Chapter 20: One Final Stop! Anne's Quick Escape!

 It was strange. Up until now, the Marines had been predicting out path every step of the way. They would always already be at the island we were planning to go to. We would either have to divert course before they saw us, or do a get-away maneuver if they caught wind of us.

 However, for the last few island hops, we did not see a sign of them. It made sailing much easier, but it made me wonder *why* we hadn't encountered them. Did we finally outrun them? Did they miscalculate our course? Did Gramps use the power of nepotism to wipe my bounty already?

 When we were just a few days away from the Goa Kingdom, the crew and I gathered on deck for our daily meeting. The meetings were almost always informal, mainly going over supply levels, weather forecasts, ship conditions and maintenance, tasks for the day, etc.

 "To think, we're going back to where we started so soon," Felix said as he was polishing his brass knuckles. "Yet, at the same time, we're getting closer to entering the Grand Line. Ironic."

 "Wait, what do you mean," Lyric asked, tuning the lute she always carried with her. "We're getting farther away from the Red Line, yet we're getting closer to entering the Grand Line? And when you say heading back to where you started, didn't you say you all met at a Marine base near the Red Line?"

 "She has a solid point," Doc stated, taking stock of her emergency medical bag. "I don't think you ever mentioned where we were sailing to. Just that we were taking a detour to the Grand Line."

 "Oh, oh! Can I answer this one," River asked with excitement as he raised his hand eagerly.

 "Go for it," I told him, shooting a finger gun at him.

 "Eh hm," River cleared his throat. "Yes, Felix, Anne and I did meet for the first time at a Marine base near the Red Line. However! That wasn't when this crew was technically formed! We were just a Marine squad back then. The Airess Crew wasn't established until Anne recruited Felix on her home island. *That* was technically when the Airess Crew began."

 "So, does that mean we're heading back to Anne's home island, next," Lyric asked, tuning the next string. "I'm still confused how that gets us close to the Grand Line, but if that's what the captain has decided, then alright."

 The others nodded in agreement. "Well, of course we follow what the captain says," Wynter proclaimed as he stood uncomfortable close to me. "That's why they lead the crew! I would follow Anne to my death without hesitation."

 I wagged a finger at Wynter as I scolded, "No. No dying on my watch, or because of me. Even if I were about to be executed, I want you all to escape. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. We are not that kind of crew. Your lives are as equally important as mine, and I do not expect you all to throw them away over something so small."

 Wynter looked down at me in the eyes. "I meant what I said. I will keep you alive and well, no matter the expense."

 I slapped my forehead and groaned to the rest of the crew, "See this? This is what *not* to do, class." The rest of the crew laughed and we dismissed the topic for the time being. "Alright, down to business now. We'll be arriving at the island soon, so let's divvy out the chores. Before this, I sent out an order to the Party Bar via paper airplane for supplies. I'll leave Doc in charge of paying the bill when we get there. Chef will be in charge of inventory as supplies are brought on the ship. River will be on lookout duty in case the Marines show up. Everyone else will be in charge of bringing the crates and barrels onto the ship."

 "And you'll be making a house call, or a shack call in this case, we take it," Felix asked with a smirk. "Make sure to tell the tykes I said hey, will ya?"

 "Of course, I will," I laughed with a nod.

 Within a few days, the island was in view. Everyone knew what they were doing, so I left the ship to them and flew to the island early. As I flew through Windmill Village, I waved hi and greeted everyone I passed, and kids exclaimed how the "Angel of Goa" was back. I didn't stay long, as I flew above the forest and up the mountain until I reached the familiar bandit camp.

 When I reached the independent countries, they were both empty. Of course, both boys would be out hunting and/or training. So, I flew up to my old hut, sat on the ledge and dangled my feet while I waited. I wanted to go and see the Dadan group, but I literally had an emotional farewell to them just a couple of months ago and didn't want to get their hopes up after being back so soon.

 After about an hour of taking in the scenery, a roughed up teenage boy made his way back towards the settlement. Taking the opportunity to hide, I waited until Ace was back in his little shack. Once his back was turned, I silently floated down behind him. I leaned in close to his ear and whispered as I pretended to slit his throat with my finger, "Aaaaand, you're dead."

 Ace jumped a mile high as he took the pipe off his back and swung it as he spun around. The rusty metal pipe glided through me with ease as I crossed my arms. I raised an eyebrow as Ace grumbled under his breath. "Nice try, bud," I teased as I ruffled his hair. "You'll get 'em next time."

