A/N: Whew! Finally the review sync has been fixed! I was getting worried already. Thanks for all of you who have been following/reading/commenting the story so far.
Now to the reviews!
Blue VanLocke;
I'm sure many were waiting for it, or at least wishing….
Chopper and Monet is…..complicated, it's not a transition that will happen in the matter of days(chapters actually) and….Chonet?Monper? Yeah, it's just silly. :P
And no, I don't think Blue it's a girl's name.
crushvox;
Lol, did I? Kay….. And Chopper's not in heavy point form, he's on jumping point form, which is far more different and, honestly, elegant. Plus it matches Monet a bit, she's tall as hell. Lol.
Not that it really means anything. :P
Once they reached inside the atmosphere was incredibly energetic, just as Chopper expected, but for Monet to see that mess all over the place was quite a surprise.
"Oi, Monet! Come here!" Luffy invited from the far side of the table as many of his nakama were having fun. The harpy carefully made her way through the crew, each one of them giving their welcomes to her.
Monet wasn't really sure of what to say about all of this, she was a bit alien to such things as parties. Looking around she saw Law sitting at the corner, not really celebrating anything, if the harpy had to guess it was more likely the warlord was trying his best to not explode at them right there.
She was expecting for Law to be mad, but she felt he took it a bit more personally than normal which was strange.
Once being successful on reaching the other side of the table she took a sit nearby the mugiwara captain, they were kind enough to give her some room so she had enough space to move her legs and wings.
"Row doh ya fhel?" Luffy asked as he tore apart a big piece of meat. Monet tried to contain a laugh as she watched the scene, it amazed her how such things that would annoy her before now were rather amusing.
Sanji came right after, punching the food into Luffy's mouth.
"Manners in front of Monet-chan if you don't mind Luffy," He said as the captain nearly choke. "After two years you're still just as mouthful."
"It's alright," Monet said not really minding Luffy's poor table manners. "It's quite funny to be honest," Sanji stared puzzled at her for a second but quickly recovered himself.
"If you're saying so. I'll be serving your plate, it's there anything at the table you want?" He asked while filling her a drink. Monet glanced quickly at the table filled with food, though some plates already consumed.
"Perhaps a bit of everything, just to try it out," She said sweetly as possible, Sanji's pride inflated in such manner that he nearly ran around the table to fill the plate for the harpy. She laughed at this before turning around to join into an already going conversation between Luffy, Nami and Usopp.
"…because it will cause us serious trouble once we reach the Palace, it's not like getting in will be that easy, and I don't see where else the factory would be," Nami said warningly. Usopp sighed.
"Of course, Doflamingo will have eyes at each corner of the town, and it's not like we could ask around," The marksman said while posing thoughtfully before serving himself of some beer.
"Are you talking about the hidden SMILE factory?" Monet asked out of curiosity.
"EEEEHHHHHHHHHHHH?!"
The whole table went silent as they stared at the harpy, most of them with their eyes bulging out of their sockets. Monet blinked surprised by this sudden behavior. As time went by with the awkward silence she grew a bit uncomfortable with everyone staring at her.
"So…you actually know where the factory is?!" Usopp asked amazed by this possibility.
"I never said that…..but yes. I do know of its location," The harpy slowly replied while avoiding their stares.
"B-but, Monet! This could help us greatly! We need so badly to find that factory as soon as possible, that's pretty much our primary objective," Nami said as if trying to reason with the bird women.
Law calmly observed, his previous anger having dissipate a bit, the fact Monet carried such strategic information for their plans changed slightly his resentment towards her. Of course he still found her untrustworthy, even so he had to admit her help would be very welcome, and perhaps her inclusion into the pirate crew could turn the tables at their favor.
Monet was still pondering over what Nami said. They were now officially her nakama, they requested her help just as she needed theirs.
"I'll gladly provide the information you need, as long I'm allowed to go after my sister. I rather not wait until anything unfold to get to her."
"That sounds fine for me, we can send someone to help you on your task," Sanji said after bringing a well-filled plate for the harpy. "Fair enough, what do you think Luffy?"
"That's ok for me, but like Sanji said you shouldn't go alone," Luffy answered while trying to sneak over Monet's plate. Sanji kicked his hand away without delay. "Ouch, it hurts!"
"Are you sure? I know where Sugar tends to be located at. I could reach her without raising any suspicious, all I need it's time to talk with her about everything," Monet said while trying out the food on her plate, she hadn't realize how hungry she was after putting so much energy away.
"What exactly Sugar does for Doflamingo?" Robin asked, she's been intrigued by this for a while. The harpy took a slow breath before answering, she knew how much of a delicate subject this would be, considering the harpy's involvement in the past.
