DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN ONE PIECE.

Thank you guys for all the reviews! You guys are the best. Please enjoy this chapter that is long overdue.

She was on the floor, hair covering her face while her eyes stared lazily at the two moving bodies. Her vision was first a blur of objects and colors but after a few blinks her eyesight began to clear and a pair of bodies was seen. The two bodies moved around the room, not bothered by the sound of labored breathing coming from the child on the floor.

The skinnier body of the two was moving around busily despite how old he looked. The other body followed him occasionally giving a nod of the head and a large laugh. She felt herself being picked up and she flinched when a hand grabbed her arms. She shivered violently when she felt the old man's fingers trace her arm. He was saying something and the child strained to hear the discussion.

"Drug X is going to-"

"Hey when are we going to name this damn thing of yours"

"Later, first let's get it to work"

"Ok...hey what about Blackdrug"

"Later Captain, later. Back to the subject, when administered into the body the results will heighten the senses"

"So like pride, gluttony, wrath-"

"No senses captain, touch, taste, sound, sight, and smell. The body will be immune to attacks from the stealthier opponent.

"What about the other drug"

The two bodies moved away now and stopped at the next table where a cage of animals was kept. The old man grabbed a rat from the cage, and brought out a dirty needle from his coat pocket. The blood and dirt tinged needle was brutally injected into the rat and the liquid was pushed in. The room was silent when nothing happened.

The silence was broken as squeals came from the rodent. The rodent began having a spasm on the table while three pairs of eyes watched, two in awe and one in terror. In front of their eyes the rodent's black fur begun to fade. The squeals stopped and the men peered down at the rodent, neither one wanting to be the first one to speak.

"That drug makes you age" The large man finally bellowed.

"Yes"

"Where did you come up with this, you psycho"

The old man ignored the insult and brought out a wrinkled dirty paper out of his pocket. Unfolding it with care that was never seen, he showed the bounty paper to his captain. "Jewlery Bonney. She is the most powerful woman walking the world right now. She is death and birth in one body. The power she holds gives me chills just thinking about it. If we were able to duplicate her ability we would be the most powerful crew in the world"

He pulled out another syringe with a midnight blue liquid. He held the syringe in front of his captain and said with a crooked smile "This is just the prototype. I am capable of aging older but I have yet to formulate the younger gene"

"How sure are you that this will make her old?" The captain asked.

"Fifty percent"

"What's the other fifty"

"Death"

The large man just shrugged his shoulders and shouted he was going up to the deck. The old man followed him putting back the bounty and syringe in his pocket with great care. "Do you think we should ask Ms. Bonney to join our crew"

The child heard the large man laugh out "Ask, oh yeah we are definitely going to 'ask' her"

The two men laughed but the child's attention was only on one thing. She stared at the aged rat that was lying still on the table, and closed her eyes hoping to wake up from this nightmare.

Greycie woke up with a start and her eyes quickly looked around the room. Realizing she was back on the ship she felt relief instantly. She was safe and back with the crew. There were no marines and no guys with huge swords and gold eyes.

Remembering the past few days made the dream she just had pop inside her head. Her breathing became fast and she kept getting chills across her body. The dream was still vivid in her mind and she strained to keep the details of the memory.

She remembered now. How could she forget such an important thing? That drug. Tears ran down her face as the mental image of the withered rat plagued her mind. Would it do the same to her? She brushed her hand to her face and touched the band aid that was taped on her forehead.

The night's events reeled in her mind and a chill ran through her body. There were a lot of scary moments from last moment but there was one that stood out from the rest. Just thinking of it made her whimper in fear.

What her mother had shown her scared her so bad. She did not doubt for one second that her meeting with her mother was her imagination. It was real and the events that her mother showed her WERE going to happen.

She couldn't understand what her mother did or how she did it but somehow she showed Greycie the future…right up till the moment where she died. The vision had started off real slow, a party, several gifts, a Ferris wheel, but then it sped up where all she could see was a bedroom. The last thing she saw was a gun that was pressed to her forehead. That was it. That was how she was going to die.

She couldn't stand knowing all this information and keep it bottled up. She had to tell someone, anyone. Jumping off the bed she looked for a certain swordsman but he was nowhere to be found. Going down the hallways she saw her second choice. She quietly called her and asked for her assistance.

It wasn't a second later when they were both in the library and they were seated across from one another. Neither said a word as each waited for the other to start the conversation. The silence for some reason seemed to be suffocating Greycie and soon tears began to fall. Silent sobs racked her body and the child tried in vain to stop crying but that only lasted a moment before more tears began to fall.

"What's wrong Greycie" Robin asked, immediately cutting the chase.

"A lot of things" Greycie said quietly as her voice felt tight and she was afraid that she was going to start bawling.

"Like what" Robin pressed on.

