14 down and 1 more to go, finally will reach the chapter that needs done. Once that happens the story can finally continue where we last stop this time rewritten. Chapter 16 will officially be the next newest chapter.
Disclaimer: I don't own One Piece, Kingdom Hearts, Ape Escape or anything except OC's.
Chapter 14: City of Apes - Stand together
Professor's Lab - Cid and Casi
After the attack from Crimson Ninja, Cid has work tirelessly on the computer to bring the others back. But Casi added some should return back while those available should start their attack on Specter's moon base. But they needed some time before they could correctly set the coordinates. Franky has been transported towards the Sunny, making sure that no one would have last minute surprise for them. Just as they would have brought Spike over to them, they are told about how the monkeys are fighting alongside them to prevent the heartless from destroying this world. From what they are gathering the monkeys are doing this because they want Specter back. While this is debatable they will have to figure stuff out once this mess is finished. In the meantime Cid and Casi are searching for the others as they appeared to be hidden from radar because of some interference.
"Everything all set up Casi?" Cid asked.
Just about ready, after digging into some of the old file from my last persona, I gathered what is needed and the coordinates to Specter's chambers.
"That's good, I also have been looking into the others, and can say they have finished their battles with Freakish Shadow 10. Now all that remains is Crimson Ninja, Jake and Specter to take care of them. To be frank this feel like everything is happening at once." Cid said.
For you, but that feeling always happen for me. I should be able to bring them here anytime if you want, or we can divide ourselves for multitasking.
"I rather not, so far Specter has been one step ahead of us. I want everyone to arrive safely as soon as their fights are done." Cid ordered.
Affirmative, should we also look into Specter's ship?"
"Not yet, if anything we need to infiltrate his moon base and work from there. I just hope there are no more of those heartless that just attack us." Just as Cid said this the four swordsmen return, looking annoyed by the results from battle.
"He got away didn't he?" Cid asked not needing to know the answer as he can tell by their face.
"More like he underestimated us after exchanging few blows. But I get the feeling that's not the reason to run." Cloud explained.
"Something else is going on, so far the Freakish Shadow 10 haven't been trying to fight us that often." Leon said
"Now that you mention it, they seem more interest in doing what they think is best for themselves. Those two Smoke Screen and Violet Knight, they didn't have the resolve to fight, but desire to achieve their own goals." Zoro added.
"That might be the case, if anything Specter while influence by the Darkness still has some of his memories before being who he is now. If anything they probably did this because they are using Specter as some scapegoat before their plans can be fulfilled." Leon theories.
"That might be possible, we're dealing with Heartless that just gain intelligence, maybe their actually trying to relive their old lives and just have some of their personalities change from becoming a heartless. It's not off the table, since we can be sure they are emblem heartless, they only exist when purebloods heartless takes their hearts. If that's the case then they aren't as organized as we thought." Cid added to Leon's theory.
"While I don't understand what you guys are saying, I get that these guys are trying to relive something that shouldn't be possible because their suppose to be dead right?" Zoro asked for clarity.
"In basic terms yes, all emblems are created from both types of heartless that seek for people's hearts. This makes heartless that were once people into who they are now, the fact somehow these heartless gain intelligence shows that they can feel and desire things of their own, but the problem lays in their intentions rather they are good or bad they are corrupt into dark intentions. Heartless are the darkness of realm and our hearts." Auron said to Zoro, understanding what he means.
"So to the point, I'm about to beam them back here. See if anyone can still move or we need to rest before attacking Specter base. Also we don't have to search the planet as much as we would have thought. Turns out Specter's own followers wanted to help their leader from becoming a heartless. At least he's not completely evil, or generic otherwise this would have been easy." Cid continued to type away as he start to find the others one by one.
"Do we have a plan?" Cloud asked.
At the moment no, but we have more then one task ahead of us. Spike and the others had given a message to say they will try and take care the rest of world, while we go up and stop Specter from going forth with his plans or more so Crimson Ninja.
"Right forget that it's the heartless plan and not Specter's, I won't get used to saying that." Leon said.
