"Come on? You can't even pick up one of these?" Zoro teased, lifting a weight that was larger than him and Tani combined. Tani deadpanned at him.
"Maybe if you had bones made of glass, you could make comments like that you asshole," she snickered. Opting to lift the 2kg dumbbells.
Ever since the encounter with Aokiji, Tani's been more dedicated to her training with Zoro. It's been brutal, and the mocking is a pain, but he seems to appreciate the work she puts in.
"Oi Oi, want some muscle for your weights?" Sanji's voice mocked. Walking up the stairs to the back of the ship, a tray of rice balls and two glasses of juice balanced perfectly.
"Look Sanji," Tani grinned, holding up her arm and flexing the muscle. She'd gained a little since starting her training with Zoro, all the way back in East Blue. The flabby chub she used to have had hardened a bit. An improvement none the less. "Pretty cool right?" she vibrated with excitement. Sanji nodded.
"That's quite the improvement, soon you won't be soft to touch anymore." he pouted, though it held hints of playfulness. Zoro scoffed.
"Who needs soft? It's the Grandline." the swordsman said with the roll of the eyes. Snatching the juice glass from the tray and chugging the whole thing. Sanji was not impressed.
Tani grabbed the small towel she'd left next to her bag, wiping the sweat from her forehead and under arms. She turned to Sanji and grabbed the remaining juice, taking a sip and sighing happily.
"How do you do it? Teach me your secrets, oh prince of the kitchen," Tani said dramatically, hand to her head and swaying back in a swoon. Sanji bowed with just as much drama.
"Kingdom secrets my darling queen of the mac and cheese," he said with gusto. Zoro snorted, grabbing one of the rice balls from the plate.
"You two look like such morons," Zoro mocked. Sanji and Tani looked at the swordsman with amusement.
"Alright... Four sword style," Tani poked her tongue out. Zoro tensed, sending her a glare. Sanji noted that for later use.
"King of getting lost," Sanji snickered. Tani laughed, slapping her knee. Oh right, Sanji brought rice balls.
What a weird choice for an afternoon snack? But she wouldn't complain, she'd already come to terms with the different culture... Maybe she could convince him to make jelly filled donuts someday.
"Woah! Nami! Nami follow that frog," Luffy's voice called from the fishing spot. What frog?
Tani made her way towards Luffy, Usopp and Chopper. Spotting the giant frog that was-
"Is that frog swimming with a freestyle stroke?" Tani pondered. What a strange frog, normally they do that leggy moving one that jumps them forward. This frog was slicing through the water in a very human style of swimming.
"I wanna eat it," Luffy said with drool building up in it mouth. "Nami, follow it," Luffy commanded. The navigator rolled her eyes but did as she was asked. Changing the ships course to follow the freestyle frog.
"Hey... What're these black lines? Along the surface of the water," Usopp questioned, pointing down at the parallel lines that are trailing alongside Merry. They looked familiar to Tani.
"Huh... They kinda look like train tracks," Tani hummed. Staring at the track like shapes. Luffy perked up.
"What's a train?" the captain asked, pushing himself next to Tani to look at the tracks. Zoro stood close by, just in case the rubber idiot dropped over board.
"They're these large cart like things, that are used to transport people and things across really look distances at fast speeds." Tani explained, using her hands to motion a train moving. "They're kinda like a bus, but trains are stuck to these tracks." she pointed at the ocean tracks. "Mum and I would ride the train sometimes to-" Tani cut herself off when her ears picked up a sound...
A whistle
A very high pitch and prolonged whistle
Only now did Tani notice the boom-gates that Merry sat between.
"Get off the tracks," Tani said bluntly. The crew gave her a confused look. She turned to face them, "Get Merry off the tracks!" she implored.
"But the frog-"
"These are train tracks! I can hear the whistle. That's a train whistle," Tani could feel the panic building up. Usopp pulled down his goggles and gasped.
"Does a train have-"
"I KNOW ITS A TRAIN! WE WILL ALL DIE IF WE DONT GET OFF THE TRACKS!" Tani shrieked. Nami was quick to get the ship off the tracks. Luffy was staring at the giant frog, who had made it's way onto the track. Standing in the middle of the track with his hands held up. A determined look on his face.
"Mr frog! Get off the tracks," Tani called out, only she was ignored. The roaring of the trains wheels on the tracks. A maroon-red train came racing down the tracks, white smoke puffing from the chimney. Usopp let out an awe filled gasp at the sight. The frog was still on the track, was he trying to-
*Slam*
The frog went flying into the air, the collision too much for him. The train roared on, giving a loud whistle when passing the station... Wait there's a station?
"Oi? I think there's a little girl and cat on the platform." Usopp informed, pulling his goggles back up.
"Let's go say hi," Luffy said. Merry drifted towards the platform. The little girl with green hair and buggy eyes ran into the lighthouse connected to the platform, dragging out a swaying older woman.
"She looks rock off her knockers," Usopp commented. Nami whacked him on the head for being rude. Zoro just nodded.
"He's right, she's drunk as shit." he pointed out. He too received a smack to the head.
