Disclaimer: I don't own One Piece. I only own my OC, Aurora.
Chapter 24
The ship sails on. Today's climate is…
"It's freeeezing!"
"Achoo!"
Winter. With a little spring from time to time. After leaving Twin Capes at the base of Reverse Mountain, the ship now heads for Whiskey Peak.
"There we go. Done! The man who fell from the sky, Mr. Snowman!" Luffy declared, proud of the snowman he'd built.
"Hahaha…" Usopp chuckled. "Such childish snow games…"
"What!?"
"Behold! My masterpiece in snow art! The Snow Queen!"
"Holy cow, that's amazing!" Luffy went behind Mr. Snowman, pushing one of his wooden arms out and sending it into the head of Usopp's Snow Queen. "Snowman-punch!"
"The hell was that for!?" Usopp was quick to retaliate, kicking off Mr. Snowman's head.
"Gahhhh! Mr. Snowman!"
Bundled up so as to stave off the cold, Nami and Aurora watched the two from inside.
"Jeez, how can those two be so lively when it's so cold out?"
"Let them have their fun. At least they're out of our hair this way." Aurora sighed.
"I guess…"
"Nami! How much longer shall I continue my snow shoveling of love?"
"Until it stops snowing, Sanji."
"Yes, ma'am!"
"Hey you. Doesn't this ship have a heating system or something?"
"It's really cold."
"SHUT UP!" Nami roared at Mr. 9 and Miss Wednesday, who were seated nearby. "YOU'RE NOT HERE AS OUR GUESTS! GO OUTSIDE AND HELP SHOVEL THE SNOW OR SOMETHING!"
CRACK!
Aurora stiffened, the sound bringing back unbidden memories.
"Lightning!? Just what's going on with the climate here!?" Nami was baffled. "It was clear and warm just a second ago… it's exactly as Crocus said. The seasons and climate here on the Grand Line is beyond messed up!"
"It seems you're underestimating Grand Line quite a bit." Mr. 9 bit out.
"And you've left your rudder alone for awhile now, you sure that's alright?" Miss Wednesday piped up.
"Awhile? But I just checked our directi…" Nami trailed off, glancing down at the log pose. "AHHHHHHHH!"
The scream caused Aurora to jump, the angel turning to her friend in bewilderment. "Nami, what's wrong!?"
"W-What is it!?"
"What's the matter, beloved Nami!?"
"This can't be happening!" Nami burst out the galley door. "Turn the ship around 180 degrees! Hurry!"
"180 degrees? Why're we turning back?" Usopp was confused.
"Did we forget something?" Luffy asked, snowball partially formed in his hands.
"No!" Nami shouted. "The ship turned itself around and is now heading directly away from our destination! I only took my eyes off of the log pose for a second and the waves were so calm too…!"
"Looks like you've been played by the waves." Mr. 9 chortled.
"Are you really a navigator?" Miss Wednesday remarked. "That's the kind of ocean this is. The winds, skies, waves, and even the clouds… you can't trust any of them. The only thing you can trust out here is in the direction your log pose points! Do you understand?"
"You've done it now." Aurora sighed, moving off to the side. If the spike in Nami's aura was any indication…
"STOP ACTING SO HIGH AND MIGHTY AND START HELPING OUT!" Nami raged, kicking the two out onto the snow-covered deck. "Catch the wind from the right side! We'll use it to turn the ship around 180 degrees to the left! Usopp, you take the jib sail!"
"Got it!"
"Sanji, you take the rudder!"
"Just leave it to me, Nami!"
"And be quiet!"
"Hey, wait!" Usopp came to a halt. "The winds just changed!"
"That can't be!" Nami whipped around.
Mr. 9 and Miss Wednesday breathed in. "Ah, the first breeze of spring."
"WHAT!?"
"Zoro, wake up! We're in an emergency!" Usopp yelled, but to no avail. The swordsman continued to snooze away.
"Hey, I see a dolphin jumping over there!" Luffy's voice rang out. "Let's go check it out!"
"You just stay quiet!"
"Now, Nami…" Aurora attempted to placate the navigator. "Let's just take a deep breath and try to calm down."
"Don't tell me what to do!"
Aurora shrunk back, fearful of the navigator's wrath. "Never mind. I'll just stand here… quietly."
"The waves are getting higher! Iceberg spotted at 10 o'clock!" Usopp reported.
"And now there's fog!" Sanji added.
Nami held her head between her hands. "What is wrong with this ocean!"
"We just grazed the iceberg!"
"There's water leaking in the lower deck!" Luffy shouted.
"Hurry up and seal it then!"
"On it!" Usopp hurried off with a hammer and some planks of wood in hand.
"The clouds are moving too fast!" Nami growled. "Raise the sails! The winds are too strong!"
"Everyone eat up and energize!" Sanji suddenly appeared with food.
"Got it!"
"You're eating too much!" he griped at Luffy.
"Oh no! The sail's tearing!"
"We've got another leak on the lower deck!"
Usopp raced off. "Dammit!"
"Nami, where's the compass pointing to now!?"
"It changed again!"
"Whaaaat!?"
The sea was finally calm again. The sun was shining, seagulls were cawing… all seemed well.
Zoro let out a long yawn, stretching as he stood. "Ah, that was a nice nap. Hm?" He glanced around, his crewmates all collapsed on various parts of the deck.
"Hey, come on now. I know the weather's nice and warm but don't you think you're being a bit too lazy? Are you sure we're going the right way?"
They all shared the same collective thought. 'You son of a…!'
"And why're you two on our ship?" he finally noticed Mr. 9 and Miss Wednesday.
