PENNY
SIX MILES FROM YUBA
There was sand everywhere. Miles and miles around her, naught but small granules of time-smoothed rock and large boulders that provided some shelter. She hated the desert. Every great storybook had tales of treasure hidden in sand dunes and cities of white stone, but the reality was far more complex than the simplicities writers gleaned for their own amusement.
It was cold at night—and perhaps, if Penny was as brilliant as the clone she made, she might have found someone to help chart her way across. Leading Miss All Sunday astray was a task better left to a disposable copy rather than the real her. She'd send Nasim, Farah, and Gedo a proper apology before leaving.
Kicking her feet into the dirt, she beat against the ground and then threw herself back. Ace's goodbye was still on her mind. She had been more vocal about her growing depression than she realized. Hopefully, Shanks would get her letter and realize that his life was at stake if he didn't intervene.
The whisper in the air was still there, calling her to the place where the Poneglyph resided, but first, Penny had to deal with her bigger issue. There were unspoken rules to piracy and having the courage to face your opponent head-on was one of them.
"Coward," spat out Penny, crossing her arms over her chest. The stars twinkled back at her, mocking her with their brilliant, white light and heat. "What kind of bastard sends their dog out to fight a wolf? Miss All Sunday," Penny mimicked the woman's teasing voice. "And she killed my copy—that's a declaration of war."
A small clicking sound answered her back. Penny turned her head, coming face to face with a small scorpion. "Aren't you a beastly little thing?" she asked.
It moved around in the sand, scampering away hurriedly.
Even scorpions didn't find any threat in her.
Penny pulled off her sheer, linen scarf she used to protect herself from the sun and draped it over her body like a blanket. The cloth fluttered off her body as she turned and shot off into the sky. Penny was too late to grab it.
Now, she was cold, missing her scarf, and deeply insulted that the Warlord hadn't considered her a threat he needed to deal with on his own.
"I am the most misfortunate creature on this planet."
The wind whistled like a laugh.
"In a thousand years, some poor soul will stumble across my preserved body and say to themselves, 'How could such a beautiful woman die alone?'"
Penny burst into tears at the imagined scenario.
SANJI
SIX MILES FROM YUBA
"Do you hear that?" asked Sanji, cupping his hand around his ear. Luffy looked over, bone sticking out of his mouth. At his silence, Sanji sighed and rotated the spit once more. Between Ace and Luffy, it was a pleasure to have people who thoroughly enjoyed his food with every part of their soul.
"What is it?" asked Nami, looking into the distance.
"H-hey, don't mess around!" stuttered Usopp. He looked over his shoulder and then scooted closer to Zoro, mumbling about ghosts.
"It's the wind," said Vivi with a reassuring smile. "Since there's nothing to bounce off, it's a lot louder than it would be in the city."
Sanji's heart burst in his chest. It was truly a blessing to be traveling with Nami and Vivi. Intelligent, skilled, and beautiful—they were the kinds of women men could easily mistake for angels. No, thought Sanji firmly, they were more than that.
"Hearing things?" muttered Zoro below his breath. Sanji stuck a stick into the fire, sending embers scattering in Zoro's direction. "Watch it," he snapped.
"Scared of a bit of fire, mosshead?"
"Oi, if you're gonna play with fire, don't leave me out of it," called Ace with a laugh. He and Luffy had been catching up since their journey through the desert began, eager stories traded as each sought to compress three years into the span of a few hours.
Another eerie wail echoed through the night. Sanji lifted his head, staring out into the darkness.
"There is something there…"
"…it sounds like…"
Luffy stood, "…someone crying."
"DON'T!" shouted Usopp, jumping onto Luffy as a frown formed on his face. He smacked his hand over Luffy's mouth and nose, choking the words Luffy was about to say. "IT MIGHT BE A BANSHEE OR WORSE!"
"It's probably nothing," reassured Ace.
"T-this is how every horror story starts. You travel in the desert and meet a demon and then sell your soul."
"I don't want to sell my soul!" shouted Chopper, ducking behind Zoro.
The sound repeated. Usopp clung to Luffy tighter, hoping to stop him from following what was obviously trouble.
Luffy shook him off and then picked up his hat, "People don't cry alone."
"It could be a trap," warned Sanji. "Lure you in with a cry for help and then—"
"It's not."
Sanji stood, putting his hands in his pocket, and nodded to Luffy. "Let's go check it out then."
PENNY
SIX MILES FROM YUBA
There were ghosts in the desert learned Penny.
Shadows danced across the boulders she was hidden between, and Penny swore she heard voices. She was too frightened to go investigate. But…she was strong…and had a sword…and it could be travelers.
"Perfume," called one voice. "Don't you smell it?"
No, Penny decided, travelers or not, any man hunting someone on scent alone was a guaranteed werido.
Penny eyed the top of the rock formation. Feeling around the wind-smoothed stone, she looked for a crevice to begin her ascent. Elevation was always key in battle.
"It's a woman. I know it is. I bet she's someone lovely as the moon and soft as a flower like that girl in the poster earlier…she's one of the Great Beauties of the world…I can't believe a crappy guy like you tossed it away."
