Disclaimer: I Don't own One Piece, Kingdom Hearts, Spyro the Dragon, Crash Bandicoot or anything except OC's.
Chapter 25: Spiral Madness - Recognize your foe
Cortex Office - Metal Army Meeting
"So there were 20 of them you say?" Nefarious asked to make sure.
"That's right sir, they were on the planet. Although I didn't find out about their powers, somehow I knew if we attack them we would have lost, in a way I acted accordingly and hope you wouldn't have brought it up until now." With Lawrence finished explaining, he waited for their response. Earlier before arriving on this world the Straw Hats and Committee were stranded on a world called Keyblade Graveyard. This was by chance as they somehow escape from the world, yet left Radiant Garden vulnerable to the invaders attack. When investigating these visitors, Lawrence used some excuse to keep Nefarious away from them. Because something inside his circuits, not sure himself told him that fighting the pirates and committee is the worse decision they would make against anyone. Nefarious for the most part accepted the excuse given to him at the time, but the reappearing of those pirates and committee on this world place Lawrence in a tough spot. Where he showed his findings and told his feelings that they would have lost and the Metal Army wouldn't have lasted. Hearing from Lawrence, Nefarious is more relax about this information, the others however...
"So your telling us that if we fight these guys, we're going to beaten by some pirates?" Pete asked to affirm the statement.
"Indeed, sir." Lawrence confirm.
"FOOOOL! If we had been together they would be no match against me, THE GREATEST INVADER OF IRKAN EMPIRE!" Invader Zim.
"While that might be true, I would say your chances of victory is about 0 percent, or in your cases about 0.000000005746 percent." Lawrence argued.
"Hold on, we seem to be missing the point that your a robot just like me and those around us. Yet your afraid of some organic pirates of all things, even the humans see them as more idiotic then today humans." O'Malley said staring at Lawrence, but technically you couldn't tell since he's an robot with no face except for the purple helmet.
"They are not average pirates, I don't know this feeling but I can assure you that if we try to push them, we will be shoved or more accurately buried." Lawrence states making his point that these are not pirates they should underestimated. Yet no matter what he says, he knows their responds.
"Lawrence, if that's how you feel about these pirates, then perhaps we need to see how strong they are exactly." Nefarious then activated a digital screen that can be seen by everyone. The robot is distance away from where Luffy is rushing off, searching for more of those gems.
"That Skinny Twig is right now searching for those gems. When speaking with Cortex about those gems, he mentions that they hold untold power as much as the crystals. This means those pirate are no doubt attempting to steal the gems for themselves, forcing Crash Bandicoot to their own devices." Nefarious said grinning at his next step for their plans.
"But why would Pirates ally themselves with the bandicoots.
"That's easy." GIR said, he only remained quiet because everyone didn't like this robot for their own reasons. Mostly for annoyance, distraction and noises, which is why in order to silence GIR they had to feed it some treats. In fact they even had Lawrence give this robot constant food and whatever it desired. Making GIR for once content with itself and cause less trouble for everyone. But here he seems to be speaking as if knowing the answer, "Because Mr. Monkey face is an good pirate, all he cares about is adventuring, having fun, making friends, and finding their dreams in both sea and space. He's the best pirate there is also having fun and willing to help his friends, even help those that once were his enemies even if stubborn." When GIR finished his explanation, everyone around him laugh in mocking way.
"Your robot is such a jokester, there is no such thing as good pirates." O'Malley said still laughing.
"That's right GIR, they are evil pirates. They obviously work with those bandicoots to take more fame and fortune, obviously he's not a good pirate but a foolish boy pretending to be pirates. It's obvious he's the cabin boy with his make believe views of pirates, and they plan to steal all the treasure, you understand GIR." Zim explained to his robot companion.
"Okay, but your going to get your butts kicked." GIR comment, making Zim angry and attempt to kick GIR, only to hurt himself as he felt extreme pain from the metal.
"Hmm, I find it odd that this moron and your butler believe we would lose to pirates of all things." O'Malley comment, taking note of these two reaction and way of expressing themselves.
"Next our focus should be on those pirates, Pete go fetch our allies on the other world, if Cortex and Ripto were to work together we could find this keyhole and continue with our plans. Then we will have more allies to our growing army." Nefarious ordered Pete.
"But what about Cortex's plan? So far he has been quite secretive about his own plans, while Uka Uka is more then ready to destroy this world into darkness." Pete asked what everyone is thinking, Cortex maybe a genius of his own right, yet still has screws loose like any mad scientist. But even then everyone that knows Cortex has mention that he's being awfully quiet, even Uka Uka doesn't know what Cortex is thinking.
