''We're finally going to Sky Island!'' Luffy exclaimed happily.
Nami rolled her eyes ''It's hardly even been a day since we found out, Luffy. Don't...'' Her expression suddenly grew alarmed before she let out a cry, startling them.
''Oi, what's wrong?'' Zoro arched an eye.
''I can't believe I just realized this...we don't have any way to actaully get to the current!''
He blinked ''What do you mean? Can't we just sail to it?''
''I'm afraid we can't. The Log Pose is still locked on to Jaya.'' Robin remarked.
''Exactly!'' Nami said, wondering what to do.
Fortunately, there was someone who had an answer.
Cricket facepalmed ''I completely forgot...there is a way around that.''
''Really?!'' Luffy perked up.
''You have to go capture a South Bird.'' He replied. ''They are strange creatures who always seem to point south. People used them to head that way in the past. Judging by our estimations, that would help you reach the Knock Up Stream.''
''That's perfect!'' Nami smiled.
Luffy grinned ''All right, let's go!''
''You're totally into this now, Nami.'' Luffy remarked as they entered the forest. The girl gave him a curious look, wondering where that came from. ''Well, before you were all like-we couldn't make it and Sky Island doesn't exist. You wanna see it too, don't you? We were right after all!''
She rolled her eyes ''Of course I want to see it, you moron. I was being realistic! We had no idea how to even get started back then-you guys were just happy to go off a few legends but I'm the one who has to worry about the most about how we get there.''
''Don't give her a hard time, Luffy. She's just doing her job as navigator.'' Miguel chided. ''We would really be in a lot of trouble if we didn't have a navigator like Nami.''
Nami beamed at him while Luffy appeared chastened, rubbing the back of his neck. He wasn't about to argue with that point. Nami's skill as a navigator was the first reason he wanted her to join them after all.
Sanji huffed ''Glad we have someone who appreciates our fortune. You should be grateful she graced us with her presence!''
''Say, there's plenty of stories and legends like Skypiea, right? Can you guys tell me some?'' Chopper wanted to know.
The cook stopped to think ''You know, I actually remember hearing something about an island deep in the Grand Line...supposedly, it had endless amounts of food.''
Luffy perked up ''Really?!''
''It's just a rumor. Considering the guy I heard it from was plastered, I highly doubt it was true. I always thought it was weird...apparently, the food is like huge, it could even feed someone like our bottomless pit...'' Sanji jerked a thumb at Luffy. ''...well for weeks.''
''It could feed Luffy? Yeah, I'm not buying it.'' Usopp said flatly. ''That's just entirely too convenient.''
No one could blame him for being skeptic, now all familiar with the captain's incredible appetite. An island full of food with amounts suitable to Luffy sounded way too good to be true.
''Oh, come on, it could be real!'' Luffy argued
But even the optimistic Chopper wasn't about to hold out hope ''...No, if it's Luffy we're talking about, that is way too convenient.''
''Man, you guys are mean!''
''Well, if we're talking about legends, there is the Emerald City...'' Robin began.
The little doctor perked up ''What's that like?''
''Exactly what it sounds. I've seen a few depictions, it's quite a marvelous sight. Picture a big, magnificent city all made of emerald.'' The archaeologist explained with a smile.
Chopper's eyes shone at the thought ''Wow!''
''I remember reading about it too, that picture in the book looked like something out of a dream...'' Miguel reminisced with a smile.
''It sounds way too absurd. That can't be real.'' Zoro said dismissively.
Sanji gave him an annoyed look ''Do you have to kill the mood?! Unlike you, we're not opposed to having little fun!''
''Seriously, Zoro. If you don't want to contribute, just keep quiet.'' Nami added, just as unimpressed.
''Killjoy swordsmen aside...'' Usopp ignored the dark look Zoro gave him and turned to Miguel. ''...I'm actually curious now. Any legends you can tell us about relating to Elsyia?''
''Well...'' He began to think. ''...there's this one story-about the Lost Temple. A lot of people aren't even sure if it's real or not. Our ancestors made this temple, they used quite the rare and sturdy minerals to make it. Parts of look like they were carved right out of a gem. It was even set up to blow strong winds to repel any intruders, all the enchatments around it were nothing like that has ever been seen.''
''Cool! So where is it?'' Luffy inquired.
''That's the thing, no one knows for sure. I think that's why there are so many skeptics.'' Miguel returned. ''A lot are convinced it's real because it was used for a lot of things. I heard it was even a shelter at one point. There was a specific spell that let them store a whole lot of things in an enclosed area. A bunch of the stuff recorded there is being used in Elysia even today. It's suspected that people took them from there.''
