Kia looked up as Sanji came out of the kitchen, and set up several chairs. He went back, and came out again with their folding table, and set it up as well.

"Sanji?" she asked, "do you need help?"

"No thank you, Kia," he replied, and headed back into the kitchen. She thought it strange, but figured he had decided to dine outside, since the weather was wonderful.

She was surprised to find that as he returned and brought out platters of food, that he had changed as well. He made several trips, and then called out for Nami and Robin, and giving them their own plates of food, before calling the boys to dinner. Then he stepped over to her.

"Kia, my dove, are you ready for dinner?" he asked, offering his arm.

"That sounds fantastic Sanji," she replied, letting him help her up. She walked with him, and was confused as he steered her towards the kitchen.

"Sanji… where are we going?" she asked, looking back at the table the boys were sitting at, as they dug into the food that smelled delicious.

"Now, you didn't forget did you?" he asked her with an easy smile. "I offered to cook you a gourmet meal this evening, did I not?"

"Oh!" she turned in surprise as he ushered her into the kitchen, and she saw the table set with their best dishes, candles and multiple plates of food. "Sanji, you didn't have to do this!"

"But of course I did," he replied, leading her to the table, and waiting until she was sitting to take a seat across from her. "A gentleman would never go back on his word to a lady."

She sat in awe at the spread before her. "It all looks so amazing!" she exclaimed in wonder.

"Feel free to try it all," he told her, with a modest smile. "I want to have your honest opinions on everything. And don't worry, Luffy will finish anything we don't."

"That is one thing we will never have, is leftovers," she agreed with a grin.

"Well? What can I get you?" he asked, reaching over for her plate in order to serve her. She looked up at him, the guilt swamping her. She may not be able to explain the truth, but she knew she owed him an apology.

"Sanji, I…" she took a deep breath, looking down instead of meeting the curiosity in his eyes. "I'm really, very sorry."

"Sorry, Kia?" he asked. "Whatever for?"

"For acting like I did, when you couldn't remember me," she mumbled, feeling awful for not telling him what really happened. However, what she said now was the actual truth. "Ever since Luffy said I was his little sister, everyone has kind of shifted into that same mind set. Even you… and I suppose, while I know that we are just friends… I guess I've missed all the nice things you used to say."

He looked confused for a moment, as if trying to think back to what she was describing.

"Uh, you know, like the things you say to Nami and Robin?" she said, her face red. "You forgot about me, and were treating me like them, and I don't know… oh, forget it," she ended, feeling ridiculous. "Let's just eat."

"Kia."

She looked up, seeing Sanji smile at her. "Yeah?" she asked with a wince.

"It seems we have a misunderstanding," he said, as he filled her plate with small portions of each dish. "Yes, after Luffy said that you were our little sister, I noticed that you really liked that, and you acted more like a sister to all of us. I felt like I would make you uncomfortable if I flirted with you, so I tried to stop."

He took a deep breath. "You may not remember, but one of the nights that you had a nightmare, I had tried to wake you up, and you jumped into my arms." As he said it, she could recall it with sudden clarity. "In the moment all I could think, was that I had been wrong, and that you obviously wanted me," he gave an embarrassed smile.

"But, as I waited for you to stop shaking, I realized that the feelings I was having were not desire, but caring, and love - like for a friend or family member."

"Oh," she said quietly, seeing it all from a new perspective. "I guess it's silly, but I thought you didn't think I was worth flirting with anymore."

He looked appalled, and she realized she could have saved herself a lot of insecure thoughts if she had just asked him about it. "I'm so sorry," she said with a smile. "I should have just asked you earlier."

"I'm sorry too," he replied, filling his own plate and setting it down in front of himself. He looked up at her. "Just because we are not meant to be, doesn't mean you aren't a very lovely lady." He gave her a smirk. "In fact, I'm fairly certain our captain's older brother has some thoughts along that line..."

Her eyes went wide, and her face went red. "Wha-?" she started, but just goggled at his cheeky grin. "That's not funny!" she groused.

"Oh my dear Kia, it's simply wonderful," he replied. "Now, I'd be happy to tell you everything I observed from our travels in Alabasta… and in exchange, I want a promise that you won't use the moss head if you need a pretend boyfriend again. "

Her lips twitched into a smile, and she realized that she had always thought of Sanji as a friend, but she had just barely been scratching the surface. She was suddenly grateful that this had happened, and had forced them to open up to each other.

"I see an island!"

Everyone looked up to where Usopp was leaning out over the crow's nest, his binoculars focused over the water. Luffy cheered, and raced over to the side to look for himself.

"I can't see it!" he cried.

"You will soon!" Usopp called back. "I can barely see it now, but we're getting closer!"

"Ah, vacation, here we come!" Nami sighed happily. "This is exactly what I've been needing!"

"Because being a pirate is such hard work?" Kia asked cheekily.

Nami gave her a mocking glare. "With this crew it is," she replied to her friend. "Especially with our captain."

