Sooo, I know it's blo**y late.. nevertheless, I wish you all a late Happy New Year :)

Thank you so much for your continuing support! :* :D

Disclaimer: I don't own One Piece. If I did, Luffy would have kicked Doffy's butt all over the Grand Line by now... yeah I'm a little impatient lol xD

XYXXYXYXYXYYX

Chapter 8 – No questions asked, no answers needed

Billy was more than hyped up. He was free, Luffy had really done it! After all these years of desperation and loneliness the enemy was taken down. Billy wanted to barge into their little circle so badly, dying to embrace Luffy and have his hand sewed back on as fast as possible. Really, how reckless was that child?! If he knew of Luffy's brilliant plan, by all means he would have stopped him. Now it was too late of course, but Billy couldn't help but feel a deep regret. Hopefully his hand will be saved...if not, Billy would never forgive himself for letting that happen.

Billy was about to get up and trot over to Luffy and the rest, but he hesitated suddenly. The crew was standing around Luffy, staring at him with mixed emotions and Billy couldn't help but sit back down. They looked like they wouldn't let anyone else near them at the moment, and the old man couldn't blame them. He realized he wouldn't be much of a help but rather a huge disturbance, so despite all he held himself back.

If he was being loud and happy now who knew how the crew would react. They were confused enough as it was already. Plus, Billy felt like an outside all of sudden... he liked the boy a lot, but he hadn't known him for long, didn't know all his habits and expressions and all the laughter he shared with his friends everyday. This was their moment, and he knew he had to grant them some distance and give them some time.

So he sat back and eyed Chakena warily, just in case.

Usopp's heart was pumping loudly in his chest. The drumming was deafening, and he could swear the others must hear it as well – but everyone's attention was fixed on the young man in their middle. Usopp had to swallow, trying to suppress his trembling. He wanted to talk to him so badly, but no sound was coming out, his mouth was just too dry. He felt like he'd run a marathon and couldn't stop. All he could do was watch with mouth slightly agape.

At the same time, the relief that washed over him was overwhelming. Thank god, he thought, thank god we beat him, whoever he is. Thank god we made that decision and went after the stranger instead of believing in our memories. Usopp didn't even want to imagine what would have happened if they hadn't changed sides... if they had still supported Chakena.

"Who is that guy..." He murmured and wiped his snotty nose.

Nami felt similar. Images whirled in her mind, messing with her thoughts. She was happy, but at the same time so angry. The emotions were battling inside her, tying her stomach to a lump.

She knew already, but she had to ask. She needed to hear it, otherwise her tears would be in vain.

"That guy... Chakena... he's not our captain, is he?" sh asked carefully, hopefully.

"He can't be." Zoro muttered toneless. "Damn, I haven't felt this pissed off for a long time."

The others agreed quickly. "Same here. It's just a feeling, a thought, but I think he controlled us somehow." Sanji pointed out, trying to get himself together. He looked at Luffy's trembling form questioningly, hoping for some sort of confirming.

"What the hell happened to us? Brainwashing?" Franky asked, still worked up. His eyes darted back and forth between Luffy and the dead-looking Chakena. Luffy refused to look them in the eyes and continued to stare at the deck, hair shadowing his expression. It was ticking the cyborg off.

"I believe I know who he is...", Robin murmured more to herself. "But I don't really know him...?"

There was a short pause, and Luffy still wouldn't answer. He was trembling. He was scared. He wanted them to remember, but they still didn't recognize him. He didn't dare look at them, afraid it would chase them away if they saw the hurting in his eyes. It hurt more than his stupid arm, and if he could make them remember by sacrificing his second hand, he would gladly do it. But it wouldn't change a damn thing. Luffy didn't know what to do, and he was scared. He would still sail with them – of course! - even if they didn't know him, but all those precious memories were gone.

They were his family, but he was a stranger.

Even Chopper forgot about the wounds he needed to treat. He looked at the boy and couldn't stop himself from feeling pity... for him, for all of them. He truly had no idea how they all got into this mess or when it started, but he felt horrible. He wanted to hug the black-haired boy but his body didn't move.

