"Hey Nami? You're not looking so bright are you OK?" Tani commented to the navigator who was breathing heavily when trying to get out of bed. Nami turned to the concerned tracker and waved her off.

"I'm fine," Nami said with a wispy voice. Her sweaty forehead and flushed cheeks said otherwise, but Tani wouldn't pester her about it. "Have you seen Vivi? I need to ask her some questions about Alabasta," Nami asked.

"I think she's gone to relax on the deck, she probably needs time to breath since we're about to go all 'saving the country from a civil war'... It must be nerve wrecking if you ask me," Tani rambled, pulling out a shirt from a set of draws and slipping it on. Nami nodded and sluggishly pulled herself out of bed and wobbled out the door, Tani's concerned eyes watched her the whole time.

...

"Nami!" the fearful cries of Vivi called out, interrupting the daily activities of the crew. Everyone rushed to the aid of their weakened navigator laying on the floor in a feverish mess. "Who's a doctor?" Vivi cried, pulling Nami onto her lap to make the sickly women more comfortable. The crew looked at each other, then pointed at Nami. Vivi's face blanked.

"We need a doctor! This fever doesn't seem normal," Vivi said shakily. Nami shook her head, pulling herself off the ground and standing up painfully. Her hands gripping the railing of the Merry with whitened knuckles. "Nami hold still, you aren't well," Vivi stated.

"We... We can't stop, I'm fine... Really," Nami struggled to reassure. Nobody bought it. Nami glared, "We can't stop, didn't you all see the papers this morning. Alabasta is on the brink of a civil war, we need to get there as fast as possible," Nami sounded desperate. Vivi looked pale, a flash of emotions flew across her face. Landing on a face of determination.

"You're right, we do need to get to Alabasta as fast as possible," Vivi parroted, a small smile crawled onto her face. "Captain, set your courses for the closest island, we're finding a doctor," she smiled, turning to the navigator who sighed and smiled weakly back. Luffy grinned and commanded as Vivi had requested. The crew set to work, while they left Nami to rest for the day.

The boat was set on course for the closest island. The crew decided to try and relax for for the ride there, but worry for Nami's condition lingered in all their minds.

"I hope she didn't catch anything contagious, I would rather avoid flu season this year," Tani spoke aloud while messing around with a yo-yo. Luffy looked curious about her random statement.

"Flu season? Do you get sick often?" he asked, leaning forward from his spot atop the Merry's head. Tani gave him a nod.

"Sorta, it's a yearly thing. Do you not have flu season?" she responded. Luffy shook his head. "Well if I think about it... Your out to sea all the time rather than cluttered in huge cities. So that space would probably make it harder to catch the flu or stomach bugs," she thought aloud. Luffy looked like his head was gonna explode from processing all that information. Tani laughed, spinning her yo-yo's absentmindedly.

"Sounds boring," Luffy stated bluntly, Tani giggled and nodded in agreement. Luffy lazed around, looking at Tani with a soft smile. "Sailing the seas with nakama is the best," he sighed happily, closing his eyes and sunbathing. Tani couldn't agree more.

The pair remained silent for the rest of the morning. At around lunch time they went to check on Nami, who had gotten worse. Not even Luffy's silly (and down right terrifying) faces could put a smile on the sickly girls face. It wasn't a pretty sight... Tani felt knots curl and form in her stomach at the deathly look of pain and agony on Nami's face. It was awful... Sanji looked depressed when serving her lunch, which she failed to eat. Vivi didn't leave Nami's side for the whole day.

"She hasn't woken up since late this morning," Vivi sounded like she was on the brink of tears. Tani sighed and left the room after Vivi's update on Nami's state. It made her feel uncomfortable, she hadn't been in a situation like this since her mother was in hospital for pneumonia. Man she hated the cold...

"Hey! Guys check this out," Usopp called from the deck. Everyone jumped up and ran for the front of the ship. Only to get slapped in the face with an icy breeze and a face full of snow! What the hell? It was sunny like 20 minutes ago! Luffy didn't seem bothered until someone pointed out his lack of warm clothing. The captain ran back inside to grab a coat.

