That night in the hotel was just as painfully awkward as dinner had been. Nami and Tani had a room to themselves, and without Robin there... It felt empty. Yeah that's the feeling right now, empty.

The boys weren't fairing any better. The lack of Usopp, made it harder to sleep easy. Nobody really got any sleep that night. So meeting up that morning was filled with grumpy groans and massive yawns. Eye bags on everyone's eyes.

The crew made their way down for breakfast, when some conversations floated around. Rumours of someone being shot? The mayor or something. This seemed to wake Nami and Luffy up.

"Isn't Iceberg the mayor?" Nami questioned. Turning to face the captain, he nodded. "We should go check up on him," the red head stated. Getting up from the table to leave, Luffy trailed behind her. Tani got up and intercepted them.

"Can I come along? I have a feeling that something concerning 'you know what'," she looked at Nami, who remembered Tani's worries from yesterday. "Is involved with this," Tani theorised.

"It would be safer for Tani to come along with us," Nami explained. Luffy and the others looked at each other with confused expressions. "Tani has reason to believe that there's foul play involved." Nami explained in the briefest way possible.

Luffy nodded, he didn't have time for this. Honestly he felt much better having Tani close by, that way he could fight people who try to hurt her. He's not losing anyone else from his crew.

"Hurry up! We gotta check on Iceberg guy," Luffy reminded. The girls jumped into action, running by Luffy's side. The rest of the crew was left to find Robin.

Tani ran beside the speeding captain and navigator. Concern was written all over their faces. Tani hadn't met anyone from Galley-la, so she wasn't really sure what to expect. There was something in the air that left her skin with goosebumps... Something was going to happen and she didn't like it much.

"There's dock-1," Nami huffed, slowing down to a jog. Letting her breath catch up with her. Tani stared at the large doors that lead to the dock. Her eyes wide with awe, it was huge! It would need to be, it was a dock for massive ships.

There was a massive group of citizens waiting around the front of the shipyard. All concerned with the well-being of Iceberg. There was chatter, about all sorts of things.

"Who would do such a thing?"

"Why now? Right before Aqua Laguna?"

"Why Iceberg? He's so kind,"

"I heard it was the Straw hat pirates that did it!"

That last one caught Tani off guard. Why would their crew be suspects?

*ring*

Tani turned around to face a tall bridge that connected the above layers of the city. Standing there was a large cloth being held up by god knows what. From the way the sun was hitting the fabric, three figures could be seen. Two being the same size, and the centre being an all too familiar shape.

"Franky?" Tani whispered to herself. Luffy and Nami caught Tani's whisper.

"Franky?" Luffy repeats. Then loud music started to play. All the chatter from the citizens shifted to focus on the mystery people.

The citizens realize who it is, and begin to throw insults and hate towards Franky and his two companions. Tani was too confused about what to do. Luffy tried to get her attention, when that familiar gangster voice called out.

"Reveal yourself Straw hat Luffy!" Franky demanded. The cloth dropping to reveal two slender women with square shaped Afros posing dramatically with swords, to top it all off. Franky was standing there with a speedo on? Tani didn't see that last time. This world was robbing her of her purity every other Tuesday.

The people panicked and scattered, leaving a pissed off Luffy, a nervous Nami and a conflicted Tani.

"Who the hell are you? I'm busy right now!" Luffy snarled. Franky faces the much smaller man, giving off a laugh at the sight of Luffy.

"This little dude beat up and destroyed the Franky house?" Franky questioned the two girls, who nodded. "What the hell is that little-" Franky paused, noticing the familiar capped girl. He pointed at her.

"Ow! Tani-sis? What are you doing here?" he asked her casually. Ignoring Luffy, who was just as confused as the blue haired man. She pointed at Luffy.

"He's my captain," she declared. The look of disappointment on Franky's face struck a cord. "You're the one who hurt Usopp and stole our money?" Tani stated like a question, but they all knew the answer. This upset her a lot more than she wanted it to. She'd only just met the guy, and while it was a short encounter. The energy he gave off was infectious and positive. How could he be the same guy to have caused Usopp such great pain.

"That was your money?" he questioned, pointing only at Tani. He kinda just ignored Luffy and Nami, which really pissed off Luffy. "And the little dude that came in to get it back-"

"YOU BASTARD!" Luffy shouted. Throwing a gum gum pistol at Franky. Who reacts by catching the flying limb. He whipped it up, sending Luffy flying into the air, before cracking it back down towards the water. Tani reacted without thinking, running and diving straight for the water. Nami on the other hand remained in place, sending hateful glares at Franky.

"If it wasn't for you, Usopp would still be on our crew." she growled at the man. Who turned and hummed at her. Lifting his sunglasses to get a good look at the red head. She reached into her shirt and pulled out her clima-tact. The staff clicking into place as she got ready to fight back.