Brook stepped forward and stated frankly, "You are our captain." He sounded convinced.

Luffy lifted his head so fast the others flinched. Somehow, this was just what he needed to hear. Brook's voice was strong and didn't waver like Nami's had, and Luffy felt the energy return. There was hope in his eyes, and light that caught them in his stare. They couldn't look away, and neither could he. Luffy's breath was caught in his throat as he watched. There was a strange air around him, a serious aura. The others tensed, waiting for the answer that seemed to never come. Just say it. Like Nami, they all seemed to know, but they wanted to hear it.

"I'm your captain." He stated finally, and a huge grin appeared on his face. "I'm your captain Luffy. You are my nakama." He repeated, and the smile was contagious.

That's what they all had been dying to hear, and the atmosphere grew warm immediately. Their shoulders sagged, all tension leaving them and making way to relief. They smiled at each other like complete idiots and Billy couldn't help but grin as well.

"Stupid kids." He chuckled.

"Would someone care to explain what is going on?" Franky grumbled half-heartedly but couldn't hide his smile.

"So it's true? He messed with our minds? It was just his devil fruit powers?" Chopper asked, caught between laughing and crying. He was so happy. He felt his affection for the boy well up inside him as if he'd known him for a whole lifetime.

"Yes." Robin answered, patting his head gently.

"But how? And how do we get the memories back?" Sanji wanted to know, putting the happy chattering to an abrupt end. He was confused to no end.

At that, Luffy grinned. "That's right, he's a devil fruit user...I'm so glad! No worries, I know how to undo the spell." He laughed, and shook all the tenseness off like swatting away an annoying bug. Whatever lay before them, he'd make sure they were on a road of success. Even if his tactic didn't work, he'd make new memories with them, their past didn't really matter.

"You got a plan? How?" They all demanded rather impatiently, but instead of getting an explanation, Luffy rose unsteadily.

Suddenly, everyone seemed to realize the numerous wounds over his body. Nami's eyes grew huge.

"Hold on... are you okay? Oh God that's right, your hand!" She covered her mouth again and had the urge to look away. The scene earlier was definitely the craziest, most reckless thing she'd ever witnessed.

"Ah! You shouldn't move! Let Chopper-san treat you!" Brook began to panic, waving his bony hands around. Luffy just shook his head and continued his unsteady journey over to their so-called former captain confidently, passing the others.

"Sh-should he walk around in his condition?" Usopp muttered to Chopper who watched with disbelieving eyes. The reindeer sprang to life as if bitten by a snake, suddenly remembering his doctor mode. He'd been in such a daze he completely oversaw the wounds.

"Absolutely not! He's heavily wounded!" Chopper squeaked indignantly. "I have to sew his hand back on immediately, or else it will be too late! And he's losing too much blood! He's in a really bad condition!"

"Chopper, let him get things right first." Zoro told him, trying to stay calm. Inwardly, a huge storm of emotions was rumbling but he didn't let any of it show on his face. Zoro knew they had to trust the strawhat kid now; it was important.

Chopper looked like he wanted to protest, but Robin lay a gentle hand on his shoulder, shaking her head. Usopp could only watch anxiously, wanting as badly as the doctor to get the guy treated as soon as possible, but even he understood the importance of the situation and held himself back.

Chakena didn't do as much as twitch as he lay in a pathetic heap on the deck. For once, Luffy didn't feel a shred of pity for that man and stared at him coldly. That man had nearly destroyed them. Destroyed him. And in such a cheap, pitiful way Luffy could barely suppress his anger. He clenched his fists, gulping down his fury before turning back to the nearest person with a sigh.

"Sanji." Addressed person blinked at him.

"I won't be able to stay awake much longer, and you guys have to take care of things then. Promise me you'll fish him out again once you remember, okay?" Luffy asked him in all seriousness, trembling slightly from the extortion.

"What?" the cook didn't get an explanation. Instead, Luffy turned back to Chakena and kicked him - literally- off the ship in one swift motion. Luffy gave one last satisfied hum as he swayed, all of his strength used up completely.

