Sanji's sleep schedule normally ran from 12am to about 5am. Being the crew's only chef, he had to wake up early to prepare the meals for the day ahead. That being said...

"Luffy, you sneaky little shit!" Sanji stormed into his kitchen at 3am, with a scowl. This was the third time this week that the bastard had stolen food from the pantry. Looking into the kitchen, his face dropped from angry to that of concern. "Tani? Oh my darling, what happened to you?" Oh what happened indeed.

Five minutes ago, upon entering the pitch black kitchen. Tani made her way over to the shelf that Sanji keeps his pots and pans, while Luffy had wandered into the pantry to find something to eat. Luffy, unaware of the trap Sanji had laid for him, set off the comically large mouse trap. His shriek of surprise caused Tani to jump and smack her head on the shelf. Stumbling back with muttered curses on her tongue, she failed to notice the pot that her head had knocked off balance. The pot fell of the shelf, landing smack-bang over Tani's head. Knocking her to the ground, her hands flew up to grab the pots' handles, attempting to tug it off her head.

Sanji ran to Tani's aid, sliding the pot off her head with ease. The girl inhaled deeply, only to burst into laughter as the shock wore away from her system. 

"W-w-we were just grabbing something to eat." She snickered. Standing from the ground, Tani wandered over to Luffy. She'd never seen a real mouse trap, unless movies count. Either way, she didn't know how to get this thing off Luffy's neck and arms. Sanji stood back and observed.

"If you were hungry, you should have woken me up." Sanji threw into the air. "I'd be more than happy to make something for you, my dear." Tani looked up from the metal bar that held Luffy down to give Sanji a smile.

"Nah, I was just gonna whip up something quick." She huffed. Looking over the contraption, she might have found the sweet spot to unlatch the trap.

"Well, now that I'm awake," The blonde sighed happily. Side stepping around the pair with ease. "I'll get started on some pancakes." Luffy started to drool at the mention of pancakes. Sanji pranced his way around the pantry, collecting everything he needed for the simple dish. 

"Alright Luffy, on three I'll pull this open enough for you to escape. Ready?" Tani braced herself for the strain. Luffy nodded. 

"One... Two... Three!" Tani pulled the trap up as hard as she could. Luffy launched himself out of the mouse trap like an elastic band. Smacking into the wall across the room. A wall which had a set of shelves, that housed Sanji's many pots and pans. A small pot popped itself over Luffy's head, each attempt to pull it off resulted in his neck stretching with the tug. Tani dropped to the ground, almost pissing herself with laughter. Sanji huffed a laugh under his breath, keeping his eyes on the pancake batter.

While he left the batter to rest, Sanji got to work on making a fruit syrup and whipped cream to decorate the treats. Tani had a love for fresh fruity flavours, and Luffy would eat just about anything presented to him on a plate. In the background, he could hear Tani's laughter as she desperately tried to removed the pot from their captain's head. 

Moving to the pancakes now that he'd whipped the cream, and prepared the syrup. Each pancake puffed up to perfection, though the first couple of attempts were a bit wonky, Luffy can have those ones. Next he plated them, decorating them with a swirl of cream dolloped on top, syrup drizzled evenly among the planes of the creamy top. Lastly, Sanji placed cut pieces of fruit on top. Cutting strawberries into cute little heart shapes for Tani's plate, Luffy got whatever was left. Not that he cared about presentation for the 0.5 seconds that the food is on his plate.

Sanji placed the final strawberry on Tani's pancakes, when he heard a loud pop, followed by someone slamming into a wall. Hopefully it wasn't-

"Oww..." Tani groaned with humour in her voice. Sanji chanced a glance at her. Finding the metal pot, void of Luffy's head, resting in her lap. A dazzling smile that the chef hadn't seen on her face all day, graced her cheeks. Lighting up the room with her beauty. 

"Oi, Sanji," Luffy gave Sanji no time to react before he snatched the plate of pancakes that Sanji had just finished preparing, from his hands. "Thanks for the food!" Luffy grinned, before shoving the entire plate into his mouth.

"Luffy! Manners-" Sanji looked at the remaining plate of pancakes. The one Tani would be eating... The one that was made up of muck up pancakes and and regularly cut strawberries. The blondes face turned an angry shade of red as he walked around the table and kicked Luffy in the head. The rubber man fell to the ground hard, still chewing on the pancakes while Sanji stomped his cheek repeatedly.

"Those. Weren't. For. You. You. Idiot!" he snarled, more so upset with the fact that his work wouldn't be appreciated by such a slob.

Tani ignored Sanji kicking Luffy into oblivion, instead heading over to the plate of pancakes that had Sanji all up in a tizzy. Grabbing them with a smile, Tani sat at the table with a fork in hand. Eyes glittering at the sight of the whipped cream and syrup. Her mouth watered just looking at it.

The fork sliced through the pancakes with ease, no need for a knife. Scooping up a hearty forkful of pancake, cream and syrup. She shoved the treat into her mouth, the taste put IHOP and pancake parlour to shame! Nothing would ever live up to the pure bliss that Tani felt when eating these pancakes.

Was she being a little dramatic because she'd had a bad day, and missed out on dinner? Probably, but that doesn't change the fact that these pancakes were the bomb!

"These are the best damn pancakes I've ever had in my life." she swooned, words muffled around the fork in her mouth. Sanji paused mid kick, face lifting from an enraged scowl, to one of adoration. The blonde twirled around the kitchen happily singing his praises of the girl. Tani continued eating her pancakes, failing to notice Luffy's shaking hands. The rubber boy stretched his arms towards the half eaten plate-

"No you don't," Sanji leapt into action. Snatching the captain's arms from the table and skilfully tying them together into a sailors knot. Luffy let out a whine, struggling to untangle his arms. The captain laid defeated on the ground.

"Hungry..." Tani looked up from the 1/4 pancakes she had left. Luffy looked like he was dying... Dramatic little bastard. Giving out a sigh, she grabbed the unfinished plate and her fork. Standing over Luffy's lolled open mouth, Tani scrapped the contents of her plate into the Luffy trashcan. The captain snapped his jaw shut, swallowing the meal in one go. Tani turned back to Sanji.

"Thanks for the meal," Her words earned her a squeal of delight from the chef. 

"Anytime my darling." Tani gave a nod. Feeling a yawn approaching, she covered her mouth.

"G'night," She waved lazily, yawning out the word. Stepping out of the room, Sanji had to clean up after the midnight snack? What time was it? Dunno, it doesn't matter anyway. Tani made her way towards the women's cabin. Hopefully she didn't wake Nami up. Tani's fingers curled around the door handle, when she felt a hand catching her shoulder. Turning around with wide eyes, she found Luffy standing behind her. Untangled.

"What-"

"I'm bored," Luffy pointed at the fishing rods that were leaning against the mast. "Wanna go fishing?" He couldn't be serious right? It's ass o'clock, with nobody but Sanji being awake. If they went overboard. It's bye bye Tani.

"Shouldn't you be, oh I don't know... Sleeping?" Tani's expression took on a sleepy playfulness. Luffy's face split into a smile.

"I'm not tired." He replied with that silly little grin. Tani rolled her eyes. "Come on," Luffy didn't let her answer before he tugged her over to their fishing spot. His other hand stretched out to grab the fishing rod. He sat down, swinging both legs to a tune he had stuck in his head. Tani stood there. Luffy looked up at her with a confused tilt of the head. Maybe it was the night-time setting, Tani's tired state of mind, or something else entirely. 

But Tani thought Luffy was looking really cute right now.  

"Sit," Luffy pat the spot next to him. Tani continued to stand there, not registering his words. Too distracted with whatever the hell her brain was telling her right now. Luffy and cute shouldn't go together, the guy picks his nose and flicks it at people. He's also a total brute, an idiot most of the time and-

"Tani?" Had she been standing there the whole time? Tani quickly dropped herself beside Luffy, pretending she wasn't thinking about that whole... And it's already in the vault of her brain. Never to be seen again. Luffy shrugged, keeping both hands on the rod he'd yet to cast. A cheeky grin on his face. 

