate!

Shanks smiled at her, "Anyway, compared to the bludgeoning you gave me earlier, that man was nothing."

Hanley reddened as, once again, he managed to charm his way out of her bad side. What kind of trick was that anyway?? The man played dirty, damn it.

Luffy, however, wasn't so charmed, opting to growl and shake his head, "I can't believe this guy."

"Needless killing doesn't make you a man, Luffy," Shanks repeated.

Luffy turned and started walking away, "Leave me alone, I need to find a new role model."

"Luffy, wait," Shanks said as he grabbed the boy's wrist.

And Luffy...kept going.

Hanley stared as the kid's arm grew longer and longer, choking on her breath before finally letting out a scream. She wasn't the only one, the entire bar had devolved into surprised shouts and spit-takes, with Shanks yelling and ordering someone to check the chest sitting on the far end of the bar.

'Why is his arm doing that?? That's not normal!! How the hell—doesn't this place even follow basic physics??'

Clearly it didn't, because Luffy's arm had stretched a good four feet before he realized it and stopped from the shock.

"What's wrong with me??" He screamed in panic. Hanley had to brace herself against a nearby barstool. She wanted to go home, now. She didn't care how it happened, but it needed to happen now.

"He can't have eaten it!!" a crewman shouted.
"What are you talking about?" asked Hanley weakly, trying to tear her eyes away from the freak show in front of her.

While Hanley was trying to figure out how the hell Luffy's cells could allow such a travesty, and what god hated her so much as to trap her in this nightmare, Lucky Roux quickly returned with the chest. Unfortunately, it was very empty.

"It's gone! The Gum Gum Fruit we took from the enemy ship!!"

"Fruit? I ate a fruit for dessert," Luffy said, now over his surprise, "it wasn't that good, though."

"W-What's wrong with eating a fruit?" Hanley asked. She vaguely remembered him eating it—it wasn't one she recognized, but it did resemble a small melon and was covered in swirly patterns. It looked pretty good, actually. Ishamon ran his fingers through his hair, a gesture Hanley now recognized as one of exasperation.

"It was an Akuma no Mi, the fruit of the Devil and a treasure of the sea--"

"It means," Shanks interrupted, looking very upset, "that if you eat the Gomu Gomu no Mi your entire body becomes like rubber! And you will never be able to swim for the rest of your life!!"

"Never?" Hanley cried.
"Whaaaaaaat??" shrieked Luffy. Hanley couldn't help but scream again when his lower jaw quite literally fell to his knees. CREEPY. CREEPY. CREEPY. This was worse than that damn snail, 10 times—no, 50 times worse! Then she had another thought.

"Why did you even bring that fruit in here??? Who thought it would be a good idea to leave an unlocked chest with a fruit out in the open with no one watching it???"

"...Hey, that's a good point," Yasopp said, nodding.

'I fear for your children. This crew should do everyone a favor and just don't breed.'

"What the hell do you mean?? You have to be kidding me--"

"Oh no, now I'll never be able to swim!" Luffy cried. Hanley sighed. Poor guy, he'll just have to reconsider his dreams and--

"Oh well! I'll just be a pirate that never falls overboard!"

'That didn't last long at all.'

*

Despite the rather lively morning, afternoon and evening passed by without incident. After a hearty dinner, the crew began to trickle out to head back to their ship. Hanley was recruited to begin straightening up the tables; she didn't really mind, and, she thought, she should probably get used to doing it. Ishamon broke away from a small group and approached her.

"You'll be staying here tonight, Hanley. You'll be okay?" he asked.
Hanley nodded as she squeezed out a rag, "I'll be fine. I'm happy to get off the ship."

Ishamon gave a small smile, "We'll miss you as well."

"Yeah, yeah..." she muttered as Ishamon chuckled and nodded.

"Right, have a good night. You know where to find me."
"Ishamon-sensei?"

"Mmhmm?"
Hanley found herself blushing a bit, "Thanks for the past week. I appreciate everything you've done for me, and..."

"Don't worry about it. Just try to be good, hm?"

She couldn't have been that bad. "I'll make the effort."

"Good night, Hanley."
"Night!" She watched him leave the bar and gave a soft sigh. She really would miss those guys. Hanley had never made friends that quickly with anyone before, much less with adults.

Of course, she never traveled between dimensions before either, so maybe she should try to keep it in perspective.

"Are you done, Hanley?" Makino asked as she wiped down various tankards. Luffy was actually being helpful, using his newfound abilities to speed up the cleaning process. He messed up more often than not as he constantly overreached himself, but he cleaned up his spills quickly enough. Hanley couldn't believe he was so calm about becoming a rubber man and never being able to swim for the rest of his life. Being a pirate was a hazard in and of itself, he didn't need extra factors trying to do him in. She wouldn't have taken it nearly as gracefully, she was a little embarrassed to admit. Even though it wouldn't be that bad to able to stretch like that, never being able to swim again was just frightening to think about.

She guessed there was more to Luffy than she thought. Weird.

"Yes, I'm nearly done. I just have to get this last table," Hanley answered.

Makino turned and gave Luffy one of her kind smiles, "Will you be going home or staying with me tonight, Luffy?"

"Can I stay? Ace isn't back yet," Luffy replied as he came back from the kitchen, "not that I'm scared or anything."

"Of course not. You're a very tough pirate-to-be, after all."

"Yup!"

Hanley frowned a bit in confusion, "Where are your parents, Luffy?"

"Oh, I don't have any," he said calmly, as if he were commenting on the weather.

"You don't?"

"Nope. Don't remember them."

Hanley bit her lip and began wiping down her final table. He didn't have any parents either? Then why was he so calm about it? Even though she had grandparents, she was always angry about not having parents.

Yet this five year old kid acted better than she did. Geez!

"Anyway, you were pretty cool, Hanley!" Luffy exclaimed as he climbed into a chair at the table she was cleaning.

Hanley stared, "Um, what?"
"Earlier! When we were yelling at Shanks!"

"I, uh, was?"

"Did you really beat him up?" he asked excitedly. Hanley coughed and felt her cheeks grow warm from embarrassment.

"I didn't beat him up exactly. It was an accident."

"Would you really rip a guy's thing off?"

Hanley blushed deeper and looked at Makino for help. Of course, Makino was too busy giggling to be of any assistance.

"I guess if I had to, yeah. It's a vulnerable area, you know."
Luffy nodded, "I never thought of doing it."
"You should try it! If all else fails, why not?"

"Ha ha, you're funny!"