The other man laughed warmly, "You're a funny guy."
"Why are you taking that off?"
"It's burning!"
"Wha—it is! Put it in your pocket, so you don't lose it."
Penny hadn't committed murder in a quick second, but if these two idiots thought of coming near her, she'd happily spill some blood. She paused, pressing herself flat against the stone as she felt them come near. There was a bigger party nearby behind the valley of rocks.
The took too long to pass and her heads turned sweaty from clutching the stone.
Hold on. Just a few more—a snake slithered from a crack.
A shrill scream left her throat, echoing through the night. She let go and fell. The ground was approaching quickly. Penny held her hands out, grabbing at the empty space around her and copied it. As she approached the ground, her descent seemed to slow as the space around her continuously copied itself.
When she was close enough to fall safely, she let go and hit the ground with a dull thud.
"Over there!" called one of the voices. Penny kicked off her slippers, tossing them into the sand and ran barefoot.
Men were the most terrible creatures on Earth.
ACE
ONE MILE FROM YUBA
It was a difficult decision to leave, but Ace had to keep moving forward. Another hunt without an answer, but there was no point dwelling on it. At the very least, he had gotten a new lead to chase. "Blackbeard's not here, so there's no reason to stay anymore."
"Oh." Luffy seemed a bit disappointed.
"Where will you go next?" asked Sanji.
"A man in the West saw him. I'll follow that lead wherever it takes me." Ace reached into his pocket, pulled out a vivre card. It was the last piece; one he had been reserving for Luffy. "Hang onto that tightly."
"It's just a scrap of paper."
"That scrap of paper will bring us together again."
"Hmm." Luffy inspected it, unimpressed.
Ace grinned, "You don't want it?"
"No, I'll keep it." Luffy held it tight, remembering the times Sabo and Ace would ask him the same question, only to steal his food when he was too slow to answer.
"It's natural for a big brother to worry about his clumsy little brother. He might be a bit too much for you to handle, but take good care of him." He aimed a warm smile at the Straw Hats, already knowing that no matter what happened to him going forward, Luffy would be alright.
"Huh?" repeated Luffy again. He had always hated seeing Ace worry about him.
"Luffy, next time we meet, we'll be at the very top." Ace would one day see him reach the summit and find that mystical treasure that no one else had since Gol D. Roger died. "Come find me, okay?"
"I will!"
Ah, maybe he should…no…Luffy always said Penny hated goodbyes. Wherever she was, she had disappeared the night before, probably startled by Sanji's captivation with beautiful women. He laughed to himself, thinking of all the stories he had to tell Pops when he went home.
Luffy would have to catch up quick, thought Ace, walking through the empty desert, there was another member of his crew waiting for him.
PENNY
RAINBASE
Penny, upon seeing the White Hunter Smoker and his subordinate, should've slowly backed out of the café. She didn't need them to know she was here. Smoker was a name that had risen to some prominence on the Marine calls she listened in to back on the Looking Glass. He was slated to gain a higher ranking in the coming years, having already risen rapidly since joining the Marines.
She was hungry and thirsty and the smell of cumin-rubbed chicken was calling to her. When was the last time she ate? Ace probably knew—he was good at keeping track of important things like that. Maybe leaving was his way of saying he wished her dead. Penny sniffled to herself and swore to write Whitebeard a strongly worded letter before she left the country. It'd be bad manners to send it with a bird rather than a real messenger, but clearly the man raised his sons with equally rotten etiquette.
The Marines were both loud. Smoker snapped at the girl, Tashigi, for not cleaning her glasses properly and hunched over some ale. Penny sat next to Tashigi, stiff and proper. She pulled her linen pants up slightly, finding that they didn't fit her as well as her own self-made clothing did. Her shirt was made of the same material, prettily embroidered with silver and gold on the cuffs. Finally clean, she had sacrificed another hour without food for the public baths.
Ordering, she tapped her fingers on the bar to an old drinking song they frequently sang on the Red Force and eavesdropped unabashedly as Smoker and Tashigi discussed the Straw Hat pirates, Princess Vivi, and Crocodile.
"You're on the right track," said Penny lightly as she butted into the conversation. "Apparently, dance powder is made from silver. Reed Island has been importing it here since the start of the drought on Baroque Works' Billions Fleet. The lady coordinating all the shipments is called Miss All Sunday—she's one of Crocodile's subordinates."
The two Marines turned to stare at her. Tashigi's eyes darted up and down without any recognition, but Smoker's eyes sharpened immediately. The air around them charged dangerously.
Penny flushed under their gazes, scratching at her cheek. "You learn a lot from meeting other people!"
In truth, she purposely shook hands with the harbor master and dockhands to get all her intel during the days they spent in Nanohana. A couple of gold coins made them all the more eager to help in her odd mission. It had taken her days to make sense of anything she copied, but she had countless time in the desert to work through it.
Her food arrived as the Marines recovered from their shock. Penny tore the flat bread that accompanied her molokhiya soup, dipping it into the greenish broth. The texture took her a moment to get used to, but she ate happily, humming as the owner brought her a glass of water flavored with a mint syrup and lemon.
Cheeks stuffed, she turned to look at them again.
