Disclaimer: I don't own One Piece. I only own my OC, Aurora and Kai.

I'M NOT DEAD!

Okay... now that I've got that out of the way... I'd like to apologize for taking so long to post. I'd already had this chapter started out, but when I got to certain parts, I had MAJOR writer's block. Like, I could visualize how I wanted things to go in my head, but actually writing it was difficult. I can't even begin to tell you how many times I reread particular sections and kept changing things because I thought it could sound better or because I decided I wanted things to go a different direction.

I really am my own worst critic.

Anyways... thank you for patiently waiting and enjoy the latest installment of From Heaven Above!

Also, shout-out to hellspam for giving me an idea concerning Aurora's powers. I'm sure you'll figure out what I mean once you get to the end of her fight scene. *wink wink*


Chapter 33

"A CAMEL?! And… hey, it's you!"

Usopp and Eyelashes were instantly terrified, clinging to each other. "I'm sorrrryyyyyyyyyyy!"

"Would you two pull it together?!" Aurora berated. "Now's not the time to be afraid!"

"I wouldn't be too sure about that, sweetheart."

Aurora froze, a chill running down her spine. Darkness permeated the air, thick and heavy. She spun around, gaze landing on the individual responsible for her unease. "Kai…"

"That's my name. Don't wear it out." He grinned cheekily. "Gotta admit, I didn't think you'd live to get this far. But…" His gaze darkened, grin slipping from his lips. "I'm about to correct that."

Kai moved, faster than Aurora was anticipating. He swooped down, arms linking around the angel's waist. She was thrust over his shoulder, her eyes wide in surprise. Aurora was too stunned to do anything at first. He'd managed to catch her off guard again!

"AURORA!" Usopp's horrified cry reached her ears.

She snapped out of her daze, realizing that Kai was carrying her away from her friend. "Don't worry, Usopp! I'll be fine! Just keep Mr. 2 away from Vivi!"

"But-!"

"Focus on the mission! We can't let Baroque Works win! I believe in you!"

Kai snorted, the two of them now out of sight. "That coward doesn't stand a chance. He'll be dead within minutes."

Aurora growled, her eyes beginning to glow. "Don't underestimate my friend… or me!" She managed to break free of the fallen angel's grip, blasting him with her holy powers.

Kai crashed into the side of a nearby building, sliding to the ground. Aurora released her wings so as to catch herself, gently floating down to where her enemy was. She landed a few feet away, watching the man warily. Kai was powerful. She needed to be careful.

Said man chuckled, brushing off some rubble. "Is that really the best you got? Pretty pathetic, if you ask me."

Aurora's eyes narrowed, the glow returning once more. "I wasn't."

"You can barely protect yourself. How do you expect to keep the princess alive long enough to stop all of this?"

"Even if I fail, my friends will find a way. They always do. The Straw Hat Pirates are not to be underestimated."

Kai snorted. "You put so much faith in them. Why? They're pirates. You shouldn't even trust them, let alone like them."

"They're different from other pirates. They're good people. They're willing to help those in need without even being asked. I'm proud to be a part of their crew! I'm proud to be a pirate!"

"Whatever." Kai rolled his eyes. "I just hope you enjoyed your time with them… because it's about to come to an end." The fallen angel's nails sharpened into claws. "It's nothing personal, sweetheart. Just following orders. Besides… whenever our kind meet, it always ends in bloodshed."

Aurora shifted, the hackles on her wings rising. "I'm aware."

"Well… guess it's time to see what's stronger. The light, or the dark."

"Bring… it… on!"

Kai smirked… and then he pounced.


"Usopp! Hey, Usopp! Eyelashes! Get up!"

"Hey Sanji." The sniper greeted. "Oh, you wanna know what happened in the fight with him?! Well, the decoy part of the plan went perfectly. And then, the rest took 2 seconds." The battered and bruised Usopp gave a thumbs up, an equally beaten up Eyelashes doing the same. "1 per person."

"Come on, you could have done better!"

"But why are you here, Sanji?"

"Your ducks came to me for help! So… you let Mr. 2 get away, right?' Sanji cursed when the sniper nodded. "Shit. Vivi's in trouble…"

"Not just her! So's Aurora!"

"What?!" the cook stiffened, head swiveling in every direction. The angel was nowhere to be seen. How had he not noticed earlier? "Where is she?!"

"That fallen angel, Kai, flew off with her!"

"Why didn't you stop him?!" Sanji kicked Usopp upside the head.

"BECAUSE SHE TOLD ME NOT TO!"

Sanji paused, slowly lowering his leg and halting his next attempt to kick Usopp.

