A/N: It's no lie, I've become tired of being evil. I've let the darkness consume my soul from time to time as I write Luminary. I hope you all enjoy this chapter, it was written to shine some light on the situation. Oh, and I hope you guys don't mind Zoro and Sanji in this chapter…we have to include some happy loving every now and then, no? Please let me know what you make of the addition. Er…at least this is my version of "happy."

SIDENOTE: I fully intend to write a separate fan fiction based on what happens after Luminary. That story will be my dark rendition of the Big Mom arc revolving around Sanji, his hardships, etc. I love my reviewers dearly, and take into account what their concerns are, suggestions are, and what they want to read! A lot of you left some intuitive comments, so I've taken the time to respond to them and finish up this chapter. I posted this chapter quickly in apology to how long it took me to post the last one, and also because you guys are so encouraging. I feel inspired. I went and spent the past 48 hours on the computer being a crazy, just for you guys. No regrets!

RESPONSES:

rescueremedy & bbazzle: I agree. Having breaks from the depressing torture and destruction is needed. So yeah! I am totally going to verbally illustrate a straw hat recap for you guys! It's time for some happiness to seep into this relatively dark story. By the way, I can't respond to your PM because you have PM's disabled. :[

Lauriux: I've visited the idea of Stockholm Syndrome a few times, but I definitely have decided against labeling Law with any psychological issue. I want the readers to diagnose the surgeon themselves, hehe. Law's mindset, well…things will change, for better or worse. I know in the middle of chapter 7, when Law and Doffy arrive at the mansion for the first time, some psychological aspects are portrayed in regards to Law's mindset after the scarring journey there.

Guest regarding the tunnel guy: I hope this chapter sates your desire to see him. ;D Yeah, Doffy enjoys Law's looks despite the fact he lost weight. He remains slender, malleable, and lightweight. He regained his composure from the three days he spent away from Doffy, but all of that may have been for naught. Also thank you for responding to the commentator before, I don't want my story to become PWP and have no point. Therefore, it is not a sexually driven story, more plot driven. I'm trying to tell it as realistically as I can, without going overboard—though I will admit I have done so from time to time.

Chapter 10: For Tomorrow…

•STRAW HAT SHIP•

The city of Dressrosa had been mostly destroyed; but saved nonetheless. King Riku had returned to power, and the Straw Hats were able to escape thanks to the combined efforts of the newly formed Straw Hat Fleet. Alliances were made, ways were parted, and it was the dawn of a new day. Kinemon, the Wano samurai, expressed the need to enter the island of Zou because Law mentioned that his crew was there waiting for him. Sanji's group on the Thousand Sunny had met up with Bartholomew's ship that carried Luffy's group. The Straw Hats were officially reunited, and sought to travel to Zou together. Of course the Straw-Hats had to delay their journey there due to the disappearance of Law and Doflamingo…The group of pirates were literally wasting their time on Dressrosa searching for the pair. At the time, no one knew of Law or Doflamingo's whereabouts. Luffy was frustrated by the entirety of the situation. It got to the point in which they tracked down some executives for answers, only to find that it was too late. The navy took a majority of them into custody. It was despicable, what Doflamingo did. How could a captain leave his fellow comrades behind to fall? All of Doflamingo's executives were defeated and taken into custody by the navy, and Doflamingo was nowhere to be seen. If Luffy knew anything at all, he knew how much he hated people like Doflamingo, the Tenyruubito…They made his blood boil.

Everyone worked so hard to find Doflamingo, all for naught. The string-clones that the flamingo left behind were annoying to deal with, but in the end…their mission remained incomplete. At the very least, the city was saved, lives were saved, and the rightful king had returned to the throne. In terms of finding any leads on Law, well…

Usopp had heard from Violet that she had located him with her clairvoyance, but she was a bit too late at that point to notify anyone…She saw that Doflamingo was escaping with Law via an internal route she thought was beyond repair and actual functionality. How could she let that possibility slip past her? Doflamingo was certainly a cunning devil; there was no question about it. He kept his affairs underground, literally. Violet had informed Usopp, but there was nothing he could do with all the chaotic situations the battles in the city were putting them in. Everyone was occupied fighting something, and defending someone. Baby 5, one of Doflamingo's young executives that decided to join forces with the coliseum warriors was also at a loss for information. All she could offer up was the fact that Doffy may have had another area in which he operated, but all of that information was classified. If anything, the place was probably very low key. She tossed a few names of places to Usopp, who scribbled them down on paper to give to Nami later.