"You're a swordsman?" asked Penny, in between bites, nodding to Tashigi. "It's not standard issue, so you must be good with it."
"You're under arrest," said Smoker, shooting out of his seat. He had a nice jaw, strong and cutting.
Two figures rushed toward the counter, banging their fists against the counter, loudly demanding five barrels of water. Penny bit back her smile. They must've come from the desert too if their dusty kaftans and dry lips were any sign.
She ripped into a piece of chicken, almost choking as she swallowed. She pulled the plate and glass closer to her. Holding up one hand to tell him to wait, she took one more bite and then dapped at her mouth with a napkin. "There's more important stuff happening. Let's put my arrest in the books for tomorrow and I'll tell you what I know."
Tashigi's sword was out of her sheath and jabbed under her throat the next second. Penny put her hands up innocently. "I'm unarmed."
The sword swatted at Tsune, stinging her thigh. "What's that, then?" Tashigi asked.
"Tashigi, put it down." Smoker's cigar never left his mouth as he spoke, which Penny considered a Level 1 health threat. Behind them, the two characters who had entered threw back a barrel of water each.
The brim of a straw hat peeked out from beneath the scarf covering one of their heads. Penny felt the world pause as his head turned slightly, revealing a curved scar beneath his eye.
It was Luffy.
He didn't look like the Luffy she remembered. Her heartbeat unsteadily, eyes tracing his profile carefully.
Tashigi looked up at Smoker, "C-captain?"
"I'll deal with it."
"Most men fail to keep that promise," said Penny, sighing heavily. "Can we discuss this civilly or will—"
Smoker's hand wrapped around her elbow. Penny gazed at it and then his face which was coiled tightly with tension. "We had reports of you being in Nanohana—what were you doing there?"
"Visiting." Penny swatted at his hand. "I'll talk. It's not my problem, so the sooner someone gets rid of it, the better."
The longer she kept him distracted, the easier it would be for Luffy and his crewmate to go unnoticed. They were messing around without a care in the world. Penny wondered where she'd seen the long-nosed boy.
She scooted into the seat next to hers, patting the chair for Smoker to sit down. He remained standing as did Tashigi, both of their backs to Luffy.
"How are the Straw Hats involved? What's Princess Vivi doing with them?"
"No idea," said Penny. "I know about Crocodile—that's about it. The rest will require further investigation." Penny leaned back, hand falling to the back of the empty chair. "I always had a feeling that if I became a Marine, I'd stop piracy in about six months."
Luffy and his crewmate looked over. Penny met his eyes briefly, but too quickly for any recognition to register for him. They spat out their water, drenching both Smoker and Tashigi in the liquid. Smoker's broad shoulders saved her from most of the backsplash.
"Oh no," said Penny, leaning back to watch the struggle on his face play out as Luffy shot out of the restaurant. "It seems those pirates are escaping."
Smoker glowered at the entrance. "Tashigi, call for back-up! We're going after them!"
"Yes, sir!" she said saluting.
"He's tearing this nation apart," said Penny as she saw Smoker reach for the jitte on his back. "What's more important? Real justice or the Navy's version of it?"
His hand paused and then fell back to his side. Penny leaned around him, tapping Tashigi on the shoulder as she pulled out a few coins. Her hand slipped down, jingling against the sea-stone cuffs tucked into her belt. She pulled back quickly, hiding the copied cuffs from sight.
"I'll pay." Penny waved Tashigi away. "You've got a job to do."
Tashigi wavered, staring toward Smoker for guidance, but the man exhaled a plume of smoke and shot out to door to follow on Luffy's heels.
"…any other day…I would've…" Penny stared sadly at the spot where the broad-shouldered man had been. It was rare, as always, to find a Navy man who had a bit of sense.
"Me too," said the old woman behind the counter.
Penny spun around in her chair, full of delight. "Nee, obaa-chan, you're still full of bountiful years of beauty. I bet you've had more than a few suitors at your door."
"You're one of those," said the woman, cackling. She had a slight gap in between her front two teeth, adding to the delightful charm of her wizened face. "A pretty face with pretty words."
Penny raised her glass, "No better pairing."
"Yusra," introduced the old woman. "Where are you from?"
"Far away."
"So, many pirates come in and out of here now—are you a famous one?"
Penny shook her hand in the air, making a shrugging gesture. "A bit."
"Keep your secrets then," laughed Yusra. "It's best I don't get in trouble too."
Penny finished her meal as she kept tracking of the growing chaos happening outside with the help of her observation Haki.
Alabasta wasn't a nation known for its liquor, but Penny barely noticed given the amount of juice and coffee placed in front of her. Having a special preference for finely ground coffee, delicately spiced with cardamom, and often prepared in a small brass pot called a kanaka, Penny bartered several bags from Yusra which she stuffed into her overflowing backpack.
"Drink one before you go," urged Yusra. The people here were so hospitable, always giving despite the little they had themselves due to the drought. Crocodile was sucking every bit of life out of them, and they still preserved.
"No, that's alright."
"I insist—it will give you energy."
Penny and Yusra went back and forth a few rounds, each protesting the other's words, before she gave in and accepted a freshly brewed cup.
