"Go on! Princess Vivi you have to escape!"
The ex-Mr. Eight exclaimed while he kept firing at the two higher number agents.
"Igaram!" cried the princess in fright. Suddenly the man defending her was hit by an explosive and when the smoke cleared, he fell forward unconscious. Again the princess called out his real name.
"Don't bother," called a voice from up above. Ash, James and Pikachu glanced up at the same time to see that the woman named Ms. Valentine was floating above the princess before she fell and lashed out at the girl with her leg. She destroyed the metal ring holding her hair up allowing it to fall down and the princess lashed out with one of her pinky chakram weapons. The woman danced away almost mockingly before she landed beside her partner again.
"Damned monsters," the blue haired woman growled. All traces of the stuck up agent she'd been portraying gone from her personality.
"You mean you're really a princess Ms. Wednesday?" Mr. Nine exclaimed. "Oh wow!"
"A very busy princess right now Mr. Nine," she snapped back at the man in annoyance. Just then Zoro ran across the street dragging Luffy behind him as he bid them farewell quickly; getting out of the way.
"Princess Vivi," Mr. Eight coughed then pushed himself up on weakened limbs.
"Oh Igaram; you're hurt," the princess stated with concern.
"Vivi please…forget about me. You must get away from here…for our…homeland." He shook while he tried to stand up.
"If you were to be harmed, Alabasta would suffer. Please princess you must hurry!" Meanwhile Mr. Five began to pick his nose.
"Now that's just gross," James commented while Ash sweated.
"Why do I get the feeling something bad 's about to happen?" he wondered.
"If you think you can escape from us; you're sorely mistaken," Mr. Five drawled. Vivi seemed to get defensive. She went to pull out another of her pinky weapons but found it missing. Nevertheless, she spun the other rapidly.
"Let's see if you can take me," she challenged. Suddenly a baseball bat was put up in front of Vivi's face. She was surprised to see Mr. Nine standing in front of her protectively.
"This whole princess thing is confusing but we've been fighting together for a very long time so get going!" he declared with a glance back. "I'm going to buy you some time for a head start!" Vivi lowered her weapon, a decision being made in her mind.
"Thank you Mr. Nine," she said.
"Pretty manly of me don't you think?" he wondered idly. "Bye-bye baby." He then began doing flips gaining speed as he closed in on Mr. Five and Ms. Valentine.
"I hope you're prepared for this ah!"
"No!" cried Vivi. Mr. Five finished picking his nose. He seemed to play with his booger between his thumb and index finger for a bit.
"All that is asked of us agents is to do our jobs and to do them well," he stated as Mr. Nine drew closer. "Performing such pathetic rituals is for the weak. It's time that you learn that." He pointed his fingers with the booger still between them like a gun at his opponent.
"My nose fancy…"
"Bloody bat…"
"Cannon!" The booger was flicked. Upon hitting Mr. Nine it exploded and sent him flying far away down the street and into the waters of the canal. Vivi turned to where her partner for all this time had landed in horror. Ash and James watched with similar expressions.
"Oh no, Mr. Nine!" she cried out.
"What…just happened?" questioned Ash. He didn't know what to make of it.
"I think…that was his explosive power," James muttered.
"Ahah, ha, ha, pay more attention to the skies boys," a mocking voice spoke from above. Ash and James turned to look up just as Ms. Valentine began to plummet back to earth straight towards them like an anvil.
"Move!" cried James. Ash and Pikachu needed no prompting as they leapt away from the building as she crashed right through it, demolishing it in one go, kicking up dust. They fell and would've gone splat had Zoro not returned at that time to catch them and fall down with the weight at the same time. He grunted from underneath them.
"Well…that could've ended better," he grumbled in pain.
"That was too close for comfort," Ash said shakily as he turned towards the remains of the house behind him. James shook.
"And that was Ms. Valentine's weightless ability," James hissed.
"Do you mind," Zoro grunted under them. Realizing they were still pinning the swordsman down, they quickly moved off of him and turned towards the laughing figure of Ms. Valentine exiting the rubble of the demolished house.
"It would seem we have more than just two traitors to deal with. If I'm not mistaken…based on that tattoo on your arm, weren't you recently instated as a million?" she questioned James. "And here you are consorting with the enemy; not that you were much value anyways but it would seem killing you would be an added bonus along with the pathetic whelps who tried to escape earlier." James gulped.
"You're not hurting James," Ash growled defensively as he stood up. The woman just turned to him with a sneer on her face.
"My, my, I thought I'd seen everything but here we have a brat trying to act like a hero," she laughed.
"It doesn't matter either way," Mr. Five explained. "Anybody on this rock is expendable and those who know our secrets are just more people to shove under the rug. No one will survive tonight. You're all dead." Ash smirked back.
"You don't scare me," he said. "So what if you can explode and fly. I've been more threatened before by better idiots than you." The two 'lesser than idiots' as he'd put it, didn't seem to agree with his humour. Meanwhile Zoro smirked.
"Gotta say; I agree with the kid on this one," he stated. Mr. Five picked his nose again.
"Then why don't you join these better idiots of yours with the fishes? Piss off brat!" He flicked the booger and it was coming closer. However, neither Ash or Pikachu flinched.
"Thunder," Ash said simply. Pikachu aimed then struck the booger midair with a thunderbolt causing an explosion out of range of where they were. Mr. Five gritted his teeth. Ash was ready to continue fighting if he had to but…he felt a hand on his ankle and turned back to see Igaram, the ex-Mr. Eight holding him and panting heavily. He eyed the two men, one boy and pokemon equally.
"Pirates…million boy…pokemon, I have a most unreasonable request but I need someone with strength such as yours!" he exclaimed. He shook.
"Both of those villains possess devil fruit powers and there's nothing I can do to stop them! That is why I am begging you now! Please protect Princess Vivi of Alabasta in my place!" he cried out. Zoro raised an eyebrow. Ash's eyes were wide and he exchanged glances with Pikachu to see if he'd heard right. Meanwhile James was just confused.
"Wait a moment," he said. "Why on earth would royalty such as a princess and a guard like you join such an organization as this?"
"This isn't the time for questions," exclaimed Igaram. "This is the time for action. Please; our kingdom's future relies on her staying alive and returning home. Please, please; I beg of you!" He had tears in his eyes now. Zoro looked passive.
"Why should we? You attacked us remember?"
"It is a very sudden request after such a recent misdeed," James agreed. "Although, I'm hardly one to speak I suppose."
"Alright," Ash said simply; gaining the attention of the other two. Zoro blinked.
"Ash, we don't owe them anything," Zoro said.
"It's not really your problem anyways," James added. Ash just turned to face the mildly amused faces of Mr. Five and Ms. Valentine who were listening in. Vivi was only staring at Igaram and Ash in shock.
