Leap of Faith

Hi guys. Im a lying ass, I know. More than the week I said in my little announcement. No real reason, just never got around to it. My bad. But anyway, here's the next chappie for you all. Hope you like it.

Reader Review Responses. None of this for this chapter. To many of them and over a long period of time. They'll likely return for the next chapter!

Ch. 10 Fight for it

"Have you ever been in love? Horrible isn't it? It makes you so vulnerable. It opens your chest and it opens up your heart and it means that someone can get inside you and mess you up." - Neil Gaiman

"I don't give a shit!" Corgi yelled angrily. "Speed up this damned train right now!" The train conductor trembled in his seat. "W-we simply can't sir! With all of the extra carts gone we're going even faster. We're traveling as fast as we're able to in this weather!" Corgi scowled, gripping the younger Marines shoulder roughly. "I don't give a rats ass! Do what you can to the train, or I'll do what I can to you!" The already shaking conductor paled as Corgi grabbed the butt of his pistol with his other hand. "I-I'll do what I can sir." He turned in his seat, pulling various levers.

Corgi grinned down at him, a strange glint in his eye. The sooner that she-devil Nico Robin is take to the base and given to Spandam, the sooner I'm sure to get a new promotion. My time has finally come!

The cart rocked slightly as the cart charged its way through another wave. The marine conductor shook in his seat as the crazed Government official seemed more and more mad by the minute. The deluge of rain pelted the front windshield as the wipers barely kept up. Almost there. Almost a promotion! Out of that water filled dump and, if I'm lucky, off to Poochi, the City of Cuisine! His mouth watered at the thought. Corgi banged on the side of the cart with the butt of his pistol, eyes wide with anticipation. "Faster. Faster! FASTER!"

A single cart behind Corgi...

*sigh* "I still don't understand why you're doing this." Franky, grumbled, annoyed. "You know about the Pluton, and you're still willing to let them have it?" Robin stared out into the churning waves. The train chugging, onward towards the Government base.

Franky gave another even louder sigh as she continued showing her indifference. He adjusted himself in his seat as well as the ropes would allow.

"Well. The least I can say I guess is thanks for not killing Iceberg. Me and that stubborn idiot used to work together as apprentice shipwrights to the Master Builder, Tom." Franky spat at the closed door. "All this crap because of some damn weapon. The shit people do for power..."

The cyborg leaned forward, gazing at her. "Look. I know what really happened between you and your crew, so don't try to bullshit me on that." Robin glanced at him momentarily. "Just because one escape attempt failed, doesn't mean you can't get back to the Straw Hats."

Robin kneaded her temples at this. "You and the others don't understand. Just by being with them, I endanger them." Franky sighed, rolling his eyes. "It's not you doing that though, it's the World Government. It's because of them that all this is happening." He leans even further in his seat to stare at her. "I've seen firsthand the crap they do. They're the biggest bastards I know."

Robin held his gaze, seemingly surprised by the amount of contempt in his voice. After several seconds, she looked down to her clenched fists. "Why are you even saying these things. I don't know you and you know nothing about the Straw Hats. The ship arrived days ago."

Franky shrugged his wide shoulders. "True. I don't know any of you well at all. But from what that long nosed bro said about you all, there's a deep bond that is ingrained deep." Franky looked up to the ceiling. "I might not know that guy well, but I could see and hear how he talked. He said everything from his heart. He really believed you guys were family." The cyborg closed his eyes as he heard the sound of the waves crashing while Robin's breathing grew steadily heavier.

"You know..." Franky started, after a long period of silence. "Since we're apparently riding off into our doom right now, you might as well come to terms with what is going on right now." He adjusted his speedo on the seat. "No matter what you've said and done, they ARE coming for you. There's no avoiding it."