"Aurora told me to focus on the mission. To stop Baroque Works. She… she didn't seem to care what happened to herself. She just wanted to make sure Vivi got out of this alive, so she could help her country."

Sanji growled, not liking the answer he got, but accepting it nonetheless. "Go."

"W-What?"

"Go! I left Chopper alone to come here. He's gonna need help." Sanji turned, stalking off. "I'll take care of Mr. 2."


Aurora threw up a shield, the energy balls Kai was throwing pounding heavily against her protection. The shield cracked, Aurora hurriedly throwing up her hands to form another one. A large blast hit, smoke dotting the air around her. The angel's view was obscured. She couldn't see Kai anywhere. Suddenly, he darted through the smoke, nails slashing at her. Aurora grabbed hold of the fallen angel's wrists, forced to fly backwards as she struggled to keep Kai at bay.

"Give up already!"

"Never!"

Aurora tightened her grip, managing to swing Kai around and toss him into a nearby building. Not even giving him an inch, she thrust her hands out, holy energy coming forth. She blasted the man, Kai grunting in pain as the power burned him.

He glared. "Big mistake."

He darted forward, hand wrapping around the angel's throat. Aurora struggled in his grasp. Kai flew down low, shoving Aurora into the hard ground and dragging her along. The angel groaned in pain, practically feeling the skin peel off of her body. She had to break free!

Aurora grit her teeth, pressing a hand against Kai's chest and letting loose. He shouted, the blast sending him back. Even without his grip, Aurora slid several more feet before coming to a stop. She groaned, raising a hand to her stinging cheek. There was no blood, but the angel knew her skin had to be rubbed raw. Aurora glanced up, taking note of Kai's position several feet away. The fallen angel gingerly sat up, rubbing the spot on his chest that Aurora had blasted. The skin was bright red and blistered, her holy powers having burned him quite heavily at such close range.

"Guess you have some fight in you after all. That actually hurt."

Aurora said nothing, slowly getting to her feet. Kai did the same. The two stared each other down, neither moving an inch. Kai's fingers suddenly twitched, the action almost going unnoticed by Aurora. She jumped into the air the same time as he did, the two flying at each other, their powers colliding with a loud Bang!.

The force repelled both of them back, but they went at each other again, neither willing to stand down. The two angels locked up. Each was trying to force the other to submit. Kai suddenly jerked, sending the two into a downward spiral. Aurora never let up on her grip though. She wasn't going to be intimidated.

Two cries of alarm reached their ears, the angels plummeting into the hard ground. Dust rose up around them, Aurora and Kai both having been thrust back several feet from the impact. The true angel managed to get to her feet first, one large flap of her wings sending razor sharp feathers in Kai's direction. He countered with his own feathers, but Aurora moved swiftly, flying right up into his face and punching the fallen angel as hard as she could. As he stumbled back, she blasted him with her holy power, Kai landing in a heap further away.

"Aurora?!"

Still on high alert, the angel swung around, hand raised and glowing with power. She froze when she saw just who had called her name. "Sanji?"

The cook ran his gaze over the berry-haired girl. She was banged up, but didn't appear to be worse for wear. Still…

Sanji glared over at Kai. "I'm gonna kill that bastard."

"Wait. Sanji, what are you doing here? I thought you went with Chopper to the South-East Gate."

"The ducks that were with you two came and got me. Said Usopp was in trouble and needed help."

"So… Mr. 2?"

"Right over there." Sanji gestured to the okama's body.

The Baroque Works officer was laid out, some familiar looking feathers protruding from his body. It would appear he hadn't managed to get out of the way when Aurora and Kai began attacking each other. The okama twitched though, beginning to rouse.

"Where's Usopp then?"

"Well, after I woke him up, I sent him to go help Chopper. He's pretty beat up, but he's alive."

Aurora breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness. I hated to leave him like that, but I wasn't given much choice."

Sanji growled. "Yeah… he told me that bastard took off with you. Want me to take care of him?"

Aurora held the cook back. "No! You've got enough on your plate dealing with Mr. 2. I'll handle Kai."

"You're sure?"

Aurora smiled softly, laying a hand on the cook's shoulder. "Yeah. I'm sure."

A hand reached out, grasping the back of Aurora's top. She was jerked away from Sanji, a startled gasp escaping her lips. Kai wrapped his arm around her neck, keeping the true angel restrained as he carried her away.

"Aurora!" Sanji made to go after the two, but a leg soared in his direction, the cook thrusting his own up to block the oncoming attack.

Mr. 2 smirked. "Your fight's with me!"

Sanji growled, only able to watch as Aurora was taken away. "Shit!"

