Thanks so much to those of you who have posted reviews! I really appreciate the feedback, guys! :)

This one's a little bit short compared to previous chapters, but I hope you guys don't mind!

~R~

My stomach felt like it was eating itself. And that delicious smell in the air only worsened the feeling. I lifted my head, paying no mind to the fact that I was probably drooling. My stomach growled. It must have been pretty loud because a couple of pirates glanced over. I ignored them. I only had one thing on my mind.

"Food..." I groaned. I rubbed my face to get rid of the lingering sleepy feeling that most people wake up with. I thought back and realized I had only eaten once yesterday. And it was more like a snack for me, instead of a full meal. No wonder I'm so hungry. I looked around in a daze trying to spot something to eat.

Turns out I didn't I didn't need to look at all. A plate was set down in front of me and it was overflowing with delicious looking food.

I didn't even look up to see who gave it to me. I dug in immediately and let out a pleased hum when I found out how tasty it was.

"When you finish that, you can get more in there."

I looked up and noticed it was Marco that brought me the plate. "Thanks!" I said, but it sounded a little off since my mouth was partially full. I looked towards the door he was pointing at just in time to see Ace come out. He had so much food it looked like he was trying to balance a tower on his plate. The next couple of guys that came out were in similar situations. I guess it's pretty normal to have a monstrous appetite around here.

I smiled. I could get used to this. But rather than think about that, I should work on getting my stomach to quiet down.

~...~

"Ahhh..." I let out a content sigh and stretched out. I'm finally full after several trips into the kitchen to refill my plate. Apparently my appetite is pretty modest compared to some of these guys, Ace included. They're still chowing down even though they started eating before I did. I wonder how the food supply never runs out...

"Rory-chan has a pretty big stomach for someone so small!"

Oh goodie, the games start again. I picked up my fork and threw it. It got stuck in the wall next to the one who spoke. He stumbled away.

I heard Whitebeard chuckle. "Watch out, she's got real weapons this time!"

"Now now, don't hurt anybody too badly." Marco said.

"No promises..." I replied.

~M~

I shook my head at the repeat performance of last night's shenanigans. Rory certainly brings a little life to this place. If its like this all the time, boredom wouldn't befall us so often.

As I watched Rory try to skewer Thatch with a fork, I couldn't shake a feeling of deja vu. I just can't place it though.

I snapped out of my thoughts when I heard a thump next to me. I saw Rory slid down the wall to a sitting position. "How can you guys have so much energy..?"

"Its because we have lots of stamina." Ace said as he plopped down next to her.

"I gathered that much, thanks." Rory said with a hint of sarcasm. Ace laughed.

"Hey Rory." I said.

"Hm?" She looked up.

"Will you be sticking around for a while longer?" I asked.

"Sticking around...? Oh yeah! Ace you were going to take me to a new island and I got sidetracked! Sorry!" Rory said.

"It's alright! It's been fun having you around here!" Ace replied with a grin. "You know you're welcome to stay longer if you want to."

"Well...it beats wandering around a boring island, for sure..." Rory said. "I guess, if its really okay, then it wouldn't hurt to stay for a while. Besides, this ship is almost big enough to be a new island..."

"Awesome! Rory-chan's staying!" I looked up when I heard Thatch speak all of a sudden. His was looking down at the three of us from the safety of higher ground, leaning against the railing.

At least, he probably thought he was safe from Rory.

"You!" In a flash, Rory had jumped high enough to grab the railing and scrambled up the wall. No stairs were needed when she was properly motivated. Thatch and some of his buddies were startled enough to scatter when she landed on their level.

Ace and I looked at each other, our faces mirroring each others surprise. Then we laughed.