Girl Falls Into One Piece

Edit: 9/5/16 Time: 12:47 am

Meeting Laboon

Chapter 17

We really were doing it, we were going to the Grand Line. I grinned to myself, feeling excited. Luffy talked about it for years, but we were finally doing it. I looked around, Luffy's eyes were bright and his grin wide. Even Usopp looked excited, no matter that he was scared to enter the dangerous sea when we were at the Baratie.

It was still raining but I ignored it. My lips twitched into a fond smile as I looked at them, they grew on me so fast. I guess that is what Nakama does to you. I brushed the wet bangs out of my eyes and grinned, fighting the wind and went to Luffy as he was sitting on the ram head, his 'special seat'. His hat was blowing by the string on his neck.

Everyone else was doing things that needed to be done for the ongoing storm. I ruffled Luffy's wet hair. He turned his head and grinned at me, his happiness making him shake. I grinned back, happier than I ever been in a long time. Nami was yelling things. I moved away from Luffy and swore under my breath when I almost crashed to the deck. I heard Luffy yell."It's the Mystery Mountain and it's huge!"

I gawked at the huge mountain in front of us. I heard Sanji yell out in surprise and I ran over to the railing and gripped it tightly. My eyes widened when I looked closer, they talked about it, but the ocean water was really going up the mountain! I heard Zoro say the same thing I was thinking. I yelled out in shock once I saw where the boat was headed. "We're gonna crash into the mountain!"

I heard Sanji and Usopp in the Galley. Luffy called out. "I got it!"

Tossing his hat to me, he did his Gum-Gum balloon and I grabbed his hat and held it tightly so it didn't blow away, holding my own hat to my head. I laughed when we started going up the mountain as the others cheered. Luffy jumped back on the boat, on to the sheep head. I gave him his hat and jumped on the railing, with my hands on it and laughed again, throwing my head back! Ha, we finally made it to the Grand Line! 10 years of waiting!

I looked around at my Nakama, they looked as happy as I did. I lost my grip on the railing when all of us were thrown in the air and I crashed to the deck, but was laughing because I was too happy to be annoyed or upset. I got up and heard Nami say. "We just have to take it straight now."

I gave another cheer as we went down the mountain. I laughed when I noticed Usopp clinging the wooden post holding the flag. I do not know what half the crap on this ship is called, never had a need to. I heard Sanji call out. "This is great."

I nodded with a grin. "The Grand Line!"

I made it over to Zoro, a satisfied smirk on his face. I said. "Come on! We're on the greatest sea! Even you could smile!"

He rolled his eyes at me and gave me a wider smirk, teeth showing and all. "I'll leave that up to you, the way you're grinning."

I laughed at him and called to Usopp. "Hey Usopp! Have a little adventure, stand with us!"

He said nervously. "I'm alright from over here!"

I shook my head smirking. "Now that just won't do! I just have to pull you off!"

He gave a yelp as I walked over to him. Before I could I heard this loud noise. My head snapped to Zoro as he asked. "Did you guys hear something?"

Nami dismissed it as the wind with a grin, but I thought it might be something else. I narrowed my eyes. I heard it again and whipped my head around, what the hell is that?! "What the hell!?"

Before I could say anything else, Sanji called "Nami-san! There is a mountain up ahead!"

I blinked and went over to Nami asking. "Nami? Is there supposed to be another mountain?" From what little I know about maps, I only saw one.

Nami called back, raising her voice to be heard over the noise. "NO! THERE SHOULD BE NOTHING BUT OCEAN!"

I pointed toward the big mass and said. "APARTENTLY THAT'S NOT THE CASE! DID YOU GET IT WRONG!"

The sound was getting too loud. She glared at me. "Of course I didn't!"

Luffy said to go on ahead and I stared as we got closer, Sanji called out. "It's a wall!"

Nami said it was not and I narrowed my eyes leaning closer. Oh My God, that thing, it's a…it's a…

"Whale!" Usopp took the words right out of my mouth. I jumped backwards, what the hell are they feeding that, it's more like a sea king! Everyone started screaming and I was panicking, can we go around it!? Luffy asked. "Do we fight?"