Tani broke the surface of the water with Luffy, using all her strength to throw him back onto the pavement.

"Get out of the water!" Nami shouted at Tani. Dark clouds formed from the navigators staff, a crackling noise following them. Tani was yanked out of the water by Luffy. Who held her close to his side

The clouds Nami formed started blazing to life, electricity striking around Franky and his two companions. The two women fled from the scene, but Franky took every bolt of electricity that came his way. Was he null to it? How?

Franky let out a laugh, cracked his knuckles and... Wait no that's his palm opening up?! What the hell kind of-

"Coup de vent!" Franky called out. Sending a blast towards the three straw hats. Luffy hooked Nami around the waist and jumped over the shot. The explosion managed to hit the gate for dock-1, blasting it open.

Luffy dropped the girls off by the sidelines, cracking his knuckles in preparation for the oncoming brawl. Franky jumped off the bridge he was on, landing in the water with a splash.

"Does he have a devil fruit?" Nami questioned, because no normal human can shoot rockets from their palms. Tani shook her head, pointing at Franky's mop of blue hair. The man's large arms clambering up the pavement with a devious grin.

He hopped effortlessly onto the solid ground and shook his head like a dog. Water flicking all over the place. His hair managed to bounce back into place, giving him that cool pompadour look. Tani had to snap herself out of praising him. The blue haired man tapped at his chest a couple times before opening his mouth and breathing fire?! At Luffy. The rubber man having to jump out of the way before the flames could lick his skin. Once the flames stopped, Tani have come to a conclusion.

"Are you a robot?!" Tani blurted out. She freaking loved robots, if he was than that would explain her conflicted feelings of admiration and awe. Franky looked at her with that charming grin.

"Cyborg, Tani-sis." he corrected. Before turning back to fight her captain. Holy shit! That's so cool! She's practically glowing with admiration.

Luffy and Franky continue to exchange blows, with Luffy being tossed into a lot of ships and piles of wood. Breaking a lot of things. A small crowd of people swarmed the entrance of the shipyard, watching the pair battle it out.

"Straw hat!" came an angry male voice. A rope snaked itself towards Luffy, wrapping around his wrist and dragging him violently into a pile of planks. Completely shattering them on impact. Tani decided now was time to step in.

"Wait! This is a misun-"

"What the hell are you wearing woman? That's inappropriate!" came the voice of the blonde man that had the ropes. His tan face bursting into a bright red. Tani looked at her clothes, all she had was a pair of long red puffy pants, and a black and white striped cropped singlet. Her stomach and arms were exposed but that's about it.

"You again!" Nami pointed from beside Tani. "Prudish idiot!" she insulted.

"Indecent woman!" he growled back. The doors burst open to the main building, out came a man in orange with a square nose, as well as a Freddie Mercury looking guy with a...

Was that a white dove, on his shoulder? That looked like the bird from yesterday. She didn't like that guy... He made eye contact with her, his eyes were dangerous. Tani shuffled closer to Nami.

"Lucci, Kaku. Apprehend Straw hat and his crew mates." the blonde ordered. The order leading to the new arrivals jumping into action. Franky was upset by this.

"Oi! Back off, this is between me and Straw hat." Franky snapped. The blonde turned to Franky with a glare.

"This is Galley-la's issue thanks. Straw hat is suspected of being in kahoots with Nico Robin." the blonde informed. Tani spoke up.

"You know where Robin is?" she said with shock. The guy looked at her with an uncomfortable expression, his face looking away from her.

"I should be asking you lot that! Since the demon woman shot Iceberg!"

Robin did what?

"Robin would never!" Nami denied. Stepping forward with an anger boiling. "She's been missing for a whole day, we've been looking for her." she pleaded their innocences, but the stubborn man wouldn't listen.

"You're on the same crew as her, so you must be working with her." he concluded. Tani rolled her eyes and scoffed.

"Jesus, you have to be a total dunce to think like that." Tani blurted. She crossed her arms and glared. "Just because she's on our crew, doesn't mean we have to be doing the same things. We all have our own dreams you moron," she snapped. The blonde gawked at her rude remarks. Franky burst into laughter at the spunky display.

"You rude-" he was cut off when Tani launched her yo-yo's at his feet, tripping him over. She whipped them back to herself and started twirling the weapon around casually. Normally she didn't have this much confidence, but this guy was being close minded as hell. The pigeon guy and square nose took that as a signal to take action.

