ONE PIECE

Two Worlds, One Family

A young woman struggling to find her place in the world wakes up to find a bunch of cats in her room...cats that turn out to be the characters from her favourite TV show, One Piece! Bound to each other, whether they like it or not, and trying to figure out a way to find a certain somebody's lost Nakama and get everyone back to their home, what follows is bound to be chaos, friendship, tears, romance - and, adventure! (Kind of a re-write of Straw Cat Pirates).

~Parental Warning~

The following chapter contains:

. Low to mild-level adult themes

. Infrequent coarse language

CHAPTER FIFTY-THREE

The End

The darkest hour is just before dawn.

- Emmylou Harris

But, Godspeed or not, Emma still hated running, and she soon felt that stitch in her side that would have usually made her stop.

Just like back in high school, with that one thousand five hundred metre run (they could call it fifteen hundred all that they wanted - it didn't make it any shorter). Or, in primary school, where she had taken desperate measures to avoid training for the cross-country, by pulling out a loose baby tooth, right there on the school oval. Twice. The teachers, of course, weren't going to make her run when she had a tooth in her hand and blood all over her mouth. So what if that second one hadn't been quite ready to come out, yet?

Mayling and Krystal had been very impressed when they'd found out about that (Krystal may have been really into keeping fit and looked to people like Lorna Jane and Tiffany Hall for inspiration but, like her two best friends, she didn't much like running).

The spirit orb that was still in her hair chirped at her, as if to tell her that she had only been running for thirty seconds.

"Do you honestly … expect me to have … changed so much … throughout all of this … that I'm not totally dying here?!" Emma cried in frustration.

But, the voice that she heard in response wasn't coming from the spirit orb - she didn't know where it came from, as it sang: Shinjidai wa kono mirai da, sekaijuu zenbu kaete shimaeba . . . Then: Hey, are you okay? The voice spoke. Emma was too shocked to reply, even as the voice went on: Look, I dunno who you are or what you're doing, but . . .

"I'm trying to … save the world … and, my Mother!" Emma exclaimed, gasping a little bit as she continued to run. What is going on here?!

That's great! The voice cheered her on. Whose voice was it? It sounded like a young woman's voice, but, it was as unfamiliar to Emma as what hers was to this unknown entity. I believe in you!

"They told me that … I'm the only one who can … do this … but … I have to run, and … I hate running!" Emma told the unknown woman, wondering why she was choosing to confide in somebody that she couldn't even see. "Plus, there are monsters, I mean really dangerous ones, like the ones that my friends are all fighting - yikes!" She gasped, as a Chaos Creature started to appear beside her, materialising in motion. It was smaller than any of the other ones that she had encountered so far. Only about 152cm tall, and clearly humanoid in shape. Matte … why does that look like … me . . . ? She gulped, as the Chaos Creature that so resembled her opened its eyes - unlike the brilliant scarlet of the eyes of other Chaos Creatures, this one's eyes were a golden yellow. Emma instinctively dodged out of the way as the Chaos Creature lunged at her. She could then hear it following her, much to horror. "It's following me!"

Then, just keep on running! The unknown woman's voice urged her. Don't look back, or stop for anything!

"It's so hard to … run across this ruined place … there's craters everywhere!" Emma realised, as she leapt across a medium-sized one, and sensed that the Chaos her was doing the exact same thing. "Plus, I'm … wearing a … long dress!"

Yeah, tell me about it. The woman sounded like she had gone through something similar. Are you at least wearing the right shoes for this? Or, no shoes at all?

"Gladiator … sandals!"

Those are good, too. Hey, would it help if I sang to keep you motivated? She said suddenly. I'm working on a new song - we could motivate each other! She suggested. What do you think?

"I think that … you should add that bit in … again . . . " Emma panted, slightly. "Kaete shimaeba . . . " She managed to sing, slightly higher than the woman had sung that line before. Even with her throat feeling like it was coated in spike-covered sandpaper, it still sounded okay . . .

The spirit orb chirped at her again, seemingly telling her to run now and sing later.

That was pretty good, I'll add that in there. The woman told her. For now, you just do what you have to do, and leave me to do what I do … kaete shimaeba . . . She sang the line in the exact same way that Emma had.

We can change the world . . .

And, that was when Emma seemed to hear the music begin in the back of her mind … along with the other voices . . .

Emmy . . . That was Luffy's voice. Was he still unconscious? Emma suspected that he was but that, somehow, he was aware of what she was going through and that she needed support.

Well, she had never needed support more than right now, and, somehow that realisation seemed to reach out across the Celestial Realm … and, beyond.

You're not giving up, are you, Ribon-Girl? Zoro's voice was slightly muffled - he must have been using Santoryu and so Wado Ichimonji was probably clamped tightly between his teeth.

However, it was what he wasn't saying that suddenly resonated with Emma, and she was drawn back to the conversation that she'd had with him before she'd left the first safe zone in Level 0 . . .

"You probably … hate me … for what I did."

Zoro, who was leaning against the broken stone arch where Emma, Vivi, and Luffy had been sitting before, raised an eyebrow at Emma's words. Then, he just sighed, and said: "Iie. I don't hate you. I get why you did it."

"But, even so," Emma stressed. "Zoro, I … what I did … I mean, I know that when it comes to loyalty, that you — "

"Yeah, which is why I get what you were trying to do." He told her.

She looked up at him in surprise. "You do?" She all but whispered.

He nodded. "There's nothing wrong with your sense of loyalty. What you did you did out of loyalty. You weren't actually trying to get rid of us. You thought that by keeping us out of this, then, you wouldn't lose us. Your only problem is that you need to figure out that we can take care of ourselves."

"I know that now," she replied quietly, smiling slightly, despite the fact that her eyes were very bright. "Especially after hearing about the way that you handled that Akuma Mukade. You totally destroyed it, and I seriously love you for that, Zoro."

"Just for that reason?" Nami said as she approached them, although she said it teasingly, and with a knowing smile.

"Of course not!" Emma exclaimed, somewhat indignantly, even as Zoro looked startled and blushed.

"Good, good," Nami gave Zoro a little push back in the direction of the others, and he glared at her. "You go back now, you . . . "

"Mukade satsugai battōtoki." Emma supplied.

"Hai, hai, he's that," Nami rolled her eyes, waving her hand in a dismissive way. "Go now, Zoro, it's my turn to talk to Em, so you go back – iie, not that … way . . . " She groaned, as Zoro set off in completely the wrong direction. "Oh, thank God . . . " She sighed, as a pair of tanned hands sprung up from a nearly low stone wall and gently guided Zoro back the other way.

"It's like when Vivi-Chama was about to accidentally go into the men's room at the Lumbar Lodge . . . " Emma suddenly recalled. "Remember that?"

"Heh, yeah, and then Lunares grabbed her by the hair and pulled her back . . . " Nami chuckled.

"It's a shame that we can't do that with Zoro." Emma remarked.

"I know, right?" Nami agreed with her. She put her hands on her hips, and tossed her head back, making her short hair swing slightly. "It must get annoying, though, especially when swimming . . . " She turned her head to look towards the east.

Emma followed her gaze. "Oh, that's right … you're going to the bay with Zoro, aren't you?"

"Yup," Nami rolled her eyes, again. "And, I'd sooner grow my own hair out then let him wander off while we're here!"

Emma heard Nami's voice now, even as she continued to run with the Chaos her right behind her.

Em, you're not giving up! You can't! I mean, I've kind of felt like giving up, especially when I drowned - but, if I give in now then what was the point of surviving all of that?!

Nami had a good point there, actually. Hadn't Emma just said before how she had nearly gotten taken out by giant demon centipedes, despite all of those other times that she could have died?

They had been talking about it, as they'd sat on the steps leading up to the stone archway.

"I saw these two block-mounts at the shops back in your world," Nami mused all of a sudden, and Emma glanced at her, wondering where this was leading. "One said 'sometimes it's okay to just step back and realise that you've been through a lot'. The one that was right next to it said 'call it a family, call it a crew, call it an alliance: whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one'."

"Did they write that one about us all?" Emma wondered.

"The shop lady seemed to think so." Nami admitted. She smiled, slightly. "But, when I think about it, a lot of what we've all gone through these past few months we've gotten through because of each other. Wouldn't you agree?"

Emma sighed. "Nami, relax, okay? I'm not gonna ditch you guys again. Okay?" She said again.

"But, do you agree?" Nami pressed.

Emma looked at her, taking note of how serious the navigator suddenly seemed, and of the worry behind her tone, and she nodded. "Hai, Nami - I do agree. I can't do without you guys … whatever I call you." She added.

"That's good," Nami replied. "Because, do we have time to discuss what will happen with you and — ?"

"What you can call me," Usopp's voice interrupted Nami, as the sniper approached them. "Is the brave Captain Usopp!"

"Captain of your own destiny." Emma remarked, responding to Usopp's comment swiftly because Nami had looked furious at being interrupted.

But, even as Usopp had told Nami that Franky had noticed an issue with one of her maps, and the navigator had scurried back to the group to either defend her cartography skills or question how the landscape could have changed in the last five minutes or so, Emma had been deep in thought.

What will happen with you and … you and what? What?! I must know!

Even as she ran now, however, Emma thought that she had a fairly good idea of what Nami had been about to ask her.

She had wanted to know where Emma was going after this. Was she staying with the Straw Hats? And, if so, then what about Ace - her husband - and Law - her First Knight?

Only, now it was just Law that she had to worry about, because . . .

Emma nearly tripped - as it was, she stumbled, and she heard the Chaos her start to close some of the distance between them.

And, that was when she heard Usopp's voice.

Come on, Emma! Remember that the brave Captain Usopp believes in you! Just think about what I'd do in whatever situation you're in!

Emma almost laughed out loud. Usopp had absolutely no way of knowing, but, what she was having to do right now was exactly what he would have done in this situation. And, he would have done it well - he would have run for his life, and for everybody else's life, too.

The scarier the pursuer, the more adrenaline.

They had talked about that, as Emma had stayed sitting on the steps and Usopp had sat on a large rock that was facing her. It had been at that point that Usopp had pointed out that she couldn't have been trying too hard to get away from them because, from his own personal experience, if you wanted to evade something that badly then you'd always find a way . . .

"Yeah, no … you're right, Usopp." Emma nodded. "Subconsciously I wasn't, although I certainly did try." She smiled, somewhat ruefully. "This is probably the first time that I've … ever been glad that I failed."