Hanley blinked and gave a short shrug, "Uh, thanks?"

"You're going to be staying here, right?"

"Yeah."
"Where're you from?"
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you." She couldn't fully believe she was here, either!

"You know you're wearing Ace's clothes?"
"He'll get over it."

"Guess so!" came the cheerful reply, obviously not that concerned about it. Then again, Luffy didn't strike her as the type to really get concerned over just anything.

'This is one hyper kid,' Hanley thought as he bombarded her with questions. Apparently, now that Shanks and his crew were gone she was now something of interest.

"Why does you hair look so funny?"

Hanley grumbled, still sensitive over it, "Shut up, kid."

"How come you're so dark? Did you fall asleep outside? I did that once and got tanned all over."

"What the—no, how the hell should I know?"

"Oh. Can you fight?"

"Ha. No."

"Are you going to become a pirate?" he continued, not noticing that her tone was growing short pretty quickly. Honestly, couldn't Makino get him?

"What, and risk my life? You can have that."

"I was just askin' 'cause I wanted to know if you wanted to join my crew. Ace doesn't want to." Luffy scowled at that.

"I'm not becoming a pirate. It's bad enough I'm stuck here, I'm not about to go actively looking for danger. I haven't gotten that depressed, yet."

"But it's so cool!"

"Maybe. That doesn't mean I have to become one. Shanks and Friends can handle that piracy stuff. They are damn good at it, so good for them."

Luffy frowned, "Those guys? They're not as great as I thought they were."

If Hanley hadn't seen how they handled Krieg, she would have been forced to agree. Just what was Shanks getting at, anyway? She sort of understood what he was saying, but still! If she could fight like he could, no one would speak to her like that, that was for sure. After all, there's nothing wrong in defending yourself.

Instead, for once, she tried to be diplomatic, "Don't be so hard on them, Luffy."

"You were just as mad."

"Yeah, but--"

Makino walked up, removing the bandanna from her head. Hanley's eyes flickered to her dark green hair and promptly decided to just let it go.

"Thank you both for the help. It's been a long day, ne? Luffy, why don't you go on up and take a bath first? You'll be sleeping my room tonight."

Luffy made a face at the thought of having to take a bath, but he stomped upstairs anyway. Hanley had to admit she was impressed Makino could get him to go without complaint.

"So, what do you think about Fuschia?" Makino asked. Hanley shrugged.
"It's alright. It reminds me of my village, actually. It was also on the sea."

"Oh? That's good. If you don't mind me asking, where do you live?"

Hanley tried not to get overcome with homesickness. "I don't want to talk about it."

"Okay, that's alright," Makino paused, then continued, "are you tired? You can go to bed if you want. I have to lock up down here."

"I am a little, so I'll go to bed. Um, I'm sorry to kick Luffy out--"

"You didn't really, he doesn't stay here all the time. He and his brother have their own house. Their grandfather also stops by once in a while to see them."

"What does their grandfather do? He's not on the island?"

"No, he's an officer in the Marines, he can't come that often, so Luffy and Ace are pretty much left to their own devices."

That was pretty sad, actually. Hanley remembered Shanks mentioning the Marines briefly a few days ago. From what she could understand, they must have been some sort of Navy or peace keeping force. Yet Luffy wanted to be a pirate? Well, he's only seven, so really, how serious could it be?

"It's good that they have you, then." And she meant it. In her own way, Makino was pretty great, too. "Good night, Makino-san."

"Sleep well."

Hanley made her way up the narrow flight of stairs to the second floor. She saw Luffy sitting on the bed in Makino's room, stretching his cheeks and ears. Hanley shuddered at the sight. Creepy!

"Uh, good night, Luffy," she said politely.

Luffy blinked and pulled out his lower lip, "Oh, night, Hanley!"

That was mildly revolting. "Urg, Luffy, please don't do that." Luffy only gave her a bright grin, causing her to huff and roll her eyes. She slipped into her new room and shut the door behind her, making the room to fall into darkness. She carefully made her way to the bed and sat down. Hanley switched on the lamp and looked around. Some part of her still hoped that this was all just one crazy, messed up dream; however, Hanley doubted that she would wake up as Alice did.

She slipped under the covers, even in her borrowed clothes, and curled up into a fetal position. A few moments later she heard Makino coming up the stairs and settling Luffy in for bed; Hanley didn't even close her eyes until hours afterward—tired, but unable to really sleep.

*

The first two weeks went by relatively well. Hanley was quick to get into the routine of things. She was used to waking up at the crack of dawn, so Makino set her to help with opening the tavern and dispensing tea and coffee for the early risers—typically merchants and fishermen. One of them would then wake Luffy up, usually Makino but Hanley had been known to toss the kid out of bed from time to time, and send him to the market to buy whatever was needed that morning. By eight, Makino had breakfast well under way, leaving Hanley to pick up the slack by busing tables and keeping the bar spotless. This would last until the evening, when the men would start trickling in as they got off work. Dinner and alcohol would be served until closing, where the three of them would wipe everything down and close up. Fortunately, it never got too busy as it was a pretty small village, but the work was still exhausting. Hanley had no idea how Makino managed to do it all and still be happy about running the place at the end of the day.

And keeping Luffy out of trouble was a full time job in and of itself.

Shanks and his crew only dropped by one more time, which meant Hanley didn't see Ishamon nearly as much as she would have liked. They were keeping to the schedule, going for two more short trips before leaving permanently. Hanley wished she could find some way to repay them, but nothing ever really came to mind. She couldn't let Ishamon-sensei go without something worthwhile—not that she had anything of worth here. All of her clothes and belongings were second-hand.

What really surprised Hanley was the general lack of children in the village. Luffy and Ace (and now her) were really the only ones below the age of 20. She had been hoping to befriend another girl here, if only to give her a break from Luffy's boundless energy and enthusiasm, but there was no such luck. It seems that many younger families have left Fuschia Village for the bigger towns on the island; after all, there really wasn't much here BUT fishing and Makino's family's grain exports.

The morning of Hanley's third week in Fuschia started like any other. It was half past nine, which meant the breakfast rush had pretty much ended, leaving Party's Bar empty until lunchtime. Hanley was lounging at the bar, idly drawing shapes around her magatama with the condensation dripping from her glass. She didn't even glance up when Luffy burst in with fish from the fishmonger. It had really gotten to the point where she could easily tune him out despite his noisiness.

"Oh, just in time! Here, have some juice," Makino said brightly. Luffy whooped and extended his legs so he could sit on the stool. He spent everyday practicing his new abilities, and Hanley had to admit he was getting very good.

