No one said anything.

Robin glanced at Nami. The two shared a look, then turned their attention back to Hancock. She looked strained, like she couldn't even find the words to answer Robin's request.

"Well, of course I can help you." The gangster shifted in her seat, "But why should I? It doesn't benefit me any to hide you and your little group."

Robin thought for a moment, but nothing came. Because it was true. There was really nothing in it for her. She didn't even have any kind of favor or money to trade.

But before she got the chance to say a word, Luffy draped himself over the back of Hancock's chair, ripping open another snack bar, "Ah come on, Hangug! It wouldn't be too hard for you, just help her out!"

Robin had to stop her jaw from dropping as Boa's face instantly softened as she turned to Luffy.

"Well of course, anything for you, my Love!" She smiled sweetly, taking a moment to stare at him.

Robin and Nami shared another look.

The gangster turned back to them, "If my Darling requests it, I have no choice but to comply." Her face was like steel again, the transitions blinding.

Robin nodded, lowering her head in gratitude, "Thank you." She said softly.

She had never said those words to anyone, and they felt foreign in her mouth. She had never even dared to ask anyone for help. It was strange now. She hadn't quite realized that she had changed. That she had started to trust people. To rely on them.

It felt odd. Warm. Comfortable. Like curling up by the fire on a winter's night. That was how they were. A cozy, gentle fire.

Zoro sat in silence, watching the newcomer graze over the group's photos and files. He had spread them all out in front of him, and then hadn't touched them. He was just looking at them. Memorizing? He couldn't quite tell.

"If you want to say something, you can." Spandam's greasy voice pulled Zoro's attention to his face. He wasn't looking at the detective at all, but just continued to muse over the papers.

When Zoro didn't say anything for a moment, his eyes flicked up.

They had eye contact for a moment, sizing each other up.

"Are you a detective, Spandam?" Zoro finally asked, leaning back in his chair.

Those golden eyes narrowed, following a lazy path around the room. Spandam's face twisted in thought. "I'm not quite a 'detective'. I'm what you could call…a helper. See, I'm not interested in anyone else's case but this one, so I wouldn't be a very good detective." He smirked, "You understand."

Zoro had to take a moment. What the hell did that even mean? Not interested in any other cases?

"A helper, huh? If it's only on this case, what do you help with?" He looked to study the man's reaction, but everything about him was so odd and unreadable.

But a look flashed across Spandam's face that Zoro could recognize on anyone. Rage. Deep, deep rage.

"I help with bringing that murderous, vile witch to justice!" His hands curled into fists and the muscles in his cheeks bulged as his jaw clenched.

Zoro's eyes narrowed, "You have a history with Raven?"

What on earth was Sengoku thinking? Bringing someone like this onto the case? He wasn't even a detective, and seemed to have some sort of personal attachment to Raven.

"You could say that." Spandam smirked, his face glazing over as thoughts swallowed him. "She probably says the government killed off her 'innocent' family. They brought it on themselves, with their meddling!"

Zoro said nothing.

Spandam took a breath, "She's a maniac, running around blaming us, when she was the one who did it!" He reached up to rub his temple, visibly relaxing. "I know you're going to say personal attachments aren't a good thing, but I just have to see this murderer put behind bars. My father was one of the rescuers that went to Ohara." He stalled, "He was one of the one's that didn't come back."

The room went quiet in a heavy silence.

"I'm sorry for your loss." Zoro said softly. Spandam didn't meet his gaze, but nodded.

"It was years ago. I was only a kid. But ever since that day, when he died in her fire, I knew that I wouldn't stop until she was put away."

Zoro could feel his resolve. "I suppose the reason's irrelevant, isn't it?" He offered him a friendly smile. "As long as you can do your job, we won't have a problem." He pushed his chair back, standing up to stretch his legs. "I'll see you tomorrow." He offered his hand to Spandam, who shook it wordlessly.

Zoro left the room, a tight frown etched into his forehead. Spandam's words echoed in his head. "They brought it on themselves, with their meddling!"

It was just one sentence. Spandam seemed a little off the wall, it didn't mean anything. He was just talking. Right?