"Well, the rest of us succeeded," Usopp said, somewhat diplomatically. "In catching up to you, that is."

Emma didn't bother pointing out that that hadn't been exactly what had happened (more like she had stopped running and then doubled back to find them). She knew that Usopp was trying to make a point of some sort.

"And," the sniper went on, even as he jumped about a foot into the air because a shrill screech had just rent the air from somewhere in the distance. "Remember what I said two weeks ago about us always having each others backs?" (Emma nodded). "Well, that means that we share in each others victories, as well!"

Emma smiled at the thought, but then she paused. "Can the same … also be said of failures too though, Usopp?"

He seemed to understand what she wasn't saying. "I'm pretty sure that your Father - Whitebeard, that is - was proud of you, no matter what! He wouldn't want you to blame yourself over what happened … I know how I'd feel, though … especially since all that I really knew about my Father before we met on Dawn Island were a few hazy memories and what my Mother and other people told me … so, I understand . . . " He trailed off, and then seemed to think of something. "It must be hard, having waited so long to get to know him, and now . . . " He glanced at Emma, and then did a double-take when he noticed how bright her eyes were. "Oh!" He gasped. "H-hey, matte, I didn't mean to — !" He cast a nervous glance over his shoulder, as Emma sniffled and quickly wiped her eyes. "Oh, man … I can feel Law glaring at me — !"

"Law's not glaring at you." Came Chopper's voice, as the reindeer doctor came up to them.

On an impulse, all three of them then looked over towards where the Surgeon Of Death was standing beside Karma, by the doorway out of the safe zone … just as he turned to look at them.

Usopp let out a small yell and jumped off of the rock.

"Oh, matte, now he is." Chopper realised, because Law had just narrowed his eyes slightly as Karma said something to him. "You'd better go and see him, Usopp. Before Karma comes over here." He added, and Usopp began to look nervous, even as he started to walk back that way.

"Ne, Usopp?" Emma called to him suddenly, and he glanced back at her as she smiled suddenly. "If they ask why I was close to crying, tell them that it's because not only do you understand what I've been going through in regards to my Father, but you actually helped me to understand it a bit better just now, and, for that I am very, very grateful!"

Usopp looked surprised for a second, and then he grinned. "Anytime!" He assured her, as he turned back around and continued walking.

Chopper then hopped up onto a smaller rock next to the one that Usopp had just vacated, and said: "Oh, so that's what you two were talking about."

"Yup, that's it." Emma nodded. "Why?"

"Well, I got a bit worried because you both had that look." Chopper responded.

"That look?" Emma repeated.

"Yeah. That look … you know? The one that you get when you're talking about . . . " Chopper's voice dropped to a whisper. "Death."

"Oh . . . " Emma paused. Then: "Oh … well, yeah, nah … we were talking about that, but, not really. Don't worry, though, because I'm gonna do my very best to make sure that that sort of thing doesn'thappen again!"

Chopper looked relieved. "Okay!" He agreed. "Then, I will, too! I'll also cheer for you, to remind you that I'm here for you, as well!" He gave her a confident grin.

Emma felt her heart melting. "Aww, Chopper … you are so wonderful!"

"You saying that – doesn't make me – happy! Not at all!"

Emma was trying not to think about the fact that she had not been able to prevent another death, despite telling Chopper that she was going to all but ensure that it didn't happen.

In fact, she was so busy trying not to think about this, that she almost didn't see the fallen trees in her way, looking up ahead, that is until the spirit orb that was atop her head suddenly chirped out a warning to her, and she gasped.

She didn't think that she would have enough strength left to break through the trees and keep on running, but, she had to try, right?

It was either that, or, vault over them somehow. She was suddenly strongly reminded of those obstacle courses that they used to do in primary school - they had been short, and more obstacle than course, so she had been surprisingly good at them … back in years five and six, before that cancer had messed with her thyroid.

Year six especially had been good, as she, Krystal, and Mayling (and, Kimberly) had all been in the same class and in the same faction - Gold Geckoes - and so they had cheered each other on when training for the obstacle courses (with minimal running, Emma hadn't felt the need to bail out of them).

All that she was missing were those cheers . . .

And, that was when Emma heard Chopper's voice, now.

Emma, Emma, you're the best! You're better than all the rest! The reindeer doctor cheered. You can do it any day! Nothing will stand in your way!

Which was literally all of the encouragement that Emma needed right then, as she leapt at the fallen trees. Using a combination of the momentum from both the jump and when she grabbed at the trees with her hands, she was able to push herself up, and make it all of the way over the fallen trees, before she continued with her sprint across the top.

Even as she ran towards the other side, Emma was busy jumping over gaps. Even the Chaos her couldn't distract her, because she didn't want to fall off of something this high up.

It made her recall the conversation that she had had with Sanji, who she had spotted sitting on a low stone wall near to the stone archway after Chopper had been called back to the others by Usopp and Nami to try and identify the screech of the unknown creature that they had heard again.

"Usopp doesn't actually want to know what it is." Sanji remarked, watching as Emma walked up a little stone staircase to stand on the low stone wall.

"Oh, I know," Emma replied, as she balanced on the stone wall. "He just wants to get out of that conversation that he was having with Law-Chan."

"He worries about you a lot." Sanji remarked unexpectedly, glancing over at Law, who was still standing beside the doorway.

"Yeah, but, he's my First Knight. It's in the job description." Emma shrugged. "I mean, look at it thisway," she went on, seeing a slightly troubled look in the chef's one visible eye. "If I was to suddenly lose my balance and be in danger of falling off of this stone wall right now . . . " She balanced on one leg, rather precariously, and gestured to the other side of the wall which, of course, led to a gently sloping hill.

"Then I would catch you before that could happen." Sanji said quickly, eyeing her carefully, now.

"Right," Emma agreed with him. "Except that, I wouldn't, because of your training." She watched as Sanji's eyes lit up a little bit. "You've helped me out so much. Not just with training … you showed me how to make fried eggs the way that Luffy likes them - sunny side-up, almost raw, with mayonnaise - and how to make a Bloody Mary, and you even let me help you make that steporton back there!"

Well, that hadn't been exactly what had happened. More like she, Law, and Ace just happened to have been standing there when it had come time to spit-roast the pig part of the dish, and Ace had offered to man the flames while Law kept the time better than a stopwatch (to ensure that they didn't burn the cooking) and Emma handed the seasonings to Sanji in order - Pappy's Paprika, Dual Rosemary And Thyme, Duetta's Solo Garlic Powder, Regnig Ginger (the rhizome for those rainy days!), and Space Spice (nobody knew what was in the jar that featured a coyote on the front of it, but, it had added a real kick of amazing flavours). So, it wasn't like Emma had really helped with the cooking part of it, but this time it was her turn to be trying to make a point.

"Because everybody has just been helping everybody out," Emma explained, and watched as Sanji's expression became thoughtful. "In their own ways. You know? Everybody means something to me, but for different reasons - and, the reasons have nothing to do with who's coming from where or whatever." She didn't need to elaborate on that. Sanji continued to look thoughtful. Emma then added: "Would you really catch me if I fell?"

"Of course, Emma-Chan!" Sanji said immediately, looking up at her as she looked down at him.

"Just like Sora-San . . . " Emma said softly, now looking out into the distance.

"Do you think so?" Sanji asked her quietly. He sounded like he wasn't so sure.

Emma closed her eyes briefly, not noticing that Franky had come up behind them, and then she opened her eyes again.

"Hey — " The cyborg began.

Emma gasped, and fell off of the wall. Sanji immediately jumped up and caught her in his arms as she fell.

"Sanji-Kun," Emma said, looking up at the chef. "I know so."

Emma-Chan … I know that you can do this … don't give up! The cook's voice now said to her.

It was as she drew closer to the edge of the fallen trees that Emma began somewhat wishing that Sora was there, now. She recalled how Sanji's Mother had caught Luffy when the captain had fallen - twice - off of Mount Sup'mylo back in Level Six.

It had just been a shame that Sanji hadn't gotten to spend more time with her. Although, Emma wasn't sure how he would have done that without anybody finding out his secret … why was it such a secret? Emma was starting to wonder just what Sanji's past - before he had met Zeff - was like.

But, like with the loved ones of most of her Allies, Sora had come through for them.

It made Emma think of Tom, for whatever reason … maybe because what she had to do now he would be telling her to do with 'gusto'?

And, even as she jumped over the edge, she could hear Franky's voice.

Don't give up, Emma-Nee-Chan! You've been especially SUPER this week, so don't stop, now!

It reminded Emma of what they'd talked about, a week ago . . .

After Sanji went back to the others, Emma asked Franky if they could practice his pose - mainly to keep him from asking about what she and Sanji had just been discussing.

Franky wouldn't let her stand on the wall to practice it, though; they stood on a large flat piece of stone wall that was lying near to the low stone wall, and practiced the pose for thirty seconds, during which time Emma told him about what had happened when Tom had come to find them in the Ocean Realm.

"He immediately swam up to me and got the necklace on over my head," Emma said, as they sat down side by side on the rock. "He's really something, Old Tom is . . . " She added, wistfully. And, I just left without saying goodbye to him … not to mention what I put Queen Otohime-Sama through … what must Tiger-San be thinking of me . . . ?

As if he could tell what she was thinking, Franky regarded her carefully, and then he said: "Yeah, I've been meaning to ask . . . " She glanced up at him. "Why do you call him 'Old Tom'?" He grinned.

"He said that I could!" Emma said, somewhat defensively. "Apparently, I had called him that even before … you know, back when my Mother - Undine - used to take me to visit Water Seven . . . "

"Yeah," it was Franky's turn to look somewhat wistful. "Tom-San and Kokoro always said that Undine and her daughter loved Water Seven!" It was at that point that he noticed that Emma was just staring at him. "What?"

"And, you never thought to mention that before?" Emma managed to say.

"Well," another voice said, and they both looked over to see Robin walking over to them. The archeologist was smiling calmly. "It's not as if he knew before about the connection between you and the Ocean Goddess, Emma-San. I'm sure that if he had known," she added, as she reached them. "Then he would have told you much sooner."

"Well, why now?" Emma protested stubbornly. "Why not last week sometime, like when we were in the Lumbar Lodge — ?"

"Those guys from Brook's old crew would hardly leave you alone!" Franky replied.

"Or, when we were in the Desert Realm — ?"

"We got separated." Robin reminded her.

"Okay, what about in the Hills Realm, after — ?"

