A/N: Hey everyone! CHECK IT OUT! I'M BACK bwahahaha. Okay but seriously, the OP Big Bang 2k16 was AWESOME. I encourage everyone to go check it out, as a lot of super talented people collaborated and produced beautiful stories and art.

Sadly, I've been incredibly emotionally drained and haven't had the energy to reply to every single review. I hope I answered all the questions.

A huge shout out to Akatsuki-Celeste for a last-minute beta, and to Shishiswordsman, who's helping me with some information for chapter 23 :)

And of course you all know by now, this story is dedicated to Beyond Kailani, my wonderful beta.

Thank you everyone for your patience. I can't believe how amazing all of my readers have been. Each and every message and review and rec means so much to me, especially with how drained I've been.

Bonds of Sea and Fire

Chapter 22: A Surgeon In the Making

Ace saw the kick coming long before it actually hit, but even as his reflexes screamed at him to dodge or deflect, he simply wasn't fast enough. Marco's foot connected with his face and sent him flying several feet. As he lay on his back, struggling to catch his breath from having the wind knocked out of him, the sound of Whitebeard's booming laugh drowned out the sudden shouts about the deck being on fire.

He had about three seconds to figure out they meant him before the torrent of ice cold water had him sputtering and shouting in protest. Along with the shock - the water was damn cold - came the draining effects of the sea. His body went lax, his eyes half-lidded as he spit the seawater out.

"Was that really necessary, yoi?" Marco didn't sound particularly remorseful as he knelt next to Ace.

"He set the deck on fire. He knew the rules," Rakuyo retorted. Still, he sounded guilty, and that softened a little bit of Ace's annoyance. "Don't give me that look, Marco! I promised Fossa I'd try to keep the damage to a minimum!"

In the four months since Ace had eaten his devil fruit, all forms of training against his brothers had stopped and he'd instead taken to training exclusively with Marco. Any time it was an exercise in using his fire as a weapon they had to leave the ship, but whenever it was about teaching Ace to use Haki or transform into fire for the sole purpose of defense, they tended to use the deck.

Having seawater dumped on him as a result of his flames kicking up and toasting a few planks of wood was not new, but Ace still wasn't used to it.

"Sooner or later his flames won't even burn the ship," Marco chuckled. "We'll work on it, yoi."

"Sorry," Ace mumbled, accepting Marco's help in sitting up. He immediately started to peel off his wet shirt, shaking his head and sending droplets of water everywhere.

"Ah, don't apologize, lad," Rakuyo soothed. "You're not the first one to eat a devil fruit and wreak havoc. Jozu broke damn near everything. Including a few bones when we bumped into him!"

Ace forced a smile at Rakuyo's attempt to cheer him up, but his shoulders remained slumped. "I guess a break wouldn't hurt, anyway. I'm starving."

"Don't even joke," Rakuyo huffed. "If Thatch hears you say that, he'll be moping around talking to the furniture again."

"Right," Ace corrected, contrite. Even though it was a harmless saying, Thatch did seem to take personal offense if anyone hinted they might be dissatisfied with the food he supplied.

"Let's get you dried off, then," Marco chuckled, offering Ace a hand and pulling him to his feet when Ace accepted.

"Did Ace set the boat on fire again?"

Ace groaned at Sabo's teasing voice, turning to see his brother approaching alongside a grinning Haruta and a stoic Namur. It wasn't unusual to see Namur accompanying them on the days Sabo decided to spend in the library, especially once Sabo had shown his interest in learning more about the history of the Fishmen.

"Barely," he griped. "And Rakuyo was a little too eager to douse me."

"After the prank you scoundrels pulled last week, I'm not going to risk Fossa's wrath again," Rakuyo muttered in a defensive - and slightly apologetic - tone.

Haruta flashed a teasing grin. "We'd help you out, but we can't play favorites, you know."

Rakuyo muttered under his breath - something about Izo and Bay and the fact that they were rarely caught up in any of Thatch's pranks - but he didn't openly argue that fact.

"We're docking soon," Haruta added. "Oyaji said we could go ashore for lunch. We were gonna go tell Luffy. You in?"

"Yeah," Ace agreed, grinning. "It's been a few weeks and Luffy loves exploring the islands."

"No exploring this time, yoi," Marco commented. "Our destination isn't nearly as friendly to pirates as the last few places. And it's not very interesting anyway."

Ace's grin faded. "Is it really safe for us to go?"

"It'll be fine, lad," Rakuyo promised, clapping him on the shoulder. His hand made a loud slapping sound as it connected with his wet skin. "Well, anyway, let's get you dried off and then go find Luffy."

"Find me for what? Hey, why is Ace all wet?"

Ace groaned, turning to face Luffy as he approached, straw hat flopping behind him. His hands, mouth, and shirt were all covered in a light orange dust, and there was absolutely no time to backtrack before he'd launched himself right at Ace and coated him as well.

He slumped almost as soon as he made contact, sliding right down Ace's chest, rubbery arms still locked around his neck.

"I'm covered in seawater," Ace sighed. It still unnerved him how strongly Luffy was affected, even with firsthand experience. He'd started to test his own tolerance, but while he could handle small amounts of submersion and retain most of his composure, Luffy couldn't even stand up straight.

"I'll take him," Sabo offered, coming over and pulling Luffy off of him.

Haruta came closer to unlatch Luffy's arms from around Ace's neck, and as soon as he'd broken the main contact with Ace's clothes and hair - which carried the bulk of the seawater - his energy returned.

"What's all this orange stuff?" Sabo wondered aloud as Luffy shook himself off and started bouncing on his heels.

"Cheese puffs," Thatch admitted with a sheepish laugh. "I was trying a new recipe. They're like potato chips, but puffy and covered in cheese."

"They're really good!" Luffy chirped, tilting his head back so he could look up at Sabo. "Thatchy let me eat all of them, but you can have some next time!"

"All of them?" Namur shot Thatch a displeased look. "They actually sounded good."

"Actually?" Thatch echoed, scandalized. "How dare you! All of my food is good!"

"It really is," Luffy agreed.

"I think you let Luffy's praise go to your head," Namur snorted. "But seriously, make more of those cheese puff things."

"Cheese puff things?" Thatch scowled. "Show some respect!"

"Respect. For the cheese puffs," Rakuyo stated with a skeptical look. "You really just said that."

"Children," Marco warned as Thatch opened his mouth to argue. "Cheese puffs aside, if we're docking soon, there's work to be done, yoi."