"Hmm, we should keep our eyes on Cortex. I feel that whatever he's planning will something drastic then all his other plans." Nefarious ordered.
"Okay, but if something goes wrong I'll send Julius to deal with those puny Pirates. He's not just for muscles you know." Pete said to Nefarious.
"You would trust a giant oaf to finish off those pirates?" Zim questioned Pete's logic, of course when it comes to Zim he underestimate everything and everyone as he doesn't understand or care about his surroundings. Some Irkens are much more uncaring when it comes to their view of superior beings, Zim just happens to be one of those arrogant types. Pete simply grinned which unnerved Zim, "Don't worry yourself, when Julius fights your worries are no longer concerned."
"With that said, we should allow these pirates to search for the gems. If they are as powerful as Cortex says, our plans can move forward ahead of schedule. Having a good power source will be necessary if our machine is to operate properly." Nefarious has ideas what he can do with these gems, with some experiment he could make multiple use for their power.
"We should at least tell them what we know, if they are pirates this shouldn't be a problem." O'Malley said.
"That is true, and pirates are always weak." Nefarious grinned, knowing they won't stop them and their plans for galaxy conquest.
Coco's Lab - Locating the Gems
"So who wants to go first?" Coco asked, everyone standing around gathered. At the moment the only one that's not here is Luffy as he's being sent to search for the gems, Aku Aku is asked to watch over him from the Straw Hats as they knew Luffy can take care of himself, yet can get lost if left to his devices.
"I'll go, bored of sitting around doing nothing." Zoro comments.
"Of course you go." Sanji muttered.
"What did you say!" Zoro and Sanji would have fought if Tifa hadn't step in before they started their argument.
"Enough! You two can do that after we save the world and kick their butts. I know this is new to you guys, but when your traveling other worlds we can't afford to make mistakes, so quiet down and get along." Tifa sternly told them off, for the Straw Hat members everyone look at this action in awe, even Robin's eyes widen at Tifa's action. Sanji is quick to respond since he's willing to listen to women quicker, but Zoro wasn't having this yet knew his boundaries. He may not admit it, but Zoro has some similar views like Sanji for protecting others even treating women with respect. Most of the time it's him trying to play off the tough guy act.
"She stop them from getting into fights!" Usopp whispered in amazement.
"So cool!" Chopper eyes widen in surprise and admiration. But among this Nami went up hugging Tifa in both admiration and appreciation, "Thank you so much big sister Tifa, you have no idea how hard it is to deal with these idiots." Nami said making Tifa and Yuffie sweat drop when thinking about their small time together on ship and on worlds.
"Yeah~" Is All Tifa could say, understanding her pain when it comes to hardheadedness. She could remember times when Cloud would be stubborn at times, Tifa would have to somehow put him in place.
"So I guess Zoro is going first?" Coco asked already knowing the answer, but wanted to make sure. When the coordinates were set, Zoro is transported more around the Wumpa islands. For the Moment they only have enough power to located small sections of islands. If there were more islands then the current three, she would have detected gems from at least 10 islands close together if possible. Aku Aku advise they at least search the islands first before heading towards the next place.
"I should go help as well, if these gems are what will help us return home, then I want help." Spyro said along with Sparx floating alongside him.
"Hold it, what happens if Zoro gets lost. He could have ended up somewhere in a desert or worse." Usopp said worried for his swordsman friend.
"Relax, it's not like he's somehow walking around the world by himself." Yuffie said, confident enough that Zoro isn't that bad in direction(Oh these poor people)
"Well there are two islands that need search, I can send both Zoro and Spyro to these islands. Since Zoro can get easily lost, he shouldn't have any worries navigating the island." Coco said, but Zoro comment with "Hey" mad that everyone thinks he gets lost, "As for Spyro, you can search through Cortex's old lair. It's abandon now with only some of his fortress remains."
"These gems most be powerful for Mask bro to hide them around the world." Franky said.
"He did say they are collection of all gems they had on their adventures. If there is that many, then there is no telling if more are hidden from this or other places." Auron said as everyone could agree there are many gems to find and many to collect once more.
"In that case I should go as well, Me, Leon and Auron can collect those gems as quickly as possible." Cloud step up to volunteer, Leon and Auron agreed since they wanted to make sure they are pick up before Cortex finds them.
"Hold on, maybe it's best you three stay behind for now. We're knew to Cortex and his allies, and judging by our captain's fight with that stone creature, Cortex might be stepping up his plans, your the best fighters in the committee and should be used as last resort." Robin stated, the three swordsman understood what Robin is saying and realize that they had no idea what Cortex is like and how he would react to them.