"Am I going crazy? Or does it look like some guy is floating on the water?" Usopp pointed at the jester looking dude just chilling on the ocean. Tani had to rub his eyes.

"What the actual-" Tani started. The guy rose from the ocean, standing atop a giant submarine... Of course they have submarines in this world! Why wouldn't they. Tani was so lost in her stupid brain that she didn't realize that the submarine had opened up and a gangplank lowered down.

A huge hippo of a man waddled out and boarded their ship, his footsteps heavy. A crew that looked more like royal armed guards followed closely behind in a swarm. Surrounding all crew members out on deck.

The large man didn't say a word as he took a look around the boat, his eyes hungry with greed. What was he doing? Was he going to try a take over? Because he seemed to have a perfectly fine submarine. Actually a submarine would be so useful in a world full of pirates, so a capture of the Merry wouldn't be useful for this crew.

"This vessel looks simply delicious," the chubby man commented. Tani's face blanked. Delicious... What a strange way to describe a boat.

What is he gonna do? eat the-

Chomp

of course he bit the boat! Of course he actually meant to eat the boat! Why could Tani ever catch a break in this god damn ocean?!

"Dont eat Merry!" Luffy shouted angrily at the man who was loudly chewing on the chunk of the ship his massive gob managed to chomp off the Merry. Luffy rolled up the sleeve of his newly acquired red coat, ready to take a crack at the new foe.

The small army of men who were surrounding the Straw hats started attacking the crew, Luffy was quick to knock out anyone in his way. Zoro and Sanji being just as quick as their captain. Tani and Usopp decided to work together.

Usopp handed Tani some Tabasco stars and tape, the girl got to work quickly taping the hot sauce demons onto the sides of her both yo-yos. This was gonna hurt.

Usopp climbed onto Tani's shoulders, though she didn't mind, she found it funny that she was now the crews piggy backer.

Usopp shot star after star, not missing a target no matter how much Tani wobbled and moved while she slung her yo-yo's around with fiery results. Men cried out in pain as the burn of the Tabasco invaded their senses. The sound of the hippo guys whiny voice entered their ears.

"Do you know who I am! I'm the king of this kingdom! Wapol!" big guts bellowed. Luffy huffed, throwing his arms back to prepare an attack.

"I don't care, you bit Merry so I'm gonna kick your ass!" he declared, jumping towards Wapol. Tani was back to fending off a small group of goons with Usopp, to really be paying attention to Luffy's fight. Sanji's legs were flying around, while Zoro's blades clashed against the weapons of the soldier's. The sound of shots being fired from above Tani's shoulders, followed by men shouting in shock as their clothes set on fire, were scattered around the deck.

Wapol opened his mouth wide, Luffy flew in much to the concern of Tani and the boys on deck. Who all froze as they watched the guy chew on the rubber man. Luffy's arms were still held out in preparation for a-

"Gum gum bazooka!" he shouted, muffled by the closed mouth of Wapol. Luffy smacked the man right in the gut, his mouth unlatched around the captain. The bazooka launched the man off the boat, sending him flying into the chilly oceans afar.

His followers scrambled in a panic to chase after the man who probably had a devil fruit because that mouth was way too big for any regular human. The boat was freed from all the goons, leaving the crew to stand in confusion at the random encounter.

"Well... I guess that confirms that there's an island nearby," Usopp broke the silence with a positive comment, unmounting the girl's shoulders. Tani went to make a comment but a cold wind blew against her exposed skin... Oh right it's freezing! The heat from the fire stars Usopp was firing must have made her forget.

Tani excused herself and ran back into the girls cabin, pulling out the huge purple winter coat she brought from the other dimension store. As well as swapping out her lucky cap for a warm beanie, earmuffs, gloves and a thick wooly scarf. She looked like the stay puff marshmallow man... A very grumpy marshmallow man. They better find a doctor soon, she hated this place already. The shallow breaths of Nami in the room made Tani feel sick to her stomach.

"Hang in there Nami," she whispered to the women, who groaned in pain. Vivi opened the door to the room and entered with a tray of food that was probably for Nami.

"How's she holding up?" Tani asked the blue haired princess. Vivi gave a soft sigh.

