Air!

i can breathe!

But pain. So much pain. Make it stop!

Gasping i claw at my breast, right where i can feel the most agonising pain i've ever had in my life! It's hot and raw, like someone has burned that specific part of me with a glob of lava.

I can barely remember...

shopping and laughter... screams and gunshots... numb and then pain. so much pain.

Pulling my collar down and craning my neck i can just make out an ugly new scar, a tree knot of raised flesh pinker than the rest. I run my thumb over it and hiss, it's too sensitive.

I got shot... I died.

So what the fuck is going on?

Where the fuck am i?

There are trees to my right, a sea to my left and a town in the distance. No place i know.

I'm so thristy, and i smell. I have to get water and clothes. clean clothes.

I look down and the least practical clothes i can think of hang off me. An ugly white dress with a tiny blue cross pattern all over with an open seam in the back. I can feel the sand i sit on through my panties. It has to be the hospital gown that... that i... That i died in.

Lurching to the side gives me room to vomit. Nothing comes up except a tiny bit of foul, brown bile and I'm soon dry heaving. It came out my nose so i'm back to gasping for breath. It's disgusting, rancid and sickeningly sweet. I sit back slowly with a grimace, flicking sand over it. Scooting away is both the best and worst idea right now. Yay for getting away from it and nay for getting sand in my undies.

"what the fuck is going on?" Struggling to my feet brings on another vomit fest but thank fuck for empty stomaches!

I have three options.

1. Stay where i am.

2. Go to the town and get help.

3. Head into the forest.

I'm really tempted to choose option three because while towns are good, port towns have people. I really don't like people. They crowd you, nag at you and just harrass you to no end. But i do need help...

Town it is.

Decision made I trudge forward, dragging my feet through the soft, warm sand. The bright, cloudless sky beats down on me, wetting my skin. The prickle of wind across my bare forearms and legs cools me. It's a long walk to the little town and i stumble. I'm so hungry, i'm dizzy and tired.

Voices drift to me, happy and carefree. Smells of fish and cooked food pull me forwards and i simply cannot wait to get my dirty hands on something warm! The sand is running out now, being replaced by lush grass.

I dig my toes in, giggling softly when it tickles.

Swaying on my feet gives me a warning to sit down, just yards from the nearest building. People are shouting and running. I hope they've seen me.

the world is spinning and my sight is tunneling, I'm so close to passing out.

I faceplant the nice, yielding mix of green and yellow to voices and hands turning me over.

The sky is too bright, can someone turn it off?

I'm awake again. It's darker, cooler and so much nicer than outside. The walls are pale, the door is a nice light wood and the bed is so comfortable for my sore muscles. There's a small table and chair beside my bed with a jug of water and a small glass. I sit up slowly, not wanting to get dizzy and consider pouring myself some water. But what if it's not for me? what if it's for whoever sits in that hard chair?

Deciding to leave it i look back around the room. it's fairly basic, bed, table, window -wait, window? Smacking my forehead on the glass in my haste to see outside is definitely going to bruise. I rub the skin softly, look out the window and blink.

And blink again.

Ships. lots of ships.

Small ships and big ships, wood ships and metal ships. One even looked like the titanic. Is this a ship yard, by any chance? The sails have some marks on them, though it's hard to make out from this distance. It looks like a poorly drawn bird and a double ended spanner?

That is unconfortably familiar...

Well fuck... i'll have to look around.

Scooching slowly over to the door takes more time than I'd like and when I reach it I can't make out any voices on the other side. Is it locked? Is it guarded? Do I really have to leave the nice room? But it could be like a cell, or I've been captured and being held for ransom! Oh hell no, they'll kill me when they get no money! I take a deep breath, grip the bar in my hand and push down.

It's open!

It's creaky.

'Someone needs to oil this thing' I wince. I poke my head out, inch by tiny inch. Noone to my left, noone to my right. Empty hallway with a fair few doors and windows. Stairs at the right end and a T junction to the left. I'm fairly high up so I need to go down. I tiptoe out my room, feel a cool breeze from a nearby window and realise - I have a shirt on, but no pants... I mean, it's a long shirt, but still.

I need some pants.

I turn around and find my door has closed behind me, and now it's blended in with all the others. That's not good, I'll have to start trying doors or leave. Fuck it, I just want to find out where I am.

Besides, I can probably run better like this.

Heading down the stairs is a simple task. In theory. I didn't take into account my apparent lack of balance. Tripping and tumbling.

