Episode 2

As the bright shine of the after noon sun shines over Lighthouse Empire, Aiku leads the crew back dow to the base of the giant lighthouse, eventually taking them through the lush garde areas surrounding the bottom layer. Coiling around the outter boarders of the lighthouse, were all of th main headquarters of commerce and entertainmaint fr the city.

"I'm sure Bara already told you some things about our city..." Aiku continues, mid conversation. "But at this point we're just about 80 thousand people strong! The largest floating city in the entire world. As far as we know."

"I wouldn't bet against it!" Nami states.

Robin comes beside her. "But still, it's such a large number. Even more than some islands. Where did all these people come from?"

Aiku smile. "Well most of them come from the island me and Sky grew up on. It was a prosperous town at one point, but when this place was beginning to be created, we collectivly decided to move here, taking our lives out on the sea!"

"How interesting!"

"And the rest, well, they're mostly travelers or wanderers. Former pirates, explorers, or just people who wanted to come and live in a cool city. We accept everyone as long as you want to contribute!"

Frank steps forward. "But I have to ask-something's been bugging me ever since we arrived. How in the world could you even build a place like this? I'm a shipwrite myself, and let me tell you, I could never imagine a place like this."

Aiku giggles. "That's what all the newcomers say. And they're all equally shocked when I tell them." Aiku stops and turns toward the captivated group. "It was me!" She declares, hands on her hips.

Franky's mouth drops open. "What?! No way. It took me years to build me sea train, and I had an whole crew!"

"How in the world could you pull something like that off?" Usopp wonders.

Aiku smiles. "Well, I hada full crew too, but..." She raises and arm in the air, placing her palm up. The crew is amazed as they watch a small lighthouse spring from her hand like a blooming flower. "I had a little help."

The crew all exclaim sharply in their own unique ways.

Luffy jumps in front of her and studies the figure. "Whoa-cool! Did you just make that lighthouse?!"

"Yep! I ate the alch-alch fruit! That's the alchemy fruit. I can create things out of raw material." Aiku holds her little lighthouse closer to the crew, who are gathered around her hand.

Sanji's eyebrows wiggle with fascination. "That has got to be one of the weirdest powers I've ever seen-I mean that in a good way, of course!"

Aiku laughs. "Thanks, I've really come to like it too!"

Robin steps forward. "But Aiku, you didn't have any raw material to create with just now, did you? How did you make it?"

"Sure I did! My tattoo ink!" Aiku runs her fingers along the palms of her hands, which are laced with intricuitl geometric patterns. "A while ago I figured out that if I have something permanant already etched into my skin, I create with that."

Nami touches one of her tattoos gently. "So it's a special ink I take it?"

"That's right. The ink itself is normal, but it's mixed with non-toxic metal fibers which bind with my skin. Now I can create at will."

Usopp looks around the city in confusion. "But wait a minute-so this entire city came out of your hands?"

"No way!" Chopper yelps.

Aiku giggles. "Well not exactly. The largest parts were reconstructed with other things. Old ship hulls

Zoro crosses his arms and glares at her. "That is a seriously powerful devil fruit."

Brook agrees. "I'll say. The possibilities are endless."

Aiku shurgs. "Well I guess that's true, but I'm also really young. So I'm still learning. I haven't harnessed the full abilites, and i'm sure I wont for some time."

Usopp grins. "Still though, ou should be proud of the work you've already done!"

Luffy nods. "I'll say! You guys are really awesome."

Aiku gets heart eyes again. "You really think so!?"

"Yep!" Luffy barks.

Aiku blushes. "Aw, thank you captain! That really means so much to me! But I'm not a fan girl or anthing, so don't worry.I swear-I'm not...well maybe a little." She laughs nervously.

"Hey-can you make me a balloon animal too?!"

"She's not a circus clown, Luffy!" The crew yells in unison.

As Aiku leads them through the city center again, Zoro comes beside Nami. "Now do you see why I was defensive? I knew something felt weird to me." He speaks softly.

"What are you talking about?" She responds.

"That devil fruit power is incredible. It's amazing she hasn't been captured yet."

"Why would she get captured?"

"If the Navy knows, they have got to be after this girl-no doubt about."

"Oh come on, that's just an assumption. We don't know why, how, or even if they know. You're being paranoid."

Zoro sighs and turns away. "Alright. You head it here first."

When the crew arrive at their first destination, whic is ne of a series of stone archways revolving around the base of the lighthouse, Aiku steps in front of them again to present it. "Welcome to our first stop! This is the main kitchen, where we prepare and craft all the delicious food!"

Sanji beams and pumps a fist. "Alright! Save the best for first!"

Aiku leads them inside the kitchen, where they are pleased to discover a liely atmosphere filled with boisterous chefs. Some hammer slices of meat, some fry fish in huge licks of flame, others throw dough high in the air and spin it on their fingers. It seems chefs of all shapes, colors, sizes and species are gathered, and all working together to craft spectacular dishes.