Billy watched wide-eyed, but somehow satisfied. Couldn't say he didn't deserve that.

The crew gasped, even though they didn't feel sorry at all for the guy but it was somehow still disturbing to watch. As soon as Chakena hit the water, Luffy stumbled before his legs gave out completely. His eyes rolled in the back of his head.

"Luffy!" They all cried out in synchronization.

Sanji reacted immediately and caught him, but Luffy was already unconscious. All of sudden, everyone jerked into motion as if a switch had been pressed. The crew rushed forward at once, tightening their protective circle around the young man. Most of them were dangerously close to having a panic attack, happiness and relief from before forgotten. Chopper shooed them a way a bit to gain room for him and his patient. Questions and noises of surprise and utter confusion filled the air as they tried to progress what the hell had happened; some took one wary look over the railing, others just watched reluctantly as Chopper was about to start treating Luffy when something strange happened.

A light, as bright and blinding as a flash and then darkness. The Strawhats gasped simultaneously, feeling hot and weak at the same time as if running a high fever. An overwhelming feeling of powerlessness rushed over them; they sunk to their knees, shaking badly and grabbing their throbbing heads.

Zoro's eye was closed shut; memories swirled around in his brain, filling the gaps somewhat painfully, replacing Chakena with Luffy finally again. He suddenly recognized the messy mop of hair, the scar under his eye, that shit-eating, ridiculous grin he always wore... He remembered the first time he'd met his captain... and other times as well.

A girl whose tyrannic days were put to a stop by a boy kicking some fishguy's butt, and it was only the beginning of something long, something amazing... sandstorms, lands of clouds, a city of water, fogs, enemies that grew stronger and stronger... and their unyielding trust. Dreams, tears, laughter, meeting new friends, it was all filled with Luffy.

Luffy was everywhere in his memories, and oh God, how could he forget?!

"I'm Monkey D. Luffy, the man who's going to be the next Pirate King!"

"Luffy! Oh God, what is he doing?! All alone, up against Crocodile?!" - "Let him be, Vivi.. he'll come out of this. [Let's believe in him]"

"He's... not gonna die, is he...?" - "Of course not. Are you stupid?"

Nami could barely suppress the tears that gathered in her eyes again. How could she even forget about him? Devil fruit or not, Nami was deeply ashamed to have believed in Chakena. Luffy was the one who'd saved her from Arlong. Luffy and no one else. She'd been there the second longest out of them, right from the beginning. Nami knew how much Luffy had developed since then, she knew of his ridiculous strength he possessed, the long and hard way he'd gone to archive this power, to be able to stand where he stood now.

And she knew, above all, he'd done it for them, to protect them and to make sure they reached their dreams, because he was a good captain. They knew, Luffy'd be happiest to see their dreams achieved, after all.

That was the answer they'd all come up with after those two years, and Nami knew: The time she spent with Luffy and the others were the greatest treasure she had.

"Nami! I'll beat that Shiki guy and we'll go back together!"

"The next doctor lives on a mountain, so I'm gonna carry you up, ok?" - "Okay. Take care of me, captain."

"Nami, stop whining like this! You're part of the future Pirate King's crew, aren't you?"

Sanji was still shading his eyes as if in pain. Indeed, it hurt, it really hurt how he had pushed Luffy aside as if he was some sort of enemy. He'd been protecting Chakena... it was unforgivable. He should have sensed something was wrong... he should have been able to support Luffy after all they've been through! How come he was so easily manipulated by some jerk?!He was so incredibly thankful it all came back to him now.

"Oi, cook! Don't you wanna be part of my crew?"

"What? Crew? You're that waiter boy, aren't you?"

"Yep! I'm Luffy!"

"Luffy, she's not gonna be our doctor! Rather, she wants to kill us!"

"Luffy! Can't you do anything?! They're gonna kill you!"

"(Hey, Luffy. Don't lose)... I accept the challenge!"

