Kia couldn't appreciate the scenery as the yagara sped through Water Seven- her mind was reeling. After her disastrous attempt at trying to save her friends from heartache, Robin disappeared, and Usopp left the crew. Luffy had been melancholy, and no matter how she tried she had been unable to even get a smile from him. He hadn't pushed her away, but he refused to speak to her, so she had simply sat next to him up on the rooftop of the inn they had found.

She wished she knew what to say to him, but felt that even if she told him that Usopp would come back, he wasn't ready to hear it. She realized that she had fallen asleep on him when Nami had started shouting about Iceberg being shot the night before.

Now she, Nami and Luffy were racing towards the shipyard, Luffy determined to see Iceberg, though he wouldn't tell them why. Kia couldn't explain, even to herself, why she went along. She could only think that she needed to be there for Luffy, as he learned about Robin. Though she wished Sanji hadn't taken the extra boat. Now she was stuck riding on Luffy's lap. Again.

"Just as I thought," Nami spoke up as the yagara moved slowly towards the crowd of people. It was practically a mob- people thronging closer to dock one on both the land and the water. "We'll never get close enough."

"I need to see Ice-guy," Luffy replied seriously, and Nami gave a sigh, as Kia gave him a consoling pat on the back.

"All right, let's see what we can find out," Nami said, steering the yagara towards the nearest group of people. "Excuse me, sir?" she called as they came up to a lone man in a yagara-pulled vessel. "Can you tell us where the main office is?"

The man looked at the trio incredulously. "The shipyard is closed," he told them, gesturing to the crowd. "You would have to go through dock one, and it's impossible for anyone other than authorized personnel right now."

"It seems like everyone on the island is here," Kia said, looking around.

"We're all worried," the man replied with a nod, though he gave them a strange look. "So, we're waiting to get the news as soon as it breaks." He smiled a humorless smile. "It's better than trying to sit still at home."

"I'm sorry," Kia replied, and he nodded again in thanks.

"It can't be helped," he said. "I'll have to just find out in time through the newspaper or something."

The buzz of the assemblage shifted as loud music came from a nearby bridge.

"What is going on?" Nami asked her companions. Luffy shrugged, though Kia was searching the area as if to locate the source of the music. "Everyone seems angry all of a sudden."

"Did someone say my name?"

The crows started yelling back, and Nami looked around in confusion.

"We didn't call you!"

"Get lost!"

"You vermin!"

"Am I missing something?" Nami shouted to Luffy, so as to be heard over the din. He shrugged again, unsure of what was happening.

"I know you're here, Straw Hat Luffy! Show yourself!"

"Huh?!" Nami cried, shocked. Luffy shot to his feet, taking Kia with him as he stood. He looked up to the bridge where three shadowy shapes could be seen.

Kia wasn't listening to all the shouting around them. Her eyes were riveted on Franky, as he made his grand entrance, complete with a super pose. She squeezed Luffy's hand so he'd let her go, but he just held on tight as he took a big breath, and Kia quickly covered her ears.

"HEY! SPEEDO GUY!"

"Luffy…" Nami said in concern, looking between her captain and the mysterious weirdo that showed up, shouting the name Franky.

"I'M LUFFY," he declared, and Nami wished suddenly that she was on any other yagara.

"So, you're Straw Hat Luffy," the pompadoured man shouted down to them. Kia could see the other people in the yagaras around them moving away as quickly as they could, screaming at each other to run.

"While I was away, you sure caused some trouble, didn't you, bro?!" Franky yelled. "My house was gone; my boys were all beat up too… geez… I JUST CAN'T TAKE IT! I'm SUPER this week, no matter what anyone says!"

"YOU STARTED IT!" Kia yelled suddenly, and Nami and Luffy stared at her. "You stole our money and beat us up when we came to do business!"

"YEAH!" Nami added, suddenly furious as she remembered their missing money. "Where's our 200 million berries?!"

"Spent! You probably stole that money anyways, so don't get all high and mighty with me!" Franky yelled back. "You're just pirates!"

"I don't care about the money," Luffy was practically vibrating, glaring up at the man. "I won't be satisfied until I kick your ass!"

"That's what I'm saying, you idiot!" Franky replied. He glared another moment, before bending over and starting to inhale a huge amount of air.

"Then come down here!" Luffy shouted.

"Umm… shouldn't we get to land if you're going to fight, Luffy?" Kia asked. He looked at her, and realized that he was still holding her, while standing in a boat, surrounded by water. He gave a shrug, as if to say he had handled worse before. "Let me go please," she asked, pointing to Nami's vacant seat, since she was standing. She squatted down, holding onto the seat back to keep her balance.

"Look out!"

Screams echoed over the water as a huge blast of flames came straight for them. Their yagara squealed, and moved backwards with surprising speed, and they narrowly avoided being barbecued. "What was that?!" Nami demanded.

