No one said anything for a while. Robin was too nervous to look at anyone. What would they say? Knowing that she'd been lying to them this whole time? She flinched as Nami hopped up on the table, and slid her arms around Robin's neck again. She held her tightly for a moment before leaning back. "I don't give a damn what your name is. Raven. Robin." She just shrugged. "It doesn't change who you are." She smiled, "You're still my friend."

Tears swarmed in Robin's eyes, and she nodded, blinking them away. Nami laughed, "Besides, you never actually said that was your name. You just said to call you Raven." She grinned. "But, I'm glad you told me." She took Robin's hand, tangling their fingers together. "It's nice to meet you, Nico Robin." The two women laughed, and Robin smiled; a genuine, bright smile. Running into the people in this town had been the best thing that had ever happened to her.

"So…why go by Raven?" Franky asked, saying what everyone was thinking. "It's not like it did you any good as an alias. The entire government knows you by that name. What were you trying to accomplish by hiding your real name?" They all turned toward her, and she took a shaky breath. It had been a long time since she had even said her real name, let alone tell anyone about it.

"It wasn't my choice to be known by that name. It was a name the government gave to me. Years ago when…" She stalled, there was no point in telling them what had happened. "…when they first started chasing me. I don't know how they got the name, but that's what they called me. After a few years, I just adopted it as my own." She shrugged, smiling bitterly. "My own name didn't exist anymore, not to anyone but me." They all looked away, and she could see the pity in their eyes. It didn't matter. She was beyond caring.

"So what to do from here?" Sanji muttered from the doorframe, where he was leaning. "What are you planning now?"

Robin sighed, "I don't really know. That detective is turning out to be a lot more troublesome than I originally thought. I had only planned to make a short stop here, and then head back out." She sighed, "But it's already a bit late for that."

Nami frowned, "We have to get you out of here somehow." She grinned when Robin gave her a questioning glance. "Oh come on. There's no way we're just going to leave you to fend for yourself!" Sanji immediately agreed and Franky chuckled, nodding.

"That's all well and great, but we actually do need some kind of a plan." Franky said, running a hand through his electric blue hair.

This time, it was Chopper who spoke up. "I think I might be able to help you there."

The big door to the warehouse slid open, the metal clanging echoing through the big room. "Franky?" The young man called, squinting thought the dust. "Now where on earth could he be? He told me we were going to be working on fixing up the Merry today." He tapped his foot, scratching his abnormally long nose. "Ah, Franky, what the heck!" He slid the tall door shut again, and stomped off down the street, muttering to himself.

He kicked open the Baratie doors, "Franky, where are you-eh?" The room was empty, an eerie piano tune drifting through the deserted place. "WAH! I don't think so, you ghosts!" He screamed, pulling out a garlic bulb, brandishing it in front of him like a shield. "Get back!" He screeched.

"Um…Usopp, what exactly are you doing?" He opened one eye to see the ghoulish face of the Baratie's pianist. "Oh, Brook. It's just you." He cleared his throat, "Not that I was scared or anything. The brave Usopp is never afraid of anything!" He struck a pose. The musician poured himself a cup of tea. "Hey! Don't just ignore me!" Usopp yelled.

"Oh yeah, by the way, have you seen Franky anywhere? He told me to meet him earlier, but I can't seem to find him anywhere. I figured he'd be here, but I guess not." He hopped up on one of the bar stools, next to Brook. "I don't know where he'd be!"

Brook took a long sip from his tea before letting out a contented sigh. "I believe I might have heard him pass by a few hours ago. He ran into Sanji and Nami, and they were talking about getting someone to Chopper. Did you check the doctor's place?"

Usopp shook his head, "Why would they be there? That doesn't make any sense." He scratched his chin. Brook just shrugged, "I don't know, but it sounded important. And rather mysterious."

"Aha!" He jumped up, "An adventure! Why don't we go check it out!" He laughed maniacally, marching out the door. "The brave Usopp will definitely find out what's going on with this mystery!"

"Well, I suppose it wouldn't hurt. I am rather curious myself." He mumbled, slurping some more tea, and following the enthusiastic tinker out the door.

"He would help you in a heartbeat if you asked him." Chopper concluded. The four of them just stared at the little doctor in disbelief. "How do you…" Sanji started, but trailed off. Robin and Nami exchanged surprised glances. "I've heard of him, he's very well known by the police, and the underground." Robin said, "And you say you know him personally? That's very impressive." Chopper blushed heavily, "Flattering me like that doesn't make me happy at all, you know." He giggled.

