Sanji skipped happily towards the girls, having finished preparing a new dessert. The cook had been so excited when the idea came to him earlier. He couldn't wait to see their reactions!
''Nami-swaaan, Robin-chwaaan!'' He called. ''I've prepared a delectable dessert just for you!''
''Yeah, that's great. Just leave it there.'' Nami returned, clearly distracted as her eyes were focused on the Log Pose. He couldn't blame her. The last time she had looked away from the device for a short while, their entire course had been reversed. That was the sweet and reliable Nami. She was so dedicated!
Placing the first plate near her, Sanji turned to find Robin seated not too far away with a notebook in her lap. ''Ara, thank you.''
''Anything for you!'' Sanji almost swooned at that smile. It was more than enough for him.
As he gave her the plate, the cook happened to notice the writing on the notebook, which made him pause as he recognized it ''Oh, you found one of Miguel's notes, huh?''
Robin blinked, clearly not expecting that ''I found this with Navigator-san's books. Does it belong to Quartermaster-san?''
''Yeah, come to think of it-Nami-san found it interesting too. Miguel's been traveling for a while now and he wrote a lot about the places he's been and his experiences.'' The blond explained.
''I see...'' Robin appeared intrigued. ''...could explain a little more about this? I've only been with you all for such a short time so I wonder what you can tell me about Quartermaster-san.''
Sanji was seized by a surge of jealousy. Did she find Miguel more interesting than him? How could that be?!
''I read his parents' work, you see...'' She went on, making him pause. ''...which is why I find myself curious to know more about their only child.''
''Ah.'' Sanji nodded in understanding. Perhaps he was overthinking this, Robin hardly knew any of them. She had only been around for a few days. He still wasn't sure why she insisted on calling them by their stations on the ship rather than their names. Luffy seemed to be the exception most of the time but they had no idea why. ''Well, like I said he was traveling before most of us and...''
She listened as he told her about Miguel's work for the sake of Elysia, how hard he worked to help his home. Even now, he sent a bunch of what he found to help their rebuilding efforts. It did actually fit what she heard.
''Hm, I kept hearing news about how the situation at Elysia was improving but to think something like this was involved...'' Robin trailed off. Frankly, she was impressed-she couldn't think of many who would pull something like this off.
''Robin-chan, were you looking to learn Elysia?'' Sanji inquired, it did sound like she was keeping an eye out for information involving the country.
''You can say that. Actually, that information is why I've come to hear about the rest of the Arcadia family. They've become especially famous for their efforts to help the country back to its feet. I met some rather nice wizards years ago, they were very good to me...'' She returned, smiling a bit. ''...they passed away but I never forgot what I learned from them. I found myself rather intrigued to learn more about them and their people. It's rather impressive to see how far they've come.''
''That's for sure.'' The blond agreed. He had seen pictures of how the war left Elysia years ago on newspapers The difference was incredible. It really showed the strength of their will to live.
Robin glanced at the dessert ''Ah, apologies-I'd almost forgotten about this...'' She tasted it. ''...hm, Captain-san really was right about your skill. This is delicious.''
Sanji beamed ''That makes my day! Thank you, Robin-chan!''
Usopp had been rather confused when Miguel asked for his help with something before, not sure what to expect. The reason still took him by surprise though.
''You want me to help you learn to use the bow better?''
''Yeah, I've had a couple of ideas about how I can use Cenas Arrow differently but my aim really isn't the best. I figured some practice would help.'' Miguel admitted.
The sniper figured that made sense. Still, there was one thing he couldn't get out of his head ''You think I can help?''
Miguel gave him an odd look ''Ah, yeah? You've got the best eye-sight in the whole crew and I've never seen anyone with such good marksmanship. Who else can I count on to steer me right? It'd be weird if I didn't ask you.''
Miguel was someone Usopp had grown to look up to over their travels. The fact that this was coming from someone like him really meant more than he could put in words.
Usopp grinned widely, determined to do his best to prove the quartermaster's strong faith in him to be well-founded ''All right, I'll do my best!"
''What're you doing?''
