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When Tom got back into the drawing-room, he found Kokoro setting out breakfast by herself.

"Did he manage to calm down and fall back asleep?"

She looked up at him as he spoke, a frown etched on her face.

"No. He's in the washroom getting ready to go into town. Tom…he was completely horrified. He could hardly make a sound. What was that all about?"

Tom sighed and shook his head.

"Three men came looking for Iceburg - if you can even call them men. We'll talk about it with him shortly. He's here, he's safe; that's what really matters right now. I don't think anyone will be back here for him."

"Tom…"

"Don't worry, I didn't do anything to them. I didn't want to give them a reason to think I know anything about him. Hopefully, they'll be done their business on this island and be gone soon. If they do decide to come back snooping... I won't take it lightly."

Kokoro nodded as she set the last plate on the table. She knew full well he wouldn't take it lightly.

"You know I'll try not to worry, but..."

She could tell by his demeanour that something had truly disturbed him. Despite his kind, fun-loving nature there was a vast darkness inside him - an unbridled rage that would surface when those he loved were hurt or under threat. It would take something or someone truly terrible to even bring a hint of that blackness to his eyes but when it took him over there was really no saying what could happen to whoever was on the receiving end.

He didn't scare Kokoro; he never could. Many people called him violent but the truth was simply that he could hate just as deeply as he loved - which meant ill for those who brought pain to the ones he cherished. He'd never want to hurt someone he cared for, but he'd never forgive those who caused them pain. His reaction told her that these three men were trouble.

"...do you really think he'll be safe in town with just me to care for him?"

"Yes. As safe as he can be. It'll just be until he's done school and I can be sure things are safe for him here. I don't know much about who those people are or who they're associated with but I'd rather him not be here if they come busting down our door again. They come from the Kimmerios Isles...sadly I've had no good experiences with any of those people."

"No one that I've met has, Tom...I'm glad to hear such a precious child got away from that place early on." her expression was graven as she thought of the stories she'd heard of the sadistic aristocrats that lurked there. "What if something happens and you're not there?" She stood at the table and wrung her hands nervously as she thought of staying in town alone again.

It broke Tom's heart that she was feeling such anxiety now. He was sure it was because of when he wasn't there when she needed it the most that she felt how she did - when her precious baby was taken from her. She'd told him to go and everything in his gut had told him not to, but as always he'd wanted to respect her wishes so he obliged. He'd never forgiven himself for leaving her alone that night.

He spoke as gently as he could.

"I don't think anything will happen...but not much is ever really guaranteed is it? It will be safer than having him here for now though, right? I'll check in as often as I can. What other choice do we have?"

She sighed and he could see the stress she carried with her daily on her face.

"I don't know. A private school would be even safer, but it's so expensive..."

He set a hand lightly on her shoulder and leaned down so he could look her directly in the eyes.

"I'll figure things out and I'll do everything in my power to make sure you two are safe."

She gave a slow nod.

"...Okay, Tom."

"I'll come by later this evening. Hopefully, I'll have a more solid plan by then! Hah! Seems this old brain needs a bit of time to wake up today." He gave a loud laugh and with that he was back to his normal self again. "Y'know, that food sure smells delicious, Kokoro. As always. Let's sit down and wait for the lil' guy, shall we?"

Shortly after Kokoro and Tom had finished talking about the morning affairs Iceburg came through the door and shyly greeted the two of them, then joined the table. He yawned and rubbed his eyes. He was never up this early back at his family home but when he was awake he was to be groomed and adorned in formal dress and full makeup before he dare show himself to anyone. At mealtimes and events, he'd been forced to entertain and charm whoever was present, which to him wasn't so awful until he graduated from playing hostess to family and high-class guests to potential 'suitors'. Bidders.

With Tom and Kokoro there were no expectations. As odd as he felt for him not having to perform all of the extra chores of his old life or be so aware of himself, it was more relief than he'd ever believed possible. Tom and Kokoro laughed and spoke to him as if he belonged there and things had never been any different. He thought of all he'd been taught about people his family considered 'lower-class' and how it was all wrong. As far as he could tell the two of them had far more class than anyone he'd met on Kimmerios.

Tom brought up the issue of Giroux and the others as softly as he could but Iceburg dropped his spoon and froze at the mention of the name. He tried not to show his distress while Tom explained what had happened and what he felt was the best plan for the time being. He hadn't been aware at all that Girouxhad been a passenger on the journey; he wondered if he'd still have had the nerve to sneak on board if he'd known. He thanked every lucky star out there that he hadn't been discovered, especially by him.

So…he might still be here on the island...

Kokoro, who was hearing everything for the first time, watched them discuss the matters with a look of near anguish on her face. Though Tom left out the more sensitive details that he felt were up to Iceburg to share if and when he decided he was ready to, it horrified Kokoro to hear such a young person discuss such heavy adult matters so casually.