And it was actually marginally less creepy the more she got used to it.

"Shanks and his crew have been gone for quite a while," Makino said as she came back from the kitchen, "do you miss them, you two?"

"After they got showed up by those mountain bandits? I don't miss them at all." Luffy grumbled in irritation.

"I can't believe you're still pissed at them," Hanley sighed and pushed her glass away. She pushed her magatama around in the standing water for a bit. She was so bored!

"They're an insult to men, Hanley. You and Makino wouldn't understand."

"Oh, whatever."

"I think you're really misjudging Shanks, Luffy. Maybe it takes more courage not to fight when it's unnecessary," Makino said. Hanley nodded thoughtfully. She could see where Makino-san was coming from. Sometimes it was better to take the moral high ground when trying to make a point.

"Bleh, a real man has to stand up for himself no matter what!" Of course, hitting people could also be just plain fun.

Makino laughed, "Then I guess I don't understand."

"That's right you don't."

"Maybe when Luffy actually becomes a man, he can explain it better," Hanley remarked, nudging him.

"Oi!" came the indignant cry.

"On another note, this has been bothering me for a while. Luffy, don't you have a brother?"
Luffy laughed, "Idiot, I already told you I did! Did you forget?"

Hanley calmly smacked him.

"You're the idiot! It's been weeks! Shouldn't we be sending out search parties??"

Makino gave a sheepish smile, "Actually, this isn't really uncommon."

"Yeah, Ace sometimes gets sidetracked and really into his training," Luffy added. Hanley sighed.

"Figures."

"'Sides, he'll get angry if he finds out that I got all worried about him and started to look for him. I went out by myself into the woods once; he got really angry then."

"Um, I think that's more because his brother went into a dangerous place unsupervised than the fact that you worried about him."

"Oh, really?" Luffy said, not looking concerned at all. She seriously wondered about him sometimes.

Was it a mental condition?

Hanley could only shake her head and change the subject before he made her mind melt.

"What took so long this morning?"

"Bleh, the Mayor was giving me a hard time," answered Luffy, draining his glass.

"You should try being more respectful, Luffy," Makino admonished gently.

Hanley gave a soft snort, "Who can respect a man called Woop Slap?"

"Now Hanley--"

Whatever Makino was going to say was cut off by the swinging door slamming against the wall. The noise sent Hanley stumbling off her stool, and she cursed when a familiar voice filled the bar.
"Make way for the Terror of the Highlands!"

"You have to be kidding me," Hanley muttered, straightening when Higuma and entered the bar. He looked exactly the same as last time, right down to the clothes he wore. His black eyes glanced around the tavern briefly before settling on them. He smirked.

"I see the pirates aren't here anymore. No wonder it smells better," Higuma observed as he sauntered in and sat heavily in a chair. He immediately leaned back and placed his boots on the top, leaving bits of dirt on the formerly clean surface. Hanley felt herself seethe—she spent a good hour cleaning up the bar! It was amazing he could get through the doorway with a head that large. Once seated, his men quickly followed suit.

She wanted to punch them all.

Higuma snapped his fingers and sneered, "Well, what are you waiting for?? Serve us!!"

Hanley jumped and looked at Makino. Makino gave a short nod before taking a tray out from under the bar and quickly filling it with tankards of grog. She moved smoothly, as if these were the usual merchants and fishermen they had for customers instead of murderous thugs. It really was enviable, as Hanley could barely keep her stomach from revolting as the bandits became increasingly raucous.

"It's alright, I'll help serve," Makino murmured soothingly as she set up another tray, "I'll handle the leader."

"Okay," Hanley said as she quickly stuffed her magatama in her pocket. She took a tray and balanced it on one hand.

"Luffy, please stay where you are."

Luffy didn't answer, instead choosing to glare at Higuma. Hanley ignored him and quickly made her way to the first table. She saw Makino head straight for Higuma out of the corner of her eye. So far, the men seemed willing to behave. If she and Makino-san acted calmly and served them promptly, they should be able to get through this without any trouble. Hanley kept her eyes lowered as she set the tankards on the table. Luckily, it seemed she was too young for their tastes, and Makino looked capable of handling their catcalls, although the way her ears were reddening was really telling. But, she remained professional and was already heading to the bar for another round of alcohol. Good, soon this will all be over--

"Oi!! You bastard!!"

'Why, Luffy??? WHY?'

The mountain bandits faced Luffy almost simultaneously. Higuma, of course, was less than impressed as he sneered at Luffy in contempt.

"What did you say, boy?"

Makino quickly placed herself between them, "I'm sorry, he's just a child. He doesn't mean--"

"Damn straight I mean it!" Luffy objected stubbornly, moving around her.

'Luffy you idiot you're going to get us killed!!' Hanley thought frantically.

Higuma burst into laughter, "Go back to your mother, boy."

"You take back what you said!" Luffy shouted. Hanley gave a soft groan of frustration. Didn't he realize what he was doing?? Why was he risking his life over it??

Hanley had to stop the idiot before he went too far, "Luffy, you heard Shanks! He really didn't care about getting dowsed with alcohol! Don't--"

"You apologize right now!" Luffy interrupted, obviously not listening to her.

"Shanks? Oh, I think I get it...you were there before. And if I don't take back what I said about that filthy, cowardly pirate?"

Luffy held up his fists, "I'll kick your ass! Let's go, right now!"

The challenge sent Higuma and his men into near hysterics. Hanley allowed herself to relax just a bit. Thankfully, they weren't going to take him seriously. Still, she had to find some way to get Luffy to shut up and stop.

Luffy's scowl deepened, "You're just jealous because he's a great man of the sea."

Higuma scoffed, "Sure, brat."

"You're just some stinky, no good bandit! You were lucky Shanks didn't think you were worth his time, you stupid bear!"

Higuma fell silent at that. Makino and Hanley could only stare in horror.

Higuma stood and slowly walked over to Luffy, looming threateningly over the boy. Hanley let out a squeak. He was so dead!

"Care to repeat that, boy?"

Luffy stuck out his tongue, "You won't fight me because you're too scared! Who's afraid of some stupid mountain monkeys anyway??"

'This can't be happening. This can not be happening.'

Higuma snarled and grabbed Luffy by his shirt.

"I think someone should teach you some manners."

"Go to hell--" Higuma backhanded him with such force that his neck stretched and snapped abruptly back into place.