"I can't really argue with you there," Kia said with a smile. "But you have to admit, our travels would be a lot less exciting without him."

"Defending him as usual, Kia…" Nami muttered. "He doesn't even know how lucky he is to have you taking his side all the time."

Kia gave Nami a grin. "He's my friend, just like all of you. So I'm always going to take your side too."

Nami smiled back. "I'm glad. Should we go get changed?" she asked, standing up. "It sounds like there will be a fancy resort, and we'll want to look the part."

"Why not?" Kia replied with a shrug, standing also. "Robin?" she asked, turning to the other woman. "Want to get dressed up for the resort?"

Robin smiled, and stood to join them. "It would help if we didn't look like pirates, wouldn't it?" she said.

Sanji watched the three of them leave, a wistful smile on his face. He knew Nami and Robin would try to talk Kia into a dress, then concede to a fancy pantsuit, which would have been their goal the entire time. He hoped that they would wear their hair down, and pictured how amazing they each would look.

His daydream was shattered at something that Luffy yelled, and he realized that they way the others looked would diminish the beauty the girls would radiate. He'd have to do something.

"Oy!" He called out. "Everyone needs to get changed!"

"Changed?" Chopper asked. "Why?"

"Because we're going to a fancy resort, we can't look like bums," Sanji replied. "It's not an occasion for suits or anything, but we should wear vacationing clothes."

"Vacationing clothes," Zoro scoffed. "If we're on vacation we should wear whatever we want."

"What are vacationing clothes?" Chopper asked curiously.

"Something comfortable," Usopp answered as he finished his climb down to the deck. "Something that you could wear anywhere, including games, a spa, or even dinner."

"See? Even Usopp gets it," Sanji sneered back to Zoro.

"Hey!" Usopp shouted, feeling as if he had just been insulted somehow.

"That settles it," Luffy said as he walked over. "Everyone change into vacationing clothes!"

Zoro grumbled, thinking that sometimes Luffy gave such pointless orders. But he stood to follow them all the same.

"Let's see what you've got, Chopper," Sanji said as they started down to the boys cabin. "I'll help you pick something out."

"Okay, thanks Sanji!"

"I didn't know you had a hoodie, Luffy," Kia said as she came back on deck.

Sanji and Luffy turned at her voice, their faces lighting up. "Kia my dear, you look absolutely delectable!" Sanji said with a grin. He mentally thanked Robin and Nami for Kia's flowing red blouse and cream colored slacks, though he was sad that her hair was in two braids hanging down on her shoulders.

"You're not bad yourself," Kia replied, approving of Sanji's yellow and white striped button down shirt paired with black trousers. "How did you find a shirt that matches the exact color of your hair?" she asked, teasing him.

"Ah, and check out the amber lenses on these sunglasses that I have," Sanji continued, both of them ignoring the way Luffy was trying to butt in. "Really pulls it all together, doesn't it?" he asked, as he slipped them on to show her.

"Hold on a second, Luffy," Kia said, putting her hand on his arm to keep her where she was. She grabbed on to the fabric of his zip-up, to pull against Luffy trying to tow her away. "Yeah, you look ready for vacation," she told Sanji. Before she could turn back to give Luffy attention, she was pulled off her feet and dropping onto the deck.

She heard the ripping sound, even as she landed oddly on her wrist, causing shooting pains. "Ow!" she cried, letting go of what she held.

"Kia!" several voices cried at once.

"Are you okay, Kia?" Luffy picked her up to get a better look at her. She rubbed her face with her other hand, pushing a braid behind her shoulder.

"I think so," she replied, gently moving her injured wrist back and forth. She started to move it in a circle, and winced at the pain.

"That's not good," Luffy said seriously. "You need to watch what you're doing."

Kia felt a flare of indignation. "You're the one that pulled me over, Captain," she shot back.

"Oh, did I?" he asked, thinking it over for a moment, then giving a shrug. Kia noticed the large tear in the sleeve of his hooded sweater.

"And I ruined your shirt when I fell," she frowned at him, as he made sure she was on her feet and released her to glance at his torn sleeve.

"Meh," he said, uncaring about the clothes. "Chopper!" he called. "Come help Kia!"

"I'm fine Captain," she said, patting his arm to keep his attention. "You should change your shirt though."

"Why?"

"Because your sleeve is ruined," Sanji pointed out, as Chopper came running up to check on Kia.

"Oh, okay," Luffy replied. He reached up, and pulled on the ruined fabric, tearing the sleeve from his sweater. "There!" he said happily.

Sanji slapped his forehead with the palm of his hand. Kia would've done the same, but her hand was in the middle of being examined, so she merely rolled her eyes.

"And now you've got only one sleeve," Sanji pointed out.

"So?" Luffy asked, his finger traveling to his nose, as it did when he was bored.

"So," Sanji repeated, trying to keep from shouting when they were on vacation, "you can't go to a resort with only one sleeve! Besides, look at this jagged tear!"

