Firefang: No, Miguel isn't going to learn ice devil slayer magic. The power's cool and all but honestly, I just don't see any use for it here.
Lionheart925: I'm not sure what you mean but they are going to spend time together eventually. If you're asking about the romance then I'm going to work gradually into the story. I like romance as much as the next girl but shoving it in out of the blue just doesn't seem right.
"So...'' Usopp yelped as someone cuffed the back of his head lightly, turning to see it was Nami. ''...what are you going to do after last night?''
"You heard us?''
"Yeah.'' She shrugged. ''I wasn't planning on it but I thought something was weird since everyone was asleep. Everything Miguel said made a lot of sense to me so-what're you going to do? Want to talk about it?''
Usopp looked alarmed at the idea ''What? No...''
Nami was about to tell him off when Luffy walked over ''Talk about what?'' He cocked his head. ''What's going on?''
"I-it's nothing...'' The sniper said quickly.
Nami's eyes narrowed ''Like hell.'' She ignored his attempted protest. ''What the hell is the point of hiding this, you idiot? Like it or not, it's going to affect all of us. It's better to settle this now-hiding behind your stupid pride is just going to cause more hurt!''
"It's not stupid! You don't understand! I...I just...'' Usopp trailed off as the rest of the crew arrived, curious at the commotion.
Nami harrumphed before looking at Miguel ''I think everyone should know about your talk last night.''
His expression flickered in understanding before he nodded and proceeded to explain.
Luffy had one thing to say afterwards ''Dummy!'' He proceeded to punch Usopp. ''None of us are useless and don't you dare say that again!''
Any argument the sniper might have had was stopped by the sight of the captain unusually serious look. He'd never seen that look directed at any of them before...
"Nami-san and Miguel were right. It might not be easy coming out with this stuff but you really shouldn't hide it.'' Sanji stated. ''Having pride is more than understandable but don't let it be your downfall.''
"If you don't do something, your insecurities are just going to cause more trouble in the long run. Not just to you but all of us.'' Zoro added.
"I think you're being too hard on yourself. No man is an island after all.'' Robin put in.
Usopp clearly wasn't convinced ''You guys don't get it! I'm just a coward and everything freaks me out-it's like I can never ever get stronger...''
"If you want to get stronger than work for it.'' Zoro interjected. ''That's really the best you can do. Burying your head in the sand is never going to work.''
"You'd be stupid if you think you're useless, Usopp!'' Chopper looked angry. ''You helped me back in Alabasta a lot, you look after the ship so much, you do plenty of good. We all get scared, what's the big deal?!''
"Exactly, we're friends who should be able to count on each other. What, don't you trust us now or something?'' Nami demanded.
"I-it's not that...'' How could he explain that the idea of telling them made him feel like he was swallowing lead? He was weaker than nearly all the crew and he kept holding them back. Usopp could admit that a small part of him feared that they would abandon him someday because of it. ''...I could hardly do anything yesterday, I messed up a lot...''
"So? Do better next time.'' Luffy said simply. ''We all screw up, it's not the end of the world.''
Miguel nodded ''Think about it this way, you heard Luffy's speech back in Arlong Park. I think that really describes a crew well. Each of us can do something the other can't, we have our areas where we excel and others where we're lacking. But it's no big deal, no one's perfect. We just have to keep trying our best.''
"Well said.'' Sanji grinned. ''One of the reasons people can be strong is that they don't doubt themselves. That's a power all on its own. Aren't we all working to reach our goals together? That's what it really comes down to in the end.''
Usopp wanted to believe that but a part of him clung to his old belief. He didn't know if it was just his negativity talking but either way, he couldn't deny that a bigger part of him felt better now. Nami began to smile triumphantly at the sight of his increasingly relieved expression, glad that she had suggested this.
"Come on, you should know better than that. Chopper had it in one, you can do plenty...for one thing, no one beats you when it comes to running away.'' Zoro teased.
"What?!'' Usopp squwaked as a few of the others laughed ''Why'd you have to use that as an example?!''
"So much for the sentimental moment...'' Nami shook her head in exasperation.
Luffy sniggered ''Zoro's right, dummy. This crew has never been and won't be useless and I trust every one of you. Got it?''
