Oh gawsh, another one! HELL NAW!

One Piece (c) Oda

Rin (c) Satsuke-rin

Mikari (c) Myself

Chapter 4:

This one was kind of boring - but I had to get through this stuff! Bleh T.T

Mikari.

Cheerful, loving, caring, innocent, kind, dreamer, crazy, beautiful, happy, understanding, calm, adventurous, imaginative…

Loves/Likes: Happiness, jokes, sparring, reading, kindness, peace, hugs, children, imagination, sleep, adventures, family, friends…

Hates/Dislikes: Death, sadness, anger, war, lies, murder, loneliness…

In all her 18 years of life, Mikari has never once become angry with anyone or sad over anything. She has never made enemies and if she did it wasn't on purpose. She strives to be kind to every person whom she meets – Both good and bad. Is that naïve of her? Or is she just willing to accept persons as they are, when others can't? Either way, it won't change how she acts.

She has a loving family which do all they can for her and raised her so she could keep her innocence yet still be able to take care of herself once she left the nest. The knowledge they had of the world was more than any normal person would know. How they knew different ways to fight and the little things they did that would make Mikari curious. And the stories her Uncle would tell her would make her almost believe they were true. Almost meaning, was it really some random pirate or marine? Or was it someone they knew? Could it be themselves even?

Alas, she never questioned what life her family had lived before she was born and they never brought it up. If it was important, they would tell her. Right? No matter though, she still loved them for who they were. Mysterious past or not.

Then there was her sister, Rin. She was a whole different story. All dull and serious. Mikari's complete opposite! She had also left on a Grand Line voyage and would wait until Mikari came to join her once she was 18. Before she went, she left Mikari with some heart-warming words that made the cheery girl decide on a dream or quest.

"Don't you ever lose that smile… Promise me you won't lose it. You are my Sunshine, after all."

As well as being Rin's Sunshine, she decided on being the world's too. Because everyone needs light in their life and she wanted to be the one to give it.

With all the badness in the world today, it's highly unlikely that this sun will stay shining forever. Where light is there is also darkness. Many innocent people have fallen prey to the horrors they succumb to unknowingly, no longer being a bright person. Will Mikari's Sunshine fade? Or will it continue burning bright? We can only hope she can fight on and not be broken to pieces. How will she ever survive…?

Nah, who are we kidding? This is Mikari for goodness sake!

"ECHOOOO!"

… "Echooo…"

"ECHO! ECHO!"

… "Echo… Echo…"

"SUPER DUPER ECHO!"

… "Super duper echo…"

For 1 hour straight, Mikari had been entertaining herself with the new-found echo from up high in several trees that she would climb up once every one or two shouts, slowly but surely making her way towards the rendezvous point.

She had been thinking about the recent events, but this echoing test may catch one of her team's ears and lead them over to her. Or she just wanted to hear her voice repeat what she said back to her.

"Oh! Must continue onward!" The young adult finally stopped her game, quietly humming to herself as she fell into her thoughts.

Was life with the Straw Hats going to be this full of adventure every day? She certainly hoped so, but it was okay if they had days where they would take a break and recuperate when needed.

What had she learnt about each Straw Hat? Let's see…

Chopper seemed very young, yet he was most likely a teenager since you wouldn't let a young child face the world when they had so many years to grow up still. He was very cute and would get scared easily, but at times would try to be brave. The reindeer has eaten the Human-Human Fruit and is the doctor of the crew.

Nami was around her age and is the navigator with a temper that would hit whoever got on her nerves, leaving a nasty bump. She held gold above everything else it seemed. Mikari could be wrong there, but she was quite nice to her really.

Usopp took care of the Going Merry and liked to invent things. He was a huge coward but would help out when asked (forced) to. He was also the 'sharp shooter'. Mikari wasn't sure what else to expect of him.

