"I'm thinking of a colour," Tani stated. Leaning against Franky's stomach, her back in an awkward position.

"Is it a warm colour?" Usopp asked, flopped on the ground, his feet under Tani's knees.

"Nope," the girl answered. Franky hummed.

"Is it a super! Shade of blue?" Franky asked. Franky was on his side, the wall to his back. Tani nodded.

"Yes, but which shade of blue?" she grinned. Usopp thought hard, before opening his mouth to speak-

"Shut up!" came the angry voices of every guard in the cart. Tani pouted.

"Is it Franky's hair blue?" Usopp continued, ignoring the warning. Tani nodded.

"First try? How are you so good at this?" she asked. Usopp snickered.

"I'm a master of colour theory, many world famous artists call me often to get my advice." Usopp gloated. Tani grinned brightly, she missed-

"I said shut up!" came an angry man's voice. The kick to Tani's gut knocking the wind from her lungs. She went flying harshly into the small metal table that held a row of three den den mushi. She coughed up a storm while Usopp shrieked her name.

Usopp was kicked just as harshly, being slammed into the door to the next cart, only to be kicked a second time. He landed on Franky with a thunk, smacking painfully into the man's metal plated chest.

"Stupid pirates, can't even listen to basic instructions." the man sneered. Tani let out a shallow breath, her poor ribs... If she gets an arc without abusing that area, she's giving the author $100.

The rain prattled down the windows of the cart, the clouds a dark navy blue. Tani wouldn't be surprised if she'd only see on the red spectrum for the next half an hour... How long until the train arrives at? Where did pigeon jerk say? Whatever, she'll find out in who knows when.

"Oi, Tani-sis?" Franky called with concern. The girl looked at him and gave a weak smile, if she spoke she would cough and that's not very assuring now is it?

*puru puru puru*

A den den purred from above her. A man stood up to answer the little guy, and for good measure... He kicked Tani in the stomach, you know? Like an asshole.

"Hello, cart 6 speaking," the man answered. Tani focused on the other line.

"Do you have the prisoners?" came that cold voice. Tani instantly scowled. The man nodded.

"We do. Any special orders?" the man asked with an air of nervousness. The den den looked stoic, letting out a sigh.

"Keep the girl in perfect condition, her bones are extremely fragile. Vice admiral Delorean needs her as such," he instructed. Tani decided now was the time to be a little brat.

"Stop hitting me! Oof, oh the agony!" she shrieked dramatically. "No! Not the ribs! Anything but the ribs!" she wallowed. Usopp grew a smirk.

"You're hurting her! Oh I already see the blood and bruises. Someone call a doctor! Anyone please! She's dying!" Usopp begged pathetically. The pair having to hold back their grins.

"Save me! Oh someone save me!" she pleaded. The man on the line looked down with terror before turning back to the empty eyes of the den den mushi. All that left was a sigh.

"If I see one bruise on that girl, you will regret it." he said with cold blood, before hanging up. Tani and Usopp burst into laughter.

"The look on your face!" Tani cackled. Her legs kicking back and forth while her body rolled around like a ball. Usopp shook with his whole body as he wheezed with humour. Even Franky joined in, his laugh echoing around the chilling silence of the room.

"Can someone shut these god damn pirates up?!" one of the men shouted. The group continued to laugh. When the man on the den den, moved to kick Usopp again. Tani spoke up.

"You hurt a hair on his head, and I'm gonna smack my head into the floor and bruise the "fragile" skin," she threatened. Man is this what having power felt like? This was hilarious!

The man lowered his leg, his teeth clenched so tight his skull could shatter. The cabin falling into silence... Well it would be silent if it weren't for the commotion that could be heard in the cart behind them.

It was like a rattle? Lots of bangs and even a smashed window at some point. Clearly something was wrong, for the marines that is. Whoever the stowaway was, they packed a powerful punch.

The marines that occupied this cart, we're none the wiser. Clearly too tired and focused on their prisoners, to really pay mind to the very obvious conflict in the cart behind them. Tani decided to just wait it out. Maybe it was-

The door burst open with a flash of orange and black. The clicking of oxford shoes against the worn carpet. Tani's smile grew so wide it hurt.

