Guess What!? I'm back!

Nami: Yeah, it only took you a year and three days.

Me: Okay, I hit a wall. I wasn't going to introduce Akane so early, but I did. I sort of backed myself into a corner, and I couldn't find a way to write myself out of it. I had to rewatch One Piece like a jillion times, and even then, I thought about quitting.

Tsukino: But you didn't.

Me: You're right, I didn't. I'm horribly sorry for making you guys wait a year, but at least I'm back now. I love you guys so much, and I am here for you now! (winky face)

I do not own One Piece, Eichiro Oda does, and he does a darn good job at it. Keep it up man! Anyway, I've kept you waiting a year, so without further ado, chapter 14!

Recap: Laying curled in a semi-circle was a girl in denim shorts and a green tank-top. She was wearing a white button-up overshirt on top. She was a pretty girl with fair skin, plump, pinkish-red lips, a heart-shaped face, and a beauty mark under the outer corner of her left eye on her cheekbone. But the most startling, eye-catching parts? Her familiar silver-gold locket that fell loosely around her neck and her bright red, thick and semi-short tresses of hair.

My eyes widened and my arms fell limp to my sides as her name escaped my lips in a choked, near whisper. "A-Akane?"

Chapter 14: Akane! What are you doing here?!

(Normal POV)

"Tsukino!" Everyone yelled as she jumped overboard.

The splash of water was accompanied by the creak of the dinghy as Tsukino climbed aboard the small boat. She checked the now identified as Akane for breathing, and circulation. "No, Usopp." She managed to choke out calmly. "She's alive, but she's really cold. She might have hypothermia."

"N-nani? Then bring her aboard! She needs medical attention!" Nami yelled, being the first to recover.

"Um, g-guys," Tsukino said, now standing next to the curled up young woman.

"What?"

"I can't climb back up."

Everyone on the Merry did an anime fall, then Usopp and Nami yelled with sharp teeth. "Then why did you JUMP OFF?"

"Um, can I explain later? I have some other stuff to explain, anyway,"Tsukino asks, catching Zoro's look.

"Alright, Gomu Gomu no..."

"Ah! Luffy, don't!" Zoro and Sanji yelled.

"Whip!"

(Tsukino's POV)

"Well, I've got some explaining to do." I was sitting at the dinner table and everyone was sitting around me and staring with such intensity that I wanted to crawl away and die.

"S-so… where should I start… um…," I asked, poking my pointer fingers together.

"Start with the girl. The one conveniently sleeping in your bed right now," Nami said. "She is the girl from one of your pictures, right? I brought it out here to check," Nami continued, holding my favorite picture to her chest. "Is it alright if I show them?"

"Yeah, go ahead," I reply. It's a picture for a reason, right?

As Nami turned it around, there was a collective intake of breath as they realized the similarities between the girl on the left and the girl sleeping in my bed.

"Woah, are they….?"

"The same person? Yeah," I replied. "Akane was my close friend for a very long time. She and Terra, the other girl in the photo, were my best friends. We were always together. One day, Terra got a lead on her parents' whereabouts, and she took off. Akane was really angry, but I understood, so I told her to leave. For a little bit, Akane was angry with me, too, but she got over it. After that, it was just me and her for a few more years. Akane's mother died a while back, so we only had each other. Fast forward a few years, and I got injured badly, so I went away to train, to get stronger. I really didn't expect to see her here in the middle of the ocean. She hates water with a fierce passion." I smiled bitterly and looked down to my hand, folded in my lap. "I didn't tell her where I went, or even that I was leaving. I just left, trained for two years, and then, well... Then I met Zoro, and then Luffy, and the rest is history."

There was silence as it was all taken in. Then Sanji broke the silence, picking up the picture with hearts in his eyes. "Waaahh! You have kawaii friends! Tsukino-chwaan!"

"Shut up, lousy cook." Zoro growled, taking the picture. "So, if the two on the sides are your friends, then the girl in the middle…."

"Yeah, that's me."

"What?" Usopp yelled, taking the picture which was then snatched back by Sanji, who then lost it to Luffy's quick grab.

"Ahaha! You're really pretty!" Luffy exclaimed!

"Thank you," I said with a slight blush. Wow, I'm really not used to compliments. "But, anyway," I said, "there's more to talk about."

"Yeah. When we were fighting Arlong, he said something about priestesses like you being eradicated from the world," Zoro said gruffly. "Why?" And, with this question, the once light-hearted atmosphere turned grave.

"Well, that's because… because… um," I fidget, not knowing where to start. I actually don't know every detail, how am I supposed to explain it all? Well, I guess I'll start with the hate of the World Gov.

"The World Government and those similar believe that those who could reveal those secrets should be removed from the world immediately. Priests and Priestesses of the Celestial Realm are at the top of the list for execution day." The words were taken out of my mouth. Everyone looked to the doorway- the source of the voice.