Chopper almost jumped at the voice, turning to find ''Oh hey, Luffy...'' He glanced back at his equipment, having just finished stirring a concoction. ''...I heard a bunch about some rare ingredients in Alabasta and Vivi helped me get some. I'm making medicine and storing it for later.''
''Nice! That's our reliable doctor!'' The captain chirped, pleased with the initiative.
The reindeer flushed ''S-saying that won't make me happy, you jerk, so stop it!''
''Sure, sure.'' Luffy snickered, being used to Chopper's quirk when it comes to praise. He never understood why he always took it like that but Miguel and Nami seemed to agree that it was because the doctor just wasn't used to dealing with people. Luffy wasn't sure it worked like that but if those two said so, he would take their word for it.
''So hey, you know where Miguel is? We agreed I'd help with his writing.''
Chopper momentarily worried how Luffy would handle something. He couldn't picture the rubber teen sitting down to write like Miguel did to save his life.
But then he remembered how the quartermaster liked to get some of their stories to write them down...
...now that made much more sense.
''I think he's with Usopp. I heard them talking about plans before...'' The reindeer paused, noticing a golden flash out the window. ''...what was that?''
Luffy blinked twice, having seen it too. Curious, the two headed out..
''Nice work! Give it another try, in that some position.''
They looked over at Usopp's cry, finding the sniper and Miguel nearby. Both were focused on the view ahead of them and they saw why when Miguel fired a golden arrow which hit a flying balloon, destroying it.
''Oh hey, guys.'' The sniper said upon noticing Luffy and Chopper. ''We working on some target practice-Miguel's doing pretty good.''
''That's thanks to you.'' Miguel put in. ''For all your hesitation about this, you're actually good at teaching.'' Usopp beamed in return.
''So what'd you guys do?'' Luffy asked, intrigued.
When Zoro came down from the Crow's nest, the first thing he heard was quite a ruckus from his far left. Confused, he looked over to find Luffy and Usopp trying to hide as a bucket was placed on the top of the entrance below deck. The next thing he knew, someone walked up and a loud cry resounded before the bucket fell.
Nami stared, bewildered-she had suspected that Luffy and Usopp were up to no good but something like this never crossed her mind. Robin had just been coming up when the bucket was tipped over by Luffy's outstretched hand. But Usopp hurried over to stop it.
Sanji, who had seen them too, quickly leaped in to shield her as water spilled out of the bucket. He slumped as it hit him on the head, making him slump.
''What the heck were you two playing at?!'' Nami demanded, scowling. ''What's that stupid prank for?''
Luffy groaned as she pinched his cheek ''Lighten up, it was a joke!''
Miguel bent to help Sanji ''...You do know that Robin could've taken care of that in a heartbeat? And that I could've just made the bucket stop if you hadn't blocked my view right?''
''...Yes...'' He mumbled, relaxing at the feel of the healing magic. He had completely forgotten about all that in the spur of the moment.
''Jokes are supposed to be funny! What was that?'' Nami pressed.
''Usopp said we could use an ice breaker!''
This made her and Sanji look at the sniper, who froze ''It was an idea-okay? I figured we could do something to haze Robin into the crew. Even Vivi wasn't this tense and formal all the time-this was only part of the plan. I just thought we could have look back on this and laugh.''
This made the listeners look at him in surprise. Particuarly Robin, who was thrown for a loop by the plan. Sure, it was a messed up method...but it was for her sake.
''...I appreciate the sentiment, no matter how the plan turned out.'' She offered, to their relief.
''Just be glad Robin-chan's so kind, you dimwits!'' Sanji exclaimed.
''You meant well there's better ways to go about it.'' Miguel chided lightly, the two bowed their heads slightly in their apology. ''Let's just be glad it ended with little trouble but at least try to talk to us about your plans from here on out.''
''Right...''
''You're too nice to them.'' The cook stated while Nami sighed.
Zoro frowned a bit as he noted Robin watching the scene with amusement, deep in thought.
A short while later, he found Luffy, Usopp, Chopper and Miguel sitting together while Sanji flirted with the girls. Luffy was sitting opposite Miguel and talking animatedly while the latter kept writing on a notebook, occasionally making a comment.