I snapped. "Luffy, really? Use your head!"

Nami agreed with me. "Mace is right, you can't fight a hundred pound whale!"

Usopp yelled. "Crap! What do we do!?"

I don't even know! Zoro pointed out that it couldn't see us. I pointed to the left. "Look an opening!"

Zoro nodded. "Move!"

I was about to move toward the Galley, but Usopp called. "Wait, Mace! The rubber's broken."

I skid to a stop. "ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?"

Zoro called out. "We'll do something!"

Luffy ran off as the others tried with the rudder, no way was I going to be any help with that, there was no room! Nami was frozen in fear and I went to go see what Luffy's idea was and yelped when I slammed into the other side of the boat by an explosion. I along with everyone else yelled. "THE CANNON!"

Of all the things my brother's done, this must be one of the stupidest! I ran out and saw Nami frozen on the deck. The ram head flying toward her, running I smashed the hilt of my sword plus my weight, making it roll away from her. I helped Nami up and heard Luffy yell. "MY SPECIAL SEAT!"

I slapped a hand to my face, oh no…Zoro was grumbling under his breath, Nami was slightly shaking. I sighed and said. "It'll be fine."

I was having small doubts myself about that one. Wait a minute, if someone ruin something of Luffy's…My eyes widened and I yelled. "LUFFY DON'T!"

I stumbled slightly as the others rowed away. Luffy was here and his face was dark beneath his hat. "You think you can break my special seat and get away with it!?"

He then punched it in the eye. My eyes bulged in shock and my mouth dropped open and my eye twitched. IS HE INSANE?! He was still yelling at it and I stomped over to him as I felt the crew's shock. I punched the top of his head hard and yelled. "SHUT UP ALREADY!"

At the same time the others yelled. "ARE YOU TRYING TO KILL US!?"

It looked down at us and I yelped. "Don't look at us!"

I yelled and we gotten sucked toward it. I screamed with the others. I could not keep my footing, I kept on stumbling and then…Luffy fell off the boat! We all yelled. "Luffy!"

I let out a breath of relief when I saw him grab on. I was about try to help him when it got dark. What the hell! Why would it be dark, unless…oh man, oh man! Please tell me we didn't! It got light again and I scratched my head as Zoro, Nami, Sanji and Usopp looked just as confused as me. There was a blue sky along with fluffy white clouds. Sanji said. "I know what I felt and what I saw."

I looked down and saw the water was green and there was some kind of island with a house and a palm tree. Usopp was mumbling and asked. "Is this a dream?"

Zoro seemed to agree, but I knew even I could not dream up something this weird. Nami seemed to think the same because she asked about the island and the house. I moved to the railing only to jump back at the water rising quickly.

I gaped at the gigantic squid that flew out of the water and pulled my sword out. I heard a couple of yells and metal scrapping a scabbard. Most likely from Zoro. Before I could jump and attack the thing, it was attacked by a harpoon. I jumped again and narrowed my eyes and Zoro said darkly. "It looks like somebody is home."

Sanji replied. "Lets just hope it's human."

I snorted "Either way, keep an eye out."

I got an agreement from both of them. Meanwhile Nami and Usopp were crying on the floor. Nami cried. "I want to go home."

I chuckled and pulled Nami and Usopp by an arm and sheathed my sword. I smiled. "What are you talking about, you are."

Nami gave me a small smile, but she still looked to be in despair. Usopp whined. "Anyway, where's Luffy?"

I blinked and slammed a hand to my forehead. "Dammit how could I of forgot, shit I hope he does not fall into the ocean."

Zoro said. "Don talk like that! Jeez, Mace talk about bad luck."

I smirked slightly and hoped Luffy would be okay. Contour to popular belief, Luffy can take care of himself. I waved a hand. "He'll be fine."

Sanji seemed to get annoyed and yell at Zoro for 'being rude to me'. I ignored it as Zoro argued back, those two will never get along. They belong in two completely different beliefs. I narrowed my eyes as I saw a shadow near the door. Pulling my sword out, I warned. "Look out."