"He breathes fire!" Luffy shouted, as Nami added that he could have devil fruit powers. "What fruit is it?" Luffy asked.

Kia watched Franky as he grinned and jumped off the bridge. "Watch out!" she called. "He's coming from under us!"

"But, if he ate a devil fruit, he'll drown," Luffy replied, looking at the water where he had gone under.

"Hang on!" Kia yelled, grabbing onto Nami's hand, just as the huge fist came up, hitting the yagara and breaking the boat into pieces. The three of them were sent flying, and Kia could hear Luffy yell "Gum gum…" before she fell into the water.

"You okay Kia?" Nami asked, as she helped her friend from the water.

"Yeah, I'm okay," Kia answered. "Just all wet." There were a few people that gave them sympathetic looks, but most were focused on the fight that was happening.

"STRONG RIGHT!"

Kia and Nami's heads whipped towards the huge dock door, where Luffy was slammed. They looked back to see Franky, his hand moving back towards his body attached by a chain. "What the…" Nami breathed.

"He really is… a cyborg…" Kia mumbled in disbelief. Though after everything else I've seen, why was I thinking he would be different? she wondered.

Her eyes were met by Franky's, and she narrowed her own in disgust. "So, you already know, huh little girl?" he sneered at her. "Looks like you didn't bother to tell your captain."

"I didn't believe it," she said, bothered now that she hadn't told Luffy. She looked towards the massive doors, and saw Luffy getting up, giving her a curious look. "I'm sorry Luffy," she told him now.

"Doesn't matter," he told her, giving her a smirk as he stood. "Either way, I'm gonna beat this guy's brains out."

Franky laughed loudly. "Just try it!" he goaded. "Your attacks won't have any effect on me!"

"We've gotta move!" Kia and Nami both yelled as they helped each other stand. The townspeople had already run away, not wanting to get dragged into the fight. Nami looked around, noting that the only clear direction was towards the dock. She started pulling Kia back with her.

"Not this way…" Kia murmured, looking for any other way out. She wondered if they could just run between the pair, but then Franky's left wrist swung out, giving him a scope to aim through.

"Weapons left!" he cried.

Lucci had patience, though those he worked with would most likely disagree. However, if anyone thought it through, they would realize that being undercover for five long years was proof that his patience was just as rigidly trained as the rest of him.

He didn't let the smirk show on his face as he thought of his training. He was practically perfect, and he knew it. Brutally effective, little regard for anything besides orders- including the group he was currently working with. He had always been more efficient alone, but even he knew that having more than one person in Water Seven was the best course of action.

He could only be grateful that Spandam had conceded in letting him choose the group. Who knew what a wreck this mission would have been with any of the others here… especially Jabra.

He was glad that Hattori was doing the talking as well, it gave him time to not only think, but also observe the body language of the others in the room. And just as he had deduced… Iceberg knew something. Not only was he carefully choosing his words, but he visibly flinched when Hattori mentioned contacting the government.

We are close, he thought victoriously. He hadn't believed Spandam at first, but it seemed his information from Admiral Aokiji was correct. Just the threat of a buster call had Nico Robin right where they wanted her.

And now, we have the leverage to get exactly what we came for… he thought with delight at the thought of what the mayor must now be contemplating. The blueprints are as good as mine.

Hearing the yelling had Lucci turning and tuning back into the conversation. Tilestone was screaming, as he always did- the idiot. Hearing that the Straw Hat pirates were in the shipyard again, along with Franky, and they were tearing up the place, had all of the foremen moving out of Iceberg's room and striding quickly towards the stairs.

"What the crap do these idiots think they're doing?" Paulie grumbled as he stormed away. "I can't believe they have the balls to show themselves here!"

"We'll teach them a lesson," Lulu answered. "And Franky too, that menace."

Lucci let the others lead, knowing they needed to vent some frustration. He enjoyed fighting, it was the only suitable training he got in this city, but he knew the others would notice if he suddenly took the lead. The Lucci they knew, always joined the fight if threatened, but never started it.

And so, he would wait.

Tilestone and Kaku jumped ahead, giving a heavy-handed punch and whip-quick kick, sending both the straw hat kid and Franky flying. They stood there, hearing the cheers from the crowd as their heroes came to the rescue. The downed duo slowly rose to their feet, as Paulie looked down at the kid, angrier now then Lucci had ever seen him.

But that wasn't what grabbed his attention. Right in from of them was a pair of girls- the same girls that came to the shipyard with their captain the previous day.

His eyes narrowed. The feeling was there again… like an itch he couldn't scratch. He stared at each of them in turn, trying to discover what it was that was causing him to be on edge.

"Hey, you two are going to get hurt if you stand there," Paulie said as he moved to the pair, practically pushing them towards the crowd of onlookers. "C'mon, move it!" he yelled, even as his ropes tied around them.