Akane was leaning against the frame. Standing slowly, she walked over and pulled out a chair, making it screech slightly. "The World Government is know for controlling everything with an iron grip. What people know is what they want them to know, nothing more. Nothing less. Tsuki is a Ocean Priestess and keeper of the spirit of Delphi. On top of that, she is skilled and smart. With those traits together, she is considered a triple threat. Not to civilians or anyone in general, but to the secrets and schemes that they have shed blood to keep silent. To them, she needs to be destroyed." I was a little surprised that she knew those things, but I realize that if she was from my world, she might be like me.

"I see." Nami said. "That's not good. In fact, that makes us more likely to be in danger than ever before!" Panicking, she started pacing around the table.

"Nami, be calm. I would die before I allow anything to happen to my friends." I'm pretty sure everyone caught the flinch from Akane. "Anyway, Akane." I say, turning to her. "Why are you here? You were supposed to stay at home, you were safer there. You also hate the ocean, and water in general." How did she get here?

"I wanted to make things right." Akane stated, determination firm.

"Make things right?" Nami asked the question that was on everyone's mind.

"That man was going to kill me… I would have died. But…" She looked up and locked gazes with me. "You took a bullet for me. I thought you were going to die. When I went to see you at the hospital and realized you were gone, I spent a lot of times thinking. 'Why was I such a horrible friend?' I didn't really realize the amazing hand I was dealt until the game had passed. I wanted to be like you. I wanted to be strong enough to protect my friends. My true friends, the ones who always were by my side. Terra, you… I wanted to be able to be honest like you. I wanted to be brave for once. If I found you, I would tell you the truth, beg for your forgiveness, and endure any punishments you had dealt me. I was a coward, people hurt you, and I'd turn a blind eye because I was afraid. I won't ever be able to make up for the wrongs I have committed you, but I want you to know that I'm sorry. You don't have to forgive me, I know I don't deserve it, but I still wanted you to know." During her talking she had stood from her chair and at the end of her speech she bowed deeply and I could see drops of water falling on the wooden floor.

The room was silent, a rarity for the straw hat pirates. And then I laughed, and the silence was broken. "I won't forgive you." Akane stood up, her back straight, much like a metal rod. Everyone else in the room was shocked as well, probably thinking that I was angry. Akane looked like she had been punched in the gut, and I realized that she probably thought that I was laughing at her, at her feelings, at her apology. I quickly put that doubt to rest. Smiling gently, I put my hand on her shoulder and pulled her in for a hug. "There's nothing to forgive. There will never be anything to forgive. I told you when I met you didn't I? Since I'm a little strange, I will forgive you for things you might do, because where everyone in my small world despised me, you didn't turn you back to me. Akane, don't you remember? That was all I ever asked for."

The rest of the crew broke into smiles when they realized I wasn't angry. Akane looked like a glass doll. "B-but… I'm a liar. I told you I was normal! I'm not! I have powers like you. I always have. You didn't know, I thought you would hate me for pretending I was normal. You didn't kn-"

"Akane, I already know that." I interrupted, shocking her. "You do know that your thoughts aren't very guarded. You would sit up at night worrying about when to tell me. Sometimes when you would talk to me your thoughts would flash to the certain detail." I pulled away from her and stepped back, my hands still on her shoulders.

"Wh- wha? But I don't… You always acted like you didn't know… You don't hate me?" Akane trailed off.

"I figured that when the time was right, when you were ready, you would tell me. I had decided that I would respect your privacy. When others brought it up, the fact that you, a person who was normal, was hanging out with me, a freak, I decided that I would defend you and your secrets."

Akane was crying by this point, she had slumped to her knees and had her hands on her face. "You are the kindest person I have ever met. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you…." She repeated over and over like a chant.

"Shh, shhh, it's alright. I'm here. You've done well Akane. I'm so proud." I handed her a handkerchief and helped her clean her face. "Well, that was emotionally draining." Helping her stand, I turned towards everyone. "I guess that introductions are in order. Everyone, this is Akane, my first friend outside of my hometown. Akane, this is Sanji."

"Hello gorgeous, how would you like a rose, though it may pale in comparison to your beauty." Sanji said, conjuring up a rose from nothing. Honestly, I still don't know how he does that.

"Nami."

"Hiya! How much money do you have on you?" Nami asked, getting a disapproving look from me.

"This is Usopp."

"Hahaha! I am captain Usopp! This is my ship and these are my subordinates-ack!"

"I'M the captain!" Luffy yelled as Zoro dug the hilt of his sword into Usopp's gut.

"The First mate is Zoro."

"Hn." I realized that Zoro didn't trust Akane. That will have to change. I want all my friends to get along.

"And this is my captain, Luffy."

"I'm going to be the Pirate King!" He exclaimed, putting his hand on his hat.

"You… are… Pirates…" Akane said. "Oh. I didn't imagine it. But, thinking back, you always seemed to yearn for freedom, didn't you, Tsuki?" I sensed a change in demeanor from her, but I decided to question it later.

I smiled and asked, "Luffy, is it okay if Akane stays until we find a more permanent location. I want to make sure she can get back safely."

"Will she take my meat?"

"No." I laughed.

"Then yeah, sure."

"Thanks. Well, I guess it's time for dinner. I'm not really up for eating right now, but I'll take first watch as an apology for any inconveniences." Smiling, I stood and walked out for first watch.

