Author's Note: Transcending is being put on hold after this chapter because of Denial. I'm also having a little writer's block with chapter 5 to this story…As soon as I'm able, I will post the next chapter for this one. I hope you all don't mind or hate me too much…I hope you all enjoy this chapter! Please review! Flames and criticism are welcome! Enjoy! XD

The Transcending

Chapter 4: Uncertainty

Niku sat on the deck just staring at the horizon and stars. He had been sitting here for a few hours now. Everyone else had left the deck already. He was the only one now. Suddenly, he heard a door open. He turned and looked up. Mikan was walking out and making her way downstairs. He watched as she approached him while rubbing her eye.

"You should be asleep." he said.

"I had a bad dream…" she whispered as she sat next to him and leaned on his shoulder.

"Are you still scared of bad dreams?" he asked in a teasing voice as he smiled down at her.

"Urusai!" she exclaimed as she punched his arm.

Niku's smile turned warm as he wrapped an arm around her and gave her a gentle squeeze. "What was it about?" he asked her softly.

Mikan stayed silent for a long while. Niku sat patiently awaiting her reply. "It was about…Otou-chan…and Okaa-chan…" she started to say.

"What about Otou-san and Okaa-san?" he asked softly encouraging her to go on.

She was quiet once again for awhile. "I watched them die…" she whispered breathlessly.

Niku made a quiet reaction to her words as he stared down at her wide eyed. Then he furrowed his eyes. He pulled her into a hug and placed his head on hers. "No one is going to die!" he exclaimed.

He could feel the warm liquid seeping through his shirt. "I know…" she whispered.

"It's going to be okay…" he said softly.

"I know…" she repeated.

----

Nami walked up to the rail and looked down. Niku was there sitting alone. Suddenly, Mikan came out of the women's quarters. She watched as the girl rubbed her eye as she made her way down. Nami felt a presence behind her. She turned to see Luffy staring down at the two on deck. "Luffy…" she called quietly. Luffy walked up to the rail beside her while keeping his eyes on the two below. Nami turned her attention back down to them. They both watched as Niku wrapped an arm around his sister. Then after awhile, Niku hugged his sister to him. "There good kids…" whispered Nami.

"Aa…" he agreed quietly.

"However…Niku….he…" started Nami.

"Aa…" interrupted Luffy. Nami quickly looked over at him. "It's alright…" he continued quietly.

Nami furrowed her brows. "Are you really okay with that?" she asked quietly.

"Aa…I can tell…he has a lot of respect for his father…its okay…if he doesn't feel that way about me…" he said.

"But Luffy…you ar…you are…his father…" she said with some hesitance.

"Aa…" he whispered. He continued to stare down at the two. Not once had he looked over at her. Nami turned and looked at him. His gaze seemed so intense.

Then she turned away. "Luffy…about…what happened at lunch…" she started to say.

"It's not a big deal!" he exclaimed as he grinned. Nami quickly turned to him. Then she furrowed her brows and looked away.

They both watched as Mikan stood up and made her way back to the room. Niku watched her until she disappeared inside and then turned back to the horizon. "It's weird…" she whispered.

Luffy finally turned to her. "Aa…" he agreed quietly.

Nami was quiet for awhile. "You know…I…had a little…argument with him earlier…" said Nami quietly.

"Argument?" asked Luffy as he furrowed his brows.

"Un…I…got after him for what he said to you…I kinda…lost my temper…" she said quietly. Luffy was staring at her with furrowed brows. "I apologized…after…I shouldn't have gotten so mad…" she continued. Luffy turned away. "Are we really so different in their future?" she asked quietly.

Luffy turned back to her with his furrowed brows. He stared at her for awhile before turning away. "I don't know…" he finally replied.

Nami sighed and closed her eyes. "I guess it doesn't matter right now…I guess we will worry about that when the time comes, huh…?" Nami gasped and opened her eyes at what she said. Luffy turned to her. Nami felt herself blush. "I'm going to bed." she said quickly as she turned and made her way down. Luffy watched her with a blank expression until she disappeared into her room. Then he closed his eyes and sighed deeply. He opened his eyes slowly and turned to Niku. He was turning back around. He must have watched Nami as well.

Luffy turned and slowly made his way down. He approached Niku and stopped a few feet away from him. Niku turned and looked up at him. Luffy was just staring down at him with his blank expression. Niku sighed and looked away. "I'm sorry about today…Everything I've done and said should never have happened. I should never have stuck my nose where it most definitely didn't belong. I'm not even supposed to be here…I know you had your reason for why you did what you did…I shouldn't have said anything…I have a bad habit of opening my mouth, when I shouldn't…" he said quietly.

Luffy sat down next to him. "It's okay…" he replied as he stared at the horizon.

Niku quickly turned to Luffy. "It is?" he asked.

"Aa…I know you were just looking out for me…" he replied quietly. After awhile he spoke again. "I'm sorry if…I'm a disappointment to you…" he said quietly.