"How sweet?" she asked.
"Very."
Yusra laughed, "I should not have asked. Most travelers don't have the tongue for it any other way."
Accepting the cup, she drank it as quickly as she could. Bidding Yusra a fond farewell, she left the restaurant and blended into the growing chaos. Luffy and a number of his friends were inside the casino—likely trapped giving the lack of movement registering in her mind.
Princess Vivi was the more important target. Luffy, she knew, could handle himself. Miss All Sunday was closing in too. She was engaged in a fight with a figure Penny didn't know. Veering left, she nearly ran over a passerby as she ran through the back allies toward the fighting figures.
Dispersing several copies around town, Penny made her way to the rooftop where Vivi and Miss All Sunday stood.
Vivi's eyes nearly give Penny away as she snuck up behind Miss All Sunday. The glaring heat did nothing for her confidence, but she came up with a half-plan on the way to the roof after catching the tail end of Miss All Sunday's fight.
Penny made a grand gesture with her hands, greeting the blue-haired princess. She pointed to the large satchel she weaved on her way up using the knotted string that was always on her wrist. Trying to explain her plan to the princess without notifying Miss All Sunday of her presence was easier said than done. It seemed Miss All Sunday relied on her sight to be able to make her Devil Fruit work, so taking it away would at least buy them time.
As Miss All Sunday commented on how amazing the falcon-man's devil fruit was, Penny struck.
Opening the bag as wide as it would go, she tossed it over Miss All Sunday's body, toppling the woman whose feet kicked harshly against the capture. "A little help—" wheezed Penny as she struggled to get the bag closed.
Vivi lurched forward, helping shove Miss All Sunday's feet into the bag. Penny grabbed the ties, knotting it tightly and then pulled the cuffs she copied from Tashigi. Wrestling the wiggling woman into submission, she found her wrists and latched them to the cuffs through the fabric.
Miss All Sunday's struggle stopped, weight sagging against the ground.
"I copied them off an officer," said Penny proudly. She pulled a small pair of fabric scissors out, cutting across the top of the satchel. "Sorry about that—I wanted to avoid a drawn-out fight."
Miss All Sunday didn't answer, and Penny felt as if she had done something dangerously wrong. The woman's face was frozen in fear. "I'll let you go once I get Luffy and the—"
"Do what you want," said Miss All Sunday, a small smile playing at her lips. "My life isn't one Crocodile's willing to let go of."
"I'm not interested in your life or his."
"People like us always play games with the lives of others. It's the way of pirates."
"It's not." Penny cut away the rest of the material, leaving only a thin strip around where the cuffs held Miss All Sunday. She pulled the woman to her feet and gestured to Princess Vivi as the falcon-man landed on the roof top.
"Take her to Alubarna. I'll bring the others," ordered Penny. She did an odd shimmy afterwards, fluffing her ego like a peacock did its feathers. Beckman had laughed fully once catching her trying to order the rookies around.
"They're my friends," said Vivi forcefully. "I have no idea who you are or what you want. I can't leave them behind." The princess was stubborn. It was a good trait to have, thought Penny.
The man spoke up, "Princess, we should head for the capital."
Vivi shook her head, hands shaking at her sides, "Crocodile is my enemy, more than he is anyone else's. This is my country and if I can't confront him now, then I'll never be able to."
"Alright, fine," said Penny, sucking her teeth in annoyance. "Come along. We've got no time to waste on public declarations of war."
"You're already wasting time," said Miss All Sunday, blank stare in her eye. "It's begun. Right now, one of our men is heading toward the Rebel Army inciting the rebellion using the King's face. The others will set fire to the city."
"No," breathed Vivi, eyes full of horror. "No—that can't be."
"She's telling the truth," surmised Penny. Observation Haki was incredibly powerful, capable of revealing both actions and intent.
Falcon-man held onto Princess Vivi's arm, "Then we must make haste, Princess, and meet them at the Capital to stop this war."
"But…the Straw Hats…Crocodile…"
"I swear on my ship that I won't harm Luffy or his crew. Stay if you want, but trust in them too. They would not have brought you this far to leave you."
"Pell," said Vivi, turning to the man. "Head to the capital and inform my father of what's happening. I'll follow as soon as my friends are free." She stared up at him with burning eyes and a fierce look of determination on her face. A nobleness sat on her brow which few could naturally inherit.
Pell seemed hesitant to leave Vivi behind but, to ignore her order when it was so forcefully said was not something he could do as a protector of the crown. He placed a hand to his heart and nodded. "I shall protect him with my life."
"Thank you," said Vivi.
When he flew away, she turned to her determinedly. "I'll confront him first—should something go wrong, then I have to trust that you're not an enemy."
Penny felt it was the wrong time to inform her that the real her was looking for a quick escape to Alubarna. They dragged Miss All Sunday with them toward the casino. The woman kept suspiciously quiet, only telling them that they were going the wrong way twice, before they got to a pair of large doors.
Vivi pushed it open, disappearing inside.
"You won't fight?" asked Miss All Sunday, quietly. "Crocodile was worried you would interfere."
