Well, here is the next chapter! :) I hope you all like it and thank you for waiting. Also thanks yet again to my beta praeses, without her my chapters would be riddled with typos and mistakes.

My paws were pounding softly on the dirt track as I ran along with my nose down to the ground as it picked up Usopp's scent. It was a lot easier to tell how people smelled and to track them down as a dog; although all the new scents confused me at first, I seem to have slowly gotten used to it.

After I was sure that all the fishmen had left, I ran out of the village after Usopp; he was a few minutes ahead of me but I hoped my dog speed could help me catch up. I also hope that he didn't get himself in to much trouble or get himself caught.

"Charging recklessly after an enemy that is undoubtedly stronger then you without a plan is a stupid thing to do," A deep male voice said and caused me to stumble awkwardly to a stop.

I spun around to face where the sound had come from and saw the guy with the dark blue cloak that I had seen on Usopp's island. He was once again leaning lazily against a tree, and not one part of his body could be seen.

Instantly all the hairs on the back of my neck stood on end and I took a cautious step backwards; a warning growl slipping out of my throat. I didn't know what this guy wanted, but this is the second time I have seen him, and I don't think it coincidence.

"Tut, tut," He said clicking his tongue and I heard a highlight of humor in his voice. He was playing with me. "You did a pretty dismal job in the fight against the Black Cat Pirates."

I felt chills go down my spine and I took another step backward from this guy. His whole aura screamed 'DANGER! DANGER!' to me, and that fact alone curbed my temper enough so I didn't attack him. In fact, as much as hated to admit it, I was scared witless of him for no good reason. I had no idea who he was, but he must have watched or heard of what happened during my fight with the Black Cats to be able to say that. Why was he interested in me? Did he have anything to do with the reason I was here in the first place?

I heard him snort comically from underneath his coat and he said, "Don't worry, I'm not here to kill you. In fact I am here to make sure you don't get yourself killed yet."

He took several steps towards me and I took another step back, my ears pressed back flat against my skull.

"Would you stop being a child!" I heard him snap so suddenly that I jumped violently. I couldn't see his face or body so the only way I had to tell his emotions was his voice. "I told you I am here to help you, so stop being such a baby and accept my help before you go and try get yourself killed you stupid bitch!"

I hesitated, my brain reeling. He could have killed me already if had he wanted to, and he still could any second now. What could I do to stop him? Nothing. What he said, the fact that he wants to help, must be true. I don't know why he would, but I have a feeling he knows something about my being here so I might as well trust him, for now. His intentions for helping me might not be innocent, but I should take what I could while I could.

I sighed in a defeated way and lowered my head as I squeezed my eyes closed in apprehension. I heard him walk up to me and stop by my side before kneeling down. His cloak rustled as he moved and I flinched violently a he touched my front left leg. I accidentally let a vicious snarl slip out of its own accord but it didn't stop the guy.

I felt him push something against my leg and flicked my tail in annoyance; the tension in the air was killing me. Finally, after what seemed like ages, but was only minutes, he stood up and stepped back. I hesitantly peeled my eyes open and instantly cast my glance at my left leg. I squinted my eyes in confusion as I saw what was tied to my leg. I was a knife holster with a knife inside of it. I cast my eyes up in confusion looking at the man in the dark blue cloak, my steel blue eyes probing for answers.

"It's a bowie knife, it should help you if you learn how to use it properly. Consider it a gift, and in return don't get yourself killed," He said in a dismissive manner.

I looked back at the knife once more, my eyes taking in the fine details. It was in a light brown leather sheath, and I saw that the handle of the knife was wrapped in ribbons of platted brown leather as well. I gently reach around and poked it with my nose, the tangy smell of leather tickling the back of my nose.

"Hurr, no need to thank me," He snarled, he had wilder moods then Luffy.

Although I did feel a twinge of guilt, I should have thanked him. But how? I was a dog, as I seem to keep getting reminded. I let out a soft bark and him and with some quick think I dipped my head in a bow. I held it for a few seconds before lifting my head back up and staring into the shadowy hood that hid his face.

I heard him laugh before he turned his back on me and started walking away. He called over his shoulder, "Oh, by the way, it's too late to save that long nosed friend of yours. He has already been caught by Arlong."

The sudden guilt that hit me was like a blow in the stomach. I'd forgotten about Usopp whilst I had been listening to this guy! Now he was caught and it was my fault, I could have helped him!

"Nothing you can do for him now, you won't achieve anything by going to Arlong's Park. If you wait a few more minutes the pirate hunter will be here. Good luck," He said and kept walking till he was out of my sight.