"NO!...I mean….no…I was wrong to think that…Nami-san…was right…You are a great person…and I shouldn't feel that way about you…" he said quietly. Luffy made a soft throaty sound as his eyes widened slowly as he stared at the horizon. Niku turned to him. "I think it a little funny…how she sees you right now…" he said quietly as he stared at Luffy. Luffy turned to him as his face relaxed into his expressionless gaze. Then he furrowed his brows and turned back to the horizon as he shrugged. "How do you…feel about her?" asked Niku, his curiosity getting the better of him. Just like his mother.

Luffy slowly closed his eyes. "I don't know." he whispered.

Niku furrowed his brows as he turned away. "I understand…" he replied quietly. "I'm sorry…I shouldn't have asked…" he continued. Luffy turned toward him. "She…asked me what your relationship was like…" he said. Luffy made another soft noise at this as he furrowed his brows. Niku lowered his head. "It's like…she can't believe that…you and her…I guess that's why I kinda…felt disappointment…in both of you…I just never thought…I mean…It's like she's disappointed in you…She said…she shouldn't feel that way either…Just like she said I shouldn't…Otou-san and Okaa-san…they are so happy…I guess I'm just a little surprised and confused that this is the way it used to be…before…" he said quietly.

Luffy lowered his gaze, his hat concealing his eyes. He slowly reached out and put a hand to Niku's shoulder. Niku quickly looked up and toward Luffy. Luffy gently squeezed his shoulder before standing up and making his way to the men's quarters. Niku watched him with a confused expression. Luffy stopped just before opening the door. "You should get some sleep too…" he said in a low voice before opening the door and disappearing inside. Niku stared after him with wide eyes in confusion. Then he closed his eyes and sighed before getting up and following him in.

----

The next morning, breakfast was less boisterous. Luffy had plenty to eat, and so did Niku and Mikan, although, Niku wasn't much of a complainer. He sat quietly as he ate. Luffy, Chopper, Usopp, and Mikan were all noisy as they talked over one another. Mikan seemed to fit right in. Nami watched the girl silently. She sounded like her…laughed like her…but acted nothing like her. She was the spitting image of Luffy's behavior and demeanor. Nami took on a pained expression. 'How did I ever allow my daughter to act so horribly and with no manners…?' she thought to herself. Then she thought about trying to get Luffy to behave…'Never…mind…' she thought as her face took on an exasperated expression.

Then she looked over at Niku. He was quiet and extremely reserved. He ate calmly and didn't seem at all bothered by the noise. Nami sighed and continued to eat. 'At least one of them has manners…So weird to watch him though...' she thought.

After everyone was done, they made their way out on deck. Luffy, Usopp, Chopper, and Mikan ran out to play a game. Nami moved aside to allow them to pass. "Oi, Luffy, you guys need to let the ladies pass first!!!" yelled Sanji in annoyance. "Except for you Mika-chan!!" yelled Sanji in his love-love state. He had adopted the name Mika-chan instead of Mikan. Nami stood to the side with an indifferent expression. "After you, Nami-san." said Sanji as he bowed and maneuvered his arm to the exit.

Nami shrugged and walked out. She stood at the rail and looked down. Niku walked up beside her. "I'm sorry about yesterday…" he said quietly.

"It's alright…I realized…there's plenty to be disappointed in…" she replied just as quietly.

Niku furrowed his brows and then turned away. "No…I realized…you are my age…you both still have so much…growing to do…You were right…I haven't accomplished nearly as much as my father had by this age…My father…is an incredible person…He's my hero…I never should have…said what I did to him." he said with his head lowered. Then he looked up at Luffy. "I told him…last night…We had a bit of a talk…." he continued.

At Nami's silence he looked over at her. She was smiling at him. Niku made a surprised noise. She slowly closed her eyes with the smile still on her lips and looked down at Luffy. "You're a good kid…Niku…" she whispered. Niku made another surprised exclaimation as he stared at her wide eyed. "I'm sure…they are very proud to call you son…" she continued as she stared down at Luffy. She looked almost sad.

Niku furrowed his brows with slightly parted lips. Then he turned to look down at Luffy. "Is it really so hard to believe? Is it really so bad?" he whispered. He heard her soft reaction to his questions. Then it was silent. He waited patiently for a reply, if he got one.

"I…I don't know…I never really…I mean…He just…" she stuttered. She couldn't really seem to get out what she meant to say. She wasn't even really sure what it was she meant to say.

Niku sighed and closed his eyes. "Forget it…I'm sorry…The questions always just come out…Please…don't answer that." he replied quietly as he opened his eyes and looked down at the ones playing below.

