Things finally seemed to settle down with the crew's departure from Alabasta. While the group was two members short, their friends were certain to be happier now that their home could finally be at peace.
Miguel checked the Log Pose to make sure they were on course. Nami had taught him more about navigation recently but he didn't think he'd have to use the lessons so soon.
Of course, with the current state of things...
Zoro walked over, pausing when he saw the quartermaster alone near the wheel ''It's just you here? What, they're all tired out or something?''
''Ah, not exactly...'' Miguel looked behind him, making the swordsman follow his line of sight to find their crewmates all slumped on the ground, their expressions miserable.
''The heck?'' Zoro blinked. ''What's wrong? The danger's over, we pulled it off.''
The others only groaned, making him raise an eye. ''Oi, it's good news! We're in the clear now.'' Another set of groans made him scowl as he looked at Miguel. ''All right, I give! What's with them?''
''They miss Vivi.'' He returned simply.
''That's all? Pathetic...'' Zoro grunted.
''Ah, you heartless jerk!'' Nami cried.
''Meanie!'' Chopper added.
The first mate ignored them and continued ''...you understood her reasons, remember? If you wanted her to come that badly, you should've just taken her.''
''How can you say that?!'' Chopper exclaimed.
The other four were more calm but they gave him looks that displayed varying measures of annoyance.
''Jerk.'' Nami repeated.
''Idiot.'' Usopp stated.
''Moronic Marimo.'' Sanji added.
''Three Swords.'' Luffy huffed.
''We can't do that.'' Miguel chided Zoro while Usopp tried to explain how 'three swords' wasn't an insult to Luffy.
''Whatever, they really are being pathetic!''
Miguel sighed, speaking up before Sanji could tell the first mate off ''Guys, it'd have been nice if she'd come but you know Alabasta needs her more than we do.''
''Yeah, but...don't you miss her at all?'' Chopper asked, wondering why he was so calm.
''Sure I do. I just think her role is in her home, she loves it more than anything. Honestly, it would've been a shame for Alabasta to lose a ruler like her.'' He pointed out. While he would've liked it if she had come, Vivi was more suited to be a princess in his opinion. Alabasta needed someone like her, especially in these rough times ''Also, you know what she's like-Vivi wouldn't ever want us to be sad. She's going to give her all in helping Alabasta just like we should give all our efforts on our journey.''
''Now that I can agree to.'' Nami stated. No way she would ever argue against that view. ''See, Zoro, why can't you be nicer?''
''That's because he's a savage, Nami-swan.'' Sanji remarked. ''Thankfully, we still have one swordsman with decency and manners.''
Zoro scowled ''What was that?!''
''You heard me!''
''Ignoring this now...'' Nami sighed as the two began to squabble. Her eyes traveled to the Log Pose on Miguel's hand. ''...everything good here?''
''Mm, just wanted to make sure.'' He admitted, giving her the item back.
''...Have I mentioned how glad I am that you joined this crew?'' She asked seriously, taking a moment to appreciate how reliable he was. ''I really don't know where we'd be without you sometimes...''
This statement earned hearty agreement from Luffy and Chopper, elicting an amused look from Miguel ''I do what I can.''
Usopp glanced over at Nami ''So, all good?''
''Yup, we should be fine if we stay on this course.'' She returned.
''You've certainly done a good job escaping that situation.''
The two started at the unfamiliar voice, exchanging puzzled looks. That didn't sound like any of them...
''Aaah! Hey, who are you?!''
Alarmed, they turned towards Chopper to find their friends staring in shock at someone coming from below deck.
Miguel's eyes widened at the familiar figure. He hadn't thought about her words much at the time but given their last encounter..
''Miss All Sunday!'' Nami cried.
''Wait, you guys know her?'' Chopper blinked.
Sanji almost swooned ''What a beauty!''
Nami had forgotten that while they had gotten good info on Baroque Works, the reindeer had yet to encounter the mysterious woman. ''That's Miss All-Sunday.''
''Ehh?! Crocodile's partner? Why are you here?!''
''You want a shot at revenge?'' Zoro demanded, grabbing one of his swords.
''Now what would make you think that?'' She asked in return.
He growled ''Quit messing around!''
''Show some respect, you idiot-women should be treated much better than this!'' Sanji snapped.
Nami spared him an annoyed look before turning to the new arrival ''So-hey, wait a minute! Those are my clothes!''
Miss All-Sunday paused, blinking as if she just remembered ''Ah, right-I'll be borrowing them for now.''