"Really?" Luffy asked, looking from his right arm to his left. Then, giving a shrug, he reached up and tore the other sleeve from his hoodie, and handed it to Sanji. "There!" he said triumphantly, and started off towards Usopp. He glanced back, ensuring that Kia was in good hands.

"Chopper?" he asked, and received a nod in return.

"She's all right, just a little strain on the muscle. She'll just need to take it easy for today," the doctor reported.

"Great!" Luffy cheered, and skipped away.

"I'm fine Chopper," Kia said to her reindeer friend.

"Then it won't hurt to take it easy on your wrist today," Chopper said back with a smile.

"And what better place than a resort?" Sanji asked. He looked back at their captain, and asked quietly, "What are my chances of getting him to change shirts?"

"Zero," Kia replied with a smile.

"Ah, I thought as much," Sanji said, sounding disappointed. "Oh well, that's our captain."

"Well…" Usopp said as the crew finally stood on the shore, looking into the dense trees. "Maybe the festival is over?"

Kia looked from her left to her right, seeing nothing but trees, sand and ocean. "It doesn't seem like a tourist spot, does it?" she asked, and turned to Nami. "Maybe we just landed on the back side of the island?"

Nami continued to look at the map that they had found in the bottle. "As the crew's navigator… have I ever taken us to the wrong destination?" she asked, without sparing them a glance.

Kia smiled as Luffy ran past hooting, so excited to be on a new island.

"So, whose idea was it to vacation on a deserted island anyway?" Zoro asked. "Though… it is ideal if you don't want to see anyone."

"I'd be fine to not see you anymore," Sanji muttered.

"Eh?" Zoro turned, Sanji muttering just loud enough for Zoro to hear him. "You say something?" Zoro asked angrily.

"This is strange," Robin interrupted, lifting her large sunhat to peer into the foliage.

"What is?" Chopper asked.

"Remember that flower on the map?" Robin replied. "Well, there doesn't seem to be any on this island. I know the navigator followed the eternal pose exactly, so we are in the right place. It just seems… odd."

"That is odd," Kia said, moving over to the trees, and peering in. "But if there is a resort on this island, perhaps they are simply growing the flower in their gardens or it's only a symbol of the place."

"Perhaps…" Robin replied.

"We should just admit that we were tricked, and go back," Zoro said.

Chopper's ears pricked up at a sound. "Did you hear that?" he asked, the others stopping to listen. Luffy ran over suddenly, and cupped his hands around his ears, turning in all directions. He stood up straight and pointed.

"That way!" he shouted, and started into the trees.

"I guess we're exploring whether we like it or not," Nami said as she followed him. She handed the map to Kia, who put it in her bag.

"Let me get that case for you, Nami my love!" Sanji called, and Nami gave a shrug.

"Sure," she answered, following after Luffy, leaving her giant suitcase to Sanji.

The crew followed their captain through the woods, on what could loosely be called a path. After a while, the path became more clear, and eventually was paved with brightly colored stones.

"This looks promising," Nami commented. "It seems this resort is a closely guarded secret."

"If it's that exclusive, it must be expensive," Kia said. "If they only get people that find a map in a bottle to come, they won't make much money."

"It is strange," Nami agreed.

"The drumming is getting louder!" Usopp called, as Luffy ran faster.

"We're getting closer," Sanji murmured.

They exited the trees, the pounding of the drums egging them onward, and at the sight, they all stopped and stared.

The pathway was now a cobblestone mosaic, showing a picture of a huge sun. The trees were gone, and a wall with an archway was in front of them, though it wasn't tall enough to block the view. Large buildings of marble and glass shone brightly in the sunshine, the darkness of the dense forest forgotten. What look like carnival rides and statues speared up from the ground, palm trees dancing in the slight breeze, and the crew was mesmerized at the sight before them.

"Spas and salons…" Nami sighed happily.

"The most beautiful of women…" Sanji murmured wistfully.

Chopper's eyes were wide at the giant balloons that floated above them. "A dream come true dinner…" he said excitedly.

"This is unreal…" Usopp murmured, taking in the large Ferris Wheel.

They all tensed, hearing the clicking of footsteps running towards them. Large fans made of long feathers blocked the people from view, but from the high heeled matching shoes, and the pink tights that she could see, Kia assumed they were the beautiful women the note had mentioned. They lined up on either side of a red carpet that stretched forward from a building

With a final beat of the drums, the fans moved aside, and Kia realized she had misjudged. From the squawk on her right, she imagined that Sanji did as well. Each beautiful woman was actually a handsome man, and all sported some sort of fanciful facial hair.

"What a dirty trick," Sanji growled.

"What?!" Luffy cried out. "They have plants on their heads!"

The rest of the crew looked more closely, and Kia was surprised to see that he was right… mostly. In actuality, the men all had something that looked like small leaved plant growing out of the tops of their heads.