Sanji's eyes dart from station to station, absorbing the familiar atmposphere. "Wow, this is one lively kitchen! Look at them go!"

"And it smells so delicious!" Chopper shouts. He, Usopp, Luffy and Brook loom over them with sparkling eyes and watering mouths.

Aiku smiles. "And you haven't even tasted everything yet! Not even close!'

"I want one of everything!" Luffy proclaims.

Aiku laughs. "I'm sure you can fulfil that wish!"

Sanji comes beside Aiku. "So who's the head chef? I'd love to chat with them."

"Actually we don't have a head chef here!" Sanji is stunned by this. "All of our chefs work together to create this amazing food. See, they're from all of the Grand Line. Most came here to begin a new life after their restarants closed, or their former crews were lost. And then of course there's all the new chefs traing under them. We find that sharing cultures creates the best food."

Sanji is confused at first, but then smiles as he takes a closer look at the chef'c comradary. "I see...Well it certainly is a strange concept for me, but I can see how that would be benificial."

Luffy pops up from inside one of the ovens with a mouthful of food, to a chef's surprise. "And you an taste it too!"

Sanji kicks him away. "Stop eating the food!"

Aiku laughs. "Don't worry, you can have as much as you want soon! Maybe even a special plate for me!"

Sanji turns to her with interst. "Oh? Are you a cook as well?"

Aiku scratches her chin. "Well, I wouldn't say cook. Not just yet. But recently I've been learning. I think the art of cooking is wonderful!"

Sanji smiles. "So true. I'm glad to see you're taking an interest in it. I hope you continue your journey." Aiku blushes.

They exit the kitchen area and move on to the next location on the route, a huge open air stage area surrounded by all kinds of musical instruments. Many musicians play energetic tunes. In the back section, they can see repair shops and contraction areas where the artists build and customize their equipment. "Here we have the entertainment mecca!" Aiku states, gesturing with her hands.

Brook flies forward. "Yo HOO! This is my kind of area!"

Usopp examines a few instruments in front of him. "Wow, look at all of these! I've never even seen instruments like this before."

"Yes, they are all unique!" Aiku declares. She picks up a guitar that appears to be combine with a small piano and a violin. "Like this here-it's a combination of 3 different instruments. All the musicians like to experiment with that kind of stuff. Always thinking of new ideas."

"I think this is the most beautiful place I've ever seen..." Brook slumps at first, but then suddenly springs to life and leaps into the air. "So beautiful in fact, i feel a song coming on!"

As Brook grabs a guitar and begins to strum a few cheerful notes, many of the other artists gather around, thrilled to witness a surprise show from the Soul King. Brook performs a quick, but lively number for his fans, singing about the wonders of this magical city of light, and the wonderful artists who make it so. The crew dances with them.

After Brooks performance, Aiku again leads them onto the next location. But on the way, Luffy azes up into the air and sees a strange sight: around 10 pirate flags waving in the breeze, high in the air near the top of the lighthouse. "Hey-what's that up there?" The group stops and looks up with him. "Are those all pirate flags?"

Nami squints to see. "Hey, you're right, they are pirate flags."

Usopp steps forward. "What's the matter, you couldn't settle on a design?"

"No, those are all flags from other crews!" Aiku reveals.

"Other crews? I don't understand." Nami replys.

"Well, it's just like Sky was saying, here in this city we respect other crews that share our values. We fly our flag as well as theirs."

The group gazes to the sky as she explains. they can see the individual designs on small flags all flying together, underneath the larger flag of the Lighthouse Empire, which is a skull with two crossed lighthouses through the eye holes.

Sanji puffs on his cigarette. "You guys have a real community thing going on here. I like it."

Robin agrees. "It really is quite refreshing to see."

Aiku ushers them forward again. "Come on, we have a few more stops!"

The next area she takes them to is a giant, sprawling library. Decorated with the same Victorian-style ornamentation found throughout the city, and held together with wide stone columns and spiral staircases leading high into the air, and down below to a basement filled with rolled parchments. The entire room is filled with researchers quietly studying books, or having peaceful discussions around ancient maps.

Robin immediatly recognizes the area and comes to the front of the group. "At last! The research center!"

Aiku nods proudly. "That's right! Here you can find almost anything you need to fulfil your journey through history. Just like our kitchen and all it's chefs, this library also features books, maps and ancient parchments from all corners of the sea. Probably some you've never even seen!"

Robin smiles brightly. "Wonderful!"

Nami steps forward. "Gosh, place in this city is so gorgeous! Did you have a hand in the designs too?"

"We all did! We work together as a community with most things. Even the main lighthouse was painted by almost every person in the city!"

"That's amazing!" Nami says, gazing up at the colorful paint.

"I could get lost in here for hours..." Robin admits.

"I'm sure this will help your research. Whenever you come here, find Maychen. He's the curator. And he's know everything about every single piece of paper in here."

"Thanks, i'll be sure to do that!"