"Who the hell are-"

A leg shot forward and slammed into his chin, knocking him down with one blow. The group of men jumped to their feet, all advancing, all failing. One by one, the intruder sent them flying. Some hit the windows, others the plush seating, two of them went flying through the roof. Tani couldn't help but whoop with cheer.

"Sanji!" she beamed. The chef turned to where her body laid limp, arms and upper legs tied with ropes. Sanji then noticed Usopp and someone he didn't recognise. Relief overwhelmed his systems, he was happy to see his nakama safe.

"Tani my dearest darling," Sanji said smoothly, striding towards her. "What bastard did this to you?" he questioned, lowering down to untie the ropes that bound her.

"The asshole with a pigeon," she answered. Sanji smiled at her.

"His end will be swift," he said like a ray of sunshine. Sanji then turned to the two other prisoners. "Now what to do with these two," he pondered. Tani dropped her ropes and walked over to Usopp and Franky to get started on untying them.

"What are you even doing on this train? Did you get captured too?" Usopp asked curiously, rolling his shoulders when the ropes dropped.

"I don't need to tell you," Sanji said with a playful air. Tani smacked him lightly on the head.

"Play nice... But for real, why are you on the train?" she asked herself. Sanji walked towards the den den mushi table. Picking up one of them to start a call.

*puru puru puru*

"It's Straw hat business, concerning a certain black avian woman." Sanji replied. Tani opened her eyes wide.

"Robin's here? On the train!" she blurted. Usopp was confused.

"Why would she be here? What's she got to do with CP9?"

*puru puru*

*Cachya*

"Sanji? Is that you?" came Nami's stressed voice. Sanji grinned.

"So you got my message," he spoke smoothly. The den den's eyes narrowed.

"How could I not? It was in bright pink paint, all over the station wall," she groaned. That's Sanji for you. "Anyway, what's going on? Have you found Robin yet?" Nami's voice was full of worry.

"Not yet, but I have found Tani." he replied. Nami sighed with relief.

"Luffy will be happy about that. He's been ranting and raving about her since she went missing," Nami said. Though she sounded just as relieved. "Woah!" she said. Followed by the sound of a crash.

"Nami? What's going on? Are you alright?" Sanji panicked. Nami grabbed the mic again.

"Idiots don't know how to do anything without something violently shaking." the navigator grumbled. "Luffy and Zoro just cut Aqua Lagoona, so our train could pass through." she answered.

"You have a train? I thought Puffing Tom was the only one?" Sanji questioned.

"This one's called Rockeman-"

"Burning out his fuse up here alone," Tani sang to herself. She missed the rest of Nami's statement.

"Oi Nami, who're you talking to?" said a Luffy voice.

"Sanji, he's on the Puffing Tom with Tani an-"

Nami was cut off, the den den paused for a moment, before it's face took on a totally different look.

"TANI'S WITH YOU?!" Came Luffy's voice. His shout vibrating the room. Sanji turned to Tani and held out the mic for Tani to take. She grabbed it and held it to her mouth.

"Alive and... As well as you can be after being kidnapped and kicked three times in the stomach." she said. The face of the den den looked relieved and angry at the same time.

"Where have you been?! You just vanished and we couldn't find you." Luffy asked.

"Well I heard a bell sound and decided to follow it. Lucci almost kidnapped me, but Usopp saved me from that. Then we both got kidnapped by Franky. Then we all got kidnapped by CP9 and..." she paused to catch her breath. "Wow, that's a lot of kidnapping," she chuckled at the end.

"But you're alright?" he asked with worry laced words. Tani softened her smile.

"Yes, I'm just fine. Usopp and Franky are here as well. So I've got people to keep me safe," she assured. Luffy let out a sigh of relief, before his determined and sunny demeanour returned.

"Yosh! Let's go save Robin." Luffy cheered, before the face changed over to someone else.

"Franky-bro!" came a choir of voices, men and women alike all cheering and calling for Franky. He got up from the ground and grabbed the mic.

Tani decided to turn away from that. It was mostly just Franky promising he's alright and that he'll raise hell. That average Straw hat adventure. Tani turned to Sanji.

"So what's happened while I was away?" she asked. Sanji shrugged.

"I've been split from the group since this morning. That's the first time I've gotten into contact since Zoro and Chopper split from me." he answered. "I did get to talk to Robin for a moment. She looked broken..." he said painfully. Tani grabbed both his hands and held them up.