The plant men shuffled around, and lowered their feathered fans, creating an aisle just as the trumpeting of an elephant sounded, and a caravan came through the archway in front of them. Kia could see a few men that were riding atop an elephant that came marching towards them, and from her distance, it looked as if they were all growing something atop their heads.

As the procession came closer, she could see that the man in front actually just had his hair gathered at the top of his head, his dreads giving him the look of having an open umbrella above his head. His clothes were finer than the others, and she immediately assumed that he was the one in charge.

"First leaves, and now a flower," Luffy said happily, pointing to the man.

"Flower?" Robin asked, looking closer, and seeing a small flowering plant on the man's shoulder. Was it growing there? Robin asked herself. Very strange indeed…

"Welcome, pirates!" the man boomed, and the noise was abruptly cut off. "To Omatsuri Island! You must be tired from your long journey, and ready to be pampered to your heart's content!"

"That sounds fantastic," Nami murmured to Kia. "Even just a day to relax would be heavenly."

"But, do they have enough to keep Luffy entertained?" Kia murmured back in question.

"We can only hope," Nami said with a smile.

"Huh? What?" Luffy asked them, having heard his name. When they just smiled at him, he let it go and turned back to the excitement.

"I am Baron Omatsuri, the lord of this island!" the man continued to boom through a loudspeaker. "and your host! But before you enter, I must have you… take the trial from hell!"

The crew stopped, frozen in confusion. "The trial… from hell?" Robin asked.

"Is he serious?" Kia muttered, seeing Chopper's jaw drop.

"I knew it!" Usopp hissed. "I told you this was a trap!"

"Wait, I have a question!" Nami called out, waving her hand. "What about the salons and spas that the flyer mentioned?"

"Spas?" the baron repeated, seeming confused.

"Or the beautiful amber colored women?" Sanji yelled.

"Amber colored?" the baron said in disbelief.

"Dream come true dinner?" Chopper asked tentatively, though his dream was already dashed.

"What?" the baron said, disdainfully.

"Let's go," Nami huffed, and the three of them turned around.

"Wait wait wait," Luffy said, stepping in between Sanji and Nami, preventing them from leaving. "Hey mister!" he called. "What's the trial from hell?" he asked with excitement.

"It is a test of your strength," Omatsuri answered, his arms crossing over his chest. "Many have failed, and are forced to run away with their tails between their legs."

Luffy hooted with exhilaration. "Sounds fun!"

The baron scrutinized them. "You should leave now, if you do not believe your crew is up to the task."

"Are you kidding?!" Luffy asked. "Of course we'll do it!"

"Luffy!" Nami cried, turning and grabbing his face in her hands. "Luffy," she said again, pulling him to face her to keep his attention. "Think about this! What good will doing this trial do us?"

"She's right Captain," Kia added. "It doesn't seem like there's any obligation or reward to doing it."

"Plus," Chopper tacked on, "It's dangerous!"

"I know we don't have to," Luffy replied. "but I WANT to."

"Didn't I tell you this was a trap?!" Usopp came into the conversation.

"You think so?" Luffy turned to ask, Nami's hands still on his face.

"It is called the trial from hell, you know," Sanji added.

"That's true," Luffy replied turning to look at him.

"And who knows what could happen!" Usopp urged.

"I guess," Luffy shrugged.

"Luffy!" Nami shouted.

"Yeah?" he asked, never losing his smile through the entire exchange. The crew knew when they were beat, and had given it their best.

"Why aren't you ever scared of anything?" Usopp grumbled.

"It'll be fun!" Luffy said happily. "Besides, even if it is a trap, we'll be okay."

"Huh?" they all asked, looking to him.

"You're strong," he answered. "I believe in you, so nothing bad will happen!"

Their astonished looks changed to grins at the praise, and slowly they all stood, ready to face the trial.

"Hell huh?" Zoro murmured. "We'll see."

"Our captain knows what to say," Sanji sighed as he lit a new cigarette. "Now our pride is on the line."

"I think it could be fun," Robin added. "Plus I'm curious about that baron."

"If we all work together, it'll be no problem," Kia stated.

"I guess so, but let's finish it fast, so we can get to our vacation!" Nami smirked.

"I'm with you too, Luffy!" Chopper said.

"I guess, if everyone else is… then me too!" Usopp declared.

"So, everyone is participating then?" the baron said with a chuckle. "Very well. Prepare yourselves… for the Trial from Hell!"

A large mechanical sound rang through the air, and everything around the crew started moving. Before they could even get an idea of what was happening, the landscape around them changed. The buildings before them and the forest behind them were whisked away. The ground beneath them stayed, but from fifty feet away, it disappeared, leaving them on a round platform surrounded by water, with only a small stone bridge connecting to the island.

"We're out in the ocean!" Nami said on a gasp.

"How did they do that?" Robin added.

"Who are all those people?" Usopp asked, pointing to the arrival of stands filled with cheering fans.

"This is crazy," Kia muttered.