"I'll take Ace to dry off," Haruta chuckled, patting Thatch's arm to placate him.

"We'll clean Luffy off, too," Sabo added. "I'm pretty intrigued about those cheese puffs though…"

"I get it, okay?! I'll make more!" Thatch whined.

"Not even lunchtime and Thatch is whining," Izo quipped, making his way over. "Is it the pompadour or another one of his new recipes?"

"New recipe," Haruta added for Izo's benefit, grabbing Ace's arm and slinging it over his shoulder. "We'll be back."

"Thanks," Ace muttered. "I can walk on my own, though."

"Izo," Thatch's distress practically radiated from every pore. He didn't even notice the four younger boys making their exit. "My pompadour is impeccable, and my new recipes are always delicious!"

Izo studied his hair, then shrugged and looked to Rakuyo and Namur. "Well his hair has grown back, and insulting his food is just silly. So… Thatch has a point."

Namur rolled his eyes. "Fine. Besides, I do want to try his new recipe."

"You're the best, Izo," Thatch gushed, abruptly turning to throw both arms around Izo in a sudden hug.

"Yes, I know," Izo chuckled, though it sounded a little weak and had Rakuyo averting his eyes to allow Izo as much privacy as possible on a crowded pirate ship. Marco and Namur had already started walking away. "Now get off of me."

"You really think my pompadour looks okay, right?" Thatch pressed. "Because it still feels a little short, but I really think there's more volume than usual!"

Izo sighed in defeat and returned the hug, patting Thatch on the back. "Your hair is lustrous, Thatch."

"You really are the best!" Thatch cried, giving him another squeeze before finally releasing him. "I'm gonna go back to the kitchen and get started!"

Izo drew a fan from within the sleeve of his yukata, extending it and gently fanning his face to hide his expression. "I suppose I'll come watch. Wrangle Luffy if he comes around before we dock."

"Perfect," Thatch spoke, nodding. "He's great at taste-testing, but he doesn't really leave anything for anyone else, ya know?

"I'm aware," Izo agreed. "Let's get going before I change my mind. I was supposed to go ashore with Bay."

"I'll make it up to you," Thatch promised, grabbing his free hand and hurrying off to the kitchen. "Oh! And I made a new kind of panna cotta earlier. It's green tea and raspberry. I'm working on the balance…"

Izo shook his head, following along with a rueful smile as Thatch rambled about ingredients and ratios and the occasional comment about Izo's preference for raspberries over strawberries.

...

"This place is a lot smaller than I thought it'd be," Ace commented. He felt a tug on his arm and automatically tugged right back. Luffy yelped, arm retracting as he danced unsteadily back to Ace's side. "Stay close, Luffy."

"I was! You said I had to hold your hand and I was holding your hand," Luffy protested.

"You're only allowed to stretch as far as you go without recoil," Sabo reminded him.

"I don't know what that means!" Luffy argued.

"It means if you come flying back, you went too far," Ace responded with a scowl. "Do it again and Sabo's holding your other hand."

Luffy grumbled, using his free hand to slam his hat onto his head. "I don't need to hold anyone's hand. I'm strong, you know!"

"You don't want to hold Ace's hand?" Haruta asked in an innocent tone.

"I didn't say that," Luffy grumbled, scooting closer to Ace and tightening his grip.

Ace rolled his eyes, but the smile he flashed at Haruta showed he didn't mind Luffy's clinging at all.

"You know, Marco, you really should have stayed on the Moby," Bay commented. "Or gone with another group."

"And why is that, yoi?"

"Because no one in their right mind thinks I'm their mother," Bay answered. "So really, all anyone here sees is one mother hen and all his little ducklings following him all over town."

"How come I still qualify as a duckling?" Haruta complained. "I'm the oldest! I'm their big brother!"

"We're ducklings?" Sabo echoed, bursting into laughter. "That's an odd way of putting it!"

"I'm not a duckling, I'm a pirate," Luffy complained. Ace didn't even bother answering, just averting his eyes with a barely noticeable flush on his cheeks at being called a duckling.

"See what you did, yoi?" Marco sighed. "Besides, you're the only one who isn't going to find a bar. The kids had to go with you."

"We don't need adult supervision. You didn't have to come with us, and we're just walking with Bay because there's nowhere else to go," Ace pointed out.

"And because of my dazzling personality," Bay quipped. "Just let him be a mother hen, Ace. He's right about this place being more friendly to the navy than the pirates. Wearing Oyaji's mark will still deter anyone from messing with you, but why take the chance? Besides, there's nothing exciting to do here so we may as well make the best of it by teasing Marco."

"Bay's right about that," Haruta admitted. "It's a pretty small island. I didn't think we were going to stop here."

"Rumor has it people on this island have a connection to some pretty powerful underworld families," Bay informed him. "We've also heard rumors of miracle medicines and a doctor who actively wanted to meet us."

"Is he good?" Haruta asked.

Bay shrugged. "Won't know until I meet 'em. I don't have my hopes up, though."

Marco glanced over his shoulder at the four boys. Luffy had wandered off again, still within range to keep his arm from retracting, and both Sabo and Ace was studying the surroundings with an earnest sense of curiosity. It never failed to make him smile when he saw them so fascinated with the world, even in a small, boring town. He turned his attention to Haruta next, expression softening when he saw how diligently Haruta was watching Luffy.

Marco couldn't help thinking being a big brother really suited Haruta.

"So we're hoping to bring back a doctor for Oyaji?" Sabo piped up, turning his attention back to Marco and Bay.

"That's the plan, kiddo," Bay agreed with a snort. "Can never have too many doctors on board."

"But he's not sick, right?" Ace tried to disguise his concern with curiosity, eyes briefly flickering to Marco.

"He's the strongest man in the world, Ace," Marco answered. "But he's not invincible. It doesn't hurt to have as much medical staff as possible, yoi."

"Only the best, though," Haruta added.

"Yeah, only the best," Bay murmured, coming to a stop outside the clinic. In such a small town, she hadn't expected anything fancy, but it still left a bad taste in her mouth to see the state of affairs. Whoever ran the place clearly had no care for the establishment.

"This is the place?" Sabo asked doubtfully, wrinkling his nose.

"Not much to look at, yoi. But we're not looking for someone to keep the ship clean," Marco spoke. "You don't need me for this."

"Understatement," Bay observed.

