I bid thee welcome to my newest installment of Janeen's adventures with the Straw Hat crew! Enjoy and follow me for more chapters.

My head pounded. My body burned. I felt extremely groggy and like I was about to puke. It hurt to move and I couldn't breathe. It was like I was in deep water and I couldn't reach the surface in time. Voices faded in and out, but they were always muffled as if they were above the water's surface and I was trying to hear them from within the water.

"Janeen."

That's my name, right?

"Janeen…"

Yeah, that's me. I'm sure of it.

"Wake up…"

What?

"Please wake…"

I opened my eyes and I saw a feminine silhouette. The shadow reached for me and I recoiled, grunting in pain and swallowing down bile.

"Don't be afraid."

The silhouette held out something to me. Curious, I reached out for it. The object appeared in my hands. It was cold, long, evenly weighted, and had a leather grip on one side. I couldn't see it, but it seemed so familiar to me.

"Janeen, remember…"

The object in my hands vanished and I was alone once more. The air around me thickened and my lungs burned. I tried to get out of the heavy air, swimming against nothing. Just when I thought I couldn't hold my breath any longer, I broke through a wall. There was a blood-curdling scream followed by a clatter near me and I held my head with both hands, covering my face and gasping for breath.

"Finally awake, huh?"

I managed to pry open one eye and saw Zoro sitting in an open window sill with his arms behind his head. Next to him inside the room with me was a toppled chair and Usopp on the floor in a trembling heap.

I sighed and covered my eyes from the sunlight, muttering under my breath. "You're one to talk, narcoleptic napper." I raised my voice a little, trying to speak normally. "That was Usopp screaming, wasn't it?"

Usopp bolted to his feet and tried to stand boldly with his fists on his hips. His voice quivered as he spoke. "N-no! It-It was Nami! Yeah! You frightened her, sitting up so suddenly like that! You scared her right out of the room!"

"What about me getting scared out of the room?" Nami's voice floated over from the doorway. She brightened, walking over to my bed. "You're awake! How are you feeling?"

I managed a small smile, still shading my eyes. "Alive, at least." I took my hand away from my eyes and was immediately blinded by the morning sun. I dry heaved and buried my face in a pillow. "What happened last night?"

Nami hesitated. "Uh...two nights ago...actually."

I peered over the top of the pillow at Nami. "What?"

"Out cold at the beach with two empty mugs next to you." Zoro chuckled. "That's the weakest stomach I know."

I whipped around to glare at him, but immediately dry heaved into my pillow. I produced nothing and just sat there, trembling and breathing heavily. My head spun and I closed my eyes when I felt the tunnel-vision setting in. "You're such a jerk. I drank water."

"What was that? Can't hear you under all that ale."

Clenching my eyes shut, I chucked my pillow in his direction. "I never got drunk!" There was a muffled grunt and Nami giggled. I sighed and hugged my legs. I opened my eyes enough to see Usopp rubbing his nose and pointing out the window Zoro was no longer sitting in. "Sorry, Usopp…"

He sighed. "It's okay. For a pillow, it sure hit hard."

Just then, an older man with a white goatee and sunglasses let himself into the room. "She awake yet?" He locked eyes with me and gave a grunt, muttering something. "Out, both of you." He gestured over his shoulder, standing tall and staring at me.

Usopp patted my shoulder gently before heading out, giving the old man a wide berth. Nami smiled, waved at me, and also left, but more casually. I watched the old man as he came up beside the bed, picked up the chair Usopp knocked over, and set it right. He sat with a grunt and stared at me again. I stared back, trying to figure him out. He seemed familiar. He was obviously one of the villagers, but I couldn't place him.

He tapped his bandana-covered head. "How's your noggin?"

It suddenly dawned on me that he was the village doctor. "It still hurts, but I guess I'm okay."

He stood and pulled at the skin above my right eye, staring over his sunglasses and into my eye. It made me very uncomfortable. He also smelled like alcohol, salt, and faintly oranges. I cringed, trying not to breathe. He grunted again, muttering half-syllables. He let go of my face and sat back down.

"Migraines? Dizziness? Mental faculties intact?"

I blinked, thinking a little too hard on how to respond. "Um...yes, yes, and mostly?"

He nodded. "That comes with hard blows to the head. I'd normally order bed rest and avoidance of strenuous activities, but I doubt you'll be able to follow that based on your friends."