Brook could only stand and stare as it all came back to him. Hadn't he sworn loyalty til death to his new captain? He'd pledged the life to the man who'd brought back his shadow and made it possible for him to see the sun again... and meet Laboum. It was all thanks to Luffy. Luffy was the one who showed up in times of complete darkness and gave him a life again. He took the ugly loneliness and replaced it with the family he'd longed so much for. Never would have Brook dreamed of meeting such lovely, kind people again – people who accepted him for who he was. He wasn't just a skeleton, a dead heap of cold bones... he had feelings, too. He was a musician, he was a friend, he was a pirate, he was human, he was Brook. Luffy gave him back every piece of himself.

"Luffy-san... I know I rejected you before but...can I join your crew?"

"'Course!"

"Skull joke!"

"Shishishi, he's so funny!"

Robinsmiled gently but the bitter regret was clearly visible in her eyes. That man was so tiny and skinny, yet so stubborn and strong. He continued to love them no matter what, to hold them precious and put them before everything else. Someone like him wasn't easy to find, and Robin knew she could count herself really lucky to have met him.

Her life had been filled with running and hiding, distrust and fear until she met him; it sure as hell had never been easy and she never felt the desire to stay with one particular crew. They were strangers, just a bunch of people who could help her launch her closer to her aim. All the captains and leaders where the same; she never saw anyone who even came close to Luffy. Luffy, who was selfish but so kind; who would never lose his faith in them, and thought of their dreams as if they were his own. He was the one to trust them all blindly, and even if one of them held a knife against his throat he'd still believe in them. He was a kid in many ways, but for Robin he was already a king.

Despite her deep regret, a small smile tugged at her lips. It was a brief separation, only a short while that they had called someone else their captain, but to her it felt like forever. She had missed her real captain a lot.

"We just came to get our friend back."

"What are you fighting for..? You people with the initial 'D'?"

"Fufufu. Sencho-san is in high spirits today."

"Let me say this... thank you for getting me back."

Franky thought of all the fun times, all the serious times... and how their start hadn't been the best, but who would've thought such a precious friendship were born from that? All Franky knew was he had only met one man for whom he felt such an enormous respect, and that was his mentor Tom. Luffy was an honorable man, and he was the only one who had the right to be above them. Were Luffy a lesser man, Franky wouldn't be on the ship. A ship that was loyal enough to look through all the lies and give them a push into the right direction. It was all thanks to Sunny who was stubborn and stopped moving, as if to wait for her real captain to catch up. Thank you, Sunny.

The worse it was for Franky to see the truth. He'd betrayed his ship, and much worse, his captain... Luffy of all people who did not deserve to be mistreated. Franky bit his lip. He'd give anything to be able to turn back time, but what's done is done and all they could do was apologize and move on now... to be able to see the next day with a smile.

"It's okay, he's a shipwright. He's Tom's little brother who is doing the coating for us." -"Ah, I see. So he's a shipwright who is coating Franky's brother!"

. -"Eh, close enough."

"Mmmmugiwara! Keep on fighting!"

"I don't know what you do, but keep on doing it! I'm gonna save Nico Robin!"

Usopp suddenly remembered the only two times he'd felt such regret as now. The first was when he challenged Luffy to the duel and actually fought his friend, and the second was when they were separated at Sabaody. Now he felt nearly as miserable as back then... how on earth should he face Luffy? Usopp wasn't sure. Could he even look him into the eyes and see that sunny smile without feeling horrible? Oh Gosh, what had they done? It only proved he still wasn't strong enough... strong enough not to be a burden anymore.

He knew, this was something Luffy wanted to shoulder on his own. Always doing his best, always risking his life to protect them. Usopp wanted to be more of a back up, so that Luffy didn't have to worry and could focus on his fights and dream more. The sniper gripped his upper arm tightly, flexing his muscles absent-mindly. He would work much more to make sure Luffy didn't have to shoulder this alone. Luffy was his best friend.

"Luffy, let's go fishing!"

"Luuuuffy... let's go to a different island.. this one looks fishy!"

"Even though I want to run away, he persistently, stubbornly... without fail believes in our strength. In the end, we have to give in. That's why we have to answer him for as long as we're alive!"

