"Yo," Luffy greeted Zoro casually as we strolled towards his prone form that was still snuggly tied up to the pole.

I gave Zoro my own greeting by barking happily at him, my tail still wagging. I don't see how dogs don't run out of energy with their tails wagging all the time - it was really tiring to keep the thing moving all the time. It was like constantly waving your hand at someone.

"It's you again?" questioned Zoro gruffly. "I told you I don't want to be a pirate!"

'Jeez, does he even loosen up?' I thought gruffly.

Luffy though was not fazed and continued talking to Zoro, "I'm Luffy. If I loosen up the ropes, then you're gonna join me, okay?"

"I've told you clearly. I have things that I need to do. Besides I'm not going to be a bad guy like a pirate." Zoro snapped back, but Luffy was not ready to give in that easy. He wasn't about to take no for an answer.

"What's the difference? Everyone already thinks you are a bad guy," Luffy pointed out, as blunt as ever.

"I don't care what they say about me!" snapped Zoro. "I haven't done one thing that I regretted in the past and it will be the same for the future. I won't become a pirate."

"I don't care! You're going to join me!" Luffy's replied, and again I was left laughing mentally at the stubbornness of the rubber-man.

"Don't decide for yourself!" yelled Zoro in rage. Steam was going to start coming out of Zoro's ears if he didn't calm down.

Luffy was still unaffected and asked, "Hey, I heard that you use a katana, is that right?"

"Hmph, if I wasn't being tied up I could use a katana." Thank the Gods, Zoro seemed to have calmed down some. Note to self, if Zoro gets angry talk about swords…. Wait I can't talk so that won't help me. Damn.

"Where is the katana?" Questioned Luffy.

"That bastard kid took it. It's something that I treasure most… Other than my life!" Zoro declared with fervor.

"Oh, treasure huh? It must be something great!" Luffy said before pausing for a few moments and continuing with, "Okay! I'm going to go to where that bastard kid is and get your katana back!"

"What!" yelled a shocked Zoro.

I was starting to feel sort of bad for him – Luffy was relentless. "No" wasn't a word that was registered in his vocabulary.

"But if you want me to return it to you, you'll have to join me!" said the smiling pirate, crossing his arms.

"That's dirty!" screamed Zoro. I do believe Zoro just lost his temper... Again.

Luffy then turned around, declaring that he was going to get the katana now and took off running, ignoring Zoro's yells from behind him.

I wasn't overly keen on the idea of going into the marine base with Luffy. He could handle that one by himself as far as I cared, so I sat down next to Zoro, tilting my head to the side so I could watch him curiously.

"What do you want dog?" Zoro questioned gruffly as if I could answer, so I let my tongue loll out of the side of my mouth with my tail brushing across the ground as it wagged. "Tch." Was the only reply I was graced with before we sat in silence.

'I wonder what my family is doing right now… I hope they're okay,' I thought mentally.

"What… Pirate King… You're joking right?" Zoro's replied as Coby told Zoro of Luffy's dream.

"Hehe, I was a bit shocked when I first heard him, but he's serious," Coby said sheepishly. Of course he's serious - this is Luffy we are talking about.

BANG!

I launched myself out of my sitting position as a bullet hit Coby's shoulder, spraying blood through the air where the bullet bit into flesh.

'STUPID IDIOT!' I swore at myself. 'You brainless fool! How could you forget that would happen!'

I cursed myself with several other unmentionable words, only just remembering as it happened that this was going to happen. I spun around in search of who had shot the bullet - I was pissed now - but it appeared that it had been shot from the top of the tower, damn.

"AHH!" Coby screamed, dropping to the ground. "I've been shot! I'm bleeding!"

I rushed over to the poor kid's side looking at his wound. If he got it treated soon he wouldn't die I figured, he wasn't loosing blood that fast. But nonetheless it was not a wound to laugh at either.

"I'M GOING TO DIE!" Coby wailed loud enough to hurt my ears.

"Are you alright?" questioned Zoro, seemingly genuinely concerned. He then gritted his teeth, head spinning around, and hissed, "Run for your life, they're almost here!"

"No!... I-I've got to set you… Free as soon as possible!" Coby began to try and push himself up, so I ran around behind him, using my head to try and help nudge him up.

"There's no need to worry about me!" Zoro cried. "As long as I can last the month they'll set me free! Hurry up and leav-"

Zoro didn't get any further before Coby interrupted, "They will not set you free! Because they're gonna kill you in three days!"

"Nonsense! That bastard promised me if I could survive the month he'd set me free!" interjected Zoro.

"He never intended to keep his promise! That's why Luffy punched him on your behalf! Because he was toying with you!" Coby was trying desperately to get the point across - I felt sorry for Zoro though.