''What?! You can't just...!''
''I thought all the agents besides Bon-chan were arrested...are they going to show up too?'' Usopp fretted.
''You don't need to worry about that.'' Robin stated. ''I'm here because of your captain...he has to answer for what he did to me.''
''Eh?'' Luffy blinked.
''Luffy! How dare you hurt such a beautiful woman?!'' Sanji snapped.
The captain seemed honestly confused ''I don't know what she's talking about-I didn't do anything to her!''
Miguel blinked, remembering their talk in Alubarna. Was she talking about...?
''You did. You saved me when I didn't want to be saved, I have no where else to go...'' She stated, confirming his suspicion. ''...you need to take responsibility.''
''...I see. I guess it can't be helped then.'' The teen's expression was unreadable as he added. ''What do you want me to do?''
''Let me join you crew.'' She returned simply.
''What?!'' Nami and Usopp exclaimed.
''Oh, that's all? Sure.'' Luffy said simply.
''Hold on a minute!'' Zoro protested.
''I approve!'' Sanji grinned.
The first rounded on him ''She's an enemy, you idiot!''
''Shut up, Marimo! I wouldn't expect a savage like you to understand.''
''Who're you calling a savage?!''
Chopper seemed uncertain, taking note of her words. It sounded like she really had intended on dying. As a doctor, he couldn't simply ignore that. A part of him did want to help her but at the same time...there was all what happened in Alabasta. ''...Are you sure this is okay?''
''Of course. A lady deserves any help she wants!'' Sanji replied at once.
Miss All-Sunday smiled in amusement at all the interactions around her before turning to the one person who had yet to say a word about all this.''And what do you think?''
Nami blinked as she followed her line of sight to Miguel ''Yeah, you're awfully quiet...''
Miguel closed his eyes for a moment, it wasn't as if he regretted what he told her in Alubarna. Former enemy or not, he didn't think he could've just looked away while she gave up. ''I don't see the harm...''
''Wait, what? But she's...!'' Usopp exclaimed.
''...we gave Bon Clay a second chance, why can't she have one?'' He cut in, silencing him. The ex-agent may have been an enemy but he had turned out to be a good friend after all. ''She's clearly been here for a while. She could've had plenty of chances to take revenge but she hasn't done a thing. I'll trust Luffy's judgement.''
The rubber teen grinned at him ''That's that-welcome to the crew!'' He paused. ''Ah, what was her name...?''
''Now that he mentions it...'' Miguel looked at the subject of their talk. ''...we only ever heard your code name, so...?''
She smiled at the two ''My name is Nico Robin.''
A few days passed and things calmed down from that point on as everyone tried to get used to having Robin there. She found that it wound up with mixed results-Sanji, of course, was delighted and he treated her just like he did Nami. Luffy took it in all stride and treated her just like the rest of the crew.
The others were more wary but Robin had managed to win Nami over after bribing her with some treasure she found. The newcomer even managed to get Chopper to relax after surprising him with a round of tickling thanks to her powers. It had taken sometime but the reindeer learned that she had read quite a number of books and they even shared talk when it turned out they read some similar books in the past. Usopp and Zoro remained skeptic and wary of her, especially when she confessed to being experienced with assassination. Miguel remained neutral, he had no issue treating her well but he wasn't so sure he could trust her yet.
Robin had been curious about him ever since their talk in Alubarna. After all, it wasn't every day someone you hardly even knew tried to encourage you like that. That wasn't even mentioning how they had been enemies to begin with. He was perfectly fine being friendly but he clearly didn't know what to make of her yet. She didn't mind though, in fact, this left her all the more intrigued by him.
The Straw Hats no idea but what they did in a few days was far more than most people ever did for her in years. She could really come to like it here.
''Guys, there's an island up ahead!'' Usopp called.
Luffy perked up as he saw it too ''Let's check it out!''
Nami was about to ask why but she was distracted upon noticing Robin's pensive look ''What's up?''
''Hmm...I'm not certain but I think that might be Terhei island.'' They looked at her curiously and she explained. ''I heard about it from some Billions. If I remember their descriptions correctly, this should be it.''
Miguel blinked, Terhei? But that was...
''What's it like, Robin?'' Luffy wanted to know.
She thought back ''Well, apparently they didn't stay much-they found it to be a strange place. Some of them claimed it was haunted.''
''What?!'' Usopp paled.
Zoro scoffed ''What're you freaking out for? There's no such thing as ghosts.''
''Ara, I wouldn't be so sure. There are all sorts of possibilities out there.'' Robin stated.
