Warning: Long chapter with a ton of OCs and OC backstory. If that's not your thing you can skip to the next chapter :)

Straight Forward

Chapter 12: Memory Lane Pt. 2

It was awkward being in Shiloh's memories. It was even more awkward that he was in Shiloh's memories holding Zoro's hand. But neither of those things compared to how horribly awkward it was hearing young Shiloh ask her mother what a whore was. Cook for hundreds of people? Piece of cake. Kick the crap out of tons of marines? No problem. But hearing a young child, particularly a little girl, ask about something so adult? No way. He did not want to hear it or whatever explanation her mother was about to give. Nope, that was it. He was out. All Sanji wanted was for the ground to suddenly open up and swallow him whole so he could avoid the uncomfortable conversation altogether. He seriously considered letting go of Zoro's hand and severing the connection, but then he would ruin it for the others as well and the last thing he wanted to do, no matter how aggravated he felt, was disappoint his dear Nami-swan. So despite all his misgivings, Sanji took a breath, grit his teeth, and braced himself for the terrible conversation he knew was coming.

Jonah knelt down to be eye level with her daughter. "Baby," she began slowly and sternly, "Where did you hear that word?"

"From Rook."

"That's…" Taking a breath, the young mother continued, "That's not a nice word, Shiloh. It's mean and hurtful and judgmental. I don't ever want to hear you say it again."

"But what does it mean?" Shiloh persisted.

"Shiloh." Sanji heard the irritation rising in Jonah's voice. "You are never to say that word, do you understand?"

The little girl frowned deeply. "Okay, but what does it-"

"ENOUGH," Jonah yelled suddenly as she stood, causing Shiloh, Sanji, and Zoro to start. "You don't need to know what it means! Just don't say it again! Ever!"

The cook couldn't help but wince as Shiloh's shocked amber eyes welled up with tears. Zoro turned his gaze away from the little redhead. "O-okay, Mama…" she answered thickly as the tears began to fall.

With a deep sigh, Jonah ran a shaking hand down her face before pulling her sniffling child into her arms. "I'm sorry, Baby. I didn't mean to yell at you. It's just…" Putting Shiloh at arms length with her hands on her shoulders, Jonah continued cautiously, "That word is a terrible name to call someone. It's disrespectful and full of hate. You're still young, Shiloh. You should live free of such terrible things. That's why I don't want you to grow up like me. I don't want you constantly hearing words like that. I don't want you to be full of bitterness and regret." Gently wiping a tear from Shiloh's face, she continued, "I promise I'll explain it better when you're older."

Shiloh nodded slowly, but despite the water swimming in her eyes, Sanji saw the curiosity shining behind the confusion. His heart sank, knowing a dangerous fuse had been lit. Surely Jonah had meant well in dodging Shiloh's question, but the cook could feel in his heart that this was the beginning of something much more serious, the bitter appetizer to a main course full of trouble.

As the world began to melt around them as the memories shifted, Sanji heard Zoro sigh. "Got a problem, Marimo?" He asked, trying to swallow the skin-crawling unease vibrating through him.

The green-haired man sent him what Sanji could only call a worried look and replied, "I don't like where this is going."

Sanji nodded. "Well," he breathed, "I don't think any of us were expecting sunshine and roses."

A hallway formed around them, pictures of Shiloh and Jonah lining the walls. However, they were no longer in the small, simple house of the previous memory. Instead, the swordsman and the cook found themselves in the upstairs hallway of a large, beautifully furnished shingle styled home. One of the doors in the hall was cracked open. Shiloh, who still looked the same age, was on all fours and peeking through the small opening, very obviously eavesdropping.

Quiet voices suddenly penetrated Sanji's head, as if someone had come right up to both his ears and started whispering. He figured it was another weird memory thing; they were hearing what Shiloh had remembered loud and clear. On his left, Zoro used his free hand to stick his finger in his ear. Sensing Sanji's flat stare, the swordsman gave him shrug and said, "It helps."

Despite himself, Sanji jammed his right index finger into his ear. There was no change in the voices so he glared at Zoro and said, "No it doesn't."

Zoro snorted and brought his hand back down. "I know. I just wanted to see you do it. You looked so stupid."

Angry at himself for falling for something so childish and dumb, Sanji kicked Zoro in the shin for what felt like the millionth time since they had been in Shiloh's memories. The green-haired man had raised his fist and seemed about to throw a punch when suddenly he stilled. "Shh," he said. Sanji rolled his eyes. He hadn't even said anything. "Listen."

They could hear Milo's voice. "She's too distracted, Jonah. There's no effort in her work and her test scores are atrocious. And it isn't because she's unintelligent because she's not. She could be brilliant if she applied herself."

"So what's the problem?"

"The problem is, she just doesn't care. All she talks about is dancing and performing. I'm starting to worry that if we don't provide her with some sort of outlet, she's going to find one herself and it won't be something we want for her."

Curiously, Sanji began to walk towards the slightly ajar door, dragging a confused Zoro behind him since he couldn't let go of the idiot's hand. The room looked like a study. There was a small table to the left surrounded by the bookshelves that lined that side's walls. More to the right, he could see Milo and Jonah sitting across from each other at a large desk. Sanji frowned. Somehow, Jonah looked slightly older, but that didn't make sense considering Shiloh hadn't aged. Perhaps it was the stress visibly pushing down her shoulders that gave her such a haggard look?

"What do you suggest then, Milo?" Jonah asked, a miniscule amount of defeat in her voice.

The thin man folded his hands neatly on the desk. "Well," he began slowly, "Maybe we should compromise. Enroll her in something she likes, then enroll her in some thing you want for her. Maybe something athletic as well, to keep her busy. Let's find something similar to dancing but not quite the same."

Jonah raised a dark brow. "You sound like you already have an idea."

Taking a deep breath, Milo asked, "You've been doing yoga with Shiloh since she was a baby, right?"

"Yeah."

"I know a woman who specializes in contortion. She also teaches gymnastics. I think both of those things would be right up Shiloh's alley."

An amused smile crossed the young mother's lips. "Because she's flexible from the yoga." She seemed to think it over before giving a small nod. "It might work, Milo. Contortion is active and could be considered a type of dance, yet it's not sexual so Shiloh wouldn't get the kind of attention I do." Her voice lowered, smile falling from her face. "He won't be interested in her."

Sanji frowned as Milo solemnly nodded. "Probably not." In an attempt to break the tense silence that had fallen between them, Milo cleared his throat and asked, "Anything else you want for her to try?"

"Music. Voice lessons, instruments. And calligraphy." At Milo's questioning look, Jonah explained, "I want her to be better than I'll ever be, Milo. I want her to be classy and respected. I want her to get married one day and have children and live a normal life. I want her to have skills to fall back on. I know she's hot-blooded and eager to keep moving so lets put that to good use. Let's get her busy…" She trailed off before returning with much more resolve, "Let's get her busy before someone else does."

Zoro chuckled beside him, causing Sanji to turn. He was met with the sight of the eavesdropping Shiloh suddenly jumping to her feet, dancing and spinning around with joy. "Yes!" She cheered quietly. "Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!"