With that small lead in mind, the Straw-Hats collaborated within the dining cabin in their ship. Almost all of them were seated around the long, wooden dining table. In order to find Law, they had to figure out where Doflamingo would hide. Nami rolled out a map over the table, drawing lines and pointing at various locations.

"What was Tra-guy saying about Doflamingo's operations again? The last SMILE factory was the one we destroyed, right? If I were him I'd travel some place that no one really knows about, but some place far from the navy as well…" Nami folded her arms over her chest, sighing softly to herself.

"Nami-swan! Maybe some tea will help you come up with more ideas!" Sanji smiled as he came around the table with a tray of hot tea. He placed a few cups down for everyone except Zoro. The blond glanced at the map and tucked the empty tea tray beneath his arm in order to light a cigarette. "Don't you think figuring this out ourselves isn't gonna get us anywhere?"

"Ah, Nami, Baby 5 gave me a list of names that we could try searching…she didn't know anything else, but if she had to guess where Doflamingo would go, it'd be one of these islands!" Usopp handed Nami a crumpled list of names he'd hastily written himself. "If Doflamingo really has another base of operation, we're gonna have to take it down!"

"In honor of the Tontatta's, yeah! I'll destroy all of those SMILE factories!" Franky added, as he retrieved some cola from the fridge not too far off in the kitchen.

Robin chimed in curiously, "Who knows if there even is a factory there, for all we know we may have destroyed the last one on Dressrosa. Also, Sanji may be right… do we even know anyone in Tra-guy's crew? I'm certain they're dying to see their captain." She sipped her tea and smiled, admiring the jasmine scent steaming from the heat.

"Oi, swirly brow, where's my sake?" Zoro kicked his feet up on the table and leaned back against his chair, folding his arms behind his head casually.

"What'd you call me?! Get your damn feet off the table before I kick you out of your seat myself, you muscle-headed marimo!" Sanji bit into his cigarette and grabbed Zoro by his green robe to indicate his irritation.

"Luffy, you knew Tra-guy before all of us, there must be someone we can track down in Zou…Maybe his crew can point out an island from this list…" Nami shook her head, clearly tuning out Zoro and Sanji's ruckus. "There are five islands to choose from, and they're all in different directions from here…"

Swinging his legs off the table, Zoro suddenly grabbed Sanji by the tie and yanked him forward, "Tough talk for a shitty cook!" The pair glared daggers into each other's eyes, there was no doubt that they were about ready to land a few blows in each other's faces...

Stifling his laughter at Zoro and Sanji's fight by stuffing his face with more meat, Luffy finally took one large gulp of juice before speaking, "Hmm…Tra-guy's crew…" Scratching his head, he thought hard…he thought long…

SCREEEEEECH. THUD.

"I'm surprised a third rate swordsman like yourself can even form a proper sentence!" Sanji kicked Zoro's gut, causing his chair to skid backwards. Almost instantly, Zoro leapt onto Sanji, causing the cook to hit the floor with a thud, the pair clearly getting physical with their argument.

Luffy started laughing at the spectacle once more; it was so like Zoro and Sanji to do that! It felt like it'd been forever since he'd seen the pair fight like that. Things seemed to be normal again after Dressrosa; save for the fact that they still had larger fish to fry and friends to save.

"Luffy, focus!" Nami furrowed her brows and then hit him in the head with a rolled up map. The woman was eager herself to locate Law and complete their mission. The last thing they wanted was for the man to destroy another island, heaven forbid it came down to that. The woman pressed her lips together and tucked some of her bright hair over her ear.

"Oww!" Luffy shielded his head with his hands and then readjusted his hat. He just couldn't stop laughing—"It's not my fault Zoro and Sanji are funny!" Usopp joined Luffy in the chuckles; despite the fact he was fearful of Nami and her map. Only a woman of her caliber could turn a soft piece of paper into a lethal hammer.