"Your not the only one." Cid said back, eventually he finally got the controls and brought back everyone who have finished their personal fights with Freakish Shadow 10. At first everyone is confused since they are being brought back and forth so easily, for the committee they adjusted to this feeling easily, yet the Straw Hats are very unfamiliar with this sort of situation.
"Huh how did we get back?" Nami asked.
"I believe Cid is responsible for helping us." Robin pointed out seeing the rest of the group here.
"Your welcome by the way." Cid spoke from his chair.
"Nami-swan, Robin-chan, Aerith-sama, Yuffie-chan, Tifa-senpai, I'm so glad all of you are okay along with Yuna-tan, Rikka-tan, and Paine-tan." Sanji shouted with hearts for eyes. Then Sanji had quickly went off to make some stuff for them and possible med kit for them.
"You know that's going to get old real fast." Tifa comment in annoyance.
"At least he makes good food." Yuffie tried to justify Sanji's actions only to sweat bit knowing it was some vain effort. Chopper then went off to check on everyone that needs medical care since they were separated. After taking some break everyone shared their stories and explained what the Freaky Shadow 10 were up too. Everyone soon came to the same conclusion except for others that are lost like Luffy, the Heartless didn't seem to have any grand plans, most likely they are trying to act out their previous life and fulfill their empty hearts with things from dark intentions.
The committee noted to themselves how while the heartless are smarter it seems their ability to think has been corrupted because of their new heartless forms. This made them worried if other worlds had somehow discovered this and by accident or purpose created intelligent heartless around some worlds. While this is happening Usopp look around and asked, "Where's Franky?" Noticing he's missing.
"Back at the ship, wanting to guard it in case Specter tries attacking our ship. I don't blame him for feeling this way, if anything I would like some of us to guard the ship in case something happens again. Which is why if possible I hope some of you would help Franky guard the ship." Cid asked hoping someone would take the job.
"I'll go." Zoro announce and added, "Sunny has just started out in our adventures, I don't want what happen to the Merry go happen to our Sunny, Franky put all his heart and soul into building our new ship, not allowing some monkey and monsters destroyed that." Zoro declared, everyone can tell Zoro meant every word, in fact everyone in the committee can tell losing the Merry wasn't something they could forget easily. Knowing this Leon and Auron stood next to Zoro and Leon said, "We'll join you."
"Your ship is your home, even if your pirates at least you guys have more honor then most pirates." Auron said agreeing with Leon.
"I will go too." Usopp spoke up in bravery, despite himself being afraid he knows what they just throw and he had it hard more then the rest, "Knowing Specter attack our ship, I won't allow that monkey to just take our ship without a fight. I may not strong as you guys, but I want to at least help in any way possible." Usopp said trying to look cool in face of possible danger, but is somewhat failing as the others can tell he's scared.
"We'll go too." Yuna spoke up flying next to the others, "We're going to be traveling together for sometime, so we might as well hold our own weight." Rikka and Paine nod in agreement, most times they wouldn't be part of some battles or mostly assist the others in small matters, but with what been happening they have to play their part now. Those from the Committee could feel they are trying to be brave, but knew they weren't really ready for this sort of thing. Same can be said for the Straw Hats and protecting their ship Sunny go. Just these moments everyone is feeling the full weight of this adventure and knew they have to be more serious if they are to survive what is happening.
"Looks like all of us are feeling the same. Before we start anything our friends have found a way to communicate with us from their end. Apparently the monkeys have been working with Specter on building some radio to spy on those guys." Cid said to everyone.
"Sounds like they are making better use for their technology with this crisis." Merlin pointed out, after few taps on the keyboard, both Cid and Casi brought a displayed showing the professor and Natalie on screen along with some radio made of different parts on the background.
The Professor - Hello, can anyone hear us?
"Loud and Clear professor, we just found our friends. Even took care of the Freakish shadow 10 for us." Cid told the good news.
The Professor - Splendid, that's wonderful news. I assume everyone is up to speed on our end?
"That's right, still surprise they are willing to work for Specter despite what he has done?" Cid admits.
Natalie - Well to be frank, we didn't think he was that bad. More so he just didn't like humans since gaining intelligence, but with this darkness influence his mind, I don't know how dangerous he'll be once we're facing him.