"D-Did you see that, Higuma-sama?" asked one of the men in surprise. Higuma smiled nastily.

"Indeed. We can have some fun with this."

Makino had had enough. She rushed forward and grabbed the bandit's arm in an attempt to stop him.

"Please, wait! He's just a child, you can't--"

Higuma snarled and shoved her away. She crashed to the ground with a cry.

"Get off, woman! I'll deal with you soon enough!"

"I'll kick your ass for doing that!" Luffy screamed.

"Makino-san!" Hanley cried as she rushed to her side, helping her up into a sitting position. Makino looked unhurt, only upset.

Furious, Hanley gave the bandits a nasty glare, "What did you do that for, you asshole! Let him go right now or--"

"Or you'll what, little girl?" Higuma asked mockingly. Hanley growled, curses on the tip of her tongue. But her glower was only met by amusement and scorn. They had nothing to fear from her and they knew it. Higuma carried Luffy outside by the shirt, easily ignoring the boy's kicking and swearing. Makino screamed when Luffy was thrown violently to the ground. Her bandanna had been knocked off, but she didn't care to pick it up as she stood as quickly as she could.

"We have to do something! I'll go get the mayor! Hanley, stay here, okay?" Makino ordered as she raced out the back to the Mayor's residence.

Hanley quickly went to the doorway and peered out into the street. The bandits were taking turns kicking and stomping on Luffy, steadily moving him further away from Party's Bar.

'Oh shit, oh shit, I don't want to stay here but Luffy will get killed and what can I do against those guys??' thought Hanley as she practically danced on the spot. Arg, this was so bad! After several tense seconds, Hanley decided to ignore Makino's orders and slipped out of the tavern. They would be able to see her coming if she came straight down the main road, so she entered a side alley and circled around.

Hanley hid in the alley between the a house and general store, wondering what the hell she should do. The residents of the village started to gather around on the fringes, looking on helplessly. Luffy was now held hostage by that awful bear, and they were helpless to stop it.

'I—I have to do something! But they're huge and they have swords and I don't know the first thing about fighting! But if I don't do something Luffy could be killed!'

So far, thank goodness, Luffy's rubber body prevented him from taking any damage from the constant beatings he was receiving, but it would only be a matter of time before they got bored and took their swords to him. This was even worse than what happened back on the Dawn! At least there Shanks and his men were more than enough for the bad guys. This was different; here, the mountain bandits pretty much had free reign and the villagers couldn't do anything.

"You've got a strange body, boy, our punches and kicks aren't doing anything to you," Higuma commented as he held Luffy by the scruff of his neck. He roughly tugged on Luffy's cheek, laughing when it stretched to comical proportions. Luffy was screaming at him, covered in dirt and sweat. It was a wonder he could catch his breath from the way he was struggling.

"There are some strange creatures in the world, eh, Rubber Boy?" Higuma used Luffy's cheek to fling him to the ground. Hanley winced as he bounced and came to a halt on the dirt road, filthy and roughed up.

"Take that back, dammit! I'll make you sorry for this!!" Luffy shouted angrily, glaring as Higuma stepped closer, away from his men.

'Even though he's in such a situation, he's still shouting at someone who could easily kill him! I don't get this kid, is he brave or stupid?' Hanley thought. He was surely a strange combination of both. But she didn't want him to die. He was loud and annoying and stupid but damn it she cared for the kid. Somehow he'd gotten to her with that odd charm of his and it left Hanley floundering. She didn't want him to die, but she wasn't quite brave enough to stand up for him either. It was easily the most frustrating emotion she had ever felt. She managed to get this far, but now what? She didn't eat some special magical fruit, she didn't know how to punch or kick or do much of anything. Useless. This place just made her feel useless.

Hanley looked away, her conscience screaming at her for her cowardice, but something on the ground made her pause. She bent and picked it up.

It was an empty sake bottle. Maybe she should adopt it as her weapon of choice.

'Can I do it? But as Shanks said, when all else fails...'

Higuma had his back to her, and was standing alone for the time being. It was now or never—who knows when another opportunity would present itself? Before Hanley could talk herself out of it (and to be honest she probably would have given the chance), she gripped the bottle by the stem and reached back. The bottle was a little too heavy for her wrist to support comfortably, so she had to do this weird hop-skip combination to give her the proper momentum and threw it as hard as she could. The bottle flew end over end through the air, over Higuma's henchmen and straight for their leader. It hit the base of his skull with a loud crack.

"Oh, shit, I hit him!" Hanley cried in surprise. Even as she threw it, she was pretty sure she was going to miss, and really was hoping that it would be more of a distraction than a weapon. But the sake bottle was right on target, sending Higuma stumbling forward, swaying a bit from the trauma. Luffy gaped and followed the bottle's trajectory to see her huddled in the alleyway. The bandits were stunned into immobility that someone dared to attack Higuma.

'Oh what the hell is Luffy doing, why isn't he running?? This is our chance to get out of here!'

"Luffy, don't just sit there!" shouted Hanley; she was giving away her position, but it would be pointless if the kid didn't move.

So, Luffy did something.

"Gomu Gomu no Pistol!" He clenched his right hand into a fist and swung his arm, using his new rubber body to propel his fist right into Higuma's crotch. Higuma crumpled, clutching his groin and falling to his knees in agony. Every man in the vicinity seemed to wince in sympathy—hell, even Hanley winced in sympathy! Luffy laughed and sprinted toward her, bypassing the bandits that were trying frantically to figure out what was going on and what to do.

The moment Luffy was close enough she grabbed his hand and sprinted down the alley, all but dragging him away from the village square.

"I can't believe you did that!" Hanley sputtered. She knew it, he was crazy. The kid was touched in the head!

"Wait, I wanna get those assholes for what they did!"

"Don't be stupid, we got lucky, now we have to hide!"

"But Hanley--!"

"Luffy, are you going to let me go off by myself?" It was really underhanded, but it worked when Luffy blinked and stopped resisting. Any guilt she felt from tricking a seven year old boy could be dealt with later when she wasn't in danger of dying.

Luckily, he was willing to run for now, and she was going to make the most of it. If he had it his way he'd go down fighting. Admirable, but harmful for his life expectancy.

Luffy grinned, "You were so cool, Hanley!"

No, no she wasn't. "Temporary insanity, Luffy! I wasn't thinking!"

"Did you see that?? My punch took down that bastard!! You were right, it really does work!"

"Please run faster, Luffy."