"W-What did you just say…?" Zoro said in disbelief.

Coby continued to try and convince him, begging this time, "The navy will never let the two of you off! Please, after I set you free please help rescue Luffy! I will not force you to be a pirate, but Luffy is my savior! Luffy is very strong, as long as you two join forces you'll definitely be able to escape this town, definitely!"

Coby was on his hands and knees now, panting. I licked his cheek in concern - I hated seeing people hurting or being hurt right in front of my eyes.

"That's enough! The two of you who have betrayed Lieutenant Morgan… DIE HERE!" I spun around in shock, seeing half a dozen marines with gun pointing them straight at us. When the hell did they get here?

"How interesting," drawled Morgan as he walked towards us, "the three of you are planning to cause a political upheaval?"

A growl grew in my throat as I finally saw Morgan, he was HUGE. A lot more intimidating then I first thought he would be.

"Roronoa Zoro, I've heard of your name from a long time ago, but do not underestimate me. Before my great strength... You're just garbage!" the huge guy boasted. "READY!" He ordered and the marines aimed their guns. Coby looked like he was about to wet himself. Not that I blame him at all. I don't think I was that far behind him. But I knew Luffy would save us. He had to! I strode in front of Coby, placing myself before him. It wouldn't be that much use if we did get shot, but it seemed to make him feel better.

I pulled back my gums, flashing my teeth, my ears flat back again my head, tail standing straight up in the air. I arched my back and neck, letting a vicious growl slip out of my chest. It was mostly a bluff. There was nothing I could do, but hey, if I was about to die I was going to go out with a bang. Luffy should be showing up soon… Right?

I thought I heard a window smashing but the sound was swallowed by the loud "FIRE!" from Morgan and the sound of guns going off.

I squeezed my eyes closed, not daring to watch and suddenly the light from in front of me was blocked. I looked up to Luffy standing in front of us. He came through - good to know I haven't changed the plot line that much.

"YOU!" cried Zoro.

"LUFFY!" Coby screamed.

I watched as the bullets sunk into his skin and then bounced straight back out as Luffy declared, "It's no use!" before bursting out in some maniacal laughter. I heard the marines screaming in fear as the bullets came back towards them and couldn't help but barking loudly as applause to Luffy's feat.

Coby collapsed back onto the ground in relief as Zoro yelled, "What kind of human are you!"

Luffy just laughed and then stated, "I'm the one who will become the Pirate King!" He then turned to Zoro and held out three katana. "Look! Which one is your treasured katana?"

"All three belong to me, because I use three katana," Zoro said with a smirk.

I trotted over to Luffy and happily licked his arm before rubbing my head against his leg, I sure was glad to see him. "Resisting the Navy here with me will make you an outlaw. Or maybe you'd rather die here?" questioned Luffy, reaching down to pat the top of my head with a grin.

"Are you the offspring of the devil?" Zoro questioned Luffy. "Forget it, instead of just dying here why don't I accept your request… And become a pirate!"

Now he was talking! About damn time.

"Yes! I have a companion!" Luffy declared happily as if there weren't lots of marines about to try and kill him.

"Okay, just hurry up and get these ropes off of me!" And Luffy did just that… Or at least tried to anyway. This is Luffy we are talking about after all. Luffy is hopeless.

"Damn, this knot is so hard to untie," Luffy muttered ignoring Zoro's yells for him to hurry up.

My head shot towards Coby as he cried out, "LUFFY! ZORO! WATCH OUT!"

I turned around and saw the marines charging at us with their swords drawn. Have you ever had one of those moments when all you can think is 'Oh fuck' and that's all your brain is willing to do? Yeah, well I was having one of those moments. What the hell was I, a dog, meant to do against a heap of guys with swords? I'd just got picked up and thrown into a new world, and I was suddenly expected to know how to fight.

I flinched back as they came closer and pulled their swords back, ready to strike, whilst Luffy was still trying to untie Zoro in a carefree manner. I closed my eyes and prayed something would happen to save us. I waited and it seemed my prayers had been answered when I heard metal hit metal. Zoro, it seemed, had got out in time and was now armed with all three swords, blocking the oncoming marines.

"All of you better not move," Zoro said in an eerie voice. "If you move I'll kill you."

The marines had tears running down their eyes now, scared witless.

"I already told you I'd be a pirate with you... Either way, after this incident with the Marines I'll be an outlaw too. But it's okay, I still have my own goals! I'm going to become the world's greatest swordsman! Bad guy, good guy, it no longer matters. As long as my name is known worldwide! If you do something that ends up in the way of my goal I will have to cut your stomach open to say sorry." About time Zoro got his head in the game.