Aurora scratched and clawed at the fallen angel's arm, her airway restricted and making it hard to breathe. Kai chose that moment to thrust the angel away, blasting her in the back as he did so. Aurora crashed to the ground. She bounced several times before rolling to a stop. The angel pushed herself up, rising to her feet. Her holy powers simmered beneath the surface, just waiting to be sent forth at the threat that was Kai. But… he was nowhere to be found.

"I thought I already warned you about turning your back on me."

Aurora froze, the weight of Kai's hand on her left wing sending warning signals throughout her head. She glanced back, fear prominent in her eyes. "Don't…"

"Ooh!" Kai sucked in a breath tauntingly. "Wish I cared enough not to, but…"

The pressure increased, a sickening crack! echoing throughout the streets. Aurora's eyes were blown wide-open, immense pain radiating throughout her body. She reacted the same way anyone else would.

She let out a blood-curdling scream.

The true angel collapsed, tears streaming from her eyes. She was biting her lip hard enough to draw blood. Her left wing hung limply down her back, bent at an unnatural angle. Kai had broken it.

The fallen angel made his way over to Aurora, who was attempting to crawl away. He slammed his foot onto her back, pinning her in place and causing the true angel to sob in pain, his heel digging into the base of her broken wing. "And this is why you should never turn your back on me. It always ends in pain."

Aurora managed to squirm out from underneath his boot, crawling a safe distance away. She propped herself up against a nearby building, glaring heatedly at the fallen angel. "You think breaking my wing is enough to keep me down?"

"No…" Kai smirked. "But you're at a bigger disadvantage. Hard to get away when you've been grounded."

He flew forward, fist cracking against Aurora's cheek. She reeled back, tripping over her own two feet and falling to her knees. The true angel gripped her left shoulder tightly, pain radiating throughout her back from her broken wing being jostled. She glared at Kai once more. He'd spoken the truth earlier. She was at a disadvantage. Aurora wasn't nearly as fast without the use of her wings. How did she stand a chance now?

Kai flew forward once more, swiping at Aurora, his nails having sharpened into claws again. She barely managed to get out of the way, the attack merely cutting off strands of her hair. Their little dance continued, Aurora surprised that she was able to hold up this long. Kai swiped one more time. Aurora yelped, slash marks now decorating her right cheek. Blood trickled down her face.

Kai held up his hand, studying the red flecks decorating his nails. "First blood. Won't be too much longer now."

Aurora glared, thrusting a hand forward as she attempted to blast Kai. He dodged, flying forward and barreling into the girl, Aurora landing in a heap. She scrambled to get to her feet, only to be knocked down once more by the fallen angel. Aurora pushed herself up again, but it was no use. Kai flew down, shoulder jabbing into her stomach. He never relented. Anytime the true angel got up, Kai was there to knock her back down. He was just too fast.

A large ball of red energy exploded in front of her, knocking Aurora back. She slammed into the side of a building. The berry-haired girl cried out in pain, her broken wing having taken more damage. She stumbled, barely managing to stay on her feet, while Kai landed nearby.

He held up a hand, red energy dancing at his fingertips. "You know what I learned over the years?"

Aurora said nothing, eyeing the fallen angel warily.

"That our power can take more than one shape." The red energy stretched outward from his hand, forming into a very familiar weapon.

Aurora's eyes widened. "A sword…?!"

"Pretty cool, right?" Kai swung the weapon that was an extension of his powers. "It took a while for me to master this skill, but now with just one thought… I can make anything I want."

He suddenly darted forward, catching the stunned Aurora off guard. Kai wrapped his hand around the true angel's neck once more and lifted her up in the air. The berry-haired girl could only clutch helplessly at his wrist.

Kai raised the hand that held the sword he'd formed. "It's been fun, sweetheart… but I got a job to do and I can't have you getting in the way anymore."

There was a large amount of pressure against her abdomen, almost like a punch. She didn't realize at first what had happened. But… then came the pain. Pain like she'd never felt before ripped throughout Aurora's body. She wanted to scream, but Kai's hand wrapped around her throat prevented that. The noise that did escape her mouth was akin to that of a dying animal. The true angel began to shake, eyes shifting downward.

The sight that greeted her was horrifying, to say the least.

Kai's energy sword had been thrust into her stomach, buried to the hilt. The rest of the weapon protruded from her back, just below her wings. The skin around the entrance of the wound began to sizzle and burn. The dark energy was having the same effect on Aurora as her holy powers did on Kai.

The dark angel abruptly yanked the sword from her body, simultaneously releasing his grip on Aurora. The true angel landed in a heap. She slammed a hand over the wound, blood rapidly pooling beneath her fingertips. Her holy powers raged, attempting to heal the damage as fast as possible. Aurora fought the urge to retch. The smell of burning flesh assaulted her nostrils and her insides felt like they were melting.