Merry docked off the tracks. Luffy waves from the ship, grabbing the little girls attention. The older woman stood there looking dazed, the cat? Rabbit? Whatever it was, bounced beside the young girl, who saluted at the crew.
"Hello strangers! Welcome to shift station, I like your raccoon!" the girl welcomed with a bubbly smile. The rabbit-cat thing gave a loud "Nya!" noise to end the girls statement. Chopper stomped his foot and complained about the raccoon comment.
"Oi, Chimney. What did I say about talking to *hic* strangers?" the older woman asked the child. Who didn't bat an eye, she rocked on her feet and grinned.
"Not to talk to them," Chimney replied. The rabbit-cat made another "Nya!" sound. The older lady rolled her eyes affectionately before addressing the straw hats.
"Welcome to *hic* shift station." she reintroduced. "I'm conductor Kokoro of the Puffing Tom," Kokoro took another swig of her bottle. Swaying a bit when pointing at the little girl, "That's my grand daughter Chimney, and her cat Gonbe," she managed. Blinking away the dizzy from her eyes, giving way to focus.
"What's a train doing out here in the middle of the ocean?" Tani asked. Kokoro gave her a confused look.
"The Puffing Tom is one of a kind, the only train to ever exist? What an odd girl." she laughed. Drinking from her bottle again. Tani sheepishly rubbed at the back of her neck.
"Surely the train would be too heavy to carry over the ocean. How is it even staying afloat?" she asked with genuine curiosity. Kokoro shrugged.
"Dunno, the man behind the design was a genius." she said with a solemn expression. Tani felt bad for asking.
"Oi, green old lady." Luffy motioned for her attention. "Where's the train going?" he asked. Kokoro hummed to herself.
"Should be heading back towards Water 7 by now." she answered. "The train is on a very fixed route, only stopping by a very few number of islands. Water 7 being the central location, and Enies Lobby being limited to government officials." she explained, but Luffy zoned out after she said Water 7.
"Oi Nami-" Luffy whined. The girl already knew what he was about to ask.
"We're heading where the log pose has set." she groaned. "The last time you picked the place, we had to stop a whole island from being blown up." Nami said with a tired sigh.
"I'm the captain, and I wanna follow the train." Luffy pouted. Kokoro took the time to jump onto the ship. For a woman so drunk, she sure was mobile.
"Well Straw hat kid, you're in luck." the older woman says. "The log is set towards Water 7. The city of shipwrights and ship craft... And it looks like your vessel is in need of some fixing up." she slurs a bit. Pointing at the amateur patch jobs, Usopp did his best. Luffy bounced.
"Hey! With all that gold we got from Skypiea, we can fix Merry up," the captain cheered. Usopp looked hopeful, his rather glum mood that had been permeating since the encounter with Aokiji seemed to lift.
"We should get a proper shipwright while we're at it," Nami commented. Only adding fuel to the already growing flames of Luffy's adventurous soul.
"If you're looking for a good shipwright, go find Iceberg. He's the best of the best," Kokoro praised. "He's in charge of the Galley-la company." she explained. How convenient... A little too convenient... Then again, this was like a comic book. Man she really needed to talk to Oscar again.
"Chimney," Kokoro summoned. The girl saluted her grandmother, "Get that letter of recommendation from my desk drawer. I can't read words right now," Kokoro commanded. The little girl ran inside, coming back with a white envelope.
"Here you go, straw hat guy." Chimney says, handing the letter to Luffy. The captain grinned.
"Thanks for the help, green old lady. Bye!" Luffy bid farewell. She waved slowly, while Chimney waved wildly.
The crew spotted the Giant frog emerge from the ocean, swimming towards the station platform.
"The frog's alive," Zoro said bluntly.
"He must be tough," Tani commented. Taking note of the scars that riddled his body. She shivered at the thought, looking down at her golden cuffed hands. They'd leave some pretty nasty marks when removed. Maybe one of the shipwrights could do it? Seems out of their pay grade...
"Well if he's tough and hardworking, I can't eat him." Luffy stated logically. Tani blurted out a laugh, because Luffy logic was the best logic.
...
A large white city came into view from the distance, it's shape similar to an expensive fountain. Water flowing from all directions. How many coins would there be in that cities canals? Or is making wishes on a fountain an earth thing? There were so many questions.
"Look," Usopp called out excitedly, pointing at Puffing Tom as it pulled out of the station and chugged away.
Usopp had been a lot more cheery since the news of Merry's planned repairs. He has always loved the boat the most.
"Are we gonna give Merry an upgrade too?" Tani asked aloud, kicking her legs between the railing while chewing on one of Nami's mandarins. Nami hummed.
"It all depends on how much we get from the gold. I would love to get a larger bathroom," the navigator hummed. Sitting up from her lawn chair, Robin looked up from her book.
"I think a couple of shelves for some books would be lovely," she chimed in. Tani jumped in on the suggestions.
"We just gotta get Chopper a proper infirmary. Sitting on those barrels hurts my butt after a while," Tani begged. Chopper heard his name and came running.
"What's going on? What are we talking about?" the little deer asked, Nami bent down and lifted him onto her lap.
