~2 Days Earlier~
[Location: Rapture Island - Grand Line]
The spring breeze blew through the palm trees, rustling the leaves and ruffled Mikari's long curls. A content sigh escaped her as she took in the familiar sight of Bliss Village outside the only café, fondly named Cloud Nine.
Families strolled along the white sand, dipping their feet in the cool waves that kissed the shore. Children splashed in the crystal clear waters and snorkelled in the many reefs teeming with sea life. People kayaked and paddle boarded, taking advantage of the calm. No one was surfing today.
Paradise, as everyone called it, and rightly so. It is gorgeous! Like a dream. Those who come never want to leave. Why would you? The village name says it all! Bliss.
But she is different.
This place has been her home for 18 years - her entire life. Her birth place. Yet, she dreamed of leaving. To see the world! Have an adventure of a lifetime! SPREAD HER WINGS! And so here she is, packed and ready to start a new chapter in life. Her own album of memories.
Today was the day she tasted freedom. Today was the day she started an adventure. Today was the day she finally left home.
Will she miss it? Yes! She will! Her family, her home, her room, the photos lining the walls, the memories, the laughter... Will that stop her from going? No! She'd made up her mind a long time ago and she was not changing it.
"Yoo-hoo, pretty lady~" Someone squawked in her ear. "Beli for your thoughts-ark!"
Mikari grinned, snapping out of her reminisce, a laugh bubbling out. "Yes, Crackers. Come to see me off?" She looked next to her at the white cockatoo.
Crackers bobbed his head and body to a silent beat, his crest flaring out. "Buh-bye now! Yo-ho-ho~ Shut it you blackard! Ark!"
"Good heavens, Mr. Crackers. Mind your language!" The owner of Cloud Nine scolded, hobbling outside and waving his cane in the air for good measure.
"Mind your language! Mind your language!" The cockatoo mocked back, hopping through the open window into the café, likely to annoy someone else. "Har-har-har."
Mikari snickered to herself. What a character that bird is.
Satoru, or Sir as everyone called him, shook his head tutting. "Silly bird. One day that cheeky beak will get into big trouble and this old man won't be able to save him!" His dark eyes shone warmly at Mikari. "Now, Bubbles. Are you all set?"
Sir was not only the owner of Cloud Nine but also her Grandfather. He's the biggest sweetheart, though a little cheeky, with an ever present twinkle in his eye.
"Yes, Grandpa." Mikari smiled, twisting on the stool. She lifted her bag, shaking it proudly, "All packed-" And patted In'ei, her kodachi, sheathed horizontally on her lower back, "-And ready for action!"
"Quite so, quite so." Sir nodded thoughtfully, clearing Mikari's empty plate from the bench. She'd had his famous pear cake which, no joke, is to die for. Absolutely delish! His eyes twinkled as he adjusted his monocle. "I believe our beloved family will be here any second now."
As he finished speaking, the café doors swung open. Mikari's mother, Lene, was the first one out like a woman on a mission, making a beeline for her. Mikari automatically hopped off the stool in preparation for her mother's affection.
"Oh, dear heart!" Lene breathed, squeezing her daughter in a tight embrace. "So eager to leave already." She pulled back, hands placed on Mikari's shoulders and laughed fondly, "Oh, I don't blame you. Adventure is calling~! It seems both my girls inherited that trait."
Mikari chuckled in agreement. "Seems like it! I mean, I've delayed long enough and it's about time I joined Luffy." She tilted her head. "He might think I bailed on him."
She had promised to meet up with him at the start of the Grand Line. That was well over a month ago. It felt like she was breaking her promise with every day that passed despite having a valid reason to postpone going. So her family, the amazing bunch that they are, suggested sending a note saying not to wait for her, to continue in their journey and she would catch up. No biggie. That small action helped to alleviate unnecessary doubts. For a time. Or rather her getting restless staying at home while her friend had fun adventuring.
Lene nodded, her expression entirely understanding. "I know, heart."
"Not that I want to leave you!" Mikari quickly added, yellow eyes shining with affection. "I love all of you and I'll miss you so much and I'm so grateful for everything you've done for me; For being the best mum in the whole world! The best family in the world. I could never ask for anything better because, to me, nothing could be better, you know?"
"My heart..." Lene smiled, tears shimmering in her sea green eyes as she fought crying. She let out a watery laugh and hugged her daughter again. Mikari squeezed her back with as much force. "My little girl..."
"Come on now, don't hog her all to yourself." Yumi, Mikari's aunt, shook her head with a lopsided smile planted on her face. "Though I gotta say, that speech really hit home." She jerked her head to the blue haired man next to her. "Even your Uncle shed a few tears at that."
Said Uncle quickly wiped his eye, clearing his throat. "N-No, I just had sand in my eye." RJ glanced at Yumi, who raised an eyebrow and gave him a knowing, amused look. He stood straight, wringing his hands anxiously. "Okay, fine, yes."
"You're such a goober." His wife teased, raking a hand through her short magenta hair and elbowing him. RJ blushed, his hands stilling.
Mikari and her Mother chuckled at the exchange. It was a regular occurrence with those two. Polar opposites. Sir smiled with a sigh, stroking his moustache, thoughts miles away. "Ah, to be young in love again."