Should I wait for Zoro? He was he lying? Not likely. And he was right; there was nothing I could do for Usopp now. I'll wait here for a few minutes and if he doesn't show then I will go after Usopp alone.

I saw Zoro running along the path and I ran forward to meet him, letting out a loud bark to get his attention.

"Huh?" He stopped and looked at me curiously. "So this is where you got to? We thought you'd still be with Nami or the boat."

I tilted my head curiously to the side letting out another soft bark.

"Oh, yeah. Arlong has Usopp, I'm going to rescue the idiot. You coming?" He said. I let out a bark and threw my head up in the air.

He just smirked before turning around and running off again with me hot at his heels, my tail streaming out like a banner.

'We're coming Usopp!' I thought to myself.

We were running even faster now, the tip of Arlong Park's tower in sight. I jumped slightly as a large crashing noise echoed through the forest and reach our ears.

"What the hell was that noise just now!" Zoro exclaimed. "Did someone drop a bomb or something on the island or something? Well, in that case I'll just have to hurry up or Usopp will be ki-"

Suddenly the terrible image of a flying boat and Luffy at the helm came rushing back into my memory causing me to halt instantly. And at the same moment a boat came flying out of the trees, heading straight for Zoro and myself, and guess who was at the helm? It was none other than our dumb-ass captain.

"AGHHHHHHHHH!" I heard voices screaming from on the boat as I watch it with wide eyes.

"OH! Zoro! Mamori!" Luffy cried when he saw us.

Then next thing I knew the ship had slammed full force into Zoro and myself, and we went flying with the ship until it finally broke apart when it hit a large rock with an almighty 'CRASH'.

I was left in a dazed heap as I lied in the rubble next to Zoro; luckily nothing felt broken although I think I hit my head.

"WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING!" Zoro screamed, holding his bleeding head as I slowly lifted myself out of the rubble, shaking my coat to get all the loose bits of dirt out.

"What do you mean we obviously came to get Nami and Mamori back," Luffy said in confusion. "Haven't you found Nami yet? And where's Usopp and Johnny?"

They came to get me back as well? Haha, how cute! Glad to know they care.

"Usopp? Oh crap!" Zoro yelped as he jumped back up to his feet, ready to run again. "Now is not the time to be wasting time!"

"Hmm, what's wrong?" Luffy asked.

After quickly checking myself over I saw that my thick coat had thankfully stopped me getting any scratches, I only had a few bruises. Also my new knife had managed to stay in place thankfully, so I was ready to run with Zoro again.

"That idiot got himself caught by Arlong! If we don't hurry up he'll be k-" Zoro started to say but was cut off yet again.

"HE WAS ALREADY KILLED!" Shouted Johnny who had just arrived on the scene.

I spun around to face him, eyes wide. Usopp was dead? Shit! I was just with him less than 15 minutes ago and he was fine! I started to feel guilty until I suddenly realized that the story line had to go on and somehow he would be fine… I just had to wait and see. I hope.

"Johnny…?" Zoro questioned him.

"BROTHER USOPP WAS MURDERED BY SISTER NAMI!" Johnny shouted and different looks of shock and guilt seemed to pass over everyone's face.

I just ducked my head, hoping that I was right and that he was fine after all.

Johnny walked towards us and Luffy jumped forward, grabbing the front of his shirt and yelling, "SAY IT ONE MORE TIME AND I WILL KICK YOUR ASS!"

"Luffy, stop! It's not as if Johnny is the one at fault here!" Zoro argued.

"WELL HE IS MAKING UP BULL CRAP!" Luffy screamed in rage. "THERE'S NO WAY NAMI WOULD KILL USOPP, WE'RE CREWMATES!"

I was fidgeting nervously by Zoro's side, not really sure what to do yet again.

"It's fine if you don't want to believe it! But I saw it with my very own eyes!" Cried Johnny.

"Just who did you call crewmates Luffy?" A female voice asked causing all of our heads to snap in her direction. Nami was standing before us, a pole, I think it was called a bo staff, in one hand and a glove on her other. "What did you come to this island for?"

"What are you talking about?" Luffy said innocently. "Aren't we crewmates? We've come for you of course!"

"Well you're nothing but a nuisance," Nami sighed, crossing her arms. "And 'crewmates'? Don't make me laugh. It was nothing but a stupid little cooperation."

I just tilted my head to the side as I watched Nami lie bluntly; we were going to save her one way or another.

"Na-Nami! It's me! Do you remember me? Let's set sail together!" Sanji cried giddily as he waved his arm.