"Hey!" the orange haired girl turned to yell at him. "Let go of us! What are you doing?!"

Lucci looked at the other one, seeing her look of fear changing to relief as she looked up at Paulie as he pulled them away from the fighting. He practically snorted, thinking the captain must have let the women join his crew for sport, since they didn't seem to be good for much else.

He went on alert suddenly, the thought gone as he noticed her fear return as Kaku stepped towards them. No… he told himself, it was impossible.

He stayed still, while Paulie attacked the straw hat kid, and Kaku and Tilestone were fired on by Franky. He knew he would need to join, but he waited, watching the girl's face.

She gave away more than she probably meant to, as most people, so it was easy to see that while she shouted for her captain, she didn't want Paulie hurt.

Oddly enough, she didn't want Franky hurt either, by the way she was glancing back to him. Lucci, tired of waiting, decided to test his theory. He rushed forward towards the straw hat boy, though he went in an arc so as to get near the girl.

Just as I suspected… he thought as he turned to attack. Her face went pale from fear. He let his body move on instinct, as he pondered this new development. The girl is afraid of Kaku and I… but not Paulie, nor Franky… he thought out his findings. It wasn't enough, there were still other reasons that could explain her behavior, such as Paulie being nervous around women, so she had no reason to fear him.

But he trusted his instincts, and they were telling him a different story. Especially since Paulie had tied them up.

He decided to let it go for the moment as he had more important things to concern himself with. He glanced at the girl again, memorizing her face.

Luffy had fought and looked to be losing against the Galley-La foremen, when Franky used a "coup de vent" which was a huge blast from an air cannon… made from his arms. Kia was blown away, both literally and figuratively. She was having a hard time believing that Franky had done all that to himself.

He must be a genius, she thought. Weird, but really smart.

Luffy had used the commotion to get to the two of them, and when the townspeople started yelling about them escaping, he had wrapped his arm around them both, and used his other arm to slingshot them away.

It hadn't been fun, but at least now they were safe. She and Nami sat on the roof across from the Galley-La main office. They could hear the screams from inside, and the commotion that their captain was causing.

"Can you believe this?" Nami asked as she was able to get Paulie's ropes loosened and turned to untie Kia. Being a cat burglar meant Nami was always prepared. It was a good thing, since Kia wasn't prepared at all.

"They said that Robin and someone else tried to assassinate Iceberg," Kia replied softly. "It makes me wonder if someone is trying to frame her specifically, or us because we're pirates."

"It just doesn't make any sense," Nami grumbled. "Especially since we don't know where Robin is…" she was quiet a moment until the ropes fell from around Kia. "There you go," she added.

"Thanks, Nami," Kia said, pulling the ropes from around her and rubbing her arms. "I guess we wait to hear if Luffy is able to talk to Iceberg. We'll have to decide what to do from there."

"Technically, Luffy, Zoro and Robin are the only ones that the townspeople will be looking for, since they have wanted posters," Nami mused.

"That's good for us, is what you're thinking, huh?" Kia asked with a smirk.

"I won't lie and say I wasn't," Nami smiled back. "However, I was thinking more about Zoro, and Usopp. The townspeople will look for our ship first, and then find the inn we're staying at."

"They'll be okay," Kia said, giving her arm a pat. "Both of them are pretty adept at avoiding others."

Nami chuckled, putting her hand over her mouth to stay quiet. "That's true," she said as her face fell. "I… hope you're right."

They sat, waiting for Luffy to return.

"I don't believe it," Luffy declared.

"Yeah Zoro, it sounds like you're assuming Robin is our enemy!" Nami exclaimed quietly.

"No, I'm not leaning either way," Zoro explained, looking from Luffy, to Nami, and then to Kia and Chopper. "I'm talking about the possibilities."

"If you think of all the possibilities, then you're prepared for anything," Kia said, and Zoro gave her a nod, glad someone understood.

"Exactly," he said. "We don't think about if we believe her or doubt her." He turned back to Luffy. "If they are going to try to finish off Iceberg, they'll do it tonight," he said gravely. "Do we go?"

Luffy thought for only a moment before giving a single nod. "We go."

"You know what's bothering me?" Nami asked. "Sanji said he saw Robin with someone, and Mayor Iceberg said the same thing, didn't he Luffy?"

Luffy nodded.

"Well, obviously it wasn't one of us. So, who was it? And are they behind the sudden change in Robin?" Nami pointed out.

"You think he's making her do something bad?!" Chopper sat up in shock. "Oh no! Robin!"

"Well, that would be the best-case scenario," Kia said, giving Chopper's back a rub to calm him.

"But if the guy and Robin are comrades?" Zoro added. "Worst case scenario."

"That masked person could be anyone," Nami pouted.

"Then there is only one thing to do," Luffy said, looking up at his crew. "We have to… catch Robin!"