"I know," he stated. Pikachu clambered up onto his shoulder. "But even so…I'm sure they had their reasons for doing what they did and besides. These guys won't leave James or any of the people on this island still alive in peace. That includes us. If they fail; I'm certain more people higher up the ladder will be sent anyways to finish the job and once it's verified we had a hand in their defeat then we'll be seen as threats too. I'm also kind of curious to know the truth behind all of this and so…I'll help for now. After all…you did say to let the crew sleep. Let's try and keep it like that." Zoro sighed then glanced back up with a smirk.
"Ah well, I could use a better workout than the chumps I just fought with anyways," he said. He rested a hand on one of his swords. James watched the two then sighed before he too stood up.
"Well, I suppose I'd better stand up for myself as well. It wouldn't do for team rocket to become a team of pushovers even if we're separated." He smirked and held up his pokeball with Carnavine inside.
"Humph; insolent punks," Mr. Five snarled. "Don't be so arrogant!"
"You're only going to make your ends more painful and embarrassing if you go on spouting such nonsense," Ms. Valentine stated. "Just give up already!" Ash smirked and readjusted his baseball cap tighter on his head. It was still turned backwards from his earlier fights.
"If I knew how to give up so easily I wouldn't be here," he said.
"Whether or not you've got devil fruits or not is irrelevant. I wonder if we're truly the arrogant ones," Zoro agreed. The two agents weren't pleased.
"Look I don't care why you all fight but please! Just protect the princess and hurry. You'll be rewarded immensely," Igaram promised.
"I don't care about money," Ash stated. Zoro stepped forth; a glint in his eye as he drew his swords again.
"Go…I'll catch up…if it doesn't take too long," he stated. Ash turned then nodded. He turned around to face Vivi.
"Come on, we'll get you as far away from them as possible," he exclaimed. Her eyes widened.
"You…" she didn't know what to say.
"Quickly; do as he says," James told her. "You saw how strong this swordsman is. He can at least hold them off for as long as we need him to. So let's go!" Vivi stared, hesitating for but a moment before mounting her duck.
"Carue, let's go," she declared. The duck turned and started running in the opposite direction.
"Good luck Zoro!" Ash called back as he and James turned to follow at a run.
"At least put a dent in them swordsman," James added. They were gone around the corner after only a few seconds.
"James!"
"Meowth!" The two ran into each other's arms then dropped to the ground and started sobbing epically.
"Man, ya got no idea how good it is t'a see yer ugly mug again," Meowth wept.
"Same to you, you incorrigible little greedbag!" They wept openly before the others.
"Um…aren't those insults?" Vivi questioned uncertainly. Ash just sweat-dropped.
"To be honest, I'm not all too familiar with their antics when they're not trying to take Pikachu or cause trouble for the rest of humanity or pokemon."
"Trouble; hey that reminds me," James stated.
"I already know where dis it goin'. Jessie's not here but we's can still do it fer ol' time's sake. Ahem! Listen, is dat a twerpish voice I hear?"
"It's speaking to me, loud and clear!"
"On da wind,"
"Past the stars…"
"Stop! We don't have time for your guy's motto," Ash interrupted. The two stopped making weird poses and crossed their arms with matching pouts.
"Kill joy," they muttered together. Ash just shook his head.
"Look, we've got a mission right now and that's protecting Vivi. If Zoro can't hold them both back then we're her last line of defense," He explained. Meowth furrowed his brows.
"Wait; why's we helpin' someone dat tried t'a kill us earlier?" he demanded to know.
"Apparently she's actually a princess who snuck into Baroque Works for whatever reason and now we're guarding her all of a sudden. That's as far as I got." James concluded causing Meowth's eyes to distend comically.
"No way, ya mean a real actual princess wid a crown n' stuff?!" He demanded. Ash sighed.
"Yeah," he said. "These other two agents came out here to kill her and her body guard. Zoro decided to face them first while James and I acted as her personal body guards and came out here." Meowth thought it over then nodded.
"Oh alright," he said. "But tell me…why da heck are we out here in da open?!"
"Pi, pika, pika, pi-pi chu pikachu," Pikachu stated. Meowth's eyes grew wide again.
"Dey's got devil fruit powers," he exclaimed. Ash nodded.
"Yeah," he said. "According to James and a personal account of their abilities, one can blow things up with his boogers and the girl can crush you after floating light as a feather in the air then dropping like an anvil. It's a weight thing and super effective. We're making our stand here because devil fruit users can't swim and the water will be our biggest ally plus we've got Tsunami to help us like she helped you with those rock types."
"I see," Vivi stated in realization. "So then we can use the water to our advantage. And the open venue leaves us some safety from falling buildings if they happen to be blown up by Mr. Five while Ms. Valentine would have to be careful where she dropped herself near the shore otherwise she'd fall into the water. Brilliant!"
"Don't congratulate us yet," Ash warned while he kept an ear out. "After all, we still don't know if or when they'll come." Vivi nodded and joined Ash in keeping a look out. As they remained on guard, Meowth grew curious. He sighed.
"Okay, might as well spill da beans," he said. "Why exactly didja hafta sneak in t'a a criminal organization for in da first place?" Vivi gulped.
"Well…let's just say for now…that someone's been tearing apart my kingdom. I snuck into this organization in order to find out who was responsible so that I might save my country from inner turmoil caused by a mastermind. I found what I was after too. The man who runs this organization…he's the one responsible for my country's suffering." Ash nodded.
"I see," Ash replied. "And…about that time with the whale?" he wondered. Vivi was surprised but lowered her head.
"I've been forced to do a lot of things I'm not proud of while undercover," she explained. "Both I and Igaram that is. I know the whale's story so…I didn't want to hurt him in the first place. But I…I couldn't blow my cover until I obtained information. I'm sorry for that misunderstanding; truly I am." Ash simply nodded.
"So…that whale you and Mr. Nine were hunting; it has a story?" James questioned.
"Even more tragic den yer stories about runnin' away from home or our struggle fer overcomin' hunger," explained Meowth.
"I see," James replied. Just then they heard crashing and explosions coming from within the town. It appeared the fighting had really gotten underway. There was yelling and explosion after explosion. They all sweat-dropped.
"Are they really that much of a handful or…" Ash wondered idly.
"Somehow I doubt dat," Meowth stated. "You saw how dey dealt wid dat sickle guy n' Zoro cut dose metal chains like dey's was butter. I honestly don't t'ink dere's much t'a worry about," the scratch cat pokemon stated.
"Pika, pikachu pi, pika," Pikachu said.
"True," Ash agreed with a sweat-drop. Eventually the commotion stopped. Then shortly afterwards, they noticed a figure approaching them, dragging something along the ground. At some point, they recognized her as Nami and she was dragging Luffy and Zoro. They both looked beat up but Nami's gait wasn't so much panicked as it was cheerful; almost like she'd just won a prize.
"Ah, here you guys are," she stated. She arrived and promptly dropped the two guys to the ground. "So how goes guard duty?" Ash blinked.
