After overcoming the Knock Up Stream, the Straw Hats were free to enjoy the results of their efforts. The sea of clouds was truly fascinating and they could only wonder what Skypiea itself was like...
''Can't wait till we get there, this is so cool!'' Luffy beamed.
''I'm glad some of us are enjoying this.'' Usopp muttered darkly.
Robin spared him an amused look ''Thinking about your close call?'' He slumped and nodded. ''Well, let's be thankful that was all that happened. After all, you could have actually tried to swim. I have to wonder what it'd be like...quite a view to find before falling from such a great height. They do say life flashes before one's eyes when they die...''
''Seriously, stop!'' He cut in, paling. ''Why do you have to put those images in my head?!''
Nami gave the girl an odd look. This was not the first time they heard such comments from her so she couldn't help point something out. ''...You have one morbid imagination, Robin.''
''I love thrills.'' She answered with a smile.
''And I love your taste, Robin-chwan!'' Sanji exclaimed, making Nami roll her eyes.
''Say, Nami-are we getting close?'' Luffy wanted to know.
She checked the Log Pose and nodded ''We should be there soon.''
''All right!''
''Miguel?'' The quartermaster blinked and looked at Chopper, who was staring at him curiously. ''What's up? You've been really quiet.''
''I was thinking...about the Knock Up Stream...'' He admitted, leaving them curious. ''...it didn't just send us up, there was plenty of debris back when we first wound up here. That thing's like a natural disaster, if it pops up in random places like Cricket said than it could've sent up other areas too.''
Nami, Sanji, Chopper and Robin caught on to his line of thinking. The cook spoke up ''Hey, that's smart...I think it's pretty possible.''
Luffy and Usopp seemed confused but Zoro remembered something odd from Jaya ''Wait, then the old man's house...''
Miguel nodded ''Looking at all we've seen so far had me thinking...it might be up there.''
''So Cricket really was just looking in the wrong place all along...'' Nami trailed off, smiling. ''...looks like this trip will be even more interesting than it seems...''
The crew's peaceful sailing soon came to an abrupt end...
''Sky Island's scary...'' Usopp whimpered as Chopper tried to comfort him.
They had just encountered a school of rather odd fish, they were sharks but awfully thin ones. Luffy and the others were easily able to handle them, not think much of it. In fact, Sanji wasted no time in cooking the fish while the others examined another one.
''I figured things would be different up here but this?'' Zoro idly poked the fish with a puzzled look.
''It really is weird.'' Nami agreed, tilting her head. ''It's so light...I wonder if they changed because of this sea...''
''Hey, try this!'' Sanji held up a plate of the fish he just cooked. ''It's really good!''
Nami perked up at she tried a piece ''Oh, you're right!''
Luffy seemed just as pleased ''Sanji makes everything taste great!''
''No arguments here.'' Miguel agreed.
The cook puffed up his chest ''Glad to know some people appreciate talent.''
''Oh, please. He's got enough of an ego as it were, guys. Don't make it worse.'' Zoro scoffed.
''What was that?!''
And another scuffle began...
''...Is this ever going to get old for them?'' Usopp sweatdropped as the cook and swordsman glowered at each other.
''It'd be weird if they suddenly get all nice with each other.'' Luffy commented.
Nami blinked ''...Now that you mention it, I can't imagine that at all...''
''Uh, guys?'' The three looked at Chopper, who had started looking around the area with their telescope. ''...I think we've got trouble!''
Before anyone could react, a fast moving figure arrived at the ship. A muscular man with a pair of tiny wings on his back wearing a horned mask dashed through the clouds.
''What do you want?!'' Luffy called.
''To destroy you!'' was the answer.
''What?!'' Usopp and Chopper cried in alarm. Why?! They'd just arrived, why was anyone out to kill them?