"Catch her?" Chopper squeaked.

"We won't figure anything out on our own," Luffy replied, as he stood up. "So, sitting here thinking is a waste of time."

"Robin won't be easy to catch," Zoro pointed out. "The world government has been trying for twenty years, remember?"

"But if we want the truth, then it's our only option," Nami argued.

"I'm in," Kia said, standing up to join Luffy.

"Me too! I'll do my best!" Chopper professed.

Nami and Zoro looked to Luffy and nodded.

"All right then," Luffy said, pushing his hat onto his head. "Let's go."

Kia had thought it through and realized that her best chance of getting Robin back before she was taken to Enies Lobby, was to go with Luffy to the shipyard.

She had thought of going to find Usopp, and trying to convince Franky to hide, but dismissed the thought just as quickly. Like Franky would even listen to her, and she didn't want to be there when CP9 came for him.

She was really scared of Lucci. As much as she had liked him as a villain in the story… being faced with him was another matter entirely.

It's his eyes… she thought, giving a shudder. That deadened look that feels like he can see into my soul.

She had even considered going to meet with Sanji and give him some kind of warning or finding Granny Kokoro to get the Rocket Man train ready. But when all was said and done, she felt that she had made a difference with Robin and had thought that Robin wouldn't have so easily left them.

If she were honest with herself, she felt a little insulted that Robin would go. After all their conversations, and trying so hard to befriend her, Kia felt a little betrayed. Even knowing what she did, and that Robin was sacrificing herself, she still felt that way.

And so, she needed to face her.

Kia was hoping that Robin's face would tell her what she needed to know. Perhaps she was truly just scared, and felt it was inevitable that the government would kill her.

Perhaps she just wanted the best for her friends and would do anything to make sure they were spared. She hoped that was the case.

But maybe, she'll feel like she made a mistake, and be regretting it, she thought. Knowing Robin, she'd have to still see it through, even if she didn't like it.

Kia frowned at the thought. No… Robin wouldn't act impulsively like that.

Kia folded her arms across her chest, wondering when all the action was going to start. She and Chopper were sitting on the large branch patiently, while Nami, Zoro and Luffy discussed when and where to enter the office.

"Kia, you okay?"

Kia looked over at Chopper, seeing his concerned expression. It was adorable, even when he was in his reindeer form.

"Why do you ask, Chopper?" she asked.

"You seem nervous," he replied. "Don't worry, I won't let anything happen to you."

"Thank you, Chopper," she said, giving him a smile. "I guess I am nervous," she admitted. "I keep wondering about who could be behind all this," she answered.

"Someone scary enough to have Robin doing such bad things," he said, his own face starting to show his concern.

"Yeah, but I'm sure we can convince her that we can help her fight them," Kia replied.

"We'll have to find out when we find her," Zoro spoke up, and they turned to frown at him. "What?" he asked, exasperated. "I told you; we have to wait and find out the situation!"

"Yeah, we're not giving up on Robin," Nami added, giving Zoro a glare. She looked back to the building, craning her neck to try to see something. "Do you hear that?" she asked her comrades. "It sounds like something is happening."

"Sounds like they spotted someone, and are chasing after them," Chopper added, since he was able to hear better than the others. He gave a chuckle. "Kinda how everyone reacts to Luffy when he goes barging in somewhere."

The others laughed at the crazy situations that their captain had gotten into in the past. Finally, Nami added, "This could actually help us, right Luffy?" she asked, turning. "Someone causing a distrac-" she looked around behind her, finding the captain gone. "Aah!" she yelped. "Where's Luffy?!"

"Oh crap!" Zoro rubbed his forehead. "The bonehead just ran in there, didn't he?!"

"I guess this is exactly like those other times," Kia chuckled, and the others gave her a blank stare. "What?" she asked. "It's kinda funny."

"No, it isn't," Nami argued. "But… we weren't wrong, he is causing a distraction." She thought it over for a moment. "If everyone is off chasing him... then there aren't any people guarding the front doors!"

"We could go right in without running into anyone!" Chopper agreed cheerfully.

"Now's our best chance then, let's get moving," Zoro added, as he jumped down from the tree.

"Climb on and hang on tight, Kia," Chopper said. She climbed on his back and gripped around him under his front two legs. He pushed off, jumping down with ease. "Just stay there!" he called, as he ran after the other two, who were already ahead of them.

"I hope they know where they are going!" Kia murmured, knowing Chopper would be able to hear her.

"If it was just Zoro, I'd be worried," he replied with a laugh. "But Nami is leading, so we're fine!" He turned the corner after them and skidded to a halt right before bumping into their stationary bodies. "Why did you stop?" he asked, relieved he hadn't bowled them over.

"AAH!" he screamed, seeing the large group of men standing around the front entrance. "So many!"