They dodged past crates and through alleyways. She couldn't see the bandits, but that didn't mean they weren't pursuing them. What really frustrated her was the lack of places to hide! Fuschia was really too small for that sort of thing. Their best bet would be to make their way back to the main road and head for the pastures and fields.

Soon, she and Luffy came to a stop by the docks. Hanley let go of Luffy's hand and tried to catch her breath.

"Hey, it's Shanks's ship!" Luffy cried out. Indeed, there was the Red Dawn, docked and completely empty as far as she could tell. Hanley frowned in confusion and began to make her way toward it.

"That's weird, Shanks and the others should've--"

Something violently struck the back of her head, sending her flying. She must have been knocked out for a moment, because when she next came to she was face down on the ground, head pounding with dirt and blood covering her face. Hanley carefully moved her head so she was facing off to the side. Ahead of her, Luffy was on his back a few meters away. Her eyes watered as she slowly brought a hand to her nose. It was probably broken—it was certainly painful enough. Her vision swam and was dark and spotted around the peripherals, it was difficult to swallow, and the pain was so intense she could barely draw breath, much less cry.

Hanley tried to sit up but her current lack of balance simply would not let her. It took a great amount of effort to even roll around and the taste of her blood was enough to make her feel ill. What just..?

"You dare strike me, you little bitch??" Higuma roared, absolutely furious. He had somehow managed to find them and looked ready to end their lives on the spot. She tried to drag herself backwards, but she couldn't move. He raised his foot to kick her, but Luffy dove between them.

"Only a real coward," Luffy panted, "hits defenseless women!"

Higuma snarled, his face was contorted and red from his rage.

"You disrespectful rodents, how dare you make a fool of me!! I will make you pay for what you've done!"

Hanley gasped for breath, fear keeping her still and immovable. Her face was on fire! They were done for, she should never have stuck her neck out like that! Now she was going to die and never see any of her family or friends again! What was she thinking?? Why did Luffy have to provoke these guys?? Oh shit her face was throbbing--

"You leave Hanley alone!" Luffy's shout brought her back into the present. He was still standing between them, arms spread to fend off any attacks. "Hit me all you like, I can take it! But you'll get her over my dead body, you damn mountain ape!"

Hanley stared in shock, not sure whether to be more surprised that he said such a thing or that he seriously meant it. He was really willing to do that? For her? But they haven't even known each other for that long! And while she treated him with more patience than before, she wasn't exactly nice to him. Why was he doing this for her? To risk his life for someone he barely knew? Was he nuts?

"Luffy, I don't understand," she croaked. She knew Luffy and logic didn't really go together, but at least his defense of Shanks made sense. Luffy glanced back at her and smiled widely, practically showing all of his teeth.
"Hanley's my nakama, ne?"

"Luffy, you..." Hanley began, only to trail off. She didn't know what to say. What could she say in the face of that sincerity?

"So back off, bastard!!" Luffy yelled at a seething Higuma.

Higuma roughly unsheathed his cutlass, "I was going to sell you to some circus and make some money, but it will be far more satisfying to kill you and your nakama." It was clear he was at the end of his tether as he raised his weapon above his head.

"Luffy, get out of the way! I don't want you to--"

"Don't worry, Hanley, we'll be fine." said Luffy, baring his teeth. It wasn't quite a smile, but it couldn't count as a snarl either. He really hadn't given up.

Maybe she shouldn't, either.

Hanley struggled to move as Higuma brought down the sword. Luffy instinctively began to bring his arms up, but a gunshot exploded from behind her and struck Higuma's hand, sending the sword flying. He howled in pain and clutched what was left of his fingers. Luffy gaped before whipping his head around.

"Shanks!!" he cried. Hanley blinked and craned her neck back. There they were, like the calvary in one of her grandfather's favorite westerns. Shanks was slightly at the forefront, his men behind him. She immediately picked out Ishamon-sensei, Ben, and Lucky Roux. Yasopp still held his flintlock in his right hand, the smoke issuing from the barrel signifying that it was recently fired. But what really struck her was their expressions.

Hanley always knew in the back of her head that they could be dangerous, and she witnessed for herself how strong they were. But she never saw them look that way before. It never occurred to her that these fun loving goof balls could be really and truly angry; not only that, but capable of being genuinely terrifying. She was suddenly grateful they liked her and weren't looking at her like that.

Makino and the Mayor were standing off to the side, having followed the crew back to the harbor. No doubt they were the ones to tell Shanks what was going on. Hanley nearly broke down into tears at the sight of them. They were saved! They were really saved!

"What's wrong, Luffy? I thought your punch was as powerful as a pistol," Shanks said lightly, ignoring Higuma's pained howling.

Luffy brightened despite the heavy situation and held up a fist, "It was! I really got him in the junk, like Hanley said!"

Shanks's eyebrows rose, but that dangerous aura never lifted an iota.

"Oh hoh? That's good to hear." His eyes flicked over to her and looked her over. She couldn't read the expression, but she had no doubt that it didn't bode well for the now motionless bandits.

Higuma grunted and glared at him. Sweat was pouring down his face and his teeth were clenched from the agony. His left hand was clutching his right, but blood still flowed freely down his hands and onto the ground. Shanks began to walk forward, his hand on his blade.

"What do you guys think you're doing there?" Shanks asked. He stopped when one of the bandits ran forward and held a gun to his temple.

"You cowardly bastard! How dare you shoot--"

Shanks only glanced at him, "You don't want to be doing that. As you just saw, guns are quite dangerous."

"I'll blow your damn head off--"

Lucky Roux calmly came up from behind and shot him in the head.

Hanley barely kept herself from screaming, the pounding sensation from her nose taking a back seat to witnessing a murder.

'Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit, I just saw someone get killed, oh shit, he really killed him--!!!'

It wasn't anything like the movies depicted. Bits of gore and skull shattered outward from the bullet exiting the brain. It was so quick the man probably didn't even realize he had died, only slumping to the ground in a heap. It was enough to make her wish for home even more. Why did she have to get sent here of all places?? This was awful!

It was silent for a moment before the man's comrades went into an uproar.

"Now you've gone and done it!!"

"What've you done??"

"That wasn't fair--"

Ben scowled deeper, "Silence! Stop your whining, land-lubbers! Just who do you think we are?"

"We're pirates. Where did you get the notion that we even played by the rules??" Shanks continued, not so much as glancing at the corpse by his feet. The only move he made to even acknowledge the body was step away so he wouldn't get blood on his sandals.

"This was none of your business!" another bandit shouted.

