A/N: I FINISHED I FINISHED! Granted, it's a lot shorter than usual, but I FINALLY FOUND TIME TO FINISH! THANK YOU TO ALL WHO STICK AROUND!

Happy reading! Don't forget to rate and review!

The flames surrounded her, bathing her skin with a ghostly orange light. Sakura let out a cry of fright as she desperately whirled around, but there seemed to be no end to the waves of fire. The smoke smothered her throat, and the heat pierced her eyes and dried her mouth. She shakily raised her hands and attempted to conjure up a shield, but nothing happened.

The tongues of fire flickered over her limbs, causing streaks of pain to bloom through her arms and legs. She let out another wail and attempted to bat them away, but to no avail.

"Sa-chan!"

The cry distracted her, and she lifted her head up, scanning the waves of flames intently. It couldn't be... "Keri?!"

"Sa-chan! Help me!"

There was no mistaking her big sister's voice. With a panicked scream, Sakura attempted to leap into the flames, ignoring the blazing pain that erupted in her body. She tried to wade even deeper in, but her feet felt like they were glued to the ground, and the dense smoke made her eyes burn. Where was she? Where was her sister?

"KERI! KERI!"

"Sa-chan! Where are you?!" This was different voice. Slightly deeper, with a rougher tone. With a choked cry, Sakura realized who it belonged to. She peered into the flames, her eyes watery from the heat and smoke, but she couldn't stop trying.

"Luffy? LUFFY?!"

"SA-CHAN!"

"HELP ME, SA-CHAN!"

"SA-CHAN! SAVE ME! PLEASE!"

"SAKURA!"

Luffy. Nami. Sanji. Usopp. Even Zoro. Her nakama. And Keri. Sakura flailed through the flickering flames, completely ignoring her skin, which was covered in bright red blisters, and the thick heat that threatened to choke her. Her nakama. Keri. Where were they? Where were they?!

Sobbing, Sakura tried to grasp her necklace charms for comfort, but they felt jagged, unfamiliar. She peered down at them, and screamed, her hands quickly flying back to her sides. Instead of the usual two halves of a flower, the charms were now mangled pieces of metal, half melted from the heat and blackened from ashes.

Destroyed by the fire. Just like her sister. Just like her nakama.

With a cry of defeat, she collapsed to her knees, and the flames responded with a hungry eagerness, roaring to smother her with their flickering tongues and dense heat. She wailed, tears falling freely down her face as everything around her washed away until there was nothing but the bright orange light. Around her, the voices continued to scream, begging for help.

"SAKURA, PLEASE!"

"SA-CHAN!"

"IT HURTS! SA-CHAN!"

The flames would destroy everything she ever cared about.

Sakura woke with a start, the dense, roaring fires replaced with the cool, dark girls' quarters. With a barely suppressed yelp, she rolled off the bed and tumbled to the ground, before huddling there, a mass of quivering blankets. A quick check by her fingers revealed that her face was covered with tear streaks, but necklace charms were fine, still in their familiar flower shapes and securely fastened around her neck.

"Stupid stupid stupid," she whispered, her breaths coming out in short, quick gasps. She lifted her head and peered around the room. Somehow, the princess and Nami had managed to stay asleep the whole time, even though Sakura had no doubt that she had cried out sometime in the night. Her hands still clammy with sweat, she pushed herself off the floor and hurried outside.

The cool night air greeted her, and she collapsed on the deck, letting the chill seep into her bones and create a sense of calm.

She was on the Going Merry, in the middle of the Grand Line. There was no raging fire. Her nakama were here with her. Her necklaces were fine. Keri…

With trembling hands, Sakura summoned a flare of pink light and sent it flying straight into the ocean water, where it dissolved into a flurry of sparks, not even disturbing the water surface. She then collapsed back on the deck, tears erupting in the corners of her eyes. Keri was gone. Gone because of the fire and the pirates and Sakura's own stupidity and-

"Oi, chibi?"