"Shut up!" Zoro snapped. "Can't you see that you're making things more complicated by butting in!"

"What's that?" Sanji snarled back at him. "Don't you know love is always a hurricane?"

Those two were annoying me with their arguing, I was about to nip them both when another voice cried out.

"I TOLD YOU SHE'S A WITCH! IF IT MEANS SHE CAN GET HER HANDS ON HE TREASURE IN HER VILLAGE SHE'LL GLADLY JOIN THE ARLONG PIRATES AND KILL!" Johnny yelled. "SHE'S A COLD BLOODED WITCH THROUGH AND THROUGH! YOU'VE ALL BEEN DECEIVED FROM THE START! AND I SWEAR I SAW HER STABBING USOPP!"

"So what?" Nami said with a smirk. "Would you like to try an avenge him?"

"What!" He snarled in reply.

"Let me tell you one thing..." She continued. "After the stunt Zoro pulled Arlong wants Zoro and all his companions dead. No matter how monstrously strong you all may be, you're no match for a real monster."

"I couldn't care less about all that," Zoro snapped impatiently. "Where's Usopp?"

"At the bottom of the ocean," She replied.

"That's it! I've had enough of you!" Zoro cried as he began to pull his sword out. I tensed up ready to jump in front of Zoro and stop him but someone reacted quicker than me.

"And I've had enough of you!" Cried the blonde cook as he swung at Zoro's head with his foot. "Does a swordsman harm ladies as well Roronoa Zoro?"

"The hell did you just say? Don't butt in when you don't know the first thing about anything!" Zoro snapped back at him.

"Heh…aren't you quiet shameful after your loss," Sanji teased. Oh dear me, of all the things he could have said, he said that….

"What?" Zoro hissed lowly before he brought up his sword and held it near Sanji's throat. "Watch your mouth punk, or your head will go flying."

"I'd like to see you try it," Sanji countered.

This was just getting fucking ridiculous! I was in no mood to put up with their shit at the moment! Why don't they just go ahead, whip 'em out and measure 'em! Bloody men… I decided though that it was time someone stepped in so I trotted forwards and nipped at the back of Zoro's thigh and he jumped back with a cry of, "Hey!"

And then before Sanji had time to react I lunged at him and nipped the side of calf. I made sure that when I bit I didn't break skin, but it would still leave a bruise and it was enough to get both their attention.

I sort of regretted it afterwards though as they both glared down at me and Zoro hissed, "Mamori..."

"This isn't the time to be bickering!" Yosaku finally snapped, stepping in. "This is an emergency!"

"That's right! If you are going to fight why don't do you do it somewhere other than this island!" Nami butted in. "I'd rather not have outsiders stick their noses in this islands affairs anymore! Do you still not get it! I only stuck around with you for the money! And now that you don't even have a cent, I couldn't care less about you! If it's about the ship, I'll give it back to you. So go find another navigator and go search for your little One Piece or whatever!"

"NOW GET OFF THIS ISLAND, YOU'RE AN EYESORE!" Nami snapped. "Farewell."

"Nami…" Was all Luffy said before he closed his eyes and fell backwards into the dirt. Several people, including me jump at his sudden collapse and I ran to his side.

"Brother Luffy!" Yosaku yelped.

"I'm gonna sleep," He said simply as I reached his side. Idiot, I was worried about him for a second there. Although sleeping didn't sound too bad at the moment…

"SLEEP!" The others screamed. "In this emergency and in the middle of the road!"

"I don't feel like leaving this island yet," He said as he closed his eyes. "And I don't really care what's going on at this island either. And I'm sleepy."

I dropped down beside him, leaning against his side as I placed my head across his chest in an act of rebellion. This was one way I could get back at Nami considering I couldn't talk and I wasn't in the mood to nip her.

"So I'm sleeping," Luffy stated.

I glanced back at the others to gage their reactions. Yosaku's jaw was wide enough to fit a melon in, Johnny was gripping both sides of his head, Sanji was just slumped over in disbelief, and Zoro was face palming. A bloody classic scene if I have ever seen one.

"FINE!" Nami screamed in indignation. "DO WHAT EVER THE HELL YOU WANT! YOU CAN DIE FOR ALL I CARE!"

"Are you all out of your minds! It just as that insane witch said. Brother Usopp is dead and Arlong is out to get us!" Yosaku exclaimed as he tried to convince us. "Just what reason do you have to stay on this island any longer? I for one believe in Johnny and what he saw!"

'Oh shut up!' I thought moodily. 'It's not that I don't believe Johnny, I just don't think he saw the whole situation for what is was.'