Aiku makes her way toward the entrance and waves the crew along. "Come on, we have one more stop today!"

After a bit more walking, the crew soon find themselves at a large marble staircase, leading onto one of the arms of the city. As they rise over the crest of the stairs, a new sight greets them. A long, thin stretch of village of bustling activity, disappearing into the distance where a radiant white lighthouse sits at the end. Performers dance in the streets, artists paint on the balconies, people gather around alluring food stands, while others drift in and out of shops.

The crew smile and laugh in unison, taking in the glorious sight of a vibrant, happy town.

Usopp strides forward. "Wow, look at this place!"

"And this is just one arm of the city!" Franky reminds him.

Nami turns to Aiku. "Are all the villages like this?"

Aiku nods. "Yes! Sky likes to make sure everyone who has a talent or a specific profession can have their own shop, stage or business."

"That's very generous of you." Sanji comments.

"Well how else can you find the best of something if you restrict people?"

"That's true."

"Plus, the more business, the better off everyone is. Just makes things more prosperous."

As Luffy, Usopp and Chopper begin to gather around the first few food stands, Nami notices something odd in the air. Snowflakes are falling through the air. In fact, she sees that some of the plant life, light poles and wall edges are covered in a frost, and snow is falling from directly above the village.

Nami catches a few flakes in her hand. "Hey-it's snowing!"

The rest of the crew gaze into the air and notice the same thing.

"You're right!" Usopp observes.

Sanji flicks a flake from his brows. "But there's no clouds. Where is it coming from?"

Aiku smiles and points into the air. "I was just coming to that!"

"Hey, Aiku!" Another voice rings out from just beyond the village. As the group turns to see, they notice another young women about Bara's age, gracefully walking forward to greet them. She has shoulder length dark hair, bright blue eyes, and she is dressed in a casual white kimono with purple flowers designs. "I was hoping I'd see you today!" She says in a calm, sweet tone.

As Sanji catches sight of her slightly provocitive outfit, with plenty of cleavage on display, his nose gushes a stream of blood with enough force to send him flying into a nearby fountain.

The woman looks on in shock for a moment. "Uh...is he okay?"

Nami steps forward and waves hand at him. "Don't mind him. Happens all the time."

"Perfectly normal behavior for our weakling." Zoro remarks.

Sanji pops out of the fountain angrily. "Just because you can't appreciate the ladies doesn't mean I'm weak!"

"You call flying head first into a fountain bleeding a display of strength?!"

Sanji jumps from the fountain and lights another cigarette casually. "I call it chivalry." He blows out stream of smoke and gently takes the girl's hand. "Nice to meet you, mademoiselle. I'm Sanji." He kisses her hand, his full charm on display.

The girl looks to Aiku and laughs, accepting the affection. "And who is this lively group you're traveling with today?"

Aiku beams. "Can you believe it? These are the Straw Hat pirates!"

"Oh, of course! I had heard word of your arrival just moments ago. Welcome!"

"I was just finishing a tour of the city. Everyone, this is Lunya! She's the captain of this ship." Aiku gestures to her.

Usopp looks around. "Oh right, I keep forgetting we're on a ship!"

Nami steps forward. "Nice to meet you, Lunya! Your city is so beautiful!"

Lunya smiles. "That's wonderful to hear, thank you!"

"This entire village belongs to her. Every captain's ship is also their town." Aiku explains.

"I hope you enjoy it!"

Luffy slides past the crew with his cheeks stuffed with food. "Boy, I sure do! MMMMM."

"You haven't even looked at it yet!" Sanji yells to him.

Chopper looks into the air again and waves his hand through the falling snow. "Hey, but that still doesn't explain this snow!"

Nami does the same. "Yeah, this is strange. It's not even cloudy. Or cold."

"Some kind of weather anomaly, maybe?" Robin wonders.

Lunya smiles and picks a single flake from the air. "That's how I like it here."

Nami looks to her. "Huh? You're making the snow?"

Usopp looks around again. "Oh I get it, there must be a snow machine somewhere around here."

Lunya chuckles. "Not quite." The single snowflake she holds between her fingers suddenly bursts into thousands of ice particles. They shoot into the air and rain down on the crew. "That's my special power!" She winks. The crew stands surprised once again.

Brook jumps forward. "Another devil fruit user?!"

"Wow-how many do you guys have here?" Luffy asks, chewing on a large toothpick.

"There's just one more you haven't met yet." Aiku states.

"Will we get to?"

"Oh, sure! Sky is having a party tonight for all of you. Everyone will be there!"

Luffy jumps into the air and laughs. "Awesome!" Then he turns to Lunya. "So you must have eaten the snow-snow fruit, huh?"

Lunya's eyes drop to the floor solemnly. "Not quite..." She says softly. I had a friend. Well, she was my friend. At one point in my life." The group gathers around her in mild amazement. "Or should I say, another life."

"I thought it was impossible to acquire devil fruit powers without the fruit itself." Zoro interjects.