"Sugar makes part of an old plot of taking over the kingdom of Dressrosa, such act took place many years ago. I…"
She hesitated before continuing, being totally aware that what she was going to say next may compromise her inclusion in the crew.
"Monet," The harpy instantly turned around towards the captain. "Whatever happened in the past doesn't matter now, it's who you're going to be from now on that we are counting with."
It was at that very moment she felt the rigid control she always kept over emotions fade away a bit. This was just too much. Their kindness towards her being so great that it was almost unbearable. Last thing she wanted was to cry over, she refused to do such, closing her eyes forcefully Monet tried to gather herself together before continuing.
"I took part on a scheme to sabotage the Royal Family that was previously ruling over the kingdom, once my part of the plan became successful it opened a straight path for Joker to dispose of the king and his loyal members. Joker forced him to do things that made people from all over Dressrosa hate the king forever, several people died that day…"
A steady pause went as the harpy's eyes went over the table expecting their disapproval, much to her surprise they seemed to be more understandable than anything, at least most of them.
"Yeah, so you made part of a criminal organization to sabotage a king of sorts, sounds familiar to anyone?" Usopp asked to no one in particular.
Nobody answered but few people stared straight at Robin. The harpy took notice of this and glanced at the archeologist with curiosity. Robin merely smiled while focusing on her drink.
"Perhaps we have more in common than we thought," Robin said without being worried at all. Monet made sure to remind herself to ask more about this in particular at a better occasion. "Still, I'm curious to know how exactly Sugar fits in all of this,"
"Sugar has gained the ability of transforming people into toys by touching them," The harpy explained slowly.
"Toys?! Wow, sounds disturbing," Usopp commented while thinking on what kind of toy he would be transformed if such event happened.
"That's not the worst, if you end transformed into a toy, every single people that has memories about you will forget them completely. So pretty much you'll be erased from the world," Monet finished before eating a bit of the food on her plate.
A brief silence fell over the table, this detailed explanation of Sugar's powers made many of them think how much of an effect it would have over an entire kingdom.
"Sounds like lots of things have been manipulated, I just wonder how many people must've turned into toys so far," Nami said feeling unnerved by such.
"Many," Monet said after a short pause. "Most toys are being forced to work at a secret port under the castle. Other few go around the town to entertain people. They simply cannot control their actions unless Sugar's releases them."
"How can we turn them back into normal people?" Zoro asked looking straight at the harpy. Monet stared at the swordsman sharply. She still had a grudge against the green haired-man.
"It's quite simple, all it takes is for Sugar to be unconscious. Once she's out, all the people will be turned back instantly,"
"So that's it! If we do that we may cause enough of a commotion to keep them distracted for us to act, do you think you can talk with your sister?" Nami said anxiously.
"It's been few months since the last time I saw her, aside wishing to see her again I know how complicate it will be for Sugar to understand the changes I've made. I simply cannot promise she'll listen to me," Monet said convicted.
"Monet," The harpy again averted her gaze towards Luffy. "If necessary….would you knock your sister?"
Despite expecting this the harpy couldn't help but feel rather upset he asked such. Never before Monet laid her hands over her sister, and she would be dammed if she ends doing it now.
"I'll not hurt my sister," Monet said firmly.
"Even if Sugar attacks you?" Sanji inquired while cleaning off the table. The harpy slowly pondered about this.
"Well…if it actually happens….and I don't have much of a choice…."
"We're not saying you should, just advising you it might be necessary giving the circumstances," Nami tried to explain, hopefully to not upset the harpy with the idea. "If Sugar is that important to keep Doflamingo's plans under such secrecy then Sugar will have the best protection over her."
"I'm aware of who guards Sugar, I'm the most qualified person to deal with her guardian," Monet replied while fixing her eyes on the captain. "I don't mind having someone else going along with me, as long he can keep up with a fight."
"Well, I'm sure he does," Usopp said without thinking. Monet fixed her glare over him.
"He? So you've already decided that? Well, I'm glad to know we won't waste any time planning this only when we reach the island."
"Most of it was planned already, but since you're carrying so much vital information we might make few changes," Sanji warned.
"If necessary so be it, as long I'm able to do things my way to get Sugar to safety," The harpy said not giving away any room for questioning.
"As long you don't leave your nakama behind," Zoro pointed out severely. Monet chuckled, not surprised at all that the swordsman would see her as such person.
"I won't, I can promise that," The harpy replied before raising from her seat. "If you don't mind I'll sleep for a bit, I've been quite exhausted since Punk Hazard. Thank you all for the reception, I wish we could prolong this, but I think it's best for us to gather energies for what's to come, we all going to need it."
"Sounds good to me, we really should do the same," Luffy said in agreement.
"Shouldn't we discuss the change of plans first?" Usopp asked, worried by how relaxed his nakama were acting.