"Aight, chickadee." Yumi ushered her niece, lifting a hand. RJ stood next to her doing the same, his other arm around Yumi's shoulders. "Bring 'er in."
Mikari wasted no time, hugging both her Aunt and Uncle together. Nothing beats a group hug.
"Try and stay out of trouble." Yumi mock whispered. Smirking, she added, "Or your dearest Uncle might hunt you down and bring you back."
"What? I wouldn't do that!" RJ spluttered, face reddening and reeled back. He cleared his throat, donning a serious expression. "But, please. Do stay out of trouble. Or at least try to." He started fidgeting, tapping his fingers against Yumi's forearm. "The last thing you want is ship loads of marines chasing you to the ends of the earth and never having a moments rest or chance to breathe. Forever having to look over your shoulder." He glanced around nervously as if a marine would leap out at any second and his gaze landed on his humoured family. He straightened up. "W-Why are you staring at me like that?"
To Mikari, the idea of being chased by marines didn't sound as scary as he made it out to be. More like an added thrill to chasing dreams. Ooh, better not say that out loud.
"You're worrying again." Yumi said, nudging him and squeezing the arm he had around her in a show of comfort.
RJ rubbed his neck, blushing again. "Right. Relaxing."
A small hand latched onto Mikari's arm, tugging it. She looked down, smiling brightly. "Taeru-chan!"
Shy blue eyes peered up at the young woman, failing to hide their sadness. The small girl wrapped her arms around her cousin's waist, pressing her face into Mikari's side.
Mikari bent down, hugging her in return. "Don't be sad. I promise I'll write to you and take lots of photos! I'll even come back to visit and you'll get to meet all my new friends! Hmm?"
Taeru nodded stiffly and reluctantly unlatched herself, rubbing her eyes. She stepped back and gave Mikari a determined look and with a small voice said, "You better or else!" Then hid in-between her parents. Yumi ruffled her raspberry hair affectionately.
Sir thumped his cane on the floor, getting everyone's attention. "Now, now. The Captain just signalled they're ready to leave." He tapped his pocket watch on his breast pocket. "Best not keep him waiting, Bubbles."
Looking over at the harbour, the Captain stood at the top of the ramp that lead onto his ship, shouting out orders and rounding his men up. The last of the crates and barrels had been loaded off and the crew were gathering the final supplies for the voyage.
"Of course!" Lene bubbled, clapping her hands together and giving her daughter a once over. "Not forgetting anything, are you? Just to be certain."
"Yes, Mum." Mikari answered, checking off a mental list. She tilted her head. "...Unless you can think of something. I did triple check my things, to be sure."
Lene smiled brightly, nodding once and giving a thumbs up. "Good girl. No, I think you have it down packed."
"Sure do!" Mikari beamed and glanced around her family. She blinked, puzzled. Someone was missing. "Where's Daichi-san?"
"He's here." Lene giggled, directing her to the café door. A man wearing a hooded cloak silently stepped out, having been hiding in plain sight.
Far too relaxed and distracted she is. Whoopsie.
"I've been standing here for some time now. Your father would scold you if he knew." Daichi hand signed, the corner of his mouth twitching into a frown. "Don't become complacent." He pulled a stack of rolled up papers out of thin air and lightly hit her shoulder with it. "Use every opportunity to master it."
"I will." Mikari promised, clutching the crucifix she wore around her neck at the thought of her Dad. He was right. If Dad were here he'd give her his I-trained-you-better-than-this stare that would make her feel like she'd murdered a puppy. The crushing feeling of his disappointment is the worst thing possible. Especially when she does know better and can do better. She'd been using this entire month for that very reason! But being with her family, in the safety of her home, she unconsciously let her guard down. That apparently translates as her 'acting complacent'.
As she's been constantly reminded for the last 10 years, the outside world is no place to be so carefree. Despite this, she still adamantly believes that it's not entirely true, that maybe, just maybe, they're overreacting and it isn't as brutal as they make it out to be. How could the world out there be such a dark, horrible place? Why would it be? No outsiders that have come to the island were bad. Ah, whatever. We'll see.
Daichi handed her the papers. She tilted her head and unfurled the roll. They were the latest bounties. "Oh! Thank you."
"For emergencies only." Daichi strongly emphasised, handing her a Den Den Mushi that was roughly the size of her hand, with a list of numbers. It was personalised to resemble her.
Mikari inspected it, turning it side to side. She didn't know they could be this size! It's a wonder where Daichi finds such things. And he went that extra mile matching it with her! She threw her arms around his middle, squeezing him. Daichi rocks! "Thank you so much!"
Daichi tensed momentarily at the show of affection, but quickly relaxed and placed a hand on Mikari's head. His red eyes warmly looked down at her as she released him, putting the items into her bag.
"Such a mother hen." Yumi snorted, shaking her head and stepping next to her sister-in-law.
"I agree." Lene grinned behind her hand. The two older women linked arms.
Daichi pointedly ignored them, tugging his hood further down.
Lene giggled. "Aww, he's blushing~"
"You know that will be used for more than emergencies, yeah?" Yumi added, for extra measure.
"Be on your guard." Daichi stressed to Mikari, taking a few steps back. He raised his hand in goodbye. "I'll be in touch."