That… was a surprise. Ah, that must've been what Tou-san was saying in his letter. Very unexpected, indeed. I wonder what will happen now. I looked at the stars and the crescent moon and then I heard someone coming up to the crow's nest.

"Tsuki?"

"Ah! Akane, what's up?"

"You're a pirate?" Akane asked, whisper yelling.

"Yeah, why?" Where is this going...

"But, pirates are…" I know exactly where this is going! Time to nip it in the bud.

"What? Pirates are what?" I asked, a little frustrated that she was mad for that reason. She was judging without knowing anything.

"I don't know! Dangerous! You have already died once! I don't want to lose you. But I guess that you have already forgotten me." Ohh… So that's what this is. Akane has always been one to be jealous, I just assumed she had grown out of such a petty thing.

"Is that what this is? You are afraid I have replaced you? Akane! I have known you for almost seven years. There is no one in the world who can replace that time. There will never be anyone who can break that bond. You should know that by now. I refuse to give up my happiness because of you judgements on people you don't even know! They were kind enough to let you stay here." I whisper-yell. Sighing, I continue. "Besides that doesn't matter now, how are you here? You must have died too, so what are you doing lecturing me!" I reply in an tired whisper.

"I don't know." All of the past conviction had left her voice. "I remember the police coming after… well you know. They took your body to a hospital, when I came to visit, the staff was in disarray. Your body had gone missing! Then a few weeks passed, and all of the people who called me a friend kept telling me how I was better off with you gone, like… like they had known you like I did. Like they grew up with you. Like they watched Mom die with me. They didn't know you, or me. For the first time in my life I had realized how much I took you for granted. I was disgusted. With them, but mostly with myself.

I went home that night and went through the boxes, y'know, Mom's inheritance to me, and I found a letter. It told me that I wasn't born there. I was born in a different world, one with magic and adventure. It said that the world was where she was born, where I was born, and where Terra was born. Not you. It was the strangest thing. She wrote that it wasn't where you were born, but where you belonged. I didn't understand, but I realized that it was probably why I had strange powers.

The letter said that I would find you, Terra, and my birth father if I came home. I didn't understand. At first, I thought it was a sick joke. Then I thought I was dreaming. I layed down and slept, hoping that I would wake up, and it would have been a bad dream. I would wake up and you'd be there. I'd get up and you'd make me try all of the food, and I would listen to you sing, just like always.

I realized I was selfish. You did everything for me. You protected me in ways I hadn't even noticed. You comforted me when my mother died. You listened as I hated on a father I had never met. When I woke up and you weren't there, I realized that you were the person who made my life easy. I wanted to thank you for making my life, a life and not just time passing. I needed someone to confide in. I'm selfish Tsuki. You probably were free of me, I knew that. But I didn't want you to have other friends that could make you smile. I was even jealous of Terra, your real first friend, the one who shared all of your memories.

At the bottom of the letter it had a check box, like the one you'd give a crush. I knew it was stupid, and I expected it to be a trick. Where it said, 'Do you want to go home? Check one.' I put an x on yes. Then I waited. I knew it was fake, so, for the first time in seven years, I used my power to burn something. Immediately after, I cried myself to sleep. I didn't expect to wake up on an island in nowhere. I had a backpack that held my hand wraps, and everything from the box of odds and ends, old pictures and all of mom's stuff. I met with a woman, and she trained me for two years, then I hopped on a dinghy and here I am." So that explains a few things. One, what happened after I died in my world. Two, why Akane is here. And three, Where Terra went. But still, Akane's world is this one? I was not expecting that.

"Well, that is a lot to take in. First, I need to know, you're a Priestess like me, right? That seems to be a good explanation. Who is it?"

"I am the Celestial Priestess, hailing from Queen Amaterasu, Goddess of the sky and sun. She is the queen of the Celestial Realm, and so I am her ward. Apparently, she has known me since birth, and since my life couldn't be compromised, I was sent to a world where I would grow up safely."

"I see. Okay. We can work with that. I am still a little miffed that you judge pirates on face value, but I know that your mind will change soon. Do you have a book?"

"The training book? Yeah."

"What level Priestess are you?" I ask.

"I don't know." Akane said. "Last time I checked, I was level 5."

"I see. Okay." Looking out, I realized I should probably wake Zoro for second watch. "Akane. I am a Strawhat Pirate. I will be until I die. I love all of them too much to leave. They are my friends, and I want you to trust them, I want them to trust you. Please try to get along with them."

"I don't know… I'll try, for you. But, why them?" Why not them?

"Akane, I'm happy here! I feel… free. Every member of the straw hat crew is family. I love them all so much. They mean a lot to me. It means a lot to me that you are willing to try to get along with them. Thank you Akane. Goodnight." I say, prepping myself to go down the crow's nest. Heights still terrify me, but hey, things are getting better. I'd say that this is a start.

(Normal POV)

It was morning, and Sanji called everyone in for breakfast. They talked about their destination. "Grandline! Grandline!" Luffy cheered.

