And I'm back with another chapter boiiiis! (and gals and enby pals!) It's been a while since I updated and that's because some shitty things happened and I was placed on suicide watch, amongst other things, lol. But I'm a lot better now, and as such, a new chapter! Now then, Let's get into it! My answer to last chapter's question is: My favorite drink is Tea! Chai, Herbal, Green, Black, and infusions. I hecking love tea. I don't own One Piece as you all know, but I do own my characters.

Content Warning - Attempted Rape/Sexual Assault - If you don't want to read it, stop reading at " Breathe in, breathe out. This is gonna be a long night. " And come back in at " Sitting up in my hammock, I rubbed at my eyes, stopping when I realized my shaking hands were shiny with tears. " There will be a line break at the beginning and end of it. TLDR in ending notes.


Recap:

An image of the man, face down and bleeding out, returned to my mind and I flinched, the name clicking as I confirmed the 'Ace' that Eli was in love with to be the very same 'Ace' that I recalled. So your name was Thatch. I'm sorry. Bringing my hand down to touch the water, I blinked at the tears that hit the surface, making the smallest of ripples. Rest in peace, Thatch. I'm sorry… "I'm so sorry I could do nothing for you in the end." Bringing my other hand to my mouth, I hiccuped, more tears hitting the water as the anxiety and overwhelming sadness that had been building up over the past two or so weeks flowed out. "How right you are, Eli…." Her voice echoed in my head. "This is supposed to be such a happy occasion." I remembered the fate of Fire Fist Ace, and my body seized. Why? I sniffled, rubbing my eyes. How cruel…

I pictured Eliana in my head, hunched by the sea, water lapping at her feet, crying just as hard as I was, and I clenched my fists. No… I wiped my eyes and looked up at the moon. Unlike Thatch, I know where Ace dies. I know when and where and how. If it's Ace, I still have time. I knew it was going to be hard, but I didn't let the depressing thought get me down. I might be able to convince him at Arabasta, or…. Or… I don't know yet, but I won't let him die. I won't let this moment be the last time Eli sees him. I swear.


Chapter 15: When you lied to your limit… Who you gonna pray to when you're there? - Do You Remember, Jarryd James


(Tsukino's Point Of View)

Tessen in hand, I made my way out of the rubble of Arlong Park, my thoughts swirling. Looking at the moon's reflection on the water of the rice paddies as I walked, I registered the quiet. The party must've finally died down. Walking into town, I couldn't stop the small smile that bloomed at the sight of the sleeping villagers and my crew. Still atop the tower of tables, Usopp was quietly talking in his sleep, humming about 'Usopp Support Song #368'. Zoro was still between two houses in the alleyway, sleeping with his back against the building, a faint blush from the alcohol in his system. Against a wall not far from Zoro, Sanji slept, propped up and cuddled by three girls on each side of him, arms slung around their shoulders. Suppressing a chuckle at the sight, I stepped around Johnny and Yosaku, both laying unceremoniously on the ground, several empty bottles of alcohol laying between them.

They all look like they had fun… I'm glad. Pushing down an ache in my chest, I nodded, Yeah, this is time for celebration, my worries can wait another night. Stopping at the door to the clinic, I glanced back, smiling at the sleepy scene once more before entering. Setting my tessen in my bag with my other, I sighed in relief at the pair. After checking to make sure I had everything, I opened my journal and sat by the window, using the moonlight to see as I wrote.

Losing track of time, I glanced up at the stars. It's probably around four right now. Closing my eyes, I tried to imagine how Eliana looked now. Twins but not twins… I sighed. She probably still looks like me, save for the blue hair and green eyes. I conjured an image of her in my mind, with the pale blonde hair and sky blue eyes, and a bright smile. Stars, I miss you the most, Eli. Closing my journal, I ran my fingers along the cover, humming absently for a moment as I collected my thoughts. I should probably rest, tomorrow I need to make sure my knives are on board, I need to buy some new clothes and an empty logbook, and I need to… Pain and fatigue branched in my body and I twitched. I need to sleep. With that thought, I leaned back onto the bed and closed my eyes. Whatever needs to happen will happen.

When I woke, it was to the beams of sunlight assaulting my eyes through my eyelids. Sitting up, I registered the bustle of people cleaning up the aftermath of the celebration. Stretching, I grabbed my bag and stood, slinging the bag over my shoulder.

Stopping a town over first thing to have a delivery bird send my letter to Terry with instructions for Maizie to bring his reply to Loguetown, I paused as I passed a parchment store. Maybe I could find a journal for the logbook. Stepping in, I smiled at the greeting of the short haired shopkeeper, my eyes scanning over the selection. Since it's the logbook of the Straw Hat Pirates, it has to be fairly large and sturdy. Spotting a beautifully stained mahogany leather journal with gold embossing and rivets, I ran my fingers over the leather strap and buckle that fastened the journal shut. It's beautiful, but too small for what I'm looking for. Should I get it for myself? I shook my head. No, I should focus on getting the logbook first. I can get a new journal at a later date.

Even though I thought that, the rest of my time bore no fruit. Frowning as I browsed, I thanked the shopkeeper before leaving. Despite the amazing craftsmanship of the journals, I don't think I'll find what I'm looking for here. Sighing, I stepped into the nearest clothing store, replenishing my stock of long sleeved shirts and adding a few more pants to my wardrobe. Politely rejecting the owner's offer to try on the clothes, I paid and exited, shopping bag in hand and my other bag over my shoulder.

Inhaling through my nose, I let out a breath and headed towards where the Going Merry was docked. I have a good feeling about finding a logbook at Loguetown. I- stopping in front of Merry, I wasn't aware I had been holding emotions in until I sagged in relief at the ship. A feeling that felt like coming home. Oh. I thought, taking in the new tangerine trees that were at the back of the ship, the way the sparkling ocean water licked the hull of the Going Merry. I'm home.


It was strange, walking inside the newly refurbished women's quarters. Teru-san, who had carried me after the battle at Arlong Park, had installed a bar in the corner, where Nami's desk was. Now her desk was moved to the right slightly, and a treasure chest had been placed where her bags of money had been previously. Nami must've placed that here earlier today. I felt a gentle smile overtake my face at the little things of Nami's that were new to the space. More clothes in the closet, a set of mapping paper on the desk next to an ink well and pens. A decorative pillow on the couch that wasn't there before, and various liqueurs on the bar, all aligned with Nami's tastes. It seems a little silly to think that everyone is nervous that Nami'll stay in Cocoyashi, when she's so obviously moved in. "I'm glad." Taking a deep breath, I carefully unpacked the goods that I bought and hung up my new clothes, spotting the tank top and shorts Nami tried to give me after a particularly hot day. It's sweet of her to try and take care of me like this. Even if I can't wear it now, I'll keep it nice until I can.

Setting my journal on my desk, I took out Dad's letters from it and placed them in the small drawer on the left side of the desk. While rifling through my journal to take out any other loose papers, I paused at the few pictures I had tucked between the pages. One of Akane, Tera and I, when I was probably twelve or thirteen. Standing in the middle, with Tera on the right of the photo and Akane on the left, it was one of the only pictures of me smiling a genuine smile. Akane posed with her right arm bent in front of her, to show off the metal cuff on her forearm, the center of it offset so very slightly, the only indication that it held a picture inside if you pressed a button on the inside. Her red hair flowed to just below her waist, and her pale green eyes gleamed with excitement. Tera, on the other side, had her left arm relaxed, hand on her knee, showcasing the armband on her bicep with a green gem in the middle. Her hair was an earthy brown with rings and cuff clasped onto thin braids that wove through her mostly-down hair, and, looking closer at her eyes, which I once thought were hazel, I could see the way Mr Swordsman's genes had shined through. Though her skin was significantly darker than Mihawk's, a tawny brown, her sharp features and almost unchanging expression were the same. Around my neck in the picture was my metal locket in the shape of a sand dollar, still on its long metal chain instead of the pretty light blue ribbon it now clung to, looking more like a pendant choker than a locket.