Chopper was sobbing, but he had to push his emotions aside. He didn't want any of this... he wanted to wake up and look at a healthy, happy Luffy. No more regrets, it was too painful. Above all, it hurt Chopper so much that he hadn't helped him when he arrived on board. All those wounds.. and they had been the cause of them! The body of the little reindeer shook from the shock. He was overwhelmed by his own feelings. He wanted to talk to Luffy now, he wanted to say how terribly sorry he was for doing this to him. He knew how Luffy treasured his nakama... they were his world. How utterly heartbreaking it must have been to be stabbed in the back coldly by his beloved people. They outright rejected him and threw him off the ship. Out of his home, away from his family, and he still came back and sacrificed his hand. That was the kind of man Chopper was proud to call his captain. Luffy was his captain and no one else, and he would give his best and even more so to make sure Luffy could still keep his smile.

He would never forgive Chakena.

"Shishishi, it's okay! I'll kick croc's ass soon!"

"Oooh, Chopper! Pull, pull, pull! It's gonna be our dinner tonight!"

"This is the symbol of a Pirate! Someone like you doesn't have the right to touch it!"

"SHUT UP! Let's goooo!"

One message was exceptionally clear, branded inside their heads like a warning. It made them feel even worse if that was possible, but they all suddenly remembered their motivation of two years ago, the trigger that made them stronger and saved them from drowning in misery, each on their own.

They were thinking the same, even though they were apart; they did it for him.

Without him really knowing, they all put their dreams in the back of their head to support Luffy.Luffy was gonna become the next Pirate King, it was their first priority.

"Luffy, don't give up! You can rely on us more from now on!"

"Oh God.. what have we done?" Nami stuttered, caressing Luffy's damp hair.

"That idiot...!" Zoro hissed.

"He-he sacrificed his hand... he really.. when he wakes up, I'm gonna kill him!" Usopp growled, trembling all over. Tears of frustration gathered in his eyes but he refused to let them fall.

"Guys, I know how you feel, but save that for later. Help me carry him into the infirmary first, and someone should bring me his hand...", Chopper trailed off to swallow the heavy lump in his throat. He looked at the crew expectantly, changing into his human form to lift Luffy carefully.

Usopp and Nami looked ready to faint upon hearing this, and the others weren't exactly happy about this either as they eyed the bloody hand warily. They would never get this horror image out of their minds.

Robin sighed as she stepped forward. "I will do it. It's not like gory things gross me out."

The rest watched as Robin and Chopper disappeared hurriedly into the infirmary, thankful for the archaeologist. They weren't exactly weak towards chopped off limbs, at least Zoro and Franky weren't, they'd seen something similar often enough. But this was Luffy's hand, and he had severed it off for them, on their ship, on their deck. He was their captain and friend, after all. The dark cloud of regret and frustration hung over them heavily, making them miserable and angry.

Out of everyone, Sanji was probably the worst off. He could taste bile on his tongue and swallowed hard. It was too much like the stunt Zeff had pulled years ago to save his life. Oh God, he didn't want to relive something like this ever again, it was an awful feeling. And now Luffy had sacrificed his limb for them as well. For Sanji as a cook, he knew of the importance of hands, their practical use. Luffy needed them to fight, how desperate had he been to sacrifice it? Sanji had to close his eyes and inhale deeply to keep himself from throwing up. He was gonna fry Chakena to a crips as soon as he got his hands on him...

Nami angrily rubbed at her eyes. "What was he thinking? That stupid dimwit!"

"It's all because of that good-for-nothing-! I swear, if Luffy's hand can't be saved I'm gonna hack off his limbs as well, one by one!" Franky spat out, not bothering to hide his fury. His blood was boiling with anger. How he wished to get his hands on Chakena to give him a nice taste of his Fresh Fire.

"B-but Chakena is drowning, isn't he?" Usopp pointed out, still shaken. "He's gone for good if we don't do anything since he's a devil fruit user." Despite his growing hate, he would feel bad to leave that guy now.

