Author's note: Oh yeah. Did I forget to mention that I plan to be weekly in my updates? Because I totally plan too. Every Wednesday I will try to update this story.

Last update was my big triumph back to this story! Unfortunately, I forgot to add a few, small details. Like the above fact, Ha! XD Last chapter opened into the Warship Arc, which shall now (more or less for this fic) be canon.

I also wanted to say, Man, it's been nearly a year since two updates ago and a lot has happened. Sabo is alive! How knew? Oh wait, I had a feeling. And I mean that truthfully. Doflamingo...what a tragic, insane man. Never thought I'd feel a little sad for a villain. Most villains so far hadn't had that. Well, Arlong kinda did, but we hardly knew that. And Law! Another holder of the Will of D. Very interesting, right!

Okay, enough blabbering and socializin'. Time to start!

Oh wait! And one last thing:

This chapter is dedicated to Ano Crazy Adventurer! She is by far the most enthusiastic of all my reviewers so far and big supporter of this fic and side-stories. She was incredibly nice to draw up all the ASL crew minus the Straw Hats and even two posters for Ace and Sabo's crew. You can find them now in my favorites on dA.

(https) : / / w w w. hotspot0626 . deviantart favourites / 63245696 / ASL-crew (Remember to remove the spaces and the things)

And now, Enjoy! Read & Review!

One Piece: ASL Pirates

Last time on One Piece: ASL Pirates,

While sailing towards the entrance to the Grand Line, the crew came across a little girl drifting out at sea. The girl, Apis, had escaped the night before from Marines of Branch 8. And soon, those Marines came after the ASL crew. Ace separated from the crew to take on the Marines head-on. Meanwhile, the crew ended up in the Calm Belt, nest to the Sea Kings, and barely escaped.

Now, the crew travels to Warship Island. What has become of Ace? What awaits the crew on the island? Find out…now!

A Millennium Old Legend

Find the Lost Island

The Going Merry sailed through a thick fog. It had come on rather surprisingly to the navigators, but nevertheless they sailed through. While the navigators, Nami and Drake, navigated the helmsmen, Taro, the rest of the crew was around the edge of the Merry with Apis looking for the island, Warship Island.

"I can't see a thing." Suzy stated rather annoyed.

"Well, we can see the fog." Drake joked with a grin.

"Lame." Most of the crew announced to the male navigator. Only Luffy seem to find it funny.

"Shaddup!" Drake replied ungrateful towards the rest of the crew.

Nami spoke out towards Apis asking, "Hey, Apis, are you sure this is the right way?"

"Not sure." Apis stated plainly.

"'Not sure'? But you…" Usopp said confused.

"Relax. It should be close." Nami said in Apis' defense.

"That's our Nami!" Both Sanji and Drake said the latter being out of affection and the former with respect. Immediately, Sanji glared at Drake jealously. Drake noticed and rolled his eyes.

"You sure know your stuff." Lotus stated impressed.

As she looked out from the bow of the Merry, Apis gasped. "Look!" She shouted to the crew.

Everyone looked towards the bow. As the Merry sailed through the fog, they soon saw the shadow of what looked like a huge boat. Luffy shouted out in amazement, "Ooh! It's a sailboat! It's huge!"

"Now, now, Luffy-chan." Jacques stated giving a friendly warning.

"The word 'huge' doesn't begin to describe it." Jamie stated dumbfounded by the sight.

"Then, a super humongous sailboat?" Luffy restated confusedly.

"No! You're missing the point!" shouted Nami at Luffy.

Apis gasped happily. "No, that's Warship Island!" She said joyfully. "It's shaped like a warship so they named it Warship Island!"

"I see it!" Suzy shouted nearly leaning over the edge of the ship. "So cool!"

As the ship neared the island, the fog began to dissipate giving a clearer view of the island. The island had an interesting shaped mountain that had cliffs sticking out at every direction. From a distance one could mistake it as a warship. And right at its base was a small port town. As the boat left the fog, the people of the island saw the ship as well. However, it was hardly a pleasant one when they saw the flag.

"Pirates!" shouted one of the islanders who had been farming. Once he saw it, the man ran down to warn the rest of the islanders. "Pirates! Pirates are coming!" He shouted as he ran into town.

Immediately, the islanders began preparing. The women and children locked themselves inside their houses. The men of the village armed themselves with anything that could be used as a weapon; spears, oars, pitchforks, and the like. They all then met the ship at the coast ready to fight. The Going Merry pulled up along the coast and Nix threw down a rope ladder. Though in seeing the angry mob, he stepped back.

"Um, I think Apis should go settle the crowd first." Nix stated looking nervous.