Looking at our smiles, (Tera's almost imperceptible) I couldn't help but smile. We look like silly kids. It's wonderful. My hand found my locket at the center of my neck and I let out a little laugh, remembering the occasion for the picture. Akane wanted to match me by having a locket, and then Tera protested, saying that if anyone should match me, it would be her. I bought them their own unique lockets the next day, and Akane insisted on a picture.

I let my eyes drink in the lines of the picture, the colors, and stopped at Tera's eyes. Now that I'm looking for it, the hazel I remember is more of an amber. It bears a strong resemblance. Where Mr. Swordsman's eyes are a sharp citrine, Tera's are a clear, calculating amber. And… even if the color isn't exact, the eye shape is nearly identical. "It's not something that you'd really recognize unless they were right next to each other, but seeing them both…" Shaking my head, I smiled a little at the thought. Tera hates swords, it's funny that her father is renowned for them. Right now, I wonder how she's doing. I hope she's safe, wherever she is.

Setting the picture next to my journal, I grimaced at the next few photos. I don't know why I still have these. The next photos were of my parents, one of them together, another of them with me in the center, a baby with one blue eye, one green, and bluish blonde hair. My mother looked like Reiko, with light brown hair and blue eyes that looked more severe than Reiko's looked gentle. While Reiko wore her hair in wild curls, my mother would continually straighten even the slightest wave. My father was blonde, much like my uncle, with hazel eyes. These pictures were given to me by Grandma Grace, I scoffed at the thought. Why did she think this was a good thing to give me? 'Here, have a photo of your abusers smiling happily before they sell you off for success and fortune.' It's…. I crumpled up the two photos. Well, it's my fault as well, for keeping them.

Muffled noises brought me out of my thoughts and I made my way to the deck just in time for Nami to yell, "Get the ship moving!" I spotted her at the top of the hill, leaning into a dead sprint, and I moved towards the anchor, halting before doing anything.

"You're the captain, Luffy."

He nodded back at me, "She said to get the ship moving." At the subtle command, I smiled, pulling up the anchor with Zoro as Usopp and Sanji unfurled the sails at Luffy's command.

I could hear the apprehension and panic in the villagers' voices as the ship began to leave the dock. "She's trying to leave before we thank her!" "Stop, Nacchan!" "At least let us thank you!"

Walking to the railing to better see the commotion, I listened as Sanji asked, "Hey, is it okay for her to leave like this?"

I let out a gentle breath at Luffy's reply of, "Why not? It's her decision."

Suppressing a laugh as Nami weaved through the villagers as they tried to stop her, I decided on a low whistle of appreciation at her skilled theft. I know she's stealing their wallets, and I'm still unable to tell just by looking. "I'll need to ask her to teach me to do that."

"Do what?" I looked away from the crowd and up to Zoro, who was leaning on the railing to my right.

"Watch."

Drawing my eyes back just in time for Nami to speed past Gen and Nojiko, her body launching through the air in a leap of more than just faith, I stepped back as her low heeled sandals made contact with the railing, launching her past me.

Standing with her back to the island as Gen shouted after her, asking, "Why!?" Nami paused, took a breath, and then lifted the hem of her shirt slightly, revealing a strip of midriff. At first, nothing, but then a second passed and I smirked as the wallets began to fall. Colorful and bland, large and small, hundreds of them.

"Wha?!" "She didn't!" "Huh? My wallet's gone!" "Mine too!" The villagers burst out, voices overlapping, each of them, every single one of them reaching for a wallet that wasn't there, but instead in a pile at the feet of the Straw Hats' very own Cat Burglar.

Kissing a bill as she turned, Nami smiled innocently at the panicking villagers as she said, sweetly, "Everyone, take care!"

Immediately the tune of gratitude and regret the villagers had been singing was swapped for something a little more indignant, but the words, calling her a brat were drowned out by my laughter, bright and playful as I stepped past Usopp and Zoro, wrapping my arms around Nami's frame.

"Tsuki!" Nami laughed into my hug and I held onto her a little tighter. I'm glad she's back.

"Hey, she hasn't changed a bit, has she." Usopp's deadpan voice drew me back, and I noticed his face matched his tone, eyes glued to the pile of wallets at Nami's feet.

Zoro matched his energy, a similar expression across his features as he said, "Who knows when she'll betray us again?" It was a sentence without any bite to it, and I knew Usopp shared the lighthearted sentiment.

Watching as Nami laughed off the kind sentiments wishing her safe travels, I came to stand next to her as she waved with both arms, shouting with the most genuine smile I'd seen on her, "Bye, everyone! I'll be back!"

When she finally turned away from the fading island, I opened my arms for another hug, burying my head in the crook of her shoulder as she leaned in. "Welcome home, Nami."

She pulled back, her eyes misty and her smile gentler. "Tsuki.. I'm back!" Reaching up, I brushed away the tears and winked, glancing down at the pile of wallets.

"Need help getting those to the room?" She nodded, and I laughed a little. "You got them good, Nami. One of these days I'm gonna need you to teach me."

"Okay! But… it'll cost you! I don't give free lessons." I laughed at the words, nodding as I picked up the wallets.

"I wouldn't expect anything less."

After taking the wallets and placing them in Nami's chest, I spent some time acquainting Sanji to the ship, introducing him to the kitchen. After the excitement of the day, dinner went by quickly, and Usopp was assigned first watch.

Slowly, the night grew darker, and everyone made their way to bed. Hanging back on deck, I took in the starry sky, the moon shining down on me. It feels like it's only been a few days since I met Luffy and Zoro, yet at the same time, it feels like I've been with them for years. Known them for years. There was a niggling, buzzing thought in the back of my mind, triggered by that last thought, but at the slow-forming headache I felt coming on, I pushed it to the back. I know there's something wrong with my memory, something that is wrong with the change from who I was before to now, but I can't- I don't have the energy to worry about it now.

Pushing off of the railing, I held back a yawn. I should sleep. Stepping through the kitchen, I paused at the large stack of dirty dishes. Everyone else has already gone to bed, this'll be good for me. If I can clear my head, maybe I'll have a dreamless sleep tonight. Nodding, I pushed up my sleeves, not worrying about my scars being seen. Well, let's get to scrubbing! Humming quietly, I grabbed a clean rag and a dirty dish, losing myself to the repetition as I hummed whatever tune came to mind.

I wasn't keeping a close track of time, though a good chunk of dishes were washed when I noticed a presence moving from below. It isn't likely to be Zoro since he only wakes if he absolutely has to, and Nami shouldn't be waking for second watch for a while longer. It might be Luffy, he gets hungry in the night. Realizing I stopped humming, I continued, though it was less melodic than it was a moment prior. Though Luffy did say that he was full after Sanji made an inordinate amount of raw ham melon, which leaves….

Listening as Sanji paused outside of the door, probably wondering who was still in the kitchen, I waited as he entered, shutting the door behind him before pausing again. Ceasing my humming, I inclined my head back, my braid slipping off my shoulder and brushing the space between my shoulder blades. "Is something wrong, Sanji? Couldn't sleep?"

"I remembered that no one had done the dishes today, so I was going to clean them before going to bed. You surprised me, I didn't think you'd be in here." Sanji's voice was deeper than normal, and I figured that he'd gotten ready for bed and then nearly fallen asleep when he remembered the dishes. Glancing back, I confirmed my assumption, taking in the wrinkled but soft cotton button up shirt he was wearing, the top three buttons unbuttoned, and the cotton pajama pants to match. Smiling at his mussed up hair, I returned to the dishes. "Ah, I see." Setting aside a wet dish, I dried my hands and pulled down my sleeves, my right, scarred arm first. Turning towards him, I plucked a hair from his pajama top and winked. "I often have trouble sleeping, and I use the kitchen quite often, so it seemed right to just take care of them now." Nodding at him, I returned to the dishes, looking over my shoulder at him. "You can go back to bed, you look dead on your feet, and it's been a pretty long day."