"We're gonna save her," she promised. "Everything will work out just fine." she echoed Oscar's words.

"What now?" Franky asked. Sanji turned to look at the stranger. His soft expression turning darker as he stared at the man who caused a rift in the crew.

Tani could sense the tension and decided it was her job to fix it.

"Let's focus on saving Robin," she said. Franky fist bumped the air.

"Robin-sis? Heard her story, I super! wanna help as much as I can." Franky declared. Tani whooped at that, Sanji couldn't stay mad.

"I can't help..."

All eyes turned to Usopp. Shock drawn over their faces. Sanji was the first to respond.

"How? Robin's been your-"

"She was my nakama, this is Straw hat business. I'm not a straw hat anymore." Usopp said simply. Tani felt her heart drop... That's so...

"Forget it," Sanji sneered. Dragging a chair over to the latched opening in the middle of the cabin roof. "He's right..." he said.

*click*

The latch door creaked open. Sanji was the first to exit, landing on the rain drowned rooftop. Tani decided to check her bag before jumping to the rooftop.

Just her luck! She'd packed her wavers. She slid them on with great speed, before following behind Sanji. Franky helped her lift herself through the opening, Sanji grabbing her arms and pulled her out. The girl gave Usopp a dissapointed expression. Who didn't even flinch under the gaze

Franky jumped through the opening and landed with a super! Pose. Sanji rolled his eyes. Not on board with Franky just yet.

The group stood up there in a pondering silence. Thinking over what to do... Tani was too distracted with Usopp's attitude.

"Oi!" came a man's voice. Spotting a marine man climbing through the latch door. Sanji prepared to attack-

"Metallic star!"

The marine was knocked in the back of the head. His eyes rolling back at the heavy blow to his brain. He dropped back into the cabin bellow.

The group turned to face a masked man, his red cape flowing with the violent wind. In his hand was a large sling shot.

Tani's face lit up.

Usopp was going to help!

"Greetings. My dear friend Usopp, informed me of your plight." he spoke in a deeper voice. His tone far more polite and professional. Disconnected from familial feelings. He'd taken on a whole new persona. "Allow me to introduce myself," he gave a bow.

"I'm the one and only. King of the snipers." he lifted himself back up, only to pull a dramatic pose.

"Sogeking!"

The three of them looked at each other and shrugged. Not really wanting to call Usopp out if he was going to help anyway.

"Welcome to the rescue team, Soggyking," Sanji teased. Clearly grateful for the turn around. Sogeking stomped his foot a couple times in annoyance.

"It's Sogeking! So-ge-king," he corrected. Sanji rolled his eyes playfully, turning back to Tani.

"Stay by me alright? Luffy will kill me if you get stolen again." he grinned. Tani nodded.

"What's the plan?"

...

Tani held onto Franky's shoulders in a messy piggyback. Her feet were too slippery on the carts, and Sanji was busy holding Sogeking in place for him to take the shot at the cart connectors.

The plan was to remove the already confirmed empty carts, and travel via the rooftops. That way they can avoid unneeded conflict. The only downside was Tani's wavers weren't built for slippery surfaces. However if she ended up falling overboard, she could float back up to safety. So a necessary precaution.

"Shot... Fired!" Sogeking called out. The small ball smacking into the bolt joining the carts to the main train. The bolt burst, unclicking and releasing. A group of men, staring a zombie looking man that resembled Julius Caesar. All stared on in horror at the train that left them behind.

"Three carts down. Five to go," Sanji stated.

"Should we split up?" Tani asked. "That way we can cover more cabins faster." she explained. Sanji shook his head.

"We don't know how strong the occupants of the train are. I can't even risk your safety. My conscience won't allow it." Sanji said. Tani rolled her eyes with affection, knowing where he's coming from.

"Well let's start with the cabin we're on," Sogeking suggested. Sanji hopped down to the balcony part, holding his arms out for Franky to drop Tani into.

The room was full of government agents. Which the group took out with no effort. Sanji and Sogeking were surprised at the reveal of Franky's cyborg identity. Sogeking showing great excitement at the information.

Tani felt great! The amount of ease with which she could dispatch these guys? The Tani from a month or so ago would be so impressed. A great pride bubbled in her chest.