Greycie was silent for a moment and she decided to just shrug her shoulders. She felt like she couldn't even talk at the moment as her throat was tightening.

Robin waited patiently for the child to calm down a little. "You say a lot of reasons are upsetting you but yet you just shrug when I ask what it is exactly"

The child decided to avoid eye contact from the historian and instead took interest in the row of books. After a moment of scanning the book and trying to think of a response she answered. "I'm scared Robin"

"What are you scared of"

Taking a deep breath she told Robin her dream. Of the two drugs she was given and how she was basically just an experiment. She told her of her dream and how she found out that one drug heightened her senses while the other….

"What does the other do" Robin asked.

"I don't remember"

She couldn't tell her what the other drug did. Greycie began sobbing as realized that she had lied to Robin. Not only had she lied of the affect of the drug but she didn't want to tell her about the vision she had either. She didn't want to tell her of her inevitable death. She was going to end up just like that withered rat or how she was going to end up with a gun to her forehead.

Unable to tell her the truth, Greycie decided to tell Robin something else.

"And to m-make it worse I have these blackouts where I can't remember anything. I was outside one moment and the next moment I'm on top of the mast" Greycie felt her voice crack but she kept talking. "But then there's moments where my mind thinks something I don't remember learning. I don't know what's going on with me and I'm so scared" Greycie looked up at Robin and with tears streaming down her face she quietly said "I know that you guys are going to leave me"

Robin who remained silent while listening to the child's outburst frowned when she thought of what occurred last night.

"Crew meeting now" It was an order.

The crew was silent as they filed into the galley and each took a seat. Zoro promised to Chopper that this was going to be quick so he could get back to check on Greycie. Making sure he looked at everyone before he began to speak he decided that the best way was to be blunt.

"Greycie can't be on the ship anymore, kids aren't meant to be here"

As he expected some members violently opposed this, Sanji and Nami seemed to have been the strongest against it.

"So what are we going to do Shithead, drop her off with a stranger and just leave. That's real nice you idiot" Sanji barked out immediately.

"We are not leaving her, she's already lost one home she doesn't need to lose another one" Nami chimed in right after.

Zoro scowled at the two and answered back "Nobody said we were just going to abandon her and again Nami a pirate ship isn't meant for children to grow up on"

"I was on Pirate ships before I was ten and I came out alright…..sort of" Nami glanced to the side as memories of sneaking into ships came into her mind.

"Greycie-sis is like…no she is family to me. I can't just drop her off somewhere and say have a super life" Franky added.

"I think she's learned a lot of valuable lessons here and with the years to come she will gain more and-" Nami began o argue.

"I want to send her to school, a boarding one" Zoro interrupted Nami and faced the crew.

The majority of the crew's faces fell as the words hit them.

"A school Zoro, what kind of school accepts three year olds" Nami asked with wariness in her voice.

"This is a special school where they accept all ages, it's a school for dance and other arts" Zoro answered "The guy that told me about it from the last island said that the younger they are the better"

The crew was silent as the thought of sending the child to a school sank into their minds.

Finally someone voiced their opinion "That sounds good"

Everyone turned to Brooke who was staring at the wall. Aware of his audience Brooke continued "Being on a ship full of musicians gives off the aura of acceptance and you strive to sound just as beautiful as the person next to you. You also learn more when you're around people with the same passion as you. The school sounds excellent for Greycie as she does seem to have the talent for dancing most preferably ballet"

Some of the crewmates took a moment to reflect on their past as to recognize how they had grown when they were surrounded by people with the same passion as them. A rare genuine smile found its way to Robin's face at the memories of the library and all the memorable people she met there. She wasn't the only person who seemed to be reflecting on what the musician had said. Thoughtful looks were on everyone's faces but Usopp and Nami.

"But I'm sure there's going to be moments where she is going to lonely. I know the one thing I wanted sometimes was simply a parent there for me" Usopp hesitantly made eye contact with Nami who looked away quickly.

"She just has to be strong and this is going to help her in the future" Zoro said with finality in his voice.

"A family is what a child needs, I know what I can teach her in a week would be more that what that school can teach her in a year" Nami snapped suddenly. She took a deep breath and looked at the crew "I don't want her to feel lonely or abandoned, that nobody cared for her….. that we just dropped off because she was a burden, cause she's not" Nami's voice cracked on the last words.

"Luffy what do you think" Nami turned to her captain.

The entire crew turned to their silent captain. When their captain was silent, it was usually a bad omen. But what came out of his mouth shocked most of the crew "I'm with Zoro"

"What" Nami said confused.

