Okay, in this chapter Trace gets a little p-i-s-s-e-d. But, I needed to do this to show just how strong Luffy and Zolo's bond is.

Chapter 7: Bonds

"Well that didn't exactly go to plan." Trace mumbled as he peered under a fruit cart. Zolo looked over at him.

"Gee, ya think?" Zolo replied sarcastically. Trace frowned at him.

"I didn't see you come up with a plan." Trace said and then stormed off. Zolo tilted his head. That was so unlike Trace. What the hell was bugging him? Zolo sighed and shrugged, jogging after the older man. "Trace. What's wrong?" Zolo asked. Trace sighed.

"Nothing." he said and then did something Zolo had only seen Luffy do. A full on pout.

"That explains the pout which is something only Luffy does. Now, what's wrong or I'm just gonna go off and find Luffy myself." Zolo asked a bit annoyed. Trace sighed again and then stopped.

"I know I shouldn't be acting like this, but, I thought seeing as how Luffy went back to being a little kid, he would re-attach himself to me, but, he doesn't even know who I am and, oh man, I'm starting to think like an idiot." Trace said and pushed his hat back a little.

"No. He's your brother. It's understandable. But, he doesn't remember you"

"That's what I mean! He doesn't remember me, and the bond we have isn't there, or isn't as strong. But, with you and him, he attached himself to you almost instantly. That bond between you remained." Trace said and then looked over towards a restaurant.

Zolo hadn't even registered that fact. It was true he supposed. Luffy had hung around him for most of the past two days and he had ended up in Zolo's bed this morning. Maybe Luffy and his bond were stronger than Zolo thought.

"There he is." Trace said and then pointed towards a much smaller than usual straw hat. It was bobbing up and down through the mounds of people making their way down the street. Zolo got up and the two older men hurried through, pushing people aside. The straw hat stopped and Zolo's heart skipped a beat.

Wapol was standing in front of the small boy. Zolo pulled out his swords and the people in the street shrieked and moved away.
"Hello there my little friend." A tall guy peered down at him. Luffy looked up and smiled.

"Hi. What's your name?" Luffy asked. Wapol raised an eyebrow.

"King Wapol. I know you, you're Monkey D Luffy aren't you?" Wapol asked, a sly smile coming to his lips.

"Sure am. How did you know me!" Luffy squeaked.

"I know a lot of things. I also know, you're coming with me. We're going to take a little trip." Wapol said and grabbed Luffy's arm. Luffy screamed and pulled at his arm, trying to get free, but all he could do was stretch.

"Let me go! You're not a king! You're a meanie!" Luffy cried at the top of his lungs.

"Yes I am little runt, and you are going to learn just how mean I can be." Wapol replied and dragged Luffy further. Suddenly there was a raging inferno in front of them and Wapol stopped, shielding his face with his free hand.

"What is this?" Wapol asked as the inferno calmed and turned into the shape of a man.

"Let my little brother go." a voice said from the fire. Wapol stood his ground.

"He's your brother? He won't be for much longer, now get out of my way or I'll chew you up like a hot pepper." Wapol replied and then felt cold steel pressing against his throat.

"Wrong answer." a voice hissed in his ear. Wapol, being the coward that he is, immediately let Luffy's hand go. Luffy staggered back and watched as Zolo shoved Wapol to the ground and placed a foot on his back.

"If you don't want to be sliced into little bitty ribbons, then you had best leave town." Zolo snarled and pulled his foot away. Wapol sniggered.

"Why would I listen to an empty threat like that?"

"Because if you don't, then I'll turn you into crispy king." Trace said from in front of him and the flames erupted again, going absolutely wild. Wapol flinched and then a scowl spread across his face.

"Fine." he said and began walking away. Trace let a tongue of flame lick out and catch the king's cape as he passed. Wapol let out a shriek and ran off, hands desperately batting at the flame's behind him. Trace chuckled and let the flames die, slowly turning back into himself again. Luffy was looking at the two men in awe.

"I wanna be as strong as you guys!" Luffy cried and jumped up, a hand on his hat. Zolo and Trace laughed.

"You will be one day Luffy." Zolo said. Luffy smiled happily and then yawned. His eyes drooped and he fell forward onto the ground with a soft thud. Zolo went to him and checked to make sure the little boy was okay.

"Is he alright?" Trace asked. Zolo nodded.

"Yeah. The potion must be taking affect. C'mon, let's get back to the ship." Zolo said and picked Luffy up.

Wapol is an idiot. I hate him sooooooo much. Glad he's gone. Nearly over.