Kai towered over the fallen true angel. There was a brief instant where Aurora thought she saw remorse in his eyes, but she blinked and it was gone. Maybe she imagined it?

Kai raised the sword above his head. "Sorry sweetheart… but this is the end of the line for you."

Aurora's eyes screwed shut, the true angel silently urging her powers to work faster. 'I can't die here! There's still so much I have to do! And my friends…! It can't end this way!'

Thunder rumbled high up above, garnering Kai's attention. He slowly lowered his sword. "What the…?"

Aurora didn't notice the sound at first. Too deep in thought and concentration was she, that the true angel didn't notice her body beginning to glow. The thunder roared more loudly now. Lightning began to dance across the sky.

Kai's eyes widened, his gaze snapping to Aurora. "It can't be…"

The true angel grit her teeth, still attempting to heal herself. 'I can't die. I can't die. I CAN'T DIE!'

Her eyes snapped open. The thunder boomed, shaking the ground. The hairs on the back of Aurora's neck suddenly stood on end, the angel sensing the change in the atmosphere. She knew what was about to happen.

A large bolt of lightning shot down from the sky, striking the man in front of her. Kai screamed, the energy from the strike coursing harshly throughout his body. His flesh began to burn, bits of bone becoming exposed.

Aurora jerked back, the fallen angel having been mere inches from where she lay. The sudden lightning strike frightened her. Her heart beat wildly against her chest, her breath coming out in shallow pants. She knew this wasn't his doing, but lightning always had an adverse effect on her.

The true angel could only watch with wide eyes as the electrical strike bore down on Kai. The force of nature finally relented, the fallen angel dropping to his knees. His body shook, the man's gaze landing on Aurora. "H-Holy… lightning…? H… How… did… y-you…" Kai's eyes rolled into the back of his head. He collapsed to the ground with a thump!

Aurora had defeated him.

The true angel gazed at the unconscious man in shock before her gaze drifted up to the skies above. There wasn't a cloud in sight. The thunder was nonexistent now. The lightning had disappeared. Aurora's gaze drifted back down, noting the fading yellow glow that outlined her body.

'Did… Did I do that?' the true angel was confused and, admittedly, a little bit scared. She couldn't have possibly caused that lightning strike… could she? The way Kai spoke, he seemed to believe that she did. He also seemed to know just what exactly the attack was.

"Holy lightning…" Aurora tested the words out.

The true angel tried her hardest to think back on what she knew of her kind. Gan Fall had done his best to educate her as a young girl, relaying any knowledge he possessed. But… had he ever said anything about angels being able to control the elements?

'Wait!' Aurora remembered one particular conversation the man had had with her concerning her powers. Gan Fall had told her angels, good or bad, were capable of manipulating an element. Aurora looked to the skies once more, starting to believe that maybe she had caused the lightning strike. If that was the case, the irony was not lost on her. To wield the very thing she feared most…

Aurora suddenly dropped her head, dizziness washing over her. A glance down told her that her stab wound was still not fully healed. Blood continued to pour out of her body. Her holy powers were trying desperately to repair the damage, but she'd used up so much of it trying to fight off Kai. She was practically running on empty. The true angel reached down and ripped a large portion of her skirt off, attempting to bandage the wound and staunch the blood flow. She worked slowly and clumsily, the blood loss and fatigue starting to get to her. All her adrenaline had worn off.

Aurora collapsed, barely managing to tie a knot in her makeshift bandage. Her limbs felt heavy. Her whole body did. And she was tired. So, so tired. She fought to keep her eyes open, but it was a losing battle.

'No! Don't close your eyes, Aurora! You need to get up!' the true angel tried to rally. 'You have to get to the others! You have to help Vivi!'

But it was no use. Her eyes slowly drifted shut, consciousness fading from her grasp. And then…

Darkness.


"LITTLE BEEF BAR-BE-QUE!"

"EXPLOSIVE BULLET SWAN WIND WING OPEN STYLE!"

The cook and okama's attacks appeared to hit simultaneously, both individuals grinding to a halt, backs facing each other.

"Argh!" Mr. 2 suddenly grunted, eyes blown wide. "Ugh…!" He suddenly spun backwards into a wall, Sanji's attack having had a delayed reaction.

The cook himself fell to his knees, Mr. 2's attack also having taken effect. Sanji puffed out a breath, collapsing onto the cold, hard ground. A few moments passed. The cook blinked, attempting to regain his bearings. He slowly got up, pulling a new cigarette from his pocket and lighting it.

"I lost!" Mr. 2 choked out. "Made me go all out, you surprised me…"

Sanji stared down at the okama. "… What? If you change into Nami now, I wouldn't be able to kill you."