"You have a point, but that leaves two more volunteers to search for those gems." Leon said.
"We'll go." Aerith volunteer herself and Yuffie while holding her hand up.
"Huh?! Wait I didn't-"
"Okay, then we have the coordinates let's get too it." With Leon's command, Coco input the coordinates where each of the members could search for the gems. Both Zoro and Spyro would search the two islands N. Sanity and Cortex's Abandon areas. Sanji tried to go with Aerith and Yuffie but rejected instantly as they are transported along with Sanji elsewhere around the world. Now that they are transported, it's a matter of time until they encounter more of Cortex's allies.
Wumpa Island - Luffy's adventure
Now searching for the gems, it won't be as easy as the last one. If anything it will take pure luck to find the gems, or better yet guidance from someone who knows about them. With Aku Aku as his guide, the gems have been somewhat easy to locate, not the color gems but the silver/gray ones that are place in locations Aku Aku had left them. Every now and then he would find something exciting to explore, leaving Aku Aku shaking his mask head as he tries to get Luffy on task.
"Your very curious aren't you?" Aku Aku said.
"Well this reminds me of my times in the jungle, besides it's not everyday you travel worlds and have cool adventure." Luffy stated.
"You like going on adventures don't you?" Aku Aku asked, but knew the answer yet wanted to hear from his side of the story.
"Me and my Nakama have gone to many places. I know that even if I tried doing things myself, I could have never made it far without them by my side." Luffy took a moment to grab his straw hat and look at it, "I promise to someone year back, and one day we'll see each other again. But with these worlds, there are just many more adventures to have." Luffy place his Straw Hat on his back once more. Aku Aku couldn't help smile at his adventurous spirit, it's no wonder him and Crash could get along easily. While Luffy is a pirate and loves adventure, Crash likes to have fun and makes things crazy at times. Similar traits with two different outlooks in life.
When they arrived, they found the first gem located at some tribe land. There at one of the huts is the gem located, yet before they could retrieve this gem, they are interrupted by Heartless boss. Yet this one is similar to the Mutate Banes, but is now larger then average types. In fact it's about 25 feet tall, with flame like rings on the arms and legs close to the hands and feet. It's head is on fire with some Tiki mask as the face and yellow eyes in spiral, underneath the eyes appears like drawn smile zigzag. The body is all purple, has some weird neckless and heartless symbol on the chest. The hands and feet appear like some burned up from fire, yet still burns without stop. This is known as FIRE BANE.
"Whoa, that thing is on fire!" Luffy exclaimed.
"Careful Luffy, I feel this thing wants the gem." True to Aku Aku words, the Fire Bane grab one of the hunts, yet it burned while in it's grasp. Luffy is surprise while Aku Aku watch with caution.
"Hmm, that things made of fire." Luffy stated, while not always bright in battles he can see and plan for fighting tactics of his own. While in some fights it takes Luffy time to figure out how to beat his opponents, he still learns and gain experience from them and knows what to do next time. Which is odd considering he still as dumb as he normally is, yet smart in battles when necessary.
"It would appear so, but it seems less focus on you and more so on the gems." Proven his point the heartless started to search more of the huts, Luffy then look around and saw a bolder he could use to attack the heartless. When he grab the bolder, he used all his strength and toss it towards the heartless. This brought it's attention on Luffy roaring in anger at what happen. Throwing a fist at Luffy's direction, it created a fireball like fist that surprise them and force Luffy to run while dodging the attack. This happen for at least 5 times as the Heartless was relentless at the assault. The jungle around them started to burn as the Heartless continue attacking Luffy by marching towards him and slam it's fist down, creating a shockwave made of fire. All the huts are then destroyed as the gem revealed itself to everyone seeing the gem.
"We have to stop it." Aku Aku said, Luffy already knew this and charge at the heartless ready to attack.
gomu gomu no Rifle
When his attack connected the Heartless felt a shock of pain from the back, resulted in it fell face forward on the ground. But Luffy also felt himself burning as his arm is covered in flames from just touching the heartless. Luffy rolled around on the ground screaming "Ow, hot" a bunch of times. After much time pass, the fire stop burning yet his hand is now blacken from the burning sensation.
"Luffy are you okay?" Aku Aku asked worried for him.
"Damn, that heart thing really got me good." Luffy said looking at his burnt arm. When looking at the heartless in question, it stood up and ready itself to attack once more. Now more angry then before, it brought the two arms back and launch them shooting like some flamethrower like attack. Luffy quickly dodge and tried to avoid the attack, yet as he did the heartless change tactics and place both hands on the ground, resulting into towers of fire shot from the ground at random. At the point the jungle near them is burning like crazy and Luffy has to somehow defeat it before more damage is done.
