Shade- Next chapter. Maybe it will be long as well… by the way, I'm "killing off" Vivi and Koru because I don't want them anymore. I won't literally have them killed in my story but I just won't write them in. I'm not really an author who likes to pay attention to consistency when it comes to these things. And I'm not adding in Robin since I haven't seen enough of the show to know too much about her.

Disclaimer: I do not own One Piece or anybody within its world.

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Chapter 5: New Town

The door swung open and, with uncanny timing, a burst of lightning erupted from the sky behind Monoka and illuminated the whole room, with her long shadow running over some of the crew's faces. A scream ran through the air pairing itself with the bright light in timing, and when the lightning disappeared, it left a fuming Monoka before the eyes of the Straw Hats. She scanned the room quickly and saw Hibo standing next to Nami with the biggest smile she had ever seen him make.

"Monoka!" He ran over to Monoka who had dropped to her knees so Hibo could reach her and wrapped his arms around her neck.

The others in the room were completely floored at seeing Monoka on the ship. How in the hell did she get here? However, there was another question resting in someone's mind.

"Who screamed?" Nami looked around the room and saw Usopp sitting in the corner wide eyed and patting his chest. "Oh, of course." Nami then turned her attention back to the reunited siblings. "How in the world did you get here?" She took a step forward when asking the question to try and make herself seem more intimidating.

"Doesn't matter, do you have a lifeboat so we can leave?" Monoka's voice was stern. Even though these people didn't seem like the typical pirates she had run into before in her life she was still always on guard. She had dropped Hibo and nudged him behind her legs. She stared forward, straight into Nami's eyes trying to intimidate back. The room was quiet for a couple of seconds and all the guys looked between the two girls seeing the tension. Knowing Nami, they were afraid that finding a match in attitude like Monoka would set her (and then, consequently, Monoka) off. However, she somehow kept her fiery composure and spoke instead of yelled.

"I'm sorry, but we can't let you go through this storm in a dinky lifeboat." Nami paused and looked down at Hibo. "It would endanger him, and I know you of all people wouldn't like that." Nami crossed her arms over her chest defensively and waited for what Monoka was going to say. She watched Monoka look out the window noticing the rain coming down hard. She smiled when she saw that she had in a strange way beaten Monoka, but that quickly turned to a frown when she realized something else.

"I guess we have to stay then huh?" Hibo had followed Monoka's gaze and understood perfectly. They couldn't go out in a bad storm when they were so far away from home. He had seen the map that Nami had and saw how far they had sailed before Monoka had come in. Monoka looked down at him and they locked eyes. Hibo had a slight look that said please? to Monoka and she sighed.

"I guess we have to." Monoka bent down and picked up a happy Hibo. "You don't by chance have a room do you?" Monoka's tone was condescending as she looked over the room of pirates who were looking at her still surprised of her presence on their ship.

"Hey, we have to figure out what we're doing first." Nami took hold of the conversation again and was still trying to see what they could do. As she grabbed everyone's attention, though, a large wave crashed against the hull and made the whole room shake. The crew grabbed on to whatever was closest so they wouldn't fall over but Monoka was the only one who stood in her spot unmoved by the rocking of the ship. "Usopp, get out there to the crow's nest and look to make sure we're going where we're supposed to, the rest of you make sure nothing's falling over board and tie anything that you need to down."

"I'm checking on my medicines." Chopper rushed out of the room even before the others because, after that wave, he was afraid some of his precious equipment might be broken. All the other men followed Nami's orders and left, passing Monoka on the way. She looked into each of their eyes, Usopp, Luffy, Sanji and Zoro's; with an attitude that said she didn't trust them, at all. Once they passed, she turned back to an agitated looking Nami and waited to be led to some kind of room. Nami walked toward her and stood in front of her face trying to look as tall as she could even though she was quite shorter than Monoka.

"We have a guest room at the end of the hall, but before you go there, we have to square away exactly what we're going to do with you. We're not turning around, we're almost to the next port and it would be a lot safer to dock there first. We could, I suppose, sail you two back but—"

"No need, we're not going back." When Monoka spoke, Hibo looked at her oddly, as did Nami. "I guess, in some way, this was a sign for it. We've been meaning to move for a while. It looks like this is the perfect opportunity for us. Now, if you could lead us to that room?" Monoka took command of the conversation as she liked to do and saw it ticked off Nami (since she liked to take control as well). Giving a small smirk, she let Nami pass her and lead her down the hallway.