Usopp grinned back ''...Aye-aye, captain.''
As they passed Merry, the crew came across a surprise.
Someone had fixed the ship! All the metal platings and reinforcement done by the Saruyama Alliance was gone but the Merry was really patched up.
"Whoa, what happened?'' Luffy stared.
Usopp's jaw dropped ''How...? How is this possible?''
"Getting help to fix Merry is one thing...but all the way out here?'' Sanji started.
"This is great though!'' Chopper ran over. ''Merry looks a lot better now!''
"Yeah, but...isn't it strange?'' The cook insisted.
"Nah, who cares? This is awesome!'' Usopp beamed.
Nami huffed, not that she wasn't glad to see their beloved ship so well off but Sanji was right. Something wasn't adding up-how could they have found someone to help here? ''It couldn't have been Gan Fall, right?''
"The old man said he was leaving because he wanted to check up on Angel Island, remember?'' Zoro pointed out, glancing back as Usopp to Chopper bounded to the ship. ''Unless he has magic, which I doubt-I don't see how he could've done this.''
"So then who...?''
"I did.'' A short, glowing figure materialized before the crew, leaving them taken aback. It seemed somewhat human like, around Chopper's height. But any features were hidden by a long raincoat and boots.
Sanji stepped back reflexively ''What the-?!''
Robin looked intrigued ''Hm, a ghost, perhaps?'' Chopper and Usopp squeaked fearfully.
The new arrival laughed ''No, not quite. It's nice to meet you all face to face, everyone. I'm Merry.''
"Ehhh?!'' Luffy, Usopp and Chopper cried while the rest looked on in shock.
"W-what...? How...?'' Zoro managed.
"I'm a Klabautermann, we're special spirits connected to ships who receive a lot of love. You all brought me to life. I can appear now because of the magic Miguel used to reinforce me.''
"Cool!'' Luffy grinned widely.
"This is neat! So we can see you again like this?'' Chopper asked.
She laughed weakly ''...As much as I'd love the possibility... that's not likely.''
He blinked ''Why?''
" ...I need to warn you all.'' She said seriously. ''I've reached my limit. The Knock Up Stream...it was too much.''
Nami looked unnerved ''W-what do you mean?''
"I wasn't built for the Grand Line.'' Merry stated. ''So now that I can manifest here, I need you all to know that you have to get a new ship.''
"What?!''
"No way!''
"We can't do that!''
Merry was expecting such a reaction and she loved the crew all the more for it. Sadness filled her again at the thought of being seperated from those people for good.
"Oi, enough!'' Zoro barked at the protesters. ''I get where you're coming from but let's hear her out-she had a point to make.''
"Thanks, Zoro.'' Merry returned. ''I knew you wouldn't take it well but it's just the way things are. I was so happy with all of you but that's all the more reason, a ship is built to carry people, not being able to do that means...well, I don't want you all to sink because of me.''
Sanji scowled ''Isn't there another way? If we find something to help you...!''
"Yeah, look at how Miguel's magic helped before!'' Usopp added desperately.
"It's not that simple.'' Merry stated. ''He knows it too...'' Miguel's expression seemed to confirm that. ''...even if you could fix me up, it'd only last so long, the problem still remains. You need a stronger ship, promise me you're going to get a new one.''
"But that's...!'' The sniper tried to protest. ''We can't do that to you!''
"You have to.'' She insisted. ''I don't know how much longer I can last but this is the way it has to be.''
"But...'' Luffy frowned.
"Guys, stop.'' Miguel said sharply. ''Don't you get it? This is hard on her too, she's doing this because she cares about us just like we do about her.'' The point silenced any argument the two may have had. ''...For what it's worth, I'm sorry, Merry. I know my abilites' limits but I thought...''
She shook her head with a gentle smile ''You have nothing to be sorry for, you did the best you could. That was more than enough. My best days were the ones I spent with you all-which is all the more reason I wanted to do this. Please, promise. All of you.''
Miguel glanced at the others, who reluctantly nodded ''...Just...give us a little time.''
Luffy pursed his lips ''Yeah...we'll get you some help. We'll find a great shipwright-I think you deserve at much at least.'' The others heartily agreed. ''...But we'll remember. Thanks Merry-for everything.''