 Ace swatted my hand away in irritated as he growled, "Geez, Anne! You nearly gave me a heart attack! What the hell are you even doing here?!"

 "Nice to see you, too, little bro," I continued to tease.

 Sitting down on the ground with Ace, I told him about how the Marines were messing up my original plan by predicting our every step, as well as how I planned to go through the Calm Belt after this island to try and throw them off. "Who all do you have as part of your crew so far," Ace asked as he picked up a nearby twig.

 I began to list off all of the member: Felix, River, Lyric, Wynter, Chef and Doc. As I named each one, Ace would write their names in the dirt in front of him. "Who all knew you were changing course and coming back here before you arrived," Ace asked.

 "Not sure why you're asking, but I think only River and Felix knew? Everyone else was busy," I told him, watching what he was going to do with the twig.

 Ace then drew a line through Felix and River. "And, what were your crew members doing before you got here," Ace asked. "Things you notice them do often."

 "Well, according to each crew member, the chef likes to write to their old boss about the different ingredients he's been finding at each island stop. River usually likes to write riddles on a piece of paper, stuff it in a bottle and chuck it out to sea for others to find. Lyric uses a transponder snail to talk to her dad. Doc has been mourning by writing letters to her lover who recently passed and then burns them so they can be sent to her. Wynter is usually following me wherever I go, watching what I do and trying to help when he can. As for Felix, he usually just lazes around in the hammock or practices his punches," I explained. "They do other things as well, but that's what they were doing before getting here that was worth noting. But, why are you asking these questions?"

 Ace drew a question mark next to Lyric, Doc, Chef and Wynter before giving a sigh. "And when did the Marines start predicting your movements?"

 I explained that they started getting clever after I freed the island with Dragon. Ace then crossed out Doc and Chef. Ace gave a sigh before saying, "Anne, I don't know how to tell you this, but I think you may have a mole."

 I gave a laugh, thinking this was another one of Aces jokes. However, one I saw he was still serious and not laughing, I stopped and stared at him. "Wait, you really think that," I asked, unsure of how to process this. 

 "Unfortunately, I do," he told me as he placed a hand on my shoulder. "This can't be a coincidence. It sounds like this wasn't an issue when it was just you and Felix, so someone is probably leaking info to the Marines. From what you told me, you haven't run into the Marines while island hopping back here. However, you also didn't stay at each island long enough for them to catch up. So, if the Marines show up to this island soon, you'll know you've got a traitor among you," Ace told me as he wagged his finger. "Crews are suppose to be your family, and you're suppose to care for them, as such. However, when someone threatens the peace of your crew, you gotta deal with them properly. Anne, I grew up with you and know how much you try to avoid conflict, but you know this can't be avoided if there *is* a traitor. Your family could be in dang-."

 "Ace, I know," I told him, looking down at my feet. "I understand. You also know I will protect those I care for, no matter the cost. We've been sailing together for months, we've fought together. It's hard to image one of them might betray me, but I'm not going to ignore it. I promised you that I wouldn't let anything happen to me, didn't I? I'm going to make it back to watch you and Luffy set sail, no matter what."

 Ace lifted his fist and playfully punched me in the shoulder. "You better keep that promise," he said with a smug grin. "Otherwise, I'll just assume you fell into the ocean and drowned."

 "Eh, that's fair," I shrugged.

 "AAAAAAAANNE," we heard Luffy shout behind us down the path. "What are you doing here, and why do you always come when I'm gone?!"

 As I turned around, I saw Luffy approach. I have started to control when I go tangible and intangible, so I was able to allow him to rush full force at me, jump, and wrap his arms around me multiple times in a hug. "Hey there, bud," I greeted as I patted his head. "You're just always getting stronger, so of course you'll be gone."

 "You know it! This time, I was able to take down a huuuuge bear by myself! I'm getting stronger by the day," Luffy exclaimed proudly as he bounced off of me. "I was like wa-bam! Kah-pow! He-yah! It never knew what hit 'um!"

 "Whatever you say, Luff," I told him as I dug into my bag.

 Bring my hand out, I tossed an adventure book about different islands to Ace and I tossed various dried meats to Luffy. "Whoooooooa! Meat! Haha, and all you got was a dumb book, Ace," Luffy taunted.

 "Well, unlike yours, mine will last much long-."

 Before Ace could finish what he was saying, Luffy had already stuffed the assorted dried meats into his mouth and had swallowed, not even bothering to chew. "Hey, Anne! Got any more food on ya," Luffy asked, eyeing my bag.