"Monoka? What were saying about us moving?" Hibo was sitting on a bed along with Monoka. She had brought their chest into the room and put it in the corner nearest the bed. Monoka knew she had to tell Hibo now since he was clearly confused. She patted the part of the bed between her legs and Hibo crawled over on all fours and plopped himself down in front of her. Monoka sighed before starting.

"You know I care for you more than anything Hibo, even if I do lose track of time sometimes," Monoka had started speaking, but when she said the last part Hibo stared back up at her with a look that said sometimes? "Okay, a lot, but that's not the point. Over the years our location has become better known to the people who are after you. I was meaning to tell you we should move away for safety today. However, I found you gone." Now, Monoka was the one who gave a look and Hibo understood that she had been awfully scared seeing him gone.

"I got bored and went to visit Luffy. I brought the chest to show them some of the things we use—" Monoka's eyes got a little wider, thinking of the things that the others could have seen. "After a while, it was time for my nap I guess and I accidentally fell asleep in the pantry. Then they left I guess."

"They left and didn't even know that you were still on the ship?"

"They kept talking about Zoro saying he saw me leave or something." Hibo shrugged and fell back into Monoka's chest and yawned. They had been on the ship for a couple hours and night was starting to come. She rubbed his arm and he closed his eyes.

"We won't change into pajamas tonight I guess. Too much has happened, too much has changed." Monoka laid down her head on the pillow and kept Hibo in her grip. Pulling the covers over them both, the warm feeling of cloth over her body was comforting. Even the fact that they were on a real bed was comfort enough. It had been a couple years since she had felt this serene and calm while trying to drift into sleep. And for once, she fell asleep in a soothing quickness that had never captured her when she slept on the cold concrete of the warehouse.

At some point in the night, the Going Merry had sailed into port while the storm was still raging and managed to get tied up and secure. The waves that rocked the boat somewhat violently had actually acted as a sort of rocking crib for Monoka and Hibo and they were in a comfortable sleep like no other. The crew, however, were on a different note. They all, except Chopper who was fast asleep before they even got into port (his medicines were fine), were sitting at the kitchen table trying to figure things out.

"Monoka said they could be let off here. Said they had decided to move." Nami was explaining her conversation to the others so they could be caught up.

"So we're good then? Everything's settled and we don't have to sail back?"

"Yep, they'll find a place to live I guess and we can sail off as if none of it happened."

"Aw, I was having fun with Hibo. And the things Monoka does are cool! I'm gonna miss them…" Luffy sat at the table thinking. He was actually rubbing his fingers on his chin as if in deep thought. The others knew the look and were quick to react.

"Luffy, no. They cannot join our crew. Hibo is too small and Monoka is too much of a bi—"

"Hibo is not too small! He's the same age I was when I wanted to be a pirate! And Monoka is probably a good fighter; remember the sword Hibo said was hers?" Luffy was trying his hardest to convince the rest of his crew but it didn't seem to be going too well.

"Hey, we already have a swordsman, even if he is a crappy one. Actually, in that case, I wouldn't mind having her instead of Marimo." Sanji was standing against the wall next to the stove and smoking a cigarette. He was cold after being out on top of the boat and wanted something to warm him up.

"Maybe she can cook, then we can replace you." Zoro stood up and looked straight at Sanji with anger. Sanji met his gaze and was about to respond but Nami tried to get the conversation back on track.

"We're not taking them on. We let them off tomorrow. That's final. Now, everyone go to bed." Nami left without waiting for a response and left. The others just looked at Luffy and shook their heads. Monoka and Hibo joining them didn't seem like the best idea, especially since Monoka didn't seem to like them much. Sanji, Zoro and Usopp left Luffy by himself in the kitchen and went to the men's quarters.

"Aw," Luffy sighed after his failed attempt to get new members for their crew. Usually, his word was final, but it seemed now that it wouldn't be happening.

The dark night sky overcast with clouds didn't let any light through the windows of the Going Merry. The pitch blackness allowed everyone to drift into slumber quickly. However, the fighting conscience of one awoke her in the middle of the night. Monoka's eyes opened slowly and she saw almost nothing through the dark. She could feel her arms wrapped around Hibo and she glanced down at him and could just make out his little hand at his face, he was sucking on his thumb. She smiled and closed her eyes again, trying to get back to sleep. However, her restless mind just wouldn't allow her. All she could think about was their new home and if it would be safe.