"Nami, don't be so hard on Luffy, hm?" Robin stated calmly, chuckling herself at Luffy's reaction. Regardless, none of this could be helped. Especially when it came to Zoro and Sanji…well, their fighting was normal for as long as they could remember, and it would never cease being a form of entertainment for Luffy.

Chopper soon entered the dining room and his eyes widened at the sight of Sanji and Zoro. The swordsman had punched Sanji's face, causing the other's nose to bleed. In parallel, the cook had kicked the other in crotch, causing a single tear to rip from his one eye. "Hey! Zoro! Sanjiiiii!" Chopper frantically scrambled to the pair's side, hopping into the whirlwind of struggle-some blows and eventually got them to quit their pointless fight.

Sighing exasperatedly, Nami rolled her eyes back at Luffy, "Luffy, did you remember anything about Law's crew? We need to know what to look for when we're in Zou…"

Eyes landing on Chopper, Luffy finally was able to recall something—an animal. No, it was a giant version of Chopper, no wait…it was a bear! "Well there was a bear, oh yeah, it was a white bear in an orange jumpsuit! It can also talk, just like Chopper does!" Luffy's eyes sparkled at the idea of a talking polar bear; it was just so damn cool. "Oh and I think they all use a submarine for a ship…hmmm." Luffy shrugged and picked up another stick of meat, helping himself.

"A talking bear? Could it be?" Kinemon finished chewing his meat, "on the island of Zou, there are all sorts of talking animals. Perhaps the fact that he's a polar bear would make it easier for us to find him? We can ask the locals, and see what they say…I just hope Law-dono is doing alright."

Sitting on the floor beside Zoro, the blond haired cook spoke briefly, "So it's simple, we'll find Tra-guy's crew on Zou, and then go from there. His crew probably knows more about Doflamingo than anyone else." Sanji picked up his bent cigarette and puffed out a faint cloud of smoke, sighing to himself as Chopper put a bandage over his nose. Some of his hair was tousled and parted the wrong way due to the struggle, his tie also a little too loose at this point.

"Sanji, sake." Zoro muttered lowly, rubbing the side of his head as he sat cross-legged on the floor. The blond took out his ashen cigarette and flicked it at Zoro in response. The swordsman caught it and furrowed his brows out of annoyance.

"We'll find Tra-guy, and then I'll kick Doflamingo's ass once and for all!" Luffy stood from his chair in an animated fashion and slammed a hand down on the table. "That bastard can't hide from me for much longer!" He furrowed his brows and exited the dining room—meat in hand. He headed straight out to the main deck without saying another word. In truth, he was truly frustrated with how long this entire battle had gone. Leaping onto the head of the Thousand Sunny, Luffy sat with his legs crossed Indian style. He watched the ocean before him, determined to reach the island that Law was held captive on. He wanted his friend back, and he wanted to defeat Doflamingo. Enough was enough. The night breeze whistled on by, Luffy's dark hair swaying along with it. He held onto his hat with his free hand and calmed himself down slightly. It was time to come to terms with the fact that they needed information that only Law's crew could provide…

Hopefully it wouldn't take too long. Luffy wasn't one to wait.

•ZOU ISLAND•

A couple days had passed and the straw hats had finally arrived on the island of Zou. They had learned the story of Jack, the beast pirates, the minks, and had made some friends and foes. They learned of the culture, the way the island of Zou was ruled, Momonusuke's true role, and that the name of the elephant itself was Zunisha; a being of it's own. Pekoms, Wanda, and Carrot had become their allies, and the Straw Hats were considered their tribe's saviors due to the odd circumstances of their arrival, and their ability to use Caesar as an antidote to cure the air in the island's atmosphere. Much had transpired over the first day in Zou, and eventually all of the formalities had been taken care of by the end of their second day there. Luckily, the wonders that the new territory presented was enough to keep Luffy busy… Despite this, everyone knew that they had no time to waste if they wanted to find Law. That happened to be their number one priority. Who knew what Doflamingo could have done to him by this point? Above all, everyone feared for his death, despite the fact that no one said it.