She smiled warmly, she wasn't expecting them to simply give up but it was just another reminder of why she loved them. They knew and understood the situation-for now, that was enough. ''That's my line, Captain. Thank you all so much-I'm glad I was able to sail with such an amazing group of people.''
The mood understandably plummeted after that, Merry's warning weighing heavily on the crew. They all cared for the ship and considered her one of their own, the fact that they may lose her...
Usopp's eye twitched as he looked at Luffy, who was beginning to whistle as he walked ahead ''How are you like this?! Don't you get what's going on?''
"What? I do.''
" Well, start acting like it!''
Luffy frowned in confusion ''Well, you guys don't all have to be so down. It's not over yet, we can do something about this.''
The sniper huffed ''How?''
"I think he means it's all the more reason for us to get the gold.'' Miguel half smiled. ''The more treasure we find, the better our chances to find a great shipwright.''
"Shishi, yup!'' Luffy confirmed
"O-oh...'' Usopp blinked, acknowledging the point. He had simply taken it as a sign of Luffy's usual tactlessness.
"I believe we can consider this more motivation for us to succeed today.'' Robin remarked as the others began to smile.
"Yeah! We're definitely not leaving without the gold today!'' Luffy grinned as Usopp and Chopper cheered in agreement.
Things took a turn for the strange a short while later. The wind grew much stronger, nearly blowing Chopper away. Luffy hurried to catch the little doctor, grabbing a tree trunk to keep steady. Miguel tried to cast a shield around them only for Nami's outcry of alarm warning them of a new problem.
It was an absolutely enormous snake, even twice as big as the already oversized trees of the Upper Yard. It gave a threatening hiss at the sight of the crew, releasing venom in multiple area, one which included the root Luffy was holding onto.
"W-whoa!'' He yelped, holding on to Chopper as the wind blew them into the air just as thick snow began to fall. Miguel tried to get the three with Telekinesis but the snow made it hard to see. The snake lunged at the captain and doctor but Zoro stepped in, blades at the ready to help. However, it brushed off his attack with relative ease and Zoro hurried to catch Luffy and Chopper.
The snake then glanced at Nami, who was staring at it in terror nearby. As it was about to spit more poison, Sanji leapt in take the navigator to safety, seeing the snake pursue them. He avoided some hail coming their way ''Gah, we can't do this here...! Guys, we're going to try to avoid the crazy weather! Let's catch up later!''
Usopp hunkered down under the shield protecting him, Robin and Miguel. He could see lightning surging up high, leaving him alarmed ''H-hey, Nami said God had some sort of power over lightning, right? Do you think...?''
"...This is Weather magic.'' Miguel cut in, frowning as he looked around.
The sniper blinked ''Wait, the other wizard! Can you tell if he's nearby?''
But he shook his head ''I can feel the magic around us but it's too scattered...'' He trailed off as the weather suddenly stopped. ''...hope the others are okay. Robin, can you...?''
She gave a slight nod and closed her eyes, responding after almost a minute ''Ah, I found Captain and Doctor-san. They've been pushed a fair bit away but they seem unharmed...'' Robin paused, now curious. ''...odd, they seem to be looking for something...''
Usopp had a good guess ''...Zoro's not with them, is he?''
"...Actually...'' She blinked as he and Miguel sighed. ''...I take it this is usual?''
"Let's just say we've given his sense of direction up as a lost cause.'' The sniper replied dryly.
It didn't take her long to find Zoro heading in a completely different direction, realizing that there could be some truth to the statement.
Shaking her head, she continued searching ''Ah, Navigator-chan and Cook-san are somewhere near the Merry Go but they're still on the move. From the looks of it, they might have decided to go to the City of Gold.'' Her brow furrowed. ''...There's quite a number of people, judging by what happened yesterday, I assume some are Enel's troops...''
Miguel looked curious ''But...there's no way Skypieans would come here, right? What does this mean?''
Robin was pensive ''What indeed...''
Zoro wondered what they walked into this time.
He'd somehow wound up seperated from Luffy and Chopper, making a note to tell them off for getting lost when he spotted the group storming the area. He would've thought it was understandable for Enel's forces to be out and about but those people seemed different...they reminded him somewhat of the bazooka using bastard they'd encountered before arriving at Angel Beach.