Before long, Luffy, Zoro and Sanji attacked the stranger. However, their moves were sluggish and he was skilled, enabling him to fight the three together. He pointed his bazooka at the ship once he pushed them back but he was repelled when Miguel cast an Ark Shield that protected both Merry and the trio.
Miguel cast Pleaides to push him back, taking him by surprise and forcing him to defend himself. He glanced back at Luffy and the others, who were panting. He didn't know what was wrong but this was not the time to ask. For now, he'd just focus on giving them time to recuperate.
The man made to fire another blast but Miguel thought fast, requipping his wind sword and using its power to raise strong gusts that almost threw the enemy off balance. The man quickly grabbed his weapon just before it fell, scowling.
''Hey, what'd we do to you?!'' Sanji demanded.
Ignoring him, the man continued his attack and Miguel flew off to meet him head on with Meteor. With a swift use of Gravity magic, he was able to throw the man back and strike him with Gale Maw. Miguel kept up the fight, though he couldn't go all out in this situation. Since he had time to think, Miguel had a guess of what was wrong with his friends. If he was right, it was best to stick with magic for the time being.
The man grunted, pulling himself up just as Miguel created a bow and arrow of starlight. He fired a shot but the man flew away in time.
''Gah, that was close!'' Usopp moaned.
But Miguel remained calm, merely willing more power to the arrow. It shone with a bright golden light, temporarily blinding the man. He seized the chance to trap him with Telekinesis, leaving the man stunned.
''I don't know what your story is but we have no problem with anyone here. We just arrived so while I will make sure you go down if you hurt my friends. I won't fight if you leave us alone.'' He said at last.
''Wait, but...'' Luffy started.
''Luffy, if we just take down anyone we run into, we'll be no better than him. There's no need to fight if we don't have to.'' The former cut in.
The teen blinked, surprised but he nodded in agreement. He liked his fights a lot but he wasn't about to go trying to kill people just because-that was lousy.
Sanji kept his eye on the stranger ''You heard him-what'll it be? Keep in mind that you're plenty out numbered here.''
He guessed the man must have seen that too-for he gave a grudging nod, putting the bazooka away. Miguel cancelled the spell, allowing him to leave, vowing that he won't forget this.
Zoro grunted, sheathing his swords ''You're way too nice, Miguel, I swear...''
''At least he actually did something!'' Nami interrupted. ''What was with you three earlier anyway? You practically fell apart!''
''...It's the air, right? It's really different since we're all the way up here.'' Chopper stated, stopping the former's angry retort.
''Yeah...'' The swordsman looked annoyed. ''...it caught us off guard; we were winded before we even knew it.'' To Miguel, he added. ''But you noticed too, huh? That's why you held back.''
The quartermaster nodded ''Anyway, I don't know if I'd call that being nice...I just don't think we should go picking fights with people here if we don't even know what we're in for. We should be careful.''
''Now that's good thinking.'' Robin said approvingly. ''We haven't even arrived at Skypiea after all. Who knows what awaits us there...''
A short while later, they had another visitor...
''Ah, I found you.''
The crew looked on in surprise as an old man with a long white mustache and beard flew to them. He wore metal armor and rode on a large pink bird with red polka dots and horn-like ears. Now given their previous encounter, they were left understandably wary of this man. But he only smiled ''Now, now-no need for concern...I only came to talk.''
Usopp crossed his arms ''Who are you?''
''You may call me the Sky Knight and this is my partner Pierre.''
''What do you want with us?''
''As I said, I only came to talk. I noticed you earlier when that masked warrior found your ship. I intended to help but it seems your friend...'' He nodded at Miguel. ''...had it under control. Speaking of which, I actually wanted to thank you-young man.''
Miguel gave him a questioning look and the Sky Knight explained ''I didn't think I'd see anyone handling that situation in such a manner. But you did the right thing, that man is just someone who suffered from our failures. He and his people lost too much.'' Before they could question this, he carried on. ''You were right; fighting wouldn't have solved a thing. He attacked you because the last Blue Sea people who came here caused plenty of trouble to go around with. I imagine he assumed you would be the same.''