''Well, I don't know about ghosts...'' Miguel said slowly. ''...but my parents came here. I heard there were some rumors about this place. They mentioned a treasure here too.''
''Treasure?!'' Nami's face lit up.
Miguel's lips twitched, realizing he said the magic word ''Well, I'm not sure. Given what happened here...Mom and Dad weren't materialistic people so...''
Sanji nodded ''So it could be any number of things.''
Nami deflated at this but Miguel went on ''...can we check it out anyway?''
''W-what? You want to go to the haunted island?'' Usopp squeaked.
''I didn't think we'd come by here but I always wondered what it was like...this is where my parents really started working together as a team.'' He admitted, surprising them. ''They confessed their feelings to each other here. I...want to see it myself.''
Most of the crew was aware how much this meant to him. All he had to know of Maria and Alexander were stories but they knew how much they had cared for Miguel even in their brief time together. It was no wonder he wanted to go visit a place that meant so much to his mother and father.
Nami began to smile, realizing that such a moment could really count as a treasure to the Arcadias. While she certainly did love her money, she wasn't about to deny something like that.
Luffy grinned ''Then we definitely have to go!''
Even Usopp (who had been too scared) couldn't bring himself to impede on this. ''Yeah, I'll take care of any trouble that comes our way!''
''Oh, really 'Captain Usopp'?'' Sanji smirked. ''So we should just leave all the ghosts to you, right? You'd probably scare them just like that.'' He added with a snap of his fingers.
''Yeah, all he has to do is show some of that incredible expertise he's always telling us about and it'll be fine.'' Nami added teasingly as the sniper looked unnerved.
Zoro smirked a bit at the exchange before looking at Miguel ''No problems here.''
''None at all.'' Robin added while Chopper smiled at him.
Miguel smiled warmly ''Thank you...''
It didn't take them long to arrive and disembark but they soon came across a surprise. A huge, strange minotaur like creature with curved horns, dark fur and deep red eyes near the shore.
''Whoa, what the heck?'' Sanji uttered, taken aback.
''Easy, we can take...'' Zoro started.
But Usopp wasn't listening ''MONSTER!''
The creature growled, turning to them at the shrill cry. Nami recoiled ''It's coming...!''
A small battle ensued but Luffy, Zoro and Sanji were able to knock it out with a few attacks.
Sanji straightened his jacket ''Easy enough.''
''Ah, guys...'' He looked at Chopper, who was the one to point out the problem at hand. ''...does anyone see Miguel or the girls?''
''That melodramatic idiot...'' Nami grumbled as she, Robin and Miguel made their way through the forest. In the midst of all the chaos, they had gotten seperated from the others.
''Ara, would you have taken that any better?'' Robin asked.
''I understand freaking out but screaming our heads off might as well invite the trouble to take a shot at us!''
''Hm, fair point I suppose.'' The latter nodded. ''By the way, Quartermaster-san, do you happen to know anything about the island that could help us find the others?''
''Well...'' Miguel stopped to think. ''...I do have an idea. I'm fairly sure it should work...''
''That's a relief, lead the way.'' Nami returned.
The rest of the crew was left to follow Chopper as he tried to track their friends' scents. Sanji, who was lamenting that he wound up with the boys, quickly noticed some exotic fruits nearby. Recognizing some of them from his work at the Baratie, the cook was quick to gather some as ingredients.
''This'll be great, I can't wait to see what I can cook up for the beautiful Nami-swan and the lovely Robin-chan!'' He enthused. ''I can just picture them thanking me...but I'm the one who's grateful just to be in their presence...''
Usopp wanted to ask why the cook always focused on the girls and ignored the rest of them in food mattters but he knew it would do no good. But that was when he noticed a problem ''Ah, Sanji...?''
''Not now, Usopp...I'm in the middle of a wonderful plan.'' The cook stated, already getting an idea for some special dessert.
''Wonderful day dream is more like it.'' The sniper deadpanned. ''And you really should...''
''Whatever it is, that can wait!''
Chopper had also seen the problem ''But...''
''No interruptions!'' Sanji said sternly.
Zoro's eye twitched as he pushed a big leaf out of his way ''Oh for the love of... quit fantasizing about the girls and turn around for a second!''
The blond paused, caught off guard for a moment before beginning to turn over to look. That was when he realized that the basket was way too light. The reason for that happened to be behind him and it was just what they were trying to tell him.
Luffy had been walking rather close and snatching all the fruit he had gathered the entire time he was spacing out.