Shit.

Her arms hastily rubbing away the tears left on her face, Sakura turned to see none other than Zoro peering down at her with an expression of confusion.

"Are you…crying?" he asked slowly. Shit shit shit shit shit shit shit…

"No," Sakura replied hastily, earning a raised eyebrow from Zoro, "I just...needed some fresh air."

"In the middle of the night?"

"Yeah, so?"

"Huh." Zoro didn't look convinced at all.

"Why are you awake then, huh?" Sakura asked defensively.

"Night watch," he replied, "Saw you throwing a tantrum from the crow's nest."

"I was not throwing a tantrum," she said angrily, "Now if you'll excuse me, I've had enough fresh air for the night."

She pushed herself off the floor and began walking away with as much dignity as she could manage.

"Chibi?"

Sakura turned back to Zoro, who had an uncomfortable look on his face. "What?"

Zoro looked as if he wanted to say something, but hesitated and shook his head. "Nothing."

With an audible sigh, Sakura turned back around. "Didn't I tell you a million times to stop calling me chibi?"

Without waiting for an answer, she stalked back inside.

Damn that rice ball.

She huddled over the dying form of her older sister, a pair of necklace charms clutched in her sweaty palm. Flames flickered around them and the destroyed town, and filled the air with the thick scent of smoke and blood.

A flare of light sprung up in Sakura's palm, dancing lightly at the tips of her fingers. She studied it, her face impassive, but her trembling hand revealing her emotions. This memory had been enough to drive her to near madness and lose the will to live. A single flick of her wrist, and the same madness would be inflicted on another. Her powers, while physically harmless, had the power to inflict serious mental pain. She had seen the toughest of pirates and thugs reduced to pitiful, whimpering babies, unable to function with such strong and terrible emotions festering in their minds and hearts. It was almost exhilarating how much power she had. No matter how strong somebody believed they were, their minds and hearts didn't stand a chance against her.

She bravely stood in the raging storm, one foot on the slippery ship deck while the other was balanced on a barrel. A group of pirate stood around her in the same position. No, not a group of pirates. Her crew. Her nakama.

The flare of light seemed to soften and turn a lighter shade of pink. Sakura frowned in concentration, and it expanded to form a small shield that surrounded her. A shield of hope and love for her crewmates. One that would take on any attack, as long as she had to heart to keep fighting.

Sakura let out a sigh, and the shield dissolved. She shifted around and curled up into an even tighter ball, her back resting against the upper deck railing. Shouts and laughter could be heard coming from the opposite end of the ship, and the blue skies and bright sun promised good weather, but Sakura paid them all no attention. Her mind was too busy struggling to find its own peace.

Even now, under the bright sky, with her nakama close by, she only had to close her eyes to see the flickering flames of her nightmare, and how they devoured everything in their path. No matter how much she worked on her Devil Fruit powers, she couldn't use them to fight against fire.

It doesn't matter, she thought to herself, You need to learn to deal with it if you want to help your crew.

The light sound of a footstep jolted Sakura from her thoughts, and she instinctively unfolded from her curled position, her head darting up to peer up at the unwanted intruder. The sight of a nervous blue-haired princess greeted her.

"I would appreciate you not sneaking up on me," Sakura said lightly, though her eyes remained steely and guarded.

"I wasn't sneaking up on you," Vivi replied, her hands help up defensively

Sakura raised an eyebrow. "Well? Is there something you request of your lowly pirate servant?"

"I don't think of you that way, you know, Sakura-san," Vivi said quietly, "I just wanted to see if there was something wrong. You've seemed so quiet ever since we left Whiskey Peak."

"Something wrong with liking some peace and quiet, princess?" Sakura asked, her eyebrows raised.

Vivi swallowed. "Please just call me Vivi. And...I was just worried for you."

"Isn't it supposed to be the other way around? You know, the common people worrying about how to help their dear, beloved princess?" Sakura scoffed.