Giving a dopey grin at my attention, Sanji shook his head slightly, hair gently swaying against his brow. "I couldn't allow myself to sleep while a beautiful woman dirtied her hands with such work." Coming to stand next to me, he skillfully rolled up his sleeves and reached for a bowl.

"Well, I won't deny extra help if you insist, but it really isn't any trouble. Helping keep the kitchen clean and making sure things run smoothly come mealtime isn't dirty work. Besides, I'm more than just a woman. You…" I paused as he looked at me, giving me his full attention. "I would prefer it if you treated me more seriously. I may not be an amazing cook like you, but I am still a chef in my own right. I have not lived a kind life, and as such I do not enjoy excessive flattery and padded blows."

I returned my gaze to the dishes I was drying, wincing internally at my delivery. "Ah, that isn't to say I am angry with you. I admire your morals and determination, and I don't come anywhere near your skill at cooking. At the end of the day, you're the cook of the Straw Hats, so…. Sorry, you must feel like I ambushed you with these grievances. You're obviously tired, and it's very late. Stars, I must seem like such a-"

"I apologize." His voice was smooth, a welcome contrast from my rushed rambling. Looking back at him, wide eyed, I paused at the sincerity in his face.

"Huh?" I blinked. Processing what he said, I shook my head. "No, you don't have to-"

"Tsukino-hime." I stopped again, and Sanji set the plate he was holding back into the sink. "It was not my intention to undermine you. I do have to apologize for that. Thinking back, my zeal must have come off that way. I am more used to flirting with women than working with them. It was the way I was raised." At his last sentence, I remembered glimpses of Grandpa Zeff's thoughts. That's right, Zeff was certain that women were scared easily, delicate, and in need of protection. It was one of the reasons that he didn't have any women on his kitchen staff on the Baratie. Nothing he's experienced til now has challenged that view, and even now, I know I'm physically weaker that Sanji, and Nami… well-

Setting my dish down as well, I offered a gracious smile. "Well, I accept your apology. Besides, when it's not excessive, I do find your antics to be quite endearing." Reaching up, I patted him on the head, gently fixing his mussed up hair. At his lack of reply, I drew my eyes away from his hair and to his face, blinking in shock as his mouth twisted into a dopey grin and he laughed in a silly way, his eyes practically forming hearts. The sudden change in mood coaxing a giggle out of my mouth. Once the laughter bubbled out, I returned to the dishes.

Soon the calm quiet returned as Sanji also resumed cleaning the dishes, and I stacked the clean, dry dishes on the counter, pausing as I remembered why I hadn't put them away. "Ah, this reminds me!"

"Hm?" Sanji looked over to me and I lifted a pan.

"You are the ship's official cook. Though I'm a pastry chef, Luffy chose you to be our crew's cook. This kitchen is your kitchen first and foremost." He frowned at my words but I didn't let him protest. "I'm good at adapting, so tomorrow, once you've gotten some good rest, go ahead and arrange the kitchen to your liking. As long as you let me know where everything is, I'll be sure not to misplace any of your stuff, okay?" There was a moment as he thought about my words, and I added on. "Don't fight me on this. I have been waiting for an actual cook for a while, this is what I want, you wouldn't be putting me out of my way."

"...thank you, Tsukino-hime."

I smiled at the quiet gratitude, nodding as I grabbed the last dish, drying it as Sanji rolled down his sleeves. "Of course, Sanji. It's my pleasure." Setting the dishes back, I quickly wiped down the sink and set the dirty rags aside to be washed. Turning back to Sanji, I smiled softly. "Well, I hope you sleep well, Sanji. Have a good night."

"Goodnight, Tsukino-hime."


Spending the next day learning the layout Sanji created for the kitchen, I made note of where most of the things I usually used were, and took stock of utensils and equipment I would still need to buy at Loguetown. Starting at the sound of collective screaming, I put a hand to my heart and breathed. What's wrong? It doesn't sound like we're being attacked. "Tsukino! Tsukino, come see!" Closing the drawer that held the silverware, I walked towards the door at Luffy's voice.

"Hm?" Not spotting anyone immediately, I followed the animated chatter, walking up the stairs towards the back of the ship. Coming into sight past the tangerine trees, I immediately realized what the commotion had been about at the figure of Luffy laughing freely with a slightly tanned page. It must be his wanted poster then.

"We're wanted criminals now!" He laughed, "It says I'm 35 million Berries!" I paused at the top of the stairs at his words, remembering numbers much larger attached to his name. This is only the beginning.

Looking at the page as Luffy laughed, Usopp turned to us and smiled, pointing to the bottom corner. "Look! I'm gonna be seen around the world! Girls might fall for me!"

Surging forward, Sanji jammed his face closer to the sheet, saying, "What?! They put Long-nose in but left me out?!" Watching as he pulled back confused, I couldn't stop a giggle as he said, "Where are you? I don't see you anywhere!" The giggle turned to a full blown laugh as Usopp pointed to the corner and Sanji plopped down pouting. "It's just the back of your head. That's nothing to brag about."

"Don't be so glum! You can get on these without being captain if you get more important!" Usopp's face had a wide grin, clearly more than content being shown as just the back of his head. Sanji turned towards him, excitement apparent as he asked in earnest,

"Seriously!?" I nodded in answer, trying to recall the bounty Sanji would get, the numbers escaping me.

"Just keep on trying hard, and soon…" Usopp's words seemed to cheer Sanji up, and he stood, accepting Usopp's antics as he wrapped an arm around the other and together began a fun little one-two step while Luffy laughed.

"Let's rush into the Grand Line, men!"

"Yet again, you guys don't understand the seriousness of the situation!" Looking over to where Nami leaned against the railing at the back of the ship, I couldn't stop myself from nodding. Though I know we will be able to handle it, erring on the side of caution is important. 35 million is no small sum, and though it's only Luffy with a bounty, I know that doesn't exempt the rest of us from being targets. Especially since I'm also on the crew- "This means our lives are in danger now!" Arlong's words didn't inspire confidence, and the fact that I'm not on a wanted poster yet hasn't escaped my notice. Either the rat marine didn't listen closely to Arlong's revelation, or he told people about me and they kept it quiet, hoping that targeting Luffy with such a large bounty will be enough to drag me, and the rest of the crew, down too. Putting my face on a poster and broadcasting my entanglement with the old gods, if Luna is honest, might be broadcasting that they didn't get rid of the old gods as thoroughly as they insisted. "This is no time to be taking it easy and relaxing in the East Blue…" Either way, what we need to do is clear: Tread Carefully.

I assumed Nami's serious face mirrored mine, and looking across the ship, where Zoro was laying, I didn't miss his somber expression either. It was a funny contrast, three of us gravely considering the weight and implication of a bounty, while the other three danced in a kick line cheering, "Let's go! Let's go! Grand Line!"

Not wanting to spoil the mood of our more excited crewmembers, I made my way across the ship to Zoro, settling down next to the lounging swordsman. "How're your injuries? Any discomfort?" Looking at me, Zoro hummed, shaking his head and resting it back against his arms on the railing. "I'm glad." Eyes facing the sky, I let my sight trace the shapes of the clouds, absently tracing the end of my scar on my right thumb with my pointer finger. It's going to be lunchtime soon, I should really get up… but closing my eyes for a little wouldn't hurt….

"Bluebrain." Sighing, I opened my eyes to Zoro's stare boring into me. Closing them again, I set my head back against the ship. "Oi, Bluebrain. We made eye contact, don't pretend you didn't hear me." I proceeded to do just that, though. I'm not gonna answer to Bluebrain. "Tsukin-"

"Yes Zoro?"

"Oi!" I opened my eyes at the disgruntled noise, seeing his miffed face at the interruption. "You ignore me and then cut me off?"

I looked at him innocently before winking. "What do you want, Mossball?"

"..."

"..."

"..."

"...um… Zoro?"