He watched her, white knuckled as she clenched her black blouse. "That Captain of yours, Straw Hat, is going to get you back no matter what." Franky sighed, thinking back. "I saw that look in his eyes. I've seen that before in my old master Tom's eyes. He saw what he wanted and he got it, no matter what." He turned to look back at her. "As for Straw Hat, what he wants more than anything right now, is you. There's no stopping what-" BAM

Franky stopped mid sentence. Robin had hit her head against the window. She banged her head against the window steadily harder and harder until at last the skin broke and a drop of blood started to seep from her head. "OY! Nico Robin! What're you-" the door behind them opened and the CP9 agent Lucci looked in, glaring annoyed at Robin. "Stop your banging or I'll stop it for you." Glancing momentarily at Franky, he closed the door again.

Several moments passed between them. The train chugged on, occasionally rocking from the steadily calming waves. Robin took a steadying breath as the dribble of blood coursed down to her nose. Looking away into the clouds, she spoke.

"I-... I know they say they want me back. I do. But... But I've gotten so close to them. If they were to abandon me. I know it would be worse than death... I've cut myself off from the possibility of friendship and humanity for so long, the chance of losing it scares me to the core. I felt that by doing this I could take the choice out of their hands ." A lone tear made its way down her cheek. "The relationships I've made with them are something I couldn't even dream of before, and yet I just seemed to happen upon it." *Sniff Sniff Sniff*

Robin looked up at the ship dismantler. "Waaaaahhhh!" Franky cried out, attempting to muffle it in the seat cushions. "That's Suuuuper sad!" The cyborg gave a big sniff and wiped the remainder of the tears from his eyes. "Hey. Nico Robin. Stop thinking that way. There's no reason to feel like that. If they haven't abandoned you by now, why would they ever? Hell, they're risking their lives just to get you back."

Franky straightened in his seat looking determined at Robin. "If you really mean all that. That they really mean that much to you. Put your faith in them. Like they put their faith in you."

A second tear streaked down her face. Franky continued looking at her concerned. Robin chuckled quietly. "Since I first met Luffy, I've noticed that everyone always underestimates him. And in the end they're always proven wrong."

She looked out the window into the dissipating rain. "It seems even I did the same. Luffy does what he wants. And I swear to myself, if he continues onward..." She wiped the remains of the tear from her eye. "I'll do whatever I can to be with them."

Franky slumped back into his seat, chuckling. "Well then." he said with a drawl. "Seems you're finally out of your slump."

Robin looked at him, eyebrows raised. "So it would seem... You're better with words than one would think. You look too much the hooligan for such conversation."

The ship-dismantler chuckled at this. "I'll take that as a compliment to my Suuuper skills. You don't get too far in the underground without learning how to talk with the jackals."

The grin vanished from Franky's face as he looked out the window. "Seems like we're almost there. I can see the towers coming into view." He continued gazing at it. "I haven't seen it for years. Not since we built the track... Not since Boss Tom was taken there by the marines for 'treason'..."

At this, Franky subsided into quiet brooding. Robin said nothing at this and merely watched Marineford speed into view. We're almost there Luffy. If you truly want me back, I won't stop you this time. I want to return. I want to trust you all like you trust me. I truly, truly do.

Far, but not to far behind on the Rocketman

"GERO GEROOOO!" Yokozuna croaked loudly, slapping its chest. "LET'S DO IIIIIIT!" yelled Luffy in agreement. The two pounded their chests in the rain as the seatrain chugged onwards.

(Inside the train)

"It lies..." Sogeking solemnly said, putting his hand on the young Tanuki's head. "in your heart..." Chopper's eyes sparkled as he he stared with reverence at the Superhero.

Nami rolled her eyes at hearing this. "Hey Mr. Superhero. Come here for a minute." Sogeking turned and walked over to her. "What is it you'd like young-" "Keep acting like a Superhero around me and I'll break your heroic nose." he coughed. "Er. Continue please Nami."