"I'll be back shortly, yoi," Marco said with another glance at the sign to the clinic. Bay nodded to him and he headed off. She turned to the boys next.

"You kids can stay out here if you want. It looks like it'd be crowded in there," Bay muttered.

"Which is code that means she might end up cursing a lot, and she'd rather not do it in front of us," Haruta clarified.

Bay reached out to ruffle his hair, messing it up. "Don't give away all my secrets, Haruta," she teased in a singsong voice.

Haruta scowled and tried to fix his hair, but Bay was heading into the clinic before he could retort. He sighed and took a look around, noting how empty the town seemed compared to the ones he was used to visiting.

"I'm hungry," Luffy complained.

Ace sighed, reluctantly letting go of his hand. "You ate like five pounds of cheese puffs and a huge breakfast."

"It wasn't five pounds," Luffy argued, flailing.

"It was enough to make Namur cranky," Sabo teased.

"I promise not to eat them all next time…" Luffy puffed his lower lip out, looking to the dirt.

"Hey, Thatch offered," Haruta reassured him. "He'll make enough for everyone next time. And we can always go back to the ship for lunch. I doubt we'll find anything better on this island."

"Did you see the mountains?" Luffy asked, perking up at Haruta's words. "It reminds me of the mountain back home. Do you think there's crocodiles? We haven't had crocodile meat since Children's Day!"

"I doubt it," Sabo frowned up at the mountain in question. "These mountains don't look at all like Mt. Colubo. Not as many trees, so probably not as many beasts. I wouldn't bother trying to hunt up there."

"There is a tree here," Ace pointed out, walking behind the clinic where a cluster of tall trees blocked the mountains from view. "Maybe there's fruit up there."

Luffy was stretching before anyone could try to stop him, flinging himself up into the closest tree to search.

"He should be fine up there," Sabo shrugged when Haruta moved forward. "Keeps him busy until we can go back to the ship. This place was really uninteresting."

"I'm still wary," Haruta muttered, keeping his eyes trained on the branches. "If I watch him like a hawk, nothing'll happen. If I take my eyes off him for more than five seconds, he's gonna get into trouble."

"I'd say you're being paranoid but… yeah, sounds accurate," Ace joked, plopping down at the base of the tree. "I'm really surprised they're leaving us unsupervised. Boring as this place is, they seem worried."

Haruta's eyes flickered away just long enough for Sabo to notice, and he frowned, leaning forward.

"Haruta?"

"What? Luffy's still in the tree," Haruta answered.

Ace frowned as well, looking between the two of them.

"Haruta," Sabo repeated. "What's going on?"

"Why do you think something's going on?" Haruta dared another glance at Sabo.

"You may as well cut to the chase," Ace chimed in. "Sabo's not gonna let it go until you do. What's going on?"

Haruta sighed. "You didn't hear it from me, okay?"

"Didn't hear a thing," Sabo promised, sitting down.

Haruta pushed a hand through his hair, then joined them on the ground. "Okay, remember a few months ago when the marines were following us a lot closer?"

"Yeah, Namur sank most of their ships," Sabo recalled.

"Some of the Commanders think they're following us for a reason," Haruta murmured, lowering his voice. "Most of the islands we've been visiting have been partial to pirates. It's not as common in Paradise. Usually the islands here are allied under the World Government's flag."

Sabo wordlessly flicked a piece of dirt off his pants, shoulders tight with agitation.

"But whenever the marines get close again, they never try to engage. In fact, Blenheim said they sent a scouting party to the last island."

"A scouting party?" Ace interrupted.

"It doesn't make sense," Haruta continued. "The navy doesn't need to scout us. They know plenty as it is. Unless they're worried about us picking up some more crewmembers. Except, Marco doesn't think that's the case."

"What does Marco think?" Sabo asked.

"Marco thinks it's because of us. Well, specifically you guys," Haruta admitted in a quiet voice.

Sabo paled, but it was Ace who spoke again. "Why us?"

"It's not normal for kids to be with the strongest crew in the world. I was the youngest before you guys came along. We're not really hiding your relationship to the crew. I mean, Bay put the mark on your brace," Haruta said, motioning to Ace's arm. "Marco thinks someone saw you guys and the navy is worried about us bolstering our numbers with kids. Or that someone in East Blue reported you guys as kidnapped and they think you're with us because Marco got recognized in Loguetown."

Ace actually flinched, withdrawing and leaning against the tree. "I doubt the navy cares too much about three orphans vanishing from some no-name hillside in East Blue."

"Ace," Sabo scolded quietly. "Maybe Makino or Dadan called the old man before we sent a letter."

"But the marines wouldn't prioritize three kids who aren't in immediate danger," Ace argued. "You think me and Luffy haven't been drilled on what marines are supposed to do? No way in hell they care about us being 'kidnapped' or anything like that. Besides, even if Jiji was looking for us, he wouldn't send scouting parties. He'd barge onto the Moby Dick and yell until we came out."

"Your grandpa?" Haruta frowned. "He sounds suicidal. Nobody just 'barges onto the Moby Dick'. That's crazy."

"Well, he's crazy," Ace huffed. "Anyway, it's probably not about us specifically. Probably the marines being paranoid about more kids joining the pirates when they could be joining the navy."

"Well, that's what I think too," Haruta agreed.

"Does anyone hear Luffy?" Sabo suddenly interrupted, looking up at the tree.

"Luffy, get down here," Ace called.

After a moment of silence - not even a rustling of branches - the three boys looked back to each other, dread in their eyes.

"Damn it!" Haruta swore, standing back up. "I knew I shouldn't have taken my eyes off him!"

"Luffy!" Ace shouted. In any normal situation, Luffy would come running at the sound - especially when Ace sounded annoyed.

He was nowhere to be found.

"He couldn't have gone far…" Ace hissed, flames blossoming on his arm as he pushed his hand through his hair.

"Bay's gonna kill us all," Haruta muttered, trying to cover his worry with annoyance. "Ace, fire."

Ace scowled and shook his arm until the flames went out, then moved to stand next to Sabo.

"You go let Bay know we're heading up the mountain to track Luffy down." Sabo looked to the mountain path and grimaced. "You joining us after that?"

"Yeah, after I tell Bay," Haruta said. "Go ahead, I'll catch up. She'll probably want to get Marco, though."

He hurried back to the clinic as Sabo and Ace took off up the mountain, opening the door and looking for Bay. She was standing by the front desk where a man in a white doctor's coat had angled his body towards hers, speaking in low tones.