The two of them were fast! And extremely powerful. Tani wouldn't have stood a chance if both Luffy and Franky hadn't jumped to her aid. Luffy deflecting the square guy, while Franky took on the pigeon man. Tani stood her ground, watching the blonde man with a careful eye-

A rope tangled around her foot and flipped her onto her back. Tani had the wind knocked out of her lungs, but recovered before he could drag her towards him for another slam. She kicked her tangled foot upwards, tossing the slack of the rope towards her hands. She grabbed it and tugged on it, the blonde man pulled backwards, tightening the rope and giving Tani the support she needed to flip herself back onto her feet. Using the momentum she gained to sock the man in the face with her fist.

Thank you Zoro!

He pulled back, holding his nose. Which started to bleed. Tani blew on her knuckles, bouncing on her feet in anticipation. She felt her confidence rising. The blonde narrowed his eyes at her. His ropes retracting back to his hands, which he used to crack them like a whip. Tani spun her yo-yo's at speeds only possible thanks to Usopp's genius...

Now's not the time to deal with emotional hurt, you've got a fight to focus on.

"Can't we just talk with Iceberg?" Nami pleaded. "We need to explain what-"

"Shut up you indecent redhead," the blonde barked. "He doesn't want to see you lot," he shouted at Nami, who ground her teeth and-

*Slam!*

Her clima-tact smacked right into his head. Knocking him to the ground for a second time. Luffy was still being smacked around like a rag doll, none of the attacks doing anything to harm him.

Franky was getting really pissed, he didn't want to fight these shipwrights. He wanted to kick Straw hats ass. This bird guy was really starting to get on his nerves. He stood back, Mozu and Kiwi knew to stay back when he did this. Franky held his arm's forward preparing for a coup de vent. He spotted Tani and the other girl smacking Paulie around. The poor girls would be caught in the cross fire if he didn't do something.

"Oi! Tani-sis!" he called out, the girl looked his way. "Move!" he shouted. The girl looked at his hands and felt her eyes bug out. She grabbed Nami by the arm and bolted out of the blasts estimated range. Franky gave a smirk, his sunglasses flipping onto his eyes.

"Coup de vent!" he called out. Sending a massive blast of air from his palms, the pressure so great that it not only sent all the shipwrights flying, but absolutely obliterated the gigantic boat that was sitting in the middle of the yard. Tani and Nami held onto each other as the wind blew around them.

The damage done to the boat, lead to bits and pieces flying and smashing into a crane. The structure splintering and falling from its place. The crowds of angry spectators, fled the scene. Dust filled the air, leaving Tani completely blinded.

She felt a hand clasp her arm. The grip was tight and too large to be Nami. In a jolt of panic, she turned her head and clamped her teeth into the offending hand. Hearing no hiss of pain, no signs that she'd hurt the hand, but the grip lessened and she managed to wiggle out of the grasp.

The dust cleared, she turned around to find-

No one... There was nobody there...

Maybe she was just getting jitters from Oscar's warning.

Luffy emerged from the dust, completely unharmed by the attack. He dusted himself off and walked towards the girls, who sighed with relief at the sight of him.

"We can go talk to that Iceberg guy now," Luffy said, pointing at the door to the building. Tani turned back to find Franky looking tired, his hair having flopped over his face.

"Ow! Straw hat," he shouted. Luffy turned to face him. "I'll be back to kick your ass, once I'm recharged." he declared. Turning away with his two friends and bailing.

After Franky was gone, Luffy turned to Tani and his face lit up.

"That was so cool!" he freaked out. His eyes glittering like shooting stars. "A cyborg! With fire breath and arm canons! You think he can shoot lasers from his eyes?" Luffy rattled on. Tani was just as hyped.

"Can he fly? He's part robot so he must have jet pack feet," she fangirled beside him.

"He may be a total jerk, but he's so cool!" Luffy was beaming. Nami took that moment to remember something Tani had said.

"How did you know he was Franky?" the red head asked. Tani snapped out of her fangirl mode and answered.

"I ran into him before running into Luffy and the others yesterday. He was really nice to me though," she explained. "Shouldn't we be going to talk to Iceberg now?" she asked. Luffy nods, but instead of running into the building like the girls expected. He grabbed them both by the waist and threw an arm up to a building opposite of the Galley-la company. Landing with a thunk of his feet.

Tani smacked Luffy in the cheek, already feeling dizzy from the height. They were on a slightly tilted, tiled roof! One wrong slip up and she's a pancake on the floor below.

"Stay here, I'll go talk to Iceberg." Luffy told them. Before grabbing a ledge on the Galley-la building and swinging forward. The resounding crash of a glass shattering, echoed back to them.

Nami sat down on the tiles, the wind caressing her soft orange hair. Tani sat down beside her. The navigator sighed, her head falling onto her knees.