Chopper steps forward. "Yeah, that's right. You shouldn't be able to have a power like that, right?"

"True. But there is one exception to that rule: mine power is artificial." Lunya declares.

Sanji is impressed. "You don't say? An artificial fruit?"

"You mean one created by the government?" Robin wonders.

Lunya smiles sadly again. "Something like that...I promise there is a full story behind everything. But perhaps another time. For now, you should finish your tour, Aiku."

Aiku perks up. "Oh, that's right! Will we see you at the party tonight, Lunya?"

Lunya nods. "I'll be there."

Aiku grins brightly. "Good. Okay everyone, let's go! Time to show you my workshop!"

The rest of the crew runs after her, eager and excited. Robin waits behind for a moment and studies Lunya's melancholy posture, staring out over the horizon as if lost in deep thought, until one of the crew calls after Robin and she quickly follows.

Aiku leads them below deck into a large underground passageway made of bright blue stone, where many more open chambers are located. Most appear to filled with random objects and parts of machines, others hold storage boxes, chests, food items, and piles of books. "And this is my personal workshop!"

Luffy smiles and giggles. "Wow-it's like an underground lair!"

Chopper mimics him. "Just like a superhero's hideout!"

Sanji peers into a few rooms. "So what is it that you do down here?"

"A little bit of everything!" Aiku answers. "I have a small kitchen for cooking experiments, an entertainment room, a few valuable belongings over there, a music and art room, and..."

Franky looks around, the suddenly notices a giant robotic figure slumped to one side at the back of one of the rooms. "Yow! What's this thing?!"

Aiku runs over to him. "Oh! This is a robot I'm building! Just a side project. I'm not very good at building this kindof stuff, but I'm learning!

"That is SUPER!" Franky exclaims.

Nami smiles at her. "Boy, you sure have your hands in everything, don't you?"

"I know, it's overwhelming!" Aiku admits.

"No, I like it! It's good to see so much creativity in one person. You should be proud."

Aiku's heart eyes return. "Really?! You're proud of me, Nami?! Oh that really means so much to me, but really, it's nothing special, I'm just me-well I suppose I'm a little odd, but hey, that's good right? I like it anyway..." She rambles bashfully.

"She sure is excitable..." Nami murmurs to herself.

Franky examines the robot. "Hey, I should be able to help you with this thing."

Aiku gleams with excitment. "Really?! Oh that would be perfect, thank you!"

"We are one and the same after all. Just don't ask me to donate any parts! (laughs)"

Aiku shares his laugh. "Wouldn't dream of it!" Then she remebers something. "Oh, and wait until you see this! Over here."

The crew follows her to the end of the passageway, where a much larger doorway lay open. Protruding from the frame is what appears to be tufts of black fluff. "Come and see!" Aiku orders happily.

"What's all that black fur sticking out of the door?" Nami inquires. The crew begin to make their way through the door.

"It's my giant black cat!"

Usopp strides forward with a doubtful face. "Oh come now, there's no such thing as a giant-Oh my god it's a giant black cat!" He screams.

The entire crew joins his shocked exclamation as they suddenly realize they are standing in front of a massive black cat, that is now staring down at them with a wide, toothy grin.

Zoro instinctively reaches for one of his swords. "What the hell is that thing?!"

Luffy bounces with joy. "Awesome!"

Chopper freezes in awe. "It really is a giant black cat!"

"I hope it's friendly." Robin adds.

Aiku giggles. "Of course he is! His name is Muskers."

Luffy chuckles. "Muskers! I love it!"

Brook stands awkwardly with his soul lingering outside of his body. "Scared the soul right out of me!" He stuffs it back into his body.

"That is one big cat!" Sanji remarks, his cigarette barley hanging on his lip.

Robin giggles. "He's cute, though."

Suddenly Luffy leaps forward and jumps on top of Muskers. "FLUFFY!" He shouts in ecstasy.

Nami jumps forward, baring her teeth. "Don't jump on it!" The rest of the crew hesitate uneasily.

Aiku laughs. "Don't worry about it. He loves a good belly scratch!"

The crew nervously watches as the cat rolls belly up, while Luffy wraps his rubber arms around the cat's fluff and begin to rub vigorously, laughing uncontrollably. When he hits a sweet spot on the Musker's belly, the cat rabbit kicks him without warning, sending him flying into the stone wall. He collides with great force, sending a puff of smoke and rubble into the air. The crew runs forward.

"Luffy! Are you okay?!" Nami calls to him.

When the smoke clears, Luffy can be seen plastered and flattened into the stone, giggling hardily. Nami releases a big puff and slaps her head.

"Wow-that cat sure is strong!" Luffy proclaims, returning with the rest of the through the blue stone passageway.

Aiku agrees. "He is! He used to kick me off the bed even as a kitten." Luffy laughs.

"I would hate to see that thing's litter box!" Chopper squeaks, covering his mouth.

Sanji turns to him angrily. "Why do you have to think of crap like that?!"