"After we helped to stop the Rebels, there wasn't much time between then and when we left for the Ocean Realm." Franky pointed out.

"Where we were again separated." Robin added.

Emma groaned. "Oh, I give up … it's just … I barely know anything at all about Edward Undine … I mean, she's my Mother, and now that both she and Daddy are gone . . . "

Franky burst into tears, and Emma (startled) and Robin (calm) both looked at him. "Oh, Emma-Nee-Chan –– that is so –– so –– SAD! You only wanted to know your other parents more and the world just won't let you! You don't have to worry, though! I'm sure that what they're singing is this!" And, he pulled a guitar literally out of nowhere, strummed it a few times, and then began to play it as he sang: "Tsubasa? Hirogerusa! Watashi wa tori! Habataki! Tondeiku! Oozora wo kaze ni notte!"

Emma was still staring at him, but now she was thinking: I just … understood that … all of that … like, as in, I know that what he just sang was 'Wings? I spread them! I am a bird! I will flutter my wings and fly away! In the sky, on the wind!

Robin was also still staring at Franky, and then she said: "I'm reasonably certain that that's not what they're singing."

Franky looked shocked for a second, and then he recovered and said: "Okay, what about this, then?" And, he began to play and sing a different song. "And you will free the beautiful bird, that's caught inside your heart . . . "

"Go." Robin said, firmly but gently, giving Franky a little push because he was showing no signs of stopping - if anything, he was starting to get right in to it.

"Can't you hear her? Oh, she cries so loud, casts her wild note, over water and cloud . . . "

Robin used her powers to activate more hands and push him away.

Franky was still singing as he walked back over to the group, however, and Brook immediately joined in.

"That's the way it's gonna be, little darling, we'll go riding on the horses, yeah-yeah . . . "

As if on cue, or maybe because they couldn't help themselves, Nami and Sanji joined in with: "Way up in the sky, little darling, and if you fall I'll pick you up, I'll pick you up . . . "

And Robin, turning back to Emma and noticing the tears that were in her eyes, smiled gently at her now, and said: "Well, you did say that we were all Honorary Australians, Emma-San."

We're with you, Emma-San … please, just remember that, and remember what's driving you forwards . . .

Robin's voice came to Emma now, as she landed on the other side of the pile of fallen trees.

Emma kept on running - she could hear the Chaos her right behind her still, and didn't like to think about what would happen if it caught up with her. The fear of what was behind her, and the anticipation of what awaited … that's what was driving her forwards.

It wasn't easy, though. Every step was starting to cause her pain. Her breathing was ragged. The stitch that was in her side was on fire … a fire that began to fuel her movements, and pushed her as she ran across . . .

Emma nearly groaned, as she felt her sandalled feet hit muddy ground. She willed herself to keep up the pace - as long as she kept on moving, then, she wouldn't sink.

Yup, that was it … just keep on moving … don't stop now . . .

She still hated running. But, more than that all of a sudden, she was tired of running away from her problems.

Well, there was still one problem that she wasn't willing to tackle any time in the near future … that being the fact of her encounter with Donquixote Doflamingo. She was suddenly ready to tackle any problem that was thrown at her, but … not that one.

Even though Georgia had said that ignoring your problems wouldn't make them go away … and, even though Robin had basically agreed with that sentiment and elaborated on it, when their conversation had strayed dangerously close to what had happened on Tequila Wolf . . .

"So, did what Scarlett say to you make sense?" Emma asked Robin.

They were sitting side by side on the same fallen stone pillar that Emma and Ace had stood upon to talk for what had felt like only about five seconds (she seriously wished that they had had more time to talk!). The water beneath the pillar was reminding Emma of the hot springs.

Robin smiled. "Hai. Scarlett-San had a way of describing what it is that I was seeing so that it made sense, and I left with a much clearer sense of what it is that I have to do." She didn't elaborate on that, and Emma didn't ask. Something about the nature of the springs and what they showed seemed very personal, somehow, even though her Allies had had other people around them. Emma had only had the other Spring Keeper - one of Homing's sons - with her for guidance, but that had been all that she'd needed. As if sensing Emma's thoughts, Robin suddenly asked her: "If I may ask … did the springs show you our first meeting, by any chance?"

Emma nodded. She had decided not to mention that she had been able to hear everybody's thoughts when she had watched her memories, and just hoped that nobody else had been able to, either.

That wasn't what Robin was leading up to, however. What she said was: "I was most intrigued by Scarlett-San's reaction to the whole situation … in particular to the main aggressor during that particular incident . . . "

"Oh?" Emma stared down at the water beneath her feet.

"Mmhmm … she went from being shocked to angry to almost apologetic, all within the matter of a few seconds." Robin told her.

"Yeah … mine was like that, too." Emma mused, remembering. "Umm … my guide, that is … he was pretty upset about it, actually . . . " She shook her head, quickly. "But, you know, I told him that you said that everything happens for a reason." She glanced at Robin.

"And, I truly do believe that, Emma-San." Robin told her. "I mentioned this to Scarlett-San, and she reminded me that in order to see the good in such situations it is important to face them, sometimes." She regarded Emma, calmly. "Did your guide offer much on that particular situation?"

"Aside from saying that 'the trigger should have been pulled eleven years ago'," Emma shrugged. "Not really … matte . . . " A sudden thought had just occurred to her, but she just as suddenly dismissed it. "Iie. There is no way that that kind, handsome, caring individual," she decided, using the same words that she had used to refer to him before. "Would have had anything to do with such a … with such a … Robin-San, word, please?"

"Abhorrent miscreant." Robin said, very clearly.

Emma nodded. "Hai. The Spring Keeper is wonderful, and Doflamingo is decidedly not. There's no correlation between the two. Except for maybe the extreme height." She added, as an afterthought.

"Yohohoho," a voice chuckled, as Brook approached them, now. "Was this wonderful Spring Keeper even taller than me, dear Emma-San?"

Emma nodded. "He was, though not by much. Although . . . " She eyed the skeleton, now. "With that afro of yours … just another reason to go the 'fro." She told him.

Brook chuckled again, obviously agreeing with her.

"Well, I'll leave you two to it." Robin said serenely, as she stood up and started to walk down the pillar.

She paused, however, when she heard Brook suddenly say: "Oh, Emma-San, is that a centipede — ?"

"Where?!" Emma all but shrieked, and leapt off of the fallen pillar, landing in the water and, as she did she turned, and flung out her hand - the result was that she managed to catch the water that splashed up when she did, and flung it in a straight line at whatever it was that was on the stone pillar.

"Oh, my mistake," Brook calmly examined whatever it was. "It was just a leaf." He straightened up and glanced at Emma, who was just staring at her left hand. "And, also, Emma-San . . . ?"

"Fishman Jujutsu." Emma said, somewhat shakily, trying to keep her voice down because the others were all looking over at them with varying levels of curiosity, including Nami.

"Well, I've heard of Fishman Karate before," Brook told her, nodding. "The two have some similarities, it would seem."

"The Spring Keeper suggested to me that I should get somebody to teach me Fishman Jujutsu - when I accidentally used it to extinguish the flames that were on his shoulder, after he'd set himself on fire with his own cigarette … somehow." Emma looked at the emerald heart ring on her left index finger, and smiled as she remembered using Mizugokoro. "Maybe I should learn Fishman Karate, too . . . ?"

"Maybe . . . " Brook agreed with her.

Robin smiled and continued back over to the others, but Emma heard her say: "It seems that that wonderful man who helped you so much has a lot of good advice, Emma-San . . . "

Emma didn't doubt that for a second. But, when it came to giving good advice, so did everybody else, it seemed. They had all helped her so much, and their loved ones had helped her, as well. Despite the fact that most of those loved ones were living challenged, that had not stopped them from being able to help Emma and her Allies.

Then again, Brook had never let the fact that he was dead stop him so far. Emma was also sure that Brook would be telling her not to give up, and then she heard his voice saying just that.

Don't give up, Emma-San! As they say, it is not over until the fat lady sings … and, I don't believe that the Zombie Lola-San is going to be doing that!

Emma was certain about that, too. Not because the Zombie Lola was no more - because she was, even if Brook didn't know about that. It was because of what had happened on the third day in the River Styx (around the same time that Saint Jalmack had stopped talking to everybody).

A group of very young Kurozumi kids had decided to have a pretend wedding, and had needed a 'wedding singer'. They hadn't asked Emma, because she had been too busy trying to learn Zanganken Ni No-Tachi until she'd realised what was going on - and, she'd only realised because Vincent had come to ask her to sing after Zombie Lola had sung 'Here Comes The Bride' and both Zepo and Nishin had told her to never sing again.

Emma had had some reservations about singing that classic wedding march, though; hearing Zombie Ryuma chuckle, however, had given her the idea to sing Binks' Sake - luckily, a piano had somehow been located in the building, as well, which Emma played as she sang the song that it turned out that Vincent, Jimbe, Zepo, and more than half of the Thriller Bark Zombies knew.

Homing had commended them on their singing. Nishin had said that it was the strangest wedding that he had ever attended (but, that might've been because Rug Bear was the minister, and the entire thing was a strange combination of traditional western, Japanese, and something out of The Corpse Bride).

Emma wondered how Brook would react if he found out about what had happened. Then again, Brook's views on loneliness, coupled with his kindness, would probably make him somewhat sympathetic to those who had been trapped in the River Styx … not to mention what had happened to him when he'd been stuck in his cat-form, before being reunited with his crew-mates . . .

"But, you've been here before, haven't you?" Emma mused, sipping thoughtfully on her tea.

"Well, both yes and no," Brook responded, setting down his own tea cup. He was sitting across from her at the same stone table that they had all sat at before. "I believe that I may have been in between this realm and our Mortal Realm . . . "

"That does make sense," Emma nodded. "After all, Georgia said that when Little Death took Grace's Heart from her, that it was when they were between worlds … so, what was it like there, Brook?" She wanted to know. "Because, as you know, all that I got from Georgia was 'an abstract version of The Persistence Of Memory meets Maleficent's Castle' . . . "

"Ah, yes, I remember," Brook recalled. "And, then, our own Usopp-San painted it … before adding in a team of superhero clowns . . . "

"Oh, yeah … that was awesome how he donated it to charity . . . " Emma smiled fondly. "Those kids seemed to like it, but, what was that place actually like, Brook?"

"I wish that it had actually had superhero clowns in it, Emma-San." Brook told her. He sipped his tea, thoughtfully, now. "Because, it was very lonely, you see. I would not wish that kind of loneliness on anybody. Even on my worst enemy."