Iceburg agreed that the plan for him so stay away from Tom's for the time being was for the best, but the thought of going out into the open terrified him beyond what water ever could. He cleared his throat and tried not to sound as afraid as he felt.

"You really think they don't suspect anything about me being here?" He tried to keep a brave face but looked sickly as he asked Tom the question.

"I'm almost sure they don't, but we'll all just have to stay extra alert."

Both Kokoro and Iceburg nodded their agreements.

Before long breakfast was finished and the dishes put away; it was time to go. The three of them stood outside in the cool Summer air, Kokoro and Iceburg shielded from the rain by an umbrella. Tom gave a wide smile and looked down at the young teen.

"You're still gonna come back and work with me when you're all done with school, right!?"

"Of course. As long as you'd still like me to..."

Iceburg shuffled uncomfortably under the weight of the bag that was slung over his shoulder and looked around. He wondered how he looked to others if they'd be able to tell. He'd bound his chest flat with bandages and his long hair was tied back, hidden by his white kerchief. His face was scrubbed clean of all the makeup he'd had on his face prior and he was garbed in the simple clothes Tom had given him. Presenting as he did, he looked quite different than he ever had. He prayed if anyone he knew saw him, he wouldn't be recognizable. He was glad the sun hadn't quite risen yet and that the city was still dark.

Tom grinned and set a hand on his head.

"I've put some extra things in there for you so you can get some practice when you've got the time for it - your studies should come first though!"

He nodded in reply and gave a light smile.

"Now then...you two better get heading out, and I'd better get to work. I'd like to walk with you but I don't want that to give you away to those bastards. Remember, I'll be by after work to check-in."

Both Iceburg and Kokoro seemed relieved by his words. He smiled again before he turned and headed back towards the warehouse.

They walked swiftly from Tom's property towards the inner city. Iceburg tried to be wary of his gait, his expressions; he didn't want any small details to give him away. He could hear his mother's voice still shrilling in his ear.

"Have some poise, you awkward girl - you're not some common street urchin! The way you choose to move and speak tells everything about who you are to the world! Do you want your future husband to think you're just a low-class boar when he meets you? A woman should express her beauty not only with her features but in the way she behaves! Why aren't you wearing all of your makeup!?"

He let his shoulders slowly relax and crossed his arms over his chest. He looked down at his shiny black shoes and quietly scuffed them up against the walkway as they walked further away from Tom's. He felt a longing to go back, but pushed it away and continued on. He didn't want to be anywhere near there in case they were to come back. He shuddered at the mere thought of it.

Kokoro set a hand on his shoulder as they walked and moved him a tiny bit closer to her side. She gave him a reassuring squeeze when he looked up at her. He thought about the differences between her and his mother. He remembered the pain that had scathed him when he'd finally snapped and told her that he wished he'd been born a male; he had no desire to have anything to do with their ideas of who he was supposed to be. He'd begged for her not to make him meet anyone else or be a bride to anybody. He was twelve at the time and just wanted to be left alone so he could read and study. Until that point, she'd never laid a hand on him.

Kokoro spoke softly to him as they passed the stairs that led down to the scrap island.

"You know, I just realized... it's Sunday so the schools are closed for the weekend. Tomorrow we'll get you in and registered, so there's not much for you to do today but get settled in. Iceburg...I think it'll be a fair bit rougher at the local school here than what you might be used to...the kids in this town - let's just say a lot of them aren't very much like you."

He cocked his head.

"What do you mean?"

She laughed.

"Well, for one, you're a good kid - you've got manners."

"They haven't?"

"It's a very poor city, my dear. It used to be a wonderful, bountiful place...However, nowadays a lot of the people here aren't in a good way and sometimes, well, rough people can raise some rough kids. I'm not telling you to be prejudice, because if you start judging people before you really know anything about them you'll miss out on meeting someone great - I'm just warning you so you know to have your guard up around folks here for a bit."

"Oh...I'm not sure I'll ever really have my guard down again. This morning was just too close."

"I know...but I hope someday you do find some friends that you can let your guard down with. For now, keep an eye out for anyone who you recognize and let me know right away."

He nodded.

"I've been looking all along."

"Good."

"...They do know a lot of people though...my family, I mean; people I've never even met or seen. Once the word spreads that I've escaped...well...someone could spot me and I wouldn't even know to be wary of them."

"I'm sure that's why Tom doesn't want you staying until he knows for sure it's all safe. Remember though, it sounds like they don't even know for sure you got off the boat here - or that you were even on that boat, otherwise they would've found you first. Right? I think they're just desperate right now and running on assumptions. I doubt they'll put too much focus here."