Faster than all those that came previously, the memory melted and was quickly replaced by sudden flashes of Shiloh in an assortment of activities. Sanji caught a glimpse of a tall, dark-skinned woman with beautiful braids bracing Shiloh as she bent backwards as far as she could. He saw Shiloh at a desk with Milo, her little face contorted in concentration as a shaky hand brought a quill to paper. Yet another flash brought the image of Shiloh picking tentatively at the keys of a piano, then awkwardly pulling a bow across a violin, then cheeks red and puffing as she heavily blew a trumpet. Sanji was thankful that these particular memories were silent.

Another quick memory showed Shiloh on a trampoline, attempting to properly land a back flip. As the memories flew by, the music lessons seemed less difficult for the girl, and the contortion and gymnastic moves more complicated. One moment showed Shiloh during lessons with Milo, raising her hand and asking a question before sending the man a smile. Sanji had to admit, the girl looked much happier. The very last memory that flew by was of Shiloh inside a very pink and frilly bedroom, dancing around and singing with abandon, a beautiful blonde girl with ringlets doing the exact same thing on top of the bed, using a hairbrush as a microphone.

The air around Sanji and Zoro stilled as the last memory solidified around them. Sanji watched as Shiloh walked out of the bedroom and down the stairs of a mansion. The blonde girl followed the redhead to the entryway, giggling the whole way there. Shiloh turned and waved goodbye before exiting the large mahogany door. As the pair followed Shiloh, Sanji marveled at the beautiful street they were walking down. The sidewalks were clean, every home a large mansion containing flower-bedded windows and white columned porches. In short, they were in an incredibly wealthy neighborhood. "Fancy," Zoro noted.

However, the view didn't last long. Shiloh remained but the world around them fell away in favor for a blank expanse of fog. What began to form was what looked to Sanji like the inside of an ice-cream parlor. He spotted Laz and Rook at one of the booths and correctly assumed that Shiloh would join them.

As Shiloh greeted them and took a seat, Sanji realized that the trio had gotten older by possibly a few years. "What took you so long, Hairball?" Rook demanded, his own messy golden hair falling into his face.

Shiloh rolled her eyes and brushed an unruly long red lock over her shoulder. Sanji had to admit the nickname suited her. "Sorry, your majesty. I was playing with Rihannon."

Rook's expression immediately changed. "Can you invite me next time?"

The redhead gave him a suspicious look. "Why?"

"Because he likes her," Laz replied nonchalantly before spooning some strawberry ice cream from the glass in front of him into his mouth.

"Okay, you definitely can't come then."

"Aw," Rook whined, "Why not?"

Shiloh stuck her tongue out at him. "Because you're gross."

The boy returned the gesture before crossing his arms and slouching down on the bench. "I hate you."

"No fighting," Laz stated emotionlessly as he continued to eat his dessert.

"Told you," Zoro suddenly said.

Sanji glanced at him questioningly. "Told me what?"

"That the fight before was just kid stuff. And now they're friends. More kid stuff." The swordsman took on an explanatory tone, speaking slowly and intentionally, which made Sanji irritated. "You see that's what happens, Pervert Cook. Kids fight then they become buddies." Sanji grit his teeth. Being spoken to like he was some sort of idiot by Zoro of all people was extremely pissing him off.

"Or mortal enemies," he spat, trying to prove the swordsman wrong.

To Sanji's annoyance, Zoro merely shrugged. "Practically the same thing."

The cook couldn't help face palming. "You're so stupid, it's unbelievable. Don't ever procreate."

Laz put his spoon down next to his emptied glass. "You wanna go down to the river with us, Shy? The fireflies will be coming out soon."

Shiloh gave him a toothy smile, suddenly looking very much like the present day Shiloh that Sanji was familiar with. "Thanks but I have to go home. Mama said we were going to cook dinner together tonight."

"Bet you burn it."

"Bet this hits your face." Balling up a napkin, Shiloh launched the makeshift projectile at Rook. A satisfied smirk formed on her lips as it hit his cheek. "Ha."

As she slid out of the booth, Rook rolled his eyes and flung the crumpled ball towards her but missed. "Ugh," he groaned. "You're not cute at all, you know," he called as she began to walk away.

"Yeah, yeah." With a glance over her shoulder and a smile sent towards Laz, she said gently, "Catch a firefly for me, okay?"

Sanji raised a brow as he and Zoro followed Shiloh out. Just before they made it out the door, he saw Laz blush, which meant it was something Shiloh had remembered. "First love, huh," he wondered out loud.

"Feh."

He couldn't help but present the swordsman with a smug smile. "Jealous?" Zoro merely glared at him. "Oh come on, Marimo. This is just puppy love stuff. It's not like how she feels about you." Sanji heard the words fall from his mouth before his mind registered what he was saying. Zoro's eyes went wide with surprise before he looked away. "I mean-"

"I know what you meant," Zoro interrupted flatly. "I'll deal with that later."

Not exactly knowing how to respond, Sanji settled for giving the green-haired man a nod of affirmation.

Shiloh led them to the door of the shingle-style house from before. She turned the doorknob and walked right in, Sanji and Zoro behind her. "Mama," she called. "I'm home."

Sanji's blood ran cold as Shiloh stopped in the middle of the hallway, having heard voices coming from the living room. Instinctively, the girl pressed herself against the wall, listening intently. The hair on the back of Sanji's neck stood. The voice belonged to none other than the creepy Cyrus Scrawly. He could hear it right in his ear, the weird man's words echoing around in his brain. From the corner of his eye, Sanji saw Zoro bare his teeth in disgust.

"Did you get the information I needed, Beautiful?"

"Yes. Mr. Hershel wants to run for office."

Scrawly let out a long dramatic sigh. "I thought so. We can't have that now, can we?" He paused and the sound of something papery being pulled out of a pocket could be heard. "Good job, my beautiful wildcat. You never cease to deliver. Though I can't say I'm surprised. Hershel is obsessed with you." Voice suddenly taking on a sultry tone that made Sanji want to vomit, Scrawly continued, "They're all obsessed with you. You're just so very good at what you do."

"Thank you, Mr. Scrawly," Jonah replied flatly.

Sanji saw it happen as if in slow motion, his mind screaming for the little girl to stay where she was and remain unseen. But Shiloh rounded the corner, right into Scrawly's view. There was no denying the absolute horror Sanji saw in Jonah's amber eyes. He was sure they were mirrored in his own.

"Shit," Zoro hissed beside him.

As Scrawly's eyes fell on Shiloh, they immediately took on a sickening, predatory look. His pupils dilated, lips spreading into a Cheshire cat smile. "Ohh," he cooed sweetly. "This must be your daughter." Sanji wanted kick the man's face in as began to circle the young redhead. "She's prettier than I thought. It's a wonder we haven't been properly introduced after all these years."

Tension visibly invaded the dark haired woman's muscles. "Shiloh," she called stiffly, eyes never leaving her child, "This is Mr. Cyrus Scrawly, my boss."