That had both their attention. Usopp started yelling about firing the cannon. I looked to see a flower…no, a person thing. He had Hawaiian shirt, shorts, glasses on an old face and these petals sprouting out of his head. Sanji said. "The real question is, did he try to save us or is he just fishing?"

I rolled my eyes, this is getting stupid. He then walked to the chair near the palm tree and sat down, reading a newspaper. How did he even get one? Sanji yelled at him and Usopp said we were going to hurt him. Bored now, I leaned against the railing and watched. The old guy said. "You do that and someone will get hurt."

I raised an eyebrow. Sanji asked. "Yeah? And who is that?"

I thought he would say the usual 'you' or something like that, but he replied. "Me of course."

Sanji was pissed and yelled at him. I grinned and let out a couple barks of laughter. Nami yelled at me. "It's not funny, Mace."

I smirked and heard Zoro sigh. Zoro stopped him and I hopped on the railing to sit and just watched the scene like I would a movie. I sense no danger here. Zoro said. "We have a few questions. Where are we and who are you?"

He had a glare as he said. "You got some nerve stranger. It's only polite to say your name before you asks someone a question of someone you just met."

I smirked at Zoro and he gave me a glare before saying. "Uh, okay fair enough. My name-"

"If you must know, my name is Crocus and I'm the Lighthouse keeper of the Twin Capes. I'm 71 and a half years old and Gemini."

By the end of this, I was laughing so hard I was almost rolling on the deck. I stood up and stopped Zoro from killing him. I said with a smirk. "I got this."

He bared his teeth at me. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?!"

I shrugged and turned away. "A bit."

Before I could do anything he told us we were eaten by a whale. I sighed, maybe if me and Zoro slice it and Sanji kicks it, we can destroy it from the inside or something like that. Crocus pointed out the door and I waved my arms shocked. "Wait a minute! If we are in a whale, why is there a door!?"

Crocus just started at me and I sighed, I'm not getting anything done doing it this way. I hopped on the rail and ignored the 4 'what are you doing's'. I tensed my legs and jumped on the island, my feet hitting the edge and I pin wheeled my arms to stay on.

I felt the shock at my back and the call. "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING!?"

I ignored that too. I said. "Listen, Ol-Crocus, we need to get out here, so just tell us, alright?"

He did that weird glare thing and I looked at him blankly. He looked annoyed/angry. Me, Luffy and Ace usually get that look, not our fault we're blunt to a point. I wonder if Ace gained manners since the three years we seen him, nah! Okay back to the issue, I looked at Crocus and raised an eyebrow. He said with that annoyed look on his face. "That's rude of you; you come on my island, worse than your friends over there, than you demand things of me without introducing yourself either."

I spit out before he could stop me. "Perry A. Mace."

He raised his eyebrows. "Not that that's important to me, you still have no right to be here."

I felt my face twitch violently. I will not let him anger me. "Well, Crocus, I decided to come down here because the conversation on the boat was not working. Plus, no way that this is an island! Yeah you got the sky with clouds, which we saw was painted on. So it is not trespassing."

He merely said. "I never said you were, you said that all on you own."

I felt heated; this bastard is going out of his way to piss me off! I growled while holding up a trembling fist. "Now, listen here-"

I twisted around as everything was shaking, even the water which made the boat move around fast, like a boat in a bad sea storm. I back up a bit, so I was not close. I forgot about Crocus and worried for Luffy, where the hell is he? I frowned at the yelling on the boat, but stayed since I knew I could not get over there or do anything about it.

I then started moving, what the hell?! Islands don't move! I looked down and saw iron. I swore under my breath as I kept my feet on the ground. Usopp started yelling at him. "What's going on?! Tell me old man!"

I stared at Crocus as he said. "He's very angry. These are a result of him slamming his head into the Red Line."

And he does this why…? Zoro and Sanji yelled 'what'. I stared blankly and sighed again, sitting down crisscrossed. Nami said. "That explains it, with the scars on his head."

I called to her. "Yeah, but why?"

Usopp was nodding in agreement. Nami called out. "It's because he's suffering."