"At the morning perhaps, we'll be reaching shore at the afternoon," Law said without looking at anyone in particular. "In the mean time we should gather the most energies we can. It's going to be a long day."
Without delay Law exited through the already open door, returning to his usual corner to keep the vigilance over Caesar.
"They're right, we could use some sleep. Tomorrow things will be tense, this would be the first time we know we're running into big trouble once we reach an island. Good night everyone," Nami said with a sigh before finishing her drink and leaving along with Robin back to the dorms.
Slowly each one of the crew members left the kitchen back to their own rooms, Sanji stayed behind a little longer to wash the dishes.
Monet was about to leave when she saw Chopper still sitting at the table, it made her curious of why he was being so reserved ever since they reached the kitchen.
She came by his side, stopping few inches away and staring intensely at the reindeer. Whether he was trying to ignore her or not she wasn't sure.
"Tony?"
Chopper blinked for few seconds before slowly raising his head towards her, once their eyes made contact the reindeer visibly tensed.
"Are you alright?" She asked being genuinely concerned for him.
"Yeah,…just thinking a lot lately," He replied weakly while trying to finish his food, he barely ate anything on his plate.
Without asking, the harpy slowly took a sit nearby him, her right wing gently embraced around the reindeer. She could tell such move made him tense even more.
"I'm not really one to be lightening up spirits, but….if there's something worrying you so much you can ask me for help if you need it," She said humorously.
Chopper remained oddly quiet, unsure of how exactly he could ask for her help if the problem involved her directly. It was not like she's the problem.
Oh, who he was kidding? Of course she's the very issue that plagued his mind nonstop on the last minutes, but everything that was happening at the moment just made things much more difficult to process.
Sanji stood behind the balcony while studying the reindeer's behavior. It was clear that Chopper is extremely conflicted at the moment, and the blonde could easily tell how this sudden closeness between the reindeer and the harpy is unnerving Chopper greatly.
Monet frowned slightly, it was unusual for her to see Chopper this reserved, it seemed the reindeer was apprehensive once again about being close to her, but this time she felt it was for different reasons. A sudden idea came into her mind, she couldn't help but smirk at the devious thought she wanted to perform. Hopefully this wouldn't make him upset.
"Well, goodnight. See you tomorrow," She said inclining closer to the reindeer's face and giving him a brief kiss at his furry muzzle.
Chopper's eyes went instantly wide as his jaw dropped slightly at shock, before he could say anything the harpy crossed the door leaving only him and Sanji alone at the kitchen.
"Well, she probably is the most flirtatious women I've ever seen, I'll give her that," Sanji commented offhandedly. He slowly moved around the balcony towards where the reindeer was currently sitting at. "So, how do you feel?"
"I….don't know…what do you mean?" Chopper asked still trying to understand what happened. The cook lightened up one of his cigarettes while moving towards the door.
Sanji have been thinking for few minutes of what he was going to say to the reindeer, he knew how much of a delicate subject this was going to be. At the very least he would make Chopper mad or a bit depressed.
"Well, I never thought I would be saying this to you, but…" Sanji stopped briefly to exhale a small cloud of smoke. "…do you know how to deal with women?"
Chopper blinked furiously, his face reddening at each second, he was pretty sure he didn't listen it properly.
"Uh…wait, what? I don't get it Sanji," The reindeer said scratching his neck nervously. Sanji chuckled.
"You're young Chopper, and Monet is a full grow up women, she also has a strong personality. First things first, just be yourself and be at her side all the time,"
What the hell was Sanji talking about? Chopper stood flabbergasted while staring at the blonde as if he was some sort of crazy psychopath.
"Uh….okay? What exactly are you trying to say?" Chopper's nervousness was enough to shake his voice, he tried to shake it off but having Sanji advising him over such things didn't make it possible at all.
"We're about to enter into a very dangerous situation, Monet's involvement will make things much worse. There will be people aiming to kill her at all costs…." Sanji paused briefly to let the words sink into the reindeer.
What Chopper once felt as nervousness now being replaced by sudden fear and apprehension.
"…not only her but all of us will be at stake once we set foot into Dressrosa, are you ready to take whatever is necessary to keep the people you care about safe?"
This sudden seriousness of Sanji made Chopper a bit wary on what he was going to say, it's not like it's the first time they risked their lifes, going through terrible things like Enies Lobby was an example of such. Perhaps the difficulties at Dressrosa would be just as the same.
"I'll do whatever it takes, even if I have t-
"No," Interrupted the blonde severely.
Chopper blinked, not expecting that from Sanji. He stared at him unsure of what to say. The cook visibly sighed.