Nami rolled her eyes. "OK. So your attempt at grabbing Robin obviously failed. Did she at least give any indication that she might try to escape?" The 'hero' looked downcast. "I-I don't think so. She's terrified of what will happen to everyone if she comes back."

The two wallowed in their gloom. "Nami-san. Wait. Did you know that Luffy told Robin his real feelings for her?!" Nami looked up at him, slightly surprised. "Really? Did she tell you that? I mean, I guessed he might have. But I wasn't sure. Between her disappearance, the Franky bastards, and your... stupidity with Luffy, I never thought to ask him."

"Dammit." Sogeking growled. "I'm... So stupid..." A small tear trickled down from behind the mask as he clenched his bandaged fists. "If I hadn't been so stubborn about what happened with Merry, I might've noticed everything Luffy was going through."

Nami punched him hard on his arm, making him yelp aloud. "Yes. You were an idiot. Luffy was already going crazy worrying about Robin, even before what happened with Merry." He looked down to the ground, ashamed of all the sadness he'd caused his captain and friend. Nami sighed aloud. "But you're here now. So that's what matters. Do what you think needs to be done." The masked man stared at her fiercely. "I'll do whatever I can. For Luffy and the return of Robin."

(Back outside the train)

"-need to stay on your toes and get Robin-chan back at any cost." Sanji growled at the young Captain, poking his chest. "We don't need another mistake when it comes to rescuing Robin-chan." Luffy grit his teeth at this. "It won't happen again Sanji. I'll get her back no matter what." Sanji blew smoke into the air, letting it whip away behind them.

Sanji continued to stare at him. "Are you sure Luffy? You've been off more than usual. I know it's been tough with Robin-chan gone. But it feels like it's been different for you." Luffy frowned. "Look Luffy." Sanji said solemnly. "You're my captain. I'm there for you." Luffy sighed. "I will do everything I can to get Robin back. She's important to me. More than you even realize..." Sanji frowned at this. "What do you mean by th-." "End of the line!" yelled a coarse voice. "Final stop, Ennies Lobbies!" the older train conductor, Kokoro cackled aloud.

Disembarking onto Ennies Lobbies

"It's really her."

"The devil girl!"

"They say she could destroy the world."

Robin walked past them all, paying them no attention. They muttered under their breaths and some jeered aloud, knowing she could do nothing while she was captured. She looked down the sea-stone cuffs on her wrists. They made her tired and nauseous. The jeers were nothing to her. She'd heard it all and much worse in her years on the run.

Oddly enough, there was only one time in her life after the events of the Buster Call that she DIDN'T hear those things. It was when she assumed the identity of Ms. All Sunday under the leadership of Mr. Zero, Sir Crocodile the Shichibukai, of Baroque Works.

It was a time where she had almost completely embraced that she was a bad person and everyone feared she would kill them. The dirty stares and shouts of disgust had turned into worried glances and cowering pleas. After years of pain and worry, she seemed to revel in it. But she knew it was only a step in her path. A means to an end. Until, that end in Alabasta seemed only to end her and not her quest. That is, until a lone man punched his way into her life, changing everything for her. She grinned slightly at this, the cuffs still making her woozy.

Franky, Robin, the members of CP9, a battalion of Marines and a small entourage of smartly dressed Government agents continued on through the throng of soldiers stationed at the base. Robin looked forward towards the limp body of Franky, who was flung over the CP9 agent Blueno's shoulder. Franky had attempted to break through a window after getting an arm free but was knocked out by Kaku right after he'd got his head through.

At the front of the group was the strongest of CP9, Rob Lucci. He strode with purpose through the streets. The throng of marines stared at him in awe. He ignored them for the most part, only speaking when they arrived at a checkpoint and was asked for information, at which point Corgi was made to answer.

Eventually, they approached a large gateway where, two giants grinned down at them. The larger, red-haired giant chuckled down at them. Motioning to his companion, he chuckled. "Hey Kaaashi. Looks like the little man with the cat claws is back." Kashi grinned back. "Sure does Oimo. I'm sure kitty wants some milk now he's home."