"Our next island is Loguetown. It is called the town of the beginning and the end." Nami said, looking at a map.

"Why?" Luffy asked, his face stuffed with food.

It's where the Pirate King was born and executed."

"COOL! I wanna go there!" Luffy exclaimed.

"It's crawling with marines!" Nami yelled, Shark Teeth displayed for the whole world to see.

"Chahahahaha! That's great! You guys sure are lively in the morning." Tsukino says, finishing her food. She stood and washed her dishes, then she walked out. "I'll go check on Zoro."

Akane looked a little lost as Tsukino left, but she made it work. She couldn't bring herself to like the motley bunch, but she couldn't really say it. So, she adapted. "I'll help with the rest of the dishes."

"Really? You don't have to do that. You're a guest on this ship, and Tsukino's friend to boot. You don't have to." Nami says, gathering the empty plates.

"Really, it's fine. I need to occupy myself with something anyway." Akane said, grabbing the dishes from Nami.

"Alright, if you say so."

0o0o0o0o0o0o0

Tsukino found Zoro in the crow's nest. "Hey." She said as she entered the place Zoro had been sitting, meditating. Zoro opened one eye to see who it was. Reclosing it, he answered.

"Hn." Well, that's a start. Tsukino thought.

"Let's talk. What do you think about Akane?" Tsukino asked. She already knew what Zoro thought about Akane, but she wanted to know why he thought what he thought.

"I don't trust her." Zoro moved to get out some rather large looking weights and swinging them as if they were swords.

"Why?" She asked, getting to the heart of the problem.

"She lied when she was talking. A lot. I don't trust liars." Oh. I see. It's true, Akane did lie while talking to me. But it was in lieu of her insecurities. She also is good at lying, it's become a habit. But, unlike Usopp, she's good at lying. I think she doesn't mean to lie, but she has done it so often it's become second nature to her.

"It's true. She lied. Akane is a rather insecure person who has hidden everything about herself from the world so that she would be accepted. Because people loved her facade more than they actually wanted to get to know the real her, she is used to lying about who she really is. Especially around people she has never met before. It's sort of second nature to her now. A defense mechanism." Zoro's full attention was on Tsukino now. "Akane is a great person, well, inside she is. I think she wants to let that person out, but she doesn't know how. If you give her a chance, and perhaps challenge her authority, her honest self will come out. I know that you'll like who she really is."

"What do you want me to do?" Zoro asked. He dreaded talking to Akane, but he knew that if what Tsukino said was true, she might not be half bad.

"Can you spend the day with her while at Loguetown? I won't be with you. As much as I love her, I am a constant in her old life. While I'm around to remind her of who she used to be, she won't change. If she's with you, she'll be able to start fresh."

"Hn."

Taking that as an agreement, Tsukino said, "Thanks Zoro!" and climbed down the crow's nest. When she go both feet on deck, she saw that Luffy was sitting on the figurehead and Zoro was looking up. "Hey, I can sort of make out an island."

"Really? What island is it?" Luffy asked.

"Didn't we already go over that?" Nami asked.

"So that's where Loguetown is." Usopp said, looking out at the sea and the small shape of land in the distance.

Sanji walked up, "It's a pretty big city."

"Yeah I heard that too." Usopp said.

"They should have lots of good food and places to get fresh ingredients." Sanji commented.

"I need to go to a weapons store." Zoro piped in. "You can't do Santoryuu with only one sword. It doesn't work."

"Yeah, I wanna check it out too." Usopp said.

"On the island Gold Roger was born and executed." Luffy said. Tsukino smiled and turned away. They would be arriving soon, she wanted to get some shuteye in.

When they arrived, they quickly docked and gathered around the entrance. "Whoo-hoo! What a huge town!" Luffy admired, an iconic hand on his hat.

"Lots of pirates stock up at this town before heading out to the Grandline. You can get pretty much anything you want here." Nami explained.

"Alright, for my upcoming great adventure, I'm gonna get some cool stuff." Usopp said, looking around.

"I'll bet there are lots of good food to check out here." Sanji said. Then a small heart floated off of him. "And lots of good women!"

"There's something I want to buy, too." Zoro said, putting a hand on his chin in a thinking manner. This started up a debate between him and the blackmailing queen herself.

"Alright! I'm gonna check out the execution platform! I want to see it! The place where Gold Rogers died!" Luffy yelled, running off.

"Hey! We haven't decided on a meeting place yet!" Usopp yelled after him. Tsukino sighed and stretched.

"I'll go after him. How about we have the execution platform as our meetup." She winked at Zoro. "Akane!" Said redhead perked up at having Tsukino's attention. "Stay with Zoro!" Then Tsukino ran off as well.

Akane visibly deflated after hearing the command. Sighing she mumbled, "Yeah, okay…" Then everyone went their separate ways.

(Tsukino's POV)

Finding Luffy is hard! I was running down the street and past a girl when I realized that I had seen the blonde child before.

Skidding to a stop, I turned and ran back to the area where I saw the girl. I got there just in time to see the scene lay out before me. "Yay! Three scoop ice cream!" The little blondie cheered and ran with her eyes closed. The man behind her was casually walking.