"I disagree," answered Shanks, his voice going dark, "you can do whatever you want to me. Pour drinks and throw food at me, even spit on me, and I won't much care. Hell, I'll even laugh it off. But, good reason or no, nobody hurts a friend of mine."

Hanley saw Luffy's jaw grow slack. She certainly knew how he felt. It was just like on the ship, with Krieg, only this time Hanley could definitely say he was giving off something. The pressure weighed her down but it wasn't directed at her at all. It didn't frighten her. It was like concentrated power almost, as if he was effecting the very atmosphere from strength of will alone. It made her light-headed, but that was really it.

The mountain bandits were clearly not so fortunate. They were dead men walking.

"Friend?" Luffy whispered. Hanley glanced at him. He didn't know? Shanks had told her plainly on the ship, but she supposed he never gave Luffy a clear indication of how he felt. The mountain lackeys were silent, staring at Shanks in fear; however, Higuma began to chuckle. It sounded insane, off key and strained. It grew progressively louder until he was practically roaring from amusement.

"Nice speech, pirate!! I was almost intimidated!! Do you really think you can compare to us?? You just float on your stupid little boats all day, don't make me laugh!! Men, kill them all!!!" He pointed wildly with his good hand, still dripping with blood. Hanley tried not to look at the bits of bone and gore sticking out of his right hand. The bandits hesitated, but they quickly rallied and drew their weapons. They charged at Shanks, bellowing battle cries.

Hanley turned away before the first blow landed.

She couldn't watch anymore, she didn't care how weak that made her look. If she ever got back home, she was going to find the man who made this world and punch him in the face. Hanley couldn't wait to break his nose!

"Ben's really strong, Hanley," Luffy said, surprised. It took her a moment to remember that Luffy wouldn't have any idea about the crew's fighting prowess. This was probably an eye-opener for the boy. She couldn't stand looking, but he had no problems ogling. Damn kid.

Hanley could only groan, "I know, I know. Will you help me up?"
"Huh? Oh, yeah, sorry."

"You don't sound sorry," she grumbled as he grabbed her wrist and began to haul her to her feet. She kept her eyes trained to the side so she wouldn't have to see the bodies. Her nose still had an odd, painful, pounding sensation, but it was much better than when she first came to.

"I'm afraid you're going to need a bit more than that," Ben idly remarked as he lit another cigarette.

Higuma took a step back, eyes darting from side to side for an escape route.

'I'm so glad that this is all over!' Hanley thought as she leaned on Luffy. It was pretty awkward due to the difference in height, but the little guy was determined to hold her up.

At least until Higuma threw a smoke bomb onto the ground.

"C'mere, kid!" Higuma growled. Hanley coughed and wheezed, unable to see but certainly able to feel when Higuma grabbed Luffy by the shirt and roughly yanked him out of her grasp.

Luffy began to kick and scream immediately, "Leggo! Damn bastard, just roll over and die!"
"Luffy!" Hanley managed to grab him by the arm and pulled as hard as she could. She dug her heels into the ground, unwilling to let go as Higuma took him into the fog.

However, Luffy's ability was more of a rubber band effect than a stretching effect—it didn't take too long for Hanley to lose her footing to Higuma's greater strength and be sent rocketing into the air. Now clear of the smoke, she found herself above the water; Hanley's fingers couldn't maintain their grip and she was forced to let go of the arm and crash into the sea.

'Damn it!! He can't escape this way!' Hanley easily oriented her body and floated up to the surface. She desperately looked around to no avail—somehow, Higuma vanished!

"Shit, for a mountain bandit he moves fast on the water!" She had to get Shanks onto the right trail. She turned back to the docks, where the smoke had finally dissipated. Shanks was in a panic, screaming at Lucky Roux.

"Shanks!!" Hanley yelled and waved her arm. The man paused in panicking and looked over.

"There you are, where's Luffy??"

Hanley pointed out to the open ocean, "Higuma took him that way! You have to save him!"

Shanks moved so fast Hanley thought he left an after-image. His hat was tossed into Ben's hands and he took off his black cape. He began to run toward her, kicking off his sandals as he went. Shanks gave a mighty leap off the dock and dove into the water. Hanley gaped as he swam past her in long, powerful strokes.

"Get back to shore! I'll be right back with him, I promise!" he called back as he shot through the water. The swimmer in her briefly admired his technique and power before she shook her head. She started to wonder how in the hell Shanks thought he was going to catch up to Higuma, but then she remembered where she was and lamented that she may never experience normalcy ever again.

Still, she better do as he said. Shanks would get Luffy back, she just knew it.

"Are you alright, Hanley??" Ishamon called worriedly. Hanley wanted to smile at him, but her sore nose prevented that, so she waved instead. She was so happy to see him!

"I'm fine, I'll be right there!" Hanley took a deep breath and submerged underwater. She gave a sharp kick to propel herself to him—and she shot forward like a bullet. She panicked and waved her arms wildly to stop, becoming disoriented and turning end over end in the water.

'What the hell was that?? I'm good but I was never that good!' Somehow her foot collided with the concrete wall of the dock and Ishamon tugged her out.

"Whoa there, lass! Looks like you got a mite excited, there," he said as he lifted her. Hanley coughed, still a little confused at what happened, but Ishamon's hand going toward her face immediately distracted her.

"Ow! Ow, ow, ow!"

Ishamon paused, "I...didn't touch you."

"It was the thought, okay??"

Ishamon smiled and chuckled at her, easily moving her batting hands aside to examine her face.

"Ah, it doesn't seem to be broken—it's still in the same shape. Can you breathe through it?"

"Y-Yeah, I can now, at least. It hurts to, though."

"Hm, I wonder."

"What?"
"Oh, nothing," he replied as he picked her up. Hanley's protests died in her throat as he carried her toward Makino. Makino was immediately on her, fussing over her and acting so motherly Hanley was both surprised and touched.

Hanley never thought too much about people here being concerned for her. Her thoughts were always on the people that cared about her back home that she didn't realize she also had them here as well. It was weird, and like earlier with Luffy, she had no idea how she felt about it. It made her feel strange, that was certain.

"Oh, look at you, Hanley. I told you to stay in the bar!" Makino scolded.

Woop Slap was quick to get on her case as well.

"That was a foolish thing to do, Hanley! You should have let the adults handle it!"

"I know, I'm sorry. It's just, Luffy..."

Makino nodded, "Shanks will get him back, just watch, hm?"

"I know. But will it be alright? He just swam out there, surely there was a bit of time to get some kind of boat?"