"More than anything…..don't die. Stay alive Chopper. We'll be facing people much above your level,"
Chopper stood unsure of whether feel terribly insulted, humiliated or worried by this remark.
"If that so…." He said weakly as he tried to think of something to say that could restore his dignity. "….what am I to do?"
"The original plan was to keep you at the ship with Nami, Momonosuke and Brook, but since Monet is going to venture inside we need someone to go along with her. It won't be Zoro because we know why, and Robin has a different task along Law and Usopp. Me, Luffy, Franky, Kin'emon and Zoro have a crucial task to carry. I would offer to go with Monet, but I'm sure she'll refuse," The cook sighed worried by the harpy's stubbornness. Chopper didn't need any longer explanation to understand where this was going.
"You want me to go with Monet," Chopper stated. Sanji nodded.
"She'll most likely accept, normally we wouldn't put you into such danger, Sugar is probably at a very well-guarded installation, there will be powerful opponents there that you won't be able to stand against on your own."
"But Monet can handle them, she has proved strong enough to fight against all of us," The reindeer retorted visibly upset by being indirectly called weak. He knew Sanji was putting it lightly as possible, still hurt anyways.
"That she did, but it would be a great distraction if she had to be looking after you all the time,"
Chopper's frown deepened a bit, thought it wasn't visible thanks to his large hat. It just made him mad that people thought he couldn't handle himself, but it felt even worse that they would be worried he would be delaying others, especially Monet. It stung his pride hard, he wasn't really sure of what to say about it, there was simply no lightly way of discussing it.
Still he couldn't deny the very bit of true about that. Monet, Luffy, Zoro, Sanji and Law were way above his level, there was simply no way he would get that strong, he had his own limitations as a reindeer.
Unless he developed something else aside morphing into different forms, but what else could he do of different?
He felt worthless.
Chopper stared at the wooden table with great interest, no longer concerned about his food. He felt nauseous about this whole conversation, more than anything he would be happy to take a bath and sleep till tomorrow.
Sanji realized how negatively this affected the reindeer, he knew it would end as such. What else would he say? Not a lie for sure, this was for the best regarding Chopper's safety. There was a time to fight and a time to hide.
"We don't think less of you Chopper, we just need for you to not do something you just can't,"
Something he can't. Something he….can't?
What exactly that was? It was about himself or the harpy? Chopper couldn't help himself or he just wasn't strong enough to help her? Or it was about something else?
"Thank you Sanji, have a good night," Chopper said rather rapidly before exiting through the door, a turmoil of different emotions going inside of him.
Sanji sighed heavily before recovering Chopper's plate and returning to the balcony. Perhaps it was not a good idea to confront the reindeer like this just as they were about to reach Dressrosa, he just hoped such feelings wouldn't get in their way. The cost would be just too great for all of them.
Chopper went straight for the bathrooms, hoping to clear his mind with a warm shower, he suddenly remembered of how hard it was for him to bath and dry himself thanks to his thick fur. Perhaps bathing could wait for another day. He really didn't want to disturb Robin right now.
It was when a sudden embarrassment hit him with full strength like ever before. He's been bathing with Robin?! How could he?! Such awkwardness about the event he never felt previously made him realize how he changed since Punk Hazard.
Perhaps this strange feelings regarding Monet were affecting him that greatly? Was Sanji right about warning Chopper of being wary of his feelings?
Even if the warning had several double meanings that he didn't like.
"Something troubling you?" A voice suddenly asked as the reindeer made his way to the bedrooms. Chopper quickly turned around to see Monet standing at the entrance of the small hallway. How did she got there without him hearing anything?
Perhaps he was really disturbed.
"Aside lots of things I've been counseled with, not much," The reindeer retorted sarcastically. Monet blinked at his sarcasm, being quite unusual to see him like that. She could tell Chopper was upset with something.
"Whatever you've been told do-
"They don't think I can keep up with you," He blurted out before he could restrain himself. Monet slightly raised an eyebrow at this.
"They?" She asked curious to know who would doubt of Chopper's capabilities, though she couldn't help but secretly agree with it.
"Sanji," The short and dry answer made the harpy wary of what to say next.
"I don't think any less of you Chopper, I guess this all this is because you're the one who's going with me once we reach Dressrosa?"
Her question surprised him, how could she have guessed so easily?
"Yes…but I don-
"Then you will do just fine," She said before passing by him towards her own room.
"You trust me?" He said astonished by her confidence on him.
Monet stopped briefly while staring at him, her expression just unreadable. At first Chopper was doubtful she would say anything, but surprisingly she smiled and gently patted him with the tip of her wing.
"How could I not? After all you've done for me?"
A/N: Boom! Sorry Cliffhanger! This chapter just went too far, I'll make a proper ending on a remastered version. See you all again soon hopefully, have a nice week!