The captain grinned when their eyes met ''Yo!''
All signs of happiness faded when he saw the look on his cook's face ''...Sanji?''
After flying over the trees, Miguel found a clearing that connected to many paths in the area. He continued searching for the others with Foresight Wind while the girls waited below.
''You don't know what you got yourself into-this is one motley crew.'' Nami told Robin.
She chuckled in return ''On the contrary-it's quite entertaining.''
''I don't know if you'll be able to say that for long...''
Robin glanced at Miguel, her lips twitching a little. Nami raised an eye ''What's up?''
''Oh, I was just thinking-I never thought I would run into the child of those famous adventurers.'' She mused. ''I read their books, you see. They were fascinating-I'm sure many in the Grand Line have at least heard of his parents at one point.''
''I'm getting that impression too...'' Nami paused, recalling some of the people they had seen. ''...he's never even had a chance to get to know them but he's read the books so much he probably memorized them. I get how he feels about coming here, it's like a step closer to them in a way.''
''Yes, I can relate...'' Robin trailed off. She really did, more than her companions knew.
Miguel started ''Found them!'' The two looked at him. ''Come on, this way!''
The rest of the crew had approached the clearing when the three found them. Miguel smiled, relieved to see them ''Hey, there...whoa, what happened?'' He asked, blinking twice at the sight of Luffy's rather battered face. It was as if someone had beaten him black and blue.
''Luffy got ideas.'' Zoro informed them flatly.
Nami groaned while Miguel sighed ''That explains it...''
''Yeah, those never turn out well.'' The former added.
''Oi!'' Luffy scowled at the two. ''Man, you guys are rude. Besides, I'm the victim here-it's only because Sanji's getting stingy again!''
''First of all, don't you talk to anyone about manners.'' The cook retorted. ''Second, who told you to eat all the fruit, shitty captain, huh? I wanted to use those!''
The others decided to ignore the arguing duo but Robin smiled in amusement. They really could be entertaining.
It wasn't too long before the crew saw more of the strange creatures. They had barely been able to avoid being spotted by one stomping a few feet away but soon noticed two others in the vicinity.
Usopp paled ''Not again...''
''Oh, no wonder they look familiar-those are Crimzels.'' Chopper noted.
''And how does knowing their name help deal with those freaks?!''
Robin raised an eye, noticing that Miguel was searching for something. ''I can help if you tell me what you're looking for.''
''Hm? Oh, right-can you see any big blue flowers around?'' Miguel asked and Robin proceeded to use her powers to create eyes on a few trees, giving her a much greater scope of vision.
''Are you going somewhere with this?'' Sanji asked. Why on earth would he be looking for flowers now?
''You'll see...'' He stopped when Robin pointed out a few nearby and picked a couple up. He proceeded to scatter their pollen towards the crimzels. What really came as a surprise was the two beasts gave low growls before retreating out of sight.
Luffy blinked ''Did that stuff just scare them off?''
Miguel nodded ''I've only seen a few of them before but Crimzels have a real sharp sense of smell but that's why certain plants are really repulsive to them.''
Usopp sighed in relief ''I wish you remembered that before...''
''It would've been hard-someone decided to just scream his head off right from the get go.'' Zoro pointed out, making him blush at the valid point.
''Yeah, I guess even our arrival was too much for 'Captain Usopp','' Sanji added, grinning.
''...Give me a break, you guys...'' The sniper mumbled.
Luffy just laughed ''Come on, let's keep going!''
Miguel and Nami helped Sanji gather more supplies, leaving the cook elated as he profusely thanked Nami.
''So kind! You are an angel descended from the heavens to bless us with your presence!'' He declared while she rolled her eyes. A part of her wanted to point out that he was being ungrateful to their friend but she knew it wouldn't do any good.
''Idiot...'' Zoro deadpanned.
''Whoa, guys-look!''
They turned to Luffy, who was staring at something beyond the bushes nearby. There was a figure slumped near a tree. One might have mistaken it for human from afar but it was in fact...
''A skeleton?'' Zoro blinked while Chopper stepped behind him fearfully.
''What's going on with this island?'' Usopp wondered. ''You guys think the Arcadias found anything else fishy about this place?''
''If they did, I doubt it would have anything to do with this.'' Robin stated, to his surprise. ''He died not too long ago, a little over 7 years-almost eight now maybe.''
He blinked ''How can you tell?''
''I told you before, I'm an archaeologist.'' She reminded. ''You just have to know what to look for-this is nothing for me.''