"Hold that thought," Bay cut him off, turning to Haruta.

"Luffy wandered off," Haruta explained, grimacing. "He was up in the tree out back, and we only looked away for a minute…"

"Can't say I'm surprised," Bay sighed. She tossed a bored look over her shoulder at the doctor. "We'll be back. Then I'll make a decision."

"But-"

"If you want an answer now, it's 'no'," Bay cut him off with a glare. When he didn't interrupt again, she looked back at Haruta. "Where do you think he went?"

"Probably up the mountain. He was getting antsy about lunch and he wanted to look for crocodiles," Haruta answered.

"There aren't any crocodiles around here," the doctor spoke with obvious hesitance. "Few people are stupid enough to go up those mountains."

"Few," Bay echoed, turning to him again. This time, she angled her entire body towards him in an indication that she wanted his full attention and answers. "Is it dangerous?"

"Nothing to hunt, no reason to hunt… just a lot of rocky outcroppings and cliffs. It's like a deathtrap up there."

"So why does anyone go up there, Johnson?" Bay pressed.

Johnson shifted a little. "Well, my assistant went up there hours ago, chasing miracle herbs or something. I told her it was a fool's errand but she wouldn't listen to me. Some folks hike for sport… but not many people are that bored around here. Not even a good view."

"Mm," Bay barely acknowledged him, turning back to Haruta. "Let's go get Marco. If Ace and Sabo don't catch up to him before we get back, we'll get an aerial view."

Haruta nodded in relief.

"There's a good path up the mountain just past the trees," Johnson informed them. "That's where my assistant went."

"Your assistant have a name? I mean, if it's as dangerous as you say, aren't you worried about her falling or getting lost?" Bay questioned.

"Oh," Johnson stumbled over himself in his haste to open the door for Bay. "It's Lani or Lama or something like that."

"Got it," Bay answered crisply, ushering Haruta out the door.

"He's not coming with us, is he?" Haruta muttered once they were out of earshot.

"Not even a little," Bay snorted. "But I'm gonna drag his ass first."

Haruta grinned, some of his worry giving way for satisfaction. "Good. Do you know where Marco went?"

"Yeah, I've got an idea. Let's snag the birdboy and hurry this up. This island was a waste of time for us. Well, for me. Not so much the others."

"What do you mean?" Haruta asked. "I thought you said we came here to find a doctor."

"Nah. Half the ship wanted the special rum made on this island. Exotic spices, excuses to drink… why else would we realistically stop at a place like this?" Bay joked. "I was just hoping to make an actual effort. We don't really care about any underworld connections or believe in miracle cures. You know that."

"What about the marines?" Haruta blurted out. "Was it really a good idea to come here just for alcohol if everyone's worried about Luffy and the others being spotted?"

Bay stopped walking. Haruta realized his error immediately and cringed, slowly turning to look at her.

"Somebody's been eavesdropping," Bay chuckled. "I like it. But there's a reason we didn't bring it up around everyone. It's speculation, Haruta. Not an actual concern yet. And definitely not a threat. Don't worry about it for now. If it does become a threat, I'll tell you myself."

"Can you tell me when it becomes a concern?" Haruta asked.

Bay's lips curved into a smirk. "Sure thing, kiddo."

...

Lami sighed, setting her book on the rocks beside her in frustration and pushing a hand into her hair. It had been hours since she'd set out on her task, and even though the skies had been clear when she'd started her trek, the light drizzle she'd encountered only moments ago hinted at heavy rain soon. There wouldn't be enough time for her to make it back down the mountain before it started. The thought of attempting to climb down the same way she'd ascended while rocks crumbled away and dirt footholds melted into mud had her contemplating spending the night where she was.

It wouldn't be too horrible after all. There were no trees on the top of the mountain, but the rain never lasted into the night and she'd slept in worse places than mud. In fact, mud sounded appealing compared to the musty attic that had become her home in the last few weeks. At least the mountain offered solitude.

Her quiet home hadn't lasted very long once she'd started frequenting the library. Rumors of the previous family being connected to shady underworld names had surfaced and their home had been seized by officials. Lami had found herself homeless once more. Few were willing to take pity on her, but in the end she'd managed to gain room and board with the town doctor.

She missed the silence.

The clinic itself was small compared to the hospitals she'd seen on larger islands, but despite being the only one in town, it was never busy. Most of the patients were older folks seeking remedies for common ailments. As far as Lami knew, medical emergencies were rare, and the idea of someone - especially a young girl - wanting to become a surgeon was laughable in their eyes. No one took her seriously.

"What's the point of having a voice," she muttered bitterly, pulling her knees to her chest and burying her face there. "Why am I even doing this? He's not going to listen."

Frustration rose in her chest like steam attempting to escape a kettle and it took all she had not to let it out. Even alone on a mountain, she didn't feel comfortable dropping any facet of her composure. Not when there was a chance someone could hear or see her.

He might not listen - he might laugh in her face in that condescending tone and send her to clean the laundry - but she had to achieve the goal she'd set for herself.

Maybe she would even try making her own remedies to supply the patients with after the doctor - she loathed having to call him doctor - gave them his useless ointments and fake medicines.

After taking a few deep breaths to help calm her nerves, she retrieved her book, dusting it off and flipping through the pages. It was too large to fit in the satchel on her belt where her lunch and canteen were, but she didn't trust her ability to identify the plants without it.

Not wanting to deal with having to climb back to the top to retrieve it - or letting it get damaged by the rain - Lami had no choice but to try and take it with her. She started making her way down the opposite side of the mountain where the paths were much smaller and harder to navigate. It was far steeper than the side she'd climbed and required more use of her hands than she'd expected. Just as she'd started to doubt her decision to bring the book with her, a flash of green caught her eye.

Lami's eyes widened in delight. She hadn't allowed herself to hope she'd find the plant she was looking for so quickly, but as she leaned against the rocks and opened the book to compare, she confirmed that the shape of the bulbs perfectly matched. The only problem was that the plant was growing out of the rocks on the mountainside, and she couldn't find a path to reach it.

The footholds she was using to make her way down were shaky. She couldn't see any roots or branches protruding. The rocks were unstable enough that it seemed too dangerous to try climbing over, especially with the book in her hands.

Frustrated, Lami tilted her head back to see how far down the mountain she'd come. It was a good twenty feet to the top and her arms were already starting to shake from the exertion it had taken to climb down.