Sanji is the best cook you could ever have! If he fights or not, she'll find out soon, but she did notice he used his feet/legs when Luffy would try to snatch food. He was quite the charmer when it came to ladies and loved to please them. Mikari didn't mind that but she'd make sure to keep him on her good side. He was a decent guy! Who wouldn't want a friend like that?

Robin is the historian or archaeologist of the crew. She is very mysterious, yet Mikari has a feeling she's had a very tough life and hopes she continues to be with the Straw Hats. She feels they all have had a share in keeping her safe and well. She does have quite a sense of humor though and smiles at some strange things.

Zoro. Zoro, Zoro, Zoro. The swordsman who wields 3 katana. How he came across that style, Mikari has no clue. From what she's seen, he likes his naps and heard he can be a pain to wake up. Sounds like her to some degree. He has a serious nature which reminds her of Rin, her sister, and oddly enough it makes her feel more relaxed. Yet, he does know how to make Mikari laugh and he too has his smiley moments. Unless that's just her rubbing off on him.

Luffy she's known for a long time and he has hardly changed. The only difference is that he's grown older and can eat a heck lot more. She knows he's always wanted to be a pirate captain and that he's hunting down Gold Roger's One Piece treasure. Plus, he still knows how to make her crack up with those faces he pulls.

Mikari still has a mile and a half to go before she fully understands her new crew. She has yet to know of their pasts, but is content enough with just knowing that they trust her and will accept her willingly. Besides that, they barely know her as it is. This makes them even enough. Then again, her observations could be way off chart.

"YEEYEEYEEYEEEEEEE!" The cheery girl couldn't help but swing on more vines. She wasn't sure when she would get to do this again, so she may as well get the most of it.

The sad thing about being split up, is not knowing what to do in an overgrown jungle when there's no one else to have fun with in it.

She hopped over the large roots, looking at the scenery. All the trees reminded her of home. The way they would hide the sky above, almost hugging each other and having their branches intertwine like they were holding hands. The green leaves mixing together with spots of brown that made the thick base they call a trunk. The sun-rays leaking through and lighting up small patches of soil.

Magnificent. It's no wonder they call this Sacred Land. The land that God resides in. God being a title instead of leader or king or lord. Those Priests weren't priests. More like guards that have been stationed to different parts and told to kill anyone who dares step foot in their territory.

Like the wolves from last night. Once the leader of the pack had seen Nami's wrath, he backed down and allowed the Straw Hats to camp in peace. Maybe if this 'God' was defeated, he would see his errors and try to change them or step down and allow another to rule.

All Gan wanted was peace and security between the Sky dwellers and the Sea dwellers. Mikari hopes that they can help out at some point and restore Skypiea to how it used to be. But that all depends on what her Captain wants to do.

Well that's what she had come up with in her head. Where were her thoughts going with all this? She was just confusing herself more. She over hears too many random conversations…

"Maaaa!"

Mikari stopped, blinking as she looked around. "Eh? What was that? A goat?"

"Maa! Maa!"

A goat-man jumped out from the bushes, aiming to strike Mikari with its palms out flat, like a shock wave would come out of them.

"MAA-!" Whoosh-CRUNCH!

Mikari's reflexes kicked in before she could think, her random senses telling her what was coming from behind. She had grabbed onto the wrist of the goat-man, swinging him over her shoulder in the direction she faced and throwing him into the ground with a sickening crack.

The goat-man twitched and then lie still as the bubbly girl tilted her head. "Huh."

…

"OH! I'm sorry! Whoops…" She stared at him a while longer. Why had he tried to attack her from behind? She hadn't been a threat to anyone and was just minding her own business, trying to find the place she was supposed to meet everyone at.

She shrugged. Her Uncle did say to never dwell on those you defended yourself against and to keep moving on in case more came. He disliked ones that would attack women too. All the more reason not to stay.

"Oh well, moving on!" Mikari skipped along, forgetting about what just happened and her mind set on finishing her mission.