Shiloh frowned at her mother's expression but nodded and stuck her hand out politely. "Nice to meet you, Sir."

Rather than shake, Scrawly took Shiloh's small hand in his own and gave it a gently kiss. "The pleasure is all mine, Little One." The suspicious look in Shiloh's eyes began to dissipate as the fear in her mother's increased. "Tell me, what do you like to do in your free time?"

Shiloh looked to her mother, who Sanji noted was trying to shake her head with as little movement as possible, then to the tall smiling man waiting patiently for an answer. Slowly, she replied, "I like to play with my friends. But I don't have a lot of free time."

"Why's that?"

Jonah shook her head a little more noticeably, and Sanji couldn't help but grit his teeth and will Shiloh to understand. However, the redhead merely gave her mother a confused look before turning back to Scrawly and replying, "I have a lot of classes."

"What kind of classes?"

Jonah stilled completely, face pale and eyes wide. Her mouth opened as if to say something, but Shiloh answered before she could get a word in. "Music lessons, gymnastics, contortion training, and normal classes like math and stuff."

"Contortion?" Scrawly said the word as if he were tasting an idea, letting it roll around on his tongue. "Contortion… contortion." He turned to Jonah, ignoring her obvious terror. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't believe I have any contortionists working for me do I, Darling?"

Sanji could practically see the gears turning furiously in Jonah's head. "Doesn't the new girl do contortion?"

Scrawly waved his hand dismissively. "Hers is only for the bedroom, Darling. And it costs extra." His eyes once again landed on the oblivious Shiloh who merely stood watching the adults talk. "I'd love to have an actual performing contortionist for the theatre. The show would attract a very… interesting crowd. I'd love to have her."

Jonah moved to put her hand on her daughter's shoulder and gently pulled her in close to her side. "Mr. Scrawly," she said with an incredibly forced giggle, "She's only nine. Much to young to be making… career choices."

Scrawly gave a high-pitched insincere laugh that made Sanji cringe. "Of course, of course! It was merely a suggestion. Far be it for me to put ideas in the child's head." He stood and straightened his collar. "Your payment is on the table, Darling." Again, his eyes went to Shiloh and he began to walk towards her. "Pretty One, would you ever so kindly see me out?"

Shiloh nodded. "Okay." Jonah followed behind them, hands shaking slightly. Sanji took a breath. The young mother had to know something was going on. Despite this, he was sure she hadn't heard what Scrawly said as Shiloh opened the door for him. The eerie man leaned down close to the girl's ear, and Sanji heard loud and clear: "Let me know if you ever want a real audience like your beautiful mother, Litte Red. I can make all your dreams come true."

And there it was. Sanji groaned and rubbed at his temple with his free hand. Without even looking at Shiloh's bright eyes he knew a dangerous seed had been planted in the girl's head, a poisonous possibility had just made itself known. And he knew as Jonah pushed passed her daughter, shut the door, and pulled her roughly into the living room, that things were only going to get worse.

"Mama," Shiloh began, but Jonah cut her off.

"Shiloh," the raven-haired woman ground out through clenched teeth. "You will not perform for that man, do you understand me? You will not perform for anyone on or near this island."

Shiloh's face crumpled. "Why not? I just want to dance, Mama. I want to perform like you do. I want to be just like you-"

"YOU WILL NEVER BE LIKE ME!" Jonah bellowed, causing even Sanji and Zoro to take a step back. As her eyes filled with tears, the young mother's voice became unsteady and panicked. "I won't allow it… I forbid it. I forbid it, Shiloh! Do not ever become like me. There is nothing, nothing good that will come of it! I would rather you become a pirate like your father than grow up to follow in my footsteps."

Shiloh's eyes filled with tears as well, but her tiny face was angry and determined. "I don't want to be like him! I don't even know him! I don't even know his name! I want to be like Mama and dance and make people happy!" Jonah let out a frustrated growl as Shiloh wiped at her face. "Why can't I, Mama?!" Sanji wanted to disappear. He didn't want to see or hear what was going on between the mother and daughter. For the first time since being in Shiloh's memories, he felt like he was intruding on something incredibly personal. He didn't belong there. They didn't belong there.

"Don't you dare let go," Zoro suddenly growled. Sanji frowned as the swordsman turned a troubled eye on him. "It sucks but we need to see all these damn memories through 'till the end. This is what Shiloh wanted us to see."

The cook allowed himself a second to admire Zoro's resolve before scowling. "Psh. The only reason I thought of letting go is because your hand is sweaty and disgusting, Idiot Swordsman."

Shiloh's voice got their attention once again. "Why?!" She yelled. "Why can't I dance?!"

Jonah grabbed her child and held her as close as she possibly could. "Because they'll hurt you!"

Shiloh attempted to look up at her mother's face but her grip was so tight that Shiloh only managed a muffled, "Huh…?"

"They'll hurt you, Baby," Jonah sniffed. "The men. The men will hurt you. They all will. Some will set you up and the others will take advantage of you. They're evil, Shiloh. They'll use you and treat you like you're not human." Jonah took a harsh breath and gently loosened her grip, bringing a hand up to wipe her daughter's tears. "The worst part is… you become just like them. You use others because someone pays you to do it and you don't know anything else anymore. You find yourself so deep into this depravity that you don't know how to get yourself out. You give up who you are to be the person someone else tells you to be. That's why… That's why you can't become like me… You're so wonderful and beautiful, Shiloh. You need to become better than anything I'll ever be."

The redheaded child's eyes suddenly filled with tears again as she sobbed and wrapped her arms around her mother's middle. "I don't understand," she cried. "I don't get it at all. I just want to dance… I just want to dance, Mama. I always practice so hard…"

Taking a deep breath, Jonah dropped down to her knees to be level with Shiloh and brought her lips to the child's forehead. Tears leaked from the corners of her eyes. "I prayed every day for you to be exactly the opposite of me," she whispered. "I gave you opportunities to learn more than I ever have. But…" She pulled away and looked deep into Shiloh's amber eyes so like her own. "I guess I can no longer deny that a part of me forever lives in you, Baby. That along with your daddy's stubborn ambition…" Shiloh frowned, obviously confused. Jonah wiped her eyes and swallowed hard, her voice more steady when she next spoke, "Baby, I want you to follow your dreams. If performing is really what you want to do, then we'll send you to a good school when you're old enough. Somewhere far away from here." Sanji could tell the words hurt Jonah to say, but he knew it was the middle ground. He understood that Jonah knew the more she said 'no,' the more Shiloh would want to. It was all the mother could do to accept the girl's dream and provide the proper environment in which she could pursue it.

The cook let out a loud breath. "You know what's really shitty about all this?" Zoro wordlessly raised a brow at him. "I can't even smoke. It's literally impossible."

At that, the swordsman rolled his open eye. "Yes, Pervert Cook," he replied, voice dripping with sarcasm. "That's the shittiest thing about all this."

"I didn't say it was the shittiest, idiot. Just really shitty. Because I could really use a smoke after all that crying and screaming."