"~She's beauty, She's grace, She's falling on her face~ Fucking hell two more steps. Two steps until the stairs. You can do this," I speak under my breath, leaning on the wall for support. "Alrighty then, now to get down... ugh"

7 flights of stairs and 105 steps later, i reach the ground floor, which is basically a big ass atrium. Everything looks kinda official but empty, there's a desk but no receptionist, couches but no sitters. Is this some 28 days later shit? Are there zombies? i would love zombies. i could actually smack them around without getting thrown in a cell! Noises across the room pull me back from my happy, gorey daydream and remind me 'oh hey, i should be looking for someone right now!'

I amble past the desk and spy a pitcher of water and a stack of plastic cups. It's so tempting to have a sip right now, my mouth feels like cotton, but i don't know if i'm allowed. I'm just going to leave it, i can find someone and ask for water. can't have a go at me if i have permission.

Halfway across the room and the big AF double doors burst open. I dive behind a potted plant because i don't want to get eaten dammit! Peering through the fresh leaves shows a group of uniformed men and women. Blue pants, white button downs with no sleeves and baseball caps... that say... that say 'MARINE'?

My eyes are fixed wide open and I can feel them going dry.

It's not possible...

I need to get outside right now. I need to leave because i have a really bad theory about where i am and if i'm right then i am going crazy. I shoot out of my hiding spot, startling the people between me and the doors and knocking a few over. In my haste i push on the doors, completely missing the 'PULL' sigh above my head. Shouts and exclamations float to my ears, they're muffled and there's a ringing noise. I can't focus.

Hands grab my clothed arms and pull me away from my escape. I panic, thrashing and kicking and screaming. My foot connects with something soft and a muffled wheeze frees my arms to hit whoever holds me. I sock them in the jaw and run for it. This time i yank the brass handle towards me and dart out. The sun is bright, too bright, blinding me but i keep running.

I run until the stone paving turns to dirt then grass and finally sand. I've reached the beach. Waves crash against the white sand, creating pretty foamy patterns. There's nothing but miles of ocean ahead of me. I recognise ships coming and going from what has got to be the Marine Base private docks. boats and ships pass by me, some small fisherman boats and others look like merchant ships.

loud bangs shock me from my, well, shock, and draw me gaze to a caravel type ship with a black sail being sunk by a much larger marine vessel.

That settles it.

I'm not in wales anymore.

i'm not even in my world.

I'm in the world of one piece.

I'm sitting on my ass, tracing patterns in the wet sand beneath me, when I hear the crunch of multiple pairs of boots heading towards me. Most stop a few yards away, but two pairs continue on. They stop a few feet from my slumped form but I don't bother looking up. They're not within grabbing distance so I don't have to worry about that. More movement and I catch someone sitting down just inside my line of sight.

It's an older, bearded gentleman. Thickly built with muscle, tan skin and a crescent scar over the eye i can see. His hair is grey, and his eyes blue. The uniform he wears is different to the ones from earlier; a white suit, black shirt and a green tie under a long white coat with writing down the back. The way he slouches slightly looks like he has the weight of the world on his shoulders.

No wonder, given who he is.

Silence stretches between us while i try to subtly get his companion in front of me. I've had no luck when the Old Man clears his throat and I jump. I swear I leave the ground for a second there. The unknown twat behind me snorts and I finally turn to outright glare at him.

Only to go beet red and swivel back around.

"Close your fucking shirt you exhibitionist!"

"Bwahahaha! Little bit of fire there, right, Brat?" Old Man clutches his stomach. "See, I keep telling him no self-respecting woman will take him seriously if he dresses like that! Bwahahaha!" Old Man slaps my back, making me eat sand.

I come back up grumbling and spitting like a cowboy. "Was there really any need to smush me into the beach?" I say snarkily. I may respect this guy the littlest bit but he's seriously annoying me. "Why was I in the base? and wha-" I break off coughing, a horrible dry cough that won't let up.

"You alright there missy? You've been sleeping since yesterday afternoon. I suppose you'll be wanting something to eat?" The old man gestures to his companion, who comes up behind me and drapes a soft robe over my head. "You're probably freezing. You've been out here for nearly four hours."

I take it silently, refusing to meet his eyes.

A sigh and the marine gets up, he waits for me to stand and seeing I don't backs up to give me room. I hold the robe close to me, burying my face in its folds and sniffling. Scowling I wipe any tears I shed because crying won't fix anything.

I move to stand but a wave of fatigue washes over me. I sink back into the sand and close my eyes, waiting for the spinning to stop. When that passes i pry my lids open to see a gloved hand hovering in front of my face. Following it up up up to a shoulder, a bare chest and finally a face.

And two cigars.