"Hey now. Careful that you don't fall when you run!" He yelled after her, neither one noticing the giant white-haired roadblock in the way.

I winced when the ice cream made contact with Smoker's leg. That's gotta be cold. I thought. At that moment, everyone on the street went deathly silent.

The little girl gasped and tears gathered in her eyes. "My ice cream…."

The girl's father went on red alert. "Captain Smoker!" He flinched. "I'm so sorry! SORRY!" He got louder as Smoker crouched down but went silent when his hand made contact with the little girl's head.

"Sorry kid," Smoker apologized. "Looks like my pants ate your ice cream." Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a Beli coin and placed it into the girl's hand. "Here. Go buy yourself five scoops." Standing, he turned to the marine he was with. "Let's go."

"Aye!"

Smoker lifted his hand in a wave to signify his acknowledgement. I almost forgot how nice Smoker is. I thought as I followed him. Getting a bit further down the road, I stopped him.

"Hey! Wait!" I yelled, running up to him. "That was a very kind thing to do, mister." I say, gaining his attention.

"Hmm?" He hums.

"So here!" I handed him a Beli coin to make up for the one he gave to the girl. "I'm a firm believer that what you do in life is paid back in full!" I smile as I hand him the coin. "It was nice meeting you," I said as I turned and ran behind a building.

It was nice to actually talk to him, without having him want to arrest me. That'll be the only time, though. I then returned to silently following him and watching as he took out the pirates. If I follow him, I'll run into Luffy was my main motivating thought.

Sure enough, Luffy came running up, asking for directions. I watched as they talked for a bit before Luffy ran off. "Dang it! I need to follow him."

Running after him, I tripped. Once I thought we were far enough away from Smoker, I called out to him.

"Matte! Luffy!"

(Zoro's POV)

Walking with girl was troublesome. She'd stop every thirty minutes to see some dumb display. I don't trust her. She seems off. She lied when she said that the only reason she had come was to apologize. Though in her defense, she is a bad liar. That usually means that she doesn't lie often. She's bratty and childish but… She was counting out money from her wallet and giving it to an elderly lady who had forgotten her money.

"Here obaa-san. I hope this is enough for you to get your shopping done." She smiled, handing off the money.

"Oi! Onna!" I growl. "Hurry up! The sword shop is just over here!" SHe looked up at me and smiled an infuriatingly blinding smile.

"Alright, don't mind me." She pointed to a shop across from the swords shop and then cupped her hands around her mouth. "I'll be in there. I need new hand wraps among other things."

Looking back at the window of the shop, I realized that all of the swords in the display were too expensive, but I'd rather die than get a loan from the debt witch. 'You need a loan? But you'll have to pay me back with 300% interest, okay!' I can't borrow any more money from that witch.

My thoughts were drawn away from their course by a commotion in the street. Two lowlife pirates threatening a girl with blue hair that was lighter than Tsukino's hair. I was about to interrupt, but it looked like she had it under control.

I watched as she fell over and her glasses fell at my feet. I picked them up and walked over to her. "Hey, looking for these?"

"Eh?" Kuina? In my surprise, I didn't realize before the damage was done. "Thank you so much!" She thanked me, but then she looked up and saw the mangled frames. "My glasses!"

"It was an accident!"

"Those are expensive you know! Why would you do something so cruel?" She yelled, clearly confused and frustrated.

"But I didn't mean to!" I yelled back.

"Please replace them!" I am so royally screwed. I thought, thinking of the costs. My thoughts were interrupted by the redhead I had forgotten about.

"Hello miss! I'm so sorry for my cousin, he doesn't know his own strength. I'd be happy to replace your glasses for you." The woman had a cloth sack over her shoulder, it was white, and it was filled with many things from what I could tell. "Here." She said, offering a hand to the girl in front of me. "Let's go get new glasses right away!

(Tsukino's POV)

It didn't seem like Luffy heard me, and I seemed to have lost him again. Man, I'm just having an unlucky streak today, huh? I'm lost. Man, only Luffy could get this lost…

Actually, on second thought, Zoro wins the medal for being lost. I looked up at the sky a bit and frowned. It smells like it is going to rain. Walking down another alley, I stop at a door with skull and crossbones on it. "Gold Rogers...Hmm." That sounds like a place that Luffy would enter. Knowing him, he probably thought that it was a place founded by the Pirate King himself.

Walking inside, I stop at the counter. Spotting two empty glasses, I smile. "Excuse me sir." I take a seat, waiting for the elderly man behind the counter to turn around. "I'm looking for someone named Luffy. I thought that he might have come in here."

"Now, why would you think that?" The old man requested cleaning something behind the counter with a rag.

"Well, on the door it says Gold Rogers. The first Pirate king, y'know." I smiled and swiveled in my chair, resting my back against the counter and my elbows on the counter. "Luffy is going to be the next Pirate king. I wouldn't expect anything less from my captain."

The man stiffened, then turned to me, chuckling under his breath. When he saw me, his eyes widened like he just realized something. "What does this Luffy look like?"