"Um Nami…what happened? I didn't know you were awake too," Ash stated. Nami rolled her eyes.
"Well duh, gimme some credit," she retorted. "I mean what idiot falls asleep in a town that welcomes pirates…other than the three idiots that did that is."
"Wait ya left da cook n' Usopp in da shack?" exclaimed Meowth. Nami shrugged.
"I'll wake em up later," she stated. "Now, down to business. It's time to discuss our fee." She grinned as she turned towards Princess Vivi. She blinked.
"Fee?" she wondered. Nami nodded.
"Yup; that fake mayor guy did promise a reward and I'm all for that. I expect One hundred million beris as payment not only for protecting you here but for doing as your bodyguard asked and returning you home to your country. You are the princess of a kingdom right so you should be able to cover it." Vivi was perplexed. Meanwhile Ash furrowed his brows.
"Ya know accepting rewards for simply helping people isn't exactly noble," he pointed out. Nami turned to him still beaming her winning smile.
"So? I'm a pirate not a saint and it's a known fact I'm greedy as hell. I'll do as I please thank you!" Ash gulped and sweat-dropped.
"R-right," he replied. He didn't want to get on the red gyarados's bad side. Suddenly Luffy popped up and turned to Nami with a pouty glare.
"What the hell Nami!?" he demanded. "I was kicking Zoro's ass for hurting the people who gave us food. Why'd ya hafta hit me?" he whined. Nami's eye twitched as Ash blinked.
"You mean…you didn't know?" he asked. Luffy turned towards Ash and Ash froze and felt his heart drop as something threatening passed through his captain's features; something he knew he should be wary of. He gulped.
"Come to think of it…some of em looked electrocuted too," he growled lowly. Ash and Pikachu began to sweat until Nami bonked Luffy over the head again.
"You moron!" she hissed. "The people here weren't our friends! They were after your bounty stupid and who just spontaneously welcomes pirates anyway!? Of course it was a trap!" Luffy sat back up again, a welt developing on his noggin. He blinked then scratched it.
"So…they were the bad guys?" he asked innocently.
"Wow and I thought I was an idiot," James muttered. Meowth just shook his head.
"I'm afraid dat he's worse den even you," he said. James ignored the insult in favor of remaining surprised at how simple minded this kid was.
After a brief explanation by way of Nami's fist again, Luffy finally understood what had happened and was laughing it off.
"Oh, why didn't you just say so Zoro," he asked. Zoro who'd gotten up by this point was glaring at his captain. "I was figuring you beat up all those guys because they didn't make any food you liked!"
"Who in their right mind would think that?!" the swordsman shouted back. Luffy just laughed.
"What a funny mix up," he said.
"Just shut-up!" Nami screamed at both of them effectively shutting them up. Then she turned to Vivi again with that predatory grin.
"So anyways, that's the deal. We'll take you home in exchange for one hundred million beris. Will you accept the offer or…attempt to swim or sail back on your own?" she asked.
"She's worse than Jessie," whispered James to Meowth.
"Don't I know it," Meowth whispered back. "Dat evil glint in 'er eye can only mean trouble cuz she'll try n' rip ya off worse dan dat stupid con-man we keep fallin' for!" Nami glanced at them still smiling.
"You know, I'll bet Tsunami would love two servants to pamper her along our journey," Nami suggested. Meowth paled. James glanced over.
"Tsunami?" he questioned.
"One evolution away from bein' an angry gyarados n' not t'a be underestimated as a magikarp!" the cat hissed back causing James to start fearing for his life.
"Please have mercy," they begged and bowed down together in synchronization. Nami turned back to Vivi.
"Well? It's a pretty good deal huh; I mean you all saw how strong these guys are right? I doubt you'll find better protection out here on the Grand Line other than us." She was grinning. Meanwhile Vivi was in deep concentration over the matter. She glanced up at the orange haired girl.
"No, I can't," she said. "Though I appreciate the help you've given me so far." Nami's smile vanished and she looked as though she simply couldn't understand.
"Why not?" she demanded. "You're a princess after all so aren't you rich?" Vivi sighed then held Nami within a business like gaze.
"Do you know much about Alabasta kingdom?" she questioned.
"No uh," Nami said surprised. Vivi looked down at the ground in sadness.
"Alabasta is a great kingdom; a peaceful nation…at least…it used to be," she whispered.
"Used to be?" Nami questioned. "And now?"
"We're in the middle of a civil war," Vivi explained. "In recent years, signs of discontent began to appear. Finally the people revolted and the kingdom fell into utter chaos. Then one day I learned of a secret organization…called Baroque Works! I found out our people were being manipulated by this organization but that was the only information I could gather about them. I didn't know what to do so I went to Igaram for help. You see he's kept a close eye on me since I was a child." Luffy blinked then brought his hands up to mimic what he was thinking in the air.
"Old tube hair man?" he questioned making makeshift tubes with his hands near his head.
"Tube? Oh yes," Vivi replied understanding after a moment. "I asked him if he would help me infiltrate Baroque Works so that I could find out who was pulling their strings behind the scenes and what exactly they were up to."
"You've got some guts considering you're a princess," Zoro stated with a smirk. "So…were you able to find out what their plan was?" Vivi nodded.
"To create an ideal nation," Nami stated surprising them. "Anyway that's what Igaram said their plan was. Is that what you found out?" Vivi looked down. Carue whom she'd been sitting on; ready to run away at any given moment earlier had lowered himself to the ground so they were all sitting.
"It's not," Vivi explained. "That was just a cover story the boss was using. It's a lie to cover their tracks. Their true goal is to take over Alabasta Kingdom!" Ash was surprised by the story he was hearing.
"I have to get back somehow to warn everyone; to tell them the truth and stop the fighting. If I don't do something…if I don't tell them…" she trailed off as sobs began to wrack her being. James who was sitting nearby was staring at the ground glumly.
"Honestly I only joined this organization because I didn't want to die when the crew I was trapped with before sailed here. Now that I know what their objection was really, I can't help but feel gross inside for having had a hand in it."
"Okay, I get it," Nami sighed. "Yeah I see how it is; it's all starting to make sense now. I suppose you wouldn't have much money laying around after a civil war." Nami spoke disappointedly. Luffy leaned over with a grin on his face.
"Hey…so did you find out who's in charge?" he asked interested. Vivi's eyes widened as her head shot up to stare at him in horror for a moment.
"What?! The boss's identity; you shouldn't ask that!" she exclaimed frightfully. James trembled some too.
"Even I know that's a rule that you should never break," he stated. Luffy was unconcerned with their weird behaviour.
"But you know don't you?" he asked still wanting an answer. Vivi began to wave her hands about frantically.
"Ask me anything but that!" she begged. "If I tell you; your lives will be put in danger too!" Nami laughed nervously to the side.
"Yeah, I'll pass," she said. "This guy is trying to take over an entire country after all. I don't really want someone like that chasing after me thank you." Luffy pouted over not knowing.
