A/N: Did you guys miss me? Sorry I didn't get this chapter up faster. I started another story and I was losing momentum for this one. But, I'm determined to see this story to the very end (it is my first fanfic after all). I don't wanna be a quitter so soon! Anyways. Here is Chapter 10! Let me know what y'all think!

Disclaimer: I don't own One Piece

Chapter 10: Into Town

Robin stood in the middle, encircled by green translucent flames with seven familiar figures positioned outside the fiery barrier. She watched as amethyst limbs ensnared their bodies while they squirmed against the tightening hold. The Straw Hats writhed in pain as phantom arms tightened around their necks, constricting their airways. Those arms. How can they be there? Robin looked down at her own extremities. That same amethyst color traced along her veins, up her arms, and around her body. It was her. She was doing this and she couldn't stop it. Then every part of her insides began to sting, like her own blood was scorching. She fell over and screamed. When it stopped, Robin gasped and coughed. She propped herself up on her elbows. There was no air. No relief. The flames around her consumed it all, leaving her to suffocate. Lifting her head up, she tried to see through the green flares again. In front of her, Luffy was still struggling against the many arms wrapped around him. Her arms. Then, the crunching sound of bones she's so accustomed to rang aloud. But this time, she didn't feel the satisfaction of victory she usually did, because these were the bones that belonged to her nakama.

Robin sprang up in her bed panting. Clutching her chest, Robin felt her heart raced and beat so hard that she thought it might burst out of her body. Running her hands through her hair, Robin closed her eyes and took big even breaths. It's just a dream. Just a dream.

The clock told her it was almost noon, which meant it was time to get ready for her outing. Rummaging through her closet, she found what she was looking for.

"It's been a while since I've worn you," she said as she stared down at the object in the box.

The afternoon sun hung brightly over the island. Reaching the entrance of the town, the Straw Hats began to separate, each pulled away from the group by some interesting thing or another. Luffy, Chopper, and Usopp wandered off after smelling something delicious. Sanji followed excitedly behind Nami as she went from clothing store to clothing store. Zoro, well nobody knew where Zoro went. He disappeared within the first few minutes of walking along the main street, probably lost in some alleyway looking senselessly at a dead end. Franky stayed behind to guard the Sunny after deciding to do some tune up work on the beloved ship. He did, however, make Usopp promise to bring him back some cola to refuel the ship.

As for Robin, she had plans with a certain commander that should be on his way to the town library soon. But before she headed there, she figured she'd contact this lead that was left for her. She looked up at the building in front of her. The sign read, 'Waterloo Tavern'. This was as good as anyone's guess. Where else would a barman be, if not at a bar? Robin thought.

Dimly lit, the tavern was filled with empty round tables. There wasn't a sketchy character in sight, unless you counted the few drunken bums that sat in the booths near the back with mugs of empty beer turned over and drool hanging from their mouths. What a peculiar sight this was for Robin, knowing that afternoons spent drinking were a pirate's favorite pastime. If this is a Baroque Works owned bar, then maybe it made sense. A man stood behind the counter polishing glassware with an old rag. He hadn't looked up once since Robin came through the door.

Sliding a gold coin across the tabletop, Robin took a seat at the end of the counter and gave the man with the glassware a sly smile, one eye covered by her old purple cowboy hat. Her arching eyebrow coaxed him for a chat. The Barman took the hint and look at the coin that slid in front of him. Bold and shiny, with the letters 'B.W.' etched deeply in the gold. The Barman smirked. Picking up the coin, he walked over to Robin. He tossed the coin up, and she caught it between her index and middle finger as it came down.

"Drink Miss?"

"I have a feeling you already know my usual."

He did. Setting a wine glass down in front of her, the barman took out a bottle of fine wine and poured it.

"Your bar is quite empty. Seems like you may be going under."

"We'll my employer always said, 'one shouldn't trust what things seem to be."

"Your employer sounds clever."

"Oh, he is"

"What other words of wisdom does he have?"

"Just one other. Though, it's more of a warning. 'Those who don't do as they're told, a burning ship awaits.'"

"I see," Robin stated. A funeral imagery… with a literal meaning perhaps?

Just as Robin brought the wine glass to her lips and sipped, loud footsteps and laughter emitted into the room. Through her peripherals, she watched a crowd of pirates walk in and sit down at the back tables. They chatted loudly and bellowed for the barman to bring them sake. Robin saw the cross mark on the man who waved his arm in the air calling to a waitress, who had just walked out of the backroom. Whitebeard pirates. Ace is already heading there.