"uh, thanks..." I grip the hand in mine and whoosh! The jerk takes me off my feet again! I'm hanging by my hand a foot off the ground. "Whoa easy. Little dizzy but thank you. Oh, okay, you can put me down now. Feet on ground would be nice. Oi, you listening?"

"She's tiny, and light. What do we do with her?" Cigar face completely ignores me!

"Put me down dammit!" I go off on a rant, demands and threats, i want down now! The bastard ignores me! He just turns to the old man and continues talking! Fine then, i'll make him let go.

...

I give up. He's got an iron grip, it just won't budge.

"Bwahahah! We'll take her back, of course. She has a wound and we still know nothing about her," Old Man turns to me, still hanging out. " It's nice to meet you Brat. I'm Monkey D. Garp, Vice Admiral of the marines. Now what's your name, hmm?"

"... "

"Well? Say something. Or has cat suddenly got your tongue?" I'm not even looking at him but i can hear the smirk in his voice. I shoot him a look out the corner of my eye and yup, there's the smirk.

"... Pretentious bastard. Put me down and maybe I'll talk!" Hahaha oh he looks stumped. Very amusing. Rumbling... is there an animal nearby? I can't see any... it's louder over here.

Oh shit.

Cigar face is growling.

Honest to God growling.

"..." I can't, it's too... "Cute! You're actually growling! I didn't know humans could do that! Put me down, is there a biological reason? Come here, come here! Ohh your throat feels normal, besides the vibratio- hey why'd you stop?"

Ow, He just threw me away from him. Rude.

"What was that for? I was just curious!"

"You- you jus- she just- You just pet my neck! What's wrong with you? I could easily kill you and you call me cute? There's something very wrong with you." He turns and heads back the way we all came, leaving me and Garp alone.

"bwahaha don't mind the Lieutenant, he's just not very social. Now, why don't we head back to the base and we can talk. We'll have to interview you. I checked your physical description in the national registry and we got a few matches, but nothing concrete."

We walk back in silence, Garp to my right and the Prick a few metres in front. He's walking stiffly, maybe I got under his skin? Hehehe brilliant.

When we make it back to the base building i find a large courtyard. There are marines milling about, but they stop as we walk in. They're all staring, sizing me up. I'm painfully aware of my state of undress. I pick at my sleeve cuffs and keep my eyes down, I can hear the murmurs around us and shift slightly behind Garp.

Garp chuckles lightly at this and walks a bit slower, compensating for my shorter legs. We reach the double doors from earlier and head into the big hall. There's some woman behind the desk now. She sneers at me as i walk by and i make a big show of patting myself down and checking in any pockets before smiling brightly and flipping her off. Her face just made my day.

Cigar man snorts at me and i figure i had better find out his name, so i trot forward, walk right next to him and say, "So, who are you and why do you hate shirts?"

Not my best but it's so fun to rile him up.

He glares at me then looks back forward.

"Lieutenant Smoker, and you are?"

"Disappointed you avoided half my question Smokes." I smile sweetly up at him. He's actually pretty tall. "How tall are you? 6 foot? 6'2?"

"Does it matter? Keep walking." We reach the stairs and i stop still. Smoker sees my hesitation and stops too. "What?"

"uh... i just, bad legs, can't lift them very far. Took me ages to get down them earlier..." I trail off, not sure what else to say.

Smoker sighs heavily and moves.

One second i'm standing, the next i'm hoisted up high, a pressure digging into my thighs. I look around and down.

I'm sitting on Smokers shoulder.

Smoker put me on his shoulder.

He takes the first step up the stairs and i hold on to his hair because the bastard nearly sent me toppling down to the ground. Smoker grunts and winces so i pull it a little more.

"Stop that," He snarls, adjusting his grip on me to across my thighs.

"Be careful and i will," I scoff.

Garps boisterous laughter reminds me that 'hey, you have an audience here'. I blush and look down, watching my hand holding the greeny white strands. His hair is soft, thick and fluffy. I absently run my fingers through it, watching them disappear with every forward motion. Smoker huffs beneath me but lets me continue, probably happy i'm being distracted.

We make it up the stairs with only one incident. Garp, talking and gesturing animtedly, whacked me in the face and i nearly went over the railings. Smoker didn't let go though, probably due to the death grip i had on his hair.

Smoker sets me down none too gently when we reach the seventh floor and Garp leads the way to the sixth door in. He opens it up and inside is my room! The bed has been remade and the window thrown open, but the water hasn't been touched. Garp notices the full pitcher and peers at me. Damn, he knows i didn't have any before i ran.