"Think how she must've felt," Zoro said quietly with a nod towards Jonah.

"I don't think I ever want to have kids," Sanji said slowly. "Unless Nami wants to, of course." He added, managing a small wistful smile.

"Of course."

Shiloh's watery eyes had widened at her mother's words. "Really?"

Jonah gave her daughter a small smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Only if you promise me you will not perform for Mr. Scrawly."

"I promise!" The redhead agreed instantly, nodding her head so hard she looked like a bobble-head figure.

"Pinky swear."

With a brilliant smile, all sadness forgotten, Shiloh hooked her little finger around her mother's. "Pinky swear!"

Mother and child disappearing as the world once again returned to fog, Sanji couldn't help but groan. "How many more of these are there?" There was no response from his begrudging companion. Curiously, Sanji turned to look at Zoro only to find the swordsman's face set in a deep scowl, eyes staring ahead. "What's your problem?"

Zoro was silent a moment before replying darkly, "I've got a bad feeling about this."

As Sanji followed Zoro's line of sight, he was met with the image of an older Shiloh standing and speaking with Jonah. What struck him as odd was the lack of environment. They simply stood chatting in the odd white blankness that surrounded them.

"I found them on the table, just like always, Mama." In Shiloh's hands was a set of keys.

Jonah scratched her head in confusion. "Huh," she said in wonderment, "I could have sworn I left them on the side table."

Shiloh giggled and shrugged. "Maybe you're just getting old."

Returning the laugh, Jonah playfully swatted her daughter as she took the keys. "Don't even joke like that, Baby."

Jonah seemed to fade, before solidifying once again, this time looking more haggard and confused. "Are you sure?"

Shiloh gave her mother a concerned look, worry shining in her eyes. "Yes, Mama. Today is Monday. That's why Milo was here. We were doing lessons."

The dark haired woman looked up thoughtfully, her features softening. "That's right. I let Milo in this morning."

"Mama…" Shiloh called slowly, "Are you okay?"

"Yeah," Jonah replied, though seemingly unsure herself. "Yeah, I'm fine, Baby. I've just been really forgetful lately. Maybe I am getting old."

The redhead didn't find humor in her mother's attempt to lighten the mood. Frowning, she said quietly, "Don't even joke like that, Mama."

Walls suddenly crashed around them, the smell of antiseptic and latex hitting Sanji in the nose so hard that for a second he thought Zoro had punched him. But the swordsman let out a sound halfway between surprised and disgusted, his free hand clamped over his nose and mouth. "What the hell?"

Sanji didn't have to look at the beds lined up against the wall or the unwelcoming blue curtains that surrounded them to know they were in some sort of clinic or hospital. The cold feeling running down his neck and through his spine was enough. Shiloh sat on one side of the bed in the farthest corner. Again, she had aged. Her hair was still long but seemed better taken care of. It was pulled into a thick side braid that hung down the front of her shoulder. Her round face had slimmed and the beginnings of womanhood could be seen on her slim frame. Across from her sat who Sanji assumed to be Milo. He had the same serious expression and glasses as before but his hair had been cut short, stubble peppering his chin and jaw.

"Shiloh," the man called softly. The redhead's eyes rose to meet his. "Things… things are going to be a little different form now on. I'm going to move in and help take care of you and your mother." He broke off as his voice began to thicken. Swallowing hard, he asked, "The doctors told you what's going on, right?"

Turning away, Shiloh replied almost inaudibly, "Velorum's Disease. They told me she's dying."

Somewhere in the back of his mind, Sanji thought of Usopp and hoped his crewmate was okay. The situation had an uncomfortable similarity to the sharpshooter's.

Milo took a deep breath. "She can still be with us for a long time if we give her the proper medication and keep her body healthy." He paused to rub at his eyes under his glasses. "I want to be honest with you, Shiloh. The medicine is going to be expensive and it's not a cure. But it will make your mother more comfortable. I have a little saved up but I don't know how long it'll last."

Shiloh turned her head sharply to give the man a hard stare that was beyond her years. "I can't let you do that, Milo. That money is yours."

"It's the money your mother has been paying me that past nine years to be your teacher. It was hers to begin with."

"You can't," Shiloh insisted. "Mama wouldn't want that. She wouldn't want to jeopardize your well-being for hers." Milo opened his mouth to speak but Shiloh raised a hand to stop him. "I have savings. 5,000,000 belis."

Sanji's brows rose. That wasn't a piddly amount for a kid. Milo must have shared his thoughts because his eyes had widened in surprise as he asked, "How do you have that much?"

The redhead seemed to choose her words carefully. "Most of it is allowance from Mama. The rest is from odd jobs here and there." Sensing the man's suspicious look, Shiloh added quickly with a scowl, "Rihannon pays me to clean her room and sometimes Laz's dad lets me help out around their store."

Milo still seemed suspicious. "Shiloh, that wouldn't happen to be the money you've been saving for school, would it?"

The girl lowered her head. "It doesn't matter," she mumbled. "There's no way I'm going to school while Mama's sick. I'm staying with her no matter what."

"Shiloh, that's your future. Your mother would want you to go and follow your dreams. She's worked so hard to make sure you have the means."

Amber eyes looked lovingly to the figure lying on the bed. Slowly, she took a breath and reached for her mother's pale hand. "Dreams change, Milo. It's like you said: things are going to be different from now on."

The walls warped around the cook and the swordsman before sinking into the ground. They once again found themselves in Shiloh's home. Lying on her stomach on the sofa, the redhead seemed to be writing in a notebook. Milo descended the stairs and walked towards the front door. "I'm going out to buy dinner, Shiloh. Your mother's asleep but make sure to check in on her every hour alright?"

Shiloh nodded, though her focus remained on whatever she was writing. "'Kay."

Milo paused, his hand suspended midway towards the doorknob. "Shiloh," he called softly, "I'm sorry we couldn't do anything special today. The medical bills…" Sanji sighed sadly as Milo looked away, face red with shame. "We just can't afford to celebrate."

Sensing the man's distress, Shiloh sat up and faced him. Sanji could clearly see a certain maturity in her features and in her posture. Adorned in simple yellow shorts and a white tank-top, the body of a young woman could clearly be seen. This Shiloh was the most similar to the one he was familiar with that Sanji had witnessed so far. She even smiled the same way, simple and sincere. "What are you talking about, Milo? We're going to have a nice dinner here at home with Mama and that's more than enough for me. It'll be the best birthday ever."

Milo managed a small smile, though his eyes remained distant. "You've really grown up, haven't you." With a sigh, he opened the door. "I'll be back soon."

"Be safe."

As the door shut with a quite click, the redhead flopped onto her back with a loud sigh. "Medical bills…" she mumbled, an arm throw across her eyes. "What are we going to do…?" A sudden knock on the door caused Sanji's, Zoro's, and Shiloh's heads to turn towards it. Jumping off the sofa, Shiloh slowly opened the door and was met with the last face Sanji wanted to see but somehow knew would be there: Scrawly. "Oh," Shiloh said with surprise in her voice. "Hello, Mr. Scrawly."