I laughed and shook my head lightly. "Believe me, I think I'm the normal one. I'll do my best." I paused, fingering the hem of my dress. "Doc, do you think my memories will come back?"

The doctor shrugged and shook his head. "It's too hard to tell. It might come back in time, all at once if triggered, or not at all. Your migraines should go away though. It hasn't been long since your injury so give it time. However," he pointed at me, "try to be sure to not be alone for extended periods of time. If you should faint again, it would be dangerous if you were alone."

I nodded. "I understand." I was trying to think of any other questions for him when I noticed him looking at my arms. I poked my right arm and winced only a little. "It's getting better. Um...four or five days now. I didn't even notice it until now so that's good."

He snorted and muttered again, adjusting his sunglasses. "Again, just give it time and don't do anything stupid." He got up and headed towards the door. He paused before opening the door. "I'll send Nojiko over with your clean clothes."

I nodded and a thought struck me. "Oh! Doc! I-" I broke off, still formulating the thought. "I wanted to thank you. I mean, for helping the guys with their injuries." I soberly thought back to seeing Zoro bleeding from the wound he stitched up himself. "They're looking a lot better than I've seen them in a while."

He didn't reply for a minute or so, just standing by the door. "If you're the normal one, then maybe you'll have the common sense they lack. Keep them out of trouble." Without waiting for a response, he left.

I sighed and stretched. I didn't know how stiff I was until I did that. It hurt, but it was a good hurt. I found water to drink and relaxed in the chair by the window, sipping slowly as I stared out the window. I had a lot on my mind. I knew I was still going with Luffy and the others, so that wasn't the issue. I was thinking back to my talk with Nojiko before the party. It really was best to deal with personal problems before getting stuck on a ship. Zoro was as irritating as ever, but I knew I could deal with that. I did have three brothers, after all.

At least, I was pretty sure I did.

Anyway, I had told Zoro that I didn't mean to make him mad and he did apologize to me, so I supposed we were okay with each other even if he did get on my nerves. It was like having a new brother. I would just have to suck it up and deal with it.

My dream was also on my mind. A shadow telling me to remember myself, huh? It also handed me something and told me to remember that, too. A shadow of my former self? It was poetic. It was also cheesy. I sighed and sipped my water. It was definitely the real me. But, what was that thing I was trying to get myself to remember? It was probably something important, but I couldn't figure out what it was.

I put my water glass on the window sill and held out my hands like I did in my dream. I tried to picture what it was I was holding: a long piece of metal with a leather grip. A sword? That made sense, but…

Why would I remember a sword?

The door opened and I looked up to see Nojiko holding my black shirt, cargo pants, and my socks and shoes. She smiled at me and came in, letting the door swing itself shut. "Someone's looking well-rested." She put my clothes on the bed. "How do you feel?"

"Doing okay, I guess." I shrugged. "Everything's still a bit foggy and my head still hurts, but it's manageable now. Is this everything?" I picked up the pants and started fishing through the pockets.

Nojiko nodded. "Yup. Clean clothes, some money, a comb, and a couple of hair ties." She tilted her head to the side, an eyebrow raised and a small smile on her face. "Is this really all you have?"

I started combing my hair. "I could have had an apron, but I left that at the Baratie. It's enough. I don't like having too much stuff to carry around."

She laughed. "You're going to go on a voyage around the world, on the Grand Line, with two outfits?"

I paused, not sure whether or not to tell her I was going to give her back her dress.

"Uh-huh. That's what I thought." She snatched back my stuff. "You're coming with me to get more clothes."

I stared after her in disbelief, unable to comprehend that she was taking my only possessions hostage so she could take me shopping or something. She was already heading out the door before my brain caught up with her. I jerked after Nojiko, ignoring the resurfacing pounding in my head. "N-Nojiko! Wait!" I hastily combed my hair as we walked back to Nojiko and Nami's house. "Nojiko, I don't need to take more of your clothes. I'm simple and practical and-"

"In desperate need of a wardrobe." Nojiko opened up her home's door and ushered me inside. "Let's see if anything else I have fits you."

I felt like I was perpetually sighing as she threw more and more clothes at me to try on. While she made us snacks, I finally agreed to three more outfits and one other pair of shoes. She raised her eyebrow again when I asked about winter clothing.

"On a tropical island where we grow tangerines year round, you want winter gear?"