"Stay back, I'll handle this," Zoro said as he pulled out his swords.

"No, don't hurt them, they aren't bad people!" Nami shouted after him.

Zoro glanced back, looking perturbed, but he spun the handles in his hands. "I'll use the back of my swords," he declared. He shot off at that, attacking as he moved, and mowing down the group of men.

"But… that can still hurt them…" Nami replied warily, looking around at the carnage in his wake.

"We'd better follow him," Kia said, and Chopper and Nami started moving through the group carefully, so as not to step on anyone.

"Do we know where we are going?" Chopper asked as they walked inside the building.

"I'm guessing up," Nami answered. "Most of the time, the head boss's office is at the top, with the best view."

"Right now, it's the most heavily guarded," Zoro added. "So, we should just follow the shouting."

"Makes sense," Kia answered, climbing down from Chopper so as not to be a burden. "Let's head upstairs then, and quickly- and try to help Luffy."

Kia stayed behind the others as they ran up the stairs, knowing what was coming, and desperately trying to figure out what she could say to Robin to convince her.

The worst part is not remembering everything… she thought. I know there is a fire that CP9 starts, but I don't remember the details. Just that Luffy loses, and Robin gets away… everyone is hurt, including Paulie and Iceberg…ugh!

Not to mention how things could change because of her being there. Kia was worried, that her friends would somehow come off worse in this. Maybe I should stay back so they don't see me? she wondered.

As they passed the bodies of the men that CP9 had dressed to look like Lucci and Kaku, Kia's face hardened. Zoro stepped into the doorway, blocking the others for protection, and Nami called out, "Robin!"

A large cracking sound echoed, as the wall nearby broke apart, and Luffy came bounding into the room. He spotted exactly who he was looking for and gave a triumphant grin. "Robin! I finally found you!" he shouted happily.

"What is going on here?" Nami wondered aloud, and Chopper started crying happily, telling Robin that he was just happy he got to see her again.

Kia pushed aside everything she had been thinking, her only thought now to do her best to protect her friends. So, she knew some things… that didn't mean things would go exactly as she remembered, but just maybe she could use it to her advantage.

"Isn't it obvious?" she told Nami, looking over at Luffy's curious expression. "These are the people that are forcing Robin to leave us!"

"WHAT?!" Luffy shouted, agape.

"Paulie, you idiot, why didn't you run?!" Iceberg groaned from the floor, and Luffy and Paulie turned to find the source of the voice.

"Mr. Iceberg?!" Paulie asked, shocked. He looked up at the people that stood between him and the man he admired most. "What on earth is going on here? Why are you guys dressed like that? It makes it seem like you're the ones trying to assassinate him!"

"Is that what it seems?" Lucci asked, his head tilting as his eyes bore into Paulie's. Paulie took a step back, gaping at Lucci. "Well then, it must be true," he added. "But we're comrades, right? So, you'll forgive us?"

"What?" Luffy asked, confused. "I thought the pigeon guy didn't talk?" he wondered, rubbing his face as he tried to think.

"You may feel like this is a trick," Lucci continued, a small smirk on his face. "So, should I prove it? I could … smash in Iceberg's face?!" His face contorted into an evil glare, and Paulie's eyes went wide.

"Quit messing with me!" Paulie sniped back. "All this time… you could talk just fine?!"

"Paulie no!" Iceberg yelled.

"I'll teach you to make fun of me!" Paulie yelled, running for Lucci, while pulling out his rope to attack.

"Luffy, stop him!" Kia shouted, pushing ahead of Chopper.

"Finger Pistol."

Luffy looked back at her, then reached out, stretching to grab the collar of Paulie's coat, and pulling him back. They all heard the squelching noise as he was pulled away, and looking at Lucci, they could see his finger pointed straight ahead, covered in dripping blood.

Nami gasped. "What happened?!" she asked, looking at Paulie, who was groaning as he slumped to the ground.

"Kia!" Luffy ordered, turning back to the pigeon guy, knowing he could trust the rope guy with his sister. He grit his teeth, practically snarling at the straight-faced man. "Weren't you guys friends?!" he demanded.

"We work for the government," Lucci answered monotonously, slightly curious about the people that had come for their crewmate. "This has been our mission for the last five years." He turned to Paulie, who was trying to get the girl to stop touching him, though she was merely trying to stop the flow of his blood.

"Unfortunately for my friend, he was going to be eliminated anyway," he added, and Luffy's face dropped into anger. "It isn't personal."

Luffy's body moved into a fighting stance, and he shouted, "Gum, gum… Gatling gun!"

However, Lucci was prepared, his own murmur of "iron body" barely heard in the room. Paulie was thrashing, so Kia took her focus from the fight to give him a punch on the arm.

"If you want to help Iceberg, then I need to stop the bleeding!" she hissed at him. "So stay still!"