"Miss, you seemed to have spilled a little of your wine." The Barman placed a folded napkin on the table. "I bid you good day… and good luck"

Then, he disappeared to the backroom, out of sight. That was her cue to leave. No wine had actually been spilled, so Robin knew that this was the item she was suppose to take with her. Tucking the napkin into her pocket, Robin got up and left.

"Hey Robin!"

Turning around, Robin found Marco running to her. Behind him, Izo and Jozu, two of the other commanders of the Whitebeard Pirates, were walking into a restaurant. Ace wasn't with them, so Robin assumed he was already waiting for her at their meeting place.

"Marco-san."

"Hey! I thought you'd be meeting Ace by now."

"Yes, well, I thought I'd have a drink first. I heard that a bit of alcohol can help calm your nerves."

Robin hoped Marco wouldn't be suspicious about what she's been up to, coming out of the bar. She didn't want to drag any more people into this.

"Don't worry, Ace is probably more nervous than you are," Marco said.

"That makes me feel a little better," Robin said, figuring it was just better to play along. "Well, I'm late. See you around Marco-san."

"Before you go, you should know something. Ace is someone who will lay his life down for the people he cares about. But, he lacks trust. He doesn't like to depend on people, even when he needs to… and I see some of that in you too, Nico Robin."

"What are you trying to say?"

"That it's okay to depend on others. Especially, the ones you care for. The people you want to protect are usually the same ones who want to do the same for you."

"Hmm… Thank you, Marco-san. I'll keep that in mind."

They went their separate ways without another word. Robin thought about her meeting with the Barman and about her conversation with Marco as she made her way through the crowded streets. It's okay to depend on people... Do I not? Do I not trust my crew and my captain enough? I hide things to keep them safe, to shield them from harm, because they had done so much for me. But perhaps Marco has a point. There are some things I can't do alone.

Robin felt the napkin from the bar wrinkling in her pocket. Now, away from the eyes of anybody that would recognize her, she took it out and read its' contents.

Ace stood leaning against a white pillar in front of the building's entrance. For a small town, they sure have a big library, Ace thought. Waiting for Robin to show up, Ace took a seat on the front steps and began twiddling his thumbs. A moment later, he felt something sprout out of the sides of his head. The next thing he knew, warm hands that smelt of sweet flowers had clasp themselves over his eyes preventing him from seeing. Then he felt something run along the back of his neck, tickling his skin.

"Hey!" He said while trying to control his laughter. He knew who it was. He heard a soft giggle and then the hands disappeared into flowers. Standing in front of him was Robin.

"Sorry, but I couldn't help it," Robin said with a teasing smile that made Ace want to move closer.

But, she had already moved to towards the library entrance. Taking a deep breath, Ace followed in after her. Robin didn't say much as she moved along the aisles, tracing the shelves with her finger. Ace stared at the rows of books lining the shelves. He was never interested in reading but being here reminded him of someone from his past. Someone who was quite smart and died with an unfulfilled dream of writing a book. Ace smiled sadly as he thought of Sabo and all the adventures they could have had together.

When Ace finally shook himself away from reminiscing about Sabo, he realized that Robin was sitting at a table with a few books laid out in front of her.

"So is this what you do? Spend all your time in libraries when you can be off exploring," Ace asked as he sat down next to her.

"You'd be surprise how much there is to explore in a library," Robin smiled. "But this time, I'm looking for something."

"And what's that?"

"This," Robin said. She opened one of the books to a page with a map of the island.

"I'm guessing this means you haven't given up on looking for that thing?"

"I haven't. And I'm hoping I can pin point it's location."

Robin paused for a moment with an uncertain expression as she clutched napkin in her pocket. She thought about what Marco said about Ace. Not just now, but through everything, she kept realizing how similar her and Ace were.

"Something wrong, Robin?" Ace asked.

"Ace, I trust you"

"That's good to know," Ace smiled.

"I mean it. I really do trust you." Robin looked at him now. He waited attentively to what Robin was about to say. "I'll tell you what I'm looking for. If you still want to help me, that is…"

(With Zoro on some street somewhere in town)

"Gaaah…. They're lost already?!" Zoro said as he kept looking around for any sign of his crewmates.

*thud *

"OW! How does this keep happening?" Zoro began rubbing his head. Now blocked off in three directions, he stood staring a brick wall. It's unknown to even himself how he had walked into an alley with a dead end.