Why did you have to take the book with you in the first place? she chastised herself. She knew why, even if it was frustrating for the moment. No matter how much she tried to tell herself it was for convenience, or that she couldn't afford to replace the book if she left it behind or ruined it…

She knew the main cause was simply that she just wasn't good enough to spot the correct plant on her own. The idea of trying was too intimidating.

Still, her hands were starting to shake and the plant she wanted to examine was close enough… and she had confirmed it was the right one. There was no sense scolding herself anymore.

Lami pursed her lips, tucking the book into the rocks near her waist. She hesitated a moment to make sure it was secure, then began making her way to the patch of green growing amongst the dangerously steep part of the mountain. The difficulty of straying from the secure path put even more strain on her arms, but she managed to reach the area below the plant without incident. One tentative foot balanced on an uneven foothold jutting out of the rock face as she held her breath. When it held, she pressed her entire body against the rocks, exhaling slowly and bracing herself in case she started to lose her footing.

After a few more moments of tense silence, she allowed herself to grin, feeling a surge of confidence. The plants were growing a few feet above her head, but there were plenty of uneven areas for her to climb after she let her arms rest a little.

It took several tries to balance on the next foothold, fingers digging into the rocks as she used her legs to push herself up. Her bare arms came away covered in scrapes, her plain blue dress snagging a few times. Dust caked her arms, clinging to her skin where she'd started to sweat, and just as her hand brushed against the stem of the plant, the foothold bearing most of her weight crumbled beneath her feet.

A sharp cry escaped in a rush of breath, as the plant tore away at the root and a searing pain shot through her left side. Lami desperately tried to find something to grab onto, left hand snagging on the initial foothold she'd used. The force wrenched her arm, and this time she screamed, both from the shock of pain and from the sudden terror as the realization hit that she was about to plummet to her death.

"Somebody help me!" she cried once she caught her breath. It didn't matter that she'd come to the mountain alone. It didn't matter that she doubted anyone from her island would have bothered to try and help her anyway. She couldn't think straight with the fear paralyzing everything but her lungs.

She couldn't pull herself up. Even after dropping the plant and desperately grasping at the rocks until her fingers bled, she could feel her arms shaking and her shoes scraping uselessly, unable to find purchase. Tears burned her eyes and slid down her cheeks as she strained to keep herself from falling, but she just didn't have the strength. The scream caught in her throat, choked with dust and fear as her grip finally gave out.

It was as if everything had slowed down. Her stomach flipped at the sensation of falling. The wind whipped at her hair and reminded her of the sting in her cheek and neck where she'd slid against the rocks. Every instance of the voice - the one she was sure had to be her brother - came back in a jumbled blur of noise that echoed in her ears.

Even the sky, with light blue darkening under gray clouds, seemed to be fading away in slow motion. With her eyes locked on what was sure to be her last vision - irrational anger rushing through her at the thought that it wasn't even a sunny sky - she didn't see the hand until it latched around her wrist.

The jolt stole what little breath she'd caught, and then her widened eyes were fixing on the hand that had caught her. Nothing made sense. There was no way anyone had followed her from town. No one else had been on the mountain with her. She was too far from the top for anyone to reach out and grab her.

Most importantly… the wrist connected to the hand that had grabbed her was stretching into an arm that had no discernible end.

"Hold on!" a childish voice called down to her. She had three seconds to register the command - three seconds in which she managed to bring her other hand up to grasp the rubbery wrist - before it retracted.

Thanks to the warning, she managed to swallow the reflexive scream at being launched back up the mountain, bracing herself for whatever impact would greet her there. Painful or not, it wouldn't be fatal.

"Oof!"

The collision knocked the wind out of her, but it wasn't nearly as bad as she'd expected. It was almost like she'd hit a block of pure rubber.

It took Lami several moments before she was willing to open her eyes. The pressure on her wrist was gone, and whoever had pulled her up was now lying directly underneath her. The ache in her left arm was severe, but the fact that her wrist hurt more than her shoulder reassured her that it hadn't been dislocated.

"Are you okay?"

Her eyes snapped to his face at the question. The boy who lay there couldn't have been older than nine, a sloping scar under his left eye and a bright yellow straw hat perched atop a head of messy black hair. He was grinning up at her, dirt smudges all over his skin and several tears in his shirt.

"I'm…" Lami's breath caught. She pushed herself up and sat next to him. "I'm alive."

"Me too!" The boy sat up and grinned even wider, adjusting the hat on his head and patting it down. "I'm Luffy. I'm going to be the Pirate King!"

"I… I'm Lami," Lami answered, staring at him. "I'm going to be a surgeon."

"Shishishi," Luffy rocked backwards, tucking his feet together on front of him and grasping them as he rocked towards her. "I don't know what that is. So how come you're falling off a mountain? You're hurt."

"I didn't fall on purpose," Lami huffed, irritation coming to the surface at his laughter. "I slipped while trying to get a plant."

"A plant?"

"Yes. A plant," Lami sighed. She cast a forlorn glance to the side of the mountain she'd just been pulled up from. "I dropped it, though."

"How come you wanted it?" Luffy asked.

"It's for a medicine," Lami explained, grimacing at the reminder that she still had to retrieve her book. "I'm going to be a doctor. Well, a surgeon, specifically. I wanted to find the plant in the book because the doctor I work for doesn't use the right ones. He's lying to sick people and he won't listen to me about the plant he's using - hey!" Lami cut off with a yelp as the pouch she'd been carrying on her belt was yanked away.

She could only stare blankly as Luffy's arm retracted, her meager lunch clasped in his hands.

"There's no meat," Luffy sighed. "I'm hungry…"

"Your arm stretched," Lami stated.

"Uh-huh. I'm made of rubber," Luffy chirped, happily eating everything she'd packed in the bag. "I ate the Gomu Gomu no Mi."

"That's… a devil fruit?" Lami ventured, scooting a little closer to examine his arm while he ate. She reached out to pull on his skin, fascinated by the rubbery texture.

"Yeah. It didn't taste good at all," Luffy acknowledged. "This is much better. Not as good as Thatchy's food, but Thatchy's food is hard to beat. Hey, thanks for this!"

"Well…" Lami trailed off, then shrugged, still playing with the elasticity of his skin. "No problem." There didn't seem to be a use in lecturing him or even pointing out that he hadn't asked for her food. Besides… he had just saved her life. "So, what are you doing up here?"