''Wait, what'd you call us?'' Chopper blinked.
''Oh, that's what we call people from below the clouds.'' The Sky Knight returned. ''I overheard some of what you were saying earlier-that's why you were having trouble breathing, yes? It can be troublesome for newcomers.''
''What do you mean? I'm fine now.'' Luffy stated while Sanji nodded.
''Same here.'' Zoro added.
He seemed taken aback but quickly responded ''No, no, you see that's not possible...''
''Those three are monsters, logic doesn't apply to them.'' Nami informed with a dismissive wave of the hand.
The Sky Knight blinked curiously but seemed to decide to let it go ''I...see. Now, if you don't mind me asking-how did you come here?''
''We rode the Knock Up Stream.'' Robin replied.
His eyes went wide ''My word...! To think there are still people brave enough to use that monstrous current...''
''Wait, you mean there really could've been another way?'' Usopp cut in, proceeding to shake Luffy's shoulders. ''Dammit, Luffy, it's all because you're so impatient! I lost years of my life because of that thing...!''
''Hey, we're all fine now. Why are you complaining?''
''Why is that your response for everything?!''
''Now, now...'' The Sky Knight tried for a calming tone. ''...yes, there are other ways to reach Skypiea but none of them are nearly as forgiving.''
''Forgiving?'' Sanji blinked, thinking he couldn't have heard that right.
Nami was of a similar mind ''There was nothing forgiving about that awful current!''
''I'm afraid it only gets worse. You see, the other routes could've more likely killed at least half your crew, if not all of it.'' The Sky Knight informed, shocking them. ''With the Stream, either all of you survive or none at all.''
The crew took a moment to absorb that as the Sky Knight told them a bit about this sea, the White Sea. There was also the Great White Sea, where Skypiea was.
The fact that the Knock Up Stream was considered the lesser of two evils was more than a little unnerving to most of them. Just what were those other routes like?
''You truly are courageous sailors.'' The man praised.
Luffy beamed at this while Usopp looked proud, making Nami jab him in the side. ''And what exactly did you do? Besides cower and wail enough for all of Jaya to hear you?''
''Hey!'' The sniper flushed for a moment, glaring at her. ''What did you do, huh? You were scared too!''
''No, duh-but I can at least admit it!'' She shot back, silencing him.
The Sky Knight cleared his throat ''Now as for the other reason I'm here, I want to give you this.'' He produced a whistle. ''I will come to your aid if you blow on it. The first service is free but from then on, it'd be fifty millions extols.''
Sanji blinked ''Is that the currency here?''
''Why yes, one berri is 10,000 extols in fact. Till we meet again!'' And with that, the man flew off.
''...He really was weird.'' Luffy remarked at last.
''You don't get to call anyone weird.'' Usopp deadpanned. ''But hey, we're good to!''
''I'll use it!''
''No, I will!''
''Forget it; I need this more than the both of you!''
Zoro walked over to find Usopp, Chopper and Nami arguing over the whistle. ''So...what're they doing?''
Robin seemed amused ''It seems they're squabbling about who gets to keep the whistle. All of them are of the opinion that they would need the Sky Knight's help the most.''
He rolled his eyes ''Oh, brother...''
''I'll protect you, Nami-swan!'' Sanji declared gallantly ''I'll always be there for you!''
But the three ignored him, continuing their argument. Sanji looked on in dismay at the utter dismissal from the navigator, who hadn't even looked at him.
Miguel tried to comfort the disheartened cook, patting his shoulder as he spoke ''Hey, you tried...you can just prove what you said later.''
Sanji perked up, deciding he could work with that ''Yeah!''
''I need it more!'' Usopp cried.
''You're not getting it!'' Nami retorted.
''I want to be the one to blow it!'' Chopper stated.