"Wanna fish with me again?" He held the rod in front of Tani, "It'll be fun." His voice held that joy he had when prompting a game. Tani shook her head.

"I'm good to just watch. Thanks." If Luffy want's to be dragged into the ocean by a giant sea monster. Then he can go ahead, Tani wanted to stay dry tonight. Luffy's gaze lingered for a moment, before he cast the line. The bait bobbed on the gentle waves.

Tani felt herself growing more tired as the moments passed. Her head lolled back and forth, each flutter of her eyelids would linger for a second longer. Closing her eyes for a moment, she leaned her heavy head on the closest heat source, humming into the comfort. 

Before her consciousness was stripped away, Tani felt a gentle pressure on her head, smooth hair that didn't belong to her, tickled her forehead. The girl fell asleep in comfort.

...

Seagull squawks and salt filled wind, roused the girl from one of the best rests she could have had when resting on the deck without a blanket... Which was surprisingly good. 

Elbows sliding underneath her body to prop her upper half into a sitting position, she wasn't expecting any resistance. A tilt of her head fed her mind with all the limb related information she needed. One arm, and a leg from the sleeping boy next to her, had invaded her personal bubble while she was asleep. Luffy looked like a humanoid starfish with his limbs fanned out that way. He had a bubble of snot (gross) which added to the underwater charm?

Not wanting to disturb his sleep in, Tani carefully removed his arm from under her chest. The leg would be removed later. Once upright, Tani stretched her arms and back, letting out a pleased groan as her muscles pushed and pulled the stiffness of sleep away. Letting out a big yawn, Tani heard a comical pop noise to her side. Glancing over to find Luffy's droopy eyes looking at her, his hand curled to wipe away the sleep.

"Morning," Tani greeted, followed by another yawn. Luffy's face brightened as the morning sun shined off his exposed teeth.

"Morning," He greeted back with more enthusiasm. Jumping to his feet with ease, not stretching at all. Would he have to if he's made of rubber? One of this worlds many mysteries. He stood beside the girl as she made an attempt to stand. Her numb limbs were still too asleep, especially her legs which she hadn't stretched yet. Luffy held out an arm for her to stabilize herself.

"Rise and shine!" Nami's voice called out. Tani turned to find the navigator glowing with energy, her high heeled sandals clicked on the deck, coming to a halt atop the hatch of the boys cabin. Nami stomped on the door three times. Tani caught the sound of men grunting and groaning back to the land of the living. Nami skipped away from the hatch with a spring in her step, making her way towards the thriving tangerine trees. 

Zoro burst through the door with his mouth open mid yawn. His strong, muscular arms hoisted his body out of the hole with ease. The shirtless man barely acknowledged Tani and Luffy with a wave, before stalking to the back of the ship to begin his morning work out. Usopp and Sanji slinked out of the cabin with less grace, sleep still in their eyes... At least until Sanji spotted Nami, his face instantly took on that dopey expression that's reserved for the beautiful navigator. The chef rushed to her side and showered her with compliments. Usopp faceplanted into the deck, whining about the harsh sunlight.  

In other words, the day was a regular one. Just what they needed after the insanity that was yesterday.

Tani stretched her body some more. Arms over her head, fingers clicking together as she pushed her arms as high as she could. Then she lowered her arms, reaching for the ground while keeping her legs straight, she'd only ever managed to get her finger tips to touch the ground when doing this stretch. She then decided to replicate a stretch she often saw when Dragon ball was on TV, bending one leg while stretching the other one out, bobbing a bit, then swapping to the other leg. 

A sudden whoop was let out beside Tani. The girl jumped at the sound, following it to find Luffy doing the same leg stretches as her. Though he managed to get lower, and his legs would curve in ways that made Tani's solid bones shiver. He looked at her expectantly, perhaps waiting for more stretches? Tani quickly swapped to one where she spreads her arms out to her sides, and twists her upper half downwards, aiming to have one of her outstretched hands touch the opposite sides foot. Keeping an eye on Luffy, sure enough he followed her example, mimicking the action perfectly. Tani cycled through a few more stretches, some she hadn't used in before but remembered seeing on TV, some she hadn't tried since she was on the junior swimming team in primary school, others that were probably made up. Luffy always followed her movements, the grin on his face made it clear to her that he saw this as a game. 

A game she had to cut short, the stretching was for training practice with Zoro. She needed to keep up with her muscle building and self defence training if she wanted any chance of surviving. After yesterday, she was more determined than ever to get stronger. Making her way to the back of the ship, she found Zoro doing single handed push ups. 

"Need any help?" Zoro cast a glance at her before refocusing on his push ups. Tani waited a moment for the man to reply, when he didn't she continued. "I could do with some more training. Since we're on the Grand-line and all." She circled around the swordsman. Who swapped hands. 

"Not today," He grunted. 

"What? Why not?" Tani crossed her arms and lowered to Zoro's level, her long hair flopping onto the deck. Zoro didn't spare her a look.

"I've got some solo stuff I'm doing." He swapped hands again. "Stuff that's too intense for you to handle." Tani gave the older guy a pout. He rolled his eyes, as if sensing her disappointment. Using his free hand, he pointed in a random direction. "I'm sure Luffy would be willing to help you train. Go spar with him." Tani followed Zoro's finger and found him pointing towards the ocean... Luffy was by the stairs... IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION.

"Wow, Zoro really sucks with directions." Luffy barked out laughing. Zoro paused in his training, growling at Luffy in a way that sounded inhuman. Tani didn't think human vocals could produce a sound like that... Maybe it's a dude thing. The swordsman sat up, glaring at Luffy for a moment. The man sighed, "Can you help her not suck at defending herself?" Luffy bounced with delight.

"Sure!" Was all Tani got before she found Luffy's arms snaking towards her. They looped around her waist a total of three times, retracting back to Luffy as he dragged her onto the main deck. Zoro muttered a quick "Good luck." that her ears caught. Luffy dumped her on the ground, taking a few steps back. Tani rubbed her butt from the rough landing. 

"Have you ever trained someone before?" She asked with concern. Luffy shrugged, that wasn't helping ease the sudden tension building up in her muscles.

"I've sparred before, we can just do that." He assured. Oh boy.

"Well I haven't!" Tani's voice raised higher than she wanted it to. Luffy didn't pay it any mind. 

"It's really easy, you just gotta beat the other opponent." Tani levelled the boy with a tired glare. The boy who could level multi-story buildings with one leg, survived the might of Zeus without a scratch, and can contort himself into a pretzel. Tani had a higher chance of finding the one piece in a row boat, than she did beating Luffy in a 1v1 fight.

"Yeah... No." Tani turned away from the captain, maybe she could help Sanji with breakfast or something.

"I won't hit hard?" Luffy offered. Tani looked back at him with a sigh. He really wanted to do this didn't he? Tani was already feeling her blood freeze, despite the words that left her mouth.

"Fine," She moved back to the spot Luffy had left her. "But if I die. I'm haunting your ass so bad that the ghost busters won't be able to exorcise me." Luffy had no idea what a 'ghost buster' was, but laughed anyway. Tani checked her pockets for her yo-yo's, only to realize her jacket wasn't on. "Oh, I don't have my gear with me." She looked up at Luffy, the boy bounced from foot to foot.

"Just don't use it." He offered. Tani looked hesitant. "I mean what happens if you don't have them? Like right now," Tani blinked a couple times... That was surprisingly wise of Luffy. Then again he always seemed to have knack for combat related anything. 