Apis immediately rushed over. She stepped onto the railing and greeted the villagers with a smile and a wave. "Hey, everyone! I'm home!" She shouted cheerfully. She then climbed down the latter.

The crowd gasped in surprise. "Apis!" shouted a few of the men. The crowd then ran up to the little girl.

"What are you doing here?" asked one of the men. "Why are you coming out of a pirate ship?"

"Why did you them here, Apis." Another man said worriedly.

A few of the crew began to come ashore. They were Luffy, Sabo, Nami, Zoro, and Taro. The crowd was immediately on edge. Luffy stared out at the group speaking, "Hey, you guys. I have a question…" He said in a surprisingly serious tone.

"Wh-What?" asked a man worriedly.

"Do you know if there's any good BBQ restaurants on this island?" Luffy asked being less serious-serious.

"Huh?" asked the men confused.

"Good way to diffuse the tension, Luffy." Sabo said before chuckling.

"Ooh!" Suzy said as she climbed off the ship. "BBQ sounds good!"

"I could go for some of that." Nix said eagerly.

"Wh-who are these guys?" Another man said completely stunned by the attitude of the pirates.

"Relax!" Apis shouted as she tried to calm the crowd. "They're not bad pirates, they're nice ones and helpful."

Apis explained to the villagers that the ASL crew were good pirates that rescued her from being stranded at sea after her escape from the Marines. They were worried at first. They were unsure what would happen. They knew the Marines were still skulking around after her. At first, the crew was worried. The situation changed as Apis' grandfather, Bokuden, came to greet her. Apis was overjoyed to see him. Likewise, Bokuden was so happy that he threw a small party for the crew, which they eagerly agreed. Unbeknownst to everyone, a lone Marine ship spotted them and immediately reported their position.

"Erik!" shouted Commodore Nelson Royale between bites.

Erik stepped forward. "I've been here all along, sir." He stated calmly.

"I was under the impression that the girl was lost in the Calm Belt and wasn't coming back alive!" Nelson shouted angrier.

"That's right…" Erik said trying to keep his calm. "However, because of the interference of 'Fire Fist' we couldn't get a proper sighting. I assumed she perished."

"No, she's…" Nelson said before he suddenly began choking on the food he was eating. He then coughed out the food chunks all over Erik. The bounty hunter, while easily annoyed, kept his cool and wiped off the food and spit. Nelson then continued to shout, "…back on Warship Island! Go capture her. Don't fail me!"

"Very well, with 'Fire Fist' gone, they will be easy enough to capture." Erik stated confidently.

In the village, the ASL crew sat around in Bokuden's house. He was preparing pork buns, but they would not be down for four or five more hours. This was disheartening to the hungriest of the crew; Luffy, Sabo, Usopp, and Suzy. Sabo asked if any of the islanders had seen Ace, which unfortunately they had not. As they waited, they asked if the old man he knew why the Marines were after Apis. He wasn't sure, but what he believed the Marines were after was a legend. A legend of the people of Warship Island and how they were descendants to the people of another island called Lost Island. As well as the home to Millennial Dragons and their bones, Dragonite, that is used to make the elixir of immortality. However, they could not see how it connected to Apis. To learn more, Bokuden regaled the crew with the entire history of his island. While most everyone sat and listened in, Apis silently snuck out with only Luffy, Suzy, and Drake noticing. Hours later, nearing night, the old man was still telling his story. Luffy, Zoro, Nix, and Suzy were asleep. Sabo, Drake, and Taro seem to be the only ones actually taking some interesting. Everyone else completely bored out of their mind. However, at the mention of pork buns…

Luffy woke up causing Suzy to wake up having been using Luffy as a pillow. He then began walking towards the door.

"Luffy?" Nami asked quietly. "Where are you going?

"Bathroom." Luffy stated half-asleep. At the mere mention, Drake, Suzy, Miko, and Jamie stood up.

"Now that you mention it…" Jamie stated as she followed out with Luffy.

"Hey, Taro, make sure you write any of the stuff related to 'dragons', okay?" Drake asked to the quiet first-mate of Ace.

Taro nodded and gave a thumb up smiling. Drake replied the same way before leaving.

"Gotta go. Gotta go. Gotta go. Gotta go." Suzy repeated doing a little dance urgently.

"We'll make it, Suzy." Miko said nervously. She and Suzy then followed the group out.

After a few minutes, most of the group returned. Except for Luffy. Of course, Bokuden was still regaling the crew with his legend-history tale. Seeing the group minus one return, Nami seemed worried about their missing captain.

"Where's Luffy?" Nami asked.

"Um, did he go in with you Drake?" Miko asked to the other navigator nervously.

