After three years, I update. One thing I want to point is that I changed Doc to Hakase. As I watched the show, I liked how it sounded better than the actual translation. And the fic is taking a bit of a re route. The general plot is the same, with poor Don whump and Currydon goodness. But theres gonna be a few more twists to make it a bit easy for me to transition. If you are still reading this after waiting forever, I thank you. And now, onto the reason why you are actually here. The story.


"There are always consequences to the truth."

Patti Callahan Henry

Now. Marvelous.

A dying engineer may have been the worst of their problems, but wasn't their only one. It was only a matter of time before Zangyack retaliated. Or rather – no time at all. The thought had just crossed his mind when Luka entered the room. Grim expression on her face and a newspaper in her hands. Marvelous didn't have to ask for her to hand it over, she did it automatically. Before he read, he looked over at Hakase. The six hours of sleep he'd been granted was doing wonders. The deathly pale complexion slowly turning back to his usual pale. A good sign to Marvelous. And he almost let a smile show before turning his attention to the paper before him. Their usual bounty pictures – Hakase included again. The only difference was the reward. While everyone's did increase, Hakase's nearly tripled to match his own. Marvelous gripped the flimsy paper tight. That high of a number would bring more than just Zangyack. Every scum bag bounty hunter worth his salt would be after that. So even after his rescue, Hakase wasn't safe. Marvelous wouldn't let him leave the Galleon. Not that he could now, anyway. Sighing, he tossed the paper aside and turned to Luka.

"Who else has seen this?" The look he got from the thief said it all. For once, Marvelous was the last to know. Well, second to last. Clearing his throat, Marvelous started planning. A half ass plan at best, but still something to prepare for whatever could knock on their doors. "Keep Navi scanning at all times, got it? And I want someone on watch at all times. Take turns, or something. Don't over do it, though. Nobody comes near the ship without us knowing first. Friend or Foe. Understand?"

Luka had nodded and agreed with an oddly satisfied smirk on her face, as if she was daring someone to try. Marvelous knew she felt the same as he did – as everyone did now. Protective. Determined not to let any more harm come to their little family. Trusting Luka to keep watch, Marvelous decided to take a moment for himself. It was reluctant, but needed. And was only enough to grab an apple from the kitchen and wash the exhaustion from his face. The ship was quiet, and he wondered just where everyone was exactly. Joe's jacket lay on the couch, so he hadn't gone far. But there was no sign of Ahim. Or Gai. He needed to thank them, for bringing help when they needed it most.

He tossed the core before returning. Stopping just outside the open doorway to observe. When nobody was looking, she could be caring. Like now, running her fingers through Hakase's hair. A normal gesture for any other person that wasn't Luka. A once in a lifetime action for her. Pity Hakase didn't wake, it would have made for an interesting sight.

Coughing before he entered gave Luka enough time to regain herself and that tough as nails exterior. She let it known that she would pass along his instructions to the crew and quickly moved away. Just like she had done before. Marvelous flopped down in the closest chair and shut his eyes for what he thought would be a couple of seconds. It turned into an hour power rest, interrupted by movement and soft groans. Though it took another moment for him to realize, when Marvelous saw what it was, he scrambled forward.

One arm moved to push blond curls away from fluttering eyelids; while the one with a needle taped into the crook remained still. As if using both limbs at once was too much work. Marvelous hovered and waited, sighing with relief when he finally saw those wonderful brown eyes open. Still hazy, and very confused. But open nonetheless. The captain reached over to offer support. Thankfully, Hakase took it.

"So...I wasn't dreaming..." That single sentence was croaked out, but it was music to Marvelous' ears. Now, he could smile as he squeezed Hakase's shoulder gently. Feeling that he really was here; he was alive. He shook his head.

"No...we came for you. Always do." Even if it was extremely late. Marvelous would never forgive himself for that. Even if Hakase did. "You should drink something. Are you hungry? Are you -"

"Can...I sit up?" Hakase spoke like an unsure child. And Marvelous hesitated. He wanted to say no, that he need to rest. But at the same time, asking to sit up wasn't asking to run a marathon. And it was another good sign. Nodding, the captain eased an arm around his engineer and slowly helped him upright. It wasn't without effort and the occasional hiss of pain. But Hakase stayed propped up against his headboard, closing his eyes with content. "I'll take that drink now..."

Marvelous backed out of the room, hating to take his eyes off his crew mate. Quietly and quickly making his way through the ship and back to the kitchen. Luka had disappeared; more than likely taking watch on the crows nest as told. He came back only moments later with a mug in hand, cold water inside. And in those few minutes, the environment had changed. Hakase sat there with wide eyes, the discarded newspaper in his shaking hands. Marvelous cursed himself for leaving it there. Taking a step forward, he placed the mug on the nightstand and reached for the paper.

"Hey. Look at me." His voice was stern as he pried it away. But his words fell on deaf ears; Hakase stared at his empty hands.

"I'm not a murderer."

"I know..."

"I'm. Not. A. Murderer." Marvelous could hear the panic rising in Hakase's voice, and reached over to shake him lightly.

"I. Know. This isn't...you know how Zanyack is." He leaned forward onto the bed, forcing Hakase to look him in the eye. He was glad he did. Seconds later, the latter was trying to bolt. Flinging the blankets aside and aiming for the door. While Marvelous was glad for the improvement earlier, now he loathed it. Balancing holding Hakase back with trying not to hurt him further proved to be the ultimate task.

"Stop it!" Marvelous hoped he shouted loud enough for Hakase to listen. Or for Luka to hear. But neither happened, so the captain had to struggle on his own. Using Hakase's draining strength to his advantage, he placed a hand on each shoulder hand pushed down. Holding them there until the fight died down and Hakase slumped back. Drained and panting. The painkillers must be wearing off, Marvelous could see the flinch in his face.

Hakase groaned, turning his head away from his captain. "I have to show them...prove them wrong."

Marvelous had to hide a laugh. There was no way in hell Hakase would be proving anything to anyone. At least not any time soon. When he was sure the engineer had calmed enough, he slid back into his chair. Resting his head in the palm of his hand. "Hakase. You told me you remembered everything..." He paused, trying to find the right way to ask. "What happened? To you? Before...?"

And eerie silence crept over the room. Followed by a long sigh from Hakase.

"They came to our planet one day. Just out of the blue. We were a peaceful planet, so we didn't stand a chance. Zangyack was going to take us...sell us. Like we were..." Marvelous' hand ran down his face, stopping at his chin. He was just imagining it all, trying to fill in the blanks as he did.

"And you got away from their ship?"

A small nod, even as Hakase stared at the ceiling. "Not on my own, Marvelous."

Marvelous leaned forward, eyes wide.

"We landed on Earth...and we – we made a run for it. It was useless, though. They caught us again..."

"You keep saying 'we'..."

"I had a brother, Marvelous. We were going to be caught again. But he...pushed me off the edge and..." Marvelous could see how close Hakase was to breaking. His eyes were shut tight and his hands gripped the bed sheets. The captain cringed. This was too much. Too soon for someone just coming back from death.

"I saw him, Marvelous. Just after...they killed him, Marevlous. Rankaise killed my brother. Hes the murderer. Not me."