"This one is strong." Luffy comment to himself, while Aku Aku stood floated away from battle. Luffy look at his arm once more, and knew that if he's going to beat this thing then he'll give up his arms to stop it. Luffy then charge once more as the heartless once more stood up, using it's arm to fire another fireball. But misses as Luffy ran on his right side and jump high up with his one leg stretch up.
gomu gomu no Battle Axe
The Heartless barely hit it's target when throwing another fireball at Luffy, yet is struck just in time as it flew past Luffy's left side feeling the heat from the heartless. Once more Luffy felt himself burning, yet instead of stopping continued the assault and struck once more Gomu gomu no Spear Striking the head this time forcing the Heartless into a daze state. Luffy fell towards the ground, first trying to rub out the fire. Then with much will and determination stood up once more. Then with the same technique as his Gatling gun, he threw his fist a bunch of times but didn't land his mark on purpose. His fist started to heat up like the fire attack and with some seconds passing launch his attack at the heartless.
gomu gomu no cannon
By the time the heartless is aware of the situation, it was too late as Luffy once more struck with full force forcing the heartless back flew some yards away as it fell on it's back. The heartless is then defeated as some pink heart floated towards the sky vanishing from thin air. After the fight is done, a storm appear as if the world knew about the fight and provided help for taking away the fire surrounding Luffy and Aku Aku.
"I can't help but be amaze by your strength. If you were living on this world, cortex would have change his way long already." Aku Aku compliment Luffy, also thinking of the times when Cortex went too far when someone like Luffy could have stop him.
"Nah, I'm sure Crash had things handled. Besides, we don't stay at one place too long, we're pirates." Luffy said smirking. Picking up the gem, they now head towards the next location as more gems are still around.
Cortex's base - Teleportation Room
"I have sense them scattered around the world, currently there are at least six of them spread out across the world, two more are around the Wumpa Islands, and the rest scattered about. If I were to guess they are not only searching for the gems, but possibly the keyhole. If they find it before us, this world will still remain. Which is why I will send you across the world where they have been spotted and you will deal with them personally." Uka Uka explained to those located in the room. Right now they are one member short with Papu Papu having not reported back or even say where he's located. Uka Uka can assume he not only failed, but has abandon the mission fully. Yet among the crowd the only one's that haven't gathered are the Doctors. Most of them are working on their own projects and allow the grunts to work the laballoring task for them.
"Tiny cannot wait to start fighting, Tiny will squash them bandicoots." Tiny Tiger said eager to get started.
"And you will have your chance, thanks to Nefarious own spy drones we have an idea and location of their whereabouts." Uka Uka showed five screens of individual on different parts of the world. Two of them are recognize as Wumpa Islands, while the other locations are places that haven't been explore or once visited.
"That Sssssswordsman seem interesting, we the Komodo Brothers will deal with him." Joe said as his brother agreed as well.
"Hmm, that fancy suit wearing guy has some nice clothes, I could use a new wardrobe to impress my babe." Pinstripe Potoroo said, while also thinking of his girlfriend he likes back home.
"Tiny claims that small dragon fellow, me Tiny wants to fight it." Tiny Tiger said with excitement.
"Yes, it seems Spyro had been transported to this world. No doubt my naive brother had somehow saved him and brought that dragon to this world. I would advise caution when facing this dragon, he is stronger then he looks." Uka Uka warned, Tiny saluted in response. Then Ripper Roo shouted with noise and jumped where Yuffie is located as his way saying that's his target. While no one understand his insane laughing, Uka Uka can at least tell what he desires.
"Looks like I get the pretty lady in that dress, quite a shame really. But the job has to be done mate." Dingodile said with both confidents and some regret.
"Then you know your task. Find them and do not fail me as Papu Papu has before you." Uka Uka command, everyone soon transported to their location while those remain left the chambers. Uka Uka then thought about Cortex and how he has been lately keeping things secretive from him. If there is one thing Uka Uka will not tolerate is backstabbing. If Cortex is planning something behind his back after many years working together, heads will roll.
And that's that. The Metal Army are starting to realize their enemies and will take things serious. But with the Straw Hats being pirates maybe their advantage or their doom. Tune in next time as the gem hunt is picking up and more gems are being found by the dozen.
Heartless Types:
Fire Bane - Is an boss type heartless, unlike the Mutate Bane it's not only bigger and stronger. But also has more fire power then it's brethren, it's extremely dangerous and very hothead both in figuratively and literally speaking. This makes it even worse with the amount of attacks it can use with only fire strikes from distance or up close. The only weakness would be water and ice attacks if anyone has them. Fire Bane is one of the many varieties that can command mutate bane heartless and attack with viciousness because of the element it commands.