"He can die for all I care." Zoro spat. "If I ever see his face again, I'll slice him up."

Sanji frowned heavily, looking rather reluctant. He felt sick. Inwardly, he agreed with the others. Chakena had done unforgivable things to them, and now he should have to pay, but sadly...

"I'd like to say that, too, but Luffy asked me to save him. As much as I hate that Chakena bastard...It's captain's orders."

Zoro only nodded with a stoic face and the cook threw off his shoes and jumped into the dark depths to save their enemy. Zoro had some sort of deja vú at that moment and he couldn't help but sigh deeply. Back in Alabaster his captain had asked him to save Smoker as well; if you asked Zoro, he'd have let that guy drown. Who in their right mind wouldn't seize the chance to get rid off a marine? Well, there was only one, and it was the man Zoro would follow forever. Luffy would always be Luffy, huh?

It wasn't long before Sanji resurfaced with an unconscious Chakena in his arms. The cook's face showed the others clearly of his disgust and no one could blame him. Franky and Robin helped him back on board and reluctantly carried Chakena into the infirmary to where Chopper was working on Luffy.

Chopper shooed them all away and left them with no update on Luffy's condition. He locked himself into the infirmary and dared the others to disturb him.

And now, even though it filled them all with unspeakable terror, all they could do was wait and hope.

YXYXYXYXYXYXY

After waiting for a while in silence, they decided to gather in the kitchen and try to calm down. Soon, they chatted about this and that to shoo away the tensing atmosphere but it was all a little forced, so they went back to their silence. Everyone was busy with themselves, pondering about this and that behind clenched teeth. Sanji made some tea but hardly anyone touched it.

Even Billy didn't talk much, and wasn't being asked much. For the moment, the crew didn't really care about who he was and where he came from. He was no threat and had helped Luffy earlier, so he was welcome on board. But their first priority was Luffy, anything else seemed insignificant.

Chopper finally exited the infirmary after four hours of operating with no break. He looked like he hadn't slept in three days and was ready to collapse where he stood. His small legs shook, but he forced them to carry his weight further to the others who waited in anxiety.

"Chopper?" Sanji asked, prepared for the worst as he entered the kitchen. Everyone looked up, tensing.

Chopper managed a small grin. "He.. has both of his hands again."

A loud cheer sounded from everyone, Nami and Usopp hugged, and the rest laughed. "You're the best, Chopper-san! What a doctor!" Brook congratulated, actually crying with Franky in happiness.

"That guy has so much luck..," Billy grinned.

"But," Chopper broke the loud cheering, "he has to train a lot to regain his motor skills, and I can't guarantee he'll be able to use it without difficulty or even pain. But it's the best I could do."

The others nodded in understanding. This was all they could hope for after all.

"I see." Zoro said unusually solemn.

"All we can do is support him." Robin commented. The others nodded eagerly.

"Of course! Luffy can count on us!" Usopp pointed a thumb on himself.

"Knowing him, he's gonna work hard. No matter what, we'll be fine." Nami said with a tender smile. It was hard to progress what had happened to her captain, but now they all needed to be strong for him.

"Is he awake?" Brook asked carefully. Chopper shook his head, mouth drawn in a tight line.

"He won't be waking up for a while. He's really exhausted and sleep is the best healer he can get now."

Brook only sighed, disappointed. He'd wanted to chat with Luffy for a while, and above all, apologize. But that had to wait now.

"Figured as much, after all that shit that happened. But can we see him?" Sanji wanted to know. Choppers' eyes brightened.

"Of course! But don't disturb his sleep otherwise you'll be banned from the infirmary." He warned them.

"Right, doctor-san!" Brook saluted.

"And.. what are we gonna do with him?" Franky asked from behind clenched teeth and everyone instantly knew whom he was referring to. Their expressions hardened, and Zoro crossed his arms, closing his eye in an uncaring manner.

"That is up to the captain."