''Amazing, Robin-chan!'' Sanji exclaimed.
Chopper gave her a curious look ''Can you tell us more?''
''Well...'' Robin picked up a paper that was sticking out of the skeleton's coat. ''...hm, a map...''
Nami looked over her shoulder, her brow furrowing ''...I think it's useless though, it's too damaged. I can hardly read a thing...''
She was distracted upon noticing Luffy picking up a sheet that had been near the skeleton.
His eyes widened before he flipped it around for them to see what was on it, a jolly roger. That was when the noticed the same jolly roger stitched on the skeleton's hat.
Sanji blinked ''He was a pirate?''
''One who was quite well off too-judging by those clothes.'' Robin remarked, bending to examine the skeleton. ''Hm...it seems he was stabbed-someone took the chance to rob him too.''
''Scary...'' Chopper mumbled.
''Hey wait, I remember Vivi telling me something...'' Nami mused. It had been when they were sharing stories the night before the crew left Alabasta. ''...there was a notorious pirate crew who was said to have disappeared all of a sudden. The word is, they were unique because their focus was on treasure hunting. Supposedly, they went after a certain treasure but no one's ever heard from them for a long time.''
Zoro gave her an odd look ''What, they just up and vanished?''
''Apparently. People believed they just decided to lay low but then their ship was found months later and the crew was dead. No one ever found out what happened to the captain or the first mate though.'' The girl informed, it had really confused her too. ''The ship was discovered after a storm so people thought they were overwhelmed because of the Grand Line's weather patterns but it doesn't add up, those guys were really good sailors.''
''Ah, yes-the Revali pirates.'' Robin nodded. ''I've heard the story too-it seems it gained quite a bit of infamy in Alabasta. Some believed that whatever happened to them took place near the kingdom. I never understood why so many Billions kept trying to go through this island but if this is the island is the one from the story...''
''Yeah, they probably figured the treasure has to be real if this crew went after it.'' Miguel concluded, glancing at the skeleton with new understanding.
Robin began to smile, their adventure was about to take a new twist ''I think we may be the first to solve this mystery.''
After evading two crimzels who had noticed them thanks to Luffy wandering off, they passed a small town that had clearly been deserted for a long time. The crew had some trouble reigning the captain in and making sure he wouldn't take off and cause more trouble. But he finally conceded after Nami put her foot down and even if he wouldn't admit it, the captain didn't dare cross her.
It became clear that most of the other animals feared the crimzels too much to go near them. They were able to avoid most trouble from them with the blue flower or knocking the odd one out.
There were a few rare cases who ventured out there, proven by the vicious bear the crew had encountered. Luffy had little problem knocking it out with a Gum Gum Pistol, perking up as he had an idea. ''You guys think we could eat it?''
Chopper wasn't so comfortable with the idea ''Do we have to?''
Nami grimaced ''Forget it. Have you ever had bear meat before? I've seen people try it, they all said it was nauseating. Judging by the smell alone, I'd have to agree.''
''What? There's no way meat can be bad!'' Luffy stated.
She gave him a flat look ''You hardly ever taste your food and you practically ate all you get your hands on. Excuse me if I have trouble believing you.''
Thinking back, Miguel remembered Ace mentioning something along those lines. It had been back when they took a break from training and they wound up exchanging stories. Curious, he looked at Sanji ''Is it really that bad?''
The cook held back a grimace, the subject reminding him of his early days at the Baratie ''Bear meat is...really troublesome to work with. I've had to learn that the hard way. The old geezer made us work on it a whole bunch of times and it took forever to handle it but before that...''
Usopp didn't miss him shuddering at whatever memory came to his mind. Given that this was coming from someone who respected food like Sanji, the reaction spoke volumes. ''Yeah, I think we're better off not knowing.''
Miguel smiled to himself, this place may be dangerous but he was still glad to have come. He'd always been fascinated with the idea of traveling and seeing what was out there, especially after hearing about his mother and father. He had expected to come across places his parents had visited at one point like Drum but this island was different. It held significant meaning to his family. He couldn't help but wonder what his aunt and uncle would say if they knew he came here.
The group found a cave they had barely been able to see back in town. What they hadn't realized that it was surrounded by three crimzels.
''Hey, let's go check it out!'' Luffy called.
''But what about those things? I'm not sure we have enough blue flowers to keep them away.'' Usopp stated.
''So? We'll just take them down.''
The sniper's eye twitched, of course that would be his answer...why did he always have to jump to the most dangerous choice?!