"She hasn't broken her fever yet, and her breathing has gotten more shallow... I don't know what to do," Vivi replied, her lips quivering as tears filled the corner of her eyes. Tani looked at Nami and felt her throat block up.

"Nami's one of the strongest women I've ever met in my life," Tani smiled comfortingly to Vivi. The girl looked at her with glossy eyes. "If anyone is gonna beat this flu, it's Nami," Tani assured. Vivi nodded, looking at Nami with an expression of hope. She lowered to the ground and moved to change the wet rag on Nami's head. Tani took this as her cue to leave.

Tani opened the door to find the deck covered in a heavy layer of snow. Luffy and Usopp were making snowmen cheerfully. It looked like fun but god did Tani want nothing more than to curl up in a blanket and watch a movie.

"How about a warm beverage for a lovely lady?" Sanji's suave voice asked. The dark skinned girl turned around to find a steaming cup of what looked and smelled like hot chocolate being handed to her by the god sent that is Sanji. She pulled her scarf down from her mouth and thanked the cook. Grabbing the mug and savouring the warmth it provided her hands.

"Tani Tani! Come make a snowman," Luffy called out, waving from behind his snowman. Tani smiled reluctantly and shook her head. Luffy pouted for a split second... Before he had a mischievous look and ducked behind the cover of his snowman. What was he-

Thwack!

A snowball collided with the unsuspecting victims face. Luffy's laughter filled the air, with some restrained snickers from Usopp. Tani remained frozen for a solid minute, she was mad... Mad and cold. If he wanted a war, he was gonna get one.

She stood up slowly, her hand swiping the snowy residue from her chilled skin. Her eyes burned with annoyance. Luffy was too busy rolling in the snow laughing his ass off to notice her change in mood. Tani quietly scooped a handful of snowballs into her hands, holding them behind her back. She waltzed over in a nonchalant fashion, a sickly sweet smile on her face. Luffy looked up at her with a successful grin... He doesn't suspect a thing.

Tani got in a little closer.

Usopp saw the snow behind her back and started laughing harder, not saying a word to the captain.

Almost there.

Luffy never saw it coming.

Now!

She pulled her arsenal of snowballs from behind her back and slammed them all into Luffy. Knocking the boy back onto the ground in a blanket of snow. She turned away with a maniacal laugh... Only for Luffy to throw another snowball at the back of her head with such force that she fell face first into the snow.

Oh it's on!

Tani grabbed fists full of snow and piffed them at the rubber man, who avoided her attempts to hit him again. This lead to an all out war between the girl, the captain and the sniper. Usopp never missed a shot, he was probably the winner of the snowball fight. That didn't really matter because the three were giggling and enjoying themselves for hours. This was probably the first time that Tani had ever not been bothered by the cold.

Dinner was pretty... Empty without Nami around, it just felt wrong. Her smile, her yelling when Luffy stole her food, her laugh at all the crews shenanigans. Everyone in the room seemed down. Even Luffy couldn't muster up the energy to steal as much food as he normally did. The atmosphere set Tani off, the girl slammed her hands on the table and stood up loudly. A bit over dramatic but Tani didn't care.

"This is just wrong... Nami is all alone in the girls cabin," Tani said solemnly. Lifting her eyes to look at everyone in the room, the boys looked pretty bummed out. Even Zoro seemed off, and that guy had the emotional range of a G.I Joe action figure. Vivi looked just as sad as she had all day. Tani perked up as a thought bubbled in her brain. "Why don't we all go and keep her company tonight?" she suggested with a grin. Everyone seemed to brighten at the thought. Guess it's a sleepover then.

...

Soft snoring filled Nami's clogged ears, her senses barely returning to her as she lifted her heavy head to stare at the room.

It was dark, with the only light coming from the moons light from outside. Her eyes barely focused but she found herself staring at her crew mates. Well most of them, since Sanji was missing, probably on watch. She smiled softly at the sight around her.

Zoro was resting on the beam in the middle of the room, his swords held in his arms as he sleeps silently. Usopp snored in the carpet beside Zoro's feet, splayed out like a starfish, his hair clouding around his head.