Zoro walked over, he knew what was going but he couldn't help commenting ''So he actually got Luffy to sit down long enough?''
''I know, it's weird right?'' Usopp returned. Luffy may be happy to talk about adventures but he didn't think the hyper captain could stay like he was for long. ''Luffy's actually been really good about it all.''
The teen gave them an odd look ''Why wouldn't I? This is fun and more importantly, it's a big deal for Miguel.''
The quartermaster spared him a grateful look but the two were distracted when Zoro spoke ''Luffy, I've been meaning to ask...'' The teen blinked up at him. ''...are you sure this is a good idea? Having that woman around? I still can't believe how well you're all taking her presence.''
''What's the problem? Everything's working out.'' Luffy returned.
Zoro rolled his eyes ''Figures you'd say that...''
''Robin's really nice, Zoro.'' Chopper offered. ''She hasn't done anything to hurt us.''
''I was skeptic too but come on, if she wanted to get back at us, she would've before. From what Luffy and Miguel said, she wasn't really that loyal to Baroque Works.'' Usopp added.
''That doesn't mean she's trustworthy.'' Zoro retorted.
''It's like Miguel said before, if Bon-chan gets a second chance why doesn't Robin?'' Luffy piped up.
''That's entirely different and you know it. Bon Clay was annoying but he meant well in the end. We actually know he's genuine. What do we know about that woman? Can we really count on her?'' The swordsman countered.
''That's kinda harsh.'' Usopp frowned.
''...Give it time, guys.'' Miguel said at last. ''I stand by what I said before, I'm fine with her being one of us now. Trust doesn't always come easy-it's only been a few days. We'll deal with whatever may come. We can express our faith all we want but it's meaningless if Zoro can't understand.''
The three acknowledged that he had a point while the swordsman grunted ''Someone has to keep a sharp eye-you're all too soft for you own good.''
After lunch, Nami noticed something odd about the Log Pose...
''Hey, what-?'' She blinked. ''It just keeps pointing up, that makes no sense...I really hope it isn't broken.''
''Oh, I dare say it isn't.'' Robin offered, joining her.
Nami was about to question this but then one of the most random things happened happened. Pieces of wood and other debris began falling from the sky!
''What the hell?!'' Sanji spluttered while Chopper screamed. The force and size of the pieces forced everyone to hold on to something to keep balance.
In all the chaos, Miguel managed to cast Ark Shield over Merry, sparing them the worst of the situation. They could only watch in increasing bewilderment as the debris began to fall before a ship crashed in the ocean.
''What's going on?!'' Nami cried out when she saw a skeleton. They had strange phenomena in the Grand Line but this was ridiculous!
Usopp seemed to have almost fainted out of sheer shock while Chopper clung to he rail fearfully. Thankfully it soon died down, much to their collective relief.
''How can ships fall from the sky?'' Sanji wondered.
''They can't!'' He looked at Usopp. ''We definitely misunderstood something-there has to be a reasonable explanation for this!''
The cook didn't miss how scared he appeared despite trying to hide it ''Like what? First, something's gone wrong with the Log Pose and now this. How do you explain those?''
''If I may...'' Robin spoke up as the sniper spluttered. ''...I don't think anything's wrong with the Log Pose. It's simply locked a magnetic field much higher above us, that of a Sky Island.''
Chopper blinked ''Sky Island?''
''It's said that far above the sea, an entire civilization has been thriving for many years.''
Luffy perked up ''Islands in the sky? Cool!''
''Oh, come off it.'' Zoro was skeptic.
''Yeah, something like that can't be real even in the Grand Line. The Log Pose just broke.'' Nami added.
''You don't know that for sure.'' Miguel countered. ''Nothing says that has to be the case.''
''I don't know...that's a bit much to believe.'' Sanji mused while Luffy, Usopp and Chopper were looking more and more excited at the thought.
''You're trying to apply logic in the Grand Line. That hardly ever works.'' The archeologist stated. ''Why don't we examine the ship? It might help us get to the bottom of this.''
The others agreed and Nami began re-directing their course so they could get to the sunken ship. But as they drew closer, they spotted something rather alarming.