Sanji leaned back against the wall, his eyes meeting Franky's for a brief moment. The big mechanic didn't looked too hyped on the idea. "As much as I love outrunning police, this just seems like too much of a gamble. Yeah, the city's not too far from here, but running to the biggest crime boss around? Doesn't sit too well with me." He rubbed the back his neck. "What if he betrays us? It's not that I don't trust your word, Tony, I just…I just don't like it." He let out a big breath, and Sanji cocked his head in agreement.

"I'm with Franky on this on. I trust you Chopper. But I just don't trust him. If he's a big deal with the police and the crooks, how helpful will he really be?" Chopper smiled, "With this man, forget everything you think you know about mafia bosses. He's nothing you're expecting, trust me. He'll help us."

Franky put up a hand, "Wait, 'us'?" Chopper nodded, "I've decided I want to help you too, Robin. Even if you are a wanted fugitive." Robin laughed, "Thank you, Chopper. I'm glad to accept your help." Chopper blushed again and stammered something as they all laughed.

Everyone tensed as there was a loud rap at the door. Sanji turned quietly as Franky got to his feet. Nami slid off the table, positioning herself between Robin and the door. Everyone held their breath as Chopper opened the door a crack. He smiled, "Oh, hey there Usopp! Hi Brook!" Four collective sighs sounded from everyone in the room as the newcomers slid in.

Robin studied the two strangers. They were both men, the first a little shorter than Sanji with dark skin and thick, bushy hair. She couldn't help but notice his abnormally long nose. The other was freakishly tall with a sunken face that reminded her of a skeleton. He had the biggest afro she had ever seen, and was wearing a tall hat on top of that.

Usopp took a quick glance around, and when his eyes got to Franky, he scowled, "There you are Franky! I've been looking for you for hours. What happened to 'working on the Merry' that we were going to do today?" The big mechanic just shrugged, "I had more important things to do." He sent a quick glance at the woman sitting on the doctor's table, and Usopp really saw her for the first time. "Uh, hi there." He waved a little.

Robin smiled as he introduced himself. She noticed everyone else rolled their eyes as he went on about the 'brave and mighty Usopp'. She smiled politely, and reached out to shake his hand. "Nice to meet you Usopp. I'm Ra - Robin."

The taller man reached up and removed his top hat, giving her a little bow, "Ah, Robin. It's so lovely to meet you! Would you mind-" Whatever he was about to ask was quickly interrupted by everyone else. "Not a chance!" Nami yelled as Sanji slammed him into the floor. Robin wasn't entirely sure how he had gotten his foot up that high, but she supposed it wasn't important. She laughed as everyone in the room burst into an argument, all yelling at once.

"Alright! Shut it!" Nami yelled at the top of her lungs, overpowering them all. The men all instantly silenced themselves, and she heard Robin's soft chuckle behind her. "We've still got a lot to think about. Robin needs to get out of town fast. We know where we're going, and who we're going to. But how do we get there?" She leaned back, letting everyone think for a moment.

Usopp raised a hesitant hand, "Um, sorry, but what's going on?" He watched as everyone exchanged nervous glances. Brook cleared his throat, "Pardon me, but does this have anything do with the fact that Robin is wanted by the police?" Six pairs of eyes turned in his direction. A tense silence filled the room.

"How do you know that?" Nami asked, stepping in front of Robin again. The tall man shrugged, "I remember her face. There was a cop that came into the bar one day with her picture, asking if we had seen her." Sanji nodded, "Oh yeah, I forgot. You were there too, when that cop first came in." Brook nodded with a smile.

Nami relaxed a little. "That's exactly what this is about. That cop is still after her. He's still around, and he knows she's here. Earlier this morning, we ran into him, and Robin got shot. Saving my life." Usopp and Brook both gasped. "Clearly, she's not too badly hurt, but a bullet wound is a bullet wound. But now we're trying to figure out a way to get her out of town safely. Chopper told us about a friend of his who runs the mafia business in the city a few miles out. We'll go to him to hide Robin, and keep her safe for a while. We're just trying to figure out how to get Robin out of town safely. That Cop always seems to be right behind us. He's smart. And strong. It definitely won't be easy."

She gave both Usopp and Brook stern looks, "I'm only telling you this because I trust you. If you want to help us, great. If you don't, then get out while you still can." She gave the door a meaningful glance. The two only looked at each other for a moment before sharing a private smile. "Of course we'll help you out. Usopp is never one to pass up an adventure!" The tinker proclaimed. It was all Nami could do not to roll her eyes again. Brook nodded, "It will be my pleasure to assist the beautiful young lady."