"Ha… how funny. I can't even move now…" the splayed out okama retorted. "You win. If you want to kill me, just do it. My life will be ended by the organization later anyway."

"…"

"What are you waiting for!" Mr. 2 barked. "Hurry up and finish me off!"

Sanji merely held his hand out in offering.

"!?"

"That was a good fight… the rest…" he cracked a grin. "Really doesn't need to be said.

Mr. 2 shakily sat up, taking the proffered hand. 'This guy can't be wrong. This is the friendship of fighting! I… I can't cry now!'

Sanji suddenly moved, knocking the okama flat on his back once more. He reached down, ripping Usopp's goggles from atop Mr. 2's head and beginning to walk away. "I'll just take these back now."

"But you said you wouldn't hit me!"

Alubarna Southern Block, Borka Street Fight

Winner: Sanji

Prize: A little friendship.

"My ribs…" Sanji tugged on his collar, glancing down. "I wonder how many more just broke."

CRACK!

Sanji froze, the loud clap of thunder startling the cook. A giant bolt of lightning followed not that long after. His head snapped in the direction of the bright flash of light, the ground shaking beneath him.

"Aurora…!" he breathed, realizing the lightning had struck in the direction she and Kai had gone. The cook didn't hesitate.

He ran.


"My darling queen… I'm very disappointed in you."

Aurora flinched, her gaze cast downward as the sound of Eneru's footsteps got closer. He had been lounging in the plush chair he considered his throne, beautiful women waiting on him hand and foot as per usual. The so called "God" had immediately sent them away when his four priests dragged Aurora in, the true angel having attempted another escape.

The men had flung the young girl to the ground, Eneru dismissing them with a flick of his hand. Aurora shakily got to her feet. It was just the two of them now.

Eneru came to a stop next to the girl. He laid a hand on her bare shoulder, forcefully pushing down. The angel grunted, harshly landing on her knees, but didn't fight back. She knew better.

Eneru began to move once more, now standing behind the berry-haired girl. He traced the skin of her back lightly with his staff, the sharp tip alerting Aurora to the fact that he had altered the weapon's makeup. "I hate to do this my beautiful girl, but you need to be taught a lesson."

Aurora clenched her fists, but didn't say a word. Eneru had no issues with hurting people. The only issue here was that he was "forced" to mar his greatest prize. The punishment wasn't entirely necessary. Aurora already feared the man. But… Eneru wished to further assert his authority over the girl, show her exactly who was in charge. The man said it pained him to further destroy her beauty, taking away her value, but the angel knew another sick, twisted part of him relished in her misery.

Aurora tried not to flinch when the first cut was made. She should have been used to it by now, having attempted to escape many times before. She didn't know why she kept trying. It was pointless. No matter where she ran, the priests always found her, no doubt due to Eneru using his "Mantra".

A small whimper escaped Aurora's mouth when the man cut deeper into her flesh. The steady swipes continued, her powers working frantically to repair the damage as it was made. But it was no use. Eneru made a point to cut the same spots repeatedly. The end result was that scar tissue built up, leaving her with a reminder of her punishment. The continuous abuse was something that not even Aurora's powers could fully heal.

Eneru had stopped, the tip of his staff no longer touching her back. Aurora could feel the blood pouring from her wounds, trickling in small rivets down her backside. A lone finger was shoved into one of the cuts. Aurora bit her lip, choking down a cry.

Eneru pressed down harder, his index finger positioned right in-between her wings. "Don't fret my queen. It'll all be over soon."

Aurora knew what that meant. She clenched her eyes shut, the sound of lightning crackling in the air.

'3… 2… 1…'


Aurora's eyes slowly drifted open, the angel surveying the area around her. She wasn't in Skypiea, in the palace with Eneru. She was in Alabasta. She'd just finished fighting Kai. And yet… despite knowing exactly where she was, the angel couldn't get her heart to stop racing. Aurora wasn't sure why that memory had popped up. Maybe it had been a result of her fight with Kai? Whatever the reason… the memory wasn't a welcome one.

"AURORA!"

The angel jerked into a standing position, whirling to face her target, hand raised.

"W-Wait! It's me!"

Aurora blinked, her vision blurry from having moved too quickly. The figure began to take shape, a familiar head of blonde hair standing out amongst the background. The angel slowly lowered her hand. "Sanji?"

The cook nodded, gaze slowly roving over the girl. He didn't know how she was standing, let alone conscious, based off of her appearance. To put it bluntly, Aurora looked like death warmed over… and that didn't sit well with Sanji. His gaze strayed to a lump nearby. The cook growled, easily recognizing Kai from earlier. He began to move. "That bastard…!"