A couple of huge, almost human like silhouettes appearing on the clouds. Most of the crew began to freak out or prepare to fight.
Their worries were put to rest by Miguel, who rightfully pointed out that this couldn't be real. If those things were close than they should've seen some signs off their movement. He couldn't see how anything that big could move without a trace. Everyone paused as they realized he was right and the strange figures faded.
They soon reached the ship and after a little talk, Miguel took Luffy, Zoro and Sanji to start the exploration. With his water sword, he was able to create bubbles to help stay underwater and they left.
Still, some of the crew couldn't help but wonder-this was one very strange day for the crew. First the ship, those shadows and now this. What else was going to happen?
The answer came in the form of an looking orangutan like fellow named Masira.
Those who had been waiting for the four Straw Hats found the odd fellow and his crew, who started preparing to salvage the ship.
''...Is that a monkey?'' Usopp wondered.
''He looks like one.'' Chopper remarked.
Masira grinned, surprising them ''Why thank you! But what're you all doing here?''
Nami, who figured that they had best not explain about their wayward friends, told him about the ship's fall and how it shocked them. Masira nodded ''Ah, I get it. Believe it ot not, it's not the first time something like this happened.''
''What?'' But before she could push this further, one of Masira's crew stated that they couldn't lift the ship-as if something was holding it down. The odd part was, one of them had dived to check what it could be but they found nothing.
Nami barely noted Masira telling them to keep trying. She had a feeling she knew the reason for their trouble.
Her suspicion was proven correct when something flashed in the water before Miguel and the others came out, still in their bubbles. Masira scowled ''Hey, are you guys trying to steal our target?!''
''Relax, relax-it's nothing like that...'' Sanji started.
''Don't lie!'' The angry Masira cut in.
''Oi, it's the truth...'' Luffy began, rearing up a fist.
''Hold on, Luffy.'' Miguel placed a hand on his shoulder. ''Remember, we don't need to pick fights now.'' He looked at Masira. ''It wasn't a lie. Our Log Pose locked on a strange position just before the ship fell. We were looking for answers, seeing as it fell from the sky we figured this could have to do with Sky Island.''
Masira did a double take ''Sky Island? You mean...you guys believe in it too?''
Zoro blinked ''Too?''
''You know about it? I really want to go!'' Luffy exclaimed.
''Oh yeah?'' Masira grinned. ''About time we found more believers! See, that's why we work on salvaging around here-we're looking for clues that would tell us about it!''
The rubber teen appeared excited ''Really?! So...'' He let out a yelp as his bubble shook. ''...what?!''
It took him a moment to see that the others were in a similar situation, even those on the ships were taken aback by the apparent seaquake.
But then...a big shadow appeared nearby, making them look to find the source. It was a giant sea turtle swimming to the sunken ship's direction. Luffy barely heard some of the others yell out in shock as the turtle opened its maw, swallowing a lot of water. With this path, it almost swallowed Masira's ship but Miguel propelled the vessel with a bit of gravity magic in time and the turtle dove in.
Masira almost fell to his knees in relief ''Oh man...too close!'' He looked at the Straw Hats. ''Thanks! You guys are good people. Tell ya what, go to Jaya. That's the island up ahead. You can find info about Sky Island there.''
''Really? Where do we look?'' Usopp called as their ship was being carried away further with the waves.
''Find my brother Shoujou, he'll point you guys in the right direction!'' Masira returned.
Nami read the map her friends had found with growing surprise ''It says Skypiea...could it really be true...?''
''Quit being so skeptic Nami, the map can be proof!'' Luffy exclaimed.
''Not necessarily.'' She argued. ''You can find fake maps almost anywhere these days. This doesn't mean anything, the chances of Skypiea being...'' The girl faltered, seeing how crushed he, Usopp and Chopper were. Suddenly, she didn't have the heart to go on ''...ah, you know what? Never mind-let's just go to Jaya.''
''Don't give her a hard time. Let's just see what we can find.'' Miguel told the three and they nodded.
''By the way, Captain, you seemed rather upset when you came out of the earlier. Did something happen?'' Robin wanted to know.