"One down, four to go," Tani sang. Practically zipping to the next door. The boys followed her with confidence.

Opening the new door, the theme appeared to be a kitchen. The walls lined with cabinets and cooking equipment. Splash back and tiles adorning the room.

At the centre of it all. Stood a stout man with rat like features, on his feet were a pair of roller skates. He was springy in the step, gliding towards them with a cheeky smile that made Tani feel gross just looking at it.

"Little pesky mice? Nonono that's not good," he wheezed. Voice a pitchy mess that can only be found in prepubescent boys. "Can't let you out of my kitchen." he squeaked.

Sanji looked down right offended by the state of the kitchen, and the attire this man wore was down right inappropriate! The blonde chef was taking this as a personal offense... So much for avoiding unneeded battles.

"Go on ahead, I'll hold this pipsqueak who dares to don the title of chef." Sanji commanded. Tani and Sogeking were hesitant to move, but Franky wasn't. The cyborg scooped the pair up and made a break from the door at the end of the cabin.

The ratty man went to block them, but Sanji jumped to action. His leg slamming into his opponents stomach, he continued to pound into it like mincemeat.

Franky opened the door, the howling of wind growing violent by the minute. The door shut with a slam, the last image Tani saw was Sanji kicking the guy down.

In other words, he would be fine.

Franky jumped onto the roof with little effort. Both Sogeking and Tani still resting on his shoulders.

A loud bang from the roof below them, the metal contorting as blows were dealt beneath it. Oh great! Another enemy.

Franky dropped both his companions, the banging continued.

"Run to the other cabins. I'll hold whoever this is off." he instructed. The pair nodded. Sogeking held out his hand for Tani to hold, which she took and held on tight.

Sogeking took off like a flash, Tani trailing behind as dead weight compared to his speed. They heard the sound of the roof bursting behind them. The enemy was none the wiser that they even existed.

Sogeking continued until they made it to cart one. Why? Because he was too nervous to be around whatever beast was fighting Franky. They were already gonna check this cart anyway so why not just do it now?

The sniper king came to a grinding halt. Tani slammed into his back, knocking him off balance. He toppled over, landing stomach first into the cabins roof. The loud thunk alerting the long occupant.

*ring*

Tani's eyes widened a fraction.

"She's in here," she realised. Turning to stare at the emotionless yellow sun mask that covered Usopp's face. "I can hear her bell." Tani said while pointing at the bell around her neck. "All my friends have them... Actually! I haven't given you one yet." Tani gave a grin. Sogeking shoulders tensed.

"That won't be necessary ma'am," he said politely. Tani insisted, dragging a bell out of her bag and handing it to him.

"You can tie it to your sling shot," she suggested. Sogeking gave a huffed laugh.

"Of course, I'll cherish our friendship forever." he said with a bow. Tani faced him a playful punch to the shoulder.

"Let's save Robin."

...

Well this isn't a situation that Tani ever expected to be in.

Laying under the bench seating of a train cabin, while her partner was pretending to be the arms of the woman they seeked to rescue... Yeah that's going in the books for top 10 weirdest situations.

"Can't you see I'm busy minding my own business," Robin said coldly. Her voice a tone that sounded dreadful. "I haven't made any escape attempts. Just like CP9 requested." she stated. Usopp's arms crossing over her chest.

The guard gave a firm nod, Tani looked at his shoes and felt the temptation to tie his laces together... But then he'd just trip over and see her there.

"Then I'll take my leave." the man said firmly. Turning on his heel and walking out the door to the second cart. The door shutting with a click. Tani deflated like a balloon, the tension leaving her body as she wriggled herself out from under the bench.

"You need to leave now," Robin said with little emotion in her voice. Like she'd never met these two before. Tani just grinned at her.

"No way, you're coming with us." Tani said, grabbing Robins hands and pulling her off the chair. The woman looked away from the bright, hopeful pools of green that filled Tani's eyes.

"I can't..." Robin refused. Pulling her hand away. The light from Tani's eyes dulled, it hurt Robins heart... It was for her own good... For all of their good. "I can't go back with you all... Just forget about me," she said with a hollow tone.

"We're not abandoning you." Tani declared. Sogeking tugged at Tani's arm.

"Someone's coming." he said with urgency. Tani ignored him.