"This is all a mess," she sighed with a wobble in her throat. Tani couldn't agree more. "Everyone keeps leaving. First it was Robin, now it's Usopp. What's going to happen to us?" she asked, but Tani had no answer. She just draped her arm over Nami's shoulders and pulled her in for a hug. Nami leaned into the touch.

"It'll all work out just fine." Tani promised. Nami sighed deeply into Tani's shoulder. Normally Nami would have Usopp to bounce off of...

"Hey," Tani started, Nami looked up. "Why don't we go pay Usopp a visit? Not as former crew mates, but as friends. Just to check up on him." Tani asked. Knowing that Nami would accept the suggestion, she missed Usopp dearly. "Plus I have to make good on the snacks I promised to get him." Tani added like sprinkles to the top of a perfect sundae. Nami took a bite.

"It would also be good to keep him in our favour... You know, in case we meet again at sea." she said softly. Hugging closer to Tani.

Nami lifted her head up, a chill in the wind. Soft clouds in the sky, floated further away. She could smell the sea salt in the air... There was a storm coming, a big one at that. A tsunami? The weather hadn't lied to her yet.

*bang*

The girls stilled, looking towards the window that exploded from the gunshot. Tani spotted Luffy bouncing onto the roof top, keeping his head close by the blown out window.

What happened?

...

Luffy met up the the girls on the roof, his face grim with the information he'd gathered.

"Robin and a masked man did it," he confirmed. Nami and Tani stated at each other in shock. So Robin really did... "But she's not evil! I just know she is a good person," Luffy huffed.

"What if it's that CP9 group? That sounds like a plot twist that would certainly happen in a world like this," she pondered aloud. Luffy looked at her in confusion.

"What's a CP9?" Luffy asked. Tani and Nami exchanged a look. Would Luffy be upset that Tani knew something like this? It spoiled a bit of the adventure, but Tani's life was potentially in danger... Tani gave a sigh.

"They're a government group, that's all I know about them. They also search and hunt down threats to the government." Tani explained briefly. "I don't know what they want with Robin, but I don't think she's doing this willingly." she said. A cold breeze from the approaching storm hit her spine.

Just the thought of one of their friends was enough to chill them to the core. Luffy decided.

"We need to save her. She's our nakama, nobody messes with nakama," he declared with determination. "Let's go-"

"Attention all citizens of Water 7," came a woman's voice over the city. "Please report any sightings of Straw hat Luffy and his crew. They're suspected of attempted murder against mayor Iceberg." her voice said with no emotion. Luffy ground his teeth at that.

"We need to find the others," Nami stated. Tani widened her eyes.

"Someone needs to warn Usopp," she said with urgency. Luffy looked into her eyes, the concern she had for their lost nakama. "He's been seen with you and Nami, so he's just as much of a target now. I won't stand by and let him get caught in our business," she spoke with no room for argument. Nami nodded.

"We can look for Usopp after we meet up with the others." she assured. Holding Tani's shoulder with a soft smile. Luffy grinned at the girls.

"Yeah! He's not our nakama anymore, but he's still a friend." Luffy agreed. Jumping to his feet and holding his arms out for balance. "Let's go find Zoro and the others. We need to stop Robin from trying to shoot Iceberg again," he said.

She was gonna what?

"Why would she-"

"Because she's being forced to, dumb dumb," Luffy stated like it was the most obvious conclusion. Tani glared at him with no malice. The captain considered that a win. "Let's go!" he cheered. Grabbed both women around the waists and hoisting them over his shoulders. Tani clawed at his red vest for dear life.

"I'm gonna kill you-"

Luffy jumped over to the next roof top, running and bouncing at speeds that made it hard to keep your eyes open without getting motion sickness. His skin tinged a slight pinky-red like it had during the bean stalk run in Skypiea.

Gear second?

"I see Zoro!" Nami called, her voice being lost to the wind. Luckily Luffy caught it.

"Yosh!" Luffy replied, spotting the green blob that is Zoro's hair. "Yahoo!" Luffy cheered while jumping off the roof top to crash into Zoro.

The moss head didn't see it coming.

Luffy slammed into his back, foot first. The swordsman was sent sprawling on the ground, the girls in Luffy's arms were dropped. Slapping into the ground with a thunk. All three of Luffy's victim's gave the captain a smack to the head for the rough landing.

"Idiot! You could have crushed my bones! Turned me into human soup on this very concrete path," Tani bemoaned with the dramatic flare of an stage play actor.

"Less whining, more running," Zoro groaned. Spotting the group of people that stared at them, an exchange of whispers signalling now was go time.

"It's Straw hat!" came the call. The pirates bolted through the streets, attempting to lose the group. Yet every new turn they took, another group would join the chase.