But it played and played, a dozen more questions surfacing.

Raven's voice found its way to the front of his mind. "Don't say that name…Don't say that name like you know anything!"

"They brought it on themselves, with their meddling!"

"No one gets to hurt my family again."

"They brought it on themselves…"

"She probably says the government killed off her 'innocent' family. They brought it on themselves, with their meddling!"

"…with their meddling!"

He stopped walking, and just stood, collecting his thoughts. Little snippets that he hadn't paid enough attention to.

He had seen the files of her crime, the slaughter of her entire family.

"They brought it on themselves, with their meddling!"

He frowned even deeper.

Nami's voice appeared, her tear-streaked face with it. "Do you really believe she could kill another person!?"…"Because Raven's never killed anyone. I know you know that."

He did. He almost smiled, despite what that meant. He did know that. It didn't matter what he was told anymore. What Sengoku said. Or Spandam. Or anyone. It all washed away. Because he had seen Raven. Felt her, face to face. He had been so close to her. Fought with her. Cared for her. Almost killed her. She was tired. Gentle, and sad. She was strong, but weary. She was nothing that he had been told. Nothing the gross picture painted her out to be. She didn't fit the mold he had been lead to believe she did. But there was something. Something about her that they were afraid of. She knew something. She had to. Or else they wouldn't chase her down like a dog. How long? How long had she been running?

She was right. He didn't know about Ohara. He didn't know anything. Not truly. It was like his entire world was crumbling in front of him, everything he thought he could count on melting away in the heat. Life was blurring over, two fixed points appearing.

One was Raven, crystal clear, but unsure, and unfinished, still a mystery that he wanted to discover.

Two. He had been lied to.

And he was now on a mission to find the truth.

"Justice" or not, he would uncover it all.

It had only been hours, and Zoro was casually eating dinner when his radio buzzed. He put down his fork and pulled the irritating device out of its holder at his hip.

"Roronoa! You need to get back here immediately." Sengoku's voice was tense, and Zoro knew exactly what that meant.

"On my way." He slid back from his chair, and left the money for his meal on the table before leaving the place. "What's happened, Sir?" Luckily, he hadn't gone far for a meal, so it was a quick walk back to headquarters.

"There's been another…development in Raven's case." Zoro couldn't tell if he sounded annoyed or impressed. Or a mix of the two?

"There's a briefing as soon as you get back. How long will it take you to get here?"

"Just walking in the door, Sir." He said, pushing through the glass.

"Good. Hurry it up. We have to make this quick."

Robin had never realized how fun people-watching was. The only kind of people-watching she had ever done was fearfully looking over her shoulder to check if she was being pursued.

Nami had proposed they go to the mall. And after a somewhat reluctant agreement, Robin was enjoying herself. People came and went. Whole families, out for a treat. Some poor stressed moms, with a whole bundle of children. Young couples, all doe-eyed and giggly. A few by themselves, come to buy what the needed, and leave. A couple of power walkers, huffing it around the place. Big groups of kids, laughing and yelling. Some old ladies that hobbled by, unbothered by anything around them. She watched an old man shuffle past, leaning heavily on a cane, an arm linked through a younger man's elbow, who she assumed was his grandson.

She smiled. Humans were such strange creatures. She wondered how there could be such peace some places, and such torment in others.

"Here you go." A smoothie appeared.

She glanced up as Nami plopped down beside her. "Ahhh, this is great, isn't it? Just being able to sit back and relax. Stare off into space. Creep on some people." She took a sip of her own smoothie.

Robin smiled. That was exactly what she had just been thinking. Even if they had originally bonded out of necessity, she could confidently say Nami was her friend. It was almost like she could read her mind.

She took a sip as the old man's cane clacked rhythmically past them. She hadn't had a smoothie in what seemed like forever. She had only eaten to survive, not for the pleasure of it. This was sweet. Cold, but still delicious. She couldn't tell what, but it was a blend of fruits.

"Grandpa, come on. We're going to be late." She glanced up as the grandpa-grandson duo shuffled by.

For the third time.

She froze where she was, unable to stop herself from shifting into defense mode.