Tani's bed was occupied, the girls chest rising and falling with every even breath, a stark difference from the restless nights she suffered from when she first boarded the Merry. Half on top of her was Luffy, with his lower half falling off the bed. He also snored rather loudly, and his hat was placed on top of Tani's cap.

Vivi was sleeping at the foot of Nami's bed, her eyes dark with bags. She must have stayed up as long as she could. Nami felt her heart swell.

Her eyes landed on a crudely folded piece of paper on her bedside table. A messy drawing that looked like Luffy's handiwork was on the cover. It looked like an orange octopus with six deformed limbs and blue stripes... Was that meant to be her? She giggled softly at the picture, looking at Luffy with warmth.

Nami opened the card and found an array of get well messages, all in different styles of handwriting. Along with a picture that was clearly drawn by Usopp that caught her likeness much better. She couldn't stop smiling, her cheeks hurt so much from all the joy she felt when rereading the sweet messages from her loving crew.

She couldn't have asked for a better bunch of mismatched nakama.

...

"Land ahoy!" Tani cheered from the crows nest, waving her arms to grab everyone's attention. Every able-bodied crew member ran to the front of the boat and looked at the massive mountain in the centre of the island. "Let's get that doctor!" Tani said excitedly.

The boat made its way inward to dock. Sanji went into the cabin to grab and escort Nami, because he didn't trust Luffy to do it since he's as reckless as a bull in a china store. The boat slowly sailed inland, the shadows of trees being obscured by the snowy wind... Wait a sec? The trees are moving? The small shadowy blobs coloured and revealed themselves to be people... People with guns.

"Leave!" a man shouted, his gun pointed towards the crew of the ship. A couple dozen men surrounded the banks of the lake, all of them aiming for those aboard the ship. Luffy held his shoulder but didn't move to attack just yet. Vivi stood beside Luffy with a concerned look in her eyes. "Get out of our country you filthy pirates!" another man demanded.

Luffy seemed to be growing visibly upset with their demands. His face looking so threatening that a man panicked and fired towards the captain. Vivi pushed Luffy out of the way, the bullet grazing her shoulder. A small patch of blood stained her clothes, her hand holding the stinging wound. Usopp and Tani dropped to her side, Luffy looked angry now.

"What the hell?! You dare hurt my nakama! You'll pay for this" Luffy growled fiercely, raising his fists and preparing to jump up and throttle the nervous men. Even Tani felt a shiver down her spine. Vivi winced but glared at the captain.

"Luffy stop!" Vivi commanded, Luffy halted and stared at her. "You call yourself a leader? What leader resorts to violence?" she sounded saddened. Luffy's face dropped, his malicious demeanour shifting to that of worry. Vivi turned back to the crowd of people, bowing to the ground.

"Please, help us. Our navigator is very ill, sh-she... She could die," Vivi's voice shook with concern and desperation. Luffy looked at the people and bowed his upper body.

"Please, save my nakama," he asked simply, his voice sounded hurt. A mix of the situation being stressful and Vivi's comment striking a cord. Tani turned to Usopp who looked concerned.

"Wait," a deep, stoic voice called to the crowd. A large man in green armour called to the people, who all backed away to let him pass. "How can we trust you? Mere moments ago you threatened the people of this land. How do we know you won't just rampage our homes?" the man asked. Luffy tensed, scrunching up his face before lifting his head and staring deeply into the man's eyes.

"Please, she needs help... Nami needs help," he pleaded. Tani had never seen him in such a state of distress. It was unnerving to say the least. Sanji walked onto deck with Nami piggy backing on him. The green armoured man turned to look at her and his eyes softened.

"Let them through," he said to the people, who all backed down. Some even offering to help them transport the sick navigator. Zoro stayed behind to guard the ship with Carue, the rest of the crew followed the armed men.

The trip to Bighorn (the town) was silent. Luffy was lost in thought, his face looking like a blank canvas. Tani bumped her shoulder against his and shot him a soft smile. He looked up at her, his blank face lightened slightly. Tani bumped into him again, Luffy's eyes flashed playfully. His shoulder bumped into hers, like a friendly game to lighten the mood.