He looked up at her, at the fierce expression on her face, and he turned away, fearing that she'd see his blush. He just couldn't handle the forceful ones…

"Fine," he grumbled, panting as she put pressure on the hole in his chest.

Kia tried to hear what was happening around her, but with her focus on Paulie's wound, she was missing most of what Lucci was saying- his voice quiet compared to Luffy's angry shouts.

"I promised this guy we'd thrash whoever was trying to kill Ice-pops!" Luffy hollered, and Paulie went still. Kia used the moment to tape down the cloth she had used to stop the bleeding. She thought of wiping the blood from his face but knew that he'd prefer she didn't. So, instead, she helped him sit up as he wheezed.

"Why are you taking Paulie's side?" Lucci asked, glancing over at the man, his eyes narrowing on the girl next to him. "He blamed you and your crew just a few hours ago."

"Robin, what gives?" Luffy asked, turning to her. "Are you really with these guys?"

"They say they're with the government, Robin!" Nami added angrily. "Why are you helping them?!"

"To make my wish come true!" Robin replied, agitated. "Didn't the cook and the doctor tell you?"

"We told them, but nobody understands!" Chopper answered. "What could you wish for that would have you doing this?!"

"Framing your own friends for murder," Zoro added gravely. "Pretty low, even for a pirate."

"I didn't ask for your opinion!" Robin shot back, glaring sideways at Zoro. "I'll do what I must!"

Robin turned, raising her arm and Iceberg screamed in pain. The Strawhats and Paulie all started forward, yelling his name in concern.

"Robin!" Kia shouted at the top of her lungs, the anger in her voice making the sound crack like a whip. Iceberg slumped over, as the extra arms that were holding him disappeared. Robin slowly turned to face the younger woman.

"Kiana," she said without inflection, though Kia could hear the sadness in it.

"It's obvious that it has never been explained to you," Kia spoke stiffly, ignoring the attention from those near Robin that could so easily hurt her. "If you want to leave the crew, you have to get the captain's permission." Robin glanced at Luffy, then back to Kia. "It doesn't matter if you consider us your friends, it doesn't matter if you care about us or not."

"Kia!" Chopper gasped.

"We won't hold you back from pursuing what you want. You know that we all have our dreams," Kia continued. "All you have to do is ask the captain to let you go. If that was what you actually wanted." Her hands fisted at her sides, as she held herself back from saying everything she wanted to about what would come from Robin's decision. "We'll fight for you," she said quietly, seeing Robin reel back in surprise and horror.

"Touching."

Kia looked up, steeling herself against her fear as Lucci stepped between her and Robin, blocking the woman from her sight.

He gave her a slight smile as he looked her up and down. "As curious as I am to continue this reunion, we're in a hurry to find a person of some importance." He looked over to Luffy. "We have no more business in this mansion, and absolutely no more use for you."

He turned to Kalifa, his eyebrow raising in question. "Three minutes," she answered the unspoken inquiry, and he nodded, turning back to Luffy.

"Fire erases everything you see," he explained calmly. "It is a great tool for agents like us, that need to keep certain information to ourselves. And in just three minutes, this entire building will go up in a ball of flames, beginning on the first floor."

He gave the closest thing to a smile Kia had yet seen from him, and it creeped her out.

"I'd tell you to hurry and get out… but to do that, you would have to get by us." At his words, Kalifa, Kaku and Blueno moved in front of him, putting Robin even further away. Kia looked over to Luffy, then back to Robin as she thought furiously about how to stop her.

"So, you assume false identities to get what you want, then burn all the evidence?!" Nami asked, disgusted. "What about all the people in here?"

"These things happen," Lucci replied without remorse. "The culprits are pirates, after all."

"You monsters!" Paulie shouted, choking into a coughing fit.

"You're already implicated in the assassination of the mayor," Lucci said with a shrug. "I doubt this will inconvenience you much."

"Are we done?" Robin asked, sounding bored, though Kia thought she seemed agitated.

"You have done well," Lucci replied, without turning to her. "You may go."

"Now do you believe it, Luffy?" Zoro asked, readying himself for a fight. "Robin has left our crew."

Luffy retorted hotly, whipping around to snap, "I don't buy it!" then turning back. "I won't let you leave like this, Robin!"

Kia knew she wasn't strong enough, or fast enough to get by the members of CP9, but for reasons she couldn't explain, she wanted to try again to stop Robin anyway. "Luffy!" she called out, looking him dead in the eye as she stated, "Leave Robin to me."

Robin spun around, giving Kia a harsh glare. "No." She shook her head slowly, trying to convey her heartfelt wish with her eyes. "I'm leaving. Alone."

"We'll see," Kia muttered, taking a step forward, surprised that Robin faltered back, though there were three government agents between them.

"You'd better hurry Nico Robin," Lucci said silkily, his voice amused, as he glanced at the woman next to him. "Or she may catch you."