Drake shook his head. "Nope! I think he went over where the pork buns were cooking." He stated.

"Damn!" Suzy shouted. "I should've done that."

"I better go check on him." Nami said sounding weary. She left the building while Bokuden continued to tell his tale. She walked over to the steaming room. There she found Luffy sleeping on the floor with a pork bun on his face. She immediately shouted, "Luffy!"

Luffy woke up with the pork bun falling into his mouth. Immediately, he began eating it.

"Hey!" Suzy shouted as she entered the room. "All the buns got eaten!"

"What!" Nami shouted.

"Hmm, that was delicious." Luffy said as he sat up contently.

"Delicious?!" Nami shouted angrily before she knocked Luffy's head. "What is everyone else gonna eat now that you've inhaled everything?!"

"I really wanted one." Suzy said almost in tears from hunger pains.

Drake and Sabo soon entered the room having heard the commotion. "What's going on?" They both asked.

"Luffy ate all the food." Suzy said pouting madly.

"What?!" Both men shouted.

"What're you all talking about?" Luffy asked confused while rubbing his sore head.

"Yeah right!" shouted nearly everyone in the room.

However, Sabo seem to notice something that the others hadn't. "Hold on…" He stated as he kneeled to the ground. This caught everyone's attention. Sabo was observing an unusual indent in the ground. He spoke as followed the markings towards the door, "There seems to be a trail."

"What made it?" Nami asked curious.

"Let's find out." Drake said as he followed Lotus out. No far behind the rest of the group followed as well.

"Suzy, stay behind." Sabo said stopping the girl from following them. "If they wonder where we are just follow the marking."

"Aww~, fine." Suzy said before pouting.

The group followed the trail through some bushes to find a hidden tunnel. They went through the tunnel and came out somewhere in the woods. They followed the trail up the mountain. The trail lead them all over the island including over a ravine crossed by use Gum-Gum Suspension Bridge. They were soon lead to the other side of the mountain, but they were getting close to the one who had made the tracks. They soon found a cave and walked in. As they walked through the cave, the heard Apis' voice talking with someone.

"Yes, I'm fine. This funny group of pirates saved me and brought me home. No, they're not that scary. They are very nice. But you must be hungry. I brought Grandpa Bokuden's pork buns. Here you go. No! Slow down!"

"That sounds like Apis." Sabo commented curiously.

"But who's she talking to?" Drake asked equally as curious.

As the group continued into the cave, Apis continued to speak. "Oh, I'm sorry. I still don't know yet. I'm searching as hard as I can, but I still haven't found a clue."

"Hey, Apis!" Luffy suddenly shouted bluntly and in full view. "Who're you talking to?"

"What did you do with the pork buns?" Suzy shouted angrily.

"Don't just jump out and shout, idiots!" Nami shouted to the loud mouths.

"Stay back!" Apis shouted as she stood in front of something big. "Don't come over here!"

The group walked forward wondering what Apis was so worried about. As they got closer, the darkness created by the cave lifted off the thing behind Apis. Once it was in view, the whole group gasped.

"Whoa!" shouted Luffy.

"What is that?" Nami said unsure.

"That's not…" Sabo said shocked.

"It is! Ha!" Drake shouted in glee.

Before the group and behind Apis was a large bird-like creature curled up in comfort. The creature had green feather-like fur and a bald goose-egg lump on its head. This creature looked like an old dragon. The sight of the creature amazed everyone, but none more so than Luffy and Drake.

"It's a dragon!" Drake shouted gleefully.

"Awesome!" Luffy shouted completely amazed. He then began examining the dragon excitedly.

"No! Stop it!" Apis shouted trying to protect the old dragon. "Leave Grandpa Ryu alone."

"This…" Nami said stunned. "This can't be… I though dragons were only legend."

"This is…amazing." Sabo state surprised.

"Look at it!" Drake stated excitedly as he approached the dragon's head. "This is incredible! Where did you come from, mighty dragon? From the Dragon's Nest perhaps?"

"Are you talking to it?" Nami asked concerned.

Drake nodded. He told Nami, "I don't know if he can talk, but…"

"Oh, I see… You want to go home, huh?" Luffy said as he looked at the dragon.

"Huh?" said the rest of the group surprised.

The dragon seem to react. It gave a low grumble and blinked its eyes. While it seem that no one could tell what the dragon was saying, but Apis looked to have understood.

"Okay…" Apis said in understanding. She then turned to Luffy. She told him, "Grandpa Ryu says that you can be his friend, Luffy."

"What!" The group shouted surprised.

"He says he can tell you're a good person." Apis continued before pausing. She looked confused before continuing to say, "Even if you have a…'Dragon Killer' with you? What?"