Nami wasn't about to be deterred ''I'm the weakest here-I need it to be safe. I'm a delicate girl!''
''No, you're not-I am! I wouldn't last a day out there!'' Usopp countered
''Let me have it, I need it more. I'm the weakest here!'' Chopper argued.
''...Are they really fighting about who's the weakest?'' Zoro asked incredulously as the three went on in a similar vein.
Miguel sighed and nodded ''There's a first time for everything...''
Luffy just laughed ''You guys sure are funny!''
''We're worried about our safety-how is that funny?!'' Chopper demanded.
''Okay, okay, enough.'' Miguel cut in, walking between the three. ''You guys are being ridiculous. You're not weak-you'll all be fine without that thing. But if you're this determined, just hang it up or something. We'll use it if necessary.''
''...That's fair.'' Nami conceded and the other two nodded after a moment.
''Finally, some sense.'' Zoro muttered, shaking his head. ''But seriously Nami, you-delicate? That's one word I'll never use with you.''
No one was surprised when the navigator swiftly punched him hard in return, making him fall down. Usopp gave him a pitying look ''Seriously, what did you expect?''
At the moment though, most of the crew couldn't help but think that she was proving Zoro's point...
They arrived at a gold and white elaborate gate, the name Heaven's Gate was carved at its base. There was an old woman who took pictures with a strange camera. She introduced herself as Amazon, the gate inspector and asked what their business. Some of the possibilities she offered were sight-seeing and strangely enough, war-mongering.
Chopper blinked-war mongering? She seemed to really mean that too... ''Did she just say...?''
Nami nodded ''Well, we already knew this place was weird.''
''We're here to go to Skypiea!'' Luffy informed. ''It's past this place, right?''
The woman confirmed, stating that it made no difference to her but they had to pay seven billions extols to go any further.
''Wait, wait, seven billion extols?!'' Usopp gaped.
''How much is that in beri's?'' Miguel wondered.
''Well, that man said it one beri was ten thousand extols so...Seven hundred thousand.'' Robin answered.
''We have to pay that much just for entry? What kind of rules are these?!'' Sanji demanded.
''Who was that kind of money on hand anyway?'' Zoro muttered, shaking his head.
''There's no way we can pay that much-what do we do?'' Usopp wondered.
Nami frowned and looked at Amazon ''...So what happens if we don't pay?''
''You can still pass.''
''Huh?! Then what's the point of this?'' She cried.
''My job is just to ask for your intentions-I certainly won't try to stop you.'' Amazon returned, clearly amused.
''...Something's definitely fishy here.'' Usopp decided. ''I don't like the look in her eyes. Nami, Miguel-can't you guys...''
''Don't even think about it!'' The first cut in sharply. Just because they were the ones who handled the crew's finances, didn't mean they had the money to spare for something like this. What kind of place forces people to pay so much anyway? Was this some kind of joke?
''That might be too much, Usopp.'' Miguel started. He wouldn't mind but as it were he doubted he'd have enough on his own.
The girl nodded "Forget it."
Luffy spoke up ''We can just go then, it'll be fine.''
''Luffy, wait!'' Usopp called but Amazon nodded, heading to open the gate...
The first thing they saw was an island made of clouds, all around were buildings-some of which looked quite nice and roads made of colorful clouds. There even smaller clouds that held thing like shops and several large roads made of clouds that lead to smaller islands-all over it was amazing.
''Wooow!'' Chopper cried, his eyes shining at the beautiful sight.
He wasted no time in joining Luffy and Usopp the second Merry stopped at the cloudy beach. The three quickly began playing with the snowy white clouds. Sanji noticed flowers nearby which he got for the girls. Luffy picked up a strange green fruit from one of the trees but found that it was too hard for him to eat.
Chopper bounced off a particularly soft cloud, almost bumping into Zoro. The swordsman quickly caught him and placed him down. Giving him a grateful smile, the little doctor took off-joining the others as they continued playing with the clouds.