Yasopp shook his head, "No, too risky. Especially with that thing out there."

"That thing," Hanley asked in confusion. She looked up at Ishamon, "What thing, Ishamon-sensei?"

"A Sea King. That monster's been causing the islands around here quite a bit of trouble."

'There are sea monsters here, too??? Screw punching, if I ever meet that son of a bitch mangaka I'm kneeing him in the groin!!' She wanted to scream and pull her hair out. What else did this place have to torment her with??

They could do nothing but wait for Shanks to return at this point. Everyone waited anxiously, keeping an eye out for their friends. Hanley paced the spot where Shanks dove into the water over and over again. He had to be successful. Luffy wasn't going to drown, it will be alright. This was definitely an eye-opening experience for her as well. She was going to be a better nakama to Luffy when this was all over.

'And how many times have I told myself that I was going to change but I've never gotten around to it? That poor kid will probably go through my patience totally by tomorrow.'

Because there was definitely going to be a tomorrow for Monkey D. Luffy.

"I see them!" One of the crew cried out. He had perched on top of the Red Dawn to get a better vantage point. Hanley perked up and peered out into the horizon. Yes, there! There was that signature bright red hair coming back. She could also make out Luffy's head as well. Thank goodness, they were just fine! No sign of Higuma, but the hell cares for that asshole? Hanley looked back when she heard Makino run up to where she was. The woman was all but beaming.

"I-Ishamon-sensei..." Everyone's head snapped around at the tone of his voice. The lookout was holding his spyglass, but the grip was lose, as if he was one step away from dropping it.

Ishamon snapped, "What is it, boy?? Are there any injuries?"

'Wait, no! Surely it's not bad, Shanks was able to get them all the way back here, it can't be...'

As they drew nearer, Hanley noticed that something was off. It was his stroke. Even with Luffy, Hanley had seen enough of his style when he sped past her to know that it was far more uneven and ungainly than it should have been. The power and grace were gone. Maybe he hurt his arm? Luffy was holding him tightly around the neck, and it was obvious he was extremely upset. Was it the fear from being kidnapped? From what she knew about Luffy, that was doubtful.

Regardless, Ishamon nimbly scaled the mooring rope and leapt onto the Dawn, heading to the infirmary. Both she and Makino waited anxiously as Shanks drew closer. Hanley took a deep breath to call out to him, but it soon died in her throat when he hauled them onto the dock.

"His arm," Hanley managed to choke out, feeling her eyes stinging. Just the sight of it left her reeling and in tears. The docks became silent and still as they tried to process what they were seeing. Shanks was absolutely ragged, he was pale faced and heaving for breath as he staggered toward them. His eyes were unfocused as if he wasn't all that aware of his surroundings. He held Luffy tightly in his remaining arm, and Hanley briefly wondered if the boy was able to breathe. The left sleeve was ripped, and Hanley could see the stump where it was cut off.

The moment couldn't have lasted for more than three seconds, but it felt like an eternity. Then the entire crew surged forward, yelling. Makino managed to be quicker than all of them, racing forward and catching Shanks as he began to fall. Hanley was rooted to the spot, only able to watch when Shanks's legs gave out and he nearly flattened Makino as he slumped to the dock.

"Shanks, Shanks!"

"Where's Ishamon??"

"Get a stretcher, hurry!"

Shanks didn't seem to want to let Luffy go, but Ben was finally able to pry him out. He refused aid as he broke away from the crowd and ran off, roughly wiping his face as he went. Hanley hesitated, looking from Luffy's back and the crowd surrounding Shanks before taking off after Luffy. She lost sight of him pretty quickly when he turned down an alley, but she was determined to find him.

How he must have felt! No doubt he blamed himself for Shanks's horrible injury.

She had to talk to him!

**********

Red-Haired Shanks

Shanks had no idea how long he had been out of it. His thoughts were muddled and chaotic and there was quite a large hole in his memory. He barely remembered being carried into town and Ishamon pumping enough pain killers into his system to take out a Sea King. One thing did stand out, however.

Where was Luffy?

Shanks was sure he had him, so where was he? Did he bring him back? He must have! Shanks tried to sit up but he felt uneven and more than a little disoriented. The room looked familiar, but--

"Shanks, please don't move." A small hand pushed gently at his shoulder until he was forced to lay back down. Shanks blinked and turned his head to the side.

"Makino?" His mind finally managed to place the location. This was the second time he found himself laid up in her room, high off drugs.

'It figures that when I do have the opportunity to be in a woman's bed I can't enjoy it,' Shanks thought, morbidly amused.

"I'm so glad you're awake," she said softly, "I—you really scared me, you know."

Shanks gave a weak chuckle and allowed himself to relax.

"I apologize, Makino. Where's Luffy?"

"He's fine. He's just...upset."

"Upset? Why?"

Makino's face fell and she took a deep breath. He was missing something, that much was clear, and Makino looked so dejected that Shanks started to reach toward her. At least, that was the intention. Shanks wanted to touch her, and for a long moment his mind desperately tried to figure out just why his arm wasn't moving.

Shanks looked down. Oh, yeah, it got eaten.

The sensation was incredibly strange, as it felt like it should still be there. He could almost sense it moving under the blankets and across the sheets—could Makino feel a ghost hand? Probably not.

"Makino, please don't look at me like that," he said, not wanting to see her upset. But there was nothing for it: his arm got bitten off and he probably looked like shit. No doubt she nursed him yet again. Shanks had to wonder what sort of impression he made on her. Nothing said romance like blood and pus over grandma's linens.

"I was so worried," Makino continued, trying not to cry, "Ishamon-sensei said so much could have gone wrong."

"I imagine. But hey, it'll take more than something like this to get me down."

Makino shook her head, turning so she could wet a cloth. Shanks sighed and ran his remaining hand over his face. He also needed a shave. He didn't think Makino would allow him near a razor just yet, though.

"I want you to stay here," she said suddenly, surprising him. She had never used that tone of voice before, not toward him at any rate.

"Makino--"

"You have to stay," she wasn't looking at him, but her body language was uncharacteristically aggressive, "there's not a lot of room, but I wouldn't mind. Luffy would really like it, I'm sure. That way, you won't get hurt anymore and..."

Shanks looked at her, not sure how to respond. He understood where she was coming from. Piracy wasn't exactly the safest profession, if you could even really classify it as one. He wouldn't be the first pirate to hang up their Jolly Roger due to grievous injuries—and loss of limb definitely fell under grievous.