"What? Dragon Killer?" Sabo said confused.

"Um, pardon." Drake said raising his hand. He approached the dragon and kneeled before him. He stated, "I understand there's some bad history between my people and dragons, but please do not think badly of me. I have no intention of killing any dragon unless warranted."

"Whoa, Drake." Nami said surprised. "Did you ever have to kill a dragon?"

Drake shook his head. "No. In fact, Grandpa Ryu is the first dragon I've ever seen." He stated honestly.

"Don't worry about it, Grandpa Ryu." Sabo said grinning. "Drake's a nice guy. He makes lame jokes, but he's cool."

"Hey." Drake said glaring at Sabi mad.

There was a moment pause as Apis looked at Grandpa Ryu. Soon after, Apis spoke, "Grandpa Ryu says that he believes you. You only have the scent of those people and not the blood of any dragon."

Drake smiled. "Thank you." He said bowing with respect towards the dragon.

"Hey, Apis." Sabo spoke as he approached the little girl looking curious. "How are you communicating with Grandpa Ryu?"

Apis looked nervous. "I…um…" She spoke unsure.

"Could it be…a Devil Fruit?" Nami asked.

Apis nodded. "Yeah, I ate one called the Whisper-Whisper Fruit or something. Since then, I've been able to read animals' minds." She stated quickly.

"So that's how you knew a wind was coming back then." Nami said surprised.

"Yep." Apis nodded happily. "The seabirds were kind enough to tell me. And I met Grandpa Ryu thanks to that power, too."

"Cool." Luffy said grinning.

"He told me that he was resting after using up all his energy looking for his friends and the dragon's nest on Lost Island."

"Wait? Didn't the old man say that the island sunk long, long, long, long time ago?" Drake asked surprised.

"Grandpa Ryu says that the island will surface again." Apis stated relaying the old dragon's words. "He says it'll show up any day now, but he doesn't recall where."

"That's not very helpful." Drake stated concerned.

Apis continued to speak, "He can't remember. He's had gotten very old and lost the energy to fly. But his spirit is strong as ever. He keeps telling me he wants to go back to Lost Island more than anything. If only I could find it. The legend itself doesn't give me a single clue. So I asked the Marines who happened to stop by this island about it. That was a mistake. They were looking for the Dragonite."

Sabo spoke up, "You mean the source for that elixir of immortality that the old man told us about?"

"They took you away because of that?" Nami said confused.

"Yes." Apis said regretfully. "They told me to tell them everything I knew and took me away. Then, they became obsess when they saw the pendent I made with the claw Grandpa Ryu gave me."

"That's why you escaped in that storm…" Nami said understanding. "That's way too reckless."

"I know…" Apis stated sadly. "That's why I kept it a secret from the villagers and even Grandpa Bokuden. I don't want to cause trouble for them. But I want to take Grandpa Ryu back to his home no matter what it takes. It's the only way to save him. He says he'll get his energy back once he returns to the dragon's nest."

"But wait…" Nami said as she looked over to Drake. "Didn't you mention about a dragon's nest?"

"It's not the same." Drake said straightforwardly.

Apis looked at Grandpa Ryu as the dragon seem to speak. She then turned to Drake. She spoke, "Grandpa Ryu says that he's right. The nest he seeks is the one where all dragons come to meet, the Great Dragon's Nest. It's far away from here."

Drake nodded. "That's what I recall…" He said sounding a bit unsure.

"Okay then!" Luffy shouted smiling. "If he wants to go home, I'll take him there!"

"Wait! Hold up, Luffy." Sabo said as he walked up to Luffy. "I would like to help too, but we gotta find Ace."

"Oh yeah, Ace hasn't returned yet." Nami said sounding worried.

"Ace will be fine." Luffy stated confidently. "Ace can take care of himself. He's our big brother."

Sabo was a bit stunned by Luffy's statement. To think that the youngest of them would have so much faith in his blood brother. Sabo chuckled before speaking, "Alright, you win this round, Luffy."

Luffy grinned and chuckled.

"We definitely have to help Grandpa Ryu!" Drake stated energetically.

"We can't!" Nami shouted towards her fellow navigator. "It sunk into the ocean! It may not even exist!"

"This is a legendary dragon, once thought as a myth. If Grandpa Ryu exists then Lost Island exists somewhere too!" Drake replied smartly.

"But it's not even on a map." Nami stated trying to reason with the group.

"That's why…" Drake said as he walked pass Nami to join the others. He smiled towards his fellow navigator and spoke, "…we're going to find it."

"Alright!" Luffy cheered.

"What do you say, Nami?" Sabo asked quizzically.