"I'm sorry that you had to go through that, Brook." Emma told him gently, and he glanced at her to see her gazing sympathetically at him.

"Oh, it was not all bad!" Brook said quickly, setting down his now empty tea cup. "After all, I heard yourvoice, along with the voices of many of my nakama singing my favourite song!" He reminded her.

"I remember that." Emma smiled. "That was a good night … I entered a talent contest and won us all a free meal, and then Ace-Chan proposed to me … the day before had been bad - because Georgia had stolen Grace's Heart - but then . . . " She trailed off, realising that if she had gone to TAFE on that day then she would have probably found out that Georgia was missing far sooner than what she had. "Everything happens for a reason, doesn't it, Brook?" She realised, noticing that Law was now walking over to her. She quickly skulled her tea.

Brook nodded. "I believe so, Emma-San. And, I am glad that our paths have crossed. I hope that we can all stay together!"

"Me too, Brook." She told him. "I honestly can't imagine living my life without you guys in it."

"I feel the exact same way." Brook responded. "Oh … except that I am technically not 'living', anymore! Yohohohohoho!"

But, Emma knew what he had meant. And, about them all staying together . . .

Emma had told Mihawk what she intended to do when the time came. She had also, although not explicitly, told Vivi - however, she also knew that Vivi wasn't going to say anything to anybody, yet.

Of all of them, Vivi would best be able to understand what Emma was going through - having your heart torn in two separate directions like this. That was exactly what it felt like.

Although, right now, Emma's heart was hammering in her chest, almost like it was trying to get out - she could barely breathe and, when she did, her breathing came out in ragged gasps.

She could hear the unknown woman's voice still singing to her - yume wa minai wa, kimi ga hanashita, 'boku wo shinjite' - but, now she could also hear two separate voices, speaking to her.

Do not give up, Emma-Sama, we can do this!

That was Vivi. Emma had noticed that Vivi tended to call her -Sama whenever she was upset or under stress, but she had never commented on it. Whatever was happening back at the lake must of course be incredibly stressful, but Vivi was still telling her that they were all in this together and reminding her not to give up … and, then Georgia seemed to speak in response to this.

No way are you allowed to give up! I know that you can hear me, Emma, so hear this! No giving up! No matter what happens to the rest of us!

Whatever happened to the rest of them? But . . .

"I do need all of you!" Emma gasped, knowing that she wasn't really going to be able to talk much after this. It didn't matter, though - this felt like her one and only chance to tell them all just how much she needed them. "Please … help me . . . "

It was at this point that she felt the hand of the Chaos her on her shoulder … felt herself get wrenched back … she heard the spirit orb's sharp chirp of warning … but, then . . .

Emma!

Emma-Sama!

Emma-San!

Emma-San . . .

Emma-Nee-Chan!

Emma-Chan!

Emma!

Emma!

Em!

Emma!

Emmy . . .

She felt the presence of many … it was like her Allies were all sending her their strength … she was able to sense it, to feel it … and, then, she could visualise it . . .

The ribbon that came from her hand was multicoloured - a red that was far brighter than usual, emerald green, amber orange, chocolate brown, sugar pink, ultramarine blue, aquamarine blue, amethyst purple, silvery grey, snow white, and a deep burgundy. It was accompanied by a rainbow-coloured beam of energy, which Emma knew would slow down the Chaos her but not stop it completely, which is why she didn't stop to see what happened - as soon as the Chaos her let go of her shoulder, Emma turned back and kept on running towards the castle.

And, that was when she heard Law's voice.

No matter what happens … no matter where we are … I want you to know that I have always and I will always love you … Aqua . . .

No matter what happens … why were they all acting like this could be the last time that they spoke?

The spirit orb chirped again, just once, very softly but she somehow still heard it, and it was reminding her to keep on running - which she did, sprinting across the muddy ground like it was nothing, but with the words as sung by Death now practically written out across her mind.

Throw all away, and take all in…

As soon as she grasped this decision, it seemed a lot easier to just keep running, despite the pain that it was causing her.

Because, what followed was a torrent of voices, which spoke over the unknown woman's singing but not in an obtrusive way - more in a way that they mingled together, like the perfect harmony.

You'd better not be fucking giving up, Ōjo!

That was definitely Kid - nobody else would have said that to her, and she suddenly realised that she didn't much like being called 'Princess' like that … except by him. She wasn't sure why. Maybe because he wouldn't care if she appreciated it or not.

Killer was there, too. Just keep going! Kid's first-mate urged her.

Well, she certainly wasn't going to stop running now . . .

She also heard Fox's voice. Don't give in, Emma!

Emma wondered if she and the others had found that nine-tailed vixen, yet.

You can do this! That was Cobra … Vivi's Father … he sounded so much like Vivi, with what he had just said … Emma could very well imagine how Vivi felt having her Father there with her during this chaotic and unprecedented fight.

And, her childhood friend, too . . .

Keep going! Koza was telling her … this cry was echoed by the Kid Pirates, all of a sudden.

Including: Do it for all us Emmas! From the Kid Pirates's Emma.

Emma thought about all of the other Emmas that she had ever met … Emma Haywood in kindergarten … Emma Lina and Emma Thorbert in primary school … followed by Emma Morton in high school … not to mention God knows how many other Emmas in that other world … people like Emma Watson and Emma Thompson and Emma Stone . . .

They - along with everybody else that was in that world - had no idea that they were all counting on Emma Pax / Edward Emma to save existence.

And, as if on cue, Reagan chimed in, just then.

Hey, Emma, don't give up, okay? Prove to all of those people who gave you a hard time online that you've got what it takes!

Emma nearly groaned. She had almost forgotten about those online trolls. But, then again, she found herself inspired by Reagan's words.

Like when she had finally gotten to go to Malaysia (nine years later than intended), and she had lounged in the hotel pool and imagined how the mean girls from primary school would have been sojealous. Or, perhaps not, but, that was how she had imagined it - perhaps if they had have known back then that she would one day be going, then, they would have been.

She imagined how stunned everybody who had ever bullied her would feel, knowing that she had saved them. Not that she ever planned on telling anybody from that world about what had really gone on in the Celestial Realm. It might cause mass hysteria to know just how close everything had come to complete and total annihilation.

She then heard the four police officers who were also from Perth, as well.

You're doing great, Emma! That was Carmilla. Worry about other things later - whatever happens, we can get through this!

We believe in you! Penelope told her. You've got this!

Show them that Aussie spirit! Jacob added. You can do it!

Just keep going! Robert advised her. Use that same courage and determination that you had when you were Straw Hat-Wearing Cat Girl, and don't give up!

The others who were still by the Lake Of Regret also chimed in, all of a sudden, as if not to be outdone, starting with a cheer from the Super Spot-Billed Duck Troop, led by Carue who cheered the loudest of them all.

Karoo!

I've always believed in you, Emma … don't give up, yoi. Marco told her. We are … all so proud of you … please, don't ever forget that . . .

Just keep moving, Emma! Vista added.

I know that you can do this! That was Izou. Remember when I told you to just act when the time comes? Well, that time is now … namae o sutero, chie o sutero! Sunnachi!

Throw away your name and wits? It basically meant to stop worrying about the potential danger and to just take action … Emma realised just how important it was for her to act right now, and to not worry about what might happen.

And, hadn't Oden also used that shortened version, right before he'd saved Pell from the Chaos Sea Monster?

You can do it, Emma . . . Emma heard Pell's weak voice saying.

And, then, she heard Deuce telling her: Emma … listen, for what it's worth … whatever happens … my first Captain chose his wife well . . .

Tears stung Emma's eyes just then, but she willed herself to keep on moving forwards as the spirit orb atop her head chirped softly, and the voices of the spirits who were also at that lake now called out to her.

Sunnachi! Okay, that was definitely Oden. Move forwards without hesitation! You can do it, for you are not only the Daughter Of Whitebeardy And O-Dine, but as Whitebeardy was like a brother to me then that means that you are also like my niece! Do not give up, Edward Emma!

Niece? Well, that made sense all of a sudden, even though Emma hadn't actually thought about it like that before. She suddenly remembered how Toki had said something about their children, and wondered if those children were like Toki or Oden.

Or, perhaps they were like Vivi, and had traits from both parents?

Emma heard Titi's voice. Keep going, Emma-Sama, for you can certainly do this! Arabasta's former Queen sounded so sure about this, and her tone carried all of the wisdom and assurance of a monarch.

Cameron's voice also came through to her. We're all your mates, and we are all still with you!

There was a short bark just after this, as if Rex was agreeing with his master's words.

After that, Emma waited to hear Kōmori's voice (even as she kept on running) but the voice that came through to her next belonged not to the former Vice-Admiral, but to Boss.

Don't worry about anything but what you're doing, and just keep on going, Emma - you're almost there.

Hang on, how she was supposed to not worry? Where was Fox's Father? Had they managed to take out the Chaos Sea Monster with its multiple heads that all needed to be cut off at the exact same time?

AAAA!

Was that Kirādōru?

And, that was when Emma heard Little Death's voice.

Emma … hey, listen … all of my life I've been told legends about the Princess and her Allies, but … I'm starting to think that it's not that you just happened to be the Princess from the legends … it's that the legends are about you! I'm sure that it will all make sense, soon! Just ask Twister about it! And, I believe in you! Because … because we're family! You didn't give up on me, and so I won't be giving up on you!

Emma hoped that it would make sense soon - because, it sure as Hell wasn't making any sense to her right now!

She kept on running, though, until she reached a section of the muddy ground that had what looked like stepping stones scattered throughout - every time her feet hit one of those stepping stones, it started to sink, and so she had to keep on moving. She leapt from one rock to the next, listening as the voices of those who were at Misery Mire suddenly came through to her.

I expected the Demon Of War to have what it takes to do this … you're not going to disappoint us, are you?

That was Smoker … not that he needed to have said that. Emma was sick and tired of disappointing people.

But, before she could dwell too much on what that meant for her, she heard the voice of Kuina's Father, Koshiro.

You will succeed.

Along with the sincerity, he sounded so calm.

In contrast, but with no less sincerity, she then heard Johnny cheering her on.

Yeah, you can do it, Emma-Aneki!

And, Yosaku.

We believe in you, Emma-Aneki!

Even Perona had something to say.

Don't stop now, just keep going! The sooner that you win, the sooner that we can all get out of this cute-forsaken place!