She nodded. "Good. Then let's get back to planning." She leaned back, crossing her arms across her chest. "What's the safest way we can get Robin away from here? Franky, I know you've got a couple of cars over at your yard, but we can't all fit in one car. And it'll only be trouble if we end up getting split up somehow."

Usopp scratched his chin, "You know, there's a bus coming in tonight, running their usual route. It's a bit rushed, but we could get Robin out of town tonight, and be able to stay together." They all looked thoughtful for a moment.

Sanji leaned back, "What if this cop has the place staked out? What if he's waiting for us? Or for Robin? It's not a bad idea, but the chance of us being able to sneak onto the bus without that moss head noticing are practically nonexistent."

Franky nodded, "That's probably true, but come on. The seven of us against one guy? Even if he had an entire day's notice, there's not much he could do to stop us."

Nami smiled, nodding slowly. "You've got a good point there, Franky. As strong as he is, he can't stop all of us." She grinned at Robin. "You might be out of here before tomorrow morning!" The ginger laughed as the rest of them smiled, muttering in agreement.

Robin looked around at all the people assembled in the room, her stomach squirming with some old emotion she hadn't felt in years. She had only known Nami a few days, and the rest of them even less. Brook and Usopp had just barely walked in the door. But all of them were already on board with trying to help her. They were on her side. And she trusted them. Tears blurred her happy vision. It had been so long since she could honestly say she had friends. Real friends. But here she was. Surrounded by these strange people who didn't hesitate to assist her. A lifelong of sorrow was almost worth it, as long as she got to spend the future with these amazing people.

Robin was leaning heavily on Franky's arm as the two of them slowly made their way to the bus station across town. There had been no signs of Zoro since that morning, and that made her all the more anxious. She could tell he wouldn't be one to just give up. He was still lurking around, waiting. He might be watching her as they walked. The thought made her shiver.

"You cold?" Franky teased. The woman shook her head, "No, just a little nervous." Franky gave her a reassuring smile, and scanned the streets again. She was a surprisingly honest woman, and he had to admit he was drawn to her. He had been hesitant to help them out. That intimidating cop wasn't someone he was too interested in opposing. But the more he saw of Robin, the more he didn't really mind. She was soft spoken, and fragile looking. The first encounter he had of her was when she was unconscious, and bleeding. Carrying her to Chopper had been easy, he felt like he was holding a child. And after she had woken up, he hadn't heard her raise her voice once, or even get angry. It was a mystery that she was wanted by the police for anything. She just seemed so harmless.

"Look, there's our ride." He pointed with his free hand to the pair of headlights that appeared on the horizon. Robin smiled, and he felt her grip on his arm tighten a little. Whether it was in excitement or fright, he couldn't really tell. Maybe it was both.

They were still a few feet from the station doors when Nami appeared. "Glad you made it okay. Franky, Usopp asked if you can go and help with something really quick. Something mechanical." The blunette sighed, "Of course he does." He made sure Robin was fine on her own before sliding past the ginger and jogging up the the station.

Nami squealed a little. "We're almost out! Isn't this exciting?" Robin laughed a little, her hand coming up to cradle her side. Nami slid up to her without saying a word, and Robin gladly accepted her assistance. "Nami-" She looked over at her friend, "Thank you." She smiled, "Thank you for all of this. I don't know what would have happened if it weren't for you." Nami laughed, waving it off, "Well, you wouldn't have gotten shot. Probably…" Robin giggled, then they both full on laughed, stopping for a moment.

Nami suddenly jerked, her eyes going blank. Robin frowned, "What-" The ginger started to crumple, and Robin yelped in pain as she attempted to catch her. Pain tore through her core as she bent over partially.

"Well well." Robin froze as the voice came from almost directly behind her. "Looks like the little blackbird wasn't too hurt after all."

She turned around, slowly, fear clawing up her spine. How? How had he still managed to sneak up on them?

Zoro was smirking down at her, his eyes narrowed in that malicious, terrifying glower.

No! She was so close! How had this happened? She whirled around, shoving against his broad chest, and attempting to run toward the station. She opened her mouth to call for help; but his hand caught her, clamping down over her mouth and stifling her cry. He yanked her back against him, his other arm locking around her waist. She screamed against his palm as pain exploded through her core. Despite her aching stomach, she struggled with all her might. Every muscle burned, but panic fueled adrenaline was coursing through her now. Her head was pulled back against his shoulder, and he lifted her off the ground easily. She uselessly shoved against his arm, desperately trying to get out of his grip.