Usopp comes beside her. "Does he ever get to come outside?"

Aiku nods. "Of course, everyone in the empire loves Muskers!"

"You mean he just roams around freely?" Nami wonders.

"Sure!"

"But what about all the people and buildings?"

"Oh, he definitely squashes a lot of people every year, but that's okay."

"Whaaa-seriously?!"

Aiku chuckles. "Just kidding!"

"Why don't I believe her..." Nami murmurs from the side of her mouth with a large bead of sweat.

"Just like any cat, he has careful feet and good balance. Don't worry."

The group makes their way above deck once again and start to head in the direction of the lighthouse at the end of the village.

Nami takes in a breath of fresh air, the snowflakes still wafting around, and turns to Aiku. "So, where to now?"

Aiku skips ahead of the crew. "I know! Let's go check out Lunya's ship. That way you can all see how our city works."

Franky smiles with a thumb up. "Sounds good to me!"

Several moments later the group arrives at the base of Lunya's lighthouse. From a distance it appeared as a solid white object, but standing underneath they can now see the white is actually a permanent layer of frost, glinting and sparkling in the sunlight.

The crew's eyes collectively gleam. "So pretty!" Chopper squeals.

Robin admires the sight. "What a marvelous design!"

Aiku grins and waves them along. "And wait until you see the inside!"

Like the main lighthouse, the inside of Lunya's lighthouse is also hollow with thin waterfalls flowing down the side. In the center is another large, circular platform which the crew rides up to the glass atrium.

"Each lighthouse ship crew is about 7 thousand strong." Aiku states.

Usopp grins smugly and crosses his arms. "7 thousand, you say? Well, not quite as big as the 8 thousand men I command, but you'll get there."

Aiku jumps beside him joyfully. "Wow! 8 thousand men-are you serious?!"

"Of course he's not serious!" The crew shout in unison.

When they reach the glass atrium, they are greeted by some of Lunya's crew. A hardy bunch of older, experienced sailors, with weathered clothes and large weapons across their back. They turn to see Aiku and the crew gathering in front of them. "Oh, hey Aiku! How's it going?" One of the crewmen greets.

Aiku gives a playful salute. "Hey, guys! I'm just here to show the Straw Hats around one of our ships."

Before she can finish her last word, the sailors quickly crowd Luffy with big, tearful eyes. "Straw Hat Luffy!" One exclaims. "You're my hero, man!" Shouts another. "Can I please have your autograph?!" A large, burly man roars. He removes his hat and points to his bald head. "Here-just sign my head!" Luffy chuckles.

"You do know the rest of us exist, don't you?!" Usopp protests fiercely.

"Let me show you the helm!" Aiku says, walking toward the front of the atrium.

As they come to the forward section of the helm, they can see a dome-shaped section jutting outward from the glass. In the center is a large, silver wheel with a few levers sticking out of the ground on either side. There is also a strange object set into the middle of the wheel: A blue orb that seems to be faintly glowing.

Luffy releases a huge smile and runs to the front of the dome window, pressing his face against the glass. "Whoa! Now this is a captain's seat!" He turns to Franky. "Hey, Franky can you build me one of these?"

Franky scratches his head. "Well I can try, but I'll need a heck of a lot of glass!"

"No-I mean the whole ship."

"Are you serious?!"

Aiku laughs. "Lunya designed the entire thing herself. Each captain likes to have their helm a specific way. Whatever pleases their aesthetic."

Chopper steps forward and looks to Aiku. "That sure is a lot of work for you!"

Aiku smiles at him. "I'm glad to do it! Happy captains make happy crews, after all. And that makes us stronger!" She pumps her first.

Usopp comes to the front of the helm and overlooks the landscape. "So each of these arms are ships, right? And they dock directly into the city?"

Franky steps beside him. "I'd say the bow of the ship must fit perfectly. Kind of like a big puzzle piece, right?"

"Exactly!" Aiku confirms. "The bow of the ships all have the same interlocking shape. They connect to the open section. Then, the tip of the bow unfolds into a staircase."

Luffy grins and throws his arms in the air. "Such a cool design!"

Aiku blushes. "Thank you!"

Brook then notices the blue orb attached to the wheel. "Hey Aiku, what's this thing set into the wheel?"

Aiku perks up. "Oh! I almost forgot the most important part. I suppose I should have started with that." She bends down and runs her finger along the orb. "This little thing gives us the ability to portal our ships!"

Nami is shocked. "You can portal ships?"

Zoro looks to her. "Yeah, don't you remember how they almost crushed us when we arrived?"

"Oh, right..." Nami recalls the frightening event.

"How fascinating!" Robin chimes in. "But how in the world is that even possible?"

Aiku falls into thought. "Well, it's a bit of a strange circumstance, I'll admit. But years ago, we discovered that extracting some of Sky's blood and infusing it with objects could actually give them the abilities." The crew is bewildered. "We started testing different things, but all we could come up with was weather patterns at first. However, when Sky mastered his portal abilities, we experimented with that next, and sure enough we could portal objects!"