"It's only been a short while, but I'm afraid this is where we must part," Johnny continued. "We have no desire to be hunted down and killed by Arlong."

"Fine," Zoro said simply and with emotion.

They began to walk away and I lifted my head up from my paws to watch in sadly, my ears dropping back against my skull. They have annoyed me sometimes but they were my friends too, I was sad to see them go.

"May we meet again one day!" Yosaku cried out, waving goodbye.

"Take my brothers and Mamori!" Johnny cried, also waving. I let out a bark as they left, bidding them farewell as well. It was not the way I would have liked to part with them, but what could one do?

"You too," Replied Zoro nonchalantly.

I dropped my head back against Luffy's chest with a sigh, closing my eyes lazily. I drifted off into a fitful nap, the rising and falling of Luffy's chest not bothering me in the slightest, I think it was a dog thing.

"USOPP!" Luffy cried out in shock, holding Usopp against his chest. I was standing on the other side of Usopp, licking his cheek in an attempted to wake him up. His face was bloody and bruised, but at least he was alive! "DID NAMI DO THIS TO YOU!"

"Um, no. That was actually because him and I," Sanji said sheepishly as he pointed to Zoro.

"You mean just you!" Zoro hissed like a cat.

Usopp's eyes suddenly snapped open and he exclaimed, "AH! Luffy, you're here too? And Mamori good to see you're okay!"

I flinched internally, he'd been worried about me but it was my fault I didn't get there in time to help him.

"Yep!" Luffy confirmed happily.

"I decided to tag along too, nice to meet you," Sanji said impishly, obviously trying to make up for almost killing Usopp himself.

"In any case, the problem is Nami," Usopp said, pulling a serious face as he stood up. "If you ask me, there must be some reason why she ended up joining the Arlong Pirates!"

"It's useless." Said another female voice from behind us. How is that almost every Tom, Dick, Harry, and his dog can seem to find us, but Alrong and his band of fishmen can't? "No matter what you do, you won't be able to change Arlong's rule."

"Nojiko," Usopp said as he looked at the woman.

"Who's she?" Luffy asked as he pointed rudely at her.

"She's Nami's sister," Usopp answered him.

"N-N-Nami's sister? Well, it's no wonder she's so beautiful then!" Sanji stuttered, his eyes turning into hearts.

"What do you mean useless?" Zoro asked her.

"Please don't involve yourself with this village anymore," She asked as she put her hands on her hips. "I'll tell you all about how things got this way, so in return I want you to just leave quietly."

"I'm fine," Luffy said bluntly. "I'm not really interested in her past. I'm taking a walk."

With that said he then proceeded to turn and walk off and I decided I'd follow him. I knew the basics of Nami's story, I didn't need to hear it again. I trotted of after my captain, my tail wagging lazily. He could be dumb sometimes, but he was a great captain.

"Take a walk!" Usopp cried from behind us. "Aren't you going to listen?"

"Nah, I'm cool," Was Luffy's only reply.

Luffy was strolling contently through the main street of the town, his hands in his pockets. I was still trotting laxly after him, my head held high as my tail continued to wag.

We both paused as a progression of people made it's up through the street, coming the opposite way too use. As we got closer we saw that it was a large group of marine's and Mr. Stitches at the front of them.

"What business do the marines have with Nami?" I heard him asked.

"Chi, chi, chi, that's none of your concern. Just lead the way," Said a marine in an outfit that looked like a mouse.

Luffy and I watched silently as they turned off onto another street, walking away from us. Luffy seemed to be considering something deeply and I was waiting for the order to go help Nami.

"Why does that guy have a pinwheel in his head…?" Luffy asked, referring to Mr. Stitches. I could have face palmed if I had a hand, why had I expected anymore of my captain?

Luffy was sitting against a tree and I was sitting next time him, my tail flicking against the ground in an agitated way. I knew Luffy wasn't stupid, but I hated waiting for things when a friend of mine could be danger! I don't know how he could bear this.

Suddenly there was a commotion over buy one of the houses, people where crying about marines and someone being shot.

"Oh?" Luffy said as he got up and began to stroll over towards the crowd of people. I was glued to his heels, my eyes darting around in suspicion.

"Hey Nami, what's up?" Luffy asked with his stupid smile. I couldn't see over the crowd of people but I could smell blood. "Need any help?"

"You're still here!" I heard Nami snarl in one of the vicious tones she has ever used. She took several steps forwards and latched onto the front of Luffy's shirt. "THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH YOU! SO JUST GET THE HELL OFF THIS ISLAND!"