Nami sighed and lowered down as she crossed her arms on the rail. She rested her chin on her crossed arms as she watched Luffy. 'Why was it really so bad…? I mean, Luffy is Luffy…He just doesn't seem the type…or rather, my type…Do I even have a type? I just never imagined…At least…I never imagined myself with him…Could he possibly…?' she didn't finish that thought. "NIKU! Come play with us?!" yelled Mikan disturbing Nami's thoughts. Nami's vision refocused as she realized she had been deep in thought, and the person her eyes had been laid on the entire time, was staring her right back into hers.

She quickly straightened up and blushed as he continued to stare into her eyes with an expressionless, but yet not blank stare. She was pretty sure she could see something in his eyes. Her eyes slowly widened. Then he slowly blinked as he looked away towards the others. Niku had seen the exchange between the two. He closed his eyes as he past behind Nami. He placed a hand onto her shoulder before continuing downstairs.

Nami jumped as she felt his hand on her shoulder and quickly turned to him. He gave her a quick unsure smile before turning and making his way down. Nami's face fell as she sighed and turned to also make her way down. She sat in her chair and watched the group for awhile. Niku didn't seem to have a problem playing games. He was already into the game and laughing with the rest of them. Nami had never really been one for games. She did play card games with them every now and then…Then again, the last time she remembered playing a game with them was…when she first joined Luffy.

She frowned. She sighed to herself and looked away. She was feeling a little uneasy. She wasn't sure…she wanted to be near him at the moment. 'Maybe I should sketch some maps instead…' she thought as she stood up and slowly made her way off deck. At the top of the stairs, she stopped and looked down. Luffy was yet again watching her with his expressionless, yet not blank stare. 'There it is again?! I wasn't imagining things the first time! There's something…in his…eyes…Luffy never…' she thought to herself with wide eyes in surprise. They stared at one another for awhile. Nami began to rapidly blink as she got over her shock. She reluctantly removed her eyes from his and continued to the observation room.

Luffy watched her until she disappeared. Then he turned back to the others. Niku was looking at him with furrowed brows. His eyes seemed troubled. Then he turned back to Mikan. Luffy closed his eyes and sighed. He seemed to be doing that often.

----

Nami walked into the observation room. Her eyes were wide as she stared at the floor. 'I…I have never seen…that before…Luffy he…' she thought in shock. Luffy was usually good at hiding his emotions. If he didn't want anyone to see what he was feeling. He usually hid his eyes from sight. He was usually pretty good at keeping expressions off his face. If he was hiding his emotions, he hadn't been doing a very good job…She had seen it in his eyes. He hadn't been able to keep what he had been feeling from her. However, she was still uncertain as to what it was she saw in his eyes.

Whatever it had been…left her shaken. She took a few deep breathes and then walked over to her desk. She stared down at the incomplete map on the desk. 'How do I feel about all of this?' she thought to herself. 'How do I feel…about him…? How does he feel…about all of this…? How does he feel about me?' she thought. "Do I even want to know the answers to those questions?" she asked herself out loud. She sighed. 'Maybe…I don't…' she thought as she began to sketch her map.

----

Two days had past, and Nami had started avoiding Luffy like the plague. She was still confused and uncertain about everything, and found it was uncomfortable to be near him. Luffy sat on the grass with Mikan, Chopper, and Usopp. Usopp was demonstrating his other inventions to Mikan. Luffy slowly looked over at her. He had noticed her avoiding him. She wouldn't talk directly to him, and would not make eye contact. He sighed and turned back to Usopp.

Nami sat staring down at her book. She wasn't reading it…just staring at it. She peeked over the top of the book at the group sitting on the other side of the deck. Luffy was sitting unsmiling with them. Mikan had a grin on her face as Usopp, also with a grin, showed her how he got the thing to work. Chopper was also grinning up at Usopp in awe. She frowned. Luffy was the only one not smiling. 'Is something wrong with him?' she thought. 'I know I've been kind of avoiding him…I just don't feel comfortable around him…I wonder if he…noticed…?' she thought to herself as she watched him. She continued to watch him for awhile. He seemed to be staring off into nothing. He didn't seem to be paying attention to Usopp at all.

She watched as Usopp turned toward him. He started saying something to him. Nami couldn't hear. Luffy continued to stare. Nami's eyes widened. Usopp finally brought up a hand in front of Luffy's face and started waving in it. Luffy only shifted his eyes up to Usopp without moving. He didn't even smile. Then he said something to Usopp. Usopp smiled in satisfaction and continued on with his moment of lime light. Nami stared at Luffy. 'Why is he…? He…he's not smiling…What's wrong with him?' she thought as her brows furrowed.

Nami shifted her eyes to the left. Niku and Caro were sitting and talking together. Niku was looking at Luffy as Caro talked. He had furrowed brows. He turned his head toward Nami. Nami's eyes widened. He only looked at her with a worried expression before turning back to Caro. Caro was frowning at him. Niku closed his eyes and nodded. 'I wonder what they are talking about…?' she thought to herself. Niku walked away from Caro and slowly approached Luffy and the others. He plopped down in between Luffy and Mikan. Luffy slowly looked over at him. Mikan's grin widened as she said something to Niku. Niku smiled and said something back. Niku then turned to Luffy, his smile disappearing.

