Don't own One Piece! Nor will I ever.

Okay before we get started sorry again about taking so long to update! Also sorry to anyone that maybe be bothered by what I think is new font. My computer crashed during spring break so I lost microsoft and all my fanfics and stories ;n;. Anyway now I am using open office sooooo ya.

Anyway enjoy, thanks for your patience, and don't forget I like reviews good or bad, plus it helps me make it better (also motivates my sorry bum)!

I woke up to the sun beaming in the room I have shared with Mistress over the years. I guess Mistress was already up since the bed she usually sleeps in was empty and already made. I sat up in my bed before getting out of bed in a fluid motion. Before doing anything I made my bed then changed into a plain grey shirt and pants. I walked out of the room to find the smell of freshly cooked food filling the air.

I wandered into the kitchen to find Mistress in front of the stove cooking.

She looked up at me with sad but loving eyes. It seemed like she was about to say something but she did not so I sat in door waiting for her to start what is most likely the last conversation we will for a long time.

"Ami did you sleep well?" She asked.

I nodded and said ", yes Mistress, and you?"

She nodded wordlessly as I stood quietly. An awkward silence passed over the two of us that held strong until Mistress finished the stew. I offered to carry it for her but she waved it off. It was far from surprising, no matter what her age she is still a strong independent woman. I moved out of the door way so she could get through.

She set it down on the coffee table while I hurried into the kitchen to get bowls. I grabbed them from the cupboard along with two spoons.

I walked back in the room and took a seat on the couch shoulder to shoulder with Mistress. There was only enough for both of us to have a bowl each. We ate in such a strong silence that one could hear the light pattering of rain on the window. Once I finished I got up to prepare for leaving everything behind.

I grabbed the bag I usually use to carry around things when I am on errands. It wasn't completely waterproof but it kept water out well enough to be helpful so I figured it would be useful in carrying supplies that do not require much care to be used. Before going down the stairs I went back in the room Mistress and I shared. I got on my hands and knees then peeked under the bed. I stored a small safe under my bed. It was to heavy for me to bring along so I put in the code and cleaned it out -all 200,00 beli- into a leather pouch that I then stuffed it all in my bag. I had managed to raise over the years fortune telling. If I were to guess that is probably how Hawkins raised his money (along with other ways I am sure).

Once it was thoroughly cleaned out I left the room for the last time. As I shut the door I heard the distinctive smash of the ladder. I looked to where it should have been to find it already lowered. With a roll of my shoulders I lowered my self down it to the floor below.

I did not have to look far from Mistress. She was in the supply closet reserved for the third floor. Before I could react she threw a small bag at me. I opened it up to find several packs of gauze pads and antiseptic wipes, along with several rolls of adhesive bandages. I rezipped it then stuffed it in the bigger bag at my hip. Once my eyes were off the bag I looked back up at Mistress.

Now she was standing up facing me. I filled the couple foot steps between us then pulled the older woman in a hug.

"I will miss you Mistress, and thank you for everything." I said fighting back tears. Crying would not do either of us any good. Plus personally I want the last time I see the woman that is more of a mother to me then my own to be happy.

I felt her arms around me and pull me closer. "You are practically the daughter I never had, think nothing of it! I love you and be safe."

I did not have the heart to tell her it was highly doubtful that will be possible. I kept silent until she pulled out of the hug. She put her wrinkled hands on my jaw to keep me in place. She tenderly kissed both of my cheeks.

"Pass that on to Hawkins would you?" She said with a smile.

I nodded even though it was incredibly doubtful I would. I said one last goodbye then turned to leave. It was so hard not to look back. I forced myself to keep my eyes in front of me as a went down the first set of staircases then the second then finally the third. I was so close to looking back when my fingers curled around the door knob. I hurried out the door before I could.

Fate seemed to be in a mood to be amused since I walked straight into Hawkins. He put his hand against my back to keep me balanced. I was happy to feel his hand leave my back, but I did not dare look up. I knew my face was bright red.

"Oh... good morning... Hawkins." I blabbered stupidly. It was all so pathetic!

I could feel his eyes on my head. As I awaited his response I played with my hair.

"Good morning Ami." He said calmly. I felt my face get redder about how indifferent he seemed about me running into him. Truly I must look like such an idiot. I felt his finger under my jaw then lift up my head.

"Is something wrong?" Hawkins asked me, forcing us to have eye contact.

I shook my head in his grasp and told him I am fine. He seems to believe me since he let go and let his hand go back to his side. I could feel the blushing receding so when it did I finally looked back up at him.

"See I am fine no need to worry." I said with a smile.

He looked at me for a long moment then turned away as if something caught his attention by the obvious irritation I had a very good idea what it was. I followed his gaze to see Titus peeking out to look at us. Since Hawkins hates him he looked at me for permission to come out. I call him over to which he happily obeys.

Once he was in touching distance I started scratching him behind his ear. He clearly was not enjoying it as much as he usually did. He simply looked at me with a knowing gleam in his eyes. I stopped scratching him realizing that was not what he came for.

I straightened up and looked at the large otter creature in front of me. With a sigh I say ", good bye boy I am going to miss you."

He seems content with that and with one last look he returns to his home in the forest behind the hospital. I hope that Mistress will be able to care for Titus. Unfortunately it is much to late to worry about that. I turn to Hawkins to find him waiting for me silently. For a moment I consider passing on Mistress's 'message'. What the heck, why not.

I walked up to Hawkins. Our eyes connected for a moment before I got on the very top of my toes and kissed both of his cheeks like Mistress did me. I then got back down I looked up at his embarrassed face. Not often I get to see Hawkins embarrassed, it amused me enough to make me forget to be embarrassed myself.

"Mistress asked me to send that on to you.'' I said in between giggles.

He gave me an annoyed look before deciding it was time to leave. I followed him, trying to stop giggling. It did not work out well. He did not say much as we left the town I have spent ten years in. The atmosphere seemed to shift to something sadder.

We were in the forest within an hour and kept walking until night time. Hawkins informed me we were going to a sea side town two towns away. He estimated that we would probably be there with in three days. I nodded at every piece of information he gave to let him know I understood. Apparently the town is small and is for the most part ignored by marines. Both of which is good. He continued on by saying that pirates are often hanging around the town but kept in check by the citizens. He also added that while the people looked out for one an another that did not go out to strangers so it was wise that we kept close.