''That stuff has to come from somewhere but since no one can even tell what happened to the place, they think it's a legend, huh?'' Usopp clarified, the former nodded. ''It sounds interesting...''
''Indeed, what a fascinating place. I would have loved to see it.'' Robin admitted.
''Well...'' Miguel paused, noticing Chopper looking around with a pensive look. ''...what's wrong?''
''Ah...'' Chopper hesitated. ''...isn't it a little too quiet? The forest wasn't like this when we crossed it before.''
This made them pause, realizing the reindeer was right. They had crossed a different area but they could at least see some sign of activity...
What was going on?
''Hey, look!'' Usopp pointed at a nearby tree, bringing their attention to a strange looking green bird perched on a branch. ''It's just like Cricket described, that's the South Bird!''
''All right, I'll catch it!'' Luffy jumped up. The bird flew to another branch but the teen was undaunted, using his arm to wrap around the branch and shoot himself over. Usopp hurried over when he missed again, leaping and failing to grab it.
''Oi, hold on, this isn't helping!'' Sanji groaned when they ignored him and tried to jump the bird again. The bird remained calm, flying up so the sniper and captain collided into each other. ''Idiots.''
The South Bird let out an odd call, Chopper recoiled ''What?!''
''What's it saying?'' Nami inquired.
''He wants to make us pay for getting into his territory and he's going to make our lives hell till we all die!''
''Che, stupid little...Miguel, can't you stop the damn thing?'' Zoro wanted to know.
''I've been trying...everytime I almost finish the spell, Luffy and Usopp get in the way. I can't use Telekinesis on something I can't see.'' The quartermaster glanced at Robin, who shook her head. Truth be told, she was having a similar problem. She had come close to capturing the bird only for it to fly away after the boy's third failed attempt.
''You hear that, idiots? Just back off!'' Sanji called.
The South Bird let out a shrill cry. At first, nothing happened but then the trees rustled and the next thing they knew, numerous bugs started falling from the branches. Before long, the bugs started surrounding the crew. Nami shrieked and recoiled, hurrying away. A second outcry came, oddly enough, this one was from Sanji, who seemed to be in just as much of a panic. He was in such a rush to get away that he didn't notice that he pushed Nami closer to the bugs in his haste, demanding that someone keep the bugs away from him.
''What's going on?!'' Usopp yelped.
Chopper looked unnerved ''This is why the forest was empty-anyone who lives here is probably too afraid of that awful bird! What do we do now?''
As if in answer, the bugs were suddenly sent into the air, flailing helplessly. Even the South Bird appeared stumped as they were clearly unable to move. The bird didn't have much time to react as a number of arms sprouted from the tree branch, taking it off guard as they quickly trapped it. It shrieked angrily but another arm wrapped around its beak, silencing it.
Usopp grinned and looked back at Miguel and Robin, knowing they were safe since the gravity magic would keep the bugs well away from them ''Nice work!''
The two merely shared a look and smiled, similarly relieved that it was over.
''Nice to have some reliable people here. Now...'' Nami glared at Sanji, Luffy and Usopp, who gulped nervously. ''...boys, we need to talk.''
''...Well, it was nice knowing them...'' Zoro muttered.
''Get them away, get them away...'' Zoro drawled mockingly as the group made its way back. ''...really, Love cook? I know you were whiny but I didn't think you'd freak out over bugs. That was hilarious!''
''Shut up! I wasn't scared!" An embarrassed Sanji scowled at Usopp, who was also snickering. ''Don't make me come over there!''
''S-sorry, but he's right! I just never saw it coming-you didn't seem like the type who'd be scared of bugs...'' The sniper managed while trying to restrain his laughter.
''Why're you scared? Bugs are cool!'' Luffy exclaimed.
''As if. They're just gross!'' Nami cried.
''Exactly!'' Sanji added.
''So you're not denying that you're scared? Now that's progress! How about...?'' Usopp couldn't resist teasing him.
Miguel took note of Sanji's rising temper, which made him decide to intervene ''Okay, okay-we're all scared of something or the other.'' He ignored Zoro denying that statement and went on. ''Teasing is fine and all but you're crossing the line. Mocking people over something like that is just plain petty. Before you think of pressing the point, Usopp, do I even need to start?''
''...No.'' The sniper returned, a little mullish. He didn't have to say it like that, did he?
One look at Sanji made him understand that Miguel had likely done him a favor. He didn't want to find what would happen if anyoned pushed the cook's buttons further.
Usopp was distracted when Luffy stopped ''What's up?''
The teen seemed confused ''...Do you guys hear something?''