"Ok?" Tani wasn't confident with her response, but it was a good idea to learn. That was all the confirmation that Luffy needed before he launched into action. Tani felt her body freeze up as he wound up his arm. "Wait a second! I'm not re-"

"Gum gum pistol!" Luffy fired away, leaving Tani with a small window to dodge the rubber fist. She rolled out of the way, landing gracelessly on the deck while Luffy retracted his fist. He waited for her to stand back up, the girl gave him a glare. 

"I wasn't ready!" she repeated. Luffy rubbed the back of his head with a grin, a quick "Oops, my bad!" that they both knew he didn't mean. Tani stood back up, dusting off her shorts. 

Luffy was a pro at hand to hand combat, with the benefit of being a living stretch Armstrong. Tani would need to think fast, though that wouldn't be much help against a man who once again was a pro at in the field. 

"-Pistol!" Tani was ripped from her thought bubble when Luffy's fist came flying at her again. She dived out of the way at the last second, the fist skimmed over her upper left arm. Not enough to hurt, but it did give her enough information to know just how much force the boy was putting behind his punches.

"Won't hit hard my ass." Tani muttered. Jumping back to her feet just in time for Luffy to send another fist flying her way. The girl moved her body to the side, Luffy's fist flew past her... And came looping back around. Smacking into her unsuspecting shoulder. Knocking her forward, without flattening her to the ground. At least the hit wasn't as hard as she expected. Her body wouldn't bruise. 

Lost in thoughts, she failed to notice Luffy charging at her until he was two metres away, both fists balled. Tani snapped into action, bringing her arms up to cover her torso. Zoro told her to protect the vital organs. Ironically this was coming from the guy that got his torso sliced in half by the worlds greatest swordsman.

Luffy sent punches her way, Tani ducked and weaved as best she could. About 50% of Luffy's punches would manage to land, then 40%, then 35%, Tani was getting a little better at predicting the movements. It's all in the way Luffy looked, his eyes followed his fists. A note she managed to make during the battle was that Luffy focused less punches to her left side, and when he did aim for that side, he would slow down his fists. 

 Tani had yet to return a single blow. Luffy being far too quick for her to find an opening. If she didn't act fast, her defence would falter, she could already feel herself growing tired. In a spur of the moment action, Tani threw her left arm back, if she couldn't find an opening, then she'd make one. Twisting her left side towards the boy, he slowed down his assault, much to Tani's delight. At least her observation skills weren't terrible. Her fist came flying towards Luffy, unfortunately he moved out of the way... Is what she would be saying if she hadn't planned for that. Luffy stepped backwards to avoid the wide swing. What he didn't anticipate was the girl sweeping her leg across the ground to knock him over. The captain, adaptable as ever, tanked the hit to his ankles, but tossed his arms up. Latching onto the wooden beam that tied the sails to the mast, and throwing himself out of the girl's range. Tani crossed her arms with feigned annoyance. 

"That's cheating!" She shouted, Luffy laughed. 

"No it's not," He called back, cheeky smile gracing his boyish features. 

"Yes it is. I can't stretch like you!" She countered. Luffy poked his tongue out, Tani rolled her eyes. "Just get down here so we can finish sparring... Unless we already have." She kinda hoped that was the case. Her instincts calling out for her to fly outta there.

"Just come up here," Luffy waltzed along the beam. Tani shook her head.

"And be up that high? No thanks, I enjoy not having to worry about falling to my demise." She looked at the captain with finality. There's no way he was getting her up there.

"You won't die, stupid." He reasoned, his words falling on deaf ears. 

"Yes I will," Tani declared. Luffy looked at her with confusion. "Heights are like my version of your weakness to water. My whole body freezes up and I can't move." The confusion left his face, his mouth making an "Oh" sound in understanding. Jumping down from the beam, he landed with a heavy 'thunk' in front of her. 

What he didn't expect was for the girl to instantly launch into an attack. Tani had balled her fist, concealing it with her body, Luffy didn't know what hit him until the fist came flying right into his jaw. Connecting with rubber man's face, his skin meld around her fist, cushioning what little strength she managed to put behind the blow. Luffy kept his head in place for a moment, a sense of pride swelled in his chest at the little victory his crewmate had achieved.

Tani on the other hand.

"Oh shit! Sorry, I didn't think that would actually work!" She flailed her hands a bit. Luffy beamed at her, freezing her and her panic.

Then he threw a punch at her. The girl let out a pathetic squeak and ducked her head, Luffy's fist sailed over where her head would have been. That fight or flight instinct kicked in, pumping her blood with adrenaline. Her thoughts clouding with a mix of "Fight fight fight!" and "Holy shit he's gonna kill you, run away run!" Leaving her stuck in her thoughts, while her body jumped into autopilot, dodging the attacks sent her way.

Rationally, she was aware that Luffy would never purposely harm her. This was a spar, they consented to the battle. That didn't quell the irrational screams of her brain, the one that brought up every single fight of Luffy's that she had witnessed. At full strength he could crush her to a pulp with a flick of his pinkie finger. She wasn't in danger, but one slip up on his part, could be fatal for her.

Luffy switched from using his fists, to a quick sweep of the leg. Tani didn't notice in time, his foot connected with her ankles, sending her falling backwards. Tani braced for the fall, her head knocked into the deck. Brain rattled and vision blurring to refocus, two Luffy's entered her vision, both of them mirrored an expression of concern. Tani's eyes dilated, threat in sight. She kicked back up off the ground, hands snapping onto Luffy's unguarded shoulders. Tani used her body weight to knock Luffy onto the ground, her legs straddling his ribs. There was something primal and raw in her eyes, a will to survive that would strike fear into the eyes of a lesser man. Luffy found himself staring into those desperate green eyes. Strength waned for a  split second, as her senses returned to her. Luffy took the opening and sat up. Tani rolled off his torso, landing back first on the deck again.

Her wrists were grabbed, held to either side of her head. Luffy loomed over her, staring into her eyes. Tani's breath hitched, an unfamiliar feeling... What was Luffy doing? Why was he throwing his head back-

Luffy headbutt Tani. Why? She was already pinned, she'd basically lost the spar. Why would he do that! Tani's wrists were released, the weight of Luffy lifted. Tani's hands rubbed at her pulsing forehead, letting out a groan of pain.

"That hurt," Tani whined, elongating the words. Luffy huffed a laugh, stooping down the grab her arm. Hoisting Tani back to her feet effortlessly, once standing again, he looped an arm around her shoulders. Pressing flush against her side, his cheek squished against her own. 

"You don't hit very hard, and your stance wasn't great." He listed off. Oh, the part were he tells her how much she sucked. "And you think way too much. You would freeze up and not do things." Great...

"I panicked." She defended. "You would too if your opponent was... You," Luffy looked at her with a completely serious expression. The girl shut her mouth.

"No I wouldn't." Was all he said. Tani just nodded, believing him with absolute certainty. Luffy seemed like the kinda guy that feared nothing, and ran head first into danger because he could. No fears to hold him back... Maybe Tani should be training with Usopp. 

"Oi! Breakfast's ready!" Sanji announced. The serious air around Luffy, shattered in an instant. His eyes sparkling to life. Arm still hooked around the girl, he dragged her across the deck towards the kitchen. Tani let her mind think back to the few words of advice Luffy had left her.

She had no force behind a punch, so it would be a good idea to start training her arms. While she was confident that her legs worked fine, she could run, swim and skate with ease. Her yo-yo tricks built up finger and wrist dexterity, it did little for arm muscle building... She could bring this up with Zoro. He did have the biggest arms on the whole crew.

Maybe sparring with Luffy had been a good idea after all.

...

"THE GRAND-LINE SUCKS!" Tani screamed, clinging to the main mast. Wind swept across the ship, sending everyone who wasn't the napping mossball Zoro, tumbling around. Sanji was quick to save Luffy from floating over board. The wind ceased its assault as fast as it came. Dropping everyone back on deck in a messy pile.