Letting out a deep sigh, Zoro clenched and unclenched his jaw before responding. "Well, how do I say this…? I'm not one to get involved with all that romance stuff, but…" He paused and I raised an eyebrow at the direction this conversation was going. "I'm not one to shame someone for their choice of lover." What is he going on about? "But going after Hawk Eye like that is a little…" My stomach dropped and I choked on my spit. "He also seems a little old to be yo…." The remaining sentence faded out as I heard my blood rush in my ears, recalling how I asked if Mihawk was married over a bleeding-out Zoro.

Face hot, I shook my head rapidly, voice coming out as a squeak as I tried to defend myself. "Nononononono, I'm not interested in Mr. Swordsman in that way. AT ALL! Stars! Did it really seem that way?" Before he could even open his mouth to reply, I buried my face in my hands. "No, I had a feeling it did when I spoke to him before, Stars, how embarrassing! No, I just wanted to know because he looks uncannily like my best friend Tera, and I know that Tera's biological father was said to be a famous swordsman, and their nose's match, and even looking back on it now, Tera's eves have that yellow coloring, though it's not nearly as apparent on Tera. Beside the skin tone and the eye color, the resemblance is so great, I just wanted to see if he was… was…" Shaking my head rapidly, I let out another dying cat kind of sound before continuing to ramble, "This was why he was laughing at me, isn't it? Ah, what if he knew Tera was his daughter and he was just messing with me? Or maybe Tera didn't let him know because she wants nothing to do with him? Oh no! What if I just let him know that he should be looking for a child who doesn't want him? How pitiful! But then again, he didn't seem to think he had a kid, and what if he thinks I proposed to him, no- there's no way that he'd think that, he's a grown man, he wouldn't go after someone so young, right, and-" The sound of Zoro's laugh cut me off, and I realized, with an ever heating face, that Zoro had gotten the picture, and I could stop talking. "I got it, I'll grab a picture, then you'll see!"

Launching myself to my feet, I made my way to the women's quarters to retrieve the picture of Tera, Akane and I. Taking a deep breath as I gently sifted through the photographs, I paused. "Wait… Why am I trying to justify myself so aggressively? Won't that make it seem like I'm trying to hide something? I really need to work on how I handle embarrassment." Climbing back up through the storage room and out onto the deck, I noted that the celebration had settled down a little. Sanji must've gotten started on lunch. I should probably make a light snack for afterwards, maybe poached rhubarb and yogurt? Making my way back to Zoro I handed him the photo. "Here, look. The girl on the right is Tera, really look at her and tell me she doesn't look like that Mr. Swordsman, even as a child." As he grabbed the photo out of my hand, I let go gently, "Careful, that photograph's precious to me. Be sure to give it back when you're done scrutinizing Tera's face. I'll be in the kitchen."

Entering the kitchen, I washed my hands thoroughly before getting to work, easily weaving around Sanji, giving him space. We worked together like a well oiled machine, and I almost could believe we'd only shared a kitchen for a little over a week. After hearing the lunch plan, I'm thinking vanilla bean meringue cookies with honey mousse topped with pineapple. On the lighter side for lunch, and not overpowering with the rich flavor palette Sanji's prepared. Right! Let's get it started! We worked in relative quiet, a small conversation sprinkled in between the sound of simmering, cutting and mixing, and I could only really describe the atmosphere as comfortable. Well, until the ship shook, prompting me to look towards the door as splashing and muffled voices continued outside. "Huh? What's with all the damn noise?" I looked at Sanji, voicing my guess.

"From the sounds of it, we might be under attack. I'm sure it'd be much noisier if things weren't under control." Right after I said that, the sound of a cannon exploding much louder than it should was heard, and I paused in piping the meringue onto the pan with my makeshift piping bag. Opening the oven and placing the pan into the oven, I stumbled a little as the ship jolted and voices grew louder outside, my hand brushing against the rack. Dropping the pan on the rack, I pulled back my hand, "Ow- Shit!"

"Tsukino-hime! Are you alright? Here-" Turning the cold water on, Sanji ushered me to the sink before glaring at the door. "Those bastards dare to burn our Tsukino-hime!" I laughed a little at the words as he all but stomped to the door, grabbing an iron pan before slipping out the door. "Get some ice on that, Tsukino-hime. I'll be right back." Technically it's my fault for not being more mindful, but, you're still very sweet Sanji.

"For such a small burn like that, just running it under water is enough." Placing the other pans on the rack, I closed the oven and checked the clock before opening the door to the deck. "Pfft." It was a little comical seeing the line of bodies in Sanji's wake, marines sprawled across the deck.

"You've sure got some balls, pickin' a fight during mealtime, tough guy." I zeroed in on who he was talking to and smirked, recognizing the hideous striped suit to be the same one the Lieutenant Marine Fulbody was wearing at the Baratie. "Don't got any soup bowls today. You plannin' on licking the deck or somethin'?"

Making my way down the stairs as Fullbody scrambled backward on the deck, "W-What's that waiter doing here?!"

I snorted. "I see you're still disrespectful. Didn't he tell you he was a Sous Chef? Your memory is just as bad as your dining etiquette." Coming to stand next to Sanji, I waved off his worried sentiments about my hand and watched as Fullbody made a choking sound and pointed at me.

"Y-You too?!"

"It's rude to point. Your manners need serious work, too." Narrowing my eyes at him, I suppressed a laugh as he flinched. Turning, he and his marine crew ran to the railing, not even trying to get back on their boat properly, simply trying to escape Merry as fast as possible, even if it meant diving into the sea.

"Huh? He's done already?" Luffy adjusted his hat. Next to him Usopp crossed his arms and grinned.

"Ha! He was nothing but talk!"

"He's as damn wimpy as ever." Sanji joined in and I shook my head, making my way back to the kitchen.

"Come on, you guys! Keep it down, won't you? Honestly, I can't even relax and read a newspaper in peace here!"

In response to Nami's chiding, Sanji's voice rang with a sing-songy quality as he replied, "Nami-swaaan! I'm finished preparing your meal!" Of course, that immediately prompted Luffy to cheer.

"Ooh! I'm starving! Let's eat! Food! Food!"

Returning to the kitchen, I began on the mousse, now that Sanji was finished with the stove, and made a mental note that we were running low on honey. As everyone congregated inside to eat, I set the mousse in the fridge to cool and joined everyone for lunch.

When we were finishing up lunch, I gathered up the stray plates and began to rinse them. Leaning back, Nami said, "We need to talk about our next move now."

"I agree, Nami, how about we move the conversation outside, since the weather's so nice, and I'll bring out the dessert while we talk."

"You don't have to tell me twice."

"Oi! Clean up after yourself first! Don't let Tsukino-hime do all the work!" At Sanji's griping, the crew, sans Nami, who grabbed a map and went outside, cleaned up before also heading out.

Now settled on the deck with desserts on the lounge chair under the umbrella, we looked at the map that Nami had spread out. "Look, we're finally nearing the Grand Line." Pointing at map where several channels meet at the center of a mountain, Nami explained, "It looks like the only way into it is through Reverse Mountain here."

"What a pain. Can't we just sail straight into it?" Zoro leaned back, arms behind his head like usual, and Sanji shook his head, saying,

"Nope. From what the geezer told me, that's the only way boats can enter."

Grabbing another meringue cookie, Usopp hummed. "Hmm? How come?"

"'Cause it's supposedly dangerous."

"But how come?!"

"I don't know any more than that!" Sanji snapped back at Usopp, and I smiled, swallowing a bite of pineapple and honey mousse.

"The reason for that is-"

"Alright! I got it! Let's head straight into it!" Cutting off Nami, Luffy pointed at the map with a meringue cookie before gulping it, and three others down.

"Are you even paying attention!?" Nami scolds and Luffy swallows, cocking his head to the side.

"But it sounds fun! Plus it'd feel way better going straight into it."

Nami brought a hand to her forehead and sighed, "Talking to you makes me feel like I'm gonna go crazy…" Passing her a bowl of mousse and pineapple spears, I sent her a consoling look before saying,
"The ocean itself is the reason that we can't go straight into the Grand Line."