After who knows how many hours of wandering in the forest, Mikari came across a clearing full of ruins and the ground was covered in clouds.

"Is this the place?" After a quick glance around, she ran to the centre in search of her crew-mates. They were nowhere to be seen. She did spot a tunnel which led through a wall of stone buildings, crushed in parts where roots had overtaken it. Maybe they went through there?

Without wasting another second, Mikari ran to it, laughing the whole way and continued on until she entered the new area.

More ruins faced her. Except these were more intact. Wondrous old stone monuments. And not too far off was a huge beanstalk that lead into the clouds above. You couldn't see where it ended either.

Mikari still couldn't see any of her group, so she sat down on a broken staircase and leaned back on her hands.

A few seconds passed.

"Does this mean… that I'm first?"

…

"HAHA! How is that possible? I'M FIRST!"

The strength fruit user jumped around and did a happy dance. "FIRST, FIRST, FIRST!"

She froze suddenly, sitting back down, crossing her legs and tapping a finger to her chin.

"But if I'm first… How far off are the others? Maybe they got side-tracked – Or maybe they ran into trouble! Huh… Nah, they'll be here any minute. Just gotta be patient!"

She couldn't help but stare at the beanstalk. 'Maybe… Just maybe they went up there…'

Her knee started to twitch, making her foot tap on the ground in a constant rhythm.

"Ah! Must climb it! NOW! WHEW!"

"I MADE IT! YEAH! WOO!" Mikari shouted, fist pumping the air above her. "Now that is what I call a beanstalk."

She stared down the drop and noticed how high up she was. "Wonder how big a crater I'll make if I fell…?"

She was currently on the highest level from what she could make out. Unless she could go higher but she doubted anyone would climb further, seeing as she was miles from the main ground where the ruins were. She'd past the middle level without a second glance, too into the climb as it was.

"Huh…" Facing her back to the beanstalk, her eyes glued to a shrine or temple. Well, the remains of one.

Bodies littered the very ground that she cautiously stepped on, moving forwards and keeping her eyes on the shrine, she stopped at the entrance.

"Who would do such a thing?" Her mouth twitched in a slight frown, eyebrows furrowing. She was answered with a small gush of wind, causing the gate to rattle on the very few hinges that held it in place. Everything was burnt black. Front, sides, back, top, bottom – Everything. Not a trace was left un-scorched.

Maybe it was Shura, the Priest, and his flying companion… But there would still be traces of fire burning if that were so. Somehow, she thought, he wouldn't waste his time putting out the flames afterwards.

The walls and bodies were of the same contrast too, meaning it must've been burnt all at once, with the exact same timing and heat of the flames. It was impossible, really. Unless you managed to strike the whole place like a lightning bolt- Yes, that could be it!

When hit by lightning, the electricity burns the skin and whatever material it touches. Mikari hadn't heard of many people being struck but since this is Sky Island they were bound to get some vicious storms from this height.

The area was too big for that theory though. If someone gave storm clouds a serious boost in energy build-up, then it could maybe, just possibly, do this damage.

It was too crazy. Way too much to figure out.

Mikari shook her head with a laugh, hands on hips. "If this was a natural disaster, then damn! Check out that power! Awesome!"

She pondered for a moment. What if this was done by someone? How could they bare to do such a thing? What could they possibly gain from such a disgusting display? Why do it in the first place? Revenge? Attention? For fun?

Would said person be after her crew next? Everyone who lived in the sky? Or would they go down to the Blue Sea and wreak havoc there?

"Pfff! Nah!"

Mikari deflated the gross questions, putting them aside. She never fully realised that such people could exist. She didn't want to believe it. But it was true. So she did what she does best.

She smiled.

Mikari didn't know what happened.

One minute she was making a cloud snowman and the next a blinding light surrounded her and she was falling, flapping her arms around in attempt to slow herself down.

This reminded her of when she first came across the Knock-Up Stream. Except this time there was no water involved. And she was going for the 'Falling Panic Bird' look.