"Heh. Not much brains up there." The voice came from behind Zoro.

A large shadow casted over the straw hat swordsmen. Turning around, Zoro saw a tall man holding a sword to the side. His face was covered but his arms weren't. Zoro instantly recognized the whitebeard mark of the newcomer's hand.

"Tch," Zoro smirked. "I'd say you're the one whose got no brains if you're dumb enough to stand in my way."

"You're the swordsman for the Strawhat's, right? I believe we have unfinished business."

"I believe we do. You snuck onto our ship."

"You threw a sword at me."

"Well, I wasn't going to invite you in for tea," Zoro said as he unsheathed his katanas.

"Thenlets settle this," the stranger said raising his own blade high as he prepared to strike.

"He's worse than his brother…" Marco heard someone whispered as the group of Whitebeard pirates watched Luffy scarf down ten more dishes from a nearby table. Usopp raised one hand up to order some more food while trying to guard his plate from Luffy with his other hand. Chopper was doing the same and even crawled under the table to get away from Luffy.

"You'd think they'd be at least a little full after the feast we had last night," someone else said.

"I feel bad for their cook."

The whitebeards all nodded in sympathy for the straw hat chef. Marco chuckled at the bewildered looks on his nakama's faces as he ate his own meal.

Unknown to them all, a certain invisible wind-bastard floated unseen above the eating pirates, and his pair of eyes scrunched in disgust at the straw hat's table manners.

(Back at the Library)

"A poneglyph… and these are coordinates to where it is?" Ace held up the crumpled up napkin and stared at the numbers.

Robin nodded.

"And where did you get these again?" Ace asked with a tone of skepticism.

"I found a note on my bed with a contact. Then I tracked it down to a man who slipped this napkin to me in a bar."

"I see…" Ace said with his head lowered.

"Ace?" Robin noticed his change in mood. "What's wrong?"

"I don't like it," He said suddenly. His eyes shot up and he looked straight at her.

"What do you mean?"

"I don't like the way these guys are toying with you." Ace moved closer to her. He brushed her cheek with his thumb. It made Robin blush.

Clearing her throat a little she said, "There's also a time written at the bottom. They want me there at midnight."

"Any chance this could be another trap?" Ace said, still looking at her softly.

"Most definitely." Robin's voiced lowered to a whisper as Ace inched his face closer to hers.

"Then I'm coming with you," Ace said. Robin could feel his breath on her face.

Too focused on Ace's nearing face, Robin didn't say anything to his statement. She closed her eyes and prepared for what she believed was coming.

*SLAM *

Robin and Ace jolted backwards and looked to the side. A skinny old woman had slammed a large book on top of their table and was looking at them with scrutinizing eyes.

"This is a library!" She began with a shrill voice. "A place for reading. If you want to do that then I suggest you take it somewhere else."

"Yes ma'am. We are very sorry!" Ace bowed to the librarian apologetically. Still, he had a grin on his face. Taking Robin's hand, Ace led them both out of the building.

They laughed at what just happened as they walked, hands still connected.

(Sunny Go)

A group of men tip-toed around the ship of the Sunny Go. Having positioned themselves at the lower hem of the ship, they began their work of attaching small wired devices to the ship.

"Nani?" A voice came from above the men. Looking up, the group saw a large silhouette of a bulky figure with pointy hair and round shoulders. "What do we have here? Some not-so-suuuper intruders?"

Then there was a loud explosion from the top of the ship. The large bulky figure was knocked over the ledge and came crashing to the floor.

"Attacking a man from behind? Not very super of you." Frankie said as he got to his feet. Stretching out his arm, he shot a laser beam from his palm. The shot missed as the men all jumped out of the way.

"Get him," Franky heard a man shout. The next thing he knew, there was smoke and guys coming at him left and right.

(In Town)

"Naaaami-Swan!" Sanji screamed with hearts in his eyes as he ran to catch up with the navigator. He was carrying ten shopping bags with him.

"Hai, Sanji. Keep up! I want to look at those clothes over there!" Nami called behind her as she made her way across the crowded street. Before she could turn her head back to the front, she crashed right into somebody and fell to the floor.

"Ow!" Nami cried.

"I'm sorry miss" The man said.

The man picked himself up and offered his hand to Nami. "You okay?" He asked.

Looking up, Nami realized it was Marco. "Yeah, I'm okay," she replied.