"You notice now!?"
"We're headed towards their town right now." Luffy informed the swordsman.
"What, so we're giving them a ride? It's not like we're obligated to or anything."
"I know."
"Hmm…" Zoro got up close and personal with the two. "There's something sinister about your faces… what did you say your names were again?"
"M… Mr. 9…"
"And I'm Miss Wednesday…"
"Right… something about those names have been bugging me ever since I heard 'em… I feel like I've heard it before… or not…" Zoro mused. "Well, in any case-"
Nami cut him off with a punch to the head. "Did you have a nice nap!? You wouldn't wake up no matter how hard we tried…!"
"Huh?"
Aurora cringed, watching as Nami punched Zoro once more. 'He just has to be a heavy sleeper…'
"Don't let your guards down, everyone! You can never expect what might happen out here!" Nami called. "I finally understand just how terrifying this ocean truly is, as well as why they call it the "Grand Line!" Understand because all of my navigation skills have failed to work!"
Usopp sweatdropped. "Uhh… are we gonna be fine?"
"We'll be fine! Things will work out one way or the other. And as proof of that, look…! The first leg of our journey is over."
Breaking through the fog, a shape began to take form.
"It's an island!" Luffy cheered. "I see giant cacti!"
"So that's Whiskey Peak." Aurora hummed. 'I must've taken a different route when I left. I don't remember coming across this island.'
"Thank god we've arrived alive!" Mr. 9 was relieved. The two strangers suddenly jumped onto the railing. "Now the, we ask you please drop us off here!"
"Thank you for taking us here, my honeys!" Miss Wednesday purred. "If fate wills it, then let us meet again!"
"Bye bye baby!" they chimed, making their exit.
"Huh? They're gone…"
"Just what is up with those two…"
"Forget about 'em! Prepare to land!"
"There's a river right up ahead. Looks like we can dock inland."
"T-There wouldn't be any monsters on this island now, right…!?" Usopp quivered.
"Considering this place is Grand Line and all, I'd say there is a good possibility." Sanji quipped.
"Well, we can always run away if that's the case." Luffy was optimistic as usual.
Aurora turned to the cook. "S-Sanji, let's not put any ideas in their heads, okay?"
The man swooned. "Yes, my heaven sent angel~!"
"Y-You really don't need to call me that…"
"But it's perfect!"
"Wait just a second!" Nami interrupted. "Don't forget that we have to stay on this island for a certain amount of time."
"Why?" Luffy asked.
"Do you not remember what Crocus told us?" Aurora glanced over at the boy.
"Nope."
"This log pose has to record this island's magnetic field, before we can move on to the next island!" Nami reiterated. "And the recording time varies for each island. There're some islands that take only a few hours to record, while some take even a few days."
"T-Then even if we come to a horrible monster island that we want to run away from, it's possible that we'll have to stay on it for several days…!?" Usopp was petrified.
"That's right."
"Well, we'll worry about it when it happens." Luffy grinned. "So let's just go already! It'd be weird not to go when there's a river in front waiting for us!"
"For you, maybe…" Nami grumbled.
"No, what he says is right." Zoro agreed with their captain. "There's no use in worrying about it so let's just go."
"I'll protect you, Nami and Aurora~!"
"H-H-Hey guys… listen… I uh… I think I've suddenly developed a can't-enter-islands-disease."
"Liar." Aurora chimed, unable to resist the urge to call Usopp out.
Nami finally acquiesced. "…Fine, let's go in then."
"I'm serious, guys. My can't-ente…"
"Ready? Be prepared to fight or run at a moment's notice."
The Going Merry sailed along the river, cutting through the fog. Voices began to ring out from the cliffside.
"Huh, isn't that a pirate ship?"
"Hey, you're right!"
"I can hear people. But this fog's too thick to see them." One of the Straw Hats pointed out.
"People!? You sure it's people!?" That was definitely Usopp who'd asked.
More voices rang out.
"Go tell the others!"
"Pirates are here!"
What happened next was something none of them were expecting.
"Welcome! To the town of welcoming, Whiskey Peak!"
The response was unexpected to say the least. Most people would be afraid of pirates. And yet… they were being warmly welcomed into their town. Aurora scanned the crowd that had gathered on either side of the river. Something about this didn't feel right. Her holy powers were forming into a giant knot in her stomach. There was more to this town than what appeared. A certain darkness hung over it. The angel would have to keep her guard up.
"Oh?"
"Huh? Not only are there no monsters, but there're people greeting us." Usopp was confused.
"What's going on…?" Sanji shared the sentiment.
"Long live the brave heroes of the sea!"
Sanji perked up, taking note of some women on the nearby shore. "T-There's a bunch of lovely ladies too!"
"Talk about a warm welcome!" Usopp soaked in the attention. "Looks like pirates really are the people's heroes!"
"Yahoo!" Luffy cheered.
The Going Merry was docked, the Straw Hats making their way onto land. A man broke through the crowd, coming to greet them. He was rather tall, with a small red nose and blonde hair styled to resemble a powdered wig. He was dressed quite nicely, looking much like a gentleman.
"Welg- Ahem! Ma-Ma-Maa~" he sang. "Welcome. My name is Igarappoi. You may be shocked at the welcome, but this is Whiskey Peak, a town of liquar and music. Hospitality is our middle name. If it's fine liquor you want, we have an ocean's worth. So please, I cordially invite you to our banquet and hope that you may entread- Ahem! Ma-Ma-Maaa~ Entreat us with tales of your adventures."
"Gladly!" Luffy, Usopp and Sanji chorused.
Nami, Zoro and Aurora stood in the background, not at all amused.