I shrugged, stuffing the clothes into a bag that she also gave to me. "I just want to be prepared. Don't worry about it. I'm sure there will be some port city or somewhere to buy a coat and boots." I straightened my shirt and shoved the blue sundress into the bag as well. It felt nice to be in my own clothes. I closed the bag and hoisted it over my shoulders, grabbing a sandwich as well. "Nojiko, I-"

She held up a hand, chewing her own sandwich. "Forget it. Just put the clothes to use and be a friend for my sister. That'll be thanks enough."

I smiled and nodded. "You got it."

We were heading back into the village when Sanji spotted us and ran directly for me. He scooped me up and spun me around before I could stop him. The spinning made me regret eating that sandwich.

"Janeen! You're okay! I was so worried about my angel!" Sanji put me down gently and gave Nojiko a grandiose bow. "Thank you for looking after her, Nojiko. Your beauty is only outshined by your generosity."

She barely held in a snort and crossed her arms. "Whatever you say, Sanji."

I smiled weakly, steadying myself with Nojiko's shoulder until the world stopped spinning. "Take that as a 'thank you,' Sanji." I shook my head and stood by myself again. "Are we ready to go?"

Sanji nodded enthusiastically, taking my hand in the crook of his arm. "Nami's tangerine trees are on deck and the villagers helped us load supplies. I can cook you so many delicious dishes! It'll be the most romantic time you've ever had!" He winked playfully, rubbing my hand lovingly.

I laughed. "You mind your manners, young man. There are others on board, you know." I paused and stared up at him. "Tangerine trees?"

Sanji nodded again. "Absolutely! There's no way I could refuse Nami wanting to bring some of her tangerine trees with her! But, don't worry," he swung me down into a dip with a smile, "I will never refuse you, either." He started leaning down to kiss me and I flushed deeply.

Nojiko pulled at his shoulder, making him pull me up as well. "Let her breathe. And then get a room. Preferably far away from here."

Sanji gasped, looking at Nojiko. "Jealousy? Nojiko!" He fell to a knee. "Nojiko, I had no idea!"

With no warning, Nojiko punched Sanji to the ground and then stepped over him, continuing to the dock. Sanji sat up, rubbing his jaw and staring up at me in amazement.

"Wow. It's so easy to see that they're sisters…"

It felt odd watching Sanji. I realized that I wasn't jealous of his actions towards Nojiko, but I wasn't quite sure why. Maybe it was because I knew Nojiko wasn't interested. However, in that moment, I suddenly felt distanced from Sanji. There was a gap that I couldn't bridge between us and I couldn't figure out why.

I was startled out of my thoughts by something grabbing my hands. I looked down and saw Sanji on his knees, holding my hands with a worried look on his face. When we locked eyes, he was visibly relieved.

"Thank goodness. I was worried you were going to faint again."

I blinked a few times before I returned to my senses. I smiled at him. "Sorry. I was just lost in thought."

"Oh, about good things, I hope." He returned the smile and kissed the back of my right hand gently. He got up and put my hand in the crook of his arm again. "Okay! Let's get this show on the road-er, sea!"

We made our way through the village to the dock and I got my first real look at the Merry Go. I saw it briefly at the Baratie, but I hadn't given it much thought then. Now, it was my ship. It was sturdy and well-crafted, but light compared to other ships I had seen. It had a single mast, several cannons visible, and a sheep figurehead. I also saw Nami's tangerine trees on the top deck towards the back of the ship. The main sail was still tied up, but I could see part of a Jolly Roger wearing a straw hat. Luffy, Zoro, and Usopp were already on board and talking to people on the dock. Among those people were Johnny and Yosaku. It looked like they weren't coming with us. When Sanji and I approached, their faces lit up.

"Sister Janeen! You're okay!" Yosaku clasped my hands and shook both vigorously, tears brimming.

Johnny swiped at his eyes, adjusting his sunglasses. "We were terribly worried, Sister!"

I couldn't help but smile at their genuine empathy. "Thank you, both." The sun came out from behind a cloud, making me shield my aching eyes. "You're heading off, too?"

Johnny nodded. "Aye."

Yosaku cleared his throat and stood with his back straight, deeping his voice a tad. "We must return to our jobs as bounty hunters." He looked up at the guys aboard the Merry Go. "So, thank you for all your help until now."