''They're sure living it up.'' Zoro remarked.
''Ah, let them have their fun. Can't blame them for being excited now. Isn't it about time we find something nice for all the trouble we've been through?'' Miguel smiled.
''Yeah, this is the sort of thing that makes our struggles worthwhile.'' Nami agreed happily.
''An angel!'' They heard Sanji call. ''This place must be heaven, there's a real angel!''
Confused, they followed the cook's line of sight to find a girl with long blond hair and miniature wings on her back playing a harp. A solid white fox with a bushy tail sat next to her. She seemed surprised upon noticing but gave a soft, welcoming smile ''Heso...are you from the Blue Sea World?''
''Is that what you call it here? We sailed up a river of clouds.'' Luffy returned with a friendly smile.
''After riding the scariest current ever...'' Chopper trailed off.
''Scary current? Wait, you don't mean the Knock Up Stream?'' The girl looked amazed when he nodded. ''My...I never thought there were still people brave enough to face it-even people from other islands would tend to avoid it if possible.''
''Wait, so there are other islands around here?'' Miguel queried, wondering if they might have missed one earlier.
''Oh, they are a bit far out, I'm afraid. We use boats to reach them but this is one of the biggest Sky Islands.' 'The girl returned. ''Welcome to Skypiea's Angel Beach. My name is Conis and my little friend here is Su.'' The fox gave a little yip, its tail wigging.
''Thank you! It was hard getting here but seeing your beautiful face makes it all worth it!'' Sanji beamed.
Nami pushed him aside, knowing he was going to keep waxing eloquent about the girl. She really had no patience for his antics at the moment. Introducing herself and the crew, the navigator carried on ''Say, you mind if we ask a few questions?''
''Of course not...'' Conis noticed the fruit in Luffy's hand. ''...ah, how about I help you open that?''
He perked up ''You can?''
She proceeded to show them that you had to cut through the underside of the fruit to really eat it. Luffy beamed at the great taste and Usopp quickly took it to try some. Nami proceeded to ask a couple of questions about the island which Conis readily answered.
Luffy noticed a man riding a strange looking vehicle coming up to them ''Whoa, what's that?''
''Hey, isn't he coming up fast?'' Usopp stepped back.
Fortunately, the man managed to stop just before them. He was almost bald with strange antennae just like Conis had and a round beard. Conis smiled ''Father.''
He smiled back ''Hello, Conis. Friends of yours?''
Conis' father, Pagaya, proved to be just as kind and welcoming as his daughter. Since they hit off so well, the man happily invited the crew to lunch.
While Sanji and Pagaya prepared the meal, Nami took the chance to use the device Pagaya (which was called a Waver) riding away on the cloudy sea.
''That looks like fun!'' Chopper remarked as he watched her.
''Apparently, that's one of the main means they get around here. It seems like quite a useful method, don't you think?'' Robin mused, recalling what Pagaya told them earlier. He nodded in agreement.
In the meantime, Miguel and Usopp told Conis about what happened leading to their arrival. She listened with growing fascination ''You've certainly had quite the adventures from the sound. But really...the Stream sounds every bit as frightening as I've heard.''
''Trust me, words can't describe it.'' Usopp said flatly.
The sniper noticed Zoro stop and stare at something on a table ''What's up?''
''...I could've sworn I saw a few things like this back when we were in that ship.'' He stated, gesturing at an object on the table. ''They were damaged but...yeah, it's pretty similar.''
''This was on the sunken ship? Then its crew really must have been here...'' Conis trailed off, noticing their curious looks. ''...ah, that's a Dial-you see. Dials are made of the remains of a particularl shellfish which can store energy and matter. We use them for many things. The shellfish used are gathered from the shallows of the White White Sea. You just apply pressure to the other side of the dial and they store things for a long time.''