"Something bothering you Luffy?" Tani asked. Her voice quiet so nobody else could hear them. "You seem down," she informed. Luffy looked conflicted with answering.

"Vivi said I'm not a good leader," he huffed. "I'm not a bad captain, my nakama are alive and I keep them safe," he said. Tani sighed.

"There's more to being a leader than keeping your people safe," She advised. Luffy blinked at that, "To be a good leader, you need to be able to handle any situation thrown at you. You also need to be thinking about how your methods will affect the rest of your people." she continued.

"There was this guy back home from this place called Germany. Now he was a leader that used only violence to get his way. He ended up causing the whole world to go to war. Many people died, because he chose to use violence when violence wasn't the answer that time." Tani told, that's a very simple way of explaining WWII but it got the job done. Luffy nodded in understanding. "Violence can be the answer sometimes though. Like with Don Krieg, or the Mr 3 guy," Tani explained. Which Luffy perked up at.

"So I'm not a bad captain?" he asked. Tani shook her head.

"Of course not, you just need some more experience." she smiled, "The crew will help you. A good leader knows when to lean on their nakama's shoulders." she said softly. Only to have her attention drawn towards Dalton. The kind man in green armour.

"We should be arriving shortly," Dalton informed the straw hat crew. The tension seemed to ease up as the bright lights glittered in the distance. It looked like Christmas, Tani thought to herself with a childish smile. Does this world celebrate Christmas?

Luffy glanced at the girls awestruck face and found himself feeling warmer, his stomach did some weird flips... Maybe he was hungry.

The crew tumbled into a small hut. A man who wasn't a doctor but still had some kind of medical training looked over Nami's condition and looked defeated.

"It looks like she's going to need a professional, but Dr Kureha isn't down from the mountain at the moment," he stated. The crew looked among each other. Why couldn't some regular doctor look at her?

"What about your local doctor? Or a doctor in a town nearby?" Tani voiced her thoughts. Dalton shook his head.

"This land hasn't had any doctors since the rule of Wapol. Who banished all but 20 of the best doctors, and appointed them to work exclusively for him," Dalton explained.

Of course! The closest island doesn't have doctors except the one on the giant ass mountain! What kind of unlucky hex had been placed on this crew?

"Wait did you say Wapol?" Sanji asked. All eyes on him, "Wasn't that the guy who attacked us?" he questioned. Luffy snickered.

"Oh I threw that guy into the ocean," he said, his words more ominous that he probably intended. Dalton wanted to say something but Usopp beat him to the punch.

"Anyway," Usopp interrupted, "You're saying that the only doctor around is the one on the top of the mountain?" the sniper asked, Dalton nodded in confirmation. Everyone's faces dropped... Everyone except Luffy.

"Let's just climb the mountain," he stated like it was the most reasonable plan on earth. Everyone stared at him with blank expressions. Usopp being the first to vocalise his opinion.

"Are you crazy?! How are you meant to climb a mountain? Let alone bring Nami who is so sick she can barely keep her eyes open!" Usopp stressed, trying to reason with his crazy captain.

"The mountain is also inhabited by Lapahn's. They're very dangerous creatures who are extremely territorial. It wouldn't be wise to make such a journey," Dalton stated. Luffy clenched his fists.

"What else can we do? We don't know when the doctor will next show up. So we should go to the doctor," Luffy reasoned. He had a point, and if anyone could do it. It would be Luffy.

"Lu-ffy..." Nami's weak voice interrupted. All eyes were on her. "Let's... Let's do it," she smiled, Luffy grinned from ear to ear and held out a hand to high five the navigator, with a clap of the hands, the deal was sealed. Usopp found his jaw hitting the floor.

"You guys are insane! Nami I expected better from you," Usopp teased. Nami huffed softly with humour, before closing her eyes again.

"I'm coming with you," Sanji declared, making his way to Nami. "I can't trust you to hold her delicately," Sanji pulled Nami onto his back, the girl limply laid on him while Usopp went to tie a rope around the pair to prevent Nami from slipping off Sanji's back.

"I'm coming too, you guys are going to need all the help you can get if you wanna make it to that mountain in one piece," Tani decided with little thought, Luffy smiled at her and nodded.