YXYXYXYXYXYXY

Luffy was more than exhausted, both physically and mentally, so it was no wonder he was still sleeping after a whole day. He was being taken care of kindly by everyone, even Billy took changes to watch him. As much as they wanted him to wake up, they all were secretly scared. No one was completely sure how to behave, and looking him in the eye after something like that was a hard thing to do, as well. Zoro had voiced out loud what no one dared to say, and it was plain obvious. Sure, they weren't right in their minds.. sure, they were manipulated. But Luffy had hacked off his hand for them, because he was so desperate to get back to his own ship and family, someone who pushed him away first. Luffy wouldn't be mad at them, they knew, but they were furious at themselves. They were disgusted they believed in Chakena... to let someone like him on their ship! In their eyes, it was unforgivable. What they had done came dangerously close to a mutiny, and normally that meant death sentence. So you couldn't blame them for feeling more than uncomfortable of what was to come.

Pushing those thoughts aside, they only hoped for Luffy to be himself when he woke up. To keep on fighting like he always did, even if his hand wouldn't work the way he wanted it to. It was painful for them because they felt responsible, but those negative feelings would have to be discussed later on. For now, Luffy knew nothing of their troubles. He was sleeping soundly in the infirmary, oblivious of the tight atmosphere on board. It felt like Luffy knew he could trust his friends with the rest and made it easy for himself by simply sleeping through the awkwardness.

They kept him away from Chakena who lay tied up in a different, rather unfriendly room. Chopper had treated him like any other good doctor would. He had done it somewhat reluctantly, but he wasn't regretting it. It was his job after all, he couldn't let the man die from the after effects of nearly drowning. As much as Chopper despised what the man had done to them, Chakena was still human.

When he showed signs of waking, the whole crew gathered around him, barely containing the anger and waiting for answers. Billy had volunteered to watch Luffy, and they knew he was in good hands and didn't have to worry. Billy had proven to be a very loyal companion the past two days, and the fact that Luffy had trusted him enough to bring him along was reassuring.

Chakena squirmed in his bed, feeling more than uneasy. The whole crew's wrath was upon him, and he wasn't ignorant enough not to notice. Zoro's grip was tight around his sword, and he glared daggers at Chakena as if he dared him to move. They could barely suppress their growing need for revenge. They wanted to see him suffer more than anything else. Everyone was ready to attack, to make him pay for what he did and the tension was practically tangible.

"Finally awake, aren't we?" Franky growled dangerously. Chakena looked at him with wide eyes, face pale. He blinked a few times, opening his mouth like a fish out of water as if unsure of what to say. Then he averted his eyes, let them gaze around the room until they settled back on his hands.

Suddenly, he looked up, questioningly, and he looked scared.

"Who am I?" He asked, lifting the blanket up to his chin in fear. "And where am I?"

"Ah?" Sanji voiced intelligently. They all looked at Chakena deadpanned, anger dropping immediately to make room for surprise.

"That's what I wanted to tell you guys earlier," Chopper began, fidgeting nervously, "He has amnesia."

"He has..?" Usopp began. "No way..". No one knew what to say to that.

For all the pain, and misery and shock they have been through, they suddenly all felt like laughing. It was sad, and ironic and so out of place, but they couldn't help it. He was a really, really lonely, pitiful guy in the end. Chakena was the type of guy to sacrifice everything to be popular, even if he shared stolen friends around him. It was all a horrible lie, but that had never been a problem for him as long as everyone followed him. Even if he hadn't known the members, they were turned into his 'friends' and forced to believe him until he got tired of them. What a sick way to sail the ocean.

Chakena was a perfect example of an opposite of them.

The Strawhats were real friends, naturally interacting with each other but never taking their friendship for granted. They knew of their habits, their way of talking, their fears and dreams, what the other felt and so on. They were a family, a perfect working team who belonged to each other. If something like destiny existed in this world, then they'd say it was fate they found each other... fate that sent Luffy who chose them carefully with his heart. They were all Luffy's, and he was all theirs.

No questions asked, no answers needed.