Tani didn't have the stamina for this, she may last a while when running, but for this long? She panted and choked on every breath she could swallow. Luffy took notice of his tired nakama, they needed to lose these annoying people fast.

That's when he spotted the bridge. The time it would take, for him to stretch out and provide cover. Yeah that would work.

Luffy jumped over the ledge of the bridge, his hands stretching over the bridges ledge. He flicked his legs to the other side and dug his toes into the ledge on the other side. Zoro caught on to what Luffy was doing, grabbing both women and tossing them onto the Luffy hammock, before jumping down himself. Luffy let out a huff of air, the weight of three people making it hard to keep a grip on the bridge... Just a little bit...

The foot steps of the groups ran over the bridge.

Little longer...

"Where did they go?"

"They can't have gone far!"

"This way! I think I saw a straw hat!"

The foot steps clattered away. Leaving the hidden crew with some room to breath. Nami was the first to risk speaking.

"That was close," she whispered. Her legs swinging over Luffy's stretched torso. Luffy held his breath from all the weight. Tani felt uneasy.

"Which crew mate do you think they saw?" she worried, pulling her legs closer to her chest. "I hope it wasn't Usopp, I'd feel bad if he got roped into our mess." she sighed. Zoro huffed.

"Usopp can take care of himself, he's not our problem anymore." he said with an air of discomfort, like the words felt... Wrong. Tani rolled her eyes.

"What if they were talking about an actual straw hat?" Nami said. That was a possibility, Luffy's not the only one in the world with a hat made of straw.

"Guys... Heavy," Luffy wheezed. Finally letting go of the bridge he was latched to. The four of them had no time to shriek before the water engulfed them.

The crew resurfaced, with Zoro holding Luffy's head above the water. If Tani had a dollar for everytime Luffy fell in the canals, she'd have enough for a small meal at McDonalds... Wow she missed fast food.

"Tani? Hello? Tani," Nami said with a hushed tone. Tani blinked back to the present. Turning to her nakama with a "huh?".

"Can you hear any bells?" Nami asked. Tani concentrated, but couldn't hear anything but their own bells. She shook her head.

The group dragged themselves out of the water, Luffy and Zoro shook themselves of water like dogs. Tani and Nami dead pan stared at the neanderthal men before them.

"Less dawdling, more finding Chopper and Sanji." Nami said. Grabbing both boys by the collar of their shirts and dragging them behind her. Tani trailed beside the navigator, keeping her hands cupped around her ears.

It didn't take her long to find a bell sound, however the sound was... Melancholic. She was 90% certain it was Usopp, unless Sanji or Chopper got some really bad news. Tani stayed put for a couple more seconds, tilting her head towards the sound.

Nami and the others failed to notice their tracker had paused, the boys too busy joking about something while the navigator rolled her eyes and looked for their nakama.

"Hey guys-" Tani turned to face the empty space her friends used to be. She looked back at the spot, then the path way she'd noticed... What's the harm in finding that bell. The worst it'll be is Franky, but he's cool even if he caused the destruction of Luffy and Usopp's friendship.

Tani wandered down the alley way, following the sound of the bell that sang a solemn tune. The path was weirdly silent, give or take the sounds of birds flapping and foot steps... It felt like she was being watched.

She whipped her head around... Nothing. Her spine rattled, hair standing on edge. Now's not the time to freeze. So she picked up the pace, her sneakers clicking against the pavement as the anxiety of dangerous eyes followed her.

A birds chirping gave her nothing but dread, her gaze finding that same white dove from the Freddie Mercury guy. Oh god was he the one following her? He was so fast when fighting Franky! Why is this path so long?

"You probably don't want to take another step," came a cold voice. It was deep and masculine. Tani didn't want to turn around to find out.

"What do you want?" she asked with false confidence. Her hands already dipping into her pockets.

"Your kind are far too dangerous to be meddling with rookie pirates." his voice replied. Stone cold and stoic, it's every middle aged white mums dream. Tani swallowed hard against the lump in her throat.

"Is that so, Mr CP9 man." she replied, turning around to face the man. Her assumptions were correct, it was the Freddie Mercury look alike. His eyes hooded and bored, he knew Tani wouldn't pose much of a threat. The girl remained as calm as she could. "I'm not free until next Thursday, mind if we reschedule the kidnapping for another time?" she mocked. Where the hell were her crew?

"Very funny, Miss Tanisha Lowe-"

"Smoke bomb!"

The alley way filled with smoke, a hand clasped around her arm. Only this time the hold was comforting, someone familiar. Tani was dragged backwards by said arm and pulled into a clearing. Her and her saviour bolting for safety in the crowded streets.

Tani cleared her throat with a cough before opening her eyes to see the back of Usopp, as he dragged her forward with laboured breaths. Tani couldn't help the grin that spread to her face.