 I shook my head. It was Ace's turn to laugh. "Told ya mine would last longer," Ace teased back. "Besides, the last book Anne sent me talked about an island called Little Garden, and supposedly giants live there!"

 "Woooooh, giants," Luffy asked in amazement. He then looked to me and asked," Anne! Have you seen any giants, yet?!"

 "No, not yet. But probably soon," I told him with hands on my hips. "After all, my crew will be heading to the Grand Line through the Cam Belt to the south!"

 "Wait, you can do that," Luffy asked with interest. "Isn't the Calm Belt infested with sea beasts and doesn't have a lick of win-... Okay, I guess the wind wouldn't be a problem, and I know you could easily take on a sea beast, but are you sure you would be able to handle multiple?"

 I gave a shrug. "I think so, but I guess we'll find out."

 Ace and Luffy both rolled their eyes. "Well, that's reassuring," Ace said as he crossed his arms. He then held his chin as he pondered aloud, "Speaking of giants, they are suppose to be huge... *everywhere*. So, how long do you think their di-"

 Thankfully, before Ace could finish his question, we heard someone barreling through the woods in our direction. Seeing how confident they were in their direction and speed, they knew they were heading for the bandits' part of the mountain. This meant they knew they, or *we*, were here.

 As the person came crashing out the shadows, Luffy and Ace already had their long pipes pointing at the person. Though, once they saw who it was, they both look disappointed and lowered their weapons. "Man, I thought we were going to get to beat someone up," Luffy moaned.

 "Nah, it's just Anne's first mate," Ace groaned. "What was it? Farlix?"

 "Felix, thank you very much," the person corrected. He then looked to me desperately and said, "Anne! Okay, so, we had just finished loading the supplies onto the boat, when, lo and behold, guess who shows up!"

 I glared at nothing in particular as I spat, "The Marines..."

 Ace gave me a hard look. He didn't have to say anything. This confirmed it to both of us. There was a mole in the crew. "Go," Ace instructed me. "Show them Marines we aren't so easy to catch. And, good luck on the Grand Line. See you in a couple years."

 I gave a sharp nod and bade the two farewell before dashing with Felix back down the mountain. "When were they spotted," I asked.

 "Not too long ago," Felix replied, dodging multiple trees as he spoke. "Ran right up as soon as they were spotted. So, half an hour tops."

 "Who was the first to spot them?"

 "River, since he was on lookout duty," he told me as I was running straight through the trees and foliage as I went intangible. "Was someone else suppose to?"

 I kept silent, starting to wonder who I could trust. River and Felix could have still had their ties to the Marines. After all, it was our old teammate and his new squad that have been pursuing us. The way Lyric always talked to her father was rather formal for family, so she could be an underling that sneaked into the crew. Wynter always had to be with me, so he would know everything I'm doing and would be able to relay it to the Marines. Doc always burned her letters, but did she do anything with them before she did? As for the chef, I still struggled to remember their name, so who knows what they could be up to. Each of them had a means to be the mole, but out of everyone, I had never seen Felix communicate with anyone not on the boat while sailing...

 I took a breath to recenter myself. Feeling this was taking too long, I lifted off of the ground, picked Felix up under the arms without warning, and flew us above the trees towards the docks full speed. He cussed me out a bit for the sudden flight, but quieted down as I explained the situation to him.

 I was expecting him to protest what I was implying, that it wasn't right to start suspecting the crew so quickly. That I had needed more evidence instead of basing it purely on coincidences... 

 "Man, that would explain a lot, actually," Felix said once I finished the explanation. "Nice to know you trust me above the others, though!"

 "Focus," I scolded. "So, have you noticed anything?"