YXYXYXYXYXYXY

FINALLY! Gosh, it took me weeks to figure out what to write for this! Holy crap, it's been so long... but finally it came out lol. Thanks for not giving up on me! ;)

To the reviews: ... what can I say... This. Is. Amazing. Thank you! The review replies are gonna be longer than the chapter itself, haha! XD I never expected to get so much awesome feedback from you all, you guys rock~~

nani-onigiri: Ja, weiß auch nicht, wo das herkam... da war ich total motiviert, weil ich Urlaub hatte hehe xD Danke, da bin ich froh! :) Luffy hat die beste Crew überhaupt.. dankeschön, das ist so toll zu hören, ehrlich! Dir auch (sorry, dass es so dermaßen verspätet kam), und hoffentlich hat dir dieses Kapitel auch gefallen. Vielen Dank für den lieben Kommentar! :)

MidnightPhantomFire: Quite intense, but I've wanted to write something like this for a long time. I just didn't dare to until now haha.

Lilly2011: Aaaw, I'm so HAPPY! Thank you as well, your awesome reviews are amazing presents to me too! T^T I'm really sorry for the late update!

SilenceOfRain7: S-sorry... my apologies it was so darn late! That makes me feel so bad, and I really really hope it was worth the wait! Thank you for your wonderful review, I'm soo glad you liked it :D

Ashlielle: Thank you, great to hear :3 Yeah, it's time for some drama now, haha. I think we've all waited for it *grinning like a fool*. Believe me, me too. I'm really relieved you all accepted it so well, though... I was expecting some people going apeshit on me or something, and I wouldn't blame them! XD Not at all, I was smirking all the way while typing it, thinking, FINALLY, AS***LE! :D I'm kinda happy to have triggered that kind reaction from you, though, that was my aim :D Aaaw, thanks a bunch! *Catches donuts and cookies* Yay, more sweets! Want some dango? :3

Kouru-Kage: Sunny shouldn't be forgotten at all, so shame on me! ^^ Hell yes, eat this you fake captain! No one underestimates their friendship! *End of epic speech* I know right, somehow it feels like it's dragged a tad too long... but meh, I was struggling enough with that chapter as it was, so well... I hope it's okay ;) No problem, I'm really happy to see your review, it made my day ;DD Thank you~!

Valeria Aurelia: Woah, you are amazing. Thank you so much for your long review, my eyes were nearly falling out when I saw it (→ lame attempt at skull joke lol). Nope, there's too much stuff that would seem too rushed in my opinion. There will be at least one more chapter. Oooh yes, wait for that! It's gonna come soon, and it's gonna be intense, haha. Yeah, I get it :D I see. I'm the same, it's like, 'it would be interesting to see what happens when I choose this path and not the one the author chose'. But I never have the courage to actually 'rewrite' it to my own taste^^ Yeah, it sounds really interesting! Go, drama, go! Haha :D That's understandable, but you got the right attitude. Good luck with it, don't let anyone talk you out of it :D That's okay, I asked for it hehe. Thank you, I'm so glad, really! :,-)) Thanks, I hope yours was just as amazing as mine, and sorry the update took me like over a month... :I

PsychoRien: Yay, go friendship power! :D Thank you a lot! He's so reckless... and I couldn't come up with a better idea how to undo the spell. Sorry, the update was really slow in the end... I hope you liked it? :D

Son of Whitebeard: Damn, you're right lol.

The voice of all things: Thanks! He has the best doctor, after all ;) Aw, thank you for dropping two reviews, that's awesome~ :) I'm such a blusher at the moment, haha. That's true, and beware of the drama that's bound to come next chapter ; Thanks so much, I feel like words aren't enough to describe how happy I am.. Lol, that sounded lame from me. ^^ :D

Guest: Thanks a bunch :))

A huge thanks to Musicmegamaniac as well! I put that into this chapter as well, but it's really short because I felt like it would be too much otherwise? I don't know, I'm just glad you liked it :) Thank you, I'm trying :3

dylanleon35: Your review actually reminded me that it's been over a month since the last chapter (shame on me!). Thank you for bringing me back here and for giving me such a lovely comment, it makes me wanna tear up in happiness T^T

Thanks guys! See you next chapter! :D

~Neko11