She then threw Luffy at the ground but I jumped behind him to cushion his fall somewhat.

"Nami! Where are you going?" I heard one of the villagers cry out as Nami ran away. Luffy silently pulled himself off of me, scratching his head in confusion.

I sat back and watched with sad and haunted eyes as Nami began to stab he arm where Arlong's tattoo was as she screamed his name. Luffy luckily caught he hand before she could bring the knife down her again and he started at her with silent eyes.

"Luffy…" She whispered

She suddenly clenched her fists in the dirt before her, blood dripping down her arm as she yelled tearily, "What is it? You don't even know the first thing about anything!"

"Nope," He confirmed simply. "I don't know anything."

"This has nothing to do with you!" She screamed before throwing some dirt uselessly at Luffy. "Didn't I already tell you to leave this island!"

"Yeah you did," Was all he said.

Nami began to sob loudly into her hand and I began to creep towards her like a kicked dog. I gently pushed my head against her chest with a whimper and she wrapped one of her arms around my neck as she begged Luffy,"Help me…"

Luffy's eyes got a shadowed look as he took his treasured straw hat off of his head, placing it on Nami's. He then turned away and took a deep breath. Nami's gripped tightened around my neck as Luffy screamed, "OF COURSE I WILL!"

"Luffy…" She whispered again and I let my eyes flick around as the rest of our crew gathered around. When they had got here I don't know, but I am glad they were here. Someone was going to pay now.

"Let's go," Luffy said and I gently slipped out of Nami's grip, licking one of her cheeks free of tears before lifting up my head and releasing a challenging howl. That was my battle cry, and now we were going to go to Arlong Park to fill that challenge.

"Roger," Confirmed the rest of the crew with their serious faces on.

CRASH

The large wooden doors that had barred the entrance to Arlong Park shattered before us as Luffy punched his way straight through them.

"Who's the one called Arlong?" Luffy demanded to know, his clenched fist held up in front of his body.

Oh, Arlong was so fucked now.

"Who is this brat?" Alrong hissed as he stared at Luffy with narrowed eyes. "That would be my name..."

I stood back with the others, watching in amusement as Luffy continued to walk towards Alrong, not looking scared of anything and introduced himself, "I'm Luffy."

"Luffy…" He muttered. "I see. And just what the hell are you?"

"A pirate," Was his short and frank reply.

"Hey, you! Stop!" Demanded two large fishmen as the stood in Luffy's path. "If you don't hold it right there…"

Luffy reached up with his rubber arms, grabbing the heads of the two fishmen and slamming them together so hard that they were both knocked out. "Move it!"

"Wha!" The other fishmen cried out in shock out how easy their friends were taken out.

"What does a pirate want with me?" Questioned Arlong in a hiss.

Luffy just pulled back his fist and slammed it into Arlong's face with so much force that he went flying across the ground and into the wall.

"AHH! ARLONG!" His men cried at seeing their leader hit so easily.

"Just what the hell…" Arlong snarled, his temper escalating as he shook the rubble of himself.

"DON'T YOU DARE MAKE MY NAVIGATOR CRY!" Luffy said with such conviction that I pitied the man that pissed him off. In this case, Arlong. Although that dick head deserved to die.

"WHY YOU!" Cried Arlong's crew as they all charged at Luffy. "HOW DARE YOU!"

"SMALL FRIES CAN JUST GET THE HELL BACK!" Sanji exclaimed as he and Zoro swiftly dealt with the wave of attackers, sending them flying back without really trying.

"Jeez, running in head first alone like that…" Sanji chastised and he strolled up next to Luffy.

"Don't worry! I ain't gonna loose!" Luffy declared.

"Dumbass! When did I ever say I was worried about you!" Sanji snapped at him. "I only meant that you shouldn't hog all the glory for yourself."

"Oh," Luffy said with a blank look on his face.

"I d-don't particularly mind either w-way Luffy!" Usopp stuttered as he tried to look brave, but he stood behind Zoro, Sanji, and Luffy which gave him away.

"Ain't you gutsy," Zoro snorted in amusement as he looked back at Usopp.

I just let out a bark to add my opinion, even though I didn't really have one. I then slipped up and took a place on the other side of Zoro, my teeth bared in an impish smirk.

Also, if you have any questions that you want me to answer just e-mail them to me, or leave them in a review. Please put 'Q:' before the question so that I know you actually want it answered, and that it wasn't just a question to yourself. It will make my life so much easier, and that way I will be able to get back to some of you. Thanks. :)