Kia looked over, frowning at the man. Does that mean he'll let me by to try to stop her? she wondered, as she tentatively took another step forward.

"Go Kia!" Luffy shouted, suddenly near her, blocking Blueno from getting to her. He reared back to give the larger man a punch, but he was already gone. "He disappeared!" Luffy said in shock.

Kia was shocked as well, as both Kaku and Kalifa glanced at her, but continued past her to go towards her friends. She looked back, worried, but saw Nami give her a determined look and a nod. She nodded back, and turned back towards her goal. She couldn't think of Lucci standing there, or she'd lose her nerve. She just looked at Robin, who was giving her a pleading look.

Kia walked forward slowly yet deliberately, hearing the sounds of destruction from the fighting behind her. "Robin, don't go," she said quietly.

"I have to," Robin replied, her determination warring with her heart. "It's the only way."

"We have to stay together," Kia said, giving a small smile. "Luffy wouldn't have it any other way, you know."

She froze as Lucci reached over and grabbed her arm. She was sure he could hear her heart thumping wildly, but she kept her features a mask of calm- she hoped- as she glanced at him.

"Go, Nico Robin," Lucci stated, this time sounding harsh.

"Don't touch my sister!"

Kia ducked, pulling out of Lucci's grip as Robin dashed for the open window, and Lucci shifted to grab a hold of the rubber boy that bulleted to him. He gripped the boy's face in his hand, seemingly unfazed as Luffy pummeled him with thrashing legs and fists.

Kia looked back, seeing that this was Luffy giving her a chance, and she took off after Robin, hoping she wouldn't break anything as she jumped from the window after her friend.

"I'll deny it if you tell anyone, but that was the best meal I've had in a long, long time!" Shanks declared to Ashley.

"Thanks Captain," she gave him a grin. "Though I can't take credit. If Chef Zeff hadn't walked me through it, it wouldn't have been half as good."

"Red-leg Zeff?" Benn asked, impressed. "We ate at his restaurant once," he reminisced. "Cap'n argued so hard about having ale instead of wine with his dinner, that he kicked us out." Benn smiled at Ash and gave her a wink. "Though he wrapped the food up for us to take. Wouldn't let it go to waste."

"He almost starved to death, out at sea," Ash said quietly, and the men were somber as the chef's seemingly bizarre behavior was put into perspective. "Once he lost his leg, well… he says he changed his dream, but I think the restaurant was always part of his dream."

"It sounds like you're fond of him," Yassop mentioned.

"I am," Ash agreed with a nod. "He helped me through a rough patch with Master Mihawk, taught me how to cook a few dishes, and apparently will drop everything when I call." She smiled at the thought of the wonderful man that treated her like she was a princess. "I almost feel bad for whoever didn't get their food while he helped me."

"That sounds like more than fondness to me," Roo teased.

"If I were twenty years older, I'd snap him up in a heartbeat," she said, laughing at the thought, her friends among Shank's crew joining in.

"Too bad he doesn't have any sons," Shanks smirked at her. "You could have him for a father-in-law, if he did." His look turned speculative as Ash blushed and turned away quickly. "What's this?" he asked, grinning as he realized there was something there to tease her about.

Ash realized the same and made her way out of the cave they were using as a camp, hearing their catcalls behind her. She knew he wouldn't let it go, but she needed to get her composure back before she faced their questions. She berated herself for thinking that way about Sanji. She hardly knew the guy! But Shanks wasn't wrong… Zeff had been talking up his once sous chef throughout their call- especially as to how much Sanji would enjoy the dish she was making.

She found a flat rock and sat, her hands covering her cheeks in a vain attempt to hide.

You're an idiot, she told herself, shaking her head. He calls you some pretty names, and you're still thinking about it, after all this time. He probably hasn't given you a second thought.

Feeling embarrassed, she willed herself to think of anything else. She wasn't all together successful, so she worked on her haki, knowing it needed all of her focus, and she would be forced to let go of everything else.

"That was a good story, Gramps," Reese said, giving Garp a smile. "It's easy to picture how wild your grandsons were, especially with you raising them."

"Shut it Cooper!" he roared, and she giggled.

"Why do you always get him angry?" Helpmeppo growled at her from the other side of the campfire, where he and Coby were completing their punishment.

"Why do you always say stupid things during training and end up getting more?" she retorted.

"You say stupid things, but don't get in trouble," Coby mused quietly, keeping his rhythm with steady push-ups. "It's very strange."

"50 more!" Garp declared suddenly, causing the two boys to groan. He turned to Reese, giving an evil smirk at the giggle she made.

"Oh? I didn't realize you were done training, Cooper," he said wickedly, and Reese looked up to him in trepidation.

"No sir, I was just working on my devil fruit's capabilities…" she tried, cutting off at his laugh.