"We're dreaming of what upgrades we'd make to Merry if we have the money for it." Tani informed. "Mine was getting you a better infirmary, since I'm always gonna be in there." Tani snickered with self defeat.
"I'd want a lock on the fridge," came Sanji's suave voice, having come out for a smoke break. He refused to smoke in the kitchen. "Preferably one that can't be opened by brute force... Oh and a pantry, a large one," the chef sighed merrily. Chopper sank into the warm embrace of Nami.
"I want a chair that can spin around," the doctor fantasied, getting that starry look in his eyes.
"Oi Zoro," Tani called out. The man in question opened one of his eyes lazily.
"Wha?" he yawned.
"If you had unlimited money, what would you upgrade or add onto the Merry?" she asked curiously. He yawned again and closed his eyes
"Probably a gym, somewhere to train." he answered before drifting back to sleep. Usopp popped up from bellow deck, Tani waved him over.
"Usopp, if you could upgrade or add something to Merry. What you it be?" she asked. Usopp thought for a moment, before shrugging.
"Maybe more canons, in case we get in a sea fight. Other than that, I love her the way she is." he replied lovingly.
Now she just needed to ask Luffy, who was sitting on the figure head. Staring at the city of Water 7 with awestruck eyes. The girl rolled herself off the ground and skipped towards the captain, because how obvious could she get? She poked him in the back. He snapped his neck around to look at her.
"Oh hi," he grinned, twisting the rest of his around to face her.
"If you could add anything to Merry, what would you add?" she asked the question of the hour. Luffy crossed his arms and leaned his head back, pondering for a moment.
"A meat room," he concluded. Tani didn't expect anything less from him, yet she still found herself laughing at how absurd he was at time.
"That's so gross, it would smell so bad after the first day or two." she breathed through her giggles. Luffy poked his tongue out at her.
"That's what I want, your question is dumb if you think my answer is dumb," he pouted. Tani softly elbowed him in the stomach.
"It's not dumb, just impractical." she said. Luffy seemed to get it, if the return of his smile was an indication of anything.
"We're gonna make Merry all better again," he promised. Tani didn't doubt him.
"Hopefully we can dock soon, I've been meaning to find another store to restock on my snacks." Tani noted aloud, Luffy slid off the figure head. Flopping his arms over her shoulders, resting his head on her right shoulder.
"Tani," he elongated her name, she was frozen on the spot. "Can you get me some of those meat sticks? They were great," he requested. Tani let herself nervously laugh, Luffy was clinging to her a lot more lately. Thanks Skypiea!
"Sure thing Luffy," she answered, grabbing at his hands. Her thumb making little circles over the top. The texture of his skin was weird, it felt like the rubber tubing around cords... He is made of rubber but it's still weird in a Luffy way.
Luffy sank into her back, all his limbs going boneless as he nuzzled into the crook of her neck. Tani stopped moving.
Shit! Oh boy um hahaa, what's that? Is that Tani being stupid in the head because she's got no idea what she's doing? Yes! Yes it is!
"Why'd you stop?" Luffy asked directly into her ear. Tani had to let go of him before she shivered, so she grabbed his arms and using the muscle she'd built up.
Flipped him over her head, slamming him into the deck in front of her.
Whoops...
"Woah," Luffy groaned, looking up at her in... Awe? His upside down head looking into her eyes with a glimmer. "I dunno why you did that, but it was awesome!" he cheered for her from the ground.
Only Luffy would be this chipper to be tossed into the floor.
"Uh-um, I'm so sorry." Tani apologised without making eye contact. She had no idea what had gotten into her. Too shy to have her feelings known? She didn't want to make things awkward with Luffy, the moment he finds out she's got a crush on him. He'd probably back off, which she doesn't want.
Luffy bounced back to his feet, dusting off his shirt and jorts. When he lifted his head back up, he noticed just how close they got to Water 7. He was booming with re-energized excitement.
"Howdy!" came a voice from the shore line. A man with a fish rod waved at them. "You lot look like pirates," he commented. Luffy was the first to respond.
"We are! I'm gonna be king of the pirates," he declared happily. The man gave a hearty chuckle.
"Well, I'd recommend docking your ship on the outside of the city. Marines be crawling all over the place," he informed helpfully. Luffy thanked the man, and off Merry went.
The crew found the perfect spot for Merry to dock. A little ways away from this funky looking house, nobody seemed to be hanging around.
"Alright. Luffy, Usopp and I will go get the gold exchanged." Nami declared. Chopper chimed in.
"Can I go out and get some medical books? I wanna stay up to date." he asked, holding his hooves together with pleading eyes. Robin gave a soft snicker, using her regular laugh.
"I shall accompany him, the ship is lacking in new reading material for myself." the raven haired woman added. Tani decided to chime in.
"Oh I wanted to take a look for a store," she mentioned. Nami nodded, turning to look at Zoro and Sanji.
"You two better not destroy the ship while we're away," she glared. A threat on her tone. Sanji waved his hands.
"You have nothing to worry about, we'll be on our," Sanji grabbed Zoro by the ear. "Best behaviour," the blonde grinned. Zoro bat at the hand holding his ear. Nami was satisfied with the reponse.
"Well then... Let's go," the red head announced. Leading the stead.