"See you!" Mikari waved back as he vanished in front of her. No doubt she would hear from him many times along her voyage. Always one to stay in the loop.
Yumi and Lene high-fived with a cheer.
"The two of you. Honestly." RJ scolded, folding his arms. They both laughed in response.
"You love it." Yumi and Lene chorused, winking.
RJ sighed, face palming. "My wife has corrupted my sister..."
Mikari chuckled at her family's antics. She would miss this. The banter, jokes and pranks. But she really had to go now. "As much as I love you all, I need to leave now or I'll miss my boat." She lifted her camera, Snappy, that hung around her neck. "One last photo."
Her family grouped together, smiling wide. "Stay happy~"
Yumi pulled an over the top serious face, sticking her pointer finger and pinkie up behind her head. "Heso!"
*Click!*
"Auntie!" Mikari laughed as she took the photo, along with everyone. There she goes with that word again! She still had no clue what it meant after all these years. Surely she'll find that out during her travels.
"Never forget that we love you." Lene stressed to her daughter. Her family nodded firmly with her.
"I won't."
"Make sure to stay in touch! Take lots of photos for us!"
"I will."
"And don't skip your meals-"
"Yes, Mum!"
"-Oh! And make sure to call me every day!"
"Well-"
"-Every week then! And don't forget to send letters to your father, okay? No, no, don't say anything, I know you won't. Also-"
"Mum~!"
"Oh, dear me, I better hush or you'll never leave! Hehehe."
After another round of hugs, laughs and tears ("No, really - I do have sand in my eye this time!"), she made her way down to the harbour wharf and onto the merchant ship that was waiting for her arrival.
"G'day, Captain-san!" Mikari greeted brightly. She bowed for her tardiness. "I apologise for keeping you waiting."
"S'alright." Stanley grimaced, tousling his frizzy ginger hair. The large man shuffled awkwardly. "No stressin' 'bout it. Jus' call me Stan."
She straightened, saluting him with two fingers. "Thank you, Stan-san."
"Yeah, yeah." Stanley rubbed his neck, waving her off in dismissal. He shouted orders to his men and walked heavily to his quarters, leaving Mikari to do as she pleased.
Mikari stayed where she was and watched her family whom now stood together at the start of the wharf. She waved vigorously with the biggest grin she could muster. They waved back with as much enthusiasm.
"Take 'er out, lads!" At Stan's order, they set off.
"Till we meet again..." Mikari whispered, taking photo after photo as her home slowly faded into the distance until they were too far out of focus. As usual, she flicked through the photos shown on Snappy's screen, to see how they came out. One caught her eye, making her pause.
Her family's expressions were so joyful; but what made her stop was her Mum's face. She was crying. Not just from happiness, but grief at her second daughter leaving her as well.
Mikari shut her eyes, her heart clenching and turned Snappy off, letting him drop against her chest. If there was one thing she hated, it was seeing her loved ones sad. She did not like being the cause of those tears even more so.
She needed a distraction. Nodding to herself, she made up her mind and set off to help where she could.
"Hey, chin up." Yumi wiped the tears off of Lene's cheeks and tapped under her chin. "She won't be gone forever and I can guarantee you, she'll be in touch regularly."
Lene sniffled, trying to pull herself together. She took a deep shuddering breath. "I know she will. It's just the revelation that both my babies have grown up. I've been telling myself this day would come. I've known for a decade! Oh, goodness me."
"We all knew this day would come." RJ reminded her, putting a hand on her shoulder. "For both her and Rin. All we can do now is support them and be ready and willing to help when they need us - and they will need us, one day."
"I just hope we prepared her enough. There's still so much she doesn't know about life outside these walls. She's so innocent."
"You did your best in such circumstances. Both of you did - with extra help, might I add."
Yumi agreed with her husband, continuing his line of thought. "It'll be hard for her and come as a shock, but she'll pull through in the end." She smirked, bumping hips with Lene. "She is your daughter, after all. And also her Dad's. The world won't know what hit it."
Lene laughed, no longer crying and bumped her back. "Haha, you're right. It won't. They better watch out!" She cut herself off and held her cheek, reminded of something. "Oh! I should ring him so he knows she left safely. And sketch." Her eyes sparked with newfound inspiration, her feet gliding her back into the café, "Yes… that big, bright, radiant smile… So very happy and full of life, my dearest heart..."
Yumi and RJ watched her walk off getting lost in her creative mind, oblivious to her surroundings. The couple smiled to each other.
Everything would be alright.
~ 2 Days Later ~
[Location: Jaya - Grand Line]
The ship docked at the port of Mock Town. The crew and passengers, eager to be on dry land, bustled down the ramp and into the streets.
Mikari stretched her arms above her head and eyed the surroundings. It didn't look too bad, if you ignored all the broken glass, trashed buildings and littered bodies of (hopefully) drunks. Regardless, she snapped a few photos, eager to start a new scrapbook.
"Thanks for yer help, though ya didn't hafta'." Stanley said gruffly, scratching his ear as they walked into the town. "Ya sure yer'll be right on yer own? I'd hate to leave a young lass like yerself in a place like this..."