"We are ready!" the baron announced, now using a megaphone. "I will now explain what you must do in this trial!" A large sign came up behind where he was still perched atop the elephant. It looked like some sort of fish. "You will be…" he paused for dramatic effect. "Catching goldfish!"

The stands erupted with applause, and a large round tank filled with small goldfish rose up in the middle of the platform. The crew stared at it in confusion.

"This is the trial from hell?" Zoro muttered.

"Is this some kind of joke?" Usopp murmured.

"The rules are simple!" the baron continued. "The winner is the one that catches the most goldfish in three minutes. And, by the way, those paper nets melt especially fast in water."

Usopp picked up the small net made from paper, looking from it, to the tank in front of him. Huh… seems like this is really the trial. Well, If that's the case, then this looks like a trial for Captain Usopp! He grinned as he thought it.

"And now," the baron's voice boomed over the area, "for your opponent! "A man that I am proud to introduce, Muchigoro!"

"Yes!"

Kia saw that the man next to the baron raised his hand in a sort of salute, and then jumped down from the elephant, and made his way across the bridge to the platform. He was carrying the same small paper net, and seemed very serious in his intent to win.

She thought it odd, that all this pomp for a simple carnival game, and looked up to where the crowds were chanting the man's name.

He stopped in front of them, and held out his paper net, as if wielding a weapon. "Hi! I'm Muchigoro!" he said.

There was silence, as the crew stared at him. Even the crowd had gone quiet, as if waiting to see what would happen.

"What was his name again?" Zoro asked.

"Mutsogum?" Luffy answered.

"He could just be an idiot," Sanji murmured.

"No! I'm Muchigoro!" Muchigoro yelled at Luffy. "I'm the Baron's most trusted officer, and right hand man!" He started bobbing and jumping back and forth, as if to scare them.

"So!" the baron boomed. "Who shall it be from your team?"

"Me!" Luffy shouted.

"Oy! Luffy!" Usopp called, and Luffy stopped to look back. Usopp was smiling, trying to look cool. "I don't know what that guy's name is, but you can count on me to beat him!"

"Ooh, okay Usopp!" Luffy grinned.

"Excuse me?" Nami asked witheringly. "I thought your 'can't do trials' disease had flared up!"

"Probably was instantly cured when he saw it was just goldfish," Zoro said, as he moved away from the tank. The rest of the crew followed, giving the competitors a little room.

"Good luck Usopp!" Kia and Chopper called.

"Thanks, but I don't need luck!" Usopp replied. "Because I am the master of goldfishing!"

"The master?" Chopper squealed.

"The master?" Muchigoro asked.

"Yes, the master!" Usopp declared.

"Really?" Chopper asked happily.

"Really?" Muchigoro asked in trepidation.

"Really," Usopp stated.

"Wow!" Chopper shouted, and looked up to Kia happily. His face fell as he saw her roll her eyes, and realized she wasn't as excited. A thought had him questioning. "You're not lying are you?!"

Muchigoro looked desperately from Chopper to Usopp. "Oh please, tell me it's a lie!"

Usopp stopped, deciding that perhaps he could let this one go. "Yeah, it's a lie."

"What?!" Chopper shouted.

"What, really?!" Muchigoro fumed. "I can't believe you fooled me!"

"Like I said, an idiot," Sanji drawled, and Kia had to hide her giggle.

"Muchigoro, don't let them get to you!" the baron called out.

"Of course, Baron, sir! I'm sorry!" Muchigoro called back.

"Are you ready?" the Baron called, and the stands erupted again in cheers. "Let the games…"

"Begin!"

Robin and Kia shared a look. "Did that flower on his shoulder just talk?!" Kia asked quietly.

"Something is definitely strange on this island," Robin replied.

Usopp moved to grab at a goldfish that jumped from the water, but stopped in confusion as he saw Muchigoro throw his paper net away. "Wha-?" he started, then froze at a sound behind him.

The crew all stopped and stared, as a fish the size of a sea king leapt from the ocean just behind their platform. It was so large that it put them all in its shadow, and Kia heard Zoro and Sanji grumbling.

"Wh- wh- what is that?!" Luffy shouted.

"That's my lovely pet goldfish, Rosario," Muchigoro said with an evil smile. "Say hello, Rosario!"

Rosario fell back into the water, causing a wave to crash over the entire platform, soaking all of them to the bone. The straw hats were able to keep their feet, and Kia looked hurriedly from Luffy to Robin to Chopper, making sure none of them were swept away into the water.

"WHAT IS THIS?!" Nami shouted, her dress and cardigan hanging limply from her.

"Hm?" the baron replied cheekily. "Like I said, catching goldfish."

"And how are we supposed to catch THAT?" she screamed.

"Oh, and after you catch it, put it in that yellow bucket!" the baron replied.

"He's not listening," Robin said, wringing the water from her hair.

"How can you be so calm?!" Nami grumbled.

"Aren't you glad we dressed up for this?" Kia asked the other two women sardonically, trying to wring water from her clothes.