They believed it was Crocus fault for the whale suffering. I sighed and adjusted my hat. "Who cares, let's go."

Zoro said. "Mace is right, let's find a way out of here."

They agreed and Usopp called. "Come on, Mace! Get on the boat!"

I stood up at the boat still moving like crazy. I said blankly. "How do you expect me to do that?"

He called back. "Just jump on."

I yelled. "WITH THE WATER LIKE THIS, YOU GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!"

Usopp said back. "You can do it, you're a monster anyway!"

I grit my teeth. "NO I'M NOT!" I know I'm strong, but come on here! I'm still human!

Nami and Usopp said back. "Yes you are."

I slumped my shoulders. Damn them! They then turned their backs. Before I could say anything else, Crocus jumped in the water! What the Hell?! Wait if you think about it, that's not water, its stomach acid! My other crewmates were just as shocked.

I then cocked my head to the side, is that Luffy? Suddenly the doors burst open with three people falling. A man, a girl and Luffy?! Luffy called. "Is everyone okay, crap need a little help here!"

He fell in and I swore, tossing my hat and sword on the ground. Cringing, I dived in to save Luffy. The water burned my skin and I kept my mouth shut, scooping up Luffy by the waist and swimming to the top. Gasping, I threw him on my back and tossed him on the boat and swam back to the boat island. Grabbing my sword and hat, I prepared myself and dived back in, climbing up the boat when I got there.

Luffy grinned. "Thanks Mace."

I nodded and grimaced at the feeling of the acid on me. Those weird looking people, or more like the man with orange hair was weird, the only weird thing about the girl was the long blue hair. Luffy was on the railing above them. I shook my head, throwing my hat on my head and clipping my sword to my hip.

Sanji was making love dopey faces. I heard the blue haired girl said. "Mr. 9, their pirates."

Mr.9 said. "I can see that Ms. Wednesday, maybe they will be compassionate."

I snorted and raised my eyebrows. Suddenly, Crocus started saying. "You parasites are still here. I grow weary for the last time. You will not lay a single finger on Laboon!"

Laboon? Luffy asked. "Who's the old guy?"

I shrugged. "He lives here."

His eyes brightened and I shushed him. The guy and the girl laughed, starting to stand up. I scowled, what do they want?

"We came here to take this whale and that is what we'll do! We're about to give this whale a new blowhole."

I snorted at the lame pun. I reminded me back from my own time, in school we watched the CNN Student News and the anchorman used to do puns at the end of the show, he would give lame puns. I flinched at feeling of homesickness that small memory gave me. I love living with Luffy, my Nakama and having Ace for a brother and even Garp for a grandpa, but I still miss home and I always will.

I was so lost in my thoughts ( I blame the ADD), I didn't notice that they shot 2 small cannonballs and before it could hit Laboon ( I figured that was his name), Crocus jumped in front of it. I jumped up from sitting in shock. Luffy got annoyed and punched them both, knocking them out.

I found rope and tied them up, back to back. Nami steered the boat near the boat island. We all got off and Luffy was trying climb the palm tree and Usopp was yelling at him, trying to pull him off. I leaned against it and put the brim of the hat over my eyes. Crocus started telling us about Laboon.

He could feed where they are from for 2 to 3 years and that Laboon was from the West Blue. He also told us that there was a reason for him to keep smashing his head in. Nami asked. "There is?"

Crocus replied. "Yes, to put it one way, inside Laboon's body beats the heart of a human. He has most impatiently awaited and devoted to a certain band of pirates. Going on 50 long years now."

I looked in shock, 50 years?! I lifted the brim of my hat to see the rest of the crew with the same expression I did. Imagine waiting somewhere for 50 years, I'd be really old and pissed.

I gave a small sigh as Usopp kept on pulling on Luffy to get down from the tree. I stretched up a little and kicked Usopp's leg with a look that said 'move'. He moved away. I grabbed Luffy's leg by the knee and yanked my brother down, making him crash next to me. Luffy pouted and looked at me with a glare. I said. "Sit."