"Goodness," the man crooned. "Little Red! I haven't seen you since you were a little girl. You've grown so… beautifully." Sanji nearly gagged. "Could you so kindly let me in?"

"Don't do it," the cook warned knowing full well there was no point. "Don't do it, don't do it, don't-" He swore as Shiloh moved aside to let the man enter. "Shit."

"Sure but Mama's asleep. She should be up in about an hour if you want to wait."

Scrawly made himself comfortable on the sofa, crossing his legs and folding his long slim fingers. "Actually, I came to talk to you."

"Me?" Shiloh asked as she placed herself across from him on the armchair opposite. A coffee table that she had placed her notebook down on separated the two and Sanji found himself grateful. He would have screamed in frustration if Shiloh had sat beside the weirdo. "Why me?"

Scrawly leaned forward, a gleam in his eye. "Well, in light of the current situation, I came to offer you a job."

The redhead frowned. "A job?" She replied warily.

"That's right. Specifically, your mother's."

Sanji's heart sank at the spark that suddenly entered Shiloh's eyes. "You want me to take her place at the theatre?"

"Someone has to," the man replied with what Sanji supposed was meant to be a sincere smile. It contorted his face, giving the cook the eerie impression of a wax doll. "Since your mother isn't able to work right now, I've lost my most popular dancer and my highest earner. Would you like to take her place?"

Shaking her head, Shiloh replied, "Mama doesn't want me to dance there."

"I understand." Sanji found himself growling low in his throat. Did he really though? "However, you must know that eventually you won't be able to afford your mother's medication on your own. I pay very well, Little One. You'll make more than enough to not only continue your mother's medication regimen for the rest of her life but to keep this lovely house of hers. You'll both be taken care of."

Slowly, Shiloh took a breath. "What happens if I accept?"

"Well, first of all you need to know what it is you're accepting. During the day you're a dancer. But during the night," he paused, his waxy smile morphing into something more sinister. Sanji didn't understand how Shiloh could be so un-phased by Scrawly's expressions. He figured that maybe it had to do with the naïveté of youth. "During the night you have a special occupation."

The redhead's brows rose. "Mama's never said anything about that."

"That's because she's good at what she does. You see, Darling, my dancers sometimes attract certain… interesting clients who are willing to pay top dollar to spend some quality time with them. We use that to our advantage. Some of these clients have dark dirty secrets and it's our responsibility to figure them out and make sure they don't do more harm than good."

"This asshole makes me sick." Sanji could only nod in agreement at the scowling swordsman's words. He knew that those who played God tended to be the most cruel and sadistic.

Shiloh must have sensed something amiss. Her amber eyes darkened as she scowled at the man. "So the dancers really do sleep with men for money."

Scrawly put a hand over his heart. "Don't say it like that, Little Red! It's not for the money, though they do get paid well. It's for the comfort of knowing they helped expose these awful men. Some of them have turned out to be convicted criminals, you know."

"Isn't it dangerous for the dancers, then? If those things are a possibility?"

Slowly, Scrawly's lips set into a straight line. Apparently the man was not happy with Shiloh's questions. "Listen, Red." The sudden change in his tone caused a chill to run up Sanji's spine. "The dancers who work for me belong to me and I take very good care of my belongings. They are always provided for. I make sure they all have a safe place to live and enough food on their tables. I give them the tools they need to achieve fame. I give them more than a job, Darling, I give them purpose." He leaned in, his eyes dark and dangerous despite the smile that had once again appeared. "Do you know why your mother decided to work for me?" Shiloh shook her head slowly, eyes narrowed. "She showed up on this island with an incredibly sick baby in her arms and no money to pay for medicine. Guess who found her crying on the sidewalk after the doctor refused to treat her child?" Without waiting for a response, he pointed to himself. "I did. I took one look at her beautiful face and knew she'd be amazing and after she told me she was a dancer for a travelling troupe, oh, so much the better. I gave her all the money she needed upfront on the condition that she would come work for me." He stood and placed himself right in front of Shiloh who seemed unable to move. Stroking her cheek with his thumb, he whispered, "She was in a desperate situation so she did what she needed to. Don't you think you should return the favor? I'm offering you a foolproof way to provide for her. All you need to do is sign your body over to me." A piece of paper was suddenly pulled out of his coat pocket and placed on the table.

Shiloh pulled away from his hand and very slowly repeated, "What happens if I accept?"

Scrawly gave a toothy grin, the grin of a predatory finally landing its prey. "Well, you're still a few years away from the age of consent for our island so for now we'll focus on growing your audience." He pointed to the paper. "This is your mother's contract. What we'll do is cross out her name and write yours instead. All you have to do is initial the changes and sign at the bottom." A pen was handed to the redhead. "Since you'll be taking her place, you'll need to do her style of dancing. Aerial silk performance shouldn't be too hard for a contortionist to learn and you can still do contortion as well. You'll be a double-edged sword. I'll set you up with the best teachers. You're going to be amazing."

Sanji's heart nearly stopped as he saw Shiloh begin signing. "And you promise I'll make enough to take care of Mama?"

The cook heard Zoro roar in fury as Scrawly's eyes glinted. "Definitely, Little Red." It was all Sanji could do to hold onto the swordsman's hand tighter as he lurched towards Scrawly. However, Zoro's fist merely phased through the man's head.

"Damn it," he shouted as he continued throw empty punches. "Manipulating women and children, taking advantage of those who are down, making the innocent do his dirty work, I'm going to hunt you down and slice off your head when we get out of here, asshole!"

"Enough!" Sanji shouted. He understood Zoro's frustration but since they were still connected he really didn't appreciate the after-effect of being pushed and pulled like a ragdoll. "If you keep doing that you're going to rip my arm off, you idiot!"

Zoro spun around the face him, breathing hard. Sanji was sure it was from the rage, not the exertion. He opened his mouth to speak but was stopped by a sudden thud by the door.

"What…" There was Milo, standing by the door, bags of groceries dropped by his feet. Behind him stood the teen versions of Laz, Rook, and Rhiannon. Rook's eyes immediately hardened at the sight of Scrawly. "What's going on, Shiloh? Why is he here?"

Shiloh faced him with a smile, but Sanji knew that smile. He had seen it on the redhead's face a few times before. It was a stage smile, one that was meant to reassure the recipient. He wondered if she knew that it did the exact opposite. "I got a job, Milo. Everything's going to be okay now."

Before either of them could react, Sanji and Zoro suddenly found themselves surrounded by darkness. It was such a jarring contrast from the white haziness that had so far formed the memories that Sanji found himself rooted on the spot. Or maybe he was moving. He couldn't actually tell. He opened his mouth to speak to Zoro but was cut off by a shrill shriek. He nearly dropped Zoro's hand in an attempt to cover his ears. "What the hell?!"