This made them stop and listen, soon realizing what he meant. There was quite a bit of noise coming from somewhere not too far away. Luffy's eyes widened ''Hey, I think it's coming from the Old Timer's house!''
When they arrived at Cricket's place, it was to find Bellamy the Hyena and his crew beating up the Saruyama Alliance. One of them was holding a bruised Shoujou in place while another held Masira to the ground. Bellamy sneered as he kicked Cricket down, a handful of gold in his palm.
''Pathetic, something like this is wasted on an old geezer like you!''
Luffy scowled ''Oi, back off!''
''Huh?'' Bellamy turned his head. ''What, it's you again, Strawhat? Who the hell do you think you are, telling me to do anything? You're nothing but a weakling!''
''Yeah and you look so tough, ganging up on them over there. You're so full of shit!'' Sanji snapped, making some of the pirates scowl.
Luffy couldn't have said it better himself ''Things are different now...''
There was no need to start a fight in their earlier encounter but now? The bastard wasn't getting away with this.
''...you want some? I'll show you what I can do. Just leave the Old Timer and his friends alone!''
''Oh, look we have a little hero.'' Bellamy sneered. ''I don't know if a little waste of space like you would know, Strawhat but this is called plundering. All I'm doing is making sure this geezer's gold is in better hands.''
''As if, you're nothing but a big creep!'' Chopper snapped. How could he do this to them over some gold? What a jerk!
''Fine, then I'll steal it right back! If you're so strong, then prove it!'' Luffy taunted.
The blond scoffed ''Have it your way. Spring Snipe!''
His legs turned into springs before he charged, almost disappearing for a moment. They realized that he was so fast he could hardly be seen. Robin's eyes narrowed ''I see, it's the Bane Bane no Mi. Its user can turn parts of their bodies into spring.''
''I bet you're like those three fools, eh, Strawhat?'' Bellamy mused as he continued dashing around. ''Just another dreamer in this stupid legend of the Sky Island!''
They could mostly tell where Bellamy was going with the signs of impact and damage he caused where he stopped. Usopp's eyes widened when he saw the blond land near Merry ''Oi, don't you dare...!''
As he feared, the pirate made to charge to the ship next. There was no need for concern for his path was blocked by an Ark Shield, much to both the crew and the Saruyama Alliance's relief.
Bellamy scowled as he followed the spell to the source, Miguel only glared back ''Oh, I see how it is. You're going to give him a handicap so he can stand up to me?''
''As if.'' Miguel's tone was cold. ''I just refuse to let hurt Merry. Our captain doesn't need help to deal with lowlives like you.''
Bellamy ground his teeth ''Awfully confident there, brat! Magic or not, you don't stand a chance. I'll take you both down!''
''You're just good at talking. Let's see you prove it.'' Luffy retorted.
''I'll do just that!'' The man declared, charging up another attack. After increasing his momentum once more, Bellamy lunged in a super fast punch.
''The lost city of gold? The emerald city?! The great treasure of One Piece?! The fools who go looking for their dream treasure cannot notice what's in front of them! All those who chase dreams just die like fools. In this era of the sea, the ones who lack real strength...are the one who are killed by their own imagination!''
''Hey, this looks bad!'' Masira cried.
Sanji snorted ''It's just fine.''
And indeed...
Luffy proved this to be true as he remained unfazed, punching Bellamy with all the power he could muster. Bellamy let out a choked gasp as he was slammed into the ground, creating a small crater.
Zoro scoffed as the man's crew looked on in shock ''Now who's pathetic? The asshole never stood a chance.''
A few crewmembers tried to rouse Bellamy but it was no good. He was out cold. One tried to attack the nearest target, who just happened to be Zoro. The First Mate easily disarmed him, throwing his knife aside with one his sheathed blades. ''Knock it off, if you keep pushing, we won't be so merciful. Now take a hike.''
Chopper and Miguel began tending to the Saruyama Alliance. The trio explained how Bellamy overheard Shoujou talking about their plans and the gold. Hearing about how there were those who they would help to get to Sky Island soon made the man follow him to their place.
''At least we got around to finishing our improvements to your ship before those jerks came.'' Masira offered.
''Really?'' Chopper perked up.
''Yup, check it out!'' He held up a hand towards Merry, making the crew stop and stare.
They couldn't get a close look at the ship earlier due to the trouble and it being partially obscured by the Ark Shield. Now that they had though...most of the crew was wondering just what kind of reinforcements were these?
''Introducing the Going Merry: Flying Edition!'' Shoujou announced. The ship was covered with metal in certain parts. She sported wings, a curved tail and even a wattle, coming to resemble a chicken of sorts.