Well … some parts of this place could be 'cute' … just … not the place that Perona was in right now . . .

Emma imagined that it would be very swampy, with a name like Misery Mire.

And, she heard Tashigi, as well.

You can do this, Emma … even though you're a pirate … or, maybe because you are … I must admit that I have some trepidation about what you're going to do once you get back, because - as I was just saying, and my Mother agrees with me - with your determination you could seriously become the Pirate King!

Okay, Emma had not been expecting that. She also had no way of telling Tashigi that that was nevergoing to happen - because Luffy was going to become the Pirate King.

But … what about what he kept on saying about her being the Pirate Queen? What did that even mean? It wasn't really a question of gender, because a queen could have just as much authority as a king (unless they ruled side-by-side, in which case the king was royal by blood - otherwise, if he wasn't, then he was a prince to his queen). No … it would have to mean something different … if she decided to go down that path, that is.

One thing was for certain, though … it didn't seem to matter that she was a woman. Nearly everybody that she had met hadn't seem to care so far - the World Government certainly viewed her as enough of a threat, despite her being only literally a quarter of the size of The World's Strongest Man.

She remembered how she has wanted to change people's perception that only the very tall could be strong … perhaps she was starting to change their views on gender, as well?

And, as if on cue, Emma heard Kuina's voice all of a sudden.

That's the way! Show them all what you're made of! This is only just the beginning!

Only just the beginning … she was right … even though it felt like the end of one era … that meant that it was the start of a brand new one, right?

It was at this point when Emma heard Yorki's voice.

Mieru yo shinjidai ga sekai no mukou e . . .

It was less about the point that he had just sung exactly what the unknown woman had sung, and more about what he had just sung … and let a brand new era dawn . . .

It was at this point that Emma suddenly wondered where Chō was - but, just then, Tiki-Guy's voice suddenly came through to her. I know that you've got what it takes! These other guys all believe in you, too, but, I said it first!

Regardless of who said it first, the general consensus is that you do have what it takes! Luck affirmed. And, please don't forget that I am on your side! Not just with winning the lottery!

Emma's eyes widened. She had just known it . . .

And, in that sense, Chance added. If you persist, then, your odds of success are infinite.

That was an interesting choice of words … Emma had no doubt in her mind that they all knew … it had made her wonder why nobody had told her before, but, they all seemed to be in support of her decision.

And, that was when Emma became aware of two other people who were moving at a fast pace across the Celestial Realm … Kōmori and Chō were both heading for Dark Water Beach, moving with intent and almost completely focused on where they were going.

Kōmori did find a second to say: Daijoubu, Emma - just focus on what you have to do! Emma got the sudden sense that the former Vice-Admiral had picked up on her concern … it must've been a Father thing, something that a man who had raised three girls (or, four, if Emma was going by that strange memory of Fox's that she had picked up on) could sense, and that was when Emma realised that Sugar was in danger. It was the only logical reason for why both Kōmori and Chō were heading for the bay.

It will all be okay, Emma! Chō told her. Don't worry about us or anybody else, as hard as that may be!

Chō must have had a Mother Radar. It was picking up on Emma's concern but, right now, it was mainly focused on getting to her youngest daughter … but, she and her husband weren't the only ones who had decided to go to different places.

Emma realised that, as the muddy ground gave way to a very shallow - but, probably nonetheless muddy - lake. Luckily, the stepping stones were still scattered throughout, and the spirit orb clung to her hair (somehow) as she jumped across the rocks.

Although, Emma could also sense that, thankfully, Hancock had gotten somebody to open up a Portal for her (probably Karma, seeing as how the Goddess had not wanted the Pirate Empress to be in her group to begin with, and would have probably jumped at the chance to get rid of her), and so too apparently had Shakuyaku and Rayleigh … or, perhaps Kokoro and her granddaughter had convinced either Fate or Death to open up a Portal, seeing as how they (along with Gonbe) were no longer at Dark Water Beach.

Emma heard Rayleigh speaking first, however. People were always underestimating your Mother, as well … it's time for them to know the true strength of you both . . .

Emma was shocked to hear this. It seemed like Rayleigh had known her Mother … fairly well, by the sounds of it! But, why would Roger's first-mate have known Whitebeard's wife well?

You got this, Ems. Rayleigh's own wife, Shakuyaku, suddenly told her. Just keep on going.

There was something highly reassuring about those calm words.

Sugar's words, by contrast, were not calm, but they were motivating nonetheless.

Go, Emma!

She didn't seem to be able to say much else, but Emma knew that with both Kōmori and Chō on their way, that Sugar would be alright.

The others had words of encouragement for her, too, even as they struggled to do whatever it was that they all had to be doing right then.

Keep going, Emma-Chin-Sama! That was Camie. The young mermaid sounded a bit like she might have currently been underwater.

Hatchan sounded very much the same, but still cheered her on. You can do it, Emma-Sama!

Show em' the might of the Ocean Goddess's daughter! Was Pappag's input. He too sounded like he was swimming right then, which made Emma worry slightly about them being in the water with a Chaos Shark.

Stay focused. Was Genzo's sudden advice, short and simple.

You've got enough in you to keep on going! Said Nako. That was probably typical of a doctor.

If only he knew how much her legs hurt … how much her heart was pounding … how raw her throat felt . . .

How much she just wanted to stop moving, even if it was just for five seconds . . .

But, Hancock had something to say to her about that.

Don't you dare give up, Emma! The Pirate Empress said, forcefully. You keep going! You hear me?! If you give up, then, how can you say that you're like a sister to my precious Luffy?!

She had a good point there, actually. Including about how she was like a sister to Luffy … Law had said that too, after all.

And, Nami's sister also had something to say.

Hey, Emma? Nojiko said. On that day, when you saved me in your home-world, I began to believe that you can do anything … that opinion hasn't changed, Emma … you're a lot like Luffy, in that sense, so … I know that you won't give up!

And, even though what Emma had right then was blood on her hands and feet, and a stitch in her side, she didn't give up, especially when she heard Bell-mére finally say something similar to what both Emma and Sumi had once said.

If you've been to sea and you've been to war, then you can surely handle whatever this place is throwing at you!

Emma considered this, as she leapt across a particularly wide gap between rocks, and gritted her teeth when she felt the slimy jetty-like rock that she landed on cut into her palms.

Olivia's voice came through to her as she continued to run on the least slimy part of the rock. Just take deep breaths, and keep on going!

It was kind of hard for her to breathe deeply right then, but, somehow she was managing.

And, as the spirits who were at Dark Water Beach also decided to chime in, Emma heard one of them elaborate on this.

Remember to just keep breathing however you can, and, you'll be fine.

Who was that? There was something distantly familiar about the young man's voice … he spoke in a slow, monotonous kind of drawl . . .

In contrast, the woman who spoke next sounded exactly the opposite of that, even though her advice was similar.

Just keep on pushing yourself forwards, Emma-Sama, because you really will be just fine!

There was something about the fact that she had just called her 'Emma-Sama' that told her that the speaker was a denizen of the ocean … and, so was the monotonous man, as well. Emma could suddenly just tell . . .

The voices that came next did not belong to denizens of the ocean - in fact … they belonged to Minks!

We believe in you-gara! Harold told her.

Hai! And we know that you-teia can do it! Lunares added.

And, the spirit of the Going Merry. I believe in you, Comations 'Spert Emma!

And, as Emma made one final leap across the water, to land now on the cracked stony ground, and thought that maybe Merry had just called her a 'communications expert', she heard Marionette saying to her: I also know that you can do it!

This is not where it ends for you, Emma! Fate suddenly added. Believe me when I tell you this! You have so much more to give! And, you are so much more than even you know!

And, Death also had something to tell her. But, at the same time, you know what it is that you must do and why only you can do it'll! I know you, and I know this … that you will not fail!

She sounded so sure … Emma was suddenly starting to believe in herself a lot more, even as she continued to run along the barren and cracked ground.

Keep at it, kid! Zeff's voice suddenly told her, and this was joined by all of the other voices from those who were at Flashpoint Fields.

You can do it! For all of us! Lily added. But, you do it for you as well, okay?!

It was really okay for her to be wanting to win this thing for her own personal gain, as well? Wasn't that selfish? Perhaps not . . .

Thanks to you, I now see the world differently … I don't want it to end yet, so, you have to save it for us! You can do it! That was Sylphie … Emma thought that both she and Goa's former Princess had come a long way since that fateful day on Dawn Island.

Could she really go even further, though?

Keep going. Beckmann suddenly told her, quite simply.

The rest of the Red-Hair Pirates echoed this notion.

Shanks, however, had something slightly different to say.

You have the strength of three different worlds within you. Show them why you could very well be The Strongest Woman In The World, whichever world that may be, Edward Emma.

Only he could get away with saying something like that to her … he, who had clashed with Edward Newgate, just like Gol D. Roger had … Emma could scarcely believe that he thought that she had the potential to be the World's Strongest Woman . . .

Strongest with what?

She wondered what she had to offer, besides her Celestial powers . . .

You help everybody that you meet, including me … you've changed so many lives, just like Luffy and Usopp … I believe in you, Emma! Kaya's voice suddenly said to Emma, and she realised that the younger woman was absolutely right. She was always trying to help people … it was literally what had started her whole journey in the first place!

At that point, the spirits of those who were at Flashpoint Fields spoke up.

Just keep going, you're doing great! Banchina told her.

Emma was grateful for this thought, although she also felt like her body might never recover from what she was doing.

Sanji's Mother was also there, and she now offered her support, as well. Hold on, Emma-San … be strong . . .

You've got what it takes! Corinna added.

Keep moving! Zane told her.

Emma hadn't realised that Kaya's parents had both journeyed down from the Snow Realm to lend their support, and she wondered how Kaya felt with them both being there.

She then heard Sphinx's voice. Your path was written in the stars long ago, you don't need me to tell you what you already know … you have what you need, and you will succeed . . .

It was only slightly less cryptic than her usual messages, but Emma perfectly understand what the Portal Guardian was saying to her.

Karma's message was also clear.

Don't you dare go quitting on us, now! If you do then I'll never speak to you again! I mean, literally! And, I don't want that, so … don't give up!

And, then, as Emma reached a slight incline, and realised that she was thankfully getting even closer to the castle, she heard Life say: Emma … when we gave you your life back on that day, all those years ago, I knew that one day you would be balancing the lives of countless others in your hands … I knew it then and I know it now, you can do this . . .

He, like everybody else, seemed so sure that Emma was going to succeed.