"Why would I give him that level of respect? He's crushed this nation beneath his foot—if anyone should save it, it's Princess Vivi."
"You knew about the Poneglyph. Do you think taking him out will leave it in your hands?"
"The Poneglyph—" said Penny firmly, eyes dark and heavy. The air filled with pressure, warning Miss All Sunday that one wrong move would start a fight she would not win. "—belongs to neither you nor the World Government. I'll protect it if I have to."
Miss All Sunday searched her face and then let out a small laugh. "I'd never thought there was someone who would go through all this trouble for a stone they can't read."
"I don't need to read them." There was only one woman in the world who could do that, and the longer Penny looked at Miss All Sunday, the more she made the connection.
There were a few times when she thought she had run into Nico Robin, but every time the person denied it. Forcing someone to come along with her was never Penny's intention and the search fizzled out.
"Then why guard something you can't understand?"
"They hold the answers to something I'm looking for, but whether or not I can read them doesn't change anything…the Poneglyphs and I are linked to the same goal…Wouldn't you protect a friend too?"
"You're a fool," said Miss All Sunday, shaking her head. "To worship something you can't understand is no different than a solider worshiping their flag."
"Worship?" Penny felt the word sour in her mouth, fist clenching at her side. "Deciphering the ancient scripts is only the first step in understanding what the Poneglyphs mean. A story doesn't end because the one telling it died."
From the way Miss All Sunday tensed, it was obvious that she felt the simmering pressure of Penny's tone but could not name what it was. Penny watched the woman's eyes flick with indecision. A flutter of admiration passed through Penny as Miss All Sunday held her ground and looked her in the eye.
"Are you more powerful than Crocodile?"
"I am." Penny pressed a hand to the doors. "The man who's going to be Pirate King is behind these here. I made a promise years ago that I would journey with him. Whatever you're running from, we can protect you."
"Without knowing who I am?"
"Whether it's Miss All Sunday or someone else—it won't matter."
"Even if it's Nico Robin?"
"…we have met before, haven't we? In the West Blue."
"Yes."
Her heart rose in her chest as her joy gave out.
Nico Robin was alive and well and here in front of her.
Her elation was so big that she could scarcely remember why she was here in the first place. Her voice was trapped in her throat, unable to do much but let out a series of excited squeaks. Penny couldn't let this chance slip by, but there were lines even she knew not to cross and stealing the knowledge of Ohara from its only survivor was one of them.
"Will you teach me how to read them?" asked Penny, holding Robin's shoulders gently.
Her hands followed the path of her arms down to her cuffs. Penny released them, freeing Robin, and stuffed them into her backpack. It was easier to gain trust when each party was equal. Capturing a woman who had been hunted to near extinction was best left for the World Government.
Robin rubbed at her wrists, confusion muddling her gaze, "That's why you were looking for me?"
"No."
"Why then?"
Penny listened into the muffled sounds slipping through the crack in the door.
Crocodile was toying with Vivi as she fought him. Luffy's voice rose to a fever pitch, demanding he be let out.
She had gotten distracted again, too easily.
Gliding inside the grand room, she caught sight of Vivi trapped in a chair. A giant cage sat on one side where Luffy was trapped with his crew members and Smoker.
"Party?" asked Penny catching the tail end of Crocodile's words. Her smile stretched across her face, eyes seeking out Luffy. "What's a girl got to do to get an invite?"
Crocodile's dark gaze met her own. The others turned in unison to look up the stairs, blinking with a complete lack of recognition, save for Smoker. Luffy tilted his head back, tracing her face curiously. He was always a bit slow, thought Penny, and she had changed a lot since childhood.
Penny raised her hand wiggling her fingers in an awkward wave. "Did I come in at the wrong moment?" Maybe she should've waited a minute or two more. Vivi looked at her, full of relief.
Penny's voice lit the flame. Luffy startled, letting out a small shout, before kicking away one of his crewmates to get a better look at her.
"Huh?" asked Luffy, dazedly. "Ace…said…you were here. I was gonna come find you, but I was a little busy."
"Hello, again," whispered Penny. Robin came down the stairs slowly, finally entering the room.
"Shishishishi, are you all shy now?"
"Don't make fun of me."
"Wait a second!" His mind caught up to his mouth. Luffy climbed on the bars of the cage, pressing his face into the sea stone, despite how much it must've weakened him. His eyes were bright and warm, joyously reaching out to her. Had he been free, she was sure he would've hugged her. "PENNY! IT'S YOU! I SAW YOUR SHIP! AND YOUR BOUNTY POSTERS! YOU'RE A REAL PIRATE NOW!"
"I always was." She raised her head to glare at Luffy for doubting it, but was distracted by the fact that he was wearing the vest she had given him a decade ago.
It fit him now.
The red and gold clashing with his straw hat—a stark image flashed through her mind of Luffy, slightly older, wearing a cape similar to Shanks with the same coloring beneath it, looking like a pirate worthy of standing side by side with the greatest. There were some people who carried their strength in everything they did and Luffy was one of them.
"Aren't you a disastrously, devious bunch?" She inspected his crew. "You look like you're up to all manners of mischief and mayhem."