"Good! To be the world's number one swordsman. Since you want to be the Pirate King's crew member, if you can't even accomplish something that small, then I would be very embarrassed as well," Luffy replied in a serious tone.

"Heh," Zoro said. "Well said."

"What are you guys standing there for!" yelled Morgan. "Hurry up and finish those guys off!"

"Zoro, dog, duck!" Luffy cried, and Zoro and I both did exactly as he said.

"Gomu Gomu no..." Luffy said as he pulled his leg back "Muchi*!"

Using his leg, he hit all the marines and knocked them back like bowling pins.

"What are you…?" muttered Zoro.

"I'm a rubber man," Luffy replied happily with his silly grin.

I stood back up as Luffy lowered his leg again, and I let out two barks, my eyes glowing with excitement. That was one awesome move. It was one thing seeing it on T.V. but it was a whole other thing to actually see it. It was slightly sickening, just like the videos online where it shows people breaking limbs in slow motion, but at the same time it was amazing.

All of our heads turned around to see three marines holding guns up to their temples. I remembered this bit vaguely. The bits I did remember of this show seemed to vary, some things were pretty vague and others very clear. It was starting to get annoying. Mind you, I did watch it years ago and didn't keep up with it, so it only makes sense I'd forgotten some things.

"What the hell do those marines think they are doing?" snarled Zoro as Luffy charged forward.

"I'm the marine's worst enemy," Luffy said, throwing his rubber arm back and launching it to latch onto to Morgan's axe. Using the axe as an anchor of sorts Luffy pulled himself forward so he was standing in front of Morgan. "If you have guts then execute me yourself!"

"LUFFY!" Coby yelled. "Defeat the Marines!"

I stood back with Zoro and watched as Morgan took his coat off, saying some things to Luffy as he did so, something along the lines of how Luffy was a worthless opponent, or something to that effect. My mind was more concentrated on watching the action, rather than paying attention to the ramblings of a soon-to-be unconscious Marine Lieutenant. Morgan then swung his axe at Luffy who jumped over it, and the axe sliced cleanly through a fence. I had to admit that was no small feat, I can't believe that axe just sliced through the fence like butter! That was insane. Imagine what would happen to a body in the way of that axe. It gave me shivers.

I watched the rest of the fight between them. Luffy was defiantly winning for sure until Helmeppo cried out, "Wait!"

All Luffy did was spare him a glance and carried on.

"You idiot! I told you to wait!" he cried again, holding up the gun to Coby's temple. "If you want this guy to survive then don't move! If anyone moves I'll shoot!"

I froze on my spot, yet another bit I'd forgotten of the show! I can't believe I forgot that too! Poor Coby, He's been pushed around and shot, and now has to deal with a gun being pointed at his head.

But Coby surprised me when he said, "Luffy! I…I don't want to be in your way, I'm not afraid of death!"

"Okay, I know," Luffy said with a smile "You stupid son, Coby's not afraid of death!" Luffy began to pull back his arm.

"You idiot! I told you not to move or I'll shot him!" Helmeppo was beginning to sound desperate now.

"Luffy behind you!" cried Coby in alarm as he saw Morgan behind Luffy, raising his axe.

Luffy Drew back his Arm and said "Gomu Gomu no…PISTOL!" At which point he flung out his arm and punched the rat right across his face, yet again.

Luffy said, "Nice."

Luffy completely ironed Morgan as the marine began to swing his arm downwards. Before he could hit Luffy, Morgan collapsed backwards against the dirt, Zoro appearing next to him.

"Leave it to me Captain," Zoro said, smirking at Luffy.

There were shocked cries from the marines at the sight of Morgan's defeat.

Zoro turned his attention back to them, challenging, "If you want to arrest us come get us."

The marines instead threw up their swords and started celebrating with cheers, loud calls and dancing. I felt a satisfied smirk slip onto my muzzle as I trotted over to Luffy and Zoro. Then it suddenly hit me that Zoro was going to collapse so I picked up the pace and ran straight for Zoro. Before I got to him he'd already fallen to the ground, so I ran up to him, licking his cheek in worry.

"I'm full!" cried Zoro, patting his stomach. "Haven't eaten for nine days, almost starved to death."

We were all sitting in Rika's house, Coby, Zoro and Luffy sitting at the table and me sitting against the wall watching them. The other three had eaten their fill, and Rika, the sweetheart, made sure I got some food too. I let my mind wander back to the fight before, and realized that I was pretty much useless, other than fretting over everyone like a mother hen. I can't keep up like that or Luffy won't let me join him for sure.

I came back to reality as a Marine walked in asking, "Excuse me, we were wondering are you really pirates?"

"Yep," Luffy replied, ever the optimist. "I just found my first crew member, so that would make us pirates."