"Black hair, red vest, blue short, adorable smile, mahogany eyes, straw hat… " I list, trailing off.

"And you? What do you think of him?" The old man asked, his eyes gleaming with mischief and a knowing glaze. He was putting something together in his head.

"I will follow him anywhere. The grandline, the new world, towards the sky or underwater. If my captain wishes it, it will be done. I respect and love him like a brother. Besides, he's my captain, and he'll be a king. Why wouldn't I follow him?"

"Haha! I like you girl. You remind me of Rayleigh's girl." He laughed then pulled out another glass. "So, what'll it be?" He asked, gesturing to the bottles of rum and whiskey on the shelves.

"Oh no, I don't drink. How much for milk?" I don't drink milk often, but it is rare to find good milk at sea.

"Don't worry. It's free of charge,"

"Oh no, I couldn't possible allow that. Here, I'll pay for half." I haggle, not wanting to leave this business without paying for my service.

"The boy you are looking for went down to Main Street. Take a right, then two lefts, you can't miss it. Then, just head north."

After draining my cup, I stand and bow. "Thank you so much mister!" I then left, following my new directions. Luffy, you're so troublesome I think. I ran into Smoker on my way out. "Excuse me. Ah! You're that nice ice cream guy!" I exclaim, laughing internally. Smoker the Ice Cream man. Haha! That's rich. It's going to be his name from now on. "I'm in a hurry! See ya Ice Cream Man!"

Finally finding myself on Main Street, I stop when a gleam catches my eye. I walk up to the window of a weapon store and stare at the bow display. Luffy can wait a few minutes. I think as I head inside the store.

"Well heeeellloooooo~. What a ravishing lady. You here for a gift? Anniversary for a husband? Boyfriend? Who's the lucky guy? A father or a lover, right? Can I interest you in-" The man said as soon as I entered, looking me up and down like a sack of meat.

"Actually, I'm here for me. Something small and inconspicuous. And something else, I'll be surprised if such things are here." I say, blatantly ignoring the overly-eager looks he's giving me.

"What? But you're… You're... "

"Let me handle this one Malo. You're a little too short sighted for this customer." A woman said, walking in wearing an uncomfortably little amount of clothing. She had light brown hair cut in a boy cut style. She had tribal tattoos covering her back and arms.

"Sure Molls." The man now known as Malo says, walking into the back of the store.

As soon as he shut the door, the woman started.

"You are looking for long range. I'd suggest the throwing knives on the shelf, and I'll get you a bow. What style?" She asked, getting down to business.

"None, I don't do bows." I reply, walking over to the shelves with loads of throwing knives. Picking a few up and testing their weight, I realized that they all came in a set of thirty. None of the knives felt heavy enough, so I moved on to the other variety of weapons.

Almost immediately, I found what I had been looking for. Two brilliantly sharp tessen. They were blue metal with a moonstone and sea prism stone yin-yang symbol on it. Terry wanted me to be well versed in a weapon if my powers failed me. I remember forcing Akane to take up a weapon. She chose elbow blades, I chose fans. They are graceful, and don't need too much strength. Terry used fans to teach me how to use an opponent's strength against them. He also taught me meditation fan dances and tai chi. Then he also taught me long range, throwing knives. Practicing my aim was torture. 200 throws every 2 hours. Every. Freaking. Day.

Molls pulled me out of my thoughts, "Oh, I don't know how those one got out here. They're scrap, too heavy for actual combat. Besides, no one knows how to use a fan for more than decoration." Molls said, reaching for the fans.

"Actually, I'll take them. How much?" I ask.

"You can really lift them?" Molls asked, incredulous.

"Yeah."

"Then take them, free of charge. How about the throwing knives?" She asked, walking over to the shelves.

"None of them are heavy enough." I explained. She looked like she just realized something and grabbed a box behind the throwing knife shelf and handed them to me.

"These are the rejects. They're made of sea prism stone, but the crafting with the stone made them too heavy, they are a blip in stock. No one will buy them. Try them. If you like them, take the whole box."

Opening the box and lifting one, I tossed it in the air and caught it. Turning to the practice board, I threw it. We both looked. Bullseye. "I'll take them. Thank you. "

"No problem. Also, here." She grabbed something from below the desk. "Chest bindings." It was a pack of 20 wraps, they looked like ace bandages, but I realized that they were like the sports bras of this world. "They're half off. We hardly get women in this shop, so no one buys them."

I paid the woman and walked out. "Thank you for your hospitality?" I yelled as I left. Ah! Luffy! Dang, I got caught up! Oh, there's Smoker! Follow the ice cream man!

0o0o0o0o0

I got there just as Luffy accidentally flung himself away. "Crap!" Walking to the nearest bench, I sat down. The bench was facing the execution platform. Guess I'll just have to wait this out. Man, I hate being behind.