"Might be best you guys don't, you may know how to fight Specter, but no doubt with the darkness he's become more unstable and unhinge with the Crimson Ninja standing around." Cid informed.
The Professor - You have a point, if that's the only heartless left to fight. Then all we need is for Casi to teleport us to other locations around the world. The Monkeys will help us stop the Heartless, but we can't move anywhere without transport.
Casi - Don't worry Professor, I have all the information downloaded. All I need is to know where some are going and who will go with others. Although we should have some people protect the Lab in case someone invades once more.
Natalie - Yeah we need to work on that, put better security so that this doesn't happen so often.
"Before we decide on anything who should be going to save the world? Some of us are deciding to protect our ship, considering the Straw Hats want to protect their home, some of us are doing the same. That means Franky, Leon, Auron, Zoro, Usopp, Yuna, Rikka and Paine are not available for these missions." Leon explained to the others on screen.
Natalie - Does that mean everyone can't help. While we can allow the monkeys to take charge we could use some help over here.
"I assist Natalie-chan!" Sanji shouted.
"Obviously some of us have too much energy in mind." Usopp comment.
"Then I should go as well." Merlin said loud enough for Natalie and Professor to hear, "I maybe old, but I still have few tricks under my sleeve."
"Don't think your going anywhere on your own Merlin, if anything I will stick with you no matter what happens." Archimedes declared.
"Why Archimedes, I thought you would be sleeping after we returned." Merlin teased.
"Oh don't get started with me, for the past for hours I had to survive heartless attacks, monkeys to no end from barrels, monsters made of fruit and have to witness someone who's a chief turn the monsters into some fruit salad. I can handle at least one more journey if that is alright with you." Archimedes said.
"Your being brave owl Archimedes." Robin compliment.
"Most times owls are more relax in daytime." Aerith also added.
"Yeah well with you pirates and these stuff, I might as well see it to the end right?" Archimedes question, no one argued and allowed him to go along.
The Professor - Hmm, I still would like to know if anyone is willing to go towards Specter's base?
Spike - I'll go professor!"
Suddenly from behind Spike showed up on screen and shouted.
Spike - Jake is my best friend, I should be the one to bring him back.
"Well that settled one problem, what about Specter and Crimson Ninja, no doubt they will be a problem." Cid pointed out.
"You don't need to worry about Crimson Ninja, cause I'll be the one to fight him." Luffy declared.
"You sure about that? Cause he won't be easy to defeat, unlike other heartless he has more intelligence, he'll be dangerous if you face him alone." Leon said.
"Forget it, you won't be able to change Luffy's mind. Once his mind is set, he won't stop until he achieve his goal." Zoro said in his captain's defense.
"You guys really have much trust in your captain?" Cloud asked amazed by these people resolve.
"He maybe a idiot at times, but his own personality is why we chose to follow him. After all he's our captain for a reason." Sanji said as well.
"Then let me go and face Specter." Chopper spoke up as he walk towards the screen, "I don't know what this darkness does, but at least allow me to speak to him. I know what it's like to be outcast as some monster, I want to help him." This made many of them sympathize with Chopper, the Straw Hats that been around longer knew his story and understood where he's coming from. Luffy said nothing but smiled and agreed he's to come along.
"Now hold up you guys, if you two are going up someone has to watch your backs." Nami stating the obvious as the other straw hats know what she means, except for Luffy.
"What you don't trust me?" Luffy asked, but then his cheek is pulled as Nami explains, "If we left you to your own devices you more then only somehow bow the moon towards earth or even blow up the base for all we know. You tend to cause more trouble then most of us, heck the only reason Zoro wouldn't be best option is because he'll somehow be lost in space or lose himself on some other planet."
"LIKE H#LL I WOULD!" Zoro shouted.
"Don't act like that, you got lost twice with us. First was for a simple walk and somehow you lost yourself in some straight line, your the worst person to rely for directions!" Cloud argued.
"Shut up, who asked for your opinion!" Zoro shouted.
"WE DID!" Leon, Cloud and Auron shouted back, making Zoro express in shock.
"Welcome to our world." Sanji said smirking, while Zoro growled at Sanji trying to glare holes into his brain.