"Usopp! You're al-"

"Less talking, more running!" he snapped back. Legs pounding as he dragged her around corners and narrow paths. The ocean drawing closer.

Tani couldn't feel the cold stare of CP9 guy anymore. They either lost him, or he didn't plan to engage. Either way, she felt safer.

Usopp stopped running once he made it to the landing spot for Merry. A painful stab to the gut pain hit Tani's stomach. She looked so... Broken? Usopp turned to look at her, a sheepish look on his face. Like he wanted to look indifferent, but the sight of his friend just brightened the mood.

"Thanks for saving my life," Tani greeted, holding out her arms as an invitation. Usopp pondered for a moment before grinning, throwing his arms around her. Tani held on tight.

"It's good to see you're alright," Usopp sighed with relief. Pulling back and giving her a neutral expression. "After that announcement, I was worried about you guys... Not that I care, you're not my crew any more," he brushed off. Tani chuckled.

"Robin's still missing, and I haven't seen Chopper or Sanji since this morning." she relayed. Pulling out of the hug completely. Usopp decided to start walking back towards Merry, Tani followed. "I'd just lost Luffy, Zoro and Nami before you found me," she ended. Usopp rubbed under his nose.

"The mighty Usopp came to your rescue," he gloated. Tani let him have that one, it was true and he needed the victory. She smiled at him.

"How's Merry? Hopefully she's not too lonely." Tani asked. Usopp gave a saddened huff.

"She's been just fine. I've been working on her," Usopp explained. "I plan on sailing her back home. I'm sure Kaya will be happy to see me again..." he smiled sadly. Tani tilted her head.

"Kaya? She your girlfriend or something," Tani teased, giving him a nudge in the ribs. He hissed a bit, so she gave him an apologetic look.

"Nah, she's this lovely girl that gave us Merry after we saved her from her evil pirate butler." Usopp recited, getting more animated as he told the story. "She was very sick because he kept poisoning her. I would tell her stories everyday so she would feel better." he said with nostalgia. The pair climbed up the gangplank onto Merry.

"That was all before you showed up," he grinned. Walking into the kitchen area, and taking a seat at the table. Tani followed.

"God, how long ago was that? It feels like I've been here for a lifetime." Tani said. Usopp kicked his feet up to rest on the table, Sanji would totally kick his ass when he-

Oh right...

"How's uh... How is everyone?" Usopp asked curiously. Tani sighed.

"It's not the same without you there." she admitted. Turning to him with a sad expression. "I don't think I've ever had a whole day without you there. It feels wrong." she said with a slight hiccup. Usopp looked away with a mix of guilt and sympathy.

"Nami and I planned to pay you a visit... But then the whole Robin attempting murder and CP9-"

"Robin did what?" Usopp cut her off. Oh right he didn't know.

"Yeah, she tried to shoot Iceberg. She wasn't alone though. So we all suspect foul play." Tani explained simply. Usopp nodded in agreement.

"It's gotta be that group. I think Robin is creepy, and she's got a track record for destroying the groups she's with... But I don't know. That seems out of character for her," Usopp pondered. Tani nodded in agreement.

"We can only hope that she will get out." Tani ended the conversation. The pair sat in silence...

An awkward silence.

They both had things to say, things to ask. Yet neither opened their mouths. Tani fixed the straps on her bag, when the sound of crinkling hit her ears.

"I almost forgot," Tani started. She dug her hand into the bag and pulled out a packet of chips. Going with barbeque this time round, Usopp looked at them with a tile of the lips. "Told you I'd get some more chips," she said, tossing the bag at him. He caught it without any issue, looks like he's already making a speedy recovery.

He popped the bag open and shoved the contents into his mouth. The crunch echoed around the empty room... Merry felt so wrong being this empty...

"Usopp-"

A loud crashing noise was heard on deck. Was that CP9 Guy back? Tani turned to Usopp with concern in her eyes. He stared back with the same look. Heavy foot steps drew closer.

Tani stood up, her yo-yo's already attached to her fingers. Usopp had his sling shot at the ready. The pair stood beside each other, ready to defend themselves from the threat.

The boards creaked.

Another step.

And another.

Another...

Alright we get it, suspense is great! Get on with-

"Ow! Super kidnapping move!" came a familiar voice. Tani opened her mouth only to get a sack tossed over her head and tied around her neck. The same happening to Usopp, who choked on his shock.

Tani kicked and smacked at the large arm and back that held her up in the air, her voice muffled in the cloth bag.

At least it's Franky and not that creepy bird dude...

...

Tani winced and hissed as the light struck her face, the bag had been dropped to the ground beside her. She blinked once, twice, three times, relearning the rhythm before focusing on where the hell she was.