Usopp rubs his chin. "I see! So that's how your ship was able to appear out of nowhere."

Chopper and Brook jump in the air with ghostly expressions. "Blood!? So scary!"

"How did you even imagine something so extraordinary?" Robin wonders.

Aiku turns to her. "It was Lunya's idea, actually."

Sanji begins to sway around the room with heart eyes, wiggling his body with the spirit of love. "Of course she did! My angel Lunya is as beautiful and amazing as I knew she was was!"

"Can it!" Zoro yells to him.

"Apparently she once had a good friend who used to work for the World Government." Aiku continues. "I guess she must have studied some of her skills. That's what gave us the initial idea, anyway. Our research team did the rest!" Zoro glares at her with uncertainty.

"Good to have friends in high places!" Brook comments.

Sanji agrees. "I'll say. This is one well established community."

Just then, Aiku notices the sun beginning to fall into the horizon. "Oh, it's almost sunset!" She turns away and walks back toward the entrance. "We have to go! Sky said the party is going to begin when it gets dark."

Luffy runs after her. "Yay! Party!"

When the crew arrive once more outside the base of the central lighthouse, Robin falls behind for a moment as she catches sight of the library again.

Chopper notices and turns around. "Hm? Something wrong, Robin?"

Robin smiles. "No, I was just thinking about visiting the library one more time before we go up."

Aiku looks to her. "Sure, go right ahead! Just be sure you make it back in time for the party. You won't want to miss it!"

"Oh, I won't! Thank you."

As Robin enters the library, she is pleased to find the center is still active, with researches scattered throughout the facility deep in conversation or thought. Almost immediately, she is approached by an elderly man dressed in green and gold robes, with a tall matching hat, large circular glasses and a long white beard. "Hello there!" He calls to her.

Robin smiles at him. "Hello!"

"You were in here earlier today, weren't you?"

"I was. Though unfortunately I didn't have time to stop."

"Well, I'm glad you returned! Am I correct in assuming you're a researcher?"

"I am! An archeologist to be more precise."

"Splendid! We need more of your type in here." He guides her in through the first section of books cases. "The name is Maychen! And I am the curator. Come, let me show you around."

"I would appreciate that, thank you!"

After an extended tour of the facility, Maychen leads her to the back of the library where there are several much older book shelves. "...Down there is the map section. Over there is where you'll find the history of the East Blue and the West Blue." He then gestures to the worn book shelves. "And here-this is our oldest section. With tomes stretching hundreds, even thousands of years back in history."

Robin examines the shelves. "Wonderful! It's been hard to find anything that old recently. Unfortunately I no longer have access to ancient history. Ohara is long behind me..." Her voice trails.

Maychen turns to her with surprise. "Hm? Ohara, you say? Don't tell me you were one of their researchers!"

Robin nods. "I was. Long ago. The only survivor."

Maychen's eyes grow wide. "Of course! Now I remember. How fascinating!" Then he shakes his head. "Such a tragedy. A truly unfortunate part of our history."

Robin holds back a few tears. "It was."

Noticing, Maychen grabs her arm gently. "But it would seem fate is with you, young Robin!" She looks to him, confused. "We have many books from Ohara right here on this very shelf!"

Robin is stricken with shock. Memories from her traumatic event flood her mind. "But...that's impossible."

Maychen smiles. "Nothing is impossible, my dear child. Nothing."

Robin looks to him in wonder, a surge of emotions rushing over her.

After the sun finally falls below the horizon, Sky's illustrious party is well underway at the top of the main lighthouse. The once quite atrium is now filled with cheers, laughter and vibrant conversation. Booze and food are passed around freely, and quickly consumed by any who may be near. Sky and Luffy dance. Aiku, Robin and Nami share hardy laughs. Brook serenades with his guitar. Chopper and Usopp entertain a small crowd by sticking chopsticks and dinnerware in their faces. Franky shows off his body, displaying different poses and a new lighthouse hairstyle. Sanji surrounds himself with beautiful female sailors while Lunya playfully sits on his lap. Pure joy and cheerful chaos spread through the room.

Zoro, who is drinking alone next to Luffy, sips a large mug of beer. Suddenly, another man with a bright yellow vest and fluffy blonde hair plops down next to him, his drunken antics spilling some of Zoro's beer. He is wearing black jean overalls and carries a wide blue sword on his back.

"Hey-watch it!" Zoro protests.

The man unleashes a toothy grin. "What's the matter, pirate hunter? Going to take wimpy sips off that mug all night?"

Zoro jolts forward. "Who the hell are you?!"

The man presses his face against Zoro's. "I'm the man who's about to kick your ass in a drinking contest!"

"What did you say?!"

"You heard me! Come on-I want to see some of that famous power!"

"Yeah right! I can drink anyone under the table, pal!"

"Try me!"

"You try it!" They mash faces and yell. In an instant both begin to guzzle their mugs down, asking for more almost simultaneously as the mugs pile up next to them.