Aurora grabbed the cook by the arm as he stormed by, tripping over her own feet in the process. She was still weak, and didn't have her full coordination back. Sanji easily caught the angel, cradling her in his arms. Aurora pushed him off, stumbling to her feet once more. "Leave him. He's not going to bother us anymore."

Sanji frowned. "But-"

"Just forget about him, Sanji!" Aurora snapped, a wave of dizziness washing over her. "We need to go find the o… the… rs…" she trailed off, body pitching forward.

Sanji acted quickly, throwing an arm around the angel's waist to steady her. Aurora didn't fight him this time. She slumped into the blonde's frame, darkness beginning to creep into the edges of her vision once more.

"We need to get you to Chopper." Sanji stated, concern evident in his gaze. He slowly released his grip on Aurora once he was sure she wouldn't fall. He crouched down in front of the angel, gazing at her over his shoulder. "Hop on."

The berry haired girl said nothing, taking a couple steps forward before practically collapsing onto the cook's back. Sanji hiked her up higher, Aurora weakly lacing her arms around his neck. The blonde kept a tight grip on the angel as he began to run.

Aurora fought to stay awake, but it was no use.

Darkness overcame her once more.


Alubarna, North - Eastern Gate…

"What the hell happened?!" Usopp's startled cry rang out.

Sanji had arrived just mere moments ago, his companions at first happy to see him. But then… he had deposited an unconscious Aurora on the ground, right in front of Chopper. The reindeer was frantic, quickly surveying the angel's injuries. Usopp was in shock.

"Kai found her." Sanji grunted. "Looks like she managed to beat him, but…"

Usopp choked back a sob. "I… I should've done something! I should've gone after them!"

"You did what Aurora told you to do. She was trying to keep you safe."

"But at what cost?" Usopp gazed despondently at the ground.

"D… Don't blame y… yourself…" a voice choked out.

"Aurora!"

"My angel~!"

The girl gingerly sat up, Chopper frantically scurrying around her. "Wait! You shouldn't be moving yet!"

"It's fine, Chopper." She reassured the reindeer.

"B-But your wing's broken! And you've lost a lot of blood!"

"I said, it's fine." She firmly told the doctor before her gaze landed on the sniper. "Please don't blame yourself, Usopp. It's my own fault for taking Kai on by myself. I should've known better."

He didn't know what to say.

Sanji decided to break the silence. "By the way…" he pulled something out of his pocket, tossing it to the sniper. "Here."

"OHHH! You got my goggles back!"

Movement off to the side caught the cook's attention, large clouds of sand being kicked up. "Hey, look over there."

"Sanji, you sure are one great fr-" Usopp cut himself off. "Aghhh! Hey, this is broken! What the hell, man?! This was the latest model from North Blue! Do you have any idea how much I paid for these!?"

Sanji ignored the sniper's whining. "That must be the rebel reinforcement storming this way…!"

"There's still MORE?!" Chopper couldn't believe his eyes.

"Vwoh!"

"It would appear so." Aurora wheezed, cringing in pain. Maybe she should've let Chopper take a closer look at her?

"The hell are you actin' all tough for you damned camel!?" Usopp griped. "Where were you during the fight!?"

"Vwoh…"

Sanji grabbed Aurora once more, gently placing her on his back. He began to run. "Let's hurry to the palace. We might be able to help Vivi somehow."

Chopp followed after the cook. "Got it!"

"Hey, Usopp! Get off your ass already!"

"Huh? W-wait up! C'mon you guys! Just look at how injured I am! You expect me to run like this?!"

"You're more capable of moving than Aurora, so yes! I do expect you to run!"

"… Will you please stop worrying about me?"


"If Crocodile is really here in the palace… then that means he really is the one trying to take over the kingdom!"

"SMASH THE GATES OPEN! THE PRINCESS IS IN DANGER!"

"Dieciseis Fleur!" Arms sprouted from the gates.

"Wha?"

"Hands!?"

"There are hands… coming out from the gate!?"

The guards were knocked back.

"AGHHHHH!"

"Fufufu…" Miss Sunday chuckled, having finally made an appearance. "Seems like there's quite a fuss just outside the door."

"State the obvious, why don't ya?" A voice griped. Kai slowly came to a halt next to Ms. Sunday, wincing with each movement he made. The fallen angel looked worse for wear, but was able to stand somehow.

The woman frowned. "So rude. Is that anyway to thank the person who kept you from dying in the streets?"

Kai snorted. "Please! All you did was drag me here. You didn't even check to see how bad off I was."

"You may be fallen, but your powers still heal any damage dealt. I knew you were fine."