Crocus then decided to tell us Laboon's 'tragic tale of why he crashes and howls into the Red Line'. Luffy stay put and they all stared at the old man.

So Laboon was a whale native in the West Blue and 50 years ago there pirates came with the whale and stayed where we are now (obviously outside, not in). But as they came here, the ship they had was in bad shape so they stayed for a couple of months. But then they left and left him there, saying they'd be back in 3 years.

"It has been 50 years since then."

Nami, Usopp and Luffy looked shocked. Usopp said. "50 years!?"

Nami said, slightly high pitched. "That would drive anyone crazy."

I frowned and looked down, my eyes hidden by the brim of my hat. I said. "They are most likely dead now."

I figured it when he mentioned that he came here with the pirates, the way he described it was that the Whale was his Nakama. Only death can stop someone from seeing him. Usopp gaped at me. "M-mace! How could you say something so horrible?!"

Nami was frowning. "I know you said so rude and blunt things in the past, but…" Do these idiots have any faith in me at all or what?!

Zoro said. "Mace is right, pirates die here all the time."

Sanji nodded, lighting a cigarette. "They both are right on that one."

Soon enough we all got back on the boat and Crocus showed us the exit and I grinned once I realized we were back in the ocean. I inhaled, how I love the air, I can breathe again! Usopp was still ranting at us, I ignored it. Some things he has to learn the hard way.

I looked at the whale and shivered, it's creepy how small we are compared to Laboon. Crocus said. "Reality is a harsh thing. Though the girl is wrong."

I looked at him insulted. "What'cha mean?"

He said with a solemn note in his voice. "They're not dead, I learned that they high tailed it and left the Grand Line."

I ignored Usopp's protest and grit my teeth, what? And I thought he was their Nakama. That is one thing I won't play with ever! Nami asked. "Do you know if they ever made it out of the Grand Line?"

Crocus said he didn't know, but I looked over at Luffy. He had his blank face on, but I could tell it made him mad, that someone would break a promise like that. Sanji said. "So the truth is that they are a bunch of cowards that broke a promise."

Thanks for stating the obvious, Sanji. Usopp yelled. "Why would someone abandon such a loyal creature?! It's cruelty on a grand scale!"

Nami asked, confused. "If you know all this, why didn't you tell him?"

I snorted and said. "Usopp said Laboon was loyal and he was right. He based his trust on that promise. Would you want to listen to that if it was one of us?"

That is how I felt, since I was raised with Ace and Luffy, we agreed never to turn our backs on each other, the horror with Sabo taught us that.

I frowned where my train of thought went. I also lost Austin that day, a death I have to blame on no one but myself. It was quiet and Crocus said in his own words that he tried too, but he would not listen at all. "That was the day Laboon began to howl at Reverse Mountain. Soon after, he began slamming his body against the Red Line. It's as if he believes that wall is what keeps his friends away. By breaking it, he can clear the path for their return."

Would I do what he is doing? The scary thing is, if a large rocky mountain kept me away from Ace and Luffy, I would.

"He refuses to believe me 'cause then he would have to admit it's over."

It was equal to giving up. Crocus was right; Laboon does have a human heart. I looked at Usopp and bit my lip at his expression. This harsh world along with the seas will make him grow up and seen things for how they really are. Luffy may act childish and be pure brainless at some points, but he knows.

Sanji then said that Crocus was stuck with him and I chuckled, I felt the stares on my back, I grinned and said. "Ah, but Crocus here is old and he cares for the whale. So he wouldn't want to leave. he may be a whale, but he's Crocus friend too and right now the only one they both have. Hey Nami, Zoro remember Gamion?"

Crocus seemed to be smiling as Nami and Zoro both gave a nod with smirks of their own. Crocus narrowed his eyes at me. "You remind me of someone, girl. I just don't know who?"

I shrugged. "Really? Who?"

He looked thoughtful and before anyone could say anything, Luffy suddenly screamed and started running. I looked at him blankly as the crew looked on in shock. Sanji sighed. "He's such an idiot."

Zoro grumbled. "You have to keep an eye on him every second." I raised my eyebrows as he had the mast in his hands and reminded myself to have faith in whatever he was doing.