"That does sound problematic," Meowth agreed.
"But…if we're helping wouldn't we need to know his name in order to know what to look out for?" Ash wondered. Vivi turned to him frantically.
"Are you crazy?!" she exclaimed. "I don't care how strong you guys are, you wouldn't stand a chance against one of the seven warlords of the sea; against Crocodile!" She shouted frantically. She took a few breaths for a few moments…then she seemed to realize her mistake.
"Who now?" Luffy asked.
"Ah…" she gasped and covered her mouth in horror while she and Nami both paled. James had gone just as white.
"You mean to tell me that that maniac's the boss here?!" he exclaimed in horror. Zoro's eye twitched.
"Ya had t'a say it," he muttered. While Vivi, Nami and James freaked out, Ash and Pikachu sensed they were being watched and turned around to see a vulture and otter perched on their ship's back railing nearby as it rested on the water. He narrowed his eyes and Pikachu's cheeks sparked.
"Hey, we got company," he warned. Everyone turned their attention to the two as the otter finished with a sketchpad and then spread the pictures out to show that they'd drawn everyone's faces realistically like how a policeman might sketch what a witness thought they'd seen. Vivi was having a hard time breathing.
"The…Unluckies," she choked out.
"Oh crap…we're screwed," James said; both had tears pouring down their faces comically. Then the otter jumped on top of the vulture and they took off.
"Oh no; they'll report right to the boss!" James cried out. Ash narrowed his eyes.
"Not if I can help it," he declared. He ran after them with Pikachu – surprisingly fast for his size – and once they were closer, he held out his hand to which Pikachu leapt before he threw him high into the air.
High above everything else; Pikachu readied his attack. The two looked back curious but unconcerned…that is until Pikachu released a rather powerful thunder bolt attack that struck them both in midair. The two agents jolted about comically for a while in pain until they finally fell to the ground; similar swirls in their eyes that usually indicated a defeated/fainted pokemon.
Ash caught up in time to catch Pikachu again in his arms. He then approached the two and found that the sketchpad was slightly charred. He tore up the rest of the sketches then threw them into the ocean nearby. Afterwards, he tapped the two with a nearby stick but for the time being they were out of commission. He breathed a sigh of relief then turned back.
"Hey guys; get some rope over here! We got em!" he shouted. Vivi and James could only stare in shock – pun unintended – at the downed figures of the Unluckies. Vivi trembled.
"They shot…the Unluckies from the sky," she spoke with tension.
"To be honest…I should've seen that coming," James admitted with just as much tension. Meanwhile, Luffy had bounded over happily to poke at the bird and otter, laughing at their charred forms and Meowth hurried over with a rope. The Unluckies were then tied up. Zoro smirked.
"Hn, it would appear these Unluckies really live up to their name huh," he stated. Meanwhile Nami had lost it and had begun shaking Vivi for spilling that information so casually. Luffy laughed as he and Ash came back.
"Something tells me she wasn't expecting to get roped into this conflict," Ash commented. Luffy laughed.
"Eh, she'll get over it," he said before turning towards Vivi when she was trying to pull herself back together from the rough treatment. Luffy grinned.
"So when are we gonna meet this warlord?" he asked. Nami turned on him savagely.
"Shut-up!" she screamed. "You have no idea what you're asking for!" Zoro smirked.
"I bet it'd be an interesting fight," he stated. Luffy smirked even as Nami continued to rant. Ash sweat-dropped. Meowth turned to a slowly coming back around James.
"So just who da heck is dis Crocodile guy anyways n' what's a warlord?" he asked. James looked almost like he was going to be sick.
"Well…there's this group of powerful pirates in this world known as the Seven Warlords and they serve the World Government. That means their bounties are frozen and they have free reign to do whatever they please so long as they do the governments' bidding when they want them to.
"Crocodile just so happens to be one of the first warlords you could run into in the first half of the Grand Line and he's said to have extraordinary powers at least…that's what I've been told and what I've read about in the newspaper. He's stationed in Alabasta kingdom right now and from what I hear, it's not just civil war but they're experiencing a serious drought that started three years ago. I think it was the issue that caused the inner conflict, am I correct?" he turned to Vivi who nodded.
"Three years ago, the desert started drying up rapidly and water became scarce. Then…something happened that put the king of the kingdom; my father in a bad light towards the people. He was framed for something he didn't do and that's when the in fighting started." James nodded then turned back to Meowth.
"So there you have it," he said. "Crocodile has Alabasta in a death grip of sorts and has boosted his public appearance by claiming to be a hero. In the newspapers it says he stops groups of thugs and pirates from robbing the ports so he's revered as a savior. But apparently it's all been an act. He also has a mysterious power that could be a devil fruit ability but I'm not sure. It's only a rumor I heard once."
"Sheesh…and I t'awt our boss was bad," Meowth stated. James nodded.
"Least we know our boss's name," he muttered.
"Well either way even without those pictures of us; he's bound to realize something's happened when his agents don't report back," Zoro stated. "That means…that for better or for worse…looks like we've got a warlord on our tails." He smirked. Luffy chuckled too.
"Uh huh, this is gonna be interesting," he said. Nami turned on them seething.
"Stop enjoying this!" she demanded. Vivi was surprised.
"Wait…you mean…you'll still take me?" she asked. Luffy grinned.
"Sure," he exclaimed. "It'll be fun." Vivi was at a loss for words.
"But…I… I mean…"
"You have nothing to fear. It's…agh ahem…mah…mah…mah! It's going to be alright princess; I've come up with a plan!" Everyone turned to see Igaram had suddenly arrived. Ash and Pikachu deadpanned.
"What…is he wearing?" he wondered.
"Pi…pika, pikachu?" Pikachu asked. He was now dressed in similar clothes as what Vivi was wearing and had somehow gotten his hair up into a similar high ponytail like hers. He held three sacs made up to be dummies. A few more were sitting just behind him on a piece of wooden crate made up to be a sled with some rope tied to it.
"Igaram," Vivi exclaimed in surprise. "What're you…"
"Hn, that's a really funny outfit old guy," Luffy laughed upon seeing him. James sweated.
"He's really blunt all the time isn't he?" he asked.
"You don't know da half o' it," Meowth grumbled.
"Lend me your ear Princess Vivi," he pleaded. "Please listen to me carefully. Once Baroque Works' intelligence network learns what happened here, agents will be sent after you immediately and since they're aware that you've learned the boss's true identity you must…"
"Yes, knowing them, they'll send a thousand agents after me," Vivi spoke in understanding. James gulped.
"And since she blurted it out and I'm an ex-member too, they'll want me dead as well," he moped. Nami became more frightened by this new aspect.
"Thus my plan," Igaram continued. "Disguised like this, I will pretend to be you. I'll take these seven dummies on board with me and I will sail a straight course to Alabasta." Luffy poked at the dummies and glanced up.