Nami remembered something. "Ah, by the way. How long will it take for this island's log to be recorded?"
"Log? Please put aside thinking of such weary matters for now and focus on resting from your journey!" Igarappoi threw an arm around Nami's shoulder, steering her along. "Everyone! Prepare the banquet! And let us sing to our heart's content for these adventurers!"
"ALRIGHT, TIME FOR A PARTY!"
The sun sets on Whiskey Peak.
The moon rises. And the welcoming party at Whiskey Peak continues…
"And so I coolly said to him, "Don't you dare lay a hand on my crewmates, you sea king bastards!""
"That's soooo cooooool, Captain Usopp!" the women gushed.
"Well, to be perfectly honest, even I trembled a little during our great escape from Calm Belt… trembling with excitement, that is…!"
Aurora stood in a corner of the room, fighting not to call Usopp out on his lies. The urge was overwhelming, but she had to hold back. The uneasy feeling she had still lingered. The angel needed to do what she did best and just fade into the background. The quieter she was, the longer she could go unseen. Being shy had its perks.
"Ahh!" Zoro slammed a pint down.
"You win." The man next to him gurgled, face planted on the table.
"Amazing! This man outdrank 10 people!"
"ORYAAAA!" more cheers rang out from across the room. "And this lady here outdrank 12 people!"
"What a couple of heavy drinkers!"
"MORE!" Luffy's voice rang out, the Straw Hat captain having devoured copious amounts of food.
"Holy moly! Here we have their captain who's eaten enough food for 20 people!"
"The cook just collapsed!"
"And would you take a look at this lady-killer!" They'd moved onto Sanji now. "He's flirting with 20 women all by himself! What a pirate crew!"
Igarappoi belted out a laugh. "Hahahaha! What a festib- Ahem! Ma-ma-maa~! Festive night this is! Your enjoyment means the world to us!" he trailed off. "Truly… it means the world…"
I can't drink… anymore…" Zoro face planted onto the table.
"Ohhh! And he goes down against his 13th opponent!" they turned their attention to Nami. "But this girl's on her 15th! Her opponent is the sister!"
"J…eez… so pathetic, Zoro…" Nami gasped between gulps.
"It'd be best for you to stop as well for your health's sake, you know?" the nun challenged.
"Thanks for the meal." Luffy moaned, his belly distended to huge proportions. "I can't eat anymore."
"Hahahahaha! Hahahahaha!" Nami cackled, face bright red.
"She's the type to laugh when drunk!"
"3 cooks have collapsed now!"
"Ah… feels so good…" Nami slurred.
"And she's down!"
Aurora started at this, making her way to the navigator. She leaned down shaking her friend and whispering in her ear. "Nami, wake up! Now's not the time to get deliriously drunk! Nami!"
"Hey, gorgeous! Why don't you join in on the fun!"
A pint was thrust in Aurora's face. "N-No, thank you. I don't drink."
"Come on! Just one sip!"
"I'm really not interested."
"Come on!"
"Don't be such a party pooper!"
"SHUT UP!" Aurora roared, frightening the partygoers. "I don't want a drink! I abhor that vile stuff! Besides, even if I did like it, I can't enjoy it the way my friends can! Now leave me alone!"
Aurora shoved through the crowd, stomping out the door. She wanted no part of this party any longer. The angel released her wings and took to the skies, flying amongst the towering cacti.
What she'd said earlier was true. She didn't like alcohol and even if she did, it had no effect on her. She'd tried the substance once and sworn it off ever since. The pint she'd had that one time didn't even have any effect; her holy powers viewed the alcohol as something dark and tainted. They'd immediately burned it all up the minute it hit Aurora's stomach.
The angel knew what those people had been doing. They'd gotten her friends to let their guard down by seducing them with the things they liked most. Even if Aurora had taken part in the alcohol, it wouldn't have had any effect… and then she'd be up against all those people on her own.
'Not that this is much different.' She thought, finally landing on a nearby building. 'The others are all probably out by now. It's just me against the inhabitants of Whiskey Peak…'
"O' how beautifully the cactus rocks are, as they dance again, beneath the moonlight tonight…" a familiar voice sang.
Aurora crouched down, silently making her way to the rooftop's edge. Igarappoi stood not that far away, gazing off into the distance.
"Quite the poet, aren't you,"
"Mr. 8…?"
'I know those voices!' Aurora realized, her gaze landing on a building nearby. Lo and behold, Mr. 9 and Miss Wednesday lounged atop the roof, jumping down to meet up with the other man.
"Oh, it's you…"
"And what about them?" Miss Wednesday asked.
"They've fallen deeply…" Igarappoi, or Mr. 8, answered. "To hell, that is…"
A door opened nearby and the sister from earlier stepped out. "Oh dear lord. Hic! That bunch sure knows how to eat and drink. And I was only drinking sparkling barley tea…!"
Aurora held back a gasp. 'I knew it! Something is going on here!'
"Is there really even a need to stage this whole welcome party in the first place? I mean, they're only a bunch of weak-looking brats…!"
"Miss Monday." Mr. 8 greeted.
The woman removed her habit. "We should've just crushed them at the harbor. The town is short enough on food as it is already. And it's not like we can count on getting that whale meat either."
"Don't you talk that way about us!" Miss Wednesday was offended.
"That's right!" Mr. 9 backed up his partner. "We tried our best, you know!"
"Now, now. Just calm down for now and take a look at this." Mr. 8 soothed, pulling out a paper. "I've done my homework about this crew."
Aurora leaned over the ledge to get a closer look at what the man held. Her eyes widened when she recognized what it was. 'Oh no! That's-'
"W…WHAT!? TH… THIRTY MILLION BELI!?"