Beside her was an empty chair, also with a bag dropped on the ground. The room she was in was a steel grey, large enough to fit a-

"Oh Merry," Tani smiled towards the boat. Only now noticing that Usopp was hard at work, fixing up the minor damage caused by the crews reckless behaviour.

Tani got up off the chair, surprised at the lack of restraints to hold her down. She scanned the room some more and found Franky sitting on a worn couch. A pink guitar in his hands... How would he play that with such large hands? Another life mystery... God she was starting to sound like Luffy.

Speaking of Luffy. Was he worried that she was missing? Had he even noticed? Probably, this is Luffy. He's a mystery to life in and of himself. He can handle himself though, for now Tani needed to focus on what was happening right now.

"Yo! Tani-sis," Franky waved from his seat. Motioning for her to come over. Usopp looked up at Franky, before finding Tani standing. Awake and fine.

"Leave her alone, she's done nothing to deserve this." Usopp sneered. Tani huffed.

"And you have?" she questioned. Usopp said nothing. Probably realising what he said was dumb, the straw hat pirates did wreck Franky's home. Tani's a straw hat... If anything, it's Usopp who shouldn't be here!

"Ow! Tani-sis. Sorry for the super not cool kidnapping. I just need straw hat so I can kick his ass." Franky apologized, Tani waved it off.

"Better you than the creep that's been following me," she dismissed. Franky let out a howl.

"Wah! Tani-sis is so kind!" he sobbed. Strumming a tune into his guitar, "IM NOT CRYING! YOU ARE!" he proclaimed, sobbing some more. Usopp rolled his eyes and continued to hammer away.

Tani wandered towards the sniper, a scowl on his face as he hit harder and harder into the wood.

"Need a hand?" she asked sheepishly. Tani was no Bob the builder, but she can help with hammering things. Usopp shook his head at her.

"I don't need help," he strained. Irritation present in his voice. Had she done something wrong? Tani turned to face the casual strums of a guitar. It was probably Franky's fault.

"Usopp-bro has been trying to fix that lost cause for the last 10 minutes." Franky said. Tani nodded.

"Sounds like Usopp. He's been our shipwright? The repair guy. Since we started our trip around the Grandline." Tani explained. Usopp kept an ear out for his name, but remained focused on fixing Merry.

"Well no wonder the repairs are so amateur." Franky said bluntly. Usopp's muscles tensed at the insult. "I can tell that he has no prior training." the blue haired man stated.

"How? You a shipwright or something?" she asked, leaning against Merry. Franky stood up and gave a pose.

"I'm a super! Shipwright, trained by the best of the best." he declared. Man, Franky is so cool.

"That's awesome! Our cre-" she started, only to get a look from Usopp. "My crew... Have been looking for a shipwright." Tani corrected. Franky flicked his glasses down.

"No can do little-sis. I'm a scrapper now," Franky said. Tani gave a pout. "Haven't built a ship in years. Gave that up," he said flippantly.

"If you're a shipwright, or was one." Tani started. "Can you do a re-"

"That ship," he pointed at Merry, "Is broken beyond repair. You can't fix her," he declared. Nailing that final corner of the coffin.

Usopp dropped his hammer, and turned to Franky with the most aggravated expression.

"Merry's carried us this far! She can do it again," Usopp snapped. Franky rolled his eyes and gave a tired scowl. Standing up from the couch and walking over to Usopp.

Usopp had no time to react before Franky grabbed him by the head and shoved him under water. Facing his head towards the underside of Merry. A long splinter trailed up her centre, deep and wide. Usopp closed his eyes, the evidence was there... But it hurt to accept.

Franky yanked him back out of the water. His expression serious.

"This boat is not fit to sail, she's dying." Franky said. Usopp looked away with a pained expression. "You can't fix her, not with your lacking repair skills!" Franky was harsh. His words cutting into the already down sniper.

"You don't know anything," Usopp growled. "Merry's alive, she fixed herself on Skypiea. She wants to-"

"What? She fixed herself?" Franky questioned. Looking at Usopp with a knowing look.

"Yeah, a little kid in a raincoat was repairing her." Usopp explained. "The next day, she was just fine." his voice was pleading. Tani backed him up.

"She had attachments that were removed the next morning. There was no way anyone would have known her original design." she claimed. Franky nodded.

"You saw the Klabautermann," Franky stated. The pair looked up in confusion. "They're a water spirit that tends to the needs of well cared for ships." he said with a smile. "Merry must have wanted to set sail one last time." Franky said sadly.

The cyborg whipped out his guitar and lamented the sadness of the situation. Tani looked at Usopp with confusion, he returned the gesture. Franky paused mid song to finish explaining his point.