Mikari smiled brightly, gripping In'ei's hilt for good measure. "It's fine, I wanted to make myself useful. Thanks, but you don't have to worry about me."
"If yer certain. I'll be at the inn if ya change yer mind." Stanley stuck a toothpick in his mouth and trod off into the crowds.
"No worries! Thanks again." Mikari called out to him. He flapped his hand in the air in response, not looking back. She walked in the opposite direction, heading to the shopping district, adjusting the wanted poster in her hand she previously pulled out. Right-eo. Let the info hunt begin!
Mock Town was teeming with rough looking people. Some were brawling or staggering around drunk and others wolf whistled as she went past them. She'd never seen so many pirates in one place. It was astounding, to say the least. Makes you wonder what other islands will be like.
Mikari boldly approached a man lounging on a bench in the shade of a building. He towered over her, covered head to toe in tattoos, scars and bulging muscles.
"Pardon me, have you seen this man?" She asked, showing the poster to him.
The man didn't even glance at it or her; just kept gulping down his beer.
She tried again. Maybe he hadn't heard her. "Excuse me, sir?"
Brucey (as Mikari now officially called him) turned menacingly slow, sneering down with glaring eyes. He was missing a few teeth. "Ehh..?"
Mikari shook the poster with a smile, undeterred. "Have you seen him?"
Brucey growled like an angry wild animal. She took that as a no and waved, flashing a huge grin. "No? Okay. Thanks for your time!~"
No matter. She tried her luck with others in the street.
Her second attempt: The man couldn't keep still, looking this way and that, and kept talking in gibberish. If a squirrel became human, it would be this guy.
Third attempt: Two men holding each other up after drinking too much and cacking themselves laughing, not being able to form a single sentence.
The following attempts resulted in very similar fashions. She felt like everyone she met was off their face or downright rude. Never mind them! Maybe it was time for a different approach. Somewhere people gather to chat and take a load off. A more relaxed setting. So she ventured to the one place every sailor would pass through: the pub.
Outside the building, she took note of the broken window. It was like someone had been thrown through it. Recently too. The glass still littered the ground, glistening in the sun. Mikari glanced up and read the placard. "'Pub and Pies'."
A man fell over in front of her, just as she was about to step forward.
"Hic.. Ey babe, where you goin'?"
She could practically hear her Uncle now. 'Stay away from drunks. Especially drunk men. In fact, just stay away from men, people and everyone else!' It's a bit late for that. 80% of the people she passed were wasted. Hmm... She eyed the man on the floor in concern - Red faced, eyes glazed over, strong stench of alcohol. Drunk. Yes, best take Uncle's advice.
"Excuse me." Unblinking, she stepped around him and entered the building, heading straight for the bar. Inside, tables had been smashed and chairs were tossed on the floor. A young looking fellow was sweeping up glass in the corner, while another older man repaired the bar that had been half destroyed. Something went down here and it wasn't pretty.
The bartender eyed her up as she sat down, probably wondering why she'd be alone in a place like this. By the unfazed way he continued cleaning, it seemed his workplace was regularly treated badly. How unfortunate. Guess things never get boring around here, huh. He put down a clean glass. "What can I get 'cha?"
"Actually, I'm looking for someone." Mikari smiled politely, pulling out the poster and showing him. "Have you seen this person?"
'WANTED - STRAW HAT LUFFY'
Jimmy (formerly: The Bartender) stared at the poster, reading it aloud. "Straw Hat Luffy? Yeah, he was here earlier with a couple pals. Got the crap beatin' outta them. So much for a 30,000,000 head..."
Mikari tilted her head, confused. What does he mean '30 million'? The bounty clearly says 100 million. After what Luffy did in Arabasta, it was well earned. This town mustn't have received the updated ones yet then. But what was this about him being beaten up? There's no way Luffy would lose so easily - He had just taken down a Shichibukai! A supposed all-powerful pirate! Something just isn't right here.
She shook her head to clear her thoughts. "I see. Do you know where he is now? Anything you can tell me will be helpful, please."
"Why you'd want to find him is beyond me... Newbie bounty hunter..." He mumbled and picked up another glass to clean. She ignored his false assumption of her. "You're outta luck. He's already left the town. Probably off to find that Sky Island."
Mikari grinned and stood up. Sky Island? No way! She's always wanted to go there! "Thanks. Now I know where I'm headed!"
"Kids and fairy tales..." Jimmy shook his head, cleaning another glass. She took that as her cue to leave and exited the pub.
All she had to do now was find a way to Sky Island. Someone ought to know how to get there. She snapped her fingers. Aha! Perhaps Stan would know. Mikari took note of the darkening sky and sighed. "The sun's already setting? I'll have to find Luffy tomorrow, then. Now where was that inn..."
"You're going to be a pirate?" Mikari asked, yellow eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Luffy grinned proudly, wiping his nose. "Yep! I'll be King of the Pirates!"
"Wow, Luffy-kun! That's so amazing!" She gushed, raising her fists under her chin.
"Mikari, join my crew!" He laughed, hands on his hips.
"Okay!" Mikari agreed without hesitation.
"We'll meet on the Grand Line in 10 years!" He held a hand out. "So you better get super strong!"
She nodded firmly and slapped his hand in agreement. "It's a promise!"