Usopp continued on with his loud explanations. Nami could barely make out what Usopp was saying. Niku then said something to Luffy. Luffy closed his eyes and nodded. Then he opened them and looked back at Niku. Niku lowered his gaze and said something else. Luffy furrowed his brows as he shook his head and said something to Niku. Niku looked up at him with concerned eyes. Then he looked away from Luffy and to Usopp, Luffy doing to same. No one else it seemed had heard or paid attention to what Niku and Luffy had said to one another. They were paying attention to Usopp. 'I wonder what they said…I wonder what Caro and Niku were talking about…?' she thought as she furrowed her brows.

Robin was watching their Navigator from behind her book. She lowered her book and looked back at Luffy and Niku. She furrowed her brows. 'Is Senchou-san upset about everything?' she thought to herself. She had heard everything Caro and Niku had said to one another, as well as Niku and Luffy's exchange. 'So then…does Senchou-san…?'

"Nami-swa-n, Robin-chwa-n, Mika-chwa-n!!"

Robin looked over toward the kitchen. Sanji was prancing in their direction. "I have made you a delightful chocolate mouse dessert for you!" he exclaimed in his love-love state as he made it to Nami first. Nami smiled at him, took the offered dessert and then quietly thanked him. Mikan ran up to him, grabbed one, said thank you, and then ran back to Usopp. Then Sanji approached her. She smiled up at him and took the offered dessert.

"Arigato, Cook-san." she said in a gentle voice.

"Anything for my beautiful ladies!" he said still in his love-love state before prancing back off into the kitchen.

Robin turned back to Luffy, he was smiling at Mikan. Mikan was sharing her dessert with him and Niku. Robin looked over at Nami. Her eyes were slightly wide as she watched them.

'Wow…Mikan shares her food…That's unlike Luffy…and me…I wonder where she gets that from…' Nami thought to herself as she looked down at her own desert. There wasn't too much of it…yet Mikan didn't hesitate to share hers. Nami frowned. She stood up and walked over to them. Luffy immediately looked over at her and watched her approached. After awhile, Niku noticed Luffy looking towards her and looked over as well. Both wore blank expressions.

Mikan finally turned up to her as soon as she reached them. "Here…you can…have mine. Since you're sharing…there isn't much for all three of you…" said Nami in a quiet voice.

Mikan smiled up at her mother. "You can share too, Ok…I mean Nami-chan…" she said as she grinned.

"Uh…no…it's alright…you go ahead." replied Nami with a frown.

Mikan frowned up at her. "But then you won't get any…" she said in a quiet voice.

"It's okay…I don't mind." said Nami with a nervous smile.

"But it's really good…" said Mikan with a slight pout.

"Aa…it's really good! You should share with us!"

Nami made a soft sound as she slowly turned to Luffy. He was grinning up at her. She turned back to Mikan who was also now grinning up at her. She furrowed her brows slightly as she turned to Niku. He was smiling oddly to her. Nami looked back at Mikan. She closed her eyes and sighed. She sat down in front of the girl and handed her the dessert. Mikan squealed with delight as she took the dessert from her. First she fed some to Niku who smiled warmly at her. Then she ate some herself, and then she fed some to Luffy. Nami's eyes widened. 'Chotto matte…' she thought. Mikan scooped some more up and then brought it to Nami. Nami stared down at the spoon as sweat beaded down her face.

Mikan was watching her expectantly. Nami's eyes shifted to Luffy. He was only smiling at her. Then she looked at Niku. He too was smiling at her. "Don't you want to share?" asked Mikan as she blinked at Nami.

Nami looked back at her with a half smile as she laughed nervously. "O…of course…" she finally replied as she continued to laugh. Mikan smiled brightly as she brought the spoon to Nami's mouth. Sweat beaded down her face as she plastered a smile on her face. She opened her mouth and allowed Mikan to feed her the chocolate mouse. "Mmmmm…" she said nervously as she ate it. "This really is good…" she continued as she laughed nervously. Then she heard a chuckle. Nami turned to Luffy. He was smiling at her as he chuckled.

"Arigato…"

Both Luffy and Nami made soft startled noises as they looked over at Mikan. She had her head lowered. "Mikan?!" called Niku as he leaned towards her. She had spoken in a whisper. Niku looked slightly worried.

"Once…when I was very young…Otou-chan…and Okaa-chan shared a dessert with me…I remember it made me so happy…They were so happy…I really miss them…even though…you are right here…You…made me feel a lot better, and made me feel that I am here…with them…" she whispered as tears trickled down her face.

"Oi, Mikan!" cried Niku as he grabbed her shoulders and turned her to face him.

"Mikan…are you alright?" asked Nami in concern as she brought a hand to her mouth. Luffy was looking at her with furrowed brows.