"I wanted to go with Shanks and I was the same age as Greycie and he told me I couldn't" Luffy now took his strawhat and smiled at his most treasured possession. " I'm glad that he did now. His ship wasn't where I wasn't supposed to be, couldn't accomplish my dream there" Luffy looked at all his crewmates and with a sad smile on his face he said "Greycie is not going to accomplish her dream staying on this boat, were sending her to that school where she can be the best ballerina"

That crew meeting decided the fate of Greycie.

Robin looked at the small child and silently opened her arms. The gesture brought new tears down Greycie's face as she knew that Robin just wordlessly answered her question. She threw herself into the historian's arms and silently wept, fear growing inside her for the unknown future. Though the future was unknown she was sure of how it was all going to end.

"Can you tell me where you guys are leaving me" Greycie asked.

Robin shook her head and said "That would be against Captain orders"

2 days later

"Are they back yet" Nami asked the historian who was lounging on the sun chairs. The navigator quickly tore a piece of tape off and taped the last corner of the poster she was hanging.

'HAPPY BIRTHDAY GREYCIE' was printed in bold letters.

Nami smiled at the art Usopp drew and chuckled with all the cartoon drawings of the crew's faces on the poster. The smile only grew wider as she turned around and looked at the decorative deck. Streamers were everywhere and there was a large table in the middle of deck. Sanji was quickly plating all the food and the wonderful smell of baked goods was in the air. Franky was building a contraption at the end of the ship and he wasn't telling anyone what it was for. He just kept saying it was going to be super.

Nami checked on how Usopp was doing and found herself looking up to find the struggling sharpshooter climbing down the lookout tower. He was trying to balance several packages while at the same time climbing down the ladder. Nami waited for the inevitable and it only took a matter of seconds before a cry of distress was heard and a few of the packages fell. Before any of the packages could touch the ground, a series of hands caught them and safely added them to the pile on the table.

Ussop who was now dangling from the ladder took a view of the island they were docked. He noticed four bodies that were making their way towards the ship. "Guys they're heading over here" He quickly exclaimed.

"Already" Nami whined. Food wasn't out; the balloons were not to tied to the railing, and countless other tasks. Sighing she decided that they needed to be done in less than one minute. Placing her hands on her hips, head held high, she took position of authority.

"Sanji-kun I need the food out right now"

"Usopp all the presents better be on that table"

"Robin can you please tie those balloons on the rail"

"Franky are you almost done with that thing you're building"

"Brooke cut that panties crap out you idiot"

Taking a deep breath Nami closed her eyes. Counting to ten, she slowly opened her eyes and found the ship's deck decorated, presents and food placed on the right tables. She turned and saw a large chocolate fountain already streaming. The rest of the crew was getting ready to stand underneath the banner.

"Perfect"

Nami joined them and they waited for the rest of the crew to arrive on the deck. Soon voices were heard

"Remember when Luffy when too far into the ocean and he started to sink" Greycie's voice was heard.

"Then I tried to save him but then I sank too" Chopper giggled.

"Zoro saved us though, just like I knew he would"

"He ran through my sandcastle though" Greycie mumbled.

"I know you told me that about 50 times" Zoro groaned.

Her hands full with sand toys Greycie shot a glare at Zoro while walking towards the deck."Well here is the 51st time, Roronoa Zoro you destroy-"

"SURPRISE"

Greycie stopped talking and stood frozen where she stood. She looked at the deck that was decorated so pretty. She read the banner that declared that today was her birthday. She tried to remember each detail just so she can always have this memory.

"Should we say it again" She heard Franky whisper.

"I don't know, maybe she didn't hear" Usopp whispered back.

She turned to the crew and gave them her biggest smile. She ran to the middle of the group and began to give each of them a hug. Each time exclaiming her thanks. She only had one person left to thank but she couldn't find the strawhat captain. Looking in all directions she finally found him.

"Luffy don't eat all the watermelon" Greycie screamed. She ran towards the long table of food and caused the other crewmembers to look. The sight of Luffy practically inhaling all the food made everyone run to the food. They all quickly filled their plates and soon everyone was enjoying themselves. Conversations were flying and jokes were being tossed around.

After the meal everyone turned towards the chocolate fountain and bombarded it. Franky quickly scooped the child and placed her on his shoulders. Now with the new height she easily dipped strawberries and other goods in the chocolate. By the time everyone had their fill of the chocolate, Greycie was staring a hole at the table that held the presents

The crew laughed and a circle was made and each crewmember gave the child a present they had picked. Greycie squealed at each present she opened and thanked each one of them. When Chopper, Usopp and Luffy announced that they were taking her to the carnival that the island was holding, Greycie screamed from the excitement. Turning her back to the crew, she carefully placed each present she received in a pile.

She combed her fingers through hair and was surprised by the length of it. Her hair was constantly falling in her face and she was getting bothered by it. She stopped combing her hair when she felt like she was being watched. Feeling several pair of eyes on her, she turned and saw the crew staring at her.