"When they said the weather would be crazy, I didn't expect this!" Usopp shrieked, smoothing his hair back into his bandana. "At least its over." He sighed. Nami shook her head.

"I wouldn't say it's over yet." Usopp looked to where she was starring. A huge whirlpool had formed right in front of Merry. "Sanji!" the chef was already rushing to the steering pole. They were lucky that Crocus had the tools and knowledge to fix the busted rudder. In addition to Nami's expert navigation skills, she was able to steer the ship back into safe waters. Barely a scratch on the Merry.

That wasn't all, a thick fog blanketing over the ocean ahead. Though that wasn't the strange part... No that would be the sounds that passed Tani's ears.

"I can hear cheering." Tani informed the crew. "There's people ahead, a lot of them." Nami kept that in mind. 

"Which direction is it coming from?" Tani curled her hands around the back of her ears, twisting her head from side to side, eyes closed... There!

"That way!" She pointed north east. Nami nodded. "It's fading, we should hurry before it's gone." Nami and the others worked to change the ships course. Usopp travelling up to the crows nest to get a better view, if you called an ocean of grey fog a view.

Travelling in relative silence, with Tani keeping her ears open for any change in direction. It was roughly an hour before Usopp's eyes caught a shadowy mass in the distance. The fog began to thin out, round masses piled atop one another. 

"There's an island ahead!" He announced, Merry sailed closer. The fog lifted the closer they got, revealing an island that looked like a snapped biscuit, topped with large cactus like mountains on both sides of the split island. A bridge connected both sides of the island, the banks were populated with white, square hut style houses. Surrounding the banks was a town, full of colourful people. All of them roaring with cheer. That explained the sound Tani had heard. 

"WELCOME PIRATES!" 

"Glad you made it!"

"Congratulations on making it this far!"

Tani found herself looking for something, eyes running up and down the banks of the island. Finding them bare... So why... Why were they cheering before? There's no way they could have spotted the Merry through all that fog. The town was covered in colourful banners that welcomed pirates, but the Straw hat pirates were the only ones there... Tani was instantly suspicious. 

She wasn't the only one.

"Is it safe to dock here?" Usopp whispered to Nami, the redhead looked at the passing townsfolk with concern. 

"We don't have a choice." She sighed. Holding up the log pose on her wrist. "We need to stay here until the pose resets."Usopp scrunched his nose at that. "Let's just... act natural. We don't want to draw unwanted attention." The navigator supplied, both Tani and Usopp nodded in agreement.

Tani crossed her arms, watching as Merry docked. The town flocked around the lowered gang plank. Luffy jumping off the ship with excitement. The crew vacated the ship behind him, except Zoro, he was still napping on the deck. 

A man with a renaissance music composer syled wig, and a long, droopy face approached them from the crowd. His arms fanned out in a sign of welcome.

"Well-" He started, only to cut himself off with a cough. Clearing his throat with a "Mama maa!" He continued. "Welcome to our lovely town of Whisky peak." He gave a bow. Luffy was bouncing on his feet with excitement. Sanji found his eyes drawn towards the crowd of lovely women that looked at him with flustered cheeks. Usopp, Nami and Tani stuck together, keeping their guards up. Now's not the time to be picking fights.

"A town that welcomes pirates?" Nami questioned aloud, "Don't see that everyday." Scepticism laced her words. The mayor didn't notice, laughing with his chest, in a jolly tone.

"Why of-" cough, cough, "Maa maa!" A clearing of the throat, "Why of course we do. Pirates who've worked so hard to traverse Reverse mountain deserve to be praised for their efforts. Wouldn't you agree?" The mayor responded. Nami nodded in agreement, but her posture showed she wasn't buying this.

"Nami! Look at this guys hair." Luffy was puffing the loops of the mayor's old fashioned hair. The man kept a pleased smile on his face. If this was an act, then he was one hell of an actor.

"Please, stay for as long as you need. Tonight we shall-" cough, cough, "Ma maa!" Clear the throat. "Tonight we shall throw a party, to celebrate your arrival." He declared. The town cheered wildly, already rushing away to prepare for the party. 

This was gonna be a long night...

...

Tani sat in the corner of the room, arms crossed as she stared at the party. Towns folk piled into the largest hut in town, everyone, including the other Straw hats, were eating, drinking, and partying themselves into the late hours of the night. 

All of them, except for Tani.

She didn't like this one bit, the air was off. If this was a trick, and all her movie knowledge told her this was 100% a trick, then she wanted to be one step ahead. Jacket wrapped snuggly around her, and her skates already tied to her feet. She was ready for someone to step out of line.

"Care for a treat?" One of the ladies from the town offered, holding up a platter covered in steaming hot finger foods. Tani's stomach grumbled at the smell. She shook her head, the lady gave a shrug and raced off to shove the platter in Luffy's face. Tani had watched Luffy stuffing his face all night, he's at the point now that his body had inflated like a balloon... At this rate he'd end up looking like Jabba the hut, by the end of the night. Snickering to herself, she pushed off the wall of the room, walking passed a comatose Zoro and Nami, the both of them had drunk themselves to sleep. Usopp was sharing more of his stories with all who would listen, and Sanji was drowning in all the female attention he could get. Tani dipped out of the room with few eyes following her. 

Cold air from the night time wind greeted her. Far more refreshing then the stuffy, unease that festered within the party hut. Tightening the straps on her bag for the hundredth time that night, she was surprised to pick up a familiar jingle. Tani's eyes lit up, already reaching around for the smaller pocket of her bag.

There was an IDCS in this town? How had she not noticed sooner? Maybe being suspicious of everyone had something to do with that. Not that it mattered, she could finally grab something to eat. Bell in hand, the girl bounced with every step. In a matter of no time she was standing in front of the neon blue sign, in a spot tucked away from the common eye. 

Entering the store, Tani was greeted with an identical looking store, even the clerk from the previous store was there to greet her. 

"Welcome back," They chirped, smiling that trade mark customer service smile. Tani smiled back. "What are we after today?" Tani stood in front of the counter. 

"Nothing much, just something to eat." She replied, the clerk gave a nod.

"Well, I should be able to help." They floated from behind the counter and waved Tani over. The girl followed. By the time they made it back to the counter, Tani was hauling back not just snacks, but some more clothes. You can never be too safe when it comes to the Grand-line, and Tani knew first hand that you could be sprayed with water at any moment. She was not risking hypothermia. The clerk began bagging the items, tying each bag with a bell. Tani scooped all of the bags into one hand, sliding them into the crook of her elbow. 

"Thank you! It was lovely to see you again." She waved. The clerk waved back, looking far happier than their customer service smile would have let them be. A plethora of bell chimes rang out with every step she took. At least this shady little town gave her something good-

Tani's foot connected with something larger than a rock, knocking her off balance. She managed to steady herself, looking down at... "Is that a villager?" she asked to nobody in particular. Placing her bags on the ground, she bobbed down to check for a pulse in the mans neck. Sighing with relief when she felt something there. Thank god, she didn't know what to do if it was a dead guy. Now... Who knocked the guy out?

That's when she heard it. Metal clashing against wood, or skin, sometimes another metal, whoever it was, they knew what they were doing in terms of combat. Tani could only hope that it wasn't a foe. Slipping her hands into her pockets, Tani equipped her yo-yo's on both hands. Following the sound of conflict. Shadows danced along the walls, downed bodies piled up the further inland she skated, blood and dirty scuff marks lined the paths and walls. Misplaced weapons littered the streets too.

A flash of green and silver caught her eyes, her heart swelled at the sight. Zoro was running across the street with a crowd of towns folk, all armed to the teeth, chasing after him. Looks like he might appreciate a hand or two. Tani zoomed forward, avoiding the reach of the towns people. Sliding up to Zoro's side, almost expecting him to slice her down on the spot, if the look of blood lust in his eyes was any indication. Tani couldn't describe the feeling of relief she felt when his eyes shined with recognition.