"To judge a pirate's strength from his appearances alone is quite foolish, Miss B-" Mr. 8 cleared his throat. "Ma-maa~! Miss Monday."
"Them!?" Miss Wednesday and Mr. 9 still couldn't believe it.
"My apologies…" the large, muscular woman said. "But in any case… they're already out cold. This should make an excellent report for the boss."
"Go confiscate any money or treasures on their ship and tie them all up! And find that girl that ran from the party earlier; bring her back unharmed! If we kill them, we'll lose 30% of the bounty money. The government would rather do public executions of criminals, after all." Mr. 8 ordered.
"Sorry but…" a familiar voice drawled. "Would you mind letting those guys sleep for a bit longer? They're all tired from the journey over here."
"M-Mr. 8! Miss Monday! Another member of their crew has escaped!"
"Why you…!" Mr. 8 was furious. "Weren't you passed out cold after all that drinking just a moment ago…!?"
"A true swordsman never allows alcohol to take control of himself."
"Zoro!" Aurora cried, coming to land next to her crewmate. "You're awake!"
He glanced at the angel. "I see you managed to escape. Guess you were wary of this place too, huh? By the way, I heard that little tantrum you threw earlier. Didn't think you knew how to yell like that."
Aurora blushed, mortified at having been heard. "P-Please don't tell the others…"
"Ah! There's the Aurora I know." Zoro grinned, directing his attention back to the residents of Whiskey Peak. "So… this place is a den of bounty hunters, and you take advantage of the overconfident newbie pirates who've just entered Grand Line…!"
"There's about 100 of them." Aurora observed, waiting for a cue from the swordsman.
He stood, sword at the ready. "You'll be a fine opponent for me, Baroque Works."
"Baroque Works?" Aurora muttered in confusion.
"Wha!?" they were astonished. "How do you know the name of our organization!?"
"Back when I was in the same line of business as you, a certain organization tried to scout me but I refused, of course. An organization whose members don't know a thing about each other's real identities, and must refer to each other by their codenames." Zoro explained. "And of course, the boss' location and identity are a mystery as well. A criminal organization that asks for complete obedience from its members: Baroque Works. Heh… was that supposed to be a secret?"
"This is quite a shock… but if they know our secret, then we have no choice but to eliminate them. Two more tombstones must be added to Cactus Rock tonight…!"
'Tombstones!?' the morbid statement terrified Aurora. 'And what did he mean by add to Cactus Rock?'
The angel glanced up at the towering cacti. At first glance, nothing seemed out of the ordinary… but then she saw it. The spines weren't actually spines at all! They were grave markers!
"So many…" Aurora breathed, her eyes wide in fright. "So many lives lost!"
Zoro grabbed the angel. "Quit daydreaming! We need to move!" The swordsman hauled Aurora down with him, the two pirates landing amongst the crowd unnoticed.
"Kill him!"
Mr. 9 jumped. "He's gone!"
"Where'd he go!?"
They all finally clued in, whipping around to face the swordsman and angel. Zoro stood with his arms crossed, a grin on his face. Aurora took shelter behind the man, not really wanting to be involved but having no choice.
"Now then… shall we get things started?"
They pulled their guns out. "You bastard!"
"Shoot!"
Quicker than they could react, Zoro moved, taking the Baroque Works members down. Aurora squeaked, not liking that she'd been abandoned and spread her wings to take flight. She used her powers to form a shield around her body, so as not to get hit.
"You fools!" Mr. 8 roared.
"He disappeared again! He's too fast!"
"Hurry up and kill them already! They're only a swordsman and-" Mr. 8 got cut off, Zoro's katana piercing through one of his curls.
"Are you sure that you want to add only two tombstones tonight?"
"There he is!"
"S-Stop you fools!" Mr. 8 commanded. "Are you planning to shoot me too!?"
The men aimed their weapons.
"I said stop!" Mr. 8 blew on his saxophone in distress. "IGARAPPA!"
"AGHHHHHH!"
Not far away, hiding just behind a building, Zoro breathed out a sigh of relief. "Whew… was that a shotgun? Talk about dangerous…"
Aurora slouched next to him, trying to calm her racing heart. The minute Mr. 8 had acted, Zoro had yanked the angel out of the air, dragging her along to safety. She silently thanked the swordsman for being so quick. Her powers would've been able to protect her, but she'd still have been caught amongst the Baroque Works members. Who knows what might've happened then…
"It looks like…" Mr. 9 began.
Mr. 8 finished for him. "We'll have to deal with him personally."
"Where did those two disappear off to now…" Mr. 8 wondered. "Are they seriously planning to take on all of us, all by themselves? It doesn't seem like they truly understand the power of Baroque Works."
Listening in, Zoro grinned, pulling out his katana. "Now then… this'll be an excellent chance to test out my new boys. No need to hold anything back, boys."
"You can't be serious!" Aurora hissed. "There are a hundred of them and two of us. We need to wake up the others and go!"
"I'm not backing down. If you want to run like a coward, then go ahead." Zoro callously replied.
Aurora flinched at the harsh words, taking offense. "I'm not being a coward. I'm trying to be smart."
"Sounds cowardly to me…"
Aurora frowned. Yes, she'd thought of herself as cowardly, but she'd never been called out on it before. It hurt, but she knew it to be true. Well no more. She needed to stop running and start fighting.
"I'm staying." She declared.
"Yeehaw! I found 'em!"