Everything had fallen into place. They inquired about a white bear, and eventually they were led to Bepo, who was most definitely apart of Law's crew due to the familiarity of their jolly roger. As it turned out, Bepo was actually a member of the mink tribe himself. The heart pirates were stationed a bit deeper in the forest, and they were sniffed out thanks to Wanda and Carrot. Luffy was excited to see the heart pirates again, despite the fact that he didn't remember half of them. Nami had engaged in lots of conversation, filling in the heart crew on the entirety of the situation they ended up in.

Everyone was glad that Dressrosa was saved…but at what cost? Law's life? Bepo was shocked to learn of Law's proposed "abduction" and knew that nothing good would come out of it. His poor captain…stuck with the monster that reaped him of pleasant dreams! The entirety of Law's crew was filled with worry, anger, and despair after hearing this. If anything, they were determined to get their captain back—despite the orders that Law had left them with. They were to stay grounded for the time being, and to believe in him and see him whenever he planned to return. Of course, that was just part of their mission. The rest of it had to do with taking down Kaido after destroying Doflamingo and his operations. They had people to find, things to gather, and no time to waste. Preparation was mandatory.

Law was a man of strategy. If one plan went down, he was sure to have a backup. Unfortunately, this time that wasn't the case. He was human after all, and humans erred. After much information was exchanged, Nami was finally given a chance to present the list of plausible locations Doflamingo could have taken Law to. Bepo was Law's navigator, and he turned out to be quite knowledgeable just as Nami was in regards to the topic.

In terms of Doflamingo having more factories, well…based on the group's intel, they proposed that there was a 30% chance that there was one, and it would be under construction somewhere low key. It took several years to build the Dressrosa façade, so there would be no way for Doflamingo to recreate that so easily. The straw hats had already taken down the major SMILE facilities, that much was confirmed. Either way, the heart pirates assured the straw hats that whatever Kaido wanted, Doflamingo wouldn't be able to provide it—Kaido would destroy Doflamingo himself regardless. Both parties knew that it wouldn't happen though, since Luffy was determined to finish what they started. However, Kaido would be their next opponent there was no doubt about it—it was a matter of time before all of the dots were connected. List in hand, Bepo looked over it with keen eyes, other crewmembers such as Shachi and Penguin doing so as well. The furry bear suddenly became very uneasy, somewhat hesitant.

He pointed to Minion Island.

There was no mistaking it. That was where someone like Doflamingo would take Law. His captain's backstory was something that he would never forget… That torturous bastard. Bepo couldn't bear it; he had to save his captain no matter what his orders were. The polar bear had quickly come to the conclusion that he would join the Straw-Hats on this mission to rescue his captain. Both pirate crews were alliances now, and in order to take down Doflamingo and save Law, he needed Luffy's strength. Having his crew go alone was not wise, despite the fact they wanted to come. Nami asked Bepo how could he be so sure that the place he chose was correct, but Bepo merely shook his head adamantly. He just knew it.

After much debate, it was settled. Luffy was fine with Bepo coming along, but the rest of the heart crew had to stay in order to respect Luffy and Law's decisions. They were very upset, but if Law believed in Luffy, they would too. Kinemon, Momonosuke, and Kanjuro—the Wano warriors would also stay on Zou to tend to their own affairs. They rest assured knowing that the fate of Law was in more than capable hands. Luffy declared that Law was in this mess because of their failure to aid him properly in the first place, and he expressed that it was only right for him to see it all to the end. Law was also his friend. And Luffy would travel to the ends of the seas to ensure a friend's safety. The rescue operation was thus finalized.

•THOUSAND SUNNY•

The next morning, the straw-hat crew set sail with their lovely guest, Bepo. Nami had mapped out the quickest and safest way to get to their destination, the only unfortunate part being that it would take them awhile to get there. The North Blue wasn't exactly close… They sailed over the seas, the windy saltwater breeze drifting on by. The skies were blue, white clouds drifting along seamlessly. Currently, Franky and Luffy were playing a game of volleyball, Usopp acting as the referee and Chopper keeping tally of the scores. Nami and Robin were lounging on beach chairs, letting the crispy rays of sunshine toast their exposed bodies. It was so relaxing, especially since Brooke was playing his violin so beautifully in the background. It lit up the atmosphere and brought smiles to everyone's faces. Nothing could ruin the serenity and peace of being home with nakama.