No. No, she was just overthinking! She was just paranoid. Right?

She dared a glance up at them, and fear swallowed her as the "grandson" was staring straight at her.

But then he smiled, and offered her a friendly wave.

Oh.

Oh, of course. He's just being nice. Nothing was the matter. Everything was fine.

He turned back around and kept walking.

But then she saw the translucent, wired cord that spiraled into the back of his shirt. And the one the "Grandpa" was wearing as well.

And when he glanced back to look at her one more time, she swallowed the knot in her throat, a firm determination settling over her.

"Nami, we have to go." She got to her feet, trying her best to look casual.

"Yeah, we do." Nami was glaring at the back of the man's head. She had seen them too. She hopped up, tossed her smoothie cup into the trashcan, and pulled out her phone.

"Just act natural. Stay calm. If they know we've seen them, we might not have a chance to get out easily." She said nonchalantly, scrolling through her phone. She linked her arm through Robin's, and gave her a reassuring smile as the phone dial rang.

"Nami, my Darling!" Sanji's voice came through, and Robin could practically hear his cheesy grin. She caught the small smile that touched Nami's lips, but said nothing.

"Hey Sanji. We're heading back early. We didn't find the right shoes."

Robin heard Sanji's instant shift, telling them he was on his way, Franky in tow. It was so like Nami to have a code word. And she had told everyone else too. Robin's heart was touched. They were all working so hard to keep her safe.

Zoro was barely breathing. Every muscle in his body was relaxed; but at the same time, he was so tense, he felt like he would rip apart. Spandam crouched beside him, glaring in the dark.

They had been sent out immediately after the briefing. Sengoku had almost been at a loss for words. The sudden shift in Raven's behavior over the past weeks was baffling, and her and her group was getting more dangerous by the second. Sengoku revealed she had now somehow enlisted the help of the "Gangster Empress", Boa Hancock.

The Empress was notorious for her snobbish attitude, so no one could fathom how Raven had done it. Maybe they knew each other beforehand? Were related somehow? None of their ideas seemed to make sense.

But whatever the reason, word was quickly spreading through the underground about the fugitive the Empress was protecting. Their spies had brought back the news, and Sengoku had decided to take immediate action. Luffy was a rookie, still up and coming. He was strong, but not enough to really worry about. But Hancock? Boa was well known, above and below ground, for her power and ruthlessness. She was one of the strongest gangsters around, and it was too dangerous to leave it alone any longer.

Sengoku had been clear. The goal was to take Raven alive, but it was more important that she didn't escape. Other than Raven, they were to capture anyone they could. So here they sat. Stealthy and silent. Waiting.

Spandam was practically itching with bloodlust, fire in his eyes. Zoro stayed close behind him, a different goal in mind.

Robin was still tense. It had been a full afternoon, and she still felt the urge to look behind her overwhelming. It was a habit she hadn't realized she was slowly breaking. Until it returned.

Sanji and Franky had gotten them back to the warehouse without incident, and the group was now relaxing around a small fire.

Boa had stayed close to them since agreeing to Robin's request; and although she had nothing but disdain for everyone else, her face lit up every time Luffy entered the room. Robin wondered what kind of relationship the two had. Just from watching, it seemed entirely one sided. Luffy couldn't care less, and Boa was completely smitten. It was a little odd, but she kept her thoughts to herself.

She glanced up as Sanji settled onto the couch next to her. "You look tired, my beautiful Robin." His presence was comforting, and she felt the tension in her shoulders give a little.

"I suppose that's a good way of putting it. I am a little tired." She did her best to smile, and he returned it before turning back to the fire. She followed his gaze.

Luffy, Chopper, and Brook were all laughing and talking, roasting marshmallows and chocolate, and some other random snacks that Luffy had pulled out. Boa was sitting daintily beside him, her eyes sparkling in the firelight. Nami and Franky were perched on some boxes propped up, chatting quietly. Usopp was fast asleep, his snoring barely audible over the racket of the rest of the party.