She wasn't alone though. She could see Zoro as he grabbed onto a blob of brown fur with a pink hat. 'Chopper.' If they were to hit the ground, they would hardly survive.

Thinking fast, she pulled her arms and legs inwards, boosting her speed and only just snatched the back of Zoro's singlet before he flew out of reach.

"What the- Where the heck-!?" The swordsman yelled over the wind, craning his neck to see the reason for the pull he felt on his back.

Mikari saluted as best she could with a smile. "Ah, ya know, just doing my daily suicidal sky diving!"

"Typical…"

The two then noticed the ground was coming too close for comfort.

"Oi-"

The bubbly girl cut the green-haired man off by swinging their bodies around so she was on the bottom. There was no way she was losing her friends after only a day's worth of knowing them.

"What the hell are you doing!?"

Mikari tightened her grip as the swordsman struggled, not liking how this would turn out. Chopper was in between Mikari and Zoro, and although the black-haired girl was much shorter than him (Zoro), she was still able to get a firm grip around his back to keep his arms inside the 'body hug'.

Zoro's eyes widened. 'The hell she wouldn't…!' He stopped stiff when his head was tucked under a chin and all he heard was 'Relax' before they hit the ground, leaving a decent sized crater and making a sickening crashing sound.

"Hey, get up already! This isn't funny! Get up you stupid woman! Listen to me already!"

Zoro was trying his best not to panic. How idiotic could he get to let a girl cushion his fall?! Why didn't he move when he had the chance? Now Mikari was lying in a heap, not moving and most likely crushed from head to toe.

He'd only just met the darn girl yesterday and was sort of slowly getting warmed up to her craziness. And now this! Stupid, stupid, stupid! That moron! Why would she do that for? Gosh dammit! Now Luffy is gonna go all ape and things will just keep getting worse and that curly-browed cook won't leave him alone for the rest of his life!

What the hell. It was all her fault for pulling that trick in the first place. Plain stupid.

"Huh…"

Piercing blue eyes met steel black ones.

The swordsman couldn't help but stare. Since he hadn't been this close to the cheery girl before, he hadn't gotten a very good look at her. She was quite beautiful, he noticed. High cheekbones, small button nose, rounded chin, glowing blue eyes with long lashes, black long hair that fell down in ringlets of curls and a fringe that covered her forehead. A simple observation, nothing more.

Her curiosity getting the best of her, the girl yet to use her katana took a good long look at Zoro's face. She never was one to take in appearances, since she only looked at personality, but she found him rather handsome in all his seriousness.

"You alright?"

She blinked, seeing the slight panic leave his eyes.

"Heh… I think I relaxed too much and dozed off…"

The swordsman's eyebrow twitched.

"But I'm okay, thank you. Are you fine?" Mikari smiled with concern. She hoped he didn't break anything, yet he was bleeding in spots. Hope that wasn't from the fall.

Zoro sighed, giving a crooked grin. "You're an idiot you know that?"

She smiled. He would never admit to anyone that he enjoyed those smiles. It felt a lot lighter with her around. "Look on the bright-side! We're both still alive, aye?"

"Whatever you say, Sunshine."

Mikari laughed and accepted the hand Zoro held out, lifting her to her feet. Her laugh was contagious too. Not that Zoro would ever show it.

"Strength-san, Swordsman-san!"

Said persons looked to the voice. It was Robin.

"Hi, Robin-chan!" Mikari waved cheerily, completely scratch free. Zoro sighed deeply, stretching his back.

"Did you fall down here with the ruins?"

"Yeah and this stupid person decided she would take the damage from the fall!"

"I'm sorry, Zoro-kun! I'll still do it next time until I'm certain you'll live~"

"Tch, just shut it and let me take my own falls!"

"Okay, sorry! Heh."

Robin sweated. "You should have been dead. On the other hand, Strength-san still would have lived."