Garp sighs and grabs the glass beside the water jug and pours some in. This he then hands to me with a look. I take it with a sheepish smile and sip at it. It's fresh and cool, a blessing to my dry throat.

Garp motions to the bed and tells me to sit. I Do as i'm told and earn a pleased nod. Garp leaves the room then and i'm left alone with Smoker, who leans against the door frame. No chance of running away then.

It's awkward and quiet. Too quiet. I figure now is a good a time as any to start up a conversation.

"So... want to tell me where i am? Like i get i'm on an island, and there's a town, but what island is it?" I try asking nicely, because this is Smoker and he's a bit of a relentless badass, who i don't really want to piss off.

"Wait until the vice admiral gets back, he'll answer any questions. But you'll have to answer ours too. Got it?" He flicks the two cigar butts into the bin and goes to light two more. I grimace slightly and he pauses, before putting his lighter away and chewing on the ends instead.

The great 'White Chase' Smoker can be considerate.

I feel bad he can't get his fix right now, so i act.

"Smokes come over here," I stand up from the bed and when he reluctantly leaves the door i grab both his arms and bodily manoeuvre him to the open window. "There, now you can smoke. The breeze should suck out the worst of it. Just don't smoke in an enclosed room while i'm around, yeah?" I smile up at him and hop back onto my bed.

The Marine grumbles a bit about pushy women but proceeds to light his first cigar. He leaves the other unlit and faces the door.

We sit in silence for a few more minutes until loud footsteps and talking drifts under the door. Garp is back and he brought a friend.

The door slams open, making me jump, and in strides the Vice Admiral himself with a younger marine carrying a note pad.

"And then, and then the little Brat runs away! so of course i go after him, he needs a Fist of Love!" He's gesticulating widely again and the young marine looks so done with his shit.

"Sir, the interview..." He tries, but is ignored.

"So i catch up to him, and he's only gone and found the other brat! So i can train both at the same time! then-"

"Oi, can we get this over with? I'd like to find clothes that fit. And food. I need some good food." I interrupt, much to the young mans horror. It's quite funny, he goes like three different colours. White from shock, red from anger, Purple from fury. He goes to step towards me, probably to intimidate me, but goes white once again and backs off. Raising a brow i look behind me and see Smoker standing beside the bed with the darkest glower i have ever seen.

"We don't intimidate guests, nor do we threaten them. Remember your place, Ensign." Aww Professional Smoker is adorable.

"thank you very much," I pat his arm and sit back down. The ensign glares at me when Smoker turns back to Garp. I sick my tongue out and pull down my eyelid. Not mature but fuck him.

"I saw that," Smoker Murmurs, just loud enough for me to hear.

"Ah'm no' denying it," I say, pursing my lips and smirking. Smoker snorts and we tune back into the conversation.

"So, missy, we'll be asking questions. I want straight answers a-" My stomach interrupts Garp with a loud, long gurgle.

"yeah okay, can we get started? I'm so hungry." I sheepishly rub my belly. Garp laughs, Smoker sighs and the ensign rolls his eyes with a sneer. "Okay, stop being an arrogant sod and do your job, Ensign~"

"Hey, tone it down, Blondie," Smoker rests a hand on my shoulder, not restraining but a warning. I scoff and look away from the new guy.

"Alright then, let's get started. Missy, i'll ask one question at a time and he'll write down your answers. Sound alright to you?"

I nod at garp, pause, then shake my head. Pointing to the ensign i state, "No, i don't know this guy. He obviously doesn't like me or even want to tolerate me so i don't want to take the chance he slips in a false answer that gets me into trouble or something. I want him out."

"That won't happen, so answer the damn questions," Smoker snarls, he's getting more agitated the longer this goes on. We haven't even started yet!

"No. I won't answer anything until he leaves."

"Why not?"

"Because."

"Because what?"

"Because i'm not comfortable. He looks shifty and i don't trust him." I argue. I refuse to talk to this creep, so why can't he get that?

"Alright, we'll do this ourselves. Jesper, leave." Garp orders the ensign out, putting an end to mine and Smokers little quarrel. Once the git leaves, with a slammed door, Garp and Smoker turn to me. "Can we begin now? You can eat when we're done."

I nod, settling down with my feet off the edge of the bed. I shoot a look at the glass of water then back to Garp, asking permission. The Vice Admiral jerks his head down and i happily reach over and take a quick gulp.

Garp picks up the clip board and we get started.

"Name?"

"Danielle"

"Family name?"

"Morgan"

"Other names?

"middle name, Kathryn. K-A-T-H-R-Y-N.

"Age?"

"Twenty years ."