Robin watched each one, taking a deep breath. She sighed, rolling her neck out. It was fine. Everything was fine. The deep fear of being found was still there, but she had to remind herself that she did not have to depend on herself alone. Everyone around her were strong fighters, and loyal friends. She took another deep breath, letting her eyes close for a moment. It was all going to be okay.

Zoro moved with no noise. Just in front of him, Spandam was not so stealthy, but still impressively quiet. He glanced over his shoulder as the squad spread out around the warehouse. They were all well trained, and Zoro wasn't sure how Raven and her group would handle this.

He had to talk to her before the night was finished. He didn't know how, but he had to. He wasn't sure how she felt about him. Their last encounter hadn't been very good at all, so he was a little nervous as to how this one would go. It was a weird feeling, and definitely not one he was used to dealing with. The thought of seeing her again, without trying to kidnap her, was new. It was a tight feeling, deep in his stomach, kind of fluttery.

His thoughts turned back to the night's endeavor. Spandam was slowly getting to his feet, reaching up to peek through a window. Most of them were covered with a thing paper, just enough to block the view of inside. But Spandam seemed to have found a rip, and beckoned Zoro to have a look. He did, craning to see through a small tear at the corner of the window.

Everyone inside was just…sitting. No one seemed particularly tense, or angry. He blinked. He wasn't sure what he had expected, but it definitely hadn't been a bunch of gangsters relaxing around a fire. He scanned all the faces visible, until his eyes came to rest on Raven's. She was sitting on a ragged looking couch, smiling softly. He stared at her for a moment. Her knees were tucked up beside her, and she was leaning on her hand. She laughed at something the blond cook said, and Zoro almost smiled. He had never seen her look so happy.

"On your signal, Detective." Spandam's voice was dripping with anticipation. He was so eager, and Zoro didn't like that he didn't know why. He was uneasy, unsure of how this man would act.

He glanced back over, "What are you waiting for?" He hissed.

Zoro took a deep breath. He had to trust Raven would find her own way out. He raised his arm, knowing full well every eye was on him at the moment.

Everyone jumped as a huge crash thundered through the building. Robin almost jumped up, but Sanji's strong arm around her waist stopped her.

"Stay down!" He dragged her to the ground as a chaos erupted throughout the room. She saw Luffy vault over the couch, straight into the mayhem, Boa right behind him.

"Get her out of here!" Nami slid to Sanji's side, and the two of them gathered her up. Sanji almost opened his mouth to protest, but Nami cupped a hand over his mouth, "Go now!"

Robin pretended not to see the tender look they shared before Sanji swept her away. Her pulled her around the couch, and barely checked their surroundings before racing for a side door, her feet barely touching the ground.

Before she could tell him to put her down, he touch left her as he sent an armed man flying. She stumbled, barely getting her bearings when a hand came diving toward her. She threw her arms up, blocking the strike. There were people everywhere, she couldn't see anything!

She felt a hand clamp around her wrist, and Sanji pulled her into him, turning her away from a knife that flew right where her head had been. Sanji's kick connected solidly with the man's chin, and Robin watched him collapse, unconscious.

"You need to get out!" Sanji yelled by her ear. "It's most important that you get out alive."

She shook her head, "I can't just run and leave all of you!"

He smiled, pushing her behind him as another soldier came at them. "Come on now, you think we can't get out by ourselves?" He spun effortlessly, his hook kick completely knocking the man off his feet. "We'll find you again. I promise. Now go!"

She still hesitated.

"Come on, Nami will never forgive me if I don't make sure you get out of here. Plus, she'll be so upset. She sees you as a friend now. We all do. So get out while you can, and we'll know we did something right."

Before she could argue anything else, he whirled around, pushing her toward the side door he had been running to. "Go, run!"

So she did. It didn't feel good, but he was right. It was her they were after, so she had to get away. She shoved through the door, slamming it shut behind her as she ran into the dark. She didn't know this town well, but that didn't matter. She knew how to run in cities, and the places to hide. She would get away, and wait for the rest of them.

Happy New Year!

My New Year's gift to you all. I actually can't say how sorry I am that it took so long, so I'm not going to try. Thank you for sticking with me. Enjoy!