''Those weirdos tried to jump us, we didn't do anything to them.'' Luffy harrumphed. ''Miguel wouldn't let me and Zoro fight them off...''
''And you should be thankful.'' Sanji cut in seamlessly. ''I'm pretty sure that's why things went so well before. It's just like he said, there was no need to fight.''
''No kidding.'' Nami glared at their captain. ''I'm glad you had someone sensible around. You're the one who wanted to go to Skypiea badly, don't do anything to mess it up!''
''Hey, about what that monkey was saying...'' Zoro started, looking pensive. ''...how many believers could there be on that island?''
Usopp blinked ''Now that you mention it...''
''...Yeah, we better be careful there.'' Nami nodded, thinking along the same lines. ''People could easily just make fun of us if they don't outright reject the idea alltogether...to be fair, I definitely don't blame those who would.''
''Now, now, let's try to keep an open mind.'' Robin spoke up. ''But you're right, it's best to remain discreet while we go about.''
''All right, let's get to the bottom of this, guys!'' Luffy called, earning a hearty round of agreement.
Luffy, Zoro and Nami headed out to the first settlement the crew came across, Mock Town. Robin left to see if she could find any clothes (seeing as she was still borrowing Nami's). After a while, Miguel decided to disembark too, curious as to what was going on with them...
He had just been approaching Mock Town when he heard a yelp that made him pause. A fruit seller had been walking nearby when he bumped into what looked like thugs, knocking over a basket of goods. They just kept walking, even stepping on a few carelessly. One gave him a mocking look and picked up a pear before walking away.
The man's eyes widened when Miguel helped him but soon, they got the remaining goods back in place. The seller thanked him, seeming curious ''You seem nice for a pirate.''
Miguel blinked ''How do you know...?''
''I saw you get off that ship. You're far from the first I've seen today.''
''Wait, so pirates are pretty common around here?'' The young man clarified.
''Like you wouldn't believe.'' The seller nodded. ''Some leave us alone if we stay out of their way but...of course there's a lot like the sort we just saw.''
''I'll bet...'' Miguel was familiar with that sort himself. A thought occured to him then ''...say, do you know anything about a guy called Masira? We just ran into him today. He seems kind of weird.''
The seller snorted ''That's putting it mildly. He and that brother of his are complete nutjobs. He was probably salvaging when you saw him-he and Shoujou always keep doing that and diving with that hermit. They're all convinced that the Sky Island is real. It's been years and they haven't come across proof-you'd think they would see sense by now.''
''Well, the possibility wouldn't be too far out, right? I mean look at what magic can do.'' Miguel offered.
''I...can't argue with that.'' The man conceded.
''So what's this about a hermit?'' The quartermaster wanted to know.
''Ah, that'd be Cricket. He came around here years ago and he stuck around...at first he said he had nowhere to go for some reason. Now he's helping those rowdy boys try to learn about the Sky Island-he lives by the forest's edge from what I've heard. Apparently, you can see it even while sailing nearby. His house is really easy to find-it's pretty bizarre.''
Miguel thanked the man and left. It wasn't long before he ran into Robin. ''Oh hey, you want some help?'' He asked, nodding at the bags she was carrying.
''Ah, it's fine.'' She assured, sparing him a grateful look. ''I overheard part of your talk, looks like we had the same idea.'' He gave her a curious glance. ''All I've come to pick up proves that Masira, his brother and this man Cricket are effectively outcasts around here. They seem to get along very well. Many think rather lowly of them and believe that they are out of their minds because of their work regarding Sky Island.''
Miguel nodded, that was like what he had learned ''Any idea about Cricket?''
''His name is Montblanc Cricket. He's apparently a former pirate who chose to stay on Jaya years ago. I think finding the truth about Skypiea is a more personal matter for him.'' Robin stated. ''You see, he's related to a man who claimed to have been to Skypiea centuries ago but the man was executed and no one ever believed him. Yet, he still kept insisting that he hadn't lied to the end. But people still believe him to be a delusional liar to this day.''
''How about that...?'' He trailed off. Did Cricket want to clear his ancestor's name? ''You want to tell the others? If Shoujou's an outcast too, we're likely to find him there. Cricket might even help us.''