''Nice!'' Luffy beamed.
Zoro wasn't nearly as impressed ''Chickens don't fly though...you should've made it a dove.''
''What does that have to do with anything?'' Usopp deadpanned.
''Ah, that's...nice of them and all but what's the point?'' Miguel wondered.
''I...guess they just want to fortify Merry...weird as it looks now...'' Nami trailed off, looking just as puzzled. ''...but really, why this of all things...?''
''It's great that you kids reinforced her with that defensive magic. It's doing loads of good.'' Cricket offered, patting its side. ''You all should rest up-you gotta be ready for tomorrow.''
The next morning...
Usopp had a thought as they got on the ship, looking at Miguel he spoke ''You know, this means you're heading to a place even your parents never got close to before, right?''
''Now that you mention it...'' Miguel realized that was true. They had talked a few times about his parents' adventures so the crew knew quite a bit. He didn't think his parents, being the open-minded people they were, would've had trouble believing in Skypiea. But they really had never gone there before. Given how far they had traveled, that was saying something...
Nami frowned as she noticed Luffy and Chopper playing around with some beetles nearby. ''Hey, stop messing around and come on! We've gotta go!''
''Eeeh? We can play a little-those beetles are neat!'' Luffy exclaimed.
''Yeah, you just don't get it, Nami...'' Usopp froze at the dark look she gave him then, making him change tack. ''...guys, forget it-come on!''
The two sulked, making a fed up Nami punch Luffy into the ground. Masira stared ''...Isn't he made of rubber? How'd she do that?''
''You're better not asking-the witch has her ways.'' Zoro informed as Chopper scrambled onboard, dragging Luffy along.
''Oh hey!'' Masira perked up, giving the swordsman some papers. ''I saw something in town, you guys are gonna like it. Take a look later, yeah?''
Zoro arched an eye but shrugged ''Sure.''
Cricket stepped up ''Well, looks like this is where we part ways. You gotta remember one thing, kids! No one in history has ever disproved the existence of Skypiea!'' He grinned. ''People mock me and call me crazy but I could care less. We're all romantics here!''
Luffy grinned while the others began to smile ''Yeah, thanks a lot! We're off!''
Things didn't turn out quite as simple as he thought they would. The Cumoregalis cloud appeared sooner than the Alliance's predictions, leaving them to hurrying to find a current. The crew struggled to head forth amongst the turbulent waves.
''Is this really where we're supposed to go?!'' Chopper cried.
''This is where the current's going to happen...the Log Pose is even pointing right above...we have to go the center, apparently...'' The words died in Nami's throat when she saw the massive whirlpool forming there. ''What the?! They can't be serious!''
''No, no, no, we can't get into that!'' Usopp wailed while the rest stared at the whirlpool, most were rather concerned by this turnout. They might have heard descriptions but nothing prepared them for the real thing.
Chopper and Luffy were excited but Usopp was scared for his life ''I changed my mind, I want to go back!''
''Me too, Me too!'' Nami added.
''Forget it, you two. There's no point.'' Zoro stated, glancing at Luffy. ''It's too late, you know who is already excited.''
''NOOO!'' As much as they hated to admit it, they knew the swordsman was right. They could never derail Luffy from this crazy journey.
Chopper was beginning to get scared as the ship get sucked in while Luffy bid farewell to the monkey siblings. ''This is crazy!'' The reindeer wailed. ''How are we gonna survive?!''
''Ahhh, guys, don't go! Take us-at least take me!'' Usopp called while Nami shook next to him.
''Shape up! There's no point whining, deal with it!'' Zoro snapped.
''It's too late, all of you hold on and hope for the best.'' Sanji ignored their cries, relieved to see Miguel cast a shield on Merry. And not a moment too soon, the ship was continuing to get pulled closer to the center.
But then...the waters grew calm, the whirlpool vanished as quickly as it had come. Luffy blinked ''What just happened? Did it just disappear?''
''No...'' Nami gulped as they began to realize the answer. ''...it just sunk beneath the surface. Oh, boy-brace yourselves!''
A powerful pillar of water, stronger than anything they have ever seen before, seemed to erupt from the sea. Miguel cringed as he struggled to kee p protecting the ship, this was a lot harder than he thought it would be. He was trying his best but he wasn't sure how well the shield was holding up. He hoped Merry wasn't damaged.
Nami applied the plan she worked with Cricket's details yesterday, having ensured things would be set up so Merry would be propelled due to the Knock Up Stream's power. In the end, when you break it down, there was a lot of wind and water they could use. The crew had set everything up, trusting her to show them the way.