...
Tani wandered around the city with wide eyes, everything was gorgeous and spoke to her need for an ocean themed adventure. The city split up by its river canals, that were traversed using these loch ness monster looking creatures with saddles.
The darker girl had split off from Chopper and Robin when she heard the sound of her bell ring. There was a store close by, and she couldn't wait to find it.
Through dark alley ways, and quiet streets, Tani found herself staring at the familiar IDCS sign. The air conditioning blasting her face with fresh air.
"Welcome," the clerks customer friendly voice sang.
"Hello again, long time no see," Tani greeted. Heading straight for the baskets to grab one. "Got a lot of snack requests today," Tani spoke nonchalantly. The clerk rested by the counter, their head resting in their hands playfully.
"Have you met Oscar or Trip before?" Tani asked. Grabbing a packet of chips for Usopp. The clerk hummed.
"I see you've met your kin," they say in their service voice, with hints of a more wispy tone. "Oscar shows up often, and Trip comes in once or twice a year." they respond. Tani nodded, knocking a packet of beef jerky into the basket.
"Are there many more of us?" Tani asked curiously. The clerk gave a bell like laugh.
"That would ruin the adventure, wouldn't it?" they grinned. Tani gave a huffed laugh.
"Yeah, Luffy would hate that." she smiled back. Shoving a packet of candy into the basket. "Oh! Do you have a den den mushi I could use?" Tani asked politely. The clerk nodded, floating towards a small booth that looked like a pay phone.
"Feel free to use it," the clerk bowed, floating away. Tani placed her basket onto the ground and clicked the dials.
*puru puru puru*
*puru puru-*
*Cachya*
"Hello?" came a confused voice. Tani spoke up.
"Oscar? It's me Tani," she introduced herself. The face on the den den lit up.
"You called! I'm so happy to see you, where snouts are you? Still fighting Foxy?" Oscar asked. Tani's face dropped.
"No we kicked his ass, the guy was an asshole." Tani replied. Oscar laughed.
"I know right? Does that mean you've made it to Water 7?" they asked. Tani hummed in affirmation. The den den's face went sad. "Oh boy, have fun hurting." they said.
"What? What the heck should I be wary of?" Tani asked with worry. Oscar sighed, trying to hold back but ready to burst at the seams.
"I'm sure this should be alright to say, since it might concern you." they said with worry. "There's a group you should be very wary of. A secret government agency that's main goal is to capture and imprison dangers to the government... And you'd be on their list," they said in a tone that made Tani's heart drop, but the face brightened.
"Oh don't worry though. Luffy and the crew will save you. They're already gonna be dealing with them." they assured. Tani was just confused.
"So we have to fight a government group?" Tani asked them. The den den hummed. "And we make it out just fine?" she asked. Another hum.
"Well that's assuring I guess?" Tani huffs nervously. The den den pulls a determined face.
"Don't worry! The Straw hats are tough, and you'll get a super! new nakama out of it," they winked. Tani stuck her tongue out.
"Spoiler alert," she teased. Oscar laughed. "What's the groups name? so I can warn the others," she asked. Oscar was happy to reply.
"CP9, I can't tell you who they are. Otherwise a whole lot of story things will get messed up. They're just closer than you think," Oscar replied. Tani nodded, thinking about the name. Hopefully this won't be too painful. Tani shoved her hand in her pocket, feeling a piece of paper... Trips number.
"Oh! I almost forgot, did you want Trip's number? She's-"
"YES! OH MY GOD YES PLEASE!" Oscar screamed in the mic. Tani laughed, whipping out the number and reciting it.
"She's pretty vulgar, and I don't know if she's busy with her mission with Ace-"
"Did you say Ace? Luffy's brother Ace?" Oscar said with so much hope. Almost teary eyed. Tani said yes. "Oh my god I have to call!" they said rather loudly. "Talk to you later Tani!" they said before hanging up.
Tani thought about the information she was given. CP9 was going to cause them trouble, and they were rather close? Tani better keep her eyes and ears open.
The girl handed her items to the counter and proceeded with purchase, her mind whizzing with thoughts and concerns. What would a government group want with any of the other crew members? She knew why she would be wanted, but another crew mate! She just didn't know.
She left the store in a daze, mindlessly saying goodbye to the clerk. Bags dangling from the crooks of her elbows, her hands on her chin as she ran over the information again and again.
*Bonk*
Tani ran head first into what felt like a steel wall, she bounced off it and flopped to the ground. Her bags contents being spilt on the pavement beside her. She snapped out of her daze, looking up to see a hooded man.
"Oh shoot, I'm so sorry," she apologized, grabbing at her bags. The guy turned to look at her and... Holy cow his hands are massive! Hell his whole lower arm was massive. Giving off a Popeye look.
"You should be careful little sis," he spoke with a voice that sounded like a mix of surfer dude and gangster. "There's some super nasty people running around this place," he said to her with a level of threatening, though she herself felt no malice from the guy. If anything, he was pretty chill... If not very intimidating.
He held his large hand out for Tani to grab, the girl took it with a grateful smile. Dusting off her pants.