Shanks had been a pirate for so long he couldn't remember life before he set foot on a ship. Fuschia was nice, and Makino was...

But he couldn't give up the sea. He knew he couldn't and he had a feeling Makino knew as well.

Shanks spoke, "If I were the type, Fuschia would be a good place to settle. I wouldn't mind staying in one place for a long time, I wouldn't mind waking up and tending the bar with you. I certainly wouldn't mind seeing the kids and watching them grow."

"But you're not the type," Makino finished. She placed her hands in her lap. Her face was flushed but dignified.

"No. I couldn't leave the Dawn any more than you could your tavern."

Makino gave a sad smile and nodded.

"Yes, of course. I just—I don't know what came over me. I'm being silly, I know."

"You're not," Shanks said. He paused and slowly held up his right arm, "come here, Makino."

Makino gaped at him and he merely gave her a smile.

"I'm here now, aren't I?"

She blushed and smiled. She slowly moved from her chair to the bed.

"Is this--?"

Shanks laughed, "Come on, I'm alright." She laid across his chest and he put an arm around her shoulders. Her body was warm and her hair was soft and he knew he wasn't doing himself any favors.

Still, this was the best either of them were going to get.

**********

Amano Hanley

"There you are," Hanley said in relief when she entered the room. Luffy had been avoiding everyone for days on end! It was so unlike him she couldn't help but be worried about him. He had retreated to his house, holing up between his bed and the wall. He actually seemed to be deep in thought, which caused her to worry even more.

Luffy and thoughts rarely went together in the same sentence.

She crawled over the small bed and plopped herself in front of him. It was a tight fit but she made it.

"Luffy? Shanks is awake now, don't you want to see him? He'll have to leave soon--"

"I couldn't do anything, Hanley," Luffy interrupted, looking upset, "I couldn't protect you and Shanks lost his arm..."

"That's not your fault! That damn bear got what was coming to him, and as for Shanks, well, I know he's not upset."

"He's not. Shanks said that he didn't care about his arm."

Hanley sighed. Then what was the problem?

"You shouldn't be so hard on yourself. We're just kids and Higuma was a grown man. It couldn't be helped." It made it no less traumatizing, of course.

"I can't stay that way, Hanley! I'm going to become strong! I'll become stronger than everyone, just watch!" His face took on a stubborn scowl as he became increasingly worked up.

"Luffy..."
"I'll definitely protect my nakama! Just watch me!"

Hanley fell silent. When she wasn't looking for him these past couple of days, she spent a lot of time thinking herself. About who she was and where she wanted to go—what she planned to do with her life. Hanley didn't really come up with anything, but she understood Luffy, at least a little bit. It was that notion of becoming more and growing.

If you asked her a week ago, she would have dismissed Luffy's claims as childish boasting. He frequently spoke of becoming an amazing pirate, and it was only talk.

But now, she could definitely believe him. Something about him just made her believe that he'd complete his goals without question.

Hanley smiled at him and ruffled his hair.

"Oi, Luffy, I'll be following you closely. I'm counting on you to get tough."

Luffy blinked and gave her a blinding smile.

"Yeah! So you'll join my crew?"

"What—no! I never said that! Besides, what exactly can I do? I'm not going to be a gopher, kid."

Luffy crossed his arms and considered it.

"I want a musician!"

Hanley sputtered, "A what? But I can't play an instrument!"

"Oh, yeah. You can't sing, either."

"...Death awaits you."

Luffy only laughed at her, not at all intimidated. Hanley sighed and shook her head. She'll be ridiculously glad when she gets home and this experience will be over.

Whenever that happened.

Luffy never got around to paying Shanks a visit, because that very next morning the pirates were up bright and early getting ready for departure. Hanley couldn't believe Shanks was ready to get up and go even with his injury, but there was no keeping him here.

Hanley sat on a crate and watched as they packed up the Red Dawn. Seeing them leave, for good, was very depressing. She still hadn't found a way to repay them. Luffy was talking to Shanks over in the distance, and from her vantage point she could see the man was teasing him again.

She was a little surprised Makino wasn't here, though.

Shanks's laughter drew her attention. Honestly, the man couldn't help himself. Well, Hanley had to admit Luffy made it a fun and easy experience. She snickered and hopped off her crate. She had better say her goodbyes as well.

"There's no way you can become a pirate, Luffy," Shanks remarked as she walked up. Hanley wasn't sure if he was serious or not, but she opened her mouth to defend the kid—ha, imagine—when Luffy's shout interrupted her.

"Oh yes I will!!!" Hanley jumped and stared at him. She wasn't the only one. "One day I'll have a ship and crew better than yours! And we'll have the biggest hoard of treasure in the world! I'm gonna be King of the Pirates!!"

Hanley knew at that moment something just transpired; what it was and how she had no idea. But she had a good feeling about it. Luffy could do it. It would be something she would like to see.

After a moment, Shanks reached up and took off his hat. Tears were pouring down Luffy's face, but he made no move to wipe them away. Hanley was getting teary eyed herself. She saw Ishamon on deck, waving to her. They were leaving, never to return. She'd probably never see them again.

'When I get home, I'll have to follow the manga. That will probably be the only way I can...'

"You're going to become better than us, hm? Then do me a favor and keep this safe for me?" Shanks plopped the straw hat onto Luffy's head. It was too big, covering Luffy's eyes so he couldn't see very well.

Shanks turned and began to head toward the Dawn.

"It means a lot to me, Luffy. Promise me you'll give it back to me someday when you become a great pirate. And Hanley? No matter what you decide to do, I'd like it if you paid us a visit as well—I'm sure you'll make it, definitely."

'He wants me to see him too? What does he mean?'

The villagers came up behind them, waving as the pirates hoisted the sail and weighed anchor.

"You wanna see them again, don't you?" Luffy asked as they watched the Red Dawn sail out to sea.

Hanley sighed, "I'm not going to become a pirate, Luffy. I'm not brave like you, you know."

"Even if that means never seeing them again?" He sounded surprised. Hanley bit her lip, groaning internally. Sure, she would love to see them again sometime, to see how they're doing and how far they've gone, but it was too complicated. She also wanted to see her family and friends again, and they were simply more important than anyone she met here.

Right?

"Well, I'm gonna start training!"

"Already, Luffy?"
"Yeah! Shanks is waiting for me! You should start training too!"

"Urgh, I'll, uh, pass."

"Hanley's so lazy."

"Who are you calling lazy??"

"Hahaha!"

"Death awaits you!"

What was she going to do now?

**********

To be continued.