 "Actually, now that you mention it..."

~~~~~~~~

 After about 10 minutes, we were approaching the docks. Below, we had seen the crew had prepped the boat to set sail as soon as we were to get back. Boxes of supplies were strapped down tight, everyone but Lyric and River were inside the ship, and the previously mentioned had ropes tied tightly around their waists that held them onto the ship. Everything had been ready for a quick getaway.

 The Marine boat had been getting uncomfortably close. On the front deck, Felix and I could see Delta and his son facing us. Delta reached down to his hip and pulled out his pistol, aiming towards us. After all of his lecturing, had he forgotten that regular guns do not work on logia users? Even if he were to aim for Felix, I could divert the bullet away from him by surrounding him in a wall of diverging winds, which was exactly what I did. I surrounded Felix with a barrier of air that would push the bullet away if it was aimed at him.

 Delta steadied and pulled the trigger. I gave a smirk as I waited for the bullet to be diverted or pass through me, but that smirk quickly disappeared. I felt a sharp pain go through my right shoulder, causing me to lose focus of my powers. Felix and I fell about 30 feet onto our boat. River and Lyric called out to us as they rushed over. Felix picked himself up with ease and immediate checked me over.

 I looked down and noticed a trail of blood was running down my shirt from a wound on my shoulder. Felix began applying pressure to it as River untied himself and rushed into the cabin to get Doc. Grabbing the rope that he left, I started to tie it around Felix.

 "What in the world are you doing," Felix protested. 

 Once I made sure he was fastened to the boat, I raised a hand towards the sails. "Getting us out of here," I said right before I started to blast the sails with air.

 The boat launched through the air and soared over the Marine vessel. As we went over them, I used my other free hand to raise my middle finger towards Delta. Needless to say, he had some choice words. Kai watched us sail over in astonishment. He looked from Felix, to me, and to Lyric as we flew. Felix was holding me to the deck so I didn't fly off, though Lyric wasn't as lucky. She was unable to get a hold of something before taking off, so she was dangling freely from the rope, yelling her lungs out.

 I continued to use my air blast for half an hour, trying to get as much distance between us and the Marines. Once the ship smack back down onto the water with a thud, everything shuffled and creaked back to normal on the boat. Lyric picked herself up and fixed up her appearance, while Felix released his grip on my shoulder. "Geez, you're an idiot," Felix groaned as he smacked his forehead with an open palm. "Were you trying to bleed out by using your powers with an open wound for so long?!"

 I rolled my eyes as a disheveled River and Doc came rushing on deck. "Relax, I had to get us out of there. Besides, it's not THAT serious of a wound," I reassured him, before looking down to my shoulder.

 "I'll be the judge of that," Doc sighed as she knelt down next to me with her supplies.

 My right shoulder was covered in red, blood trailing from the shoulder downward. Beside the bullet in my shoulder, it could have been worse. The object was still lodged below the collarbone, so River had to help me remove my shirt for Doc. Using some forceps to remove the lodged bullet, she placed it into a bowl she brought with her. After stitching the wound, she started examining the bullet.

 "Sea stone," Doc said, narrowing her eyes at it. "They made a bullet out of sea stone."

 Our eyes widened as we looked towards her. "Wait, they can do that," River asked in horror.

 "Well, seems like it," Felix said, crossing his arms with a scowl. "Normally, I wouldn't think you would be able to, as it would have shattered due to the explosive force of the lit gunpowder. But, of course, Delta would be the one to figure it out. It's probably a hard process to make, though. There hasn't been an increase in logia-powered pirates being arrested. So, they probably can't supply it to the whole army."

 River helped placed a coat over my shoulders to help cover me up and keep me warm. I thanked him as I picked myself up off of the deck. With the tip of my boot, I tapped it hard against the deck in a pattern that signaled to those below deck to come up. After a minute or so, Wynter and the chef came up onto the deck. Once Wynter laid eyes on my injured shoulders, he was in front of me in the blink of an eye.

 "What happened?! Who did this to you," Wynter fretted. "Point the way and I'll end them."

 "No," I unamusingly said as I flicked his forehead. "No one is ending anyone. I underestimated the enemy, that's all. So, there is no reason to be overdramatic."

 "You're hurt," Wynter growled, looking down at my shoulder. "That's reason enough for me to hunt them down."

 "Whatever. By the way, *no one* tells my brothers about this," I warned them all. "Anyhow, I didn't bring you up here for that. We need to discuss the next course of action. According to Felix, it sounded like you were all able to get the supplies we needed before we had to make a quick escape, which is great. However, some things are going to change for a bit. I'm going to need everyone in tip-top shape in case we run into any trouble as we go towards the Grand Line."

 "Oh, we're finally setting course for the Line," Doc asked. "Would there not still be Marine vessels guarding the Red Line? After all, they know your goal is to get onto the Grand Line, so they should be expecting you there."

 "Don't worry," I reassured. "Felix and River will be assisting with navigation, since they are aware of the plan. Everyone, just stick to your assigned spots and everything should run smoothly."

 I could see on a couple of people's faces that they were curious what the plan was, but no one asked. I had decided to trust River after Felix brough something to my attention on the island. River was present when I explained how we were going to stop by the Goa Kingdom and then go through the Calm Belt, and there weren't any Marines waiting ahead of us like usual. Instead, the Marines arrived after, as if they didn't know the plan ahead of time. Which meant my suspicions were down to two people...