(Akane's POV)

I don't like it. Tsuki's too nice. They're pirates. They're only going to use her. I've heard the things people say about pirates. My mentor told me all the history of this world. Supposedly my world. Pirates aren't good. Marines aren't good. Trust no one but yourself and those who you know. Be prepared for the worst. All of these things are what let my mentor survive. These are the thing I need to keep so I can survive. So that Tsuki can survive. I glance over to the two I'm walking with. They were talking heatedly and I realized that they were headed to a marine base. I hoisted my bag on my shoulder and slowed to a stop. Roronoa and the Bluenette walked inside the base, forgetting me.

Earlier I went shopping for some items I would need. My mentor, Pimiko, is the right hand to Queen Amaterasu. Her twin sister, Himiko (Said the same way, spelled differently), is apparently the other sun priestess. She received me on the island I woke up on, and trained me in hand-to-hand. I learned the anatomy of the human body, and how to inflict the most pain in the least amount of effort. But that wasn't it. I was trained in strength, speed, and agility. I wear weights wherever I go. They react to my 'celestial energy'. When I give off more energy, the heavier they get. When I am unconscious or weak, they get lighter.

The only weapons I trained with were elbow blades and fingerless SAP gloves. I am skilled with the elbow blades since Tsuki bought me some when I was eleven. I called her paranoid, but I learned to use them anyways. I bought new ones today because the elbow blades I had got lost at sea.

Though I am strong. I bought SAP gloves to improve my hits. I don't like fighting, but I was trained to be good at it. I also maybe splurged a bit on paints and canvasses. Anyways, back to the topic on hand. "Really? They forgot about me?" I suppose it's to be expected when you have a marine and pirate together. This is what I'm talking about, they just take what they want and leave the scraps for those who actually are in need. Pirates and marines alike. Disgusting. They both steal food, money, assets, Tsukino… Tsukino? Blinking I straighten. Is that what this is about? Tsukino? I crouched to the ground and started really thinking. I'm… jealous? Abruptly, I stand, snapping to the conclusion. That's a problem. I don't actually know them. I know that they're pirates, but that's it, all I know is that Tsuki's attention is on them now. She smiles for them. A smile that I haven't seen. A smile for a family I'm not a part of. It's not me and her anymore. It's her and them. I know she wouldn't replace me but… but it still hurts.

'Akane, I'm happy here! I feel… free. I love them all so much.' I heard Tsuki's voice in my head, I'll help him out, but only for Tsuki's sake.

Walking inside the marine base, I found Roronoa over two beat up marines. "You know, you're never going to pay her back like that."

"Shut up woman!" He yelled at me.

"Here." I handed him. "For the glasses." Then I turned and walked away. "Let's go." I beckoned, waving over my shoulder.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

After walking for awhile, we entered a sword shop. I watched while hanging back as he talked to the merchant. The merchant started trying to get him to sell his sword, but I recognized that by the way Roronoa carried his sword. It was his treasure. No matter how much he could get for it, he wouldn't sell it. I guess pirate or not, treasures are the same.

Soon enough, the bluenette came along and gave Roronoa back the money I gave him to give her. Rude much? They talked for awhile and then the merchant threw a Shigure at the bluenette and it sent her toppling into a sword display. Roronoa went to pick two swords from the cheap section, and the bluenette came up to him.

"You must really like swords. Y'know, since you are carrying so many. It sounds like this bounty hunter, Roronoa."

"A bounty hunter?" Roronoa asked, smirking.

"He's really famous." She replied with a firm nod.

"I hear the name often." Roronoa said, and this time I smirked with him. Technically, he isn't lying, he hears his name often. I giggled under my breath. Bluenette didn't hear me, but Roronoa did, he sent me a glare.

"Yeah. He has a reputation throughout the East Blue as a great swordsman." She said, then glared at her hands. "But he is an evil man. Using a sword as a tool to acquire money is… unforgivable." She looks at the ceiling and then sighs. "Why is it that this is an age where evil is so strong?"

Before she could continue, I wanted to say something. Something Tsuki taught me. Something I almost forgot after two years. "Isn't that just labelling a people by what you have been told?" I ask. Bluenette and Roronoa both jumped, having forgotten I was here. Seriously guys? I've been here the entire time.

"What?"

"You can't possibly know if Roronoa-san is an evil man. You haven't met him, have you?"

"Well, no. But-"

"But what?" I question, cutting her off. I was getting worked up. I realized I was talking to myself as well as her. "You can't know the taste of food if you haven't put it in your mouth yet. You can't love an art piece you've never seen. It's the same for such conjecture. If I came up to you on the street and said, 'I really hate you and everything you do!' What would you think?"

"W-well, you hardly know me!" She replied indignantly.

"See. Say, how many evil people have you met in your life. People who are truly bad to the core, who you could say have a rotted black heart and should not exist because it would be better off for humanity. Think, think really, really hard. Who do you know that is evil?" She looked like she was at a loss. "I've met evil people before. I was with a friend though. My best friend. She has blue hair, like you. I saw evil, she did too. I hated them, but she never did. I didn't get it. They were evil, right? She would always say when I asked her, 'I don't know them. I have never met them, I haven't been them. Who am I to hate them. Yeah, they make me angry. I feel hurt. But… I'll never hate them.' I think of her," I think of you, Tsuki. "And I think twice about calling someone evil."