''That might not be a good idea...'' Nami started.
''Why? He's right-we can handle them.'' Zoro cut in.
She rolled her eyes ''Not the point-I know you guys are bigger monsters but what about the damage you cause? The cave could actually have something good for us. I'm not risking the chance to get some treasure just because you two can't be bothered to think. Am I clear?'' Nami frowned when they didn't respond. ''I said...Am. I. Clear?''
The two almost winced at her tone, promising them nothing but pain if they defied her. ''...Yeah...''
Miguel shook his head in amusement ''Count on Nami to keep them under her thumb.''
''We really are blessed with your presence, Nami-swan!'' Sanji cooed.
''Blessed? You're such a love-sick moron.'' Zoro scoffed.
''What was that?!''
''You heard me!''
Usopp sighed as the two glowered at each other. Their arguments were getting to be an increasingly familiar occurrence. ''Ignoring them-what do we do now? Should we just go?''
''Hm...Usopp, think you can fire the blue flowers you have somewhere near the crimzels?'' Miguel asked.
The sniper blinked ''Well, yeah-that's easy enough but...''
''It's okay, just go ahead.'' The former returned, requipping his wind sword. Usopp perked up as he understood what the quartermaster was planning.
''All right! Here goes!'' Usopp aimed his slingshot carefully before firing. A moment later, Miguel used some wind magic to blow the pollen up around the three beasts. The reaction was somewhat slow but effective and soon, all of them had disappeared.
''Good going!'' Usopp exclaimed.
''Same to you, we're good to go now.'' Miguel returned.
Luffy wasted no time in taking off deeper into the cave, to no one's surprise. He was quickly forced to a stop as suddenly, a myriad of arrows flew at him from a nearby wall. The captain quickly avoided them, calling out a warning to his friends. Miguel promptly shielded the rest of the crew with an Ark Shield, frowning in confusion ''Luffy, what happened?''
''I don't know! I was just going along and then those things came outta nowhere!''
''Serves you right for wandering off, shitty captain. We don't know anything about this place-charging off like that is the last thing you should do!'' Sanji snapped.
''But you guys are too slow!'' Luffy whined. ''I'll be fine...''
''Wha-Luffy!'' Usopp groaned as the teen rushed off. ''He nearly got turned into a pincushion! Would it kill him to be careful?''
''Since when does applying common sense work on him?'' Nami returned.
''It's like we have to keep a leash on him or something...'' The sniper grumbled.
''I highly doubt that'd work.'' Miguel deadpanned. ''Keeping Luffy out of trouble is like keeping bees away from honey. Any attempts to keep the two apart would just wind up with you getting stung.''
Robin couldn't help but chuckle at that. Zoro's next words summed up their sentiments ''Truer words have never been spoken.''
The group had to deal with a few more traps, some due to Luffy's haste and the others because of how concealed they were. They had been able to spot a few suspicious areas but whoever had set all this up was both clever and thorough.
Luffy recoiled when he almost fell into a hole ''That was close. This cave is fun!''
''What is wrong with you?!'' Usopp demanded.
''You want a list?'' Sanji deadpanned.
What Luffy didn't realize was that this trap actually opened up two holes and he was heading right towards one. The captain was forced to stop when Miguel pulled him back with telekinesis magic ''Miguel, what...?'' He stopped as the latter pointed out the hole. ''...oh. Thanks!''
This gave the others enough time to catch up to him. ''Luffy, would you stop? You already brought down a bunch of traps on us!'' Chopper exclaimed as the captain landed.
''Hey, we're all fine, you know?''
''Barely and no thanks to you!'' Nami retorted. Didn't anything faze him?
''You guys worry too much...''
''If I may...'' Robin interjected. ''...how exactly do you intend to explore the cave if you simply rush through everything?''
''Exactly!'' Nami agreed.
Luffy huffed, taking a step back. He blinked as he heard something click, the earth shook a little under their feet and they saw one of the walls nearby moving up. The next thing they knew, a massive boulder appeared. It quickly began to roll towards them but Miguel forced it to stop with telekinesis, allowing Sanji to shatter it with a couple of kicks.
''All right!'' Chopper beamed.
''I think the point's been made, Luffy. You're sticking with us now. We don't need you bringing down another problem on us!'' Sanji exclaimed.
Usopp tuned out the teen's grumbling in return, noticing something odd. ''Hey, there's a bunch of tunnels where that boulder came from.''
The others looked over to see he was right, they could see four tunnels beyond the new path. Deciding to check it out, the crew soon found that one of the new tunnels had a long set of stairs built within it.