"I was looking for an adventure. Ace and Sabo were busy with Haruta and everyone else was being boring." Luffy finished the last of the food and offered a bright grin. "This mountain is a lot like the one we had back on our home island. I thought I could find some crocodile meat…"

"Crocodile meat?" Lami echoed, making a face. "I don't think I've ever had that. And there are no crocodiles around here."

"Yeah, I couldn't find any," Luffy sighed. "I guess I'll wait until Thatchy makes lunch."

Lami turned to the sky for a moment, frowning. "Isn't it past lunchtime already? It took me hours to get up here…"

"Ah!" Luffy jumped up, alarmed. "I missed lunch?!"

"I'm sorry," Lami apologized with a half-smile. "I didn't even bring very much with me."

Luffy huffed, but the reminder that he'd eaten her lunch had him plopping back down. "Well, I'll just have to eat double at dinner," he decided. "You're bleeding. That has to get bandaged."

"It's not that bad," Lami promised, though she did reach up to touch one of the sore areas near her collarbone to test how much she was actually bleeding. Her fingers were barely discolored, so the amount of blood wasn't enough to cause alarm.

"Well, we have a rule on the ship," Luffy continued. "If it bleeds, it has to get bandaged."

"That's a good rule, but I don't have bandages right now. I'll take care of it when I go home." Lami couldn't help but smile at him. His words were earnest and not at all condescending like everyone who spoke to her back at the clinic.

"Well, you're the one who wants to be a doctor, so it's up to you, Lamby," Luffy acknowledged.

Lami's jaw dropped. "I'm not a lamb," she muttered, trying to figure out if Luffy was teasing her - if she'd read him wrong. "My name is Lami."

"What's a surgeon?" Luffy continued as if he hadn't heard her. He was still smiling, and despite the indignance of the strange nickname, she couldn't find a reason not to answer him.

"It's a type of doctor," she answered. "They specialize in repairing damage inside your body."

Luffy cocked his head to the side. "How?"

"Well, by cutting the patient open," Lami answered with a shrug. When Luffy's jaw dropped and he actually scooted back, she laughed. "They're not awake, Luffy. They're sedated first. They don't feel any pain."

Luffy scooted closer again. "Well, that's not so bad I guess. I think there are sturgeons on the ship, but I've never broken anything inside my body."

"Surgeon," Lami corrected. "So you came here on a ship?"

"Yeah," Luffy chirped. "I came ashore with my brothers but I got bored."

"Merchants?" Lami guessed. Her blood ran cold before he had a chance to answer. "M-marines?"

Luffy stuck his tongue out. "I'll never be a marine, and I don't think I'd be a good merchant. I'm gonna be a pirate.'

Lami's eyebrows lifted. "A pirate?"

"Yeah! I'm here on a pirate ship," Luffy explained, flailing his arms. "I'm not on the crew, though. I have to be the captain when I set sail."

It seemed a little far-fetched, but it wasn't like she could dispute his claims. She didn't recognize him, and naval ships - while not uncommon - never brought children. Then again, the idea of a pirate ship carrying children with no intention to sell them into slavery was unheard of. "Why are you with the pirates now if you're not on the crew?"

"My brothers," Luffy answered with a wide smile. Lami couldn't help smiling back - it was infectious. "Ace and Sabo want to join the old man, but Ace hasn't said it yet. I really like the crew, but as soon as I'm old enough, I have to set out on my own."

"And this crew has children in it?" Lami asked.

"Just my brothers and me, and Haruta," Luffy replied with a thoughtful look. "We're the youngest. I think Marco's the oldest."

"How many are there?"

Luffy cocked his head to the other side and hummed for a moment. "I dunno. There's a lot. It's the biggest ship I've ever seen, and there are supposed to be three! The other two are somewhere else."

"Must be loud," Lami murmured, looking to her knees. "It seemed loud in a house with three other people. Of course, it might just be that it's so quiet alone. I don't mind the quiet much anymore though. It's easier to sleep."

"You're alone?" Luffy's voice had dropped an octave, a serious look on his face. It had Lami studying him before she answered.

"Most of the time. I work with a doctor who doesn't respect me, but I feel alone when he's around. There's only one time I don't feel alone," Lami admitted.

"When's that?"

"When I'm studying medicine," Lami answered, reaching up to her throat. "I never feel lonely when I'm learning to become a doctor. It's why I want to be a surgeon so badly. I can't explain it any other way."

She started to smile at Luffy, but her fingers brushed her throat and the smile never came. There was a brief moment of confusion - the sense that something wasn't right - before she began to panic. All precautions of trying to keep dirt from the open scrapes on her neck flew out of her mind as her fingers grasped at bare skin, slightly slick from blood and sweat.

"Is something wrong, Lamby?" Luffy inquired, his tone still serious.

Lami didn't even bother correcting him on her name. Her heart felt firmly lodged in her throat, pure dread coursing through her veins. The necklace, the one keepsake of her life before the facility… it was gone. "M-my necklace…"

She thought back to the moment she'd slipped. The friction could have snapped the chain as easily as it had torn into her neck, and while it wasn't like her injuries were deep or cause for alarm, it would have been enough to ruin the thin silver. Her necklace would have fallen down the mountain.

Her feet were moving before Luffy even had a chance to stand, skidding to a stop near the edge. She leaned over to look, as if by some miracle she'd see her necklace even at an impossible distance, and the sudden vertigo made her vision swim. It was Luffy's hands that pulled her back - once again saving her from falling to her death - and his expression was clearly displeased.

"What are you doing?! You're not made of rubber!"

"My necklace," Lami breathed, still dizzy even as she took a step back at his urging. "I lost my necklace when I fell!"

"Your necklace?" Luffy echoed.

"It's my treasure!" Lami cried, tears burning her eyes. She could feel the hysteria bubbling up, panic taking over all rational thought. It was only a necklace - a dainty chain that linked her to her past - but it was as if that link was the only thing protecting her from the hell she'd endured in the time spent at the facility. Without it, she felt bare and exposed, too easily identified as #106. As Snow White. As the subject of experiments. She couldn't let herself feel that way again. "I have to find it!"

She started towards the edge again, but Luffy tugged her away. Her feet tangled as he forced her to backtrack, causing her to fall on her rear with a sharp yelp.

"Lamby," Luffy spoke with enough urgency and concern to get her attention. "It's your treasure?"

"Y-yes," Lami answered, tears streaking through the dirt smudges on her cheeks. "It's my necklace, with my name on it. It's all I have left from my family! It's the only reason I'm trying to become a surgeon at all! I have to-"

"I'll find it," Luffy interrupted. "It's your treasure, so it's important. I don't care what it is or what it does. A necklace, right?"