"Merry wanted you to live on, she'd regret letting you sink." Franky said. Usopp squirmed under the heavy words. "It's time to let her go." the cyborg finished. Before turning around and with his large fist, smashing into the side of Merry.

Usopp let out a pained shriek, Tani was frozen with shock. Usopp ran to Franky and started hitting him with all the strength he had. Franky continued to tear into Merry, boards snapped, metal creaked. It was like watching a friend being torn apart from the limbs.

"Stop! Stop it!"

"You're hurting Merry!"

"Stop it! Leave her alone!"

Usopp sobbed as he hit and hit, over and over. Franky continued to scrap the little boat.

*knock knock*

The commotion froze. The trio standing in silence as they turned towards the door. Knocking continued.

"We expecting someone?" Tani whispered. Usopp dropped of Franky, instantly moving to stand beside Tani. His hands beside his bag.

"My family are meant to come around to take shelter from Aqua Lagoona... They know to use the back door." he replied quietly.

*knock knock*

Tani held her breath, heart rate accelerated. The small muscle pounding into her ribs as she felt an anxiety rising.

"There's no bell sound. So it's not our... My crew," she whispered.

"If we stay quiet, they'll go away?" Usopp assured. Then a voice called out.

"Franky? You in there?" came a man's voice. Franky opened his eyes in realization.

"Is that Blueno?" the cyborg whispered. Blueno continued.

"Please! Open the door. I got locked out of my shelter, Aqua Lagoona is approaching." he begged Franky felt himself worry. "Are you there?" the voice sounded desperate.

"I can't leave him out there," Franky sighed. "That tsunami is a death sentence." he concluded. Padding his way towards the door. Tani latched her hand onto Usopp's own. Her friend held it tight, his own fears spilling out.

"I have a bad feeling about this... I can't explain it but-"

Usopp was cut off by the sound of Franky being kicked across the room. His body smashing into the little couch. The pair let go of each others hands to grab their weapons-

"You again?!" Tani groaned. Spotting pigeon guy as he wandered into the room, beside him was the square nosed guy, a lady with long hair and glasses, and this large guy with horned hair. "This is getting old you creepy stalker," Tani growled. Pigeon guy huffed, turning towards Franky.

"Where are the blueprints for Pluton?" he said coldly. Franky rubbed his head, dusting himself off.

"What? Never heard of it," he said with a smug grin.

Square nose jumped forward at light speed, kicking Franky and sending him flying into a blocked off spot. The wall shattering as Franky's metal body destroyed it. CP9 journeyed into the room to take a peek. Franky let out an angry roar.

"Stay out of there!" he seethed. His words holding a whole world of hurt. "Don't you dare walk into the room where he lived!" he continued to beg with anger.

The group ignored him and looked through the dusty room. Blueprints, books and manuals covered the room. A desk on the corner, a futon on the floor. Who lived there?

"Lucci, I don't see the blue prints." the bull man reported. Pigeon guy sighed.

"Cutty flam," he deadpanned, "Where are the blueprints?" he glared. Franky narrowed his gaze.

"Cutty flam died, the day the government killed Tom," he seethed. Tani felt awkward standing there. Lucci sighed.

"Capture them," he commanded. His lackeys jumping to action to capture the trio. Tani didn't move an inch before the square guy had her on the floor. His leg pressed against her back.

"Wrap it up, we've got work to do." Lucci said. Grabbing Franky from the bull guy. Tani struggled against square nose, Usopp was in the arms of the lady.

Bull guy stood before them and, opened what looked a portal to another dimension. Clicking it open like a door.

The captured trio was then tossed through the door, the ropes around them being tight. Tani stared at the portal that slowly closed.

The ground beneath her shook, she knew that feeling.

They were on the train.

The door clicked shut, Tani felt herself panic. Her crew had no idea where she was right now. She didn't even know where she was! And the second location rule still applied here.

Please... Someone come save her.

"Oi Tani," Usopp spoke in a quiet tone. She turned to him, he smiled comfortably back to her.

"They'll come for you, they always do." he assured. Tani nodded, that's right! Luffy and the others would never abandon her... Or Usopp.

"They'll save you too," she grinned back. Usopp looked away.

"I don't think so..." he replied. Tani rolled her eyes.

"Yes they will you big idiot. We're friends, even if we aren't on the same crew anymore," she reminded. Usopp sighed pathetically.

"Ow! That's so super adorable!" Franky sobbed. Tani laughed at that.

"They'll save you too, even if you're a total jerk in their eyes." she promised.

The three of them stopped talking once they felt a rumble under them. Tani and Franky knew that feeling.

The train was moving.

A loud whistle rang out.

"It's go time," Tani whispered.

Now they just have to wait.