"Gomen…onii-chan…I know you said everything will be fine! I'm just…I'm just so worried!! I can't imagine Otou-chan and Okaa-chan not being here anymore!! But I guess…I guess it won't matter…if they aren't around…we wouldn't be either…" she cried as tears streamed down her face. She had started to laugh a mirthless laugh during the last part of her sentence.

"Oi, Mikan! Don't talk like that! Everything will be fine! Don't you believe in me…in Otou-san and Okaa-san?! Don't cry…please!" cried Niku in concern as he gave his sister a small shake.

Suddenly, the unexpected happened. Nami's eyes widened as wide as they could go…It's something she would never…forget…

Luffy suddenly reached out his arms and grabbed Mikan. He pulled her to him in a tight embrace. Mikan gasped as her eyes widened. Niku made a loud noise in disbelief. Luffy held her head to his chest with his eyes concealed under his hat. "O…Otou-chan…" whispered Mikan as her eyes remained wide.

"It's alright…everything is going to be fine…I won't die…and I will protect Nami…no matter what. There is nothing to worry about…I promise you……Mikan…" said Luffy in a soft and quiet voice. Nami stared at Luffy in disbelief. Tears began to stream down Mikan's face again at his words. Then her face contorted into sadness as she began to cry loudly. She reached up and wrapped her arms around Luffy as she cried into his chest.

Niku's face dropped as he watched his sister cry. He lowered his head and closed his eyes. Nami stared at the two. She had never figured that Mikan wasn't as optimistic as her father was. She had doubts, Luffy did not. It seems Niku had more optimism than his sister did. Was it because of their strength? She would have never guessed that Luffy would have reacted in this way. 'Maybe…maybe he would make a better father…than I first thought…' she thought to herself as her face relaxed. Mikan's cries finally quieted. However, she also fell asleep in Luffy's arms. It seems all the time she had been worrying finally took its toll on her. Luffy lifted his head as he looked down at Mikan. Nami watched him in amazement as he smiled warmly down at her. She watched as he gently stood and lifted her up in his arms at the same time.

Niku stood with him. "I will take her." he said as he stepped forward.

"It's okay…I can do it." said Luffy quietly as he turned and carried her to the women's quarters. Nami quickly stood and ran after him. She past him and ran up the stairs ahead of him. Luffy made a soft sound in confusion as he looked ahead at Nami. She opened the door for him and then walked over to the bed. She threw the covers back for him so he wouldn't have to struggle with one arm. Luffy smiled as he walked over to the bed and gently set the girl down. He gently covered her with the blanket and stood up straighter. The two stood side by side as they watched the girl sleep.

"She seemed really worried…I never would have guessed she was worried…She seems so happy all the time…" whispered Nami.

"Aa…" agreed Luffy quietly.

"It seems she can't hide her emotions as well as you can." whispered Nami.

Luffy made a quiet, soft sound as his eyes widened slightly. Nami looked over at him. He didn't turn to her. "Niku told me…your face goes blank when you are hiding something or when something is bothering you…I never would have guessed…" she said as she looked at him. She scoffed when his expression went blank. "Forget it." she whispered as she tucked the girl in more and then turned to leave.

At the door she turned back toward him. He was still staring down at the girl. However, his brows were now slightly furrowed. "Are you coming?" she asked quietly.

He slowly turned to her. He only stared at her for awhile before finally turning his whole body and followed her out. They walked back on deck in silence. Niku turned and looked towards his parents. Neither of them looked happy. He furrowed his brows in a slight frown. He was sitting alone on deck. After Nami had joined them Usopp and Chopper at snuck away. Chopper had gone back to his infirmary and Usopp had gone to his workshop. They had figured to give them all some alone time.

Nami sat in her usual chair. Luffy had gone higher up above the quarters and sat on Sunny's figure head. He frowned further as he turned toward Nami. She was frowning further as she watched Luffy make his way up the figure head. She closed her eyes and reached for her book and then disappeared behind it. He sighed as he looked down at the grass. "What is their problem…?" he whispered to himself. He never would have guessed they had this kind of problem before…before they came together…"They do love each other…right?" he whispered as he turned toward Nami.

----

After an hour had past, Mikan awoke from her nap. She seemed much happier when she came out. After awhile, Sanji called for dinner. Luffy, Usopp, Chopper, and now Mikan all made a break for the dining area. Everyone else walked. All four were making a great deal of noise. Everyone took their seats and Sanji began serving the dishes. All four immediately dove into the food.

Nami ate her food like she normally did. She glanced up and looked over at Luffy. He was laughing and goofing off again. She furrowed her brows and looked back down at her food. 'He sure does change like the tides…' she thought to herself. She looked over at Niku he was quietly eating next to Caro. She sighed and finished her meal in silence.

"Why is everyone else so quiet?!" exclaimed Luffy as he pouted to everyone else besides Usopp, Chopper, and Mikan.