''Now that sounds handy...'' Miguel trailed off, intrigued.
''No kidding! Hey, Conis-you know where we can get some of these?'' Usopp inquired.
''Oh, it's quite easy. But if you're interested, there's a place not that far from here...''
''All right!''
''Luffy?''
The teen blinked and looked back at Miguel ''You've been pretty quiet-everything okay?''
''Yeah, just wondering...we made it here...'' The rubber teen started. ''...can't we tell the old timer and his monkey buddies that this place really does exist?''
Miguel was surprised, admitting that he hadn't thought of that ''Good question. After all the trouble they're going through...especially Cricket...if anyone deserves to know it's them.''
''Exactly! I really wanna show them or something but I dunno how...'' Luffy trailed off, clearly frustrated.
The latter gave a small smile ''Then let's figure it out-we've got some time. The more heads in this, the better, right?''
''Yup, thanks!'' Luffy beamed.
They enjoyed the food and began getting to know their new Skypiean friends. The only damper on the situation was that Nami had yet to return...
Conis and Pagaya appeared the most troubled and the crew could hear them express their concerns about the navigator's whereabouts.
''Navigator-chan seemed to be doing well on that waver so she's likely just having fun. Is there any particular place she shouldn't go?'' Robin inquired.
''Well, we don't get visitors often so she should be fine in general...'' Pagaya said slowly.
Zoro's eyes narrowed, knowing there was more to this ''But?'' He prompted.
''...but we're worried that she might have reached Upper Yard.'' The man admitted. ''No one is allowed there no matter. It's sacred ground, you see, God lives there.''
''Wait, God as in the...real thing?!'' Chopper's mouth fell.
''God is the Almighty Eneru. He lives on the island next door.'' Conis' expression seemed fearful. ''This place is called Godland Skypiea. He's powerful and truly omniscient, always aware of everything that goes on around here.''
''W-what?!'' Usopp seemed unnerved. ''Wait, he can't be the actual thing...r-right?''
''Of course not.'' Zoro said with a snort, surprising him and Chopper. ''I don't see any proof about any of this but it doesn't matter. Everyone's free to follow their own beliefs.''
''What do you make of this?'' Robin looked curiously at Luffy. When he didn't respond, she tried again. ''Captain-san?''
Usopp raised an eye and he approached the teen ''...Oh, no-don't start! I know that look on your face...''
But Luffy was clearly not listening ''...A place where we're not supposed to go, no matter...''
''Don't even think about it!'' Usopp shook him by the shoulders. ''You don't even care about helping Nami-you just want to fulfill your twisted desire to go because people said not to. You're going to get us in trouble!''
''Oh, come on-I wouldn't do that. Do you really think I'm the type of guy who'd do something like that?'' Luffy said in a very unconvincing manner.
And fittingly, none of his friends were fooled.
Miguel gave him a flat look ''Who do you think you're kidding?''
''You totally would go, Luffy!'' Chopper added pointedly, making the teen harrumph and look away.
''Wait, so what's going to happen to Nami-san? What happens to those who go to Upper Yard?'' Sanji asked quickly.
''That's just it-anyone who goes to Upper Yard is killed.'' Pagaya informed worriedly.
''What?!''
''What kind of god is that supposed to be?'' Luffy asked, frowning.
''Don't talk like that-you remember what Conis said. He can everything that goes on around here.'' The man returned.
Zoro knew the rest of the crew was skeptic as he was there. Except ''...Is that some kind of magic?''
''Maybe...'' He looked at Miguel, wondering if the latter would know something about this. ''...I mean, you can sense stuff with your earth sword. You think it could be anything like that?''
''I'm not sure...but I've never heard of any magic that does something like that...'' The latter trailed off.
The sniper had a thought ''Wait, are there even any wizards or witches here?''
''A few used to come a long time ago.'' Conis informed.