The two froze, directing their gaze upward to where the voice came from. A man, dressed like a cowboy, had a gun pointed directly at them. He fired the weapon. Zoro grabbed Aurora, throwing them both backwards into the house they'd been hiding behind. The swordsman rolled through gracefully, his angel companion landing hard on her rear.
"Hm!?" Zoro froze, sensing the various agents gathered just behind them. Their guns were trained on the two through the open doorway and the windows.
Zoro jerked Aurora to the left, diving behind a nearby table. He grabbed hold of it, flipping the table onto its side and using it as a shield. The bullets hit, but the two managed to remain unscathed.
"First up is… Yubashiri…!"
"What are you-" Aurora got cut off, Zoro slicing through the table with one of his new katana. He charged through the group of bounty hunters, taking them down in one fell swoop. Aurora followed the swordsman out of the house, carefully stepping over the fallen bodies.
"Very light! A fine blade indeed…" Zoro grinned, pleased with his new katana.
"I see them! They're over there!"
"Oh, we've been spotted." Zoro dashed off, going up a pair of stairs. Aurora followed after, taking to the skies once more.
"They're going up!"
"Eat this!" a man shouted, holding up a large bazooka and firing. Zoro leaned back to avoid the cannonball that flew out, bracing himself on the stairs' railing. Aurora gasped as she came to be in the cannonball's path, narrowly dodging the projectile.
"That was close." Zoro grunted.
"Hahaha, this is as far as you'll get."
"Hm?"
"UOOOHHHHH!" came the war cry.
"Miss Monday!"
Said woman was on the adjacent rooftop. She held a barrel above her head. Rearing back, the muscular woman launched it at the two pirates.
"Don't worry about that and just kill him!"
Aurora flexed her wings, turning to face the oncoming barrel.
"Hey, Aurora, what are you-!"
The angel flapped her wings, razor-sharp feathers launched from the appendages. They sliced through the barrel, cutting it into four sections. They flew past the berry-haired teen, taking out the men behind Zoro.
The swordsman sighed. "What a waste of such fine liquor…"
Aurora glared back at her companion. "Are you kidding me?"
"Ah!" Miss Monday was outraged. "Why you…!"
"HAHHH!" a man snuck up behind Zoro with a large axe. He acted swiftly, his sword slicing cleanly through the stone. He then proceeded to knock the man away.
"This one cut through a stone axe! This Sandai Kitetsu has some sharp edge… a masterwork blade only cuts when its user wishes to cut something… this one's gonna be a problem child, alright…!"
"YAHHH!"
Aurora heard the battle cry, swiftly maneuvering herself in front of her crewmate. She raised her hand, eyes glowing with power. But the sight before the angel caused her to halt in her tracks.
"ACK!" the young boy cried out, dropping his knife in fright.
"Huh?"
"A child!?" Aurora was horrified.
"May the lord have mercy on us!" the sister cried, clutching the child to her chest.
"Wahhhh!"
Zoro was unfazed by the display.
"The lord's merciful bunding!" the sister pulled out a cross, yanking on the chain to release smoke. They meant to hinder their vision so as to catch the two Straw Hat pirates off guard.
Zoro appeared behind the two, startling them. Aurora hovered nearby, able to avoid the smokescreen.
"If you're gonna pull a trick like that, do it on a more gullible chap with a pure heart." He glanced over at the angel. "Well… it didn't work on me, at least."
Aurora frowned. "There's nothing wrong with being a good person, you know."
"There is if you're stupid enough to fall for that." Zoro retorted, knocking the two out with the back of his blade. "That's as much mercy as they'll get from me."
Aurora breathed a sigh of relief, laying a hand on the swordsman's shoulder. "Thank you… for not killing them, I mean."
"…whatever."
The berry-haired teen cocked her head. Zoro had turned his face from her, but she could've sworn…
'Is he blushing?'
"There they are!"
Whatever Aurora thought she'd seen was gone, replaced by a serious expression. "We need to keep moving!"
"He's climbing up again!"
"Chase after them!"
The bounty hunters scrambled after the two. They made their way up the ladder Zoro had just used, not prepared for what would greet them at the top.
"Hahahaha! There's no place for you to run away to up there!"
Zoro grinned, the edges of the ladder gripped in his hands. Aurora stood off to the side, waving at the man who had reached the top.
"Hnghh!" Zoro grunted, heaving the ladder.
"GAHHHHHH!" the men cried out, toppling off the roof.
"Agh! The ladders are all falling down!"
Zoro jumped, pushing off the top rung. The maneuver launched him into the air and sent the ladder crashing to the ground with a sense of finality. Aurora shook her head at the swordsman showing off, trailing after him.
"Wha!?"
"He's coming this way!"
"SHOOT!"
Zoro began to call out an attack. "Two Swords Style…"
"Aghh…"
"TAKANAMI!"
Zoro landed on the adjacent rooftop, having taken out the group of Baroque Works members standing atop it.
"DAHHHHHH!"
Zoro perked up at the sound, taking his sword and dragging it along the rooftop. He went in a circle and it was then that Aurora clued in to what he was doing. She smiled in amusement, leaving the green-haired man to his devices.
A group of woman, armed with various sharp weapons, descended on the swordsman. Zoro wasn't concerned, casually walking away from where he'd been standing. The women landed, ready to go after him.
"Careful now. The floor right there has been cut through."
"KYAAA!" they cried out, falling through the roof.
Zoro kept walking, but a large figure suddenly came up from behind. Aurora's eyes widened in alarm. Miss Monday was back, hefting a ladder in her large arms.
"Zoro, watch out!"
The swordsman ducked, with barely any time to spare. Miss Monday swung the ladder, making contact with the side of the building. The ladder broke in half.