"Thank you for the tip, I should go find my crew now. I'm sure they're worried." she smiled sweetly. The guy gave her a friendly grin. "You wouldn't happen to know the way to Galley-La would you?" she asked. His eyebrow rose. "My crew are getting our boat repaired, and my captain will be there." she smiled. The guy gave her a huff, like he wasn't a fan of the company she'd mentioned.
"They're around dock-1, super easy to find." he pointed in a direction. Tani gave him a salute, which he returned with enthusiasm.
"Thanks again Mr uhm...?" she tilted her head. He seemed to spark to life, his arms flying up and slamming together above his head as he tilted to the side.
"Franky! It's super nice to have met you," he says with a booming voice. Tani can't help but feel the electricity. She pulls a dramatic pose too, though not as super as Franky's pose.
"I'm Tanisha! But my friends call me Tani, a pleasure to meet you!" she calls back.
"Ow! Loving that energy Tani-sis," he said, flicking his hood off to show his full head of electric blue hair. He look just like a 60s greaser! So cool!
*pure puru puru*
Franky paused, digging a small den den from his Hawaiian shirt pocket and answering.
"Big bro!" came the voices on the other end, excitement in their tones. "We got the money! We have enough to get that thing you need!" the voices cheered. Franky's eyes widened, his breath caught in his throat as an excitement rolled off him.
"Super! I'll meet up with you guys at the home," Franky answered, hanging up and turning to Tani.
"It's super time for me to go, good luck little Tani-sis," he said, giving her a two finger salute. Tani waved at the guy, her bags jiggling with a chipper song...
"Wait, before you go!" Tani jogged back to the guy, ripping a bell off one of the bags and handing it to him. His massive hand grabbing the tiny bell. "It's a special bell that only I can hear, I give them to my friends and people who are super! Cool," she grinned. Pulling the same pose he had. Franky looked like he wanted to cry of happiness.
"So super sweet!" he sobbed, hiding his face from her, and denying his crying.
"Ok! Take two of goodbyes. See ya!" she called out and ran off. Leaving Franky with the little bell in his hand. He curled his hand around it. Today was just a super lucky day.
Tani felt her energy bursting, the aura of that Franky guy was infectious and fun. Giving her the energy she needed to run along the canal side walks. Her legs practically springing with a speed she didn't know she could manage. Must be all the running for her life she's had to do.
*ring*
She skidded to a halt when her ears caught onto the sound of a bell. Her bell. Out of nowhere, came a shrieking. A blur of red and blue came crashing into the building beside her, bouncing and rolling over the sidewalk into the canal... Huh... That sounded a lot like-
"Shit, it was Luffy," she face palmed. Diving into the canal to retrieve the idiot captain. Grabbing and dragging him back onto the side walk, he hacked up so much sea water that she was expecting a fish to come flying out of his next cough. He turned to look at her with dizzy eyes.
"Shishi~ there's two Tani's," he said dumbly, his hand coming up and poking her in the forehead. She grabbed his shoulders and shook him.
"Luffy, where's Nami and Usopp?" Tani asked, a little worried. The names seemed to snap him back to reality.
"Usopp! Tani have you seen Usopp? He's been kidnapped," Luffy said with aggressive concern. Tani felt herself pale, Franky did mention the city being dangerous. "He had a lot of the money on him too, we can't get a new boat without it," Luffy was worked up, worried for his friend. Tani yanked Luffy off the ground.
"Let's go look for him," she said with a wave of the arm, running away from the direction she came. She would have seen him if he was already that way. Luffy followed behind her.
"How did the meeting with Galley-la go? Did you get to meet Iceberg?" Tani decided to ask, might as well catch up on what's been happening. Luffy nodded.
"Yeah! There was also this guy with a pigeon that speaks for him, another guy that had Usopp's nose but a square, and this mean guy that tried to steal out money but got beaten up by pigeon guy," Luffy rattled. Filling the air with mindless chatter, it helped her feel more calm about the potentially dangerous situation that Usopp was in.
*ring*
"Hold up-" Tani said, holding her arm out, only for Luffy to smack into it and fall over. There was a few bells heading towards them.
"One, two... Five," she counted. The holders came barreling towards them. It was Zoro, Sanji and Chopper. All of them looking freaked out or concerned.
"Luffy? Tani! I'm so glad you're alright," Chopper sobbed. Running to the girl and hugging her leg, Tani crouched down and pulled the small deer into her arms for a hug. "First Robin goes missing, and now-"
"Robins missing?" Tani asked with fear. What the hell was going on?! Was CP9 already hunting the whole crew down?
"She's not missing," Sanji clarified, though his grave expression made the situation seem even worse. "I think she's being manipulated, or forced to do something she doesn't want to do," he said solemnly. Zoro sighed.
"We have more pressing matter right now," the swordsman said with a stoic tone. Taking a sniff of the air, he pointed towards a random direction, "He's this way," the swordsman pointed. Sanji turned to opposite direction.
"Oi! Idiot I said this way!"
"You're sense of direction is as good as a blind dogs, so I'm going the other way."
"I can smell his blood-"
"You can smell blood? Cool!"