They couldn't see a damn thing, but they could hear Jonah's voice, loud and broken as if she were crying. "Do you realize what you've done?! You've ruined your life, Shiloh! You've ruined your life! You promised me you wouldn't perform for Scrawly, you promised me!" Her voice quieted before it returned, softer and more heart-broken. "How could you do this, Baby? This isn't what I wanted for you… you don't even realize what you've done… I'm sorry… I'm so sorry…"

Light assaulted Sanji's eyes just as suddenly as the darkness had invaded them. Memory flashes flew by once again; Shiloh in a myriad of dance classes, Shiloh dancing in front of a growing audience, Shiloh walking with Laz, Rook, and Rhiannon, Shiloh sitting at the table with her mother and Milo, Shiloh kissing her mother's forehead goodnight. With each one that passed, the redhead seemed to age a little bit. The final flash was of Shiloh and Laz kissing by the river. Sanji's eyes nearly popped out of his head. He hadn't expected that. To his horror, the memory began to solidify, the forest forming around them.

"Seriously?!" He would have laughed at Zoro's outburst if his brain weren't going a million miles an hour trying to process everything that was happening.

He shook his head as Shiloh pulled away and quickly wiped at her mouth. "Ick."

Zoro's countenance immediately changed. A smirk was on his lips.

"Damn, Shy," Sanji said despite himself. "That was cold."

Laz frowned and also wiped his lips. "You're the one who wanted to do it."

"I didn't know it was going to be like that."

"I don't think it's supposed to be like that."

Shiloh frowned. "How would you know? I thought this was your first kiss."

"It is," Laz assured her. "Rook just told me it's supposed to be… I don't know, nicer."

"Psh," Shiloh scoffed as she flopped onto her back with her arms behind her head. "What does he know, anyway."

Laz plopped down besides her, mimicking her posture. "Was that really okay?" He asked carefully. "I thought you weren't supposed to kiss anyone or something like that."

"I'm not supposed to have sex with anyone. Mr. Scrawly says my first time will make him a huge profit. Plus I guess the guy who's interested has got some huge dirt that Scrawly wants. I guess we'll find out next week."

The brown haired boy shifted uncomfortably. "Are you… are you going to be alright, Shy? I mean…"

Shiloh propped herself up on one elbow to look down at Laz's concerned face. "It's part of my job. That's what Scrawly keeps telling me anyway." Her eyes grew pensive. "But you know, what he doesn't know won't hurt him."

"Huh? What are you talking about?"

"Do you want to be my first?"

Laz sat up so fast their heads nearly crashed together. "What?!"

"What?!" Zoro and Sanji both shouted.

Shiloh, however, seemed nonplussed. "Do you want to be my first? I've known you since forever and I trust you,so I'd rather lose my virginity to you than some stranger."

The boy had gotten incredibly red in the face. "Come on, Shy. Don't joke around like that."

Sighing, Shiloh lay back down and stared up at the sky. "I wasn't joking."

They remained in a terrible silence that made Sanji want to tear his hair out. Finally, after about five minutes, to the cook's surprise Laz took Shiloh's small hand into his own and said, "My parents will be out tomorrow night. Do you want to come over?"

A smile formed on Shiloh's lips. "Yes. Yes, I do."

Zoro groaned so loudly and suddenly that it startled Sanji. The swordsman turned his head upwards and yelled, "WHY WOULD YOU WANT US TO SEE THIS?!"

Unable to resist, Sanji shrugged and suggested smugly, "Maybe this one is specifically for you, Marimo."

"Shut up! I'll kill you!"

"Never pegged you for the jealous type."

"They're kids!"

"Or the creepy type."

"I'm going to kick your ass you sorry excuse for a-"

A loud knocking interrupted Zoro's threat. Sanji hadn't even noticed that the memory had taken them back to Shiloh's home. "Shiloh! SHILOH! Open the door! Shiloh!"

The redhead came running down the stairs in her pajamas, throwing the door open. "Rook? What the hell are you doing? It's the middle of the night. You're going to wake up my m-"

The blonde grabbed her arms, and that was when Sanji noticed the tears streaming down his face. "It's Laz… Laz…"

Shiloh gently put her hands on the boy's shoulders. "Okay," she replied slowly, concern in her voice. "What about L-"

Suddenly the redhead was being pulled out of the house and down the street by the blond. "His house is on fire!"

The scent of smoke hit Sanji hard, his eyes burning. He couldn't see anything through the sudden dark haze that surrounded them but he could hear people shouting and the sizzling sound of water hitting intense heat. The image of Laz's home came and went in the blink of an eye, but it was so terrible that it left a terrible imprint on Sanji's brain. The house was completely engulfed in flames, charred wood crumbling and crashing with a crackling thud. It roared and growled like some kind of blindingly bright monster, tongues of flame flicking towards those who were trying desperately to extinguish it. Somewhere amongst the destruction, Sanji could hear Shiloh screaming.

Then it was gone and in its place were Shiloh and Rook sitting by the river. The redhead had her knees pulled up to her chest, an arm around Rook's back. Rook himself had one arm slung around Shiloh's shoulder. It was a sight that pulled at Sanji's heart. The way they hung on to one another could only show a fraction of the grief they must have felt. "I'm going to kill that Scrawly bastard," Rook croaked thickly. "Faulty electrical wiring, my ass. It had to be him. No one else is sadistic enough to jam all the doors and windows." Shiloh sniffled as he continued angrily, "How did the cops miss that anyway? I bet that creep paid them off."

"It's my fault," Shiloh whispered, choking back a sob. "He told you, didn't he? What we were going to do? I should have never asked such a stupid thing." The redhead buried her face in the boy's shoulder, her voice so muffled Sanji could barely make out her words. "It's my fault they're dead, Rook. Laz is dead… his whole family is dead and it's all my fault!"

Rook pulled away and held the girl at arms length, his teary green eyes shining with anger. "It is not your fault, Shy! Did you jam their doors? Did you set their house on fire? No, you didn't!" His expression softened as Shiloh began to cry loudly. Wiping her tears with his thumbs, he said gently, "It's not your fault. I don't blame you and I know Laz and his family wouldn't either. They loved you."

With a deep breath, Shiloh straightened up and wiped her nose on her sleeve. She turned wide fearful eyes towards the river. "How did Scrawly even find out?"

Rook leaned back slightly, eyes on the grey clouds overhead. "Who knows? That guy's got eyes and ears everywhere."

A shudder went up Sanji's spine. "I'm scared." The cook looked away as Shiloh hugged her knees to her chest and buried her face in them. "I can't get away from him, Rook. Mama was right… I got myself in and can't get out and now people have died because of me. Laz… he didn't even do anything. He was smart and kind and good and just like that, he's gone. All because-"

"Because Scrawly is an evil soulless demon." Rook turned urgent eyes on the redhead. "You need to get out, Shy. You need to leave and go somewhere far away before he hurts you."

"No!" Shiloh shouted, surprising boy. "No. I can't do that. If I don't keep him happy then next it'll be you or Rihannon or Milo or… or Mama." A gasp of realization escaped Shiloh's lips. "I can't let that happen. He can hurt me all he wants but I can't let him lay a finger on any of you."