"So you're alive?" He spoke clearly, despite having a sword in his mouth. Tani scrunched her nose. 

"You thought I died?" She replied, offended but not surprised. Zoro was Zoro after all.

"You weren't with the others. Didn't find your body." He took a left turn. Tani did the same.

"I went for a walk because everyone in this town was suspicious as hell." She flicked a yo-yo back, smacking one of the villagers in the nose, knocking them over. Did she always have that much power behind her yo-yo tosses?

"Heads," Zoro called out, grabbing the collar of her jacket and yanking her out of the way. A bat smacked down where Tani was a moment ago. Zoro released her and jumped into an attack, slicing the man down. Though he was still breathing when they vacated the area. A crowd still chasing behind them.

"Should we just knock those guys out? Or something," Tani jerked a thumb back towards the crowd. A demonic smirk slid up the swordsman's face. 

"Thought you'd never ask," He halted in his steps, turning to face the crowd. Tani skid to a stop a few metres behind him. Watching in awe as he took on a stance, holding two of his swords in an x shape over his chest. His legs bent to a crouch, ready to launch him forward when the moment was just right.

"Oni-" He rushed forwards, so fast that he was nothing but a blur of black and green. "-Giri!" The small crowd that followed them fell to the ground, clothes sliced from the torso up. Tani did the most appropriate of actions and clapped. 

Now wasn't the time for celebration though, as more people started flooding in from the huts that lined the streets. All of them looking more vicious than the last. Zoro made his way back towards Tani, the girl lead the way (hoping that Zoro would actually follow her).

"Who the hell are these people anyway?" Tani called back, just in case Zoro wasn't still there.

"They're from a group called Baroque works. A bunch of bounty hunters," Of course they were. "Unfortunately, they picked a fight with the wrong pirate hunter." Zoro gloated. Tani rolled her eyes.

"You can't be a pirate hunter if you're a pirate." Tani rounded a corner, twirling herself to face backwards, to keep an eye on Zoro. "Plus these guys aren't pirates." Zoro narrowed his eyes at her. Clearly unimpressed with her ruining his cool one liner.

"Still, why would bounty hunters wanna take us out? Only Luffy has a bounty-" Tani tripped backwards, landing on a crate that she hadn't noticed because she's an idiot and skated backwards. Zoro zoomed past her while she recovered, taking the lead. 

"Less talking, more fighting." Zoro said. Effectively telling Tani that he had no idea what the answer to her question was. 

They were chased around the whole town, being ambushed left, right and whatever other directions existed. It wasn't until she notice that same crate that she'd tripped over for the third time, that she realized they'd been running in a big circle.

Of course they're being ambushed. The enemy could see them coming from a mile away.

"This way," Tani turned right when a clear path appeared. At this point she wouldn't be surprised if the whole town was chasing after them. Zoro somehow managed to follow her direction, a miracle really. The pair racing along the unfamiliar streets.

Zoro noticed a ladder leading to the rooftops ahead. Taking the high ground would give him more room to beat the shit outta these weaklings. Upon reaching the ladder, Zoro wasted no time launching himself up the rungs. Reaching the top, he almost made a start to run ahead, only to realize that Tani hadn't followed. Zoro looked over the ledge, finding Tani speeding down the streets with her skates... She couldn't climb up the ladder.

It was too late to turn back now. The mob of villagers had split up, with most of them following him up the ladder. Tani could take care of herself anyway...

Tani zipped around another corner, flicking her yo-yo's behind her in the hopes of hitting someone. The telltale sound of someone letting out an "Ack!" as the plastic disk smacked into their nose. Tani couldn't stop the smirk that bloomed on her face. For a complete novice, she was handling herself very well.

She dared to check behind her, casting a glance over her shoulder to find a much thinner crowd. At least ten people following her. She needed to get rid of them soon, or else her legs would scream bloody murder and lock up.

Come on think, what would Luffy do?

Well firstly, he wouldn't think about it. He'd just run in with a "Gum gum rocket!" or something like that and knock all of them to high heaven... Tani pondered for a moment. Just how much force could she put behind her yo-yos? It's crazy, but it just might work.

Tani surveyed her surroundings up ahead. One mistake could lead to her capture, if she was gonna do this, she needed to look cool and not mess it up. Giving herself the all clear when she found the street ahead to be clear, Tani put her new plan into action.

Luffy was more often than not, a long range attacker. Tani also happened to be a long range attacker. Yo-yo's and rubber arms share a few key qualities, but for this Tani was focusing on the retractability and range of both.

Unlike Luffy, Tani's yo-yo's had to be stretched out completely in order to deal full damage, but she can work around that. Luffy's rocket move had him springing his arms backwards, hitting a stretch point, then using the spring from his rubbery body to launch an attack forward. Tani could do the first two steps, but launching it forward was not an option unless she wanted to lose momentum and render the whole attack pointless.

Tani kept an eye on the width of the street, with a confident hum she pushed her legs harder. Racing as far from the crowd as she could to give her the space she needs to perform a yo-yo rendition of "gum gum rocket". Would Luffy be mad that she stole his attack? Sure it's not the same and-

Stop getting distracted idiot, you have an angry mob chasing you!

Tani stopped at the mouth of the street, both yo-yo's in hand. Facing the mob with a look of determination, she flicked both yo-yo's backwards, waiting for the string to hit it's tension point. The mob drew closer, malicious grins spread on all their faces. Tani only had three more seconds before they caught up to her.

In unison, the yo-yo's had stretched out as far as they could go. Tani's heart raced, there's no room for error.  Twisting her body, with both hands wrapped tightly around the strings of her yo-yos, Tani whirled on the spot, feet planted on the ground, the strings swung with the direction of her turn. The two yo-yo's came speeding towards the rushing crowd of blood thirsty bounty hunters. Sweeping all ten of them off their feet, and into the walls of the street.

All ten of them laid in a pile in the street, groaning. Tani stood there in awe.

"Holy smokes that actually worked?" her body buzzed with adrenaline. Her theory that her yo-yo's were far stronger than they should be was true! She'd banked her entire attack on that unconfirmed theory. The pay off was more than she could have asked for.

Now wasn't the time for celebration, as a few of the hunters were starting to come to. With that in mind, Tani took off-

"Woah!" Tani channelled her inner push-up puppet as a bat came swinging at her. The bat smashed into the wall beside her, shattering the corner to dust. Tani skid to a halt behind an all too familiar figure. 

"Hey! You're the guy from the whale," She accused. Mr 9 gave a hoity toity laugh, pointing one of his two bats at her. 

"Indeed I am!" He said, resting both of his bats on his shoulders. He stalked forward with a cartoonish stride. Tani clutched the yo-yo's in her hands. "Though Miss Wednesday and I failed in our mission to acquire food of the island. I shall not make the same mistake now." His footsteps quickened, Tani shifted into a defensive position. 

"I WILL END YOU SWIFTLY!" Mr 9 cackled, spinning like a beyblade towards her. Tani jumped backwards, avoiding the smashing blow he dealt to the ground. The rollerblade clad girl landed awkwardly on her heels, losing balance for the third time that night she landed with an "Oof" on the dirt path. Looking at Mr 9's raised bat with fear. 

"CARUE! STOP IT! HE'S THAT WAY!" Came a distressed cry, followed by a giant yellow duck running straight into Mr 9. The man was caught on the front of the fleeing bird, which continued to run. Moments later the blue haired woman from the whale came running, ignoring Tani in favour of pursuing the duck. After a moment of silence, Tani flopped on the ground with a groan. All the adrenaline in her body had finally drained her. 

A loud 'thump' came from above the tired girl. She lazily opened her eyes to find Zoro looming over her. He was sporting a red mark on his cheek, probably got punched in the face. Other than that he looked unharmed.