''Yes, let's be on our way.'' Robin returned.
''So you seem to be fitting in well...'' Miguel started conversationally.
''Oh? I would think that's a bit of an understatement. Not everyone is taking my choice to join you well.'' Robin countered.
''Ah...'' Miguel knew she meant Zoro. After all, the First Mate has made his distrust of her rather clear. ''...I think it's just one of those times where patience is needed. Nami's practically singing your praises, Sanji's...well, Sanji...''
She had to stifle a smile-that was all he really needed to say after all. He went on ''...Luffy and the others clearly like you. Even if they went about it in a roundabout way, they wanted you to feel welcome.''
''Oh, I know.'' Robin returned. She wasn't about it to hold it against them. Remembering what Usopp mentioned about the prank being unfinished, she wondered it was supposed to be like. ''I notice you haven't said anything about yourself.''
''I stand by what I said in Alubarna.'' He stated, as if that was all that needed to be said.
Actually, she supposed it was. Even if he hadn't said it in so many words, he was open to giving her a second chance. Little did Miguel realize how much of an impact he had on her that day. In a way, he and Luffy were the reasons she chose to join the Straw Hats.
She began to smile ''...Fair enough.''
They reached Merry, finding a fuming Nami stomping nearby. Usopp was playing dead while Chopper was in Guard Point, making Robin raise an eye ''What happened?''
''That's what I'm trying to find out.'' Sanji returned with a helpless shrug. ''Luffy and Mosshead are a little too quiet but Nami-san reacted like that the second Chopper asked her about the search.''
''She's overreacting.'' Luffy stated.
''Overreacting?! You guys aren't reacting enough!'' She snapped, turning to the others. ''This is what happened...''
She proceeded to explain how she and the others arrived in Mock Town. Because Luffy had no sense of subtlety, they had been trying to keep an eye on him. But the rubber teen's impatience lead to trouble just as they expected.
He had begun asking people at random about Sky Island, forcing Nami to intervene to stop him. But that brought attention from one of the pirates nearby, a man going by the name of Bellamy. The cocky man had made fun of them for believing in the existence of Skypiea. He also went to decry a number of other legendary places like the Emerald City, dismissing all those who believed in them as worthless dreamers.
One of his crewmates decided that he wanted to buy Nami, infuriating her but she smoothly and confidently knocked him off his high horse. Luffy finally stated that he doesn't care what any of them say, he will find Skypiea. End of story. He took a punch from a disgusted Bellamy, stopping Zoro from retaliating. The reason being that he believed they weren't worth it. This makes Bellamy bristle and he insults them, calling Luffy and Zoro pathetic losers and Nami to be worthless in the end before leaving.
Sanji was fuming at the end of the explanation ''Buy her?! Oh, if I ever see those bastards they're dead meat. I'll show them worthless!''
''Why'd you guys just take it without doing a thing?'' Usopp asked.
''That's what I want to know!'' Nami exclaimed.
Zoro rolled his eyes ''You're the one who said not to cause any trouble. That it would just get in the way of our search. Besides, Luffy was right, they weren't worth it.''
Nami harrumphed but Luffy decided to dismiss the unpleasant event, looking at Miguel and Robin ''You guys disembarked too-did you find anything?''
Robin smiled ''As it so happens..."
With the information she came to learn, Robin was able to lead them to Cricket's house with ease. The first thing they could agree on was it was truly bizarre.
It looked like a fancy place at first but when they got closer, they found that it was only a front. Like someone had just stuck part of a house there and left, almost resembling a cardboard cut-out.
''...What the heck?'' Zoro let out.
''Does he really live here?'' Usopp wondered as they walked closer.
He and Luffy tried to call for Cricket but to no avail. Chopper stopped as he heard the sound of water splashing, bringing his attention to someone in diving gear coming out of the river nearby. ''Whoa, guys!''
They looked over and the newcomer seemed to stiffen at the sight of them. The next thing they knew, he suddenly collapsed.
''What happened?'' Nami managed, bewildered.
