~M~

Well this is an interesting of events. Ace, Rory and I crouched behind several stacks of shipping boxes. Why? Well, there were about two dozen guns pointed at us. A semicircle of marines had us trapped. And the leader of this particular battalion was none other than Everett D. Grace. She's a Vice Admiral. She's been after Whitebeard's hide for about twenty years. What are the chances of meeting a high ranking officer like her on a sleepy old island like this? Lucky us...

Wondering what's going on? Me too.

See, the old man wanted Ace and I to check up on one of the islands in his control. Normally it was a boring task, so why Rory wanted to tag along was beyond me. However this mundane job went awry as soon as we stepped foot on the island. Immediately we were hailed down and pursued by these government dogs. Questions were buzzing in my mind. Why were marines here? What were they planning? Did they know we were coming, 'cause it sure seemed like it?

The most pressing question for me was; Why did Rory look so much like that vice admiral?

They both had the same color eyes and hair. The difference was Grace was clearly a bit older, her hair was longer, and she had a nastier temper. And she was more curvy. Could they be related? I didn't see any recognition cross Rory's face she saw her though. Maybe it was a coincidence. It's not unheard of for someone to have a look-alike.

"Come out, you pirate scum!" Grace ordered. As if we would follow directions.

"We have to get out of here." Ace muttered.

"Seriously..." I agreed. "I'll distract 'em. You get her back to boat." I nodded towards Rory.

Ace hesitated. I know how he is. He hates backing down from a fight. Especially if someone he cares about is in danger. But he sighed and agreed since it was the safest plan of escape available. "Alright..."

I shifted to my zoan form and flew directly towards the marines. Their bullets had no effect on me.


~Nameless Marine~

I was standing just beside Vice Admiral Grace when the phoenix suddenly dived towards us. She didn't flinch. She pulled up her pistol and aimed it at the two pirates who bolted out from their hiding place. Firefist Ace pulled the unidentified girl back toward the vessel they showed up on. It all happened within a split second. The Vice Admiral had a clear shot, and she rarely missed even a moving target. I saw it all though. She purposely adjusted her wrist as she pulled the trigger. The seastone bullet didn't make it to the pirates. It ricocheted off of the wall of a building just to the left of the pirates boat.

I looked at the Vice Admiral in disbelief as she lowered her weapon. I almost reprimanded her for it, but my breath caught when i saw the look on her face. She looked...haunted and guilty. That couldn't be right. This was Vice Admiral Grace I was looking at. As soon as I blinked, that look had disappeared and was replaced by her usual scowl of disapproval.

The blue phoenix ceased its attacks and flew after its comrades as they zipped away from the island.


~M~

Alright, I think it's safe to say I won't be getting anymore deja vu when I look at Rory. She reminded me of the marine. I've faced that woman just enough times to get a feel for her personality. She didn't take kindly to sexual remarks aimed at her, and she had a quick temper, much like Rory. Thankfully though, those traits were toned down a little in Rory. She could take a joke once she gets comfortable.

"That was weird...It felt like I was looking in a mirror." Rory said. So she noticed the uncanny resemblance too. "Only it was like a fun house mirror that showed a taller, sexier version of me..." I let out a snort of amusement.

"Now I wouldn't say that..."

I rolled my eyes. I could tell Ace was trying to flatter her. Did he know he was trying to do that? Or was he too thick headed to realize he had a thing for her? I hope he's not.

"Liar." Rory chuckled. "I've got no curves. And she had enough for the both of us."

"Okay, so you're a little more...petite. That doesn't mean you're any less attractive..." Ace replied. I had to fight to keep from groaning. Seriously Ace, if you're gonna compliment her, you shouldn't look away and blush like an embarrassed kid. I thought your were more confident than that!

"Oh, you're just saying that..." Rory giggled.

Man...I feel like a third wheel.

I couldn't be more relieved after we got back to the ship.


~R~

Almost as soon as I got back to the ship, I was caught up in another game of tag.

I sighed as I sunk into the hot water. Finally I had some time to myself. Well, the boys give me some time alone every night, so I guess I shouldn't sound like I'm complaining. However tonight they let me off a little earlier than usual. Normally we play until I only have enough energy for a quick shower before bed. Tonight I could enjoy a nice long bath to relax.

I have to admit, I'm a little suspicious though. After all it was Thatch that insisted the guys give me a break.

I didn't pay mind to it though. I might as well enjoy what I've got, right? So that's what I did. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the hot water soothing my muscles.

Until I heard what sounded like the creaking of an opening door. My eyes snapped open. The door to bathroom was still closed, so it must have been the one for the guest room. I heard muffled whispers.

"Shhh!"

"Sorry! It was the door!"

I scowled and stood up out of the tub. I wrapped a towel around my midsection and grabbed a bat that I kept in the bathroom for this very situation. I tiptoed toward the door. Not I had the choice to barge out and confront them, or let them open the door and be surprised.

I chose the latter.

"Alright, we'll take a quick peek and then we're out of here!"

The doorknob turned. The door creaked open.

It was none other than Thatch (of course) and Ace. I wasn't expecting Ace to be the partner in crime, but I'm too surprised either.

Their faces shifted from hopeful apprehension to shocked horror.

They bolted, faces flushed red. I managed to get one good hit on each of them before they were out the door.

I let out a frustrated sight, but my annoyance dissipated quickly. I giggled and shut my bedroom door. That was bound to happen sooner or later. And I'm certain it'll happen again. I'll have to stay on my toes.