Everything went dark for the briefest of seconds before Sanji found himself face to face with a tall, thickly built man with dark eyes. The grin on his face was unnerving. The cook barely noticed Scrawly standing behind the man, a satisfied smile on his face, looking directly at him. "Make sure you show Mr. Delway a good time, Crimson." He directed his gaze to the man. "Like we discussed, this is her first time entertaining after dark so try not to be too hard on her."

A deep, disgusting laugh bubbled from Delway's throat. "I paid a fortune for this night, Scrawly. I'm going to do whatever I damn well please."

Scrawly sighed, though a sick smile was on his lips. "Just bring her back in one piece with no physical marks. She must remain beautiful after all."

Delway locked eyes with Sanji. The cook knew in the back of his mind that he was seeing through Shiloh's eyes, but it didn't stop him from stepping back and tripping over Zoro. It was amazing they managed to keep their hands connected. When they managed to untangle themselves after many swears and empty threats, Sanji looked up just in time to see Delway reaching a hand towards Shiloh who was standing where he had previously been.

Then everything went black.

Before Sanji could even react, he heard Milo's voice ask, "So how's work, Shiloh?" The two appeared sitting on opposite sides of Jonah's bed. The dark haired woman's eyes were open, watching the two with interest. Sanji could see the deterioration in her body even through the blankets. Despite what they had just seen, Shiloh seemed untroubled, a smile on her face. Sanji figured some time had gone by since the last memory.

"Fine. Nothing new."

Milo frowned. "Are you doing alright? Has anyone-"

"No one has hurt me, Milo." Shiloh interrupted with a frustrated sigh. "Not since the psycho with a knife. You ask me this, like, every night. I can take care of myself now, don't worry." The image of Shiloh's scar flashed briefly in Sanji's mind.

"And Scrawly?" The man persisted. "Is he treating you well?"

"He's the same as always," the redhead stated with a bored tone. "Still using us to get the dirt on people but that's the job."

Milo cringed and shook his head, obviously displeased. "My God, Shiloh. That's so-"

"That's a pretty name," Jonah suddenly said demurely. "My little girl's name is Shiloh."

The redhead smiled and gently brushed back a lock of her mother's hair. "That's me, Mama."

A delicate laugh escaped Jonah's lips. "No, no, my Shiloh is only a baby."

"That's okay, Mama," Shiloh reassured her with a smile, "You'll remember in a few minutes, just like always."

Milo nodded in agreement. "Do you know who I am?" He asked politely.

"Milo. You take care of me."

"That's right."

She tilted her head slightly, a confused look in her eyes. "How long have I been in this bed?"

The slim man took a deep breath and replied slowly, "Well, you've been bed-ridden for about a year."

Jonah's eyes began to darken. Sanji glanced at Shiloh who suddenly began to look a mixture of confused and worried. "That's impossible. How do I take care of my baby?"

"Your baby-"

"Where is my baby?" Milo stood and tried to still the woman as she weakly flailed around in the bed. "Where is she?! Where is my baby?!"

A scared looking Shiloh leaned in and replied, "Mama, it's me! I'm your baby."

"DON'T LIE TO ME!" Shiloh jumped back at the sudden shriek. "You're not my baby! I don't even know you! Where is my baby?! What did you do to her?!" Jonah's eyes flickered back and forth frantically, searching the room. "Shanks…" Sanji froze at the familiar name. He felt Zoro stiffen beside him. "Where is Shanks? I need to tell him about our baby. Where is he?"

A needle was suddenly in Jonah's arm, causing her eyes to shut slowly. Milo sighed and pulled the syringe out, carefully arranging the blankets back around her. "She said 'Shanks.'" Milo looked up at Shiloh, whose eyes had gone wide. She turned to him. "That's what she said, right?"

"I think so."

"That's my dad," the redhead said breathlessly. "That has to be my dad's name. She said she had to tell him about her baby." Her eyes filled with tears. "That Shanks guy has to be my father, right?"

The three of them faded away and Sanji found himself alone with Zoro in the blank white space once again. The swordsman let out a breath. "That's one hell of a way to find out who your dad is."

Sanji sighed. "Yeah." He ran his free hand through his hair. Witnessing Shiloh's memories was really beginning to wear him out. "I'm going to be brutally honest with you, Marimo." Zoro turned a dark eye to the chef. Was he imagining it, or did the green-haired man actually look concerned? "I really want to get out of here."

Zoro frowned and looked away. "Yeah. Me too."

A tense silence fell between them. Realizing that there was no memory forming, Sanji raised a brow. "Why is it so quiet?"

He immediately regretted asking when Jonah's disembodied voice boomed, "Who are you?! Get out of my house!"

The next voice was Shiloh's. "Mama, it's me, Shiloh!"

"I don't know you! Get out or I'm calling the police! Someone help me! There's an invader in my house!"

Sanji could tell Shiloh was trying to keep her voice calm. "I promise, I'm not an invader. I live here with you and Milo. We take care of you. See how you're in that bed? You have an illness and we make sure you're comfortable and happy." Shiloh took a breath and asked slowly, "Do you remember me?"

They were met with silence once again before Jonah's voice could be heard, quiet and broken. "I don't remember… I don't remember anything… What's wrong with me?"

"Nothing is wrong with you," Shiloh's voice replied, thick with tears. "You're beautiful and perfect and even though you won't remember tomorrow, I love you."

The next time Jonah spoke, Sanji was sure time had passed. It was soft and weak, almost resigned. "Your hair is very pretty, young lady."

"Thank you," Shiloh's voice replied flatly. The sound of defeat in her voice worried the cook.

"It's the same color as Shanks."

"Oh, really?"

Jonah let out a weak girlish giggle, her voice soft and loving. "That man was so handsome." As the bedroom began to form around them again, Sanji noticed Shiloh sitting at her mother's bedside, staring at all machines that were now hooked up to her. The beeping and wheezing sounds they made gave Sanji a horrible feeling in the pit of his stomach. "I used to dance with a travelling troupe. I met Shanks after a performance. He wore a straw hat that had a red band around it." Shiloh's eyes widened at her mother's words. "I was so infatuated with him. He must have been interested in me as well because he found me after the show and asked me to go with him to the beach. It was beautiful. There was a full moon that night and we were so drunk on young passionate love that we made love right then and there. A few days later he was setting sail but he turned to me and threw me this beautiful necklace with a star-shaped pendant. On the back it said, "Together under the stars." I was absolutely in tears when he left. But whenever I held the necklace, I felt better knowing we were at least under the same sky." Jonah let out a longing sigh. "I think the necklace is in my jewelry box. Would you mind taking a look for me?"

Shiloh didn't move. "You remember all that?" She asked, her voice low. Sanji shuddered. He knew that voice. He had heard it the night Shiloh had slept-walked into the men's' quarters. His heart nearly stopped as she repeated the question she had asked Zoro that very same night. "Do you know who I am?"

Jonah turned her eyes to her daughter, an honest and innocent expression on her face. "No."