"Even though you are pirates in reality you saved our town and base, and for that we are grateful. But since you are pirates…. As Marines we cannot allow you to stay any longer. Please leave this place immediately. As for the events that occurred here, we will be reporting it to headquarters," the Marine declared solemnly.

My sensitive ears picked up on the complaints of the town's people but Luffy just stood up, his eyes cast down and said, "Well then, let's go. Thanks for the good food ma'am."

Zoro and Luffy began to walk out, and I stood up, but hesitated. Should I really go with them? I could stay here with Rika? Or make friends with Coby and look after him. But somehow that wouldn't feel right. I feel like I need to go with Zoro and Luffy. Lord help me.

I saw Coby hesitate and not follow after us out the door and the marine addressed him saying, "Hey, aren't you with their group?"

"I…" Coby hesitated. "I… I'm... not. I'M NOT WITH THEM!" Coby clenched his fists and looked ready to cry, but I couldn't miss the smirk that made its way onto Luffy's face.

"Please hold on," the marine asked. "Is he telling the truth?"

Luffy turned around and began to say, "I know what this guy used to do. I can't remember where, but he used to be with this fat old biddy, I think her name was Alvida. It was a fat and ugly female pirate, this guy spent two years there-" Luffy was cut off as Coby punched his across the face.

"SHUT UP!" he screamed at Luffy. I could still see Luffy's smile though.

Luffy turned around and hit Coby straight across in payback and cried, "You deserve a beating!" And then Luffy continued to hit him, which I thought might have been a bit excessive.

"Both of you stop it!" yelled the marine. "I won't allow this town to get in any more fights!"

Zoro strolled over to Luffy, putting his hand on his shoulder and pulling back Luffy, stating, "Hey, you went overboard. Stop it."

Poor Coby was left sprawled on the ground, but they ploy worked when the Marine called out to us as we left, "I know he isn't your friend, Please leave this town immediately!"

I halted for a second, turning around and rushing back over to Rika. I left one big sloppy kiss on her cheek and then headed for Coby and done the same. I was a dog and I knew a dog would get away with it, they think dogs are just brainless animals so they won't suspect much.

I then bolted out of the door, heading after Zoro and Luffy and I caught up with them in time to hear Zoro taunting some Marines about arresting him. Any sorrow I had about leaving Rika and Coby instantly flew out the window, instead it was replaced by amusement at Zoro's antics.

I followed along behind them, hoping they wouldn't send me away, but my worry was for naught when they didn't acknowledge me at all. We made it to the pier and stopped by a small boat with a barrel of something in it. I hope it was water, not rum or beer or whatever else it could be.

Luffy started untying the knots tying the boat to the dock as Zoro said, "Nice act, this way even though he's been a pirate before it wouldn't be such a big deal."

"I believe Coby will become stronger and more independent in the future!" Luffy stated.

"Time to go, or else there is no telling what else will happen. Not leaving anything behind is what being a pirate is all about," Zoro said in a lax manner.

"Haha, that's what I'm saying," Luffy said before they heard someone calling Luffy's name and they turned around only to find Coby. No one had said anything about me yet, so let's hope it stays that way.

"Thank you very much!" Coby cried gratefully, bringing up his arm to salute Luffy and Zoro. "I will never forget you for the rest of my life!"

"I've never seen a marine salute pirates before," Zoro joked.

Luffy just laughed and said, "Coby, one day we'll meet each other again!"

Suddenly the marines appeared behind Coby and the leader cried out, "Group salute!"

It was one of the funniest things I've seen in a while, a group of Marines saluting two pirates.

Luffy and Zoro climbed in the boat and my stomach flipped flopped. It was now or never. So, once they had both settled in, I ran forward, jumping off the edge of the platform and into the small boat. It rocked under my feet as I landed, but I managed to keep my feet.

Zoro narrowed his eyes at me and I flinched back with a whine - not the greeting I would have hoped for. We had already started drifting away, "What are you doing here dog, get out!"

I whined yet again, and turned my eyes to Luffy, trying to imitate the puppy eyes I'd seen dogs use before. I dropped my ears back and my tail gave a little wag, hopping Luffy would let me stay.

Luffy just looked at me for a second before laughing and saying, "Looks like we've got another companion! The dog helped save you too, you know, Zoro."

I let out a happy bark, the pace of my tail picking up. Yes! Luffy basically just said I could come! I love Luffy!

Zoro just gave me one of his looks before saying, "Tch. Whatever."

I guess that was as good as I was going to get, so I scrambled over to Luffy, licking his cheek in thanks and then laid on the ground, dropping my head onto my paws. I was exhausted, yet another busy day out of the way. I let my eyes slip closed, too busy to think on what was coming and drifted off to sleep, the rocking of the boat lulling me away into a dream land.

*Gum Gum Whip