I said with a smile. "Calm down, I'm sure whatever he's doing is-"

He then proceeded to slam the mast into an open gash on Laboon's head. My eyes bulged as Usopp complained about hurting the ship. What is my rubber idiotic brother up to now?! The ship started to shake as Laboon went through a pain filled fit. I sort of flew and crashed back onto the deck. I grabbed my hat before it could blow away.

They all yelled. "YOU ASS! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?"

Even Zoro was freaking out. I grumbled and stood up, cracking my cramping back. Luffy then proceeded to fight the enormous whale. I walked over to Nami where she called to Crocus. "Don't worry! It takes more than that to kill Luffy. Also, if Laboon was life threating for him, Mace would have been there already!"

I gave a nod and Zoro called out. "Are you going to let us in on your plan, Luffy!?"

He was slammed into the lighthouse, but he gave Laboon some damage as large amounts of blood flew in the air, acting like a flesh wound to humans like us. Finally Luffy, got up, bruised, battered and his hat in his hand, he called when Laboon was charging. "It's a draw!"

Laboon stopped and I narrowed my eyes, what is he planning? Luffy said. "I'm stronger than I look, but I had a feeling you knew that. I can always tell when someone is itching to fight. If you want to battle, I'll gladly give you one. You shipmates used to spar with you, didn't they? And you miss it and I can rival anything they threw at you. Tell you what, after me and my friends travel the Grand Line, we'll travel back and find you. Then you better be ready for a rematch."

When he started, I started to grin, I understood what he was getting at.

So but the time he was done, Laboon was roaring again and I laughed loudly, that is so Luffy! He wanted to get his point across and so he fought a who knows how many ton whale and got him to understand we were his friends. I was amused and happy that my brother did this, I was confused to see Luffy go back over to Laboon with paint and suddenly jump at him, arms swinging in a dust cloud so we couldn't see what he was doing.

The crew was also confused, they were mumbling question under their breath. He then stopped and grinned widely and thanks to his rubber powers, his grin was able to be wide inhumanly. I looked at what he did and twitched. It was what Luffy did when he tried to draw the flag. The skull was all crooked and so was the rest of the picture. I cringed. "Dammit, not this again."

Usopp, Zoro and Nami's faces looked like they agreed. We all agreed to leave, after all it's like a Christmas present, it's the thought that counts. Usopp went out back to look for wood, Nami went off the ship with a map and went to stone table looking thing, Sanji went in the kitchen and Luffy was back in the boat. I had an idea for my new hat. I walked into my room and grabbed a small sewing kit known to be Nami's (like I'd tell her). I walked toward the kitchen and knocked. "Oi, Sanji?"

He spun around, hearts in his eyes. Ignoring that, I asked. "Can I have a knife?"

He nodded and vanished, only to come back with a simple looking knife. "Here you go, Macey-darling."

I took it by the hilt and gave a strange nod walking out and sitting in the middle of the deck. I took my hat off and pulled the twine out of my pocket. On one side of the brim, I made a small hole, a slightly big slit and did the same on the opposite side. I then heard Nami scream and jumped, slicing the top of my right hand open.

I swore and dropped the knife, as hot white pain filled my head and hand. I gripped it and grit my teeth; I blinked away tears of pain. Sanji, Luffy and Usopp went to see what was wrong with Nami, I deemed it fine, I called out. "Is everything okay!?"

Luffy called out. "Yeah, it's fine!"

I pressed my hand to my shirt. I then stood up, left my hat there and quickly went to my and Nami's room. Then I grabbed the first aid kit, opened it grabbed a roll of bandages and smeared more healing ointment stuff on it and wrapped my hand the best I could. I then grabbed the tape it there, ripped off pieces with my teeth and stuck it in areas to make it stay. I decided to double wrap it and made sure my fingers were still mobile.

I went back and finished what I was doing. I pulled the twine evenly between each hole and then tied them. Pulling thread through a needle, I tied the slits closed and closed the kit, putting it in my pocket for later. I then put my hat on my head feeling the twine hit my back slightly. I didn't know what to do so I went to railing about to hop over, but heard Nami scream. "BOTH OF YOU BETTER GET AWAY FROM ME BEFORE I WRING YOUR NECKS!"