Bepo was enjoying the livelihood of the straw hats, and it was inspiring to see how wonderful their culture was. Despite all of this, he leaned against the railing of the ship and looked out at the sea. He remembered when he met Law, on Swallow Island…the man had beat up Shachi and Penguin, the very people that bullied him for being a talking bear. From that point on, all three of them got their crap together and followed Law, admiring his strength to perservere. Before all of that, Bepo was wandering, trying to follow his dream of finding his big brother. Never did he think he could achieve such a feat, until he came across Law. He was a beacon of inspiration, and brought meaning to his life when he felt so low, lost, and beat. Swallow Island wasn't too far from Minion Island… These days, it seemed like no one could escape their pasts. It was time to embrace them, and become better people. Bepo sighed softly to himself, worried for Law's well being. Out of the many conversations he'd had with his captain, he knew very well that the surgeon was hurting inside. At most times he seemed devoid of emotion, but only those who were close to him knew that there was indeed a heart within. It wasn't just a play on words, the heart pirates. Just because Law was a surgeon, didn't ultimately define everything. Corazon was apart of his heart, and no mes could trade that for the world.

Sanji was in the kitchen, washing dishes from their lunch—and quite a bit of dishes there were! He was used to it, no crew in the world could devour as much as the straw-hats could. Correction: as much as Luffy could. It made the blond smirk to himself, his eyes locked onto the pearly white porcelain of the dish in hand. He left the entrance to the kitchen open, so he could hear the wonderful music Brooke provided, and the scores Chopper announced for Franky and Luffy's game. As he worked, he let his mind ponder… They were going to the North Blue. That was where he was born… The blond grimaced from his unpleasant childhood memories. It was best not to recall his tragic past…he didn't want to spoil the beautiful day before him. Eventually, Sanji heard someone shuffling behind him…not bothering to look; he already guessed it was Zoro. "If you're looking for sake, I hid it somewhere else, moss-head."

"Ehh?" Zoro cocked his head to the side and folded his arms over his chest, his eyes now resting on Sanji's back. "I should've known a shitty cook like yourself would deny a man his drink. It's been hours."

Sanji looked over his shoulder and spat back at Zoro, "It's not my fault you have a knack for getting drunk and lost, dumbass."

"What'd you call me, dartboard for brows!?" The swordsman came forward and grabbed Sanji's upper arm, "number seven will never learn his place now will he?"

The blond didn't want to drop the soapy dish he was currently washing, "Don't touch me, I don't like to associate with the directionally challenged." Sanji locked eyes with Zoro, clearly irritated by the other's response, "I can't believe you're still holding onto that number seven crap! It doesn't even matter! It's been forever since Saboady!"

"Whatever you say, seven." Zoro shoved Sanji to the side, causing the blonde's waist to bump against the adjacent counter. The dish the cook held had slipped out of his hands in the process, clanking back into the sink with a splash. Sanji's abdomen was now drenched…at least the dish didn't break, or at least he didn't think it did. The blonde's white-collar shirt was loosely buttoned as it was, his sleeves folded up neatly in contrast. It was a shame that such a nice shirt was now coated with dirty water. As he examined himself briefly, he darted his eyes back at Zoro. "There's no way in hell you're getting any damned sake now, moss for brains! Now get out."

The swordsman folded his arms over his chest once more, glancing at the pile of dishes Sanji had yet to wash. "Ah, I get it." Zoro smirked to himself, his eye assessing the blonde before him. Sanji was gripping the edge of countertop as he faced Zoro, the small of his back still pressed against it. "You just want me to keep coming back. Are you that bored, swirly brow?"

Sanji furrowed said brow and took a few steps forward. Without a word, he reached into the sink and pulled out the wet plate. Almost instantly, he pressed it flat against Zoro's chest and brought his face close to the other's. Up in Zoro's grill, he spoke softly, yet fiercely. "Maybe you should just help me wash these damned dishes once in awhile, marimo-chan." Foamy bubbles drifted by them from the action, the pleasant smell of soap gracing the air between.