"Well then, let me assist you," he offered, grabbing their tents and smashing them at her feet. "I'm sure you can mend those before these boys are ready to crash."

Reese looked glumly over at her fellow recruits, knowing that while she was able to use her powers to fix the destroyed items, it would take all of her energy to do so. She'd be out cold the rest of the night.

"Uh, thank you sir," she answered, realizing that her arrogance had her crossing Garp's invisible line. She knew he favored her, but as much as she tried to stay on his good side, she never knew exactly where the line was that crossed over into punishment. She sometimes felt like he just lifted her up in order to take her down.

"Then get to it," he told her. "Oh, and Cooper, tell me a story while you work."

"Huh?" she asked, shocked at the request. It'll take all my concentration to work on this… she thought. What's he doing?

"A story, Cooper," he repeated, giving her a deadpan look that had her tilting her head in question. "You think you'll always get the chance to take your time? Push yourself!"

Reese looked down at the mess in front of her, then looked over to where Coby and Helpmeppo continued to do push-ups, though she could see now that they were straining.

Push myself… she thought she could easily see what Garp was trying to tell her. She wouldn't be able to use her power in the middle of a fight if she only practiced when she was able to fully concentrate. She glanced over at the boys again, a stray thought coming to her mind.

...it could also mean something like mending friendships that soured or something, couldn't it? Coby had asked once when they originally were talking about her fruit. It was something that she hadn't bothered to explore, but now that she was thinking about it, she wondered if it was possible.

She and Coby had a great relationship, and Coby and Helmeppo got along much better now, but she and Helpmeppo? Not so much. She thought that she should just bury the hatchet, and try to get along, especially now that they were a team, but so far, she hadn't bothered.

Could be worth a shot… she thought, turning back towards Garp. "Okay then, I'll tell you about the time I first met Helpmeppo," she said, snickering when she heard him fall into Coby and both of them grunted. He looked up at her in shock. "Feel free to add to it," she offered, holding out her hand.

Mend mend… she thought fiercely focusing on Helmeppo. Remedy!

Reese touched the tent in front of her, though she wasn't even thinking of it. "I was visiting a friend who had an apple stand," she began, her focus going towards Helpmeppo, even as she looked at Garp.

"Cooper…" she heard him say, though she didn't see the concern that had come across his face at seeing her eyes go dark.

There was a picture in her head, of that morning when she had been speaking to Corbin, but the odd thing was, that instead of remembering how she had felt and what she had been thinking, there was something else.

Coby let out a grunt of surprise, as Helmeppo sat up on his knees, grabbed his own head and started rocking as if in pain. "Vice Admiral, sir! What's happening to them?!"

He didn't get a response, and his eyes moved from Helmeppo to Reese, worry for each of them rising in his heart. There was several moments of silence, and then Reese collapsed. Helmeppo groaned, putting his palms on the ground in front of him, to hold himself up.

Coby turned back to Reese, seeing the vice admiral was checking her vitals. He looked at the man, fear gripping him, until he looked over with a nod. "Just unconscious," Garp told him, and Coby finally was able to breathe properly.

"What was that?" Helmeppo groaned, rubbing his forehead.

"I was just going to ask you that," Coby told him, reaching over to help him sit up.

"I… I'm not really sure," Helmeppo said, his voice shaky.

"Tell us what you can," Garp barked, wincing a little at how shaky his own voice sounded.

"It was just as she was saying," Helmeppo said, taking a few deep breaths. "The day we met, by the apple stand," he said, steeling himself in case it happened again. When nothing happened, he relaxed slightly. "But this time, it was like… like I was Reese. Instead of myself."

"Huh?" Coby said, his face scrunching up. He looked over at Garp, who was looking at him as if he were crazy. "What are you saying?" he asked.

"Look, it's hard to describe, okay?" Helmeppo griped. "It was like… like I was there, but I could see myself, like I was her. And I could hear what she was thinking!" He rubbed his head again, wishing all of the thoughts would leave him alone. "It was really creepy, okay?!"

"Huh." Coby brought his finger up to tap on his chin as he thought it through. "Strange."

"I doubt we'll know what's happening until Cooper tells us," Garp said, standing up. "I'm heading to bed. You two should get to work on fixing those tents if you want to get some sleep tonight."

The boys looked after him as he laughed and walked away to his own tent.

"If she did this on purpose…" Helmeppo threatened angrily.

"I doubt she would want to be unconscious in front of us," Coby said with a smile. "Let's just get this fixed," he said, looking back to his friend. He was taken aback at the evil look on Helmeppo's face. "You're not thinking of doing anything, right?" he asked wearily, knowing it would just start another war between them.

Helmeppo's face changed, an odd look coming over it. "Nah," he finally said in reply. "Let's get these tents fixed."

Coby thought it peculiar, as he looked at the other's back, then over to Reese, uncertain of what was happening.