Everyone looked up at him. "Maybe because we don't have anything to say…Ahou…" remarked Zoro as he continued to eat.

Luffy pursed his lips at him. "Zoro's right…there isn't much to say…You guys seems to be talking just fine. Why does everyone else have to talk?" asked Nami as she looked up at him.

Luffy shifted his eyes to her as his face relaxed into his expressionless phase. "Because…it's not as fun unless everyone talks too…" he said.

"Well…it seems everyone is talking now…" remarked Sanji as he stepped forward.

"But we're only talking about not talking…" replied Luffy as he turned to Sanji.

"What should we talk about then, Senchou-san?" asked Robin with a smile.

"I don't know…" he replied to her.

Sweat beads dropped down the sides of everyone's faces. "Ahou…" said Zoro, Sanji, and Nami.

Luffy pursed his lips. "That's fine if you don't want to talk then." he said as he closed his eyes and continued to eat.

Nami frowned. Then she closed her eyes and sighed. "We should be getting to the next island in about two days…" she remarked quietly as she slowly looked up at Luffy. He lifted his gaze to her. He sat in silence for about two seconds before smiling.

"Really? What's it called?" he asked.

"The name of the island I believe is Ou Wan Island. The name of the town there is Yakkono Village." she explained.

"Suge! I can't wait to get there and have a look around!" exclaimed Luffy.

"Aa, I wonder what kind of shops they have!" added Usopp excitedly.

"I wonder if they will have different herbs!" said Chopper gleefully.

"I wonder about their different dishes…What about their view on pirates?" asked Sanji.

"They're not impartial, so we will have to be extra careful not to draw attention to ourselves." explained Nami. Sanji nodded.

"Ou Wan Island…" said Robin quietly.

Nami turned to her. "Un." she replied with a nod.

"Sunken bowl…I wonder how it got its name." she said quietly.

"Who knows…maybe it looks like a bowl…" remarked Zoro as he ate.

Robin turned to him and smiled. "Perhaps…" she replied.

"I wonder if we will have an adventure there!!" exclaimed Mikan.

"You and adventures…" remarked Niku as he sighed.

"Oh! An adventure!!!" exclaimed Luffy excitedly with stars in his eyes.

"As long as we don't run into any trouble, Hime-sama…" said Caro as he smiled nervously.

"I agree…" said Nami as she looked at the two who looked extremely excited in exasperation.

Franky scoffed. "As if he would be able to keep out of trouble…" he said as he looked over at Luffy.

"Oi! Don't say that! Maybe things will actually go well!" yelled Nami in exasperation. Franky only grinned at her. She sighed.

Then she looked over at Luffy. He was smiling at her. She looked at him in slight surprise. She was sure there was something there in his eyes, but she just didn't know what. Then realization hit her. She had managed to get everyone to talk, and she had done it for him…She looked at him with wide eyes and slightly parted lips. She looked around at everyone. They were all talking to one another. She had to admit…They didn't all talk as much after Luffy stopped stealing everyone's food.

The meals hadn't been as exciting. Luffy must have noticed and it bothered him. However, she had gotten everyone to talk. She had felt bad. He had tried to get them to talk. However, they had just gotten irritated with him, although, she hadn't expected him to give up so easily. She looked back at him. He was now talking to Usopp and Mikan at once while everyone else talked to one another. She smiled to herself as she engaged Robin and Zoro in conversation.

----

Two days past and they were now docked at Ou Wan Island. It was evening and the sun was setting behind them. Zoro walked onto the dock and looked up toward the island. "I told you it looked like a bowl…" he said quietly to Robin beside him.

Robin laughed softly as she raised a hand to her mouth. "You did indeed." she replied as she looked ahead of them.

The island looked exactly like a bowl. It had mountainous walls all around the entire island. There was a small entrance and that is where the dock was. However, they had docked the ship out of sight. Luffy and Mikan had huge grins on their faces as they looked around.

"Alright, let's go into town and find out how long it takes for the log pose to set. Then we need to find a hotel to stay at before we go exploring." said Nami as she walked up behind them. Everyone nodded and began to follow her. Luffy and Mikan took off ahead of them. "Matte, Luffy, Mikan!" called Nami in annoyance.

"Ha-i!" they both called as they kept going.

"Matakun…" whispered Nami under her breath. She stopped at the first shop and asked the young man how long it took for the log pose to set. The young man looked Nami over and smiled politely at her. He told her when it set and then without her having to ask, began telling her about the town.

Luffy glanced over at the young man with his expressionless face. His eyes slightly narrowed and then his eyes shifted to Sanji. Sanji looked annoyed and was already making his way to the two. Luffy closed his eyes and then turned and grinned at Mikan. "Let's go look at that shop!" he said as he took off for it.

"Un!" exclaimed Mikan as she nodded and grinned and ran after him.

Niku watched after Luffy with a deep frown. Then he turned to Nami. Sanji was huffing at the young man who was in turn glaring at the cook. He sighed deeply. Caro walked up behind him. "Like I told you…let them sort this out for themselves. I'm sure everything will be alright." he said softly to the worried prince.