The feel of the wet dish pressed against his somewhat bare chest caused Zoro no immediate discomfort, but surprise. He furrowed his brows and smirked once more at Sanji's rebuttal. If there was anything he'd never get sick of about Sanji, well…it was the fact that he always bit back with a heart of gold. The way he looked up at him now certainly sent Zoro to another place, courtesy of Brooke's beautiful violin music strumming in the background. It caused him to forget that Sanji just mocked him with the whole marimo-chan thing. He adored Sanji; there was no doubt about it. Yeah, they were rough around the edges and always fighting like an old married couple…but despite this, they pushed each other to even greater heights. There was no mistaking it, Zoro and Sanji brought out the best in each other. Unfortunately, Zoro wasn't even aware of how long he actually harbored feelings for the other. He didn't even know what exactly those feelings were…And telling Sanji was something he never planned on doing, since all the man did was dote upon every women he came across. Not to mention the endless nosebleeds since their reunion… Wherever the hell he was kept for the past two years, well…it certainly did something terrible to him.

Not bothering to take the dish in order to keep Sanji's hand busy, the green-haired swordsman placed his hands on Sanji's waist and took advantage of those very near and dear lips. His dry lips coalesced with soft ones, the combination a sticky sweet dose of affection. The blond flinched initially, his hand still pressing the dish against Zoro's chest. The four-second kiss seemed to last forever, the blond now absently gripping one of the swordsman's wrists with his free hand. "Mhh."

The kiss was broken gently, but so awkwardly…

Sanji didn't outburst as Zoro predicted he would. Instead, he looked at Zoro with such a confused expression, his lips still parted in silent question. So many thoughts ran through the blond's head, one of them wondering if Zoro got drunk merely off the thought of sake. Maybe he shouldn't have called him marimo-chan…? Sanji awkwardly pulled the dish from Zoro's chest and held it with both hands, at a loss for words—usually he'd outburst, well that would have been the normal thing to do but…but.

Zoro wasn't a fan of the silence only because his heart was ready to self-destruct from what had just transpired. Never before had he ever let himself slip up like that, it was…uncalled for, and he didn't want to damage their brotherhood. How could he lie to himself though, that very moment was fleeting. He didn't want it to end, and he didn't want to hear the shitty cook reject him either. Tightening his grip on Sanji's waist, he pushed him back against the counter—"Zoro—" and locked his lips against the other's once more. Sanji placed the dish on the counter as he was being kissed, his hands now sliding up Zoro's abdomen to his chest…he pushed. He pushed Zoro back with a slow, gentle force—the action causing the green-haired swordsman to tighten his hold on the other. It was as if Sanji were deciding whether he wanted this or not in the middle of the kiss; it wasn't as if Zoro had given him a warning or anything…Soon, the blond was able to break the kiss by turning his head to the side, Zoro's lip grazing against his cheek in the process. Both men stayed in that position, breathing softly in silent thought. The swordsman held onto Sanji as if he were holding onto the last line of their relationship…

"Even silence can kill, Sanji."

•MINION ISLAND•

Sitting on one of the stools by the counter, Leanne waited patiently for her dad's delicious cooking. "Do you ever think Leo will ever come back to see us? I don't feel like I had enough time to thank him properly, dad…" The brown haired girl sighed softly to herself as Shinta turned around and placed a plate of steak before her. It was dinner time, and the café was closed. Tonight the entire house was reserved for the father and daughter alone. Now that Leanne was well again, all Shinta wanted to do was spend some time with her like they used to. In his heart, he knew that he'd be forever indebted to Law. He who wanted nothing but the knowledge of ship building in return…

"I'm not so sure sweetie, but I reckon it'd take him awhile to build a mini-ship. I'm sure he's around these parts somewhere doin' just that." The man then turned away and continued cooking his own plate of dinner. Steam sizzled from the heated grill, various vegetables also getting a nice tan from the temperature.

"Did you ask him where he's stayin' at? Maybe we can bring him some steak too, dad!" Leanne picked up her fork and dabbed at her meat. Oh how colorful her plate was! Broccoli, carrots, rice, and steak! Her dad was a brilliant cook! Sometimes she wondered how it was even possible for her to reject the food he made her while she was sick. "Mmm! Delicious!" It was the perfect combination of savory and sweet! Shinta's cooking could make anyone smile.