"Regardless, Luffy can't be trusted by himself, and no offense Chopper but you would get lost as well." Nami pointed out how reckless Luffy can be on his own.
"Don't worry I'll go with them." Tifa volenteered.
"Really?! Thank you Tifa." Nami gladly thanked Tifa for helping out, "You have no idea how much Luffy can get on his own."
"What shouldn't be too hard, I did some babysitting so what's the worse that can happen?" Immediately everyone gave Tifa a look that said "Why did you say that?!" As they feel this could get ugly now.
"You just had to jinx it." Usopp said with a deadpan stare.
"Well that's been settled, we should get going the world isn't going to save itself." Cid said as everyone started to go into place.
Specter's Moon Base - Throne room
All three Jake, Specter and Crimson Ninja watch as the world is slowly being taken by the heartless. While the plan for the Keyhole failed, it didn't mean that recruit heartless wasn't out of their hands. In fact Crimson Ninja had hope things would have work out easy instead of what has been happening. Yet regardless of the events, he would have hope their general plan wouldn't have left astray after few setbacks. But it kept getting worse as the others felt this wasn't worth their time. If anything he didn't have much faith or trust in them because of what they desire.
This had led to some fallout, but they were nevertheless still follow through with his plans. When Specter separated the outside travelers from working together, he thought they'll be defeated easily, yet once more these outsiders are proven strong. Now left by himself with no one alive he has to consider what is his next plan. However he soon got report of his new friends have been eliminated by the outsiders. This left him angered as despite their difference and outlooks in life, some part of him wanted them to stay together and survive the whole ordeal. But that might be some part of him that still thinks human and not what he truly wants. If anything once this plan is finish he will try and recruit more people to his side and make sure they couldn't be killed like this again.
"Specter look." Jake said as some parts of the world are shown monkeys actually fighting against the heartless and soon are joined by other monkey hunters and outsiders to help.
"It seems they are trying to fight back. Took them longer then expected, but never the less we at least know they are coming. And most likely will try and invade this base." Specter said as his appearance is starting to change with gray fur, some purple aura surrounding his body and blue flaming eyes.
"Then we should properly greet them. No doubt they will try and attack us at one location, separating them should be our best options." CN advise.
"Sure, but first let's see who they send up. If Spike somehow arrives, I want him turned." Specter smiled as his heart is slowly being consumed.
Sunny Go
Beams of light transported them to the ship showing Zoro, Leon, Auron, Usopp, Paine, Rikka, and Yuna had appeared.
"Good timing, heard you guys would have arrive at some point." Franky went to work on checking the ship for anything that might been damage or used for anything. After their capture from Marine Virtual, Franky wanted to make sure the Sunny wasn't tempered by the heartless on dirty hands.
"Specter tried to take this ship, we won't that happen." Zoro declared.
"We all watch the Merry gave all her strength to save us from Enies Lobby, and the Sunny is just starting his adventure. I don't want to witness that again." Usopp also said, when they were told by the Crew how they lost the Merry, they could tell how much pain it felt. Not only to lose a ship, but a home you have sailed for many days. Usopp being more protective then normal has experience this trouble the most, and they knew he was at least trying to be brave for this moment.
"That's super good. I was about to finish, but since your here to help there are some spots we need to take of before setting sail once more." Franky said thinking of few spots that needed another look.
"You may want to hold that thought." Auron said drawing his blade while facing towards one direction in the ocean. Everyone then prepared themselves as they realize the heartless are about to attack.
"Damn, they are worse then Marines." Zoro muttered, preparing for a fight along with drawing his new keyblade.
"You know if this is going to be a thing for this trip, I would rather we don't deal with Heartless all the time." Yuna commented, Paine and Rikka felt the same thing when facing these monsters.
"No time for complaining, we have to defend the Sunny at all coat." Leon ordered as they prepared themselves.
Monkey's base
Those who are joining to save the world from heartless are arriving shortly namely Sanji, Merlin, Archimedes, and Cloud. While Spike is being beamed back as he no doubt wants to save his friend Jake being turned into a heartless.
"So glad to see some of you safe." The Professor greeted them.