Come to think of it, they never did find out what his deal was...
He started at the sound of heavy footsteps coming from nearby, noticing quite a large white dog walking towards the group with a man riding on his back. ''Oh, finally some Shandians.'' He smirked. ''Now let the game begin.''
Miguel's group went on trying to find their friends, with Robin's powers pointing them in the right direction. Luffy and Chopper seemed to be moving far too fast for Robin to keep track and she wasn't sure where Zoro had gone. It didn't help that Upper Yard was so big...
"I see you weren't exaggerating about Swordsman-san's sense of direction.'' She remarked idly.
"Yeah, it's a real pain. I keep wondering how he manages...'' Usopp froze, noticing a vaguely familiar shadow moving in the trees to their left. ''...what...? Did you guys see that?''
Robin nodded, frowning ''It's that snake again...or it could be something equally as big if not worse.''
"D-don't even joke about that! I don't want to picture something worse!''
She looked amused ''You do seem to have quite the sense of imagination...''
"Well, considering his stories, I'd say that's a given. Eh, Captain Usopp?'' Miguel quipped, making the sniper huff.
*Anyway...'' He glared at the two for a moment as they traded amused looks. ''...you really think Nami's going to be heading to the City of Gold?''
"Do I need to remind you who you're talking about?''
"...Point taken. I swear she was too scared to even consider it before though...'' Usopp could totally see Nami jumping into this with the situation forcing her hand. Staying on Merry would prove to be equally dangerous in such a situation, as yesterday showed them and she did have Sanji watching out for her...
The three turned as they heard the bushes rustle, only to find the wild warrior who attacked them prior to their arrival at Angel Beach.
The new arrival appeared just as surprised to see them for a moment, his expression darkening with anger ''You! You must be the one behind this troublesome weather...''
"I'd argue but with the way you've been acting...'' Miguel stiffened for a moment, quickly raising an Ark Shield just as an energy blast surged from the trees, blasting the man. Usopp recoiled while Robin's eyes narrowed and the man looked taken aback to realize he'd been saved.
But Miguel's attention was on the blast's direction ''...I think I know the one responsible. He's actually a traitor to my home and people.'' He made a point of raising his voice. ''How about you come out already?''
A chuckle resounded at this before a man stepped out of the shadows, he was tall and robust, almost towering over Miguel with fair hair. This was indeed Vharley after all...
His dark green eyes narrowed at Miguel as he smirked ''Cheeky brat...but I suppose that's what can only be expected from Arcadia's spawn.''
The quartermaster's eyes narrowed at the tone, the last two words had been said with pure venom. So their suspicions had been accurate, the older wizard knew who he was. ''You're every bit as petty as I've been told if you're still nursing that old grudge.''
Usopp hadn't missed the hateful tone either ''Wait, so you were right? He still hates your dad and uncle for going against him?''
"Looks that way, from what I heard he can't stand the fact that they called him out and won.'' Miguel recalled. ''But even without them, he never would've achieved his goal. He couldn't have even gotten a seat on the Council without the Elder and the rest of the Council's approval. I know for a fact the Elder wouldn't have even considered it.''
"Your Elder certainly is wise, she saw right through him.'' Robin remarked.
Vharley scowled ''It's the exact opposite! Those weak fools were happy to just sit on their laurels even as Elysia nearly burned. The nation had many chances, we could've grown powerful, we could've gotten revenge but all they did was get in my way time and again.''
Usopp was really glad the leaders of Elysia never gave this man a position of power. ''Are you nuts?! You guys have might have magic but you can't possibly go against the World Government all on your own and win!''
"Exactly. If people had listened to you, Elysia would've likely been destroyed.'' Miguel didn't miss the flash of pain in the man's eyes at the mention of the war, it was something he'd seen plenty before.
Did the man think he was the only one who suffered from the war? The only one who wanted payback on those who hurt him? Miguel could think of a whole list of people who were angry enough to do it. But they knew better-that way lay disaster and they needed to look towards the bigger picture.
It was another reason he respected the leaders of his home, as well the Elder who taught him so much. Some of them had endured the worst of the war but pulled themselves together for the sake of Elysia. The Elder had even lost her children, Elysia had suffered many losses but its people had learned to persevere. Revenge was never the answer, how could it change anything?