I smiled at her and continued. "I've met many marines with mixed up morals. Out for the fame, the power. Those who have used their status to get what they want from civilians. But, you know that all marines aren't like that, don't you. You wouldn't like that if people believed marines were bad, right?" Seeing their expressions, I realized I had gone off on a tangent.

"Haha! Sorry about that. Sometimes I get worked up about some things. Continue. Don't mind me." I apologize.

"So, are you gonna try to take this away from me? Wado Ichimonji?" Roronoa asked Bluenette when he recovered.

"I-I don't want to have it, I just don't want the meito in the hands of evil people." She replied, then she glanced at me uncertainly.

Going back to the swords, Roronoa picked one up. "This one…"

"That's a meito! Sando Kitetsu!" Bluenette yelled, surprised that such a rare sword was only 50,000 beli.

"No! I won't sell it!" The shop owner said.

Roronoa took it out of its sheath and swung it once. I felt a shift in energy and in the back of my mind my training told me, That is a nasty curse. Watch out.

"I thought so! Selling that sword for only 50,000 beli…" Blue said, saying it was worth a lot more than that.

In unison, Roronoa and I cut her off, saying, "It's cursed." For a split second, Roronoa glanced at me, a small smile on his lips, then he directed his attention back to the sword.

"Y-you both knew!" The merchant yelled, disheveled.

"No. He could feel it. We both could feel it." I explained.

"Starting with Shodai Kitetsu, they are all amazing swords, but they are all cursed…!" The merchant exclaimed.

"I like it! I'll take it!" Zoro states, surprising everyone but me.

"Are you stupid? If I sell it to you, you keep it and die, won't it be like I killed you?!" The merchant near shrieked. A woman came in and punched his head.

"You're the one who is stupid! Just sell it!" By the endearing remark the merchant makes, I assumed they were married or something like it.

"How about this, my luck and this curse. Let's see which is stronger." Then he tossed the sword in the air, held his arm out, and closed his eyes, drowning everything out but the sword.

I closed my eyes and decided to test my powers. You are a temperamental katana. I thought, reaching out in my mind.

'I will DESTROY you!' It replied, nearly ripping my mind to shreds. I flinched and gasped, but I held my ground.

I refuse to bend to your will! I said firmly. My resolve strong, he immediately quieted down. I thought that it would be a bit easier to talk now that he had calmed. What is your name?

Don't you already know? It's been said a few times already. It responded. The anger was still evident, but it was obvious that it had accepted me for now.

Sando Kitetsu? Is that your name? I asked gently.

That is what they call me. That is what I answer to… It hesitated or a moment, then asked, and yours? What is the foolish mortal's name?

Akane. My name is Akane. And the swordsman is Roronoa Zoro.

Hmph. He is strong. I will follow him. For now. It said,and then the presence faded. The sword missed Roronoa's arm by a hair, and lands in the ground.

"I'll take it!" Roronoa says, opening his eyes. Both the merchant and the Bluenette fell to the ground from the tension. "Hey, pick out another one!" He said to me and Blue. She started to rifle through the swords, but I closed my eyes and listened.

"Mister. There is a sword in here, it is a great sword, but it isn't in the room right now. May we see it?" I said to the merchant. He ran into the back and came back with a sword covered in a cloth.

"The sheath, a black lacquered long inlay. The blade, an unraveled edge with a small 'T'. One of the Ryou-wazamono 50. The Yubashiri! This may not be a big store, but it is the best katana I have!"

"I'll pay for it!" I said, knowing Roronoa doesn't have the money for all of it.

"No! It's fine. I don't want money for the Kitetsu either. I'm sorry I tried to cheat you before. I haven't seen a true swordsman in a while. They say, 'A katana chooses its master' I'll pray for your fortune." The merchant says, giving the swords to Roronoa.

I'll receive your prayers. "Arigatou!" I say. "Let's go now then." I say to Roronoa, realizing that I couldn't say his name with Bluenette there.

"Yeah." Fastening the swords to his belt, he grabbed my wrist and dragged me out of the store.

"Roronoa-san." I say, getting his attention. "I want to be your friend. I didn't before, but now I know what type of person you are, I realize why Tsuki likes you. I wanted to hate you guys for taking Tsuki away, but I can't. She was right. Well, Tsuki's always right. I'm a selfish person, I'm self centered, and I lie a lot. But, I am trying to change. To be truly honest, and truly me. So, can we be friends?"

"Hn."

"I'm going to take that as a yes!" I say, smiling and skipping on ahead of him. I'm getting excited! Whatever happens next, it will be important to the future. Won't it, Tsukino?

That's it guys! What did you think about Akane? I hope that this was an okay chapter. Constructive criticism is always appreciated! I'll update whenever I have time, but I won't wait a year unannounced ever again. I promise. If I ever am unable to post for such a long amount of time, I will be sure to tell you all. Anyway, Review! Seriously, the reviews were what pushed me to continue instead of giving up when I hit a wall with my writing. I go back to my story and just read the reviews over and over again. Tell me what you think! I love ya! Ani out!