The group continued on without stopping, as Lucci called out behind him. "Been awhile you two. I might feel like sharpening my claws later. See you both soon." The two Giants stared at this, shrinking down in fear as the group walked out of sight.

As they walked on, a large squad of men, wearing what seemed to be a small rapier on each wrist, rode past them on large dogs. Luffy would make short work of them Robin thought wryly.

Looking around at the immense fortifications of Ennies Lobby, her grin faded. I know I told Franky I would go with my friends if they came for me, but if that were to happen, how would we escape? Soldiers ran past her as they continued their training regimen. I don't think they have any idea what to do after their arrival. And even if they reached me... In her mind's eye she saw the burning of Ohara as the Buster Call ships razed the island of everything she knew.

A trickle of sweat dripped down her face. Breathing deeply, she tried to push the memory away and focus on the now. She looked forward as they approached a large bridge.

Looking to its side, she saw nothing but the dark blue and black of the hole over which the CP9 Headquarters was built. A huge chasm which had seen the end of many who would ever challenge the World Government.

It will be over soon. One way or the other... She gazed off into the abyss of the black hole. Even if this had never happened, how long would I have traveled with them? Misfortune meets every group I have ever stayed with. The group passes into the building and the bridge starts being pulled back into position. No. Stop that. she berated herself. You've made your mind up. Believe in Luffy like he believes in you.

They marched onward into the fortress. Franky let out a muffled groan from Blueno's shoulder as he began to wake up. The Marine soldiers stopped at the entrance, saluted smartly, and proceeded to close the doors behind them as they left.

The small group of Government agents turned a corner and entered a side door, behind which Robin saw contained various monitors and desks. The remaining CP9 Assassins, Franky, and Robin continued onwards up a spiraling stone stairway.

Reaching the top of the stairway, the group faced a large door. A bespectacled agent standing next to the door spoke to Lucci. Then, knocked behind him. "Sir. They have arrived..."

On the Main Island...

Dammit! Luffy thought angrily. This is taking too long. I need to be faster if I'm going to- "Aaarrgghh!" Luffy gasped loudly. He jumped back as a sword finished its slash across his arm. "That hurt asshole!" Luffy glared at the newcomer. A large group of men seated upon large dogs grinned at him. The one in front, brandished his bloodied sword, laughing at him.

"That's what you get Straw Hat for not keeping your head in the game!" the lead dog-guy cackled. "Out of my way you bastards!" Luffy yelled, attempting to run past them. The battalion chased after him, cutting him off. "You can't escape us Pirate!" the leader proclaimed loudly. "We've trained extensively in the Art of the Chase! No one can-" "Dammit!" growled Luffy. "Stupid Dog-guys! You're making me look bad! I don't have time to deal with all of you!"

Luffy sighed. "We'll... It's not about the presentation... It's about the results..." "What was that idiot pirate?!" the dog pack leader yelled back. Luffy took a deep breath, crouching down and laying his fist upon the ground... "Gear..."

Ennies Lobbies HQ

Lucci watched uninterested as Spandam proceeded to torment and beat upon Cutty Flam and Nico Robin. What a sad, weak excuse for a man. Lucci thought to himself. Beating upon those who can't fight back. There's no fun in that. Lucci glanced towards the large window in the back of the room. Staring intently at it.

After a moment, he motioned towards his Ox-like comrade. "Blueno." The man looked at him. "I want you to wait on the ledge of the main Island. I don't trust the soldiers here to stop any of the Straw Hats, should they make it here." Blueno frowned at this, but nodded in agreement.

The barrel-chested CP9 member opened the latch on the window, and walked onto the terrace. Crouching, Blueno jumped across the endless chasm below, and onto the roof of the building overlooking the rest of the largest island. Sighing, Blueno leaned against a nearby pillar. What a fool our commander is. Torturing those two just to satisfy his own failings as a man.