"That damn failure of a Council just folded its hands and let the scum who took so much away from us get away with it! We could've done SOMETHING-anything! This is what our powers are for!'' Vharley spat.
"That's not true at all. Magic isn't just some weapon, it's a gift we should respect. We can do wonderful things with it but it's not something we should abuse.'' Miguel countered. ''You really haven't learned anything at all, have you? There's been more than enough suffering-the Council did the right thing.''
"Silence!'' He boomed, glowering. ''I've heard enough of this load from that fool Alexander and his brother...'' Miguel blinked, his family used similar arguments? ''...I've had it! Seeing your resemblance to those bastards is bad enough! I may not be able to get back at them yet but getting rid of you will be a damn good start, you little brat! Today is the day you die!''
The next thing anyone knew, a hulking dark monster in armor appeared before him, immediately lashing out at Miguel.
Usopp cried out in shock ''How did he do that?!''
But Miguel knew, quickly dodging another swipe of the monster's claws. The stories he heard about Vharley were indeed accurate. This was Arc of Embodiment, Lost Magic that allowed the caster to create what they want from their imagination. He quickly used Meteor while requipping one of his blades, cutting the monster's claws off.
The warrior stared ''The claws simply faded away...?''
"I see, it's like a magic construct.'' Robin concluded.
"Exactly.'' Miguel quickly explained about the magic, leaving Usopp shocked.
"Isn't that way too broken? How does anyone win against magic like that?!''
Every magic has its weakness.'' Robin countered, to his confusion. ''Besides, if this is Lost Magic...it can dangerous even to the caster. One thing about Lost Magic, it always comes with a price."
Before he could question this, the two saw Vharley cast another spell, surrounding himself in elaborate golden armor with winged shows as he charged at their crewmate. Miguel dodged the oncoming punch and retaliated, with Vharley blocking his blade with one of his gauntlets. Vharley swiftly conjured a number of weapons, launching them witth a thrust of his hand. Miguel was about to cast a shield before noticing that the enemy was also targeting the others not too far away, promping him to switch to Gravity magic instead, forcing all the weapons on the ground.
"They have nothing to do with this.'' Miguel said coolly.
Vharley met the younger wizard's glare with one of his own ''That so? Then you'd better make sure you protect them...''
"What the hell-? Did we stumble into some kind of war zone?''
Sanji and Nami were perched on a tree, watching some Divine Soldiers battle a group of warriors. They'd come this way since they happened to spot Zoro in the general vicinity but the battle forced to veer away lest they get caught up in the mess.
"Looks like it...'' Nami frowned. ''...I guess there really is more to this place than we realized.''
"Yeah, doesn't help that our visit got cut off so suddenly...'' Sanji didn't doubt that he could fight and win here with ease but it was risky for more than one reason. They had no idea what was going and he didn't want to take any chances with Nami's safety, not to mention judging by some of the noises he'd heard on their way there was even more fighting going about in Upper Yard.
The question was, why?
"Nami-san, what do we now? The plan's gone completely out the window.'' The cook reminded.
She gave an annoyed huff, running a hand through her hair. This was chaotic even by their standards. ''Let me think...''
Luffy and Chopper were found by the snake again, with its sudden attack forcing them apart. Thankfully, Chopper was able to avoid any damage thanks to Guard Point but Luffy had no idea where the little doctor was. And to top it off...
Gum Gum Pistol!''
...his attacks hardly even fazed the thing. In fact, they only seemed to make it even angrier.
Luffy quickly ducked as the snake spat something, blanching when he saw it melt through a couple of trees. He had no idea how that worked, nor did he care to find out. As much as he hated running from fights, Luffy could admit that he might not have any choice but to do so here. This place was entirely too cramped with all the enormous trees, not to mention the other creatures that lived here. They may have befriended the cloud wolves but the other inhabitants of Upper Yard wouldn't be nearly as easy to handle.
The teen spotted something that nearly made him do a double take. A little girl was wandering about nearby, holding a pouch as she continued to search for something. What was she doing in a place like this?
Luffy noticed her stiffening in fear, her eyes slowly traveling in the snake's direction. Frowning, the teen quickly launched himself from a tree branch to grab her, propelling them to a tree further up ahead.