Nami tapped one with her foot ''I didn't expect to find this here, how about we see what's beyond it?''
''What do you think is up with all the traps, you guys?'' Usopp asked the group.
''I imagine it would be defensive measures for the town. Anyone could reach it after passing this place.'' Robin reasoned. ''There are dangers such as the wild creatures who live here and even pirates. It must've been reassuring for those who lived here in the day.''
''Makes sense...'' The first stopped, his eyes widening as they saw just where the stairs took them.
It looked like a small port. The place was battered and weathered with time. Some parts had fallen apart and were blocked off with debris but the few buildings here and there reminded them of the town. A single tunnel was up ahead and they could tell it lead to an exit of the cave based on the faint light they could see.
''Why would there be a port here?'' Chopper wondered.
''It's not too weird. A place like this could be useful-it actually looks better off than the town in some ways. I think it's pretty well protected.'' Sanji remarked.
Nami nodded ''It looks like it's actually holding up well considering that it's been years since anyone came here...whoa, how about that...?'' She blinked, stopping as she noticed two ships up ahead.
Both were clearly in a bad state, one was almost falling to pieces even as it floated on the water. The other was somewhat better off but both vehicles had clearly seen better days.
''This just keeps getting interesting...'' Luffy looked on with intrigue, only for Zoro to grab his arm.
''You're not going anywhere.''
''But Zoro...!''
''It's okay, Luffy.'' Miguel flew up with Meteor. ''I'll check it out, just hold on.''
''Be careful!'' Chopper called after him.
Miguel knew their concerns were valid the second he got a closer look at the first ship. It was practically in shambles. Carefully, he looked about as best as he could but the only things he found were a notebook and a flag. Curiously, the flag the jolly roger of the Revali pirates.
Since Robin had taken the chance to take a look at the second ship with her powers, they learned that it was much more sturdy. With that settled, they decided to explore it.
There really didn't seem to be much here at all but judging by the burns and tears on the deck, the crew wondered if there was some sort of battle here at one point. Luffy and Chopper found a skeleton in one of the rooms, this one also wore luxurious clothes-reminding them of the skeleton in the forest.
Robin began to examine it ''This man has been shot. I think he died around the same time as the pirates in the forest-give or take a few days. It seems he was in quite a struggle before he was murdered.''
''So what does this mean?'' Luffy wondered.
Miguel opened the notebook, Chopper looked on curiously as the first frowned. ''No luck?''
''The notebook's messed up, wait...'' He turned a few pages. ''...I think this is about the Revali pirates...''
''What's it say?'' Usopp inquired.
''There's a mention of how the writer wanted to be the best treasure hunter out there...he worked hard to get a crew together...'' Miguel paused, turning another page. This was likely the captain's notebook.''...this is also ineligible...'' He blinked. ''...he talks about a friend he lost in their travels...because they were betrayed.''
Luffy blinked ''Betrayed?''
Miguel nodded ''Apparently, they never saw it coming. He wanted to talk to the friend but...he found his corpse. They must have really trusted those involved...he mentions something about the people's greed taking over and costing them everything. He was just trying to look out for the crew but they didn't care. They struck out and killed the first mate and almost did the same to the captain...all for the sake of a treasure that probably didn't even exist...it ends after he swears revenge on them.''
Robin seemed pensive ''Come to think of it, I remember hearing that the crew was thought to have gone after a particularly treasure just before they disappeared. Thinking back, the rest of the crew and their ship were found close to an island near the New World. I'd imagine the captain wished to avoid such a place.'' Her eyes narrowed. ''So this means...''
''Yeah, I see where this is going...'' Sanji scowled. ''...it was the rest of the crew. If they came far enough to gain so much rep then at least some of them must have gained at least some semblance of loyalty towards the others. He wouldn't have had any reason to suspect the crew would turn on him. That first mate must have been the first to pick up on the signs.''
''But that's terrible! Robin, what were you saying about a treasure now? Did those guys really turn on their friends just for that?'' Usopp wanted to know.
''After their disappearance, the Revali pirates' ship was found near a dangerous island. Everyone had died. A number of dangerous creatures live on the island and it has particularly strong magnetic fields.'' Their newest member explained. ''There were a few tales about an incredible treasure awaiting there and I suppose the rest of the crew wanted to target it. There was hardly any proof though, the captain was likely aware of that.''
Zoro looked disgusted ''So they just turned on all they stood for some lousy treasure? What a bunch of fools.''