Johnny's lip started to quiver, so he folded his arms and held his jaw in an attempt to look cool. "Though we must say good-bye, may we meet once again someplace else in the future."

Zoro gave a small, dismissive gesture. "I see then. Take care."

Yosaku and Johnny bowed slightly, still trying to keep their composure. "The same to you, my brothers." They looked at me and I couldn't help but smile. Their jaws clenched and they almost lost it, but they turned away before I saw any tears.

I readjusted my bag and nudged Sanji forward. As we boarded, I sighed, leaning my aching head on his shoulder. "They're such sweethearts."

I heard Sanji snort. "They're lazy, cowardly buffoons." I raised my head and shot him a scowl, making him jerk a little. He looked away and ruffled his hair. "...But, sure, they're nice guys." He walked me across the deck and we joined the other guys.

I held my head high as I marched past Zoro and I put my bag down beside Usopp, leaning on the rail and looking out over the village.

"What's in the bag, Janeen?" Usopp looked at it in surprise.

I gave a small shrug. "Just clothes from Nojiko. She felt bad that I didn't have anything else besides this outfit."

He beamed. "Wow, that's really nice of her." It was several minutes before he spoke up again. "So...is Nami even coming?"

Zoro yawned, leaning against the cabin wall. "Maybe not."

Sanji just about tore the railing off the ship. "What?!" He whipped around and barked at Luffy. "Is Nami really not coming?"

Luffy shrugged, but then his expression darkened and he pointed an accusing finger at Sanji. "Hey! That "raw ham melon" you were talking about during the party wasn't anywhere!"

"What does that matter?! Nami needs to come! She has to come with us!" Sanji sighed, but he quickly brightened again, grinning at me. "But at least I get to spend more time with you, Janeen."

I smiled back despite my head still hurting. "Only if you mind your manners, good sir."

"You know me." Sanji winked. "I'm always the perfect prince."

I laughed. "I'll believe it when I see it, Mr. Prince."

Luffy, Sanji, and I shared a laugh. I ignored the gagging sound coming from Zoro.

"Set sail!"

We looked up and saw Nami standing in the village plaza. The villagers were all bunched up on the dock, standing between her and the ship. The villagers, especially Nojiko, the doctor, and Mr. Genzo, all started calling to her, begging her to allow them to give their goodbyes. Suddenly, she started running towards all of us.

Usopp turned to Luffy. "She running over here. What do we do?"

Luffy shrugged, going to the deck. "She said set sail so...I guess we set sail."

Zoro sighed, following Luffy. "Just another crazy move of hers…"

I pushed off the railing and stretched. "All right, just tell me-"

Sanji held up his hands and blocked my way. "No way! You're still recovering! Just watch us work and make sure Nami makes it on board." He ran off with Usopp in tow.

I was about to retort, but I shrugged, silently acknowledging him to be right. I was in no condition to do strenuous activity. The doctor said so, too. I shaded my aching eyes and watched as the guys unfurled the sail, pulled the anchor, and got the ship moving. As they worked, Nami zig-zagged through the crowd of villagers straining to catch her and say goodbye. Suddenly, she burst out of the crowd and leapt for the ship. I reached out and steadied her as she completed her jump. Standing beside her, I noticed that her shirt was oddly lumpy and she was crimping the bottom hem. With a grin, she flipped her shirt inside out and I watched in amazement as upwards of twenty-five wallets and purses tumbled onto the deck. She turned around and held up some loose Berries to Mr. Genzo and the other villagers.

"Take care, everyone!"

The villagers burst into an angry uproar while Nami and I started laughing.

"That was awesome, Nami!" I grinned at her. "Just don't do that to me, okay?"

"No promises there." She winked playfully. She waved to the villagers. "Goodbye, everyone! I'll be off now!"

The villagers seemed to give a mass-sigh and then resumed their goodbyes. Mr. Genzo shouted, "Hey, kid! Don't forget about our promise!"

Luffy, on the deck, nodded to Genzo with a thumbs-up.

As Coco Village disappeared from sight, I helped Nami pick up her newly "acquired" money. "Hey, think you could teach me a thing or two? That was awesomely impressive to watch."
Nami grinned, hoisting her armload of wallets. "I don't know. I might be a little too expensive for you."

"I'm a quick learner." With my bag over one shoulder and my other arm cradling five or six wallets, I made a dash for the cabin.

I heard Nami stutter behind me. "H-Hey! Give back my money!"