Chopper went to examine him, the signs he was picking up pointed towards a cause ''That's Decompression sickness!'' Eyes traveled to him curiously. ''It happens when there's a rapid decrease in presssure surrounding the body, that can cause a bunch of problems. This usually happens with divers who come to the surface too quickly. But for it to be this bad...I think he's been diving for a long time.''
Sanji didn't miss Luffy's puzzled expression ''...You didn't understand a word of that, did you?''
''Oh come on, Luffy-he made it obvious...'' Usopp started.
''Save your breath.'' The cook advised. ''It's a mystery disease, Luffy. Plain and simple.''
''Ohh, okay!'' He exclaimed and the two rolled their eyes.
''Anyway, you can help him, right?'' Nami asked Chopper, who nodded.
''Leave it to me."
And indeed, the man began to get much better thanks to the little doctor's administrations. He awoke a while later, to Chopper's relief...
''Oh, so you helped me? Thanks.''
''It's fine.'' Chopper dismissed. He was focused on something else anyway. ''You're Cricket, right? You were too reckless-you shouldn't handle your body like that. You were in really bad shape! How long has this been going on?''
''Ten years and yes I am.'' was the answer.
''No wonder you got so messed up.'' Sanji noted. ''But why go so far?''
''I'm searching for something...''
''You want to find Skypiea, right?'' Luffy cut in, surprising him. ''We found that monkey guy before, we heard he's your friend.''
Cricket raised an eye and Nami elaborated ''Masira told us to come here for information, we wanted to find his brother but then we heard about you. We figured there's a better chance of finding him here anyway.''
''Ah.'' He nodded. ''So you believe that it really exists too?''
''You bet!'' Luffy returned happily.
Cricket gave him an appraising look ''...How about we share what you know and I do the same?''
After the crew explained what lead them to the search of Skypiea , Cricket told them a little about how it was growing up as Noland's descendants. Many in his family had been treated with disdain thanks to that story and quite a few of them had decided to find the island to settle this. Cricket hadn't cared about any such thing. He didn't even mind becoming a pirate, only having been seeking to leave his home and get away from the shame he grew up with.
But when he got near Jaya, he decided to stay and find out the truth. His crew abandoned him as a result. Some of the more sensitive listeners were reduced to tears at this while they were generally disgusted. A real crew would've stayed to help Cricket. He hadn't been looking to prove Noland right, he just wanted to settle this matter for good.
''So you didn't find anything?'' Chopper inquired.
''Nothing worth mentioning-just a bunch of gold.'' Cricket grunted.
Nami's eyes lit up ''Gold?!'' The man pointed some out in the far corner. ''...Wait, aren't those ingots?''
''I believe so. Fascinating...'' Robin hummed.
Luffy blinked ''It is?''
''Ingots were used to measure currency and even weigh gold in the past. So they can be considered proof of the existence of an old civilisation.'' The archeologist explained.
Luffy perked up, thinking of the map ''Just goes to show, Skypiea really exists!''
Cricket scoffed ''I wish it could be that simple, brat.''
''...You're just stubborn.''
''You don't have any right calling anyone stubborn, Luffy.'' Nami stated.
The rubber teen huffed ''I'm going to find Sky Island and that's that.''
''You're just proving her point, you know.'' Zoro stated, making him pout.
Miguel just laughed ''It'd be easier finding Skypiea than trying to change Luffy's mind.''
Sanji and Usopp snickered at this while Chopper giggled and Zoro smirked, all finding the statment to be completely true. Nami sighed as Robin looked on with amusement ''That sounds about right...''
Cricket noted the rubber teen's unyielding determination and Sanji spoke ''So you must have gotten some info over the last ten years, right?''
''I did.'' The man went to a bag he had left nearby, digging around a bit before taking out a notebook. ''This is Noland's logbook...''
It turned out that Noland talked quite a bit about Skypiea, explaining his travels with confidence and apparent sincerity. Given its contents, this could be considered evidence of Skypiea's existence but it was flimsy at best. Luckily, Cricket had also come to learn a way that would allow travelers to reach Skypiea.