She quickly covered her nose and exclaimed "Do I have something in my nose"

The crew laughed and Nami shook her head. "What's wrong then?"

"You still have one more present" Chopper exclaimed.

Greycie turned and was confused for a second. She received something from each crewmember already. She didn't remember seeing any other presents in the vision her mother showed her. She stayed quiet and watched as Zoro stood up and walked up to her. He smiled at her and brought something from behind his back. Greycie's eyes immediately fell to the beautiful object and her mouth fell in awe.

She stood still as Zoro placed the silver headband in her hair. Though it was made of metal, it felt light on her head. Her hair was pulled back by the headband and her face was bare. While placing the headband securely in place Zoro started to talk "Greycie I don't want you ever hiding your face with your hair. Don't ever feel like you should hide behind it, because you are a beautiful girl who will grow up to be the best. Wanna know why"

Greycie heard someone say why and she realized she had said it. Zoro held her hand and smiled "Because you are strong and I know that you will do great things in your life" He chuckled and turned to look at the crew. "Also you picked up a trait from each one of us" Zoro stood aside and let the crew take a look at the headband.

"Wow its beautiful" Nami gasped. Robin nodded her head in agreement and smiled at the choice of headwear. The delicate designs and the grey color made her eyes shine.

"I don't think anyone is going to beat that gift" Usopp mumbled to Franky who only laughed in response.

Greycie looked up to Zoro, her face still in shock of the present. A smile quickly spread across her face and she was about to voice her appreciation when a noise was heard. The crew turned around to see a young man with a bag in hand landing on the deck. The man needed no introduction.

"Ace" Greycie screamed.

She sprinted to the young man and he swiftly scooped her up. Embracing the child, he barely had enough time to brace himself before another person attacked him.

"You made it" Luffy exclaimed. Before he could say anything else a whimper was heard. Luffy and Greycie shared a look before turning to Ace.

"What's in the bag" They both yelled in union.

Luffy tried to grab the bag but was met with a hand on his face.

"Ace I want to see what it is"

"This is Greycie's present not yours, you brat"

"Happy Birthday Greycie" Ace smiled as he handed the bag to her. Greycie noted that the bag had holes in it and something was definitely moving inside it.

Placing the bag on the floor Greycie felt the crew's eyes on her once again. She opened the bag and curiously looked inside. The crew all unconsciously leaned forward for a chance of seeing what was inside. They didn't have to wait long.

"It's a puppy" Greycie screamed in pure excitement. She carefully picked the animal up to show the rest of the crew.

"A puppy" everyone gawked. Sanji elbowed Zoro in amusement of Ace's arrival and the gift he had brought. Zoro merely grunted and went to grab some sake. The rest of the crew walked towards the two small figures.

Greycie watched as the small brown puppy opened its eyes due to the noise and stared at Greycie. The two met eyecontact and the crew watched at the cute scene. Nami was about to snap a picture when at that moment the puppy decided to sneeze.

Nami watched as the picture to develop and laughed when it did. The picture captured the disgusted face Greycie made as puppy snot landed straight on her.

Greycie placed the dog down and quickly wiped her face. She was going to go to the table to grab some napkins when she noticed the small animal was following her. She tried to stare down the puppy but the animal only tilted its head in response.

"What are you going to name her" Ace asked as he tried to conceal his laughter.

"It's a girl" Greycie exclaimed. Sitting down, she stared at the animal and tried to concentrate on a name.

"Meeko" Greycie suddenly yelled.

The puppy barked and got up.

"Meeko" The puppy barked again.

Greycie turned to everyone and smiled. "Her name is Meeko"

Ace laughed but nodded in agreement. While Greycie played with Meeko, he decided that this was the best time. Walking away from the group he headed towards the kitchen.

Zoro was already cracking open a bottle of alcohol when Ace walked in. He nodded at him and pulled out another cup. Pouring them both drinks the men drank in silence.

With his cup empty Ace turned to Zoro and pulled out an envelope. Zoro looked at it but didn't accept it.

"What's in it"

"Two years of tuition for that school you guys are heading to"

Zoro took the envelope and opened it. Sure enough, a thick stack of beli was there.

"Once I saw what direction you guys were heading, I grabbed that pup and some money"

"What that dog got to do with the school" Zoro questioned.

Ace chuckled and poured more sake in his cup. "That breed is special. The first person they meet eye contact with, they form a bond with them and will protect that person. That dog will be the size of an adult in about a month.

Zoro stared at Ace for a second before he smiled and carelessly said "Eh I've seen bigger"

Ace raised an eyebrow at the pirate before muttering "You guys sure do get around." The two men were silent until Ace asked "So when are you guys going to get there"

"Tomorrow morning" Zoro answered bluntly.

"Shit that's going to be rough"

Zoro remained quiet.

Please review with any thoughts or criticism