"So these things are us?" he asked.
"A decoy," Zoro stated. Igaram nodded.
"While Baroque Works is busy chasing after me the rest of you will head with Vivi to Alabasta Kingdom following a less direct route." Nami stood up abruptly from where she'd been sulking earlier.
"Hold on; just a second!" she demanded. "Who said we were gonna take her with us? We still haven't discussed the matter of payment!" Ash's eyes widened.
"Seriously? Even after admitting they're poor because of a civil war; you still want payment?" he demanded. She sent a scathing glare in his direction.
"Just shut it!" she hissed and he wisely did so. Luffy looked confused.
"Wait a second…payment for what?" he asked. "Take her where?" Zoro rolled his eyes.
"Where've you been Luffy?" he demanded. He stood up. "The old man here wants us to take the princess here back to her kingdom." He blinked.
"Oh, so is that what all of this yelling's about? Sure thing, I already said I would anyway." he stated.
"CROCODILE MAY ALREADY BE AFTER US!" Nami shouted with teeth that seemed to morph into fangs as she held her fist up towards her captain. Luffy turned to Igaram.
"Is this Crocodile guy really that dangerous?" he wondered.
"One of the Seven Warlords of the seas," Igaram explained. "He is a legally recognized pirate and because of that fact, there's no bounty on his head. However…long ago his bounty was worth over Eighty Million beris."
"Woah," Zoro stated impressed.
"Eighty Million! That's four times over Arlong's bounty! There's no way," Nami screamed.
"Will you do this for us?" Igaram asked of Luffy. The captain of the Straw Hats smiled up at him.
"Sure," he said. "Like I said; this is gonna be fun!" Nami smacked a hand to her forehead in despair.
"We are forever grateful," Igaram stated. Ash nodded with a smile.
"No problem," he replied.
"Mah…mah…mah," Igaram pitched his voice until it was close to a female's. Then he proceeded to speak using the same voice he'd acquired.
"Now I Vivi, will leave here," he said. Luffy laughed.
"Great imitation old guy," he snickered. Ash and Pikachu once again shared a sweat-drop.
"Right," he said sarcastically.
"Imitation of who?" Zoro demanded. They were all standing on the other side of the island where a boat was waiting. Igaram stood before it, preparing to leave having already filled it with provisions. He turned to Vivi with a gentle smile then held out his hand.
"Princess…please give me the eternal pose," Igaram asked. Vivi bit her lip and turned away, finding it hard to look her caretaker for so long in the eye as he prepared to set out on a more dangerous voyage. She however, complied with his request and dug the pose he asked for out of her pocket to hand to him. Nami seemed interested, finally coming out of her earlier funk.
"What's an eternal pose?" she asked.
"You've never heard of it?" Igaram asked turning to her. "You could sort of say it's like a permanent version of the log pose. Whereas a log pose will always lead sailors to the next island on the course, an eternal pose will forever remember the magnetic field of the island that is stored inside it so it will always point to that island and none other. And this eternal pose is set to Alabasta Kingdom." He finished explaining.
"And you're going to use this to set your course home?" Vivi asked quietly. Igaram became insistent.
"Princess, please take the indirect island hopping route to Alabasta. I haven't ever gone that way myself but you should only have to pass two or three islands if you follow the log." He then turned to look at Luffy again.
"Please, take care of the princess in my absence," he asked again. Luffy just smiled.
"Yeah," he agreed instantly.
"Igaram," Vivi started drawing his attention back. She didn't know what else to say. Igaram just smiled down at her.
"I expect that your journey is going to be a difficult one. Please…be careful," he said.
"Igara-" she got choked up last second. However, she reined in her emotions and turned back to him with a smile before holding out her hand. He took it and they shook.
"See you soon," she said. Ash wasn't fooled. He could still tell she was putting on a brave face. He knew the feeling for sometimes he'd put on a brave face for his friends, family and pokemon to hide his true feelings in moments of high stress or anguish. He sighed as he watched Igaram board the ship and shook his head.
"I still can't get over him dressing up like that," he stated. Meowth glanced his way conspiratorially.
"Oh really?" he queried. "Cuz it only seems like yesta'day dat we's was dressin' ya up back in da Kanto Region jes so's ya could sneak back inta dat gym. What was it called again? What'd we call you?" he pondered and Ash froze in abject horror. While Meowth pondered, James seemed to remember this time as well.
"Ah yes, I do remember that," he stated. "I believe we dressed you up to blend in with the crowd the gym leader was more likely to listen to. It was after you pissed her off I think and boy was it one of our most ingenious master pieces really." Ash began to sweat.
"Huh, dressed up? Did you wear a disguise or something on one of your adventures Ash," Luffy wondered. Ash's face turned redder.
"As I recall…ya insulted her taste in poy'fumes n' den ya got t'rown out. We's had t'a come t'a da rescue jes so's ya could get a chance t'a battle er again."
"You guys were up to something from the start!" Ash pointed out trying to save his skin. James just shrugged.
"True but then again…you were just too cute dressed like…"
"Like…" Meowth and James were interrupted by a thunder shock then fell over. Ash breathed a sigh of relief.
"Thanks buddy," he thanked Pikachu who only nodded and gave his own version of a thumb's up with his paw.
"Aw but I wanted to know what you looked like," Luffy pouted. Zoro smirked evilly.
"Were you by chance…crossdressing?" he asked. Ash went rigid. Nami hummed sadistically. Igaram's ship was pulling out of the cove and they waved goodbye while watching Ash react to this one story he'd never told anybody else. Even Brock and Misty had sworn to keep their mouths shut.
"Oh my, it sounds to me like you'll do anything for those gym badges you keep telling us about," she spoke coyly. Luffy scratched his head.
"Wait, what's crossdressing?" he wondered. Zoro and Nami snickered as Ash sweated profusely.
"A curly blonde wig wid a pink bow n' makeup," Meowth whispered; having recovered quickly from Pikachu's attack – years of practice.
"A pretty tangerine dress with ruffles, a white collar and blue bowtie," James spoke from Ash's other side while his face reddened further.
"And t'a top it all off," Meowth continued.
"Little flat shoes that fit snug and…"
"He even did the/da voice," they spoke in unison. Ash felt his heart stop in his chest. He was so red in the face he looked like a tomato. Zoro and Nami were snickering while Luffy was scratching his head in confusion.
"I don't get it," he said. "Why were you wearing a wig and dress? Don't girls wear dresses? And what's the voice?" A little piece of Ash died inside as he slumped into a ball of depression.
"I still have the picture, wanna see?" questioned James. Ash whirled around, eyes wide in terror with his tomato red face.
"Why'd you take a picture?!" he cried. James had already pulled out a photo and was passing it around the circle. "No!" he tried to grab it back but Zoro held it out of reach. He grinned and chuckled.
"Man, now this is comedy gold," he stated. Nami took it next then laughed.