"Akahime," called Crocodile. His eyes hadn't moved from her, carefully calculating how to get rid of her and regain the advantage. "What do I owe the pleasure?"
Penny shrugged. "There's nothing I love more than a good party. Where is it? When? What's on the menu?" She placed her thumbs under backpack straps, skipping down the rest of the stairs. "We saw one another, and you didn't say hello. Were you terribly frightened by me?"
Crocodile sneered at her, pulling at the scar that cut across his face. "Enough games."
"I never play games with people's lives." Penny tilted her chin up, glaring at him fearlessly.
He laughed, chillingly, and then pulled the cigar from his mouth holding it between his fingers. Penny felt Robin approach, coming to a stand behind her. "The citizens lost trust in their King and placed it in me. Would you deny them that right? Can't you hear it? Right now, this nation is falling apart. Rebellions, the monarchy, every side believes they're defending Alabasta."
"STOP IT!" roared Vivi, falling forward as tears slipped down her cheeks. "STOP IT! WHAT MORE DO YOU WANT?!"
Crocodile's teeth flashed in a raw grin, "You're love for your country moves me to tears, Princess, but that love will destroy Alabasta."
He laughed again, indulging in a short monologue, "I had to overcome a great many obstacles to get to this point. I had to find the right people. I had to raise enough money to buy the silver to manufacture the Dance Powder. I had to orchestrate acts of sabotage in order to destroy crumbling towns. I had to have my people spread rumors that they had been wronged by the king's army. I had to undermine the people's trust in their king at every turn until their resentment was overflowing. Do you know why?"
"How should I know what goes on in your twisted mind?!" Vivi rocked the chair, toppling it and breaking the back. She wiggled freeing herself and made a break for the door.
Penny felt Crocodile's intention as the sand shifted toward Vivi, each gradual rushing with enough speed to scrap the top surface of her skin, but it didn't.
The sand never reached Vivi at all.
Penny's arm coated in Haki, catching the sand against her palm, and pulling it toward her. Crocodile solidified, trying to fight her off in strength. She flipped him over her shoulder, slamming him down into the ground with a booming echo. "Did you forget what you learned from Whitebeard? There's a different kind of strength in the New World."
"Hahaha," Robin held a hand to her mouth, laughing at the stunned look on Crocodile's face. "What a funny woman, you are."
Penny saw the moment flash through her mind before it happened. Robin's hand falling onto her shoulder, Crocodile's gaze meeting Robin's, and the quick, clean stab of betrayal.
Yet…had it not been Shanks who taught her that there were gambles worth making for the future?
"PENNY!" screamed Luffy as the future played out in the present. He shook the bars of the cage to no avail, beating his fists against the sea stone. Nami raised a hand to her mouth, covering it in shock.
Penny's torso tensed as the pain flashed through her.
"I made a bargain with Mr. Zero that I intend to keep," explained Miss All Sunday, pulling the knife out and flicking it closed. "This is a game, I've been playing far longer than you."
"Such naiveness," mocked Crocodile, standing above her as Penny grabbed at the table. Not an ordinary wound, but a poisoned one. "Did you forget that you have no one to protect you here?"
"What an unexpected, villainous move," said Penny, clenching her teeth tightly as the pain worked its way through her body. She had gotten complacent in Paradise. Blackbeard was the necessary wake-up call she needed.
Crocodile kicked her out of his way. Penny didn't fight back as the man stood over her, grinning. "What a waste. I expected you to be stronger."
"LET ME OUT OF HERE! LET ME—"
"Luffy," Penny called with a smile. She rolled onto her side and propped herself up with her elbow, unbothered by the injury. His eyes met hers, rage all over his face. It eased as he noticed the lack of fear in her. "I'll meet you outside, alright?"
The copy went out with a weak snap like bubble-gum popping.
"Not again!" groaned Penny from the casino floor. She hit the slot machine with the palm of her hand and then cried out. "How many more times before I actually win?!"
She probably should stop playing around, but…she still had some coins left…and, she leaned back out of her seat, spying the curly-browed blonde who had come up with an ingenious plan that made Penny's look like shit.
Not shit—she just wasn't applying herself fully.
Crocodile was a tad scary—not in the sense that she couldn't beat him, but in the 'I'm an evil pirate,' way. And Penny wasn't an evil one. She wasn't a good one either, but she tried her best and that was all that really mattered.
As Crocodile stormed out of the room a few minutes later, the blonde moved in. Penny felt slightly awful about doing nothing, so she stood up and tip-toed behind Crocodile. It was dishonorable to attack a man who had his back turned, but those kinds of principles were reserved for people like Mihawk and Whitebeard.
Penny tossed one of her coins in the air, catching it and rolling it over her fingers. Logia types were tricky, but usually their defenses were aided by their sight—was it the same for Crocodile?
Only one way to find out. Penny threw the coin with enough force to cut through a man's skull. It snuck uselessly into Crocodile's greasy head.
He stopped, taking in the countless men defeated outside the doors of the casino, and then turned to glare at her.
"They don't look too good," said Penny, queasily looking at the blood on their faces and broken bones. "Should I find a doctor?"
Crocodile stormed toward her, picking her up by her arm and tossed her through the air. The copy popped out of existence once more as it hit the back wall.