"Birthday?"

"April eighth."

"Birthplace?"

"Ehh, not sure?"

"You're not sure?"

"Nope"

"Birth parents:"

"Nigel and Michelle"

"Siblings:"

"seven. One full sister, two half sisters, one step-sister, and three step brothers."

"There's eight of you?"

"Yes Smokes, but i doubt you'll ever meet the others"

"Oi, pay attention. Height:"

"5'5 i think."

"Weight:"

"Rude, never ask a lady that."

"Sorry, blood type?"

"Not a clue."

"Hair. Strawberry blonde, short and curly."

"Is it? Nice!"

"Eye colour. Look at me please, dark brown."

"I thought they were blue?"

"How the hell do you get brown and blue mixed up?

"They were blue two days ago!"

"Yeah, sure."

"Enough please. Scars and or Piercings?"

"I'm not comfortable answering that..."

"What piercings do you have?"

"Hey no, ears and septum only. Thank you."

"Sexual Orientation?"

"Bi? I don't know, don't give a shit what they're packing."

"Likes?"

"Food. Animals. I like guns and swords if that helps. Useless with swords though, never got to learn."

"Dislikes?"

"That's a long long list, mi puta."

"Do you have a bounty?"

"No."

"Devil Fruit?"

"Nadda"

"Profession:"

"Unemployed, unfortunately."

"Medical history?"

"Eh, long and boring."

Several minutes of beefing up my new profile and Smoker and I bickering over eye colours, Garp clears his throat.

"Well, that's everything, I suppose. If there's anything else then tell us, got it? I'm going to go hand this in to the office. Smoker will take you down to the mess and you can get some food," He stands up, dusts his arse off and leans into my ear, "Make sure he gets something to eat too? He's been neglecting his health working an investigation."

With a final wink Old Man is out the door and down the hall.

Smoker and i sit in silence for a few moments. Then he gets up and heads to the door. I stand up and follow him, pleasantly surprised when he holds open the door for me. I head out and wait for Smoker. He closes the door behind us and tilts his head away from the stairs. We go down the hall, looking out the windows in passing.

The view is amazing.

Open ocean, clear skies and clean winds.

Very picturesque.

We go down a second staircase more towards the middle of the building and come upon a bustling corridor. A set of glass double doors part and we enter a nice Cafeteria. One wall is taken up by the serving space and two walls are made up of ceiling to floor windows, some open and some shut. It gives an even prettier view of the beach and the town.

The line for food is steady and long, but it's moving fairly quickly. Smoker directs me to the end of the que and i pick up two trays. He raises an eyebrow but decides to say nothing, carrying on. We wait patiently, shuffling forwards every few minutes. Smoker interacts with the marines around us and introduces me. The men and women around us are polite, curious and loud. They crowd around us, and it feels suffocating.

I inch in toward Smoker, trying to keep a smile up.

Smoker sends the marines away after a few minutes, and we reach the food. The chefs dispensing the food are loud and brash, but oh so funny. They crack jokes, insult each other and share raucous laughter. I ask Smoker to point out what's good, and he dismissively points out the spaghetti bolognes. I have that on both trays, one with cheesy fries and then a salad on the other. The cooks smirk when i drag Smoker over to the juice bar.

"Hey boy, you lettin' her take charge, huh?" One cook calls over to us, and the other four start cackling. Smoker scoffs and turns away, looking at the various juices on display. I give the loud mouth chef a thumbs up, smiling wide. He turns back to his stove with a hearty laugh.

I choose an apple and elderflower juice, and smoker goes for a plain old water.

"So, where to? I have no idea where to go now..." I hold the trays and look around.

A small pressure on my back pushes me forward and Smoker guides me over to a window table with a few other marines. Each of them has a marine coat either on or next to them, is it a rank related thing? We sit down on the bench nearest the window. Glass on my right, Smoker on my left.

I place the trays down on the table, Smoker turns to the guy next to him and I take my chance to slide the tray with salad between his forearms. I dig in to my bolognes with gusto, enjoying it. I'm halfway through when i notice Smoker hasn't touched his food.

I nudge his arm to get his attention. "Smokes, i got that for you. Can you eat please?" He gives me a withering look and turns back to his conversation. Not wanting to let Garp down i tap his arm until he looks back at me, so I put my best puppy dog face on. Raised brows, looking up through my lashes and darting away every so often.

"No. I'm not hungry," Smoker holds out for a few minutes, groans and then picks up a fork. "You aren't allowed to do that anymore, that face is not allowed. Stop that."