"I-I… y-yes, a necklace," she stammered in confusion, sniffling. "But it fell down the mountain, and it's too dangerous-"

"I'll find your treasure," Luffy repeated firmly, putting his hands on her shoulders. "You can count on me."

"But I have to-I have to find it," Lami protested, only to yelp as he abruptly took his hat and pushed it onto her head, briefly obscuring her view.

"You can hold onto my treasure," Luffy offered. "That way you know I won't come back empty-handed. Shanks gave me that hat, but I'm only holding onto it for him. Don't let anything happen to it, okay? I'll find your treasure and you can give mine back after that."

Lami opened her mouth to protest, but when she finally lifted her head to look, Luffy was already gone. She could hear his voice over the side of the mountain, growing fainter with each second, but she didn't dare try to look. Without her necklace… she just didn't have the strength.

...

"I swear, we need to get those three some leashes," Bay muttered under her breath, crossing one leg over the other. One hand tangled into brilliant blue feathers and the other came up to push her hair off her face.

"There's always the hope that they're just wandering on the mountain," Haruta suggested. "They're not weaklings and we don't have enemies here. There were no marines in town."

"As much as I want to tell you not to worry, you have to remember we have enemies, Haruta," Bay's voice was uncharacteristically serious as she placed a hand on his shoulder. "Luffy has Oyaji's mark on his shirt. They all do. Any idiot could try to cash in on that. Lower your guard when your instincts tell you, but never let yourself become complacent."

"You're right," Haruta murmured. "Sorry."

"Hey, don't beat yourself up," Bay chuckled, messing up his hair - well, as much as she could with the wind already doing that. "Besides, I'm just reminding you that we'll always have enemies. Even with Luffy's obvious penchant for finding trouble, I highly doubt anything could have gone wrong up here. Right, Marco?"

There was no answer from the phoenix as they ascended higher, sticking as close to the mountain as possible. They'd assumed Ace and Sabo had followed the path behind the clinic and stuck to that mountain - whether Luffy had done the same remained up in the air - but they hadn't run into any of the boys yet.

"Cut the middleman. Let's just go to the top and start there," Bay sighed. "If anything, we could, I dunno, grill some meat or something and let Luffy find us by smell."

"He does do that," Haruta joked. "You know, the others have a bet going. If anyone finds out we lost the trio, I think Rakuyo and Thatch get money."

"Of course Rakuyo and Thatch get money," Bay snorted. "Those idiots are always making bets."

"Ah!" Haruta abruptly scrambled forward on Marco's back, pointing. "Marco, look!"

Marco's head swerved to the side. The tallest mountain had a pretty decent-sized clearing at the top, and someone with a straw hat was sitting near the side farthest from the town. The initial excitement died down as the phoenix's wings curved and they flew straight towards the person in the straw hat. It wasn't Luffy.

The landing was abrupt - Bay and Haruta jumped off as Marco started to transform back - and then all three of them were standing in front of her. She stumbled away with wide eyes, clutching the hat to her head with both hands.

Despite the immediate worry that whoever had taken Luffy's hat had hurt him to do so - he never let it go on purpose - Haruta found some of the tension draining away at the sight of her. She looked around his age, chestnut brown hair in messy pigtails over her shoulders, incredibly pale skin, and large gray eyes. It wasn't the same shade of gray as Ace's - hers were darker, like a storm over the open sea.

He also noticed the scrapes and cuts all over her neck and left arm, and the tears in her blue dress. She looked hurt.

"Y-you're a devil fruit user," she stammered, eyes on Marco.

"I am, yoi. I'm not going to hurt you," Marco answered. "We wanted to know how you got that hat."

Her grip tightened and she took another step back. "I'm holding onto it for someone. He said it was his treasure."

"Then you spoke with Luffy? We're Luffy's family, yoi," Marco continued with a non-threatening smile, keeping his posture casual. He could see how tense she was. "I'm Marco, this is Bay, and Haruta."

"My name is Lami," Lami answered with a soft sigh, shoulders relaxing. She kept both hands gripping the hat. "Luffy mentioned his family was here. I heard him say Haruta's name."

"He's not hurt, is he?" Bay asked. "You look pretty scraped up."

"No, he's fine," Lami promised, grimacing at Bay's gaze and lowering one hand to her neck. "And this isn't as bad as it looks. I've calmed down a lot since it happened."

"You should be careful not to let it get infected," Bay commented. "So, what exactly happened?"

"It's a long story," Lami admitted, clearly wary. Any time Bay moved closer, Lami circled in the opposite direction to keep distance between them. "Luffy saved my life. I slipped."

"Well, where is he now?" Haruta asked. "It's not like him to leave his hat behind for any reason."

Lami's hand grasped near her throat before she faltered, lowering her arm. "When I slipped, I lost my necklace. It's my treasure, and I wanted to go find it. Luffy said he'd get it for me. He left me with his treasure so I'd trust him to find mine."

Haruta sighed. Loudly. "That sounds like Luffy."

"Oh man…" Bay groaned. "Did he jump off the other side?"

Lami actually quirked a small smile at their combined dismay, but it wasn't one of amusement. She nodded. "He said he's made of rubber because of a devil fruit. It was actually fascinating examining the elasticity of his skin…" she trailed off when she saw the curious look on Bay's face, then ducked her head. "I just mean, I've never met a devil fruit user before. I don't think the fall will hurt him… at least I hope it won't. I only assumed because he willingly jumped."

"It won't, unless there's anything sharp down there," Bay promised.

"That makes sense. I assumed blunt force wouldn't damage him, but lacerations would be another matter entirely." Lami shifted under their stares again. "He wasn't hurt or anything when he left, but I can't give you his hat. I have to give it back myself."

"How about you come with us to go look for him, then?" Haruta offered.

"What if he comes back here looking for me?" Lami countered, turning to Haruta and meeting his eyes.

Haruta jolted, abruptly averting his gaze. "Well I mean… we plan to find him, so it makes sense for you to come with us, and it's pretty dangerous up here, and you're hurt…"

Bay's eyebrow quirked. She stepped in before Haruta could continue rambling. "Haruta just means we aren't going to leave this mountain without Luffy. It would save time if we all moved together, and then we can take you to the clinic to disinfect your wounds."