"I'm actually over here," called another Penny, waving from behind a column.
Another one popped her head up from a game of Blackjack. "Wait, isn't it me?"
"Shut up," called the Penny seated at the bar. "You're both idiots."
"Let's just fight him."
"Should we?"
"I mean, we have to, don't we?"
"I almost won though."
"You didn't."
"I did!"
"I'm not arguing with myself."
"That's all we do."
"SHUT UP!" sneered Crocodile, heatedly. Sand whipped around the casino in a dizzying fury, sending the remaining patrons scrambling to leave. It hit the column, collapsing the roof above where one of the copies stood, and sent a plume of dust into the air. The others struck, using Crocodile's obscured vision to their advantage.
Grabbing onto his hooked hand, one Penny twisted it back, stabbing the hook into one of the wooden play tables, while another launched a brutal kick at his head. The heel of her foot broke the soft skin of his mouth against his teeth and summoned a well of blood.
While they fought, the real Penny was strolling by the river side watching a number of drenched figures emerge from its depths. As Luffy ordered Zoro to jump back in and rescue her next conque—next nothing, Penny awkwardly approached.
"Here, let me," said Penny, kneeling to help Zoro drag Smoker onto the riverbank. She pressed her ear against his chest but found nothing. Was he dead? Things like that happened all the time, didn't they? "…what's that thing…Crocus-san said to do it when…"
She pressed the palm of her hand down where his heart was meant to be and pushed down as hard as she could. Smoker's hand wrapped around her wrist and threw her off with a slight groan. He coughed harshly. Penny skittered back in disgust. Smoking was just asking for lung trouble.
The glare he aimed at her could've killed someone. "Wrong side."
Oh, that explained it. "At least I tried," said Penny. "In these kinds of situations, intentions hold tremendous meaning."
Something rammed into her side. Luffy's arms wound around her thrice and then four times until she could scarcely see anything but Luffy's red vest. "It's the real you!"
"Every me is the real me," said Penny, voice muffled by the lack of air she was receiving. Even if she wanted to, she couldn't hug him back from how tightly he was squeezing her. Was this how she met her death? Resigned, Penny lifted her hand weakly, trying to tap Luffy.
He pulled back after chattering her ear off. Penny crawled away, clutching her chest as she coughed harshly.
Seeing Luffy again up close was like peeling a film off her eyes. She could not say that she had been blind before, but Ace's words returned to her. Luffy was as he had been then, bright and joyful, but hardened and stronger now. Less a boy she needed to watch out for and more of someone who could stand beside her…or even before her.
Her lower lip caught between her teeth. His words cut off, noticing the struggle playing across her face. Luffy paused. Blinked.
Penny raced forward and hugged him as tightly as he had done to her. Laughter echoed in her ear as he caught her easily. Strange, that he could do that now when he couldn't before. The curve of his spine shook beneath her hand. Her mind settled, refreshed and clear.
"I've missed you." It was the truth, one she would rarely speak aloud but save to a few. Penny pulled back, opening her mouth to complain immediately. "Ace hit me three times and dumped me in the middle of Nanohana without a warning. He doesn't listen to anything sa—"
"Did you hit him back?"
"No…" She frowned and crossed her arms over her chest. "…well, yes, I did, but that's besides the point."
"Everyone," called Luffy climbing to his feet. He beamed at his crew, shaking her by the shoulders. "This is Penny." He pointed at each member, listing them off.
"Captain of the Looking Glass," added Penny, stressing her title. Smoker watched their interaction with furrowed brows.
Luffy ignored her. "She's joining—"
"I'm not."
Luffy frowned. His mouth twisted as he dug his knuckles against his temples, trying to think. Brightening up, he smacked his fist against the palm of his hand. "I got it. I got it. We're gonna kidnap her."
"Wait—wait. I can't—this is my only chance to say it. Even if you're not real, even if I've made up an—what am I saying?" breathed out Sanji. He kicked Luffy away from her. Penny startled. "A lackluster brain like mine would never be able to conjure up such great beauty." He reached for her hands, surprising Penny who avoided this kind of contact for a very specific reason. "Please tell me—"
"You're from the North Blue?" asked Penny, struggling to hold the conversation as fragments copied into her mind. She hated when people did this. It made focusing on anything hard. "Oh, from—but, that's just a story, isn't it?"
Quicker than he grabbed her, Sanji dropped her hands, stepping back as if burned. Penny pulled back, rubbing her forehead to clear her muddled mind. She needed to go back to wearing gloves, but the heat in Alabasta made her hands sweaty. She opened her mouth, to ask if he was alright, but he turned his back to her.
"We're wasting time," said Zoro, looking at Vivi. "We've got somewhere to be."
Penny eyed Smoker. "I'll deal with Crocodile."
"No," said Luffy firmly. "This is our fight."
"Can you do it?"
"I won't lose."
Penny believed him. She laughed, excitement filling her. So, this was what Shanks felt like, waiting for Luffy to reach him. "If you say, you won't then I'll trust you."