The group looked at me and I took another bite of my mousse as Usopp snapped his fingers in an 'Aha!' gesture. "Ah that's right! You've been on the Grand Line before!"

"I mean, yeah, but I've never actively sailed across it…. I mean, I was actively moving, but it wasn't really like I was ever on deck." I paused, trying to figure out how to say that I was practically shipped like livestock without saying it like that. "Um, usually I was unconscious during the majority of the sailing that was done. Especially as a child, but even two years ago when I woke up in the infirmary of a merchant ship. I could explain some basics, but I'll probably figure most of these things out alongside you guys."

"Unconscious? Infirmary? Were you sick a lot as a child?" I met Nami's eyes, realizing that she was trying to piece together whether my foresight and strange powers had something to do with it. I nodded slightly at her underlying question. It had everything to do with it.

"I suppose you could say that. Sick…. I got injured a lot as a kid, just y'know, not doing what I was supposed to do," What I was allowed to do, "I'm healthy now, though." Shaking my head at the almost-lie, I said, "Anyway, back to our plans. Grand Line, Reverse Mountain, what do we want to do?"

"First we need to stop at an island first and get meat!" I mentally thanked Luffy for the change in topic as Nami pointed at a small island right before the Grand Line.

"There's a famous city on this island… Loguetown."

"Loguetown? What? Is it famous for its meat?" Luffy leaned forward, getting meringue crumbs on the map.

"Also known as the beginning and the end…" Zoro added, reaching for a pineapple spear and cookie before relaxing back against the railing. "I'm pretty sure I've heard that before."

"It's the town where Gold Roger, the old King of the Pirates, was born… and executed." At Nami's words, the atmosphere seemed to sober a little, and I leaned back on my folded legs, lifting my head to release tension in my neck. There's quite a bit of things I'll need to buy there, but more than that… I glanced at Luffy as he repeated Nami's revelation.

"The town where the King of the Pirates died…" There's something about the execution that I need to remember. It involves Luffy.

"Wanna go?" Nami asked, and Luffy nodded.

"Yeah. I wanna see it! I wanna see the town where the man who got the One Piece- everything this world has to offer- was born and died." Ah, I'm getting really excited!


The following few days passed quite calmly. I helped Nami prune her mikan trees, and I refrained from naming the hermit crab that happened to have climbed aboard, though I did spend a little extra time watching it with Luffy as it crawled across the railing. Then Luffy got bored and got Zoro and Usopp to play tag, Zoro being taunted to play by Usopp.

"Nami-swan, Tsukino-hime, I've finished preparing your meal. Hey guys! Food's on!" The duality of Sanji never failed to bring a smile to my lips, and I let out a soft laugh before thanking him and making my way inside. I made tangerine frozen yogurt with special permission from Nami to use some of her mikans, but I was a little late in putting it in the freezer this morning. I should probably check on its progress.

Luffy was first to dig in, and I could hear Usopp struggling to join us, only to yelp as Zoro laughed at him, probably having caught Usopp after he talked so big. "Say, what do you think happened to Buggy after that?" Nami asked as she placed a napkin on her lap and sat across from Luffy. I tilted my head at the mention of Buggy.

"Ah, you guys sent him flying, right? I was unconscious from the poison at the time, so I only heard your recollection. If you sent him flying, chances are he is looking for the rest of his body parts, right?" If I remember correctly, Buggy is pretty neutral in the future, though still self-serving. I wouldn't be surprised if we see him again… see him again? I halted when the thought hit me. Don't we see him again in Loguetown? Squeezing my eyes shut, my thought was interrupted by Luffy's voice.

"Buggy?" Luffy stuffed a chunk of meat into his mouth and then made a noise of recognition, continuing with a full mouth, "Ah, that Buggy! Who knows? Maybe he's at the bottom of the ocean."

"I wouldn't be so sure about that." Looking up from Luffy, I suppressed a laugh at the way Zoro was dragging Usopp into the kitchen by his nose. "Pirates are a stubborn lot, every last one of 'em." Letting go of Usopp, he plopped down next to Nami, ignoring Usopp's complaints as he rubbed his nose. "I hunted pirates for years. I can tell."

"Zoro's right. Buggy is certainly not dead." I worried at my lip before deciding that the memory wasn't going to come to me right then. "We might run into him very soon, if my memory is correct."

"If your memory….?" Usopp asked as he sat down next to Luffy and I set the bowl of frozen yogurt on the counter next to where Sanji was cooking more food, noting that Luffy was eating Usopp's.

"Not that it matters, but your food's gone, Usopp." Sanji said, and Usopp shrieked as Luffy grabbed a slice of bread off of the now empty plate in front of him, question forgotten.

"There's tangerine frozen yogurt for dessert, courtesy of Nami's lovely mikan trees. Thank Nami if you like it." I said, serving the yogurt into fancy glasses that Sanji had set out for me. Grabbing a piece of bread, I took a bite, smiling at the way the consistency had come out. "Sanji, come join us." Sitting down next to Luffy, I dug into my food, not really minding the occasional theft from Luffy. "Here Nami." I learned that Nami actually preferred to let fresh fruit speak for itself, so I made her a white chocolate panna cotta with mikan slices on the side, instead. "This was made with your preferences in mind."

"Thank you, Tsuki!" I smiled at her gratitude and nodded.

After lunch, I shadowed Nami as she made sure we were sailing in the correct direction, getting tips on how to tell where we were going, and reading the signs of the sky and sea. At some point, I sat with Usopp as he tinkered with some tabasco sauce and pinballs. Once dinner was served and finished, Nami and I retired to our room, spending the following two or so hours in companionable silence. Me writing my journal, Nami reading a book on the couch.

Through the escape door that connected the men's quarters to the women's quarters, the faint snoring and arguing of the boys was heard, and I stifled a snort. Looking over to Nami, she seemed to have taken note as well, saying, "I'm amazed they can hold an entire argument in their sleep. Talk about skillful…" I shut my journal in an attempt to divert my attention from my desire to laugh, and Nami stood, stretching her arms. "Well, I guess I'd better hit the hay too. Don't stay up too late, Tsuki."

"Goodnight, Nami." Nodding at her, I smiled gently as she set her book on her desk and settled into the couch, pulling a blanket over herself. It was a change that was made after we left Cocoyashi Village; she seemed to sleep better on the couch and I wasn't using it, so I encouraged her to sleep there if it was beneficial.

Looking through my old journals, everything I wrote down about the Straw Hats' journey is from memory, years after I saw it. It's not very detailed, I don't have anything to go on other than really memorable events. Each new crew member, and emotional moments, like Laboon on Reverse Mountain… I don't recall much about Loguetown, except that there was the execution platform, and a storm. Suppressing a sigh, I made my way to the closet to grab some pajamas. Giving a cautious look to Nami, I changed as quickly as possible, knowing that even though she was facing the back of the couch, she could easily turn at any moment. Once I was changed, I pulled down my hammock and climbed in.

I remember Arabasta, which means we meet Vivi. That reminds me that we have to battle Baroque Works. That's how we get Robin as a member, but before Robin is Chopper. I don't remember his island, only that it's snowy. After Arabasta, we meet Franky at that train island? No, there was a train, but that wasn't the whole island was it? We have to save Robin, and then we lose- Merry! I sat up quickly, but the momentum had the hammock swing and the force pulled me right back down into the hammock. Merry gets damaged beyond repair…. Isn't it because we go up Reverse Mountain? Maybe if we don't fight the current, we can preserve Merry for longer- But we will need a bigger ship, and if Merry isn't irreparable, Usopp won't be swayed… Stars, what do I do? There's also the war, and Ace- Why do I have to know what's going to happen? If only I had a better memory, or access to a journal when I was still in the lab, or even a way to revisit my vi- The pain that shot through the back of my head was expected this time, but still unwelcome.