"Luffy, now is not the time for this,"
Tani perked her ears up, hearing a distressed sound, a familiar cry from
"Zoro's right? I can hear Usopp. Let's go," Tani said without missing a beat. Running in the direction that Zoro had pointed. Sure enough, they found a bloodied and beaten Usopp out the front of a large building with...
"Franky family," she whispered to herself. Reading the massive sign over top the colourful building that wasn't too far away from Merry. Tani shook her head in disbelief. This couldn't be the same Franky that she'd met not too long ago... It couldn't! He was menacing sure, but there was a hint of brotherly playfulness to his character.
Enough thinking, Usopp needs help. Tani stopped by his body and crouched down to his side. Chopper was already getting to work, wrapping him in bandages. Luffy crouched down beside Usopp, who'd started to sob quieter.
"Lu-Luffy," the snipers voice broke. Tani winced at the sound, Luffy remained silent. "I-I couldn't... Protect the Be-berri... They stole it all." he broke down in an ugly sob. Tani's heart ached, she grabbed his already bandaged hand and held it comfortingly. Luffy stood up, turning his back on Usopp.
"Let's go," the captain said. Footsteps followed. Zoro, Sanji and a heavy point Chopper, all walked together towards the Franky house. Tani got up to join them, but the feeling of Usopp's hand in hers... He needed someone with him, and what good would she be in a fight against people that kicked Usopp's ass, she was 10x weaker than he is.
"Usopp," she said softly, the man in her arms looked up at her with watery eyes and tear stained cheeks. She smiled at him with as much heart as she could. "I'm proud of you, for fighting back as best you could." she praised. Feeling his grip in her hands wobble as he clenched his fingers around her own. She felt her own eyes water.
"You're so brave, and strong." she hiccuped, he needed this. He was already doubting himself after the encounter with Aokiji. This was just another blow to the ego, and she knew his self esteem was worse than her own. "Should we head back to Merry? We can talk about all the renovations we're gonna make when Luffy gets that money back." she beamed. Slowly lifting her injured nakama back onto his feet.
He wrapped his arm around her shoulders, while she grabbed him around the waist. Usopp hobbled back towards the Merry with Tani, the girl talking about her day (Sans the Franky stuff in case he actually was the one that attacked Usopp). Usopp seemed to lighten up, even cracking a few jokes along the walk. When they arrived at Merry, Nami was standing there alone with her hands on a silver briefcase. She turned to face them with relief and pain in her expression at the sight of Usopp.
She ran down to help pull Usopp back onto the deck. Seating him comfortably in the kitchen, Tani got up and found a saucepan to heat up milk. She's making hot cocoa and nobody is stopping her. Mum would make it for her when she was upset or scared. Three heaped teaspoons of cocoa power, heat the milk, pour it in, mix while pouring. Bam! Mums hot cocoa. They didn't have marshmallows, so it wasn't perfect, but it felt like home.
She handed the mugs out, the three of them sitting together is a calm silence. Sipping the tension away. Tani decided to speak up.
"I called Oscar today," she said calmly. Usopp looked up.
"That marine from G-8? The one you held hostage." he clarified. Tani nodded.
"Yeah, they were happy to hear from me. Which reminds me, we need to get a den den mushi at some point." Tani trailed. Back to the topic at hand, "But they mentioned something... Concerning to me," she said, blowing onto her drink. Eyes looking out the window, towards the city of Water 7.
"That mentioned a government group, that could potentially be on the look out for me..." she looked back at them. They were wide eyed and concerned. "They mentioned that the crew will come out on top, I dunno what that means but I'm confident in everyone." she grinned. Holding the mug closer.
"Did Oscar say the names? Of the group," Nami asked. Tani shook her head.
"I only know that the group is called-" Tani paused. Turning around to face the window, she heard a sound. Wings flapping, was that a bird? A white bird...
"They're called?" Usopp egged her on. She shook her head.
"CP9..." she said, keeping her eye on that window. "They're dangerous, that's all I know." Tani forced her eyes away from the window. Looking at her two companions with a shaking heart.
"We'll keep you safe," Nami assured, Usopp nodded with just as much confidence. Tani's heart felt lighter already.
*ring ring*
Tani got up from her seat. Turning and grinning with a bitter sweet smile.
"They're back," she informed, running over to Usopp and helping him stand up. He pushed himself out of her hold, wanting to stand on his own. Prove to himself that he can be strong, that he can be the brave warrior of the sea that he said he would be. Tani lingered close by.
"Welcome back," Nami greeted the roughed up boys, Luffy flew up with a grime look on his face. All of their hands were empty.
"The money's gone, already spent by their boss." Sanji informed. Blowing out a wisp of smoke.
"Who?" Tani asked curiously. She really hoped it wasn't-
"Some gangster they call Franky," Chopper huffed. Looking fierce in his heavy point form. "They wouldn't tell us where he went, but it's too late to get the money back." Chopper ended.
Usopp dropped to the ground. His knees giving out as he felt like sobbing again. This was all his fault! If he'd just been stronger... None of this would have happened... Why is he so weak?
"At least we still have the 100,000,000 berri that Nami kept." Luffy said with a more positive attitude. "Come on, let's go look at the catalog that glasses lady gave me," Luffy said with a grin. Waving everyone into the kitchen area to take a look at the booklet he had stored in his pocket.