"Is this about what ice guy said? About you destroying everything you touch?" she asked. Robin reminded silent. "Because that sounds like a load of poppycock if you ask me." Tani spat.

"Tani-"

"We've been looking for you since you vanished." Tani continued. "Because you're a Straw hat pirate,"

"Tani-"

"You're our nakama!"

"TANI!"

"What?" she turned to face Sogeking. Who was pointing towards the now open door... Her eyes wide with horror as she stared at the imposing figure of-

"How annoying," Lucci sighed. Leaning against the doorway.

"Leave them out of this," Robin said. "I was just asking them to leave." she said with a bite to her words. Lucci took a silent step forward. Tani and Sogeking taking steps back.

"Special orders. The girl's coming with us." he declared. Robin's eyes widened with horror.

"That wasn't part of the deal!" she down right roared. Standing in front of the younger pair with a glare at the man before her. "The deal was, I come quietly, and you let my crew go." she informed. Tani and Sogeking held their breaths.

She was sacrificing herself.

"Higher orders declare that the girl, is far too dangerous to the government, to be left to her own devices." Lucci said with a bored expression.

Sogeking spotted Robin's hands being held out under her cloak. Her fingers motioning for him to hand her something... Right!

He dropped a couple of compact smoke bombs in her hand. Which she curled her fingers around. Sogeking grabbed Tani by the arm.

"Then the deals not being fulfilled." Robin growled.

The woman threw her hands up and slammed the smoke bombs to the ground. The room filled with a misty smoke. Sogeking wasted no time throwing Tani out of the room. He climbed out himself, and held his hand out for Robin to grab. She smiled sweetly at him.

"Derashishishi~"

She slammed the window closed.

"ROBIN!" Sogeking screamed, but she faded into the misty room. Tani felt herself tearing up.

"We-we have to move!" Sogeking stated. He could already sense that Lucci was approaching. Tani nodded, wiping the tears from her eyes. She pointed at her back.

"Get on!" she demanded. Sogeking climbed onto her back, her foot slipped a little. She clicked her heels.

Just as she went speeding over the gap between cart one and two, Lucci clawed his way onto the roof. Staring at the pair as they disappeared. The beginnings of a smirk bloomed onto his face. This was fun.

Tani spots Sanji and Franky standing on cabin three. She let's out a scream.

"Cut the cables to cart two!" she begged. Sanji jumped to action, the sound of a distressed woman being enough to spur him on. Franky held onto Sanji with his right arm, using it as a safety rope. Sanji jumped over the edge and slammed his foot down on the connectors. Slicing them in two.

Tani watched as the third cart pulled away. Feta building up in her gut as the gap between them widened.

"You can do this Tani," Sogeking whispered to her. She took a shaking breath.

Taking the leap of faith, she soars.

The world slows down, water coating her face as she holds back her fearful sobs. Robin was still on that train... She was still in the hands of the enemy.

She'd almost made it!

Tani's foot was caught. The force of which, jerked her backwards. Sogeking flipped over her, his back landing on the top of cabin three. Tani turned to face the horror of her predicament.

Lucci held her by the ankle, he himself was floating effortlessly in the sky with that annoying, bored expression. Though a shimmer of amusement at the girls failure seemed to rouse some form of emotion. Tani kicked and shouted. Her voice blocking out the sounds of her companions.

"Let her go!" Sogeking demanded loading something into his slingshot. Lucci simply ignored him and jumped back towards the second cart. His feet bouncing on the air like a stone skipping water.

A loud snapping sound rang out. Two long strips flying towards the runaway cabins. Tani stated at the busty woman from earlier as she held the three cabins and dragged them back towards the moving train.

The horn and square nose guys both hopped across. The gap, using the same sky hopping move that Lucci was. Flipping onto the roof top to face the three intruders.

"Bring Cutty Flam alive. The other two are worthless." Lucci instructed. Tani had to watch as the two of them started attacking. Keeping up with all of their movements, hitting harder, dodging better.

It was like watching a slaughter.

At some point, bull guy had slammed Sanji's body into the weak, metal roof. Smashing through it, their bodies disappearing through the tear.

Tani continued to flail, contorting herself to angle her mouth towards his wrist. If she could just bite it, the shock would be enough to-

"If you attempt what you're doing, I will break all of your teeth." he said smoothly. Landing gracefully on cart two. "Once Blueno and Kaku are back, let go of the carriages." he spoke to the woman. Who nodded, tightening her grip on the carts.