Iceburg didn't answer, he only balked up and grabbed her arm. Kokoro looked down and saw his face was drawn and more pale than usual.

"Ms. Kokoro. m'am..."

She was immediately on high alert.

"What's wrong?" She glared around but couldn't see anyone on the streets nearby. "Do you see someone? And don't worry so much about those formalities! Hah."

He shook his head and pointed towards the scrapyard where an old, weathered ship was docked with its black flag cracking in the wind. His vision was obscured by the rain but the flag was clearly a Jolly Roger.

"Pirates...There are p-pirates down there..." his voice was a strained whisper and he clutched to her as if his life depended on it.

He'd overheard much about the dreaded marauders of the seas and how they'd come inland to wreak havoc; how they'd made countless attempts to do so back on Kimmerios. The gruesome stories he'd heard terrified him: plundering, kidnapping, torture, rape, murder…the thought of pirates being so close was equally as terrifying to him as the knowledge that Giroux had been nearby him all long.

At first, he didn't see anyone on or nearby the ship, but after a few seconds of scanning through the early morning darkness, he spotted a small figure moving through the junk laden grounds.

"So there is!" She let out a laugh and began to walk again.

He tugged her back with a serious expression on his face.

"Shouldn't we go warn T-tom?"

She squeezed his shoulder again and chuckled softly.

"It's very sweet that you're worried about him, but they're probably just docked here looking for some spare parts to fix up their ship. It wouldn't be unheard of, that's for sure! Tom's always making incredible boats from materials he finds down there. Besides...most of the pirates wanting to cause any real trouble wouldn't be down there, they'd be out halting the trade to and from the island or raiding goods from the shops and shipyards."

"That's true, I suppose...but I was taught pirates would do terrible things to me if I was ever captured by them..."

Kokoro looked out towards the ship.

"Of course, that could be the case...but at this moment aren't you also afraid of being caught by terrible people who aren'tpirates?"

He nodded slowly.

"You know, pirates can be perfectly good people too. I know a few, myself. It's just the same as how some high-class folk can be awful no matter how well they may present themselves. There is evil everywhere: in all people - rich or poor, government workers, royalty...even some Fishmen are no good! In some cases, you may very well be safer with a pirate than with the marines!"

His chocolatey brown eyes were bright and curious and he seemed to think hard about her words as he looked down at the scrap island. After a moment he smiled and looked up at her.

"Well...whether they're looking to cause trouble or not - I hope they don't get sick being out here. They don't seem to be dressed very well..."

She smiled at his remarks and peered down through the heavy rainfall to see who he was talking about. She gave a small laugh as the tiny pirate approached an old barrel and began to roll it towards the ship.

"Just looks like a little pirate boy to me! I doubt he could really be much trouble, Iceburg, I don't think we need to worry about Tom. My, but this weather is pretty nasty... and he seems to be quite the tiny thing, doesn't he?"

Iceburg frowned and nodded. He looked up at the umbrella over his head and felt a pang of guilt. Kokoro seemed to read his thoughts.

"Don't worry, he probably won't be out there too long. They'll probably take off once they've gathered what they need. Well...let's get going then, shall we? It's been a while since I've stayed in town so it might take a while for my apartment to really heat up on such a miserable day. I'll probably have a fair bit of cleaning to do too..." With that, she continued on towards town.

"I'll help you, Kokoro!" Iceburg picked up his pace to keep up with her.

"I won't hear anything of the sorts." She chuckled and patted his back. "No work for you today, just take some time for yourself, okay? Things will get busy enough soon."

She wanted him to have freedom and comfort to find himself after a life of only being allowed to be what other people wanted. She knew spending the day cleaning an apartment after such a traumatic time in his life would do him no good.

"O-okay!"

As he imagined what he might do with some spare time he thought he felt himself being watched. He looked around nervously but found the streets were still deserted. He peered back at the scrapyard again and wordlessly took in the view for a few seconds. The sun was just beginning to rise across the ocean as the skies around it were beginning to clear at last. It lit up the rugged hills of wood and metal. Old ships and their scattered parts laid in wait for someone to give them new life.

Something about the sight was beautiful and exciting to Iceburg and it stirred a flurry of heavy emotions in his heart. The rain hadn't stopped over the island yet and there were many heavy, grey clouds that still lingered above them - but it looked hopeful. It seemed things were finally starting to look up for Water 7.

Kokoro looked back over her shoulder at the ascending light and grinned.

"Maybe there'll be a rainbow after all this, eh?"

"Well…That would be lovely. I heard they're good luck. I suppose I could use some more of that about now."

"Right, so! Let's keep a lookout for one then. We should get going before it gets too bright out though! We've still got quite the walk ahead of us."

