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The walk to Rainbase was thankfully much shorter than the trek back to Kotarea; instead of another seven days in the dessert it was only two. After Luffys and Vivis fight Luffy had more energy and didn't complain about the heat that much, Chopper had also finally adapted to the heat and no longer needed to be carried.

Thankfully no one got lost or separated this time around. At night Ace would still warm up the tents so no one would freeze. He still kept a close eye on Connor but the boy had done nothing suspicious, he woke up the first night and left the tent; Ace opened the tent a bit and watched Connor sit just outside by where the campfire was.

Connor had wrapped his blanket around him to shield him from the cold; he was just sitting there staring at the stars. He came back into the tent an hour later shivering though he did not go back to sleep for a while.

The Next day was just like the first except there journey led them through a rocky cliffs, the large cliffs provided shade so it was a lot cooler. They were also attacked by a giant scorpion, Ace cooked it in one blow; as soon as the tail was cut off the straw hats ate it for lunch. Nami didn't want to eat it and was very surprised when Vivi had a large chunk of it.

"This type of Scorpion is considered a delicacy in Alabasta, we're very lucky," Vivi explained.

"Really scorpion meat is a delicacy?" Nami asked.

"Oh yes, because of how hard it is to kill only the richest families can afford this kind of meat. If we run into any more we should defiantly eat them," Vivi suggested.

Ironically they later found a huge nest of giant Scorpions while Vivi decided that traveling to close to a nest was dangerous and the straw hats ended up being chased by at least thirty or more scorpions. They were defeated pretty quickly; the meat was saved and added to their supplies.

Dinner was very good that night.

That night when Connor woke up he didn't go outside instead he just sat up and pulled out the white Den-Den mushi. He thought back to last night when he had contacted the mysterious voice on the other end.

Flashback

"There's been a change in plans, we're headed to Rainbase now," Connor spoke into the receiver.

"Why," the mystery voice demanded.

"Luffy wants to fight Crocodile before the rebels' final attack,"

"A sound plan, our agents will be in place before you arrive. By the way I don't like to be lied too,"

"Lied? I haven't lied to you,"

"You said no one suspects you, but I know that Fire Fist Ace dose. So I say again I don't like to be lied too,"

"I…what do you want me to do?"

"Throw off suspicion; plant this phone on one of your crew,"

"But…"

"If you don't our deal is off and the straw hats will be added to the body count…we will make you watch as we kill them," the voice threatened.

"Okay, no problem," Connor claimed and ended the call.

End flashback

Connor had spent the day thinking about which member to plant the phone on, the obvious choice was Luffy. But if he was going to fight Crocodile then the snail pone could easily get destroyed or fall off. Nami and Usopp were out of the question, Nami was too perceptive and Usopp would never go near Crocodile. Chopper had no pockets and he had no desire to put Vivi in anymore danger; that left Zoro, Sanji and Ace.

Ace already suspected him and if he found the snail phone then the plan would fail and that was not an option. Connor had no doubt that Sanji would be a good choice however if either Nami or Vivi got into trouble he'd rush off to save them. Zoro would no doubt follow Luffy straight to Crocodile and because Crocodile is likely to have the strongest partner in Baroque Works Zoro would no doubt want to fight whoever that was.

Connor made his choice, he had no desire to do this but lives were at stake and if he didn't they would be forfeit; he'd likely lose Zoros trust afterwards but if that was the price then he'd pay it. Connor grabbed his blanket and made his way over to Zoro, he switched to his second sight just to double check that Zoro was still blue and he was. Connor lightly nudged Zoro's arm to wake him.

Zoro felt something touch his arm and his eyes snapped open, he glared at what he thought was an enemy but when he saw it was just Connor the glare disappeared.

"Kid what's wrong?" Zoro asked in concern. He knew Connor always got up at night but he'd never woken any of the crew up before.

"I had a really bad nightmare and it's too cold to go outside. Can I sleep next to you?" Connor asked in a desperate voice.

Zoro stared at the boy, this was defiantly new and if Connor had come to him then Zoro was not going to turn him away.

"Sure," Zoro moved over to make room. Connor lay down next to him with his blanket, and moved in close to Zoro.