Just then, a beautiful woman steps in front of them. She is dressed in tiny red shorts held by thick suspenders, high buckle boots and a revealing marron tank top. Her hair is very long, and flows into one single braid as it falls behind her knees. She wears abnormally large dark red gloves which resemble boxing mitts. Her appearance is weathered, yet elegant. "Save some for me, boys!" She grabs a full mug from the table and begins to drink with them. The man laughs.

Zoro looks to her savagely. "Go for it, girly! I'm not loosing to you either!"

Luffy abruptly bounces into the mix with an angry face. "Hey, no fair! I want to play too!"

They all chug together vigorously as a small crowd gathers around to cheer them on.

Nami looks to them. "What is going on over there?"

Robin giggles. "Looks like even Zoro made some friends."

"Hard to believe. But then again I guess those are his kind of people." She laughs.

Aiku beams. "It so nice to see even Zoro is getting close to the captains!"

Nami spits out her drink. "What-those two are captains?!"

Aiku nods. "Yes! The man is Tydal, and the woman is Tiff."

"My, you certainly come in all types, don't you?"

Aiku giggles. "I like to think so!"

Nami turns to Aiku. "By the way, Aiku, I've been meaning to ask you-how do you all know each other? We've only known you a short time, but you all seem so close."

"Well, remember that island I told you about? The one Sky and I grew up on? We're all childhood friends."

"And you all became captains?"

"That's right! Well, everyone except for me, of course..." Aiku slumps.

Sky slides into the conversation and rubs his sisters head. "Not yet! You're still too young."

Aiku jumps to her feet with an angry face. "Only because you say I am!"

"You're too inexperienced! Be patient."

"I am not, you just won't give me a chance!"

Sky thinks for a moment. "Hm. Well, I do have one ship you could be captain of right now."

Aiku's eyes gleam with excitement. "Really?!"

"You can take command of the dinghies!" He grins sarcastically.

Aiku pounds him into the ground. "Not funny!"

Nami sighs. "Oh, that is so lame, Sky."

Sky pops up beside Nami with a wine glass and refills her drink. "Just kidding of course, my dear Nami!"

"Stop serving me!" She yells at him.

"So humble!" Brook, Usopp and Chopper sing in unison.

Robin looks around the room. "And yet, isn't there one captain still missing?"

Aiku turns to her. "Oh yeah, that's Gilly. I'm sure you'll meet him eventually. He's actually out on a scouting mission right now."

"But aren't all of your ships docked?" Nami wonders.

"He's out with a small crew on a dory." Sky adds. "No need for a big ship when you're trying not to be seen. But let me introduce you to the others! Hey Tydal, Tiff-come and meet the rest of the Straw Hats!"

Robin and Nami greet them as mugs are clanked together.

Tydal laughs hardily. "Great to meet you all! You guys are a blast!"

Tiff smiles brightly. "I'll say, I've been having so much fun tonight!"

"I've heard word of your awesomeness, but getting to experience it first hand is something else!"

Nami giggles. "Thanks! It's been great hanging out with you too."

Robin agrees. "What a delightful surprise it's been."

Tydal then squeezes himself in between Robin and Nami with lustful eyes. "And might I add, what a gorgeous crew you are!" His tongue falls out.

Tiff steps forward and punches him through the wall. "Dog!" She screams.

Aiku and Sky laugh. "Tiff and Tydal are married, by the way." Aiku clarifies.

"School sweethearts, actually." Sky adds.

Robin smiles. "Oh, how sweet!"

Cold sweat grows on Nami as she observes them scraping with each other in the background. "How charming..."

Sky laughs. "They're a bit eccentric, for sure. But they're life long friends, and amazing fighters. Wouldn't trade them for anyone in the world."

Tiff and Tydal take a pause from fighting and look to him bashfully. "Aww, thanks dude! You're the best!" They say together.

"Even for Luffy?" Nami inquires.

Sky looks to her with keen interest. "Willing to trade?"

"I might be open to it." She grins.

Sky thinks for a moment playfully, but then adopts a more noble expression. "No. I think he's right where he belongs." He smiles and tips his mug toward her.

Nami returns the smile warmly. She looks to Luffy lovingly, watching him guzzle down beer and butting heads with Zoro.

The next morning, a haunting red sun rises over the lighthouse city. Wispy fog gives way to a slightly overcast sky, giving the blue dome of the world a ghostly appearance.

The morning darkness doesn't help the hangover of the crew, who are sprawled across the atrium, passed out in awkward positions along the furniture.

Suddenly, a distant bell begins to ring out through the air. Aiku sits up quickly and looks around rubbing her eyes. She listens for a moment and then realizes she recognizes the sound. She runs over to Sky, who is tangled up with Luffy, and shakes him. "Sky, wake up! Wake up! Gilly is back!"

Sky continues to sleep until Aiku slaps both of them hard, immediately waking both he and Luffy. "Ah! What's going on?"