Pagaya tilted his head ''Does this mean you're a wizard, Miguel-kun?'' The young man nodded. ''I see-I've heard of a couple of times where wizards came in recent years. The first time was just before things changed-now that I think about it. I was wondering if you know something about one of them...''
''Come out, right now!'' A voice from outside bellowed.
Surprised, everyone looked out the window to find a group of men in uniforms gathered around the house.
They were Sergeant McKinley and his group, the White Berets. A group of enforcers that worked for Eneru-apparently, they were here to arrest the crew. Conis and Pagaya were alarmed to learn that they were criminals, not expecting that in the least. But McKinley explained how Amazon told them about the crew, which was when things began to make sense...
''This must be about that ridiculous fee.'' Miguel grimaced.
''Yes, I didn't give it much thought since she seemed so lax about it but...'' Robin started.
Zoro scowled ''...that must have been the trap.''
''That's totally unfair! Amazon didn't say it was important!'' Chopper exclaimed.
''Don't make excuses!'' McKinley barked. ''However, we White Berets are forgiving. Everything will be fine if you pay the fee now.''
The doctor seemed relieved ''Really? Wait, how much was it again?''
''Originally, it's seven billion extols. But you're being punished for illegal entry so you must pay 10,000000 extols. I believe it's one million berri by your world's currency.''
''What? No way!''
Sanji and Zoro's expressions made it clear that they had no intention to go along with this. Usopp quickly stepped in before they could start trouble ''Hold on, hold on-there's no need for this! Miguel can't you...?''
''Their prices are unreasonable. I can't manage that.''
He groaned ''Then let's wait for Nami! Maybe with you both...''
Zoro snorted ''Good luck trying to get her to go along with this.''
Unfortunately, things just kept getting worse from here. Despite what McKinley said, the White Berets seemed awfully eager to condemn them for anything.
This was quickly proven when Zoro cut down a Sky Fish that almost hurt Conis, making the man charge him for it. Sanji almost kicked the man for not caring that Conis got hurt, only to be stopped by Usopp, who was determined to keep peace. It turned out that even things like snoring got people charged here. Whatever the charge was, McKinley merely reasoned it was their law.
Luffy scowled ''Usopp, lay off! Those jerks aren't going to listen anyway!''
But the latter was firm ''We'll be fine-we don't have to fight!''
Robin shook her head ''They're clearly set against us. This isn't going to work like you want it to.''
She was quickly proven right when Nami arrived moments later. Luffy quickly told her what was going on and her response?
She rammed McKinley with the Waver.
''Are you nuts?! No way in hell!''
McKinley pulled himself up with a growl ''Illegal possession of a Waver! That's another crime to your list!''
''We didn't...!''
''Save it, Chopper.'' Miguel interrupted. ''It's waste of time. Those idiotic rules can't possibly make sense for anyone but them-apparently they just expect anyone here to follow like a puppet. This is no way to live.''
''Indeed, this is completely absurd. Their so called God is looking more and more like a joke.'' Robin concurred.
''Don't insult our lord!'' The man snarled. ''You're level 2 criminals so you'll be taken to Upper Yard-prepare to die!''
Ignoring him, the crew prepared to pack up, not wanting to get Conis and Pagaya in further trouble. It took some time to convince Luffy but eventually the teen conceded. Nami, Chopper, Robin, Zoro and Miguel had climbed aboard Merry when another unpleasant surprise made itself known.
It came in the form of a Super Express Speed Shrimp, similar to the one that had taken them up to Angel Beach. Except this one snatched Merry up and made to leave...
''What?!''
''Hey, hold it!''
Luffy and Sanji hurried to chase after the ship, beating back the White Berets who tried to stop them. Both were admittedly relieved when they saw the purple glow of Telekinesis magic forcing the shrimp to a complete stop.
Miguel was about to bring the ship to safety when he heard Pagaya call out a warning to him. Startled, he looked back on to cringe when he felt something sharp hit his arm. It was a blow dart. Zoro frowned when he noted a few of the White Berets holding very similar weapons.