He nodded but paused one last time when he noticed the little pirate-boy again. He'd clambered along the scrapyard and now stood alone upon the highest junk heap, clutching to the top of a decrepit mast. The morning rays caught his rain-soaked blue hair and orange shirt and Iceburg found he couldn't help but stare at his vibrancy against the much bleaker backdrop. Iceburg felt a small smile cross his lips as he realized the boy didn't look mean or scary at all.

An unfamiliar flutter struck his chest when he realized the boy was staring back at him. For a brief moment, their eyes locked which made Iceburg's face flush deep scarlet. He turned away from the wide-eyed, curious gaze and walked a little faster beside Kokoro.

He wondered why the pirate-boy was looking at him and if he saw him as another boy or just a girl dressed as a boy. He wasn't able to really tell an age but thought the boy might be a bit younger than him. He'd never met or seen anyone, other than members of his obtuse family, who appeared to be so close in age to him and it made him feel nervous for school. Questions began to fly through his already troubled mind; how was he even supposed to act around other youth? How were they going to react to him? Would they stare at him and wonder about his gender?

He let out a sigh of annoyance at his self-conscious thoughts and did his best to push them away.

Twenty years later...

The drawing-room looked almost exactly as it had four years prior when they'd abandoned it. In the dim light of the lantern that Iceburg clutched in his shaking hands, he couldn't see all the dust that had settled in their absence. It was almost easy to pretend that time hadn't progressed at all and it was just another night at home; the table had everyone's seats still around it, awaiting a final celebration that never came. The morning of the trial had been so rushed that they hadn't even sat down for breakfast that day. He felt a lump in his throat as he tried to think of what their last meal together had been, but still, he couldn't even clearly remember the night before he lost them.

It had been the night he and Franky first rode the Puffing Tom together since they'd completed the project. He never thought it would've been the last time, too. Even now knowing that he was alive, it pained him that because of what he was about to do, the chance to sit on top of their sea-train together in the cool wind would never come again. He strained his mind as he had for years to remember all of what had happened after the ride when they reached the island, Franky's little island, but he still drew a blank other than a few key details.

What he knew for sure about that night was that he'd been far drunker than he'd ever been before or since. At one point he'd lost his temper on Franky, over his battleships as always, and they'd argued. Something about the argument had been unusual and the younger of the two had seemed genuinely hurt by his anger; hurt enough to say things back he normally wouldn't. They'd made up as always, but after that, all was a blur. He still cursed himself for it. It was supposed to be the night he told him everything but instead, he'd lost control of himself to the alcohol. He'd woken the next morning and fragments of memories were there but were far too mingled with his intoxicated, lucid dreams to determine what had been real.

Gingerly, he touched the photo of the five of them that still sat on the end table beside Franky's work desk. Tom's Workers.He felt a wistful laugh bubble up in his chest at the sight of Tom, proud as ever, laughing with his hands on the two boys' shoulders while they fought like dogs. He thought back on the day and tried to recall what they had done to rile each other up so much that they couldn't be bothered to smile for, or even look at, the camera. There were a handful of other good photos of them as a group where everyone did look almost like regular people, but then... that just wasn't really who they were.

He gazed sadly around him. The beds sat ready to be laid out for sleep and the books they'd been reading at night were piled up on his own desk right as they'd been. Unfinished drafts still sat out on Tom's work desk from the day it all went wrong. It still surprised him that the government hadn't torn the place to bits after everything.

With a grimace on his face, he looked back at the cursed stack of papers he'd left on the table - the blueprints. He remembered how Tom had sent him and Franky back home while he spoke to Spandam and his men that first time they'd come to bother him about the damn plans. He'd brought them to one of the storage warehouses closer to the scrap island, not the main one. For the first time, he considered the idea that maybe he'd led the bastards away on purpose and it was because of that they never figured out where their actual living quarters had been. Their precious memories were preserved in that place, allowed to live on just as the two of them had been, because of him.

When he turned to leave the room he stopped in the threshold as he had so many times to place his hand on the doorjamb. He traced his fingers across the names that were etched into the wood with child-like letters: "Franky" and "Iceburg". He closed his eyes and thought back on the day he'd first seen the names scratched into the frame.

His tears began to fall again as he wondered where the hell either of them would be if they'd never had their beloved Tom.

Just as he began to doubt that Franky would even show up for him after the way he'd turned him away from Galley-La he thought he'd heard footsteps above him. He stood silently to listen, and his heart nearly leapt into his throat when he heard a familiar sound echo around the building that he thought he never would again - the click of the door at the top of the stairs that led to Kokoro's above-ground office. It was the way in and out they'd used most often. Footsteps began to descend down the steps and Iceburg felt panic like he hadn't in years.

He wiped his tears and dreaded to think of what what was to come next, but he knew it was for the best.