"Do you want to talk about your nightmare?" Zoro asked.

Connor shook his head, "If you want to talk just let me know, night kid," Zoro said and went back to sleep.

Connor however did not go back to sleep, he waited until Zoro's had completely relaxed, he pulled out the baby Den-Den Mushi and placed it in Zoros pants pocket near where his swords are normally kept, this way he would not notice the extra weight.

Connor tried to go back to sleep but found he could not, he just listened to Zoros snoring, it was really loud up close.

Suddenly Zoro's wrapped his arm around Connor' waist and pulled the boy even closer to him. Connor froze at the movement and was now right up against Zoro's chest; he could hear Zoros hart beat. Connor was extremely uncomfortable memories of a certain incident that he'd like nothing more than to forget came flooding back; it was taking all his will power to not push out of Zoro's arms and run away from the man. Connor found himself shaking but it wasn't from the cold it was his body reacting to how close he was to Zoro.

'Damn it stop shaking,' he mentally scolded himself 'This isn't that Island and he's not that man,' He knew Zoro was not that man and would never force himself on him but he could not stop himself from curling into a ball.

The next morning Zoro woke up to something leaning on his chest. He opened his eyes and found it was Connor; he was curled in a ball and whimpering softly. Zoro had no idea why he was so close to him, he knew that the boy did not like to be touched; it was only then that he noticed that his arms were around Connors shaking form.

"S***," Zoro hissed and instantly let go of the boy. The moment he did Connors eyes snapped open and he moved away from Zoro.

"Kid I'm sorry, I…" Zoro started but stopped when he saw the pure terror in the boys' eyes. Connor was still shaking even though he had moved away from him.

Zoro got up and made his way over to Usopp, Aware that Connor was watching his every move.

"Usopp wake up," Zoro said and shock the sniper awake.

Usopp mumbled something and looked at Zoro's distressed face.

"Zoro what's wrong?" Usopp asked sleepily.

"I need your help, look," Zoro said and pointed at Connor. Usopp looked at Connor and his face paled when he saw the terrified boy.

Usopp got up and slowly made his way over to Connor, but the closer he got the further Connor tried to move away.

"Zoro wake Nami," Usopp ordered.

Zoro nodded and did what he was told, Nami was annoyed to woken up but the moment she saw Connor she went over to him. Unlike Zoro and Usopp Connor did not try to get away from Nami in fact he clinged to her robe and refused to let go. Nami had Zoro and Usopp wake everyone else and soon Connor was surrounded by a very concerned pirate crew. He hid his face in Namis robes clearly frightened.

"Everyone but Chopper out," Nami ordered.

The straw hats instantly left Ace and Vivi as well. Outside Ace had no idea what was going on he tried asking Luffy about it but Luffy gave him a look that said "Don't" Vivi was just as confused as Ace was. Suddenly Chopper came out as well

"Is he okay?" Luffy asked.

"I don't know he won't let me near him," Chopper said.

"VIVI COULD YOU COME IN HERE PLEASE" Nami shouted from inside the tent.

The crew looked at Vivi, wondering why Nami wanted her. Vivi had no idea what was going on or she could help but went back inside the tent.

"Nami what's going on? Why is Connor suddenly scared of everyone?" Vivi asked concerned.

"I don't know, I'm going to talk to the others but…" she answered and looked at Connor, he still hadn't let go of Namis robe.

"Okay I'll stay with him," Vivi said understanding what Nami wanted her to do.

"Thanks Vivi, you're a good friend," Nami said and turned her attention to Connor. "Connor I need a word with the others, Vivis going to sit with you okay?"

Connor stared at Nami; his eyes were begging her not to leave.

"It won't be long, please let go of my robe," Nami requested.

Connor did so reluctantly and Nami stood up and headed out of the tent, before she left she turned to Vivi.

"Usopp usually tells him stories to get his mind of things. Surly your country has a legend or two you could tell him," Nami suggested and left.

Vivi sat down next to Connor. Alabasta certainly had it fair share of legends, most were about heroic warriors slaying sand monsters. She doubted that those would help, Vivi thought back to her childhood; whenever she was scared her father told her about Alabasters guardian spirt.