Zoro held her tight, her slim body caught in his arms. He didn't know how she still had so much energy. It was just this morning he had accidentally shot her. She was screaming into his hand, a muffled panic. He lifted her off the ground, and she kicked her legs out. He mentally shook his head. With a bullet wound to the stomach, that couldn't be too comfortable. He had to respect her determination though.

But he wasn't going to let up. He slowly dragged her out of the street toward the room he had been hiding in before. He pushed against the door with his back, pulling her after him. She grabbed onto the doorframe, trying to push his hand off her mouth. There was no way that was happening. He had been lucky enough to catch her and Nami by themselves. He wasn't about to let her call the rest of her little gang over. With one last heave, he broke her grip on the door, and hauled her into the small room.

Robin cried out as he slammed her into the wall, closing the door and latching it behind him. She struggled to breath between his heavy arm on her chest, and the aching throb in her stomach. Thankfully he moved his arm, but he pressed his palm against the wall almost directly by her head, caging her in. It was all she could do to conjure a defiant glare. Although she couldn't hold it for long. She took a shaky breath, and grimaced from the pain. Damn it. The last thing she wanted was to look weak in front of this man.

But she couldn't help it. She pushed against his chest weakly, but he was as sturdy as the concrete wall at her back. She leaned forward, unfortunately into him, to try and relieve the pressure on her wound. It helped a little, and she took a deep breath. Zoro's scent filled her head, and she found herself grasping at his coat as a wave of nausea came with the pain.

Zoro again found himself unable to move in the presence of this woman. Every time he got close, he felt like he slipped under a spell. Her small hands were still on his chest, but instead of trying to push him away, she was clinging to him. At first, he had no idea what she was doing. But when he heard her gasp for air, and her grip on his coat tightened, he knew exactly why.

That gunshot wound must really be bothering her a lot more than he had originally thought. She had glared up at him for a second, but then her face contorted in pain and she looked away. Damn it all. He felt instant regret for being so rough with her. He gingerly slid his hand behind her waist, bringing his knee up slowly between her legs for her to sit on, which she did. She didn't fight him as he let her lean on him, and he reclined back, supporting her weight. "Just breathe. We'll talk in a bit." She looked up, their eyes locking. She frowned in slight confusion and started to ask something, but he shook his head, silencing her. "I may not be the nicest person, but I'm not cruel."

Zoro readjusted himself, both his arms gently sliding around her so that she didn't fall. She leaned on him some more, welcoming the reprieve from the burn she felt. She took long, deep breaths, only small touches of discomfort brushing her stomach. She looked up as Zoro spoke again, his voice softer and almost gentle, "I know how it is. So just relax for a minute, okay?" She looked deep into his eyes for a moment, then smiled. "Thank you." She said before leaning forward to rest her head against him, enjoying the almost painless moment.

Zoro leaned his head back, his cheeks heating a little. What the hell?! How was she so trusting? She had smiled at him so easily, when he was literally the only reason she was in so much pain. Her voice was so gentle and open, and she had leaned forward without a second thought. She didn't make any damn sense! The thoughts from that morning came flooding back in force. The thought that maybe, just maybe, Nami was right. That maybe Raven wasn't so bad after all. That maybe he was just following orders blindly. That maybe what he was doing wasn't justice after all.

He shook his head, reaching up to pinch the bridge of his nose. Stop it! Just stop thinking. As much as he hated to admit it, there was discord with his head and his gut. He just couldn't see Raven as the murderer he had been shown. It was possible that she was just that good of an actor, but…no. Actors didn't take bullets for people they had only known a few days. And besides, he was good at reading people, and she was genuine. From all her anger and defiance, to her pain and her kindness. It was all real.

He looked down at the top of her head, her blue-black hair shimmering in the lights. The overwhelming urge to stroke her hair enveloped him, and he resisted. But only for a short bit. He reached up slowly, hesitantly, and ran his fingers through her hair. His fingers brushed her ear, and her shoulder, sliding down her arm until the silky black tresses slipping from his grasp. She leaned up, and looked at him. Her eyes weren't angry. They weren't disgusted, or barely even confused. She was just looking at him.

Raven opened her tired eyes as she felt him run a hand through her hair. He had done the same thing back in Sanji's apartment. She pushed herself up gingerly, and looked him in the eye. He met her gaze without flinching, the Zoro she usually saw was nowhere is sight. His grey eyes looked almost…sad. She studied him for a moment, trying to read his expression. He looked like he was in so much pain. But at the same time, like he was finally at peace.