"Those salons better be worth this," Nami grouched.

Meanwhile, Luffy ran to the edge of the platform, to get a better view of the giant fish, as it once again leapt into the sky.

"Whoa!" he shouted in excitement. "This is getting much more fun now!"

"Well I'm not having fun!" Nami yelled at him. Something was put directly in her face, and she grabbed at it, and found that she was now holding the small paper net.

"I pass, your turn," Usopp said to her, as he walked past.

"What?!" she yelled at his retreating figure. "Fine! I'll do it then!" she shouted, finally having had enough. She looked up, as the fish started its descent, and her anger wasn't enough to keep her going. "No way!" she yelled, lobbing the net to Kia. "PASS!"

Kia picked up the net, seeing the fish coming at them. She wondered for a moment if it was magical, and would stretch to fit the fish. Stranger things have happened… she thought. Okay, get the fish to touch the net, she told herself, and moved to intercept it.

"Kia, look out!" she heard behind her, and felt Luffy's arm wrap around her, and tug her rapidly backwards.

"Nami!"

Nami didn't hear a thing, as she covered her head, bracing for the hit, though it never came.

The fish was rocketed back up into the sky, and Sanji followed up his first kick with another, leaping into the air, and posing most dashingly. Can you see me, Nami my love? he thought. This was all for you. He looked over to see her swooning, but saw that she was yelling at Kia and Luffy, and hadn't noticed him. Dejected, he fell into the water, hoping to avoid the fish when it fell.

Nami, having found the net, picked it up and passed it to Zoro. "Your turn," she said as she handed it to him, and went to find cover behind Robin.

"What?" Zoro asked, but then shrugged. "I suppose I can take care of this," he grumbled, putting the net's handle in his mouth. He crouched and jumped, pulling out his sword with care to give his swing power.

"No swords!" the booming voice of the baron came quickly, and Zoro sneered as he readjusted. He smacked the fish as hard as he could with his sheathed blade, causing it to fly back upward.

"Hey you!" Muchigoro yelled once Zoro landed. "How dare you think of slicing up my Rosario!"

"What else was I going to do?!" Zoro yelled back.

"Give me the net, I want to try!" Luffy called, and Zoro handed it over. "Gum-gum…" Luffy said as he reared back. He was so focused that he didn't notice as he bowled Kia head over heels and into the water with his wind up. "Pistol!" he yelled, shoving the net in his fist towards the giant fish.

"Ahh! His arm is stretching!" Muchigoro screamed.

"The power of a devil fruit!" the baron gasped.

"AHHH! It ripped!" Luffy yelled, looking at the tiny net hoop that now had no paper stretched on it.

Nami watched the fish sail higher into the sky from Luffy's punch. "It wasn't like you could have caught it with that net anyway," she yelled to him.

"That's right!" the baron said happily, and Usopp, Nami and Zoro glared back at him. "Muchigoro, show them how to catch Rosario!"

Muchigoro grabbed a handle strapped to his back, and pulled out a giant sized paper net.

"How is that fair?!" Usopp challenged.

"No one said you had to use the little net," the baron smirked. "I merely said it melts easily with water! Now do you remember?" He laughed at his antics.

"He fooled us again," Zoro grumbled.

"One more minute!" the flower shouted.

Muchigoro held out his giant net directly under the fish as it fell, and it stretched but held- causing the mammoth fish to bounce… directly towards the pink bucket, which would win the game for the baron's team.

Robin joined Usopp, Nami and Zoro and gave them a smile. "I see now, so anything goes?" she crossed her arms and called, "spider's net!"

Across the lip of the pink bucket, arms crisscrossed, creating a net. As Rosario fell into the bucket, the arms caught it, and bounced it back up into the sky.

"Another devil fruit user?!" the baron gasped in shock.

The crew cheered at Robin's success. As the fish descended on them, Usopp shouted, "it's going to land right on us!"

"Run!" Zoro called, and they moved away.

"Kia!" they heard, turning back in panic.

Kia was on the ground, soaking wet and panting, from where she had just climbed up from the water. She was irritated, cold and wet, and was fully planning on giving Luffy a bop on the head for pushing her down and into the ocean. Especially, because he didn't even help me back up!

Kia looked up at the shout, just as Chopper came in front of her. With a kick, she was flying back into the water, yelling "Chopper!" The shock and anger had her taking a breath when she hit, and she inhaled the water instead of air.

Chopper snapped his teeth through the rumble ball, changing into guard point as quickly as he could. He had had to kick Kia out of the way, and felt horrible about it, but he would have smothered her under his fur and the weight of the fish if he didn't.

He felt his breath whoosh out of him as the fish hit, and he pushed back with all his might. He tried to aim it towards their bucket, and he was feeling dizzy from being unable to breathe, but finally he pushed the fish back up into the air.

The weight finally off, and he could hear the buzzing voices of his crew. He just wanted to lay down, so he let himself fall. Too late did he notice that he had been on the edge of the platform, and he toppled down into the water.