Lucci tossed Tani into a shoulder hold. Her arms and legs kicking at him while he walked straight through the long walkway towards Robin's location.

"You're gonna regret this, you stupid pigeon jerk!" Tani roared. Lucci stepped over the knocked out form of Nero... Maybe he was dead. Honestly he didn't care. The man wasn't worthy of the CP9 name.

The pair reached the first cabin. Lucci tossed Tani inside, before the girl could recover. He slammed the door shut and a click was heard. Tani jumped to her feet and checked the door.

Yep! It was locked.

She slammed banged against it with her fists. The panic was starting to rise. This guy was a Luffy level villain, there was no way she would be able to escape without the Straw hats.

What if she was dead by the time they showed up?

No... Wait... No Oscar said everything would work out?

Yeah but that was in the original time line! Not this one that she could have royally messed up!

Oscar knows what they're talking about! Don't doubt them stupid brain.

"Tani?" came a weak voice. Tani turned to face a very tired looking Robin. Her hands being cuffed with that seastone stuff. Tani ran towards her.

"Robin," she sobbed, sliding to the ground and hugging Robin tightly. The woman leaned into the embrace.

"I'm sorry," Robin said with a quiet tone. Her voice shaking, as if on the brink of tears but not quite there. Tani clutched tighter.

"Don't apologise for something you haven't done. This is all that stupid pigeons fault." Tani huffed. Robin laughed pathetically.

"But now you're caught... The government is cruel to to those who pose a threat..." she said in a faraway tone. Her mind drifting elsewhere.

"Luffy will save us," Tani said with confidence. Robin looked up with a humoured grin.

"This isn't a simple game. Not like last time," she said. Tani shook her head.

"Everything is a game for Luffy. He won't stop at anything to win his crew back," she smiled. Despite feeling nothing but fear and anxiety over this situation. "He can't be the pirate king without everyone there... And you're a part of that," Tani reminded.

Robin burst into her funny laugh. A mixture of pure anguish, bliss, hurt and hope fuelled the sound.

"Your faith is inspiring," Robin beamed. "But someone like me... Doesn't deserve to exist," she said pitifully. Tani gave her a deadpan look.

"Are... Are you a moron?" she asked bluntly. Robin laughed.

"You wouldn't understand. You've lived a life of peace... I've never known such a feeling,"

"What about when you joined the crew? Seemed to have an awful lot of fun then."

Robin paused...

"We love you, just like you love us. We can't do this without you." Tani reassured.

"I-"

A door opened up, the green one that the horn guy makes. On the other side, Tani spotted two bodies bleeding out. She stood up to rush the door, but the space was filled with a large torso and flamboyant colours.

Franky landed with a crash into the cabin, while the door man closed the entrance before anyone had the chance to make a run for it.

There goes another escape route...

"Ow! That was so not super." Franky grumbled. Looking up at his new environment, his gaze softening at the sight of the two women. "Tani-sis... You're Robin, right?" he asked. Robin nodded.

"Oh, Robin." Tani stood up, holding her arms up to present the cyborg. "This is Franky. Hes-" she paused to throw her arms up in a dramatic pose, "A super! Friend," she declared. Franky gave the widest grin a man who just got caught could give.

"Ow! That's me! It's super! Nice to meet you Robin-sis," he stated. Robin gave them a warm smile. They were both adorable.

"Hey Franky," Tani prompted. The cyborg looked at her. "Why does the government want you anyway?" she asked curiously. They've got the time, might as well spend it discussing their crimes against humanity.

"I have these super dangerous blueprints for a weapon," he responded. Tani's eyes widened. "It's a boat that has enough power to destroy islands." he said with a serious tone. Tani nodded.

"Yeah... Yeah I can see why they'd wanna capture you... Hey Robin-"

"I'm the only one capable of deciphering the language of the blue prints. As well as the poneglyphs that detail of the void century."

"What's the void century?"

"It's unknown. The details have been wiped from our history... My dream is..." she paused, "Was... To discover it again." she said with a weak sparkle in her eye. Tani pondered for a bit.