"Ahhh, who are you?! And how did you do that?!''
He chose to ignore that, focusing on the contiuing problem ''This thing's persistent-hang on!''
Luffy shot up to a few more trees, eventually landing on a cliff that was just out of the snake's sight. The girl gave a relieved sigh as the huge reptile wandered off in a different direction. ''Thanks, my name's Aisa...''
"Ah, don't worry-I just felt like it...'' Annoyance got the better of the better of the teen.''...man, that was annoying! I hate running away!''
"Well, you can't fight that thing-it's way too strong! Even Enel's soldiers have a hard time with it!''
He blinked ''You know about him?''
Aisa raised an eye as he set her down ''Well, of course! Oh-wait, you're one of the Blue Sea people, I guess this would be new to you...''
Luffy cocked his head, how did she know just by looking at him?
He hadn't realized he verbalized the question until she responded ''I know because of your mantra.''
Luffy looked intrigued ''So you can do that trick like those priest guys?''
She nodded ''I've been able to hear people's mantra for a long time-I'm not sure how but apparently some people are just born like that.''
"Lucky...''
The girl looked amused as he seemed to pout. His ability had understandably shocked but he seemed nice, he didn't have to save her but he did. Everything about his mantra seemed all right to her. ''Well, that's how I know it's only you guys from the Blue Seas, Enel's group and my people here.''
"Your people? You mean Skypieans?'' Luffy clarified.
She scowled ''No. We're Shandians, nothing like those thieves.''
"Thieves?'' Why would she say that? Sure, Conis, her dad and the weird old guy were the only Skypieans they met but they were perfectly nice. Heck, the old guy had gone back to Angel Beach to ensure Conis' safety.
"They stole our home! That's why Laki and the others came here, we want to get our home back.'' Aisa huffed.
He blinked at this new information ''Wait, your home's here?''
"It was-you know about the city of gold?''
Luffy perked up ''Yeah! Me and my friends want to find it!''
Aisa looked surprised and he added ''We have to find treasure soon. One of our friends...'' His expression tightened as he thought of Merry's words. ''...we're doing this for one of our crew. She's been through so much for us and this is our best chance to help her.''
The girl's expression softened ''I see...well, the city was founded by my ancestors, the Shandians who first settled here. But the Skypieans stole it and thanks to them, it's hidden away...and they just got away with it! All this time, our people suffered while they're living it up. That's why I can't forgive them. And now Enel acts like he owns the place-my friends are fighting to get our home back.''
"Huh, we got stuck here because that jerk targeted the crew but...'' Luffy trailed off, wondering what to do now. He stiffened, noticing something familiar not too far away. ''...is that...?'' Aisa gave him a puzzled look as he began to squint, walking over for a closer look. ''...whoa, no way...!''
It was the second half of Cricket's house!
Aisa followed his line of sight, seeming unimpressed ''What's the big deal about that thing? It's just half of a house.''
"Yeah, but the other half is all the way down where we came from!''
The girl's eyes went wide ''Really? Wow...!''
Luffy remembered his friends talking about the Knock Up Stream's power before, concluding that they were right. The thought made him focus on the present situation, knowing he had better get moving.
Well, let's stop here.
Have to admit, I was shocked when I realized how long it's been since I last updated. I've really been focused on my novel so much that I wound up blocking a bunch of things out. Not that I regret it, because I made some pretty good progress on that front but I don't like leaving things unfinished.
Anywho, this is a set up to the next part where the action really begins. I don't know why but I found it hard to focus on this arc at first but I'm working things out. I had the idea for Usopp and Merry's situation for a while so I figured I might as well go ahead and use it. Just as a way to show that the crew will definitely have Usopp's back no matter what.
Vharley still hates the Arcadia family with a passion, if anything he's gotten worse over the years so he's determined to get at Miguel for what happened years ago. He's just working with Enel for the sake of convenience but he's only building up power to keep pressing for his revenge.
I find Arc of Embodiment magic fascinating so I wanted to try using it here. The crew finding out about Merry's situation redirected their goal sa bit and now they want the treasure to help her, with Luffy being the most determined one to do something about this.
Welp, thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it. Till next time!