"I know…Caro-san…I just don't understand." he replied quietly as he continued to watch as Sanji and the young man bickered while Nami looked on in boredom. Then she turned and walked away.

"I'm sure they will find their way…It will just take some time. They are still young. They are your age. I'm sure they are not ready for any commitment just yet. I have told you this before." explained Caro.

"I know…I'm sorry." said Niku as he looked down sadly.

"There is no reason to be sorry, Ouji-sama. I understand why you are so worried. I'm only saying…there is no need for it. You are here…are you not?" said Caro with a warm smile.

Niku turned to him with slightly parted lips and furrowed brows. Then he smiled as he let out a small soft laugh. It sounded like nothing more than a quick deep breath. "Aa…you're right." he agreed as he turned back toward Luffy. He and Mikan were looking at some strangely cooked meat a vendor had for sale with stars in their eyes.

After finding out when the log pose would set, they continued walking through town until they found a decent hotel. They all made their way inside. Nami walked up to the middle age man behind the desk. "How can I help you?" he asked with a polite smile.

"Yes, we could use some room's please." replied Nami with her own polite smile.

The man smiled brightly. "Ah! I have just the rooms! I have two rooms that are available right now. Each room has three beds in them which is perfect for a big group like yourselves. I will give you a discount since you will be needing both, yes? Also since you are a large group." he said as he brought his hands together.

"Uh…sure…Sounds good as long as it's cheaper." replied Nami with a shrug. The man led them to the rooms. They were side by side. He entered the first room. They all walked in and looked around. The room was very long but not wide. Nami turned to her right. The three beds were side by side with quite a bit of space between them. Then she looked toward her left. There were French doors leading to a balcony. There were cream colored transparent curtains covering the doors and windows adjoining the doors. Almost the entire wall was window with the door in the middle.

Nami smiled. The room was actually very nice. There were three large rugs in the room. Two in front of the beds, and the other was in front of the French doors. "The other room is this way." said the man as he walked out and across to the other room. The others followed him. They looked at each room. They all looked relatively similar. The man bowed and excused himself and then went back downstairs.

Nami turned to the others. "Alright…since there are eleven of us, some of us will be sharing a bed. One person will get a bed all to themselves. We're going to draw straws to see who that is." she explained. Everyone nodded. After getting something that resemble straws and cutting one shorter than the others, Nami held them out to the crew. "Alright, start drawing." she said. Everyone reached over and grabbed one each from her.

After all was drawn but one, Nami looked at hers, it was a long one. She frowned at it. Then she looked up at the others. Luffy was holding the short straw. She pursed her lips and looked away. "Alright, now we decide who sleeps in what room and with whom." she said in annoyance. "Robin and I will share a bed. Niku, do you think you can share a bed with your sister?" she asked as she looked at him.

Niku frowned as his eyes narrowed in exasperation. Then he sighed in resignation and nodded.

"I want to sleep in the same room as you and Otou-chan!!" cried Mikan with a bit of a pout.

"N…nani?!" breathed Nami in disbelief as she turned to the girl. She had a look of determination on her face.

"Quite honestly, that makes perfect sense. You are technically family after all…I won't be sleeping much. So, Navigator-san, you can have the bed." said Robin as she smiled warmly at her.

Nami's jaw dropped. "But…but…but…" she stuttered.

"Yatta!!" cried Mikan happily as she hugged Nami.

"Ah!" cried Nami as she looked down at the overly happy girl. Then her face dropped as she sighed. "Alright…" she finally agreed quietly. Mikan laughed as she ran into the first room they had seen. Nami turned to Luffy. He was just watching her with his expressionless face. She pursed her lips and then turned and went into the room. Niku and Luffy followed her in. Everyone else turned and entered the other room. Sanji could be heard complaining about who was sleeping with who as the door closed.

Niku closed the door behind him. Mikan was bouncing on the bed at the other end of the room. Nami was staring at the girl. Then she closed her eyes and sighed to herself as she sat on the very first bed. Luffy walked around and sat on the bed in the middle. Then he lifted his legs and plopped down onto the bed. He stared at the ceiling for awhile. Nami took off her pack and placed it on the bed. She pulled out a book and then leaned against the headboard and began to read. Luffy moved his head to look at her.

Niku and Mikan were both bouncing on the bed. He always did whatever she wanted. It made her happy. He smiled at her warmly as she laughed with glee. He turned and looked towards his parents. He furrowed his brows as he stopped bouncing. Luffy was watching Nami read as he was laid out in his bed. Then he slowly turned up to the ceiling. Nami sighed and put her book down. She got up and walked over to the balcony. She opened the doors and stepped outside.