"Huh?"

"Whatever." Sakura flopped back down onto the ship deck and stared at the sea, "I'm perfectly fine, if that's what you came here to worry about. Just could really use some peace and quiet."

Vivi slowly nodded. "Alright then."

Sakura continued staring at the sea even as the sound of footsteps indicated that Vivi had left. With a grunt of frustration, she rubbed her forehead and leaned against the railing, her eyes closed.

"I'm a mess," she murmured softly.

"Got that right."

Sakura opened her eyes with a start to see Zoro perched on the railing next to her, a small smirk on his face. How in hell had he been able to get there without her noticing? Annoyance and worry immediately filled her chest.

"If you're here to make fun of me, I'm not in the mood," she muttered curtly.

"Tempting, but no," Zoro chuckled, "I needed a break from Luffy and the others messing around, and you just happened to be here, too."

"Well, sorry for being here," she muttered.

"Apology accepted."

"That was sarcasm."

"I know that."

"...You're weird."

"Same goes for you, chibi."

Sakura sighed, and a silence soon settled between them. She pointedly focused her gaze on the ocean horizon, but the awareness of the rice ball's presence continued to nag her.

Zoro. Why did she always end up with the guy she liked least? Sakura chewed her lip as recollections of the previous night surfaced in her mind. The thoughts were enough to make her turn bright red with embarrassment, and she let out a growl of anger and stood up so quickly that Zoro almost fell over in surprise.

"First the princess, and now you of all people? What is this, 'Let's get cozy with Sakura day?' Can't you all just leave me alone?" she spat.

"Huh? I'm just…sitting here?" Zoro asked, confused.

Sakura toyed around with her necklace charms in an attempt to calm herself, but the feeling of worry and unease within her refused to disappear. All she could think about was the way Zoro had looked at her last night after seeing her cry.

Shit, this was embarrassing. Out of all the people on the ship, why did it have to be him?

"Just leave me alone," she muttered hurriedly before walking away.

"Weirdo," she heard him mutter as she moved away. Her hands clenched into fists, and she gritted her teeth. I will not turn around. I will not turn around.

The rest of the crew was still fooling around, with a laughing Vivi and Nami observing, and nobody noticed as Sakura quietly slipped inside and settled in one of the chairs around the dining table. She studied her hands and how they continued to tremble, and took another shaky breath.

"I'm with friends," she murmured. The word sounded weird in her mouth, but she forced herself to keep repeating it. "Friends…friends friends friends. I'm not in Loguetown. I'm a pirate. With friends."

Her stupid heart refused to stop beating at the speed of light.

"And I'm a giant potato," she groaned before burying her face in her arms. Why was this so hard? Why was it so hard to just talk about it? To tell somebody? These were her friends right? Even Zoro! If she was having nightmares, weren't friends supposed to be there to support her? That was their thing...right? Right?

Even as she asked herself this, Sakura could already feel the answers coming to her. Yes, they were her friends. Yes, friends were supposed to help. Or at least maybe. She didn't have much background regarding friendships, but getting support from friends sounded right. But...it was hard to open up to others…because she didn't do it often.

Sakura slowly raised her head and studied the tablecloth. When was the last time she had opened up to somebody? Probably Raoul. Living on the streets didn't leave much room for being mushy gushy with her feelings and thoughts.

"Another thing I suck at, huh?" she chuckled darkly to herself.

"Sa-chan?"

She whirled her head around to see Sanji silhouetted in the doorway, a cigarette in hand. "Are you alright? Is something wrong?" he asked, a concerned look on his face.

"I…"

She needed to prove herself. If she wanted to open up, it was now or never.

"Uhh...umm...I…"

Why couldn't she get the words out? Why couldn't she explain everything? No matter how hard she tried, nothing would come out of her mouth.

"Fine. I'm good," she finally said, managing to keep her face composed with a touch of curious confusion. It seemed that her acting skills could come in handy for more than just spying.