Mikari brushed the dust off her shorts. "That's true, haha! Oh." Noticing Chopper's beat up state, she shook her head. 'The poor boy. Next time he should be more careful.'

"What is this place?" Zoro asked, inspecting the area. They were back on the first level of the beanstalk, but with more added ruins thanks to the rubble shower.

"The place we've been searching for – the City of Gold." The archaeologist replied, standing a few feet away from the three.

"Oh? Is this it? I didn't think it'd be way up here. So, did you find the treasure?"

Mikari gently picked up Chopper, cradling him to her chest. She wished she had been able to protect him. Besides, he'll be fixed up once they got back to the ship and back to his usual cute self.

"No, there is no gold here."

Mikari pursed her lips. Of course there wasn't any treasure, considering how long the island has been up here, it obviously was taken long before they came.

A huge bolt of lightning struck the python whom had also landed in the ruins. Mikari, only just noticing it, wondered how it managed to follow them this far.

"Crap! Nami! I can't save her from that!" Zoro shouted.

Mikari raised a brow. "Nami-chan is here?"

"Huh? Zoro? Robin? Mikari?"

The three turned to see Nami and Gan Fall come from behind a boulder.

"You're over there!? When did you get out of its stomach!?"

Mikari blinked. "Was she eaten by the python?"

"Well, I'm okay. But, the snake… Luffy's still inside it."

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

"DON'T LAUGH!"

"Oh, sorry, haha!"

Enel, the God of Skypiea, sat before them on a floating Cloud Ball. He was the one responsible for all the deaths and destruction, with the power of Lightning. A Devil Fruit user no less.

All those present stood before him in a horizontal line. Gan, Zoro, Wiper, Robin, Mikari.

Nami had hidden behind a wall with Chopper so they could be 'safe'. Mikari doubted that was the case though. Something about this guy screamed at her that he knew that the two were there and could easily take them (everyone) out.

"I welcome you spirited survivors. I commend you for making it so far." Enel said with a laugh.

Mikari wasn't sure what was so funny, but it seemed this was all a game for him. What is this guy planning?

"What's wrong? I was just having some fun. Three hours from the time you set out on this island, there will only be a handful of the 82 people remaining. That is the Survival Game."

Mikari blinked, unconsciously placing a hand on her katana. (Yes it has survived!) It was a game! All this time doing nothing and she was in the middle of a tournament! The things she finds out at the last minute… Heh.

"Some joined later than others, but I have included them as well. I predicted that there would be 6 survivors. In three minutes, those three hours will expire. In other words, it cannot end with the 7 people here."

She was right. He does know! It must be that Mantra/Haki ability. The Priests had it so it's obvious he would too.

"God's prophecy must come to pass. It is absolute. Now then, who will disappear? Will you fight amongst yourselves? Or maybe I should pick one myself."

Mikari did enjoy sparring, but she wouldn't go kill anybody for the sake of some crazy's game! If he were to attack them… how can you defend against lightning? For this once, the bubbly girl had no idea what to do. Her sword would be just as useless as her fists. Can she even take a bolt?

Maybe she could think of a way to defeat Enel. Surely something will come to mind.

A few words were exchanged amongst the others as they decided who to take down.

Everyone turned on Enel and said together, raising their weapons: "You will disappear."

The electricity user laughed loudly and grinned at the group. "You want me to disappear? That's rather funny."

He laughed a while longer. Mikari's mouth twitched, trying not to laugh too. Laughter is catchy! 'I guess he's just a happy person.'

"I can see how you survived the game. But, you five do not seem to know whom you are addressing." Enel gripped the sceptre he held, sparks dancing around it. "You do not yet know the meaning of the existence of God."

He faced his back to the five, raising his hand that charged up with power. "A decrepit old man wishing for the prosperity of Skypiea… A warrior intent on taking back his homeland… And a couple of thieves from the Blue Sea after some gold."

Mikari zoned out, her day dreams calling for her.