Taking his hand, Nami allowed Marco to pull her up. Sanji was still weaving through the crowd to get to Nami after seeing her fall. He began sprinting when he saw Marco take Nami's hand. When he finally got to them, his face was flushed with red. It was probably more from seeing Nami hold another guy's hand than from the heat of the sun.

"Oh, hello Sanji," Marco greeted. Sanji merely grunted. Marco turned back to Nami. "How are you liking the town so far?"

"It's great. I've done loads of shopping."

"I can see that. Your captain looked like he had a good time too. He practically ate the entire restaurant we were in." Marco chuckled.

Nami and Sanji sighed. Both were all too familiar with Luffy's black hole of a stomach.

"That's Luffy for you. Figures they would go somewhere with food," Sanji shook his head.

"Sooo, Marco. Do you happen to know where Ace and Robin are?" Nami asked.

"Not a clue. Why? You thinking about spying on them?" Marco quirked his eyebrow.

"Of course not," Nami replied with a smile. "I'm just curious. What do you think of the two of them?" Nami asked Marco as she began to walk to the store she was headed to earlier.

Marco walked next to her and they started to discuss the idea of their Nakama being together. Sanji's head slumped down as he followed behind them. First, Robin. Now, Nami… Stupid whitebeard pirates…

"I thought you wanted to spend the day in town," Robin said as she walked through a crowd of bushes. They were in the forest now, heading up a slope.

"I'm more of a woodsy-guy," Ace replied. "Something about being surrounded by trees. It reminds me of when Luffy and I were kids."

Ace ran when he saw the sun shining through the leaves up ahead. Robin followed behind him. She could see the end where the trees stopped. Now they were up on a cliff side that overlooked the town. Ace sat down under a tree in the shade and leaned back on the trunk. Robin sat down next to him.

"I always liked high places," Ace told her. "I can see everything for what it is. I feel like I can own it all."

"It really does feel like we're on top of everything."

Robin leaned into Ace and they sat there for a few quiet moments, taking in the view and feeling the cool breeze. A few strands of Robin's hair blew into his face and the scent tickled his nose. She smelled like sweet flowers and it reminded him of springtime. Their hands on the ground inched closer and closer together until their fingers were brushing. Ace's heart was pounding so quickly at this point that he was afraid Robin might hear it. Slowly he turned his head towards her. And when Robin looked at him too, he almost drowned in those blue, blue eyes. Ace began to lean his face closer to hers as if he was being pulled by some unknown force. Their noses touched and he thought, this is it. This is the moment. Right as Ace leaned in for the kiss, he suddenly became alert. He pulled Robin to the ground and placed his body over her just as an arrow hit the tree behind them.

"Are you okay?" Ace asked as he propped himself up on his elbows and looked down at her.

"Yeah," she breathed. "Thanks."

"No problem," Ace replied.

Their faces were so close together. Just one peck, he thought. But it wasn't a good time. Ace got off her and pulled her up. Robin yanked the arrow off the tree and threw it on the ground. She had her fists clenched and Ace could tell she was angry. He pulled her in and hugged her.

"We'll get them," he said.

"I hate it. Why can't they leave me alone?" she said with her face buried in his shoulder.

"I know. But don't worry. Those guys will have to go through me if they want you. I won't let them use you."

After the embrace, Ace and Robin made plans to go find theponeglyph at nightfall.

"Oi! Franky! I have your cola!" Usopp called out as he reached the Sunny Go, carrying with him a large barrel filled with soda.

Usopp had promised Franky to get him cola to refuel the ship when he left this morning with Luffy and Chopper. After the huge meal at the restaurant, Usopp went about the task of obtaining the fizzy liquid while Chopper went to look for medical supplies, and Luffy wandered off somewhere looking for adventure, which also meant trouble.

"Franky?! You there?" Usopp called out again after not hearing a response from the cyborg.

Finding it odd that Frankie wasn't answering, Usopp climbed onto the ship. His eyes widened with distress when he saw Franky laying face down on the deck of the ship, unconscious. Parts of his body looked scratched up. His blue hair, which was usually styled up and full of shine, looked drab and flat. He must have used up all his cola when he fought. Was it those Baroque's people who attacked Franky? Usopp wondered. Usopp flipped Franky onto his back and slowly dragged him into the infirmary. He placed Franky onto a patient bed, then dashed out to find Chopper.

Hold on there, Franky! I'm getting help!

A/N: and that concludes Chapter 10! Hope you enjoyed it!