"Under water. No map. It's insane" Nami said at first concerned. However, her attitude quickly shifted to a smile as she snapped her fingers. She said, "But…I'm in!"

"All right!" shouted Luffy and Drake cheerfully.

"You'll really take him?" Apis asked optimistically.

"Yeah!" Sabo said enthusiastically.

"Thank you! All of you!" Apis said to the group grateful.

"But first things first, let's eat!" Luffy stated before crouching down and picking up a pork bun. He then held it out towards the dragon.

Grandpa Ryu saw Luffy pick up the bun and moved to eat it. However, the old dragon misjudged the distance. To the surprise of everyone, he ate not only the bun, but Luffy as well. The pirate group gasped.

"Oh! Uh, Grandpa Ryu is a little senile." Apis stated post-humorously.

Drake and Sabo burst out into laughter seeing Luffy struggle in Grandpa Ryu's maul. Nami was completely beside herself at the sight.

When the group minus Apis left the cave, the sun was already rising. The group made their way down the mountain and back to Bokuden's home. When they got there, they found nearly everyone asleep. Except Bokuden, at least partially. The old man was still telling his story even his sleep. The group woke everyone up except Bokuden. Just in time, too. One of the villagers came to warn the group of the approaching pirates of a Marine fleet blockade. Immediately, Nami and the others lead the group into the mountain. Needless to say everyone was shocked to see a living, breathing dragon. Most were amazed, some shocked, and one Usopp almost got mistaken for food and eaten. Sabo then told the crew everything they knew. There new goal was to get Grandpa Ryu to Lost Island. Though seemingly hopeless to find, Sabo and Luffy were confident that things will work out. So, the first thing the group did was build Grandpa Ryu a cart to move him.

"Gum-Gum Gatling!" Luffy shouted as he broke several full-grown trees down.

"Hi-yah!" Sabo shouted as he broke through tree after tree with his bare hand.

Sanji and Taro kicked down tree after tree in a swift motion. Sanji complimented towards Taro, "Nice foot work."

Taro nodded. "You as well." He said with respect.

Zoro, Lotus, and Suzy unsheathed their swords with Zoro drawing all three. The three of them rushed through part of the forest slicing through every tree in their blade's path. At the end of their path, the sword wielders sheathed their swords. Behind them, the trees fell over completely cut throw. Zoro grinned looking at his fellow sword users.

"Impressive."

"Was there any doubt?" Suzy stated confidently.

"Didn't even work a sweat." Lotus stated coolly.

"Alright! Enough talk!" Jamie shouted towards the men and girl. "Gather the wood and bring it up!"

"Right!" shouted everyone.

Soon, there were several piles of wood with cleanly shaven of their branches and leaves. Standing before these piles was Usopp and Jamie. Both were ready to work.

"You ready to build, Usopp?" Jamie said eagerly.

Usopp sighed. "Since I have no choice…" He said before stepping forward to work.

Following Jamie's design and Usopp's direction, the crew helped build the cart for Grandpa Ryu. In no time, the cart was finished. Usopp shouted proudly, "There! Finished!"

"Whoa!" Apis shouted as stood on top of the finished masterpiece. "This thing is so strong it not even Grandpa Ryu can break it!"

"Without a doubt." Jamie said proudly.

"Alright," Sabo spoke out loudly. "…I'm gonna take half the crew and get our ship. No doubt those Marines left the Merry alone. We'll make sure to bring the ship over to the cape. The one the looks like Usopp's nose."

"Haha! You're right! That does look like Usopp's nose." Luffy said laughing.

Sabo soon left taking Zoro, Usopp, Nix, Drake, Taro, and Jacques left to retrieve the ship. The rest of the crew were going to help Grandpa Ryu onto the cart. Of course, only Luffy, Sanji, Lotus, and Suzy actually helped. Nami, Miko, and Apis supervised. Meanwhile, the Marines were on the trail of the crew with Erik leading them. Luckily, the 'Going Merry rescue' group had taken an alternate route and avoided the Marine group entirely. Now, they had the Merry in their sights with only a few Marine soldiers guarding it.

"Attack!" Sabo shouted as he led the charge to fight the Marines. The group roared their battle-cry as they easily overwhelmed the group of Marines. The group hurried onto the Merry and sailed away. Of course, the Marines on the battleships spotted them. In fact, the Going Merry was heading straight towards them.

"Um, who's sailing the ship?" Nix asked nervously.

Usopp screamed, "Ah! Zoro! Turn the ship! Turn the ship!" He then quickly rain into the cabin to change course.

"Oh no~!" Jacques shouted out in fear. "We're going crash!"