It was a valid question, a valid gesture. It didn't even look like Law had much, if anything, the man looked burdened. Come to think of it, Law never looked well. The clothes didn't seem like they were his, his eyes were glazed over time to time, and his breathing seemed slightly abnormal the first time they met. If Law was able to cure Leanne, surely he'd be able to help himself? However…what troubled Shinta more was the fact that Law had warned him to forget all about him. Someone was after him, and he'd be forever damned if he were to get involved. In order to protect his daughter and himself, Shinta heeded Law's words. Unfortunately, it all felt so wrong. He had to fight every fiber of his being in order to stay out whatever mess Law was in. In the end, Shinta was a good man who only wanted to help those that deserved it. "He was pretty vague about where he was stayin'…but my gut tells me he doesn't really have a home…"

"Whaaaat? Why didn't he just stay with us?" Leanne took a big sip of her apple juice, extremely curious about the entire situation. She had a big imagination, heart, and soul—children were literally the epitome of purity.

"Cuz, uh…well sweetheart, he's just in a complicated situation. But how 'bout I tell ya I'll try to find him, and see if he wants to come over for dinner tomorrow?" Shinta wasn't really sure where he was going with any of what he said, but at least it would make his daughter feel a little more at rest, and comforted. The kid just seemed so determined to see her savior…He didn't blame her.

"Awesome! I hope you can find him dad! Maybe I can show him the tiny toy ship you made me! It might help him build his ship too!" Leanne smiled brightly, revealing a sliver of meat stuck between her tooth. "Hehe."

Shinta chuckled at his daughter's behavior and ruffled her hair out of love. "Alrighty darlin', that's that. I'll look for him tomorrow. Now finish up that plate o' food! Cheers to good health!"

•MINION ISLAND•

The beautiful harpy lady, Monet, was spending her time supervising operations at the new laboratory. It was under construction still, it's location completely classified to the world. Vergo and herself had quite a lengthy conversation with Doflamingo the prior night…Of all the things she had learned, she was most concerned about Sugar. Yes, Sugar was one of Doflamingo's executives, but she was also Monet's little sister. The blond had promised he would get all of his executives back, but it would take some time. Sighing softly, the winged woman perched herself atop the brand new SMILE factory. The exterior was modeled; it was just the interior that Doflamingo's men were working on. It took time to build something as classified and advanced as this…

In truth, Doflamingo had started this project a month prior, and expected no less from it thus far. The blond had expressed his distrust in regards to one of the men he had posted there, and asked Monet to oversee the operation from this point on. He wanted her to keep an eye on the man in the black shades…the same man that had accompanied Law and himself through the tunnels. In Ghost Town, the weather remained muddled and cloudy…it irritated Monet, since she hated getting her wings wet. Sighing to herself, she used her sharp vision to keep her eye on the male from time to time. He wore a bandana that covered his lips, dark shades, and a baggy cloak to perhaps protect him from the unpredictable forecast. Currently, only a faint air of rain pattered down from the skies…Monet glanced up, letting a few of the microscopic orbs land on her face. It was somewhat…refreshing.

She yawned to herself and glanced back down…Wait. Where did the agent go? Slightly panicked, the amber-eyed beauty descended from where she perched. She scanned the area, unsure of where he could've gone in that brief moment. Landing on her talons for feet, she walked past the bushes and forestation. This was the area closest to where he was standing… How could he disappear like that? The harpy looked around, her senses very keen, very alert. There was only dirt, trees, and rocks here… Where had he gone?

"Lady Monet," she turned around instantly, seeing the man standing a couple of feet away from her, "were you looking for something?" The man smiled beneath his bandana, something that she could not see, for it was concealed.

Bluntly, she responded. "No, not anymore." Monet flexed her winged arms as she approached the male, "what was your name again?" Something was terribly wrong, and she could sense it in her bones. The aura off this man was vile to her. Casually, she played it off, and acted her part. Despite this, she knew that the man most likely saw through her, even though her charade was as convincing as ever. So what exactly was she even sensing? The harpy couldn't put her wing on it…but she would certainly alert Doflamingo later.

"They call me Eno."

Follow, review, and fave! How'd you like the marimo-chan comment?