"Nah, gonna keep it. My secret weapon," Peering around shows i'm getting stares from most people seated around us, so i glance down and find i'm still wearing the robe from the beach. Deciding this is not a good thing, i turn to Smoker, "Can we go find some clothes after this? I don't think bathrobes are in fashion."

The Lieutenant lets out a heavy breath and nods his head, "We'll find you some pants and then go into the market. The nurses already tried fitting you into clothes, but you're tiny. There's a cheap clothes store in town, we'll go there." Smoker goes back to munching on his dinner.

Dinner goes by quickly after that. No talking, just chewing. I get up twice to refill my juice and Smokers water, then again for a second helping of bolognes. It's really good, and i get into a discussion on other things the cooks have made. They show me towards a desert table that's heaped with cakes and custards, biscuits and sweets. It all looks so good but so simple.

The chefs send me back to Smoker with a two cheesecakes and a bowl of strawberries and sugar. Apparently it's Smokers favourite and they want to boost my standing with him. Sitting on the bench i give smoker one of the cakes and drop the bowl of fruit between us.

He shoots me a look, shrugs off my grin and shovels the cheesecake into his mouth.

Looking at my cheesecake oddly, as I've never been a big fan, I decide to dive in and take a bite. It's good, really good. It's white chocolate, i didn't know they even had chocolate here. Then again, a lot of Sanjis' desert dishes seem to have it. Getting back to the cake, i take another forkful, the biscuit base is really crumbly and tastes so good! I dig in, wanting to finish it quickly and move onto the strawberries. I reach into the bowl and pick the biggest one i can find.

Once all the food is eaten i look to my companion. He's speaking to a black haired young woman with glasses. She has a sword by her side and i'm guessing that this is Tashigi.

She's pretty, in a curvy way.

Damn, she has no balance...

"I am so sorry, I didn't mean to trip!" She says, getting up from where she fell flat on her face.

Smoker breathes a long suffering sigh. "Just get up ensign, i have a job for you. You'll accompany myself and our guest into town. She needs clothes." He looks up from where he's finishing off his cheesecake, putting the fork across the plate.

"Yes sir, of course! I'd be more than happy to help," Sitting next to me Tashigi looks me up and down. "We'll see when we get there but i know this great boutique in town called 'Antique House', they're cheap but they have some great things!" She smiles brightly at me, and damn it it's adorable!

"Cool, is that where you got your shirt? I really like it." I smile, making small talk with her. When she mentions graduating from the academy just last year i do a double take. "Last year, how old are you?"

"Oh, i'm fifteen! I graduated early due to skills in combat!" Jesu christo this girls built like a supermodel and she isn't even of legal age yet! "May i ask how old you are?"

"I'm twenty, twenty one in april," I sigh, this girl is too cute! Not even in a 'Date me' way, just a 'kid sister' way! Okay, good to know because i am not a cradle robber.

"Lets go ladies. We don't have time to waste." He's leaving us behind. That dick is leaving us behind! I'm the one who needs clothes, not him! Going into town would be useless without me!

"H-hey wait up Smokes! Come on Tashigi we need to get going." Tashigi nervously follows us both, Trying to ignore the bickering between myself and the Lieutenant.

"Wow, this place is amazing. Where are we exactly?" Spinning to see everything around me, I can't possibly take everything in!

Oh there's a crack in the paving.

Hey, there's little grains of blue in the stones.

"Get up, you're as bad as Tashigi," He raises a gloved hand and massages between his eyes. I feel like we annoy him. Time for that to change!

Getting up i wipe down my ass, step up beside him aaaand...

Lace my arm through his.

Tashigi gasps.

Smoker stills.

Me?

I just grin at him.

"So, I feel like you don't like me very much. Thing is, I do. Like you, I mean. So, what we need is to have this day out. Go for ice cream, have some fun. Treat Tashigi to a sundae. Make sand castles on the beach, go playing in the waves. Whatcha say?" I flash him my million watt smile and he glares at me.

I hang on for dear life when he starts shaking his arm.

"Get off."

"No"

"Get off now"

"I mean, I would, but i don't want to go flying!"

The man pauses, Tashigi pauses, the lady selling apples pauses.

"I... did not think of that..." Smoker slowly sets me on the ground, feet first. "Sorry..."

"Yeah, no problem. Can you make the world stop spinning?" Smoker puts his hands on my shoulders and directs me to a chair. "Ahhh, Much obliged."

"You are the strangest woman i have ever met"

"Well you're the strangest man i've ever met. Tashigi? Where's Antique? i really want to get out of this robe," I say, holding my head in my palms to stop the headache.