She opened her eyes again. This time, the sleep was completely out of her and she knew she wouldn't be able to fall back asleep, no matter how much she wanted to. Slowly, she lifted herself out of bed and made sure not to move Hibo too much. He was a pretty heavy sleeper (seeing as how he could sleep on Monoka's back while she ran from the Navy and pirates). Finally, she made it onto the hard wood floor and lifted the cover back over Hibo's body.

What she was thinking of doing was crazy to her. In any other situation with any other pirates she would never dream of doing this. But there was something that she was unwilling to admit about these particular pirates that made her feel somehow safe with them. The thought scared her immensely, but even though Hibo was only six he was a pretty okay judge of character, and these guys were definitely not normal pirates. They didn't even steal any of the money that Monoka had stored in her chest which she was completely expecting, especially from the red head. Therefore, even though she felt strange doing it, she felt like she could safely keep Hibo here alone. Besides, Hibo has shown before that he can hold his own, these guys were just teenagers anyways, she could tell.

Finally, she grabbed the key to the room and locked it when she left. Turning around, her foot caught on something and she pitched forward letting out a yelp. Quickly, she grabbed her mouth to hush herself. She stopped to try and listen and make sure she didn't wake anybody. She heard nothing. Monoka then tried to figure out what it was that she had tripped over. Reaching down, she could feel what it was, she could feel smooth wood and then she knew what it was. A Bo staff? Grunting angrily toward whoever left that there, she set it off to the side and kept walking down the hall till she made it out onto the deck.

The storm had passed and only a chilly wind was left of it. She looked out toward the town and saw only a few lights still on along with the street lights. She moved to the edge of the ship getting ready to jump and paused a second to think of Hibo. Taking a deep breath, she jumped over.

In town, the only places that were still open were bars and taverns. Since she wasn't in a mood to drink, she found a convenience store instead for some water. She walked around the town, sort of grading it on how well it suited her and her expectations. It was okay, but paled in comparison to her actual home. But she figured that she would think that about every place. Continuing on, she saw a store filled with rare and rather random knick knacks that she always seemed to be attracted to and stopped in the middle of the street to look at it. While she stopped, however, attention started to be attracted towards her from the tavern across the street.

Monoka, slightly more keen on hearing than others, could hear the slurred obscenities that some of the bar goers were spitting about her to their friends. Trying to hold her cool and not wanting to start a scene, she decided to head back to the ship and check on Hibo. However, once she tried, her plans slowly unraveled.

"Hey girlie, I've never seen you around, ya new to tha town? I could show you around." The bumbling and idiotic talk of a drunken man made Monoka stop. Usually, her attitude would overtake her and she would retaliate, but this was a new beginning; a second chance. It would be better if she didn't make any of the locals mad. Taking a deep breath, she turned around and continued toward the port. However, yet again, that was disrupted.

"Hey, hey, hey there. I was talkin' to ya, didn't ya hear?" Now, the drunken man had somehow, against the laws of heavy drinking, stood up and blocked Monoka's way. He was kneeling over, unable to really hold the weight of his own head and looking at her with sleepy eyes. Since he was breathing heavily, Monoka could smell the grog on his breath and she instantly scrunched up her face and shrunk away. Again, trying to avoid the situation, she motioned around the man but he stopped her with his free arm (the other was occupied by a half empty bottle of liquor). Finally, Monoka tried, with the last of her effort, to control her newly uprooted anger and ignored the man. Yet, that still wouldn't work.

"Now hear this girlie," the man spoke with a drunken slur, and grabbed her upper arm. He was level with her face, only a mere five inches from it ,which made the horrid smell of his breath even worse, and looked into her eyes which were now just slits. "This can go easy and you just do what I say. Or, it can be hard and I hurt you…" The man then squeezed her arm tightly with his huge hands. This was the last straw. You can speak down to her, you can make fun of her to your buds, you might even get away with degrading her if she's in the right mood, but there was no way you could hurt her without getting horns in return.

Nostrils flared, Monoka grabbed the man's hand and ripped it off her. The man only chuckled in response at her feistiness, but went flat faced soon after. The look in her eyes, it wasn't like the other women's he'd hit on. She didn't show the common fear, not even anger, but a fiery hatred.