"You're alive," He smirked, holding a hand out for the girl to grab. Tani slapped her hand into his, giving no effort to pull herself up. The swordsman dragged her to her feet. Tani offered him a lopsided smile.

"I sure hope I am," She snickered.

"Mama maa!" Tani didn't have time to register the new arrival, as Zoro jerked her behind himself. Both swords in his hands deflected and sliced the bullets fired from... Ok that was kinda cool. The mayor had machine guns in his old timey hair. Both hands pulling at the ribbons of his tie, the guns fired relentlessly. Tani could see Zoro's movements faltering. 

She had to do something. Looking for anything within the immediate area, her eyes landed on a rock the size of her palm... Yeah that'll work. Both men distracted, Tani reached her hand out to grab the rock, tossed it in her hand experimentally. Taking in a deep breath, Tani lobbed the rock as hard as she could at the mayor's face. Some higher being must have been looking out for her, because the rock hit him smack-bang in the forehead. The firing of guns ceased upon dazing the man, giving Zoro the opening he needed to finish the mayor off.

Zoro charged forward, two swords held firmly in his hands. The man leapt forward, slashing downwards. The mayor fell, falling unconscious quickly. Zoro sheathed his remaining swords, turning back to find Tani standing by his side, thankfully unharmed.

"OK... His hair was kinda awesome." Tani motioned with both hands to the knocked out mayor's hair. Zoro rolled his eyes at her, taking off in a random direction. "Oi! Wait for me!" Tani ran after him. Heaven knows he'll only get lost.

A turn around this corner, a split in the road there, a left, right, left again. Zoro managed to navigate his way into a wide open space... Well it would be open, if not for the crowd of Baroque workers (how were there still so many?) surrounding them.

"Well well, what have we here?" Came a voice from above, drowning in obnoxious tones that wouldn't look out of place in a teen drama movie. Looking up Tani found an equally as obnoxious yellow girl floating with an open umbrella in hand. Zoro kept his eyes on the maroon man following underneath the woman. Wearing a pair of shades at night? What a dumbass.

"Carue!" The blue lady again-

"Luffy?!" Tani and Zoro said in unison. Sure enough, their captain's inflated self was being dragged behind a very tired Carue. The bird panting before dropping to the ground in a heap. Miss Blue recovered from her flustered state quickly. Jumping off the duck and grabbing Luffy by the head, his neck stretched while his bloated body laid as limp as the duck. 

"Hahaa!" She called out, armed with a thin bladed disk which she held to Luffy's throat. "Surrender or I will end this mans' life." She threatened, confidently staring at Zoro. Apparently Tani wasn't threatening enough.

"My!" Miss Blue's face lost all colour. The obnoxious yellow lady floated effortlessly towards her. "If it isn't our lovely Miss Wednesday." The air chilled, a sickly venom dripped into her words. Miss Wednesday looked terrified.

"Miss Valentine... Mr 5..." She whispered. Hold on, if they're on the same team. Why-

"Miss Wednesday and Mr 8 are to be executed for betraying the Baroque works organization." Mr 5 announced. "Spies in the ranks aren't appreciated. Princess Nefertari Vivi of the Alabasta kingdom." Miss Wednesday dropped Luffy's head, which snapped back into place. Zoro nudged with his shoulder, jerking his head towards Luffy. Tani gave a curt nod, very slowly shuffling towards the downed captain. Zoro kept a careful hand on the hilt of a sword.

"Please!" A new voice begged. The mayor appeared, being held up by Mr 9. The latter looked at Miss Wednesday with shock, the princess reveal must be important. "Don't kill her." The mayor pleaded. Mr 5 looked at him with a stoic face, picking at his finger nails. 

"Maybe if you two weren't such sneaky little rats. We wouldn't have to!" Miss Valentine cackled, kicking out both legs. Zoro and Tani were halfway there.

"Mr 0 sends his regards." Mr 5 said, picking the top of his nail clean off. Fingers curling around it, he flicked the clipping at the princess. Who stood there frozen on the spot. 

"PRINCESS!" came multiple cries. Zoro and Tani used the distraction to make a run for their captain, Zoro snatching Luffy's shoulders while Tani grabbed his waist. The pair managed to hoist him into the air and-

An explosion went off where the princess was standing. The heat could be felt on Tani's back, her breath hitching at the newly discovered danger.

"Tani!" Zoro snapped Tani out of her shock quickly. Running from the scene.

This wasn't their fight after all. 

...

So apparently that was their fight.

"I'll take 20% off your debt's interest rate." Nami offered Zoro. The redhead had the swordsman by the tail, Zoro let out a grumpy huff. That was enough affirmation for Nami.

Nami grinned with a happiness only money could buy. Dragging the Straw hats into a money making scheme that put all their lives at risk.

Protect princess Vivi from Baroque works, and deliver her safely to the kingdom of Alabasta.

"Has Luffy agreed to this?" Tani questioned. Pointing to the sleeping captain-

"Where's Luffy?" Zoro and Nami looked at the empty space that Luffy once laid. "He just? Up and left?" Tani looked around for any signs of the guy. 

"He probably just needed to take a piss or something." Zoro shrugged. Nami pulled a face of disgust, but relaxed her expression.

"Tani, can you go find him? Can't have the idiot getting captured again." Tani gave a nod. The navigator clapped happily, then grabbed Zoro by the wrist. "Now then. Let's go find ourselves a princess." She chirped, dragging a grumpy Zoro with her. Tani headed in the opposite direction.

Skating the streets felt eerie. All the knocked out bodies that lined the paths had Tani weaving around or jumping around to get by. Chills ran up the girl's spine whenever an explosion went off in the distance. Please be safe.

"It was... Roronoa... Zoro... And that... Girl." Tani's ears perked up at the raspy voice coming from around the corner. She took caution when peaking around to find Luffy standing there, still round and bloated. His face morphed into something akin to hatred. 

"That ungrateful bastard!" Luffy roared, balling both fists in a fit of rage. "I'm gonna kick his ass!" Tani felt her blood chill. 

Luffy was gonna pick a fight... With Zoro. The same Zoro who was currently with Nami and maybe that Vivi lady too. The Zoro who certainly in the middle of a fight with some guy that explodes his fingernails and a lady who floats. 

Tani knew she had to stop Luffy... It's just a matter of how. She had to think fast or Luffy would be running as fast as his bouncy body would let him... Oh.

"If I die tonight..." Tani whispered to herself. Inhaling as much air as her lungs could take, she broke out into a sprint. There was only one way to get the captains attention away from Zoro, and it required signing her own death wish. 

Here it goes! 

Using a ramp that was conveniently placed on the side of the street. Tani launched herself towards Luffy, flying over his head she managed to yoink his straw hat from the top of his head. She didn't wait to see if he had noticed, the moment she landed, Tani shoved the hat on her head and took off as fast as her legs would possibly carry her.  

The echoing roar from Luffy was her signal that yes! Her plan had worked... Oh shit, her plan worked. If the slapping of Luffy's feet wasn't terrifying enough, the fists that broke through walls and buildings most certainly did the job of making Tani metaphorically shit herself. 

Tani was living out the final girl trope of every horror movie ever. Luffy was as invincible as the likes of Freddy Kruger or Jason too. If she wanted to survive this, she needed to think smart. Thinking back to the spar from this morning for any possible means of defeating Luffy.

 Tani drifted around the corner to find the dock. Merry sat there alone in the night, the ocean gently lapping at her base...

That's it! The ocean was her ticket to surviving this ordeal. Sure Luffy could yank her out of the water, but the last time he tried that she dragged him in with her. 

"GIVE ME BACK MY HAT!" Tani let out a shriek at the shout. Body moving on its own, racing for the ocean. Luffy bound towards her, reaching his arms out to capture her. Had Tani not made a dive for the edge of the dock, she's certain she would have sealed her fate. Lucky for her, the ocean was kind enough to embrace her. 