"Uh, two blocks ahead and three stores right. Can't miss it," very quiet girl, she is.

"Good. let's go. I'll need help. Smoker, how am i buying this? I haven't any money..."

Smoker glances at me from the side, "We'll foot the bill, you're in Marine custody for now."

"Oh, okay. Can i get a gun too? I may as well get one now so I can learn." Smoker gives me a look that clearly says no. We can work on that. "Okay, okay. fine. Lets go to Antique House."

We walk on, Tashigi and i nattering about anything and everything, Smoker trailing behind us and the sun shining above us. Reaching Antique House is fairly uneventful. The outside is colourful and fun, with big windows showcasing different clothes and shoes and accessories.

We're greeted by an older man who instantly directs us to the Hawaiian shirts.

"Right, thank you... I'm just not into Hawaiian print," I scratch the back of my head, hoping not to offend the teen next to me. "Though if you can point me to the loose pants and t shirts i'd be pretty grateful."

Tashigi and i browse through the racks and stacks, Smoker standing outside the door. Occasionally she'll hold something up and we'll either add it to my pile or put it back. After nearly an hour we head over to the changing room. I try on all the clothes from loose pants and shirts to shorts and button downs, thigh high socks and dresses.

After picking out seven tops, 4 pairs of pants, two shorts and three different skirts Tashigi convinces me to get two dresses, one short and one long. We grab some shoes, socks and a couple of jackets to go with everything. We exit the store and join smoker, Tashigi tripping over nothing again.

"Okay, we have pretty much everything i need except for...? Ah fuck, Smokes, how do you feel about women's lingerie?" Smoker chokes on his cigars at the question and goes a lovely shade of red. Tomato? Burgundy? i have no clue. I slap him on the back until he breathes, giving Tashigi a sneaky wink, "Chill, you won't have to go in. Although, a male opinion would be very helpful..."

Smoker wheezes, glaring at me. If only looks could kill.

"Tashigi? Where's the nearest, most reasonably priced underwear store?" I give up on Smoker, the guy needs to loosen up Tashigi and i share a few minutes of laughter a Smokers' expense.

"Just over there, we can go in and get everything you need." She points over the other side of the street, to a quaint little store of pinks and white, girly lacey underwear on manequins in the windows. "Ohh, cute. What do you think Tashigi? White lace or black lace. I'll need some comfortable stuff but i definitely want some peachy coloured lace stuff. OH! they do swimsuits too!"

Tashigi and I take off towards the store, leaving Smoker to follow slowly.

When we entered the lights were dim and there was an amazing array of lingerie; bras and panties, babydolls and matching sets! I made a beeline for the bra and brief sets, trying to find something i liked.

Then i realised, i need to get fitted.

With that done (a size 27C) i headed over to the racks. This was a lot quicker, given that there wasn't as much variety i needed. Pick a style, get all colours in said style, move onto the next style. They had some really cute lacey bras and bralettes on sale, so i grabbed those and even got some absolutely to die for babydolls, lace ones with matching panties. Those would be fun if i ever bring someone home.

Though i'll most likely just lounge around in them when i can't be bothered to get dressed.

Shit.

Fuck, i don't have any pyjamas.

Meh, going au natural should do.

Four heavy bags of underwear later Tashigi and i head out to meet up with Smoker. He has his head buried in a newspaper but still somehow notices us approach. "Ready to go back?" He puts the newspaper away, turning to look at us. He raises a quizzical eyebrow at all our bags. Then he lowers them both when i shove the bags into his hands.

"Yup, lets go. Can we please go to a weapons shop? Just to look around? Maybe buy something?" I ask, begging in my mind for him to give in. He opens his mouth to speak, probably to say no, when Tashigi speaks up.

"Um... I actually need to get more sword polish and cloths. Ippous place is near here..." Tashigi trails off, nervously adjusting her glasses.

Smoker gives her a hard look for a few seconds, then gives in with a sigh. "Fine, lets just go. You two have been shopping for nearly four hours. How can anyone shop that much?" I don't make out the last part because he grumbles it, so i just happily walk along with Tashigi, who i have decided is my new favourite person.

She tells me all about the history of the Arms Shop, how its been here for two hundred years and it's been family run the whole time. Apparently they have a famous sword there, a Yubashi or something, that will only go to the greatest swordsman or woman. I snicker, remembering that a few years from now a moss head will come up and take it with him.

We reach the Arms Shop and step inside. It's dark and dry, which i guess is a good thing? Tashigi walks straight over to the counter and begins talking with the clerk, an annoyed looking man who immediately brightens when he sees her. Smoker looks around and spots a weird shaped stick, like a very square h with a really really long part and a greenish coloured tip. He eyes it a bit before turning away.