My eyes widened in shock and I moved away from the railing, leaned against a wall and fell asleep.

Austin was teaching me harsher techniques that required more strength than speed. He smashed his own wooden hilt to my face, making me crumble to the ground. I felt my eyes tear up as pain sprawled across my face. I sat up dazed and he barked. "Up now!"

I mumbled. "Ah, Austin."

He yanked me by the front of my shirt and threw me over his shoulder making me fall on my ribs with a pain filled yelp. I cradled them. He stood over me. "So you give up, girl!?"

I stumbled to my feet. "No!"

He growled and raised his sword against me, ignoring the pain in my whole body, I raised my own for a parry. My feet slid back until I was on my knees, sword way above my head. He yelled. "You are on your knees, why?"

Fed up, I yelled back. "You're stronger and older, you damn bastard!"

He pressed harder. "Huh? Is that what you will tell an enemy, 'I can't beat you, I don't match your strength', instead of 'stupid girl', you will become 'stupid dead girl', so what your answer."

I pushed and yelled till I was back on my feet, knocking our blades away and yelled. "FIGHT AND DON'T GIVE UP!"

I gotten a smirk and a 'good, go again'.

It shifted and I saw Austin with a missing hand get thrown into the burning flames, burning him to death.

I woke up with a start, chest heaving. I looked around, expecting to see fire, but only the ship remained. I took a deep breath and put my head my hands, shaking a little, feeling the sweat on my face and on the back of my neck. I felt such guilt, thinking of how Austin died and it was my fault they targeted him.

The boat was moving and I was shocked to find the other 2 from before on the boat, I stood up, happy no one saw me in my weakened state and moved the brim over my eyes, hiding my eyes and expression. I burrowed my hands deep in my pockets and went in my room, alone. I sat on my bed, trying to get rid of the guilt. Luffy came in and across from me on my bed. I looked up and he just stared at me. That looked showed he wanted to know what was wrong. I muttered. "Austin…"

He frowned and I sighed. "I can't help, but feel guilty, Luffy."

His eyes snapped to my mine, confused, I went on. "I know what Ace told us about that, but if I had nothing to do with Austin, if I didn't except his offer, he would still be.."

I felt pain in skull and my face was pressed against the bed. I looked up and saw Luffy's face, he looked angry; his eyes were shadowed by his hat and his lips into an angry thin scowl. I clenched my teeth at the look.

Luffs said seriously. "Mace, how can you say that? Listen, he was okay with it and it was not your fault. We're a lot stronger and we can protect our Nakama and if need help, as your brother I'll help you and Ace would too. You wouldn't be a swordsman either".

I shook my head. "So what, someone died for that and I'm the cause of it!"

He out of nowhere grabbed the front of my shirt and yanked me forward till we were nose to nose. "So what?! Being guilty ain't gonna help no one. Ace wouldn't let you do that. So stop being stupid, you idiot!"

I glared at his leg, to upset and guilt ridden to look him in the eyes. I was shook roughly and I said with a sigh. "Ok, thanks Luffy."

He looked at me with a frown and walked off, with a new tense set to his shoulders. I felt guilty for making him feel like that, I should have never said anything, but I knew he would not have let it go if I didn't say anything. I sighed and tossed my hat on the stand next to me. I knew this would not end; he would not let me be with this guilt that I have even after 10 years that will not go away.

Austin's death is my fault. I knew and Luffy must know it too. I later down and let my arm rest over my eyes with a groan. I clenched my eyes tightly shut as I felt guilty and pain filled tears fill them till they went away, after a while of my mind going wild, I went to sleep.

Finally I'm done with the Laboon Arc thing and off to Whiskey Peak, the Arabasta Arc coming up. Toward the end, Luffy may be serious, but you know him, he has his moments. As for the person Crocus thought about her being similar to, it will take a long time before you find out whom. I hoped you liked it and my little Drama/Mace mental issue.