"Connor do you know that Alabasta has an immortal protector?" Vivi asked and began to tell him the Legend of Alabastars secret guardian.

Outside Nami looked over the boys, they were discussing what could of happened to Connor; it was clear that they were worried.

"Okay what happened?" she demanded.

"I think it might be my fault," Zoro admitted.

Nami shifted her attention to Zoro "Well?"

"Last night the Kid woke me up, claimed he had a bad nightmare. He didn't want to talk about it and asked if he could sleep next to me," Zoro explained.

"That's never happened before," Sanji pointed out.

"I know, normally I'd give him his space but he came to me so I wasn't going to turn him away. I woke up this morning holding him. He was shaking in fear,"

"Why were you holding him?" Luffy asked seriously.

"I probably just rolled over and grabbed him in my sleep," Zoro reasoned.

"That explains why he's so frighted this morning, last night would've been hell for him," Usopp realised.

"But that doesn't explain why he won't let me near him, I just want to make sure he's not hurt," Chopper claimed.

"Actually it does," Sanji said "it's the same reason why we're not in there now. We're all boys,"

"So what does that have to do with anything," Chopper asked.

"It just means you lot need to keep your distance for the next couple of days," Nami said.

"So, this kid freaks out and now he'll only let girls near him," Ace stated "aren't you over reacting just a little bit? I mean it's not like Zoro raped him or anything right?"

All but Chopper glared at Ace and Zoro looked down in shame. Ace suddenly realised that he hit a nerve amongst the crew.

"Wait you didn't did you?" Ace asked in disbelief.

"No, but to him I might as well have," Zoro claimed.

"Ace it was a man that did it and Connor was four," Luffy said.

Ace was horrified and Choppers jaw dropped. Why hadn't Luffy told him, this explained the nightmares and why Connor was quiet.

"WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME? I'M THE SHIPS DOCTOR THERE COULD BE LASTING DAMAGE," Chopper yelled at Luffy.

"It happened nine years ago, and any physical damage done would have been healed by the brand long ago. Besides it's not something that we can just talk about," Luffy explained "It took a lot for him to trust us and I have no desire to lose that trust,"

"We still need to get to Rainbase and deal with Crocodile, I'll keep an eye on him today," Nami said "And not one word to Vivi about what happed got it,"

The straw hats had finally made it to Rainbase, the last few hours had been a little awkward for everyone.

As soon as they arrived on the outskirts of Rainbase both Luffy and Usopp ran off to find some water. Nami sighed and hoped that they would not get into too much trouble. They found a shady spot to rest under while they waited for Luffy and Usopp to come back, Chopper wandered off to take a leek.

Nami sat beside Connor the entire time, he'd calmed down a quite a bit but was still not up to interacting with the crew. He was very grateful that Nami was with him, every now and then he looked over at the other members; his eyes would flash gold for a spilt second and then he'd look away.

"He's been doing that an awful lot today, he did while we were walking through the desert too," Sanji pointed out.

"Yeah but can you blame him?" Zoro responded.

"No, though every time he does it I can't help but wonder what he sees,"

"I know but if it makes him feel safer, let him do it. I just hope I'm not red again,"

"You've been red before? I thought we all appeared blue to him," Ace interrupted.

"Yeah it was when we first met. He told me that I first appeared red to him but changed to blue later," Zoro claimed.

"You could ask him what colour you are now," Ace suggested.

"Nah, he probably doesn't want to talk to me right now," Zoro claimed.

Suddenly Luffy and Usopp dashed past them carrying barrels of water. "RUN!" they both screamed.

The straw hats looked back in the direction that they had come form and saw a group of marines led by Smoker heading their way. The straw hats ran through the town causing a ruckus soon it was not only the marines chasing them but the Baroque works millions too.

"Vivi where's crocodile?" Luffy asked.

"There, see that building with the Crocodile head," Vivi pointed to the tallest building "That's his main base,"

"Okay everyone split up and meet there," Luffy ordered.

The straw hats split into three groups Zoro and Vivi darted down an ally, Nami and Usopp wet down the next street, Ace and Luffy went up to the rooftops followed by Smoker and Sanji and Connor kept running straight ahead.