Blueno gazed upwards into the cloudless sky, content of the job well done. Thinking back, he remembered what Fukuro had said about Jabra being turned down by a girl named Gatherine on the mainland. Blueno grinned. Jabra making a fool of himself like usual. I wonder what she looks like. Probably quite cute, I could use a new woma-. KABLAAAM! Blueno sunk hard into the pillar as a pink fist smashed into his face, crashing through it, and splitting the ground from the impact of his body.

Blueno struggled to think, but the pain whited out any thought. Gasping in pain and spitting out a tooth, he looked up to see a blur of red and pink before a kick sent him flying into a statue to his right.

Luffy jumped into the air and onto a pillar as the cloud of debris in the air cleared. Seeing the faint black outline of the Bull-man, Luffy jumped towards it, launching his foot into the air, bringing it down onto the shape.

His foot connected with the hard stony ground, smashing through it, but didn't hit any human shape. Landing on the ground he looked around. Luffy closed his eyes and waited for the CP9 agent to make the first move. The cloud of steam around him began to thicken.

He felt a presence behind him. Ducking, a pair of hands grabbed at the area his head had just vacated. Grabbing the hands above him, Luffy pulls them forward as he places his foot onto the man's chest. "You Bull bastard!" yelled Luffy. He jumped high into the air. "I won't let you make those doors anymore!" Luffy kicked off of Blueno's chest hard, pulling the man's arms with him. The horned CP9 agent yelled loudly in pain. "Rraagghh!" CCRRKK! The force of Luffy's pulling had yanked Blueno's arms out of their sockets.

Luffy let go of his arms and kicked him into the ground below. Blueno landed hard as he gasped with pain. After a moment of breathing, Blueno rolled onto his stomach and stood, glaring at Straw Hat. "You rubber piece of shit." he growled, in between gasps of pain. "When did you get so damn strong." Luffy only stood and watched him.

"I won't have you make a fool of me!" the agent shouted, raising his leg. "TEMPEST-" Luffy launched himself at Blueno."KIC-" Luffy headbutted him hard, squarely under the jaw, causing several teeth to shatter on each other on impact. Blueno's own mind shattered as the pain was sent coursing through his body.

Wasting no time, Luffy wrapped his arms and legs around the ex-bartender's own limbs, and stared directly into his eyes. Luffy waited as the steam slowly enveloped them. Several seconds later, Blueno finally regained full mental capacity and noticed he was entangled by Straw Hat.

Unable to speak, he could only voice. "Whu uh yuh-" Luffy cut him off. "What you did to Robin, my nakama, and the woman I love is unforgivable." Luffys eyes pierced Blueno and he knew he had no escape. Blueno struggled to get away, but the Pirate had full control of his limbs which were wrapped up.

"This is what you get for what you did." Luffy growled. "GOMU GOMU NOOO-" Blueno tried a final plee. "Whu! Pluh!" "JET FUSEN!" Luffys body instantly blew outwards, pulling Blueno's arms and legs further out of their sockets and cracking nearly all of his ribs from the immense instantaneous pressure forced upon his body.

Blueno immediately lapsed into unconsciousness. Luffy let go of the CP9 member, exhaling all the air within him. With a final WHOOOF, Luffy landed back on the ground, only to then be kicked hard in the side, sending him flying into a nearby pile of rubble.

Immediately pushing the debris off him, he saw a large spherical man bouncing back and forth on his feet, staring at him. The large man raised his hand, grabbing a zipper at the corner of his mouth.

"Chapapa!"

Downstairs...

"You damn Pirates have made a mockery of our justice!" yelled the middle head of the three headed Chief Justice. "I, Princess, sentence you to death!" Lunging forward, sword in hand, the Judges slashed at the swift footed cook.