Shiloh let out an enraged roar and put her face a mere inch away from Jonah's. "Look at me!" She yelled. "Look at me, Mama! I'm your daughter! You have to remember me!" The shouting must have alerted Milo because the man burst through the door and immediately tried to restrain Shiloh. "You have to! How could…" Angry tears flooded her eyes and ran down her cheeks. "How could you remember that man and not me?!" Tears filled Jonah's eyes as well, her sickly frame shaking. Shiloh's face crumpled at the sight of her mother. "Why?" She choked. "Why him?"

Milo pulled Shiloh further away from the bed. "Shiloh, stop. You know she's not trying to hurt you."

The redhead stopped fighting him and dropped down to her knees. "She loves him more than me…"

"What?" Milo asked in utter disbelief.

"She loves him more than me! That's why she remembered him and not me! She remembered everything about him right down to the color of the band around his hat, Milo!"

"Please…" Sanji turned to Jonah who was still crying softly. She was looking at Milo. "Please get her out of here."

If it had happened any other time, Sanji would have kicked Zoro's ass, but in their current situation, he decided not to comment on how the swordsman's hand had clamped more firmly around his.

Shiloh let out a scream and looked as if she were going to lurch at the frail woman but instead turned and shoved Milo hard enough to knock the man down. He got up immediately and made a grab for the redhead but she had already run towards the door. With a final look back, rears racing down her face she whispered, "I've had it… I'm done."

"Shiloh, wait," Milo ordered. "Just calm down. You know your mother-"

"THAT WOMAN IS NOT MY MOTHER!" With those echoing words, Shiloh ran out the door, leaving a crying Milo and a shaking Jonah behind.

Zoro took a harsh breath has he and Sanji followed Shiloh. "This is all kinds of fucked up."

Sanji remained silent for a minute before saying, "She should have stayed. You can't blame the ill for being ill."

"I'm sure she knows that now."

An odd coldness fell over Sanji's heart. "I hope so."

Shiloh led them to a house with a faded blue paneled roof. Pounding on the door, she shouted, "Rook! Rook, please let me in!"

A woman with beautiful platinum blond hair opened the door. "Oh, Shiloh. You scared me. It's a little late to be-" She took one look at the girl's face and immediately frowned. "What's wrong, Sweetie?"

Rook suddenly appeared, winded as if he sprinted to the door. "Shy," he panted. "What's going on?" He pushed past his concerned mother to pull the redhead into the house. Sanji and Zoro found themselves in what could only be Rook's room, a small space cluttered with clothes and books. "What happened? Who died?"

Shiloh took a seat on a clean patch of floor. "Nothing…No one… I just needed to get away from home."

Rook kicked away a book to make space to sit next to the redhead. Putting a hand on her shoulder he said softly, "Come on, you know I know you better than that, Hairball." Shiloh managed a microscopic smile at the nickname. "What's going on?"

"I don't really want to talk about it," Shiloh replied. "Is it okay with your mom if I stay here for a little while?"

"MOM!" Rook bellowed.

"WHAT?" Came the reply.

"CAN SHILOH STAY OVER?"

Silence, then: "ALRIGHT, JUST KEEP YOUR DOOR OPEN. AND YOU BE NICE TO HER, ROOK."

"I'M ALWAYS NICE," was the shouted response. "THANKS, LOVE YOU!"

Sanji couldn't help but smile as Shiloh let out a weak laugh. He could see why she had gone to Rook. The friendship between the two ran deep. He wouldn't ever admit it out loud, but Zoro had been right about them and in this case, the cook didn't mind being wrong. The teenagers chattered idly about everything and nothing, and soon fell asleep sprawled beside each other on the messy floor. That's when everything went dark.

A small voice echoed through the darkness growing louder with each tentative call. "Shiloh," it said urgently. "Shiloh, wake up. Shiloh." Rook's room returned, Shiloh sitting up slowly and rubbing her eyes before recognizing the man before her.

"Milo?" Instantly she lunged towards the man and wrapped her arms around his middle. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have run out like that. I just got so frustrated and-"

"Shiloh." The broken, defeated sound of his voice caused the redhead to frown, eyes filled with fear. Rook, who had been standing by the girl, and his mother, who had been standing at the door with tears in her eyes began to fade away until student and pupil were the only visible things left to Sanji and Zoro. Milo put a hand on the top of Shiloh's head. "Shiloh, I'm sorry. Your mother…" Tears began to fill her eyes before Milo even finished. "Your mother passed away a few hours ago."

Sanji barely managed to blink before the scene changed in a whirlwind of color. It was jarring and unnerving since the only indication of a memory change had been either extreme blankness or extreme blackness. But when he spotted a curtain of red hair bouncing around in front of him, he realized why. Shiloh, a large bag slung over her shoulder, was running.

"I didn't even say goodbye." His eyes widened as another Shiloh appeared at his side. It was the short-haired Shiloh, the Shiloh he knew, watching her younger self head for the dock. "For a year after she died I kept dancing and doing Scrawly's bidding. I didn't know what else to do. Then one day I was going through Mama's jewelry box and found a necklace." Shiloh paused to take a long slow breath. "It was the one Shanks gave to her. I remembered how she had spoken so fondly about him the night she died and I knew, I just knew I had to find him. I had to tell him all about her life and how amazing she was. Maybe then I'd be forgiven for all the promises I broke and all the horrible things I said." Sanji realized the rest of the crew was beginning to materialize around him, along with the walls of galley. Faintly, he could still see the memory Shiloh boarding a small vessel. "I felt like if I found him, it would make her happy. So I left as soon as possible. I never even said a word to anyone. I almost left a note for Milo, but I didn't want there to be any sign he knew where I was. I didn't want them to have any information that Scrawly could possibly use. All I did was leave my house key on the table." The memory had almost completely faded out. The last of it showed Sanji Shiloh standing on the bow of the ship she had boarded, hair cut to her shoulders. In her hand she held the severed length of her hair. Slowly, she let go of the crimson locks, the wind carrying them away to land somewhere on surface of the dark waters of the ocean.

"I justified it by telling myself I was keeping them safe from Scrawly, but really I was just too afraid to say goodbye. If I saw their faces even just one more time I would have lost my resolve and stayed stuck working for that monster. The only way out was to have a reason, and finding my father became my reason."

The Straw Hat Pirates sat all together in the galley of The Sunny, hands no longer joined. They had slowly released each other as Shiloh spoke. Sanji absently wiped his hand on the leg of his pants, vaguely noting that the faces of his fellow crew members ranged from surprised, to sad, to confused. Usopp was shaking, his head bowed. Shiloh couldn't look a single one of them in the eye. Instead, she kept her eyes downcast, focusing on her folded hands. "I know I should have told you guys my reason right away, but then I would have had to explain what I had done to Mama and I was afraid you wouldn't let such a terrible person on your ship." Clenching her eyes shut, Shiloh added so softly Sanji almost didn't hear, "I mean, only the worst kind of coward runs away from their sick dying mother then uses an excuse to leave everyone else behind."

A/N

Oh, the drama. I promise, no more funny comes back next chapter. Thanks for bearing with me this far and thanks for all the favorites, follows, and reviews! You guys are great! On to the next chapter.