Tani kept her whole body submerged for about 45 seconds. Swimming away from the diving point she resurfaced quietly behind Merry. Luffy would have to look over the railing to find her. The girl quieted her breathing in the hopes of buying more time to escape this.

Zoro, please make this worth it.

"Tani!" Luffy's rage vibrated through her bones, Tani's hands clutched the rim of Luffy's straw hat. "I'm gonna kick your ass when I find you!" She held back a whimper, fear flaring up in her chest.

"You and Zoro hurt all these nice people!" Yes, because they were trying to kill us.

"They gave us food and threw a party for us!" To lower our guard and kill us. You'd have to be... Well you'd have to be Luffy to believe these people had pure intentions.

"I thought we were nakama!" Tani felt a stabbing pain in her chest. She knew deep down that Luffy didn't mean that... Hopefully... She couldn't be sure, it's not like she's known him long enough to make that call. Who knows, maybe this was the greatest taboo on Luffy's list.

"Show yourself coward!" Yeah, that's gonna be a no from her.

"Where are you?" Right here.

"Show yourself so I can kick your ass!" 

"If you don't shut up. The whole island will know where we are you idiot!" She yelled in frustration... Wait. Shit!

Tani ducked back under the water before Luffy could reach her. Looking up from the waters cover, she could see the red of Luffy's vest leaning over Merry's rail. He didn't quite know where she was, but Tani couldn't stay under the water forever. 

Luffy knew this just as well as she did.

Swimming away from Merry and praying that the darkness of the ocean would veil her from Luffy's searching gaze. The island on the otherside of the bridge was her best bet. Luffy was still bloated, and it would keep the destruction that was sure to arise once Luffy caught and pulverised her, away from the Straw hat's only method of transportation.

Lungs burning for some air. Tani quickly bobbed her head out of the water to gasp at the fresh oxygen. It came as no surprise that a fist was quick to follow, narrowly shooting past her in the water. Despite his handicapped form, Luffy still retained enough speed to potentially catch her. Tani dove back under, kicking her legs harder. The wall of the other side was within arms reach.

The next time Tani resurfaced was when she had both hands on the wall. It was a little too high for her to pull herself out of the water without being noticed. Cursing lightly under her breath, her sights switched to Luffy. The captain had yet to notice her (thank the stars), so with a deep breath she threw one hand onto the ledge. A loud, wet slap echoed back causing Tani's gut to cringe. 

"THERE YOU ARE!" was all the warning she got, when a hand scrunched the back of her jacket and tore her away from the wall. Tani slipped her arms out of the baggy jacket, landing with a splash in the water. Resurfacing just in time to watch Luffy smack himself in the face with a wet jacket. She may have snickered at him... What? He was trying to kick her ass for such a stupid reason, let her have fun. 

Luffy tossed the jacket to the ground with an angry snarl. That was her cue to leave-

"Stop hiding!" Luffy shouted at her. Tani froze on the spot, looking over at Luffy with irritation.

"I'll stop hiding. When you stop giving me a reason to hide!" She called back. Luffy didn't move, but the hateful death glare was enough to rub Tani the wrong way. The look you'd give someone that meant nothing to you, worse than the dirt beneath your feet. Pure scum of the earth.

Not a look you would give to someone who just that morning had been eating pancakes and fishing with you. Not a look you would give someone who you laughed and joked with. A friend... Nakama. 

It was as if that single mistake, one that she hadn't actually made. Had caused Luffy to throw away every promise of friendship he had made her. That one look in his eyes was all Tani needed to know that she wasn't welcome anymore.

And she hated it.

"I see how it is." Tani hiccupped, when had she started crying? Doesn't matter. She lifted her hand over Luffy's hat, plucking it from her head and tossed it towards the rubber man. Luffy reacted fast, so fast that he lost all the bloaty weight in less than a second. Stretching out to grab the hat before it landed in the water. By the time he looked back into the water.

Tani was gone.

...

Luffy stood there with his hat in his hand for a while, staring at the spot Tani had been. The place she no longer was. 

"Luffy!" Nami called out from behind him. The boy turned around to find the navigator looking roughed up. A blue haired lady followed behind her with an awkward wobble to her steps. Zoro lingered behind them, eyes narrowed and searching. "Did Tani not find you?" Luffy pulled his hat closer.

"She was here a minute ago." He pointed at the ocean. "But I got mad at her and she disappeared." This was the wrong thing to say. Zoro stalked closer, boots stomping with purpose until his blade was pressed close to Luffy's throat. The boy didn't flinch.

"What do you mean you 'got mad at her' Luffy?" The captain shrugged. "What did you do to Tani?" Luffy bristled under the questioning that he didn't know how to answer.

"I don't know. She stole my hat so I got really mad and chased her over here. Then she was all sad and now I don't know where she is." Zoro pulled the sword back with an angry huff. 

"Nami, can you go find her?" Zoro commanded with an air fit for a captain. Nami couldn't find any room to argue. Motioning for Vivi to follow, the pair of women left the first mate with Luffy. Zoro took a deep breath from his nose, exhaling from the mouth with a sigh.

He wasn't the best person for shit like this.

"You know she wouldn't do anything bad to you right?" Zoro said, arms crossed. Luffy nodded. "So you know that she probably stole your hat because you were doing something stupid." Luffy nodded again. Zoro stood there awkwardly, he didn't know what else to say. Nami or the love cook would have been better for this gooey talking stuff.

Nami better find that girl soon, or Luffy was in big trouble.

...

"Tani!" Nami called into the empty streets. Nothing but her own voice came echoing back. Vivi stood beside her awkwardly, keeping an eye out for the other girl.

"I'm gonna strangle that idiot captain when I get back." Nami snarled. "How do you lose a crew mate? I'll have to put a leash on everyone at this-" the navigator froze as weak sobbing bounced off the walls. Nami hurriedly followed the cries. Vivi trailed around to find Nami on the ground, arms wrapped around Tani. The girl was shaking, bulbous tears sprung from her eyes, soaking Nami's singlet.

"It's OK," Nami hushed, rubbing a hand up and down Tani's back. "You're OK, everything is fine." Tani gripped onto Nami tighter. The pair stayed on the ground for a few minutes before Vivi spoke up.

"I believe we should head back to the ship soon. Least your swordsman makes work of the captain." Nami looked up at the princess.

"Serves him right for scaring the crap out of Tani." Was Nami's response, lifting Tani back to her feet. The girl wobbled for a moment, a sunken look in her eyes.

"He must have done a number on her." Vivi commented with worry. Tani swiped at her runny nose and sighed.

"It... It's nothing." She sounded as convincing as a child with their hand caught in the cookie jar. Nami looked unimpressed.

"Tani. What the hell happened?" Nami wasn't letting this slide. Tani hung her head low, but began explaining the events that transpired while Nami and Zoro had been fighting.

"So, the idiot wanted to fight Zoro, because he thought he was attacking innocent townspeople?" Nami face palmed. What kind of idiot believes the enemy?

"You over heard this and used yourself as a distraction." Tani nodded.

"That's brave of you." Vivi chimed in. Tani nodded again.

"After chasing me around. Luffy said some pretty awful things, and they struck a nerve. I got so shaken up that I... Well." the girl motioned to her face.

"That moron..."

"I know he didn't mean it. Luffy was probably under the influence of something."

"Yeah, stupid idiot disease."

"Nami please." Tani cracked a grin despite her reprimand. "I also stole his precious treasure. He doesn't let anyone touch that hat." Tani's voice lost its shake.

"Doesn't mean he can be a dick." Nami crossed her arms, pout clear on her face.

"A good leader will always listen to their crews words, and give them the benefit of the doubt." Vivi added. Tani let out a sigh, only for her eyes to widen in realisation.