When she didn't immediately reject his touch, he reached up and did it again. Her eyes flicked to his fingers, and he watched her hair run through them like satin threads. "I don't believe it." He whispered, before he had the chance to stop himself. She leaned back a little farther, frowning a little. "You don't believe what?" He looked in her eyes again. He could see her guard coming back up. She was immediately suspicious.

He took a moment to just take her in. This wonderful, confusing person who had been nothing but trouble. This breathtaking woman who had all but turned him inside out.

"What they say about you."

Robin froze as soon as the words left his lips. "You…what?" She didn't dare hope…

He blinked, "I don't believe what they say about you."

She took an uneven breath, although now unsteady for an entirely different reason. "You don't believe what who say about me?"

Zoro watched her eyes get bigger and bigger. What was she thinking? Her face was hard to read. "The higher ups." He all but whispered. She almost looked like she was panicking, or having some kind of mental breakdown. He didn't know why it was making her upset, but he couldn't stop talking.

"Tell me what happened." He let his hand fall to his lap, resting on her hip to make sure she didn't fall. "What happened at Ohara?"

She felt every muscle in her body stiffen as he spoke. Ohara… No one had said that name in years. The elaborate manor house that used to be her home. That was reduced to ash, along with all her family. A fire that had been started…

She shook her head, pushing against him again. "Calm down, if you struggle like that, you're going to hurt yourself." He took hold of her wrist, and pulled her back to face him. He froze at the sight of tears in her eyes. "Hey, don't-" What was he supposed to say? Why was she crying? Her sapphire eyes were wide, and she reached up to cover her mouth, a strangled sob shaking her body. "Why are you crying? Is it Ohara?" Her eyes shifted from sorrow to rage, and she slapped him.

"Don't say that name!" She could feel a million repressed memories swarming back up, no matter how hard she tried to stop them. "Don't say that name like you know anything!"

And she shoved against him with everything she had, ignoring the pain that shot through her. He was too surprised to keep his grip on her, and she managed to get away from him. She could barely see through the tears in her eyes, but she pulled the door open with relative ease, stumbling into the street, where she could make out Franky, Sanji and Chopper by a dazed looking Nami.

Save Me!

Sanji came running with his arms outstretched, and Nami soon followed. She sunk into their comforting embrace, the loss and heartbreak that was her past swallowing her all over again. Nami was yelling something to Chopper, and it sounded like Franky had faced off with Zoro. She grabbed a hold of whatever she could, which happened to be Sanji's coat sleeve, and Nami's shirt. She felt them sink to the ground, Sanji cradling her in his lap as Nami's gentle hands brushed her hair aside, and took her face in her palms. Robin looked up at the ginger, her head started to swim from the sudden adrenaline rush. "Help…" She sobbed, closing her eyes tight as memories danced across her vision. Memories of bodies writhing in a blazing inferno. With no escape, and no respite. As she watched helplessly from the side. She curled into herself, screaming against all the despair that threatened to eat her alive. The fear that was all she had ever known.

"Help me." She cried miserably, her eyes closing against it all, shutting out the desperate voices. The panicked faces. The throbbing pain.

The shelter of unconsciousness opened its arms, gently turning off every outside sensation and emotion. The last thing she was aware of was Sanji's arms around her, and Nami's hands. So close. And so kind.

Sorry, not sorry! Please review! This chapter was exciting for me, Zoro and Robin are getting closer, little by little. Tell me how you like it? Or dislike it, I'll take hate too I guess.

Btw, Friday's my makeup update day in case I miss Tuesday. I'll try not to make you guys wait more than a week anymore, but I can't promise anything unfortunately. If I miss Tuesday, chapter will be up that Friday. And if I still don't finish it, it will be out the following Tuesday.

But anyways! Thanks for all the reviews on last chapter~

JJ: Zoro's really easy to hate in here, isn't he? He's making me mad, and I'm the one writing him ':D
F yeah to new updates! My chapters might be late, (like all the time, sadly) but I won't just leave you hanging like I did with the first version... At least not for long anyway.
Honestly, it puts a smile in my soul when you tell me I've successfully portrayed the emotions everyone was feeling. Thank you so much *tears of joy*
This chapter's fight wasn't as intense as previous chapters, but don't worry-it's coming B)

Capritacorn: Yeah, Zoro's really starting to have to make some hard choices. His head and his heart are going two different directions.
Robin's finally opening up, and starting to really rely on her friends. It's cool to watch them all get closer, I'm excited :D
And yiiiii, Zoro and Robin are starting to get a little closer. There are a lot of misunderstanding between them still...but that's a story for later.

Anyone: No, Zoro doesn't know Robin's real name. The government and the police honestly believe Raven is her real name. (They're all marimos)