It was full of boat designs, ranging from cheap and small, to way out of their budget... The only thing was-
"Why would we need a catalog on other boat designs? Aren't we fixing Merry?" Usopp asked skeptically. Luffy looked up from the catalog to give Usopp a shake of the head.
"Square nose guy said that Merry can't be fixed. So we need to get a new boat," Luffy shrugged. That rubbed Usopp the wrong way.
"What do you mean "She can't be fixed"? Do we not have the money for it?" Usopp said with desperation in his tone. Luffy shook his head.
"I wasn't really paying attention but-"
"You never pay attention! Even when the problem involves important nakama!" Usopp snapped. His body shaking with an anger that Tani hadn't seen before. "Are you just going to abandon Merry? After all she done for us? Because she's not strong enough? Is that it!? She's not strong enough for your crew?" Usopp burst. The crew was snapped into silence. Luffy lowered the catalog.
"I'm not abandoning her, she's too damaged to make it to the next island. There's no way to fix her-" Luffy tried to explain, but Usopp cut him off again.
"She's gotten us this far! Are you saying that she can't do it again? Nakama are meant to believe in each other!" Usopp seethed. Luffy's body went tense with a simmering frustration, Tani didn't like where this was going.
"Usopp, give Luffy a chance to-"
"Stau out of this! This has nothing to do with you," Usopp snapped at Tani. The girl shrank back at the angry words. This seemed to set Luffy off.
"Don't talk to Tani like that!" Luffy barked. Taking a step forward. "I'm telling you, Merry will not survive another trip! There's a bit of the boat that's broken and can't be fixed." Luffy growled. Usopp dug his heels in and kept arguing.
The boys kept building up, the crew outside waiting to see who would break first.
Luffy... It was Luffy.
The captain pinned Usopp to the ground, angrily belting out.
"If you're not happy on my crew! Then you can just leave!" he yelled. His words echoing through the cabin. Luffy instantly stilled, removing his hands from Usopp like he'd just touched a hot iron.
Sanji whipped his leg out and kicked Luffy in the head, throwing him off of Usopp. Who laid there frozen at the words.
"Don't say shit like that!" Sanji shouted at Luffy. Who staying still on the ground where he landed. Usopp let out a pathetic laugh.
"So that's what you think of me huh?" he said in defeat. "You're just gonna toss me aside, just like Merry." he said without emotion. Slowly lifting himself off the ground and standing.
"Usopp I didn't mean-"
"You mean everything you say," Usopp spat. "You're too honest for your own good..." he sighed. Chuckling that sad laugh to himself. Tani was stuck, she couldn't move. She understood why Usopp was upset, but Luffy was just as correct in the situation as Usopp was. They're both being idiots about it.
"I've always known... That I was weaker than the rest of you," Usopp says while looking them all over. Tears pooling in his eyes, which he swiped away. "Everyone here is so strong, and I'm too far behind to catch up... So I'll leave." he declared. Nami finally found her voice.
"No! Usopp you can't-"
"I can and I will," he snaps at her, "We all have different goals. I always knew I would out live my use on this crew. I only came along because I was invited." he claimed. Though the hurt in his voice betrayed him, they all knew that wasn't true. "So I quit." he finally says. Walking out the door.
Tani follows him, Nami and Chopper standing around the hobbling Usopp. Begging and pleading for him to reconsider, to stop and think about this. Yet he continued to walk away. Finally leaving the Merry and taking a few steps forward. Stopping and turning back to stare Luffy in the eyes.
"The ship belongs to the captain. So Straw hat Luffy," Usopp says with venom in his voice. He narrows his eyes. "I challenge you to a duel! Winner takes Merry," Usopp challenged.
Luffy's eyes were shadowed by his hat, the emotion he was feeling being as just as hidden.
"I accept," Luffy declared. Usopp nods and turns away. Leaving the crew two members short.
Nami dropped to her knees and sobbed, Chopper and Sanji ran to her aid. Tani turned to face Luffy.
The captain steeled his emotions, it was hard to read what he was feeling. Angry, sadness, regret, sympathy. So many emotions whirled around in his head. Tani ran up the deck towards him. She grabbed him by the hand and dragged him into the women's quarters for privacy.
She sat him down on her bed, she herself standing and pacing the room. She was frustrated with how the hell that argument concluded. She didn't even know why she brought him in here! The look in his eyes softened up, he let himself lose that sealed off expression. Looking at Tani with a weakness he would never show anyone else.
He grabbed her by the waist and buried his face into her stomach. His breathing unsteady as he gripped at her harder, closer. He didn't want to let go. What if she disappeared? He didn't want to lose anyone else.
Tani gently stroked through his messy black hair. Coming through it in a comforting manner, they stayed like this until Luffy's breathing calmed down. His hold remaining tight.
"You won't leave will you?" he asked with a rare weakness. Tani gave him a sad smile.
"You can't be the pirate king without your whole crew," she slid her hand down to his cheek, he lifted his head to stare into her brilliant green eyes. He leaned into the touch. "We'll get everyone back. I just know it," she assured. Oscar's words of assurance backed up her claims... Not that she'd tell Luffy that.