"Nami-san," chirped Sanji, over pronouncing the -san to -swan. His emotions rattled the air, a bit starker than all the rest, making Penny wonder exactly what she said that upset him. "Do you still have that perfume?"
"You mean this one?" asked Nami, pulling a glass bottle from her pocket. She sprayed it into the air, several times.
Sanji's eyes were full of wonder and awe as he loudly proclaimed, "It's like falling in love and going to heaven."
"Yeah? Then stay there," muttered Zoro, looking disturbed by Sanji's worship.
Penny moved out of the way just as Smoker's jitte stabbed toward Zoro. Her foot met the edge of the walkway, hand lashing out to hold onto Smoker's outstretched arm to keep from falling in.
Both men looked at her.
"I'm just…" Sensing the tension, Penny pointed in a random direction, and hurried off toward Luffy. He was still knocked out from the fierce kick Sanji issued him. The long-nose…wait a moment…wait…she knew— "USOPP-KUN?!"
Her shout startled Nami and Vivi both.
"You know him?" asked Nami with a smile. "Luffy mentioned that his dad stopped by in Foosha once."
"Oh no," moaned Penny, suffering a mild mental breakdown. Did Yasopp know? What if something happened to the Straw Hats before they managed to meet Shanks? The world was full of all manners of dangerous things like snakes and sea kings and the Navy and disease.
"Well, Usopp-kun's really brave, isn't he? He fought that cave tiger and defeated an army at the age of six…I'm sure with someone that strong…" She looked at the two snickering girls and flushed. "What is it?"
"Nothing, nothing," said Nami, giggling. "Usopp's exactly like that."
"A-army?" asked Vivi. The two burst into giggles again.
Penny shied away.
"WHERE'S CROCODILE?" demanded Luffy, sitting up.
"LET'S GET TO ALUBARNA AS FAST AS WE CAN!" shouted Usopp, over him.
"Come on," said Nami, reaching a hand toward Penny. "They'll burst your eardrums if you stay too close to them."
Luffy caught sight of Smoker, rolling his sleeves up to aim a punch at the man. The Navy was closing in on them in every direction, leaving only a narrow path of escape behind Smoker.
"You can't fight them all," said Penny. "It's either Crocodile or him—pick one and leave the other with me."
Luffy turned his head, smiling toward her, "It's all or nothing."
Smoker remained silent staring at Luffy for a long while. Penny was all too used to being disappointed by the Navy. At times, they seemed reasonable and just, but too often had their justice been corrupted by power. Their eyes were blinded by the words of the World Government and the terrible desires of the Celestial Dragons.
"Go."
But, maybe there were Marines who lived in the same grey area that Penny did. Her lips pulled into a small smile. The world managed to surprise her every day.
"Just this once…I'll let you go." They looked at one another, surprised and awed. Smoker's scowl grew, "But, the next time we meet, you're dead, Straw Hat."
"THERE THEY ARE!" shouted the incoming troops. Heavy boots thudded against the ground as they raced down the street.
Zoro let out a laugh as his crewmates turned to flee, following Princess Vivi's directions toward the desert. Penny lingered behind with Luffy, the only person she really knew in this bunch. Zoro waited, calling after Luffy as well.
"You know, I kinda like you," said Luffy with a wide grin. It was warm and lacking any deceit which seemed to make Smoker angry. He struck Luffy hard and fast, making him jump.
"Get outta here!" snarled the Captain, annoyed by Luffy's lack of fear. Penny turned to run as well, only to have him call after her. "I said I'd let the Straw Hats go, not you."
Ah—there was always a catch to their mercy. Penny nodded, turning to Luffy and urging him forward. "I'll be right behind you."
"Promise?"
"Yes."
Satisfied, he ran off, leaving Smoker and Penny alone as the Navy approached. He didn't move his eyes from her, ignoring the men waiting for orders.
"Is it the title you want?"
"Which one?"
"Shichibukai."
Penny let out a startled laugh which faded quickly as she saw how serious Smoker was. "I'd rather die."
"They wouldn't give it to you anyway," said Smoker gruffly. "After your nonsense down at Sabaody, no one would even mention your name for it."
"Doesn't it make you feel ashamed to wear that uniform knowing who it protects?"
"You think I give a damn what orders come down from the top?" spat out Smoker. He looked disgusted with the notion of following anyone other than himself.
Penny smiled, eyes crinkling at the corners. "Are you sure you don't want to be a pirate?" she teased, "I've got a ship with no crew. It gets lonely."
Smoker looked to be on the verge or murder. "Go to hell." He relaxed slightly. "You said he was after something—do you know what?"
"Why ask me a question you already know the answer to? We'll stop Crocodile…but it might not be enough to reverse the rebellion or to help with what comes after."
"What do you get out of it?"
Penny had everything she needed in the palm of her hand. "Nothing."
One of the officers pointed at her, "S-sir! T-that's—"
"What the hell are you saying?" Smoker's attention turned away, clearly giving her the chance to escape. "SPEAK UP!"
"It's an open invitation," said Penny, lingering. Penny spun away from the blow that shot in her direction as Smoker attempted to throw her into the river with his jitte. Her giggling merriment echoed as she ran down the street and disappeared from sight.
END CHAPTER