Train of thought completely derailed by the time the pain subsided, I let out a sigh, pausing as Nami shifted, but remained asleep. When I died, they must've done something wrong in transferring over my memories, or whatever it is they did. I'm still skeptical that that's what they actually did, but whatever they've done to me, it has to do with the pain whenever I remember… whatever it is I almost remembered. "Haaah." pressing my palms to my eyes, I tried to make my body let go of the tension. There's no use in berating myself for my shitty memory right now. Dad would say that I'm putting too much stress on myself by worrying for a future that's subject to change. All I can do is control myself and my powers.

That's right. Focus on your surroundings. Breathe, and feel. Might as well practice since there's no way I'm getting any sleep tonight, only nightmares await me. Closing my eyes, I focused on Merry, the way our beloved ship rocked on the waves, the slight tense of the rope of the anchor, the breathing of Nami next to me, and the boys slightly further away. Red, yellow, green, brown, orange. Relaxed, content, comforted, safe. Breathe in, breathe out. This is gonna be a long night.


"..kino! Tsukino!" Blinking, I shut the book that I was reading, looking up at Tera, her dark hair falling in her face as she stood at the door, out of breath. "It's Akane! I couldn't find Akane, and when I asked around, she was last seen this morning." 'I'm worried something's wrong!' My heart dropped with the book, and I stood, remembering the premonition I'd had the night before. An unmaintained shelter leaking in a thunderstorm. Someone tied up in the corner with a bag over their head. Then… a scream; unnervingly like Akane's voice. "Tsukino!?"

Settling myself with a deep breath, I shook myself out of my thoughts and turned towards Tera. "I have a bad feeling, a dangerous feeling. Ready the boat, we're heading to the little island off the mainland."

"The one with the craggy overgrown forest that's haunted?" We shared a look, and then she nodded. "It'll be done!" Dashing out of the little place the three of us shared, Tera grabbed her wrapped weapon and disappeared behind the house. Walking over to the bookshelf, I opened the third from the right book, revealing a knife in the book shaped box. Let's hope I'm wrong. I grabbed my waterproof coat on the way out.

Much like my premonition, as Tera untied the boat from the little dock behind our house, thunder rumbled as dark clouds rapidly rolled across the sky, adding shadows to the already darkening evening. Heart beating hard against my chest, I started when Tera spoke, the voice overpowering her near incessant mental worrying.

"The weather… Tsukino, I can go alone. I'll find Akane and be back before you-" She stopped as I shook my head. "Alright. I'll row fast."

"Tera."

"Yes?"

"Thank you."

"Anything for you, Tsukino." Just like she promised, Tera rowed fast, much faster than I'd ever seen her row. Ahead of us a small, overgrown islet grew larger. Off to the left, cleverly hidden behind large bushes, I spotted a boat.

"There! She's definitely here." Tera seemed to speed even further, her thoughts running rampant with what ifs, and I hopped out of the boat once we were close enough to the shore, scanning the dense trees as I walked further into the brush. "Tera, in this forest, there's some sort of abandoned shelter. I have a feeling Akane's there." I looked back at where she was tying the boat to a rock. "Could you-"

"I'm on it!" Running past me, she knelt next to the first line of trees, and with a swift punch down, she buried her hand into the soil. Pulling back, she unclenched a fist full of the earth, letting the dampening soil fall back to the earth as rain began to fall. "There are two structures here, one straight ahead, and another that's underground with an entrance northeast of here. This place has a lot of poisonous and dangerous plants. It'd take about fifteen minutes of running to get to the underground entrance, and twenty or so to the house, but that's only if we disregard all the dangerous plants that'll attack us. But I couldn't figure out which one has Akane, I'm sorry."

"No, that's enough to find her. Thank you, Tera." She turned to me and I recalled the vision I had. Leaking from above, a person in the corner, footsteps behind me, light from a candle to the right, barred window, lightning strike. "We need to get to the house. Will you lead the way?"

"Always."

Following Tera's lead through the forest, it got more and more difficult to keep pace as the rain made the terrain more muddy and the plants more vicious, but we kept going. "Wait!" Sliding to a halt as a run-down building came into view, I slowed next to Tera, hair standing on end.

"Is that it?" Backtracking to stand next to me, Tera let out a gasp as lightning struck. Looking down, I realized I had been gripping her arm.

"Sorry. It wasn't my intention…"

"It's okay, Tsukino. I'm glad I could be a comfort to you." Looking back at the building, Tera's expression hardened. "It's right there. We shouldn't enter haphazardly, there could be more than on-" A lightning flash, clap of thunder, and a scream cut her off. "Tsukino!" Her voice was behind me and I realized I had started running.

Slamming my body into the door, it gave way without much resistance, the wood rotted and weak. Spotting a man hunching over Akane, red hair knotted and a bag that was previously on her head by her elbows, tears streaming down her face and a bright bruise on her face, I moved without thinking. As soon as I grabbed him and pulled him away from Akane, both her and his memories and thoughts flooded into my head, and my stomach sank as anger filled my body. Anger at Akane, at this man, at myself, and at every single person that called themselves Akane's friends. And something snapped.

"..kino! Tsu…" A hand grabbed me by my shoulders and yanked me backwards, "Tsukino! He's unconscious! You got him." What?

Blinking rapidly, I took in the sight of the man, one eye bleeding, a knife lodged into the thigh, and a prominent and extremely bloody lack of a reproductive organ. Looking down at my hands, I realized I must have clawed one of his eyes and cut off his dick, stabbing the knife into his thigh. He'll die if we leave him here. "Tera." I looked back to see that Tera had untied Akane and covered her with the cloak she was wearing, noting Akane was in her underwear, her skirt cleanly cut away, probably with scissors, bruises blooming on her body. Akane takes precedent. She should see a doctor. Looking back at the bleeding out, unconscious man- no, rapist, I took a breath. He deserves to die, but… I glanced back down at my hands. "Take the boat and get Akane to the hospital, the one in Golden Village, they have better doctors there. I have money in a box next to my bed in my room."

"Tsuki…" "Tsukino! What about you?" Putting on a brave face, I turned towards the two, seeing the frightened face of Akane, and the worried and stressed face of Tera, I smiled in reassurance.

"Don't worry about it. Everything will be okay." I hope. "Go, hurry! The weather's only gonna get worse!" Nodding, Tera scooped Akane up in her arms and headed out into the rain. "Now…" If he dies, there'll be pressure on Akane and Tera too. But leaving him here is what he deserves. The memories of the man were still fresh in my mind. No. I know what needs to happen. Pulling off my jacket and applying pressure to the biggest wound, I grimaced. Akane wanted to be kidnapped after some taunting from her friends, so she found someone sketchy to play the part. She just happened to find an actual criminal. This wasn't what she expected, nor what she wanted to happen. His death would cloud her conscience, I'm sure.

It was a blur, getting the man to the boat, then to the sketchiest hospital in town in the middle of a nasty summer storm, but I did it without much care for the man himself. I must've made Akane think that being like me would be miserable. Why else would she have such a fear? She didn't want to be treated remotely like me to the point that she'd put herself in danger she could easily get out of. This man's threat of telling everyone about her shouldn't have held so much weight. Even after being questioned for obviously maiming this man, I could only feel numb. It hurts. Does being like me seem so awful?

When I returned home the following morning, it was to Tera storming up to her room, shouting, "What do we even mean to you?! I should;ve never believed you changed! You put Tsukino in danger, you don't even think, do you!? God, your words really aren't worth anything! I don't want to hear anything from you ever again!" as Akane cries on the couch. The thoughts Tera had were much softer, more vulnerable, and belied worry and hurt.

"Tsuki! She hates me! She'll never forgive me!" Immediately I understood what must've happened. Akane must've tried to explain what had happened, letting it slip that she was trying to get kidnapped, to see if her friends would look for her like they said they would.