If only they knew just how much she hated running, and how hard this really was for her!

Maybe no harder than learning how to walk … especially for a mermaid, whose tail had split at the age of thirty … Emma suddenly recalled the old stories of The Little Mermaid, and how every step had caused her pain, but she'd persevered all for love (not that it had gotten her anywhere, according to those older versions of the story).

And, almost as soon as Emma had thought about this, she realised that Kokoro, Chimney, and Gonbe had all gone to Shadow Pass.

Nagagagaga! Kokoro's voice suddenly came through to her, as if on cue. Just look at how far you've come, Emma-Sama! Not that you've ever let anything stop you before, mind you!

And, Chimney's voice also came through. You're awesome, Portgas D. Emma-Sama! Go for it!

Nya! Gonbe added, and Emma hoped that he was agreeing with anything that Chimney had just said, except for the name part.

The spirit orb atop Emma's head chirped, as Emma sprinted across the downland.

Come on Missy, you've got more in you than anybody knows! Kureha said to her suddenly, and Emma was startled to hear the old woman call her exactly what Ashlee called her.

Dalton, whom she had barely gotten a chance to speak to before, also had some words of encouragement for her. Just believe in yourself!

Keep going, Emma-San. Iceberg told her.

Don't give up now! Paulie added.

Emma still wasn't entirely sure that any of them knew just what it was that she was doing, although she started to suspect that the spirits did, when she heard the ones who were at Shadow Pass start to speak up.

Run, child, run! Hiluluk urged her. Pump those crazy legs! He added, reminding Emma that, once again, she probably was crazy for doing this, but right now it didn't matter as long as she got there!

And, it seemed, that one of the ones whom she had sent to Shadow Pass had not kept the secret of Ace's fate after all, considering what Tom had to say to her.

Keep going and do it with gusto, Emma-San! The Fishman told her. And, even if you have to let go of that container of water that is your emotions, just let it keep on pushing you! I know that it's what Roger's son would have wanted!

How did Tom know about the container of water?! That was how Emma's emotions had been feeling to her, and right now she felt the water that was her emotions tremble just then as she realised that Tom - even more so than Kokoro, Chimney, Camie, Hatchan, and Pappag - would be able to sense her emotions. And, understand a part of them.

After all, he had been friends with Gol D. Roger.

And, even though Emma had told herself that it wasn't her fault, what had happened to Ace … she was suddenly struck with the fact that, despite that, she had not wanted to fail when it came to protecting her beloved!

What was to stop her from failing at this, too?

And, as if sensing these thoughts, Destiny now spoke to Emma.

It is not your destiny to fail here, Emma … your success is assured, as long as you keep on moving … just remember what is driving you . . .

What was driving her? That was . . .

And, it was Cupid who had the answer for her.

It's love, and it always has been, Emma! The God Of Love told her. It was wanting to protect Luffy and Ace at Marineford that started this all for you … but, you also know whose love has been guiding you this whole way! Only you can heal her, now!

Those words . . .

And, heal an endlessly broken heart . . .

Emma was recalling something that she had heard, in her unconscious state on the rooftop back in Perth City … how her Mum, Lee, had said that a Mother never stops loving her child … she held onto this thought, as the voices of those who were in the Courtyard Of Rain reached out to her.

I believe in you, Emma-Chan-Sama . . . Oden's wife, Toki, told her. This is … your time to shine!

And, Queen Otohime was also there. We all believe in you, Emma-Sama! Don't give up, because you can do this! She sounded like she was used to giving speeches like this.

Tiger didn't sound as used to giving motivational speeches, but, his words were inspiring, nonetheless. There's nothing holding you back, Emma-Sama … and, just remember that all of us are with you!

The ones who were still alive at the Courtyard Of Rain also spoke to her, starting off with a round of cheering from all of her brothers and sisters - the Whitebeard Pirates.

Ivankov then said: Ve are all still here, and ve are fighting because ve believe in you, buru!

That was reassuring, to know that they were all still there. It was motivating, too. So was what Buggy had to say to her.

Come on, you never used to give up even when you were a baby! The clown pirate told her. You can't give up now!

So, he had known her back then! Of course … because he had been an apprentice in Roger's crew . . .

And, speaking of people who had known the Pirate King . . .

Granddaughter . . . Garp said to her. All that you need … is to believe in yourself … and, just know that I believe in you, as does everybody else who is here … and, also, no matter what has happened or will happen … you will always be my family . . .

The spirit orb chirped as the tears fell unhindered down Emma's face now, even as she kept on running, and the tears only fell faster when she heard what Jimbe had to say to her.

You won't fail, Redi-Sama … I know this because I know you … and, I believe in you, just as I believe in your Mother … you will both pull through. This I know.

Emma's heart was pounding in her chest now, as she drew even closer to the castle, and heard the voices of those who were closer by, either fighting the Chaos Bear and Chaos Salmon, or unable to do anything but watch as Ino pulled her way closer to The Well Of Chaos.

Don't stop now, Emma-San! Scarlett told her. You're almost where you need to be!

I believe in you-gara, Emma! That was Zepo. I always will! He added, and Emma felt a rush of affection for the polar bear Mink. For Bepo's brother . . .

And, as the Kurozumi clan all spoke up, not really saying anything but, like the Whitebeard Pirates, cheering for her, Hitomi also spoke up.

Don't give in, Emma-San, I know that you can make it . . .

Believe in yourself. Kimura added. Anybody who can learn the Shimotsuki clan's secret sword technique and save all of our once-hopeless souls can surely do this!

It made Emma remember what Nami had said, about not giving up because then all of those hard times would have been for nothing.

Emma! The male doctor from the Forest Realm called to her. You have been through so much! You have the strength to do this!

We all believe in you, Emma! His wife added.

The Heart Pirates suddenly chimed in with their own cheers, giving Emma the impression that, somehow and for whatever reason, the two doctors had made their way over to The Well Of Chaos. Perhaps to help heal Law, after his battle with Chaos?

You can do it, Princess! Shachi suddenly told her.

Just keep going, Princess! Penguin added.

We all believe in you! Ikkaku cheered.

Go … Princess Emma . . . Bepo sounded exhausted, but, he was still able to call out to her.

Karoo! Peni-Chan added. How could a duck put so much emotion into one cry?

I have faith in you, dear child. That sounded like the nun from the Forest Realm.

And, then, Emma heard the voice of the doctors's young daughter, and realised at once why those two were heading that way, just like Kōmori and Chō had gone to Dark Water Beach.

Come on, Emma-Neesama! Do it for your First Knight! The little girl, Olamie or whatever her name was, cheered for Emma, who was now running slightly uphill, with the castle in sight.

Hai, Emma . . . The Spring Keeper added. Do it for Law . . .

That was a really good reason for her to be doing this … the best reason, actually . . .

You can surely do this! Cici suddenly told her. I believe in you, Emma!

And, that was when Emma heard Twister speaking to her.

Princccessssss … the legend isss ssspecccifically about you … becaussse you are the legend … there isss no way for you to fail, if you jussst keep on going . . .

And, as she remembered Little Death's words, Emma suddenly wanted to ask Twister how he could be so sure about these legends.

And, as if sensing that she was thinking this, Twister said the very last thing that Emma had been expecting.

Becaussse I wrote them.

Emma, who was in the process of scrambling her way up a rocky incline, had barely enough time to register what Twister had just said, when she heard another set of voices, speaking urgently to her.

They sounded vaguely echo-y, which didn't exactly reassure Emma because she suddenly had no idea where the owners of the voices could be.

Hey, remember your promise! Saint Jalmack called. You won't break your promise, right?!

Her promise … to speak to the God Of Life about reversing what had happened … Emma still had to see if that was even possible. She had told them that she would, and Life had said that they would talk about it … after she had sorted all of this out. She couldn't stop, now!

But, where in the Celestial Realm was he . . . ? Not to mention . . .

Look, right now I'm somewhere where I don't know where I am! Nishin told her, as if sensing her thoughts. But … Emma … this is something that I never imagined myself saying, but I have the belief that you'll get us out of here! Just like you got us out of that other place, even after everything that the World Government has put you through! And … you know, I still don't much like pirates, but … you're the exception to that, okay? Just remember that . . .

Emma's eyes widened, slightly. How could she have ever thought that he was a generic-looking typical Marine? Just like his opinion of her was slowly changing, hers was of him … she was already starting to change the world. Or, 'make waves', as Rouge had put it.

Emma felt a sudden pant in her heart that had nothing to do with just how hard she was running.

It had been one thing to casually mention her in-laws when she had wanted to make sure that Buggy and the others would behave themselves. She had mainly been talking about Roger. But, somehow, to think of Rouge … of the one who had loved her son so much that she'd made the ultimate sacrifice for him … whose heartbeat Ace had listened to for twenty months from a place where nobody else ever had or ever would … who had hugged Emma and thanked her for saving Ace … to think of what she would say, when she found out that she would never hold her son again (if she didn't already know) … because Emma had failed to protect Ace this time … and, now he was lost forever and she would never see him again … ever . . .

The container of water that was her emotions trembled so violently in her mind that she was so sure that this was it - she was going to give in to her anguish and then she would never be able to continue and all really would be lost … then again, what was the whole point of existence without Ace in it?

Emma-San! Vincent's voice came to her, all of a sudden, startling her even as she realised that despite all of her negative thoughts she was still running. The fact that, even after everything that the World Government has put you through, you are still willing to help Marines like us is enough for me! Even if Nishin and I don't make it back, just know that you have already done enough! You may not see it now, but, you will! It's up to you whether or not you continue - either way, it really is okay! But, I know that you will be the hero or the Goddess or the Princess or whatever it is that you want to be for people - because, you can be all of that and more! Whitebeard was blessed to have a daughter like you . . .

Even as tears filled her eyes, Emma was suddenly also filled with adrenaline, as she came to the top of the hill and realised that she only had about half a kilometre to go, maybe even less.

Whatever happened … she had decided to keep going … hadn't she?

And, that was when, during the final sprint towards the castle, Emma heard a jumble of voices coming not from the Celestial Realm but from the Mortal Realm.

It made her realise just how far the influence of Celestial Magic had stretched, that she could now hear those who were fighting their own kinds of battles in the Mortal Realm, too.

I want this to be over with, alright? Came Crocodile's voice, much to Emma's shock. Where was he? That's the only reason why I'm here, so do whatever it is that you have to do as well, Emma, and we can both move on.