Character Profile:
Roronoa Zoro: Is the First Mate and Swordsman of the crew, he has been around longer then any other members since the start of their journey. When first met with Luffy he was about to be killed by the marines in a complicate situation. First being when protecting a little girl from a wild animal ready to attack, Zoro killed the animal only for the son of the captain to make some deal with Zoro if he can survive for certain amount of days without food or water, he would release him and not charge him for killing his pet. This spoiled boy abuse his position of power and the father wasn't any better, this only change when Luffy unofficially help Zoro escape and attack the marines, more specially to fight the captain at the marine base. Once rescue him and Luffy made a deal where he joined the crew only to help achieve his dream of world's greatest swordsman in the world. Since then they are officially a two man pirate crew sailing in a dingy and look for more members to join.
He is 19 years old and is former bounty hunter before becoming a pirate to save his life and willingness to help Luffy achieve his dream. As Bounty Hunter he gain a reputation of an demon like monster that hunted outlaws, but also used toe money to feed himself with the necessary supplies every person needs. He like drinking alcohol as much that his liver has to be made of steel to survive this much drinking. While not easily drunk, he also sleeps most of the time. More then likely doesn't know how to pass the time since when your a bounty hunter on your own, you have to somehow entertain yourself on certain points. For his dream to be achieve he needs to defeat the current world greatest swordsman named Dracule Mihawk, the current greatest swordsman in the world. This made from a promise long ago to achieve this dream for both of them, yet before meeting this would be impossible as Zoro lack of direction is legendary if not ridiculous as Luffy's own personality, but his 3 sword style helps with the third sword in his mouth.
Now as part of the crew, Zoro has encounter many swordsmen. Accepting their one on one challenge as each fight brought a unique if not annoying styles of sword duels. Many who have heard of Zoro wants to defeat him and claim fame for themselves. But once entering the Grandline things got tougher and more tricky with his battles, one of them is Kaku of CP9 that had kidnap Robin at the time. He has taken position as second in command when the crew has to operate without Luffy around. Him and Sanji are also both rival and sometimes annoyed by each other. Yet working together their strength is equally unmatched. One of his weakness is his heavy reliance in three sword style attacks. This is both rare and yet hinderance to achieve his dreams as some situation forces Zoro to his usual two swords or one sword style(This being his weakest form of sword fighting style). With the new ship he now has personal space for training and lookout for the crew ahead. With his growing fame, Zoro earned his first bounty when fighting 100 bounty hunters working for Crocodile, gaining 60 Million Beri bounty. Then gain more with the defeat of Kaku of CP9, earning a total of 120 Million beri bounty that is somewhat improved compare to Luffy.
Now taking their adventures in space, Zoro wants to test his skills against other swordsman from other worlds. While wanting to return home, the idea of not only world's greatest swordsman of not just one, but all worlds interest him. Before their adventure began they were attack by someone from another world, when holding a strange object it teleported by Zoro's desire to confront those attacking them. The irony of this has resulted in adventuring more worlds using magic and abilities the others could learn and get stronger on their trip. With the committee by their side, they will not only travel to return them home, but face forces of darkness known as heartless along the way.
Cloud Strife - One of the members of the Committee and somewhat serious individual like Leon but with strong silent type personality. For most of his time he usually hang out or takes on jobs even if they are simpler task. As part of the committee he along with Auron and Leon are the best swordsmen fighters with certain magic abilities. Leon is more on fire magic, Cloud with lightning magic and Auron with wind magic. Cloud is also in relationship with his girlfriend Tifa who is also a strong fighter like him, but uses her own fist instead. The two have been together throw thick and thin having face many challenges before until now.
While in the past he has some relationship with Aerith, but not in romantic way as with Tifa. More so it's to watch out for her while someone else is away for the time being, he's about the same age as Leon and has been part of the committee for sometime. He carry the buster sword on his back, extremely heavy yet powerful when wielded with great strength and skill to back him up. When action is needed Cloud will counter attack those that strike him or his friends. Yet there is also great darkness inside him as someone from his past will always haunt his life. This is due to how he gain strength and is not something Cloud's not proud of telling.
As of now with them adventuring at other worlds, Cloud at first is cautious with the pirates. But as they venture other worlds he starts to trust and respect them as friends. One of them he can relate more is Zoro, both are silent people but can speak when necessary. All four of them him, Leon, Auron and Zoro are the best swordsmen that sails the black seas. While Leon is leader of the group, Cloud can sometimes take charge when necessary. But rather follow others instead of leading others in situations.