"Usopp can be a bit of a dumbass for someone so smart," Tani joked lightly. "He's insecure about his own strength, always questioning his place in the world." Tani explained. She understood, she was probably the one that understood the best. She was the same, she's just accepted that she would always be the weakest.
"But... I told him to leave the crew." Luffy choked. Tani stroked his hair.
"People say things they don't mean, when they get upset." she explained. "They say things they don't mean, and instantly regret it. I'm certain Usopp is upset right now, but will come around." she promised. "Because nakama stick together. We fight for each other and will always come back together when we need each other most." she smiled at her emotional captain. He smiled softly back, pulling her in closer, almost crushing her spine.
"You're the best Tani," he sighed into her torso. Tani could feel her body heat rising fast, her heart skipping a beat. Luffy gave a snicker.
"You always make me feel better. Is it a mystery Tani thing?" he asked, looking up at her. His head resting comfortably on her chest, she had to stop herself from wigging out. Now's not meant to be romantic, it's an emotional moment. She calmed her breathing.
"Yeah," she answered briefly, since using more words would have probably caused her to look foolish. Luffy cheered up slightly.
"You-"
"Dinners ready," Sanji called from atop the deck. Luffy lost all train of thought, letting go of Tani and racing out the door... Right, food always makes Luffy feel better when he's upset. Of course Sanji would get started on dinner.
Tani stood in her room thinking.
What was Luffy about to say?
She shook her head, if it was important he would tell her later. She left the room, heading for the kitchen. She needed to eat something, maybe that would get her mind off things.
...
Dinner came and went, the room felt empty without Usopp and Robin. Sanji accidently made too many meals, though Luffy powered through those. All in all, the experience was awkward and Tani didn't like it.
She was in the middle of clearing up the plates with Sanji when she heard it.
A bell approached.
"Luffy!"
Tani felt herself cringe, this was gonna be bad. Luffy wouldn't back down from the fight. She knows him too well. Usopp was already injured, so the fight wasn't in his favour... Plus Luffy was the strongest on the crew.
"Face me!"
The crew went quiet, all eyes drifting to Luffy. Who slowly stood up from the table and walked out. The rest of the crew followed.
Standing out there was Usopp. Decked out in his gear, from his sling shot, to the many smoke bombs and traps he'd crafted.
"I know you, I know exactly how to defeat you," he declared. Though his words felt hollow, like he didn't believe them himself.
Usopp started with a lie, Luffy ignored him. So Usopp dropped to the ground, coughing up "blood", catching Luffy of guard and blinding Luffy with a flash dial.
The entire fight went on like this. Luffy would go to attack, only for Usopp to counter it with a gadget, or find a way to physic Luffy out. A brains vs. Brawn fight.
The whole time, Usopp was spitting insults not only to Luffy, but himself.
Every single word stabbed at the crew, but none as painfully as Luffy. Who took every hit that was sent his way, stalling for as long as he could. He really didn't want to do this, but Usopp left him no choice.
Though Usopp's traps were working, the lack of power he had due to his injuries. Well that left him open and vulnerable, and he was growing more tired by the second.
Luffy took him out in one shot. After Usopp attempted to set off another smoke bomb. The hit left Usopp more injured than before, his barely conscious body laying on the cold ground.
Nami had to look away, turning to Sanji to cry. He looked on with a pained expression. Chopper was sobbing into Tani's leg. The girl had her eyes closed, she couldn't watch. Zoro remained stoic, though his vibes were tense. He dislikes this as much as the others.
"The boat is belongs to you," Luffy says, facing away from Usopp. "We're going to get a new one... So you can have her..." Luffy says with a pained voice. This hurts... Everything hurts... The words that Tani used to sooth him, feel like lies. Luffy feels the tears rolling down his cheeks before he can stop them.
Sanji stopped Chopper from running over to check on Usopp's wounds. Saying it would hurt his pride, to be so pitied by them all. So Chopper stated put. Hurting more and more by the second. Luffy looked up at his crew with tear filled eyes. Tani had never seen him cry before, she felt her tears fall faster.
"Grab everything that belongs to you... We're leaving," he commanded.
The crew did as they were told, collecting their things and standing by Luffy. He turned back towards the empty boat, water streaked from the mast heads eyes. As if she was crying.
"Goodbye Merry... Good bye Usopp," Luffy mourned. Turning his back on his injured nakama, and walking away. Leaving the rest of the crew to follow. Tani lingered the longest, her heart hurt... Everything hurt... She hated this. Hated the thought of leaving one of her best friends alone. When he needed them most...
She ran back to his side, he looked away from her.
"Tani," came Zoro's voice. It was deep and held authority. She held her breath, closed her eyes and cried.
"You'll always be one of my best friends Usopp. Even if we aren't on the same crew," she grabbed the be that hung from his wrist. "I'll always consider you one of my friends. Don't ever forget that," she swore. The tears that trailed his cheeks were a mix of emotions.
"Tani!" Zoro barked. Tani got up, leaving Usopp behind. Maybe if he gets time to cool off... She could only hope.
It hurt...
Everything hurt...