"Usopp and I can stay here and wait for you guys to come back," Vivi said, Usopp let out a sigh of relief. Luffy nodded in confirmation, walking to the door. Tani quickly pulled off her earmuffs and shoved them into Nami's head. She needed them more than the tracker did anyway.

"Let's go find that doctor!" Luffy commanded, Sanji and Tani nodded and followed behind Luffy who was leading the way. The chill of the winter air nipping at the four travellers on a mission to save their nakama.

...

"It's so cold..." Tani grumbled, trudging her legs through the knee deep snow. How the hell Luffy was running around in jorts! She would never know. "If I see that Wapol guy again, I'm going to shove his face into the snow and drown him..." Tani declared into her thick scarf. Luffy laughed, wrapping his warm arm around her shoulder. Tani melted at the touch, he was so warm!

"Hurry up Luffy," Sanji snapped at the captain, his face shifted into a more pleasant one when addressing Tani. "If you're so cold why not embrace me?" he offered, Tani appreciated the offer.

"You should focus on Nami's warmth, I'd just be stealing it," she replied, Sanji looked back at the napping Nami on his back and shifted her into a more comfortable position. Tani turned back to Luffy and slung an arm around his shoulders.

The white of the snow shifted a little from a mound within Tani's sight. A large rabbit with babyish features poked it head out and stared at them. It's teeth bare and snarling with squeaks. Was that one of the Lapahn things?

The rabbit shot forward, attempting to snatch at the groups limbs. Tani would feel bad if she hit a baby, plus the other two didn't seem bothered by the creatures constant attacks at their feet and arms.

The baby Lapahn? charged at them for a solid 30 minutes before Luffy got feed up and punched it into the distance when it almost knocked Tani over for the eleventh time. Tani felt a wave of panic hit her, didn't Dalton mention they were dangerous creatures? He didn't give a description of the beasts but it was probably a good idea to keep an eye on the area. Hopefully that little guy wasn't actually a Lapahn...

"What's wrong? You still cold?" Luffy asked. Tani looked at the questioning boy and gave him a reassuring look.

"Well yeah, but I'll live," she assured, Luffy nodded and turned back to walking up the mountain base. Tani kept her eyes on the surrounding area. It felt like the snow had eyes, like they were being watched for every step they made. Did that snow just move or was she imagining things? Maybe she should voice her concerns? With a shaky breath she opened her mouth-

A white blur swiped at the dark skinned girls face, her body jerked backwards. The white furry paw clipped the tip of her long fringe, which flew backwards with her. Luffy turned back to look at her, watching in surprise at the large form of a rabbit that loomed over Tani's downed self. The winded girl remained stuck in the snow. If he didn't act now, she would probably die.

"Gum gum pistol!" he launched a punch at the beast, sending it into the gathering pack of rabbit monsters. He ran towards Tani and hauled her up, the dizzy girl looked around in a daze before her brain registered what just happened. Luffy was launching shot after shot, pistols and getting guns towards the massive beasts that surrounded them. Sanji was a shirt distance away, dodging every attack sent his way. Carefully not moving the sickly Nami on his back. He wasn't going to last long like that.

Tani grabbed Luffy by the collar of his jacket and dragged him away from the fight to catch up with Sanji before he was too overwhelmed.

Sanji jumped and dodged as much as he could, not letting a single blow hit Nami nor himself. Luffy sent his fists flying at the creatures attacking Sanji, while Tani whipped her yo-yo's at them. The Duo fended off the creatures as best they could. They were extremely durable and managed to tank multiple blows before retreating and letting another one of their pack take over on the front lines. Tani felt her arms start to strain from the force she used behind each toss. She really needed stronger ends to her yo-yo's...

Then the Lapahn's turned to retreat...

Tani was suspicious, they were handling themselves rest well against the small duo... So why did they pull back. For now, Luffy and Tani stayed on either side of Sanji and Nami. Keeping their eyes peeled for any more surprise attacks.

"How's Nami?" Tani asked with a huffed, rubbing at her sore arms. At least she was warming up some more from all the moving.

"She's burning up, I think she cold is getting to her," Sanji said with slight panic in his normally suave tone. Tani felt herself run faster at that. They can't lose Nami to some stupid cold!