Sitting down next to her and letting her bury her head in my chest, I gently ran my hand through her hair, vigilant of her thoughts and body language, not wanting to trigger any bad memories. "She's upset right now, but she doesn't hate you." Akane wept, and I hummed softly. "She won't express it, but she was worried out of her mind. Her thoughts were frantic when she noticed you were missing. She's hurt that you put yourself in a situation to test how others view you, when she was sure you knew how much she cared. She feels like you played with her emotions. Let her feel, give her time. And maybe once she's calmed down, everything else will come after. You scared her, Akane. You scared me." Watery apologies were expressed into my shirt, and the fact that she didn't want to be viewed like me was left unsaid. She wasn't ready. "I forgive you. I'll always forgive you, Akane."

A knock on the door, and I stood. Opening the door, I was faced with three large officers. "Fujimoto D. Tsukino. Witch. You are to be taken into custody for the murder of a man that occurred sometime last night." Ah, so he didn't survive after all. I was almost taken aback by how much I didn't care. It was the first time I'd felt apathy for harming another person so actively. For letting someone die.

"Wha- Tsuki didn't-!" Akane's words were cut off by Tera's footsteps racing down the stairs.

"Wait a minute! You listen here! You have it all wrong! A crime was committed, but it was that Pig who-" I turned and whatever expression I had on stopped both Tera and Akane from saying anything else. Akane doesn't want anyone to know. Don't say anything else. I smiled to reassure them.

"It's okay guys, I'll explain so-"

"She's resisting! Hold her down!" Strong hands latched onto my arms and shoulder, and I was careening backwards, my head hitting the ground and-


Sitting up in my hammock, I rubbed at my eyes, stopping when I realized my shaking hands were shiny with tears. I fell asleep. Fuck. Looking around, Nami was still sleeping, and after calming down, I expanded my senses, noting that everyone else was asleep as well. Must not have fallen asleep too long ago then. A glance at the clock confirmed my thoughts. Sighing, I was suddenly aware of how clammy and cold I felt. I need a bath. Extricating myself from the hammock and grabbing a towel and a pair of clothes, I carefully made my way out of the room.

Filling the tub with scalding hot water, I didn't care for the way my skin screamed as I lowered myself into the water. That was… so long ago, why am I thinking of it now? Leaning my head back, I sighed. Akane… I wonder if she ever ended up telling anyone. Tera… I still have to give her a proper answer, though I doubt she would even want it by now. "I want them to have as much joy as the world could possibly offer." I guess it was a nice nightmare, since I got to see their faces so clearly.

I didn't realize how long I had been in the tub until I heard Luffy's voice calling for the anchor to be lifted. Stretching out my senses, I noted that all of the boys were on deck, and Nami had moved in our room.

Shivering suddenly, I realized the hot water was no longer hot, and I'd been sitting in cold water for hours. I propelled myself out of the tub and pulled the drain. Wrapping the fluffy towel around my body, I noticed that my fingers weren't pruned and wrinkled like they should've been. Is this also because of the goddess? After I dressed, I wiped down the bathroom to keep the water from damaging the wood of the ship, and made my way to the kitchen to start on some light breakfast treats. Making pastries will relieve the stress.


(Objective Point of View)

As one of her more productive coping mechanisms, Tsukino made three loaves of honeydough bread, four dozen chocolate chip cookies, and a lemon glaze cake. She probably would have made more if not for the startled shriek of Usopp outside. Just like the rest of the crew she joined Usopp on deck, watching as he pointed over the starboard side of the ship, face pale and shaking, saying, "Th-th-there's a d-d-d-dead guy in the water! In that boat over there!" Not too far off, several birds circled a boat, an unmoving figure could be made out from Merry, and Tsukino gasped, clutching the railing as the boat drew closer, making the features of the person became more and more distinguishable.

Laying sprawled in a boat face down, was a young woman, vibrant red hair pooling in front of her face, only a delicate, upturned nose visible. Her hands were up by her face, wrapped in what seemed to be white bandages. But what made Tsukino's grip tighten to the point where her knuckles had turned white from gripping the railing, was the golden cuff on her forearm, made of a solid center band and two golden feathers on either side, sitting snugly three inches above her wrist, the center band offset just slightly. That's- "Akane!" Vaulting over the railing, Tsukino barely heard the call of her crew members as she fell, splashing into the water without a second thought. Wasting no time to resurface, Tsukino cut through the water, once again showcasing just how powerful of a swimmer she really was as she broke the surface almost a body's length away from the boat that housed one of her dear friends.

Pulling herself onto the boat, she checked first that Akane was breathing, rolling her over and checking her vitals next. She's alive. But this isn't normal sleep. Checking her head, she internally winced as her fingers mapped out a large bump. There were some rough waters earlier, not the kind that a small dinghy like this would normally survive. Lightly pinching the skin on the back of her hand, Tsukino noted that Akane was dehydrated as well. Akane always was almost impossibly lucky.

"Tsukino!" Lifting her eyes to Merry's railing, Tsukino met her crewmates' gaze.

"She's alive, but unconscious. She might have hypothermia, too." Pausing, she looked back at Akane, and inspected her old friend. Her hair was much shorter than when she last saw her, body had more muscle, and despite being obviously unwell, she looked much healthier and stronger than before. Next to her in the front of the little boat was a large bag Tsukino assumed carried Akane's stuff, tied securely to the dinghy. "Luffy," Tsukino drew her eyes away from Akane and to her captain, "May I bring her aboard?"

He laughed, startled expression melting away."Sure!" The smile on his face chased away Tsukino's anxiety, reassuring her as a fluttering feeling of certainty and calm expanded in her stomach.

Untying and gathering Akane's stuff, Tsukino rowed the boat to Merry, and, tying the boat to the rope ladder that Zoro tossed over, she situated the unconscious young woman in her arms and slung the bag over her back, climbing up to the deck. Carefully laying Akane down on the deck and setting her stuff down. Tsukino scooped Akane back up and stood. "Nami, can she rest on the couch for the time being?"

Seeing the way Tsukino looked at this newcomer, face scrunched up in worry and deep care, Nami, as well as the rest of the crew, understood that Tsukino not only knew this woman, but she very clearly meant something to their crewmate. Nami nodded, immediately taken aback by the brilliant smile Tsukino shot her way, gratitude evident on her face. As Tsukino disappeared inside with the red-headed woman, the rest of the crew was at a loss for words. No one said anything until Zoro made a noise in the back of his throat, like he'd remembered something. Carefully pulling a photo out of his haramaki, Zoro's eyes focused especially on the girl opposite of the one Tsukino had pointed out when she handed him the photo. The young girl in the photo had long, pin straight red hair that fell past her hips, just as vibrant as the red-haired woman Tsukino had taken to the Women's Quarters.

"Ah! That's her! That's the goddess Tsukino-hime just brought aboard!" Sanji's exclamation seemed to be enough to have the group crowding around Zoro, taking in the similarities between the child in the picture, and the young woman they just saw.

"Oi, Damn Cook, be careful!"

"Sanji's right, they look the same! Who're the other two?" Usopp snatched the photo from Sanji, who had taken it from Zoro. Luffy was looking over Usopp's shoulder with curious eyes, and watched as Nami took the photo from Usopp.

"I'm not sure about the other one, but the one in the middle is clearly-"

"That one's me." Jumping as Tsukino's voice took them off guard, they didn't notice as Tsukino returned, smiling as they gathered around her photo. Gently picking the photo out of Nami's hand, Tsukino inclined her head towards the kitchen, "How about we sit inside, and I'll explain over some sweets."

There were no objections, and the crew arranged themselves around the table, munching on the cookies as Tsukino cut up slices of the honeydough bread and set out the dark chocolate cookies for Zoro. He likes sweet things as long as they aren't too sweet. Setting up the sliced bread and lemon glaze cake, Tsukino seated herself, sighing, "I suppose it would make sense to start with this." Setting the photo on the table, she smiled, a tinge of sad nostalgia present as she pointed to each person. "I think I mentioned before that I've only ever had three friends, one of which is my sister, Eliana. She's not in this photo, but fortunately," Tsukino brushed her hair to one side and pilled at the ribbon's knot at the nape of her neck, carefully letting the choker loosen, "I do have a photo of her, though it's very old." Luffy and Nami's eyes widened as Tsukino brought her locket away from her neck, carefully opening the beautifully crafted metal sand dollar. They knew this was Tsukino's most cherished treasure, they and Zoro immediately realizing that these people inside were Tsukino's precious people. Usopp and Sanji slowly piecing it together.