[Location: ? - Grand Line]
Ahh~ nothing beats the sweet smell of salty air and the sound of waves lapping against a bed, gently rocking it back and forth. Total bliss.
Wait. Since when did beds rock themselves? And why is there water in her room?
Mikari jolted up, glancing around. The ocean greeted her, stretching for miles in every direction.
This isn't the inn she fell asleep at.
She was on a row boat. In the middle of the ocean. All her belongings were with her too. How convenient. Not at all suspicious. Unless... Oh, darn it! She sleep walked. It's been months since she last did that - a new record for her. Of course it had to rear its ugly head the day (night?) she left home and have her wake up in the middle of no where.
A flock of birds flew over head, spooked by something.
Not that she could do anything about it now. She shrugged, a smile stretching across her face. Oh well. She'll just have to pick a direction and row- Huh? A drop of rain hit her cheek, her hands stilling mid reach for the oars. She looked up.
The sky had suddenly darkened, the clouds gathering together ominously. Rain began pelting down as the sea turned rough, the waves expanding in size and frequency, the currents becoming more forceful and pulling her boat to the right sharply.
Mikari's jaw dropped at what was unfolding. "Holy cow!"
An enormous whirlpool formed right before her eyes and she was about to be swallowed by it! Any normal person would be terrified at the sight; begging and praying they'll survive or wishing it was all a dream and that they'd wake up already. Alas, she is no normal person.
"This. Is. AMAZING." Her thrill-seeking spirit burned inside her. She looped her bag over her shoulder so it wouldn't fly off, grabbed the side of the rowboat with one hand to brace herself and the other lifting her camera (which was still around her neck - go figure), ready for action. The rowboat touched the whirlpool's edge and shot forward at a tremendous speed, flying into the air and nosediving towards the centre.
"WOOHOOHOOOO!" Mikari shouted, stars in her eyes and sparkles around her face, taking photo after photo with Snappy.
Unfortunately (or is it fortunately?), as she hit the centre the whirlpool vanished and the rain stopped. Had she imagined the whole thing? She wasn't still asleep, right?
Mikari tilted her head in confusion, wiping some drops of water off her cheek. What just happened? Better check those photos, just to be sure. She flicked through her camera's screen. They were all accurate and not some mumbo jumbo her mind conjured up.
"Just another day on the Grand Line, huh." Mikari mused.
She paused, sensing people nearby. A ship was directly in front of her. How did she not notice that? Whoops. Daichi would be shaking his head right now. Dad would be frowning. But who is it? She snapped a photo of it.
A ram with a rooster crest... Wings... Tons of quick repairs... Jolly roger with a skull wearing a straw hat... A straw hat!? It's him!
"Luffy!" Mikari breathed. She shot up, the rowboat wobbling dangerously, cupping her hands around her mouth. "LUUUUUUFFYYYYYYYYYYYYY!" She waved her arms in the air like a madman. "LUFFY! OVER HERE! IT'S MEEEEE!"
Several heads popped up behind the ship's railing. They heard her!
"MIIII-"
Something was coming towards her at jaw-breaking speed.
"KAAAA-"
Is that a hand?
"RIIIII!"
Huh, it is. Wait-!
The limb looped around her body, trapping her arms to her sides and with a SNAP! whipped back to its owner with such a force it almost gave her whiplash (ha-ha!) and collided with a solid object.
"MIKARIIIII! YOU'RE HERE!" A voice cheered in her ear. "I told you she would make it! Nishishi!"
Even after 10 years, she'd know that chuckle anywhere. And stretchy arms.
"Luffy!" Mikari cried in glee, trying and failing to hug him back. "I found you! Hahaha!"
Luffy hopped on the spot, spinning around with the two of them laughing loudly. Until someone punched Luffy in the head, stopping him and making him release her. Yikes, what a punch! She took in the rest of the crew, recognising each member from the photos she had acquired from Daichi. Now's a good chance to take some new ones!
"Oi, moron! You nearly hit us!" Zoro yelled, shaking his fist angrily. Mikari ogled at the katana he sported. A chill ran down her spine. One of them gave off a dark vibe. A cursed blade? Sweet.
*Click!*
"You ninny!" Usopp fumed, chopping the air. The resident sharpshooter! Using a slingshot instead of guns. Extra points for that!
"Yeah, you ninny!" Chopper parroted. He's even more cuddly-looking in person! To think, for one so young, he's a fully fledged doctor.
"You almost hit Nami-san, you idiot!" Sanji shouted, ears steaming. What kind of dishes will he create? Will he let her watch him cook later?
*Click!*
"You can't just grab people like that!" Nami scolded, hands on her hips. Ginger hair! Love it!
"It's only Mikari." Luffy whined, pouting like a spoilt child.
*Click!*
"What drama." Robin mused, holding her cheek. She's so… elegant and cool.
Mikari couldn't wait to get to know them. Their likes, dislikes, dreams, ambitions, what drives them, makes them sad, happy, excited - everything! She wants to be close to all of them.
*Bonk! Crack! Whack!*
"Apologise!" Nami seethed, shaking her steaming fist.
"Sowwie." Luffy managed to say with his swollen face.
Mikari blinked several times, lowering the lens. Wow, what a lively bunch! Is this how they treat each other on the seas? It's more violent than she imagined. Interesting.