"I left my shopping in some dingy street." that had clothes and snacks! She needed those. "Can we take a detour to grab them?" Nami gave her a smile.

"Of course," her arm hooked around Tani's elbow. "We need to pick up Usopp and Sanji on the way. I'm sure they'll need to be caught up on our new objective." Nami hooked her other arm around Vivi's arm, dragging the blue haired princess closer. A faint blush spread across the bridge of Vivi's nose.

"Let's go!"

...

Usopp carried Sanji's light weight ass on his back, the blonde muttering about pretty women under his breath. Tani carried an armful of bags.

"Why are we helping the blue girl again?" Usopp huffed. Sanji snuggled into Usopp's hair.

"Because her dad's gonna pay us some big bucks to ensure her safety." Nami grinned, a glimmer in her eyes that only money could create. Usopp rolled his eyes, not surprised in the least.

"I see Merry," Tani called, picking up her pace. She wanted to get off this island asap. The other followed.

Upon arrival, Tani could see Luffy and Zoro standing by the gang plank. In front of them was-

"Igaram?" Vivi stepped forward, hands held close to her chest. "Why are you dressed like that?"

Why was he dresses like that indeed. Gone was the old timey wig and fancy dress. Instead the man dressed in a Vivi cosplay, while holding four flour sacks with Luffy style drawings of Luffy, Zoro, Nami and Tani on them.

"You're... You're leaving. Aren't you?" Vivi's voice sounded soft with fear.

"It's the only way to ensure you're safety my princess." he gave her a smile, but the princess was unconvinced.

"Are you sure?" Igaram hummed in affirmation. Vivi deflated at the answer. Standing in front of the man, Vivi wrapped her arms around his waist and squeezed.

"My princess. You're reacting as if you'll never see me again." he managed to pat her in the back. Her arms clutched him tighter. "I promise to return to Alabasta safely." Vivi didn't move from her spot.

Tani felt a tap on her shoulder, turning to look at Nami, the redhead pointed to their side with her thumb. Looking in that direction, Tani's eyes locked with Luffy's relieved? Expression. Tani handed her bags to Nami, which the redhead accepted. Giving Tani an encouraging smile. 

Tani approaches Luffy, her stomach felt like it was gonna twist into another knot. Zoro held Luffy by the shoulder, gripping it tight with warning. Once Tani stood in front of the captain, Zoro released the captain and approached Nami and the others. Leaving the pair alone, neither of them knew what to say.

"I guess I'll start?" Tani fiddled with her hands, looking anywhere but Luffy. "I'm sorry for taking your hat." she pointed at the mentioned item.

"It was the only way I could think of on the spot, to make sure you wouldn't target Zoro while he was fighting the Barbeque works guys." she chanced a look at the captain, who had a hand planted on his hat.

Removing his treasure from his head, he looked back at Tani. A smile crawling up his cheeks. He reached over Tani's head, planting the hat down atop her scalp.

"That was pretty stupid of you to do." Wow... Way to make her feel like an idiot. "But I was being stupid too." Nice save with the back-peddling, buddy.

"Alright, let's wrap it up everyone! The log pose has reset." Nami called while boarding the Merry. Usopp following behind without Sanji on his back. No, the sleeping blonde had been handed off to a very tired looking Zoro. Who held Sanji in a classic princess carry, holding him gently.

Luffy hooked his arm around Tani's shoulder, leading her up the gang plank. Tani moved her hand to place it on the straw hat, keeping it secured to her smaller head.

Once Vivi boarded the Merry with a level of reluctance, Nami took command of getting the crew and their tag along, out of this bounty hunter nightmare. Igaram sailed his smaller boat in the opposite direction, Vivi couldn't tear her eyes away from it. Igaram had been with her since she left home to find the man who framed her father.

"Stay safe." the princess whispered to herself. Watching the boat sail further and further away, it had almost disappeared.

"What was that?" Tani's voice called in alarm. The girl appeared beside Vivi, face pulled into one of concern. What was she on about?

Just as the thought left Vivi's mind. An explosion went off in the distance, a plume of black smog and burning reds engulfed the tiny boat that Igaram...

"No... No. No. No. No. No. No!" Vivi held her head, clawing at her scalp as she screamed. The girl looked ready to jump ship and swim to the burning heap of wood. Her hands flying out to grab at the horizon. Tani grabbed the girl by the waist, pulling her away from the rail before she could jump overboard. Usopp and Nami jumped to her aid, the trio dragged the hysterical girl onto the centre deck.

Merry hit open waters, gone was the island of Whisky peak, vanishing over the horizon. Now it was just the crew and their mournful companion. Nami gently ran her hands up and down the girls back, but nobody dared to utter a word.

"My, my. Isn't this is a surprise." Came a voice that nobody knew of. All eyes turned to face a tan woman, wearing a purple cowboy themed outfit, complete with a white cowboy hat and boots. She sat cross-legged on the railing, head resting on the palm of her hand. "I never would have guessed that Miss Wednesday would pair up with a crew of pirates," Her icy blue eyes stared at them with curious amusement, smiling enigmatically. Vivi froze on the spot, shakily lifting her head to face the mystery woman.

"Miss All-Sunday?" Vivi whispered in fear. That was enough to set off alarm bells, the crew quickly surrounded the threat. Everyone drew their weapons and turned them on the cowgirl. Miss All-Sunday didn't flinch.

"This certainly isn't any way to treat a lady." She sighed. Vivi stood on wobbly legs, eyes narrowing at the woman.

"Why are you here?" Miss All-Sunday closed her eyes, smile growing slightly wider.

"That's a matter that doesn't concern, Miss Princess." she replied with sickly sweetness. Her hand flicking upwards, in turn lifting Luffy's hat off Tani's head. The woman grabbed it gently, twirling it around on the tip of her finger. Tani noticed pink petals floating with the wind. How did those get there?

"Oi! Give me back my hat, you stupid mystery lady." Luffy snapped. Stomping his feet angrily. The lady snickered at the display, but did as he asked. Tossing the hat back into Luffy's possession. While everyone's attention was on the hat, the lady took the temporary distraction as her cue to leave. Standing up and walking to the edge of the boat, she paused for a moment. Hand dipping into the pocket of her skirt.

"This," she held up an hourglass shaped log pose. The crew stared at her, on guard for what this mystery threat was pulling. "Is an eternal log pose." She tossed the device towards Luffy, who caught it with ease. Tani leaned around his shoulder to read the word 'Lanayru' on the base of the pose.

"It leads to the island beside Alabasta. Have your log pose reset there and-"

"I don't want it." Luffy barked. Holding the object like it had personally offended him with its existence. He lifted the pose above his head. "This thing will make my adventure boring." he declared, then threw the pose at the ground. Shattering it to pieces.

For the briefest moment, the woman's eyes widened with surprise. Masked quickly by an amused snicker.

"How interesting." She cooed, turning away from the crew. Before anyone could stop her, she jumped over the edge of Merry. Instead of a loud splash, there was a solid thunk. Racing to peek over the railing, the crew found Miss All-Sunday seated comfortably on the shell of a giant turtle. Sailing away, the woman waved at them. Disappearing as mysteriously as she had arrived.

With all that excitement over. Nami walked over to Luffy and smacked him in the head. The captain let out a pained whine.

"You dolt!" Nami snarled. "I could have used that log pose to draw a map of the island!" she whined. Luffy gave her a half arsed sorry but she wasn't listening.

"You're lucky this pose managed to reset." Nami grinned. "Or I would have thrown you to the Seakings." She turned away from Luffy to address the rest of the crew.

"Now then. Let's get back to work." She looked at Vivi with confidence. "We have a cash money reward to collect."

Of course she was only thinking about the money. She wouldn't be Nami otherwise.

Tani looked towards the vast ocean ahead. A small shiver of anticipation rattled through her spine.

What kind of island was waiting for them?