"If you value the skin on your face you will sit back down and continue on with your sad, unfulfilling life." While Monoka spoke, she got closer to the man's face just so he could see deeper into her gray eyes. She also reached into her pocket while she spoke and wrapped her fingers around something. She was waiting for the man's decision. He thought for a few seconds, and just gave a sly smile.

"I think I'd prefer to plow you—" Just as fast as the man spoke, the bottle of liquor was ripped out of his hands. Monoka took a large swig of the tart alcohol. The man just looked on in surprise, not expecting this kind of reaction. Every thing was also happening too fast to react as well. She then took her other hand from out of her pocket. She was holding her purple lighter. Then she flicked it on.

Before anything could be said, Monoka spat out the liquor towards the open flame. A huge ball of fire formed in front of her face and straight into the face of the man. When the ball hit him, he erupted in a yell and fell to the ground. The other men witnessing this were too stunned to react at once. The man's hair and face were on fire. Too bad for him he had a beard.

Monoka just looked down at him flat faced. She took one more gulp of the drink and swallowed it then dropped the bottle on the man, igniting the rest of his upper half in flame. "I gave you a way out of that you know." Monoka turned to head back when she remembered there were other men.

"Hey bitch! Get back here!" Several men were preoccupied with trying to put their friend out with their coats, but others had stood up to chase after Monoka. Noticing this, Monoka sprinted off down a side alley. The drunken men chased after her but they were easily lost with a few twists and turns. Once she had worked her way deep within the town she finally stopped. Panting slightly, she swore at herself for letting her anger get her. There was no way she and Hibo would move here.

About an hour later, Monoka got back to the port. She hadn't been paying attention to where she was going while she ran nor did she want to end up back where she started, so she followed her nose back to the sea. Getting back on board, she stopped for a bit to feel the sea breeze. This always calmed her and for some reason made her feel good. After calming herself, she moved toward the door leading to the lower deck when something in the window glinted in the newly rising sun and caught her eye. It came from the Navigator's room. Thinking, Monoka looked back at the town and noticed there was no sign saying its name.

'It'd be good if I knew this place as to know never to come back.' Monoka quietly opened the door to the lower deck hallway and then the door to the Navigator's room. Once inside, Monoka could see that the thing that caught her eye was the compass. Walking over to the map that laid out on the table she quickly found the island that was her home, Furberia Island. Moving her finger east, the first island it moved over was Kilmer Island.

'Okay.' Monoka was happy with herself, though kept moving her finger east following a red line drawn across it. Wondering where it was leading to, she stopped and stared bug eyed at a small island that was barely big enough to see somewhere between where they were and their destination. She started to breath heavier when she looked around for a magnifying glass. When she found one, she moved it over the map and looked at the island. Her heart was beating erratically as she remembered what she had been told several years ago.

"Just like a flame…" Monoka whispered as she looked over the vaguely detailed shape of the island. Her heart continued to pound and she could hear it in her ears. Then, she noticed that the red line that marked where the ship was to travel passed extremely close but did not stop at the island. Monoka continued to examine the map and saw tick marks below the red line in faint pencil scratches. They said the dates expected to get to each port. Looking in between the two ports that were nearest the island it showed to be a few months away. Gulping, Monoka started to think a mile a minute inside of her head. After several minutes passed, she gave a weak smile and a small chuckle.

"It could all be over…" Monoka's small smile became a grin after she was thinking of what could be. Trembling with excitement, she put the magnifying glass down. Although, the others still expected them to leave this morning. She worried slightly. She and Hibo were definitely not staying here, not after that and not after she'd found this. Leaving the room, she walked slowly back down the dark hallway, looking at each door and remembering where they led with a smile still.

'The kitchen, the bathroom, men's quarters, "Nami's room"… guest room.' Monoka stopped at the end of the hallway. Fishing into her pockets, her fingers brushed against her lighter and then she grabbed the key. Still trembling, she finally stuck it in and twisted it, then she opened the door and walked in. Hibo lay in the same position as when she left and she exhaled a breath she didn't know she took. Instead of rejoining him, she went to the desk that was positioned in front of the window and waited for the sun to rise and her little brother to wake up.

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Shade- WHOO, another long one. They'll all probably be long. About the islands I mentioned, Kilmer is the last name of an actor I've just been thinking a lot about for some odd reason and Furberia is Italian for artfulness, craftiness and trick. If the ending seems a little jumpy and without flow, that's because I forgot to write in the most important part and then added it in later.

Please review!