Luffy grimaced ''Those guys weren't pirates at all.''
Silence reigned as everyone absorbed the new revelations. They may have wanted some answers but ignorance may truly be bliss after all. This was leaving some of them quite uncomfortable-they couldn't understand how that crew could simply get rid of their captain. Sure, Luffy drove them crazy a lot but none of them could picture simply killing him or any of the crew, the idea was sickening.
Nami felt for the captain, she couldn't imagine how terrible he must have felt after finding the only crew member loyal to him dead. And all because of their crew mates...
Zoro was right, they were nothing but a bunch of fools. It may be heartless to think so but Nami believed that they deserved what came to them, the traitors.
''...Come on, I think it's best if we leave.'' She said at last, not one person argued in return.
The somber mood was somewhat lifted when they happened to discover some gems scattered across the port thanks to Chopper's keen sense of smell. Some were battered but most of the haul was in a damaged treasure, making for a good amount which the crew divided amongst themselves. They all agreed to give Miguel an extra share so he could send it to Elysia, earning the quartermaster's gratitude.
''This'll be great!'' Usopp beamed as everyone gathered their shares. ''So what're you guys going to buy with your shares?''
''I want a big statue!'' Luffy exclaimed.
The sniper blinked ''Why?''
''Why not?'' He returned. ''It'll be cool to have one.''
''That's your reason? Forget it!''
The rubber teen's complaints were halted by Robin, who kindly pointed out that the statue would put the Merry at risk and possible sink them. Even Luffy wouldn't press the point after that.
''Fine, so what about you guys?'' The captain asked the others.
''I'll get some medical books!'' Chopper smiled brightly.
''I'll probably get some gadgets and stuff I can use with my slingshot.'' Usopp stated after a moment of thought.
Nami hummed ''Well, if get the necessary stuff...I think we should save it for when we really need it.''
''Why?'' Luffy seemed disappointed. ''That's no fun, we should go all out and blow it.''
''No way!'' She retorted at once, making him pout. ''We never know when we could it. Money makes the world go around, you know. It's not like treasure grows on trees. We only found this treasure with pure luck so it should be treated with care.''
''That's boring.''
The teen's statement earned him a glare from the navigator ''Of course you'd say, that. I will be making sure you don't waste it...''
''Save your breath, Nami.'' Zoro advised. ''Luffy will always be Luffy after all.''
She sighed ''Fair enough.''
''Hey, you guys?'' Everyone looked at Miguel. ''I remember one other thing about this island that I think you'd all like to see.''
Luffy perked up ''What is it?''
The night sky sailed shortly after they came out and Miguel took them to a tall hill not too far from the cave.
It turned out that the hill had an amazing view of the sky. It was a lit with numerous stars and the moon giving a soft glow to illuminate the view. The contrast of the dark and bright colors made it all the more beautiful. The blanket of stars seemed to stretch on to infinity. The crew had seen a starry sky before but it had rarely been so clear. Why, it was almost like they could reach out and touch the stars.
Chopper smiled widely. The first time he had seen the stars clearly was in Alabasta but it didn't come close to this. ''Wow!''
''So cool!'' Luffy exclaimed.
''It's amazing!'' Nami added while the rest looked on with growing smiles. They all agreed that the view was incredible.
Miguel approached Robin ''So what do you think of your first adventure with us?''
''Oh, it was very enjoyable.'' She smiled. ''I knew being with this crew would be different but this is rather refreshing. This is an excellent way to end our adventure here.''
''That's for sure. Well, you're in for some colorful days from here on out.'' He remarked.
Her smile widened ''Oh, I can tell. I'm looking forward to it.''
Miguel still remembered his aunt telling him how their parents set out from here as a team, having confessed to one another under the starry night sky. He felt closer to them today, reading about their travels was one thing but this day made for a special experience.
His smile widened as he glanced at the crew before turning back towards the sky. He could really understand how his parents felt about their time here. Even better, being here now felt like a moment worthy of being a treasure to him.
Well, let's stop here.
What do you think? I'm not really big on fillers but I felt this could work just fine. Maria and Alexander were killed back when Miguel was just a few months old but they were great parents to him and anyone could tell that they loved him dearly. Drum was one of the first islands Miguel visited where his parents did go but this one was much more important than the few others he had seen. He can really relate to their experiences here. The Jaya arc starts from the next chapter.
Hm, well I'm not sure how soon I can update seeing as I'll be working on my plans now. But thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it, happy holidays and happy new year, everybody! Till next time!