Luffy had turned and watched her as she had put her book down. Mikan also watched her. Then she grinned and ran out with her. Nami stared at the multicolored horizon. The sun had already set, but left its different array of colors across the horizon. Mikan joined her at the rail and stared out to the sky. "Suge…" she whispered as she stared at the different colors. Nami turned to the girl with a blank expression.

Then she turned back to the view. "It's a great view, huh?" she asked quietly.

"Un…it sure is!" exclaimed Mikan with a smile. They continued to watch in silence as the colors began to disappear as night befell the sky.

----

Niku stared at Luffy who was now staring out the open doors. "You love her…don't you?" he asked quietly.

Luffy quickly turned to Niku. "Are?" he questioned.

"Nami-san…" he said.

Luffy stared at Niku for a long while before turning back up to the ceiling. His expression was completely blank. "I don't know…" he replied.

Niku narrowed his eyes at him. "When will you ever…know?" he asked rhetorically as he turned away from him.

"Nami is my Nakama…" said Luffy quietly.

Niku turned back to him. "Is that all she is to you?" he asked.

Luffy sighed and closed his eyes as he furrowed his brows. "You were right…" he said in a low voice.

"Right about what?" asked Niku with furrowed brows.

"You really do open your mouth when you shouldn't…" replied Luffy in a low tone as he shifted his narrowed eyes to Niku.

Niku made a soft nervous noise as he looked Luffy in the eyes. Sweat began to bead down his face. He shifted his eyes away from Luffy's. He felt a shiver run up and down his spine. With Luffy being the same age as him, he had completely forgotten that Luffy was indeed his father…and everything he did was his father. He would never forget the tone of his voice or the look he just gave him. He was being warned, and he intended to take that warning seriously.

After awhile Nami and Mikan had gone back inside. Luffy it seemed had already fallen asleep. Mikan also went to bed with Niku beside her. Nami sat against the headboard and watched them all sleep. Her expression was soft as she stared at them with slightly hooded eyes. Her eyes focused on Mikan, then they shifted to a relaxed Niku, and then they shifted to Luffy. He was spread out on the bed and snoring softly. His expression was completely relaxed. After awhile, his brows furrowed and his snores stopped. His eyes twitched and he began to toss and turn.

Nami sat up and furrowed her brows. "Ya…yamero…" he whispered in his sleep. Nami's brows furrowed further. 'Was he having a nightmare?' she thought to herself as she leaned forward. "No…." he whispered again. "NO!!" he cried as he sat up in bed. He was breathing heavily.

"Luffy! Are you alright?" asked Nami as she got up and walked over to his bed. Luffy quickly turned to her. His face was completely pale, his eyes appeared slightly wild. He was still breathing heavily as he just continued to stare at her. "Luffy?" she questioned.

Niku and Mikan sat up in bed. They had awoken at Luffy's cry. "Otou-chan?" questioned Mikan. Luffy then turned to them. Niku was staring at him with furrowed brows.

Luffy turned away from them and then took a deep breath as he closed his eyes. "I'm fine…" he replied as he lay back down. Both Mikan and Niku frowned, but nodded anyway and then lay back down for sleep.

Nami frowned and then sat on the edge of the bed as she faced him. "Are you sure you're alright?" she asked him softly in a whisper.

"Aa…I'm alright…Nami…" he replied as he turned to her.

"Was it that bad?" she asked him quietly.

"Aa…it was…" he replied as he turned back to the ceiling.

"Mind telling me what it was about…? It sometimes helps to talk about it…" she said softly.

Luffy turned and stared at her for awhile. Nami felt herself growing warm under his gaze. Then he looked away. "I tried to hurt my Nakama…" he whispered.

Nami's eyes widened. "Nani?" she whispered.

"In my dream…I tried to hurt everyone…" he repeated.

"That's horrible…" she whispered as she frowned down at him.

"Aa…" he replied in a whisper.

"Well, don't worry about such a dream…It will never happen…I know you would never hurt us." she said softly. Luffy turned to her and then his face relaxed into a soft expression. Then he nodded and closed his eyes. Nami smiled down at him. Then she got up and went back to her bed. She lay down and closed her eyes.

However, Luffy's tossing and turning kept her from falling asleep. She opened her eyes and looked at him. His brows were furrowed as sweat beaded down his face. His eyebrows were twitching as his face contorted. She furrowed her brows as she continued to watch him. 'What's wrong with Luffy?' she thought to herself. After awhile, her tiredness took over and she fell asleep.

----

The man grinned maliciously down as he looked through the window and transparent curtains of the hotel room. He flapped his wings as he hovered only a little distance away from the room. "That's it…succumb to me…" he whispered as he chuckled low to himself.

To Be Continued…

I really don't feel up to translating. It's late…So if you don't know…just ask…You should though…

Author's Note: I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! I'm sure some of you are thinking…'Luffy seems to smart in this one…' Well guess what? I believe Luffy really is smart he just loves to act silly and immature. Ya don't like it…then don't read my story! XD Anyways, please, give me your thoughts! XD REVIEW!