"My world kinda has something like that." she replied. Franky was thrown for a loop at the odd wording. "We call it the dark ages. Because all the records for it were lost... I think it lasted 1000 years? I'm not sure. Never paid much attention in history." she shrugged.

Robin looked fascinated. Tani had a whole new world, rich with history and cultures that this one didn't. If only...

If only she could live to explore it.

"Tani-sis?" Franky asked with a confused tone.

"What's up?"

"What do you mean, "My world"? Are you and alien or something?" he asked.

"Kinda? I'm from another dimension. A world without pirates." she explained. Franky looked awestruck.

"That's super! Cool," he said simply. Such an easy person to please!

"Franky," Robin summoned. The man turned to look at the woman. "Do you have the blue prints? For the weapon with you?" she asked curiously.

Franky looked around with suspicion. Not at the women, but in case those CP9 bastards were spying.

When the coast was clear. He opened his torso up-

"THATS SO COOL!" Tani cheered. Franky enjoyed the excitement Tani brought. He typed in a code to the side of his cavity, a four digit code. The safe popped open and out flopped a massive stack of aged papers. Tani and Robin shuffled forward.

"Tani, could you be a dear and hold the pages for me?" Robin said with a glow to her features. A life in her that was missing only moments ago.

The page was full of strange rune like symbols that danced along the page. Labelling parts, instructing other things, the only thing Tani could make out was the picture of the boat itself.

The shape was nothing short of a war machine, more advanced than anything she'd ever witnessed in real life. That's saying something, her country was the most advanced in warfare technology... Not something to be proud of, but that's life.

"Hmm," Robin muttered to herself. Lifting her gaze from the page in her Tani's hand. "This is truly a horrifying weapon. Should it fell into the government's hands. We'd surely meet a gruesome demise." she said with a pleasant smile. Franky barked a laugh.

"That's super! Creepy." he grinned. Robin smiled wider, turning back to the papers while Tani turned the page.

The three of them sat there together in a comfortable silence. Robin read through the pages, documenting every little detail into her memory. Franky would keep an eye out for the CP9 creeps, and Tani could simply turn the pages and look in awe at the pictures.

Once hitting the final page, Robin sighed with content.

"You may take it back now, Franky." she said. The cyborg did as she told, grabbing the blueprints and storing them safely in himself. "I've learned so much." Robin couldn't help but shine.

"It looks scary," Tani commented. "So many different sketches for big canons and other stuff," she sighed. "I can see why the government wants it." Franky rubbed her back comfortingly.

The room fell back into silence. Tani grabbing out her Walkman to distract herself. Franky looked at it with interest.

"Yo! What's that?" he asked. Pointing at the small rectangle. Tani looked up at him with great pride.

"Feast your eyes on one of earth's greatest creations," she held it up in the air. "The mighty Walkman!" she announced. Franky wanted a better look.

"It plays music, I have a cassette tape. That's this thing right here." she pointed at the item. "And let's you listen to all the songs on it." Franky held his hand out for a closer look. Tani held it away from his massive hands.

"Franky, I'm sure your hands are very intimidating. That item holds great value to Tani, she never goes anywhere without it." Robin clarified. Franky gave a wave of the hand.

"Ow, my bad Tani-sis." he apologised. Tani waved it off. She decided to embrace the interest, taking the headphones out of the port and playing the music out loud. Might as well go the empty room with something pleasant.

...

"And then, the boy rides his bike, with the alien in the basket-"

The train came to a grinding halt. The windows showing none of the dreadful storm clouds. Just a sunny skies and a dread-fuelled tension. Tani shoved everything back onto her bag, leaving her wavers on.

The door clicked open. Lucci and the other members of CP9 flooded inside. Chains dangling from their hands. It didn't take long for them to tie the three of them up.

The trio were escorted off the train, the island was-

"WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM, GOD?!" Tani shouted. Earning an array of concerned looks.

Of course this island was a sky island! Of course it floated over an abyss to hell! Of course they had to bring her here after she begged! Begged! For an island underwater. Thanks a lot God! You're a sick lad.

"Is... Is she alright?" square nose asked with genuine curiosity. Tani just deadpan stared at him, he felt a chill up his spine from the shear hatred in her eyes.

"This island is on my hit list of islands I would like to see destroyed... And it's not because I'm about to be imprisoned for the rest of my mortal years." she answered with venom dripped words. Kaku decided he was going to step away from her.