"YOU DEVIL!"

'The who and the where and the when!?' Snapped from her thoughts she watched as Gan charged at Enel… only for the 'God' to zip next to him and turn the Knight to charcoal with several million volts of electricity.

Mikari's jaw hit the ground. 'That was SO AWESOME! But so HORRENDOUS at the same time!' She was certain that if Enel wasn't wanting world domination then he would be a great ally to have. Sadly it didn't seem he would change his ways.

"And now, my preordained time has come to pass. I congratulate the 6 survivors! Yeahahaha!"

If she was one with a temper, Mikari would be all psycho on him. She wasn't sure what to do, honestly. Even if Luffy were to come, would he even be able to land a hit on the Mantra and Lightning user? The outcome is unknowable. If you were negative you would say that they were all doomed and it was the end of the world!

"…To Fairy Vearth!"

Yeah, Mikari was confused with this man. He wants to go to Fairy Land? No comprende…

"And… And if we should refuse?" Robin asked unsure. It looks as if they were invited to something. How exciting! But with a murderer… Ehh, not so much.

Enel raised a brow. "Refuse? Why? I decided this. If you remain here, you will fall into the abyss along with this land."

Okay, death if you refuse. But going is just as bad, no?

Robin's eyes were shadowed by her hat. "Indeed, you could do that with your power. But if you meaninglessly destroy this land, the object which you have sought will also fall."

Mikari scratched her head. "Huh…"

"The Golden Bell?" Enel grinned like a madman.

"Yes. The Golden Bell."

"Yahaha! You need not worry! I have already accounted for that. When I think back on your movements, there is only one place it could be."

The archaeologist gasped softly.

"I suspect that it is in the same place you deduced. How unexpected. Did you think that you could take advantage of me with that information? How injudicious of you."

Zzzzzzt! "I hate manipulative women." BZZT! Thud…

It wasn't Robin who fell though. Mikari, on reflex, knew what was coming and moved to shield her friend from the blast, mere seconds from it happening.

She wasn't sure how she did it. It was just an impulse. Now she was on her knees, numb and not hearing or seeing anything. Her ability could only do so much as to dampen the pain and make sure she didn't black out completely and give her a chance to recuperate quick.

She smiled though and huffed a laugh. "H-Hah… that kind of tickled…"

Enel frowned. "I was saving her for later… but it seems she's chosen her fate already. Yeahahaha!"

Mikari's vision cleared and her hearing came back as she slowly stood back up, cracking her back. She wasn't sure if she was black or nicely tanned from the burn. "You okay, Robin-chan?"

The archaeologist stared at her in disbelief. "That… T-That's impossible…"

"Ah, good! Hehe."

Zoro's mouth was agape in astonishment as he strayed his eyes over the two, knocking his anger to the side for the moment. "…"

"Hm. She was able to take 20 million volts… let's try again, shall we." Enel murmured with a dark look overtaking his curious one.

Long shudders ran down Mikari's back as she was hit with more volts of electricity, each higher than the other and after a few more bolts, it finally did its job. She didn't react verbally or physically during the torture but kept her smile strong. At least now she knew how many volts she could take.

"S-S…Sorry…" The last thing she felt before the darkness fully took over was arms catching her as she fell.

"You idiot…!"

…Over 100 Million Volts, she was sure. That's 500 points, baby!

Boredoom: hahaha, you really think so? excellent! I hope I can make you laugh some more soon! Some parts in this anime are hard to be funny in, especially when your friends are getting pulverised! Thank you! :D

There we go... I hope I do better on the next one LOL.

I need to get to some good parts already, seriously. Dying here! D;

Must work it out! But yes... a chapter is a chapter. In my case, lame. HAHAHAHA...

Anyways.

Thank you for faving and following! Many thanks again for reviews! I keep itching for another rewrite but I need to finish this story first before I even dare do that. Must get BETTER with writing! x.x

See you's next time!