"I've got it!" Nix shouted as he transformed into his hybrid form. He stepped forward on the bow. The boat was about to turn though not in time. Nix threw his arms out and pushed caught the incoming Marine ship. He then pushed off the ship and give a Merry a boast heading towards the ocean. The ship was undamaged in the process.

"Good job!" Drake shouted towards Nix, who transformed back to human form.

"It's not over yet." Taro stated as he looked out behind them.

Already, the Marines were getting their ships ready to sail after them. In a matter of minutes, the Marines were after the Going Merry. Luckily, the Merry already had a good lead ahead of the Marines.

Back on the mountain, the crew was successful in moving Grandpa Ryu onto the cart. Keeping an eye out for the Merry, Nami soon saw the ship sailing towards their destination. Unfortunately, none of them knew that the Marines were already on their trail. Thankfully, a seagull flew over to Apis and told the girl what it saw.

"Oh no!" Apis shouted panicking. "The bird said that the Marines are getting close!"

"Looks like they didn't waste any time." Nami stated rather annoyed.

"What are we gonna do?!" shouted Apis worriedly.

"Don't worry." Miko said to Apis trying to comfort her. "We won't let them have Mr. Grandpa Ryu. W-We'll die fighting before that. R-Right?"

"Of course~, Miko-swan~!" Sanji said adoringly.

"Besides, everything is almost set." Nami stated as she looked out to sea. The Merry was nearly halfway to the point. Nami said, "We just have to wait for Merry to reach the cape."

As the Marines approached the cave from downhill. Amongst the group was Erik, who was the first spot the pirate group above them. He stated, "That brat is up there."

"Wh-what is that?" shouted a marine soldier scared as he and every marine saw the dragon move.

"Don't panic, men!" shouted the Lieutenant Commander to his men. "That's the Millennial Dragon we've been looking for! We'll get closer to them without being noticed and capture it in one shot! Let's make Commodore Nelson proud."

"Yes sir!" shouted the Marine soldiers readily. Immediately, they hurried into position hiding behind outcropped rocks. All of them had their guns pointed towards the dragon.

Apis noticed the Marines and their guns. She quickly got in front of the Marines' aim. "No! Don't shoot him! She shouted.

"Apis!" Miko shouted worriedly.

Luckily, the Marines hesitated to fire. Even luckier, Grandpa Ryu moved his tail to block any bullets that may be fired. The dragon then raised his head, which scared the Marine soldiers.

Erik looked at the dragon impressed. He spoke smugly, "I had a feeling that if we followed that girl we would find some Dragonite. But I never expected to encounter a living, breathing Millennial Dragon. It's quite the surprise. The girl is no longer important. That dragon is now our priority. Within it is the key to the elixir of life!"

Looking regretful, the Lieutenant Commander gave the order. "Fire!" He shouted out.

All the Marines held up their guns ready to fire. No a single one wanted to say anything against the order.

Seeing that the Marines weren't going to stop, Apis ran out in front of Grandpa Ryu's tale. "No! Stop!" She shouted desperately.

The Marines fired without hesitation. Luffy quickly pulled Apis back and himself forward. He took all the bullets heading for Grandpa Ryu. Luffy grinned as he was unharmed. He shouted, "Right back at ya!" The bullets were then sent back nearly hitting the Commander.

"Wh-what the heck…?" said Marine soldier shocked.

"How did he deflect the bullets?" Another Marine soldier said confused.

Though the Marines were stunned, Erik remained calm. He shouted towards the pirates, "So you have Devil Fruit Powers."

"That's right." Luffy said straightforwardly. "I'm a rubber man."

"I see…" Erik said smirking as he decided to change the game. "Men! Use your swords! Guns won't work against rubber!"

The Marine Soldiers listened to the bounty hunter and charged forward with their swords out. Immediately, Luffy, Sanji, Lotus, and Suzy ran out to meet the Marines. Sanji sent a flurry of kicks at the Marines defeating them easy. Luffy took out many with a Gum-Gum Gatling. Suzy and Lotus' sword skills easily outmatched the Marines skills. To the common Marine, these guys were monsters.

Erik was hardly impressed with Marines' display. "You call yourself Marines?" He said mockingly. "What a joke. You guys are good for nothing."

"Wait…" Lotus said as he saw the bounty hunter. "I think I've seen that guy before."

"You have?" Sanji said intrigued.

"Yes…"

A single Marine stood up looking very scared. He took off down the hill. As he did, he passed by Erik. With a single swipe of his sharp-nail hand, the man fell over bleeding and defeated.

Lotus continued to speak, "He is Erik 'the Whirlwind'. He's a mercenary rumored that he has eaten a Devil Fruit."

"Devil Fruit powers? We better be careful." Sanji stated calmly.