Sanji kicked aside the sabre, flipping backwards. Zoro grunted at Sanji. " Hey, crap cook, how about we finish this idiot right now." Sanji shrugged in response. "If you're ready for it, toothpick."

"Stop ignoring us!" The Baskervilles shouted in unison, running towards them. Sanji and Zoro leaped into the air, both glaring annoyed at each other, not even bothering with any special attacks. Sanji sent a strong kick at the left head as Zoro slammed a sword clutched fist into the right Judges face.

The Chief Justice was sent skidding backwards, only his middle head remained conscious. "How dare you defy our judgement!" Princess snarled at them. "Your execution is he-!" he was cut off, just as the blonde and green haired duo headbutted him in the jaw, rendering him unconscious.

Nami, Chopper, and the rest of the ship builders and dismantlers watched as the two landed on the Judges chest, still bickering. "Alright you idiots, let's get going." Nami snapped at the two. "We have to get up to the top and meet up with Luffy" "But of course Nami-sw-!" she interrupted the cook. "Chopper, you take the lead. I don't trust one to think straight or the other to know where up is." Chopper nodded.

Tilestone roared aloud. "Go onwards Pirates! We'll take care of any who try to follow after you!" "And get some less scandalous clothes on when you get in there." shouted Paulie.

"By the way Mrs. Pirate. Do these guys always..." started Zambai. "argue with each other like that?" Lulu finished, pushing a hair sticking out, back into his head.

The navigator glanced at the two, sighing. "I sometimes forget they even do it these days." she waved goodbye and ran after the group.

"Okay everyone," shouted Zambai. "time to fortify our position!" he turned around to see Tilestone, eyes wide, pointing at Lulu.

"L-Lu-Lulu!" stammered the large Shipwright. Lulu looked around to him. "What is it?" he asked, confused. "Y-your pointed hair!" "Huh?" replied Lulu. "It's missing!" Lulu eyes went wide open behind his glasses. "Whaaaaat?!" gasped out Lulu. He picked up a piece of broken glass to look at himself. "Where is iiiiit?!"

Moments ago upstairs...

Fukuro bounced back and forth in the air, jumping from one foot to the other. He unzipped his mouth. "I'm glad you made short work of bull-brains over there." motioning to the still form of Blueno. "All that time off made him weak! Chapapa!"

Fukuro sent a Tempest Kick flying at Luffy, who appeared instantly to the right of the attack. "That won't work on me." Luffy said quietly. "Chapapa. You're pretty fast aren't you? Blueno got cocky and that's why you beat him." The large round man jumped high into the air, the zipper clinking at the side of his mouth.

"I fight smarter than that fool, Chapapa. I won't be defeated as easily as-." he stopped talking as a long piece of black hair suddenly protruded out of his nose. "What - what the. What is-." Luffy was then, to his surprise directly in front of him, grabbing his zipper. "Good." growled Luffy, throwing back his steaming fist . "I want to beat you all up as long as I can for what you did to Robin." Launching his first right into Fukuro's nose.

And thus ends another chapter. Yup...So here's the thing. I AM continuing this, make no mistake. When is comes to the following couple chapters though, the butterfly effect will be a bit more profound. Obviously Fukuro isn't defeated by Luffy in the series (thus no confrontation between him and Franky or Chopper), so you'll see some more changes as well that I think up. I won't focus much on Zoro, Sanji, Chopper, etc much either as their fight and struggles aren't as prevalent to the story. Obviously they win, because Plot. Plus, This is a LuRo story. I've many plans for if/when they get back to Water 7, or when/if they get to Saobody. So. Favorite if you liked it. Follow if you want more. Review if you want me to feel some more love and maybe your thought on this story. Thanks!

-ZanaZ

(Just edited some errors a reviewer pointed out to me. i am currently writing the next chapter. Sorry for the delay. People have been telling me that it's bad I do that. So hopefully it'll be out soon, but know that I AM working on it. THANKS!) 1-14-2016