"Oh," Lami shifted again. "I'm not so sure about flying down the mountain, but I do want to disinfect. I didn't feel any particles and I've been careful not to touch anything if I can help it, but they're all superficial wounds anyway. I would have gone back already, but then Luffy…" she trailed off.

"We understand, yoi," Marco assured her.

"I just need to get my book," Lami said. "Is that alright?"

"Your book?" Bay echoed.

"I had it while I was climbing. It's… it's kind of stupid, I know," Lami sighed, shoulders sagging in defeat. "But I needed it to identify the medicinal herb I was looking for. I left it in the rocks when I had to stray off the path to reach it. That's… actually how I fell."

"I'll go get it, yoi," Marco answered. "Then we'll go find Luffy and the others. Where did you leave it?"

"The path behind me. That's also where Luffy went," Lami told him, stepping aside to give him space.

Marco started for that side of the mountain, but before he could transform to jump off, a red blur flew right at him. He caught Luffy with both hands, bracing himself against the force.

"Oof!" Luffy yelped, limbs flailing as his upper body stretched past the point where Marco caught him. He snapped back into shape a moment later, eyes spinning from dizziness.

"Luffy!" Haruta cried in relief, eyes lighting up.

"Oh, hi everyone!" Luffy chirped, dangling in Marco's arms. "What are you doing up here? Where are Ace and Sabo?" before they could answer, he twisted to look at Lami. A wide smile lit his face. "Lamby! I found your treasure!"

He opened his hand to show a silver cross dangling from a broken chain.

Lami hurried forward, reaching up to take it back. "You really found it," she breathed, hands trembling. "You found my necklace."

"Shishishi," Luffy giggled, pleased. "I said I would!" He hopped out of Marco's hands and landed next to his legs. "Oh, I think I found your sturgeon plant, too."

"Surgeon," Lami corrected absently. "And what?"

Luffy dug into his pocket and pulled out a handful of green blossoms. "This was the plant you wanted to find, right?"

"It is," Lami confirmed in a soft voice, reaching out to accept it. "You didn't have to get that, too…"

"You gave me your lunch," Luffy chirped. "I wanted to find your plant."

Bay nodded to Marco, who jumped over the side - arms transforming mid-jump - then turned back to Lami. "You're Johnson's assistant, right?"

"Yes," Lami lifted her head to look at Bay again, still reeling. "How did you know that? He didn't send you to find me."

"He most definitely did not. It came up in conversation," Bay acknowledged. "Anyway, I was only asking."

Marco returned as Lami was placing her necklace and herbs in her bag. "Here's your book, yoi," he said, handing it to her. "I saw Ace and Sabo. They know we're up here. Best to head down and hope they don't yell at you too much, Luffy."

"Why would they yell?" Luffy wondered.

"You weren't supposed to wander off," Haruta reminded him.

"Ah!" Luffy covered his mouth with both hands, then tilted his head to look up at the adults. "Don't tell them, okay?"

"I'm pretty positive they noticed, yoi," Marco chuckled.

Luffy heaved a sigh, then held his hand out for his hat. Lami gently placed it there, smiling when he plopped it back on his own head. "I'll go apologize," he decided.

"Luffy, wait-" Haruta started, but Luffy took a running leap right back over the side with a joyful shout.

Bay snorted. "Who didn't see that coming?" she joked. "Marco, why don't you take Haruta and Lami back to the clinic? I'll catch up with them."

"I can stay and help," Haruta argued.

"But from the way she's holding herself, I think Lami might have sprained her wrist, and the last thing we want is for her to fall off Marco," Bay pointed out. "So it would be negligent to have her go alone."

"I can manage on my own." Lami took a step back, absently rubbing her wrist - the same one Bay was looking at. "I don't think I sprained it. At worst, I probably bruised the bone. I wrenched my shoulder but I didn't dislocate it."

"And as a doctor, I cannot let you climb down this mountain with your injuries." Bay crossed her arms over her chest. "You can argue with me all you want, but if you won't go with Marco and Haruta, I'll be forced to carry you myself."

"It's the safest option," Haruta added to back Bay up, offering Lami a shy smile. "It's the least we can do after you helped us find Luffy."

While Lami was clearly intimidated by all of them, her willingness to listen to Haruta was evident. They were near the same height, probably the same age, and she didn't find him as threatening as the adults. As the devil fruit user.

"Just to the clinic?" Lami finally relented, looking up at Marco.

"Just to the clinic, yoi," Marco promised.

Bay elbowed him with a grin. "See? He's harmless. Now I'm going to go track those brats down before they get into more trouble."

She drew her hair back into a ponytail, then gracefully jumped off the edge after Luffy.

"Is she going to be okay?!" Lami demanded, rushing over. "She's not a devil fruit user, is she?"

"No, just a show-off," Marco chuckled. Bay's boots left a trail down the mountainside as she slid and jumped her way down, even adding a flip in case they were watching. Without wasting anymore time, he transformed back into a phoenix and lowered himself so they could climb on.

Lami drew in a sharp breath, but she didn't backtrack again.

"I'll climb up first," Haruta offered, grabbing onto the flames and hauling himself up. He extended his hand to Lami.

She hesitated. It wasn't a fear of the devil fruit ability or even the fact that he was a strange adult. It was knowing that the moment she joined Haruta, until they landed, she wouldn't have any control over her fate.

The idea of relinquishing control still terrified her.

Still, Marco remained steady and Haruta kept his hand in reach, patiently waiting for her to take it. Shouldering her pouch - and double checking that her broken necklace was still inside - she finally reached for Haruta's hand and let him pull her onto the phoenix's back. She loosely hugged her book to her left side.

"I know it looks like fire, but if you hold on, it's just like feathers," Haruta told her, helping her settle into place in front of him. "Um… if you don't think you can hold on, I can hold onto you…"

"I can manage," Lami answered, looking down at the luminous blue flames… feathers… she didn't know how to classify them. She didn't even try. She simply grabbed on with her uninjured hand and exhaled. "I'm ready."

Marco kept his movements as slow and steady as possible. He could feel Lami's grip and knew it was tight enough to keep her from falling off, but he didn't want to risk dislodging her when she could only use one hand.

Haruta cast one more glance to the side of the mountain Bay and the trio were on. He just hoped Sabo and Ace didn't yell too much. After all, even though he'd wandered off, he had saved Lami's life.

That had to count for something.

...

A/N: Thank you, everyone :) It's great to be back. I hope you enjoyed this chapter.