Sanji stared at her, the lingering concern on his face showing that he wasn't completely convinced.

"Was the mossball bothering you?"

So…maybe her acting wasn't exactly top notch. Sakura made a mental note to practice later.

"Really, I'm fine, Sanji. Don't get so worried," she said again, a hint of a playful smile on her face to mask her nervousness.

"Alright. Just remember I'm always at your service if anything's wrong, mademoiselle," Sanji replied lightly, with a small bow and a grin.

"Flattered," she chuckled, "But I really don't need to be looked after. I'm not a little kid."

Sanji didn't seem too bothered. "You wish is my command, my lady." She watched as he bustled around the kitchen and began to construct a rather large bento box. Probably for Luffy...yeah, definitely for Luffy.

"What's with the bento?" she asked.

Sanji turned to look at her. "You didn't see? We've just arrived on Little Garden. Luffy and Vivi-chan wanna' head out and explore."

He hadn't even finished her sentence when Sakura lurched up from her chair and dashed out the room. So they had arrived. Grand Line Island Number 2.

Trees. Lots and lots of trees. That was her first impression as she burst out into the deck.

"OI, SA! Wanna' go exploring with us?!"

Sakura peered down to see Luffy excitedly waving at her. Her first instinct was to accept, but she noticed the princess standing a few feet away with her duck, and that instinct instantly disappeared. Didn't Sanji say Luffy and the princess were heading out together?

"I think I'll sit this one out!" she replied airily. And avoid that damsel in distress blueberry. She could probably just explore on her own later.

Minutes later, Luffy, along with the duck, the princess, and Luffy's enormous bento box, had disappeared into the jungle, and Sakura was left with Nami and Usopp.

"Do one of you guys maybe wanna' go walking with me later?" she asked.

"And I thought you were rational," Nami moaned, "Why would you even want to go out there?"

"That Vivi girl's braver than I thought," Usopp muttered.

Sakura sighed. So the only people left to ask were Sanji and…

"I think I'll head out for a walk."

Of course. The rice ball.

"You can go with Zoro, if that works," Nami offered.

"Wait, but that leaves only Sanji to protect us!" Usopp argued.

"Oh true...but Sanji-kun is strong! He'll be good!"

"Oh yeah, you're right! Ok, Sa-chan, you can go!"

"No, I'll pass," Sakura said coldly. She refused to spend another minute with that stupid rice ball.

Zoro shrugged and leapt onto the island. "Not like I care too much."

"Hold up!" Sanji dashed out of the kitchen and leaned over the ship railing, "We're out of food. Can you catch some animal?"

"Yeah, yeah, since you can't do it yourself, I'll go find something," Zoro replied, already heading into the woods.

"WAIT A MINUTE!" Sanji screeched, "YOU SAYING YOU CAN CATCH BIGGER ANIMALS THAN ME!?"

"Only speaking the truth," Zoro sneered back as he stopped and turned to look at the cook.

"Well then, I guess you won't object to a challenge. Whoever finds the most meat wins!" Sanji declared.

Interesting. Maybe it would be kind of fun to kick Zoro's ass metaphorically.

"Can I join in?" Sakura piped up.

"NO! We need you to protect us, Sa-chan!" Usopp wailed, as Nami sobbed and nodded alongside him.

"SA-CHAN, YOU CAN JOIN UP WITH ME! LET'S GO HUNTING TOGETHER!" Sanji crowed, while attempting to take hold of Sakura's hand. She retracted it nervously and clutched her necklace charms.

"Uh...I can join you, I guess, but please don't hold my hand."

Zoro grinned. "I can easily beat you even with the chibi, cook."

A flare of anger lit up within her. She was tired of being looked down on by the stupid rice ball. She was tired of his constant teasing and glaring remarks. And she was definitely tired of being called chibi.

"Alright, Sanji," she said, flashing him a smile before turning to glare at Zoro, "Let's put this rice ball back in his place."