And, Emma heard another sound just then, from somebody completely different to the gravelly voice of the former Warlord - it actually made her think of Chewbacca, from the Star Wars movies - and she realised straight away that it was a camel … hadn't Vivi said that Matsuge had been left behind in Arabasta? Which meant that … had Crocodile somehow ended up in Arabasta, of all places?

Oh, Vivi and her family were just going to love that.

The Princess and her Father and Igaram and so many other people had spent three whole years trying to stop Crocodile from taking over Arabasta - and, now he was there when probably the only one left in the Royal palace was a camel!

Then again, Crocodile had just said that he wanted to leave, hadn't he?

And, his being there right now … it was because, even though it was bad connection that he had with Vivi and her family, it was still a connection and it was enough to keep the Portal stable from his end, and stop any Chaos Creatures from getting through … Cobra and Titi could keep it stable from theirend . . .

Especially since all of the citizens of Arabasta had decided to lend their spiritual energy to this fight.

Emma almost felt like it was an episode of Dragon Ball Z, with Goku and the Spirit Bomb. She remembered watching those episodes, with Ashlee and Peter and … with Ace . . .

Before Emma could let herself dwell on that happy memory (including the memory of Ace and Peter having a competition to see who could mimic Goku's 'Kamehameha' attack the best, before Mitchell had shown up and beaten them both), or on what Crocodile had said about her returning to where she belonged, she suddenly heard another series of voices.

I believe in you, keep on going!

Wasn't that Kuina's Mother, Sakura? Emma suddenly realised that she must still be in Shimotsuki Village, on the other side of the Portal and using her connection with Koshiro to keep the Portal stable until they could send Shiryu through, but … what about any Chaos Creatures that managed to slip through? Could they really keep an eye on all of those Chaos Swordsmen?

Don't think that I'm going to let that little straw hat-wearing bratwurst get away with stealing from me!A voice suddenly proclaimed, and Emma recognised it as belonging to the cook that Ace and Luffy had made angry back in Shimotsuki Village. Just make sure that all of you little schnitzels come back safely, and we can talk about how you're going to pay me back - since you'll be taking on the debt from Straw Hat's brother, perhaps you could do some advertising for me?

Emma decided then and there to tell at least ten more people to go and eat at 'Meat, Meat' if they managed to make it out of this mess! She was also relieved that somebody was there with Sakura, but, would it be enough to protect her if any of those Chaos Swordsmen got through?

And, also, how had the cook known about what had happened to Ace . . . ?

Remember what you said to me on that day, Edward Emma? Mihawk said, all of a sudden, his voice instantly recognisable to Emma, and she knew at once how the cook had known about what had happened. That you've finally found people who will not only support your dream but that have also become a part of it? It's time for you to prove that you meant what you said.

To prove that she'd meant what she had said … Emma contemplated this, even as she realised that Mihawk's being there meant that not only would any rogue Chaos Swordsmen be cut down faster than Don Krieg's fleet, but also that the connection would be twice as strong now because Perona could help out.

In fact, everybody in Shimotsuki Village was lending their spiritual energy right then and there.

But, they weren't the only ones.

As soon as the next two voices came through to Emma, she realised at once why Hancock had wanted to go to Dark Water Beach - the Portal that was there led directly back to Amazon Lily, although that didn't explain about why Shakuyaku and Rayleigh had gone to Dark Water Beach, as well … unless it did. . .

Emma was sensing a very strong connection there, although she was also too keyed up right then to think much on it.

We can do this! Marigold was saying.

Right! All of us! Together! Sandersonia added.

This cry was echoed by the other women of the Kuja Tribe. They were lending their spiritual energy at the exact same time.

And, then Emma heard a voice that was almost completely unknown to her, except that it also sounded slightly familiar . . .

Demon Of War Edward Emma … we may call you that, but, it's up to you to decide what that reallymeans … and, just know that this time … you really are the one . . .

Emma's eyes widened, slightly. She recognised that voice now as belonging to the woman with the headscarf that she had seen in the vision of Lake Waikikamukow … and … that that woman was Madoka, who had grown up alongside Fox and Tashigi and Sugar . . .

She may have been sent by the World Government to Amazon Lily to investigate the Portal that had opened up there, but … it was her connection to her family that had drawn her there. Emma was suddenly so sure of it.

And, perhaps, it was why she suddenly heard a small group of voices that she was suddenly able to identify as belonging to some of the group of Fishmen and Merfolk that she had seen in her hot springs-induced vision, starting with one of the three who had reacted to Emma reacting to Sumi's death.

Just keep going, Emma-Sama. That voice belonged to the Leopard Shark Fishwoman, and Emma got the sense that her being there was attributing to a strong connection that she sensed with somebody who was at Dark Water Beach.

Her, and the next voice that spoke, although Emma couldn't quite place a face to that voice, but it reminded her of the monotonous young man from before.

Keep going. Look straight ahead. Don't hesitate. I believe in you, Emma-Sama.

And, Emma realised with a start, there was a certain degree of familiarity with which both of these women spoke to her.

Because … they had met before . . .

And, there were still more voices that she heard.

She heard Patty's voice, coming from where Emma correctly identified as Syrup Village. She knew that because she heard the voice of Kaya's butler, Merry, first.

We're not done, yet! He said.

This cry was echoed first by the three little boys who had once called themselves the Usopp Pirates, and then by the other people of Syrup Village, who were all lending their spiritual energy.

Yeah, we'll win this thing! Patty added.

And, now, this cry as well as the show of spiritual energy was echoed by the other Baratie cooks, and Emma had the sudden sense that she didn't have to worry about them if any Chaos Creatures came through the Portal.

Because, she had just heard a new range of voices coming from Syrup Village, and she quickly identified the very first one as belonging to the mermaid that she and Law had seen that day back on the Baratie - she recognised the voice speaking to her now from the gasp that she had heard back on that day.

You've got what it takes, Emma-Sama. Don't give in. Emma could clearly picture the mermaid now, with her blue hair and her nurse's cap … she understood now why the other woman had reacted the way that she did that other time and now, with her heightened senses, Emma realised that she knew her, too.

And, the other two voices that spoke from Syrup Village.

You can do this … rise like le soufflé le plus spectaculaire, ma chérie Emma-Sama . . . Said a voice that, for whatever reason, made Emma think of French Sanji, but somehow she knew that it belonged to a Merman . . .

As did the next voice, although this man's voice had an almost Spanish accent, Emma decided, although that made her think of The Masked Zorro.

Your will and desire to succeed are strong - you wouldn't be doing this, otherwise. And, it is your passion that is driving you forwards now, Emma-Sama … for your friends and family, and for your husband's memory … his memory guides you, but his death won't define you . . .

That was … good advice, Emma realised, as she drew in a sharp intake of breath - or, at least, she triedto … it was getting harder and harder for her to breathe, but still she kept on running towards that castle . . .

And, she heard voices coming from Water Seven, as well, starting with a resounding cheer of support that she thought must be coming from the whole entire Franky Family, followed by words of encouragement from two particular individuals.

It ain't over! Mozu said, and Emma recognised the woman's voice instantly from the anime.

So, don't act like it is! Kiwi added.

Keep it up! Said a completely unfamiliar and young-sounding girl's voice, and, for whatever reason Emma thought that it might belong to Iceberg's new secretary.

It was even younger than the next three voices that spoke, because those three sounded like they belonged to maybe fifteen or sixteen year olds.

A boy's voice told her: We're with you!

And, a girl's voice added: Keep going!

Those two voices sounded kind of similar, but the next boy's voice sounded slightly different.

I too believe in you, Emma-Sama.

A Merman?

Emma then recognised the next voice as belonging to the Fishwoman whose thoughts she had heard in her vision in the hot springs.

Don't give up, Emma-Sama … and, may the spirit of the ocean guide you . . .

Emma didn't have time to dwell on this, because more voices had suddenly started calling out to her, from a place that she instantly realised was Dawn Island.

Keep it up! Dadan all but yelled, and Emma began wondering what was going on on Dawn Island - was there a Portal opened there?

We can do it! Woodslap added.

Emma-San . . . That was Makino. I truly believe that you can do this . . .

Yes, but … who was helping the people of Dawn Island to fight whatever monster might've just come out of that Portal?!

The answer was soon revealed to Emma, when she heard more voices that she recognised from visions.

The yellow Fishman, Hack, of the Revolutionary Army, called to her: We're with you, Emma-Sama!

This cry was echoed as a resounding cheer from the other members of the Revolutionary Army who must have been present on Dawn Island.

Why had they shown up there to help? Not that Emma wasn't grateful for it - she was.

There just seemed to be something significant about them being there, that was all.

Come on, you've got what it takes! Called a voice that seemed to belong to a woman about Emma's own age, and she recalled seeing an orange-haired, blue-eyed woman in her vision.

I hear now, too. Emma, just believe in self.

That was Faith. Emma was so startled to suddenly hear the Goddess's voice that she stumbled - she heard footsteps gaining on her when she did - but then another voice spoke with a calm authority to her.

No, not yet, Emma. The world still needs you.

That had to be Dragon. But, what did he mean that the world still needed her?

Before Emma, who had just pushed herself back up and continued running, despite her feet screaming out for mercy, could think about those words, she heard the voice of the Mermaid that she had seen in her vision - the one with orange hair and the red nose that Buggy would have approved of.

We know that you can do it, Emma-Sama!

And, the voices of four more women also spoke up, as well.

Pirate or Marine, we're all on the same side when it comes to saving existence! That had to be a Marine saying that.

Believe in yourself!

You can do it! I know that you can!

Just keep going - it's all that you can do.

Yeah, what Maman said! Go, Emma-Sama! Two little kids, a boy and a girl, suddenly cheered in unison, and Emma forced herself to keep on running.

Those two kids were there with their Mother, no doubt the women who had spoken just before them. Were they Fishmen or Merfolk or a combination? She suddenly realised how much she still wanted to know about that world.

The world that both she and her Mother, Edward Undine, loved.

She could actually make out details of the castle, now. It was as large and as opulent-looking as any castle that you'd see in a movie or a video game, like Hogwarts Castle or Hyrule Castle.

But, neither of those two places had a moat of what looked like black water - from the River Styx?!

Emma knew that falling into there wouldn't be a very good way to find that out.

She was running completely in automated mode by now. She had become basically a machine, focused completely on running to the background music that was the unknown woman's singing, the occasional chirp from the spirit orb, and … voices. So many voices . . .

She also didn't know where the next round of voices came from.