"Again… how could you know if you didn't even look!?"

"Enough you two!" Crocodile growled, his two partners instantly shutting up.

"FATHER!" Vivi cried out while they were distracted, taking in the sight of her dad pinned to the wall by two large nails. She had to make sure he was okay!

"YOUR HIGHNESS!"

Cobra glanced up. "Vivi… forgive me… for squandering the chance to save this kingdom, that you risked your life to get to…"

"Father…"

"Let go of his highness, Crocodile!" Chaka demanded.

"Haha…" the Shichibukai chuckled. "It's just as the king himself so pathetically stated. But Ms. Wednesday… it wasn't just your life that you risked. You should thank those pirate-friends of yours for helping you come this far."

"Where's Luffy!?" Vivi demanded to know. "And what're you doing here!?"

"Oh, did I not mention he's dead already?"

Kai glanced over at Ms. Sunday, the two sharing a knowing glance. If only Crocodile knew…

"YOU'RE LYING! THERE'S NO WAY HE COULD EVER BE KILLED BY THE LIKES OF YOU!"

"Hmph… think whatever you wish…" Crocodile scoffed. "In any case, let me make it clear that I have no intention of sparing you and your father. It's only natural that when a kingdom falls, the royal family should perish with it." He turned to the king. "But before I replace you on the throne, Cobra, there is one question I must ask… a question to which my ultimate objective is tied with… where is Pluton?"

"?"

"…."

"!"

Cobra was shocked. "H… How do you know that name!?"

"Pluton…" Crocodile continued. "It's said a single blast from it can destroy an entire island without leaving a trace… the ancient world's most fearsome weapon which carries the name of a god! It should be lying somewhere within this kingdom…"

Cobra huffed, gritting his teeth.

"That was my real objective from the beginning. With a weapon like that, I can establish the world's leading military power here in this land!"

Kai grinned. "I can already smell the chaos."

Ms. Sunday elbowed him in the ribs, shushing the man. He coughed, glaring at the woman in retribution. He was already hurt, he didn't need her making it any worse.

"A weapon!?" Vivi couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Does something like that… really exist in this kingdom?"

"A secret passed down from king to his successor for generations…" Chaka knew exactly what Crocodile was talking about.

"Once I become the king of this land, it'll only be too easy to bring all the pirates in nearby regions under my control! With such influence, I'll have the power to surpass even the World Government's authority itself! And at last, I will have my utopia!"

"Do you really think the World Government will just let that happen!?" Cobra growled.

"Oh, of course not. That's precisely why I need something to tip the scales in my favor… Pluton."

"I don't know where you managed to learn that name, but I'll have you know that I have no clue to its whereabouts, nor am I even sure if such a thing really exists in this kingdom."

"… I see." Came Crocodile's reply. "I expected as much. Even I realize just how dubious the existence of such an incredible weapon is… in any case, the bulk of the royal forces are currently gathered around the city square, but at 4:30 p.m… that is to say, just 30 minutes from now, they'll be engulfed by a massive explosion."

"Are you out of your mind?!"

"A special made explosive with a blast diameter of 5km." Crocodile went on to explain. "The scenery viewable from here will undergo quite the "renovation", I'd assume…"

"A 5km blast in just 30 minutes?!" Vivi was horrified. "But if you do that…!"

"Happy, are you?" Crocodile smirked. "The rebellion you so wanted to stop will finally be over. By my calculations, the rebel forces should penetrate all the way into the city square in about 20 minutes. Rather than blowing up the royal palace to stop the fighting in such a roundabout way, it's far more expedient to eliminate the ones doing the actual fighting."

Vivi made a move towards the Shichibukai. "How can you do such a thing?!"

Chaka held the girl back. "Princess!"

"Just what have my people ever done to you?!"

"… What an earsore."

"Got that right." Kai grumbled, annoyed by the princess' shrieking.

"Now then, Mr. Cobra…" Crocodile turned to the king. "I have an alternative request for you. Where is the Poneglyph?"

"The ancient records…!?" Vivi recognized the word. "Why would you want to know where that is…!?"

"If I tell you where it is, will you…" Cobra trailed off.

"Hm?"

"Father!"

"Never mind… I will guide you to it." The king submitted.

"Kuhahaha! The wise King Cobra lives up to his reputation! You understand your situation quite quickly!"

"Princess." Chaka spoke up, drawing his weapon. "I can no longer… hold back my fury!"

"COMMANDER CHAKA!"

"PLEASE WAIT!"

"Who is it this time?" Crocodile was not amused.

"You men are…"

"Tsumegeri Guards!" Vivi finished where Chaka left off.