"And you!" Nami rounded on Mikari, pointing a finger that made her go cross-eyed. "What sane person chooses a row boat to sail on the Grand Line!? Into a whirlpool, no less!"
"Oh, that was epic!" Mikari gushed, thinking back on it. Such a short lived experience. She wished it had lasted longer.
Nami face palmed. Usopp and Chopper stared at her like she'd grown three heads. "YOU'RE CRAZY!"
Luffy laughed, "She's funny, right?"
"Don't insult a lady!" Sanji barked. The boys leapt backwards, avoiding a kick.
"Eeeyaaaa!"
"How did you even recognise her? You did say it's been 10 years since you saw her." Nami sceptically asked her Captain who was currently picking his nose.
"Yeah. I have a photo." Luffy stated, showing a recently taken picture of Mikari grinning and giving a peace sign.
"A photo?" Mikari questioned, getting a glimpse of it. She wasn't the one who put that with the note. Daichi must have sneaked it in. She muttered, "He really is the sneak master."
"Don't tell me… was that with the note?" Nami smiled thinly, eye twitching.
"I found it on the floor." Luffy shrugged, flapping the picture in her face. Nami snatched it with a growl of annoyance.
"Why didn't you show us you stupid head!? Then we would've recognised her too!"
*Bonk!* "Sorry."
"No, you're not! Jeez!"
"Hahaha!" Mikari couldn't stop herself from laughing at the interaction. It's just so hilarious!
"You didn't say she was this gorgeous, Luffy!?" Sanji scowled at his captain. His expression changed to sweet as he gazed upon Mikari. "Ah!~ My dearest princess! Allow me the honour of welcoming you..." He took her hand, raising it to his lips. His visible eye turned into a heart.
Mikari tilted her head. Curious. She's never been greeted in this manner. Very gentlemen-like.
"Love-sicko." Zoro muttered to the side, arms folded, shattering the moment.
Sanji snapped his head to Zoro before he could kiss Mikari's hand, storming over to him. "What'd you say!?"
...That was a sudden change in personality. Is this their way of 'getting along'? Sensing rivalry vibes here.
"So, you're Mikari. Nice of you to finally join us..." Zoro began, looking at her and ignoring the raging cook. Their eyes locked and he stiffened, hand instinctively gripping the hilt of his white katana.
Mikari blinked. What was wrong? She couldn't sense any danger around them.
"Your eyes...!" His eyes glazed over for several moments when he glanced at her necklace, as if reliving a past memory, then narrowed at her. "You...?" He shook his head, scrunching his face and looking away. "Nah, no way."
"Is something wrong?" Mikari asked, puzzled. What about her eyes?
"Nothing. Never mind."
The others looked as confused as Mikari did to that reaction. What was that about?
"Anyway, Mikari." Nami spoke up, shrugging off whatever just happened. "We're about to be hit by a huge explosion of water, called the Knock-Up Stream, so we'll make quick introductions."
Mikari nodded along, giving a thumbs up. "Alrighty!" Gigantic explosion, no worries. Sounds fantastic! Her face sparkled.
The crew fell over. "She's excited?!"
Wait, they're heading for Sky Island? YES! She forgot for a second. All this excitement is so distracting. Come on, girl, get your focus back!
Luffy popped back next to her, frowning. "Where's Rin? She's meant to be here too."
Mikari's heart warmed at the mention of her sister. She shook her head. "She said no, remember?"
"Yes, yes, yes! I'll join your crew! It's gonna be so much fun!~" Mikari squealed in delight, jumping up and down on the spot.
Luffy hopped from foot to foot, laughing with her. "Cool! Yeah, it'll be fun!" He faced Rin, eager for her answer. "You're coming too, yeah?"
A black aura seeped off in waves around Rin's form. Cold green eyes pierced his very soul and an icy chill ran through Luffy's body, freezing him to the core. His mouth opened but no words came out. Rin continued to 'glare' at him.
Mikari, entirely unfazed, wrapped her arms around her sister, who visually melted into her embrace. The pressure dissipated from the air and Luffy felt he could breathe again. "She means to say: 'Sorry but the answer is no'."
Rin gently placed a hand on Mikari's head, nodding ever so slightly, eyes softening as they fell on her.
Luffy's jaw snapped shut. His lips pressed together firmly. "...Hmm." He broke out in a grin. "So you'll join later. Okay!"
The temperature dropped. Again.
Mikari hadn't seen her sister in 2 years. Rin had already left home long before she had, going off on her own soul searching quest. Hopefully they'll run into her somewhere along the line. Gosh, did she miss her...
"No. I said so." Luffy frowned harder, then broke out in a grin. "So she'll come soon? That's okay!"
"Who?" The others tilted their heads, lost.
Mikari shook her head, half chuckling. "No, Luffy... Sigh. Never mind." She faced everyone else and re-introduced herself. "G'day everyone! I'm Mikari. It's wonderful to finally meet you in person Nami-chan, Robin-chan, Usopp-kun, Chopper-kun, Zoro-kun and Sanji-kun." She bobbed her head to each member she named.
Their jaws dropped, "Huhhhh?"
"Ha ha ha!" Luffy guffawed like it was normal.