Her mind brought up some unpleasant memories, the beeping of a hospital monitor, her mother's raspy breaths, the blinding white and sanitary smell. A cold chill clawed at her back. She didn't want to remember that. Not now! Not ever! Curse the cold and it's stupid making people sick ways!

*Rumble*

"What was that?!" Tani panicked. Luffy looked up and pointed towards the top of the hill they were racing up.

A large number of Lapahn were rallied at the top of the hill. They stood in a line, like a barricade to prevent the group of pirates from passing by. They then proceeded to jump up and down, the impact of their jumps sent shockwaves through the earth below them. The crackly of snow shifting sent Tani's stomach dropping.

*Rumble*

"Shit! The bastards are starting an avalanche!" she screamed, the cigarette in Sanji's mouth dropped as they looked on in horror at the rushing wave of snow racing down the mountain to submerge them.

"What are we gonna do?!" Tani panicked. The snow sliding faster and faster. Luffy bounced to her side, ready to take action.

"There's cover over there!" Sanji pointed out towards a small alcove that would provide shelter from the some. The four of them made a run for that spot. As they approached, it appeared that the spot wasn't going to be big enough for all of them. It would probably only fit two people safely. Sanji cussed under his breath.

"Look there's a big tree," Luffy shouted to Tani. He must have noticed the size of the alcove. "Tani let's go!" he grinned. Telling Sanji all he needed to know, he bolted towards the safe spot with Nami in tow.

Luffy looped his arm around Tani's waist, while the other grabbed the tree top. He launched himself with Tani in his arm into the tree. Tani screamed rather pathetically, still not a fan of heights at all.

Luffy's hold of her didn't loosen when they landed atop the tree, her arms found themselves wrapped around his neck so she didn't fall. A small whimper of fear left her throat as she looked down at the rushing snow the approached the tree.

"I don't think this tree is gonna hold-" Tani choked out, cutting her sentence short when the snow collided hard with the tree trunk.

The tree jerked forward, turning onto its side and sliding down the hill like a massive sled. The snow creeping up on the bottom half of the make shift sled. Luffy kept a hold on one of Tani's hands now, the pair having to spread out on the thin trunk to stop themselves from being engulfed in the snowy ocean below. Tani had a really good sense of balance and didn't break a sweat when standing on both feet with her legs planted firm.

Now the issue with a massive tree being your method of transport would have to be lack of turning. So come the forest of trees that the pair was fast approaching, and they had to look on in shared panic (Tani more than Luffy) at the impending doom of the situation.

Luffy looked for any stable trees or rocks that he could use as stable ground for Tani and himself. Tani was silently praying to whatever god was up there that cursed her with this adventure.

"I've got it!" Luffy shouted, his hold on Tani's gloved hand tightened as he ran up the stem of the tree, launching his arm forward and grabbing a rock just out of the snows raging waves.

It was only when Luffy had grabbed the rock, when Tani noticed the pulling on her neck. She turned in shock to find her scarf had caught on a stray branch.

Shit!

Luffy launched himself forwards before the tracker could correct the issue. Her neck caught on the choking of the scarf while her hand slipped from the glove that Luffy held tightly in his grasp. The look of horror in Luffy's eyes when he noticed the lack of Tani in his hold was something that would haunt her for however long she would live.

The tree continued to sail down, now with Tani strapped to it. She was quick to untangle herself from the scarf. Exposing her neck to the harsh cold of the island. Time seemed to slow down. Luffy was half way to the rock, his eyes wide and shaking, his mouth open as he screamed her name. His free arm was already throwing itself towards her in an attempt to save her. An attempt that was all in vain.

Tani reached out to grab it, he was so close she could almost feel the warmth of his fingertips.

Then the tree hit the forest at the base of the hill. Tani's body went fly backwards, her final view being the terror in Luffy's face, the shattered remains of the tree she once called a safe haven? Well barely a safe haven... And the snow that would consume her.

The white prison crushed and smothered her body she couldn't move, she couldn't breath. It was dark and horrifying. She was really going to die like this?

...Oh how she hated the cold...