"We feel the same as well, but as much as I like to catch up we have some business to finish." Merlin said.
"Since we are traveling the world thanks to Casi help, where should we appear first?" Cloud asked.
"At the moment the others are dealing with certain key points with highest Heartless activity, it's actually thanks to some monkeys loyal to Specter they manage to pinpoint these location and take the fight towards the heartless." Natalie said as the monkeys are working around the clock.
"For some brainless monkey, they sure know how to work when needed." Sanji stated impressed by their hard work.
"We have Casi look up some locations to visit next, we'll also take part since there are still too much heartless running around the world." Aki added as one monkey is locating the heartless through different means of searching.
"You should look towards either big cities or some other wild life jungles. Sometimes the heartless can attack animals since they have hearts as well." Merlin advise knowing from experience.
"Hmm, makes some sense. But even if we could go towards them, there are too many heartless still loose around some cities. Even some places where the heartless should have stop are still increasing in numbers." The Professor said.
"What's worse, is the monkeys aren't making much difference as the heartless are still going to increase with their deaths." Aki sadly added.
"Then it's a good thing we're here. Send me to the most populated place full of Heartless, I will take out as many of them as I can." Cloud said with great resolve.
"All by yourself?" Aki worriedly said.
"Don't worry, Cloud may sound reckless. But him along with Leon and Auron are three of our best swordsmen in the committee. They have fought many heartless before and will not give up even if thousand more appear." Archimedes assured them. The three couldn't help but still worry, yet are from the sound of confidents from both Committee and Straw Hats, you can tell they have much trust and faith in their friends and comrades alike.
"Alright, but if you are overwhelmed you will be sent back alright." The Professor ordered, making sure Cloud understands what he's getting into. But then Sanji steps up and said, "He won't have too, cause I will go with him." Making everyone look at him surprise, except for Cloud who see he means it.
"You better not regret this." Cloud warns lightly, even if he sounds all rough he cares for those around him even if it's for their safety.
"It's not me you should be worried about, Tifa will be sad if something happens to you." Sanji comments, dropping his cigarette and stomping it out. While Sanji appear he's doing this for Tifa sake and doesn't care about the boys, deep down he would still help because he cares about those around him.
"You better do as these gentlemen say, both are not to be underestimated." Merlin encourage them, knowing from Archimedes explaining short detail of Sanji and knowing about Cloud for long time as well. After some debate they reluctantly agreed knowing they can't stop them even if they could. Setting the coordinates, both Sanji and Cloud are beam away by Casi's guidance, while everyone else is preparing to do the same.
"Hope they will be okay." Aki worriedly said.
"Those two should be fine, just gotta wait for them to return." Merlin assured, soon the others would then travel to other parts of the world while the rest are back at Professor's Lab.
Specter's Moon Base - Docks
As beams of light started to show four figures. Tifa, Chopper, Spike, and Luffy soon arrive to take in their surrounds.
"WHOA, THIS IS SO COOL!" Luffy shouted in excitement along with Chopper.
"Eh, kind've overrated at this point." Spike said, suddenly they are soon greeted with Heartless that are trying to kill them.
"Dang they didn't take long to arrive." Tifa thought as she prepared herself. Knowing the Heartless by experience, Tifa had charge quickly towards them and started to punch them one by one. Momently distracted Luffy and Chopper went over to help taking on the heartless as they are clearing out their numbers. But then the heartless started to retreat leaving the party confused.
"Why they run, I thought you guys said they never run." Luffy asked.
"They shouldn't... but that can only mean-"
"Someone is commanding them." Someone spoke for Tifa, standing at the entrance is Crimson Ninja. Staring at the four who is trying to invade this base.
"I had to stop them from throwing away their lives. Knowing you Outsiders are too powerful for them, but none of you will get past me." Crimson Ninja confidently proclaimed, then toss some shuriken's at them. Luffy had grab Spike and force him down, but Tifa went on charging at the suppose Ninja surprising him by her determine will and strength. She had quickly avoided and struck him at his chest and stomach in five hits, but the last blow is enough to knock him back across towards the hallway.