Slowly but surely, the ship was being lifted into the air. And finally...they were flying.
''We did it, we can fly!'' Luffy enthused.
''Merry's awesome!'' Chopper beamed, the worst of his fears now gone with the stream. He couldn't imagine another ship that would pull something like this off.
Miguel smiled as they continued to cheer ''That's for sure...''
Now with the stream conquered, everyone felt much better. They were more prepared than ever to go forth and find Skypiea.
''Nami, are we almost there?!'' Luffy asked enthusiastically.
''Skypiea's past those clouds!''
''I can't wait!'' The captain's eyes shone. ''Let's see what's up in the sky!''
The Merry burst through the cloud coverage and all the crew could see at first was white...but then...
''Wooow!''
Luffy and Chopper looked around in awe, seeing nothing but white clouds all around. The arrival hadn't been easy on the crew or the ship, with the crew having to get used to the air, which had gotten thinner. But no one really paid it any mind given what they were looking at now...
''We're sailing on clouds...'' Miguel trailed off, amazed.
''Awesome!'' Luffy enthused.
''How is this even possible? Clouds shouldn't be...they can't be solid enough for this!'' Nami exclaimed. They had long gone past the Cumoregalis cloud and that was a unique case. This didn't make sense!
''Boats and clouds float, right? It's the same thing.'' Luffy stated.
Nami rolled her eyes ''No, it isn't. Not even close...'' She was about to explain but then Chopper shrieked, making her jump a little. ''...w-what's wrong?!''
''Usopp's not breathing!'' The reindeer hurried to give him CPR.
''Ara, it looks like the shock of our arrival was too much for Long Nose-kun.'' Robin noted.
Usopp soon woke up but he paled, almost appearing about to black out again ''Where are we?!''
''Relax, we made it. We're on our way to Skypiea!'' Luffy assured..
''But what is this place?!''
''Apparently, it's an ocean in the sky.'' Miguel offered.
''For real?!'' The sniper's jaw dropped. ''Whoa...''
''Neat, huh?'' Luffy chirped.
''Yeah!'' Usopp laughed ''All right, then...'' He stood by the side of the Merry and posed, removing the top of his overalls. ''...watch me go. I'm the cloud swimming champ, Usopp!''
''Oi, oi, easy we still don't know anything about this place.'' Sanji warned.
But Usopp wasn't about to listen, he was all set to dive when Miguel spoke ''Usopp, as much as I hate ruining your good mood now-I think you're ignoring something important. This is a sea of clouds.''
''Yeah, and?''
''How far do you think you can actually go?''
Usopp still seemed confused but Chopper caught on to their friend's point ''Oh, no-Usopp don't go!''
''What's wrong with you guys?'' He frowned.
''I believe what Doctor-kun and Quartermaster have both come to realize is that this ocean may not have a bottom.'' Robin informed.
''WHAT?!'' Usopp recoiled while the others exchanged alarmed looks, realizing that was an excellent point.
''Usopp, you're not going anywhere!'' Luffy exclaimed.
''Obviously!'' The teen cried, his face almost a blue hue with fear. ''T-that was way too close...''
Zoro exhaled, deciding not to dwell on that ''Moving on-Nami, where do we go from here?''
The girl glanced at the Log Pose ''Eh? It's still pointing up!''
He blinked ''We have to go even higher?''
''That's what it says.''
''We've gotta be a lot closer now! I can't wait!'' Luffy's grin was wide as he looked over the sea of white. ''This is already plenty of fun, Skypiea will be amazing!''
Well, let's stop here.
I hope it was good. Considering how things went faster in the forest with both Miguel and Robin there, the crew got to avoid the nightmare the South Birds cause in canon so they wrapped things up a lot faster here. That was why they made it in time to stop Bellamy sooner. It's also why they got a bit of a headstart compared to canon so they set off earlier and Teach just missed them. Merry's a lot better off here with the reinforcement runes as well as Miguel's shield-that doesn't mean she's completely unscathed though. Even magic has its limits and the stream almost overwhelmed Miguel, not to traveling in the Grand Line is pretty hard on her. I intend to handle Merry's situation somewhat differently here. My plan's not fully worked out yet but you'll see part of what I mean in the middle of this arc.
I thought about it a lot but there honestly, even if I had put the encounter down, there's not really much I can do with Teach at this point of the story. A fight would not end well for the crew and it'll just complicate the plans I have for the story. Luffy's group encountered him but they never heard his name so they don't know he's the guy Ace mentioned. The crew doesn't know about the bounty increase yet but they will pretty soon.
Well, thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it. Till next time!