"Well, I see that my reputation precedes me." Erik said prideful. "At the moment, I've been hired by Commodore Nelson of Marine Branch 8. I have not business with you pirates. However, the Millennial Dragon is a different story. Stand aside or you will fall victim to my Wind Slash from the power of my Sickle-Sickle Fruit."

While Erik went on about himself, the pirates talked amongst each other. "Hey," Sanji said to Luffy. "…did he say Sicko-Sicko?"

"I think?" Luffy said confused.

"Ew! Gross." Suzy said with disgust.

"Well…" Lotus said completely surprised by the Devil Fruit name that had been unknowingly misheard. "I guess they're all kinds of Devil Fruits."

"Hey, Nami!" Luffy shouted back to the girls behind. "Can we go yet?"

Nami heard Luffy and looked down at the cape. The Merry was still sailing towards the coast with a single Marine ship after her. Nami frowned and shouted back, "No. Not yet."

"Nami is so gorgeous when she is looking at the ocean checking on Sabo and the others' progress." Sanji said enamored.

"I wish they would hurry." Suzy stated annoyed.

Seeing that he was being ignored, Erik grew angry with the pirates. He shouted, "Hey! Straw Hats! Are you listening to me?!"

"Huh? Straw Hats?" questioned Suzy confused.

"I think he's referring to us before our crew joined." Sanji said informing the girl.

"I think the fact that your guy's Jolly Roger is on the sail is also an indicator." Lotus stated.

"Hmm, true." Sanji said agreeing with the swordsman.

"Hey! You're not listening to me!" Erik shouted angrily. "Did you hear what I said?!"

"Yeah. We were listening." Luffy stated as he looked back at the mercenary. "You're Erik the Sicko, right?"

"No!" Erik shouted back in rage. "I said sickle, you moron! Sickle like the one that slices!"

"Well, we're already sicko of talking to you." Suzy stated before giggling. Luffy laughed as well.

Seeing the two pirates laugh, Erik finally lost his cool. He raised his arm up to his body with his index and middle fingers out. He shouted, "Let's see you laugh after this! Sickle-Sickle Whirlwind." He then slashed the air in front of him sending a gust of wind towards the fighters.

All four fighters stood still as the gust of wind came straight at them. They were all shocked when the wind suddenly cut across their exposed skin. Even more surprising was that behind the group, the wind even cut through the rock behind them. The gust of wind traveled up to the girl, but Grandpa Ryu protected them with his tail.

"Ow!" Suzy screamed out in pain as she clutched her upper right arm.

"What was that?" Luffy asked shocked covering his cut on the lower left arm.

"It must have been his wind slash." Lotus stated clenching his teeth in pain as he applied pressure to the cut on his side.

"That creep packs a lot of power." Sanji said as he held his wound as well.

Erik chuckled softly. "The winds I create are just as sharp as the keenest blades in the world." He boasted proudly. "Even the fiercest fighters don't stand a chance. I can rip anyone to shreds in a matter of seconds."

Apis watched worriedly for the group of fighters. She spoke to Nami, "Let's get out of here."

"No. Not yet!" Nami stated determinedly. "They're not ready."

"Now, move it!" Erik shouted as he held his hand up. "Hand over the dragon immediately!"

"No way!" Luffy shouted.

Erik grinned vicious. "Fine then don't move. You'll be ripped shreds, rubber man." He stated eagerly.

"Now?" Miko asked getting worried herself for their crew.

Nami looked down the mountain and saw the Merry nearly in at her mark. Nami shouted, "Finally! It's time! Luffy! Everyone! Time to go!"

"Whatever you say, Nami~!" Sanji shouted adoringly. Then, the whole group ran back up the hill.

"What?!" shouted Erik confused.

Most of the fighters got onto the cart. Sanji moved around to the back and readied to push the cart. He shouted still with admiration, "Nami, Jamie, Miko, I dedicate this kick to you!" Then with a mighty kick, Sanji sent the cart rolling. Everyone held on as the cart began moving forward.

Seeing the cart rolling, Erik moved to intercept the cart. "I won't let you escape!" He shouted determinedly.

"Gum-Gum…" Luffy shouted as he threw his arm back.

Erik held up his hand. He shouted, "Sickle-Sickle…"

"Pistol!"

"Whirlwind!"

The two Devil Fruit users launched their attacks. Luffy's fist collided with the X-shaped gust of wind. While Luffy's attack stopped the wind-like attack, said attack also stopped Luffy's attack. Since neither attack worked, Erik quickly moved out of the way as they cart continued to roll down the hill.

Erik landed to the side. He fixed his sunglasses and commented smugly, "Nice try."