Kia was coughing up water, kicking her legs to stay afloat as the waves from where the fish fell crashed into her. Without warning, something fell on top of her, and she sank again into the water. She flailed around, grabbing onto the weight, and realizing it was Chopper, she kicked for the surface. It was only a moment or two before the weight was tripled, and she couldn't seem to get enough movement to pull them all upwards.

She could tell that someone had come to rescue them, and by the way they were sinking, it was Luffy. She couldn't just let them go, but she was starting to black out from the lack of oxygen, and she was getting nowhere fast.

Why did you jump in Luffy?! You can't swim, you moron!

She could get to the surface if she let them go… but how could she do that? The salt in the water was hurting her eyes, and she closed them, pushing for all she was worth.

She opened her eyes, coughing harshly, and realized that she was out of the water. She coughed so much that she gagged, but was finally able to get a deep breath. She panted in and out, until she felt her panic subside.

"You okay Kia?" Nami asked her gently.

"Yeah, I think so," Kia replied, and began to move.

"Stay still until Chopper can fix you up," Nami said, though she helped her to sit upright.

"Fix what up?" Kia asked, looking down. There was pain, though there didn't seem to be blood. She pulled the waistband of her pants away from her left hip, and saw the swelling. It was also painful to the touch.

She moved her hand away, seeing the scrapes from where she pulled herself up on the rough stones, and her irritation grew. She knew she was just having a bad time, and didn't want to blow up at her friends, but she needed to let off some steam. She moved again, trying to stand, and wincing at the pain as her leg wouldn't support her..

"Kia sit down," Zoro told her.

"I need to walk," she replied stubbornly, and saw him roll his eyes at her.

"Kia, you're hurt," Luffy said in surprise. "You should let Chopper fix you."

"Thanks, but I'm fine," she gritted out. Her irritation soaring to new heights. If she didn't get away and calm down, she'd end up losing her temper. It wasn't the worst thing in the world, in fact it happened to all of them at some point or another, but she'd end up hurting someone's feelings, or bawling like a baby out of sheer frustration. Neither one was an outcome she wanted.

"I don't think you're fine," Luffy said with a frown, looking her over. "Maybe you should stay behind me next time, so you don't get hurt."

She could literally feel the twitch on her face, but struggled to not say anything.

"You're not strong enough yet I guess," he continued.

"Uh, Luffy…" Sanji started, but was ignored.

"As your brother, I should have watched out for you better, since you're still in training," Luffy continued.

"Luffy…" Nami warned, even as she put a hand out for Kia, but was slapped away.

"We can always take turns too, but I'm supposed to be responsible for you, as your brother, I guess," Luffy said, mostly to himself.

"Luffy…" Zoro said, standing up to head off his captain.

"Yeah, that's it!" Luffy said happily. "Kia, you can stay in the back with a bodyguard, so you don't get hurt!"

"I only got hurt because of YOU!" Kia snapped.

"Huh?" Luffy asked, confused.

"Some brother!" Kia said sarcastically. "YOU are the one that pushed me down, and pushed me into the water!" she seethed. "Then Chopper fixed me right up with a kick, so I can barely walk!-"

"Kiana…" Robin scolded, even as Chopper burst into tears.

But Kia was on a rampage, and didn't listen. "Then, you both land on top of me, pushing me into the water where I practically drown!" she shouted, her chest heaving as she panted. "I think, brother, is that I need protection from the two of you!"

Kia could have gleefully bit off her own tongue, seeing the expressions on Luffy's and Chopper's faces, but she just turned and limped away from them. Sanji came over to assist her, and she finally let him take most of her weight, since her side was throbbing.

"They didn't mean it, you know," he said quietly. "You probably would have been killed if Chopper hadn't gotten you out of the way."

"I know," she said, gritting her teeth. "But I'm not ready to stop being angry yet."

He gave a small nod, and just let her fume. She hoped she would burn through the anger soon, so she could apologize. But her anger merely flared when she heard Luffy yelling about how they had won. She didn't like this small part of her that was bitter that he hadn't even tried to come after her.

"Thanks for saving me Sanji," she mumbled.

"Of course," he replied softly, wishing he could save her now from what she was feeling.

The Baron was less than pleased of the outcome of the match, and insisted that the Straw Hats must complete another trial. They claimed he was a sore loser, but he absolutely refused to budge.

While Luffy was more than happy to play another game, Nami put her foot down. She had come for a resort, and if that was not going to happen, then the next best place to relax was the Merry. She convinced the others, and they all trotted off into the forest.

Sanji and Kia brought up the rear, and though Chopper tried to talk to Kia, she wasn't ready to forgive just yet. In fact, she would actually work herself back up when she thought of it, and Sanji had done what he could to warn the others away.

"Where are we going?" Usopp asked.

"Kia! Give me the map!" Nami called back. Kia pulled her bag around, and handed the paper to Sanji who handed it forward.