"You guys go on ahead, I will take care of this guy." Tifa assured, not looking away from Crimson Ninja, keeping herself in some defense form just for any surprise attacks. Yet before she could face him, something started to drag her down. Realizing Crimson Ninja summoned heartless, her legs are the only thing stuck along with two dark whips restraining her arms. As Crimson Ninja has drawn his short blade to finish Tifa, she is saved by Luffy who instinctively charge ahead and used his BAZOOKA move against Crimson Ninja. Once more is flung back towards the wall behind him, but is far enough away for Luffy and others to free Tifa from her bind.
"You okay?" Chopper asked.
"I'm fine, you and Spike need to get going and stop Specter from continuing his plan." Tifa informed them. Crimson Ninja stood back and readjusted himself knowing that human-monkey and girl are strong. While he should have just attack them, he's given intelligence like other people, yet this intelligence is that of his Ninja abilities enhanced by the darkness for much greater effect. For now he's coming up with his plan to strike them.
"What about you?" Spike asked worried for her despite showing Tifa's strength.
"We have to trust them, If we don't hurry there is no telling if Jake's heart will be swallowed by Darkness. And if we don't go ahead and stop Specter, he will not only destroy himself, but also the world as well." Chopper pointed out.
"Don't worry, We'll fight this guy together." Luffy assures him. Understanding their plea, Spike went off ahead along with Chopper as the two are to find and stop Jake and Specter from their schemes.
"Thanks." Tifa said.
"It's alright, I feel that this guy would bring his buddies along. Since you want to fight him, I'll beat his buddies up so they don't interfere." Luffy said, surprising Tifa at how he's being considerate, and trust in her despite fighting together first time.
"I can see why your crew trust you." Tifa said. And just like Luffy predicted, Crimson Ninja had brought out more heartless, but this time more ninja theme called Invisible Red's. Knowing they have a fight in hand, the two prepared themselves as they will be fighting for their lives.
Choper and Spike
After running around and have small encounters with the Heartless, the two are then brought towards an four path hallway. Unsure where they should travel towards or which path leads to Specter and Jake.
"Which way?" Chopper asked hoping Spike might know.
"I'm not sure, Casi mention how this base isn't the same as last time. I not even sure how Specter even built an moon base without someone noticing." Spike said unsure of their next destination.
"We have to figure something out, or else we can't-" Chopper didn't have time to finish as he was then surprise attack by Jake's dark ball attack striking Chopper back. Shock he see Jake on the right hallway is standing their smirking.
"Looks like you guys are lost, mind if I help." Jake sarcastically said, when look at his best friend Spike couldn't help but feel sinister intentions from Jake. Understanding the darkness is making him worse then his usual bad self from Specter's mind Control, he has to prepare what maybe his ultimate fight against his best friend turned evil incarnation empowered by Darkness.
"Jake... I don't know if your there and can hear me. I just want to say if your unable to free yourself, I will do whatever I can to save you buddy." Spike meant every word to Jake.
"Hehe, go ahead. But this darkness has taken much hold on me, combine by the fact his mind is much weaker to mind control, I... Jake will be transform and become one with Darkness." Jake spoke in some unusual voice. Chopper slowly got up, hurt but not killed. Chopper knew he had to avoid that attack or else they are dead, same can be said for Spike as he is going to fight something they have no understanding. Both of them steel themselves for a fight they have to win.
Forces in Conflict/Battle in Progress:
Villains: Specter, Jake(Mind Controlled) and Crimson Ninja
Sunny Go - Franky, Leon, Auron, Zoro, Usopp, Yuna, Rikka, and Paine
- Mission: Defend the Sunny from attackers
Invade Specter's moon base - Luffy, Chopper, Spike, and Tifa
- Mission: Invade Specter's Moon Base and try to stop them from completing their goal
Professor's laboratory - Nami, Robin, Yuffie, Aerith, Cid, and Casi
- Mission: Both defense and coordinate the others in plan attacks or watch over them
Saving World - Sanji, Jimmy, Pipotchi, Yuna, Kei, Helga, Pipo-Snake, Cloud, Merlin, Archimedes, The Professor, Aki, and Natalie
- Mission: Save the world and help stop the heartless from taking hearts and world.