He explained about the gigantic cumoregalis cloud, a particularly dense structure that blocked any bit of sunlight. That was likely where Skypiea was on and it happened to wander around Jaya. The way to reach it was the Knock Up Stream, a very powerful current which lasted only for a minute. It easily destroyed much of what it washed up.
''D-do we have to go that way?'' Usopp asked, unnerved by the thought.
''It's your only choice.'' Cricket returned.
''You made that current sound random-where do we even find it?'' Miguel asked curiously.
''It did occur in a whole lot of places but I know where the next one's going to be.'' The man assured, making Luffy grin.
''Then we'll be there!''
''Luffy, think about this a little. It sounds really dangerous!'' The sniper pleaded.
The former blinked ''So? A lot of the stuff we've done was dangerous.''
''He's got you there, Usopp.'' Zoro nodded.
''But...but...''
''Say, how did you meet Masira and his brother?'' Chopper wanted to know. ''Do they want to find Skypiea for their own reasons too?''
''Oh, it's nothing too special.'' Cricket's lips twitched. ''They're just fans of the legends-that's why they came to find me...''
''Old man!''
He blinked at the familiar voice, turning to see a figure he recognized as Shoujou running over ''Hey, you look a lot better.''
''It's thanks to them.'' Cricket proceeded to brief him in on the situation.
Shoujou grinned ''Thanks a bunch! Masira told me about you guys so I was trying to find you.''
''Well, you're definitely brothers...'' Sanji started, raising an eye at the poignant resemblance to Masira.
''Yeah, you look like a monkey too.'' Luffy added.
''Aw, you're just saying that!'' The new arrival returned, blushing a little just like his brother. ''Anyway, do you guys really believe the Sky Island's real?''
''Sure do!''
Shoujou did a little cheer, Cricket gave a small smirk, used to his antics. ''So where's Masira?''
''I'm not sure...but he should be on his way soon.'' was the respone.
''Good. I want you two to help me reinforce their ship.'' The man stated, nodding at the crew. ''They'll be facing the Knock Up Stream soon.''
''Oh, no problem!''
''You'd do that?'' Chopper perked up.
''Sure!'' Shoujou grinned. ''You guys really my brother and now Cricket so it's only natural. Besides, we're glad to meet fellow believers.''
The reindeer was about to thank him but Usopp then spoke ''Hold it!'' He stepped up. ''This is way too good to be true! We find out about Skypiea and now you guys want to help us and even reinforce Merry? You're that liar Noland's descendant after all-can we take your word for it?''
''Usopp!'' Nami scowled while some of their friends frowned at the sniper. Cricket didn't deserve that. As if he hadn't had enough people treating him badly because of Noland's story. ''No one should be judged because of another's past, even if they were family. That's going too far!''
''That's mean. They've been nice to us! Cricket can't do anything bout what happened before. He had it the worst because of that story.'' Chopper added.
The man remained calm ''...Shoujou pretty much spelled it out. We've decided to help out fellow fools...fellow believers who are chasing the same legend. That's all there is to it. It's been so long since we met someone like us, let alone a group. I just don't want to let this chance slip.''
Usopp lowered his head in shame, the man was clearly sincere. Chopper was right, Neither Cricket or his friends did anything to deserve this. ''I...''
''What you should be saying now is thank you.'' Robin offered.
The sniper grinned ''Right. Thank you.''
Cricket smirked ''We better get to work then.''
Well, let's stop here.
What do you think? I had a few ideas I wanted to try out before delving into the arc, showing more of the crew's time together.
I think this was more or less mentioned before-some Elysians had connections to Ohara, which is why the poneglyphs became something of an old mystery there as those people became regular vistors before Ohara's destruction. The people of Elysia don't quite know the cause behind the incident but some have their suspicions.
To clarify one thing, the prank's target wasn't actually supposed to be Robin, which is why Usopp tried to stop it before it got underway. He and Luffy wanted to find a way to get her to loosen up a little. The encounter with Bellamy wasn't really different from canon so I didn't feel the need to delve into it.
Oh, before I forget-I'm still trying to figure out Miguel's epithet. The best one I could come up with was Akashic Blade. It might be the one I'll use in the end but I'm not sure. How does it sound?
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it. Till next time!