The cart traveled down the hill. Luffy and Suzy cheered out loudly enjoying the ride sitting atop the dragon's body. Everyone else held onto Grandpa Ryu. The dragon seemed to have fallen asleep not even bother by the commotion. As the cart sped down the hill, an obstacle appeared before them.

"Oh no! A rock!" Apis shouted pointing out the object.

"I've got this…" Lotus said as he jumped forward towards the rock. "Valkyrie Flash!" He swung his sword cutting the rock in half. The rock split apart allowing the cart to pass through unharmed.

Apis screamed. "This is stupid! And crazy! We're all gonna die!" She shouted panicking.

"Not if we keep our heads down." Luffy said laughing out bravely. It just so happens that Luffy needed to heed his own advice. As the cart passed a tree, a low-hanging brand hit Luffy's head. He nearly fell off if it weren't for the quick reaction of Grandpa Ryu using his tail to grab the pirate captain.

"Dumbass!" shouted Nami.

"Yeah, that was close…" Luffy said none too worried.

"What kind of crazy captain are we following?" Lotus said a bit concerned. Suzy simply laughed seeing that Luffy was okay. Apis breathed out in relief, and then began laughing seeing as everyone was all right.

The cart continued to travel down. Now, the crew and Apis were cheering with excitement. They cheered with each bump as if this were a ride at an amusement park. Jamie couldn't help but laugh out as well. Nami joined as well. Even Sanji and Lotus smiled enjoying the ride.

Meanwhile at the cape, the Going Merry had reached its destination. Unfortunately, they couldn't lose the Marine ship that had been following them. Everyone onboard, with the usual exception of Usopp, were ready to fight. Luckily, they wouldn't need to. They all quickly spotted the cart as it reached the long, rock outcrop. It shoot off the rock outcrop and flew through the air, and right over the Marine ship's main mast. It completely broke the mast as it continued to fly into the sea in a smooth landing. Most of the crew onboard the Merry gasped in shock. Sabo just smiled completely sure that the plan would work.

"That was fun!" Suzy shouted excitedly.

"Well, he said that it would all work out." Apis stated cheerfully.

"Told ya so." Luffy said grinning before he began laughing joyfully.

"Hey~!" The group turned around and saw the Going Merry sailing towards them. At the bow standing on Merry's head was Sabo waving to the group. On deck was Jacques, Drake, and Taro.

"Hold on, everyone!" Jamie said to everyone before she jumped into the ocean. She then began to push the cart over to the Merry.

"Alright! Tie the cart to the Merry!" Sabo said towards the men behind him.

"Aye-aye!" said the three men.

In a manner of minutes, after rearranging the boats used by Sabo and Ace's crews they now had the cart tied up behind the Merry. Luffy then gave the orders to set out for Lost Island, which they had no way of knowing which direction to go.

"It'll work itself out." Luffy and Sabo said totally cool with their directionless destination.

"Leave it to us." Nami and Drake said determinedly

"Set sail! We're gonna find Lost Island!" Luffy shouted excitedly as the ship sailed out to sea.

TO BE CONTINUED…

Omake

Yo! This is Roniku-san! Back again with another interview question! Yo, I can dig it! Today's question is: How is the crew when eating together?

Sanji: It's crowded. That's easy enough to see.

There crew is currently waiting for their first meal together. Those that prefer a 'sanitary' setting are sitting at the table; Nami, Jamie, Jacques, Sabo, and Miko. The rest of the crew minus Sanji was sitting on the floor and having a good time. Sanji is busy cooking.

Sanji: But what's worst is all the orders.

Luffy: Sanji! Meat!

Ace: Yeah!

Suzy & Drake: Meat! Meat! Meat! *They said banging on the wall.*

Sanji (angry): Would you all be quiet! *Suddenly, Sanji's mood changes to adoration.* Suzy-chwan~, your food will be here soon~!

Suzy: Alright!

Luffy, Usopp, Ace, & Drake: Boo!

Lotus: That's way too much meat. Throw in a salad or some vegetable or something.

Taro: I agree.

Luffy, Usopp, Ace, & Drake: BOO!

Lotus (angry): Hey!

Sanji: But they aren't the worst...

Jacques: Oh, Sanji-kun. I would like Lamb chops with a Balsamic reduction with a side salad 'with' light ranch. Oh, if you could prepare a Spiced Mikan Sangria that would be lovely.

Sanji: Hell no!

Nami: Actually, that drink sounds good. I'd like one too, Sanji.

Jamie: Oh yeah, me too!

Miko: Um, if I could...

Sanji: Of course~, Mellorines~!

Sabo: *chuckles*

Yo, I can dig it! That's all from me, Roniku-san! Until next time! Ja Ne!