"Okay, so the beach is here, and the resort is that way…" Nami mused. "So the only question is… where are we?"

"I have no idea," Usopp replied.

"Then what good is having a map?!" Nami shouted, crumpling it into a ball and throwing it behind her. Robin caught it easily and handed it back to Kia, who slipped it back into her bag. As Nami started through the trees, only Luffy dared to speak.

"Nami! Let's just go back!" Luffy whined. "I want to do another trial!"

"No!" Nami answered.

"But-"

"I said NO!" Nami shouted. "We're going out to the beach, finding the Merry, and getting off this island!"

"Aw…" Luffy moaned.

They pushed through the trees, and found themselves faced by the Baron. He was standing on a large stage with a bright red curtain closed in front of it, and he was the only one that could be seen. He gave a chuckle. "And now for the second trial!" he called out.

"What?!" Nami gasped. "How did we get back to him? We went in a straight line to the beach!"

"It will be... Ring Toss!" the baron shouted, and giving Nami an apoplexy.

"We're not doing it!" she screamed angrily.

"Here are the rules," Baron Omatsuri continued, ignoring her outbursts.

"Miss Navigator didn't seem to realize how they goaded her into playing, did she?" Robin asked Kiana, as she helped the younger girl walk towards the resort.

"No, by the end of that, she thought it was all her idea," Kia said with a chuckle. "Though teaming up with Zoro, Sanji and Usopp was a smart idea. They will make a formidable team."

"I wanted to play this time…" Luffy pouted.

"Oh Doctor, can you take Kiana's other side for me?" Robin asked.

Chopper looked to Kia and trembled. "Uh, no I shouldn't," he said timidly.

"Chopper, it's all right," Kia said with a sigh. "I'm sorry I yelled, I was just feeling sorry for myself."

"No, you were right," Chopper said, looking tearful. "You need to be protected from me, I keep getting you hurt."

"What does that mean?" Kia asked, confused. "You don't hurt me, you're my friend. You saved my life back there. I'd much rather have a little pain, than be dead. I'm really sorry that I said that you hurt me."

"Here Robin, I'll take that bag you have, and make it easier," Chopper said, ignoring Kia's words. Robin and Kia looked to each other, but saw that neither understood what Chopper was thinking.

"This is boring," Luffy complained.

"Why didn't you stay and watch the trial then?!" Kia snapped.

"You're being mean," he replied, giving her a frown.

Kia sighed. "I'm sorry, really. Both of you," she said to him and Chopper. "I'm just… I don't know… upset about other things."

"What other things?" Robin asked, after Luffy and Chopper remained silent. She helped Kiana slowly up the stairs of the resort. Baron Omatsuri had suggested they make themselves comfortable while they waited, and Kia did need to sit and rest, so they had gone to check out the resort.

"It's nothing," Kia mumbled.

"I bet you miss your family, don't you?" Robin asked kindly, understanding. "Especially after that creature let us see them?"

Kia blinked the tears away. "I really do," she said softly. "I mean, I love it here, with everyone… but I worry about where they are, if they are safe…"

"You don't have to worry about them, it'll be okay," Luffy said airily. "Besides, I'm your brother, and I'm right here, so you don't have to miss your family."

Kia gaped, wondering how he could be so insensitive. "It's not the same," she tried to explain. "Just because one person is here, doesn't mean you don't worry about the others."

"Really?" Luffy asked, thinking it over and giving a shrug. "I guess."

"You guess?!" Kia asked, appalled. "Captain, I can't believe you!"

"What?" he asked, distractedly looking around the room. He could have sworn he had just gotten hit by something.

"You think just because we're together, no one else matters?" she asked, her ire building up again. "What about my sisters… what about Ace?!"

"What about them?" Luffy asked, confused. He turned around again, certain he had felt something that time.

"I need some air," Kia grumbled. She shook Robin off, and almost fell, but caught herself. Her anger was enough to keep her upright through the pain in her hip, and she stormed outside.

"She just needs some time," Robin said to the others. She turned to make sure they were okay, and noticed that she was alone, the captain and the doctor had both wandered off. She sighed, blowing out a breath. "I guess I'll find someone that can give me some information about this place then," she said.

She turned as she felt someone approaching, seeing Muchigoro coming towards her with a tray of drinks. "Would you like a something to drink?" he asked.

"Sure," she answered with a smile. "Isn't it odd to have the Baron's right hand man serving drinks?" she asked.

"Your crew has defeated me in battle," he explained with a shrug. "So I have to do as you ask."

"Really?" Robin said with a small smile. "Well, I was just thinking how nice it would be to sit and talk with someone. Would you care to join me for conversation and drinks?" she asked.

"Uh, I really shouldn't," he mumbled.

"But, didn't you just say you'd do as I ask?" she retorted.

"Oh… uh, yes. Okay then," he replied.

"Let's sit over there," she suggested, and led the way to some deck chairs. It seemed luck was with her, as she'd be able to get plenty of information from the Baron's right hand man.