Inside the smooth silver locket was a picture of a woman with shiny, well cared for curly hair tied back in a low ponytail. She wore an outfit befitting of a well respected patissier, and on either side of her, with her hands on their backs, were two girls who looked to be twins of, even if their hair and eyes weren't as identical as the rest of them. They looked to be about nine years old. The woman's hair curled similarly to Tsukino's, though it was a beautiful chestnut brown. Her blue eyes were gentle, a loving gaze directed at the two children who anyone could tell were her daughters, her face lit up with laughter. The girl on her right (the photo's left) was smiling wide, her eyes a blue much paler than her mother's, and pale blonde, curly hair tied up in a bun. Flour on her face, she held up a pretty necklace, a sunstone in the center of metal molded to look like the sun, the gem off center, as a sliver of metal gave the impression of a crescent moon. She was leaning forward, in front of the brown haired woman, her other hand clasping the fingers of the other child.

The other child's face mirrored the blonde girl's perfectly, save for green eyes that glittered mysteriously, and dark hair, a blue that was darker at the roots, almost black, a perfect opposite of the bright haired child. She smiled more shyly, awkwardly, like she still wasn't used to the act, her body also leaned forward as the other child clutched her fingers. Her other hand gingerly brushed a sand dollar shaped necklace on a shiny silver chain that was a little too big for such a small, unnaturally skinny child. She was wearing baggy clothes, though a hint of bandages could be seen wrapping around her right thumb and up under the sleeve as the uncovered fingers gingerly held the locket. "That's Reiko, and she's Eli."

Nami reached out, stopping short. "May I?" Tsukino smiled, placing her locket in Nami's hand, saying,

"Of course!" Eyes misty at the show of trust, Nami gingerly brought the open locket closer as Tsukino added, addressing the crew, "Feel free to pass it around when you're done." Nami felt her heart clench at the parallels between this small photo, and the photo of her, Bellemere, and Nojiko that sat on her desk downstairs. "Is this also you?" Tsukino nodded, and Nami traced the edge of the locket before passing it to Sanji, who began praising Reiko's beauty, and waxing poetic about Eli and Tsukino. Usopp grabbed it from Sanji, and then it was passed to Zoro, who after glancing at it, passed it to Luffy.

When Luffy passed it back to Tsukino, she re-laced the ribbon through the locket's eyelet and tied it back around her neck. Pointing at the much larger photo on the table, Tsukino started with the tallest, brown-haired girl on the left. "This is my dearest and closest friend, Tera. She may look rather stoic, but the longer you know her, the easier it is to see just how expressive she is. I imagine she's become a pirate or perhaps a member of a rebellion group. She might even be a pirate hunter like you, Zoro." Tsukino smiled a proud smile, "Whatever she's doing, I'm sure she's doing it successfully." Pointing at the center, Tsukino said, "As I said before, that's me, probably about five or six years ago. And that's Akane." Tsukino moved on, "She's the person who's resting downstairs currently. She'd be nineteen now, so she's thirteen in the picture."

"~~You have pretty friends, Tsukino-hime~~!"

"Shut up, lousy cook. She wasn't finished."

Tsukino stifled a laugh before her eyes turned serious. "That's true. The last time that I saw Akane, I had been shot while we were out. When I woke up, I was on a ship headed out of the Grand Line." Brushing off their alarmed looks, Tsukino continued, "What's important to know is that Akane was on the Grand Line, so I don't know why she's in the East Blue. She's never liked sailing or swimming much, so I don't have the slightest idea why she'd be here. Other than that, any questions you have, I'll do my best to answer them well."

Zoro hummed, bringing up something that made Tsukino's stomach drop. "Back on Nami's island, Arlong said something about a goddess, and people like you were being exterminated."

There was a moment as the words sunk in, and as Tsukino opened her mouth to speak, she felt Luffy bump his shoulder to hers. Ah, she thought, meeting his eyes, he's reassuring me, like that night with Luna. Smiling in gratitude at Luffy, she addressed the crew. "I've said before that my power is the result of some bored meddling of deities. I don't really know too much about the history of it all, but some large organizations have been trying to erase all the knowledge, and from how little people seem to know about it, I'd say they're doing a good job. From what I do know, only those who are called Priests and Priestesses, and accept the calling to serve such gods are being targeted. I have no desire to live my life at the will of some detached and uncaring god. Besides," Tsukino added, seeing the serious expressions of the crewmembers she'd come to love so dearly, "I have such amazing crewmates, I don't need to worry about some oppressive organization." Tsukino looked pointedly at Zoro, then shared a look with Luffy. "You're strong, after all."

"Tsukino-hime…" "Aww, Tsuki!" "Heh, of course! I actually took down 700 men once with my bare hands!" As Sanji, Nami and Usopp smiled at her trust, Zoro narrowed his eyes before tilting his head slightly towards Tsukino, very clearly saying, 'We're not finished talking about this.' and Tsukino knew that Zoro picked up on the fact Tsukino was trying not to scare the crew. Nami and Usopp especially. Tsukino nodded, and he seemed satisfied, watching as Nami, Sanji, and Usopp all gathered around Tsukino and Luffy, initiating a group hug.

"If you'd like to know a little more about the old gods, I can explain." The gentle, watery voice interrupted the heartfelt moment, and everyone felt Tsukino stiffen. Lifting her head, bright green met pale green as their eyes locked, a tightness in her chest at the tears that rolled down Akane's cheeks, the mixed emotions twisting Akane's delicate face in disbelief, joy, and regret. As the group hug broke, Tsukino and Akane stood staring at each other, until, "Tsukino." a sob, "It's really you right?" Her hand came up to her mouth, and Tsukino couldn't help but notice how badly her hands were shaking, "I thought you were dead!"


And that is it for chapter 15 my lovelies! I know it's been a while since I updated, but I should be back to updating more frequently.

TLDR; Tsukino dreams of a time when she, Tera, and Akane were living together. Tera appears, distraught because Akane is missing, and Tsukino recalls an ominous vision she had that leads her to a secluded islet. On the boat ride there, we see that Tera clearly treasures Tsukino significantly, even going to say that she'd do anything for her. On it, after running through thick and dangerous forests, the two arrive at an abandoned house, where they hear a scream. Tsukino arrives, sees a man attempting to assault Akane, and loses her reason, coming to after cutting his dick off with a stab aimed at his thigh, clawing out one of his eyes, and beating him repeatedly until Tera pulls her back. Not caring if the man dies, but having read both his and Akane's thoughts showing that Akane wanted to be kidnapped to get a reaction out of her friends (with it going terribly wrong) she has Tera take Akane to a hospital and she alone takes the man to a different hospital, knowing that Akane will feel guilty i the man she sought out for her plan ends up dying. When she arrives home in the morning, she comforts a distraught Akane who had told Tera a little about why she was kidnapped, leaving out the fact that she didn't want to be seen in the same light as Tsukino(which Tsukino hears anyway). Akane apologizes, to which Tsukino tells Akane, "I forgive you. I'll always forgive you." Moments later, there's a knock on the door, and two authorities call Tsukino a witch and wish to take her in for a murder that occurred the previous night. Knowing that Akane didn't want what had happened to get out, she turns to reassure Tera, who protested and Akane, that she would take care of it. The officers assume she's resisting, and fearing her powers, yank her down, her head hitting the ground as Tsukino wakes up. - - -TLDR end

Thank you all so much for waiting, and I'm sorry for taking so long to update. The Question of the Chapter is, If there was something you could say to your past self, what would you say? Thank you again, and I hope you all enjoy this, and future chapters!