He started as Miguel stumbled, holding the side of his head ''What's wrong?!''
''I-I don't...'' The latter cringed, his vision blurring fast. He suddenly felt so tired...
''Miguel!'' Chopper transformed, grabbing him before hit the deck.
''What happened?'' Robin asked.
The reindeer ground his teeth, picking up the dart. ''It must've been this-I smell something strange...it must be some sort of drug!''
He and Zoro tried to get Miguel to remain awake but it was obviously no good. The young man soon collapsed in the former's arms. Nami looked at them worriedly before turning back to the shore ''Guys, help!''
''We're coming!'' Luffy called, only to be blocked by McKinley and more of his men. ''Dammit!''
Usopp grimaced ''I can barely see them...''
Sanji scowled as he kicked an enemy away ''Miguel almost had this in hand-he wouldn't just sit back and watch something put any of us in danger. What the hell did you bastards do?''
McKinley sneered ''Your little friend won't be getting in the way anymore.''
The shrimp took the Merry to an altar and left them there, strangely enough…
Nami poked her head and looked around warily ''It's a little too quiet given what just happened…not that I'm complaining or anything…''
''No, you're right-something's definitely up.'' Zoro scowled.
Both turned as Chopper walked up to them ''Any luck?'' The latter prompted.
He shook his head sadly, having just finished an attempt to make something that would counter the drug in that dart. Thankfully, it seemed to be something meant to make the target sleep but Chopper really didn't want to leave Miguel like that either.
He turned slightly as Robin joined them before speaking up ''I'll need some time to figure it out…''
''You can do it.'' Nami assured, not doubting him for a second. She couldn't help but sigh ''But man…how'd things get so bad so quickly?!''
''Yes, it's a little too convenient for them, isn't it?'' They looked at Robin as she crossed her arms. ''A few of the White Berets had those darts and yet they only used at that time. They targeted the one person who would have the best chance to stop their plan unfolding just like that.''
Chopper blinked ''Hey, yeah you're right…''
''So safe to say they've either been told about us…if what Conis said about Eneru was true-or they have a reason to specifically target Miguel.'' Nami frowned at the possibilities, shaking her head. ''It couldn't be though…we've hardly even been here-no one should have a reason to target any of us.''
''We shouldn't dismiss anything yet. Miguel was right, we hardly know much of anything about this place after all.'' Zoro pointed out. ''Anyway, speculating won't do us any good. Let's see how we can get out of this mess.''
The others nodded and they proceeded to deliberate their next step forward…
Well, let's stop here.
I hope it was good. I hesitated about this chapter for days but this was what I felt would be for the best. I was thinking maybe I could try a bit of a different spin on things here. Wiper wouldn't know what to expect with magic to Miguel used that unpredictability to his advantage, which quickly let him get an upper hand and turn the fight around. The fact that he tends to keep a cooler temperament than the monster trio, who just leaped right in-also helps there. Miguel's not as strong as the monster trio but he's plenty resourceful and resilient. If Wiper had tried to continue, you can bet he would've had quite a fight on his hands.
Some wizards and witches have come to Skypiea before but it's only two times that are particularly important to this story. One of them relates to the situation at hand and the other…well, that one comes up later down the line.
The thing is, Miguel and Nami COULD have probably paid the second fee down together but it'd leave them skint. Heck, they could've paid the first one but you know that wouldn't have worked for Nami. I actually thought of having them pay…but it would've been pointless because of a certain other presence in Upper Yard. And I don't mean Eneru. I'm going to explain about this in the next chapter so…Pagaya only saw a few wizards before but he's heard about a wizard who's currently in Upper Yard. That's what he was going to tell the crew before the White Berets showed up. Let's just say, this guy's a complete piece of work and he's nothing but trouble.
Welp, thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it. Till next time!