The walk through the plaza was boring. There was no life here, just a bunch of empty ruins that could have been homes in another life.

It was the tower and draw bridge that really caught her eyes. This was some Disney princess in peril kind of stuff. All she needed was a Prince Charming to whisk her away, and live happily ever after.

As they crossed the bridge, Lucci pulled out a den den mushi with a weird leather binding over the face.

The thing rang for only a moment before an annoying voice called out.

"Lucci? Is that you?"

"Spandam, we have Nico Robin, Cutty Flam and Tanisha Lowe in custody. Heading your way now," Lucci informed briefly. The man on the other side clapped happily.

"Excellent work! Hurry up! I wanna see their pathetic little faces." the den den grinned with a masochistic intent.

Lucci only hummed before hanging up. Leading the trio up, up, up the spiralling stairs. Only the tapping of shoes and heels could be heard echoing back in this palace of death. Franky seemed to fidget in places, while Robin kept her head down with shame.

The walking stopped before a door. Lucci stopped them from following in, CP9 walked into the room. Leaving the prisoners behind.

Franky let out an angry growl.

"That bastard is in there..." he hissed. Tani looked up.

"Who?" she asked.

"The monster who murdered Tom..." he replied with burning words.

Oh.

Franky had mentioned on the train ride there, that Tom was his and Iceberg's mentor. A father figure to top all fathers. The man even made the Puffing Tom, as well as the late pirate kings boat. He sounded like a wonderful man.

He was sentenced to execution, because of the man in that room.

Tani bumped her shoulder into Franky's arm, giving him a supportive smile.

"You should bite him," she suggested as a joke. Franky gave a bark of a laugh.

"I think you're on to something Tani-sis," he smirked. Robin couldn't help but gaze fondly at these two. How she wished, all her life for moments like this.

She wouldn't ever get them... Not after this.

"Bring the prisoners in," the annoying voice from the den den called out.

The doors opened to reveal a room full of men (and one woman) in the slick black uniforms. At the centre was a hideous man with a leather mask, puffy purple hair, and a fantasy style outfit that clashed with the stylish unity of CP9.

He wandered over with the biggest shit eating grin. Spitting insults, at Franky and Robin. Though he didn't say anything to Tani so that was nice-

"Is this pipsqueak really one of those bell things? She's so pathetic I can't even look at her,"

She spoke too soon... She hated this guy.

He stood in front of them. Nothing but satisfaction on his expression.

"Cutty-"

Franky unhinged his jaw and bit down on Spandam's stupid head.

The room erupted in laughter, even CP9 was cackling. Spandam calling out commands for someone to get Franky off him.

Lucci did so.

Slamming Franky into the wall behind them. All laughter died down after the attack.

"You and that Iceberg pest, have been nothing but pains in the ass." Spandam complained. Stalking towards Franky with hatred. "Ever since that disgusting Fishman Tom, Iceberg gained power, allied himself with the government. To the point that we couldn't touch him." he said with distaste.

"Spandam?" Blueno said. The man looked at the bull man, "The receiver on your den den mushi... It's not connected." he pointed out.

"Well fix it! I'm having a moment right now," Spandam said dismissively.

"Iceberg's position made him untouchable... That is until that demon child walked appeared." he said, pointing at Robin. Who hunched her back at the scrutiny. "Setting up an assassination was smooth sailing from here-"

"Help! He's taking out every unit thrown his way! He's a one man army!" a distressed voice screamed from the den den that Blueno had just reconnected.

Tani laughed.

Spandam turned to the humoured girl, anger boiling under his skin. He stalked towards the girl and slapped her on the cheek, it didn't really hurt. So she continued to laugh.

"Blueno! Deal with the issue now!" Spandam commanded. The man nodded and spawned a door, disappearing into it.

"Why are you laughing you pathetic excuse of an-"

"Luffy's here," she announced. "You're all screwed now," she grinned.

"Luffy? Who the hell is that?!" Spandam exclaimed. Tani just laughed more.

"Your worst nightmare," she answered sweetly.

Robin and Franky exchanged looks. Tani continued to smile in the face of danger.

"He can't be pirate king without everyone on his crew," she stated factually. Turning to stare at Robin.

"Everyone,"