Ms. Sunday raised her left hand, blood dripping from a wound that had appeared. It would appear these men had gotten through her defenses. Kai growled, glaring at the men.

"It's just a scratch. Calm yourself." She placated the man.

"But-!"

"It's fine, Kai. You know I've dealt with worse."

The fallen angel sighed. "Yeah… I know. Doesn't mean I can't still worry."

Her lips twitched, a hint of a smile barely visible.

"NO, STOP!" Cobra suddenly cried out. "DO NOT ATTACK THIS MAN!"

"Your highness… to protect you with our very lives is our highest duty… I'm afraid we cannot just let this man be."

"If our enemy is to be one of the Shichibukai,"

"We shall not show cowardice."

"We four," they spoke together.

"Shall put an end,"

"To our kingdom's threat…"

"… My, aren't you popular…" Crocodile drawled. "I'll specially overlook you just this once, so scurry off back home."

"That is not possible. For you see, we have a reason why we cannot withdraw!"

"A reason…?" Crocodile repeated.

"If you really are the mastermind behind this whole rebellion…" one guard spoke, his muscles suddenly bulging and growing in size.

"… Those marks!" Chaka was alarmed. "Don't tell me you…?!"

"Shall I?" Ms. Sunday offered her services.

"No, it's fine. They're nothing but flies to me."

The guards lunged. "RAHHHH!"

Cobra came to the same realization that Chaka did. "Did they…?!"

"Chaka!" Vivi cried. "Something's off about them!"

"Those fools…" he cursed. "In order to gain more strength for one brief moment… they drank Gosui… the special water that takes away your life…! They… now have only a few minutes to live… they cannot be saved!"

Vivi was horrified. "NOOO!"

"Kuku…" Crocodile merely chuckled. "I figured as much… so you threw away your lives just to challenge me…!"

Kai snorted. "What a bunch of idiots!"

"Please forgive our reckless actions, Commander Chaka… but we must let this man know…"

"You fools!"

"Let him know of this country's pain… AND THIS COUNTRY'S ANGER!"

The guards struck the spot where Crocodile was standing, but … he wasn't there anymore.

A sigh came from up above. "That's not very smart of you men…" Crocodile said, the man now sitting cross-legged on the roof of the castle. "You should take better care of your lives… though I suppose it's too late for that now… Kuhahaha! If you want to die so badly, then I guess I don't even need to lend a hand, do I?"

"He's not wrong." Kai admitted. "I can already feel their auras dimming. Their time's almost up."

Chaka was shaken. "He won't even, let them fight…"

"Gahh!" one of the guards choked, collapsing to the ground. The others quickly followed suit.

"How dare he…"

"Ugh…!"

"Ch… aka…"

"KUHAHAHA! This sight is the very meaning of stupidity!"

"CHAKA!" Vivi called, but it was too late. The man had already taken off, his body shifting into a new form.

"YOU VILE SCUM!"

"CEASE THIS AT ONCE, CHAKA!" the king ordered. "YOU CANNOT DIE HERE AS WELL!"

"Oh, a Zoan-user…"

"Inu Inu Fruit, Model: Jackal!" the commander charged, sword drawn. "NARIKIBA!"

The attack didn't even faze Crocodile, his body turning to sand before slowly reforming. "I see… so you're the type to die for others too…"

"He's in trouble now." Kai observed, Ms. Sunday nodding her head in agreement.

The fight was on.


"Hey, Usopp What the hell are you cryin' for?"

"I'm not crying!" he snapped, the heavily bandaged sniper lying on Eyelashes back. "In fact, people who accuse others of crying are usually the ones crying!"

Sanji sweatdropped. "Uh, I don't think so."

"… But it's just that… that mole woman… she said that… Luffy was dead!"

"C… could it be true…?" Chopper wondered.

"… Are you two idiots really gonna believe that crap?"

"OF COURSE AS HELL NOT! DON'T BE STUPID!"

"YEAH, STUPID! I DON'T BELIEVE IT AT ALL!"

"Good." Aurora wheezed, every movement Sanji made causing pain to wrack her body, despite the cook trying to be gentle. "Because Luffy's still out there. I can feel his aura."

"R-Really?!"

"Yes. He's alive."

Sanji glanced back at the angel. "If that's the case, then our job right now's to get to the palace ASAP!" He turned to Usopp. "So stop sniffling already! At least until the rumbles of this war ends…"


"CHAKAAA!" Vivi's scream rang throughout the air.

"…Nghh!" Cobra bowed his head, unable to watch.

"To be weak…" Crocodile stood over the commander's body, Chaka's blood dripping from his hook. "Is a sin…"

"VIVI!" a voice called out.

The princess turned. "Huh?"

Time left until Palace Square explosion: 25 minutes