"I have to admit, you do look cute as a girl," she teased. Vivi looked over her shoulder and giggled too, agreeing.
"I wonder what he'd look like if we dressed him in another outfit?" she wondered idly. The spark of an idea was lit in Nami's eyes and Ash felt like he was going to wither away to nothing. Luffy took the picture next but he didn't get it.
"Who's this?" he wondered. Nami snickered behind her hand.
"It's Ash dressed up like a girl," she told him. His confusion only grew as he glanced up and down between the photo and the boy slowly fading before him.
"I still don't get it," he said. "They look totally different. This has gotta be someone else."
"Her name's 'Ashley,' n' don't she look purty?" Meowth sniggered. Again Zoro, Nami and Vivi were giggling. Ash was in a ball on the ground; a worried Pikachu next to him.
"Pikachu; do me a favor and electrocute me bad enough that I lose my memory of this horrible night," he asked. Pikachu didn't know what to do as he sweat-dropped at his trainer's request. Zoro laughed again.
"Hey c'mon," he chuckled trying not to laugh too hard. "Look on the bright side. At least you don't look like an ugly ass drag queen. Those can be a nightmare on the eyes and the soul. Here you pass for a decent chic."
"Don't call me a chic!" shouted Ash in despair. He turned to glare at James and Meowth.
"So not only do you stalk me, kidnap my pokemon or steal something else, but you also carry around a photo of me like that for five years on your person. What's that say about you?!" he demanded trying to find some karma out of this. James just smiled brightly.
"That I have something to take my mind off of our grueling defeats at your hands and comfort all of us through the pain." Ash turned back to his corner of misery.
"Hey, it's not all bad; we're the only ones who've seen this and I'll keep it from the other two at the cost of two thousand beris," Nami stated.
"What's the point?" he retorted bitterly. "I don't have money and anything I'd be lent by you after Loguetown will come with interest." Nami sighed dramatically.
"Only a worthy price to pay for the sustenance of one's dignity," she claimed. Zoro only shook his head at her. Ash sighed as he stood back up.
"Please let something else happen already; please," he begged.
An explosion big and bright enough to blind them occurred on the water. Soon a peaceful moonlight on the waves was interrupted by choppy waters and firelight as the ship that'd been the center of the blast burned up in flames. Ash stared wide eyed in horror at the scene.
"I…didn't…mean this," he choked out. Nami also trembled nearby, all thoughts of teasing completely gone.
"Oh no…they're after us already? How's that even possible?!" she demanded. Vivi remained stock still as she stared at the spot on the water where Igaram's ship had been sailing only seconds before. Meanwhile, seeing the magnitude of the situation, Luffy turned and retrieved his hat that'd been blown to the ground and placed it firmly on his head. He took a breath before letting out an angered growl and walked back towards the path to town.
"Nami, the log!" Zoro called. Nami caught off guard glanced at the log pose quickly.
"Uh, we're fine; it's all set!" she claimed.
"Get the girl; come on! Let's go!" Zoro commanded. "Ash and other guy; move it!" He too turned to get going back to their ship.
"Vivi!" Nami called as she ran towards where Vivi stared on the verge of angered tears at the fire. "We have to go. If they get us now it'll all be for nothing!" Nami stopped, noticing that Vivi was biting her lip so hard, trying to stop her tears that it started to bleed. She couldn't help herself as she lunged into a protective hug that surprised the princess.
"Don't worry," she declared strongly. "We are going to get you home! I know they don't look like much but they're strong. They saved the East Blue; just the four of them! Baroque Works; gimme a break! Crocodile; hah! Those guys are the ones who should be worried." She continued to hug her as she finally let her tears flow.
"Let's go," she spoke gently. Just as they were about to leave, she noticed that Ash was still standing stock still in shock; staring at the blaze and trembling, a worried Pikachu by his side.
"Stop it!" she snapped at him. "It wasn't your fault Ash. Sometimes words come out at the same time something else happens. It's not a coincidence. There's no way you could've known or done anything to stop it. Quit being so paranoid and let's go; we've got a mission to complete and it won't get completed unless we get off of this island unscathed!" Ash could barely hear her.
"Pika…pikachu, pika pi!" Pikachu shouted. He sent a shock up his trainer's leg, snapping him out of his funk. Ash looked around in a panic.
"Wha…what's going on?" he cried out. He was still terrified.
"We're getting the hell outta here; that's what!" Nami snapped back as she began to help Vivi run with her back towards the ship. "New guy; if you're comin' then let's move it!" James jumped a little. The only one who'd ever raised her voice like that at him was Jessie and in many different scenarios. He came to terms with the situation and nodded.
"Right. Come on Meowth. Ash we have to go." Ash nodded numbly before he turned to follow them back down the path to the town. Tears formed on the rims of his eyes but he gritted his teeth and just kept running.
"We should be reaching the sea soon," Vivi stated calmly. She'd erased her grievous emotions for the sake of escape. Meanwhile, Nami had just finished explaining to Usopp and Sanji why they were leaving so suddenly – leaving out the complicated parts and substituting the pain factor more through her fist.
"Cool, look at all the fog," Luffy exclaimed in excitement. Ash had curled himself up on the steps leading to the rear upper deck and his face was hidden behind his knees. Pikachu looked at his trainer with worry.
"Pika…pika pi?" he asked softly; gently shaking his knee and trying to coax him out of his shell. Nami came down the steps and sat beside him, placing a comforting hand on his back.
"Hey Ash…" she spoke up. "Look I know what you said and then…'that' happened…but there's no reason to beat yourself up over it." She rubbed his back soothingly.
"That's not it," his voice came from his position a little muffled. Nami blinked.
"What…still embarrassed about the picture and…"
"No, that I can deal with," he said. She blinked.
"Then what's eatin' ya kid?" Zoro asked. He stood leaning against the nearby railing. Ash took a breath then let it out with a sigh.
"Igaram he…I mean he…and then…" he trailed off.
"Yer bothered by da older guy's death?" questioned Meowth. Ash's silence was enough of an answer.
"Though you said you've faced death circumstances before," Zoro pointed out.
"Of course I have," Ash claimed, sitting up to look at Zoro. "But I…back then…I was the one in those circumstances. It was me…nobody else just me! True I've seen a few brave pokemon risk their life and lose it for the sake of others but those times were tamer compared to 'that'.
"They knew their times were coming and they accepted them but…Igaram…he still had something to fight for and…it was just taken away from him so suddenly. I…I just (sigh)…I've never seen something like that happen before and to someone I knew. I mean…I obviously didn't know him as well as Vivi did but…I…I wasn't prepared." He finished quietly. Vivi furrowed her brows at the young boy.
"When you say you were the one in those circumstances before…" she trailed off. He glanced up at her then back down at his knees. He sighed again.