Umm, I'm not too sure what's going on, but, if you're who I think that you are, then … you're probably just like him! You don't know me but my name is Moda and Ace helped me, not too long ago. He didn't give up, and so I'm sure that you, his wife, won't either! Just keep on going!

Moda? Was she the milkmaid from the cover stories? But, wasn't that Merman named Moda, as well? Emma decided that Moda could be a unisex name, as she continued running.

Moda the milkmaid wasn't the only one who was keen on making a reference to the fact that Emma and Ace had been married.

Hey, Ace's wife! A young woman's voice called to her - Emma recognised her as the young Marine from one of her visions, Isuzu or Isuka or something. Don't give up now! He wouldn't have married somebody who'd give up so easily! So, even though I'm a Marine, I know that you can do this!

Do, she had known Ace, as well?

Emma briefly wondered why Ace had never told her about either of these two women, and then she nearly laughed at how jealous that thought sounded - she didn't have the strength or the breath left to laugh, however.

And, there were still more voices keen to offer her some words of encouragement.

Edward Emma … Fox told me that you are strong … and, somehow, we're all counting on you … however it happened, it doesn't matter … what's important is that you finish this!

Who did that voice belong to? It sounded slightly familiar … Emma briefly cast her mind back, and thought that she'd heard it in the anime before … a fellow Supernova … a man by the name of X-Drake . . .

So, he knew Fox? Emma was starting to wonder about six degrees of separation, although she made herself bring her mind back to the present and just keep on running up towards the castle.

Don't give up, Emma-Sama! We all believe in you! A woman's voice called to her, and it had to belong to a denizen of the ocean, Emma decided.

The next voice had to belong to a Merman or a Fishman, too, although whoever it was used a nickname, as well.

You can do it, Em-Sama . . .

Go, Emma-Sama! Another voice cheered - Emma recognised it as belonging to the young Mermaid who she had seen alongside Camie at Sabaody, in her vision. You can do it!

A male voice that she also recognised from her vision, also spoke up. Jahahaha, the Great White Shark Fishman chuckled. You can do it. I just know it.

And, then, Emma heard Arlong's voice, and she was so surprised that she nearly tripped again.

Prove the naysayers wrong and show them all what you're made of.

No doubt he meant show all of the humans what she was made of. Either way, it was encouraging nonetheless, even if it had more than a little bit of a racist undertone.

Because … Emma was half human. Half human and half God, whether anybody liked it or not. That was just the way that things had worked out.

And, then Emma heard a voice that she had heard in a different vision, and she really did trip again, but thankfully she managed to catch herself on a nearby low stone wall that led up towards the castle, one on either side of the path that she was on.

I'm with you, Red . . .

There was so much familiarity in that voice that it made Emma gasp, even as the spirit orb chirped sharply to remind her to keep on moving.

And, Emma did, even as she longed to hear words from that Fishman again … from Fisher Cub.

But, the next voices that she heard belonged to women and, even though they sounded different, Emma could also hear underlying similarities with their voices and with Scarlett's. Relatives, perhaps?

Come on, whoever you are, you can make it!

Emma also vaguely recognised that voice from her vision … the young woman who had been in a back alley, keeping out of sight of everybody … why, though?

Come on, just keep on going . . .

That voice sounded older, and Emma honestly had no idea who it could belong to.

The next two voices she had know idea who or what belonged to.

Whoever you are, don't give up, resu! A slightly high-pitched female voice said.

Keep going, resu! A male voice that made Emma think of the Gummi Bears or something added.

Resu?

What was with all of the weird verbal tics in that world?

And, speaking of which . . .

The next wave of voices belonged to Minks. There was no mistaking that.

Hey, I don't know who you-teia are, but I'm cheering for you-teia, all the same! A teenage girl told her.

I know that you-gara can do it . . . A man's voice told her. We are all with you.

Did she know him?

Believe that you-teia have got what it takes . . . A woman's voice added. As we all believe in you-teia . . .

Did … they all know her? How many Minks was this unknown woman talking about?

The next round of voices she didn't really recognise, either, including the last one.

Stay strong, Emma. A man's voice told her.

Just keep on going, perorin. Another man's voice added.

Mamamama! A woman's voice suddenly laughed. If you're anything like your Mother - which, I knowthat you are - you won't let anything stand in your way!

Why did all of these people seem to know her, when she didn't know them? Then again, she had been only one when she had left that world, but it made her wonder just how many people Undine had actually known.

The next group of voices were mostly unknown to Emma.

Come on, girl, don't give up now! A young-ish-sounding teenage girl's voice said, and she had the same kind of accent as an African-American.

Emma recognised the next voice - it belonged to Vincent's son, Zappa. She recognised it from having heard it during that battle by the River Styx.

You can do this, adorabile demone della guerra!

What?

An unknown male teenager's voice echoed this. What?

Umm … you can do it, but I won't call you a … uh … 'lovely war demon' . . .

Oh.

That was fair enough.

But, before Emma had time to dwell on this, she heard Father Time's voice calling out to her.

Time is running out, Emma . . .

Emma's eyes widened.

Do not stop . . . He added.

That notion definitely sounded like a warning, and it filled Emma with a horrible kind of dread.

Nobody had said that she was running out of time … not really … until now, that is . . .

And, Emma might have started panicking, if not for an unknown woman's voice that spoke to her just then.

You can do it, O-Mema! I have complete and utter faith in you, and I will never not believe in you!

Whoever she was, she spoke with such familiarity and sincerity to Emma that it gave her a slight adrenaline boost, which pushed her forwards, up a small flight of steps and then . . .

From within the Traveller's Compass that had been swinging against her chest for the whole entire run came a burst of rainbow-coloured light, made up of ribbons and in all of the colours that she had seen before when she'd been grabbed by the Chaos her . . .

But, even as the light and the ribbons worked to forge a bridge for her to cross the moat, Emma sensed that her persistent pursuer had finally caught up with her again.

And, she had to stop, because the Chaos Emma had just leapt in front of her, and blocked her path to the bridge.

She stared into its yellow eyes, feeling a cold and horrified feeling of dread within her, which was then taken over by the voices that she suddenly heard.

I am so proud of you! Keep going! Rouge called out to her.

Just keep on going! Roger echoed.

They ... still believed in her!

And, they weren't the only ones . . .

You're almost there, Emma-San! Thatch called to her.

Your can do it! Little Pandora added.

Emma-Chan, you're the one! The only one who can - and, will - do this! Sumi told her, her voice ringing out louder than her husband's and daughter's, but not louder than the next voice that spoke to Emma.

Only you can save your Mother now, my daughter! And, I know that you will succeed!

And, that was when, with a sharp chirp, the spirit orb that had been with Emma since she'd lost Luffy in the River Styx shot away from the top of Emma's head and flew straight at the Chaos Emma, which had just leapt for Emma.

I will always be with you, my Emiko. The spirit orb said, and that was when Emma realised what she had, somehow, known all along.

There was nobody else that it could be. That was why this spirit orb had come to her, in order to reunite her with Luffy and then stay with her in order to … continue to do … what he had always done and what he had promised to do . . .

"Ace-Chan, my love . . . " Emma whispered, as the unknown woman suddenly stopped singing.

Hey! She warned Emma. Keep on going!

And, Emma did, even though she knew that to leave Ace's spirit with the Chaos Emma now would be disastrous.

But … his second sacrifice … was not going to be in vain!

And, as she began to cross the bridge over the most of what she was sure now was Chaos, Emma heard Ray, from the Hills Realm.

Believe in yourself, granddaughter.

What?! Emma suddenly realised who he was - Raymond Harwich, her Mother's Father - and mentally scolded herself for not having realised this before! But, then again, she hadn't really been looking at him properly back then.

Wait, so you're my niece?! John exclaimed, and Emma thought instantly about her Nanna's son who'd died when he was just a baby. Way cool! You can do it!

Keep going, Emma!

Emma nearly tripped again - she couldn't help it. That was Eric, her Granddad, who'd died when she was eleven! Her Granddad . . .

And, speaking of which . . .

You are strong enough for this. Tom's voice came through to her. I believe, that you can survive anything, my granddaughter.

We know you, the same as what they do . . . Came the voice of Beryl from the Hills Realm, and Emma scolded herself again - of course Beryl was Beryl Doughal, her great-grandmother! We know that you can do this . . .

Although, why wasn't her husband with her? Emma was suddenly so sure that 'Doug-Guy', as Luffy had called him, was in fact Louis Doughal, her Pop, and one of the Spring Keepers in the Forest Realm.

No matter what, family is still family, wherever they may go. Louis's voice suddenly told her, and, Emma suddenly truely believed in that fact. And, we are with you, my great-granddaughter . . .

And, suddenly, Emma heard the one voice that she had been longing to hear for eight years now. The one voice who she had secretly longed to hear from the moment that she had found out the truth about her, and knew that she had been somewhere around in the Celestial Realm … except that, now, Emma realised that the voice was somewhere in the Mortal Realm, although she wasn't sure where, exactly . . .

As we always have been, my darling Little Lamb . . .

And, as she heard those words from her Nanna, who had died to save her so long ago, Emma forced herself to run all of the way across the bridge and up the stone steps of the castle, heading for the big heavy doors even as the unknown woman stopped singing because she had reached the end of her song, but . . .

Emma suddenly felt like she had reached the end of her energy. She had no strength left to do what had to be done.

Or … did she . . . ?

You made it, Emmy-San!

Whose voice was that? Who called her that? She had been called 'Emmy' and 'Emiko' but never 'Emmy-San' . . .

But, whoever it was had said just what Emma needed to hear, as she made the final sprint and up to those heavy doors, and now she could finally feel it . . .

The presence of one of the most powerful Gods of all time.

Of her Mother, Edward Undine, The Goddess Of Infinity.

She could feel the tugging, the pulling, and … above and beyond all else … the love.

This woman … her Mother … loved her with all of her heart, and now Emma just had to get in there and this would all be okay.

Everything would be fine.

Everything was going to be fine.

Except that . . .

As Emma pushed against the doors, she saw, not through her own eyes but through Law's, what was happening back at The Well Of Chaos.

Ino had just thrown herself forwards with what was apparently the last ounce of her strength. It wasn't a lot, but, it was enough to ensure that she was able to touch The Well Of Chaos with her left ring finger.

How symbolic.

But, not nearly as symbolic as the fact that, at least, Emma had time to yell out the single most important thing in all of history right before everything was Erased.

"MOTHER!"