"That was too close!" Zoro panted.
Miss Monday loomed over the swordsman, slipping on a pair of brass knuckles. Aurora gasped when Miss Monday held her companion down, raising her fist up high.
"Superhuman…"
"NO!" the angel launched herself at the woman, latching onto her back. Aurora wrapped an arm around the woman's neck, using all her strength to try and haul her back. The act didn't appear to faze Miss Monday, but it did serve to annoy her.
"Why you little-!" she growled. "Get off of me!"
The woman tried to shake Aurora off, but the angel held on tight. The distraction allowed Zoro to regain his wits, the swordsman leaping to his feet. The berry-haired teen breathed a sigh of relief at seeing her crewmate okay. Miss Monday used this to her advantage, Aurora having let her guard down, and slammed the girl to the ground.
"Oi!" Zoro's voice rang out, anger obvious in his tone.
"SUPERHUMAN FLOUR GRINDER!"
Roiling in pain, Aurora almost didn't see the fist about to cave her head in. The angel rolled off to the side, narrowly avoiding being crushed. Where she'd once laid there was now a crater. Aurora released a shaky breath.
"You alright?" Zoro asked, kneeling next to the shaken up girl.
"Fine." She answered. "Just give me a minute."
The swordsman nodded, glancing at where Miss Monday stood. He had a dark look on his face. "That's all I need."
"GYAAAAAA!"
"M-Miss Monday!?"
"What!?"
Zoro towered over the woman, having brought her to her knees in mere minutes. "What's wrong? Where's that strength that you're so proud of…?" he squeezed her head harder.
"AGHHHH!" Miss Monday cried out, frothing at the mouth before collapsing.
"Aghhh! He beat Miss Monday in pure strength!"
"That's impossible!"
Zoro's tongue darted out of his mouth as he grinned. "Shall we continue, Baroque Works? A fight's no mere game, you know."
'I'm starting to see why Zoro was such a feared bounty hunter…' Aurora thought, still processing what had just happened.
"…I got it! That wanted poster must be a mistake on the Marines part!" Mr. 8 growled.
"Of course!" Mr. 9 agreed. "I can certainly understand if he was the one worth 30 million beli… he must be their real captain!"
"I see…" Miss Wednesday joined in. "Then let us act accordingly… no wonder… I thought it was quite strange that their grinning idiot of a captain was supposed to be worth 30 million!"
"How disgraceful… to be beaten to this extent by a single pirate swordsman." Mr. 8 was disgusted. "As proud members of Baroque Works entrusted specially by the boss to watch over this town, we have a matter of responsibility to worry about."
Mr. 8 raised his saxophone to his lips. Zoro and Aurora watched on, both knowing what was about to happen next. The Baroque Works agent heaved in a large breath and blew.
"IGARAPPA!"
Aurora shoved the swordsman to the side, using her powers to throw up a shield. The two landed heavily on the ledge, the bullets bouncing off the shield the angel had erected.
"Let's go, Miss Wednesday!"
"Yes, Mr. 9!"
Mr. 9 sprang to life, leaping to the top of the building virtually unnoticed.
"Come give me a hand, Carue!" Miss Wednesday called.
"Quack!" a large duck stood a few feet away, raising a wing in reply.
"NOT LITERALLY!" she screeched, the duck making its way over. Miss Wednesday hopped into the saddle on its back. "Alright! Show your famous speed that can outrun even a leopard!"
"QUAAACK!"
"Who the hell told you to sit down!?" she punched the duck in the back of the head.
"Quack."
"The hell?" Zoro muttered, puzzled by the site. Aurora shared the sentiment.
"Hahahaha!" a voice cackled. "Are you sure you should be looking somewhere else right now?"
The two turned, realizing Mr. 9 was standing on one of the buildings towers up above.
"I wonder if you can keep up with my acrobatic finesse?" he began to roll down the side of the building. "Nekketsu Nine… KONJOU BAT!"
Zoro held up a sword, blocking Mr. 9's bat. The man wasn't deterred, merely leaping over the pirate and landing behind him.
"Haha! These are metal bats! Be careful not to let your sword get chipped!"
Zoro sheathed the sword in his left hand, still wielding the one in his right. Aurora took in the sadistic expression on his face and sighed. She had a feeling she knew what was coming next.
"What's wrong? Too scared to move?"
Zoro reacted, thrusting his sword in Mr. 9's face. The man lurched back, crying out in alarm. He was forced to dodge Zoro's attacks, blocking with his metal bats.
"What happened to you acrobatic finesse?"
"Oh, I'll show it to you alright! Just be sure to keep your eyes open!" Mr. 9 spat, flipping backwards.
"I think you're the one who should've kept his eyes open." Aurora retorted, pointedly looking behind Mr. 9.
The Baroque Works agent blinked, finally taking in his surroundings. He'd managed to dodge Zoro's assault but at a cost. He'd leapt right over the side of the building and was momentarily hovering in mid-air.
"Ha."
"AGHHHHHH!" Mr. 9 screamed, falling to the ground below.
"Isn't there anyone more compentent?" Zoro grouched.
Aurora sent the swordsman a look. "What more could you possibly want from them?"
"If you want someone competent, then look no further! Prepare yourself, Mr. Bushido!" Miss Wednesday called, having finally made her way to the rooftop. "Now… gaze deeply at my body…" the woman began to sway. "Miwaku… MEMAI DANCE!"
"Ugh!" Zoro grunted, making the mistake of looking. The concentric pattern on her corset immobilized the swordsman, giving Miss Wednesday the opening she needed.