"I've died before okay," he spoke quietly. "I've died and somehow I've been brought back to life too; many times before. Honestly…I'm not afraid to die when it concerns me since I know what it feels like and I'd give my life for the people and pokemon I love. But I'm more afraid of having to watch others die before me when I could've done something or because I couldn't. I guess…I've just been reminded how insignificant I really am compared to the world – whichever word I live in." Nami smiled grimly and rubbed his back more.
"Ya know…I said it before but…"
"I know," Ash finished, turning a small smile in her direction. "I'll be okay. If I need to, I'll come and talk to you later," he reassured. She smiled back and nodded. Then she stood and took a few steps forward, glancing about at the sky.
"Well, enough of this morbid talk; let's save it for later. It's finally getting light out," Nami commented. "Let's just focus on leaving k?"
"Right! Next Island," Luffy cheered. James meanwhile sighed with relief and slumped against the railing of the deck.
"Phew, that sure was a stressful night," he sighed.
"Tell me about it," Meowth groaned. "I'm pooped." He too slumped on the railing.
"I'm just glad we got away from the people who were chasing us." The smooth as honey voice spoke. Ash frowned where he sat when he heard it. He hadn't heard such a voice before from anybody he knew onboard. He turned around cautiously and his eyes widened epically as his eyes caught sight of the figure sitting just above him and Pikachu on the upper deck's railing, overlooking those on the lower deck. He bit his lip and tensed while Pikachu raced up his shoulder having taken notice as well. Before they could speak however, their mouths were covered by something that made them nearly have heart attacks. For some reason they were frozen with fear.
"That's for sure," Nami replied to the voice as if nothing had happened.
"With all this fog, we need to be careful to avoid the rocks," the woman continued on similarly as if nothing had happened, an amused smile playing on her face. She hadn't even moved much. Ash regained some of his backbone and tried to speak through the strangely disembodied limb. However, his words remained muffled and nobody took notice. Pikachu meanwhile attempted to scratch the odd disembodied limb away.
"I'll take care of it," Nami claimed proudly. Meanwhile, Meowth had sat up, finally taking notice of Ash and Pikachu struggling against something that appeared to be on their faces but he couldn't make out what it was. Wary, he turned his gaze to where theirs was directed and nearly fell overboard in shock. James noticed.
"Hm, what's the matter Meowth?" he asked. Wordlessly the scratch cat pokemon pointed at the woman with a trembling paw. After following his paw's finger, James felt like ice. He made a strangled noise. Nami turned to him confused.
"Hm, what's wrong new guy?" she asked.
"My it's almost like he's seen a ghost," commented the woman.
"Yeah, no kidding Nami," Luffy agreed. Nami blinked in confusion.
"That wasn't me," she said turning to him. Luffy looked confused. Then Nami felt a sense of dread well up within her and returned her gaze to James who looked ready to piss his pants. She followed his gaze and froze.
"Wha…who the hell are you?!" she demanded turning around immediately on guard. Everyone else took notice of the woman then. Finally spotted by the majority she let Pikachu's and Ash's mouths go and they started to breathe again. Ash glanced up with an angered and wary expression.
"Watch it; she's got devil fruit powers," he warned. Meanwhile, Vivi had joined James in the panicking department.
"It's…it's you!" she proclaimed in fear. The woman smiled coyly and tilted her head as though she were playing a game with someone. Her expression remained stoic.
"I just happened to run into your dear Mr. Eight a little ways back. He didn't look so good," the woman told Vivi. Vivi's face darkened. James trembled.
"Y-you mean you're the one who killed him?!" exclaimed James; his voice rising in pitch. The woman glanced at him causing him to freeze. Vivi gritted her teeth.
"You killed Igaram," she accused. It was all Luffy needed to start yelling.
"You! What're you doing on my ship and how did you get here?! Who are you!?" he demanded. Vivi stepped forward in anger.
"Answer him! What're you doing here…Ms. All-Sunday?!" Vivi demanded. Nami turned to her.
"So you know who she is?" she asked. "Which of the numbered guys is she partnered with?"
"That'd be Mr. Zero; the boss," James spoke trembling.
"Ah; Crocodile's her partner!?" Nami exclaimed in shock.
"She's a bad guy?" Luffy questioned only really needing to understand one thing.
"She was the only one who knew the boss's identity. That's how we found out who he actually is," Vivi explained. "By following her back to him!" Ms. All-Sunday's coy expression didn't change and she gazed upon Vivi almost with amusement.
"To be accurate…I allowed it," she revealed.
"So she's a good guy then" Luffy tried to understand. Vivi's stance became defensive.
"I know you knew we were there," she claimed. "You're the one who told the boss that we knew; weren't you?!"
"That's right," replied Ms. All-Sunday.
"Alright then she is bad," Luffy corrected himself with a scowl on his face pointed at the intruder.
"Luffy would you cut it out already," hissed Zoro.
"You still haven't told us what it is you're doing here!" Vivi shouted. James trembled.
"Is it direct orders to kill us yourself from the boss?" he asked quaking. Ms. All-Sunday turned her gaze on him again.
"If that were the case…you'd already be dead," She replied. "And besides. Aren't you only a recent recruit? That would make you the lowest rank wouldn't it? If you'd kept your mouth shut I probably wouldn't have even recognized you as a traitor." James became rigid and defensive of himself again. Ms. All-Sunday turned her gaze back to Vivi.
"As for what I'm doing here…well you were just so serious about the whole thing that I couldn't help myself. A princess doing whatever it would take to help her country while making herself an enemy of Baroque Works. The idea was just so…ridiculous." Vivi lost herself to her rage.
"YOU KILLED HIM!" She screamed. Usopp and Sanji – who'd awoken again after Nami's earlier explanation techniques – had just walked in on the scene with their own choice pistols aimed at her. Zoro had his swords at the ready, Nami her staff, Luffy tensed his muscles; ready for a fight but remained in his original stance and Ash and Pikachu were ready to attack with Pikachu's cheeks sparking. James despite his better judgement had drawn forth his own pistol which he'd had with him at Whiskey Peak and Meowth had prepared his claws. Ms. All-Sunday didn't even flinch.
"Sanji," Usopp spoke up in confusion as for the first time Sanji had a weapon aimed at a lady. "You do know what you're doing here right?"
"Nope, not a clue," replied the cook. "I just know that the beautiful Ms. Wednesday needs me!" Ms. All-Sunday's expression changed to one of only slight annoyance.
"I'd appreciate it if you would…stop pointing those at me," she claimed. With that she'd sent Usopp and Sanji falling off balance to the lower deck, slapped James's gun, Nami's staff and Zoro's sword out of their respected owner's hands, surprising them. Despite having seen her power before, Ash was unprepared for when the woman tripped him up and he fell on his butt the last few stairs to the deck and Pikachu landed with him not pleased.
"What the heck was that?!" demanded Nami.
"Her devil fruit abilities? What are they?" Usopp wondered fearfully.