"HOLD IT!" A new voice shouted.
Mikari turned around, ignoring the confused and baffled stares of her crew, seeing a vessel coming towards them. It was a pirate ship built with giant logs, very raft-like. She could sense five beings on board. Curious. None of them were familiar faces. Friends of her friends perhaps?
"Eh?" Luffy blinked. He caught Zoro's attention. "Look." The swordsman faced the same direction, catching sight of the ship. The others followed suit, snapping out of their stupor and forgetting Mikari's somehow-knowing-every-members-name for the moment.
The large man bellowed, "We've caught up to you! Straw Hat Luffy!"
"That's the guy from Mock Town!" Nami realised. Okay, so an acquaintance.
"Who?" Sanji frowned. Or not?
Mikari peered closer at the newcomers.
"I've come for your 100,000,000 Beli head! Give yourself up! Zehahahaha!"
So he's a bounty hunter? That's why she doesn't know him. If he were a pirate with a high bounty she would have recognized him. Unless he's yet to be given one. Now there's a thought.
Luffy held his hat a top his head, confused. "My head? Whaddya mean 100 million?"
"That's your current bounty." Mikari clarified, "It's only recently been sent out, so you may have not seen it yet."
"Eh?"
"Your head's got a 100 million bounty on it!" Hairy (the Zehaha man) confirmed, showing the poster for both Luffy and Zoro. "And Pirate Hunter Zoro, you're worth 60,000,000 Beli!"
Mikari pulled her own copies out to show her friends. Luffy and Usopp bounded over. "See."
"Wow, so it's true." Usopp marvelled, taking a closer look. "Zoro, you've got a bounty now."
"What!? Oi, hold on!" Sanji demanded, pushing the boys aside. "What about me? I've got one, don't I?"
Mikari shook her head, apologetic. "I'm afraid not." He crumbled to the floor, devastated. Oh dear. Think encouraging thoughts. "Don't worry. I'm sure you'll have one in no time, Sanji-kun!"
Sanji perked up instantly, praising the ground she stood on. "Your encouragement warms me to the core, Mikari-chan!"
Nami scooted him over, pausing his love-attack. "I see. They went up because of what we did in Arabasta. But 100 million..."
"Yahoooo! 100mil! Hear that? I'm worth 100mil!" Luffy cheered, throwing an arm around Mikari.
"I'm a little disappointed at 60mil!" Zoro grinned, looking very pleased with himself despite his words.
"Pretty awesome for a first bounty!" Mikari smiled, happy for their achievement. She snapped a photo of the three of them, Luffy being amazed by the fact she had a new camera ("Ooooh! Cool!") and Zoro shrugging, still grinning (He didn't really care). A proud moment to remember. How long would it be before she earned one too? Uncle would keel over if he heard that thought. Mum and Auntie would be happy either way. Dad would be proud, for sure.
"YOU THREE! QUIT ENJOYING THIS!" Nami yelled, completely unimpressed with this news.
Usopp and Chopper joined the amazement train, wanting photo after photo and fuelling Nami's wrath of being ignored.
"Take another one! What about this pose?" *Click!* (Usopp)
"Me too, me too!~" *Click!* (Chopper)
"You guys…!" (Nami)
Mikari felt the deck tremble beneath her feet and peered over the side of Merry. The water was rising beneath the ship! Whoa! Was this the Knock-Up Stream?
"AAAAHHHH!" Usopp and Chopper panicked, flailing around.
"Here it comes." Nami breathed. She looked at Mikari, determination mixed with fear, her anger forgotten. "The Knock-Up Stream."
Mikari's eyes widened, her jaw dropping. It really is! This day is the best day ever! She fist pumped. "YES!"
"Everyone brace yourselves on the ship or get into the cabin!" Sanji instructed hastily.
The beli dropped and everyone scrambled to the middle deck, latching onto parts of the ship.
"THE SEA'S GONNA EXPLODEEEEE!" Usopp screamed.
The ginormous mound lifting the Going Merry rose higher and higher until finally exploding, sending the ship soaring into the sky. The sight reminded Mikari of a waterfall; an extreme one but in reverse!
"This is so AWESOME!" She shouted gleefully as the wind whipped her hair about. "AHAHAHA!" *Click! Click! Click!*
"Now we'll make it to the sky! GO MERRY!" Luffy's reaction reflected hers as he clung to Merry's head piece. Other individuals didn't share in the excitement.
"She's just like Luffy..." Nami and Usopp sobbed to each other. "WHY ARE YOU ENJOYING THIS?!"
"Hang on. It doesn't look like it's gonna be that easy!" Sanji warned.
"W-w-what's wrong?" Usopp asked, body flapping in the wind.
"What's up? Did we forget something?" Luffy called, straining to look back.
"The hull's starting to come loose! At this rate, we're just gonna get thrown off and fall back down!"
Mikari leaned to the left to confirm his words, catching a glimpse of the hull. Oh, he's not kidding. It was barely kissing the surface.
"Y-Y-You can say that, but... W-W-What're we supposed to do!? It's taking all our strength just to hold on!" Usopp responded, struggling to keep his grip.
"What's that!?" Chopper yelled, staring ahead at something.