Chopper who had gone to find a bathroom came back and was surprised to find the crew missing; he sniffed the air and caught a whiff of Namis perfume. He was about to head off in pursuit when a familiar voice called his name.

"Chopper long time no see," a male voice called.

Chopper turned and was surprised to see who it was.

"Jacob, Evie what are you two doing here?"

"We're in town on business, are the rest of the gang here too?" Evie asked.

"Yup we're here to take down Crocodile. Though I've seem to lost the others,"

The twins looked at each other and smiled.

"We'll help you find them," Jacob offered.

"Really thanks," Chopper said happily "Oh Evie should probably look for Connor though,"

"Why?" Evie asked.

"He just seems more comfortable around girls today,"

"I'm hurt that he doesn't want me around but as a man I can't help but respect his preference," Jacob joked.

"Well you did stab him," Evie pointed out.

"Yes thank you for reminding me, sweet sister of mine,"

"Any time baby brother," Evie said and ran off to look for Connor.

"One minute Evie you're older by one minute!" Jacob shouted after her.

Evie ran across the rooftops looking for any sign of Connor, she figured Jacob would be alright with Chopper. Suddenly she heard fighting coming from one of the back alleys and followed it too the source. Below her were Sanji and Connor fighting off both marines and civilians. Evie guessed that the civilians were Baroque Works millions. There were quite a number of people knocked out, Evie knew that these too could easily take both groups out but she had a faster way.

"Sanji, Connor jump," She called.

Sanji and Connor looked up to see Evie above them she threw two small balls into the crowd. Sanji grabbed Connor and jumped up into the air, as soon as the balls hit the ground an electrical current struck both marines and billons. They all collapsed to the ground hair standing on up. Sanji landed and put Connor down, he looked over the two groups; Evie jumped down from the roof and approached them.

"Hey you two okay?" she asked.

"Evie-swan have you came all this way to see me, I knew you liked me," Sanji said happily, his eyes had turned into harts and smaller harts were coming out of his head.

"Well he hasn't changed," Evie muttered.

"Evie you're here, where's Jacob?" Connor asked looking around for the younger twin.

"Looking for the rest of your crew with Chopper," Evie answered "Come on let's get out from the open,"

Evie led Sanji and Connor to a small house, the house was a small nicely furnished one; Evie said it had one bedroom a bathroom and a kitchen. Once inside they sat on around the kitchen table, Evie asked Sanji to make some cold drinks and Sanji was happy to oblige.

"So do you and Jacob live here?" Connor asked.

"No, it belongs to a friend, but they let us stay here whenever we're in town," Evie explained. "He owns a shop in Nanohana; this is his holiday home,"

Sanji came over with the ready made drinks, and Evie was surprised that he had made a fruit punch; he gave Connor his claiming it to be the only non-alcoholic one. Evie was about to drink hers when Jacob walked through the door with Chopper.

"Sanji, Connor," Jacob greeted and took Evie's drink and skulled it. "Whew that it the spot, man that's nice,"

Sanjis' jaw dropped and he yelled at Jacob "HOW DARE YOU, THAT WAS MY SPECIAL DRINK OF LOVE. IT WAS SUPPOSED TO DRUNK BY EVIE-SWAN!"

Jacob raised his eyebrow at this "Did the desert heat fry your brain or something?"

"No he's always like this," Chopper and Connor said at the same time.

"Right well about your friends they've been captured, along with a Marine Captain,"

"How?" Connor asked worriedly.

"They ran into the casino and management opened the VIP room for them. At the end of the corridor there was a sign that VIP left and Pirates right,"

"They went right didn't they?" Sanji sighed.

"Yeah they did. There was a trap door and they fell in with the Marine captain chasing them," Jacob was being completely serious; he was trying hard not to laugh.

Sanji and Connor sighed at there crews stupidity.

"We have to rescue them," Chopper yelled.

"But this is the Baroque Works main base, it's not like we can just ask the boss to leave it unguarded," Evie claimed.

"Actually that might not be a bad idea," Sanji said "I have an plan,"