"Gilly is back!" She repeats. "He's ringing the bell-come on, let's go!"

Sky scrambles to his feet and both run out the door.

Luffy sits up holding his head. "What's going on?"

Nami sits up sleepily. "I don't know."

Zoro glares at them, as if already prepared for something, sitting against the wall with his arms crossed.

When Sky and Aiku arrive at one of the small corner ports, they see a large dory pulling in. Some of Gilly's crew jump out before the ship is docked and run up to Sky. The rest of the groggy Straw Hats walk up behind Aiku. "Sky!" The crew call out.

"What's going on? Is everything alright?" Sky asks nervously.

"We have urgent news-captain Gilly!" They look behind them into the boat, only to see their captain sleeping nosily, belly up on the bow of the ship. "He's sleeping again?!" They yell together in frustration.

Sky jumps over to him and karate chops him awake. "Gilly! Get up, man! What the hell is going on?"

Gilly slowly rises to his feet and opens his mouth wide for a big yawn. He has tall dirty blonde hair, a long face with scruffy stubble, and a thin hand rolled cigar hanging from his lip. He is dressed in a multicolored poncho of thick woven fabric, frayed around the edges and faded from long days at sea, and oversized green rain boots. "Oh...hey Sky." He utters slowly and quietly, as if still half asleep.

Nami jumps forward. "That's the other captain?!"

Luffy chuckles. "He looks like a bum!"

Sanji turns to him viciously. "So do you, moron!"

Gilly notices the crew. "Hey...who's that?"

"Those are the Straw Hats, they arrived yesterday." Sky responds.

Gilly makes a few grumbling noises. "...Small who?"

"The Straw Hats!" Sky repeats in frustration. "Look it doesn't matter-what's going on?!"

Gilly looks to him calmly and takes a long pause before answering. "...Chilling."

"Idiot! That's obviously not what we mean!" Aiku screams. "This is why I told you not to send him out!"

Sky turns to her. "Well who am I going to send out, you?!"

"Yes!" Aiku protests. "At least I'm not drifting through an alternate universe constantly!"

Gilly hops off the boat and yawns again as he starts to walk away from the group. "Oh...yeah...and the Navy is coming."

Sky and Aiku both go white. "WHAT?!" They shout.

Gilly nods. "Yeah, totally. Lots of...ships and stuff. We better get ready..."

Aiku jumps next to him angrily. "You could be bit more concerned!"

Nami gasps. "The Navy is on the way?"

Sanji steps next to her anxiously. "They're coming here?"

Sky sighs and struggles to face them. "It would appear so. I'm sorry, my friends. I had hoped this wouldn't happen while you were here."

Usopp steps forward. "Wha-you mean you knew they might come here?"

Sky nods once solemnly.

Aiku begins to tear. "I'm so sorry..."

Luffy and Zoro observe them with stoic faces. For a moment the entire crew stand stunned, until a lookout from high up in a crow's nest begins to ring another bell, shouting down to the decks below. Navy ships have been spotted on the horizon. The crew gazes up at the lookout, then share nervous expressions, unsure of what to do next.

On board Lunya's ship, she awakens with great distress as she hears the warning bell right out. Without thought, she jumps from her bed and runs down her bedroom corridor toward the outside deck. As she comes out onto her small balcony, she looks out over the sea and squints her eyes. Sure enough, far in the distance are several distinct shapes. The high black sails of the Navy's special operation forces. Her breathing intensifies and her eyes burn with resolve. She turns and runs back down the corridor, heading for the exit in a snowy wind.

On the lower decks, Sky looks through a large monoscope to verify the sighting. He collapses the scope and places it on his belt. He turns to Aiku. "It's them." Aiku huffs painfully.

Franky steps forward. "Who?"

Sky looks to them. "Have any of you ever heard of the Navy's special operations forces?"

Nami shakes her head. "No, I never knew they had any."

"They actually have several."

Robin steps forward, concerned. "You don't mean the Black Sail Brigade, do you?"

"So you have heard of them."

"I'm probably the only one who has."

"Yeah, I've never heard of them." Sanji confirms.

Chopper runs forward. "Are they super powerful Marines?!"

"Worse." Aiku interjects. "They're bounty hunters that work exclusively for the Marines." The crew is shocked.

Sky looks down to the ground. "They're a hoard of deranged purists, set loose on the world to collect blood and money. Completed dedicated to the hard justice of the Marines."

"The larger the bounty, the more advancement they get." Aiku continues. "With us, and all of you on board, it would be like hitting a jackpot."

Nami thinks. "I see..." Then she realizes something. "Wait-what do you mean 'with you?'"

Sky hesitates. "Well..."

Aiku turns to him. "Might as well just say it at this point."

Sky turns to the crew slowly. "Between my sister and I...We have a combined bounty of 1 billion."

In unison, blood drains from the faces of the crew as they adopt shocked, frozen expressions. All except for Luffy and Zoro, who remain stoic and unmoved.

End of Episode 2