Mikari raised Snappy, taking several shots of the object falling towards them. It looks like a sea king of some kind. Poor thing must have been caught in the whirlpool.
"The Sea King!" Zoro gasped.
Chopper latched onto the mast tighter, "The one that got sucked into the whirlpool!"
They all watched as it fell past them. That's not a good sign for them, is it?
"Look! There's not much time before we'll end up like that too!" Sanji stated, looking back in dread.
"Oi, oi, that might be true, but... This thing's got all the force of that explosion behind it! It's too late for us to do anything!" Zoro reminded him, raising his hands in a shrug.
"So it's really nothing more than a disaster!?"
"We'll be fine." Mikari shook her head, earning a few disbelieving looks. They've nothing to worry about. If worse comes to worst, she can protect them from the fall. She highly doubts it'll come to that, though.
Pieces of debris fell past, narrowly missing Merry; likely the remains of Hairy's ship. Those poor men (and horse). Hopefully they survived.
"STUFF'S FALLING DOWN ON US! VICTIMS OF THE KNOCK-UP STREAM!" Chopper panicked.
"We're done for! We're gonna fall, smack into the ocean, and die!" Usopp sobbed.
Nami snapped into navigator mode. "Unfurl the sails, right now!" The crew looked at her questionably and she hurriedly explained. "This is an ocean. Not just some column of water! A vertically-flowing current! And the wind that's blowing us up it was caused by the explosion of geothermal heat and steam! A vertically-blowing air current! If we've got wind and an ocean, it can be navigated!" She glanced at each member, full confidence in her words. "Who's this ship's navigator?"
"You are!" Mikari grinned widely. The others looked at their navigator in a mixture of disbelief and amazement.
"IT'S NAMI-SAN!~" Sanji sung, heart eyed. He changed to serious and yelled at the boys. "Oi, you louts! Do what Nami-san says!"
"AYE!"
They made quick work of unfurling the sail and following every order Nami shouted to them.
"Someone take the rudder so that we catch the wind from the starboard side! Bring the hull in line with the current!"
"YES, SIR!"
Mikari watched with bated breath as Merry's hull tipped further and further back.
Chopper wasn't as keen on the idea as she is. "On no! The ship's rising off the water!"
Even Luffy was starting to panic. "We're falling! We're falling, Nami! Do something, Nami!"
"We'll make it." Nami assured him, unwavering.
The wind caught in the sail, lifting Merry clean off the water, truly making it fly. This day couldn't get any better for Mikari! Her heart was racing so fast it could've burst from her chest! She wishes it will never end.
"WOOOOOHOOOOOOO!"
"WE'RE FLYING! WOW! THE SHIP'S FLYING IN THE AIR!" Luffy gushed, flinging his hands in the air. Robin smiled, eyes brightening in joy.
"Is this for real?!" Usopp ground out, not believing his eyes. Chopper 'Oooaaa'd' in excitement next to him.
"Did it!" Nami breathed.
Zoro grinned wickedly, impressed.
"NAMI-SAN, YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL! AND I LOVE YOU!" Sanji hollered.
Mikari faced forward again, pure glee written on her face. She's extremely glad to have such a sensational navigator on board. Huge respect from her! She could see their destination drawing closer. Almost there!
Nami spoke up again, "If we sail along this current using this wind, we can go as high as we want!"
"Oi, Nami! Are we gonna make it to Sky Island!?" Luffy called out, looking backwards at her.
"If it really exists, it's just beyond that cloud!" Nami pointed straight past him at the dark clouds ahead.
Luffy twisted back around, "Above the clouds... I wonder what we'll find there!" He grinned. "WE'RE ENTERING THE CUMULOREGALIS CLOUD!"
Merry flew into the dark clouds at the top of the knock-up stream and burst out, it's wings breaking off, landing with a large splash on a white ocean of clouds. The sun was shining brightly above, lighting up the surroundings.
"Damn... What happened?" Zoro huffed out, "Is everyone here?"
Mikari lay sprawled on the deck, soaked and gasping for breath. She glanced at the others. They were in similar positions to her, struggling to take in oxygen. Why was it so hard to breathe? She sat up sluggishly, trying to even out her breathing. "I-Is... Everyone... huff... Alright?"
She received a few strained affirmatives in reply. Wonderful!
Luffy was the first one on his feet, complete awe on his face. "Oi, everyone take a look! Look around the ship!"
Mikari's breathing soon settled to normal and she picked herself off the floor to stare at their new surroundings. She gasped at what she saw. "Incredible!"
"What is this place?" Sanji said in astonishment, turning in a circle.
Clouds as far as the eyes could see. A sea of clouds. Any whiter and it would be blinding.
Mikari grinned. Now the real adventure begins!
[ Jaya ]
~Previous Day~
"Hic!" A man stumbled into a dark alleyway, sloshed. He looked around in a daze, grinning stupidly and sunk onto the wall.
The coast was clear. He straightened up and his expression morphed into disinterest. Raising his wrist to his mouth, he spoke without a slur into a Mini Den Den Mushi. "This is A-75."
A pen scribbling hastily sounded through and a smooth voice answered over top, "Report."
"Possible suspect has been sighted. Requesting permission for further investigation."
The pen halted mid stroke. "…Granted."