I'm pretty sure it's the weapon he has in the future, but as i don't know how he got his, i shouldn't interfere.

"You should get it, you know?" Meh, screw the timeline.

Smoker quirks a brow at me, "And why would i? That's seastone on the end, it'll effect me just as much as my opponent."

"True," I say, "But it would give you an unexpected edge and/or advantage."

Que innocent doe eyes.

Smoker considers my suggestion before shaking his head and walking away. I shrug my shoulder and follow him. As i pass by the conical barrels of two hundred belli swords i feel a darkness. Peering into the barrel i spot it.

The cursed sword.

Sandai Kitetsu.

Gingerly, i leave smokers side and approach the sword proper. Kitetsu stands out, not visually but spiritually. Which is saying something because i'm about as spiritual as a goldfish. There#s a pull, imploring me to pick him up. Not bothering to resist i reach out, wrapping my hand around the sheath. He's heavier than i expected and i can immediately feel the bloodlust coming from him.

"Why so dark, little one?" The sword seems to calm at my quiet murmur. I guess he likes being talked to? I level him out parallel to the floor and run my hand along the pommel. the silk wrapping is soft but barely worn, there aren't any indents from previous handling. I frown at this. It hardly seems fair to treat such a special blade this way.

A quiet cough snaps me from my thoughts and i remember where i am. Tashigi and the store clerk are staring at me with worry, like Kitetsu is going to come alive and cut me. Smoker looks impossibly bored with everything. I reluctantly put Kitetsu down and give him a pat. "Don't you worry child, someone will be worthy of you. He's going to be the best, you know? And he'll show you the care and respect you deserve."

I walk back over to Smoker with my chin up. He can think what he wants, i don't care. Tashigi negotiates against an unfair rise in polish price and i continue to look around the shop. I keep coming back to the barrel, drawn to Kitetsus' apparent sadness. I smooth my hand over him each time.

"If i let you get the sword will you stop pacing?"

The quiet question makes me jump nearly out of my skin, whirling round to see Smoker standing not too far off. He's watching Tashigi argue with the clerk who looks like he's trying to swindle her.

"... No, i like him but i'm not the one he needs." I look down at the sword in question, who almost quivers with excitement. It makes me grin, ear to ear, to see him so worked up over His arrival. "Ease up boy, it won't be for a few years yet."

Kitetsu wilts, and slips to the side a little. This action exposes a smaller katana, more like a Wakizashi, tucked between him and the barrel wall. I quirk my eyebrow and pick it up. It's a slim thing, nicely weighted with a tattered tsukamaki and a missing menuki. I draw the blade and it's horribly blunted. I tut at this and look at Smoker.

"I'll behave nicely for two weeks if i can get this," I claim, beginning negotiations.

Smoker looks at me, considering, then offers a counter, "A month, and you can have a full care kit to match."

I look back at Kitetsu for a moment, and he just oozes satisfaction. Taking his offer i dip my head, "Done. I'll need lessons, know anyone who'd be willing to teach me?"

Without looking the Marine points at Tashigi, who has finally haggled a decent price out of her opponent.

"Great, lets go!"

We walk out of the store with our purchases. Tashigi is immensely happy with the quality of the oil she got, saying it came from the back so it wasn't sitting in the warm storefront and distorting. She asks me about my new sword, it's name and such, and seems stumped that i didn't bother to ask any of that. She can't find it in her catalogue of well known blades and vows to not give up until she finds it.

In the mean time, we brainstorm over what to name it.

Tashigi votes for Minto Ryuko, given it's colour. I argue back that it's more of a spearmint green, and she calls me blind it's obviously a mint green, like the sweet! Then i counter that it's way too pretty to be mint green, to which she opens her mouth to retaliate but is interrupted by our escort.

"Will you boh shut up? You're giving me a headache... Besides, it's clearly a seafoam green."

We both look at him stupidly, before our gazes slowly travel up. After a few seconds of just staring we turn to each other at the same time, matching grins stretching our lips painfully and turn to him:

"Smoker green!" We both say, a bit too gleefully for him. He blinks stupidly for a moment, and you can see the gears going in his head when finally! finally the light bulb clicks on and he shouts at us. Too bad for him we're already running back to base and have made good time.

The residents of Loguetown all reported cases of manical laughter and frightening threats drifting through the streets that afternoon. When it was brought to the highest ranking officers', namely: Monkey D. Garp, attention the base building needed to replace a few windows due to shrieking laughter and multiple 'Fists of Love'.