"Fufu, that's a nice boy." She slid a ring on her pinky finger, a small, sharp disc attached to it by a wire. "Now for the finish…"
Aurora slid in front of the stunned swordsman, eyes glowing and wings raised, ready to strike.
"Let's go, Carue!" she urged the duck on. "Kujakki Slasher!"
"Quack!"
Aurora tensed.
"You're going the wrong way!" Miss Wednesday shrieked, the duo running right past the pirates. "Stop! I'm gonna fall!"
"I feel embarrassed at myself for having to fight these losers…"
"I feel embarrassed for you too." Aurora quipped, her wings drooping behind her.
"IGARAPPA!"
"Whoa!" Zoro cried out, he and Aurora barely managing to avoid the attack. The two dropped inside the building, the swordsman having cut a hole in the roof.
"Cutting a hole to escape below… how futile…"
The pirates dashed away, needing a new place to hide. Compared to his companions, Mr. 8 was no joke.
"That shotgun's a real problem… how can I close the gap to go in for the close attack…?"
"Maybe I could-"
"DAHHHHH!" Mr. 9 burst out from some nearby rubble, cutting Aurora off. "How dare you harm me to this extent! I shan't forgive you!"
"But you hurt yourself on your own." Zoro pointed out.
"KATTOBASE SHIKOMI BAT!" Mr. 9 attacked, the end of his bat propelling towards Zoro. The tip wrapped around Zoro's wrist, still connected to the rest of the bat by a rope. "Hahaha! I've seal up one of your arms!"
"Iron wire?" Zoro observed, realizing it was no ordinary rope.
"Now, Mr. 8! Finish him off!" Mr. 9 shouted. "Hahahaha! I won't let you escape!"
"Exactly!" Miss Wednesday reappeared. "Move even a single muscle, and consider your precious friend's life forfeit!" The woman had gone and fetched a still knocked out Luffy, pointing a sword at his stomach.
"Hahaha! Nice, Miss Wednesday!" Mr. 9 cackled. "Not only can he not escape anymore, but he won't be able to attack either!"
"That idiot… you could have woken up at the very least before you became a hostage." Zoro griped.
"PREPARE FOR FIRE!" Mr. 8 pulled on the ends of his necktie. "Preparation complete!"
"WHA!?"
Hidden in the curls of his hair were gun barrels. They slowly appeared, the man yanking his necktie strings to activate them. "IGARAPPAPA!"
"What is he, an action figure!?" Zoro yanked on the wire that bound him to Mr. 9. "Aurora, duck!"
The angel chose not to argue, doing as her friend said. Mr. 9 came flying through the air, Zoro slinging the man in the path of Mr. 8's attack. The bullets hit his body. An explosion occurred, Zoro landing harshly on the ground. He grunted, heaving the still airborne Mr. 9 in Miss Wednesday's direction. He flung the man at her, having finally gotten loose. Mr. 9 took out his partner and her duck.
"IGARAPPAPA!"
Zoro grabbed Aurora by the waist, dodging the rain of bullets. He deposited the angel next to their captain, hopping up onto the Straw Hat boy's stomach. "Luffy! I'll be borrowing your stomach!"
The swordsman bounced off, propelling himself towards Mr. 8.
"What is he…?" the man realized too late what was happening.
Zoro struck, finally taking the Baroque Works member down. "Whew… finished."
Luffy suddenly sat up, glancing around. "Huh? What am I doing out here? Urp. Ugh… stomach doesn't feel so good…"
Aurora gently laid a hand on her captain's forehead, the appendage glowing softly with power. "Shh… just rest. We'll explain everything later."
"Zzz…" the Straw Hat captain collapsed, asleep once more.
Aurora pulled her hand away, the glow of her powers fading. She'd put her captain back to sleep and soothed his ailing stomach. He didn't need to be concerned with what had just transpired. Zoro had taken care of the problem and all seemed to be well once more.
"Down you go." The swordsman heaved Mr. 8 and Miss Monday over the edge, the two landing next to their fallen companions. "Ah… it's become a nice, quiet night again…"
Aurora joined the swordsman on the roof. It seemed that they could finally relax now, if Zoro drinking from a bottle of ale was any indication.
"So you really don't like this stuff?"
Aurora sighed. "You heard my little blow-up. I think the answer's pretty obvious."
"And you can't get drunk; not even buzzed? How's that possible?"
The angel figured she could at least explain how that part of her powers worked. After saving her skin on more than one occasion that night, he earned the right. "My powers are a product of good and light. Alcohol is considered bad. The minute it enters my body, my powers completely burn it up. No alcohol, no chance of me getting drunk."
"Well that takes the fun out of drinking." The swordsman took a swig, abruptly pulling the bottle from his mouth with a pop! "Was that just my imagination? Thought I heard something just now…"
Aurora closed her eyes, concentrating. She heard it now. There were voices drifting up towards them. It sounded like it was coming from where the Baroque Works members had been left.
"How pathetic. You lost to a single swordsman?"
Mr. 8 pushed himself to his knees, his eyes wide in fright. "Mr. 5!? Miss Valentine!?"
Mr. 5 was a dark-skinned man with black hair in short spiky dreadlocks. He wore a brown trench coat with a pink cravat and a pair of sunglasses. Like the other officers encountered, he bore his agent number, a 5 emblazoned on his coat.
His partner, Miss Valentine, was a woman with short blond hair and dark eyes. She had on a yellow and orange hat, as well as a yellow dress with a lemon-like pattern, lemon earrings and white high-heeled shoes. She also carried a bright green parasol with blue stripes.
"Are you idiots just playing around?" Mr. 5 drawled. "Well?"