"Damn it!" Zoro hissed. Luffy meanwhile had been amazed with the show. He and Vivi had been the only two not hit or knocked over along with Meowth. As Sanji sat up from the lower deck he suddenly become stricken.
"Oh wow! Now that I get a look; you're beautiful!" he exclaimed; his visible eye becoming a heart. Ms. All-Sunday smirked as she leaned back on the rail with casual ease.
"Now there's no need to get so excited," she claimed. "You can all calm down; I haven't been given any orders to follow here. I've no reason to fight you." Suddenly Luffy's hat was yanked off of his head by a mysterious force and began moving towards the woman.
She caught the straw hat on her hand and twirled it. She gazed down at him in interest.
"So you're the captain," she stated. "I've heard so much about you…Monkey D. Luffy!" Luffy was not amused.
"GIMME MY HAT BACK; YA WANT ME TO COME UP THERE AND TAKE IT!" he demanded.
"You are a bad person, I demand you leave this instant," Usopp proclaimed, hiding behind the mast. James looked on in confusion.
"What's the deal; it's just a hat right?" he wondered. Meowth leaned over to whisper.
"Just t'ink o' dat hat like it's yer bottle cap collections t'a him n' leave it at dat!" he hissed. James just nodded. Meanwhile Ms. All-Sunday placed the hat on her own cowgirl one on her head with an amused sly look on her face.
"Bad luck," she stated. "Picking up a princess who Baroque Works has already made up their mind to see eliminated. Protected by only a mere handful of pirates." She mocked them as she folded her hands perfectly over her knees.
"But your luck gets even worse," she continued. "Because of the direction your log pose is indicating, you see?" Nami turned in panic to the pose on her wrist. Ash also turned to his own in confusion.
"The name of the next island….is Little Garden. We won't even need to lift a finger. You'll all be dead long before you reach Alabasta."
"MY HAT; GIVE IT TO ME!" Luffy continued to yell like a kid having a fit.
"I told you to leave now evil…doer," Usopp choked out.
"Evil doer? Seriously," Zoro demanded of their sniper.
"You don't think it's a little foolish? Allowing yourselves to be wiped out?" questioned Ms. All-Sunday as she casually tossed Luffy's hat back to him and something to Vivi which she caught. She looked at it confused.
"An eternal pose?" she questioned.
"Using that, you can skip right past Little Garden without stopping," explained their uninvited guest. "Straight to an island near Alabasta. The pose points to a place called Nanimonashima. None of our agents know that course so you won't be followed." Nami stared in confusion upon the situation.
"Wait…so she's good after all?"
"Why are you giving this to us!?" Vivi demanded.
"It's gotta be a trap," Zoro stated distrustfully.
"Oh does it?" she asked back. Ash had picked himself back up again with Pikachu on his shoulder. He glared up at her.
"What reason do we have t'a trust any-t'ing you say?" Meowth demanded. "Fer all we know, dat island could be where we die n' dis next one could be da one we needed t'a take all along! Ya don't expect us t'a just change our course cuz ya tell us to do ya?" She glanced at the pokemon addressing her.
"Hm, I suppose you have a good point," she said. "But…if I'm right and you're wrong…what happens then?" Just then a smashing sound could be heard. Everyone turned in shock to see that Luffy had crushed the eternal pose in his hand.
"Forget your thingy," Luffy declared. "We don't need it." Ash smirked. Before Nami could strangle their captain he spoke up.
"I agree with Luffy," he proclaimed. "On this ship…we follow our captain's way."
"That's right!" Luffy growled at her. "You're not the one who decides where this ship goes. You blew up that funny old man and so I hate you." He glared at her pointedly. Ms. All-Sunday just shrugged, dismounted the railing and began to walk to the other side of the ship.
"Hm, that's too bad," she said though she thought anything but. "I'm sorry you feel that way and I'm sorry you didn't take my offer. Hm…but there was something else I was forgetting," she murmured under her breath. She then glanced back over her shoulder at Ash and Pikachu standing at the bottom of the stairs still.
"Ah yes…I forgot to ask your name young man."
"Ash Ketchum; what's it to you?" Ash replied without any fear. Ms. All Sunday smirked.
"I see," she said. "Tell me…are you aware that you share a last name with the infamous Carter D. Ketchum? I wonder…could there be a connection?"
"Whether there is or not isn't really your business is it!?" he proclaimed still glaring. She laughed.
"True enough," she agreed. "Although…I must say…you do share an uncanny resemblance to him. But I won't pry. Perhaps we'll meet again someday." She said this as she glanced between Ash and Luffy.
"No!" Luffy proclaimed childishly. Ms. All-Sunday only chuckled before she leapt off their boat and onto her own mode of transportation. Despite his earlier statement, Luffy along with the majority of the rest of the crew were impressed by the giant turtle that swam away with her.
"Wow it's huge," Luffy claimed.
"After seeing Laboon, this doesn't surprise me," Ash stated as they watched her be transported away. James held his hand to his chest.
"Phew, I'm glad that's finally over. I was so worried she'd do something but I think the tension she created was torture enough."
"I definitely felt a chill in de air," Meowth agreed. Vivi collapsed to her knees in frustration.
"That woman," she started. "I don't even have the slightest idea what's going through her head."
"Then there's no point in thinking about it is there," Nami replied.
"There's someone on this boat who's just like that," Zoro muttered.
"Would someone explain what's going on; none of this makes sense!" Usopp cried out. Ash sweated slightly whilst smiling sheepishly.
"Heh, maybe we shouldn't have just let them sleep through it; ya think Zoro?" he asked the swordsman. Said swordsman just shrugged.
"Eh, no point in worrying about it now; it's over." Ash nodded in agreement. Meanwhile Sanji twirled over towards Vivi like the love struck cook he was.
"Oh Ms. Wednesday have you joined our crew?" he asked with his special love struck voice.
"Hey explain already! Woah; whose ostrich is this?!" Usopp became wary when Carue had suddenly gotten closer to him without explanation.
"Please what's going on?" Usopp begged.
"Are we fighting for food or women?" Sanji tacked on.
"Tell me…tell me now!"
"Hey wait; whose the purple haired guy again?" Luffy wondered suddenly.
"Wait; you didn't remember my name when I told you before?!" James asked in exaggeration.
"Ya never int'raduced yerself moron!" Meowth snapped back. Ash smiled and chuckled as he watched the crew grow back to its rowdiness again with James fitting right in. Nami glanced at him with a grin.
"Whatchya think? Have they suffered enough?" she wondered. Ash laughed.
"Well, we should probably tell them about being chased by a warlord now or they'll only get confused when we're attacked continuously."
"Whadya you mean by that?!" demanded Usopp. Zoro yawned.
"It's good to be back at sea," he claimed before settling in for another nap. Ash could only laugh. Despite how high tensions had been earlier, everyone had gotten right back into the swing of things. This crew of his…it was really growing on him.