The Bowin Island Adventure

by JBravo

During the 2 year timeskip, Usopp must travel to another one of the Bowin islands in order to fetch honey for Heracles from a hive of giant bees. However, a Celestial Dragon has set his sights on a jewel, said to be possessed by the queen bee. Usopp soon finds himself caught in a struggle that will determine the fate of the Bowin Archipelago.

4. Chapter 4

Chapter 4: Labyrinth

After the climb up, Usopp put away his suction cups and gazed at the picturesque view.

"Wow! And this is only the first 300 feet!"

He double-checked his gear and made his way into the tunnel. As Usopp went further in, he came across some discarded shells. They seemed to be the molted exoskeletons of the worker drones. A light bulb went off in the pirate's head.

"Maybe I can disguise myself with these and leave with the honey and get out without a scuffle."

As he said this, Usopp tossed away the pieces that would more likely be a burden and fitted on the pieces necessary for the disguise. He slipped into the carapace and popped his head out the end where the head would be. To cover his arms and legs, the pirate used the bee's appendages. Once that was done, he took an empty bee head, removed the compound eyes, and covered his head. However, the only inconvenience was that his long nose was bent against the inside. Satisfied with his work, Usopp proceeded through the opening.

"Okay. Time to get some honey"

He then came to the tunnel's end which opened into a magnificent dome. Busy bees came and went through a complex network of tunnels. Sunlight poured into the hive through semi-permeable membranes of wax and onto what looked to be a bee-made garden of multiple species of gargantuan flowers. This, of course, wasn't enough to sustain the colony, which is why groups of drones are sent out to collect more pollen.

Usopp found that he had little idea where the honey reserves were kept. Countless passages occupied every corner of the dome. One could try to navigate this labyrinth, but probably wouldn't find the exit in the course of a week.

Usopp decided the best way to start would be to follow the bees transporting pollen.

Meanwhile in the depths of the jungle.

Will you leave that worthless stead?! You're ruining the pace of the hunt!"

Boris was greatly aggravated by the Celestial Dragon's insistence of riding a slave wearing a saddle. This was a common habit among the world nobles and was considered very sadistic; not to mention lazy on the noble's part.

"SILENCE! I will do as I please. Do you forget I…"

"BAM!"

The slave, which the noble was riding on, suddenly collapsed. The Dragon took a tumble and screeched at Boris.

"I paid good beri for that slave!"

"Is the jewel not worth more? Besides, someone needed to put him out of his misery," Boris stoically replied.

Before the noble could retort, a vine suddenly snatched the body and retreated into the brush. The Celestial Dragon let out a childish scream, causing Boris and his men to erupt with laughter.

"You don't get out much do you? And you call yourself a divine being?"

Instead of giving an angry response, the noble retreated behind his band of guards.

"Now make haste men! The hive awaits!"

(Chapter 4 end)