"Kyahahaha!" Miss Valentine cackled. "Give them a break. You can't expect them to be as capable as we are."
"Did you just come to laugh at us…?" Mr. 8 spat out.
"That's one reason." Mr. 5 admitted.
"Kyahahaha. We've obviously come here for business."
"Ku… hahahaha!" Mr. 9 choked out a laugh, raising himself up with his arms. "With you two backing us up, those pirates stand no chance!"
Miss Wednesday shakily sat up. "That's right… so please, go crush that troublesome swordsman!"
"…? Stop joking around." Mr. 5 rumbled. "You think we're your back-ups? You honestly believe that we'd be ordered to come all the way out here at the edge of Grand Line, just to help you fight off a pesky swordsman? Kyahahaha!"
"…what!?" Mr. 9 was confused. "Then what business have you come here for?"
"Surely you must have some hunches… a crime severe enough that the boss would personally dispatch us all the way out here…"
"The boss' direct words were, "My secret has been found out." Of course, we have no idea what that secret may be but…" Miss Valentine trailed off.
"Our organization's creed is "secrecy"… no on is allowed to pry into the real identities of our members. Thus, it's inexcusable for our boss' real identity to be known."
"After investigating into the matter, it seems an agent of a certain kingdom has infiltrated Baroque Works."
Mr. 9 began waving his hands in distress. "Wha…! W-Wait! I know I wear a crown and all but I'm not really a king!"
"We know it's not you." Miss Valentine huffed.
Up above, Zoro took a swig from his bottle. "Not good… Lufy's caught out in the open…"
"Should we do something?" Aurora questioned.
"Not yet…"
Mr. 5 spoke up. "The spy we're talking about, is the Alabasta Kingdom's-"
"IGARAPPAPA!"
"Mr. 8!?" Mr. 9 couldn't believe his eyes. Mr. 8 had just attacked a fellow Baroque Works member!
"IGARAM!"
"Igaram?" Now Mr. 9 was really confused.
"Please run away!" he shouted at Miss Wednesday.
"How futile." Miss Valentine suddenly appeared, kicking at Miss Wednesday.
"Ahh!" she cried out, the attack causing her hairpiece to shatter. Icy blue locks fell into the woman's face as Miss Valentine leapt away.
"Ah!" a voice cried, Mr. 8 landing nearby.
"Igaram! Igaram!"
Mr. 5 appeared through the smoke. "The name of the spy…"
"Is Igaram, the head of Alabasta Kingdom's royal guards! And the second spy…" Miss Valentine continued.
"Is none other than Alabasta's princess herself, Nefertari Vivi!" Mr. 5 concluded.
The blue-haired girl grit her teeth. "You monster!"
"Y-You were a princess, Miss Wednesday!?" Mr. 9 fell to the ground in a bow.
"Now's not the time for this, Mr. 9!"
Zoro chose that time to dart in, Aurora not far behind. The swordsman grabbed Luffy. "Jeez, some noisy night this is… don't mind me, keep fighting amongst yourselves."
"Shouldn't we help them?" Aurora asked, feeling guilty about leaving the princess and her guard behind. Now that the truth was out, the berry-haired girl felt compelled to do something. There was more to this situation than met the eye.
"It's not our problem anymore."
"Under the direct orders of our Baroque Works boss," Mr. 5 stuck a finger up his nose. "We shall hereby eliminate you two!"
Vivi took out her peacock slashers. "Don't you underestimate me!"
Mr. 9 intercepted the princess, blocking her path. "I may not exactly understand what's going on… but you're still the same comrade-in-arms that I've partnered with for a long time. I'll hold them off for you so hurry up and run away, Miss Wednesday!"
"Mr. 9!"
"Bye-bye baby! NEKKETSU NINE KONJOU BAT!"
"Mr. 9!" Vivi cried, fearing for the man's life.
"Hmph." Mr. 5 scoffed. "The only thing that matters to us is the successful completion of our mission." He rolled a booger between his fingers. "Such trivial things as compassion for one's comrades will only invite death… know your limits! Nose Fancy…"
"RYAHHHH!" Mr. 9 charged.
"CANNON!"
With a flick, the booger was launched. It exploded upon impact, easily taking out Mr. 9. The man was sent flying past the princess, she herself frozen in horror.
Zoro was astonished. "Damn, that's one dangerous booger alright…" A hand grabbed his ankle. "AH! You again!?"
Igaram had crawled over to the two pirates. "Mr. Swordsman! Seeing your impressive strength, please allow me to make an unreasonable request!"
"Let go of me! I ain't gonna help you just because you suck up to me!"
"Zoro!" Aurora was appalled. "He's not actually a bad man! He was undercover! Let's hear him out!"
Igaram switched his attention to Aurora, sensing that she was the kinder of the two. If he could convince her, then she might be able to sway her swordsman companion. "Those two are "ability users" and it is beyond my power to stop them! Please! Please protect the princess in my stead! I beg of you!"
"Carue! Run for it!" Just feet away, Vivi had hopped onto Carue, the duck taking off.
"She ran away." Miss Valentine pouted.
"She can't escape from us… after her, Miss Valentine!"
"Roger, Mr. 5! Kyahahaha!"
"If you successfully send her safely back to Alabasta, a kingdom located in the far east… I swear, you shall be rewarded greatly! I beg of you! Please protect the princess!"
"I'll kill you if you don't shut up."
"Zoro!" Aurora snapped. "Innocent lives are at stake. We can't just let them kill her!" The angel knelt down, coming face to face with Igaram. "We'll help the princess."
"For a billion beli, that is!"
The two pirates jumped, turning to where the voice had come from.
"Nami!?"
